Well, Dawn Kuhn responded to my email, which necessitated a response back by me:
Her response:
My maiden name is Dawn White.
I am paid appropriately by both the City of Shawnee and my private employer. I file the correct Federal and State tax forms accordingly.
Dawn Kuhn
Council Member Ward 3
City of Shawnee
My reply to that:
Ms. Kuhn,
You are still not answering the questions. Why are you using two different names for payment from the City of Shawnee? Your payroll is White and your expenses are Kuhn.
As for your private employer, which is it? Are they paying you under your maiden name as the city does? Or are they paying you as Kuhn?
Very simple questions.
Ray Erlichman
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Is it Kuhn or is it White?
This thing with the last names for Council Member Kuhn (see my previous posts of 3/22/12 & 3/28/12) was sticking out like a sore thumb. Decided to go straight to the source and get the info direct from the horse's mouth. Sent Ms Kuhn the following email this afternoon:
Dear Ms. Kuhn,
Based on information contained at the web site http://www.kansasopengov.org I submitted some KORA requests to the City of Shawnee.
The Kansas Open Gov site does not list “Dawn Kuhn” as a council member for Shawnee but does list a “Dawn White”.
I found this to be perplexing, since you have filed on multiple occasions for the position as “Kuhn”, are registered to vote as such, and won elections under that name. It also appears that you may have signed some of the campaign finance reports as such.
The KORA requests came back and verified that:
a. You appear on payroll for your council member’s salary with the surname of “White”
b. You receive reimbursements for expenses as a council member with the surname ‘Kuhn”
Would you care to explain why the multiple names for various reimbursements by the city to you?
Additionally, I cannot inquire of Bank Midwest as to how you appear on their payroll, but it would be interesting if you would supply that information. You are designated I believe as a Vice-President and Banking Center Manager as “Dawn Kuhn”. Do they pay you as “Kuhn” or do they pay you as “White”?
Thank you,
Ray Erlichman
Dear Ms. Kuhn,
Based on information contained at the web site http://www.kansasopengov.org I submitted some KORA requests to the City of Shawnee.
The Kansas Open Gov site does not list “Dawn Kuhn” as a council member for Shawnee but does list a “Dawn White”.
I found this to be perplexing, since you have filed on multiple occasions for the position as “Kuhn”, are registered to vote as such, and won elections under that name. It also appears that you may have signed some of the campaign finance reports as such.
The KORA requests came back and verified that:
a. You appear on payroll for your council member’s salary with the surname of “White”
b. You receive reimbursements for expenses as a council member with the surname ‘Kuhn”
Would you care to explain why the multiple names for various reimbursements by the city to you?
Additionally, I cannot inquire of Bank Midwest as to how you appear on their payroll, but it would be interesting if you would supply that information. You are designated I believe as a Vice-President and Banking Center Manager as “Dawn Kuhn”. Do they pay you as “Kuhn” or do they pay you as “White”?
Thank you,
Ray Erlichman
Where Are the Line Items?
Well, the "Minutes" package for the 5/22/12 committee meeting has been posted, but without the line item budgets, just the summary minutes.
Where are they? Hmmmmm, there were some items that Councilmember Sawyer questioned and he was told they could be discussed by contacting the city manager later.
Maybe some members of the community have questions. Why not post them on line?
Do we know how to spell transparency? I know, it's spelled "contact me later".
Where are they? Hmmmmm, there were some items that Councilmember Sawyer questioned and he was told they could be discussed by contacting the city manager later.
Maybe some members of the community have questions. Why not post them on line?
Do we know how to spell transparency? I know, it's spelled "contact me later".
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Vacancy in Ward II
In a surprise move, David Morris resigned last Thursday night as council member from Ward II.
The process for filling that position has started, and the information is available at
http://www.cityofshawnee.org/Web/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwNews/F183A8791A7F497686257A0D0059B887?OpenDocument
The process for filling that position has started, and the information is available at
http://www.cityofshawnee.org/Web/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwNews/F183A8791A7F497686257A0D0059B887?OpenDocument
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Budget Meeting - What Happened 5/22/12?
I waited until today to post my comments because I wanted to see when the minutes and the minutes packet would be posted on the city's web site. Usually it is done within 2 days of a meeting. As of this morning they have not been posted.
There were some interesting items brought up at the meeting and folks need to read and hear the info.
One thing that I found strange was that at the beginning of the meeting the city manager handed out line item budgets for each department. (What is in the agenda packet for each department are not line item budgets). She then told the council members that they would not be discussing them and if anybody had any questions they could contact her individually.
Well, Council member Sawyer questioned the overtime expenditures for some of the departments. Not because he felt they were unjustified, just wanted some clarification. That's normal. The third time he asked, the repartee between him and the city manager got quite contentious. She informed him he could contact her later and they would discuss. He then made some comment about would that be a back room discussion.
So, where are these line item budgets? Why aren't they or the minutes package on line? Why couldn't council members discuss line items in open session? Why would they have to contact the city manager away from the meeting? You can (or should be able to hear) the back and forth on this on the audio version of the meeting.
Historical date: Jeff Vaught actually expressed concern about something that I agree with. He was concerned about the city continuing to use Lotus Notes as the basis for various databases and other computer functions. Definitely something that needs to be researched further.
There were some interesting items brought up at the meeting and folks need to read and hear the info.
One thing that I found strange was that at the beginning of the meeting the city manager handed out line item budgets for each department. (What is in the agenda packet for each department are not line item budgets). She then told the council members that they would not be discussing them and if anybody had any questions they could contact her individually.
Well, Council member Sawyer questioned the overtime expenditures for some of the departments. Not because he felt they were unjustified, just wanted some clarification. That's normal. The third time he asked, the repartee between him and the city manager got quite contentious. She informed him he could contact her later and they would discuss. He then made some comment about would that be a back room discussion.
So, where are these line item budgets? Why aren't they or the minutes package on line? Why couldn't council members discuss line items in open session? Why would they have to contact the city manager away from the meeting? You can (or should be able to hear) the back and forth on this on the audio version of the meeting.
Historical date: Jeff Vaught actually expressed concern about something that I agree with. He was concerned about the city continuing to use Lotus Notes as the basis for various databases and other computer functions. Definitely something that needs to be researched further.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Budget Meeting - Tuesday 5/22/12
7:00PM Tue 3/22/12 at city hall
From the city's email announcement:
"This budget meeting will be a review of the General Fund including:
revenues, background and options related to critical issues,
Information Technology program; and, department presentations"
From the city's email announcement:
"This budget meeting will be a review of the General Fund including:
revenues, background and options related to critical issues,
Information Technology program; and, department presentations"
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Economic Development..............Who Pays?
Pretty buzz words aren't they? Economic development..................wow............gotta have it...........maybe..........sometimes..............who pays for it? What is the return?
OK, here is an opinion piece that was in the KC Star today. Now, it is a little on the lengthy side, but definitely deserves a read. And yes, it is regarding a situation between KCMO and Overland Park, but certain items satnd out.
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/05/09/3603413/picking-taxpayers-pockets-for.html
Now, when you read that article, pay particular attention to this portion of it:
Teva Neuroscience soon will get what it wants which, according to the city staff report, is “proximity to the Overland Park convention center and the city’s other amenities.”
Wait a minute.
Didn’t the public help build all those amenities partly to attract companies like Teva, per Eilert’s tactics many years ago? Absolutely. But now taxpayers will have to shell out again to actually get the businesses to come to Overland Park. Disgraceful
Taxpayer money to build the attractions that were supposed to attract new businesses, and now taxpayer money to pay those new businesses for coming into the area?????
Interesting, huh?
Each and every future economic development plan for Shawnee needs to be gone over with a fine tooth comb. Bully tactics against those who raise objections are not to be tolerated. Some plans are good, some are typical "stick it to the taxpayers". The bully tactics are like "if you're not in favor of this economic development plan then you are anti-Shawnee". Complete analysis is needed of each plan pur forth.
OK, here is an opinion piece that was in the KC Star today. Now, it is a little on the lengthy side, but definitely deserves a read. And yes, it is regarding a situation between KCMO and Overland Park, but certain items satnd out.
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/05/09/3603413/picking-taxpayers-pockets-for.html
Now, when you read that article, pay particular attention to this portion of it:
Teva Neuroscience soon will get what it wants which, according to the city staff report, is “proximity to the Overland Park convention center and the city’s other amenities.”
Wait a minute.
Didn’t the public help build all those amenities partly to attract companies like Teva, per Eilert’s tactics many years ago? Absolutely. But now taxpayers will have to shell out again to actually get the businesses to come to Overland Park. Disgraceful
Taxpayer money to build the attractions that were supposed to attract new businesses, and now taxpayer money to pay those new businesses for coming into the area?????
Interesting, huh?
Each and every future economic development plan for Shawnee needs to be gone over with a fine tooth comb. Bully tactics against those who raise objections are not to be tolerated. Some plans are good, some are typical "stick it to the taxpayers". The bully tactics are like "if you're not in favor of this economic development plan then you are anti-Shawnee". Complete analysis is needed of each plan pur forth.
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Budget Items for 2013
Some of the budget items for 2013 will be discussed at the council committee meeting Tuesday, 5/8/12 at city hall at 7:00PM
Go here and click on the agenda packet for 5/8/12 to see the items to be discussed that evening:
http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwContent/AgendasMinutes?OpenDocument&navKey=AgendasMinutesGovernment
Go here and click on the agenda packet for 5/8/12 to see the items to be discussed that evening:
http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwContent/AgendasMinutes?OpenDocument&navKey=AgendasMinutesGovernment
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Repeating Info For Veterans
Memorial Day this year is Monday, the 28th. There will be various activities in the metro area.
Some of these activities will most likely include the playing of the national anthem and the colors being raised or marching by.
As such, I'd like to repeat a post from last year:
The Defense Authorization Acts of 2008 and 2009 had some interesting changes.
Veterans, and active duty military in civilian clothing now have the option of rendering the military style hand salute instead of the civilian hand over the chest salute. This applies to the raising, lowering or passing of the colors as well as during the playing of the National Anthem.
Those individuals who are wearing cover (hats/caps for the uninformed civilians) may keep the cover on while rendering the hand salute. If they choose to perform the civilian hand over the chest then they should remove their cover, and hold it over their chest.
Some of these activities will most likely include the playing of the national anthem and the colors being raised or marching by.
As such, I'd like to repeat a post from last year:
The Defense Authorization Acts of 2008 and 2009 had some interesting changes.
Veterans, and active duty military in civilian clothing now have the option of rendering the military style hand salute instead of the civilian hand over the chest salute. This applies to the raising, lowering or passing of the colors as well as during the playing of the National Anthem.
Those individuals who are wearing cover (hats/caps for the uninformed civilians) may keep the cover on while rendering the hand salute. If they choose to perform the civilian hand over the chest then they should remove their cover, and hold it over their chest.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Budget for 2013
Are you interested in the city's budget and how your tax dollars are spent?
The list of meeting dates for this item are on line at http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwContent/2013BudgetCalendar?OpenDocument
Get involved..................
The list of meeting dates for this item are on line at http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwContent/2013BudgetCalendar?OpenDocument
Get involved..................
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Coming Soon, to A Computer Near You
In the not too distant future there will be videos of the city council and committee meetings posted on line.
If you remember, certain members of the city council voted to do away with the detailed council minutes. The audio versions of council meetings are nice, but unless one knows who is speaking it is sometimes hard to tell who it is. Granted, the mayor is supposed to reognize council members and folks that come to the podium usually identify themselves, but sometimes there are cross conversations.
Anyway, some cities already provide videos of council meetings and some even provide live web streaming.
Shawnee is not going to do either, so a group of individuals have gotten together and will be doing it.
Now for the laugh of the week.......last week one of the councilmembers was overheard to say something to the effect that folks who sit around taking videos of council meetings must lead pathetic lives. Gee, if the city would do it, then folks would not have to get together on their own to do it. Making disparaging comments about folks who are willing to, on their own, provide a service that the city won't provide should be commended, not ridiculed. Wonder if the taking of these videos would count towards the city's new volunteer program? Just kidding
Anyway, down the road, once this really gets going, the folks involved will be providing their time and some funds for this civic endeavor. Just hope that the rest of the city finds the info helpful and useful.
If you remember, certain members of the city council voted to do away with the detailed council minutes. The audio versions of council meetings are nice, but unless one knows who is speaking it is sometimes hard to tell who it is. Granted, the mayor is supposed to reognize council members and folks that come to the podium usually identify themselves, but sometimes there are cross conversations.
Anyway, some cities already provide videos of council meetings and some even provide live web streaming.
Shawnee is not going to do either, so a group of individuals have gotten together and will be doing it.
Now for the laugh of the week.......last week one of the councilmembers was overheard to say something to the effect that folks who sit around taking videos of council meetings must lead pathetic lives. Gee, if the city would do it, then folks would not have to get together on their own to do it. Making disparaging comments about folks who are willing to, on their own, provide a service that the city won't provide should be commended, not ridiculed. Wonder if the taking of these videos would count towards the city's new volunteer program? Just kidding
Anyway, down the road, once this really gets going, the folks involved will be providing their time and some funds for this civic endeavor. Just hope that the rest of the city finds the info helpful and useful.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
After The Smoke Has Cleared
Well, it’s been almost three weeks since the Shawnee city elections.
Sometimes, certain things are best said after the election when people aren’t so hung up on emotions and can think.
During the campaign, Jeff Vaught, 3d Ward councilmember accused State Rep. John Rubin of meddling in city elections. Apparently we have another instance in which Vaught needs a refresher course (that is if he ever took the original) on civics 101.
Representative Rubin has every right to speak out on Shawnee elections. He is a resident of the city, and as such who gets elected to what positions concerns him. Additionally, by claiming that Mr. Rubin is meddling Vaught is contradicting some of his own previous statements. Remember he (Vaught) said I didn’t have a stake in Shawnee because I rented, and unlike him (Vaught) I didn’t have a property tax statement. Guess what? Mister Rubin does own a residence in Shawnee, and he does have a property tax statement. So he is entitled to speak out on candidates running for office in Shawnee. And, he has done a lot more to preserve and protect our rights as citizens to speak out than Vaught has ever done. Individuals such as Mr. Rubin who have served in the military are the ones who have protected those rights.
Sidebar: Another updated civics lesson for Vaught……..people who rent are still entitled to vote, and to voice their opinion. Reminder: they pay property taxes included in their rent, they pay property taxes on their vehicles, sales taxes, franchise fees, etc., of which the city gets its share. Unless Mr. Vaught would like to support exempting renters from these taxes? Additionally there are many renters who have served this country to protect those voting and free speech rights.
Sometimes, certain things are best said after the election when people aren’t so hung up on emotions and can think.
During the campaign, Jeff Vaught, 3d Ward councilmember accused State Rep. John Rubin of meddling in city elections. Apparently we have another instance in which Vaught needs a refresher course (that is if he ever took the original) on civics 101.
Representative Rubin has every right to speak out on Shawnee elections. He is a resident of the city, and as such who gets elected to what positions concerns him. Additionally, by claiming that Mr. Rubin is meddling Vaught is contradicting some of his own previous statements. Remember he (Vaught) said I didn’t have a stake in Shawnee because I rented, and unlike him (Vaught) I didn’t have a property tax statement. Guess what? Mister Rubin does own a residence in Shawnee, and he does have a property tax statement. So he is entitled to speak out on candidates running for office in Shawnee. And, he has done a lot more to preserve and protect our rights as citizens to speak out than Vaught has ever done. Individuals such as Mr. Rubin who have served in the military are the ones who have protected those rights.
Sidebar: Another updated civics lesson for Vaught……..people who rent are still entitled to vote, and to voice their opinion. Reminder: they pay property taxes included in their rent, they pay property taxes on their vehicles, sales taxes, franchise fees, etc., of which the city gets its share. Unless Mr. Vaught would like to support exempting renters from these taxes? Additionally there are many renters who have served this country to protect those voting and free speech rights.
Monday, April 16, 2012
New Budget Process Starts
The new budget process begins with some presentations to the Council Committee tomorrow, Tue, 4/17/12 at 7:00PM
For a schedule of the meetings that will have budget items/reviews etc go to
http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwContent/2013BudgetCalendar?OpenDocument
For a schedule of the meetings that will have budget items/reviews etc go to
http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwContent/2013BudgetCalendar?OpenDocument
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Missing Girl
Received information about a girl missing in Merriam, KS
For the press release and photo from the Meriam PD please click here
http://savemission.net/Documents/04-09-2012%20Keely%20Alder-Merriam%20PD.pdf
For the press release and photo from the Meriam PD please click here
http://savemission.net/Documents/04-09-2012%20Keely%20Alder-Merriam%20PD.pdf
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Riding the Circuit
Yesterday, Saturday, I did another ride along with the Shawnee PD. This was a day shift ride along (6:30AM-2:30PM), so I have now ridden all three shifts.
I observed a variety of field situations including an arrest on a burglary charge. As a result of that item, and the officer being involved in a procedural action that was going to take time, I actually had the opportunity to ride with a different officer. The arrested individual appeared to have a medical problem, possibly drug related. It was imperative that a medical exam be performed in a hospital environment, prior to transport to JoCo Detention.
I found yesterday's experience to be very informative. The officers appear to be educated and well trained. And, IMHO, something that is just as important is that they seem to possess a high degree of common sense. In many jobs today folks seem to have let common sense go out the window. I personally think that when it comes to law enforcement and dealing with the public that common sense becomes important, and these officers exhibited that.
My previous rides were the midnight shift from 10:30PM to 6:30AM, and an evening shift from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Because of time constraints on my part I couldn't start at 2:30PM. Six months from now I will probably request another ride with the evening shift.
I observed a variety of field situations including an arrest on a burglary charge. As a result of that item, and the officer being involved in a procedural action that was going to take time, I actually had the opportunity to ride with a different officer. The arrested individual appeared to have a medical problem, possibly drug related. It was imperative that a medical exam be performed in a hospital environment, prior to transport to JoCo Detention.
I found yesterday's experience to be very informative. The officers appear to be educated and well trained. And, IMHO, something that is just as important is that they seem to possess a high degree of common sense. In many jobs today folks seem to have let common sense go out the window. I personally think that when it comes to law enforcement and dealing with the public that common sense becomes important, and these officers exhibited that.
My previous rides were the midnight shift from 10:30PM to 6:30AM, and an evening shift from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Because of time constraints on my part I couldn't start at 2:30PM. Six months from now I will probably request another ride with the evening shift.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
A Reader's Comment
Received this yesterday from a reader of this blog:
"I'm really disappointed in turnout and voting standards of Shawnee voters. Returning ALL the incumbents just shows how apathetic voter knowledge has become. I read both the post cards from the Coalition for Better Cities and the retort presented by Anonymous. The Coalition's cases were well documented and easy for anyone to follow up on to determine the accuracy of the information they presented. On the other hand, the followup post card just stated they these were lies with no real facts to back up their claims. It was obvious by the polls that voters are making their decisions based on the latest information they receive regardless of whether it is true or not. Of course this isn't new in American politics, which would explain the "flavor of the week" Republican Primary over the past year. It is really sad that with all the modern conveniences we have to access information today, that most American would rather use it to learn more about Kim Kardashian's divorce than the wasteful spending that is occurring in their own city government.
A B, Shawnee, KS"
"I'm really disappointed in turnout and voting standards of Shawnee voters. Returning ALL the incumbents just shows how apathetic voter knowledge has become. I read both the post cards from the Coalition for Better Cities and the retort presented by Anonymous. The Coalition's cases were well documented and easy for anyone to follow up on to determine the accuracy of the information they presented. On the other hand, the followup post card just stated they these were lies with no real facts to back up their claims. It was obvious by the polls that voters are making their decisions based on the latest information they receive regardless of whether it is true or not. Of course this isn't new in American politics, which would explain the "flavor of the week" Republican Primary over the past year. It is really sad that with all the modern conveniences we have to access information today, that most American would rather use it to learn more about Kim Kardashian's divorce than the wasteful spending that is occurring in their own city government.
A B, Shawnee, KS"
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Yesterday's Election
Looks like all Shawnee incumbents were returned to office.
Congratulations are in order.
Congratulations are in order.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Endorsements by the Shawnee Mission Times
The Shawnee Mission Times has endorsed:
Mayor Eric Jenkins
Ward 1 Charles Macheers
Ward 2 Mike Kemmling
Ward 3 James Ferris
Ward 4 Dylan McAfee
To view the endorsement, go here:
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=m9gaaniab&v=001PAHSyKgq2IqRkeM0IiCtlLMqlU-ZLsH6hQGAMcnsHJwUrsthoy4Mw4P0R6SAzqy6jP6TH9QuhKw-icpDFQfcz__8TWBZYSOPsPXNqt0X48A%3D
If you haven't read the previous post, "Tomorrow's the Day" please scroll down to read it. Thank you.
Mayor Eric Jenkins
Ward 1 Charles Macheers
Ward 2 Mike Kemmling
Ward 3 James Ferris
Ward 4 Dylan McAfee
To view the endorsement, go here:
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=m9gaaniab&v=001PAHSyKgq2IqRkeM0IiCtlLMqlU-ZLsH6hQGAMcnsHJwUrsthoy4Mw4P0R6SAzqy6jP6TH9QuhKw-icpDFQfcz__8TWBZYSOPsPXNqt0X48A%3D
If you haven't read the previous post, "Tomorrow's the Day" please scroll down to read it. Thank you.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Tomorrow's The Day
Election day 2012. In the post immediately preceding this one is the press release about the CBC filing campaign ethics complaints. I sincerely hope that folks of intelligence don't buy into the garbage mailer that the CBC is filing against.
Can you believe? Somebody, sends out a mailer accusing the challengers for city office of lying. Yet, the challengers all cite dates of votes that the incumbents made. Verifiable by city meeting minutes. How can those be lies? The incumbents have not once defended their council voting record. And then that mailer goes out with nobody saying who paid for it. Gee, an anonymous hit piece. With no verifiable facts stated.
What do we have for incumbents? A councilmember who gets her paycheck under an entirely different name, but her expenses reimbursed under her known name. And voting for various burdens to be placed on the population and to eliminate tranparency. A councilmember who has no problem in taking many, many trips at the taxpayer's expense. And voting for various burdens to be placed on the population and eliminating tranparency. An appointed councilmember who apparently was rewarded for his previous losing election campaign. And voting for burdens to be placed on the population and eliminating tranparency. And he wasn't even elected to represent his ward. And then a councilmember who has voted for various tax increases and a reduction in transparency. The mayor, has broken many tie votes, to cause the citizens of the city to get hit with additional tax and fee burdens.
It's time that the people took back the city:
Eric Jenkins for Mayor
Charles Macheers for Council Ward I
Mike Kemmling for Council Ward II
Jim Ferris for Council Ward III
Dylan McAfee for Council Ward IV
Can you believe? Somebody, sends out a mailer accusing the challengers for city office of lying. Yet, the challengers all cite dates of votes that the incumbents made. Verifiable by city meeting minutes. How can those be lies? The incumbents have not once defended their council voting record. And then that mailer goes out with nobody saying who paid for it. Gee, an anonymous hit piece. With no verifiable facts stated.
What do we have for incumbents? A councilmember who gets her paycheck under an entirely different name, but her expenses reimbursed under her known name. And voting for various burdens to be placed on the population and to eliminate tranparency. A councilmember who has no problem in taking many, many trips at the taxpayer's expense. And voting for various burdens to be placed on the population and eliminating tranparency. An appointed councilmember who apparently was rewarded for his previous losing election campaign. And voting for burdens to be placed on the population and eliminating tranparency. And he wasn't even elected to represent his ward. And then a councilmember who has voted for various tax increases and a reduction in transparency. The mayor, has broken many tie votes, to cause the citizens of the city to get hit with additional tax and fee burdens.
It's time that the people took back the city:
Eric Jenkins for Mayor
Charles Macheers for Council Ward I
Mike Kemmling for Council Ward II
Jim Ferris for Council Ward III
Dylan McAfee for Council Ward IV
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Press Release - Coalition For Better Cities To File Ethics Complaints
This afternoon the Coalition for Better Cities issued a press release regarding the recent undocumented mailers sent out in Shawnee and Mission KS. The press release speaks for itself and does not necessitate any editorializing on my part.
The text of the press release follows:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2012
Contact: Jacob Swisher
Phone: (913) 575-2759
Coalition for Better Cities Files Campaign Ethics Charges Against Opponents
Local elections in the cities of Shawnee and Mission in Johnson County, Kansas, are upon us. But now the heat of these elections may have produced violations in Kansas election law.
In the races for Shawnee mayor and city council as well as for city council seats in Mission, there has been plenty of passion on the issues that matter most to voters. On Tuesday, April 3, citizens will have the opportunity to select their preference for mayor in Shawnee, and for city council seats there, while residents of Mission will vote on positions for their city council.
This week, certain election activities in both these cities very well may have crossed the line to possible violations of Kansas governmental ethics rules. Therefore, a formal filing of three separate complaints will be lodged with Carol Williams, Executive Director of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission tomorrow, Monday, April 2, 2012, as well as with Brian Newby, Johnson County Election Commissioner.
Coalition for Better Cities (CBC) is filing these complaints of possible violations of Kansas election law, two from within the current city of Shawnee political establishment and one from the city of Mission.
These complaints are as follows: 1) the use of governmental resources going to campaigns of incumbents, using time during a Shawnee city council meeting to campaign, by current Councilman Jeff Vaught; 2) the improper distribution of electioneering materials via the U.S. mail to voters in the City of Shawnee; and 3) a similar mailing to voters in the City of Mission.
The mailings in question did not state the organization which sent the mailings, itself a clear violation of Kansas law. As for the allegations in these mailings, the issues which they reference were clearly stated in Shawnee city council minutes and are dully notated on the respective mailers. Evidently, these parties have enough finances to conduct mailings, but at no time have they utilized any of their mailings to respond on the actual issues CBC has publicly brought forward, but only to try and smear those who oppose them.
The group in favor of the status quo in Mission and Shawnee city governments blatantly lied. It falsely asserted that outside organizations were involved in the funding of previous CBC mailings and activities, basing these false accusations on what they admit in the Shawnee mailing were mere rumors.
CBC finds it ironic that the questionable mailings from our opponents bear a return address from a Kansas City, Missouri post office box. And therefore, we believe it is appropriate to ask the question of why the citizens of the cities of Shawnee and Mission should allow parties from across the state line to try to tell them how matters should be handled?
Coalition for Better Cities
Currie Myers – Chairman
Michael Swisher, CPA - Treasurer
The text of the press release follows:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2012
Contact: Jacob Swisher
Phone: (913) 575-2759
Coalition for Better Cities Files Campaign Ethics Charges Against Opponents
Local elections in the cities of Shawnee and Mission in Johnson County, Kansas, are upon us. But now the heat of these elections may have produced violations in Kansas election law.
In the races for Shawnee mayor and city council as well as for city council seats in Mission, there has been plenty of passion on the issues that matter most to voters. On Tuesday, April 3, citizens will have the opportunity to select their preference for mayor in Shawnee, and for city council seats there, while residents of Mission will vote on positions for their city council.
This week, certain election activities in both these cities very well may have crossed the line to possible violations of Kansas governmental ethics rules. Therefore, a formal filing of three separate complaints will be lodged with Carol Williams, Executive Director of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission tomorrow, Monday, April 2, 2012, as well as with Brian Newby, Johnson County Election Commissioner.
Coalition for Better Cities (CBC) is filing these complaints of possible violations of Kansas election law, two from within the current city of Shawnee political establishment and one from the city of Mission.
These complaints are as follows: 1) the use of governmental resources going to campaigns of incumbents, using time during a Shawnee city council meeting to campaign, by current Councilman Jeff Vaught; 2) the improper distribution of electioneering materials via the U.S. mail to voters in the City of Shawnee; and 3) a similar mailing to voters in the City of Mission.
The mailings in question did not state the organization which sent the mailings, itself a clear violation of Kansas law. As for the allegations in these mailings, the issues which they reference were clearly stated in Shawnee city council minutes and are dully notated on the respective mailers. Evidently, these parties have enough finances to conduct mailings, but at no time have they utilized any of their mailings to respond on the actual issues CBC has publicly brought forward, but only to try and smear those who oppose them.
The group in favor of the status quo in Mission and Shawnee city governments blatantly lied. It falsely asserted that outside organizations were involved in the funding of previous CBC mailings and activities, basing these false accusations on what they admit in the Shawnee mailing were mere rumors.
CBC finds it ironic that the questionable mailings from our opponents bear a return address from a Kansas City, Missouri post office box. And therefore, we believe it is appropriate to ask the question of why the citizens of the cities of Shawnee and Mission should allow parties from across the state line to try to tell them how matters should be handled?
Coalition for Better Cities
Currie Myers – Chairman
Michael Swisher, CPA - Treasurer
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