New Ethics Ordinance for Accountability in Rochester Hills

     I would like to propose a New Year’s resolution for our city, one that will provide increased transparency in the business dealings and decision making process.

     Trust in our government is critically important. Over the  past several years there were many instances where residents inquired about the possible conflict of interest or inappropriate influence on those who either worked for the city or served on the city council, commissions or boards.

     Many times it was because they were simply baffled or dismayed at actions, such as renegotiating a decade old PUD that would suddenly allow for the destruction of an historic home or for a nearly $20 million water tower project that lacked a good business case.

   It is critical that residents trust that decisions are being made for the right reasons.  Therefore,  I am proposing that  the City Council create an ethics ordinance which would require the reporting of all gifts made to city employees and their immediate families, city council members, and even some boards and commissions such as the planning commission and zoning board within one week of receipt and list who made the gift.

   Furthermore, this information should be placed on the city website for all to see.

This would include all sports tickets, invitations to Palace suites , expensive dinners, airline tickets, hotel stays, gifts and yes even parties.  Some of us are all too aware of these type of gifts taking place in recent years and   it is time everyone knows about gifts and who is making them.

   We surely do not want to wake up one day to headlines like those that have plagued the city of Detroit and more recently,  Wayne County.

    Inappropriate influence can result in decision making that is contrary to the residents’ best interests, costing us a considerable amount of money and a push for a raise in taxes.

I am asking that our city council initiate such an ordinance in the near future. I would be happy to work with them in this endeavor.

    I do believe the best approach in this case is to work with the City Council. That said,  as proven in the case of the Water Towers, citizen action can make a difference. Be it the creation of a 527 PAC or similar Watchdog group, there are other ways to achieve the same objective. 

   Candidly, what possible reason could anyone have to oppose such an ordinance? The litmus test is business used to be that if you wouldn't mind everyone knowing about it then it is probably alright to accept, if not, best to pass.

       

Funding Police and Roads in Rochester Hills

So, the city of Rochester Hills wants to know how we the taxpayers think they should fund Police and Roads in our city.
Currently, there are three millages that fund just less than half of the police budget, the remaining amount comes from the general fund.
The city is stating that our police services are at risk due to declining tax revenues.
In fact, they have reduced our police force by 3 deputies in the past year and were going to drop a detective position in 2012, but changed their mind after I asked them not to at a public meeting.
To me it is all a matter of priorities and responsibility.
As I predicted this past year, they are going to be asking for an increase in taxes to fund the police services.
I personally feel, that before they ask us, the taxpayer, for any more of our hard earned money, they ought to bring city employee pay and benefits in line with the private sector.
WHY should we be providing 14% PENSION contribution and automatic 6.5% PAY INCREASES to city employees?
Of course they want an increased dedicated police millage - then they have more money to spend on their pay and benefits.
Outrageous!
It is time to let our city know how you feel about this.
You can share your thoughts with the city at the following email
webberm+prtrc@rochesterhills.org

There is a meeting tonight concerning this topic at the city at 6:30pm

http://www.rochesterhills.org/our_government/uploads/FundingPoliceServices.pdf

Bryan and His Boys

Here we go again.
Bryan Barnett has chosen his team to rubber stamp his agenda. He has had an easy time of it the last couple of years with voting on the city council. In non-unanimous votes, the candidates endorsed by Barnett voted in the majority 97% of the time.
The role of a city council is not to be a team," but to provide oversight.  We have seen what has happened in corporate America when boards of directors were buddies with the executives they were supposed to be overseeing.
This majority voted for increases in the city employee wages this year. Now they will not only receive their 5.5% automatic yearly longevity increase, but they will receive another 1% along with their 14% pension contributions. Tell me, is anyone is the private sector getting that? I have talked with the residents as I have gone door to door and they are telling me they haven't seen a raise in many years.

At the same time, they are cutting essential city services. they have reduced our police department by 3 deputies and have reduced the road maintenance budget. Now they want more of our money, as many as 4 new millages could be introduced next year.
We need people on our city council who will stand up to Barnett and his Boys. Someone who will prioritize spending and represent the taxpayers of our city, not major campaign contributors, city vendors or developers.


Note: I have chosen to not be aligned with any other candidate.

LWV Rochester Hills City Council Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters held a Candidate Forum for the Rochester Hills City Council Candidates as well and the Mayoral Candidates last night at City Hall.
The four candidates running for the 2 at large seats and the two candidates running for the 1 District 2 seat were up first.

Questions were asked of the candidates by:
Annette Kingsbury of Rochester Media and Oakland Press
Kristin Bull of Rochester.patch.com
Mary Howarth from the LWV

I thought the questions asked by the panel were very on target and showed a good understanding of the issues and questions on residents minds. I appreciate the League for holding and moderating The Forum.

The Forum can be viewed on-line be visiting the City of Rochester Hills Website at http://www.rochesterhills.org/home/announcements.asp
The Link to watch The League of Women Voters Forum is under the Videos heading located about half way down the page.

The Forum is also being replayed on the city cable channel. For WOW customers it is on channel 10.
To view the League Voter Guide  visit www.LWVOA.org

At Large are:
Kathleen Fitzgerald
Dee Hilbert
Mark Tisdale
Mike Webber
For District 2 are:
Laurie Puscas
Adam Kochenderfer

Rochester Hills Primary Fast Approaching

So often major events seem so far away and suddenly they are upon on.
It has been that way with my son's wedding that is later this week and also with the primary election that is just days later.
I have been out meeting and talking with as many residents as I can for months now. It really has been the best part of this running for office process. Being a candidate is a new to me and I didn't really know what to expect. The kindness and support from the people I am meeting along the way has been remarkable. Most are engaged and want true citizen representation. People generally have a number of concerns regarding the ability of our city to provide essential services of police, fire and road maintenance without raising taxes in this economic downturn.
I have been reviewing the budget and there are definitely areas where there can be cuts and adjustments made. Those who have interest in obtaining higher office will most likely not want to rattle the tree or challenge the status quo. I think it is absolutely necessary if we are going to do what our residents are asking of us.
I want to thank all of you for your words of encouragement as I have walked the neighborhoods and for the cold glass or bottle of water on all those hot and steamy days.
With all of your help, I look forward to a strong showing/win on August 2nd and to meeting more residents as we move toward the general election in November. Maybe by then we will be sharing hot tea.
Laurie Puscas
Your Candidate for Fiscal Responsibility
Rochester Hills City Council, District 2

Rochester Hills Election Process Torn

    I received a call this morning from a home owner to notify me that the Puscas campaign sign in her yard had been torn into three pieces and left on her lawn. She said she wanted me to know so I could bring another sign. She seemed very disturbed that someone would do this and didn't want those responsible to feel that they gotten away with something. When I went to replace the sign, I noticed that others in the city had been ripped up or broken as well.
   I too am disappointed that this would happen. I believe in our constitution and the democratic process. I believe in our right to free speech. We should have the ability to express our message to the voters, then they can make educated choices as to whom they would like to support and elect.

    Unfortunately, there are always some who want to win at all costs. In Rochester Hills, there appears to be a contingent that wants to maintain the status quo and control of the city council. The mayor would certainly benefit from this. He is endorsing his college buddy running against me. I can see why they would not want an independent thinker, a person who would be a true representative of the residents to be elected. If so it would cut into the voting bloc of the 5 of the 7 city councilmen who vote together in the majority over 95% of the time.
    I think of our city council as a board of directors for a company. They are there to provide checks and balances. In business when the board gets too chummy with the executives they are there to give oversight to, often times, there are severe consequences to the stock holders. In a city, when the city council members are not performing proper oversight or engaging in open and honest deliberation, then the administration is going unchecked resulting in possible loss to the the taxpayers.
    As a member of the Mayflower Society and candidate in this local election, I hope that this election will proceed as our forefathers who founded this country intended.  I believe these are principles to believe in and stand up for.
Laurie Puscas
Rochester Hills City Council Candidate, District 2
 

Festival of the Hills, Rochester Hills

It was a spectacular day and evening for the Festival of the Hills event at Borden Park in Rochester Hills. Sunny and warm with a slight breeze.
As scheduling allows, I have attended the event  over the years with family and friends. We have always had a great time. It is a wonderful event for the whole community.
We all really enjoyed the fantastic display of fireworks.
This year was the first time I attended as a candidate. I enjoyed meeting people and the kids loved our red balloons.
My husband Dan was part of the balloon making team. He counted the remaining balloons and figures 406 of our balloons delighted the kids throughout the evening. It was great fun being with friends and supporters.
Quality of life in a community is important. I am so glad that businesses donated to make this event possible. I also commend all the city employees and the sheriff's department for a well organized, fun and safe family event.
I wish everyone a fun and safe Independence Day weekend.