Council Gets it Right - Short Term Rentals

 At last night's council meeting there was a public hearing to discuss the possible revocation or suspension of the license for a short term rental.  This was an AirBNB located in the northeast section of the city.

Last February the council passed ordinances which tightened up the licensing requirements and provided for penalties for units that did not comply.  This unit, rather than being used by a single family on a vacation was becoming a mini hotel, and disruptive to the residential neighborhood.  Non-family related work crews were coming in and causing a variety of problems.

Citations were issued and after postponements by the owner's attorney a trial was held in municipal court.  The ownership did plead guilty to a variety of charges and fines were levied.  The kicker though was that 1/2 of the fines were suspended for 12 months as long as no other violations occurred.  

Personally I thought the judge's action stunk, and said so when I addressed the council.  They established the laws for the operation of short term rentals and the penalties in those ordinances were being ignored to a certain degree.  Action needed to be taken to show that if people were going to operate short term rentals, in residential neighborhoods, that they had to abide by the city's code.  

All members of the council present and voting, voted to revoke the license effective 1/1/2025.

83 Years Ago Today - December 7, 1941

 Never forget.

There are very few folks currently alive who were alive when this happened.  Even fewer are alive that are old enough to actually remember.

Take a little less than 20 minutes to watch this video.  Get yourselves, your kids, and grandkids off of your tablets, cell phones, x-boxes, play stations, etc. to learn something. 

Watch this please

 Please never forget!!!!!

Listen to this please

Denver Blows $356 Million on Illegals - How to Recoup Those Funds

 Looks like the city of Denver has blown $356 million on illegal migrants which is over 8% of its budget as per this article.

NYC is also taking big hits, as are many other cities and states.  Federal funding has been used in many cases for various things related to the illegals.Now here's the deal.  As I have previously mentioned, these sanctuary cities and states do not have any money.  It's all taxpayer money.  People pay taxes for services (PD, Fire, water, wastewater, roads, bridges, schools, medical, etc.).  

So, here is my proposed solution:

1. Citizens need to stand up and take the necessary legal action to prevent any and all sanctuary cities, states & the federal government, from using public funds for anything related to illegal migrants (one exception:  a one way bus/plane ticket back to their country of origin).

2.  Those individuals (governors/mayors/other electeds/and private citizens) who are in favor of "taking care" of these illegals need to form an organization.  It can't be a non-profit though.  And then all these cry babies can start contributing to that organization and use those funds for the illegals  They can start with soliciting donations from those that contributed the $1.5 billion to the Harris campaign and implore them to duplicate those contributions with the new organization. They would also need to be required to start taking 10% of the donations that they receive and paying back the taxpayers of those cities and states by sending the monies to those entities treasuries.  But again, it would have to be a non-profit.  Don't want those donors to take tax write offs.  Methinks that the Biden and Harris families should be major contributors to the organization.  Especially since "the big guy" made a small fortune from his son's influence peddling schemes.  Additionally, those mayors, governors, and all elected officials who have promoted their entities as being sanctuaries should be required to take a 20% reduction in their compensation and have that turned over the organization, in addition to any other funds that they may contribute.

3.  Also, all of these folks who believe in taking care of these illegals should be required to house, clothe, feed and also take care of any of their medical needs until such time that they have been returned to their home countries.  I'd love to see a couple of dozen of these illegals camping out in Gracie Mansion, or possibly the NY State Executive Mansion, or even Cableland, just to name a few.

Again, The Hypocrisy of the Democrats Rears Its Ugly Head

This is absolutely amazing.  Do you realize that a few weeks ago Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader was pushing to eliminate the filibuster rule in the Senate.  Why?  So the Democrats could jam thru a bunch of judge appointments.  Even for judges who could not show a basic understanding of the US Constitution, and as federal judges would be ruling on cases that could involve it.  The questions weren't even specific, they were general questions.

Anyway, they apparently weren't thinking.  If the filibuster was eliminated what would happen if they lost the senate.  Then they couldn't use it.  Now that they have lost the senate, they are crying that "we don't want to change the filibuster rule".  A$$holes.  Well, they are lucky.  The Republicans won't change it. BTW, Chuck is now crying for bipartisanship, something he didn't care about.

What's with all the crying and boo-hooing.  What a bunch of weak minded people.  Women lining up near Lake Michigan to do a massive primal scream because Kamala lost.  Harvard University cancelling classes so students could get their emotions in order.  What about the US State Department providing counseling for those who are emotionally unbalanced because Trump won.  Let them pay for it themselves.  They are bureaucrats.  They are to serve whoever is President. Then we have mayors of sanctuary cities and governors of sanctuary states saying they won't cooperate with Trump's plans for deportations.  Yet, they want fed money to help them since they have over extended themselves.  Here's an open secret.  The feds have no money.  No government does.  The money they have comes from taxes and damn it I don't want to pay for illegal aliens to get free room, board, health care, debit cards, cash, etc.  And what about the murderers and rapists that ICE is arresting in their back yards.

Look at California.  No Trump did NOT win the state but he got almost 40% of the vote.  The most by a Republican in decades.  Ten counties flipped red.  Progressive mayors and DAs were kicked out on their butts.  Not including the ones that were recently recalled.  And Proposition 36 passed with flying colors in California, eliminating many provisions of Proposition 47 which had downgraded many crimes.  Folks are getting sick and tired of the progressive BS.  BTW, billionaire John Morgan, founder of Morgan & Morgan, and a big donor to the Democrats has said that Harris has "no talent" and should never run for office again.  He even went further and said that folks who voted for her were not really voting for her but were voting against Trump, but that the folks who voted for trump were voting for him.

Now let's talk about DEI.  Wal Mart is now joining a growing list of major companies that are either substantially cutting back or actually eliminating DEI programs.  They are finding out that advancing folks to positions of leadership based on DEI and not abilities is hurting them.  What about our military?  Last year the DoD had budgeted in excess of $100 million for DEI training.  Heck we could better use that money for training them for what they are supposed to be doing........defending and if needed fighting for our country.  I would not want to serve under a company commander who was promoted because they met certain social criteria.  I would want to serve under the person who was given that task because they knew what the flub they were doing. And that goes all the way up the chain of command.

BTW, remember very recently how the new President of Mexico said if Trump ramped up tariffs that Mexico would ht back?  Now it appears that she is willing to work to stop illegal migrants from crossing the border, work to help control the illicit drug trade and sex trafficking and other items.  And Trump isn't even sworn in yet.

Last but not least.  At least nine individuals that Trump is appointing to various senior positions have already met with bomb threats and/or swatting tactics.  And the Democrats said that Trump would destroy democracy.  

Democrats are Eating Their Own

 First, I've got to say that my numbers were better than the fancy pollsters.  

On 10/30/24 (5 days before the election) I posted on this blog:  "Prediction:  Trump gets both the popular vote and the Electoral College.  Guessing 52-48 in the popular vote category and well over 300 in the Electoral College".  You can see it for yourself by clicking here.  It's at the bottom of that posting.

The Democrats are eating their own about the loss.  Blaming everybody in their party, including Biden and Obama for Kamala losing the election.

Now, some of my take on why she lost:

1.  Never held a press conference from the day she was coronated up to the election.  Can't handle unscripted responses. Would never address specific issues.  Had no plans.  The coronation turned a lot of folks off.

2.  Kept wrongly attacking Trump as a fascist, nazi, threat to democracy.  I can show more reasons  why she is/was a threat to democracy.  (Do you like being told what kind of appliances you can put in your home, or what kind of vehicle you have to drive?  There is more.)

3.  Kept using abortion as her primary point.  First Trump never said he wanted a national ban.  And, he never said that there shouldn't be exceptions.  His thoughts were to have the states handle it where folks can have more input and control.

4.  Abortion and female health are very important topics to women.  But apparently not the most important.  What appears to have overridden that topic among women were two things.  First, being able to feed their families, pay their rent/mortgage, and not be saddled with both high inflation and terrible shrinkflation.  Next, was their safety.  The southern border situation has caused grief to many folks and a waste of billions of dollars that could go to helping our citizens.  Biden/Harris even wanted to use the VA to take care of illegal migrants.  Heck, it has problems taking care of veterans.  The sanctuary cities and states are being destroyed, both physically and financially.

5. And racism rears its ugly head.  But not what you think.  Obama excoriating Black men to vote for Harris as a woman of color.  That is not a qualification to be POTUS.  Sunny Hostin on "The View" claiming that Latino men were voting for Trump because of sexism and misogyny.  Also, she said that uneducated white women elected Trump.  Wow....she is a racist pig of the first order.

6.  Why has there been a movement among two major minority groups towards the Republicans and Trump?  The answer is really very simple.  These people are getting tired of the paternalistic pandering of the Democratic party.  It was Trump who worked to set up opportunity zones in disadvantaged neighborhoods so folks could advance themselves and have pride in doing it.

A new prediction:  Trump will bring peace to the Middle East and Russia/Ukraine within 6 months of taking office.

Comments on Local Elections 2024

 It's been almost two weeks since the election and it's about time to voice my comments.

First, the reelection of Steve Howe as JoCo District Attorney, was, IMHO, a great move on the part of the people of JoCo.  Steve will show that the trust the voters have placed in him will prove to be justified.

State Senator Mike Thompson is going back to Topeka.  Another smart move by the folks in his district.  Mike has always worked hard to do what is right and will continue to do so.  Congrats to a true fighter.  The citizens of his district will not be disappointed.

State Rep Adam Turk was also reelected by the voters of his district.  Another individual who has shown that he is a fighter for his constituents.

State Rep Angela Stiens was elected to a full term having previously been chosen to fill the unexpired term of retired State Rep Owen Donahoe.  This race was very unsettling to me.  Her opponent, Vanessa Vaughn West felt that she (West) had run an honorable campaign against Stiens.  To this I say horse s**t.  I have copies of some of the literature that was sent out attacking Stiens and it is some of the most vile, disgusting trash that I have ever seen.  Now West will probably say that neither she nor her campaign sent out that literature.  That would be correct.  But she could have disavowed the content of those mailers that were sent on her behalf.  I'm keeping copies in case she ever runs for office again.

Robert Whitman unfortunately lost against entrenched incumbent Cindy Neighbor.  This was Robert's first run for elected office.  I only hope that it does not deter him from running again. He truly would have been an asset for the citizens of his district.

In the 3rd Congressional District Prasanth Reddy lost to incumbent Sharice Davids.  I feel this was a mistake.  Davids has been a strong supporter of Biden's economic and immigration policies and we see where that has gotten us.  This can be rectified at the next election in 2026.

Sidebar:  For Andrew Mall and Vanessa Vaughn West.....one of your biggest mistakes was getting an endorsement from the two faced mayor of Shawnee, Mickey "The Mouse" Sandifer.  But, I'm happy he endorsed you.  My thanks to him for helping to insure the wins of Thompson and Stiens.

Veterans Day - 2024

 

Remember our veterans.  They have served to keep us free.  Whether they have served in time of conflict or stood the watch to be there if needed.  All they have ever asked for was a simple "thank you".  Two little words that lets them know you care about what they have done.

If Trump Wins

 If Trump Wins.......................

Will the democrats run around like they did in 2016 shouting he's not my president?

Will the democrats pay for another phoney Steele type dossier?  Yepper, bought and paid for by the DNC and Hillary Clinton, with the funds channeled thru her law firm.

Will the democrats really try and come together for the good of the country or is their talk about unity all bulls**t?

Will they cry in their wine and whine while crying when Trump does what he did before?  Reduce taxes for the middle class!  Halt the onslaught of the invasion of illegal immigrants!  Deport those eligible for deportation!  Work to fight crime and restore our law enforcement agencies (NOT defund them).  

Will the democrats poop in their panties when he brings inflation down?

Will they do everything they can to undermine him instead of doing what is right for this country?

Sidebar:  Two days ago Nancy Pelosi went on the air to declare that Trump was suffering from cognitive decline and had a doctor back her up.  Horse nonsense, four rallies a day, just about every day.  Not hiding in his basement like Biden did.  And, where was Pelosi when it was obvious that Biden was suffering from cognitive decline?  Lying to the public that he was OK, until it became so obvious that she and her elitist cohorts precipitated a non-violent coup d'état, as opposed to admitting it in the beginning.

A Heartbeat Away

Since the end of WWII the office of the VP of the United States has taken on more of a role other than the two primary functions outlined in the Constitution.  Those two functions are to a) ascend to the presidency upon the death of the president and b) to be the presiding officer of the Senate and to vote only to break a tie.

Who the VP is has become more important over the years.  Truman ascended when FDR died.  Eisenhower gave Nixon more duties to perform, especially in view of his multiple coronary problems.  LBJ ascended when JFK was assassinated.  Reagan almost bought the big one.  Action, IMHO, under the 25th Amendment needed to be considered for Biden.  Trump, though not currently in office, has actually survived two assassination attempts.

So, that begs the question.  Do you really want Walz as VP?  What a dumba$$.

At a rally the other day he started to name off unions that endorsed Harris.  He named the Teamsters.  Heck, they didn't endorse anybody, especially since internal polling showed that 60% of their members want Trump.  He named the UAW.  They did endorse Harris, but their executive committee seems to be at odds with their rank and file.  Is he really qualified to fill in if needed?  I could go on and on about his shortcomings. IMHO, no way would he be qualified to sit in the Oval Office.

More good reasons to pull the  lever for Trump/Vance.

Sidebar:  105 days since her "nomination" or is it "coronation" and Harris still has not had a formal press conference.  She can't handle it.

, 

Gotta Laugh at Hypocrisy 101

 No commentary needed by me, this cartoon says a bunch:

There are plenty of couples out there that are living in a "House Divided".  KU/KState, Chiefs/Raiders, Harris/Trump, but they still love each other and have good conversations about their choices.  Not cool to lie to someone who trusts you.

Presidential Election - 2024

 All right.....wonder how many folks will agree with me.......wonder how many folks I'll piss off.

Let's start with this.  I'm getting sick and tired of Kamala Harris referring to Donald Trump and his followers as Nazis and Fascists, and that he is Hitler reincarnate.  I'm getting sick and tired of her saying that Trump would cause the end of democracy in our country.  I'm getting sick and tired of her calling Trump a liar, when she in fact has told some whoppers.  I'm getting sick and tired of her refusal to answer questions about various subjects, to include the economy and immigration.

When asked on "The View" what she would have done differently than Biden (and that included the economy & immigration), her response was nothing different.

She says she has a program for change (and she attempts to mean change from Trump's first term).  We do need change.  We need to go back to Trump's first term.  We need lower inflation.  We need tighter control on immigration.  We need to bring manufacturing back to our country.  She claims that Trump wants tax breaks for his "billionaire buddies", but if you were working during his first term your net pay check was increased because middle class America got the tax breaks.

The immigration problem under Biden/Harris is a threat to our democracy.  Who wanted to establish an "Office of Misinformation" under the Department of Homeland Security?  The Biden/Harris administration.  From an old book......who will watch the watchers?  A threat to our democracy and the first amendment.  Who wants to put restrictions on the Supreme court, including a method to "pack it". The Biden/Harris administration.  A threat to our separation of powers in the Constitution.  Who wants to eviscerate the 2nd Amendment?  The Biden/Harris administration, an assault on our democracy.

During the TV debate she stated that no American service personnel are in combat zones.  That's a lie.  Tell that to the thousands who are serving in areas that are drawing combat pay (they have I believe a different term for it now, but it's the same).  As VP who wants to be CinC she should know better.

She has lied for over three years about Biden's mental acuity, and has neglected her responsibilities under the 25th Amendment.  A clear threat to our democracy.

Biden's mental decline did not happen overnight like getting a cold.  So, after his debate the elites in the Democratic party connived and put her at the top of the ticket.  The way it was done......a threat to our democracy.

All I can say is if you want to vote for her, that's your decision. And if she should get elected, please, don't come crying when inflation goes up, illegals continue to come in and drain our resources.  The Biden/Harrid admin wants to even use the VA for the illegals.  How many billions that could help our own citizens have been exhausted for the illegals?  Don't come crying when you see your Constitutional rights go down the tube.  Oh, that Project 2025......Trump has nothing to do with it and has stated as such.  It is not part of his agenda.

I am not even going to go into detail about the crime problems that we are experiencing.  Well, except to say that when Trump mentioned the rise in crime the CBS "moderator" "fact checked" him and said he was wrong.  Wow, the FBI came out about a week later and said that Trump was right.  The figures were there. Also figures from campaign finance reports indicate that her campaign committee is giving large amounts of money to organizations that want to defund the police.  A movement that she has been in favor of and also the no cash bail allowing hardened criminals to walk.  A threat not only to democracy but a threat to peaceful enjoyment of our surroundings.

From personal anecdotes:  When I meet somebody and they realize I'm a Trump supporter they actually get hostile.  They scream, yell, even cuss, almost threatening.  When I meet a Harris supporter I tell them calmly  that was why I served in the army, so that we could have choices.  BTW, this hostility by Harris supporters has been encountered by others that I know.

Now, this is where I get people pissed.  I'm gonna take a page out of the Harris playbook.  If the bimbo b***h, who slept her way to the top (ask Willie Brown in California) gets elected, grab a beer, sit down, bend over and kiss your ass good-bye.

Since Hillary Clinton referred to 1/2 the country as deplorable, and Harris thinks that 1/2 the country is fascist and are nazis, and Joe Biden thinks that 1/2 the country is garbage, which one should I be today?

None of the above.  I'm a loyal American who wants to see this country become Great Again.

Prediction:  Trump gets both the popular vote and the Electoral College.  Guessing 52-48 in the popular vote category and well over 300 in the Electoral College

Mickey "The Mouse"Sandifer - What a Phoney

Let's start with this.  Everybody has the right to support whoever they want to for public office.  That includes "The Mouse".

But, "The Mouse" needs to be more honest in what he does.  What am I talking about?  Well it seems that "The Mouse" has endorsed various Democratic candidates for state offices and has even attended fund raisers for some of them.  So, why doesn't he just change his party affiliation?

Previously I wrote that when he was campaigning and he had his voter list with him you know he played up the fact that he was a registered Republican when he visited someone else who was also registered that way.  And, you know that when he visited folks who were of the same religious persuasion as him he played that up.  Particularly if they belonged to the same house of worship that he does.

He's a liar.  Why?  Because these democrats that he endorses support policies that are in many cases contradictory to both the Republican platform and the teachings of his religious institution.

Now, as I said, he can support anybody he wants.  He just needs to stop playing both ends against the middle and show his true colors and stop being such a slimeball liar.  And stop playing dictator.

There is more specific info at these older posts:

https://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2024/07/did-mickey-sandifer-lie-to-voters-while.html

https://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2023/12/sandifers-first-night-as-mayor-hail.html

https://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2023/11/mickey-sandifer-does-not-believe-in.html

Mark Hamill for County Commissioner

 Mark Hamill is for JoCo County Commissioner in District 2.  

He is running against the incumbent, Jeff Meyers, who has performed some questionable acts when he was the mayor of Shawnee.

Try this about Meyers.....the King of Nepotism.  On two different occasions he showed how his act of nepotism reared its ugly head.  One of which resulted in a strong rebuke by the JoCo DA with regards to KOMA (Kansas Open Meetings Act).

You can read the full story by clicking here.

Or how about when Meyers refused to allow for public comment on his nepotistic appointment.  Don't believe me?  Read it here

Jeff Meyers is totally wrong for JoCo and the City of Shawnee.  

Robert Whitman - KS State Rep District 18 Candidate

Time to elect somebody who really cares about people.  Not like voting to reelect the current rep, Cindy Neighbor who keeps winning because of name recognition.

Robert is not a career politician, has never been elected to public office.  But he would bring a welcome change to the representation for the folks in District 18.

The Democrats are slowly but surely out to destroy this country, and it is not just at the national level. Left wing liberal philosophy will be the ruination of our local institutions.

Robert's web site is https://robertforkansashouse.com/

The folks in District 18 deserve a rep who will work for them, not just one who wants to add another victory notch to her do nothing career.

Mike Thompson for State Senate & Angela Stiens for State Rep

 With everything going on it makes sense to have these two returned to their respective state offices.

The true threats to democracy, at all levels, in this country, are the left wing liberals.  They come up with flowery comments in the hopes that you'll fall for them.  They want total control of all aspects of your life.

Mike Thompson has served admirably as a state senator.  In the short time that Angela Stiens has been a state rep, she too has shown that she, like Mike, is truly for the people.  To show you how disgusting the liberal left, and their media cohorts are, follow this:  Owen Donohoe retired from his state rep seat and Angela was chosen according to law to fill the remainder of his term.  Yet the left leaning Johnson County Post never announced the change.  

If you want to maintain constitutional integrity at the state level, ya need to return these two to their state offices.

JoCo DA & Sheriff Election

 I have gotten behind on my posts.  Sorry.

Let's talk about the election for Johnson County District Attorney & Sheriff.

A few weeks ago I had the honor and privilege of attending a meeting at which both Steve Howe, our currently serving District Attorney and Doug Bedford, candidate for sheriff spoke., 

Steve Howe has been, IMHO a great District Attorney.  Since he has been in office crime in JoCo has decreased.  Now let's just look at one very important factor.  JoCo is bordered by two high crime counties.  We have Wyandotte on our northern border here in Kansas and to our east we have Jackson in Missouri.

So, why haven't we experienced crime bleed into JoCo?  The answer is really very simple. Criminals know that the JoCo DA will not tolerate crime and will prosecute to the fullest.  Steve Howe, a Republican, is not like the "woke" democrat-liberals that have become DAs in other jurisdictions.  We cannot afford to have a "woke" DA, more interested in making nice-nice with criminals to become the JoCo DA.  We need Steve Howe to continue to work to keep our county on the right track.

Doug Bedford, a former Under Sheriff and US Navy Seal would compliment Steve Howe.  His background is indicative of an individual who can lead our Sheriff's Office in performing to a high level of performance.  Keeping crime rates low starts with law enforcement. Doug Bedford would lead the SO in the manner that we would want.  Again, we do not need democrat-liberal woke attitudes in the leadership of the SO.

Liar Liar, Pants on Fire (Part 1)

 WARNING:  Some folks might get real upset with what I have to say.  And, some folks might get real upset with how I say it, and the terms that I use.  If this offends you, and you continue to read this post..    ........as they say in German.........das tut mir leid "sorry about that" ....so suck it up!!!!!  Or don't continue to read this post.

Whose pants are on fire?  The current Vice-President of the United States, Kamala Harris.

Right now we are going to focus on one item in particular (might throw some others in for the heck of it), but primarily concentrating on one particular item.

Remember when the not so illustrious White House press secretary said that comments and videos of Joe Biden in a declining cognitive state were cheap fakes?  Remember how the Cackling One said that Biden was OK?  And all of the other pieces of lying trash agreed? 

Then what happened?  Biden gets into a public debate with Donald Trump, his decline is so obvious that Harris and other senior members of the Democratic party take part in a non-violent coup d'état.  Talk about the real threat do democracy, as they proceed to anoint Horrible Harris as their party's candidate.  Yepper.....no open convention, no real voice of the  people.  Even leadership of the Black Lives Matter organization decried this process.

Now, I am not a medical professional.  But, I do have some common sense, and the ability to read.  Cognitive decline does not occur overnight.  How could those closest to him, politically associated, government associated and most importantly family, not have noticed his decline.  Why did he not have a full cabinet meeting for over 10 months?  

His true condition was being covered up putting our country at grave risk.  Who has been really running the country?  Who has their finger on the "button".  And now after the coup d'état, what are our enemies thinking? Horrible Harris had an obligation under the 25th Amendment to take appropriate legal action and failed to do so.  She is a liar by being complicit in covering up Biden's condition.

Horrible Harris and her cronies are the real threat to our democracy.

When Donald Trump started to build the wall on the southern border he was accused of being a racist and xenophobic.  Harris was against it.  Now she says we need it.  What a lying bimbo.  Are her Democratic cronies going to call her a racist and xenophobic? Over 11,000,000 illegal aliens creeping into our country.  And, what is really scary is the information from the CBP about the number of single, no family, military age men, from countries that are adversaries if ours coming in.  That is a threat to democracy.

And.......she is trying to steal Trump's point about no taxes on tips.  Totally opposite of what she has voted for.  

Businesses Hurting in the Midland Entertainment District

As a result of the bridge repairs being done at I-435 and Midland Drive the businesses in that area are really getting beat up.

So, here's the email I sent today to the president of the chamber, the mayor, the governing body, the city manager, and the city's communications director.  Hate to say it but I doubt if anything will come of it since I am not a member of the "inner sanctum", or somebody will co-opt the ideas and claim them as their own.  LMFAO.

Good evening,

Had lunch with a friend today at Paulo & Bill’s.  Great food and great service as usual.

Now, let’s talk about the Midland Entertainment District.   Whoopee, we gave the area a name.  Hot dog.  What the hell is that going to do?

Where is the creativity among the businesses, the chamber and anybody else associated with that area to bring folks in while the construction is ongoing?

 I saw an item on Next Door where a gentleman was complaining about the situation.  Responded to him in a way that those involved, including KDOT should respond.  Told him the choice was to either repair/replace the bridge because it needed it or not do anything, let it collapse and kill some folks.  Which would he choose?

 Now, let’s get to the creativity.

 Here are some suggestions.  Some may be good, some may be bad, but hopefully it will get folks thinking about doing things to bring folks into the “Midland Entertainment District”.

 

1.  Create a “435 Happy Hour” with specials starting at 4:35 (not just drinks but food and maybe other items).
2. Create a “435” menu with many items priced as “435”  i.e. $4.35, $14.35, $24.35 etc.
3. Give customers a separate “gas receipt coupon” at all venues that they can turn in to the two gas stations for a discount.  For every $4.35 they spend at one venue they get 10¢/gal cash refund, or something that would be economically feasible, for all.  Let the “experts” calculate the appropriate amount.
4. Have a neighborhood block party.  Big parking lot in front of the Hampton Inn and another nice sized one in that strip shopping center where Minsky’s is.  Have music, dancing and special prices on food, drinks and other items.  Gee, maybe a special $4.35 movie ticket day or night or something.
5. Combine some promos……$4.35 movie ticket gets ya a $4.35 slice of pizza and a cold drink…………again, let the experts calculate what is feasible.  Sometimes, taking a smaller profit margin is better than taking -0-.  Have the different businesses play off of each other.

 I could go on and on but I won’t.  Let’s see some damned creativity out there.  One of the current members of the city council once referred to me as an angry old man.  Well, he was right.  I am angry at what I perceive to be a lack of creativity………..and IMHO, that needs to come from the Chamber and the businesses affected.

 If you have trouble reading this email you can view it on my blog.

 Ray

Shawnee's Budget Open House

 People are always asking:  "Where does the city spend its money?' "How does the city get its money to spend?'  "Why was money spent on (fill in)?"  "Why wasn't money spent on (fill in)?"

On 7/30/24 starting at 6:00PM the City of Shawnee held a Budget Open House at the Town Hall of Shawnee Town 1929.  The city's Communications Department did a heck of a job in:

1. Giving notice about the open house over various forms of media outreach, numerous times.

2. Preparing informative visual aids to explain the proposed 2025 budget.  

 The city manager, the assistant city manager and all department heads were there to answer questions, 

So, how many of Shawnee's citizens showed up?  Wanna take a guess?  C'mon now, give it a shot, take a guess.

Scroll down for the answer.

Keep scrolling.

One more time.

The answer is four.  Yepper, four, and that number includes me.  So, of over 63,000 citizens in our city, only four of us went to this event.

All I have to say is that sucks!!!!!!  But go ahead, complain, gripe and question what the city does with your money (yepper, no government entity has its own money, it comes from the citizens).  Very disappointing.  

The public hearing for the budget will be on Monday 8/26/24.  Wonder how many folks will show up for that?

My Choices - Republican Primary August 6, 2024

The election is Tuesday, August 6th, 2024.

I just sent in my mail ballot.  These are my choices and I hope that other folks will agree with me.  IMHO that these are the folks we need in these positions.

FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY-JOHNSON COUNTY

STEVE HOWE-This man has faithfully served the residents of Johnson County and has been a prime mover in reducing the crime rate in our county.  The way a DA reduces the crime rate is to have successful prosecutions of criminals.  That opens the eyes of other criminals that we are not soft on crime here and they go elsewhere.  Check his web site https://www.stevehoweforda.com/

FOR SHERIFF - JOHNSON COUNTY

CAL HAYDEN-Probably one of the most dedicated law enforcement professionals I have ever met.  His accomplishments are too numerous to mention here, but among them was his ability to be able to create a department that could deploy 200 LEOs within 2 hours of a major emergency, be it a natural catastrophe or something as fierce as a riot.  One of the reasons why other agencies in the metro know they can look to him and his department for assistance.  Check his web site https://www.calvinhaydenforsheriff.com/

FOR CONGRESS - 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

KAREN CRNKOVICH-A skilled trades business owner she knows what it means to get your hands dirty and really work. We need a strong voice in Congress for someone who really understands what problems this country is currently facing in immigration, the economy, and what has been a downward spiral in the moral backbone of our country.  We need her to represent us to defeat the Biden sycophant Sharice Davids.  Visit her web site https://kcforkansas.com/

Did Mickey Sandifer Lie to Voters While Campaigning

 

Remember previous posts of mine how Sandifer has a habit of telling people what they want to hear.  Well, here’s one to figure out.

When campaigning for office, most candidates get lists of voters in their districts.  With Sandifer running for mayor that would have been a list of all voters in Shawnee.  These lists show the voters’ names, addresses, party affiliation and whether or not they voted in recent elections.

Now here’s the catch regarding the headline question.  Sandifer is a registered Republican.  No problem there.  Would be willing to bet that when he went to a residence where the voter was also a registered Republican that he touted his party affiliation.  Would almost be stupid not to.  It would create a sort of kinship.

So, if Sandifer was pushing his party affiliation to other registered Republicans why is he supporting a Democrat for Kansas State Senate?  Now he is entitled to support whoever he wants, but if he pushed his Republican ties to other Republicans, was he lying to them about how he stood on various subjects. 

Anyway, Sandifer recently attended a fundraiser for Andrew Mall the Democratic challenger to State Senator Mike Thompson.  Heck Mickey, quit telling people you’re a Republican and then you support Democrats.  Don’t believe me?  Check this link https://www.instagram.com/p/C8nLaQhPuoO/?igsh=MXcyZXhmZHRlY3Vjbg==    That was to a fund raiser for Andrew Mall which was attended by many local Democrats including Gov. Kelly.  And then the icing on the cake is he apparently is also supporting another Democrat, this for  Vanessa Vaugn West for state rep.  Don’t believe me about that?  Check this out https://www.vanessaforkansas.com/community 

So Mickey Sandifer, in true Mickey BS mode, touts his Republican affiliation and then supports Democrats for public office.  At least the right thing to do would be for him to change his party affiliation.

Happy 248th Birthday USA

 July 4th, 2024, and the USA is 248 years old.

Happy Birthday to our country and to those who have kept us free.  Over the 248 years hundreds of millions have worked in industry, on the farms, as first responders, and others, to keep our country free. the steadfast wall that has protected that freedom for 248 years has, and will remain being so, is our military.

ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL

NEVER FORGET

More Hypocrisy From The Liberal Left Is Sickening

 The individuals who consider themselves liberal left are not only hypocritical, they, for many of them, are out and out liars.

For years now many on the right side of the political spectrum have been saying that Joe Biden does not have the mental capabilities to be POTUS.  There have been TV ads with clips showing his diminished mental capabilities.

So, what did the liberal left do.  They claimed that the ads were phoney.  They claimed that every time a Republican questioned Biden's mental state that that was wrong.

So, now, what has happened?  After last Thursday's debate showing Biden's severely diminished state, the folks that had been protecting him are now calling for him to drop out of the race.  Not only the everyday man and woman in the street, but many elected officials from his party, media personalities like those idiots on the View who kept defending him.  What about the NY Times, CNN, MSNBC?  Ad infinitum.

So, now comes some big questions:

1.  Who has really been running the country for the past three and a half years?  Who would really be running it if he did get reelected?  He can't even put in a full day of work.  Reports out of DC indicate that he can't start his day before 10AM nor go past 4PM.

2.  Who is the real threat to our democracy?  It is Joe Biden and the rest of the liberal left.  They are destroying our country with their open door policy on the border.  Killing our economy with all the benefits being given to illegal migrants, at the expense of US citizens who need them.  Who wants the census bureau to count illegal aliens for the purpose of congressional apportionment which also affects the electoral college?  Who is responsible for the rise in crime in major population centers and the closing of America's backbones (small businesses).  Who wants the VA to provide medical care for illegal immigrants?  Who suffers from that idea?  America's veterans who have fought for and/or stood the watch for our country.

3.  Did Joe Biden really have the chutzpah to say that no American military personnel have lost their lives on his watch?  He's a liar, and we all know it.  Yes, I'm a veteran.  Yes, I served in Vietnam, and carry a 70% disability because of my service.  Who abandoned allies and literally billions of dollars of equipment for our enemies to use?

4.  Who is "The Big Guy" that Hunter Biden wanted to make sure got his 10% cut of his ill gotten funds?

5.  And please, when it comes to Donald Trump who was railroaded by a weaponized prosecution remember one thing.  Alan Dershowitz, Professor Emeritus at Harvard Law, who many consider to be the foremost Constitutional legal scholar, who sat in the courtroom, has said that the conviction will not be upheld on appeal.  So many things were done wrong including a violation of Trump's 6th Amendment rights.

6.  And last, but definitely not least, the drugs, especially fentanyl, that are coming across the southern border and killing our friends, relatives, neighbors.

Sharice Davids Supports Illegal Aliens Over Law Enforcement

This is easy.  There was a bill in Congress (HR 7343) to "Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act".

54 Democrats joined 211 Republicans to vote in favor of this bill.  Sharice Davids was one of 148 Democrats who voted against it.  Fortunately the bill passed the House of Representatives.

It's simple, it's bad enough that there are illegal aliens in this country, but when they assault members of law enforcement, well, then it's time to boot them out and send them back to their country of origin.  They have already violated the law here by the way they came here.  Now, folks like Davids want to also give them a pass when they assault members of law enforcement.This is IMHO wrong.

It's time we boot this Biden supporter out of Congress.  The election is only 6 months away.  She has to go.

Anybody wanna bet that the "illustrious" Johnson County Post doesn't even mention this?

Johnson County Post Fails to Report Important News

 I wrote about this awhile back.  Shawnee City Council Rep Angela Stiens has replaced retired State Rep Owen Donahoo as State Rep in the 39th District.

The Johnson County Post that likes to tout itself as the only source of real news in the area, has still not mentioned this item.

When there is a change in the state representation that affects approximately 1/3 of the population of Shawnee wouldn't the average person consider that to be newsworthy?

Hmmmm, maybe I should print out some of their articles, go to a pet store, buy a canary, and use the printed pages as bird cage liner.  That's a thought!!

I Cancelled My Membership at Planet Fitness

You bet I did.  On Thursday I walked into the facility on Shawnee Mission Parkway and cancelled my membership.  When I was asked why I said it had to do with what they did to the lady who complained about a biological male shaving in the women's restroom.

In case you haven't heard here's info on that.

This garbage of allowing biological males to use female restrooms/showers because they "identify" as female is getting to be a bunch of BS.  And, IMHO, the opposite is also true, females who "identify" as male using the male restrooms/showers.

There have been reported instances of biological males who supposedly identified as female, using female restrooms, and having their male genitalia in an excited state.  

This nonsense, along with transgender males participating in female sports has got to stop.

Question, will the new CEO of Planet Fitness take a shower in the female showers of one of her facilities with a biological male in the same shower who has identified as female?  Anybody want to ask her that question?

Did Mayor Mickey Sandifer & Council Members Jeanie Murphy and Laurel Burchfield Abuse City Funding?

 OK, here goes.  On Monday, 4/8/24 I addressed the Shawnee City Council regarding the recent trip that the three individuals named above took to Washington, DC for the National League of Cities Conference.

I pointed out, that based on information received from the city's finance department via a KORA request that these three spent very, very, very, little time attending meetings.  That based on that information, it appeared that most of the 6 days spent in Washington were used for activities not a part of that conference.

Rather than repeat it all here, you can hear the presentation, and actually see the info on the power point presentation by going to this page on the city's website.  Move the timeline control to the 15:40 mark.

Out of over $17,000 spent it would appear that maybe half, if not more, was wasted.  I trust that these members of the governing body (and their spouses) enjoyed themselves.

It should also be noted that in that presentation I made mention of an email I had sent them which they refused to answer.  That was also posted on this blog at this link.  Why didn't they answer it?  Was it because they felt they did not have to respond to a citizen inquiry?  Or was it because they did not want to tell the truth about apparently wasting a bunch of money?

Sidebar 1:  It was brought to my attention that an individual by the name of Alex Welch Blattner posted an item about the presentation on another web site.  I read it and I laughed.  First she says that after coming back from DC they gave a full presentation at a previous council meeting.  A three minute quickie about what they did does not a full presentation make, and they said very little about how they spent the six days.  But apparently Ms. Blattner would like to denigrate my conclusions even though I had the info from the city's records, again, via a KORA (Kansas Open Records Act) request.  This individual has blinders on and does not want to face facts.  As they say in German, Das tut mir leid (sorry about that).

Sidebar 2:  Back in January when the item about rejoining the NLC came up, former councilmembers Lisa Larson-Bunnell (via an email) and Jeff Vaught (live at the meeting) voiced how they thought rejoining NLC was a good idea.  Would either of them care to reimburse the city for the funds that these three apparently wasted.

Hypocrisy of Mayor Mickey Sandifer & Councilmembers Jeanie Murphy & Laurel Burchfield

On Sunday, March 24th, I sent the following email to Mayor Mickey Sandifer and Councilmembers Murphy & Burchfield, with regards to the recent trip they took to the National League of Cities in Washington, DC:

Good morning,

 Would you be kind enough to provide the following information with regards to the March 2024 NLC meeting that you recently attended.

1. Did you bring a guest or guests with you?

2. Specifically, which meetings, seminars, lectures, classes, events did you attend?

 Thank you,

 Ray Erlichman

Suffice it to say, none of these individuals has responded.

Why do I say that their lack of response is hypocrisy?  Gee, what about their election campaigns?  With calls for unity, open government, etc.

Let's look at them individually.

SANDIFER:  Knowing Mickey for many years I again figured he wouldn't respond.  First, he doesn't like me.  Second, he appears to have an aversion to committing himself to written responses to questions.  Let's now look at his recent State of the City address as noted in the Johnson County Post

“While I do stand here as today as Shawnee’s 24th mayor, I stand here with the entire community, east and west of 435, north and south of Shawnee Mission Parkway,” he said. “Every resident, every business, every soul in our community has a reason for calling Shawnee home.”

Using his speech as a call for unity, Sandifer asked for people to stand together to get work done in the city.

“Today we put our divisions behind us,” he said. “Today we look for what will drive Shawnee forward, what will bring the next generation to Shawnee, what will define our city’s future.”

Nice words Mickey.  LOL, if you've ever heard him speak at council he can't put more than four words together in a cohesive manner.  Must have been somebody else who wrote that speech.  In house or was an outside source used?  Also, since he stumbles over reading from the agenda at meetings he was fortunate to have what appeared to be a teleprompter on stage.  Anyway, he needs to realize that he does have a responsibility to respond to citizen inquiries, all citizens.

MURPHY:  Even though I don't reside in her ward, when she is on the council she is representing the entire city, not just Ward 2.  Strange attitude coming from an individual with many years as an ordained minister.

BURCHFIELD:  Another individual who apparently feels she can ignore requests from citizens.  And in this case, a request from a resident of Ward 4, her ward.  Not a good move by this young lady.  Wonder who is advising her to ignore citizen requests.

Congrats to Angela Stiens - New State Rep in Dist 39 - JoCo Post Misses The Story

 I waited two weeks because I wanted to see if the "illustrious" JoCo Post did anything with the story.

State Rep Owen Donohoe has retired.  We wish him well in his retirement and thank him for his many years of service in Topeka on behalf of the citizens of Shawnee.

When a state rep does not finish their term, the precinct committeemen/women from that party elect the replacement who serves until the next election.  Hopefully, Angela will choose to run for a full term as she would be a great advocate for the people of Shawnee.

As for the JoCo Post not covering this, yours truly approached their reporter last night after the city council meeting.  Basically I was informed that their editor thought she might be running in the next election to replace Owen.  Apparently they don't understand the system here in Kansas or they did not perform proper research.  Or they don't like saying nice things about folks with a conservative philosophy.

Oh, they have just announced another rate increase for monthly subscribers....wheeeeee.

The Real Threat to Democracy

 Regardless of the various talking points by Joe Biden and his allies have mentioned, Donald Trump is not the real threat to democracy.

I will for now just touch base on a few items.

First, the border crisis.  Since taking office, Joe Biden has in effect created open borders.  Unless you are blind, we are talking about millions of illegal migrants crossing the border.  We are talking about unusually high numbers of unaccompanied, military aged men, from countries that we are not friendly with, crossing the border.  Biden wants the VA to provide health care for these illegals.  That is a slap in the face to every veteran who has served our country and who needs that health care.  The care provided to illegals will create wait times that are unimaginable for our veterans  to obtain that care.  The VA is stretched as it is now.  Crimes committed by these illegals ar mounting, and the "woke" prosecutors are letting many of them walk.  Their presence has stretched the budgets of the "sanctuary" cities and states who touted their sanctuary status until they have now gotten hit with putting their money where their mouths are.  Police departments are, in many cases unable to perform their duties as needed, because of these woke policies, including the stupid BS of defunding the police. Trump was controlling the border situation.

Second, voting rights.  The US Attorney General (fortunately he was stopped from becoming a member of the SCOTUS) Merrick Garland has publicly announced that he will fight any state that pushes for voter ID laws.  What?  Unbelievable.  We're not talking about voter taxes, or literacy tests.  We are talking about proof of eligibility to vote (usually a driver's license or state issued ID card).  How is that discriminatory?  Go ahead, try getting on a plane without an ID.  Try opening a bank accout without an ID.  Try cashing a check without an ID.  And so many other things, but my favorite (because MLB cancelled the All Star game in Atlanta) try getting into MLB's Hqs without a voter ID or picking up tickets at a will call window for  major sporting event.

Nest up, census counts.  Biden wants the Census Bureau to start counting illegals so that it can affect the figures for congressional apportionment and the electoral college.  Whoa, that is outrageous.  Now correlate that to his open border actions.

Let's look at red flag laws.  Proponents of this including Biden and Kamala (she who can't put together an intelligent statement) Harris are really treading on citizen's rights.  They make these things sound good, but those who don't look into them do not realize how controlling by the government and/or certain individuals this will become.  Basically, any person who feels that any other person is a threat can petition the courts to have that individual's weapons confiscated (without a hearing).  Then the person so designated has to prove that they are not a threat (guilty until proven innocent).  So, if you are having a dispute with your neighbor, let's say over a tree hanging into your yard, an dyou know that person owns guns you could claim action under a red flag order.  The potential for abuse is outrageous.  We see it every day now in other areas.  The nasty divorce when one of the spouses claims that the other sexually abused their children when they did not do so.  Then the battle to keep parental rights. Not to tke away from those cases ehere it does happen, but the false claims just to "get even" can ruin many lives.  The same with false applications for protective orders.  They take away from those who do have claims.  Again, the potential for abuse is high and happens.

What about the states that attempted to have Trump's name removed from the ballot.  The SCOTUS quashed that.  In a 9-0 ruling.  Wow.  The most egregious IMHO was Maine, where it was the secretary of state that tried it.  The attempts at using the 14th Amendment were a definite threat to democracy.  Why?  Because their made up basis that Trump led an insurrection has been shown to be baseless.  He has never been charged with that, by any of the various investigations and/or special counsels.  Let alone convicted.  So, these self appointed judges and juries have in some cases taken it upon themselves to do that.  Wrongo.  As a matter of fact it is now coming out that the Nancy Pelosi appointed committee to investigate the Jan 6th situation has been holding back info.  Specifically, that days prior to it Trump offered to send in 10,000 members of the National Guard to prevent problems and guess who tuned that down?  Nancy Pelosi.

We will touch on other items as the election gets closer.  Those who don't like Trump because he is loud mouthed, belligerent, obnoxious, vulgar, narcissistic, misogynistic, too bad.  If you continue to support Joe Biden I don't want to hear you crying about inflation, resources that are needed for our citizens going to illegals, rising crime, reduced police protection, government control of our lives or a myriad of other things, or our country being shut down for two year and its effects on education.

The real threat to democracy....Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and any of their like minded followers.

No Surprise, Mickey "The Mouse" Sandifer Did NOT Respond to My Email

 

Earlier this month I sent our not so illustrious mayor an email and published it here on this blog.

You can view it by clicking here

Now, why hasn't "The Mouse" responded?  I can only guess at the reason(s).

1.  As stated in my original post, he doesn't like me.  Too bad Mr. Mayor.  I am a citizen of Shawnee.  You work for me.  All you are doing is showing an arrogance that you feel you are above responding to citizen inquiries. Or are selective in who you respond to.  String pullers??

2.  He was presented with three possible scenarios and he quite likely didn't want to commit in writing to any of them being the factual response.  Maybe he didn't want to get caught lying.

3.  If I were to attempt a guess at which answer was the correct one, I'd guess number three.  Answer number one would be outrageous IMHO, and answer number two would be laughable.

Maybe some folks who voted for him and swallowed his BS during the campaign will eventually see him for what he is.

 

Will Sandifer Answer to What Took Place at a Previous NLC Conference?

 My email to Mickey "The Mouse" Sandifer sent this evening.  It speaks for itself.  

"Mr. Mayor,

Years ago you went on one of your many junkets to a National League of Cities conference in Washington, DC you took your granddaughter with you.

Nothing wrong with that.  You apparently personally covered all of her expenses.  No problem there.

She was at the time a very young girl.  So, here’s what I would like to know.

You were there to learn about things that could help the City of Shawnee.  Your rationale for getting us back involved with the NLC.  So, what did you do with your granddaughter?

Did you:

1. Go to the meetings and leave that little girl in the hotel room in Washington DC?
2. Go to the meetings and take her to them with you?  Oh, and how often would a child like that ask “Are we ready to leave now grandpa?”  Bored silly.  Expected.
3. Go to the meeting rooms, sign in as if you were attending, then go back upstairs and take her sightseeing?

I know you don’t like me, and history has shown that you don’t respond to my emails.  Let me clue you in.  I am a citizen of Shawnee and I have a right to question your actions.  You have an obligation to respond.  Or are you selective in who you respond to?  Like only to folks who agree with you?

Ray Erlichman"

What is Mickey "The Mouse" Sandifer Afraid Of?

 Here's the situation.  "The Mouse" has directed staff to cancel the March 11, 2024 city council meeting.

Why?  Because three members of the governing body will be going to the National League of  Cities conference in Washington, DC.

That doesn't make sense.  That still leaves six members of the governing body in Shawnee including the council president who can chair a council meeting in the mayor' absence.  Six members is more than enough to constitute a quorum.

What is "The Mouse" afraid of?  Does he feel the council will stage a mutiny without him here?  Does he feel that he is such an all knowing (LOL) leader that meetings cannot proceed without him?  Heck, he has already displayed his dictatorial tendencies.  Or did he want to protect his investment?  Yepper, he provided over $19,000 in financing out of his pocket for the election.  Figures are available at the JoCo election web site.

Johnson County Post Disrespects President's Day

This is an easy post to write.  A couple of weeks ago I wrote the editor of the local left leaning rag sheet and asked if they were closing down for President's Day.  Just like they did for Martin Luther King Day.

Apparently they did not close down.  Also, he never responded to my inquiry.  Gee, what a rude dude.  First, I am a resident of the area that they are supposedly covering, and also a monthly subscriber.   The editor's PR skills leave a lot to be desired.  Not the first time he has ignored an email from me.

Oh well.............................we understand the attitude of elitists....................

Yesss!!!! Yesss!!!! Yesss!!!!

Giving Patrick Mahomes and the KC Chiefs the ball with less than two minutes to play, when they are behind, has proven many, many times to be a prescription for a Chiefs victory.  They did it again last night.  Using Kelce as a decoy and throwing to Hardman.  Absolute genius.

Congratulations to them.  Can they threepeat?  Strong possibility.  Remember all of the experts last year who said they would not even make the playoffs (especially with the loss of Tyreek Hill)?  Wow, did they fool the experts.  Then this year, halfway through the season the same naysayers were saying it again.  Two underdog victories, on the road to get to the Super Bowl and an underdog victory at the Super Bowl.

Wanna see that play again:

And an appropriate final commentary:

Mickey "The Mouse" Sandifer Wants to Waste the City's Money

 Well guess what happened at the city council meeting of January 22, 2024?  Four members of the council and our not so illustrious mayor voted to waste city (taxpayer's) money on what, IMHO are unnecessary junkets.

OK, here's what they did.  First they voted to rejoin the National League of Cities.  The current membership fee for a city of our size is $5,999.  Now that gives us the opportunity to send a delegation to two of their meetings.  One is held in March and is always in Washington, DC.  The other meeting is rotated around the country in November.  The November 2024 meeting will be in Tampa Bay.

When Mickey "The Mouse" Sandifer was a council member he went to all of the meetings.  He also spent more time there than anybody else, and as such his expenses for attendance at these taxpayer paid vacations were usually the highest.

Here's a question that someone might want to dig into.  If these meetings (and I'll concentrate right now on the one in DC) are so beneficial how come they've been cut back from four days to two days?  On many occasions "The Mouse" would go out the night before and come back the day after.  Other folks from Shawnee did not stay as long.

For the record, besides voting to break the 4-4 tie on rejoining this organization, "The Mouse" had the backing of the following council members:  Ward 1 - Sierra Whitted, Ward 2 - Jeanie Murphy, Ward 3 - Kurt Knappen & Ward 4 - Laurel Burchfield.

Sidebar #1:  While the discussion was going on Knappen made a comment to the extent that he did not feel "book reports" were necessary.  Don't think that came up in the meeting. But it did come up in a phone discussion he and I had.  I explained to him that at one time a suggestion had been made by a council member that those who attended these conferences should file reports as to what transpired.  The purpose of the reports was supposed to be for the benefit of those who did not attend.  Think I might push for that.

Sidebar #2:  Unless I missed it, I can't figure out why the city attorney did not politely correct "The Mouse" on a procedural error.  The council was supposed to go into an executive session and "The Mouse" kept saying they were going to "reconvene to an executive session".  Heck, you recess to an executive session and then reconvene to the council meeting.  I bring this up for two reasons.  First, "The Mouse" touts his 16 years previously on the council and his "knowledge" of government.  And second, because it is in the agenda.

Recommendation: Recess to Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of a personnel matter involving a non-elected official in accordance with K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1), for the purpose of protecting the confidentiality of those communications and protecting the privacy interests of such personnel.  At the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting will reconvene in the Council Chambers.

 

 

Recommendation: Conclude the Executive Session and Reconvene the meeting.

Kinda reminds me of what Leslie Winkle (played by Sara Gilbert) used to call Sheldon Cooper (played by Jim Parsons) on "The Big Bang Theory"........she used to call him.......'dumba$$'  Heck, "The Mouse" can't even read the agenda..........does he suffer from BCD?  Biden Cognitive Disorder.

Chiefs vs Bills Sunday 1/21/24 - My Predictions

 OK, here goes my predictions for tomorrow's game.

Let's talk defense first.  Steve Spagnuolo will have his "D" all fired up.  My guess is that we might even see some new defensive looks during this game.  Things that are not on any tapes.  On this subject my prediction is that the Bills score 13 points ( 1 TD, 1 PAT, 2 FGs) and that Josh Allen gets sacked three times.  And there will be a Chiefs pick 6.

Now, let's look at the Chiefs offense.  Andy Reid will have at least 6 new plays, never before seen, drawn up, and will use at least four of them.  The offense will score five times, all TDs......Pacheco 2, Rice 2 and Kelce 1.  Kelce will have some great plays, lots of yards, setting up his teammates. 

So, 5 offensive TDs, 1 pick 6 and Butker going 6 for 6 on PATs and the final score will be 42-13 as the Chiefs move on up the ladder.

Sidebar:  Mahomes throws for 350+ yards, and no interceptions.

Short Term Rentals & JoCo Post Reporting

 At a recent (1/8/24) meeting of the Council Committee I spoke on a few things regarding short term rentals.

One suggestion I made was that if the ownership of a short term rental was located more than 150 miles from the property that an agent be appointed who could accept service of citations, NTAs, subpoenas, etc. Some on the committee thought that might be viable and one member (Tony Gillette) even suggested that the mileage be even closer, 100 miles,

So, now we have a pretty good idea/suggestion, IMHO.

Well, guess what?  In their reporting of that subject the Johnson County Post (formerly known as the Shawnee Mission Post) failed to include that item.  Hmmm, could it be because they don't like me?  Could it be because they don't like good ideas submitted by non-left leaning persons in general?

Here's the kicker.  In the packet for the 1/22/24 council meeting the city attorney included that idea as a possibility for inclusion in the rewrite of the chapter of the municipal code.  Ain't that a kick in the butt.

Let's take it to another item.  When the JoCo Post stated on their web site that they would be closed for MLK Day I sent an email to their editor asking if they ever closed for Memorial Day, Veteran's Day or even President's Day.  Needless to say I never received a response. I can only guess as to why not.  My guess would be that the southpaw swinging staff does not like to admit that it is because of those who have served their country that rag sheets like theirs can exist.  Yes folks, it is because of veterans defending freedom of speech and freedom of the press that the JoCo Post and bloggers are able to post their commentary.  Not to take away from MLK and what  he did for the civil rights movement, southpaws don't usually like giving credit to the military, IMHO.

I'm reminded of a long item that has been around for many years, and has been quoted here.  A portion of which says:

"It is the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the Veteran, who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, and Whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." 

Let's see if the lefties at the JCP close next year for Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.

How To Waste $3,882.96

Well, we can kiss that money good bye.  What am I talking about?  That's what the cost was for former Mayor Distler's bye bye reception.

The breakdown was $3,525.59 paid for by the city and $357.37 paid for by the Sister City Committee.

The breakdown of the city's share is shown in the below image of the document I received in response to a KORA request.  I was wondering if in the video (total cost $2,300...$2,000 for the video itself and $300 for scripting) made mention of her accomplishment as being the only Shawnee mayor to be arrested for a felony.  I wouldn't know since I did not attend the event.

The breakdown by the city indicates that the cost of the beverages was donated by the Sister City Committee.  I sent them a request for the info and an attorney replied with the amount of $357.37 and indicated that that was for alcoholic beverages only.  BTW, a separate KORA request to the city returned the info that last year (2023) we gave the Sister City Committee $7,500 (those are taxpayer dollars) for the city's annual sponsorship of that organization.  Oh yes, did I mention they are a 501(c)3 charity organization.

Ditler still hasn't apologized to the citizens of Shawnee.  Sure would be nice if she reimbursed the city and the Sister City Committee for their expenditures.  Kinda like a delayed addendum to the diversion agreement she got..

Oh well, maybe it was worth it to finally be rid of her from city government.

Here's the breakdown that the city sent:

Who Has Trained Mickey "The Mouse" Sandifer?

 I've always wondered who trained him and who pulls his strings.

Looks like the answer is out there.

Actually, I think these little ones might be more intelligent than our newly elected dictator, I mean mayor, excuse me.  A Freudian slip.

What is Special About December 13th?

 Everyday of the year is special to someone, somewhere.  I am sure that there may be thousands of folks who can claim a special meaning for December 13th.  I will touch on four of them.

December 13th of the year just past (2023) was the second anniversary of my heart attack, which resulted in my needing a quadruple bypass.  I learned a few things.  First, a quadruple bypass is annotated in one's medical records as CABG x4 (spoken as cabbage times 4).  No it's not something that goes in salad.  Coronary artery bypass graft times 4.  Also, I would have to change my dietary regimen.  I've lost a person (110 lbs) and weigh just 5 lbs more than the day I went into the army, 29 Oct 64, and feel great.  Actually, some folks I've known for years have walked past me, not recognizing me, until I spoke.....apparently I have a distinctive voice......LOL

Many folks were born on December 13th.  Two of them have a local connection.  One is Taylor Swift, soon to be known as Mrs. Travis Kelce (my prediction, engaged by summer 2024 and married within two years of now).  The other one is our very own Dr. Mike Kemmling, currently a councilmember in Ward II here is Shawnee.  Happy belated birthday Dr. Mike.

The fourth event that I want to touch on just happened on December 13th, 2023, nineteen days ago.  The city held a reception for former mayor Michelle Distler.  I have submitted a KORA request to ascertain how much the reception cost the city.  Actually, it doesn't cost the city anything.  The city has no money.  The money comes from us, the taxpayers.  We all know the story.  Distler was arrested and charged with felony perjury.  She eventually was given diversion.  What is diversion?  It's a court approved plan where an individual performs various acts of what can best be described as punishment, and if completed successfully charges are dropped.  Or, as some would say, do the time and then forget about the crime.  Two things about the reception really bother me.  First, she never publicly apologized to the person whose name she used when performing the falsification that caused her to be charged with the felony perjury.  Me!!!  But more importantly she never apologized to the citizens of Shawnee.  She has said many times how much she cares about Shawnee and it's people.  Actually, she kept saying how much she loves the city and its people.  She's a damned liar.  If she cared about the people she would have apologized to them, especially to those who voted for her, twice, to be mayor. And, if you are really interested in how much of a liar she is, ya need to read the DA investigator's affidavit for her arrest warrant and see how many different stories she told the investigator. 

So, that's my take on December 13th.