Facts and Positions White Paper (1) | Monica Ross-Williams for YTown Trustee in 2016

Facts and Positions (1) White Paper
The Committee to Elect Monica RossWilliams Ypsilanti Township Trustee in 2016
P.O. Box 971051 Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197

Candidate Monica RossWilliams for Ypsilanti Township, Michigan Trustee in the August 2,
2016 Democratic Primary Election, has been a strong advocate for change on the local, state
and federal levels of governance.

By her 20 years body of volunteer, nonprofit and advocacy work, Monica RossWilliams would
be wellcapable and ready to serve the residents of Ypsilanti Township if entrusted in the
Elected position of Trustee.

Starting in her youth until present day, RossWilliams work has focused on using her voice to as
a beacon of representation for those impacted by social, economic, environmental and policy
changes.

Ways to do so include advocating Compiled Laws, Public Acts, enacting Municipal Ordinances
or embarking upon Public Stances for working and middle class residents throughout Michigan,
and on the National level.

Monica Community Advocacy Initiatives Have Included The Following
Facts Since 1996:

19961999 Elected as the youngest Recording Secretary of Michigan Corrections
Organization M526 SEIU Huron Valley Men’s Corrections Facility Chapter.

1996 2000 Spearheaded an effort to restart and maintain the Danbury Park/Sycamore
Neighborhood Watch Group with the Charter Township of Superior, Washtenaw County Sheriff
Office and Residents 19961999.

2001 Became an active member of the New West Willow Neighborhood Association
(NWWNA), originally a Neighborhood Watch group in partnership with the Charter Township of
Ypsilanti.

Continued on Next Page

The Following Items Occurred During Monica RossWilliams Tenure on the
NWWNA Elected Executive Board as Recording Secretary from 20032011:

2003 Appointed to serve on the (NWWNA) by then President Nathan Norman as
Executive Board Recording Secretary.

2004 Elected to the NWWNA Executive Board, the first of six times in succession as
Executive Board Recording Secretary.

2004 Worked as a Planning Committee Member with former District 6 Washtenaw County
Commissioner Rolland Sizemore, the NWWNA, WCSO, Office of Community and Economic
Development Washtenaw County (OCED), the Charter Township of Ypsilanti and West Willow
Residents on a “West Willow Five Year Neighborhood Improvement Plan” working document.

Highlights from the plan included conducting research on historical basis of the West Willow
Community, changing the NWWNA from an Neighborhood Watch to a nonprofit 501.c.3.
Organization, erection of signage denoting the West Willow Community and adopting a Citizen’s
Patrol program.

Establishing a community garden, expansion of the Summer Educational Camp at the
Community Recreation Center (CRC) on Tyler Road, adding a Computer Lab in the CRC,
adding neighborhood stabilization and homeownership program partnership.

2005 The “West Willow Five Year Neighborhood Improvement Plan” was presented to the
Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners with Planning Committee Member Monica
RossWilliams speaking on behalf of the NWWNA as the Executive Board Recording Secretary.

2006 The New West Willow Neighborhood Association officially became the first and only
501.c.3 NonProfit based Neighborhood Association in Washtenaw County during Monica
RossWilliams tenure on the Board.

2006 With grant funding from the OCED Washtenaw County, the NWWNA Citizen’s Patrol
program was adopted.

2006 The first core open design of the West Willow Neighborhood Signage Contest was
launched by the NWWNA Executive Board.

2007 The Summer Educational Camp at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) was
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expanded with grant funding from the OCED Washtenaw County to service up to 25 children
ages 512 by the NWWNA Executive Board

2008 West Willow’s Community Garden Pilot Program was launched with a partnership with
Growing Hope with the NWWNA Executive Board.

2009 West Willow Neighborhood Stabilization Plan talks begun in partnership with Habitat for
Humanity with the NWWNA Executive Board.

2009 The final design was on the West Willow Neighborhood Signage was submitted to the
OCED Washtenaw County for approval and the Charter Township of Ypsilanti for approval by
the NWWNA Executive Board.

2010 The West Willow Neighborhood Signage was erected at the corners of Dorset/Tyler and
Tyler/Wiard Roads. Advocation of the West Willow Neighborhood Signage was the original idea
of Monica RossWilliams. adopted by the “West Willow Five Year Neighborhood
Improvement Plan” Committee in 2004.

2010 The Community Surveillance Camera Pilot was adopted by the NWWNA Executive
Board in partnership with the Charter Township of Ypsilanti and plan approval by the American
Civil Liberties Union Michigan Branch.

2011 The Summer Educational Camp at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) was
expanded with grant funding from the OCED to service up to 25 children ages 512 by the
NWWNA Executive Board

2011 The NWWNA’s first Advisory Board was created. Executive Board Recording
Secretary Monica RossWilliams stepped down from her Board role to take the position
of NWWNA Political Advisory Chair, after her Appointment to the Ypsilanti Township
Parks Commission by the Charter Township of Ypsilanti.

20112013 Monica RossWilliams served as the Political Advisory Chair of the NWWNA’s
Executive Board advising the body on public policy, initiatives and actions on the state, local
and federal level impacting the NWWNA.

November 2012 to Present Elected to the Ypsilanti Township Parks Commission by the
voters of the Community.


2014 Appointed as Political Advisory Board Chair of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Black
Chamber of Commerce.

2015 Worked with WCSO’s “The Interrupters” Program to retarget positive initiatives and
program to address youth violence in the West Willow Community.

Monica Municipal, State and Federal Advocacy Initiatives
Has Included The Following Since 2008:

2008 to 2011   Michigan Advocate & Policy Leader for the “99er Movement” for America’s
LongTerm Underemployed and Unemployed Workers Margined by the Economic Crisis of 2008
and the Federal Expansion of Unemployment Insurance Benefits to 99 weeks.

Worked with Congressional Leaders and U.S. Senators on policy job initiatives to address
longterm underemployed and unemployed crisis.

2011 Visited Washington, D.C. at the bequest of Congresswoman Barbara Lee (DCA) to
speak as an Michigan Advocate for Emergency Unemployment Compensation Expansion Act
H.R. 589 of 2009.

2011 to 2013 Worked with Policy Advocacy Organizations, Nonprofits, Officials and Leaders to
repeal P.A. 4 of 2011, Michigan’s Emergency Manager Law such as We The People of Detroit,
Detroiters Resisting Emergency Management (DREM), Michigan Forward, Change Agent
Consortium from Detroit and Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (B.A.N.C.O.)
from Benton Harbor.

2012 Recipient of Democracy for America, Netroots Nation Rhode Island Scholarship,
for State and Federal Policy Advocacy representing the “99er Movement”

2013 to 2014 Worked with Policy Advocacy Organizations, Nonprofits, Officials and Leaders to
restore fair voting and accessible public water rights in Detroit such as Citizens for Detroit’s
Future and We The People of Detroit.

2013 Hired as Press Secretary of former Dean of the Michigan House of Representatives the
Honorable Fred Durhal, Jr., Mayoral Campaign in the City of Detroit.


2014 Invited by Netroots Nation Detroit as a State Independently Affiliated Blogger to cover
conference events such as the Protests Against The Detroit Water Shutoffs.

2014 Worked as a Member of the National Writers Union 1981/AFLCIO and Independently
Affiliated Blogger showing solidarity in Protests Against The Detroit Water Shutoffs during the
Netroots Nation Detroit Event.

2014 to 2015 Worked with Policy Advocacy Organizations and Leaders to restore fair voting
rights in Detroit such as Citizens for Detroit's Future.

2014 Worked with Michigan Wolf PAC Organization to supporter for overturning the U.S.
Supreme Court Decision known as “Citizens United”.

Early 2015 Was invited by “We The People of Detroit” as a Freelance Writer/Blogger to cover
the “Flint Strong Stones” Symposium on the Flint Water Crisis.

2015 As Executive Producer of the Political Podcast Independent Underground, reported as
an Statewide Political Blogger the first of a series of podcasts and articles on the Flint Water
Crisis

2016 Executive Producer/Editor/Narrator of the  MiniDocumentary on the Flint Water Crisis
Titled: “Flint Water Crisis Real Stories, Real People, Real Life A Mini Documentary”
(Cross Linked on Page 14).

2009 to 2016 Interviewed over 400 Federal, State and Local Elected Officials on public policy
initiatives including former Assistant U.S. Secretary of Education and Educational Policy
Advocate Dr. Diane Ravitch, DNC Chair/Gov. Howard Dean, former Presidential Candidate
2008 Gov. Gary Johnson (L), former Ohio State Senator, Bernie Sanders Presidential
Campaign and Policy Advisor Nina Turner (D).

Other interviewees have included Michigan Democratic Party Chairman and former State
Representative Brandon Dillon (D), Michigan House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (Check SP)
(D), former Dean of the Michigan House of Representatives Fred Durhal (D) and Wayne State
University Board of Regents Chair Gary Pollard (D).


Via Candidate Monica RossWilliams for Ypsilanti Township Trustee in 2016
Community, Local, State and Federal Public Policy Advocacy Work over the past
20 years, the Following Individuals Included Statements Below:

1). "As State Representative, I realize the important role township trustees have in building
stronger communities in our State.

I met Monica working on my father's Mayor campaign. I instantly discovered her depth of the
issues, policies and initiatives on the local, state and federal level and was very impressed.

Her knowledge of the issues impacting not only Detroit Citizens, but residents throughout
Michigan, gives me the utmost confidence that she understands how to help our citizens. She
has a keen ability to use research to advocate ideas, which are focused on improving lives for
residents across the state of Michigan.

I fully support and endorse Monica, because I know she has the right experience required to
start from Day One, and I will be able to partner with her to help strengthen our communities.

Monica is already an effective voice for the People of her Community, Township, and Michigan
and will make a great public servant to them as Township Trustee. "

Michigan House of Representatives State Representative Fred Durhal III, District 5
Detroit.

2). “Citizens For Detroit’s Future, the leaders of election reform in Detroit and stalwarts against
Emergency management, highly recommend Monica Williams to the people of Ypsilanti
Township to become its next Trustee.

We have known Monica since early 2009 and have watched her reach across township lines to
oppose election fraud and  Emergency Management all the way to Detroit.  Monica worked hard
for transparent elections and has been an avid fighter.

Besides being a gifted and incredible women with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
degree, Monica has never forgotten her roots and has shown herself to be a dependable fighter
for ordinary people.

I personally and Citizens For Detroit’s Future wholeheartedly endorse Monica Williams and

unqualifiedly recommend her to every Township resident seeking an honest, trustworthy and
dependable people's ally.”

Tom Barrow, M.B.A., C.P.A.;  President, Citizens For Detroit’s Future

3). “Monica Ross Williams knows Ypsilanti Township.

Monica is not new to community activism. Her roots in Ypsilanti go deep and her involvement
has been a constant in her life. She has been a wholehearted participant in many community
initiatives—from the ground up, with her “boots” on the ground, and with her heart devoted to
improving the lives of people in her community.

If you ever listened to her Independent Underground Radio LIVE  program you know she is not
just informed about issues, she has depth and background on all things local, statewide, and
national.

Monica has a variety of life experiences that make her uniquely qualified to lead Ypsilanti
Township. She served her country in the military, returned to college for a business degree, ran
an independent business, and raised a family.

With Monica, you get a representative with integrity, knowledge, insight, and a proven desire to
lead Ypsilanti Township forward.

Trudy Adams English Teacher (Retired), Ypsilanti High School, 41 years BS, MA
Eastern Michigan University.

4). “Meeting Monica in 2014, I was impressed with her depth of knowledge as it relates to public
policy. Monica’s ability to research and advocate for what she believes in, is what is needed in a
local governmental role."

Robyn McCoy, J.D., Michigan Democratic Women’s Caucus Executive Committee
Member

5). “I have interfaced and worked with Ms Monica Williams on issues impacting democracy,
justice and inequality across Michigan for the last several years.

I have known her to be a person of her word, one who makes it her business to get the facts
and then educate and challenge us all!


Ms. Ross Williams has already been serving the people and has a track record of involvement.“

Debra A. Taylor, M.A. Public Administration; CoFounder of We the People of Detroit.

6). “Monica Ross Williams practices the very tenets she expects from others. She shows up,
weighs in and she strongly advocates in a transparent and forthright manner.

Her commitment to the local community and regard across our state is evidenced by a long and
storied track record filled with example after example of sustained engagement.  From issues
like park space, public policy and attracting businesses to the community to providing cutting
edge media development as a mechanism to bring public policy information to the people.

Monica will be a tireless, homegrown public servant in the role of Ypsilanti Township trustee.
Dr. Simone Lightfoot, Trustee, Ann Arbor Board of Education.

7). “As a resident of the West Willow neighborhood in Ypsilanti Township I fully support Monica
RossWilliams to become one of the board of trustees.I have known Monica for over a decade
and I've always seen her involved with the community. Monica has demonstrated her interest
and concern for the community and many ways.

Monica listens to community members regarding concerns and responds with helpful
information and contacts. I feel Monica really cares about people and helping them to live a
better life through equality and education and she is always willing to give of herself with a
positive attitude.

Monica can see the deeper meaning of issues and help us to understand them so we can make
better choices.  Monica is the kind of candidate that uses all resources and opportunities to
achieve a desirable outcome.

Her positiveness and hopefulness for a better community is contagious and you just want to be
a part of whatever she is involved with. I am honored to know her and support her as one of the

next Board of Trustee in Ypsilanti Township.”

JoAnn McCollum, West Willow Resident, ViceChair NWWNA.
Disclaimer: This is a personal endorsement of Monica RossWilliams and not on behalf of the NWWNA.

8). “I first met Monica back in 2010 when I started attending Ypsilanti township board meetings.
She regularly was in attendance at the board meeting, speaking out on behalf of West Willow
Neighborhood Association.

Monica has been a committed activist for improving the quality of life for the residents of West
Willow. She has shown great tenacity as a current member of the Ypsilanti Township Park
Commission ensuring all our local parks in the neighborhoods have equal attention. She has
been responsive to the residents questions and concerns. She has worked diligently in making
sure that longtime leasing of parks serve the underserved youth in the township.

Monica would be an added voice and strategic team member providing a unique perspective in
research and business development for Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustee. This is why she
has my endorsement.”

Wilma GoldJones, Elected Precinct 17 Delegate 201216.

9). “As current President one of the local Chamber of Commerce and Executive of Joyful Treats
CDC, I am excited to be a friend in support of Monica WilliamsRoss in the upcoming township
election as a Candide for Trustee. Monica was a key executive in assisting the AAYBCC’s
political tenure the black business community.

She listens carefully to both sides and asked questions that cut to the heart of the issues. In
addition she carries out her own research, including visiting numerous community
engagements, to assess the impact firsthand.

Her approach will produce fair, intelligent, and solid decisions on behalf of Ypsilanti Township’s
development.”

If you need more information, please email me at: khadija@joyfultreatscatering.com.

Khadija B. Wallace, Founder & Executive Director, Joyful Treats Catering & CDC.



10). “Monica is a leader when it comes to advocating for those in the business community and
economically marginalized arena.

It was a pleasure to add her strong voice to the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Black Chamber of
Commerce (AAYBCC)  in 2014, within our Political Advisory Chair Role, and I believe Monica is
the voice we need for Ypsilanti Township Trustee”.

Dr. Karen G. Reynolds, MBA, DHA; VicePresident AAYBCC 20132015.
11). “Monica is very smart and astute when it comes to state and local issues. She has a great
wealth of knowledge.”

Dennis Bryant, Former Candidate Detroit School Board and Detroit Precinct Delegate

12.) "Monica gives a voice to those who may not have a public official looking out for them. She
stands up and speaks out about the issues that impact you."

Autumn Smith, Investigative Journalist, Former CoHost ROJS News & Radio.
13). “The first in what we hope will be a long series on the folks running for office this year at the
local level who support fixing our broken elections by working to get the money out!
Wolf Pac Michigan friend Monica Williams is running for Ypsilanti Township Trustee.

She has declared, as part of her campaign, "Our government should be free from the corrupting
influence of big money in politics and solely depended upon the People.I declare my support for
predemocracy, anticorruption reforms, including voters rights protects, citizenfunded
elections, and a Constitutional Amendment to overturn Citizens United."

If you are in Ypsi or you have peeps there, spread the word a bit if you're so moved, 'eh?”

Nanci Frazier, State Leader Wolf PAC Michigan.

14). “Monica RossWilliams is a public servant dedicated to the reinvigoration of our political
system. She is an impassioned supporter of the platform put forth by Bernie Sanders, and will

continue to infuse progressive values into our political system through fighting to reform our
corrupt campaign finance system and creating a government that advocates for the
underrepresented working class.”

Greg Funck, 12th Congressional District Delegate To The Democratic National
Convention Bernie Sanders Delegation, Washtenaw County Area Community Activist.

15). “Monica RossWilliams has been a voice for truth as seen through the eyes of local
individuals for many years.
She is intelligent, educated, articulate and experienced at speaking against corruption and
inequality, bypassing scripted talking points to uncover the cause and explore resolution.

Ypsilanti Township needs the energy, enthusiasm and dedication Monica RossWilliams brings.”

Rev. Rosemarie Ashley, MBA.

16). “I’ve known Monica RossWilliams since 2010, when like millions of others, I was laid off in
2008 and was still unemployed years later.

She has been a staunch advocate of the millions who were crushed in the wake of the 2008
financial crisis. She is smart, progressive, honest and trustworthy – a leader that fights for
economic and social justice in an effective, powerful way.”

Kelly Wiedemer M.B.A., Finance, Former National Activist “99 Movement”.

17). “Monica Williams is one of the hardestworking and wellresearched political activists I've
ever known. Ever since we met, she has impressed me with her encyclopedic knowledge of the
history, dynamics, and details of Michigan politics. She always comes prepared.”

Matt Stannard, J.D., Policy Director of Commonomics USA, and member of the Board of
Directors of the Public Banking Institute.



18). "Monica RossWilliams does not live in Flint but in April 2015 cared enough about the Flint
Toxic Water Crisis to cover it on her podcast, well before the national media focused our city. It
is time the majority of cities with of large minority populations Michigan come together as one to
combat the injustices in Flint and across our state.

We need to continuing protesting and have national media laser focus on Flint, as we are still
living with the toxic lead service lines poisoning our water,  in the ground. Writers like Monica
are advocates for what is morality right from outside of Flint. The people of this great city still
need many others step up to do so.”

Arthur Woodson, Flint Community Activist.

19). “A day in the presence of my Sisterinlaw Monica RossWilliams at least in my eyes. She's
so passionate about politics especially her community, the City of Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti
Township.

She's running for Ypsilanti Township Trustee which I must say would be an excellent position for
her and a benefit to her community and township.

I have never met any who is so passionate about politics as much as Monica a person who
cares about people.  I wish she was in my district because she would have my vote.”

Letetia Williams, Administrative Assistant, University of Michigan Rackham Graduate
School Student Services.

20). “Working for the People she represents is what Monica RossWilliams does. This brief
statement is a testimony to what she stands for.

In 1997, while Recording Secretary at MCO M526 SEIU being wholly knowledgeable on our
Contact with Michigan’s Department of Civil Service worked tirelessly to return me back to work
whole with full back pay, seniority and benefits due to her research when my case reached the
level of arbitration.

Without her assistance, it is unsure if I would been able to provide for my family, and later retire
in a field I was proud to serve in for 25 years.”


George Davidson, Retired Corrections Officer, Michigan Department of
Corrections/MCO M526 SEIU.

Candidate's’ Position Statement on Economic Development for the Ypsilanti
Township Area, and By Extension Eastern Washtenaw County:

Lastly, on the area of Economic Development I would like to express the following statement as
noted by a recent article in the Purple Walrus Press, independentlyaffiliated locally owned
resource covering social, economic and educational issues for the Ypsilanti Community.

“Ypsilanti Township has experienced a series of changes of the last decade. Previous known as
the home to manufacturing operations like former General Motors Powertrain, and a still existing
although largely downsized Ford Rawsonville Plant.

Other events or employment downsizings in the greater Washtenaw County Community also
impacted the Township, like the closing of Pfizer in Ann Arbor, the closing of Ford
Ypsilanti/Visteon Facility in the City of Ypsilanti and the conversion of Ford Saline into Faurecia
Plant resulted some job losses along a lower pay scale for newer workers post to the 2008
economic crisis.

Next. the housing bubble or crisis greatly impacted our Township. We are still recovering post
eight years after the housing crisis as personal property values although increasing, are still
below other areas in the County.

A January 2015 Washtenaw County Economic Development Department study on Housing
Affordability and Economic Equity, denotes the following about the Eastern Regional area of
Washtenaw County, including Ypsilanti Township.

"In sum, Ann Arbor and those with Ann Arbor addresses are at one end of the spectrum where
property values are increasing and that appears likely to continue, while Ypsilanti (City and
Township) is at the other and in real trouble.

At this unblended scale, these are two markets going in opposite directions with three very
probable outcomes, barring a significant change in policy at the local jurisdictional or countywide
level.(1).


The imbalance in income, education and opportunity between the jurisdictions along with the
socioeconomic segregation that goes with it will hamper the regional economic growth potential
of the area. Regions that experience strong and more stable growth are typically more
equitable, have less segregation and better balanced workforce skills within them.(2)."

Citation: (1)., (2)., CZB, LLC. (2015, January). Housing Affordability and Economic Equity
Analysis Washtenaw County, Michigan. Retrieved February 28, 2015, from
http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/communityandeconomicdevelopment/pl
ansreportsdata/housingandinfrastructure/2015/washtenawcountyaffordabilityandeconomic
equity.pdf

Recognizing and openly discussing what the Eastern Regional Areas of Washtenaw County
have experienced is necessary. Without a fair and honest assessment plus scaleable plans on
how to reverse the losses our area has lived through along true desire for Organizational
Change, does not equal as a result, a sound plan for the future.

First, before the manufacturing/industrial age boom was small and medium size business
owners in Ypsilanti Township. Therefore, we must remember our roots in this community and
support keeping our businesses in the Township.

Second, the economic imbalance has to be addressed. One way to do so is to partner with
verifiable trade schools and institutions to crosspromote employment fields such as Plumbing,
Electricians, Masonry, Automobile Service Excellence certifications plus more to create livable
wage employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Our K12 educational public school system must be strong to prepare our youth for 21st jobs
and collegiate level coursework, plus make Ypsilanti Township a place to "Live, Learn, Work
and Enjoy".

Lastly, we must attract new business opportunities in this area, as well as keep the ones we
have currently.

There is a study scheduled to take place in the months ahead, to build an New Autonomous
Vehicle Testing Facility in partnership with The American Center for Mobility and Michigan
Economic Development Corporation at the former General Motors Powertrain plant location.

The New Autonomous Vehicle Testing Facility study along with the proposed expansion of
Regional Master Transit is good news, however, we have to assure that residents in our

community have access to the jobs and training necessary to become future employees in
these industries.”

Monica RossWilliams, M.B.A. Organizational Leadership Cleary University; Candidate
for Ypsilanti Township Trustee in 2016.

Learn More About Monica At The Following Resources:

On Facebook: Monica RossWilliams For YTown Trustee in 2016 Verified Facebook Account
On Twitter: Monica RossWilliams For YTown Trustee in 2016 @Monica4Trustee
On Instagram: Monica RossWilliams For YTown Trustee in 2016 @Monica4Trustee

And Finally Please View The MiniDocumentary By Monica RossWilliams in January
2016  on the Flint Water Crisis Titled:

Flint Water Crisis Real Stories, Real People, Real Life A Mini Documentary via
Youtube.




Facts and Positions White Paper (1) | Monica Ross-Williams for YTown Trustee in 2016

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