When it comes to cutting city of Emporia spending, City Commissioner Bobbie Agler said there can be no sacred cows and that ideas for cuts should come from city employees.
Agler, the only incumbent among 11 city commission candidates, said telling departments to cut expenses or staff by a specific amount is a foolish idea. Instead he said every expense must be on the table for scrutiny, even emergency services.
“It would be ill-advised for us to say go cut $1 million,” Agler said. “To be efficient, we need each department to evaluate what can be done. Then we can work through those suggestions and ideas.”
Agler is seeking his third term on the commission. He was first elected to a two-year term in 2005 and is currently serving a four-year term following being re-elected in 2007.
Last year Agler was leaning toward not running again. His thinking changed when former Commissioner Jeff Longbine was elected to the state Senate and Commissioner Julia Johnson said she would not seek another term.
“To have three new commissioners could be a disadvantage for the city in the short run,” he said.
Agler said he has an extensive background in municipal government from not only his time on the commission but also working as an accountant and consultant with local governments.
“I’ve tried to tell it like it is,” he said. “I’ve made a few mistakes but I feel I have a unique understanding and can be an asset to the community. The testimony is the city’s mill levy, which has stayed flat while I’ve been on the commission.”
Agler was the only commissioner to vote against the city’s 2011 budget. He said as a fiscal conservative he didn’t agree with deficit financing. He said expenses for 2011 were about $1.4 million higher than 2010 while revenues are lagging.
“When we do our own budgets, we adjust the spending,” he said. “No one likes to make less money, but when that happens we adjust and spend less.”
That being said, Agler said he doesn’t know of one major item that could be cut from the city’s budget to achieve instant savings. He believes a variety of cutbacks can be made.
“Government should not be any bigger than it needs to be,” he said.
Agler is a Winfield native who arrived in Emporia for school in 1960 and hasn’t left since. Agler graduated from Emporia State in 1963 with a degree in accounting. He was director of Agler & Gaeddert CPA and vice president of financial operations at Birch Telecom. He is the chief financial officer at Emporia Motors.
“It’s one of the best communities,” he said. “Sure Emporia has had its share of ups and downs, but there have been consistently been more ups. I’ve had a good life here and want to contribute back.”
If elected, Agler wants to continue to make sure capital improvement projects are accomplished. He said the countywide sales tax has provided the opportunity for maintenance and projects.
Agler said he thinks the concept of entrance monuments is sound since the entrances of town need dressing up. He said other cities have had success with entrance monuments. He’s supported the concept during the times it came in front of the commission.
He said since the city can choose to do anywhere from zero to six monuments, perhaps one should be completed.
“We need to get one up with the landscaping,” he said. “Once people see how sharp it looks perhaps more people will be sold on it.”
Agler said he’s learned from the monument experience that silence doesn’t mean acquiescence.
“We needed to do more to keep it out in front of the public,” he said.
Agler said while parking will always be an issue downtown, parking spots on Merchant and Mechanic are usually not full.
“We are a society of convenience,” he said. “The parking downtown now is much better then it has been in the last half century.”
The 10 other candidates running are former city commissioner Tom Myers; Christian Keisler, an Emporia native and Emporia State communication major; Rob Gilligan, sales director for Emporia Marketplace.com, a division of The Emporia Gazette; Jenell Tebbetts, a salesperson for Genesis Health Club; Helen Hill, former owner of Hills Appliance Center; Joel Phipps, broker and owner of Re/Max select; Jack Oglesby II, a retired teacher; Bobbi Mylnar, retired journalist; Joe Bordonaro, an attorney; and Joe Endres, a sales employee for American Electric Co.
The primary is March 1 with the top nine vote-getters advancing to the general election April 5. Advance voting is underway at the Lyon County Courthouse, 430 Commercial St.
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
“I’ve tried to tell it like it is,” he said. “I’ve made a few mistakes but I feel I have a unique understanding and can be an asset to the community. The testimony is the city’s mill levy, which has stayed flat while I’ve been on the commission.”
TELL IT LIKE IT IS, PLEASE?
The city mill levy has stayed flat, thanks to prior property valuation increases and the seldom mentioned fact that water and sewer rates have increased several times. The city is now making enough off of the water rates to keep the mill levy flat. But please tell it like it is. WATER BILLS: It's the same as a tax.
February 17, 2011 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
Why does you STILL try to blow smoke up everyone's butts.
“To have three new commissioners could be a disadvantage for the city in the short run,” he said,, no stupid, getting rid of every damn one of you would be the best thing emporia could do,,,I'll repeat..“To have three new commissioners could be a disadvantage for the city in the short run,” he said,, no stupid, getting rid of every damn one of you would be the best thing emporia could do,,, did you understand that time agler???
Agler said he’s learned from the monument experience that silence doesn’t mean acquiescence.
“We needed to do more to keep it out in front of the public,” he said BULL!!!!! stop lying old fool!!!!!!!!!!!! you have lost it go home and stay there..
“The parking downtown now is much better then it has been in the last half century.” could that be because you and your little band of fools have ran off anyone who wanted to start a business, or, because you waited so long to put up the big pri$ks
February 17, 2011 at 5:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
An open window on Kansas Government.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkKND7...
February 17, 2011 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
So cute, yesterday he supported wasting 100k, today he wants to "reign in spending". How can people trust someone that A. does not listen B. preaches outright hypocrisy. Do you really understand how ludicrous this looks? Do yourself a favor and resign, save what dignity you have left.
February 17, 2011 at 9:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Disadvantage of 3 new commish ha. New blood will be advantage instead of the same old crap they been feeding us. All they have done is raise taxes and services. The sign of weak manager or businessman is the only way he can make money is raising prices. Does sound like the group downtown? This bunch is lost.
February 17, 2011 at 9:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
K.B. Thomas Jr. Report February 17, 2011. I spent the afternoon with a person from Kansas Cty looking for a business location, they are former ESU graduates and want to move back. They were amazed the way the town had grown. I am working with some folks that want to build an apartment complex and they are from out of town.
February 17, 2011 at 10:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporian (anonymous) says...
My experience is when the ask city employees for their opinions and ideas they do the exact opposite of what the employees think should be done.
February 17, 2011 at 10:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Grown? KB I don't mean to be rude but the population of Emporia has shrunk by no less than 7% over the last decade. Biggest loss since before WWII. This is a conservative estimate. So when you talk of growth, what exactly are you talking about? Admissions at ESU are down, Emporia High is not a 6A school anymore, there has been an exodus of business and industry. What are you talking about?
February 17, 2011 at 10:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
We'll see just how much the town has grown no later than April 1, when the census results are out. My guess: I'm saying the population of Emporia is less than 20,000. Just a guess, but we'll find out soon, won't we?
Matt
February 18, 2011 at 1:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kekelso (anonymous) says...
It'll be interesting to see how many votes Agler gets in the next election.
February 18, 2011 at 2:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
goodoleboy, I just reported what they told me. Emporia has changed somewhat since the 1970's when there was nothing but, the Flint Hill's shopping center. If we had not brought on a full time Economic Development Director, I would hate to say where we would be population wise. Kansas ranks 35th as a state people want to move to or start a business.
February 18, 2011 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I would like to know, how an incumbent city commissioner can suddenly change his attitude on spending from one of spend and tax and create fees for rain, etc., to suddenly being one of reigning in spending ?
Could it be a serious realization on his part that for the past several years the Commission and Commissioners have been spending the City and taxpayers closer and closer to the BANKRUPTCY ABYSS or could it be a ploy to fool the people into re-electing him to another term in Office ?
The thing the people need to remember is, " Old Habits Die Hard " !
February 18, 2011 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
reddog,
How can anyone say Emporia has grown, when parts of Emporia have actually been allowed to WITHER and DIE and left to fend for itself / themselves ?
Could the fact that you and others of your particular social cast and way of thinking , are a land owners in that particular section of Emporia where the growth is support and pushed for. Could the so called growth that is pushed for in that section of Emporia, possibly be part of your and other bias toward that part of Emporia that is being allowed to wither and die ?
K.B., you support and agree only with that which will suit you and benefit you and your friends " Elitist " way of thinking, policies and beliefs !
February 18, 2011 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Why, would anyone what to move to and live in a place where the taxes and tax burden are ridiculously beyond what the population ( taxpaying citizens ) can either bear or afford ?
Why do you think Industries and businesses are outsourcing and moving operations and jobs out of the U.S. and the States ?
Could it possibly be that people who are working for the businesses and industries are not being paid enough to provide for their families and are wanting more than the businesses, Industries, employers are willing to pay , so they move out of Citys, town, States and the country to a place where the governments are not bleeding the tax paying Citizens and those who are employing the tax paying citizens dry through their governmental policies of spending, borrowing inorder to spend more on what is wanted instead of needed ?
For instance was a $9.7 million dollar deer underpass really needed ?
For example the following is a list of proposed pork barrel government spending for 2008 !
WebMemo October 11, 2007
Table 1 WM 1660
Sample Pork Projects in FY 2008 Appropriations Bills
Amount Project Body Bill Requesting Member
$2,000,000 Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service, City College
of New York
House Labor-HHS Rangel
$1,000,000 Clinton School of Public Service, Little Rock, Arkansas Senate Labor-HHS Lincoln; Pryor
$200,000 Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, Las Vegas,
Nevada
House Labor-HHS Berkley
$500,000 Our Piece of the Pie, Hartford, Connecticut House Labor-HHS Larson
$50,000 Everybody Wins! House Financial Services LaHood
$400,000 Montana World Trade Center House Financial Services Rehberg
$3,743,014 Formosan Subterranean Termite House Agriculture Alexander; Baker
$1,500,000 AFL-CIO Working for America Institute, Washington, D.C. Senate Labor-HHS Harkin
$100,000 Signage and Streetscape, Los Angeles Fashion District House Transp-HUD Roybal-Allard
page 1 of 2 cont.
February 18, 2011 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
cont. page 2 0f 2
$100,000 The Hunting & Fishing Museum of Pennsylvania House Transp-HUD Peterson (PA)
$500,000 Street Extension, Champaign, Illinois House Transp-HUD Johnson (IL)
$400,000 The Rock School RockReach Program, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
House Commerce,
Justice & Science
Brady (PA); Sestak
$1,000,000 Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam, Ohio River Senate Energy & Water President
$7,500,000 Harkin Grant Program, Iowa Department of Education Senate Labor-HHS Harkin
$5,925,000 Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program,
Houston, Texas
Senate State-Foreign Ops N/A
$250,000 Lou Frey Institute of Politics, University of Central Florida House Labor-HHS Keller
$700,000 Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service House Labor-HHS Lee
$280,000 University of Virginia Center for Politics House Labor-HHS Forbes; Goode
$108,000 Monticello and Price Vault Toilet Installations, Utah House Interior President
$500,000 National Council of La Raza Senate Labor-HHS Harkin
$500,000 Ronald Reagan Parkway, Indiana House Transp-HUD Buyer
$100,000 Develop a Walking Tour of Boydton, Virginia House Transp-HUD Goode
$750,000 FDR Presidential Library Senate Financial Services Clinton; Schumer;
Reid
$3,760,000 LBJ Presidential Library Senate Financial Services Hutchison
$1,000,000 Nixon Presidential Library Senate Financial Services Cochran
$2,000,000 Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Senate State-Foreign Ops N/A
$500,000 George Mitchell Fellowship Program Senate State-Foreign Ops N/A
$50,000 George and Eleanor McGovern Library, Dakota
Wesleyan University
House Labor-HHS Herseth-Sandlin
$500,000 Arkansas World Trade Center Senate Commerce,
Justice & Science
Lincoln; Pryor
$200,000 OneWorld Now!, Seattle, Washington House Labor-HHS McDermott
$250,000 James K. Polk Association, Columbia, Tennessee Senate Labor-HHS Alexander
page 2 of 3 cont.
February 18, 2011 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
cont. page 3 of 3
$225,000 Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville, New York House Labor-HHS Lowey
$150,000 National Teacher’s Hall of Fame, Emporia, Kansas House Labor-HHS Moran (KS)
$300,000 Renovate the Bhul Farm, Sharon, Pennsylvania House Transp-HUD English
$150,000 Rodent Control on the Aleutian Islands Senate Agriculture Stevens
$97,000 Spunky Bottoms, Illinois House Energy & Water Lahood
$500,000 Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (U.S.), Inc. Senate Energy & Water Brown; Voinovich
(continued)
The above pork barrel spending list is just one of 6 pages of proposed pork barrel spending by the Federal Govt..
One can only guess what the States, Countys and Citys pork barrel spending amounts to !
Now just think of the numerous miscellaneous, Special Projects, other charges, Administrative Fees, Contractural Fees, etc., that are not itemized or broken down as to what they are on the City Budget as to what, when, why , where these expenditures were incurred, needed and paid for !!
Could some of these be a form of lical govt. pork barrel spending ?
I certainly don' t know, but would like to know what my / our tax money is being spent on !!
If a City Planner is hired, at no doubt a substanial wage, will that mean the City will not longer need the services of the likes of the RDA, COC, MAIN STREET, EBF, CVB, etc., etc. and no longer will fund or need to fund these organizations with taxpayer funds ?
Unnecessary and Unneeded spending and appropriations is what is ruining the Citys, Countys, States and Nation !!
February 18, 2011 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
If you would like to see the pork barrel spending list for the Fed Govt. for 2010 go to,
http://www.cagw.org/reports/pig-book/...
February 18, 2011 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
As you can see the " SPENDING PIG " is running amuck and out of control !!
February 18, 2011 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doubt_it (anonymous) says...
Does anybody else think it's wrong to have a reader poll asking who you will vote for in the primary? Seems to me, someone is wanting to get a sneak preview of voters thoughts. I have a real problem with this. Especially for those that aren't doing advanced voting, this could sway their vote in the actual election process. Please get rid of this poll.
February 18, 2011 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
reddog,
I hope the people from Kansas City aren't "Johnson County brats" ... Isn't it funny how a person can stereotype an entire group of people, but, at the same time, still want to sell them property and make a profit on "Johnson County" money?
February 18, 2011 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
@reddog: "Kansas ranks 35th as a state people want to move to or start a business."
The article, "Kansas Races Toward the Bottom in Business", discusses how Kansas is the worst among our neighboring states in: corporate, individual income, sales, unemployment and property taxes.
Kansas "maintains high taxes and attempts to attract investment by giving away expensive incentive packages to high profile, politically connected businesses.
... these types of incentives reveal underlying problems with the tax system and are very unfair to the indigenous business owners who must pay higher taxes to subsidize companies that are better connected."
The ideal tax system: simple, transparent, stable, neutral to business activity, and pro-growth.
The final paragraph really hit home:
..."unless you have a good business climate that creates jobs for college graduates, all the education spending does is educate someone else’s workforce. And, if you don’t maintain a healthy business climate, better roads simply allow businesses and people to flee the state even faster.”
http://kansas.watchdog.org/5526/kansa...
February 18, 2011 at 12:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Now THAT is a link I will read with great relish. Thank you, newtoemporia.
This is the sort of thing to which the RDA needs to pay attention.
Also, the RDA needs to pay attention to the Antonia Felix article about Green jobs and how to bring them here.
February 18, 2011 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
create -
I might have missed it, but do you have a link to the Antonia Felix article?
February 18, 2011 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Here you go, newtoemporia.
http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/20...
February 18, 2011 at 2:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
The link you provided is a good one !
However, reddog may not think so !
February 18, 2011 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I contacted the CEO of Changing World Technologies, Inc. by email, to find out more about the technology of converting just about all of mans waste / garbage into a viable usable oil that can be used for producing alternative energy ! As I understand this includes, old tires, roofing shingles, animal remains, human waste sludge produced by sewage waste plants, plastic, animal waste, etc..
What kind of boon to the local economy would it be, if a plant that does this, would or could be located in the Emporia area, that could convert most of the areas waste into a viable oil that coud then be converted into bio-deisel or other products ?
Here is a short description of the process,
The TCP successfully converts fats, bones, greases, feathers and other wastes into renewable diesel, fertilizers, and specialty chemicals. TCP works with wet mixed feedstocks, and by cleverly utilizing water, avoids the energy penalty of drying the materials, typical of other technologies.
Agricultural wastes alone make up approximately 50% of the total yearly waste generation (6 billion tons) in the U.S. With TCP, the 6 billion tons of agricultural waste could theoretically be converted into 4 billion barrels of oil. Realizing only a portion of this incremental domestic energy production is clearly in our national interest, because it ensures greater national energy independence. At the same time, this production provides a permanent solution to serious environmental problems caused by current waste disposal practices.
Yes, I am not just setting here doing nothing, but commenting on the Gazette Forum !!
February 18, 2011 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buffalo_Breath (anonymous) says...
* Emporia has changed somewhat since the 1970's, when there was nothing but the Flint Hill's shopping center. *
Huh?
What is there now? Oh, yeah ... a Mart that sucked the retail life out of the rest of the town, and a few chain restaurants and cheap motels clustered around it, sort of a Wanamaker-Lite.
As opposed to the 70's, when you still could buy a pair of jeans and a shirt downtown, or ... you get the picture.
I spent a lot of time in Emporia in the 70's, and I don't see much more happening now than then ... maybe less, in many ways.
February 18, 2011 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
Meth we don't want all of that crappy smelly stuff find a plant that can be powered by pissing and moaning and you'll be rich. Then you can solve all of Emporia's problems. Have a nice day.
February 18, 2011 at 7:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Tell,
What did you think of the odor that eminated from IBP and Modine all the years they were here and Emporia pretty much prospered from and with it ?
Do you want jobs or do you just want certain jobs that smell good ?
I can " Tell " you have never had to work at a job where you may have gotten youself or your hands smelly or dirty, in order to feed your family or keep a roof over your heads !!
February 18, 2011 at 7:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
Have you? I want smelly good jobs that pay lots and lots of money. Seriously quit whining just take the weekend off and have a good time.All that anger is not good for your health. I promise we'll have potholes on monday to complain about.
February 18, 2011 at 7:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Tell,
I have, more than likely worked jobs that you wouldn' t even consider working at and gotten dirtier and smellyer than you will ever get in your lifetime ! And did so to feed and house my family and pay my taxes !
And the only money you are going to get now a days is the worhless kind the Federal Government just keeps printing !!
February 18, 2011 at 9:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
I'm going to apply for a grant from the government so I don't have to do work.
Do you spend your entire day complaining about whats wrong or are you ever just happy about the good things that are right.
February 18, 2011 at 11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
You could just go apply for SSI disability. I saw a lawyer add on the television and he says your disability runs deep and he can get you the money you deserve now.
February 18, 2011 at 11:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Great move tell, in other words you are going to try get a taxpayer funded government grant ( handout / bailout )and then not even think about paying it back ! Just like the millions of others have done including students, Bankers, Mortgage Brokers and the other high profile " WEALTHY CAPITALISTS " who created their own problems thru their insatiable greed and avarice !
Well tell, in case you have not or do not keep up with what is happening in the world and the U.S. ... the days of the free grant monies are coming to an end or are over and people all over the globe are becoming fed up with the greed, avarice and wanton spending of governments and certain peoples as well !
I complain when complaining is called for ! I also praise and agree when something is good and right !
However people like you apparently do not have the ability to discern right / good from wrong / bad and always believe the people who totally rule your life, believeing, that everything they think of , recommend or want is 100% good and right for all of the people all of the time, no matter who or what it may do / cause harm to now or tomorrow !!
I would rather complain and be proven wrong, than think everything that is done is right / good and be proven terribly wrong at the cost of doing harm to everone !
February 19, 2011 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
Meth I assume you live in Emporia or at least the surrounding area can you tell me why? Tell me why you enjoy living here I have never seen a comment from you that you weren't complaining. Surely there is something you like about Emporia. You know we can always find something to complain about can you find something that we are blessed with?
February 19, 2011 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
IT IS HARD TO APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF A ROSE.
WHEN YOU ARE CONSTANTLY BEING PRICKED BY THE THORNS.
February 19, 2011 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Roses are highly susceptible to disease and pests. They are not native to this area and require way too much maintenance and care. Roses don't get along with their native counterparts well either. Nonnative specimens should be uprooted and tossed in the mulch pile and replaced with native perennials. If you must have a rose, try the rosa setigera as it is native and requires little to no maintenance. jmo
February 19, 2011 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Thanks, always open to learning something .
February 19, 2011 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Humans and plants are alike in that way. When they reside in places that they are native to they usually do just fine. But when they are moved to regions that they don't belong they usually require extra attention and are harder to please always trying to change their new environment to better suit their liking with little or no regard for the native's around them.
I believe that when we are choosing a plant or human, we should always keep that in mind. I try to choose a native with deep roots and a long history of success when deciding a foundation plant or a community leader.
February 19, 2011 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Tell,
People with common sense !
Unfortunately those people are not in the leadership positions of Emporia !!
I would ask you the same !
February 19, 2011 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
I think all of the commissioners were voted in by the people. And by a majority vote these are the leaders that were chosen by the people. It may be time for a change I don't know probably couldn't hurt. I just think its a little funny that everyone is upset with them hell be upset at yourselfs and your neighbor for voting them in. I'm glad these people are willing to step up to the plate and try to make things better. I don't have to agree with them but I do appreciate them.
February 19, 2011 at 5:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Tell,
Your logic is unsound, yes we voted them in, but we trusted them to do the right thing, but they did not. It's called trust, we trusted them and betrayed the public. If they stay seated and are not voted out I'll be the first one to agree with you that it is our fault, or the majority disagrees.
With states and cities facing shortfalls, who knows what will happen. Look at what is going on in Wisconsin. I for one would rather be able to take care of the my obligations to the public than spend 100K or more on a luxury.
February 19, 2011 at 6:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Methusla and others,
You'll be interested in this program this coming Wednesday on KTWU channel 11 at 7 PM. You can leave questions on their facebook page beforehand. The address is listed at the end of my comment section.
KTWU’s “I’VE GOT ISSUES” returns to the regular schedule with a program on the massive shortfall in the millions of dollars for the Kansas budget. Kansans are waiting to see how the state government plans to deal with the crisis and which programs and services may take cuts or get the fiscal axe.
I’VE GOT ISSUES: $500 MILLION BUDGET WOES will air live on Wednesday, February 23 at 7 p.m. on KTWU HD, Digital Channel 11.1.
Hosted by Chris Gallagher, KTWU presents this viewer call-in program live from the studio in Topeka to offer a chance for the public to ask questions about the state’s money issues and how it will affect them.
Viewer questions will also be taken ahead of time here on the station website under “viewer comments” under CONTACT tab on the homepage. You can visit us on our facebook page and leave questions at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ive-Got...
February 19, 2011 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
create,
Thanks, I will certainly have questions and I will watch the program !!
February 19, 2011 at 7:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Tell,
As I said before, I will complain and place blame where I believe it should be placed, such as blaming the Commissioners for not having the fortitude to say " NO, we will not do that, because it does not have any benefit for all of the people of Emporia and it is not needed at this time " !
I will also complain and place blame on the past and present City Commissioners for not taking care of the " PEOPLES / CITYS needed infrastructure maintenance / upgrades as was needed every year for the past 50 + years, such as Storm Water Drainage Drainage repair/replacement/maintenance, until it cost millions to do so !
And the blame must be placed squarely on the backs of the various Board, Organizations, Committees that influenced the City Commission to, spend tas funds on unnecessary, unneeded, extragavant Frills, instead of spending / using the tax funds on the needed and necessary things, such as infrastructure, etc. !
I will also praise and congratulate these Commissioners, various Organizations, Boards, Committees when and if they just happen to make things considerably better for ALL OF THE PEOPLE ! But I have not seen or experienced anything that has gotten much better of late and I don' t believe that too many people have either !
Have you ?
February 19, 2011 at 7:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
irishemporia (anonymous) says...
I thought Meth was done posting on the Gazette forums?
February 19, 2011 at 10:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
bump
February 20, 2011 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
debump
February 21, 2011 at 8:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )