Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Gary A. Brown
Street Light Outages Will Remain at Issue Until
Public Lighting is Operated by Private Entity

Dear Friend,

Ever since I can recall, both as a Detroit resident and a Detroit Police officer, street light outages have been a public safety issue. The system was built in the early 20th century and has had few updates. It's simply not about replacing a light bulb or fuse. The lack of upgrades will continue to plague the system and frustrate residents.

My family and I join with Detroiters' ongoing frustration in respect to the recurring street light outages.

When I served as Precinct Commander in the Detroit Police Department, street lights were the most common complaint followed closely behind the number one concern, overall crime. I frequently worked with the Public Lighting Department to help resolve the issues; however I noticed repeated outages on the same streets, in the same vicinity.

During the past two years, as a member of City Council, citizens continually complain and report the constant outages in their neighborhood to my office. I, along with my City Council colleagues, view this as hazardous and a serious public safety issue.

As Chair of the Public Health and Safety Committee, I am focused on doing everything possible to assist the Administration in curing this street light problem.
 
According to the Administration, the Public Lighting Department is operating an antiquated system which needs major upgrades. Experts have estimated that it will take several hundred million dollars to upgrade the network so the street light system will deliver effective and efficient service to the citizenry.

Pouring money into to the Public Lighting Department for "spotty" service, at the expense of Detroit Police or Fire Departments does not make sense to me.

In my estimation, the record is clear; Detroit should not be in the public lighting business. I recommend turning this system over to an entity with the expertise to keep the lights on and the financial ability to sell bonds for capital improvements that will maintain the lighting system.

This is not a radical solution to Detroit's ongoing problem. Many other cities across the region and the nation have private entities effectively operate and maintain their street lights.

Unburdened by the lighting department albatross, the city can focus on core services such as police, fire and EMS, where these savings can be applied.

We cannot solve intractable problems, such as the public lighting dilemma, with the same unworkable solutions we have used in the past. Detroiters deserve the best efforts from our leadership, including "thinking outside the box." Fixing the lights, by the city discontinuing the service may be one of those instances.

What are your thoughts on this matter? Email me your comments to gary@garybrown4detroit.com.


As we enter the Labor Day holiday weekend, I encourage you to enjoy what Detroit's cultural institutions have to offer as well as our riverfront and parks, as you honor Labor's contribution to our way of life in the United States.

Together, we possess the power to become the best of Detroit.
 
Signature - Gary A Brown 
Gary A. Brown
President Pro Tem
Detroit City Council

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