More Dirt

I hate to keep bugging you, but you have to read our latest press release:

April 23, 2008

Contact: Leon Drolet, (586) 354-5432

Rose Bogaert, (313) 213-5871

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Convicted violent felon working for Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon

Armed robber employed to intimidate voters in Redford Township, Dearborn Heights and Livonia

REDFORD TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN – A felon convicted of multiple violent crimes is roaming the streets seeking to intimidate voters on behalf of Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township). “Residents of Speaker Dillon’s district are being confronted by a convicted armed robber,” said Leon Drolet, Executive Director of the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance. “On behalf of the law abiding citizens of Redford Township, Dearborn Heights and Livonia, we demand that Speaker Dillon remove this convicted felon from his entourage of thugs.”

Marcell L. Mitchell, a so-called “Voter Education Specialist” employed by the Michigan Democratic Party, has an extensive record of felony convictions including Armed Robbery, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault), and Felony Firearms according to the Michigan Department of Corrections web site. He is currently a parolee under supervision until May 2^nd, 2009.

“We are alarmed that Speaker Dillon and Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer would use felons convicted of violent crimes to intimidate voters from signing recall petitions,” said Rose Bogaert, Chairperson of the Wayne County Taxpayers Association and a Dearborn Heights resident. “Dillon’s thug tactics against recall petition circulators include a pattern of harassment, stalking, and other forms of intimidation. We understand Dillon’s personal reluctance about being recalled for raising taxes in Michigan. Must he use felons convicted of violent crimes to scare off potential recall petition signers?”

Dillon and Brewer have employed many individuals dedicated to blocking voters from signing recall petitions. These blockers call themselves “Voter Education Specialist”, using any tactics necessary to prevent voters from signing petitions.

“The real irony is that there is no record of Mitchell ever voting,” Drolet said. “Dillon and Brewer might want to call their army of thugs and bullies something else when ‘Voter Education Specialist’ aren’t even registered to vote. What is Mr. Mitchell’s 'specialty'? Intimidating seniors wanting to sign a recall petitions? Voting doesn't seem to be one of Mr. Mitchell’s areas of expertise.”

The recall effort was launched in February of 2008, after House Speaker Andy Dillon voted in favor of two House Bills that increased taxes; HB 5194 raised the state income tax from 3.9% to 4.35% and HB 5198 imposed a new 6% sales tax. Recall organizers must collect over 8,700 valid signatures by May 1st to place the measure on the ballot.

Links:

Michigan Department of Corrections information on Marcell Mitchell

Image of Marcell Mitchell blocking at Redford Township Secretary of State

Affidavit of Marcell Mitchell in Andy Dillon v Taxpayers to Recall Andy Dillon, et al.

Profile on Marcell Mitchell on BlockersRus.com

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