Troy Eccentric Says Council Should Place Tax Limit Proposal on Ballot

I don't always agree with the editorial position of the Troy Eccentric.  However, I agree with them when they say, "the fact is that enough signatures were collected to place the proposal on the ballot, and the council should vote to do so."

They're referring to the tax limitation charter amendment proposal.

Read the entire editorial at...
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/NEWS22/807310332/1039

How to Lower Your Michigan Business Tax Liability

Check out the video by State Representative Chuck Moss.  Just click on the image below.

If Someone Steals Your McCain Lawn Sign

You can order one of these signs. Just go to... http://www.tolerantliberal.com/

Oakland Press Readers Panel

The Oakland Press is looking for individuals to serve on its Readers Advisory Panel. It would be great to see a Troy resident appointed to this panel. Maybe that person could encourage The Oakland Press to give better coverage to Troy.  After all, Troy is the largest city in Oakland County.

For more information on the Readers Advisory Panel, go to...
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/072708/opi_20080726236.shtml

Spotlight on Troy — 7/28/08

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

Tiger Game on July 26

Alex took this picture of Mary Ellyn and  I  me outside of Comerica Park yesterday.  Unfortunately the Tigers lost the game to the White Sox.

Troy Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Agenda --- 7/29/08

The Board of Zoning Appeals normally meets once a month. However, this month we have an additional meeting on July 29.

The agenda can be seen by clicking...
http://www.troymi.gov/committees/Agendas/Zoning/Zoning20080729.pdf

Chuck Norris: What the Bleep?!

Actor and now political/social pundit Chuck Norris has some great thoughts on the decline of our language...

What word is nasty or unwholesome anymore? There are no "bad words." Words once considered evil are now terms of endearment. There's the B-word, the D-word, the A-word, the F-word, etc. Even bleeps are mere blips on America's moral radar screens. When ministers use G-- d--- in their sermons and moral activists threaten to cut off a presidential candidate's genitals and call him the N-word, can't we see the signs that we're heading in the wrong direction?

Read the entire column at...
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=27643

Nice column by Chuck.  Maybe he'll talk more about it in his upcoming book "Black Belt Patriotism."

Improving the standards of language should be a job for our cultural leaders.  That is media executives, sports personalities, movie stars, and even musicians.  Do they care?

Michigan Power Grab

From the Wall Street Journal (July 24, 2008)...

It's still not certain whether an ambitious proposal to amend Michigan's state constitution will find a spot on the Nov. 4 ballot. But new revelations leave little doubt that proponents are engaged in a blatantly partisan effort to change the state political system to favor Democrats.

Read the rest of the article at...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121685601074279079.html

Detroit Political Cartoon by John Smith

To see more of John's cartoon, go to...
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7059951&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

9th Congressional District GOP BBQ

9th Congressional District Republican Party

GRASSROOTS BARBEQUE ‘08

Saturday, July 26th; 1 – 4 PM

JOIN U.S. CONGRESSMAN JOE KNOLLENBERG!!

Join Congressman Joe Knollenberg, Sheriff Mike Bouchard & Clerk Ruth Johnson at the 9th GOP BBQ to be held on Saturday, July 26th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the beautiful private park/residence of Teresa & Dan Stayer, Rochester Hills.

Parking at: St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, 771 Old Perch Road, Rochester Hills. Take M-59 to Crooks Road, north to Avon Road, east to Old Perch Road, north to church. BBQ is in park immediately next to the church.

It is suppose to be a sunny, warm Saturday afternoon. Come join local Republicans and hear from local candidates and officials.

Covered pavilion so the event will be held rain or shine! BBQ chicken, hot dogs, salads, dessert and beverages, all for the low price of:

Prepaid price: $15 pp/$25 family of four

At event: $20 pp/$30 family of four

RSVP by sending your check payable to: 9th District Republican Admin. Account., P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI 48099.

Questions? Call 248-561-3398. Or email.. mi9thgop@hotmail.com

Troy Community Coalition General Membership Meeting

Thursday, August 7, 2008
7:00 PM

at the Troy Police and Fire Training Center
4850 John R
South of Long Lake
Troy, MI 48085

Featuring a presentation by
Mr. Ken Dail
Director, Prevention Network
Co-Chair, Michigan Prevention Association

Monthly meetings are open to the public, light refreshments are served. Join us for an educational presentation, lively discussion, and information sharing.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/24/08

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
July 24, 2008

Bosnic Garners More Endorsements

Mike Bosnic has picked up two more endorsements in the race for the Republican nomination for Oakland County Commission.

The Troy Eccentric has given Mike a "qualified endorsement." See the endorsement article at http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080720/NEWS22/807200407/1039/NEWs22 .

Michigan Right to Life PAC has also endorsed Bosnic.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/22/08

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
July 22, 2008

Kilpatrick Friend Gets Partial Bid for Troy Demolitions

According to today's Detroit Free Press...

The Troy City Council awarded only a partial bid for a demolition project to a Detroit contractor and longtime friend of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Bobby Ferguson's company, Ferguson Enterprises Inc. -- which came under scrutiny in April after the Free Press questioned whether Ferguson received favors from Kilpatrick and his former chief of staff Christine Beatty to gut the Book-Cadillac Hotel -- will demolish only one of three buildings necessary for parkland expansion.

The council voted 4-3 on the issue. Mayor Pro Tem Martin Howrylak said the company's reputation is a problem. Councilwoman Mary Kerwin disagreed, saying that Ferguson's company was checked out by the city and made it through the bid process. Howrylak said splitting demolition of the three buildings between three different companies saves the city money. Based on the bids, the city will pay $21,245 for the entire project.

Read the article at…
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080722/NEWS05/80722007/1003/NEWS

Be sure to read all of the reader comments for this article.

The "Purpose-Driven" Campaign Forum

Read all about John McCain's and Barack Obama's first joint appearance of the 2008 campaign at Saddleback Church on Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion.

You can read the article at… http://tinyurl.com/6a7w7c
(NOTE: I've updated this link.)

In the story, Saddleback’s Pastor Rick Warren says…

The primaries proved that Americans care deeply about the faith, values, character and leadership convictions of candidates as much as they do about the issues. While I know both men as friends and they recognize I will be frank, but fair, they also know I will be raising questions in these four areas beyond what political reporters typically ask. This includes pressing issues that are bridging divides in our nation, such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, climate and human rights.

You can certainly praise Rick Warren for his efforts to educate his congregation on the Presidential candidates. However, are the most pressing issues that divide America “poverty, HIV/AIDS, climate and human rights?” Are these the issues that are at the top of the list when electing a President? What about our next President's role as Commander-in-Chief? What about his role in appointing Judges who will uphold our Constitution?

Frankly, Rick Warren’s theology is mixed-up. Now, I can see that his views on politics are also mixed-up.

See Byron York's comments at...
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MTM2ODAxYTBiMDU1NDQ2ODIyYzVlYTlmMDQ5MzI0MDM=

Spotlight on Troy — 7/21/08

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

Alex Runs for the Gold

Last week, Alex participated in the Troy Parks & Recreation Track Camp at Athens High School.  Here he is running in the 50 Meter Hurdles.  Alex is the runner in the middle lane who wins this race.

[googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4705234009970710476&hl=en]

Senator Pappageorge's Monthly Minute

Read it by clicking the link here...
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/gop/EmailNewsletter/13/20080716_Pappageorge_MM.pdf

Check Out Local 4's Speed Week Spotlight on Troy

Mary Ellyn is interviewed on Channel 4's Speed Week Spotlight.

View it at...
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/16809782/detail.html##

Troy City Council Regular Meeting Agenda — 7/21/08

Links to individual agenda items can be found at…
http://www.troymi.gov/Council/Meetings/CurrentAgenda.aspx

The complete agenda can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
http://www.troymi.gov:85/LibertyIMS::/User=WebUser;Pwd=WebUser;sys=City%20Of%20Troy&Cmd=GetRawDocument;Folder=%2338;Doc=15d6

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/18/08

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
July 18, 2008

Uff Da: Lambert Family '08 Summer Vacation

Here we are sporting our "Uff Da" shirts.  I believe that's Norwegian for either "What the heck!" or "Oh, my!"  The shirts were designed by Mary Ellyn's parents.  After all, Mary Ellyn's dad has strong family ties to Norway.

We were on vacation during the week of July 5-11 on Paradise Lake.  That's approximately 6 miles south of Mackinaw City.  Sorry, I just got around to posting the photo today.  By the way, I'm also sporting a Lansing Lugnut cap. 

Free Press Endorses Bosnic and Corbett for County Commission

See the endorsements at...
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080717/OPINION01/807170341

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/16/08

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
July 16, 2008

Republican Platform Input

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, Platform Committee Chairman U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, and Platform Committee Co-Chairman U.S. Sen. Richard Burr announced the launch of www.GOPPlatform2008.com, the first, entirely web-based initiative that allows voters across the nation to actively participate in the development of the 2008 Republican Party Platform.

Make sure your voice is heard.  Login and comment at...
http://www.gopplatform2008.com/intro.aspx

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/15/08

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
July 15, 2008

Troy is 22 in the CNNMoney.com Best Places to Live

Troy is Number 22 in the entire nation. Way to go!

To read the profile on Troy, go to...
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/snapshots/PL2680700.html

See the complete listing at  http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/top100/

Spotlight on Troy — 7/14/08

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

2009 Jet Box Baseball Club U-12 team

The 2009 Jet Box Baseball club will hold tryouts for the U-12 team (players age 12 or under on 4/30/09).

Tryouts will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on July 30 and July 31, 2008 at Smith Middle School
(5835 Donaldson Dr, Troy).

The team plays in the North Oakland Baseball Federation league and plays in a couple of tournaments.

Contact Coach Tom DiMambro at tdimambro@wideopenwest.com or 313-378-9654 (cell).

For more information, go to http://www.jetboxbaseball.com .

UDM Class Paper on the Doctrine of Vocation

I just completed my third class at the University of Detroit Mercy working towards an MA in Economics. I was required to write a paper that addressed some aspect of Aristotle. My paper is entitled "The Doctrine of Vocation: A Deeper and More Connected Friendship."

If you'd like to read it, I've posted it to my blog.

Just click on the link below.
http://davelambert.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/vocation.pdf

Troy Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Agenda --- 7/15/08

The agenda can be found by clicking...
http://www.troymi.gov/committees/Agendas/Zoning/Zoning20080715.pdf

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/11/08

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
July 11, 2008

New Recycling Guidelines

Residents of Troy can add new items to their recycling bins.

For the new guidelines, go to...
http://www.socrra.org/pdf/SOCRRA%20CRG%202008%20final.pdf

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/10/08

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
July 10, 2008

2008 Troy Nursery School Olympics

Here's your chance to get a preview of the Summer Games in China!  Well, not really.  But, it still looks like fun.

Read the story at...
http://www.troymi.gov/CommunityAffairs/PressRelease/NurserySchoolOlympics08.htm

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/9/08

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
July 9, 2008

17th Annual Troy Family Festival

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 16. You won’t want to miss the 17th Annual Family Festival. Sponsored by the City of Troy and USA Credit Union, the fun takes place from 5:30–8:30 pm at Boulan Park. Rain or shine, the festival will feature some of the best family entertainment around, with games, food, music and more! Admission is free.

Read more at...
http://www.troymi.gov/CommunityAffairs/PressRelease/FamilyFestival08.htm

Fourth Annual Hockey Clinic for Youth

From the Troy Police...

The Troy Police Department in conjunction with the Troy Sports Center, CORE Fitness and Athletic Training, The Training Room Physical Therapy Specialists, and B and R Sports welcome 60 youth to its fourth annual Youth Hockey Clinic this week. The clinic runs from Tuesday, July 8, 2008 through Friday, July 11, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Troy Sports Center, which is located at East Big Beaver and John R Roads in Troy. The Troy Sports Center has donated ice-time, instructors, and meeting rooms to enable us to host the clinic at their facility.

The clinic provides attendees 90 minutes of on-ice instruction each day in conjunction with a series of classroom presentations on youth oriented issues. On-ice instruction is being provided by trainers from the Troy Sports Center’s Hockey Instruction Program. Volunteer Troy Police Department personnel will be acting as assistant instructors during the on-ice portions of the program. Teens from the Troy Police Explorer Post volunteered to assist with chaperoning responsibilities. The program divides attendees into two groups by age; 8-10 year old boys and girls and 11-14 year old boys and girls. While one group is on the ice, the other attends the classroom sessions. Topics include bullying, Internet Safety, alcohol awareness, team building, and responsible life choices. The Troy Police K-9 Unit will be on hand Wednesday for a demonstration. Members from CORE Fitness will provide a tour of their on-site training facilities, as well as speak on athletic conditioning and the health hazards of performance enhancing substances. Representatives from B and R Sports will showcase the latest equipment from their on-site store, as well as explain how to properly select and fit it. Members from The Training Room will provide a tour of their on-site facility, as well as information on nutrition and injury prevention. Daily snacks, a Friday afternoon hot dog picnic, and a Troy Police Youth Hockey Clinic jersey are provided for each participant.

Parents are welcome to attend all of the presentations.

We are pleased to be able to provide this opportunity to the youth of our community. It represents an excellent athletic training event, as well as an opportunity for young people to interact with representatives from law enforcement in a positive environment.

Without the resources and support of our co-sponsors, as well as the individuals who have volunteered their time to support this program, it would be impossible to offer. We sincerely thank all of those who are assisting with this community service project. The support for the program reinforces the concern for youth and the future they represent that is consistently demonstrated within this community.

Members of the media are welcome and are encouraged to stop by to observe, for photo opportunities, and interviews of both participants and presenters. For more information please contact Lieutenant Scherlinck at 248-524-3447.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/7/08

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
July 7, 2008

Troy Daze Parade Seeking Grand Marshal Nominations

The Troy Daze Festival Committee is encouraging community participation for the Troy Daze Parade on Saturday, September 13 at 10 am. The parade route will begin at Troy High School and move south on Northfield Parkway to Boulan Park.

Read more at...
http://www.troymi.gov/CommunityAffairs/PressRelease/Parade-CallforParticipants08.htm

Spotlight on Troy — 7/7/08

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

Citywide Red Cross Blood Drive

To supplement critically low blood supplies in the area, the City of Troy, Troy School District, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church are sponsoring a citywide Red Cross blood drive starting Monday, July 21 and running through Thursday, July 24.

Read more at...
http://www.troymi.gov/CommunityAffairs/PressRelease/BloodDriveCitywideJul2008.htm

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

Links to individual agenda items can be found at…
http://www.troymi.gov/Council/Meetings/CurrentAgenda.aspx

The complete agenda can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
http://www.troymi.gov:85/LibertyIMS::/User=WebUser;Pwd=WebUser;sys=City%20Of%20Troy&Cmd=GetRawDocument;Folder=%2338;Doc=158f

Troy City Council Special Meeting Agenda — 7/7/08

This special meeting is being held to continue the discussion of "Budgeting for Outcomes."

The agenda can be found at...
http://www.troymi.gov:85/LibertyIMS::/User=WebUser;Pwd=WebUser;sys=City%20Of%20Troy&Cmd=GetRawDocument;Folder=%2338;Doc=1590

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/4/08

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
July 4, 2008

Independence Day 2008

Enjoy the 4th but never forget what this day is all about.

Be sure to check out these articles...

"Vindicators of the Declaration" at  http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=OWM1NTMxYjI2YTViNDk3MDgzMDIwZTE1YjYwZDdjZjc=

"The Necessary Religion" at  http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YTUzZWM3NGMwZTNiZDMyN2VlMWZjYWM1ODdmNWEyMWI=

"Civics Fireworks" at  http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MjJlYmM0YmZjZGU3ZGM3NGM2M2Q3MzkwNjcwZTVmODQ=

"America's Days Aren't Numbered" at  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121504505746124909.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/3/08

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
July 3, 2008

Over the Limit? Under Arrest!

From the Troy Police Department...

July 2, 2008

The Troy Police Department will be participating in this state wide program increasing patrols looking for drunk drivers during the upcoming 4th of July Holiday period.  The effort extends from June 29th through July 8th.  The project is supported by a grant administered by and made available through the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.  The grant provides monies to pay for overtime patrols dedicated to detecting and arresting drunk drivers.  Not only will the Troy Police Department be assigning additional patrols utilizing the grant funds, but officers working the Afternoon and Midnight Shifts, as well as the department’s Traffic Safety Unit will also be giving extra attention to the drunk driving problem during their non-assigned patrol time in support of this effort.  Law enforcement agencies in 44 counties in the state are participating in this project.

In 2007, 382 people died in Michigan as a result of alcohol and/or drug related traffic crashes.   Crashes involving drinking tend to be more serious than non-drinking crashes.  The percentage of fatalities is eight times higher than in all crashes, and the number of crashes at the most serious injury level are almost four times higher.  In 2006, 13,470 people were killed nationally in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.  (.08 is the legal limit in Michigan.)  Every thirty-nine minutes and nearly forty times a day, someone in the United States dies in an impaired driving related crash.

For additional information on the “Drunk Driving: Over the Limit.  Under arrest.” project in particular, please contact Ms. Eileen Weisse at the Traffic Improvement Association of Oakland County.  TIA administers this grant program locally.  She may be contacted at 248-334-4971.  For additional information on Troy’s efforts, please contact Lieutenant David Livingston in the department’s Traffic Safety Unit at 248-524-3432.

 

Charter Amendment Petition Drive Disputed?

See the story at...
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/NEWS22/806290430/1039/NEWs22

I just don't see the conflict that is being alleged.  Does a member of City Council forfeit his/her rights as a citizen to obtain signatures on a petition?  I don't think so.

I also think it's nothing more than an ad hominem argument to compare the Troy City Council to the Detroit City Council.  If an individual doesn't agree with the policy preferences of a public official, say so.  Don't say, "It's almost like (the four council members are) taking a page out of Detroit's playbook, doing things that do not appear to be appropriate for the people that are doing them."

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/2/08

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
July 2, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 7/1/08

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
July 1, 2008