goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

Unless this came from private funds this is still a bad move. $100 says the jerks that tagged the murals downtown are all over these in short time. That is going to be so inviting!

Lower the taxes on the hotels! We have 100's of people streaming into Wolf Creek in the next month. We need to do everything we can to capture that dollar instead of letting it go to Topeka, Ottawa, and Olathe. None of which by the way have entrance monuments as fancy as ours.

February 16, 2011 at 9:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Emporia_Mom (anonymous) says...

Move to Emporia! stay in Emporia! Why you ask, because we have ROCKS!

February 16, 2011 at 9:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

allintogether (anonymous) says...

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

February 16, 2011 at 9:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

Attaboy, Steve! You made this all possible. Can't wait for the rocks!
'enry

February 16, 2011 at 9:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

posting this information for those that would like to send comments:

To contact the Commissioners: Call (620) 343-4250

Send correspondence to: P. O. Box 928 Emporia, KS 66801
Mayor - Jim Kessler

jkessler@emporia-kansas.gov

Vice-Mayor - Kevin Nelson

knelson@emporia-kanas.gov

City Commissioner - Bobbie Agler

bagler@emporia-kansas.gov

City Commissioner - Julia Johnson

jjohnson@emporia-kansas.gov

February 16, 2011 at 9:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justaflushaway (anonymous) says...

Anyone know if any of those idiiots voted against still putting them up?

February 16, 2011 at 9:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mds (anonymous) says...

what a waste of money stupid idiots

February 16, 2011 at 9:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

railroadhorn (anonymous) says...

This is insane. And did you hear Sauder's blog today trying to say I'm not an Emporian because my old e-mail address contained the word Texas? He thought I was Tim Wright the CPA. Ha! There's more than one person in this town with the same name. But it's still business as usual.

February 16, 2011 at 9:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

netloafer (anonymous) says...

It appears that no formal action was needed and all the commissioners agreed with this approach.

I think it demonstrates that our current commissioners are totally out of touch with the community. Their interest is legacy, not people.

We need change.....BADLY!!!

February 16, 2011 at 9:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

I'll take all the razzing you can throw out there because;

1. No matter what I thought about the rocks, they WERE a done deal.

2. The continued bickering wasn't doing anyone any good.

3. The transient guest tax is in no way going to be lowered and we locals don't pay it.

4. The special parks fund is from a tax on clubs for liquor the patrons drink, which will also never be reduced so now we drinkers will know that our getting stoned made the stones possible.

5. The $101,165.00 cost of this can go back into the multi year fund to be used for real infrastructure, like sidewalks, streets, sewer.

A perfect plan? Nope, but given the circumstances it's better than just bitching about it.

February 16, 2011 at 9:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

gogreen (anonymous) says...

Those rocks need to read...."Sweet Jesus Nowhere". Welcome.

February 16, 2011 at 9:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

Thank you, Steve, for helping put this runaway train on a safer track. There was no stopping it, but by setting this precedent in logic, you hopefully stopped others from being so carelessly let out of control.

Frankly, though, I think a bunch of stupid rocks are the perfect mascots for a town this stupid. It's not just our elected officials, people. At least 40% of you are too ignorant or self-absorbed to turn on your headlights in a dense fog and another probably 30% of you think that parking lights and daytime running lights will do the trick. News flash: daytime running lights don't include your tail lights which can be very handy for people behind you to see you. Parking lights simply aren't bright enough, especially on dirty cars...and after all that snow, most of our cars were dirty today.
Yup. Perfect mascots.

February 16, 2011 at 10:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

I would have rather had a visitor's center......

At least then I could take my dog out there and leave a souvenir.

February 16, 2011 at 10:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hometownkid (anonymous) says...

How many of you cry baby sissy's where there except for steve tonight?? No one was there to talk about this issue and you side line quarterbacks just want to sit back and complain !!! Get off your asses and get out from behind your computers!!! Do something, get involved and wake up !!

February 16, 2011 at 10:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jasond (anonymous) says...

Emporia is not the same town I remember growing up in. Emporia has changed a lot, and not for the better. I have lived in Emporia my whole life, it will always be my home town. Unless some things change/improve, I'm afraid I will no longer be a resident of Emporia. Those in power need to make relevant decisions that improve Emporia.

February 16, 2011 at 10:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hometownkid (anonymous) says...

I swear if most of you bloggers got a sack full of money, you would bitch about the sack !!!

February 16, 2011 at 10:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Steve, nice job! Believe we ALL knew they were a "done deal" before the public was ever aware of what was going on. At least tis closer to what purse they should use for their major "mistake". Also, as you said, gives a new meaning to "getting stoned"!!!! Just wish they were closer to use as a "leaning" post, then we could say they truly serve a purpose.

February 16, 2011 at 10:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

hometownkid,

I wasn't at the meeting tonight, but had talked with Jim and Kevin earlier about some thoughts and ideas. I did watch it on t.v. though and there was just one person who stood up and spoke for the rocks. She also didn't have very much good to say about the anonymous bloggers, (posters) on here.

February 16, 2011 at 10:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

i didn't agree with her on that either.

February 16, 2011 at 10:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

hometownkid,

I work in KC, live in Emporia. My schedule did not allow me to attend. I emailed letters to all of commissioners with my thoughts, signed my name, had some correspondence with a 2 of them.

Like Steve I knew it was going happen, I figured they would just play the shell game with the expense, ironic that they are want to stick it to very tourists they think will flock here by using the hotel tax money. I'm sure those rocks will make $4-$5 a gallon gas an afterthought.

I'm also sure that when each of them is voted out that it will be all the bloggers faults, just like it is our fault that business does not come here, or tourism, or whatever they dream up. Easier to blame us then to admit failure. Easier to say all of us are out of town strangers then to face the fact that the general public is aware, and upset.

February 16, 2011 at 10:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

"hometownkid (anonymous) says...
I swear if most of you bloggers ........"

That was classic! Thank you! I truly enjoyed that laugh. I love it when a "blogger" tries to separate him or herself by griping about people griping. It really never gets old for me, no matter how often it's attempted. biscuitboy always got a kick out of it too.

Disclaimer: I'm not a "blogger." I have no blog. I just comment here. The closest I come to blogging is an occasional Facebook status update.

February 16, 2011 at 10:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

apierich (anonymous) says...

I do think we all knew it was going to happen one way or another, but it did need to be done in a more appropriate way than it was and I am glad that you got that message out there Steve.

To those who say all people do online is whine and don't do anything to get anything done, perhaps you should look at it another way. Personally, I don't really have a way to go to these meetings because I have this thing called responsability. My first responsability, before the town or even the street, is to my three very young children. You see, my husband goes to school during the day to get a degree to become a teacher and therefore works nights. In order for me to actually be able to attend one of these meetings I would have to use money, that has a better use on practical things like keeping my electric on or a roof over my kids heads or even the internet which I am using right now so that my husband can study at home in the wee hours of the morning before he starts it all over again the next day, on a baby sitter (oh, and one of my kids has had a fever for the last two days, wouldn't be a good idea to leave her with a sitter anyway) to go to this meeting to tell someone else they need to take more responsability and make more responsible decisions with the whole towns money? Hmm, that would be a tad hypocritical in my book and as I said before my kids are my number one responsability above all else. I like reading and partaking in these forums to become more educated about the issues in this city and I have never had a problem telling anyone exactly what I think to their face, in fact that is a personality flaw that has probably hurt me in life just as much as it has helped me. Don't think that everyone who posts on here is just getting on here to argue and fight then hide when it is time for something to be done, some may be but a majority are not. Try to think about the actual group you are stereotyping before you do so.

February 16, 2011 at 10:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lowereastside (anonymous) says...

I still don't like the rocks but at least a better choice for funding was agreed on and maybe they can actually use the sales tax money to improve my street. Our asphalt is crumbling, we have no curbs, we have no sidewalks, and my water meter has sunk so far into the ground it is about 10" below the surface of the ground. We don't even have proper ditches. And yes folks the east side of the bridge is still part of the city no matter where they decide to place the "pet rocks".

February 16, 2011 at 10:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

hometownkid:
Tell me more about Tim-Buck-To. Is there a children's fiction book in the works? Is this a person or a place?

February 16, 2011 at 10:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justthefacts (anonymous) says...

I'll stick with the "Hard Rock Cafe" thank you very much!

February 16, 2011 at 10:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

citizen1 (anonymous) says...

again Emporia is the laughing stalk of Kansas!

February 16, 2011 at 11:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hogan77 (anonymous) says...

Well, when I visit Emporia again, I can point at the big "male anatomy" shaped rocks and laugh. I said it before, and will say it again. They will not make me visit more often than I already do, and thank God that I have a place to stay- other than a hotel with high taxes attached to my bill!

February 16, 2011 at 11:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

Want to bet when some kids spray paint gang crap on these they blame us?

February 17, 2011 at 12:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mslater (Matt Slater) says...

Forget about the commissioners. We can vote them out in April. Don't waste your time emailing them. Send your emails to the CVB. They are the ones who came up with this incredibly stupid idea in the first place, and they're not eligible to be replaced in this (or any) election. Here's their email address:

visitors@emporiakschamber.org

and here is their facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Emporia...

Anyone else find it amusing that only 111 people like the CVB?

Let THEM know what you think of their bright ideas.

Matt

February 17, 2011 at 12:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

I don't understand why the commissioners did not have a public hearing when I asked for it. I was upset when I found out that Downtown Emporia would not be represented at east Emporia or at highway 99east as both entry ways were not from the interstate and as Jamie Sauder was the Chairman and his dad Steve Sauder owns Candlewood Sutes, this is a big sham and a discrase to the Emporia Champer of Commerce. I would encourage you to not vote for anyone that belongs to this aristocratic organization. THEY ARE NOT FOR THE PEOPLE AND I WILL NOT RENEW MY MEMBERSHIP. I WAS ON THE COMMITTEE FOR THE ROCKS BUT, THEY BRUSHED ME ASIDE AND THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE DEALING WITH REDDOG, OH NO, THEY ARE DEALING WITH THE PIT BULL. WE NEED CANDIDATES THAT DO NOT BELONG TO THE CHAMBER. THEY THINK THEY CONTROL EMPORIA AND MAYBE THEY DO, BUT I AM A REBEL.

February 17, 2011 at 12:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING, BUT MY CONSCIENCE CAUGHT UP WITH ME..

February 17, 2011 at 12:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

I called into kvoe on the commissioner forum and the first thing they asked was, are you campaiging, and I said, "far be it from me. Afterwards I thought, I guess they think I am a big threat to the elite of Emporia, and I never even thought about that.

February 17, 2011 at 12:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

The Emporia elete sit me up for embarassment, but guess what, I was 30 miles down the road on them. I know what they are going to do before they do it.

February 17, 2011 at 1:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Quack, there isn't another canidate that has the guts to come on this forum and take the insults like I do and I think in my heart this is the canidate the people want and not the one who spends the most money and all those direct mail posters..

February 17, 2011 at 1:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

STEVE CORBIN IS THE HERO ON THIS DEAL AND I THOUGHT ALL ALONG THE MONEY WAS COMING FROM THIS ENITY THAT STEVE SUGGESTED.

February 17, 2011 at 1:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

WHO CAN TAKE YOUR MONEY, THE GOVERNMENT CAN.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO2eh6...

February 17, 2011 at 1:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

rabblerouser (anonymous) says...

Making a Silk purse out of a Sow's Ear! Not hardly!

February 17, 2011 at 4:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

booker5m (anonymous) says...

Take from Peter and pay Paul.Remember to vote them out

February 17, 2011 at 6:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sail (anonymous) says...

Well, hope the taggers drop off two big round barb wire balls and plant lots of big bluestem grass at the base.......the best thing about these rocks is,the elected elite now have the attention of the voters, and we voters will be watching.

February 17, 2011 at 7:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

alfalfa (anonymous) says...

I don't know what is the most interesting aspect of this story. That rocks can go from costing $1000 a piece out of a quarry to the enormous final price tag once "Emporia" is carved on them. Maybe it is the cost of designing what amounts to a very large limestone corner post(I could have done that, for less money). Perhaps it is thinking adults elected to represent taxpayers and spend their money wisely seem to honestly believe that these rocks will somehow benefit Emporia economically, and, they believed it so fervently that even with very obvious and widespread public opposition to the rocks, they stuck to their guns, and spent the money anyway.

All of those aspects of this story are interesting, but I think the most interesting aspect is the way Steve Sauder obsesses over people using this site for what it is designed for, and the Gazette doesn't have the "stones" to defend their own site. In fact, over the last few months the Gazette from time to time likes to take pot shots at their own users. For a "suburban Emporian" like myself, who was never really educated on the political realities of Emporia and the apparent clique of people (many unelected) who appear to at least try to run things, this has been an eye opener.

This never was a great idea, the price tag is far too high, and considering all the budget angst schools, counties, the state, and municipalities are facing now and will face for quite some time, it is a horrible misuse of public funds. If it is such a great idea, fund it privately.

As for the attempt to discredit people posting anonymously on this site, take that up with the Gazette Mr. Sauder. There have been plenty of explanations as to why people don't use their real names, I am not going back over them, the fact remains this site is being used exactly as it was intended. Apparently, the little people having such easy access to media is a thorn in the side of some of Emporia's elite, and I think that is fabulous.

These are monuments alright, they are monuments to elected officials who are completely out of touch with the realities most of us live with, and just how much money $100000 is to most of us. They are monuments to an elitist "let them eat cake" attitude.

February 17, 2011 at 7:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

custom (anonymous) says...

Hey Corbin, how was dinner with Kevin and Jim?

February 17, 2011 at 7:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

custom (anonymous) says...

I guess the commission is getting done exactly what they want. I have heard of four people in the last 2 weeks that are moving out of town. I probably won't be far behind. So iI guess they are planning on being the last ones standing.

February 17, 2011 at 7:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

booker5m (anonymous) says...

With all those against these rocks and so few for them why does the commish feel this is the right thing to do?

February 17, 2011 at 7:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

booker5m (anonymous) says...

I am trying to remember but didn't someone say that the go ahead was given to start this project without a formal vote? If this is true with enough emails to the AG office someone might comedown do some research on this?

February 17, 2011 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

alfalfa,

Your assesment of this whole menagerie that is the elected government of Emporia and those who are actually in charge of the elected government of Emporia and Emporia itself is exactly on the " MARK " and you understand perfectly how things are decided and done in Emporia, even if you do not live in Emporia !

The true and absolute control of the decision making of how, why, when where, and how much to spend or is spent does not lie in the hands of the City Commission or all of the people of Emporia, but lies in the hands of the few members of the Boards, Committiees, Organizations that are influencing the City Commission / Commissioners !

I was under the dillusion that possibly we, the people might just be able to change things, for the better , with the upcoming Commissioner vote ! But I have finally come out of my dilussional dream and truely know that things will not change, even after the vote !

I did not attend the Commission meeting, as I have come to the realization that, " RESISTANCE IS FUTILE " !

February 17, 2011 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

I have absolutely given up on Emporia ! But not on the idea of finding a better, more affordable place to live !

February 17, 2011 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

booker5m (anonymous) says...

That is just what they hope you will do give up.we need to keep being a pain in the butt and the bigger the better. My writing is awful as you can tell. But you do a great job with words so keep it up!

February 17, 2011 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

sail, your statement;

."..the best thing about these rocks is,the elected elite now have the attention of the voters, and we voters will be watching."

will hopefully ring true.

But I would wager you a scotch, that even with 11 candidates running for office, and this election will decide a majority on the commission, the voter turn out will be less than 20% of registered voters.

custom,

No dinner, but we did have coffee and talked about several different issues regarding the cities future. I appreciate them taking the time to meet and talk after I sent them an e-mail. They didn't have to do it.

It was a very frank and open exchange of ideas. They know I was against the rocks idea, but at least they considered the idea on the funding aspect, which was my main concern.

I would say maybe that is an example of compromise, something seriously lacking in politics today.

February 17, 2011 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mslater (Matt Slater) says...

Let's summarize this:

$101,000 for the rocks, plus another $40,000 for landscaping equals $141,000.

We could have gotten any of these for $141,000:

*$10k/yr for 14 years for 4th of July Fireworks (anyone else remember THAT fiasco a couple of years ago?)

*5 new city workers @ ~$12.50/hr

*300 Miles of unpaved hiking and biking trails

*6,714 potholes fixed @ $21/pothole

* 2,350 ft of sewer line @ $60/ft.

*1 new fire truck for the EFD

*2 new cars, and 10 new bicycles for the EPD

If nothing else, it would have been $141,000 paid back on our $60+ Million Dollar Debt. And you spent it on rocks. Rocks.

Matt

February 17, 2011 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mslater (Matt Slater) says...

By the way, Sauder, here's 12 people on facebook in 30 minutes who think this is a terrible idea. How about that for anonymity?

http://www.facebook.com/emporiagazette

Matt

February 17, 2011 at 9:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

methusla,

Don't even talk like that. We do have a say ! We have the election which will decide the majority of the commission, if WE get out and vote.

Now my cheerleading bit;

After a 4 year absence from town, (Navy), I came back to town. Lived here ever since.
Great town and the main reason it is, is the people who live here. Over the years we have all stayed busy making a living, and grown complacent about how things are done in local government.

Now times are hard and we all have our complaints, but I think we can still be a great town in which to live. It took a while for Emporia to get into this shape and a lot of it was no-ones fault, really. It will take time and EVERYONES effort to get back on track.

Don't let a few setbacks sour you completely on Emporia. I really think the old ways of doing things are changing and people like those of us on this forum can and will make a difference.

February 17, 2011 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sail (anonymous) says...

Steve, you have a bet on the 20%..... COME ON PEOPLE ,WE GET ALL THE GOV. WE DESERVE VOTE......."v"

February 17, 2011 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

mslater

Matt, if the city follows through with the different funding on this that money will now be available for those projects. At least 101K of it. Like your idea on potholes and sewer lines.
Stay safe over there !

February 17, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mslater (Matt Slater) says...

Thanks Steve! Kinda hard to do wearing a bright red hat, but hey, GO CHIEFS! haha

After this fiasco, I personally see no reason to give the CVB another $375k next year, or the year after for that matter. Again, the City is $60+Million in debt, and drastic cuts have to be made somewhere. $375k/yr would put a good dent in that debt repayment. Also, personally I can't see how that much money is returned to the city, let alone bringing in more.

Matt

February 17, 2011 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yev_kassem (anonymous) says...

Does anyone else find it troubling that a "lowly bar owner" found an acceptable solution to the problem and that the commission made up of "wonderful high achieving business owners" couldn't?

No offense Steve.

February 17, 2011 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Quack (anonymous) says...

Hippity, Hoppity, flippity, floppity, watch the reddog dance down the trail..The nice thing is that in our system everyone gets a say. Even if they change the key of the song they are singing half way through. I think I'll vote for Bobbi Mlynar, write in Steve Corbin, and hope for the best for the town.

Methusla, stay in town, and while you are at it..end of the year, get on a city appointed commission- you have great ideas, and need to be part of discussions beyond here please..You too Corbin

February 17, 2011 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

booker5m (anonymous) says...

Steve has common sense and we know that is lacking downtown

February 17, 2011 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

I'm so happy to be getting something to look at on my way into town besides that plastic jug of urine that has been sitting on the side of the road at the roundabouts for the past week.

February 17, 2011 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Good post, matt. Yes, drastic cuts are being made all over the state including law enforcement. And here we are spending a ton of money on blasted rocks! It's time to cut the funding of CVB and start repaying that $60 million debt.

Matt's list is a sensible one of what other things can be done with that hundred grand too, especially pot holes and sewer line. Matt for write in candidate.

Good post, alfalfa.

Changing the source of funds does not change the fact that this is still a gross misuse of public funds, regardless of the source of those funds.

Those rocks are overpriced to begin with and a yes vote was nothing more than robbing peter to pay paul and a support for cronies, just as it always has been.

February 17, 2011 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Good point, yev. No offense, Steve, but I thought that exact same thing last night as I watched the meeting. I can't believe these commissioners couldn't come up with such a "compromise," such as it is. I can't believe the highly paid city manager didn't think of something similar and at least whisper it in their ears beforehand.

Yes, I watched the meeting and did not attend since parking was such a problem for me and I don't walk long distances anymore. Whoever it was that accused us of not attending meetings, that was bad form. You have no idea what different people's situations are. Shame on you for such a petty comment.

February 17, 2011 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sail (anonymous) says...

Matt, where is the 60 mil debt, just what have we bonded to the tune of 60 mil???MY GUESS , ITS THAT RDA GROUP AGAIN....WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THAT TAX WAS NOT RENEWED.......hmmmm would be interesting to get a breakdown as to what the bonds were for.

February 17, 2011 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

booker5m (anonymous) says...

If Bobby A. gets back in office I will be really disappointed in the people of Emporia!

February 17, 2011 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

REWBA, how do you know it's urine? LOL

February 17, 2011 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ThunderFingers (anonymous) says...

Vote Democrat.... the party of fiscal responsibility! Problem solved.

February 17, 2011 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Buffalo_Breath (anonymous) says...

Damn the synapses!
Full speed ahead!

February 17, 2011 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ECW (anonymous) says...

Great job Steve coming up with a reasonable solution to a contentious issue. I commend you for taking action and will make a point to read your posts when came across (sometimes the vitriol is too much and it must be skimmed over). It is a bit disappointing that they could not offer up a good solution of their own. However, it is not disappointing that they are attempting to beautify Emporia. If the pajama cynics ran things this town would look like a hospital hallway.

February 17, 2011 at 12:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Another petty comment about those who comment on the Gazette blog. I'm guessing ECW must be wearing a fine suit day in and day out.

For somebody who doesn't ordinarily read Steve's posts, now all of a sudden you will. Whoa. Fair weather friend.

February 17, 2011 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

If anyone expects the RDA or any organizations to be forthcumming and transparant about where, when, what for and why City / taxpayers funds have or are to be used / spent you will have a very long wait, just as if you expect the City Commission to explain the miscellanious expenditures, other expenditures, and various non accountable expenditures listed in the City Budget, again you are in for a very long wait or will never know where that money was spent or what expenditures were bonded out or money borrowed to pay for !!

And another thing the taxpayers NEED TO KNOW is exactly when will the Citys 40 to 60 million dollar debt be paid off, if only interest payments are being made on that debt and the Citys Intellegent, so called leaders continue to add to that debt by way of their continued deficit spending, borrowing / boonding and deficit budget antics ?

As far as the upcoming Commissioner election, there are, in my opinion, only 2 people in the race that may have any common sense and connect with the needs of the City and " ALL OF THE PEOPLE " of the City of Emporia !
And if these 2 get elected, that will still not be enough to break the hold of the, as I have said before " TAMMANY HALL " type of influence, that ruled New York City for some 50 years, which is similar to the various Boards, Committees, Organizations in Emporia, have on the way things are ineveitabley done, will be done and have been done in Emporia .

Now you know why I am fed it with Emporias Leaders and Leaders of Emporias leaders and their lack of common sense and complete " LACK " ofregard of the well being of " ALL THE PEOPLE " !

I suggest that you go to kvoe.com and listen carefully to all of the comments made by the candidates and their answers to the carefully crafted questions put to them by one or all of the self appointed leaders / rulers of the City of Emporia and I am not talking about the City Commissioners !!

February 17, 2011 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

solong (anonymous) says...

It really feels good to know there are people in charge that know what's best for us, I sleep much better.

February 17, 2011 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

ECW,

Exactly what is wrong with a hospital hallway ?

Is a Hospital hallway, not, clean, efficient , dedicated to the benefit, regard and care of all who enter there, not to mention being well maintained ( infrastructure ), no wasted money on Frills, amenities, or what is wanted, by a few, instead of needed, by all ?

Here is are a couple of questions for you ECW .

What happens to Emporia, when you and your like minded buddies have managed to drive all of the " Lowly " taxpayers from Emporia along with businesses who can no longer afford to pay for your selfish " WANTS ", because of the tax burden / debt placed upon them and the only ones left to pay taxes and the debt, are you and your like minded buddies ?

If that happens, will you and your buddies be able to support spending in a manner that you have supported in the past and currently support and will undoubtedly encourage and support and influence ... or will you be at each others throats, blaming one another for the toatal collapse and ruin of Emporia or will you totally abandon Emporia and that which you have caused and created ?

February 17, 2011 at 1:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Great response, methusla! What a fantastic analogy you made about hospital hallways. Good for you!

I doubt that ECW and others like him or her would look deep enough to understand such an analogy anyway. If so, he or she wouldn't have wasted the time it took to type out those critical words in the first place.

Again, methusla, terrific analogy of hospital hallways and the followup questions you asked of ECW.

Pajama critics indeed, ECW. Be damn glad you can get out and about and don't have to spend much time in your pajamas. Curse you for looking down on people.

February 17, 2011 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

EmporiaRocks (anonymous) says...

ECW,

You probably can't even spell TIMBUKTU.

February 17, 2011 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Free4all (anonymous) says...

Steve Corbin
That is a great idea for the Convention and Visitors Bureau fund to pay the biggest part of the bill. A lady at the meeting also suggested that doing fund raising for donations is also a great idea. Now what is going to be done with the funds that are will be saved? Can we help make this town more pleasing to the eye when they do start exiting off the highway to see what lays in wait for our visitors? We have MANY empty buildings like biglots for example lay in waist like a ghost town. We have managed to shoot down a big lumber and building supply chain and plans for a strip mall that could have brought more stores along with it.
I heard last night in the speech about how GREAT we have done economically. I could only sit there and think to myself "Really?”. I don’t hear of big name stores busting their way to open here, I don’t see new businesses staying for more than a year or two. I go to the mall where when I talk to my wife my voice echoes throughout the empty space. We have a new exit off the turnpike that is so confusing that even the locals are seen having to go around the round-abouts more than once to get where they need to be.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see Emporia prosper with neat places to go, trails to walk on with my wife and kids. People coming to enjoy a day filled with shopping at the many varieties of stores besides wal-mart. We need to bring in big business to do big business.
This was my first of many to come of going to a council meeting. Next I will also start attending the County meetings also.
There are a lot of topics that concern me right now, as a nurse in the community, I feel like its time to start making my voice heard not only for me but for those that I care for.
Once again GOOD JOB Steve Corbin.
For those who are annoyed by not using our REAL names on here, I will for the first time take off my Batman mask and let my identity be known.
Thanks
Bob Grey AKA Free4all

February 17, 2011 at 2:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

moderator (anonymous) says...

If anyone is interested in watching footage from last nights meeting they can follow this link http://www.inkbarreltv.com/inkbarrelC...

State of the City Address is around 1:45 second mark and Entrance Monument discussion starts at about the 18:00 minute mark.

February 17, 2011 at 2:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

spectator (anonymous) says...

Lots of good comments here as is not unusual on the comment area. Steve has broached, again, an alternative source of monies for the oft-detested rocks but there have been other, previously mentioned, suggestions e.g. private funding.

We are drowning in fund-raisers. I made it a point to NEVER turn down a kid who made the effort to knock on my door with a fund-raiser request for a special school, scouts, the church whatever... but now I just can't afford it anymore.

Matt, if in fact that is your real name**, GOOD,VERY GOOD job. Again, what we need vs. what some people want.

Someone mentioned Mr Agler as a returning candidate. I recall his comment when the commission discussed health insurance for city employees, the ones who really make this place function on a daily basis. His opinion, on the day they were to vote on the issue, as that it was a very poor health insurance plan. True but that was an equally poor time to consider it. A more appropriate time might have been 10-11 months earlier. I mention this because it is indicative of our leadership; (maybe Mr Agler as the exception), wait until it's an in-your-face problem and THEN address it.

I am still opposed to the rocks and will remain so as something some people want vs. something(s) we desperately need.

** I choose to remain anonymous because I am not one of the chosen, privileged few and I know repercussions can be alive and well in Emporia.

Best of luck, Steve, and thanks for trying.

February 17, 2011 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Thanks for choosing to remain anonymous, spectator. You are absolutely right about how repercussions can be alive and well in Emporia.

That woman who spoke last night has no idea about what repercussions can be like when people reveal their real names. I had revealed my own name during the Somali situation when I was one of two people who got that big meeting together. As a result, I received hate mail, threats, phone calls, and even one holy curse. So no thanks, Nina West, I'll save my identity. You can get up in front of the whole world if you want, that's your business, but you had no right to call me and others on here gutless for keeping our identities to ourselves.

Many of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence were hunted down and killed; their businesses and homes were ransacked and looted, and some were burned alive in their homes along with their entire families.

I prefer to be in the company of those greats.

February 17, 2011 at 3:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Free4all (anonymous) says...

Wow I mentioned the round-a-bouts at 2:13, at 4pm we have ANOUTHER rollover of a semi. Just the facts, thats all I am saying. I have a scanner, I hear about others that DONT make it into the paper.

February 18, 2011 at 1:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

doubt_it (anonymous) says...

I think everyone should listen to what each candidate has to say before making up their minds on who to vote for. I truly believe, everyone should exercise their right to vote. What concerns me is this: we have again, prominent people voicing who their choice is, so now we have everyone convinced that's who should be elected. People. I implore you to make up your own minds. Don't vote for someone just because someone on this forum said they are the best choice or your neighbor said they are the best choice. Use your brain, listen to each candidate, weigh the facts, make an informed decision. Yes, I do believe we need new blood, but let's make sure it's the right blood. And no, I'm not a forum newbie. I read each & every thread and post. I check out my own resources. I only choose to respond when I feel I need to respond. Just because someone doesn't respond to every comment or get into a debate over every thread, doesn't make them a forum newbie that should be put to shame or left out. People, now is our chance. Get informed and vote.

February 18, 2011 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

Why does Emporia allow all the representatives to live in the same part of town? I know the town is small but if all the representation reside the north west section then it is easy to ignore concerns of residents in the south east section. New swimming pools and recreation activities will be constructed near to the residents to the north while the swimming pools and recreation activities located in the south will be closed, demolished or neglected. Industrial complexes will be allowed to be constructed in and around the residential areas in the south and the negative impact to individual property values, health and environment can be disregarded because of the positive benefits to the residents of the north. Of course any industry that causes foul odors and other negative effects to the residents with representation will be dealt with even if the effect is a loss of income to hundreds residents to the south. Streets and walkways will be maintained in new condition on the north side while they are allowed to deteriorate under the weight of heavy commercial traffic on the south side. I believe that even in a small town there should be representation districts and the elected representatives should reside in the district they represent. Emporia should have three district representatives and one representative at large. jmo

February 18, 2011 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

REWBA,
It's not that the city "allows" it. The reason they're all from the NW side is because people from the NW side are nicer and actually care about our town. I challenge you find a caring person who is capable of leading our fine city from a different part of town. Just be prepared for a long, futile search. Have you even seen the type of people that live in the other parts of town? (cue banjo tune from Deliverance)

My point is that you shouldn't force someone to move to another part of town just because they are the only ones willing and able to lead our town.
'enry

February 18, 2011 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

That's the whole point. Someone who sits on their crooked porch strumming on a banjo might feel intimidated by the thought of walking barefoot to the north side and knock on the door of a mansion to complain to the same dude who repossessed their pickup about illegals spray painting the walls of their leaning garage or some lady with 50 cats. As a result, the elected representatives with a higher education and a trophy wife might be unaware of real social problems and do something stupid like spend 100K on entry stones.

February 18, 2011 at 9:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

HenryVIII, this ones for you !

Wow ! I would like to know, who exactly was it that made the decisions over the last several years to spend beyond what could be afforded, was it the NICE people from that NICE side of town OR was it the people, with the banjos, setting on the fheir front porches, from the not so nice part of town ?

February 18, 2011 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mslater (Matt Slater) says...

Meth, how long have you two been doing this? He's just trying to stir the pot, haha. Let it go, man.

February 18, 2011 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

methusla,
The NorthWesties are doing fine financially. They have the money to pay higher taxes and whatnot. Maybe everyone else should just get a job or something. Stir, stir, stir... :-D
'enry

February 18, 2011 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

95% of all North Westies are employed by the public and are paid large sums of money taken from taxpayers who can't afford a new house and car. Now that those taxpayers have lost their jobs and are being paid unemployment, there isn't enough government money to keep the North Westies on the government payroll and allow them to sit at a government computer commenting on a public forum. I have been tasked to review all taxpayer funded internet access in this region to determine which government employees have too much time on their hands. So far I have determined that 90% of all government IT service users are spending an average of 7 hours of each business day playing on the computer. Once my report is finalized the pink slips will be mailed. Don't be surprised if one has your name on it henry. :-)

February 18, 2011 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

I LOVE BANJO MUSIC !

February 18, 2011 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

Oh My Goodness! You should have seen the number of government users attempting to dump their history and cache files in the last 15 minutes. Why even worry about it? All that stuff is in the server cache that you cannot touch anyway. lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_XAPk...

February 18, 2011 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

And let's not forget this one. Shoot, there's even dancing in this one.

Of course, we all know what happened to those tourists.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzae_S...

February 18, 2011 at 12:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Oh! I loved the music but since it was related to this film, which I hated, not so much. The little guy playing the banjo was playing by ear, what a special talent and being a "special ed" child. To me it made all the people living there "special ed" and that so isn't so. Maybe poor but not dumb!!!! It showed no respect for the human species, rich or poor. "Give the little guy a couple bucks"........

February 18, 2011 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )