The Costs to Visit Beantown

What did it cost to send 6 council reps, the mayor, and the city manager to Boston for the National League of Cities conference this past November? 

Before I post the figures, keep in mind that previously on many occasions, I have said it was not necessary to send more than four people to these conferences, and that for a short period of time the number of people going had been reduced.  See my post of 10/23/12 at http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2012/10/from-shawnee-to-boston.html#links

Then on 10/26/12, I posted info that we were sending more folks than other cities in JoCo http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2012/10/shawnee-is-number-1.html#links

So, what were the costs?  Oh, as predicted, Mickey "Travelin' Man" Sandifer led the field in money spent:

Councilmember Sandifer                     $2,389.42
Councilmember Vaught                         2,358.91
Councilmember Kuhn                            2,162.48
Mayor Meyers                                        1,887.05
City Manager Gonzales                          1,812.99
Councilmember Neighbor                      1,812.51
Councilmember Willoughby                  1,753.00
Councilmember Sawyer                         1,335.99

Total                                                   $15,512.35

Besides reducing the number of folks going, another way to save money on these types of trips is for these city officials to do what corporate America makes its employees do..............double up in the rooms.  We had 6 males and 2 females.................instead of 8 rooms that could have been reduced to 4 rooms/per day.  That could have been a savings of approximately $1,000/night.

But, when participants bring guests along, it is difficult to have them double up.  So, in effect, the bringing of guests (even if the city does not pay for transportation and meals) costs the city by not allowing the city to save on room rates.
                           

The Race Is On

OK, the filing deadline has come and gone, and the election for Shawnee City Council is set.

Let's look at Ward II first, since four people have filed and that has created a primary election which will be held on Feb 26.  The top two vote getters move on to the general election.

Mike Kemmling, the individual who challenged Neal Sawyer last year and received 650 votes to Sawyer's 661.  Talk about close.  Seems like lots of folks in Ward II were impressed with this young professional (he's a dentist, with a practice in Shawnee).

Alan Willoughby, the mayor's uncle by marriage, who was appointed to the position after David Morris resigned.  Amazing that Kemmling, who had just narrowly lost to Sawyer did not get the appointment.  Also of interest, the manner in which it was given to Willoughby, without public comment, and other factors, has resulted in an investigation as a possible violation of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

Jill Y Reed and Trishelle Miller, two individuals that I do not know much about at this point.  Reed apparantly works for both the US Army Corps of Engineers and Gneral Electric.  Miller works for Kids TLC.

Wards I, III and IV will go direct to the general election on April 2

Ward I incumbent Dan Pflumm is being challenged by John Segale
Ward III incumbent Jeff Vaught is being challenged by Gordon Herron
Ward IV incumbent  Michelle Distler is not being challenged.

More comments by me as we get into this.

Another "Will We Get Anything From This?"

Well, the dates are for Kanrocksas 2013 are set.  June 28-29, 2013.

Again, the question needs to be asked :  "Will we get anything from this?"  We are so close to Village West and what do we have to offer folks who go there for those big events to get some of the bleed off?

Add that music festival to the soccer all star game, the races at the speedway and there so many people coming into a venue 10 minutes away that we have to be losing out on some major revenue.
Do we even want to talk about the large number of athletic tournaments that are held in the spring, summer and fall?  These tournaments bring in large numbers of teams and utilize sports venues all over the area to accomodate them.

We have some members on tghe council who constantly talk about economic development.  Economic development is good.  But there seems to be alot of emphasis on an industrial park that won't even start to come into reality for about ten more years.  What about destination venues to draw from all of the activity that is literally in our backyard?

Shawnee Wins One

The Shawnee Dispatch, in a recent article, went into detail about how E. C. Manufacturing will be moving into a 142,000 sq ft building.  The projection is that within three years they will employ 250 people.  The neat thing:  no giveaways by the city.  Congrats to Andrew Nave, executive director of the Shawnee Economic Development Council.

The full story can be read here:  http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2013/jan/10/manufacturing-startup-bringing-250-jobs-shawnee/

Will This Benefit Us?

What am I talking about?  Aha, maybe I should let you think about it for a minute.

Nahhhhh, I'll tell you.  It has been announced that the 2013 Major League Soccer All Star game will be played at Livestrong Park.  That truly is good news.

Now, how will that affect Shawnee?  In the past, on many occasions I have asked that question regarding races, concerts, and other special events held at the Village Wesr Complex in KCK.  Will we get an appreciable "bleed off" from this event?  Well, we still have only two hotels on the I435 corridor.  The proposed Holiday Inn is still a blank spot.  Some of the restaurants might see an uptick in business.  Especially if residents wind up with out of town friends/relatves staying with them.

But, we still do not have anything resembling a destination venue to attract the folks who will be going to that game.And, some will probably be arriving a few days early and maybe staying a day or two extra.

Another event gone to waste.............for us.

Proof: Jeff Vaught Does Not Understand His Job

 

We knew it would happen someday. We now have documentary evidence that Jeff Vaught does NOT understand his job on the city council. His ego has overtaken his responsibilities.
 

OK, here is what happened. I submitted a KORA request for some emails for an item I was researching. Included in the group were some emails between Vaught and the city manager about adding an item to a meeting agenda Keep in mind that last April Vaught was elected by the rest of the council to be council president (a one year term).
 

Apparently another councilmember (Dan Pflumm) had an item he wanted to add to a meeting agenda. So he requested that to the city manager in accordance with Policy Statement 7:

Agenda

A.      Agendas are set by the City Manager. Any member of the Governing Body can request an item be placed on the agenda by 12:00 (noon) on the Wednesday prior to the meeting.

 

Now here is what happened.  In an email about this to the city manager Vaught said:  "As the council president he should be making the request to me anyway, but I guess he doesn’t know that."

 

Surprise Mr. Vaught...............no council member has to go through you for anything.  Charter Ordinance 40 and Policy Statement 7 are very specific about the duties/responsibilities of the council president.  To preside over council meetings in the absence of the mayor, to become mayor if something happens to the mayor and to be the chairman of the Council Committee.  No where in either document is the council president put in a postiion where the council members have to submit anything to him/her to be passed on.  Now, just in case I missed something, I asked the city manager about this.  Her response:  "You are correct, there isn't any 'published procedural requirement' that states that a councilmember 'has to go through the Council President for anything'"

 

Apparently, egomaniac that he is, Vaught apparently wants to give himself additional authority over his fellow council members.  Maybe he needs to re-read the appropriate documents.  That is, if he can understand them.

Let's Re-Elect Michelle Distler

Michelle Distler, Ward IV council rep is running for re-election.

This is one person who definitely needs to be retained on the city council.

She has shown on more than one occasion that she cares about the residents of her ward, the people of the City of Shawnee, and all of this to the consternation of the "good ole boy network".

There will be some who will go out of their way to besmirch her good name.  Please don't let this happen.

Visit her website at http://www.michelledistler.com  There is a link if you would like to contribute electronically and an address for snail mail contributions.  Remember, you don't have to live in Watd IV to contribute.  If you live anywhere (elsewhere in the city or anywhere in the USA) and would like to see her returned to office please help out.

Please remember campaign contgribution rules.  A max of $500 per contributor per election cycle.  Some have asked about married couples.  Married couples, by law, may contribute the max individually.  The same holds true for businesses and PACs.  Not everyone can donate $500............so remember please, any amount will be helpful.

The Holiday Season

With the holiday season upon us I would like to wish all who read this blog the best.

A Happy Hanukah, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Shawnee's Poor Voter Turn Out

Well, it's poor for local elections, and OK for Presidential elections.  But, Presidents don't plow snow, respond to fires, protect the community, keep our parks functioning, set local property taxes, sales taxes etc.

We have another local election coming up in April 2013.

Look at these figures for the recent (November) Presidential election and the local city election this past April.

Presidential election Nov 2012

Registered voters (total city)  42,344
Total voted     30,718    72.54%

Ward 1   Registered   11,030      Voted   8,297  
Ward 2   Registered   10,256      Voted   7,022  
Ward 3   Registered   10,598      Voted   7,969  
Ward 4   Registered   10,460      Voted   7,430   

City election April 2012

Registered voters (total city)  40,105
Total voted               5,229     13.04%

Ward 1    Registered 10,553    Voted  1,634
Ward 2    Registered   9,713    Voted  1,337
Ward 3    Registered   9,977    Voted     978
Ward 4    Registered   9,862    Voted  1,280

The people of Shawnee ought to be ashamed of themselves, for their lack of voting at the last city election.

Public Hearing for Shawnee Parkway Plaza

There will be a public hearing on January 14, 2013 to consider incentives to revitalize the Shawnee Parkway Plaza.

There is a good article about this at the Shawnee Dispatch's website
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/dec/12/city-council-sets-public-hearing-consider-retail-c/

That shopping center which sits just east of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Pflumm Road is a mess.

As much as I dislike various incentive programs, this just might be an appropriate use of them.

This would be a virtual total makeover.  Currently, there are problems not only with appearance, but with the integrity of the structures.  Revitalizing a shopping center at that location can be beneficial to the city in the future.  Couple that with some of the recent development that has occurred at the northwest section of that intersection and the whole area can become a magnet for increased financial gain for the city.

How The "Good Ole Boy" Network Works

One indication of how the Good Ole Boy Network works is the election of the council president in Shawnee.

Now, why is that position important?  Because, if something happens to the mayor, the council president becomes mayor. Also, with the change from two split function council committees to one full member council committee the president of the council is chairman of that committee.

So, let's see who has been council president, and how long they have been on the council:

Sawyer (on council since 1/2002) president, 2005, 2006 and 2011
Sandifer (on council since 4/2004) president 2007 and 2010
Kuhn (on council since 4/2004) president 2008 and 2009
Vaught (on council since 4/2010) president, current, 2012

So, four folks have held that position in the past 8 years.  We haven't even mentioned those who served during those 8 years who no longer are on the council.

Interesting that Pflumm (4/2002) and Distler (4/2006) have never been president.  Wonder why?  Is it because they don't "toe the line?"

Willoughby, just appointed 7/2012 hasn't been here for a council president election, and Neighbor (appointed 5/2010 and elected 4/2012) also has not been president, but only eligible 2011 (Sawyer) and 2012 (Vaught).

Curious isn't it, that Vaught, in the second year of his first term became president.  Was this a payback for his electioneering from the council dais for the incumbents running for office?

How many of these folks have abrogated their responsibilites and have become subservient to the city manager, forgetting that the city manager works for them, not the other way around?  Think about former council member Morris' resignation and the reasons for it.

Bully, Cry Baby or Know it All?

Is it possible for one person to have all three of those traits?

Well, if your name is Jeff Vaught and you are a Ward III council rep in Shawnee, the answer is yes.

At a recent city council meeting Vaught appeared to be using his position to make bullying statements regarding some recent news articles.  Similar to the way he used bully tactics during the last election, from the council dais.

The comments were also a form of a cry baby attitude.  Seems Vaught really didn't like some of the articles and bemoaned the fact that positive articles were not written about Shawnee.  He proceeded to rattle off a litany of positive and supposed positive items (there might be some issues with some statistics he mentioned).  Well, apparently he doesn't read the local newspaper, the Shawnee Dispatch.  There has been a plethora of positive items in that paper. 

Now, back to the negative items.  If you don't like negative items appearing in the media, then take action to prevent them from happening.  Quit blaming the messenger(s) and start accepting responsibily for creating negative actions. One example has to do with the actions by Mr. Tony Lauer and his neighbors in the Crimson Ridge Subdivision.  Now, the mayor has been critical of some of Mr. Lauer's actions (persistent questions, and KORA requests).  Did the mayor ever think that if the original questions were answered, and completely, there may have been no need to push for more?  When a governmental body either fails to completely and/or honestly answer questions from its citizens, it raises more questions.  Such as what else is being hidden?

We won't even touch on the KOMA investigation regarding the appointment of Uncle Alan to the city council.  Or the partying by five council members and the mayor on election night April 2012.  A quorum of the council, and its presiding officer.  And, proof of this was posted by Jeff Vaught on his blog site.  Don't believe me, here it is:

 



Now, what about the "know it all" aspect?  Well, during a discussion at the last council meeting Council Member Neal Sawyer alluded to the fact that he was hesitant to make a certain point as he was probably going to be challenged by Vaught, and, according to Sawyer, Vaught knows it all. 

Vaught attempted to show his "know it all" attitude at another council meeting a few weeks ago.  Basically, a question came up about a department making a purchase using a vendor on state contract.  When some questioned the price, Vaught, in his know it all mode, said that if the purchase was made using the state contract, it was the best price.  Wrongo.  It was the lowest price that the state had on contract.  That part is true.  But there are many vendors that do not submit pricing for state contracts.  And these vendors have lower pricing than what is on state contract.  That is why state agencies do NOT have to buy on state contract, but can buy off contract if the same or comparable item can be purchased from another source, at the same or lower price. And that does occur. 

KC Star Editorial AND a New Article

Two interesting things showed up in the KC Star's "913" section.

One, is an editorial about some of the recent happenings in Shawnee. That editorial can be read at
http://joco913.com/news/shawnees-fights-are-often-public-demeaning/

The editorial makes some valid points.

The new article concerns Shawnee and other Johnson County cities and their participation the National League of Cities conference in Boston this weekend.  This is a subject that I covered on this blog recently.  The KC Star article can be read at:

http://joco913.com/news/needs-funding-help-area-cities-make-their-conference-call/

Comments are Back

Regarding the KC Star article mentioned in the post below.

Apparently, in a transition from the Star's front page to the 913 section reader comments get lost.

Also, apparently there are two separate links to the article.  This link http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/18/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html#disqus_thread
shows the reader comments (as of this posting they are up to 24)

KC Star's Take on Shawnee's Fractious Government

The Kansas City Star just ran an article which should be an eye opener to people who live in Shawnee.

After reading my few comments below, please go to the Star article and read it completely:
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/17/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html

The attitude of some of our elected officials borders on arrogance and pomposity.  Such as: People asking questions are “just fishing to stir up some trouble,” Mayor Jeff Meyers says. 

Or, how about his comment as to why he did not allow public input at the council meeting that selected his wife's uncle to fill the position vacated by the resignation of David Morris:  Meyers said he did shut down discussion on the Willoughby appointment because, based on past experience, he thought the public comments were not in the best interest of the council making a decision.

Apparently the mayor has forgotten about Section 3 of the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution, which he swore to uphold.  "3. Right of peaceable assembly; petition. The people have the right to assemble, in a peaceable manner, to consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to petition the government, or any department thereof, for the redress of grievances."

Note the part about "instructing their representatives"

And then the article brings up how Cheryl Scott's replacement was also picked.  At the time of her resignation Scott said it would be better for the council to pick her replacement than to let the people do it.

As for arrogance, it is possible that Jeff Vaught of Ward III is the leader in that respect:

But Councilman Jeff Vaught said all the Shawnee antics are small and he’s tired of all the racket from critics.“We are getting hammered,” he said, even though Shawnee is one of the most open and fiscally responsible cities in Johnson County.“In Shawnee we are getting beat up over this crazy stuff. I don’t get it.” Vaught probably forgot that during the appointment process of Willoughby he was critical of Mike Kemmling for interrupting council member, and as such was not qualified to be appointed to the council.  Heck a review of the video of that meeting shows that both he and Kuhn interrupt folks all the time, more than Kemmling. And folks wonder why the DA is investigating the council for their actions. Read the Star's article...........it might just open some eyes.http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/17/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html  

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/17/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/17/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/17/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/17/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html#storylink=cpy

Mayor Should Thank Kevin Straub

By now many folks have probably heard about  Mayor Jeff Meyers, parking illegally in a handicapped spot.  This occurred this past Tuesday in the city hall parking lot during a city council meeting.

The mayor received a warning  about this infraction, and subsequently chose to donate $135 to the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund. 

Kevin Straub, the former council member, reported the infraction to the authorities.  The mayor should have been thankful to Straub for doing this.  Why?  Because a donation like this one is tax deductible, whereas a traffic fine is not.  Instead the mayor is reported in the Shawnee Dispatch as being upset with Straub: Though Straub no longer resides in Shawnee, Meyers said, “he’s looking for anything and everything (to criticize the city for)." ttp://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/nov/15/mayor-not-ticketed-disabled-parking-violation/

Straub also questioned the mayor's explanation, as reported by KCTV 5:

In a statement, Meyers claimed that he knew "a full house was waiting on him because the parking lot was completely filled."

"The disabled spots were the only ones available and I made the decision that I would park there and accept whatever consequences occurred in order to get the meeting started. In retrospect, it probably wasn't the best decision. It won't happen again," Meyers said in his statement posted on the city's website.

Hogwash, according to Straub.

He said he entered the U-shaped parking lot just ahead of Meyers. Straub said Meyers failed to circle around the entire parking lot so it's impossible for him to know that all the parking spots were taken.

"If you don't go all the way around, you don't know if it's full or not," he said. "But he was running late and grabbed the first spot that was available."

The mayor also has access to any number of doors at City Hall and could have parked in the back of the building where ample spaces were available, Straub said.

Straub said City Hall insiders have told him that Meyers actually forgot that the meeting had been moved to Tuesday night because of the Veterans Day holiday. Straub said someone called Meyer to ask where he was and the mayor had to dash to City Hall.  http://www.kctv5.com/story/20111562/tardy-shawnee-mayor-illegally-parks-in-handicapped-spot

Shawnee Citizen's Police Academy

On Wednesday night I felt honored to be one of 23 individuals who have completed the current Shawnee Citizen's Police Academy.

The academy was started again last year after being put on hiatus for many years.

 Before proceeding, allow me to make it clear that it does not qualify anybody to be a law enforcement official.

What it does do though is it makes the average citizen more aware of what the police department does. It also gives a microscopic view of what an individual has to go through to become an officer in Shawnee.

We learned that many officers wear multiple hats and are responsible for a variety of functions.  We also learned how officers are rotated through the various elements of the department to make them more efficient and better equipped to handle a variety of situations.

Watching the K9 officers put their four legged partners through their paces was very interesting.  And it was nice to know that they, along with our traffic accident investigations personnel have been called upon by neighboring cities to assist them where needed. That is indicative of the skill and training these individuals have.

Getting to drive a short course, with lights flashing was fun, and probably fulfilled a few dreams. 
Learning how various officers are always working to help to prevent crime and the various tools available to them for this purpose can be an eye opener for many.  And what type of class like this would be complete without some range time?

A ride along with an officer was also part of the course.  Allow me to say, that those interested can apply for a ride along without going through the academy.  The ride alongs themselves can be very enlightening, as compared to what is seen on TV.  I personally have been on ride alongs prior to the academy and have commented on them here on this blog.  The attitude and professionalism of the officers on patrol is extremely positive.

One of the interesting aspects of the class was the make up of the attendees.  Male, female, young, old, and a broad spectrum of job backgrounds. 

Going forward, the PD will be seeking volunteers from this group to assist in various areas, so as to allow officers and professional staff more time for their primary functions.  A small price, IMHO, to pay for what they give to the community.

Check the city's website for next year's class. I'm guessing that info for the 2013 class will probably be posted sometime in the late spring/early summer of 2013.          http://gsh.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/PoliceCMS.nsf/vwContent/CitizenAcademy?OpenDocument

The Three Rs

Romney, Ryan and Ray

(click to see larger image)

Congrats

Hearty congratulations to:


Mary Pilcher-Cook                     State Sen 10
Greg Smith                                  State Sen 21

Brett Hildabrand                         State Rep  17
John Rubin                                  State Rep  18
Kelly Meigs                                State Rep  23
Charles Macheers                       State Rep 39

Steve Roberts                             State Bd of Ed  2

Another Vet Day Celebration - Sprint

On Thursday, November 8, Sprint will be holding a Veterans Day Celebration at approximately 117 and Nall.  Public is welcome.

 

Veterans Day Celebration on campus

Thursday, Nov. 8

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Aircraft will land at approx. 11 a.m.

Paige Field on the Overland Park Campus

Military and civilian public service displays:

·   US Army helicopters: AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-57 Chinook

·   Coast Guard HU-25 Falcon flyover during the National Anthem

·   US Army Reserve and National Guard ground equipment, Signal Corps, Military Police, Transportation Co.

·   Historical military vehicles - Military Vehicle Preservation Association

·   312^th Army Band

·   Overland Park Police and Fire Departments – SWAT team, bomb squad and K9 demonstrations

·   Johnson County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Lab, weapons display, SWAT armored vehicle

·   Fraternal Military organizations, including the Marine Corps League and Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

·   Department of Veterans Affairs

·   Vietnam Veterans of America Huey display helicopter

·   Military life while deployed will be highlighted with military field gear on display

·   On-site military recruiters to answer questions and provide small mementos

·   Slugger, KC Wolf and KC Comets players

·   Fort Leavenworth, Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Riley and National WW1 Museum hands-on indoor display for visitors to use current and historical military gear in Building 6180 Employee Activity Center

·   Toys-for-Tots collection

·   Employee Resource Group information from Sprint and JPMorgan Chase

·   Lunch is available for purchase while supplies last: Roasterie Coffee, BBQ and chili stations

*Please note that due to last-minute missions, some military equipment or helicopters may be dispatched