Comments by Phil_Dillon
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Posted on August 22 at 5:18 p.m.
One way to get city employees at the rank and file level the raises they deserve is to reduce management head count. In my last corporate assignment with FedEx there was a move toward what were called "self-managed groups." In all cases this was done, one level, sometimes two or three, of management were eliminated. The result was increased productivity, efficiency, and morale. The reasons were obvious once it was done. Productivity increased when barriers to customer service and good performance were pulled down. Morale increased significantly because the rank and file employees at the point of attack became true stakeholders in the value proposition.
Another way was to reduce spending. I'm still not convinced that the golf course is something the city should be burdened with. I've noticed that when some mentioned privatizing the golf course and the airport that the idea was dismissed pretty casually by our city leaders. The golf course is a big ticket item, costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
The RDA is another big cost drag, about $300K per year. The current city formula for funding calls for the city's contribution to increase incrementally over time. The question of what benefit the RDA has actually gotten us still needs to be asked. The current RDA strategy appears to be the same as things have been here for years - bring manufacturing jobs in, give the companies relocating incentives, and everything will be okay. The reality on the ground here is much different.
Posted on June 1 at 10:45 a.m.
Dave
I can say that my interest isn't personal. Some have asked if I'm going to run again and my position is that I'd rather be in a position to support people to can effect positive change here. That's what I was talking about when I mentioned slates of reform candidates. There have to be capable people in other parts of town besides the northwest. I'd also like to see ideas like changing the current at large seats on the commission to five district specific seats, representing the whole community. For example, a seat representing south Emporia, another representing downtown and east, another representing northwest, etc. That would take some negotiating for content on a ballot petition and some legwork to get that type of petition on the ballot, but it could be done.
My interest is more in results than in personal gain. I'm happily retired and have had enough professional accomplishments to satisfy any need for noteriety.
While I wasn't at the meeting I agree with you that it seemed to be more about how many pet projects people wanted done than trying to reduce the cost of city government while taking care of essentials like infrastructure. I can tell you it won't be easy. These problems have gone on for a long time and we're in deep trouble. Incomes here are low and taxes are exceptionally high. It's a toxic mix and adding more projects to it all may only serve to make things worse.
Posted on June 1 at 9:18 a.m.
Dave
I wasn't asking for any votes in my comment. What I was saying was that the people of this city need to get involved in its affairs if things are to change.
Unfortunately this has been made into something personal and hateful. It does nothing to advance the interests of average Emporians, yourself included
Posted on June 1 at 8:51 a.m.
During the commission campaign I advocated reducing the city's portion of the mill levy by 10 mills so that we could free up disposable income for average Emporians. I also advocated giving pay raises to front line employees, especially fire and police. I also advocated a full review and restructuring of management positions at the city level, believing that the city was/is top heavy.
In terms of tax breaks my position was that we needed to pay more attention to small business, particularly in the downtown area, instead of giving breaks to large corporations like they have over the past twenty years.
I argued forcefully that we needed to finally do something about the slum lords in this city who profit at the expense of people living on this city's economic margins.
The positions weren't enough to get me elected. They weren't popular to some of the vested interests here in town. When I dissected the results I found that in the northwest precincts (those represented by all three who were elected) over 50% of those registered voted. In the south and downtown precincts (my strongest areas) less than 10% of those registered actually voted.
This is not complain. The election was what it was. I had the opportunity make my positions known and simply didn't get enough votes to win.
But, if things are ever going to change here a couple of things are going to have to happen. First, people outside the business community are going to have to overcome their apathy and vote. Second, we need to develop slates of reform candidates to counter the business first mentality in city government. Third, we need to stay attuned to what's going on in city government and hold it accountable. For example, I think the RDA needs a comprehensive review. How can it be that the city funds this agency to the tune of $250K per year and get so little in return? How come the RDA doesn't have to open its meetings to the public? Fourth, we need to form grassroots organizations to counter the clout of the business troika. If the truth be known, there are more of us than them.
Posted on April 14 at 7:34 p.m.
My particular favorite is "Cat's Cradle."
Phil Dillon
On ‘So it goes’
Posted on April 13 at 10:10 a.m.
Open Eyes
Like you, I don't like the idea of the Gazette being the sole arbiter of what the public can and cannot see. They already have enough editorial power as it is. Free speech is often messy. There are lots of opinions and not all of them are packaged neatly. Not all of them are polite. I've had lots of people disagree with things I've written on my blog and not all of the response was pleasant, nor was it accurate. But if we give in to the pressure to censor the things we don't like there will eventually come a time when on a few in the elite will be able to express any opinions at all. That's dangerous.
Phil Dillon
http://anothermansmeat.blogspot.com
Posted on April 12 at 8:26 p.m.
Gazette Reader
You're absolutely right. The Gazette should be using these forums as a source to do the things you advocate. If they did that I think it would really serve the public interest.
Posted on April 12 at 2:38 p.m.
The media is all over this one. MSNBC has fired Don Imus because he violated their cherished principles. Really? The axe only fell when the sponsorship dollars started to shrink. This has so little to do with principle it makes me want to puke. It's more about money than anything else.
Right now they're milking it for all its worth. I'm sure the ratings will skyrocket. But, they couldn't care less about solving the problem of racism in this country.
This could be a great opportunity to bring the issue of racism into the light and bring some healing, but that's not going to happen. The media will pander, the money will start flowing again, and nothing will change.
Pat Kelley and the big boys on the national stage can ride their moral hobby horses all they want, but they're not fooling anyone. They're every bit as bankrput as Imus.
Phil Dillon
http://anothermansmeat.blogspot.com
Posted on April 12 at 2:20 p.m.
I've just posted a more lengthy response titled "Censorship in the Heartland" on my website. For those who care to read it it can be found at:
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Posted on September 12 at 3:51 p.m.
Scott
I wish you and Heather well.
We've occasionally sparred, but we've never lost our sense of admiration for one another.
I'll close with an old Irish blessing:
"May the strength of three be in your journey."
Best wishes. Godspeed.
Phil Dillon
On Moving on looking back