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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE December 23-29, 2009 Page A-4
Governor’s race
From page A-1
ocratic powerhouse couple Debbie Dingell and tion of major cities like Detroit.
Congressman John Dingell where I was invited
So Mayor Bernero wants an urban agenda for
for their Christmas reception.
Detroit. Until I see what his agenda is on paper,
While it was noticeable by those present in I will hold my breath because too many have
the room that evening that the invitation for come around with all kinds of speeches meant
the Dingells reception was sent to an eclectic to invoke the sensibilities of African-American
group of people from diverse backgrounds, one culture and identity and then disappear after
thing also vivid was that Cherry was not work- they get elected.
ing the room as a tough candidate.
But this time around, neither Cherry, Dillon
I watched Cherry from a distance in the or Bernero ought to have a free pass in Detroit.
room, sometimes standing aloof or saying a few Let them work hard in the trenches here from
words to a couple of people. Perhaps an agile the east side to the west side of Detroit.
candidate, one with the guts, bite and audacity
And Black churches that offer ready pulpits
to turn Michigan around would have engaged
to vulture-like Democratic politicians waiting
everyone in the room.
to devour their congrega-
Even Republican opera- tion members after a deal
tives like Paul Welday were
“
So Mayor Bernero wants has been sealed in the pas-
also in attendance. Maybe
Cherry concluded he’s got
an urban agenda for Detroit.
tor’s office, should rethink
their strategy, or stay out
the nomination already and
its time to sit back and let
Until I see what his agenda
of politics and concentrate
on Bible business.
the soldiers in Mark Brew-
is on paper, I will hold my
These candidates must
er’s Michigan Democratic
pay a price to be elected.
Party do the work around
breath because too many
Detroit cannot sit on the
the state and in Detroit.
Cherry knows that is not
have come around with all
sidelines or decide to go
along with the status quo.
FORD IS CONVERTING Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne from its current products, the Lincoln the way it goes. Those who
meant
Navigator and Ford Expedition SUVs, to build small cars in 2010.
are affected most by this
kinds of speeches
Status quo politics has
never been a liberating ex-
economy want to see the
to invoke the sensibilities perience because it always
Better road ahead
person who is to be crowned
of African-American cul-
hinges on political expedi-
From page A-1
nominee out front cam-
ency and what politically
paigning and pounding the
ture and identity and then
makes sense.
on much more solid ground in Dundee, Michigan, will by a major automaker to pro- pavement early.
for the future. But its success produce the 1.4-liter, 16-
In the spirit of Erma
duce an electric car,” said
Mr. Cherry, take a page
disappear after they get
Henderson, the first Black
alone is not enough to sustain valve Fully Integrated Robot-
Jon Lauckner, GM vice presi- from the Obama campaign
woman elected to the De-
the thousands of workers and ized Engine (FIRE) for use in
dent of global product plan-
book and you will soon re-
elected.
”
troit City Council and its
business in this region that so Chrysler Group’s growing fleet
alize that you should have
first Black president, the
greatly depend on the automo- of fuel-efficient vehicles. FIRE
ning. “These investments in
been out there a year ago.
city can do better in 2010
bile industry for a way of life. is a collaboration between
the electric vehicle ecosys-
My sources tell me that the Democrats are with these gubernatorial candidates.
For this region to recover,
Chrysler Group and Fiat.
tem are creating new jobs and
strengthening Michigan’s and
facing a political nightmare because the pre-
At Henderson’s memorial last week at Great-
General Motors and Chrysler “This is one more impor- sumptive nominee Cherry does not have the
er Grace Temple, I watched from the back of
also need to make a comeback. tant step forward that demon-
America’s long-term competi-
pull power, which in turn affects his fundrais-
the church those who praised her tenacity and
And there are some signs that strates our intent to deliver on
tiveness.”
ing ability.
ability to speak truth to power and not what
could pave the way for the au- the promise of the Fiat-Chrys-
In addition to GM’s $700
And if Cherry, who has to work hard to con- was political. I hoped the praises were sincere
tomakers’ recovery. ler strategic alliance and the
million in Volt-related facil-
vince people that he has fire in his stomach to and not in any form a way to make political hay
According to published re-
substance of the road map we
fight the Republican nominee (whoever that out of the memory of a woman who was chal-
ports, new car deliveries are
laid out in November,” said
ity investments, there are the
will be), doesn’t know where to begin, write off lenging the conscience of a city, state, nation
expected to climb to 12.4 mil-
Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler
many suppliers, utility compa-
the Democratic Party in 2010. and the world.
lion from 10.3 million in 2008,
Group LLC chief executive of-
nies and organizations invest-
Enter the party alternatives. House Speaker
We have to challenge the conscience of the
the Ann Arbor-based Center
ficer. ing in Michigan and the U.S. to
Andy Dillon and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero.
candidates running for statewide offices next
for Automotive Research said “This project further dem-
support Volt production and
year, just as Henderson would have done.
Tuesday. onstrates that Michigan has
electric vehicle development.
Between these two its hard to tell who, in
fact, can be trusted even though Bernero is
Watch senior editor Bankole Thompson’s
Sales at those levels would
the competitive business cli-
The Volt will be built on the
saying all the right things right now, projecting
weekly show, “Center Stage,” on WADL TV 38,
enable General Motors and
mate, infrastructure and tal-
existing assembly line at De-
himself as the hope candidate. He is touting his
Saturdays at 1 p.m. This Saturday’s program,
Chrysler Group to make
ented workforce to compete in
concern and offering somewhat of a panacea
Dec 26, will feature an exclusive interview
money in the United States
the global marketplace,” said
troit-Hamtramck, which cur-
for Michigan’s cities that have been victimized
with John Freeman, former federal prosecutor
based on their plans to cut ex-
Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
rently employs about 1,200
workers.
in this economy, a case that Cherry ought to be
in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit talking
penses, notes the report.
GETTING CHARGED
making.
about the federal corruption investigations in
Ford is investing $75 mil-
City Hall. The interview will be followed by a
It’s a far cry from the period Bernero is even saying loud those code roundtable with outgoing Detroit City Council-
years ago when U.S. car sales
General Motors will invest lion in Michigan Truck Plant’s
words “urban agenda” that often send chills woman Sheila Cockrel and incoming council-
averaged around 17 million —
$336 million in the Detroit-
body shop to prepare for
down the spinal cords of candidates who dis- man Rev. Andre Spivey. E-mail bthompson@
fueling a pretty good economy
Hamtramck assembly plant to
small-vehicle production. The
miss race and class in the economic revitaliza- michronicle.com.
in Michigan. Still, its grounds
build the Chevrolet Volt elec-
automaker is also reportedly
for hope for that the automak-
tric car, with extended-range
ers have already started to
capabilities, in 2010.
considering an investment of
$300 to $500 million in Michi-
14th Annual Urban Wheel Awards
build on. This brings GM’s combined
gan assembly plants as it con-
Volt-related investments in
On Jan. 12, the 14th Annual panies receiving grants from
thropist and auto dealer; and
BELIEVE
tinues development of hybrid
Michigan to $700 million,
Urban Wheel Awards (UWA) the Department of Energy’s
Rod Gillum, retired General
will bring together top govern- Advanced Vehicle Technology
Chrysler plans to invest
covering eight facilities. De-
and electric vehicles and bat-
Motors, vice president, Corpo-
ment officials and automotive Program.”
$179 million to launch produc-
troit-Hamtramck will be the
teries.
rate Responsibility and Diver-
executives with minority sup-
The Urban Wheel Awards
tion of an advanced technolo-
final assembly location for
The investment could create
pliers and dealers to recognize
sity.
brings together more than
gy, fuel-efficient engine for the
the Volt, using tooling from
about 1,000 jobs in Michigan
the stimulation of minority
2,000 auto executives, media,
A Pioneer Award will be
North American market, which
Grand Blanc, lithium-ion bat-
business development.
suppliers, dealers, celebri-
presented to Rev. Jesse L.
will be built at the company’s
teries from GM’s Brownstown
if the vehicle and battery pack
Actress LisaRaye will host ties and community leaders
Jackson Sr. for his tireless
Global Engine Manufactur-
Township battery pack manu-
assembly is brought to the
the event at the new Sound to honor the auto industry for
advocating of minority sup-
ing Alliance (GEMA) plant in
facturing facility, camshafts
state, according Ford.
Board Theatre in the Motor- its outstanding achievements
plier/dealer development in
Michigan.
and connecting rods from Bay
Now that’s worth celebrat-
City, and stampings and the
City Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand in minority business develop-
the auto industry and engen-
The investment will create Volt’s 1.4L engine-generator
ing.
River Ave. ment.
dering the establishment of
up to 573 new jobs industry- from Flint. Marcus Amick is a national Held during press week of This year’s awards include:
the National Association of
wide, including up to 155 new
automotive writer and prod-
the North American Interna- 2010 Urban Car and Truck of
Minority Automobile Dealers
Chrysler Group jobs.
“We expect the Detroit-
Hamtramck plant will be the
uct analyst. He can contacted
tional Auto Show (NAIAS), the the Year, and the inaugural
(NAMAD).
The GEMA plant, located first facility in the U.S. owned at Marcus@WheelSide.com.
theme for this year’s program Urban Green Vehicle of the The evening will begin with
is “Stimulating Minority Busi- Year; Four Lifetime Achieve-
a Green Carpet VIP reception
ness Development.” To raise ment awards, along with an
Mortgage rates drop to 4.87 percent
at 5 p.m. Awards with present-
awareness of its importance, Urban Wheel Pioneer Award;
ed at 7 pm. Video highlights
top government officials and Diversity Leadership, Ad-
of the awardees and their con-
The past week’s mortgage rates, monitored Detroit politicians have been vanced Vehicle Technology;
tributions will precede the an-
by Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market invited to present awards to and Stimulating Minority Busi-
nouncement of each award.
Survey (PMMS), for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages automotive companies and ness Development awards,
average 4.87 percent for the week ending Oct. suppliers. presented to bring the auto
The evening will also fea-
1. This is a continued decline from last week’s
“The auto industry has
industry and government to-
ture a special performance by
4.94 percent. 30-year fixed rate mortgages aver-
consistently been a leader
gether in a positive setting.
singer and actress Gina Hirai-
aged 5.94 percent the same time last year.
in developing minority busi- Lifetime Achievement hon-
zumi.
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage this week
nesses,” said Randi Payton, orees include Susan Au Allen,
Confirmed presenters in-
averaged 4.33 percent with an average 0.7
president of On Wheels Media. president of the US Pan Asian clude Detroit Mayor Dave
point, down from last week when it averaged
“Minority suppliers, dealers American Chamber of Com- Bing, gospel recording star
4.36 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-
and businesses should not merce; Juanita Doby, vice pres- Vickie Winans, Fox 2 reporter
year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.63 percent.
be overlooked during the fed- ident of Diversity and Human Roop Raj, and Detroit News
This is the lowest the 15-year fixed-rate mort-
eral government’s stimulus of Resources at Volvo Cars North
auto editor Manny Lopez.
gage has been since Freddie Mac started track-
the industry with many com- America; Irma Elder, philan-
Proceeds from the UWA
ing it in 1991.
event benefit the Edward Davis
The five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid ad-
H1N1 vaccine to likely to be
Education Foundation (EDEF),
justable-rate mortgage averaged 4.35 percent
a non-profit 501(c) 3 organiza-
this week, with an average 0.5 point, down from
The one-year Treasury-indexed adjustable-
available by end of year
tion established by On Wheels
last week when it averaged 4.42 percent. A year
rate mortgage averaged 4.53 percent this week
Media, Inc.
ago, the 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage aver-
with an average 0.5 point, up from last week
The Michigan Department be vaccinated.
The mission of EDEF is to
aged 5.90 percent. The 5-year adjustable-rate
when it averaged 4.49 percent. At this time last
of Community Health (MDCH)
mortgage has not been lower since Freddie Mac
• Household contacts and care-
provide scholarships, intern-
year, the 1-year adjustable-rate mortgage aver-
and the 45 local health depart-
started tracking it in 2005.
aged 5.15 percent.
givers for children younger than 6
ships and mentoring to stu-
ments in the state have agreed
dents pursuing careers in the
that all counties will concen-
months of age because younger
er risk of influ-
automotive industry and com-
trate on the five target groups
infants are at high
Churches holding New Year’s Eve services
enza-related complications and
munications.
to receive the H1N1 vaccine
as recommended by Centers
cannot be vaccinated.
Tickets are available at
for Disease Control and Pre-
www.TicketMaster.com or by
The following are a few of
Hartford Memorial Bap- will hold its watch meeting
• Healthcare and emergency med-
vention (CDC), and focusing
calling (800)-745-3000.
the area churches holding
tist Church, 18700 James service from 9 p.m. to roughly
ical services personnel because
solely on subsets of the target
New Year’s Eve services.
Couzens, will hold its New midnight. The Mass Choir will
infections among healthcare work-
groups is no longer neces-
Year’s Eve Watch Service start- perform and the illustrated
Briefs
Triumph Church will ring
sary.
ers have been reported and this
ing at 10 p.m.
sermon will be “Angels and
can be a potential source of infec-
in the new year with two cel-
From page A-1
Demons.” Call (313) 543-6000
The MDCH and local de-
tion for vulnerable patients. Also,
ebrations centered around the
Gesu Church, 17180 Oak
partments began the new plan
increase absenteeism in this pop-
reporting project on Detroit’s
theme “How to Get a Midnight
Drive, will hold a night watch
to learn more.
on Dec. 1. Vaccination for
ulation could reduce healthcare
local elections.
Miracle,” with special musical
with prayer and singing at
Visit the Michigan Chroni-
the general population possi-
system capacity.
Expanding on its strategy
guest J.J. Hairston and Mu-
10:30 p.m., followed by mass
cle’s religious directory pages
bly may begin in a few weeks, to bring under-heard voices to
sical Praise. The first will be
at 11 p.m.
for listings of other houses of
but only after data from local
• All people from 6 months through
the region’s airwaves, WDET’s
at 8:30 p.m. at the church’s
Greater Grace Temple, worship you may wish to con- health departments and 24 years of age and children from enhanced program line-up
west campus, located at Salem
23500 W. Seven Mile Road, tact. healthcare partners assures 6 months through 18 years of age features a new midday talk
High School, 48181 Joy Road that target groups throughout
because cases of 2009 H1N1 in- line-up beginning with “The
in Canton. The second will the state have had an adequate fluenza have been seen in chil-
Craig Fahle Show” (formerly
be at 10:30 p.m. at the down-
Comerica From page A-1 chance for vaccination.
dren who are in close contact with
“Detroit Today”), at 10 a.m.
town campus, located in Cass
(rebroadcast at 7 p.m.). It will
Washington – near Comerica weigh 11 tons each that adorn “We must be sure that the
each other in school and day care
Technical High School, 2501
be followed by “Soundcheck,”
Tower at One Detroit Center, population most vulnerable
settings, which increases the likeli-
Second Ave.
three sides of the building.
WYNC’s daily talk show about
will undergo renovations as This feature was designed and to the H1N1 flu is safe and
hood of disease spread, and young
music at 2 p.m.
Pastor Solomon Kinloch well. created by renowned sculptor
protected before we expand
adults 19 through 24 years of age
will deliver a special message
Also, WDET’s weekday
Built for Manufacturers
Robert Youngman.
the availability of the vac-
because many cases of 2009
at both services. Call (313)
news and information sched-
Bank – a merger partner of Co- In 2009, Comerica Bank
cine,” said Dr. Eden Wells,
H1N1 influenza have been seen
ule will be strengthened, fill-
386-8044 or visit www.tri-
merica Bank in 1992 – 411 W.
Center at 411 W. Lafayette
state medical epidemiologist. in these healthy young adults and
ing a void in the marketplace.
umphchurch.org for more in-
Lafayette in Detroit opened in
earned the U.S. Environmen-
“While more and more vaccine they often live, work, and study in
And “Destination Jazz: The
formation.
September 1971 and housed
is coming into the state more
tal Protection Agency’s Energy
close proximity, and they are a fre-
quickly every day, we still have
quently mobile population.
Ed Love Program” will move
Fellowship Chapel, 7707 W.
a banking center and various
Star, the national symbol for
to be sure we have an adequate
to a weekend time slot.
Outer Drive, will be holding
operations. The building was
superior energy efficiency
supply for the target groups
• Persons aged 25 through 64
WDET will also feature new
its traditional watch night ser-
designed by Louis G. Red-
and environmental protection.
before opening the vaccine to
years who have health condi-
contemporary music pro-
vice from 9 p.m. to midnight
stone Associates, Inc. (now
In recent years, the building
the general public.”
tions associated with higher risk
grams in its weekend line-up.
in the main sanctuary. Imme-
Redstone Architects, Inc.), a
received from the Building
of medical complications from in- New locally-produced contem-
diately following that will be
Detroit architectural, plan-
Owners and Managers Associ-
These target groups are:
fluenza such as asthma, diabetes, porary music programs will
the Kwanzaa Ball in the Vil-
ning and engineering firm,
ation (BOMA), Detroit Chapter,
• Pregnant women because
heart, lung or kidney problems or a be hosted by John Moshier,
lage Dome. That will last until
and built by general contrac-
the 2005-2006 Building of the
they are at higher risk of complica-
weakened immune system. Rob Reinhart (“Rob Reinhart’s
about 3 a.m. For more infor-
tor Barton Malow.
Year Award, known as TOBY,
tions and can potentially provide
Essential Music”) and Nick
mation call Monica Anthony There are 20 precast con-
in the 250,000 to 499,999
For more information, please
protection to infants who cannot
Austin (“Nick Austin’s New
at (313) 347-2830 crete stone panels which square-footage category.
visit www.michigan.gov/flu.
Soul Sunday”).
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