No...really...she does. We're not kidding!!
Really..........she has said that more than once (if you tell a lie often enough people might start to believe it).
Okay ... now that you have finished laughing hysterically at the outlandish notion of Manzella speaking for the majority of people in our township, let's move on!
Actually, to be fair, Lisa Manzella DOES have a voice - in fact, several contradictory voices depending on whom she talks to (or about) and what particular issue tickles her fancy at the moment. However, there is one indisputable fact: Lisa Manzella is more concerned with her personal agenda than with the interests of the people who pay her Trustee's salary.
One of our writers (a long-time township political observer) came up with this short poem which, as she said, accurately describes Manzella's tenure as Shelby Trustee:
Lisa Manzella talks as if she cares what we say, but then she turns her back on us and arrogantly walks away.
She loves to spend our money and always follows the pack,
And when residents come forth to speak out, Manzella stands up and screams "HIJACK!"
Editor's note: We will explain Manzella's hijack comment in a future post. Then, you will see how this exposes her true feelings about residents who opt to exercise their First Amendment rights at Board of Trustees meetings. Suffice it to say it was the most condescending statement made by a township elected official since the “peanut gallery” remark a decade ago.
Manzella tried to make a name for herself during the discussion a few years ago on the "justice center" proposed for the municipal grounds. You remember ... that $20 million project that Supervisor Maccarone wanted to ram down our throats. That misguided plan where he wanted to borrow millions of dollars from us through new bonds without any public involvement or a public vote. That building that was just one part of a much larger $50 million campus project.
Lisa Manzella was Maccarone's number one cheerleader, not just for the "justice center" but for the entire $50 million campus. As reported at the time, that campus included the justice center as well as a new library, new recreation center (which was rejected by the people at the ballot box), new cable television building, new parks and recreation building, a brand new township radio station (WRSM), a township pool and any other luxury item Maccarone could dream up. You see, when the taxpayers are footing the bill, there is no end to what the politicians will spend.
When this project first came up, none of Manzella's cadre raised a voice in protest. Why? They were more than happy to let politicians borrow millions to build a shrine to themselves. Why didn't these people rise up and complain about this massive spending? Because they didn't want to rock Manzella's boat? Because they didn't want to give Maccarone any bad publicity? Or (like the closet liberals they really are) because they really wanted to get our township on the hook for millions in new spending, and the higher taxes that most surely would have followed? Or were they blind to reality?
Now, in a vain attempt to try and reinvent herself, Manzella is talking like a fiscal "conservative." She is telling people that she is the ONLY true conservative on the Board.
Nice try Lisa, but township residents outside Manzella's political circle aren't buying her snake oil. Manzella talks about her concerns with spending, but that's all it is -- TALK. Talk is cheap, and it is obvious that Lisa Manzella is a political cheapskate.
The real leader in cutting township spending has come from Supervisor Rick Stathakis. At a time when Maccarone wanted to pile millions and millions of dollars in new spending on our backs, Mr. Stathakis pledged to cutting spending, improve township operations and make no cuts to vital public services. Mr. Stathakis also pledged not to raise taxes, something that you NEVER heard from the other guy. Strange isn't it? Ever wonder why?
Supervisor Stathakis has kept his pledge to cut spending. He has cut spending more in two years than the last guy did in eight years! Mr. Stathakis has also protected vital township public services like police, fire and emergency medical response, and he is continuously working to make our township government more efficient. Doing more with less - a financial mandate during these weak economic times - is not just talk for Supervisor Stathakis: it is what he does when he goes to work for us everyday. As he said, doing more with less is the "new norm" in our lives these days.
Supervisor Stathakis is a true conservative Republican, no question about it. Anyone who says anything different doesn't know what he or she is talking about.
However, as we see it, Trustee Lisa Manzella is NOT a conservative. No matter what she tries to convince people of today, by her past votes and actions she has proven that she is NOT a conservative. Some residents even question whether Manzella is a true Republican or a 'geographical Republican." What exactly is a geographical Republican? A politician who uses the Republican label because it is a convenient way to get elected. These people don't truly adhere to the Republican philosophy, except as a convenient crutch to get a taxpayer-funded job.
Below are excerpts from what Trustee Manzella told newspaper reports about the 41-A District Court and her $20 million “Justice Center." Is Lisa Manzella a liar? That's not for us to judge. We'll just give you the facts and let you decide. Lisa Manzella
Macomb Daily - April 23, 2006
Sierawski and Chief Judge Maceroni to increase fines for traffic tickets an additional $5 per ticket. That money then would go into the Court's building fund.
Trustee Lisa Manzella said she would have preferred a 100% increase above what the judges recommended.
"I thought $5 was a little light," Manzella said. “If we get to June and make some plans to break ground, maybe we can think about $10."
NOTE: WAS MANZELLA LOOKING FOR AN EASY WAY TO PAD THE BANK ACCOUNT FOR HER JUSTICE CENTER? TAKE MONEY FROM THE PEOPLE TO BUILD SOMETHING WE CAN'T AFFORD SO WE ARE FORCED TO PAY MORE MONEY TO OPERATE IT?
Macomb Daily - March 26, 2010
Shelby Township Trustee Lisa Manzella, who lobbied for construction of the justice center, predicted her township will feel the loss of the court for years, both in the decline of spillover business as well as the loss of prestige as court host.
"It's going to be devastating to Shelby in the long run," she said.
NOTE: SINCE THE COURT IS ACTUALLY A MONEY-LOSER FOR THE TOWNSHIP, AND THE GENERAL FUND IS ACTUALLY SUBSIDIZING THE COURT, MANZELLA'S PREDICTION ABOUT HOW RELOCATING THE COURT WILL DEVASTATE OUR COMMUNITY IS AN EXAGGERATION. Some have wondered if Manzella is pandering to the court to try and win votes?
Macomb Daily - May 9, 2009
Trustee Lisa Manzella chaired the committee that studied the need for a new police station/district court building and made the original proposal for one structure to serve both functions.
Manzella said she favors sticking close to the original plan.
"We have to keep in mind that a building will eventually be paid off and be an asset to the township" she said.
NOTE: WHAT IS LARGER...THE "ASSET" 20 OR 30 YEARS FROM NOW, OR THE LIABILITY MANZELLA WANTED TO FORCE ON TAXPAYERS TODAY? ONCE AGAIN, HER LIBERAL LOVE OF TAX MONEY CAME SHINING THROUGH.
The Source - August 24, 2008
At a June 17 meeting of the Shelby Township Board of Trustees, a panel of experts was invited to speak about the financial status of the township and whether the facility could be constructed using funds from the police and court departments. Discussion, however, was tabled in order to deal with a report that projected a deficit in the township general fund whether or not the center was build.
"It was said at that meeting that we would still be facing a deficit whether we built that building or not," said Manzella.
"Part of my job requires me to go to these government offices throughout Macomb County. When someone goes into Clinton Township or somewhere to pay their taxes, they see what they tax money is being used for. When they go into Shelby township to pay taxes, they don't see that," she said. "People in Shelby township deserve to have nice things."
NOTE: YES RESIDENTS DESERVE NICE THINGS. BUT SHOULD WE HAVE ELECTED OFFICIALS LIKE MANZELLA FORCING US TO ACCEPT NICE THINGS THAT WE SIMPLY CAN’T AFFORD? SHOULD WE BE MANDATED TO PAY FOR “NICE THINGS” THAT WOULD REQUIRE STIFF TAX AND FEE INCREASES — OR BANKRUPT OUR TOWNSHIP?
Macomb Daily - December 20, 2007
Trustee Lisa Manzella, who headed a committee that studied the feasibility of the building, pointed out that three teams of experts reviewed the operation of the departments and concluded the planned building is of appropriate size and scope.
Manzella said that both interest rates and construction costs are low as companies compete for work.
"This is a great time for us to construct a building," Manzella said. "Some of the greatest buildings (in the nation) were built during the Depression. They put people to work."
A MANZELLA STIMULUS PLAN?
Remember, Lisa was in charge of the Committee for a "justice center." This explains why she remains passionate about supporting her own recommendation for an over-sized and over-priced building.
Macomb Daily, July 7, 2009
Initial plans called for a combined police/court building, at a cost of about $20 million. That plan is dead, but officials might consider a streamlined proposal for a court building.
Several board members, including Stathakis, campaigned on a promise to put the question to voters. That's the question the Board of Trustees is expected to address tonight.
"There is still a consensus the need is there," said 41A District Judge Douglas Shepherd. "But I wonder if it would pass on a vote. It seems to me that it would be difficult."
Several years ago, township voters turned thumbs down on a proposed millage to fund road improvements. In 2006, a ballot proposal to fund a recreation center also was turned down.
Following the defeat of those proposals, township elected officials haven't seriously discussed those issues again.
Trustee Lisa Manzella, who supports construction of a criminal justice center, fears the same fate for the court building if voters turn down the question.
"It will just die," she said.
Manzella also said elected officials should make the decision on the future of a court building.
"We were elected to do a job," she said. "We have to stand on our own two feet."
NOTE: MANZELLA'S POSITION ON BONDING IS THE SAME AS HER MENTOR SKIP MACCARONE. NO PUBLIC VOTE. JUST LET THE BOARD VOTE. THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE ELECTED TO DO! IF THE PEOPLE VOTE NO, THEN SO BE IT.
What Manzella
Macomb Daily, February 21, 2009
Nearly three years have passed since Shelby Township Trustee Lisa Manzella told her elected colleagues that construction of a new police station/district court building was a "necessity" for the township.
The first shovelful of dirt has yet to be turned, but Manzella hasn't changed her mind.
"I still believe and know we need this building," said Manzella, who headed a committee that studied the issue in 2005-2006.
"We did our homework," Manzella said. "We have (plans for) a building that's going to serve the community over the next 15 to 20 years."
And while everybody concedes the police department will have no trouble paying its share, questions continue as to whether the district court can meet its financial obligation.
Others wonder if the original ($20 million) plan might be too ambitious.
"Perhaps cutting back on extras and size will be a solution," [Clerk Terri] Kowal suggested.
For now, elected officials will focus on several intermediate steps before reaching a decision.
As far as Manzella is concerned, the answer is as clear today as it was three years ago.
"It's the right thing to do for the township," she said. "I don't think stalling the project is an option."
NOTE: MANZELLA HAS TOO MUCH INVESTED IN THIS COURT ISSUE FOR HER TO SEE THE ECONOMIC FACTS FACING TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS.
Macomb Daily -- July 8, 2007
A committee that included police and court officials and township Trustee Lisa Manzella recently reviewed a plan proposed by French and Associates, the firm hired by the township to design the building.
"We're pleased with what French and Associates did," said Manzella, who has pushed for construction of a building to house the police department as well as the 41A District Court.
While the board has acknowledged the need for construction of a new facility, critical questions remain unanswered. Those questions include the exact cost of the facility and when construction will begin. Previous estimates on the cost ranged from $20 million to $24 million.
Township elected officials have met several times over the past three years to discuss the building, but as of yet have made no firm commitments.
During a presentation she made in March 2006, Manzella urged her colleagues to move quickly to approve the structure.
NOTE: MOVE QUICKLY TO APPROVE IT BEFORE THE TAXPAYERS COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON?
Macomb Daily -- March 6, 2006
Construction of a new police station/district court complex is a "necessity and Shelby Township officials must commit to such a project promptly, a trustee who studied the issue said.
First-term Trustee Lisa Manzella, charged with investigating the police and court facilities, presented her findings and came up with a recommendation for her fellow board members at a special meeting.
Manzella's conclusion: Built it, and build it now.
"I firmly believe that this facility is a necessity," Manzella said.
Manzella enlisted CDPA Architects, a Southfield firm experienced in the construction of police and court facilities and Omega Development of Warren. She also visited several court and police buildings.
Together, Manzella's "team" came up with a recommendation to build a two-story, 89,000 square foot "justice center" to house both police and court operations at a cost of about $23 million.
Manzella pointed out that township officials discussed building a police and court building as far back as 1991, and "inaction over the years has been very expensive."
Maccarone has said repeatedly all of the construction could be funded through bond sales. "If the price tag is under $50 million, I still think we can do it without a tax increase," he said.
But some board members are skeptical and don't believe they should spend that much money without voter approval.
NOTE: MANZELLA'S "TEAM" WOULD HAVE BANKRUPTED OUR TOWNSHIP! REMEMBER, MANZELLA ALSO ADVOCATED CONSTRUCTION OF SKIP'S $50 MILLION CAMPUS - WITHOUT A PUBLIC VOTE. SHE SAID THAT SHE BELIEVE ELECTED OFFICIALS WERE BETTER PREPARED TO MAKE THIS DECISION THAN THE VOTERS.
Lisa "the Liberal" Manzella has a rather strange way of looking at the world. As she sees things:
• Not forcing residents to pay $20 million for her "justice center" is more expensive than spending $20 million for a building that we couldn't afford?
• Not giving taxpayers a voice on bonding for millions of dollars is better for democracy than giving the people a voice?
• Building a police building that would bankrupt our township or force significantly higher taxes on everyone is more financially-sound that building a new police station we can afford and using money saved up in the bank to pay for it.
After all this, Lisa Manzella still has the audacity to call herself a servant of the people?
Public officials, by their nature, are open to public criticism. As President Truman once said, "if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen." Well, Manzella doesn't like the heat but wants to stand in the middle of the kitchen and give the orders. Her newest complaint is that taxpayers who have never met her personally have no right to criticize her actions. Well, since we are paying her salary then we have a democratic right to criticize.
Sorry Lisa. You are absolutely INCORRECT. We have never personally met President Barack Obama, but since we pay his salary we are free to criticize his actions and decisions. We have never met Governor Jennifer Granholm, but feel comfortable pointing out the faults in her miserable eight-year record in office. If we apply Manzella's demented logic to the real world, then whenever politicians do something that we don't like, like maybe raise taxes, unless we have taken the time to sit down to a quiet dinner with them, or enjoy a cup of coffee, then we should just keep our mouths shut.
Is that a sane position for a township elected official, or any elected official for that matter, to take?
How can a public official, who loves to see herself quoted in the newspapers and on television, complain when taxpayers criticize her public comments, public actions and public votes?
Lisa Manzella's position is indefensible (and just plain stupid) and illustrates just how far out of the mainstream she truly is. A voice of the people? Not as far as we're concerned.
In conclusion, although there are other township blogs which claim to be the "voice" of Shelby Township, we have been, and will always remain, the REAL voice of Shelby Township. All others are just pretenders...we are the real deal!
Until next time...
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