We witnessed a subtle, but very important change last night. In the past when an item came up before the council a motion would be made and seconded to approve. Then discussion and input from the public and council would be asked for. After that, the motion would either be changed or voted on. Mayor Distler now asks for comments from the public and the council before entertaining any motions on an item. This should give the council opportunities to hear various points on an item prior to making any motions.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Michelle Distler's Swearing In- Vid Clip
Last night Michelle Distler took the oath of office as Shawnee's first female mayor. A new era is beginning at Shawnee's city hall.
We witnessed a subtle, but very important change last night. In the past when an item came up before the council a motion would be made and seconded to approve. Then discussion and input from the public and council would be asked for. After that, the motion would either be changed or voted on. Mayor Distler now asks for comments from the public and the council before entertaining any motions on an item. This should give the council opportunities to hear various points on an item prior to making any motions.
We witnessed a subtle, but very important change last night. In the past when an item came up before the council a motion would be made and seconded to approve. Then discussion and input from the public and council would be asked for. After that, the motion would either be changed or voted on. Mayor Distler now asks for comments from the public and the council before entertaining any motions on an item. This should give the council opportunities to hear various points on an item prior to making any motions.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
The New City Council
After Monday's swearing in ceremony the Shawnee City Council will be short one person as our soon to be new mayor, Michelle Distler will be vacating her Ward IV council seat.
Look for the announcement to be made as to the procedure for filing to fill the seat and how the appointment will be handled.
One qualification that is mandatory is that the individual has to live within the boundaries of Ward IV. A map of the city's wards and then each ward individually can be found here: https://gis.cityofshawnee.org/GISImages/PDF_Maps/WARDS.pdf
Look for the announcement to be made as to the procedure for filing to fill the seat and how the appointment will be handled.
One qualification that is mandatory is that the individual has to live within the boundaries of Ward IV. A map of the city's wards and then each ward individually can be found here: https://gis.cityofshawnee.org/GISImages/PDF_Maps/WARDS.pdf
Friday, April 10, 2015
Come See History Being Made
History will be made Monday evening 4/13/15 when Michelle Distler takes the oath of office as Mayor of Shawnee, the first female mayor in the city's long history.
The meeting starts at 7:30PM at City Hall 11110 Johnson Drive (Johnson & Nieman). Newly elected Council Member Eric Jenkins will also be sworn in along with returning Council Members Stephanie Meyer, Jim Neighbor and Mickey Sandifer.
Come witness history being made.
The meeting starts at 7:30PM at City Hall 11110 Johnson Drive (Johnson & Nieman). Newly elected Council Member Eric Jenkins will also be sworn in along with returning Council Members Stephanie Meyer, Jim Neighbor and Mickey Sandifer.
Come witness history being made.
Tuesday, April 07, 2015
Shawnee Has A New Mayor
The unofficial final results are in and it looks like Michelle Distler will be Shawnee's new mayor. And, she will also become the first woman to be elected to that position.
After the primary election many people commented on the high road that both Michelle Distler and her opponent Dan Pflumm took towards each other.This will prove beneficial to the city as Dan Pflumm still retains his council seat. They both deserve to be congratulated for their hard work in getting their messages out, and in the manner that they conducted their campaigns
In Ward I Jim Neighbor was able to hold on to his seat and fend off first time challenger Ben Terrill. Don't count Ben out. Look for him to be involved in city happenings going forward.
In Ward II Eric Jenkins defeated the incumbent Neal Sawyer. Eric will bring some well deserved freshness to the council.
Stephanie Meyer, running unopposed in Ward III will be serving a full term, and Mickey Sandifer, also running unopposed, in Ward IV will be returned to his seat. But, there were 34 write-in votes in Ward IV :-) :-)
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
After the primary election many people commented on the high road that both Michelle Distler and her opponent Dan Pflumm took towards each other.This will prove beneficial to the city as Dan Pflumm still retains his council seat. They both deserve to be congratulated for their hard work in getting their messages out, and in the manner that they conducted their campaigns
In Ward I Jim Neighbor was able to hold on to his seat and fend off first time challenger Ben Terrill. Don't count Ben out. Look for him to be involved in city happenings going forward.
In Ward II Eric Jenkins defeated the incumbent Neal Sawyer. Eric will bring some well deserved freshness to the council.
Stephanie Meyer, running unopposed in Ward III will be serving a full term, and Mickey Sandifer, also running unopposed, in Ward IV will be returned to his seat. But, there were 34 write-in votes in Ward IV :-) :-)
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
His Ego Won't Let Go
Like a scorned lover, it would appear that Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught can't seem to accept that he was bounced out of the primary election for mayor on March 3, 2015. Today it is five weeks since the voters told him he was out of contention for mayor.
Why do I say he can't accept it? Easy, his "Mayor" Facebook page is still up, even though he has another one as a council member. His "Mayor" web site is still up, even though he has another one as a council member. His monument sign on Nieman Road has not been changed out, back to a commercial one, and I have been told (unverified) that he still has some yard signs out there, particularly in Ward III.
It's time to let go.............you lost...........
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Why do I say he can't accept it? Easy, his "Mayor" Facebook page is still up, even though he has another one as a council member. His "Mayor" web site is still up, even though he has another one as a council member. His monument sign on Nieman Road has not been changed out, back to a commercial one, and I have been told (unverified) that he still has some yard signs out there, particularly in Ward III.
It's time to let go.............you lost...........
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Sidebar: A big thank you to all those who have been visiting this blog from outside of Kansas. I hope you have found it interesting and will continue to check it out. A particular thank you to whoever has been visiting from Mansfield, Massachusetts. Our form of government out here is different than your Selectmen/Town Manager/Town Moderator style :-) :-)
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
DTJVSD
Sunday, April 05, 2015
Two Days to Go
Two days to go before the election.
Let's keep it simple:
For Mayor: Michelle Distler
Ward I Councilmember: Ben Terrill
Ward II Councilmember: Eric Jenkins
Ward IV Councilmember: Write in my name, your name, the name of any resident of Ward IV as a statement to Mickey Sandifer
I have been asked why the sudden move for a write-in campaign against Mickey Sandifer. Scroll down (posted 3/19/15) and you'll see my comments about the recent NLC conference in Washington DC. Apparently the city manager thought the highlight was sitting seven rows back to hear Obama. When challenged about this, by email, Mickey Sandifer replied:
"I would say a highlight was when we received some very good information about the quiet zones in western Shawnee from the Senators and it appeared that they were going to help up us try to achieve that goal. And their were many other ideas of cost saving things that I was able to listen to from other Cities around the country."
When asked to be more specific about the cost savings ideas, he wanted to talk about it. He was asked to put that info in writing. He wouldn't. Typical. By talking he could deny that he said certain things or that the listener misunderstood. By putting the items in writing he could be held accountable. He was also asked to provide that info before he had time to have someone else write it for him.
I realize a write-in won't stop him from getting reelected, as he is running unopposed. But, whatever number of people do write-in, it might make a statement.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Let's keep it simple:
For Mayor: Michelle Distler
Ward I Councilmember: Ben Terrill
Ward II Councilmember: Eric Jenkins
Ward IV Councilmember: Write in my name, your name, the name of any resident of Ward IV as a statement to Mickey Sandifer
******************************
I have been asked why the sudden move for a write-in campaign against Mickey Sandifer. Scroll down (posted 3/19/15) and you'll see my comments about the recent NLC conference in Washington DC. Apparently the city manager thought the highlight was sitting seven rows back to hear Obama. When challenged about this, by email, Mickey Sandifer replied:
"I would say a highlight was when we received some very good information about the quiet zones in western Shawnee from the Senators and it appeared that they were going to help up us try to achieve that goal. And their were many other ideas of cost saving things that I was able to listen to from other Cities around the country."
When asked to be more specific about the cost savings ideas, he wanted to talk about it. He was asked to put that info in writing. He wouldn't. Typical. By talking he could deny that he said certain things or that the listener misunderstood. By putting the items in writing he could be held accountable. He was also asked to provide that info before he had time to have someone else write it for him.
I realize a write-in won't stop him from getting reelected, as he is running unopposed. But, whatever number of people do write-in, it might make a statement.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Wednesday, April 01, 2015
Mayor Meyers Fails to Properly Inform
Unbelievable. In his third rant about the proposed change in dates of city elections, even Mayor Jeff Meyers holds back on important info.
On the city's web site and in an email sent out to the city's listserv addresses the mayor fails to mention that the current proposal calls for city offices to be listed at the top of the ballot. That would be ahead of any "biggies", like president, governor, etc. Gee, will his latest also show up in the Shawnee Dispatch?
Why is the mayor so vehemently opposed to November elections? Spring elections for city offices usually only draw about 10% of registered voters. Fall elections usually draw 50%-70%. Don't we want more participation in city elections?
But I guess city officials don't disseminate bad or misleading information, only bloggers do that. Right?
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
On the city's web site and in an email sent out to the city's listserv addresses the mayor fails to mention that the current proposal calls for city offices to be listed at the top of the ballot. That would be ahead of any "biggies", like president, governor, etc. Gee, will his latest also show up in the Shawnee Dispatch?
Why is the mayor so vehemently opposed to November elections? Spring elections for city offices usually only draw about 10% of registered voters. Fall elections usually draw 50%-70%. Don't we want more participation in city elections?
But I guess city officials don't disseminate bad or misleading information, only bloggers do that. Right?
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
A Week To Go
The two candidates running for mayor in Shawnee came out of a 4 person primary. Both are good people. My personal preference would be Michelle Distler.
In Ward II, I feel that Eric Jenkins needs to be elected. It's time for Neal Sawyer to retire from the council.
In Ward I Ben Terrill needs to replace Jim Neighbor.
And lastly, in Ward IV Mickey Sandifer has refused to state, in writing what he learned at the recent NLC event in DC. That's typical of him. He always wants to talk about it, so he can't be held to his statements. This is not the first time. So, let's start a write-in campaign. Write-in my name, your name or the name of anybody else who lives in Ward IV
In Ward II, I feel that Eric Jenkins needs to be elected. It's time for Neal Sawyer to retire from the council.
In Ward I Ben Terrill needs to replace Jim Neighbor.
And lastly, in Ward IV Mickey Sandifer has refused to state, in writing what he learned at the recent NLC event in DC. That's typical of him. He always wants to talk about it, so he can't be held to his statements. This is not the first time. So, let's start a write-in campaign. Write-in my name, your name or the name of anybody else who lives in Ward IV
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Jim Neighbor Cites Old and Bad Info
At the candidate forum last Thursday night, council member Jim Neighbor cited some erroneous information.
The question came up about the potential changes for city elections. Neighbor was claiming that if the city elections were moved to the fall, that city elections would suffer, because they would be listed on the bottom of a long ballot, and there would be a "voter fall off".
Well, whoever is supplying Mr. Neighbor with his information is not staying up to date on what is happening in the legislature. I wonder who that could be? wink wink
The most current update to the bill (Mar 19, 2015, a full week before the forum) to change municipal elections, provides for two very important items:
1. Municipal elections would remain non-partisan, unless the municipality changed that
2. Municipal elections would be on the top of the ballot, ahead of the "biggies" (governor, president, congress,etc) Try this for verification.
I do wish that elected officials would get their info straight.
Another reason to get somebody new and fresh to represent Ward I in the upcoming election.
Elect Ben Terrill to the city council. His background indicates he will stay up to date on his research
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
The question came up about the potential changes for city elections. Neighbor was claiming that if the city elections were moved to the fall, that city elections would suffer, because they would be listed on the bottom of a long ballot, and there would be a "voter fall off".
Well, whoever is supplying Mr. Neighbor with his information is not staying up to date on what is happening in the legislature. I wonder who that could be? wink wink
The most current update to the bill (Mar 19, 2015, a full week before the forum) to change municipal elections, provides for two very important items:
1. Municipal elections would remain non-partisan, unless the municipality changed that
2. Municipal elections would be on the top of the ballot, ahead of the "biggies" (governor, president, congress,etc) Try this for verification.
I do wish that elected officials would get their info straight.
Another reason to get somebody new and fresh to represent Ward I in the upcoming election.
Elect Ben Terrill to the city council. His background indicates he will stay up to date on his research
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Sandifer.....Clueless
Ahhh, Mickey Sandifer never ceases ti amaze me.
At Monday's council meeting there was an item to approve a resolution that a developer had submitted an application for housing tax credits. This was strictly to confirm that the application was filed. Nothing more.
In his "wisdom" Sandifer commented on how he has been against construction that was based on housing tax credits since he felt those types of housing units brought high crime with them. In this case he felt the location was ok since the police were already in that neighborhood (DDACTS enforcement??).
Here's the kicker. If he had read and understood the application it was for senior housing. That's right, not family housing but senior housing. Elderly, old, most likely retired. I didn't realize that seniors living in housing that received tax credits were considered to have a penchant to be criminals.
When Sandifer says things like this I believe he is showing how clueless he can be. And that is much of the time. I really feel bad that he is running for reelection unopposed.
Hey, I've got an idea. Write-in candidates. I'm gonna write-in my name. If you live in Ward IV do the same. Write-in your name, my name or the name of anybody else in Ward IV. It won't be enough to beat him, but it might make a statement.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
At Monday's council meeting there was an item to approve a resolution that a developer had submitted an application for housing tax credits. This was strictly to confirm that the application was filed. Nothing more.
In his "wisdom" Sandifer commented on how he has been against construction that was based on housing tax credits since he felt those types of housing units brought high crime with them. In this case he felt the location was ok since the police were already in that neighborhood (DDACTS enforcement??).
Here's the kicker. If he had read and understood the application it was for senior housing. That's right, not family housing but senior housing. Elderly, old, most likely retired. I didn't realize that seniors living in housing that received tax credits were considered to have a penchant to be criminals.
When Sandifer says things like this I believe he is showing how clueless he can be. And that is much of the time. I really feel bad that he is running for reelection unopposed.
Hey, I've got an idea. Write-in candidates. I'm gonna write-in my name. If you live in Ward IV do the same. Write-in your name, my name or the name of anybody else in Ward IV. It won't be enough to beat him, but it might make a statement.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Jim Neighbor Supports Cronyism & Nepotism, Needs To Go
Jim Neighbor who is running for reelection as Ward I city council member has shown, by his voting, that he supports cronyism and nepotism.
First, Neighbor was one of the council members that voted to appoint Alan "The Mayor's Uncle by Marriage" to the city council to fill the seat of David Morris who had resigned. Remember, Willoughby's appointment resulted in a KOMA violation investigation by the JoCo District Attorney, who subsequently issued a strong letter of rebuke.
Now let's fast forward to December of 2012. Keep in mind that when Willoughby ran for a full term on the council he was soundly defeated by Mike Kemmling. Then when Dawn Kuhn resigned from the council that created a vacancy on the planning commission. Willoughby applied for the position (on the last day of the application period).
Neighbor then voted to appoint Willoughby to the planning commission. He was one of four council members that did this, forcing the mayor to cast the tie breaker, which put Willoughby on the commission. If Neighbor had had any intestinal fortitude he would not have voted for Willoughby. Instead he went along with the cronyism/nepotism that was so obvious.
Now, what is really wild is Neighbor's reason for casting that vote. He claimed it would bring "stability" to the planning commission. Read more about that here.
Ward I deserves better than that. They need Ben Terrill to represent them.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
First, Neighbor was one of the council members that voted to appoint Alan "The Mayor's Uncle by Marriage" to the city council to fill the seat of David Morris who had resigned. Remember, Willoughby's appointment resulted in a KOMA violation investigation by the JoCo District Attorney, who subsequently issued a strong letter of rebuke.
Now let's fast forward to December of 2012. Keep in mind that when Willoughby ran for a full term on the council he was soundly defeated by Mike Kemmling. Then when Dawn Kuhn resigned from the council that created a vacancy on the planning commission. Willoughby applied for the position (on the last day of the application period).
Neighbor then voted to appoint Willoughby to the planning commission. He was one of four council members that did this, forcing the mayor to cast the tie breaker, which put Willoughby on the commission. If Neighbor had had any intestinal fortitude he would not have voted for Willoughby. Instead he went along with the cronyism/nepotism that was so obvious.
Now, what is really wild is Neighbor's reason for casting that vote. He claimed it would bring "stability" to the planning commission. Read more about that here.
Ward I deserves better than that. They need Ben Terrill to represent them.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Shawnee Candidate forum - Thiursday 3/26/15
This is info from the Shawnee Dispatch
The Johnson County League of Women Voters is holding another Shawnee candidate forum on Mar. 26.
The event will feature the candidates for Shawnee Mayor, Michelle Distler and Dan Pflumm, and the candidates for the Ward I city council seat, Jim Neighbor and Ben Terrill.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5325 Nieman Road. The forum is open to the public.
The Johnson County League of Women Voters is holding another Shawnee candidate forum on Mar. 26.
The event will feature the candidates for Shawnee Mayor, Michelle Distler and Dan Pflumm, and the candidates for the Ward I city council seat, Jim Neighbor and Ben Terrill.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5325 Nieman Road. The forum is open to the public.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
National League of Cities - March 2015
Any long term reader of this blog knows how I feel when it comes to the National League of Cities (NLC) and the Kansas League of Municipalities (KLM).
I feel that attendance at their conventions can be positive. Those who go can quite possibly bring back useful information to their cities. My complaints have been that there were many times when the city sent, IMHO, too many people to these conventions. The suggestion was to send four people, the mayor, two council members and the city manager. They could then report back to the governing body about what they learned at the various seminars that could be useful to our city.
At the convention of the NLC that was recently held in DC, we sent only three people. That's good. We sent Mayor Meyers, Council Member Sandifer and City Manager Gonzales. I do question the mayor's participation on this trip since in about 3 weeks he will no longer be mayor. Based on open records requests for similar trips a safe guess is that we spent $5K-$6K for this trip.
So, what kind of report of useful information was given to the governing body?
Below is the info as obtained via an open records request. The info is in an email from the city manager to the governing body (council). This is all that was mentioned in that email about the trip.
National League of Cities. We had a very good experience at the NLC Conference, with the highlight being 7th row back to hear President Obama speak in person to the membership. It was very cool. We also had good visits with Senator Roberts, Senator Moran and Representative Yoder's staff person. They provided us with some current information on efforts being made in regard to trains and quiet zones; and were intrigued with the "active handicapped access" symbol. We will follow up with them.
Golly, can you imagine the excitement that would have been expressed if they had been sitting in the third row?
I feel that attendance at their conventions can be positive. Those who go can quite possibly bring back useful information to their cities. My complaints have been that there were many times when the city sent, IMHO, too many people to these conventions. The suggestion was to send four people, the mayor, two council members and the city manager. They could then report back to the governing body about what they learned at the various seminars that could be useful to our city.
At the convention of the NLC that was recently held in DC, we sent only three people. That's good. We sent Mayor Meyers, Council Member Sandifer and City Manager Gonzales. I do question the mayor's participation on this trip since in about 3 weeks he will no longer be mayor. Based on open records requests for similar trips a safe guess is that we spent $5K-$6K for this trip.
So, what kind of report of useful information was given to the governing body?
Below is the info as obtained via an open records request. The info is in an email from the city manager to the governing body (council). This is all that was mentioned in that email about the trip.
National League of Cities. We had a very good experience at the NLC Conference, with the highlight being 7th row back to hear President Obama speak in person to the membership. It was very cool. We also had good visits with Senator Roberts, Senator Moran and Representative Yoder's staff person. They provided us with some current information on efforts being made in regard to trains and quiet zones; and were intrigued with the "active handicapped access" symbol. We will follow up with them.
Golly, can you imagine the excitement that would have been expressed if they had been sitting in the third row?
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Elect Eric Jenkins in Ward II - Say Sayonara to Neal Sawyer
It's time for a change Shawnee. Eric Jenkins (website) needs to be elected as the council member in Ward II and Neal Sawyer needs to say sayonara.
On a personal basis, Neal is a nice guy and likable. But, IMHO and that of many others, he has erred on many votes. Some of which will be brought out on future posts here. In his last election he only won by eleven votes. That was real close. What it means is that virtually half of his ward did not want him back in office. He has also lost his election for precinct committeeman. This has to tell you something.
Now, let's talk for a moment about Neal's actions on the council. He has a habit of playing the teeter totter game. If you go up to him and talk about an item (particularly spending) that may have been contentious, and that you do/did not favor he'll tell you "remember I spoke out against it". Which is usually the truth. But did he vote against it? What he does is he speaks against an item in debate. Then when it comes time to vote he makes a statement about his vote, beforehand, and will usually say something like "I am against this or don't agree with it but feel I have to vote for it because.......". On the other hand, if you liked the item, he'll tell you he voted for it, but not that he spoke against it. Hence, teeter totter.
Just search the minutes of council meetings (except for that period of time when we did not have full minutes which he had voted to do away with and leave only audio). So, what is he doing? He's playing both ends against the middle. He is another person who, IMHO, has abrogated his responsibilities to bureaucratic control.
Eric Jenkins would bring a welcome change to the council. Eric has a strong background and would bring some new perspectives to the council. Visit Eric's website
On a personal basis, Neal is a nice guy and likable. But, IMHO and that of many others, he has erred on many votes. Some of which will be brought out on future posts here. In his last election he only won by eleven votes. That was real close. What it means is that virtually half of his ward did not want him back in office. He has also lost his election for precinct committeeman. This has to tell you something.
Now, let's talk for a moment about Neal's actions on the council. He has a habit of playing the teeter totter game. If you go up to him and talk about an item (particularly spending) that may have been contentious, and that you do/did not favor he'll tell you "remember I spoke out against it". Which is usually the truth. But did he vote against it? What he does is he speaks against an item in debate. Then when it comes time to vote he makes a statement about his vote, beforehand, and will usually say something like "I am against this or don't agree with it but feel I have to vote for it because.......". On the other hand, if you liked the item, he'll tell you he voted for it, but not that he spoke against it. Hence, teeter totter.
Just search the minutes of council meetings (except for that period of time when we did not have full minutes which he had voted to do away with and leave only audio). So, what is he doing? He's playing both ends against the middle. He is another person who, IMHO, has abrogated his responsibilities to bureaucratic control.
Eric Jenkins would bring a welcome change to the council. Eric has a strong background and would bring some new perspectives to the council. Visit Eric's website
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Volunteers at Shawnee St. Pat's Day Parade
Great parade. First time in years that we had decent temperature and no rain.
Guess who was spotted, but not really in the parade. Seems that Michelle Distler, candidate for mayor was working as a PD volunteer to assist with traffic control at key intersections. She is a graduate of the 2011 Citizens Police Academy. As such, when the request went out for CPA graduates to volunteer to help out she gladly said she would. This was not her first volunteer tour of duty, as over the years she has accumulated many, many hours as a volunteer.
Guess who was spotted, but not really in the parade. Seems that Michelle Distler, candidate for mayor was working as a PD volunteer to assist with traffic control at key intersections. She is a graduate of the 2011 Citizens Police Academy. As such, when the request went out for CPA graduates to volunteer to help out she gladly said she would. This was not her first volunteer tour of duty, as over the years she has accumulated many, many hours as a volunteer.
Friday, March 13, 2015
It's Important to Support Good COWs
What's a COW? I mentioned this a few years ago. It's council member from other ward.
A voter can only vote for council members in their own ward. But anybody, from any ward, can help support somebody who is running in any ward. What kind of help? Donations, help with delivery of literature, and various other things.
So, even if you don't live in Ward I you can help to support Ben Terrill http://www.benterrill.net/
And, even if you don't live in Ward II you can help to support Eric Jenkins http://www.ericjenkinsforshawnee.com/
Shawnee needs these two individuals on the city council. It's time to replace Neighbor (I) and Sawyer (II)
A voter can only vote for council members in their own ward. But anybody, from any ward, can help support somebody who is running in any ward. What kind of help? Donations, help with delivery of literature, and various other things.
So, even if you don't live in Ward I you can help to support Ben Terrill http://www.benterrill.net/
And, even if you don't live in Ward II you can help to support Eric Jenkins http://www.ericjenkinsforshawnee.com/
Shawnee needs these two individuals on the city council. It's time to replace Neighbor (I) and Sawyer (II)
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Ward I Needs Ben Terrill - Say Goodbye to Jim Neighbor
The general election is coming up on Tuesday, April 7, 2015.
IMHO, the voters of Ward I need to elect Ben Terrill, and not reelect Jim Neighbor.
On numerous occasions Neighbor has shown that he cannot or will not respond to some basic, simple inquiries. He runs from answering questions. This blog has documented various instances of that and there are more.
He has shown to be one of the council members who have forgotten that they represent the people and that the city manager works for the council. He has abrogated his responsibilities.
Ben Terrill will give Ward I a true representative of the people and not a pawn for a bureaucrat. Ben enters this election with his only allegiance being to the people of Ward I and ultimately the City of Shawnee.
For more info about Ben go to http://www.benterrill.net/
IMHO, the voters of Ward I need to elect Ben Terrill, and not reelect Jim Neighbor.
On numerous occasions Neighbor has shown that he cannot or will not respond to some basic, simple inquiries. He runs from answering questions. This blog has documented various instances of that and there are more.
He has shown to be one of the council members who have forgotten that they represent the people and that the city manager works for the council. He has abrogated his responsibilities.
Ben Terrill will give Ward I a true representative of the people and not a pawn for a bureaucrat. Ben enters this election with his only allegiance being to the people of Ward I and ultimately the City of Shawnee.
For more info about Ben go to http://www.benterrill.net/
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Money Talk Financial Foundations
A friend of mine has recently started a non-profit. Information about this can be found at the Facebook page
and at its web site www.moneytalkff.org
If you shop on Amazon you can also help by using this link for your shopping
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-3216486 with no additional cost to you a portion of what you spend will be directed to the non-profit.
Sunday, March 08, 2015
Vaught is in La La Land
Well it seems that Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught still thinks he is a player in Shawnee politics.
On his campaign Facebook page he posted this little gem Saturday morning attempting to cast aspersions on the individuals who beat him, handily, in the primary:
I'm at another Legislative Breakfast this morning. Of course, neither of the two Shawnee mayoral candidates are here. What the legislature does directly impacts our city.
Well, one of the victors in the primary, Michelle Distler, had this to say and posted it as a comment on that FB page:
I apologize I cannot be everywhere at once Mr. Vaught. I was at the League of Women voters forum with Representative Rooker, Dr. Jim Hinson, and Dr. Berry listening to them discuss the local budget option and other things in regards to our schools. What the legislature does indeed directly impact us and fortunately since I can get that information from other sources the school discussion had to take priority with me yesterday
Sidebar: What is truly ironic is that Vaught has claimed to know what the schools need. Remember, he misused an email list from the Riverview PTA to state how great he is. So, why wasn't he at the forum on the schools? Maybe he'd rather use the legislative breakfast for potential photo ops?
Some misguided folks have called him a leader. A leader of what? Well, he did lead in contributions collected for his campaign. As a matter of fact based on current filings he collected almost as much as Pflumm and Distler combined. He had the backing of a very prestigious campaign committee including some influential members of the Shawnee Chamber.
Maybe real people found him to be a leader of bovine scatology?
That nose just grows and grows.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
On his campaign Facebook page he posted this little gem Saturday morning attempting to cast aspersions on the individuals who beat him, handily, in the primary:
I'm at another Legislative Breakfast this morning. Of course, neither of the two Shawnee mayoral candidates are here. What the legislature does directly impacts our city.
Well, one of the victors in the primary, Michelle Distler, had this to say and posted it as a comment on that FB page:
I apologize I cannot be everywhere at once Mr. Vaught. I was at the League of Women voters forum with Representative Rooker, Dr. Jim Hinson, and Dr. Berry listening to them discuss the local budget option and other things in regards to our schools. What the legislature does indeed directly impact us and fortunately since I can get that information from other sources the school discussion had to take priority with me yesterday
Sidebar: What is truly ironic is that Vaught has claimed to know what the schools need. Remember, he misused an email list from the Riverview PTA to state how great he is. So, why wasn't he at the forum on the schools? Maybe he'd rather use the legislative breakfast for potential photo ops?
Some misguided folks have called him a leader. A leader of what? Well, he did lead in contributions collected for his campaign. As a matter of fact based on current filings he collected almost as much as Pflumm and Distler combined. He had the backing of a very prestigious campaign committee including some influential members of the Shawnee Chamber.
Maybe real people found him to be a leader of bovine scatology?
That nose just grows and grows.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Saturday, March 07, 2015
Shawnee Council President
While we now concentrate on the upcoming general election (April 7, 2015), we may lose sight of what happens after that event.
Shawnee will elect a new mayor for the first time in many years, and there are two council seats that could see changes (hopefully) in Wards I & II.
But, what else happens that can have an affect on the city? The council elects a council president. What are the functions of the council president? The council president serves as the chairman of the council committee. The council president also presides over the council when the mayor is absent, attends official functions in the absence of the mayor, and, if something happens where the mayor is no longer able to serve, the council president becomes mayor.
Let's consider the fact that we have two long serving council members vying for the mayor's seat. These are individuals that have both been returned to their seats by the voters in their wards, multiple times.
The results of the primary election indicate that a majority of Shawnee's voters would be willing to have either one of them serve as mayor. Between the two of them, they garnered 58.32% of the votes cast, in a 4 way race. In the general election, the individual that does not become mayor will retain their council seat. As such, it only makes sense that that person becomes council president.
The choice of the council president is up to the rest of the council. I can only hope that they see the logic of my comments above.
Shawnee will elect a new mayor for the first time in many years, and there are two council seats that could see changes (hopefully) in Wards I & II.
But, what else happens that can have an affect on the city? The council elects a council president. What are the functions of the council president? The council president serves as the chairman of the council committee. The council president also presides over the council when the mayor is absent, attends official functions in the absence of the mayor, and, if something happens where the mayor is no longer able to serve, the council president becomes mayor.
Let's consider the fact that we have two long serving council members vying for the mayor's seat. These are individuals that have both been returned to their seats by the voters in their wards, multiple times.
The results of the primary election indicate that a majority of Shawnee's voters would be willing to have either one of them serve as mayor. Between the two of them, they garnered 58.32% of the votes cast, in a 4 way race. In the general election, the individual that does not become mayor will retain their council seat. As such, it only makes sense that that person becomes council president.
The choice of the council president is up to the rest of the council. I can only hope that they see the logic of my comments above.
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