Onetime criminals could be cleared BY JOHN GALLAGHER • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Wayne
County Executive Robert Ficano announced Wednesday a way to let onetime,
nonviolent offenders wipe out their criminal records by staying clean for five
years.
In an upbeat State of the County speech Wednesday night at the
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Ficano also
revealed that a German company, IAV Automotive Engineering, will build a
$16.5-million North American headquarters in the county this year. A crowd of
about 300 people interrupted the speech frequently with applause.
Ficano pitched his plan to give prior criminal offenders an
opportunity to clear their records as an economic development initiative -- a
way to help residents find jobs.
"Today, one simple indiscretion can permanently block a person's
pursuit of a barber's or real estate license or many other state licenses," he
said. "We need to reopen those job opportunities for citizens who qualify for a
second chance."
Ficano called his plan STEP, for Second Chance Through
Expungement Program. Under the plan, residents who have had only one,
nonviolent conviction and who have lived a clean life for at least five years
would be eligible to set aside that past conviction.
Greg Mathis, the TV personality, former 36th District Court
judge and former gang member whom Ficano called "America's favorite judge," has
agreed to help promote the STEP program, Ficano said.
County agency continues to build neighborhoods; project along Linwood a big success
The sound of an electric saw and hammers pounding nails may not raise eyebrows in many neighborhoods, but in this area along Linwood in Detroit, for some, it’s the sound of music.
Senior Olympics return to the Downriver region; Wayne County partners with the city of Trenton in 2008
Trenton - Wayne County and the city of Trenton are hosting this year's annual Downriver Senior Olympics, a celebration of health and vitality for athletes over age 50.
Off and flying: Fans flock to Pinnacle opening
as owner
sees dream come true
For horse owner Henry Mast, the only thing more surprising than being the first winner at Pinnacle Race Course on Friday afternoon was that he couldn't find a parking spot at the track before the race.
Wayne
County Executive Robert Ficano announced Wednesday a way to let onetime,
nonviolent offenders wipe out their criminal records by staying clean for five
years.
Westland - Who's going to be the next Michael Phelps? That was the question posed by Kevin Kelley, Wayne County's seniors/veterans director. 
The sound of an electric saw and hammers pounding nails may not raise eyebrows in many neighborhoods, but in this area along Linwood in Detroit, for some, it’s the sound of music.
Trenton - Wayne County and the city of Trenton are hosting this year's annual Downriver Senior Olympics, a celebration of health and vitality for athletes over age 50.
For horse owner Henry Mast, the only thing more surprising than being the first winner at Pinnacle Race Course on Friday afternoon was that he couldn't find a parking spot at the track before the race.
