Bailout for DPS up Next for Michigan Taxpayers

It would appear that $195 Million “Bailout” just wasn’t quit enough it was just the starting point. Within 10 hours of these articles the backroom deals must have been cut? Bailout DPS Cotter Money Snyder

Anybody think this has something to do with the lawsuit that was awarded that the DPS is on the hook for? Throw in all the other liabilities’ and debt into the mix and sure looks like us taxpayer’s will pony up yet again!

In a letter to Schuette’s office dated Sept. 23 asks the attorney general to opine on whether Michigan’s Constitution was violated when the state Republican controlled Legislature passed a bill in December 2012 specifically to divert state school aid funds for the $450 million arena.

AG Schuette OKs school taxes for new Red Wings arena says it’s Constitutional
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette quietly issued an opinion that said state taxes for schools can legally be used to fund the arena’s construction.

So this is Constitutional for the taxpayers of Michigan to fund one of the riches people in the state as listed by Forbes? Oh my….

Gov. Snyder wants the Legislature to offer DPS up to an additional $72 million a year from Michigan Taxpayers!  Snyder faces a tough challenge in getting the money for Detroit from the School Aid Fund as he planned.

It’s no wonder when money from that fund went to building the new “Red Wings Arena” with AG Schuette writing an opinion saying it was Constitutional to do so. Wake up people you are being taken by the Republicans who have complete and total control in Lansing!

Follow the timeline in the articles below.

Foundation leader: No bailout for DPS
7:15 a.m. EST November 19, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2015/11/18/skillman-leader-expect-foundation-rescue-dps/76031940/

Private aid floated in DPS deal
5:04 p.m. EST November 19, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2015/11/19/cotter-detroit-school-debt/76069582/

DPS deal needs realistic funding
9:33 a.m. EST November 15, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/editorials/2015/11/15/editorial-detroit-schools-funding/75823016/

Price of DPS plan could spike
12:07 a.m. EDT May 15, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/ingrid-jacques/2015/05/15/jacques-editor-note-dps-plan-price/27320421/

DPS to pay $350,000 to teen suing Pugh
11:50 a.m. EST November 4, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2015/11/04/charles-pugh-sexual-harrassment-case/75154496/

Schuette OKs school taxes for new Red Wings arena
Links inside article for more information.
http://www.metrotimes.com/Blogs/archives/2014/12/16/news-hits-schuette-oks-school-taxes-for-new-red-wings-arena

Forbes richest Americans list includes 11 from Michigan
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2015/09/29/forbes-richest-americans-list-includes-michigan/73052340/

Michael & Marian Ilitch & family on Forbes Lists of wealthiest in Michigan
http://www.forbes.com/profile/michael-marian-ilitch/

Michigan Outrage: School Funds to be Spent on Arena
By Diane Ravitch who is a historian of education, an educational policy analyst, and a research professor is outraged by this and Michigan citizens should be as well.
http://dianeravitch.net/2014/12/21/michigan-outrage-school-funds-to-be-spent-on-arena/

Schuette Opinion: Use of tax revenue and public money for development

STATE OF MICHIGAN BILL SCHUETTE, ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION
It is my opinion, therefore, that the Michigan Strategic Fund’s proposal to provide funds from the Michigan Community Revitalization Program for the purpose of assisting in the demolition of the Joe Louis Area after completion of the new arena at the Detroit Events Center does not violate section 88c(3)(a) of the MSF Act, which prohibits the use of such funds for the development of a stadium or arena for use by a professional sports team.  ~ Attorney General BILL SCHUETTE

Here is what the Michigan State Constitution says.
Article 9, § 11 of the Michigan Constitution established a State School Aid Fund funded by various tax revenues, and provides in part: There shall be established a state school aid fund which shall be used “exclusively” for aid to school districts, higher education, and school employees’ retirement systems as provided by law.

Another Crony Gov. Rick Snyder Appointee Target of FBI Probe

                                                    “The Boji Files” Boji Ficano Snyder Richardville
The Snyder administration scandals’ starring his appointee’s is just unconscionable. All this corruption revolves around real-estate, real estate development and construction with our legislators in Lansing. The list is like the energizer bunny it just keeps going and going.
The “Friends and Family” program and the “Business Buddies” fund is alive and well in Lansing and it’s definitely not in the best interest of the citizens of Michigan. Those you elect to serve you are serving the lobbyist and special interest group’s best interest not yours.

FBI Probe into Democrat Bob Ficano and his buddy Snyder Appointee Ron Boji
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/even-with-ficanos-days-numbered-fbi-probe-into-wayne-county-stretches-into-year-three

Wayne County has been ordered to repay an $850,000 federal grant
With the help of Wayne County, developer Ron Boji received federal funds to build it. Boji was a longtime supporter of Ficano, showering him with campaign donations and throwing a fundraiser at his mansion in Orchard Lake.
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/hud-orders-wayne-county-to-repay-850k-grant-after-fmr-asst-ceos-conflict-with-developer

Despite all the baggage connected to Boji, he’s still a BIG favorite of crony capitalist Governor Rick Snyder. Governor appoints Ron Boji to Michigan Strategic Fund Monday, January 7, 2013

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Ron Boji, of Orchard Lake, to the Michigan Strategic Fund board of directors.
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277–292353–,00.html

Ron Boji appointed to state Transportation Commission
Snyder today announced the appointment of Ron Boji, of Orchard Lake, to the state Transportation Commission.
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277–314872–,00.html

Ron Boji was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder effective Oct. 17, 2013. Mr. Boji is involved with Bob Ficano in the FBI ongoing probe.
http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9623_31969_31970-315012–,00.html

2013 Senate Bill 509: Authorize new state Senate office building
Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R) on September 17, 2013
To authorize the sale of the Farnum Senate office building in Lansing and construction of a new building for Senators’ offices.

This was referred to the Senate Government Operations Committee on September 17, 2013. It was reported in the Senate on November 13, 2013, with the recommendation that the bill pass.
http://michiganvotes.org/2013-SB-509

Richardville Pushes Questionable Real Estate Bill “MIGOP” History of Crony Capitalism Combined With Unsavory Characters Casts Dark Cloud Over SB 509
https://bainreport.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/richardville-pushes-questionable-real-estate-bill-migop-history-of-crony-capitalism-combined-with-unsavory-characters-casts-dark-cloud-over-sb-509/

Michigan Senate moves to allow sale of Michigan Senate building to Ron Boji
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/12/michigan_senate_moves_to_allow.html

Ron Boji has hosted Ficano fund-raisers at his West Bloomfield home
Ron Boji and the Boji Group: Data and Deceit
http://ludingtoncitizen.ning.com/forum/topics/ron-boji-and-the-boji-group-data-and-deceit?xg_source=activity

Chaldean appointed to state transportation commission
LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Ron Boji to the state Transportation Commission. Boji is Chaldean.

Boji is president of the Boji Group, where he manages, develops and leases the company’s real estate portfolio. Can you say the Senate Farum building in Lansing or the Bob Ficano FBI ongoing investigation?
http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_7638/Chaldean-American-appointed-to-state-transportation-commission.html

Chaldean Mafia Threat Analysis
This article by the National Criminal Justice Referance Service profiles the emerging “Chaldean Mafia.”

The Chaldean Mafia is a gang composed almost exclusively of individuals tracing their roots to the country of Iraq, and has a conspicuous presence in areas with large Middle Eastern populations such as Michigan.
https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=200792

Urban dictionary on Chaldeans
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Chaldean&defid=3848574

 

Detroit Bailout Leaves Michigan Taxpayers On The Hook For More Than $195 Million – AND A LOT MORE!

1 Detroit Aid $195M

Below you will find just a few examples of how Michigan Taxpayers are on the hook for a hell of a lot more than this “Grand Crap Sandwich Bargain” of $195 Million of your tax dollars! If this isn’t leaving a bad taste in your wallet just wait, now that this is done they are working real hard for you up in Lansing to pass legislation as to raise your Gas Taxes too. 2 FilmTaxCredit

While Detroit Goes Bankrupt, Michigan Taxpayers Hand Disney’s ‘OZ’ Nearly $40 Million in Film Credits and this is but one example there are numerous other Film Subsidies that have and will be handed out to Obama’s Hollywood supporters!

The hard part to swallow is our legislators all think it’s funny that they are spending our tax dollars on this wasteful venture that corrupt politicians created in the first place. They won’t be out done they will all laugh when they pass yet more tax increases on we Taxpaying Citizens of Michigan. 3 Detroit Crony Capitalism

Can any Taxpayer in Michigan explain to me why our taxes should be used for the rich and wealthy as to continue to build their empires?

The Taxpayers of Michigan have had to pony up over $515 Million in subsidies for Ford Field, Comerica Park and the New Red Wings Arena not to mention the Pontiac Silverdome which was built and maintained with a taxpayer subsidy buried in an Agriculture Bill.

http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/18040

State Awards $830K Taxpayer Money to new Detroit Grocery

4 Detroit GroceryMore than $1.2 million in grants and loans have been awarded to the owners of the grocery and retail center it anchors. The “failed” Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced the funding this week. The money was approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund.

The project was awarded a $830,000 grant by the state of Michigan’s economic development agency. That’s on top of Detroit Economic Growth Corp. providing a $200,000 loan and a $225,000 loan through Invest Detroit, which funds city development projects.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140530/BIZ02/305300034

$127.5M in aid OK’d for projects in Pontiac, Detroit, Cheboygan
The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a request today for a $125 Million Taxpayer Funded subsidy to Green Box NA Michigan for a yet-to-be-built plant in Detroit. The Michigan Strategic Fund is just one of the many tentacles of the “failed” Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC).
http://www.freep.com/article/20140527/BUSINESS06/305270132/Michigan-Strategic-Fund-Pontiac-Assembly-Plant

State to spend up to $20 Million to improve Belle Isle 5 Belle Isle Grand Prix
The state (we the taxpayers) said it plans to spend up to $20 million to improve the park during the first 18-36 months of state management.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/01/us-usa-detroit-belleisle-idUSBRE99018R20131001

Belle Isle Roads Resurfacing
For the 2014 Grand Prix in Detroit on Belle Isle $3,500,000 Million allocated on December 18, 2013 from the states Trunkline Fund. So again the rich and well connected benefit from we taxpayers such as Roger Penske with his “Team Penske” motorsports who raced and won at the Grand Prix this year on Belle Isle.  
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/OGA_Dec12_State_List_442695_7.pdf

6 Detroit M1 RailWayne County OK’s $3 Million Taxpayer Money on road fixes for new M1 Rail street car project
Michigan Taxpayers should question why the money wasn’t being spent to fix potholes. “The money being utilized for this project is supposed to be restricted for road purposes.”  Being as Detroit and Wayne County both are broke and facing financial issues with Bankruptcy along with the state in control how could this be?
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140603/METRO05/306030086

Could Wayne County Go Bankrupt Next?
With the news of Detroit’s bankruptcy still sinking in some financial experts say Wayne County could be next. But other cities are facing similar financial difficulties as well…can you say Flint as but just one other example?
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/12/05/561511/

Yet Another Government Boondoggle M-1 Rail Line ‘on the Wrong Track’ for Michigan Taxpayers

The Republicans with the Republican controlled legislature in Lansing is passing legislation more in line with the Democrat Party! The Grand Old Party is supposed to stand for a more conservative stand on issues. They are supposed to stand for and believe that the federal government should not play a big role in people’s lives. Most Republicans favor lower taxes and less government spending on social programs. They are supposed to stand for and believe in less government intervention in business and the economy. Not the case here in Michigan!

Detroit M-1 Rail Line

Our current Republican Governor and his counterparts within the Republican controlled legislature in Lansing has proven the exact opposite of the stated stand above they do not adhere to that ideology. Higher taxation, more regulation and bigger government involvement and intervention in business and the economy at the cost to taxpayers has further proven they are on the wrong track for Michigan’s taxpaying citizens and the Republican Party’s stated mission.

In January 2013, with a $25 million (taxpayer funded) U.S.. Department of Transportation grant under the guise of economic development and the proposed 45 permanent positions for Detroit Department of Transportation workers this project has moved forward. With all the “secrecy” surrounding the Michigan Economic Development Authority (MEDC) and their non-transparency no telling how much other taxpayer funds will be funneled to this project!

We taxpayers have been to this dance before. One look at the projections made when the Detroit People Mover was proposed should send up huge “red flags” to the taxpayers of Michigan. The M-1 Rail Line will eventually be donated to the Regional Transit Authority, officials said. Governor Snyder’s 2014 executive supplemental budget calls $2 million “taxpayer dollars” from the general fund to be allocated to the Regional Transit Authority. How much more of Michigan taxpayers’ dollars will be wasted only time will tell. The M-1 Rail Line is expected to serve 6,000 riders a day initially and eventually grow to 10,000. See People Mover.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140218/METRO01/302180070/

The Detroit People Mover opened in 1987 at the time of planning; the system was projected to have a ridership of 67,700 daily. In it’s first year, an average of 11,000 riders used the People Mover each day. The Mover costs $12 million annually in city and “state subsidies” to run. So, all Michigan taxpayers who never have or never will use this system pays for the few who do use it. In 2006, the Mover filled less than 10 percent of its seats! The daily ridership 7,083 – Annual ridership 2,328,084 (FY 2011).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover

Michigan Senate OKs bill “shifting” $100M for snow removal and RTA
The “Theft” of our road tax money continues!
The legislation would mean at least $10.83 million for the four counties in the Detroit region, including $2.44 million for Macomb County, $3.74 million for Wayne County and $3.86 million for Oakland County, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140220/POLITICS02/302200077/1361/Michigan-Senate-committee-OKs-shifting-$100M-for-snow-removal

Michigan Senate OKs $100M plan to repair damaged roads, fill potholes and taxpayer funded RTA Start Up cost.

The supplemental budget includes: nearly $20 million for Harper and Hutzel hospitals, and $2 million in start-up costs for the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan among other carve out’s to other entity’s.

Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Township, said passage was crucial for many departments in the state. If our legislators in Lansing would just wake up and open their eye’s they would clearly see that by abolishing the “failed” quasi government entity the business buddy favorite MEDC that would supply the much needed funds that these state departments so desperately need. But if they did that they wouldn’t receive the “kick-backs or campaign coffer enrichments now would they!
http://www.freep.com/article/20140220/NEWS06/302200081/michigan-roads-potholes-repairs-proposal

The authority has $500,000 taxpayer funded capital in the bank to work with, provided through the Michigan Department of Transportation. Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Twp., whose chairman of the Senate Appropriations committee, said a discussion planned for Thursday on a supplemental appropriations bill between him, House Appropriations Chairman Joe Haverman, a Holland Republican, and state Budget Director John Nixon would likely include additional RTA taxpayer funding.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20131119/regional-transit-authority-ceo-has-yet-to-sign-contract-cites-lack-of-dedicated-funding-stream

Michigan House approves regional transit authority
Senate Bill 911, which allows for the collection of new vehicle registration fees to fund the RTA, also passed through the House by a vote of 57-50. Earlier on Thursday, the House had taken action only to pass SB 909, the RTA enabling legislation.
http://www.annarbor.com/news/michigan-house-approves-regional-transit-authority-including-washtenaw-county-in-57-50-vote/

2012 Senate Bill 909: Create Detroit regional mass transit authority
Public Act 387 of 2012
Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson (R) on January 26, 2012, to create a new Detroit area regional transportation authority (previously called DARTA now called RTA Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority) covering Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, and potentially others. Among other powers the authority could levy property taxes (special assessments) and higher local vehicle registration taxes with the approval of a majority of the aggregate of all votes cast in an election (meaning a particular community could not “opt out” of the tax increase).
http://www.michiganvotes.org/2012-SB-909

2012 Senate Bill 911: Authorize Detroit regional transit vehicle registration tax
http://www.michiganvotes.org/2012-SB-911

Detroit Reinvention Senate and House Bills and Public Acts
This article list taxpayer funds given to Detroit in subsidies.
http://michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277-57577-291716–,00.html

2012 Senate Bill 912: Create Detroit regional mass transit authority
Introduced by Sen. Bert Johnson (D) on January 26, 2012, to exempt the Detroit regional transit authority proposed by Senate Bill 909 (and House Bill 5309) from local zoning ordinances. This is part of Gov. Rick Snyder’s road and transit tax proposal.
Public Act 389 of 2012
http://michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=144494

2011 Senate Bill 445: Create Detroit area transit authority
Public Act 391 of 2012
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=145614

2012 Senate Bill 967: Authorize dedicated “rolling transit” lanes
Public Act 390 of 2012
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=138435

http://michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=144492

Comment on Bill – Re: 2012 Senate Bill 909  by waltduro on March 30, 2012
Here Snyder goes again, looking to raise taxes so his buddies at Business Leaders for Michigan can get paid.

Senate Bill 911, Authorize Detroit regional transit vehicle registration tax
Introduced by Sen. Bert Johnson (D) on January 26, 2012, to give the regional transit authority proposed by Senate Bill 909 the power to impose a higher vehicle registration tax in the region to pay for buses and other public transportation.
Public Act 388 of 2012
http://michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=144494

Business Leaders for Michigan – Members: Many of these listed members have received taxpayer funded subsidies for their individual business ventures here in Michigan. http://www.businessleadersformichigan.com/blm-members/

Why Snyder and Republicans Believe in “Bailout” for Detroit’s “Comeback”

As to why Republicans believe in Detroit as the Comeback City only if you can handle the truth I’ll tell you why? Just look at all the players who are reaping taxpayers’ money for their business ventures! The politically connected businessmen and their politician buddies up in Lansing are making huge profits off us taxpayers.

The taxpayer money is being funneled and laundered through the “failed” quasi government un-elected entity the Michigan Economic Development Authority (MEDC) in a “pay to play” scheme that would make even Bernie Made-Off proud! Where’s the FBI or U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade?

This scam perpetrated on we taxpaying citizens of Michigan could be summed up as “Pure Corruption”. The pay part in this scam involving these businessmen and politicians goes through the MEDC by way of subsidies, grants, tax break incentives and or by other legislative means. Then the politicians’ campaign coffers are enriched as payback for services rendered either directly or indirectly. Follow the money!
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140212/OPINION01/302120002

Bad Why Corruption Reins King

CENSURE RESOLUTION levied against MIGOP Chairman Bobby Schostak

GOP-Split

                                                              CENSURE RESOLUTION

Presented by the duly elected Michigan Republican Party Precinct Delegates, to the policy sub-committee of the Michigan Republican Party for careful consideration. 

WHEREAS, the MIGOP is a diverse group of Grassroots Leaders, made up of duly elected Precinct Delegates, their elected Representatives and appointees, and Republican Representatives Duly elected to various National, State, and Local Offices, and;

WHEREAS, as Michigan Republican Party leaders, we elect the RNC Representatives, The State Committee Members, and the Party Chairman/Woman, who help us to set the party’s vision, communicate this vision, and enable our fellow grassroots supporters to implement this vision, and;

WHEREAS, the Michigan Republican Precinct Delegates are the foot soldiers, and the key point of communication with the citizens in their respective neighborhoods, communicating the party vision to the voters, and representing the citizens to the party, and:

WHEREAS, the Michigan Republican Precinct Delegates work united for a common goal, to elect Principled candidates in local, state and national elections, who hold and communicate the Principles set forth in the Party Platform which should be in line with our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and;

WHEREAS, the Michigan Republican Delegates work to convey our message of adherence to the principles set forth in the RNC Platform, our state and federal Constitution and;

WHEREASthe members, donors and duly elected precinct delegates expect that our leadership not only provide the tools for success, but to adhere to the principles outlined within the RNC platform, State and Federal Constitution and Bill of Rights, and do not abuse the position of leadership therein, and;

WHEREASthe Michigan Republican Party chairman, Robert Schostak, has failed to advance certain planks of our RNC platform or has upheld contradictory and unconstitutional planks within the RNC platform, and;

WHEREASChairman Schostak has, though his family business, financially supported Democrat candidates for public office, and;

WHEREASChairman Schostak has, on more than one occasion, abused his position for personal financial gain, or to avoid financial loss cited by two separate articles charging that 1) The Traverse City Cherryland Mall bank loan and his subsequent abuse of power to influence a retroactive piece of legislation, passed by a Republican controlled Michigan legislature and signed by Republican Governor Snyder which saved his company, Schostak Bros. over $2 million. 2) The construction of a new building in downtown Detroit which will house one tenant, Meridian Health, a company that will oversee the individuals now covered through passage of HB 4714 (Medicaid expansion and the lynch pin to Obamacare) which the majority of the duly elected precinct delegates repudiated in 2013 and whose concerns through multiple countrywide and district resolutions where ignored by our elected officials and Chairman Schostak, and;

WHEREASChairman Schostak was in support of the Romney/Ginsburg rules changes offered during the 2012 RNC National Convention which would effectively stifle the voices of the duly elected precinct delegates. He was observed during said convention encouraging the Michigan delegation to drown out the voices of National Convention Delegates calling for a roll call vote, with shouts of “USA-USA”. These rules changes were adopted despite no evidence of a clear 2/3 majority as required in Robert’s Rules of Order. Chairman Schostak recently voted to uphold the rules changes adopted at the RNC winter meetings held in January of 2014 in Boston, and;

WHEREAS, Chairman Schostak, by multiple accounts, may have abused his position during the 2012 State Convention, to influence the district chairs to fill in vacant proxies with his supporters, thus altering the “raw vote” total. By multiple accounts, his opponent in fact won the “raw vote” of duly elected state convention delegates.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the duly elected Michigan Republican Precinct Delegates do hereby reaffirm their support for the RNC Platform, both the State and Federal Constitution and Bill of Rights while maintaining and insisting upon an unyielding adherence by leadership whom we have elected, to maintain ethical conduct during their tenure, and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the duly elected Michigan Republican Precinct Delegates, due to the ongoing abuses listed within this resolution as well as concerns over abuses not yet seen or understood, as well as an overall failure to unite the party, calls for the MRP policy sub-committee to adopt and present to the delegation of duly elected state committee members of the MRP, a resolution of censure against MRP chairman Robert Schostak, and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVEDthat a copy of this resolution should be presented to each MIGOP district chair for distribution and to Governor Snyder.

Are Michigan Taxpayers Funding All Businesses in the State? Sure Looks Like It!

It sure looks like it. There isn’t a day that goes by where my research on the “failed” Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) hasn’t “given away” the citizens of Michigan’s tax dollars. This must and should stop! How can our elected representatives in Lansing justify asking we taxpayers for a tax increase for our roads with this type of cronyism benefiting themselves and their business buddies? They can’t! Read more below the picture.A Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe

Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe Closes Michigan Taxpayers Lose Again
The Shoppe faced a series of setbacks before announcing closure after just 16 months. Just another in a long list of taxpayer funded failures through the “failed” MEDC. The Solakas, the owners were not the only parties to lose money.

$130,000 in community grant money was spent assisting the butcher shop from organizations including Midtown Detroit Inc., the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. and the “failed”  (MEDC) Michigan Economic Development Corp. Is every business in Michigan propped up and funded with taxpayer dollars? Sure looks like it!
http://www.freep.com/article/20140211/BUSINESS06/302110031/Why-Ye-Olde-Butcher-Shoppe-is-closing-Detroit

There was “NO” mention of this taxpayer giveaway through the “failed” MEDC in this November 2012 article.
http://www.freep.com/article/20121118/BUSINESS06/311180155/Brothers-hope-Midtown-grocery-store-doubles-as-gathering-place

Whole Foods opens in Detroit with Taxpayer Help
George Jackson, who as president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. helped bring Whole Foods to the city. If Detroit is broke where did the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. get the money for this subsidy? Ah how about the “failed” MEDC funneling yet more of all Michigan taxpayers monies to these businesses! Read more below the picture.A Whole Foods BEST

Olga Stella, vice president of business development at Detroit Economic Growth Corp. which provided a $1.25 million grant. The DEGC is a private nonprofit group that supports economic development in Detroit. The remaining $5.8 million came from state and local grants and the sale of tax credits tied to the project.
Whole Foods should send Michigan taxpayers a big thank-you note.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324423904578523712663750112

Some of the prominent names that show up in this endeavor are local businessman and the politically connected Alfred Taubman. If you remember he was also a partner in the “failed” MEDC subsidized Raleigh Film Studio in Pontiac the taxpayer funded movie studio that the under-funded state pension fund is now on the hook for their “failed” missed bond payments! The under-funded state pension fund is “you” the taxpayers of Michigan!

Also of interest is Mr. Taubman’s Antitrust Conviction the early 2000s, an investigation into alleged price-fixing between Sotheby’s and rival auction house Christie’s led to a confession by Sotheby’s CEO Diana Brooks of an elaborate price fixing “scheme” with her counterpart at Christie’s, Christopher Davidge.

In a plea bargain arrangement, prosecutors offered to keep her out of prison if she agreed to implicate Taubman. She did, and thereafter Taubman was convicted in a jury trial of price fixing. He was fined $7.5 million (USD) and imprisoned for ten months in 2002 for anti-trust violations.Taubman was released in 2003.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._Alfred_Taubman

One of Mr. Taubman’s partners in that “failed” Raleigh Film Studio is John Rakolta Jr. who is the CEO of Walbridge (formerly known as Walbridge Aldinger). Governor Rick Snyder appointed Mr. Rakolta to the board of, you guessed it the “failed” (MEDC) Michigan Economic Development Corp. Can you say a definite conflict of interest? Rakolta has also served as the chairman of New Detroit from 2003 to 2010.

John Rakolta and his company Walbridge was recently involved in the shady dealings in the new Wayne County Jail project that was shut down and has recently come under investigation by Wayne county prosecutor Kym Worthy in Detroit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Rakolta

So my fellow Michigan taxpaying citizens does anybody but me see that these businessmen and their political buddies in Lansing are running a criminal enterprise using “our” tax dollars in an all for profit scheme? Shady characters and convicted felons are working with our elected officials literally stealing our money!

A word to the wise come election time here in 2014, be very careful how you cast your vote you may well get something you don’t necessarily want! Politicians will tell you what you want to hear as to get elected but the results are not in your best interest! 

Additional Sources:

It took 15 years to build a grocery store. Not only 15 years, it also took a whole lot of corporate welfare as well.
http://motorcitytimes.com/mct/2014/02/detroit-small-business-closes-cites-government-bureaucracy-regulations-and-corporate-welfare/