Primary Election August 4, 2020

Well, it's that time again.  Primary election time, August 4, 2020.

Some have already voted in person for early voting.  Some have already sent in their mail ballot.

If you haven't voted, well, here are my choices for certain positions.

Rather than bore you with long dissertations on each one I'll just list them.  Hopefully you will agree with my choices.

State Senate, District 10:

Mike Thompson

US Congress, District 3:

Adrienne Vallejo Foster

US Senate:

Kris Kobach

Fond Farewell and Best Wishes to Sal Scarpa

It is with mixed emotions that I learned of Deputy Fire Chief Sal Scarpa's pending relocation to Columbus, Georgia to be their Fire Chief.

Why Mixed emotions?  Shawnee will be losing a highly qualified, dedicated member of the fire fighting community.  On the other hand it appears to be a very positive career move for Sal and we can only wish him the best.

Let's talk for a second about where he is going.  Columbus, Georgia is a unique city/county configuration.  The city has a population of approximately 195,000 and the metro area is approximately 303,000.  That means that Sal's new department is responsible for the well being of a population that is 5x that of Shawnee.  Add to that his responsibilities will also include all EMS in that area and emergency management his plate will be full.  We are fully confident that he is well suited to the tasks ahead.

We will miss him and his proven abilities, but we wish him well in his new position.

My translation abilities are limited, and I hope I did this correctly:  

Grazie mille per quello che hai fatto per Shawnee. Che tu abbia successo nel tuo nuovo lavoro.

Lenexa City Manager Gets 3% Raise

Unlike our city manager who got 25%, Lenexa recently gave their city manager a 3% raise.

She has only been in the position for about one year, but has been with the city for 23 years.  Hmmm, believe our neophyte city manager was still in middle school at the time.  And she has other government experience too.

Want more info?  Click here for story at the Shawnee Mission Post

Oh, in case you forgot, the four council reps who voted to give Sunderman the 25% raise were:

Matt Zimmerman  Ward 1

Lisa Larson-Bunnell  Ward III

Lindsey Constance Ward IV (and she wants to have a say in your purse strings as a state senator)

Jill Chalfie Ward IV

And since the vote was a 4-4 tie, Mayor Distler voted to break the tie and went along with the outrageous increase.

Saturday, July 4th 2020, Happy Birthday USA

Tomorrow we will celebrate the birthday of our great nation.  Next week I will have some comments about those that are attempting to destroy our country from within.  But, right now, I just want to say Happy Birthday USA with links to two of my favorite songs.

Local Charity Needs Help

I received the email below from Teresa McGarry who I have known for many years.

If you can help her in any way I know it would be appreciated.  Thank you.

"Hi there,

Hope you are doing well.  Our family is doing okay.  I have been focusing on a few large Moneytalk tasks since I have the time, doing online coaching, and trying to figure out how I can help.  As part of working with two elementary schools through the Caring for Kids program (which gets the community involved in supporting the local schools), I am coordinating the school supplies for these kiddos including using my ability to purchase in bulk at a discount as a non-profit.

We are targeting $50 per student to provide school supplies and backpacks to the 1,000+ students at Neiman elementary and Shawanoe elementary schools.  Both of these schools are right here in Shawnee and are both very low income families (both are Title 1 schools.)  According to the teachers and principals, they are concerned about families becoming homeless or having utilities disconnected once the prevention orders are lifted.  They aren't going to be able to afford school supplies, let alone shoes, school shirt, yearbooks, and food on the weekends.

Would you share this in your blog for me?  More info can be found on my website at  https://moneytalkff.org/support/fundraisers/school-supply-drive/  or go straight to the GoFundMe Charity page at https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/school-supply-drive3.  They can also donate online or mail a check.  It is posted on our Facebook page https://business.facebook.com/MoneytalkFinancialFoundations/ pinned as the top post.  All donations will receive a charitable donation receipt as Moneytalk is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Thank you and God Bless,

Teresa McGarry (Founder, Executive Director)

Moneytalk Financial Foundations - www.moneytalkff.org

Foundations is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization

913-538-1465

Support the non-profit by shopping through Amazon Smile.  Check out Charity Lists, it is a registry of items needed by the non-profit.  They will pay the shipping directly to us and it still counts toward your smile donation!"

Lindsey Constance -Does She Purposely Mislead or is She a Flat Out Liar?

Here is a screen shot of a post by Lindsey Constance, Ward IV, City of Shawnee council rep.

Now here is a section of the RMS audit which was published with other documents in the agenda:

Still trying to figure out her definition of "clean".  When ending balances don't match with opening balances?  And, she was one of the five that voted for the city manager's raise prior to this being on the agenda.  But this info must have been known prior to that vote, and he is responsible for those directors under him.

Anyway, does she mislead or is she just a liar?  And she also wants to be your state senator.

Oh, if you have trouble reading the info in the images click on them for larger copies.

Today is Flag Day

I served under it.
I stand for it.
I presented it to the mother of a GI who was KIA in Nam
I salute it

Did Shawnee City Workers Lose Out on a COLA Increase?

A recent poster on the social media site Next Door had an item that City of Shawnee workers were recently denied a COLA (cost of living allowance) increase.  Some refer to it as a market adjustment.

If true, this is outrageous.  Most times a COLA increase (as opposed to a merit or step increase) is usually in the neighborhood of 1% to 3%.  A truly pithy amount compared to the 25% increase recently voted by certain members of the governing body for the city manager.

Would any of the five persons who voted for the unwarranted increase for the city manager care to email me about the COLA for the city employees?  If so, your email will be published here.

Those five are:

Matt Zimmerman -  Ward 1
Lisa Larson-Bunnell - Ward 3
Lindsey Constance - Ward 4
Jill Chalfie - Ward 4
Michelle Distler - Mayor

Memorial Day 2020

On Memorial Day I am always reminded of a quote by the man that I consider to be the greatest field commander in US history, Gen. George S. Patton, Jr.

His quote: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."

Yes, let us thank God that so many men, and women, have given their all to safeguard our liberties. Please, do not take the liberties, freedoms, and God given rights that they died for, for granted.

Be thankful, and remember them, today and always.

From the Memorial Day Concert, Washington DC 2019

Does City Manager Know What is Happening In His City?

One of the biggest events in the City of Shawnee has been the Tour de Shawnee bike ride.  This event has a history of over 30 years and is run to benefit the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund).

It is usually held on a Sunday near the end of August.  Having volunteered to help out in the past for about 6-7 years I decided to check on line to see if it was on for this year, or if it has been postponed, rescheduled or cancelled.

Wow, was I shocked at what I found on the city web site.  When you go to this web page they are still talking about the 2019 event.  If you click and go here you will get a registration form for the 2019 event.

What happened to the 2020 event?  Now, there will be some folks who will say that with Covid 19 and the stay at home thingies the site was not updated.  Horse nonsense.  Why wasn't the site updated after last year's date (which did get rained out)?  Why wasn't info about the 2020 event posted September, October, November, December, January, February etc?

I sincerely hope that the city manager (Nolan Sunderman) does not pass the blame downstream to the Parks Department.  Remember Harry Truman's desk sign, "The Buck Stops Here".

He was probably too busy planning on how he would eventually attempt to justify his 25% salary increase.

Sidebar:  A BK double whopper with cheese and bacon says that the two links above will probably disappear or get changed after this post appears.

Constance Replies About Park Board Nominee

Shawnee City Council Member Lindsey Constance responded to my blog post from yesterday.  You can scroll down to read it, or access it by clicking here.

Since she was kind enough to respond, I will post her email here, followed by my reply:

Constance email of 5/21/20: 

Hi Ray,

Regarding your question about my recommendation to appoint Mr. Waltman to the Parks Board, Elizabeth (our volunteer coordinator) doesn’t require the Parks Board applicants to re-do their applications, instead they may remain on file for future consideration.

Mr. Waltman’s application was from 2018, so I did reach out to him and had a conversation over the phone last week before making my selection. He is not planning to push forward the community center, as that didn’t pass the public vote. Mr. Waltman’s reference to that in his application was 2 years old prior to the election last spring.

Let me know if you have further questions. Thanks and enjoy your week.

Lindsey

My reply to that email:

Lindsey,

This is a perfect example as to why applications need to be updated.  The community center project was a very contentious issue.

A purported conversation between you and him that he would not pursue the item can best be described as hearsay.  You are not him.

My suggestion would be for Mr. Waltman to send a signed letter as an addendum to the application reiterating your purported conversation.  The letter needs to be added to the agenda packet.  If he is unwilling to do so then I would suggest that his nomination be withdrawn.

Stay well

Ray

Final thoughts:

Just because she says that he told her he would not pursue, I would love to see that in writing. From him, not her. Lindsey Constance has a habit of not necessarily being forthcoming.  Just look at how she didn't divulge important info about the comparisons when it came to her vote to give the city manager a raise. 

Constance Does Not Listen to the People of Shawnee

At next Monday's council meeting Lindsey Constance's nominee to serve on the Parks 7 Rec advisory board is an indication of how she doesn't listen or care what the people of Shawnee think.

She has nominated and individual, who, according to his application was happy that he supported the community center project and is looking forward to supporting it again.

Huh???  Constance also supported it.  But, 72% of those casting ballots in the largest election of its kind told her and those pushing it to "faggedah bout it".  Constance, the mental midget who could not understand why the project would cost $54 million  not $38 million.  She did not want to concede the fact that the city (meaning taxpayers) would have to fork over $16 million in interest.  Now she wants to put another person on that board who is deaf to the desires and wishes of the people.

Maybe if I had lent her my hearing aids she could have heard  better what the folks had said.

City Manager's Raise - Part 2

Let's dig a little deeper into Nolan Sunderman's, what is IMHO, recent exorbitant salary raise.  Wow, 25% at one shot.....almost $40K.

According to the demographics for the city, which are available by clicking here, the per capita income in Shawnee is.............$36,856.  Interesting.

The city council has to vote on the city manager's salary increase.  In this case, the council was split 4-4 and the mayor voted to break the tie.  It would be unfair to blame the entire council for this action.  But, the individuals who did vote for the salary increase can be held accountable should they run for reelection and/or another office.

Who were the ones that voted for this insult to the people of Shawnee:

Matt Zimmerman (Ward 1)
Lisa Larson-Bunnell (Ward 3)
Lindsey Constance (Ward 4) and announced for the upcoming state senate race
Jill Chalfie (Ward 4)
Michelle Distler (Mayor)

Long term readers of this blog may recall that over the years I have been a strong supporter of the mayor. Even though we had disagreed on some items I have never felt in the past that she had done anything to "stick it to" the people of Shawnee.  Good, bad or indifferent, I always thought that she had the best interests of Shawnee at heart.  This is no longer the case.  To give this inexperienced puppy this kind of raise and by some, to compare his background with those of surrounding cities' city managers is a travesty.

Constance & Chalfie Grossly Mislead Their Constituents

Shawnee City Council members Lindsey Constance & Jill Chalfie, both from Ward 4, have grossly mislead their constituents.  Let's look at their recent yes vote to give City Manager Nolan Sunderman a 25% salary raise (approx. $40K), which when coupled with his deferred compensation and car allowance will push him over $200K a year.

On their facebook pages they posted comments concerning their votes.  Note the similarity in the wording.

Constance:  -  The second main item on the agenda was voting on the City Manager's contract. Prior to last night's vote, the City Manager's salary was $50,000 lower than the lowest of comparable cities. I have been pleased with Shawnee's continued history of efficiency in management, especially compared with other neighboring cities. For example, Shawnee's staff to resident ratio is 1:205 compared with Lenexa at 1:127. The efficiency and focus on finding ways to save the city money, whether it be the streetlight LED conversion and purchase, or the Facility Conservation Improvement Plan, have continued to create savings opportunities.

Having quality and fairly compensated staff is important to keep our city running smoothly, so we can provide important services to our residents. I voted in support of the contract and it passed 5-4.

Chalfie: - Secondly, we approved a pay increase for our City Manager in order to bring this salary closer in line with the same job in neighboring cities (taking into account years of service). One of the biggest factors leading me to support this market increase was the efficiency in what Shawnee provides to residents with the number of full-time city staff that our City Manager oversees. As a comparison, Lenexa has one staff for every 128 people and Shawnee has 1 staff for every 205 people. This level of efficiency can only be managed by a strong leader. During this time of uncertainty, I believe it is more important than ever to value the position at the top of our organization as this person makes many day to day decisions that can affect how we come through this as a city.

Why do I say that they grossly mislead their constituents?  Here goes.  They both use the ratios of staff to residents, showing that Shawnee has fewer staff per resident population.  So now let's dissect their comments.

Yes, Shawnee has less staff per resident population.  But, Lenexa also has staff for areas that Shawnee contracts out, like facilities maintenance, janitorial services, even mowing.  Why don't they mention that?  What about the daytime population in Lenexa?  Lenexa has substantially more large businesses, industrial parks, office parks, etc.  Their commercial tax base is almost double that of Shawnee's.  Why don't they mention that?  That is one of the reasons why they have more police, firefighters/stations and other city facilities.  And guess what else they also have?  A higher mill levy.  Their citizens and businesses are paying for those needed services.

These ratios that Constance & Chalfie mention have been around since Gonzales was city manager and she too hid the true facts.  What Constance & Chalfie  are doing is trying to compare apples to oranges.

They also want to compare Mr. Sunderman's compensation to that of individuals in neighboring cities.  The Shawnee Mission Post just wrote about the vote and showed those figures for the neighboring cities.  You can read the article and see the numbers by clicking here

Now, let's look at those neighboring individuals:

Overland Park - Bill Ebel - City manager in OP since 2011 and prior to that was a department director.  In reality he has been in government service since 1975 when he entered the USMA at West Point and graduated in '79.  Translation:  he has been in government service for longer than Sunderman has been on this earth.

Olathe - J. Michael Wilkes - Has been City Manager since 1999 and started in government service in 1984.  Whoops, that means he has been in government service since Sunderman was a year old and still getting his nappies changed.

Lenexa - Two people were mentioned.  Current City Manager Beccy Yucham who has 20 years with the city and prior to that was Ass't. Gen. Counsel for the League of Kansas Municipalities. The previous City Manager Eric Wade, who retired after 15 years with Lenexa and before that he was with Jo Co government, Merriam, Blue Springs and KC MO.  Another individual who has more government service than Sunderman has time on this earth

To compare Sunderman to these folks is outrageous.  He's still a puppy in training and not ready to be compared to the big dogs.

Additionally, a 25% increase (approx. $40K) is, as I stated yesterday, IMHO,  an insult to those on the front line of city work.  As a percentage of the city budget the dollar number is a dot, but it sends a bad message to the residents of our city who are suffering from the current pandemic situation.  That includes the owners of the many small businesses who employ lots of folks that might not be going back to work. Add to that the city, which relies heavily on sales tax revenue will see a decline in that revenue.  The five people who voted for that raise created an odor that is worse than the Deffenbaugh landfill, and again I will call them out:  Matt Zimmerman (W1), Lisa Larson-Bunnell (W3), Lindsey Constance (W4), Jill Chalfie (W4), and the tie breaking vote by Michelle Distler (Mayor).

Suggestion for Constance and Chalfie.  Don't mislead your constituents.  And for Chalfie specifically, being a lap dog for a state senator wannabe is going to cause you problems.  You will be challenged when you mislead folks. Constance did that during the Community Center referendum (so did Zimmerman and Larson-Bunnell), and now on this issue.

Is Transparency Dead in Shawnee?

I'll keep this simple.  Please see the two images below.  Click on them to view a larger version which will be easier to read.

Look at motion 6.  There are many people who are not familiar with the make up of the council.  The vote total is correct.  The motion passed 5-4.  But again, some folks are not familiar with how the council works.  what the summary should have said was "Motion carried 5-4 with the mayor breaking a 4-4 tie".  Let's make it simple and easy for folks to understand.

Sunderman Gets 25% Increase

Yepper, you read that headline correctly.  Last night, after an executive session the council came in to vote on giving Nolan Sunderman, our not so illustrious city manager (IMHO) a 25% salary increase.

The council was actually split 4-4, with Zimmerman, Constance, Larson-Bunnell and Chalfie in favor of it and Jenkins, Kemmling, Thomas and Knappen opposed.  So, how did it get approved?  Easy, our mayor, Michelle Distler voted to break the tie and give Sunderman that raise which should take him a step or two north of $180K per year.

What a travesty.  What about the folks on the city payroll who really do the hard day to day work?  You know, the folks that toil in all kinds of weather to keep your streets functional, your parks usable, your neighborhoods safe from crime, risking their own well being on fire calls, providing emergency medical treatment to you or a loved one?  I could go on and on about that.  Will the not so fabulous four and the mayor vote to give ALL employees an across the board 25% raise?  What kind of message did they send to city employees with that vote?

Let's look at the four council members who voted to give the city manager that outrageous increase:

Matt Zimmerman -Ward 1-Was also strongly in favor of taxing the citizens for the community center.  Does he really care about the people in Shawnee?
Lisa Larson-Bunnell -Ward 3-Another council member who pushed for the community center and the disgusting burden it would have placed on the folks that make Shawnee home.
Lindsey Constance -Ward 4- And yet another council member who tried to push for the community center. Ya had to be at some of the community meetings to hear the misinformation she was putting out there.  And she wants to represent Shawnee in the state senate!! 
Jill Chalfie -Ward 4- Watch her at council meetings as she looks up at Constance with puppy dog eyes as if to ask "What do I do?"

And then the person that broke the tie, Mayor Distler.  Like Brutus to Caesar, she plunged a knife into the backs of the people of Shawnee. 

Side note:  Zimmerman, Larson-Bunnell, and Constance are up for reelection in 2021. Remember that if they choose to run again.  And Constance is up for the State Senate seat this year.

A big thank you to Jenkins, Thomas, Kemmling and Knappen for trying to do the right thing.  Sorry that you folks got shot down by uncaring fools.

Shawnee Town 1929, A Sacred Cow

Be Careful What You Say About A Sacred Cow, Shawnee Town 1929.  I'm sure I will anger some folks.  Too bad!!

Let's start with what happened at the most recent city council meeting, 4/13/20.  Stuck (hidden) in the consent agenda was an item to not accept the bid to move an old house from Leawood to Shawnee Town 1929.  This was to be known as the "Dr. Sullivan House".  Instead the city, thru its parks department is going to go forward with replicating the house.

What is disturbing about this is that when the item came up initially for discussion there was talk about doing exactly that.  Not accepting the "free" house and instead building a replica was voiced by some folks, most notably a member of the community, Tracy Thomas (not to be confused with Councilmember Tammy Thomas).  Ms. Thomas was soundly ridiculed for her comments, with the claim being that it would be cheaper to move the Leawood house.  One of the arguments given for moving the Leawood house, was IMHO plain out stupid.  That period fixtures (water faucets, etc) would be hard to find.  Horse patootie.  How many local businesses deal in antique fixtures, and some even rent/sell them to movie and theater productions for those activities.  Anyway it has now been determined that the cost of moving the house is above initial projections and action will be taken to replicate the old Dr. Sullivan house.

I firmly believe that both the city manager and the parks department director owe Tracy Thomas an apology.  BTW, if it wasn't for Councilmember Tammy Thomas the consent item would have just floated thru without any discussion.

Now, let's go to the next part of what I would like to say today about the sacred cow.  First, another member of the community took a drive from both I-435 east and I-35 west.  Apparently there was very limited or almost non-existant signage pointing folks to this destination.

But, more importantly, how many folks actually visit this destination in any given year even after the city has put millions of dollars into it?  We do not know the answer to that question.  There is not an accounting of visitors kept.  We do know that during Old Shawnee Days the place is packed with folks going to the carnival, visiting the vendor booths viewing the old structures and attending the nightly shows/concerts.

What we don't have is:  a) a sign in book at the visitor center, b) a clicker counter at the visitor center, c)a volunteer at the entrances with a clicker counter, d) a turnstile, no fee, but it counts the number of entrances.  If that is installed, employees and/or volunteers would have to bypass it.

What it boils down to is, have we been sinking money into this sacred cow just for one extended weekend a year? Or does it generate a sufficient quantity of tourists/guests (and income) to make it what everyone would like it to be?  Naturally, any figure for visitors would need to be separate from groups that rent out the town hall for events.

Speaker Pelosi, The WHO and Congressperson Davids

What I just read on a news feed makes me want to puke.  Apparently House Speaker Pelosi wants to block President Trump's decision to withhold funds from WHO (World Health Organization).  We are talking about almost $900 million. 

WHO was totally remiss in the way they bowed down to China and allowed misinformation to be disseminated.  Our country is the largest contributor to WHO, and we give literally 10x more to that organization than China.  Apparently though the hierarchy at WHO feels an obligation to let China control what they do.

That $900 million can be better used here to help our people towards a speedy health and economic recovery.  Not given to an organization that panders to BS and lies.

Now, will our illustrious Congressperson, Sharice Davids get smart, show some concerns for our country and its people, or will she firmly plant her lips on the derriere of Speaker Pelosi?  If I was a betting man I'd bet she'd do the latter.  That is why, IMHO, Davids has got to go.  And the $$$ have to be held back from the WHO.

Religious Freedom and the COVID-19 Pandemic

All across the country there are now disputes about religious freedom and the various social distancing orders because of COVID-19.

Here in Kansas Gov. Kelly attempted to remove the exemption for religious institutions which was quickly stifled by the legislative panel entrusted with reviewing her executive orders.

Actions taken by her, other governors and some mayors have become national news especially in view of the importance that this weekend has for multiple religions.  This weekend falls right in the middle of the Jewish holiday of Passover and the Christian holiday of Easter. 

Here is my take on the situation.  It comes in two parts.

First:  Any action by any elected official to shut down religious services at this or any time is a clear and obvious violation of our constitution.  The provision in the first amendment could not be any clearer.  These actions by elected officials need to be shot down by the courts as they happen.

Second:  Any individual or religious congregation that is desirous of holding services in an enclosed environment involving dozens or hundreds of their faithful is downright foolish.  Nope, I'll change that to stupid.

In this day and age of advanced technology we all have the opportunity to "gather together" in other forms to express our beliefs for these holidays.  Including a good old fashioned parking lot drive in.

Most religious institutions have taken appropriate action to hold non-contact services.  I applaud them.  On line chat rooms, webinar based services, video conferencing.....wow the possibilities are enormous. 

For the few organizations that are conducting in person services, I hope and yes, pray, that your flocks do not become infected.  Common sense must prevail.

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo........Hypocritical Piece of Garbage

BROKEN LINKS BELOW HAVE BEEN FIXED---SORRY

For those that may not be aware of it I was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx.  Even though I left NYC 45 years ago there is still something in me that has an attachment for the "City That Never Sleeps".

It is for that reason that some of the things that Gov. Cuomo has and has not done under the current pandemic situation I find to be abhorrent.  Yet this piece of trash is trying to blame POTUS for items that he could and should have handled.

First, in 2015 the NYS Department of Health advised that the state would be short over 15,000 ventilators in the event of an influenza pandemic.  Where did Cuomo spend the money that could have gone for those items to be held in reserve?  Would you like to know?  Including access to the 2015 report?  All you have to do is click here

The next one is very disconcerting and it involves the drug hydroxychloroquinine.  It seems that Cuomo signed an executive order that any new prescriptions for this item cannot, that's right, cannot be filled by the local neighborhood pharmacies.  Patients whose doctors are prescribing this can only get the item thru the NYC hospital system.  Huh???  Send these folks down to the already over burdened and over taxed hospitals for something that they can get from their local pharmacy??  Unreal!!!!  If ya wanna read about it just go here

Anyway, it seems like we here in Kansas are living in an area that besides science is also relying on good old fashioned common sense.  Except when it comes to toilet paper and bottled water.

For those who find they need or want a cloth face mask but do not sew, Colin Hanks, Tom Hanks' son has posted a video on Instagram that shows how to do it with a handkerchief and either two hair ties or rubber bands.  Simple, easy and it works.  I tried it.  Take a look here