Unbeknownst to me that it would happen, another member of the community addressed the council this past Monday regarding Stephanie Meyer's misrepresentation of why Menard's did not build in Shawnee. Instead Menard's went to KCK.
I was already looking into this because at the recent mayoral candidate's forum Stephanie Meyer stated that Menard's didn't build here because a city engineer couldn't go out to the site when they wanted him. Sounds to me like a slap in the face to staff. Ironically she jumps on anybody who says anything that could be construed as a negative about staff. Do I see a little two faced action on her part?
Anyway, at one of the "Third Thursdays With the Mayor" former City Manager Gonzales had stated when asked that Menard's was not building in Shawnee because utilities were not available at the location.
An inquiry to the current city manager did produce the following:
I am in a little bit of a difficult spot to speculate on the
conversation between Carol and Menard's representatives as well as a
conversation Stephanie may have had with Menard's representatives.
However, the information that was shared at Third Thursday's is what I am aware
of in regards to the Kansas City, Kansas location being more "shovel-ready"
in regards to a quicker project. I believe sewer access was a concern-
So, KCK had land that was more shovel ready. Hmmmm, yet it is my understanding that Meyer still is telling folks the "engineer" story. Stephanie Meyer, a natural born liar, IMHO.
Stay tuned for more on her phoniness.
Side bar question: City Managers are not supposed to get involved in the political process. But, why hasn't the current city manager defended his staff against Ms. Meyer's comment.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Monday, July 22, 2019
The Irrelevant Arrogant One
I have received various text messages from individuals on the west side of town.
Apparently his royal arrogance (Jeff Vaught) is causing quite a stir on
Next Door. He even went so far as to single out other folks' association
with me. Gotta love it.
OK, I can’t post on the west side Next Door but I can supply info below for anyone who chooses to use it
Let’s look at his royal arrogance (Jeff Vaught). The first thing we
will mention is that he is NOT a fan of transparency in government. That
can be verified from when the council, with his prodding changed the method of
delivering council minutes from full to summary. Only problem with that
is that the former city manager chose to ignore the written directive of the
council and gave the city action minutes. Those are even more
abbreviated. Long story short, the council voted to bring back full
minutes, with no help from Mr. I Know Everything.
He constantly belittled other council members and members of the public. One of his favorite comments is “I don’t remember seeing you at any council meetings”. That is how he attempts to shut down critics. What a jacka$$ Very few folks go to these meetings (personally I wish more did). But, they can listen to the audio and read the minutes
What was the final result of the mayoral primary/
Michelle Distler 28.08%
Dan Pflumm
30.40%John Segale 18.32%
Jeff Vaught 23.19%
More telling is how did the mayoral primary vote go in Ward 3? The ward he represented on the council.
Michelle Distler 26.29%
Dan Pflumm 24.80%
John Segale 16.65%
Jeff Vaught 32.26%
Translation……….67.74% (2/3) of the Ward 3 voters said they wanted anybody but Jeff Vaught as their mayor. Apparently they learned their lesson from having him represent them on the council.
But, Vaught still thought he was relevant. Not realizing that after winning his first term and then one reelection to the council , that the voters in Ward 3 were getting tired of his bombastic bullying buffoonery which combined to create a highly arrogant atmosphere about him. And it created a toxic atmosphere on the council.
So, in 2017 there was a three way primary for council in
Ward 3.
What happened?
Justin Adrian 38.94%
Dave Myres 39.82%Jeff Vaught 21.24%
So now the voters of Ward 3 (78.76%, roughly 8 out of 10) made it real clear that they did not want an arrogant buffoon to represent them on the council.
And yet, he still thinks that what he says about city
elections has relevancy. It does not. Witness his strong comments
of being in favor of the proposed Shawnee Community Center. His
bullying approach and inability to read the electorate was almost
laughable. And, like Hillary Clinton, he apparently cannot accept
defeat. He has come up with more excuses as to why the measure was
defeated. Instead of looking to see what was wrong with the plan he’d
rather blame the folks who put out the effort to get the truth about the project
in front of the voters. Such arrogance.
Again, he hasn’t learned that his commentary is irrelevant. Or maybe it is reverse relevant? Maybe it makes folks go the opposite way of his stand on an item? Hmmmm, remember, he supports Stephanie Meyer for mayor and Nick Reed for Ward 3 council rep.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Has Stephanie Meyer Gone Totally Bonkers?
IMHO, the answer to that question is yes. Big time. The current council president and mayoral candidate posted this on her FB page at https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemeyerforshawnee/
This is what she posted:
As policy makers, it is our job to be sure that our actions and decisions follow legal precedent, statute, and authority. Often times, in local government, that means waiting on clarification from a higher jurisdiction. What cannot be lost in that process, however, is the more important question of “Is this the right thing to do?”
Many months in the making, I’m happy to announce that at our August 13 Council Committee meeting, we will take up the discussion of a non-discrimination ordinance. We cannot continue to wait for others to act.
In my experience, the residents of Shawnee are warm, welcoming, and compassionate people, and we should want that spirit to echo through all that we do. I hope you’ll participate in this important conversation.
This push for cities in Kansas to adopt non-discriminatory ordinances is absolutely ridiculous. How many of them are still being challenged in the courts?
Laws against discrimination belong at the state and/or federal level. For various reasons. A hodgepodge of these ordinances means that folks traveling from city to city would need a book of ordinances for all cities. But, even more important are cities really the best entities to judge and evaluate what some may or may not perceive as discrimination? Do cities have the resources? Do cities have the funding?
This is a "feel good" act looking for a problem.
Now, let's take a look at state law. K.S.A 44-1009 has a pretty good handle on this subject, and if it needs amending, expanding or anything along those lines then encourage the state legislature to make those changes. Keep it uniform across the whole State of Kansas. Keep it uniform so that violations of the statute can be handled in a judicious manner. Not in a helter skelter willy nilly fashion. Keep in mind that this item is being championed by the same cheerleader who wanted to saddle Shawnee residents with an enormous tax burden to finance a community center.
The council committee will be discussing this item at its meeting on Tuesday Aug 13, 2019 at 7PM at Shawnee City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive. Let her and any other members of the council that support this know that this is an item best left to the State of Kansas.
This is what she posted:
As policy makers, it is our job to be sure that our actions and decisions follow legal precedent, statute, and authority. Often times, in local government, that means waiting on clarification from a higher jurisdiction. What cannot be lost in that process, however, is the more important question of “Is this the right thing to do?”
Many months in the making, I’m happy to announce that at our August 13 Council Committee meeting, we will take up the discussion of a non-discrimination ordinance. We cannot continue to wait for others to act.
In my experience, the residents of Shawnee are warm, welcoming, and compassionate people, and we should want that spirit to echo through all that we do. I hope you’ll participate in this important conversation.
This push for cities in Kansas to adopt non-discriminatory ordinances is absolutely ridiculous. How many of them are still being challenged in the courts?
Laws against discrimination belong at the state and/or federal level. For various reasons. A hodgepodge of these ordinances means that folks traveling from city to city would need a book of ordinances for all cities. But, even more important are cities really the best entities to judge and evaluate what some may or may not perceive as discrimination? Do cities have the resources? Do cities have the funding?
This is a "feel good" act looking for a problem.
Now, let's take a look at state law. K.S.A 44-1009 has a pretty good handle on this subject, and if it needs amending, expanding or anything along those lines then encourage the state legislature to make those changes. Keep it uniform across the whole State of Kansas. Keep it uniform so that violations of the statute can be handled in a judicious manner. Not in a helter skelter willy nilly fashion. Keep in mind that this item is being championed by the same cheerleader who wanted to saddle Shawnee residents with an enormous tax burden to finance a community center.
The council committee will be discussing this item at its meeting on Tuesday Aug 13, 2019 at 7PM at Shawnee City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive. Let her and any other members of the council that support this know that this is an item best left to the State of Kansas.
Friday, July 12, 2019
Stephanie Meyer and the Gang of Six Have No Confidence in Shawnee Citizens
Wow, that is a heck of a headline, isn't it?
So, are you asking why I say that? Actually, it is pretty easy to explain. First let's define the "Gang of Six". That includes Meyer, and Councilmembers Zimmerman, Neighbor, Larson-Bunnell, Sandifer and Constance.
Now for what happened. It is a matter of record. At the last Council Committee meeting members Jenkins and Kemmling brought forth some proposals regarding the budget process. One of these was to establish a citizen task force to review the budgets going forward and if needed recommend adjustments by looking for ways to possibly reduce or move allocations. The task force would consist of 2 members appointed by each councilmember and two from the council itself.
The "Gang of Six" did everything they could to shoot down that idea, and unfortunately they succeeded. Among the reasons given were the high quality of our staff and the fact that we use priority based budgeting.
We probably do have a very high quality staff. But, they are human. And sometimes humans can make mistakes, errors, or not see certain things etc. etc. etc. They are not perfect. A task force as proposed by Jenkins and Kemmling would utilize the other advantage we have here in Shawnee. To wit, a very diverse, intelligent community with folks from all career backgrounds. The task force would not be decision making but advising. Folks outside of the budget process might just see some things that could prove to be beneficial. So, what is the gang of six afraid of?
We have boards and commissions made up of citizens already. And some of them are in a position where they virtually do make the decision (Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission).
So again, why would the "Gang of Six" be against utilizing the wealth of experience and knowledge that our residents could bring to the table? I have my opinions, you can formulate your own
So, are you asking why I say that? Actually, it is pretty easy to explain. First let's define the "Gang of Six". That includes Meyer, and Councilmembers Zimmerman, Neighbor, Larson-Bunnell, Sandifer and Constance.
Now for what happened. It is a matter of record. At the last Council Committee meeting members Jenkins and Kemmling brought forth some proposals regarding the budget process. One of these was to establish a citizen task force to review the budgets going forward and if needed recommend adjustments by looking for ways to possibly reduce or move allocations. The task force would consist of 2 members appointed by each councilmember and two from the council itself.
The "Gang of Six" did everything they could to shoot down that idea, and unfortunately they succeeded. Among the reasons given were the high quality of our staff and the fact that we use priority based budgeting.
We probably do have a very high quality staff. But, they are human. And sometimes humans can make mistakes, errors, or not see certain things etc. etc. etc. They are not perfect. A task force as proposed by Jenkins and Kemmling would utilize the other advantage we have here in Shawnee. To wit, a very diverse, intelligent community with folks from all career backgrounds. The task force would not be decision making but advising. Folks outside of the budget process might just see some things that could prove to be beneficial. So, what is the gang of six afraid of?
We have boards and commissions made up of citizens already. And some of them are in a position where they virtually do make the decision (Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission).
So again, why would the "Gang of Six" be against utilizing the wealth of experience and knowledge that our residents could bring to the table? I have my opinions, you can formulate your own
Thursday, July 04, 2019
Happy Birthday USA
Happy birthday to the USA.
A special note to those who are objecting to President Trump's inclusion of the military in a special July 4th celebration, get over it! It was the military that secured our independence, and it has been the military that has insured that independence, and it is the military that will continue to make sure that we remain a free and independent nation by protecting all of us from aggressive enemies.
To include a military display in the 4th of July celebration is right, justified, and fitting. God bless the USA.
A special note to those who are objecting to President Trump's inclusion of the military in a special July 4th celebration, get over it! It was the military that secured our independence, and it has been the military that has insured that independence, and it is the military that will continue to make sure that we remain a free and independent nation by protecting all of us from aggressive enemies.
To include a military display in the 4th of July celebration is right, justified, and fitting. God bless the USA.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Kevin Straub - Ward III Special Election
Kevin Straub has tossed his hat into the ring for the Ward III special election (primary) to fill the unexpired 2 years of the term by former council member Justin Adrian.
Kevin will be facing Lisa Larson-Bunnell who was appointed to temporarily fill the position until this election and Greg Sitzman. The top two vote getters in this election on August 6th will move on to the general election November 5th.
You might want to visit Kevin's web site at Kevin Straub for Shawnee City Council | Ward 3 Special Election
Kevin will help to get the city council set on going down the right road for Shawnee's future. Vote for Kevin.
Kevin will be facing Lisa Larson-Bunnell who was appointed to temporarily fill the position until this election and Greg Sitzman. The top two vote getters in this election on August 6th will move on to the general election November 5th.
You might want to visit Kevin's web site at Kevin Straub for Shawnee City Council | Ward 3 Special Election
Kevin will help to get the city council set on going down the right road for Shawnee's future. Vote for Kevin.
Friday, June 14, 2019
Jenkins/Kemmling Proposal for Storm Water Pipes
The condition of Shawnee's storm water pipes has been a subject of discussion since the recent presentation that pipe failures could cost as much as $140 million over the next 10 years.
Councilmembers Eric Jenkins and Mike Kemmling have prepared a proposal and resolution to address this item. It can be read at https://cityofshawnee.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/24449?preview=24451
This item is going to be discussed at the Council Committee meeting on Tuesday June 18, 2019 at city hall beginning at 7:00PM
The proposal makes sense. Citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting and to support this important concept.
Councilmembers Eric Jenkins and Mike Kemmling have prepared a proposal and resolution to address this item. It can be read at https://cityofshawnee.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/24449?preview=24451
This item is going to be discussed at the Council Committee meeting on Tuesday June 18, 2019 at city hall beginning at 7:00PM
The proposal makes sense. Citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting and to support this important concept.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Stephanie Meyer - Talks From Both Sides of Her Mouth
Well it looks like I missed some fun and games at city hall Monday night. Not gonna get into much of what was said. I do want to discuss procedures.
Seems like some citizens had a few things
to say and then Councilmember Mickey Sandifer decided to wait until
"Miscellaneous Council Items" to get real down and dirty with a
member of the public. Based on eyewitness accounts and audio files this
is basically what happened next.
A citizen got up to rebut what he was
saying. Stephanie Meyer and Mickey Sandifer shouted out you can't do that
it is not allowed. City manager Nolan Sunderman whispered into the
mayor's ear with what was probably an interpretation of the council procedures
and the mayor said that the citizen couldn't say anything. It was not
allowed. Former Councilmember Jeff Vaught yelled out to that citizen to
sit down and that it was not allowed for them to speak during that part of the
meeting.
Well, that was bad information. On
Oct 26, 2015 Policy Statement 7 was modified in Section IV(D)(2) to give
citizens the right to speak during miscellaneous council items. And if
anybody is interested the Shawnee Dispatch had a nice article about that change
and it is still available on line at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2015/oct/29/council-approves-additional-public-comment-meeting/
What is really interesting is Stephanie Meyer's quote in the above referenced article. "Anytime
we can increase public participation at meetings, I'm for it." Looks
like she became a little two faced on that subject. Guess citizen
participation is only good if she feels the same as they do. And this individual, who apparently now wants to restrict citizen input after saying how great
it was, wants to be mayor of our city. Which side of her mouth will she
be talking from tomorrow? She'll say just about anything to get
elected.
Now as for Vaught.....what gives him the right to
tell another citizen to sit down? What gives him the right to say it is
not allowed for them to speak at that time? Go back to various on line
articles and previous meetings before Oct 26, 2015. Jeff The Bully Vaught
was the major impetus for getting that part of the policy statement
changed. He had a nasty habit of using Miscellaneous Council items to say
some negative things about citizens and they couldn't, until the change, rebut
what he said.
As
for the City Manager, Nolan Sunderman, if he did in fact advise the mayor that citizen input was
not allowed at that time he was way off base.
Sunday, June 09, 2019
We Steal a Good One From Lenexa
I think it has finally happened. Last week Hayward's Pit BBQ relocated to 10901 W. 75th St in Shawnee (two blocks east of Nieman). That is the building that has seen a revolving door effect with restaurants.
Well, it looks like we finally have a winner in that building. Went there Friday night. Wait time was about 45 minutes. They were jammed. Parking lot was full. Fantastic. Friend of mine told me that parking lot was also jammed at lunch.
Enjoyed dinner. Food was good. Wait staff was friendly, upbeat and checked back which, considering how crowded they were could have taken a hit. Kudos to the wait staff. Kudos to the kitchen staff.
Even with all the previous owners it had been a long time since the interior was remodeled. It finally happened now.
Looks like we finally have a keeper at that location.
Well, it looks like we finally have a winner in that building. Went there Friday night. Wait time was about 45 minutes. They were jammed. Parking lot was full. Fantastic. Friend of mine told me that parking lot was also jammed at lunch.
Enjoyed dinner. Food was good. Wait staff was friendly, upbeat and checked back which, considering how crowded they were could have taken a hit. Kudos to the wait staff. Kudos to the kitchen staff.
Even with all the previous owners it had been a long time since the interior was remodeled. It finally happened now.
Looks like we finally have a keeper at that location.
Wednesday, June 05, 2019
The Longest Day
In 1962 the film "The Longest Day" was released. It was a portrayal of the Normandy landings on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Tomorrow is the 75th anniversary of that momentous occasion. Below is the theme song from that movie with lyrics. Listen to the lyrics, please. And if you get a chance, watch the movie.
Tomorrow is the 75th anniversary of that momentous occasion. Below is the theme song from that movie with lyrics. Listen to the lyrics, please. And if you get a chance, watch the movie.
Monday, June 03, 2019
Who Is Running?
Today was the last day to file and/or withdraw from the local city elections.
So, what is happening now:
Primary Election: August 6, 2019. The top two finishers in each contest will advance to the General Election November 5, 2019
Mayor
Michelle Distler (Incumbent)
Dawn Tubbesing
Ajay Sood
Stephanie Meyer
Council Member Ward 3 Full Term Four Years
Kurt Knappen
Nick Reed
Dawn Rattan
Council Member Ward 3 Unexpired Two Year Term
Kevin Straub
Lisa Larson-Bunnell (Incumbent)
Greg Sitzmann
Council Member Ward 4 Full Term Four Years
Kris Durbin
Matthew Shaw
Jill Chalfie
General Election: November 5, 2019 These individuals will run in November as they do not have any primary challengers in August
Council Member Ward 1 Full Term Four Years
Tammy Thomas
Jim Neighbor (Incumbent)
Council Member Ward 2 Full Term Four Years
Eric Jenkins (Incumbent)
Andy Rondon
So, what is happening now:
Primary Election: August 6, 2019. The top two finishers in each contest will advance to the General Election November 5, 2019
Mayor
Michelle Distler (Incumbent)
Dawn Tubbesing
Ajay Sood
Stephanie Meyer
Council Member Ward 3 Full Term Four Years
Kurt Knappen
Nick Reed
Dawn Rattan
Council Member Ward 3 Unexpired Two Year Term
Kevin Straub
Lisa Larson-Bunnell (Incumbent)
Greg Sitzmann
Council Member Ward 4 Full Term Four Years
Kris Durbin
Matthew Shaw
Jill Chalfie
General Election: November 5, 2019 These individuals will run in November as they do not have any primary challengers in August
Council Member Ward 1 Full Term Four Years
Tammy Thomas
Jim Neighbor (Incumbent)
Council Member Ward 2 Full Term Four Years
Eric Jenkins (Incumbent)
Andy Rondon
Sunday, June 02, 2019
Does Stephanie Meyer Really Care?
Below is a screen capture from her FB page. The sentiments are really nice. I would even agree with them. But, does she mean them?
Why do I ask if she really means what she wrote? Easy. Apparently, prior to the council meeting a citizen had done some research and discovered the names of five Shawnee folks who gave their lives in Vietnam. While Mayor Distler read those names aloud for as a tribute, Ms. Meyer could be seen pecking away on her cell phone. Gosh Stephanie, couldn't those texts have waited just a few minutes so you could really pay tribute. Or are you all lip service? Maybe. Do you ever pay attention to what is happening at any council meeting or are you always pecking away on your cell phone?
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Mayoral and Ward 3 Primary
With everything going on recently about that proposed community center there were same changes in the upcoming primary election to be held August 6, 2019. Will cover the non-primary elections in a separate post as they are to be held November 5, 2019.
Mayor's Primary:
Michelle Distler has filed for reelection
Ajay Sood has filed
Dawn Tubbesing (served on council as Kuhn) has filed
Stephanie Meyer has filed - withdrew from running for her Ward 3 council seat to run for mayor
Ward 3 Council Seat:
Dawn Rattan has filed
Kurt Knappen withdrew from the 2 year unexpired seat to run for the full four year seat
Nick Reed has filed
Interesting item. Nick Reed apparently filed for the Ward 3 seat at about the same time that Stephanie Meyer switched over to running for mayor. Hmmmmm, was he her hand picked "replacement"? If so, the only thing I can say is that he might want to visit Gall's at 9200 Marshall Drive, yes, in Lenexa. They have a full range of LEO gear. He might want to pay particular attention to the items listed at https://www.galls.com/stab-armor#products_scroll as these items could protect against being stabbed in the back. Just a thought.
Mayor's Primary:
Michelle Distler has filed for reelection
Ajay Sood has filed
Dawn Tubbesing (served on council as Kuhn) has filed
Stephanie Meyer has filed - withdrew from running for her Ward 3 council seat to run for mayor
Ward 3 Council Seat:
Dawn Rattan has filed
Kurt Knappen withdrew from the 2 year unexpired seat to run for the full four year seat
Nick Reed has filed
Interesting item. Nick Reed apparently filed for the Ward 3 seat at about the same time that Stephanie Meyer switched over to running for mayor. Hmmmmm, was he her hand picked "replacement"? If so, the only thing I can say is that he might want to visit Gall's at 9200 Marshall Drive, yes, in Lenexa. They have a full range of LEO gear. He might want to pay particular attention to the items listed at https://www.galls.com/stab-armor#products_scroll as these items could protect against being stabbed in the back. Just a thought.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
The Crying Has Started
Wow, looks like Hillary Clinton syndrome has spread to Shawnee. The crying by some current and former elected officials about the failure of the bond issue for the proposed community center has started.
First, let's look at some numbers:
Turn out for the mail ballot election: 19,951 of 43,019 registered voters 46.38% This is a significant number for two reasons. First, mail ballots in other JoCo cities have in the past pulled 30-35% of the registered voters. In most previous Shawnee local elections (council/mayor) only between 10-15% of the voters actually vote. The final vote of 72% against to 28% for was a wipe out. Next week we should see the breakdown by wards. With only 5,559 voters voting yes, it seems incomprehensible that any ward showed a majority of folks voting to approve. I would be willing to bet that the item was even voted down in Ward 3, the home of the numero uno cheerleader for this project, Councilmember Stephanie Meyer.
Failure of the proponents of the item to fully comprehend Question 35 contributed, IMHO, to the lopsided victory. We have heard about how 67% of the folks wanted a new community center. But question 35, in the same survey indicated that 52.5% of those surveyed were unwilling to pay increased property taxes to finance its construction. This item is/was on the city's web site but one had to dig to find it. Also, in the city's literature pushing the project and their info tours, no mention of this item was made, until a citizen brought it up. This was like asking somebody if they wanted a new Mercedes. They would probably say yes. Ask them if they would be willing to take on the payment for it would probably result in a negative response.
The surveys, studies, hiring of the consultants, cost of the election, etc. probably came close to a half million dollars. The only positive to come out of that expenditure is that the people have spoken. Take that back, the people have shouted at the top of their lungs. Now, let's put this item to rest.
The original concept for the land which was purchased over a decade ago was to build a third swimming pool. It then morphed into this monstrosity. This property has been off the tax rolls for too long. Let's sell it to a developer who is willing to build something that would bring in money to the city.
First, let's look at some numbers:
Turn out for the mail ballot election: 19,951 of 43,019 registered voters 46.38% This is a significant number for two reasons. First, mail ballots in other JoCo cities have in the past pulled 30-35% of the registered voters. In most previous Shawnee local elections (council/mayor) only between 10-15% of the voters actually vote. The final vote of 72% against to 28% for was a wipe out. Next week we should see the breakdown by wards. With only 5,559 voters voting yes, it seems incomprehensible that any ward showed a majority of folks voting to approve. I would be willing to bet that the item was even voted down in Ward 3, the home of the numero uno cheerleader for this project, Councilmember Stephanie Meyer.
Failure of the proponents of the item to fully comprehend Question 35 contributed, IMHO, to the lopsided victory. We have heard about how 67% of the folks wanted a new community center. But question 35, in the same survey indicated that 52.5% of those surveyed were unwilling to pay increased property taxes to finance its construction. This item is/was on the city's web site but one had to dig to find it. Also, in the city's literature pushing the project and their info tours, no mention of this item was made, until a citizen brought it up. This was like asking somebody if they wanted a new Mercedes. They would probably say yes. Ask them if they would be willing to take on the payment for it would probably result in a negative response.
The surveys, studies, hiring of the consultants, cost of the election, etc. probably came close to a half million dollars. The only positive to come out of that expenditure is that the people have spoken. Take that back, the people have shouted at the top of their lungs. Now, let's put this item to rest.
The original concept for the land which was purchased over a decade ago was to build a third swimming pool. It then morphed into this monstrosity. This property has been off the tax rolls for too long. Let's sell it to a developer who is willing to build something that would bring in money to the city.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
No New Community Center or Property Taxes - Vote NO! Destroys The Vote Yes at the Ballot Box
The unofficial results are in regarding the $38 million bond issue to build a new community center in Shawnee.
NO...............14,380 72.12%
Yes.................5,559 27.88%
46.38% of the registered voters responded. Usually in a mail ballot election the number is 30% to 35%
Tremendous outpouring.
This was a total, unequivocal repudiation of this boondoggle, and of those high profile individuals who supported it. But more on that after the official certification. I definitely want to see the breakdown by ward.
One thing that has come out of this election is that the people of Shawnee have shown that they will not allow the few to control the many. No longer will you hear, "it doesn't matter what I think, it will happen anyway"
There is a new dynamic in Shawnee....................
Right now, I am extremely euphoric. More to come after the certification.
NO...............14,380 72.12%
Yes.................5,559 27.88%
46.38% of the registered voters responded. Usually in a mail ballot election the number is 30% to 35%
Tremendous outpouring.
This was a total, unequivocal repudiation of this boondoggle, and of those high profile individuals who supported it. But more on that after the official certification. I definitely want to see the breakdown by ward.
One thing that has come out of this election is that the people of Shawnee have shown that they will not allow the few to control the many. No longer will you hear, "it doesn't matter what I think, it will happen anyway"
There is a new dynamic in Shawnee....................
Right now, I am extremely euphoric. More to come after the certification.
Saturday, May 18, 2019
It's Not Too Late To Vote
Have you voted in the mail ballot election concerning the proposed Shawnee Community
Center? Well, if you haven't, there is still time to vote. It is too late to mail it in, but you can hand deliver it, anytime (yep, even at midnight) between now and Tuesday 5/21/19 at 12 noon. They have very functional drive up drop off boxes
The election office is located at 2101 E. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 66061, just a couple of blocks south of Bass Pro Shops. And with all of those American Flags outside of the building it is hard to miss. Anyway, to make it easier for you spot, there are some pix below.
We can stop this boondoggle and waste of taxpayer money.
Center? Well, if you haven't, there is still time to vote. It is too late to mail it in, but you can hand deliver it, anytime (yep, even at midnight) between now and Tuesday 5/21/19 at 12 noon. They have very functional drive up drop off boxes
The election office is located at 2101 E. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 66061, just a couple of blocks south of Bass Pro Shops. And with all of those American Flags outside of the building it is hard to miss. Anyway, to make it easier for you spot, there are some pix below.
We can stop this boondoggle and waste of taxpayer money.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
The mail ballot election for the proposed Shawnee Community Center is what we are referring to.
All ballots have to be in to the JoCo Election office by noon next Tuesday, 5/21/19. Postage has been prepaid. If not mailed by Friday 5/17 we'd like to suggest that they then be hand delivered to the election office 2101 East Kansas City Rd, Olathe. Just a couple of blocks south of Bass Pro. There is a convenient drive up lane where you do not even have to get out of your car.
Let's all pull together to defeat this "want" because our city has many more important "needs".
Our city needs better infrastructure in many neighborhoods. We are talking sidewalks, street repairs, storm water drainage, curbs, etc.
Our city needs a replacement for fire station 71 and a new squad 75 station.
Our city needs our public safety departments to be fully staffed. At all times.
Check with your friends, family, neighbors and see if they have voted yet. If they haven't, please remind them that there is no in person voting on this election. The only way to make your voice heard is by voting.
All ballots have to be in to the JoCo Election office by noon next Tuesday, 5/21/19. Postage has been prepaid. If not mailed by Friday 5/17 we'd like to suggest that they then be hand delivered to the election office 2101 East Kansas City Rd, Olathe. Just a couple of blocks south of Bass Pro. There is a convenient drive up lane where you do not even have to get out of your car.
Let's all pull together to defeat this "want" because our city has many more important "needs".
Our city needs better infrastructure in many neighborhoods. We are talking sidewalks, street repairs, storm water drainage, curbs, etc.
Our city needs a replacement for fire station 71 and a new squad 75 station.
Our city needs our public safety departments to be fully staffed. At all times.
Check with your friends, family, neighbors and see if they have voted yet. If they haven't, please remind them that there is no in person voting on this election. The only way to make your voice heard is by voting.
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Watch the Highway Signs
The city council’s move to create a “new Shawnee” west of
435 diverts critical resources away from the heart of Shawnee. Let’s
keep Shawnee one community working for all of us. Vote No!
If you haven't mailed back your ballot time is getting short. The ballots need to be received at the JoCo Election office NLT Tuesday 5/21/19 at noon (not postmarked). To be on the safe side, if you do not mail them back by Friday 5/17/19 please hand deliver them 24/7 to the election office. There is a drive up lane with a drop box. You do not even have to get out of your car. It is located just a few blocks south of Bass Pro at:
2101 East Kansas City Road
Olathe, Kansas 66061
Thursday, May 09, 2019
Why Shawnee Can't Compete With Lenexa
Many folks want the proposed community center to be approved. One reason heard often is because "Lenexa has one". So what? Lenexa has a commercial tax base that is close to double that of Shawnee. If a person has time they can drive all over Lenexa and see the commercial buildings (that pay twice what a residential owner pays).
We won't even talk about how Lenexa planned theirs for 20 years and saved towards it. For those who don't believe me about the commercial tax base please view the image below. This is from a presentation that the Shawnee Finance Director gave to the Council Committee three days ago (5/6/19)
Tuesday, May 07, 2019
Uncle Alan - In the Spotlight - Again
Remember Alan (former mayor Jeff Meyers' uncle by marriage) Willoughby?
Remember how his appointment to fill an open seat on the city council ended up with a KOMA investigation and the JoCo DA issuing a letter of rebuke?
Remember how he wound up back on the Planning Commission? How his nephew(by marriage) broke a tie vote to appoint him to that position.
Well, it looks like Uncle Alan found a way to get back in the spotlight. And, IMHO, not in a good way. Remember, he is a sitting member of the Shawnee Planning Commission. What did he do? He sat on the dais, at the PC meeting on Monday 5/6/19 wearing a "Vote Yes" t-shirt in support of the proposed community center ballot initiative.
This is so wrong. If he wants to wear that t-shirt outside of city hall fine. If he wants to wear it while grocery shopping or elbow bending at a local pub that is fine. But to wear it while performing his duties as a PC member is out of line. I am calling for either his resignation or his removal by the city council.
Now for those who may doubt that it happened here is a picture of it. Click to view a larger version.
Remember how his appointment to fill an open seat on the city council ended up with a KOMA investigation and the JoCo DA issuing a letter of rebuke?
Remember how he wound up back on the Planning Commission? How his nephew(by marriage) broke a tie vote to appoint him to that position.
Well, it looks like Uncle Alan found a way to get back in the spotlight. And, IMHO, not in a good way. Remember, he is a sitting member of the Shawnee Planning Commission. What did he do? He sat on the dais, at the PC meeting on Monday 5/6/19 wearing a "Vote Yes" t-shirt in support of the proposed community center ballot initiative.
This is so wrong. If he wants to wear that t-shirt outside of city hall fine. If he wants to wear it while grocery shopping or elbow bending at a local pub that is fine. But to wear it while performing his duties as a PC member is out of line. I am calling for either his resignation or his removal by the city council.
Now for those who may doubt that it happened here is a picture of it. Click to view a larger version.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
