tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69934285271807649082024-03-20T03:12:02.613-07:00Politics 101A novice's take on the local, state and national political scenesPolitics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.comBlogger809125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-36503106102717226562012-03-23T11:40:00.005-07:002012-03-23T12:44:23.565-07:00Guns and taxesIt was too late to get it into <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2012/03/23/news/city_news/doc4f64142428319724751107.txt">this article</a>, but county administrator Jeremy Willmoth said that the county basically held the same position as city officials in opposing concealed carry into public buildings. Ditto the proposed state tax plan that would cap the amount of property taxes local governments could collect, without a public vote.<br /><br />The sales tax exemption on food that legislators are also contemplating is not <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2012/03/23/news/doc4f6befbf12393694221422.txt">going well</a> over at City Hall, either. Indeed, it would feel like a bit of a sucker punch from state lawmakers because the public voted for those sales tax increases to pay for road improvements and debt financing on the new hospital, and now Topeka would shrink those funds. <br /><br />This really is meddling with the tax code in a short-sighted zeal to cut taxes. State lawmakers, it seems, don't really know what they want because they claim they want to balance the budget and build a reserve, yet are proposing all these tax breaks and cuts they "hope" will spur growth.<br /><br />Growth actually is occurring right now and being frugal with spending and creating a reserve fund over time seems like the prudent thing to do, not handing out tax cuts that could blow bigger holes in the budget.<br /><br />And it hampers local government, which is closest to the people and the one that can suit its community's needs the most.<br /><br />But City officials won't get much support on this, or the concealed carry issue, from our local legislators. They pretty much are fervent anti-tax pro-gun lawmakers. <br /><br />It will be interesting to see whether the Trayvon Martin shooting in Florida will push the dial back, away from concealed carry and looser use-of-force laws for citizens. <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/294006/standing-your-ground-and-vigilantism-robert-verbruggen?pg=2">This article in</a>the National Review probes the question well.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-43443823213438086722012-03-18T10:56:00.002-07:002012-03-18T11:02:26.042-07:00Concealed controversyCity officials are <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2012/03/18/news/doc4f64142428319724751107.txt">upset at lawmakers</a>upset at lawmakers trying to allow concealed carry guns into public buildings. As Chief Wallace puts it, it's akin to sanctioned vigilantism. <br /><br />The argument that public buildings that do not have security officers or scanners are better off allowing concealed carry is a strange one. Are we now deputizing all the concealed carry holders? Shouldn't local governments have the right to decide this on their own?Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-2920099432312051302012-03-12T08:39:00.003-07:002012-03-12T08:41:43.810-07:00Santorum rolls... <a href="http://www.kansas.com/2012/03/10/2249910/republicans-gather-for-in-wichita.html">to victory</a> in the Kansas GOP caucus.<br />Proving once again, that the Kansas GOP is actively led by cultural conservatives who aren't that concerned about backing winners. But I guess you could say that about a lot of states, because Santorum is running a strong second behind Romney. This result mirrors four years ago when Huckabee, the cultural-religious conservative in the race, easily won Kansas even though it was clear by then that McCain would be the nominee.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-34979582441347960952012-03-12T08:34:00.002-07:002012-03-12T08:36:42.448-07:00Computer file feud<a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2012/03/12/news/doc4f5ae5b950736786043178.txt">This case</a> is dragging on forever, it seems. I'm sure Trence would love to be done with it. I think the city's attorney is right on at least one point — it could have been avoided with better communication. But I guess the question is, whose fault is that?Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-87067347170234329472012-03-09T10:14:00.002-08:002012-03-09T10:21:26.979-08:00Caucus candidatesFormer U.S. Senator Bob Dole wants GOPers to support Romney, while former Congressman Todd Tiahrt will support Santorum in <a href="http://www.kansas.com/2012/03/08/2247142/santorum-adds-topeka-event-to.html">Saturday's Kansas Republican presidential caucus.<br /></a> The caucus event in our area is at Wellington High School.<br /><br />Santorum undoubtedly is the favorite to win, with religious and cultural conservatives more likely to show up at caucus than your average Republican voter. Huckabee beat McCain in 2008, despite the fact that McCain pretty much had things wrapped up, which is (almost) the case with Romney.<br /><br />But wouldn't it be nice to return to the era of Bob Dole Republicanism in Kansas? Or Nancy Kassabaum? Dole could be partisan and certainly was no liberal, but can you imagine anybody GOP leaders today winning bipartisan support for something like the American With Disabilities Act, or deficit reduction that included spending cuts and tax increases, like Dole did? <br /><br />They'd be shouting about over-regulation and job-killing government meddling in the private sector.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-77097146204845075282012-03-09T10:08:00.003-08:002012-03-09T10:11:39.378-08:00Frazee backIt's good to have <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2012/03/07/news/doc4f566385d1e74933775427.txt">Bob Frazee back </a>as Ark City's emergency management coordinator. <br /><br />His termination from the county was too bad, but in the end things are probably better off because it was always very confusing about who he was working for.<br /><br />Before, he was employed by the county, paid through a federal grant, but worked for the city. Now, he serves the city and is paid by the city and is an employee of the city. Makes more sense.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-54046926317754167292012-03-07T08:35:00.003-08:002012-03-07T08:47:02.462-08:00To frack or not to frack?Don't think this is really a question up for debate. The economic activity, and the increase in oil supply, are too good to pass up. But <a href="http://www.kansas.com/2012/03/03/2240420/as-oil-gas-fracking-gains-popularity.html#storylink=misearch">this Eagle article</a> about the safety concerns reminds us that it should be done with proper regulation and oversight. Yes oil companies don't want to be hamstrung by regulation, but think if one disaster occurred that marred or shut down the pending oil boom here in south-central Kansas. <br /><br />There are some local oil men that think tat horizontal drilling using fracking is coming to Cowley County in the next few years and will likely create a boom for us.<br /><br />Here's a decent definition of fracking, from the Bakersfield Californian:<br /><br />Fracking, pioneered in the 1940s, injects a mixture of water, sand and small concentrations of toxic chemicals into oil and gas wells at high pressure in order to break up rock formations, prop them open and tap petroleum deposits that are otherwise too difficult to reach.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-64136389177649820222012-03-06T11:46:00.003-08:002012-03-07T08:35:07.694-08:00New docsAt the bottom of <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2012/03/03/news/doc4f5195f772750505000381.txt">this story,</a> the hospital mentions that it recruited two doctors to come to Ark City. One is a family doctor at Ark City Clinic, the other will be an OBGYN housed at the hospital. This is great news, especially the OB, which I've been told Ark City hasn't had for decades, perhaps even ever. A real feather in the new hospital's cap. I can think of so many women who go to Winfield or Ponca for these services, who will now have another local option.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-47125729820479276072012-03-02T13:14:00.003-08:002012-03-02T13:20:52.433-08:00Welfare drug testingKasha Kelley is trying to get <a href="http://cjonline.com/news/2012-02-17/leaders-wary-drug-testing-welfare-recipients">this bill</a> through again. But doesn't random drug testing of welfare recipients feels a little too Big Brother? <br /><br />Kasha is big on individual rights, so why should this end with people who are receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, as the program is now called. It's not your grandmother's welfare - you can't stay on it forever and you have to be working or looking/training for work to receive TANIF. There are exceptions for hard cases, I believe.<br /><br />If the reasoning is to hold accountable those people receiving government assistance, don't we have to extend that to business owners receiving tax breaks, or direct subsidies, or individuals receiving income tax credits?<br /><br />Perhaps welfare recipients are a subgroup that merits more suspicion because they are not producing anything in return for their assistance. But then again, they are required to join the workforce and get off assistance, which could make them more productive.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-39172598158935262642012-03-01T07:18:00.003-08:002012-03-01T07:23:33.715-08:00The new eraI've had several conversations recently about how city politics have tamed over the past year. <br /><br />The elected officials on the Ark City Commission seem to get along fairly well. And while there have been differences, its been amicable and not personal. You don't have the bigger personalities you once did, with Kuhn, Smith and Snell, for instance.<br /><br />The new city manager (can we still call him new?) seems to have fit in quite well. He rather quietly took care of some lingering issues that festered on the old commission — software replacement, dirty water pipes, that seemed to vex the old City Hall and create controversy at the commission level.<br /><br />Having hired Hernandez, this commission wants to see him succeed. I would say things are working pretty well from a "getting things done" and getting along standpoint.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-1186490123763094822012-03-01T07:16:00.003-08:002012-03-01T07:30:12.390-08:00Wilson v. McDonaldThis will be an <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2012/02/25/news/doc4f486bd9c625f598018270.txt">interesting race</a>, if it does indeed come down to incumbent Gary Wilson versus City Commissioner Patrick McDonald. <br /><br />It's kind of the rural guy (Wilson) versus the city guy (McDonald) although it's never that simple. I can tell you the main point of division goes back to that 2007 argument over tax increment financing for big box retail store (Lowes). McDonald was one of its biggest cheerleaders, while Wilson is dead set against such tax incentives for retail.<br /><br />There has been a lot of water under that bridge since, but the division lingers in Ark City. And imagine if it came up again before the election ...Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-27946349884340169552012-03-01T07:06:00.003-08:002012-03-02T13:11:29.656-08:00The relentless rivalryThere've been a few issues that have highlighted the Winfield-Ark City rivalry in recent weeks. You have the new push to reopen and car tag and tax office in Ark City, which was closed about 10 years ago. You have a recommendation from a citizen's task force to move Cowley First from Strother Field to Winfield, to save money. You have the countywide 911 consolidation plan, which includes a <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2012/03/01/news/doc4f4f15ad997f7006157361.txt">decision</a> on where to put the emergency dispatch center. The task force recommended a location north of Strother Field, which would be geographically neutral. All these things remind us that we live in a county with two cities of the same size that compete for business and services, to some degree. Boundary politics can influence government decisions. There's no avoiding that. Having lived in both Winfield and now Ark City, I do have a perspective from both places. Ark City does feel like it needs to wave its hands to get attention sometimes, because Winfield is the county seat. But, as one reader from Ark City pointed out to me recently, geography and playing to the rivalry should not be the driving factor in these kinds of decisions. It would be neat if we could get to the place where people felt like residents of Cowley County as much as they do the individual towns, although that's probably like asking to change tribes.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-16329298125238545182011-12-09T07:47:00.000-08:002011-12-09T07:50:30.360-08:00VandalsWhat is wrong with people? <br /><br />First the city removed the gazebo from Ben Givens park downtown due to vandalism, now they have <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2011/12/06/news/doc4edd9ed0bcb28421889713.txt">removed the wooden statue</a> 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. <br /><br />More seriously, what can be done from a city/law enforcement approach toward vandalism preventing-punishment to slow this stuff down?Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-69418890602775236792011-12-09T07:40:00.000-08:002011-12-09T07:46:55.347-08:00Rubbermaid jobs coming?<a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2011/12/09/news/doc4ee19ab216f31789367612.txt">This story</a> is reminiscent of back in 2006 when a Rubbermaid plant in Iowa closed and <a href="http://www.winfieldcourier.com/articles/2006/06/15/news/20060615-archive.txt">moved some jobs</a> 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.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-49758143548786263432011-11-21T15:42:00.001-08:002011-11-21T15:43:53.567-08:00Hispanics on the PlainsRead <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/14/us/as-small-towns-wither-on-plains-hispanics-come-to-the-rescue.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=ulysses%20kansas&st=cse">this New York Times story</a> 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.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-90943069411442670472011-11-18T08:06:00.000-08:002011-11-18T08:16:25.258-08:00Hopsital financesThe new hospital is <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2011/11/18/news/doc4ec5f333439c0093502960.txt">bleeding some red ink.</a> 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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-21016850226256284942011-11-18T07:30:00.000-08:002011-11-18T07:40:04.956-08:00The great reconciliatorThis 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. <br /><br />Wouldn't be a bad thing if the politicians in D.C. heeded this calling ..... <br /><br /><br /><br />Kan. governor proclaims 'Week of Reconciliation'<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Brownback issued a proclamation Thursday declaring "A Week of Reconciliation" that runs through next Wednesday — the day before Thanksgiving.<br /><br />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."Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-58230606631210168022011-11-11T09:39:00.000-08:002011-11-11T09:47:49.307-08:00City health costsWow. The city is seriously <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2011/11/11/news/doc4ebc82f00dc6e076385954.txt">bucking the trend </a>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.<br /><br />In fact <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/22/pf/health_insurance_costs/index.htm">early reporting</a> 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.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-77145715988695031972011-11-10T14:04:00.000-08:002011-11-10T14:18:19.898-08:00Medicaid makeoverGov. Brownback announced <a href="http://cjonline.com/news/2011-11-08/brownback-seeks-850m-medicaid-savings">big changes in how Medicaid functions</a> in Kansas, hoping to reduce the soaring cost AND at the same time improve the health of the people covered by it.<br /><br />Courier <a href="http://www.winfieldcourier.com/articles/2011/11/10/news/news/doc4ebb556e1d5c0459272348.txt">story shows</a> that local officials are uncertain on how it would affect their agencies - Vets Home, Developmentally Disabled, etc. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-86169648068215252082011-11-07T12:44:00.000-08:002011-11-07T12:49:31.988-08:00Mental Health praise<a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2011/11/07/news/doc4eb77957ef196425584531.txt">This sounds like</a>things 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.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-31894891034670269532011-11-04T15:55:00.000-07:002011-11-04T16:00:02.867-07:00Pension perks<a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2011/11/04/news/doc4eb45a5a5ffbd608838397.txt">My story on the odd,</a> some would say unfair, way that state legislators calculate their retirement benefits.<br /><br />Does seem a bit contradictory at a time when they are preparing to cut back benefits for public employees.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kansas.com/2011/10/13/2060102/curb-pension-perks.html#storylink=misearch">Here is Eagle editorial</a> about the perks.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-61515981739708174672011-10-31T12:12:00.000-07:002011-10-31T12:26:36.168-07:00Pipeline taxesTransCanada <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2011/10/31/news/regional_news/doc4eab98f18951c749891540.txt">does not plan</a> a second pipeline through Kansas as part of itsKeystone XL project that is all over the news lately. But they are still<br />trying to get a Kansas property tax exemption on the first one, put into operation last year. <br /><br />The story of this exemption is a case study in legislation that is not fully vetted, nor understood by lawmakers.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-51356820897125531112011-10-28T12:41:00.000-07:002011-10-28T12:44:23.763-07:00Target shootingIf <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2011/10/28/news/regional_news/doc4ea5ca8dd9700048883898.txt">this was a case of target shooting gone awry</a>, it would be a good time to remind people of safety rules/guidelines for targeting shooting.<br /><br />Here's what the NRA states its website. <span style="font-style:italic;">Know your target and what is beyond.<br />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.</span>Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-35780551611001094542011-10-27T12:19:00.000-07:002011-10-27T12:26:50.272-07:0099 percentThe 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 <a href="http://www.kansas.com/2011/10/26/2078204/study-rich-get-a-lot-richer-outpace.html#storylink=misearch">Eagle provides</a> 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.<br /><br />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.Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993428527180764908.post-71226022818418149742011-10-26T12:37:00.000-07:002011-10-26T14:58:46.883-07:00The big timeThis <a href="http://www.arkcity.net/articles/2011/10/17/news/doc4e9b9d40d3f2c806385813.txt">incredible promotional opportunity</a> 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. <br />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.<br />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. <br />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.<br />Could this be a turning point?Politics 101http://www.blogger.com/profile/12180368291704480908noreply@blogger.com1