A tyrannical government should be and needs to be replaced immediately, however politicians KNOW they have us by the balls.
tom
State Election Board Abuses Power, Violates Law, Effectively Kills Recall Rights
Despite the fact that the petitioners in the Michael McGee recall met every statutory requirement, despite the fact that neither the Milwaukee Election Commission nor the State Election Board (SEB) could disqualify the petition even through the use of illegal methods, the SEB voted to decertify the the petition to recall Milwaukee Alderman Michael McGee and indefinitely postpone any potential recall election.
In doing so, the SEB abused its power, violated state statutes, and created a simple procedure by which any politician can disqualify a certified recall regardless of how closely the petitioners have followed the law or the number of signatures collected. In their ruling, the SEB allowed the politically appointed City of Milwaukee Board of Election Commissioners to essentially rescind the legal and unanimous petition certification they issued two weeks earlier without any finding of a statutory violation by the petitioners or mandating a defined time frame to complete another review. In fact, the SEB used the Milwaukee Election Commission's own illegal secret striking of signatures (even though they did not strike enough to disqualify the petition) as the pretext for their action. Click here to review the CRG Network letter to the SEB detailing their illegal and unethical actions.
CRG Network Calls Upon Wisconsinites to Rally Against SEB Tyranny
The SEB set itself up as kings rather than public commissioners by violating established state recall statutes and administrative rules when they accepted the subjective declaration of the Milwaukee Election Commission that they did not "feel" enough valid signatures were collected - even though they had no proof! The state statutes define a rigorous process for submitting a valid petition and everyone admits the petitioners followed the law. One might even accept the Commissioner's change of heart as a matter of conscience had they rescinded their unanimous vote to certify the petition on the basis of facts rather than the dubious testimony of a handful of reputed perjurers, convicted drug offenders with a history of recall sabotage, and persons who claimed they did not even read the petition before signing it. It is difficult if not impossible to extrapolate this scant and dubious evidence into the slanderous and unsupported pretext of "widespread fraud and corruption" as did the Milwaukee Commissioners.
If this decision is allowed to stand it will serve as a precedent for all future Wisconsin recalls and make it nearly impossible to ever successfully complete one. That makes it imperative that we as Wisconsinites do everything in our power to stop the SEB from exercising this abuse of power and putting themselves above the law.
How Can the Citizens of Wisconsin Unite to Fight These Self-Anointed Tyrants?
The SEB has essentially said, "We do not care what the law says. If you do not like our ruling, sue us." So that is what we must all pull together and do. It may cost as much as $25,000 to depose these tyrants in circuit court and send a clear message that no one is above the law. A legal defense fund has been set-up to receive contributions. No contribution is too small. It is far better to receive a one-dollar contribution from 25,000 people than $25,000 from one person. Checks can be made payable to Clean-up Milwaukee Government. They may be mailed to
CRG Network
PO Box 371086
Milwaukee, WI 53237
You may also contribute via major credit card by clicking here then clicking the "Make a Donation" button. Donor names will be kept confidential and there are no restrictions on the dollar amount that can be donated. Donors do not have to be residents of the City of Milwaukee or the 6th Aldermanic District. For additional information please contact Chris Kliesmet at (414) 429-9501.
There will also be a rally held Friday, January 26th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at
American Serb Hall
5105 W Oklahoma Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53219
Phone: 414.545.6030
Fax: 414.545.6329
Click Here for a map
Nothing, not even money, will make as large an impression upon a lawless government than citizens rallying in one spot to declare that tyranny today is no better than the tyranny we revoked in 1776.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
GOP chief: New strategy key
GOP chief: New strategy key
BY MICHAEL R. WICKLINE
Posted on Sunday, June 3, 2007
Email this story | Printer-friendly version
The Republican Party of Arkansas, which was beaten decisively in last year’s election, needs to dedicate itself to running next time on an anti-tax, pro-highway and pro-education agenda, its new chairman said.
"Based on what I have seen of the Republican party this will be quite tough to find candidates that believe all of this"
Bryant businessman Dennis Milligan also said the party faithful need to run for more local offices.
"I commend this type of action as long as they can find freedom and liberty loving republicans this will be quite hard to do"
Milligan said former Gov. Mike Huckabee appointed many Republicans to the state’s boards and commission during the past decade, and they would be excellent candidates for local government offices, such as prosecuting attorney, sheriff and quorum court or city council members.
"So this is how you load up your candidate slate, I thought the best person for the job was the way to appoint these positions, silly me I should know common sense isn't used any longer"
“If you take care of the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves,” said Milligan, who also is chairman of the Saline County Republican Party. “If you develop a good solid county Republican foundation, then the top is going to take care of itself.”
"Or you could sue your way into the position" "http://courts.state.ar.us/opinions/1996/ca95-53.txt"
Milligan promises that under his leadership the party will be active statewide.
"I would certainly hope so or else he will be replaced"
“We are not just going to be sitting here in the city of Little Rock and hoping the best for Boone County, Columbia County, Benton County or Desha County,” he said.
The GOP’s State Committee promoted Milligan from treasurer to chairman on May 19 to succeed Sen. Gilbert Baker of Conway. He said the party hasn’t focused enough “on getting the candidates to step forward to run.”
"I guess all the democrats were elected unopposed"
“I am very proud of what we have accomplished, but anything can be improved,” said the 49-year-old owner of Water Treatment Services Inc. who attends The Church at Rock Creek in Little Rock. Huckabee attends the same church.
Last November, the Republicans lost control of the governor and lieutenant governor offices and three legislative seats to the Democrats. The Democrats now control the state’s two U. S. Senate seats, three of four congressional seats, all seven state constitutional offices and 102 of 135 legislative seats.
"I believe the republicans lost because they resembled the democrats"
But Milligan is a bit of an unknown in some political circles.
"Not any longer he opened up his mouth and put his foot in deeply"
Senate Republican leader Denny Altes of Fort Smith, Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe and state Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gwatney of Little Rock said they don’t know Milligan.
"I'm sure it won't take them long to get accustomed to the new leader"
Ten days before Milligan was elected as the party chairman, a staunch supporter of former state Sen. Jim Holt of Springdale warned fellow conservatives that Milligan wants the party to run away from its core social issues.
"the core issues of the republican party is terrorism afterall so I wouldn't believe (the friend)"
“That philosophy is just as absurd and dangerous as [U. S. Senate Majority Leader ] Harry Reid’s public statement that we’ve already lost the war in Iraq,” retired Jonesboro teacher Debbie Pelley wrote in an email that she said was distributed to thousands of conservatives in Arkansas.
"Why are we calling this a WAR, I don't recall war being declared, however Harry Reid is quite a looney as well"
“Taking that stand will do nothing but guarantee defeat,” she declared.
"what part of the constitution allows for nation building and installing a democracy in foreign lands"
Milligan said Pelley misinterpreted his remarks that he wants the party to focus more on fiscal issues. He said he doesn’t intend for the party to abandon social issues at all.
"all YES the infamous backtrack" "say what you mean and mean what you say"
House Republican leader Johnny Key, R-Mountain Home, called Pelley’s e-mail “bogus.”
“To say that Dennis is not a social conservative is misreading his record, his campaigns that he has run, and it is taking a couple of statements where he said, ‘We need to focus on other issues,’ and totally twisting those statements and [making ] him look like something he is not,” he said.
In 2002 and 2004, Milligan narrowly lost the District 29 state House race to Rep. Janet Johnson, D-Bryant.
Pelley said the problem is the state GOP is run by businessmen who balk at financing the campaigns of candidates, such as Holt, who represent the values of the Republican base.
“I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but we got more votes than any other Republican who ran for statewide office last time,” Holt said.
Still, he said he wants to help Milligan be successful.
Last November, Holt lost the lieutenant governor’s race to former Clinton administration official Bill Halter by a margin of 57 percent to 43 percent, after falling short of knocking off U. S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln in 2004.
Milligan described himself as both a fiscal conservative and social conservative.
"is it possible to be a fiscal conservative and take the state to court if you lose a contract bid" "actions are louder than words"
“I am a pro-life individual. I do believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. I am opposed to homosexuals adopting children. We are talking Dennis Milligan the man, and that isn’t necessarily the view expressed by every Republican, but those are my views.”
"now were talking and as of this blog he still hasn't back tracked from those statements"
As a businessman, Milligan said he probably “brings to the table a little more concern about our taxes, our growth, our jobs.
"REALLY" "and suing the state does this how?"
I am just really caught up in trying to do and be part of anything that we can do to encourage job growth here, because obviously the more people we have working... the tax burden decreases for all of us.”
"NOW I understand the lawsuit"
Milligan said he hopes to persuade Republican candidates to run for office under the broad goals of cutting taxes and stopping tax increases, improving highways to promote economic development, and finding ways to more efficiently spend tax dollars on education.
"GOOD LUCK" "your vision isn't inline with the mainstream republicans thats for sure"
“That is just something near and dear to my heart, and I hope to be able to get the current legislators and candidates to maybe buy in on that. Again, it’s very basic,” he said.
"maybe buy in on that" "Dennis your the elected leader of the state party crack the whip man" " it is wishy washy drivel like this that led to my departure of the republican party"
This year, the Democratic dominated Legislature approved about $ 200 million a year in tax cuts and bolstered state funding for the public schools. Last week, the state Supreme Court ruled that the state is providing an adequate and equitable education to public school students, ending a 15-year-old lawsuit.
"the democratic majority approved $200 million a year in taxcuts? sounds like Dennis should adopt these people for republicans"
Milligan said it’s a legitimate goal for the GOP to strive to increase its number of House seats from 25 to 30 in next year’s elections. Republicans lost several close races to Democrats last November, he noted.
He said he hasn’t ruled out running next year for the District 29 seat, which is held by Johnson, who is barred from seeking re-election under term limits.
"that does improve your chances"
Gwatney, a former state senator, said Republicans will have a hard time winning 30 House seats in next year’s election.
In '94 they said the same thing to Newt"
“At the end of the day, [Milligan ] is going to have to deal with a popular Democratic governor, whose agenda Arkansans identify with, and people are going to want to be part of Gov. Beebe’s team,” said Gwatney.
Milligan said that Beebe is a talented and experienced politician.
“If you give me a $ 900 million surplus, I probably could make things look pretty good,” he said, referring to the state’s projected surplus of $ 919 million by the end of this month.
"having a surplus on paper is quite different then actually having the revenue in the bank" "the state should use at least half of that money to pay off any outstanding debts and give the rest back to those that PAID it"
Milligan said Beebe enjoyed “a great honeymoon” in this year’s legislative session. “Next time around will be a little different story. We’ll find the real capabilities of Gov. Beebe probably the second time around,” he said.
Beebe replied that it’s a challenge to be governor and vowed to “meet the needs of the people. We will underpromise and overdeliver just like we have and restore the faith of the people [in state government ].”
"Ohhhh ha spoken like a professional" "I'm going to start watching this governer he sounds quite reasonable"
Gwatney said the state Democratic Party’s No. 1 priority next year is re-electing U. S. Sen. Mark Pryor and U. S. Reps. Marion Berry, Mike Ross and Vic Snyder.
Milligan said he’s talked to several possible candidates for Pryor’s seat so far.
He declined to take a stance on President Bush’s latest immigration bill.
"he should've spoken up on this issue"
“That is between the president and Congress, and I am just going to let them hash it out and work it out,” Milligan said. “I just think that is something for probably smarter people than me to figure out. It is a tough situation either way, but something definitely needs to be done.”
He said he’s “150 percent” behind Bush on the war in Iraq.
"he may as well be 150% behind Bush on illegal immigration as well, but he chose to keep mum on the subject"
“At the end of the day, I believe fully the president is doing the right thing, and I think all we need is some attacks on American soil like we had on [Sept. 11, 2001 ], and the naysayers will come around very quickly to appreciate not only the commitment for President Bush, but the sacrifice that has been made by men and women to protect this country,” Milligan said.
"Mr Milligan there are millions of us that blame government in general for the actions taken on 9-11. had government been doing the job assigned to them in the Constitution(Art IV Sec. IV)we wouldn't be discussing this issue, however government has decided that ruling our every waking minute to be of much more importance then defending the homeland"
He said he’s not supporting any particular Republican presidential candidate in next year’s primary now that he’s the party chairman, though he contributed to Huckabee’s presidential campaign before he was elevated to the chairmanship.
"smart guy in this manner, don't play your hand to early any professional gambler will tell you that"
“I am happy for any of them that are putting their name on the line and running,” he said, “and I certainly wish Gov. Huckabee the very, very best.”
"more of the same old same old, the only candidate that actually holds my attention is Ron Paul he has the balls to say what most politicians WON'T
BY MICHAEL R. WICKLINE
Posted on Sunday, June 3, 2007
Email this story | Printer-friendly version
The Republican Party of Arkansas, which was beaten decisively in last year’s election, needs to dedicate itself to running next time on an anti-tax, pro-highway and pro-education agenda, its new chairman said.
"Based on what I have seen of the Republican party this will be quite tough to find candidates that believe all of this"
Bryant businessman Dennis Milligan also said the party faithful need to run for more local offices.
"I commend this type of action as long as they can find freedom and liberty loving republicans this will be quite hard to do"
Milligan said former Gov. Mike Huckabee appointed many Republicans to the state’s boards and commission during the past decade, and they would be excellent candidates for local government offices, such as prosecuting attorney, sheriff and quorum court or city council members.
"So this is how you load up your candidate slate, I thought the best person for the job was the way to appoint these positions, silly me I should know common sense isn't used any longer"
“If you take care of the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves,” said Milligan, who also is chairman of the Saline County Republican Party. “If you develop a good solid county Republican foundation, then the top is going to take care of itself.”
"Or you could sue your way into the position" "http://courts.state.ar.us/opinions/1996/ca95-53.txt"
Milligan promises that under his leadership the party will be active statewide.
"I would certainly hope so or else he will be replaced"
“We are not just going to be sitting here in the city of Little Rock and hoping the best for Boone County, Columbia County, Benton County or Desha County,” he said.
The GOP’s State Committee promoted Milligan from treasurer to chairman on May 19 to succeed Sen. Gilbert Baker of Conway. He said the party hasn’t focused enough “on getting the candidates to step forward to run.”
"I guess all the democrats were elected unopposed"
“I am very proud of what we have accomplished, but anything can be improved,” said the 49-year-old owner of Water Treatment Services Inc. who attends The Church at Rock Creek in Little Rock. Huckabee attends the same church.
Last November, the Republicans lost control of the governor and lieutenant governor offices and three legislative seats to the Democrats. The Democrats now control the state’s two U. S. Senate seats, three of four congressional seats, all seven state constitutional offices and 102 of 135 legislative seats.
"I believe the republicans lost because they resembled the democrats"
But Milligan is a bit of an unknown in some political circles.
"Not any longer he opened up his mouth and put his foot in deeply"
Senate Republican leader Denny Altes of Fort Smith, Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe and state Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gwatney of Little Rock said they don’t know Milligan.
"I'm sure it won't take them long to get accustomed to the new leader"
Ten days before Milligan was elected as the party chairman, a staunch supporter of former state Sen. Jim Holt of Springdale warned fellow conservatives that Milligan wants the party to run away from its core social issues.
"the core issues of the republican party is terrorism afterall so I wouldn't believe (the friend)"
“That philosophy is just as absurd and dangerous as [U. S. Senate Majority Leader ] Harry Reid’s public statement that we’ve already lost the war in Iraq,” retired Jonesboro teacher Debbie Pelley wrote in an email that she said was distributed to thousands of conservatives in Arkansas.
"Why are we calling this a WAR, I don't recall war being declared, however Harry Reid is quite a looney as well"
“Taking that stand will do nothing but guarantee defeat,” she declared.
"what part of the constitution allows for nation building and installing a democracy in foreign lands"
Milligan said Pelley misinterpreted his remarks that he wants the party to focus more on fiscal issues. He said he doesn’t intend for the party to abandon social issues at all.
"all YES the infamous backtrack" "say what you mean and mean what you say"
House Republican leader Johnny Key, R-Mountain Home, called Pelley’s e-mail “bogus.”
“To say that Dennis is not a social conservative is misreading his record, his campaigns that he has run, and it is taking a couple of statements where he said, ‘We need to focus on other issues,’ and totally twisting those statements and [making ] him look like something he is not,” he said.
In 2002 and 2004, Milligan narrowly lost the District 29 state House race to Rep. Janet Johnson, D-Bryant.
Pelley said the problem is the state GOP is run by businessmen who balk at financing the campaigns of candidates, such as Holt, who represent the values of the Republican base.
“I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but we got more votes than any other Republican who ran for statewide office last time,” Holt said.
Still, he said he wants to help Milligan be successful.
Last November, Holt lost the lieutenant governor’s race to former Clinton administration official Bill Halter by a margin of 57 percent to 43 percent, after falling short of knocking off U. S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln in 2004.
Milligan described himself as both a fiscal conservative and social conservative.
"is it possible to be a fiscal conservative and take the state to court if you lose a contract bid" "actions are louder than words"
“I am a pro-life individual. I do believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. I am opposed to homosexuals adopting children. We are talking Dennis Milligan the man, and that isn’t necessarily the view expressed by every Republican, but those are my views.”
"now were talking and as of this blog he still hasn't back tracked from those statements"
As a businessman, Milligan said he probably “brings to the table a little more concern about our taxes, our growth, our jobs.
"REALLY" "and suing the state does this how?"
I am just really caught up in trying to do and be part of anything that we can do to encourage job growth here, because obviously the more people we have working... the tax burden decreases for all of us.”
"NOW I understand the lawsuit"
Milligan said he hopes to persuade Republican candidates to run for office under the broad goals of cutting taxes and stopping tax increases, improving highways to promote economic development, and finding ways to more efficiently spend tax dollars on education.
"GOOD LUCK" "your vision isn't inline with the mainstream republicans thats for sure"
“That is just something near and dear to my heart, and I hope to be able to get the current legislators and candidates to maybe buy in on that. Again, it’s very basic,” he said.
"maybe buy in on that" "Dennis your the elected leader of the state party crack the whip man" " it is wishy washy drivel like this that led to my departure of the republican party"
This year, the Democratic dominated Legislature approved about $ 200 million a year in tax cuts and bolstered state funding for the public schools. Last week, the state Supreme Court ruled that the state is providing an adequate and equitable education to public school students, ending a 15-year-old lawsuit.
"the democratic majority approved $200 million a year in taxcuts? sounds like Dennis should adopt these people for republicans"
Milligan said it’s a legitimate goal for the GOP to strive to increase its number of House seats from 25 to 30 in next year’s elections. Republicans lost several close races to Democrats last November, he noted.
He said he hasn’t ruled out running next year for the District 29 seat, which is held by Johnson, who is barred from seeking re-election under term limits.
"that does improve your chances"
Gwatney, a former state senator, said Republicans will have a hard time winning 30 House seats in next year’s election.
In '94 they said the same thing to Newt"
“At the end of the day, [Milligan ] is going to have to deal with a popular Democratic governor, whose agenda Arkansans identify with, and people are going to want to be part of Gov. Beebe’s team,” said Gwatney.
Milligan said that Beebe is a talented and experienced politician.
“If you give me a $ 900 million surplus, I probably could make things look pretty good,” he said, referring to the state’s projected surplus of $ 919 million by the end of this month.
"having a surplus on paper is quite different then actually having the revenue in the bank" "the state should use at least half of that money to pay off any outstanding debts and give the rest back to those that PAID it"
Milligan said Beebe enjoyed “a great honeymoon” in this year’s legislative session. “Next time around will be a little different story. We’ll find the real capabilities of Gov. Beebe probably the second time around,” he said.
Beebe replied that it’s a challenge to be governor and vowed to “meet the needs of the people. We will underpromise and overdeliver just like we have and restore the faith of the people [in state government ].”
"Ohhhh ha spoken like a professional" "I'm going to start watching this governer he sounds quite reasonable"
Gwatney said the state Democratic Party’s No. 1 priority next year is re-electing U. S. Sen. Mark Pryor and U. S. Reps. Marion Berry, Mike Ross and Vic Snyder.
Milligan said he’s talked to several possible candidates for Pryor’s seat so far.
He declined to take a stance on President Bush’s latest immigration bill.
"he should've spoken up on this issue"
“That is between the president and Congress, and I am just going to let them hash it out and work it out,” Milligan said. “I just think that is something for probably smarter people than me to figure out. It is a tough situation either way, but something definitely needs to be done.”
He said he’s “150 percent” behind Bush on the war in Iraq.
"he may as well be 150% behind Bush on illegal immigration as well, but he chose to keep mum on the subject"
“At the end of the day, I believe fully the president is doing the right thing, and I think all we need is some attacks on American soil like we had on [Sept. 11, 2001 ], and the naysayers will come around very quickly to appreciate not only the commitment for President Bush, but the sacrifice that has been made by men and women to protect this country,” Milligan said.
"Mr Milligan there are millions of us that blame government in general for the actions taken on 9-11. had government been doing the job assigned to them in the Constitution(Art IV Sec. IV)we wouldn't be discussing this issue, however government has decided that ruling our every waking minute to be of much more importance then defending the homeland"
He said he’s not supporting any particular Republican presidential candidate in next year’s primary now that he’s the party chairman, though he contributed to Huckabee’s presidential campaign before he was elevated to the chairmanship.
"smart guy in this manner, don't play your hand to early any professional gambler will tell you that"
“I am happy for any of them that are putting their name on the line and running,” he said, “and I certainly wish Gov. Huckabee the very, very best.”
"more of the same old same old, the only candidate that actually holds my attention is Ron Paul he has the balls to say what most politicians WON'T
Monday, June 4, 2007
Budget passage begins real trial
"Meanwhile, Cumley faces the real task of producing a city budget that isn't going to make anybody happy, and all of the shortcomings stir up past city failures, from municipal court embezzlement to the underfunded fire and police pension to the fact that too much general revenue is paying off bonds on projects that haven't yet produced the predicted revenue".
And to this end THEY still haven't learned a lesson since The Heer's building is way OVER ESTIMATED on proposed revenue from taxation. I would be quite surprised to find if revenues generated are half of what has been predicted.
"Constituents want more. City Council members want more".
By this statement I'm hoping they mean more accountability and not more services. The city leaders have put the taxpayers in a VERY BAD situation with over spending and unaccountability on various city projects. You can't repeatily spend more money then you bring in.
"Employee groups want more". I hate to say it however there is a price to pay for working for an organization which derives its income from taxpayers. If the city worked more along the lines of a successful business model instead of a typical government entity we the taxpayers wouldn't be in this position to have to be the bad guy. I feel for those that aren't going to get a salary increase, however when times are tight it is YOU the city employees that must tighten your department belts first before demanding that the people that pay for the city largess to change their accustomed lifestyle.
I can't raise my salary or my benefits level unless my company increases its marketshare, I can't force the citizenry of this city, county, or surrounding counties to purchase my product. THAT is the DIFFERENCE between legit business and government
Budget passage begins real trial
The pained expression on Springfield City Manager Bob Cumley's face when he speaks of the city budget can't be ignored.
Cumley is in a tough spot.
No matter how you slice up the revenue, there isn't enough to go around. Employee groups want more. Constituents want more. City Council members want more. Meanwhile, Cumley faces the real task of producing a city budget that isn't going to make anybody happy, and all of the shortcomings stir up past city failures, from municipal court embezzlement to the underfunded fire and police pension to the fact that too much general revenue is paying off bonds on projects that haven't yet produced the predicted revenue.
But we'll say this for Cumley. The man pours his heart into the job, and he and his staff have produced a budget that, while not perfect, gets the job done. The City Council should pass it tonight.
It's a balanced budget that keeps city services level, honors councilwoman Cynthia Rushefsky's request to put an additional $500,000 in the fire and police pension and tries to offer minimal raises to employees.
The real tough job facing Cumley and the council isn't this budget but the hard work that comes after it passes.
If the city is ever going to climb out of its current difficult financial plight, it's going to have to move forward quickly on downtown redevelopment projects without going further into debt. It's going to have to find a way to convince the state to come up with the $1.9 million needed to make the crime lab a reality. It's going to have to jump-start negotiations with telecommunications companies on recouping millions of dollars in back taxes. And it's going to have to say to the community quite clearly: If you want more services, such as additional police officers, how in the heck do you want to pay for it?
Rehashing old wounds — as some city critics are wont to do — won't move Springfield forward. Coming up with solutions is where the action is.
To that end, Cumley says he's asked the council members to come up with additional suggestions for budget cuts.
As of a meeting with the News-Leader editorial board last week, he hadn't received any.
What does that tell us? The budget is tight, but reasonable.
It's time for the council to pass its budget and get to work improving the city's financial situation.
And to this end THEY still haven't learned a lesson since The Heer's building is way OVER ESTIMATED on proposed revenue from taxation. I would be quite surprised to find if revenues generated are half of what has been predicted.
"Constituents want more. City Council members want more".
By this statement I'm hoping they mean more accountability and not more services. The city leaders have put the taxpayers in a VERY BAD situation with over spending and unaccountability on various city projects. You can't repeatily spend more money then you bring in.
"Employee groups want more". I hate to say it however there is a price to pay for working for an organization which derives its income from taxpayers. If the city worked more along the lines of a successful business model instead of a typical government entity we the taxpayers wouldn't be in this position to have to be the bad guy. I feel for those that aren't going to get a salary increase, however when times are tight it is YOU the city employees that must tighten your department belts first before demanding that the people that pay for the city largess to change their accustomed lifestyle.
I can't raise my salary or my benefits level unless my company increases its marketshare, I can't force the citizenry of this city, county, or surrounding counties to purchase my product. THAT is the DIFFERENCE between legit business and government
Budget passage begins real trial
The pained expression on Springfield City Manager Bob Cumley's face when he speaks of the city budget can't be ignored.
Cumley is in a tough spot.
No matter how you slice up the revenue, there isn't enough to go around. Employee groups want more. Constituents want more. City Council members want more. Meanwhile, Cumley faces the real task of producing a city budget that isn't going to make anybody happy, and all of the shortcomings stir up past city failures, from municipal court embezzlement to the underfunded fire and police pension to the fact that too much general revenue is paying off bonds on projects that haven't yet produced the predicted revenue.
But we'll say this for Cumley. The man pours his heart into the job, and he and his staff have produced a budget that, while not perfect, gets the job done. The City Council should pass it tonight.
It's a balanced budget that keeps city services level, honors councilwoman Cynthia Rushefsky's request to put an additional $500,000 in the fire and police pension and tries to offer minimal raises to employees.
The real tough job facing Cumley and the council isn't this budget but the hard work that comes after it passes.
If the city is ever going to climb out of its current difficult financial plight, it's going to have to move forward quickly on downtown redevelopment projects without going further into debt. It's going to have to find a way to convince the state to come up with the $1.9 million needed to make the crime lab a reality. It's going to have to jump-start negotiations with telecommunications companies on recouping millions of dollars in back taxes. And it's going to have to say to the community quite clearly: If you want more services, such as additional police officers, how in the heck do you want to pay for it?
Rehashing old wounds — as some city critics are wont to do — won't move Springfield forward. Coming up with solutions is where the action is.
To that end, Cumley says he's asked the council members to come up with additional suggestions for budget cuts.
As of a meeting with the News-Leader editorial board last week, he hadn't received any.
What does that tell us? The budget is tight, but reasonable.
It's time for the council to pass its budget and get to work improving the city's financial situation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)