Could the takeover of Benton Harbor have been motivated by a real estate deal?

I know it’s kind of old news at this point, but, a few days ago, Rachel Maddow touched on
the recent state-sanctioned takeover of Benton Harbor, and the beachfront land grab that might be behind it.

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For more on how the recent actions of Benton Harbor Czar Joseph Harris could be motivated by the Whirlpool Corporation’s desire to turn the city-owned Jean Klock Park for children into an upscale, private, beachfront golf club, I’d encourage you to check out Electablog. Here’s a clip:

…This is where the rubber meets the pavement. If you are looking for motivations for Snyder and his Republican friends to take over Benton Harbor, watch who gets development rights of the Lake Michigan shoreline. They are already setting things up to ensure that it is not the local residents of Benton Harbor…

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9 Comments

  1. Boy O Boy
    Posted April 21, 2011 at 10:53 pm | Permalink

    Why don’t I just donate my house to the state and expect them to take care of it forever on the tax payers dime when I die? Oh. And don’t rearrange the furniture. Don’t rent it. Just keep it in pristine condition so kids can sit on my sofa. All these donations of land to the state are egotistical attempts to make someone else live your dream when you’re dead. Klock couldn’t pay for the park in perpetuity. Neither can the tax payers.

    The tax payers also can’t afford to bail out cities that aren’t willing to live within their means. If Benton Harbor doesn’t want an EFM, easy. Pay your bills. If I don’t pay mine I get my power cut off or I get evicted. If a citizen can get evicted from their home for not paying their bills, why shouldn’t government officials get evicted from theirs?

    ONE problem with the liberal elite is they think government officials should be treated different from everyone else. I and most Americans are fed up and say if they don’t pay their bills, throw the bums out.

  2. Posted April 21, 2011 at 11:47 pm | Permalink

    I think that elected officials are usually thrown out through voting.

    I thought Republicans were into democracy?

  3. TaterSalad
    Posted April 23, 2011 at 6:53 pm | Permalink

    Which state is the best place to locate your place of work to do business and which is the least favorable state to do business. Where is your state on this one?

    http://therealrevo.com/blog/?p=44172

  4. Boy O Boy
    Posted April 23, 2011 at 10:24 pm | Permalink

    Elected officials are thrown out by the tax payers. Since Benton Harbor can’t afford to pay their elected officials or bills, the people who are paying their bills for them are throwing them out. Tax payers deciding how their money is spent is Democracy Peter. If Benton Harbor wants me out of their business, they can stop wasting my money.

  5. Posted April 24, 2011 at 6:22 am | Permalink

    Sorry, you’re wrong.

  6. Heidi
    Posted April 25, 2011 at 2:55 pm | Permalink

    Would someone be willing to follow up and agree that the following statement is indeed correct? Under the EFMS your house/land deed is considered invalid?

    http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/notes/amy-washburn/the-michigan-emergency-financial-manager-efm-law-and-real-property-what-were-not/168627293195504

  7. Robert
    Posted April 30, 2011 at 10:32 am | Permalink

    “Boy Oh Boy” and I are spearheading a campaign to get the Michigan State Legislature dissolved, along with the Governor’s position in favor of an appointed EFM for the state. The way we see it is that Michigan had its chance to get its financial house in order and failed. Now we need to take tough measures.

  8. Boy O Boy
    Posted April 30, 2011 at 10:47 pm | Permalink

    I believe that “Robert” is being sarcastic. Snuckers “progress” is to be congratulated on fixing our “financial house” if you would also congratulate a 16 year old for learning to tie her shoelaces. Too little too late.

    I would support a recall of Schooker if it was accompanied by a reform of Constitutional voting laws that granted a vote for those with an investment. Pay to play!

  9. Ben Harper
    Posted May 15, 2011 at 10:39 pm | Permalink

    The local solution to Benton Harbor’s problems: “Cook said casinos would create jobs; others say a bottled water plant is the answer.”

    Great solutions. Full article here:

    http://www.freep.com/article/20110515/NEWS06/105150522/Emergency-manager-s-autocratic-power-puts-Benton-Harbor-national-spotlight?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

    I don’t think things are as simple as party points.

One Trackback

  1. […] over a year ago, we discussed the fact that, under the rule of Emergency Manager, Joseph Harris, public properties in Benton Harbor were being sold for pennies on the dollar to wealthy investors, over the objections of the struggling city’s largely African American population. One of […]

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