Editor, The Macomb Daily:

 

Warren's blight court should be abolished. It is an example of self-serving government intent on expanding its own sphere of control. It is nothing more than a failed money grab. So far, it has cost Warren taxpayers about $80,000.

 

The mayor claimed it would force negligent property owners to make improvements. The primary reason that property decays is lack of money. How do you expect to improve property by fining the offenders? More than two-thirds of the fines issued are for delinquent fines, and that speaks volumes about the root cause.

 

The mayor wanted another $135,000 to fund the operation through June. We would be better off giving the money to people who need to make the improvements rather than funding a board that will fine them for not being able to afford it in the first place.

 

The Warren City Council sees this for what it is - cronyism - and voted not to fund the court.

 

Jim McWilliams