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?
Sunday, March 29, 2009
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
