Bet that got your attention. :-) :-)
OK..........recently the City of Shawnee had a task force look at trash recycling. The info about that, and their final report is located here:
http://www.cityofshawnee.org/cityclerk/recycling_task_force.html
Apparently, some folks in town are under the impression that decisions have already been made. Not true. City staff is now doing their research based on the info contained in the task force's report. There will still be more public meetings along with public input. The city issued a press release concerning that, and it can be accessed here:
http://www.cityofshawnee.org/cityclerk/press_release.html
Some folks around town apparently feel like they have been "left out of the loop". For those folks all I can say is ya need to attend council and committee meetings. Read the various info items posted on the city's web site
http://www.cityofshawnee.org/ or even subscribe to the city's email list
https://www.cosweb.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/listserv.nsf
And last but not least, get out on election days and vote. Especially for local elections. The elected folks at the city, county and state level have more of an effect on our daily lives and yet those elections draw the least number of voters.
Now, with regards to the trash recycling. One of the current city council reps, Kevin Straub has taken a unique approach. He has set up a "petition site" where folks can "sign" his on line petition if they agree with his views on this subject. That is located at
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Shawnee-Trash-Choice
Any long term readers of this blog know that I am not a fan of Mr Straub's. But in this case I must compliment him on setting up a site where folks can voice their opinions. That is what a democracy is about. Just like this blog. Ya gotta open your mouth. One thing, even though it is an "on line petition", it does not meet the requirements for a legal petition. Again though, it does afford folks an opportunity to have their say. And yes, somebody can set up another one taking an opposing view. Or they can set up a blog. Or an on line forum which allows for interactive debate. The choices are out there. Use them, regardless of what your stance is. Attend meetings, public hearings.....don't just say "how did that happen?"
For the record: I personally feel that any company that can provide appropriate trash hauling and recycling services to the community should have the ability to compete for the consumer's dollar. It concerns me that some folks want to see a single source provider.
Whatever your feelings are, exercise your right to express them..........get involved.........don't sit on the sidelines.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Obama's Big Date
So, Mr Obama decided it was time he kept his promise to his wife to take her to a NY play after the election.
What did that little marital promise cost the American taxpayers?
The cost of the plane (granted a smaller Gulfstream V as opposed to the larger 747)
The cost of security.
The cost of prepositioning (advance parties)
The cost to NYC for their support.
The cost of transporting staff and the press.
That becomes an expensive dinner for two and a show.
I'm guesstimating a cost in the neighborhood of $300k-$500K
When most folks are struggling to take their spouse to a neighborhood movie and a pizza this is outrageous.
The Obamas are personally millionaires. I would expect them to reimburse the government for this outrageous waste of taxpayer funds.
How many GIs returning from Iraq, Afghanistan etc could have a night out on the town with their spouses or significant others for all the money this little escapade cost?
What did that little marital promise cost the American taxpayers?
The cost of the plane (granted a smaller Gulfstream V as opposed to the larger 747)
The cost of security.
The cost of prepositioning (advance parties)
The cost to NYC for their support.
The cost of transporting staff and the press.
That becomes an expensive dinner for two and a show.
I'm guesstimating a cost in the neighborhood of $300k-$500K
When most folks are struggling to take their spouse to a neighborhood movie and a pizza this is outrageous.
The Obamas are personally millionaires. I would expect them to reimburse the government for this outrageous waste of taxpayer funds.
How many GIs returning from Iraq, Afghanistan etc could have a night out on the town with their spouses or significant others for all the money this little escapade cost?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Whooops...............Mea Culpa
I made a mistake.
Locks of Love provides hairpieces to children under 18 for a variety of medical conditions other than just cancer....chemo therapy.
Apparently there are other medical conditions that can cause that problem and Locks of Love is dedicated to helping children regain their self esteem.
Locks of Love provides hairpieces to children under 18 for a variety of medical conditions other than just cancer....chemo therapy.
Apparently there are other medical conditions that can cause that problem and Locks of Love is dedicated to helping children regain their self esteem.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Answer to Shawnee Trivia IV
We have a winner. Bob Penick got it right when he replied that Councilmember Michelle Distler will be getting her hair cut and donating the locks to Locks of Love.
Great orgaanization, as they create real hair wigs for children who are going through chemo therapy and who lose their hair during treatment.
When I asked Michelle what prompted her to do this she replied that she had read a story in the Dispatch about a little girl who was undergoing chemo and how she had lost her hair. Many children have problems when they undergo this treatment. It's bad enough having cancer, but then being a young child and losing your hair because of the treatment can be very difficult on a child. This particular young lady was apparently handling it very well (the hair loss), but it can be extremely difficult with others.
I asked Michelle what the basics were and she told me that an individual had to have at least 10 inches of hair to cut. That means that a person has to have even longer hair than that. It took her 3 years to grow her hair to the length needed, but now it's ready to be cut.
I applaud her for her caring attitude. As the parent of a child who is a survivor I think her actions are fantastic.
Those interested in the program can get additional info at http://www.locksoflove.org/
By the way.............guys who grow their hair long can also contribute.
Here's a picture of her before the haircut. I'll see what I can do about an "after" shot.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Shawnee Trivia IV
Which Shawnee City Council Rep is getting a major haircut and having the locks donated to Locks of Love?
Folks who think they may know the answer can email me by clicking here Be sure to include the date of the question with your answer. No prizes, but the first person with the correct answer will have their name and answer posted here. Since no prizes are being awarded, anybody can enter.
Folks who think they may know the answer can email me by clicking here Be sure to include the date of the question with your answer. No prizes, but the first person with the correct answer will have their name and answer posted here. Since no prizes are being awarded, anybody can enter.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Will Talia Finally Respond?
Just sent State Rep Talia another email.
It is quoted below:
Good morning Mr Talia,
I am forwarding to you a copy of my email from 2/21/09 along with its attachment.
Don't you think it is about time that you responded? Or, do you feel it is appropriate to ignore questions from voters who reside within your district?
One would think that you might be interested in how your constituents feel about certain issues. One would also think that you might want to try and convince voters who did not vote for you last time, to change their minds when you come up for reelection. Folks do change their minds about their elected officials. Heck, you won office as a democrat in a district that is traditionally republican. Apparently you don't want me to change my mind about you.
Again, so you don't feel blindsided, a copy of this email will be posted at http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com.
Ray Erlichman
Shawnee, KS
It is quoted below:
Good morning Mr Talia,
I am forwarding to you a copy of my email from 2/21/09 along with its attachment.
Don't you think it is about time that you responded? Or, do you feel it is appropriate to ignore questions from voters who reside within your district?
One would think that you might be interested in how your constituents feel about certain issues. One would also think that you might want to try and convince voters who did not vote for you last time, to change their minds when you come up for reelection. Folks do change their minds about their elected officials. Heck, you won office as a democrat in a district that is traditionally republican. Apparently you don't want me to change my mind about you.
Again, so you don't feel blindsided, a copy of this email will be posted at http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com.
Ray Erlichman
Shawnee, KS
Friday, May 22, 2009
Answer to Shawnee Trivia III
The answer to the last trivia question is:
William Wurtz Jr was the city's first city manager.
The bonus question answer is Dennis Kallsen was the city clerk at the time.
William Wurtz Jr was the city's first city manager.
The bonus question answer is Dennis Kallsen was the city clerk at the time.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Texting & Driving - Bad News
If you have read this blog for any length of time you know that I have pushed the Shawnee City Council to do something about the use of cell phones while driving.
It would be nice if Shawnee would take the lead on this subject rather than just being a jump on the bandwagon "me too" city.
A recent accident on I-29 appears to have been the result of texting while driving. More info can be read at this web site part of WDAF Fox 4.
Again I call for the city council to restrict the use of cell phones while driving unless a hands free device is used. I call for the city council to ban texting while driving.
At one council meeting one of the reasons given for not doing anything was that with metro cities bordering so close to each other drivers could be confused as to which city they are in. Actually that could be a positive. If they're not sure if they are in Shawnee or Merriam, or Overland Park or Lenexa, but think they are in Shawnee they might just be doing everyone a favor.
Another comment was that injuries have not been that high. I remember Council Member Sawyer's response to that "............they may not be high, unless it's your child."
Recently there was another horrific accident in Boston, Massachusetts, also caused by texting.
How many accidents have there been that texting or talking were the cause but not cited as such?
C'mon Shawnee..............take the initiative..........don't be a "me too" city on this one.
Heads up to the council: I will be bringing this up again at another council session. Not sure which one yet, but it will happen.
It would be nice if Shawnee would take the lead on this subject rather than just being a jump on the bandwagon "me too" city.
A recent accident on I-29 appears to have been the result of texting while driving. More info can be read at this web site part of WDAF Fox 4.
Again I call for the city council to restrict the use of cell phones while driving unless a hands free device is used. I call for the city council to ban texting while driving.
At one council meeting one of the reasons given for not doing anything was that with metro cities bordering so close to each other drivers could be confused as to which city they are in. Actually that could be a positive. If they're not sure if they are in Shawnee or Merriam, or Overland Park or Lenexa, but think they are in Shawnee they might just be doing everyone a favor.
Another comment was that injuries have not been that high. I remember Council Member Sawyer's response to that "............they may not be high, unless it's your child."
Recently there was another horrific accident in Boston, Massachusetts, also caused by texting.
How many accidents have there been that texting or talking were the cause but not cited as such?
C'mon Shawnee..............take the initiative..........don't be a "me too" city on this one.
Heads up to the council: I will be bringing this up again at another council session. Not sure which one yet, but it will happen.
Shawnee Trivia III
Who was Shawnee's first city manager?
Bonus question: Who was the city clerk at that time?
Folks who think they may know the answer can email me by clicking here Be sure to include the date of the question with your answer. No prizes, but the first person with the correct answer will have their name and answer posted here. Since no prizes are being awarded, anybody can enter.
Bonus question: Who was the city clerk at that time?
Folks who think they may know the answer can email me by clicking here Be sure to include the date of the question with your answer. No prizes, but the first person with the correct answer will have their name and answer posted here. Since no prizes are being awarded, anybody can enter.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Common Sense Overcomes Hot Air
At a recent meeting (5/11/09) of the Shawnee City Council an increase in developer's fees was approved.
Some additional info can be found by clicking here.
During the discussion it was ponted out that the city was basically subsidizing the developers because fees have not been raised in literally decades. The corresponding fees in neighboring cities are and have been much higher for many, many years. This came out at the council committee meeting and in the packet included with the agenda for the council members/and the public.
Now, Kevin Straub has told me he thinks I pick on him. Well, anybody with any common sense who had attended the 5/11/09 meeting would see why. In all of his wisdom he had the chutzpah to say that he deals closely with developers and the higher fees would inhibit them from coming to Shawnee. Councilmember Sawyer asked Straub if that was the case why haven't the developers been flocking to Shawnee all these years when many of the fees were 1/5th to 1/7th of the surrounding cities.
One thing about Straub...............on a cold winter day you want to engage him in conversation, as everytime he opens his mouth you would be warmed up.
He couldn't understand why the increases were so large. Councilmember Distler pointed out that if he had attended the committee meeting, or read the documentation in the council meeting agenda packet he would have had the answers. Mr Straub didn't take kindly to that...........but he did try to blow off with a lame excuse why he couldn't read the back up info. Ms Distler then advised him that even with the high percentage of increases many of those fees were still going to be lower than neighboring cities.
Then up to the podium steps Kevin Tubessing a local developer. He was looking to have the fee increases phased in over a two year period. Councilmember Sawyer made some comments about the fact that Mr Tubessing had received various tax abatemements on his projects. If I remember correctly one of the more recent abatements was front loaded so that a higher percentage came off earlier. The total was within approved limits, but just more of it earlier in time.
Fortunately, the council did vote to approve the fee increases. Ironically, the increased amounts that were approved were for the most part actually higher than what city staff had asked for, yet still lower in some cases than surrounding cities. Good move on the council's part.
Since Kevin works so closely with developers what has he done to bring any of them to Shawnee in the 3 years he has been on the council?
The packet from last week's meeting is on line and the minutes will be.
Some additional info can be found by clicking here.
During the discussion it was ponted out that the city was basically subsidizing the developers because fees have not been raised in literally decades. The corresponding fees in neighboring cities are and have been much higher for many, many years. This came out at the council committee meeting and in the packet included with the agenda for the council members/and the public.
Now, Kevin Straub has told me he thinks I pick on him. Well, anybody with any common sense who had attended the 5/11/09 meeting would see why. In all of his wisdom he had the chutzpah to say that he deals closely with developers and the higher fees would inhibit them from coming to Shawnee. Councilmember Sawyer asked Straub if that was the case why haven't the developers been flocking to Shawnee all these years when many of the fees were 1/5th to 1/7th of the surrounding cities.
One thing about Straub...............on a cold winter day you want to engage him in conversation, as everytime he opens his mouth you would be warmed up.
He couldn't understand why the increases were so large. Councilmember Distler pointed out that if he had attended the committee meeting, or read the documentation in the council meeting agenda packet he would have had the answers. Mr Straub didn't take kindly to that...........but he did try to blow off with a lame excuse why he couldn't read the back up info. Ms Distler then advised him that even with the high percentage of increases many of those fees were still going to be lower than neighboring cities.
Then up to the podium steps Kevin Tubessing a local developer. He was looking to have the fee increases phased in over a two year period. Councilmember Sawyer made some comments about the fact that Mr Tubessing had received various tax abatemements on his projects. If I remember correctly one of the more recent abatements was front loaded so that a higher percentage came off earlier. The total was within approved limits, but just more of it earlier in time.
Fortunately, the council did vote to approve the fee increases. Ironically, the increased amounts that were approved were for the most part actually higher than what city staff had asked for, yet still lower in some cases than surrounding cities. Good move on the council's part.
Since Kevin works so closely with developers what has he done to bring any of them to Shawnee in the 3 years he has been on the council?
The packet from last week's meeting is on line and the minutes will be.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Answer to Shawnee Trivia II
Engine 71 is the first piece of equipment in Shawnee to use solar panels so as to conserve the use of diesel fuel.
More info is available here
More info is available here
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Shawnee Trivia II
What is the uniqueness of Engine 71 in the Shawnee Fire Dept?
Folks who think they may know the answer can email me by clicking here Be sure to include the date of the question with your answer. No prizes, but the first person with the correct answer will have their name and answer posted here. Since no prizes are being awarded, anybody can enter.
Folks who think they may know the answer can email me by clicking here Be sure to include the date of the question with your answer. No prizes, but the first person with the correct answer will have their name and answer posted here. Since no prizes are being awarded, anybody can enter.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
High Noon - January 26, 2010
No, there will not be a shootout on Shawnee Mission Parkway. No gunfight at the OK Corral. No guns blazing. No standing at the train station waiting for the bad guy to arrive.
That is the deadline for candidates to file for next year's municipal election.
Now some folks would say that that is almost nine months away. That is really not that long. Especially when one considers that four of the current council members are up for reelection (should they choose to run again). And, in my opinion, three of them need to be voted out if they do run. That is why I'd like to see 3 viable candidates file for those spots.
Ward 1: Ahhh yes..........Dan Pflumm. Fact.........when he ran for mayor he got tromped. The voters in his own ward handed him a resounding no confidence vote for his bid for mayor. Can he be an effective representative for them? Does he truly care about representing folks or is it all ego with this man?
Ward 2: Frank Goode has served the city for over 30 years. It's time for Frank to take a break. For quite some time now a variety of his actions and comments at council meetings have some folks wondering what he is thinking.
Ward 3: All one has to do is to attend a council meeting and they can find out for themselves why this person is the closest thing to being the class clown of this governing body. Most recently his wasting the council, the public and staff's time over the "rubber froggies". His recent second, that's right, second, (and very solid) defeat for De Soto USD 232 school board might just be a wake up call that his days as an elected official are numbered. If he is smart he won't even run for reelection.
That is the deadline for candidates to file for next year's municipal election.
Now some folks would say that that is almost nine months away. That is really not that long. Especially when one considers that four of the current council members are up for reelection (should they choose to run again). And, in my opinion, three of them need to be voted out if they do run. That is why I'd like to see 3 viable candidates file for those spots.
Ward 1: Ahhh yes..........Dan Pflumm. Fact.........when he ran for mayor he got tromped. The voters in his own ward handed him a resounding no confidence vote for his bid for mayor. Can he be an effective representative for them? Does he truly care about representing folks or is it all ego with this man?
Ward 2: Frank Goode has served the city for over 30 years. It's time for Frank to take a break. For quite some time now a variety of his actions and comments at council meetings have some folks wondering what he is thinking.
Ward 3: All one has to do is to attend a council meeting and they can find out for themselves why this person is the closest thing to being the class clown of this governing body. Most recently his wasting the council, the public and staff's time over the "rubber froggies". His recent second, that's right, second, (and very solid) defeat for De Soto USD 232 school board might just be a wake up call that his days as an elected official are numbered. If he is smart he won't even run for reelection.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Answer to Shawnee Trivia I
The first person with the correct answer is Bob Penick.
The answer: Mayor Keith Hayes 1973-1977
The answer: Mayor Keith Hayes 1973-1977
Shawnee Trivia I
Periodically, to have some fun, we will post a trivia question to this blog concerning Shawnee.
Folks who think they may know the answer can email me by clicking here Be sure to include the date of the question with your answer. No prizes, but the first person with the correct answer will have their name and answer posted here. Since no prizes are being awarded, anybody can enter.
First question:
Which mayor started the mayor-council-manager form of government?
Folks who think they may know the answer can email me by clicking here Be sure to include the date of the question with your answer. No prizes, but the first person with the correct answer will have their name and answer posted here. Since no prizes are being awarded, anybody can enter.
First question:
Which mayor started the mayor-council-manager form of government?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
New Committee Chairpersons
Well, it's that time of the year. This is when the standing committees of the Shawnee City Council get new chairpersons.
Finance and Administration - Michelle Distler
Public Works & Safety - Mickey Sandifer
Finance and Administration - Michelle Distler
Public Works & Safety - Mickey Sandifer
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Is Talia MIA?
Well, it's been over 2 months since I emailed State Rep Talia with a question about cigarette taxes.
He has still failed to respond. Wonder how many pieces of mail he will send me when he runs for reelection. Good job kid...........ignoring your constituents.
Ste Rep Quigley has also ignored the question, but she doesn't represent the district I live in...but she does represent part of Shawnee.
He has still failed to respond. Wonder how many pieces of mail he will send me when he runs for reelection. Good job kid...........ignoring your constituents.
Ste Rep Quigley has also ignored the question, but she doesn't represent the district I live in...but she does represent part of Shawnee.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Bits, Pieces and Oddball Items
Hmmmmmmm, I've been quiet this week, and, forgot to comment on a few items.
Monday's (4/13/09) Council meeting: The recycling task force recommendations took up most of the time of the meeting. A copy of their full report is available on the city's web site http://www.cityofshawnee.org/cityclerk/pdf/recycling_report_040709.pdf . It is quite lengthy and at the meeting a synopsis was presented. The city staff still needs to do more work on a final proposal for the council to consider, and the council is going to have some tough questions to answer (continue with multiple trash haulers, go with a city wide contract for only one, and various other items).
What I found a little strange was the manner in which some council members made inquiries of the task force members. Some of the questioning seemed to be almost brutal and bordered, IMHO on "third degree" old fashioned interrogations.
Was really laughing when the subject of political contributions came up regarding those made by Deffenbaugh. One council member (Straub) stated something to the effect that he didn't want folks to feel that his vote was influenced by that. Another council member (Kuhn) said she thought it was a positive that Deffenbaugh thought she could best represent her ward. Then a representative from Deffenbaugh made a comment that his company donated to any candidate that asked. A little chuckling on my part. Only one council member has never received any donations from anybody (individual or company) and that is Michelle Distler.
State Legislature: I blew this one. The state has been considering many items. Two of which I'd like to make brief comments on.
A possible change to the state constitution to be more specific about all persons having the right to keep and bear arms. That would change the expression from the "people" which some have interpreted as meaning a militia. That change is definitely needed.
A requirement that before a city can annex land that the property owners of the proposed annexed area be allowed to vote on that. Definitely a needed item. The recent debacle in southern Johnson County near Stilwell by Overland Park is a classic example of why that is needed. Many folks buy land in the country because they don't want to be part of a city. They deserve the right to choose.
Monday's (4/13/09) Council meeting: The recycling task force recommendations took up most of the time of the meeting. A copy of their full report is available on the city's web site http://www.cityofshawnee.org/cityclerk/pdf/recycling_report_040709.pdf . It is quite lengthy and at the meeting a synopsis was presented. The city staff still needs to do more work on a final proposal for the council to consider, and the council is going to have some tough questions to answer (continue with multiple trash haulers, go with a city wide contract for only one, and various other items).
What I found a little strange was the manner in which some council members made inquiries of the task force members. Some of the questioning seemed to be almost brutal and bordered, IMHO on "third degree" old fashioned interrogations.
Was really laughing when the subject of political contributions came up regarding those made by Deffenbaugh. One council member (Straub) stated something to the effect that he didn't want folks to feel that his vote was influenced by that. Another council member (Kuhn) said she thought it was a positive that Deffenbaugh thought she could best represent her ward. Then a representative from Deffenbaugh made a comment that his company donated to any candidate that asked. A little chuckling on my part. Only one council member has never received any donations from anybody (individual or company) and that is Michelle Distler.
State Legislature: I blew this one. The state has been considering many items. Two of which I'd like to make brief comments on.
A possible change to the state constitution to be more specific about all persons having the right to keep and bear arms. That would change the expression from the "people" which some have interpreted as meaning a militia. That change is definitely needed.
A requirement that before a city can annex land that the property owners of the proposed annexed area be allowed to vote on that. Definitely a needed item. The recent debacle in southern Johnson County near Stilwell by Overland Park is a classic example of why that is needed. Many folks buy land in the country because they don't want to be part of a city. They deserve the right to choose.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Blog Counter Changes
Was having some problems with the previous stat report feature.
Changed service providers.
The current counter reflects a total of all visitors since 6/17/07, of which 4,512 were before today.
Changed service providers.
The current counter reflects a total of all visitors since 6/17/07, of which 4,512 were before today.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Condolences to the Goode family
Condolences to council member Frank Goode and his family on the recent passing of his wife Mary Rose.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Dancing in the Streets
When things work out the way you want them to, what else is there to do, but, .............. to go Dancing in the Streets.
If you can't see the embedded video here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc
If you can't see the embedded video here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc
Straub Strikes Out
Kevin Straub lost his bid to be elected to the De Soto US 232 board, for the second time. That makes it two in a row for him in his attempt to get elected to that board.
Actually, he got stomped 1321 to 983 (57.29% to 42.63%). Maybe he should have handed out those t-shirts to voting adults........ :-) :-) :-) :-)
On another issue, he has repaid the city the funds advanced/reimbursed for the NLC trip to DC that he didn't take.
Actually, he got stomped 1321 to 983 (57.29% to 42.63%). Maybe he should have handed out those t-shirts to voting adults........ :-) :-) :-) :-)
On another issue, he has repaid the city the funds advanced/reimbursed for the NLC trip to DC that he didn't take.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
First Amendment Rights - Or Exploitation
The First Amendment is a very important right. Heck, just look at this blog. One thing, and I am not a legal scholar, eventhough the First Amendment guarantees free speech, it is my understanding it does not require any entity to provide the soapbox for that speech.
That is why I find this article in the Shawnee Dispatch to be very interesting:
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2009/apr/01/connections-course-stirs-campaign-pot/
Apparently Kevin Straub went to a school with a bunch of his T-Shirts about saving the Museum Class. But, the T-Shirts also had his campaign web site URL on them. Now, is it right to hand these out to children, on schoool property? Knowing kids will take them because they are free?
Is this situational awareness?
If you'd like to see what the shirt looks like go to his campaign web site:
http://www.kevinstraub.com/tshirts.html
Then click on the "T-Shirt" link
Not sure if even the US Supreme Court could come up with a majority opinion on this one.
I have mine though. Would have preferred to see him go to a strip mall or a busy intersection and hand them out to voting adults.
Read the article, visit his site, look at the shirts, and decide for yourselves.
That is why I find this article in the Shawnee Dispatch to be very interesting:
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2009/apr/01/connections-course-stirs-campaign-pot/
Apparently Kevin Straub went to a school with a bunch of his T-Shirts about saving the Museum Class. But, the T-Shirts also had his campaign web site URL on them. Now, is it right to hand these out to children, on schoool property? Knowing kids will take them because they are free?
Is this situational awareness?
If you'd like to see what the shirt looks like go to his campaign web site:
http://www.kevinstraub.com/tshirts.html
Then click on the "T-Shirt" link
Not sure if even the US Supreme Court could come up with a majority opinion on this one.
I have mine though. Would have preferred to see him go to a strip mall or a busy intersection and hand them out to voting adults.
Read the article, visit his site, look at the shirts, and decide for yourselves.
Candidate's Forum - Real Or A Set Up?
Interesting article in the Shawnee Dispatch
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2009/apr/01/usd-232-candidates-share-views-through-forums/
Since when does a candidate (Straub) set up a forum for himself and other candidates? Different to say the least. And then one of his political contributors is the moderator?
For video clips (which another candidate tried to stop) check these out.
Also, info at the end of each clip tells you how to get copies of the full video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak_sHQLDEQU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ph9j910URw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV5WSYrKc1Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM5Rx982REU
Read the article, view the video clips, and the full video if you want, and then decide.
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2009/apr/01/usd-232-candidates-share-views-through-forums/
Since when does a candidate (Straub) set up a forum for himself and other candidates? Different to say the least. And then one of his political contributors is the moderator?
For video clips (which another candidate tried to stop) check these out.
Also, info at the end of each clip tells you how to get copies of the full video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak_sHQLDEQU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ph9j910URw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV5WSYrKc1Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM5Rx982REU
Read the article, view the video clips, and the full video if you want, and then decide.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
DC Disconnect
Whoops....in his exhuberance to make sure that the city was not squandering its money by purchasing rubber froggies for the swim program (see below posts)Kevin Straub overlooked something else.
What did he overlook on that report of payments? Two items: #237105 3/5/09 for $280 for travel advance and #237106 3/5/09 for $539.20 for airfare reimbursement. Both items payable to................Kevin Straub. These two items were for the trip to Wash DC for the National League of Cities conference.
Here's the kicker. It seems that Mr Straub's flight developed mechanical problems and never got off the ground. Also, since it was at the beginning of the spring break, the airline was unable to reschedule him on another flight in a timely manner to be able to attend the conference. Now, none of this is his fault.
But, since he was unable to attend the conference shouldn't the funds paid/advanced to him be reimbursed to the city? The travel advance should definitely be an easy one. No travel was performed. The airfare reimbursement? Well, since it was the airline's fault it would seem like they would have reimbursed/credited him, and then he would pay the city back. Did they already issue a credit?
From what I can tell, as of this morning, no reimbursemnt has been made. When will that happen? He knew over two weeks ago that the trip was not going to happen.
Wonder why he didn't make an announcement at the last council meeting as to what his intentions were regarding this matter.
Let's give him the benefit of the doubt. Let's say he just forgot that the trip wasn't taken.
What did he overlook on that report of payments? Two items: #237105 3/5/09 for $280 for travel advance and #237106 3/5/09 for $539.20 for airfare reimbursement. Both items payable to................Kevin Straub. These two items were for the trip to Wash DC for the National League of Cities conference.
Here's the kicker. It seems that Mr Straub's flight developed mechanical problems and never got off the ground. Also, since it was at the beginning of the spring break, the airline was unable to reschedule him on another flight in a timely manner to be able to attend the conference. Now, none of this is his fault.
But, since he was unable to attend the conference shouldn't the funds paid/advanced to him be reimbursed to the city? The travel advance should definitely be an easy one. No travel was performed. The airfare reimbursement? Well, since it was the airline's fault it would seem like they would have reimbursed/credited him, and then he would pay the city back. Did they already issue a credit?
From what I can tell, as of this morning, no reimbursemnt has been made. When will that happen? He knew over two weeks ago that the trip was not going to happen.
Wonder why he didn't make an announcement at the last council meeting as to what his intentions were regarding this matter.
Let's give him the benefit of the doubt. Let's say he just forgot that the trip wasn't taken.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Link for Below Entry-Froggy's Magic Twanger
Some folks have told me they could not see the embedded video.
OK, try this link direct:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYZazW9Ja1k
OK, try this link direct:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYZazW9Ja1k
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Plunk Your Magic Twanger Froggy
Ahhhhh, last week's City Council meeting. What fun :-( as Kevin Straub again showed us how he prioritizes things. He exercised his option to challenge an item on the list of items presented for payment.
Which item? Well, would you believe 6 rubber frogs that are used to give swim lessons to young children. Cost of these items.............less than $50......that's total (not each).......and they last approximately 5 years.
Maybe we can get Froggy the Gremlin to plunk his magic twanger and make this man disappear. Who is Froggy the Gremlin? Those of us who are old enough can remember a 1950's children's TV show with Andy Devine that featured Froggy the Gremlin. How did Froggy appear (and disappear)? By plunking his magic twanger.
For the voters in the USD 232 School District: Do you really want this man on the school board?
Which item? Well, would you believe 6 rubber frogs that are used to give swim lessons to young children. Cost of these items.............less than $50......that's total (not each).......and they last approximately 5 years.
Maybe we can get Froggy the Gremlin to plunk his magic twanger and make this man disappear. Who is Froggy the Gremlin? Those of us who are old enough can remember a 1950's children's TV show with Andy Devine that featured Froggy the Gremlin. How did Froggy appear (and disappear)? By plunking his magic twanger.
For the voters in the USD 232 School District: Do you really want this man on the school board?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Letter Writer Takes Exception to my Blog Entry
Apparently, former city council candidate, and current Parks & Recreation Advisory Board member Bob Dyche took exception to my blog entry about his letter to the Shawnee Dispatch.
In the interest of fairness, I believe his email to me needs to be quoted here, along with my reply:
His email from 3/19/09:
Ray-
I just wanted to drop you a line and clarify what I wrote about and maybe you will clarify your blog. As for USD 232 bidding out the general contractor job, they didn't. JE Dunn was chosen by the board in a 4 to 3 vote. They (JE Dunn) never did bid on the projects that they were hired to do. Alvie clearly states this in and email I received, but you in your infinite wisdom you have jumped to conclusions. I will forward you the email. You are right about 1 thing. I am supporting Kevin for the school board position. Also I am wondering why you are so interested in our elections when you reside in the Shawnee Mission district. You know nothing about me, however last year and now this year you have chosen to attack me. I don't get it. Is it your duty to attack anyone associated with Kevin? If you have any questions for me just contact me. I would be happy to meet and discuss whatever may be on your mind. Thanks Bob Dyche
My reply of 3/20/09:
Bob,
But, they did NOT fail to bid over $70 million in actual construction contracts. If you read my blog, you will see that I asked folks to scroll down and read Cater's comments. They will also see the 2d comment that way, which was (according to the entry on the Dispatch) posted by KStraub. Regarding your other comments. I suggest you go back to school and retake Civics 101. I can voice an opinion. It does not matter which school district I reside in. (I can voice an opinion about the Mayor's race in Merriam, whcih I did) But, with Mr Straub being a sitting city councilman in Shawnee, his other public forays for elective office are open for comments. As far as "attacking" you Bob, Come on now. That's not an attack. You ran for office in Shawnee, I voiced an opinion (that was last city election). Now, for the letter in the Dispatch, Weren't you appointed to that board by Straub? That's not an attack. That's showing a relationship. Now, that could be a positive. Folks who agree with either one of you could then transfer that to the other one. In your infinite wisdom, did you ever consider that? Have a great day.
He claims I attacked him. My, my, how one interprets things. I merely pointed out his misleading info when he ran for city council. That's an attack? That's called setting the record straight.
If anyone is interested in reading those comments from last year's election cycle they can be found, on this blog, at:
From 3/14/08 http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2008/03/dyche-misleads-voters-in-ward-iii.html
From 3/18/08 http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2008/03/memory-chuckle.html
From 3/23/08 http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2008/03/does-candidate-shoot-from-lip.html
Maybe he feels that any comments he makes as a candidate should not be challenged, but taken as gospel truth. Question: Is he going to run for council again? In the next election? Against Straub? Or, in place of?
Curious, does he write his own material or does he employ a ghost writer? Just curious.
In the interest of fairness, I believe his email to me needs to be quoted here, along with my reply:
His email from 3/19/09:
Ray-
I just wanted to drop you a line and clarify what I wrote about and maybe you will clarify your blog. As for USD 232 bidding out the general contractor job, they didn't. JE Dunn was chosen by the board in a 4 to 3 vote. They (JE Dunn) never did bid on the projects that they were hired to do. Alvie clearly states this in and email I received, but you in your infinite wisdom you have jumped to conclusions. I will forward you the email. You are right about 1 thing. I am supporting Kevin for the school board position. Also I am wondering why you are so interested in our elections when you reside in the Shawnee Mission district. You know nothing about me, however last year and now this year you have chosen to attack me. I don't get it. Is it your duty to attack anyone associated with Kevin? If you have any questions for me just contact me. I would be happy to meet and discuss whatever may be on your mind. Thanks Bob Dyche
My reply of 3/20/09:
Bob,
But, they did NOT fail to bid over $70 million in actual construction contracts. If you read my blog, you will see that I asked folks to scroll down and read Cater's comments. They will also see the 2d comment that way, which was (according to the entry on the Dispatch) posted by KStraub. Regarding your other comments. I suggest you go back to school and retake Civics 101. I can voice an opinion. It does not matter which school district I reside in. (I can voice an opinion about the Mayor's race in Merriam, whcih I did) But, with Mr Straub being a sitting city councilman in Shawnee, his other public forays for elective office are open for comments. As far as "attacking" you Bob, Come on now. That's not an attack. You ran for office in Shawnee, I voiced an opinion (that was last city election). Now, for the letter in the Dispatch, Weren't you appointed to that board by Straub? That's not an attack. That's showing a relationship. Now, that could be a positive. Folks who agree with either one of you could then transfer that to the other one. In your infinite wisdom, did you ever consider that? Have a great day.
He claims I attacked him. My, my, how one interprets things. I merely pointed out his misleading info when he ran for city council. That's an attack? That's called setting the record straight.
If anyone is interested in reading those comments from last year's election cycle they can be found, on this blog, at:
From 3/14/08 http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2008/03/dyche-misleads-voters-in-ward-iii.html
From 3/18/08 http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2008/03/memory-chuckle.html
From 3/23/08 http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2008/03/does-candidate-shoot-from-lip.html
Maybe he feels that any comments he makes as a candidate should not be challenged, but taken as gospel truth. Question: Is he going to run for council again? In the next election? Against Straub? Or, in place of?
Curious, does he write his own material or does he employ a ghost writer? Just curious.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Condolences to the Scott Family
Condolences to Councilmember Cheryl Scott and her family on the loss of her husband Bob.
May the grief of the family for his passing be overcome by their memories of his life.
May the grief of the family for his passing be overcome by their memories of his life.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Straub Supporter Misinforms
There was a letter in yesterday's Shawnee Dispatch at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2009/mar/18/concerned-taxpayer/ by Bob Dyche supporting Kevin Straub for the USD 232 Board.
In the letter Mr Dyche alleges that the current board awarded $75 million worth of construction contracts without competitive bidding.
Fortunately, if you scroll down when reading that letter you will find a follow up comment from Alvie Cater, Community Relations rep for the district. That comment sets the record straight. No entity in this state would award those kinds of contracts without competitive bidding and not face the wrath of the state attorney general.
Oh, isn't Bob Dyche the same person that was recently appointed to the Shawnee Parks and Recreation Advisory Board by Kevin Straub? And didn't he run for city council last year, against Dawn Kuhn, with Straub's support?
In the letter Mr Dyche alleges that the current board awarded $75 million worth of construction contracts without competitive bidding.
Fortunately, if you scroll down when reading that letter you will find a follow up comment from Alvie Cater, Community Relations rep for the district. That comment sets the record straight. No entity in this state would award those kinds of contracts without competitive bidding and not face the wrath of the state attorney general.
Oh, isn't Bob Dyche the same person that was recently appointed to the Shawnee Parks and Recreation Advisory Board by Kevin Straub? And didn't he run for city council last year, against Dawn Kuhn, with Straub's support?
Monday, March 16, 2009
Jill Quigley Asked to Comment
I have sent Ms Quigley the same email and documentation as previously sent to Ms Pilcher-Cook, Mr Talia and Mr Steineger, concerning tobacco taxes.
I figured since parts of Shawnee are in her district, well, why not?
Let's see what happens.
I figured since parts of Shawnee are in her district, well, why not?
Let's see what happens.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Talia Continues to Ignore the Situation
Guess that this area's new State Rep doesn't like answering questions from the public.
It has now been 23 days since my first email to him.
It has now been 23 days since my first email to him.
USD 232 Election for 2009
Well, I have commented before about Kevin Straub's candidacy for the school board. Two years ago the voters were intelligent enough to not elect him. Hopefully they will do the same thing this time.
Check out the article in the Shawnee Dispatch at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2009/mar/11/challengers-top-concerns-are-education-finances/
It's a great political sound byte to say that one is concerned about finances. Lest we forget last year's brouhaha over a dinner in Washington DC. If a reminder is necessary, Mr Straub and another council member took some federal legislative aides to dinner and spent $392. The problem that arose was that neither of the council members could be specific, for almost four months, as to the indentity of these legislative aides. It wasn't until 7/28/08 that the actual names became known. And that only happened because I finally was able to determine who they were, and informed the council members who it was that they took to dinner.
The point here is that Mr Straub was so vehement in expressing how important that dinner was for Shawnee's future, that he couldn't even remember who attended the event.
Strange man....................................
Check out the article in the Shawnee Dispatch at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2009/mar/11/challengers-top-concerns-are-education-finances/
It's a great political sound byte to say that one is concerned about finances. Lest we forget last year's brouhaha over a dinner in Washington DC. If a reminder is necessary, Mr Straub and another council member took some federal legislative aides to dinner and spent $392. The problem that arose was that neither of the council members could be specific, for almost four months, as to the indentity of these legislative aides. It wasn't until 7/28/08 that the actual names became known. And that only happened because I finally was able to determine who they were, and informed the council members who it was that they took to dinner.
The point here is that Mr Straub was so vehement in expressing how important that dinner was for Shawnee's future, that he couldn't even remember who attended the event.
Strange man....................................
Thursday, March 05, 2009
State Rep Talia Fails to Respond
Well, as of this morning the new state rep in this district has failed to respond to my question about cigarette taxes.
Maybe young puppy freshman legislators don't feel that they have to respond to their constituents? Maybe he didn't understand the question? Maybe he didn't understand the info provided by the Kansas DOR?
Maybe young puppy freshman legislators don't feel that they have to respond to their constituents? Maybe he didn't understand the question? Maybe he didn't understand the info provided by the Kansas DOR?
Sunday, March 01, 2009
State Sen Pilcher-Cook Responds
Unlike her predecessor, Nick Jordan, Mary Pilcher-Cook resp0nded to the inquiry about cigarette sales taxes.
Below, please find her response:
Dear Ray,
Thank you for your efforts at educating the public. I have a consistent voting record of voting against all cigarette tax increases. It is unfair when government discriminates against certain people and forces them to pay more taxes than others.
A tobacco tax is unpredictable in its results on the state budget. Last year Maryland doubled its cigarette tax to pay for health-care coverage and cigarette sales decreased by 25%, putting the state in fiscal distress and creating a budgetary disaster.
Not only are cigarette taxes an unpredictable source of revenue, they are a regressive tax, targeting only certain individuals. It might appeal to some politicians who want to use a "tax thee but not me" approach, hoping they won't anger their voters, but it's an unfair tax.
It is through lower taxes overall that we receive the highest economic growth, which in turn produces the revenue to the state to provide public services.
Best regards,
Sen. Mary Pilcher Cook
Below, please find her response:
Dear Ray,
Thank you for your efforts at educating the public. I have a consistent voting record of voting against all cigarette tax increases. It is unfair when government discriminates against certain people and forces them to pay more taxes than others.
A tobacco tax is unpredictable in its results on the state budget. Last year Maryland doubled its cigarette tax to pay for health-care coverage and cigarette sales decreased by 25%, putting the state in fiscal distress and creating a budgetary disaster.
Not only are cigarette taxes an unpredictable source of revenue, they are a regressive tax, targeting only certain individuals. It might appeal to some politicians who want to use a "tax thee but not me" approach, hoping they won't anger their voters, but it's an unfair tax.
It is through lower taxes overall that we receive the highest economic growth, which in turn produces the revenue to the state to provide public services.
Best regards,
Sen. Mary Pilcher Cook
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Cigarette Taxes and State Legislators
Well, with 2 new ligislators representing my district (Pilcher-Cook in the Senate and Talia in the House) I could not resist asking them the question about cigarette taxes. As the number of packs sold keeps declining where do they go from here? What will be taxed to replace the goose that is laying the golden egg, or what services will be cut? I also included Sen Steineger in the email.
Anyway, here is the email sent on 2/21/09. I did include the info from the KDOR regarding the tax revenue.
Good morning,
I am sending this to Ms Pilcher-Cook and Mr Talia since your predecessors side stepped the issue and to Mr Steineger because of a conversation a few months ago
While serving on the Shawnee Smoking Task Force I prepared the attached document which became part of the final report. The information is taken directly from the Kansas DOR annual reports.
What it shows is that income from cigarette taxes is declining based on reduced purchases. There was a spike, and that was created by the previous tax increase, and then it declines again. All one has to do is to divide the tax income by the amount of the per pack tax and you will see a substantial reduction in items purchased.
So, my question that your predecessors sidestepped is: What will replace the cigarette tax once the goose that layed the golden egg is gone? In a way Mr Wysong has also sidestepped the issue
If beer was taxed at the same rate the cost of a 6-pack would be astronomical. Anybody ever give any thought to taxing a universal item? Like toilet paper?
Anyway, a few months ago Mr Steineger attended a small breakfast with a little group of ours that gets together bi-weekly. These are not direct quotes but basically he said when it came to raising taxes it was always easier to hit the "sin" taxes (alcohol and tobacco). And that tobacco was the easiest because the number of protesters would not be as great. I really do not see alcohol getting anywhere near the same hit as tobacco.
For the record I was a smoker but quit in January 2006.
Also, so that nobody feels blindsided, a copy of this letter will probably be posted at http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com . If it is posted there, then any replies I receive will also be posted
Anyway, here is the email sent on 2/21/09. I did include the info from the KDOR regarding the tax revenue.
Good morning,
I am sending this to Ms Pilcher-Cook and Mr Talia since your predecessors side stepped the issue and to Mr Steineger because of a conversation a few months ago
While serving on the Shawnee Smoking Task Force I prepared the attached document which became part of the final report. The information is taken directly from the Kansas DOR annual reports.
What it shows is that income from cigarette taxes is declining based on reduced purchases. There was a spike, and that was created by the previous tax increase, and then it declines again. All one has to do is to divide the tax income by the amount of the per pack tax and you will see a substantial reduction in items purchased.
So, my question that your predecessors sidestepped is: What will replace the cigarette tax once the goose that layed the golden egg is gone? In a way Mr Wysong has also sidestepped the issue
If beer was taxed at the same rate the cost of a 6-pack would be astronomical. Anybody ever give any thought to taxing a universal item? Like toilet paper?
Anyway, a few months ago Mr Steineger attended a small breakfast with a little group of ours that gets together bi-weekly. These are not direct quotes but basically he said when it came to raising taxes it was always easier to hit the "sin" taxes (alcohol and tobacco). And that tobacco was the easiest because the number of protesters would not be as great. I really do not see alcohol getting anywhere near the same hit as tobacco.
For the record I was a smoker but quit in January 2006.
Also, so that nobody feels blindsided, a copy of this letter will probably be posted at http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com . If it is posted there, then any replies I receive will also be posted
Friday, February 27, 2009
When Goode is Bad
This past Monday's council meeting (2/23/09) was, to say the least, confirmation that council member Goode has really lost it.
One tries to remember that he is a senior citizen. One has to remember that he has served the city for over 3 decades.
It will be very clear when one reads the minutes, or even better, listens to the the CD of the meeting.
Mr Straub had his favorite complaint up on the agenda regarding council travel. He wants the council as a whole to vote on any member to take more than one trip a year. Other council members made comments about how that poltiicize the process, and also that they should have enough common sense to be able to make certain decisions.
What I was offering was a suggestion that each council member be given a travel allowance/budget and go from there. That amount could be adjusted by the council as a whole at each year's budget session.
Anyway, it was obvious that Mr Goode did not understand what I was saying. He accused me of trying to tell the council what to do (as a citizen I am permitted to make suggestions), plus he has this penchant for interrupting others, myself included.
He even got into a heavy discussion about who seconded a separate motion about travel announcements. A discussion which was ridiculous to say the least.
Anyway, read the minutes when they come out, or ask for a copy of the CD. This man has, unfortunately lost it. It's time for him to gracefully step down, even before the next election.
One tries to remember that he is a senior citizen. One has to remember that he has served the city for over 3 decades.
It will be very clear when one reads the minutes, or even better, listens to the the CD of the meeting.
Mr Straub had his favorite complaint up on the agenda regarding council travel. He wants the council as a whole to vote on any member to take more than one trip a year. Other council members made comments about how that poltiicize the process, and also that they should have enough common sense to be able to make certain decisions.
What I was offering was a suggestion that each council member be given a travel allowance/budget and go from there. That amount could be adjusted by the council as a whole at each year's budget session.
Anyway, it was obvious that Mr Goode did not understand what I was saying. He accused me of trying to tell the council what to do (as a citizen I am permitted to make suggestions), plus he has this penchant for interrupting others, myself included.
He even got into a heavy discussion about who seconded a separate motion about travel announcements. A discussion which was ridiculous to say the least.
Anyway, read the minutes when they come out, or ask for a copy of the CD. This man has, unfortunately lost it. It's time for him to gracefully step down, even before the next election.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A "Leap" of Faith
Dan Leap, the Merriam City Council member who likes to tell it like it is is running for mayor.
I sincerely hope that the citizens of Merriam elect him. He's got guts, speaks his mind and really is for the people.
I sincerely hope that the citizens of Merriam elect him. He's got guts, speaks his mind and really is for the people.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Last Council Meeting, Mon 2/9/09
Another evening in city hall. Fun, fun, fun.
When the mayor asked if anyone had any business from the floor yours truly approached the podium.
The annual National League of Cities conference in Washington DC is coming up. So, I was curious as to how many folks were going this year. This conference is an important one to attend but what I wanted to know is were we sending a busload of folks or just a car load. With many things being cut because of budget constraints maybe there could be a savings factor here.
The information given at the meeting was that it had not been determined how many were going and who they would be.
Sooooooo, I had some suggestions. Suggestion number one was for three folks to go: the mayor, city manager, and president of the council. The second suggestion was for six folks to go: the mayor, city manager and the senior rep from each ward..
At this point Mr Goode seemed to take exception to a member of the public making these suggestions. I had to inform him that the public is allowed to suggest how things are done.
Anyway, moving along, I also had some other ideas. One was that the participants should double up in the rooms, just like many businesses are now doing. If the three go, only two rooms would be needed, and if the six go only three rooms would be needed. Substantial cost savings.
Another suggestion I made was in reference to entertainment charges. It is thought that any meals bought for congressional members and/or their staff should be limited to $32 (the same amount that city employees are allowed for themselves). Last year 8 people went to dinner, including Cong Moore for a cost of approximately $200. That works out to $25 per person. Reasonable. Then we had the infamous $392 dinner that 2 members of the council went to with 2 senate staffers. That works out to almost $100 per person (including the booze charges). As a reminder, that was the dinner where for 4-5 months the 2 city council reps couldn't remember who they entertained, and the only way we got the right names was because of yours truly.
A side note: After making the above suggestions, Kevin Straub in all his wisdom decided to make a motion to restrict council members' travels. He had to be reminded, by me, that he can't do that. Off the cuff motions are not permitted. He has to have the item placed on the agenda. But of course he doesn't understand council procedures.
Anyway it will be interesting to see how many and which individuals go to this conference.
When the mayor asked if anyone had any business from the floor yours truly approached the podium.
The annual National League of Cities conference in Washington DC is coming up. So, I was curious as to how many folks were going this year. This conference is an important one to attend but what I wanted to know is were we sending a busload of folks or just a car load. With many things being cut because of budget constraints maybe there could be a savings factor here.
The information given at the meeting was that it had not been determined how many were going and who they would be.
Sooooooo, I had some suggestions. Suggestion number one was for three folks to go: the mayor, city manager, and president of the council. The second suggestion was for six folks to go: the mayor, city manager and the senior rep from each ward..
At this point Mr Goode seemed to take exception to a member of the public making these suggestions. I had to inform him that the public is allowed to suggest how things are done.
Anyway, moving along, I also had some other ideas. One was that the participants should double up in the rooms, just like many businesses are now doing. If the three go, only two rooms would be needed, and if the six go only three rooms would be needed. Substantial cost savings.
Another suggestion I made was in reference to entertainment charges. It is thought that any meals bought for congressional members and/or their staff should be limited to $32 (the same amount that city employees are allowed for themselves). Last year 8 people went to dinner, including Cong Moore for a cost of approximately $200. That works out to $25 per person. Reasonable. Then we had the infamous $392 dinner that 2 members of the council went to with 2 senate staffers. That works out to almost $100 per person (including the booze charges). As a reminder, that was the dinner where for 4-5 months the 2 city council reps couldn't remember who they entertained, and the only way we got the right names was because of yours truly.
A side note: After making the above suggestions, Kevin Straub in all his wisdom decided to make a motion to restrict council members' travels. He had to be reminded, by me, that he can't do that. Off the cuff motions are not permitted. He has to have the item placed on the agenda. But of course he doesn't understand council procedures.
Anyway it will be interesting to see how many and which individuals go to this conference.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Looking for Replacements
In less than one year folks will be filing to run for office in Shawnee's 2010 elections. It's not that far away folks.
It is my opinion that three currently sitting city councilpersons need to be replaced.
Ward II: Frank Goode has been a member of the council since 1978. He has served the city and the people of Ward II for over 30 years. It is time that he retired and passed the torch. Eventhough he has a city email address, does he ever check it? This is the 21st century.
Ward I: What can one say about Dan Pfumm? Well, it takes more than a locally recognized family name to be a true representative of the people. Does he want to represent folks, or is it his ego? Ironically, when he ran for mayor in 2008 he was soundly defeated by Jeff Meyers, to include the voters of Ward I. He lost his own ward!!!! Methinks he needs to lose it again, in 2010. Maybe those same voters that did not support him for mayor will also deny him reelection to the council.
Ward III: Ahhhhhhhhhh, Kevin Straub. I won't rag on him today. He brings enough of that on himself. Just curious though...........is he a graduate of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's Clown College?
It is my opinion that three currently sitting city councilpersons need to be replaced.
Ward II: Frank Goode has been a member of the council since 1978. He has served the city and the people of Ward II for over 30 years. It is time that he retired and passed the torch. Eventhough he has a city email address, does he ever check it? This is the 21st century.
Ward I: What can one say about Dan Pfumm? Well, it takes more than a locally recognized family name to be a true representative of the people. Does he want to represent folks, or is it his ego? Ironically, when he ran for mayor in 2008 he was soundly defeated by Jeff Meyers, to include the voters of Ward I. He lost his own ward!!!! Methinks he needs to lose it again, in 2010. Maybe those same voters that did not support him for mayor will also deny him reelection to the council.
Ward III: Ahhhhhhhhhh, Kevin Straub. I won't rag on him today. He brings enough of that on himself. Just curious though...........is he a graduate of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's Clown College?
Friday, February 06, 2009
He's Doing it Again
Oh boy, Kevin Straub has filed to run for the De Soto USD232 school board, again!!!!!
Let's hope that the voters in the district are smart enough to do what they did the last time he ran. And that is, not elect him.
It's bad enough that this clown sits on one governing body (and hopefully will not be reelected next year to that position).
Let's hope that the voters in the district are smart enough to do what they did the last time he ran. And that is, not elect him.
It's bad enough that this clown sits on one governing body (and hopefully will not be reelected next year to that position).
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Ends & Odds
Council Meeting 1/12/09
Wow, no sooner had I taken off my jacket, heard the opening gavel and the closing gavel was sounded.
Actually, I think the meeting lasted a total of 9 minutes or so. Quite possibly the shortest City Council meeting on record. It was also the first council meeting presided over by Councilperson Dawn Kuhn as Council President.
Southern Star Pipeline & Monticello Road (the southern portion)
Has this situation been resolved? Is there finally a plan to move that pipeline? Who will pay for the move?
Will this add additional costs to the project? Will the city be paying for it? Some of the Monticello residents said, a long time ago, that it would. Are their predictions coming true?
Who will benefit from this project? Could get to be more interesting.
Wow, no sooner had I taken off my jacket, heard the opening gavel and the closing gavel was sounded.
Actually, I think the meeting lasted a total of 9 minutes or so. Quite possibly the shortest City Council meeting on record. It was also the first council meeting presided over by Councilperson Dawn Kuhn as Council President.
Southern Star Pipeline & Monticello Road (the southern portion)
Has this situation been resolved? Is there finally a plan to move that pipeline? Who will pay for the move?
Will this add additional costs to the project? Will the city be paying for it? Some of the Monticello residents said, a long time ago, that it would. Are their predictions coming true?
Who will benefit from this project? Could get to be more interesting.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Back From My Nap
Yepper..........I took a nap, Rip Van Winkle style.
Decided I needed a break from posting here. Now that I've woken up, stretched my legs, fingers etc, it's time to hit the keyboard and resume posting my opinions.
First.......the Cobblestone project. At a recent city council meeting (12/22/08)the council voted to approve a TIF District for this development. The three council members who voted against this were on the right track, IMHO. In particular, council member Sawyer, who as reported by the KC Star was really confused since city services and staffing have been curtailed. Is this really the time for a TIF for this type of project? Methinks not. Would have to agree with the three who voted against it.
I'm always intrigued when tax abatements and/or TIFs are given out and we are told that "x" number of new jobs will be created. In this case the number is 68. But, will that be 68 new residents in the city? Will that be 68 existing residents working here instead of in another city? Or, will that be 68 people working here but living and spending most of their money somewhere else? Bet that it's the latter one.
I have asked the city to do a quick, periodic survey of how many employees at each business (maybe just the larger ones) actually live within Shawnee. Not personl info (name, address etc) just the number. It would be so easy to do, by zip code.
Moving on..............let's look ahead to April 2010. That is not too far away. It's actually less than 16 months. What happens in 16 months. It will be city election time again. Four council members will be up for reelection. My personal opinion: three of them need to be replaced. More on this as time goes on. Suffice it to say that if they were electronic directional devices their combined initials would be GPS.
Ahhhhhhhh, the keyboard feels good beneath my fingers.
Decided I needed a break from posting here. Now that I've woken up, stretched my legs, fingers etc, it's time to hit the keyboard and resume posting my opinions.
First.......the Cobblestone project. At a recent city council meeting (12/22/08)the council voted to approve a TIF District for this development. The three council members who voted against this were on the right track, IMHO. In particular, council member Sawyer, who as reported by the KC Star was really confused since city services and staffing have been curtailed. Is this really the time for a TIF for this type of project? Methinks not. Would have to agree with the three who voted against it.
I'm always intrigued when tax abatements and/or TIFs are given out and we are told that "x" number of new jobs will be created. In this case the number is 68. But, will that be 68 new residents in the city? Will that be 68 existing residents working here instead of in another city? Or, will that be 68 people working here but living and spending most of their money somewhere else? Bet that it's the latter one.
I have asked the city to do a quick, periodic survey of how many employees at each business (maybe just the larger ones) actually live within Shawnee. Not personl info (name, address etc) just the number. It would be so easy to do, by zip code.
Moving on..............let's look ahead to April 2010. That is not too far away. It's actually less than 16 months. What happens in 16 months. It will be city election time again. Four council members will be up for reelection. My personal opinion: three of them need to be replaced. More on this as time goes on. Suffice it to say that if they were electronic directional devices their combined initials would be GPS.
Ahhhhhhhh, the keyboard feels good beneath my fingers.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Obama's Civilian National Security Force
For those who question my previous post. The thought of an organization like this is scary, real scary.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
The Election 2008
Well, it's over. Almost three years of campaigning and it's over. A few weeks ago I read a commentary in the newspaper that JFK announced his candidacy on Jan 2, 1960. That gave us an 11 month campaign.
Why can't we have that again? These multi year campaigns can be a drag.....and the people involved in them are taking away from their regular functions to participate.
Anyway, we now have a new President-elect.
Which way will this country go? Will we go down the road to a socialist state? My opinion is that that is highly probable based on some of his statements. Will people strive to better themselves (as he did) only to lose whatever they gain?
On the international scene, what will happen in the mideast? I fear for our only true ally in that part of the world, and maybe in the entire world; Israel. Why are the countries such as Iran celebrating Mr Obama's victory? I fear that he will sell Israel down the road.
I fear for our military. I fear that Mr Obama will weaken its ability to protect this country. I fear for Mr Obama's proposed civilian national security force. I fear what that may become. If a civilian national security force becomes a reality will it in effect become a praetorian guard? Or worse, an SA type organization,(Sturmabteilung).
Why can't we have that again? These multi year campaigns can be a drag.....and the people involved in them are taking away from their regular functions to participate.
Anyway, we now have a new President-elect.
Which way will this country go? Will we go down the road to a socialist state? My opinion is that that is highly probable based on some of his statements. Will people strive to better themselves (as he did) only to lose whatever they gain?
On the international scene, what will happen in the mideast? I fear for our only true ally in that part of the world, and maybe in the entire world; Israel. Why are the countries such as Iran celebrating Mr Obama's victory? I fear that he will sell Israel down the road.
I fear for our military. I fear that Mr Obama will weaken its ability to protect this country. I fear for Mr Obama's proposed civilian national security force. I fear what that may become. If a civilian national security force becomes a reality will it in effect become a praetorian guard? Or worse, an SA type organization,(Sturmabteilung).
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Vote, It's Important
By now many of us have read and or heard various individuals implore us to vote on election day.
Well, I'm going to toss out my two cents worth.
Probably the most common excuse for not voting is "my vote doesn't count".
Well, that is not true. Let's break the election into two categories: Presidential election and all others.
Most people's daily lives are affected by the "all others", from city council, to mayor, to state reps, to governor, to US reps. Everybody's vote counts. Many times, these elections have less than 50% of the registered voters turning out. Do the numbers. Every vote counts. We have all seen local elections decided by just a handful of voters.
Now let's go to the Presidential election. I have heard many folks say that their vote doesn't count, especially because of the electoral college. Let's look at that closer. Usually, the candidate that gets the most votes in a state gets the elctoral votes for that state. Look at Florida a few years ago. Less than 600 votes decided the outcome. Now is it possible for a candidate to get more popular votes and lose because of the electoral college? It is possible. Let's just use two states as an example. Florida and Wyoming. One candidate can get Flroida's electoral votes by winning the state by less than 600. His opponent could be super victorious in Wyoming (maybe by thousands) and get far fewer electoral votes. And that could happen across the board. The "winner" being victorious in large electoral states by minuscule magins, and the "loser" trouncing in small electoral states. Is this realistic?
It still boils down to the fact that every vote really does count.
We've all read and seen various items along the same theme: "Freedom isn't free.....all gave some, some gave all" Freedom is not free and one of our legacies of freedom is the right to vote. Don't throw that right away.
Well, I'm going to toss out my two cents worth.
Probably the most common excuse for not voting is "my vote doesn't count".
Well, that is not true. Let's break the election into two categories: Presidential election and all others.
Most people's daily lives are affected by the "all others", from city council, to mayor, to state reps, to governor, to US reps. Everybody's vote counts. Many times, these elections have less than 50% of the registered voters turning out. Do the numbers. Every vote counts. We have all seen local elections decided by just a handful of voters.
Now let's go to the Presidential election. I have heard many folks say that their vote doesn't count, especially because of the electoral college. Let's look at that closer. Usually, the candidate that gets the most votes in a state gets the elctoral votes for that state. Look at Florida a few years ago. Less than 600 votes decided the outcome. Now is it possible for a candidate to get more popular votes and lose because of the electoral college? It is possible. Let's just use two states as an example. Florida and Wyoming. One candidate can get Flroida's electoral votes by winning the state by less than 600. His opponent could be super victorious in Wyoming (maybe by thousands) and get far fewer electoral votes. And that could happen across the board. The "winner" being victorious in large electoral states by minuscule magins, and the "loser" trouncing in small electoral states. Is this realistic?
It still boils down to the fact that every vote really does count.
We've all read and seen various items along the same theme: "Freedom isn't free.....all gave some, some gave all" Freedom is not free and one of our legacies of freedom is the right to vote. Don't throw that right away.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Jordan's Robo Calls - Part 2
I received a call shortly after lunch from Matt Manda of Jordan's campaign.
He has taken care of the problem. I appreciate that, and a public thank you to him.
I will say this about Matt: In both of our conversations he diplayed respect for a constituent, and a high degree of professionalism.
Again, thank you Matt Manda.
He has taken care of the problem. I appreciate that, and a public thank you to him.
I will say this about Matt: In both of our conversations he diplayed respect for a constituent, and a high degree of professionalism.
Again, thank you Matt Manda.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Jordan's Robo Calls
Robo calls (auto dial) can be a pain.
Now, political robo calls are exempt from the various "Do Not Call Lists". But, you would think that if a citizen asked for them to stop, that the campaign would do something about it.
Not the Nick Jordan campaign.
Oct 7, 2008: After getting what I felt were too many of these calls I contacted their office at 913.829.8683. A volunteer (I will not name her here)said she didn't think the name/number could be removed (wrongggggggggg), so I asked her to pass the info on to someone in authority.
Oct 19, 2008: Similar to the above (different volunteer) Asked again, to have my numbers removed from their lists.
Oct 28, 2008: They keep dialing and calling, dialing and calling. Called Jordan's office and this time the volunteer connected me with a staffer (Nat Manda). He seemed empathetic enough, said it would be taken care of, and asked if he could call me back to confirm that it was taken care. I gave him my cell phone number to call me back on.
Oct 29, 2008: Today, another call. Called the campaign office again. Manda was not available. Spoke with another staffer, a Barri Pruitt. She advised me that it was too difficult to go through these lists to remove folks. These lists are updated daily, and according to her are in "pdf" format, and it would just be too difficult. Huh?????? Something that is in pdf format is a written document. These numbers are loaded into a computerized calling system. There has to be a way to delete the numbers from a system. (The same or similar procedure that a commercial company would have to take for a do not call violation). Anyway, I informed Ms Pruitt that I considered the calls to be invasive and harassing. Are ya ready? She didn't think they were either one because they were recorded messages, not live calls. Hey, it's my phone, my house and I consider the calls to be invasive and harassing.
So this man wants to represent me in the 3rd Cong Dist? Shouldn't somebody who is running for office attempt or have a staff that attempts to be responsive to the citizenry? Basically, Ms Pruitt indicated when I asked if I would get more calls between today and the election that it could happen.
Ironically, I am a registered republican. In this election I have voted for two democrats (by mail ballot). Mr Jordan's opponent is one of the two.
Oh, I did inform Ms Pruitt that she could read about this episode on this blog.
Enjoy...........
Now, political robo calls are exempt from the various "Do Not Call Lists". But, you would think that if a citizen asked for them to stop, that the campaign would do something about it.
Not the Nick Jordan campaign.
Oct 7, 2008: After getting what I felt were too many of these calls I contacted their office at 913.829.8683. A volunteer (I will not name her here)said she didn't think the name/number could be removed (wrongggggggggg), so I asked her to pass the info on to someone in authority.
Oct 19, 2008: Similar to the above (different volunteer) Asked again, to have my numbers removed from their lists.
Oct 28, 2008: They keep dialing and calling, dialing and calling. Called Jordan's office and this time the volunteer connected me with a staffer (Nat Manda). He seemed empathetic enough, said it would be taken care of, and asked if he could call me back to confirm that it was taken care. I gave him my cell phone number to call me back on.
Oct 29, 2008: Today, another call. Called the campaign office again. Manda was not available. Spoke with another staffer, a Barri Pruitt. She advised me that it was too difficult to go through these lists to remove folks. These lists are updated daily, and according to her are in "pdf" format, and it would just be too difficult. Huh?????? Something that is in pdf format is a written document. These numbers are loaded into a computerized calling system. There has to be a way to delete the numbers from a system. (The same or similar procedure that a commercial company would have to take for a do not call violation). Anyway, I informed Ms Pruitt that I considered the calls to be invasive and harassing. Are ya ready? She didn't think they were either one because they were recorded messages, not live calls. Hey, it's my phone, my house and I consider the calls to be invasive and harassing.
So this man wants to represent me in the 3rd Cong Dist? Shouldn't somebody who is running for office attempt or have a staff that attempts to be responsive to the citizenry? Basically, Ms Pruitt indicated when I asked if I would get more calls between today and the election that it could happen.
Ironically, I am a registered republican. In this election I have voted for two democrats (by mail ballot). Mr Jordan's opponent is one of the two.
Oh, I did inform Ms Pruitt that she could read about this episode on this blog.
Enjoy...........
Monday, October 20, 2008
I Messed Up - Cancel the Vote for Roman
Did I really say I was going to change my vote to vote for Pete Roman instead of Mary Pilcher Cook in the state senate district 10 race?
Change that..........voting for Cook.
Change that..........voting for Cook.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A Dangerous Man
This man is dangerous. The last time a country had a national civilian security force they wore brown shirts, jackboots and a funny looking armband.
And, he wants it to be just as powerful as the military!!!!!!!!
And, he wants it to be just as powerful as the military!!!!!!!!
Whoops.........Gotta Change One Vote
The more I think about it, the more I have to change one of my votes.
KS Senate District 10: Pete Roman
KS Senate District 10: Pete Roman
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
How I'm Voting
These are the folks I'm planning on voting for..........naturally, everybody has to do what they think is right.
President & VP: McCain/Palin
U S Senate: Pat Roberts
U S Congressman: Dennis Moore
KS Rep Dist 23: Augie Bogina
KS Senate Dist 10: Mary Pilcher Cook
Johnson County Commission Dist 2: Jim Allen
District Attorney: Rick Guinn
President & VP: McCain/Palin
U S Senate: Pat Roberts
U S Congressman: Dennis Moore
KS Rep Dist 23: Augie Bogina
KS Senate Dist 10: Mary Pilcher Cook
Johnson County Commission Dist 2: Jim Allen
District Attorney: Rick Guinn
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Agendas & Special Interests III
I have written about this on two previous occasions. With the upcoming election, I thought it might be interesting to bring it up again.
Many times we hear that a candidate has an agenda or is supported by special interests. These two terms are probably some of the most misused and abused expressions in a political campaign.
Agenda: What's wrong with having an agenda? As a matter of fact all candidates need to have agendas. They have to be able to state what they want to accomplish. That is an agenda. Voters need to have agendas. They need to know what they want their candidate(s) to accomplish. If a candidate does not have an agenda, then that person, if elected, is going to take office on a blind track. Having an agenda is only a negative if that agenda is different from your agenda as a voter.
Special interests: This is another abused and misused term. When a candidate has an agenda, then that candidate will be supported by folks who agree with that agenda. Hence, they are special interests. Again, what's wrong with that? Special interests are only negative if they disagree with your personal special interests.
I just wish candidates and political analysts (and the general public) would quit the abuse of these two phrases.
Many times we hear that a candidate has an agenda or is supported by special interests. These two terms are probably some of the most misused and abused expressions in a political campaign.
Agenda: What's wrong with having an agenda? As a matter of fact all candidates need to have agendas. They have to be able to state what they want to accomplish. That is an agenda. Voters need to have agendas. They need to know what they want their candidate(s) to accomplish. If a candidate does not have an agenda, then that person, if elected, is going to take office on a blind track. Having an agenda is only a negative if that agenda is different from your agenda as a voter.
Special interests: This is another abused and misused term. When a candidate has an agenda, then that candidate will be supported by folks who agree with that agenda. Hence, they are special interests. Again, what's wrong with that? Special interests are only negative if they disagree with your personal special interests.
I just wish candidates and political analysts (and the general public) would quit the abuse of these two phrases.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
KCI Responds
Before I post the response from KCI's spokesman, Joe McBride, I first must apologize to him, and KCI. He responded within 24 hours to my previous post. Because of some unforseen circumstances I did not get to post that response in a timely manner. His response is below.
Hi Ray:
I will address your questions regarding the master plan, but please read the below editorial first. The Kansas City Star chooses not to paint an accurate picture or downplays some key points to get people writing. The below editorial submitted some time ago may help allay some of your concerns.
Key here is that all Master Plans look at terminal needs in the future. The primary focus in this area is to protect land for future terminal development so the land is available if and when we need it. Planners take it a step further by looking at terminal needs in the future and how existing facilities can possibly accommodate additional passengers, flights, amenities, etc. while considering the buildings as they age. There will be another Master Plan before planning would begin for future terminal needs and changes. More than likely, we are 15 or more years out, probably more than 20. And when it happens, it will be a bi-state process.
KCI Master Plan
Master plans are conducted every 10 years and issues like noise, land use, airfield capacity, terminal needs, etc. are examined as a matter of course. The planning team’s focus is not only on possible terminal locations or designs, but future runway and taxiway needs to prevent the major delays that most large airports are facing.
KCI served 11.3 million passengers in 2007. At current growth rates, the airport could run out of terminal space by 2020 (the current economic downturn could push the date out even farther). As the Master Plan process looks at all aspects of the airport, the study team is looking into future passenger terminal needs for when, not if, KCI reaches full capacity of its three terminals. The Kansas City Aviation Department will not be prepared if we do not start planning now. No terminal concepts will be implemented before the next planning process in 10 years and it is likely that nothing would be constructed prior to the year 2020. Just because recommendations are made does not absolutely mean that they will be implemented. Circumstances like 9/11 and airline mergers can change plans. They are working documents.
The last Master Plan completed in 1995 suggested reallocating space for baggage claim, ticketing and concessions, and reducing the number of security checkpoints. This work was performed with the Terminal Improvement Project. The plan also called for constructing a new terminal complex when existing terminals reach the end of their useful life. The plan contemplated 20 million passengers as being the threshold.
When it comes time to refine a terminal design in years to come, we will task planners to produce efficient concepts that best achieve the level the convenience that customers are used to (short walk and short security lines). As is in the case of current Master Plan process, terminal design will be developed with City Council and public input.
Consider that KCI’s passenger terminals were designed in the late 1960s, prior to airline hubbing, terrorism and security checkpoints. The layout is very inefficient for passenger flow, security screening, baggage handling, concession variety and taxi and bus operations. The terminals were finished in 1972. While they were renovated and some of the faults fixed, the shell and other infrastructure will sometime deteriorate past their useful life. City officials at that time decided to extend the useful life of the passenger terminals at the lowest possible cost.
To simply add a fourth terminal of the same design would be to perpetuate an outdated design. To start from scratch and to incorporate the strengths of KCI’s terminals is an exciting opportunity! We promise to do so.
KCI is a true regional airport.
The questions I'd like to see answered are:
1. How many Kansas residents (numbers and percentages) utilize KCI? Possibly even broken down by county.See attached PowerPoint slides. This is all we have. (See attached file: Zip codes 2008 Powerpoint.ppt) (The powerpoint prsentation was a survey at KCI encompassing 32,992 transactions in June at the Garage, Circle and Economy areas. It broke it down by zip code and then recapped it by state. The state recaps were: KS 49% MO 45% and Other 6%)
2. How many tourists (numbers and percentages) visiting, have a Kansas location as their destination?We do not have that information. Perhaps the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association would have it.
3. How many business travelers (numbers and percentages) have a Kansas location as their destination?We do not have that information.
4. How many of those above would like to see the configuration of the airport remain the way it is. (Supposedly it was designed with the possibility of a 4th circular terminal being built if necessary)We do not have this information. Anecdotally, we receive a considerable number of complaints and insults from people who live outside Kansas City that the design is outdated and inconvenient.
5. How much input will Kansas residents and businesses be permitted regarding any changes?As with our Master Plan process, people from throughout the region can take part. Public meetings are held and are promoted in advance with news releases, public notices in the KC Star and direct mail post cards to thousands of northland residents (it would be very expensive to go beyond this area, and the noise aspects of the studies more directly affect these residents). As noted above, there will likely be another Master Plan that will address the terminal needs in 10 years.
Based upon the line of questions you must perceive that the Kansas City Aviation Department is unaware that KCI's customer base includes the Kansas side. Long before our recent zip code survey, we knew that not only was there heavy draw from Johnson County, but also the Emporia, Wichita, Des Moines, Springfield and other cities outside the metro area. Usually about a third are from outside the area. One swing through Economy Parking will tell you that. That said, we understand who our customers are and will solicit the input of those in the community when the time come to contemplate the future of KCI's passenger terminals.
Thanks for the opportunity to weigh in!
Best regards,
Joe McBride
Kansas City Aviation Department
601 Brasilia Avenue
KCMO 64153
Hi Ray:
I will address your questions regarding the master plan, but please read the below editorial first. The Kansas City Star chooses not to paint an accurate picture or downplays some key points to get people writing. The below editorial submitted some time ago may help allay some of your concerns.
Key here is that all Master Plans look at terminal needs in the future. The primary focus in this area is to protect land for future terminal development so the land is available if and when we need it. Planners take it a step further by looking at terminal needs in the future and how existing facilities can possibly accommodate additional passengers, flights, amenities, etc. while considering the buildings as they age. There will be another Master Plan before planning would begin for future terminal needs and changes. More than likely, we are 15 or more years out, probably more than 20. And when it happens, it will be a bi-state process.
KCI Master Plan
Master plans are conducted every 10 years and issues like noise, land use, airfield capacity, terminal needs, etc. are examined as a matter of course. The planning team’s focus is not only on possible terminal locations or designs, but future runway and taxiway needs to prevent the major delays that most large airports are facing.
KCI served 11.3 million passengers in 2007. At current growth rates, the airport could run out of terminal space by 2020 (the current economic downturn could push the date out even farther). As the Master Plan process looks at all aspects of the airport, the study team is looking into future passenger terminal needs for when, not if, KCI reaches full capacity of its three terminals. The Kansas City Aviation Department will not be prepared if we do not start planning now. No terminal concepts will be implemented before the next planning process in 10 years and it is likely that nothing would be constructed prior to the year 2020. Just because recommendations are made does not absolutely mean that they will be implemented. Circumstances like 9/11 and airline mergers can change plans. They are working documents.
The last Master Plan completed in 1995 suggested reallocating space for baggage claim, ticketing and concessions, and reducing the number of security checkpoints. This work was performed with the Terminal Improvement Project. The plan also called for constructing a new terminal complex when existing terminals reach the end of their useful life. The plan contemplated 20 million passengers as being the threshold.
When it comes time to refine a terminal design in years to come, we will task planners to produce efficient concepts that best achieve the level the convenience that customers are used to (short walk and short security lines). As is in the case of current Master Plan process, terminal design will be developed with City Council and public input.
Consider that KCI’s passenger terminals were designed in the late 1960s, prior to airline hubbing, terrorism and security checkpoints. The layout is very inefficient for passenger flow, security screening, baggage handling, concession variety and taxi and bus operations. The terminals were finished in 1972. While they were renovated and some of the faults fixed, the shell and other infrastructure will sometime deteriorate past their useful life. City officials at that time decided to extend the useful life of the passenger terminals at the lowest possible cost.
To simply add a fourth terminal of the same design would be to perpetuate an outdated design. To start from scratch and to incorporate the strengths of KCI’s terminals is an exciting opportunity! We promise to do so.
KCI is a true regional airport.
The questions I'd like to see answered are:
1. How many Kansas residents (numbers and percentages) utilize KCI? Possibly even broken down by county.See attached PowerPoint slides. This is all we have. (See attached file: Zip codes 2008 Powerpoint.ppt) (The powerpoint prsentation was a survey at KCI encompassing 32,992 transactions in June at the Garage, Circle and Economy areas. It broke it down by zip code and then recapped it by state. The state recaps were: KS 49% MO 45% and Other 6%)
2. How many tourists (numbers and percentages) visiting, have a Kansas location as their destination?We do not have that information. Perhaps the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association would have it.
3. How many business travelers (numbers and percentages) have a Kansas location as their destination?We do not have that information.
4. How many of those above would like to see the configuration of the airport remain the way it is. (Supposedly it was designed with the possibility of a 4th circular terminal being built if necessary)We do not have this information. Anecdotally, we receive a considerable number of complaints and insults from people who live outside Kansas City that the design is outdated and inconvenient.
5. How much input will Kansas residents and businesses be permitted regarding any changes?As with our Master Plan process, people from throughout the region can take part. Public meetings are held and are promoted in advance with news releases, public notices in the KC Star and direct mail post cards to thousands of northland residents (it would be very expensive to go beyond this area, and the noise aspects of the studies more directly affect these residents). As noted above, there will likely be another Master Plan that will address the terminal needs in 10 years.
Based upon the line of questions you must perceive that the Kansas City Aviation Department is unaware that KCI's customer base includes the Kansas side. Long before our recent zip code survey, we knew that not only was there heavy draw from Johnson County, but also the Emporia, Wichita, Des Moines, Springfield and other cities outside the metro area. Usually about a third are from outside the area. One swing through Economy Parking will tell you that. That said, we understand who our customers are and will solicit the input of those in the community when the time come to contemplate the future of KCI's passenger terminals.
Thanks for the opportunity to weigh in!
Best regards,
Joe McBride
Kansas City Aviation Department
601 Brasilia Avenue
KCMO 64153
Saturday, September 20, 2008
KCI Komedy Part II
About one year ago I posted a short item about the possible changes at KCI airport. Please see http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/search?q=KCI+Komedy
More stories have been appearing lately about the possibility of changing the configuration of KCI.
The airport comes under the authority of the City of KCMO through its Aviation Department.
Having flown in and out of KCI I can personally say it is a pleasure compared to other airports with the single or central terminal design. Friends, relatives and business associates who have come through KCI also marvel at its positive uniqueness.
KCI is a true regional airport.
The questions I'd like to see answered are:
1. How many Kansas residents (numbers and percentages) utilize KCI? Possibly even broken down by county.
2. How many tourists (numbers and percentages) visiting, have a Kansas location as their destination?
3. How many business travelers (numbers and percentages) have a Kansas location as their destination?
4. How many of those above would like to see the configuration of the airport remain the way it is. (Supposedly it was designed with the possibility of a 4th circular terminal being built if necessary)
5. How much input will Kansas residents and businesses be permitted regarding any changes?
More stories have been appearing lately about the possibility of changing the configuration of KCI.
The airport comes under the authority of the City of KCMO through its Aviation Department.
Having flown in and out of KCI I can personally say it is a pleasure compared to other airports with the single or central terminal design. Friends, relatives and business associates who have come through KCI also marvel at its positive uniqueness.
KCI is a true regional airport.
The questions I'd like to see answered are:
1. How many Kansas residents (numbers and percentages) utilize KCI? Possibly even broken down by county.
2. How many tourists (numbers and percentages) visiting, have a Kansas location as their destination?
3. How many business travelers (numbers and percentages) have a Kansas location as their destination?
4. How many of those above would like to see the configuration of the airport remain the way it is. (Supposedly it was designed with the possibility of a 4th circular terminal being built if necessary)
5. How much input will Kansas residents and businesses be permitted regarding any changes?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A Video Worth Watching
This was on You Tube and is currently being passed around the net.
Definitely worth the two minutes to view..........especially the ending............
Definitely worth the two minutes to view..........especially the ending............
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Food for Thought
Received this in an email from a friend of mine. Seems to hit the nail on the haed.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon.
You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.
You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.
BUT....From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate.That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan. .......................143 days?
We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that's all it is, a start.
AND, strangely, a large sector of the American public seems to feel comfortable with this and campaigning for him.We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are OK with this, for the President of the United States of America ?
Come on folks, we are not voting for the next American Idol.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon.
You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.
You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.
BUT....From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate.That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan. .......................143 days?
We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that's all it is, a start.
AND, strangely, a large sector of the American public seems to feel comfortable with this and campaigning for him.We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are OK with this, for the President of the United States of America ?
Come on folks, we are not voting for the next American Idol.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Election 2008 Survey Results from 8/30/08
Our survey questions posted 8/30 are ready. Remember, these are not necessarily scientific in nature.
Guess we might have to do one closer to the election:
1. Who is your choice for President/VP?
McCain/Palin 62.2%
Obama/Biden 29.7%
Not sure 8.1%
2. Was Palin a good choice by McCain?
Yes 55.6%
No 33.3%
Not sure 11.1%
3. Was Biden a good choice by Obama?
Yes 51.4%
No 27.0%
Not sure 21.6%
4. Who is your choice for Congressman, 3d Dist?
Dennis Moore 54.1%
Nick Jordan 32.4%
Not sure 13.5%
5. Who is your choice for Johnson County District Attorney?
Steve Howe 43.2%
Rick Guinn 32.4%
Not sure 24.3%
Guess we might have to do one closer to the election:
1. Who is your choice for President/VP?
McCain/Palin 62.2%
Obama/Biden 29.7%
Not sure 8.1%
2. Was Palin a good choice by McCain?
Yes 55.6%
No 33.3%
Not sure 11.1%
3. Was Biden a good choice by Obama?
Yes 51.4%
No 27.0%
Not sure 21.6%
4. Who is your choice for Congressman, 3d Dist?
Dennis Moore 54.1%
Nick Jordan 32.4%
Not sure 13.5%
5. Who is your choice for Johnson County District Attorney?
Steve Howe 43.2%
Rick Guinn 32.4%
Not sure 24.3%
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Results From Survey of 8/28
On 8/28/08 we posted:
Do you think Pflumm and/or Straub should resign considering the manner in which they responded to inquiries about the Wash. DC dinner?
Or maybe a recall?
Here are the results, not necessarily scientific, but most on-line polls aren't. Interesting at least.
1. Should Council Member Pflumm resign?
Yes 94.7%
No 5.6%
2. Should Council Member Straub resign?
Yes 97.4%
No 2.6%
3. Should Council Member Pflumm be subject to recall?
Yes 78.9%
No 21.1%
4. Should Council Member Straub be subject to recall?
Yes 81.6%
No 18.4%
Do you think Pflumm and/or Straub should resign considering the manner in which they responded to inquiries about the Wash. DC dinner?
Or maybe a recall?
Here are the results, not necessarily scientific, but most on-line polls aren't. Interesting at least.
1. Should Council Member Pflumm resign?
Yes 94.7%
No 5.6%
2. Should Council Member Straub resign?
Yes 97.4%
No 2.6%
3. Should Council Member Pflumm be subject to recall?
Yes 78.9%
No 21.1%
4. Should Council Member Straub be subject to recall?
Yes 81.6%
No 18.4%
Monday, September 01, 2008
KC Chiefs
Actually, the purpose of this post is to test a third polling format.
We have already tried two different poll formats and want to see which one we will use going forward.
Take the poll about the Chiefs. Will they make it to the playoffs?
We have already tried two different poll formats and want to see which one we will use going forward.
Take the poll about the Chiefs. Will they make it to the playoffs?
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
What do you think?
Do you think Pflumm and/or Straub should resign considering the manner in which they responded to inquiries about the Wash. DC dinner?
Or maybe a recall?
Click here to take our Online Survey
Results will be published shortly after the 10 day period.
Or maybe a recall?
Click here to take our Online Survey
Results will be published shortly after the 10 day period.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Council Members Should not Mislead the Community
How sweet it is.
Now the citizens of Shawnee will know what kind of arrogance is shown by certain council members.
Dan Pflumm's little Tijuana Two Step is shown for what it is, as the blog entry goes in as a letter.
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2008/aug/26/letter_pflumm_statement_full_holes/
Now the citizens of Shawnee will know what kind of arrogance is shown by certain council members.
Dan Pflumm's little Tijuana Two Step is shown for what it is, as the blog entry goes in as a letter.
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2008/aug/26/letter_pflumm_statement_full_holes/
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Presidential Campaigns That go On, and On and On
When Sen Obama announced Saturday that Sen Joe Biden was going to be his running mate, he made the statement from the same spot where he had begun his campagin "nineteen months earlier".
Nineteen months we have been subjected to Presidential campaigning, from both parties. And the campaign still has another 2 1/2 months to go. This is way too much.
When JFK announced his candidacy, it was right after New Years, 1960, about 10 months before the election.
Does the length of the Presidential campaign this year have anything to do with candidates needing to raise hundreds of millions of dollars? Is this a trend?
Will the next Presidential campaign begin the day after the next President is sworn in?
Don't laugh. That's a possibility. The presumptive democratic nominee, Sen. Obama has spent almost his entire senate career running for President. This is not the time for on the job training.
Anyway, just to get one thing out of the way, I'll be voting for McCain, as the lesser of two evils.
Nineteen months we have been subjected to Presidential campaigning, from both parties. And the campaign still has another 2 1/2 months to go. This is way too much.
When JFK announced his candidacy, it was right after New Years, 1960, about 10 months before the election.
Does the length of the Presidential campaign this year have anything to do with candidates needing to raise hundreds of millions of dollars? Is this a trend?
Will the next Presidential campaign begin the day after the next President is sworn in?
Don't laugh. That's a possibility. The presumptive democratic nominee, Sen. Obama has spent almost his entire senate career running for President. This is not the time for on the job training.
Anyway, just to get one thing out of the way, I'll be voting for McCain, as the lesser of two evils.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Holes in Pflumm's Statement
To understand my comments here one really needs to read councilmember Pflumm’s statement from the 8/11 council meeting and published in the Shawnee Dispatch at: http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2008/aug/12/letter_dc_dinner_explained/
Mr. Pflumm’s statement is so full of holes, as to make a piece of Swiss cheese look like solid steel. Anything I am about to say can be verified by reviewing the minutes of Shawnee council meetings on 6/23, 7/14 & 7/28.
First Mr. Pflumm states that informal meetings can enlist support for City’s needs and goals. This is true, if you know who you are meeting with.
Over the course of the three council meetings neither Mr. Pflumm nor Councilmember Straub were sure whether they met with 2 or 3 senate staffers. Names were used based on business cards in Mr. Pflumm’s possession (which leads me to believe that neither of them made any contemporaneous notes for use as follow up). One of those names proved to be of a person who never attended the dinner.
His statement at the 8/11 council meeting finally gave the correct names. He also says that these individuals can verify that. What Mr. Pflumm fails to mention is that it wasn’t until the 7/28 council meeting that he finally found out who he really had dinner with. And how did he find that out? Because I provided an email from Sen. Robert’s office denying that any member of that office was there, and then summarized a phone call with a member of Sen. Brownback’s office who supplied the correct names.
He would like folks to think that these were simple mistakes. I do not consider these simple mistakes. I consider them negligence and a complete lack of due diligence. If a councilmember does not know who they had dinner with, how important can that dinner be? In view of the fact that our council members do not dine every day with senate staffers this event should have stood out in their minds. If one does not know who they had dinner with, how can they follow up to see if their discussions have produced any results? This now makes me wonder what was discussed at that dinner.
Mr. Pflumm’s statement is so full of holes, as to make a piece of Swiss cheese look like solid steel. Anything I am about to say can be verified by reviewing the minutes of Shawnee council meetings on 6/23, 7/14 & 7/28.
First Mr. Pflumm states that informal meetings can enlist support for City’s needs and goals. This is true, if you know who you are meeting with.
Over the course of the three council meetings neither Mr. Pflumm nor Councilmember Straub were sure whether they met with 2 or 3 senate staffers. Names were used based on business cards in Mr. Pflumm’s possession (which leads me to believe that neither of them made any contemporaneous notes for use as follow up). One of those names proved to be of a person who never attended the dinner.
His statement at the 8/11 council meeting finally gave the correct names. He also says that these individuals can verify that. What Mr. Pflumm fails to mention is that it wasn’t until the 7/28 council meeting that he finally found out who he really had dinner with. And how did he find that out? Because I provided an email from Sen. Robert’s office denying that any member of that office was there, and then summarized a phone call with a member of Sen. Brownback’s office who supplied the correct names.
He would like folks to think that these were simple mistakes. I do not consider these simple mistakes. I consider them negligence and a complete lack of due diligence. If a councilmember does not know who they had dinner with, how important can that dinner be? In view of the fact that our council members do not dine every day with senate staffers this event should have stood out in their minds. If one does not know who they had dinner with, how can they follow up to see if their discussions have produced any results? This now makes me wonder what was discussed at that dinner.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
What's for Dinner?
Well, this week’s council meeting was covered by the Shawnee Dispatch in two areas. One area was the story of the meeting and the other area was an editorial.
These can be viewed at:
The article: http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2008/jul/30/dinner_guests_answer_elusive/
The editorial:
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2008/jul/29/editorial_unwanted_leftovers/
What a mess. What we have is a situation where two members of the city council, over a period of three council meetings cannot get their stories correct as to what happened.
What they don’t realize (or don’t want to realize) is that it is not necessarily the money, but it’s the constant giving forth of misinformation. It is also their cavalier attitude. .
This can be evidenced by Pflumm’s comment that the whole thing was “no big deal”. No big deal when between him and Straub we can’t get straight answers as to how many people were there? No big deal when between him and Straub we can’t get straight answers as to the names of these people? No big deal when between the two of them we can’t get straight answers about alcohol being served?
Let’s look at it from another perspective. The big, “what if?”. What if a department head had gone to a meeting of their professional organization? And what if that department head had submitted an expense report with questionable information? And then, what if the city manager questioned that department head, and got multiple misleading answers?
What would happen? The department head would be subject to severe disciplinary action to include dismissal. And, based on previous performance at city council, these two would be screaming for that department head’s head…………on a platter.
Now, let’s look at something else. At the first meeting that this came up Straub indicated that the legislative staffers would remember Shawnee down the road. Would they? Gee, why should they when the two council members can’t even remember which staffers were there? And, the total number (4 or 5) can be counted on one hand. Also, let’s talk about follow-up. If these staffers were taken to dinner to possibly be able to help Shawnee in the future how can these council members perform follow up? What’s follow up? That’s contacting these staffers 3, 6, 9, 12 months down the road to see what is happening that could be beneficial to Shawnee? If you don’t know who they were, how can you follow up? Is that “due diligence”? I am sure, based on their non-government work background these gentlemen are familiar with “follow up”.
And last but not least: indicating the name of a US Senator’s staffer, that was not there just because one had their business card. Read the confirmation statement on these expense reports. Was that confirmation statement adhered to?
But then, Pflumm says “it’s no big deal”.
City council members need to be held to a higher standard, and I don’t think these two have been open enough on this situation. Again, misinformation on top of misinformation on top of misinformation.
Maybe the next time someone presents something to the council and Pflumm says “show me” maybe that person should give Pflumm his own response back of “because I said so”.
We can’t forget Straub’s accusation that this was a witch hunt. Witch hunt? You open the door when you Texas Two Step around the truth.
Anybody in wards 1 or 3 want to check out KSA 25-4301?
These can be viewed at:
The article: http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2008/jul/30/dinner_guests_answer_elusive/
The editorial:
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2008/jul/29/editorial_unwanted_leftovers/
What a mess. What we have is a situation where two members of the city council, over a period of three council meetings cannot get their stories correct as to what happened.
What they don’t realize (or don’t want to realize) is that it is not necessarily the money, but it’s the constant giving forth of misinformation. It is also their cavalier attitude. .
This can be evidenced by Pflumm’s comment that the whole thing was “no big deal”. No big deal when between him and Straub we can’t get straight answers as to how many people were there? No big deal when between him and Straub we can’t get straight answers as to the names of these people? No big deal when between the two of them we can’t get straight answers about alcohol being served?
Let’s look at it from another perspective. The big, “what if?”. What if a department head had gone to a meeting of their professional organization? And what if that department head had submitted an expense report with questionable information? And then, what if the city manager questioned that department head, and got multiple misleading answers?
What would happen? The department head would be subject to severe disciplinary action to include dismissal. And, based on previous performance at city council, these two would be screaming for that department head’s head…………on a platter.
Now, let’s look at something else. At the first meeting that this came up Straub indicated that the legislative staffers would remember Shawnee down the road. Would they? Gee, why should they when the two council members can’t even remember which staffers were there? And, the total number (4 or 5) can be counted on one hand. Also, let’s talk about follow-up. If these staffers were taken to dinner to possibly be able to help Shawnee in the future how can these council members perform follow up? What’s follow up? That’s contacting these staffers 3, 6, 9, 12 months down the road to see what is happening that could be beneficial to Shawnee? If you don’t know who they were, how can you follow up? Is that “due diligence”? I am sure, based on their non-government work background these gentlemen are familiar with “follow up”.
And last but not least: indicating the name of a US Senator’s staffer, that was not there just because one had their business card. Read the confirmation statement on these expense reports. Was that confirmation statement adhered to?
But then, Pflumm says “it’s no big deal”.
City council members need to be held to a higher standard, and I don’t think these two have been open enough on this situation. Again, misinformation on top of misinformation on top of misinformation.
Maybe the next time someone presents something to the council and Pflumm says “show me” maybe that person should give Pflumm his own response back of “because I said so”.
We can’t forget Straub’s accusation that this was a witch hunt. Witch hunt? You open the door when you Texas Two Step around the truth.
Anybody in wards 1 or 3 want to check out KSA 25-4301?
Apathy Can be Expensive
Yes, apathy can be very expensive, especially when it refers to folks not getting out and voting in elections.
We cannot afford to do anything that would jeopordize our right to vote. And for those who think and say that their vote doesn't count, I could present a list, ad nauseum, of close elections with low voter turn outs.
Please, exercise your rights............vote.........let your voice be heard at the polls.
For the record, yesterday, I sent in my mail ballot for next Tuesday's primary.
We cannot afford to do anything that would jeopordize our right to vote. And for those who think and say that their vote doesn't count, I could present a list, ad nauseum, of close elections with low voter turn outs.
Please, exercise your rights............vote.........let your voice be heard at the polls.
For the record, yesterday, I sent in my mail ballot for next Tuesday's primary.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Responses to Questionnaire
Well, the responses are in. Actually only two of them. One from Senate Dist 10 and one from House Dist 23. That means that 5 candidates in total did NOT respond. Wild. These questionnaires were sent to the House and Senate Districts that I reside in. Now a real big question comes up: If these five people won't respond to questions from someone whose vote they want, would they act that way if elected? Or are the 5 who did not respond trying to "duck and cover" (old 50's term) from this particular topic? First the Senate candidates, followed by the House candidates. Remember, excise tax revenue drops as the number of packs sold declines, and we are talking millions of packs over the past 5-6 years.You might have to scroll down a bit:
BOLTON (D) | ROMAN (D) | PILCHER COOK (R) | GAMBLE (R) | |
| Do you feel that we would or should have to raise the cigarette excise tax? | Objectively, I would have to say no to an increase in the states cigarette tax. The current excise tax is $0.79 a 28.3% tax rate. Missouri is $.17 a 6.9% tax rate while Oklahoma is $.23 a 9.3% tax rate per pack. th eimpact to Johnson and Wyandotte countis is apparent as a spread of $.62 cents a pack or $12.20 a carton must drive some revenues across the state line. As a regressive tax raising the excise tax will disporportionately impact lower income citizens and will simply drive more revenues across the state line; and may be one reason why the measure to raise Missouri's excise tax failed (rank 19th in the Union) to pass their legislature. In the time given to respond I was unable to confirm wheter revenue's in Missouri from the sale of tobacco products is on the rise but in a quick search I did not find an article suggesting a revenue shortfall in this category. | Non-responsive | Non-responsive | Non-responsive |
| Do you feel we would or should have to raise other taxes to make up for the shortfall created by the loss of cigarette excise taxes? If yes, which ones. | I am on record in support of raising the tax on all tobacco products not jsut cigarettes. Currently the state has a 10% wholesale tax on all tobacco products. I would be in favor of raising the wholesale tax on cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco and snuff to 15% or 18% while lowering the excise tax to $.50. This will shift the tax burden from the individual to the free market as cigarette purveyors adjust their margins to maintain their sales. At the same time the individual smoker can shop for a better price and the excise tax spread between Missouri and Kansas will be somewhat marginalized. | Non-responsive | Non-responsive | Non-responsive |
| Do you feel we would or should have to create new taxes to make up for the shortfall created by the loss of cigarette excise taxes? If yes, what are you proposing we tax? | No | Non-responsive | Non-responsive | Non-responsive |
| Do you feel we would or should have to reduce government services to make up for the shortfall created by the loss of cigarette taxes? If yes, which services should be reduced. | None that I can speak to authoritatively but the legislature is spending the people's money and should always look at ways to effectively deliver services in the most efficient manner possible. | Non-responsive | Non-responsive | Non-responsive |
| Any additional comments: | If the original intent of this measure was to help improve the general health of our citizenry and deter our youth from picking up the habit then a forward thinking legislature should have anticipated, forecasted and budgeted for a decrease in revenues; touting revenue erosion as a positive not a negative. This is yet another example of how our legislature is failing to lead. We must govern in the present with the future in mind; not govern for today with the special interest in mind! | Non-responsive | Non-responsive | Non-responsive |
BOGINA (R) | CRABTREE (R) | TALIA (D) | |
| Do you feel that we would or should have to raise the cigarette excise tax? | No | Non-responsive | Non-responsive |
| Do you feel we would or should have to raise other taxes to make up for the shortfall created by the loss of cigarette excise taxes? If yes, which ones. | No | Non-responsive | Non-responsive |
| Do you feel we would or should have to create new taxes to make up for the shortfall created by the loss of cigarette excise taxes? If yes, what are you proposing we tax? | No | Non-responsive | Non-responsive |
| Do you feel we would or should have to reduce government services to make up for the shortfall created by the loss of cigarette taxes? If yes, which services should be reduced. | No | Non-responsive | Non-responsive |
| Any additional comments: | "I believe the legislature will shift to gaming revenues for new sources of general fund receipts ($125M +/- in license fees in 2009) to balance the budget. Depending upon the next session's testimony by the Kansas Health Policy Authority, there will be some movement to increase excise taxes per pack. I would not be favorable to this. | Non-responsive | Non-responsive |
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Dance Routine
Somehow, somebody changed the characters in the cartoon from what they were originally.
Gotta figure out how that happened
Gotta figure out how that happened
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
DC Dinner Part II
Last night's city council meeting was almost non-eventful until near the end.
Mr Straub again brought up his concept regarding council travel and how many meetings a year they could go to and what approval was needed.
That was when I said to myself, "enough is enough". Prior to the meeting I had received a copy of the itemized $392 dinner that he and Pflumm were the hosts for (it was on Pflumm's tab).
Refer back to my blog entry of 6/25/08. I had asked Mr Pflumm if there was alcohol included on that tab. He said no, and that I had to rely on his word. Horse nonsense. Open records requests are beautiful.
Now with the full receipt available I informed him (and Straub) that there was $78 worth of alcohol on that receipt ($10 beer and $68 wine). Mr Pflumm then apologized for his original misleading response, saying he was not prepared at that meeting to answer it (huh????). Simple question Mr Engineer. He said that there was alcohol served prior to dinner, but on a separate tab. Guess what? You charged the city for booze for dinner, eventhough you claim you didn't drink any of it. More than one somebody at the table did, and you didn't notice?
Now the kicker. Pflumm indicated on his expense report that there were four people at that dinner. He claimed himself, Straub and one aide each from Sen Brownback's & Sen Roberts' offices. I asked him to explain how come the receipt showed 5 persons and there were 5 entrées served. Whooops, now he and Straub suddenly remembered that there was another senate staffer at that dinner. Who? Hmmm, don't remember, gotta go home and look at the business cards. Amazing eh? Couldn't remember to add that 5th person "another senate staffer" to the list on the expense report? Didn't even think to volunteer the info when the matter of the dinner came up at the 6/23 meeting.
Yes, I am still curious who the 5th person was. Was it really a senate staffer or was it an individual not authorized to have their dinner paid for by the city? Will be looking forward to seeing if a name is provided. For the record: Open records requests apply to federal offices as well as local. I believe there are logs in Senate & Congressional offices that would indicate when staffers were taken to events (dinner, ball games etc) by individuals having an interest in something that the Congressman and/or Senator can provide.
Oh yes, Straub thought I was carrying on a vendetta against him and Pflumm on this blog.
No Kevin, not a vendetta. Just tired of BS, and sanctimonious holier than thou attitudes. I'm still ticked off by Pflumm's "because I said so" comment on 6/23, apology notwithstanding. And Kevin, you want to control council trips but boy, you and Pflumm sure took advantage on the last one. And anyway, there are many other topics on here that don't include the two of you.
After all of the above (and there was quite a lengthy discussion by the council on Straub's suggested "controls") Dawn Kuhn came up with a motion.
Dawn proposed that the council decline their scheduled pay increase. The motion carried.
Mr Straub again brought up his concept regarding council travel and how many meetings a year they could go to and what approval was needed.
That was when I said to myself, "enough is enough". Prior to the meeting I had received a copy of the itemized $392 dinner that he and Pflumm were the hosts for (it was on Pflumm's tab).
Refer back to my blog entry of 6/25/08. I had asked Mr Pflumm if there was alcohol included on that tab. He said no, and that I had to rely on his word. Horse nonsense. Open records requests are beautiful.
Now with the full receipt available I informed him (and Straub) that there was $78 worth of alcohol on that receipt ($10 beer and $68 wine). Mr Pflumm then apologized for his original misleading response, saying he was not prepared at that meeting to answer it (huh????). Simple question Mr Engineer. He said that there was alcohol served prior to dinner, but on a separate tab. Guess what? You charged the city for booze for dinner, eventhough you claim you didn't drink any of it. More than one somebody at the table did, and you didn't notice?
Now the kicker. Pflumm indicated on his expense report that there were four people at that dinner. He claimed himself, Straub and one aide each from Sen Brownback's & Sen Roberts' offices. I asked him to explain how come the receipt showed 5 persons and there were 5 entrées served. Whooops, now he and Straub suddenly remembered that there was another senate staffer at that dinner. Who? Hmmm, don't remember, gotta go home and look at the business cards. Amazing eh? Couldn't remember to add that 5th person "another senate staffer" to the list on the expense report? Didn't even think to volunteer the info when the matter of the dinner came up at the 6/23 meeting.
Yes, I am still curious who the 5th person was. Was it really a senate staffer or was it an individual not authorized to have their dinner paid for by the city? Will be looking forward to seeing if a name is provided. For the record: Open records requests apply to federal offices as well as local. I believe there are logs in Senate & Congressional offices that would indicate when staffers were taken to events (dinner, ball games etc) by individuals having an interest in something that the Congressman and/or Senator can provide.
Oh yes, Straub thought I was carrying on a vendetta against him and Pflumm on this blog.
No Kevin, not a vendetta. Just tired of BS, and sanctimonious holier than thou attitudes. I'm still ticked off by Pflumm's "because I said so" comment on 6/23, apology notwithstanding. And Kevin, you want to control council trips but boy, you and Pflumm sure took advantage on the last one. And anyway, there are many other topics on here that don't include the two of you.
After all of the above (and there was quite a lengthy discussion by the council on Straub's suggested "controls") Dawn Kuhn came up with a motion.
Dawn proposed that the council decline their scheduled pay increase. The motion carried.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Senate District 10, House District 23
The letters and questionnaires are in the mail.
Now what am I talking about? Well, what I am talking about is what will the candidates for these two offices say about the cigarette excise taxes. I sent them copies of the tax work up that was done in conjunction with the Shawnee Smoking Task Force.
Since the number of packs being purchased have substantially (we're talking tens of millions of packs) declined the question that needs to be asked is what will make up for the lost tax revenue? Remember, the excise tax does not necessarily go towards smoking related issues or healthcare. Everytime the state needed money it was an easy target.
Some of the options are to increase the existing excise tax, increase another tax, create a new tax or cut back on services.
It will be interesting to see what these candidates have to say since their predecessors (State Sen Nick Jordan and State Rep Judy Morrison) did a Tijuana Two Step and avoided direct answers. You can view previous blog posts of mine on this subject and those two individuals. Jordan is now running for Congress and Morrison is retiring.
The candidates who got the letters, back-up info and questionnaires are:
10th SENATE DISTRICT
Michael Bolton
Pete Roman
Mary Pilcher Cook
Sue Gamble
23rd REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT
Mark Talia
August Bogina III
John Crabtree
The candidates were requested to return the questionnaires by 7/25. That way we can post them prior to the primary election. Any questionnaires received after that date will not be posted, as we don't want candidate's to have an unfair advantage and feed off of other candidate's responses.
Now what am I talking about? Well, what I am talking about is what will the candidates for these two offices say about the cigarette excise taxes. I sent them copies of the tax work up that was done in conjunction with the Shawnee Smoking Task Force.
Since the number of packs being purchased have substantially (we're talking tens of millions of packs) declined the question that needs to be asked is what will make up for the lost tax revenue? Remember, the excise tax does not necessarily go towards smoking related issues or healthcare. Everytime the state needed money it was an easy target.
Some of the options are to increase the existing excise tax, increase another tax, create a new tax or cut back on services.
It will be interesting to see what these candidates have to say since their predecessors (State Sen Nick Jordan and State Rep Judy Morrison) did a Tijuana Two Step and avoided direct answers. You can view previous blog posts of mine on this subject and those two individuals. Jordan is now running for Congress and Morrison is retiring.
The candidates who got the letters, back-up info and questionnaires are:
10th SENATE DISTRICT
Michael Bolton
Pete Roman
Mary Pilcher Cook
Sue Gamble
23rd REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT
Mark Talia
August Bogina III
John Crabtree
The candidates were requested to return the questionnaires by 7/25. That way we can post them prior to the primary election. Any questionnaires received after that date will not be posted, as we don't want candidate's to have an unfair advantage and feed off of other candidate's responses.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Rev Jesse Jackson, Medicine Man?
Need a legal opinion from someone.
The Rev Jesse Jackson was recently overheard to express a desire to perform a surgical procedure on Barack Obama. Specifically he was referring to testicular removal.
Would this be considered battery or practicing medicine without a license?
The Rev Jesse Jackson was recently overheard to express a desire to perform a surgical procedure on Barack Obama. Specifically he was referring to testicular removal.
Would this be considered battery or practicing medicine without a license?
Friday, July 11, 2008
Shawnee's New Resident
Well, according to the KC Star, Phill Kline has now moved to Shawnee.
The address he lists with the JoCo Election Department is 6918 Marion St. That probably is much nicer than that apartment in the storage facility that he was living in, in Stilwell. Guess his family will have more room too out there on Marion Street.
Anyway, as a registered Republican I will be voting in the August primary, against Mr Kline.
When he ran for reelection as state Attorney General he was soundly defeated, not only statewide, but very heavily in Republican party dominated JoCo. Hopefully the republicans of JoCo will send him packing and undo what the precinct committee persons had done.
The address he lists with the JoCo Election Department is 6918 Marion St. That probably is much nicer than that apartment in the storage facility that he was living in, in Stilwell. Guess his family will have more room too out there on Marion Street.
Anyway, as a registered Republican I will be voting in the August primary, against Mr Kline.
When he ran for reelection as state Attorney General he was soundly defeated, not only statewide, but very heavily in Republican party dominated JoCo. Hopefully the republicans of JoCo will send him packing and undo what the precinct committee persons had done.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
City Budget and Cost Savings
It's in the papers, it's at council and council committee meetings, it's all over town.
The city is looking to initiate some cost savings plans for the 2009 budget.
Many folks have made suggestions, and apparently city staff is creating what could be some viable plans.
One thing that I feel needs to be looked at is an adjusted work week for some of the city departments. Many other cities, counties and even states are either looking at or have implemented the four day work week (10 hours per day) for certain departments. Usually the plan is to have half the department(s) work Monday-Thursday and the other half to work Tuesday thru Friday. This is not necessarily viable for all departments but could be for some. And, the departments would still be staffed five days. Some say that 4 days of 10 hours each can actually be more productive than 5 x 8. Plus another side benefit is that employees only have to drive to work 4 days instead of 5.
Would love to see a study on this to see if it is viable for Shawnee.
The city is looking to initiate some cost savings plans for the 2009 budget.
Many folks have made suggestions, and apparently city staff is creating what could be some viable plans.
One thing that I feel needs to be looked at is an adjusted work week for some of the city departments. Many other cities, counties and even states are either looking at or have implemented the four day work week (10 hours per day) for certain departments. Usually the plan is to have half the department(s) work Monday-Thursday and the other half to work Tuesday thru Friday. This is not necessarily viable for all departments but could be for some. And, the departments would still be staffed five days. Some say that 4 days of 10 hours each can actually be more productive than 5 x 8. Plus another side benefit is that employees only have to drive to work 4 days instead of 5.
Would love to see a study on this to see if it is viable for Shawnee.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
A Trip Back in Time
Methinks it is time for a bit of travel back in time to September 2007.
For those of you who missed it, here is a post that you may want to read.
For those who have read it, it might be worth reading again.
http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2007/09/size-does-matter-sometimes.html
For those of you who missed it, here is a post that you may want to read.
For those who have read it, it might be worth reading again.
http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2007/09/size-does-matter-sometimes.html
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
DC Dinner
You decide, read the article in the Shawnee Dispatch
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2008/jun/25/dc_dinner_continues_stir_pot/
One additional point: When asked for verification that the liquor was on a separate bill Mr Pflumm basically said because he said so. Strange, when he has questioned others and would not take statements at face value (from citizens, city staff and even other council members) his favorite statement is "show me".
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2008/jun/25/dc_dinner_continues_stir_pot/
One additional point: When asked for verification that the liquor was on a separate bill Mr Pflumm basically said because he said so. Strange, when he has questioned others and would not take statements at face value (from citizens, city staff and even other council members) his favorite statement is "show me".
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Where Were the Colors?
Old Shawnee Days 2008 has come and gone. Many people put in lots of hours to make it another successful attraction for Shawnee. Congrats to all.
I only have one question: Where were the Colors? This year they were carried by the Sons of the Revolution, but they did not "step off" first.
OK folks.......I'm not going to get in the middle of which organization needed to be the first to march. Apparently there has been an ongoing dialogue about that.
What I am going to say is that, no matter which organization is first, the Colors need to "step off" first. Could it be the American Legion? Yes. Or a Color Guard of Shawnee safety personnel (FD and/or PD), a Guard or Reserve unit, or even the Color Guard from Ft Leavenworth as we are on part of the Old Military Road. Protocol, custom and tradition dictate that. The Colors should NOT follow behind any other marching unit.
For future reference, how about an invite to the mounted cavalry unit from Ft Riley? Part of their mission is to march in local and patriotic parades in Kansas.
I only have one question: Where were the Colors? This year they were carried by the Sons of the Revolution, but they did not "step off" first.
OK folks.......I'm not going to get in the middle of which organization needed to be the first to march. Apparently there has been an ongoing dialogue about that.
What I am going to say is that, no matter which organization is first, the Colors need to "step off" first. Could it be the American Legion? Yes. Or a Color Guard of Shawnee safety personnel (FD and/or PD), a Guard or Reserve unit, or even the Color Guard from Ft Leavenworth as we are on part of the Old Military Road. Protocol, custom and tradition dictate that. The Colors should NOT follow behind any other marching unit.
For future reference, how about an invite to the mounted cavalry unit from Ft Riley? Part of their mission is to march in local and patriotic parades in Kansas.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Budget Meetings
Well, I couldn't stay for the entire presentation tonight. Various departments were making presentations to the Public Works & Safety Committee.
When the topic came up about council travel Mr Straub again made suggestions about how to cut it back.
It was at this point that Mickey Sandifer decided to get an item off of his chest and on the record. And, in my opinion he was definitely justified.
It seems that according to Mr Sandifer, when the council made its last trip to Washington DC, the council took our federal reps out to dinner. But, it appears that two of the council members decided not join the rest of the council, and on their own initiative took one staff member each of Sen Brownback and Sen Roberts to dinner. Mr Sandifer says that that dinner by the other two was at twice the cost of the council's own dinner. One thing we do know is that Mr Pflumm charged the city $392 for that dinner for himself, Straub and the two aforementioned senate staffers. These are also the two that are the most vociferous about others cutting back on expenses.
Ironically, Straub also claimed full per diem for that particular day. The least he could have done was to only claim breakfast and lunch per diem (like Pflumm did).
Question: Why did these two have to have their own dinner with the senate staffers?
When the topic came up about council travel Mr Straub again made suggestions about how to cut it back.
It was at this point that Mickey Sandifer decided to get an item off of his chest and on the record. And, in my opinion he was definitely justified.
It seems that according to Mr Sandifer, when the council made its last trip to Washington DC, the council took our federal reps out to dinner. But, it appears that two of the council members decided not join the rest of the council, and on their own initiative took one staff member each of Sen Brownback and Sen Roberts to dinner. Mr Sandifer says that that dinner by the other two was at twice the cost of the council's own dinner. One thing we do know is that Mr Pflumm charged the city $392 for that dinner for himself, Straub and the two aforementioned senate staffers. These are also the two that are the most vociferous about others cutting back on expenses.
Ironically, Straub also claimed full per diem for that particular day. The least he could have done was to only claim breakfast and lunch per diem (like Pflumm did).
Question: Why did these two have to have their own dinner with the senate staffers?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Sickening News
Was watching the early morning news today.
Phill Kline has decided to run for JoCo DA, after he had previously said he wouldn't.
Hey Phill, folks in Kansas didn't want you as Attorney General in the last election, and the folks in JoCo specifically also did not want you. By a fluke ya got the DA's job.
Phill Kline has decided to run for JoCo DA, after he had previously said he wouldn't.
Hey Phill, folks in Kansas didn't want you as Attorney General in the last election, and the folks in JoCo specifically also did not want you. By a fluke ya got the DA's job.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Possible TIF
Another item at the last council meeting was a possible TIF (tax increment financing district).
Mixed emotions on these things. More later on that aspect.
The item at the last council meeting was an agreeement between the city and a group for various studies, with the group paying the costs and no expenditure by the city. The group is made up of various individuals and one LLC. The kicker here is that the ownership info on the LLC is not public info, and according to the Secretary of State's office they are not required to file that info until 4/15/09. Or actually any time after 1/1/09 but no later than 4/15/09.
This could turn out to be a very viable, beneficial project, but again more on that aspect later. I personally just have problems with the hidden ownership element.
As it is now, it is just "being looked into". Let's see what happens after the "looking into".
Mixed emotions on these things. More later on that aspect.
The item at the last council meeting was an agreeement between the city and a group for various studies, with the group paying the costs and no expenditure by the city. The group is made up of various individuals and one LLC. The kicker here is that the ownership info on the LLC is not public info, and according to the Secretary of State's office they are not required to file that info until 4/15/09. Or actually any time after 1/1/09 but no later than 4/15/09.
This could turn out to be a very viable, beneficial project, but again more on that aspect later. I personally just have problems with the hidden ownership element.
As it is now, it is just "being looked into". Let's see what happens after the "looking into".
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