Just returned from a Christmas trip to Sault Ste Marie, MI. Beautiful country up there.
Anyway, a recent article in the Shawnee Dispatch http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2014/dec/22/city-business-owners-talk-westbrook-village/
indicates that certain individuals might be interested in feedback as to what to do there.
Well, I'm sure they really don't want my input. Primarily because I'm not a loudmouthed owner of a one man (or is it two?) commercial real estate operation. But, I'll give it a try anyway. :-) :-)
First, and I've said it many times before, what Shawnee needs is a destination venue. Something that would attract folks from all over the metro to specifically make it a point to come here. Small shopping centers, with local oriented businesses are not the answer to true economic growth.
Currently we have a new Holiday Express nearing completion. This is good as that will give us 3 hotels in the I-435 corridor, and a chance to get some of the bleed off from Village West in KCK which includes the speedway, the soccer stadium, concerts etc. There also appear to be plans to build two more hotels in the same general area. That would bring us to five. Again, that's good. These are mid priced limited service facilities. We need them.....but we also need a destination venue. That brings us to my first idea for the Westbrooke Village property.
A full service hotel with a convention center. The proximity to I-35 could be very helpful. major conventions could show large amounts of dollar turnover, and would bring in folks from outside the area. The space could also be used to build businesses that would be complimentary to such a facility.
Idea number two: An international market place. This would be comprised of businesses that would reflect original concepts from foreign countries. And, NOT just restaurants. Clothing stores, furniture stores, you name it. Things that people in the metro are looking to get from the "old country". Naturally, this is a basic concept and would need some serious input. It could be a legacy development for somebody. Also, any restaurants that were to be part of the concept would have to be non-chain and a serious cap on fast food, if any.
Anyway, there's my two cents.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Citizen Escorted From Podium at Council Meetuing
Is it true. Was a citizen escorted from the podium during last night's discussion about a TIF District for the proposed Shawnee Landing project?
I had to miss the meeting because of the need for a super early wake up call.
In all the years I've attended various meetings at city hall I have never seen anything like that. The person who was supposedly escorted from the podium is not an individual that I would call violent. Anyway, trying to find out more about what happened.
I had to miss the meeting because of the need for a super early wake up call.
In all the years I've attended various meetings at city hall I have never seen anything like that. The person who was supposedly escorted from the podium is not an individual that I would call violent. Anyway, trying to find out more about what happened.
Happy Hiolidays
Wishing all a Happy Holiday season.
For me, it will be fun. Spending it with the kids, grand kids and great grand kids.
Hope everyone else can enjoy.
For me, it will be fun. Spending it with the kids, grand kids and great grand kids.
Hope everyone else can enjoy.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Shawnee Mayor's Race - 2015
So far three individuals have filed to run for the Mayor of Shawnee. Since more than two have filed there will be a primary election on March 3, 2015 and the general election will be held on April 7, 2015.
Between the three who have filed the obvious choice would be Michelle Distler who is currently a Ward IV council person. Her web site is http://www.michelledistler.com
Folks who are interested may contribute once during the primary cycle and once during the general election cycle. That becomes important if you are contributing the maximum allowable of $500 per person or business. Would like to see folks get behind Michelle as she would be a definite asset to the city.
The other two who have filed are Jeff Vaught, currently a Ward III council person and John Segale a former council person and county commissioner. Vaught's site is http://www.jeffvaught.com and Segale's is http://www.johnsegale.org Vaught's history of arrogance would be one reason that he would not be what Shawnee needs for mayor. Also, he has insulted approximately 25% of the residents of Shawnee by basically saying if they rent they don't have a stake in the city. This, at an open council meeting. Someone like that would not be an all inclusive individual. On Segale's web site he is complaining about the things that Vaught is taking credit for. In the last mayoral election there was a primary and Segale was eliminated from going into the general election by a virtual unknown at the time. That's gotta tell ya something.
Between the three who have filed the obvious choice would be Michelle Distler who is currently a Ward IV council person. Her web site is http://www.michelledistler.com
Folks who are interested may contribute once during the primary cycle and once during the general election cycle. That becomes important if you are contributing the maximum allowable of $500 per person or business. Would like to see folks get behind Michelle as she would be a definite asset to the city.
The other two who have filed are Jeff Vaught, currently a Ward III council person and John Segale a former council person and county commissioner. Vaught's site is http://www.jeffvaught.com and Segale's is http://www.johnsegale.org Vaught's history of arrogance would be one reason that he would not be what Shawnee needs for mayor. Also, he has insulted approximately 25% of the residents of Shawnee by basically saying if they rent they don't have a stake in the city. This, at an open council meeting. Someone like that would not be an all inclusive individual. On Segale's web site he is complaining about the things that Vaught is taking credit for. In the last mayoral election there was a primary and Segale was eliminated from going into the general election by a virtual unknown at the time. That's gotta tell ya something.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Westbrooke Village Deal - Dead Part II
On 11/17/14 there was a post on this blog in which I said that it appeared that possibly four members of the council were not notified that the deal was dead.
In a November 19 article in the Shawnee Dispatch http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2014/nov/19/westbrook-village-developer-terminates-deal/
this appears:
Gonzales is authorized as city manager to make payments up to $50,000 without consent from the city's governing body, although she did notify the City Council of the termination and the amount to be paid in an email dated on Sept. 26.
So, let's see what was said, compliments of a KORA request: From the 9/26/14 email;
Westbrook Village. The ownership of Westbrook Village has not been interested in pursuing a sale of
the property at this point, so I am expecting a letter from Drew Snyder of MDDS requesting to
terminate the agreement with them. They have substantially completed the first element of the
Agreement, but in light of not being successful any further, they have agreed to reduce the payment
for their efforts from $50,000 to $25,000. The project could very well come back at a future date, but
at this time the owner is not very cooperative at this time .
Guess it is a matter of semantics. There was NO definitive statement that the project was over, Just a statement that she was expecting a letter that it would be as such. One would think that certain individuals would know the difference between definitive statements and ones of conjecture. Heck, in a conversation with the Dispatch reporter even he thinks that a conjectural statement is a definitive statement. Was there ever a follow up notice that the letter had been received?
Typical non-definitive statements so that a person can eventually "swing" either way.
In a November 19 article in the Shawnee Dispatch http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2014/nov/19/westbrook-village-developer-terminates-deal/
this appears:
Gonzales is authorized as city manager to make payments up to $50,000 without consent from the city's governing body, although she did notify the City Council of the termination and the amount to be paid in an email dated on Sept. 26.
So, let's see what was said, compliments of a KORA request: From the 9/26/14 email;
Westbrook Village. The ownership of Westbrook Village has not been interested in pursuing a sale of
the property at this point, so I am expecting a letter from Drew Snyder of MDDS requesting to
terminate the agreement with them. They have substantially completed the first element of the
Agreement, but in light of not being successful any further, they have agreed to reduce the payment
for their efforts from $50,000 to $25,000. The project could very well come back at a future date, but
at this time the owner is not very cooperative at this time .
Guess it is a matter of semantics. There was NO definitive statement that the project was over, Just a statement that she was expecting a letter that it would be as such. One would think that certain individuals would know the difference between definitive statements and ones of conjecture. Heck, in a conversation with the Dispatch reporter even he thinks that a conjectural statement is a definitive statement. Was there ever a follow up notice that the letter had been received?
Typical non-definitive statements so that a person can eventually "swing" either way.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Back On Line
Have ya missed me?
On Sunday, 11/23/14 my computer got infected with a virus. Pushed on by what looked like a normal Adobe notice of update for Adobe Flash Player. In about 23 years of using a computer this was the first time this has ever happened to me. Or was it a "push" by one of my political enemies? Nahhhhhh............that's a reach.
Anyway, took the infected unit to the "computer hospital". Problems were compounded by a failing hard drive and a need to salvage as much of my work files as possible.
Anyway, the unit was discharged from the hospital yesterday, but then took a short trip back for a minor adjustment.
So, we are now back on line. Look for some updates in the very near future.
Also, a reminder that the spring city general elections are April 7, 2015. If you're not registered to vote, please do so. And, please vote. Let's get a decent turnout this year. We have the mayor's position and four of the council seats on the ballot.
On Sunday, 11/23/14 my computer got infected with a virus. Pushed on by what looked like a normal Adobe notice of update for Adobe Flash Player. In about 23 years of using a computer this was the first time this has ever happened to me. Or was it a "push" by one of my political enemies? Nahhhhhh............that's a reach.
Anyway, took the infected unit to the "computer hospital". Problems were compounded by a failing hard drive and a need to salvage as much of my work files as possible.
Anyway, the unit was discharged from the hospital yesterday, but then took a short trip back for a minor adjustment.
So, we are now back on line. Look for some updates in the very near future.
Also, a reminder that the spring city general elections are April 7, 2015. If you're not registered to vote, please do so. And, please vote. Let's get a decent turnout this year. We have the mayor's position and four of the council seats on the ballot.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Westbrooke Village Deal - Dead
As you may know from previous posts, the City entered into an agreement with MDDS to arrange for redevelopment of the Westbrooke Village shopping center. The City was scheduled to pay the developer incremental payments, totaling $300K based on certain performance levels being met. The City was also planning on spending an additional $85K for a blight study and related issues.
The last thing that was in the local newspaper was that the first plateau that MDDS was to achieve was being extended by 60 days. That would be from 6/1 to 8/1. Not having heard anything in awhile a KORA request was submitted for info.
This was the response:
The last thing that was in the local newspaper was that the first plateau that MDDS was to achieve was being extended by 60 days. That would be from 6/1 to 8/1. Not having heard anything in awhile a KORA request was submitted for info.
This was the response:
The agreement has been terminated. None of the scheduled payments were made
according to the Master Developer Agreement.
However, the City made a payment of $25,000 to MDDS on 10/16/14 to
compensate them for some of their time and expense already incurred for their
studies and discussion with the retailer and the owners of Westbrooke Village.
If the payment was made 10/16, when was the agreement terminated? I'm guessing one to two weeks prior to that payment. If not even longer. That would be at least 6 weeks ago, or longer. I believe that at least four if not all members of the council had not been informed as of this morning of the status by the city manager. Is the city still going to spend the approximate $85K for the blight study and the related issues?
Sidebar: There is a rumor on the street that they are now looking at Olathe..............
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Sidebar: There is a rumor on the street that they are now looking at Olathe..............
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Monday, November 03, 2014
Tomorrow's Sales Tax Questions
Two questions regarding sales taxes in Shawnee are on the ballot.
1. Renewal of the 1/8 cent for Parks & Pipes: vote yes
2. New 3/8 for Pavement: vote no This one needs to be much less and more funds need to come from the Deffenbaugh impact fee
More background:
http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2014/10/green-means-go-red-means-stop.html
http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2014/09/sales-tax-questions-on-november-ballot_23.html
http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2014/09/sales-tax-questions-on-ballot-in.html
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
1. Renewal of the 1/8 cent for Parks & Pipes: vote yes
2. New 3/8 for Pavement: vote no This one needs to be much less and more funds need to come from the Deffenbaugh impact fee
More background:
http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2014/10/green-means-go-red-means-stop.html
http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2014/09/sales-tax-questions-on-november-ballot_23.html
http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2014/09/sales-tax-questions-on-ballot-in.html
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Agendas & Special Interests - Revisited
Next Tuesday is election day and as it approaches I feel the need to mention how much I dislike the use of these two terms.
Agenda: What's wrong with an agenda? It's a plan that a candidate wants to follow. I want my choice to have an agenda. I want that person to know what they want to do. A candidate without an agenda does not know where they are going or what policies they support. The only time an agenda is a "bad" agenda, is if it is contrary to your agenda.
Special Interests: C'mon folks get real. So a candidate is supported by "special interests". ALL candidates are supported by special interests. People who agree with a candidate's agenda support that candidate, including you. Like an agenda, the only time being supported by special interests is bad is when those interests conflict with yours.
Agenda: What's wrong with an agenda? It's a plan that a candidate wants to follow. I want my choice to have an agenda. I want that person to know what they want to do. A candidate without an agenda does not know where they are going or what policies they support. The only time an agenda is a "bad" agenda, is if it is contrary to your agenda.
Special Interests: C'mon folks get real. So a candidate is supported by "special interests". ALL candidates are supported by special interests. People who agree with a candidate's agenda support that candidate, including you. Like an agenda, the only time being supported by special interests is bad is when those interests conflict with yours.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Reelect State Reps That Work to Protect 2d Amendment Rights
The NRA and the KSRA (Kansas State Rifle Association) have endorsed Shawnee's three State Representatives for reelection, Charles Macheers, Brett Hildabrand and John Rubin.
One of their opponents (Cindy Neighbor) has received an "F" rating based on her previous voting records. The other two (Larry Meeker and Vicki Hiatt) got "?" for their failure to return their questionnaires.
If you want to view these ratings for yourself you can at http://www.ksraweb.net/PDF/Grades%20and%20Endorsements%20for%20KSRA%20Website.pdf
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
One of their opponents (Cindy Neighbor) has received an "F" rating based on her previous voting records. The other two (Larry Meeker and Vicki Hiatt) got "?" for their failure to return their questionnaires.
If you want to view these ratings for yourself you can at http://www.ksraweb.net/PDF/Grades%20and%20Endorsements%20for%20KSRA%20Website.pdf
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Monday, October 27, 2014
John Rubin - Needs to be Reelected
John Rubin is definitely a man that needs to be reelected as a Kansas State Rep.
Recently, the Shawnee Dispatch asked John to fill out a candidate questionnaire. It can be found here:
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2014/oct/26/candidate-questionnaire-john-rubin-house-district-/
John's values and dedication are beyond reproach.
Recently, the Shawnee Dispatch asked John to fill out a candidate questionnaire. It can be found here:
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2014/oct/26/candidate-questionnaire-john-rubin-house-district-/
John's values and dedication are beyond reproach.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Voter Apathy - Revisited
At the bottom of this post is a link to a video that was sent to me by a friend. It's a short video, but very interesting concerning voter apathy. Some may find it more than just interesting. Some may find it very telling.
In a little over a week voters will go to the polls to elect a governor, US Senator, Congressmen, etc. But in 6 months (April 2015) voters will also be asked in Shawnee to elect a mayor and 4 members of the city council.
Let's look at what happened in 3 previous elections. Figures are for Shawnee only.
2010 (Governor) Registered voters 40,639 Voted 20,765 pct voting 51.10%
2012 (President) Registered voters 42,344 Voted 30,718 pct voting 72.54%
2012 (Local) Registered voters 40,105 Voted 5,229 pct voting 13.04%
Let's look at the above. Especially the city elections. Those numbers are abominable. Think about it from this point of view, look out your front door. Then realize that approximately 1.3 people (a little more than one person) on your block has determined who will be the mayor of the city and the council rep in your ward. Ironically, it is the city government that has more of an effect on our daily lives than any other. Safety (police/fire), roads, property taxes, snow removal etc etc etc. Also, the city government is the one where citizens have the easiest access and ability to voice their opinions.
A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to kid the mayor. He had written an item in the city's newsletter basically about the above subject. I teased him and asked how much of previous posts of mine, on this blog, on this subject, did he lean on.
Anyway, here is the link I mentioned:
http://www.ted.com/talks/dave_meslin_the_antidote_to_apathy?language=en
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
In a little over a week voters will go to the polls to elect a governor, US Senator, Congressmen, etc. But in 6 months (April 2015) voters will also be asked in Shawnee to elect a mayor and 4 members of the city council.
Let's look at what happened in 3 previous elections. Figures are for Shawnee only.
2010 (Governor) Registered voters 40,639 Voted 20,765 pct voting 51.10%
2012 (President) Registered voters 42,344 Voted 30,718 pct voting 72.54%
2012 (Local) Registered voters 40,105 Voted 5,229 pct voting 13.04%
Let's look at the above. Especially the city elections. Those numbers are abominable. Think about it from this point of view, look out your front door. Then realize that approximately 1.3 people (a little more than one person) on your block has determined who will be the mayor of the city and the council rep in your ward. Ironically, it is the city government that has more of an effect on our daily lives than any other. Safety (police/fire), roads, property taxes, snow removal etc etc etc. Also, the city government is the one where citizens have the easiest access and ability to voice their opinions.
A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to kid the mayor. He had written an item in the city's newsletter basically about the above subject. I teased him and asked how much of previous posts of mine, on this blog, on this subject, did he lean on.
Anyway, here is the link I mentioned:
http://www.ted.com/talks/dave_meslin_the_antidote_to_apathy?language=en
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Monday, October 20, 2014
U S Senate Race in Kansas
Only once in awhile do I comment on elections above the city level.
This is going to be one of those "once in awhiles".
Greg Orman, a supposed independent candidate (who has financially supported various Democratic candidates, including Obama) has said on many occasions that if he was elected he would "caucus with the majority".
Huh? So, if elected he would wait to see which party held a majority in the Senate and then caucus with them. Sounds like somebody who is trying to curry favors for choice committee assignments, or whose vote is for sale.
This is going to be one of those "once in awhiles".
Greg Orman, a supposed independent candidate (who has financially supported various Democratic candidates, including Obama) has said on many occasions that if he was elected he would "caucus with the majority".
Huh? So, if elected he would wait to see which party held a majority in the Senate and then caucus with them. Sounds like somebody who is trying to curry favors for choice committee assignments, or whose vote is for sale.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Green Means Go, Red Means Stop
See that post below?
See the pic of those signs?
Note, the one for the Parks and Pipes is green and the one for Pavement is red. Whoever paid for those signs must have had a Freudian slip. Their real feelings came out via the color choices.
That's the way to vote..............green=go=yes for the Parks and Pipes.............red=stop=no for the pavement.
We need to stop that 3/8th sales tax and the council as a whole needs to listen to its members who want to transfer additional funds from the Eco Development account which comes from the Deffenbaugh Impact fee.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
See the pic of those signs?
Note, the one for the Parks and Pipes is green and the one for Pavement is red. Whoever paid for those signs must have had a Freudian slip. Their real feelings came out via the color choices.
That's the way to vote..............green=go=yes for the Parks and Pipes.............red=stop=no for the pavement.
We need to stop that 3/8th sales tax and the council as a whole needs to listen to its members who want to transfer additional funds from the Eco Development account which comes from the Deffenbaugh Impact fee.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Sign. Sign. Everywhere A Sign
A bunch of signs have popped up promoting the two sales tax initiatives on the Nov 4th ballot. One side of the sign promotes the Parks and Pipes and the other side promotes the Pavement.
These signs are perfect examples of our First Amendment right to speak our minds on issues. Heck, if it wasn't for the First Amendment this blog might not even exist.
What bothers me about the signs is that nowhere is there an indication of who paid for/sponsored these signs. Now, here in Kansas there is a quirk in campaign laws. Yard signs seem to fall into the same category as pencils, bumper stickers and certain other items (trinkets) that do not require identification of the person or group paying for them.
Personally though, I think that is a bunch of nonsense. If you're willing to spend your money to create and place these signs, you should have the intestinal fortitude to let folks know who you are.
I have my suspicions, but without proof I can't say. Oh well...........cowards in the night.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
These signs are perfect examples of our First Amendment right to speak our minds on issues. Heck, if it wasn't for the First Amendment this blog might not even exist.
What bothers me about the signs is that nowhere is there an indication of who paid for/sponsored these signs. Now, here in Kansas there is a quirk in campaign laws. Yard signs seem to fall into the same category as pencils, bumper stickers and certain other items (trinkets) that do not require identification of the person or group paying for them.
Personally though, I think that is a bunch of nonsense. If you're willing to spend your money to create and place these signs, you should have the intestinal fortitude to let folks know who you are.
I have my suspicions, but without proof I can't say. Oh well...........cowards in the night.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Thursday, October 02, 2014
Shawnee Citizens Blew This One
Last night the City held a community meeting to discuss the proposed sales taxes that will appear on the Nov 4th ballot.
This was an opportunity for the citizens to ask questions, make comments, or whatever. Here is what happened. I counted 19 people there. Twelve of them were city staff (to answer questions), 1 media rep, and 6 citizens.
When it coms to city affairs it is amazing how apathetic the people of Shawnee are. This is evidenced by the fact that in the spring (April) elections for mayor and council only 10% of the registered voters actually vote.
Now, the Nov 4 election should show a higher turnout because we have a gubernatorial, US Senate and US Congressional race in the mix. But how will the folks vote on the sales tax issues? Do they understand them? Do they know whether or not there are other potential sources? Last night was an opportunity to find out.
What is going to happen Nov5? Folks are going to wake up and ask themselves "How did that happen (or not happen)?" Then they need to ask themselves whether or not they got involved, studied the issue(s) and asked questions.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid
This was an opportunity for the citizens to ask questions, make comments, or whatever. Here is what happened. I counted 19 people there. Twelve of them were city staff (to answer questions), 1 media rep, and 6 citizens.
When it coms to city affairs it is amazing how apathetic the people of Shawnee are. This is evidenced by the fact that in the spring (April) elections for mayor and council only 10% of the registered voters actually vote.
Now, the Nov 4 election should show a higher turnout because we have a gubernatorial, US Senate and US Congressional race in the mix. But how will the folks vote on the sales tax issues? Do they understand them? Do they know whether or not there are other potential sources? Last night was an opportunity to find out.
What is going to happen Nov5? Folks are going to wake up and ask themselves "How did that happen (or not happen)?" Then they need to ask themselves whether or not they got involved, studied the issue(s) and asked questions.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Community Meeting Wed 10/1/14
The city will be holding a community meeting at city hall, 11110 Johnson Drive at 6:00PM to discuss the two sales tax ballot questions.
The questions are:
1. Whether to renew the 1/8 parks & pipes
2. Whether to levy a new 3/8 tax for pavement
The questions are:
1. Whether to renew the 1/8 parks & pipes
2. Whether to levy a new 3/8 tax for pavement
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Old Scam - New Twist
There is a new twist on an old scam. Even though many of us feel we are too sophisticated to fall for it, there are some out there who probably will. Those folks could be friends or relatives. With that in mind, and I hate to say this, a common phrase used in urban legends, pass this info on. Info has been given to local law enforcement. Since most of these scams originate outside the U.S. they are close to impossible for our law enforcement to shut down and prosecute.
OK, here's what the email said (note the poor English, as usual):
601 Brasilia Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153, United States
Airport Storage and Cargo Unit
Kansas City International Airport.
As a side note, there is a way to track flights and flight numbers, so I checked DL9182. Delta, from what I can tell last used that number 9 years ago on a flight from Atlanta to Pittsburgh. The contact email address is a Philippines address and a review of the internet routing of the item indicates it may have originated in Russia. 'Nuff said.
OK, here's what the email said (note the poor English, as usual):
Airport Storage and Cargo Unit
Kansas City International Airport601 Brasilia Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153, United States
ATTENTION:Notice On Your Package reg #: JG1N8875BS
In view of your inability to receive your package reg #:
JG1N8875BS originally scheduled to be delivered to you by the agency foreign
payment service Seattle. This package in a metal box valued 2,316,000USD (Two
Million, Three Hundred and Sixteen thousand United States dollars) arrived at
Kansas City International Airport via Delta Airlines flight no.DL 9182.
The agency Foreign payment service Seattle staff came and
applied for the release of this package for delivery to your address but has
since not shown up.
I am writing to inform you that we have intercepted and
investigated the said package and investigations proved the legitimacy and that
the package was initially scheduled for delivery to you, you are therefore
advised to make contact with Mr. David Beardsley, All American Courier, llc
Director of Delivery to recover your package and deliver it to you. email is:
Note that this notice serves as our last recovery notice
to you as the grace day given to you has expired and we shall begin to charge
$20.00 for each day the package stays in our custody, you are therefore advised
make move to recover your or we will be compelled to list your package as an
unclaimed and maybe forfeited and moved to the United States Treasury Department
for holding.
Best regards,
Brian R. Adams, Director,Airport Storage and Cargo Unit
Kansas City International Airport.
As a side note, there is a way to track flights and flight numbers, so I checked DL9182. Delta, from what I can tell last used that number 9 years ago on a flight from Atlanta to Pittsburgh. The contact email address is a Philippines address and a review of the internet routing of the item indicates it may have originated in Russia. 'Nuff said.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Sales Tax Questions on the November Ballot Part 4
This post is concerning the proposed 3/8th sales tax for pavement. As previously stated, we probably do need a new tax but not necessarily 3/8ths. There are other sources as stated in other posts here.
What I'm going to discuss tonight is a question that has really been bothering me. We know that Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught had stated that 40% of our sales tax revenues came from non-residents of Shawnee. We also know that he could not/would not produce documents to back that up. We know that as the result of a KORA request the city said they could not confirm that info. And last but not least, we know that in a recent article in the Shawnee Dispatch the city manager was quoted as saying that the city could not provide info as to sources of sales tax revenues.
So, here's the question that has been bothering me for quite some time: When Vaught made his comment about the 40% why didn't the city manager state at that committee meeting that there was no way to determine that info? Why didn't she correct him on the spot? It's not like he hasn't been corrected about misinformation in the past. Heck, even the fire chief had to correct him one evening recently.
Anyway, it is interesting to note that he was not corrected that night. One can only surmise that the city manager did not make the correction at that meeting for one of the following reasons:
1. She didn't hear him make the statement
2. She didn't want to make him look foolish (even though he was providing misinformation)
3. She knew it was wrong, was hoping nobody would pursue it, since if the figure was perceived to be accurate it would be a help to the plan. That would mean that theoretically a major portion of the taxes would be paid for by non-residents of Shawnee.
So, which one was it? Or was it for another reason?
How many pieces of misinformation will the city be passing on to the voters at the dog and pony road show? How many pieces of viable information will not be given to the citizens?
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
What I'm going to discuss tonight is a question that has really been bothering me. We know that Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught had stated that 40% of our sales tax revenues came from non-residents of Shawnee. We also know that he could not/would not produce documents to back that up. We know that as the result of a KORA request the city said they could not confirm that info. And last but not least, we know that in a recent article in the Shawnee Dispatch the city manager was quoted as saying that the city could not provide info as to sources of sales tax revenues.
So, here's the question that has been bothering me for quite some time: When Vaught made his comment about the 40% why didn't the city manager state at that committee meeting that there was no way to determine that info? Why didn't she correct him on the spot? It's not like he hasn't been corrected about misinformation in the past. Heck, even the fire chief had to correct him one evening recently.
Anyway, it is interesting to note that he was not corrected that night. One can only surmise that the city manager did not make the correction at that meeting for one of the following reasons:
1. She didn't hear him make the statement
2. She didn't want to make him look foolish (even though he was providing misinformation)
3. She knew it was wrong, was hoping nobody would pursue it, since if the figure was perceived to be accurate it would be a help to the plan. That would mean that theoretically a major portion of the taxes would be paid for by non-residents of Shawnee.
So, which one was it? Or was it for another reason?
How many pieces of misinformation will the city be passing on to the voters at the dog and pony road show? How many pieces of viable information will not be given to the citizens?
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Citizen Letter to the Shawnee Dispatch About Pavement Sales Tax
This week saw a letter by Greg Snell published in the Shawnee Dispatch. Over the course of the past few years Greg has attended many City Council and Council Committee meetings.
His observations in the letter are something that Shawnee citizens need to look at, concerning the proposed 3/8ths of a cent sales tax for pavements (streets etc).
The letter can be viewed here http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2014/sep/18/letter-editor-city-needs-be-better-about-watching-/
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
His observations in the letter are something that Shawnee citizens need to look at, concerning the proposed 3/8ths of a cent sales tax for pavements (streets etc).
The letter can be viewed here http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2014/sep/18/letter-editor-city-needs-be-better-about-watching-/
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
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