Hamtramck proved it is not ready for local control
City Councilmembers Anam Miah, Robert Zwolak, Abu Musa and Mohammed Hassan may have set the clock back to when Hamtramck can return to independence from the state.
At a special meeting On Oct. 2, the four councilmembers refused to declare a vacancy on council and then hijacked the meeting.
Ultimately, their actions were an insult to their former colleague, Titus Walters, who died a week earlier and whose seat on council needed to be officially designated as vacant.
The City Charter requires the council to take that action, and then that’s all the council has to do. But the aforementioned councilmembers refused to do their duty and pave the way for an orderly transition of government.
Why?
They disagree with who the city administration thinks should fill that seat. You can read all about the controversy elsewhere in this issue.
The bottom line to all this, however, is that there is a time and place for everything. If they – or anyone else – disagree with who takes Walters’ seat, go to circuit court and state your case.
There are a couple of other things that happened that night. One is a likely violation of the state Open Meetings Act and another is a possible violation of the city charter for refusing to do their duty in declaring a vacancy.
By the end of this week we could find out if state officials plan to step in since Hamtramck is still under state supervision. The city came under state control after declaring a financial crisis two years ago.
There could be some very serious consequences for this reckless behavior. But worse, in the eyes of the state — no doubt — Hamtramck looks like it is far from being ready to take back full local control.
10 Responses to Hamtramck proved it is not ready for local control
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Stephen Blanton
November 8, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Islam is intolerant of non-Muslims, otherwise known as infidels. A Muslim-majority city council will enforce its will on the people of Hamtramck until the council is again controlled by non-Muslims. It is a sacred duty for devout Muslims to establish Islamic law wherever they reside.
Stephen Blanton
Author, The Heart of Islam, Pride, Purpose, Loyalty
RM
November 9, 2015 at 1:50 am
Stephen, what the hell are you talking about? We don’t need people like you in our community. People of all races and religions get along in Hamtramck. Theres even an interfaith group that meets once a month. Whenever someone makes a comment on how horrible the Muslim population in Hamtramck is, it’s usually a non-resident of Hamtramck. Either you can’t stand to see what a real typical Muslim looks like in America or just cant stand to see a community coming together to revitalize their city. Bye. I’m done with baboons like you on the Internet.
Mark K
November 21, 2015 at 8:39 pm
Hamtramick is a cess pool.
Alam
December 9, 2015 at 8:35 pm
Stephen please stop watching Fox News channel . Hamtramck is a multicultural city and folks get alone with everyone very well .
Frank Freeman
December 12, 2015 at 8:01 pm
Are the Muslim City Council members desiring to establish Sharia Law in Hamtramck, assuming the State would let them?
Ally awkwa
December 21, 2015 at 2:10 am
Did you guys ever quit blasting prayers 5x a day starting before sunrise? That doesn’t sound like an “inclusive or tolerant ” act on the part of Muslims in your city. Why are you forcing it on other people and violating their right to peace and quiet? Stephen is spot on.
Hamtramck Resident
April 27, 2016 at 11:22 am
I think that you morons who don’t live in Hamtramck should stop commenting on Hamtramck. You don’t know shit about Hamtramck. If you don’t like what’s going on there then stop reading about it keep your stupid asses in suburbia.
Hamtramck Resident #2
April 28, 2016 at 1:50 pm
Im a non muslim from hamtramck. I agree with the guy above me. We live here, you idiots commenting bullcrap dont live here. You dont know shit about this city. Stay in your suburbs where its safe and secluded from reality.
ak
April 28, 2016 at 2:02 pm
We dont ask for your opinions you bigot sacks of shit, if we wanted a idiots opinion on the matter we would have personally asked you people to “grace” us with your comments.
James Finn
October 3, 2016 at 10:49 am
I’m a Hamtramck business owner and a Hamtramck fan. Love the restaurants, shops, multicultural life, etc…
My Yemeni neighbors are good neighbors. Quick to lend a hand, cheerful, hard working and remarkably tolerant. I don’t know where these hateful and ignorant comments are coming from but they don’t reflect the Hamtramck I love.
Where would we be right now without this recent influx of energetic contributors to our vibrant community? I can’t say exactly but we’d obviously be hurting.
I’d say a little bit of good, old-fashioned American acceptance and welcome is needed here!
Jim