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

THE MEMORIAL PROJECT.
http://afwmf.org/american-fallen-warr...

June 15, 2011 at 4:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Chris don't forget R. Lee Emery.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._Lee_E...

June 15, 2011 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

I would ask the leaders of our community to not throw cold water on this project. GIVE THE VETERANS OF AMERICA A GOOD CAUSE AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN'T LICK!!

June 15, 2011 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mslater (Matt Slater) says...

"Manhattan, Junction City and Leavenworth are too far off the beaten path."

As much as I love the interest this thing generates, and would like to see it, I wouldn't get your hopes up. Manhattan/Junction City area is home to one of the largest military bases in the US, and Leavenworth has the war college, and neither location is certainly "off the the beaten path."

June 15, 2011 at 8:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

How about a Bob Doile endorsement? W.L. White helped him get elected by throwing a big Republician Party at the Broadview Hotel to launch his first election. It's time to call in all the chips.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_...

June 15, 2011 at 10:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/04/12...

June 15, 2011 at 10:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Matt Slater has a very good point. This is my viewpoint--the economic impact will more than justify a half cent sales tax to help fund this project. Tourism is the number 1 industry in the United States. A stakeholder committee needs to be formed now. If we can come together as a community, and pool all are resourses, I am confident we can bring this puppy home. The one thing that might put this project over the top is the fact that it will be a catalyst to the 6 million dollar Flint Hills Prairie Preserve Tourist Center at Strong City. Now I understand why the Governor said,"the Flint Hills is about ready to pop." As a community let us shoot for the stars and if we miss and hit the top of the mountain, that's not bad.

June 16, 2011 at 6:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

CHRIS WALKER AND REDDOG,

CAN YOU SAY "LAWSUIT"?

While this is an admirable project, it seems further investigations on the group should be done. After a couple of clicks on the internet I found this item. Now I don't know if this link is on the up and up, but it gives cause for pause.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/54135371/Un...

June 16, 2011 at 6:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Chris,

Now this would be a great job for a reporter to check to see if this lawsuit has actually been filed in Texas, and the details behind it.

June 16, 2011 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

moderator (anonymous) says...

We did follow up on that a couple of days ago. But that doesn't deter the fact that if the money can be raised it would look great in Emporia. Thanks
Chris

June 16, 2011 at 7:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Chris,

I must have missed the followup story, when was it?

Granted, this would be a great project for our service members and for our city.

I would just like to know before I donate, that my money would be going to the memorial itself and not to pay for legal fees in a lawsuit.
And so should the city of Emporia.

So has a lawsuit been filed?

June 16, 2011 at 7:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

http://commercial-roofing-dallas.org/...

June 16, 2011 at 7:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

The Thomas and Debauge sites are much better because of the location to the Kansas turnpike--easy on easy off.

June 16, 2011 at 7:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Steve's Recommended movie viewing list for reddog and Chris;

"THE MUSIC MAN" RATED PG

June 16, 2011 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

The secondary goal of the Fallen Warrior Foundation is to educate America's youth about sacrifices being made for our freedoms. This might bring in the Jones Trust because it has to do with the youth and it would give the trust a national presence.
http://afwmf.org/foundation/

June 16, 2011 at 8:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

K.B's recommended song for Steve.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KnpZY...

June 16, 2011 at 8:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

On a more serious note. I would recommend this film from the book by W.L. White.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHtdB9...

June 16, 2011 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

I agree, a fallen warrior memorial would possibly be a good thing !
But all of this " Touting ", " Drum Beating " and pushing of " The Great Savior, TOURISM " is a false hope at best . And that is all Tourism is, a hope at best and an expensive hope at that .
And here is why Tourism is a false hope .
Tourism and being able to Tour and be a Tourist take a little thing called " MONEY " in order to be able to be a tourist and support the tourism trade/business . In case reddog and the rest of the land owning tourism proponents haven't realized it yet, the formula for being a tourist is as follows, PEOPLE + JOBS + MONEY = Tourists/Tourism, then on the other hand, NO JOBS = N0 TOURISTS = NO TOURISM = NO or DECLINED TOURIST/TOURISM REVENUE !
And the present and forseeable future is a reality as follows, Excessive, government spending + excessive taxation + lack of jobs + less and less individual disposable income = less or no tourists/tourism = " Trouble in River City " !
And people have just about reached the end of their " Donating/Donations " rope or ability to be able to " Donate " .

Just the facts, plain and simple .

JMO

June 16, 2011 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

You know, reddog, in all of your speech making, etc. you seem to put a lot of " might do this, might do that, could do that, could do this, just maybe' s, etc.
The one thing I do know for sure, is the fact that the leaders and self appointed leaders/dreamers of Emporia/River City have, are and will succeed in bankrupting the City and everyone in it with their excessive spending, taxing and maybe's, could be's and what if ' s .

This is fact that is heading straight at all of us at what seems to be incredible speed and seems to be gaining momentum each day .

June 16, 2011 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Everyone has a photographic memory; some just don't have the film.

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

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

So K.B.,

Is your family going to DONATE the land for this? Or are you planning on selling it? Just why are you pushing for this? Now I don't begrudge a person making a living or selling land for a profit, it is the American Way isn't it?

And I think I am just as big of advocate for veterans as you or anyone else. We owe our way of life to them.

I also am an advocate for the city of Emporia. Some may think I am not because I do complain a lot on the issues that affect us as a community and I ask a lot of questions.

What do you suppose would happen if our friendly Emporia's raised a million or two dollars for this memorial, only to have that money spent on a lawsuit or a foundation that declares bankruptcy?

My questions on the lawsuit this foundation is/ may be facing is a valid one. It is a valid question to ask and it is up to our news outlets to provide an answer.

It's great that our town has so many cheerleaders, (including the Gazette) touting our town as a great place to live and visit. And I know some may feel my questions about this could be detrimental to Emporia landing this memorial site. It shouldn't be. All foundations should be above board and welcome public scrutiny.

So I am asking about this because we as a city should know everything possible about it.
The good and the bad.

If you or Mr. Walker care to respond, (IN YOUR OWN WORDS PLEASE no links), I'm all ears.

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

scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...

hi steve, i scanned over the link about the fallen warrior lawsuit. my opinion is emporia should bow out of all of it. looks like lawsuit waiting to happen. let the courts in dallas fight it out, then decide. why make the lawyers richer? just wait and see.

June 16, 2011 at 1:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

At this point, it's just on the drawing board. Like I said, we are taking it under consideration. We have a total of 33acres and the owner of the property to the west has expressed interest in donating part of his property. The reason for the generosity is this project should jump start the rest of the property and the Debauge tract could do the same thing. NOTHING HAS BEEN FINALIZED. I hope this answers your question and thanks for asking.

June 16, 2011 at 2:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...

k b, do you work this hard at selling houses?

June 16, 2011 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

NOW FOR THE LINKS.
http://www.linksqueencreekgolfclub.com/

June 16, 2011 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

You know, the really big problem with everyone who jumps on the " Thats a good thing for Emporia " bandwagon, especially those who may benefit from every " scheme " they see, is the fact that they only see the benefit they may recieve from it.
For instance take the whole " Entrance Rocks " issue . There were several people who reaped the immediate benefits, monetary, that is and then the rest of us, who paid for the whole damned thing, will just have to take and be satisfied with a, " well time will tell or just wait and see " if we all will recieve some eventual benefit from such " schemes " .
How much investigation and study do the ones who are dead set on having these schemes and spending " Our " money do they actually do, or are they just interested in what they and their friends immediate monetary benefit will be and to hell with the rest of us " bill payers " .
By the way K.B., just how much or what are you planning to donate to this " scheme " ?

June 16, 2011 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Ahhh yes, as I said, personal benefit or generation of property sales of your property and friends property
Boy, K.B. you really have some " STONES ", to as people to " Donate " .

June 16, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...

meth thank you!
the fallen warriors thing looks like a "scheme". thats why i say let the dallas courts straighten it out. why raise taxes for another scheme???

looks like k b is back to posting links again....

June 16, 2011 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

SCARLETT01, IN 1974 they called me the tornado kid as I was on the selling side of 94 HOMES. The clouds haven't quite parted but, the market is looking stronger. Rates are at historic lows and as prices stabilize buyers are beginning to come back into the market. Rents are holding firm and this makes home ownership a good deal. Prices have fallen to prebubble levels. Bare in mind, you are buying more than just a home, you are buying the future of Emporia. This is what I told my family back in the 80's when they went on a buying spree. Good luck and happy hunting. We are at about the bottom but, it could last about 3 more years. This could be the buying time of your lifetime. Buy on the negative and sell when everyone thinks it well last forever.

June 16, 2011 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

K.B., here is a simple question, that even you as a realtor may even be able to answer.

Why do you think that home loan interest rates are at historic lows ?

Have these " Historically " low rates generated substantial increase in home sales for you ?

I believe the reason that " Rates " are at all time " Historical " lows is because, people do not have jobs, no substantial increase in jobs creation has or is being done. There for people do not have the money ( revenue ) to purchase big ticket items !

And don' t forget our government is still spending, needlessly, our President wants to or will get the debt ceiling raised and when that happens, do you or anyone believe that will create jobs and a national recovery ?

I don' t believe that me, you or anyone can spend their way to prosperity or recovery .

June 16, 2011 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...

k b, you missed the point. the point is, do you put as much time selling houses as you do posting links and promoting your personal interests?
the fallen warriors thing and monurocks are just ways to raise taxes.
btw, i only use patrick werley in real estate transactions, so....

June 16, 2011 at 3:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Whatever city gets the prize will more than likely get a convention center and casino. IMAGINATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN KNOWLEDGE--ALBERT EINSTEIN.

June 16, 2011 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

If you can dream it, you can do it--Walt Disiney. Tourism and Economic Development. Good news for Emporia, The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is rated 14 out of 55 national parks to see.
http://www.ci.manhattan.ks.us/Documen...

June 16, 2011 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

EMPORIA IS A DAY'S DRIVE TO 76% OF THE POPULATION OF THIS GREAT NATION.

June 16, 2011 at 5:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...

steve the case has been filed in dallas.
here are the details
Lawsuit Details

RFC Case Number: T-U11-872A
Court Case Number: 3:11-cv-00872-P
File Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Plaintiff: United States Fallen Heroes Foundation
Plaintiff Counsel: Gary Tucker of Law Office of Gary Tucker
Defendant: American Fallen Warrior Foundation
Tonya Evans
Kathryn Taylor
Cause: 15:44 Trademark Infringement
Court: Texas Northern District Court
Judge: Judge Jorge A. Solis

June 16, 2011 at 7:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...

still my opinion is for emporia to back away until all this is settled in texas courts.

June 16, 2011 at 7:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

K.B. In 1974 they called you the tornado kid?

Was that because of your sales, or because you are so windy? I'm sorry, but you left yourself wide open there, now didn't you? I love the cheer leading though.
you said:

The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is rated 14 out of 55 national parks to see.
http://www.ci.manhattan.ks.us/Documen..

National parks are rated at 5% of what tourists want to visit..

YOU JUST HAVE TO LOVE THIS !

Sam and others tout our beautiful and serene Flint Hills and the Flint Hill prairie as our nations last unspoiled natural plains, And then at the same time , they say we should exploit this area as a tourist area and hope for hundreds of thousands of tourists to view it.

?????????????????????????????

Maybe 1 million slot machines paying off at 97% would be a better BET?

WHAT HAPPENS IN KANSAS, STAYS IN KANSAS !

A two hundred thirty six mile long wind generator farm situated along side the Kansas Turnpike would do more for the environment and tourism than any other project you jokers could come up with.

How about "Welcome to the windmill capital of the world" angle?

sorry for the ramble, it's windy out tonight.

June 16, 2011 at 9:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

Man ole KB sure does boast a lot about his past exploits, funny thing is that he has done squat recently, including a laughable attempt at public office. I think I can speak for almost everyone here when I say we are tired of you, tired of you spamming these forums, tired of your ludicrous ideas. Get a grip on reality, you had less than 70 votes in the last election, your credibility is shot.

June 16, 2011 at 11:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Good ole boy, I got to you again, a coward is much more exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit. Thomas Jefferson. I sense a lot of jelousley. If you play to win as I do, the game never ends.

June 17, 2011 at 2:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

Good ole boy I am very concerned about our country.
http://lewrockwell.com/rep2/door-to-s...

June 17, 2011 at 3:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

good ole boy did you break wind?
http://lewrockwell.com/rep2/door-to-s...

June 17, 2011 at 3:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

good ole boy this one is for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No8wNB...

June 17, 2011 at 3:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

NOW ON A MORE SERIOUS NOTE.
http://www.infowars.com/webster-tarpl...

June 17, 2011 at 3:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

Must have hit close to home to get him all riled up!

June 17, 2011 at 4:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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

THE ONLY FUNCTION OF ECONOMIC FORCASTING IS TO MAKE ASTROLGY LOOK GOOD.
http://2012-whatif.com/blog/2011/06/1...

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

methusla (anonymous) says...

K.B. I have never seen such conceit in a person, the likes of which you posses.

You know a true " dreamer " does not always ask or force others to pay for or " foot " the bill to make their dreams a reality . A real dreamer also has the ability to realize that their dream may not be the dreams of others. A real dreamer also has the " reality of thought ", to realize that their particular " Dream/Dreams " may actually hurt or destroy or cause a hardship to others or their neighbors or fellow citizens !
A true dreamer, will put more of themselves, their money, time and effort into making their dream into a reality !
True, dreamers do not brag about their dreams and the fullfilment of those dreams .
True heros do not brag about being a hero, nor do they even like to talk about what or how they became a hero .
Most would rather not talk about the circumstances that took place that made them a hero. In fact the bonafide heros I have known don't even consider themselves as heros and say they only did what they did to either survive or to protect a comrade .

And I have personally known a bonafide, decorated hero or two in my life.

So K.B. my piece of advice to you is, back off a little on beating you and your families drum and stop the incessant bragging, link spamming and B.S. .

June 17, 2011 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

K.B. the following site is just for you.

http://www.erichufschmid.net/TFC/Alex...

June 17, 2011 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Here is a little something/info for those who, like K.B.(reddog), have the ultimate optomisim that the silver lining in the current and insuing dark cloud of " recession " is just around the corner.
See or visit the following site,

Does gathering gloom raise risk of double dip?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43432796/...

Some food for thought !

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

cyberspace (anonymous) says...

This is my viewpoint--the economic impact will more than justify a half cent sales tax to help fund this project.-reddog

Sorry to crash the party, but please don't start advocating for another tax increase in this current economic crisis! As altruistic as this project sounds, it sounds like a risk and the last thing we need is another increase in sales taxes. Now, I know it would not hurt all you affluent folks but why make it more expensive for folks to feed and cloth their families? I agree with scarlett that we should give this more time.

June 17, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...

hi cyberspace,
another tax increase is not what we need.
the lawsuits between the dallas people and the lawrence people about all this, is something us taxpayers in emporia don't need. from what i've read the two foundations were partners until a falling out occured.
besides wouldn't the memorial be better closer to the other veteran memorials. not scattered all over town?

June 17, 2011 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Let's all get together around the camp fire with reddog and have a Kumbaya moment. Instead of "PIE IN THE SKY", let's have some S"mores.

Bringing up the idea of taxes for this project is good., but instead of sales tax-----------

Maybe the city commission could use All of the motel tax money coming in to help fund this. It is after all, a tourism project. Hear me out.

The city collects the tax and keeps it in an escrow account for the project, perhaps earning interest). They pledge 5 or so years of the tax to the foundation, to be given only when the foundation has raised the rest of the funds and construction has started or is done. The city then pledges oh say, 1/4 of the motel tax each year after the memorial is opened for operating costs.

Such a great tourist idea should bring lots of heads in the beds.

Of course this idea would mean the CVB would loose it's city funding, but hey, things are tough all over.

June 17, 2011 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...

steve,
umm isn't the motel tax supposed to pay for the monurocks?

June 17, 2011 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

For crying out loud!!! reddog says, "The Thomas and Debauge sites are much better because of the location to the Kansas turnpike--easy on easy off."

What? What? What about all that tourism you were so all fired up about? Attracting people INTO town is the name of the tourism game so they can shop at various retail establishments or eat at restaurants. Oh well...

Can anyone hear me screaming?

June 17, 2011 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Does anyone remember this report,

Entrance monuments, low hotel occupancy hurt tourism fund

So much for hotel, heads in beds revenue and " Stones " for funding a K.B.(reddog ) project.

And don' t forget that donations for such a project are in jeopardy, due to a possible increase in citizen water rates, due in part to the conservation of the public and businesses .
I know I for one can not or will not be able to afford a donation to the " reddog " monument fund .

And lets not forget a $6+ million dollar addition to EMS that will have to be paid for, " Somehow ", I will give you one guess as to how it will be paid for .
Then there is the possible $2 million dollar City radio upgrade, that will also have to be paid for, guess how that will be accomplished .

The $40+ million dollar City debt is growing by leaps and bounds, while the revenue taken in by the City continues to " falter " and " fall ", while jobs are a pretty rare commodity in Emporia these days .

But the spend, tax and raise public service fees seems to be thriving in " River City " !

June 17, 2011 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

create, as I have said many times ... there are those few people who look at any possible scheme they believe will benefit them and benefit them the most and if their scheme just happens to benefit a few more of the people who happen to have to help foot/pay the bill for their particular, at most times " hair brained " schemes then they also manage to take all of the credit for that little " side " benefit to others also.
And ole K. B. (reddog) Thomas Jr. just happens to be one of those few people, who is always looking for a scheme that will of the most benefit for himself/themselves and are always looking for other people to " donate " or help pay for their self benefiting schemes .

I can remember when the debate about the " Entrance Stones / Monuments" was raging , ole K.B. came out and said that he told the City Commission that the " Stones / Monuments " was not such a good idea at the time.

I also remember this recent quote by ole K.B. (reddog ) Thomas Jr.
" reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Those monuments are looking better by the day. These monuments say to the award committee that this is a town that takes pride in itself. I HOPE SOME OTHER FOLKS DONATE THEIR PROPERTY FOR THIS CAUSE. We have it under consideration. "
June 13, 2011 at 7:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

So, now that K.B.(reddog) Thomas Jr. has seen the possible $ signs for himself he has had the " STONES " to now embrace the " Monuments " , he now has the " STONES " to embrace the monuments as a generally great idea !

K.B., you are truely a " Politician " at heart ! And you have the " Flip, Flopping " down to a science .

June 17, 2011 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

Everyone else donate but him, how noble!

June 17, 2011 at 6:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

from may 28 gazette article:

The city is spending $58,885 out of the tourism fund to pay for the entrance monuments this year. Foundations for two of the monuments have been completed and they should be erected soon, said City Manager Matt Zimmerman. All four will be done this year, he said.

This project was added to the Convention and Tourism Fund Feb. 16 because it was thought to be more palatable to an outraged public than using sales tax money from the city’s multi-year fund. That fund pays for infrastructure and some people questioned whether the monuments were infrastructure.

“I was trying to think back on our decision to fund the entrance monuments,” said Commissioner Jim Kessler. “I thought at the time we would have plenty of money.”

Zimmerman said they did but that changed when the city received less transient guest tax money than expected. People who stay the night at any Emporia hotels pay a six percent tax.

“We didn’t know our tax numbers were going to be down by $65,000 a year and $130,000 for two years,” Zimmerman said.

June 17, 2011 at 8:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

notice the " but that changed" part?

I don't know how things are done in Chicago, but here in Kansas a man is only as good as his word. Then mayor Kessler and the rest of the city commission told the city manager the rocks were to be paid for from CVB and liquor tax money. So what's it going to be? Are we to believe what our commissioners say in the meetings? IF the motel tax is down, the money for the rocks should still come from the CVB request and they just get $60,000.00 less in the coming year.

Is it just me, or does it seem funny to any one else that the tax receipts are down almost exactly the same amount of money that the CVB was going to be charged for the rocks?

June 17, 2011 at 8:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

Does indeed Steve, though I doubt any "hard" choices are ever made.

June 18, 2011 at 5 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Just heard another one of those building futures commercials on cable t.v. I sure am glad the city is not going to fund that committee anymore. Wait, will that money just go to another set of initials, to be spent on local advertising?

Let's just keep doing the same things we have always done, and if some grouchy old farts with no vision keep asking questions, we'll just say what they want to hear and then go ahead and do what we want to anyway.

And then we will complain about anonymous on line posters who question the status quo. and shut down their little forum for a while to teach them a lesson.

What does it take to get our commissioners to take a look at the finances of a certain entity that receives taxpayer funds? A lawsuit?
Transparency in our government? Still waiting for it. Maybe some cranky old fart will have to show up at the public budget meetings with a list of questions? Questions that will have to be answered in a public meeting. Or maybe he'll just forget about the whole thing and put on his smiley face?

TODAY will be a great day in Emporia !

June 18, 2011 at 6:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

It would seem, that even with " new commissioners " being elected, with the hope that things would be done differently, things are still the same .
I guess the old axiom, " The more things change, the more they stay the same " is actually a pretty accurate description of the way things are done by the " so called " leaders of Emporia ( River City ) .

IF, I decide to attend another City public budget meeting, I may just " FART " in the general direction of the City Commission and City Manager, as the way they do / manage things " STINKS " anyway .

June 18, 2011 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Steve, I believe that anyone who has been around Emporia for any length of time at all knows that as long as a certain someone is in control of that certain entity, which should have their finances/financial records scrutinized, as long as this certain person is running things not ony at that certain entity, but running the City/City Commission/City Manager as well, that entitys finances will never be scrutinized to any extent at all.

June 18, 2011 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kswatchdogg (anonymous) says...

I really like how emporia talks so much about how it's heritage and past is so intertwined with veterans and the military community. First off, emporia has no pride or community feel for its own town (explain some to me to correct me if im wrong). I'm not talking about the university or school events. Im talkin about the city itself. The leaders of Emporia claim that they are so into veterans and veterans day, but look at the Veterans day parade. Admire's parade is bigger. The small town of council grove has Washunga days, which brings more people to it on good years than the entire morris county population. That is community pride. There are hardly any floats, and most of the vehicles are advertising car dealerships or the comical "save the quanza huts" that was in it last year. Who even approved that.You cant throw candy in the parade in Emporia so kids have no desire to go, and ive also heard that horses are not allowed (not sure if that is true). Chase county allows horses, and for the horse "cleanup" they have the kids that are in trouble do it as their community service punishment. Does Emporia do anything for the local soldiers coming home from war. I have several friends who were welcomed at their town square or town hall by their mayors of their town. Not all, but some. The vibe in Emporia is that nobody cares until something like this memorial comes to mind. Then its all about how Emporia is the father of Vday. Where is the pride now. Shouldnt it be year round rather than once annually.

June 22, 2011 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kswatchdogg (anonymous) says...

And also, does Emporia have the money and resources to handle such a huge tourism attraction. There are 4 new hotels and a few old ones, would that be enough. Call the city as an out of towner and guess who they recommend for a hotel. Candle Wood, which is amazingly ironic since its an emporia elite who owns the place. Emporia will have to pay for the utilities to reach this place, and then widen several streets and then inject more money for economic development to get businesses to come here so that the tourism will hold up. And look at the restaurants, what golden coral, applebees, and bruffs. My guess is that red lobster isnt coming anytime soon, but Bruffs will surely expand and have 3 or 4 restaurants within a square mile. It would be nice to have this, but really, I think a better town would suit. Denny's is even having second thoughts on coming here.

June 22, 2011 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Richie (anonymous) says...

"Kansas City is too large and the memorial wouldn’t get the special attention it deserves," writes Mr. Walker.

I must respectfully disagree with this opinion.

Of the five locations in consideration, only Kansas City has the large population of residents and tourists to validate the memorial's creation and sustain it's purpose. Also, the Liberty Memorial and National WWI Museum are located in the city, already attracting that same base of interested visitors.

Respectfully, I cannot foresee very many people driving across country to visit Emporia. For the Fallen Warrior Memorial to receive the number of visitors it deserves, it should be built in Kansas City.

June 24, 2011 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Richie,

While I think Emporia people are great and would make a great impression on visitors, I would have to agree with you on K.C. being an ideal spot for this memorial. Thanks for your input.

June 24, 2011 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )