But this one isn't so good...
Joel Kotkin, of Forbes.com, has an article on Yahoo! Real Estate ranking the Worst Cities for Jobs. It should come as no surprise that many of the cities are in the Midwest - primarily automotive focused areas. As the sub-heading says, "The Sun Belt just might recover, but employment prospects look grim in Michigan, Ohio and California."
Worst Big Cities for Jobs
1. Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, Mich.
2. Providence-Fall River-Warwick, R.I.
3. Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, Ohio
Click here for the full list of the Worst Big Cities For Jobs.
Worst Medium-Sized Cities for Jobs
1. Toledo, Ohio
2. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, N.C.
3. Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice, Fla.
Click here for the full list of the Worst Medium-Sized Cities For Jobs.
Worst Small Cities for Jobs
1. Jackson, Mich.
2. Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, Mich.
3. Flint, Mich.
Click here for the full list of the Worst Small Cities For Jobs.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
U.S. tax dollars to fund drinking and homosexual sex study in Argentina
You really can't make this stuff up!
CNSNews is reporting that your tax dollars are being spent by the National Institutes of Health to study connections between drinking and homosexual sex in Argentina.
The study is just one of several that are "funded by the NIAAA to examine the relationship between drinking and the spread of HIV, including a study of tourism, prostitution, and HIV in the Dominican Republic and another study examining drinking and HIV among prostitutes in China."
The abstract of the grant says the study in Argentina 'might' help with similar situations in America. According to CNSNews,
Half a million dollars for just the single study! Why are we wasting U.S. tax dollars on such studies in the first place. Don't we already know that people who drink are more likely to engage in sex??? Why can't Argentina's government do their own study and HIV intervention?
This is insane. I can't help but wonder if the researchers just decided they needed a tax-payer funded trip to Argentina's bars so they created this 'study' to be able to do just that!
CNSNews is reporting that your tax dollars are being spent by the National Institutes of Health to study connections between drinking and homosexual sex in Argentina.
The study will send researchers to six bars in Buenos Aires to interview both patrons and proprietors in an effort to discover what it is about those bars that may encourage the risky behavior.
The study began on Sept. 30, 2008, and runs through Aug. 31, 2010. It already has cost taxpayers $198,776. By the time the project ends, it will have cost $403,902, according to NIH.
The grant, awarded to the New York State Psychiatric Institute, was provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the division of NIH that studies the effects of alcohol and alcoholism.
The study is just one of several that are "funded by the NIAAA to examine the relationship between drinking and the spread of HIV, including a study of tourism, prostitution, and HIV in the Dominican Republic and another study examining drinking and HIV among prostitutes in China."
The abstract of the grant says the study in Argentina 'might' help with similar situations in America. According to CNSNews,
"The study has six goals, including the collection of information on six specific bars in Buenos Aires; the appearance, of those bars, alcohol availability, patrons, and types of sexual behavior taking place. The study also seeks to identify which factors contribute to alcohol consumption and sexual behavior in the bars.
“The specific aims of this study are to … 2) identify factors that contribute to alcohol use and high-risk sexual behavior in the venues,” says the abstract.
Researchers will interview 48 of the men who patronize the bars, as well as the bar staff to gather information on the types of alcohol consumed and sexual behavior engaged in.
“Venue patrons will also undergo a brief quantitative assessment to gather descriptive data on sexual behavior and substance use.”
After discovering why men who drink in these bars have homosexual sex, researchers will then try to discover whether it is possible to conduct anti-HIV interventions and how to conduct those interventions."
Half a million dollars for just the single study! Why are we wasting U.S. tax dollars on such studies in the first place. Don't we already know that people who drink are more likely to engage in sex??? Why can't Argentina's government do their own study and HIV intervention?
This is insane. I can't help but wonder if the researchers just decided they needed a tax-payer funded trip to Argentina's bars so they created this 'study' to be able to do just that!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Why 9 is NOT fine
Yesterday a group including citizens and a couple of council members announced their effort to amend the city charter to change the composition of city council, reducing the number of representatives to nine and eliminating the at-large seats in favor of 'super' district seats.
I'm opposed to this particular restructuring of city council for multiple reasons, including:
* I do not support the further balkanization of the city. The individual districts are already in competition with each other for city spending and projects. Having super districts just creates a larger area of competition - along with coordinated support of two other council members.
* I do not believe that where a person lives is a primary concern when it comes to whom we elect. The issue is not where they live, but how they vote. Changing their residence does not change their behavior.
* I believe that the mayor has the ability to threaten - or imply - that funding/services for specific areas are at risk when council members fail to support the administration's proposals. Changing to all districts makes that threat more powerful, as there are no at-large members who would be immune to such actions.
* I do not want council members to think they work only for their district. Right now, some council members believe they have no need to respond to general city issues you raise to them because they don't represent you. They often will tell you to call your own district rep.
* I do not like that at-large members think they can avoid 'neighborhood' issues by telling you to call your district council member. This attitude comes from the idea that district reps are the only ones who are supposed to handle such issues. The problem is this current delineation of accountability - not that some members of council live in only certain areas of the city. Changing the composition of city council will only exacerbate this lack of overall accountability.
* I want each and every council member responsible to the city as a whole. I don't want council members doing what is good for a district to the detriment of the overall city. Currently, road improvement funds are divvied up by district not by need, resulting in every council district getting a somewhat equal amount of money to spend, even if roads in one area of the city are more in need of repair than others.
* I do support the reduction in number of city council members and like the idea of an odd number. I would rather they all be at-large and responsible to everyone for everything that goes on.
These are just some of the issues I have. Overall, changing the form of government does not change our representation. Gerrymandering the areas from which council members are elected does not ensure 'representation' except from a geographical perspective - and the current problem is not geography, it's philosophy. While many people will embrace the 'change,' they will soon realize that this particular change does not solve the problem of Toledo city government.
I'm opposed to this particular restructuring of city council for multiple reasons, including:
* I do not support the further balkanization of the city. The individual districts are already in competition with each other for city spending and projects. Having super districts just creates a larger area of competition - along with coordinated support of two other council members.
* I do not believe that where a person lives is a primary concern when it comes to whom we elect. The issue is not where they live, but how they vote. Changing their residence does not change their behavior.
* I believe that the mayor has the ability to threaten - or imply - that funding/services for specific areas are at risk when council members fail to support the administration's proposals. Changing to all districts makes that threat more powerful, as there are no at-large members who would be immune to such actions.
* I do not want council members to think they work only for their district. Right now, some council members believe they have no need to respond to general city issues you raise to them because they don't represent you. They often will tell you to call your own district rep.
* I do not like that at-large members think they can avoid 'neighborhood' issues by telling you to call your district council member. This attitude comes from the idea that district reps are the only ones who are supposed to handle such issues. The problem is this current delineation of accountability - not that some members of council live in only certain areas of the city. Changing the composition of city council will only exacerbate this lack of overall accountability.
* I want each and every council member responsible to the city as a whole. I don't want council members doing what is good for a district to the detriment of the overall city. Currently, road improvement funds are divvied up by district not by need, resulting in every council district getting a somewhat equal amount of money to spend, even if roads in one area of the city are more in need of repair than others.
* I do support the reduction in number of city council members and like the idea of an odd number. I would rather they all be at-large and responsible to everyone for everything that goes on.
These are just some of the issues I have. Overall, changing the form of government does not change our representation. Gerrymandering the areas from which council members are elected does not ensure 'representation' except from a geographical perspective - and the current problem is not geography, it's philosophy. While many people will embrace the 'change,' they will soon realize that this particular change does not solve the problem of Toledo city government.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
'9 is Fine' - the push to reduce city council
This in via email from District 6 Councilwoman Lindsay Webb:
Kick off of the “9 is Fine” City Council Reorganization Petition
Following through on her proposal to reduce the size of Toledo City Council, Councilwoman Lindsay Webb will formally announce the 9 is Fine Campaign on Saturday May 2nd at 2:00 p.m. in front of the Safety Building in downtown Toledo.
Webb will be joined by Councilman Tom Waniewski from District 5, as well as Dave Schulz, leader of Toledo COBRA (Citizens Organized to Bring Reform and Accountability). Webb states, “There is no better time to than now to bring this question to the voters. The reorganization will lead to better representation, more effective government and save precious tax dollars that can be used to maintain some of our police officers.”
The change to super-districts from at-large councilmen will correct the under-representation that half the city faces. Currently, nine of the twelve members live west of a line approximately demarcated by Douglas Road.
“Many city councils in cities of our size and larger have fewer members than we do. It is time every department, including city council, downsizes to match our loss in population and revenue,” Dave Schulz notes.
Information on the campaign, including a comparison of our council size with other major Ohio cities by population, as well as how citizens can get involved can be found at www.9isfine.org.
A challenge when it comes to Supreme Court nominees
Friday I filled in for Brian Wilson on the Afternoon Drive on WSPD. One of my guests was Bradley Smith, Professor of Law at Capital University Law School. (complete pod cast)
He pointed out something I did not know and found very interesting.
He said that whomever President Obama nominates to replace retiring Associate Justice David Souter needs to have the support of at least one member of the minority party in order to be voted out of committee, under the current rules of the Senate.
Until this week, Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter could have been counted on as that vote, but he's now a Democrat. This means that Republicans on the Judiciary Committee can hold up a nominee if none of them vote in favor.
Of course, as Professor Smith points out, the Senate could also change the rules.
Stay tuned....
He pointed out something I did not know and found very interesting.
He said that whomever President Obama nominates to replace retiring Associate Justice David Souter needs to have the support of at least one member of the minority party in order to be voted out of committee, under the current rules of the Senate.
Until this week, Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter could have been counted on as that vote, but he's now a Democrat. This means that Republicans on the Judiciary Committee can hold up a nominee if none of them vote in favor.
Of course, as Professor Smith points out, the Senate could also change the rules.
Stay tuned....
Is television getting too creepy?
* I find the media's (and Vice President Joe Biden's) hype of the swine flu to be somewhat odd. While any type of flu that infects people around the world is a cause for concern, this flu is not very severe and really doesn't seem to present any more of a threat than the normal flu season does. According to the CDC, about 36,000 people die from the flu and/or complications from the flu each year. But that's just their estimate.
I think this says more about the media's infatuation with the latest news story and the intense competition for viewers. Think about it - when was the last time we had bad weather or news of a relatively minor concern that didn't become the 'big' story with doom and gloom scenarios? The creepy part is that so many viewers buy in to the hype without any objectivity.
* Since we're on the subject of TV, I have to wonder about the mental state and perspective of some of the people who make commercials these days - and also of the ones who approve them. I'll be the first to admit that the Burger King 'king' just plain gives me the creeps. Perhaps it was the first ad this character was in where he stands outside a bedroom window and stares inside - or shows up in the bed in the morning with a man just waking up. It's just plain creepy to portray a stranger in such a way.
But their latest advertisement for the Sponge Bob kids meal is beyond any realm of good taste. They do a take off of the 'I like big butts' (Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Baby Got Back") song, which certainly has adult content, and change it to 'square butts' to tie in with the cartoon character Sponge Bob Square Pants. The 'king' leers at young women who are 'dancing' in sexually suggestive manners and 'measures' them. To find such adult content being used to market a kids meal is even more disturbing than having the 'king' staring into your bedroom window.
I'm not a prude, and while I might think the commercial was in poor taste if were targeting adults, I am gravely concerned that it targets children.
I cannot conceive that any adult thinks this sexually suggestive content is the proper way to sell meals to kids under 10. But I'm obviously wrong as both the advertising firm and Burger King have done so.
* When it comes to commercials, I've long been a fan of the MasterCard 'priceless' series of ads. Until now.
Their most recent 'Helping your dad become a better man' focus on environmentalism really hit me the wrong way. I couldn't find a video of it, but it's a boy shadowing his father in three different scenes.
When Dad leaves the water running as he brushes his teeth, the boy is on hand. “Water glass,” says the (child’s) voice over, “five dollars.”
Then on to a hardware store where Dad is looking for light bulbs. How fortunate that his son is smart enough to hand him the 'acceptable' ones. “Energy saving bulb: four dollars.”
At the grocery store checkout, the child saves Dad from the horror of using plastic bags. “Reusable bag: two dollars.”
And then comes the tag line: “Helping your dad become a better man: priceless.”
There is no mention of the qualities that really define a better man - like honesty, generosity, kindness, courage, providing for your family, etc...
Yes, I know it's just a commercial, but I find something inherently wrong in expecting children to educate their parents after their indoctrination in 'right-think' from whatever school or program is supposed to be educating them. And it's not just the kids. They are indoctrinated, certainly, but then they are encouraged to indoctrinate others and badger their parents into 'proper' behavior. That's creepy as well.
So where is the discussion of how breaking one of those 'energy saving' bulbs might require the father to evacuate his son from the area to prevent inhalation of the chemicals used in the bulb? Or how those 'evil' plastic bags are made from recycled material and can be recycled again and again?
That the father just accepts the 'wisdom' of a child isn't even questioned. But it is implied that regardless of anything else the father does for his son, if he isn't adhering to the environmental dogma, he is not as good a man as he should be. As the Culture and Media Institute says:
And when this focus in injected, in such a non-subtle manner, into commercials, it's creepy - and it concerns me.
I think this says more about the media's infatuation with the latest news story and the intense competition for viewers. Think about it - when was the last time we had bad weather or news of a relatively minor concern that didn't become the 'big' story with doom and gloom scenarios? The creepy part is that so many viewers buy in to the hype without any objectivity.
* Since we're on the subject of TV, I have to wonder about the mental state and perspective of some of the people who make commercials these days - and also of the ones who approve them. I'll be the first to admit that the Burger King 'king' just plain gives me the creeps. Perhaps it was the first ad this character was in where he stands outside a bedroom window and stares inside - or shows up in the bed in the morning with a man just waking up. It's just plain creepy to portray a stranger in such a way.
But their latest advertisement for the Sponge Bob kids meal is beyond any realm of good taste. They do a take off of the 'I like big butts' (Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Baby Got Back") song, which certainly has adult content, and change it to 'square butts' to tie in with the cartoon character Sponge Bob Square Pants. The 'king' leers at young women who are 'dancing' in sexually suggestive manners and 'measures' them. To find such adult content being used to market a kids meal is even more disturbing than having the 'king' staring into your bedroom window.
I'm not a prude, and while I might think the commercial was in poor taste if were targeting adults, I am gravely concerned that it targets children.
I cannot conceive that any adult thinks this sexually suggestive content is the proper way to sell meals to kids under 10. But I'm obviously wrong as both the advertising firm and Burger King have done so.
* When it comes to commercials, I've long been a fan of the MasterCard 'priceless' series of ads. Until now.
Their most recent 'Helping your dad become a better man' focus on environmentalism really hit me the wrong way. I couldn't find a video of it, but it's a boy shadowing his father in three different scenes.
When Dad leaves the water running as he brushes his teeth, the boy is on hand. “Water glass,” says the (child’s) voice over, “five dollars.”
Then on to a hardware store where Dad is looking for light bulbs. How fortunate that his son is smart enough to hand him the 'acceptable' ones. “Energy saving bulb: four dollars.”
At the grocery store checkout, the child saves Dad from the horror of using plastic bags. “Reusable bag: two dollars.”
And then comes the tag line: “Helping your dad become a better man: priceless.”
There is no mention of the qualities that really define a better man - like honesty, generosity, kindness, courage, providing for your family, etc...
Yes, I know it's just a commercial, but I find something inherently wrong in expecting children to educate their parents after their indoctrination in 'right-think' from whatever school or program is supposed to be educating them. And it's not just the kids. They are indoctrinated, certainly, but then they are encouraged to indoctrinate others and badger their parents into 'proper' behavior. That's creepy as well.
So where is the discussion of how breaking one of those 'energy saving' bulbs might require the father to evacuate his son from the area to prevent inhalation of the chemicals used in the bulb? Or how those 'evil' plastic bags are made from recycled material and can be recycled again and again?
That the father just accepts the 'wisdom' of a child isn't even questioned. But it is implied that regardless of anything else the father does for his son, if he isn't adhering to the environmental dogma, he is not as good a man as he should be. As the Culture and Media Institute says:
It’s been widely noted that environmentalism is religion for our secular age. And since one of the main functions of a religion is to instruct it adherents in right and wrong, it follows that a man’s goodness can now be judged according to his carbon footprint.
What’s wrong with this? Nothing, if you think that six-year-olds – or Al Gore – should be the ultimate arbiters of morality.
And when this focus in injected, in such a non-subtle manner, into commercials, it's creepy - and it concerns me.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Growing the pie
When it comes to how to help the economy, many people are focused on getting a bigger piece of the pie - or in preventing others from getting a bigger piece of the pie.
Of course, this assumes that there is only one pie - and that the pie is a fixed size.
This is just one of the myths exposed in a new publication from Heritage Foundation, The Economy Hits Home: What Makes the Economy Grow?
Contributors for the paper are my friend, Leslie Carbone, the author of Slaying Leviathan: The Moral Case for Tax Reform (Potomac, June 2009) and Jay Richards, the author of Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism Is the Solution and Not the Problem (HarperOne, May 2009).
I hope you'll download the document, read it and reference it often when anyone tries to tell you that government's re-distribution of wealth is the solution to our economy. As the report says:
Of course, this assumes that there is only one pie - and that the pie is a fixed size.
This is just one of the myths exposed in a new publication from Heritage Foundation, The Economy Hits Home: What Makes the Economy Grow?
Contributors for the paper are my friend, Leslie Carbone, the author of Slaying Leviathan: The Moral Case for Tax Reform (Potomac, June 2009) and Jay Richards, the author of Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism Is the Solution and Not the Problem (HarperOne, May 2009).
I hope you'll download the document, read it and reference it often when anyone tries to tell you that government's re-distribution of wealth is the solution to our economy. As the report says:
"Importantly, economic growth is not the consequence of government policies or of some master economic plan. It results from millions of people individually seeking what is in their own interests by providing what is in the interests of others, and the collective consequence of their actions is to increase the number of jobs in the economy, the wages earned by workers, and the income and wealth of the nation."
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A great Hot Air Tour event
Well the weather wasn't the greatest, but the Americans For Prosperity Hot Air Tour balloon did make it and gave rides to lots of attendees. Guess the rain is okay, so long as there isn't any wind.
APF President Tim Phillips and Waterville Mayor Derick Merrin both spoke briefly. Tim gave out the phone numbers for Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown (419-259-3875, 202-224-3353 and 614-469-6697) and urged everyone to call him and ask him to promise not impose any taxes in order to address any 'global warming' issue.
I took videos of the speeches and of several home-schooled kids who came out to get a ride in the balloon. I'll download them tonight and post them tomorrow.
There were about 60 people total who showed up and enjoyed coffee, donuts, the commentary and the rides. There were plenty of t-shirts for those who wanted them, as well.
Considering the time of day and the weather, AFP judged this event a success.
APF President Tim Phillips and Waterville Mayor Derick Merrin both spoke briefly. Tim gave out the phone numbers for Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown (419-259-3875, 202-224-3353 and 614-469-6697) and urged everyone to call him and ask him to promise not impose any taxes in order to address any 'global warming' issue.
I took videos of the speeches and of several home-schooled kids who came out to get a ride in the balloon. I'll download them tonight and post them tomorrow.
There were about 60 people total who showed up and enjoyed coffee, donuts, the commentary and the rides. There were plenty of t-shirts for those who wanted them, as well.
Considering the time of day and the weather, AFP judged this event a success.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Others question value of All America City Awards
Toledo isn't the only city questioning the effort of competing in the All America City Awards.
Rowlett, TX, has an on-line Citizen Forum and one of the discussions is about the participation of the city in the All America City Awards - and whether or not the expense is worth it. Interesting, much of what is being said there is what is being said here - there are other things more important than applying and competing for an award, no matter how prestigious such an award claims to be.
An interesting question has arisen on that web page regarding just how many applications were received. You see, they don't release the number of communities who've applied, only the finalists (there are 39 this year). So the question they ask in Rowlett is whether or not all the finalists were the only applicants. But since the applicant list is never released, there is no way to ever know. They also question the dubious claim that such awards aid in economic development, wondering how you can measure such a claim.
Apparently, the idea of cities focusing on their core functions and not going after so-called 'highly prestigious' awards is one that is shared across the nation.
Rowlett, TX, has an on-line Citizen Forum and one of the discussions is about the participation of the city in the All America City Awards - and whether or not the expense is worth it. Interesting, much of what is being said there is what is being said here - there are other things more important than applying and competing for an award, no matter how prestigious such an award claims to be.
An interesting question has arisen on that web page regarding just how many applications were received. You see, they don't release the number of communities who've applied, only the finalists (there are 39 this year). So the question they ask in Rowlett is whether or not all the finalists were the only applicants. But since the applicant list is never released, there is no way to ever know. They also question the dubious claim that such awards aid in economic development, wondering how you can measure such a claim.
Apparently, the idea of cities focusing on their core functions and not going after so-called 'highly prestigious' awards is one that is shared across the nation.
The impact of Specter's switch to Democrat
Patrick Ruffini hit the nail on the head when it comes to the impact of Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter's decision to switch to the Democratic Party:
There are no excuses anymore, so now we'll see if the Democrats actually believe and support everything they campaigned for.
"Today the mandate was cemented. The Democrats now have full control over Washington, D.C. They can now break the filibuster. And any failure to do so is not the result of GOP "obstruction" but of self-beclowning Democratic overreach of the sort they couldn't possibly hope to get away with if any semblance of a balance of power existed.
The Democrats are now fully responsible for what happens in Washington. ... "
There are no excuses anymore, so now we'll see if the Democrats actually believe and support everything they campaigned for.
Cheers and Jeers to Toledo City Council
Toledo City Council met last night - here are the cheers and jeers:
Cheers to Councilmen Tom Waniewski, Lindsay Webb, Philip Copeland, and D. Michael Collins who all voted against implementing fire department fees. With these four voting 'no,' the measure failed. Betty Shultz was sick and Michael Ashford left before the vote was taken, leaving not enough members to get the measure passed. Apparently, Ashford needed to appear before the Toledo Board of Education on behalf of his employer, the YMCA.
Jeers to the council members who thought billing us for services already paid for by our tax dollars: Wilma Brown, Mike Craig, Joe McNamara, George Sarantou, Mark Sobczak, and Frank Szollosi. Had the measure passed as written, it would have required the fire department to charge us for everything from the truck to the rubber gloves used in responding to a call for service.
Double Jeers to Councilman George Sarantou. According to today's paper, in response to the idea of increasing the amount of the garbage tax (otherwise known as the refuse fee), that "he would not even consider collecting more from taxpayers until the city and the unions reach consensus." Yet he was one of the 'yes' votes in favor of raising 'taxes' via the fire department.
Jeers to council as a body. They had previously approved budgeting $500,000 in additional fire fees but without details of how such a fee would be implemented. This prior approval of the revenue was the basis for many of the 'yes' votes in favor of the specific ordinance. Hopefully council has learned a valuable lesson to not approve revenue line items without the details of how any such revenue will be acquired.
Cheers to Councilmen Tom Waniewski, Lindsay Webb, Philip Copeland, and D. Michael Collins who all voted against implementing fire department fees. With these four voting 'no,' the measure failed. Betty Shultz was sick and Michael Ashford left before the vote was taken, leaving not enough members to get the measure passed. Apparently, Ashford needed to appear before the Toledo Board of Education on behalf of his employer, the YMCA.
Jeers to the council members who thought billing us for services already paid for by our tax dollars: Wilma Brown, Mike Craig, Joe McNamara, George Sarantou, Mark Sobczak, and Frank Szollosi. Had the measure passed as written, it would have required the fire department to charge us for everything from the truck to the rubber gloves used in responding to a call for service.
Double Jeers to Councilman George Sarantou. According to today's paper, in response to the idea of increasing the amount of the garbage tax (otherwise known as the refuse fee), that "he would not even consider collecting more from taxpayers until the city and the unions reach consensus." Yet he was one of the 'yes' votes in favor of raising 'taxes' via the fire department.
Jeers to council as a body. They had previously approved budgeting $500,000 in additional fire fees but without details of how such a fee would be implemented. This prior approval of the revenue was the basis for many of the 'yes' votes in favor of the specific ordinance. Hopefully council has learned a valuable lesson to not approve revenue line items without the details of how any such revenue will be acquired.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Political correctness hits 'swine' flu
CNSNews is reporting that the American Meat Institute wants the media and others to stop calling the latest flu outbreak by the name of 'swine' flu - and instead call it North American flu.
I guess I really don't blame them, as some people actually think you can catch it by eating pork, but it is 'swine' flu and calling it something else won't change that fact.
"According to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), North American Flu is a more accurate description of the virus that has affected people in North America," said American Meat Institute President J. Patrick Boyle.
I guess I really don't blame them, as some people actually think you can catch it by eating pork, but it is 'swine' flu and calling it something else won't change that fact.
Putting the garbage tax into perspective
Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, as part of his solution for the budget deficit, wants to increase taxes.
Among other things, he has asked council to raise the monthly refuse fee (aka: garbage tax) from $7 to $10 for people who do not recycle and from $2 to $7 for those who do. He says this would raise about $1.6 million.
I have several concerns about this proposal - aside from the fact that raising taxes is rarely the best solution.
First, the administration has not addressed, at least publicly, how they arrived at the $1.6 million. Did they assume that all people who currently pay the $7 would continue to refuse to recycle, or did they estimate a percentage of people might begin to recycle in order to keep their monthly payment the same?
Second, the increases in costs for the two groups are not the same. The $5 increase for those who are recycling (and helping the city maximize and prolong the use of the landfill) is 250%. The $3 increase for those who don't recycle is only 43%.
Why the disparity? Is it because they think that people will revolt if asked to pay more than $10 per month for this tax?
Third, and perhaps the most important one, is understanding the true cost of the 'refuse fee.' How do we compare this unvoted tax in order to understand just how much we're really paying?
At $10 per month, it's $120 per year - the equivalent of a 3.91 mill levy. At $7 per month, it's $84 per year - the equivalent of of 2.74 mill levy.
(A 1-mill levy raises about $30.62 per year when applied to a home valued at $100,000. Of course, as this is not a percentage but a flat fee, the costs are disproportionally higher for lower valued properties.)
That's more than we pay in total for the two permanent improvement levies for Toledo Public Schools - or about what we pay for the Port Authority levy, 911 levy, Senior Services levy, MetroParks land levy, and the COSI levy COMBINED.
If the City of Toledo asked you to approve a 2- or 3-mill levy, how would you vote? But if they call it a refuse fee (even though it is clearly a general revenue tax) and add it to your water bill, perhaps you don't realize just how much of a tax it really is.
Among other things, he has asked council to raise the monthly refuse fee (aka: garbage tax) from $7 to $10 for people who do not recycle and from $2 to $7 for those who do. He says this would raise about $1.6 million.
I have several concerns about this proposal - aside from the fact that raising taxes is rarely the best solution.
First, the administration has not addressed, at least publicly, how they arrived at the $1.6 million. Did they assume that all people who currently pay the $7 would continue to refuse to recycle, or did they estimate a percentage of people might begin to recycle in order to keep their monthly payment the same?
Second, the increases in costs for the two groups are not the same. The $5 increase for those who are recycling (and helping the city maximize and prolong the use of the landfill) is 250%. The $3 increase for those who don't recycle is only 43%.
Why the disparity? Is it because they think that people will revolt if asked to pay more than $10 per month for this tax?
Third, and perhaps the most important one, is understanding the true cost of the 'refuse fee.' How do we compare this unvoted tax in order to understand just how much we're really paying?
At $10 per month, it's $120 per year - the equivalent of a 3.91 mill levy. At $7 per month, it's $84 per year - the equivalent of of 2.74 mill levy.
(A 1-mill levy raises about $30.62 per year when applied to a home valued at $100,000. Of course, as this is not a percentage but a flat fee, the costs are disproportionally higher for lower valued properties.)
That's more than we pay in total for the two permanent improvement levies for Toledo Public Schools - or about what we pay for the Port Authority levy, 911 levy, Senior Services levy, MetroParks land levy, and the COSI levy COMBINED.
If the City of Toledo asked you to approve a 2- or 3-mill levy, how would you vote? But if they call it a refuse fee (even though it is clearly a general revenue tax) and add it to your water bill, perhaps you don't realize just how much of a tax it really is.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Pedophiles, but not veterans
Erick Erickson at RedState has the post about the latest action in Congress when it comes to 'hate crimes.' You see, they added pedophiles as a protected class, but not Veterans.
You can't make this stuff up.
Personally, I'm opposed to any type of 'hate crime' legislation. I think it's Orwellian to make the penalties for a crime more or less severe depending upon your emotions regarding the victim. When we begin going down the road of making criminal penalties more severe because of the opinion of the offender, it's a slippery slope - and doesn't change the fact that the crime was committed in the first place and deserves punishment.
You can't make this stuff up.
Personally, I'm opposed to any type of 'hate crime' legislation. I think it's Orwellian to make the penalties for a crime more or less severe depending upon your emotions regarding the victim. When we begin going down the road of making criminal penalties more severe because of the opinion of the offender, it's a slippery slope - and doesn't change the fact that the crime was committed in the first place and deserves punishment.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Random Thoughts on a Sunday morning
* President Obama has said he wants reforms for credit card contracts. He wants protections that "forbid abusive fees and penalties" and said that plain language should be used. "No more fine print, no more confusing terms and conditions. We want clarity and transparency from here on out."
Can he please start first with the IRS and apply these conditions to them - and then to Congress?????
* The Blade editorial board has slammed the Ohio Supreme Court for upholding the confidentiality of attorney-client privilege and exemptions of such correspondence from Ohio's public records law. This was a ridiculous position for The Blade to have taken and they deserved their ruling. While their motives have nothing to do with the Court's decision, the only reason they wanted the report released was so that they could continue to attack Jim Hartung. It's not enough that the man is no longer the president of the Port Authority - they just want to bury him.
Their penchant for vendettas is part of what has cost them any semblance of credibility. Sadly, it doesn't seem to stop them.
* Can you say "CONTRADICTION"?
This past week, Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop asked the Warren County Commissioners to send him the stimulus funds they don't need and want to return. Warren County responded politely, telling Konop that such a decision would defeat the purpose of returning funds in the first place. (Read the correspondence here.)
Konop's statement upon receiving the response was, in part:
But just two days later, Konop, contradicts himself:
So when you're slamming a campaign opponent, you oppose using tax dollars that don't exist, but when Warren County Commissioners tell you that the stimulus funds you want to take from them are tax dollars that don't exist, you don't want to discuss the issue? Unbelievable!
Konop also said:
You mean, like having trash collectors serve as crime fighters? Or subsidizing loans so people can buy art? Or participating in fake food stamp challenges? Or using tax dollars to pay for a college education for everyone in Lucas County? etc., etc., etc., ...
Will anyone else call him on this?
* When it comes to Toledo's budget, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who isn't aware of the massive deficit. Revenue predictions for income tax collections are a major part of the problem, as they are significantly below previous years.
But here's a critical question that no one is asking: Since it is now the end of April, what have the ACTUAL collections been for the first quarter? Are they consistent with projections? Are they higher - or lower? Where do we stand for the first quarter of the year???
Before council acts to raise taxes to address what is projected to be a decline in revenue, can we first get some FACTS about what the revenue actually is? Maybe then they can make informed decisions - for a change.
Can he please start first with the IRS and apply these conditions to them - and then to Congress?????
* The Blade editorial board has slammed the Ohio Supreme Court for upholding the confidentiality of attorney-client privilege and exemptions of such correspondence from Ohio's public records law. This was a ridiculous position for The Blade to have taken and they deserved their ruling. While their motives have nothing to do with the Court's decision, the only reason they wanted the report released was so that they could continue to attack Jim Hartung. It's not enough that the man is no longer the president of the Port Authority - they just want to bury him.
Their penchant for vendettas is part of what has cost them any semblance of credibility. Sadly, it doesn't seem to stop them.
* Can you say "CONTRADICTION"?
This past week, Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop asked the Warren County Commissioners to send him the stimulus funds they don't need and want to return. Warren County responded politely, telling Konop that such a decision would defeat the purpose of returning funds in the first place. (Read the correspondence here.)
Konop's statement upon receiving the response was, in part:
"...I will not get into a right-wing-radio-fueled, Rush Limbaugh-esque debate about taxes. Now is not the time for political posturing. Our job losses are real. Our home foreclosures are real. Our challenges are real. Despite Mr. Kilburn's objections and rejection, I will continue to fight for every dollar out there to provide the services our taxpayers deserve. Also, I will not apologize for, nor will I stop, pursuing every angle to put our citizens back to work. ..."
But just two days later, Konop, contradicts himself:
In a prepared response, Democratic opponent Ben Konop said he saw "a troubling pattern" - a reliance on taxpayer dollars "that don't exist."
So when you're slamming a campaign opponent, you oppose using tax dollars that don't exist, but when Warren County Commissioners tell you that the stimulus funds you want to take from them are tax dollars that don't exist, you don't want to discuss the issue? Unbelievable!
Konop also said:
"Now is not the time for pie-in-the-sky proposals," Mr. Konop said.
You mean, like having trash collectors serve as crime fighters? Or subsidizing loans so people can buy art? Or participating in fake food stamp challenges? Or using tax dollars to pay for a college education for everyone in Lucas County? etc., etc., etc., ...
Will anyone else call him on this?
* When it comes to Toledo's budget, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who isn't aware of the massive deficit. Revenue predictions for income tax collections are a major part of the problem, as they are significantly below previous years.
But here's a critical question that no one is asking: Since it is now the end of April, what have the ACTUAL collections been for the first quarter? Are they consistent with projections? Are they higher - or lower? Where do we stand for the first quarter of the year???
Before council acts to raise taxes to address what is projected to be a decline in revenue, can we first get some FACTS about what the revenue actually is? Maybe then they can make informed decisions - for a change.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Hot Air Tour
Press Release on the Hot Air Tour, brought to you by Americans for Prosperity:
Save the Date: April 30th
AFP’s Hot Air Balloon to Stop in Toledo
Right now in Washington, President Obama and Speaker Pelosi are pushing a Cap and Trade scheme that raises taxes on your gasoline, raises taxes on your home heating and cooling, and kills jobs by the thousands with government rationing of our energy -- all in the name of Al Gore's Global Warming alarmism.
You can fight back -- just like we did with Tea Parties. Bring your family out to Americans for Prosperity’s Hot Air Tour Thursday, April 30th in Toledo at University of Toledo’s Carter Recreational Field at 9:00 am as we urge Senator Brown to VOTE NO on the Cap and Trade Scheme. We'll have free food and a giant 70-foot-tall hot air balloon with free rides (weather permitting).
Toledo, Ohio (Register)
9:00am -- Thursday, April 30th
University of Toledo’s Carter Recreational Field (intersection of Oakwood & N. Westwood)
The first 50 registrants receive a free t-shirt.
For more information, contact Americans for Prosperity at 202-349-5880.
Be sure to forward this and encourage folks you know to sign up, including friends from work, family, your college, home school group, political group, and other community associations!
One of the driving forces behind Congressional inaction on the energy issue is global warming alarmism. We are working hard to bring you the missing half of the global warming issue. What will the impact of reactionary legislation be on our national economy, local businesses, and even your personal budget?
Note: Hot air balloon rides are weather and wind permitting.
Save the Date: April 30th
AFP’s Hot Air Balloon to Stop in Toledo
Right now in Washington, President Obama and Speaker Pelosi are pushing a Cap and Trade scheme that raises taxes on your gasoline, raises taxes on your home heating and cooling, and kills jobs by the thousands with government rationing of our energy -- all in the name of Al Gore's Global Warming alarmism.
You can fight back -- just like we did with Tea Parties. Bring your family out to Americans for Prosperity’s Hot Air Tour Thursday, April 30th in Toledo at University of Toledo’s Carter Recreational Field at 9:00 am as we urge Senator Brown to VOTE NO on the Cap and Trade Scheme. We'll have free food and a giant 70-foot-tall hot air balloon with free rides (weather permitting).
Toledo, Ohio (Register)
9:00am -- Thursday, April 30th
University of Toledo’s Carter Recreational Field (intersection of Oakwood & N. Westwood)
The first 50 registrants receive a free t-shirt.
For more information, contact Americans for Prosperity at 202-349-5880.
Be sure to forward this and encourage folks you know to sign up, including friends from work, family, your college, home school group, political group, and other community associations!
One of the driving forces behind Congressional inaction on the energy issue is global warming alarmism. We are working hard to bring you the missing half of the global warming issue. What will the impact of reactionary legislation be on our national economy, local businesses, and even your personal budget?
Note: Hot air balloon rides are weather and wind permitting.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Is this the way to treat employees?
Over the last week or so, Toledo's Mayor Carty Finkbeiner has threatened layoffs due to the city's $27 million budget deficit. Council cut out about $7 million so there is still $20 million to go, hence the layoff notices.
Originally, he said he'd be laying off around 300 employees - but that number has ranged as high as 350 and as low as 240-ish. Included in that total were 150 police officers along with prosecutors working in the Toledo Municipal Court (TMC).
Today, Judge Timothy Kuhlman, TMC's presiding judge, was a guest on WSPD with Brian Wilson (podcast here) and expressed his concern that a reduction in the number of prosecutors would seriously compromise the operations of the court and the safety of Toledoans. Without a sufficient number of prosecutors, it is likely that cases would be dismissed, leaving criminals to go free. He also said that the Court's probation department is already hearing 'bragging' about how gangs and criminals are just waiting for the layoff of police to occur.
Despite claims that they don't listen to WSPD, by 7 p.m. the Mayor had issued the following press release directly responding to the Judge's comments:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mayor Finkbeiner: 'Our Prosecutor's Office Is Not Closing.'
Of course, Carty, with his traditional 'ready, shoot, aim' behavior, did exactly what he accused Judge Kuhlman of doing: going "public without knowing of what he is speaking."
At no point did Judge Kuhlman say that the city would 'lose its Prosecutor's Office.' He did state the truth when he acknowledged that all prosecutors got layoff notices as Carty admits, and Wilson commented about even Chief of Staff Bob Reinbolt getting a layoff notice. Kuhlman talked about the consequences of both a lack of police and prosecutors and the impact layoffs of both would have to the court system and Toledoans.
But note what the release says - 'layoff notices were given to all General Fund employees.'
So the city gave layoff notices to people that they know they're not going to lay off? Talk about irresponsible!
How is that good employer-employee relations? Carty warned about media and others generating 'fear' over the lack of police, yet here he is generating 'fear' among his employees by telling them they could be laid off, even though he has no intention of doing so. He's also generated fear in Toledoans who are concerned that less than 500 officers is not enough to cover the city 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long.
Carty often praises the employees of the city for the good works that they do - and appropriately so. However, creating fear and uncertainty by giving layoff notices to those whom he knows will keep their jobs is not the way you treat employees you value - or at least that you say you value.
No wonder he's unable to accomplish anything in negotiations with the unions.
Originally, he said he'd be laying off around 300 employees - but that number has ranged as high as 350 and as low as 240-ish. Included in that total were 150 police officers along with prosecutors working in the Toledo Municipal Court (TMC).
Today, Judge Timothy Kuhlman, TMC's presiding judge, was a guest on WSPD with Brian Wilson (podcast here) and expressed his concern that a reduction in the number of prosecutors would seriously compromise the operations of the court and the safety of Toledoans. Without a sufficient number of prosecutors, it is likely that cases would be dismissed, leaving criminals to go free. He also said that the Court's probation department is already hearing 'bragging' about how gangs and criminals are just waiting for the layoff of police to occur.
Despite claims that they don't listen to WSPD, by 7 p.m. the Mayor had issued the following press release directly responding to the Judge's comments:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mayor Finkbeiner: 'Our Prosecutor's Office Is Not Closing.'
Today Mayor Finkbeiner released the following statement in response to allegations made by Municipal Court Judge Timothy Kuhlman that the City of Toledo's entire Prosecution Office staff could be laid off:
"Judge Timothy Kuhlman is misinformed and irresponsible in his statements about the possibility that the City of Toledo could lose its Prosecutor's Office. The City of Toledo will continue to employ a Law Director and the Prosecutor's Office will continue to operate with its current staff, barring any further economic downturn. While it is true that layoff notices were given to all General Fund employees, the Prosecution team would be the last in the Law Department to be cut. For Judge Kuhlman to go public without knowing of what he is speaking is absolutely unconscionable."
Of course, Carty, with his traditional 'ready, shoot, aim' behavior, did exactly what he accused Judge Kuhlman of doing: going "public without knowing of what he is speaking."
At no point did Judge Kuhlman say that the city would 'lose its Prosecutor's Office.' He did state the truth when he acknowledged that all prosecutors got layoff notices as Carty admits, and Wilson commented about even Chief of Staff Bob Reinbolt getting a layoff notice. Kuhlman talked about the consequences of both a lack of police and prosecutors and the impact layoffs of both would have to the court system and Toledoans.
But note what the release says - 'layoff notices were given to all General Fund employees.'
So the city gave layoff notices to people that they know they're not going to lay off? Talk about irresponsible!
How is that good employer-employee relations? Carty warned about media and others generating 'fear' over the lack of police, yet here he is generating 'fear' among his employees by telling them they could be laid off, even though he has no intention of doing so. He's also generated fear in Toledoans who are concerned that less than 500 officers is not enough to cover the city 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long.
Carty often praises the employees of the city for the good works that they do - and appropriately so. However, creating fear and uncertainty by giving layoff notices to those whom he knows will keep their jobs is not the way you treat employees you value - or at least that you say you value.
No wonder he's unable to accomplish anything in negotiations with the unions.
This is where news comes from
Ever wonder where 'news' comes from? Most people think that news organizations have reporters who are out on the streets, talking to people and gathering information, asking questions and conducting interviews, and then reporting the facts.
However, many times, the 'news' you see is nothing more than a press release that someone has sent out. While press releases are an effective method of notifying news organizations of what's going on, most agencies won't just print your release.
Well, here is The Blade story on the FEMA Flood Map public meeting I discussed last night on Eye On Toledo with Lucas County Engineer Keith Earley. Councilwoman Lindsay Webb will be my guest tonight to talk about Toledo issues with the new maps:
Here is the press release from Councilwoman Lindsay Webb:
That The Blade copied the press release nearly word-for-word is a compliment to Webb. That they didn't bother to read it and then write their own story could be an indication of their lack of staffing (due to a lack of revenues) or to their own laziness in handling press releases.
The problem is that this happens more than you could ever imagine, which means there is no true 'reporting' when it comes to the 'news' you read.
However, many times, the 'news' you see is nothing more than a press release that someone has sent out. While press releases are an effective method of notifying news organizations of what's going on, most agencies won't just print your release.
Well, here is The Blade story on the FEMA Flood Map public meeting I discussed last night on Eye On Toledo with Lucas County Engineer Keith Earley. Councilwoman Lindsay Webb will be my guest tonight to talk about Toledo issues with the new maps:
Article published April 23, 2009
FEMA to unveil floodplain documents
Point Place residents urged to attend forum
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will formally present the preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps during an open house Monday at Martin Luther King, Jr., Plaza.
The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. on the third-floor of the train station.
Toledo Councilman Lindsay Webb, who urged Point Place residents to attend, said approximately 1,700 homes are at issue - most of which are in the city's Point Place neighborhood. Last year, the city applied for a provisional accreditation of the Point Place Flood Control System, but the accreditation expires in January.
After that, the 1,700 homes will be included in the floodplain and required to carry flood insurance unless the city of Toledo can prove compliance, Ms. Webb said.
She said proving compliance within the time frame established by FEMA is almost impossible.
"The city is reviewing proposals to engage in an engineering study to find out what improvements need to be made to the dike, but this study will take time and any necessary improvements will require more time and more money," Ms. Webb said. "In these times, to require the city to engage in an expensive study and costly improvements on an aggressive timetable is egregious."
The preliminary floodplain maps are posted on the Lucas County Web site, co.lucas.oh.us.
Here is the press release from Councilwoman Lindsay Webb:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2009
Contact Info: Lindsay M. Webb, District 6,
Toledo City Councilwoman
Councilwoman Webb Encourages Citizens to Voice Their Concerns at FEMA Meeting
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will formally present the preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps at an Open House on Monday April 27th, 2009, on the third floor of the AMTRAK Train Station, Martin Luther King Plaza, 650 Vance Street from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. In addition to FEMA, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), along with City and County officials will present information and be available to answer questions in the open forum.
At issue, are approximately 1700 homes, most of which are located in Toledo’s Point Place neighborhood. Last year, the City of Toledo applied for a provisional accreditation of the Point Place Flood Control System, but this accreditation will expire in January 2010. After January 2010, these 1700 homes, previously protected by the levee system and as such, exempt from flood insurance, will be included in the Floodplain, and required to carry flood insurance, unless the City of Toledo can prove compliance.
According to Webb, proving compliance within the timeframe established by FEMA is nearly impossible. “The City is reviewing proposals to engage in an engineering study to find out what improvements need to be made to the dike, but this study will take time and any necessary improvements will require more time and more money.” Councilwoman Webb believes that FEMA’s timeframe is unacceptable. “In these times, to require the City to engage in an expensive study and costly improvements on an aggressive timetable is egregious,” says Webb.
“We need more time, as well as financial and technical aid from the federal government, not a fast track approach that encourages the inevitable inclusion in the floodplain,” says the Councilwoman. According to her, the additional requirement of flood insurance could seal the fate of the neighborhood already at the tipping point. “Adding insult to injury for the good Citizens of Point Place is the fact that the adjacent property owners were originally assessed for the installation of the Point Place Flood Control System by the Army Corp. of Engineers,” notes Webb.
Webb recommends any citizen with questions about the Floodplain maps attend the meeting. Those who live in Point Place are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting on Monday, April 27th, between 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. According to Webb, this is the only chance residents will have to address this federal agency. Toledo’s District 6 Councilwoman is clear, “if the requirement of flood insurance will adversely impact your family’s bottom line, or if you paid the assessment for the Dike the first time, or if you have a business interest in the neighborhood, or if you just love the community, make plans to come to the train station on the 27th.”
For more information on the preliminary floodplain maps, visits the Lucas County website (www.co.lucas.oh.us).
That The Blade copied the press release nearly word-for-word is a compliment to Webb. That they didn't bother to read it and then write their own story could be an indication of their lack of staffing (due to a lack of revenues) or to their own laziness in handling press releases.
The problem is that this happens more than you could ever imagine, which means there is no true 'reporting' when it comes to the 'news' you read.
Why Finkbeiner thinks he can withhold public records
It should come as no surprise to The Blade that Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner is withholding a public record detailing the reorganization plans for the Police Department. They even did an editorial on the subject - the same day of the news coverage rather than a day or two later as is their normal practice.
This has been a standard of the Finkbeiner administration for several years now.
Despite a prior reputation of aggressiveness on the issue of public records, The Blade was strangely silent when it came to coverage of citizens who tried repeatedly to gain information from the city.
Whether it was the Erie Street Market, red light cameras (here and here), the number of vacant but funded positions, or more on the Erie Street Market, I and others have tried to get public records from the city - and most of these efforts got little or no coverage from the daily paper.
But I didn't expect them to. You see, The Blade has supported the red light cameras and the Erie Street Market, so why would they provide any coverage of citizens who were questioning the spending or efficacy of these pet projects?
But the police reorganization is important to them, and they were the ones being refused requested documents this time around.
Last night, an emailer to Eye On Toledo took exception to a caller who said Carty was the worst thing that had ever happened to Toledo. He wrote:
When the area's (supposed) primary 'watchdog' on public officials ignores the practice of refusing to release, in a timely manner and according to law, records that are public, it emboldens those officials to continue the practice, as they see no negative consequences from doing so.
In their editorial, they state:
Where was this opinion on all the other refusals to release public records?
It didn't exist and it was the lack of holding such officials accountable that caused them to think they could continue. Of course, The Blade now finds itself on the receiving end of what has become a pattern of behavior and so they're making it a major news story.
If they'd paid a bit more attention to the difficulties in getting public records in the past, they wouldn't be having this issue today.
This has been a standard of the Finkbeiner administration for several years now.
Despite a prior reputation of aggressiveness on the issue of public records, The Blade was strangely silent when it came to coverage of citizens who tried repeatedly to gain information from the city.
Whether it was the Erie Street Market, red light cameras (here and here), the number of vacant but funded positions, or more on the Erie Street Market, I and others have tried to get public records from the city - and most of these efforts got little or no coverage from the daily paper.
But I didn't expect them to. You see, The Blade has supported the red light cameras and the Erie Street Market, so why would they provide any coverage of citizens who were questioning the spending or efficacy of these pet projects?
But the police reorganization is important to them, and they were the ones being refused requested documents this time around.
Last night, an emailer to Eye On Toledo took exception to a caller who said Carty was the worst thing that had ever happened to Toledo. He wrote:
"I disagree with the last caller.
Carty has been and is a blight on this city, but he’s not the number one offender. That honor goes to JRB (John Robinson Block, publisher) and the editorial board at the Blade. Carty, if left to his own devises, is not bright enough to cause serious harm. The same can be said of Young Ben (Konop, Lucas County Commissioner). What makes these buffoons dangerous is the support and cover they get from the local paper. The list of problems with Toledo and Lucas County can all be traced back to the agenda pushed by the Blade. Commodore Perry, Hillcrest, Steam Plant, Erie St. Market, the ambulances, tow lots, etc, etc, etc, are all ideas first brought forth and championed by the Blade. Carty and Ben are just the most recent incarnations of the Blade's puppets.
Getting rid of Carty will help, but as long as that building on the Left Side of Superior is still calling the shots, Toledo will never be prosperous."
When the area's (supposed) primary 'watchdog' on public officials ignores the practice of refusing to release, in a timely manner and according to law, records that are public, it emboldens those officials to continue the practice, as they see no negative consequences from doing so.
In their editorial, they state:
"Refusing to release a clearly public record of such import to the citizens of Toledo at this crucial point in the city’s history is yet another example of the arrogance and imperiousness Mr. Finkbeiner has shown over the years that has caused citizens to line up to sign recall petitions."
Where was this opinion on all the other refusals to release public records?
It didn't exist and it was the lack of holding such officials accountable that caused them to think they could continue. Of course, The Blade now finds itself on the receiving end of what has become a pattern of behavior and so they're making it a major news story.
If they'd paid a bit more attention to the difficulties in getting public records in the past, they wouldn't be having this issue today.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Konop embarrasses Lucas County
Yesterday I twittered about Warren County wanting to return/not accept stimulus funds for things they did not need. Last night, during Eye On Toledo, we were the first to bring you news of Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop's letter to the Warren County Commissioners asking for those funds.
Here are portions of his original letter:
First, the monies Warren County was returning were for transportation equipment and couldn't be used 'to create jobs,' not that government creates jobs in the first place. And the federal dollars can't just be passed around to whomever the original recipient wants. Finally, it wouldn't be the generosity of the Warren County Commissioners (with a capital C) Konop should be thanking, but our children and future generations who will be footing the bill for all this spending.
But Warren County Commissioner C. Michael Kilburn put it best in his response:
Not to be outdone by this smack down to a greedy commissioner seeking even larger handouts, Konop made this statement upon receipt of the response:
If Lucas County wasn't looked down upon by other counties before, this kind of response will ensure it.
To engage in political posturing and then accuse others of it when they were polite enough to respond (in a polite manner) to a ridiculous request is just beyond belief. Konop has embarrassed himself and Lucas County in this matter, no matter how much he wants to 'posture' otherwise.
The debate is all about taxes - and Konop knows it. These funds are provided based upon But he cannot engage in such a debate from a logical or reasoned position, because he knows he'd lose the argument, so he throws around insults and distractions, thinking that getting his name in the paper will make people want to vote for him for mayor.
As many of my callers said tonight, he's Carty Finkbeiner - only younger.
Here are portions of his original letter:
"I read with dismay but also a sense of opportunity for our residents that your county rejected $373,400 and would like to return another $1.8 million in federal stimulus money. Simply put, if Warren County doesn't want or need the help, Lucas County will take it.
...
The federal stimulus funds being distributed as part of President Obama's economic recovery plan come from tax dollars paid by our citizens and I am confident they want to see that money return to the community when so offered.
...
I believe there is no shame in accepting stimulus funds to pay for repairs, improvements, and construction on county infrastructure that would otherwise be put on hold because of a local economy that continues to sour. The Warren County commissioners obviously do not agree with these beliefs, but I am hoping each of you will consider granting Lucas County your unwanted stimulus funds so that we might better meet our community's needs and create jobs.
...
In the event that you have federal stimulus dollars in your possession that you do not want, please consider forwarding that money onto the citizens in Lucas County.
...
Thank you for your consideration, and should you decide to award us with the funds you don't want and we need, than I thank you for your generosity."
First, the monies Warren County was returning were for transportation equipment and couldn't be used 'to create jobs,' not that government creates jobs in the first place. And the federal dollars can't just be passed around to whomever the original recipient wants. Finally, it wouldn't be the generosity of the Warren County Commissioners (with a capital C) Konop should be thanking, but our children and future generations who will be footing the bill for all this spending.
But Warren County Commissioner C. Michael Kilburn put it best in his response:
Mr. Konop,
I am emailing in reply to your letter received yesterday, April 21, 2009, relative to our refusal to accept stimulus funding for our Warren County Transit Service.
First, let me say that I take exception to your comment that this money comes from tax dollars paid for by our citizens. In fact, this money is NOT tax dollars that our citizens have paid but rather additional debt which will become the responsibility of our future generation to pay. I also question the source of this money. Is it newly printed money from Washington D.C. or more China dollars? Also, what happens when China calls their notes on us?
Secondly, the Warren County Transit Service was being offered funding for the replacement of three vehicles which did not need to be replaced. They were also offering to “give” us funding for new computers and a software program that the grant would fund for the first year but would cost $2400 per month to our taxpayers thereafter. The software that we utilize now works just fine and doesn’t cost us $2400 per month.
I can appreciate your request to receive our share of stimulus funding but that would, in my opinion, defeat the purpose of us not accepting the money. I want our portion of the funding to be utilized to reduce the national debt and to send a message to Washington D.C. that says enough is enough. Stop spending money you don’t have and start being accountable to the taxpayers. God only asked for 10%, why do the politicians in Washington D.C. think they deserve more than 40%?
I respectfully decline your offer to receive our share of the stimulus funds.
Sincerely,
C. Michael Kilburn
Warren County Commissioner
Not to be outdone by this smack down to a greedy commissioner seeking even larger handouts, Konop made this statement upon receipt of the response:
"During this period of economic uncertainty and struggle for our citizens, I will not get into a right-wing-radio-fueled, Rush Limbaugh-esque debate about taxes. Now is not the time for political posturing. Our job losses are real. Our home foreclosures are real. Our challenges are real. Despite Mr. Kilburn's objections and rejection, I will continue to fight for every dollar out there to provide the services our taxpayers deserve. Also, I will not apologize for, nor will I stop, pursuing every angle to put our citizens back to work. I thank Mr. Kilburn for his response, but I will continue to seek any stimulus funds Warren County returns or rejects for Lucas County."
If Lucas County wasn't looked down upon by other counties before, this kind of response will ensure it.
To engage in political posturing and then accuse others of it when they were polite enough to respond (in a polite manner) to a ridiculous request is just beyond belief. Konop has embarrassed himself and Lucas County in this matter, no matter how much he wants to 'posture' otherwise.
The debate is all about taxes - and Konop knows it. These funds are provided based upon But he cannot engage in such a debate from a logical or reasoned position, because he knows he'd lose the argument, so he throws around insults and distractions, thinking that getting his name in the paper will make people want to vote for him for mayor.
As many of my callers said tonight, he's Carty Finkbeiner - only younger.
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