In dishonor of Fidel Castro's resignation earlier in the week, I've decided to playfully describe my plans for Pontiac should I become Pontiac Premier during these trying times. (NOTE: While the policies set forth are desirable, this article should not be taken as any attempt by yours truly to be sympathetic towards dictators, Cuba, or Communists in general - as those who have read this website most likely already know).
"Initially, I was excited about the efforts under way. Unfortunately, I thought we would be further along in the process by now. ... Although countless hours have been expended in advertising, soliciting, reviewing and meeting to discuss proposals, we are not much closer to selling the Silverdome than we were this time last year."
Mayor Clarence Phillips, in a memo to City Council, requesting that none of the Silverdome redevelopment proposals be accepted. (The Oakland Press, February 8, 2008)
The Silverdome is (again) to go up for bids. Is the third time the charm?
What can be said with the trials and tribulations of the City of Pontiac over the last year? Nothing, really. Truly it is a no longer as "going concern", rather it is a "gone concern".
"The project was extremely important for Pontiac. It gave them hope, which has now been extinguished."
Joel Feldman, president of First Realty Co. in West Bloomfield, on the Centerpoint Campus to be vacated by GM. The paper also made it a point to mention that he believes Pontiac carries a stigma as "an urban, impoverished community." (The Oakland Press, November 17, 2006)
With the news of General Motors moving 3600 jobs out of Pontiac, this is only the first of bad news to come in wake of poor leadership and tax increases approved at this past election.
With the approval of every tax measure on the ballot, our neighbors here in Pontiac show that it doesn't matter whether the City has shown fiscal responsibility of any kind, they are still willing to let them take more.
From today's Detroit News:
Pontiac votes for punishing tax hikes
Pontiac voters passed four property tax increases Tuesday to restore city services that were cut because of budget deficit problems. Mayor Clarence Phillips says he is proud that residents voted for a 1-mill increase devoted to police services, a 1-mill hike for the library, a 0.5-mill raise for senior services and a 0.5-mill increase for youth recreation programs. But the ailing Oakland County city may pay for this with continued economic sluggishness. If you tax something more, you will get less of it -- and that may mean fewer residents and businesses.
The City of Pontiac has had its well publicized issues and been offered advice twice now by Lou Schimmel. One member of the adminsitration appears to have had enough common sense.
"I'm on cloud nine. We went to the citizens, asking them to prioritize what services they want and they came back and said they want the library, youth recreation programs, the senior center and more police officers. That allows us to set things in motion and have those services, despite our challenges."
City Council President Art McClellan, on the passing of the 10% increase in property taxes. Funny how other cities without "our challenges" managed to still vote down smaller tax increases. (The Detroit News, November 8, 2006)
At this time, I'm not as concerned over the School millage renewal (they've still got at least one more chance to get that passed) as I am the unnecessary and ridiculous tax increases brought to the minds of Pontiac voters tomorrow.
IF the priority of our City was to keep its residents safe, the Police department would be adequately funded from the General Fund. Instead, we've now got members of our community saying we NEED the tax increase. RIDICULOUS!!! What we NEED is better leadership that chooses the "quality of life" issues on the ballot instead of ridiculously funding projects within the city that have NO hope of reaching fruition.
The Oakland Press even said the total amount was too much of a burden for Pontiac taxpayers (although their math skills were slightly test by saying that the two one-mill proposals that should be passed actually totalled 1.5 mills). Regardless, the point is if we had stronger leadership on the City Council and in the Mayor's office, simply asking residents to give more (and take from those that don't agree) is not an answer. It hasn't worked before, and WON'T work again.
REMIND YOUR NEIGHBORS TO VOTE, AND TO VOTE NO ON ALL TAX ISSUES FOR PONTIAC!!!!
THE major event of the year is upon us. Time to show the rest of the state of what Pontiac is made. Be safe and enjoy the festivities, and we'll be back on Tuesday.
Then the obvious thing to do is just start over... Right?
"Initially, I was excited about the efforts under way. Unfortunately, I thought we would be further along in the process by now. ... Although countless hours have been expended in advertising, soliciting, reviewing and meeting to discuss proposals, we are not much closer to selling the Silverdome than we were this time last year."
Mayor Clarence Phillips, in a memo to City Council, requesting that none of the Silverdome redevelopment proposals be accepted. (The Oakland Press, February 8, 2008)
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