Rob Gilligan answers questions regarding city commissioner position
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Rob Gilligan
1 What are three things you would like to see implemented in Emporia?
The development or designation of walking and biking trails/lanes throughout our community for recreation. A standard policy of practice for enforcing current rules and codes related to housing in the community. Generating a plan of action for reviewing and improving the current infrastructure within the city.
2 What would you do to create growth and development in Emporia? Are there ideal areas for this growth to take place?
I think one of the keys to new growth and development in our community will be to encourage local entrepreneurship and expansion from within our community. Finding opportunities to help new local businesses succeed, or current successful businesses expand needs to be a cornerstone for our development effort. As far as which specific areas the growth should occur in, I feel that infill development or redevelopment should be the first goal. Using incentives to develop green space surrounding our community only increases the burden on maintaining more infrastructure and still leaves holes within the community.
3 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?
Ensuring public safety obviously needs to be an important focus of any city leader. When it comes to budgeting questions it is important that the city commission examine the impacts of its decisions in relation to what is going to serve the greatest or most necessary need for the community. I can't say that I would be automatically willing to cover a shortfall of funds from the federal or state level by increasing taxes or cutting other programs but it would have to be examined on a case by case basis.
4 Do you believe that the organizations, boards, committees, etc. the city commission appropriates money to are doing a good job ?
This is a pretty broad question that covers many different areas within our community. I feel that in general many of the boards and organizations that are funding in part through city appropriations do perform vital and necessary programs for our community to grow and succeed. I believe that it is important to review the success and results from these organizations on a regular basis and I would certainly be willing to look at specific organizations if asked, but in an overall general sense I do feel like many of these groups are successful in achieving their defined goals.
5 What is the job of a city commissioner?
The role of a city commissioner is to help determine the policies, direction, and level of service that the City of Emporia offers to its citizens. This includes but is not always limited to taxation and revenue development for the city government, defining and creating policy and statues that governs the city, and reviewing the work of the employees that are hired to implement and carryout the directions and policies of the city commission. I also believe that the city commissioners should serve as leaders within the community to help guide are growth and future development and serve to bring together the many different groups and organizations that help to make our city operate.
6 What can be done to keep Fanestil Meats in Emporia?
There are individuals in the community that are currently working to find a way for Fanestil to build their new facility here locally and I think that their efforts should be applauded. The bigger discussion should be around how we should look at our current policies on industrial recruitment and retention and see what adjustments may need to be made to help keep successful local businesses here when they have opportunities to relocate such as Fanestil.
Many of our policies and goals were established during times of economic growth and prosperity and they reflect what made sense at that time. Now that we have had three difficult years economically it may be time to reassess those policies and restrictions and find ways to work with local businesses that may need our help. I am hopeful that we can find a positive outcome for Fanestil Meats to remain in our community.
7 Should a city planner be hired? If so, what should a city planner’s qualifications be and what should their wage be ?
I think that in the future, as our community begins to grow in population again, there will be a need for a city planner. As we wait to see the final numbers from the 2010 census, I think that we can expect to see a confirmation that our community has slightly decreased in size over the last decade. With that in mind I would echo my sentiment that continued expansion and growth into new, undeveloped areas doesn’t make economic or logistical sense for the community. The City of Emporia was able to recently fill the city engineers position on a full-time basis with an individual that has significant experience in dealing with infrastructure issues. Since I think that should be a main area of focus for the near future I believe that allocating additional resources to a city planner position would not be the best use of limited funds currently.
8 How do you feel about spending $100,000 on stone entrance monuments. Is there a better way to spend the money and if so, where?
I think that the current city commission made the right decision to fund the entrance signs out of the transient guest tax fund and the park improvement fund. I believe that the process and discussion that has resulted over the past six weeks has given us an opportunity to learn that communication between the city leadership and the community may not be as strong as it should be. The decision on the entrance signs has been made and I think that our best course of action now is not to debate what could have been a better project, but to decide how best can we move forward as a community and take advantage of the new insights we have gained in this process.
9 Would you, as a candidate, do anything to improve and upgrade the roads on the southeast side of the city especially focusing on the areas south and east of the East 6th Avenue bridge?
I think that this question echoes my concern for the current state of our infrastructure, and I would tend to agree that the older neighborhoods seem to be facing some of the biggest issues. By doing a comprehensive analysis of all of our infrastructure needs and issues, not just roads, but sewer lines, storm drainage, sidewalks and water lines also we can start to develop a strong plan of action for making the necessary repairs and improvements within the community. Finding a way to do this that is fiscally responsible will be the most difficult part, but it will be necessary to make that a major goal of the project.
10 What do you think about having all commission meetings at night?
While I can certainly see the merits in discussing this idea further, I think that it is important to remember that the role of the City Commission is to conduct the business of the City of Emporia. Many individuals, besides the five city commissioners are involved in the weekly meetings and many different people need to attend these meetings for different purposes of business or activity. While moving all of the meetings to evenings would make things convenient for some people, it could become decidedly more inconvenient for others. With that in mind I would certainly be willing to explore to possibility of moving one of the two monthly study sessions to later in the day to possibly encourage more interaction and accessibility to members of our community.
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Thoughts?
February 28, 2011 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Maybe !
February 28, 2011 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
After rereading his answers to the questions !
I don' t believe he will be a people listener !!
Nope, as of now not my vote !
February 28, 2011 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
NO!
February 28, 2011 at 5:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
Agree with meth and flush on this one. Thus far the most verbose and didn't really say all that much.
Got a good laugh out of it though, and I quote "communication between the city leadership and the community may not be as strong as it should be."
February 28, 2011 at 6:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Harlu (anonymous) says...
I am voting for Rob! I think he will make a great addition to the City Commission. A fresh perspective, a good listener, and a long time resident with a true vested interest in our community!
February 28, 2011 at 9:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
But who will he Listen to and who will he say NO to and who will he completely Ignore !!
And it makes no difference whether any of the Candidates are a long time resident of Emporia or not !
What matters is, will they do what is right and beneficial for all of the people of Emporia and listen to all of the people of Emporia and be able to say NO to certain people of Emporia, if need be !
February 28, 2011 at 11:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
he ain't got no common sense, dont need someone who has to do what walker tells him that it would be best to do, and then he spends a lot of time with sissy boy with main-street. he has no experience, except following others around
March 1, 2011 at 12:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jasond (anonymous) says...
After reading all of that, I'm not sure any of the questions asked were answered....
March 1, 2011 at 1:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dougphisig (anonymous) says...
I will definitely be voting for Rob today, he's got a good head on his shoulder and I know from my experience with the different projects I've seen him jump into he's a hard worker and always does his best to do what he can for everyone.
March 1, 2011 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
dougphisig,
That is your right, to vote for whom ever you wish !
However, I am looking for someone who can and has the ability to say NO to whomever is pressuring them to say Yes to something thas is stupid, unnecessary, unneeded and a waste of everyones tax dollars and stick to their NO decision no matter whom or what organization may be doing the pressuring !!
And some of his answers did not give me the impression that he can say NO and stick to that NO decision !
The people of Emporia do not need anymore YES people for City Commissioners !!
March 1, 2011 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
meth--
Obviously, you don't have to say if you don't want to, but who do you think meets your needs as a commissioner?
I find it interesting that after reading a 10 question interview that you don't think Rob has the stones to do what he thinks is best.
I will definitely be voting for Rob. It is great to see a 30 something year old guy, who can relate to the future of Emporia.
March 1, 2011 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Richie (anonymous) says...
methusla,
Instead of complaining about those for whom you will not vote, have you considered stating for whom you will cast your vote and why? Perhaps this insight will put a positive spin on the conversation.
Richie
March 1, 2011 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Richie (anonymous) says...
Admittedly, I am a fan of Rob Gilligan and Jenell Tebbetts.
Rob would bring to the commission youth, enthusiasm and progressive/reasonable ideas (bike lines). As for Jenell, I am a fan of her extensive civic credentials. She has a long-running history of being a exemplary community leader with a big heart. Additionally, I believe the commission needs diversity to help close the demographic divides in the city, and Jenell is the right person for that necessary role.
Good luck to you both!
Richie
March 1, 2011 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I may say who I voted for after the general election in April, after the election has been decided and then again I may not !!!
After all it is not a requirement of me, to say who I will or will not vote for or who I actually did vote for !!!
And I have not said that I will not vote for Mr. Gilligan, all I have said is that I am not sure as of yet, whether he is the one that I will / can trust to do the job that is needed or whether I will vote for him !!
What I have said is that I am not sure he can make the choice to cut spending for ridiculous, unnecessary, unnedded trivial items, such as " ROCKS " , which he udoubtedly supports and to me that sounds like a " YES " mand to me ! Sorry if that upsets you Gilligan supporters !!
Don' t you think that we have had enough of the " YES " men and women on the City Commission ?
And yes I have not voted yet today, I will do so shortly before the polls close at 7 p.m., as I am still studying the candidates and their comments !!
March 1, 2011 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Richie (anonymous) says...
Methusla,
I'm just saying your posts promote negativity, and offer no remedies. Correct, you are not required to state for whom you will vote, but in the meantime it appears your only accomplishment is wasting internet space.
Please try to have a good day,
Richie
March 1, 2011 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
There is that word progressive, that some seem to throw about or use as a club to force some stupid decision makeing !
Is carrying a $41 million dollar debt or continuing to build upon that debt, by continuing to spend more than the City takes in by way of revenue or letting the infrastructure " go to hell " , BEING PROGRESSIVE ? Is building bike lanes / trails or hiking trails and continuing to let the core of the City a.k.a. as infrastructure to go to hell, while spending money on someones WHIM, also PROGRESSIVE !
There will be time to be " PROGRESSIVE " when the City is out of debt and " PROGRESSION " can be better afforded !
However the deterioration of the Citys infrastructure and the Citys debt reduction had better be the focus of being " PROGRESSIVE ", not " ROCKS, BIKE LANES OR HIKING PATHS " !!!
Emporia and its people are dying because of that word " PROGRESSIVE " and the unnecessary, unneeded, wasteful spending that goes with trying to be too probressive, to fast !!!
March 1, 2011 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Richie (anonymous) says...
Wow, I'm guessing you're an angry person.
Learning point: Use of upper case letters and multiple exclamation points, doesn't guarantee that your statement will be heard any differently. These techniques don't have the same affect as volume.
March 1, 2011 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Richie,
You are right I am an angry taxpayer.
And the reason is, this City has been heading for this particular situatiion for 50 + years, because of certain decision making by elected city leaders, that was influenced by certain so called progressive thinking individuals and organizations ! And this is the reason Emporia and Lyond County has one of the, if not the highest tax burden rate in the State of Kansas, if not the country, for a City / town its size ! This is also the reason the infrastructure is going to hell and why people and jobs are leaving Emporia and why Emporia has trouble attracting new people, jobs, etc..
Do you really think that people, businesses, tourists, etc., do not look at how a City, Town or area is taxed, spends money and takes care of its infrastructure and doesn' t over tax everyone who either lives there, moves there, locates there or visits there, as tourists ?
Yes, you might say I am a bit angry !!
Just how many future generatiions are going to have to pay for your progressive thinking ?
March 1, 2011 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Oh, and I know full well use of upper case letters an exclamation points does not get a point across any differently ! But sometimes you have to use a 2 x 4 to get peoples attention to make a point, especially if they are blinded and deaf from thinking of nothing but progressivism, no matter what it may cost everyone or anyone !!
March 1, 2011 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I am leaving this nowhere conversation / discussion, to get ready to go vote !!
March 1, 2011 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Well, I am back from voting ! And no I am not going to say who I voted for !!
It would appear turnout was light, which is a disappointment !
apparently considering the relative light voter turnout.... a lot of people still don' t care enough to vote !!!
March 1, 2011 at 6:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
It is a primary
March 1, 2011 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
Richie, how damn old are you? and do you even have a job?
March 1, 2011 at 7:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chevy_Guy (anonymous) says...
I voted for reddog, just to see if he would show up in the results.
March 1, 2011 at 7:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
Gilligan lives with mommy and daddy, has never paid taxes on any property, has never rented a damn house, probably has never been to the grocery store,, though he has been eating somewhere. has never paid a water bill or gas bill, or trash or sewage bill.
he is nothing more that a yes boy for Chris walker, and woods, if you all want someone who does NOT have any experience with anything the commission has to deal with, especially SPENDING YOU TAX MONEY, then you all go ahead and vote for him. OR maybe you all who think he will bring so much to the city commission, maybe you need to think about your vote again, hell thomas would be better then him, but as shown tonight, thomas cannot sing, for those of you who did not attend, he started off with singing to all who were in attendance at the FHTS tonight,,
March 7, 2011 at 9:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
justaflushaway, Have you ever heard of the term "Courtesy Flush"?
March 8, 2011 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Does any of the Commission Candidates, even believe that eliminating the Citys ( taxpayers ) Debt is of any importance at all to the survival, growth and well being of the City and its taxpaying citizens ?
Or is " Growth " and continually adding to the Citys (taxpayers) Debt burden trying to force " Grow " Emporia the only thoughts that anyone has ?
A lot of these Commission Candidates speak a lot of words, and do so with eloquence, but don' t have a clue as to how to either get the City and its taxpayers out of debt or how to keep from adding to the City / taxpayer debt and accomplish obtaining what they " Want " !
As far as I know, there is only one way to get ones self or a City, State, County, Country out of Debt !! That being cutting spending and borrowing to obtain what you " WANT " and concentrating on spending only on what your absolute necessary " NEEDS " are !
This is especially true when economic times are lean and mean !
March 8, 2011 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
REWBA: get over it he is NOT qualitifed to be city commissiioner:: Maybe you should read this again SLOWLY:
Gilligan lives with mommy and daddy, has never paid taxes on any property, has never rented a damn house, probably has never been to the grocery store,, though he has been eating somewhere. has never paid a water bill or gas bill, or trash or sewage bill.
he is nothing more that a yes boy for Chris walker, and woods, if you all want someone who does NOT have any experience with anything the commission has to deal with, especially SPENDING YOU TAX MONEY, then you all go ahead and vote for him. OR maybe you all who think he will bring so much to the city commission, maybe you need to think about your vote again, hell thomas would be better then him, but as shown tonight, thomas cannot sing, for those of you who did not attend, he started off with singing to all who were in attendance at the FHTS tonight,,
March 8, 2011 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I'll ask my question of justaflushaway again here as they pulled the comment thread on the other story.
Where is all your anger coming from? It's clouding your judgment. You would rather vote for reddog, but he can't sing?
Today the economy means a lot of extended families, (young people living with parents).
Does the other candidate, Mr. Kiestler SP? live at home? Makes no difference to me.
Would you prefer a chamber backed candidate that thinks the rocks were a good idea?
March 8, 2011 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
justaflushaway, There is nothing for me to get over. I don't live in Emporia and I cannot vote there.
March 8, 2011 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
REWBA, I would like to ask, where exactly do you live ?
March 8, 2011 at 9:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
methusla,
I don't think justaflush lives in Emporia either.
March 8, 2011 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
but they are still entitled to an opinion.
March 8, 2011 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
justaflushaway
Please, take this in the manner in which it is intended, not as a criticism or put down, but just as a comment and observation !
Is anyone really qualified to be a City Commissioner, etc ? After all we are just people, some smarter, wiser, with more commonsense than others, some with special abilities and some who definately would not make a good public servant, in the best interests of all the people !
This is why, we, all of us who pay taxes and vote should listen to what the candidates who will hopefully represent all of us, the people , have to say, their ideas, ideologies, thoughts, etc.. And even after hearing what they have to say, it is still going to be our responsibility to discern, from what we hear from them, whether or not they will do what is in the best interests of all of the people ! And sometimes you may have to be able to read what they imply or not implyed or what may be hidden between the lines of their written or spoken word and this is not easy either. And it just so happens that being a voter and deciding on a candidate is not an easy or " sure fire " thing !
All one can do is make what they believe is an informed decision and vote accordingly and hope for the best !
March 8, 2011 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
justaflush and everyone else:
You can like a candidate or not like a candidate but to make rude inappropriate comments about any of them is uncalled for.
We get it. You don't think Rob would be good for the job. No need to go any further than that.
Making condescending remarks about someone does not help anyone come to an unbiased conclusion about what each candidate brings to the commission. We should strive to keep our personal feelings and opinions about someone to ourselves so that everyone can form their own opinions. If you are going to comment about a candidate comment about his platform. Tell us why his or her ideas are either worthy or not worthy of your vote. Personal insults and attacks should have no place in this decision.
March 8, 2011 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
methusla,
HALLELUJAH !
BEST POST THIS WEEK.
March 8, 2011 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve,
I was not implying that REWBA was not entitled to his/her opinion, as they certainly are entitled to their opinion, I was just curious !
Even though many commenters on these threads may not live in Emporia, I appreciate the fact that they are concerned about the difficulties that have arisen in Emporia ! Just goes to show that there are people in the world that do care about others than themselves !!
@REWBA, I did not intend to offend you by asking, where you lived ! Just forget I asked !!
March 8, 2011 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
I agree. Good post Meth.
March 8, 2011 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
methusla, You don't offend me. I live in Timbuktu. It used to be located about 16 miles west of the Emporia city limits but since Emporia seems to be growing this way, I'm getting closer every day. Maybe I'll get to vote in Emporia one day. :-)
P.S. You are a really good complainer and I appreciate that you say what many people feel. Keep up the great work.
March 8, 2011 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
methusla,
Your reply to justaflushaway was right on the mark. i was just qualifying My remark at justaflush maybe not living here.
There are a lot of things that I could agree with justaflush on, but in going back over the threads about the election I couldn't find 1 positive thing they said about ANY candidate. Not for sure where the anger is coming from, but Yev is correct. We get it man, you don't like Rob. Still waiting to see something positive from you on any candidate.
OR ARE YOU JUST STIRRING THE POT ?
March 8, 2011 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
REWBA,
:>)
March 8, 2011 at 10:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rgilligan (Rob Gilligan) says...
Justaflushaway,
You post on these threads as if you know who I am, without the courtesy of letting me know who you are. Based on the amount of intense dislike that is communicated through your post, I can only assume that you have some cursory knowledge of me, yet do not know me personally. Regardless I will attempt to answer your concerns with me as a candidate.
I currently live in an apartment complex in North Central Emporia, where I have paid rent for the past 4 years, and other rental houses and apartments in Emporia previous to that. How this qualifies me or disqualifies my as a candidate for City Commission is beyond me, though I will not judge your criteria for making this decision.
I really have no way or reason to argue with you over whether or not I am an intelligent enough individual to listen to the input of any citizen and take that information into consideration when making decisions. I would say that I pride myself in communicating with various people from all parts of the community, but no single person or persons control my independent decisions. If you don't believe me, please take the time to talk to individuals that you believe may have undue influence and I'm sure they can give you insight into my personality. Candidates have jobs and organizational experience, and that is typically good for Emporia, especially when experiences can offer a different perspective.
We are at an important time in our community, and with the knowledge that as of April 20th, the majority of our City Commission will be brand new to the position, now is the time to ask everyone to engage in constructive discussion. We owe it to ourselves as citizens of Emporia to do our due diligence and find the best three candidates possible to be our next City Commissions. While I feel that I have the talent and knowledge to do a good job as a City Commissioner it is ultimately up to the voters.
I will offer this final thought then refrain from further comment on this subject, but I feel that you do yourself, the online readers and the community at large a great disservice by offering only anger filled personal attacks on people in this forum. While I don't always agree with the viewpoints of the many of the posters on here, I at least respect their conviction in argument and more often than not they offer their justification for their views. You have not offered anything of substance to any of the discussions that I have read as we move through the election process. I want to encourage you to take time and learn about issues, ask questions become informed. I challenge you to be an individual that adds to the substance, not just the white noise. If all you want to do is attack me as a candidate that is certainly your right, and I have no issue with that, but attack my views not me as a person, because I and all other online readers recognize that you don't know me personally.
Rob Gilligan, Candidate
Emporia City Commission
March 8, 2011 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
clean_slate (anonymous) says...
As a "creeper" (a person who reads but rarely posts) I was glad to see Mr. Gilligan respond to the sophomoric and incompetent remarks a poster was making. Way to stand up for yourself Mr. Gilligan. You have my vote not only for your hard work with this community but for having the strength and conviction to address a person who adds nothing of value to our community.
March 8, 2011 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
THUMBS UP MR. GILLIGAN
March 8, 2011 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
Ok first, I just gotta tell Clean Slate, its calling being a lurker. I know creeper might sound right, but it makes me feel like you're being dirty.
Also, does Mr. Gilligan have any ideas about getting something new where Carlos O' Kelly's is? Because I was just told today that it has shut it doors.
March 8, 2011 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Rob
Thanks! I also appreciate the opportunity to talk with you one on one last night. You've got a lot of good ideas and you care!
We need men and women who are willing to do their part to fix the things that ail us.We need men and women who aren't afraid of being in the arena.
I suspect before this is all said and done you'll have other unreasonable critics. Just treat what they have to say like chaff being separated from wheat.
March 8, 2011 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abd (anonymous) says...
Wow Rob! Very eloquent. I continue to listen, read, and think about all candidates' statements and actions. That being said, I will say that I am impressed. Good luck to all candidates and concerned citizens. May we all make decisions based on our convictions, without fear of new ideas.
March 8, 2011 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthinkin (anonymous) says...
Justthinkin it's pretty tacky that the Gazette pulls discussions that don't match their direct opinions - Re: Bob Agler withdrawing from the City Commission race. But, tacky is as tacky does.
March 8, 2011 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mindlessbable (anonymous) says...
Rob,
Although it is my opinion that this forum is no place for a debate I applaud your response to the mindless attack. I was on the fence with you but tipping in your direction. Thank you and the other candidates for stepping up and trying to improve the quality of life in this wonderful community.
March 8, 2011 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
nothing against you, or you parents, just that you are so wet behind the ears. with no knowledge about what you will need to do, if you are just going to go with the flow, GET the HELL out now like agler did. You have NO experience about anything the commission will have to deal with. Yes, you thought the ROCKS was a great thing. probably because your mouthpiece Woods thought it was a good idea. You would be lead around the commission by woods, walker, and anyone else you have in THIER back pocket. Doesn't BOTH of your parents also work for the city? would you also be told what to do by them, remember you have NO experience about anything, ALL you can do is, talk, hey guess what, how do you think you will be able to make Emporia a better place to live, help the citizens of Emporia save money, say NO to stupid crap like entrance ROCKS. YOU WON'T, ""Very eloquent"", won't lower taxes, fix streets, the only word you need you need to say is NO! because you will not be able to make decisions with out talking to walker, woods or your other people who have a agenda to forward themselves by TELLING you what to do,
you just have had no one disagree with you about anything and you will at times will have a hard time handling it, well you better get use to it, if you think you will be a good city commissioner, times are a changing and you are just fresh meat, but walker will probably censor what ever will be in this rag. Remember, you can make this city or break it, its going to be on your shoulders, you will be watched with every decision you make, and just remember ,you will have to go with your employees ideas, woods or walker, if you dont they BOTH will spit you out so fast you wont know what happened, WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD
March 8, 2011 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pinkpintopony (anonymous) says...
"nothing against you, or you parents"
Then you proceed to bash Rob and his parents.
Nice.
March 8, 2011 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oograh (anonymous) says...
I wonder which of the other candidates justaflush is........
:-P
March 8, 2011 at 8:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pinkpintopony (anonymous) says...
oograh,
I hope that justaflushaway is NOT a candidate! The dude cannot even put together a proper sentence! YIKES! We would be in trouble!
March 8, 2011 at 8:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abd (anonymous) says...
I guess I should clarify myself. I was trying to use big-girl words for "Nice job of not taking the bait or behaving like a jerk, Mr. Gilligan".
I sincerely hope you all have a better day tomorrow.
March 8, 2011 at 9:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
Steve, the biscuits and gravy were great, will see you next Sat morning at the pancake feed. And Steve, your right, damn I cant get anything past you. oh Steve,and meth, as I stated before in a previous thread, I live just outside of the city limits by less than a 1/4 mile but DO have property, housing and business rentals within the city, so yes I do care what the hell happens within the city, just as I do in the county, the pot just cant be big enough anymore.
I know,I PROBABLY DIDNT GET ALL THE SENTENCES PUT TOGETHER PROPERLY but guess you will just have to STOP reading my damn posts puke.
March 8, 2011 at 10:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hogan77 (anonymous) says...
Can you honestly sit there and tell me that ANY of the candidates are perfect choices for office, flush? Really, from the looks of the candidates, there are few good choices on the ballot. Might as well give in and deal with whomever is on there. Either that, or opt not to vote- like most of Emporia did.
I see nothing wrong with giving Mr. Gilligan a chance. If he screws up, you can vote for someone else next time. But, I think it is pretty childish to sit here and name call like a Junior High student. Actually, scratch that. Like an elementary student. My own 13 year old daughter has more class than that. Politics are dirty, but your comments were completely uncalled for.
March 9, 2011 at 1:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )