Celebrating Michael Jackson in his hometown

On July 10, a celebration for Michael was held in his hometown, the city of Gary, Indiana, with the attendance of more than 6,000 people. Mayor Rudy Clay said yesterday that the city budget had covered the cost of Joe Jackson’s air travel and the Chi-Lites group to bring them to Gary to attend the King of Pop memorial. "The Chi-Lites were in California and were mourning with the Jackson family, so I thought it would be a good idea for them to come here—and they did." Clay said that no money was paid to Joe Jackson for attending the event, and that he wanted him to come to Gary only for his son and to be present at the celebration along with 31 members of the Jackson family who live in Gary. The ceremony took place at the Steel Yard Stadium with performances of Michael’s songs. Joe Jackson also appeared on stage with the mayor. Mayor Clay covered the travel expenses for Joe and the music group — and also the security for their trip from Los Angeles to the O’Hare airport in Gary—using the city budget, which upset some residents. Mayor Clay said that the financial help given to the municipality—or promised to be given—covers all these costs. The president of the Glen Ryan Institute in Gary mocked the $5,000 from the city budget for Joe Jackson’s travel and the music group, and criticized Clay for making this proposal and Joe for accepting it. But the president of Miller Corporation says these criticisms will be minor, because most residents are proud of Michael Jackson and his achievements and are happy that a ceremony was held for him in his hometown. "I think people are aware of the city’s financial crisis and they won’t question the mayor’s performance because this is Michael’s hometown, and this event was to honor his achievements." Source: eMJey / AP