Supporting the monuments
Steve Sauder - Emporia
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Chris Walker is my friend, but sometimes we disagree.
Monday’s Gazette in talking about the four stone entrance signs the Emporia city commission gave final approval to last week Chris wrote, “perhaps the community felt bamboozled by the project and city leaders should have done a better job gaining public input and selling the community on the project.”
Chris said, “readers instantly went to the Internet voicing their displeasure.”
They wanted to know:
• Where did the idea for the signs originate?
• Why did they cost so much?
• Were bids taken?
• Isn’t this a poor time to spend the money?
Fair questions, but ones that were answered.
New entrance signage was first suggested some ten years ago. Recently the Emporia Building Futures Committee brought them up as part of their tourism plans. The Committee’s Chairman was even interviewed for the Gazetteís Monday Conversation in July of 2009.
The money was put in the budget after much discussion by the commissioners.
A plan was devised, bids were taken and the final project - delayed once by the commission - was approved last week.
No one was bamboozled. This city commission has gone out of its way to be transparent, so that suggestion was unfair. Paying attention is our responsibility.
Bad timing? I’d suggest there could not be a better time. Because most believe times are tough Emporia gets far more bang for our buck by taking this bold step in marketing ourselves at this time.
It would also be my thought that few if any of the bloggers who suggest this is a bad time to put up new signs could tell me when they think a good time might be.
We live in a changing world. The Internet “Blog” has given a bold voice to people today who speak only because they are able to do so in anonymity.
A signed Letter to the Editor was once a powerful force. Now someone from Tim Buck To can offer a blog via the Internet and have it end up printed in our Gazette with many believing it was written by a neighbor.
Anonymous blogs should receive no creditability, yet that is in large part how this little firestorm was started.
The goal of the Emporia Building Futures Committee is to improve the first impression of people entering our city. These “rocks” are a positive step toward that goal and I urge the commission to stand tall against this assault from these faceless critics.
gg (anonymous) says...
Bah humbug, we do not buy it, oh wait, I guess we did! Boondoggle = large stones used to attract tourism, unless of course they compete with the Pyramids at Giza.
January 26, 2011 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Faceless and anonymous, huh Steve?
Not from this guy. I was the one who suggested everyone email the commissioners, and I posted their email addresses, and then put my name at the bottom, just as I have done with every post since you made the same accusations during the smoking ban debate. A couple of others have also, and I'll continue to do so in the future
I just posted what information was available on the Emporia City's website. What others did with that information kind of speaks for itself, doesn't it? According to the online poll (which is by no means a definitive source), over 1,200 people thought the same way as I did, while less than 70 thought it was a good idea. Defend it and your ECC buddies all you want. They REALLY screwed up, and the long-established small circle of power in Emporia is about to come crashing down because of it.
On a different note, the so-called "tourism plans" for Emporia need to come to a screeching halt. Emporia is, nor ever will be, a tourist destination. Ever. Period. WILL NOT HAPPEN. I don't know why this is so difficult to comprehend for supposedly intelligent, educated people.
Our focus needs to be and should be on manufacturing and business. Period. That is the ONLY way this town is going to survive.
Matthew Slater
P.S. - I'm not in Timbuktoo, but I'm close.
January 26, 2011 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
By the way, saw a Modine Radiator the other day for one of our trucks. Proudly made in Mexico.
Matt
January 26, 2011 at 12:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Guessler (anonymous) says...
The few people who want these rocks and think is not a bad time, can put them, spending their own money not the taxpayers money.
January 26, 2011 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Well steve,If Silence Dogwood was alive today ,wonder what his thoughts would be on your comments about using pen names........We have found our voice, and you dont like it.This anger has been festering after multiple spending trips ,at the expense of ever increasing taxs to we the tax payers. Well good luck putting this genie back in the bottle.
January 26, 2011 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Lol, Sail, it was Silence DOGOOD, haha. But your point is well taken, sir/ ma'am.
Matt
January 26, 2011 at 12:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
thanks for the note, be careful Matt, buy ya a drink at the TR when you get back.
January 26, 2011 at 12:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Here we go again with the anonymous BS. Everytime there is a public outcry on this forum, anonymity is attacked.
C'mon Steve Sauder, anonymity is an American tradition. The founding fathers wrote constantly under names other than their own. Ever hear of the Federalist Papers? Even those who were against the proposed U.S. Constitution wrote anonymous arguments.
While it is true that abusive people often hide behind their pseudonyms, I can definitely say that the arguments against those rocks were fairly calm considering the huge outcry.
Anonymous arguments should stand on their own merit. In other words, dear Steve Sauder, what difference does it make who said what? Are you that much dedicated to who's who in this town?
You're just upset that the people rose up and were heard. ONE HUGE ANONYMOUS VOICE. Loud wasn't it???
January 26, 2011 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Dont we vote annonymous?
January 26, 2011 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
the newly elected secretary of state is workn on changing that
January 26, 2011 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
howdo (anonymous) says...
I would still like to know what the bidding process for this work was and if it was even let for bid as stated in this article.
January 26, 2011 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bloomsbury (SC DIXON) says...
I assume this "Tim Buck (To)" fellow Mr. Sauder refers to is actually "Timbuktu," a city in Mali, (Africa)...just so you know.
I've never been there, but I can spell it.
January 26, 2011 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bloomsbury (SC DIXON) says...
By the bye, full disclosure here, The "S" in "SC" stands for "Steven." (I guess this isn't truly FULL disclosure because I'll be darned if I say what the "C" stands for...)
January 26, 2011 at 3:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
roxalan (anonymous) says...
I'm happy that the ECC listened to what the people of Emporia were saying and decided to put it on hold. That money could be used far better ways then spending on some type of monument that will not bring people in our city like the Emporia tourism thinks it will. They will see it and drive on thru we don't have alot of interesting things to bring tourists here. I've lived here all my life and its the same, we have a nice little zoo but I've seen better, we have a college but so does other towns, we don't have alot of variety of stores to bring people from other towns to our city. We need to bring jobs that will help our town grow and bring people in not these other monuments at this time. Fix our streets cause that also leaves an impression of our city more than the monuments. Just my opinion and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Sincerely,
Roxi Waechter
January 26, 2011 at 3:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
If this is such a good idea for tourism, why is it not funded with CVB money? They will get approximately $400,000.00 next year from motel taxes, not sales tax.
The Jan 5th city commission meeting discussion was on funding a 275 K STUDY for storm water fees and how to fund it, borrowing from 1 fund to pay back another, and eventually charging us for rain water run off.
Exactly 2 weeks later the commission awarded bids for the foundations for these rocks?
I need a better explanation.
I've been told but I'm not sure, that until the minutes of the Jan, 19th meeting are approved and signed by the mayor the contract for foundations would not be legal. So (PROBABLY), the Feb. 2nd meeting is where we will see if this is on hold or what.
Also Steve,
your comment about the delay of this project; "A plan was devised, bids were taken and the final project - delayed once by the commission - was approved last week. "
Wasn't the delay about the same time as the RDA and you were campaigning for the 1/2 cent sales tax extension?
And even if it wasn't, Do you think the voters would have approved it knowing the tax would be spent this way?
just trying to keep an open dialog, and I'm signing
Steve Corbin
January 26, 2011 at 3:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I STRONGLY AGREE WITH MR. SAUDER when he said ;
"Paying attention is our responsibility."
I think that is going to happen now.
Steve Corbin
January 26, 2011 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Observer (anonymous) says...
Aristocratic disdain for the "unwashed masses". "let them eat cake".
January 26, 2011 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bloomsbury (SC DIXON) says...
m-m-m-m-m, cake....
January 26, 2011 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
agoldengirl (anonymous) says...
Tonights front page about our school children going hungry is perfect example to prove to the commissioners that our money should have been better spent. How about asking these children that go to bed hungry which they would prefer, after all they are our future and should also have a say.
How about etching under the word "welcome" , the home of hungry school children. Now that would attract your tourists attention I bet.
January 26, 2011 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbastin (anonymous) says...
Love how he called it a "little firestorm". Makes you wonder if he understands or even cares to understand the people who listen to his radio stations.
January 26, 2011 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hometownkid (anonymous) says...
I disagree that putting these new signs up markets our city Steve. When entering our city from any direction there are already several signs telling you that emporia is ahead. Why do we need to tell someone again using a rock with "Emporia" on it to remind them again?? If we want to spend money to market Emporia then why don't we do something like betty did and put an ad in a national magazine again?? According to multiple articles in the paper, her and her staff was overwhelmed with the responsesasking for information about our city.
Just because everyone else is putting up rocks on the outskirts of there towns, doesn't mean Emporia needs to do the same.
We have plenty of signs informing everyone that this is Emporia.
Shop Emporia First !!
January 26, 2011 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
S.C.,
Collier?
Charles?
Cummings?
Cody?
Conrad?
Colonel?
Cash?
Christian?
Carter?
Colbert?
come on !
January 26, 2011 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cwalker (anonymous) says...
Jamie Sauder was on the KVOE's on air blog today and gave a great history on the monument project and answered many questions. If you missed it perhaps they have archive the discussion archived on their website.
Chris Walker
January 26, 2011 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowereastside (anonymous) says...
Didn't we just put up new entrance signs last year? When someone suggested removing "home of William Allen White" below Home of Clint Bowyer. Do you think people traveling through need at least two entrance signs at each exit? Building Futures is not Building Futures it is a kangaroo court that just spends money and would like to harrass citizens with houses "the committee" doesn't like or approve of.
January 26, 2011 at 4:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hometownkid (anonymous) says...
Does anyone think that the "passage to the prairie" has brought, people into the flint hills area???
Just curious, maybe that should be an online poll.
If the city thinks the proposed new signs would bring in business to Emporia. To you think the passage to the prairie has brought people to the flint hills area??
Haha !!
January 26, 2011 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bloomsbury (SC DIXON) says...
Okay, Steve, how would you like the middle name of "Constantine?"...er, I mean "Caesar..." or maybe, "Clarabelle?"
January 26, 2011 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AverageCitizen2 (anonymous) says...
It's Clinton.
January 26, 2011 at 4:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goforward (anonymous) says...
P
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D
E
S
I
G
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&
T
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S
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January 26, 2011 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vankamp (anonymous) says...
Maybe we should put the signs up by the round about by the turnpike. After going in circles I'm dizzy and wonder where I am.
January 26, 2011 at 4:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Alright, everybody dance about going in circles now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GtyMe...
January 26, 2011 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
I am trying to understand about faceless critics and why should matter. I doubt if the commish would know these folks anyway.Most live here in town and are voters and tax payers and have the right to complain about.
January 26, 2011 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
b3bill (anonymous) says...
Steve Sauder wrote "Paying attention is our responsibility."
Steve Sauder wrote "Now someone from Tim Buck To can offer a blog via the Internet and have it end up printed in our Gazette with many believing it was written by a neighbor."
Steve Sauder also wrote "Anonymous blogs should receive no creditability, yet that is in large part how this little firestorm was started."
I listen to the KVOE On Air Blog every week. Many times I hear Steve Sauder getting the facts incorrect on persons/events/dates/times that KVOE is covering. One example was last fall before the elections when the various candidates had on air debates on KVOE. That very same week during the On Air Blog, Steve Sauder had no idea of the schedule, and it had been advertised several times on KVOE, and the debates were already partially complete. Many other examples exist of his not being responsible for paying attention to what KVOE broadcasts, or at least he certainly speaks like a very uninformed person during the Blog many times. Why not have an informed KVOE employee provide the facts to you or read them on the Blog?
So, Steve Sauder, if the anonymous posts are not worthy of any credibility, why do you continue to pay so much attention to them?? You're always referring to them during your On Air Blog, and you referred to them again today, even after your latest "Something to Think About" today. You've said you read the blogs. Why spend time reading something with no credibility and later referring to it on air?
Why do you take phone calls during the On Air Blog and also read emails sent there? None of them have the person's name revealed on air, yet you indicate you want people to call or email. You don't know where the person is located. You had callers and emails today that did not have any person's name revealed. Phone or email contributors make your On Air Blog have more of a following, don't they? Looks like kind of a double standard criticizing anonymous blogs, yet using anonymous emails/blogs and phone calls on your On Air Blog.
This "faceless critic" knows you'll be reading this anonymous blog. Yes indeed, the "peasants" have revolted and it sure got your attention. I wouldn't call the multitudes of posts about the rocks as being a "little firestorm." It's far from over and won't be forgotten, especially at election time. Lots of people hate the rocks that never post anything online. They'll also take appropriate action at election time.
January 26, 2011 at 5:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sunshine (anonymous) says...
Mr. Sauder,
I agree, too, that it is our responsibility to pay attention. I admitted that I had not paid attention, but you can bet your bottom dollar I will be now!!
It IS bad timing, because as I stated in my previous posts, the economy is terrible, people are struggling financially right now, our local businesses are struggling and closing. Spending $100,000 in this type of cosmetic surgery for this town is like adding insult to injury. It is a luxury item in a time when we don't have the luxury of spending frivolously.
How can we have pride in our town?? By us, the citizens of this town speaking out and getting involved. By taking care of our town, keeping it clean, and helping each other. That is how we build pride in our town, not by putting up a few monuments. Monuments mean nothing except to say Here Is A Town That Doesn't Know How to Manage Its Money!
And as for people speaking out anonymously...I suspect that many would not speak out at all if not anonymously because they are afraid of repercussions. There have been times when I have been reluctant to put my name on my posts because of the populations of people I have worked with, or because speaking out too aggressively might have cost me a job if my views didn't coincide with the views of my employer. Maybe I just don't want my name out there all over the place. Sometimes its just not a good idea to put yourself out there too much. Fortunately, I really a nobody, so for the most part it really doesn't matter, but again, there have been times when I didn't think it was the best idea to just put my name out there. Anonymity allows people to voice their opinion when they otherwise would feel that they couldn't. Of course there are those that use it to make pointless and unnecessary jabs at others. There are rude and inconsiderate remarks made behind screen names. That is unfortunate, but that irresponsible behavior doesn't account for all bloggers.
Lisa L. Grey
January 26, 2011 at 6:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I haven't said anything about these stones other than they look like tombstones to me. As far as landscaping the entry ways of Emporia...I'm all for it. No one can say that the landscapes at our entryways are just fine. Just drive into Emporia with new eyes and you might just be ashamed.
I haven't seen the scope of work for this project but from what I have read in the paper, the project called for landscaping. I would be interested in seeing the architectural drawings to see what this expenditure looks like.
Anyone selling a home will tell you that the inside can be immaculate and the back yard can be amazing but if the curb appeal is lacking no one will want to look further.
Would it cost 100K to spruce up four ports of entry into Emporia? Hard scape, plantings and all? Probably. Would the residents of this community volunteer time and resources to do this work? Probably not.
If we won't do it ourselves and we refuse to pay someone to do it for us, what does that say about us as a community? Do you like how we look through the eyes of the world as it passes us by?
January 26, 2011 at 7:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
There has I think in the fall the trash pick volunteer day. Dont know why there couldnt be as REWBA said a day or two sprucing up the city. Clean the parks plant some flowers downtown (I do believe someone does that?)
January 26, 2011 at 7:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
Someone does, I know some people who participated in it!
January 26, 2011 at 7:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
S.C. Dixon
That is a very dignified middle name.
You should be proud one of our presidents took it as their own;>)
January 26, 2011 at 7:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buffalo_Breath (anonymous) says...
* Anonymous blogs should receive no creditability *
???
I'm not sure what "creditability" is, exactly ... but, on behalf of all yellow-bellied lurkers on this site, I would urge the gentleman not to make the mistake of thinking that just because somebody is a chicken, that means they don't know anything or that their comments don't reflect genuine sentiment in the community.
To paraphrase the great orator, G. W. Bush, I would suggest that to assume we have no creditability, would be to misunderestimate us.
January 26, 2011 at 7:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
armybrat (anonymous) says...
Lucky for our city govt that Ashley Walker took the heat off with a subject that has even more people stirred up.
January 26, 2011 at 8 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
b3bill, great post! I too have experienced the same thing, many times.
I have already contributed my opinon once regarding anonymity, but somethng else has occurred to me since.
I honestly believe that what got the commission's attention, and now Steve Sauder's, is the number of DIFFERENT AND NEW bloggers who were posting. That's right. This was not the usual forum with the same people showing up day after day, some posting several times.
Yes, this was indeed different. This was many, many new names showing up. This was people finally feeling fed up enough to jump online even though they'd never done so before. This was a shake up, a real shake up.
Be proud, Emporia!
January 26, 2011 at 8:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
railroadhorn (anonymous) says...
Mr. Sauder couldn't be more wrong in his belief that we need the $100,000 rock project right now. And I'm glad it's stalled. Nice move. And Sauder is equally off-base about who writes these blogs. I'm a born and bred Emporian, three generations. I'm looking for progressive responsible leadership on the city council. The 3 candidates who win darn well better be frugal and creative and will listen to the people.
Sad that in this same day's paper we have 80 school kids needing community dollars to eat BREAKFAST. How sick is that!?
And we dedicate the new Arts Center - that's a good example of how to do things around here.
Wise up Steve and KVOE.
January 26, 2011 at 8:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I proudly signed my name to the letters I wrote the commissioners. I find it extremely condescending that Steve Sauder feels the people blogging here are not citizens and should not be heard. I have news for you buddy, times change and the results of this debacle only reinforce this. You can get with the times or continue to try and denigrate us, the end result will be your word will just continue to deteriorate in the eyes of all of us.
I am all but convinced Mr. Sauder is upset and accusatory because the internet has made it very simple for many of us communicate our displeasure about his pet projects, as I said before, get used to it, times have changed. Perhaps in the future Mr. Sauder should get more feedback instead of imposing what he thinks is best for us......
January 26, 2011 at 8:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I also find it disturbing that an educated person would believe that the majority of us are not residents and have no interest in the community, and are simply here to stir things up.
What dreamworld do you reside in sir? We are here because we care about our community and how our tax dollars are spent. Next thing you know this man will claim anonymous votes should not count.....
January 26, 2011 at 8:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Could the exact locations of the desired monumental entrance landscaping be publicized and placed for adoption? Allow organizations who adopt these spots to go hog wild and compete with one another for the title of best kept entrance and reward the winner with a neat prize of some sort.
January 26, 2011 at 8:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
BTW, I don't live in Emporia but I work in Emporia for an organization with global reach. I'm sure we have a branch office in Timbuktu but I've never been there. Sorry about the anonymity....NOT! :-)
January 26, 2011 at 8:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
"have it end up printed in our Gazette with many believing it was written by a neighbor."
I believe he may still be sore at me from when I wrote on here that his participation when they air the ESU Women's basketball games should be limited or better yet left to his sports director who can actually do the job well. :)
I suppose ALL of your radio personalities have always used their real names too Steve? Now we know the source of the whine about the anon posts.
I think the citizens of Emporia should now ask for the resignation of the City Manager and the pompous a** who said the issue was a done deal and would not be revisited but that's just my Wed. words.
January 26, 2011 at 9:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
So, Steve Sauder thinks that just because his name and his sons name Jamie Sauder are synonymous with being credible or having credibility ? Well Mr. Sauders, according to the definition of " credibility " does not mean that ones true name is or will inspire " credibility ", if you don' t think so, read the following, it mentions nothing about a name lending any creedence to " credibility " ,
Definition of CREDIBILITY
1: the quality or power of inspiring belief
2: capacity for belief
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictio...
In the case of the definition of " credibility ", what makes the Sauders or anyone else believe that some one who wishes to remain anonymous, does not have any " credibility ", just because the do not wish to use there real name ???
Right and correct actions, deeds and statements is what lends creedence to credibility not just a name only !!!
January 26, 2011 at 10:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Even though you don' t live in Emporia, you are still Constitutionaly guaranteed freedom of speech !!!
January 26, 2011 at 10:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
krazykansan (anonymous) says...
I still like my idea of large helium balloons.
Lets see now, let me think, tourist attractions! One could be anchored at the Emporia zoo and about 100ft in the air it would say Emporia Zoo. Folks could see that from the other side of town off the pike or I-35 and have to drive through town to go see it. Then another anchored at the Emporia library, with words Lyon county historical museum.
Then another at, at, at, well I guess that is it for tourist attractions.
Maybe one at Jay's hamburger saying best burger in town. Y just think about it folks could see balloons all over and just go from one to the other, spending money on the way.
How much would a 20' diameter helium filled balloon cost? $2,000.00 maybe!
But by the time the politicians and red tape got thru with it it would cost a half million at least.
Stupid?? I know but damn I think it beats the hell out of what they have come up with on the rocks fiasco that NO ONE wants, excepts those getting paid.
If paid is the proper word????
January 26, 2011 at 10:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
I really like what goodoleboy says, I just wanted to say that first.
So, let me get this straight. The Gazette makes a website with the ability for people to post their opinions and remain anonymous. People use this for what it was intended. Suddenly, their opinions do not jive with what the powers that be want, and then the bloggers are not credible.
I am not sure of a nice way to say this, but I am not all that impressed with the opinions of people who are successful because they have been born into a successful business either, but then, that is just my anonymous opinion, I am sure it is not widely shared by real people.
January 26, 2011 at 10:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
krazykansan, didn't you read the article? It is only the faceless nameless mob of malcontents posting here who think the rocks are a waste of money, honest hardworking folk who have pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps realize this is a savvy business move that will put Emporia on the map, well, it already is on the map, it will help people know for sure when they get here it is indeed Emporia and not Olathe or Wichita, or Americus, or for that matter New York City. You may not realize it but over the years there has been tremendous confusion among many of us outlanders over what town does lie at the intersection of K99 and 50. These big rocks that say "Emporia" on them will help 90% of us know beyond a shadow of a doubt we have reached Emporia, and we will immediately park our cars and pickup trucks and start spending money like drunken sailors.
January 26, 2011 at 11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here's an idea,
I am thinking that the perfect location for a casino would be as follows, West of Road G, South of Road 180, East of Road F and North of highway 5o
or
South of highway 50, North of Road 170, East of Road F and West of Road G !
Both locations have plenty of space for 1 casino and room for expansion and possibly more casinos and they are just off three major traffic arteries and easy to get to and don' t have to worry about flooding !
But of course City services, such as water, sewer, etc., would have to be provided !!
Now you want to talk about a possible large return on investment ! I believe that this would be a great oppertunity for " RETURN ON INVESTMENT " and would draw, tourists, visitors, jobs and revenue to Emporia and Lyon County, in larger numbers than " ENTRANCE MONUMENTS ", " DOG POOP PARKS ON THE PRAIRIE " or " A WATER PARK ON THE PRAIRIE " !!
Along with a casino, casinos, comes hotels, restaurants, all sorts of businesses, additional revenue and possibly business and political conventions as well, which would mean even more revenue !!
The casinos could be called " OZ ", " EMERALD CITY ", " YELLOW BRICK ROAD " or what ever they wanted to be called !!
And it could quite possibly mean a decrease in taxes for everyone in Emporia and Lyon County !!!
January 26, 2011 at 11:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
romano1784 (anonymous) says...
My name is Anthony Romano, and I approve a change from stupidity.
January 26, 2011 at 11:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
I think Steve Sauder has got himself overly emotionaly involved because his son is involved and I have empathy for him. Even if Dolley Parton was in Emporia's shoes, if we don't get a handle on spending, we will be flat busted.
January 26, 2011 at 11:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
This is all probably just rumor, but I heard all the surrounding small towns have pirated the unique design of these stones, and intend to put their own stones up(even Bushong) that claim to be Emporia. The unknowing tourists will then stop and spent their money in those towns, believing them to actually be Emporia.
January 26, 2011 at 11:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I don't support the monuments but I do support keeping the town Neat, Clean and Orderly. Overgrown brush, overhead wires, plastic bags stuck to the fence just blowing in the wind is totally unacceptable. Weeds growing out of the cracks along the roadways, grass growing over the curbs and decrepit buildings thirsting for a coat of paint. All these things sort of blend in when locals become accustomed to the eyesore that they call home.
Talk all you want. Mail nice brochures with photos of the isolated treasures too. That attracts attention but businesses looking to invest in a community will travel into that town and look to see how their future employees live. What standards to they live.
We have service organizations in this town but the sign listing them all at the entrance of Emporia is rotting away. Lots of pride shown there.
I challenge anyone who is griping about landscaping our entryways to get in their car, leave this city and return with new eyes. Look at what everyone sees when they see us.
If we won't do it ourselves and we refuse to pay someone to do it for us, what does that say about us?
January 26, 2011 at 11:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
alfalfa, you're cracking me up!
January 26, 2011 at 11:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
krazykansan (anonymous) says...
OH SORRY Alfalfa, I don't know what came over me.
I guess I had a TLOI (Temporary Lapse of Intelligence)
Hell, I bet they could hire some of the Illegal aliens around town that would do the whole thing for $10 grand.
I like the casino idea too. Another spot for a helium balloon.
January 26, 2011 at 11:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
krazykansan (anonymous) says...
Oh and if they don't know where they are when they are driving then they don't need to be driving in the first place.
Ah hell everybody knows there idea sucks to high heaven and way way to much money spent for what we get.
January 26, 2011 at 11:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sunshine (anonymous) says...
REWBA, maybe you are right, I'm sure that the entrances could use a spruce up. A little landscaping, sure. Keep it clean and looking decent. Nothing more....no grand entrance or red carpet rolled out necessary. Nothing we need to spend $100,000 on. But I agree about the volunteering and keeping our town looking nice, inside and out. I would be glad to volunteer, I really enjoy volunteering and participating in various community efforts.
January 26, 2011 at 11:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Just remember folks , we get all the gov. we deserve....VOTE in the primary
January 27, 2011 at 7:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
alfalfa,
Twice this month people have disparaged "Drunken sailors" on these blogs. As a former drunken sailor, now just a drunk, I object to these insults. marines, army and airmen drink too. Come On !
January 27, 2011 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
custom (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
January 27, 2011 at 7:35 a.m. ( permalink )
marko (anonymous) says...
ah come on Corbin, I complimented drunken sailors by saying they had more sense than the people's chosen commissioners.... oh wait you may be right that may have been disparaging.
January 27, 2011 at 7:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
As neighbor (anonymous) stated above
Many on air personalities do not use their real names, including some on our local stations owned by Mr. Sauder.
The reason for this is so they won't be threatened, stalked and harassed and bothered at home when they are off duty.
But they also can't say anything they want because the radio station is responsible for content.
I would say the same applies to posters on these blogs, although some anonymous users do use their anonymity to hurl insults and such, and that is uncalled for.
And most times the gazette does a good job on it's pulling of offensive posts.
But i am sure that Steve Sauder understands the reasons why anonymity is important to his employees.
January 27, 2011 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
it would be nice if we could keep some semblance of civility on here.
January 27, 2011 at 7:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporiaescapee (anonymous) says...
Landscaping Emporia's entrances should come after the inner-city is cleaned up and new businesses opened. The gambling aspect is not a good idea. Especially when so many are out of work or have low income wages.
http://www.ksproblemgambling.org/news...
Til' next time
January 27, 2011 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
I like the fact that now the stones are being called "MONUMENTS", that is funny. A monument to what?? The quonsets are now coming down, why not put them at the entrances to the city and paint "Emporia" on them it would make about as much sense as rocks!
January 27, 2011 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
I also hear that the courthouse is finally getting paid off, but some (people like Steve Sauder, Chris Walker, Bob Agler etc...) want to keep the 1/2 cent sales tax (that only passed by 200 votes way back when) in force. That is the problem with Emporia and Lyon County, just keep taxing the citizens until they finally leave, then tax the remaining people more to cover the costs!!!
January 27, 2011 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
photobuggy2 (anonymous) says...
To me the issue isn't the putting up of stones, but what is being used to fund it. Our tax dollars, that means we should have a say.
Answer me this Steve Sauder...did anyone even try to fund this with donations and try and get a matching grant?
I don't get the emporia gazette, I can't afford it. The radio in my vehicle is broken and I can't afford to fix it...and now you want to pile on more with an unnecessary bill for rocks. Yes, I'm against it.
I moved to Emporia When I was 17, I married my husband here when I was 19, I lost my husband of 30 years here and buried him here...so yes I live in Emporia and am an Emporian!
January 27, 2011 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
I also want to know why they are calling them monuments? They are "ROCKS"!
Definitions of 'monument' Webster Dictionary
1. (noun) monument
something which stands, or remains, to keep in remembrance what is past; a memorial
A memorial to a dying town perhaps? Or our life, liberty and persuit of happyness in Emporia, Kansas!
January 27, 2011 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
WichitaWings-
The 1/2 cent sales tax was used to pay for the courthouse, and was approved by the county, not the city, nor does it have anything to do with the city. I don't know what they would want it for, unless they want the county to bail the city out like they did with the last sales tax increase.
Matt
January 27, 2011 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Steve_Corbin,
I don't know about the Air Force or Marines but Army Soldiers are trained to wear T-Shirts and hats that say Navy when we go out to get drunk and curse. :-)
January 27, 2011 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
mslater and wichitawings,
yep, Matt is right about the county tax, but i understand people being confused. There are so many "special" taxes out there it's hard to keep em straight.
January 27, 2011 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
rabblerouser,
I agree with you on the use of the word monument. Perhaps they decided to use this word as a euphemism for rocks since we introduced so much negative imagery in our blogs. I do know that in e-mails I received from commissioners, they were not called "monuments." Change the word, change the image. Anybody here ever read George Orwell's "Animal Farm"?
I see as of last night's school board meeting that the Lowther buildings are now officially for sale. Perhaps somebody will buy them and turn them into casinos. I said it, yes, but I don't agree with casinos. Too many problems involved. Thanks for the link on problem gambling in Kansas, emporiaescapee.
January 27, 2011 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
Steve Corbin(and all other current and former drunken sailors), I want to apologize for my bigoted post concerning drunken sailors. I have never even met a drunken sailor, so for me to stereotype them as spending large amounts of money without thinking was wrong, very, very wrong.
I have seen drunken cowboys spend money, I should have used that term instead. Or, I could have said "spend money like Emporia knowledge brokers buying big rocks", that might have been even more appropriate.
January 27, 2011 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
REWBA makes a valuable commentary on appearance --"Overgrown brush, overhead wires, plastic bags stuck to the fence just blowing in the wind...Weeds growing out of the cracks along the roadways, grass growing over the curbs and decrepit buildings thirsting for a coat of paint."
This town looks dirty and unkempt, not just now in the wintertime, but all the time. The last time I made a comment about all the grass that grows over the curbs along the fairgrounds, I received a resounding blog slap from someone I can only believe was a fair board member. Even after that, no one bothered to trim the grass. I myself would volunteer to do it if I weren't too old to get out there to do that kind of work.
Get after it, fair board, slap me down again. I still insist that those fairgrounds is one area that needs real attention, not just somebody on a mower. Those monuments are something of an attraction, but they are not kept up. We can't just let The Granada do all the work here. Other areas need work too.
The downtown areas look nice most of the time with the volunteers who have adopted them. I myself have adopted a tiny merchant's garden because that is what I can do. But you have to keep a constant eye, just as you do your own garden.
Again I ask, howcum the university can keep their grounds looking so nice all the time? Why can't we have a landscape crew supported by sales tax funds? A real landscape crew that knows what it is doing. That is more infrastructure than a bunch of static rocks that just sit there. At least landscaping all over town would be dynamic.
And if the landscape crew is doing a good job, perhaps merchants would like to pay a fee to have them do their properties too. Yes, pay a fee. Many merchants do a very poor job now.
January 27, 2011 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
Mr. Sauder:
It appears us "faceless critics" have accomplished something and it appears that we do have a voice.
I take a lot of offense to your condescending tone in your letter. It seems that you think you know what is best for Emporia and that us "less important" citizens should just sit back and let you tell us what to do for our own good.
Well, I am not sure if you are aware but the city commission is supposed to be a representation of the city as a whole. That means everyone, the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor all have the same voice. Priorities are different for different classes of people.
Maybe you don't care that the streets and sidewalks and storm drains are in dire need of repair and maintenance. Maybe you don't mind an increase in your fees because you can easily afford it. Maybe you're not concerned with icy roads or homes in disrepair or empty buildings in town. Maybe you don't care about any of that because it doesn't affect you due to your wealth. But I am here to help inform you that most of us do not live like you. Most of us are in the middle to lower income brackets. Most of us struggle with new fees and don't have money to be wasting on fixing tires due to potholes from poor streets. Most of us struggle to find ways to improve our homes. Some of us struggle to buy gas in order to get to work. Some of us make $7.50 an hour and have a hard time stretching it to do all of the things that we need to in order to live, let alone the things that we want. And yes even some of us struggle to eat. But even us have a voice and we have a right to be represented also.
So yes Mr. Sauder, you do represent a portion of the population of the city but you don't represent the majority. Walk a day in our shoes sometime and you will see why a "little firestorm" was started when the commissioners decided to spend $100k on some rocks instead of spending on things of need.
January 27, 2011 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sloan (anonymous) says...
Steve Sauder said, "It would also be my thought that few if any of the bloggers who suggest this is a bad time to put up new signs could tell me when they think a good time might be."
The answer to that question is there is NOT a good time for this project. It's too costly and won't attract tourism or new businesses.
January 27, 2011 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sloan (anonymous) says...
Forgot to add this:
Well said yev_kassem! I hope Mr. Sauder reads your reply and takes it to heart.
January 27, 2011 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Absolutely! The time is NEVER!!!
Use that hundred thousand to pay a landscape crew for several years to take care of real landscaping which would make it all dynamic with live growth not static with dead rocks.
January 27, 2011 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fuggetabodit (anonymous) says...
Oh, my gosh. I would laugh at Mr. Steve Sauder's diatribe, if only to keep from crying about his disassociation from the reality of Emporia's economy.
And, lest we forget...who is the chair of the Building Futures Goal 8 committee to promote tourism in Emporia? Why, it's Jamie Sauder!
January 27, 2011 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
purplepower (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
January 27, 2011 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
After carefully reviewing all these blogs, I have found a little known gold nugget that Emporia needs to promote. Most tourists according to Sam Ewing like to go where there are no tourists. What we have here in river city is a confrontation between steam {the blogers] and rock {the Chamber of Commerce.] And when this happens, the steam usually wins, not through power politics but through perseverance.
January 27, 2011 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chrissylynn_2 (anonymous) says...
AGAIN: Can anyone tell me how much tourism that expensive A$$ add in Oprahs magazine got us? I bet about as much as those expensive A$$ ROCKS would bring. Rocks on hold now? thats a good thing, now if only they would think before they sign contracts, not after a blog slap to the forehead.
January 27, 2011 at 11:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I too wish to say well said yev_kassem !
I would also like to say, that the people/majority of Emporians, now know, who believes that they and their friends and family are the only " credible " ones in Emporia and believe that they are the only ones who have the right to dictate what the elected repesentatives of the " PEOPLE/MAJORITY " of Emporia can and must " DO " according to the law/rule " OF SAUDER " and you have all seen and heard what happens when you have the " AUDACITY " as a people to say no to " SAUDERS LAW/RULE " !
I would like to know one thing Mr. Sauder,
Exactly who elected / placed you, your clan and cronies in the sole position of GODS / RULERS of Emporia, ANYWAY ???
As you can see we/us uncredible / anonymous sheep can and will become irate, warrior RAMS when we have had enough bullying !
Oh, and one last thing Mr. Sauder, the PEOPLE / MAJORITY anonymous or not and the City of Emporia owe you nothing or will ever bow down to you as their King and Ruler !!! After all this is a Country, City, County, State of free people who are supposed to be free from being ruled, dictated to or owing servitude or subjugation by anyone !!
Your name is Steve Sauder, which is just a name and a name only, nothing special about it, so get over yourself, you are nothing special, just a person, like the rest of us !!!
January 27, 2011 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
solong (anonymous) says...
reddog, do you know what flip-flop means?
January 27, 2011 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
solong,
reddog is so erratic in what, whom he supports or believes, that noone really pays a whole lot of attention to what he says or his web site addresses he posts !
January 27, 2011 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Wow, wonder if humble pie is being served today.A good ol fashion im sorry would sound darn good now.
January 27, 2011 at 12:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Reddog, Please don't ever mention Emporia and tourism in the same sentence ever again, unless you're saying this: "Promoting tourism in Emporia is a very stupid idea."
Matt
January 27, 2011 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
From the CVB link (they don't even have their own website??)
2008 Business Plan
Seek to increase sporting events in Emporia through relationships with area sports clubs/organizations, promoters and ESU.
Pursue gateways for identified areas to enhance the image of Emporia.
Work closely with local arts and entertainment entities to promote Emporia as a cultural and entertainment hub.
Pursue enticing group travel to Emporia to include an overnight stay.
Promote meeting and convention venues to groups/organizations in Kansas.
Continue education within the Emporia community and region about Travel and Tourism.
For this they need $378,000 this year? We're not getting screwed, we're getting f*$&ed!
Matt
January 27, 2011 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
http://www.emporiakschamber.org/Custo...
January 27, 2011 at 12:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Last post for a little bit, I promise, but seriously, if you want a CVB person, give him $30k a year, a desk, and a phone, and tell him he's got 6 months to show results. This is absolutely ridiculous that we are spending over a third of a million dollars a YEAR to promote tourism in Emporia, and as of yet, the only two big ideas to come out of that are the entrance AHEM monuments AHEM and the Visitors Park where people on the turnpike can stop and let their dogs take a dump.
Cut their budget, cut it now.
Matt
January 27, 2011 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bloomsbury (SC DIXON) says...
No! The middle name ain't "Clinton..."
From this day onward it is "Credibility!"
Yup. I like it. Steven Credibility Dixon.
Kinda gotta "ring" to it...
January 27, 2011 at 12:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Here matt, if you don't want to post on this thread anymore, you gotta go here:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/20...
January 27, 2011 at 12:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
O.K. ALL YOU POSTERS, NEW AND OLD ALIKE.
Let's step back and think what our blogging has accomplished so far.?????????????????
Absolutely Nothing !
This project is on hold, nothing else.
Do you realize what the mayor meant when he said it was on hold? It means that the contract for the FOUNDATION is on hold at least until the Feb. 2 meeting. At that meeting all they have to do is approve the minutes of the prior meeting and Mayor Kessler signs it.
Over 1/2 of the costs have already been spent, already spent , already spent.
Now the public outcry of we bloggers and others who e-mailed the commission HAS MADE THEM THINK.
That is a good thing !
But this project will most likely go ahead as planned.
Everytime we bloggers high-5 and congratulate each other on here for the fine job we have done, and then go on to HURL personal attacks against a fellow Emporian just kind of proves Steve Sauders' point on the anonymous bloggers doesn't it?
I am NOT a Steve or Jamie Sauder cheerleader by any means. Hardly know Steve and only saw Jamie a couple of times. I strongly disagree with Jamie on this, as I did with Steve over the smoking ban.
You may not agree with their positions or their thoughts on this or hardly anything,
you may dislike them for personal reasons, you may think they have an attitude problem, but that is NOT what this is about.
It is about the chairman of BFP bringing an idea to the commission and our commission approving it. So let's save the majority of our anger for the commission and try to temper our comments and argue the facts.
Are we showing the same dismissive disdain for Steve Sauder that he showed us bloggers in his letter?
January 27, 2011 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Steve Sauder showed a bit more than "dismissive disdain" for the people of these boards in his remarks. Many people here wrote the commissioners and signed off on their letters(myself included). I personally think the guy is upset that people have found a new way to gather and make their voices heard and he does not like it, it crimps his business as usual style. Clearly Mr. Sauder has never read The Art of War.
January 27, 2011 at 2:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
Steve_Corbin--
You are absolutely right. Nothing has really been " accomplished" yet. The rocks will most likely still go up but the posters did get the word out which has made the commissioners react.
Personal attacks are never good. However alot of people also use the forums as a place to vent their frustrations about certain individuals. We need to pull together as a city, get the right leaders in place and shape the city in the best way for all citizens.
I am not opposed to the rocks. I am opposed to spending money on things that have little or no value when there is a laundry list of things that need to be done and maintained. If and when the city completes those projects and we have a surplus of money and we want to start attracting more people to town with some rocks...go for it!
January 27, 2011 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Sorry Steve, but Sauder showed quite a bit more than "dismissive disdain" for the posters on this blog. By attacking us because we are anonymous, he is saying that only named people have an opinion.
Let's say I give my name. What good will that do? Does that make my opinion any more viable? My opinion should carry its own merit, period.
The people who count are the ones involved with this decision, the commissioners themselves. I signed my name and address when I sent e-mails to them. That's all that matters, not Steve Sauder.
January 27, 2011 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I see and agree with much of the anger on this issue. i just hope the anger and outrage over such a stupid expenditure in these hard times is focused on those who voted for it.
Unfortunately for Bob Agler he is the only one we can hold accountable in this upcoming election. I really think his defeat will send the message "we expect you to do the right thing without looking over your shoulders every day." The next election, if they run, Mr. Nelson and Mr. Kessler can be held accountable at that time.
In the meantime if the right 3 are elected this year, maybe Mr. Zimmerman and anyone else who currently holds influence with the commission will cool their jets.
January 27, 2011 at 3:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve C., yev_kassem and anyone who is interested !
I will not bow down, cowtow too, nor let anyone intimidate or insult me, no matter what their name is, who they think they are or if they think their position in the community or life is beyond reproach !
You are probably right the " ROCKS / STONES or MONUMENTS " to the stupidity of the so called, self appointed /anointed leaders of Emporia, will most likely be erected anyway !
However I don' t have to like it and I do not have to be " NICEY, NICE " to someone who fires the first insulting salvo either !!
First of all, I disagree with Mr. Sauder when he says that no one was " bamboozled " ! Then goes on to explain, and I quote " New entrance signage was first suggested some ten years ago. "
Well I seem to recall that " New Signage " was installed at least once, possibly twice in the last 10 years !
Also the 2010 proposed City Budget lists the following, In CIP but not funded _____ Landscaping at highway entrances________$40,000 !
Then again the proposed 2011 City Budget lists the following, In CIP but not funded ____Landscaping at highway entrances _______$40,000 !
Nowhere in either of these proposed budgets are there any mention of New Signage or ROCKS/STONES or MONUMENTS at a cost of more than $100, 000 dollars !
When was the first time that the public taxpayers new that $40,000 worth of Entrance Landscaping had grown to $100,000+ STONES / ROCKS / MONUMENTS ??
1week ago, a month ago, 2 months ago, at the last public budget meeting ?
If the public and taxpayers were not made aware of the change from a $40,000 LANDSCAPE expense to a $100,000 dollar Entrance Monuments at least at the last public Budget Hearing or at least some public notification of the change in cost, then the " PUBLIC / TAXPAYERS " were indeed " BAMBOOZLED, FLIM-FLAMED, CONNED !
Is it not the responsibility of the City Commission to answer to THE PEOPLE and keep those who are paying the bills, " THE PEOPLE " INFORMED as to any and all changes in the PROPOSED COSTS or EXPENSES involved in the running of The City / The Peoples Business ??
And there are FLIM - FLAM men/women that are influencing the way things are done in Emporia !!
Something, FISHEY or BAMBOOZLING about all this ???
What do you, THE PEOPLE, think ??
January 27, 2011 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
slater & steve--In case I'm wrong Emporia and the courthouse are in Lyon county so the citizens of emporia paid for it to. And by the election breakdown when it passed the majority of the yes votes came from within the city limits. That 1/2 cent sales tax affects us all if we "shop Emporia first".
January 27, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I understand the anger but I don't agree with it.
Posters on here have complained about the dated, run down appearance of our streets and infrastructure for years. The majority who post here agree that something should be done about it. Nevertheless, anytime there is news about street repairs, upgrades to public spaces, utilities upgrades or even beautification of entryways, the bloggers come out screaming bloody murder. If it isn't about the wastefulness of a project it's about the crooked way it was awarded or what part of town is being neglected while the north side is spoiled.
Yes, there is always encouraging words when it comes to having mythical volunteers come down from the heavens to wipe the ugly away. One question, where are these angels?
I've asked it before and I'll ask it again, If we won't do it ourselves, and we refuse to pay someone to do it for us, will it get done?
January 27, 2011 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
REWBA,
I don' t think you do really understand the anger that is prevailent on / in most of the posts about this issue !
January 27, 2011 at 5:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I think the anger is due to the ignorant way this project was presented to the community.
It is paid for by a small percentage of sales tax collected on sales within the city.
Wal Mart collected enough sales tax during Christmas to pay for landscaping all of Emporia's entryways.
People do not understand what it is we are getting. The paper gave us a photoshoped picture of a penis shaped stone in a fake meadow. Well, some say that, I think if they build the base properly it will look like we're flipping the bird to passers by. Anyway, that's what we saw and we were told it would cost over 100K for four of them.
If the penis rock is all we get then I say demand that our money be returned and tell the con artists to hide in shame.
If the dealings are crooked then press criminal charges.
I would like to see the architectural drawings, a written scope of work and a breakdown of the estimated costs. Labor, equipment, materials.
Keep in mind that this isn't a tiny little residential flower bed. In order for a welcome sign to make an impact the hard scape, soft scape and plantings have to dominate something as large as the highway it sits next to. It has to be as big as a house. That costs real money. 100K for four of them is cheap.
If I'm wrong and the city officials are giving us a pebble at the side of the road with a flower next to it then by all means...Get A Rope!
January 27, 2011 at 6:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
Ask anyone who works in retail or tourism how many people actually read signs.
The other article on hungry children perfectly illustrates why so many people are upset over the rocks.
There are many people in this town who can't afford to buy food to feed their own families, yet our town leaders want them to help buy $140,000 worth of rocks.
Please. Use the tax dollars for what you said they were going to be used for - infrastructure improvements. Roads, water & sewer systems, etc.
Save the fancy decorations for when the economy improves.
January 27, 2011 at 6:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
There are so many comments about Emporia, the tourist attraction and making Emporia a tourist / visitor attraction !
Do those who see Emporia as a Tourist / visitor attraction, even know what a " TOURIST ATTRACTION " is ?
FYI, " A tourist attraction is a place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, or amusement opportunities. "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourist_...
How many of the above exist in Emporia that would make Emporia a tourist attraction, other than the $ 100,000 " STONES / ROCKS / MONUMENTS " , which by the way meets non of the above criteria for a Tourist attraction ?
And just how much more money would need to be spent to make Emporia a bonafide and profitable Tourist Attraction and are " THE PEOPLE / TAXPAYERS " willing to endure further unneeded spending and taxing to make Emporia a Tourist Attraction and forgo the crumbling City infrastructure ??
January 27, 2011 at 11:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Emporia is not developed enough to be a tourist attraction. I doubt if it ever will be. We do, however, have specific destinations that draw people here. Those are the ones to revere and take care of. Who are they?
Bluestem Farm & Ranch. People come from miles around, even out of state company likes to go there. Fascinating place. (And they take care of their own landscaping too).
Walmart. Of course. Big draw there. Can't deny it. Their parking lot is never empty with 24 hour opening.
The Veterans' Memorial, particularly twice a year on Memorial Day and Veterans' Day. Folks do come from all around. Let's take good care of it.
Basketball and Volleyball tournaments for Emporia as well as area schools at the White Auditorium and Emporia State's basketball and volleyball. Big, big, big draw of out of towners there. Let's make sure we have plenty of parking for those folks, and take good care of that auditorium. It's worth a lot.
That area on Industrial with Braum's and Applebee's and Staples, etc. Good draws there.
Prairie Pieces Quilt Shop. Yes, believe it or not, the little shop that could. They bring quilters to town from all over, even out-of-state. I've been in there many times when people would shop then ask, "Is there a good place to eat around here?" That is worth it's weight in gold. Several times a year they have "shop hops" and quilters from all over Kansas go there. But, the street in front of that shop is a huge mess because the pavement is too high where cars park because it was never leveled out after the last repaving. Getting in/our of your car there is like climbing on a horse. What's the matter with you, City of Emporia? That place is a gem and this is how you treat it?
Of course there are more destination draws to Emporia. I'll let the rest of you add to the list I have begun.
January 28, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Create, adding to your list.
American Legion baseball at Soden Grove.
Shrine Bowl, not every year but often. Thank you Shriners for getting Emporia involved in this.
Disc Golf, Not a huge draw in numbers but it does bring them in.
Newer is Dirty Kanza bike race. Last year was the first thanks to the volunteer work of the Mohns' and Browns' and other volunteers. This year will be even bigger, motels will be sold out, lot's of people coming to town. WARNING, A few blocks of Commercial street may be closed due to the crowds.
Granada theater, a great venue for meetings and weddings and class reunions.
Emporia Arts council, it's new and it has to be a positive development for the area..
January 28, 2011 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
The David Traylor Zoo is a place to take out of town visitors also, but it really probably not a tourist draw in itself.
January 28, 2011 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
also for the last couple of years The Clint Bowyer golf tournament has brought quite a few people into town.
January 28, 2011 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Great ones, Steve.
Thanks to all these merchants and organizations that bring people to Emporia all the time.
And how could I forget the biggest draw of all -- Emporia State University, my alma mater and many of yours too. Go Hornets!
Keep this list going, everybody. This is a time to accentuate the positive, and put a balm on our bruised pocketbooks.
January 28, 2011 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
The starving children in the third world is a big draw for Christian Charities. We could highlight all the starving children in Emporia's schools. That could spark interest.
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&su...
January 28, 2011 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Mr. Sauder,
As a new resident to Emporia, I am confused to how a successful business person could support the monuments when very little research has been presented.
"The money was put in the budget after much discussion by the commissioners."
Yes, El Dorado, Council Grove, Olathe, and numerous other towns and cities have entrance monuments. However, if anyone involved in this project discussed these towns, as examples, then true research will also provide detailed comparisons to the costs paid, by each city / town, for their entrance monuments. Can we read the minutes for the discussions by the commissioners? Then, we will be able to understand the research.
In addition, I am one of the "faceless critics" and my anonymous blogs, according to your article, "should receive no creditability" However, as a person who is new to emporia, I am also one of the "outside" people your committees are trying to market. You want to attract visitors and new residents, but your article is a double slap in the face to me. As an outsider, the monuments shouldn't be placed before streets, housing and building codes. The core structure of Emporia needs to be improved before you spend too much money marketing the city. As someone who is familiar with real estate, would you expect to sell a house at $100,000 if the driveway was in shambles, the roof needed repairs and the interior walls and carpeting were destroyed? Probably not. So, when the core of Emporia requires repairs, why is it a good idea to spend $100,000+ on "selling" the city?
January 28, 2011 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I agree, these are seen as visitor " DRAWS " to those who live here and possibly those who have already been here.
But, how many of those who live out of State or even out of the Country have been told or know about these attributes or even see these as a huge Tourist/Visitor attraction on the scale of a Niagra Falls, Statue of Liberty, Eifel Tower, Yellow Stone Park, Mount Rushmore, sandy beaches, which boarder oceans, a year round temperate climate, fantastic ski slopes, etc. ?
One has to understand what constitutes a Tourist Attraction and what it actually is that will attract Tourists from all around the Country and Globe to be ATTRACTED to visit a place and spend their money there ! The main thing is , is the Uniqness, Unusualness, is it a natural phenomanon, a man made phenomanon, a place of Leisure, Beauty, Fun, Enjoyment, Peaceful, Relaxing Atmosphere, etc, etc, and nowadays even more important is it easily accessible and affordable to most everyone !
I agree that to those of us who love Emporia we see most all of these things, except possibly the affordable part of the equation !!!
However will our crumbling City infrastructure be a detriment or asset to the Tourists we hope to attract, once they get here ?
And we must not lose sight of the fact that the Tourism industry is also suffering in the economic times !
January 28, 2011 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia
Unfortunately, you have just experienced what the rest of us have been experiencing for quite some time now ! And have gotten an Idea as to who believes they are the GOD/RULER of Emporia or at least one of them !
And I appologize to you for that unpleasant experience, we are all not like the " ELITE " few !
January 28, 2011 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Methusla, Many people who visit the Flint Hills for photography, hiking, and nature find it difficult to secure lodging because there is only three small hotels in all of Chase County. Most visitors attracted by the hills are forced to secure lodging in Emporia and commute to the hills on day trips only to return from all that beauty to find the ugly entrance of the unwelcoming city of Euphoria.
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=...
January 28, 2011 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
REWBA and others,
There is an old saying, " BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER " !
Which means, "Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them."
Will an extravagant, costly Entrance sign to anywhere, make that anywhere more " BEAUTIFUL or DESIRABLE " in the " mind which beholds or contemplates it ?
Even if that somewhere/place, itself is crumbling into ruin and its inhabitants are forced into leaving that somewhere or forced into poverty ?
And just because you and others see in your minds eye, the entrances as ugly, does not mean that the City itself or its people are " UNWELCOMING " !
And what makes you think a beautiful entrance to a city will make the place anymore " WELCOMING " , if that City/place itself is being allowed to decay, become ugly, for the sake of " Beautiful " entrance signs ?
To make something beatuiful you must start the beautification process at the " CORE " of that place, person, place or thing ! Beauty is only a surface amenity, if the core is allowed to decay and become ugly, then the surface beauty will not be a lasting thing !!!
January 28, 2011 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GreatDayInEmporia (anonymous) says...
@create I just love your idea for an Emporia list! What a way to change our mindset, and encourage us to think about the attractions we see in the city, instead of just the proposed rocks.
“Tourism” doesn’t mean necessarily mean attracting people to the town for vacation. Many visit the city for a sporting event, meeting, or academic engagement, and leave upon its conclusion. However, with marketing (POSITIVELY Emporia) and continued attention to local infrastructure, these individuals and families could be encouraged to spend a few extra hours exploring the area, going out to dinner, perhaps even spending the night.
Adding to your list, in no particular order, these are a few things that I love about my hometown:
Emporia is the home of Veteran’s Day and also the first town to build a memorial honoring veterans of all wars, currently hosting the All Veterans Tribute, a week-long series of events held throughout the city. Mr. Alvin King proposed the renaming of Armistice Day, in order to honor all veterans, following his nephew's return from WWII. With hard work from Mr. King and the community, the proposal went from the Emporia Chamber of Commerce to President Eisenhower, becoming official in 1954. I have very fond memories of attending various events with my grandfather, Mr. Tom Tholen, and Mr. Ken Bradstreet, two proud WWII veterans, as they shared stories with children and adults alike. Their pride in Emporia, and commitment to the people, has helped to keep history alive, and I hope the story of Mr. King and his honorable idea continues to be told.
-Tallgrass National Prairie Reserve (U.S. National Park Service)
-Lyon County Historical Society
-Emporia Public Library (There is the fantastic Brown Bag Series in the summer, as well as classes and events throughout the year.)
*Open since 1869, it is the oldest library in Kansas in continuous operation.
-Sustainable Living Center, Flint Hills Technical College (nationally recognized program for study of food production, renewable energy, building industry, and recycling industry)
-Emporia State University, home to the following:
*One-room Schoolhouse
*Summer Theater Program (in its 56th year!)
*Zola Witten Track, Welch Stadium (host to NCAA/MIAA National Track& Field Championships)
*Center for Great Plains Studies
*Lady Hornets Basketball!!
-and of course, J’s Carryout (If you haven’t tried their burgers, you must!! They are delicious!)
January 28, 2011 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Well, I can see that minds are starting to wander off of the subject of the matter, so it would seem that the plan of the City Commission/City Manager and others has been put into place and is working, on some, anyway !
The plan, take the focus of the people off of the wasted expenditure / expenditures and get the people to focus on something else, then the items that money was wasted on will be in place and then things will be " HUNKY- DORY " , oh yeah some will be fooled by this tactic !!!
This is an old military tactic, provide a " FEINT " in one direction, such as telling the people that a project has been put on hold and then when the " ENEMY / THE PEOPLE " have started to focus on something else, " STRIKE " and then it will be to late !!
Oh, I have seen this many time both militarily and in Emporia polotics, more times than I can remember !!!
Don' t loose FOCUS people or your goose is cooked !!!
Don' t say I didn' t warn you !!
January 28, 2011 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GreatDayInEmporia (anonymous) says...
@methusla "The plan" of the city seems to be relatively unknown, as plans seem to be of less importance than rapid decision-making.
I read a comment from Mr. Kessler the other day implying that updated entrance signage would make Emporia more appealing/attractive/memorable to tourists... the appeal of a community is not based on a sign/rock/monument announcing a town's name, it's based on the people and places that form the town.
January 28, 2011 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GreatDayInEmporia (anonymous) says...
@methusla Also, "plans" for the community also seem to be of less importance than excessive contracts.
-$14,000 for quonset removal
-$3,000,000,000 middle school addition
-$100,000 entrance signs
-whatever ridiculous amount that unwarranted clock tower cost
January 28, 2011 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I'm not providing a feint, methusla. I'm just accentuating the positive for a brief respite.
What GreatDayinEmporia says is true and bears repeating: "the appeal of a community is not based on a sign/rock/monument announcing a town's name, it's based on the people and places that form the town."
I just wanted to review what we do have and why we need to pay attention to infrastructure in order to keep these merchants and organizations healthy. Some stupid sign is not going to do that. See what I mean?
Believe me, we won't get off point. But if all we do is scream and scream and scream, we will risk losing our voices. To remain strong, we must learn the art of the jab.
I said on another thread today that events in Egypt and Tunisia this week have been brought about by social blogging. Our little revolt is related in principle to those same events. This blog is mighty important.
Thanks, Chris Walker.
January 28, 2011 at 2:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
GreatDayInEmporia, create,
I agree whole heatedly ! However no amount of money spent on ENTRANCE SIGNS is going to make people want to return to Emporia, once they get past the costly signage and see the decaying streets, the flooded, rain water filled streets, the empty decaying buildings, houses, lack of jobs, the impassable snow filled streets !
What kind of memory will a visitor take under those circumstances ?
1. Will it be one of, hey, Beautiful entrance signage, However I did not care for the bad streets, flooded streets when it rains, snow packed streets, the unemployed people, holding signs that say, " WILL WORK FOR FOOD ", decaying, empty buildings & houses and the high cost of living and taxes and prices and I don' t think I will be returning again and I will definately tell my friends and everyone to " Steer Clear of Emporia ?
2. Or will they say, The entrance signs are pretty plain, but nice and boy the City leaders are sure taking care of the needs of the Communitys citizens, by providing Public Services, keeping the City infrastructure in good repair, the low unemployment, thelow / moderate taxes, prices, that give the citizens of Emporia the ability to keep more of their money, in order to be able to afford to keep their own properties in good order and not spending tax revenue on needless extravagant " STUFF " and I am going to come back to Emporia again and I am also going tell my friends and everyone, what a nice and responsible place it is and Emporia and its people definately have their priorities, plans, s__t together, in fact I wouldn' t mind living there ?
I would prefer that visitors to our City leave Emporia with the # 2 impression, rather than the #1 impression !
January 28, 2011 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
I am just felling to see the $100k cost in this project. Seems way over priced?
January 28, 2011 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Seeing how this is already a done deal and they just slowed down. How many of the signs already up at the edge town will have to come down?
January 28, 2011 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
Great day can add a couple of astro turf playing surfaces, a golf course pond and a brand new rec center to the list
January 28, 2011 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
"This blog is mighty important."
Yes, Mr. Walker, it certainly is very important. I'm glad The Gazette provides this outlet for the community.
By the way, if you do a Google search on "entrance monuments" ... At the time of my posting, Emporia is 1st page (#6 in ranking). And, that's because of our voices.
Now, other city's who are researching entrance monuments, will learn from our commissioners initial mistakes.
January 28, 2011 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
methusla
"And I appologize to you for that unpleasant experience, we are all not like the " ELITE " few !"
No need to apologize. My face has been slapped by much larger and stronger hands. It was a show of true color and my face didn't even turn red. :)
January 28, 2011 at 6:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
Thanks for that info on how we appear in Google. I just looked it up. Too funny for words.
January 28, 2011 at 8:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Let's not forget the water-wark that is two miles out of town on a gravel road that Clint Bowyer had to bail out to keep in operation.
:D
Matt
January 28, 2011 at 10:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
water Park... lol
January 28, 2011 at 10:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good point, Matt.
I wonder....
Don't the Ashley Estates have entrance signs? I wonder how much they cost? Surely not a hundred thousand. Who did their work?
Why did these rocks have to have an artist? Why not a sign company?
January 29, 2011 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
create,
The answer to both your questions is plain and simple it is called " CRONYISM " !!
And the signs at Ashley Estates, may have cost less, but they may not have been the brain child of those special persons, Emporia is blessed with either !!
January 29, 2011 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GreatDayInEmporia (anonymous) says...
@create, Here is a sampling of attractions in the Emporia area... the places, things, and people that make an impression on visitors and locals alike.
-David Traylor Zoo
-TRYSA Soccer Complex
-Disc Golf Course, Jones Park
-Fremont Park Bandstand
-Jones Aquatic Center
-Emporia Recreation Center
-All Veterans Memorial
- Flint Hills Technical College
-Business and Industry Center
-Sustainable Living Center
-Emporia State University
-One-room Schoolhouse
-Summer Theater Program
-Zola Witten Track, Welch Stadium
-Center for Great Plains Studies
-Peterson Planetarium
-National Teachers Hall of Fame
-Trusler Sports Complex
-Emporia Arts Council
-Emporia Farmers Market
-Emporia Public Library
* oldest library (1869) in Kansas in continuous operation
-Lyon County Historical Society & Museum
-Tallgrass National Prairie Reserve, U.S. National Park Service
-William Allen White House
-The Granada Theatre
Events held in the Emporia area:
-Kansas Shrine Bowl
-All Veterans Tribute
-Sam Ellis Memorial Baseball Tournament
-Clint Bowyer Charity Golf Tournament
-Lyon County Free Fair
-Twin Rivers Festival
-Dirty Kanza 200 Mountain Bike Race
-NCAA/MIAA Track & Field Championships
Imagine hearing the name "Emporia" for the first time or seeing an ad in O Magazine. Despite the multiple agencies responsible for local tourism, it is difficult to locate visitors information unless you know which of the four similar websites to access.
Currently, the first google result for the search "Emporia Kansas," is www.emporia.com, which has a blank .pdf for the visitors guide!
January 30, 2011 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
You forgot J's carryout. Best hamburger in the world. Oh and the symphony in the Hills. Can't forget that.
http://www.symphonyintheflinthills.org/
January 30, 2011 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GreatDayInEmporia (anonymous) says...
@REWBA Yes, J's burgers are the best! Always with a smile, too. Love that place.
The list includes government and non-profit entities competing with entrance monuments for local dollars. Thank you for the symphony link! I haven't been to concert yet, but I look forward to it. What a fantastic idea for a venue!
additional attractions:
-Symphony in the Flint Hills
-Flint Hills Scenic Byway
January 30, 2011 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
There is another event that happens on the first Sunday of each month from spring to fall. It's called the Casoday Bike Run. It all started because a few buddies wanted to eat breakfast on Sunday. Cool Huh?
http://cassodaybikerun.com/
January 30, 2011 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Yes, there are numerous things and people in and around Emporia that are unique and of interest !
Yes these things may make an impression on visitors, but what sort of impression on visitors does the crumbling infrastructure, high prices, due in part to high taxes / tax burdens and due mostly because of needless spending by our City leaders !!
Now, I will get bashed as, Negative, cowardly, lazy, non progressive,
having no vision, can' t see the future, don' t love Emporia, but that is so far from the truth !
However if Emporia stays on the current path of spend, tax, spend, tax, I can definately see the future and it is not " PROGRESSIVE or a PRETTY FUTURE " !
I live in the real world of Emporia and I also suffer the ills of Emporia and I do not try to sugar coat them to impress or con anyone, either ! Why don' t some of you come on down to the real world some time, you may get an eye full and start thinking in real life / reality tems !
What do you think all of this discontent and anger is about any way ?
I can tell you it is not about the wonderful side of Emporia, it is about what is seen by some as what is a disease that will eventually kill Emporia and the people of Emporia, if that disease, which I will call " USLESSEOSIS SPENDEOSIS and REDICULEOSIS TAXEOSIS, that has been contracted by our leaders, for which there seems to be no cure, is allowed to continue unabated, this beloved City Emporia, Kansas will surely wither and die !!
My burning question is , How do you " ROSE COLOR " the first impression of bad streets, flooded streets when it rains, bad sidewalks, lack of good paying jobs, high prices, high taxes, heavy tax burden, so the visitors won' t see these things or be duely impressed with these things ?
January 30, 2011 at 4:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
In fact here is a dose of the real world that will affect everyone, take a look at it !
An era of cheap food may be drawing to a close
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41311106/...
January 30, 2011 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here is another piece of info that may have serious ramafications on everyone, even Emporia and Emporians !
Jobs Data, Egypt Unrest Loom in Coming Week
http://www.thestreet.com/story/109891...
January 30, 2011 at 4:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
The REAL WORLD , people, not a fantasy DREAM WORLD, that is all sugar and spice and everything nice !
January 30, 2011 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Soldiers used to polish the toes and heals of their boots to a glossy spit shine. Wanna know why? The first impression as you approach and the last thing they see when you walk away. Entryways into towns are the same thing. It's the first thing people see when they enter and the last thing they see as they depart. They should be impressive since everyone seems to believe their town looks so crappy. Maybe we should spend more than 100K to fix them up. jmo.
January 30, 2011 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
But a lovely entryway that opens up onto broken sidewalks, pot holed streets and run down houses does not a good first impression make. It's the old lipstick on a pig adage.
Yes, we should spend a few bucks to get this place fixed up.
January 30, 2011 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
A one cent per gallon special tax on fuel sold at the Phillips 66 station at the Emporia Service Area on the turnpike would go a long way towards beautifying this town without costing local a thing. Just the people who intend on driving past really fast. I don't know though. Who get's the sales taxes collected from that place, Emporia or Lyon County? Anyone know?
January 30, 2011 at 5:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
i know....
January 30, 2011 at 6:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
who is it scarlett?
January 30, 2011 at 6:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I meant who gets it. lol
January 30, 2011 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
clean_slate (anonymous) says...
interesting comments here. If no one wants these rocks and the city manager still pushes for them do we still want this city manager?
By the way I like the Rocks but I wish they were paid for from tourism bed tax or private dollars
January 30, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
When I first read the story of the hundred thousand dollar makeover to the entrances, I pictured something much different that what the gazette had reported and wanted to see the actual rendering from Emig and Associates, Architects. The one our leaders agreed to pay $27,140 for. All the time it was in my face and I am in disbelief at the ignorance of those who were sold what looks like a stone giant flipping the bird as drawn by a fifth grader. $2,800 for landscaping? Four entrances? Really? This thing will look like crap. Get the money back and give me a call Zimmerman. I'll draw you a better picture for free.
Emig and Associates architectural rendering:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/photos/...
January 30, 2011 at 8:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
In fact, $9 million dollars in motor fuel and sales tax (collected at the Turnpike's six service areas) is paid to the state each year for use unrelated to the Turnpike.
I am assuming that it is distributed much like any other sales tax that is collected !
January 30, 2011 at 9:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
The previous info was found at, http://www.ksturnpike.com/KTAAbout.shtml
January 30, 2011 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
American Legion food service
Annies West
Blockbuster Video
Coburn's
Crawford Furniture
Dairy delight
Eagles club
Flying J restaurant (this week?)
Hill's Appliance
Italian Garden (twice)
Josie's (club swag)
Pumping Pete's Gas
707 club
Sidetrack Saloon
Video store in the west Mall
Wings and Things
Winter Furniture Flea Market
Possibly Fanestil's this year
Just a list of some of what Emporia has lost in the last couple of years.
Would the Welcome to Emporia Rocks have helped?
There are several more Emporia businesses currently just hanging on by a thread and the owners stubbornness. Lower tax rates would certainly help out every ones bottom line, not rocks.
January 31, 2011 at 7:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chevy_Guy (anonymous) says...
Here is what these rocks will probably end up looking like: http://i.imgur.com/gY8is.png
January 31, 2011 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chevy_Guy (anonymous) says...
Talk about giving people the shaft!
January 31, 2011 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
What a way to start the morning! ROFLMAO
This will go virile. You know it will.
January 31, 2011 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )