Citizens use Muskegon County Board of Commissioners public comment period to voice concerns over new jail | MLive.com
"It certainly seems … that you all have been sidestepping the real issue that resides with the jail — (it's) overpopulated," said Toby Fraser, a member of the Citizens Review Committee who spoke during the meeting and later interrupted the forum.
He argued for community education and diversion programs to eliminate some of the community problems that lead to crime and more inmates being lodged in the jail.
"We know it needs to be dealt with and you're not dealing with it," Fraser told the board
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Derail The Jail
Derail The Jail | Home
Welcome to Derail the Jail!
The Muskegon County government has initiated a planning process with hopes to either build a new jail facility or expand the current one from 370 beds to a 600 bed capacity with room for a "25 year build-out."
This means a continued increase in the incarcerated population in the County for 25 years as the government chooses to lock up more people for primarily non-violent crimes while spending tax-payers' money to do so.
The County is moving quickly to put a plan into place without voter approval, so this summer and fall are a crucial time to get involved and keep tabs on the actions of local government.
We hope this site will keep you informed about what's happening with the jail plans and will get you involved, we will be posting many opportunities to make our voices heard!
Welcome to Derail the Jail!
The Muskegon County government has initiated a planning process with hopes to either build a new jail facility or expand the current one from 370 beds to a 600 bed capacity with room for a "25 year build-out."
This means a continued increase in the incarcerated population in the County for 25 years as the government chooses to lock up more people for primarily non-violent crimes while spending tax-payers' money to do so.
The County is moving quickly to put a plan into place without voter approval, so this summer and fall are a crucial time to get involved and keep tabs on the actions of local government.
We hope this site will keep you informed about what's happening with the jail plans and will get you involved, we will be posting many opportunities to make our voices heard!
As ‘fiscal cliff’ looms, debate over pre- Election Day layoff notices heats up
As ‘fiscal cliff’ looms, debate over pre- Election Day layoff notices heats up - The Washington Post
The deep federal spending cuts scheduled to take effect at the start of next year may trigger dismissal notices for tens of thousands of employees of government contractors, companies and analysts say, and the warnings may start going out at a particularly sensitive time:
Days before the presidential election.
The deep federal spending cuts scheduled to take effect at the start of next year may trigger dismissal notices for tens of thousands of employees of government contractors, companies and analysts say, and the warnings may start going out at a particularly sensitive time:
Days before the presidential election.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Opponents to Jail Expansion Plan Protest July 31st
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Nell Schaefer July 30, 2012
231.726.5080 Muskegon County, MI
Opponents to Jail Expansion Plan Protest July 31st
Amidst growing opposition to a jail expansion plan in Muskegon County, a coalition of individuals and groups will picket outside the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice at 2:30pm this Tuesday, July 31st. Clad in "Derail the Jail" t-shirts, the group will then attend the County Commission's Full Board meeting at 3:30pm to voice their opposition to current plans for a jail expansion that would include doubling the bed space at new or revamped facility.
Those that disapprove of a jail expansion cite reasons from a lack of voter approval over a large expenditure of taxpayer money to concerns over an ever-increasing jail population without adequate implementation of diversion programs and alternatives to incarceration. The County plans to use a bond to finance a new jail that will cost tens of millions of dollars to build and millions more to run each year instead of asking the public to approve a millage. "Just like many other people, I don't want my tax dollars spent on this plan, but unfortunately right now the County isn't asking for public or voter input," said Wendy Sampson.
"The current jail houses many problems that need to be addressed, but building a larger facility under the direction of the same administration that has let the jail fall into disrepair and has targeted unemployed and African American communities isn't a solution," said Heather Snogles. Based on statistics provided by Muskegon County jail administration for 2011, 75.8% of people were unemployed at their time of incarceration and African Americans are 5.5 times more likely to be incarcerated than whites.
The coalition is also debuting new, free "Derail the Jail" yard signs and a website at www.derailthejail.org.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
D.J. Hilson has the support of many community leaders
Endorsement letters: D.J. Hilson has the support of many community leaders | MLive.com
Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, Montague Chief of Police Robert Rought, Prosecutor Tony Tague, County Clerk Nancy Waters, County Treasurer Tony Moulatsiotis, Commissioner Ken Mahoney, Commissioner Rillastine Wilkins, Commissioner Ben Cross, Commissioner Scott Plummer, Retired Mayor Steve Warmington, Muskegon Heights Commissioners Keith Guy, Vernonell Smith, and Patrice Johnson, Attorney John Beason, Attorney Jeff West, Attorney Briana Scott, and Louis Churchwell, are just some of Hilson's supporters.
Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, Montague Chief of Police Robert Rought, Prosecutor Tony Tague, County Clerk Nancy Waters, County Treasurer Tony Moulatsiotis, Commissioner Ken Mahoney, Commissioner Rillastine Wilkins, Commissioner Ben Cross, Commissioner Scott Plummer, Retired Mayor Steve Warmington, Muskegon Heights Commissioners Keith Guy, Vernonell Smith, and Patrice Johnson, Attorney John Beason, Attorney Jeff West, Attorney Briana Scott, and Louis Churchwell, are just some of Hilson's supporters.
O’Reilly Is O’Really in Left Field on the Guns and Ammo Issue
O’Reilly Is O’Really in Left Field on the Guns and Ammo Issue - Doug Giles - Page 2
Another thing I was howling over was O’Reilly calling an AK-47 a “heavy weapon.”
Heavy weapon?
Uh … not hardly.
Granted, I wouldn’t want any round from a .22LR up inside of my body, but the pipsqueak little 7.62x39 is hardly considered a heavy caliber by anyone who knows anything about guns.
Then to cap off Bill’s misinformation, the following night O’Reilly stepped in it again by wrongfully asserting that the Aurora jackwagon who shot up the theater ordered “60,000 rounds of ammo over the Internet.”
Bill screamed that several times … “60,000 rounds!”
Wrong again. Holmes ordered 6,000 rounds, and not one ton of ammo.
Another thing I was howling over was O’Reilly calling an AK-47 a “heavy weapon.”
Heavy weapon?
Uh … not hardly.
Granted, I wouldn’t want any round from a .22LR up inside of my body, but the pipsqueak little 7.62x39 is hardly considered a heavy caliber by anyone who knows anything about guns.
Then to cap off Bill’s misinformation, the following night O’Reilly stepped in it again by wrongfully asserting that the Aurora jackwagon who shot up the theater ordered “60,000 rounds of ammo over the Internet.”
Bill screamed that several times … “60,000 rounds!”
Wrong again. Holmes ordered 6,000 rounds, and not one ton of ammo.
American Federation of Teachers in Detroit calls for an end to high-stakes testing
American Federation of Teachers in Detroit calls for an end to high-stakes testing | MLive.com
High-stakes tests deny students a rich, meaningful education, and exams should instead inform, not impede, teaching and learning, American Federation of Teachers members said in a resolution.
High-stakes tests deny students a rich, meaningful education, and exams should instead inform, not impede, teaching and learning, American Federation of Teachers members said in a resolution.
Newsalert: Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
Newsalert: Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
NBC Chicago reports:
Chicago likes to compare itself to other world cities, so Ward Room thought it would find out how we rank in violence. It turns out no one can top us. Among what are considered Alpha world cities, Chicago has the highest murder rate -- higher even than the Third World metropolises of Mexico City and Sao Paolo.
Chicago values! For a look at how the Chicago Mob brought gun control to Chicago click on this.
Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
NBC Chicago reports:
Chicago likes to compare itself to other world cities, so Ward Room thought it would find out how we rank in violence. It turns out no one can top us. Among what are considered Alpha world cities, Chicago has the highest murder rate -- higher even than the Third World metropolises of Mexico City and Sao Paolo.
Chicago values! For a look at how the Chicago Mob brought gun control to Chicago click on this.
Chick-fil-A and the Coming Clash
Chick-fil-A and the Coming Clash | CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION FORUM
That was fast.
Last week, Mayor Thomas Menino announced that, because of COO Dan Cathy’s comments in favor of traditional marriage, Boston would not allow Chick-fil-A to open any restaurants in that city. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel followed with similar statements.
“Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” he declared.
That was fast.
Last week, Mayor Thomas Menino announced that, because of COO Dan Cathy’s comments in favor of traditional marriage, Boston would not allow Chick-fil-A to open any restaurants in that city. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel followed with similar statements.
“Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” he declared.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Flint Union Contracts A Major Reason For City's Financial Problems
Flint Union Contracts A Major Reason For City's Financial Problems [Michigan Capitol Confidential]: In 2006, the city of Flint operated at a $5.9 million surplus. Four years later, the city was $48.1 million in the red.
...At a time when the city’s revenue was evaporating, its expenses were rapidly escalating.
For example, the city’s revenue from property tax, income tax and state-shared revenue dropped a combined $19.2 million from 2006 to 2011.
Yet, the city’s contributions to the pension and benefit trust funds increased by $6 million over five years.
It jumped from $22.2 million in 2006 to $28.2 million in 2011, a 27-percent increase.
...At a time when the city’s revenue was evaporating, its expenses were rapidly escalating.
For example, the city’s revenue from property tax, income tax and state-shared revenue dropped a combined $19.2 million from 2006 to 2011.
Yet, the city’s contributions to the pension and benefit trust funds increased by $6 million over five years.
It jumped from $22.2 million in 2006 to $28.2 million in 2011, a 27-percent increase.
Michigan PTA President Says Top Spending Highland Park District Needs More Money
Michigan PTA President Says Top Spending Highland Park District Needs More Money [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
In 2010-11, Highland Park spent $19,634 per pupil on operating expenses, making it the highest statewide in per-pupil spending.
Detroit was the fifth-highest spending district at $15,884 per pupil.
In 2010-11, Highland Park spent $19,634 per pupil on operating expenses, making it the highest statewide in per-pupil spending.
Detroit was the fifth-highest spending district at $15,884 per pupil.
State: Federal lawsuit coming because 70 clerks missed deadlines to give absentee ballots to military, overseas voters
State: Federal lawsuit coming because 70 clerks missed deadlines to give absentee ballots to military, overseas voters | MLive.com#incart_river_default#incart_river_default
Johnson said 70 communities missed the deadline - including larger ones such as Battle Creek, Ferndale, Dearborn and Canton Township.
Another 215 clerks did not respond to repeated requests from Johnson's office for a status on whether they provided the ballots.
Michigan has more than 1,500 local clerks responsible for conducting elections.
Casnovia & Moorland!
Johnson said 70 communities missed the deadline - including larger ones such as Battle Creek, Ferndale, Dearborn and Canton Township.
Another 215 clerks did not respond to repeated requests from Johnson's office for a status on whether they provided the ballots.
Michigan has more than 1,500 local clerks responsible for conducting elections.
Casnovia & Moorland!
Pay increases for administrators, faculty, plus more student financial aid, included in WMU's 2012-13 budget
Pay increases for administrators, faculty, plus more student financial aid, included in WMU's 2012-13 budget | MLive.com
Last year, WMU professors made an average of $100,800 annually, while associate professors made an average $75,500 a year.
The salary for an associate vice president, college dean or director ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 a year, according to WMU salary reporting data and American Association of University Professor's annual survey.
Last year, WMU professors made an average of $100,800 annually, while associate professors made an average $75,500 a year.
The salary for an associate vice president, college dean or director ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 a year, according to WMU salary reporting data and American Association of University Professor's annual survey.
'How hard is it to sell a hot dog?' asks 13-year-old entrepreneur shut down by Holland City Hall
'How hard is it to sell a hot dog?' asks 13-year-old entrepreneur shut down by Holland City Hall | MLive.com
“The poor kid worked so hard. He spent the last 6 to 8 months polishing the cart, getting the sign ready — he was so excited,” she said.
When the city stepped in on Tuesday, “he was just crushed,” said Lynette.
“Here he is trying to help out his parents and he keeps getting told ‘no.’”
“The poor kid worked so hard. He spent the last 6 to 8 months polishing the cart, getting the sign ready — he was so excited,” she said.
When the city stepped in on Tuesday, “he was just crushed,” said Lynette.
“Here he is trying to help out his parents and he keeps getting told ‘no.’”
Muskegon County buying Bosma property on Muskegon River for protected wetland
Muskegon County buying Bosma property on Muskegon River for protected wetland | MLive.com
Muskegon County would maintain and protect the wetland in perpetuity, preventing private development.
Muskegon County earlier this year approved the related purchase of a pond on the former Willbrandt Farms property in North Muskegon, upstream of Bear Creek.
The goal of that acquisition, too, is eventual environmental restoration of a former celery-growing property.
Muskegon County would maintain and protect the wetland in perpetuity, preventing private development.
Muskegon County earlier this year approved the related purchase of a pond on the former Willbrandt Farms property in North Muskegon, upstream of Bear Creek.
The goal of that acquisition, too, is eventual environmental restoration of a former celery-growing property.
Fundraisers starting on plan to connect Norton Shores to other communities with bike trails
Fundraisers starting on plan to connect Norton Shores to other communities with bike trails | MLive.com
Jeff Fortenbacher, one of the organizers, estimated it would cost about $1.5 million to complete the project.
....Chris Burnaw, another organizer, said trails enhance property values because many people want to buy houses in areas near outdoor activities.
They also give residents a healthy way to get outside, she said.
........“We’re looking at this on many levels as something that brings the community together and bonds it,” he said.
......Norton Shores City Administrator Mark Meyers said the city would help with grant writing and acquiring rights-of-way.
Agencies that give grants often like partnerships between public and private entities, so the city could possibly give some money for a local match for a grant, he said.
Jeff Fortenbacher, one of the organizers, estimated it would cost about $1.5 million to complete the project.
....Chris Burnaw, another organizer, said trails enhance property values because many people want to buy houses in areas near outdoor activities.
They also give residents a healthy way to get outside, she said.
........“We’re looking at this on many levels as something that brings the community together and bonds it,” he said.
......Norton Shores City Administrator Mark Meyers said the city would help with grant writing and acquiring rights-of-way.
Agencies that give grants often like partnerships between public and private entities, so the city could possibly give some money for a local match for a grant, he said.
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