This statement, with my response, was posted on detroityes.com. I truly am astonished that someone would suggest we change our DUI laws back to a .15 limit. Incredible.
Quote Originally Posted by Ray1936 View Post
I'm not much of a drinker -- an occasional glass of wine is about it -- and I don't like drunk drivers one bit. But I've felt for a long time that .08 is far to low a marker to be considered over the line. It used to be .15, and that was a more realistic figure.
My response:
Are you kidding? Suggesting it should be a .15? A .15 is only realistic if you're just interested in the stumbling falling over drunk who's gotta drive 'cause he's too drunk to walk. Starting at about a .04 the likelihood of being in a crash start to go up dramatically. At an .08 you're about 4 times as likely as a .00 to be in a crash. At .15, you are about 30 times more likely. Impairment in the skills important in operating a vehicle begin to deteriorate with the first drink. An .08 is NOT just a glass of wine with dinner. Depending on a number of factors (weight, blood volume, absorption, burn-off rate, food in stomach, etc.) it's about 4 or 5 drinks over a few hours. Most people are blasted at .15. As currently written our laws say "Try not to drink too much and drive." What we should be saying is "Don't drink and drive." Eventually, we'll go to a .02 like the Scandinavians do. That doesn't mean we should lock 'em up and throw away the key. Rather, they should be taken off the road for at least 24 hours.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Minnesota college kids visit Detroit
From The Detroit News, April 2, 2011. My quote is correct, even though the reporter and I had a much longer chat. Never did hear from the college kids.
Last Updated: April 01. 2011 10:07PM
Minn. college students meet Detroit officials to tout revival plan
Christine MacDonald / The Detroit News
Detroit— Some called their road trip to Detroit refreshing. Others deemed it condescending.
Either way, five Bloomington, Minn., community college students made the rounds Friday from City Hall to Wayne State University to present their turnaround plan for Detroit. They've studied the Motor City all semester at Normandale Community College and traveled 700 miles to bounce their ideas off local leaders and see Detroit first-hand to learn more.
They huddled with Deputy Mayor Saul Green, six of Wayne State's top executives and Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee. The students were given a police-guided neighborhood tour and five tickets to Sunday's Detroit Red Wings game from the mayor's office.
And they even became brief celebrities, with a city bus driver recognizing them from a TV interview while they walked down Woodward.
Today, they expect to meet with Robert Bobb, the emergency manager for the Detroit Public Schools.
"I am so grateful and humbled that people have taken the time out to meeting with five college kids," said Dulcie Valusek, 21, of Eagan, Minn. "After these interviews, I have come to know we didn't really know Detroit. All I have heard about Detroit is it's a war zone and it's barely hanging on. But what I have seen is a community that is coming together.
"It's not helpless. It's not hopeless."
Their trip is a unique example of the heavy national interest in Detroit as a laboratory for urban reformers, with national groups pitching ideas to rescue the city. The five students contacted The News this week for help in reaching city officials before making the trip.
But it's caused controversy among those weary of outsiders claiming to have answers to problems that have bedeviled generations of Detroiters. And some residents were upset the five students chose to stay at a Farmington Hills hotel because of their parents' concerns for their safety.
Tom Page, a Midtown resident who offered to give the students a tour, said he appreciates their enthusiasm but said it's a slight to say: "We will study you, but we won't stay in the city."
Marcus Page, 20, of St. Paul, Minn, said he understands the backlash, adding the students meant no disrespect.
The students' plan includes dramatically boosting the size of Wayne State University, making Detroit known as an education hub and adding neighborhood service projects to high school courses. Page said they will retool their project with what they've learned during their visit.
Many of the ideas the students pitched — including growing the Midtown neighborhood — are being done, said Karen Dumas, a Bing spokeswoman, but she applauded them for going beyond their classroom.
"I'd like other people to do the same rather than pass judgment on the city," Dumas said.
The other students who came to Detroit are Jacob Mars, Katie Krout and Ari Werner. Another student, Tanner Moncrief helped with research but didn't make the trip.
cmacdonald@detnews.com
(313) 222-2396
From The Detroit News, April 2, 2011. My quote is correct, even though the reporter and I had a much longer chat. Never did hear from the college kids.
Last Updated: April 01. 2011 10:07PM
Minn. college students meet Detroit officials to tout revival plan
Christine MacDonald / The Detroit News
Detroit— Some called their road trip to Detroit refreshing. Others deemed it condescending.
Either way, five Bloomington, Minn., community college students made the rounds Friday from City Hall to Wayne State University to present their turnaround plan for Detroit. They've studied the Motor City all semester at Normandale Community College and traveled 700 miles to bounce their ideas off local leaders and see Detroit first-hand to learn more.
They huddled with Deputy Mayor Saul Green, six of Wayne State's top executives and Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee. The students were given a police-guided neighborhood tour and five tickets to Sunday's Detroit Red Wings game from the mayor's office.
And they even became brief celebrities, with a city bus driver recognizing them from a TV interview while they walked down Woodward.
Today, they expect to meet with Robert Bobb, the emergency manager for the Detroit Public Schools.
"I am so grateful and humbled that people have taken the time out to meeting with five college kids," said Dulcie Valusek, 21, of Eagan, Minn. "After these interviews, I have come to know we didn't really know Detroit. All I have heard about Detroit is it's a war zone and it's barely hanging on. But what I have seen is a community that is coming together.
"It's not helpless. It's not hopeless."
Their trip is a unique example of the heavy national interest in Detroit as a laboratory for urban reformers, with national groups pitching ideas to rescue the city. The five students contacted The News this week for help in reaching city officials before making the trip.
But it's caused controversy among those weary of outsiders claiming to have answers to problems that have bedeviled generations of Detroiters. And some residents were upset the five students chose to stay at a Farmington Hills hotel because of their parents' concerns for their safety.
Tom Page, a Midtown resident who offered to give the students a tour, said he appreciates their enthusiasm but said it's a slight to say: "We will study you, but we won't stay in the city."
Marcus Page, 20, of St. Paul, Minn, said he understands the backlash, adding the students meant no disrespect.
The students' plan includes dramatically boosting the size of Wayne State University, making Detroit known as an education hub and adding neighborhood service projects to high school courses. Page said they will retool their project with what they've learned during their visit.
Many of the ideas the students pitched — including growing the Midtown neighborhood — are being done, said Karen Dumas, a Bing spokeswoman, but she applauded them for going beyond their classroom.
"I'd like other people to do the same rather than pass judgment on the city," Dumas said.
The other students who came to Detroit are Jacob Mars, Katie Krout and Ari Werner. Another student, Tanner Moncrief helped with research but didn't make the trip.
cmacdonald@detnews.com
(313) 222-2396
Friday, March 25, 2011
Motown from "suburbs" of Detroit?
On March 25, 2011, I e-mailed the following letter to the Detroit Free Press.
Dear Editor:
Detroiters, of which I am one, shouldn't be too hard on Ryan Seacrest for his comment that Hitsville USA, Motown, originated "...in the suburbs of Detroit." In many cities, such as Los Angeles where I lived for 25 years, the term "suburb" refers to districts out of the downtown central business district. For example, the neighborhoods of Sherman Oaks, Reseda, and Van Nuys are all suburbs within the City of Los Angeles. These neighborhoods have very distinct identities, including signs at their "borders." Yet, they are still part of the City of Los Angeles. Locally, few people refer to Hamtramck and Highland Park as suburbs, even though they are separate communities with distinct governments. On the other hand, the campuses of Marygrove College and my Alma Mater, the University of Detroit, are suburban in character, even though they are within the City of Detroit.
Come to think of it, I live in the suburbs of Detroit, the New Center Area, a stone's throw from Hitsville USA!
Thomas E. Page
On March 25, 2011, I e-mailed the following letter to the Detroit Free Press.
Dear Editor:
Detroiters, of which I am one, shouldn't be too hard on Ryan Seacrest for his comment that Hitsville USA, Motown, originated "...in the suburbs of Detroit." In many cities, such as Los Angeles where I lived for 25 years, the term "suburb" refers to districts out of the downtown central business district. For example, the neighborhoods of Sherman Oaks, Reseda, and Van Nuys are all suburbs within the City of Los Angeles. These neighborhoods have very distinct identities, including signs at their "borders." Yet, they are still part of the City of Los Angeles. Locally, few people refer to Hamtramck and Highland Park as suburbs, even though they are separate communities with distinct governments. On the other hand, the campuses of Marygrove College and my Alma Mater, the University of Detroit, are suburban in character, even though they are within the City of Detroit.
Come to think of it, I live in the suburbs of Detroit, the New Center Area, a stone's throw from Hitsville USA!
Thomas E. Page
Monday, March 21, 2011
Police "on the streets" comment
Letter published in the Detroit Free Press on March 21, 2011
Get smarter about putting police on the street
I wholeheartedly support City Councilman Gary Brown’s efforts to put more police officers “on the street” by identifying jobs that could more efficiently be performed by civilian employees. Other cities, such as Los Angeles, use uniformed civilians to direct traffic at sporting events and concerts. Civilians not only do the job much cheaper but more professionally. Many jurisdictions also use uniformed civilians to respond to noninjury vehicle accident reports, as well as simple larcenies.
Putting “more officers on the street,” is only part of what will make our city safer. We need our officers and police supervisors to work smarter, to actually solve crime rather than just respond to 911 calls.
Most experienced police officers will tell you that it’s a small number of criminals who are responsible for most of the crime. Give the street officers and their immediate supervisors the responsibility to solve crimes and arrest the criminals. And hold their commanding officers accountable for implementing solutions to crime in their areas. Gun buyback programs and the like may make good press, but they do little to stop crime.
Thomas E. Page Retired, Los Angeles Police
Department Detroit
Letter published in the Detroit Free Press on March 21, 2011
Get smarter about putting police on the street
I wholeheartedly support City Councilman Gary Brown’s efforts to put more police officers “on the street” by identifying jobs that could more efficiently be performed by civilian employees. Other cities, such as Los Angeles, use uniformed civilians to direct traffic at sporting events and concerts. Civilians not only do the job much cheaper but more professionally. Many jurisdictions also use uniformed civilians to respond to noninjury vehicle accident reports, as well as simple larcenies.
Putting “more officers on the street,” is only part of what will make our city safer. We need our officers and police supervisors to work smarter, to actually solve crime rather than just respond to 911 calls.
Most experienced police officers will tell you that it’s a small number of criminals who are responsible for most of the crime. Give the street officers and their immediate supervisors the responsibility to solve crimes and arrest the criminals. And hold their commanding officers accountable for implementing solutions to crime in their areas. Gun buyback programs and the like may make good press, but they do little to stop crime.
Thomas E. Page Retired, Los Angeles Police
Department Detroit
Monday, March 14, 2011
I-94 expansion letter.
I sent this letter to the Detroit Free Press on March 11, 2011, in response to an editorial urging the completion of repairs and 2 lane expansion through the heart of Detroit of I-94, the Edsel Ford Freeway.
Dear editor:
The State and SEMCOG should cancel the two lane expansion of I-94. This is an absolute waste of taxpayer funds that diverts precious dollars from the maintenance and repair of existing roadways. It's a disgrace the way MDOT hasn't maintained roadways, bridges and overpasses. Better to take that $1.5 billion plus and use part of it to add bridges and pedestrian overpasses over the freeway. Reconnect the neighborhoods that this freeway, and others, destroyed. As your editorial states, this project was planned over 20 years ago. Times have changed. Twenty years ago we didn't have $4 a gallon gas. Expanding freeways in the heart of the City of Detroit will do nothing, and will hurt, the nascent urban renaissance. Kill it now.
****
The following was printed in the March 15, 2011 Detroit Free Press:
Don't expand I-94
The state and SEMCOG should cancel the two-lane expansion of I-94. This is a waste of taxpayer funds that diverts precious dollars from the maintenance and repair of existing roadways.
It's a disgrace the way Michigan Department of Transportation hasn't maintained roadways, bridges and overpasses. Better to take that $1.5 billion-plus and use part of it to add bridges and pedestrian overpasses over the freeway. Reconnect the neighborhoods that this freeway, and others, destroyed.
This project was planned more than 20 years ago. Times have changed. Twenty years ago, we didn't have $4-a-gallon gas. Expanding freeways in the heart of the city will do nothing and will hurt the nascent urban renaissance.
Thomas E. Page
Detroit
I sent this letter to the Detroit Free Press on March 11, 2011, in response to an editorial urging the completion of repairs and 2 lane expansion through the heart of Detroit of I-94, the Edsel Ford Freeway.
Dear editor:
The State and SEMCOG should cancel the two lane expansion of I-94. This is an absolute waste of taxpayer funds that diverts precious dollars from the maintenance and repair of existing roadways. It's a disgrace the way MDOT hasn't maintained roadways, bridges and overpasses. Better to take that $1.5 billion plus and use part of it to add bridges and pedestrian overpasses over the freeway. Reconnect the neighborhoods that this freeway, and others, destroyed. As your editorial states, this project was planned over 20 years ago. Times have changed. Twenty years ago we didn't have $4 a gallon gas. Expanding freeways in the heart of the City of Detroit will do nothing, and will hurt, the nascent urban renaissance. Kill it now.
****
The following was printed in the March 15, 2011 Detroit Free Press:
Don't expand I-94
The state and SEMCOG should cancel the two-lane expansion of I-94. This is a waste of taxpayer funds that diverts precious dollars from the maintenance and repair of existing roadways.
It's a disgrace the way Michigan Department of Transportation hasn't maintained roadways, bridges and overpasses. Better to take that $1.5 billion-plus and use part of it to add bridges and pedestrian overpasses over the freeway. Reconnect the neighborhoods that this freeway, and others, destroyed.
This project was planned more than 20 years ago. Times have changed. Twenty years ago, we didn't have $4-a-gallon gas. Expanding freeways in the heart of the city will do nothing and will hurt the nascent urban renaissance.
Thomas E. Page
Detroit
Monday, February 28, 2011
Letter to the Detroit News, e-mailed on February 28, 2011. Regarding: Suburban representation on the Water and Sewage Department Board and Emergency Financial Mangers.
Dear Editor:
Like Nero who fiddled while Rome burned, Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh and fellow-fiddler JoAnn Watson are ranting about an alleged suburban takover, supposedly sanctioned by Mayor Bing, of the Water and Sewage Department. Also, Pugh and Watson express outrage that the State is trying to be prepared for the possible fiscal collapse of Detroit (and other cities to be sure) by training emergency financial managers in advance. Which is what a prudent State government should be doing.
Apparently Pugh and Watson have never been repeatedly put on hold when trying to call 911; apparently the police actually show up when called by them to a crime scene; apparently the street lights work on their streets.
In spite of high taxes, Detroiters, such as me, receive inferior City services. Rather than working to improve services by cooperating with other communities, the fiddlers rally their minions to demonstrate and fight against the imaginary threat of outsiders who are trying to seize "control" of City assets. The fight over "control" is a needless diversion from what the City Council should be doing: making Detroit a better and safer place to live, work, and play.
Thomas E. Page
Dear Editor:
Like Nero who fiddled while Rome burned, Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh and fellow-fiddler JoAnn Watson are ranting about an alleged suburban takover, supposedly sanctioned by Mayor Bing, of the Water and Sewage Department. Also, Pugh and Watson express outrage that the State is trying to be prepared for the possible fiscal collapse of Detroit (and other cities to be sure) by training emergency financial managers in advance. Which is what a prudent State government should be doing.
Apparently Pugh and Watson have never been repeatedly put on hold when trying to call 911; apparently the police actually show up when called by them to a crime scene; apparently the street lights work on their streets.
In spite of high taxes, Detroiters, such as me, receive inferior City services. Rather than working to improve services by cooperating with other communities, the fiddlers rally their minions to demonstrate and fight against the imaginary threat of outsiders who are trying to seize "control" of City assets. The fight over "control" is a needless diversion from what the City Council should be doing: making Detroit a better and safer place to live, work, and play.
Thomas E. Page
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
February 23, 1981 is my LAPD seniority date, the day I started the LAPD Police Academy. My classmates are holding a 30th reunion next week. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the trip to LA. The reunion coordinators asked each of us to recount some memorable moments of our careers. Here's a couple of my entries.
Best temporary assignments: While I was the OIC of the DRE Unit, I traveled extensively. Some of the places I traveled to were: Canada, Sweden, Russia, Australia, and Guam, in addition to much of the U.S. In 1995, I was the sole law enforcement representative of a group of people (mostly prosecutors) who taught a class at a Moscow Prosecutor Academy. The day we started the training, the audio-visual Russian expert came up to me and pointed to his lapel. He was wearing an LAPD mini badge!! He told me that his father had been in LA as a news correspondent for the 84 Olympics, and had brought the mini-badge back as a gift! He told me he wore the mini-badge every day to remind him that his dream was to visit America. Understandably, I was very moved by this.
Here’s another similar anecdote. In the mid 90’s I traveled to Guam on behalf of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute. We put on a class dealing with DUI enforcement, focusing on drugs. I was the only LAPD instructor. During a break in the class I was chatting with one of the other instructors, a Sergeant with the Maryland State Police. A Guam officer came up to me and said, “Sarge, did you bring your badge with you?” I had, and I pulled it out of my pocket. The Guam officer held the badge with both hands as if it were a sacred object. He said, “All my life I’ve wanted to actually touch an LAPD badge. That’s why I became a police officer.” The Maryland State Police Sergeant pulled out his badge, but the Guam officer wasn’t interested in seeing it. I have often thought of how Chief Gates used to remind us that the only way someone gets the LAPD badge is to earn it!!
Worst assignment: I was wheeled to 77th Street after I completed my probation as a Sergeant (late 1986 or early ’87). I lived in Pasadena. There was no way to avoid the downtown LA congestion to get to work. I hated that commute! Stacey Koon was a Sergeant in 77th at the time too!
One of my worst memories: In about 1990 I became the OIC of the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) unit. One of my duties was to respond to call-outs when a Department employee, a celebrity, or a City Council Person (remember Mike Hernandez?) was believed to be under the influence of drugs. In the early 90’s I received an early morning (3 AM?) call from a Hollywood captain. They had an officer working the desk who they thought could be on drugs. I responded to the station, and after meeting with the captain and the WC, the officer was brought in to the captain’s office. I could tell right away that this officer, who was in full uniform, was under the influence of cocaine. The captain introduced me as the head of the DRE Unit and told the officer that I was going to determine if he was under the influence of drugs. The officer, still in full uniform, replied that he had to go as he had a doctor’s appointment (it was about 4 AM) now. The officer ran out of the station. Fortunately, the WC didn’t chase him. (There’s never a good outcome when officers with guns are chasing an armed officer.) I was told later that IA went to the officer’s home later that day. As they pulled up, the officer ran out of the back of the house. The picture of an LAPD officer, in uniform, high of cocaine, is something that will never leave me.
Best temporary assignments: While I was the OIC of the DRE Unit, I traveled extensively. Some of the places I traveled to were: Canada, Sweden, Russia, Australia, and Guam, in addition to much of the U.S. In 1995, I was the sole law enforcement representative of a group of people (mostly prosecutors) who taught a class at a Moscow Prosecutor Academy. The day we started the training, the audio-visual Russian expert came up to me and pointed to his lapel. He was wearing an LAPD mini badge!! He told me that his father had been in LA as a news correspondent for the 84 Olympics, and had brought the mini-badge back as a gift! He told me he wore the mini-badge every day to remind him that his dream was to visit America. Understandably, I was very moved by this.
Here’s another similar anecdote. In the mid 90’s I traveled to Guam on behalf of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute. We put on a class dealing with DUI enforcement, focusing on drugs. I was the only LAPD instructor. During a break in the class I was chatting with one of the other instructors, a Sergeant with the Maryland State Police. A Guam officer came up to me and said, “Sarge, did you bring your badge with you?” I had, and I pulled it out of my pocket. The Guam officer held the badge with both hands as if it were a sacred object. He said, “All my life I’ve wanted to actually touch an LAPD badge. That’s why I became a police officer.” The Maryland State Police Sergeant pulled out his badge, but the Guam officer wasn’t interested in seeing it. I have often thought of how Chief Gates used to remind us that the only way someone gets the LAPD badge is to earn it!!
Worst assignment: I was wheeled to 77th Street after I completed my probation as a Sergeant (late 1986 or early ’87). I lived in Pasadena. There was no way to avoid the downtown LA congestion to get to work. I hated that commute! Stacey Koon was a Sergeant in 77th at the time too!
One of my worst memories: In about 1990 I became the OIC of the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) unit. One of my duties was to respond to call-outs when a Department employee, a celebrity, or a City Council Person (remember Mike Hernandez?) was believed to be under the influence of drugs. In the early 90’s I received an early morning (3 AM?) call from a Hollywood captain. They had an officer working the desk who they thought could be on drugs. I responded to the station, and after meeting with the captain and the WC, the officer was brought in to the captain’s office. I could tell right away that this officer, who was in full uniform, was under the influence of cocaine. The captain introduced me as the head of the DRE Unit and told the officer that I was going to determine if he was under the influence of drugs. The officer, still in full uniform, replied that he had to go as he had a doctor’s appointment (it was about 4 AM) now. The officer ran out of the station. Fortunately, the WC didn’t chase him. (There’s never a good outcome when officers with guns are chasing an armed officer.) I was told later that IA went to the officer’s home later that day. As they pulled up, the officer ran out of the back of the house. The picture of an LAPD officer, in uniform, high of cocaine, is something that will never leave me.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Letter e-mailed to the Detroit Free Press on February 24, 2011 regarding the DSO Strike/lockout.
Dear Editor:
I fear that we are witnessing the equivalent of a murder-suicide pact involving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra management and the striking musicians. Unfortunately, and certainly not intentionally, the parties are threatening the very future of our community. Vibrant communities offer their residents and visitors a comprehensive menu of cultural opportunities that become woven into the fabric of life. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is an integral part of Detroit's cultural fabric. In today's mobile society, we make choices about where we will live. Jobs are only part of what attracts people to live in a community. Just imagine the negative press coverage that will accompany an announcement that the DSO has disbanded as a result of this protracted lockout-strike. If you're tired of the world media using pictures of the abandoned Michigan Central Train Station as evidence of our City's decay, imagine for a moment images of an abandoned Orchestra Hall. Don't be so smug to think that couldn't happen. Think of the devastating impact that would have on the recruiting efforts of our companies, our medical centers, and our universities.
We are in a "bite-the-bullet" period. Our automobile industry - primary sponsors of our cultural institutions - nearly disappeared two short years ago. Michigan, along with many other states (witness Wisconsin) are having to make some very difficult budgetary choices. If we are to get through this period and survive, much less prosper, tremendous sacrifices will have to be made. I plead to the DSO management and the musicians alike to settle this labor dispute before it's too late - for all of us.
Thomas E. Page
Letter e-mailed to Detroit News, February 22, 2011, regarding the Detroit Symphony Orchestra strike/lockout.
Dear Editor:
I'm fearful that we are witnessing the equivalent of a murder-suicide pact involving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra management and the striking musicians. And unfortunately, both parties, intentionally or not, are dragging down the very future of our community. Vibrant communities have a palate of cultural opportunities that are woven into the fabric of everyday life. A Symphony Orchestra is an integral part of that cultural fabric. In today's increasingly mobile society, we make choices about where we will live. And jobs are only part of what attracts people to live in a certain area. I moved back to Detroit after 25 years in Southern California. Frankly, if the DSO disbands and we are left without a world-class orchestra, I will rethink my commitment to this area. To many of us, culture isn't a luxury; rather, it's a necessity.
We are in a "bite-the-bullet" period. Our automobile industry - primary sponsors of our cultural institutions - nearly disappeared. Michigan, along with many other states (witness Wisconsin) are having to make some very difficult budgetary choices. If we are to get through this period and survive, much less prosper, tremendous sacrifices will have to be made. I plead to the DSO management and the musicians alike to settle this labor dispute before it's too late - for all of us.
Thomas E. Page
Dear Editor:
I fear that we are witnessing the equivalent of a murder-suicide pact involving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra management and the striking musicians. Unfortunately, and certainly not intentionally, the parties are threatening the very future of our community. Vibrant communities offer their residents and visitors a comprehensive menu of cultural opportunities that become woven into the fabric of life. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is an integral part of Detroit's cultural fabric. In today's mobile society, we make choices about where we will live. Jobs are only part of what attracts people to live in a community. Just imagine the negative press coverage that will accompany an announcement that the DSO has disbanded as a result of this protracted lockout-strike. If you're tired of the world media using pictures of the abandoned Michigan Central Train Station as evidence of our City's decay, imagine for a moment images of an abandoned Orchestra Hall. Don't be so smug to think that couldn't happen. Think of the devastating impact that would have on the recruiting efforts of our companies, our medical centers, and our universities.
We are in a "bite-the-bullet" period. Our automobile industry - primary sponsors of our cultural institutions - nearly disappeared two short years ago. Michigan, along with many other states (witness Wisconsin) are having to make some very difficult budgetary choices. If we are to get through this period and survive, much less prosper, tremendous sacrifices will have to be made. I plead to the DSO management and the musicians alike to settle this labor dispute before it's too late - for all of us.
Thomas E. Page
Letter e-mailed to Detroit News, February 22, 2011, regarding the Detroit Symphony Orchestra strike/lockout.
Dear Editor:
I'm fearful that we are witnessing the equivalent of a murder-suicide pact involving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra management and the striking musicians. And unfortunately, both parties, intentionally or not, are dragging down the very future of our community. Vibrant communities have a palate of cultural opportunities that are woven into the fabric of everyday life. A Symphony Orchestra is an integral part of that cultural fabric. In today's increasingly mobile society, we make choices about where we will live. And jobs are only part of what attracts people to live in a certain area. I moved back to Detroit after 25 years in Southern California. Frankly, if the DSO disbands and we are left without a world-class orchestra, I will rethink my commitment to this area. To many of us, culture isn't a luxury; rather, it's a necessity.
We are in a "bite-the-bullet" period. Our automobile industry - primary sponsors of our cultural institutions - nearly disappeared. Michigan, along with many other states (witness Wisconsin) are having to make some very difficult budgetary choices. If we are to get through this period and survive, much less prosper, tremendous sacrifices will have to be made. I plead to the DSO management and the musicians alike to settle this labor dispute before it's too late - for all of us.
Thomas E. Page
Monday, February 21, 2011
I e-mailed the following letter to the Detroit Free Press. The letter is in reference to last night and today's major snow/ice storm.
Dear editor:
Those who doubt the need for a rail link from downtown Detroit to the Airport need only contemplate the results of Monday's snow emergency. Many freeway entrances and exits are closed due to accumulations of ice, snow, and vehicle crashes. As a result, many can't get to the airport in time to make their flights. And woe is the person who arrives at the airport expecting a family member or friend to pick them up. I hope it's not just wishful thinking to expect the Detroit region to join other cities and finally build an efficient commuter train system that connects with a Woodward Avenue, M1, light rail. If this region is to regain any economic vibrancy, mass transit is a must.
Here's the letter that was actually published in the February 23, 2011 paper:
Stuck in snow? It’s why we need transit
Those who doubt the need for a rail link from downtown Detroit to Metro Airport need only contemplate the results of Monday’s snow emergency.
Many freeway entrances and exits were closed due to ice, snow and vehicle crashes. Many could not get to the airport in time to make their flights. And woe the people who arrive at the airport expecting family members or friends to pick them up.
I hope it’s not wishful thinking to expect the Detroit region to join other cities and finally build an efficient commuter train system that connects with a Woodward Avenue M1 light rail system. If this region is to regain any economic vibrancy, mass transit is a must.
Thomas E. Page Detroit
Dear editor:
Those who doubt the need for a rail link from downtown Detroit to the Airport need only contemplate the results of Monday's snow emergency. Many freeway entrances and exits are closed due to accumulations of ice, snow, and vehicle crashes. As a result, many can't get to the airport in time to make their flights. And woe is the person who arrives at the airport expecting a family member or friend to pick them up. I hope it's not just wishful thinking to expect the Detroit region to join other cities and finally build an efficient commuter train system that connects with a Woodward Avenue, M1, light rail. If this region is to regain any economic vibrancy, mass transit is a must.
Here's the letter that was actually published in the February 23, 2011 paper:
Stuck in snow? It’s why we need transit
Those who doubt the need for a rail link from downtown Detroit to Metro Airport need only contemplate the results of Monday’s snow emergency.
Many freeway entrances and exits were closed due to ice, snow and vehicle crashes. Many could not get to the airport in time to make their flights. And woe the people who arrive at the airport expecting family members or friends to pick them up.
I hope it’s not wishful thinking to expect the Detroit region to join other cities and finally build an efficient commuter train system that connects with a Woodward Avenue M1 light rail system. If this region is to regain any economic vibrancy, mass transit is a must.
Thomas E. Page Detroit
Writing on the Wall: Places: Design Observer
Writing on the Wall: Places: Design Observer
Interesting slide show of Detroit signs. But...I find myself becoming increasingly irritated by suburbanites who gain fame and money by their association with the City of Detroit. David Clements certainly takes some great photos. He also has some street cred since he formerly lived in the Cass Corridor. But he left the city for the pseudo-city of Royal Oak.
Interesting slide show of Detroit signs. But...I find myself becoming increasingly irritated by suburbanites who gain fame and money by their association with the City of Detroit. David Clements certainly takes some great photos. He also has some street cred since he formerly lived in the Cass Corridor. But he left the city for the pseudo-city of Royal Oak.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Here's my severely edited Detroit Press letter on the Michigan individual price sticker law. This letter appeared in the Sunday Free Press, February 6, 2011.
Get smarter on pricing
I support the governor's efforts to put to rest the anachronistic individual price sticker law. Really, are Michiganders and Bay Staters (Massachusetts residents) the only people too stupid to read the posted price above the items?
If the individual pricing law is repealed, prices could go down. Profits could go up -- a good thing. More people could be hired to perform meaningful jobs, rather than languish in make-work jobs with no future.
Thomas E. Page
Detroit
Get smarter on pricing
I support the governor's efforts to put to rest the anachronistic individual price sticker law. Really, are Michiganders and Bay Staters (Massachusetts residents) the only people too stupid to read the posted price above the items?
If the individual pricing law is repealed, prices could go down. Profits could go up -- a good thing. More people could be hired to perform meaningful jobs, rather than languish in make-work jobs with no future.
Thomas E. Page
Detroit
Friday, January 28, 2011
Letter sent to Detroit News and Detroit Free Press on Jan 28, 2011
Dear Editor:
Once again, this Detroiter is embarrassed by the puerile ramblings of City Council members about "control" of the City's Water Department. Only this time, they are joined by by State Senator Johnson and State Rep. Jackson. Thankfully, Mayor Bing, along with Macomb County public works commissioner Anthony Marrocco, are the adults in the room. First-term Mayor Bing has appropriately requested time to work on correcting the historic (under federal oversight since 1977) mis-management and corruption in the Department. Commissioner Marrocco reversed course, and now publicly states that Mayor Bing deserves time to address the many issues. Refreshingly adult positions.
All parties seem to agree that the ownership of the Water Department should stay with the City of Detroit. Ownership by the City of Detroit isn't the issue. But, maintaining a monopolistic system, in which most of your customers have no representation, is not the way to deal with a $200 million deficit, nor the way to update an aging infrastructure.
Thomas E. Page
Dear Editor:
Once again, this Detroiter is embarrassed by the puerile ramblings of City Council members about "control" of the City's Water Department. Only this time, they are joined by by State Senator Johnson and State Rep. Jackson. Thankfully, Mayor Bing, along with Macomb County public works commissioner Anthony Marrocco, are the adults in the room. First-term Mayor Bing has appropriately requested time to work on correcting the historic (under federal oversight since 1977) mis-management and corruption in the Department. Commissioner Marrocco reversed course, and now publicly states that Mayor Bing deserves time to address the many issues. Refreshingly adult positions.
All parties seem to agree that the ownership of the Water Department should stay with the City of Detroit. Ownership by the City of Detroit isn't the issue. But, maintaining a monopolistic system, in which most of your customers have no representation, is not the way to deal with a $200 million deficit, nor the way to update an aging infrastructure.
Thomas E. Page
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Here's my latest letter to the Detroit News regarding the Detroit Police Department. This letter is in reference to the arrest of an attempted auto theft suspect by 3 ladies. They pulled the person from the car and held him while repeatedly calling 911. The police did not respond, although the police station is literally less than 2 short blocks away. So, the ladies started walking their arrestee to the police station. They encountered a uniformed Detroit Officer in a bank, and he refused to help, telling them to continue walking the person to the station. Finally, Wayne State Police stopped and took the person into custody.
Dear editor:
If you need police assistance, and you live in Midtown or the New Center area as I do, you hope that the Wayne State University Police are in your area. Because experience has taught us that the Detroit Police are unlikely to even respond, even when you are detaining a criminal who committed a crime in your presence; even when you are holding the suspect less than two blocks from the Central District Station. And to insult to injury, a uniformed officer instructs you to walk the person to the police station!
The typical Detroit Police Department three-part blame game response to crime is this: (1) Blame the victims for parking, driving, walking, shopping in the area; (2) Blame the number of 911 calls; and (3) Blame the lack of response on short-staffing. Here's what the Department should do: Blame the criminals, seek them out, and arrest them. Screen 911 calls and only dispatch officers when an on-scene response is actually needed - not "24 minutes" from the time of the call, but now. Finally, cut the command staff, and better deploy your officers. Detroit has more officers per capita than many cities, including Los Angeles. Use uniformed civilians to tow vehicles, direct traffic at sporting events, and lift fingerprints.
Chief Godbee publicly discourages citizens from making arrests, telling us to leave police work to the professionals. If the police don't even respond to repeated 911 calls, then making citizens' arrests is what we will do. I applaud my neighbors for stopping a crime in progress by a making a citizen's arrest.
The joke in my neighborhood is that the difference between the TV Detroit Police Officers on "Detroit 187" and real officers is that the "Detroit 187" officers actually seek out criminals to arrest them. In spite of many dedicated, hard-working, and innovative officers, I have little confidence in the willingness and ability of the Detroit Police Department to have an impact on crime.
I also offer kudos and a sincere thank you to Chief Holt and the Wayne State Police Department for assisting my neighbors in their citizen's arrest.
Thomas E. Page
Dear editor:
If you need police assistance, and you live in Midtown or the New Center area as I do, you hope that the Wayne State University Police are in your area. Because experience has taught us that the Detroit Police are unlikely to even respond, even when you are detaining a criminal who committed a crime in your presence; even when you are holding the suspect less than two blocks from the Central District Station. And to insult to injury, a uniformed officer instructs you to walk the person to the police station!
The typical Detroit Police Department three-part blame game response to crime is this: (1) Blame the victims for parking, driving, walking, shopping in the area; (2) Blame the number of 911 calls; and (3) Blame the lack of response on short-staffing. Here's what the Department should do: Blame the criminals, seek them out, and arrest them. Screen 911 calls and only dispatch officers when an on-scene response is actually needed - not "24 minutes" from the time of the call, but now. Finally, cut the command staff, and better deploy your officers. Detroit has more officers per capita than many cities, including Los Angeles. Use uniformed civilians to tow vehicles, direct traffic at sporting events, and lift fingerprints.
Chief Godbee publicly discourages citizens from making arrests, telling us to leave police work to the professionals. If the police don't even respond to repeated 911 calls, then making citizens' arrests is what we will do. I applaud my neighbors for stopping a crime in progress by a making a citizen's arrest.
The joke in my neighborhood is that the difference between the TV Detroit Police Officers on "Detroit 187" and real officers is that the "Detroit 187" officers actually seek out criminals to arrest them. In spite of many dedicated, hard-working, and innovative officers, I have little confidence in the willingness and ability of the Detroit Police Department to have an impact on crime.
I also offer kudos and a sincere thank you to Chief Holt and the Wayne State Police Department for assisting my neighbors in their citizen's arrest.
Thomas E. Page
Friday, January 21, 2011
The reporter got my address wrong, but the point is the same!
Feds grant $25M for downtown light rail
Tom Greenwood / The Detroit News
Federal officials on Thursday announced a grant agreement has been signed for $25 million toward a proposed light rail project in downtown Detroit.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the deal was signed by the Federal Transit Administration, city of Detroit and Michigan Department of Transportation for the first phase of the M-1 rail, a 3.4-mile, 12-station line from Hart Plaza to the New Center area.
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The $25 million, which was applied for in 2010, comes from a $1.5 billion fund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is known as TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) funds.
The funds are to be used for road rehabilitation, landscaping and the purchase of light rail cars for the project.
"Building this light rail system will create jobs for this great American city, and it will stimulate long-term economic growth by attracting investment to downtown Detroit and the New Center area," LaHood said in prepared remarks.
Proponents of the system plan to break ground in late 2011 once the findings of an environmental impact study are complete this spring.
Both public and private funds would be used to pay for the $450 million trolley-type system, which in total would run 9.3 miles from Hart Plaza to Eight Mile.
The first section of the rail project — running from Hart Plaza to the New Center area at a price of $125 million — is being underwritten by members of M-1 Rail, a consortium of deep-pocket investors including Mike Ilitch, Roger Penske, Peter Karmanos, Dan Gilbert and the Kresge Foundation.
Construction of the section from the New Center area to Eight Mile would be paid for by the City of Detroit and federal funds on a 20/80 percent basis.
The cash-strapped city received a major break last year when U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick added an amendment to the 2010 federal transportation bill that would allow Detroit to use the $125 million in private funds as its 20 percent portion of the project.
"That really made the federal government take notice," said M-1 Rail CEO Matt Cullen, who credited Mayor Dave Bing for his strong leadership for the project.
Tim Hoeffner, administrator of high speed rail for the Michigan Department of Transportation, said the use of private sector money for matching funds is extremely important.
Backers are betting the rail system will create new businesses and residences along the route and also will bring visitors in to enjoy the city's restaurants, cultural institutions, sports arenas and riverfront.
Detroiter Thomas Page uses mass transit whenever possible and is a big supporter of the light rail project.
"We have to have this if we want to be even a mediocre city, let alone a world class city," said Page, who lives on Woodward near Grand River.
"Real cities have rail systems. Even people who don't use them want to live near transportation systems. If we don't build this now, I don't see much hope for Detroit or the state of Michigan."
Hoeffner said the impact study should be submitted by spring, approved sometime this summer and the signing of construction contracts by Sept. 30.
Initial stops on the system include: Michigan State Fairgrounds at Eight Mile, Seven Mile, McNichols, Manchester, Glendale, Calvert and Hazelwood/Holbrook.
More include: Grand Boulevard, Piquette, Warren, Mack, Foxtown and Hart Plaza.
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110121/METRO05/101210386/Feds-grant-$25M-for-downtown-light-rail#ixzz1BgWblveC
Feds grant $25M for downtown light rail
Tom Greenwood / The Detroit News
Federal officials on Thursday announced a grant agreement has been signed for $25 million toward a proposed light rail project in downtown Detroit.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the deal was signed by the Federal Transit Administration, city of Detroit and Michigan Department of Transportation for the first phase of the M-1 rail, a 3.4-mile, 12-station line from Hart Plaza to the New Center area.
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The $25 million, which was applied for in 2010, comes from a $1.5 billion fund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is known as TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) funds.
The funds are to be used for road rehabilitation, landscaping and the purchase of light rail cars for the project.
"Building this light rail system will create jobs for this great American city, and it will stimulate long-term economic growth by attracting investment to downtown Detroit and the New Center area," LaHood said in prepared remarks.
Proponents of the system plan to break ground in late 2011 once the findings of an environmental impact study are complete this spring.
Both public and private funds would be used to pay for the $450 million trolley-type system, which in total would run 9.3 miles from Hart Plaza to Eight Mile.
The first section of the rail project — running from Hart Plaza to the New Center area at a price of $125 million — is being underwritten by members of M-1 Rail, a consortium of deep-pocket investors including Mike Ilitch, Roger Penske, Peter Karmanos, Dan Gilbert and the Kresge Foundation.
Construction of the section from the New Center area to Eight Mile would be paid for by the City of Detroit and federal funds on a 20/80 percent basis.
The cash-strapped city received a major break last year when U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick added an amendment to the 2010 federal transportation bill that would allow Detroit to use the $125 million in private funds as its 20 percent portion of the project.
"That really made the federal government take notice," said M-1 Rail CEO Matt Cullen, who credited Mayor Dave Bing for his strong leadership for the project.
Tim Hoeffner, administrator of high speed rail for the Michigan Department of Transportation, said the use of private sector money for matching funds is extremely important.
Backers are betting the rail system will create new businesses and residences along the route and also will bring visitors in to enjoy the city's restaurants, cultural institutions, sports arenas and riverfront.
Detroiter Thomas Page uses mass transit whenever possible and is a big supporter of the light rail project.
"We have to have this if we want to be even a mediocre city, let alone a world class city," said Page, who lives on Woodward near Grand River.
"Real cities have rail systems. Even people who don't use them want to live near transportation systems. If we don't build this now, I don't see much hope for Detroit or the state of Michigan."
Hoeffner said the impact study should be submitted by spring, approved sometime this summer and the signing of construction contracts by Sept. 30.
Initial stops on the system include: Michigan State Fairgrounds at Eight Mile, Seven Mile, McNichols, Manchester, Glendale, Calvert and Hazelwood/Holbrook.
More include: Grand Boulevard, Piquette, Warren, Mack, Foxtown and Hart Plaza.
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110121/METRO05/101210386/Feds-grant-$25M-for-downtown-light-rail#ixzz1BgWblveC
A Satirical post I made on January 18th, 2011. One reader believed it!!
Going to the Auto Show? After all, if you're a Detroiter, it is pretty much a civic obligation!
FCC regulations in Detroit prohibit the local media from suggesting non-auto forms of transportation. So, when the weather is bad, the talking heads will instruct you to leave early, drive slowly, take alternate routes, allow yourself plenty of time, blah blah blah. But they will NEVER suggest taking the bus.
So here's a tip. Given the crummy weather, snow, possibly icy roads, consider taking the bus (DDOT if you're on the fun side of 8 mile, and SMART if you're not) to Cobo. It's a convenient, cheap way to get to/from the show. You can also connect with the DPM (People Mover) for the best 50 cent tour around. And that's what I did yesterday. Enjoy. Tom
Going to the Auto Show? After all, if you're a Detroiter, it is pretty much a civic obligation!
FCC regulations in Detroit prohibit the local media from suggesting non-auto forms of transportation. So, when the weather is bad, the talking heads will instruct you to leave early, drive slowly, take alternate routes, allow yourself plenty of time, blah blah blah. But they will NEVER suggest taking the bus.
So here's a tip. Given the crummy weather, snow, possibly icy roads, consider taking the bus (DDOT if you're on the fun side of 8 mile, and SMART if you're not) to Cobo. It's a convenient, cheap way to get to/from the show. You can also connect with the DPM (People Mover) for the best 50 cent tour around. And that's what I did yesterday. Enjoy. Tom
Detroit Free Press, January 19, 2011
Require police and firefighters to live in the city?
In the late 1970s, a time when city residency was required, I was a Detroit police officer. In 1980, after being laid off from the department, I joined the Los Angeles Police Department. In California, residency requirements are forbidden. I served the LAPD until my retirement. I now live, by choice, in the heart of Detroit.
From my personal experience, forced residency breeds resentment. It also hinders recruiting and retention. Precious resources get wasted on officers spying on other officers to make certain they actually live in the city.
Residency requirements divert attention from what our city leaders should be doing: making Detroit an attractive place to live. And a major component of making Detroit an attractive place to live should be a responsive, professional, efficient, aggressive and accountable police department. In spite of the efforts of many fine, dedicated officers, we don't have that kind of police department.
In spite of inferior, often nonexistent city services, I moved back to Detroit to participate in what I believe will be an urban renaissance without peer. Forced residency for police officers would be a return to the old ways that didn't work.
Thomas E. Page, Detroit
Require police and firefighters to live in the city?
In the late 1970s, a time when city residency was required, I was a Detroit police officer. In 1980, after being laid off from the department, I joined the Los Angeles Police Department. In California, residency requirements are forbidden. I served the LAPD until my retirement. I now live, by choice, in the heart of Detroit.
From my personal experience, forced residency breeds resentment. It also hinders recruiting and retention. Precious resources get wasted on officers spying on other officers to make certain they actually live in the city.
Residency requirements divert attention from what our city leaders should be doing: making Detroit an attractive place to live. And a major component of making Detroit an attractive place to live should be a responsive, professional, efficient, aggressive and accountable police department. In spite of the efforts of many fine, dedicated officers, we don't have that kind of police department.
In spite of inferior, often nonexistent city services, I moved back to Detroit to participate in what I believe will be an urban renaissance without peer. Forced residency for police officers would be a return to the old ways that didn't work.
Thomas E. Page, Detroit
Letter sent to Detroit News on January 21, 2011 regarding the mandatory stickers on grocery items, and the Governor's plan to repeal it.
Dear Editor:
Just as the Luddites were threatened by the mechanization of knitting mills, Michigan's neo-Luddites are fighting to maintain the anachronistic and expensive jobs of grocery store sticker placers. Apparently, Michigan consumers (along with similar folks in Massachusetts) are too stupid to read the posted price above the items. Perhaps we should prohibit people from pumping their own gasoline - as is the case in New Jersey. Maybe we should dispense with automated traffic lights, and return to the old days of officers standing in the middle of intersections. Think of all the great jobs that would create!
On the other hand, if the individual pricing sticker law was repealed, prices could go down. Profits could go up. More people could be hired. Unemployment would go down! Sounds like a Win, Win, Win, Win situation to me.
Thomas E. Page
Dear Editor:
Just as the Luddites were threatened by the mechanization of knitting mills, Michigan's neo-Luddites are fighting to maintain the anachronistic and expensive jobs of grocery store sticker placers. Apparently, Michigan consumers (along with similar folks in Massachusetts) are too stupid to read the posted price above the items. Perhaps we should prohibit people from pumping their own gasoline - as is the case in New Jersey. Maybe we should dispense with automated traffic lights, and return to the old days of officers standing in the middle of intersections. Think of all the great jobs that would create!
On the other hand, if the individual pricing sticker law was repealed, prices could go down. Profits could go up. More people could be hired. Unemployment would go down! Sounds like a Win, Win, Win, Win situation to me.
Thomas E. Page
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Citizens Fed Up With Crime
The following was sent in response to an article highlighting citizens being fed up with crime. Here's a link to the article: http://detnews.com/article/20101026/METRO/10260322/Fed-up-with-crime--Detroiters-fight-back
Letter to the editor, Detroit News, sent on October 26, 2010
Dear editor:
The typical Detroit Police Department three-part response to crime is this: (1) Blame the victims; (2) Complain about how busy they are, citing the number of 911 calls; and (3) Whine about how short of officers the Department is. Here's what the Department should do: Blame the criminals, seek them out, and arrest them. Screen 911 calls and only dispatch officers when an on-scene response is actually needed - not "24 minutes" from the time of the call, but now. Finally, better deploy your officers. Detroit has more officers per capita than many cities, including Los Angeles. Use uniformed civilians to tow vehicles, direct traffic at sporting events, and lift fingerprints.
Chief Godbee discourages citizens from making arrests. The difference between the TV Detroit Police Officers on "Detroit 187" and real officers is that the "Detroit 187" officers actually seek out criminals to arrest them. In spite of many dedicated, hard-working, and innovative officers, I have no confidence in the willingness and ability of the Detroit Police Department to have an impact on crime. It's time to consider merging the DPD with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department. An elected sheriff in charge of law enforcement would bring accountability to policing.
Thomas E. Page
Retired, Los Angeles Police Department
Monday, September 27, 2010
I e-mailed the following letter to the Detroit News on September 27, 2010. The letter is in response to a Nolan Finley opinion article that appeared in the September 26th paper. Finley's article follows my letter.
Hallelujah! I think Nolan Finley and others are finally getting it. The last things many of us want for our City is a big box store or a chain grocery store surrounded by acres of asphalt or cement. We also don't want a blinged-out SUV or gaudy pick-up truck parked in a driveway on some life-sucking suburban cul de sac. Our porches, actual as well as metaphorical, are in the front rather than tucked in the back of a tri-level ranch. We welcome, and in fact seek out, the strange, the different, the colorful, and even the weird. Yes, Detroit is changing rapidly, mostly for the good. We don't know what the future Detroit will look like, but I guarantee you it's an absolute blast getting there.
And by the way, the "creative class" isn't always young. I moved back to Detroit a few years ago after retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department. I wouldn't live anywhere other than the "Fun Side of 8 Mile." (My winning slogan from a 2009 Detroit News contest).
Thomas E. Page
Finley's article:
A new vision for Detroit
Ididn’t expect much from a documentary hosted by “Jackass” star Johnny Knoxville and produced by a company that sells work boots to people who don’t need boots for work.
The 32 minute “Detroit Lives” film from Palladium Boots is hardly a sophisticated examination of the seeds of Detroit’s rebirth. Mostly, it’s just Knoxville driving around in an old convertible chatting with some of the city’s creative underground — the young artists and entrepreneurs who are homesteading an urban wilderness.
But the conversations jarred me into rethinking some assumptions about what form a new and improved Detroit ought to take.
I’m part of a generation that sees Detroit’s future in reclaiming as much of its past as possible. Our version of renewal comes in billion-dollar packages funded by big sugar daddies. So I rolled my eyes at first when a young artist told Knoxville, “Detroit doesn’t need a savior. Detroit doesn’t need a big box store.”
That’s the difference in mindset between the corporate class and the creative class.
It’s also revealed by Phil Cooley, owner of Slows Bar BQ, as he guides Knoxville through the wreckage of the old Michigan Central train depot. I look at that mess and say with disgust, “Only in Detroit.” Cooley says the exact same thing, but with “Wow!” in his voice.
These kids see the city as a found object, beautiful in its natural form. They, too, have dreams of a more vibrant Detroit. But they’d rather have the ruins than another empty field.
Where the smug urban pioneers of my generation settled in the best neighborhoods, this new breed thrives on Detroit’s gritty side.
They’re scraping and painting old houses and moving in.
They’re tearing boards off empty storefronts and opening micro businesses. They’re mowing parks, planting gardens and painting murals without asking permission or waiting for master plans.
They have none of their parents’ fear of the city, venturing well wide of downtown.
They’ve discovered Detroit is just the place for those with more ideas than money.
Their faces are often covered with beards and tattoos, but they get the same resistance as the suits do because those faces are mostly white. They break through by embracing Detroit for what it is, and staying in it day and night.
I’m still not sure they’re the answer for renewing Detroit.
But as downtown businessman Larry Mongo says in the documentary, “They’re filling some
of the gaps.” Whatever plan emerges from Mayor Dave Bing’s landuse hearings shouldn’t choke off their energy and enthusiasm with red tape. What we’ve done for 40 years hasn’t worked; we may as well give them their shot.
Nolan Finley is editorial page editor of The Detroit News. The News is sponsoring the local premiere of “Detroit Lives” at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Burton Theater, 3420 Cass. To reserve a seat, e-mail RSVP@notedcomm.com with “Detroit News” in the subject line, specifying which screening you want to attend.
Hallelujah! I think Nolan Finley and others are finally getting it. The last things many of us want for our City is a big box store or a chain grocery store surrounded by acres of asphalt or cement. We also don't want a blinged-out SUV or gaudy pick-up truck parked in a driveway on some life-sucking suburban cul de sac. Our porches, actual as well as metaphorical, are in the front rather than tucked in the back of a tri-level ranch. We welcome, and in fact seek out, the strange, the different, the colorful, and even the weird. Yes, Detroit is changing rapidly, mostly for the good. We don't know what the future Detroit will look like, but I guarantee you it's an absolute blast getting there.
And by the way, the "creative class" isn't always young. I moved back to Detroit a few years ago after retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department. I wouldn't live anywhere other than the "Fun Side of 8 Mile." (My winning slogan from a 2009 Detroit News contest).
Thomas E. Page
Finley's article:
A new vision for Detroit
Ididn’t expect much from a documentary hosted by “Jackass” star Johnny Knoxville and produced by a company that sells work boots to people who don’t need boots for work.
The 32 minute “Detroit Lives” film from Palladium Boots is hardly a sophisticated examination of the seeds of Detroit’s rebirth. Mostly, it’s just Knoxville driving around in an old convertible chatting with some of the city’s creative underground — the young artists and entrepreneurs who are homesteading an urban wilderness.
But the conversations jarred me into rethinking some assumptions about what form a new and improved Detroit ought to take.
I’m part of a generation that sees Detroit’s future in reclaiming as much of its past as possible. Our version of renewal comes in billion-dollar packages funded by big sugar daddies. So I rolled my eyes at first when a young artist told Knoxville, “Detroit doesn’t need a savior. Detroit doesn’t need a big box store.”
That’s the difference in mindset between the corporate class and the creative class.
It’s also revealed by Phil Cooley, owner of Slows Bar BQ, as he guides Knoxville through the wreckage of the old Michigan Central train depot. I look at that mess and say with disgust, “Only in Detroit.” Cooley says the exact same thing, but with “Wow!” in his voice.
These kids see the city as a found object, beautiful in its natural form. They, too, have dreams of a more vibrant Detroit. But they’d rather have the ruins than another empty field.
Where the smug urban pioneers of my generation settled in the best neighborhoods, this new breed thrives on Detroit’s gritty side.
They’re scraping and painting old houses and moving in.
They’re tearing boards off empty storefronts and opening micro businesses. They’re mowing parks, planting gardens and painting murals without asking permission or waiting for master plans.
They have none of their parents’ fear of the city, venturing well wide of downtown.
They’ve discovered Detroit is just the place for those with more ideas than money.
Their faces are often covered with beards and tattoos, but they get the same resistance as the suits do because those faces are mostly white. They break through by embracing Detroit for what it is, and staying in it day and night.
I’m still not sure they’re the answer for renewing Detroit.
But as downtown businessman Larry Mongo says in the documentary, “They’re filling some
of the gaps.” Whatever plan emerges from Mayor Dave Bing’s landuse hearings shouldn’t choke off their energy and enthusiasm with red tape. What we’ve done for 40 years hasn’t worked; we may as well give them their shot.
Nolan Finley is editorial page editor of The Detroit News. The News is sponsoring the local premiere of “Detroit Lives” at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Burton Theater, 3420 Cass. To reserve a seat, e-mail RSVP@notedcomm.com with “Detroit News” in the subject line, specifying which screening you want to attend.
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