Mayor Duggan holds annual meeting with Detroiters

On November 19 of this year, Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit held his annual meeting with the residents of District 7. This, of course, is the area that includes the Warrendale and adjacent neighborhoods in our city.

Thee mayor's annual meeting with residents, by the way, is required by the City Charter, Mayor Duggan is required to have a scheduled community-wide meeting with residents in each of the Detroit's seven City Council districts at least once each year.

While the City Charter does not specify a particular day or time for these meetings, Mayor Duggan has traditionally held these meetings in the fall each year since he assumed office in January 2014. He normally begins these meetings with a short presentation. After that, each and every Detroit resident is invited to ask him any question that he or she wants.

Senior members of his administration are generally present as well. This enables them to add additional details and to resolve problems that residents bring to him.

Councilman Gabe Leland, who represents District 7 on the Detroit City Council, also attended this meeting. He also spoke at it and addressed concerns raised by local residents.

Video from this meeting is embedded above.

Ribbon cutting at Minock Whitlock Park this Saturday

Ribbon cutting - Stock illustration courtesy of Needpix.com

After months of construction and preparation, it is finally time for the Warrendale neighborhood to join together and celebrate the new Minock-Whitlock Park (6548 Minock St.) with an official ribbon cutting celebration. We will have one this Saturday, October 26. Several Detroit dignitaries are expected to be on hand for this event that starts at 2 p.m. at the park.

The Minock Whitlock Park is a series of three lots in our Detroit neighborhood that were previously vacant and a blight to the community. With thousands of volunteer hours and funding from several different sources, this land has been transformed into a pocket park that is complete with a playscape for local children.

This transformation was spearheaded by Barb and Joe Mattney who also led the In Memory Community Garden (6551 Minock St.), which is directly across Minock Street from the playground, and the In Memory Of Orchard (6700 Auburn St.), which are nearby. They were not alone in their efforts to bring this park to life. Building it was a community effort that numerous community members took part in.

Everyone in Detroit is invited to attend the ribbon cutting this Saturday. Children, in particular, are invited to wear their favorite Halloween costumes to the park.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, there will be cider and donuts as well as a pumpkin patch at the In Memory Of Community Garden. Again, everyone in Detroit is invited to attend this as well. It will be a celebration of dreams and sweat that made this happen for our neighborhood.

The park is located at the northeast corner of Minock and Whitlock Streets; hence its name. It will be open from dawn to dusk every day throughout the foreseeable future. There is no charge to use this park and the public is welcome.

Bridging Neighborhoods brings its 20th homeowner to Warrendale

It was a bright sunny day when neighors, dignataries, and TV cameras joined together to welcome the 20th Bridging Neighborhoods familty to Warrendale. Mayor Mike Duggan and Council Member Gabe Leland, who represents Warrendale and the surrounding neighborhoods in Detroit, were both on hand for this event.

I wrote about the Bridging Neighborhoods program back in December of last year. The program is a simple yet powerful idea.

Homeowners who are impacted by the new Gordie Howe International Bridge in Del Ray to move to more stable neighborhoods in Detroit like Warrendale. Those who participate trade their existing home for a completely renovated, energy-efficient one in a better neighborhood. The City even provides them with a stipend to cover their moving expenses.

Detroiters who partiicipate in the Bridging Neighbors program benefit from a better home in a better neighborhood. Residents in neighborhoods like Warrendale because it means that a few previously vacant homes are renovated and occupied by a new owner.

The city as a whole benefits because greater population density in the neighborhoods makes it easier to attract new residents and businesses. A more dense population also makes it easier for the local government to provide city services to all who need them.

I'm glad that this program is continuing. I join many others in welcoming these Detroiters to Warrendale.

Gabe Leland indicted on bribery charges

Gabe Leland at a Warrendale Community Organization meeting
Photo by Frank Nemecek

According to a published report in The Detroit News, Gabe Leland has been indicted on bribery charges by a federal grand jury. Leland has represented the Warrendale and surrounding neighborhood as a state legislator and city councilman for more than a decade.

Leland allegedly received more than $15,000 in cash and services in exchange for his help with a real estate deal, according to this indictment. The full story is available here.

On a personal note, I have known, trusted, and supported Gabe Leland since the beginning of his political career. I've always found him to be a hard-working public servant who has done much to help the Warrendale neighborhood. I'm both shocked and disappointed by this news.

I will have more on this story as it continues to develop.

Burton Leland passes away at the age of 69

Burton Leland

Burton Leland, who represented the Warrendale neighborhood in both the Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate for 26 years, passed away this morning. He was 69 years of age at the time of his passing. In later years, Leland represented Wayne County's 6th district on the County Commission.

During his time in the Michigan Legislature, Burton Leland was a tireless advocate for consumer rights. In 1986, while serving the state house, he sponsored Michigan's Lemon Law that protected buyers from defective automobiles.

Burton Leland was also a relentless public servant for the Warrendale neighborhood. Whenever the Warrendale Community Organization needed something during his almost three decades of representing us, he was one of the few elected officials that residents could consistently count on.

Burton Leland's son Gabe Leland continues to represent the Warrendale and surrounding neighborhoods on the Detroit City Council.

Burton Leland was also proud of his Jewish faith. I attended a meeting of the Wayne County Commission a few years back when, at Leland's urging, a Jewish rabbi delivered the invocation. The invocation is normally held before the start of each meeting and his lead by a local religious leader. However, that was the first time in Wayne County's more than 200 year history that a rabbi was invited to perform this ceremonial role.

Details for Burton Leland's funeral are not currently available. When they become public, I will share them here.

On a personal note, I want to add that I write this post with a tremendous amount of sadness. I have spoken with Burton Leland on more occasions than I can remember over the past 30 years - going all the way back to my days as a high school student in a government class. I was always impressed with his intellect, his dedication, and a love for Michigan and its people that will continue to live on with every person that he ever met.

Update @ 10:48 p.m.
I have learned that the funeral for Burton Leland will be at 2 p.m. this Tuesday, February 27. The service will be at the Ira Kaufman Chapel (18325 W. Nine Mile in Southfield). More information is available here.

All 5 endorsed candidates move on to November

The primary election was this past Tuesday across Detroit and the rest of Michigan. It narrowed the field from dozens of contenders to the top two candidates who will move on to the general election in November for the offices of mayor of Detroit, members of the city council, and city clerk.

This blog made a total of five endorsements for these important offices in Detroit. I am thrilled that all five candidates have made it past the primary and will move on to the general election, which is set for Tuesday, November 7.

Congratulations and best wishes, therefore, go out to:

• Mike Duggan for Mayor of Detroit;
• Gabe Leland for City Council (District 7);
• Brenda Jones for City Council (at-large);
• Janee Ayers for City Council (at-large); and
• Garlin Gilchrist for City Clerk.

I wish each of these candidates the best of luck as we move forward the election season in Detroit.

My endorsements for Detroit's primary

There will be a primary election this coming Tuesday. During this contest, Detroiters will narrow the field for candidates who hope to serve as Mayor or City Clerk of Detroit and who will represent us on the City Council. The full list of candidates for each office is available on Ballotpedia or the City of Detroit's official website.

After much study, I am pleased to present my endorsements for these offices.

Mayor Mike Duggan - File photo

I am pleased to endorse Mike Duggan for re-election as Mayor of Detroit. He has done an excellent job of guiding Detroit out of bankruptcy. During his first term in office, we have seen a dramatic improvement in response times for police, fire, and emergency medical services.

There has also been a tremendous - almost mind-blowing - change in the corporate culture within Detroit City government. When I was president of Warrendale Community Organization during the Kwame Kilpatrick era, the WCO wanted information about police response times and other issues, we were routinely told that this information simply wasn't available.

Today, most of this information is readily available on the City of Detroit's website. This, I believe, is an important departure from the decades of failure that preceded Mayor Duggan's tenure. It shows that - even though there is still work that needs to be done - we have an executive team that is transparent in its dealings and accountable to the residents, businesses, and visitors who make Detroit one of the greatest cities in the world.

I am also pleased to make three important endorsements for the City Council.

Gabe Leland and I at the AIA Detroit Awards

Gabe Leland has represented Warrendale and the other neighborhoods that make up the 7th District admirably during his first term of office. As chair of the council's planning and economic development committee, he shepherded much of the work on the District Detroit project through the council and made sure that there were jobs and other benefits for residents.

His impact on the District Detroit project is particularly important, in my opinion. For decades, one project after another has moved forward downtown with far more benefits for developers than residents. The fact that residents are on track to get a healthy portion of the construction jobs and the more than 1,100 permanent jobs associated with it is impressive.

As one looks beyond our district representation, I am also thrilled to endorse Brenda Jones and Janee L. Ayers to continue representing all Detroiters as at-large members of the City Council. Both of these women have shown a strong, level-headed leadership that I believe has been a tremendous asset to all Detroiters. They have also been passionate about connecting with Detroiters throughout their tenure.

Brenda Jones at a Warrendale Community Organization meeting
Photo by Frank Nemecek

Brenda Jones is a veteran on the City Council, having represented Detroiters since 2005. Janee Ayers is a relative newcomer, having joined the Council in 2015 following the resignation of Saunteel Jenkins.

I especially like the combination of Jones and Ayers as at-large members. Jones brings a tremendous amount of experience with more than a decade on the Council and her previous role as president of the Communications Workers of America, Local 4004. Ayers brings a tremendous amount of energy to her work as she is the only member of the Council to serve on four different committees and she does it while still being an active and vibrant member of our community.

Again, I believe that the combination of Jones and Ayers is a dynamic duo that benefits all Detroiters.

Garlin Gilchrist, II - File photo

Finally, it is my pleasure to endorse Garlin Gilchrist, II to be the next City Clerk for Detroit. He has served with Mayor Duggan as his Director of Innovation & Emerging Technology. In this capacity, he worked to make the information that Detroiters needs about their local government readily available through social media and other technologies.

During his tenure, he implemented a technology solution to make sure city fire hydrants are regularly inspected and repaired. He also enabled anonymous police tips via cell phones and championed the Improve Detroit app which is used extensively in the Warrendale neighborhood.

As our next City Clerk, he is committed to improving the flow of information so that all Detroiters understand what is happening our government. He has also released a plan to help make voting effortless in Detroit.

I am proud of these endorsements.

• Mike Duggan for Mayor Detroit;
• Gabe Leland for City Council (District 7);
• Brenda Jones for City Council (at-large);
• Janee Ayers for City Council (at-large); and
• Garlin Gilchrist for City Clerk.

These are the people who I believe have the dedication, expertise, and passion to continue moving Detroit forward. I am proud to endorse each of them for the primary this coming Tuesday.

Gabe Leland kicks off re-election campaign

Leland kicks off re-election - Photo by Frank Nemecek

Earlier this evening, Gabe Leland, who represents the Warrendale and surrounding neighborhoods on the Detroit City Council, kicked off his re-election campaign. If re-elected, this will be his second term representing District 7 on the Council.

A large group of residents and business owners were on hand to lend their support.

Leland has kept the neighborhoods at the forefront during his first time on the Detroit City Council. He pledged to continue doing that if re-elected.

I supported Gabe Leland in his previous 2013 campaign. I've been proud of his work over the past four years. It is my pleasure to endorse and support his re-election efforts this year.

Water deal on the line

The deal to create a regional water authority for southeastern Michigan is in trouble, according to published news reports. The City of Detroit's bankruptcy plan called for such an authority to be created no later than June 14. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel doesn't appear inclined to go along with it.

If Hackel doesn't like the deal, that's between him and the people of Macomb County. I'm okay with this deal falling apart.

If there is no deal on a regional water authority then there is nothing to prevent the City of Detroit to retain ownership of that portion of water system that is within its city limits but sell the suburban portion of it. Such a sale would not only remove the water system's debt from the City's books, it would likely also leave us with more than $1 billion in cash.

The cash from such a sale could then be used to pay down some of the other debt that Detroiters carry - either debt from the City of Detroit itself or from the Detroit Public Schools. Either way, paying down our debts would enable us to lower our property taxes.

And lower property taxes - either as reduction in debt service levied by the City of Detroit or a reduction in what the Detroit Public Schools levy - would be welcome in a city like Detroit which has the highest taxes in Michigan.

If Hackel isn't happy with the regional water deal, that's between him and the people of Macomb County. I simply hope that Mayor Mike Duggan, Councilman Gabe Leland, and the other members of the City Council use this opening as a chance to advance the interests of our residents.

Let the deal fall through, if Hackel continues to object.

Sell the portion of our water system that is in the suburbs to any number of private investors.

Use the proceeds from such a sale to pay down debts - for either the City of Detroit or the Detroit Public Schools.

Once the debt is paid down, lower the debt service levy on Detroiter's property taxes.

The choice is clear. The only question that remains is: what will Detroit's leadership do?

Bumping into Gabe Leland

One of the cool things about living in a city like Detroit is that one is constantly bumping into some amazing people at random places.

For example, this past Thursday evening, I ended up meeting Council Member Gabe Leland, who represents the Warrendale and surrounding neighborhoods, at the 2014 Celebration of Architecture event at Eastern Market. The event is presented by the Detroit chapter of the American Institute of Architects and celebrates the accomplishments of some the finest architects and designers in southeastern Michigan. It was also one of the many events that happened last week as part of the Detroit Design Festival.

Leland, of course, chairs the City Council's Planning and Economic Development Committee.

Gabe Leland kicks off literacy initiative

There's an old adage in politics that elected officials and candidates should avoid wearing goofy hats. However, I'm pretty sure one can make an Detroit City Councilman Gabe Leland, who represents the 7th District, which includes the Warrendale neighborhood.

Leland kicked off a literacy initiative earlier this week at Ann Arbor Trail Magnet Middle School to encourage children to read more. As part of the effort, he read The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss to them and wore a distinctive Seuss hat for the occasion.

"When I was a kid my favorite book was Cat in the Hat, which made reading fun," he explained. "Today, reading continues to be fun because it's meaningful."

As someone who has published two novels, I applaud anyone who encourages children to read more. The hat just makes it that much more awesome.

Brenda Jones becomes President of the Detroit City Council

Councilwoman Brenda Jones at a WCO Meeting
Photo by Frank Nemecek

Earlier this week, Councilwoman Brenda Jones was elected President of the Detroit City Council in an internal election. She defeated Councilwoman Shanteel Jenkins, who previously served as President.

The internet and newspaper columns promptly exploded with criticism of Jones and the Council Members who voted for her. Included in that mix was Councilman Gabe Leland from the 7th District, which includes the Warrendale neighborhood, who backed Jones.

I love Councilwoman Shanteel Jenkins. I think she did a fine job as President and would have continued to do a fine job if the vote had gone in her favor.

I also love Councilwoman Jones and believe she will also do a fine job as President. When I was President of the Warrendale Community Organization, she attended our meeting more often than the other eight members combined. If we needed something, she not only helped us but asked if there was anything else that she could do.

Much of the criticism of Jones stems from the fact that she has opposed almost every change in Detroit that Governor Rick Snyder and Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr have proposed. Her opposition to those proposals, though, doesn't bother me.

The fact of the matter is that - more than a year after the consent decree and 10 months after Orr's appointment - these reforms have produced very little benefit to Detroit residents. One official after another has promised that results are right around the corner. I, however, am reminded of the old adage, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating," and, when it comes to the reforms pushed by Lansing, there simply hasn't been a lot to eat.

The question one then has to ask is: how upset should over someone objecting to reforms that never produced any real results for residents?

The answer, I'm afraid, is not very.

Councilwoman Shanteel Jenkins is an outstanding member of the Detroit City Council. However, let's stop pretending that everything is going to be horrible just because someone else is President.

Leland wins Detroit recount

The Leland vs. Bennett election recount for the Detroit City Council's 7th district is now over. Gabe Leland will still represent the district, which includes the Warrendale neighborhood.

The margin of victory, however, did change - by one vote.

Yes, it changed by one vote.

Recount begins today in City Council race

The Wayne County Board of Canvassers recently approved a request for an election recount from John K. Bennett, one of the three candidates who sought sought to represent Detroit's seventh district on the City Council. Former State Representative Gabe Leland was originally declared the winner of that race, but
Bennett is contesting those results.

The recount will begin at 9:30 a.m. this morning in Cadillac Place (3044 W. Grand Blvd.), which is in the New Center area of Detroit. I will have updates on the results of this recount throughout the day.

Duggan sits down with incoming council

I'm glad to be able to report that Mayor-Elect Mike Duggan has been sitting down with all of the new City Council members. This provides him with a chance to get acquainted with the new council and talk about what they should do once they are each in office. In fact, Mr. Duggan and Council Member-Elect Gabe Leland sat down yesterday at Gracie See Pizzeria (6889 Greenfield Rd.) in Warrendale to talk about the future of our city.

I hope this is sign of a productive relationship between the Mayor and City Council to come.