Michigan Summit of City Leaders to Assemble on Emergency Manager Concerns

WYANDOTTE, Mich., April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Rotary Club of Wyandotte will host a public presentation by Michael Stampfler, previous Emergency Manager of Pontiac, Michigan, on why the EM program is failing and why it can get worse.  He is one of the very few experts that has actually done the job, did it under both the Granholm and Snyder administrations, and will speak openly about it.

"The program has caught the interest of local and national media and many Michigan mayors, councils and administrators.  Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, Riverview, Southgate, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Lincoln Park, Allen Park and Wyandotte are just a few attending for the discussion and more are reserving tables each day," said Michael Debiak, manager of the event.

Michigan now has several governor-appointed EMs and Panels whose power supersedes locally elected officials, and more are on the way as cities and schools struggle to survive.  In the April 24 presentation, Stampfler will explain what he saw firsthand, why the damage can reach beyond the troubled cities into surrounding communities, and what are the alternatives?

Stampfler says, "I do not believe EMs can be successful -- they abrogate the civic structure of the community for a period of years then return it virtually dismantled for the community to attempt to somehow make a go of it. The program provides no structure for long term recovery, and that is why most communities slide back into trouble, if they experience any relief at all -- a vicious cycle. The Public Act is not sufficient and the state bureaucracy isn't up to a performance offering any significant success -- as can be noted from the communities repeating."

Anyone interested in attending this presentation should call or email for lunch reservations, if possible.  Media wanting advance interview access to Mr. Stampfler should also contact Michael Debiak, [email protected], of Wyandotte Rotary.  Questions:  269-217-9601.

Event Location:  Silver Shores Waterfront Banquet Center, 1 James DeSana Drive, Wyandotte  
Date/Time:  April 24, 2012   Lunch at noon, presentation at 12:45p.m., finish by 2p.m.  
Cost:  $20 each, with lunch.  Reserved group tables of eight, $140. 

For additional information, media access, and RSVPs, contact:
Michael Debiak  269-217-9601
[email protected]  

SOURCE Rotary Club of Wyandotte