I would like to know why .. the state gov't in MI

[littlewolf]

appointed an Emergency Fiscal Manager in Benton Harbor Mi.
is the town insolvent ? are they defaulting on state backed securities?
I haven't found anything as to why .... alot of racist claims due to
the make up of the town ... I am originally from that area ....
there has to be a REASON for them to step in ....
anyone from the area there want to chime in ..?

[Old and In the Way]

1. What published criteria did it fail by?

Is there a performance metric that tripped this particular instance of the State takeover? I'm betting the answer is no to both points...if so, it would be a capricious and racist act of the Governor to decide that Benton Harbor couldn't manage their own affairs.

[MedleyMisty]

2. None of that matters

There is no reason to strip a town's elected officials of their power, thereby stripping the town's citizens of their rights and their voice.

Nothing can justify that.

The reason is profit and control.

[louis-t]

3. Because the governor hates Michigan...

and black people. But he LOVES the Koch Bros.

[Yo_Mama]

4. Benton Harbor had to ask the state to give them money to meet payroll

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/michigan/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1631320/Michigan.News/Emergency.Financial.Manager.Appointed.In.Benton.Harbor
Here's some more info - they're not paying pension money either.
http://www.bentonharborcity.com/newsletter/March14thUpdate.pdf

The City’s financial audit was presented to the City Commission last week, and is now available on the City’s
website. Copies are also available at City Hall and the Federal Building. Following are highlights from the report:
• The General Fund lost $1.1 million for the year ended June 30, 2010, which increased the deficit to $4.5 million.
• The Government-wide unrestricted deficit increased by $2 million to $6.1 million, with total liabilities of $8.8
million, which does not include an additional $7 million of unfunded pension obligations to City employees.

If it's that bad, it is a financial emergency. I suppose the state could refuse, but that would screw everyone in the town. But if they agree to give them the money, they surely need to fix the situation.

Obviously the city's woes are so bad that they cannot borrow from a bank, so....

The city's website is here:
http://www.bentonharborcity.com/

[littlewolf]

5. that explains it .... so basically the deal is ... you want the state

to bail you out .. then the state takes oversite .... ok that helps ... thanks ....