Come On Shelby Township Voters... Sing Along!

Every good campaign has a memorable and catchy theme song.

So while sitting around one Saturday afternoon we figured that we should probably have one too. It should be a simple song, easy to remember. One which encompasses our desire for political change in the Shelby Township Supervisor's office. Something which clearly shows our desire to defeat Skip Maccarone.

After considering several options, there was really only one obvious choice -- and it was the first song that came to mind.

So below is our motivational song for Shelby Township taxpayers. Sing along and join us in this campaign to STOP $KIP.

===========

Skip’s Gonna' Lose the Election
(Sung to the tune "Skip to my lou")

Fees and assessments rising,
What can we do?
Spending keeps growing,
What can we do?
Arrogance exploding,
What can we do?
Send Skip Maccarone packing.

Skip, Skip, Skip’s gonna lose...
Skip, Skip, Skip’s gonna lose...
Skip, Skip, Skip’s gonna lose...
Skip’s gonna lose in ‘08.

We’ll get another one
Better than you.
Someone who listens,
And knows what to do.
Respect for the people,
That’s a big clue!
Skip’s gonna lose the election.

Skip, Skip, Skip’s gonna lose...
Skip, Skip, Skip’s gonna lose...
Skip, Skip, Skip’s gonna lose...
Skip’s gonna lose in ‘08.

Time for someone new,
it's long overdue.
The people have the power,
and want something new.
We're counting the days,
until we say ... adieu!
Skip’s gonna lose the election.

Skip, Skip, Skip’s gonna lose...
Skip, Skip, Skip’s gonna lose...
Skip, Skip, Skip’s gonna lose...
Skip’s gonna lose in ‘08.

So there it is.. our official campaign theme song. We guarantee that if you sing this a few times, you won't be able to get this song out of your head. It stays with you, and that's the point. Give voters something that will stick with them and keep them motivated and focused during the coming months.

Remember: The Tuesday, August 5th primary election is fast approaching. In Shelby Township, the primary election is the general election. This is why so many people are energized and ready to get to the polls and tell Maccarone "ENOUGH."

Remember: Shelby Township TAXPAYERS are the ones who run this township...not Skip Maccarone! We have the power, and when used effectively our power can have positive impact.

Since Skip has obviously forgotten this point (or more accurately never understood this fact) we need to remind him by firing him from his Supervisor's job in the 2008 election. Then maybe Skip will finally realize who is really in charge around here!

If you have something that you would like to share, send your ideas, opinions or thoughts to stopskip08@aol.com. Also, don't forget to post comments about this, or any, blog entry.

SPREAD THE WORD about our blog so that your family and friends can understand the important stakes in this year's Shelby Township Supervisor's election.

Our pocketbooks can't afford four more years of Skip "The Spender" Maccarone!

HEADLINE - "Skip Maccarone Rips State Leaders" ... Okay, so what else is new?

Supervisor Skip Maccarone's arrogance and "know-it-all" mentality is well known, both in Shelby Township and across Macomb County. Ask around, and anyone who is "connected" in Macomb County will tell you that arrogance and Skip Maccarone go hand-in-hand.

This arrogance and frustration were on display once again during Skip's State of the Community Address at Cherry Creek on Wednesday, February 6th. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out on Shelby cable. What we found telling in this speech is how much Skip believes (in his own mind) that everyone else in elected office is doing the wrong things, and how he has convinced himself that everything that he has done, and continues doing, is correct.

As reported in the February 7, 2008 issue of the Macomb Daily, Skip used his annual address as a platform to vent his intense anger at state lawmakers. Instead of using this speech to promote a positive vision of our township, and of our township's elected officials, Skip's negativity was surprising to many who sat stunned and watched him speak. Some called it unnecessary, while others said it was "pretty typical Maccarone." One thing is clear: Skip's negativism toward Lansing lawmakers overshadowed everything else.

"I must say that the state has failed us all," Maccarone declared. "I cannot fathom the devotion to partisanship we continue to see overriding one's oath of office to discharge their duties faithfully and for the common good."

Skip used this occasion to slam Governor Jennifer Granholm and criticized the Michigan Legislature. Skip said both the Republican and Democratic parties are to blame for our state's financial mess, and both parties are rearranging chairs on the deck of a ship that is sinking quickly.

"I am incensed at the incredible lack of leadership in both Houses, both parties and the office of the governor," said Maccarone. "In their parochial attempts to do anything that comes to mind, they are literally rearranging deck chairs on a ship that is floundering."

We have learned that State Senator Alan Sanborn and State Representative Brian Palmer are privately critical of Maccarone's latest attacks. As one person told us, "neither Sanborn nor Palmer view themselves as rearranging chairs. Yes, our ship is in trouble, but the problem clearly rests with the captain of the ship. Mr. Maccarone has a right to his opinion, but he should be more careful about who he casts a negative light upon."

Those who have observed Skip Maccarone over the years are really not surprised by his inflammatory outbursts. Attacks like these are common. Just ask other members of the township Board of Trustees. Just ask any resident or business owner who has come forth at a public meeting to voice their opinion, only to encounter the wrath of Maccarone. Finally, ask any township employee about their interactions with Maccarone and they will (privately) be less than flattering.

Skip's superiority complex is well known by people who know full well what is really going on in Shelby Township government.

And so it goes. Skip Maccarone's tirades will probably intensify...as he realizes his days in office are numbered. The countdown clock to the August 5th election keeps ticking, and very soon the voters who have been ignored, brushed aside, and ignored by Maccarone, will get our say at the ballot box.

Remember, our e-mail address is stopskip08@aol.com. We would appreciate hearing from residents who believe, as we do, that the time has come for a new Township Supervisor.

Shelby Township Residents Understand That With Skip Maccarone It’s the "I" Thing

Shelby Township residents ask all the time, "why do people mistrust Shelby Township Supervisor Skip Maccarone so much?"

The answer to that important question is very complex, but every answer goes to the heart of what it means to serve in public office.

Skip Maccarone has been Supervisor for more than seven long years now. However, from his very first Board meeting after taking office, he made it clear that he is the BIG DOG in the township. As a former Detroit cop (under Coleman Young) and a lawyer, Skip made it clear to everyone that HE — and he alone — will rule this township. Anyone who has seen Skip in action will agree that, more often than not, he acts more like a dictator than a public official in a democratic society.

As the BIG DOG, whenever Skip barks out an order, others are expected (some might say demanded) to listen! In Skip's world, refusal is just not an option.

If we don't listen to his lengthy explanations to simple questions, and agree with his assessment of a situation, or if we dare to have a difference of opinion on something... WATCH OUT! That's when Skip turns on the "I" thing. We've all seen and heard it:
-- His beady eyes get narrow;
-- His scowl gets more pronounced;
-- His face gets beet red;
-- The sweat beads on his forehead;
-- His nerves start twitching;
-- He stares you down with an evil "I dare you" glare;
and then...
-- The BIG DOG start spewing angry words from his mouth ... and when Skip starts talking...and talking...and talking... (blah, blah, blah) ... we wonder if he will ever shut up?

An angry Skip belittles taxpayers as the "Peanut Gallery." He claims we are "misinformed" or that we are "misrepresenting the facts." Skip treats taxpayers like we are Gilligan and he is the Professor who is going to teach us a lesson or two about life in HIS township. "Let me enlighten you on a few things just so we're clear on this" is what $kip tells residents all the time.

One fact Skip apparently forgot about -- or more accurately never really understood -- is that every penny of his salary comes directly from the pockets of taxpayers. He works for us -- we are the boss around here. As such, we have a right to speak our mind and tell our "employee" when we don't like something that he is doing.

The truth is that residents are scared for their lives to speak up, even when they have a legitimate beef, out of fear of facing the wrath of Skip. Watch the Board of Trustees meetings and see for yourself. Count the number of red chairs in the Township Board meeting room. Then count the number of residents who attend the meetings. Then count the number who actually come up to speak. What happened to our cherished democracy?

Having experienced this Madman Maccarone syndrome up close, it is frightening to witness. One minute, Skip is smiling and making jokes, the next he looks like he is ready to attack. This Jekyll/Hyde transformation says volumes about the REAL Skip Maccarone.

Shelby taxpayers don't come to voice their opinion at meetings because the end result is that Skip will tell us that our opinion is WRONG. Not only that, but he will try to intimidate and publicly scorn anyone who speaks against him or his so-called leadership.

Politicians like Skip Maccarone are dangerous -- to our township, to our democracy, and to our personal freedoms. This is why, just weeks after his election, Skip Maccarone earned the title “Czarpervisor” — for attempting to rule with with an iron tongue!

Skip loves to try and make people look stupid, especially at televised Board of Trustee meetings. He claims all the time that the people are wrong, we are misinformed, we are misrepresenting the facts, denies he said what he said, and on and on. Whenever Skip has done this, we have often wondered: How is Skip always right, and 72,000 plus residents are always wrong?

It can be summed up in one word: INTIMIDATION!

Or as taxpayers have come to know it: The "I" thing.

If you have something you would like to tell us about Skip Maccarone, send an e-mail to stopskip08@aol.com.

Let's keep the pressure on, because on Tuesday, August 5th 2008 we will elect a new Supervisor.

Shelby Township residents deserve it!

Skip Maccarone's Justice Center: An Injustice to Taxpayers?

Never before in Shelby Township history have we seen such a lousy, mishandled process for constructing a building and paying for it as we have with Skip Maccarone and his police and court "justice center."

As detailed in the January 27, 2008 issue of the Source newspaper, this township justice center continues to raise questions and controversy. The fact that this building STILL raises such public and private concerns shows us, without question, that Skip Maccarone's handling of this has been a TOTAL FAILURE.

Instead of involving others, seeking public and elected official input, and coming to a consensus on what we need and what we can afford, Maccarone did this entire project on his own. Skip made the presentation for the police/court and "campus" in February, 2005; Skip ran to the newspapers bragging about his plans for a $50 million campus; and Skip's one-man act continues up to this day.

As discussed in the January 30, 2008 issue of the Shelby Utica News, residents voiced their concerns about this building. Some said the timing of this project is not right, given our "one state recession." The design is going forward, despite nagging questions - questions that no one (except Maccarone) seems to have complete answers to.

As discussed in the Shelby Utica News, Skip Maccarone chided an effort by the Board of Trustees to take another, closer look at this project to make sure we could afford it. During one of his many rants at the January 22nd meeting, Skip said: "The level of redundancy [in the Board's effort to take another look at this building], I think, defies comprehension."

We believe that government should work slowly and diligently, especially when it comes to spending our tax money. Far too often in history, both here in our township, and at the state and federal levels, politicians have been so eager to spend our tax money, that they fail to examine all aspects of an issue. "Just spend the money" is their mantra. It is only afterwards that taxpayers hear our politicians say: "OOPS...we didn't think of that one!"

Is history repeating itself? It appears as though Skip wants to hurry up and build his "justice center", is not bothered by the cost, and he feels any questions or attempts to get insights or answers to questions about this building are unwarranted and redundant.

Since when did it become is redundant to stand up for the rights, and pocketbooks, of Shelby Township taxpayers?

Hey Skip...an arrogant statement like defies comprehension, especially from an elected official.

During the January 22nd Board of Trustees meeting, this building was discussed at length, and it was clear that the Board of Trustees is still is not completely comfortable with Skip Maccarone's plan, nor do they feel confident that this building will not place a huge additional tax/fee burden on township residents. It was also clear that residents are resentful about being left out of the loop as plans progress, as trees are cut down, and as questions remain about this justice center and the overall $50 million campus.

Skip Maccarone has said this entire project (including his $50 million campus) can be built without additional taxes/fees/assessments. Really? How? Want to bet your next tax bill?

Where will the money come from to fulfill Skip's dream (some call it a legacy nightmare)? We will note, for the record, that Skip has said the larger court building means that the court will be able to possibly "increase revenues." Increase revenues? Sounds like a tax/fee increase to us? Ask yourself who will pay these increased revenues?

Let us reiterate, for those people (including Skip Maccarone) who will automatically jump to conclusions......

...WE ARE NOT AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY. PERIOD!

Yes, our dynamic and outstanding law enforcement professionals deserve and need a new building. The size and cost of the building are legitimate concerns, and to date it does not seem like we (the taxpayers) have received straight answers from Skip Maccarone about the cost and how we (the taxpayers) will pay for it. What began around $19 million, went up to $20 million, and now could go as high as $23 to $25 million. Where does it end?

It appears to us that we have received half-truths, or politically-correct answers, to serious questions. It appears as though this is one person's vision, that will be paid by everyone. It appears as though the only public input there will be on this justice center is when we get the bill in the mail to pay for it. That is NOT leadership!

We were initially told by Skip that the cost of this facility would be split between the police and court. Roughly, 64% paid by police, and 36% paid by the court. Now, we learn that declining court revenues will mean that the police department will be forced to pay the entire cost for the building. What? That's right! Skip now admits that times have changed, and the court will have to borrow money from the police fund to pay its portion, and then we are told the court will pay this money back. Sounds like a shell game?

Ongoing skepticism about Maccarone's justice center and $50 million "campus" plan, combined with concerns from taxpayers, is why at the Tuesday, January 22nd Board of Trustees meeting Clerk Terri Kowal said the following: "I want to see where this money's going to come from. I don't think we should be building things we can't afford."

We must point out that the only member of the Board, besides Maccarone, who seemed to not care about the public's questions about cost and how to properly and fully pay for this is Trustee Lisa Manzella. Why? Is Manzella more interested in obtaining photo ops for this year's election than she is with protecting the pocketbooks of taxpayers?

Since Manzella served on Skip's hand-picked committee that looked into this police and court justice center, maybe she is too close to it to see the building's impact in its totality? Maybe Manzella has too much invested (personally and politically) to admit what others in our township know: there are still too many unanswered questions? Maybe she is too eager for a photo op of the building's groundbreaking ceremony (after all, this is an election year)?

We can see it now...Maccarone and Manzella, side-by-side, shovels in hand, with a big smile on their faces as they lower their shovels into the ground. Don't think this will happen? Don't think that a photograph like this will appear on someone's campaign literature? Then you don't know Skip Maccarone.

The truth is that Skip Maccarone put together this plan, and he has not wanted to bother looking at ways to trim costs. In fact, Maccarone was the only Board member who voted against a proposal to put bond counsel for the township justice center out for competitive bid to see if the township could save money. Why in the world would Skip not want to see if the township could save money???????

Below is how the minutes of the May 16, 2007 Board of Trustees work session reads:

==========================
MOTION by Carabelli, supported by Viar, to go out for Requests for Interest for general bond work for legal and financial advisor.
Motion carried (Kowal, Viar, Kady, Manzella, Carabelli, Filar)
Mr. Maccarone voted “nay”
==========================

Skip Maccarone did not want to "bother" seeing if the township could save money by putting this out for competitive bid? This is NOT the first time since his election that Skip has wanted to forego competitive bids for township services.

Here is a piece of advice for Skip Maccarone (not that he will care): TELL US THE TRUTH! Better yet, why not let the residents vote on this? Isn't that what democracy is really all about?

We strongly disagree with the township resident who said during the January 22nd Board of Trustees meeting that Shelby Township voters are too disconnected to understand this "complex" issue. There is nothing complex about building a new facility for our police and court officials. There is nothing complex about finding a real-world formula to pay for it. There is nothing complex about giving us the facts and letting us have our say. There is NOTHING COMPLEX about the value of democracy.

People we have spoken to in our township don't like it when it is perceived that something is being hidden (deliberately?) from us, or that elected officials are not being straightforward. They don't like it when we are told that we need this building; that we need this size of building; that any questions are redundant; and that, like it or not, we will pay $23 million (or more) for it ... no questions asked!

Hey Skip...be honest and tell us the truth, and the voters may just surprise you. Better yet, the voters will really surprise you this August, when we ship you back to private law practice.

Keep those e-mails coming: stopskip08@aol.com.

Skip Maccarone NEEDS you (more accurately, he needs your tax money) so drive safely this winter!

Old man winter is back. This is why the staff of the INSIDE OUT encourages all Shelby Township residents to drive carefully.

Icy, snow-covered roads require us to relearn our winter driving skills. Think ahead...slow down...leave early for your destination...and ARRIVE ALIVE!

Supervisor Skip Maccarone also recently urged residents to drive with extra care. Is Skip's concern because he cares about us and our families? Or, is it because of something else?

Given the enormous spending Skip has embarked upon since his election, and considering his plans to spend millions and millions more for his self-proclaimed "campus", his concern is likely more financial than personal.

The bumper sticker above says it all. So when you are on the road during the next few months, remember that Supervisor Skip Maccarone considers you a vital part of the township. Not because he cares. Not because he wants to hear what we think. And not even because of your vote. Skip Maccarone cares because you (or rather your tax dollars) are critical to funding his constantly-increasing township spending.

That's how we see it. If you want to pass along some information or ideas for how we can defeat Skip Maccarone this coming August, send an e-mail to stopskip08@aol.com.

Until next time, please drive safely. WE DO CARE!

Why Taxpayers Distrust Skip Maccarone?

If there is anything that Supervisor Skip Maccarone has shown us since his election (besides his liberal spending) it is the value of trust. However, in this case, we have learned that trust is earned and not freely given -- and, quite frankly, Skip has lost any trust that he had with township residents.

There comes a time in almost every politician's life when people get tired and want something different. That time has arrived here and now in Shelby Township.

Taxpayers are simply TIRED of Skip Maccarone, and are eager to embrace a new leader who can move our township forward. In particular, we are tired of his ego-antics and his constant need for self-promotion. We are tired of his "I am the center of the universe" way of thinking. We are tired of his condescending attitude. For seven long years, we have listened as $kip reminds us, constantly, that he knows EVERYTHING.

Skip's leadership (if you can call it that) is troubling and tiresome!

Not only that, but Skip's dictatorial approach to governing (his "my way or no way" attitude) has really gotten old. He looks down at residents who have questions (don't we have the right to question?) and sees concerns by his fellow elected officials as "pointless" or "uninformed."

Skip Maccarone has said and done many things over the years which have given Shelby Township residents good reason to no longer have confidence or faith in him as Supervisor. Simply stated — Skip has let us down! This is not something that happened overnight, it has occurred over a period of years...

(1) When Maccarone was challenged about the costs of engineering for road improvements in the township, $kip went nuts. "I don't think the average taxpayer gives a hoot how much the engineering costs when they can get some (traffic) relief." Macomb Daily, December, 6, 2003. Skip obviously doesn't care, but rest assured that taxpayers (and voters) do "give a hoot" about how $kip is spending our loot! And he has spent a bundle!

(2) When challenged about billings by AEW, the township's engineering firm, at the February 5th, 2002 Board of Trustees meeting, $kip went on the attack AGAIN. Here is how the Macomb Daily reported Maccarone's outburst in the March 2, 2002 issue: "I don't care," Maccarone said (about AEW's billings) "I never did. I don't see anything wrong with AEW's billing practices." Obviously, $kip didn't care, or didn't see any reason for the questions about costs paid by taxpayers. If $kip doesn't care about the costs of the engineering bills paid for by taxpayers, then we certainly need someone who does.

(3) We have all heard $kip say this at a Board of Trustees meeting when discussing one of his controversial spending proposals. "Let's just approve it tonight and we'll figure it out somewhere down the pipe." In other words, just vote "yes" to spend the money now, and we'll shift the money around, from account to account, later to find a scheme to pay for it. If you ask us, Skip is certainly smoking something in that "pipe" of his!

(4) Soon after taking office, Skip issued a directive (via memo) to all Township Department heads NOT to speak to other elected township officials without his approval. Skip claimed this policy was to guarantee efficiency and accuracy of response. Taxpayers, however, saw this for what it was -- a power grab by $kip to control the flow of information in the township. Acting like a little dictator, Skip wanted to make sure that nobody dared voiced their individual opinion without his preapproval. Outrage by the six other duly-elected Board members, along with some bad press, convinced Skip to send another memo shortly thereafter rescinding this power-grab directive.

(5) When residents come to speak at Board meetings, they should beware. If you have a complaint that $kip doesn't want to hear, he will rule you out of order, claim that your concern is not "Township Business" or simply say you are misinformed. Another trick is to tell a taxpayer with a concern to "call my office tomorrow." This is because Skip can't stomach talking about issues on television in the public's eye especially if it reflects poorly on his leadership (which it usually does). Talk over the phone, and nobody will hear what's really going on. Slick trick Skip!

(6) In the Monday, December 17, 2007 issue of the Detroit News, $kip talked about the burden of asking Shelby Township residents to pay more money for cable television. In this article, $kip condemned Comcast Cable's decision to move the Shelby government TV channel from the previous channel #5 up to channel #915, accessible only with a digital receiver. To get this channel, Comcast subscribers would have to upgrade their existing analog service to a digital receiver, at a slightly higher cost.

"It's a great inconvenience to ask people to pay more money," Skip said.
Grand-master Maccarone lodged a similar complaint against Comcast in the December 2, 2007 edition Source Newspaper: "I, as an analog customer of Comcast, will have to obtain a box, whether or not free, and after one year, pay for that box in order to receive the same service I am receiving today."

Skip went on to rant that people rely on government TV for information, and that (according to $kip) changing channels will deny residents vital information. Maccarone wants us to believe this change by Comcast will devastate Shelby Township?

Skip wants us to think that this is a life and death decision by Comcast. Really? What about those township residents (and, yes, even township officials) who don't even have cable TV? Are they, somehow, deprived of information? Do they not know what is going on? Come on!

If you ask us, Skip's anger at Comcast is more for personal reasons. The change means that people will not be able to to watch his performance at Board meetings (as arrogant as it may be) or watch Skip's self-promotion program Shelby This Week.

Why is it an inconvenience, as Skip says, to pay more for cable programming, but it is not inconvenient to pay more in township fees and assessments to support Skip's excessive spending? What about the projected $20 to $25 million spending for Skip's police and court building? Isn't this massive spending (combined with Skip's plan for a $50 million campus) an inconvenience on people?

Next time you see Skip Maccarone, ask him that important question...and watch his facial expression and body language as he grasps for a politically-correct answer.

Meanwhile, if you want to join our campaign to Stop Skip Maccarone, send an e-mail to stopskip08@aol.com. Election day 2008 is fast approaching...