Presidential Message: Eid al-Fitr

Read the Presidential message at...
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080930-2.html

Troy Police Crime Report --- 9/30/08

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

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 9/29/08

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

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Monday, September 29, 2008

A Mortgage Fable

From the September 22, 2008 Wall Street Journal...

Yes, greed is ever with us, at least until Washington transforms human nature. The wizards of Wall Street and London became ever more inventive in finding ways to sell mortgages and finance housing. Some of those peddling subprime loans were crooks, as were some of the borrowers who lied about their incomes. This is what happens in a credit bubble that becomes a societal mania. But Washington is as deeply implicated in this meltdown as anyone on Wall Street or at Countrywide Financial. Going back decades, but especially in the past 15 or so years, our politicians have promoted housing and easy credit with a variety of subsidies and policies that helped to create and feed the mania.

Read more at... http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122204078161261183.html?mod=article-outset-box

Presidential Message: Rosh Hashanah, 5769

Read the Presidential message at...
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080929-3.html

Spotlight on Troy — 9/29/08

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

Why Isn't McCain Criticizing Obama for this Statement?

From last Friday night's Presidential debate...

MCCAIN: How about a spending freeze on everything but defense, veteran affairs and entitlement programs.

LEHRER: Spending freeze?

MCCAIN: I think we ought to seriously consider with the exceptions the caring of veterans national defense and several other vital issues.

LEHRER: Would you go for that?

OBAMA: The problem with a spending freeze is you're using a hatchet where you need a scalpel. There are some programs that are very important that are under funded. I went to increase early childhood education and the notion that we should freeze that when there may be, for example, this Medicare subsidy doesn't make sense. Let me tell you another place to look for some savings. We are currently spending $10 billion a month in Iraq when they have a $79 billion surplus. It seems to me that if we're going to be strong at home as well as strong abroad, that we have to look at bringing that war to a close.

Here's what Senator McCain should say, "Senator Obama, I'll take a hatchet to Federal spending, not a scalpel!"

The Sub Prime Crisis

My UDM Economics Professor Harry Veryser says that this humorous video gives some good insight on the present financial crisis and its causes.

Troy Fire Department Open House 2008

Meet your local volunteer firefighters at the Troy Fire Department Open Houses on Sunday, October 5 from 1- 4 pm. These dedicated individuals train extensively to provide Troy with emergency fire protection and rescue services. The department will host open houses at all six fire stations.

Read more at...
http://www.troymi.gov/CommunityAffairs/PressRelease/FireOpenHouse2008.htm

Obama's Leftism

Joshua Muravchik writes:
...Obama comes to us from a background farther to the Left than any presidential nominee since George McGovern, or perhaps ever.

Read the entire article at...
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/viewarticle.cfm/special-preview-br%E2%80%94obama-s-leftism-12961

Troy 2008 Ballot Proposal Brochure

Shall Section 9.16.5 regarding Millage Rate Levy Limitation be added to the Troy City Charter as follows:
"Section 9.16.5. The Council shall not increase the millage rate imposed pursuant to Section 9.16 of this charter above a current rate actually imposed, levied, and collected unless the increased rate shall be first approved by a majority of the City electors voting on the question."? Yes ___ or No ___?

The City of Troy has placed additional information on its web page at...
http://www.troymi.gov/Election/BallotInformation.asp

Troy Police Swearing-In Ceremony --- 9/29/08

From the Troy Police Department...

The City of Troy Police Department proudly welcomes three new Police Officers Monday, September 29. 2008, at a Swearing-In Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on the second floor of the Police Department at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to join current members, the new officers’ families and friends, as well as City Management as these new employees begin their careers with this organization. Refreshments will be provided.  Photo opportunities will be available.

The new officers represent an on-going effort to fill openings created by retirements. The Department is very proud of the continuing commitment to public safety that City Management, City Council, and the community we serve consistently provide. The ability to recruit and hire highly qualified officers is essential to the department’s goal of providing professional law enforcement service. A solid and welcoming community that offers a secure and positive future, supported by dedicated city management and government are key factors in attracting these individuals to this organization.

We are happy to welcome the following individuals:

Troy Police Crime Report --- 9/26/08

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

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Friday, September 26, 2008

The Democratic ACORN Bailout

House Republicans refused to support the Henry Paulson/Chris Dodd compromise bailout plan yesterday afternoon, even after the New York Times reported that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson got down on one knee to beg Nancy Pelosi to compromise. One of the sticking points, as Senator Lindsey Graham explained later, wasn’t a lack of begging but a poison pill that would push 20% of all profits from the bailout into the Housing Trust Fund — a boondoggle that Democrats in Congress has used to fund political-action groups like ACORN and the National Council of La Raza.

Read more at...
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/09/26/the-democratic-acorn-bailout/

Proposal 2 is Deliberately Deceptive

“This proposal will allow unregulated and unrestricted experimentation on human embryos. It does not legalize embryonic stem cell research nor does it protect the ban on human cloning in the state Constitution. This proposed amendment is very deceptive, and gives the impression that it addresses human cloning without doing so in any way”, said Dave Doyle, spokesman for MiCAUSE.

Read more at...
http://www.micause.com/

The Culture Project

Thanks to a posting I found on "The Corner," I found a website for an organization called "The Culture Project." This sounds like a good idea.

Here's some background information...

The Culture Project is devoted to the idea that cultural renewal cannot be achieved through politics alone. Culture shapes politics. The opposite mentality has limited the right’s long-term political success in the past half-century, because people’s basic assumptions come from our liberal-dominated culture—from the education system, entertainment, and the media—and these are all areas that conservatives have largely abdicated to the left the last 40 or 50 years. We cannot move America back to the values our country was founded on solely through politics. Only a serious, conscious effort toward cultural renewal can do that.

Read more at…
http://thecultureproject.org/

McCain Suspends Campaign, Calls on Obama to do the Same

Remarks on the Economic Crisis by John McCain
New York, NY
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

America this week faces an historic crisis in our financial system. We must pass legislation to address this crisis. If we do not, credit will dry up, with devastating consequences for our economy. People will no longer be able to buy homes and their life savings will be at stake. Businesses will not have enough money to pay their employees. If we do not act, ever corner of our country will be impacted. We cannot allow this to happen.

Last Friday, I laid out my proposal and I have since discussed my priorities and concerns with the bill the Administration has put forward. Senator Obama has expressed his priorities and concerns. This morning, I met with a group of economic advisers to talk about the proposal on the table and the steps that we should take going forward. I have also spoken with members of Congress to hear their perspective.

It has become clear that no consensus has developed to support the Administration's proposal. I do not believe that the plan on the table will pass as it currently stands, and we are running out of time.

Tomorrow morning, I will suspend my campaign and return to Washington after speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative. I have spoken to Senator Obama and informed him of my decision and have asked him to join me.

Is Jessica Simpson in the Building?

The company I work for (CenCorp) is located in the Travellers Tower in Southfield.  Someone here said that Jessica Simpson was in the building this afternoon.  I looked out our front window and caught a glimpse of her surrounded by autograph-seeking fans.  Isn't she some kind of a celebrity?

Troy Community Coalition General Membership Meeting

Thursday, October 2, 2008
7-9 PM

Troy Police and Fire Training Center
4850 John R (South of Long Lake), Troy

Monthly meetings are open to the public, light refreshments (popcorn this month) are served.  Join the Coalition for an educational presentation, lively discussion, and information sharing.

Troy Community Center Desk Hours Slightly Reduced

From the City's Community Affairs Department...

Troy Parks and Recreation is reducing its Administrative Desk hours starting Monday, October 6. The desk will be staffed Monday-Friday from 8 am-9 pm (it was previously opened until 10 pm) and on Saturdays from 8 am-1 pm (previously 4 pm on Saturdays).

This change is only for the Administrative Desk, located just inside the South Entrance of the Community Center. It does not affect the operating hours for the rest of the facility.

Call 248.524.3484 for more information. The Community Center is located at 3179 Livernois.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 9/22/08

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

Community Services Section  
Lt. Chuck Pappas  524-3447 

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Monday, September 22, 2008

The "Bridge to Nowhere" Part 2

A few days ago, I had a link to a PowerPoint presentation by columnist Deroy Murdock on the "Bridge to Nowhere."

After I realized that not everyone has PowerPoint, I converted Murdock's presentation to a PDF file.

You can download the PDF by clicking on the link below.
http://davelambert.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/murdock_bridge-to-nowhere.pdf

Spotlight on Troy — 9/22/08

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

Troy Transit Center Plans Get Under Way

Read the article at...
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080921/NEWS03/809210509/1005

Unless this project gets to be too expensive, I hope we will continue to cooperate with Birmingham on this project.  However, I disagree with Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker when she says, "people want to go back to their urban roots."

I think most people living in Birmingham and Troy like some features of urban living (e.g., walkable communities) but not all (high taxes and poor services).

Mollie Ziegler Hemingway Asks "Who's Irrational Now?"

According to Mollie Ziegler Hemingway...

From Hollywood to the academy, nonbelievers are convinced that a decline in traditional religious belief would lead to a smarter, more scientifically literate and even more civilized populace. The reality is that the New Atheist campaign, by discouraging religion, won't create a new group of intelligent, skeptical, enlightened beings. Far from it: It might actually encourage new levels of mass superstition. And that's not a conclusion to take on faith -- it's what the empirical data tell us.

Read the rest of the article at... http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178219865054585.html

Saturday Afternoon at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church's Oktoberfest 2008

Here's Mary Ellyn pointing out the beverage selections to attendees this afternoon at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church's Oktoberfest in Birmingham.  The staff at "Issues, Etc." will be happy she wore this shirt.



For more information on the Oktoberfest, go to... http://www.osloktoberfest.com

Troy City Council Regular Meeting Agenda — 9/22/08

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://tinyurl.com/4wjh45

Troy Veterans Plaza Brick Paver Deadline

Families of war veterans have until October 3rd to order a brick paver to be installed in honor of a loved one at Veterans Plaza in time for Veterans Day, November 11.  The plaza in front of City Hall features a veterans monument, flags, and brick "Walk of Honor."  For $60, each paver will be engraved with a name or message and a star denoting those who were in the armed services.  Order forms are online at www.nwcommunityfoundation.org (under "donations") or can be requested at (248) 740-7600.

The "Bridge to Nowhere"

Columnist Deroy Murdock had this to say today on National Review Online...

Alaska’s Bridge to Nowhere remains a hot topic in the presidential campaign. Fans and foes of Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin continue to debate whether or not she supported the much-lampooned proposal for a link between Ketchikan and Gravina Island — population 50.  This PowerPoint presentation offers relevant facts on this issue. I also highlight the stance of senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden. While the Democratic standard bearers have denounced Palin’s position on the Bridge to Nowhere, their posture is utterly shameful. They specifically voted in favor of the bridge, even when given the opportunity to shift part of its budget to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Their criticism of Palin on this issue constitutes Iditarod-class hypocrisy.
 
The McCain-Palin campaign should educate the American public on Obama and Biden’s disgraceful votes on this matter. Until then, you can read all about it here, simply by clicking through this PowerPoint slide show. Start spreading the news!

You can view Murdock's PowerPoint slide show by clicking the link below...
http://www.nationalreview.com/murdock/murdock_bridge-to-nowhere.ppt

Expert to Discuss Alcohol's Effect on Athletics

John Underwood, president and founder of the American Athletic Institute and an expert on substance abuse, will present on the damaging effects of alcohol on athletic performance and the “Life of an Athlete” program at Troy School District Service Building Board Room, 4420 Livernois, Troy, on Monday, September 22, 2008 from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. This presentation is open to all Michigan residents.

The presentation, presented by the Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (MCRUD), is being funded by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and by a federal community drug-free grant through the Eaton County Substance Abuse Advisory Group. The event is free of charge to attend. Register by calling Kathleen Altman at 248 858-0008.

Constitution Day 2008

On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by thirty-nine brave men who changed the course of history. Now Constitution Day is a time for us to continue their legacy and develop habits of citizenship in a new generation of Americans.

Read more about it at..
http://constitutioncenter.org/ConstitutionDay/

Family Day 2008 in Troy

The more often teenagers eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use illegal drugs. That’s the reason the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA)at Columbia University conceived "Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children," now in it’s eighth year.

The Troy Community Coalition and local merchants invite you to celebrate Family Day 2008 in Troy on Monday, September 22

Bring the flyer below to participating locations for exciting offers! (One discount per family, per visit.)

Troy Community Coalition Seeks Support for the 2008 Celebrity Night Dinner

This year’s annual Celebrity Night Dinner hosted by the Troy Community Coalition for the Prevention of Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Abuse will be held at the San Marino Club on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. The San Marino Club is located at 1685 E. Big Beaver in Troy.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 9/16/08

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
September 16, 2008

Note from Lieutenant Gerard Scherlinck: "This will be my last Media Crime Sheet, as I will be assuming charge of the Criminal Investigations Section effective Monday, September 22, 2008. If anything of significance occurs through the end of the week, we will issue a News Release. The new Public Information Officer will be Lieutenant Chuck Pappas. The PIO office phone number will remain 248-524-3447. There will be new pager and cell phone numbers for the new PIO which are not yet available. The lieutenant will supply those when he has them. The Troy Police Department’s media relations and communications philosophy will not change, and we anticipate a seamless transition with a continued positive relationship with the media. On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone for a very rewarding and positive experience during my tenure in this position. I thank you all for your patience, cooperation, suggestions, and assistance. It has been a genuine pleasure and incredible learning experience working with all of you."

Troy Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Agenda --- 9/16/08

Sorry, I forgot to post the agenda for tonight's meeting.

Here it is...
http://www.troymi.gov/committees/Agendas/Zoning/Zoning20080916.pdf

Troy City Council Special Meeting Agenda — 9/18/08

The Troy City Council has scheduled a Special Meeting for Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 8:00 PM in the Council Boardroom for purposes of developing and approving language for the informational brochure pertaining to Charter Amendment Proposal 08-1: An initiatory petition to amend the Troy City Charter by adding Section 9.16.5 to be placed on the November 4, 2008 General Election ballot.

Spotlight on Troy — 9/15/08

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

Stanley Kurtz Writes About Senator Obama’s Acorn

Stanley Kurtz has more information on the relationship between Senator Obama and ACORN...

What if Barack Obama’s most important radical connection has been hiding in plain sight all along? Obama has had an intimate and long-term association with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (Acorn), the largest radical group in America. If I told you Obama had close ties with MoveOn.org or Code Pink, you’d know what I was talking about. Acorn is at least as radical as these better-known groups, arguably more so. Yet because Acorn works locally, in carefully selected urban areas, its national profile is lower. Acorn likes it that way. And so, I’d wager, does Barack Obama.

Read more at...
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NDZiMjkwMDczZWI5ODdjOWYxZTIzZGIyNzEyMjE0ODI=&w=MA==

ACORN and Fraudulent Voter Registration Applications

From today's Detroit Free Press...

Several municipal clerks across the state are reporting fraudulent and duplicate voter registration applications, most of them from a nationwide community activist group working to help low- and moderate-income families. The majority of the problem applications are coming from the group ACORN, Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, which has a large voter registration program among its many social service programs. ACORN's Michigan branch, based in Detroit, has enrolled 200,000 voters statewide in recent months, mostly with the use of paid, part-time employees.

Read the entire article at...
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080914/NEWS03/809140383/1005

That's interesting!  Wasn't Senator Obama involved with ACORN when he was a community organizer?

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church Oktoberfest 2008

September 19 - 21
Our Shepherd Lutheran Church
2225 E 14 Mile Rd.
Birmingham, MI 48009

Mary Ellyn and I will be pouring beverages on Saturday, September 20, from 4 - 6 pm. Hope to see you there.

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

City Website: Troy Daze Festival is Cancelled

The notice below was posted to the City's website after my earlier blog posting...

Troy Daze Festival is cancelled. Due to inclement weather, the festival has been cancelled for the rest of the weekend. Boulan Park is closed to all public. All food and booth vendors will be contacted to remove their property. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Troy Daze Festival Closed on Saturday Afternoon

I went over to Boulan Park today at 2 pm to work as a volunteer shuttle driver. When I arrived, the Troy Police had the park entrances closed. I would assume that it's impossible to park cars on the grass fields at Boulan Park with all of the rain that is falling.

Troy "Dare to Prepare" on September 15

If you are a parent of a new driver you might be interested in attending this event sponsored by the Troy Community Coalition and AAA. Dare to Prepare is a 60-minute pre-permit presentation for parents and teens that provides critical information teens need to know before they take the wheel. This presentation walks attendees through the steps necessary to obtain a permit and a driver’s license, and offers useful tools to help parents and teens through the learning-to-drive process.

Monday, September 15, 2008
6:00 P.M.
Troy Fire & Police Training Center
4850 John R

Light refreshments will be served.

Program Goals
Increase the amount of teen exposure to traffic safety issues
Increase parental involvement in the learning-to-drive process
Promote safe teen drivers

Troy Police Crime Report --- 9/12/08

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
September 12, 2008

Support the Flight 93 National Memorial

For more information, go to... http://www.honorflight93.org/
 

Victor Davis Hanson on the Other 9/11 Story

Victor Davis Hanson:

...Only with difficulty was the case made that the jihadists had no legitimate cause, but rather hated modernism, globalization, and Westernization — and were either abetted in their fury by illegitimate Middle East dictatorships to deflect public unrest, or even bought off by such dictators to turn their furor westward...

Read the entire column at...
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YmFkY2JlNGI2NWZlZjZiNWNhZWNhNTEzZGRkYzE2MmE=

 

Bridge Installation to Close Dequindre in Troy

From the Troy City Engineering Department...

The Road Commission for Oakland County has issued a permit allowing Troy Beaumont Hospital to close Dequindre in front of the hospital (between Square Lake and South Boulevard on the Troy/Sterling Heights border) from 5 am Saturday, Sept. 13, through 9 pm Monday, Sept. 15, while a pedestrian overpass is installed. During the closure, the detour route for Dequindre traffic will be Square Lake to John R to South Boulevard and vice versa. John R remains closed north of South Boulevard for a City of Rochester Hills/Oakland County Drain Commission project.

Fox News Reports: Free Press Editor Stacks the Deck

Are you surpised by this? I'm not.

Fox News reports that Detroit Free Press editor Randy Essex stacked the deck with "left-wing and anti-war activists in a focus group of so-called independent voters that the newspaper interviewed during the political conventions."

Read more at...
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/08/editor-defends-use-of-codepink-members-in-independent-focus-group/
http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2008/9/9/94249/37454

Columnist Suggests How to Save Detroit and $50 Billion

According to Wall Street Journal columnist Holman W. Jenkins, Jr.:

...The Big Three's problem, to be blunt, is North America. They should have pulled out long ago. Not only did history saddle them with a UAW labor monopoly that their foreign competitors have managed to avoid. Even that might not have been fatal had Congress not enacted its "corporate average fuel economy" rules in the 1970s. Look at gallons consumed, miles driven, barrels imported or emissions emitted: CAFE has had no significant impact on energy consumption. Its sole practical effect has been to inflict on Detroit the need to produce, with high-cost U.S. labor, millions of small cars designed to lose money...

Read the rest of his column at...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122100316976917063.html?mod=todays_columnists

Troy Police Crime Report --- 9/10/08

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
September 10, 2008

Troy Daze Festival 2008 Fees and Schedule

According to the Troy Community Affairs Department...

There is no admission fee for the Festival. A parking sticker must be purchased and is good for the entire event. Stickers purchased at the festival will cost $10, but festival-goers who purchase their stickers at the Community Center will pay only $6. The stickers can be purchase there from 8 am-10 pm, Monday-Friday, and 8 am-1 pm on Saturday. The Community Center is located at 3179 Livernois.

Amusement rides are $1 per ride ticket. Rides run from 3 tickets to 5 tickets. Ride specials are:

Thursday, Sept. 11, 3-9 pm, Amusement Rides Special “10 Rides for $10”

Saturday, Sept. 13, 11 am-5 pm, Amusement Rides “Pay One Price $20”

Sunday, Sept. 14, 12 pm-5 pm, Amusement Rides “Pay One Price $20”

For schedules and more information, go to...
http://www.troymi.gov/CommunityAffairs/PressRelease/ScheduleOnline.htm
http://www.troymi.gov/troydaze/

Spotlight on Troy — 9/8/08

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

Presidential Proclamation of Patriot Day 2008

From the White House...

September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory when 19 terrorists attacked us with barbarity unequaled in our history. On Patriot Day, we cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others might survive.

Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by terrorists to the safety of the American people and worked to protect our homeland by fighting terrorists abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the ideologies of hatred and repression. Our Nation pays tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform serving around the world and the devoted members of our law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence communities at home who work night and day to protect us from harm and preserve the freedom of this great Nation.

Troy City Council Regular Meeting Agenda — 9/8/08

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://tinyurl.com/564f3w

FRUA Michigan 2008 Summer Picnic

The annual picnic was held at Springdale Park in Birmingham today. FRUA-Michigan is a group of volunteer families providing support, community, activities, and resources for those adopting, or who have adopted, children from Russia, Ukraine, and neighboring countries.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 9/5/08

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
September 5, 2008

Univesity of Detroit Mercy Invites Jim Wallis to Speak

As a graduate student at the University of Detroit Mercy, I receive regular email communication from the school. Today I received an email from UDM President Gerard L. Stockhausen inviting me to the 9th annual "Celebrate Spirit!" on Thursday, September 18 at Calihan Hall.

According to the email...

Our speaker this year will be Detroit native, Rev. Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners organization and editor of their magazine. Wallis is one of the most respected and well-known commentators in the U.S. today on the interface of faith and religion with politics and public policy. His appearance at UDM just prior to our national elections can help us reflect on these pertinent issues in light of our UDM Mission. Wallis will also deliver a full-length presentation entitled "Faith in the Public Square," with a question-and-answer period, that same evening at 7:30p.m. in Calihan Hall.

Before inviting Wallis, UDM adminstration should have read a profile on the good Reverend by Peter Wehner. Wehner is a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Mr. Wehner served in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush Administrations prior to becoming deputy director of speechwriting for President George W. Bush in 2001.

Wehner states...

Jim Wallis — who is described on the website of Sojourners as a “bestselling author, public theologian, preacher, speaker, activist, and international commentator on ethics and public life” — also fancies himself as one who is in the “prophetic tradition.” That would include, according to Wallis, “the values of love and justice, reconciliation, and community that Jesus taught and that are at the core of what many of us believe, Christian or not.” Wallis is also author of a book which calls for “a new politics of compassion, community, and civility.” Apparently the man who is in love with love, reconciliation, and civility is having to deal with some other, less admirable emotions, these days.

Read the entire article at...
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=OWZjNzUyOThjOWI3MWUzNWRjNTQyMGU1ZjhmYjZhNDU=

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

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
September 4, 2008

A Shameful Week for the Press

A great post today by Yuval Levin on National Review Online.

Here's an excerpt...

I have always tended to think that conservative complaints about the media are a little exaggerated. There are occasionally obvious instances of bias and clear examples of a double standard, but most reporters don’t want to fall into those and some conservatives are surely too sensitive to them. But this week has changed my view. I have never seen, and I admit that I could never have imagined, such shameful, out-of-control, frenzied, angry, condescending, and pathetic journalistic malpractice. The ignorant assault on Palin’s accomplishments and experience, the breathless careless airing of deranged rumors about her private life, the staggeringly indecent mistreatment of her teenage daughter in a difficult time, the ill-informed piling on about the vetting process, the self-intensifying circle of tisking nodding heads utterly detached from a straightforward political event, have been amazing and eye-opening...

Read the rest of the post at...
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NDU3Nzc1NjEzNGQzYTQ0NTA1YjM0M2UzNzNkODU3ODQ=

GOP Reps Tour Low-Income Credit Union Facility During GOP Convention

Two members of Congress took time out of their busy schedules Tuesday during the Republican National Convention to visit a credit union branch located in a low-income area of St. Paul, Minn.  U.S. Reps. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.) and Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn.) toured and heard stories from those whose lives were improved by the Eastside Financial Center--an alliance between U.S. Federal Credit Union of Burnsville, Minn., Thrivent Financial, and Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota.

Read more at...
http://www.cuna.org/newsnow/08/wash090308-1.html

Troy Police Crime Report --- 9/3/08

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
September 3, 2008

GOP Convention Update #2 from Oakland County Chairman Cowan

Dear Republicans Colleagues:

Excitement continues to build for our ticket. A great night at the convention. Senator Thompson gave tremendous  speech making the "character and judgment" case for John McCain. Senator Lieberman went right after Democrats and Independents with a great message. Imagine, just 2 elections ago he was on the Democrat's ticket. We do have the ticket for real change! This morning Mark Fields of Ford Motor Company addressed the delegation breakfast and talked about how the company is meeting challenges in the global marketplace (and how they need a little help from our government--like reasonable CAFE standards-- like all their competitors receive!) Also, Michigan's favorite son , Mitt Romney stopped by for a visit. He was warmly received and urged us to work as hard as we can to win Michigan for the McCain/Palin ticket. He said he will be back often to help Congressman Knollenberg and others. The delegation donated over 50 pints of blood to the Red Cross for Gulf Coast states yesterday. Today, many are working at the Convention Center to box up relief packages for the region. We are putting on our "American hats" to help. Tonight, the Michigan delegation may get some extra attention. Most of us are going to wear hockey jerseys from Attorney General Mike Cox to show support for Gov. Palin who prides herself on being a "hockey mom". Thanks AG Cox for the jerseys and listen for the "Let's go Sarah' cheer similar to the one you hear for the Red Wings down at the Joe. Make sure you and your families watch on this historic night when the RNC nominates Gov. Palin!

Dennis Cowan

Troy Community Coalition September Meeting

Please join the Troy Community Coalition as the members of the 2008-09 Advisory Board and Executive Board are sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Kelly.  The general membership meeting will also take place where you will have an opportunity to learn about Coalition activities, network with our members and enjoy light refreshments.   Please call the Coalition office at (248) 823-5088 if you have questions.
 
Thursday, September 4, 2008
7:00 PM

Troy Police/Fire Training Center
4850 John R
(South of Long Lake)

Ann M. Comiskey

Civic Center Construction Project

The City of Troy’s Civic Center Drive and Town Center Drive pavement rehabilitation project on the Civic Center campus is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 8 and last for approximately eight weeks.

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

Republican Convention Update from Oakland County Chairman Dennis Cowan

Dear Republican Colleagues:

Despite what you hear from the media about the Convention being scaled back on Monday, your Michigan delegation has been busy! We had a surprise visit from the First Lady this morning at our delegation breakfast ! She received a rousing, standing ovation. She told us that we must win Michigan for John McCain. She also said how proud she was to be able to vote for Sarah Palin on the Republican ticket! We will hear from President Bush, Rudy Giuliani and Joe Lieberman (an independent and former Democrat for McCain) tonight at the Excel Center. There are many groups and coalitions that are meeting this week. I am off to a luncheon sponsored by the Catholic Working Group. Later today I will see our old friend, Stu Sandler(formerly with Attorney General Mike Cox) who invited me to join him at a Republican Jewish Coalition event. Then it is on to the Convention for a full evening of "firing up our team." I'll write more on Weds. Hope you had a great Labor Day weekend.

Dennis Cowan

Spotlight on Troy — 9/1/08

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

National Preparedness Month 2008

September is National Preparedness Month.  Is your family or business prepared? While we don't have to worry about hurricanes in Michigan, there are plenty of other natural or man-made disasters that can affect us.

For more information, go to...
http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/index.html