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Topic: Weaver and her secret deal with Pastor Flynn
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

HUD wants answers on Flint's grant spending after approval of ...
www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2018/02/hud_wants_answers_on_flints_fe.html
10 hours ago - FLINT, MI - A federal agency is asking Flint for answers after the city shifted $442,000 in community grant dollars, in part to support a secretive north Flint development, without allowing for public input. In late January, the Flint City Council voted to send a total of $442,000 in unspent federal Community ...
Post Wed Feb 07, 2018 8:18 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

FLINT NEWS
HUD wants answers on Flint's grant spending after approval of secretive deal
Updated 9:11 AM; Posted 9:11 AM

By Oona Goodin-Smith ogoodins@mlive.com
FLINT, MI - A federal agency is asking Flint for answers after the city shifted $442,000 in community grant dollars, in part to support a secretive north Flint development, without allowing for public input.

In late January, the Flint City Council voted to send a total of $442,000 in unspent federal Community Development Block Grant dollars to purchase a new city fire truck, repair the roof of a city business center and help the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation buy an undisclosed building on Flint's north side.

However, because the total amount in the resolution exceeded $356,372 - 10 percent of the roughly $3.5 million awarded to Flint by the United States Housing and Urban Development Department to distribute to community causes - and was not previously listed in the city's annual plan for the funds, Flint officials were required to submit a formal request to HUD. The city was also required to create a citizen participation plan for Flint residents to voice their thoughts on the use of federal grant money, said HUD Public Affairs Specialist Gina Rodriguez.

The HUD Office of Community Planning and Development is now "requesting clarification regarding proposed revisions," Rodriguez said.

Flint city officials did not return requests for comment on the investigation into its use of the funds.

City Council may now be asked to vote again on the resolution to reallocate, said Council President Herbert Winfrey.

"It's a serious issue if HUD has concerns with this," Winfrey said. "I wouldn't turn (a re-vote) down if it is suggested."

The unspent CBDG funds, said Suzanne Wilcox, Flint's Interim Director of Planning and Development, came from a surplus created at the end of the calendar year when other CBDG-funded projects came in under budget or did not move forward.


Neither the building's exact use nor its location have been made public.


Just hours after State Treasurer Nick Khouri repealed an emergency manager order allowing the city more financial freedom on Monday, Jan. 22, council voted 7-2 to pass the resolution to reprogram the total $442,000 in community block grant funds.

The resolution redirected $200,000 to the Flint Fire Department for a new truck, $117,000 to the city's Economic Development Corporation for roof repairs at the Oak Business Center, and $125,000 to the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation for an undisclosed building.

The building's exact location and use were approved by Wilcox, but kept secret from council members and the public in order to protect the purchase from competition, said North Flint Reinvestment President Rev. Reginald Flynn before the council's vote.


City records obtained by MLive-The Flint Journal through a Freedom of Information Act request show Flynn requested reprogrammed block grant money on Nov. 30, 2017, to put toward a purchase of the Abundant Life Ministries facility - a church operated by Pastor Larry Holley - for a "neighborhood-based quality early childhood learning center" at 5402 Clio Road in Flint.

Holley was forced to stop operating his investment business in September 2017 after the Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil fraud charges against him, accusing him of exploiting church members, retirees and laid-off auto workers into investing in a real estate business he claimed was successful.



Holley used faith-based rhetoric and scripture and biblical references to lure in investors, offcials said.


Additional funding for the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation's building will come from collaboration with the IFF, C.S. Mott Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Flint and Metro Community Development, Flynn's Nov. 30 letter said.

Flynn could not be reached for comment on the building purchase.

The former Abundant Life Ministries building is part of the vision of a larger "health and wellness hub" on the land located off W. Pierson Road between Clio and Cloverlawn roads, according to Flynn's project proposal obtained by MLive-The Flint Journal.


The proposed hub will include an event/community center, grocery co-op store, urban garden, wellness center, business incubator, and space for housing and parking.

Demolition of a building on the property slated for the organization's intended co-op grocery store began in September.

In 2015, the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation opened the Eagle's Nest Academy on the site of former Selby Elementary School.


A search committee has also been started to help find a general manager for the store -- expected to employ 50-60 residents -- as part of the next steps moving forward.


While Fourth Ward Councilwoman Kate Fields and Eighth Ward Councilman Allan Griggs voted against the resolution to reallocate funds without further review, the majority of the council said they put their trust in the city's assessment.

"If Suzanne and her staff have dotted their i's and cross their t's, if it's what qualifies and what they recommend, I'll follow that," First Ward Councilman Eric Mays previously said. "[The North Flint Reinvestment Corp.] has been able to mobilize community partners, and the block club leaders in the First Ward support their co-op. I know people that I represent that have supported that and encourage me to support it."
Post Wed Feb 07, 2018 8:21 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

FLINT NEWS
City council sends $125K to undisclosed north Flint building project
Updated Jan 23; Posted Jan 23
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By Oona Goodin-Smith ogoodins@mlive.com
FLINT, MI - The Flint City Council voted to send $125,000 in grant funds to support the purchase of a building on the city's north side.

Neither the building's exact use nor its location have been made public, but the structure will benefit the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation's development plan near Pierson and Clio roads, said Flint Department of Planning and Development Director Suzanne Wilcox.

Wilcox's team has reviewed and approved North Flint Reinvestment Corporation's plan, but details on the project must be kept under wraps to avoid competition, said the organization's president, the Rev. Reginald Flynn.

Addressing council at a meeting on Monday, Jan. 22, Flynn said he asked that specifics on the project remain confidential until after the building is purchased. In the past, when he allowed the public in on planning meetings for his community grocery store - a part of the Flint pastor's larger vision for developing the city's north side - competitors from the newly-minted Hamady grocery attended the meeting, who later attempted to buy the same land sought by Flynn and obtain funding from Flynn's backers.

"Our information was used against us," Flynn told the council. "So, our desire was to not to avoid being transparent, but really recognizing the fact that people were taking advantage of us, and we had trusted individuals - one, in particular, being a potential partner. And they used our information against us, in fact, sought to secure funding from the funding sources that had already been accessed by us."


Potential uses for the facility may include a health clinic or a credit union, Flynn told the council, adding that the purchase is "really time-sensitive."

Flynn declined to comment further on the project to MLive-The Flint Journal. City officials provided few public details about the project.

Flint council sends unspent HUD dollars to publicly undisclosed project
Wilcox said no formal application has been submitted to the city for the reprogrammed grant funds but Flynn submitted a letter to the city detailing the redevelopment project.

"There's some interest in a couple of buildings in that area, and like in any market transaction, there's other interest in those buildings ... so we're not looking to make any information available that could potentially harm that deal," Wilcox told the council last week, adding that the development is not for the purchase of a grocery store building.

Voting 7-2 on Monday night, council approved the resolution to redirect $125,000 to the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation - part of the reprogramming of $442,000 in unspent Community Development Block Grant dollars.

The federal grant program through the United States Housing and Urban Development Department "provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs," according to its website.


The council also allocated $200,000 to the Flint Fire Department for what EMS Coordinator Carrie Edwards-Clemons called a "desperately-needed" new fire truck, and $117,000 to the city's Economic Development Corporation for roof repairs at the Oak Business Center.

The financial decision was council's first since Flint's state oversight board loosened its grip on the city's purse strings earlier in the day. Hours before the council meeting, State Treasurer Nick Khouri signed a repeal of an emergency manager order that mandated state review of financial moves made by the mayor or council.


For the first time in seven years, Flint's local officials are in control of the city's daily finances and government decisions.


Eighth Ward Councilman Allan Griggs and Fourth Ward Councilwoman Kate Fields voted against the resolution, calling for more city review before awarding federal grant dollars.

"We need to have our citywide advisory committee or independent body review these applications for re-use of these program dollars because that prevents any view of favoritism or political payoffs," Fields said, encouraging those with concerns over the city's spending to contact HUD.

Several residents also voiced their concern over the transparency in allocating grant dollars during council's public comment.


"If you are re-shifting federal dollars to organizations in the city of Flint, I have an organization in the city of Flint," resident Joyce Wilson told the council. "I have been beautifying properties for 12 years ... If you re-shift money, you might want to consider the people who live in Flint. You need to help the people who live in Flint ... not just the non-profits just because they have a certain religious affiliation and political affiliation."

The majority of the council, however, put trust in Wilcox's review and allocation of the dollars.

"If Suzanne and her staff have dotted their i's and cross their t's, if it's what qualifies and what they recommend, I'll follow that," said First Ward Councilman Eric Mays. "[The North Flint Reinvestment Corp.] has been able to mobilize community partners, and the block club leaders in the First Ward support their co-op. I know people that I represent that have supported that and encourage me to support it."

Second Ward Councilman Maurice Davis echoed Mays' trust in the administration, adding that "it seems like we're pulling teeth every time we're trying to do something on the north end."

"We have to get to the place of moving the whole city forward. ... the city is broke, but it's not every resident," Davis said. "I'm doing this because of the residents. I'm not forgetting who put me in this chair. We sometimes have to rob Peter to pay Paul."


Last spring, Flynn requested $150,000 in city funding for his north end grocery store, but the council was only able to give him $75,000, said Seventh Ward Councilwoman Monica Galloway.

"We gave them what we could, and we could look for more," Galloway said. "I thought we walked away from that meeting saying that if that grocery store piece came up, we would look for more."

According to Pierson Road Corridor revitalization plan on the North Flint Reinvestment's website, the organization looks to add a youth business academy, aquaponics center, early learning center, grocery store and several residential buildings to the landscape on Pierson Road.



A search committee has also been started to help find a general manager for the store -- expected to employ 50-60 residents -- as part of the next steps moving forward.


Demolition of a building on the property slated for the organization's intended co-op grocery store began in September.

In 2015, the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation opened the Eagle's Nest Academy on the site of former Selby Elementary School.
Post Wed Feb 07, 2018 8:25 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Pastor's company shut down after allegedly stealing millions from investors
Updated Sep 15, 2017; Posted Sep 14, 2017

Pastor Larry Holley of Abundant Life Ministries International stands outside of 2517 Sloan St. in Flint in this 2006 file photo.Holley started a program called the 'Home Run Program' through his P.T.L Properties which buy homes that are falling apart, fixes them up and then rent them to poor people who have a chance to purchase a home. (Lisa DeJong)

By Dominic Adams dadams5@mlive.com

Rev. Larry A. Holley, pastor of Abundant Life Ministries, will use the Bible to teach people how to get out of debt and become financially independent during "Financial Wisdom Seminar" according to this file photo.
FLINT, MI - The state has shut down a Flint pastor's businesses following accusations that he owes millions to investors.

Larry Holley, pastor of Flint-based Abundant Life Ministries and his business partner Patricia Gray agreed that they will no longer conduct any business regulated under the Michigan Uniform Securities Act, according to a Thursday, Sept. 14, statement from the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

"To protect Michigan investors from unscrupulous individuals, particularly vulnerable senior citizens, the state requires that securities and those who sell them be properly registered or exempt from registration," LARA's Corporations, Securities and Commercial Licensing Bureau Director Julia Dale said in the statement. "I strongly urge consumers to contact CSCL to verify a company or person's registration status to better know the credentials of who they're doing business with."

Holley's assets had been seized after civil fraud charges were filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, accusing him of exploiting church members, retirees and laid-off auto workers into investing in a real estate business he claimed was successful.

The state also fined his business, Treasure Enterprise LLC, $40,000, Gray $90,000 and Holley $40,000, the statement said. The fines will be deferred until the civil case is resolved.

He hosted financial presentations masked as "blessed life conferences" at churches across the country, the SEC said, and because Holley was a man who "prayed for your children," he was more trustworthy than a "banker" with their money.


Prosecutors previously claimed some investors never saw their promised returns. More than 40 investors were owed roughly $2 million when the lawsuit was filed in March.

Holley, of Grand Blanc, used faith-based rhetoric and scripture and biblical references to lure in investors, the SEC claims.


He hosted financial presentations masked as "blessed life conferences" at churches across the country, the SEC said, and because Holley was a man who "prayed for your children," he was more trustworthy than a "banker" with their money.

Holley's company, Treasure Enterprise LLC, and his business partner, Gray, of Flint, who is also named in the civil action, bilked about $6.7 million from more than 80 investors who were promised high returns because they were investing in a profitable real estate company with hundreds of residential and commercial properties, the SEC claims.

MLive-The Flint Journal could not reach Holley, Gray or anyone at Treasure Enterprises for comment on Thursday, Sept. 14.

Gray also advertised on a religious radio station in Flint and called for laid-off auto workers who had severance packages to consult her for a "financial increase," the SEC alleges.

Investors were allegedly promised by Gray that she would rollover their retirement funds into tax-advantaged Individual Retirement Accounts and invest them in Treasure Enterprise.

No investor funds were ever deposited into IRAs, according to the SEC, and Treasure Enterprise struggled to make enough revenue from its real estate investments to support the business and make payments owed to investors.


Starting in 2015, there were about 83 people who invested with Treasure -- some turned over their entire life savings, according to court documents.

Holley, Gray and Treasure Enterprise were not registered to sell investments.

The SEC has obtained a temporary restraining order to freeze the assets of Holley, Gray and Treasure Enterprise, the statement said.

Holley, Gray and Treasure Enterprise were first ordered to cease and desist from selling unregistered securities, from acting as unregistered agents and from making false or misleading statements in the offer and sale of securities, in August 2016.
Post Wed Feb 07, 2018 8:29 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

FLINT NEWS
Land Bank will demolish Ross Plaza in Flint, make way for new grocery store
Updated Jun 28, 2017; Posted Jun 28, 2017



By Ron Fonger
FLINT, MI -- The Genesee County Land Bank says it will demolish buildings at the old Ross Plaza on Pierson Road, making way for construction of a planned 25,000-square-foot grocery co-op.

The Land Bank announced the demolition in a news release Wednesday, June 28, saying the project will be done in collaboration with the Michigan Land Bank Authority, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the city of Flint, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and Genesee County Treasurer's Office.

MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach Land Bank Executive Director Michele Wildman for comment, but the agency's news release says it will use a $82,589 brownfield grant provided by DEQ to "help address possible environmental contamination and assist with demolition of the site to help ensure this property is cleaned up and reused."

The property consists of two large parcels -- 2320 and 2360 Pierson Road -- and is located just east of Clio Road.

Buildings on the site were once used for an oil change business and office building but have been vacant for several years.



Nearly half of Flint's residents live more than a mile from a supermarket and there are far fewer stores per capita than in other Michigan cities.


The North Flint Reinvestment Corporation plans to use the site to construct the North Flint Food Market, a co-operative grocery store.

In May, the Rev. Reginald Flynn said he and 400 grocery store co-op members were awaiting the grant funding to allow for the demolition work and construction the grocery store.


Flynn, president of the North Flint Reinvestment Corp. and pastor of Foss Avenue Baptist Church, said then that he expected demolition work to start in September, with construction to follow a few months later.

Nearly half of Flint's residents live more than a mile from a supermarket and there are far fewer stores per capita than in other Michigan cities. A market assessment in 2016 showed that Flint can financially support two additional, smaller groceries and said each could generate sales of up to $4 million annually.

The Land Bank news release says it is in the process of completing required environmental testing work in advance of the demolition.

Pre-qualified demolition contractors will be invited to bid on the demolition work in August, the agency said.
Post Wed Feb 07, 2018 8:35 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Anyone who has attended council meetings in the past should have known about the substantial amendment rule. Suzanne Wilcox has been in the department for many years, so this error is completely illogical. Was she ordered to reallocate the money in this fashion by the administration?

The Emergency Manager Kurtz eliminated the City Wide Advisory Council and RTAB Chair headen blocked Kincaid and the previous council from reimplementing the advisory body.

Much of the new council benefitted from lobbying of the pastors on the religious radio station. Kate Fields understands HUD rules because she worked uner them with her nonprofit.
Post Wed Feb 07, 2018 8:53 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

About 51,100 results (0.25 seconds)
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[PDF]2016 Single Audit Report - City of Flint
https://www.cityofflint.com/wp-content/uploads/2016-Single-Audit-Report.pdf
Jun 30, 2016 - statements, which collectively comprise the City of Flint, Michigan's basic financial statements, and have issued our report thereon dated December. 15, 2016. The financial statements of Hurley Medical Center, Downtown Development Authority, and the Flint Area Enterprise Community were not audited in ...
Post Wed Feb 07, 2018 9:02 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Material Weakness and Noncompliance – Lack of Timely Implementation of Uniform Grant Guidance
Program information – Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Grants Cluster, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), CFDA #14.218; Emergency Shelter Grant, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), CFDA #14.231; HOME Investment
Partnership Program, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), CFDA #14.239
Specific Requirement – The City should have written policies and procedures satisfying all applicable requirements as described in 2 CFR 200 as a
precondition to receive federal funds.
Criteria – During 2015, HUD provided transition guidance concerning 2 CFR 200, which required grant agreements for some HUD programs (e.g.,
Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, Emergency Solutions Grants) to incorporate the regulations of CFR part
200 for these grants as of December 26, 2014.
Condition – The process undertaken by the City to implement Uniform Grant Guidance under 2 CFR 200, and the creation of revised written
procedures addressing the new requirements described by 2 CFR 200, were not provided.
Cause/Effect – The City was unable to provide a complete manual of federal written procedures that met the requirements of 2 CFR 200. Although
the procurement policies required under Uniform Grant Guidance were not implemented, there was no formal documentation of this deferral as
required if the City was utilizing the optional two year extension. It was further noted that contracts established in vendor and subrecipient
relationship were not updated to include 2 CFR 200 requirements.
Recommendation – We recommend that the City complete a manual that includes all policies and procedures required of the City by its funding
agents to ensure compliance with 2 CFR 200. We recommend the Authority seek HUD’s advice on how to handle this noncompliance condition
given that the implementation of 2 CFR Part 200 did not occur as required.
Post Wed Feb 07, 2018 9:04 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

terrybankert 14 minutes ago
We could investigate this issue through the Ethics Board.39 DAYS ON THE CUSP OF CHANGE, Flint Mi 2/8/18 is at a point of transition from one historical period to another, a turning point.A partial power shift from the elected Mayor and Council to the People of Flint though an Ethics and Accountability Board found in the New 2017 Flint City Charter. The very people whose power by the Board will be lessened must appoint the board to implement the will of the people.

Responsible for this delay are the Mayor and the Flint City Council.

We of Flint have been poisioned by our government. This has resulted in a distrust of Local, State and Federal Government. We want a local government we can trust. The Ethics and Accountability Board is part of the process of rebuilding Citizen trust in Flint Municipal Government

It is reasonable for the Citizens from each Ward to ask WHY THE DELAY in the appointment of the Ethics and Accountability Board.

Is there a motive to delay until power altering Ordinances or Charter Amendments can be passed ?

We hope not.

The emerging voice of the community and social media is having an effect in creating community pressure for Mayor and City Council to do the right thing.

Consider joining this discussion on your social media platforms and direct contact with office holders.

The Citizens of Flint after what we have been through, lead poisioned water by our Government, deserve an Ethical Local Government that complies with FLINT CITY CHARTER SECTION 1-602 ETHICS.

We the Citizens of Flint demand and deserve the creation of our CItizens Board to review and enforce Ethical Compliance by the Public Servants of Flint Municipal Government. Flint City Charter SEC. 3-501 ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD.

On this day 2/8/18 it has been 93 days since we voted in a New Flint City Charter. It has been 39 since the New Charter became the Law of Flint.

No appointments have been announced to the Ethics and Accountability Board by the Flint Mayor who makes two appointments nor any Flint City Council Person who each have one

Consider reaching out to your Flint Mayor and yo r Flint City Council Person asking why the Flint Ethics and Accountability Board has not been appointed?

@TerryBankert former Flint Ombudsperson and local Family Law Attorney 235-1970.

See flintcitycharter.com
Post Thu Feb 08, 2018 7:46 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

_____________________________________________________________________________
|STATE OF MICHIGAN | | CASE NO: C16G4765 GC |
|67TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT| REGISTER OF ACTIONS | STATUS: CLSD |
| | | |
| | | |
_____________________________________________________________________________
Court Address 630 S. SAGINAW STREET Court Telephone
FLINT MI 48502 (810) 766-8968
_______________________________________________________________________________
JUDGE OF RECORD: MARABLE,HERMAN,JR. P-48326

_______________________________________________________________________________
Attorney
P01 PLAINTIFF (CLSD) P-66880
AMERICAN EXPRESS BANK FSB// WHITTY,JOHN D.,
320 E BIG BEAVER RD
STE 100
TROY MI 48083
(248) 743-0882
_______________________________________________________________________________
D01 DEFENDANT (CLSD)
FLYNN/REGINALD/G
2130 BRIAR HILL RD
FLINT MI 48503


_______________________________________________________________________________
D02 DEFENDANT (CLSD)
NORTH FLINT REINVESTMENT//
(AGT)FLYNN/REGINALD/
2130 BRIAR HILL RD
FLINT MI 48503
Post Mon Feb 12, 2018 6:19 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

judge Marable kept trying to close the case. Service could not be made so alternate service was employed. The attorney prevailed and a default judgement was made for $9,573.38

Kate Fields found it too.

Mays thinks Fields does not know HUD. Doesn't he remember she ran a non profit that had HUD, MSHDA, and foundation grants before the energy debacle.
Post Mon Feb 12, 2018 6:26 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Will the police actually investigate Flynn over the alleged assault on the child. There is a strong belief in the public that they won't as Flynn is close friends with the Weaver and her campaign team, Stanley and Gilcreast.

TIME TO GO TO THE STATE POLICE!

No charges were filed against Flynn after the arrest over the bullhorn incident in City Hall.
Post Mon Feb 12, 2018 6:36 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

HUD requires at least a cursory financial check for applicants of HUD fees. However,since the City did not require a formal application, there is no way of knowing what other rules they did not follow.

Flynn has acknowledged he has collected only $500,00 towards the construction of a 25,000 sq. ft. building. Fields said in council that the Pastor was $9 million short of construction and he needed to get his money together.


Last edited by untanglingwebs on Mon Feb 12, 2018 7:19 pm; edited 1 time in total
Post Mon Feb 12, 2018 7:12 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Jesse Jackson, Reverend Reginald Flynn call on residents in Flint, statewide to rally against emergency manager act
Print Email Roberto Acosta | racosta1@mlive.com By Roberto Acosta |
on May 13, 2012 at 5:59 PM, updated May 13, 2012 at 11:30 PM
FLINT, MI -- Reverend Jesse Jackson said the arrest of Foss Avenue Baptist Church Reverend Reginald Flynn "helped illuminate the darkness" taking place in the city of Flint.

m
Rev. Jesse Jackson talked to members at Foss Avenue Baptist Church in Flint about the emergency manager law and Rev. Reginald Flynn's arrest earlier this month.
Jackson spoke at the church Sunday afternoon - following a sermon at Word of Life Christian Church - calling for action to be taken addressing Public Act 4 across the region and statewide and urging residents to march to take back their democratic rights.
A rally has been planned at noon May 14 on the front lawn of Flint City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St., to protest the act, unequal allocation of federal funds and use of excessive police force.

"This is a season in all of that which we gained is being rejected," he said in reference to civil and individual rights, calling for a statewide demonstration within the next two weeks.

Flynn said his individual protest at Flint City Hall was in regards to a 25 percent water rate increase, city fees and not directly aimed at Emergency Manager Michael Brown.

"I want to make it clear I don't have anything personal against Michael Brown," he said. "It is the existence of the Public Act 4 emergency manager law that is unjust."

Brown has said in a statement that Flynn went on "a verbal tirade" for more than 30 minutes and turned over furniture and knocked phones and computer equipment onto the ground, all of which his attorney Glenn Cotton has denied.

Cotton said a short video clip from "a concerned citizen" will be shown during Monday's rally and reveal part of Flynn's dealing with police on the day he was arrested.

"You'll see how his non-violence was met with violence," Cotton said, with Flynn previously stating police used excessive force during his arrest. No charges have yet been filed against Flynn.


flynnpic.jpg
Rev. Reginald Flynn addresses the crowd during a Sunday gathering at Foss Avenue Baptist Church in Flint.
Jackson applauded Flynn for standing up and sharing his concerns, while stating the emergency manager act is another way government is taking away voices at the ballot box by "removing democratically elected officials with czars."
He took issue with the power allowing for the abandonment of union contracts and selling off of city property, citing similar issues in Benton Harbor in southwest Michigan and the rejection of petition signatures based on font size.

"It's fundamentally flawed. It's not the manager, it's the system itself," he said. "It is undemocratic. It does not honor government with the consent of the governed."

Pastor Latrelle Holmes, who sat on one of Brown's advisory panels before resigning, said a large contingent of faith-based leaders met with the emergency manager on Friday.

"I grade that meeting a D+, which should give you an indication we have so much more to do," he said, pointing to water rates, the hiring of a new public safety administrator which he called "the duplication of a position," as well as addressing income tax for people that work in Flint but do not reside in the city.

Flynn said the distribution of wealth needs an adjustment as well, with "the highest rates of crime far northeast and far northwest parts of the city, highest rates of commercial building abandonment, residential vacancies, home foreclosures are in north Flint."

"It is a travesty beyond comprehension that people in positions of power and influence would intentionally, intentionally starve neighborhoods and build up downtown and immediate peripheral on the backs of other residents," he said.

Rev. Lewis Randolph, president of the Concerned Pastors For Social Action group, said a voice for voiceless in Flint is needed and called on the city to mobilize and hold a large rally involving residents, UAW, NAACP and others to unite for the cause.

"We're going to have over 10,000 people coming down to City Hall to say we're not pleased," he said. "Whatever it takes to get Flint back on track, we can do it."

Lela Johnson called on residents to join the Monday rally and have their voices heard among the crowd.

"The fight starts tomorrow. Ask five people you know to do this," she said. "Pastor Flynn started this, let's finish it
Post Mon Feb 12, 2018 7:17 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Locally owned grocery store inches closer to reality on Flint's north ...
www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2017/05/locally_owned_grocery_store_in.html
May 28, 2017 - Reginald Flynn and 400 grocery store co-op members await federal grants that will allow demolition work and construction of a 25,000-square-foot grocery store on Flint's north side. Flynn, president of the North Flint Reinvestment Corp and pastor of Foss Avenue Baptist Church, said the Genesee County ...
Post Mon Feb 12, 2018 7:18 pm 
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