Mott College Library: An Exchange

There has been some discussion on the CCNA listserv of the color of the paint on the library of Mott Community College. Michael Kelly sent this email, addressed to Sherry Hayden and Mike Keeler, and which includes a request to post it to the CCNA blog:

Sherry & Mike –

I just returned from vacation to find your email complaining about the “new hideousness” and “ugly turn” on the Mott Library project.

I am quite surprised that there doesn’t appear to have been any attempt to contact me or someone at the college facilities office to inquire about the situation before sending out an emergency email calling for immediate protest action.

1)   The blue color is not to be the eventual color of the building.  That is a waterproof treatment which will be covered.  I am amazed that — without any checking on your part — you would make the assumption that we planned to have a “screaming blue” library.

2)   The “beautiful mosaic tile” is hardly “a major work of art.”  It isn’t even tile.  It consists of panels of crumbling precast concrete.  It isn’t art, it is decoration.  I understand that people may have differing aesthetics.  I, personally, always thought the library was one of the least attractive buildings on our campus but, hey, I’ve heard people praise the Flint City Hall as a beautiful example of architecture, so I guess it’s all a matter of taste.

3) The new exterior of the library will be similar to the Regional Technology Center.

This library project is a construction work site.  There will occasionally be insulation and other material visible for a period of time.  I would hope that MCC’s respect for its neighbors has been demonstrated often enough that you would give us the courtesy of asking questions before calling for public protest.

Feel free to call my direct line at 762-0456 if you have any questions.  I will make a stronger effort to attend future CCNA meetings to try to avoid any future misunderstandings.

I would appreciate it if you would send this message out to your email list, post it on the CCNA website and otherwise communicate it to those who might have received your earlier message.

– Michael Kelly

Sherry replies:

Dear Michael and neighbors,

I would like to clarify that Mike and I did not call for “immediate protest action.” We stated that we would would attend a meeting of the trustees to give our opinion and asked others to show support. Participation in public meetings is not something most people do routinely or even willingly, so I can see how questioning and voicing an opinion to which others may not agree might be seen as a protest. Big difference. I can see why there would be this worry, as we have organized numerous protests and rallies in the past, but this is not that. Public comment and questioning is part of civic responsibility. The best time to ask questions is when something can be done, not well after the fact. As we talked about this to our neighbors and others in the city, we praised MCC as a good neighbor, and the biggest response has been puzzlement.

Our mistake was knowing Michael was out of town and not thinking to contact facilities. For that we are truly sorry. I assumed there were people on the list who might know more and could talk us down. For instance, Tom Spademan was looking into the matter. I looked online and didn’t find much. It is regrettable that the architecture firm and the college didn’t tell people about the plans. We recalled the flashing sign from a few years ago. People are really concerned about this neighborhood and the concerns have heightened over the past year. Mike and I are hardly above being alarmed when we see something that appears not quite right. The big message here is that the neighborhood cares.

I thought the mosaic was art. It has always been art to me. Michael explains that it is in fact a decoration, and I accept that. Still, even precast concrete can be a medium that communicates beauty. I so wish I had taken a photo of it before it was covered. The first time I saw it, I was about 12 and I begged my parents to take me into that building. They said no, we didn’t belong there. I vowed that someday I would. Every time I looked at it, the message was there is a place in education, in society, for beauty and design for its own sake. It was quirky and had a pattern of movement, and I used it as a teaching tool when I taught design at Mott where we could see it from the windows of the old FIA building. This summer when I saw the repairs to the library and the new brownish paint, I was so excited because it really complemented the mosaic. Then, when it was painted, I was shocked, alarmed and truly wounded. I was resigned to having to avert my eyes if it was to be electric blue. This is what I wanted to tell the Board of Trustees.

(And to be clear, I have never thought Flint City Hall was in the least bit attractive.)

If anyone decides to attend the meeting tonight, please take these things into consideration. Mott has always been a good neighbor and we appreciate it.

Sherry Hayden

Meeting Minutes, May 20, 2010

[DRAFT MINUTES: NOT CORRECTED OR APPROVED]

Vice President Mike Keeler presided.

Minutes of the March 18, 2010 meeting were read by President Sherry Hayden, corrected, and approved.

The treasurer’s report was read by Treasurer Cindy Robinson and approved. East Village ads cost $61.00, $10.18 was spent on other matters. The general fund balance has $836.05, the beautification fund $710.86.

Jack Minore conducted the annual officers’ election. With no one asking to run in opposition to them, the current officers were re-elected by acclamation.

Mike introduced State Senator Deb Cherry, who is running for County Treasurer, and former City Councilman, who is running for State Representative for the 49th District.

Flint Police Chief Alvern Lock expressed support for the crime watch under development. The Flint Police Department is partnering with Mott College’s Public Safety to have a foot patrol available in the neighborhood. People can call 237-6818 for non-emergencies, and leave a message if no one is available. If people are not satisfied with 911 service, they can call 237-6868 to complain. Special Operations is 237-6950. There will be training June 18 at Hurley for anyone interested in crime watches, volunteering at mini-stations, or other crime prevention. Once the Flint-Mott partnership is in place, crimes reported to Mott’s Safety Dept. will be added to Flint’s tallies.

Debi Splaney, head of the Central Park Crime Watch, spoke about their Eyes & Ears program. A “suspect” came in, created a brief “disturbance,” and left. Mott’s Sgt. Nicholson came and took a description from neighbors at the meeting. It was Debi’s son; when he came back in, the description people gave collectively was fairly accurate. Getting accurate details helps tremendously. Having residents pay attention to what is going on has helped her neighborhood tremendously; two drug houses have been shut down based on information that people reported to police.

Mike reported that the crime watch committee has met twice; the next meeting is 7:00 on May 27 in Rm. 1301 at the Mott Tech Center. A signup sheet was sent around. Some neighbors are taking an inventory of non-working street lights. Anti-crime tips included keeping garage doors locked, keys and purses out of sight, hitting car alarms if burglars are trying to get in, putting a baby monitor outside, and setting burglar alarms to the “stay” setting at night.

Mike introduced new neighbors. One proposed a block party at the triangle near Hastings.

Claudia Mach reminded neighbors of garden work dates on 2nd Saturdays now through September, meeting at 9:00 at Family Video. The day after is the rain date. Beautification for the garden along Robert T. Longway on 2nd Wednesdays.

Mike checked on State Sen. Woodrow Stanley’s controversial proposal to extend University Park’s tax-free status, but did not receive information. Deb Cherry checked on it, and the extension was already passed.

Andy Everman and others have been mowing public spaces and vacant lots. Someone asked about donating gas cards; they can go to Geoffrey Neithercutt.

City Councilman Dale Weighill reported that a federal grant allowed rehiring 38 firefighters. Two firefighters wrote the grant application, and Rep. Dale Kildee aided in its going through. Six part-time blight elimination officers will be trained and help enforce the City Code. Pierce Park was mowed by Andy Everman, but the City will begin mowing soon. The golf course may be sold at some point; Andy Everman and Geoffrey Neithercutt are pitching Mott College to take it over for activities and classes on golf course management. Additional workers have been hired to get yard waste pickup back on track. Biweekly trash pickup has apparently not saved much money, due to overtime. Jack Minore said biweekly pickup a few years ago saved little in the short run, because of unemployment and overtime. The Fire Dept. is overseen by Police Chief Alvern Lock, who is a sort of super chief, and an assistant fire chief. Dale’s cell is 423-1744.

Jack Minore thanked people for helping with the watershed cleanup.

Rev. Deborah Kohler introduced herself and invited people to bring their kids to the playground at Woodside Church.

Tom Nobles introduced himself and encouraged people to attend the upcoming play put on by the Flint Community Players.

Flint Arrows S.C. Bottle Drive

Flint Arrows S.C. Bottle Drive !!

The Flint Arrows are a U-11 girls soccer team in the Mid-Michigan Youth Soccer League and are composed of girls from all over Genessee County. The Arrows play their home games in the brand new soccer field at Kearsley Park

We are asking for your donations of bottles/cans that can be picked up by the Team on Saturday April 17 between 10a-1pm We accept all plastic and glass bottles, and cans!

The Arrows will be wearing their Red uniforms, so be on the lookout for these awesome girls!

The Team will be focusing on the area South of Court from Woodlawn Park to Franklin. However if you would like to donate to the Arrows, please contact Amy Surles-Rosario @

Amy.surles-rosario@gmail.com

And we’ll make arrangements to pick them up or drop off times.

All money raised by these fundraisers go towards field upkeep fees/costs.

If you have any questions please let us know!! THANK YOU for supporting this local team!!

Meeting Minutes, March 18, 2010

Vice-President Mike Keeler presided.

Secretary Paul Streby read the minutes of the January 21, 2010 meeting. The minutes were approved.

Sherry gave the treasurer’s report. The general fund balance is $797.23; the beautification fund balance is $665.86. The treasurer’s report was approved.

New neighbors introduced themselves.

Mike reported that Rep. Woodrow Stanley is pushing legislation to grant an extension on the property tax abatement for the University Estates subdivision off N. Saginaw. City Councilman Dale Weighill indicated he was not supportive of the extension, which has to be approved by the City Council. Neighbors expressed concern about favoritism. Mike will find out the status of the legislation.

Raul Garcia reported that Flint will be down to 65 firefighters once layoffs take effect, down from over 200 in 1996. The Flint Fire Department deals with 2.2 fires per day. Average response time is becoming greater, and fires double in size every 30 seconds. Compared to other cities, Flint has few firefighters, stations, and trucks per capita. Large sections of the city will not be able to be reached in under four minutes. There will be three fire stations, with 12-14 firefighters covering the entire city. The ratio of firefighters is already the lowest in the state. The Administration rejected the firefighters’ union proposals for concessions. Arbitration is expected. Jack Minore pointed out our homeowners insurance rates will likely go up.

Doris Sain of the Court Street Village Non-Profit said that her organization pioneered affordable housing management in Michigan. It has refurbished 26 homes, and has an established finance office. Norma Sain, executive director, reported that Richert Manor is perceived as a problem. She met with a representative from the Flint Housing Commission, who told her that there are security cameras inside and out, security guards, and good lighting. It helps to provide specifics about troublesome activities, so bad tenants can be evicted.

Mike and Sherry drafted a proposal for a crime watch, but need leaders to step forward. Alex Harris recapped the history of the Security Court Action Team (SCAT), which folded when dues-paying membership shrank. Before that, Rhina Griffel said that there was a volunteer patrol (South Court Action Team)  for the area south of Court St. Interest in a new crime watch was high. SCAT still has $1600 as possible seed money. Mike and Sherry will arrange a separate meeting in this issue in the next several weeks.

The Neighborhood Action Session for the Seventh Ward brought mixed comments. Some neighbors felt it did not put forth feasible, effective proposals; others found the ideas proposed encouraging. Jack encouraged people to keep porch lights on all night, and to report broken street lights; they are not individually metered, so the City pays for the electricity even when the light is out; people should be specific, e.g. “the northwest corner of A & B.”

Dale Weighill reported that a midyear review indicated an $8M deficit for the current fiscal year. Mayor Dayne Walling announced fire and police layoffs, which the City Council has no authority over. Council members learned of these and the biweekly trash collection through the media. City golf courses are not self-sustaining, but could perhaps be turned around. The Crim Fitness Foundation is taking a survey about parks and other amenities, copies of which Dale distributed. Residents were removed from the group home on Beard St. after a Sheriff’s Department raid; a hearing is scheduled for April. The Prosecutor’s office is intent on bringing charges.

Of the general fund, 60-65% is spent on public safety salaries. The mayor’s office is a relatively small percent of the budget.

Holly Lubowicki reported that Great Lakes Recycling (GLR) on Bristol Rd. between VanSlyke and the expressway is clean and well-maintained. A hazardous waste collection is scheduled for May 15.

Rhina Griffel announced a League of Women Voters anniversary celebration at Luigi’s, as well as several training events.

Jack Minore announced upcoming cleanups of Gilkey Creek and the Flint River Trail and passed signup sheets for volunteers. He brought precinct delegate affidavits, which are due May 11.

Meeting Minutes, January 21, 2010

College Cultural Neighborhood Association

Minutes of the January 21, 2010 Meeting

Officers: President Sherry Hayden * Vice President Mike Keeler * Secretary Paul Streby * Treasurer Cindy Robinson

Vice President Mike Keeler presided.

Secretary Paul Streby read the minutes of the November 19, 2009 meeting, which were approved.

Treasurer Cindy Robinson reported $590.86 in the beautification fund and $1204.09 in the general fund. The treasurer’s report was approved.

State Rep. Lee Gonzales said that battery technology is a growing field, and that General Motors is investing up to $6 billion in battery manufacturing in Michigan, which could create as many as 20,000 jobs. A restaurant and bar smoking ban takes effect on May 1, and legislation is pending to ban texting and driving.

Doug Weiland, executive director of the Genesee Land Bank, spoke about the property-related challenges facing Flint. The City’s population peaked at 196,000 in 1960, and is now between 109,000 and 112,000. We have lost the equivalent of 34,000 households; 32% of property is vacant or abandoned. The Land Bank owned 1500 structures and lots, and plans to acquire more. It would cost $50 million to demolish all dilapidated buildings. Demolition can greatly improve the value of nearby structures, and prevent blight from spreading. Funding for $25 million is going towards demolition and rehabilitation, but must follow HUD regulations. Although Flint has been hit hard, the outcounty has, also, as have all levels of government. The Land Bank is spending federal stimulus money for weed and trash abatement, including on lots owned by others. It works with neighborhood groups to clear lots in the Clean & Green program. Community gardens are often donated to worthy organizations. Doug suggested working with the Genesee County Landlords Association to deal with bad landlords. Information can be searched on TheLandBank.org.

Sgt. Nicholson of the Mott Public Safety Department reminded neighbors that Mott does community policing within a one-mile radius. He introduced Ofr. Eric Young, who is stationed at the Mott facility near Kearsley Park. He or Ofr. Tim Murley will be there from 2 p.m. to 12:30 every day. Mott Public Safety’s phone is 762-0222. Neighbors are encouraged to store this on their cell phones.

Seventh Ward City Councilman Dale Weighill reported that he has proposed getting 100 parking meters out of storage for downtown. The meters were removed because of thefts, but better locks can prevent this. The meters, Rutherford parking structure, and parking fines could generate $3000 in revenue each week. The City Council has diverted $200,000 for code enforcement, which had been lacking. Two houses in the neighborhood have suffered fire damage, one on Greenfield, on on Vernon near Court. Dale indicated that blight is a top priority for him. The City is facing another deficit of $5-7M. Property tax revenue and revenue sharing are both down. The mayor is asking the Police and Fire Departments to accept pay cuts, and other departments to accept furlough days.

City Councilman Josh Freeman said that eliminating the ombudsman’s office could save $225,000 per year.

Sherry Hayden announced an upcoming Keep Genesee County Beautiful conference funded by the Ruth Mott Foundation. The CCNA voted to authorize the beautification committee to seek a grant. Neighborhood Action Sessions are coming up, and our input is important.

Terry Bankert announced that he is sponsoring a workshop on social media, and invited neighbors to attend a planning session at his law office. It would help raise the level of discourse in the community if mature adults posted comments on MLive.com.

Respectfully submitted by Paul Streby.

3rd Annual Community Gathering – YOU Are Invited!

The Flint River Corridor Alliance is pleased to invite you to our 3^rd Annual Community Gathering!

Date:    Friday, February 12, 2010

Time:   11:30am – 1:00pm

Place:  Northbank Center Ballroom, 432 N. Saginaw St., Flint, Michigan

A complimentary lunch will be provided.

Join us as we celebrate the another year of “Projects, Partnerships and Progress” in the Flint River corridor.  This year’s event will feature a welcome from City of Flint Mayor Dayne Walling.  We would like to thank the C.S. Mott Foundation for their generous support and sponsorship of our keynote speaker, Bruce Katz of the Brookings Institution.  Mr. Katz is the founding Director of the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings.  He will speak about how our city’s assets will shape Flint’s growth.

This event is free and open to the public, but you must RSVP by Feb. 9, 2010 to attend.

To register online for this event, click here.  To register by phone, contact Barb Urlaub at (810) 424-5486.

Meeting Minutes, November 19, 2009

College Cultural Neighborhood Association

Minutes of the November 19, 2009 Meeting [not corrected or approved]

Officers: President Sherry Hayden * Vice President Mike Keeler * Secretary Paul Streby * Treasurer Cindy Robinson

Vice-President Mike Keeler presided.

Minutes of the September 17, 2009 meeting were read by Secretary Paul Streby and approved.

 

Treasurer Cindy Robinson reported that the general fund had $674.73, and total funds were $1140.59. The treasurer’s report was approved.

Kay Kelly introduced Officer Wooster, who is at the mini station at N. Franklin near Bennett. He reported that the mini station will soon have a computer that equals what is available at police headquarters. Regular hours are 7:45 am – 3:45 pm (with other hours available); the telephone number is 766-7304. Additional mini stations may open later. Officer Wooster gave some safety tips, including using outdoor lights, having a fence, keeping a screen over back door windows, and neighborhood patrols. Citizens can ask the Flint Police to do vacation checks when they are gone. Neighbors can put pressure on the owner of the Double-J Market to be a more positive presence in the neighborhood. A Neighborhood Action Session for Ward 7 is scheduled for the Brennan Center for Monday, November 30, 5:30-7:00.

Kay reported that several sports leagues played at Kearsley Park. New sidewalks into the park have been added, and ten youths are working there through early December. Six weddings were held at the park. The annual Holiday Walk on Tuesday, December 8 will feature performances of Snow White. Kay is wrapping up ten years of service on the Planning Commission; new applicants are welcome. She reported that Mott College hopes to open a satellite public safety station at the recently acquired Reserves building near Kearsley Park. Mott is also hosting a Community Conversation on Tuesday, December 15, 3:00-5:00, sponsored by the Center for Michigan (http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/). RSVP to 762-0455.

Kathi Beaubien said that wreath orders are being taken through November 25 from the National Women’s Farm & Garden Club, which maintains the heart near the Michigan School for the Deaf & Blind, among other places.

Alex Harris reported that several group homes in the neighborhood are well run, but that Carol’s Adult Foster Care home at 1325 Beard has been poorly run for 7-8 years. An investigation revealed physical and mental abuse of elder residents, and recommend revoking the home’s license. The caregiver’s boyfriend has a criminal history and is alleged to have intimidated and assaulted neighbors who complained. More information is available online: http://blog.mlive.com/flint-city-beat/2009/10/abuse_allegations_rule_violati.html).

City Councilman Dale Weighill said he would try to attend CCNA meetings, if only for part of them. This was his third neighborhood association meeting of the evening. Delrico Lloyd was elected Council President, and Dale Vice-President. He reported that the City will probably lose $2.5 – $3 million in revenue-sharing funds from the State; property and income tax collections are down as well. The deficit will probably reach o $4 million by January. The Council may put the ombudsman’s office on the ballot for deletion, to save about $300,000 annually. Volunteers need to be used better for city services. Rhoda Matthews at the Citizens’ Service Bureau at City Hall told Dale that grant funding is being pursued to support volunteer activities. Only two code enforcers are currently employed; the City needs at least one per ward. Grant money, plus City workers willing to multitask, might generate revenue from code fines.

Sherry reported that Flint-bred author Christopher Paul Curtis is speaking at UM-Flint; more info: http://www.umflint.edu/provost/Winegarden.htm

Stephany Diana reported that bike rides went well, and were aimed at people who are not necessarily experienced or fast. Mike Keeler said that a group tried for a fifty-mile ride within the city, and got as far as 44 miles.

Andy Everman reported that Woodside Church is selling ash wood for $50/cord, and will deliver. The wood is seasoned and split.

Respectfully submitted by Paul Streby

City Council Candidates Answer Your Questions

As webmaster for the CCNA, I invited both candidates for the City Council for the Seventh Ward, Denise Smith Allen and Dale Weighill, to participate in an online forum, and answer questions supplied by residents of the College Cultural Neighborhood. Both accepted this opportunity, and the questions submitted to them, along with their answers, are below. I thank both candidates for their participation in this forum:

1) What do you plan to do to help prevent the erosion of neighborhood life in the Seventh Ward? In particular, what realistic solutions are there to crimes such as breaking and entering?

Denise Smith Allen: Crime in the 7th Ward has spiked primarily because of the economic down turn, the pervasive and increased use of drugs, both street and prescription. In addition, property owners have not been held accountable for the upkeep of their unoccupied homes which contributes to the erosion of neighborhoods. Increasing the creation of block clubs, crime watch organizations and neighborhood associations is essential for neighborhood stabilization. Breaking and entering can occur at any time, but they seem to be more prevalent during hours when people are working or otherwise out of the home. Simple things, such as notifying the block club captain or neighbor when trips are planned; buying a security system, motion/sensor lighting or having someone house sit can reduce this type of crime. As your 7th ward councilwoman I will work with the administration to support restructuring the police department, open up a mini-station in a centralized area, work to enforce code and curfew violators which are small steps to increase the quality of life for the residents of the 7th ward. Our young people need to be engaged in constructive activities. Scott School offers an after school mentoring program. The Brennan Center is a Center for both elderly residents and youth. Expanding this concept to the Pierce Senior Center to incorporate youth activities would be beneficial. Helping 7th ward residents to engage in more activities offered by FIA, Sloan Museum and the Planetarium. Lastly, from each precinct I would request a volunteer to become a precinct captain or representative. These representatives would mainly provide feedback in the form of evaluation of progress or lack thereof and would be rotated to insure inclusion.

Dale Weighill: I would like to see a comprehensive public safety and crime control plan put forward by the administration and Police Chief. I would like to see this plan result in the following:

• A greater police presence – in patrol cars, on bikes, and by foot – in neighborhoods.
• Improved police response time to emergency calls.
• Improved customer service at the Police Department.
• Greater use of modern technology to fight crime.
• Ongoing professional development for officers on effective crime-fighting techniques.
• Creation of a vehicle for citizen input and feedback, such as a Citizen-Police Advisory Committee made up of residents from each of our nine wards.
• An increase in the number of neighborhood watches, block clubs and neighborhood associations in Flint.
• Education for residents on how to be on the lookout for suspicious activities in their neighborhoods and what to do if they observe criminal activity.

Many of the above items will require additional resources, of course. Some dollars might be obtained through grant dollars from local, state or national sources (including our own local foundation community).

2) What is your position on curbside recycling for our city?

Denise Smith Allen: I am in favor of curbside recycling under the right conditions.  First we must help educate the residents of the need to clean up our environment for health and safety reasons.  We must then provide a period of time to assist residents in obtaining the additional waste disposal receptacles needed for the conversion.  Lastly, we must hold the owner or owners of recycling centers to standards established by the EPA and other governing bodies associated with this process and fine and or prosecute those owners not in compliance, immediately.

Dale Weighill: I am in support of efforts to bring curbside recycling to Flint.  The difficulty, of course, is finding ways to pay for it and in (perhaps) getting residents across the City to participate in such a program.  I am committed to exploring ways to bring curbside recycling to Flint without having to raise taxes.  I’d also like to find ways to incentivize people to start recycling (e.g., perhaps by offering financial rewards to those who do).  Recycling will require a great deal of citizen education, so we’ll need to include this part of the effort when we cost out any program.

3) What is your position on privatizing city services such as street cleaning, parks maintenance, garbage collection, traffic signal and sign maintenance, etc.? What about partnering with county agencies or organizations to save money?

Denise Smith Allen: City services are a function of city governance as outlined in the Flint City Charter.  While the charter speaks to the idea that there may be no more than ten executive departments, it does not speak to privatizing any of these departments.  Street cleaning, park maintenance, garbage collection, traffic signal and sign maintenance fall under “Parks & Recreation” and “Public Works & Utilities” both could be considered for consolidation after a cost benefit analysis has been performed.   I am not opposed to exploring the idea of partnering with county government on certain projects.

Dale Weighill: I am not opposed as a matter of principle to privatizing certain city services if we can provide a higher-quality service at the same or at a reduced cost.  With the very limited resources we have at our disposal, I think everything needs to be on the table for discussion.  As for the County, I would support representatives from the City of Flint and Genesee County sitting down as equals and discussing ways to achieve efficiencies while at the same time maintaining or improving services. This approach was unfortunately rejected by the current City Council a number of months ago (although our 7^th Ward Councilman, Jim Ananich, sensibly voted for it).

4) What could you do to foster a harmonious and productive working relationship between the City Council and the Mayor?

Denise Smith Allen: My mission and platform has incorporated the need for civility while conducting city council business.  As your city councilwoman, I would extend an olive branch to my fellow councilpersons and the administration with the hope that moving the city forward would always be the main objective.  I believe that opposing points of views need to be heard and respected.  The city of Flint will be receiving and has received stimulus money to help us reposition ourselves in the global economy.  It is imperative that we conduct ourselves in such a manner that we regain the respect that has been lost over the past few administrations.  In order for new businesses to consider making Flint their home we must present ourselves in such a positive fashion that those businesses would be anxious to establish a working relationship with us.

Dale Weighill: I have said since declaring my candidacy for City Council that one of my highest priorities will be to work effectively with our new Mayor and my Council colleagues.  Upon my election, I would immediately schedule a sit-down meeting with the Mayor to discuss our mutual visions/agendas for Flint and to search for common ground.  I intend to support the Mayor as much as I can, without, of course, sacrificing my own principles or policy goals.  I suspect that there will be on-going communications, both in person and via telephone and email, between the Mayor’s office and myself.  I already have a number of excellent relationships with key Mayoral aides.  As for my Council colleagues, I already have solid relationships with a number of incumbent members and non-incumbents who are likely to be re-elected and elected on November 3.  I expect that the new Mayor and new Council will have a much better relationship than those from the past.

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Denise Smith Allen’s campaign website is at http://www.denisesmithallenfor7thward.com. She adds:

I found Flint, Michigan a good place to raise my two sons after moving here from the east coast in 1979.  Upon completing undergraduate school my children and I worked to establish ourselves in this quaint community.  I began my work career in Flint at Whaley Children Center as a Child Care Worker, moving to Adolescent Specialist then Licensing Worker for foster and adoptive families.  I have been a Probation Agent for 22 years with MDOC.  My husband Fred retired from GM after 36 years of service.  In addition to our adult sons we have fostered 7 children.  I have continuously engaged in service to the community.

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Dale Weighill’s campaign website is at http://daleweighill.com. He is President & CEO of Resource Genesee.

Neighborhood Action Sessions

http://blog.mlive.com/flint-city-beat/2009/09/neighborhood_action_sessions_t.html

Ward 7 is5:30pm onNov. 30 at Brennan Center, 1301 Pingree Ave.

Storytimes @ Flint Public Library

Information on storytimes at the Flint Public Library and its 3 branches can be found here.  Please visit www.fpl.info for more program information!