What Direction on the Troy Nature Center?

It does seem somewhat strange to be considering closure of the Troy Nature Center after all of the improvements that were made in the past few years.  However, tough times call for tough decisions.

Before making drastic decisions on the Nature Center, I would hope that City Council and the City Manager would consider some of the following ideas:

1. How about selling naming rights for the Nature Center?

2. Can more volunteers be recruited to work in the Center?

3. How about creating a "Friends of the Nature Center" group?

Troy City Council Regular Meeting Agenda — 12/1/08

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.
Current Agenda

Grief and Outrage Over Mumbai Terrorist Attacks

According to the American Jewish Committee,  "the outlines of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, are becoming clear. The terrorists targeted India, the U.S. and Britain, and the Jewish people. More than 150 were killed, and more than 300 wounded, either by random attacks into crowds or the murder of hostages."

Jihadist terrorism continues to spread hatred and violence.  Keep the people of India and the victims of the murderers in our thoughts and prayers.

Beyond Tax Cuts

To win, the GOP must comprehensively address the cost of middle-class living.

Read Reihan Salam's article at...
http://nrd.nationalreview.com/article/?q=Y2IwOTRhZGRhMzE0YzZjNDBjZTE3ZWU3ZDAzYzdiYjA=

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

Enjoy the day ...and remember our military men and women serving us overseas.

Family for the Holiday

Here's a wonderful story in today’s Oakland Press. I hope it encourages more married couples to consider adoption as a way to build a family.

Oakland Press reporter Ann Zaniewski writes…

Five-year-old Angelina Schultz beamed as she gave her father a big bear hug. “Daddy!” she exclaimed. The Schultz family of Hazel Park and other families finalized adoptions Tuesday just in time for Thanksgiving during Michigan’s sixth annual Adoption Day.

Read the entire article at…
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2008/11/26/news/doc492d21cd32c2f565742383.prt

Troy Police Crime Report --- 11/26/08

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
Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 11/24/08

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

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Monday, November 24, 2008

City of Troy Ranked #1 Safest City in the State of Michigan

Here's some great news from the Troy Police...

The recently released CQ Press City Crime Rankings for 2008- 2009, places the city of Troy as the 21st safest U.S. city with a population of 75,000 and above. This ranking establishes Troy as the safest city in the state of Michigan within the 75,000 plus population group.

While there has been much debate as to the methodology utilized by the CQ Press and validity of the resulting rankings, it is clear that the serious crime rates in Troy are well below the national average and lower than that of all other Michigan cities with 75,000 or more residents. The Troy Police department and the citizens we serve can be proud of this accomplishment.

Given Troy’s location in a major metropolitan area, the presence of a major freeway within the city and our significant commercial development, the low crime rate is a notable achievement.

The Troy Police Department recognizes this ranking as the result of a highly dedicated, proactive police staff supported by community willing to get involved. Troy Police Chief Charles Craft stated “The credit for this accomplishment is shared by our residents, community groups, elected officials, city administration and all police employees. Troy places a high priority on livability and quality of life issues; that priority is backed by the support the City provides its public safety efforts.”

The Troy Police Department recognizes that the safest city ranking does not mean there is an absence of crime and that such designations mean little to those who have been victimized. The Department takes seriously the occurrence of any crime and is dedicated to enhancing our already high level of service.

Spotlight on Troy — 11/24/08

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

Troy Cat Burglar Arrested – 11/20/08 – 05:40 am

From the Troy Police...

Detectives from the Troy Police Department arrested an individual who was suspected of committing multiple occupied Home Invasions in the City of Troy, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp., Sterling Hts., and other cities in the vicinity. As the result of intensive investigative work, our Detectives followed up on leads and tips that pointed them in the direction of this suspect that was arrested on Thursday November 20th at approximate 5:40 a.m. while he was committing yet another Home Invasion in the city of Troy. Just prior to making the arrest of this Cat Burglar ,Troy Police Detectives observed the suspect commit a break-in into the residence on Woodcrest, and also break into two of the family vehicles parked on the driveway of the Woodcrest address.

During the morning hours of November 20th Detectives from the Troy Police Department executed a search warrant at Karagiannakis’s residence in Waterford. Seized during the search of this premises were Narcotic paraphernalia, rare coin collection and multiple sets of identification and credit cards suspected to be stolen from other Home Invasions that Karagiannakis committed.

Arrested: Jamie Thomas Karagiannakis – 24 years old – 6-21-84

Arraigned: Karagiannakis was arraigned on Friday 11-21 and bond was set at $ 100,000 cash and ordered to wear a GPS tether upon release.

 

Transient Merchant License on Tonight's Council Agenda

At tonight's Troy City Council meeting, a proposed Transient Merchant License that will be up for consideration. It appears to be a good proposal with positive benefits for our City. It enables our City to expand into the future with new possibilities as well as providing restrictions and guidelines to current operations.

Some members of Council have concerns about the proposal that are listed below.

Is this unfair competition to brick and mortar businesses?
Well, there is a misconception that unlike these type of businesses, transient merchants are exempt from rental agreements. This is not the case. In fact, an outdoor operation has more obstacles to overcome than the typical business. Not only do they pay monthly rent, but they are required to pay rent regardless of weather conditions that might interfere with normal daily operations. Also, on a per square foot basis, you might find that a transient merchant's rent is in line with a typical business. In addition, because these operations are mobile, the insurance premium is typically higher as the business is required to have operations insured in transit as well as when set-up.

What additional type of businesses would operate under the new License? Is this the opening of Pandora's box?
The proposed ordinance addresses this because it requires set-up and removal on a daily basis that would preclude many fly-by-night businesses from operating within Troy as a transient merchant.

Troy City Government Budget Cuts Will Be Tough!

Yes, even the City of Troy may need to tighten its belt. It will be tough, but it's still needed. Now that Troy voters have overwhelmingly voted to limit the power of City Council to increase taxes, our City Council will need to deal with a difficult but necessary job.

See a related story in the Troy Eccentric...
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20081123/NEWS22/811230411/1039

Troy City Council Regular Meeting Agenda — 11/24/08

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.
Current Agenda

The Troy Christmas Tree Has Been Found

Yesterday (11/20/08), the following news release was posted on the City's website...

Celebrate the Holidays at the Annual City of Troy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Brighten this holiday season by joining Santa Claus at City Hall for the Annual City of Troy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 2 at 7 pm. The event takes place outdoors on Veterans Plaza at City Hall, 500 West Big Beaver. All residents are invited to bring their families and friends for an evening of caroling, cookies, hot cocoa and fun. “When residents gather for events such as this, you can just feel the holiday spirit resonating within the City of Troy,” Community Affairs Director Cindy Stewart said. “Gathering around the beautiful Colorado spruce has become a tradition that families look forward to each year.” The festivities get underway with caroling, led by the Athens High School Choirs, Treble and Magic under the direction of Dan Stevens. Hot cocoa will be available through the generosity of Kosch’s Catering, and holiday sweets will be provided by the Costello PTO and the Troy Optimist Club. At 7:30 pm, Mayor Louise Schilling welcomes Santa as he makes his grand entrance to light the holiday tree. He’ll also join in the singing and, of course, visit with the little ones. “This event is not just about seeing the tree light up, it’s about seeing the faces of little boys and girls light up when they see Santa,” Stewart said. The event will be cablecast on WTRY (cable WOW, 10/Comcast, 53) throughout December. For more information, call the Community Affairs Department at 248.524.1147.

Thank you Troy City staff for making this correction! Now, please take a look at the City Calendar for the entry on December 2nd.  Also, thank you to Bob Bickmeyer for bringing this to the community's attention.

What Happened to the Troy Christmas Tree?

As Bob Bickmeyer points out in his letter to the editor in today's Troy Eccentric, the Troy City Council unanimously adopted a resolution in 2006 to name the large lighted evergreen in front of City Hall a "Christmas Tree." Unfortunately, Troy City staff continues to refer to it as just a "Tree." Just check out "Tree Lighting Ceremony" scheduled for December 2, 2008 on the Troy City Calendar at http://www.troymi.gov/calendar/.

Come on, what's the big deal? Next thing you know, Santa will be eliminated from the event.

The Political Education of Chris Ward

See the story at…
http://www.domemagazine.com/features/nov08/cover1108.html

I've known Chris Ward for many years.  He's a fine young man who should not give up on a future in public service.

Chris Ward's story has two lessons that every elected official should keep in mind.  First, the allure of power is sometimes so strong that politicians will allow it to destroy their families.  Obviously, serving your community and/or nation requires sacrifices on the part of the official's family.  But, the official needs to draw some lines to protect his/her spouse and children.  Remember, all glory in this world is fleeting.

Second, while I don't agree with his position on the tax increase, I do believe Chris acted on the best of motives.  I also don't believe that he is a "RINO."  However, when will Republicans realize that every time we support a tax increase in exchange for more savings in government spending we rarely see those savings materialize?  The only way for an elected official to control spending is to make government live within revenue limits.  If government needs increased revenue then it should be for a limited duration and for a specific public purpose (e.g., new roads).

Troy Community Coalition Survey

The Troy Community Coalition for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse is using a survey tool to assess the drug prevention needs in our community and to track our progress from year to year. We are asking residents of Troy to complete a brief online survey to help us in these efforts. We would be very grateful if you could complete the on-line survey by December 6th, 2008 by going to the following link:

http://www.surveygoldplus.com/s/8CC559AF6E9D4BE2/62.htm 

The survey will take only a few minutes. Dr. Kathleen Zimmerman-Oster of the University of Detroit Mercy and TEST, Incorporated (Training, Evaluation and Survey Technicians) will analyze the results. She is the only person with the password to access the results. Your responses are completely confidential and anonymous. There is no way for us to link your comments directly to your name or your e-mail address. So, please respond honestly to each question.

After you complete the online survey, you have the opportunity to win a Memorex 1 GB MP3 Player. Please send an e-mail to test.surveyresults@yahoo.com   with the subject line “TCC Survey”. This will enter you into the drawing, but will not be connected in any way to your responses. The prize will be awarded at the Volunteer Recognition Dinner in December 2008.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey which will assist the Coalition in planning prevention strategies and activities for 2009 and beyond. If you have any questions, please contact Ann Comiskey, Executive Director, at the Troy Community Coalition at 248-823-5088 or Kathleen Zimmerman-Oster at 586-873-1743.

Ann M. Comiskey

Troy Police Crime Report --- 11/18/08 & 11/19/08

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
November 18 & 19, 2008
Tuesday & Wednesday

Malanga says "Our Spendthrift States Don't Need a Bailout"

Steve Malanga is senior editor at the Manhattan Institute's City Journal.  In today's Wall Street Journal he had this to say...

Last year at this time, many governors and state legislators were imploring Congress to let them spend more money by expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Since the states share the cost of the program with Washington, the expansion would have allowed them to cover families with incomes up to 300% of the poverty level (more in some cases). It also would have meant hundreds of millions in additional state spending, and an estimated $24 billion in additional federal spending. President Bush vetoed the bill.

Today, governors and state legislators are singing a different tune. Unable to pay their bills as tax revenues shrink, they're imploring Washington to bail them out. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had been grappling with a $15 billion budget deficit, wrote to Congress on Oct. 21 applauding plans for $14 billion in aid for states in the latest proposed federal economic stimulus plan. New York Gov. David Paterson has twice traveled to Washington, most recently on Oct. 29, to ask for federal aid. The Empire State's budget deficit is now estimated at $12 billion over the next two years.

This zigzagging -- beseeching the feds to let them spend more money one year, begging for a bailout the next -- is what passes for long-term budgeting in many state capitals.

Read the entire article at...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122697315476635963.html

Troy Police Crime Report --- 11/17/08

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, November 17, 2008

Spotlight on Troy — 11/17/08

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

Uwe Siemon-Netto on the "Two Kingdoms"

In my post yesterday on Cal Thomas, I quoted Uwe Siemon-Netto.

Here are some links to writings by Siemon-Netto on the Two Kingdoms...

http://concordia.typepad.com/vocation/2006/12/goodbye_utopia_.html
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/aprilweb-only/114-32.0.html

Cal Thomas says "R.I.P. to the Religious Right"

Conservative commentator Cal Thomas recently said,

Thirty years of trying to use government to stop abortion, preserve opposite-sex marriage, improve television and movie content and transform culture into the conservative Evangelical image has failed. The question now becomes: should conservative Christians redouble their efforts, contributing more millions to radio and TV preachers and activists, or would they be wise to try something else? I opt for trying something else. Too many conservative Evangelicals have put too much faith in the power of government to transform culture...

See the entire commentary at...
http://www.calthomas.com/index.php?news=2419

Thomas is correct that many Christians have focused their efforts on politics and government, and ignored other equally-significant institutions as the media, entertainment, and education. However, the real problem is that too many American Christians are unacquainted with Martin Luther's doctrine of the "Two Kingdoms."

According to Uwe Siemon-Netto, scholar in residence at Concordia Seminary - St. Louis...

Luther was particularly proud of this doctrine, which endeavored to resolve the apparent discrepancy between the radical demands of the Sermon on the Mount and the structure of this world’s orders. According to Luther, every Christian holds dual citizenship in two kingdoms with entirely different attributes: There is, on the one hand, the infinite spiritual ”right-hand” kingdom where God has revealed himself in Christ. This is the realm of the Gospel, of grace, faith and love, a realm where God and Christ rule directly and all humans are equal. This realm is a reality in this sinful world. It becomes a reality wherever the Word is proclaimed, the sacraments are administered, and Christ forgives his followers’ sins.

Then there is the secular, finite ”left-hand” realm, which is also God’s, however. Here, where man lives his biological life, God never reveals himself but rules in a hidden way through his ”masks” – fallible humans whose errors he will eventually straighten out. In this realm of the Mosaic and natural law, there are superiors and subordinates, and crimes are punished. It functions by reason, a gift from God to man in order to find his way around this world. The relationship between the two kingdoms is not antagonistic but mutually supportive. The spiritual realm – the Church – preaches to the secular kingdom, whose rulers maintain the created order in which alone the Church can function.

Troy Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Agenda --- 11/18/08

The agenda can be found at...
http://www.troymi.gov/committees/Agendas/Zoning/Zoning20081118.pdf

2008 Troy Police and Troy VFW Post Annual Holiday Food Drive

Every year the Troy Police Department and Troy VFW Post combine efforts and co-sponsor a Holiday Food/Gift Drive. We receive the names of persons who reside in Troy who are in need of assistance during the holidays. This assistance includes food as well as gifts. Persons in need include single individuals, senior citizens, couples, and entire families. Troy People Concerned (248-528-9199) provides the list of those in need and the Troy Police Department and VFW Post assemble food and gifts about a week before Christmas. Deliveries are scheduled for Thursday, December 18th. Mr. Charlie Solis started the Food/Gift Drive; he is both a VFW Post member, and a Troy resident.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 11/14/08

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, November 14, 2008

Troy City Council Special Meeting Agenda — 11/11/08

Sorry I missed this one.  Apparently, the Troy City Council had a special meeting last Tuesday night morning.

The purpose was a meeting "with Congressman-Elect Gary Peters to discuss City matters of mutual interest and assistance."

Correction on 11/15/08: The meeting was in the morning.

Update: Home Invasion, Forced Entry on 11/6/08

Occurred at approximately 7:30 am

Warwick St. – On Thursday November 6th, at approximately 7:30 am an unknown subject forced entry into an occupied residence by kicking open the front door. The homeowner who was physically assaulted by the suspect was told that he wanted money and jewelry. Taken from the residence’s garage was a 2007 Red Mercury Mountaineer that as of today has still not been recovered.

A composite of the suspect is below and is based upon a drawing made by a professional Crime Technician.

Happy Birthday, Mom

My mom, Marguerite, is celebrating her birthday today. I won't tell you how old she is; however, she's old enough to remember when Ingham County was a solid Republican area of Michigan. That should give you a good idea!

Another Federal Regulation Appears on the Scene

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board Wednesday announced the release of a joint final rule to implement the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.

The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) has voiced concerns, both to the implementing agencies and to Congress, that provisions of the law could swamp credit unions and other financial institutions with compliance burdens. CUNA opposed the agencies' draft implementation of the law, saying it lacked clarity and sufficient definition of terms.

Troy Board of Zoning Appeals Special Meeting Agenda --- 11/13/08

A special meeting of the Board has been called for this Thursday evening.

The agenda can be found at...
http://www.troymi.gov/committees/Agendas/Zoning/Zoning20081113.pdf

Nationalizing Detroit?

Here's a suggestion from the Wall Street Journal that makes sense:

If our politicians can't avoid throwing taxpayer cash at Detroit, then they should at least do so in a way that really protects taxpayers. That means handing a receiver the power to replace current management, zero out current shareholders, and especially to rewrite labor and other contracts. Anything less is merely a payoff to Michigan politicians and their union allies.

Read the entire editorial at...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122628060458212379.html

Also, there's an excellent opinion article by Paul Ingrassia, a former Dow Jones executive and Detroit bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal.

You can read it at...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122628230122212449.html

Veterans Day 2008

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America...

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Spotlight on Troy — 11/10/08

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

Home Invasion, Forced Entry on 11/6/08

Home Invasion – Forced Entry Occurred – 11/06/08
Approximately 7:30 am
Warwick St.

On Thursday November 6th, at approximately 7:30 am an unknown subject forced entry into an occupied residence by kicking open the front door. The homeowner was told by the suspect that he wanted money and jewelry. The victim did turn over a small amount of cash and the suspect took assorted jewelry, including a small pendant necklace with a blue sapphire circled with small diamonds. The suspect also demanded the cars keys to the homeowner’s vehicle. Taken from the residence’s garage was a 2007 Red Mercury Mountaineer similar to the car shown in this photo, and as of today has not been recovered.



The suspect who committed the home invasion is described as:
Black Male 20 – 25 years old
5’9” tall Approximately 190 – 200 lbs. – muscular
Black hair Dark Complexion Goatee and Mustache
Suspect was wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, silver chain around his neck, blue jeans, and black gym shoes.

It appears that this suspect rode a small bike to this home invasion that had been stolen in the vicinity and was seen by witnesses in the area the morning of the break-in. Anyone having additional information reference this home invasion please contact the Troy Police Department at 248-524-3477. As the Troy Detective Bureau continues to follow up on leads additional information will be disclosed.

2008 Troy Veterans Day Ceremony

Tuesday, November 11
11:00 AM
Veterans Plaza at Troy City Hall

Rebuild the GOP: The Plan for the Future

Here's a website with a lot of good suggestions...
http://www.rebuildtheparty.com/

Troy City Council Regular Meeting Agenda — 11/10/08

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.
Agenda Packet

Granholm to Advise Obama on Economy

Now the rest of the country can share in Michigan's pain.

Troy Police News Release: Fencing Operation Search Warrants Executed

Lieutenant Chuck Pappas, Public Information Officer
248-524-3447
Fax 248-524-9023

Cooperative Effort with:
Detroit Police Department
Troy Police Department
Target
Home Depot
Weingartz

Officers from the Detroit Police Department and the Troy Police Department executed search warrants at multiple locations after a cooperative investigation of a major fencing operation located at B & B Flea Market located at 17500 Van Dyke in the City of Detroit. Assisting these Police Departments with this long term investigation included Target, Home Depot, and Weingartz.

In response to an increase in the theft of landscape and lawn equipment and the theft of trailers containing landscape and lawn equipment, investigators concentrated efforts in an attempt to determine where the stolen property was being sold or transferred. Investigators obtained intelligence through multiple leads and additional information developed through Target and Home Depot investigators that indicated a large quantity of stolen property was being sold through the Flea Market located at 17801 Van Dyke (corner of Van Dyke / Davison), Detroit. Investigators identified two primary suspects as purchasers/sellers of stolen landscape equipment. Additionally, information has also been developed that the suspects may initially store the stolen property immediately after its purchase at an undisclosed storage location for a short time before it is resold. In an effort to identify that location and possibly secure additional stolen property, investigators continued their covert investigation and sold a landscape trailer with zero-turn mowers to the suspects early this morning. DPD obtained and has executed search warrants at three locations today November 07, 2008, after the sale of the trailer and mowers.

Detroit Police Department P.I.O. Deputy Chief James Tate is the contact person for any additional press release.

Oakland County GOP Reeling but Seeds of Hope and Renewal Loom

Check Chetly Zarko's post at...
www.oaklandpolitics.com

2008 Interesting Troy Election Results

Troy's Votes for President
McCain… 21,780
Obama… 22,267

Troy's Votes for U.S. House
Knollenberg… 21,123
Peters… 20,153

Troy Tax Limitation Charter Amendment
Yes… 28,569
No… 10,285

In the race for President, this might be the first time since 1964 that Troy was carried by the Democratic candidate. In the race for the U.S. House, Knollenberg barely won Troy. That's also a reversal of normal voting patterns in Troy.

In addition to those two shockers, I was stunned that the Troy Tax Limitation Proposal passed so easily. Obviously, a significant number of Obama voters joined McCain voters in supporting the proposal. This was in spite of vocal opposition by the Troy Chamber of Commerce, Troy Democratic Club, Troy Republican Club, and Mayor Schilling. Tax limitation still appeals to the average voter in Troy.

Oakland County 2008 November Election Results

Check out this great website developed by Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson and her staff...
http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/MI/Oakland/9047/index.html

Congratulations to President-Elect Obama

Although I didn't vote for him, I wish to congratulate Senator Obama on his victory.  He will be our President and we should all pray for him.

Romans 13: 1-5

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

Presidential Election 2008 in Troy

Jill and I voted at 6:30 tonight at the polling place for Troy Precinct 10 at Kensington Community Church.  There was only one person in line ahead of us.  It looked like around 900 votes had been cast.

Right now, we're having our own election night party at the Lambert household.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 11/3/08

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

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Monday, November 03, 2008

Spotlight on Troy — 11/3/08

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

Our Shepherd Lutheran School's Mock Election Results

Last week, I posted about the Election Assembly at Alex's school.

Here are the results of the Presidential voting:

Barack Obama (D)  19.71% 
John McCain (R)  76.52% 
Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party)  .46% 
Bob Barr (L)  .46% 
Cynthia McKinney (G)  0.0% 
Ralph Nader (Ind)  1.4% 
Write in  1.4%

Our Shepherd's results did not follow the national pattern.

Here are the National Mock Election results:

Barack Obama  63.83%
John McCain  32.51%
Ralph Nader  1.45%
Bob Barr (L)   .59%
Cynthia McKinney (G)  .55%
Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party)   .3%

Just Say NO to Proposal 1

Doctors and hospitals warn…

…that Proposal 1 allows the so-called “medical” use of marijuana without requiring a prescription from a doctor.
…that a flaw in Proposal 1 might lead to a flood of lawsuits over things such as whether doctors and hospitals must allow patients to smoke marijuana in a doctor’s office or hospital room, despite every other law banning smoking.

Law enforcement officials warn…

…that Proposal 1 could lead to a dangerous increase in the number of people driving under the influence of marijuana.
…that a deliberate loophole in Proposal 1 allows anyone arrested on any offense involving marijuana to offer a “medical” defense in court.

Worried parents warn…

…that when a similar law passed in California, hundreds of marijuana smoking clubs opened in neighborhood strip malls all over the state, and there are now more marijuana clubs in one metropolitan area of the state than there are Starbucks coffee shops.

Taxpayers warn…

…that the language of the proposal requires a costly new Lansing bureaucracy to license marijuana users, and will result in vast new regulatory expenses – all coming at a time when the economy is on the rocks, the budget is in the red and taxes are going up.

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

A Tolerant Liberal Keeps Ruining My McCain Bumper Sticker

Why I'm Voting for McCain

I agree with these comments by National Review...

We have no doubt that if McCain is president we will find much to criticize. But we will be confident that we have the right commander-in-chief and that liberals do not have a free hand to remake our country. In this election we support Senator McCain and urge all conservatives to do so as well.

Read the entire editorial at..
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=N2Q5YjJkNjVmZjc3NmI3MGQ0MzUzNTg1M2RiMzYxOTM=

All Saints' Day 2008

See Kathryn Jean Lopez's column at...
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NzQ1MzlkODA4M2NlNGI2NjA1MWJjZGUzMjc2YjlmYzI=

Spitzer and Sarbox Were Deregulation?

James Freeman writes:

In this fall's first presidential debate, Barack Obama analyzed the causes of the credit meltdown. "Now, we also have to recognize that this is a final verdict on eight years of failed economic policies promoted by George Bush, supported by Senator McCain, a theory that basically says that we can shred regulations and consumer protections and give more and more to the most, and somehow prosperity will trickle down."

Also, there's this from Freeman:

...Wayne Crews of the Competitive Enterprise Institute tracks regulation across the entire federal government. He reports that the Bush administration set an all-time record in 2004, when it published more than 75,000 pages of proposed and enacted rules in the Federal Register. Leftists might assume that many of these rules were actually watering down earlier standards -- but where's the evidence of declining compliance costs? Lafayette College economist Mark Crain estimates more than $1.1 trillion in federal regulatory costs for 2004, up an inflation-adjusted 16% from 2000. Overall agency enforcement budgets have increased each year since 2004.

A recent report, "Regulatory Agency Spending Reaches New Height," from Washington University's Weidenbaum Center puts Mr. Bush's regulatory activity in historical context. Co-authors Veronique de Rugy and Melinda Warren say that when it comes to spending on regulatory agencies, our current president is almost in a class by himself, with an increase of almost 68% during his two terms. In constant dollars the Bush regulatory budget increases vastly exceed those of predecessors Clinton, Bush, Reagan, Carter, Nixon and, yes, Lyndon Johnson.

Looking at regulatory spending in percentage terms, Mr. Bush's staggering 2003 increase of more than 24% was the largest in the last 50 years. If Mr. Obama considers this a record of deregulation -- and if current polls hold -- America's economy could be in for a very long four years.

Read the entire article at...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122541609109386729.html