Shelby Township Taxpayers Are Just Too Dumb To Understand?

Shelby Township Supervisor Skip Maccarone never stops "spinning" information in his effort to bankrupt our township!

Since day one of his term in office, Skip has bent over backwards to spend our tax money. His spending spree continues today, and it seems like there is no end to his blank check fiscal policies.

Now that we've had the opportunity to watch and fully digest all the information from the Tuesday, January 22nd Board of Trustees meeting, especially the lengthy discussion over Skip's police and court complex, we are shocked by what we saw and heard.

When Skip Maccarone spent more than two agonizing hours engaging taxpayers in a debate over the police and court building, all we could think of during his long and boring diatribes was "BLAH..BLAH..BLAH..BLAH..BLAH...BLAH....BLAH...AND MORE BLAH..BLAH...BLAH...BLAH." Skip answered simple questions with unbelievably long answers, speaking around the issues and using big words to show us just how smart he is.

Every time a taxpayer would come up to express his or her concern, Skip would go off on a courtroom monologue. Staring over his glasses, Skip would try to spin the information to his advantage, divert from one issue to another, talk about things that are not relevant, and explain why he is right and everyone else is wrong. This is not the first time he has done this.

Skip clearly was uncomfortable and bothered by all the questions. Skip would talk and talk and talk so long that by the time he was finished, viewers forgot what the initial question was in the first place. This is a typical lawyer trick ... talk an issue to death in attempt to wear down or break down the witness on the stand.

SORRY SKIP...BUT THIS IS NOT LEADERSHIP!

There was so much that occurred at that Tuesday, January 22nd Board meeting, Shelby Township taxpayers really need to watch for themselves to get the full perspective. You can obtain a CD of the meeting from the Shelby Township Cable Television Department (254-7130).

Meanwhile, here is the cliff-notes version of what transpired:

• Supervisor Skip Maccarone kept up his drumbeat of spending on the police and court "justice center." Skip has been pushing this since February, 2005 when he first unveiled his grand $50 million township campus.

• Taxpayers who came out to speak about the lack of public input on the police and court building had their concerns brushed aside by Maccarone. Despite his rhetoric about a so-called "discussion" on this project, Skip has NEVER welcomed public comment. He simply took a "concept" plan devised back in 1990 and decided (for political purposes?) that he would make it HIS plan.
• During the January 22nd meeting, Skip said that that "WE" first presented the plan for a police and court building back in February, 2005. We implies the entire Board. However, for those who watched that ridiculous meeting, the Township Board was noticeably absent. Instead of a "We" project, Skip should have changed the "W" to a "M" and said "ME." Skip was the only one who spoke in February, 2005, and in doing so tried to look like an expert on EVERYTHING...design, planning, financing, etc. No one else need bother putting forth any ideas, because Skip has all the answers.
• Maccarone said the township's Financial Management people were using "phantom numbers" when compiling budgetary projections? Why -- because the township's numbers didn't support Maccarone's spending goals? We should believe a politician like Maccarone instead of financial experts? Skip's commment drew a strong objection from our Township Clerk Terri Kowal. If, as Skip said, the township's Financial Management personnel are using "phantom" numbers, instead of real-world statistics, they should be FIRED. NOTE: We know the people in Financial Management, and they are true professionals. We know they are not using phony numbers, as Skip has publicly said. Skip Maccarone is the phony.
• The funniest line of the night came from Trustee Jim Carabelli. During one verbal exchange with Maccarone, Carabelli questioned why everyone should just believe Maccarone's expertise on spending and financial matters as it relates to the police and court building. Mr. Carabelli said that he (Carabelli) had more time in the bathroom in the township than Maccarone did living in the township when Skip first ran for office. NOTE: Maccarone moved into the township just briefly before running for office.
• Shelby Township Treasurer Paul Viar brought up some very interesting and relevant points about declining property values in the township and financial situations facing our neighboring communities. Looking at what is happening in surrounding cities and townships is appropriate, because NO community is an island...even though sometimes Maccarone comes across as if he is the Professor and we are Gilligan.
• Treasurer Viar also questioned why trees were cut down on the property for the police and court building before a site plan was approved. This action goes against township procedure. As one resident asked Mr. Maccarone when he came before the Board to speak, "what would happen if a private developer violated the township's tree cutting procedure?" Would they go to jail? Would they face stiff penalties and fines? But it is just fine and dandy for our own township government to violate our township's tree preservation ordinance?
• Another taxpayer came forth at the meeting to oppose the way this building is being thrown at us. He told the Board that it appears as if this building is being rammed down our throats. Given the number of questions outstanding, and the ongoing discussion about the building's size (the need for a height variance), financing issues, and now the inability of the Court to pay for its portion (forcing township taxpayers and our Police Department to pick up the entire cost) it does appear as if Maccarone is putting the cart before the horse.
• Clerk Terri Kowal brought up an interesting point when discussing the building's cost. Why is Shelby Township going to fund the entire project, when there are other communities (Utica and Macomb Township) that will also benefit from the Court Building? Mrs. Kowal raises a VERY GOOD POINT. Wouldn't it be wise to enlist financial support from other communities that will utilize the court, instead of forcing Shelby Township taxpayers to dig deeper into their pockets for the whole project? What about promises that Sterling Heights could pitch in some money for this project? Like Mrs. Kowal, we'd like to see that in writing. Skip tells us not to worry, because he has it all figured out. Yah, right!!!!!

Clearly, residents are concerned about the process by which this building came about, and the way it is being pushed forward. When people inquired about the lack of public input, more than once Maccarone responded that residents can have their say in this year's election. In other words, Skip is telling people that he really doesn't care about us, or what we think about this. He is doing it anyway, and if we don't like the way he is conducting business, or the way he has tried to do this without even considering a public vote, then we should vote against him on August 5th.

Hey, great advice Skip! We have been saying this for a long time now.

Supervisor Skip Maccarone is a one-man band who has little use for anyone else (elected officials or the general public). His ideas are the only ideas he cares about. Everyone else should read "Shelby Township Government For Dummies" before they speak.

Well, guess what? The people are not as dumb as Maccarone thinks we are. In fact, Shelby Township voters are smart and know what is going on here. That is why we were prompted to begin this blog, and why we are eager to do what we can to get rid of Skip Maccarone this year.

Stand strong. The fight continues. If you want to sign up for our campaign against Skip Maccarone, send us an e-mail at stopskip08@aol.com.

Together, we WILL make the necessary changes and restore the people's voice to our township government once again. The key is to first get rid of a tyrant named Skip Maccarone.

U.S. Presidential Matchmaker

We all know, from personal experience, that Shelby Township Supervisor Skip Maccarone is an annoying, arrogant, overbearing, know-it-all. Some Inside Out readers have used other adjectives to describe Maccarone ... words which we have opted not to reprint.

We also know that in this year's election, we will all get the chance to fire Skip Maccarone from his political job, and hire somebody else.

However, for this blog entry we want to forget about Skip (and his demeaning and destructuve antics) for a moment and have some fun.

Given all the publicity about the political campaign for the White House, we want our blog readers to see which candidate clearly represents their best interests.

Below is a link to a candidate matchmaker. Take the quiz and find out which candidate most closely represents your views. You might be pleasantly surprised. We were.

In any event, have some fun. The problem with far too many politicians (including Skip Maccarone) is that they take themselves to seriously.

Skip Maccarone - Too Arrogant Even For Donald Trump?

Shelby Township voters are a very educated and politically-astute group. We know what we like in our politicians, and more importantly, what we don't. We also know what to do about those politicians we don't like -- and who (through their own words or deeds) have worn out their welcome.

Wherever you go in the township you hear the same thing. Taxpayers are nearly unanimous in their opinion of Supervisor $kip Maccarone. That opinion can be summarized in one word: ARROGANT.

• $kip shows his arrogance in the way he thumbs his nose at his fellow township elected officials.
• $kip shows his arrogance in the way he treats (some would say mistreats) Township employees.
• $kip shows his arrogance in the way he talks to the media, bragging about his "expertise" on nearly every issue, while claiming that other Township Board members are "misinformed."
• $kip shows his arrogance whenever residents (taxpayers who are paying $kip's salary) have a complaint and come to the Board of Trustees meeting to air their grievances or ask probing questions.
• $kip shows his arrogance to residents and business owners who watch his antics on television and are disturbed by what they see.

As one resident who has experienced Maccarone's arrogance first-hand at a township Board meeting told us: "Beware of the Maccarone stare...it might just turn you into stone!"

Here is how Webster's dictionary defines arrogant/arrogance:

ARROGANT -- 1: exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one's own worth or importance in an overbearing manner 2: proceeding from or characterized by arrogance <~manners>

ARROGANCE -- a feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims

Thankfully, this is not the People's Republic of Shelby. We still live in a democracy, and this means we have the freedom to voice our opinion, speak our mind, and VOTE in elections.

$kip doesn't think he is arrogant - he just believes he is always right. That is a difference without a distinction. $kip Maccarone IS arrogant - and it seems like that opinion is growing. You hear it in the grocery store, at the corner bank, at church and civic groups, and in our family gatherings. Sure, $kip does have blind allegiance by a few diehard Maccaronites who will follow their leader at all costs. But this is a small minority of the township residents, and it is shrinking everyday. Therein lies the answer.

We can make a difference. We can change the direction of our township. We can restore respect for the people. We can bring back unity to the Board of Trustees. But to do this we must send $kip back to private law practice. Given that $kip thinks he is "grossly" underpaid, this will give him the chance to make up the lost income that he thinks he is entitled to.

As viewers of the TV show The Apprentice, we love the interaction between the Project Manager, the interviewees, and Donald Trump. We enjoy watching Trump tell it like it is as he puts people in their place when they fail a task.

Every week, we anxiously await those two words: "You're fired."

That will be our finale for $kip in 2008. When the votes are counted on August 5th, 2008, we will look $kip squarely in the eye, as Donald Trump does every week in the Board Room, and say, with a big smile on our face: "$kip...you're FIRED. Now go one, get out!"

How much fun will that be? We can hear the noise now as voters jump for joy seeing $kip pack his stuff and ride off into the sunset.

If you have an idea that you would like to share with us, send your e-mail to stopskip08@aol.com.

A New Year In Shelby - A New Supervisor For Township Taxpayers Demanding Change

The INSIDE OUT staff wishes all members of our blog family a very Happy New Year!

Remember, 2008 is an election year. This is when we get the chance to decide who will lead our township during the crucial coming four years. The decision we face is between more of the same old spending, arrogance, indifference and disunity, or something different. Our township cannot afford another four years of $kip Maccarone, PERIOD!

Time for a change? Absolutely. Eight years in office is long enough. We need -- no wait, we DESERVE -- a Supervisor who understands his role as a leader of the people. We need a Supervisor who will bring a new outlook to our township. Someone who values other opinions, listens to other ideas, and accepts alternative viewpoints.

We will NOT get this with four more years of the same, old, arrogant, angry $kip Maccarone. Instead, we will just get four more years of the same, old, arrogant, angry $kip. We CAN do better!

The 2008 election is fast approaching. We urge all blog readers to make a New Year's Resolution to get registered to vote, learn as much as you can about our township issues, and make informed decisions at election time.

The power of our VOTE must never be underestimated! We can make a change. We can build a better township. We can elect a Supervisor who will listen to US.

Our blog has been more fun, and more successful, that we anticipated. We have been around just a few months, but word is spreading fast. Based upon your e-mails, it is clear that you agree with our mission of stopping $kip in 2008. It will be hard work, but we know we can do it.

As you can see clearly from the clock above, the countdown to political change here in Shelby Township is well underway.
During the coming months, as campaign season heats up, rest assured that we will be just a mouse click away for the latest news, information and opinions about $kip Maccarone.

We enjoy hearing from our many satisfied readers. Feel free to keep sending e-mails to stopskip08@aol.com and posting comments to our blog.

TOGETHER, we can and will, defeat $kip Maccarone and begin a new day for our beloved Shelby Township!

Shelby Needs A "Statesman"

Statesman vs. Politician:
There IS a difference, and the difference makes a difference!

A friend of ours recently sent this to us. It is a written commentary from Lawrence W. Reed, President of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, concerning something we find too little today in politics: STATESMANSHIP. We are posting it on our blog because we agree that in order to move Shelby Township forward in a new and positive direction will require a statesman - not another slick politician.

We hope you enjoy it.
________________________

What Does a Statesman Look Like?
The term "politician" isn’t a popular one, even with politicians. Most people would agree that to be labeled a "statesman" is a much higher compliment — and that we need fewer of the former and more of the latter. There’s a general sense that statesmen lift us up, while politicians let us down. This column will seek to foster a climate which will produce more statesmen and fewer politicians, so let’s begin with some observations about what distinguishes one from the other.

Statesmen are a big cut above politicians, who seek office for thrills or for power or because they like the attention it brings them. Some politicians are better than others, but statesmen rise above mere politics, that meat grinder of principles. The clever politician knows how to manipulate power for personal advantage, but the statesman’s allegiance is to loftier objectives.

Statesmen don’t seek public office for personal gain or attention. Like George Washington, they often are people who take time out from productive careers of accomplishment to temporarily serve the public. They don’t have to work for government because that’s all they know how to do. They stand for a principled vision, not for what they think citizens will fall for. When a statesman gets elected, he doesn’t forget the public-spirited citizens who sent him to office and become a mouthpiece for the permanent bureaucracy or some special interest that greased his campaign.

Because they seek the truth, statesmen are more likely to do what’s right than what may be politically popular at the moment. You know where they stand because they say what they mean and they mean what they say. They do not engage in class warfare, race-baiting or in other divisive or partisan tactics that pull people apart. They do not buy votes with tax dollars.

They don’t make promises they can’t keep or intend to break. They take responsibility for their actions. A statesman doesn’t try to pull himself up by dragging somebody else down, and he doesn’t try to convince people they’re victims just so he can posture as their savior.

When it comes to managing public finances, statesmen prioritize. They don’t behave as though government deserves an endlessly larger share of other people’s money. They exhibit the courage to cut less important expenses to make way for more pressing ones. They don’t try to build empires. Instead, they keep government within its proper bounds and trust in what free and enterprising people can accomplish. Politicians think that they’re smart enough to plan other people’s lives; statesmen are wise enough to understand what utter folly such arrogant attitudes really are.

Have you ever felt that in spite of a long campaign and lots of speeches, you learned essentially nothing from a particular candidate? That one was a politician. I prefer the statesman: the man or woman of substance who, win or lose, had the courage to lay it out straight.

Politicians are characters, but statesmen have character. A statesman is a man or woman of integrity, honesty and candor. You actually learn something good from what he says and how he conducts himself. When a politician leaves office, he’s largely forgotten. When a statesman departs, we know we’ve lost something.

Michigan doesn’t suffer from a shortage of politicians. First and foremost, it needs a citizenry that is vigilant about the nature of government and its proper role in a free society of responsible adults. That’s the sort of citizenry that then has the wisdom to produce statesmen.

Lawrence W. Reed is president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy

________________________

Thank you Mr. Reed...we couldn't have said it better ourselves!

How can Shelby Township get a statesman? First, we have to get rid of $kip Maccarone. We can, and must, do that on Tuesday, August 5th. Then, we have to move forward and elect someone with new priorities and a new way of running our township.

It is time we had a Supervisor who listens to people, embraces other ideas, respects people, trusts fellow Board members, and considers alternative viewpoints. In other words, we need someone other than $kip Maccarone.

As we have all learned the hard way, megalomaniacs make lousy public officials.

Remember, our e-mail is stopskip08@aol.com.

2008 has arrived. This August 5th, help us elect a statesman who will give us hope for a better future for Shelby Township. We deserve it!