Prosecuting attorney speaks to Mott Park group

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By Kate Cole

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

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Safety was the theme of the Mott Park Neighborhood Association meeting June 6. Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney David Leyton and Michigan State Trooper Scott Nichols were the featured speakers. The group also heard from Pat Gerace, Parks and Recreation director, and Councilman Sheldon Neeley.

Leyton focused on when and how an individual can make an arrest.

"Sure, Michigan law allows private citizens to make arrests in certain circumstances, but there are too many risks involved for citizenry to go around like vigilante groups. Only in very rare situations can an arrest be made by a individual," Leyton said as he outlined Michigan law on the subject.

"The best way for people to fight crime is to assist the police by being 'eyes and ears' in the community. Take precautions not to be a victim and be a good neighbor. Keep in tune with what is happening in your neighborhood and watch your neighbor's property," Leyton continued.

According to Leyton, his office has more than 8,000 cases pending with a staff of 27 prosecutors.

"And we just had our budget cut by 30 percent," he added.

Asked what the conviction rate of his office was, he replied, "95 percent."

"We do extremely well in our office with convictions, but I'm totally dependent on the police to bring in the evidence. They go to the scene and determine if there was probable cause. But my job isn't to get convictions. It's to see that justice is done. I will not hesitate to dismiss a case if there is no probable cause," Leyton said.

Leyton explained Saginaw had more homicides then Flint — and reduced that number by opening up jail space.

"Everyone that was arrested went to jail in Saginaw. They let people know crime will not be tolerated. And now their homicide rate is down. I believe it would have helped if the people of Flint had voted for the jail," Leyton said.

"So much of the crime we see is fueled by drug or alcohol addiction. Kids from dysfunctional families growing up without fathers easily fall prey to the drug dealers," Leyton added.

"If you see crime call 911," Leyton said. "If you're a witness to a crime — I need you. The greatest threat to justice is witnesses who won't come forward. If you know people who are victims of crime encourage them to become witnesses.

Asked if people could use deadly weapons in defending themselves, Leyton replied that Michigan courts have ruled that a private person may use deadly force in self-defense or to prevent the escape of a fleeing felon in certain circumstances.

Michigan State Police Community Service Trooper Scot Nichols explained his role in resolving crime.

"We have 10 state troopers here with two supervisors. We could have had 10 more if the jail millage had passed," Nichols said

Nichols asked members why the voter turnout for the jail millage was so low, questioning a seven percent voter turnout while "the is city burning."

A member replied that the city didn't need another facility, they should convert Genesee Towers — which it already owns — into a city jail.

Nichols encouraged members to get their neighbors involved in supporting issues like a city lockup.

"That's what happened in Saginaw," Nichols said. "They saw their crime rate go way down when they opened up the jail."

According to Nichols, there are 47,000 criminal warrants issued countywide.

"In the last six months we've made 90 arrests for concealed weapons and rearrested 45 felons for carrying a weapon," Nichols explained.

He said other major crime factors in Flint include heroin addiction, which is driving up breaking and entering offences.

"A heroin addict has a $100 a day habit," Nichols explained.

Nichols recommended people not confront anyone breaking into their home. They should get to a safe place call 911 on a cell phone.

Gerace talked about the park department's priorities.

"I have two employees and 22,000 trees that need some kind of work, 64 parks and Atwood Stadium," he explained. "I have five temporary employees, and eight vendors on contract.

Gerace recommended people volunteer for the Adopt a Trash Can Program the association is sponsoring at Mott Park if they want to help.

Sandra McKeller, neighborhood events chairperson, is organizing the trash collection program.

"We've purchased trash liners. All you have to do is collect the trash once a week and put in the new liner," McKeller explained.

Gerace fielded questions from members about blight and the overgrown golf courses.

"I understand your frustration. If I had my way the golf course would not look the way it does," Gerace said.

Tom Saxton reported for the Mott Park Public Golf Course Association. He said the organization is trying to get nonprofit status.

According to Saxton, their goal is to raise funds to restore, support and operate the course as a recreational and educational resource serving the general public with special emphasis on providing youth with an opportunity to learn to play golf.

"We're involved in the current bid process with the city of Flint for operation of the course," Saxton reported.

Neeley (Ward 6) warned members Mayor Dayne Walling wants to turn the Mott Park golf course into a park.

"He wants to take the golf course out of the enterprise fund and put it into the park fund," Neeley said. "I don't want that to have an impact on the people who are trying to get the golf course up and operational," Neeley said.

Neeley also reported that city council recently modified the mayor's budget and passed it unanimously.

"We have seven days for the mayor to veto the budget," Neeley said.

According to Neeley, the city contracted with the Genesee County Land Bank to do two sweeps of lawn cutting on neglected properties over the summer. "It won't be enough. If you see high grass growing on a vacant property — cut it."

In other matters, the annual picnic is slated from 5:30 to 9 p.m. June 21 at Mott Park.

The group will meet next at 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2111 Flushing Rd.

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