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THE BIRMINGHAM BUZZ
"Cast your vote for intelligence and reason"
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Birmingham Buzz # 61 -- Oct. 30, 2003

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VOTE NOV. 4!
The Buzz supports McDaniel, Moore, McKeon and Plotnik


In this edition:

1) Comment: Fat Cat Seger tries to buy election
2) City budget summary is posted
3) Comment: Election fliers best suited for trash
4) Both theaters may get new owners
5) City may toughen teen drinking law
6) Tougher drinking law draws support
7) Comment: City should listen to residents
8) Letter: Eccentric's picks lack gender balance
9) Letter: Eccentric should have endorsed Plotnik
10) Letter: Don't fall for Lanzetta's scare tactics


1) Comment: Fat Cat Seger tries to buy election

Oct. 30, 2003

We've been wondering lately how one would buy an election in Birmingham.

We started thinking about it a few weeks ago after Commissioner Dante Lanzetta accused us of forming "a political action committee to raise thousands and thousands of dollars to hire high-priced political consultants to help them 'buy' this election."

We reminded you then that our PAC is a grassroots organization that has collected approximately $6,000 in small donations from the residents about whom Lanzetta claims to care so much. We also were quite straightforward about one of our primary goals: to unseat Lanzetta.

We came up with a few tongue-in-cheek ideas about how we could buy the election. We thought about hiring Tonya Harding to "hit" Seth Chafetz. We thought of buying back the police horse, running him at Hazel Park, and betting our wad on him to place. We even thought about buying a vowel for Denise Grzech. We figured our best (and most expensive) shot would be to buy free sewer laterals for everybody.

But seriously, we couldn't figure out a way to buy your votes if we wanted to.

Until now.

It appears that Lanzetta and his longtime crony Ralph Seger are quite adept at buying elections. Here's how they do it:

Seger, Fat Cat from a wayback, supplies the dough. The Quarton Lake Estates resident has been active in local politics for several years. He currently serves as chairman of the Barnum Study Committee, which has been dragging its feet for more than a year now trying to figure out what to do with Barnum School. Each election, Seger donates the maximum to each of his chosen candidates: $500 for himself, and $500 for his wife. In this election, the maximum adds up to $4,000. Then he forms a PAC (this time it's called Residential Action), and donates the max to his PAC. So now you have one man ponying up $5,000 to influence your vote.

Lanzetta, a master at using lies to monger fear, supplies the propaganda.

The result: Garbage in your mailbox like the piece that went out this week. In it, Seger's candidates are painted as saints, and everybody else as evil. We won't dignify the garbage by repeating it. But if you read it, look for facts, quotes or voting records. You won't find them.

What you'll find is a blatant attempt to instill fear by painting Lanzetta and his Radical Antis as moderates, and the true moderates as radicals. This is a time-honored and occasionally succcessful tactic. Don't buy into it, and don't let your friends and neighbors buy into it.

As we get deeper and deeper into Crunch Time, the candidates' true colors begin to show. It happened last time around, when a phony mailer went out that purported to be from developers in support of the moderate candidates. It was actually from the Radical Antis, and was probably financed by Fat Cat Seger.

This time, at least Seger put his home address on the garbage he's sending out.


2) City budget summary is posted

Oct. 28, 2003

Buzz readers can now access the 2003-2004 Approved Budget in Brief by clicking on the link in the right-hand column of our home page or simply by visiting http://www.bhambuzz.org/pdfs/budget.pdf. To download to your computer, simply right-click the link and choose Save Target As... The document was taken from the city's website at http://www.ci.birmingham.mi.us.


3) Comment: Election fliers best suited for trash

Oct. 26, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Joe Bauman

The window in my Maple Road office overlooks Poppleton Park, one of Birmingham's truly great neighborhoods. I have enjoyed countless walks along its streets, admiring the uniqueness of each house, the well-tended lawns and the mature trees.

The home directly across from my third-floor office has a large maple tree abutting the property line, and each autumn my colleagues and I anticipate its explosion into a riot of yellows, oranges and reds.

Just like it is now.

But just as sure as that maple tree is a true sign of fall, so is something else happening in my adopted neighborhood: Mailboxes all along those tree-lined streets are being stuffed with campaign brochures for next month's city commission elections.

I've been involved in covering plenty of local elections in the dozen years I have worked in Birmingham. By most accounts, this year's commission race is surprisingly quiet, given the fact that four of the seven commission seats are up for grabs and the community is at a significant crossroads of what kind of town it wants to be.

There isn't a whole lot of money being spent by the candidates, who seem to be content with letting their campaign brochures speak for themselves.

And that's too bad, because campaign brochures are like elbows Ð everyone has them, and they all pretty much look alike.

Campaign brochures are a glaring example of the power of incumbency. The folks already in office get to take credit for all things good in the community, whether they had anything to do with it or not, or even supported whatever it is they are not trumpeting.

This plays particularly well for Dante Lanzetta, the dean of the commission who is completing his 18th year on the commission.

Lanzetta's brochures make it sound like he single-handedly built Birmingham into the fine city it is.

For instance, Lanzetta takes credit for a thriving central business district and points to his support of both the Birmingham Principal Shopping District and the city's 2016 Plan as important tools in keeping it healthy.

Funny thing is, he has expressed a good amount of disdain for both in the past couple of years, but hey, that's politics, and Lanzetta has every right to take credit for all of the city's successes.

And curiously, Lanzetta takes credit for the construction of the Baldwin House, and in the same brochure trumpets the support of former Birmingham mayor and county commissioner Donald Jensen, who did everything in his power to block the subsidized senior housing development.

But Lanzetta is not alone in this practice. The other incumbents are doing the same thing, as do incumbents in every election in every city in America. That's how the game works.

So where does that leave the challengers? They are forced to either criticize their opponents, or drone on about how they are for clean and safe neighborhoods, quality schools and strong family values.

Spare me.

In all my years covering elections, I still haven't run across the candidate who is against clean and safe neighborhoods, favors crappy schools and wants an adult entertainment venue on every street corner.

My advice is the next time you receive a piece of campaign literature, throw it in the trash. If you really want to get to know your local candidates, read about them in the newspaper, attend a candidate forum, or pick up the phone and call them.

You'll get a much better idea of who they are, and what they really stand for.

Joe Bauman is managing editor for the Eccentric Newspapers.


4) Both theaters may get new owners

Oct. 26, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

With the departure of the power couple that opened both of Birmingham's movie theaters, speculation is swirling that the leases on both theaters may soon be sold to another company.

David Trepeck and Carole Ilitch Trepeck, who moved from Birmingham to California, founded Uptown Entertainment, a subsidiary of Ilitch Holdings, and spent some $7 million to renovate the Birmingham Theatre at 211 S. Old Woodward.

The theater revived that section of town and the couple later opened the Uptown Palladium 12 at 250 N. Old Woodward to rave reviews. The Palladium is a 73,000-square-foot complex with 12 auditoriums, 2,650 seats and wall-to-wall curved screens.

Both theaters are successful -- so much so that extra police were called in over the summer to handle throngs of teens hanging out in the city's burgeoning entertainment district.

The Trepaks didn't own the buildings that housed the theaters so a potential sale is for the leases and the ongoing theater operations.

The owners of both buildings said Friday that they have heard the leases are being quietly shopped around but that they wouldn't know of a deal until it is signed. Officials at Uptown entertainment had no comment.


5) City may toughen teen drinking law

Oct. 26, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

Throwing a teen beer bash won't be easy and those who do will be punished, said Cmdr. John VanGorder, of the Birmingham police.

"We want to make people accountable for their actions," said VanGorder.

Under proposed changes to the city ordinance against house parties, teens could be fined up to $500 or spend 90 days in jail for having or attending a house party where alcohol or other controlled substances are offered to minors. Though police typically ticket people who supply the alcohol, teens could be ticketed for attending a party even if they aren't drinking.

And the rules eliminate the age-old excuse that someone else brought the beer. "People will be compelled to break up the party or call the police if someone brings alcohol," said VanGorder.

Under the new rules that will be up for possible adoption by the Birmingham City Commission Monday, teens are required to either break up a party or call police if alcohol or drugs are present at a party.

Birmingham Police Chief Richard Patterson said the ordinance has been on the books since 1994 but the changes will offer better enforcement options. He also said teen drinking isn't a major problem in the city.

"In the '70s and early '80s, parents were having keggers for their kids' graduation parties," said Patterson. "They thought as long as they kept everyone on the property it was OK. But that kind of thing isn't going on anymore."

But that isn't to say that teens aren't partying when their parents are gone.

Last year, parents and educators intercepted invitations to a house party that promised alcohol. And a section of the yearbook from Birmingham Seaholm High School explored the topic of teen drinking at house parties. The feature quoted several teens who basically said drinking was a part of growing up. The remarks caused a minor uproar with some parents, but others said teen drinking was a fact of life.

According to police statistics, three tickets were issued for house parties last year compared to one the year before. And just five minors were arrested on alcohol charges last year compared with 10 in 2001.

Teens can also be ticketed for drinking and drug use under state law.

The meeting is at 8 p.m. at city hall, 151 Martin.


6) Tougher drinking law draws support

Oct. 26, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

The success of any new ordinance dealing with underage drinking at house parties will depend largely on how many people know about it, according to some Birmingham teens and parents.

On Monday, Birmingham City Commissioners will vote on whether to shore up their ordinance dealing with underage drinking at house parties to include $500 fines and possible jail time for anyone hosting a party where alcohol is provided to minors.

"There's always the traditional situation where the parents go out of town and the children throw a party without them knowing, but our real problem here and in other communities comes from parents' attitudes that it's all right for kids to have alcohol at parties as long as they know about it," said Peter Mueller, a parent of a Seaholm High School senior.

The new rule comes with the full support of the Birmingham Community Coalition, a group focused on preventing teen substance abuse and one upon which Mueller serves as a board member.

Coalition Director Lisa Machesky said the group fully supports the city's effort to stiffen its ordinance against underage drinking and hopes it provides some momentum in its fight to change public attitudes on the subject.

"We still have parents who believe it's OK for kids to drink a little as long as they are doing it at home," Machesky said.

The Coalition is borrowing a page from the Ohio Parents for a Drug Free Youth group to help in its efforts to get the word out about changes in alcohol laws whose Parents who Host Lose the Most, campaign has helped to change laws in 30 states.

"This is a great title and what that does is helps us to get the message out to the parents. Parents know this is specifically targeted to them and that's important," said Patricia Harmon, the group's executive director.

Harmon said stiffening laws against parents and teens who host parties where alcohol is served to minors is only half of the equation.

"It's kind of a carrot and a stick type thing. The tougher laws are like the stick telling parents and teens that they have to change their behavior or face the consequences. The carrot comes in after a while when we begin to see that people are banding together and changing their thinking on the subject," Harmon said.

For students like Seaholm senior John Zervos the changed laws are a good idea provided people know about them.

The ordinance eliminates a party host's ability to claim ignorance in cases where underage bring alcohol.

"I think people have to take responsibility for their own actions," he said.

Mueller agrees but said he understands putting the brakes on a house party can be difficult for a teen.

"I think it's tough and it takes a lot of maturity and courage. I think it helps if the parents are sending a clear message that drinking is just not tolerated in their house. I think if the other kids know that it can take the pressure off a little. With my kids, there were times I knew some of the other kids didn't come over because that was the rule," Mueller said.


7) Comment: City should listen to residents

Oct. 23, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

Three times the majority of residents on Harmon Street have petitioned the city commission to have their street paved.

For years, the city has placed temporary coatings on the street to such a point that the crown in the road now rises several inches above the sidewalk. Consequently, when it rains, the sidewalks flood.

The frustrated residents circulated petitions three times asking the city to finally pave the street and properly end the mess. More than 70 percent of residents in the affected area signed the petitions, which were presented to the city commission.

But the commission has refused to act. Several residents from surrounding streets have opposed the paving, saying it would destroy the rustic nature of the neighborhood.

That may be true, but it is also true that those who complained do not live on the street. It's not their front yards that are being flooded.

The majority of residents on Harmon have made it clear they want the repaving and they are willing to pay for it. Their voice should carry far louder than those who oppose the paving, but don't live on the street.

The underlying issue isn't asphalt - it's accountability and responsibility. The city commission has the responsibility to listen to all sides of an issue and make a measured judgment.

The commission has done half of its job. It's listened. Now it has to do the rest and accede to the will of the reasonable majority.

Pave the street.


8) Letter: Eccentric's picks lack gender balance

Oct. 23, 2003

The Birmingham Eccentric endorsements for the Nov. 4 city commission election are generally fair and thoughtful. I especially appreciate that in its support of some of the incumbents the Eccentric takes them to task for their lack of leadership over the past four years.

However, the newspaper's endorsements show an obvious disregard for gender balance. The Birmingham City Commission has always lacked appropriate female representation. I urge voters to select candidates that accurately represent our community by considering some our fine female leaders.

Shelli Weisberg
Birmingham


9) Letter: Eccentric should have endorsed Plotnik

Oct. 23, 2003

I am sorely disappointed by the Eccentric's endorsements for the position of Birmingham City Commissioner.

Certainly Julie Plotnik has the leadership qualities, business savvy and vision to help lead our city. For the past several years, Plotnik has worked tirelessly as a watchdog for the citizens of this community, regularly attending city commission meetings and staying abreast of the issues impacting Birmingham families.

Plotnik is a 12-year resident of Birmingham who has worked diligently to ensure that Birmingham moves forward as a vibrant community. She is an active parent in the public schools, works in downtown Birmingham and recently co-founded the successful Birmingham Farmers' Market.

Plontik is a dynamic woman who can bring balance, sensibility and vision to our city commission. She is a voice for the families of Birmingham, a voice that can provide stability and promote cooperation. Julie Plotnik is a woman who will work hard for our community and soundly lead it into the future.

Cathie Badalamenti
Birmingham


10) Letter: Don't fall for Lanzetta's scare tactics

Oct. 23, 2003

I am writing you this letter to voice my concerns regarding the current election for city commission. I moved to Birmingham in February of 2002 with the promise of a safe well-educated, fiscally responsible community and have since become concerned. I am now reading numerous pamphlets of propaganda that promise the stability I sought in my initial decision to move here.

If you actually read what some of these people are saying you will realize that most of their statements are false and baseless. What or who am I to believe? The candidate's rhetoric is confusing.

Dante Lanzetta, for instance, writes that he is passionate and outspoken against Bigfoot houses and for managing the size of down town development. What is a BIG FOOT house anyway? Is Mr. Lanzetta over-simplifying this issue and trying to scare us? Mr. Lanzetta is strongly urging me to vote against other candidates by expecting me to believe that they are for unchecked development and enormous homes.

Once again, he is using a scare tactic to confuse us. In my short time here I have only been able to draw the conclusion that the current city commission and planning board members are making critical decisions without any knowledge of the material they are ruling on. I have attended a few HDDRC meetings and have been appalled by the lack of professionalism there. Bill Dow, who has signed some of the letters being distributed, sits on the HDDRC board. He has done nothing but shoot from the hip on every issue put in front of him.

He makes decisions based on his aesthetic tastes and gut feelings, not pertinent information and real knowledge. I have seen him vote against a request simply because he doesn't like it.

The bottom line is that some candidates are claiming to have expertise and are currently working in areas they know nothing about. Concerned citizens who read their letters and take their claims as fact are being misled.

I encourage Birmingham residents to get the facts from candidates instead of relying on political rhetoric.

Robert Hewer
Birmingham


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