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.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Back From My Nap
Yepper..........I took a nap, Rip Van Winkle style.
Decided I needed a break from posting here. Now that I've woken up, stretched my legs, fingers etc, it's time to hit the keyboard and resume posting my opinions.
First.......the Cobblestone project. At a recent city council meeting (12/22/08)the council voted to approve a TIF District for this development. The three council members who voted against this were on the right track, IMHO. In particular, council member Sawyer, who as reported by the KC Star was really confused since city services and staffing have been curtailed. Is this really the time for a TIF for this type of project? Methinks not. Would have to agree with the three who voted against it.
I'm always intrigued when tax abatements and/or TIFs are given out and we are told that "x" number of new jobs will be created. In this case the number is 68. But, will that be 68 new residents in the city? Will that be 68 existing residents working here instead of in another city? Or, will that be 68 people working here but living and spending most of their money somewhere else? Bet that it's the latter one.
I have asked the city to do a quick, periodic survey of how many employees at each business (maybe just the larger ones) actually live within Shawnee. Not personl info (name, address etc) just the number. It would be so easy to do, by zip code.
Moving on..............let's look ahead to April 2010. That is not too far away. It's actually less than 16 months. What happens in 16 months. It will be city election time again. Four council members will be up for reelection. My personal opinion: three of them need to be replaced. More on this as time goes on. Suffice it to say that if they were electronic directional devices their combined initials would be GPS.
Ahhhhhhhh, the keyboard feels good beneath my fingers.
Decided I needed a break from posting here. Now that I've woken up, stretched my legs, fingers etc, it's time to hit the keyboard and resume posting my opinions.
First.......the Cobblestone project. At a recent city council meeting (12/22/08)the council voted to approve a TIF District for this development. The three council members who voted against this were on the right track, IMHO. In particular, council member Sawyer, who as reported by the KC Star was really confused since city services and staffing have been curtailed. Is this really the time for a TIF for this type of project? Methinks not. Would have to agree with the three who voted against it.
I'm always intrigued when tax abatements and/or TIFs are given out and we are told that "x" number of new jobs will be created. In this case the number is 68. But, will that be 68 new residents in the city? Will that be 68 existing residents working here instead of in another city? Or, will that be 68 people working here but living and spending most of their money somewhere else? Bet that it's the latter one.
I have asked the city to do a quick, periodic survey of how many employees at each business (maybe just the larger ones) actually live within Shawnee. Not personl info (name, address etc) just the number. It would be so easy to do, by zip code.
Moving on..............let's look ahead to April 2010. That is not too far away. It's actually less than 16 months. What happens in 16 months. It will be city election time again. Four council members will be up for reelection. My personal opinion: three of them need to be replaced. More on this as time goes on. Suffice it to say that if they were electronic directional devices their combined initials would be GPS.
Ahhhhhhhh, the keyboard feels good beneath my fingers.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Obama's Civilian National Security Force
For those who question my previous post. The thought of an organization like this is scary, real scary.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
The Election 2008
Well, it's over. Almost three years of campaigning and it's over. A few weeks ago I read a commentary in the newspaper that JFK announced his candidacy on Jan 2, 1960. That gave us an 11 month campaign.
Why can't we have that again? These multi year campaigns can be a drag.....and the people involved in them are taking away from their regular functions to participate.
Anyway, we now have a new President-elect.
Which way will this country go? Will we go down the road to a socialist state? My opinion is that that is highly probable based on some of his statements. Will people strive to better themselves (as he did) only to lose whatever they gain?
On the international scene, what will happen in the mideast? I fear for our only true ally in that part of the world, and maybe in the entire world; Israel. Why are the countries such as Iran celebrating Mr Obama's victory? I fear that he will sell Israel down the road.
I fear for our military. I fear that Mr Obama will weaken its ability to protect this country. I fear for Mr Obama's proposed civilian national security force. I fear what that may become. If a civilian national security force becomes a reality will it in effect become a praetorian guard? Or worse, an SA type organization,(Sturmabteilung).
Why can't we have that again? These multi year campaigns can be a drag.....and the people involved in them are taking away from their regular functions to participate.
Anyway, we now have a new President-elect.
Which way will this country go? Will we go down the road to a socialist state? My opinion is that that is highly probable based on some of his statements. Will people strive to better themselves (as he did) only to lose whatever they gain?
On the international scene, what will happen in the mideast? I fear for our only true ally in that part of the world, and maybe in the entire world; Israel. Why are the countries such as Iran celebrating Mr Obama's victory? I fear that he will sell Israel down the road.
I fear for our military. I fear that Mr Obama will weaken its ability to protect this country. I fear for Mr Obama's proposed civilian national security force. I fear what that may become. If a civilian national security force becomes a reality will it in effect become a praetorian guard? Or worse, an SA type organization,(Sturmabteilung).
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Vote, It's Important
By now many of us have read and or heard various individuals implore us to vote on election day.
Well, I'm going to toss out my two cents worth.
Probably the most common excuse for not voting is "my vote doesn't count".
Well, that is not true. Let's break the election into two categories: Presidential election and all others.
Most people's daily lives are affected by the "all others", from city council, to mayor, to state reps, to governor, to US reps. Everybody's vote counts. Many times, these elections have less than 50% of the registered voters turning out. Do the numbers. Every vote counts. We have all seen local elections decided by just a handful of voters.
Now let's go to the Presidential election. I have heard many folks say that their vote doesn't count, especially because of the electoral college. Let's look at that closer. Usually, the candidate that gets the most votes in a state gets the elctoral votes for that state. Look at Florida a few years ago. Less than 600 votes decided the outcome. Now is it possible for a candidate to get more popular votes and lose because of the electoral college? It is possible. Let's just use two states as an example. Florida and Wyoming. One candidate can get Flroida's electoral votes by winning the state by less than 600. His opponent could be super victorious in Wyoming (maybe by thousands) and get far fewer electoral votes. And that could happen across the board. The "winner" being victorious in large electoral states by minuscule magins, and the "loser" trouncing in small electoral states. Is this realistic?
It still boils down to the fact that every vote really does count.
We've all read and seen various items along the same theme: "Freedom isn't free.....all gave some, some gave all" Freedom is not free and one of our legacies of freedom is the right to vote. Don't throw that right away.
Well, I'm going to toss out my two cents worth.
Probably the most common excuse for not voting is "my vote doesn't count".
Well, that is not true. Let's break the election into two categories: Presidential election and all others.
Most people's daily lives are affected by the "all others", from city council, to mayor, to state reps, to governor, to US reps. Everybody's vote counts. Many times, these elections have less than 50% of the registered voters turning out. Do the numbers. Every vote counts. We have all seen local elections decided by just a handful of voters.
Now let's go to the Presidential election. I have heard many folks say that their vote doesn't count, especially because of the electoral college. Let's look at that closer. Usually, the candidate that gets the most votes in a state gets the elctoral votes for that state. Look at Florida a few years ago. Less than 600 votes decided the outcome. Now is it possible for a candidate to get more popular votes and lose because of the electoral college? It is possible. Let's just use two states as an example. Florida and Wyoming. One candidate can get Flroida's electoral votes by winning the state by less than 600. His opponent could be super victorious in Wyoming (maybe by thousands) and get far fewer electoral votes. And that could happen across the board. The "winner" being victorious in large electoral states by minuscule magins, and the "loser" trouncing in small electoral states. Is this realistic?
It still boils down to the fact that every vote really does count.
We've all read and seen various items along the same theme: "Freedom isn't free.....all gave some, some gave all" Freedom is not free and one of our legacies of freedom is the right to vote. Don't throw that right away.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Jordan's Robo Calls - Part 2
I received a call shortly after lunch from Matt Manda of Jordan's campaign.
He has taken care of the problem. I appreciate that, and a public thank you to him.
I will say this about Matt: In both of our conversations he diplayed respect for a constituent, and a high degree of professionalism.
Again, thank you Matt Manda.
He has taken care of the problem. I appreciate that, and a public thank you to him.
I will say this about Matt: In both of our conversations he diplayed respect for a constituent, and a high degree of professionalism.
Again, thank you Matt Manda.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Jordan's Robo Calls
Robo calls (auto dial) can be a pain.
Now, political robo calls are exempt from the various "Do Not Call Lists". But, you would think that if a citizen asked for them to stop, that the campaign would do something about it.
Not the Nick Jordan campaign.
Oct 7, 2008: After getting what I felt were too many of these calls I contacted their office at 913.829.8683. A volunteer (I will not name her here)said she didn't think the name/number could be removed (wrongggggggggg), so I asked her to pass the info on to someone in authority.
Oct 19, 2008: Similar to the above (different volunteer) Asked again, to have my numbers removed from their lists.
Oct 28, 2008: They keep dialing and calling, dialing and calling. Called Jordan's office and this time the volunteer connected me with a staffer (Nat Manda). He seemed empathetic enough, said it would be taken care of, and asked if he could call me back to confirm that it was taken care. I gave him my cell phone number to call me back on.
Oct 29, 2008: Today, another call. Called the campaign office again. Manda was not available. Spoke with another staffer, a Barri Pruitt. She advised me that it was too difficult to go through these lists to remove folks. These lists are updated daily, and according to her are in "pdf" format, and it would just be too difficult. Huh?????? Something that is in pdf format is a written document. These numbers are loaded into a computerized calling system. There has to be a way to delete the numbers from a system. (The same or similar procedure that a commercial company would have to take for a do not call violation). Anyway, I informed Ms Pruitt that I considered the calls to be invasive and harassing. Are ya ready? She didn't think they were either one because they were recorded messages, not live calls. Hey, it's my phone, my house and I consider the calls to be invasive and harassing.
So this man wants to represent me in the 3rd Cong Dist? Shouldn't somebody who is running for office attempt or have a staff that attempts to be responsive to the citizenry? Basically, Ms Pruitt indicated when I asked if I would get more calls between today and the election that it could happen.
Ironically, I am a registered republican. In this election I have voted for two democrats (by mail ballot). Mr Jordan's opponent is one of the two.
Oh, I did inform Ms Pruitt that she could read about this episode on this blog.
Enjoy...........
Now, political robo calls are exempt from the various "Do Not Call Lists". But, you would think that if a citizen asked for them to stop, that the campaign would do something about it.
Not the Nick Jordan campaign.
Oct 7, 2008: After getting what I felt were too many of these calls I contacted their office at 913.829.8683. A volunteer (I will not name her here)said she didn't think the name/number could be removed (wrongggggggggg), so I asked her to pass the info on to someone in authority.
Oct 19, 2008: Similar to the above (different volunteer) Asked again, to have my numbers removed from their lists.
Oct 28, 2008: They keep dialing and calling, dialing and calling. Called Jordan's office and this time the volunteer connected me with a staffer (Nat Manda). He seemed empathetic enough, said it would be taken care of, and asked if he could call me back to confirm that it was taken care. I gave him my cell phone number to call me back on.
Oct 29, 2008: Today, another call. Called the campaign office again. Manda was not available. Spoke with another staffer, a Barri Pruitt. She advised me that it was too difficult to go through these lists to remove folks. These lists are updated daily, and according to her are in "pdf" format, and it would just be too difficult. Huh?????? Something that is in pdf format is a written document. These numbers are loaded into a computerized calling system. There has to be a way to delete the numbers from a system. (The same or similar procedure that a commercial company would have to take for a do not call violation). Anyway, I informed Ms Pruitt that I considered the calls to be invasive and harassing. Are ya ready? She didn't think they were either one because they were recorded messages, not live calls. Hey, it's my phone, my house and I consider the calls to be invasive and harassing.
So this man wants to represent me in the 3rd Cong Dist? Shouldn't somebody who is running for office attempt or have a staff that attempts to be responsive to the citizenry? Basically, Ms Pruitt indicated when I asked if I would get more calls between today and the election that it could happen.
Ironically, I am a registered republican. In this election I have voted for two democrats (by mail ballot). Mr Jordan's opponent is one of the two.
Oh, I did inform Ms Pruitt that she could read about this episode on this blog.
Enjoy...........
Monday, October 20, 2008
I Messed Up - Cancel the Vote for Roman
Did I really say I was going to change my vote to vote for Pete Roman instead of Mary Pilcher Cook in the state senate district 10 race?
Change that..........voting for Cook.
Change that..........voting for Cook.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A Dangerous Man
This man is dangerous. The last time a country had a national civilian security force they wore brown shirts, jackboots and a funny looking armband.
And, he wants it to be just as powerful as the military!!!!!!!!
And, he wants it to be just as powerful as the military!!!!!!!!
Whoops.........Gotta Change One Vote
The more I think about it, the more I have to change one of my votes.
KS Senate District 10: Pete Roman
KS Senate District 10: Pete Roman
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
How I'm Voting
These are the folks I'm planning on voting for..........naturally, everybody has to do what they think is right.
President & VP: McCain/Palin
U S Senate: Pat Roberts
U S Congressman: Dennis Moore
KS Rep Dist 23: Augie Bogina
KS Senate Dist 10: Mary Pilcher Cook
Johnson County Commission Dist 2: Jim Allen
District Attorney: Rick Guinn
President & VP: McCain/Palin
U S Senate: Pat Roberts
U S Congressman: Dennis Moore
KS Rep Dist 23: Augie Bogina
KS Senate Dist 10: Mary Pilcher Cook
Johnson County Commission Dist 2: Jim Allen
District Attorney: Rick Guinn
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Agendas & Special Interests III
I have written about this on two previous occasions. With the upcoming election, I thought it might be interesting to bring it up again.
Many times we hear that a candidate has an agenda or is supported by special interests. These two terms are probably some of the most misused and abused expressions in a political campaign.
Agenda: What's wrong with having an agenda? As a matter of fact all candidates need to have agendas. They have to be able to state what they want to accomplish. That is an agenda. Voters need to have agendas. They need to know what they want their candidate(s) to accomplish. If a candidate does not have an agenda, then that person, if elected, is going to take office on a blind track. Having an agenda is only a negative if that agenda is different from your agenda as a voter.
Special interests: This is another abused and misused term. When a candidate has an agenda, then that candidate will be supported by folks who agree with that agenda. Hence, they are special interests. Again, what's wrong with that? Special interests are only negative if they disagree with your personal special interests.
I just wish candidates and political analysts (and the general public) would quit the abuse of these two phrases.
Many times we hear that a candidate has an agenda or is supported by special interests. These two terms are probably some of the most misused and abused expressions in a political campaign.
Agenda: What's wrong with having an agenda? As a matter of fact all candidates need to have agendas. They have to be able to state what they want to accomplish. That is an agenda. Voters need to have agendas. They need to know what they want their candidate(s) to accomplish. If a candidate does not have an agenda, then that person, if elected, is going to take office on a blind track. Having an agenda is only a negative if that agenda is different from your agenda as a voter.
Special interests: This is another abused and misused term. When a candidate has an agenda, then that candidate will be supported by folks who agree with that agenda. Hence, they are special interests. Again, what's wrong with that? Special interests are only negative if they disagree with your personal special interests.
I just wish candidates and political analysts (and the general public) would quit the abuse of these two phrases.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
KCI Responds
Before I post the response from KCI's spokesman, Joe McBride, I first must apologize to him, and KCI. He responded within 24 hours to my previous post. Because of some unforseen circumstances I did not get to post that response in a timely manner. His response is below.
Hi Ray:
I will address your questions regarding the master plan, but please read the below editorial first. The Kansas City Star chooses not to paint an accurate picture or downplays some key points to get people writing. The below editorial submitted some time ago may help allay some of your concerns.
Key here is that all Master Plans look at terminal needs in the future. The primary focus in this area is to protect land for future terminal development so the land is available if and when we need it. Planners take it a step further by looking at terminal needs in the future and how existing facilities can possibly accommodate additional passengers, flights, amenities, etc. while considering the buildings as they age. There will be another Master Plan before planning would begin for future terminal needs and changes. More than likely, we are 15 or more years out, probably more than 20. And when it happens, it will be a bi-state process.
KCI Master Plan
Master plans are conducted every 10 years and issues like noise, land use, airfield capacity, terminal needs, etc. are examined as a matter of course. The planning team’s focus is not only on possible terminal locations or designs, but future runway and taxiway needs to prevent the major delays that most large airports are facing.
KCI served 11.3 million passengers in 2007. At current growth rates, the airport could run out of terminal space by 2020 (the current economic downturn could push the date out even farther). As the Master Plan process looks at all aspects of the airport, the study team is looking into future passenger terminal needs for when, not if, KCI reaches full capacity of its three terminals. The Kansas City Aviation Department will not be prepared if we do not start planning now. No terminal concepts will be implemented before the next planning process in 10 years and it is likely that nothing would be constructed prior to the year 2020. Just because recommendations are made does not absolutely mean that they will be implemented. Circumstances like 9/11 and airline mergers can change plans. They are working documents.
The last Master Plan completed in 1995 suggested reallocating space for baggage claim, ticketing and concessions, and reducing the number of security checkpoints. This work was performed with the Terminal Improvement Project. The plan also called for constructing a new terminal complex when existing terminals reach the end of their useful life. The plan contemplated 20 million passengers as being the threshold.
When it comes time to refine a terminal design in years to come, we will task planners to produce efficient concepts that best achieve the level the convenience that customers are used to (short walk and short security lines). As is in the case of current Master Plan process, terminal design will be developed with City Council and public input.
Consider that KCI’s passenger terminals were designed in the late 1960s, prior to airline hubbing, terrorism and security checkpoints. The layout is very inefficient for passenger flow, security screening, baggage handling, concession variety and taxi and bus operations. The terminals were finished in 1972. While they were renovated and some of the faults fixed, the shell and other infrastructure will sometime deteriorate past their useful life. City officials at that time decided to extend the useful life of the passenger terminals at the lowest possible cost.
To simply add a fourth terminal of the same design would be to perpetuate an outdated design. To start from scratch and to incorporate the strengths of KCI’s terminals is an exciting opportunity! We promise to do so.
KCI is a true regional airport.
The questions I'd like to see answered are:
1. How many Kansas residents (numbers and percentages) utilize KCI? Possibly even broken down by county.See attached PowerPoint slides. This is all we have. (See attached file: Zip codes 2008 Powerpoint.ppt) (The powerpoint prsentation was a survey at KCI encompassing 32,992 transactions in June at the Garage, Circle and Economy areas. It broke it down by zip code and then recapped it by state. The state recaps were: KS 49% MO 45% and Other 6%)
2. How many tourists (numbers and percentages) visiting, have a Kansas location as their destination?We do not have that information. Perhaps the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association would have it.
3. How many business travelers (numbers and percentages) have a Kansas location as their destination?We do not have that information.
4. How many of those above would like to see the configuration of the airport remain the way it is. (Supposedly it was designed with the possibility of a 4th circular terminal being built if necessary)We do not have this information. Anecdotally, we receive a considerable number of complaints and insults from people who live outside Kansas City that the design is outdated and inconvenient.
5. How much input will Kansas residents and businesses be permitted regarding any changes?As with our Master Plan process, people from throughout the region can take part. Public meetings are held and are promoted in advance with news releases, public notices in the KC Star and direct mail post cards to thousands of northland residents (it would be very expensive to go beyond this area, and the noise aspects of the studies more directly affect these residents). As noted above, there will likely be another Master Plan that will address the terminal needs in 10 years.
Based upon the line of questions you must perceive that the Kansas City Aviation Department is unaware that KCI's customer base includes the Kansas side. Long before our recent zip code survey, we knew that not only was there heavy draw from Johnson County, but also the Emporia, Wichita, Des Moines, Springfield and other cities outside the metro area. Usually about a third are from outside the area. One swing through Economy Parking will tell you that. That said, we understand who our customers are and will solicit the input of those in the community when the time come to contemplate the future of KCI's passenger terminals.
Thanks for the opportunity to weigh in!
Best regards,
Joe McBride
Kansas City Aviation Department
601 Brasilia Avenue
KCMO 64153
Hi Ray:
I will address your questions regarding the master plan, but please read the below editorial first. The Kansas City Star chooses not to paint an accurate picture or downplays some key points to get people writing. The below editorial submitted some time ago may help allay some of your concerns.
Key here is that all Master Plans look at terminal needs in the future. The primary focus in this area is to protect land for future terminal development so the land is available if and when we need it. Planners take it a step further by looking at terminal needs in the future and how existing facilities can possibly accommodate additional passengers, flights, amenities, etc. while considering the buildings as they age. There will be another Master Plan before planning would begin for future terminal needs and changes. More than likely, we are 15 or more years out, probably more than 20. And when it happens, it will be a bi-state process.
KCI Master Plan
Master plans are conducted every 10 years and issues like noise, land use, airfield capacity, terminal needs, etc. are examined as a matter of course. The planning team’s focus is not only on possible terminal locations or designs, but future runway and taxiway needs to prevent the major delays that most large airports are facing.
KCI served 11.3 million passengers in 2007. At current growth rates, the airport could run out of terminal space by 2020 (the current economic downturn could push the date out even farther). As the Master Plan process looks at all aspects of the airport, the study team is looking into future passenger terminal needs for when, not if, KCI reaches full capacity of its three terminals. The Kansas City Aviation Department will not be prepared if we do not start planning now. No terminal concepts will be implemented before the next planning process in 10 years and it is likely that nothing would be constructed prior to the year 2020. Just because recommendations are made does not absolutely mean that they will be implemented. Circumstances like 9/11 and airline mergers can change plans. They are working documents.
The last Master Plan completed in 1995 suggested reallocating space for baggage claim, ticketing and concessions, and reducing the number of security checkpoints. This work was performed with the Terminal Improvement Project. The plan also called for constructing a new terminal complex when existing terminals reach the end of their useful life. The plan contemplated 20 million passengers as being the threshold.
When it comes time to refine a terminal design in years to come, we will task planners to produce efficient concepts that best achieve the level the convenience that customers are used to (short walk and short security lines). As is in the case of current Master Plan process, terminal design will be developed with City Council and public input.
Consider that KCI’s passenger terminals were designed in the late 1960s, prior to airline hubbing, terrorism and security checkpoints. The layout is very inefficient for passenger flow, security screening, baggage handling, concession variety and taxi and bus operations. The terminals were finished in 1972. While they were renovated and some of the faults fixed, the shell and other infrastructure will sometime deteriorate past their useful life. City officials at that time decided to extend the useful life of the passenger terminals at the lowest possible cost.
To simply add a fourth terminal of the same design would be to perpetuate an outdated design. To start from scratch and to incorporate the strengths of KCI’s terminals is an exciting opportunity! We promise to do so.
KCI is a true regional airport.
The questions I'd like to see answered are:
1. How many Kansas residents (numbers and percentages) utilize KCI? Possibly even broken down by county.See attached PowerPoint slides. This is all we have. (See attached file: Zip codes 2008 Powerpoint.ppt) (The powerpoint prsentation was a survey at KCI encompassing 32,992 transactions in June at the Garage, Circle and Economy areas. It broke it down by zip code and then recapped it by state. The state recaps were: KS 49% MO 45% and Other 6%)
2. How many tourists (numbers and percentages) visiting, have a Kansas location as their destination?We do not have that information. Perhaps the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association would have it.
3. How many business travelers (numbers and percentages) have a Kansas location as their destination?We do not have that information.
4. How many of those above would like to see the configuration of the airport remain the way it is. (Supposedly it was designed with the possibility of a 4th circular terminal being built if necessary)We do not have this information. Anecdotally, we receive a considerable number of complaints and insults from people who live outside Kansas City that the design is outdated and inconvenient.
5. How much input will Kansas residents and businesses be permitted regarding any changes?As with our Master Plan process, people from throughout the region can take part. Public meetings are held and are promoted in advance with news releases, public notices in the KC Star and direct mail post cards to thousands of northland residents (it would be very expensive to go beyond this area, and the noise aspects of the studies more directly affect these residents). As noted above, there will likely be another Master Plan that will address the terminal needs in 10 years.
Based upon the line of questions you must perceive that the Kansas City Aviation Department is unaware that KCI's customer base includes the Kansas side. Long before our recent zip code survey, we knew that not only was there heavy draw from Johnson County, but also the Emporia, Wichita, Des Moines, Springfield and other cities outside the metro area. Usually about a third are from outside the area. One swing through Economy Parking will tell you that. That said, we understand who our customers are and will solicit the input of those in the community when the time come to contemplate the future of KCI's passenger terminals.
Thanks for the opportunity to weigh in!
Best regards,
Joe McBride
Kansas City Aviation Department
601 Brasilia Avenue
KCMO 64153
Saturday, September 20, 2008
KCI Komedy Part II
About one year ago I posted a short item about the possible changes at KCI airport. Please see http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/search?q=KCI+Komedy
More stories have been appearing lately about the possibility of changing the configuration of KCI.
The airport comes under the authority of the City of KCMO through its Aviation Department.
Having flown in and out of KCI I can personally say it is a pleasure compared to other airports with the single or central terminal design. Friends, relatives and business associates who have come through KCI also marvel at its positive uniqueness.
KCI is a true regional airport.
The questions I'd like to see answered are:
1. How many Kansas residents (numbers and percentages) utilize KCI? Possibly even broken down by county.
2. How many tourists (numbers and percentages) visiting, have a Kansas location as their destination?
3. How many business travelers (numbers and percentages) have a Kansas location as their destination?
4. How many of those above would like to see the configuration of the airport remain the way it is. (Supposedly it was designed with the possibility of a 4th circular terminal being built if necessary)
5. How much input will Kansas residents and businesses be permitted regarding any changes?
More stories have been appearing lately about the possibility of changing the configuration of KCI.
The airport comes under the authority of the City of KCMO through its Aviation Department.
Having flown in and out of KCI I can personally say it is a pleasure compared to other airports with the single or central terminal design. Friends, relatives and business associates who have come through KCI also marvel at its positive uniqueness.
KCI is a true regional airport.
The questions I'd like to see answered are:
1. How many Kansas residents (numbers and percentages) utilize KCI? Possibly even broken down by county.
2. How many tourists (numbers and percentages) visiting, have a Kansas location as their destination?
3. How many business travelers (numbers and percentages) have a Kansas location as their destination?
4. How many of those above would like to see the configuration of the airport remain the way it is. (Supposedly it was designed with the possibility of a 4th circular terminal being built if necessary)
5. How much input will Kansas residents and businesses be permitted regarding any changes?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A Video Worth Watching
This was on You Tube and is currently being passed around the net.
Definitely worth the two minutes to view..........especially the ending............
Definitely worth the two minutes to view..........especially the ending............
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Food for Thought
Received this in an email from a friend of mine. Seems to hit the nail on the haed.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon.
You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.
You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.
BUT....From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate.That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan. .......................143 days?
We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that's all it is, a start.
AND, strangely, a large sector of the American public seems to feel comfortable with this and campaigning for him.We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are OK with this, for the President of the United States of America ?
Come on folks, we are not voting for the next American Idol.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon.
You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.
You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.
BUT....From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate.That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan. .......................143 days?
We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that's all it is, a start.
AND, strangely, a large sector of the American public seems to feel comfortable with this and campaigning for him.We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are OK with this, for the President of the United States of America ?
Come on folks, we are not voting for the next American Idol.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Election 2008 Survey Results from 8/30/08
Our survey questions posted 8/30 are ready. Remember, these are not necessarily scientific in nature.
Guess we might have to do one closer to the election:
1. Who is your choice for President/VP?
McCain/Palin 62.2%
Obama/Biden 29.7%
Not sure 8.1%
2. Was Palin a good choice by McCain?
Yes 55.6%
No 33.3%
Not sure 11.1%
3. Was Biden a good choice by Obama?
Yes 51.4%
No 27.0%
Not sure 21.6%
4. Who is your choice for Congressman, 3d Dist?
Dennis Moore 54.1%
Nick Jordan 32.4%
Not sure 13.5%
5. Who is your choice for Johnson County District Attorney?
Steve Howe 43.2%
Rick Guinn 32.4%
Not sure 24.3%
Guess we might have to do one closer to the election:
1. Who is your choice for President/VP?
McCain/Palin 62.2%
Obama/Biden 29.7%
Not sure 8.1%
2. Was Palin a good choice by McCain?
Yes 55.6%
No 33.3%
Not sure 11.1%
3. Was Biden a good choice by Obama?
Yes 51.4%
No 27.0%
Not sure 21.6%
4. Who is your choice for Congressman, 3d Dist?
Dennis Moore 54.1%
Nick Jordan 32.4%
Not sure 13.5%
5. Who is your choice for Johnson County District Attorney?
Steve Howe 43.2%
Rick Guinn 32.4%
Not sure 24.3%
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Results From Survey of 8/28
On 8/28/08 we posted:
Do you think Pflumm and/or Straub should resign considering the manner in which they responded to inquiries about the Wash. DC dinner?
Or maybe a recall?
Here are the results, not necessarily scientific, but most on-line polls aren't. Interesting at least.
1. Should Council Member Pflumm resign?
Yes 94.7%
No 5.6%
2. Should Council Member Straub resign?
Yes 97.4%
No 2.6%
3. Should Council Member Pflumm be subject to recall?
Yes 78.9%
No 21.1%
4. Should Council Member Straub be subject to recall?
Yes 81.6%
No 18.4%
Do you think Pflumm and/or Straub should resign considering the manner in which they responded to inquiries about the Wash. DC dinner?
Or maybe a recall?
Here are the results, not necessarily scientific, but most on-line polls aren't. Interesting at least.
1. Should Council Member Pflumm resign?
Yes 94.7%
No 5.6%
2. Should Council Member Straub resign?
Yes 97.4%
No 2.6%
3. Should Council Member Pflumm be subject to recall?
Yes 78.9%
No 21.1%
4. Should Council Member Straub be subject to recall?
Yes 81.6%
No 18.4%
Monday, September 01, 2008
KC Chiefs
Actually, the purpose of this post is to test a third polling format.
We have already tried two different poll formats and want to see which one we will use going forward.
Take the poll about the Chiefs. Will they make it to the playoffs?
We have already tried two different poll formats and want to see which one we will use going forward.
Take the poll about the Chiefs. Will they make it to the playoffs?
Saturday, August 30, 2008
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