Skyrocketing Insurance rates Democrats speak out in Flint.

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
12/01/09
By Terry Bankert
A Flint Divorce Lawyer sharing his opinion!

GIVE US A BREAK, THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IS RIPPING US OFF.

Genesee Democrats Spoke out today.

DID YOU KNOW,Michigan drivers pay the second-highest annual average premiums in the country, even though Michigan has the safest drivers and highest seat belt use in the nation[3]
How did that happen? Why have we let the insurance industry drive up the cost of driving?

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN TO ...NOW!

Open your front door, call a State Representative or State Senator, wait for the point where you can leave a message , take a deep breath and scream,( OR JUST TALK LOUD)

You say,"It's time to put teeth back in consumer protections by giving the insurance commissioner the power to stop exorbitant rate increases and (hold) insurance companies accountable."

Then another breath and scream again '"Iam mad as hell and we are not going to take it anymore." leave your name and number, ask them to call you. Let us know if they do.


SKYROCKETING AUTO INSURANCE , see the parking lot press conference in Flint MI!

THUMBNAIL
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157622782606005/
　
SLIDESHOW
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157622782606005/show/

State Representative Woodrow Stanley(D Flint) and Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) were joined today ,11/30/09,in Flint Michigan across the street from the Genesee County Court House that was emptied of the public and filled with bomb sniffing dogs during a real bomb scare.

They talked about the proposals in Lansing designed to help you save money and get treated right by the Auto Insurance Industry.

The Democrats' plan includes:

Strengthening the Michigan Insurance Commissioner's role by broadening the office's power to deny excessive rate increases and order refunds for consumers who are charged excessively high rates.

Requiring the Insurance Commissioner's approval before rate increases take effect.

Prohibiting rate increases on good drivers who are not at fault in accidents.

Making it illegal for insurance companies to use subjective factors such as a driver's occupation, education level or credit history to deny coverage or set rates.Prohibiting insurance companies from selling consumers' personal information without their consent.Prohibiting Insurance

Commissioners from going to work for an insurance company within two years of leaving office; andCreating a low-cost insurance pilot program for qualifying low-income residents with good driving records.
seehttp://www.senate.mi.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1480

THE CITIZENS BATTLE THE INDUSTRY AND THE HOUSE BATTLES THE SENATE

Most of the proposals have been discussed by Democrats before but some are in legislation for the first time.The legislation likely would be opposed in the Republican-led Senate if it passes the Democrat-controlled House.[4]

BUT NOT EVERYBODY AGREES WITH THEM..guess who!

A group of Michigan insurance companies responded today to proposed auto insurance reforms from House Democrats, calling them a political "scheme." [2] You know, the same insurace predators that have been ripping us off. They look like a monopoly, sqwauk like a monopoly and must be regulated like a monopoly or the will take us, hurt like an unregulated wall street recently did.

Michigan's auto insurance industry swiftly rebuffed a 10-bill reform package unveiled by House Democrats this morning that would turn authority for setting rates over to a state official. [3] Battle lines are being drawn, this cabal is the real enemy.

They, Stanley, Gonzales and Cherry, were joined by Michigan Insurance Consumer Advocate Melvin Butch Hollowell and State Senator Deb Cherry (D-Burton) to announce sweeping consumer protections that will force the automobile insurance industry to be more accountable and transparent.

Why because this ruthless industry historically has an unfair pricing structure.


But the Michigan Insurance Coalition called the package a political "flash-in-the-pan."
“This state cannot afford the political solutions to economic issues that the Democrat leadership continues to offer,” said Tom Shields, spokesperson for the Michigan Insurance Coalition. “Every piece of insurance legislation they have proposed over the past year would cost consumers more, create a bonanza for trial lawyers or provide a climate in Michigan that will drive insurance companies and their jobs to other states.” [2]

If enacted an insuance commission will have the final say on rate increases.

STANLEY SAID," Too many Michigan residents are struggling to make ends meet, yet they are forcede to pay some of the highest rates in the nation."

GONZALES SAID, the auto insurance industry is given preferental treatment in Michigan and they continue to fuel power and profites by taking advantage of our concumers.

CHERRY SAID, "Allowing Insurance companies to increase rates without penalty will only continue to hurt Michigan families who need insurance coverage but cannot afford these extortionate rates"

Additional Senator Gleason and Cherry comments are on the ABOVE linked video.

see http://www.stopunfairinsurance.com/

Rate hikes by auto insurers in 15 other states are subject to approval by state officials -- and rates are about 20 percent lower in those states than in Michigan. [3]

"States that have that kind of oversight get better rates for consumers," ...
"If you're deserving of a rate hike, you should at least have to prove it. You don't have to do that (in Michigan) today -- you just file your rates and use them immediately." [3]

Insurance executives say they're not sure Hollowell's numbers add up, although some say they're willing to test the idea. They say the real reason rates are so high in Michigan is it's the only state that has no limits on paying medical bills for injured motorists.[5]

Posted here by
Terry Bankert
http://www.flintfamilylaw.com/

[2]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/11/auto_insurance_companies_say_p.html

[3]
http://www.detnews.com/article/20091130/BIZ/911300392/1361/Industry-balks-at-bills-aimed-at-auto-insurance-reform

[4]
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iWC48gDNuQQD1cnN2m6Wa5f4weQgD9CA4FE85

[5]
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/michigan/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1583402/Michigan.News/Putting.The.Brakes.On.Auto.Insurance.Rates.

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What a holiday, family, friends and a long weekend.

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FLINT COUNCILPERSON DELICO LOYD JR. THROWS FREEMAN UNDER THE BUS AND NOW SUPPORTS OMBUDSMAN!

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/24/09
By Terry Bankert, a Flint Divorce Lawyer sharing his opinion.
The link to this article is
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/2009/11/lloyd-throws-freeman-under-bus-and.html

FLINT COMMUNITY RISES WITH RISON TO SUPPORT OMBUDSMAN

During the the last city council race at one of the community forums current city council president Delrico Lloyd called for elimination of the Flint Ombudsman’s office. Several other candidates in other races raised the same voice. [I was present at this forum 10/15/09 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Councilperson Loyd voiced his support for elimination of the office. It so amazed me I remember verifying this with another person. This addition is written 1/31/2010. At a special Council meeting yesterday Loyd challenged me on this issue. I guess the issue is becoming hot for him. I stand by my statements here. The meeting was taped but not aired because of a citizens medical emergency that night.]

Slideshow video of meeting to

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157623324278896/show/



NO EASY POLITICAL POINTS TO BE MADE HERE JUST AN ANGRY COMMUNITY.

They thought it would win them political points. I was at several of those forums and saw this thread of an argument developing.

Here is my take.

9th Ward Council person Scott Kincaid has been historically against the office.

Terry Hanson of the Genesee County Landlords Association has been historically against the office.

Loyd has told some of his special relationship with the landlord association.

Defeated councilperson Gonzales spoke out often against the office.

Josh Freemaan wants to make a name for himself with police and fire and was more than willing to carry water for Loyd, Kincaide and Terry Hanson.

That is until the community SPOKE OUT.

The community came forward in the person of that most loved and respected former State Representative Vera Rison.

My guess is Loyd got a talking to and has reversed his opinion, Kincaid will duck back into shadows and Freemaan will be thrown under the bus.

Gonzales will remain defeated.

Stay tuned.

CITIZENS HAVE VOTED TO SUPPORT THE OMBUDSMAN 3 TIMES

Faced with losing more than $2 million in state aid, the city of Flint has begun looking at ways to cut costs. [1] A group of residents turned out tonight in support of the city ombudsman position following talk of eliminating the office.[2]

OMBUDSMAN IS NOT A SIMPLE LINE ITEM, ITS AS IMPORTANT IN THE CHARTER AS THE MAYOR AND THE COUNCIL

One of the latest options being thrown out on the table by a council member: Doing away with the ombudsman's office. [1]

THE OFFICE HAS 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

The ombudsman is an advocate for city residents. Monday night, the tables were turned as residents came out in support of the office.[1]

RISON DEMANDS THE COUNCIL DO THE RIGHT THING AND SUPPORT THE OFFICE.

"I want to know that you're going to stand for an office that speaks for the people," said Former State Rep. Vera Rison.[1] The comments at the Flint City Council meeting come less than a week after The Flint Journal ,on council members discussing abolishing the office to save money in the face of impending budget cuts.[2]

(see) http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/11/voters_could_weigh_in_on_elimi.html

WE HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP THE GOOD THINGS IN THIS COMMUNITY

Rison voiced her concern at the Flint City Council meeting after hearing the ombudsman's office could be cut during the upcoming budget process.[1] "Why would you take a voice that will stand up in the gap for a human being when he's been mistreated and misused?" she said.[1] The office was opened more than 30 years ago to investigate complaints within City hall. It's one of two in the state, and Brenda Purifoy is currently in charge.[1]

WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS ON THE EAST SIDE WHY WOULD ITS COUNCIL PERSON ADVOCAT ELIMINATING A SERVICE THAT HELPS HIS WARD SO DIRECTLY

Councilman Josh Freeman sees a savings in the office, especially with the city in line to lost about $2.7 million in state money.[1]

LOYD HAS GOT IT RIGHT…FOR NOW…KEEP AN EYE ON HIM

City Council President Delrico Loyd wants to look elsewhere before coming down on the office.[1] No decisions where made because the issue will be formally discussed at the committee meeting Dec. 9.[1]

Former Rep. Vera Rison, D-Flint, said the office gives a voice to people who have complaints about city services or departments. She said some voters, who reaffirmed the office in 2006 in a citywide vote, don't want the position to be axed.[2]

GOOD JOB VERA RISON, THANK YOU!

Posted here 11/24/09by Terry Bankert
http://www.flintfamilylaw.com/
[1]
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=7134363
[2] http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/11/residents_turn_out_in_support.html flinttalk post
http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=49284#49284

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We must have an Urban Violence Plan?

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/23/2009
By, Terry Bankert. Opinions of a Flint Divorce Lawyer.

WHAT IS OUR PLAN TO SLOW AND REVERSE FLINTS INCREASING URBAN VIOLENCE.

Here I am contributing to the discussion with a morphed article fully cited for your review. What Actions can we take today, tomorrow, next budget year to stem Urban Violence in Flint? Your thoughts!

TO SOLVE VIOLENCE IN FLINT GIVE MORE MONEY TO POLICE AND LOCK EM UP? …..NO THIS DOES NOT WORK! THEN WHAT?

FROM: Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina
In recent years, sharp declines in violent crime rates have been recorded across major American cities. During this time period, many police departments have shifted from a traditional reactive form of policing to a community-oriented approach. It is unclear whether these changes have any causal relationship with the control or reduction in violent crime. To examine this issue, this study used the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics survey, the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports, and city-level census data to examine the economic and political determinants of robbery and homicide rates in 164 American cities. [5]

Findings indicate that community policing had little effect on the control or the decline in violent crime. [5]

Proactive policing strategies related to arrest had an inverse effect on violent crime measures and were related to reductions in violent crime over time. Implications of these findings for criminal justice policy are discussed. [5]
　
HOW MANY MORE MUST DIE WHILE WE SIT STILL

Young men shoot and kill each other by the scores in our region each year, and most of us assume there's not much that society can do to stop it. [1]

ONE OLDER GROUP HAS A PLAN AND SOME SUCCESS.

The mission of the Alliance of Concerned Men (ACM) is to teach independence and positive life skills to children, youth, and adults who live in high-crime neighborhoods in the District, especially east of the Anacostia River.[4]

　
TOOLS FOR CHANGE ARE AVAILABLE

It isn't true. Police, social workers and academic researchers have identified tools and policies that have been shown to reduce urban violence, such as brokering truces among rival gangs or other neighborhood groups. [1]

mckdarrenDC wrote:
Unless and until our public policies work aggressively to reduce the self-dooming out-of-wedlock birthrate that is at the root of don't-snitch-hip-hop ghetto culture, the vast majority of black children in D.C. and across the country will continue being raised without the loving discipline of committed fathers (aka "favuhs"). [1]Meanwhile, none of us should expect a bunch of semi-literate ex-thugs with a "manual" to make too big a contribution to "peace" in the streets.[1]
　
ALLIANCE OF CONCERNED MEN HAS TRAINING MANUEL

Now the Alliance of Concerned Men, a District nonprofit group with a proven record of achieving peace for a while in some of the Washington area's most dangerous neighborhoods, has published a training manual to share some of its methods with the rest of the country. [1]

The Alliance of Concerned Men is a 501©(3) non-profit organization which promotes independence and personal survival skills for youth who come from dysfunctional homes and are in desperate need of learning how to bridge the gap between survival on the streets and existing on marginal lifestyles. ACM’s program is unique in that it is the only one in the country that deals directly with the missing, yet common and essential element in an “at-risk” and /or “in-crisis” youth’s life- the incarcerated parent. …THEY…provide guidance interventions to building positive life skills through its one-on-one counseling, programs, group sessions, and community outreach.[3]

Services Offered:
Self-esteem Development
Communication Skills
Conflict Resolution
Peer Tutoring & Counseling
Job Training Skills
Cultural/Recreational
Life Skills Training
Workshops & Seminars
Alcohol /Drug Prevention & Treatment
HIV/AIDS & STD Awareness
Gang Intervention & Mediation [3]
　
　
FROM THE WEB SITE

Gang Prevention and Outreach Program is a peer education initiative. This program was developed out of the experiences gained through ACM’s successful Benning Terrace model. Approximately ninety-five per cent of those hired through this program secured permanent employment. A number of graduates of the Fatherhood Initiative will be hired for six months as outreach workers to provide gang intervention and mediation services in areas impacted by gangs and youth violence and to gain valuable work experience. At the conclusion of their paid internships/training, participants will be provided with job training and/or full time employment. Participants will continue to meet with program staff on a bimonthly basis. [2]For further information on this program, please contact Mr. Arthur Rush, rushrico@aol.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (202) 986-6200
　
SIMPLE PRACTICAL ADVICE

The alliance's approach is refreshing, because it supplies practical advice from people with real-life experience. The members are men who've gone unarmed to meet killers with Uzis to ask them to "squash a beef" with rivals. [1]

mendelsonmustgo wrote:
The most important law enforcement needs in DC are not mentoring and deal making among crews. We need to focus on basics of law enforcement, like:1) get a crime lab - most evidence is not processed or analyzed as we rely on the FBI for testing, which they rarely do. This also means that many arrested guys are released for lack of evidence.[2]2) change our farcical gun law - while owning a handgun in DC is largely illegal, the penalty for doing is very minor. Read about George Rawlings shot yesterday, on probation for a gun, or Ransom Perry. In most other areas they would face jail time for carrying guns, but in DC they were immediately released. [2]3) change juvenile enforcement - right now juveniles get to run the city, and it shows.You make these three changes and things like the Alliance and their pamphlet might have a chance. Without these changes the social work is just pissing in the wind. Violent men and boys are part of humanity, and they need to be put away or put down, its not that complicated.[1]
　
NEGOTIATED TRUCE

The group, which has negotiated five major truces in the District and Prince George's County since it was founded in 1991, presented its 41-page guide Tuesday at a conference at the U.S. Capitol attended by 300 social workers and others active in the field. [1]

ADULT APATHY AND NEGLECT

I hope the alliance's effort will help, at least in a small way, to reverse the apathy and neglect with which the Washington region and the country treat urban violence. The U.S. murder rate dwarfs that of most other industrialized countries: Homicides claimed three times as many lives last year as total combat deaths since 2001 in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. [1]
　
PICKING THE RIGHT MEDIATOR

It says that it's important when picking a mediator to weigh whether to send a young man, who might be perceived as a threat, or an older one, whose presence might be "a negative trigger, a reminder of a lost or abusive father." [1]

GUIDE OFFERS TIPS

The guide offers tips such as barring cell phones from meetings so participants won't worry that calls are being made to arrange an ambush. [1]

The alliance recommends using prayer, food, trips to the movies and, believe it or not, hugs as a way to create the right atmosphere. "Hug a thug, and you might not get mugged" is one of the group's numerous sayings. Others are "just show up" and "the sun's always shining." [1]

BELIEVE IN YOUR YOUTH

Above all, the training guide emphasizes the need to believe that the tough young men would like to solve their problems themselves and need a credible outsider to assure them that it's possible. [1]

SPEAK THE TRUTH

"We tell our youth the truth: 'You're Black, you're angry, you don't have any education, and I'm here to tell you that if you want to do it, you can,' " the manual says. (Since the alliance leaders are more hands-on than academic, it was written for them by three locally based staff members of groups that specialize in conflict resolution.) [1]

KUMBAYAH…NOT

The approach sounds awfully upbeat and kumbayah, but the men in the alliance have some hard-earned credibility. Executive Director Tyrone C. Parker, 62, served more than eight years in prison for bank robbery, and his son was killed at age 19 by another teenager. President Arthur "Rico" Rush, 62, was imprisoned for 18 months, and some of the group's young outreach staff members are also ex-offenders. [1]

THE MANY ACTORS NEED TO COMMUNIUATE

Admittedly, the scale of the problem overwhelms their work. It will take improved performance by police, parents, schools, social agencies, churches and other institutions to transform communities and drastically reduce the number of homicides. There have been 123 homicides in the District this year, compared with 164 at this time last year.

Nevertheless, the alliance draws praise and backing from law enforcement officials up to U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. "I've seen the miracle they've brought," Holder said in a statement published in the manual. "It needs to be duplicated. It can work in New York, Detroit, Los Angeles and any other community in America with similar problems." [1]

OUT REACH WORKERS AND THE POLICE

D.C. police officers are supporters, too, partly because the alliance cooperates with them, albeit carefully. The manual says a balance is necessary "to counter the perceptions that our outreach workers are 'snitches.' Conversely, outreach workers can mistakenly be viewed by law enforcement as being in collusion with criminal elements." [1]

POLICE PROCEDURES

D.C. police Cmdr. Charnette Robinson, head of the Youth Investigations Division, said in a panel discussion at the conference Tuesday that the District should implement more of the policies and procedures recommended by the alliance and similar groups. The city "has a reputation of throwing a lot of money" at problems, Robinson said, but "unless you have good policies and procedures in place, it doesn't help." [1]

MANUEL COSTS $25

Money needs to be part of the effort, though. The alliance has had to reduce its budget, to about $500,000 for the coming year, after suffering cuts by the D.C. government and private funding sources. It's charging $25 for the manual, and some of the proceeds will offset those cuts. [1]

ALLIANCE PAST ITS PRIME

The alliance is probably past its prime, as it was formed by Parker, Rush and three other men who were friends at Eastern and Spingarn high schools in the mid-1960s. Its greatest triumph occurred a dozen years ago, when it negotiated a truce in Benning Terrace in Southeast after a 12-year-old boy was slain. [1]

ACTIVE WITH CREWS

It's still active, though, and has worked recently in the Benning Terrace, Clay Terrace and Park Morton neighborhoods and with crews based near Seventh and O and Fifth and O streets NW. [1]

GRAY HAIRS JUST SHOWING UP HELPS

Moreover, it's to the credit of these graying members of the community that they've acted to help ensure that others can benefit from their experience. The sun's shining a little brighter in the District because they "just showed up." [1]
stinkface wrote:

HUG A THUG?!! I am seriously considering refusing to pay taxes if the government is going to keep pouring my money down this drain.[1]

CONTACT INFORMATION- ALLIANCE OF CONCERNED MEN
Address: 2905 11th Street NWWashington,DC 20001
Contact: Mr. Tyrone Parker, 2905 11th Street NW
Phone: 202-986-6200
Email: tyrone_acm@msn.com
Website: http://www.allianceofconcernedmen.org/


Posted here by
Terry Bankert
http://www.flintfamilylaw.com/
See;
[1]
Manual offers ways to fight urban violence
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111126343.html
[2]
Web site alliance of Concerned men.
http://www.allianceofconcernedmen.com/
[3]
http://www.interchange.org/romros/resource-1.html
[4]
http://www.meyerfoundation.org/grantees/recent/Alliance+of+Concerned+Men
[5]
The Effectiveness of Community Policing in Reducing Urban Violence
http://cad.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/48/4/592

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ADULTS CAUSE YOUTH VIOLENCE IN FLINT MI USA.

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/21/09
BY
Terry Bankert
A Flint Divorce Lawyer sharing his opinion.
　
　
LET’S GIVE A LITTLE RESPECT… I am the problem, you are the problem, the adults in Flint are the problem its not the kids, they just want a little respect.

TO STOP THE VIOLENCE OUR FLINT YOUTH NEED A HIGHER SENSE OF PURPOSE IN LIFE.[2]

I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT FINDING ONE OF YOUR GOD’S.

IT IS A MATTER OF YOUNG BLACK MALES DEMANDING AND GETTING RESPECT IN A WORLD OF DISRESPECT, STARTING IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITY.
　
FACTORS?

COULD IT BE PARENTS WHO ACT AS THUGISH CHILDREN, VIOLENCE ALL AROUND, LACK OF QUALITY FOOD SHELTER AND OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATION, STEROTYPICAL DISRESPECT AGAINST BLACK YOUTH FROM THE LEADERSHIP OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY!

ONE STUDIES OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this study was to examine social and psychological factors associated with the use and nonuse of violence among Black adolescents living in a community with a high level of violent crime. [1] Why do we not in a community full of PhD’s and social workers conduct out own self study?

VIOLENCE BEGETS VIOLENCE, DISRESPECT BEGETS DISRESPECT.

ADULTS! YOU WANT TO STOP YOUTH VIOLENCE, THEN STOP YOURSELF FIRST.


ONE STUDIES RESULTS. Self-reported use of violence was associated with exposure to violence and personal victimization, hopelessness, depression, family conflict, previous corporal punishment, purpose in life, self-assessment of the probability of being alive at age 25, and age and was higher among males.[1]

RESPECT THE YOUTH AROUND YOU,!!!

ONE STUDIES SUGGESTED Objectives: The respect that African American youth feel promotes psychological wellness and social identity; conversely, a lack of respect compromises their identities and is viewed as a threat to safety.[3]

ANOTHER STUDIES RESULTS: After acceptable reliability was established, factor analysis revealed three principal components labeled societal, family, and peer subscales. [6]

REACH OUT TO YOUTH BEFORE THEY ARE INCARCERATED

The subscales correlated with racial socialization and predicted the use of violence. Non incarcerated youth scored significantly higher on all three subscales than incarcerated youth. [6]

ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!

ANOTHER STUDIES CONCLUSIONS: Suggestions for social work practice with African American youth include assessing their attitudes toward respect, and assisting them to handle disrespect without resorting to violence. [6]

DO NOT BLAME THIS ON THE MEDIA, JUST GIVE THEM POSITIVE THINGS TO REPORT, FROM YOUR OWN COMMUNITY, CHURCH, SCHOOL, …ETC…

Youth violence garners considerable attention in the media as well as in public policy debates. [2]
A STOP THE VIOLENCE RALLY SHOULD NOT BE THOUGHT TO BE A CONTROL THE BLACK YOUTH PROBLEM, WHEN WE ARE THE PROBLEM.

In spite of this interest and attention to youth violence, stereotypes fueled by misperceptions about the epidemiology of youth violence often drive these discussions. [2]

BLACK ADULT LEADERS TREAT BLACK YOUTH AS THE DARK STRANGERS

Urban minority youth, especially males, are typically presented as the "dark stranger" responsible for much of this violence. [2]

SO, JUST WHAT IS OUR PROBLEM…..ITS US

Criminal justice and juvenile justice data tend to reinforce this perspective. In this article, the authors call into question the extent to which violent juvenile offending can be characterized as an urban minority male problem. [2]

KID VIOLENCE HAS AN IMPACT ON THE KIDS

ONE STUDIES CONCLUSION. These data support the hypothesis that exposure to violence is associated with adolescents' self-reported use of violence. [1]

WE ALL NEED TO KNOW WHO WE ARE

Ethnic identity is believed by some to function as a protective factor for ethnic minority youth, in particular African American youth. [3]

WE ALL NEED TO LIVE IN A WAY THAT WE CAN RESPECT OURSELVES

Although ethnic identity development is primarily the result of racial socialization practices, it may also be influenced by other contextual factors. [3]

FACTORES THAT AFFECT OUR SELF RESPECT

Community-level factors such as disadvantage, disorder, and disorganization have been linked to a variety of antisocial and illicit activities. [5]

WHY ARE PEOPLE AFFECTED DIFFERENTLY?

Although crime and deviance tend to concentrate in areas with these characteristics, not all residents of disorganized neighborhoods participate in proscribed activities. [5]

WHY DO WE GLAMORIZE WEAPON CARRYING IN THE ADULT WORLD?

This study examines the relationship between exposure to community violence and involvement in assault behavior and weapon carrying among a sample of at-risk youth. [5]

THE LOGIC OF SELF PROTECTION, VIOLENCE

ONE STUDIES FINDING demonstrate that controlling for the effects of neighborhood disadvantage as well as other common correlates of delinquency (e.g., family supervision and structure, school attachment, and peer delinquency), youth who witnessed more violence in their neighborhoods were more likely to self-report assaultive behavior and weapon carrying. [5]

WHAT ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORHOODS? HOW DO THEY AFFECT RESPECT AND VIOLENCE.

Neighborhood factors, parent characteristics, parenting style, and bicultural competence may play pivotal roles in the ethnic identity development of African American youth. [3]

SEVERAL findings suggest that urban hassles negatively affect the content of ethnic identity but that this effect may be mediated by racial socialization. [3]

NEIGHBORHOODS AFFECT OUR IDENTITY

This research represents a continuing effort to explore the influence of contextual factors on the ethnic identity content of African American youth. [3]

HERE ONE FOR YOU…ASK THE KIDS..WHY IS THERE DISRESPECT AND VIOLENCE

The children were interviewed about their exposure to community violence. [4]Data on the risk factors were obtained from the children themselves and their parents, classmates, and teachers. [4]

ADULTS IT STARTS WITH YOU

All four domains—family and household context, negative parenting, deviant behavior of friends, and the children’s own behavioral characteristics and cognition—contributed to the children’s risk for exposure 1 year later. [4]
　
IF KIDS SEE CRAP ALL AROUND THEM THEY ACT CRAPPY

As hypothesized, deviant behavior of friends and the children’s own behavior and cognition were found to mediate the effects of stressful family and household context and negative parenting on later risk for exposure. [4]

ADULTS, START WITH THE ADULTS TO REALLY ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF BLACK YOUTH URBAN VIOLENCE IN FLINT MICHIGAN

By broadening the focus to include features of parents as well as of neighborhoods, a more complete understanding is provided. [3]
　
ONE STUDY FOUND AND I AGREE IS THAT adolescents with a higher sense of purpose in life and less depression were better able to withstand the influence of exposure to violence in the home and in the community. [1]

SO ADULTS WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TODAY TO BE A BETTER MODEL OF BEHAVIOR. What are your going to do today to improve your community. Talk is cheap for those already at the podium!

Posted here by
Terry Bankert
http://www.flintdivorce.com/
　
　
[1]
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/84/4/612
Factors associated with the use of violence among urban black adolescents. ,R H DuRant, C Cadenhead, R A Pendergrast, G Slavens and C W Linder , Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
[2]
http://yvj.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/5/4/385
Youth Violence in Context,The Roles of Sex, Race, and Community in Offending
[3]
http://jbp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/32/4/479
Culture and Context: A Study of Neighborhood Effects on Racial Socialization and Ethnic Identity Content in a Sample of African American Adolescents
[4]
http://jea.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/26/2/232
Exposure to Community Violence
Processes That Increase the Risk for Inner-City Middle School Children
[5]
http://cad.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/52/2/307
Exposure to Community Violence and Childhood Delinquency
　
[6]
http://rsw.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/15/6/462
The African American Adolescent Respect Scale: A Measure of a Prosocial Attitude

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CANCER STRICKEN WOMEN MORE LIKELY TO GET DIVORCED

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/13/09
By
Terry Bankert a Flint Divorce Lawyers observation.
　
BACKGROUND: Life-threatening illness creates severe stress that may result in marital discord, separation, or divorce and may adversely impact treatment, quality of life, and survival. [2]

NO DATA ON DIVORCE OF CANCER PAITENTS

Few studies that are available to date have suggested that the risk of divorce is not higher in cancer patients, but to the authors' knowledge, no data exist to date that have examined the effect of gender on this rate.[2]

MEDICAL PROVIDERS SHOULD LOOK FOR MARITAL DISCORD

The researchers said in the study to be published in the journal Cancer that medical providers be sensitive to possible marital discord in couples affected by a serious medical illness, especially when the woman is the affected spouse.[3]
　
WIVES GO IT ALONE WITH CANCER

When Dr. Marc Chamberlain, a Seattle oncologist, was treating his brain cancer patients, he noticed an alarming pattern. His male patients were typically receiving much-needed support from their wives. But a number of his female patients were going it alone, ending up separated or divorced after receiving a brain tumor diagnosis. [1]

CONCLUSIONS: Female gender was found to be a strong predictor of partner abandonment in patients with serious medical illness. When divorce or separation occurred, quality of care and quality of life were adversely affected. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.[2]
　
STUDY RELEASED

Dr. Chamberlain, chief of the neuro-oncology division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, had heard similar stories from his colleagues. To find out if these observations were based in fact, he embarked on a study with Dr. Michael J. Glantz of the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute and colleagues from three other institutions who began to collect data on 515 patients who received diagnoses of brain tumors or multiple sclerosis from 2001 through 2006. [1]

METHODS: A total of 515 patients were prospectively identified as having either a malignant primary brain tumor (N = 214), a solid tumor with no nervous system involvement (N = 193), or multiple sclerosis (N = 108) who were married at the time of diagnosis. Basic demographic information and data regarding marital status were compiled. Patients were followed prospectively from enrollment until death or study termination. [2]
　
SICK WOMEN 7 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE LEFT BY SPOUSE

The results were surprising. Women in the study who were told they had a serious illness were seven times as likely to become separated or divorced as men with similar health problems. [1]

12% IN STUDY ABANDONED

Over all, about 12 percent of the patients in the study ended up separated or divorced, a rate that was similar to that found in the general American population during that time period. (Lifetime divorce rates in the United States are higher.) But the pattern changed when the researchers looked at the patient-divorce breakdown by sex. When the man became ill, only 3 percent experienced the end of a marriage. But among women, about 21 percent ended up separated or divorced. Among couples who split up, divorce occurred, on average, about six months after the diagnosis, although there was wide variability in the timing. [1]

"Female gender was the strongest predictor of separation or divorce in each of the patient groups we studied," study co-author Dr. Marc Chamberlain, director of the neuro-oncology program at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, said in a news release. [4]
　
UNHAPPY WOMEN WITH SICK HUSBAND WILL STICK IT OUT

It is not known whether the illness prompted the breakup or whether the couples in the study who divorced were already experiencing marital problems before the diagnosis. If couples are happy before the diagnosis, it appears that men are more likely to abandon wives who become seriously ill. If couples are already troubled before a partner becomes ill, the finding suggests that women in unhappy marriages are less likely to proceed with a divorce if their husbands become ill. [1]



“All these patients were couples when we met them, but we don’t know about pre-diagnosis marital conflicts that had been festering,” Dr. Chamberlain said. “But the striking part is with life-threatening illness, how often women are abandoned compared to men. That does not speak very well of my gender.” [1]

SICK WOMENS DIVORCE RATE JUMPS FROM 11.6 %TO 20.8%

The study confirmed earlier research of a divorce or separation rate among cancer patients of 11.6 percent, similar to the general population, but found the rate jumped to 20.8 percent when the woman was sick versus 2.9 percent when the man was ill.[3]
　
WOMEN HAVE HIGHER EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENTS

Dr. Chamberlain speculated that differences in male and female roles in the family could explain the trend. “There clearly is an emotional attachment women have to spouse, family and home that in times of stress causes women to hunker down and deal with it, while men may want to flee,” he said. [1]

MEN CANNOT ADJUST

The researchers said the reason men leave a sick spouse can be partly explained by their inability to rapidly adjust to becoming a caregiver and to look after the home and family. [3]
　
WOMEN ARE VULNERABLY TO ABANDONMENT WHEN DIAGNOSED

Additional study is needed to understand why women appear more vulnerable to spousal abandonment after a diagnosis of serious illness. The study did find that couples who had been married longer were less likely to break up after a cancer diagnosis. [1]

SOCIAL WORKERS NEEDED IN WOMEN HEALTH TEAM

Hospitals and oncology practices may also want to consider including social workers and family therapists as part of a patient’s health care team, particularly for younger couples. Patients who lose spousal support after a cancer diagnosis are less likely to complete therapy or try new treatments. They have higher rates of hospitalization and lower rates of hospice care. [1]

SOCIAL SUPPORT IMPORTANT

“It has an enormous impact,” Dr. Chamberlain said. “We know from other studies of patients with cancer that social support is so extremely important.” [1]

EARLY INTERVENTION WILL HELP

"Early identification and psychosocial intervention might reduce the frequency of divorce and separation, and in turn improve quality of life and quality of care," they said.[3]

WHOSE JOB IS IT TO SAVE A MARRIAGE?

"We believe that our findings apply generally to patients with life-altering medical illness," the authors wrote. "We recommend that medical providers be especially sensitive to early suggestions of marital discord in couples affected by the occurrence of a serious medical illness, especially when the woman is the affected spouse and it occurs early in the marriage. [4]

INTERVENTION WITH A SOCIAL WORKER MAY SAVE THE MARRAIGE

Early identification and psychosocial intervention might reduce the frequency of divorce and separation, and in turn improve quality of life and quality of care." [4]


Posted here by
Terry Bankert
http://www.flintfamilylaw.com/
　
[1]
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/men-more-likely-to-leave-spouse-with-cancer/
[2]
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122527377/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
[3]
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE5AB0C520091112
[4]
http://www.ajc.com/health/content/shared-auto/healthnews/-gen/632994.html

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Lt. Governor John Cherry spoke in Flint 11/10/098

GOOD MORING FLINT!
11/11/2009
By Terry Bankert
Observation of a Flint MI Divorce Lawyer

I attended the Progressive Caucus meeting last night.

Their meeting announcement read “ Special Guest, Lieutenant Governor John Cherry at the next Progressive Caucus Meeting at 6:30 PM, Tuesday, November 10 TH at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road (about 3 blocks east of I-475), Flint. We are very pleased to have the Lieutenant Governor share his time with us. John, who grew up in and continues to make his family home in the County, can fully appreciate our situation and is committed to make our County and State a better place. Please come and invite others”

This was a roomful of old friends, 40 plus people no local media that I saw.

I sat at the table with Lt. Governor John Cherry and Jack Minore Chairperson of the Genesee County Democratic Party..

In Genesee County several of us came up together but apart. I am speaking of John, Pam, Robert, Daniel, Lee, Debbie, and that Clodfelter guy.

We walked the life path pursuing education, love, family, careers and now we are knocking at the door of 60 yrs of age.

Life is too short, this group has made the most of it. [ John Cherry, Pam Faris his wife, Debbie Cherry, Robert Emerson, the kid Daniel Kildee and Mark Clodfelter.]

Lt. Governor John Cherry arrived early and stayed longer than expected.

When he was done as the group went into its monthly agenda the chair told him several times it was okay for him to leave. I sensed he was comfortable and was in no hurry even though his aides were up and pacing.

He talked of the dismay he has over the “ Keystone Cop Budget Act” played out in Lansing.

His message was one of hope and the need to motivate and engage citizens and new political players into the process of government.

He talked of the need to return to core values in government and the democratic party almost wistfully he lamented the lack of an informed motivated public engaged in the political process.

I dabble in the shallows of public policy John was always the one among us that dived into the depths of public policy analysis, We wanted to grownup and be like John.

CORE VALUES: THAT GOVERNMENT HAS A ROLE IN HELPING PEOPLE.

We have allowed the shallow self serving doctrine of the right to cut to the bones the needed governmental programs that provided safety, education, health care and a quality youth middle and old age for our citizens. The rights economic mascots now admit their theory was flawed and America now suffers.

He talked extensively and knowledgably of the economic plight of Michigan and the nations as you all know.

This state has suffered and the organs of government must be rebuilt. If we want a vibrant business environment in Michigan we must have public safety, education and fight tenaciously to preserve the water that surrounds us. Did you know that 20% of the fresh water in America is at Michigan shores.

We must have leaders that speak out on the issues, We must educate ourselves and fight for the issues we believe in.

This was the message, one of hope , accountability and commitment.

I enjoyed the conversation with and old friends who I expect to be the next Governor of Michigan, John Cherry the kid from Montrose.

Respectfully posted here by
Terry Bankert
http://www.flintfamilylaw.com/
　
　
　
　
　

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Genesee County Treasurer Danile Kildee resignation effective 01/01/2010

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/09/09
By Terry Bankert

COUNTY TREASURER DANIEL KILDEE “UNOFFICALLY”CONFIRMS HIS RESIGNATION.

At 6:30 pm 11/09/09 at the "501"Dan Kildee made an “exclusive” announcement of his resignation from the Genesee County Treasures position to GOOD MORNING FLINT! Terry Banker `Blogger"

In a conversation in which he encouraged this release Daniel Kildee Genesee County Treasurer announced his resignation from that office effective 01/01/2010.…

Daniel Kildee Will be Missed! He will take a position with a foundation concerned with Urban Development based in Washington D.C..

Kildee’s career shift will not cause him to leave the Flint area entirely. He will will maintain a private office in the local area.

My salute to Daniel Kildee.

Mr. Kildee you have earned your reputation as the best elected official representing Genesee County and the City of Flint contained within it.

You will be missed.

This article was posted 11/09/09 8 pm. on my Facebook, Flint Talk, Blogging for Michigan and Flint Citizen.

Mr. Kildee soon followed by posting to my face book wall “Not official yet. Details coming soon. “

Our discussion had revolved around that his observation that my blogg has the first local media to cover his planned move to Washington. I had written about his plans from another online source.

There have been local media coverage of politicians maneuvering to take his seat.

When he made a statement to me that I should release this on my blogg, I did last night.

There were a couple typos and his response that it was not official was enough for me to rework the article which I took down to do.

The Flint Journal picked up the story from the Blogging for Michigan post and the article can be found on MLIVE.

See:
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/11/blogger_genesee_county_treasur.html


As as hobby blogger I share my , sometimes researched often not, opinion on events around me from a public policy perspective.

Take it or leave it.

But what are the responsibilities of “hobby blogger” in this alternative form of “social media” information distribution.

Within the confines of my professions whose ethical requirements are 24/7 my standards are higher.

What are the ethics of “hobby blogging”?

But this is not a post about the role of blogging, our how a “hobby blogger ‘ should break important news.

We are losing the leadership of a good friend.

Here is what I know, in A CONVERSATION INITIATED BY Daniel Kildee in the context of my being a Flint Blogger he stated his resignation as Genesee County Treasurer is 01/01/2010
For background on Daniel Kildee see,
http://www.co.genesee.mi.us/treasurer/intro.html

Posted here by Terry Bankert
http://www.attorneybankert.com/

MLIVE
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/11/blogger_genesee_county_treasur.html

Blogger: Genesee County Treasurer Dan Kildee to resign
By Laura Angus Flint Journal
November 09, 2009, 9:52PMGENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — The Blogging for Michigan Web site posted tonight that Genesee County Treasurer Dan Kildee intends to resign at the end of the year. The post has since been removed.
When reached by the Flint Journal, Kildee said there has been a lot of discussion about his future, and that he hoped to be able to make an announcement about his plans soon. He did not confirm that he will be leaving his post at the end of the year.
"I'm not ready to announce anything yet," he said

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Compost frosting over toxic cake near a river!

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/7/09
By Terry Bankert ,Flint Divorce Attorney.

What questions should we be asking of our Flint City Leders since they have proposed and begun a 4 ft deep compost pile of leaves over a known industrial contaminated site next to a world renowned Kettering University, next to the Flint River ?

Thank You for the iniative?

Well ...okay...., but we have a right to ask questions.

Will the compost be toxic?

Will it smell?

Will it be properly maintained?

Have the Army Corps of Engineers and Michigan DEQ Department of Environmental Quality and all the appropriate Federal Agencies consented to this plan?

Does the right hand know what the left hand is doing ?

Has there been an Environmental Impact Statement?

Just what was in the Envirnmental study that was just made available and made the presenter cringe at the Kettering meeting last week?

Why do I raise these questions? The Flint Community does not trust what you the Flint City Leaders say without transparency, thoroughness of research, professionalism of presentation and accountability. We have a right to know what the City Administration is doing. We have a right to have our elected council make sure that this is a good decision. We have a right to be involved in this decision. through the public hearing process.

But most perplexing is our feeling that the right hand does not tell the left hand what is going on for reason of turf, grandstanding or political and economic gain.

Many Leaders have talked of the need for transparency.

Well here is the test case, show us your stuff and let us in on what is really going on , good and bad, and force all the appropriate checks and balances.

The ball is in your court Flint City Leaders (elected, private institutions, public institutions, educational institutions, and organized business interests.).


CHEVY IN THE HOLE

The contaminated site — a backdrop for the Sit-Down Strike of 1936-37 — holds a prominent place on the riverfront between downtown Flint and Kettering University[3]
　
LEAVES BECOME COMPOST, WHICH BECOMES SOIL

11/07/09/Thumnail photos of the composting

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157622758910678/

Slideshow
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157622758910678/show/
　
FOLLOWING IS SOME OF WHAT WE KNOW

It's been vacant for several years, but now an old General Motors site will get some new life.
That life will come in the form of several feet of soil covering over concrete slabs, turning a brown field into a green field. The site is commonly known as "Chevy in the hole."[2]

COMPOST IS GENERALLY A GOOD THING

Leaf by rotting leaf, that pesky autumn trash piling up in your front yard could help transform one of the city’s ugliest brownfields into a green space.[3]

WHAT IS COMPOST

Compost (pronounced /'kɒmpɒst/ or US /'kɒmpoʊst/) is a combination of food material and other organic material that is being decomposed through aerobic decomposition into a rich black soil. The process of composting is simple and practiced by individuals in their homes, farmers on their land, and industrially by cities.

Compost soil is very rich soil and used for many purposes. A few of the places that it is used are in gardens, landscaping, horticulture, and agriculture. The compost soil itself is beneficial for the land in many ways, including as a soil conditioner, a fertilizer to add vital humus or humic acids, and as a natural pesticide for soil. In ecosystems, compost soil is useful for erosion control, land and stream reclamation, wetland construction, and as landfill cover[4]

The leaves will be converted to a useful humus, leaf mold. 1000 cu. yds. of leaves produce about 165 cu. yds. of finished humus.[7]

CITY OF FLINT DUMPING LEAVES ONTO CEMENT SLABCOVERING INDUSTRIAL TOXIC WASTE NEAR RIVER, COMPOSTING TO CREATE A PARK

The city dumped its first batch of leaves into the 150-acre brownfield redevelopment site today, the first day of compost pickup for residents. The contaminated site -- once a backdrop for the Sit-Down Strike of 1936-37 -- holds a prominent place on the riverfront between downtown Flint and Kettering University.[1]

[Many have a ]…lingering concern for the quality of municipally-generated compost. Does their compost handling process guarantee uniform heat sterilization of the entire content of each batch of organic matter? Unfortunately municipal composting is fraught with the same uncertainty of turning a pile’s outer layers into the core of subsequent rebuilt piles. There is no guarantee that municipal compost is disease-free.[6]
　
Posted by mccguy66 ,November 03, 2009, 3:28PM
Correct me if I am wrong but this site is VERY contaminated right? Don't we need to clean the soil and contaminants? Why would we just cap this site? Why would we not make this site a place were new factories,plants or businesses could start up?[1]

Creating a park there will take about four years, when the site will have enough compost to start growing things, Montle said. He estimated the cap would need to be about 1 to 4 feet deep, depending on the area.[3]
　
To do that, city leaders say they'll dump 10-feet of leaves, yard waste, and compost on the site to cover the concrete.They say, it'll save money and help protect the environment.[2]

The yucky muck also will be used as fill material for demolition sites and eventually could be sold to residents for a reasonable price — saving the city money and possibly even generating some new revenue for the cash-strapped city.[3]

Odor....KETTERING UNIVERSITY NEEEDS TO KNOW

Odor is of primary concern at composting sites that are improperly managed. Odor problems result when compost piles deplete the available oxygen supply and anaerobic
conditions develop. This problem can be reduced by turning the pile on a regular schedule. Odor is usually not a problem at sites which exclusively compost leaves.[8]

Windrows of leaves will require turning every 30-45 days. During times when a composting facility collects a large volume of grass clippings, the compost windrows will
require frequent turnings, two to three times a week, to reduce odor. Another way to reduce odors is to mix high moisture containing landscape wastes, such as grass clippings, with leaves or woodchips in a ratio of two parts uncomposted leaves or woodchips to one part grass
clippings. Composting sites that intend to receive large quantities of grass clippings should consider locating on a site where the prevailing winds will not blow toward residential areas.[8]
　
COMPOST THE FOUNDATION OF A GREEN CORRIDOR

“We’re going to turn this old abandoned site into a new green corridor,” Flint Mayor Dayne Walling said during a press conference this morning, adding the leaf and yard compost will be used to form the vegetative cap and green space for the park. [1]

FLINT RIVER WATERSHED COALTION SUPPORTS COMPOSTING NEAR A RIVER ON AN INDUSTRIAL LEVEL

Rebecca Fedewa, Flint River Watershed Coalition executive director, said by adding the compost, contamination of runoff can be avoided to decrease contamination of the river.[1]

COMPOST HELPS THE CITY AND THE RIVER

“This is a really great step forward for the city and the river,” she said. “Flint can be a real leader of how these things can be done.”[1]

WE WILL BE DUMPING LEAVES CREATING COMPOST FOR FOUR YEARS

The park should take about four years, said Steve Montle, green cities coordinator for the mayor’s office. He estimated that the cap would need to be about one- to four-feet deep, depending on the area.[1]
　
DID YOU KNOW THAT TO BE DISEASE FREE COMPOST MUST BE …heated to the needed
160 degrees F. to kill fungal and other disease organisms. Outer layers of compost piles seldom reach disease-killing temperatures and successive pile turnings do not necessarily guarantee that all disease organisms have been heat-sterilized[6]
　

Posted by shanedr ,November 03, 2009, 1:50PM
Interesting! I'm all for having green space there rather then bare dirt, but wasn't there an article about the park requiring ten feet of dirt as protection from the contamination there. Now they say a compost mix of leaves, grass and dirt of one to four feet will be enough.
… Just what do EPA regulations say about the necessary cap over the contamination. [1]

DOES THE DEQ SUPPORT THIS PROJECT?

While she couldn’t speak to the specifics of Flint’s plan, Carrie Gyer with the state Department of Environmental Quality said creating park land on abandoned sites like Chevy in the Hole can be a huge boon for neighborhoods. The state has provided grant money to communities for such ventures, she said.[3]

“You don’t want to build on them or dig in them a lot of times,” she said. “But if you build a cap between the contaminants and the people, it’s a great use.”[3]
　
FLINT TRUCKS AWAY ITS LEAVES NOW COSTING $300,000 A YEAR, SAYS MONTLE

“We currently pay $300,000 a year to have our leaves and compost taken away and an additional $400,000 to have topsoil brought in to backfill demolition sites,” Montle said. [1]

COMPOST ON A SLAB

The city on Tuesday announced that leaf and yard compost will be dumped at the site as a cap for the brownfield reclamation project. A massive concrete slab currently sits where a complex of about 20 GM facilities once stood.[3]

Flint says the project also will save the city about $500,000 a year in costs related to hauling away leaf and yard waste and bringing in topsoil for the site.[3]
　
FLINT, CHEVY IN THE HOLE IS NOW OUR COMPOSTING OPERATION

“By combining Chevy in the Hole with our compost operation it is expected to save the city up to a half million dollars a year, while at the same time moving us one step closer to repurposing that site as a green space for the community.”

Walling said he thought the solution was good for the city’s bottom line.[1]

Erin Caudell, outreach coordinator with the Ruth Mott Foundation, said she’s thrilled the city is establishing a municipal compost program.[3]

Unfortunately compost produced by municipal composting programs is one material to avoid for vegetable and ornamental gardens. You may be importing someone else’s discarded plant diseases or herbicide-laced turf clippings.[6[
　
WHAT PROBLEMS WILL FOUR YEARS OF THE BIGGEST COMPOST PILE IN MICHIGAN CAUSE?

“It’s really an innovative solution to what is a costly problem,” he said. “We’re going to save half a million a year for the next five years.”[1]

DOES THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS SUPPORT THE COMPOSTING

Walling learned last week that the Army Corps has placed both the Chevy in the Hole and the Hamilton Dam under 216 authority, which means the projects will be included in its 2010/2011 budget.[1]

HAS THE ARMY CORPS EVEN BEGUN PLANNING. WHAT IF THEIR PLAN REJECTS COMPOSTING AT THIS SCALE NEAR A RIVER?

The Army Corps of Engineers will spend a year planning and evaluating the cost of repair of the dam and the rehabilitation of Chevy in the Hole. Initially the cost was estimated at $14 million. The Army Corps will pay 75 percent of the project and the city will pay 25 percent.[1]

Montle said the Army Corps will begin its work at the channel, the city will begin at Kearsley Street, and the two aim to meet in the middle.[1]

The project is estimated to take up to four years to complete.[1]
The Army Corps of Engineers will spend a year planning and determining the cost of repair.
It's estimated at $14-million.
The Army Corps will pickup 75% of the bill.
Flint will pay the remaining balance.
The project should take 4-years to complete.[2]
　
　
“While this may be a longer process than we had hoped for, I am pleased to know that the Army Corps of Engineers see value in these two sites in our community and is committed to their future development,” Walling said.[1]

Montle said the city eventually will consider selling compost to residents for a reasonable fee and charging other communities to dump their compost at Chevy in the Hole. Consulting with the city on the program is Resource Recycling Systems out of Ann Arbor, he said.[3]

(Lawrence, Kansas) - The City's Solid Waste Division has decided to cancel the distribution of compost to the community this fall due to recent laboratory findings of unacceptable levels of the herbicide ingredient, Clopyralid in the finished compost. (2003) .The herbicide clopyralid is used in lawn sprays to maintain weed free lawns. Clopyralid residues do not break down in composting[7]

Posted here 11/07/09
By Terry Bankert
http://www.flintfamilylaw.com/
　
　
Sources of Information.

Michigan Composting CouncilPo Box 10240Lansing MI 48901Phone: 517-371-7073Fax: 517-371-1509Email:mirc@voyager.netWeb:http://www.michiganrecycles.org/

Michigan Recycling CoalitionPo Box 10240Lansing MI 48901-0240Phone: 517-371-7073Fax: 517-371-1509Email:recyclemi@aol.comWeb:www.michiganrecycles.org/See
[1]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/11/city_takes_first_step_toward_t.html
[2]
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=371630
[3]
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=11437348
[4]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/11/city_of_flint_plans_to_transfo.html
[5]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compost
[6]
http://www.rcgardens.ca/factsheets/factsheets/municipalcompost.html
[7]
http://www.p2pays.org/ref/12/11028.pdf

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WALLING TO HAVE A MASTER PLANNER, AND MAGISTRATE FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/05/04
By Terry Bankert a Flint Divorce lawyer.

YOUR HEARD IT HERE FIRST!

THE WALLING ADMINISTRATION PLANS TO HIRE A "MASTER PLANNER"to create a Flint Master Plan.

THE CITY OF FLINT ADMINISTRATION IS NOW COMMITTED TO THE MASTER PLANNING PROCESS

The Walling Administration will work with the 68th District Court to CAUSE THE HIRING OF A MAGISTRATE to work closely with the City and the Code enforcement officers to Fight Blight in the City of Flint by Code Enforcement.

THE CITY OF FLINT ADMINISTRATION NOW HAS A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY TOWARD BLIGHTED PROPERTY THAT VIOLATES THE FLINT CITY CODE.

Flint City Adminstrator Greg Eason speaking on behalf of Flint Mayor Dayne Walling made these two significant policy statements at the Genesee County Land Bank 11/05/09 program at Flint Sarvis Conference Center titled "Strengthening our Community in the face of Population Decline."

The Land Bank Program had over 100 people in attendance and was covered by a Cable TV Channel 17 producer and a Japanese television crew.

Flint City Clerk Inez Brown gave an insightful historical perspective on the evolution of Flint.

Brown stated" we are an Urban laboratory"... If we can turn Flint around the world will be watching. We must put aside the negative and move this City forward.

Anthony Turner Of the US Depasrtment of Commerce spoke about Flint population decline.
Turner Stated generally, Flint Population: 1960 was 196.940, 1980 was 160,00, 1990 was 140,000, 2000 was 125,000 and in 2008 is estimated at 128,000. The median income in Flint is $28,000, County wide $43,000, nationally $52,000. He stressed the importance of every one being counted in the census as a missed person will cost Flint $12,000 in lost Federal revenues of the next 10 years.

Weiland Stated: Flint has lost the equilavent of 34,000 households.

In Flint there are currently 12,000 vacant lots, 6000 vacant houses.

Using these figures 32% of the property in Flint is abandoned.3,600 of these properties are owned by the Land bank another 1100 will become theirs within a year.

We have to reduce the supply of abandoned property.

It costs $7000 on average to demolish a house. The programs downtown have brought us leverage monies which have been used to tear down abandoned buildings.

Douglas K. Weiland Executive Director of the Genesee Land Bank spoke on Land Patterns, Key Challenges, Interventions.

Gregory Eason City Of Flint City Administrator and Barbara Griffith-Wilson, Advocate of the Community spoke about Perspectives and action Steps.

Eason made the two announcement stated above and stressed the need for forward thinking in Flint.

He praised Mayor Walling for being the right Mayor for Flint.

Griffith Wilson gave great testimony to the success of the clean ups in her neighborhood and its community gardening program.

R. Matthews talked about Mayor Walling Community out reach programs inviting everyone to attend.

There were a half dozen break out groups some reported their groups recommended, a city master plan be created.

This master planmning process must incorporat the plans of all institutions, government and business downtown Flint and City Wide.

A foot patrol is needed, public saftey is important, and people want to become involved. There is an under reported wave of enthusiasim for Flint and its future ,the community wants to become involved in this effort.

Many shared the view that education is so important that you cannot separate the revitalization of the Flint School System from the revitalization of Flint itself. The City must concern its self with public saftey and the physical revitalization of our land homes and buildings, but the school system must step up and reviatalize our human potential through a quality education system.

Posted here By
Terry Bankert
A Flint Family Law Attorney.
http://www.flintfamilylaw/

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Informed Articulate Citizens needed, not a new Charter

There is discussion that the Flint City Charter should be changed piecemeal.

I think that is a mistake.

We have an excellent City Charter that has been bastardized:

1. City Council terms moved from 2 to 4 years,

2. City Administrator not a seasoned Municipal Administrator,

3. Litte to no attendion paid to the ordinanaces in the public interest, the standard of conduct board does not meet,

4. The City and its deparments are not required to make its promulgated rules and procedures current and the office of Ombudsman is underfunded and quiet.

5. We have no master planning process

6. City Council should have as the Charter allows an in house Auditor. Possibly they do not because then they would be accountable.

We the People voted in a Strong Mayor, and I add Strong Council , with a myrid of Checks and Balances ,promulgated rules and procedures, ordinances in the public interest, a standard of conduct board and the office of Ombudsman.

Essentially we wanted to limit the power of Mayor and Council through the adoption of the 1974 Charter.

But here is the rub, you, me, the Citizens of this City dropped the ball.

We did not demand that the Charter be followed.

I say, lets pick that ball back up and score some points...for good government.

Here how!

Ask then demand that the current charter be followed .

While we are advocating to the Mayor and City Council to follow the Charter we as Citizens begin to monitor the Charter and from an informed perspective critique it, discuss modification, leaving it alone or advocate its whosale change through Charter revision.

Detroit is electing a Charter revision Commission Tuesday, its utter chaos in Detroit.

The responsibility falls to you and me.

A charter is just a couple of pieces of paper unless the good people of Flint decide to breath life into it.

Terry Bankert 11/2/09
http://www.flintfamilylaw.com/


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