Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Citizens use Muskegon County Board of Commissioners public comment period to voice concerns over new jail

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

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!

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.

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

Joe Biden to American Federation of Teachers members: You face a 'full-blown attack'

Joe Biden to American Federation of Teachers members: You face a 'full-blown attack' | MLive.com

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.

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.

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.

EyeOnMuskegon 7-29-2012

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.

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.

It Worked

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.

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.

London 2012 Olympics: Empty seats on the opening day prompts investigation

London 2012 Olympics: Empty seats on the opening day prompts investigation - Telegraph

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!

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.

'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.’”

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.

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.

Muskegon Heights' park-improvement project on hold as bids too high

Muskegon Heights' park-improvement project on hold as bids too high | MLive.com
Work on the second phase of a planned $5 million redevelopment of the Mona Lake shoreline park along Seaway Drive was initially scheduled to begin in the spring.
The work has been delayed while the project has been bid three times.

Big wind-blade hauling rig tests the streets through downtown Muskegon for the real thing in August

Big wind-blade hauling rig tests the streets through downtown Muskegon for the real thing in August | MLive.com
Muskegon police Capt. Mark Lewis was organizing the patrol cars that were blocking traffic as the Trans-United rig made its way from the Mart Dock to Apple Avenue.
On Thursday morning, the rig used Shoreline Drive to First Street and then to Apple Avenue.

Norton Shores police union president: Public safety trumps benefits questions

Norton Shores police union president: Public safety trumps benefits questions | MLive.com
The letter, which Norton Shores City Council signed Tuesday evening, said the new hires would not be covered under the same contract existing officers had, and their pensions and retirement health benefits would be determined by negotiation or arbitration.
The existing contract expired in June, Davis said, and the union and city administrators have been in negotiations since February.
Under standard procedure, new hires would be covered under the old contract, he said.
Meyers told city council it would not be “financially prudent” to hire new officers with the same legacy costs current officers have.
Davis said the union agreed to sign the letter because they thought having fewer officers would compromise public safety, but he thinks the public safety millage Norton Shores voters passed made the letter unnecessary.

Melching Inc. prepares for permanent operations on the former paper mill property on Muskegon Lake

Melching Inc. prepares for permanent operations on the former paper mill property on Muskegon Lake | MLive.com
“We’d like to have the metal processing site next to the deep-water port for transportation of materials on barges,” Callow said of Melching’s immediate plans.
A request for a site plan approval for a scrap metal processing operation on the west end of the former paper mill site earlier this month caused a public uproar.
The Muskegon Planning Commission tabled the request, asking for more time and information.

Fireworks regulations don't get off the ground in Norton Shores

Fireworks regulations don't get off the ground in Norton Shores | MLive.com
Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund said the city has received complaints about fireworks bothering people’s pets and leaving litter, but the concerns could decline over time.
“One of the things we’ve been interested to watch is will the newness of it wear off,” he said.
“Spending $30, $40 a weekend on fireworks, at some point we’ve got to have a law of diminishing returns.”

Muskegon city commissioner running as write-in candidate for Huizenga's Congressional seat

Muskegon city commissioner running as write-in candidate for Huizenga's Congressional seat | MLive.com
In announcing his candidacy, German said he would advocate for businesses that create jobs in West Michigan, invest in education and fight to make health care more affordable.

Inspections find more than 170 safety violations at Muskegon Heights schools

Inspections find more than 170 safety violations at Muskegon Heights schools | MLive.com

Melching Inc. likely to bring down Sappi power plant, smokestacks with a blast

Melching Inc. likely to bring down Sappi power plant, smokestacks with a blast (video) | MLive.com

Should middle school students be taught condom use? Fruitport school board not so sure

Should middle school students be taught condom use? Fruitport school board not so sure | MLive.com: Should seventh-graders be taught how to use a condom?
What about eighth-graders?
Those are questions that the Fruitport school board struggled with while reviewing proposed middle school sex education curriculum.
The board decided that the lesson involving 18 steps for the application of a condom should be removed from proposed seventh-grade reproductive health curriculum.

Get a shot, protect a child: Muskegon County health officials push pertussis vaccine for adults too

Get a shot, protect a child: Muskegon County health officials push pertussis vaccine for adults too | MLive.com
People with insurance should visit their primary care doctor for the vaccine, Krehn said.
Those without can get the shot at Public Health Muskegon County, 209 E. Apple, for $48.