Detroit does it again

You though the former mayor of Detroit Kwame Kilpatrick was bad enough. But his was simple stupidity compared to this.

Bing nominates convicted murderer for police board

Detroit -- Some police officers are furious that Mayor Dave Bing wants to nominate a convicted murderer to serve on a board that metes out discipline to cops and sets department policy.

Others argue Raphael B. Johnson, who served 12 years in prison for second-degree murder and is now a motivational speaker, is an inspiration and would be a good fit for the unpaid, four-member Board of Police Commissioners.

"We can't ignore the substantial number of ex-offenders in Detroit who are trying to contribute in our community," Deputy Mayor Saul Green said in a statement. "Raphael Johnson is an example of someone who has made the most of a second opportunity. He can play an important role in strengthening our connection to the community to better address public safety."

Bing has said he wants to put Johnson on the panel, but has not formally submitted the nomination to the City Council, said mayoral spokesman Dan Lijana.

Some, including several officers who did not want to be quoted, fearing reprisal from the Mayor's Office, say the nomination plan sends a bad message.

"I've gotten more e-mails and phone calls about this issue than anything else since I've been on the council -- all of it negative," said City Council President Pro Tem Gary Brown, a former Detroit Police officer. "I have serious concerns, because the board sets policy for the Police Department."

Johnson, 35, was convicted of second-degree murder in 1992. When he was 17, he got into a fight at a party, retrieved a handgun from a friend's car and fatally shot Johnny Havard, who was not involved in the fight. Johnson ran for City Council last year, advanced past the primary and lost in the general election.

Gee, you mean he wasn't President of the National Honor Society and a Drum Major in the Band?

He argued that nothing in the City Charter says board members must have clean criminal records.

"It's not set up for someone who aspires to be a police officer; it was set up for civilians," said Johnson.

Johnson said he has paid for the crime. "What are the officers afraid of? I was 17 years old (when the crime was committed) -- does that mean I'm marked for life? I've paid my dues; how long do you want me to suffer?"

How long do I want you to suffer....as long as Johnny Howard remains dead....I think that's fair enough.

"A lot of citizens in this city have been convicted of crimes," Johnson said. "If people want to deal only with people who have never been arrested, they should move to Utah. I think I could bridge the gap of mistrust between the community and the Police Department."

There are arrest and there are arrest. Bringing back a man who was convicted of DWI to show "Don't Drink and Drive" is good and usefull. But forgive me if I think you will try to settle some scores on this board as you set police department policy. You probably can't vote for the Mayor who nominated you.

Typical leftist crap.