empbrat (anonymous) says...

Hopefully this money will be used to take care of the alleyways here in Emporia. The alleys are over grown with tree limbs so bad that some of the alleys are not accessible, not to mention the huge potholes in them. It used to be that the city would grate the alleys once a year (those that needed it) and also trimmed trees back. And what about the mosquitos? My god they were so bad this year that people couldn't even sit in the yards, thats something else the city {Used} to do. They put so much money into other non-important things, why not clean up the town first.

November 14, 2009 at 6:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Mike, try having a business account or rentals? that $300 doesn't come close. I agree on all your points, gosh darn it why didn't you stay in the race? next election, O.K.?

empbrat;

Alleyways in Emporia are more or less useless now. Is'nt all trash picked up curbside, streetside now. I would imagine it is up to the property owner to take care of trees and brush and such on their property. An alley is technically your property with an easement allowing the city and utility crews access.

November 14, 2009 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Guys, I have been bellyaching, hollering and complaining about city government for over 40 years now and more so recently, since I have seen the proposed City budget up to and including the year 2015, if Emporia and its taxpayers survive this spend and tax budget proposal it will, in my opinion, be somewhat of a miracle !
Mike, I like Steve, would like to have seen you stay in the race for a Commission seat !
How many Commission seats will be up for election next election ?
If there will be more than 1, then I may even consider running for a Commission seat along with Mike Mercer !
Do you think we could make a difference, if we win ?
We may even become a " Dynamic Duo " and make a difference, in what, where, how, who and where the taxpayers money is spent, possibly a little for frugaly !
However running against the influencial power base that exists in Emporia and winning will be a big undertaking !

November 14, 2009 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

phiber101 (anonymous) says...

Mike and methusla.......either of you would definitely have my vote! Although I'm "only" 30 years old, I see the rapid decline in this community and with the local authorities that be running OUR town into the ground, it's only a matter of time before Emporia becomes a ghost town! Why do we need yet another position in city government for someone to sit up there (doing nothing) collecting $70K a year!? I've got 12 years of experience in GOVERNMENT communications and can't find a job here.........so why would I want more taxes used up for useless spending? It's got to stop somewhere!! I honestly don't think the "higher ups" will ever get it until we as a town collapse and they move on to another town and screw them over.

Mike, if you run.....I'll follow!

November 14, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justthinkin (anonymous) says...

Here's an idea. Instead of a planner at $70,000, why not hire 2 people that would do some work at $25 - 30,000 a year. That is the employee level that does the work, the higher paid employees, well, I'm still trying to figure out what they do. I have observed for many years, and it is my opinion that the more you get paid, the less you do - particularly in government.

November 14, 2009 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Joe (anonymous) says...

Mr. Mercer you said:

"After all, as taxpayers, we pay their salaries. You know it is pretty bad that a few individuals run the government here in Emporia, and that decisions that affect many are being decided by a few."

Isn't this the foundation of how our government is supposed to operate? A few that represent many. We, citizens, elect officials at city, county, state, and federal levels to represent us. That is called a democracy. If we do not like the way an individual represents us, we vote them out.

But as I have said time and time again, we must have individuals that are willing to run office and not just maliciously COMPLAIN about those that are sacrificing their time and reputations. As far as salaries, I believe that the CITY commissioners make about $6000 a year. I do not believe that many of you would like to undertake this position of scrutiny for that kind of pay. So you must want to help the community and believe in its potential to do the job to take on such a reponsibility.

Mr. Mercer, I like your tenacity, but if you're looking for anarchy please go somewhere else.

November 14, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

phiber101 (anonymous) says...

Joe, where in Mr. Mercer's article did he say he's for anarchy? I think you read a little too far or were reading a different article. Mike is merely pointing out that the city commissioners are spending (or approving projects) like they have an endless budget. I don't know what the city commissioners make annually, but if it's a matter of "only" $6000 a year then sign me up......at least there'd be one person up there with a backbone to deny reckless spending.

Anarchy is not the answer (nor Mr. Mercer's position) but neither is the "higher ups" spending money they don't have and continually raising taxes to pay for projects they WANT, not that we NEED. Chase County and Coffey County have taxes that are HALF what Lyon County is. Why is that? Granted Emporia is bigger, but the quality of life is better in those areas......of course, that's just my opinion.

November 14, 2009 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...

I hope at least one of you guys puts your money where your mouth is and runs for a seat on the commission.

November 14, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

rabblerouser (anonymous) says...

What did everyone expect? We fought and fought to make them keep the mill levy flat and so they are getting it another way by raising the water and sewer rates. Equate this raise in rates to mill levy and guess what? They got their mill levy increase after all and we all get it in the end!!!!!!!!!!

November 14, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

spectator (anonymous) says...

If they use a lot of water, their rates increase. If they use *no* water, their rates increase. O.K. It's a plan. Meeting adjourned.

November 14, 2009 at 9 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

I don' t know how much of a revelation this info will be, but FYI the Citys Budget for 2010 thru 2016 proposes increased spending and increased tax mil levys in every year except 3 years in that 6 year span !
And I don't believe that the taxpayers of Emporia can nor should afford even one unnecessary or unneeded spending increase or tax mil levy increase and you can bet that there will be other increases in untilities, etc. along with spending and tax increases !
And then there is the BOE's excessive, unnecessary spending and tax habits !
Just how much tax load can the taxpayers of Emporia take before saying enough is enough and either leaving Emporia or doing something about it ?

November 14, 2009 at 9:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

admireed (anonymous) says...

Each election there are THREE city commission seats open. Top two vote getters receive 4 years terms, third gets a 2 year term. All elected at large

November 14, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

phiber101, Mike Mercer
How about it, since there are three City Commission seats up for election, what do you think of the three of us running for these three seats and really trying to have a City Commission that would truely have the best interests of all of Emporias taxpayers at heart !
Steve, if phiber101, Mike and I or anyone of us decide to run for City Commission seats, how would you like to be our election campaign manger/ fund raiser, I know that I would like you to be my manger/fund raiser, even if I have to run for just 1 Commission seat myself !
Think about it and let me know, you have my email address !
If you would like to meet and discuss this proposal, just let me know, when, what time and where !

November 14, 2009 at 10:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

phiber101 (anonymous) says...

Methusla - I'd be all for it depending on when the next election is! I'm supposed to be going back overseas to work for the government for another year or so in January........but once I return I'd definitely like to at least run! Like I stated before, I may "only" be 30 years old, I'm able to see through the smoke screen that I've been following in the Emporia Gazette for the last few years and frankly, I'm sick of it. I love this town and would really hate to see it turn into a complete ghost town! Let me know if you guys ever want to get together and discuss further.

November 14, 2009 at 11:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

rabblerouser (anonymous) says...

You know, its pretty hard to swallow all of these water and sewer increases and then see City Empoyees working on something like the short wall behind LaCastitas Park with One or Two WORKING, and FIVE standing around watching them work. Or taking the city backhoe from the south side of town back to the shop on Hatcher and leaving with a bucket of dirt and roading it back to the other side of town. What a waste of Taxpayer Dollars. There seems to be NO Acountability for the city employees or our city leaders and the concept of a fair days pay for a fair days work has been lost in Emporia!

November 15, 2009 at 6 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

phiber101 (anonymous) says...

After skimming over the proposed 2010 Budget, how can Zimmerman sleep at night? He wants to cut more city jobs (Fire Dept, Water Plant, Police Dept, etc) and not fill any of the current vacancies at these places!? I do understand that some employees feel a little "too secure" once they've been there for awhile and end up doing less than they should, but come on! How can someone who's making $161K+ a year decide that these people are going to be out of a job so that he can have a new "special project" next year!? Hell, the Assistant City Manager brings in $134K+ a year.

Zimmerman stated that he wanted to put in new electronic parking meters to increase revenue and to get more in line with other cities. I've got a proposal, how about the "higher ups" and judges take a PAY CUT to get more in line with the economy!? I'm sure they'd still survive and still be able to make payments for living over next to the Country Club! I'll bet regardless even if the City were completely in the RED, they'd all still see an annual increase in pay!

Like always, that's just my opinion.

November 15, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

phiber101,

The people pulling the strings in Emporia don't live near the country club, they live on "The Lakes". Their hired help, the city manager does live in the old exclusive country club "hood" however.

November 15, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

phiber101
I applaud you, you may be a young man in his 30' s, but you are wise beyond your years and that is a special trait, because some people never " wise up " or " get wisdom " in their lifetime !
And Steve is absolutely right about the people that are actually the real power puppet masters !
However the powers that control most of the Local, State and National government policy making are and have been entrenched in the running and making of Local, State and National or Federal policy, that they believe they are invincable, can buy or bribe anyone into making govt. policy and the really sad thing is, they are and have been right about being invincably, in control of everything and everyone in govt.
As far as Local govt. goes, or any govt. for that matter, as long as the " People ", which are you, me and all concerned citizens, will let the power elite and their friends in govt. do whatever they please, things will not change one bit !
Man, there I go again, off on a rant ! I am sorry for the rant, but this subject, really gets me going ! " SORRY " !
As for being a City Commissioner or whatever, I may just be a little to " excitable and crass to be a politician ! However I believe I would serve the people, honestly, forthrightly and fairly !

November 16, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

E_PLURIBUS_UNUM (anonymous) says...

Seems to me that the basic principles of this REPUBLIC is to elect individuals to conduct the business of government, not to pander to each person's selfish whims or issues. These individuals elected by their peers by in large at least at the local level try to do the best they can to do what is in the best interest of the COMMUNITY at large. If you don't like the way the operate, vote them out but keep in mind the majority decides who gets elected, not a select few. I'm beginning to think all of your folks are related to guy who writes all those conspiracy novels. There are only ruling "elete" in banana republics. How about trying to be more positive about things. You are scaring away all the potential businesses and future residents with your drivel.

November 16, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

E_PLURIBUS_UNUM
What planet are you living on or from ?
It is pretty obvious to anyone with any ability to think or has attended any public meetings of those elected to office by the majority, that the " influencial, ruling, power elite " are and have been running and influencing policy of every elected or non elected govt. in this world for some time now !
Just about everyone with a properly functioning brain knows that corruption of govt. officials by the wealthy, influential, power elite is and has been determining all govt. policy for quite some time now ! Do you even know what the term" E Pluribus Unum " means ?
What makes you think that " There are only ruling "elete" in banana republics." ?
If that were true, then I guess that make the U.S. a, in you words, " a banana republic " ! Because the U.S. is lousy with " ruling elite " .
So I ask again, what planet are you from or living on ?

November 16, 2009 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

bdprotheroe (anonymous) says...

OBSERVATION: There appears to be an endless stream of complaints towards the decisions enacted and implemented by Emporia's city government. Unless I am misreading, the constant theme of these complaints seems to target equal representation of the governing body, rather many citizens feel a lack thereof.

SUGGESTION: Would it be plausible to suggest the consideration of a city commission that is divided amongst city districts rather than an at-large system? Emporia may not be Metropolis, but isn't so small for this idea not to work.

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES: District representation would encourage more people to become involved in city leadership, more voices being heard and ultimately a more content population.

Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

November 16, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

FinallyOUT (anonymous) says...

Maybe if Zimmerman had to pay for his parking meter that he parks in front of each and everyday for free.. Maybe then the parking patrol could give him the tickets that we all get and he could cover the water/sewer increase all by his lonesome!

November 16, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...

The best way to deconstruck the concentration of power is to sort out the town into 5 districts.

November 16, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Let's see 5 commissioners.

Map of city, divide right down the middle, would mean a East, west, north and south district and maybe 1 at large commssioner or you could have maybe a central district also.

The people wanting this MUST DO THIS. NEXT ELECTION, make sure someone from each of the approximated districts runs and wins. Then those three new commissioners could change the law requiring district representation.

November 16, 2009 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

bdprotheroe, reddog and Steve, my friends the sort of City Commission you are all suggesting is the type of City Government I have been advocating would be in the best interests of not only the City of Emporia at large, in general, but would also be in the best interests of every taxpaying citizen in Emporia and I believe that Lyon County as a whole would also benefit from a district elected Commission !
And if you will go back and read some of my previous posts you will find this to be so !
However getting the influential power base that exists in Emporia and Lyon County to relinquish its power hold and influence on the present Commissions and has had on past Commissions, strictly for the purpose of doing what will benefit only them the most, will be, as I stated earlier, an extremely large and difficult undertaking !
I have suggested in the past to have the City and County divided into not only 5 districts each, but as many as 7 or 9 districts, with 1 standby or aternate Councilman/woman or Commissioner from each district ! In my opinion doing this is the only way to get and have equal representation by and for every citizen in Emporia and the County !
There are those that say, that we who have this way of thinking and phylosophy are keeping Emporia from moving into the future and do not want Emporia to progress !
My friends nothing could be further from the truth !
The truth of the matter is, if the present Commissioners, both City and County continue to " wantonly " spend and tax, eventually they will spend and tax the City, County and their respective taxpayers, either into bankruptcy, moving to a lower tax burden City, County and then where will the future of Emporia and Lyon County be headed !
People you cannot buy your way into any kind of long term or solid future, you have to work your way into the future with diligence, thought, common sense and above all you must think of what is in the best interests of everyone, in order to pull everyone into a bright and prosperous future and not a bleek, future of ruin ! Furthermore you cannot just jump instantly into the future, it takes time, planning and a steady commonsense, non-harmful, no-nonsense plan of, not spending more than you have or take in or make and taxing the taxpayer more than they can afford to pay and far and away an attitude of not wanting to be like someone else or some other City, no matter the cost ! This is the road map to the future !
Now, I have gotten that of my chest, with another of my patented rants and I appologize if I have sounded as if I am raving ! But I care for my Home Town and all of its citizens !

November 16, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

As long as all the city commission is elected at large.....it will continue to be dominated by The Lakes. The goodoleboy network bonds together like glue to insure that the town continues to run in accordance with their gospel. Accomplishing that goal should be top priority to all those wanting to see a change in the way things are done around here

November 16, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...

Don't mistake the complaints of a few to be the voice of the many.

The only way to find out how the majority feels is to have an election.

November 16, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

bdprotheroe (anonymous) says...

At-Large, District and Mixed System Elections
National League of Cities, 2001
http://www.nlc.org/about_cities/citie...

Additionally, the League (of which the City of Emporia appears to be a current member) offers a wealth of information and resources that might be of interest to civic-minded individuals in the community.

In retrospect, I neglected to point out another benefit of district representation; neighborhood accountability.

Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

November 16, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Brian Protheroe
The site you posted is a very good one and the " District " form of City govt. as explained is exactly why I believe that it is the fairest form of City and County government and exactly what is need in Emporia and Lyon County in order for there to be complete and fair representation for all the people !
And as I have said, I have been advocating a change to this form of local govt. for several decades now !

November 16, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...

We need to get up a petition and put the district form of government on the ballot. Just recently 24th avenue was awarded to a contractor without a competitive bid because the project had to be finished by the end of the year. This is very poor planning and only Julie Johnson opposed it.

November 16, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...

Mike Mercer everything you say is coming from your heart and thats what the people need to hear.

November 16, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Before you/we even attempt to get a change of govt. petition together for a ballot vote !
You/We had better have a good plan on how the districts in the City will be divided up and where the different district boundaries are to be and have good, trustworthy, uncorruptable, commonsense, no-nonsense people in mind to elect to represent each district and possibly have a standard district charter and rules or by laws that each representative and alternate will be willing to abide by and that person will need to want to take on the responsibility of the office of Councilman/woman ! In other words all your/our ducks need to be in a row before attempting a petition !

November 16, 2009 at 8:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Quack (anonymous) says...

methusla: I am not sure if you are saying that a district elected City Commission is good for the city and the county both (which it would be), or if you think both the City and County Commissions should be elected by district, but if you check- the Lyon County Commission is elected by district. There is a southern district (Rollie Martin from rural Olpe)), an eastern district or maybe east central to north eastern district (Biggs from rural Reading) and a central/western or north west district (Teresa Walters, Emporia), and they are elected from within their district. Remember Vern McKinzie a few years ago was sort of moved out of his commission district when the line for his commission district moved by population, but his house didn't? Emporia is split between the three districts.

November 16, 2009 at 10:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Quack
If the County is split into just three districts, then I believe that is not enough representation for everyone to be equally represented. There would be more fair and equal representation if the County were to have possibly 5,7 or 9 districts, represented by an elected Commissioner and standby/alternate from each of the 5, 7, or 9 districts.
And district boundaries need to be permanent, no matter what the population of the districts may be !
The changing of elected representative boundaries, is, in my opinion what is wrong with the political election system in this country, at all levels of government !
Now I know I will most likely draw some flack from that last statement, but stop and think about how in some elections how the electorate boundaries are changed, in some cases ellegally, in order to favor one electoral candidate over another, this is known as " gerrymandering " and is illegal and wrong if it can be proven that is what has happened !
Therefore making district boundaries permanent, non-moving , regardless of population, would be the better course in district elections .

November 17, 2009 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

I am not intending to step on anyones toes, I just believe that 3 representatives for the County is not enough ! Granted, in a way I do live in the County as a resident of Emporia, but I also believe that the County should have more than 3 Commissioners, just as I believe that Emporia should possibly have more than 5 Commissioners in order to have a more people represented form of govt.
For instance how many small communities are in the County and do these communities and their surrounding areas voters and taxpayers believe that they are fairly represented by just 3 Commissioners ?
If you who live outside Emporia in the County believe that you are getting fair representation and accountability from just 3 Commissioners, then don' t change a thing !
Think about it !

November 17, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

For instance, if County districtes were to be divided into 7 districts, representing the 7 postal zip codes in Lyon County, you just may have a more fair representation of the people and Zip codes rarely change boundaries !
I also believe that the City of Emporia should be divided into 7 or nine districts, in order achieve a more fair representation of the people of Emporia and a better chance for accountability of the elected Commissioners to the people of their respective districts !
But , I am just one that believes that equal and fair representation of all the people and accountability of elected officials to the people is the only way for a fair and democraticaly elected govt. will work for the good of all the people ! A bit of an old fashioned belief isn' t it .

November 17, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

No public employ that is working for the public ( the people ) not the Commissions should only be concerned with working for the best interests of all the people as those elected to commission seats should be. Appropiating anything, whether it be money, employees, etc. should not be allowed or condoned ! If a Commissioners road needs work, etc., then that Commissioner will just have to wait until that particular road comes up for repair on the road repair rotation or the money is available for the repair or pay for the repair him/her self ! And this should hold true for all elected officials, whether they be, Federal, State, City or County !
YY4U, you have probably just " Hit " upon one of the problems in the present " Big Me, Little You " way govt. operates and has operated for decades !
However, I still believe that more than 3 Commissioners will be able to better represent all of the people, instead of just a few influential people and therefore more accountability of elected officials to their respective constituants and all the people and a better understanding of the needs and concerns of their particular constituants and all the people !
The same would hold true for the City Commission !

November 17, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

E_PLURIBUS_UNUM (anonymous) says...

YUP it really works well in Topeka doesn't it? (note sarcasm)

November 17, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Nobody (anonymous) says...

E.P.U Topeka (Shawnee county) only has 3 county commissioners; not sure what you mean???

November 17, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

admireed (anonymous) says...

Three commissioners is enough. C of E used to have three. Now it is five. Did this make better government?

November 17, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Topeka city council has 9 members I believe

November 17, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

The City of Topeka has 10 City Commissioners, and the problem with Topeka just may be that they do not have enough Commissioners for a fair representation all of the people of the City of Topeka, which again amounts to the " Big Me, Little You " influence of govt. syndrome.
Shawnee County, has only 3 County Commissioners to represent 11 seperate, divided and distinct county districts, which, in my opinion is not enough Commissioners to adequately represent all of the people of all the seperate districts. In my opinion there should be no less than 11 County Commissioners for Shawnee County, with at least 1 standby/alternate for each district ! Again with just 3 County Commissioners, the " Big me, little you " influence syndrome will prevail and a lack of proper representation of all the people will be prevailant !
Yes, with more Commissioners, things in gov' t. may move slower because of disagreements. But by the same token, checks and balances may just keep unnecessary and unneeded policies from being railroaded thru the Commission, to the detriment of all the people and the benefit of just a few influentioal people !

November 17, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

And it seems to be a cluster----k!

November 17, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

P.S. However I am not a resident of Topeka or Shawnee County, so they will have to take care of their own problems !

November 17, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Steve,
HA, HA, HA, HA, c' mon Steve this is not the military !

November 17, 2009 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Obversation, do you really think that the city and county needs to furnish cars for the top dogs at a possible increase in the taxpayer tax burden to pay for the " cars for top dogs " program ?

November 17, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

phiber101 (anonymous) says...

E.P.U. why is it you think we are related to the guy writing conspiracy novels? Can you not think for yourself without conspiring? Seems to me that speaking out for the TRUTH is being a true American! Don't get me wrong, if we speak out from just our computers yet do nothing on election day, that's just considered complaining! If you would take a few minutes and read through the proposed budgets for Emporia I think that you'd find a reason to complain! This community needs REPRESENTATION of the commoners, not those who are easily paid off to get things done "The Lakes Way". It's more than obvious that "The Lakes Way" is breaking this town and will eventually make it a ghost town. We as a community voicing our opinions doesn't drive businesses away, it's the fact that businesses see through the B.S. and don't come here because they know it's not worth it.

Why is it that the new Biodiesel plant that was supposed to come here and generate local jobs and local money just pulled up and left after being 1/2 finished with the project? They saw that this town is FUBAR (because of the goodoleboy system) and didn't want to deal with all the politics and line any pockets to operate here. The National ecomony has put a strain on the pocketbooks of MANY and yet, the City of Emporia (the "higher-ups") are still spending money like before the dot com bubble burst! Do they still think oil is at $147 a barrel? They think it's a good idea to take measures to penalize us commoners (by raising already inflated taxes - both property and city, proposing new parking meters to get a few more cents per minute of parking, putting massive stone entrances that say "Welcome to a town that'll never get it!"....etc).

Most of us are not just complaining. We are tired of the daily grind and rising taxes and endless spending. Like I said before - Life and Politics are all about Checks and Balances, while the City Commissioners are writing the Checks, who's checking the Balances?! You can quote me on that!

November 17, 2009 at 8:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

phiber101 (anonymous) says...

Plus don't get me started back on the local signs debate when they were going to take down the William Allen White and Veterans Day signs to put up Clint Bowyer signs! That right there shows you what type of "leaders" we have in this community. It's all about the all mighty dollar and who's giving it to them!

November 17, 2009 at 8:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

phiber101,
your above is mostly right on the money.

However it is time you stepped up, identify yourself, and announce your intention to run for city commissioner.
You may have some backing.

That is a catchy election slogan you've got there.

November 17, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

phiber101 (anonymous) says...

Steve, I'll stop by your studio and talk to you sometime pretty soon. I've already met with you once when I gave you the photograph (black and white) I took of a gravestone while I was in Prague, Czech Republic. Maybe that'll help you remember.

As far as running for city commissioner, I stated before that I'm possibly going back overseas in January for a year (or 1 1/2 years) to work for the Government. With that said, my dreams of being the voice of the people in local government may have to hold off until I get back. Regardless, I'll stop in and have a chat.

November 17, 2009 at 8:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Obversation
Out of your own mouth or keyboard is the exact problem with gov' t. in this town, state, county and country !
The paying for the votes of commissioners, etc., either with cars or money or gifts has become so common place, that a lot of people, like you believe that is the norm and the way things should be !
When you or anyone influences how an elected official, any elected official votes, makes policy or laws is known as graft, racketeering and corruption and is not the way gov' t., Federal, State, County or City is supposed to work.
So you are one of the people who believe that elected officials should be bought and paid for, just like always ?
No wonder this State, County, City and Country is going to H_LL in a hand basket !

November 17, 2009 at 10:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

E_PLURIBUS_UNUM (anonymous) says...

phiber101
Last time I checked, this space was for thoughtfull dialogue and the expression of intelligent ideas or opinions. It is too bad that some folk had to substitute that for name calling and insults.

Have a good weekend. I'm gonna go make some money working for a living.

November 18, 2009 at 3:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

E_PLURIBUS_UNUM (anonymous) says...

Topeka has more commissioners and they are gridlocked. Never can get along and fight all the time because they only focus on their single issues and can't reach consensus. This is your solution to "improving" government in Emporia? I just don't see the connection that more is better. You have to find competent individuals to run. Soon all you have are those who have an agenda or nothing to lose.

November 18, 2009 at 3:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mslater (Matt Slater) says...

I agree that more commissioners might not be the answer, but something has to give, and soon. Right now the city is $60+ million dollars in debt, and within 5 years, if the trend continues, over 1/2 of the revenue generated by the city will go to pay just the principal on loans.

I'm not saying I have all of the answers to these problems, but I think the phrase "I'm sorry, we can't afford that" needs to be stated a heck of a lot more often.

Matt

November 18, 2009 at 6:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

I can see both potential benefits and potential problems in increasing the number of people on the commission and electing them by district. It certainly would break the strangle hold one small section of town now holds on the rest of us. But finding 5-7-9 interested and qualified people to run from across town might at times also be tough.

Just living in a district doesn't necessarily qualify you to be a city commissioner....and that goes for The Lakes as well as any other part of town. A business background and knowledge of finance however would be good qualities to look for and would certainly work against somebody like myself.

But it is increasingly obvious to me that this domination of this town by a small ruling elite such as we have now certainly is not working in to our benefit.

November 18, 2009 at 6:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Well, I have made my opinion known and made my suggestions as to what may solve the problems of both our City and County !
If the present form of City and County gov' t. is working so well then why do the City and County Commissioners ask for, rather at time beg for help form the taxpaying citizens and then when the citizens they are supposed to represent attend public meetings, offer suggestions and the CC, LCC, CM etc., either get a glassy eyed stare, give the citizens what amounts to excuses, double talk and basically still carry on business as usual, which is give more creedance to the influencial, power, elite of the City and County and more or less continue to do what their masters want or wish !
There are those who claim that spending more and more will take Emporia and Lyon County into the future and progress!
Well, I say this, if increased, needless, unnecessary spending, increased taxes, in other words, ever increasing cost of living, are the " Future " of Emporia and Lyon County, then the " Future " of Emporia and Lyon County looks very bleak to me !
As long as the common, working taxpayers of Emporia and Lyon County will continue to be " Sheeple" instead of " People " the gov't. " status quo " will continue to be " Tax and Spend " or " Spend and Tax " more and more and the cycle of continuing down the road toward ruin will continue, it' s that simple !
I apparantely am just one of a few who can see this and am tired of trying to offer suggestions or ideas on how to try and turn this situation around, so I will no longer offer suggestions, etc., that will or could possibly make a better life, etc., for all Emporians and concentrate on my surviving an ever increasingly bad situation and just say, the best of luck to everyone, you/we will need it !

November 18, 2009 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Just came across this little snipit of breaking news,
http://www.philly.com/philly/business...

Appears that the current administration may be forcing the wealthy, at least some of them, to start paying their fair share of taxes !

November 18, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

methusla....I hope you weren't including me in your post.....but if you were I would like for you to point out to me just where it was that I said Emporia was running so well? If you could do this before you quit posting forever I would appreciate it. :-)

November 18, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

biscuitboy
I really wasn't singling out anyone in particular in my last post about city and county government ! If it sounded as if I was, I appologize, because I include myself when I say you/we ! Because you see my 40 + years of frustration with the way things are done in good old Emporia and Lyon County, tends to get the best of me at times and therefore I too turn into a " Sheeple " instead of being a strong " People " , again sorry if I offended you, I certainly didn' t intend to. I was just trying to jolt some people into reality, but I guess I did it rather poorly !

November 18, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

I realize the breaking news site address I posted, has nothing to do with city government, but I thought this news may just lift some of the local taxpayers spirits !

November 18, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Observation
FYI, I have tried to bring more jobs to Emporia by sending letters, trying to sell the attributes of Emporia to several Companies, not just to companies in this country but world wide, hoping they would at least come and take a look at Emporia. But have not recieved any response from any of them ! And I might add I did this on my own, paid for it out of my own pocket, and let me tell you mailing letters along with photos to companies in this Country as well as foreign countries is not a cheap under taking !
Exactly what have you done to try and create jobs or even try to get companies interested in locating in Emporia, thereby creating jobs !
At least I can proudly say I did at least try !
Just how do you suppose the city will get $1500 dollars to give everyone to by a new car ?
I can tell you where, from the taxpayers in the form of higher taxes ! Now there is a novel idea !
And that makes for some expensive steak knives !
And I did offer solutions or at least suggested how to restrain the runaway spending of the City and County at the public budget hearings . But that was a total waste of time !
So until you have done someting yourself to curtail " wanton " gov't. spending or done something about trying to bring more jobs to Emporia and Lyon County and paid for it out of your own pocket, don' t throw stones or make accusations !
If you are satisfied with the recurring " Status Quo " of gov't in Emporia and Lyon County, then I suspect that you are one of those who don' t want to lose the grip you have on the local gov' t or the friendship you may possibly have with those who do have a grip on the local governments !

November 18, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

continued
And if you, Observation, or anyone thinks I am a man of infinate means, you would be dead wrong !
I live on a meager retirement/disability income and could ill afford to send letters to companies in this country or foreign countries, but did so anyway, because I want to see Emporia, Lyon County and its citizens live a better life than they have now or will have if things do not change !
So Observation, instead of griping about those who want change and less needless spending and taxation, get off your duff, and do something yourself, unless you are satisfied with the way things are, have been and will be, and in that case just sit back, do noting, say nothing and stop belittling those who have or are trying to do something, even if it is doing something by making there displeasure known by as you say, griping bellyaching !
Thank you, and have a nice day !

November 18, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Observation
The only comment I can respond with about your idea of taxpayers furnishing vehicles for ellected officials, etc. is,
" OH, BROTHER " !

November 18, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )