The time is ripe for a discussion on policing
There has been a lot of talk nationally about reforming or “defunding” police departments. There also has been criticism that some officers have acted with brutality toward minorities. Hamtramck police…
Will new parking meters be the city’s financial cure?
We realize that these are tough economic times for the City of Hamtramck. In fact, many cities are facing a financial crisis now that coronavirus has caused a massive economic…
Labor Day festival is another victim of the virus
The year 2020 is without a doubt going to be remembered for a long time. For many of us, it has meant making sacrifices. One of those sacrifices for Hamtramck…
Hamtramck can’t afford to turn off businesses
We don’t get it. There are certain city officials who think nothing of rejecting certain businesses. First, there was whether to allow marijuana facilities to operate here, and now, whether…
Fighting blight is everyone’s responsibility
Fighting graffiti, like littering, is an almost impossible task. How often does one actually see anyone spray painting graffiti? Littering, though, is something we all witness here and there. But…
Without a bailout, city is heading for hard times
Unless Congress allocates money to bail out states and municipalities, things are going to get rough in Hamtramck. Rough, as in, expect massive cutbacks in city programs and city employees.…
City had no choice in issuing employee furloughs
Tough times call for tough decisions. Last week, the city furloughed 27 employees and cut the fire chief’s full-time position to part-time, and also reduced his yearly wages by half.…
We made it this long, another two weeks is worth it
Two more weeks. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended her “stay home, stay safe” directive until May 15, in hopes that the coronavirus pandemic lightens up. That means not going out…
In an era of a pandemic, here’s something to celebrate
Despite the never-ending gloomy news about the coronavirus pandemic, and the increasing number of local deaths from the disease, there has been some good news. In better times, Hamtramck would…
Water Department can afford to make amends
A few weeks ago, we reported that the Water Department has a $11 million budget surplus. That’s a lot of money. We asked what that money will be used for,…
