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In the 1st House District the Democratic winner in the primary was a 35 year old gentleman who has been convicted eight times, all felonies. He is facing a Grosse Pointe Republican.
When the ballots are counted, whom will Detroit elect?
http://www.freep.com/article/20120928/NEWS02/309280169/8-time-felon-running-for-seat-in-Michigan-House?odyssey=mod|mostview
so the law school grad has 8 felony convictions.. neat.. though i'm sure the opposition party has its own rascals..
... I wonder was Banks done with school by the time has most recent arrest/conviction?
if he's barred from the bar, it seems like he could get involved with something else like a free legal advice clinic.. [[or do you have to be fully licensed to work for one?)
Sadly, I expect we'll elect a felon.
First of all, it's not a "Detroit" district. It's split between Detroit and Harper Woods, Grosse Pointe Woods, and Grosse Pointe Shores.
But I'm sure glad that I don't live there. Low turnout primaries sometimes have odd results, and this was one of them.
In what was essentially a 4 way Democratic primary for an open seat much of the vote split between real estate guy Scott Benson, longtime community activist Valerie Kindle, and former Wayne County Commissioner Chris Cavanagh [[Jerry's son). This allowed "reformed man" and law school graduate [[but non-lawyer - perhaps because of his felony convictions?) Brian Banks to sneak through by less than 100 votes over Benson - with some key financial and campaign support from our favorite international bridge owner, who seems to feel that he has something at stake in State Rep races...
The Republican candidate - who has no realistic shot in this overwhelmingly Democratic district - is a GP Shores guy who is in danger of being booted off of their council for being such an insufferable jerk.
So, no real choice at all there. Perhaps a better organized Democratic primary campaign would be a good idea in 2014?
In some cases, people can become licensed to practice law despite prior run-ins with the law, particularly if they occurred long before the individual seeks to become licensed. However, with eight felony convictions, it is very unlikely Banks could ever be licensed anywhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hypestyles
Whether one is receiving compensation or charging a fee for the work, practice in a free legal clinic is still the practice of law and requires a license. So Banks could not have lawfully worked in a free legal advice clinic.
It's not like the state legislature ever does anything anyway. Give him five minutes and his term limits will be up.
Assuming he was really bad @ it and got caught every single time, to me this isn't a mistake but habitual. Would UPS hire a driver who's had 8 prior DUI's only 8 years ago?
there's a difference between felons and republicans?
My fellow eastsider, this is the most valuable information I have encountered in this race amid all the static thus far. Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by EastsideAl
I'm exactly 5 houses from being in said district so these characters buzz around here a lot. I get the impression Banks campaigned hard, though. We've never seen such a showing of yard signs in the northern half of East English Village [[his district), and at the nicer homes, too.
He'll win, I just hope he truly is reformed...and can speak truth to power...
RepublicanOffenders.comQuote:
Originally Posted by rb336
The for-profit, private-sector prison industry could sustain themselves by arresting themselves. ;)
State House Candidate Brian Banks Evicted from Harper Woods Homes
http://grossepointe.patch.com/articl...er-woods-homes
Wow. Old habits die hard. I guess he wants to get his hands on some of that federal money to play around with.
No worries, he is supported by Matty Moroun:
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/...er%3Dcf_online
It's happened before so I wouldn't doubt it'll happen again.
'Supported' might be the wrong term..."in evil collusion with" might be the better operative!
Haven't you read the original article? He's rehabilitated himself.Quote:
Originally Posted by bailey
Well then its OK.Quote:
Originally Posted by Honky Tonk
Sickens me that the public loves this 'I was bad, but I found Jesus' crapolo.
My bad.. I did not read the article fully. the frauds only count as a bar if they were commited while in officeQuote:
Originally Posted by Honky Tonk
But, dear Wesley, if you close the door on anyone who has ever actually made a mistake [[not saying HIS offenses were, but not all bounced checks are on purpose) you create a group of liar-remnants. Nobody is perfect. There has to be at least some availability for rehabilitation, or you might as well just kill anyone who ever breaks any law. Seems that is what they're worth to ya.
"you might as well just kill anyone who ever breaks any law."
Hmmmmmmm, interesting proposition.......
One bounced check? ok... One bit of CC fraud 15 years ago when you were young and dumb. Ok. EIGHT felonies for the same offense!?! and another check fraud WHILE RUNNING FOR OFFICE!?!?Quote:
Originally Posted by Gannon
Eight CONVICTIONS + one current charge is one heck of a slow learner.
I hope my sarcasm detector was just broken and you weren't serious.
I posted the SAME thoughts when this story first came out and caught hell. There's "making a mistake", then there's habitual.Quote:
Originally Posted by bailey
My most dear Gannon, I agree with you completely. [[I did see 'Some Like It Hot' -- so I understand.)Quote:
Originally Posted by Gannon
I quite do believe in redemption. And in forgiveness. That doesn't mean I trust every claim of rehabilitation made by self-serving fools seeking power.
I'd rather a few criminals go free. But we have enough good, qualified citizens in the world to hold elective office without taking risks on charlatans.
Today, it seems that the PR cookbook says that no matter what happens, all you have to do is 'accept responsibility' for your errors, and poof -- the public will forgive. I will forgive. But its not enough to 'accept responsibility' and repent for your crimes. If you're a criminal and you want to impress me on your redemption, go work for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen for a couple of years. Do something impressive to show that your 'redemption' is true. I'm really tired of these hallow claims of rehabilitation. End of rant.
"But your Honor, I CAN'T be overdrawn, I still have checks left"
Quote:
Originally Posted by bailey
No sarcasm, you just missed the disclaimer. I was pining for leniency for those who may have earned and/or deserved it.
I do not say this particular person is worthy of it. Heck, half the population sucks at handling money...many, many years ago I started a thread to see if it could be licensed! I'm sure Jimaz can find that in the archives...heh.
The priors MAY be excusible, but only if he'd learned. But it is apparent he has not. That doesn't eliminate the possibility for others to gain leniency, though, THAT was what I was arguing.
Cheers!
I agree with almost all of what you say, except for the retribution part...I've worked besides some people at soup kitchens who only did it to get second portions...or all the desserts!Quote:
Originally Posted by Wesley Mouch
Cheers
According to the Free Press this morning, Banks still has a problem with checks:
http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Oli...&view=ZW50aXR5
This is a strange situation. At first blush, Mr. Banks candidacy might appear to be an attempt by a chronic scammer/flim flammer to gain public office where they can get paid to talk fast but not actually do any hard work. These kind of folks are rarely found to have any legitimate resume-worthy accomplishments. [[Such accomplishments require too much actual effort and work.)Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeM
But Mr. Banks seems to at least have legitimate academic credentials. You can't just talk your way into a B.A and a M.A from Wayne State. Likewise, it's very easy to get into law school, but it is rather difficult to graduate. Ask any lawyer whether it's possible to just "mail in" the effort and get a passing grade in most classes.
These accomplishments do seem to be evidence of a reformed person who has left the scamming behind. So it's puzzling to understand how somebody who must have really made an effort to reform can lapse into the old behavior.
There's no excuse for stiffing landlords. He must have known that he didn't have the rent money before he leased the properties. He's not qualified to be a legislator. I hope they don't seat him.
Actually you have that part reversed. Its harder to get into a law school than to fail out. a high application rejection rate translates to a higher ranking. Attrition rates however, are an anathema to law school rankings. They will do just about anything, most common is having a "B+" curve , to keep students in school. you need to be found cheating or simply never show up to get booted. [[everywhere but Cooley...their economic model depends on washouts... that's a different discussion though).Quote:
Originally Posted by swingline
DCL is not a tremendously difficult school to get into as far as law schools go.[[a common pejorative is it's a "TTT" - third tier toilet). And not to be un-p.c., but especially if you're an "under represented" minority from an "urban" school so DCL can satisfy its "critical mass" of diversity.
The measure of a school's rank should be on Bar passage. Cooley or Harvard, you still need to pass the bar. Something Mr. Banks did not do.
Firm rule: No sex offenders as kindergarten teachersQuote:
Originally Posted by Gannon
Almost 100% firm rule: No one 'convicted' of financial fraud elected and thus able to influence public financial policy.
This wasn't one overdraft, or two or three. This was a conviction for fraud. Rehabilitation possible. But not in a field where financial trust is required. Go become investment banker instead.
How did he get elected with felonies on his record? Most people don't qualify for a menial job with one felony, and this guy gets elected? This world is a mess.
rb336, you beat me to it, exactly what I was thinking.:cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by rb336
I have no doubt Detroiters would re-elect Kwame, so electing this clown shouldn't be too hard.
You can give a man forgiveness without giving him your vote.
He needs to go get a real job and contribute to society, not steal from it.
This would be strong case to decide. Due to the amount of rich white middle class in Richville, they rather go vote a republican person rather a criminal.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2059252.html
To me this is very disappointing.
Also, he's a practicing homosexual...
No one has mentioned that he is also a practicing homosexual..
I mean... what difference does it make?
Over a million felons in Michigan. 1 in 10
3.5 of the 10 million Michiganders are minors
So its more like 1 in every 6.5 residents is a felon.
Thats 3.25 million men and 3.25 million women or thereabouts.
Males get in trouble more often than women.
I wouldnt be the least bit surprised if 25% of
adult males in Michigan have a felony.
Felons need representation too. Perhaps, more than
anyone else
So what???????????????????????????????????
C'mon, man, You really don't think there's anything wrong with electing a guy to office who passes bad checks, gets evicted, and now sued, 1 week before the election? Maybe I should lower my standards a bit.Quote:
Originally Posted by detroitmale
Rex,Quote:
Originally Posted by rex
Can you provide data that supports your claim?
I found that million number some time back. I don't remember the site but recall it being reputable. Here is something tho. It has michigan content that puts the conservative estimate at a million.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_u...nvicted_felons
Actually. It may be that there have been a million felons in Michigan since they started keeping track. in the 20s.
10% seems astronomically high.
Did the Detroit reverendship know this?
Jeez, you think he'd got it right by now. How much practice does it take to be a full-fledged homosexual? ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by detroitmale
People in the 1st district got what they wanted "A BLACK NERO!"
well, judging by the 8 convictions for the same offense... I gather he's a really slow learner.Quote:
Originally Posted by Detroitnerd
He probably got his degrees while spending time in the big house at the taxpayers expense.
"well, judging by the 8 convictions for the same offense... I gather he's a really slow learner."
Though the 8 priors are troubling, it's the 2 fraudulant checks written, and the evection 2 weeks before the election that has me baffled. Seriously, after his repent rant, now this, how can you trust this guy?
http://grossepointe.patch.com/articl...er-woods-homes
Do most Detroiters think when they vote, or do they just see that D after the name and vote for that person? I'm independent but I identify more with Republicans, but this past elections I voted for 4 Democrats. I didn't vote for anything with the colleges since I didn't know who any of those people were. Pay attention to who your voting for people! If the guy had one or two felonies, and they were decades ago, I could understand, but these were recent and he's still having issues.
I have no idea what most Detroiters do. We don't have secret meetings and plan voting strategy. [[if most Detroiters do, I never get invited) I think a LOT of this is just plain laziness. @ the peak of the election debate, I got responses like "they're all the same", "what does it matter", they're all a bunch of crooks", etc. I think people hear general terms like "We need to vote Democratic", or else are easily swayed by media, so instead of taking the time to actually look into things, they vote that way. I AM glad you spoke up about Banks. I was shocked he got elected, especially after his latest follies. The response on DY was "meh, a lot of people are fellons".Quote:
Originally Posted by jerrytimes
I'm sorry, but there needs to be a law created that states that if you have been CONVICTED of a felony, you can not hold office of any kind that is taxpayer funded.Quote:
Originally Posted by Honky Tonk
Maybe someone from the east side can explain this to me but Dan Shulte do what it took for a Republican to win in a heavily Democratic district? I mean, hell, there are three pages of posts on this topic and Shulte's name hasn't appeared once. Did he show up? Did shake hands and kiss babies?
He showed up at our neighborhood association meeting [[East English Village). Half of our neighborhood is in the 1st. He had a ton of signs around here, even though it's probably 99% Democratic here. He didn't give any concrete plans but it was good of him to show up.Quote:
Originally Posted by internet_pseudopod
However he was the guy who started the movement to get GPS to join Macomb County and leave Wayne. Doesn't exactly scream dedication to a Wayne county district.
He didn't ooze charisma either, but I don't think that is peoples' concern. I think the larger problem is straight ticket voting. Also, most of the time when a Republican appears on a ballot here it isn't really a "legitimate" candidate. Unemployed people, people without degrees, people just running on the freak chance they'll win and get a job. So even outside of partisan leanings, the Republicans don't usually put up real candidates in these parts so people further disregard it.
Banks seems like a Kwame Jr. except less savvy about not obeying the laws of the land.
Republicans should just run as Independents, I don't know why they don't. They'd get better mileage out of the race.
Im a felon. Drug related. May indicate personal issues but Im by no means an unsavory person. I also volunteer. Help my old people, work full time, go to school full time, 2nd year grad student, stay out of trouble. I do for self. Would be happy to shed the stigmatization but I also refuse to lose and im not especially concerned that I will fail. Its a cause and effect. Way more expensive to discriminate indiscriminately against felons. End up paying to incarcerate them and support their kids. Truth of the matter tho. There arent enough jobs to support the free. If everyone locked up was suddenly released what would they do? Break the law.
Running/being elected as a Republican pays too well for them for them to just flat out give up the R.Quote:
Originally Posted by kathy2trips
I can see where that would be a problem for voters.Quote:
Originally Posted by poobert
That depends on which side of Mack Avenue the voter lives on!Quote:
Originally Posted by internet_pseudopod
Rex -- glad to hear you've got things going great. Keep it up.Quote:
Originally Posted by rex
I don't think this minor discrimination against felons is expensive. I think its wise.
There are a lot of professional remaining in the world with this exclusion for the general public good in place.
Nope, Mack is way too far north for that city/suburb junk. He only wanted to yank GP Shores, since a tiny slice of it lands in Macomb County.Quote:
Originally Posted by p69rrh51
So he'd in effect be screwing the Woods, Park, City, and Farms because they'd still be in Wayne County with less tax base.
Yes he wanted to move the shores, but the rest of the pointes want to leave Wayne County!! If the shores left the other 4 pointes would go with them.Quote:
Originally Posted by poobert
Personally I think we would be trading one blood sucking evil for another. Either way they only want us for the revenue we generate. If there was an actual move I would lead the charge to move to Oakland Co. at least we would actually get a little representation. And yes I know its pie in the sky but Wayne and Macomb Counties are both unable to meet our needs.
So yes it does depend on which side of Mack one lives on!
http://grossepointe.patch.com/articl...ar-repossessed
I hope he supports mass transit.Quote:
According to a Nov. 12 article by MyFoxDetroit.com, Banks' Land Rover was repossessed last week after more than four months of being followed by a recovery agent. It first was a 2003 Jaguar.
Land Rover? Jaguar? Seems to think he's a real PIMP, doesn't he? Shit, I could go lease or buy one of those overpriced shitboxes too, but I'm not an idiot who makes purchases I can't afford in the long run, so I don't. What a grade A loser.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeM
This isn't just a Detroit or Democrat issue. Kerry Bentivolio certainly has a checkered past including financial and character issues, but he easily won election in his conservative district.
http://www.freep.com/article/2012101...r-for-Congress
Sometimes I think people that operate like him have a mental illness. I've never seen it diagnosed but there's got to be something wrong when you see someone just continually not pay their bills. Like, even the most basic things - lights, gas, rent, come on now! I know people like this and they just seem so clueless, like they truly don't get it. They just don't pay for anything. Then seem outraged when the evictions and repos and shut-offs come. Who wants to live like that? Writing bad checks when you could just work and get what you want honestly? There's this mentality that you deserve it whether you can afford it or not.
He won that district by accident due to the colossal blunder of the McCotter people. The Ds ran a guy who was a weak unknown and had no support.Quote:
Originally Posted by Motor City Sam
Santa Claus will not be re-elected. Can the same be said for Banks?
Quote:
Originally Posted by bailey
You can say Banks got in by accident also. He ran in a primary with lots of Dem candidates and no obvious front runner. Had an established political figure with any kind of backing ran against him, he probably would not have won.
I can't see the future, so I don't know what will happen with either guy. Bent is going to be an incumbent, and he has Tea Party backing and apparently some money behind him based on the ads and signage I saw. It's not a foregone conclusion that he won't hold on to that seat. Banks will have the power of incumbency, too, but if an established Detroit Dem challenges him in the primary, he'd be vulnerable. It's way to early to say with any kind of certainty what the political future holds for either guy.