See bottom of article with email explanation

Photo by John face

Written by John Face

March 31, 2022

City Watch NEWS has received an email distributed to Albion College staff this morning stating that their direct deposits that should have been in place this morning have been delayed. The email that was sent at 8:31 A.M. this morning stated:

“Good Morning Campus:

As many of you have noticed already, the payment for today’s monthly/salaried and student paychecks have not been deposited. We understand what an incredibly frustrating situation this puts our employees in and we are actively working on a resolution. You can expect your direct deposit by the end of the business day today.  Our apologies for any inconvenience and stress this may have caused”. 

City Watch has been in contact with staff to verify if this email and found that it appears to be true. The email was sent by Catherine Lessnau the Associate Director of Human Resources. City Watch has reached out to Ms. Lessnau for a quote and is still waiting for a reply.

The college has been having financial issues for quite some time as City Watch reported in the story LINK TO STORY that shows the long-term issues with spending.

City Watch will follow up on this breaking story as it needs later today.

From: Catherine Lessnau <clessnau@albion.edu>

Date: Thu, Mar 31, 2022 at 3:55 PM
Subject: UPDATE | Monthly and Student Payroll for Today 3/31/2022
To:

Good afternoon, 
As most of you are aware, unfortunately, a step was missed in the payroll process. We acknowledge and apologize for the stress this has caused today. The College has remedied the situation and has changed our internal protocols to ensure this does not happen again. 
Most, if not all, employees scheduled to be paid today (monthly/salaried and student employees) should see their paycheck deposited into their account(s) by the end of the day.
Please check your bank account(s) at this time. While all deposits should be received today, depending on your bank this could occur as late as this evening. If you do not see your funds today, please email hr@albion.edu so we can begin researching and rectifying your situation. 
Bi-Weekly Checks Scheduled for Friday, April 1We have reviewed the bi-weekly process and do not expect any issues with the deposits tomorrow morning. Please email hr@albion.edu if you have any questions.
Thank you to the collaborative, quick actions of many who helped ensure employees received their paychecks on the scheduled payday.


All the best,
Catherine Lessnau (she/her/hers)Associate DirectorHuman ResourcesAlbion CollegeCampus Location: Ferguson 225Ph:    (517) 629-0205Fax:  (517) 629-0661Web: www.albion.eduGreen Dot Supporter

Opinion

Written by John Face

March 26, 2022

In the March 24, 2022, issue of The Recorder Nora Jackson the 3rd precinct member of council in Albion is allowed to submit a letter to the editor. This letter is filled with so much information, some of it worthless, I almost thought I was reading a letter from Garrett Brown. As I read her letter, I was struck on how she forgets the truth and instead states things that make her look good. So let me set her record straight.

In her third paragraph she is telling the reader about her program stating, “during the last year collaborated with the YMCA’s program in Albion to use the Washington Garner School (not my misspelled word) to work with kids”. In fact, last year on September 29, 2021, Jackson sent an email to Jill Hinde CEO of the Battle Creek YMCA and cc Mat Johnson the college President at the time.

This email to Hinde came out of the blue and it appears after an interview this writer had with Mat Johnson in August of 2021. During this interview he stated that he had nothing to do with Jackson getting to use Washington Gardner for her program free of charge and that it was the YMCA who controlled her space. Here are the emails that I speak of:

From: Nora Jackson
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2021 4:26 PM
To: Jill Hinde 
Cc: Mathew Johnson
Subject: YMCA- Difference Makers

Jill,

We Difference Makers would like to know if we could continue our program in the space we used during the summer months?  I have many childrens and families wanting to know when we can start back up again!  I would like to begin in November if possible?  I would like to be able to hold a couple of meetings next month to talk with parents as well.  Can you please let me know if this is possible?

Respectfully,

Nora Jackson

Difference Makers

From: Jill Hinde
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 11:15 AM
To: Nora Jackson
Cc: Mathew Johnson

Subject: RE: YMCA- Difference Makers

Nora—my approval is not necessary or required. The Y does not own the space at Washington Gardner and we have no authority to approve or deny a request for its use. The use of that space is a decision made between you and the College. Happy that hear that Difference Makers may be starting up again—I know it is a very successful program. Take care, Jill

Jill Kingsley Hinde

Chief Executive Officer

BATTLE CREEK FAMILY YMCA

182 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017

So as this email exchange shows there is no collaboration as she tries to imply with the YMCA. I shared this article last follow this link

Next on our list of interesting statements she makes is she claims to have done due diligence in preparing the information for her proposal to get city tax money for her non-profit. Which of course she should always do normally if in fact you do. Well after a long and blame filled tirade, I get blamed for her retracting her proposal. Of course, she says she did her homework and there was nothing wrong with what she was trying to do, right? If all your ducks are in a row, why chicken out and pull the proposal?

Another question directly related to this was an item that was placed on the agenda of the last meeting on March 21. Jackson asked this to be placed on the agenda: APPROVE PUBLIC RELEASE OF CITY ATTORNEY LEGAL OPINION REGARDING COUNCIL MEMBERS CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY. But guess what? Jackson and the other members voted this down, Mayor Snyder voted yes to release this. Maybe because the information was going to make her look bad? Maybe. We will not know as that is confidential information for some reason that residents can’t hear. Residents deserve to know if the City Attorney thinks she is breaking the law.

Now in the last paragraph Jackson claims that her proposal was in the starting phase. Not true and the fact is I have the emails that show if Haley Snyder had approved it, her proposal would be on the agenda at the next meeting. No, she had every intention for this to be on the agenda sooner than later. that is why I reported on her actions.

I do appreciate that my name is used so frequently in her letter. What’s the old saying? Living rent free in their brain. Yep, that’s it.

OK sorry, this writer had nothing to do with her or any other members of council recalls. Why is it so hard for them to believe that there are many people who are done with her and all the recall targets, and the shady antics they have been involved in. Jill Hinde, Shane Williamson or Haley Snyder had nothing to do with me getting public records and her emails.

Her entire letter is worth a read. Okay maybe not but go spend the money and buy a copy of the Recorder because there are some great stories worth reading.

Written by John Face

Photos by John Face

March 21, 2022

A group of 30 area residents, business leaders and Chamber members showed up this morning for the official ribbon cutting ceremony for Superior Street Mercantile. Project Manager Joe Verbeke was smiling this morning as he greeted people for the ceremony. The Mercantile, Albions’ only downtown grocery store opened in early January and has slowly been gaining a foot hold in Albion.

The ceremony heard Verbeke thank all those behind the project. Bill Dobbins spoke about the commitment to downtown Albion and that this project, five years in the making in collaboration with Albion Reinvestment Corporation or ARC, Dr. Samuel Shaheen and members of his family including wife Karen, daughters Emily and Caroline.

Hours are 10:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. daily.

Written by John Face

Photos from The City of Albion Website

Opinion

March 20, 2022

Nora Jackson is going to get your tax money for her personal pet project come hell or high water, mark my words. Want to know how I know? Read the agenda for tomorrow night’s council meeting. She is hell bent on getting your money because she doesn’t have the ability to raise it herself, she wants to give jobs to her friends and herself it appears. Here are the items on the agenda that I speak of:

I.	APPROVE PUBLIC RELEASE OF CITY ATTORNEY LEGAL OPINION REGARDING COUNCIL MEMBERS CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY Output Document (AIR-22-423) – Pdf

J.

DISCUSSION OF CONCERNS REGARDING A COUNCIL MEMBER PROPOSALS FOR RECREATION MILLAGE FUND Output Document (AIR-22-424) – Pdf

The city attorney, the coward that he appears he is, plans on telling them it’s all good to give tax money to council members no matter what. So, if they can’t get the recreation tax money, they will then just give her 80 plus grand out of the general budget. You know, we don’t need money for roads or anything else.

But Wait, there is More, They are Going After the City Manager Again and are going to figure out a way to Get Rid of Her it Appears

They are going to give their fake evaluations of City Manager Haley Snyder because they need a Garret Brown or Mat Johnson person in charge. Here is the BS:

XI.	ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL DISCUSSION

A.

DISCUSSION CITY MANAGER 1-YEAR EVALUATION Output Document (AIR-22-426) – PdfScore Sheet for City Manager 1 Year EvaluationScore Sheet CM evaluation 6moCM Evaluation – Year OneVS 1 year CM EvalShane 1 year eval_Nora 1 year evalReid Williams LaNoue Lawler

Any guess who would replace her? A girlfriend of a former member of council would be a good fit, right? Or maybe that former member of council, if it is OK with his mom. We all know that members of council including LaNoue and Jackson have expressed displeasure with her (Snyder) . No one seems to know why. Maybe we ask Mat Johnson or Garrett Brown why members of Council are doing what they are doing.

Now that Council member Williamson is gone, we have a lone soldier in Mayor Victoria Garcia-Snyder to hold the light up for honesty. She is on an island surrounded by scoundrels and you my dear citizens better get off your ass and stand up. This is a far more serious problem than when Garrett Brown apparently ran Sheryl Mitchell out of Albion. We all know why, Garrett like Johnson have issues with, it appears, strong, independent and smart women, they make them look stupid it seems.

The meeting is at 7:00 P.M. Monday March 21, 2022. Please get up and address the council in the first public comments section. You most likely will not change the minds of what appears the simple minded but at least you are on the record of calling them out.

Oh, on top of it all they are still planning on censuring former council member Williamson, now a citizen, because they are vindictive and pissed because he pushed them to be honest it appears.

Seems pretty shady the shit they are trying to pull off right?

Written by Nick AKA “The Nate” Cooper

March 16, 2022

‘Tis the season for upsets, Cinderella stories, and introductions to new stars. From Murray State and
Davidson to Duke and North Carolina every year, every team in the field feels as if they have a chance to
raise the National Championship trophy. The NCAA Tournament has introduced us to Larry Bird, Steph
Curry, Ja Morant, and others who were highlighted by their run in this majestic playoff system. So many
unknowns who seem to rise to the moment. If one thing is certain, uncertainty is guaranteed.

Michigan State University Spartans

There is the unknown and then there is Tom Izzo. Izzo who has been to twenty-four straight NCAA Tournaments, eight Final Fours and won the ultimate prize in his time at Michigan State University. Izzo is among the all-time greats and his NCAA Tournament win percentage (.703) is that of the most elite of company. He has gotten the best out of many players- Mateen Cleaves, Draymond Green, Cassius Winston and so many others.

This year MSU tackles Davidson in the first round as the 7th seed in the West region that
includes Duke and Gonzaga who also have massive reputations for winning. Gonzaga the number one
overall seed in the field and Duke at number 8, both have top superstar prospects in waiting. Even in
the “worst of years” under Izzo, Michigan State somehow seems to find a way to make waves. With
four wins against Top 25 ranked teams this year, now is the time where, yet again, Izzo will have to get
the players together.

This team of solid depth can throw well balanced lineups into the game and flex with other team’s roster moves. Even though the outlook may be somewhat grim going into this region of the tournament Michigan State is set to be the Grim Reaper.

University of Michigan Wolverines

The University of Michigan is a bit of a different story as the 11th seed of the South Region facing
Colorado State in the opening round. Michigan limped into the Tournament having finished the season
with a 17-13 record. While they have budding stars in Hunter Dickenson and DeVante’ Jones, Michigan
has also been marred by controversy. Most notably the punch thrown by coach Juwan Howard, with frustration bubbling over in an unbelievable way.

In the South region that includes Villanova and Arizona, Michigan has the potential to band together and make a run based on lack of region depth. If former Wolverine, Howard, can get the best of what his top players are capable of then this team has the opportunity to erase some of this season’s disappointment.

Both Michigan State and Michigan are somewhat foreign to these positions in the field, but both have
the pedigree to surprise the field and return to their own program standards. Brackets are being filled,
teams are readying themselves for the madness, and fans are preparing to be wowed.

Keep April through February. Give me March. Give me insanity, excitement, and hope.

Written by John Face

Photos Courtesy Marshall Public School website

Below is the written opinion by Judge Brian K. Kirkham stating that the recall decision of the County Elections Commission was correct. Signatures may now be collected.

Written by John Face

Editorial

March 13, 2022

Most likely after realizing that Shane Williamson can’t be removed immediately from office as she thought he could with their redistricting game until December, council member Linda LaNoue submitted along with the backing of Nora Jackson and Marcola Lawler a request for a public hearing of the council. The purpose is simply put to get rid of Shane Williamson now thus keeping him from voting.

I have put the “charges” that LaNoue submitted at the end of this article. Warning, don’t be drinking or eating as you may spit it out laughing at her game.

On Monday March 21 in the council chambers these three along with their two other partners will attack him and try to censure AND they will also vote to remove him from his precinct with gerrymandering. I recommend that you, the public, start calling and emailing all of these members of council and let them know there are consequences for their actions and games they are playing.

Here are the listed phone numbers and City emails of the council members as found on the City of Albion website. Feel free calling them or email AND make sure you plan on attending the meeting March 21st, they are hoping you are apathetic and stay home. Time to speak up and tell them during the meeting that enough is enough. Please let City Watch know if they take your call or return the email.

Precinct 1- Donivan Williams

2021 – 2022
(734) 236-9058
dwilliams@cityofalbionmi.gov

Precinct 2-Lenn Reid
2018 – 2022
517-629-2283
lreid@cityofalbionmi.gov

Precinct 3-Nora Jackson

2020 – 2024
810-545-7045

njackson@cityofalbionmi.gov

Precinct 4-Marcola Lawler

2020 – 2024
517-206-4252

Precinct 5-Linda LaNoue
2020 – 2024
llanoue@cityofalbionmi.gov
313-312-4282

Friday, March 10, 2022

Submitted by L. LaNoue, 5th Precinct City Councilmember

With the support of Mayor Pro-Tem N. Jackson (3rdPrecinct) and Councilmember M. Lawler (4th Precinct), as required by the City charter.

This document serves to provide ten (10) days’ notice to all Albion, MI city council members that a public hearing is being called for Monday, March 21st, during the regularly scheduled city council meeting. The following is a written summary of the facts giving rise to the alleged violations of City Council member Shane Williamson that warrant the public hearing.

 Abuse of power and Not Acting in the Public’s Interest

o On Tuesday, March 1, 2022, Councilmember Williamson verbally abused and acted aggressively against his fellow councilmember, after a city council study session in the council chambers.

o His aggression that evening (3/1/22) was witnessed by residents of the community who were concerned about the well-being of the verbally abused councilmember.

o Threatening and disrespectful behavior is part of a pattern that Councilmember Williamson has used to wield abusive power.

 Use of a personal, electronic device during official city council proceedings. He has continued to use his cell phone for private, electronic discourse during city

o Background: In September 2021, Councilmember Williamson was asked and agreed to discontinue use of his personal cell phone during city council meetings, study sessions, and MML coaching sessions.

o When asked during the Monday, March 7, 2022 special meeting to put his phone away while in the act of SMS texting, Councilmember Williamson lied about the use of his device. Found during minute 27:00 on YouTube recording.

o Use of an electronic device and private discourse during city council proceedings are both violations of the City of Albion’s Rules of Procedures for city council members.

o This is also a violation of the Open Meetings Act as there is documentation of egregious messages being sent by Councilmember Williamson to fellow council members during city council meetings.

The recommended imposed sanction for this behavior is a verbal reprimand and censure.

The primary goal for this public hearing is to publicly document the continued wrongdoing of Councilmember Williamson against his fellow councilmembers.

Written by John Face

March 7, 2022

As in the past Albion City Council members Lenn Reid and Marcola Lawler have submitted a last-minute addition to the council meeting agenda. They have submitted their version for the redistricting of voting precincts in Albion. They have every right to do so but there is a process that normally happens in Albion.

Changing voter precincts is done every 10 years after the Census. In Albion everyone agrees there needs to be change as Precinct 6 has fewer residents than other precincts, the precinct is currently represented by Shane Williamson. There is a process involved in Albion takes into account several factors most of all is getting an equal number of residents in each of the 6 precincts.

Other factors have always been to account for current council members in each precinct. As a rule, the changes are minor enough that members rarely get placed out of their current precincts. Since precinct 6 is expanding there is no logical reason to make drastic changes other than to increase size.

The City Manager, City Attorney and Clerks office work on proposed changes based on the law, census and the above factors. They completed their request for change and now Reid and Lawler miraculously come up with a new map they want to be put in place instead of an intelligent no politics involved map submitted by Snyder. Now City Watch has been told that former Mayor Garrett Brown has a map that he had drawn up and that has yet to be submitted.

This is called gerrymandering when politicians try to change districts to punish others, and this should concern citizens of precinct 6 and the entire city. There is no secret when people say Williamson has been a voice of reason on the council along with Mayor Snyder the last year and a half. It appears that council is going to try and stick it to Williamson. Time to show up and stick it to them folks. Meeting happens at 6:00 P.M. at City Hall.