If they tried one more time, the third time could be the charm...


Eastpointe City Council choices owers back taxes, water bill

BY CHRISTINA HALL • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • May 8, 2009

The Eastpointe City Council appointed city police Chaplain James Friedman to fill the seat vacated by former Councilman Ron Selvidge, who resigned in January after he was charged with insurance fraud and making a false police report.

The appointment came in a 3-1 vote Wednesday. Councilwoman Veronica Klinefelt dissented, saying Thursday that she thought Philip Guastella, the other finalist, "was a better fit for the council."

Friedman's appointment came after a man in the audience said one of the finalists, whom he did not identify, had not paid his taxes or water bill. A check of city and Macomb County records shows that Friedman owes $12,820 for 2007 and 2008 property taxes and $3,154 in water bills.


City Manager Darwin Parks said there is nothing that legally prevents Friedman from serving on the council because of back taxes or delinquent water bills. City Attorney Robert J. Hribar agreed after scanning the city charter.

Friedman could not be reached for comment. Parks said he must be sworn in before a budget work session at 6:30 p.m. Monday, but no day or time has been set.

Contact CHRISTINA HALL: 586-826-7265 or chall@freepress.com