as so goes the castle

It appears the city gave some broad sweeping powers to rezone sections of the city back in the mid 90's. The bill seems to have been passed and even has a date that it was passed, so how come the city clerk doesn't have a record of it.

http://www.springfieldmo.gov/webapps/ordinance/detail.jsp?bill=95-48&ord=4494

inquiring minds would like to know.

Started with 11 now there are 4

Ron Paul What isn't to like about a man that understands the constitution. I could list all his faults except he doesn't have any when in come to policy and politics. His name recognition has been lacking as most mainstream media outlets, both liberal left and conservative right, avoid his name because a true patriot scares the hell out of Washington DC and most people that follow politics. Lobbyist and moochers alike despise the man for his hardcore stances that defend the Constitution to a fault.

John McCain to say this man is a socialist will get me in lots of trouble since he is a war hero. I respect the man for his service in the military, I abhor his service in the Senate. The man proclaims to be for national security but yet he is willing to allow anyone to walk across our border and seek government benefits. He has squelched the voices of many Americans with his campaign finance reform bill, which should be called protect the incumbents job act. No matter what the excuse he wants to use he voted NO on allowing Americans to keep more of what they make. Government calls it a taxcut, McCain seems to believe he more than I is entitled to the money I earn. Is a co-conspirator in trying to keep a large percentage of the population scared to death by following the mantra of the extremist terrorist are out to get us. Keep in mind that Art IV Sec IV requires the federal government to defend this nation a task of which they failed on 9/11/01

Rudy Guilani dropped out and endorsed the socialist John McCain, like we didn't see that coming.

Mike Huckabee the man that raised taxes more in AR then even Bill Clinton, is now trying to act like a person of the people with his endorsement of the FairTax. His biblical beliefs have me a little worried because from what I've seen the Southern Baptist tend to be a little on the fringe. Isn't a supporter of national security as his policies on illegal immigration point out. He just like McCain fit the typical idea of a "conservative", which is someone that remains pleased with the status quo.

Mitt Romney Has all the characteristics of the status quo politician. I respect his business mind and I respect his faith, however I'm not comfortable with a man that doesn't see any problem with the size and scope of government getting even larger. His stances on many issues has me believing he is very similar to Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

Sometimes it just happens

It wasn't that long ago that I had mentioned that NO ONE affiliated with the city modus operandi should be included in interviewing or hiring the new city manager, after all those involved in city politics are why we are hundred or so million in debt. Derek White also seems to be acutely aware of this and wrote such in a guest column for the Community Free Press

http://www.cfpmidweek.com/weeks/IssuePDFs/vo6i03web.pdf

There is probably very little that Derek and I would agree on politically, but having our mayor pro term Gary Deaver heading up the committee to select our newest city employee is quite counter productive to giving the city a NEW start.

Just whom to vote for

It is often said that "those that don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it" and I see this in this Presidential election.
Not that I could ever consider doing so, but voting for anyone with a (D) after there name is almost out of the question. One might ask why, you see Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson have all but made our Constitution Republic into a socialist experiment.

On the socialist democrat side we have Hillary Clinton, she of the Hillary care fame. The provisions of this link should scare the HELL out if you especially if your a freedom loving person that doesn't want government meddling into your affairs.
Barack Obama
the man who still believes it is the federal governments job to provide for education, then man that says " I believe that the millions of Americans who can't take their children to a doctor when they get sick have that right...." Of course this statement is FALSE since NO one is turned away when they need medical attention. It makes for a good one liner however as millions will believe that statement.
John Edwards
He just like his socialist counterparts believe in a much larger role for government in the education of the people, health care, and in the private sector. After all it was Edwards which uttered the following "Requiring businesses and other employers to either cover their employees or help finance their health insurance". and "Once these steps have been taken, requiring all American residents to get insurance". Requiring one to have health insurance which is quite similar to the Mitt Romney plan, oh wait he's a republican I'll get to him in tomorrows post.

While looking at these individuals I'm reminded of a popular position from one Horatio Bunce
and as such I could NEVER vote for a democrat that espouses more socialistic ideas at the behest of the taxed.

another unconstitutional expenditure?

Once again thanks go out to Jason a Life of Jason for this particular section of the most recent city council meeting.

As for those that read this I would like to point out that the Discovery Center is taking money from the Springfield to pay for the utilities and upkeep cost of this building. Don't give me that age old adage that it is saving me money, if it were I would see a check in my hand not an expense.

You'll notice that tax money is once more being appropriated for something that is going to keep draining money from the collective taxpayers. No matter how many ways you slice an apple pie it is only going to feed so many people.

7:14pm…Council Bill 2008-27. The city’s involvement in the Partnership for Sustainability including a $20,000 contribution. Emily Fox (of Discovery Center) was asked by City Manager Cumley to talk about the organization because she is the co-chair of the Partnership. She said MSU, OTC and Evangel, Springfield R-12 School District, Cox, St. Johns, Discovery Center, CU, Greene County and others are contributing as members to the partnership. She said the mission is to determine how our community can become a leader in sustainability.

“There’s no reason why Springfield and Greene County area can’t be a leader.”

What they plan to do is co-ordinate and serve as a sustainability resource for organizations throughout the region and use a GAP analysis to set up goals for the region. She said the group will be using the expertise already in this region to help develop the partnership. They hope to provide a web based tool for all groups in the region so there is a clearinghouse for all the information and expertise. They want to offer sources for networking for institutions and homeowners and small business owners.

The money will be used for operational purposes because “this is a huge endeavor.” She said because of the size of the project it’s necessary to hire someone to oversee the project. This person could also conduct seminars.

Councilwoman Collette said that she thinks it’s a tremendous effort and she’s pleased to see our community doing this. She asked about City Utilities and wanted to know if this was equally funding. Ms. Fox said that not all groups were putting in $20,000 equally the first year. Councilwoman Collette asked the total if the city contributed $20,000 and Ms. Fox said $100,000. Councilwoman Collette said that City Utilities was already working on things to help develop sustainability and asked if this group will help CU develop more approaches to help that grow. Ms. Fox said yes and that this group will work with everyone to help people change their habits with practical tools and education.

Councilwoman Collette thanked Ms. Fox for her effort. Ms. Fox talked about the Discovery Center and how their green building has changed the way they do business.

Mayor Pro Tem Deaver said that Springfield should recognize the savings that can come with different lighting and how new technologies can make operating more efficient.

Councilwoman Rushefsky asked how much City Utilities is putting in and Ms. Fox answered City Utilities is putting in $20,000. Councilwoman Rushefsky asked if this would be an annual contribution and Ms. Fox said she didn’t know but that she anticipated it could be a three year contribution. She hopes in the future that more groups would participate and contribute but she didn’t know at this time. Councilwoman Rushefsky asked if the information is already available to people in Springfield. Ms. Fox said that to keep from duplicating efforts they are going to create an information clearinghouse and that one of the main parts of this group is going to be stopping duplication.

Councilman Chiles asked if sustainability is “living within our own means.” He asked “if it’s fair to say that if you do this it will reduce waste and keep money in Springfield.” Ms. Fox said yes. “Is there any doubt in your mind that this $20,000 investment will be returned to us many times over if we reduce” coal and other fuels and renewable items. Ms. Fox said “of course it will.” She said she already sees it with the Discovery Center and how it operates.

Councilman Whayne asked the city manager if the money was coming from the general fund and City Manager Cumley answered yes.

Councilman Wylie commented on the educational aspects of the program and praised the Discovery Center.

Councilman Burlison asked about Ms. Fox’s experience with the green building at the Discovery Center and health concerns. “One of the outcomes we would want to see from this is reduced health care costs by the participants” and asked if Ms. Fox has noticed anything at the center. Ms. Fox said that she’s noticed effects. She said the filter system is a healthier system and the fact more natural sunlight is used in the building enhances the moods of the staff. “It’s different than working in a dark hole.” She said the health and well-being encompasses many different things.

Councilman Manley wanted to commend Ms. Fox for her leadership on this issue and said “the best is yet to be!”

Will be voted on in two weeks.

a collaspe of monumental proportions

I would like to thank life of Jason for this posting. It has become evident that the one lone voice of fiscal responsibility, or so we thought, has turned his back on the citizens of Springfield that believe the city should live within its means.

I would like to point out the city appropriates money based on projections from the tax rates from the previous years then adds to that a process called baseline budgeting, allowing for the city to spend money even if the tax revenues do NOT meet the obligation thus allowing the city to further fall into financial duress and asking for the taxpayers to once again bail out the entity known as the city.

There were many areas of waste in this document as I've got many pages with highlighted sections which could've been scaled back or just not done at all. While the rubber stamp committee continues on its merry way into our wallets the fire and police pension plan continues to bleed red ink because of mismanagement. The very same mismanagement which is going to appropriate $575 million for new parks, including a tricycle park which will become an outdoor skateboarding facility within a couple of years due to lack of interest.

KUDOS to Alice Rainbolt for standing up for what is RIGHT and questioning the funding of this taxpayer funded project which has many shaking their heads except city council.

To councilwoman Mary Collette how much business is brought into the city because of our park system??

Please point out one business owner which located their business here because of a great and expanding park system. Ms Collette my business just like most must have roads and infrastructure which is well maintained, a park does nothing for my bottom line, it doesn't make me more profitable, it does however effect my taxes since the parks system gets a big chunk of money annual not to mention the ever expanding tax levies which always seem to get passed.

7:52pm…Council Bill 2008-017. Adopting the Capital Improvement Program. Councilman Burlison spoke on the concerns he raised two weeks prior and what he has discovered about a tricycle park. He found out the land was donated to the city with a caveat that it be used for young children. He doesn’t feel it needs to be removed.

Councilwoman Rushefsky wanted to address the issue. She said the Mayor’s Commission on Children has an interest in giving children a healthy start and a safe place to play and that this project does that. She says the expenditure is critical and if we want to talk about sustainability and that sustainability of our children is critical. She spoke about how children not learning healthy habits will harm them as adults. She shared information about health issues regarding children.

Councilman Manley said that the parks are one of the things that makes this city a great place which to live and play. He commended the Park Board for their efforts and how they provide a service to fit the needs of the citizens of the community.

Councilman Wylie addressed a letter given to Council by a local citizen who is a pediatric nurse and supporting the tricycle park. “Allow the same safety for our children we would give to our dogs.” The letter said the park would be open to children not yet in school and without access to parks connected to community schools. Councilman Wylie reiterated that a lot of these items were approved by the voters and city entities have to spend the funds in the manner given by the voters.

He said the CIP also gives an overview and status report on the improvements to community like sidewalks, intersections, storm water drains and other community improvements.

Councilman Chiles said this was a good process for him as a new member of council to understand the process. He said that only $60 million was new projects while the rest of the $576 million is ongoing projects like the airport or storm sewer improvements. He said this is just a way to throw light on ways the city is making a better future for our children.

Councilman Burlison expressed his thanks to the other council members for allowing the second look at the items on the CIP. He said he couldn’t find any waste in the document but appreciated the fact the time was taken to make sure.

8:08pm…Alice Reinbolt speaks on the issue. She said that living within our means is wonderful and a Springfield trait. She said her problem with the CIP is that she thinks it’s just a portion of the budget for Springfield and the amount considering the state of the economy is abnormally high.

One of the items she was commenting on was having a one stop shop for Planning and Zoning. She wonders if there is a way to reorganize current buildings so that a new building doesn’t need to be built to handle planning and zoning.

She took issue with parks and seven new parks. She said that she understands kids need to get out but “there are such a thing as parenting skills.” (Blogger’s note: so apparently if you have a fat kid you have bad parenting skills…)

She said she wants council to look over the issue carefully.

Councilwoman Collette thanked her for her comments and that they shared some of her concerns. She reminded the speaker that some of the projects receive grants and donations but that they have to be included in the CIP so the project can be completed so the money doesn’t come out of general revenue. Councilwoman Collette spoke about how parks and other items contribute to making this community viable to businesses and having a higher quality of life than if we had nothing but good streets and nothing else.

The speaker said she understands some of the money is coming in from grants and foundations but that given our economic situation in our country that these funds will reduce significantly. She claimed that her neighbors had the same feelings as she did on the issue.

Councilman Wylie addressed the speaker and thanked her for her phone call about the issue. He asked if she had a chance to speak with Jodie Adams of the Park Board about her concerns. She said that she hasn’t done that and Councilman Wylie said that he knows Ms. Adams would be happy to do so.

Councilman Burlison commented that he wanted to reiterate to the speaker that her time wasn’t wasted going online and looking at the information. He said that comments like hers are valued and appreciated.

Public hearing is closed the CIP passes 8-0.

my take on the 06-13 CIP

By the time this letter is printed it will probably be too late to stop the city from spending $575 million over the course of the next six years on so called infrastructure improvements. The previous six years worth of projects cost the taxpayers $48.3 million, of that $9.75 million was spent on parks. If the bulk of this money was actually being used for infrastructure you’d get very few comments from me on this expenditure. I’m not a lifer born and raised in this area, but that doesn’t mean as a business owner and property owner I shouldn’t have some say on where my tax money is being spent and how it is being spent. For those of you that want to condemn me for this, we are a government of, by, and for the people and if someone doesn’t speak up to point out the flaws then the system never changes.

When one looks at the CIP for 2006 – 2013 another glaring example of this is very prevalent. I like parks just as much as the next person; however in my travels in this city I see neighborhoods with no sidewalks or any walking paths. People have a choice when they walk in these neighborhoods, on the very narrow street or in the drainage ditch. These people pay property taxes to provide for the infrastructure of this city and yet they don’t even merit a usable sidewalk? What kind of message does this send to the property owners in these neighborhoods when the city would much sooner pay for new or existing projects in a park system which isn’t even frequented by those paying for them? I believe the city has its priorities all mixed up when the legacy of an individual(s) is tantamount to providing needed infrastructure in our neighborhoods.

While attending the city council meeting where this CIP was brought before the council, one council member dared to say this should have a thorough review before being voted on and passed. This council member was chastised by another for daring to question the professionalism of the employees of this city. I would like to ask the council members and the Mayor if they have even read this twenty page document before it gets the rubber stamp of approval? I have and I can find many areas where money can be saved, such as not building a tricycle park at George Moore Park, stop acquiring land for additional park areas and be happy with the massive amount of acreage already in existence in the park system.

Neither individual nor government can spend there way into prosperity and when the people finally say they have had enough the city of Springfield will be left with egg on the faces. Eventually the people are going to say they have had enough which will lead to those that have been elected as our leaders to pursue the inevitable position of requesting more money from those of us that pay for the cities largess. When this happens the people will be prepared and not continue to believe the status quo of it’s the best for the community, the residents, and the businesses.

http://www.springfieldmo.gov/egov/agenda/2008-017.pdf

White House considers drilling plan

The hoax known as GLOBAL WARMING!!!!!

Next month, the Bush White House will choose polar bears or oil derricks in the sea ice off the Alaska coast. The early betting, no surprise, shows a decided tilt toward drilling.

One arm of the Interior Department has set Feb. 6 for oil lease sales for 30 million acres of the Chukchi Sea off Alaska, where 20 percent of the world's 25,000 polar bears live.

But another Interior agency has taken the past year to study whether the bears should be declared threatened under the Endangered Species Act, a move that would hamper drilling. That study, due on Jan. 9, was delayed a month - several days after the planned oil lease sale.

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