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 The following is an excerpt from the article in the Detroit Free Press on September 7, 2008 - http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080907/NEWS05/809070532

The 'city has been in a state of paralysis'

John George, 50, founder of Motor City Blight Busters, a 20-year-old non-profit that targets the decay of northwest Detroit neighborhoods such as Brightmoor and Old Redford. Blight Busters and its army of volunteers have demolished more than 150 houses, contributed to the renovation of some 200 homes, and, working with such partners as Habitat for Humanity and Northwest Detroit Neighborhood Development, have constructed 300 homes.

How did the mayoral scandal impact you?

"The whole city has been in a state of paralysis....It's difficult to negotiate, plot or plan when the individual you're speaking with might not be around to follow through on the commitment....People at a minimum understand now who's going to be in charge.

What would you tell the new mayor?

"Work with us...When Blight Busters tear down an abandoned house, the whole neighborhood smells better, looks better, feels better, property values go up a little bit, and community spirit soars....

"In the last 90 days, Motor City Blight Busters has taken down 9 abandoned properties. If the city could have just provided the dumpsters, we could have taken down 20 properties."