Let them eat rocks?
W.K. Nielsen, Emporia
Thursday, February 3, 2011
In the Jan. 26 issue of the Gazette there were four articles that caught my attention. I will address them in the order I read them.
Monuments postponed. I commend the City commission for putting the “rocks” on hold. They are all fine people doing a difficult job.
Hungry Kids. It was totally shocking to learn there are so many hungry kids in Emporia. Hopefully, $100,000 in “rock” money can be put into the school system to feed and help educate these kids.
Welcome Rocks Welcome? Phil Dillon is a regular contributor to the Gazette with whom I mostly disagree. In this case, I agree with him 100 percent.
Supporting the Monuments. Mr. Sauder says there could not be a better time for a hundred grand worth of rocks. I wonder if he has visited with any school teachers or administrators or talked to any parents of the hungry kids. He was also extremely critical of the bloggers who complained of the rock expenses. He invited them to let him know when a good time would be. I hope they do. It seems Mr. Sauder is intent on telling the taxpayers of Emporia how their money should be spent. Perhaps he should run for a commission seat.
W.K. Nielsen
Emporia
Observer (anonymous) says...
Several years ago the city Mayor at that time suggested the possibility of spotlights illuminating the new water tower, in the NE side of town. His idea was shot-down by the other commissioners.
The water tower is already in place.
It already says "Emporia".
It is a wee-bit bigger than the proposed rocks.
A bit more night-time illumination and it is functional, it cannot be missed by the travelers, and it clearly says, "Progressive".
February 3, 2011 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I like your idea, Observer. Kills many birds with one "stone." I wonder why the commission did not revisit that idea? Could it be that it didn't cross enough palms with silver?
February 3, 2011 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
solong (anonymous) says...
The idea of lighting the water tower on the surface seems feasible, I have also always wondered about lighting the falls at the Cottonwood River bridge. With the zoo, park and War Memorial there it might be something to look into as a possibility, the water tower lighting would get much more exposure. Either one in my opinion would be better than the clock at 12th and Merchant, I hope that if someone takes it out it is not replaced. If we have to spend some money on something lighting the water tower seems like a more realistic project than these rocks, however at this time there seems to be more needs that need to be addressed than wants.
February 3, 2011 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowereastside (anonymous) says...
I really like the idea of lighting the dam at Soden's Grove. That would be really pretty and unique. But, this is on the South side which is treated a lot like the East side. KB Thomas doesn't want a "pet rock" actually on the east side, he prefers it be set somewhere west of the bridge and a location for the south side "pet rock" is yet to be announced.
February 3, 2011 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaRocks (anonymous) says...
Steve Sauder is running for a seat on the commission. The name on the ballot reads "Joel Phipps".
February 3, 2011 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
February 3, 2011 at 7:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
EBF .Emporiarocks--
Sorry but I don't understand where you are going with that. I know Joel personally and believe he is a really good candidate. I hope people like yourself don't prejudge him for working with a Sauder. One has nothing to do with the other. And while I am on the subject, Jamie is not Steve either. And whether or not you are for or against the rocks, quit blaming Jamie. The commission is who approved the expenditure not the Sauders nor EBF.
February 3, 2011 at 7:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
orlando (anonymous) says...
could we disassemble the clock tower, and use those rocks to build signs? ............
February 3, 2011 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LAZER (anonymous) says...
Hey, Lazer has an Idea...maybe "whose time has come!"
How about the City just offering "Matching Funds", like offering $25,000...if $75,000 were raised privately.
Steve Sauder could start the $75,000 with 10% of it, $7,500.
As for Teachers, while I support them, I am tired of hearing about their low pay. I have been told by an employers, and heard from other business owners: "If you want the money others make, get a job in their field."
Teachers do have government-supported Retirements, they have better than average Medical Insurance.
One time, I told a Manager that I couldn't continue working for him...for the money I was making: He replied---
"I'll take that as your resignation, when did you want to leave!" WELL, as I thought that might be his reply, I had accepted another job...before talking to him. So, my reply: "2 Weeks" (which was the standard notice.) Well, at the end of the first week...he asked to talk with me, offered me a few more dollars than I was asking...and, I stayed.
As for Teachers...well, the rest of us have pressures, too. I put in more time than I get paid for. I also buy things...for my work...that I don't get reimbursed for.
But, back to my original reason for this reply: Hey, Steve Sauder, put your money where your mouth is: Start the ball rolling for the "Rocks" with a $7,500 donation!
February 4, 2011 at 12:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
yev_kassem,
Just keep on trying to convince yourself of that.
I am sure Mr. Phipps is a fine young man, but come on! He and Mr. Sauder work together on a daily basis, not to mention I am sure they are good friends, and there is nothing wrong with that either. But there will be some influence there, you can not say there won't be. Everyone is influenced by those we "hang with"..
I used to think if a candidate was a business person, they would be good stewards of public funds. That way of thinking went out the window with our current crop of commissioners.
I think Joel will win this election, if for no other reason than name recognition.
And as far as placing blame for the rocks expenditure, you are right. It was the commission who approved it.
But I do question why, if it was such a great idea, EBF and the CVB didn't fund it with the over 400K a year they get from motel taxes?
They knew the public was against a visitor center/ doggie poop park so that was put on the back burner. Are these rocks the EBF and the city managers way of getting that project done a little at a time? YEP! (oh wait, that's another program born at 719 Commercial).
February 4, 2011 at 6:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
LAZER,
No amount of the city sales tax money should be used on the rocks. NONE, NADA, NOTHING.
February 4, 2011 at 6:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I'm with Steve. NIET! NIEN! Absolument pas.
Lazer what is it about this uproar that you don't get?
The majority of the people screaming about this expenditure have said the same thing over and over again. Spending on those rocks is a waste of good tax money in the face of other infrastructure needs in this city.
If you want these rocks, raise the money yourself. Why stick Steve Sauder with the responsibility?
Do you have a vested interest? Are you a lazer rock cutter?
February 4, 2011 at 6:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
What does low pay for teachers have to do with these damn rocks?
You seem to have an axe to grind. Tell you what. If you don't like your job, get a new one. And if you don't like it that teachers have a good retirement plan, quit your job, go get a college degree, and become a teacher.
February 4, 2011 at 6:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
I think he was referring to this statement from the letter;
"Hungry Kids. It was totally shocking to learn there are so many hungry kids in Emporia. Hopefully, $100,000 in “rock” money can be put into the school system to feed and help educate these kids."
Maybe?
I would counter to Bill, (and will in person), that if the money for these rocks was given to our school board, it would probably go to pay for raises for the administrators, not feeding kids.
I am glad Mr. Nielsen and others have taken the time to voice their opinions and put their names to it while doing so. it shows that it's not just a bunch of "kooks" on the forums that are mad about this.
February 4, 2011 at 7:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
An Old Cherokee Saying
This is probably the best I've ever heard life explained!
TWO WOLVES
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on
inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside
us all.
"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed,
arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride,
superiority, and ego.
"The other is God - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility,
kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:
"Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
There's food for thought!
February 4, 2011 at 7:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
Are you seeing a trend here. Some are defending the EFB , saying "it's not them that spent the money, it's the commissioners".
Well it was the city manager and EFB that came up with the idea in the first place wasn't it?
Once their buds on the commission gave them what they requested and the public said "WHOA", SOME were pretty quick to shift the blame and stick a knife in the backs of their "buds" weren't they?
What's that old saying? "with friends like this, I don't need any enemies"
February 4, 2011 at 7:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
sorry EBF. all these committies being born are confusing to TOM, This Old Man.
February 4, 2011 at 7:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
yev_kassem
I agree with Steve on his assesment of Joel Phipps and anyone with an ounce of common sense would be able to see the same thing, no matter how fine a person someone may be, if they do not have the will, constitution to say " NO " to anyone or anything because they truely believe that it is wrong, not the right thing to do, then they are not the right person to have making decisions with millions of dollars of taxpayer/City/The Peoples money !!! No sir, not on your or my life !!!
I also suspected that the " ELITE " powers that be would be trying to stack the deck of commission candidates with their own " LOYAL , YES SIR " people and it would seem I may have been correct, in part !!
As there are at least 4 candidates that either work for the self anointed " GODS " of Emporia or have some sort of close association or ties with them !!!
And I for one do not want any more " PUPPET " Commissioners making decisions as to what to do with or how to " FOOLISHLY SPEND " my/our taxpayer funds and forcing me to live my life as they dictate/force me to live it !!!
Wise up PEOPLE, investigate these Commission Candidates, go to the MEET THE CANDIDATES, question and answer meeting and ask pointed, to the point questiions and see and listen to see if you think they are sincere about, cutting spending, lowering taxes, have a plan for the future of all of the people or does their plan have only their and their cronies future at heart and leaves everyone else out in the cold holding the empty purse, wallet !
To be a good and effective leader of a Community, County, State or Country, you must put the welfare of the people before the welfare of yourself, those who would and do seek to control you and others in lesser leadershiip positions than you and above all you must be able to and have the courage to say " NO " to any idea that you know is not in the best interests of all the people, such as excessive, unnecessary spending ot the peoples money , putting the people the City, County, State, Country in massive debt and these are just a few of the things that a good leader must consider and do to be effective, so who or what ever he/she is leading will continue to prosper, grow and move forward !
Because massive, excessive spending and causing massive debt is no future for anyone and can cause unbearable hardships for generations of peoples !
February 4, 2011 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
"I hope people like yourself don't prejudge him for working with a Sauder. One has nothing to do with the other. And while I am on the subject, Jamie is not Steve either."
You are correct. It's not fair when ANYONE is prejudged based upon their employer or their family's name.
February 4, 2011 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
It does not matter who is blaming who for the " MONSTROUS MONSTROSITY " fiasco !
The, members of the CC, COC, CVB,EBF,RDA, BOE, etc., are all cut from the same pattern, cast from the same mold ! That pattern or mold being, INFLATED SELF WORTH !
rabblerouser, seeing that my ancestors on my fathers side, were Cherokee, I have heard that saying many times from my grandfather and it is an old, old saying, among many old and wise Cherokee sayings, prayers !
February 4, 2011 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
Methusla, My Cherokee ancestors were on my Mother's side and you could clearly see it in my grandfather. He taught me how to say "Pretty Girl" in Cherokee as a child.
February 4, 2011 at 8:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Steve, perhaps you are right about Lazer's comment regarding teachers. Still, he immediately attacked teacher salary/retirement and said nothing about hungry children. Sorry, I should stop expecting classic rhetoric.
Incidentally, I don't support spending that hundred thousand on schools or teachers. Schools are funded separately and differently and they have their own problems to solve. One of their solutions is to tighten their belts. What Ashley Walker is doing is appropriate, that is, soliciting public donations to take care of the hungry children problem. You can't mix those funds. I'd scream if they did.
I taught in a school system that has excellent parent involvement and they earn money in a variety of different ways. They're very successful at it. At the beginning of every year, I would get a letter from that parent group asking for me to provide them with a list of things I needed, and that they would do everything in their power to fill my list. And they always did. But I never asked for huge things. But if you really needed a printer, for example, they were known for buying things like that. I always appreciated them and the work they do.
February 4, 2011 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaRocks (anonymous) says...
yev,
I too know Joel Phipps; therefore, I am not prejudging him just because he works with a Sauder. I stand behind what a said in my previous post. I believe he will be a "yes man" to Emporia's "masters of the universe" and we will continue with more of the same outrageous spending.
Also, I believe that a local realtor has too much conflict of interest to run for the city commission.
February 4, 2011 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
Steve, meth etc--
I get what you are saying and I agree. There can't help but to be some influence between Jamie and Joel. However, it does not mean that Joel will do a bad job just because he works close with an "evil" Sauder. And I say that in jest for those who didn't get it. I think everyone who is running deserves at least to be heard and not prejudged. Maybe Joel won't end up being the right candidate for the job but he at least deserves to be given a chance to be heard.
February 4, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Now here are some rocks. Read about the list of so-called commandments, especially #7.
LOL
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_...
February 4, 2011 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
methusla -
I'm just saying, when the shoe is on the other foot, it doesn't feel good to be prejudged or to have a group dismiss ideas And, some people are beginning to feel how others have felt for a long time.
February 4, 2011 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
To all-
After several weeks of daily (multiple) postings and back & forth conversations, it's easy to forget that you & I don't know each other. A few weeks on these forums is equivalent to many months of face-to-face discussions. Sometimes, in order to make a point or to stop an argument before it escalades, I will say (or, in this case) write something that will stop people in their tracks and make them think, "How could newtoemporia suggest such a ridiculous thing? That won't work." As I'm relating that point of view, I know it's improbable. And, without knowing me, it's hard to tell if a comment is dripping with sarcasm or if "newtoemporia" is a jerk-wad behind the screen. If I end a post with "jmo" (which equates to a face-to-face conversation, with me raising an eyebrow with an eye squint, aka the "mother look"), I am putting the most far-fetched idea out there to bring focus back on the main topic.
Communities, throughout the world, are feeling the effects of a crippling economy and misguided government. Earlier this week, a principal in California was shot and killed by a recently terminated employee. According to articles, the principal and former employee were friends and had been golfing a few days prior to the shooting. During the past year, we have heard stories of parents who have killed their entire family because they feared loosing a job and not being able to provide. We have heard stories of elementary children committing suicide because of a bully. We have heard statistics of Americans going hungry or homeless at an alarming rate. We have witnessed government (local, state and country levels) spend money based upon their wants and not our needs. We have witnessed the power of corporate voices. People throughout the world are scared. And, sometimes, they act out of desperation and fear. But, as a community, you must look out for one another and rise above and find healthy solutions for the current problems.
cont
February 4, 2011 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Citizens, throughout the world are becoming frustrated and seeking answers. While at a local restaurant, I heard a conversation about the rocks. The debate was interesting and, after 20 minutes of back and forth conversation, one person announced, "If the commission is going to spend my tax dollars on these rocks, I won't pay my taxes." At this point, I could interject with a "jmo" comment. However, it's important to think about the long term effects before you act on anger. Let's say someone decides not to pay their taxes. The commission could go forth with their plans and build the rocks. I'm certain, even though we object to the rocks, living with a few rocks in Emporia would be better than living behind the rocks of Leavenworth's federal penitentiary -- where you would be living if you don't pay your taxes.
At this time, it's important for citizens to unite and work towards the good of their community. Rise above ill feelings. Be kind. Be honest. Give your best. Be transparent. In the end, it won't matter if you agreed or disagreed with someone. Rather, what will matter is how you worked together to leave this town, this county, this state and this world a little better.
Mother Teresa said,
"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."
February 4, 2011 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Observer (anonymous) says...
Each of you is a positive strength for the community, because each of you cares enough to feel strongly.
Words attributed to Confucius in answer to "How Do You Change the World?"
"You can change the world if you can change a single human heart, for if you change the heart, then you can change the family. If you can change the family, you can change the community. If you can change the community you can change the world all by changing a single human heart."
As one drives around Emporia, the "Athens of the Plains", what do you see and how could it be made more attractive, productive, and above all welcoming.
The All Veterans Memorial is a major welcome to Emporia, and coupled with "Emporia Founding Home of Veterans Day", is a true major entrance from the South.
The Water Tower is a tremendous memorial/welcome which shows the modern and progressive attributes of Emporia.
The Water Treatment Plant/Park in the NW is a real showcase.
The waterpark and the soccer fields are a nice welcoming gateway. With the new building at the fairgrounds there are many lovely sites in the city.
There can be changes/improvements to the landscape, BUT until the change takes place within the hearts of her people one wonders if Emporia is in decline or in renewal?
February 4, 2011 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good question, Grasshopper.
I like your list of positive features in Emporia. What is more, you make me feel good just by reading your list.
To tackle your question, however, I must say that Emporia is neither in decline nor is she in renewal. I believe Emporia is currently experiencing a period of static.
Yes, many people are unhappy about the rocks situation, but that doesn't reflect on the total scene. Those same people would likely defend Emporia in a moment's notice too. I've seen it happen right here on this forum.
Currently we are experiencing higher than normal rates of unemployment and people are going without. However, at the same time, witness the high percentage of donations we make to places like the Salvation Army. In addition the United Way recently spoke of having collected a half million dollars for community projects. This is not a city that is looking downward by any means.
There are many strong-willed, vociferous people in this town with strong minds and lots of community pride. I doubt they will ever let Emporia go into decline. The hearts of Emporia's people are beating strong. That's pretty easy to tell.
I'm glad I live here. Aren't you?
February 4, 2011 at 1:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Observer (anonymous) says...
Exactly Create!!!!
Emporia is a great community. I was just thinking how I left out the library adjacent to the Carnegie Library building housing the Historical Museum. It was always one of my favorite places when it was the library. The Civic Auditorium across the street is another plus. How about the superbly restored Granada Theater, and the Art's Center?
The industry continues. Was it a sight to behold the huge Sauder Tank production as it rolled through Emporia awhile back. The Pet Food industries and the expansions out Logan Avenue.
If we could just get Fanestil's relocated out of the flood plain and emphasis upon its superb organic products.
We need appreciation for those tremendous pluses which we are so blessed with. We need vision coupled with common horse sense. We need to understand that if we service a plush exterior, but neglect the nuts and bolts of the infrastructure, then the storm drains and sewage systems collapse while the gilded towers soar higher.
February 4, 2011 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
One question about those " soaring towers " !
What is the foundation that keeps those soaring towers from colapsing ?
February 4, 2011 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Anyone else receiving emails from Jaime Sauder regarding the monuments? Either he exploited the website or the gazette is giving out personal information. I was rather amused by the notion and what still perplexes me the most is why some people are so fixated on identity. The ideas are the issue, not the people. If you are a public figure, I feel you better get used to some criticism, utterly amazed at the lengths people will go to try and silence others.
February 4, 2011 at 6:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WILLIAM_A (anonymous) says...
copy and paste the email here for all to see how these goons operate
February 4, 2011 at 7:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
I fear these stinkin' rocks will be oozed in on the Q.T. sometime in the future by the PowersThatBe e.g those with money or an important name.
Something to consider; the $100,000+ is coming from SOMEWHERE and that's you and me.
The city alreadycharges us for sewer service.
Zimmy and the commissioners are seriously considering a drain-the-rainwater tax. I would guess that would be a serious chunk of money for, say, the mall, wallyworld, tyson etc and guess who will pay for that? Yup, us via higher prices.
The zimmy, his commission and the Well tTo Dos are conducting a science experiment; is it possible to get blood out of a turnip?
One more thing. My car requires yet another 4-wheel alignment due to the potholes that abound pretty much all over town.
Ah yes, the people who do drive through town will remember the rocks welcomed them to PotHole City.
But they'll get an el cheapo patch job [as if we get any other sort of work] about the time two wheels and two tires on a Jaguar are trashed.
February 4, 2011 at 8:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
goodoleboy, I have exchanged a couple of e-mails with Mr. Sauder, but then I sign my name and e-mail the radio station and have visited a few real estate websites. it should always be assumed that even with an anonymous posting, your identity can be traced on the internet.
February 4, 2011 at 8:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
No biggie !
February 4, 2011 at 8:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Are these same ones who complained that the people posting here were bad for the image of Emporia?
February 4, 2011 at 9:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
goodoleboy, You are lucky. Nobody ever e-mails me at the e-mail I provided to the gazette when I signed REWBA up. Well, except that one e-mail I got from the gazette, but I think it was computer generated. If Jamie Sauder, or any of the other elite people wanted to they could e-mail me at effit2010@live.com and I would give them some tips on landscaping on the cheap. I might even donate several specimens of native perennial wildflowers that look absolutely marvelous when arranged together properly.
February 4, 2011 at 9:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
booker5m
Yes, they are !!
February 4, 2011 at 10:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
You have not lived here long enough to really how politics in Emporia is done !
So I really don' t think your comment about prejudgement has revelance and when and if you have been a resident of Emporia for all of your life and truely know how things are done in the good ole boy / crony , powers that be crowd, you will better understand, how someone may possibly, be prone to prejudge !!!
February 4, 2011 at 10:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Steve,
Being traced or my identity really is not the issue here. It is the principle behind the matter. If someone that does not like you gets your email they can do some pretty rotten things that have exhaustive consequences. I wrote quite a few letters to the commissioners, signed my name on every one of them. I have written a few editorials here and signed my name, attaching a name to my ideas is not the issue. Again it the principle behind this, if people would like to debate, come on here and post with the rest of the public.
What is very amusing to me still is we have hardly anyone that thinks this a good idea, no one has come on here and ever tried to pitch any concrete numbers or projections at us. Instead we get people working behind the scenes trying to convince others in private that this should happen, they just don't get it, that way of doing business IS the very reason why many on here are so ticked off to begin with.
February 5, 2011 at 4:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
"that way of doing business IS the very reason why many on here are so ticked off to begin with."
And had damn well better come to a screeching halt. The natives are getting restless...
Matt
February 5, 2011 at 4:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
mslater,
What are you going to do about it?
You don't even live here anymore.
where you are at there are no taxes, no parking tickets, no problems. Why I oughta come over there and kick your butt for complaining. ????????????????????????????
On second thought, NEVER MIND !
Seriously, keep up the posting, it's good to know you're doing o.k. and keeping up on the local news. What's your favorite girl scout cookie, we will send you a box or two?
February 5, 2011 at 6:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia and reddog;
I would like to say something on the "prejudging" of candidates and voting on a "single issue".
On other threads I have stated my reasons for not voting for Tom Myers and Bob Agler. Reasons based on my opinions of past service/ votes on the city commission and Tom's stated platform of tougher housing codes. Not because of any pre-judgment on the candidates. Those two candidates have a record for people to base their voting on, (as it should be).
The questioning on pre-judging Joel Phipps is valid, so I would like to address that.
I don't know the man, don't believe we have ever met. I am going to listen to his ideas as well as the other candidates before I vote.
But living in Emporia for most of my life I know how it goes in a small Kansas town.
Everyone knows everyone else and some think they know everyone's business, (if you know what I mean).
So when someone files for elective office the 1st thing people will think of is;
"oh that's so and so's friend", or
"she works there so", or
"wasn't he partners with", or even
"wasn't their name in the paper for".
Case in Point,
I was trying to talk one of my bartenders into filing for the race. I Thought, he's smart, young, cares about the town, has the time to give and is personable and could win the race.
( of course, this description could fit all my employees).
I think he was considering it until a businessman we both respected said,
"You can't run, everyone will say you are running to be Corbin's "boy" on the commission." It kind of hurt coming from a friend, but after thinking about it I realized he was right. Even though this kid had a lot to offer our city, that would have been a lot of peoples prejudgment of him. That's just how it is in a small town.
But politics is politics in New York City or in Emporia Kansas. And the number 1 way to win a political race is 'Name Recognition'. And because of that here are my predictions of who will be our next city commissioners.
I AM NOT SAYING WHO I AM VOTING FOR, just who I think will win the race.
Bob Agler
Bobbi Mylnar
Joel Phipps
February 5, 2011 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
I SURE AGREE WITH YOU !
I love this town and am glad I live here also.
Lots of positives to be sure, but we can't ignore the negatives. Forward vision, yes, but I am not wearing "winkers" either.
from wicki,
Blinders, also known as blinkers or winkers, are a piece of horse tack that restrict the horse's vision to the rear and, in some cases, to the side. They usually are made of leather or plastic cups that are placed on either side of the eyes, either attached to a bridle or to an independent hood. Blinkers that have a peep hole cut in the back of the cup are known as visors.[1] Many racehorse trainers believe these keep the horse focused on what is in front of him, encouraging him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as crowds. Additionally, blinkers (then usually known as winkers) are commonly seen on driving horses, to keep them from being distracted or spooked, especially on crowded city streets. A “set of winkers” can refer to the whole bridle, particularly the heavy bridle used on draft horses.
February 5, 2011 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Steve. I don't think any incumbents will get in.
I agree with goodoleboy about receiving e-mails. If Jamie Sauder has points he wishes to make, let him get on the forum with the rest of us and make them. Contacting individuals smacks of backroom politics. While it might be possible to locate someone's e-mail address electronically, the reason we provided it to the Gazette in the first place is not for contact to be made by others.
Not long ago, netloafer wrote that he had received a phone call from Jamie Sauder after he had written an article in the Gazette. He was willing to talk to Sauder, but here again, I can't help but wonder what Sauder is up to.
In Steve Sauder's article, he slammed the anonymity factor on this forum saying our opinions are not as credible because they have no name behind them. Oh really? Why? So Jamie can make his phone calls?
See how this gets? It's BS, that's what it is.
February 5, 2011 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
spectator,
I hate to break it to you but this will happen, it's too late to stop that huge rock rolling downhill.
February 5, 2011 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Steve, Love the winkers definition. We need to be focused, but no winkers for this gal. It's just good to look around at the positives once in awhile, and pay close attention to the things that drain us.
mattslater,
Am putting in some beef jerky to counteract all that sugar of the Girl Scout cookies. Will get that down to Steve's place before long. Your old teacher sends hugs. Hope you have applied for absentee ballot.
February 5, 2011 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
A SILLY IDEA !
This may satisfy all those concerned and Really help with visitors and tourism.
1.Go ahead with the entrance monurocks as planned.
2. In next years budget, the city commission removes the cost of the project from the CVB and BFP funds and pays back the sales tax fund, (it's legal).
3. Use the paid back money for real infrastructure improvements. (let's just say sidewalk improvements below 4th avenue and east of Commercial).
4. The new city commission should establish an "tourist" account, (using $100,000.00 a year from the transient guest tax collections), and allotting the rest of those tax monies to the CVB. (also legal)
5. In the mean time the city should negotiate a lease with the railroad for the old depot site, hopefully for a dollar a year. (I'll kick in $100.00 at that rate)
6. Using money from the newly created "tourist" account, and if worked right, the liquor tax from clubs that goes to parks, the city could start cleaning up (with lots of volunteer help), that blighted area as a park and future depot for passenger rail service. Something that just may happen in the future. (trying to be proactive here)
This doesn't have to be anything fancy, a small building, the size of the miniature train station at Soden Grove would even work, just a small kiosk type information building with video surveillance for safety, some grass and flowerbeds, something truly welcoming to tourists and or visitors, with a small playground for kids, (local and visiting).
And anytime the funds from the tourist account were going to be spent the city would have their meetings where people could voice their opinions on how to spend it.
What do you guys think?
February 5, 2011 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I kind of like this idea, after the train station park that 100k a year could be saved up for ten years and maybe go towards a civic/convention center at the fairgrounds?
February 5, 2011 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
You would have the highways covered. Rail service covered. and the airport is already looking sharp. All of it paid by the visitors to Emporia.
February 5, 2011 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve,
Sounds, feasible and workable to a point and that point being , we must all remember, a plan any plan is prone to being thought of as bad or rejected ... unless the " RIGHT PEOPLE " are sitting City Commissioners and if the PLAN, any PLAN has the approval and support of " ALL THE PEOPLE, ALL OR MOST OF THE TIME " ! And I think you, me and others know that unless the " FEW PEOPLE " who see and believe that their plan is " THE ONLY PLAN " and will benefit greatly, themselves, personally, either by prestige, bragging rights or adding to their bank account, A PLAN, ANY PLAN, will never be implemented, only if A PLAN/THE PLAN is one of their own thinking, thought or idea !! And you and I have both been around long enough to know that is just the way things work, have worked, will work !
Unless, a City Commission can be put in place by " ALL THE PEOPLE " , that will be made up of people who can and will, have the right priorities and make decisions that will in the best interests of the City/ALL THE PEOPLE and be have the nerve and tanisity to reject / put down / say NO to any and all foolish, unneeded, selfish, WANTED EXTRAVAGANT spending ... NO MATTER WHO IT IS OR WHO THEY THINK THEY ARE suggests or pushes for it !!
Personally, I like your plan ! But, who am I, apparently ? According to some, I am an anonymous nobody, who has no credibility !!
Also if the 3 people you predict will win the Commission seats, I believe there is only one of the three you mentioned that would may be unbiased and owe loyality to no one in particular and may just have the grit and tanasity to say NO to unneeded, extravagant spending, no matter who suggests it !
The other two are to closely connected to the powers that be, either through employment or a business connection !
And yes, that happens to be a prejudgement ! But knowing how the good ole boy, crony system works in Emporia and Lyon county, prejudgement can' t help but be expected !
February 5, 2011 at 10:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
And I will say again, " the powers that be in Emporia " have attempted to " Stack " the Commission Candidate Pool in their favor !!
And you can believe that " the powers that be " will be campaigning hot and heavy for their Candidates, as they do not want to lose control of the Citys purse, purse strings and the millions of dollars in taxpayer monies !!
February 5, 2011 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
With people thinkers like you, Steve, why does the City / The People need the RDA, CVB, COC, EBF, etc.?
If these organizations, as well as the City Manager, City Commission were just more open minded, had a little common sense and would listen to and give some creedence to the comments, ideas, suggestions of ALL THE PEOPLE, Emporia just might be able to pull itself back from the ABYSS that some have placed Emporia and its people on the edge of ?
February 5, 2011 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Create...your 1:56 post about Emporia not going into decline.......we are past decline,we are skipping very close to the bottom. At what point will you recognize Empoia as a community needing a monumental shift in direction,when 75% of the students are on free and reduced lunches.I refuse to keep saying the sky is blue when its raining outside.We need a plan,and we need unselfish leadership with the "stones" to implement this plan.
February 5, 2011 at 11:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Take a skip threw china -mart,or waters, or bluestem.Make a note where those products are made,Safe bet that 90% are made overseas or mx.Now where are all those good manuf jobs for Emporia going to come from.?Manufacturing is very sick in America.Come on RDA lets shift gears ,get creative.
February 5, 2011 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
While it's true that so many products are made overseas, that has more to do with federal government deals made with the Chinese and South America and Vietnam and the Phillipines, etc. Local leadership has nothing to do with that. All we can do is choose not to buy the stuff.
Then again, do foreign countries buy our products? Yes, they do, wheat in particular.
With regard to free and reduced lunches, one thing you must consider -- the criteria for incomes that qualify changes from year to year. Right now, local unemployment does figure in to all that, but without asking, I don't know if unemployment income is counted. It may not be.
Again, local leadership has nothing to do with the free/reduced lunches except to say that local leadership needs to do more about getting in some heavy industry to this town.
Part of the problem too is that Emporia is largely blue collar and unskilled. Often, blue collar wages qualify for free/reduced school lunches. Is that the fault of local leadership or is that the fault of the companies in town paying poverty wages?
What is the median income in this town and how does that compare to the qualifying criteria for free/reduced lunches this school year? Also, lest we forget, the number of people in the household is figured in to that qualifying criteria.
One other thing to consider. How many people are lying on those forms? Who checks? I'd be willing to bet that quite a few lie on those forms.
Again, it's those poverty wages so many outfits pay in this town that contribute largely to free/reduced lunch programs.
I'm not saying the sky is blue, but it is certainly not as gray as you believe.
Perhaps the Gazette can print up one of those application forms for free/reduced lunches and we can see if we ourselves don't qualify.
February 5, 2011 at 1:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Yes, sail, I agree that the RDA needs to get creative since foreign trade may not accept what we produce locally. Certainly if we were to produce yo-yo's no one would buy them. Even computers or software would be a bad risk anymore. Yes, we have to get creative.
We need another Wolf Creek.
February 5, 2011 at 1:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
BTW sail, on another thread you said free/reduced lunches were at 66%. Here you say 75%. Which is it? I haven't looked it up, but I'd like to know.
February 5, 2011 at 1:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Create, good response, ......What the rda ,and chamber and leaders in Emporia need to do imo, is realisticaly look at what we can do with the opportunities that are open for Emporia.Every town is the USA is looking for those few manuf jobs,,....not every town in the USA is looking for growth and prosperity by increasing enrollment at a University or tech college.Just saying ,where would be the best place for Emporia to invest its rda taxpayer funds.
February 5, 2011 at 1:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Picked the 66% from Mrs Walker story on hungry children in Emporia.
February 5, 2011 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Estimated median household income in 2009: $30,133 (it was $30,809 in 2000)
Emporia:
$30,133
Kansas:
$47,817
Read more: http://www.city-data.com/city/Emporia...
February 5, 2011 at 1:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
You are correct. I have not "lived here long enough to really how politics in Emporia is done."
But, I have lived in small towns and can draw similarities. I have lived in small towns and know, first hand, how politics, business and power can tear apart a community.
I am familiar with how things are done in the "good ole boy / crony, powers that be crowd". It's just a different cast of characters in a different setting.
On both sides of my family, I have witnessed how politics, business and power have separated parents and children. I never met some family members because of small town politics and business disagreements.
I also know prejudgement (stereotyping and prejudice) is human nature. I agree, name recognition is #1 for any city election. I agree that people do vote based on the candidate's background and associates. But, I also know it takes one person to say, "I'm not going to be judged " for a movement to begin.
All my life, I've heard: "That's just the way it is in a small town." But, I have always refused to accept that answer.
A little town like Greensburg, KS -- population of 1,000 -- I would bet my life that there were pre-judgements and political differences. Each person could have collected their insurance check and moved to another town. But, they put aside their differences to rebuild their community. It shouldn't take a natural disaster for Emporia to come together.
While reading the forums, I learned that community members united together during the 50's and 60's and brought about great changes to Emporia. Other towns and cities have put aside their differences and united for the good of the community. It can happen.
How did it happen before in Emporia? How is it happening in other communities?
I wish some of the leaders on the forum, leaders within the government and business leaders could get together and talk.
Not for an hour or an afternoon. But, a weekend. And, then another weekend. And, continue doing so until voices are heard, ideas are respected and differences are put aside for the good of the community.
February 5, 2011 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Create, my point on 75% was ,where is your tipping point ,will it be 75%, mine blew up when I heard 66%.....sorry for the confusion.I did not want to imply we are at 75%now.
February 5, 2011 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
newtoe: nice
February 5, 2011 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
I appologize to you, for letting my frustration get the better of my judgement !!!
That is the way City / public / people meetings used to be in Emporia and that is how some really good things were accomplished and happened !
But that has been so long ago that it is hard to remember when that sort of meeting of open minded City leaders and the people took place in Emporia, I can' t even remember the last time, well perhaps the last time, was the meetiing that took place 2 or 3 years ago to discuss the Somali Refugee Center proposal ! But before that to discuss the State of The City, its people, good ideas, bad ideas, what was good / best for the City / its people, what was bad for the City / its people , the City Budget, what the City and the people could or could not afford, what the priority of public / City needs were / are, which of these needs were of most importance / whether to borrow the money, thru the issue of Revenue Bonds, ( go into debt ), just to meet these needs or wants, whether the people could afford more/higher taxes or fees to pay for the public needs or what public needs the public/ people were willing to do without, until an affordable time was better than " Now " ! The last time I can recall such meetings taking place and a unanimous consensus was agreed upon by all was in the mid to late 1960's or early 1970' s !
Ever since then, the rule has been pretty much, you do as we few want/wish/decide and like it !!!
Again I am sorry for the frustration out burst !!
February 5, 2011 at 2:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
And another point I would like to make newtoemporia, is the fact years ago when city leaders and City citizens did have public discussions or even private discissuiions, it made no difference which side of the " Tracks " or " Which " side of town you lived, came from or where you worked or how much you made, the attitude was " Everyone was an Emporian and had an equal say in the Citys business and what was needed and what could be afforded !!!
Not like it has been divided into the I live in a certain area, therefore I am better, know more, am more intelligent and should get what I say or want and you will just have to like it Emporia of the last 4 to 5 decades !!
February 5, 2011 at 2:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Methusila:Your 1:56 post ,man that site says it all.Check out Hays or McPherson,median income IS OVER 45%HIGHER THAN UPHORIA KS.The conclusion Im left with is, our leaders in the past and present were either incompetent or just were content to have Emporia be a location for low wages, or worse, we voters were to apathetic to care.
February 5, 2011 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Emporia had plenty of opportunity to gain. The Amazon warehouse, the Cessna plant. Either of these would have been huge transformational opportunities for this town. We continue to lose, lose, lose and the cure we are being fed is that tourism is the key to all this? With rising gas prices? Really?
I have posted this before, but all our resources and focus should be on something like the situation here:
http://articles.cnn.com/2009-07-08/li...
This is what will secure a good quality of living and enable our community to prosper. Not tourism, not rocks, and certainly not the ideas and opinions of those that have allowed an exodus of business and jobs to bleed out of Emporia at an alarming pace over the last decade.
February 5, 2011 at 3:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Wonder what Emporias chances were at the Santa Fe Gardner location, wonder who owned the ground at that location......................?
February 5, 2011 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
sail. it seems as though you are set on feeding the kids one way or the other, FEED THEM, IF THEY ARE STARVING, as you say every kid is that goes to school is.. Maybe you should take your little band and go see where all of the government money is going that the households who have all of these STARVED kids living there. Have you ever stood in the grocery line and watched some of the crap the mommy's of those starving are buying?? didn't think so...where do you think all the money that they the mommies of all those starving kids comes from,, TAX PAYERS, are your kids starving??? if not figure out why!! and respond! in the mean time,, SRS, WIX, fool allowances, free lunches at school,, is all tax money, and you want some of us to pay even more?? I stopped having kids when we had 2, No, we didn't just keep having kids because it was fun, and not thinking about their future, I took care of mine, maybe they who have starving kids should of thought about that too, OHHHH how many of these starving kids are from south of the border, with illegal mommies,,, tell the whole damn story, and get off your high horse about the kids . if you are so close to all of this give up some phony numbers to try to get some to share your pity pot with you. they had their kids ,now get a damn job and feed them, instead of buying cell phones, lap top, i-pods , and flattop TVs
February 5, 2011 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Thanks for the data on income, methusla.
Emporia:
$30,133
Kansas:
$47,817
Nearly an $18,000 difference between the state median income and the Emporia one tells me something relative to free/reduced school lunches.
The critieria for free/reduced lunches is based on state figures. In view of that $18,000 difference, of course more than half our Emporia families would qualify.
Okay local leaders, you need to think about getting us out of the low pay slump. This is nothing new, however. For many, many years, wages at Tyson were at rock bottom. Don't know what they are now, but I doubt they are skyrocketing. An old friend of mine, now dead, was nearly killed for trying to introduce unions to IBP.
Why are we so surprised? Who is buying all the pizza, the fried chicken, the sandwiches, the dinners out, the coffee, the manicures, etc?
I rarely go to the movies, but last week I went to see "The King's Speech." The ticket cost me $8.10 and a bag of popcorn and a bottle of water cost me ELEVEN BUCKS!!!
Who is supporting all these businesses?
Somebody is.
February 5, 2011 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Another factor to consider about Emporia, " The Land of, Oh Crap, There goes the The Few People and the City Leaders, Spending tax Funds Needlessly, and Extending and Raising Taxes and Borrowing, by way of Revenue Bonds , Again " 1
Is the fact that the over spending, borrowing in order to get what is wanted instead of needed also has a lot to do with the depressed wage and median income of Emporia !
And why it may be difficult to attract any Industry and businesses to Emporia and why the City must give these Companies such large and lang tax abatements !!!
Does anyone disagree that if the few people and the Commission would have cut spending long ago and started a spend within our income, and not have to tax, tax, tax, borrow, borrow, borrow to buy, get what is wanted instead of needed frills, Emporia and its people might just be a little better off than they are now ??
February 5, 2011 at 4:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Sail,
I seriously doubt that Emporia would have had a chance at the giant intermodel that is / will be located at Gardner, as Gardner already had a huge amount of R.R. Yard, Spur and Siding Trackage as well as a pretty large Trailer, Container Train loading, unloading Terminal there !
February 5, 2011 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Emporia never had a shot at Gardener, but they have had a chance at other businesses. We have excellent access to major interstate/turnpike and rail. We also have a low cost of living until recently with the continued tax hikes, with no sign of stopping.
We have everything in place, just need the right people to focus and make it happen.
February 5, 2011 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
create,
And that $18,000 difference in median income is more than some people make in Emporia per year !!
February 5, 2011 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Absolutely, methusla. And those people have families too. That's why I say it's no wonder we see so many on free/reduced lunches.
Also, the number of absentee fathers who are not paying child support is ridiculously high. I say quit putting them in jail. Put them to work shoveling snow.
February 5, 2011 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Justaflush,not trying to up set you .Im just trying to point out Emporia has an income problem.
February 5, 2011 at 6:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Don't blame it all on the fathers create. There are deadbeat mothers too. It's just not talked about with as much disdain.
But, for all the wannabe deadbeats out there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es_uiv...
February 5, 2011 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create, when you go to the movies carry a really big purse. bring your own beverage and popcorn. Just seal the popcorn in a ziplock bag tight. I hear some theaters are using corn sniffing dogs in their lobbies. :>)
February 5, 2011 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
LOL, you dont upset me!
February 5, 2011 at 6:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Do you all think that if past commissions had spent less and spent wisely and not raised taxes, borrowed and bonded we would be better off?
February 5, 2011 at 6:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I guess it doesn't matter now, it's already done. Now we need to think about making it right.
February 5, 2011 at 6:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Nobody had any thoughts on my above post about a silly idea @9:30 a.m. ? I thought i'd get ripped to shreds. Well at least methusla commented back.
February 5, 2011 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
I wonder if the Reddog can tell me why they didnt try a fund raiser or donations for these rocks instead of dipping into the our tax fund?
February 5, 2011 at 7:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Steve_Corbin, I liked the list that you posted. They are great ideas and the commissioners should do exactly that.
booker5m has a good point too. The cities entry ways should be maintained to high standards in the same manner as the ornamental beds along Commercial are. Identify the locations and put them up for adoption.
February 5, 2011 at 7:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
methusla-
I have also allowed my frustration to get the best of me. And, I apologize if I have offended anyone during the past week. If one exists, I have earned the "Jerk of the Week" award. :)
In response: "when city leaders and City citizens did have public discussions or even private discissuiions, it made no difference which side of the " Tracks " or " Which " side of town you lived, came from or where you worked or how much you made, the attitude was " Everyone was an Emporian and had an equal say in the Citys business and what was needed and what could be afforded !!!" ...
That sounds wonderful. Perhaps, when someone extends a hand (either someone through this forum, the government or a business leader), citizens of Emporia can meet, talk, listen, learn and grow together. And relearn: "Everyone is an Emporian" -- That's a great phrase, methulsa!!
Everyone is an Emporian.
February 5, 2011 at 11:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
No problem, we are and have realized that we have been frustrated, some longer than others, and that frustration leads to " JERKISM " and thankfully the " JERKISM " does not last for long, for most of us, that is !!
And the feeling and attitude that " Everyone is an Emporian " that was so prevalent and made everyone feel as if they were "of some importance and not shunned, but included " is and has not been prevalent for quite some time now !
February 5, 2011 at 11:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Thanks. It's been a rough week and I kinda' took it out on the forums. As it was said in the movie Airplane, "Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit drinking!!" LOL Next time, I will take a few deep breaths or pour a very long drink.:) But, thank you for understanding.
I still think "Everyone is an Emporian" is a great slogan. Perhaps, if people hear it enough it will become prevalent again. There's always hope.
February 6, 2011 at 12:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve,
In response to your February 5, 2011 at 6:58 p.m. post, " I guess it doesn't matter now, it's already done. Now we need to think about making it right. "
The fact of the matter is, the making it right, is going to be a lot harder and take longer than it did " to make it wrong " and possibly be far more costly for everyone !!
I don' t really know exactly how long it will take to make it right, probably several generations or possibly even " never ", if some drastic and sweeping changes are not made as soon as possible !!
Our illustrious City Manager has said that it will cost a proposed 7 million dollars to repair / revamp the Citys storm water drainage system !
And the only way that will be accomplished and paid for, will either through a government grant ( taxpayer money ), borrowing funds by way of issuing Revenue Bonds ( which will have to be paid back w/interest with taxpayer money ), wich will inturn definately mean higher taxes !!
And what is sad is, most of these problems could have been avoided, if the few " I want " people would have denied themselves their selfish " WANT, GOTTA HAVE IT " or " TOPEKA, LAWRENCE, MANHATTAN, SALINA, WICHITA, or some other City has it or they did it this way attitude " and taken care of the infrastructure problems when they were small problems, cost less and were more affordable and as the problem arose ! Instead of spending taxpayer funds to be like some other City, ( KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES ) !
I was always taught, to be yourself, you own unique individual and just because someone else has something, that does not mean you have to have it to and that you should never try and be like or copy anyone else, be your own unique person ! And I believe that is true of anyone or even a City or Country !!
Emporia should be its own unique City, as Emporia has unique one of a kind people who don' t have to have or want or need to be like anyelse or any other City or copy what any other City does, has or wants !!
Sorry Steve, there I go on a passionate tear again !!
February 6, 2011 at 12:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Perfect example ! The " Entrance Monuments, Monstrosities, Rocks, Stones " what the hell ever you want to call them ! I imagine the whole idea came about as the result of one or possibly several of the Few I Want People saw a City that had some sort of fancy Highway Entrance " What Ever " in place or saw a pictue of one somewhere and said " Hey if they can do and have that, then that is exactly what I/OUR CITY should have and we are going to get one like it or better and we don' t care how much it costs or whether the rest of the people of Emporia wants it , " BY GOD, we are going to have it anyway , because what we think and say is absolute LAW " !
The same goes for JAP, The court house, Clock Tower, , Library Statues, EHS carpet practice field, Addition to EMS, Closing of both Lowther Schools etc..
February 6, 2011 at 1:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
I believe a more appropriate phrase could possibly be,
We are all Emporians !!
February 6, 2011 at 1:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Steve,
I liked all the ideas you listed. When I read them, I wondered if commissioners pay any attention to this forum. If they did, they could glean lots of good information like yours. Sorry I didn't post about your ideas. I was so busy with the free/reduced school lunch thing.
goodoleboy
I just got a chance this morning to take a look at that link you posted about the KIA plant in Georgia. At first I wondered what that town did in order to secure such an investment by KIA. Then I highlighted this:
"To secure the $1.2 billion Kia plant, state and local officials helped assemble land from a former cattle farm to create a 2,200-acre industrial park. They also locked in about $400 million in tax breaks and other economic incentives."
That was an amazing article and such a happy ending for that town which is growing in leaps and bounds.
With that in mind, let me get back to what someone said earlier with regard to "China mart" and other such foreign trade. That KIA plant is owned by Korea. Now it is employing large numbers of Americans on our soil. I wonder if the people of Korea are pitching a bitch because they have lost employment opportunities when the KIA plant moved to the U.S.?
Maybe KIA heard that the U.S. was going to place higher tariffs on foreign -produced goods. Suppose?
We are part of a global community and we must start thinking that way. So actually, we aren't really all Emporians. We are the world.
Here's that article that goodoleboy linked awhile back. Read it. It'll make you feel good for that little Georgia town and think about how we can develop a more global attitude.
And the point goodoleboy made was an excellent one. We have highway systems, we have rail, we have that all-important central location and we aren't taking advantage of it. That is frustrating!
ttp://articles.cnn.com/2009-07-08/living/fortunate.town_1_ghost-town-north-georgia-factory?_s=PM:LIVING
February 6, 2011 at 7:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Sorry.
http://articles.cnn.com/2009-07-08/li...
February 6, 2011 at 7:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
methusla,
I don't have a problem with obtaining government grants because even though it is our tax money to begin with, if we don't take advantage of it, someone else will. Then some other city will be spending our money. Why not spend it ourselves? Government grants pay for projects that employ people.
February 6, 2011 at 7:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
REWBA,
The idea of volunteers working on adopted gardens at the entryways is great !
Organizations such as Main Street, The Chamber of Commerce / Convention and Business Bureau, Emporia Garden Club, 4-H'ers, whoever, could adopt a spot and a yearly competition held for the best image of Emporia. It would have to be truly a volunteer basis, no tax money used or wages paid, no sprinkler systems or lighting but it just might work. The prize for the best spot, just a traveling plaque and the knowledge that the groups volunteer labor helped our towns image.
February 6, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
create,
I really don' t have a problem with receiving grant money either, if it is used wisley and for what it was recieved for !
It was my understanding that the grant money was to be used for much neededenergy improvements, etc., at the schools !
I still can' t believe that a " carpet " practice field was the best use for a large part of the grant money ! I have asked my self many times, why was the money not used to repair, upgrade both Lowthers as needed, after all the grant was for 6 million dollars !
And then it struck me ... after the plan to add an addition to EMS and the closing of both Lowthers was announced .... Aha, this was the main plan of the BOE and their cronies, all along *** the addition to EMS and the supposed closing of both Lowthers, was the master plan all along !!!
There are some very devious/deceptive people in leader ship roles in Emporia !!!
Think about it, the purported cost to bring the two Lowthers up to " SNUFF " was an estimated $ 5 million dollars, the grant was in the amount of 6 million dollars ! If the money was spent to bring the two lowthers up to snuff, the City and BOE would still have two perfectly good schools, there would have to be no juggling, moving of students and the BOE would still have had $ 1 million dollars to modify, repair other schools to meet energy requirements !!!
As it is they now have a " Wanted " carpeted playing / practice field that will show very little energy and benefit only a few of the Citys school children and are spending $3 + million dollars, just to drop two perfectly viable schools to satisfy the " WHIM " of a " FEW " !!
Go figure !! JMO
February 6, 2011 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
p.s
And it is my understanding that the carpeted practice field cost approx. $ 3.6 million dollars !!!
February 6, 2011 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Public monies spent on the "carpet' to the tune of 3.6 million,hmmmmm .Wonder if this could be ferreted out how much was spent. And the powers to be wonder why we bloggers are full of piss and vinegar after spending our tax monies like drunken spring break kids on mom and dads ticket.ENOUGH
February 6, 2011 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I don't think it was 3.6 million, but heh, any amount for that carpet was too much, considering the extra cost of closing down two perfectly good buildings and adding on to the middle school. Penny wise and pound foolish is what they used to call it.
February 6, 2011 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
DAG NAB IT CHRIS WALKER !
Who designed your website?
I tried to go back into your archive and search for the coverage on the cost of turf at the high school---Jeesh
Typed in:
usd 253 turf
turf
energy costs
energy grant to schools
Got 1 result for soden grove turf.
February 6, 2011 at 10:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve,
I dont know the actual cost of the carpet field ! But if what the BOE said is true, they have a little over $2 million dollars left from the grant money, and the only use of grant money was for the carpet practice field ! The simple math is $2 million dollars left from $ 6 million dollars, means the practice field must have cost around $3 million dollars or more !
I really don' t recall if grant money was used for anything else or not !
February 6, 2011 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Steve,
I found this article in an archive for the Capital Journal (through a Google search).
It's an article on an EHS and ESU turf project ... the article has numbers, but not certain if this is the project in reference:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi...
February 6, 2011 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve,
If you wish to see the actual bids for the cost of the field at EHS go to the School districts site, http://www.usd253.org/home/ ,
Then click on public info, then click on budget info, then click on EHS FIELD BIDS, then click on click here to get file ! Then you can see the actual contractor bids !
If you wish to see which bid was approved ! Follow the above proceedure, except instead of clicking on EHS FIELD BIDS, click on FCIP FINAL PROJECT PRICING, elarge the document if necessary, then scroll down the list to EHS-NEW FOOTBALL FIELD TURF and move to the far right hand of that column and you will see that the chosen cost bid was $ 1,483,375.28 ! There are also other expenditures on the document you may want to look at ! But the football field is the largest, by far !!
I was wrong about the $ 3+ million price tag ! But the above figure is, in my opinion a big chunk of uneeded expenditure, that could have been put into other buildings, such as the Lowther schools !!
February 6, 2011 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Thanks for your very sensible reply about grand funds, methusla. Yes, that grant for artificial turf is a perfect example.
Now that we have this figure, I really have to question USD 253 about what they did with the rest of the grant. Here's what I lifted from the article newtoemporia provided:
"The $675,000 project is being split three ways. Emporia State and Emporia USD 253 are each paying one-quarter of the cost ($168,750), and one-half is a gift from the W.S. and E.C. Jones Testamentary Fund, which will include naming rights."
If Methusla is correct about the grant being $6 million, $170,000 is a tiny amount in comparison. I don't have a problem sharing the cost of the field with ESU since E-High uses that field. Neither do I have a problem with $170 thousand. I DO have a problem with what happened to the rest of the money.
Where is an accounting of this grant? I want to see a line item accounting too. No generalities accepted.
Chris Walker, I am putting the responsibility for this lack of information square on your shoulders. You are the Fourth Estate, guy. Why aren't you people asking these kind of questions about accounting from USD 253? From City Commission?
It can no longer just be good news and bows and lace. Knock it off already. Save all that for a society page. The questions posed here deserve answers and your reporters need to ask them. If they refuse to answer, report that. Before long they'll look like ants protesting a tornado.
February 6, 2011 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
create,
The ESU turf field, baseball field, track is listed under a whole seperate expenditure document that the FCIP federal monies as the EHS turf football field and track !
Which lead me to believe that the tow are totally seperate from one another !
February 6, 2011 at 2:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
For those who would don' t know what FCIP is and would like to know,
FCIP stands for Facility Conservation Improvement Program (FCIP) ! If you would like to learn more about it go to, http://www.kcc.ks.gov/energy/fcip/ind...
February 6, 2011 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
create,
The total FCIP price list for EHS and the other public schools is $5,895,657 and the ESU cost is not included in that list and the ESU field cost is not listed as a FCIP grant expenditure and ESU is not listed as being part or parcel of the 253 school district on the official school districts site, even under " other schools " !!!
February 6, 2011 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I have a question, does ESU fall under the jurisdiction of the EBOE or the ESD or is ESU a seperate entity presided over and under the jurisdiction of the State of Kansas, regents association !
And if ESU is a totally seperate entity from the EBOE and the ESD 253, then how would they be entitled to FCIP funding applied for and granted / given to USD 253 and the BOE ???
And if ESU, as a seperate entity, under the jurisdicion of anyone other than the BOE or USD 253, why was FCIP money given to ESU by USD 253 and the EBOE ??
I am not trying to stir anything up, I have an inquiring mind, that wants to know !!
February 6, 2011 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
sail, thanks for not saying "drunken Sailors" :>)
February 6, 2011 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
Thanks for the info, but it was for a different project for the University field, which our high school uses. I don't think this was part of any grant money and probably came from the general budget of usd253.
The newer project for the high school practice field was paid for with a energy cost savings grant from the feds. I think methusla found it on the usd 253 website, thanks meth.
February 6, 2011 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I have gone through all 31 pages of the 2010-2011 Profile Information, the Budget outline for USD 253, Emporia Public Schools site and could not find a $ 170, 000 dollare listing or donation to ESU for any part of a turf field, baseball field, track, etc. !
Unless it is listed under something entirely different !!
February 6, 2011 at 9:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
The article in the Capitol Jounal about the tootball turf field was dated, Topeka Capital-Journal, The, May 24, 2005 and the, from the article, Installation of the SuperTurf by A.T.G. Sports, of Andover, is to begin June 20 and is scheduled to be completed Aug. 1. 2005 !
That was before the FCIP grant ! Also the budget archives given to the Emporia public schools !
Another point of interest I discovered while roaming the Emporia Public Schools site, is the fact that the BOE' s Strategic Plan Implementation schedule , contains the following as the first item listed for year, years ( 05-06 ) !
Quote, " Reduce the number of transitions and increase the number of oppertunities for connections w/between students and teachers as they progress through their preK-12 experience in USD 253.
According to this info, the BOE had plans to move students back to neighborhood grade schools and close both Lowther buildings as far back as 2005-2006 !
So, one could assume that the BOE was formulating a plan to add on to the middle school as far back as 2005-2006 !
Remember when, several of us have said any plan put into action, either the City Commission or the BOE and their friends, cornies is not something that is approved of or thought of on the " spot, at the time " of making it public knowledge ?
Well, the BOE has had thought up this plan 5 to 6 years ago and does anyone remember any mention, 5 to 6 years ago of a plan to move students out of the Lowther buildings and close the Lowther buildings !!!
The same can be said of the " ROCKS " that the City Commission just approved funding for and made that plan public ! And the City Manaager and others used the excuse that the idea was thought of and suggested 10 years ago, however it was not implemented or made public at that time !
Think about it !
February 6, 2011 at 10:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here is a fitting song for the BOE and City Commission and their friends / cronies .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKzEQa...
February 6, 2011 at 10:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jasond (anonymous) says...
I haven't read all the postings here, but I'll throw in my 2 cents. The money spent on these "rocks" could be used for so many other things. Helping the hungry children here is just one of those things. The issue I have to raise, is employment. There are no new industries coming to Emporia. I have been off work since August 10, 2010, with no real promising prospects. I have lived in Emporia all of my life, and hate the idea of having to move, just to find a job. What are the "powers that be" doing to attract new employers to Emporia?
February 6, 2011 at 10:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
jason, good question to ask the candidates who are running for city commission. Please be sure to vote, and remember that whatever the old city commission has done, it has not led to new jobs in Emporia unless you count the people involved with the rocks which is a select few and temporary.
February 7, 2011 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here is a very recent piece of info, that might answer your question about jobs !
Factories boom, but with few new workers
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41415001/...
This may just change the whole equation of creating, attracting jobs !!
February 7, 2011 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
jasond, look in the classifieds, OF MANY PAPERS, not just this rag, and yes, sometimes people have to load up the old station wagon and go where the jobs are, oh if you have kids in school, they are getting fed at least 2 meals a day, if people have time to make kids, then make them something to EAT for the 3rd meal,
February 7, 2011 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
I'm not sure where to post this, but last night I remembered a documentary I watched, about a year ago, on PBS. The citizens of Portland, Maine started a project called "Hour Exchange". It's a group of 600+ Portland members (students, business people, organizations, individuals) who donate their skills and talents to help the community. Simply put, you help one person in need (anything from yard work to legal services) and you earn one service hour for every hour offered. Then, you can spend your hour(s) on any service that another member offers.
For example, an accountant is a member and provides an hour of free tax consultation. In return, they spend their hour receiving a free advertisement, in The Gazette or local radio, for their tax service. The salesperson in charge of the advertisement earns an hour and wants to exchange for a haircut at their beautician. The beautician wants to find something fun for their kids to do over a weekend, and learns the Granada (for example) is a member and would offer an hour tour with free samples at the end and cashes their hour on a tour. The Granada earns an hour and needs someone to help with a plumbing issue. And, the plumber uses the hour he earned from the Granada to hire someone to shovel snow from his elderly mother's sidewalk and driveway. And, so on and so forth. There was a retired person who owned a boat and cashed hours for boat rides. Someone can help paint a house. Someone can give a ride to a grocery store. A college student could tutor your child in math.
The entire concept was designed to help rebuild and sustain neighborhood networks and strengthen community as a result of their activities.
And businesses aren't loosing money. They are actually thriving because, even though you might give an hour of work, it could take several hours to complete the project. Or, after someone cashes one hour, they hire you (for a fee) to complete a larger job.
I thought this was a powerful statement from their website to why, even those who make a lot of money, join the group:
"We value time. When it comes down to it, time is all we have. We value people. Everyone has value, everyone’s time is equal, everyone has something to offer. The real economy is people. We value work. We value the work it takes to make healthy children, a healthy community, a sustainable future."
February 7, 2011 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I can see where that is a good idea. One caveat -- liability insurance. As long as it is in place, there shouldn't be a problem. We live in a litigious society.
February 7, 2011 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
create, I agree with you on legal concerns. It was founded by Richard Rockefeller, who is the son of David Rockefeller (the current patriarch of the family). I would think, from a legal standpoint, it would rock solid (no pun intended) . But, without knowing all the details, liability insurance would make a person (or community) err on the side of caution.
February 7, 2011 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
I found the video ... the Hour Project is one part of the documentary "Fixing the Future":
http://www.pbs.org/now/fixing-the-fut...
February 7, 2011 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I'm so glad you found that video. I liked it very much, and I hope many more of the people on the forum watch it. It's worth the time.
I'd love to be on that train from Fargo to St. Paul.
But getting back to this idea of Time Banking or a service exchange. That's just good old fashioned bartering, but with a bookeeping system.
I can see where some might not agree. Of course they wouldn't have to join, that's all. I could spend an hour teaching my plumber's child how to write a dynamite essay and he could spend an hour fixing something for me. However, I'm afraid that one hour of quilting wouldn't amount to much. Not much fairness there. But one hour spent fixing someone's quilt might be worth it.
Of course, this entire thing can only relate to time and each person would have to supply their own goods like pipes or electrical wire or lumber.
I like the idea that bartering is non taxable.
I remember working as the hostess at Country Kitchen years and years ago. Every now and then, some homeless person would come in and offer to do something in exchange for a meal, usually dishwashing or mopping up or cleaning the restrooms. The boss always cooperated. But it didn't happen often.
There was a time in this country when the hippies thought they could get a movement like this started. Unfortunately, in Hawaii where I am from, the hippies lost all sense of morality and their movement caused lots of hard feelings with the local people who were all too happy to send them back to California because they became a drain on the social system.
I'd love to see a local think tank sit together and watch that video. I wonder what would come out of it.
Finally, does Emporia have a happiness indicator? Are people happy here? I am. Are you?
February 7, 2011 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
After watching the video again, I had forgotten about the other towns. I'm not familiar with the co-op system, but that was a nice idea. Brenner Bank is an inspirational business.
I also hope the people on the forum and local leaders watch the video. It has a powerful and uplifting message.
I'm certain, if these groups unite, many community pioneers will emerge.
With regards to Time Banking, a person would have to pay for materials. If I wanted my house painted, I would buy the paint and materials. But, gosh, to have a professional painter lend an hour ... that would save so much time and I would learn some pointers as we paint together.
Not to mention, next time someone needs their house painted, I would give that person a glowing reference.
As you said, "I'm afraid that one hour of quilting wouldn't amount to much. Not much fairness there. But one hour spent fixing someone's quilt might be worth it.".
Exactly. Or, someone could use an hour of their time and pay, with cash, for the remaining hours to quilt a blanket.
Or, maybe it could be an hour by hour quilting lesson. Every time you bank an hour, you want to use the hour to learn how to quilt. It would take a while to make a quilt, but you'd be learning in the process and forming a friendship.
Even if a person has money and wouldn't need to cash their hours on a service (pluming, painting, etc), they could cash their hour and send their grandchild's 3rd class or a Sunday school class to an orchard or a hayrack ride.
Bartering has developed a negative stigma. The homeless person with a sign: "Will work for food."
But, when you get to the core of bartering: We all have a talent. We all have a need or we all know someone with a need.
Instead of spending an hour on the internet (unless your talent is web design), why couldn't we use that hour to help another person?
"With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world." - Dalai Lama
A happiness indicator, in the form of a question, would be a great poll for The Gazette.
February 7, 2011 at 7:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I agree about a happiness indicator in the Gazette. Your mentioning the Dalai Lama certainly brings up a happy man. He is always smiling. Then too, he is always looking at the positive perspective in all kinds of things, even saying that we must admit that evil does exist and how we must learn to deal with it.
Now, back to the rocks. I see on tonight's KSNT news that Emporia is mentioned as a possibility of a stop with regard to a rail system of travel to be initiated from Fort Worth to Kansas City.
That perked my ears up plenty. I hope the city realizes what a mistake they made with these damn rocks. One hundred thousand dollars could have gone a long, long way toward developing something down at what is left of the train depot.
Ever been there? It's on Neosho Street. It used to be a big beautiful building made of limestone. Then they tore it down once Amtrak stopped service here and gave all the rocks and bricks away. I have a couple of the bricks in my garden.
At any rate, I hope Emporia is ready to do something to attract that rail stop. The time to jump in to that pool is NOW. If we don't, Strong City will get that stop.
February 7, 2011 at 11:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
create,
You are right about the passanger and freight depot being great and wonderful places, I can remeber when Emporia was a large bustling Sana Fe hub, division point and did you know that at one time there was a " HARVEY HOUSE " to I believe it was the North East of the depot !!
Take a look, http://atsfrr.net/resources/Sandifer/...
February 7, 2011 at 11:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jasond (anonymous) says...
I just remembered reading an article in the gazette about the graffiti problem in Emporia. I just wonder how long it'll be after these "rocks" are erected before they're tagged.....
February 8, 2011 at 3:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
didn't the depot catch fire and burn down?
Anyway you are right, action is needed now, and not just in the form of a letter. We need to do something like my depot/ park idea to really show the railroad we mean "BUSINESS" !
And it can all be done with the transient guest tax from motels, not sales tax.
February 8, 2011 at 6:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Yes, Steve, I seem to remember it did catch fire. But the limestone would have been okay. I always wondered why they tore it down. But that would have been Santa Fe doing that, right?
A friend of mine built a beautiful pond in his backyard from some of that limestone.
Also Steve, as soon as I heard this news on TV last night, I immediately thought of you because you had some really good ideas about a depot.
Methusla, thanks so much for the pictures. Since that Harvey House was east of the depot, I guess the building that is there now must have had more than one story at one time.
Such a neat picture from the Anderson Collection too. Wow, wouldn't it be a great idea to put in something that is a turn-of-the-century design since it would reflect on our downtown?
I sure hope this goes somewhere.
February 8, 2011 at 7:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
After reading your post on the news story, I e-mailed my idea to the commission and city manager a couple of candidates, and even Steve Sauder. I realize the plan would not be well received by some, (CVB), as it would cut their budget. But it may have some workable ideas and we need to act soon or you will be proved right. Strong City will get the stop.
I truly think it is past time to do things as usual and keep allocating all the motel tax money into the CVB every year. It's time to change things and see if new ideas can work. At least that money would be spent on something concrete for our town, instead of local newspaper and radio advertising extolling our local champions.
February 8, 2011 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Absolutely on your last. I'm glad you e-mailed them. I want to find that news story so I can provide a link. Will go try to find it. Part of the impetus for this comes from the federal government. I remember Obama and Biden pushing rail travel throughout the country as a way of communities to develop themselves and provide employment.
February 8, 2011 at 8:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve, create,
The depot was torn down by a private demolition firm, hired by the Santa Fe, because the Santa Fe did not want to be liable for anyone injured in or around the abandoned building !
Yes what was left of the building, did burn, before it could be completely torn down and dispossed of and the fire, I believe, was officially ruled as " ARSON ", since several eyewitnesses, reported seeing someone run from the scene immediately before the fire was discovered and reported !
I was so sad to see it being torn down, as I have many, many fond memories of my father taking me there with him to set his R.R. time piece, as he called it to R.R. tiime that was displayed on the old pendulum wall clock that hung in the telegraph office at the Depot ! At that time, my father worked for the Santa Fe, here in Emporia and it was a requirement of the Santa Fe that every R.R. employee of the R.R. have a watch and that the watch was to be cleaned and regulated on a regular bases and certified by an approved R.R. jeweler that the watch had been cleaned, regulated and could keep time accurately and then the employee was required to have the watch set to R. R. time, either by them selves or a R.R. time agent that was appointed by the R.R. to do so ! Which, I believe at the time was either the ticket agent or the chief telegrapher at the R.R. telegraph office !! Anyway, thats how I remember it !
I used to really look forward to going with my father to the depot to have this done and watching the trains and the hustle and bustle of the R.R. dept !
And I still have my fathers gold R.R. pocket watch and get it out, wind it, and still have it cleaned and checked, just as he had done when I was a but a kid !
There I go getting all teary and sentimental again !
I love and miss you " Pop " and " Mom ", and those times with you, so much !!!
Sorry, Steve, create and all, for being a sentimental, somewhat lonely old man !!!
February 8, 2011 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good story about your father's watch, Methusla. No problem with getting teary-eyed. We all get that way from time to time.
One day, soon after my father died, I asked the custodian who cleaned my classroom how often he thought of his late father who had died many, many years before. He said, "Everyday. I go out to the barn and use a tool he used, or do something the way he taught me, I think of him." I knew then that I wasn't obsessing about my own parents because I too think of them every day, even if only for a moment. Thinking of our late parents is a testament to the good relationships we had with them. Some are not so lucky.
February 8, 2011 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good news. I heard back from KSNT news this morning on that rail service news story. They said they did not file the story on their web site, however, they did obtain the info from the following website.
I checked it out and there is a good deal of info about this, giving a variety of dates. Wichita sure is "on board."
http://northernflyeralliance.org/
February 8, 2011 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
GREAT story Meth, I too remember the station fondly and enjoyed the trains coming to a stop, releasing the air brakes, folks hurrying to depart, as well as those who were boarding, listening to the 'NOW BOARDING TO", all the sounds of the old time engines. I do wonder what ever happened to the huge clock that hung from above, good memories meth, and so glad you have your fathers watch, what a timepiece, what a piece of time gone.
February 8, 2011 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
My grandpa retired from Santa Fe. I still have his employees boarding pass. Wonder if it still works. I'll have to give it a try when we get passenger rail service again. Emporia will probably get the RDA involved and when the folks at BNSF takes one look at those self serving hijackers, they will skip Euphoria and choose Strong City since that town didn't bend them over for taxes on a mothballed building back in the day.
February 8, 2011 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
You know if some people would just take the time and look back into their or their citys history, they just might learn something that may just take them into the future !!
I can certainly remember when almost everyone traveled, vacationed, toured various areas and Citys of this great nation and shipped almost exclusively by Rail and Passanger Rail Service was the main mode and quite possibly the cheapest mode of traveling and shipping from one City to another or traveling from your town / city to or close to your favorite vacation / tourist destination / spot or realtives city ! And there is no reason that cannot be a mode of travel, tourism, jobs creation, city growth, etc. again !
Sometimes looking back and thinking an learning from the past, will, as I said take you into the future and bring everyone along !!!
How many jobs do you think would be created if the City of Emporia, were to get the approval and rights from BNSF to build a passanger Depot at the old site of the original depot, with a building that may reflect some of the past depot ?
Just think, possible the LCAT could even expand to a service from the depot to other destinations in Emporia and the taxi company may just also see an increase in business also, as well as other businesses in Emporia. This could or might even lead to building a centralized freight distribution center near the R.R. that would recieve freight shipped on the R.R. to local businesses, etc, who knows what other delivery of locally bound freight / goods services may be born also !!!
I am pretty sure goods shipped by R.R. service is more cost effective and energy saving than by Truck !!
February 8, 2011 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
so true about the rda! Does anyone know how many tracks go through Strong City? If they do have a side track, They do have a station already. Emporia may well lose, AGAIN!
February 8, 2011 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
REWB,
I do so agree with you about the RDA, as well as most of the other organizations as well and so do some of the commission candidates !
I see no reason why the City itself could not handle the whole thing, without hiring an outside, high priced, " Consulting Firm "or bypassing the RDA,COC, CVB, etc., entirely ! Does the City have no one on the Commission, on the City payroll that knows how or is capable of doing this ! Hummm, perhaps not and this is why the push for a high paid City Planner !
And even with a City Planner, the City Commission and City Manager and the Power behind these will still have to approve of any ideas of the City Planner or put a " bug " in the City Planners ear as to what they " Want " !! The only thing the people of the City will gain is more " Loss of funds " by paying for a City Planner and higher fees and taxes, in order to pay yet another high paid " Puppet " of Emporias " Powers that be " !
And if a City Planner is hired, how will the need for a City Manager be justified ??
Isn' t a City Manager, also supposed capable of City Planning ?
Afterall doesn' t the City have the RDA, COC, CVB, EBF, MAINSTREET, etc., that is doing and controlling all of the City Planning in the first place ??
February 8, 2011 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
BNSF Railroad Company has donated the Strong City Santa Fe Depot to the City. The City has received a Transportation Enhancement Grant in the amount of $468,951 from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for complete restoration. The grant will pay for 80% of the restoration cost and the city needs to raise the additional 20% in matching funds in the amount of $122,441. The W.S. & E.C. Jones Testamentary Trust has pledged $30,000, the Wiedeman Foundation has pledged $10,000 toward the restoration as have two local families. We have received many various donations and pledges for a total of $78,863.88. The remaining funds will be provided by tax credits.
February 8, 2011 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
justaflushaway,
If I remember correctly, Strong City has a double track main through line( track) and if I recall correctly 2 siding tracks on the East side and West side of Strong City and I don' t really remember whether the passanger depot is still there or not !
I have not been to Strong City for quite some time, I no longer have relatives there or Cottonwood Falls !!!
February 8, 2011 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Let's be careful here. We can't expect city commission members to do city planning which is a sophisticated position that requires know-how. Besides, city commissioners only get $500 per month as a fee for serving. I wouldn't tackle city planning anything for 5 bills a month.
No, city planning needs to be done by a professional with engineering experience, business acumen, land use development knowledge and that sort of thing.
February 8, 2011 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
We are already paying for the RDA, (until 2024), so this Northern Flyer Alliance thing should be on the list of things they are actively working on now. As far as a depot the size and scope of the old one, we don't need that. A clean inviting drop off for passengers is all. That is what this Passenger Rail thing is about.
Freight Service will probably be Gardners deal.
February 8, 2011 at 12:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Well, sounds as if Strong City already has a head start on a passanger rail service stop as does Wichita ! Oh, well !
February 8, 2011 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Wonder if Strong City is going to or has already put up any expensive entrance " ROCKS " !!
February 8, 2011 at 1:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Strong City is waaaayyyyy ahead of us. Wow, RDA.
How about the CVB? $10,000 one-time ad in "O" buys the start of a small something at the depot. Or...
Ten grand in a kitty is seed money for bigger things down there.
February 8, 2011 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
On the other hand, I just ran across the ten most miserable places to live.
http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.a...
February 8, 2011 at 6:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Lets go outside the box.With Obama wanting to go green there might be some Fed.money for grants the city could get.We (the city) could start our own solar or wind turbin plant. Get someone in the Fed. Gov. to mandate all military and gov, buildings have to have their energy needs met by solar power man just think of all the panels and hardware needed to do this. Might take 500 to 600 workers. The wind turbins might be to late to get seeing there already a few being built here in the state.
I mention to one of our state reps. that there is or was 2 oil pipelines coming into the state and ask if there was a chance to look into getting a oil refinery here in town or the state ( this might upset tree huggers) also asked if we might have more wind farms in which we could turn around and sale the energy out of state. All I got was a blow off. Crazy ideas I know but got to start somewhere
February 8, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Wed. words from Steve Sauder was pretty good today. He's still blasting anonymous posters. He even answered Bill's letter here.
He signed off with his name and address, going all the way up to planet earth. I'm glad he made that clear, I was beginning to wonder what planet he was from.
According to the radio, the city commission will not be discussing the entrance rocks at today's meeting because of scheduling changes, Who's schedule? Where is Steve? Florida? Gosh I'm jealous.
February 9, 2011 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
HERE IS THE LINK:
http://www.kvoe.com/somethin.htm
February 9, 2011 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
JUST HEARD,
CITY COMMISSION MEETING CANCELED !
GOOD.
February 9, 2011 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Oh my, the only response to ole Stevie Sauder's comment on the kvoe.com/somethin.htm site, is,
Holy Crap shades of reddog !!
Are these two related in some way, shape or form !!!
And why should Stevie Sauder and company run for a Commission seat when they can influence and control the Commission and Commissioners from the comfort of their Ivory Towers, as members of the RDA, COC, CVB, EBF and almost every other organization that is syphoning taxpayer money from City coffers and influencing and controlling every aspect of City and Commission decisions thru your attached, other, second head, The City Manager !!
As I see it, this citizen/taxpayer/voter/annonymous blogger, uprising/revolt is viewed by you Steve Sauder and company as a threat to your control over the City, Commission, Commissioners and your lowly subjects, you know the people you view as not being on the same plane as you and your croneis ! You know, " THE PEOPLE OF EMPORIA " , the ones who are being forced to pay for the things you want, instead what is genuinely need by " All of the People of Emporia " !
You once quoted a saying your father used to say ! I believe it went something like, " Don' t give till it hurts, Give till it makes you feel good " or something to that affect !
Well, Steve Sauder, We The People are finally " Sick and tired of Giving, To make you and your cronies feel Good and making us, " The People Hurt " !
It is time that " We All of the People " took control of our local government and made ourselves " Feel Good " and force " Our local Government " to do what is " Useful, Needed by All of The People and make " All of The People " feel good instead of hurting for a change !!
Finally, name alone, does not give you or what you say credibility ! If you don' t think this is true, then I suggest you read and understand the following,
cred·i·bil·i·ty noun \ˌkre-də-ˈbi-lə-tē\
Definition of CREDIBILITY
1: the quality or power of inspiring belief
2: capacity for belief <strains her reader's credibility — Times Literary Supplement
Signed, An anonymous blogger !
February 9, 2011 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Oh, I forgot !
Something to THINK about
February 9, 2011 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Yeah, it was plain to see that Steve Sauder is not going to listen to anyone else. We all tried to explain the idea behind anonymous posts, but nope, he's not buying it. I doubt if he ever will.
What difference does it make if he knows who I am? What's he gonna do, check my credit? Do a police check? Ask around town? Look up where I live? Check if my property taxes are paid?
Already, when Phil Dillon wrote his article about the rocks controversy, he received a call from Jamie Sauder.
So if I identify myself, is Jamie Sauder going to call me too? Oh, I hope not for his sake.
February 9, 2011 at 12:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
How many pro rock comments been posted?
February 9, 2011 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaRocks (anonymous) says...
Including KB's? Or not including KB's since he pretty much retracked them?
February 9, 2011 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaRocks (anonymous) says...
retracted them.
whoops
February 9, 2011 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I don't believe he retracted. He more or less danced around the subject distancing himself from responsibility. He seemed to be supportive if there were a chance to personally benefit but was against the placement if it were not on land that he would sell or lease. That is how I read his coded messages regarding the stones.
I have nothing to gain either way. I am for beautification at the entryways of Emporia. I believe that if we hired professionals to pretty them up it would cost upwards of 100K just in landscaping. The mental picture I have for the entryways is much better than the photo shopped picture that we paid nearly 30K for. Rocks look like tombstones and if there were one at my driveway, I would tear it out and replace it with some fruit trees, shrubberies and flowers that will astonish viewers with a blast of color from early spring through late fall.
February 9, 2011 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )