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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