Three Letters to the Editor worth publishing here
There is no reason for state takeover of BH
Editor,
Receivership of Benton Harbor isn't necessary. Forbes magazine listed Plante Moran in the top 10 in the country as one of the best companies in the country in dealing with financial crises. Plante Moran said Benton Harbor is capable of solving its own problems and Jackie Bell is capable of performing her duties adequately. Now, who do you believe, Plante Moran or three city commissioners? Also, ex-City Manager Steve Manning stated that he, along with Plante Moran, solved the city's financial crisis without any assistance from outside sources.
Let's look at the big picture. The United States is in a depression and in receivership to China. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, Detroit and Flint are broke. Michigan's retirement fund is millions in the red and Michigan is in receivership to Washington, D.C.
Now, I have no problem with accepting help from Lansing. Come on down and pull up a chair and let's hear what you got. But please don't send a member of the current administrative team of Gov. Jennifer Granholm, because they can't handle their own problems.
Benton Harbor's problem are no different than many other cities in the country. It has nothing to be ashamed of. Two years ago I expected sincerity and civility in our governing body. We didn't get it. Let's work with City Manager Ronald Carter Jr., Mayor Wilce Cooke and the new leadership. Together we can solve this crisis.
George Moon, Benton Harbor
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/03/18/opinion/letters/1282097.txt
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Cotter is too quick to throw the book at children
Editor,
Berrien County Prosecutor Art Cotter thinks he is Inspector Clouseau, Dr. Freud and Grand Inquisitor Torquemada all rolled into one. It seems the only job he isn't doing is the one he is being paid to do by the taxpayers.
Cotter is usually at the scene of a crime even before a warrant has been issued by the sheriff, which is the normal procedure. Recently, Cotter has decided to charge a 14-year-old boy as an adult for killing his grandfather, a decision he made within one day of the tragedy without the benefit of a psychiatric examination or, presumably, even a thorough investigation. If convicted, the boy could be sentenced to life without possibility of parole. Hopefully, an evaluation will take place before it is too late, and Cotter should have his head examined at the same time.
Cotter also has now taken it upon himself to usurp the roles of the Michigan Parole and Commutations Board, the Department of Corrections and the governor's office. When a prisoner is considered for parole or commutation, a prosecutor may weigh in on the matter by sending a letter of objection or approval. Instead, Cotter has decided to lead a crusade opposing the governor's early release program, even where it applies to juveniles convicted as adults.
Last year Cotter and his second in command, Mike Sepic, took the unprecedented step of personally attending the commutation hearing for Efren Paredes Jr., who was prosecuted at the age of 15 by Sepic in 1989 for armed robbery and murder on weak circumstantial evidence and the word of criminals who were given leniency in exchange for their testimony. Efren was sentenced to three life terms, two without possibility of parole. He has always maintained his complete innocence. The sheriff and virtually every police chief in the county were there at Cotter's bidding. They put on quite a show, again at the taxpayers' expense. Cotter even recited the lyrics to a popular rap song found in Efren's school locker to demonstrate his state of mind at the time. Sorry, but rap artist is one job Cotter can forget about.
Now Cotter and Sepic are engaged in an extensive propaganda campaign against Efren and others who are being considered for parole or commutation. I have retrieved hundreds of their anti-Efren letters and e-mails through the Freedom of Information Act. Cotter personally told me that he spent three days blacking out names and whole paragraphs he did not want me to see. Guess who paid for his time?
The consequences to the community of prosecutorial irresponsibility are too serious to ignore. Cotter knows he is virtually unaccountable. He recently said to me that he's "giving the voters what they want." I hope no one wants someone who would condemn a child, especially without having all the facts.
Scott Elliott, Benton Harbor
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/03/20/opinion/letters/1282452.txt
Editor,
Berrien County Prosecutor Art Cotter thinks he is Inspector Clouseau, Dr. Freud and Grand Inquisitor Torquemada all rolled into one. It seems the only job he isn't doing is the one he is being paid to do by the taxpayers.
Cotter is usually at the scene of a crime even before a warrant has been issued by the sheriff, which is the normal procedure. Recently, Cotter has decided to charge a 14-year-old boy as an adult for killing his grandfather, a decision he made within one day of the tragedy without the benefit of a psychiatric examination or, presumably, even a thorough investigation. If convicted, the boy could be sentenced to life without possibility of parole. Hopefully, an evaluation will take place before it is too late, and Cotter should have his head examined at the same time.
Cotter also has now taken it upon himself to usurp the roles of the Michigan Parole and Commutations Board, the Department of Corrections and the governor's office. When a prisoner is considered for parole or commutation, a prosecutor may weigh in on the matter by sending a letter of objection or approval. Instead, Cotter has decided to lead a crusade opposing the governor's early release program, even where it applies to juveniles convicted as adults.
Last year Cotter and his second in command, Mike Sepic, took the unprecedented step of personally attending the commutation hearing for Efren Paredes Jr., who was prosecuted at the age of 15 by Sepic in 1989 for armed robbery and murder on weak circumstantial evidence and the word of criminals who were given leniency in exchange for their testimony. Efren was sentenced to three life terms, two without possibility of parole. He has always maintained his complete innocence. The sheriff and virtually every police chief in the county were there at Cotter's bidding. They put on quite a show, again at the taxpayers' expense. Cotter even recited the lyrics to a popular rap song found in Efren's school locker to demonstrate his state of mind at the time. Sorry, but rap artist is one job Cotter can forget about.
Now Cotter and Sepic are engaged in an extensive propaganda campaign against Efren and others who are being considered for parole or commutation. I have retrieved hundreds of their anti-Efren letters and e-mails through the Freedom of Information Act. Cotter personally told me that he spent three days blacking out names and whole paragraphs he did not want me to see. Guess who paid for his time?
The consequences to the community of prosecutorial irresponsibility are too serious to ignore. Cotter knows he is virtually unaccountable. He recently said to me that he's "giving the voters what they want." I hope no one wants someone who would condemn a child, especially without having all the facts.
Scott Elliott, Benton Harbor
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/03/20/opinion/letters/1282452.txt
Appeals Court rooted in 21st century greed
Editor,
This is regarding the decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals about Jean Klock Park. Judges Richard Bandstra, Jane Mankey and Deborah Servitto stated: "The deed doesn't define 'park purpose' or 'public purpose.'"
They further stated: "Had the drafters of the deed intended that the park be used in its passive natural state, they could have placed such restrictions on the deed."
Had, 90 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Klock envisioned that the 21st century would become a society of greed and corruption in government and business, they surely would have been far more explicit regarding their deed.
If the courts had upheld the consent judgment of Jan. 27, 2004, these court appeals would be moot.
These judgments should have been deliberated on the mores of the Klock's era, an era when deals - even million dollar transactions - were done on a handshake, an era when a man's word was his bond and worth. It should not be judged on today's immoral mentality.
How can a judge misinterpret the spoken words by Mr. Klock to "see to it that the park is the children's." (How many children have you seen playing golf at $150 per round?)
Perhaps these judges can enlighten us as to how a man of virtue, honor and good character could foresee that 90 years in the future the majority of those in government and business would be sadly devoid of those assets. How could he, at that time, foretell that in the year 2004 the city of Benton Harbor would give his away for a few more "free" dollars. (When I say "give away" I am talking about the whole park - beach and all - when it is all said and done.) He certainly would have been more exact in the wording of the deed.
In closing, I will repeat what I wrote in a previous letter: Berrien County courts are not about justice, but deep pockets. On that note, good luck to the Benton Harbor Fruit Market, because it is up against the same deep pockets that stole "the children's park."
Shirley Stinson, Benton Harbor
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/03/22/opinion/letters/1285083.txt
Editor,
This is regarding the decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals about Jean Klock Park. Judges Richard Bandstra, Jane Mankey and Deborah Servitto stated: "The deed doesn't define 'park purpose' or 'public purpose.'"
They further stated: "Had the drafters of the deed intended that the park be used in its passive natural state, they could have placed such restrictions on the deed."
Had, 90 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Klock envisioned that the 21st century would become a society of greed and corruption in government and business, they surely would have been far more explicit regarding their deed.
If the courts had upheld the consent judgment of Jan. 27, 2004, these court appeals would be moot.
These judgments should have been deliberated on the mores of the Klock's era, an era when deals - even million dollar transactions - were done on a handshake, an era when a man's word was his bond and worth. It should not be judged on today's immoral mentality.
How can a judge misinterpret the spoken words by Mr. Klock to "see to it that the park is the children's." (How many children have you seen playing golf at $150 per round?)
Perhaps these judges can enlighten us as to how a man of virtue, honor and good character could foresee that 90 years in the future the majority of those in government and business would be sadly devoid of those assets. How could he, at that time, foretell that in the year 2004 the city of Benton Harbor would give his away for a few more "free" dollars. (When I say "give away" I am talking about the whole park - beach and all - when it is all said and done.) He certainly would have been more exact in the wording of the deed.
In closing, I will repeat what I wrote in a previous letter: Berrien County courts are not about justice, but deep pockets. On that note, good luck to the Benton Harbor Fruit Market, because it is up against the same deep pockets that stole "the children's park."
Shirley Stinson, Benton Harbor
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/03/22/opinion/letters/1285083.txt
Friday, March 26, 2010
Opponents of park privatization appeal to state Supreme Court
By Eartha Jane Melzer 3/25/10
Benton Harbor residents that oppose the transformation of the city’s lakefront park into a private golf course are appealing a recent Court of Appeals ruling that OK’d the golf development.
The Friends of Jean Klock Park warn that if the ruling is allowed to stand it will clear the way for further corporate takeovers of public land. The group said:
“We feel more strongly than ever that the Trial Court and Court of Appeals erred in their decisions and we are deeply concerned about the dangerous precedent that has been set. The decision of the Appeals Court will most certainly clear a path for corporations and government to take dedicated public park land and use it for private commercial purposes. People who make a gift, who leave a legacy like the Klocks, should know that their legacy will be protected in the future. Unless the Michigan Supreme Court reverses the lower court’s decision, “those who do not own a foot of ground…have no piano or phonograph”, as John Klock promised at the dedication ceremony, are the biggest losers, because the park is no longer theirs.”
Jean Klock Park was donated to Benton Harbor in 1917. In 2006 the city agreed to lease 22 acres at the center of Jean Klock park to developers for 105 years. The city was given contaminated former industrial parcels in trade for the park’s lakeside dunes.
http://michiganmessenger.com/36141/opponents-of-park-privatization-appeal-to-state-supreme-court
By Eartha Jane Melzer 3/25/10
Benton Harbor residents that oppose the transformation of the city’s lakefront park into a private golf course are appealing a recent Court of Appeals ruling that OK’d the golf development.
The Friends of Jean Klock Park warn that if the ruling is allowed to stand it will clear the way for further corporate takeovers of public land. The group said:
“We feel more strongly than ever that the Trial Court and Court of Appeals erred in their decisions and we are deeply concerned about the dangerous precedent that has been set. The decision of the Appeals Court will most certainly clear a path for corporations and government to take dedicated public park land and use it for private commercial purposes. People who make a gift, who leave a legacy like the Klocks, should know that their legacy will be protected in the future. Unless the Michigan Supreme Court reverses the lower court’s decision, “those who do not own a foot of ground…have no piano or phonograph”, as John Klock promised at the dedication ceremony, are the biggest losers, because the park is no longer theirs.”
Jean Klock Park was donated to Benton Harbor in 1917. In 2006 the city agreed to lease 22 acres at the center of Jean Klock park to developers for 105 years. The city was given contaminated former industrial parcels in trade for the park’s lakeside dunes.
http://michiganmessenger.com/36141/opponents-of-park-privatization-appeal-to-state-supreme-court
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
What State Takeovers Mean For Our Communities
By Marian Kramer
“In Highland Park, Michigan, the state takeover of our city meant taking away the vote for folks to elect their city officials. It meant the selling off of all of our different assets without the people’s consent, without the vote of the people. It meant the City Council no longer had a decision making role. All decisions were in the hands of the dictatorship of the ‘appointed’ Financial Manager. The Financial Manager only adhered to the Governor and whatever board the Governor set up. It meant there were a bunch of layoffs. We operated with a bare minimal. They contracted out a lot of the work. We only had one or two inspectors for the whole city. They said we were broke, but millions of dollars went out to private contractors. They shut down the only public library in the city. They tried to privatize the water but we won that back. They were going to privatize the management of the water with 80% of profits going to the management company and 20% to the city of Highland Park. It meant that the citizens of Highland Park would be responsible for any financial needs for fixing equipment, etc., not the management, although they were making 80% of the profits. The whole process shows that government and the corporations work hand in hand today and the form of rule in America is not democracy for the people.”
Marian Kramer is co-chair of the National Welfare Rights Organization
http://www.peoplestribune.org/PT.2010.03/PT.2010.03.12.html#twohttp://www.peoplestribune.org/PT.2010.03/PT.2010.03.12.html#two
By Marian Kramer
“In Highland Park, Michigan, the state takeover of our city meant taking away the vote for folks to elect their city officials. It meant the selling off of all of our different assets without the people’s consent, without the vote of the people. It meant the City Council no longer had a decision making role. All decisions were in the hands of the dictatorship of the ‘appointed’ Financial Manager. The Financial Manager only adhered to the Governor and whatever board the Governor set up. It meant there were a bunch of layoffs. We operated with a bare minimal. They contracted out a lot of the work. We only had one or two inspectors for the whole city. They said we were broke, but millions of dollars went out to private contractors. They shut down the only public library in the city. They tried to privatize the water but we won that back. They were going to privatize the management of the water with 80% of profits going to the management company and 20% to the city of Highland Park. It meant that the citizens of Highland Park would be responsible for any financial needs for fixing equipment, etc., not the management, although they were making 80% of the profits. The whole process shows that government and the corporations work hand in hand today and the form of rule in America is not democracy for the people.”
Marian Kramer is co-chair of the National Welfare Rights Organization
http://www.peoplestribune.org/PT.2010.03/PT.2010.03.12.html#twohttp://www.peoplestribune.org/PT.2010.03/PT.2010.03.12.html#two
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