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

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

Analysis of 12 Dissenting Republicans on Tax Cuts

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.

Trumped: Analysis 2017 MIGOP Convention

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.

Money in Politics Michigan’s Biggest Donors Rule

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

 

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

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