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Council Meets on Mass Transit
Friday, February 12, 2010
The City of Detroit and its surrounding neighbors have been discussing the prospect of mass transit in our region for many years. Today, the Detroit City Council convened a Committee of the Whole to determine where the city stands in constructing this long awaited system of transportation.
This project has included many participants and stakeholders, each playing an integral role in the development of mass transit. Representatives from the local, regional, state, and federal level came before the council to provide information on some necessary steps that will make mass transit a reality in Detroit.
Congresswoman Kilpatrick began the series of testimonies by notifying the council of the resources she has been able to provide as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Kilpatrick also reiterated her promise of ensuring that Detroit joins every other major metropolitan area that provides mass transit. She also informed members of President Obama’s commitment to light rail and she stated that she plans on working with the President, Secretary LaHood, and staff to make sure Detroit is included.
Group Executive Charlie Beckham and CFO Norm White spoke to the council on behalf of the administration. The administration claims to be carefully reviewing the details of a regional authority, in hopes of protecting the interest of the citizens of Detroit. White stated that they have reached a sound agreement with all other parties and will be supplying the council with this information as it is solidified.
The leader of the Detroit Delegation in Lansing, Rep. Bert Johnson, also appeared at the meeting to give an update on the transit legislation in Lansing. Johnson stated that although this issue has been taken up 24 times, he believes that this attempt at mass transit will be successful. Right now, Lansing legislators are participating in work groups around this very issue.
Lastly, Mr. Swatosh, representing the Detroit Mass Transit Authority, spoke briefly on the region’s plans and commitment to providing citizens with this necessary service. His prospective encourages the regional transit authority to be economically and socially beneficial for the metropolitan region as a whole.
In the coming weeks, there will be several conversations on this issue. The administration mentioned a meeting on Feb. 16th, Rep. Johnson spoke of a meeting he’s hosting on the 23rd, and the Congresswoman spoke about a session on the 26th. It appears that mass transit is picking up speed.
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A Seamless Transition
Monday, January 18, 2010
After months of campaigning and preparation, The Detroit News Headline read, "Council Debut Goes Without Hitch," as the new Detroit City Council completed its first formal session.
Followed by a prayer from the Reverend Dr. Charles G. Adams, Pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, President Pugh called his first formal session to order. Pugh states "I have an amazing team, who has worked diligently to ensure that I was ready to lead Day one," and it showed. There were no major gaffes in Pugh's first meeting as Council President. Pugh even felt comfortable enough to add his own personal flair to the meeting with a rare comical moment, suggesting that the council pay cuts not take effect until 2013.
Nevertheless, the council's first formal session did not go without disagreement. In a 5-4 vote, Council President Pro Tem Brown lost his bid to serve on the Police and Fire Pension Board. However, soon thereafter, the council unanimously voted to appoint Council member Brenda Jones to that seat. This signified the council ability to reach a consensus, even after an initial difference of opinion. This is a real change from the past. Brown says of his failed candidacy, "I don't see this as any split among the members. This is how the process works."
Additionally, the council passed a resolution to name the council auditorium after President Emerita Erma Henderson, who passed a short time ago. They also voted to place Council member Jenkins on the General Pension Board.
May the professionalism and efficiency of this first formal session be a hopeful sign of things to come.
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