Williamson Watch

Former Flint Mayor Don Williamson bills city $600,000 for back pay

2009-04-27T14:34:00.003-04:00

Former Flint Mayor Don Williamson bills city $600,000 for back pay--The Flint Journal

Flint City Council to weigh suing Williamson over payout

2009-03-08T18:21:00.001-04:00

Flint City Council to weigh suing Williamson over payout--The Flint Journal

Don Williamson wants back pay: Former mayor shunned his salary in office but now wants $500,000

2009-02-22T16:19:00.001-05:00

Don Williamson wants back pay: Former mayor shunned his salary in office but now wants $500,000--The Flint Journal

"As far as I'm concerned, it's like he stole $115,000 in the middle of the night right before he left office," said Councilman Scott Kincaid.

Resigning Flint Mayor Don Williamson still wants to be Michigan's governor

2009-02-11T16:01:00.001-05:00

Resigning Flint Mayor Don Williamson still wants to be Michigan's governor--The Flint Journal

From the article:

When asked whether resigning from the city would affect his chances to run for governor, Williamson said his record as mayor will help him win."I'm going to go down as the greatest mayor this city has ever had," Williamson said.

Flint Mayor Don Williamson resigns

2009-02-09T11:39:00.001-05:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson resigns--The Flint Journal

Second sudden switch: Change in police chiefs in Flint takes city by surprise

2009-02-07T11:55:00.001-05:00

Second sudden switch: Change in police chiefs in Flint takes city by surprise--The Flint Journal

John Keahey named Flint interim police chief, David Forystek out as interim chief after less than a month on the job

2009-02-06T12:06:00.000-05:00

John Keahey named Flint interim police chief, David Forystek out as interim chief after less than a month on the job--The Flint Journal

Flint Mayor Don Williamson cancels news conference about shake-up at City Hall

2009-02-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson cancels news conference about shake-up at City Hall--The Flint Journal

Flint Mayor Don Wiliamson shakes up staff with choice of longtime community leader as new city administrator

2009-02-05T08:15:00.000-05:00

Flint Mayor Don Wiliamson shakes up staff with choice of longtime community leader as new city administrator--The Flint Journal

Flint interim police Chief David Dicks arraigned on fraud charge, banned from carrying gun

2009-02-04T13:47:00.000-05:00

Flint interim police Chief David Dicks arraigned on fraud charge, banned from carrying gun--The Flint Journal

The recall group details its case against Flint Mayor Don Williamson and its vision of what Flint can be

2009-02-04T08:07:00.000-05:00

The recall group details its case against Flint Mayor Don Williamson and its vision of what Flint can be--Andrew Heller: Flint Journal Columnist

Aide to Mayor Don Williamson files complaint against group seeking recall

2009-01-28T08:11:00.000-05:00

Aide to Mayor Don Williamson files complaint against group seeking recall--The Flint Journal

Too quiet

2009-01-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

Too quiet: Let's start debating the recall effort involving Flint Mayor Don Williamson
by Flint Journal Editorial Board

Flint police chief David Dicks indicted on charge of fraud

2009-01-22T08:22:00.001-05:00

Flint police chief David Dicks indicted on charge of fraud--The Flint Journal

Charges against Flint's police chief come just weeks before recall election against Mayor Don Williamson

2009-01-15T17:15:00.001-05:00

Charges against Flint's police chief come just weeks before recall election against Mayor Don Williamson--The Flint Journal

Interim Flint Police Chief David Dicks appearing in court to face changes on theft of government funds

2009-01-14T14:06:00.002-05:00

Interim Flint Police Chief David Dicks appearing in court to face changes on theft of government funds--The Flint Journal

From the article:
According to the criminal complaint David Dicks indicated he was working an average of more than 30 hours a week for City Security, but a supervisor and co-founder for the company said Dicks had not been employed there for two years.

Flint mayor's PAC in state of inaction

2009-01-14T08:03:00.001-05:00

Flint mayor's PAC in state of inaction--ABC 12

Auditor compares Flint budget woes to those of last days of Stanley administration

2009-01-13T13:23:00.002-05:00

Auditor compares Flint budget woes to those of last days of Stanley administration--The Flint Journal

Yay or Nay Day: Voters will soon decide quiet, but major election on if Flint Mayor Don Williamson should stay in office

2009-01-11T16:54:00.000-05:00

Yay or Nay Day: Voters will soon decide quiet, but major election on if Flint Mayor Don Williamson should stay in office--The Flint Journal

Flint spending pace is "drastically living beyond your means," auditor tells City Council

2009-01-08T14:15:00.001-05:00

Flint spending pace is "drastically living beyond your means," auditor tells City Council--The Flint Journal

From the article:
Mayor Don Williamson said the city's finances are not in good shape, but it's due to the overall poor economy.

"I don't think any city in America is on the right financial path," Williamson said. "We're going to have to make some extreme adjustments."

The mayor said his administration has done a "fantastic job" of making improvements to the city.

Flint revises homicide totals for 2008 -- now shows decline instead of increase; What do you think?

2009-01-05T15:01:00.000-05:00

Flint revises homicide totals for 2008 -- now shows decline instead of increase; What do you think?--The Flint Journal

It's time for City Hall politics surrounding Flint police to end

2009-01-05T14:59:00.001-05:00

It's time for City Hall politics surrounding Flint police to end--by Keith M. Speer President, Flint Police Officers Association, Flint Voices, The Flint Journal

Flint to make tough budget decisions in 2009

2009-01-02T11:29:00.000-05:00

Flint to make tough budget decisions in 2009--ABC 12

Recall elections set for Flint Mayor Don Williamson, Jackie Poplar and other Genesee County officials

2009-01-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

Recall elections set for Flint Mayor Don Williamson, Jackie Poplar and other Genesee County officials--The Flint Journal

Teamsters Local 214 files petition to represent Flint city police officers

2009-01-02T11:26:00.000-05:00

Teamsters Local 214 files petition to represent Flint city police officers--The Flint Journal

Flint loses grant for Kearsley Park over concerns about who will run program; Ruth Mott Foundation pulls funding

2008-12-27T16:27:00.001-05:00

Flint loses grant for Kearsley Park over concerns about who will run program; Ruth Mott Foundation pulls funding--The Flint Journal

Flint Mayor Don Williamson loses court appeal to stop recall, will try again

2008-12-15T16:11:00.000-05:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson loses court appeal to stop recall, will try again--The Flint Journal

Give every household $5,000 for a new vehicle, Williamson says; University of Michigan-Flint econ prof says idea won't work

2008-12-11T11:17:00.005-05:00

Give every household $5,000 for a new vehicle, Williamson says; University of Michigan-Flint econ prof says idea won't work--The Flint Journal

From the article:

Mark J. Perry, an economics professor at the University of Michigan-Flint, said the idea is fraught with problems.

"One problem is not everyone wants a new car," Perry said. "It doesn't seem very sensible."

Flint Mayor Don Williamson wants to give households with registered voters $5K voucher to save auto industry

2008-12-08T08:31:00.001-05:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson wants to give households with registered voters $5K voucher to save auto industry--The Flint Journal

From the article:

"A lot of people are in shock when I come up with these ideas," said Williamson, who has previously touted his 2006 "Save All of America" plan aimed at saving General Motors and Delphi Corp. "Many think they're off the wall, but I'm thinking."

Crony Watch

2008-12-05T08:25:00.001-05:00

Flint police detectives forced to wear uniforms instead of suits--The Flint Journal

From the article:

"I don't like it," said Genesee County Prosecutor David S. Leyton, who believes people are less inclined to be seen talking to a detective in a uniform.

Did Flint mayor abuse police protection?

2008-11-26T13:33:00.000-05:00

Did Flint mayor abuse police protection?
Williamson put 10 special ops officers on duty during party--Michigan Times

Man says he wasn't paid for cleanup work

2008-11-25T11:47:00.001-05:00

Dispute with city of Flint has dragged on for months--ABC 12

From the report:

He says the mayor of Flint hired him for a cleanup project but never paid him. And that pay dispute has dragged on for months.

Flint Mayor Don Williamson loses appeal to court to postpone recall election

2008-11-24T18:09:00.001-05:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson loses appeal to court to postpone recall election--The Flint Journal

Don Williamson's list of things that were more important than saving the city

2008-11-20T12:42:00.000-05:00

Don Williamson's list of things that were more important than saving the city--Andrew Heller, The Flint Journal

Enjoy The Don while you can

2008-11-19T10:34:00.001-05:00

Enjoy The Don while you can--Andrew Heller, The Flint Journal

Mayors from GM towns lobby Congress on bailout, but schedule change prevents Flint's Mayor Don Williamson from attending

2008-11-19T10:23:00.001-05:00

Mayors from GM towns lobby Congress on bailout, but schedule change prevents Flint's Mayor Don Williamson from attending--The Flint Journal

From the article:
"If they don't bail out General Motors, Michigan will become nothing," Williamson said.

Flint searching for police chief even though Mayor Don Williamson named David Dicks his pick for job

2008-11-18T11:03:00.001-05:00

Flint searching for police chief even though Mayor Don Williamson named David Dicks his pick for job--The Flint Journal

From the article:
Dicks could not be reached for comment Monday.

Flint Mayor Don Williamson again driving car similar to police vehicle; What do you think?

2008-11-18T10:54:00.000-05:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson again driving car similar to police vehicle; What do you think?--The Flint Journal

From the article:
"If I want to drive a car, who's going to tell me that I can't?" Williamson said.

The demotion debate in Flint: Will police response time improve at the expense of follow-up investigations?

2008-11-17T10:05:00.000-05:00

The demotion debate in Flint: Will police response time improve at the expense of follow-up investigations?-The Flint Journal

Flint Journal Editorial: Flint once again faces painful recall process

2008-11-17T10:01:00.001-05:00

Flint Journal Editorial: Flint once again faces painful recall process--Editorial, The Flint Journal

Lucky Flint: From one long campaign to another

2008-11-11T08:08:00.000-05:00

Lucky Flint: From one long campaign to another--Andrew Heller, The Flint Journal

Massively Huge Question of the Week: Will Flint voters remove Mayor Don Williamson

2008-11-11T08:07:00.000-05:00

Massively Huge Question of the Week: Will Flint voters remove Mayor Don Williamson--Andrew Heller, The Flint Journal

Flint Mayor Don Williamson in fight to keep job

2008-11-08T08:29:00.000-05:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson in fight to keep job--The Flint Journal

From the article:
One of the driving forces behind the recall, Flint attorney Dean T. Yeotis, said he expects Williamson to spread "propaganda" in the lead up to the vote."He can't just rest on his record," said Yeotis.

Flint Ombudsman lays off staff due to city budget cuts

2008-11-07T13:37:00.000-05:00

Flint Ombudsman lays off staff due to city budget cuts--The Flint Journal

Haskell Community Center in Flint closes again

2008-11-06T16:17:00.001-05:00

Haskell Community Center in Flint closes again--The Flint Journal

From the article:

"We're a little short of cash in the parks department," Williamson said.

Flint police demotions may last for years

2008-11-02T20:21:00.000-05:00

Flint police demotions may last for years--ABC 12

Which is worse: Not doing your job or feathering your own nest?

2008-11-02T09:03:00.000-05:00

Which is worse: Not doing your job or feathering your own nest?--Andrew Heller, The Flint Journal

Cash-strapped city spends thousands at pawn shop owned by mayor's wife

2008-11-02T09:01:00.000-05:00

Cash-strapped city spends thousands at pawn shop owned by mayor's wife--The USA Today

Flint mayor draws ire over keys to the city

2008-10-31T09:20:00.001-04:00

Flint mayor draws ire over keys to the city--ABC 12

From the report:

Records we obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show the city has bought at least 200 keys in the past year alone, and at $30 apiece.

That means taxpayers are footing the $6,000 bill for the ceremonial gifts. And, according to invoices, the keys came from a Mount Morris Township pawn shop owned by Williamson's wife, Patsy Lou Williamson.

Another court hearing set for ongoing Flint budget dispute

2008-10-31T07:59:00.001-04:00

Another court hearing set for ongoing Flint budget dispute--The Flint Journal

Flint to demote police to save money

2008-10-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Flint to demote police to save money--The Flint Journal

From the article:

Williamson referred questions on the demotions to police command staff who could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Is Flint Mayor Don Williamson really running for governor? He says yes, others not so sure; What do you think?

2008-10-28T11:27:00.001-04:00

Is Flint Mayor Don Williamson really running for governor? He says yes, others not so sure; What do you think?--The Flint Journal

From the article:
City Councilman Scott Kincaid, who has a long history of being at odds with Williamson, said Williamson's supposed campaign is all for publicity and will never happen.

"He's just saying he's running for governor because he likes the attention he gets for announcing he's running for governor," Kincaid said.

Williamson taking credit for too much amid efforts to recall him

2008-10-28T09:25:00.001-04:00

Williamson taking credit for too much amid efforts to recall him--The Michigan Times

Initial review indicates recall organizers nearly doubled number of signatures needed to force election on Flint Mayor Don Williamson's future

2008-10-23T20:11:00.000-04:00

Initial review indicates recall organizers nearly doubled number of signatures needed to force election on Flint Mayor Don Williamson's future--The Flint Journal

Flint City Council cuts its budget $100,000, makes bid to get part of it restored

2008-10-23T08:03:00.001-04:00

Flint City Council cuts its budget $100,000, makes bid to get part of it restored--The Flint Journal

The same old Don with the same old tactics

2008-10-21T13:00:00.002-04:00

The same old Don with the same old tactics--Andrew Heller The Flint Journal

From the column:

Neither the mayor nor interim Police Chief David Dicks, who attended the mayor's afternoon news conference, would answer questions about the incidents.

That, as anyone who watches Flint politics knows, is standard Williamson operating procedure. Bluster but don't back it up.

Flint Mayor Don Williamson wants a stay on recall while he files appeals

2008-10-21T12:49:00.002-04:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson wants a stay on recall while he files appeals--The Flint Journal

SMOKE SCREEN ALERT

2008-10-20T18:56:00.001-04:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson accuses recall group of intimidating people into signing petitions--The Flint Journal

From the article:

Neither the mayor nor interim Police Chief David Dicks, who attended the mayor's afternoon news conference, would answer questions about the incidents.

The mayor promised to get into more details about the accusations next week.

Additional police cuts fund partial budget resolution in Flint

2008-10-19T12:22:00.001-04:00

Additional police cuts fund partial budget resolution in Flint--The Flint Journal

Petitions to recall Flint's mayor turned in

2008-10-16T19:28:00.001-04:00

Petitions to recall Flint's mayor turned in--ABC 12

Recall effort claims 17,000 signatures to try to force Mayor Don Williamson from office

2008-10-16T17:01:00.001-04:00

Recall effort claims 17,000 signatures to try to force Mayor Don Williamson from office--The Flint Journal

From the article:

But Susan Strobel, a west side resident, said she signed a recall petition because she doesn't see any improvement in the city since the mayor was first elected in 2003.

"He's full of himself," Strobel said of Williamson. "He needs to think about the people of Flint and not about what the people of Flint are going to do for him."

Flint Mayor Don Williamson's administration and City Council to meet Friday to try to work out budget mess

2008-10-16T16:03:00.000-04:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson's administration and City Council to meet Friday to try to work out budget mess--The Flint Journal

Circuit Judge Geoffrey Neithercut makes ruling in Flint budget

2008-10-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Circuit Judge Geoffrey Neithercut makes ruling in Flint budget--The Flint Journal

From the article:

Mayor Don Williamson referred questions on the ruling to the city's attorneys, who were not immediately available for comment.

Flint's economy 'in a financial crisis'

2008-10-11T11:15:00.001-04:00

Flint's economy 'in a financial crisis'--ABC 12

Flint Finance Director Peter Dobrzeniecki leaving post for job in Inkster

2008-10-09T18:55:00.001-04:00

Flint Finance Director Peter Dobrzeniecki leaving post for job in Inkster--The Flint Journal

From the article:
Mayor Williamson said Dobrzeniecki should not shoulder any of the blame for the $8.3 million deficit that the city ended the 2007-08 year with.

"He had nothing to do with it. That was City Council's fault," Williamson said. "He is a super fantastic person and he was an award-winning finance director."

Sides argue details of Flint budget; trial goes into third day Friday

2008-10-09T08:10:00.001-04:00

Sides argue details of Flint budget; trial goes into third day Friday--The Flint Journal

From the article:
"I'm getting bored," Circuit Court Judge Geoffrey Neithercut said at one point, referring to a long line of questioning by attorney George Hamo.

..."It sounds like we have a failure to communicate," Neithercut said.

Genesee County judge strikes down Mayor Don Williamson's objection to recall effort

2008-10-08T08:22:00.000-04:00

Genesee County judge strikes down Mayor Don Williamson's objection to recall effort--The Flint Journal

Flint's budget dispute now on trial before circuit court judge

2008-10-07T16:03:00.000-04:00

Flint's budget dispute now on trial before circuit court judge--The Flint Journal

From the article:

The administration's position is that the City Council cut certain administrative departments to the point that they can't function. Council members have said their goal was to save as many police and fire positions as possible.

The city has cut more than 45 police positions since January.

Order forcing Flint to pay $1 million to acquire Genesee Towers

2008-10-07T07:54:00.001-04:00

Order forcing Flint to pay $1 million to acquire Genesee Towers--ABC 12

From the report:
"The city of Flint will never put a nickel in that building," said Flint Mayor Don Williamson.

3 of 4 Flint city golf courses to close early

2008-10-04T18:37:00.000-04:00

3 of 4 Flint city golf courses to close early--ABC 12

Piece of land raises conflint of interest questions

2008-10-04T18:35:00.002-04:00

Piece of land raises conflint of interest questions--ABC 12

From the report:
Records show that Flint Mayor Don Williamson and his wife purchased the building in March of this year.

And what is of concern to City Councilman Sheldon Neeley is that the property sits overlooking the old Chevy in the Hole site.

That site sits on the same property where the mayor has been working to put a profit-making drag strip for months.

Leader in effort to recall Mayor Don Williamson also suing after being fired from car dealership

2008-10-02T10:26:00.000-04:00

Leader in effort to recall Mayor Don Williamson also suing after being fired from car dealership--The Flint Journal

From the article:

The lawsuit filed last month in Genesee County Circuit Court claims that Bridges, who is black, encountered "hostile and demeaning" confrontations at the dealership based on race during his three years working there.

Bridges alleges he refused to participate in what the lawsuit calls a "fraudulent scheme" that involved using a former General Motors employee's identification to provide GM discounts for unqualified customers.

Three of 4 city of Flint golf courses to close early this year; Mayor Don Williamson says city is out of money to run them

2008-09-23T18:20:00.000-04:00

Three of 4 city of Flint golf courses to close early this year; Mayor Don Williamson says city is out of money to run them--The Flint Journal

From the article:
Councilman Scott Kincaid said the golf fund should be self-sustaining, not subsidized. And, he said, any transfers from the general fund to the golf fund mean fewer police officers on the streets.
"Before the mayor got elected, the golf courses made money," Kincaid said.

Flint 911 employees receive pink slips

2008-09-23T16:43:00.000-04:00

Flint 911 employees receive pink slips--The Flint Journal

Judge Geoffrey Neithercut orders city to buy crumbling Genesee Towers

2008-09-23T16:36:00.000-04:00

Judge Geoffrey Neithercut orders city to buy crumbling Genesee Towers--The Flint Journal

From the article:

Mayor Don Williamson said he didn't know anything about the ruling, and he declined to comment.

25 Flint 911 dispatchers receive pink slips

2008-09-22T18:11:00.001-04:00

25 Flint 911 dispatchers receive pink slips--ABC12

From the report:
There has been no comment from City Hall so far.

Flint Mayor Don Williamson changes his mind: OKs tax breaks for downtown development

2008-09-22T18:08:00.001-04:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson changes his mind: OKs tax breaks for downtown development--The Flint Journal

Welcome to another edition of "As the Don Turns"

2008-09-20T19:29:00.003-04:00

Welcome to another edition of "As the Don Turns"--Andrew HellerThe Flint Journal

From the column:

Seldom in my 20 years of writing about Flint have people seemed more flabbergasted.

"I don't know where else to turn to voice my opinion about the latest dumb Don move," one woman wrote to me. "I live in the college-cultural area, and one of the great options for entertainment that we have in the city are the many events at Kearsley Park. I believe that the changes to a beautiful, safe park with many musical and theatrical events, are a direct result of the leadership and direction and involvement of Kay Kelly. What a shame that one more good thing about Flint is being lost due to the Don's whim."

County Commissioner Miles Gadola being considered for Flint parks job

2008-09-19T11:13:00.003-04:00

County Commissioner Miles Gadola being considered for Flint parks job--The Flint Journal

From the article:
Mayor Don Williamson is apparently considering a county commissioner for a key parks job, a potential move his critics are calling a political hiring.

Commissioner Miles Gadola, R-Grand Blanc, said he is being considered for the Kearsley Park project director job. Gadola would replace Kay Kelly, who was abruptly fired on Friday after five years in the position.

Gadola, who said he does not have any parks experience, said he's eager to learn on the job.

Dispute swirls on who is at fault for flooded basements

2008-09-19T11:13:00.001-04:00

Dispute swirls on who is at fault for flooded basements--The Flint journal

From the article:
The city says it's not at fault.

In previous years, the city also has claimed it wasn't at fault after sewers backed up into residents homes. Courts have disagreed.

Already, Flint has had to pay out $1.5 million to settle one class action lawsuit and lost another with an $11 million judgment, which the city is appealing.

Another lawsuit over flooding in 2007 also is pending.

What's next for Don Williamson's proposed drag strip?

2008-09-17T16:24:00.001-04:00

What's next for Don Williamson's proposed drag strip? Neighbors say drag strip in 'Chevy in the Hole' site doesn't fit with plans to turn area into River Town--The Flint Journal

From the article:
"When I think of a drag strip, I don't think of neighborhoods. I think of crazy driving," said Bobbie Lynch of Flint.

Kearsley Park funding may be lost

2008-09-16T12:07:00.003-04:00

Kearsley Park funding may be lost--ABC 12

From the report...
Kelly isn't mincing words when it comes to her opinion of her former boss. Does she think the mayor enjoys firing people?

"Yes, I do," she said.

City of Flint workers say they cleaned up Flint Mayor Don Williamson's campaign headquarters

2008-09-16T11:55:00.001-04:00

City of Flint workers say they cleaned up Flint Mayor Don Williamson's campaign headquarters--The Flint Journal

From the article...
Two city parks workers said that they and other workers mowed the grass, cleared debris and pulled weeds for three hours in late August on property that is serving as new headquarters for Williamson's gubernatorial campaign.

Gentlemen, start your engines, or not

2008-09-16T11:54:00.000-04:00

Gentlemen, start your engines, or not--The Flint Journal

From the column...
Either he suddenly came to his senses (not bloody likely) and realized it would be a huge liability risk for the city, which would naturally be pinned on him if anything went wrong, or he figured the drag strip would only give his enemies (read that: the recall effort) another bit of ammo right as they're out gathering signatures.

Mayor says no drag racing on Bluff Street

2008-09-12T19:18:00.001-04:00

Mayor says no drag racing on Bluff Street--ABC12

Flint's mayor tells ABC12 there will be no drag racing on the newly-paved Bluff Street in Flint.

Flint police gag order reportedly lifted, says American Civil Liberties Union lawyer

2008-09-10T20:48:00.001-04:00

Flint police gag order reportedly lifted, says American Civil Liberties Union lawyer--The Flint Journal

From the article...
Flint police apparently can start talking to the media again.
An American Civil Liberties Union lawyer reported Tuesday that a lawyer for the city said a ban on public comments by city officers has been lifted.
The ACLU, however, wants to see something in writing.

Supporters of Flint Mayor Don Williamson's drag strip idea meet to mobilize backing; city councilman setting up opposing meeting

2008-09-10T20:46:00.001-04:00

Supporters of Flint Mayor Don Williamson's drag strip idea meet to mobilize backing; city councilman setting up opposing meeting--The Flint Journal

From the article...
Councilman Sheldon Neeley has called for a community-wide meeting about whether the drag strip would be a good idea 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Flint Children's Museum.
Neeley said he believes there's far more people against the drag strip because of concerns about noise and safety.
"There's a large group of people saying this is not what we need in this community," Neeley said.

A good thing or a bad thing? "Curly" Heller ends up on The Don's enemies list

2008-09-10T11:30:00.002-04:00

A good thing or a bad thing? "Curly" Heller ends up on The Don's enemies list--The Flint Journal

Interesting Post from Free from Editors Blog

2008-09-09T11:23:00.002-04:00

Corrupt politician launches attack on corrupt politicians--Free from Editors Blog

From the post...

Flint (Michigan) Mayor Don Williamson has launched a website to root out political corruption in Genesee County, Michigan.

That's a little like Charlie Manson launching a website to identify crazy, lunatic, homicidal maniacs in California prisons.

You can read the blog here.

Neighbors speak out against Flint drag strip

2008-09-09T10:42:00.001-04:00

Neighbors speak out against Flint drag strip--ABC12

From the report...
What was Mayor Williamson's response to neighbor's concerns about too much noise?
"I would say come on over and enjoy the fun," he said. "This will run Saturday afternoon from 12-6 and Sunday afternoon 12-6. It won't bother anybody."

Flint Mayor Don Williamson says drag racing will begin in a few weeks; City Council argues dragway won't be safe

2008-09-09T10:20:00.001-04:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson says drag racing will begin in a few weeks; City Council argues dragway won't be safe--The Flint Journal

From the article...
"I don't believe it's going to be safe enough to do it in a residential community," said Neeley, pointing out that there's a neighborhood, elementary school and museum nearby.

And residents Tina Morris and Joyce WIlliams say that the publicity for the street has already attracted illegal drag racers competing into the early morning hours."There's going to be violence, fighting over who won the race," Morris said.

The City Ordinance that prohibits Drag Racing in Flint

2008-09-09T10:17:00.001-04:00

The City Ordinance that prohibits Drag Racing. Chapter 28, Section 28-65. It's in the Code Part III http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Michigan/flint_mi/cityofflintmichigancodeofordinances?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:flint_mi

28-65 DRAG RACING.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle upon any highway, or any other place open to the general public, including any area designated for the parking of motor vehicles, within this city, in a speed or acceleration contest or for the purpose of making a speed record, whether from a standing start or otherwise over a measured or unmeasured distance, or in a drag race as herein defined.
(b) DRAG RACING means the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to out-distance each other over a common selected course or where timing is involved or where timing devices are used in a competitive acceleration of speeds by participating vehicles. Persons rendering assistance in any manner to such competitive use of vehicles shall be equally charged as participants. The operation of two or more vehicles either at speeds in excess of prima facie lawfully established speeds or rapidly accelerating from a common standing point to a speed in excess of such prima facie lawful speed is prima facie evidence of drag racing and is unlawful.
(c) As provided by law, the Police Department may provide for the immediate removal of a vehicle from public or private property to a place of safekeeping at the expense of the registered owner of the vehicle when there is reasonable cause to believe that the vehicle was used in the commission of a crime including, but not limited to, a violation of this section.
Any person owning or entitled to the possession of such vehicle so removed, may obtain possession thereof by presenting proof of ownership to the Flint Police Department, impounded vehicles division, and by paying the towing company the appropriate fee. Provided, that if the owner or person arrested shall have been released, and not charged or subsequently acquitted of all charges shall be entitled to the refund of sums paid for the towing and the first day’s storage.
(d) Violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court, for each such offense.
(Ord. passed - - )
Statutory reference:
Similar state law, see MSA § 9.2326

Caption Contest

2008-09-08T10:24:00.003-04:00

Add a caption to this photo of our mayor Don "the noD" Williamson.

Send your captions to williamsonwatch@gmail.com. The winner shall receive the acclaim of the people of Flint forever.

Williamson has plans for city-owned drag strip near Kettering

2008-09-07T13:12:00.001-04:00

Williamson has plans for city-owned drag strip near Kettering--ABC12

From the report...
The mayor said the project likely wouldn't generate any money. It would be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-6. But not everybody likes the idea.
"What about the liability?" asked Council President Carolyn Sims. "This has not gone through council. I think the citizens of this community deserve something better than a drag strip."

Flint Mayor Don Williamson's new political action committee to expose corrupt politicans is up and running

2008-09-05T09:11:00.002-04:00

Flint Mayor Don Williamson's new political action committee to expose corrupt politicans is up and running--The Flint Journal

From the article...

"I think all it's going to do is create a whole bunch of gossip," said resident Joyce Perkins. "It's a scare tactic."

Neighbors wonder whether Flint drag strip will go near GM's old Chevy in the Hole plant

2008-09-04T08:21:00.001-04:00

Neighbors wonder whether Flint drag strip will go near GM's old Chevy in the Hole plant--The Flint Journal

From the article...
Mayor Don Williamson may give more details Thursday on his latest brainstorm, but some residents are already speculating that little-used Bluff Street will be home for the hot rodders.

Flint mulls building city-owned drag-racing strip

2008-09-01T10:49:00.001-04:00

Flint mulls building city-owned drag-racing strip--ABC12

From the report...
Racing enthusiasts applauded the idea. John Burkett of Clio says he would never street-race again if a drag strip were available. Burkett estimated that more than 100 drivers street race in Flint.
Without a local drag strip, many racers resort to racing on the streets, said Burkett, who owns a All Catalytic Converters in Flint.
Williamson owns a drag strip in Brainerd, Minn

Andy explains the enigma that is Mayor Don Williamson, or tries to anyway

2008-09-01T10:47:00.001-04:00

Andy explains the enigma that is Mayor Don Williamson, or tries to anyway--The Flint Journal

ACORN members say their 'voices not heard' at meeting with Flint mayor

2008-08-29T13:37:00.001-04:00

ACORN members say their 'voices not heard' at meeting with Flint mayor--The Flint Journal

From the article...
"Our mission was not achieved, our voices not heard," said James Crews of ACORN's Young Urban Voters Collective. "He told us we were not organized enough."

Rally organizers to meet with Flint Mayor Don Williamson

2008-08-28T18:53:00.001-04:00

Rally organizers to meet with Flint Mayor Don Williamson--The Flint Journal

From the article...
The group had demands including appointing a permanent police chief and bringing back laid-off police officers.