Here is an article from the News Herald. It points out that Commissioner Kostoff was not reappointed due to going against Brown.

http://thenewsherald.com/stories/01...050112017.shtml

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recordar la yocorazon

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Commissioner loses post over vote

By Jason Alley, The News-Herald

PUBLISHED: January 12, 2005

LINCOLN PARK -- A public safety commissioner was removed from his post Monday night because he says he refused to cave in to the mayor's wishes.

Commissioner Carl Kostoff was up for reappointment, but Mayor Steven Brown instead replaced him with lifelong city resident Patrick Zelenak.

Kostoff, 66, has served on the board that oversees the Police and Fire departments since late 1999 and said he has the support of many in the community, including Police Chief Thomas Karnes.

But that wasn't enough. Unlike other city commissions that require the full support of the City Council, appointments to the Public Safety Commission are at the mayor's sole discretion.

"It really comes down to the purpose of me having appointment authority to the commission so that I can get someone in there who shares my basic philosophy on how to run the department," Brown said.

"It was clear (Kostoff and I) didn't see eye to eye and, therefore, it's time for me to make a change. I appreciate the time he served, but I think it's time to make a change. He'll be getting a letter from me, saying, 'Thank you for your service.'"

The two men clashed in September after former Police Chief Robert Kish announced he was retiring.

Brown and a majority of the council wanted to conduct a nationwide search to find Kish's replacement.

But members of the Public Safety Commission, who manage the Police Department, voted against going outside. Instead, they interviewed internally and gave the job to Karnes, a 23-year police employee.

Kostoff, whose term is the first to expire since that decision was made, said he knew then that he likely wasn't going to be put back on the board. But on Monday, he said, he's happy he didn't give in to the mayor, even if it did cost him his volunteer position.

"We could have went nationwide and spent the money bringing people in and interviewing them, but why do that when we had good people here already," Kostoff said. "It was a good ride. I'm proud of what we've done over the years. We have some good people here in the city."

The mayor said he considered a few people for the job, but opted for Zelenak because of his longstanding involvement with the city.

"He's an active and capable guy and will be a good addition to the Public Safety Commission," Brown said.

Zelenak has worked with the city's Parks and Recreation Department for more than 20 years in planning summer concerts in the park. For the last two years, he's also been a member of the city's Economic Development Corp.

He said he intends to resign from the EDC in order to dedicate his time to his new position.

Zelenak, 40, works for the Wayne County Department of Children and Family Services, formerly known as Community Justice.

Familiar with the workings of the judicial system, he said, he's hoping to add some fresh blood to the commission.

"My knowledge will assist the city achieve its mission," he said. "Any way I can help out, I'm happy to. I don't have an agenda."

Some people, however, have questioned Zelenak's appointment, citing his family's ties to law enforcement in the city.

He now will oversee the Police Department. His brother, Edward, is Lincoln Park's city attorney, and another brother, David, is a judge in Lincoln Park's 25th District Court.

The mayor said he looked into the matter and doesn't believe there are any conflicts of interest.

"I don't think because of who your brother is should preclude you from doing your job," Brown said.

Contact Staff Writer Jason Alley at or at 1-734-246-0867.

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"It was clear (Kostoff and I) didn't see eye to eye and, therefore, it's time for me to make a change. I appreciate the time he served, but I think it's time to make a change. He'll be getting a letter from me, saying, 'Thank you for your service.'"

Translation: Carl refused to be my lapdog.

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Yeah Jason!!!!!

Some people, however, have questioned Zelenak's appointment, citing his family's ties to law enforcement in the city.

He now will oversee the Police Department. His brother, Edward, is Lincoln Park's city attorney, and another brother, David, is a judge in Lincoln Park's 25th District Court.

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Another fine article. Balanced and Fair. And very much to the point. The article sure helps finish up the portrait of our Mayor.

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ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY-NOV 8TH.
Every vote counts - exercise your Rights.

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I am absolutely beside myself on this. OMG, Jason Alley......where are you...I want to give you a HUGE hug!!!!!

You GO GUY!!!!!

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"Sometimes we must serve in order to lead"
by Unknown

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Who always supported Jason Alley in these forums??

Who always said Jason Alley is a very good reporter?

ME in both instances.

Nobody can come out against this article. He quotes the mayor. He allowed Mayor Brown's own ego to swallow him on this issue.

Mayor Brown has finally shown his true stripes. His ego has gotten the best of him.

From the News Herald
The mayor said he looked into the matter and doesn't believe there are any conflicts of interest.
"I don't think because of who your brother is should preclude you from doing your job," Brown said.

Does anyone buy this anymore?

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A Five Year Millage? Yes
A non-limited Millage? Never
Vote NO on Proposal R

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What, no quote from Vaslo? Guess even Frank knows when to stay away from a hot issue.

TO ALL YOU COMMISSIONERS OUT THERE!!! Walk the walk and talk the talk or you aint gonna be a commissioner for long. You must think like Brown or he will find someone he can easily control.

Please read through this article one more time. Isn't it nice to know there is at least one man in this city with some integrity? Someone who cannot be bought? Someone who took an oath and lived up to it?

My hat is off to you Carl Kostoff. You proved the Public Safety Commission is worth of our respect.

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If this is true, then why have commissioners at all? Why not just have the mayor writing up interdepartmental memo's when he wants something done or not done? I was under the impression that a QUORUM of people were gathered together to diliberate on what is in the best interests of the city because One Person cannot diliberate objectively on thier own and make decisions that are in the best interest of the city. Hmm. This is VERY exposing of the thought process of Mayor Brown.

(Negative, or just making an observation? )



Again, I reference my above response.



And we're happy he didn't give in too. A man of Character. SO few and far between.



I didn't even know Ed and Dave had a brother. Ok. Lets see what he's got....



Those are pretty cool! Ok. People plan lots of stuff in the community. What else do we got...



Wait a minute, hold the phone. Didn't Kandes Just do a presentation this MONDAY NITE that shows Duchane assuming the Responsibilities of the EDC as part of his duties? Or is he just the director? We still utilize the EDC? What do they do? We have a DDA, EDC, Chamber of Commerce, and a City Manager..this seems redundant...but this is OT....so on with the article.


Well, good luck to you Pat. It says you don't have an agenda, but it looks like you were appointed because of one. That's not necessarily your fault tho. Best wishes on your new appointment.

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WOW! I mean WOW! Mr. Jason Alley sir, you have gained my respect manyfold with this article.

And Mr Magoo,

Yes. You stand correct my friend. Why did I ever doubt your judgement?

Apparently Mayor Steve Brown buys it, hook line and sinker. I'm sure City Attorney Ed Zelenak whispered in his ear, "Naw, there ain't no conflicts of interest. He'll do just as you want!"

Apparently it has nothing to do with Safety of Lincoln Park citizens! Mayor Steve Brown said as much right there! Talk about sticking your foot in your mouth!

And by saying that, then obviously Pat Zelenak "sees eye to eye" with him and "shares [his] basic philosophy on how to run the department" (i.e. will be his lapdog!).

But from what I understand, the Police Cheif runs the department!

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Yep Jason, I have to agree. It was a fair and balanced article. My hat is off to you. It does seem strange that the Mayor and only the Mayor can appoint. In Sh the Mayor has a right to appoint, but must be voted on by a majority of council----------or they don't get in. Strange indeed.

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I forgot to add to my original post. As everyone here is aware, I post spanks on issues/people that I think warrants it and I post kudos on issues/people that I think warrants it. (based on my opinions of the issues).

You guys are also aware that I have and will continue to be critical of new articles, etc. Critical doesn't necessary mean negative.....critical to me is digesting the facts and rendering my opinion based on the facts of an issue. AKA I critique alot

I must say that I am often critical of News Herald articles but I must also say that the last few articles by Jason Alley have been very fair and well written.

I am happy to see finally a just the facts type articles and I hope that this keeps up.

GREAT JOB, JASON!!!!

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Here is the original story that ran in the NH

http://www.thenewsherald.com/storie...040919020.shtml

snippet<>

Matched to quotes with current Article:



Later in that same article, he stated:


Well, if the point is

Then I guess the statement I'm not going to let my disagreement with how they were hired influence how this city is run was a really bad way to put it because that looks like a SERIOUS contradiction to me.

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Jason, Way to go!!



You really have been listening! (And, you've taken us all by complete surprise on this one.)



Great article! Look forward to reating your future articles, with "fair and balanced" reporting !

.

Thank you for helping to get the "whole" story out!

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Jason a big Thank You. I appreciate reading fair and accurate reporting. Keep up the good work.

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"I'm sick and tired of hearing things from uptight, short sighted, narrow minded hypocrites. All I want is the truth, Just gimme some truth"

- John Lennon

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So let's see DuShame now has the city attorney, the police commision, and a judge all now in his pocket. What was totally missed in this story was DuShame's involvement. It was DuShame who wanted to go out and and search. but that to was a fraud it was to give cover for someone he akready had in mind for the job.But then again that darn thing called the city charter got in the way of DuShame again!

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"It really comes down to the purpose of me having appointment authority to the commission so that I can get someone in there who shares my basic philosophy on how to run the department," Brown said."

Like the Mayor of Southgate reinstating a campaign supporter against the decision of the Police Chief. Chief Karnes manages the Department along with his staff of command officers. Duchane works with all the Department Heads on a day to day basis. That's what we pay them to do. How will we ever move forward if a bunch of pinhead politcians keep throwing their personal agendas in the way of any Departments ability to get the job done.

Mr, Alley has written an excellent article . If you think he writes slanted views ,contact him with the facts you have.

Mr. Magoo you are the Man when it comes to common sense and knowledge of this city. Too many people get played by our Elected Officials. You have seen it and understand it.

Zelenak ,Zelenak, and Zelenak didn't the triumvirate lead to the Downfall of Rome . Arrest 'em , prosecute 'em , and find 'em guilty or innocent. There's more power there than all the M/C put together. Make sure you shovel your snow .cut your grass, and keep your car off the streets around their houses. If you find a dead body in the process call Steve Brown, they don't handle that part.

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If pro is the opposite of con? would CONgress be the oppositeof PROgress?

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Well Well Well Brownie....you Gonna Intimidate Jason For Not Frothing All Over You On This One.maybe He Is Getting A Little Sick Of The Brown Stain Too.you Have Spent To Much Time With Stiffs Over The Years...do You Practice Your Trash On Them? I Think You Have Forgotten That The Citizens Of Lincoln Park Are Living Breathing Folks With Minds Capable Of Voting You Out Of Office.....you Believe In Ghosts Brownie? Watch They Will Rise Up And Bite You On The Butt,dead Men Do Tell Tales...........
Lol Lol Lol Lol Lol Lol Lol Lol Lol

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Moral freedom is not the right to do what we want,but the power to do what we ought.

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Before I make a statement on this thread, I would like to say I am all for a new city government, with only a few exceptions, they can be replaced as far as I am concerned. With that said,

Why is it that now, because Jason Alley has written an article that is aligned with the general mindset of these forums, we are praising his writing? I mean, "fair and accurate" applies to both sides of an arguement, right?

I only ask because this is the most outpouring of praise I have seen on his writings, in one place, for one article......just a thought

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Todd

Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition. ~Jacques Barzun

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In my opinion, this article was fair and accurate.

Everyone has been pounding on Jason for slanted reporting, it is only fair of us to praise an article that is written

Fair is fair.

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