A couple of weeks ago I reported the the Peoria High Girls tennis team lost to Richwoods 108-1. Since then "intense training", show up to practice, a coach with renewed "vigor" raised the level of these ladies game so that their loss this week to Pekin was much closer; 108-7.
Wow.
Meanwhile, Manual High lost to Richwoods 108-6.
No, I am not making fun of these lopsided scores. I am criticizing the District for the policy of hiring whoever wants to make an additional $1500 or so while padding their pensions. Coaching training and experience is not a requirement. Practice is called but not required. Showing up for the bus trip presumably with a racket is all that is required to play. And bus rides to distant places to play are fun!
#150 warts to save money? Take these apparently unpopular minor sports and turn them into some sort of after school intra-mural programs. Of course that would not be considered because everything that Richwoods, Dunlap and say, Metamora, who have programs run by coaches who at least were fairly proficient in playing the game and who hold regular practices; in the theory that equal services must be offered to schools even though the kids and their "coaches" apparently have no interest in minor sports.
So tell me how does it help self-esteem to have the entire team win 8 games while losing 216 games? What does it benefit the two teams that win 216 against no competition? Exercise? If running after loose balls is called exercise, each school can plan after school activities that include running and swinging their arms without need of a bus and driver.
And save the embarrassment for players and their parents on both the winning and losing teams.
Who does it benefit? The "coaches" who are paid and add to their already substantial pensions. In the meantime there are experienced volunteer coaches who would strike a little enthusiasm for the game in these girls and do it for free. Members of the school board have know this for a long time and the schools have used volunteer coaches at Richwoods and Woodruff.
Face the problem. Neither the board, the union or administration has any interest in minor sports or after-school intra-mural type programs where a lot more than 8 0r 9 kids or fewer can participate.
Cost of a bus, fuel and driver would also be eliminated.
What a shame. And more shameful is the amount of free time kids have these days with little work ethic being taught in public schools. Lot's of time to get willing girls pregnant; a very large problem in the City.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Thursday, October 07, 2010
The Riverfront Museum Projections, In Case You Forgot.
In glowing term the Journal Star reported that the museum on the riverfront would revitalize the neighborhood. A JS reporter, long gone, wrote on December 4, 2005, "the size of the regional museum would be 110,000 sq.ft., (now 80-3 thousand sq. ft.),the cost of the entire project including the Caterpillar Visitor Center would be $100 million estimated, (now $145-147 million), and the opening target year 2009.
Just in case some people forgotten how wrong almost every publicly funded project in Peoria has been. I have written a book of blogs on how taxpayer funded projections have been missed.
The book will continue.
The PRM will be no exception. I believe in dreams, just fund these "dreams" with your own money. Facts become elusive in dreaming. Provide facts and I am will listen. In time, Peorians will maybe come to realize that. But maybe I'm wrong. On the other hand, 50% of the residents of Peoria do not directly pay property taxes and some sales taxes such as on food, are excluded. So where's their beef?
This measly little 1/4% sales tax so often described by the JSEB amounts to, are you ready, over $4,000,000 per year, approximately $80 million over the 20 year bond term. These are dollars you can not spend for what you may really need. And now we're advised that $1 million?? will go to a Chicago firm and some non-local union workers.
Sure, while they are in town they will spend money but not necessarily in Peoria County.
Just in case some people forgotten how wrong almost every publicly funded project in Peoria has been. I have written a book of blogs on how taxpayer funded projections have been missed.
The book will continue.
The PRM will be no exception. I believe in dreams, just fund these "dreams" with your own money. Facts become elusive in dreaming. Provide facts and I am will listen. In time, Peorians will maybe come to realize that. But maybe I'm wrong. On the other hand, 50% of the residents of Peoria do not directly pay property taxes and some sales taxes such as on food, are excluded. So where's their beef?
This measly little 1/4% sales tax so often described by the JSEB amounts to, are you ready, over $4,000,000 per year, approximately $80 million over the 20 year bond term. These are dollars you can not spend for what you may really need. And now we're advised that $1 million?? will go to a Chicago firm and some non-local union workers.
Sure, while they are in town they will spend money but not necessarily in Peoria County.
ObamaCare and the Repeal Pledge
"A Plague of Vagueness" writes Daniel Henninger in the WSJ on July 1, 2010. "The opaqueness of the sort Dodd, Frank and the president favor shifts the locus, yes, locus is a word, of power away from all citizens and toward an administrative minority that reduces the nation's civil life to a costly game of Mother-may-I."
Repeal Pledge, under any circumstance, can not unravel all the deliberate or unintended consequences of ObamaCare, as Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling, says there are probably three on every single page of this massive bill. Written in terms so vague that people of intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning. The WSJ Editorial Board believes the best way to dismember this boondoggle is "limb by limb", at least for the next two years.
Whether the Republicans will recognize the opportunities handled them remains to be seen. I am not enamoured of many Republicans including local Dave Leitch who know how to spend with the best of the Democrats on the basis of "if we don't take the money, someone else will". At least all Republicans I know realize that Obamacare is one of the major disasters facing this country; whether they know how to benefit from the mistakes of most Democrats and Obama, remains to be seen.
It is likely they will be given a chance to start correcting ObamaCare in November. What they do in the ensuing two years will determine what happens in 2012.
I am not as optimistic as these new reformers running against embedded incumbents, prefaced by the TV advertising of Democrat Mike Smith as he continues his relentless attack on Mr. Unes, appealing to the sub-level intelligence of many welfare and hard 6 Democrats. I still remind my readers that most #6 Democrats will vote for a Democrat no matter who or what. When I was campaigning, many a Democrat said they agree with me and that I was the best candidate but they had always voted a straight Democrat ticket and weren't going to change now.
When our liberal public education system teaches that it is wealth that provides better than living wage jobs and that losses in investments offset taxes on salaries, Smith's campaign propaganda will fall on deaf ears. Observations indicate that that time may be a long time coming.
Whether all the Republicans understand that their best chances lie with the "soft" Democrats and the independents, remains to be seen; especially after 2012. And whether those 2010 re-elected Republicans practice what they are preaching now.
Most all people looking for all they can get free and for government to be their "mothership" are going to vote Democrat; some government checks unfortunately helping to keep the slot machines churning out profits, creating low-paying jobs. Fortunately, many casinos will not accept welfare cards but I am told other places, like Seven-11 stores with slot machines, do accept these welfare cards.
In the last election, many Republicans didn't like the Republican tickets so they stayed home on election day. To follow this stubbornness in this election can only lead to liberty yielding to government control.
Repeal Pledge, under any circumstance, can not unravel all the deliberate or unintended consequences of ObamaCare, as Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling, says there are probably three on every single page of this massive bill. Written in terms so vague that people of intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning. The WSJ Editorial Board believes the best way to dismember this boondoggle is "limb by limb", at least for the next two years.
Whether the Republicans will recognize the opportunities handled them remains to be seen. I am not enamoured of many Republicans including local Dave Leitch who know how to spend with the best of the Democrats on the basis of "if we don't take the money, someone else will". At least all Republicans I know realize that Obamacare is one of the major disasters facing this country; whether they know how to benefit from the mistakes of most Democrats and Obama, remains to be seen.
It is likely they will be given a chance to start correcting ObamaCare in November. What they do in the ensuing two years will determine what happens in 2012.
I am not as optimistic as these new reformers running against embedded incumbents, prefaced by the TV advertising of Democrat Mike Smith as he continues his relentless attack on Mr. Unes, appealing to the sub-level intelligence of many welfare and hard 6 Democrats. I still remind my readers that most #6 Democrats will vote for a Democrat no matter who or what. When I was campaigning, many a Democrat said they agree with me and that I was the best candidate but they had always voted a straight Democrat ticket and weren't going to change now.
When our liberal public education system teaches that it is wealth that provides better than living wage jobs and that losses in investments offset taxes on salaries, Smith's campaign propaganda will fall on deaf ears. Observations indicate that that time may be a long time coming.
Whether all the Republicans understand that their best chances lie with the "soft" Democrats and the independents, remains to be seen; especially after 2012. And whether those 2010 re-elected Republicans practice what they are preaching now.
Most all people looking for all they can get free and for government to be their "mothership" are going to vote Democrat; some government checks unfortunately helping to keep the slot machines churning out profits, creating low-paying jobs. Fortunately, many casinos will not accept welfare cards but I am told other places, like Seven-11 stores with slot machines, do accept these welfare cards.
In the last election, many Republicans didn't like the Republican tickets so they stayed home on election day. To follow this stubbornness in this election can only lead to liberty yielding to government control.
Museum in Poor Financial Shape?
No problem, Peoria County Administration and Board gladly wants to expand their bureaucracy and help out. I wondered why so many union workers wanted to sign my petitions. They learned that like IMAX's and fund pledges, they are all partially smoke and mirrors. (See article in today's JS and the Peoria Chronicle blog).
I hear now that the County Administrator has agreed to provide the maintenance for the new museum. Figure replacements costs like roofs, etc. to be substantial at about the time the 20 year facility tax ends. If I thought I would be around I'd take bets that future county administrations ensure that this tax is renewed one way or another just like the jail tax that expires in 2013 is not, in reality, GOING TO EXPIRE.
Remember, the 2003 increased tax levy to MAINTAIN the County Nursing Home was interpreted to mean build a new one without a new referendum. This compassionate community hasn't protested. In many progressive communities, some activists would have filed an objection to this interpretation of the the word "maintain".
Latest count of residents at BW? 225, down from administrations "projections" the census would be 275.
Hmmm.
Maybe they will 30 years from now when the County Board decides that the new PRM needs to be replaced.
Back to taxes. How many taxes once assessed are allowed to expire or without a new one taking it's place?
Anyway, the museum makes good copy for the JS, so sadly lacking in real, factual local news.
Did the JS mention that the family oriented African Exhibit has obtained a liquor licence so they can compete with the private sector for social events. At least, the PPD hasn't started their own catering service.
How is Running Central's new store doing inside the RiverPlex? Another use of taxpayer money to compete against local business. I assume they pay rent. It would be interesting to know how much. Surely would beat expanding at their own expense.
In the meantime, the Peoria Park District with their 9000 acres of hilly land, continues to be one of the largest, if not the largest contributor to soil runoff into the Illinois River. Or into tributaries that eventually make their way to the clog the river with good soil.
You may wish to check their budget for the amount set aside each year for "erosion control".
Not much.
I hear now that the County Administrator has agreed to provide the maintenance for the new museum. Figure replacements costs like roofs, etc. to be substantial at about the time the 20 year facility tax ends. If I thought I would be around I'd take bets that future county administrations ensure that this tax is renewed one way or another just like the jail tax that expires in 2013 is not, in reality, GOING TO EXPIRE.
Remember, the 2003 increased tax levy to MAINTAIN the County Nursing Home was interpreted to mean build a new one without a new referendum. This compassionate community hasn't protested. In many progressive communities, some activists would have filed an objection to this interpretation of the the word "maintain".
Latest count of residents at BW? 225, down from administrations "projections" the census would be 275.
Hmmm.
Maybe they will 30 years from now when the County Board decides that the new PRM needs to be replaced.
Back to taxes. How many taxes once assessed are allowed to expire or without a new one taking it's place?
Anyway, the museum makes good copy for the JS, so sadly lacking in real, factual local news.
Did the JS mention that the family oriented African Exhibit has obtained a liquor licence so they can compete with the private sector for social events. At least, the PPD hasn't started their own catering service.
How is Running Central's new store doing inside the RiverPlex? Another use of taxpayer money to compete against local business. I assume they pay rent. It would be interesting to know how much. Surely would beat expanding at their own expense.
In the meantime, the Peoria Park District with their 9000 acres of hilly land, continues to be one of the largest, if not the largest contributor to soil runoff into the Illinois River. Or into tributaries that eventually make their way to the clog the river with good soil.
You may wish to check their budget for the amount set aside each year for "erosion control".
Not much.
Racist Democrat Pam Adams- Local Reporter
Adams could learn a lot about what is going on in the world if she wasn't so prejudiced against white Republicans.
I have never heard Pam talk of the infidelities of the Democrat Kennedy boys, both reputed to have "topped" Marilyn Monroe, among numerous other Hollywood starlets and the peccadilloes of Democrat Billy boy.
Who is Newt Gingrich, really, she asks? A far more important question might be, who is Barack Obama, really.
Good question as this country is rapidly and frightfully finding out.
Gingrich's intelligence vs. yours, Ms. Adams? No question.
I have never heard Pam talk of the infidelities of the Democrat Kennedy boys, both reputed to have "topped" Marilyn Monroe, among numerous other Hollywood starlets and the peccadilloes of Democrat Billy boy.
Who is Newt Gingrich, really, she asks? A far more important question might be, who is Barack Obama, really.
Good question as this country is rapidly and frightfully finding out.
Gingrich's intelligence vs. yours, Ms. Adams? No question.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Gays in the Military
Paul Manning, who says he is a veteran poses a question in a LTE in USA Today: If heterosexual males are attracted to females and forbidden to shower with them, (they can in many colleges, you know) how could it be acceptable for an out of the closet, gay soldier to be allowed to share showers with other heterosexual male soldiers?
Good question, Paul.
In my day it was don't ask, don't tell. No problems that I recall. Then came the publicity seeking gays posing as a greater minority than they are when polls indicate that approximately only 7% of the population are gays.
I was a 20 month veteran also. Me, personally, I'm not asking anybody their sexual orientation and nobody needs to tell me. As to Gay Pride parades, I say "shove it". I don't recall heterosexuals asking to be in parades with heterosexual banners.
Thanks.
Good question, Paul.
In my day it was don't ask, don't tell. No problems that I recall. Then came the publicity seeking gays posing as a greater minority than they are when polls indicate that approximately only 7% of the population are gays.
I was a 20 month veteran also. Me, personally, I'm not asking anybody their sexual orientation and nobody needs to tell me. As to Gay Pride parades, I say "shove it". I don't recall heterosexuals asking to be in parades with heterosexual banners.
Thanks.
Peoria Public Libraries - Recent Observations
While Peoria continues to spend millions, approximately $35 million including interest, on a new library and upgrades to older ones, Colorado State University is clearing out one fourth of their books from Morgan Library, books that would stretch out 11 miles; books that haven't been checked out in 20 years. (USA Today)
While voters recommended the expansions in Peoria, I note that Lakeview Library has more empty shelf space and a lesser collection to chose from than they had two years ago despite closing the South Side Library. The windows are boarded up so it is possible the books are still on the shelves. At least, they haven't shown up at Lakeview.
For those of you not familiar with the South Side Library, it's history included the renovation of a Harrison Home for over $300,000 with an $80,000 elevator to a never used 2nd floor. Open from 10-5 five days a week, closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Think about the hours and ask when employed families would have been able to use this now closed facility? On my visits, I found that hundreds of books that had never been checked out, same as I found on visits to Lincoln Library.
Dunlap's newly expanded library is underutilized and will be more underutilized when the new Peoria Library that sits behind Walmart opens. After the first year, this new Peoria Library will be underutilized just like Dunlap.
Had it not been for my helping convince one or two council people to hold off expanding Lakeview, at least until the new library opened, another $7 million was planned to be borrowed and spent..
Grave digging is still going on at Lincoln Library which was underutilized before this poorly planned expansion was funded with all borrowed money. No one knows for sure but I suspect there are more dead buried at the Lincoln site then there is attendance at the Lincoln Library in a week.
While voters recommended the expansions in Peoria, I note that Lakeview Library has more empty shelf space and a lesser collection to chose from than they had two years ago despite closing the South Side Library. The windows are boarded up so it is possible the books are still on the shelves. At least, they haven't shown up at Lakeview.
For those of you not familiar with the South Side Library, it's history included the renovation of a Harrison Home for over $300,000 with an $80,000 elevator to a never used 2nd floor. Open from 10-5 five days a week, closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Think about the hours and ask when employed families would have been able to use this now closed facility? On my visits, I found that hundreds of books that had never been checked out, same as I found on visits to Lincoln Library.
Dunlap's newly expanded library is underutilized and will be more underutilized when the new Peoria Library that sits behind Walmart opens. After the first year, this new Peoria Library will be underutilized just like Dunlap.
Had it not been for my helping convince one or two council people to hold off expanding Lakeview, at least until the new library opened, another $7 million was planned to be borrowed and spent..
Grave digging is still going on at Lincoln Library which was underutilized before this poorly planned expansion was funded with all borrowed money. No one knows for sure but I suspect there are more dead buried at the Lincoln site then there is attendance at the Lincoln Library in a week.
Right to Work and the SEIU
Letter from Mark Mix.
Merle
Right to Work on TV: SEIU's Crooked Political Fundraising Scheme
Last week, I appeared on the Fox Business Channel to discuss the Obama Federal Election Commission's (FEC) refusal to investigate the radical Service Employees International Union (SEIU) for its shady political fundraising scheme.
Before the 2008 elections, the SEIU amended its constitution to require local affiliate unions to meet an annual fundraising obligation to the SEIU's political action committee (PAC) under the threat of heavy fines.
But federal election law requires that PAC contributions must be 100 percent voluntary, and unions cannot funnel cash from their general treasuries into a PAC.
Foundation attorneys filed a complaint with the FEC later that year but were only notified 23 days after the FEC quietly dismissed the complaint this spring. Stonewalling even further, the FEC only released its reasoning 111 days after that -- well after the 60-day window period in which Foundation attorneys could appeal.
Meanwhile, the SEIU's PAC has already disbursed over $21 million this election cycle, and that's just the tip of the iceberg for the union bosses' electioneering.
And the SEIU chiefs know how to get a hefty return on their political investments. Just look at some of the most visible ties between the Obama Administration and the SEIU.
Former SEIU mogul Andy Stern was the most frequent visitor to the White House in Obama's first year.
Patrick Gaspard was the longtime political director of an SEIU local and now has the same position in the Obama Administration.
Craig Becker, one of the SEIU's top lawyers, now sits on the National Labor Relations Board and refuses to recuse himself in cases involving SEIU affiliates.
And now President Obama is trying to install yet another SEIU lawyer onto the FEC -- the very agency that has already turned a blind eye to the SEIU's crooked scheme.
Click here to watch the video for more on the SEIU's PAC quota and the Obama FEC's stonewalling.
Sincerely,
Mark Mix
P.S. The Foundation relies on the voluntary support of individual Americans who believe in our cause and wish to advance our strategic litigation program. To make a fully tax-deductible donation in whatever amount, please click here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, is assisting thousands of employees in nearly 200 cases nationwide. Its web address is www.nrtw.org/.
To help the National Right to Work Foundation grow; please forward this to a friend.
To view as a web page, please click this link: view online.
This message was intended for: merlewidmer@msn.com
You were added to the system April 14, 2010. For more information
click here.
Update your preferences | Unsubscribe
Merle
Right to Work on TV: SEIU's Crooked Political Fundraising Scheme
Last week, I appeared on the Fox Business Channel to discuss the Obama Federal Election Commission's (FEC) refusal to investigate the radical Service Employees International Union (SEIU) for its shady political fundraising scheme.
Before the 2008 elections, the SEIU amended its constitution to require local affiliate unions to meet an annual fundraising obligation to the SEIU's political action committee (PAC) under the threat of heavy fines.
But federal election law requires that PAC contributions must be 100 percent voluntary, and unions cannot funnel cash from their general treasuries into a PAC.
Foundation attorneys filed a complaint with the FEC later that year but were only notified 23 days after the FEC quietly dismissed the complaint this spring. Stonewalling even further, the FEC only released its reasoning 111 days after that -- well after the 60-day window period in which Foundation attorneys could appeal.
Meanwhile, the SEIU's PAC has already disbursed over $21 million this election cycle, and that's just the tip of the iceberg for the union bosses' electioneering.
And the SEIU chiefs know how to get a hefty return on their political investments. Just look at some of the most visible ties between the Obama Administration and the SEIU.
Former SEIU mogul Andy Stern was the most frequent visitor to the White House in Obama's first year.
Patrick Gaspard was the longtime political director of an SEIU local and now has the same position in the Obama Administration.
Craig Becker, one of the SEIU's top lawyers, now sits on the National Labor Relations Board and refuses to recuse himself in cases involving SEIU affiliates.
And now President Obama is trying to install yet another SEIU lawyer onto the FEC -- the very agency that has already turned a blind eye to the SEIU's crooked scheme.
Click here to watch the video for more on the SEIU's PAC quota and the Obama FEC's stonewalling.
Sincerely,
Mark Mix
P.S. The Foundation relies on the voluntary support of individual Americans who believe in our cause and wish to advance our strategic litigation program. To make a fully tax-deductible donation in whatever amount, please click here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, is assisting thousands of employees in nearly 200 cases nationwide. Its web address is www.nrtw.org/.
To help the National Right to Work Foundation grow; please forward this to a friend.
To view as a web page, please click this link: view online.
This message was intended for: merlewidmer@msn.com
You were added to the system April 14, 2010. For more information
click here.
Update your preferences | Unsubscribe
Monday, October 04, 2010
Journal Star Editorial Board Opinion
Read today's JS Opinion on democracy's march forward with museum and then read C.J.Summer's, The Peoria Chronicle blog on the same subject.
Interesting that the rights of democracy become the scapegoat of lack of forward progress in Peoria according to the JS. And one false and misleading statement supposedly made by a petition drive leader becomes a focus of misleading statements by the JSEB.
The JSEB should go back and review a couple dozen misleading statements made by museum promoters including the ONLY 1/3 cost to the taxpayers, a blatant misstatement by a Roundtable and museum board promoter, a promised, no, guaranteed Digital 3D IMAX theater, an adequate endowment of at least $12 million, now standing at $3+ million, oh, sure, the county is going to give the museum $6 million from the facility tax for the museum to use as they see fit. The museum has determined this roughly $6 million will be used to build the museum freeing up $6 million in "pledges" to transferred to the endowment.
No mention in the JS about CREATIVE BOOKKEEPING".
How costs have risen while other building costs in Peoria have come in under estimate? The museum building that the county will own (over my objection of expanding bureaucracies) is projected to cost $48.6 million with overall PRM costs projected to be a rising $93.4 million.
Remember when is was $65 million and was some 30 thousand feet larger? With a "spectacular" design?
I could and have in previous blogs, state all the the misleading statements, many of them promoted in the $640,000 museum educational advertising campaign but the point is, in your opinion, the Journal Star a "fair and honest" news paper???
As an aside, Karen McDonald, JS reporter mis-quoted me again today by saying "Widmer HIMSELF secured 1080 signatures" quoting from my blog which you can find in my archives that says, "I and 15 SUPPORTERS, raised 1080 signatures."
We could have secured more if communications from the prime petition supporters had lent more enthusiasm to the gatherers, including myself.
Maybe Karen was trying to make me look good. If true, she left out credit to my supporters.
At any rate, the JSEB is quoted under Opinion. The problem is they buy ink and paper by the semi-load. Dissenters usually have no funds; thus little ink and paper.
Interesting that the rights of democracy become the scapegoat of lack of forward progress in Peoria according to the JS. And one false and misleading statement supposedly made by a petition drive leader becomes a focus of misleading statements by the JSEB.
The JSEB should go back and review a couple dozen misleading statements made by museum promoters including the ONLY 1/3 cost to the taxpayers, a blatant misstatement by a Roundtable and museum board promoter, a promised, no, guaranteed Digital 3D IMAX theater, an adequate endowment of at least $12 million, now standing at $3+ million, oh, sure, the county is going to give the museum $6 million from the facility tax for the museum to use as they see fit. The museum has determined this roughly $6 million will be used to build the museum freeing up $6 million in "pledges" to transferred to the endowment.
No mention in the JS about CREATIVE BOOKKEEPING".
How costs have risen while other building costs in Peoria have come in under estimate? The museum building that the county will own (over my objection of expanding bureaucracies) is projected to cost $48.6 million with overall PRM costs projected to be a rising $93.4 million.
Remember when is was $65 million and was some 30 thousand feet larger? With a "spectacular" design?
I could and have in previous blogs, state all the the misleading statements, many of them promoted in the $640,000 museum educational advertising campaign but the point is, in your opinion, the Journal Star a "fair and honest" news paper???
As an aside, Karen McDonald, JS reporter mis-quoted me again today by saying "Widmer HIMSELF secured 1080 signatures" quoting from my blog which you can find in my archives that says, "I and 15 SUPPORTERS, raised 1080 signatures."
We could have secured more if communications from the prime petition supporters had lent more enthusiasm to the gatherers, including myself.
Maybe Karen was trying to make me look good. If true, she left out credit to my supporters.
At any rate, the JSEB is quoted under Opinion. The problem is they buy ink and paper by the semi-load. Dissenters usually have no funds; thus little ink and paper.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
It's the Economy, Stupid
No, it was the fault of the previous administration. No, it was the fault of people spending more than what they could guarantee or afford to pay back. No, it was Bushes' wars, now Obama has accepted the Afghanistan war as his. No, it was the failures of much of the public school systems. No, it was the unsustainable demands of the unions. No, it was greedy Wall Street. No, it was uncontrolled borders and Washington's lack of self-control. No, it was this countries population insatiable demand for drugs to keep them high enough to avoid seeing what was really happening to our country. No, it was entitlements, earmarks, subsidies, well anyway, it is not my fault.
So, it must be your fault. Or a lack of common sense in general. Anyway, count on a very slow recovery in this country even if though most Democrats and too many free-spending Republicans are voted out of office next month.
The Democrats and their philosophy of supporting any candidate, regardless of their records; polls show 54% of Demos would vote for Obama in 2014 and 30% would vote for Blago if he runs for office again. Remember the Democrat Washington, D.C. mayor, who, after serving a short prison term, got re-elected to office?
Anyway, we are in a pickle with accountants and attorneys, elected officials and their staffs poring over hugh new laws, coming away knowing less than what the knew before they typed "dot-gov. to quote Peggy Noonan of the WSJ. Ms. Noonan writes, "The American people fear they are losing their place in the daily, unwinding drama of American history. They feel alienated is followed by deep animosity, and animosity by the breaking up of things."
In the meantime, here in Peoria, we have an editorial board that never saw a dime of taxpayer money they didn't want to spend yet complain constantly of our politicians spending more money they don't have.
Does the JSEB really believe that Dave Ransburg, he is the third Roundtable mogul who has said they will raise the AT least missing $10 million or more from the PRIVATE sector to perpetuate the Riverfront Museum.
I'll be asking how many pledges are still outstanding by 13/31/10. Based on collections and cancellations so far, I'll guess, (my guess is as good as their guesses) $10,000,000+.
Wanna bet it will be blamed on the economy?
The taxpayer is already stuck with 72% of of the now $93 million museum and GO Bonds (taxpayer backed debt obligations) will probably kick in about 2035.
Oh well, by then, it won't be my worry. My kids and their families live elsewhere.
So, it must be your fault. Or a lack of common sense in general. Anyway, count on a very slow recovery in this country even if though most Democrats and too many free-spending Republicans are voted out of office next month.
The Democrats and their philosophy of supporting any candidate, regardless of their records; polls show 54% of Demos would vote for Obama in 2014 and 30% would vote for Blago if he runs for office again. Remember the Democrat Washington, D.C. mayor, who, after serving a short prison term, got re-elected to office?
Anyway, we are in a pickle with accountants and attorneys, elected officials and their staffs poring over hugh new laws, coming away knowing less than what the knew before they typed "dot-gov. to quote Peggy Noonan of the WSJ. Ms. Noonan writes, "The American people fear they are losing their place in the daily, unwinding drama of American history. They feel alienated is followed by deep animosity, and animosity by the breaking up of things."
In the meantime, here in Peoria, we have an editorial board that never saw a dime of taxpayer money they didn't want to spend yet complain constantly of our politicians spending more money they don't have.
Does the JSEB really believe that Dave Ransburg, he is the third Roundtable mogul who has said they will raise the AT least missing $10 million or more from the PRIVATE sector to perpetuate the Riverfront Museum.
I'll be asking how many pledges are still outstanding by 13/31/10. Based on collections and cancellations so far, I'll guess, (my guess is as good as their guesses) $10,000,000+.
Wanna bet it will be blamed on the economy?
The taxpayer is already stuck with 72% of of the now $93 million museum and GO Bonds (taxpayer backed debt obligations) will probably kick in about 2035.
Oh well, by then, it won't be my worry. My kids and their families live elsewhere.
Luke 15:28 - It's Relationship With What's Happening in Peoria County
Naw, I'm not going to talk about the possibility of an educational IMAX "possibly" coming to the Riverfront museum that cash strapped schools will attend on field trips. When they do, they will have little to spend and admission fees will be slashed. The REAL IMAX will be built out near the Shoppes where the population is growing, where people won't have to pay to park underground. Nor a fee to enter the museum building plus an additional fee to see the big screen.
Whoops, I wasn't going to talk about the IMAX decision announced today, a decision made long ago while local movers and shakers where spending $40,000 in "intense" negotiations with IMAX officials while leading the pledgers, (still at least $16 million outstanding) on and on.
Darn it, there I go again, talking about the "Nooooooooooo IMAX", a blog I previously posted.
Let's get back to what Jesus said in Luke:1528. "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he first not sit down and estimate the cost to SEE IF HE HAS ENOUGH MONEY TO COMPLETE IT?
Quoting from Columnist DeForest B. Soraias, Jr., in the WSJ on 10/1, "In Jesus teachings, Christians have sufficient content for financial guidance and prudent approaches to managing money." Mr. Soraias concludes that "Education, hard work and discipline are key components to any authentic prosperity plan."
It takes prosperity for pledgers to honor their pledges, which may be why so many have yet to honor their pledge. And strapped taxpayers to support this boondoogle, er, musuem.
OK, what do these words have to do with an IMAX and the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
A lot.
A review. The original request to the previously "outside looking in" Peoria County Board and it's administrator, was for $24 million, then $34+ million, then $40 million and presently $41 million. County Boards could go all the way to $80 million less projected $16 million in other charges including financing; the "facility" tax now averaging $4 million a year from this "puny" 1/4% sales tax.
The museum and county planning efforts so far have spent approximately $14 million; this planning reduced the size of the original size from 110,000 sq. ft. to 81,2,or 83 thousand sq. ft., the planners never had a REAL IMAX to lose; changing the exterior and interior design to something less than the originally planned "an unprecedented cultural campus highlighted by a digital 3-D IMAX theatre." A quote by Museum Adminstrator, Jim Richerson in IB magazine, 2010.
As far as the education part, $640,000 was spent on "educating our sports loving community" into accepting museum culture as part of the planning of "an authentic prosperity plan". Remember the Ivory Tower guys at Bradley are "projecting" $14 million a year in "new" business, $560,000,000 over 40 years, that's real prosperity. The planning seems to have including the management of money quoted above; planning which appears to be lacking. And discipline? Hard work, no doubt, but one out of three seldom produces a winner.
I stand by the biblical parable. In Peoria, we haven't been able to really complete much of what we've started with taxpayer funding. The zoo still lacks $5 million for a parking lot (looks like it may not be needed) and a new exotic zoo entrance from Prospect. The Children's Playhouse is years behing schedule and half funded, the banks seem to be caught between "a rock and hard spot" with another partially taxpayer funded project on the Riverfront, Cub's closed, the $27 million new libraries are going to be a bigger drag on property taxpayers than anticipated as more dead bodies are uncovered, the Gateway Building is defunct, the city is broke, #150 is still suspect as to quality of product produced while taking 60 per cent of our property taxes, participation in the federal food-stamp participants swelled from 26 million in 2007 to 33 million in 2009 and we still don't know what the sewer and public water upgrades are going to cost the taxpayer.
Rest assured, people are going to have less money to spend on future planning.
And Peoria County Administrator and a majority of the County Board want a new $54 million dollar Taj Mahal taxpayer funded County Nursing Home to house 160 Medicaid people who also benefit from other taxpayer dollars to pay the 100 thousands' of bureaucrats running the system.
Many believe that Jesus with his common sense will return to earth. Today would not be too soon.
Whoops, I wasn't going to talk about the IMAX decision announced today, a decision made long ago while local movers and shakers where spending $40,000 in "intense" negotiations with IMAX officials while leading the pledgers, (still at least $16 million outstanding) on and on.
Darn it, there I go again, talking about the "Nooooooooooo IMAX", a blog I previously posted.
Let's get back to what Jesus said in Luke:1528. "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he first not sit down and estimate the cost to SEE IF HE HAS ENOUGH MONEY TO COMPLETE IT?
Quoting from Columnist DeForest B. Soraias, Jr., in the WSJ on 10/1, "In Jesus teachings, Christians have sufficient content for financial guidance and prudent approaches to managing money." Mr. Soraias concludes that "Education, hard work and discipline are key components to any authentic prosperity plan."
It takes prosperity for pledgers to honor their pledges, which may be why so many have yet to honor their pledge. And strapped taxpayers to support this boondoogle, er, musuem.
OK, what do these words have to do with an IMAX and the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
A lot.
A review. The original request to the previously "outside looking in" Peoria County Board and it's administrator, was for $24 million, then $34+ million, then $40 million and presently $41 million. County Boards could go all the way to $80 million less projected $16 million in other charges including financing; the "facility" tax now averaging $4 million a year from this "puny" 1/4% sales tax.
The museum and county planning efforts so far have spent approximately $14 million; this planning reduced the size of the original size from 110,000 sq. ft. to 81,2,or 83 thousand sq. ft., the planners never had a REAL IMAX to lose; changing the exterior and interior design to something less than the originally planned "an unprecedented cultural campus highlighted by a digital 3-D IMAX theatre." A quote by Museum Adminstrator, Jim Richerson in IB magazine, 2010.
As far as the education part, $640,000 was spent on "educating our sports loving community" into accepting museum culture as part of the planning of "an authentic prosperity plan". Remember the Ivory Tower guys at Bradley are "projecting" $14 million a year in "new" business, $560,000,000 over 40 years, that's real prosperity. The planning seems to have including the management of money quoted above; planning which appears to be lacking. And discipline? Hard work, no doubt, but one out of three seldom produces a winner.
I stand by the biblical parable. In Peoria, we haven't been able to really complete much of what we've started with taxpayer funding. The zoo still lacks $5 million for a parking lot (looks like it may not be needed) and a new exotic zoo entrance from Prospect. The Children's Playhouse is years behing schedule and half funded, the banks seem to be caught between "a rock and hard spot" with another partially taxpayer funded project on the Riverfront, Cub's closed, the $27 million new libraries are going to be a bigger drag on property taxpayers than anticipated as more dead bodies are uncovered, the Gateway Building is defunct, the city is broke, #150 is still suspect as to quality of product produced while taking 60 per cent of our property taxes, participation in the federal food-stamp participants swelled from 26 million in 2007 to 33 million in 2009 and we still don't know what the sewer and public water upgrades are going to cost the taxpayer.
Rest assured, people are going to have less money to spend on future planning.
And Peoria County Administrator and a majority of the County Board want a new $54 million dollar Taj Mahal taxpayer funded County Nursing Home to house 160 Medicaid people who also benefit from other taxpayer dollars to pay the 100 thousands' of bureaucrats running the system.
Many believe that Jesus with his common sense will return to earth. Today would not be too soon.
Friday, October 01, 2010
No, You Democrats, Karrie Alms is Running for the Peoria County Board, Not the City Council
Another rumor spread by the County Democrats that Karrie is running for both positions. The Democrats and certain other Peoria County Officials do not want Mrs. Alms on the Peoria County Board. Why not?
An easy question. SHE WOULD NOT FOLLOW THE HERD AS DOES INCUMBENT (19 years) DEMOCRAT LYNN PEARSON.
Karrie Alms asks the hard questions and does not give up until she gets the answers.
Peoria County former Financial Officer, in an email to me after he took his new position with McLean County Unit #5 School district, said I was his favorite board member because I asked the hard questions. I'm retiring from the board in December. We need Karrie to ask the hard questions and break up the "herd" instinct prevailing by dominant members of the current board.
An easy question. SHE WOULD NOT FOLLOW THE HERD AS DOES INCUMBENT (19 years) DEMOCRAT LYNN PEARSON.
Karrie Alms asks the hard questions and does not give up until she gets the answers.
Peoria County former Financial Officer, in an email to me after he took his new position with McLean County Unit #5 School district, said I was his favorite board member because I asked the hard questions. I'm retiring from the board in December. We need Karrie to ask the hard questions and break up the "herd" instinct prevailing by dominant members of the current board.
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