Remember this EFM? Charges Reinstated against Art Blackwell

[Lowell]

Just when he thought he was off the hook Art Blackwell is headed back to court. The long arm of the law strikes again.

[[WXYZ) - Former Highland Park Emergency Financial Manager Art Blackwell again faces criminal charges which include embezzlement and misconduct in office due to an opinion issued by the Michigan Court of Appeals.

The original criminal charges stem from Blackwell allegedly paying himself $264,000 which the city of Highland Park did not authorize.

Last year, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Gray Hathaway dismissed the case, saying Blackwell had the authority to write himself checks.

But in its opinion, the Court of Appeals disagreed...

Read more: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/...#ixzz1zhMf5IvZ

[Jimaz]

Last year, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Gray Hathaway dismissed the case, saying Blackwell had the authority to write himself checks.

There's a recipe for corruption right there.

The checks were approved and signed off by three different people.

By whom? Who signed the checks? Why not disclose the names?

How is neglecting to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest going to demonstrate the integrity of these EMs?! Was the "verbal agreement" made to avoid leaving a paper trail?

This stinks of an in-your-face coup d'état. Carpetbaggers!