Protest demands mayor declare ‘state of emergency’

This city has been devastated by high unemployment, mass foreclosures, abandoned homes and widespread poverty. About 20 protesters gathered outside the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in downtown Detroit on Oct. 10 to demand that interim Mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr. declare a state of economic emergency and formally apply to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for a moratorium on foreclosures.

WW photo: Alan Pollock

A delegation of activists from the Moratorium NOW! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions then went inside to the mayor’s office to deliver a second letter demanding he take immediate action to alleviate the suffering. Cockrel had ignored an earlier letter from the coalition sent before he assumed office in mid-September.

The letter stated in part: “The people of Detroit cannot stand to wait one more day for the imposition of an emergency moratorium to stop foreclosures. Under MCL 10.31, et seq., upon application of the mayor of a city, or on her own volition, the governor may proclaim a state of emergency and designate the area involved. We are requesting that you formally apply to Governor Granholm to declare a state of emergency in Detroit, and demand she use her police powers to place a two-year moratorium on foreclosures in the City.”

The letter asked Cockrel to respond within one week. Coalition organizers are planning further actions to ensure that the mayor answers their demands. They will hold a mass demonstration in Detroit on Oct. 27 and are preparing to take the struggle to the next level.

The Moratorium NOW! Coalition is also demanding passage of State Senate Bill 1306, which would call for a two-year moratorium in Michigan. The coalition will hold a statewide organizing conference in Detroit on Dec. 6 to further broaden the struggle against foreclosures and evictions.

Inquiries and donations can be sent to the coalition at 23 E. Adams, 4th floor, Detroit, MI 48226. Call 313-887-4344, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.moratorium-mi.org for more information.