What is wrong with people?
First the city removed the gazebo from Ben Givens park downtown due to vandalism, now they have removed the wooden statue of the train conductor in front of the Park Park engine. Makes you want scream! Next, we'll have to use roll down metal gates in front of stores.
More seriously, what can be done from a city/law enforcement approach toward vandalism preventing-punishment to slow this stuff down?
Friday, December 9, 2011
Rubbermaid jobs coming?
This story is reminiscent of back in 2006 when a Rubbermaid plant in Iowa closed and moved some jobs to Winfield. There was a concerted effort to recruit the employees from Iowa and help them locate and find housing here. I believe Cowley First was involved.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Hispanics on the Plains
Read this New York Times story the other day and thought it could have been written about Ark City. The headline is: As Small Towns Wither on Plains, Hispanics Come to the Rescue.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Hopsital finances
The new hospital is bleeding some red ink. It does sound like hospital's around the region are having revenue problems, as people use health services less a down economy. We also have lost a couple popular family doctors who make referrals to the hospital.
That said, the expectations for this new hospital, supported by tax payers, are very high. The image of a facility losing money after all the promises of better facility and more services will be hard to overcome.
It sounds like management is taking aggressive steps to cope with the shortfalls without compromising quality of care. They are also being very open about the issues and up front with the public. This will service them well.
The services themselves are not in question, at least not that I have heard, and it seems like the town has really embraced the new facility after some controversy over its location.
That said, the expectations for this new hospital, supported by tax payers, are very high. The image of a facility losing money after all the promises of better facility and more services will be hard to overcome.
It sounds like management is taking aggressive steps to cope with the shortfalls without compromising quality of care. They are also being very open about the issues and up front with the public. This will service them well.
The services themselves are not in question, at least not that I have heard, and it seems like the town has really embraced the new facility after some controversy over its location.
The great reconciliator
This seems like an odd thing for a governor to do. Kind of preacher-like, but Brownback is a pretty religious fellow. The next thing we know he'll be hiring Depok Chopra to spiritually advise us. More seriously, I agree with Brownback's sentiments on this and think the world would be a much better place if we followed this calling to heal human resentments. Of course it takes two to fully reconcile, although one person can reconcile their own feelings toward somebody, even if the other person remains estranged or resentful.
Wouldn't be a bad thing if the politicians in D.C. heeded this calling .....
Kan. governor proclaims 'Week of Reconciliation'
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback is calling on Kansans to seek and bestow forgiveness for past failures and wrongs as the holiday season approaches.
Brownback issued a proclamation Thursday declaring "A Week of Reconciliation" that runs through next Wednesday — the day before Thanksgiving.
The governor's proclamation describes reconciliation as "a powerful concept and tool in improving human relations." Brownback urges all citizens to contact anyone from whom they're estranged to be reconciled — "even if the other person has done most of the wrong."
Wouldn't be a bad thing if the politicians in D.C. heeded this calling .....
Kan. governor proclaims 'Week of Reconciliation'
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback is calling on Kansans to seek and bestow forgiveness for past failures and wrongs as the holiday season approaches.
Brownback issued a proclamation Thursday declaring "A Week of Reconciliation" that runs through next Wednesday — the day before Thanksgiving.
The governor's proclamation describes reconciliation as "a powerful concept and tool in improving human relations." Brownback urges all citizens to contact anyone from whom they're estranged to be reconciled — "even if the other person has done most of the wrong."
Friday, November 11, 2011
City health costs
Wow. The city is seriously bucking the trend in heath insurance costs. While the rest of us are stilling seeing increases, the city of Ark City has a 9.2 percent DECREASE in premiums. They are getting some kind of longevity incentive for sticking with blue cross over several years. But it must also have to do with employees costing blue cross less.
In fact early reporting is that premiums aren't increasing as much this renewal period. Guess the health care reform haters will have to find another angle of attack.
In fact early reporting is that premiums aren't increasing as much this renewal period. Guess the health care reform haters will have to find another angle of attack.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Medicaid makeover
Gov. Brownback announced big changes in how Medicaid functions in Kansas, hoping to reduce the soaring cost AND at the same time improve the health of the people covered by it.
Courier story shows that local officials are uncertain on how it would affect their agencies - Vets Home, Developmentally Disabled, etc.
It contains some interesting goals of providing incentives for healthier behavior. The big structural change is contracting out the service to a managed care provider who has to meet cost and health outcome standards. The plan also intends to help the really sick Medicaid recipients receive more attention to help get them better and more integrated care, which could reduce the cost on the system.
This sounds like bringing more government involvement in the lives of medicaid recipients, the same thing Obama was criticized for in making changes to Medicaid and the health system as a whole.
The details of how this will all work are yet to come, but it does hold some promise if the goals of helping medicaid recipients get healthier and lowering the costs come to pass.
Courier story shows that local officials are uncertain on how it would affect their agencies - Vets Home, Developmentally Disabled, etc.
It contains some interesting goals of providing incentives for healthier behavior. The big structural change is contracting out the service to a managed care provider who has to meet cost and health outcome standards. The plan also intends to help the really sick Medicaid recipients receive more attention to help get them better and more integrated care, which could reduce the cost on the system.
This sounds like bringing more government involvement in the lives of medicaid recipients, the same thing Obama was criticized for in making changes to Medicaid and the health system as a whole.
The details of how this will all work are yet to come, but it does hold some promise if the goals of helping medicaid recipients get healthier and lowering the costs come to pass.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Mental Health praise
This sounds likethings are improving at the Mental Health Center, but the report hasn't been released yet. From public accounts, it appears most of the issue that lead the county commissioners to oust the board and then let the director go was internal, human resources-financial issues. Less so client services. But the general taxpaying public might never know exactly what spurred that drastic action, unless the authorities give a full account.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Pension perks
My story on the odd, some would say unfair, way that state legislators calculate their retirement benefits.
Does seem a bit contradictory at a time when they are preparing to cut back benefits for public employees.
I have to say that Kasha Kelley, who decided not to join KPERS when she was elected, deserves credit sacrificing that perk. The decision might be harder for someone of lessor means, however.
Here is Eagle editorial about the perks.
Does seem a bit contradictory at a time when they are preparing to cut back benefits for public employees.
I have to say that Kasha Kelley, who decided not to join KPERS when she was elected, deserves credit sacrificing that perk. The decision might be harder for someone of lessor means, however.
Here is Eagle editorial about the perks.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Pipeline taxes
TransCanada does not plan a second pipeline through Kansas as part of itsKeystone XL project that is all over the news lately. But they are still
trying to get a Kansas property tax exemption on the first one, put into operation last year.
The story of this exemption is a case study in legislation that is not fully vetted, nor understood by lawmakers.
One thing I didn't put in the story is that according to Ed Trimmer, D-Winfield, he said they were told on the House floor that the exemption applied only to natural gas, and that there was no mention of oil and TransCanada. It sailed through a few years ago.
Also, Cowley County Commissioner Gary Wilson said some landowners had problems with TransCanada building the pipeline underneath waterways -- grassy areas that help with drainage, and not rebuilding the waterway back to good condition.
trying to get a Kansas property tax exemption on the first one, put into operation last year.
The story of this exemption is a case study in legislation that is not fully vetted, nor understood by lawmakers.
One thing I didn't put in the story is that according to Ed Trimmer, D-Winfield, he said they were told on the House floor that the exemption applied only to natural gas, and that there was no mention of oil and TransCanada. It sailed through a few years ago.
Also, Cowley County Commissioner Gary Wilson said some landowners had problems with TransCanada building the pipeline underneath waterways -- grassy areas that help with drainage, and not rebuilding the waterway back to good condition.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Target shooting
If this was a case of target shooting gone awry, it would be a good time to remind people of safety rules/guidelines for targeting shooting.
Here's what the NRA states its website. Know your target and what is beyond.
Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.
Here's what the NRA states its website. Know your target and what is beyond.
Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
99 percent
The Occupy Wall Street,or 99 percent movement, or whatever you call it doesn't feel like something that will affect electoral politics in the upcoming cycle, like the tea party did. But it does capture a mood, or feeling that has been festering for years and likely will seep into the direction of public policy. This story in the Eagle provides the raw facts behind some of the alienation and anger about society-government today. The richer are getting richer, in some cases much richer, and the rest just plodding along.
I think its pretty well documented that incomes gaps have grown over the last 30 years. Middle income earners are squeezed more by prices/health insurance and other costs and have not been able to afford the things they used to.
I think its pretty well documented that incomes gaps have grown over the last 30 years. Middle income earners are squeezed more by prices/health insurance and other costs and have not been able to afford the things they used to.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The big time
This incredible promotional opportunity kind of fell into our laps here in Ark City. But it was no accident. Arkansas City has made great strides in recent years and has always been a strong small town with good quality of life.
Getting a five-minute segment on national television, even cable, to boast about the quality of life in Ark City and be able to use the piece as an ongoing marketing tool sounds almost too good to be true.
The $20,000 cost is well worth it - I'll bet the chamber has no problem raising the funds privately. This could be a great business recruitment tool and general image builder for Ark City to south-central Kansas and beyond.
We all know that Ark City has had a reputation for being a blue-collar town with blight problems and contentious politics, but that is slowly changing. Some of the recent success toward community building - hospital, schools, downtown streetscape, burford rennovation - are changing the image toward a place that works together and build a vibrant, strong town.
Could this be a turning point?
Getting a five-minute segment on national television, even cable, to boast about the quality of life in Ark City and be able to use the piece as an ongoing marketing tool sounds almost too good to be true.
The $20,000 cost is well worth it - I'll bet the chamber has no problem raising the funds privately. This could be a great business recruitment tool and general image builder for Ark City to south-central Kansas and beyond.
We all know that Ark City has had a reputation for being a blue-collar town with blight problems and contentious politics, but that is slowly changing. Some of the recent success toward community building - hospital, schools, downtown streetscape, burford rennovation - are changing the image toward a place that works together and build a vibrant, strong town.
Could this be a turning point?
The uninsured, continued ...
David- get your facts right. He chose not to be covered by Health Insurance because he felt it was too expensive. He gambled and lost.
I normally don't respond to comments because it can be like sticking your hand in badger hole. But this point above about the man from Joplin is an opportunity to further discuss why universal health care is needed.
This is exactly the problem — the unaffordability of health insurance. The man made just above minimum wage, according to news articles. Depending on how much his employer paid, buying health insurance could mean the difference between owning a car, paying rent, supporting children, etc....
With universal coverage, safety nets are put in place to help this man not have to face such perverse decision.
In 2014, if health reform survives, this man would 1. either be picked up by his employer, who might be eligible for tax credits, or 2. get a direct gov. subsidy to afford premiums on his own. At his level of pay, he might be able to go directly onto Medicaid, depending on his total household income.
To say he gambled and lost might be true, but what a cruel game of craps people are forced to play with their lives.
I normally don't respond to comments because it can be like sticking your hand in badger hole. But this point above about the man from Joplin is an opportunity to further discuss why universal health care is needed.
This is exactly the problem — the unaffordability of health insurance. The man made just above minimum wage, according to news articles. Depending on how much his employer paid, buying health insurance could mean the difference between owning a car, paying rent, supporting children, etc....
With universal coverage, safety nets are put in place to help this man not have to face such perverse decision.
In 2014, if health reform survives, this man would 1. either be picked up by his employer, who might be eligible for tax credits, or 2. get a direct gov. subsidy to afford premiums on his own. At his level of pay, he might be able to go directly onto Medicaid, depending on his total household income.
To say he gambled and lost might be true, but what a cruel game of craps people are forced to play with their lives.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Museum politics
The museum has taken some heat from Chris Mayer, the archeologist at Cowley College, who is very critical of how the museum board is changing the museum. As an archeologist, he has some standing on issues of preservation and local history. However, I haven't seen anything that supports his claims that the museum is tossing stuff out on a haphazard basis. In a reorganization, some things would have to be moved around, or even discarded, if they were not of any historical value, one would think.
I did not attend the new exhibit opening but plan to see them. I think promoting and honoring the history of Gov. Docking and the Docking family is a great idea, long overdue.
I was a little shocked at how the Indian fort was destroyed. Perhaps disposing of it was a good idea, but it did have a feel of disregard to past efforts at recognizing Native American history. It wasn't subtle.
I did not attend the new exhibit opening but plan to see them. I think promoting and honoring the history of Gov. Docking and the Docking family is a great idea, long overdue.
I was a little shocked at how the Indian fort was destroyed. Perhaps disposing of it was a good idea, but it did have a feel of disregard to past efforts at recognizing Native American history. It wasn't subtle.
The uninsured
If there ever was a reason for universal health care coverage, this is it. A hero from the Joplin tornado has more than $2 million in medical bills, but has no health insurance. The story was about him being denied workers comp. But that wouldn't be such a big deal if he had health insurance.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
ESI
It's interesting that a lot of the top city officials and much of the city commission are gone from when this case first started. I think some folks are wondering whether this will make the city more inclined to just settling instead of racking up more attorney fees.
Robinson's case sounds pretty strong, but the city is going to present its case in detail soon, so we'll have a better idea of its defense.
Robinson's case sounds pretty strong, but the city is going to present its case in detail soon, so we'll have a better idea of its defense.
Occupy Wall Street
Good column here in the Wall Street Journal about the underlying feelings and risk of targeting our frustrations on big business and financial institutions.
Obama's proposed millionaire tax has probably spurred this movement a bit, but it indeed taps into growing frustration over wealth disparaties and the perception that corporations are sitting on fat profits and financial institutions that caused the recession got bailed out while the average Joe has been hosed.
Doubt this movement will have the influence the Tea Party movement has had. They do share a common disgust at government bailouts of big businesses, although the end goal is surely much different.
Obama's proposed millionaire tax has probably spurred this movement a bit, but it indeed taps into growing frustration over wealth disparaties and the perception that corporations are sitting on fat profits and financial institutions that caused the recession got bailed out while the average Joe has been hosed.
Doubt this movement will have the influence the Tea Party movement has had. They do share a common disgust at government bailouts of big businesses, although the end goal is surely much different.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Mental Health meltdown
The problems at the Cowley County Mental Health agency seem to have more to do with internal human resources issues than with services to clients, although if one is troubled you'd think it might affect the other. The new board was tasked with making big changes, so I'm sure there are more to come. Linda Young, the director who has been terminatedis making the big news, but what else is going on?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Artsy fartsy
The National Endowment for the Arts did what some warned and denied a $1 million matching grant to Kansas to support local arts programs, because the state eliminated its arts agency.
While the general public probably doesn't worry too much about art and art funding, there is a fairly influential set of folks who do. Meanwhile, our local arts council will either have to beg for more money to keep up their programs or cut something. They already have done amazing private funding to restore the Burford (I'm a former board member) and can only ask for so much .....
While the general public probably doesn't worry too much about art and art funding, there is a fairly influential set of folks who do. Meanwhile, our local arts council will either have to beg for more money to keep up their programs or cut something. They already have done amazing private funding to restore the Burford (I'm a former board member) and can only ask for so much .....
Town hall tumult
I think Sen. Moran was genuinely caught off guard by the confrontational tone of this town hall, but he handled it pretty well.
They expected about 30 people and he said that he wasn't accustomed to people coming in with signs. Some of the Wichita folks there said Moran did not have an open town hall Wichita and so they came here. They might have followed him to Sedan.
It was a bit of a reverse of the Tea Party rebellion in the 2010 town halls — with liberals doing the chiding and challenging this time.
One thing Moran probably should have done is only answer questions of those people who raised their hand and followed procedure. He responded to questions shouted out from the crowd, which gobbled up some time and led to a free-wheeling session.
He did stay afterward to greet people and talk one on one, which I think showed poise and character.
Moran sounded like he wanted to find consensus and compromise on deficit reduction and job creation, although he voted against the compromise debt ceiling package passed earlier this month. He also voted against the compromise package signed last year to extend the bush tax cuts and unemployment benefits. He has not really shown that he will play in the middle, but maybe he's drifting toward it?
They expected about 30 people and he said that he wasn't accustomed to people coming in with signs. Some of the Wichita folks there said Moran did not have an open town hall Wichita and so they came here. They might have followed him to Sedan.
It was a bit of a reverse of the Tea Party rebellion in the 2010 town halls — with liberals doing the chiding and challenging this time.
One thing Moran probably should have done is only answer questions of those people who raised their hand and followed procedure. He responded to questions shouted out from the crowd, which gobbled up some time and led to a free-wheeling session.
He did stay afterward to greet people and talk one on one, which I think showed poise and character.
Moran sounded like he wanted to find consensus and compromise on deficit reduction and job creation, although he voted against the compromise debt ceiling package passed earlier this month. He also voted against the compromise package signed last year to extend the bush tax cuts and unemployment benefits. He has not really shown that he will play in the middle, but maybe he's drifting toward it?
Friday, July 29, 2011
Land deal back
The ACI land sale to the city is back, which means the city commission is renewing focus on bringing development to Goff Industrial Park. With the current commission, a tax increment financing deal is possible, but not necessarily the inevitable outcome, of the land purchase.
As I wrote before, the controls that the city is allowing ACI to retain over the land seems odd, especially since some think ACI and the city are too cozy already. But some say the sale terms are typical for a speculative land deal.
In the end, it seems wise for the city have some land available so they can facilitate the necessary improvements, incentives to get a major employer here.
The question has mostly been over what KIND of employer - retail, manufacturing, warehousing, etc.
As I wrote before, the controls that the city is allowing ACI to retain over the land seems odd, especially since some think ACI and the city are too cozy already. But some say the sale terms are typical for a speculative land deal.
In the end, it seems wise for the city have some land available so they can facilitate the necessary improvements, incentives to get a major employer here.
The question has mostly been over what KIND of employer - retail, manufacturing, warehousing, etc.
Six 86-ed
This is from the Democratic Party, but it's not out of bounds.
At least our Senators should explain their opposition to Six. If not, it looks like petty partisanship and that Moran and Roberts have been sucked into the dysfunctional divisions of D.C.
Roberts has been a promoter of bipartisanship in the past, but it's hard to find signs he believes in it anymore.
COLUMN: Steve Six, Kansas deserve better than the petty politics of Moran and Roberts
I was deeply disappointed to hear that Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran were blocking the nomination of their fellow Kansan Steve Six for the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Former judge and Attorney General Six received the highest rating from the nonpartisan American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Judiciary and the support of both Republicans and Democrats.
Opinion editors from across the state have echoed the thoughts of fair-minded Kansans saying that Six's "professionalism and judgment have been praised by 29 state attorneys general, Republicans as well as Democrats. Six’s supporters have included five current and former deans of the University of Kansas School of Law and Deanell Reece Tacha, the Reagan appointee and former Kansan he would replace on the 10th Circuit. In his own letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee calling for Six’s confirmation, former Republican Attorney General Robert Stephan said Six had never let politics interfere with his responsibilities. Too bad the same cannot be said about Roberts and Moran."
What do Moran and Roberts think they are doing? They certainly aren’t looking out for our best interest. As a result of their actions, there may not be another Kansan nominated to take Judge Tacha's place, and our representation on this key federal court will be weakened.
I have to agree that Moran and Roberts are playing politics.They are catering to the extreme members of the Republican Party. They care more about appeasing anti-choice groups like Operation Rescue in Wichita than in doing what’s right for Kansas.This is a sad day for our state. Attorney General Six is more than qualified to serve on the appeals court. Unfortunately, as long as our senators are driven by petty politics, Kansans will never get the representation we deserve.
Joan Wagnon
Chair, Kansas Democratic Party
At least our Senators should explain their opposition to Six. If not, it looks like petty partisanship and that Moran and Roberts have been sucked into the dysfunctional divisions of D.C.
Roberts has been a promoter of bipartisanship in the past, but it's hard to find signs he believes in it anymore.
COLUMN: Steve Six, Kansas deserve better than the petty politics of Moran and Roberts
I was deeply disappointed to hear that Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran were blocking the nomination of their fellow Kansan Steve Six for the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Former judge and Attorney General Six received the highest rating from the nonpartisan American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Judiciary and the support of both Republicans and Democrats.
Opinion editors from across the state have echoed the thoughts of fair-minded Kansans saying that Six's "professionalism and judgment have been praised by 29 state attorneys general, Republicans as well as Democrats. Six’s supporters have included five current and former deans of the University of Kansas School of Law and Deanell Reece Tacha, the Reagan appointee and former Kansan he would replace on the 10th Circuit. In his own letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee calling for Six’s confirmation, former Republican Attorney General Robert Stephan said Six had never let politics interfere with his responsibilities. Too bad the same cannot be said about Roberts and Moran."
What do Moran and Roberts think they are doing? They certainly aren’t looking out for our best interest. As a result of their actions, there may not be another Kansan nominated to take Judge Tacha's place, and our representation on this key federal court will be weakened.
I have to agree that Moran and Roberts are playing politics.They are catering to the extreme members of the Republican Party. They care more about appeasing anti-choice groups like Operation Rescue in Wichita than in doing what’s right for Kansas.This is a sad day for our state. Attorney General Six is more than qualified to serve on the appeals court. Unfortunately, as long as our senators are driven by petty politics, Kansans will never get the representation we deserve.
Joan Wagnon
Chair, Kansas Democratic Party
Monday, July 25, 2011
Epic failure
Great column by former GOP congressman and TV talk show host Joe Scarborough on politico.com
I think he gets it right - the Republicans could have had $4 trillion deficit reduction package, 3/4 of it spending cuts, 1/4 increased tax revenues, had they been willing to work with the President and show true leadership.
I don't quite agree that Americans will totally blame the GOP if economic armagedeon occurs - Obama will get plenty of blame too. Course Bill Clinton won the PR battle when government shut down in 1995. Making the republicans look like mean spirited, unreasonable politicians.
I think he gets it right - the Republicans could have had $4 trillion deficit reduction package, 3/4 of it spending cuts, 1/4 increased tax revenues, had they been willing to work with the President and show true leadership.
I don't quite agree that Americans will totally blame the GOP if economic armagedeon occurs - Obama will get plenty of blame too. Course Bill Clinton won the PR battle when government shut down in 1995. Making the republicans look like mean spirited, unreasonable politicians.
Friday, July 22, 2011
County adminstrator
Sounds like the county commissioners are going to take their time finding a replacement for Leroy Alsup. That makes sense. They have a good interim administrator and Alsup is going to help with the budget.
Nick Hernandez
There have been five city managers in five years in Ark City, if you include interim manager Dick Chesney.
It sounds like the commission found a good one in Nick Hernandez. His military back ground is a plus, and it sounds like he wants to achieve real results and make real change.
Some have cautioned the it sounds like Doug Russell again - young, smart ambitious - and look what happened with him. But we have a different commission now and so we'll see what happens.
This is what Ark City needs. Also gotta like his comments about being transparent. Let's hope we can have a period of relative calm while continue the progress that has been made in recent years.
It sounds like the commission found a good one in Nick Hernandez. His military back ground is a plus, and it sounds like he wants to achieve real results and make real change.
Some have cautioned the it sounds like Doug Russell again - young, smart ambitious - and look what happened with him. But we have a different commission now and so we'll see what happens.
This is what Ark City needs. Also gotta like his comments about being transparent. Let's hope we can have a period of relative calm while continue the progress that has been made in recent years.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Compromise!?
Could it be .....
Boehner: House will compromise on debt limit
ANDREW TAYLOR,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker John Boehner predicted Thursday that a majority of House Republicans will end up supporting some kind of compromise as the Senate began debating a House-passed effort to tie an increase in the debt ceiling to conservative demands for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., called up the measure to placate Republicans demanding a vote. But he said it "doesn't have one chance in a million of passing the Senate."
At a news conference, Boehner told reporters, "Frankly, I think it would be irresponsible on behalf of the Congress and the president not to be looking at back-up strategies for how to solve this problem."
"At the end of the day, we have a responsibility to act," the Ohio Republican said.
This whole debt ceiling default fear never had to happen. Approve the debt increase, then go after legislation to reduce the deficit, if that is what lawmakers want to do. Instead, they have created this - no more debt or die crusade that has stalled the economy, sent fear through financial markets, and further eroded faith in elected officials handling things responsibly and cooperatively.
Boehner: House will compromise on debt limit
ANDREW TAYLOR,Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker John Boehner predicted Thursday that a majority of House Republicans will end up supporting some kind of compromise as the Senate began debating a House-passed effort to tie an increase in the debt ceiling to conservative demands for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., called up the measure to placate Republicans demanding a vote. But he said it "doesn't have one chance in a million of passing the Senate."
At a news conference, Boehner told reporters, "Frankly, I think it would be irresponsible on behalf of the Congress and the president not to be looking at back-up strategies for how to solve this problem."
"At the end of the day, we have a responsibility to act," the Ohio Republican said.
This whole debt ceiling default fear never had to happen. Approve the debt increase, then go after legislation to reduce the deficit, if that is what lawmakers want to do. Instead, they have created this - no more debt or die crusade that has stalled the economy, sent fear through financial markets, and further eroded faith in elected officials handling things responsibly and cooperatively.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Rural revival?
I was always a bit skeptical that these income tax breaks for moving to small population counties would do much good, which this article confirms. But it can't hurt, and it probably won't cost much. Cowley County doesn't quality because our cities, Winfield and Ark City, are too big.
Brownback ran on turning the economy around, and this was his biggest policy proposal. Kind of underwhelming.
Brownback ran on turning the economy around, and this was his biggest policy proposal. Kind of underwhelming.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Taxes, deficit, and the public
Just because the public wants something doesn't mean it is always a good policy decision for lawmakers. But poll after poll shows public support for raising taxes along with spending cuts to reduce the federal deficit.
So Republicans should certainly make their argument that they don't believe raising taxes is good for the country or the economy, but they need to stop saying American people don't want taxes raised as part of the solution.
It's hard to tell whether the hard right in Washington is against the size of govt., or against the deficit itself. If the size of government is their biggest concern, then I can see why they don't want increased revenues. But if the deficit is the problem, its a no brainer to include them in any solution.
So Republicans should certainly make their argument that they don't believe raising taxes is good for the country or the economy, but they need to stop saying American people don't want taxes raised as part of the solution.
It's hard to tell whether the hard right in Washington is against the size of govt., or against the deficit itself. If the size of government is their biggest concern, then I can see why they don't want increased revenues. But if the deficit is the problem, its a no brainer to include them in any solution.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Reasonable Repubicans
Be nice if GOP leaders took some advice from New York Times columnist David Brooks. While is one of the liberals' favorite Republican (he often takes moderate stances) he makes oodles of sense in this column about the debt ceiling impasse.
Hernandez in Osage
To me, this story doesn't diminish Hernandez' reputation or credibility. It is window on how he handles controversy and criticism. Sounds like he did OK, not cow-towing but also making changes that responded to legitimate concerns. The credit card usage policy was apparently there before he became city manager, and there are no claims that the cards were misused or used illegally.
I'm told by the newspaper editor in Osage City that the main complainer, Michael Capra, has very little if any credibility in Osage City. And it could be that the Topeka Capital Journal gave Capra too much weight in their story. Capra sunk to a racist insult of Hernandez, which tells you a lot.
What sounds like did happen is that new commissioners were elected that wanted a different direction and created some tension on the commission - a scenario we are very familiar with here in Ark City. Whether that pushed Hernandez toward applying elsewhere is unclear. But it sounds like he handled things well in Osage City, all things considered.
I'm told by the newspaper editor in Osage City that the main complainer, Michael Capra, has very little if any credibility in Osage City. And it could be that the Topeka Capital Journal gave Capra too much weight in their story. Capra sunk to a racist insult of Hernandez, which tells you a lot.
What sounds like did happen is that new commissioners were elected that wanted a different direction and created some tension on the commission - a scenario we are very familiar with here in Ark City. Whether that pushed Hernandez toward applying elsewhere is unclear. But it sounds like he handled things well in Osage City, all things considered.
Let there be light
That's what some downtown merchants say after the city installed low-wattage, energy saving bulbs in downtown street lamps.
I have to admit that the yellow, dimmer glow of the lamps took me by surprise when they were first installed a few weeks ago. I can see the businesses people's concern about lighting for safety reasons, although I disagree with some that the lighting isn't attractive or is dingy.
There are urban areas that tout their "gas lamp" district that creates a certain historical feel. I would say the lighting fits with our historic downtown architecture and street scape, although the safety concern has to come first.
UPDATE: I should have said earlier that the city should have consulted the downtown property owners/merchants. Or at least let the public know what was going to happen. It's not unsimiliar to the truck reg ordinance -- anything that might affect people those people should be consulted or the public should have time to weigh in. The political radar at City Hall might need some tuning.
I have to admit that the yellow, dimmer glow of the lamps took me by surprise when they were first installed a few weeks ago. I can see the businesses people's concern about lighting for safety reasons, although I disagree with some that the lighting isn't attractive or is dingy.
There are urban areas that tout their "gas lamp" district that creates a certain historical feel. I would say the lighting fits with our historic downtown architecture and street scape, although the safety concern has to come first.
UPDATE: I should have said earlier that the city should have consulted the downtown property owners/merchants. Or at least let the public know what was going to happen. It's not unsimiliar to the truck reg ordinance -- anything that might affect people those people should be consulted or the public should have time to weigh in. The political radar at City Hall might need some tuning.
Friday, July 1, 2011
No strike!
Thanks goodness for this.
I've asked some GE workers whey they think a segment of the population is so critical of them. They think its jealousy -- lots of folks have applied out there but its hard to get on.
Its a bit baffling to me. GE is one of the last places in our area with high paying manufacturing jobs that you can support a family on and retire comfortably. Should we value and support this type of employment, not snipe at it? Whether you like or dislike unions, or don't really care, the $50 million payroll out there is the boulder upon which our economy stands.
And, GE workers seem to get along well with local managers. I frankly think the positive relationship between executives and workers is admirable.
I've asked some GE workers whey they think a segment of the population is so critical of them. They think its jealousy -- lots of folks have applied out there but its hard to get on.
Its a bit baffling to me. GE is one of the last places in our area with high paying manufacturing jobs that you can support a family on and retire comfortably. Should we value and support this type of employment, not snipe at it? Whether you like or dislike unions, or don't really care, the $50 million payroll out there is the boulder upon which our economy stands.
And, GE workers seem to get along well with local managers. I frankly think the positive relationship between executives and workers is admirable.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Abortion regs illegal
It seems crystal clear that the new regulations over clinics that perform abortion are unconstitutional - they impose rules over the clinics that even hospitals and surgical centers aren't subject to for more invasive procedures.
As expected, somebody has sued over them and we'll find out.
A woman's right to chose suffered a real onslaught last year, with an anti-abortion Gov. now in place. The state even has limits on private insurers ability to cover abortion. The anti-abortion crowd, most of them, are government conservatives expect when it comes to this topic they want government all over the place
As expected, somebody has sued over them and we'll find out.
A woman's right to chose suffered a real onslaught last year, with an anti-abortion Gov. now in place. The state even has limits on private insurers ability to cover abortion. The anti-abortion crowd, most of them, are government conservatives expect when it comes to this topic they want government all over the place
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Cornerbank vs. Home National
Cornerbank is out from under the thumb of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, after reducing its percentage of commercial loans and increasing its capital. Both Home National Bank and Cornerbank entered letters of agreement with the OCC about the same time, one didn't survive and one says they are stronger than ever.
Home National had huge losses in 2009 and could never recover. Cornerbank, which went after growth areas in Lawrence and Kansas City during the boom times, was not nearly in that bad of shape and has apparently weathered the storm.
It is, in a way, a tale of two banks. And a lesson to not get too bullish in the good times.
Home National had huge losses in 2009 and could never recover. Cornerbank, which went after growth areas in Lawrence and Kansas City during the boom times, was not nearly in that bad of shape and has apparently weathered the storm.
It is, in a way, a tale of two banks. And a lesson to not get too bullish in the good times.
Monday, June 20, 2011
New manager
This sounds like a good hire. Nick Hernandez is young, motivated and sees the strengths Ark City has and the possibilities.
He comes into a town with some fairly heavy municipal baggage, but with the benefit of a new commission and some breathing room created by the interim city manager.
This story shows his optimism about Ark City, and that the commission hired somebody who believes in retail TIF.
He comes into a town with some fairly heavy municipal baggage, but with the benefit of a new commission and some breathing room created by the interim city manager.
This story shows his optimism about Ark City, and that the commission hired somebody who believes in retail TIF.
No strike?
This is as good as economic news we've had locally in a while. Sounds like GE workers and company officials have settled on an 4-year contract agreement, if union members ratify it. From the sounds of it, the union workers came out better than predicted, with a small increase in health care costs and even raises over the life of the contract.
The savings in health care, early retirement options and new hires moving to 401K plans probably help the company save costs in the long run.
The savings in health care, early retirement options and new hires moving to 401K plans probably help the company save costs in the long run.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Home National Bank
What's missing from this story is more detail about the alleged credit "improprieties" the former Home National Bank employee says occurred at the Bank. Brian Ruisinger, the former chief financial officer suing the bank, makes these accusations but does not outline them in his lawsuit, and his attorneys have not returned calls for comment.
The Treasury Department Audit of why HNB failed use the words "fraud" or credit irregularities, like Ruisinger's lawsuit does, but it does say that it failed to stop risky credit practices and that its actions were considered "egregious."
The Treasury Department Audit of why HNB failed use the words "fraud" or credit irregularities, like Ruisinger's lawsuit does, but it does say that it failed to stop risky credit practices and that its actions were considered "egregious."
Friday, June 10, 2011
Alsup moving on
What do folks think of Leroy Alsup's tenure as the first Cowley County adminstrator, now that he's moving on to a job in Oklahoma?
I think that overall he has been a very good one. Newspapers and Alsup have had a few clashes, as you might expect, but the benefits of having a professional manager seems to make the county run more efficiently and brings a focus to major projects. Leroy's speciality is economic develop and budgeting/spending issues, which proved important in setting up Cowley First, handling the GE tax crisis, and the budget crunch when the recession took hold. He helped get the new jail built after the first attempt failed.
He also seemed to gain the trust of the county commissioners, expect Carmelita Clarkson, by staying very close to them and keeping them well informed. Not as outward and visible to the public as say, a Curt Freeland, but that would be hard for a county administrator.
Critics see him as rather imperial, my way or the highway, type of manager, who doesn't always play well with others. There may be some validity to that, but overall I think Alsup has served the county and its residents quite well, setting the pace for county administrators yet to come.
I think that overall he has been a very good one. Newspapers and Alsup have had a few clashes, as you might expect, but the benefits of having a professional manager seems to make the county run more efficiently and brings a focus to major projects. Leroy's speciality is economic develop and budgeting/spending issues, which proved important in setting up Cowley First, handling the GE tax crisis, and the budget crunch when the recession took hold. He helped get the new jail built after the first attempt failed.
He also seemed to gain the trust of the county commissioners, expect Carmelita Clarkson, by staying very close to them and keeping them well informed. Not as outward and visible to the public as say, a Curt Freeland, but that would be hard for a county administrator.
Critics see him as rather imperial, my way or the highway, type of manager, who doesn't always play well with others. There may be some validity to that, but overall I think Alsup has served the county and its residents quite well, setting the pace for county administrators yet to come.
Another Main Street benefit
With a group that focuses on downtown renewal, these type of things happen. Be nice if such were the case in Ark City.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Jobs drop
Actually a net 54,000 were created in the U.S. in May, but much fewer than expected/hoped for. Government jobs are being hacked off all over the country: Here's the top of the AP story:
Few jobs added in May; unemployment up to 9.1 pct
CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER,AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Employers in May added the fewest jobs in eight months, and the unemployment rate inched up to 9.1 percent. The weakening job market raised concerns about an economy hampered by gas prices and the Japanese nuclear disaster.
The key question is whether the meager 54,000 jobs added last month mark a temporary setback or are evidence of a more chronic problem. That total is far lower than the previous three months' average of 220,000 new jobs per month.
Private companies hired only 83,000 new workers in May — the fewest in nearly a year.
Stocks on Wall Street fell for the third straight day. The Dow Jones industrial average was down 76 points in late-morning trading. Broader indexes also dropped.
Among the deepest job cuts were in local governments, which cut 28,000 jobs last month, the most since November. Nearly 18,000 of those jobs were in education. Cities and counties have cut jobs for 22 straight months and have shed 446,000 positions since September 2008.
I think the uncertainty, much of it, is tied to the debt default scare going on in Congress. There's already enough fear out there and Congress should not be adding to the problem by threatening a debt default.
This also raises the question of how fast you want to cut government to get to a balanced budget. Going too fast could slow the economy even more. Sure, markets liked balanced budget and good fiscal policy, but Europe is on an austerity path and things are sluggish there, and now the U.S. appears to be on one.
Will it darken the entire economic picture, at least for a few months or even years. I think it would help if both political sides reached a compromise fast on a path out of debt and stabilized the mood.
But that won't win you a primary back home.
Few jobs added in May; unemployment up to 9.1 pct
CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER,AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Employers in May added the fewest jobs in eight months, and the unemployment rate inched up to 9.1 percent. The weakening job market raised concerns about an economy hampered by gas prices and the Japanese nuclear disaster.
The key question is whether the meager 54,000 jobs added last month mark a temporary setback or are evidence of a more chronic problem. That total is far lower than the previous three months' average of 220,000 new jobs per month.
Private companies hired only 83,000 new workers in May — the fewest in nearly a year.
Stocks on Wall Street fell for the third straight day. The Dow Jones industrial average was down 76 points in late-morning trading. Broader indexes also dropped.
Among the deepest job cuts were in local governments, which cut 28,000 jobs last month, the most since November. Nearly 18,000 of those jobs were in education. Cities and counties have cut jobs for 22 straight months and have shed 446,000 positions since September 2008.
I think the uncertainty, much of it, is tied to the debt default scare going on in Congress. There's already enough fear out there and Congress should not be adding to the problem by threatening a debt default.
This also raises the question of how fast you want to cut government to get to a balanced budget. Going too fast could slow the economy even more. Sure, markets liked balanced budget and good fiscal policy, but Europe is on an austerity path and things are sluggish there, and now the U.S. appears to be on one.
Will it darken the entire economic picture, at least for a few months or even years. I think it would help if both political sides reached a compromise fast on a path out of debt and stabilized the mood.
But that won't win you a primary back home.
Brownback sacks art funding
This is too bad. I still wonder why Brownback is picking a fight with the arts community over a measley $776,000 in the state budget, with pretty good evidence that its money well spent.
Massey's new job
I wish him well in Larned.
You had a feeling there was much more Lane wanted to say about his dealings with city commissioners, etc. during the turmoil earlier this year.
You had a feeling there was much more Lane wanted to say about his dealings with city commissioners, etc. during the turmoil earlier this year.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Nuclear energy bombs
I had been a convert to nuclear energy recently, but after Japan it looks like even the most pro-nuclear counties are having rolling back their nuclear energy plans. Maybe the environmentalists are right on this one:
Germany decides to shut down all nuclear power plants by 2022 in the wake of Fukushima
BERLIN (AP) — Germany's coalition government agreed early Monday to shut down all the country's nuclear power plants by 2022, the environment minister said, making it the first major industrialized nation in the last quarter century to announce plans to go nuclear-free.
The country's seven oldest reactors already taken off the grid pending safety inspections following the catastrophe at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant in March will remain offline permanently, Norbert Roettgen added. The country has 17 reactors total.
Roettgen praised the coalition agreement after negotiations through the night between the governing parties.
"This is coherent. It is clear," he told reporters in Berlin. "That's why it is a good result."
Chancellor Angela Merkel pushed through measures in 2010 to extend the lifespan of the country's 17 reactors, with the last one scheduled to go offline in 2036, but she reversed her policy in the wake of the Japanese disaster.
Germany decides to shut down all nuclear power plants by 2022 in the wake of Fukushima
BERLIN (AP) — Germany's coalition government agreed early Monday to shut down all the country's nuclear power plants by 2022, the environment minister said, making it the first major industrialized nation in the last quarter century to announce plans to go nuclear-free.
The country's seven oldest reactors already taken off the grid pending safety inspections following the catastrophe at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant in March will remain offline permanently, Norbert Roettgen added. The country has 17 reactors total.
Roettgen praised the coalition agreement after negotiations through the night between the governing parties.
"This is coherent. It is clear," he told reporters in Berlin. "That's why it is a good result."
Chancellor Angela Merkel pushed through measures in 2010 to extend the lifespan of the country's 17 reactors, with the last one scheduled to go offline in 2036, but she reversed her policy in the wake of the Japanese disaster.
GE strike fears
A long strike of GE could be a disaster for our area. Even worse could be the end results -- closing or downsize facilities. I believe Strother Field is the last, or one of the last, remaining engine overhaul facilities in North America.
GE is probably the last remaining manufacturing facility in our area that offers a high wage and complete benefits — health care, pension. Unfortunately, the high paying manufacturing jobs that one could raise a family on and retire comfortably (without the spouse working, too) are going by the way side. Let's hope they work this out and think of the future. GE workers will probably have to take some cut in health benefits, like most of America has. Sad, but, true.
It looks like GE workers struck for 2 days in 2003 to protest increases in employee health care contribution, but ended up agreeing to a contract that includes some wage increases and other benefit increases, while accepting some of the health care increases.
GE is probably the last remaining manufacturing facility in our area that offers a high wage and complete benefits — health care, pension. Unfortunately, the high paying manufacturing jobs that one could raise a family on and retire comfortably (without the spouse working, too) are going by the way side. Let's hope they work this out and think of the future. GE workers will probably have to take some cut in health benefits, like most of America has. Sad, but, true.
It looks like GE workers struck for 2 days in 2003 to protest increases in employee health care contribution, but ended up agreeing to a contract that includes some wage increases and other benefit increases, while accepting some of the health care increases.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Paternal city
The money quote in this story is toward the end and not available online, but I will give it to you.
"The city has very good employees," Chesney said, "but we have low expectations of them. There's too much paternalism."
Wow. Chesney being an interim city manager, with no loyalties nor fear about his job future, can shoot straight and tell it like he sees it. He's painting a picture of a city human resources system that has kept wages low but provided goodies and benefits here and their to keep people happy and loyal.
Sounds more like a small private business than a large public one. I also think this could be fodder for the two lawsuits against the city that claim unequal treatment by their supervisor. Mary Bartlett and Trence Robinson both claim their dept. head mistreated them and ignored rules and procedures.
"The city has very good employees," Chesney said, "but we have low expectations of them. There's too much paternalism."
Wow. Chesney being an interim city manager, with no loyalties nor fear about his job future, can shoot straight and tell it like he sees it. He's painting a picture of a city human resources system that has kept wages low but provided goodies and benefits here and their to keep people happy and loyal.
Sounds more like a small private business than a large public one. I also think this could be fodder for the two lawsuits against the city that claim unequal treatment by their supervisor. Mary Bartlett and Trence Robinson both claim their dept. head mistreated them and ignored rules and procedures.
Hospital red ink
I don't think we should be too worried about this, with moving expenses, fewer primary care doctors, and just the whole transition to a new facility could slow down business at the hospital.
CEO Steve Perkins sounds like he is taking the right approach, a total review of procedures to see where revenues can be shored up. The concern, over time, is that the hospital has to make some money to make its bond payments for the new facility, because the sales tax revenue doesn't cover it all.
CEO Steve Perkins sounds like he is taking the right approach, a total review of procedures to see where revenues can be shored up. The concern, over time, is that the hospital has to make some money to make its bond payments for the new facility, because the sales tax revenue doesn't cover it all.
Bucking the trend
I'd have to agree with Lee Gregg, a Cowley College trustee, that Cowley College isan "economic powerhouse"s for our area. (although I don't think its a secret)
Although economic stimulus is not its primary purpose, imagine what Ark City would be without the college.
The trustees provided raises to all faculty and staff, totally $175,000, which appears to buck the trend for government/public entities in this day of budget cuts and spending reductions. It seems counter intuitive, but the growth of the college and increase in enrollment appears to be a sunbeam through the clouds.
Cowley has had its share of cutbacks the past several years with the loss of the southside center in Wichita.
It is transforming the east side of south Summit street near the River, where the sports complex is being built and ragged building are being removed. It might do something with the old hospital building, which would be great.
On the academic side, it was ranked in the top 120 of community colleges by the Aspen Institute. This appears to be largely based on graduation/completion outcomes. It's web site lists these three criteria
* Performance (retention, graduation rates including transfers, and degrees and certificates per 100 “full time equivalent” students)
* Improvement (improvement of completion performance over time)
* Equity (institutional record for completion outcomes for disadvantaged students)
Although economic stimulus is not its primary purpose, imagine what Ark City would be without the college.
The trustees provided raises to all faculty and staff, totally $175,000, which appears to buck the trend for government/public entities in this day of budget cuts and spending reductions. It seems counter intuitive, but the growth of the college and increase in enrollment appears to be a sunbeam through the clouds.
Cowley has had its share of cutbacks the past several years with the loss of the southside center in Wichita.
It is transforming the east side of south Summit street near the River, where the sports complex is being built and ragged building are being removed. It might do something with the old hospital building, which would be great.
On the academic side, it was ranked in the top 120 of community colleges by the Aspen Institute. This appears to be largely based on graduation/completion outcomes. It's web site lists these three criteria
* Performance (retention, graduation rates including transfers, and degrees and certificates per 100 “full time equivalent” students)
* Improvement (improvement of completion performance over time)
* Equity (institutional record for completion outcomes for disadvantaged students)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Legalize it?
There's quite a spirited debate going on in the comment section of this story about a drug bust in Ark City. The discussion turned toward whether marijuana should be legalized.
It is intermixed with comments about the police being overzealous and harassing young people for having a little pot (or anybody having a little pot).
You can support legalizing, as more and more people do, and which in my opinion will happen eventually, even in our conservative heartland.
But the police are doing their job by investigating and arresting people, regardless of their age, for possession, using and selling pot. Don't get mad at them for doing their job.
Yes, I suppose they could de-prioritize non violent marijuana crimes, and I don't know that's not the case now, but as long as its an illegal drug that can lead to other problems, they are doing what our society is asking.
The ire should be directed at state lawmakers, national lawmakers, and perhaps even local lawmakers. I suppose a city or county could decriminalize pot to some degree, but that ain't going to happen before something happens on the state level.
It is intermixed with comments about the police being overzealous and harassing young people for having a little pot (or anybody having a little pot).
You can support legalizing, as more and more people do, and which in my opinion will happen eventually, even in our conservative heartland.
But the police are doing their job by investigating and arresting people, regardless of their age, for possession, using and selling pot. Don't get mad at them for doing their job.
Yes, I suppose they could de-prioritize non violent marijuana crimes, and I don't know that's not the case now, but as long as its an illegal drug that can lead to other problems, they are doing what our society is asking.
The ire should be directed at state lawmakers, national lawmakers, and perhaps even local lawmakers. I suppose a city or county could decriminalize pot to some degree, but that ain't going to happen before something happens on the state level.
Medi-scare
No doubt Democrats are using scare tactics when it comes to GOP plans for cutting back Medicare spending.
Kill Medicare
Punish Seniors
Abandon promises
But what's good for the goose is good for the gander in politics.
Scare tactics, right worked to score politic points during the health care debate, helping the GOP take back the House of Representatives.
Remember?
Socialism
Government takeover of health care
death panels
pulling the plug on grandma
Obamacare
While the GOP cries shame on you, they certainly recall that Democrats are taking a page out of their playbook, when they say the GOP budget would kill Medicare and make seniors pay more, while giving oil companies big tax breaks.
Of course both sides justify their rhetoric because they see the world differently. However it would be nice fi both sides would cut the fear mongering and demogogery, at least some. This is a pipe dream when it comes to politics, esp. in the 24 hour news cycle.
Kill Medicare
Punish Seniors
Abandon promises
But what's good for the goose is good for the gander in politics.
Scare tactics, right worked to score politic points during the health care debate, helping the GOP take back the House of Representatives.
Remember?
Socialism
Government takeover of health care
death panels
pulling the plug on grandma
Obamacare
While the GOP cries shame on you, they certainly recall that Democrats are taking a page out of their playbook, when they say the GOP budget would kill Medicare and make seniors pay more, while giving oil companies big tax breaks.
Of course both sides justify their rhetoric because they see the world differently. However it would be nice fi both sides would cut the fear mongering and demogogery, at least some. This is a pipe dream when it comes to politics, esp. in the 24 hour news cycle.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Public meeting on drugs
The Cowley County Drug Task will hold a public forum at the Ark City Middle School Thursday night at 6:30. Part of the goal is apparently to let folks know that people are growing marijuana in fields, getting more brazen about it. Police claimed that busting the Galindo network last year accounted for a large chunk of area cocaine activity, but of course problems persist.
Drug use/crime has ranked as the highest concern in the last two surveys of Cowley residents by Cowley First.
Drug use/crime has ranked as the highest concern in the last two surveys of Cowley residents by Cowley First.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Jobs in Cowley
The state released April unemployment figures. It shows a large drop in the overall jobless rate in Cowley, from 6.6 in March to 5.9 in April. You can see the stats here.Both daily newspapers have seen an uptick in employment ads, including manufacturing jobs - kanpack, western industries, skyline, rubbermaid, etc. Kerri Falleti, director of Cowley First, said "the group has been talking to several of our employers that have plans to hire. Though some of the change is due to seasonal hires, many are new jobs due to growth and expansion."
The dip injoblessness could be affected by seasonal issues and might not be as good as they look, but the job picture does seem to be improving some.
The unemployment rate overall in Kansas dropped, too, but only by one percent for seasonal adjustments, according to the associated press.
The dip injoblessness could be affected by seasonal issues and might not be as good as they look, but the job picture does seem to be improving some.
The unemployment rate overall in Kansas dropped, too, but only by one percent for seasonal adjustments, according to the associated press.
Hospital board
It seems to me the size of the hospital board is less importantthan who is on it, and how well they are overseeing the operation. I'm grateful that the city does still run the facility, with the appointed board, and that we did not sell it to the the private developers as was planned several years ago.
It is the only hospital in the city and, as things are going, needs to be responsive to the citizens as much as profit driven. Of course it must make a profit to finance the debt payments, or else coming looking for more tax money. It seems the plans and strategy is in place to make the facility the best it can. We will see over the next couple years whether the promise of a sparking new facility, with new equipment, will bring more specialist (and more primary care doctors) to improve our services and health of our residents.
It is the only hospital in the city and, as things are going, needs to be responsive to the citizens as much as profit driven. Of course it must make a profit to finance the debt payments, or else coming looking for more tax money. It seems the plans and strategy is in place to make the facility the best it can. We will see over the next couple years whether the promise of a sparking new facility, with new equipment, will bring more specialist (and more primary care doctors) to improve our services and health of our residents.
Friday, May 20, 2011
How to pray?
Part of my editorial on the prayer issue at City Hall. And here's the top of the story I wrote about the issue, which I find fascinating and to be a good discussion about a core debate - the role of religion in government.
I've found it interesting, and pleasant, that a fair number of online comments support Tamara Nile's efforts to have a more universal prayer and her concerns that the city not give the impression that it favors one religion over another.
I expected more outrage at her concern that Jesus' name not be invoked in the prayer. That part was kind of buried in her proposal, and hasn't been sensationalized.
I think that, in the end, the prayer before the commission meeting starts is less important that the spiritual place of individual commissioners. The problem with it is that even those most folks would call themselves Christian, others would not, or would call themselves something else. The city represents EVERYBODY, and thus condoning or inviting a religious-specific prayer can make people of other faiths/beliefs feel unrepresented or in a position of inequality.
I think the commissioners on the board right now would not do that, but what if the LDS church wanted to pray to Joseph Smith, or a Wiccan coven leader asked to pray for the commission. You couldn't, I don't think, exclude them.
I've found it interesting, and pleasant, that a fair number of online comments support Tamara Nile's efforts to have a more universal prayer and her concerns that the city not give the impression that it favors one religion over another.
I expected more outrage at her concern that Jesus' name not be invoked in the prayer. That part was kind of buried in her proposal, and hasn't been sensationalized.
I think that, in the end, the prayer before the commission meeting starts is less important that the spiritual place of individual commissioners. The problem with it is that even those most folks would call themselves Christian, others would not, or would call themselves something else. The city represents EVERYBODY, and thus condoning or inviting a religious-specific prayer can make people of other faiths/beliefs feel unrepresented or in a position of inequality.
I think the commissioners on the board right now would not do that, but what if the LDS church wanted to pray to Joseph Smith, or a Wiccan coven leader asked to pray for the commission. You couldn't, I don't think, exclude them.
To cut or not to cut
Below is part of an Associated Press story that shows, I think, that some GOP conservatives are taking advantage of the budget crisis to cut government, rather than really find fiscal discipline, which is how they cast the argument.
It's not unlike the Democrats efforts to lard the stimulus bill with some funding for favorite programs, using the crisis to push their causes, but saying we just need to spend money now to kick start the economy.
When it comes to things like education funding, I think most people/voters would favor staying put rather than cutting deeper. The anti-government philosophy does not sell well when were' talking about programs that affect the vast majority of people.
Rising revenue ups pressure to undo budget cuts
SCOTT BAUER,Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's Republican governor and GOP leaders in several other states are facing increasing pressure to back off from deep spending cuts to education and social programs in light of higher than expected revenue projections as the economy improves.
The surge in revenue is giving rise to an awkward question — are the governors making the deepest cuts because they have to or because they choose to?
The issue is unfolding in Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, Colorado and several other states where tax revenue forecasts have turned up just as legislatures are working through budget reduction packages.
In Wisconsin, local school board members and superintendents are pressing lawmakers and Gov. Scott Walker to scale back his proposed 8.4 percent cut in aid to public schools and 5.5 percent reduction in how much schools can collect from state money and property taxes combined. The Republican-controlled Legislature has backed Walker's agenda so far, but did not reject this appeal outright.
Miles Turner, director of the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, said the earlier cutbacks were based on a leaner budget outlook. Continuing with the entire reduction now, he said, would show "there's a greater interest in following through with an ideological campaign against public education than there is to support public education."
Many school districts have been planning to lay off teachers, increase class sizes and cut back programs like music and foreign languages to cover the reductions.
Elsewhere, the Colorado Legislature has approved $22.5 million less in education cuts than originally proposed by Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper following improvements in the state's revenue projections. In Michigan, Republicans who control the Legislature and Republican Gov. Rick Snyder are reducing their original proposed cuts to schools by as much as two-thirds.
A similar effort isn't getting much traction in New Jersey where Republican Gov. Chris Christie has refused to back off his program of cuts although revenues are projected to increase between $500 million and $900 million over two years.
It's not unlike the Democrats efforts to lard the stimulus bill with some funding for favorite programs, using the crisis to push their causes, but saying we just need to spend money now to kick start the economy.
When it comes to things like education funding, I think most people/voters would favor staying put rather than cutting deeper. The anti-government philosophy does not sell well when were' talking about programs that affect the vast majority of people.
Rising revenue ups pressure to undo budget cuts
SCOTT BAUER,Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's Republican governor and GOP leaders in several other states are facing increasing pressure to back off from deep spending cuts to education and social programs in light of higher than expected revenue projections as the economy improves.
The surge in revenue is giving rise to an awkward question — are the governors making the deepest cuts because they have to or because they choose to?
The issue is unfolding in Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, Colorado and several other states where tax revenue forecasts have turned up just as legislatures are working through budget reduction packages.
In Wisconsin, local school board members and superintendents are pressing lawmakers and Gov. Scott Walker to scale back his proposed 8.4 percent cut in aid to public schools and 5.5 percent reduction in how much schools can collect from state money and property taxes combined. The Republican-controlled Legislature has backed Walker's agenda so far, but did not reject this appeal outright.
Miles Turner, director of the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, said the earlier cutbacks were based on a leaner budget outlook. Continuing with the entire reduction now, he said, would show "there's a greater interest in following through with an ideological campaign against public education than there is to support public education."
Many school districts have been planning to lay off teachers, increase class sizes and cut back programs like music and foreign languages to cover the reductions.
Elsewhere, the Colorado Legislature has approved $22.5 million less in education cuts than originally proposed by Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper following improvements in the state's revenue projections. In Michigan, Republicans who control the Legislature and Republican Gov. Rick Snyder are reducing their original proposed cuts to schools by as much as two-thirds.
A similar effort isn't getting much traction in New Jersey where Republican Gov. Chris Christie has refused to back off his program of cuts although revenues are projected to increase between $500 million and $900 million over two years.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Gone with the wind
Area lawmakers and government officials are protesing the decision by Gov. Brownback to include most of Cowley County inside a no-wind farm section of the Flint Hills. This ends plans by BP to build a large wind farm in northeast Cowley County.
From the sounds of ithopes of reviving the project are slim to none. BP even says they were folding the project before the wind farm ban, although there's some belief that Brownback worked behind the scenes to prevent anybody from buying the energy it would produce.
After construction, a wind farm wouldn't be a big economic generator for this area, but it does provide carbon free energy and would pump money into county coffers through licensing fees.
We need all the economic development we can get. If Brownback's vision of the Flint Hills becoming a major tourist destination and horseback riding capital of the world comes to past, then perhaps the concern is muted. But I kind of doubt that, too.
From the sounds of ithopes of reviving the project are slim to none. BP even says they were folding the project before the wind farm ban, although there's some belief that Brownback worked behind the scenes to prevent anybody from buying the energy it would produce.
After construction, a wind farm wouldn't be a big economic generator for this area, but it does provide carbon free energy and would pump money into county coffers through licensing fees.
We need all the economic development we can get. If Brownback's vision of the Flint Hills becoming a major tourist destination and horseback riding capital of the world comes to past, then perhaps the concern is muted. But I kind of doubt that, too.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Archer's return
It sounds like most commissioners are handling this about like they should - keeping an open mind to appointing Steve Archer to city boards.
Archer has asked to be appointed to the hospital board, planning board, and board of zoning appeals. Looks like the hospital board is already full or has plenty of applicants, but the others might not.
His experience and knowledge would be a plus, and really there is only one existing commissioner who wanted to get rid of him — Jay Warren. So perhaps enough water has gone under the bridge.
Archer's forced resignation and the severance package controversy, though, are a lot of baggage to bring back into City Hall.
Archer has asked to be appointed to the hospital board, planning board, and board of zoning appeals. Looks like the hospital board is already full or has plenty of applicants, but the others might not.
His experience and knowledge would be a plus, and really there is only one existing commissioner who wanted to get rid of him — Jay Warren. So perhaps enough water has gone under the bridge.
Archer's forced resignation and the severance package controversy, though, are a lot of baggage to bring back into City Hall.
Prayer policy
City attorney Tamara Niles is worried that the prayer to open city commission meetings violates the constitution's prohibition of establishing a state religion.
She recommends adopting a policy to invite chaplains from all congregations within Ark City and ask them to not invoke a specific deity - ie Jesus Christ.
This will not fly well among most of the clergy and probably most of the public, but it would be the safest way to avoid violating the constitution and protecting from a lawsuit by someone or group.
She recommends adopting a policy to invite chaplains from all congregations within Ark City and ask them to not invoke a specific deity - ie Jesus Christ.
This will not fly well among most of the clergy and probably most of the public, but it would be the safest way to avoid violating the constitution and protecting from a lawsuit by someone or group.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Budget battles
Glad to see Kasha standing up for arts funding. It is a bit out of character for her as a hard core spending hawk, but she has ties to local arts council.
She is such a budget hawk that she didn't think her party's budget in the House went far enough, and she was stripped of her position on the budget negotiating team. Is this the right decision. Standing up for principles and losing influence, or sacrificing principle for the moment to try to win influence for them later on?
One thing I question is her concern about the overall budget rising 6 percent. Most of that is apparently Medicaid, which is mostly funded by the feds. Medicaid had taken hits in the past couple of years. So just because of the overall figure is larger than before, doesn't mean that the budget lacks fiscal discipline or is more disciplined than before.
Both she and Abrams, interestly, are pretty gloomy about the future of the economy. There's some real doomsday rhetoric coming out of conservative circles these days. At the federal level, the GOP is making such a case to support their dramatic cuts to entitlements - Medicaid, Medicare.
It's interesting because usually the Democrats are the worry wort pessimists, and Republicans are "morning in America."
She is such a budget hawk that she didn't think her party's budget in the House went far enough, and she was stripped of her position on the budget negotiating team. Is this the right decision. Standing up for principles and losing influence, or sacrificing principle for the moment to try to win influence for them later on?
One thing I question is her concern about the overall budget rising 6 percent. Most of that is apparently Medicaid, which is mostly funded by the feds. Medicaid had taken hits in the past couple of years. So just because of the overall figure is larger than before, doesn't mean that the budget lacks fiscal discipline or is more disciplined than before.
Both she and Abrams, interestly, are pretty gloomy about the future of the economy. There's some real doomsday rhetoric coming out of conservative circles these days. At the federal level, the GOP is making such a case to support their dramatic cuts to entitlements - Medicaid, Medicare.
It's interesting because usually the Democrats are the worry wort pessimists, and Republicans are "morning in America."
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Arts undercut
Looks like Brownback is going to try to get his way by vetoing funding for the Kansas Arts Commission. The Senate could override the veto, but maybe not in the House.
Sen. Abrams, who voted to abolish the arts commission as part of budget cuts and replace it with a private foundation, predicted that it might lose all funding if that didn't happen.
He might be right.
Kasha Kelley, though, has spoken favorable of continuing funding for the arts commission, and could provide a strong conservative voice to restore it.
Sen. Abrams, who voted to abolish the arts commission as part of budget cuts and replace it with a private foundation, predicted that it might lose all funding if that didn't happen.
He might be right.
Kasha Kelley, though, has spoken favorable of continuing funding for the arts commission, and could provide a strong conservative voice to restore it.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Salina TIF
Pretty interesting explanatory story on use of retail TIF in Salina, with echos of the debate here in Ark City.
What I found most interesting is that the Salina chamber of commerce ceo argues against using tax increment financing TIF for industrial development.
What I found most interesting is that the Salina chamber of commerce ceo argues against using tax increment financing TIF for industrial development.
Abortion winds
While the state is going one way on abortion policies, the federal government is going the other.
The battle never ends.
The battle never ends.
Cut cut cut ...
With school budgets already being drastically cut, why are Kansas House Republicans holding so firmly to a budget that would carry over an extra $50 million surplus.
We certainly need to build up reserves, but not now, after huge cuts the last three years. It ss not the time to be asking for more sacrifice. State revenues are on the upswing. When things stablize is the time to start building reserves.
We certainly need to build up reserves, but not now, after huge cuts the last three years. It ss not the time to be asking for more sacrifice. State revenues are on the upswing. When things stablize is the time to start building reserves.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Restoration
Is this new Ark City commission going to systematically undue some of the policies that the previous commissioners put in place? When the three amigos were at the height of their power?
The new board has changed the work session times closer to what they were, and now want to get rid of the advisory board term limits. We all know that they are pro-TIFF, or at least four of them are. Wonder if they will expand the hospital board back to nine to get Jean Snell on there.
This does seem like a restoration of the old guard - those more comfortable with existing organizations and established procedures. These folks tend to be the ones in leadership until populists like Smith and Kuhn are elevated by discontent among voters.
Meanwhile, stuff does get done
The new board has changed the work session times closer to what they were, and now want to get rid of the advisory board term limits. We all know that they are pro-TIFF, or at least four of them are. Wonder if they will expand the hospital board back to nine to get Jean Snell on there.
This does seem like a restoration of the old guard - those more comfortable with existing organizations and established procedures. These folks tend to be the ones in leadership until populists like Smith and Kuhn are elevated by discontent among voters.
Meanwhile, stuff does get done
Monday, May 2, 2011
Yea, but ....
Watching the TV coverage of celebrations about bin Laden's death, it seemed like America really needed something to cheer about and bring us together again. I wonder, though, how long it will last. Probably not too long. And you also really have to wonder just how much this really will lessen the threat or is more symbolic and will maybe even energize al qaida networks.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
One adult in the room
Obama is very popular right now, with economy still sluggish and gas prices high. But his finally releasing his long form birth certificate and proving that the wackos on the right were being wacky, is another example that he rises above the petty personality politics that has sickened our political system.
Most GOPers wanted nothing to do with the "birther" issue, but some keep it out front and NONE really condemned it out loud and stood up to the childish, and racist elements that drove it.
Obama should have done this a while ago, but it does prove that those questioning his legitimacy are off their rocker, and/or driven by cultural fears that a black man with an Arabic name is president.
Most GOPers wanted nothing to do with the "birther" issue, but some keep it out front and NONE really condemned it out loud and stood up to the childish, and racist elements that drove it.
Obama should have done this a while ago, but it does prove that those questioning his legitimacy are off their rocker, and/or driven by cultural fears that a black man with an Arabic name is president.
Probationers
Probation and parole programs are among the first to be cut when the budget ax swings. But is it short sighted, in that unmonitored people released from jail/prison or criminal charges need some life skills, support services to get back on their feet.
You see it a lot — people have to pay fines, they lose driving privaledges, they have a record and have trouble finding a job, and they sink back into criminal or destructive behavior.
Not an excuse, but a helping hand helps society as a whole.
I would hope the county can find money in its general fund to shore up community corrections if possible. Tough choices when there isn't a lot to go around
You see it a lot — people have to pay fines, they lose driving privaledges, they have a record and have trouble finding a job, and they sink back into criminal or destructive behavior.
Not an excuse, but a helping hand helps society as a whole.
I would hope the county can find money in its general fund to shore up community corrections if possible. Tough choices when there isn't a lot to go around
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
School grant
Kind of ironic that while the state cuts education funding for local schools, our local high school can get $72,000 in federal grant money to fund a new program for criminal justice instruction.
There are those who will say we can't afford it, like the bike path, but this is money already made available through grant applications and we would be silly not to go after it, especially has other sources of funding are being cut.
Congrats to the schools for winning these funds. Sounds like an innovative program.
There are those who will say we can't afford it, like the bike path, but this is money already made available through grant applications and we would be silly not to go after it, especially has other sources of funding are being cut.
Congrats to the schools for winning these funds. Sounds like an innovative program.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Land buy more likely
ACI apparently wants some changes made to the contract the city commission improved in Oct. to buy land in Goff Industrial Park for development purposes.
It seems with the new commissioners coming on board the elected body will be more favorable as a group to working with ACI and making economic development deals that might benefit commercial, not just industrial, development.
At the time, I thought the overall strategy made sense but questioned some of the particulars of the deal. ACI unfairly has an image problem and the contract seemed to give them lots of power over what the city did with the land. Perhaps the perception problem isn't as big a deal as I think, but it would be nice if ACI could win more support of the town.
It seems with the new commissioners coming on board the elected body will be more favorable as a group to working with ACI and making economic development deals that might benefit commercial, not just industrial, development.
At the time, I thought the overall strategy made sense but questioned some of the particulars of the deal. ACI unfairly has an image problem and the contract seemed to give them lots of power over what the city did with the land. Perhaps the perception problem isn't as big a deal as I think, but it would be nice if ACI could win more support of the town.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Kuhn bankruptcy withdraw
Mell called to say that his request to withdraw his bankruptcy petition had been approved. Indeed the motion to withdraw has been filed in court. Looks like the companies listed as creditors have a few weeks to protest before the withdraw is final. Mell says those people have or are being paid because the only thing he really needed help with was the IRS taxes, which he said are almost taken care of.
Truthiness
Wichita Eagle fact checks Congressman Pompeo's claim that half of small business owners would get a tax increase if tax cuts for wealthy expire, as Obama has called for.
But Pompeo's claim doesn't check out, according to the IRS. I wondered about this when I read it. Sure would be nice if half of small businesses owners make $250,000 a year in taxable income. Looking around these parts, you know that's not the case. But the federal government definition of small business, I think, is 500 employees or less. So that's actually big business to us!
Pompeo is a pretty reasonable, knowledgeable guy not prone to overblown sloganeering. But it seems like in this political culture politicians can find a fact to support their cause because partisan interests slice and dice information to win an argument, not necessarily find the facts.
Makes it hard to compromise or come together when people can't agree on the basic facts.
But Pompeo's claim doesn't check out, according to the IRS. I wondered about this when I read it. Sure would be nice if half of small businesses owners make $250,000 a year in taxable income. Looking around these parts, you know that's not the case. But the federal government definition of small business, I think, is 500 employees or less. So that's actually big business to us!
Pompeo is a pretty reasonable, knowledgeable guy not prone to overblown sloganeering. But it seems like in this political culture politicians can find a fact to support their cause because partisan interests slice and dice information to win an argument, not necessarily find the facts.
Makes it hard to compromise or come together when people can't agree on the basic facts.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Kuhn Mechanical
Many of you won't believe this but I sincerely hope Mell gets this straightened out so he and his business can continue.
He said he is relieved to be off the commission, but wishes people would focus on some of the good he did - pushing for design build concept on hospital that saved the project millions, fixing the lid on the sewer plant instead of costing the city a complete overhaul, and helping the WB Meats building historical design restrictions, to name a few.
He said it doesn't seem like people are grateful for anything, but instead accused him of kick backs and using his influence to get projects for his company.
He said he is relieved to be off the commission, but wishes people would focus on some of the good he did - pushing for design build concept on hospital that saved the project millions, fixing the lid on the sewer plant instead of costing the city a complete overhaul, and helping the WB Meats building historical design restrictions, to name a few.
He said it doesn't seem like people are grateful for anything, but instead accused him of kick backs and using his influence to get projects for his company.
Cleaning house ...
My attempt at a story to explain the results of Tuesday's elections, and see what lies ahead for city leadership.
Creekstone lawsuit
This is interesting. Also be interesting to hear Creekstone's defense if they offer one. I suppose the class action means anybody who worked there and was subject to this alleged practice could be awarded back pay, if the lawsuit is settled or the plaintiffs win.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Another wave election
Voters threw out the incumbents again in last night's election. Seems like each election, at least one incumbent goes down. This time I wonder if it wasn't the personnel issues that basically tainted Smith and Snell. It did make the city look inept, and even corrupt, in some people's minds.
With Hockenbury and Tweedy, teaming up with Warren and McDonald, you probably have the four votes needed to get TIF bonds passed, depending on what Tweedy eventually decides. It is a bit of a paradox, because even though incumbents lost, two former commissioners were the top two vote getters.
With Smith not winning, the last of the 3 amigos that shook up the status quo are gone. Be interesting to see how things shake out. Is this the restoration of the old guard that trusted their city manager and found partnerships with business interests?
Giles had an impressive showing, considering he seemed to be the most green as far as community involvement.
The biggest decision on the horizon the new board will have will be picking a city manager. I hope they take some time, and get the community involved, like the in case of Doug Russell.
With Hockenbury and Tweedy, teaming up with Warren and McDonald, you probably have the four votes needed to get TIF bonds passed, depending on what Tweedy eventually decides. It is a bit of a paradox, because even though incumbents lost, two former commissioners were the top two vote getters.
With Smith not winning, the last of the 3 amigos that shook up the status quo are gone. Be interesting to see how things shake out. Is this the restoration of the old guard that trusted their city manager and found partnerships with business interests?
Giles had an impressive showing, considering he seemed to be the most green as far as community involvement.
The biggest decision on the horizon the new board will have will be picking a city manager. I hope they take some time, and get the community involved, like the in case of Doug Russell.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
VOTE!
It's voting day.
Turnout expected to by 15 percent. Pretty pathetic. It's an important local election, but they all are, really.
Here are Traveler's endorsements for Ark City commission. You'll have to read the paper to get the full argument.
I really do think that all the candidates are qualified, just some more than others. But there are differences in style and vision for the future, or priorities is maybe a better word.
If past is prologue, voters will vote out one or two of the current incumbents, Jean Snell and Dottie Smith.
If this election is seen through the TIF prism by voters, it could see another shift in power from pro-tiffers to less-than prof tiffers. If Smith, Giles and Hirst get elected, that cooperation and partnership with ACI and growth toward the north end of town could be put on hold.
But if Snell, Hockenbury and Tweedy get elected, there's more probability that things will advance in that direction.
If a combination of the above get elected, we'll continue with a split commission on that issue. And I'll bet that happens.
I think what will be interesting will be whether voters will decide to hold the incumbents accountable for the personnel/severance agreements at City Hall. If so, both Smith and Snell could go down.
But, voters could see that commissioners have moved past that, with Steve Archer gone, and credit them for real progress being made in recent years (streets, hospital, overpass, new businesses openings)
Or perhaps all this is way too much over analyizing and people will just vote on who they like.
Good luck to all the candidates. I admire anybody who throws there hat into the ring. Takes courage and sacrifice.
Turnout expected to by 15 percent. Pretty pathetic. It's an important local election, but they all are, really.
Here are Traveler's endorsements for Ark City commission. You'll have to read the paper to get the full argument.
I really do think that all the candidates are qualified, just some more than others. But there are differences in style and vision for the future, or priorities is maybe a better word.
If past is prologue, voters will vote out one or two of the current incumbents, Jean Snell and Dottie Smith.
If this election is seen through the TIF prism by voters, it could see another shift in power from pro-tiffers to less-than prof tiffers. If Smith, Giles and Hirst get elected, that cooperation and partnership with ACI and growth toward the north end of town could be put on hold.
But if Snell, Hockenbury and Tweedy get elected, there's more probability that things will advance in that direction.
If a combination of the above get elected, we'll continue with a split commission on that issue. And I'll bet that happens.
I think what will be interesting will be whether voters will decide to hold the incumbents accountable for the personnel/severance agreements at City Hall. If so, both Smith and Snell could go down.
But, voters could see that commissioners have moved past that, with Steve Archer gone, and credit them for real progress being made in recent years (streets, hospital, overpass, new businesses openings)
Or perhaps all this is way too much over analyizing and people will just vote on who they like.
Good luck to all the candidates. I admire anybody who throws there hat into the ring. Takes courage and sacrifice.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Casino coming?
Will this casino near Wichita ever get built? It broke ground in February.
But some anti-gaming lawmakers want the state Attorney General to investigate the company that got the contract to build the casino near Mulvane/Wichita. But it hasn't gotten off the ground.
Here's the AP story:
Speaker Mike O'Neal says he doesn't know when the Kansas House will consider intervening in an Iowa company's plans to build a state-owned casino south of Wichita.
Debate had been scheduled Wednesday on a resolution directing the attorney general to challenge the state gaming commission's decision to let the project go forward. But the House canceled the debate when evening came.
O'Neal said it got too late for a long debate.
Iowa-based Peninsula Gaming plans to build the casino about 18 miles south of Wichita.
Critics note Peninsula and two executives face misdemeanor campaign finance charges in Iowa.
Peninsula says it expects the case to be resolved in its favor. Project supporters say the charges aren't serious enough to bar the firm from building its casino.
But some anti-gaming lawmakers want the state Attorney General to investigate the company that got the contract to build the casino near Mulvane/Wichita. But it hasn't gotten off the ground.
Here's the AP story:
Speaker Mike O'Neal says he doesn't know when the Kansas House will consider intervening in an Iowa company's plans to build a state-owned casino south of Wichita.
Debate had been scheduled Wednesday on a resolution directing the attorney general to challenge the state gaming commission's decision to let the project go forward. But the House canceled the debate when evening came.
O'Neal said it got too late for a long debate.
Iowa-based Peninsula Gaming plans to build the casino about 18 miles south of Wichita.
Critics note Peninsula and two executives face misdemeanor campaign finance charges in Iowa.
Peninsula says it expects the case to be resolved in its favor. Project supporters say the charges aren't serious enough to bar the firm from building its casino.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The big vote
Voting day is Tuesday. County Clerk expects low turnout.
Voting should be extended to two days, or a weekend, to increase turnout. And now we're going to require IDs and birth certificates to vote. This will drive down turnout even more!
(Clarification: ID requirements will not be in affect for this election. Also, the birth certificate will be required for people registering to vote for the first time in Kansas, not at the polls.)
Dotty Smith is way ahead in our unscientific poll. She does seem to be running hard.
Here's the poll through Wed. at 4 p.m.
Who would you most like to see join (or rejoin) the City Commission?
Chad Giles
(76 Votes, 10%)
Ron Hirst
(198 Votes, 25%)
Joel Hockenbury
(83 Votes, 11%)
Dotty Smith
(261 Votes, 33%)
Jean Snell
(83 Votes, 11%)
Charles Tweedy III
(53 Votes, 7%)
I can't or won't vote.
(32 Votes, 4%)
Voting should be extended to two days, or a weekend, to increase turnout. And now we're going to require IDs and birth certificates to vote. This will drive down turnout even more!
(Clarification: ID requirements will not be in affect for this election. Also, the birth certificate will be required for people registering to vote for the first time in Kansas, not at the polls.)
Dotty Smith is way ahead in our unscientific poll. She does seem to be running hard.
Here's the poll through Wed. at 4 p.m.
Who would you most like to see join (or rejoin) the City Commission?
Chad Giles
(76 Votes, 10%)
Ron Hirst
(198 Votes, 25%)
Joel Hockenbury
(83 Votes, 11%)
Dotty Smith
(261 Votes, 33%)
Jean Snell
(83 Votes, 11%)
Charles Tweedy III
(53 Votes, 7%)
I can't or won't vote.
(32 Votes, 4%)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Fair fares fails ...
...to make the cut in the Kansas House Ways and Means committee. This is the subsidy to AirTrans to keep cheap flights out of Wichita. The Eagle had a big article on it. Rep. Kasha Kelley is quoted extensively. She is on the Ways and Means committee. The Senate will probably force restoration of some of the funds and the Governor had it in his budget as an economic stimulus to the Wichita region and the state.
This is one of those bitter pills in a way. Giving taxpayer funds or tax breaks to a major corporation just doesn't sit well, but the economic impact and stimulus that then benefits taxpayers makes it hard not to. Tax breaks/subsidies must be used to compete with other cities/states looking for the same economic benefit.
This is one of those bitter pills in a way. Giving taxpayer funds or tax breaks to a major corporation just doesn't sit well, but the economic impact and stimulus that then benefits taxpayers makes it hard not to. Tax breaks/subsidies must be used to compete with other cities/states looking for the same economic benefit.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Obamacare turns 1
President Obama signed the health reform law a year ago today.
There's been a lot of press about the small business tax credits, which could help some small businesses provide insurance for employees, and lower taxes for those that already do.
A columnist in Forbes said the preliminary numbers are that it's working, although this AP story says its not going THAT great. You may have seen the Blue Cross Blue Shield ads in the papers promoting the small business tax credit.
I guess we'll know more after tax season.
I do know of one small business in town that got a nice credit under the program. Not ours, we have too many employees to qualify.
There is still a ton of fear and bombastic, wild claims that the law will crush the economy and put bureaucrats in charge of health care. Actually, it bolsters the existing system of private, employer based health care and by making everyone pay into it.
The best predictor seems to be what's happened in Massachusetts, where a similar system has been in place for five years and, while much less than perfect, has basically worked to get most people insured.
There's been a lot of press about the small business tax credits, which could help some small businesses provide insurance for employees, and lower taxes for those that already do.
A columnist in Forbes said the preliminary numbers are that it's working, although this AP story says its not going THAT great. You may have seen the Blue Cross Blue Shield ads in the papers promoting the small business tax credit.
I guess we'll know more after tax season.
I do know of one small business in town that got a nice credit under the program. Not ours, we have too many employees to qualify.
There is still a ton of fear and bombastic, wild claims that the law will crush the economy and put bureaucrats in charge of health care. Actually, it bolsters the existing system of private, employer based health care and by making everyone pay into it.
The best predictor seems to be what's happened in Massachusetts, where a similar system has been in place for five years and, while much less than perfect, has basically worked to get most people insured.
GOP agenda dies in Senate
Insightfulcolumn by Joe Aistrup about the political dynamics at the statehouse in Topeka.
The state Senate has stalled or killed much of the more conservative agenda, because it is still largely ruled by a coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats. But just barely, and if more conservatives are elected in 2012, the Brownback and conservative agenda, including social conservatism, will have nothing to stop it.
The state Senate has stalled or killed much of the more conservative agenda, because it is still largely ruled by a coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats. But just barely, and if more conservatives are elected in 2012, the Brownback and conservative agenda, including social conservatism, will have nothing to stop it.
Koch heart Pompeo
The Washington Post lays out ties between Koch Industries and Congressman Mike Pompeo. This is one of those deals where special interests and political decisions dovetail. Pompeo ran as an ultra conservative, anti-regulation candidate, so it should be no surprise that he's pushing that agenda, as he says. He's in the oil equipment business. The Koch's are in the oil business.
The fact that his first specific legislative efforts were on the list of Koch Industry goals does make you wonder how much he might feel beholden, or just close, to them.
With money in politics it always raises a spector of corruption, but that seems unavoidable in the system we have. The overall question of allowing unlimited corporate donations will only serve to deepen that spector, on both sides of the aisle although GOP will likely benefit the most.
The fact that his first specific legislative efforts were on the list of Koch Industry goals does make you wonder how much he might feel beholden, or just close, to them.
With money in politics it always raises a spector of corruption, but that seems unavoidable in the system we have. The overall question of allowing unlimited corporate donations will only serve to deepen that spector, on both sides of the aisle although GOP will likely benefit the most.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Hill's separation agreement
The county released Heidi Hill's seperation agreement. It has a few details not stated publicly at the time it was signed and went into affect, namely $5,000 paid to Hill's attorney for her legal fees in the matter.
Sounds like Hill was saber rattling a bit during negotiations, but the details of why she was put on administrative leave and why she ultimately resigned are protected by the county's right to keep personnel records/info private.
Sounds like Hill was saber rattling a bit during negotiations, but the details of why she was put on administrative leave and why she ultimately resigned are protected by the county's right to keep personnel records/info private.
Drill baby drill
Looks like Cowley County could be poised for more oil drilling with the new technology that goes horizontal instead of vertical.
Could be a boon to the county economically, although it is relate to higher oil prices, which lead to higher gas prices.
Could be a boon to the county economically, although it is relate to higher oil prices, which lead to higher gas prices.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Good news for the arts commission
Senate voted to overturn Brownback's decision to disband the Kansas Arts Commission and create a private nonprofit organization to help support the arts in Kansas.
The Arts Commission will remain, although Brownback and others, including Sen. Steve Abrams, who voted to support Brownback, warn that funding might shrink over time.
From the start, this seemed like a bargaining chip for Brownback. He had to know this would generate a big fuss, and he might lose. So perhaps he could get leverage on other things by ceding this one.
The money involved is only $750,000, but it generated a large controversy. I suppose the opposite could be true. He put too many chips into this small budget item and looks weak by losing.
-da
The Arts Commission will remain, although Brownback and others, including Sen. Steve Abrams, who voted to support Brownback, warn that funding might shrink over time.
From the start, this seemed like a bargaining chip for Brownback. He had to know this would generate a big fuss, and he might lose. So perhaps he could get leverage on other things by ceding this one.
The money involved is only $750,000, but it generated a large controversy. I suppose the opposite could be true. He put too many chips into this small budget item and looks weak by losing.
-da
To fund, or not ...
That seems to be the ongoing question these days as the state, county, and cities crimp budgets with less revenues coming in.
But the Ark City Commission cut Big Brother Big Sister funding in 2007, well before the recession squeezed things. It was a decision pushed by the commission that the city should stop funding nonprofit services and focus on "core services."
Now BBBS will ask the commission to restore the $10,000, noting that Ark City has the highest need of mentors, and that the county and winfield ante up.
It was a philosophical choice, more than a budget thing, to strip funding. I disagreed at the time and still do.
Now, however, it would seem the commission has the reasoning of tough financial times to deny this. But the commission will have at least one new member starting next month, possibly 3.
But the Ark City Commission cut Big Brother Big Sister funding in 2007, well before the recession squeezed things. It was a decision pushed by the commission that the city should stop funding nonprofit services and focus on "core services."
Now BBBS will ask the commission to restore the $10,000, noting that Ark City has the highest need of mentors, and that the county and winfield ante up.
It was a philosophical choice, more than a budget thing, to strip funding. I disagreed at the time and still do.
Now, however, it would seem the commission has the reasoning of tough financial times to deny this. But the commission will have at least one new member starting next month, possibly 3.
Feather in our cap....
The hospital is an impressive achievement. Hopes are high for added specialties and services, which is already happening. Whatever happens, we'll have a new building with improved conditions, equipment and space.
Certainly the longer drive for most of us is less convenient, and we leave an empty building near downtown (soon to be occupied, hopefully) but I'd say Ark City just stuck a nice feather in its cap.
Certainly the longer drive for most of us is less convenient, and we leave an empty building near downtown (soon to be occupied, hopefully) but I'd say Ark City just stuck a nice feather in its cap.
Monday, March 7, 2011
The right to be offensive
The Supreme Court got it right in ruling in favor of the Westborough Baptist Church in the funeral protest case. The court voted 8-1, with liberals and conservatives united, except for Samuel Alito
As repugnant as the Phelps clan's claims are, restricting political speech starts a slippery slope. What might be next — signs of Obama as Hitler, or Bush before him. This case was a bit tricky because they target a funeral of individual military soldiers. But the Phelps are smart, and they don't violate local rules against picketing and they don't target the individuals per say, but America and the military in general.
We have the right to be offended. We are a big country and can take it. The neat thing about our open society is that others also exercise their rights by gathering to block the protestors from view. The problem, in a way, takes care of itself by protecting the general individual rights to speech and assembly.
As repugnant as the Phelps clan's claims are, restricting political speech starts a slippery slope. What might be next — signs of Obama as Hitler, or Bush before him. This case was a bit tricky because they target a funeral of individual military soldiers. But the Phelps are smart, and they don't violate local rules against picketing and they don't target the individuals per say, but America and the military in general.
We have the right to be offended. We are a big country and can take it. The neat thing about our open society is that others also exercise their rights by gathering to block the protestors from view. The problem, in a way, takes care of itself by protecting the general individual rights to speech and assembly.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Abrams vs. arts
Ellen Snell, director of the Arkansas City Area Arts Council, took after Steve Abrams for not voting to repeal the Gov.'s order to defund the Kansas Arts Commission. Here's the story. Abram's provided comment this afternoon and it will be in the paper. This issue I don't think resonnates hugely among the general public, but is very intense for a certain segment of it.
To me, the amount of money saved $750,000 over two years, is not worth the potential reduction in arts funding to area arts groups like ours, or the message that it sends that Kansas as a state doesn't care much about investing in the arts.
To me, the amount of money saved $750,000 over two years, is not worth the potential reduction in arts funding to area arts groups like ours, or the message that it sends that Kansas as a state doesn't care much about investing in the arts.
Population gain?
Census info shows that Cowley County actually grew in population by 20 residents from 2000 to 2010. This reverses a population loss from previous decade, and defies expectations that we had lost population. The reason? You guessed it, Hispanic population has exploded, more than doubling in 10 years. Here's top of the story. More details are on the census web site..
This will likey trigger a bit of debate about the benefits of the immigrant community and creekstone's presence in town. I find it hard to argue with the overall benefit of increased population, which means better chances at more state and federal grants, funding for schools and other government services, and the added jobs and increased labor force that stimulates the local economy.
Certain there are downsides — nationals of other countries send money back home and some of these folks are illegal, operating underground and avoiding obligations to society. Hard to know how many, though.
This will likey trigger a bit of debate about the benefits of the immigrant community and creekstone's presence in town. I find it hard to argue with the overall benefit of increased population, which means better chances at more state and federal grants, funding for schools and other government services, and the added jobs and increased labor force that stimulates the local economy.
Certain there are downsides — nationals of other countries send money back home and some of these folks are illegal, operating underground and avoiding obligations to society. Hard to know how many, though.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Agreement No. 2
This agreement makes more sense.
The first severance agreement between Ark City and Lane Massey, the former director of administration, was tilted heavily toward Massey — he kept his right to sue and to speak out if he wanted to. He also got paid through March 31 regardless of whether he worked through March 31. The updated agreement appears to pay him only through Jan. 14 - the day he actually left work.
Sounds like city commissioners are OK with this agreement, at least as an improvement over the first one they claim they knew nothing about.
The first severance agreement between Ark City and Lane Massey, the former director of administration, was tilted heavily toward Massey — he kept his right to sue and to speak out if he wanted to. He also got paid through March 31 regardless of whether he worked through March 31. The updated agreement appears to pay him only through Jan. 14 - the day he actually left work.
Sounds like city commissioners are OK with this agreement, at least as an improvement over the first one they claim they knew nothing about.
Immigrant tuition
Why do we want to refight this battle?
It may not seem fair to allow undocumented immigrants in-state tuition, until you consider that many of them are children brought here by parents or adults with no say in the matter. And this:
"To qualify for the lower tuition rate, the undocumented students must have attended Kansas high school for at least three years, earned a diploma or equivalent certificate, and started the process of seeking citizenship status in the United States."
Isn't there room for some compassion and reason in the law?
It may not seem fair to allow undocumented immigrants in-state tuition, until you consider that many of them are children brought here by parents or adults with no say in the matter. And this:
"To qualify for the lower tuition rate, the undocumented students must have attended Kansas high school for at least three years, earned a diploma or equivalent certificate, and started the process of seeking citizenship status in the United States."
Isn't there room for some compassion and reason in the law?
Friday, February 18, 2011
Attorney's office
I'm beginning to hear some rumblings against the idea of closing the county attorney's Ark City office. I actually thought I would hear more when the story broke last week.
While I can see the technical reason for the move, I'm beginning to think that the political and psychological damage would not be worth the few thousand dollars a year in savings on utilities.
In fact I'm hearing that this might instigate a push to reopen a tag office in Ark City, which apparently created quite a squabble when the county closed it years ago.
This feeds into the Ark City Winfield rivalry and the perception that Ark City gets snubbed not being the county seat.
While I can see the technical reason for the move, I'm beginning to think that the political and psychological damage would not be worth the few thousand dollars a year in savings on utilities.
In fact I'm hearing that this might instigate a push to reopen a tag office in Ark City, which apparently created quite a squabble when the county closed it years ago.
This feeds into the Ark City Winfield rivalry and the perception that Ark City gets snubbed not being the county seat.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Engine sputtering
Our new Congressman, Mike Pompeo, voted against funding a military aircraft engine being developed by General Electric Aviation.
This was his position during the campaign, despite heavy lobbying efforts locally from GE and elected officials to support the so-called alternate F-35 engine. It would have been hypocritical of him to vote for the engine project, unless the facts had changed significantly.
But does this represent a pattern going forward for Pompeo? The question it raises is how much will Pompeo (and other lawmakers) protect economic interests in their own district? We are in a bit of a new era here with overall federal spending reduction being the ultimate goal, (and at the state level to some degree) even to the detriment of backyard benefits. Even Obama says he will veto any so-called earmarks, money individual congressmen stick into legislation for projects in their districts.
But how far can this go? Wichita relies so heavily on aviation and aviation relies heavily on govt. contracts. Pompeo does support Boeing's tanker bid, but how far would he go to fight for something like that (Tiahrt fought tooth and nail). So many things like Ark City levee system, Strother Field development/maintenance, to name a couple, get funded by federal dollars. They don't just come here ... somebody has to advocate for them.
This was his position during the campaign, despite heavy lobbying efforts locally from GE and elected officials to support the so-called alternate F-35 engine. It would have been hypocritical of him to vote for the engine project, unless the facts had changed significantly.
But does this represent a pattern going forward for Pompeo? The question it raises is how much will Pompeo (and other lawmakers) protect economic interests in their own district? We are in a bit of a new era here with overall federal spending reduction being the ultimate goal, (and at the state level to some degree) even to the detriment of backyard benefits. Even Obama says he will veto any so-called earmarks, money individual congressmen stick into legislation for projects in their districts.
But how far can this go? Wichita relies so heavily on aviation and aviation relies heavily on govt. contracts. Pompeo does support Boeing's tanker bid, but how far would he go to fight for something like that (Tiahrt fought tooth and nail). So many things like Ark City levee system, Strother Field development/maintenance, to name a couple, get funded by federal dollars. They don't just come here ... somebody has to advocate for them.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Pompeo's position
I wrote this story on Pompeo. I would commend him on keeping an open mind about the F-35 alternate engine that might help keep jobs at GE Strother Field in the future. His and House GOP NO. 1 priority is to slash federal spending to reduce the deficit - but what about spending that is descretionary that affects jobs in your own district. Tough call. We love to hate spending, unless it helps us!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Koch brothers bothered
David and Charles Koch, who own Koch Industries based in Wichita, are in the spotlight for their spending on political campaigns and causes that favor their conservative and business interests.
Politico has this story on the scrutiny and the Koch's effort to combat some of the negative publicity.
Part of the problem here is the law that allows Kochs and others to funnel money to groups that influence elections, or try to, but don't have to disclose their funding or funders. It happens on both the left an right political spectrums, of course, but the bigger influences have been on the right, including Koch-supported groups like Americans for Prosperity (probably because they are better at it)
The Kochs and others seem to want to stay private and not have to answer questions while trying to influence the political system in big ways. No wonder they get criticized and scrutinized. They like to compare it to George Soros efforts on the left, but that comparison is weak for two reasons: Soros openly talks about what he does, and he supports causes that ostensibly go against his own business interests.
Politico has this story on the scrutiny and the Koch's effort to combat some of the negative publicity.
Part of the problem here is the law that allows Kochs and others to funnel money to groups that influence elections, or try to, but don't have to disclose their funding or funders. It happens on both the left an right political spectrums, of course, but the bigger influences have been on the right, including Koch-supported groups like Americans for Prosperity (probably because they are better at it)
The Kochs and others seem to want to stay private and not have to answer questions while trying to influence the political system in big ways. No wonder they get criticized and scrutinized. They like to compare it to George Soros efforts on the left, but that comparison is weak for two reasons: Soros openly talks about what he does, and he supports causes that ostensibly go against his own business interests.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Let the race begin
Looks like Mel Kuhn is not running for re-election to the Ark City Commission. Dotty Smith is. Ark City school board has just five candidates for four seats. The deadline to file was noon today.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Boooo
Derek Schmidt campaigned to join to the legal efforts to block health care reform, so he can't back out now as Kansas's new Attorney General.
But that doesn't mean it isn't still a bad idea. Here are two reasons.
1) The lawsuits are already out there and wasting time and money on this seems following politics rather than prudence.
2) Be careful what you wish for: health reform props up the existing, market-based system by requiring people to buy into it. If there is no mandate to purchase private insurance, then eventually the dreaded single-payer, totally government run system that conservatives fear so much will be the only option when the pendulumn swings to the left again.
Remember that mandates to buy private insurance was a GOP alternative in the 1990s to Clinton's government-centered plan.
Also, the GOP claims people want repeal. Yes, but ... if you ask the question with more specifics behind it (which is usually a good idea) you find more support for adding to it, rather than just getting rid of it.
But that doesn't mean it isn't still a bad idea. Here are two reasons.
1) The lawsuits are already out there and wasting time and money on this seems following politics rather than prudence.
2) Be careful what you wish for: health reform props up the existing, market-based system by requiring people to buy into it. If there is no mandate to purchase private insurance, then eventually the dreaded single-payer, totally government run system that conservatives fear so much will be the only option when the pendulumn swings to the left again.
Remember that mandates to buy private insurance was a GOP alternative in the 1990s to Clinton's government-centered plan.
Also, the GOP claims people want repeal. Yes, but ... if you ask the question with more specifics behind it (which is usually a good idea) you find more support for adding to it, rather than just getting rid of it.
Hockenbury returns
Joel Hockenbury, a commissioner from 2004-2008, who served a year as mayor, is running again for city commission.
Hard not to see this through the TIFF/Lowes prism. Joel was a big supporter of that project when it failed on a 3-2 vote back in 2006. If he would take Mell or Dotty's seat, that would provide the fourth vote for similar efforts in the future.
Guess we need to find out where Chad Giles stands on this.
My recollection of Joel on the commission is that he was thoughtful, analytical, relatively soft spoken and talked a lot about trying to bring more economic growth to the city.
Hard not to see this through the TIFF/Lowes prism. Joel was a big supporter of that project when it failed on a 3-2 vote back in 2006. If he would take Mell or Dotty's seat, that would provide the fourth vote for similar efforts in the future.
Guess we need to find out where Chad Giles stands on this.
My recollection of Joel on the commission is that he was thoughtful, analytical, relatively soft spoken and talked a lot about trying to bring more economic growth to the city.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Massey gone
The question this story does not answer is whether Massey was fired or resigned. That's important because his severance agreement states that he is to be paid through March 31 EVEN IF he is terminated. That's on top of the 3 months severance he already was paid, and unused vacation/sick pay he is set to receive upon the end of his employment.
What the new city manager and city commissioners should be answering to the public is whether they plan to honor this agreement or fight it. I suppose they are considering those options now.
What the new city manager and city commissioners should be answering to the public is whether they plan to honor this agreement or fight it. I suppose they are considering those options now.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Candidates
Jean Snell is running for another term for city commission. Chad D. Giles, an assistant county attorney, has also filed. He's the only challenger so far. Commissioners Mell Kuhn and Dotty Smith seats' are also up for reelection.
Mike Munson has filed for school board in Ark City. Mike Walker, Jon Oak, Tim Harmon and Janet Carroll seats are all up this year, according to the county clerk.
Ron Godsey, of Winfield, has filed for relection to the Cowley Board of Trustees
Deadline for filing is Jan. 25
Mike Munson has filed for school board in Ark City. Mike Walker, Jon Oak, Tim Harmon and Janet Carroll seats are all up this year, according to the county clerk.
Ron Godsey, of Winfield, has filed for relection to the Cowley Board of Trustees
Deadline for filing is Jan. 25
Monday, January 10, 2011
Rural landslide
Don't know how to judge this, eh hem, exactly. But Lanning is the judge because she mopped up outside the cities of Winfield and Ark City.
Frankly, I'm a bit surprised that Krusor didn't win Winfield a bit more. The conventional wisdom today is that Mark ran a more PR, advertising type campaign while Lanning did more grassroots stuff.
I don't have evidence this is true, but I sure would like to see how the gender vote broke. And Mark probably cites the biggest reason of all — bad year to have a "D" by your name.
Frankly, I'm a bit surprised that Krusor didn't win Winfield a bit more. The conventional wisdom today is that Mark ran a more PR, advertising type campaign while Lanning did more grassroots stuff.
I don't have evidence this is true, but I sure would like to see how the gender vote broke. And Mark probably cites the biggest reason of all — bad year to have a "D" by your name.
City of calm
Compared to the turmoil in Ark City government right now, this story from Winfield stands in stark contrast.
Warren Porter is making a Curt Freeland-type run for longevity there. His bosses announced they are happy with him and he turned down a raise offer, they said.
Warren Porter is making a Curt Freeland-type run for longevity there. His bosses announced they are happy with him and he turned down a raise offer, they said.
Separations
What will the repercussions of all this be at the ballot box in April?
You could argue these agreements and the commission's apparent lack of knowledge of them proves the city commission didn't micro manage enough.
Others suggest that the micromanaging has led city employees to resign, feel threatened and created unneeded conflict that leads to the chaos inside city hall we have right now.
The other thing to consider is, that if Archer failed as a city manager and was reckless with taxpayer funds with these agreements, who is responsible for Archer? Smith and Kuhn and McDonald hired him to replace Doug Russell. Archer stayed in the job for more than two years.
My perception at the time was that Archer was promoted to city manager because the three amigos felt he would work well with their hands on style. For whatever reason, that didn't turn out to be the case.
You could argue these agreements and the commission's apparent lack of knowledge of them proves the city commission didn't micro manage enough.
Others suggest that the micromanaging has led city employees to resign, feel threatened and created unneeded conflict that leads to the chaos inside city hall we have right now.
The other thing to consider is, that if Archer failed as a city manager and was reckless with taxpayer funds with these agreements, who is responsible for Archer? Smith and Kuhn and McDonald hired him to replace Doug Russell. Archer stayed in the job for more than two years.
My perception at the time was that Archer was promoted to city manager because the three amigos felt he would work well with their hands on style. For whatever reason, that didn't turn out to be the case.
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