Ira Todd is an investigator for the Detroit Police Department, where he's worked for 28 years. Before that, he worked two years as a Michigan State Police trooper.
By Ira Todd
Ira Todd
Mr. Kevin Orr:
I'd like to know if you recognize any of these names and what they have in common: Henry Fuseli, Brian Eric Huff, John Singleton Copley, Shynelle Marie Mason, Benozzo Gozzoli, Shawn Phillip Bandy, Vincent van Gogh, and Earl Lavelle White?
I’m not willing to bet my pension that you do.
One thing for sure, some of these people will never be forgotten. Most won’t get public recognition for the names. They’re cops. Hard working, conscientious cops who will be treasured for generations to come for their contributions to society.
Sure, the beauty of their contributions won’t be displayed on the walls of galleries, perhaps only in the heart and souls of their children and family members left behind.
And unfortunately some of them and their family members will be devalued and squished by a menacing financial train of continued abuse by the Governor of the State of Michigan, that is, unless this is all challenged.
I do not have the legal ability to stand up single handedly to you or the man that’s pulling the strings. But I have a voice and an opportunity to be heard, so please listen to what I have to say.
I assume that you are a very educated man and far more intelligent than I.
Assault On The Workers
However, I’m smart enough to recognize how you and this governor have catered to the powerful businessmen and rich folks. It simply tyranny. It’s an assault on the workers of the city of Detroit, their well being, their families.
What’s all the more painful is seeing the prospect of pensions getting cut, all the while you collect a fat salary and allow your former law firm, Jones Day, to collect absurd legal fees – some up to $1,000 an hour.
If your such a skilled negotiator, perhaps you can start by cutting the hourly legal fees of your own law firm that’s used you as a front man to collect millions, yes, millions of dollars that could be going toward pensions.
Many of my friends and colleagues have risked their lives and protected the lives of others with the notion that maybe one day, just one day, they would live long enough to collect a pension and retire with some dignity.
Some of us have worked long past our retirement date to see that our children graduate from college and earn a respectable wage. We’re not asking that they make $1,000 an hour, particularly on the backs of the working people. Just a good wage.
What you must understand is what we lack in financial intelligence, we make up in discipline, and that is the discipline to get up day after day and gather up enough courage to go out and risk our lives over and over again to protect the citizenry.
Officer Rodney Jones
Burying "Hot Rod"
Mr. Orr, let me also point out that today we bury another officer. His name is Rodney Jones. Most knew Rodney as “Hotrod”. Let me tell a little about “Hotrod”. He collapsed in Flint while participating in a law enforcement motorcycle competition.
He was my partner for many years. We worked in the “Gang Squad” unit. Hotrod was quick to tell you the truth. One day we were standing in the hallway of 36th Court. Hotrod was selling T-shirts in honor of the officers who died in the line of duty.
He was doing this to support the families that were left behind. Hotrod said: “Bond, what sized do you need, I replied, “XL”, Hotrod then said, “Now you know your fat ass can’t get into an extra large”, and we laughed. He was a friend to everyone with a great sense of humor. Hotrod displayed his uniform with pride and professionalism. He was proud to serve. He was fearless.
This is who we are, Mr. Orr. We are not a pension number, we are not responsible for the financial crisis, and hell, we are not the faces hanging in the halls or on the walls of galleries.
We are real live human beings with feelings, emotions, fears and insecurities. We are the men and women who protect and serve. We are family, true Detroiters that have hung in there, sacrificing mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially, so that one day we could enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Like so many others, Hotrod didn’t make it, but his children shouldn’t suffer financially because of this long financial train of manipulation and misappropriation of the City’s assets due to political corruption and the illegal abuse of legislative dominance.
Abuse of Power
Mr. Orr, it’s just plain wrong. It’s an abuse of power to value assets above lives. If some art needs to be sold so that we, in our retirement, can turn on the heat and eat and live in dignity, well, do it.
Get your priorities straight.
Hotrod wasn’t a creation of Vincent van Gogh, but he was a work of art. He was a cop’s cop. He was one of the real ones, a good son to his mother, husband to his wife, brother to his brother, and a great dad to his children. Hotrod was a creation of beautiful things. He dedicated his life to the future development of his children. He will be missed but not forgotten.
I stand here today before you and the governor and I say to you, you might just balance the budget on the backs of the working class and make a few dollars yourself while doing so.
But at some point you will have to answer to a higher power. Abraham Lincoln said nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.
Mr. Orr, You need to use your power to do the right thing.
Respectfully,
Ira L. Todd
