From Laura McShane: It is absolutely critical for the machine to support the oligarchy behind Frank Jackson. The next figurehead in that line-up is Matt Zone. Detroit Shoreway Development Corporation (DSCDO) allows the machine to continue handing off special deals for special friends. [1] Community Development Block Grant funding will dry up under Donald Trump - each council person also allocates Neighborhood Development Allocations to select groups. It is in Matt Zone's interest to keep this CDO alive and if Cummins does not win - there is the chance that funding will be cut to support the machine.
But Zone also has higher political aspirations. On an episode of the CleCast podcast earlier this year [2], he hinted that his next term would be his last as a Cleveland City Councilman. In a follow-up conversation, he told Scene that running for Mayor, County Executive or state office were all possibilities. He said that after his next term, he's ready to pass the torch to another leader and that he doesn't intend to be a council "lifer."
(NOTE: Matt Zone's sister, Peggy Zone Fisher - is married to Lee Fisher - now appointed head of CSU Law School, after years in politics, and equally nebulous roles as the head of non-profits, like Centers for Families and Children [4] and CEO for Cities. Peggy Zone Fisher also heads up and pays herself a lavish salary for the nebulous non-profit Diversity Center of NEO [5])
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From Diane Morgan:
Jeff Ramsey
Executive Director
Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization
August 8, 2017
Dear Mr. Ramsey,
In a previous letter that I sent you I requested that your organization refrain from participating in any political activity with Councilman Cummins, due to your 501c3 status.
Exert:
“Given the close ties of the councilman with your organization, I would like to caution you and let you know that should this type of activity continue, I will be filing a complaint against your organization.
As you are aware I am sure, your email contact list, phone list are not to be used for political purposes. Any events, like your upcoming Metro West Senior Citizen day, or block club meetings are not to be used for political purposes.”
Within the past couple of days, I have received emails that were forwarded to me, from people, who live in the ward, that were sent to them from Mr. Cummins personal email address, plowharp [at] gmail [dot] com, forwarded to his citzensforcummins [at] gmail [dot] com account.
They never signed up to be added to his account. They did though attend events like block clubs, or public meetings. It is clear that he obtained the email addresses from events that the CDO hosted or sponsored.
I am filing a complaint with the Ohio Ethics Commission. Mr. Cummins was copied the letter I sent you and should have been aware that this would be a violation. Additionally, I will be challenging your 501c3 status, since you are clearly operating as an arm of a political organization as the email from citizensforcummins [at] gmail [dot] com , clearly shows.
Sincerely,
Diane Morgan
Resident
CC:
Brian Cummins
Matt Zone
Attachment
Tax Code Limitations on Non-Profit Organizations.
If an organization is a non-profit, charitable organization which holds its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3), that is, organizations which may receive contributions which are tax-deductible for the donor), then that organization has an express restriction that it may not “participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.” There are certain activities which have been deemed to be “nonpartisan” activities related to elections (including nonpartisan voter registration activities) in which such organizations may engage and still retain their preferred tax-exempt status.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Jeff Ramsey
Executive Director
Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization
July3, 2017
Dear Mr. Ramsey,
On Wednesday June 28, 2017, employees of your organization took part in a political event with Mayor Jackson and Councilman Brian Cummins at the Lofts at Lion Mills.
Community Organizer, Hilda Abreu, had gathered together several women from Mercedarian Plaza and brought them to the event. They were under the impression it was a community event. Instead, they were given campaign t-shirts and used a props for the campaign stop with both candidates.
Economic Director, Keisha Gonzalez presented information to the crowd assembled for the campaign event about some of the work your group is involved in. This event was listed as a community event, but was in fact a campaign event.
I do have documentation to support this claim.
Given the close ties of the councilman with your organization, I would like to caution you and let you know that should this type of activity continue, I will be filing a complaint against your organization.
As you are aware I am sure, your email contact list, phone list are not to be used for political purposes. Any events, like your upcoming Metro West Senior Citizen day, or block club meetings are not to be used for political purposes.
It is my hope that all of your employees are made aware of the prohibitions in participating in political activities. It is a bit disconcerting when you have members of your staff that are on the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party, although not in your service area. It does make one question their objectiveness when it comes to their job or political loyalties.
I thank you for your cooperation and hope that there is no need to have further discussion in the future.
Sincerely,
Diane Morgan
Resident
CC:
Brian Cummins
Matt Zone
Attachment
Tax Code Limitations on Non-Profit Organizations.
If an organization is a non-profit, charitable organization which holds its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3), that is, organizations which may receive contributions which are tax-deductible for the donor), then that organization has an express restriction that it may not “participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.” There are certain activities which have been deemed to be “nonpartisan” activities related to elections (including nonpartisan voter registration activities) in which such organizations may engage and still retain their preferred tax-exempt status.
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Links:
[1] http://realneo.us/content/how-cdcs-work-or-dont-work-your-neighborhood
[2] https://www.theclecast.com/episode-84-part-1-councilman-matt-zone/
[3] https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2017/08/08/why-did-councilman-matt-zone-have-a-campaign-fundraiser-in-los-angeles
[4] http://realneo.us/content/poverty-pimps-0
[5] http://www.diversitycenterneo.org/