Business group seeks to recall Kabacinski
Controversial councilman targeted for voting against marijuana settlement
A controversial member of the Warren City Council is being targeted for recall by a pro-business group for voting against a proposed settlement for lawsuits filed against the city by companies seeking marijuana licenses.
The SouthEast Michigan Chamber of Commerce (SEMC) has filed recall language seeking to remove Edward “Eddie” Kabacinski, a first-term councilman.
Kabacinski was part of the majority that voted against the settlement, which the SEMC has called a “job killer,” because it feels the agreement would result in hundreds of new jobs and revenue for tax-paying entities.
“Others also voted against the settlement, but we feel Councilman Kabacinski is the weakest of the lot,” said John Johnson of the SEMC and chairman of the recall committee.’
“He has lot of other baggage, but that’s not our issue. Our issue is job creation. Hopefully, the other members of City Council will pay attention as well.”
Kabacinski could not be reached by phone and did not respond to a text message or emails Tuesday from a Macomb Daily reporter.
The council voted 5-2 in November to deny acceptance of the settlement for lawsuits filed against Warren by 31 investors intent on finding
locations for recreational cannabis shops. The investors want the city to either grant 28 licenses or pay tens of millions in damages. The council wants to limit the number of licenses to 15.
The council is expected to revisit the issue at a special meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The proposed recall language says Kabacinski should be recalled from office “for his no vote in opposition to the proposed settlement and consent agreement in the matter of Pinebrook Warren LLC et al vs. City of Warren, Macomb County Circuit Court case No. 2019-004059-cz at the Warren City Council meeting on November 24, 2020.”
According to Johnson, SEMC analysis shows nearly 1,000 jobs paying $15 an hour — and some with benefits — would be generated by passing the settlement. In addition, some of the companies had already hired about 200 people who now face layoffs because of the standoff.
“I saw this as an opportunity for Warren residents,” Johnson said Tuesday. “In these times right now, this industry has flourished, just like the alcohol industry.”
Johnson said the pot industry means big bucks for Warren. The annual payroll of the pot companies is expected to be $32 million, with $1.4 million in property taxes from renovating the facilities and another $2 million to $4 million in tax revenue.
If the rejection of the settlement stands, it could cost Warren “at least” $1 million in attorney fees and damages of between $25 million to $100 million.
The Macomb County Elections Commission has scheduled a meeting for Jan. 9 to determine whether the recall language is adequate. If it is approved, the recall group will have to garner 3,000 signatures to place the issue on the next regularly scheduled election. Or the group could pay $20,000 to have a special election.
Kabacinski represents District 5, considered to be one of the most diverse areas of Warren, the state’s third largest city. Only voters in that district would be allowed to vote on the recall issue, according to Johnson.
“This is about using an economic development tool and creating long-term jobs for the residents of Warren. This is not about personalities,” he said.
Kabacinski is also dealing with other issues.
He faces misdemeanor charges for handcuffing a woman who put Black Lives Matter stickers on President Donald Trump signs and sprayed him with Silly String in Eastpointe in October. He is charged with assault and battery, a 93day misdemeanor, and impersonating a public officer, a 1-year misdemeanor.
That case is pending in 38th District Court.
In September, he attended a rally against racism and in support of a Black family in his district that was attacked several times for having a Black Lives Matter sign in the front window of his home. Wearing military attire, a gun on his hip and carrying a large flag for President Trump, he stood with counterprotesters during the march.
Members of the South Warren Alliance of Radical Movement or SWARM has called for resignation, saying he doesn’t represent the views of residents in his district.