We Are Behind in Donations for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund

We are running behind last year's donations:

As of today there is $11,484.99 collected.  Last year a total of  $21,683.58 was collected.  This is a very worthy cause and it is sincerely hoped that Shawnee will respond.

Time is rapidly coming to the end of when donations can be made for this year's Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.  December 5th is the date that the funds will be given to this year's selected charity, Shawnee Community Services  This is a local community food pantry.

More information about the fund can be found here

What is nice is that donations can start at just $5 by clicking here and can go up to $2,500 by clicking here.

The people of Shawnee have always shown a willingness to help others in the community.  Please do so this time.

Examples of Stupidity

On 11/6/15 I posted "Stupidity Costs All of Us" (scroll down), concerning how we are all affected by what some folks do (or don't do) that causes vehicles to be stolen, or other crimes to be committed.

Going through the various cases posted on line here in Shawnee I could post dozens of examples of stupidity.  But, I have chosen just to post two of them (underlining mine).

CN1505215 11/16/2015 06:11 AM 24100 Block W 67 TERR AUTO THEFT Victim's unlocked vehicle was stolen from the driveway with keys taken from another unlocked vehicle in the driveway

CN1504892 10/27/2015 10:26 AM 13600 Block W 49 TERR RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY Open garage door entered, unsecured vehicles entered and items stolen from vehicle

Folks, ya gotta start using some common sense.  I personally have little or no sympathy for these "victims".  As previously posted, on top of all the problems, financial losses, potential insurance rate increases, etc., we are creating cases for our PD that are unnecessary and it could better use its resources for other crimes.

Tomorrow 11/19/15 - Third Thursday With the Mayor

Great way to get info and also to get involved and ask questions about YOUR city


From the city's web site:

The next Third Thursday will take place on November 19 at 9:00am at the Shawnee Civic Centre (13817 Johnson Drive). All residents of Shawnee are welcomed to attend

Kansas Bill of Rights - Sections 3, 2 & 20

At various times, when addressing the Shawnee city council I have had to remind some of their members of Section 3 of the Kansas Bill of Rights.  This has usually come up when some members who profess to support open government, actually try to suppress it (i.e. restrict input by citizens, not wanting full minutes of meetings etc.)

For those not familiar with Section 3, it is quoted below (highlights and underlining mine): 

§ 3. Right of peaceable assembly; petition. The people have the right to assemble, in a peaceable manner, to consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to petition the government, or any department thereof, for the redress of grievances.

Now I think it is time to remind certain members of the council about Section 2 of the Bill of Rights of the Kansas State Constitution.  Mainly because some on the council seem to think that they "are above the citizens" of the city and this might entitle them to certain privileges.

§ 2. Political power; privileges. All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and are instituted for their equal protection and benefit. No special privileges or immunities shall ever be granted by the legislature, which may not be altered, revoked or repealed by the same body; and this power shall be exercised by no other tribunal or agency.

This is not to say that the council has attempted to grant any special privileges to themselves or any members, it is just to say that some members seem to think that they have special privileges.

There are 20 sections to the State's Bill of Rights.............I just love Section 20

§ 20. Powers retained by people. This enumeration of rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people; and all powers not herein delegated remain with the people.

The Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund 2015

Time is rapidly coming to the end of when donations can be made for this year's Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.  December 5th is the date that the funds will be given to this year's selected charity, Shawnee Community Services  This is a local community food pantry.

More information about the fund can be found here

What is nice is that donations can start at just $5 by clicking here and can go up to $2,500 by clicking here.

The people of Shawnee have always shown a willingness to help others in the community.  Please do so this time.

Stupidity Costs All of Us

No, I am not going to be politically correct.  I will refer to some people as stupid, and if nothing else, some folks have a definite deficiency in common sense.

What am I referring to?  The inordinate increase in car thefts due to "player error".  I am not talking about vehicles that have their windows broken, doors jimmied and then the ignition hot wired.  I am talking about the fools that leave their vehicles in their driveways, unlocked and some with the keys in the vehicle..  Even worse, are  those who leave their cars warming up with the keys in the ignition.  In most jurisdictions this action is a traffic offense.  To the best of my knowledge the only cars that can be running are those that have been remote started as there are no keys in the ignition and the steering wheel will remain locked and the transmission cannot be put into gear. Some folks have been losing items from their vehicles for the same reason(s), not securing their vehicles.

How do these actions cost all of us?  A spike in these illegal activities could affect the insurance rating for a zip code.  So besides the "victim" others could be subject to higher insurance rates.  What other costs are involved?  What about the cost of law enforcement?  We are very fortunate in Shawnee in that we have a pretty darn good police department.  And yes, they take vehicle thefts seriously.  How many man hours (or woman hours) could they save by not having to investigate crimes that were the result of individuals being inattentive and putting their property in a vulnerable position?  How many other crimes could they bring to a speedier resolution if they weren't working on crimes that could have been avoided?  How many positive activities could they be involved in if they didn't have to be investigating crimes that could have been avoided?

So, if you are one of those that have lost property because of your own stupidity, and if you are offended by that characterization..............too bad.  I and others are tired of paying for your mistakes.