With the holiday season upon us I would like to wish all who read this blog the best.
A Happy Hanukah, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Shawnee's Poor Voter Turn Out
Well, it's poor for local elections, and OK for Presidential elections. But, Presidents don't plow snow, respond to fires, protect the community, keep our parks functioning, set local property taxes, sales taxes etc.
We have another local election coming up in April 2013.
Look at these figures for the recent (November) Presidential election and the local city election this past April.
Presidential election Nov 2012
Registered voters (total city) 42,344
Total voted 30,718 72.54%
Ward 1 Registered 11,030 Voted 8,297
Ward 2 Registered 10,256 Voted 7,022
Ward 3 Registered 10,598 Voted 7,969
Ward 4 Registered 10,460 Voted 7,430
City election April 2012
Registered voters (total city) 40,105
Total voted 5,229 13.04%
Ward 1 Registered 10,553 Voted 1,634
Ward 2 Registered 9,713 Voted 1,337
Ward 3 Registered 9,977 Voted 978
Ward 4 Registered 9,862 Voted 1,280
The people of Shawnee ought to be ashamed of themselves, for their lack of voting at the last city election.
We have another local election coming up in April 2013.
Look at these figures for the recent (November) Presidential election and the local city election this past April.
Presidential election Nov 2012
Registered voters (total city) 42,344
Total voted 30,718 72.54%
Ward 1 Registered 11,030 Voted 8,297
Ward 2 Registered 10,256 Voted 7,022
Ward 3 Registered 10,598 Voted 7,969
Ward 4 Registered 10,460 Voted 7,430
City election April 2012
Registered voters (total city) 40,105
Total voted 5,229 13.04%
Ward 1 Registered 10,553 Voted 1,634
Ward 2 Registered 9,713 Voted 1,337
Ward 3 Registered 9,977 Voted 978
Ward 4 Registered 9,862 Voted 1,280
The people of Shawnee ought to be ashamed of themselves, for their lack of voting at the last city election.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Public Hearing for Shawnee Parkway Plaza
There will be a public hearing on January 14, 2013 to consider incentives to revitalize the Shawnee Parkway Plaza.
There is a good article about this at the Shawnee Dispatch's website
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/dec/12/city-council-sets-public-hearing-consider-retail-c/
That shopping center which sits just east of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Pflumm Road is a mess.
As much as I dislike various incentive programs, this just might be an appropriate use of them.
This would be a virtual total makeover. Currently, there are problems not only with appearance, but with the integrity of the structures. Revitalizing a shopping center at that location can be beneficial to the city in the future. Couple that with some of the recent development that has occurred at the northwest section of that intersection and the whole area can become a magnet for increased financial gain for the city.
There is a good article about this at the Shawnee Dispatch's website
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/dec/12/city-council-sets-public-hearing-consider-retail-c/
That shopping center which sits just east of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Pflumm Road is a mess.
As much as I dislike various incentive programs, this just might be an appropriate use of them.
This would be a virtual total makeover. Currently, there are problems not only with appearance, but with the integrity of the structures. Revitalizing a shopping center at that location can be beneficial to the city in the future. Couple that with some of the recent development that has occurred at the northwest section of that intersection and the whole area can become a magnet for increased financial gain for the city.
Thursday, December 06, 2012
How The "Good Ole Boy" Network Works
One indication of how the Good Ole Boy Network works is the election of the council president in Shawnee.
Now, why is that position important? Because, if something happens to the mayor, the council president becomes mayor. Also, with the change from two split function council committees to one full member council committee the president of the council is chairman of that committee.
So, let's see who has been council president, and how long they have been on the council:
Sawyer (on council since 1/2002) president, 2005, 2006 and 2011
Sandifer (on council since 4/2004) president 2007 and 2010
Kuhn (on council since 4/2004) president 2008 and 2009
Vaught (on council since 4/2010) president, current, 2012
So, four folks have held that position in the past 8 years. We haven't even mentioned those who served during those 8 years who no longer are on the council.
Interesting that Pflumm (4/2002) and Distler (4/2006) have never been president. Wonder why? Is it because they don't "toe the line?"
Willoughby, just appointed 7/2012 hasn't been here for a council president election, and Neighbor (appointed 5/2010 and elected 4/2012) also has not been president, but only eligible 2011 (Sawyer) and 2012 (Vaught).
Curious isn't it, that Vaught, in the second year of his first term became president. Was this a payback for his electioneering from the council dais for the incumbents running for office?
How many of these folks have abrogated their responsibilites and have become subservient to the city manager, forgetting that the city manager works for them, not the other way around? Think about former council member Morris' resignation and the reasons for it.
Now, why is that position important? Because, if something happens to the mayor, the council president becomes mayor. Also, with the change from two split function council committees to one full member council committee the president of the council is chairman of that committee.
So, let's see who has been council president, and how long they have been on the council:
Sawyer (on council since 1/2002) president, 2005, 2006 and 2011
Sandifer (on council since 4/2004) president 2007 and 2010
Kuhn (on council since 4/2004) president 2008 and 2009
Vaught (on council since 4/2010) president, current, 2012
So, four folks have held that position in the past 8 years. We haven't even mentioned those who served during those 8 years who no longer are on the council.
Interesting that Pflumm (4/2002) and Distler (4/2006) have never been president. Wonder why? Is it because they don't "toe the line?"
Willoughby, just appointed 7/2012 hasn't been here for a council president election, and Neighbor (appointed 5/2010 and elected 4/2012) also has not been president, but only eligible 2011 (Sawyer) and 2012 (Vaught).
Curious isn't it, that Vaught, in the second year of his first term became president. Was this a payback for his electioneering from the council dais for the incumbents running for office?
How many of these folks have abrogated their responsibilites and have become subservient to the city manager, forgetting that the city manager works for them, not the other way around? Think about former council member Morris' resignation and the reasons for it.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Bully, Cry Baby or Know it All?
Is it possible for one person to have all three of those traits?
Well, if your name is Jeff Vaught and you are a Ward III council rep in Shawnee, the answer is yes.
At a recent city council meeting Vaught appeared to be using his position to make bullying statements regarding some recent news articles. Similar to the way he used bully tactics during the last election, from the council dais.
The comments were also a form of a cry baby attitude. Seems Vaught really didn't like some of the articles and bemoaned the fact that positive articles were not written about Shawnee. He proceeded to rattle off a litany of positive and supposed positive items (there might be some issues with some statistics he mentioned). Well, apparently he doesn't read the local newspaper, the Shawnee Dispatch. There has been a plethora of positive items in that paper.
Now, back to the negative items. If you don't like negative items appearing in the media, then take action to prevent them from happening. Quit blaming the messenger(s) and start accepting responsibily for creating negative actions. One example has to do with the actions by Mr. Tony Lauer and his neighbors in the Crimson Ridge Subdivision. Now, the mayor has been critical of some of Mr. Lauer's actions (persistent questions, and KORA requests). Did the mayor ever think that if the original questions were answered, and completely, there may have been no need to push for more? When a governmental body either fails to completely and/or honestly answer questions from its citizens, it raises more questions. Such as what else is being hidden?
We won't even touch on the KOMA investigation regarding the appointment of Uncle Alan to the city council. Or the partying by five council members and the mayor on election night April 2012. A quorum of the council, and its presiding officer. And, proof of this was posted by Jeff Vaught on his blog site. Don't believe me, here it is:
Vaught attempted to show his "know it all" attitude at another council meeting a few weeks ago. Basically, a question came up about a department making a purchase using a vendor on state contract. When some questioned the price, Vaught, in his know it all mode, said that if the purchase was made using the state contract, it was the best price. Wrongo. It was the lowest price that the state had on contract. That part is true. But there are many vendors that do not submit pricing for state contracts. And these vendors have lower pricing than what is on state contract. That is why state agencies do NOT have to buy on state contract, but can buy off contract if the same or comparable item can be purchased from another source, at the same or lower price. And that does occur.
Well, if your name is Jeff Vaught and you are a Ward III council rep in Shawnee, the answer is yes.
At a recent city council meeting Vaught appeared to be using his position to make bullying statements regarding some recent news articles. Similar to the way he used bully tactics during the last election, from the council dais.
The comments were also a form of a cry baby attitude. Seems Vaught really didn't like some of the articles and bemoaned the fact that positive articles were not written about Shawnee. He proceeded to rattle off a litany of positive and supposed positive items (there might be some issues with some statistics he mentioned). Well, apparently he doesn't read the local newspaper, the Shawnee Dispatch. There has been a plethora of positive items in that paper.
Now, back to the negative items. If you don't like negative items appearing in the media, then take action to prevent them from happening. Quit blaming the messenger(s) and start accepting responsibily for creating negative actions. One example has to do with the actions by Mr. Tony Lauer and his neighbors in the Crimson Ridge Subdivision. Now, the mayor has been critical of some of Mr. Lauer's actions (persistent questions, and KORA requests). Did the mayor ever think that if the original questions were answered, and completely, there may have been no need to push for more? When a governmental body either fails to completely and/or honestly answer questions from its citizens, it raises more questions. Such as what else is being hidden?
We won't even touch on the KOMA investigation regarding the appointment of Uncle Alan to the city council. Or the partying by five council members and the mayor on election night April 2012. A quorum of the council, and its presiding officer. And, proof of this was posted by Jeff Vaught on his blog site. Don't believe me, here it is:
Now, what about the "know it all" aspect? Well, during a discussion at the last council meeting Council Member Neal Sawyer alluded to the fact that he was hesitant to make a certain point as he was probably going to be challenged by Vaught, and, according to Sawyer, Vaught knows it all. Vaught attempted to show his "know it all" attitude at another council meeting a few weeks ago. Basically, a question came up about a department making a purchase using a vendor on state contract. When some questioned the price, Vaught, in his know it all mode, said that if the purchase was made using the state contract, it was the best price. Wrongo. It was the lowest price that the state had on contract. That part is true. But there are many vendors that do not submit pricing for state contracts. And these vendors have lower pricing than what is on state contract. That is why state agencies do NOT have to buy on state contract, but can buy off contract if the same or comparable item can be purchased from another source, at the same or lower price. And that does occur.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
KC Star Editorial AND a New Article
Two interesting things showed up in the KC Star's "913" section.
One, is an editorial about some of the recent happenings in Shawnee. That editorial can be read at
http://joco913.com/news/shawnees-fights-are-often-public-demeaning/
The editorial makes some valid points.
The new article concerns Shawnee and other Johnson County cities and their participation the National League of Cities conference in Boston this weekend. This is a subject that I covered on this blog recently. The KC Star article can be read at:
http://joco913.com/news/needs-funding-help-area-cities-make-their-conference-call/
One, is an editorial about some of the recent happenings in Shawnee. That editorial can be read at
http://joco913.com/news/shawnees-fights-are-often-public-demeaning/
The editorial makes some valid points.
The new article concerns Shawnee and other Johnson County cities and their participation the National League of Cities conference in Boston this weekend. This is a subject that I covered on this blog recently. The KC Star article can be read at:
http://joco913.com/news/needs-funding-help-area-cities-make-their-conference-call/
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Comments are Back
Regarding the KC Star article mentioned in the post below.
Apparently, in a transition from the Star's front page to the 913 section reader comments get lost.
Also, apparently there are two separate links to the article. This link http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/18/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html#disqus_thread
shows the reader comments (as of this posting they are up to 24)
Apparently, in a transition from the Star's front page to the 913 section reader comments get lost.
Also, apparently there are two separate links to the article. This link http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/18/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html#disqus_thread
shows the reader comments (as of this posting they are up to 24)
Sunday, November 18, 2012
KC Star's Take on Shawnee's Fractious Government
The Kansas City Star just ran an article which should be an eye opener to people who live in Shawnee.
After reading my few comments below, please go to the Star article and read it completely:
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/17/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html
The attitude of some of our elected officials borders on arrogance and pomposity. Such as: People asking questions are “just fishing to stir up some trouble,” Mayor Jeff Meyers says.
Or, how about his comment as to why he did not allow public input at the council meeting that selected his wife's uncle to fill the position vacated by the resignation of David Morris: Meyers said he did shut down discussion on the Willoughby appointment because, based on past experience, he thought the public comments were not in the best interest of the council making a decision.
Apparently the mayor has forgotten about Section 3 of the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution, which he swore to uphold. "3. Right of peaceable assembly; petition. The people have the right to assemble, in a peaceable manner, to consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to petition the government, or any department thereof, for the redress of grievances."
Note the part about "instructing their representatives"
And then the article brings up how Cheryl Scott's replacement was also picked. At the time of her resignation Scott said it would be better for the council to pick her replacement than to let the people do it.
As for arrogance, it is possible that Jeff Vaught of Ward III is the leader in that respect:
But Councilman Jeff Vaught said all the Shawnee antics are small and he’s tired of all the racket from critics.“We are getting hammered,” he said, even though Shawnee is one of the most open and fiscally responsible cities in Johnson County.“In Shawnee we are getting beat up over this crazy stuff. I don’t get it.” Vaught probably forgot that during the appointment process of Willoughby he was critical of Mike Kemmling for interrupting council member, and as such was not qualified to be appointed to the council. Heck a review of the video of that meeting shows that both he and Kuhn interrupt folks all the time, more than Kemmling. And folks wonder why the DA is investigating the council for their actions. Read the Star's article...........it might just open some eyes.http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/17/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html
After reading my few comments below, please go to the Star article and read it completely:
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/17/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html
The attitude of some of our elected officials borders on arrogance and pomposity. Such as: People asking questions are “just fishing to stir up some trouble,” Mayor Jeff Meyers says.
Or, how about his comment as to why he did not allow public input at the council meeting that selected his wife's uncle to fill the position vacated by the resignation of David Morris: Meyers said he did shut down discussion on the Willoughby appointment because, based on past experience, he thought the public comments were not in the best interest of the council making a decision.
Apparently the mayor has forgotten about Section 3 of the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution, which he swore to uphold. "3. Right of peaceable assembly; petition. The people have the right to assemble, in a peaceable manner, to consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to petition the government, or any department thereof, for the redress of grievances."
Note the part about "instructing their representatives"
And then the article brings up how Cheryl Scott's replacement was also picked. At the time of her resignation Scott said it would be better for the council to pick her replacement than to let the people do it.
As for arrogance, it is possible that Jeff Vaught of Ward III is the leader in that respect:
But Councilman Jeff Vaught said all the Shawnee antics are small and he’s tired of all the racket from critics.“We are getting hammered,” he said, even though Shawnee is one of the most open and fiscally responsible cities in Johnson County.“In Shawnee we are getting beat up over this crazy stuff. I don’t get it.” Vaught probably forgot that during the appointment process of Willoughby he was critical of Mike Kemmling for interrupting council member, and as such was not qualified to be appointed to the council. Heck a review of the video of that meeting shows that both he and Kuhn interrupt folks all the time, more than Kemmling. And folks wonder why the DA is investigating the council for their actions. Read the Star's article...........it might just open some eyes.http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/17/3923019/shawnees-fractious-government.html
Mayor Should Thank Kevin Straub
By now many folks have probably heard about Mayor Jeff Meyers, parking illegally in a handicapped spot. This occurred this past Tuesday in the city hall parking lot during a city council meeting.
The mayor received a warning about this infraction, and subsequently chose to donate $135 to the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.
Kevin Straub, the former council member, reported the infraction to the authorities. The mayor should have been thankful to Straub for doing this. Why? Because a donation like this one is tax deductible, whereas a traffic fine is not. Instead the mayor is reported in the Shawnee Dispatch as being upset with Straub: Though Straub no longer resides in Shawnee, Meyers said, “he’s looking for anything and everything (to criticize the city for)." ttp://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/nov/15/mayor-not-ticketed-disabled-parking-violation/
Straub also questioned the mayor's explanation, as reported by KCTV 5:
The mayor received a warning about this infraction, and subsequently chose to donate $135 to the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.
Kevin Straub, the former council member, reported the infraction to the authorities. The mayor should have been thankful to Straub for doing this. Why? Because a donation like this one is tax deductible, whereas a traffic fine is not. Instead the mayor is reported in the Shawnee Dispatch as being upset with Straub: Though Straub no longer resides in Shawnee, Meyers said, “he’s looking for anything and everything (to criticize the city for)." ttp://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/nov/15/mayor-not-ticketed-disabled-parking-violation/
Straub also questioned the mayor's explanation, as reported by KCTV 5:
In a statement, Meyers claimed that he knew "a full house was waiting on him because the parking lot was completely filled."
"The disabled spots were the only ones available and I made the decision that I would park there and accept whatever consequences occurred in order to get the meeting started. In retrospect, it probably wasn't the best decision. It won't happen again," Meyers said in his statement posted on the city's website.
Hogwash, according to Straub.
He said he entered the U-shaped parking lot just ahead of Meyers. Straub said Meyers failed to circle around the entire parking lot so it's impossible for him to know that all the parking spots were taken.
"If you don't go all the way around, you don't know if it's full or not," he said. "But he was running late and grabbed the first spot that was available."
The mayor also has access to any number of doors at City Hall and could have parked in the back of the building where ample spaces were available, Straub said.
Straub said City Hall insiders have told him that Meyers actually forgot that the meeting had been moved to Tuesday night because of the Veterans Day holiday. Straub said someone called Meyer to ask where he was and the mayor had to dash to City Hall. http://www.kctv5.com/story/20111562/tardy-shawnee-mayor-illegally-parks-in-handicapped-spot
Friday, November 16, 2012
Shawnee Citizen's Police Academy
On Wednesday night I felt honored to be one of 23 individuals who have completed the current Shawnee Citizen's Police Academy.
The academy was started again last year after being put on hiatus for many years.
Before proceeding, allow me to make it clear that it does not qualify anybody to be a law enforcement official.
What it does do though is it makes the average citizen more aware of what the police department does. It also gives a microscopic view of what an individual has to go through to become an officer in Shawnee.
We learned that many officers wear multiple hats and are responsible for a variety of functions. We also learned how officers are rotated through the various elements of the department to make them more efficient and better equipped to handle a variety of situations.
Watching the K9 officers put their four legged partners through their paces was very interesting. And it was nice to know that they, along with our traffic accident investigations personnel have been called upon by neighboring cities to assist them where needed. That is indicative of the skill and training these individuals have.
Getting to drive a short course, with lights flashing was fun, and probably fulfilled a few dreams.
Learning how various officers are always working to help to prevent crime and the various tools available to them for this purpose can be an eye opener for many. And what type of class like this would be complete without some range time?
A ride along with an officer was also part of the course. Allow me to say, that those interested can apply for a ride along without going through the academy. The ride alongs themselves can be very enlightening, as compared to what is seen on TV. I personally have been on ride alongs prior to the academy and have commented on them here on this blog. The attitude and professionalism of the officers on patrol is extremely positive.
One of the interesting aspects of the class was the make up of the attendees. Male, female, young, old, and a broad spectrum of job backgrounds.
Going forward, the PD will be seeking volunteers from this group to assist in various areas, so as to allow officers and professional staff more time for their primary functions. A small price, IMHO, to pay for what they give to the community.
Check the city's website for next year's class. I'm guessing that info for the 2013 class will probably be posted sometime in the late spring/early summer of 2013. http://gsh.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/PoliceCMS.nsf/vwContent/CitizenAcademy?OpenDocument
The academy was started again last year after being put on hiatus for many years.
Before proceeding, allow me to make it clear that it does not qualify anybody to be a law enforcement official.
What it does do though is it makes the average citizen more aware of what the police department does. It also gives a microscopic view of what an individual has to go through to become an officer in Shawnee.
We learned that many officers wear multiple hats and are responsible for a variety of functions. We also learned how officers are rotated through the various elements of the department to make them more efficient and better equipped to handle a variety of situations.
Watching the K9 officers put their four legged partners through their paces was very interesting. And it was nice to know that they, along with our traffic accident investigations personnel have been called upon by neighboring cities to assist them where needed. That is indicative of the skill and training these individuals have.
Getting to drive a short course, with lights flashing was fun, and probably fulfilled a few dreams.
Learning how various officers are always working to help to prevent crime and the various tools available to them for this purpose can be an eye opener for many. And what type of class like this would be complete without some range time?
A ride along with an officer was also part of the course. Allow me to say, that those interested can apply for a ride along without going through the academy. The ride alongs themselves can be very enlightening, as compared to what is seen on TV. I personally have been on ride alongs prior to the academy and have commented on them here on this blog. The attitude and professionalism of the officers on patrol is extremely positive.
One of the interesting aspects of the class was the make up of the attendees. Male, female, young, old, and a broad spectrum of job backgrounds.
Going forward, the PD will be seeking volunteers from this group to assist in various areas, so as to allow officers and professional staff more time for their primary functions. A small price, IMHO, to pay for what they give to the community.
Check the city's website for next year's class. I'm guessing that info for the 2013 class will probably be posted sometime in the late spring/early summer of 2013. http://gsh.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/PoliceCMS.nsf/vwContent/CitizenAcademy?OpenDocument
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Congrats
Hearty congratulations to:
Mary Pilcher-Cook State Sen 10
Greg Smith State Sen 21
Brett Hildabrand State Rep 17
John Rubin State Rep 18
Kelly Meigs State Rep 23
Charles Macheers State Rep 39
Steve Roberts State Bd of Ed 2
Mary Pilcher-Cook State Sen 10
Greg Smith State Sen 21
Brett Hildabrand State Rep 17
John Rubin State Rep 18
Kelly Meigs State Rep 23
Charles Macheers State Rep 39
Steve Roberts State Bd of Ed 2
Friday, November 02, 2012
Another Vet Day Celebration - Sprint
On Thursday, November 8, Sprint will be holding a Veterans
Day Celebration at approximately 117 and Nall. Public is welcome.
Veterans Day
Celebration on campus
Thursday, Nov. 8
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Aircraft will land at approx. 11 a.m.
Paige Field on the
Overland Park Campus
Military and civilian
public service displays:
· US
Army helicopters: AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-57 Chinook
· Coast
Guard HU-25 Falcon flyover during the National Anthem
· US
Army Reserve and National Guard ground equipment, Signal Corps, Military
Police, Transportation Co.
· Historical
military vehicles - Military Vehicle Preservation Association
· 312th
Army Band
· Overland
Park Police and Fire Departments – SWAT team, bomb squad and K9 demonstrations
· Johnson
County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Lab, weapons display, SWAT armored vehicle
· Fraternal
Military organizations, including the Marine Corps League and Disabled American
Veterans (DAV)
· Department
of Veterans Affairs
· Vietnam
Veterans of America Huey display helicopter
· Military
life while deployed will be highlighted with military field gear on display
· On-site
military recruiters to answer questions and provide small mementos
· Slugger,
KC Wolf and KC Comets players
· Fort Leavenworth,
Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Riley and National WW1 Museum hands-on
indoor display for visitors to use current and
historical military gear in Building 6180 Employee
Activity Center
· Toys-for-Tots
collection
· Employee
Resource Group information from Sprint and JPMorgan Chase
· Lunch
is available for purchase while supplies last: Roasterie Coffee, BBQ and chili
stations
*Please note that due to last-minute missions,
some military equipment or helicopters may be dispatched
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Veteran's Day - Sunday 11/11/12
The following is from the City's website: http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwContent/ShawneeSalutesOurVeterans?OpenDocument
Celebrate Veterans Day on Sunday, November 11th at the Shawnee Veterans’ Memorial Park, Johnson Drive and Pflumm at 4:00 p.m. The City of Shawnee, along with VFW Post 10552, American Legion #327, Knights of Columbus, Civil Air Patrol – Kansas City Composite Squadron #034 and the Sons of the American Revolution - Monticello Chapter invite you to join them in honoring all men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces.
Richard Soetaert, VFW All State Commander, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Jim Allen, Johnson County Commissioner and former Shawnee Mayor will present the keynote address. This year’s ceremony will be dedicated to the men and women who served in the Vietnam War.
Refreshments will be served compliments of the Sweet Life and a reception will follow at Johnny’s Tavern following the ceremony. For more information call 631-5200.
I hope we have a good crowd.
Celebrate Veterans Day on Sunday, November 11th at the Shawnee Veterans’ Memorial Park, Johnson Drive and Pflumm at 4:00 p.m. The City of Shawnee, along with VFW Post 10552, American Legion #327, Knights of Columbus, Civil Air Patrol – Kansas City Composite Squadron #034 and the Sons of the American Revolution - Monticello Chapter invite you to join them in honoring all men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces.
Richard Soetaert, VFW All State Commander, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Jim Allen, Johnson County Commissioner and former Shawnee Mayor will present the keynote address. This year’s ceremony will be dedicated to the men and women who served in the Vietnam War.
Refreshments will be served compliments of the Sweet Life and a reception will follow at Johnny’s Tavern following the ceremony. For more information call 631-5200.
I hope we have a good crowd.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Vote Nov 6, 2012
My choices:
State Reps:
18 John Rubin
39 Charles Macheers
23 Kelly Meigs
17 Brett Hildabrand
State Senator:
10 Mary Pilcher-Cook
21 Greg Smith
State Board of Education:
2 Steve Roberts
Pres & VP:
Romney & Ryan
State Reps:
18 John Rubin
39 Charles Macheers
23 Kelly Meigs
17 Brett Hildabrand
State Senator:
10 Mary Pilcher-Cook
21 Greg Smith
State Board of Education:
2 Steve Roberts
Pres & VP:
Romney & Ryan
Saturday, October 27, 2012
More Media Updates on KOMA Investigation
As many may already be aware, the JoCo District Attorney, Steve Howe has been conducting an investigation into a possible KOMA (Kansas Open Meetings Act) violation by the City of Shawnee.
Additionally, his office recently conducted a class regarding KOMA.
Two recent articles, one from the Shawnee Dispatch and one from the Kansas City Star have much useful information.
Dispatch: http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/oct/24/da-says-decision-shawnee-open-meetings-case-due-so/
Star: http://joco913.com/news/getting-the-word-out-on-open-meetings/
Additionally, his office recently conducted a class regarding KOMA.
Two recent articles, one from the Shawnee Dispatch and one from the Kansas City Star have much useful information.
Dispatch: http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/oct/24/da-says-decision-shawnee-open-meetings-case-due-so/
Star: http://joco913.com/news/getting-the-word-out-on-open-meetings/
Friday, October 26, 2012
Shawnee is Number 1
Contrary to popular belief, and the mindless comments of certain council members, I am thrilled when Shawnee does something that leads other local cities.
I know our city manger loves to compare Shawnee to other cities. Well here is a comparison, that shows we are number 1..................in the number of folks going to Boston for the National League of Cities event 11/28-12/1/12 (see my post immediately below this one).
Shawnee 8
Lenexa 6
Olathe 5
Overland Park 2
Merriam 2
Mission 1
Congratulations, for being willing to waste taxpayer's money. Some of those going had voiced objections (money) to going back to detailed meeting minutes. And yet, they can be willing to spend money on something like this. And some, who finally voted to give us back our detailed minutes still made snotty comments about the city spending the money.
Based on previous expense reports that I obtained, I'm going to guesstimate that this little soirée will run between $16K-$18K. I'm also going to guesstimate that Mickey "Traveling Man" Sandifer spends the most.
The two good things are that Councilmembers Pflumm and Distler are more concerned about saving the taxpayers' money and are not going. But the others....................wellllllll..........party hearty.
Sidebar: I wonder how many are going to hang around Boston after the convention for an extended vacation. Kind of like how Kuhn stayed extra days in Vegas.................
I know our city manger loves to compare Shawnee to other cities. Well here is a comparison, that shows we are number 1..................in the number of folks going to Boston for the National League of Cities event 11/28-12/1/12 (see my post immediately below this one).
Shawnee 8
Lenexa 6
Olathe 5
Overland Park 2
Merriam 2
Mission 1
Congratulations, for being willing to waste taxpayer's money. Some of those going had voiced objections (money) to going back to detailed meeting minutes. And yet, they can be willing to spend money on something like this. And some, who finally voted to give us back our detailed minutes still made snotty comments about the city spending the money.
Based on previous expense reports that I obtained, I'm going to guesstimate that this little soirée will run between $16K-$18K. I'm also going to guesstimate that Mickey "Traveling Man" Sandifer spends the most.
The two good things are that Councilmembers Pflumm and Distler are more concerned about saving the taxpayers' money and are not going. But the others....................wellllllll..........party hearty.
Sidebar: I wonder how many are going to hang around Boston after the convention for an extended vacation. Kind of like how Kuhn stayed extra days in Vegas.................
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
From Shawnee to Boston
The National League of Cities is holding their Congress of Cities and Exposition Nov 28-Dec 1, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Long time readers of this blog know that I have in the past been critical when we sent large delegations to these meetings. It has been my opinion that the most number of people we need to send to NLC conferences is four (Mayor, City Manager and 2 Council Members).
For awhile, that is what was happening. The city reduced the number of participants to these NLC conferences to four.
Now, that is changing. Even though Council is supposed to announce who is taking these trips in advance they very seldom do. At least not without some prodding.
Last week I obtained the list of those who are planning on attending:
Mayor Jeff Meyers
Jim Neighbor Ward I
Alan Willoughby Ward II
Neal Sawyer Ward II
Dawn Kuhn Ward III
Jeff Vaught Ward III
Mickey Sandifer Ward IV
Carol Gonzales City Manager
The city manager did confirm that tentative travel and hotel arrangements have been made for those listed above.
Eight folks going!!!!! Unbelievable. The only two not going are Dan Pflumm, Ward I and Michelle Distler, Ward IV. Happy to see that they care enough not to add to this waste.
Four people would be sufficient. They could come back and educate the others, and the city. As a matter of fact, there was an effort to have the attendees write a synopsis of these meetings, and publish them on the city's web site. To the best of my memory, that was only done once.
Sidebar: A cup of coffee says that Mickey Sandifer spends the most for this trip. In the past, his schedule has usually shown him to arrive before the others and leave after them, resulting in more hotel nights and per diem expenses.
Long time readers of this blog know that I have in the past been critical when we sent large delegations to these meetings. It has been my opinion that the most number of people we need to send to NLC conferences is four (Mayor, City Manager and 2 Council Members).
For awhile, that is what was happening. The city reduced the number of participants to these NLC conferences to four.
Now, that is changing. Even though Council is supposed to announce who is taking these trips in advance they very seldom do. At least not without some prodding.
Last week I obtained the list of those who are planning on attending:
Mayor Jeff Meyers
Jim Neighbor Ward I
Alan Willoughby Ward II
Neal Sawyer Ward II
Dawn Kuhn Ward III
Jeff Vaught Ward III
Mickey Sandifer Ward IV
Carol Gonzales City Manager
The city manager did confirm that tentative travel and hotel arrangements have been made for those listed above.
Eight folks going!!!!! Unbelievable. The only two not going are Dan Pflumm, Ward I and Michelle Distler, Ward IV. Happy to see that they care enough not to add to this waste.
Four people would be sufficient. They could come back and educate the others, and the city. As a matter of fact, there was an effort to have the attendees write a synopsis of these meetings, and publish them on the city's web site. To the best of my memory, that was only done once.
Sidebar: A cup of coffee says that Mickey Sandifer spends the most for this trip. In the past, his schedule has usually shown him to arrive before the others and leave after them, resulting in more hotel nights and per diem expenses.
Monday, October 22, 2012
State Senate & Board of Education
Remember, election day is Tuesday, November 6, 2012
My preferences:
State Senate, Dist 10 Mary Pilcher-Cook
For State Board of Education, Dist 2: Steve Roberts
My preferences:
State Senate, Dist 10 Mary Pilcher-Cook
For State Board of Education, Dist 2: Steve Roberts
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Can Coincidences Be Created?
To fully understand this, one must read the blog post "Sheddidng Light on Sunshine Review" from 9/14/12 http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2012/09/shedding-light-on-sunshine-review.html#links
Basically we know that on 9/10/12 the city council was to vote on returning the method of recording meeting minutes back to full minutes. One of the arguments for this was that the "action minutes" which were being used were less than transparent. Fortunately the council voted to go back to the older detailed format.
Earlier that day the Sunshine Review gave the city an A+ rating for transparency. As mentioned in the blog post, the info from their web site indicates that their ratings are based on info on the city's web site. Such as, are there links on the city's site to various sites? If yes, they consider that tranparency. In the case of the meeting minutes, they don't rate the transparency of the minutes style, rather just that they are there.
Something was strange, since the last review by that organization was on Friday, 9/7/12.
So I contacted Sunshine Review and apparently the city had requested the review.
A KORA request indicates that starting Tue, 9/4/12 there was a group of emails back and forth between the city and Sunshine Review. Information was exchanged as to what it would take to raise the city's previous rating from a B. On 9/6/12 the rating was changed to an A- and the Sunshine Review was prepared to issue a press release to that effect. They were asked to hold off while the city made some more adjustments to its website, and finally the city came up with the A+ rating.
After having a B rating for quite some time, it's just wonderful that the city put on a massive drive to raise the rating of the web site. And yes, it's just coincidence that all of this occurred within 6 days (4 if you eliminate Sat & Sun) before the action on the meeting minutes change.
Basically we know that on 9/10/12 the city council was to vote on returning the method of recording meeting minutes back to full minutes. One of the arguments for this was that the "action minutes" which were being used were less than transparent. Fortunately the council voted to go back to the older detailed format.
Earlier that day the Sunshine Review gave the city an A+ rating for transparency. As mentioned in the blog post, the info from their web site indicates that their ratings are based on info on the city's web site. Such as, are there links on the city's site to various sites? If yes, they consider that tranparency. In the case of the meeting minutes, they don't rate the transparency of the minutes style, rather just that they are there.
Something was strange, since the last review by that organization was on Friday, 9/7/12.
So I contacted Sunshine Review and apparently the city had requested the review.
A KORA request indicates that starting Tue, 9/4/12 there was a group of emails back and forth between the city and Sunshine Review. Information was exchanged as to what it would take to raise the city's previous rating from a B. On 9/6/12 the rating was changed to an A- and the Sunshine Review was prepared to issue a press release to that effect. They were asked to hold off while the city made some more adjustments to its website, and finally the city came up with the A+ rating.
After having a B rating for quite some time, it's just wonderful that the city put on a massive drive to raise the rating of the web site. And yes, it's just coincidence that all of this occurred within 6 days (4 if you eliminate Sat & Sun) before the action on the meeting minutes change.
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