Public commenters raise allegations of election fraud, call for more DDOT funding and urge alternatives to eminent‑domain solar projects

Public comment at the Budget, Finance & Audit committee meeting on Jan. 9 covered a range of substantive topics, including allegations of voter fraud, requests for more transit investment and criticism of proposed solar projects and eminent‑domain uses.

Whitney Clark: campaign announcement and staff rebuke

Whitney Clark began the in‑person public comment period by identifying herself and saying she intended to run for City Council in District 5. The chair and clerk reminded the speaker that publicly available meeting time cannot be used to promote a campaign; the clerk cited the charter and the committee’s rules and told Clark she could state general intent but not campaign on city time. Clark apologized and said she would be mindful going forward.

Reuben J. Crowley Jr.: absentee ballot allegations

Caller Reuben J. Crowley Jr. alleged widespread absentee‑ballot fraud in recent Detroit elections and made a named accusation. In the meeting transcript he said, “Charmaine McLeod did it,” and described what he called “voter trap houses” and absentee ballot fraud affecting council, the school board and judges. The committee recorded the statement as public comment; the claim was not corroborated in the meeting record and no city official confirmed it during the hearing. The committee did not take formal action on the allegation during the meeting.

Brother Cunningham and transit funding

A caller identifying himself as Brother Cunningham urged increased funding for DDOT, saying “DDOT, they need to increase the funding, double it,” and asking about a second bus ride‑along with council members. Council members told the speaker a second ride‑along would be scheduled.

Opposition to eminent‑domain use for solar projects

A caller identified as Miss Warwick thanked staff for constituent services and said she supported clean energy but opposed the city’s current approach to siting large solar projects if it would require eminent domain. She said the city should have hired a consultant to study alternative solar deployment methods, and cited a charter provision she said had not been complied with. Warwick suggested alternatives, including building‑integrated photovoltaics and consulting Michigan State University researchers who study photovoltaics on glass, and urged that property owners be given counsel if the city pursues takings.

What the committee did: The committee acknowledged the public comments. No formal motions or staff directives were initiated in response to the allegations or the solar‑siting criticism during the meeting; council members and staff said they would review concerns and take them up in the relevant review processes or follow‑up hearings where appropriate.