Clarifications from Extension Office
Members of the Lyon County Extension Council Executive Board: Mike Scheller, Rhonda Schmidt, Belle Grimsley, Deb Kuhlmann, Joseph Smith, Ken Duft
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
We are writing to clarify information that was published in an editorial in the Gazette on Jan. 9 (Broken Bridges) regarding the proposal for the Lyon County Extension office to join the Frontier Extension District of K-State Research and Extension. A Jan. 6 article titled Extension Questions Answered, more accurately portrays governance in the Frontier Extension District than did the Jan. 9 editorial. The Jan. 6 article is available on the Gazette’s website at www.emporiagazette.com/news/2012/jan/06/extension-questions-answered/.
This issue has not suddenly arisen. In fact, the Lyon County Extension office has held public meetings and openly discussed the districting option intermittently since the late 1990s and early 2000s. Through the past three years, it has been an agenda item and discussed at public board meetings on a regular basis.
We must clarify that agents are employees and do not control taxing authority in an Extension District. Taxing authority is the sole responsibility of locally elected officials, voted to their positions by residents of Lyon County. Further, there are many similar taxing districts in Lyon County that are all accountable to the public.
As board members who currently guide the extension office, we are residents of Lyon County and are committed to keeping our mill levy at the lowest possible level. There are currently 14 Extension Districts in Kansas encompassing 39 counties. For more than 18 years, mill levies in those districts have remained relatively flat. As many know, Lyon County will have four elected officials on an Extension district board; Osage and Franklin counties also will have four representatives each. The board will work together for the good of the entire district, not to further the will or intentions of any one county or individual.
County commissioners have a tough job. Some residents have been vocal in their opposition, but commissioners have also heard many supportive voices. We applaud the commissioners for their courage on this issue. Districting has been successfully implemented in Kansas since 1993, and we know that this is a move that will have numerous positive benefits in our county.
We strongly encourage citizens, local media, and local leaders to continue seeking complete information on this issue. We believe it is a positive move for the people living in Lyon County.
Thank you,
Members of the Lyon County Extension Council Executive Board:
Mike Scheller, Rhonda Schmidt, Belle Grimsley, Deb Kuhlmann, Joseph Smith, Ken Duft
eaglefan (anonymous) says...
Finally the voices of reason and common sense. I don't have a problem with bringing the issue to a vote, but I do have a problem with people not having sufficient knowledge to make an informed vote. After reading many of the recent posts, I have realised that in an effort to flex our voter muscle, something that is very valuable could get run over in the process. I grew up in the 4-H environment, learned many things the local schools didn't teach me. Our children were involved in 4-H through the Extension Office. The Extension Office is a great educational resource and tool for many subjects for youth and adults if folks will just use it. Don't back away from a yes vote just because of the scare tactics of a few.
January 25, 2012 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
"Taxing authority is the sole responsibility of locally elected officials, voted to their positions by residents of Lyon County."
This would mean the taxing authority belongs to members of the Lyon County Commissioners, two of whom voted recently to join the Frontier Extension District despite many people who say they disagreed vociferously. Does this not worry anyone when the words "unlimited taxing authority" are used? How can we trust county commissioners not to raise taxes when even now they pay no attention to their constituents? THAT is the primary concern of those who are opposed to the issue, and NOT 4H for crying out loud.
The unlimited taxing authority is worrisome to all of us who have signed the petition.
January 25, 2012 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
eaglefan
We believe firmly in the collective wisdom of the people. As we've circulated this petition we've encouraged the people of Lyon County to sign the petition so that we can get this issue before the voters and in turn open a window of opportunity to discuss/debate, etc.
That's the American way!
We have encouraged all parties that this needs to come to the voters.
I find it difficult to understand why some are encouraging people not to sign the petition. Whatever differences folks may have on the issues, there shouldn't be a sliver of disagreement about whether or not this issue should go to the voters. To do or say otherwise is a subtle way to disenfranchise the very people who should be the making the decision at the ballot box.
You seem pro-extension. That's fine. I encourage you to sign a petition. We're available with a signature slot open on the people's petition for you or anyone else to sign at any time.
You believe in the value of democracy. We do too. We who are part of this petition drive encourage you to let those who are pro extension know that we don't fear their signatures, nor do they need to fear this issue coming to the voters.
None of us needs to fear the democratic process!
We're available.
Phil Dillon
January 25, 2012 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slimbolen99 (anonymous) says...
With all this mill levy talk, I'm just glad that I live in JOCO. Do you Emporian's enjoy paying 160 or so mills? Hope you enjoy paying 165 or so mills if this thing is approved or goes forward.
Extract of my tax bill with description and number of mills.
STATE OF KS.....1.5000
JOHNSON CO.....17.7000
JOCO COMM COLL .....8.7760
JO CO PARK.....2.3430
SHAWNEE CITY.....24.7320
512 UNIFIED.....28.2280
512 SCH GEN.....20.0000
512 BOND.....7.9070
JO CO LIB.....3.1450
WASTEWTR CAP.....1.0000
TOTAL.....115.3310
January 25, 2012 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I have a question for the voices of " reason " !
The Lyon County Extension Service has asked for an additional/increase of $23,000 over the approx. $200,000 that is normally budgeted for the Lyon County District, is that correct and is this additional $23,000 actually needed or just wanted by the Lyon County Extension Office/District, and would this more than likely cause an increase in tax levys ?
Also, why does the Lyon County Extension District believe that any Lyon County taxpayer can afford any increase in the tax mil levy at the present time, no matter how small ?
And there is one statement used in their argument about tax mil levies, that sounds good, but is it good, that being the following statement, " For more than 18 years, mill levies in those districts have remained relatively flat. "
I would ask the Members of the Lyon County Extension Council Executive Board, the following .
Just exactly how " Flat " is a RELATIVELY flat " mil levy, compared to or in relation to what? The current mil levy, past mil levy's, future mil levy's ?
I ask this because, a lot of Lyon County taxpayers, cannot afford the current mil levy and maintain a decent standard of living . And there are other commissions, committees, organizations and entities that are thinking about tax mil levy increases .
Again, I will ask the hard questions.
1. When will the spend and tax insanity end, stop, cease ?
January 25, 2012 at 4:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
continued,
2. When will all of you Commissions, Committees, Councils, organizations, etc., learn to do with what the taxpayers, your benefactors afford to give you to work with and get paid with ?
3. What will all of you, Commissions, Committees, Boards, Councils, Organizations, etc., do for money, when there are no taxpayers left to " TAX " and bleed dry of their lifes blood/money ?
And lastly when are our elected leaders, Commissioners, etc. going to get a backbone and say either " NO " or " Enough is Enough " , we cannot ask nor expect the citizen taxpayer to pay more or do with less, just so we can continue to " SPEND and then TAX " and do the job for which they were elected and which they are expected to do and listen to the will of all of the people and not just the wants of " The few People " ?
I do not believe that Lyon County has an immediate need for
Extension District " experts " . What the entire Lyon County area, including Emporia and surrounding communities are in immediate need of is " Decent paying, long term sustainable Jobs " and " Lower Taxes and Spending " , not " Relatively Flat or Increasing Taxes/Tax Burden .
Further it, makes no difference how long this combined estension district has been discussed or how many public meetings were held .
Just how much consideration was given to those citizens who attended the meetings and were opposed to this measure/move were listened to or given any " credence " at all and were there voices heard or were their wishes, needs just ignored, as usual ?
I would like to know just what kind of salaries the Members of the Lyon County Extension Council Executive Board: are paid for the positions they hold, and for that matter I would like to know the salaries of the extension agents also !
People want to know what they are paying for, how much and whether the cost is worth the end product.
Apparently the Lyon County Commissioners were either unable to, reluctant to, or unable to say " NO "this request .
So, since the Lyon County Commissioners can' t take the responsibility of possiblity say " NO or YES, then it should be up to the people who will eventually be asked to pay for this. Namely the voting taxpayers. Afterall, that is how our system of government is supposed to work .
January 25, 2012 at 4:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Hear, hear Methusla!
Those are the very questions that need to be "clarified".
I don't believe they cleared anything up with this article. Give us the facts about the extension office. I cannot make an informed decision without the information!
As of right now the extension office and it's supporters of this merger seem contrite and indignant to me because they have given me nothing else of substance to go on.
JMO...
January 25, 2012 at 5:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
No one is against the extension office, we are against how this whole debacle went against the democratic process.
January 25, 2012 at 7:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
methusla,
The extension board is a volunteer and unpaid board of private citizens.
I am sure that all of these questions can be asked and answered in the approximate 6 months between now and the election, IF we get the petitions signed.
That is my main concerne right now.
January 25, 2012 at 7:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
It was the 2 county commish who fouled this up and have no one but themselves to blame
January 25, 2012 at 9:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
eaglefan,
I would agree with both you and netloafer.
Most of the people who post on here have strong opinions one way or another. I myself do.
But I am only working on getting the signatures for a vote on this issue.
IF the issue does come to a vote
then we will all have plenty of time, (6 months), to become informed on all the issues.
I for one think that debating the extension issue from either side is counter productive at this point.
I think that rhetoric from either side right now may become overheated and will just turn off the voters.
But to each their own, free speech is another right of Americans.
I just wanted to let you know that I welcome a healthy debate on this IF it comes to a vote.
Heck, I might change my mind in 6 months.
January 25, 2012 at 9:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
You, are right Steve, I will not debate the issue any further and concentrate on getting more petitions signed.
January 25, 2012 at 10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Thanks to a good citizen who volunteered to put it together we now have a Facebok page. Just link to https://www.facebook.com/petitionlyon....
This is the sort of thing that's critical to the success of a grass roots movement
This gives us a wonderful opportunity to get the word out quickly. If you have a Facebook page please make your circle of Fcebook friends aware of this.
I'll be posting info on tickets to ESU games. I went to the game tonight and brought petition with me. I spent a good deal of time outside the auditorium and got well over 100 signatures. If there wre four or five or six of us getting signatures we could get great numbers very qucickly.
I have access to tickets for future games. Please contact me or Steve and commit to getting signatures ina addition to watching great basketball and I can get them to you.
And, get the word on the Facebook page out there. I'll be posting info there as well.
January 25, 2012 at 10:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I would like to thank again all of those who are hitting the streets and roads of Lyon County and getting signatures on the petitions.
I cannot get out and pound the pavement but there are some coming into the saloon and the signatures are trickling in there. And I have a sheet on me wherever I go, so if you see me out and about ask, I'd be happy to get your signature. You can also e-mail me @
townroyal@sbcglobal.net
with requests or questions. One again thanks to all.
January 26, 2012 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
What I posted earlier may have been misinterpreted. I have encountered the reactions I said in my earlier post (being contrite and indignant) from supporters of the proposed merger.
The only way I will be able to feel good and understand the benefits and/or downsides to the issue is if it goes to a vote and all of the questions get answered by either side to come to an informed decision.
I want my right to have that.
January 26, 2012 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
I do have a question for you Steve and netloafer. I work two jobs right now, and it is difficult to find the time to make it in to sign the petition. Is there going to be anyone on the west side of town available like at Wal-Mart or anywhere else close to Industrial St.? I really want to sign.
January 26, 2012 at 8:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
giggles,
Walmart is out, as are most private businessess. But don't worry, WE WILL get to you somehow.
We have until the Ides of March to get the signatures we need. I'm sure sometime between now and then we'll get you signed up. There will be more announcements coming on where we can get together.
January 26, 2012 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
According to the latest Gazette poll there are 62 people that haven't been asked to sign. we are working on getting that number down to 0.
January 26, 2012 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
giggles
Wal Mart corporate policy prohibits circulating the petition. It's not local management. It's a corporate thing.
I can be on the west side if you know of a place that would be good. If you do, let me know. I could make arrangements to be available to you and other workers at companies like Wal-Mart, etc.
Pls let me know and I will follow up.
January 26, 2012 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Well netloafer, I realize that my last post makes it seem like I work at Wal-Mart but I do not. I just do happen to stop in there for things when I have a free moment. I really do not know of a place, I just know that I can sign on my lunch hour between errands from 12:30 to 1:30. That is the easiest time for me, I do not know what is most convenient for the petition holders.
January 26, 2012 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
A follow up question: Are there any special qualifications for being a petition holder and getting the signatures? I thought I could take it to people I know who could sign, I don't know if I would get very many but every one counts...
January 26, 2012 at 10:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
giggles
It's just takes willingness and being a registered voter in Lyon County. It sounds like you qualify. I can get petitions to you. Each page has space for 15 signatures. As a petition bearer you would need to sign someone else's petition. When the page or pages are complete they would need to be notarized by the petition bearer. Steve or I can get a notary for you.
If you would like to do this I'd appreciate it. I'd like a timeline of a couple of weeks (one would be preferred). That way we can get a cumulative count of the signatures we've all gathered.
Please let me know. I can get them to you today.
January 26, 2012 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
That sounds great netloafer. I actually know of a notary so that is not a problem.
I could see you at H&R Block after 5:30 today if that would work?
January 26, 2012 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
I am at Micky Ds on industrial if someone would like to sign a petition
January 26, 2012 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Giggles
Can do. Will see you there. thx
January 26, 2012 at 3:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Should have been At Micky Ds in the mornings.. Need to proof read
January 26, 2012 at 7:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Clarifications? All I see is "We are good and let us do what we want" in your article.
Most are not against the Extension Agency nor it's staff members and volunteers. I myself am against the merger because I do not want my local property taxes going to pay for activities in two other counties.
January 27, 2012 at 1 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chalkrocks (anonymous) says...
Steve--
What time do you open up on most days? I would like to sign also.
January 27, 2012 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
chalkrocks,
Mon-Frid 1:00
Sat- Sun noon
there is usually someone there from 4:30 -8:00 p.m. that is a registered voter who can take your signature.
If you can only do it between 1-4:30 call 343-1232 1st and ask the bartender if they can take signatures. Not all of them are registered here in Lyon county. If nothing else leave your name and number and I'll get back to you.
Thanks
January 27, 2012 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chalkrocks (anonymous) says...
I can just stop by after work sometime.
Thanks go out to Steve and Phil for spearheading this endeavor.
Bottom line is that this should have went to a vote from the beginning. It does not matter which side you are on, this will affect everyone so why don't we let the public decide the fate. I encourage everyone to sign the petition so that the people can decide. Personally, I can live with whatever decision we ALL make as opposed to letting the decision be made by 2 people.
January 27, 2012 at 2:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
The city send emails telling the empoyees not to sign. So much for freedom.
January 28, 2012 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Did they really? Last I knew they advocated for it. Steve has something changed since I talked to you?
January 28, 2012 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
booker5m, I think you may be mistaken. City employees can not sign on city property, but I think the e-mail said they could exercise their right and sign if they wanted with no reprisals from management, as long as it was off city property.
January 28, 2012 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I think Phil got quite a few city employees singed up last night as a matter of fact.
January 28, 2012 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Couple have told me they were told not to sign?
January 28, 2012 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Have to get word from Phil. He's probably out chasing signatures.
If there is proof that some were told not to sign that would be a clear violation of voting laws, not to mention the constitutional right to free speech.
If someone told you that they are probably just using it as an excuse, because they don't want to sign it.
That's o.k. though, we can't force anyone to sign or not to sign.
January 28, 2012 at 12:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Steve/goodoleboy/booker5m
There was communication sent to all city employees that told them I was available at the hours listed.
I didn't get many city employees come by, but that's alright. More than one said they had seen the communication that encouraged them to come by.
We're making big time progress.
goodoleboy/booker5m
I have tickets to the ESU game on Feb 4th Saturday. It's fertile ground for signatures. Would love to team up. I think we'd get a lot of signatures.
The only possibility might be if mangers told folks other than what Matt Zimmerman said in his communication.
By the way, I got another thirty signatures walking the both sides of Rural from 12th to 15th.
January 28, 2012 at 2:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
All
We're doing great. There will be frustrations as we go along. We just need to adopt the mantra "We refuse to lose."
January 28, 2012 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Well done, netloafer. You are working so hard, even going door to door. You are extra special for doing this. Thank you.
January 28, 2012 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Create
Thx. This is a labor of love. I think it is for all of us.
On Monday I'm going to be on the corner of 5th and Commercial (outside Symmonds and Symmonds). I'm going to set up a card table and make myself available to the public for signing. I'm having Staples make up some spiffy signs for me. They're large, laminated jobbies. One reads "We the People" in the script of the Declaration of Independence and other reads "Petition Signing Here Today" bracketed by four American flags. I think they'll look nice right across from the courhouse.
Either no one will come and I'll look like a fool or enough people will come to take us over the top!
I like this grass roots thing. You can try all sorts of things. If you fail, you keep failing till you succeed.
January 28, 2012 at 5:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Phil do you have the time of the ESU game?
January 28, 2012 at 8:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
booker 5m
The Lady Hornets play at 1:30 and the men follow. Approx 3 pm.
January 28, 2012 at 8:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
OK thanks! trying to see if I can make the time
January 28, 2012 at 9:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Steve
I started doing some comparisons of signatures vs. county registration list.
It'e early yet, but only about 5% have been either not registered or invalid for some reason.
If this holds we'll be in good shape. We'll see.
Also, this morning a woman came to me after church and wanted to know when she should turn her sheet in. She'd gotten 15 signatures. I didn't even know she had a sheet. She took one more and said she could get at least 15 more signatures. I suspect we'll find more of this sort of thing as we proceed.
January 29, 2012 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Good Job ! I have only checked 50 against voter registration and only 1 had a change of address, and we are getting him re-registered. The others were good to go. Will be checking other sheets this coming week.
January 29, 2012 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Steve
are you using the "flter" feature on excel when you check? It makes things move very quickly.
January 29, 2012 at 4:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
nope, but i will now.
January 29, 2012 at 5:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Isnt there another group going around also ?
January 29, 2012 at 8:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
booker5m
Not that I'm aware of. I think there are a lot of our petition floating around. That sort of thing happens with grass roots effort.
I got counts from people on Friday. I am waiting for counts from about 17 more people who are circulating the petition.
We're doing well. We'll get over the top!
January 29, 2012 at 9:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Netloafer,
Just an update. I have 7 signatures so far. I haven't had much of a chance to ask too many people thus far. I will try to ask a few others this week when I have a chance.
January 30, 2012 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
giggles
Thanks You're doing fine Keep plugging away, one signature at a time.
If you know of anyone who is going to be in the downtown area today, let them know that I'm going to be set up at the corner of 5th and Commercial, across from the courthouse, getting signatures.
January 30, 2012 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
netloafer,
Times?
January 30, 2012 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
I'll be there from 11 till four, later if folks are still signing.
Also, I've got a couple of spiffy signs that might look nice at the T.R. if you'd like them.
Thery're large and laminated. One reads "We the People" and the other reads "Petition Signing Today" surrounded by American flags.
I'll bring them with me and someone could stop by and get them.
January 30, 2012 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
giggles, good work ! One at a time is how this works. I am hopeful that netloafer will have enough signatures by the middle of Feb. to get ur dun.
January 30, 2012 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doubt_it (anonymous) says...
I want to sign the petition, just have to find a time when I can get to one of you. I leave for work about 730am and don't get back home until about 730pm. I am a registered voted.
January 30, 2012 at 12:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
doubt
I get up at 5 AM. You can come by my place. Pls let me know.
January 30, 2012 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Saw a post on FB where the Pro-Merger folks thanked Martin and Walters for their decision to force this to a vote by approving the request!!! LMAO
February 17, 2012 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )