Detroit thread. Post Kwame, Monica, and $1 houses here.

[MadImmortalMan]

Oh, please fight, Monica. 

[Valmy]

If it was anyone else I’d be sure he or she would resign quietly; but Monica never ever does anything quietly.  The city charter is such that I doubt the council would be able to oust her; at least not before her term expired anyway.  Still I can’t see what she would gain by remaining on the council.

To stand against the wicked and be a symbol of hope for corrupt politicians everywhere?

[Savonarola]

No such luck

Conyers to resign from Detroit City Council on July 6
David Josar and Darren A. Nichols / The Detroit News
Detroit -- City Councilwoman Monica Conyers at 11:52 a.m. today submitted a letter of resignation to City Clerk Janice Winfrey.

Conyers wrote: "Effective Monday, July 6, 2009, I hereby resign from my position as Council President Pro-Tempore of the Detroit City Council. My staff will be available until December 31, 2009, to assist in the offices of my colleagues."

Earlier in the day, City Council President Kenneth Cockrel Jr. said he would begin forcing embattled Councilwoman Monica Conyers from office unless she resigned by Tuesday. Attorney General Mike Cox also issued a statement saying he would move to remove Conyers if she didn't resign.

Cockrel left City Hall about 20 minutes after Conyers submitted her resignation but was talking on the phone and did not answer questions from reporters.

However, he later released this statement: "I am glad she did the right thing and resign from the Detroit City Council. Now we, as a council and a city, can move on and forward in focusing on the vital issues our city faces -- and we will."

The 44-year-old Conyers admitted Friday in federal court to taking cash from a Houston-based company in exchange for her vote on a city sludge-treatment contract involving Houston-based Synagro.

She faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she's sentenced.

Conyers was elected to council in 2005 and received the second-largest vote tally. That was her second run at elective office. She had lost in an earlier run for state Senate.

She is the wife of Congressman John Conyers Jr. They married when she was 25 and he was 61. She was seven-months pregnant at the time with their first child.

Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel, who had fractious relationship with Conyers, called the resignation "an appropriate decision."

"It is time for the City Council to move beyond Synagro and address the issues that are important to the city," she said.

She said she was concerned that Conyers still wants to remain on council for a week, where she gets access to a city-owned vehicle and earns about $81,000 a year.

In addition, she does not believe Conyers' staff will be allowed to stay in city jobs.

"As far as I'm concerned, she forfeited her seat when she pleaded guilty," she said.

At a press conference this morning in City Hall, Cockrel said he and colleagues were ready to move forward with a set of resolutions that could be voted on Tuesday to strip Conyers of all her powers and then hire attorney William Goodman to begin the process to remove her from office.

Goodman was hired to do the same with former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

"It is my opinion that pleading guilty to a federal crime, she has essentially forfeited her seat," said Cockrel, who was joined at the press conference by fellow council members Sheila Cockrel, JoAnn Watson, Brenda Jones, Alberta Tinsley Talabi and Kwame Kenyatta.

It was not immediately known what Conyers' resignation, which will not go into affect until next Monday, will have on any actions by council.

Cockrel said he spoke briefly with Conyers on Sunday night. She pleaded guilty on Friday to a single count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

"I did sense some degree of remorse," he said. "But she wants to take some time to make her decision."

[MadImmortalMan]

"Effective Monday, July 6, 2009, I hereby resign from my position as Council President Pro-Tempore of the Detroit City Council. My staff will be available until December 31, 2009, to assist in the offices of my colleagues."

So, her angle will be to stay on the council, but not as President. 

[Caliga]

Kinda like how Mark Sanford just quit the RGA.  Apparently he didn't have time to devote to his duties in that org (which is prolly what, like two conferences a year?), but can definitely handle all of his governor duties. 

[Savonarola]

suspicious

John Conyers defends letter to EPA
By TODD SPANGLER and JIM SCHAEFER • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS • June 30, 2009

Before U.S. Rep. John Conyers was for a waste injection well in Romulus, he stood with fellow Democratic Rep. John Dingell who was against it.

In 2003, the influential husband of Monica Conyers appeared at a public hearing in Romulus, standing with fellow Michigan Democratic Rep. John Dingell, who was dead set against a planned hazardous waste injection well in that city.

"We're trying to keep the God-given resources that this area is blessed with as healthy and as clean as possible," Conyers told an audience on April 21, 2003.

Early today, John Conyers offered an explanation as to why his position changed before he sent a letter on July 17, 2007, to the Environmental Protection Agency in support of Greektown businessman Dimitrios (Jim) Papas' efforts to transfer permits that would restart the controversial, leak-prone well.

In a statement e-mailed to the Free Press just after midnight, Conyers' office said he "determined that this was something the EPA should reconsider" based "on the context of the congressman's representational duties to his constituents," including the Detroit police and firemen's pension board, which was heavily invested in the waste well operation.

The statement from Conyers' spokeswoman went on to note that federal prosecutors cleared him of any involvement in the bribery investigation into Conyers' wife.

Sam Riddle, the one-time political consultant and aide to Monica Conyers, told the Free Press last week that that Monica Conyers had indirectly benefited from Papas in 2007, before the EPA letter. It's unclear whether John Conyers then knew of any financial ties between his wife and Papas.

The Free Press also has learned that Papas was a political supporter of Monica Conyers. He contributed $1,500 in 2005 to her successful run for City Council. He also cohosted a fund-raiser that brought $12,250 to her campaign, records show. Riddle, who spoke exclusively to the Free Press for Monday editions, said the 2007 EPA letter from John Conyers was generated by Monica Conyers after she arranged a $20,000 consulting contract for Riddle with Papas. One of Papas' companies — Environmental Geo-Technologies — had contracted with the Detroit Police and Firemen's Retirement System to operate the deep-injection well, in which the system had invested millions.

Riddle said Monica Conyers demanded $10,000 from Riddle as a finder's fee.

In a statement Monday night, Papas said he has cooperated fully with federal agents who have investigated Monica Conyers and others.

"Mr. Papas categorically denies any wrongdoing in his past interactions with Monica Conyers or Sam Riddle," the statement read. "During the period in question, Mr. Papas had no business before the City Council and he sought no special consideration in any matters of government."

Papas also said he was told he is not a target of the ongoing investigation.

Monica Conyers pleaded guilty Friday to a felony for taking bribes in connection with an unrelated $1.2-billion sludge-hauling contract. Her crime carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison, and federal authorities said they plan to present evidence of other crimes at her sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Terrence Berg has said that agents have found no evidence that John Conyers "was knowingly or intentionally involved in Ms. Conyers' illegal conduct."

State Rep. Doug Geiss, a Taylor Democrat who represents Romulus and is an ardent opponent of the deep-injection well, demanded Monday that John Conyers clarify his position on the project.

"I'd like the congressman to go on the record," he said. "I call for him to publicly state it."

In his 2003 public testimony, Conyers — first elected in 1964 — said that while he wanted to continue discussions about the controversial well project, he was going to "join with" Dingell, who was firmly opposed to the project, "in a struggle that has been going on for many years."

A year later, at another hearing, a member of Conyers' staff painted a bleak picture of trucks loaded with hazardous waste rolling up I-75.

In that 2004 hearing, staffer Deanna Maher appeared for the congressman and said: "Everyone in the entire Downriver area, every community is totally against this injection well, and not just for environmental concerns."

None of those concerns were mentioned in Conyers' 2007 letter to the EPA. Though in both, concerns were raised about the police and fire fund's star-crossed investment in the Romulus well.

In the end, the EPA rejected the specific requests sought in the Conyers letter.

It's a sad tale; like Solomon worshipping idols to please his wives.   




Of course nothing will ever come of this; I'd be surprised if there was even an investigation into John's role.

[Savonarola]

Council 'a second job' for Martha Reeves, back from Motown tour abroad
BY BILL MCGRAW AND ZACHARY GORCHOW • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • June 30, 2009

When we left Detroit City Councilwoman Martha Reeves Friday, she was performing as Martha and the Vandellas in England, barnstorming the country in a Motown 50th anniversary tour, being hailed as a legend, lionized as a diva and missed at the council table during a busy week back home.

Since then, Reeves told an interviewer that her council service was "a second job I have" after singing. She also returned to Detroit, unable to comment on the departure of Monica Conyers because, she said, she didn't know Conyers had resigned.

The last concert was Sunday night in Liverpool, and Reeves missed work at her $81,000-a-year "second job" — with car and staff — in Detroit for the sixth day Monday.

And Monday happened to be one of the most historic days in council history, as six members held a news conference and called for their disgraced colleague Conyers to step down after her guilty plea to federal bribery charges.

Later Monday, Conyers announced she would resign.

Reeves missed critical votes on approving water and sewer rate increases last week. She also was gone as the state Legislature was finalizing legislation to set up a regional authority to oversee the expansion and renovation of Cobo Center.

Back in town Monday evening, Reeves defended her absence.

"There's nine council members," she said. "All you need is a majority vote. My staff was there at every meeting. I got full reports."

Reeves said she was unaware that Conyers had resigned until told by a Free Press reporter about 6 p.m. She declined to comment on Conyers' departure, saying she needed to get up to speed on what happened.

"I'm not that familiar with what's going," she said. "I can't make a comment on anything."

In Britain, Monday's Liverpool Daily Echo reviewed Sunday's concert.

"Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and Mary Wilson of the Supremes more than held their own," wrote Jade Wright. "Motown and its plethora of sublime songs changed the face of music forever. And last night, a part of that magic shone in Liverpool."

The tour, which includes members of the Supremes, Miracles, the Commodores and Jr. Walker's All Stars, received generally favorable reviews in a nation where Motown remains highly popular.

In an interview on the BBC's "Woman's Hour" radio show, Reeves was asked about a gaffe in Brighton, England, where, the interviewer noted, she greeted the crowd by saying, "Good evening, Bristol."

BBC: Hear the interview with Martha Reeves on the BBC

Laughing, Reeves recalled: "The audience was quick to say, 'No, Brighton.' They forgave me right away."

Interestingly, as Reeves referred to her Detroit council gig as a "second job," she told her interviewer touring and politics help keep her sharp.

"I'm very happy to still be alive," said Reeves, who turns 68 on July 18. "A lot of my friends have gone on to heaven. I have some fond memories. I can still remember where I am. So it's a good thing. I think the music keeps me ... and the second job I have keeps me active."

The interviewer expressed astonishment that Reeves sits on the Detroit City Council, but then said: "I mean, why shouldn't you be involved in politics? But it just seems odd."

Then there was this exchange at the end of the interview:

MR: "I have had over 100 different backup singers."

BBC: "In that time? Good grief, you've gone through them, Martha, by the sound of things."

MR: "They've gone through me.

BBC: "Of course they have. Lovely to meet you, it really is."

MR: "Take 'em and bring 'em and you can take them as far as they'll go.

Reeves will be busy in July.

In the Vandella business, that is.

Her Web site lists concerts this Saturday, July 4, in New Jersey and Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, near St. Louis.

Contact BILL McGRAW at [email protected].

I'm glad Martha has found a part time job to supplement her singing career.   

[charliebear]

Yes, but was she as good as Barbara Rose-Collins?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWivww3-Yfw

[Savonarola]

And in other news:

Decomposed body found in stolen Jeep in Detroit
BY TAMMY STABLES BATTAGLIA • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • June 30, 2009
A body so badly decomposed that a foot fell off was discovered in a stolen Jeep parked behind a house on Detroit's east side Monday.


As Detroit Police investigators tried to check a tether on an ankle just after 4:30 p.m., the foot fell off. Now, homicide officials will try to determine how long the person – too decomposed to determine man or woman Monday – was in a Jeep Cherokee parked in the 18000 block of Alcorn, near 7 Mile and Gratiot.

[Savonarola]

Heh, never one to go gentle into that great good night:

Monica Conyers takes to the air on Channel 33
By BEN SCHMITT • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • June 30, 2009


She may have resigned her post as Detroit City Council president Pro Tem, but Monica Conyers continued her job as television talk show host today.

Conyers rushed into the studios of WHPR-TV (Channel 33) this afternoon to host her popular Tuesday talk show. She started the broadcast by thanking many of her supporters, especially those in the religious community.


She then offered her opinion on who she thinks Detroiters should vote for in the August primary, giving her support to Councilwomen Martha Reeves and JoAnn Watson.


She took credit for coming up with a plan for the City of Detroit to keep Cobo Center, though she said the current plan for the convention center doesn't provide everything Detroiters need.


"I would have asked for more," she said. "They were trying to give Cobo away in the middle of the night. Just give it away while you were sleeping and while I was sleeping."


She also took partial credit for the water affordability program that helps low-income residents with their water rates, and the reduced trash fee for seniors.


Dressed in a one-piece dress with a strand of pearls and a blazer, Conyers asked reporters on hand if they were there for her show. She wouldn't say if it will be her last broadcast.


Conyers embraced station CEO and owner R.J. Watkins, who says her show gets high ratings.


Just before airing, Conyers rushed out to her car to retrieve something. On her way out she said, "Ya'll think I'm afraid of you. I'm not afraid of y'all.''


Her show, which normally runs for 30 minutes starting at 3:30 p.m., will be on for an hour today.


Conyers has pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to receive a bribe.

What a bunch of amateurs.  Monica would have at least gotten a watch and $20,000 in unmarked bills.

[jimmy olsen]

7 shot at a Detroit bus stop, 5 of them teenagers and 2 in critical condition.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/06/30/michigan.school.shooting/

[MadImmortalMan]

I'm glad Martha has found a part time job to supplement her singing career.   

It's not such a bad thing. A politician who never goes to work has a much smaller chance of fucking up things.

[Neil]

Monica has the city in a reign of terror.

[Savonarola]

7 shot at a Detroit bus stop, 5 of them teenagers and 2 in critical condition.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/06/30/michigan.school.shooting/

I don't know why, but this time of year we usually see the shoot-outs in the city.  A couple years ago we had someone open fire in the crowd at the fireworks.

[Savonarola]

I'm glad Martha has found a part time job to supplement her singing career.   

It's not such a bad thing. A politician who never goes to work has a much smaller chance of fucking up things.

That is fair; the fewer council sessions Martha Reeves attends the better off everyone is.