LambertsOnline: 2008-03-30

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Southeast Michigan Ronald Reagan Memorial Dinner 2008

Featuring Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina

Honorary Co-Chairmen:
Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land & Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop

Event Co-Sponsors
9th Congressional District Republican Party
12th Congressional District Republican Party
14th Congressional District Republican Party

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

San Marino Club

1685 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan

5:30 p.m. – Registration

6:00 p.m. – VIP Reception

6:30 p.m. – Dinner Program

Tickets: $50 per person ($60 per person postmark after May 13)

VIP Reception with speaker: $100 per person (includes dinner)

Ticket Information: Email mi9thgop@hotmail.com or call 248-561-3398.

Mail or make personal checks payable to: 9th District Republican Committee, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, Michigan 48099-4553.. (No corporate or labor union checks, please!).

Deadline Date: Monday, June 2, 2008

Paid for with regulated funds by: 9th District Republican Committee, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI 48099-4553

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/30/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248 524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Gerard Scherlinck 524-3447
Sgt. Robert Kowalski 524-3448

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
April 30, 2008

Draft Master Plan Update

At last night's Council Study Session, the Council voted to send the Draft Master Plan back to the Planning Commission.

During the time it's back in front of the Planning Commission, I would like to suggest that the Draft Master Plan be placed on the City website in a more user-friendly format. Currently, it's posted as a large PDF file which can take significant time to download.

How about posting it as an HTML file?

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/29/08

Forbes: Best And Worst Cities For Jobs

Read the complete story at...

http://www.forbes.com/2008/04/10/best-cities-jobs-lead-cx_kb_0410jobs.html

Here's an excerpt...

...The main artery for job loss in the U.S. runs through Ohio and Michigan, which had eight of the 10 metros with the biggest job losses. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama both campaigned vigorously in Ohio in February, blasting the North American Free Trade Agreement. No doubt that was an appeal to voters in places like Canton, Dayton and Youngstown, where NAFTA is associated with sinking employment. "NAFTA is used as a whipping boy for all the problems that these areas are struggling with," says Zandi. Yet the culprit for most of the lost jobs in the area is the deterioration of the domestic auto industry. The struggles of Chrysler, Ford Motor and General Motors have caused thousands of jobs to flee locales with heavy auto employment, like Detroit and Flint. Any turnaround in these cities is likely to take years, and there is no silver bullet that will do it. But Zandi has three tenets that these cities should follow. First, educate the population. In Canton, Detroit, Flint and Youngstown, less than 18% of the adult population has a college degree. Next up, work on improving the infrastructure. Finally it is important to keep costs down to try and entice new businesses. Michigan in particular has work to do on this front. Business costs in Ann Arbor, Detroit and Warren are all above the national average.

Spotlight on Troy — 4/28/08

Click anywhere on the image below to view this week’s “Spotlight on Troy.”

Sunday, April 27, 2008

EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed

We saw the movie "EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed" today.

This movie by Ben Stein exposes the efforts by the Scientific community to suppress inquiry into "Intelligent Design."

I liked the movie except for the part that linked Darwinian Evolution with the Nazis. Yes, Hitler and the National Socialists used "natural selection" to justify their evil acts against humanity. However, this part of the movie did not add to the central message.

Stein's message is that we should defend the right of free and open scientific inquiry into intelligent design.

The website for the movie is... http://www.expelledthemovie.com/

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Alex's Entry in the Our Shepherd Science Fair

Our Shepherd Lutheran School held its Science Fair on Friday evening. Alex's entry was titled "Fruity Electricity" and was all about batteries. He even showed how some fruits and vegetables make electricity.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Troy City Council Study Session — 4/28/08

There's a budget study session on Monday night.

There are only two items on the agenda.

The Proposed Fiscal Year 2008/09 Annual Budget. This is not available on the web.

Approval of Distribution of Draft City of Troy 2008 Master Plan. This can be found at...
http://www.troymi.gov:85/LibertyIMS::/User=WebUser;Pwd=WebUser;sys=City%20Of%20Troy&Cmd=GetRawDocument;Folder=%2338;Doc=148a

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/25/08

Troy Police Crime Sheet --- 4/24/08

City Council Meetings Archived on Web

You can view past City Council meetings on the City's website.

Go to...
http://www.troymi.gov/councilwebcast.aspx

The archives go back to March 5, 2007.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/23/08

The Good City Blog

Found an interesting blog about Fort Wayne, Indiana.

It's at... http://thegoodcity.wordpress.com/

Here's a quote that I find appealing from the Good City Blog:

Will Fort Wayne become a great city? Far too few cities can achieve that stature of size and prominence. But will Fort Wayne become a good city? If we band together, that’s a lofty goal that we may be able to achieve.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/22/08

Spotlight on Troy — 4/21/08

Click anywhere on the image below to view this week’s “Spotlight on Troy.”

Victor Lenivov's Comments on the Pavilions Brownfield Plan

Victor posted the comments below on his blog at http://lenivov.com/blog.aspx

I sent the following to city council in an email concerning changes to the Pavilions Brownfield Plan. I will blog later why I decided to support the plan, although I did discuss why with two members of city council.

2007 Troy Police Officer and Non-Sworn Police Employee of the Year Announced

Congratulations to Officer Raymond Piper and Police Service Aide Jason Strasz.

Read more below.

Potts Issues "Pottygate" Press Release on Burns and Woodward

Today, County Commissioner Dave Potts and County Commissioner Robert Gosselin issued a joint statement commemorating the first anniversary of "Pottygate," the day Commissioner David Woodward and Commissioner Tim Burns ran out of a commission meeting to avoid voting on a public resolution.

Read more at...
http://www.oaklandpolitics.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=FF2FA65629719AA4E838154000FA1E3C?diaryId=189

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Today is... Patriots Day

Patriots Day may be the least known American holiday, and the day most deserving of our recognition. Observed in Massachusetts and Maine only. Don’t know it? It marks the day, April 19, 1775, on which Americans took up arms against their king, and bled, at the crack of terrible dawn.

Read more at...
http://www.julescrittenden.com/2008/04/19/april-morning/

Presidential Message, Passover

From the White House...

April 18, 2008

Then Moses said to the people, "Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand."
Exodus 13:3

I send greetings to those observing Passover.

More than 3,000 years ago, God liberated the Children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt and led them on a journey towards the Promised Land. During the holy days of Passover, Jews around the world celebrate this deliverance from oppression and give thanks to a loving God for His many blessings. Passover is an opportunity for Jewish families and friends to gather to read the Haggadah, share the Seder meal, and remember God's mercy through song and prayer. This eight-day observance brings a message of hope and freedom to the Jewish people.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a joyous Passover.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Friday, April 18, 2008

Troy City Council Regular Meeting Agenda — 4/21/08

I sent an email to the City Manager this morning informing him that the links to next week’s City Council agenda are not working on the City's web page. It looks like the City is using a new vendor for providing online Council agendas. Hopefully, the City will fix this soon.

Because the links are not working, you cannot view the Complete Agenda Packet and you cannot view the Backup Material.

If you want to see an overview of the agenda, go to...
http://www.troymi.gov/Council/Meetings/CurrentAgenda.aspx

UPDATE: It looks like you can now click on links for the Backup Material.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/18/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084

Community Services Section
Lt. Gerard Scherlinck 524-3447
Sgt. Robert Kowalski 524-3448

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
April 18, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/17/08

Free Press: DDA Tables Request for $5 Million from Developer

From today's Free Press...

The Downtown Development Authority on Wednesday tabled a request from the developer of the Pavillions of Troy to help reimburse the company for the cost of demolishing the former Kmart headquarters site on Big Beaver, future home of the multimillion-dollar project.

Housing, entertainment, retail and office space are planned for the development.

The Richardson Development Group Inc., based in Virginia, asked the authority for the $5 million in taxes it would collect once the development begins to increase in value. That would be a portion of the $13.2 million it will cost to demolish the old buildings.

The DDA is to revisit the issue at a later meeting.

On Tuesday, Troy's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority voted to contribute $3.8 million in captured taxes.

The Troy City Council plans a public hearing on the matter at its meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 500 W. Big Beaver.

The story is at...
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/NEWS03/804170399/1005

Congressman Knollenberg Introduces the "CARTER Act"

Hooray for Joe Knollenberg!

According to Noah Pollak...

Congressman Joe Knollenberg, R-MI, has come up with a clever and useful response to Jimmy Carter’s terrorist outreach tour of the Middle East.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

SEMCOG Transportation Survey

From the City's Community Affairs Department...

Have your opinion on transportation in Southeast Michigan heard with an online survey presented by Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. SEMCOG is conducting the survey to gauge the public’s level of satisfaction with the region’s transportation system and their attitudes toward prioritizing transportation improvements.

Survey questions revolve around six key components - pavement condition, bridge condition, congestion mitigation, nonmotorized travel, safety, and transit. The survey takes less than ten minutes to complete and can be found online at www.semcog.org/Survey. Additionally, surveys can be printed from this site and faxed to SEMCOG at 313.961.4869.

The survey findings will be considered by SEMCOG and local elected officials as they explore transportation investment choices and establish a regional investment direction. The end result will be a long-range plan, entitled Direction2035, which will serve the needs of the region’s citizens and businesses by promoting a transportation system that is accessible, safe and reliable. Once completed, the results and information on development of Direction2035 will be posted online at www.semcog.org/Long-RangeTransportationPlan.aspx?ekmensel=c580fa7b_58_124_128_3

SEMCOG is a membership organization of local governments that promotes efficient local government, helping member communities in the areas of transportation, environment, regional growth and education. For more information, call 313.961.4266 or visit www.semcog.org.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/15/08

When is Tax Freedom Day® this Year?

Your Federal and Michigan income tax returns are due today.

This year, celebrate Tax Freedom Day® on April 23.

For more information, go to...
http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxfreedomday/

Monday, April 14, 2008

Spotlight on Troy — 4/14/08

Click anywhere on the image below to view this week’s “Spotlight on Troy.”

Troy Arbor Day 2008

From the City's Community Affairs Department...

The City of Troy will observe Arbor Day on Friday, May 2 from 4:30-6 pm with a Tree Planting Ceremony and Kite Fly at Firefighters Park. This terrific family event is free and free kites will be given to the first 50 youngsters that attend.

This is a perfect opportunity for Scouts to earn a badge or patch and also a great way for groups to help celebrate Arbor Day.

Firefighters Park is located on the North side of Square Lake Road, between Crooks and Coolidge Roads.

For more information or to a space, call 248.524.3484, stop by the Community Center located at 3179 Livernois or visit the web site at www.troymi.gov/parksandreconline.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Plan for Old Kmart HQ Hits Key Stage

See below for some more information on yesterday's post.
http://lambert-blog.com/2008/04/12/free-press-plan-for-old-kmart-hq-hits-key-stage/

Mary Ann Bernardi's opinion column in the Troy Eccentric at...
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/NEWS22/804130428/1039

Also, here's a story in the Troy Eccentric...
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/NEWS22/804130443/1039

Troy Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Agenda — 4/15/08

For some reason, this week's BZA agenda is not posted on the City's website. I'll bring this to the attention of City staff.

California Congressman Proposes the "Tax Me More Act"

From Congressman John Campbell...

Yesterday, I officially submitted the "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" Act. This bill will amend the Tax Code to allow individuals to make voluntary donations to the federal government above and beyond their normal tax liability, and actually put a line on the IRS tax form to make it easier to make donations.

Sounds like a great idea for those who feel that government doesn't tax them enough. Maybe we can try this here in Michigan?

Read more at...
http://campbell.house.gov/Homepage/Putyourmoney.htm

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Frankel's Vision

Nice article on the late Sam Frankel.

Just click on the link at...
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080410/NEWS22/804100467/1039/NEWs22

Free Press: Plan for Old Kmart HQ Hits Key Stage

I don't know if the story has all of the facts. I can see a good case for reimbursing the developer for lead and asbestos removal. I have questions about whether taxpayer dollars should be used for demolition expenses.

Check the story at...
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080412/NEWS03/804120318/1005

Friday, April 11, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/11/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
(248) 524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Gerard Scherlinck 524-3447
Sgt. Robert Kowalski 524-3448

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
April 11, 2008

Troy Police: Coyote Sightings Near Troy's Jaycee Park

From the Troy Police...

April 8, 2008

On April 7, 2008, reports of coyote sightings in the area of JC Park were received. Although the law allows for the trapping of coyotes, there must be evidence of damage. Hunting, trapping, and the discharge of firearms are prohibited in Troy.

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Obama's former pastor will be keynote speaker at NAACP dinner

According today's Detroit News...

The Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, the controversial former pastor to presidential candidate Barack Obama, was named this morning as the keynote speaker for the NAACP Detroit branch's 53rd annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner.

The article quotes Detroit NAACP president The Rev. Wendell Anthony...

"Rev. Wright has challenged the nation, challenged our comfort zone and stimulated nation-wide discussions on the issues of how we must move forward together as both a nation and a people. We look forward to his participation here in the city of Detroit."

Considering everything else that's gone on in Detroit this year, should we be surprised by this?

If you like to see and hear Rev. Wright in action, click on this link below...
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Rev.+Jeremiah+A.+Wright&search_type=

Oakland County Survey No Longer Available

I've corrected information in the posting at...
http://lambert-blog.com/2008/04/09/oakland-county-asks-for-citizen-opinions-in-new-web-survey/

The survey was only available until March 24th.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Oakland County Asks for Citizen Opinions in New Web Survey

4/10/08 CORRECTION: Sorry. The Survey mentioned below was only available until March 24th.

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce and contain the cost of government operations, Oakland County is conducting a survey to gather information on citizens' preferences regarding the use of online services vs. doing business with the County in person.

The brief 11-question anonymous survey takes only a few minutes to complete online. Survey responses will help Oakland County shape the development of future services for County residents and others doing business with the County.

The survey is currently available on the Oakland County web site www.oakgov.com. Visitors to the County's home page can click on the "Take Our Survey" link to submit their opinions. The survey will remain open until March 24, 2008.

For media inquiries, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer at (248) 858-1048.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/9/08

Citizen Survey Regarding a New Library

From the City's Community Affairs Department...

The Friends of the Troy Public Library (FTPL) have contracted with Epic/MRA, a Lansing-based survey research firm to conduct a citizen survey regarding a new library. Phone surveys will begin the week of April 14 to a random sampling of Troy residents. The survey will ask Troy residents to share their opinions related to building a new library to serve our community.

“The Friends feel that a new library would be more cost effective for our residents and building on a new site would not cause any disruption of services to the library patrons. A new library would ultimately offer better customer service,” said Jeanne Stine, FTPL President. “Our goal is to seek the opinions of our Troy residents and since the mission of the Friends of the Troy Public Library is to promote and support the Troy Public Library we feel it is our responsibility to facilitate this survey.”

Calls will begin the week of April 14 and the callers will identify themselves as representing Epic/MRA. If you have caller ID, the cover ID will read Epic with a 517 area code. For more information about the Friends of the Public Library call 248.680.7230.

Glad to see that the "Friends" are taking this on as a project. However, I would encourage them to ensure that the survey questions are as unbiased as possible.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/8/08

Crisis and Leviathan

This is one of the books that I'm reading for my graduate Economics class this term.

Here's a description of the book...

In Crisis and Leviathan, Robert Higgs shows that the main reason lies in government’s responses to national “crises” (real or imagined), including economic upheavals (e.g., the Great Depression) and especially war (e.g., World Wars I and II, Cold War, etc.). The result is ever increasing government power which endures long after each crisis has passed, impinging on both civil and economic liberties and fostering extensive corporate welfare and pork. As government power grows, writes Higgs, it achieves a form of autonomy, making it ever more difficult to decrease its size and scope, and to resist its further efforts to increase its reach, so long as the citizenry remain uninformed of its true effects.

I've really enjoyed reading this book.

You can order it from the The Independent Institute by clicking on this link...
http://www.independent.org/store/book_detail.asp?bookID=15

Spotlight on Troy — 4/7/08

Click anywhere on the image below to view this week’s “Spotlight on Troy.”

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Report on the UDM 2008 State of the Michigan Economy Symposium

Several economic experts throughout Michigan spoke yesterday at the University of Detroit Mercy's 2008 State of Michigan Economy Symposium at Macomb University Center.

Speakers included:
Joseph A. Weglarz, senior lecturer at UDM
Jamie J. Muter, president of Muter and Associates
Paul M. Veryser, vice president of Precision Metal Working Association
Detroit News Automotive Editor, Manuel Lopez
UDM Economics Professor Donald Byrne

The event was sponsored by the University of Detroit Mercy Economics Department, Macomb University Center, Clinton Township and the Michigan Council on Economic Education.

Listed below are a few of the more interesting statements made at the symposium.

Jamie Muter...
Industrial and office properties in Southeast Michigan have been significantly affected by the bursting of the real estate "bubble."

Paul M. Veryser...
China is playing a much larger role in U.S. domestic automobile manufacturing.

Manuel Lopez...
Michigan will probably never again be a major player in automobile manufacturing. Instead, our state needs to focus on automobile research and development.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Troy City Council Regular Meeting Agenda — 4/7/08

The agenda can be found at…
http://www.troymi.gov/Council/Meetings/CurrentAgenda.aspx

The complete agenda can be downloaded by clicking this link...
http://www.troymi.gov:85/LibertyIMS::/User=WebUser;Pwd=WebUser;sys=City%20Of%20Troy&Cmd=GetRawDocument;Folder=%2338;Doc=13f3

Friday, April 4, 2008

Juan Williams on Obama and King

While Juan Williams is generally on the "Left," his commentary in today's Wall Street Journal is excellent.

Here are a couple of excerpts...

Martin Luther King Jr. died at age 39; today, the 40th anniversary of his death, is the first time he has been gone longer than he lived...

...As the nation tries to recall the meaning of Martin Luther King today, Mr. Obama's campaign has become a mirror reflecting where we are on race 40 years after the assassination. Mr. Obama's success has moved forward the story of American race relations; King would have been thrilled with his political triumphs. But when Barack Obama, arguably the best of this generation of black or white leaders, finds it easy to sit in Rev. Wright's pews and nod along with wacky and bitterly divisive racial rhetoric, it does call his judgment into question. And it reveals a continuing crisis in racial leadership. What would Jesus do? There is no question he would have left that church.

Read the entire article at...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120726732176388295.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Troy Police Crime Report --- 4/4/08

Marty Knollenberg Gets Democrat Opponent

According to a posting on OaklandPolitics.com, Troy resident Evan Ross Treharne has filed papers as a Democrat to run for the State House against incumbent Marty Knollenberg.

Check the post at...
http://www.oaklandpolitics.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=182

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Troy Master Plan Update --- April 2, 2008

Under Michigan law, the Troy City Council can adopt a resolution to assert its right to approve or reject a proposed Master Plan. I'm not sure if the current City Council plans to pass such a resolution. Without such a resolution, the new Master Plan can be adopted solely by action of the Planning Commission.

Meanwhile, at its March 25th meeting, the Troy Planning Commission continued its work on the new Master Plan. According to the minutes from that meeting, the Planning Commission discussed:

Process for review and approval of the Master Plan.

Public comment generated at the Public Input Workshop.

Public comment provided after the Public Input Workshop.

The Planning Commission will continue to gather public input and consider all comments at one time following the public review period for the Master Plan.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

A Visit from Alex's New Friends

We had 3 visitors at our home last Friday from Russia. These boys are staying with host families for a week and we pray that they find new families. Our son Alex is the boy in the middle with the glow-in-dark speed stacking cups. He enjoyed being their host.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Monday, April 28, 2008

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Friday, April 25, 2008

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Monday, April 21, 2008

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Friday, April 18, 2008

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Monday, April 14, 2008

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Friday, April 11, 2008

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Monday, April 7, 2008

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Friday, April 4, 2008

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Tuesday, April 1, 2008