Revisiting the Pit Bull issue

In the winter of 2010-2011, the Rochester Hills City Council debated the need for a breed specific ordinance for Pit Bulls after some biting incidents in our community. City Councilman Martin Brennan and I wrote Point/Counter Point editorials for Rochester Media and other media outlets on the Pros and Cons of such a ban. Rochester Media has asked me to revisit the issue a few years later. At the time I made the following points against banning a specific breed – and I still believe … [Read more...]

New ordinance quiets the ‘boom’ on fireworks

Special report by Michael Webber, Vice President, Rochester Hills City Council Up until last year, fireworks were only discharged legally in Michigan through the use of a permit. That quickly changed when the Michigan Legislature passed legislation in 2012 that permitted the use of fireworks on the day of, the day before and the day after a national holiday. With that legislation came the legal sale of fireworks in the state – with the thought that the sales tax on these fireworks would … [Read more...]

Rochester Area Jaycees 2011 Senior Easter Basket Project

For many years, the Rochester Area Jaycees have worked in conjunction with the Older Persons Commission to deliver 30 Easter Baskets, filled with food, candy and useful household items, to homebound seniors who live in the Rochester area. Annually the Jaycees budget funds that were raised for this community service project. The group works with the OPC to identify the senior citizens who will receive the bags. Once the Jaycees purchase the materials and assemble the bags, Jaycee members … [Read more...]

Pit Bulls: To Ban or Not To Ban?

Recently the Rochester Hills City Council and administration discussed the need for a breed specific pit bull ban following a few occurrences of pit bulls attacking other dogs. This debate drew much discussion from community members on the pros and cons of banning a specific breed from the community. It is important during any emotional debate to take a step back and review the facts so that a knee jerk reaction does not cause an over reach of government. Councilman Webber's Response … [Read more...]

Rochester Hill’s Economic Development Team Succeeds

Given these trying economic times for our state and region, every community has turned their focus towards Economic Development. The City of Rochester Hills has been at the forefront of this focus with our Economic Development team led by Dan Casey. The focus of the Mayor's administration and the City Council towards Economic Development is beginning to pay off with some great companies deciding to come or stay in Rochester Hills over the last few years. Our city has been aggressive in … [Read more...]

New Budget for Rochester Hills 2011

Over the past month, the mayor and city council have been working through the budget for 2011 and beyond. Mayor Barnett presented a fiscally sound, conservative budget for Fiscal Year 2011 with an outlook for 2012 and 2013. I applaud this forward thinking of a three year budget proposal. The budget, as presented, called for no new taxes or fee increases. I am a firm believer that this is the correct way to go - we must fund our core city services while staying within our budget. Families are … [Read more...]

State Senate Primary Recap

With the State Senate primary behind us, I wanted to offer my thoughts on what the election meant to the Rochester area going forward. As you know, Rochester's own Senator Mike Bishop will be term limited out of office at the end of this year. What that means for our area is that we are losing a strong advocate in Lansing. Senator Bishop has worked tirelessly to promote the Rochester area and get the needed funding from the claws of state government for projects important to our area. By now … [Read more...]

The Basics Publishing Package

The Basics Publishing Packaging The Basics Publishing Package is $500 up-front and then each book costs $4.50 after that (200 pages or less and 8 x 5 paperback) This includes your ISBN and Copyright You are responsible for all editing and formatting You are responsible to supply cover art for the front and back of your book You will be responsible to market and sell your book You will have a 300 book min order upon completion The Basic Process -- How it Works: You submit your … [Read more...]

The Upgrade Publishing Package

The Upgrade Publishing Package: This package is $1,250 up front and then each book is $4.00 after that (200 pages or less and 8 x 5 paperback) This includes your ISBN and Copyright We will edit and format We will offer you 3 or 4 options for the cover to chose from We will list your book on Amazon.com We will offer you a marketing plan and help you implement it. You will have a 200 book min order upon completion The Basic Process - How it Works: You submit your work to us … [Read more...]

The Works Publishing Package

The Works Publishing Package This package is $2,250 up front and then each book is $3.75 after that (200 pages or less and 8 x 5 paperback) This includes your ISBN and Copyright We will edit and format We will offer you a complete custom cover We will list your book on Amazon.com We will market your book to thousands of people We will setup a cusomt URL for you with your own webpage We will setup in-store book signings at local bookstores for you We will setup your … [Read more...]