Their Recall Scam, Their Recall Scam, Township Residents Rejected Save Shelby’s Recall Scam!

Ever since we launched the Inside Out three years ago, we have been impressed with our readers.  Time and again they have contacted us and come up with really GREAT ideas.  Some of these ideas are that good that we just HAVE to pass them along for others in our township to read. 

We have learned to never underestimate the creativity or intelligence of Shelby Township residents.  The “Save Shelby, Status Quo, Liberal Spending Liars Society” (a.k.a. Save Shelby), and their puppet on the Board of Trustees Lisa Manzella, did just that by trying to sell their ridiculous recall based on lies and misinformation.  They tried, they failed — and failed miserably.

The overwhelming majority of Shelby residents rejected this recall, seeing it for what really was: an attempted power grab by a special interest (towing family) and the police union to protect their pay, pensions and contracts.  Their grand scheme didn’t work, and our democracy is better off today because the recall flopped.

Yet, it seems as though some of the Save Shelby crew want to keep themselves in the public eye, perhaps for their expected run for township office in 2012?   They think “face time” on Shelby cable television twice a month will, somehow,  help with their election chances.  Highly doubtful, because when we peel back the layers of the Save Shelby onion not only does it stink and make our eyes water, we eventually get to the center of what these Save Shelby political wannabees truly are.

The people associated associate with Save Shelby, and who have wild ambitions to run for township office, suffer a severe case of “electile dysfunction.”  Once the facts are known about the Save Shelby candidates, and once the truth about their agenda is exposed, we are confident Shelby voters will reject the snake oil cure that these people are trying to foist upon us.   As we have already said, Shelby residents are smarter than the Save Shelby people give us credit for.

Humor is a powerful weapon.  Below is a parody of the failed Save Shelby recall that we received from one of our readers.  It tells the story of the recall in a way that connects with people, while highlighting the stupidity of the whole recall attack.  We have also included a graphic which helps explain the story, just click on the graphic above for a larger view.

Even though the topic of the recall is somewhat dated now since it failed, the issue of Save Shelby and what they want to do to our township is still relevant — since their spokesman, Richard Batchelder, announced at the August 16th Board of Trustees meeting (as reported in the August 18th Inside Out) that they will run candidates for township offices in 2012.

This simple story puts the whole recall/Save Shelby movement in a light that connects with people.  We hope you enjoy this humorous take on the Save Shelby gang.   And thanks again for forwarding this parody to us to share with people in Shelby Township, and around the world.
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Greedy Lies and Recall Scam

— a parody of Green Eggs and Ham —

I am Nick. Nick I am.

I am leader of the Recall Scam.

Oh, that Nick I Am.  That Nick I Am.
I do not like that Nick I am.

Do you like my Recall Scam?

I do not like it, Nick I Am.
I do not like your Recall Scam.

Would you sign our petition here or there?

I would not sign it here or there.
I would not sign it anywhere.
I do not like your Recall Scam.
I do not like it, Nick I am.

Would you sign it for a lie?  Would you sign it if I cry?

I will not sign it for a lie.  I will not sign it if you cry.
I would not sign it here or there. I would not sign it anywhere.
I do not like your Recall Scam.
I do not like it Nick I am.

Would you sign it for a threat?  Would you sign it on a bet?

Not for a threat, not on a bet.  Not for a lie, not if you cry.
I would not sign it here or there.  I would not sign it anywhere.
I do not like your recall scam.  I do not like it, Nick I am.

Would you, could you, for my dad?  Sign it.  Sign it.  You’ll be glad.
You may like us, you will see.  Our Save Shelby gang is full of glee.

No!  No!!  No!!!
Not for your dad.  Not to be glad.
Not for a bet or because of a threat.
Not for a lie.  And not if you cry.
I would not sign it here or there.
I would not sign it anywhere.
I do not like your Recall Scam.
I do not like it, Nick I am.

For the police union then, you most certainly will write.
Your name on our petition, would be a welcome site.
We MUST change this Board, so let’s take out our axes,
And smack anyone who supports lower taxes.

High pensions, high pay and high perks galore,
We’ll take all the money, and still demand more.

If tax hikes are needed, then just raise them all,

“High taxes are great,” is the Save Shelby call.

Our Recall Scam is just what we need,
To protect our entitlements, and support all our greed.
Please sign it, please sign it, we need every name.
If we don’t do this right, then we won’t win the game.

Stop, stop, stop — this is getting out of hand!
Your nonsense is simply more than I can stand.

I do not like your Recall Scam.  I do not like it, Nick I am.
Taxpayers are smart, much more than you know.
We support our Trustees and want YOU to go.

Away with your scams, your tax hikes and schemes.
Your plans for our township are horrible dreams.
Your recall has failed.  Your petitions are trashed.
Those who supported your tricks have been smashed.
It’s time to move on and put taxpayers first.
“Save Shelby” has shown us the worst of the worst.

Remember this when they come calling next year.
“Vote for our Slate” you will most certainly hear.
These people want power, they need the control,
To protect their own pockets, they’ll sell their own soul.

Save Shelby will fail, just as they’ve done before.

And then when they’ve lost, they’ll start crying some more.

Common sense will prevail, when all’s said and done.
Save Shelby will lose — once the taxpayers have won!

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There you have it!  The Save Shelby attacks, as seen through the eyes of Dr. Zeuss.  Feel free to pass this on to your family and friends.  When you look at the recall madness this way, you can see just how dangerous the “Save Shelby, Status Quo, Liberal Spending Liars Society” really is.

If you have an idea like this one that you want to share with Inside Out readers, whether for attribution or not, send it along to our e-mail at stopskip08@aol.com.

Until next time...

The Save Shelby “Entitlement Syndrome” Threatens Our Township and Risks Higher Taxes On Residents

When you cut through all the noise, the nonsense, the propaganda, the hate-filled personal attacks, and the plain old bull$h!t, the Save Shelby gang and their handful of supporters have always been about one thing: ENTITLEMENT!

This group has embarked on a nearly three-year political witch hunt to protect what they see as their cherished entitlements from any talk of change.  These entitlements range from elected Board positions, the battle began with the removal of Skip Maccarone in 2008; the awarding of township contracts, the recall stupidity started when the Board voted to seek bids for towing work; and now even unpaid appointments to committees, begun by Save Shelby advocate Brent Freeman who couldn’t retain his “entitled” committee seat.  Through all this, the Save Shelby group has shown that their group’s wants and needs trump the greater good of taxpayers.

Over the past several weeks, various members of the Save Shelby bunch have come to public meetings seeking attention to their cause.  A last gasp of desperation?

These people wrongly claim that Supervisor Stathakis and the Board are rude to residents.  Actually, it’s the other way around.  The only people who use vulgarities and shout disrespectfully at meetings are the Save Shelby gang and their snake oil sippers.  Hardly a meeting goes by when we don’t hear some Save Shelby associate yelling “jackass”, “a$$hole”, “dammit” and an occasional “F word”.  Judging from their RUDE actions at meetings, the Save Shelby people resemble high school burnouts after a tough day at shop class!

The Save Shelby crowd is frustrated that things aren’t going their way these days.  Their recall threats/attacks were rebuked by residents; their effort to push their big union agenda is failing; and their political attacks are backfiring.  The group is a total failure, and so members of the “Save Shelby, Status Quo, Liberal Spending Liars Society” are lashing out for attention.

As reported in our September 8, 2011 edition of the Inside Out,  during the September 6th Board of Trustees meeting, Treasurer Paul Viar called out the “Save Shelby, Status Quo, Liberal Spending Liars Society” for what they really are.  His comments were right on.  If you haven’t seen or heard what Treasurer Viar said, check it out.

Trustee Manzella didn’t like Mr. Viar’s latest criticism of Save Shelby.  So, after getting home from the Board meeting, Manzella felt a need to respond to a comment on Save Shelby’s Facebook page by Pierce Davis.  Davis wrote, in an apparent response to Viar’s comments about Save Shelby: “Viar just owned you guys tonight!”  Manzella went ballistic and, as you will see, Marsha Nightingale (of Nightingale towing fame) couldn’t help but join this tag-team attack.

When you read Manzella’s post, ask yourself if Lisa’s comments are a rational statement from someone fit to serve as a public official, or the senseless rantings of someone with serious “issues?”

“Save Shelby” Supporters Continue Their Nasty Attacks Against Our Township and Our Elected Officials

The Tuesday, September 20th Board of Trustees meeting featured some interesting comments from the Save Shelby crew.  Here is a rundown of some of cast members who spoke at the meeting...

BRENT FREEMAN - At the September 6th meeting, Freeman was criticized by fellow residents for expressing a “no new people need apply” feeling when it comes to township government.  As if that wasn‘t stupid enough, Freeman doubled-down on his “no new people” views at the September 20th meeting.  He complained, again, about not getting reappointed.  He demanded to know what makes new people more qualified than he is for the Sidewalk Committee.

Hey Brent, we understand your passion.  However, holding a volunteer position on the Sidewalk Committee is not rocket science!  Besides, this is not your seat.   As Shelby resident Ron Churchill said, at one time Mr. Freeman was new and somebody gave him a chance.  Yet, today Freeman rejects the notion of giving new people a chance.  Instead, Freeman feels entitled to his committee position and supports the same old, status quo.

TERRI KOWAL - Clerk Terri Kowal receives the “Bonehead Award” for the most ridiculous comment made at the September 20th Board meeting.

When resident Dave Fulkerson pointed out (during Business from the Floor) that Kowal’s family supported the recent failed recall attempt of Mr. Stathakis and Mr. Viar, Kowal quickly denied involvement.  “My family did not support the recall,”  she said.  After Fulkerson corrected her and noted that Kowal’s son did join the Save Shelby recall (we covered Kowal’s complicity in two previous Inside Out posts — one on May 21, 2011 and the second on June 23, 2011) Kowal waffled: “My son collected seven signatures.”

Okay, so either Kowal lied about her family not being involved in the recall (they were and she even supported the Save Shelby group), or she doesn’t consider her son, who lives with her, to be a member of her family.  This is strange!  Kowal added that her son is 32 years old and can do whatever he wants because she can’t control him.

Personally speaking, if one of our kids wanted to get involved in something that we felt was inappropriate (especially something like a political recall of an elected colleague) we would make sure they did not get involved.  Throwing her son under the bus in such a manner says something about Mrs. Kowal.

KEN UNDERWOOD - Resident Ken “the pottymouth” Underwood came up to trash the Board again at the September 20th meeting.  We have all grown fatigued by Underwood’s attacks.

So what was Underwood ranting about this time?  He was angry that Treasurer Viar had supposedly parked a township car at Chase Bank in a handicapped parking spot.  Underwood said he took photos of the car to prove it (is he stalking Mr. Viar?), and said that he called the cops.  Mr. Viar proceeded to display his handicap permit, proving that he has permission to park in a handicapped spot.  Underwood called Mr. Viar a “jackass” and said he felt Treasurer Viar should get a ticket. 

WTF?  Ken “the pottymouth” Underwood, a retired Shelby police officer, actually wants our township to ticket drivers who park in handicap spots, even if they have a handicapped permit?  Sure, writing more tickets would be a perfect way to try and boost money for the police department (they are facing financial problems).  However, is this something we want our police officers to spend time doing - harassing drivers?  What’s next – giving speeding tickets to drivers who follow the speed limit?

NICK NIGHTINGALE - Dressed up as if he were going to a funeral, Nick “the loudmouth” Nightingale approached the podium to proclaim himself a fiscally-responsible conservative.  Really?  After spitting out our Pepsi (we couldn’t believe what he said) we burst out laughing.  Nick Nightingale, a fiscal conservative?  That’s a lot like saying President Barack Obama supports lower taxes and smaller government.

Nick is obviously trying to rewrite history.  After months (if not years) of supporting the “Save Shelby, Status Quo, Liberal Spending Liars Society”, after being publicy exposed as a recall fanatic, and after trying to bully Trustees to protect his family’s entitlement to towing, Nightingale says this?  Who does he think he is fooling?

Just because you call yourself something doesn’t make it so.  Nick Nightingale may call himself a conservative, just as some members of the Board (Kowal and Manzella?) call themselves Republicans to get elected to office.  But actions speak louder than words and truth is stranger than fiction.

TIM ORBACKI - Save Shelby advocate Tim Orbacki has made it clear that he dislikes the Board of Trustees.  He clearly hates the Supervisor, has compared the Board of Trustees to the Detroit City Council, and at the Tuesday, September 20th meeting took his nasty personal attacks one step further by comparing Trustee Paula Filar to Monica Conyers.  Take another sip of that snake oil Tim!

The only thing that Trustee Filar has in common with Monica Conyers is that they are both females.  The comparisons stop there!

Don’t worry Mrs. Filar.  Sure, the “Save Shelby, Status Quo, Liberal Spending Liars Society” are boisterous and brash, but they do not represent the views of the overwhelming majority of taxpayers and VOTERS!  We appreciate your hard work.

Orbacki’s hyper-critical attacks against the Supervisor and Board ignore the many positive developments Supervisor Stathakis and the Board have given our township since their election in 2008.   Supervisor Stathakis and the Board have done more to enhance the township’s financial picture, and protect us from higher taxes, in three years than his predecessor did in eight years combined.  This includes maintaining a positive financial picture, at a time when other communities are going broke; protecting essential services, as a time when other communities are forced to cut police and firefighters; and enhancing the level of services provided to Shelby residents without raising taxes at a time when other communities are seeking tax increases from residents.

The last point, raising taxes, is something Orbacki does not seen overly concerned about.  In fact, he supports higher taxes.  You heard correctly!  Orbacki has written that if taxes need to be raised to deal with the township budget, then the Board should do it.  On September 22, 2010, at 10:07 a.m., Orbacki sent an e-mail to township officials stating the following:
“The budget is the board’s problem to raises taxes if needed.”  

Orbacki also apparently feels the police department is just fine (even though financial projections show otherwise) because the Board can always raise taxes.  When the Board initiated a study of the police department, seeking an expert review of how and where to reduce costs without hurting police protection, Orbacki protested.  As reported by Frank DeFrank in the Monday, December 22, 2010 issue of the Macomb Daily, Orbacki declared the study a waste of time.
 “You can do a review, but I don't really see what you're going to get out of it.”

So what did the Township “get out of it”?  The report by Mark Nottely shows how the township can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in police operating costs to address growing financial problems.  Orbacki may not like the idea of restructuring the police department to save money, but the times necessitate such actions.  Even Orbacki’s own union, the UAW, is cutting internal costs, reducing staff, consolidating departments and asking rank-and-file workers to take reductions in pay and benefits.  So why is Orbacki opposed to cost-effective changes in Shelby Township?

Mr. Orbacki, who once lived in Canton Township, has been quoted in newspapers discussing issues like roads and fire protection.

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Canton Observer, April 26, 1979 - Residents gripe about bad roads 

A sharply worded opening statement by Franklin Palmer Estates Homeowners Association President Tim Orbacki set the mood for a meeting with the Wayne County Road Commission Tuesday night.

Orbacki called for action “like yesterday” on a stretch of Sheldon Road from the Franklin Palmer subdivision to Cherry Hill Road, which is part of the road labeled Canton's worst in a recent Observer poll.

“It is unsafe, damaging cars, forcing residents to use air conditioning because of dust, is missing guard rails and may soon be the cause of tragedy in this area,” Orbacki said.

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We have never heard Tim Orbacki thank our township Board for being proactive when it comes to roads.  Supervisor Stathakis and the majority of the Board of Trustees have allocated precious dollars for needed road enhancements.  They have also worked with Macomb County on road issues.  Yet, we have never heard Mr. Orbacki compliment the Board for a job well done on roads.  Why?

Here’s another...
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Canton Observer, May 12, 1980 - Resident says fire vehicles’ condition poor 

Anonymous charges of poor maintenance of fire department vehicles will be the subject of a meeting called for today in Canton Supervisor Noel Culbert’s office.

Attending the session will be members of an investigative committee appointed following public disclosure of the charges.

Fire Chief Mel Paulun freely admitted that he has been “lax in keeping records,” but that oil had been changed in the vehicles more frequently than shown in the books.

According to [Tim] Orbacki, who spent several days investigating maintenance practices in Canton as well as in other communities, said Friday he believed the vehicles had not been well-maintained.

“There’s a serious, serious problem here,” he said.  “The ambulances (rescue units) are just rusting away.  I’m shocked and amazed.  There’s almost $1 million in equipment down there that’s ready to fall apart.”

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We have never heard Mr. Orbacki praise the Shelby Board of Trustees for being responsible when it comes to equipping our fire, emergency medical providers and police officers.  Supervisor Stathakis and the majority of the Board have worked to maintain essential services, while simultaneously reducing the costs of those service.  Job well done!

Shelby Township’s fire and EMS vehicles are not “rusting away.”  Shelby’s equipment is not ready to fall apart.  Township police protection remains high and public safety is strong.  So why has Mr. Orbacki not come forth to thank the Board for these positive actions?  Could his affiliation with the “Save Shelby, Status Quo, Liberal Spending Liars Society” be the reason?

Don’t buy it.  It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.

There were other Save Shelby fanatics who spoke, but you get the idea.  The ongoing Save Shelby antics would be humorous if their impact weren’t so serious and detrimental.  Think about it.  These are the people who want to control the township.  They want the unions to run the show.  They want special interests to call the shots.  The Save Shelby group wants taxpayers to just pay the bills and shut up.

These people, backed by Trustee Lisa Manzella, think they have all the answers.  They oppose change to past practices, and support business as usual with regard to township services.  These people think they know best how to address our township’s finances — and their agenda includes raising taxes, if needed, to address budget issues. 

This is really what the “Save Shelby, Status Quo, Liberal Spending Liars Society” represents.  Their “entitlement syndrome” threatens our township.  This is why honest, hard-working, civic-minded and conservative Shelby taxpayers need to reject them and their snake oil message when they run their slate of candidates in the 2012 elections.

Our township has made too much progress under Supervisor Stathakis and the current Board to go back to the days when Save Shelby, and their big-spending politicians, would bankrupt our township.

Until next time...

Save Shelby’s Snake Oil Solution Will Erode Taxpayers As It Emboldens Union and Special Interest Control Over Shelby Township Government

“Friends don’t let friends drink snake oil!”

Back in the “good old days” of yesteryear, a snake oil salesman would ride into town with a guaranteed promise to make everything better.  “You need help and I hear what you say, I have what it takes to make your problems go away,” the pitch would go.

People were told that one gulp of this magical elixir was all that is needed to eliminate aches and pains forever.  Never mind the fact that this snake oil was a bogus fraud — the salesman’s pitch was enough (in his mind) to make this medicine a tasty solution for those eager for a quick fix.  Never mind that it was formulated from the venom of rattle snakes.  “You need a cure and we have it for sure.”

Looks like history is repeating itself here in Shelby Township.  The Save Shelby solution for our township resembles that classic snake oil pitch from generations ago.  The special interests and people who are powering the Save Shelby attacks are counting on ordinary residents (people like us) to buy what these politically-motivated individuals are selling.  Lead by their top snake oil saleswoman Trustee Lisa Manzella, and group spokesman Richard Batchelder, the Save Shelby gang has come to town with a promise to bring “something different” to our township.  “Just go ahead and drink up!”

Keep in mind that this Save Shelby snake oil may taste good at first, however the bitter aftertaste and resulting hangover will make you sick as you endure higher spending, expanded union control, higher employee pensions, higher employee health care costs, greater special interest control over our tax dollars and, ultimately, higher taxes on all of us.  This is why, using history as a guide, Shelby Township residents are strongly encouraged not to drink the Save Shelby snake oil kool-aid.  Doing so will lead to heartburn, headaches, nausea, misery and financial pain.

Desperate to take power away from the people and give it to themselves, the Save Shelby gang keeps trying to sell this stuff to the general public.  They are getting increasingly frustrated by the unwillingness of the people to buy it.
• They tried it with their numerous recall efforts, spewing all sorts of lies to support their campaign.  Their recall was laced with fraud, and the result was FAILURE.
• They have done it by trashing our township officials, calling them “corrupt“ and “criminals” — statements based on allegations that were fully investigated and dismissed with no charges of wrongdoing.  Yet, the Save Shelby gang keeps attacking our elected officials with words like corruption and wrongdoing — two elements which have absolutely no basis in reality.
• They have tried to sell their snake oil over the Internet, with written condemnations of our Board, claiming they have failed to represent residents.  Actually, an overwhelming majority of township residents understand how our current Board has stood up and fought aggressively to protect the interests of taxpayers.  The current Board has stood strong against union bully tactics and special interest intimidation.  They have given control of our township back to the people, and this has angered those special interests who want to take the power back for their own, personal reasons.

Each of their attempts to try and seize control of our township has fallen flat.  The bottom line is that most Shelby taxpayers aren’t interesting in drinking their snake oil.  Just like those who exposed snake oil as a fraud, township residents see the Save Shelby “supercure” for what it is: a BIG LIE.  Sure, Save Shelby has received plenty of media attention lately — the squeaky wheel gets the grease and these people have been squeaking a lot recently.  However, when the cameras go away and the newspapers move on to more important and relevant stories, Save Shelby’s message evaporated.

This group and their handful of supporters, people like Clerk Terri Kowal and her family, Skip and Linda Maccarone, Brent Freeman, Clarence Cook, Tom Delise, Richard Batchelder,  Joe and Lisa Manzella, the Nightingale family, and a few others with personal goals, will likely continue to smear our township, and the Board of Trustees, in the hopes of reclaiming their empire.  Their hopes will fade as residents push back against these bullies and stand up for the majority on the Board of Trustees who have made real progress these last three years building a stronger township, preserving essential township services, reducing overall spending, and working for Shelby Township taxpayers.

THE SAVE SHELBY GOAL:
“Change THEY Can Control”

The real gripe the Save Shelby proponents seem to have comes down to one word: CHANGE.  They don’t want it - they don’t like it - they will fight it tooth and nail. 

These people don’t acknowledge what the Board of Trustees has done to change the spending habits of the township.

They don’t like how the township is saving money instead of spending money.  Trustee Manzella said it would be better to spend money than save it in the bank.  At the September 6th Board meeting Manzella’s good friend, Brent Freeman, went one step further said that saving $22,000 is not a big deal.

WTF?  Not a big deal?  Oh sure, it is only $22,000!  But come on Brent, are you really that disconnected with reality?  Are you that blinded by political ambitions (and hatred for the current Board) that you ignore savings like this?  And you honestly want taxpayers to elect you Treasurer?

Freeman’s “anti-new people” message is not being well received in the general public.  Some residents are appalled by his political grandstanding.  Meanwhile, some in the Board room yelled out “what’s wrong with new people?”  A very good question which Freeman did not answer.

We should all remember this logic in the 2012 elections when Freeman, Manzella and the rest of their Save Shelby gang will want to replace effective, conservative and EXPERIENCED township leaders with new people for the sake of new people.  Tisk...tisk...tisk...will these people ever learn?

The Save Shelby gang does NOT appreciate how the Board’s change from liberal to conservative priorities has paid off for taxpayers.  This is due to the strong conservative views of Supervisor Stathakis, Treasurer Viar, and Trustees Flynn, Filar and Wozniak.  These five are the only Board members who understand financial forecasts and who have worked tireless to keep spending in check, make government smaller, and protect the vital services residents expect.

• Save Shelby doesn’t want changes to towing services, including competitive bids.  This is why when the Board of Trustees voted to implement a bidding process, the Nightingale family went ballistic and the recall craze began.

• Save Shelby doesn’t want changes made to high-cost employee union pensions.  This is why when the cost of these pensions was exposed by Treasurer Viar, and the Board of Trustees began working to reduce these costs, the police union went ballistic and joined the recalls.

The Save Shelby group’s true feelings about change in our township is best be summarized by what Save Shelby advocate, and rumored Save Shelby Treasurer’s candidate, Brent Freeman said recently.  Speaking at the Tuesday, September 6th Board meeting during Business from the Floor, Freeman was griping about not getting reappointed to his volunteer, unpaid position on the Sidewalk Committee.  Why?  Because Shelby Trustees wants to make a change and bring new people into the process. 

During his self-righteous lecture, Freeman said the following:
“It makes no sense to me that you're going to allow new people to come on to replace people who have experience, with new members.”

This proclamation goes along with what we have been hearing from Save Shelby for the past several months.  Save Shelby gang’s believes:
• They are entitled to do towing work for as long as they want, without change.
• They are entitled to receive high-cost, budget-busting employee union pensions for as long as they want, without change.
• They are entitled to maintain committee seats for as long as they want, without change.
• They are entitled to keep their power in the township as long as they want, and will work like hell to stop any change.

When you think about what they have been saying and doing recently, perhaps the name “SAVE Shelby” is an appropriate name for their group after all.  Could the letters S.A.V.E. really stand for: Supporting All Variety of Entitlements?

S.A.V.E. SHELBY = Supporting All Variety of Entitlements, Shelby!

Back in our August 18th Inside Out we discussed why the Save Shelby “Liar Society” will be dangerous and disastrous for our township.  If Save Shelby gang gets their slate of special interest candidates elected to the township Board in 2012:
• Will the Save Shelby candidates get tough with employee unions on cutting township spending, or will they simply roll over and give the unions everything they demand in order to stay on good terms and avoid future recall threats?
• Will the Save Shelby candidates try and reduce budget-busting, jackpot union pensions, or will they simply go along to get along and keep giving the unions higher pensions?
• Will the Save Shelby candidates support competitive bids for contracts, like towing, or will they give in to special interests and hand out contracts to their friends and supporters without bids?
• Will the Save Shelby candidates support taxpayers, or put taxpayers secondary to the demands and desires of special interests?  Remember, the recalls were prompted by special interests and the unions, so appeasing them would likely avoid any talk of recalls.

The Save Shelby gang rejects change, has contempt for change, and believes that the only good change is change that directly benefits themselves and their political needs.  This group’s deep-rooted hatred for the current Supervisor began when Mr. Stathakis trounced the liberal-spending Skip Maccarone back in 2008.  This change, brought about by concerned taxpayers, really irritated these people.  Did the Save Shelby feel entitled to hold this elected position for as long as they wanted?  Given their feelings on everything else, it makes you wonder.

The Save Shelby “get even” campaign began shortly thereafter, and their nasty attacks have continued ever since.  Supported by people like Linda Maccarone, who have publicly stated their desire to “overthrow the government” of Shelby Township [as documented in our June 8th Inside Out post detailing the Save Shelby social network smear campaign] and you can see just what kind of change these people will bring to Shelby Township.

It is truly scary when you stop and think about what the Save Shelby gang will do, what they are willing to say, and how far they will go to try and sell their poisonous snake oil.

The Save Shelby swindle has been exposed, and we predict their efforts will fail as miserably in the future as they have in the past.  Why?  Because their countless lies have been exposed, their political motivations have laid bare for all to see, and their repeated smears and character assassinations have no foundation at all outside of the Twilight Zone.

Until next time...

Political Hypocrisy Is the Hallmark of the Save Shelby Attacks Upon Our Township and Our Elected Officials

Shelby Township residents who had the stamina to endure the marathon Township Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, September 6th were treated to an evening of memories.

The meeting itself was long, boring, mostly uneventful and, at times, emotional, especially when it came to discussion of the 41A District Court.  Given the length of the meeting — five hours — and the host of issues discussed and voted on, it is evident that regardless of one’s personal feelings about individual Board members, our elected Trustees are doing the people’s work.

It was certainly a fun meeting to watch.  The Save Shelby group was on display once again, and there were a few moments which stick out as examples of Save Shelby’s disconnect with reality.

During the meeting, Trustee Lisa Manzella, a Save Shelby charter member, looked flustered and frustrated.  However, it was during the 41A District Court resolution discussion that Manzella seemed completely disconnected with reality.

As Trustees discussed a resolution concerning the possible relocation of the Court, Manzella said that she has always supported the court staying in Shelby Township and “nothing I have seen has changed my mind.”  Manzella went further saying, to our amazement, “I never supported a $20 million court building.”  WHAT!!! 

You heard correctly.  Mrs. Manzella claimed, publicly and on the record, that she never supported a $20 million building to house a new court.  Cue Rod Serling … we have just entered the Twilight Zone of Save Shelby stupidity.

Manzella is playing grammatical tricks.  She may not have supported a $20 million “court building” but she definitely supported a $20 million “justice center.”  That is a difference without a distinction.  We all remember that expensive facility that would have been constructed with new bonds paid for by the people without a vote of the people.  That building, according to financial forecasts, would have bankrupted our township, or at least required huge tax increases.  Skip Maccarone said no public vote would be taken on the new justice center, and Manzella agreed.

If you want to check Manzella’s public record, read our October 10, 2010 Inside Out.

Not only did Manzella want to bond for a $20 million justice center, she was the most outspoken Board member in support of bonding for an entire $49 million “campus.”  She said the township could easily afford to spend this money with no financial impact.  Furthermore, Manzella wanted to build these new buildings with new bonds/taxes collected without a public vote.

Manzella may think her slick trick of attempting to rewrite history worked, but she’s wrong.  She was called out about her revisionist comment by Supervisor Stathakis, who has always opposed bonding without a public vote.  Caught in a lie, Manzella got red in the face (at least it appeared so on TV) and, in her follow-up rant, blamed the Supervisor for misrepresenting facts.  The only misrepresentation of facts on the court, or anything else, is coming directly from Lisa Manzella’s mouth. 

The resolution on the 41A District Court passed.  Taxpayers want to thank Supervisor Rick Stathakis, Treasurer Paul Viar, and Trustees Mike Flynn and Paula Filar for making it clear that they support a public vote.  We also thank Trustee Doug Wozniak, because even though he did not support the resolution we know he supports public participation in this discussion.

As for the other two, let’s just say ......................... on second thought, we better not!

Next up, Shelby resident Brent Freeman.  Mr. Freeman regularly attends televised meetings to challenge the Board and question decisions on issues, many of which he apparently knows nothing about.  Mr. Freeman’s catch phrase has previously been “I’m confused” and he has said that repeatedly.  However, at the September 6th Board meeting we heard a new Freemanism: “I’m disappointed.”

Mr. Freeman was upset that he did not get reappointed to his volunteer, non-paid, part-time position on the Shelby Sidewalk Committee.  Poor Brent!  Mr. Freeman’s gross display of self-serving politics was surprising, but not unexpected.  At least twice during his remarks it appeared as though Mr. Freeman was going to cry.  He called out Supervisor Stathakis and Trustee Wozniak as two people that he is “disappointed” with for not reappointing him.

Given his alleged political ambitions — rumor is Freeman will be the Save Shelby slate’s candidate for Treasurer in 2012 — you would think he would understand how bad his lecture appeared to those who were watching. 

Brent Freeman does not support recruiting new people into the governmental process.  Or, perhaps more accurately, Freeman welcomes new people as long as he gets to stay in a position for as long as he wants.  Freeman said that since he was a member of the Sidewalk Committee he should remain for as long as he likes.  This captures the very essence of what Save Shelby stands for.  Consider this:

• The Nightingale family, key supporters of Save Shelby, gets upset when the Board wants to introduce a new policy of bids for towing services.  They cry about it at Board meetings, condemn elected officials and launch a recall to force their will on the rest of us.  Clearly, the Nightingales feel entitled to the towing work and don’t want any changes.

• The Shelby police union, advocates of Save Shelby, gets upset when information about their pensions is made public.  They cry about it at Board meetings, condemn elected officials and launch a  recall to force their will on the rest of us. Clearly, the police union feels entitled to keep the pension benefits as they always have been and don’t want any changes made.

• Brent Freeman, a stanch supporter of Save Shelby, gets upset when he is not reappointed to his part-time, volunteer, non-paid committee position.  He cries about it at Board meetings, condemns elected officials, and perhaps will go file petitions for another recall (heck, anything is possible).  Clearly, Freeman feels entitled to his position and doesn’t want any changes or new people involved.

And the Save Shelby craziness keeps going ... and going ... and going! 

The jaw-dropper of the evening, however, came at the end of the meeting.  Just as we were about to fall asleep, Treasurer Paul Viar asked for the floor to answer some comments made about him at the August 16th Board meeting.  We have included excerpts of Mr. Viar’s statement below.

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Excerpts from Treasurer Paul Viar’s Remarks to Shelby Taxpayers
— Shelby Township Board of Trustees meeting - Tuesday, Sept. 6. 2011

I would like to respond to comments made by some people associated with a group that calls itself Save Shelby.  We have heard how this group claims to want to Save Shelby.  Township residents who have called me are demanding to know what these people wish to Save Shelby from?

We get an idea about this group’s intentions from a comment posted on the Save Shelby Facebook page, and I quote: “When Township leaders aren’t smart or wise enough to effectively lead, they bully those around them or try to discredit them.  I call it “bully politics”, you know kind of like what dictators do.  So maybe it is time to “overthrow” the government!”

EDITOR’S NOTE: MR. VIAR POINTED OUT THAT THE PERSON WHO MADE THAT OUTLANDISH STATEMENT IS LINDA MACCARONE, WIFE OF SKIP MACCARONE.  
We previously exposed Mrs. Maccarone’s revolutionary rant in our June 8, 2011 Inside Out “Save Shelby’s Social Network Smear Exposed; Residents Rise Up Against Ridiculous Recall.”

CONTINUING MR. VIAR’S STATEMENT...

• Do those involved with Save Shelby, people like Mrs. Maccarone, who advocate overthrowing the government, want to go back to the days when the township would burden taxpayers with a $49 million bond issue for a campus?

• Does this group want to return to 2007, when the township was forced to take more than $2 million from our reserve funds, to balance the budget because of overspending by the previous administration?

• Do they want to concede to every union demand, and not ask employee unions for shared sacrifices during tough economic times?

• Do they want to sit quietly and not attempt to correct our township’s retiree pension situation?

• Do they want to return to the practice of replacing every retiring government employee with a new hire, thus never reducing payroll costs?

The Save Shelby plan would mean higher taxes and it would mean giving control of the township to the special interests who support their group. 

This Board has negotiated tens of thousands of dollars in savings in employee health care costs.  We have balanced the township budget three years in a row, without raising taxes and without using any reserve funds.  Today, our township is operating with 18 fewer employees than we had in 2008.  We cut our workforce through attrition, without cutting services.  We have maintained essential township services, police, fire and EMS, while reducing the overall cost of those services.

Shelby taxpayers are asking is this what the Save Shelby crowd wishes to save our township from?  Responsible, effective, accountable and, conservative government?

Treasurer Paul Viar raises a valid point.  Since the Save Shelby gang has expressed an interest in controlling the Township Board, and since they say they want to take Shelby in a new direction, which direction would that be?

- Since we currently have a conservative Board, and Save Shelby wants something “different”, does that mean a more liberal Board?

- Since we currently have a Board that has reduced township spending, and Save Shelby wants something “different”, does this mean their group will increase township spending?

- Since we currently have a Board that has held the line on taxes, and since Save Shelby wants something “different” for our township, does that mean their group has a plan to raise taxes to support their agenda of higher spending?

- Since we currently have a Board that has reduced the cost of township employee health care, and since Save Shelby wants something “different” for our township, does this mean their group wants to go back to the days of ever-rising health care costs?

- Since we currently have a Board that wants to get serious about addressing our township’s unsustainable union pension program, and since Save Shelby wants something “different” for our township, does this mean their group will take the union’s side in support of higher pensions?

Residents demand to know what exactly is the Save Shelby message?  “We can do a better job?”  “We will cut the budget more?”  “We will get tougher with the unions?”  “We will do a better job of address township health care and pension costs?”

Shelby taxpayers who see the whole picture about what has been happening over the last few months with name-calling, recall threats, and rude behavior at Board meetings, now understand the real agenda and motivations here.  The Save Shelby plan is not a taxpayer-friendly plan, and this is why people are turning off to what they have to say.

If the Save Shelby gang succeeds in their goal to “overthrow the government” of Shelby Township in 2012, then the special interests will win, unions will win, and the big spenders will win!  Shelby taxpayers will LOSE BIG!  Is that a risk that you are willing to take?

Until next time...