Tag: NICT

We seldom use such direct attacks in a title even though the content has tended to be more direct as of late.  And though we openly wonder on why certain pursuits exist, the Detroit bankruptcy really drives home a point that cannot be ignored.  The bankruptcy had to happen, and even though happening later than it should have been, Snyder gets some credit for doing what is needed.

For the remainder of the message however, Stephanie quotes Forbes and opines:

"In light of Detroit's bankruptcy case getting national attention, many people have missed this little development:

Detroit's Tunnel To Canada Follows The City Into Bankruptcy.  

Since 1930, Detroiters have had two choices to reach Windsor, Ontario across the U.S.-Canadian border: the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

Now, the tunnel's operator has joined the city in seeking bankruptcy protection. It's blaming two reasons, according to Reuters: reduced traffic across the border, and the same kind of unmanageable debt burden that led to the city's Chapter 9 petition.

If Michigander's might recall, Governor Rick Snyder, as part of his campaign platform, ran advocating for a second bridge to Canada to be built, using at least partly, taxpayer money.  One has to ask, in considering this little plan of his, did he not research the profitability of the two existing means by which to get to Canada (the Windsor Tunnel and the Ambassador Bridge)?  If he didn't do the research that makes Governor Snyder just stupid.  If he did do his due diligence, he would have seen the enormous operating losses of the Tunnel."

Fred Durhal may have a valid argument on this issue. Durhal's complaint via the Ivory Tower:

"I think that was not right," Durhal said today.

He said part of his argument was that it was wrong for Snyder to go around the Legislature to approve a deal with Canada to build the New International Trade Crossing between Detroit and Windsor. Therefore, any state legislator should have standing to bring the challenge, he said."

It took me a while, but I found something that had my interest piqued a couple of years ago when arguing the merits of leaving the DIBC as it is. The facts were not entirely scrubbed from the Detroit Chamber's site, and I wonder how well the travel numbers used to argue for a new bridge will stand up when health care choices are destroyed here as they are in Canada.

"Hubbard pointed out to the committee that the Detroit/Windsor/Port Huron/Sarnia area is home to the busiest border crossing in North America in terms of volume of trade (more than $1 billion in goods crosses daily). Additionally, metro Detroit is home to major passenger vehicle traffic - between 3000 and 4000 Canadian health care workers entering the region every day."

Say NO to Obamacare.  

That's just fine, because even though you are lucky enough to have made a few of the right votes along the way, there is one issue you openly advocated that puts you square in the not such a big thinker zone. (I'll get to that in a minute) Understood, you have a bud who might lose to such an unsophisticated scoundrel as myself, so I grant a little understanding for a little directness.  Out of nowhere you declared how our relationship will start, after I prevail in this election.

OK no problem. I have a great deal of respect for your positions on a number of issues other than a sense that you don't much like guns in the hands of young hunters.  You don't seem to mess around much, and that's great.  Even with some of the PAC donation's I am impressed even that you are willing to buck the hands that feed you.

Cool stuff mister.

And in fact, aside from your liquor induced honesty on Sunday, I like you.

It surely cannot be strictly economic development, as the low hanging fruit known as Right-To-Work is still quite doable.  It could not be a concern that growth will leave us stranded with an unworkable transport solution between Canada and the US, as simply adding a couple of booths for the Bluewater apparently eased traffic considerably this last holiday.  Add to that, the amount of traffic over the DIBC is still at historic lows.  And to boot, the owner of the DIBC wants to build a second span at NO cost to the taxpayer, and has actually done due diligence by purchases of property and right of ways on both sides.

No, there must be something else.

It almost seems ..emotional.

The language for the recall must contain reason based upon the officer's conduct during his or her current term in office. At 4pm today, there was a recall filed to remove Randy Richardville from his 17th District Senate seat. The submission was from Monroe county resident and former county GOP Chair, Jeff Andring, with the following language:

"On February 29, 2012 Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, (17th District) co-sponsored and later voted "YES" on Senate Bill 0992, allowing real estate developers to avoid personal guarantees on foreclosed commercial loans in Michigan.  Homeowners, losing their homes to foreclosure, are still held liable for such payments. This law was made retroactive to avoid a $2.4 Million dollar personal financial obligation for the brother of the Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party.

Senator Richardville abused his legislative position by introducing "Right to Teach", wasting our tax dollars on a personal, political message, threatening basic collective bargaining rights of teachers.

Senator Richardville introduced SB 410 and SB 411 which would have authorized a new government bridge, funded with our road repair tax dollars. These bills unfairly divert money from badly needed road repairs to build a bridge that a private company is willing to build at no cost or risk to taxpayers. This misallocation of funds can only result in substandard roads, or increased taxes to replace the money diverted for the government bridge.

For these abuses of legislative power, an election should be held to decide if Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville should be removed from office."

The commission works to ensure the integrity of the judicial process and preserve public confidence in the courts. It is responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct or incapacity, and for recommending any disciplinary action.

"David has extensive experience with public service and private sector roles," Snyder said. "His unique background will benefit the commission and our citizens."

Fischer is the chairman and CEO of The Suburban Collection, the 13th largest automotive group in the country and one of the largest privately owned automotive groups in Michigan. He serves as chairman emeritus of the North American International Auto Show, is a member of the College of Creative Studies Board of Trustees and is the emeritus director of the Detroit Institute of Arts. Fischer and his wife actively support more than 20 charitable organizations including the American Cancer Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Moroun, 84, and Stamper, 62, were sent to jail Thursday as punishment for their company being found in contempt of court. Judge Prentis Edwards said Detroit International Bridge Co. repeatedly failed to follow his orders to work with the state of Michigan and get the Gateway Project done.

The son of a Detroit judge who is set to impose contempt of court penalties against Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun has been appointed to the bench by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder.

It likely won't be Mr Moroun.

For the sake of integrity in the bench, perhaps in the executive branch in Lansing, I want to see a really good reason.  I am really seriously shaken by this if it is true.