Tough Talk With Taros “Capital Cronyism” Hosted by Paul Taros

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This was Recorded Live March 6, 2017 at the Bloomfield Township Public Television Studios. Paul interviews Former Monroe County Republican Chairman Jeff Andring and Former Republican Elected Official and Candidate R Al Bain.

Jeff Andring and Randy Bain are Co-Founders of the Conservative Caucus of Monroe County. At about the 18:32 minute mark Mr. Andring talks about the recent Insurance Fee Rate Hike by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association bestowed on the states drivers. Click the link below to view interview.
https://youtu.be/hOGDQzqPG00 

“But how is this legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong.

See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime.” ~ Frédéric Bastiat

A1 Tough Talk With Taros

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Analysis of 12 Dissenting Republicans on Tax Cuts

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Houston we have a real big government problem here in Michigan. I am in contact with current and former legislators who are not happy with what they see is going on in Lansing. To borrow a “Dick” Snyder term this is very “divisive” indeed.

We have witnessed of late the rewards given to “termed out” legislators who carry the “Dick” Snyder water with government appointments once they leave office. This practice is so wrong on many levels. Continue reading below the PIC. Analysis 12 Dissenting Republicans

Snyder said he still has $1 Billion dollars worth of concerns about an income tax cut but I will bet dollars to doughnuts that if the Bill to give certain developers $1.8 Billion taxpayer dollars worth of subsidies that the Senate just passed reaches his desk he will sign it.

Snyder talks about long-term planning for the budget with fiscal responsibility all the while as ex-chairman of the “failed” MEDC continues giving his business buddies tax breaks after tax breaks and taxpayer funded subsides all under the guise of job creation that studies have shown never materialize.

These former and current accountants (bean counters) such as Snyder and VanSingel will spin numbers like a casino operator spins the wheel where it’s always in their favor. It is clear to me VanSingel is looking ahead to a future appointment feeding at the public trough. He appreciates Snyder’s “laser focused” big government style. Oh my…

As far as Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and his wife Julie, she should have never been elected in the first place. In my view there is definitely a conflict of interest going on when family members serve the people together at the same time.

I have seen many family members who have served at the same time here in Michigan over the years and I just don’t believe that is right. A few examples: former Senate majority leader Randy Richardville along with his uncle Senator Roger Kahn, the Stamas brothers Jim and Tony, the Kowall husband and wife “team” Mike and Eileen.

Current Speaker Tom Leonard’s wife Jenell is head of the Michigan Film Office. In spite of the film subsidies’ being cut out in Michigan the Film office has been rolled into the MEDC stable of UN-elected entities.

Those who voted against the plan said it was their position they could not vote for a $1 billion hit to the state’s budget it will be interesting to see how they vote on the Bill to give certain developers $1.8 Billion dollars worth of subsidies that the Senate just passed when it goes to the House for a vote!

For the most part George Carlin was absolutely correct when he said, “it’s just a big “club” and we citizens aren’t it.” It’s the lobbyist and special interest that rule the day in Lansing not the citizens who elected a majority of these legislators.

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Trumped: Analysis 2017 MIGOP Convention

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The Grand Old Party is still run by the Old Guard Cronies and Corrupt GOP Trumped
In Michigan, the first GOP state convention was held this weekend since the election of Donald Trump.

Just as conventions in the past, it was predictable; with some of the same tedious fanfare and general disinterest.

However, there were a couple of differences; the celebration of a Republican elected as President of the US, and the Michigan GOP Chairwoman being selected to head the RNC.

The congratulations were plentiful, and the delegates bathed in their victory, while singing the praises of their leadership.

Repeatedly, they were told the victories were attributed to the “hard work” of the grassroots and the effectiveness of the leadership; the same leadership that was divided during the primaries and even after Trump’s nomination.

Ironically, the event included a video collage displayed on the big screen showing liberal politicians, entertainers, and media pundits who said Trump would NEVER win the nomination, let alone the presidency. Absent in the video was any of the key Republicans and conservative media pundits who said the EXACT SAME THING.

The harsh reality is…Trump would have won the election, regardless of what leadership did or did not do. During the campaign, several key GOP leadership members, publicly and/or privately, vehemently criticized Trump, swore to NEVER support him, or even hoped for a way to replace him as the nominee.

And yet, despite all the disunion, Trump prevailed and the party leadership was all too ready to soak up the credit; and the delegates were just as quick to rain it down on them. Nothing could be less deserving.

Trump won despite the actions of the GOP leadership. His message was a clear departure from what the GOP ever wanted delivered by their nominee and many had even surrendered any hope of him winning. They were wrong. They said he would never be the nominee. They were wrong. They said he wouldn’t get the support of independents. They were wrong.

Nevertheless, there is a portion of the Republican delegates who believe the reason Trump won is because the Democrats had a worse candidate. That might be the one thing they got right.

Based on the numerous times of being wrong, how could anyone find the leadership of the GOP even credible? Trump didn’t win because he is a champion of smaller government or represents more freedom, fidelity to the Constitution, peace in the Middle East, and an improved economy. He won because he is a big “screw you” to the leadership of BOTH parties. So why should anything leadership recommends be trusted? It shouldn’t.

Until the party leadership openly accepts real change from the grassroots, and begins to do what is necessary to protect that new brand, it will be business as usual. RINOS will continue to lead, corruption will remain within state and federal government, taxpayers will continue to bear the cost, and the politicians will maintain their business and government money alliance.

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Money in Politics Michigan’s Biggest Donors Rule

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Bill Would Hand Political Power to Biggest Donors
http://www.freep.com/story/opinion/contributors/2016/11/26/michigan-citizens-united-steroids-bill/93643006/ billionaire-money-politics

Michigan Dead Last in Transparency Ethics
The study, a year-long collaboration between the Center for Public Integrity and Global Integrity, concluded that state government nearly everywhere suffers from “pervasive secrecy, weak oversight and questionable ethics.”

“State governments are plagued by conflicts of interests and cozy relationships between lawmakers and lobbyists, while open-records and ethics laws are often toothless and laced with exemptions,” Read More…….

But what lead to Michigan coming in dead last? According to the study:
A significant factor in Michigan’s 2015 ranking is its lack of effective disclosure rules for officials in nearly all facets of state government. Conflicts of interest and potential public corruption remain buried in an honor system with no honor.

Thanks to loopholes created by the legislature, big spenders representing special interests can dramatically influence an election without leaving a trace.”
https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/11/09/18427/michigan-gets-f-grade-2015-state-integrity-investigation

Michigan Ranked Last in U.S. For Ethics and Transparency Laws
http://wgrd.com/michigan-ranked-last-in-u-s-for-ethics-and-transparency-laws/?trackback=tsmclip

In State Rankings on Ethics and Transparency Michigan Loses
http://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/michigan-ranks-last-in-laws-on-ethics-transparency.html dead-last-in-transparency-ethics-snyder

Door Opens for More Dark Political Money in Michigan
http://www.citizensforethics.org/door-opens-for-more-dark-money-in-michigan/

The New Code of Michigan Campaign Finance Reporting. You Are Going to Know A Whole Lot Less The Next Time You Vote in Michigan!
http://rightmi.com/omerta-the-new-code-of-michigan-campaign-finance-reporting/

Senate Fiscal Agency Analysis of Senate Bill 638
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2015-2016/billanalysis/Senate/pdf/2015-SFA-0638-C.pdf

2015 Senate Bill 638: Revise campaign finance law
http://michiganvotes.org/2015-SB-638
Passed 25 to 13 in the Senate on December 9, 2015
http://michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=719420

 

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FBI Probes Corruption in Snyder’s Education Achievement Authority (EAA)

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A1 FBI COMEY & SNYDER 1 609 X 280The will of the voters at the ballot box has been blatantly and totally disregarded by the Republican controlled legislature and Republican Gov. Rick Snyder. The people said no to the new “government bridge” only to have Snyder do an end around.

The voters rejected the emergency manager referendum at the ballot box only to have the Republican controlled legislature pass legislation that Snyder signed into law for it anyway.

The voters rejected the gas tax increase and vehicle registration fee increase at the ballot box only to have the legislature pass legislation for it with Snyder signing it into law.

When will the citizen’s wake up, you are not being represented in the manner you expect and deserve by these Tyrants in Lansing? If this isn’t Tyranny I don’t know what you call it.

Michigan families are still struggling from the great recession and are barely making ends meet and they keep piling on more taxes, big government and regulations on us that is taking away our Freedoms and Liberty. When is enough… enough?

How anyone can continue to support this insanity is beyond belief. With all the corruption and cronyism perpetrated by those in control in Lansing is unconscionable! This is nothing more than a mini political Mafia operating out of the peoples House in Lansing.

It’s all about the “Friends and Family” Program and the “Business Buddies” Fund of the politicians you have elected to serve you and make no mistake you are NOT being served with your best interest in mind only theirs.

There are enriching themselves through their campaign coffers with the kickbacks that they receive form those two entity’s mentioned above along with the bribes from the lobbyist and special interest warrant the FBI to investigate on the people’s behalf. Bailout DPS Cotter Money Snyder

They will lie, cheat and steal from us citizens all to keep their snouts in that public trough. If you can’t see this you are truly blind to the workings within the political arena.

The emergency manager has been a complete and total failure for many of the communities and school districts they were implemented in and the cronyism and corruption continues unabated with their little scheme.

Follow the timeline of facts as to see the truth in the articles below.

The FBI has launched a corruption investigation involving Gov. Rick Snyder’s K-12 reform district and Detroit Public Schools. The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have sent subpoenas to get personnel files and bank records or email accounts of over a dozen current and former officials at Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s K-12 reform district.

The Education Achievement Authority (EAA) and Detroit Public Schools (DPS) both created by Snyder and they will investigate these corruption allegations. Some have received bribes from contractors as well as “misuse” of taxpayer monies.
October 21 2015
http://www.ibtimes.com/us-doj-fbi-investigate-education-achievement-authority-detroit-public-schools-2149821

Michigan Proposal 1: Voters reject measure, repeal controversial emergency manager law
November 07, 2012
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/11/election_results_michigan_vote.html

Michigan Voters Repeal a Financial Law
NOV. 7, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/08/us/michigan-voters-kill-emergency-managers-for-city-finances.html?_r=0

Michigan House passes new version of emergency manager law repealed by voters
Dec 13, 2012 Lame Duck legislative session
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/12/13/1169517/-Michigan-House-passes-new-version-of-emergency-law-repealed-by-voters

Michigan Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Gas Tax Increase
June, 6, 2015
http://dailycaller.com/2015/05/06/michigan-voters-overwhelmingly-reject-gas-tax-increase/

House passes sweeping roads plan raising gas tax, fees
October 21, 2015
http://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2015/10/21/michigan-roads-repairs-potholes-legislature/74360028/

Snyder signs road bills that hike gas tax, fees
November 10, 2015
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20151110/NEWS01/151109806/snyder-signs-road-bills-that-hike-gas-tax-fees

FBI Probes Corruption in Snyder’s Education Achievement Authority
Gina Balaya, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, declined comment on the case, except to say: “While we cannot comment on this story, in general, we do not prohibit defendants from speaking to the press, and we do not withdraw plea offers to those who do.”
http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2015/10/15/eaa-detroit-schools-targeted-fbi-probe/73995964/

Feds look at EAA emails, Bank Records in Corruption Probe
The FBI and Justice Department subpoenaed personnel files and bank records or email account information for more than a dozen current and former officials at Gov. Rick Snyder’s K-12 Detroit reform district as part of a wide-ranging corruption investigation.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2015/10/20/eaa-records-light-fbi-probe/74297526/

FBI probe of EAA eyes officials and vendors
The EAA is a controversial district created by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2012 to reform Michigan’s lowest-performing schools. It operates 15 schools in Detroit.  With all the cronyism and corruption by Lansing lawmakers this should come as no surprise!
http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2015/10/20/federal-probe-eaa/74297446/

The EAA Exposed: An investigative report
The Education Achievement Authority (EAA) itself would be unique, with all strings leading back to the governor. The legal loophole through which the EAA slipped into being is a little-used state law that allows two units of government, acting in cooperation, to create a third public entity.

It this case, it was Detroit Public Schools (DPS) — under the control of a Snyder-appointed emergency manager — and the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents, the majority of whom are gubernatorial appointees, that entered into what’s called an inter-local agreement that created the EAA.

It is overseen by an 11-person board, with the governor appointing seven members and EMU and the DPS’s emergency manager each selecting two more. And so this became the test of a completely new system of schooling. It turned out to be another kind of test as well.

A test of software, developed by one for-profit corporation and marketed by another. A product named Buzz.
http://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/the-eaa-exposed-an-investigative-report/Content?oid=2249513

Snyder creates “education achievement authority” for failed schools by means of an administrative interlocal agreement.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/eas/EAA_Agreement_373901_7.pdf

What is Michigan’s Education Achievement Authority?
Snyder welcomes Obama’s corporate education model with open arms. I bet you thought common core was the only corrupt scheme that Snyder and the Republican controlled legislature was pushing well think again. 2 EAA failed Bad 321 X 301

Snyder created the “education achievement authority” by means of an administrative “interlocal agreement” isn’t that the same way he created that new Government Bridge? I believe so.
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/02/13/eaas-f13.html

Snyder: $715M to fix Detroit’s schools
Michigan taxpayers provided a “bailout” for Detroit now they get to “bailout it’s schools too. Where does it end and what Michigan city is next? Stay tuned the “comeback” continues!
http://www.freep.com/story/news/2015/10/19/snyder-offers-more-details-detroit-schools-plan/74208674/

Detroit Schools in Financial Chaos
When the city of Detroit received taxpayer funds Snyder said it wasn’t a “bailout” and I wonder what he calls the latest for Detroit schools? Just like the “New Government Bridge” that won’t cost the taxpayers’ one red cent but we have been paying interest on that free Canadian Free Money for years now.

The Republican governor is seeking legislative action by year’s end on his plan to create a new debt-free school district at a cost of $715 million taxpayer money over 10 years. Will the Republican controlled legislature continue to create bigger government and go along with more of Snyder’s liberal socialist plans?

Stay tuned voters the Hillary Clinton mentality of “It Takes a Village” is in full swing here in Michigan under that Dome in Lansing.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2015/10/19/detroit-education-reform/74207124/

Governor Snyder Pitches $715M “Bailout” Plan
Tricky Rick’s crony John Rakolta of the famed new Wayne County Jail fiasco and co-chair of the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren as well as Mitt Romney’s Finance chair in Romney’s “failed” 2008 and 2012 Presidential bid claims the debt load of the Detroit public school district increases by $1 million every school day. John Rakkolta’s wife Terry is the aunt of current MIGOP Ronna Romney.

Not only did Snyder appoint ‘ole John Rakolta to the board of the “failed” MEDC he also appointed his son in keeping with the “Friends and Family” program and the “Business Buddies” fund these crooks are running out of Lansing.
http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/21833

Education Achievement Authority (EAA or Authority) Michigan Governor Rick Snyder created the authority in June 2011 to take over and turn around failing schools. 1 EAA Student Drops Bad 640 X 427

2011 Senate Bill 865: Replace repealed “Emergency Manager” law
To replace the Emergency Manager law passed in 2011 and repealed by a statewide referendum with a new law.

This Bill is a legislative end around of the will of the citizens’ vote. This replacement legislation explicitly gives a school EM authority over academic matters; and contains a modest appropriation that makes it “referendum-proof” which means the citizens cannot petition for a vote at the ballot box! 3 EAA Emergency Manager Law 50 X 371
Public Act 436 of 2012 Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on December 26, 2012.

Passed 63 to 46 in the House on December 12, 2012 Click link below see how they voted.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=634382

Motion by Rep. Jim Stamas (R) on December 12, 2012, to give immediate effect. The motion passed 64 to 45 in the House on December 12, 2012. This motion shows how fast these legislators will reject the people’s voice and their votes at the ballot box.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=634383

Passed 23 to 15 in the Senate on December 13, 2012 Click link below see how they voted.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=634435

Motion in the Senate on December 13, 2012, to give the bill immediate effect. The motion passed 26 to 12 in the Senate on December 13, 2012. This motion shows how fast these legislators will reject the people’s voice and their votes at the ballot box.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=634835

2013 House Bill 4369: Codify “education achievement authority” for failed schools
http://michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=156558

Michigan Emergency Manager Referendum, Proposal 1 (2012)
But just like the road tax proposal is was soundly defeated only to have the Republican controlled legislature do an end around the will of the voters and pas a legislative Bill to bypass the voters.
http://ballotpedia.org/Michigan_Emergency_Manager_Referendum,_Proposal_1_%282012%29

Michigan Sales Tax Increase for Transportation Amendment, Proposal 1 (May 2015)
The voters also soundly rejected this proposal but the Republican controlled legislature is hard at work trying to pass a road tax increase through legislation in which they did.

What is it about those we elect to serve we the people don’t they understand when we speak loud and clear on an issue? The only thing they understand is how they get what “they” want in spite of the will of the people.
http://ballotpedia.org/Michigan_Sales_Tax_Increase_for_Transportation_Amendment,_Proposal_1_%28May_2015%29

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Wes Nakagiri (RetakeOurGov) Press Release “Analysis”

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I just read the press release from January 2015 Wes Nakagiri – RetakeOurGov, “The Michigan Republican Party’s declining loyalty” and found it to be very interesting. I would like to add my take on the last “update” at the bottom of his page (link below) in regard to Bobby Schostak not running for the MIGOP Party chairman position. Colbeck Schostak Shirkey

I have witnessed first hand how the game is played in the political arena and I can assure you Schostak is most likely running the show from behind the scenes! For those that have been involved for years can attest this is common practice within the MIGOP.

As an example, the former chairman of the Monroe County Republican Party (MCRP) will validate exactly what I’m referring to in this regard. While “electing” new chairman is really nothing more than appointing or anointing said chairman.

The (MCRP) for which I was an executive committee member uses this same practice whereas the Party is run by former Senator Randy Richardville’s mother Glenda Kennon behind the scenes “not who sits in the chair seat” and Richardville is a close and personal friend of Bobby Schostak. Randy Richardville & Mother Glenda Kennon

If you connect all the dots going back years you will see several examples of this in those that have been appointed to various political positions within the MIGOP.

John Truscott served as Director of Communications and Press Secretary to Governor John Engler and Engler appointed a political unknown to chair his new government entity the MEDC none other than current Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.

John Truscott was appointed to the Michigan State Capitol Commission in 2014 which on and above other things is in charge of recommending legislative appropriations.

Currently there is a $6.4 million taxpayer funded makeover of the State Capitol underway on and above new office furniture (Snyder’s Cousin George Snyder gets state contract) and a new Senate building which financially benefits another Snyder appointee Ron Boji. Capitol Taxpayer Funded Makeover

Oh the stuff I could share with you would make the hair on your back stand up! The problem I see is many newbie’s to the political arena have no clue nor do they have the ability to connect all the dots!

This report is just a drop in the bucket or a needle in a haystack of cronyism and corruption in state government compared to what “We the People” the citizens of Michigan haven’t found out about and that’s scary, very scary!

We citizens of Michigan are coming out on the very short end of the stick in the representation that we “expect and deserve” from those we elect to “serve” us! History Michigan Capitol Building

Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/r-al-bain/schostak-socialist-party-connection/418320111578958

http://www.truscottrossman.com/john-truscott/

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/04/16/makeover-capitol-dome-begins-lansing/25917621/

http://council.legislature.mi.gov/CouncilAdministrator/LCFA

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/20/1337951/-MI-Gov-More-corruption-in-the-Snyder-admin-26-4MM-in-no-bid-contracts-awarded-to-campaign-donor#

http://retakeourgov.com/index.php/my-item/gop-establishment/14-michigan-republican-party-mid-term-grade.html

http://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2014/10/12/michigan-governor-town-hall-fact-check/17162393/

Snyder appoints unsavory businessmen to Michigan Government
There are many conflicts of interest with Snyder’s appointees! Many have been or are currently under investigation by the Feds.

Ron Boji appointed to state Transportation Commission Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013 LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick 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

Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Ron Boji to the “Michigan Strategic Fund” (MEDC)
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277-57577_57657-292353–,00.html

Who is Ron Boji and the Boji Group? “Most of the dirt on this company and its principals was dug up by impressive investigative reports made by Detroit-area news outlet WXYZ’s Ross Jones and Fox 2 News’ Charlie Le Duff.” See link for “dirt” on Boji below.
http://ludingtoncitizen.ning.com/forum/topics/ron-boji-and-the-boji-group-data-and-deceit?xg_source=activity

All of Snyder’s business buddies from his Ann Arbor SPARK and or his Avalon Investments companies have been appointed positions in the crony MEDC.

Despite projected $454 million budget crunch, Michigan senators push for new offices
Who benefits financially? A Snyder appointee that’s who! Senate Secretary Carol Viventi testified that all the Senators do not have a view of the Capitol….I’m not making this up!
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/despite-454-million-budget-crunch-michigan-senators-push-for-new-offices

On the Boji Group, LLC web site (About Us) it states that the group is a “progressive” real estate development, property management and construction management firm. Mr. Boji was involved with Bob Ficano in an FBI probe.
http://www.bojigroup.com/senate-planning-move-to-new-lansing-offices/

Another Crony Gov. Rick Snyder Appointee Target of FBI Probe
“The Boji Files”t along with the Ron Boji appointments Snyder made in Michigan government.
http://thebainreport.com/another-crony-gov-rick-snyder-appointee-target-of-fbi-probe/

It was Snyder who recruited Michael Finney from Rochester, N.Y., to head Ann Arbor Spark when it was founded in 2005 while Snyder was chairman of the MEDC.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141218/NEWS/141219845/medc-ceo-finney-new-job-as-snyder-adviser-not-a-transitory

Governor John Engler announces Rick Snyder will be the chairman of the new Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
http://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/engler-appoints-board-for-new-michigan-economic-development-corporation/ A Snyder Cronyism

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ALERT: On the “Faux” TeaParty Patriots of Michigan Facebook Group

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My fellow Conservative Facebook Patriots. It seems we have a “fake” Patriot group among our midst! TeaParty Patriots of Michigan Edited

R Al Bain has been given the “boot” from the “Faux” TeaParty Patriots Of Michigan Facebook Group all because they can’t handle the truth. Administrator R George Dunn an avid Mike Huckabee supporter is behind this boot.

The truth of the matter is this group is nothing more than a Mike Huckabee supporter group and anyone who speaks against their beloved “Huckster” will be booted from this fake Patriot group!

This group should be renamed for what it really is a Huckabee supporter group for it surly is NOT a Patriot group!

Some months back another administrator Julie Grace Forster another ardent Mike Huckabee supporter did the same thing to R Al Bain because he didn’t support her candidate.

After several group members asked why I was removed from this group the above administrator stated: I just decided R Al Bain “needed a little time out.” This goes right along with the same mentality of the other establishment supporters.

It was only after this blow back by other members and questioning of this removal by many of the other true Patriot members of this group did one of the administrators re-add R Al Bain back into the group.

Is this a form of censorship? Is this along the lines of Nazism? Is this along the lines of Socialist and Communist? You make the call.

A comment posted on a thread in this group by Julie Grace Foster reads like this:

Julie Grace Foster – You repeat lies like Saul Alinsky expecting people to eventually believe them. That comment was directed at another member who doesn’t support her candidate.

I guess the truth backed up with facts and links are lies! Jed Clampet Tarnation 250 X 235

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

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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/

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Detroit News Report falls short on Michigan’s Road Fund Money Allocation Problem

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Michigan ranks dead last in the nation when it comes to its per capita spending on its roads and bridges, according to a report citing U.S. Census Bureau data. Is it because Michiganders don’t pay a high enough gas tax, or have our legislators been re-directing our road tax dollars elsewhere?

Michigan has the 5th highest Gasoline Tax in the nation, only Democrat controlled CA, NY, HI, CT are higher! Michigan’s gas excise tax is 19 cents per gallon. Michigan also collects sales taxes and an environmental regulation tax for a whopping grand total of 39.4 cents per gallon.

Michigan legislators have been stealing, robbing and shifting “our” road fund monies for years! Now that the kitty is bone dry they have the gull to suggest “we taxpayers” pony up by accepting a gas tax and vehicle registration fee increases.  Article continues below the picture.

Gas Tax Hike Snyder

Michigan legislative Transportation and Infrastructure committee chairs Wayne Schmidt (R) House and Tom Casperson (R) Senate would serve their constituents and all Michigan motorist well by pushing legislation that would outlaw any further diversions of Gasoline Tax monies from roads, bridges and infrastructure. Unfortunately these two seem more concerned about “Horse Trading” with politically well connected real estate developers.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140213/METRO05/302130103/Michigan-ranks-last-per-capita-spending-roads-bridges

There is a clear pattern of history here of transferring  “stealing” our road tax dollars for other unspecified state spending projects by our elected officials. And our legislators have the gull to propose new taxes on the citizens of Michigan as to repair our roads! Just say no to any new road taxes!

Republican Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville gave a legislative update to the Monroe Chamber of Commerce on Friday, January 10 2014. When he was through giving this update he opened up the floor for questions.

The very first question asked from a chamber member was, there is a lot of talk about a gas tax increase and vehicle registration fee increases coming out of Lansing will we be seeing this in 2014.

Mr. Richardville responded that we will see some sort of “re-alignment” in the gas tax structure but not until after the 2014 elections! Hmmm…I would say that is code word for “yes” we will see a gas tax and vehicle registration fee increase and you can take that to the banksters who donate to their campaign coffers!

2003 “Forgive” Mackinac Bridge Authority Taxpayer Loan

At a time when the state is struggling to repair its crumbling roads, this bill and the others in the Mackinac Bridge bill package would take more than $5 million away from repairing Michigan’s roads and bridges. Further, the bills in this package would forgive a combined debt of over $65 million owed to the state (we the taxpayers) in restricted funds that are used to fix our roads.”

Fast forward to 2014 and guess what Michigan taxpayers “the chickens have come home to roost” and you Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayers of Michigan are now on the hook for fixing this problem perpetrated on the taxpayers of Michigan by the very “thieves” we have elected to serve us!

2003 House Bill 4627 Introduced by Rep. Tom Casperson (R) on May 6, 2003, to forgive state loans to the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/2003-HB-4627

Fiscal Analysis – MACKINAC BRIDGE AUTHORITY LEGISLATION
HB 4627 (H-1) would amend Section 7 of 1952 PA 214 (the Mackinac Bridge Authority’s authorizing statute) the bill would forgive certain “advances” made to the Mackinac Bridge Authority in the Motor Fuel Tax Act – effectively from the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF).

Tom Casperson 38th district

As of September 30, 2002, there remained an unpaid balance of $53.2 million associated with this advance. Subsection 5 of the bill indicates that this advance is repaid or forgiven effective March 1, 2003.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2003-2004/billanalysis/House/pdf/2003-HFA-0464-x3.pdf

A very small legislative sampling of how our road tax money is shifted below and there are many others.

Transfer road tax money to other purposes (Senate Roll Call 539) All Senate Republicans voted in favor to reduce the amount of infrastructure project spending from the transportation economic development fund by $12 million in the Fiscal Year that ends Sept. 30, 2009, and another $12 million in the next fiscal year. House Bill 5073 diverts this money to other state spending that was Signed into law by then Gov. Jennifer Granholm on November 3, 2009.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=423745

Transfer road tax money to other purposes (Senate Roll Call 404) All Senate Republicans but one voted in favor to transfer $5.7 million from the state “Comprehensive Transportation Fund” (from which subsidies to public transportation systems are paid), and use the money instead to avoid reductions in non-transportation state spending in the 2009-2010 fiscal year. See also House Bill 5679 (which transfers money from another source into the CTF). This one was Signed into law by then Gov. Jennifer Granholm on September 17, 2010. 
http://michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=505897

2011 Senate Bill 411: Create “DRIC/NITC” bridge authority Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R) on June 7, 2011, to “revise” the state road tax “allocation” law to “accommodate” the authority proposed by Senate Bill 410 to build a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor (the “Detroit River International Crossing” or “New International Trade Crossing,” a.k.a. “DRIC” or “NITC”). This would essentially take road fund monies away from our roads and transfer those monies to this new government authority! AKA, BIGGER GOVERNMENT!
http://michiganvotes.org/2011-SB-411

All About Michigan’s Road Funding and the Recently Proposed “Gas Tax” Increase
http://bainreport.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/all-about-michigans-road-funding-and-the-recently-proposed-gas-tax-increase/

Michigan Road Tax Investigation: Snyder, State Legislators Ignoring State Law and Continue to “Gouge” Michigan Motorists on Gas Taxes
http://bainreport.wordpress.com/2013/09/26/michigan-road-tax-investigation-snyder-state-legislators-ignoring-state-law-and-continue-to-gouge-michigan-motorists-on-gas-taxes/

Detroit News Road Report

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Michigan’s False “Comeback” Offer Taxpayer Funded “Bribes” to Businesses

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So you think we have “principled” Republican control in Lansing? Think again! Michigan ranks 38 out of 50 states in per-capita income, 42nd in business climate. Michigan had the fifth highest per-capita income in America in 1953. So what has our politicians done to reverse this trend? They do what any crony capitalist would do they offer “bribes” to these companies with taxpayer dollars to stay in the state.

Kurt Darrow, CEO of La-Z-Boy said La-Z-Boy never found a reason compelling enough to uproot its employees and leave Michigan but if Michigan through the “failed” MEDC didn’t pony up the dough to help build it’s new headquarters they would move elsewhere! Ohio was actively pursuing them to relocate to their state with subsidies.

Dan Swallow, director of economic and community development for Monroe, said the two grants and the tax abatement were paramount to keeping La-Z-Boy fully committing to staying in Monroe. The company had stated it would remain in Monroe if everything could be worked out, but if it couldn’t, it might be forced to go to another county or state.
http://www.toledoblade.com/Retail/2012/12/21/La-Z-Boy-a-big-step-closer-to-new-headquarters-Michigan-OKs-3-7M-aid-for-50M-project.html

The company’s third-quarter profit soars! Michigan-based La-Z-Boy said Tuesday its operating income was up 37 percent in the fiscal 2013 third quarter, to $23.3 million, compared with $17 million in the same quarter of 2012. The company ended the quarter with $112 million in cash and equivalents.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/la-z-boy-reports-fiscal-2013-third-quarter-results-191882971.html

Note: Republican Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville is a former employee of La-Z-Boy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Richardville

(Continue reading below the picture)Bribes

The Snyder re-election campaign starts with 6 stops around Michigan. Snyder’s campaign says the Monday stops are at James Group International in Detroit, Two Men and a Truck in Lansing and at Downtown Market in Grand Rapids. Two Men and a Truck recently received taxpayer funded subsidies to expand it’s business through the “failed” MEDC to expand its corporate headquarters in Lansing.

Because of the “failed” MEDC and it’s non-transparent policies there’s no telling how much of “our” tax dollars are being funneled to these businesses here in Michigan. One thing is certain and that’s the fact that “we taxpayers” are being taken for one hell of ride in this “scam”.

The cronyism and theft of “our” tax dollars continues with the “Friends and Family Program” along with the Republicans “Buddy Fund” administered by our elected officials in Lansing. Snyder recently appointed John Rakolta, CEO of Detroit-based construction firm Walbridge and partner of the “failed” Raleigh Film Studio in Pontiac to the board of the MEDC. Oh and by the way we taxpayers are now on the hook for that studios failed bond payments. Can you say “conflict” of interest?

Michigan Republican Party chairman Bobby Schostak is also receiving not just federal subsidies for his new skyscraper high raise office building in Detroit but is seeking state subsidies as well through the MEDC. If you remember Mr. Schostak got his legislative buddies in Lansing to pass “a mortgage bill for one” as to “bailout” his brother who he is partners with in Schostak Brothers & Company, Inc. that saved them from paying a $2.4 million judgement of a foreclosure in their Cherry Land Mall in Traverse City Michigan.
http://www.freep.com/article/20120331/NEWS15/203310415/

Note: Meridian Health Plan is expected to be the sole office tenant in the taxpayer funded Schostak office building in Detroit. Governor Snyder appointed Meridian to administer the new Medicaid (SnyderCaid) expansion/ObamaCare.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20130918/NEWS/130919855/meridian-health-plan-expected-to-move-into-16-story-detroit-building

When will the citizens and voters of Michigan wake up to the fact that it’s not just the Democrats that is the problem it’s this kind of Republican control as well. While I am appalled at the liberal progressive socialist policies of the Democrats I am equally appalled at the these same types of policies that we are seeing from the so-called Republicans we now have in Lansing.

Other Sources:
http://www.freep.com/article/20120401/COL04/204010479/Brian-Dickerson-In-Lansing-a-mortgage-bill-tailored-for-one

http://www.freep.com/article/20131030/COL06/310300170/Tom-Walsh-La-Z-Boy-Meijer-John-Engler

http://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/governor-joins-in-celebration-of-two-men-and-a-truck-expansion/

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130220/BIZ/302200331

https://www.mackinac.org/features/search/?text=film&site=MCC&count=100

http://michiganfilmcreditsecrets.blogspot.com/

Public Employee Pension Systems Raided To Pay Film Studio Bills – Michigan teachers and state employee systems paid $1.68 million so far for Pontiac studio
http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/18384

Michigan-Subsidized Film Studio Fails; State Pension Fund Had to Guarantee Missed Loan Payments
http://taxfoundation.org/blog/michigan-subsidized-film-studio-fails-state-pension-fund-had-guaranteed-loan

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