Letter to the Editor: Why is the Court Moving Before Bond Sale?

Dear Editor,
 
     Why is the 40th District Court moving January 17th BEFORE they have SECURED the funds for the renovations?  According to the City Clerk’s Office, the Public has until January 26 to turn in signatures to STOP the sale of the bonds.  Only after this deadline can the bonds can go out for sale.
     I know Judges Oster and Fratarcangeli are honorable men…that is why I am so baffled by why they would not follow the law.  Why move out of the facilities when they know nobody can touch a tile, a wall, a piece of carpet, or anything UNTIL the bonds have been issued and sold?  Why move out of the facilities where legally no work can be done for months and rack up huge rental fees?
     The Court staff said that they are just following directions from City Hall.  If so, why is the Acting City Manager allowing this to happen?  Is he unaware of what he is doing?  Or is he trying to begin renovations in order to push this ill-conceived project through?
     I say “ill-conceived” because I have shown Staff and Council examples of a real Customer-Service-oriented Court House—using the EXISTING Building Fund of $1+ million.  It includes a sunroom that wraps around the front of the building (this allows for more interior space for staff).  It would be a relaxing waiting room where you could check-in, see where you are on the docket or pay bills at a kiosk, watch the court proceedings on TV, peacefully talk with family, friends, your attorney, or your client, have a coffee or snack, have a place to occupy your kids, and have a mini “know-your-rights law library”.
     Instead of this, we will put our children $2 million in debt for the next 30 years. Nice job!
 
Kind regards,
 
Ms. Erin Stahl, BS, MSF
Former Mayor ProTem, St. Clair Shores