Detroit switches on the lighting authority

Detroit took a step forward earlier this month when City Council approved the articles of incorporation for a new public lighting authority. State lawmakers approved a December law that allowed for its creation.  The authority plans to raise its money through a $160 million bond offering with the proceeds being used to fund its operations.

Members of the new authority will be approved by City Council and the Mayor’s office.   The five member board is required to include a licensed engineer, a financial expert, a licensed attorney, and two other at large members.  Such requirements are prudent and ensure the right experts are in place to address a problem that the City cannot fully grasp.  City officials admitted to not knowing how many of Detroit’s 88,000 streetlights fail to function properly, but one only needed to drive down Gratiot or Lafayette after dark to see the problem. 

The authority will assume the responsibility of fixing a major threat to public safety. Every shadow or dark alley left without light presents a greater opportunity for criminals to do their work in anonymity.  An effective lighting authority will indirectly deter crime.    

A popular saying amongst Detroit naysayers has been “last one out, turn off the lights”.  For a while, they had reason to believe Detroit's fall was near as the lighting struggles shadowed any optimism, but that has changed.  Going forward, the same light the authority will create for city streets needs be used to identify more innovative solutions to the challenges facing Detroit.

 

“Give light and people will find the way.”

-Ella Baker

"One tough nerd" has one tough decision

State Treasurer Andy Dillon reaffirmed Detroit’s bleak financial health in a report delivered to Governor Rick Snyder on Tuesday.  Dillon led a financial review team comprised of Kenneth Whipple, Darrell Burks, Ronald Goldsberry, Thomas McTavish, and Frederick Headen.   Following the review, all members agreed; Detroit is in a state of “financial emergency” and does not have a sufficient plan in place.

One week ago, Mayor Dave Bing proudly declared that Detroit had continued to meet its payroll obligations and avoided an Emergency Manager to date.  He continued by reporting savings the City realized through adoption of technological solutions and partnerships with non-profits that helped Detroit’s bottom line.  Bing acknowledged Detroit’s dire condition, but held out hope.

Dillon’s comments today suggest that the fiscal savings championed during Bing’s reign are not enough.  Mayor Bing has restored integrity and morality to the Detroit missing during the past administrations, and for that, Detroiters should be grateful.  That being said, the financial struggles of Detroit persist.

They include:

·         A $14 Billion in unfunded pension liabilities

·         A $100 million cash-flow deficit by June 30 if spending cuts are not implemented

For too long, Detroit has kicked the can down the road by relying on long term debt to fund their short term obligations.  In addition, the City never seemed to unite after the Consent Agreement like Governor Snyder had hoped.  Words like accountability, sacrifice, and urgency have been thrown around but the rhetoric far too often remained an idea rather than action.

An emergency manager offers Detroit a chance to circumvent political standstill and get to work.  A nonelected official, with no aspirations for reelection, would have the ability to implement a plan that can optimize Detroit’s dwindling resources.  In no way am I suggesting that the City can cut its way to prosperity, but taking the necessary financial actions would signal to citizens and businesses that Detroit is for real this time.

Will Snyder play his emergency manager card?  Time will tell, but the man that ran for office by proudly characterizing himself as “one tough nerd” has one tough decision ahead.

Full Text of Mayor Dave Bing’s State of the City Address, Detroit Free Press

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013130213094

State treasurer: “We gave the city every chance”, Detroit News

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130219/METRO01/302190407/Mich-treasurer-Detroit-We-gave-city-every-chance-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Monroe Street Steakhouse: a hidden Greektown gem

After a long day’s work, I have one question on my mind.  What's for dinner?  Luckily, Detroit has mutiple answers to my hunger.  Downtown has a variety of dining options that cover a multitude of ethnicities ranging from Greek, Arabic, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Cuban, and Chinese.      

Much of the attention in recent months has focused on the opening of the newest Buffalo Wild Wings franchise on the corner of Randolph and Monroe at the edge of Greektown.  While I’m all for having a new chain open downtown and will likely indulge in boneless wings on Thursdays, I want to take this opportunity to discuss another Greektown dining option that is unique to Detroit.

Monroe Street Steakhouse is located at 561 Monroe between St. Antoine and Beaubien.  This gem, nestled in the heart of Greektown specializes in serving USDA Choice or Higher steaks and Certified American lamb chops that are charbroiled to your preference.  If you are not in the carnivorous mood, try the numerous nonmeat options like the lobster tail, salmon, or fettuccini Alfredo.

Most visitors associate Greektown dining with the showmanship displayed during the serving of Saganaki, the flaming cheese dish served at restaurants like New Parthenon Restaurant and Pegasus Tavernas.  Monroe Street Steakhouse has the opposite appeal.  Expect a low key atmosphere where customer service and food execution take precedent. 

I think part of the attraction to the restaurant industry is its dynamic nature with the openings and closings of businesses daily.  Yet, much more can be said about the establishments that stay open and maintain a loyal following.  Bon appétit.

Monroe Street Steakhouse

Monday – Saturday

5:00 PM – 11:00PM

  561 Monroe Ave.

  Detroit, MI 48226

  (313)961-3636

http://www.monroeststeakhouse.com/

   

Detroit politics; fix it!

Today, I stumbled upon an article in the Detroit News during my lunch break.  The article, “Cost concerns stall search for Detroit police chief”, details political officials’ skepticism over the cost of finding candidates to be the next police chief of Detroit.  Reading the article gave me both the inclination to smile at the irony, but also frown at the inactivity.

Before going any further, I write this blog from the vantage point of a concerned citizen, not a political activist with an agenda.  My only goal is to live in a better Detroit. 

While officials weigh the options of the police chief search, the city goes another day without a unified vision to combat crime.  The same political leaders that voted collectively to reject the state of Michigan leasing Belle Isle are taking more time to find the next police chief because they are concerned with finances.  If our political leaders were so concerned with the finances of Detroit, why did they reject an offer by the state to lease Belle Isle that would allow Detroit to retain ownership?  Michigan would run Belle Isle as a state park and save the city millions of dollars annually.

This inconsistency speaks to a greater challenge.  Our current political leaders are not taking the needed action to make our city better.  In no way am I indicting the character of our elected officials; I believe that they share my goal of making the city better, but I disagree with how they pursue that goal.  I said in my first post that I wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem.  I would be more than willing to speak with any leader or citizen if I thought it could make our city better. 

Yet, the same inaction that dragged along the consent agreement, Hantz farm, and even our police chief search speaks to a greater danger.  Failure to act will result in municipal bankruptcy and an emergency manager will allocate city resources as they see fit.  At that point, the same elected officials that grasp for their power will no longer have any influence.

I challenge my fellow citizens to not only be skeptical of the results of our leaders, but take action against it.  This year presents two opportunities to voice how you want the city to move forward with the City Council and Mayoral election.  Choose wisely.

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.

John F. Kennedy