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

1 What do you think about having all meetings at night. 2 What do you think about dividing the town in districts. 3 What would you do to improve Emporia's horrible reputation for out of town contractors in relation to building code department. 4 If the Lowes project needs another extention, would you approve it. 5 Would you hire a city planner for 80,000 or more and why. 6 Do you think that any project like the monuments that cost more than 100,000 dollars deserve a public hearing with the design and locations. 7 Do you think it's right for the city to use excess water funds to operate the city. 8 Do you think it is wise to jump onto every Federal grant that comes down the pike especially in the hiring of extra employees that we can't afford when the grant runs out. 9 Do you think it is wise to plan for 5 dollar gas. 10 How much will inflation, devaluation of the dollar, higher interest rates, foreclousures, unemployment, cutbacks in Federal and state spending effect your concerns for making the hard decisions that the current commission has swept under the carpet.

February 18, 2011 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

detailing (anonymous) says...

What can YOU do to bring GOOD jobs to Emporia?

February 18, 2011 at 2:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MisterO (anonymous) says...

1. Have you ever gone without a meal because you didn't have money to buy food?
2. Have you ever had to make a choice between buying food for your family or paying a utility bill?
3. Have you ever been really sick, but didn't go to the doctor because you don't have health insurance and couldn't afford to pay for the doctor visit?
4. Have you ever had to tell your child they will have to wait until next payday for their birthday present because you had to pay your car insurance (or some other bill)?

5. What are your plans to try to make sure fewer citizens of Emporia have to make those types of decisions?
6. Why should I vote for you?

February 18, 2011 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

What is your economic forecast for the coming year?
http://5minforecast.agorafinancial.co...

February 18, 2011 at 8:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

Great questions MisterO!!!

February 18, 2011 at 8:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justaflushaway (anonymous) says...

Why embarrass yourself tom meyers?

February 18, 2011 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

Do you agree with Steve Sauder that the opinions of anonymous posters here should be ignored?

What will you do to ensure Emporia can attract new industry to replace what we have lost?

Why is there is push to embrace tourism at a time when disposable income is not abundant and gas prices are on the rise? Why is the focus not on the employment situation?

What a 3 things you would like to see implemented in Emporia?

February 18, 2011 at 10:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

What are 3 things you would like to see implemented in Emporia?*

February 18, 2011 at 10:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

REWBA (anonymous) says...

Here are a few followup questions to MisterO's earlier questions"

1. If you ever gone without a meal because you didn't have money to buy food was it because you squandered your money off? Did you learn your lesson?
2. If you ever had to make a choice between buying food for your family or paying a utility bill which did you choose?
3. If you ever were really sick, but didn't go to the doctor because you don't have health insurance and couldn't afford to pay for the doctor visit, did you get well anyway?
4. If you ever had to tell your child they will have to wait until next payday for their birthday present because you had to pay your car insurance (or some other bill) why? Didn't you know all year that their birthday was coming?

5. Is it government's job to try to make sure fewer citizens of Emporia have to make those types of decisions? Should a government employee come sit on your bedside and fill out the job application for you? Should a government office call you and remind you of an upcoming birthday?

6. Why should I vote for someone who is incapable of managing their own personal resources or planning for their own personal future?

I'll probably think of some more but that's it for now. :-)

February 18, 2011 at 11:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

REWBA, Liked your questions so much more, thought of some of the same ones.
But dog-gone, I can't vote.

February 18, 2011 at 11:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

#3, I had to laugh. No, we buried them Tis one of the current city commissioners, that is why they voted as they did concerning several items. :-)

February 18, 2011 at 11:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Do you agree with the RDA in raising the average salary for new industry from 25,000 to 30,000?

February 19, 2011 at 5:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Should we send commissioners to out of town travel events although, they are not going to run again?

February 19, 2011 at 5:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Do you understand that the state is going to require cities to make up for under funding local schools, therefore are you going to raise taxes or cut back on spending like 9 out of 10 cities are now doing.

February 19, 2011 at 5:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

MY BEST ADVICE IS TO BE CAREFULL WHAT YOU HOPE FOR, BECAUSE YOU JUST MIGHT GET IT.

February 19, 2011 at 5:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

If the state cuts law enforcement budgets deep enough to mean cutting police officers, will you vote to involve city funds to keep the officers?

February 19, 2011 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

What IS the job of a city commissioner?
OR

If the city commission were given 5 million dollars to spend on 1 of 2 projects:

1. Badly needed Regional development

2. Badly needed Sewer upgrades

Which would you choose?

February 19, 2011 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MisterO (anonymous) says...

Do I think it's the government's responsibility to try and bring jobs to the area and create opportunities for citizens to make a living and possibly even prosper? Absolutely. Do I think there are citizens in Emporia who are having to make some very tough choices due to economic realities beyond their control? Absolutely. Do I think a candidate should have some realistic ideas on how to bring jobs to Emporia? Absolutely.

February 19, 2011 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

newtoemporia (anonymous) says...

Citizens put a lot at risk when they decide to follow a leader. They place their well-being and opportunities for success in their leaders' hands.

Describe a time when you took a leadership role. Who did you lead? How did you unite the group? What process did you take to set goals and establish priorities? Did you face obstacles? If so, how did you overcome the obstacles?

It's not enough for a leader to have talent, experience, and a desire to help others. For leaders to be effective, they must possess good character.

When a person applies for a job, they must also provide a reference. Can someone from the group (mentioned above) answer the following questions about your leadership characteristics?

How did this candidate shown sincerity, integrity and calmness in all their actions? How did this candidate display confidence and inspire your group? Describe how this candidate sought out diverse ideas.

February 19, 2011 at 11:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

marko (anonymous) says...

Have you ever spent all your cash at the riverboat casino and had to take the I35 home instead of the turnpike because you didnt have the toll ?

February 19, 2011 at 12:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

1. Have you ever put the " NEEDS " of all the people before the " WANTS " of the few people ?

2. Have you ever considered the condition of the CITYS infrastructure before giving in to the WANTS of the various Boards, Committiees, Organizations, etc.?

3. How do you plan on " PAYING FOR " the " NEEDED " City infrastructure repairs / maintenance, other than raising taxes or Borrowing, by way of the " BONDING " Process and putting the present City and Future City taxpayers even further into debt ?

4. Exactly what do you consider to be City Infrastructure and what items should be excluded as non essential infrastructure " Wants or Needs " ?

5. Do you believe that any and all tax funds should be used / spent for non-essential, not-needed , unnecessary, so called " Infrastrastructure " items ?

Perhaps by reading and understanding the following will help you to answer questions 3, 4, 5 !

in·fra·struc·ture   /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ Show Spelled
[in-fruh-struhk-cher] Show IPA

–noun
1. the basic, underlying framework or features of a system or organization.
2. the fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city, or area, as transportation and communication systems, power plants, and schools.
3. the military installations of a country.

February 19, 2011 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

COME ON PEOPLE !

The piece asks for questions to ask all 11 candidates.

QUESTIONS ! We have a chance for OUR questions to be fielded by the candidates.

QUESTIONS ! This is OUR chance to elect true representatives of us, not joke around or make bloviating statements.

I know we all have the right to post what we want on these forums and some of the above are good, some are funny, and some don't even qualify as a question.

LET'S GET OUR Sh-T TOGETHER !

THINK OF A GOOD QUESTION, that can be answered briefly and without politicspeak.

You would think if the Gazette asked our opinion on this we could do a little better than we have. We are not the stupid, negative and ignorant posters as some detractors say we are. Are We?

February 20, 2011 at 8:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

bump

February 20, 2011 at 6:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

If a City Planner is hired, do you believe there will still be a need to give taxpayer funds to certain organizations such as the RDA, CVB, EBF, MAINSTREET, ETC. ?

Do you believe that a City Planner should be qualified to do what the RDA, CVB, EBF, MAINSTREET, etc., now does ?

What should a City Planners qualifications be and what should that persons wage be ?

Do you believe that the organizations, boards, committees, etc. the City Commission appropriates money to, is doing a good job ?

What kind of leader do you believe should be elected City Commissioner ?

February 20, 2011 at 10:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Do you have any idea what effect the Federal government will have on the city of Emporia?
http://www.prisonplanet.com/debt-debt...

February 21, 2011 at 12:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justthefacts (anonymous) says...

If department heads identify the types of vehicles they need, will you go with their recommendations if they stay in budget and follow state purchasing guidelines or will you chose for them as has been the procedure in the past?

February 21, 2011 at 12:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

http://www.customofficecleaning.com/2...

February 21, 2011 at 12:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

WHAT IS YOUR PLAN FOR BANK MELTDOWN?

February 21, 2011 at 12:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

bump

February 21, 2011 at 7:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Guess I will stop " bloviating " and get off the " bump " !!

February 21, 2011 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

newtoemporia (anonymous) says...

what is "bump"?!

February 21, 2011 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

Simple yes/no to the following will give me a good idea of what you're all about.
1. Are you in favor of the public smoking ban? (local/state)
2. Are you in favor of the ban on Sunday alcohol sales?
3. Do you participate in organized religion?
4. Are you in favor of gay marriage?
5. Are you in favor of abortion?
6. Are you in favor of the right to bear arms?

February 21, 2011 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

newtoemporia,

bump up 1 story to get a reaction or knock another story down in the thread list. In this instance is was to knock another story down the list.

February 21, 2011 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

HenryVIII,

while those questions are not of the local kind, they are a good indicator of how the candidate looks at things overall. GOOD JOB !

Another one would be ;

"Do you favor raising the eligibility age or have some kind of means testing for social security?"

While this question has nothing to do with local politics, it would reveal how practical our candidates are when it comes to budget issues.

February 21, 2011 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

I also like your last three questions methusla, as I think a city planner is in the works, and I think all of those receiving taxpayer funds should show what they are doing for Emporia.

February 21, 2011 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

HAS THE CITY PLANNED FOR THIS?
http://lindseywilliams101.blogspot.com/

February 21, 2011 at 7:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

genxer (anonymous) says...

In these economic times, most Americans have become more concerned with fiscal responsibility. This means that they are no longer buying things they cannot afford through financing or credit cards. However, apparently the current city commision did not get the memo, as the city continues to run a budget deficit while purchasing things that are "nice to haves" and not "have to haves".

If elected will you commit to balancing the budget immediately without raising taxes or increasing fees? Will you commit to treating every dollar spent as if it was coming out of your own pocket?

What do you feel are the long term areas of opportunity for cutting expenditures and lowering the tax burden?

February 23, 2011 at 7:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

This is not a question to Commission Candidates, but rather a guide line to hiring a City Planner, as well as a wage guide line ! See the following ;

City Planner Job Description
By Hayley Harrison, eHow Contributor .updated: February 20, 2010


There is much work to do.city image by Pali A from Fotolia.comThe United States' Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for urban or city planners will increase by 19 percent from 2008 to 2018. Spurred by the increasing importance of public projects, this growth could create as many as 7,300 jobs.
.Function
City planners develop strategies for how to lay out an urban area, such as where to build new roads or erect certain structures. Planners also work with lawmakers to help draft zoning regulations.
Features
City planners often work on teams with city officials on special projects, such as creating more green spaces in a city, solving problems with parking shortages or addressing pollution and other environmental issues. Planners may also be involved in settling disagreements between landowners about how property should be used or where the borders of properties are.
Skills
Successful city planners possess analytical and organizational skills, knowledge of engineering and construction, decision-making and reasoning capabilities and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Familiarity with computer-aided drafting programs and geographic information system software is usually necessary as well.
Education
Most employers require city planners to have at least a master's degree in city, urban or regional planning. Before pursuing a graduate degree, planners typically receive bachelor's degrees in fields such as geography, environmental design or political science.
Compensation
As of May 2008, the average annual salary of urban or city planners was $62,400.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_6010780_cit...

I also suggets the Commission Candidates, as well as current Commissioners go to the following site and read what the job discription / requirements of a City Manager, entail !

http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pa...

Here is just one sentence form the above sites job description,

" They often meet with business and community groups to explain city policies and hear citizens' demands".

The last three words have great meaning to all of the citizens of a community , and it makes no difference whether the citizen is known by name or not, they are still a taxpaying citizen !

,

February 23, 2011 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

After I read the job descriptions of City Manager and City Planner, I believe that the job descriptions / requirements of both a City Manager and a City Planner are very close to being the same ! I believe that Emporia does not have a need for both a City Manager and a City Planner ! I believe that if a City Planner is hired, the Commission will need to ask themselves, " Is there an immediate need for both a City Manager and a City Planner ?

If a City Planner is going to do the same job as that of a City Manager and be an engineer, liaison between the City and the various groups and the citizens of Emporia, then why the need for both and then what will the detriment or benefit be of having both and can the City / The People afford to pay for both at this time ?

Also what kind of support staff will have to be hired to assist the City Planner and at what Cost ?

Myself and others keep saying, " Think, Think, Think, Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize ... Plan, Plan, Plan, also, Consider the tough economic times and Affordability, Affordability, Affordability !!

February 23, 2011 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )