Who else remembers the old Flintstone episode when Wilma and Betty are going shopping and yelling "Charge it! Charge it!" over and over again, working themselves into a frenzy at the thought of their shiny new purchases? Well, today City Manager Greg Burris offered his draft of the "charge" of the pension task force (okay, okay, different types of charges but I have to get your attention somehow).
The Council was requested to offer their individual top 12 choices from the City Manager's recommended task force members and applicant list, and any changes or suggestions they might have for his recommended "charge" of the task force by 5 p.m. on Friday afternoon.
Burris' top picks for the task force were:
> Brian Allen, owner and CEO of Pension Consulting, Inc
> Mary Beth Daniels, owner of Hunter Chase & Associates Concrete Construction
> Jerry Harmison, Attorney
> Carl Herd, Retired teacher
> Kenneth Homan, current member of the Police-Fire Pension Board
> James Jeffries, Attorney
> Robert L. Jones, retired lawyer, judge, and arbitrator
> Peggy Kubicek, retired financial advisor, retired teacher
> Carol Mihalevich, Vice President, Bank of Missouri
> Matt Morrow, CEO, Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield
> Charles Munsey, Health benefits consultant
> Jeff Rice, Financial advisor
> Craig Wagoner, real estate investments; CPA
> Lloyd Young, retired professor
Two of the recommendations do not live in Springfield's City limits.
Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky offered the harshest comments about the list from which the Council was asked to choose. She first wanted to know why Burris included people who were not Springfield residents. Burris explained, people who do not live within Springfield will be paying 50 percent of any sales tax the task force might eventually recommend.
Rushefsky appeared to be generally unhappy with the selection, though she recognized people who were not represented had excluded themselves by not applying to be on the task force, "It is not a diverse group. I think it is a very select group," Rushefsky said. She complained there were no blue collar, no labor representatives, "We're not seeing the general public and that's the problem, I'm really concerned that the folks out there who have concerns are not on here."
Councilman Ralph Manley suggested that each of the Council members choose 12 of the applicants for submission to the City Manager's Office, where they could be tallied and the 12 which scored the highest would make up the task force. None of the other Council members seemed opposed to that idea and so, it appeared that is the plan.
While a time line has been suggested for the task force to produce a recommendation, Mr. Burris made it clear it was suggested as a guideline to give the applicants an idea about how long they might be involved in the process. He said the Council could extend the deadline. Mayor Tom Carlson did not want the process to be rushed and didn't want the task force to feel pressured, "I'd rather have it (the task force) do a thorough job than feel rushed because the public will be more likely to support it," Carlson said.
The Council seemed to be in agreement that the new Council should choose three members for the task force. Burris suggested the membership be kept between 12-14, there might be more conflicts in scheduling, the more members the task force included, he said.
Councilman Wylie suggested the final decision should be up to the City Manager, however, Mayor Carlson explained that was not the case and Burris suggested the Council would need to approve the task force by ordinance.
The meetings of the police and firefighters pension fund task force will be open to the public.
The date of the new City Council's swearing in was also discussed. Because the new Council will not be able to be sworn in until after the County certifies the election results, Burris and City staff members felt that April 14 might be the earliest date possible to do that. Burris said they might be able to swear them in a day or two earlier but, the Council seemed settled on April 14 for the swearing in, in....
The End.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Springfield City Council: All the Blame, Little Credit, and Tacos for Lunch
The buck stops at the City Council but the City Council gets no bucks
I had to miss last Tuesday's City Council luncheon so, after today's luncheon, I went to the Clerk's office and picked up the materials Internal Auditor April Lathrom passed out at last week's meeting.
Lathrom had reported, of the 53 recommendations made by the State Auditor, all but two have been addressed.
In her letter to the "Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council," Lathrom wrote:
The State's Audit Report of the City of Springfield had recommended:
The response from the Director of Economic Development Mary Lily Smith came last Tuesday (March 24, 2008). Smith said an economic development policy was being developed that would address the circumstances under which certain incentives should be used. The report issued by Lathrom also said the policy would be used to evaluate private developer's requests for public assistance.
In addition, The Chamber of Commerce and the Springfield Business and Development Corporation are working with the City to provide a "SWOT" (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of the Springfield market from a "site locator perspective." The SWOT analysis is planned to assist the finalized policy currently being developed by the City.
Several issues were noted under the "Downtown Development" section of the State Audit Report, dated December 2007. Among them were some interesting facts about historical and current events on the Heer's deal.
The auditee's (City's) response to the 2007 State Auditor's recommendation included the following statements:
As noted in the September 12, 2007, issue of the "Community Free Press," the night the City Council approved the City's purchase of the bank loan and foreclosure on the Heer's building, there were 5 speakers. All of the speakers were opposed to the City Council's approval of the purchase of the bank loan and foreclosure.
On another note, the millions of dollars of work, done on the building due to City assistance in obtaining financing for Vaughn Prost for the project, may all be lost today. The Heer's building is not currently being renovated and has lost much of the window covering (mostly plywood and plastic) which once kept the rain and the wind out of the building, allowing the elements to erode any improvements Prost may have made to the building years ago.
In short, just as it was in 2006, 2007, and 2008, the Heer's Tower continues to be "a glaring blight on downtown." Does its continued presence in that condition continue to be an impediment to additional private reinvestment? Who knows? Currently, "the City" isn't talking out of that side of its economically developing mouth.
A recent "Springfield News-Leader" article made clear the sentiments of Director of Economic Development Mary Lily Smith today, and they have not changed much since the response included in the audit report. From the News-Leader article:
Smith is right. It is up to the City Council to say yes or no to "incentivizing" economic development.
Such incentives seem to have worked well for Heer's building redevelopment, after all.
But, let's examine our City Council's responsibility.
To use a Manleyism, "the experts," such as the Director of Economic Development, and other City staff, recommend for approval the projects they feel are "of great benefit." How convenient is it for the "expert" to then lay total responsibility for failure (or success?) at the feet of the City Council to whom the "experts" sold the project?
Clearly, if the buck stops at the desk of our all volunteer City Council, because they approve or deny the "expert" recommendations of City staff, with all their "expert" resources and prepared presentations, they are long overdue for a raise or, at the very least, prime rib rather than tacos.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had to miss last Tuesday's City Council luncheon so, after today's luncheon, I went to the Clerk's office and picked up the materials Internal Auditor April Lathrom passed out at last week's meeting.
Lathrom had reported, of the 53 recommendations made by the State Auditor, all but two have been addressed.
In her letter to the "Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council," Lathrom wrote:
"The only two items that require further follow-up action are the recommendations related to the economic development policy on incentives offered to developers and improving the funding status of the Police and Fire Pension Fund. The City is in the process of developing a comprehensive economic development policy, and as you all know, the City continues to explore ways to improve the funding status of the Police and Fire Pension Fund."
The State's Audit Report of the City of Springfield had recommended:
"City Council should refrain from pledging taxpayer funds to assist developers in obtaining financing for projects. In addition, proposals should be solicited for services provided by developers, and agreements should be clear with regard to the use of restricted city funds. Further, City Council should review future development projects to limit the city's financial exposure."
The response from the Director of Economic Development Mary Lily Smith came last Tuesday (March 24, 2008). Smith said an economic development policy was being developed that would address the circumstances under which certain incentives should be used. The report issued by Lathrom also said the policy would be used to evaluate private developer's requests for public assistance.
In addition, The Chamber of Commerce and the Springfield Business and Development Corporation are working with the City to provide a "SWOT" (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of the Springfield market from a "site locator perspective." The SWOT analysis is planned to assist the finalized policy currently being developed by the City.
Several issues were noted under the "Downtown Development" section of the State Audit Report, dated December 2007. Among them were some interesting facts about historical and current events on the Heer's deal.
> "The city pledged $1.5 million in public funds to assist a developer (Vaughn Prost) in obtaining private financing to purchase the Heer's Tower and subsequently paid approximately $3.3 million to purchase the developer's loan and foreclose on the property."
> "In the agreement with the second developer (Kevin McGowan)...if requested by the developer and approved by the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the city agreed to consider pledging a portion of the city's hotel/motel tax. Since city code requires the hotel/motel tax monies to be spent solely to promote tourism, it is unclear how the city intends to ensure compliance with city code if these funds are pledged to one developer."
The auditee's (City's) response to the 2007 State Auditor's recommendation included the following statements:
"The Heer's Tower was a glaring blight on downtown and its continued presence in that condition was an impediment to additional private reinvestment.
The pledge of City collateral accelerated millions of dollars of work being completed on the building and was made only after a third-party legal opinion stated unequivocally that the City had full legal authority. The City also ensured it had adequate security against the loss of the pledged collateral, including the right to ownership of the building....
...The City...made the decision after multiple opportunities for public comment and approval in open session...."
As noted in the September 12, 2007, issue of the "Community Free Press," the night the City Council approved the City's purchase of the bank loan and foreclosure on the Heer's building, there were 5 speakers. All of the speakers were opposed to the City Council's approval of the purchase of the bank loan and foreclosure.
On another note, the millions of dollars of work, done on the building due to City assistance in obtaining financing for Vaughn Prost for the project, may all be lost today. The Heer's building is not currently being renovated and has lost much of the window covering (mostly plywood and plastic) which once kept the rain and the wind out of the building, allowing the elements to erode any improvements Prost may have made to the building years ago.
In short, just as it was in 2006, 2007, and 2008, the Heer's Tower continues to be "a glaring blight on downtown." Does its continued presence in that condition continue to be an impediment to additional private reinvestment? Who knows? Currently, "the City" isn't talking out of that side of its economically developing mouth.
A recent "Springfield News-Leader" article made clear the sentiments of Director of Economic Development Mary Lily Smith today, and they have not changed much since the response included in the audit report. From the News-Leader article:
"If Springfield wants to compete with other cities for jobs, it must be able to offer some incentives, she said.
"Cities small to large offer basic incentives, like tax incentives and enterprise zones," Smith said.She said the new economic development policy makes clear that the City Council has discretion in offering incentives.
"It's up to the council to say 'yes' if the project is of great benefit to the city or if the project wouldn't happen without the city's participation."
Smith is right. It is up to the City Council to say yes or no to "incentivizing" economic development.
Such incentives seem to have worked well for Heer's building redevelopment, after all.
But, let's examine our City Council's responsibility.
To use a Manleyism, "the experts," such as the Director of Economic Development, and other City staff, recommend for approval the projects they feel are "of great benefit." How convenient is it for the "expert" to then lay total responsibility for failure (or success?) at the feet of the City Council to whom the "experts" sold the project?
Clearly, if the buck stops at the desk of our all volunteer City Council, because they approve or deny the "expert" recommendations of City staff, with all their "expert" resources and prepared presentations, they are long overdue for a raise or, at the very least, prime rib rather than tacos.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interview with Mayoral Candidate Jim O'Neal
This is number 4 in a series of email interviews with Mayoral and Council Candidates.
1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (O'Neal's answers follow the listed core services):
> capital improvements three
> public safety one
> quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc. four
> road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure two (2 & 3 are almost a dead heat, but I understand the distinction)
2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?
O'Neal: The voters rejected the 1-cent proposal. I would not place it on another ballot without broad based input and very careful consideration of all other options.
3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?
O'Neal: Any comprehensive solution is probably going to have to include some extra revenue source. The amount and type would vary depending on what other components are proposed.
4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."
O'Neal: Public safety, public health, public works and economic development.
5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.
O'Neal: Safety must take priority of everything else. After that one can't provide a "one size fits all" list. For example, if we had imminent economic development and job creation opportunities that would enhance our revenue and tax base we should pursue those. On the other hand, what if we had a major outbreak of a virulent strain of influenza? Or if we had, God forbid, a bridge collapse or a major problem with wastewater treatment? That's why the city has a rainy day fund. I would like to see it significantly increased, but it has helped handle unforeseen events, i.e., ice storms.
6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?
O'Neal: I will not support any further reduction in our police and firefighters ranks. My first priority will be to reopen the police and fire academies. We are short nearly 40 police. With continued attrition and closed academies we are jeopardizing public safety. Without additional firefighters we may have to close a station and risk losing insurance accreditation; something that will cost all of us extra insurance premiums.
7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?
O'Neal: Those priorities should be set with the combined input of a broad base of citizens, staff and council. I favor "lifting the hood" of our CIP and getting some new sets of eyes to assist in determining project priorities for the next three-year proposal.
8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?
O'Neal: Use of new technologies i.e. Internet blogs (such as yours) and software such as "My Emma" or "Constant Contact," to build a large database of registered voter e-mail addresses. My "fantasy" is to have 20 % or more of the registered voters involved in an ongoing two-way exchange. I favor the establishment of more citizens advisory groups comprised of more diverse opinions and on a wider range of topics. Should City Utilities employ the new "Smart Grid," the potential exists to use that for two-way exchange of ideas and opinions.
9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.
O'Neal: I believe my life experiences in business and government can help Springfield as we desire to remain this great city in which to live, work, play and worship, driven by conservative values and progressive ideas. We will have at least 4, perhaps 5, new members of council. I want to help facilitate that transition, promote strategic planning of our city's future, continue quality provision of the services our citizens need, and conduct the business of our city like a business. Simply put: To operate our government in a civil, effective and efficient manner, with the least tax burden possible.
10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?
O'Neal: Members of council have to do their homework. It takes time and effort. My previous council service required anywhere from 10 to 40 hours per week, depending on the agenda. I think the ceremonial duties of the mayor, combined with the work you refer to, plus the aggressive agenda I plan to pursue to re-connect with our citizens will require an even greater dedication of time and effort. I am willing to make that investment.
11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?
O'Neal: Certainly. Economics conditions, public perception, poor communications, all influence the outcome of elections, and most certainly tax issues. Here's something I learned from my work with the trucking industries efforts to enhance its image. It explains the role of image and why we should, weather we¹re truck drivers or politicians, be concerned about it. "Public image shapes public opinion which shapes public policy."
12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?
O'Neal: Yes. As I mentioned above I want to significantly improve the scope of opinion and our ability to determine public sentiment. Council always has an inherent risk in either developing tunnel vision or being held hostage by a vocal minority.
13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.
O'Neal: I've become quite tired of labels being applied to persons for the self-serving purpose of political expediency. I have been recently and frequently the victim of attacks designed to incorrectly describe or attribute my allegiance or affiliation. I realize that is not your intent of your question. I am somewhere in the middle. I do not fashion my self wholly or totally as a liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican or Libertarian. When asked, I have identified myself publicly as a Democrat. I guess I'm a Utilitarian; I like to get things done. Given the choice of a debating society or a group of carpenters, I'd favor the latter. They know how to build stuff.
14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?
O'Neal: I believe the city must remain on solid financial footing. Economic development and job creation is very important. To accomplish that requires our attention to parks, the arts, education, transportation and the environment. My philosophy is one of collaboration, communication and cooperation. We have done amazing things in our community when we let these principles guide us.
15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?
O'Neal: Yes
16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park? When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?
O'Neal: Springfield's park system is recognized best in class nationally, and is truly a jewel in the crown of he Queen City of the Ozarks. I enjoyed Parks Department League softball for 12 years when I was younger. Since a skiing accident in 2003 I'm not as physically active as I used to be, but we still enjoy our parks with our children and grandchildren. They use our parks, golf courses and greenways frequently. I used Phelps Grove last fall for family events and just relaxation. As a child, Fassnight, Doling and Grant Beach were frequent haunts.
17. What is your favorite color?
O'Neal: Either blue or green, depending on the hue or shade.
18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?
O'Neal: Although I'm not always crazy about wearing ties, I purchased one in London that people always seem to comment on. I feel good wearing it. But I am most comfortable in gym shorts and a tee shirt. (Not always a pretty sight)
19. What is your favorite genre of music?
O'Neal: Beatles, Stones, Moody Blues, Eagles, Johnny Cash, Allison Krauss. I like a wide array. I appreciate originality and unique interpretations of other people's stuff.
20. What is your favorite book?
O'Neal: I really like unique compelling stories of American history. I'm currently reading "Manhunt," the story of the assassination of Lincoln and the ensuing capture of the conspirators. Three other books by Eric Larsen are fascinating: Devil in the White City; Isaac's Storm; Thunderstruck. They all read like a John Grisham novel. The difference being they are true and tell incredible stories reflecting the essence of specific venues of American history, the society of that day and the impact of new technology we now take for granted-- but always weaving a concurrent tale of serial killers, murder or political infighting. They are real page-turners and very educational.
Along the same vein is another great book, "Charlatan: American's Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man who Pursued Him and the Age of Flimflam," by Pope Brock. It's the true story of John R. Brinkley, a brazen con man who set up a medical practice and introduced an outlandish surgical method of using goat glands (testicles) laced into men's bodies to increase virility and cure nearly all ailments. Thousands of people flocked to Kansas and received the procedure, sometimes with disastrous medical results. The "Doctor" became a millionaire, started the first talk radio station and rabble roused the populace of Kansas into very nearly electing him governor, failing by only a few hundred votes. He invented campaigning techniques still used in modern politics. With his radio show as a bully pulpit he built an incredibly loyal following that believed anything he said and would follow him off a cliff. He was subsequently stripped of the title of "Doctor" by the Kansas medical review board, his radio station closed by the precursor to the FCC and forced into exile in San Antonio Texas, where he started all over again. They continued to come to his soothing sanatorium and subject themselves to all kinds of quackery at his behest, killing or maiming patients by the score. Interesting sidebar: When forced to move his radio station outside the US, just inside the Mexican border, he produced innovations that endure to this day. It was several hundred thousand watts and could now be heard all the way to Chicago or Los Angeles. He would preach a little and then let some local talent sing a little. Before long, the music became very popular with unknown performers like The Carter Family, including little June, who Johnny Cash listened to as a young boy in Arkansas as well as Ernest Tubb and many others who would go on to be giants in the music industry. Brinkley's innovations actually introduced what we now know as country music, blues, and rock and roll to the nation. You just can't make this stuff up.
If I only had one book it would be the Bible. It never gets old and seems to always provide relevance. Believe me, recently, it has taken on more and new meaning.
21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?
O'Neal: Both actually. My wife made me a cat lover, but I've always been first and foremost a dog lover. We have four dogs and two cats. It is amazing the attachment we get to our animals. Losing one is like losing a family member. As for dogs, I heard it put this way: If you lock your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car and come back an hour later,which one do think will be happier to see you?
22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?
O'Neal: Yes. I am a Christian. I've attended Cornerstone Church since 1983.
23. What is your favorite kind of food?
O'Neal: All the stuff not good for you: Pizza, red meat, Italian, comfort food, BBQ.
24. What is your favorite kind of pie? Candy?
O'Neal: Pie: Coconut Cream. Candy: Caramel. Thankfully, I don't eat sweets much, which is how I keep my girlish figure.
Thanks for the opportunity to chat with your readers and being patient for (and with) my responses.
Jim O'Neal
Previous: "Interview with Mayoral Candidate Christopher Donegan;" "Interview with City Council General Seat A Candidate Tom Martz;" and "Interview with City Council Zone 1 Candidate Nick Ibarra
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (O'Neal's answers follow the listed core services):
> capital improvements three
> public safety one
> quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc. four
> road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure two (2 & 3 are almost a dead heat, but I understand the distinction)
2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?
O'Neal: The voters rejected the 1-cent proposal. I would not place it on another ballot without broad based input and very careful consideration of all other options.
3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?
O'Neal: Any comprehensive solution is probably going to have to include some extra revenue source. The amount and type would vary depending on what other components are proposed.
4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."
O'Neal: Public safety, public health, public works and economic development.
5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.
O'Neal: Safety must take priority of everything else. After that one can't provide a "one size fits all" list. For example, if we had imminent economic development and job creation opportunities that would enhance our revenue and tax base we should pursue those. On the other hand, what if we had a major outbreak of a virulent strain of influenza? Or if we had, God forbid, a bridge collapse or a major problem with wastewater treatment? That's why the city has a rainy day fund. I would like to see it significantly increased, but it has helped handle unforeseen events, i.e., ice storms.
6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?
O'Neal: I will not support any further reduction in our police and firefighters ranks. My first priority will be to reopen the police and fire academies. We are short nearly 40 police. With continued attrition and closed academies we are jeopardizing public safety. Without additional firefighters we may have to close a station and risk losing insurance accreditation; something that will cost all of us extra insurance premiums.
7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?
O'Neal: Those priorities should be set with the combined input of a broad base of citizens, staff and council. I favor "lifting the hood" of our CIP and getting some new sets of eyes to assist in determining project priorities for the next three-year proposal.
8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?
O'Neal: Use of new technologies i.e. Internet blogs (such as yours) and software such as "My Emma" or "Constant Contact," to build a large database of registered voter e-mail addresses. My "fantasy" is to have 20 % or more of the registered voters involved in an ongoing two-way exchange. I favor the establishment of more citizens advisory groups comprised of more diverse opinions and on a wider range of topics. Should City Utilities employ the new "Smart Grid," the potential exists to use that for two-way exchange of ideas and opinions.
9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.
O'Neal: I believe my life experiences in business and government can help Springfield as we desire to remain this great city in which to live, work, play and worship, driven by conservative values and progressive ideas. We will have at least 4, perhaps 5, new members of council. I want to help facilitate that transition, promote strategic planning of our city's future, continue quality provision of the services our citizens need, and conduct the business of our city like a business. Simply put: To operate our government in a civil, effective and efficient manner, with the least tax burden possible.
10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?
O'Neal: Members of council have to do their homework. It takes time and effort. My previous council service required anywhere from 10 to 40 hours per week, depending on the agenda. I think the ceremonial duties of the mayor, combined with the work you refer to, plus the aggressive agenda I plan to pursue to re-connect with our citizens will require an even greater dedication of time and effort. I am willing to make that investment.
11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?
O'Neal: Certainly. Economics conditions, public perception, poor communications, all influence the outcome of elections, and most certainly tax issues. Here's something I learned from my work with the trucking industries efforts to enhance its image. It explains the role of image and why we should, weather we¹re truck drivers or politicians, be concerned about it. "Public image shapes public opinion which shapes public policy."
12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?
O'Neal: Yes. As I mentioned above I want to significantly improve the scope of opinion and our ability to determine public sentiment. Council always has an inherent risk in either developing tunnel vision or being held hostage by a vocal minority.
13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.
O'Neal: I've become quite tired of labels being applied to persons for the self-serving purpose of political expediency. I have been recently and frequently the victim of attacks designed to incorrectly describe or attribute my allegiance or affiliation. I realize that is not your intent of your question. I am somewhere in the middle. I do not fashion my self wholly or totally as a liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican or Libertarian. When asked, I have identified myself publicly as a Democrat. I guess I'm a Utilitarian; I like to get things done. Given the choice of a debating society or a group of carpenters, I'd favor the latter. They know how to build stuff.
14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?
O'Neal: I believe the city must remain on solid financial footing. Economic development and job creation is very important. To accomplish that requires our attention to parks, the arts, education, transportation and the environment. My philosophy is one of collaboration, communication and cooperation. We have done amazing things in our community when we let these principles guide us.
15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?
O'Neal: Yes
16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park? When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?
O'Neal: Springfield's park system is recognized best in class nationally, and is truly a jewel in the crown of he Queen City of the Ozarks. I enjoyed Parks Department League softball for 12 years when I was younger. Since a skiing accident in 2003 I'm not as physically active as I used to be, but we still enjoy our parks with our children and grandchildren. They use our parks, golf courses and greenways frequently. I used Phelps Grove last fall for family events and just relaxation. As a child, Fassnight, Doling and Grant Beach were frequent haunts.
17. What is your favorite color?
O'Neal: Either blue or green, depending on the hue or shade.
18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?
O'Neal: Although I'm not always crazy about wearing ties, I purchased one in London that people always seem to comment on. I feel good wearing it. But I am most comfortable in gym shorts and a tee shirt. (Not always a pretty sight)
19. What is your favorite genre of music?
O'Neal: Beatles, Stones, Moody Blues, Eagles, Johnny Cash, Allison Krauss. I like a wide array. I appreciate originality and unique interpretations of other people's stuff.
20. What is your favorite book?
O'Neal: I really like unique compelling stories of American history. I'm currently reading "Manhunt," the story of the assassination of Lincoln and the ensuing capture of the conspirators. Three other books by Eric Larsen are fascinating: Devil in the White City; Isaac's Storm; Thunderstruck. They all read like a John Grisham novel. The difference being they are true and tell incredible stories reflecting the essence of specific venues of American history, the society of that day and the impact of new technology we now take for granted-- but always weaving a concurrent tale of serial killers, murder or political infighting. They are real page-turners and very educational.
Along the same vein is another great book, "Charlatan: American's Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man who Pursued Him and the Age of Flimflam," by Pope Brock. It's the true story of John R. Brinkley, a brazen con man who set up a medical practice and introduced an outlandish surgical method of using goat glands (testicles) laced into men's bodies to increase virility and cure nearly all ailments. Thousands of people flocked to Kansas and received the procedure, sometimes with disastrous medical results. The "Doctor" became a millionaire, started the first talk radio station and rabble roused the populace of Kansas into very nearly electing him governor, failing by only a few hundred votes. He invented campaigning techniques still used in modern politics. With his radio show as a bully pulpit he built an incredibly loyal following that believed anything he said and would follow him off a cliff. He was subsequently stripped of the title of "Doctor" by the Kansas medical review board, his radio station closed by the precursor to the FCC and forced into exile in San Antonio Texas, where he started all over again. They continued to come to his soothing sanatorium and subject themselves to all kinds of quackery at his behest, killing or maiming patients by the score. Interesting sidebar: When forced to move his radio station outside the US, just inside the Mexican border, he produced innovations that endure to this day. It was several hundred thousand watts and could now be heard all the way to Chicago or Los Angeles. He would preach a little and then let some local talent sing a little. Before long, the music became very popular with unknown performers like The Carter Family, including little June, who Johnny Cash listened to as a young boy in Arkansas as well as Ernest Tubb and many others who would go on to be giants in the music industry. Brinkley's innovations actually introduced what we now know as country music, blues, and rock and roll to the nation. You just can't make this stuff up.
If I only had one book it would be the Bible. It never gets old and seems to always provide relevance. Believe me, recently, it has taken on more and new meaning.
21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?
O'Neal: Both actually. My wife made me a cat lover, but I've always been first and foremost a dog lover. We have four dogs and two cats. It is amazing the attachment we get to our animals. Losing one is like losing a family member. As for dogs, I heard it put this way: If you lock your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car and come back an hour later,which one do think will be happier to see you?
22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?
O'Neal: Yes. I am a Christian. I've attended Cornerstone Church since 1983.
23. What is your favorite kind of food?
O'Neal: All the stuff not good for you: Pizza, red meat, Italian, comfort food, BBQ.
24. What is your favorite kind of pie? Candy?
O'Neal: Pie: Coconut Cream. Candy: Caramel. Thankfully, I don't eat sweets much, which is how I keep my girlish figure.
Thanks for the opportunity to chat with your readers and being patient for (and with) my responses.
Jim O'Neal
Previous: "Interview with Mayoral Candidate Christopher Donegan;" "Interview with City Council General Seat A Candidate Tom Martz;" and "Interview with City Council Zone 1 Candidate Nick Ibarra
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Monday, March 30, 2009
Head's up, Traci! Rhubarb Cake's A' Comin'!
and so is the email interview with Mayor candidate Jim O'Neal
I've enjoyed taking a little break today.
I worked a lot in the yard. Pruning stalks which should have been pruned last fall but were neglected; weeding and loosening the ground around my seven happy, healthy, red rhubarb plants; and other general yard maintenance. I'm no where near finished and plan to do a lot of work in the yard this summer.
Tomorrow, I'll be back at it with a posting of the answers to my emailed interview questions from Mayoral candidate Jim O'Neal.
And, I plan to try to capture a smile from Wes at the City Council luncheon tomorrow.
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I've enjoyed taking a little break today.
I worked a lot in the yard. Pruning stalks which should have been pruned last fall but were neglected; weeding and loosening the ground around my seven happy, healthy, red rhubarb plants; and other general yard maintenance. I'm no where near finished and plan to do a lot of work in the yard this summer.
Tomorrow, I'll be back at it with a posting of the answers to my emailed interview questions from Mayoral candidate Jim O'Neal.
And, I plan to try to capture a smile from Wes at the City Council luncheon tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Recommended Reading 8: U.N. Resolution Violates Religious Freedom
"Here in the United States, the resolution stands in complete opposition to the free-exercise clause of the First Amendment."-Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) Vice President Barrett Duke
Read the entire Baptist Press report.
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Friday, March 27, 2009
Recommended Reading 7: Councilman Dan Chiles Writes Letter to News-Leader
Three days after Mayoral candidate Jim O'Neal appealed to his supporters in an email to write letters to the editor at the "Springfield News-Leader," several such letters showed up today.
My favorite was written by Councilman Dan Chiles. It was very entertaining.
The News-Leader's editorial board has endorsed Fred B. Ellison for City Council General Seat B; Nicholas Ibarra for the Zone 1 Council seat; and Tom Martz for City Council General Seat A. So far, they have not endorsed a candidate for Mayor.
Mr. O'Neal did not clearly identify what group he was referring to when he wrote: "This organized, overexposed, vocal but small group...." or how they are taking away Springfield residents' right to vote however, some City Council candidates, including Mr. O'Neal's opponent for Mayor, Christopher Donegan, have expressed a will to not approve the 1/4-cent Capital Improvement Program sales tax initiative to be placed back on the ballot, to give the voters an option to renew it, rather than allow it to sunset.
The Save Our Springfield Citizen Coalition has pitched a proposal to allow that CIP tax to sunset and seek voters' approval to replace it with a 1/4-cent pension sales tax in its stead, in order to not increase Springfield's already existing sales tax. Such a proposal could not be implemented without a majority vote of the sitting, City Council to allow the CIP sales tax to sunset rather than allow voters' to approve its continuance through a ballot initiative.
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My favorite was written by Councilman Dan Chiles. It was very entertaining.
The News-Leader's editorial board has endorsed Fred B. Ellison for City Council General Seat B; Nicholas Ibarra for the Zone 1 Council seat; and Tom Martz for City Council General Seat A. So far, they have not endorsed a candidate for Mayor.
"I need to ask those of you tha(t) can, compose a letter to the editor in support of my desire and ability to become mayor. Please mention in your letter about your support of the capital improvements tax and our support for citizens input and citizen task forces to develop solutions to community issues such as the pension problem. This organized, overexposed, vocal but small group wants to take away your right to vote on issues regarding the CIP, (Capital Improvement Program) parks and other issues designed to keep Springfield moving forward. The only way taxes can be changed are by a vote of you the citizens. These people don’t like that because the vast majority of people are voting for the CIP program, a program they want to kill." -excerpt of O'Neal email to supporters
Mr. O'Neal did not clearly identify what group he was referring to when he wrote: "This organized, overexposed, vocal but small group...." or how they are taking away Springfield residents' right to vote however, some City Council candidates, including Mr. O'Neal's opponent for Mayor, Christopher Donegan, have expressed a will to not approve the 1/4-cent Capital Improvement Program sales tax initiative to be placed back on the ballot, to give the voters an option to renew it, rather than allow it to sunset.
The Save Our Springfield Citizen Coalition has pitched a proposal to allow that CIP tax to sunset and seek voters' approval to replace it with a 1/4-cent pension sales tax in its stead, in order to not increase Springfield's already existing sales tax. Such a proposal could not be implemented without a majority vote of the sitting, City Council to allow the CIP sales tax to sunset rather than allow voters' to approve its continuance through a ballot initiative.
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Thursday, March 26, 2009
Council Bills Passed by the Springfield City Council March 23, 2009
Resolutions:
COUNCIL BILL 2009-061: Adopted the Revised Multi-Family Development Location and Design Guidelines and directed the city manager to use the revised guidelines to evaluate rezoning requests to residential low, medium, and high density and planned development with multi-family uses.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-062: Authorized the city manager or designee, and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board to accept distribution of land located in Greene County to be donated by the James Kirke Latimer Revocable Living Trust for use by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board in providing county-wide park and recreation to people of the community and authorized the acceptance of a deed from the trustee.
Both resolutions were passed by the City Council unanimously.*
Second Reading Bills:
COUNCIL BILL 2009-041: Vacated the public right-of-way and reclassified Locust Street between Campbell and Boonville Avenues, and an adjoining alley between Locust and Court Streets.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-042: Amended the Springfield Land Development Code by rezoning approximately 3.39 acres of land generally located at 1116 Norton Road from a general retail to a highway commercial district.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-043: Amended the Springfield Land Development Code by rezoning approximately 11.3 acres of land generally located at the 2000-2200 blocks of West Chesterfield Bouldevard from one planned development district to another planned development district to allow for an adult daycare facility.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-044: Approved "put or pay" agreements with Allied Services, LLC and Waste Corporation of Missouri, Inc. for the delivery of solid waste to the city landfill and directed city staff to submit an amendment to the zoning ordinance to the Planning & Zoning Commission and amendments to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan of the City to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; amended the Solid Waste Division of Public Works' budget for the fiscal year 2008-09, in the amount of $475,000, for the purpose of purchasing a tipper, as required by the "put or pay" agreements.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-045: Amended Chapter 94 of the Springfield City Code's definition of a solid waste processing facility; added a definition for a solid waste transfer station; required solid waste transfer stations to obtain licensing; and required certain information from core customers of the city.
All the Second Reading Bills were passed unanimously by the City Council.*
Consent Agenda Bills:
One Reading:
COUNCIL BILL 2009-069: Accepted the West Sunshine/Highway 60 Corridor Study and directed the city manager to cause recommendations to be made for the amendment of adopted plans and policies as a result of the study.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-070: Established and defined the boundaries and adopted the plat, plans, specifications and sealed construction cost estimates, and authorized the acquisition of necessary right(s)-of-way and condemnation of the main sewers located in the general vicinity of Newton Avenue at Talmage Street; provided all labor will be paid at prevailing wage; provided for participation by the City in the construction costs; directed the city manager or designee to advertise for bids for the construction of the sewers in that district; and provided for the payment of those construction costs.
Second Reading:
COUNCIL BILL 2009-046: Authorized the city manager or designee to enter the City and Burrell Housing Springfield, Inc. into a lease agreement to lease land for the construction and operation of multi-family housing for the disabled.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-047: Authorized the city manager or designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, to enter into a Mutual Aid Agreement with Southwest Missouri Emergency Veterinary Clinic for the care of companion animals living in homes affected by disasters.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-048: Authorized the city manager or designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, to participate in the Southwest Missouri Region D Mutual Aid Agreement for organizations participating in the regional disaster plan and for the mutual aid of public and private organizations.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-049: Amended the program rules and regulations for the Comprehensive Housing Assistance Program by adopting a new set of program rules and regulations to govern the Comprehensive Housing Assistance Program, to bring the entire program into compliance with new Housing and Urban Development regulations and general updates for such programs.
All of the consent agenda bills were passed unanimously by the City Council.*
*Mayor Tom Carlson and Councilman Doug Burlison were not present to cast their votes at the March 23, 2009 City Council meeting.
Those members present were: Councilman Ralph Manley, Councilman John Wylie, Councilman Dan Chiles, Councilwoman Mary Collette, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver, Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky, and Councilman Denny Whayne.
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COUNCIL BILL 2009-061: Adopted the Revised Multi-Family Development Location and Design Guidelines and directed the city manager to use the revised guidelines to evaluate rezoning requests to residential low, medium, and high density and planned development with multi-family uses.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-062: Authorized the city manager or designee, and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board to accept distribution of land located in Greene County to be donated by the James Kirke Latimer Revocable Living Trust for use by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board in providing county-wide park and recreation to people of the community and authorized the acceptance of a deed from the trustee.
Both resolutions were passed by the City Council unanimously.*
Second Reading Bills:
COUNCIL BILL 2009-041: Vacated the public right-of-way and reclassified Locust Street between Campbell and Boonville Avenues, and an adjoining alley between Locust and Court Streets.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-042: Amended the Springfield Land Development Code by rezoning approximately 3.39 acres of land generally located at 1116 Norton Road from a general retail to a highway commercial district.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-043: Amended the Springfield Land Development Code by rezoning approximately 11.3 acres of land generally located at the 2000-2200 blocks of West Chesterfield Bouldevard from one planned development district to another planned development district to allow for an adult daycare facility.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-044: Approved "put or pay" agreements with Allied Services, LLC and Waste Corporation of Missouri, Inc. for the delivery of solid waste to the city landfill and directed city staff to submit an amendment to the zoning ordinance to the Planning & Zoning Commission and amendments to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan of the City to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; amended the Solid Waste Division of Public Works' budget for the fiscal year 2008-09, in the amount of $475,000, for the purpose of purchasing a tipper, as required by the "put or pay" agreements.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-045: Amended Chapter 94 of the Springfield City Code's definition of a solid waste processing facility; added a definition for a solid waste transfer station; required solid waste transfer stations to obtain licensing; and required certain information from core customers of the city.
All the Second Reading Bills were passed unanimously by the City Council.*
Consent Agenda Bills:
One Reading:
COUNCIL BILL 2009-069: Accepted the West Sunshine/Highway 60 Corridor Study and directed the city manager to cause recommendations to be made for the amendment of adopted plans and policies as a result of the study.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-070: Established and defined the boundaries and adopted the plat, plans, specifications and sealed construction cost estimates, and authorized the acquisition of necessary right(s)-of-way and condemnation of the main sewers located in the general vicinity of Newton Avenue at Talmage Street; provided all labor will be paid at prevailing wage; provided for participation by the City in the construction costs; directed the city manager or designee to advertise for bids for the construction of the sewers in that district; and provided for the payment of those construction costs.
Second Reading:
COUNCIL BILL 2009-046: Authorized the city manager or designee to enter the City and Burrell Housing Springfield, Inc. into a lease agreement to lease land for the construction and operation of multi-family housing for the disabled.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-047: Authorized the city manager or designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, to enter into a Mutual Aid Agreement with Southwest Missouri Emergency Veterinary Clinic for the care of companion animals living in homes affected by disasters.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-048: Authorized the city manager or designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, to participate in the Southwest Missouri Region D Mutual Aid Agreement for organizations participating in the regional disaster plan and for the mutual aid of public and private organizations.
COUNCIL BILL 2009-049: Amended the program rules and regulations for the Comprehensive Housing Assistance Program by adopting a new set of program rules and regulations to govern the Comprehensive Housing Assistance Program, to bring the entire program into compliance with new Housing and Urban Development regulations and general updates for such programs.
All of the consent agenda bills were passed unanimously by the City Council.*
*Mayor Tom Carlson and Councilman Doug Burlison were not present to cast their votes at the March 23, 2009 City Council meeting.
Those members present were: Councilman Ralph Manley, Councilman John Wylie, Councilman Dan Chiles, Councilwoman Mary Collette, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver, Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky, and Councilman Denny Whayne.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Gary Deaver and the Press: Communication Breakdown, or is it?
First you have to have communication, before it can break down
The Springfield News-Leader responded to the extreme and lengthy "dressing down" Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver gave them at Monday night's Council meeting, in today's paper.
Deaver's rant came as a precursor to the unanimous* passage of a "put or pay" agreement between the City of Springfield and two large local trash companies.
One of the first statements to come from the mouth of the Mayor Pro Tem on Monday night, and one of the most troubling statements, in my opinion, was one the News-Leader failed to include in the segment they made available for readers to listen to at their online edition today. Neither did they address it in their editorial column:
What the heck is that about!!!??? Is Deaver saying he has been feeling the coverage of the City and the City Council the News-Leader (and possibly other media presences) has published or broadcast in the past was questionable or lacking, but rather than address those issues as they arose, he's been saving it all up for an address to a new Council AFTER his term is over???
I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be harsh, here, but I'm envisioning a bitter, past, City Councilman, second to the Mayor, no less, who simply refused to address errors(?) of the press and media, as they arose, during the term of his service. Instead, the Councilman seems to be saying he has been holding grudges and saving them up for such a time as he felt he could what? Speak more freely? As though he could not pick up the phone and call any News-Leader reporter (not to mention, Springfield Business Journal reporter, Community Free Press reporter, KY3, KOLR10, KSPR, or KSFX reporter) throughout all the years of his service on the City Council, to correct errors or right the record for all of the constituents who he has been "serving" these years, to whom he could have offered clarification of issues so that they might have a greater understanding of the City and the City Council, or the issues facing them?
What kind of "service" is that?
I'm sorry, if Gary Deaver feels he has no platform with the press in this City, as an acting City Council member, it's in his own mind, and is no fault of the press, News-Leader or any other variety.
I find it absolutely incredible that he has been saving up his grievances for when he was no longer sitting on the City Council. I just don't get it. Who told him or where did he ever get the idea that he could not speak to the press freely or tell his side of the story anytime he wanted?
I would have been thrilled, as the City Council beat writer for CFP for almost two years, to have received a phone call from Gary Deaver to correct the record or tell his side of the story on any issue he wanted to discuss. I would have sat with him for untold hours if he'd ever ONCE seemed to be interested in talking with me. In fact, the one, single time, I ever called him and left a message for him to call me back, he never did. Not in 12 hours, 24 hours or 6 months.
I'm STILL waiting for him to return that call.
Communication is a two-way street or, in this case, it's even more than a two-way street. A vital part of the story was missing while the Mayor Pro Tem was saving all his grievances for a time far removed from when his communication could have assisted the public's understanding of issues facing our City.
I do not understand the mentality of some that the press and City officials must be natural adversaries but, the sort of attitude Gary Deaver has gives great insight into why many members of the press and government officials are unnecessary adversaries.
To listen to Deaver's and other Council members' statements about the News-Leader's coverage of the issue in their entirety click this link, click "City Council," under "Previous Meetings" click "March 23, 2009, " then, click Council Bill 2009-044 under the drop-down bookmarks.
*Mayor Tom Carlson and Councilman Doug Burlison were absent.
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The Springfield News-Leader responded to the extreme and lengthy "dressing down" Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver gave them at Monday night's Council meeting, in today's paper.
Deaver's rant came as a precursor to the unanimous* passage of a "put or pay" agreement between the City of Springfield and two large local trash companies.
One of the first statements to come from the mouth of the Mayor Pro Tem on Monday night, and one of the most troubling statements, in my opinion, was one the News-Leader failed to include in the segment they made available for readers to listen to at their online edition today. Neither did they address it in their editorial column:
"There's obviously been some criticism of this agreement, by the News-Leader, in particular.
You know, I was planning on coming back to speak at a Council meeting after I was off Council to discuss some of the coverage that I've felt that we've received on issues, not this, but other things in the past...."-Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver, March 23, 2009
What the heck is that about!!!??? Is Deaver saying he has been feeling the coverage of the City and the City Council the News-Leader (and possibly other media presences) has published or broadcast in the past was questionable or lacking, but rather than address those issues as they arose, he's been saving it all up for an address to a new Council AFTER his term is over???
I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be harsh, here, but I'm envisioning a bitter, past, City Councilman, second to the Mayor, no less, who simply refused to address errors(?) of the press and media, as they arose, during the term of his service. Instead, the Councilman seems to be saying he has been holding grudges and saving them up for such a time as he felt he could what? Speak more freely? As though he could not pick up the phone and call any News-Leader reporter (not to mention, Springfield Business Journal reporter, Community Free Press reporter, KY3, KOLR10, KSPR, or KSFX reporter) throughout all the years of his service on the City Council, to correct errors or right the record for all of the constituents who he has been "serving" these years, to whom he could have offered clarification of issues so that they might have a greater understanding of the City and the City Council, or the issues facing them?
What kind of "service" is that?
I'm sorry, if Gary Deaver feels he has no platform with the press in this City, as an acting City Council member, it's in his own mind, and is no fault of the press, News-Leader or any other variety.
I find it absolutely incredible that he has been saving up his grievances for when he was no longer sitting on the City Council. I just don't get it. Who told him or where did he ever get the idea that he could not speak to the press freely or tell his side of the story anytime he wanted?
I would have been thrilled, as the City Council beat writer for CFP for almost two years, to have received a phone call from Gary Deaver to correct the record or tell his side of the story on any issue he wanted to discuss. I would have sat with him for untold hours if he'd ever ONCE seemed to be interested in talking with me. In fact, the one, single time, I ever called him and left a message for him to call me back, he never did. Not in 12 hours, 24 hours or 6 months.
I'm STILL waiting for him to return that call.
Communication is a two-way street or, in this case, it's even more than a two-way street. A vital part of the story was missing while the Mayor Pro Tem was saving all his grievances for a time far removed from when his communication could have assisted the public's understanding of issues facing our City.
I do not understand the mentality of some that the press and City officials must be natural adversaries but, the sort of attitude Gary Deaver has gives great insight into why many members of the press and government officials are unnecessary adversaries.
To listen to Deaver's and other Council members' statements about the News-Leader's coverage of the issue in their entirety click this link, click "City Council," under "Previous Meetings" click "March 23, 2009, " then, click Council Bill 2009-044 under the drop-down bookmarks.
*Mayor Tom Carlson and Councilman Doug Burlison were absent.
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Interview with City Council Zone 1 Candidate Nick Ibarra
This is number 3 in a series of email interviews with Mayoral and Council Candidates.
1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (Ibarra's answers follow the listed core services):
> capital improvements (3)
> public safety (1)
> quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc. (4)
> road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure (2)
2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?
Ibarra: While I have the utmost respect for our men and women who keep us safe, and while I believe that our community’s safety needs to be the priority, I did not vote for the one percent sales tax on February 3rd. There were three primary reasons that I did not vote yes on the measure: (1) Many of the cuts that the city manager stated were going to be made in his worst case scenario are cuts that need to be made; (2) it was made clear to the city and its police and fire departments that the cuts that were going to be made if the tax failed were to ensure that the pension was given the full actuarial recommendation; (3) because of the situation we are in economically, both locally and nationally, an increase of the burden on the taxpayer is not appropriate. Furthermore, I do believe that the tax failed because of these reasons, as well as the reason that many citizens in our community are truly concerned that our municipal government has been irresponsible regarding the fiscal program that it has taken part in over the course of many years.
3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?
Ibarra: I do. The media has given much attention to the idea brought forth that the next City Council should allow the Capital Improvement Program ¼% tax to expire, and to replace it with a ¼% pension tax. While this may not completely fund the pension at the full 100%, it would allow the fund to hold at the state mandated 60%, which is considered adequate. While we are getting to that 60%, we as a community will have the breathing room – approximately 5 years, if not more – to find a long term/permanent solution.
From the beginning of this issue’s discussion, I have stated that what needs to happen is that the community needs to have a dialogue and consider what taxes are currently on the books that are not absolutely necessary, and look at replacing one of them (if not more) with a tax for the police/fire pension. This would allow the pension fund to have a designated tax, and at the same time not increase the burden of the tax payer.
With all of this said, I do support the greatly publicized idea of replacing the CIP tax with a pension tax.
4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."
Ibarra: I consider the core services of a city government to be public safety and infrastructure. In order to keep our community safe, we need to have a strong police and fire department with appropriate staffing levels, equipment, and logistical support that ensures that when we need them they are there and readily equipped to help us in times of need. Infrastructure: streets, waterways, sewers, etc. In addition to our police and fire, our infrastructure is a large part of public safety. We, as citizens, expect our infrastructure to be constantly updated and serviced in a manner to ensure a clean environment is what surrounds us and that we have a sense of security as we live our day-to-day lives in Springfield.
Additionally, these core services are very important to a strong economy. When potential business owners come to Springfield, they want to feel safe, and they want to be surrounded by an environment that is pleasing to the eye. While non-essential aesthetics may arguably be part of that, basic infrastructure is a larger part, and needs to be given priority.
5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.
Ibarra: Difficult question, because what are to be considered core services are the services that only the government has the ability to provide by law. Likewise, I understand this question to be asking what services I would be willing to cut completely, which I don’t believe can be done without extremely detrimental consequences.
With this said, I do believe that the most responsible way to go about an issue like this would be to trim budgets in a manner that all non-essential services in the departments that provide core services are considered. Because I do believe that community safety should be first, I do believe that infrastructure would have cuts made before our police and fire.
I do want to point out, however, that if we have a City Council that understands that the core services come first, we will not have to participate in such activities. If, when the Council sits down to budget annually, they begin and finish the process with the philosophy that police, fire, and infrastructure come first and foremost, and all else is secondary, we will not have to be put in this position.
6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?
Ibarra: Yes. The essentials of the core services: the emergency response and investigation aspects of our first responders, and the upkeep of the infrastructure that we have. We must have police and fire that respond to our emergencies; we must have investigating units that consider criminal action (police department) and cause of events (structural emergencies, for instance, which would be done by the fire department). Second, while infrastructure projects that we have planned may need to be put on hold at times, we need to continuously care for the infrastructure that we currently have. For instance, the industry I work in has been directly affected by the economy; while in better times a complete replacement of equipment is an option, in tougher economic times many businesses are requiring more maintenance on already owned equipment. This philosophy should be carried to the public sector.
7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?
Ibarra: Infrastructure should be a priority. Streets, waterways, and sewers must come first. For instance, we can consider some of the current projects that are planned as capital improvements. Ones that should be at the top of the list: storm-water drainage projects, drainage improvements, and intersection projects. Items that should be secondary, if they should exist at all: streetscapes, parks, and other projects that are not mandatory or already have a designated budget. For instance, I don’t think it is responsible practice to make a habit of sending general revenue funds to projects in which the department that oversees it has taxes earmarked for them already. In short, what is mandatory, such as infrastructure, should be the priority; all else is optional and should be done with restraint where it is done at all.
8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?
Ibarra: As I have campaigned over the past year, I have found many ways to stay in continuous contact with the community that – if I am elected to City Council – I can continue to do regularly. I have attended neighborhood association meetings and other similar gatherings regularly; I have met with people on their doorsteps and taken countless calls over the phone; I have responded to e-mails on every possible occasion. In short, I have intentionally made myself as available as possible over the past year because I truly believe that to be an effective public servant an individual must be available to those he or she serves; I have this philosophy as a candidate, and will have it as a councilman. One thing that will be added to these basic duties is that I fully intend to ask management that whenever a citizen of Zone 1 makes an inquiry, complaint, or simply contacts the municipal government for any reason, that I be notified as to make direct contact with that citizen to ensure that the effort has been made to address the issue at hand and/or inquire if there is anything that I can personally do to further address the situation. People want to be heard, and people deserve to be heard; the citizens of Springfield, and in particular Zone 1, will get this with Nicholas Ibarra as a councilman.
9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.
Ibarra: It is the responsibility of each and every citizen to find a way to play a role in the world around them. While there are many ways to do this, I have always been of the mind that I wanted to help and serve in a place that I could be of value. Whether it was joining the Marines, volunteering for service in Iraq, or something such as being a youth coach for baseball and football teams in the community, I have always found fulfillment in being a part of something that I feel is greater than myself.
With that in mind, I plan to go to City Council with the mindset of finding solutions. Whether it concerns the ‘black and white’ issues such as the pension fund or more ‘gray’ areas such as how to work towards the restoration of trust and confidence that the community needs to have with their local government, I firmly believe that the next several years are going to be very defining for our community. Many of the issues that we as a community are facing and will face are going to take strong minds and good ideas in order to make decisive decisions that will produce positive results. As somebody who has both the will and desire to serve, and is healthy in mind and body, I believe that this is the best way that I can serve our community at this point in time.
10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?
Ibarra: Absolutely. To begin, for about the past year I have read as much information that has been given to the public regarding council bills as I possibly could to gain a better understanding of the language and structure of the bills themselves.
Additionally, having attended Council meetings regularly for over the past year and a half, I have come to believe that reading the bill before first reading is of great importance, and for two reasons. The first is to have an understanding of what is actually being discussed for passage, rather than simply listening to the overview that is given during the meeting. The second is that in order to ask the appropriate questions in a direct manner and to know what you are looking for in an answer, you must know what it is that is being proposed.
Lastly, it is an absolute duty of every council person to read every bill in its entirety. The citizens have elected them to do a certain job, and this is a duty in that job description.
11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?
Ibarra: Yes… and the way finding sign’s issue is a prime example. It is hard to foresee – in a definitive manner – events that are going to happen in the future, and we have all been introduced to this idea in the recent months. We can forecast and theorize as much as we’d like, but the truth of the matter is that we are not in as much control as we’d like to be. So, when it comes to making decisions that are going to affect issues and actions years down the road, it needs to be understood that there may need to be flexibility regarding those decisions. Likewise, when that future time comes, the decision makers at the time need to understand the context of both the past and present, and how changes in times may determine that something considered to be a good idea several years ago may not be a wise decision presently.
12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?
Ibarra: I’m not sure that I would use the word “poll”, but I do believe it is extremely important to stay in touch with the citizens and their opinions on the issues of the day. Over the course of the past year and a half, one of the biggest criticisms I have heard about the way that City Council has operated in the past is that many times it doesn’t seem as though the elected representatives at City Hall listen to the every day citizen. While the 2007 City Council election brought about a certain degree of change for the better, the general sentiment remains.
In somewhat of a reiteration to question eight, as a councilman I will consider it part of the job to constantly be in contact with the citizens of the community, and in particular Zone 1. By doing this consistently, it will give me a constant sense of the issues of importance to the community, as well as insight that may not have been considered when deciding issues.
13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.
Ibarra: My philosophy, when it comes to the role of government, defaults to what our founders prescribed: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While government at any level does have a role to play, it is a limited one. In that, I am a conservative. Each one of us has a right to life, and to be given due protection to ensure that our life is not endangered by others. I believe that by natural law we are all given liberty, and that liberty can be defined as the ability for each individual to pursue his or her own self interest as long as it is not impeding on the ability for another individual to pursue theirs. And the pursuit – not the guarantee – of happiness… it is up to each and every one of us to clearly define to ourselves what ‘happiness’ entails, prescribe the appropriate path in order to achieve it, and to work with discipline and determination to get to that place.
14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?
Ibarra: When it comes to my role if elected to City Council, I will ask questions of basic philosophy when it comes to deciding each and every vote: how will my vote affect the safety of others; how will my vote affect the freedom of others; how will my vote affect the government’s role; will my vote put more or less government in the life of the citizen? These are just a few, but it is about asking basic questions, under the guise of a basic philosophy, but one that is in keeping with what our nation is built upon.
15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?
Ibarra: Yes… paper mainly.
16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park? When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?
Ibarra: The last time I visited a Springfield park was when it was warm! Seriously, I coach youth baseball and football, both with games taking place at various parks in Springfield; I helped with the Grant Beach Neighborhood Kids Softball program, which was at Grant Beach Park; in the summer, Zack and Hailey (the kids) love going to the pool. In short, I spend an adequate amount of time at City Parks.
17. What is your favorite color?
Ibarra: Green… has always been green since I was a child. When it comes to clothes, though, I like to wear red and blue.
18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?
Ibarra: Not sure I can answer that one piece of clothing is my “favorite”… but I will say that there is nothing more pleasing to me than being in a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a pair of running shoes… although it has become more and more rare these days.
19. What is your favorite genre of music?
Ibarra: I like all music, and at different times I am in different moods. Lately I have been in the mood for rock and R&B. Favorite songs right now: “Fool in the Rain” by Led Zepplin, “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and “Where the Stars and Stripes, and the Eagles Fly” by Aaron Tippin.
20. What is your favorite book?
Ibarra: Right now I am reading the Heritage Guide to the Constitution, which is very intriguing… but 1984 is an all time favorite – scary, in a very real way.
21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?
Ibarra: I am a dog person… I used to be allergic to cats. Though that allergy went away, and although I don’t mind cats, I will always be a dog person. Our family dog, Gunner (boxer), was a dog we got when we first moved into our home. A little over three weeks ago, he passed away. While my son and I are looking at the possibility of another dog in the future, the “Queen” says that she is not ready, and may not be for a while.
22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?
Ibarra: Not as regularly as I should. When we do, though, we go between Northpoint and Mt. Pleasant Baptist (which is where my father-in-law is the pastor, and is between Willard and Ash Grove). I would consider myself a Christian… not any one denomination, though.
23. What is your favorite kind of food?
Ibarra: To be very honest, my favorite kind of food is the kind you eat! But, if I had to choose, it would have to be pizza – pepperoni and jalapenos.
24. What is your favorite kind of pie?
Ibarra: My favorite pie is undoubtedly my Granny Mary’s cherry cheese cake… NO DOUBTS! While all food that comes from her kitchen is wonderful, that is the best.
Candy?
Ibarra: Almond Joy.
Previous: "Interview with Mayoral Candidate Christopher Donegan"
"Interview with City Council General Seat A Candidate Tom Martz"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (Ibarra's answers follow the listed core services):
> capital improvements (3)
> public safety (1)
> quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc. (4)
> road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure (2)
2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?
Ibarra: While I have the utmost respect for our men and women who keep us safe, and while I believe that our community’s safety needs to be the priority, I did not vote for the one percent sales tax on February 3rd. There were three primary reasons that I did not vote yes on the measure: (1) Many of the cuts that the city manager stated were going to be made in his worst case scenario are cuts that need to be made; (2) it was made clear to the city and its police and fire departments that the cuts that were going to be made if the tax failed were to ensure that the pension was given the full actuarial recommendation; (3) because of the situation we are in economically, both locally and nationally, an increase of the burden on the taxpayer is not appropriate. Furthermore, I do believe that the tax failed because of these reasons, as well as the reason that many citizens in our community are truly concerned that our municipal government has been irresponsible regarding the fiscal program that it has taken part in over the course of many years.
3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?
Ibarra: I do. The media has given much attention to the idea brought forth that the next City Council should allow the Capital Improvement Program ¼% tax to expire, and to replace it with a ¼% pension tax. While this may not completely fund the pension at the full 100%, it would allow the fund to hold at the state mandated 60%, which is considered adequate. While we are getting to that 60%, we as a community will have the breathing room – approximately 5 years, if not more – to find a long term/permanent solution.
From the beginning of this issue’s discussion, I have stated that what needs to happen is that the community needs to have a dialogue and consider what taxes are currently on the books that are not absolutely necessary, and look at replacing one of them (if not more) with a tax for the police/fire pension. This would allow the pension fund to have a designated tax, and at the same time not increase the burden of the tax payer.
With all of this said, I do support the greatly publicized idea of replacing the CIP tax with a pension tax.
4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."
Ibarra: I consider the core services of a city government to be public safety and infrastructure. In order to keep our community safe, we need to have a strong police and fire department with appropriate staffing levels, equipment, and logistical support that ensures that when we need them they are there and readily equipped to help us in times of need. Infrastructure: streets, waterways, sewers, etc. In addition to our police and fire, our infrastructure is a large part of public safety. We, as citizens, expect our infrastructure to be constantly updated and serviced in a manner to ensure a clean environment is what surrounds us and that we have a sense of security as we live our day-to-day lives in Springfield.
Additionally, these core services are very important to a strong economy. When potential business owners come to Springfield, they want to feel safe, and they want to be surrounded by an environment that is pleasing to the eye. While non-essential aesthetics may arguably be part of that, basic infrastructure is a larger part, and needs to be given priority.
5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.
Ibarra: Difficult question, because what are to be considered core services are the services that only the government has the ability to provide by law. Likewise, I understand this question to be asking what services I would be willing to cut completely, which I don’t believe can be done without extremely detrimental consequences.
With this said, I do believe that the most responsible way to go about an issue like this would be to trim budgets in a manner that all non-essential services in the departments that provide core services are considered. Because I do believe that community safety should be first, I do believe that infrastructure would have cuts made before our police and fire.
I do want to point out, however, that if we have a City Council that understands that the core services come first, we will not have to participate in such activities. If, when the Council sits down to budget annually, they begin and finish the process with the philosophy that police, fire, and infrastructure come first and foremost, and all else is secondary, we will not have to be put in this position.
6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?
Ibarra: Yes. The essentials of the core services: the emergency response and investigation aspects of our first responders, and the upkeep of the infrastructure that we have. We must have police and fire that respond to our emergencies; we must have investigating units that consider criminal action (police department) and cause of events (structural emergencies, for instance, which would be done by the fire department). Second, while infrastructure projects that we have planned may need to be put on hold at times, we need to continuously care for the infrastructure that we currently have. For instance, the industry I work in has been directly affected by the economy; while in better times a complete replacement of equipment is an option, in tougher economic times many businesses are requiring more maintenance on already owned equipment. This philosophy should be carried to the public sector.
7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?
Ibarra: Infrastructure should be a priority. Streets, waterways, and sewers must come first. For instance, we can consider some of the current projects that are planned as capital improvements. Ones that should be at the top of the list: storm-water drainage projects, drainage improvements, and intersection projects. Items that should be secondary, if they should exist at all: streetscapes, parks, and other projects that are not mandatory or already have a designated budget. For instance, I don’t think it is responsible practice to make a habit of sending general revenue funds to projects in which the department that oversees it has taxes earmarked for them already. In short, what is mandatory, such as infrastructure, should be the priority; all else is optional and should be done with restraint where it is done at all.
8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?
Ibarra: As I have campaigned over the past year, I have found many ways to stay in continuous contact with the community that – if I am elected to City Council – I can continue to do regularly. I have attended neighborhood association meetings and other similar gatherings regularly; I have met with people on their doorsteps and taken countless calls over the phone; I have responded to e-mails on every possible occasion. In short, I have intentionally made myself as available as possible over the past year because I truly believe that to be an effective public servant an individual must be available to those he or she serves; I have this philosophy as a candidate, and will have it as a councilman. One thing that will be added to these basic duties is that I fully intend to ask management that whenever a citizen of Zone 1 makes an inquiry, complaint, or simply contacts the municipal government for any reason, that I be notified as to make direct contact with that citizen to ensure that the effort has been made to address the issue at hand and/or inquire if there is anything that I can personally do to further address the situation. People want to be heard, and people deserve to be heard; the citizens of Springfield, and in particular Zone 1, will get this with Nicholas Ibarra as a councilman.
9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.
Ibarra: It is the responsibility of each and every citizen to find a way to play a role in the world around them. While there are many ways to do this, I have always been of the mind that I wanted to help and serve in a place that I could be of value. Whether it was joining the Marines, volunteering for service in Iraq, or something such as being a youth coach for baseball and football teams in the community, I have always found fulfillment in being a part of something that I feel is greater than myself.
With that in mind, I plan to go to City Council with the mindset of finding solutions. Whether it concerns the ‘black and white’ issues such as the pension fund or more ‘gray’ areas such as how to work towards the restoration of trust and confidence that the community needs to have with their local government, I firmly believe that the next several years are going to be very defining for our community. Many of the issues that we as a community are facing and will face are going to take strong minds and good ideas in order to make decisive decisions that will produce positive results. As somebody who has both the will and desire to serve, and is healthy in mind and body, I believe that this is the best way that I can serve our community at this point in time.
10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?
Ibarra: Absolutely. To begin, for about the past year I have read as much information that has been given to the public regarding council bills as I possibly could to gain a better understanding of the language and structure of the bills themselves.
Additionally, having attended Council meetings regularly for over the past year and a half, I have come to believe that reading the bill before first reading is of great importance, and for two reasons. The first is to have an understanding of what is actually being discussed for passage, rather than simply listening to the overview that is given during the meeting. The second is that in order to ask the appropriate questions in a direct manner and to know what you are looking for in an answer, you must know what it is that is being proposed.
Lastly, it is an absolute duty of every council person to read every bill in its entirety. The citizens have elected them to do a certain job, and this is a duty in that job description.
11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?
Ibarra: Yes… and the way finding sign’s issue is a prime example. It is hard to foresee – in a definitive manner – events that are going to happen in the future, and we have all been introduced to this idea in the recent months. We can forecast and theorize as much as we’d like, but the truth of the matter is that we are not in as much control as we’d like to be. So, when it comes to making decisions that are going to affect issues and actions years down the road, it needs to be understood that there may need to be flexibility regarding those decisions. Likewise, when that future time comes, the decision makers at the time need to understand the context of both the past and present, and how changes in times may determine that something considered to be a good idea several years ago may not be a wise decision presently.
12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?
Ibarra: I’m not sure that I would use the word “poll”, but I do believe it is extremely important to stay in touch with the citizens and their opinions on the issues of the day. Over the course of the past year and a half, one of the biggest criticisms I have heard about the way that City Council has operated in the past is that many times it doesn’t seem as though the elected representatives at City Hall listen to the every day citizen. While the 2007 City Council election brought about a certain degree of change for the better, the general sentiment remains.
In somewhat of a reiteration to question eight, as a councilman I will consider it part of the job to constantly be in contact with the citizens of the community, and in particular Zone 1. By doing this consistently, it will give me a constant sense of the issues of importance to the community, as well as insight that may not have been considered when deciding issues.
13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.
Ibarra: My philosophy, when it comes to the role of government, defaults to what our founders prescribed: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While government at any level does have a role to play, it is a limited one. In that, I am a conservative. Each one of us has a right to life, and to be given due protection to ensure that our life is not endangered by others. I believe that by natural law we are all given liberty, and that liberty can be defined as the ability for each individual to pursue his or her own self interest as long as it is not impeding on the ability for another individual to pursue theirs. And the pursuit – not the guarantee – of happiness… it is up to each and every one of us to clearly define to ourselves what ‘happiness’ entails, prescribe the appropriate path in order to achieve it, and to work with discipline and determination to get to that place.
14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?
Ibarra: When it comes to my role if elected to City Council, I will ask questions of basic philosophy when it comes to deciding each and every vote: how will my vote affect the safety of others; how will my vote affect the freedom of others; how will my vote affect the government’s role; will my vote put more or less government in the life of the citizen? These are just a few, but it is about asking basic questions, under the guise of a basic philosophy, but one that is in keeping with what our nation is built upon.
15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?
Ibarra: Yes… paper mainly.
16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park? When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?
Ibarra: The last time I visited a Springfield park was when it was warm! Seriously, I coach youth baseball and football, both with games taking place at various parks in Springfield; I helped with the Grant Beach Neighborhood Kids Softball program, which was at Grant Beach Park; in the summer, Zack and Hailey (the kids) love going to the pool. In short, I spend an adequate amount of time at City Parks.
17. What is your favorite color?
Ibarra: Green… has always been green since I was a child. When it comes to clothes, though, I like to wear red and blue.
18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?
Ibarra: Not sure I can answer that one piece of clothing is my “favorite”… but I will say that there is nothing more pleasing to me than being in a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a pair of running shoes… although it has become more and more rare these days.
19. What is your favorite genre of music?
Ibarra: I like all music, and at different times I am in different moods. Lately I have been in the mood for rock and R&B. Favorite songs right now: “Fool in the Rain” by Led Zepplin, “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and “Where the Stars and Stripes, and the Eagles Fly” by Aaron Tippin.
20. What is your favorite book?
Ibarra: Right now I am reading the Heritage Guide to the Constitution, which is very intriguing… but 1984 is an all time favorite – scary, in a very real way.
21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?
Ibarra: I am a dog person… I used to be allergic to cats. Though that allergy went away, and although I don’t mind cats, I will always be a dog person. Our family dog, Gunner (boxer), was a dog we got when we first moved into our home. A little over three weeks ago, he passed away. While my son and I are looking at the possibility of another dog in the future, the “Queen” says that she is not ready, and may not be for a while.
22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?
Ibarra: Not as regularly as I should. When we do, though, we go between Northpoint and Mt. Pleasant Baptist (which is where my father-in-law is the pastor, and is between Willard and Ash Grove). I would consider myself a Christian… not any one denomination, though.
23. What is your favorite kind of food?
Ibarra: To be very honest, my favorite kind of food is the kind you eat! But, if I had to choose, it would have to be pizza – pepperoni and jalapenos.
24. What is your favorite kind of pie?
Ibarra: My favorite pie is undoubtedly my Granny Mary’s cherry cheese cake… NO DOUBTS! While all food that comes from her kitchen is wonderful, that is the best.
Candy?
Ibarra: Almond Joy.
Previous: "Interview with Mayoral Candidate Christopher Donegan"
"Interview with City Council General Seat A Candidate Tom Martz"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday, March 23, 2009
Springfield-Greene County Park Board Wants you to Know about Job Openings; Activities
Now that we've hit spring, and summer months lie ahead, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board wants to make the public aware of some fun activities available to you and your families.
The City of Springfield also announced the Park Board is taking applications for seasonal jobs. The City's news release directs those interested in the jobs to, "Visit the “Employment” tab on the homepage of www.parkboard.org for a link to position descriptions."
The following events and activities are copied and pasted straight from the City's news release:
Cruse Dog Park
Warmer weather brings more opportunities to spend time outdoors with your four-legged friends. Springfield’s only off-leash dog park is open year-round. Annual registration of $25 per dog is required. The site includes a six-acre off-leash park; 1.5-acre fenced area for small dogs and a 4.5-acre area for larger dogs. For registration information, visit www.parkboard.org or call the Dog Park Hotline at (417) 864-1404.
Make Your Own Kite and Kite Safety Clinic
Gain basic, simple, inexpensive Kite Making & Safety Skills from 9 a.m. – noon, Saturday, March 21, at the Tom Watkins Center/Park, 2100 W. High St. For $3 per person, participants aged seven to adult can make a kite. Call (417) 833-8647 or (417) 833-8923.
Cave Tours
12:30 – 4:30 p.m., March 22 & 29
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., March 28 & April 4
Guided float inside Sequiota Park Cave, 3500 S. Lone Pine Ave. Learn the cave’s history and about its species of endangered bats. Call (417) 833-8647.
$5/person
Twilight Walks ‘N Owls
6 – 8 p.m., March 24 & 26
Guided walks around the one-mile loop trail at the Valley Water Mill Park, 2300 E. Valley Water Mill Road, with turkey and owl calling. The Dickerson Park Zoo will have owls on-site from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Call (417) 833-8647.
FREE
Women’s History Month Luncheon & Fashion Presentation
A women’s luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m., Wed., March 25, at the Northview Center, 301 E. Talmage St. Guest speaker Dianna Liermann will share her insights on women, aging, and the humor behind it all. Marie Alberti is the featured musical entertainment on keyboard. The seniors will present traditional clothing fashions from the decades as part of the event. Door prizes will be given out. Tickets are available at the door for $6. Call (417) 837-5808 for more information.
Cherry Blossom Kite Festival
Bring your own kite and join the fun from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Nathanael Green/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., for the season opening of the Stroll Garden. Admission to the kite festival is free for all ages. Call (417) 864-1191 for more information.
FREE
Dance, Yoga & Tae Kwon Do Classes Starting
The next sessions of Beginning and Advanced Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, Power Yoga, Ballet & Modern Hip Hop classes begin later this month and early April at Doling Family Center. Visit page eight of the current issue of the Park Bench publication at www.parkboard.org for more information. Call (417) 837-5900.
Basic Canoe and Kayaking Skills Clinics and Floats will take place at Lake Springfield, 2312 E. Lake Springfield Park Road. Fees are $25/Kayak; $35/Canoe. Ages 5 yrs. – adult are invited to learn basic canoeing and kayaking safety skills. Call (417) 833-8647 or (417) 833-8923 for more information.
Kayak: 9 a.m. – Noon; Apr. 1
Canoe: 9 a.m. – Noon; Apr. 11
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Apr. 19 & 26
Doling Museum Opens
The Doling Park Museum opens for the season on Sunday, April 5. The Museum is open from 1 – 5 p.m., Sundays; 2 – 6 p.m., Tuesdays; and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Fridays. Call (417) 837-5808.
FREE
Easter Activities
Easter Egg Hunt: Noon – 2 p.m., Saturday, April 4, Doling Park, 301 E. Talmage. Call (417) 864-1049.
FREE
Easter at the Farm: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, April 11, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146. Call (417) 837-5949 for activities and pricing.
Enrichment EGGstravaganza: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, April 11, Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Road. Call (417) 864-1800.
General admission rates apply
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The City of Springfield also announced the Park Board is taking applications for seasonal jobs. The City's news release directs those interested in the jobs to, "Visit the “Employment” tab on the homepage of www.parkboard.org for a link to position descriptions."
The following events and activities are copied and pasted straight from the City's news release:
Cruse Dog Park
Warmer weather brings more opportunities to spend time outdoors with your four-legged friends. Springfield’s only off-leash dog park is open year-round. Annual registration of $25 per dog is required. The site includes a six-acre off-leash park; 1.5-acre fenced area for small dogs and a 4.5-acre area for larger dogs. For registration information, visit www.parkboard.org or call the Dog Park Hotline at (417) 864-1404.
Make Your Own Kite and Kite Safety Clinic
Gain basic, simple, inexpensive Kite Making & Safety Skills from 9 a.m. – noon, Saturday, March 21, at the Tom Watkins Center/Park, 2100 W. High St. For $3 per person, participants aged seven to adult can make a kite. Call (417) 833-8647 or (417) 833-8923.
Cave Tours
12:30 – 4:30 p.m., March 22 & 29
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., March 28 & April 4
Guided float inside Sequiota Park Cave, 3500 S. Lone Pine Ave. Learn the cave’s history and about its species of endangered bats. Call (417) 833-8647.
$5/person
Twilight Walks ‘N Owls
6 – 8 p.m., March 24 & 26
Guided walks around the one-mile loop trail at the Valley Water Mill Park, 2300 E. Valley Water Mill Road, with turkey and owl calling. The Dickerson Park Zoo will have owls on-site from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Call (417) 833-8647.
FREE
Women’s History Month Luncheon & Fashion Presentation
A women’s luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m., Wed., March 25, at the Northview Center, 301 E. Talmage St. Guest speaker Dianna Liermann will share her insights on women, aging, and the humor behind it all. Marie Alberti is the featured musical entertainment on keyboard. The seniors will present traditional clothing fashions from the decades as part of the event. Door prizes will be given out. Tickets are available at the door for $6. Call (417) 837-5808 for more information.
Cherry Blossom Kite Festival
Bring your own kite and join the fun from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Nathanael Green/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., for the season opening of the Stroll Garden. Admission to the kite festival is free for all ages. Call (417) 864-1191 for more information.
FREE
Dance, Yoga & Tae Kwon Do Classes Starting
The next sessions of Beginning and Advanced Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, Power Yoga, Ballet & Modern Hip Hop classes begin later this month and early April at Doling Family Center. Visit page eight of the current issue of the Park Bench publication at www.parkboard.org for more information. Call (417) 837-5900.
Basic Canoe and Kayaking Skills Clinics and Floats will take place at Lake Springfield, 2312 E. Lake Springfield Park Road. Fees are $25/Kayak; $35/Canoe. Ages 5 yrs. – adult are invited to learn basic canoeing and kayaking safety skills. Call (417) 833-8647 or (417) 833-8923 for more information.
Kayak: 9 a.m. – Noon; Apr. 1
Canoe: 9 a.m. – Noon; Apr. 11
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Apr. 19 & 26
Doling Museum Opens
The Doling Park Museum opens for the season on Sunday, April 5. The Museum is open from 1 – 5 p.m., Sundays; 2 – 6 p.m., Tuesdays; and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Fridays. Call (417) 837-5808.
FREE
Easter Activities
Easter Egg Hunt: Noon – 2 p.m., Saturday, April 4, Doling Park, 301 E. Talmage. Call (417) 864-1049.
FREE
Easter at the Farm: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, April 11, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146. Call (417) 837-5949 for activities and pricing.
Enrichment EGGstravaganza: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, April 11, Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Road. Call (417) 864-1800.
General admission rates apply
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Council Bill Promotes Further "Breed Specific" Dog Legislation
COUNCIL BILL 2009-063, sponsored by Councilwoman Mary Collette is:
There is a strong sentiment among some residents of the City of Springfield that Council should not approve any dog "breed specific" legislation.
This could be another interesting bill to watch this evening.
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"A resolution approving a proposal to establish a pit bull dog rescue protocol for the City of Springfield."
There is a strong sentiment among some residents of the City of Springfield that Council should not approve any dog "breed specific" legislation.
This could be another interesting bill to watch this evening.
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Recommended Reading 6: Planning and Zoning Commission 11th Hour Power Grab?
Between this article in Sunday's "Springfield News-Leader," "Opposition: Zoning plan before City Council stifles debate," the comments attached to it, and a previous "Voice of the Day" column," written by Craig Peterson, the public gets a pretty well rounded picture of the repercussions the passage of Council Bill 2009-040 could have on property owners who wish to appeal to the City Council regarding zoning issues.
They are all recommended readings today.
Personally, I have to wonder if the timing of the Planning and Zoning Commission's move forward with the bill isn't an effort at a power grab before the retirement of Mayor Tom Carlson, Councilman John Wylie, Councilwoman Mary Collette and Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver.
Including tonight's City Council meeting, there are only two meetings of the Council remaining before the April 7 City Council election, in which incumbent City Councilman Denny Whayne faces stiff competition to retain his seat against "Springfield News-Leader" endorsed, Zone 1 candidate Nick Ibarra.
Mayor Carlson is termed out and cannot seek re-election. Wylie, Collette and Deaver chose not to seek re-election. Scott Bailes runs unopposed for Councilman Wylie's seat. In all, it is probable there will be 5 new Council members seated after the April election, enough members to make a majority in any given vote of the City Council.
I believe the next two meetings bear even more press and public scrutiny than usual, just prior to the seating of the new Council.
Some background on the issue: Mayor Tom Carlson, in particular, and some of the other Council members, to a lesser degree, have been complaining over the last 2 years that, sometimes, the Planning and Zoning Commission is not doing enough to settle disputes between property owners and potential developers prior to the zoning issues being brought to Council, often resulting in lengthy debates which the Mayor has felt might be better dealt with by the commission prior to being heard by the Council.
Some people believe this proposed solution to the Mayor's request might be over kill.
Such controversial policy changes might be better addressed by the new Council rather than in the last days of a lame duck Council.
Tonight the bill will be read in second reading and Council will have the opportunity to vote on it, unless they decide to table it or remand it back to committee for further review.
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They are all recommended readings today.
Personally, I have to wonder if the timing of the Planning and Zoning Commission's move forward with the bill isn't an effort at a power grab before the retirement of Mayor Tom Carlson, Councilman John Wylie, Councilwoman Mary Collette and Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver.
Including tonight's City Council meeting, there are only two meetings of the Council remaining before the April 7 City Council election, in which incumbent City Councilman Denny Whayne faces stiff competition to retain his seat against "Springfield News-Leader" endorsed, Zone 1 candidate Nick Ibarra.
Mayor Carlson is termed out and cannot seek re-election. Wylie, Collette and Deaver chose not to seek re-election. Scott Bailes runs unopposed for Councilman Wylie's seat. In all, it is probable there will be 5 new Council members seated after the April election, enough members to make a majority in any given vote of the City Council.
I believe the next two meetings bear even more press and public scrutiny than usual, just prior to the seating of the new Council.
Some background on the issue: Mayor Tom Carlson, in particular, and some of the other Council members, to a lesser degree, have been complaining over the last 2 years that, sometimes, the Planning and Zoning Commission is not doing enough to settle disputes between property owners and potential developers prior to the zoning issues being brought to Council, often resulting in lengthy debates which the Mayor has felt might be better dealt with by the commission prior to being heard by the Council.
Some people believe this proposed solution to the Mayor's request might be over kill.
Such controversial policy changes might be better addressed by the new Council rather than in the last days of a lame duck Council.
Tonight the bill will be read in second reading and Council will have the opportunity to vote on it, unless they decide to table it or remand it back to committee for further review.
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Sunday, March 22, 2009
Council Bills Passed March 9, 2009
I'm a little behind in recording the passed bills from the March 9 meeting but, I think it is a valuable resource to have them listed together in such a form for possible future reference.
Considering there is a new Council meeting tomorrow night, I thought I'd better get the last meeting's passed bills posted.
EMERGENCY AND SECOND READING BILLS PASSED:
EMERGENCY BILL:
Emergency Bill 2009-053: City Staff erupted in applause with the passage of this bill, which authorized the city manager, on behalf of the City to accept a settlement agreement with AT&T Mobility and local affiliates for the City's claims for back taxes and the release of taxes paid under protest. With it's passage and the receipt of the settlement amount, the Council also authorized amendment of the budget for fiscal 2008-09 in the amount of $10,225,361 to place the full settlement amount into the police and firefighters pension fund. Mayor Carlson explained that the contribution into the pension fund paid the balance, plus interest on contributions the City failed to make in full for the fiscal years 2004-2007.
SECOND READING:
Council Bill 2009-034: Authorized the city manager to enter an agreement with the city of Battlefield to amend established annexation boundary areas and accept the amount of $50,000 from a property developer as payment in lieu of future tax revenue.
Both the emergency and second reading bills were passed by a unanimous vote of the City Council.*
CONSENT AGENDA BILLS PASSED:
ONE READING:
Council Bill 2009-050: Declared the necessity of constructing district sanitary sewers in the general vicinity of Delaware Avenue at Bennett Street; provided for publications and notices.
Council Bill 2009-051: Approved plans, specifications and Hunter Chase & Associates, Inc.'s bid in the amount of $678,644.45 for the construction of Cherry Street improvements from Glenstone Avenue to Grandview Avenue. The engineer estimate for the improvements was $855,719.50. The Hunter Chase & Associate bid was $177,075.05 below the engineer estimate. The accepted bid was the lowest bid for the project.
Council Bill 2009-052: Approved plans, specification and Hartman & Company, Inc.'s bid in the amount of $359,571.35 for the construction of the Sunshine Street and Fremont Avenue intersection improvements project. The engineer estimate for the improvements was $430,838. Hartman & Company's bid was $712,666.50 below the engineer estimate and it was the lowest bid for the project.
The one reading consent agenda bills were passed unanimously by the City Council. There were no second reading consent agenda bills.*
*Council members present February 23, 2009: Mayor Tom Carlson, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver, Ralph Manley, John Wylie, Dan Chiles, Mary Collette, Doug Burlison, Cindy Rushefsky, Denny Whayne
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Considering there is a new Council meeting tomorrow night, I thought I'd better get the last meeting's passed bills posted.
EMERGENCY AND SECOND READING BILLS PASSED:
EMERGENCY BILL:
Emergency Bill 2009-053: City Staff erupted in applause with the passage of this bill, which authorized the city manager, on behalf of the City to accept a settlement agreement with AT&T Mobility and local affiliates for the City's claims for back taxes and the release of taxes paid under protest. With it's passage and the receipt of the settlement amount, the Council also authorized amendment of the budget for fiscal 2008-09 in the amount of $10,225,361 to place the full settlement amount into the police and firefighters pension fund. Mayor Carlson explained that the contribution into the pension fund paid the balance, plus interest on contributions the City failed to make in full for the fiscal years 2004-2007.
SECOND READING:
Council Bill 2009-034: Authorized the city manager to enter an agreement with the city of Battlefield to amend established annexation boundary areas and accept the amount of $50,000 from a property developer as payment in lieu of future tax revenue.
Both the emergency and second reading bills were passed by a unanimous vote of the City Council.*
CONSENT AGENDA BILLS PASSED:
ONE READING:
Council Bill 2009-050: Declared the necessity of constructing district sanitary sewers in the general vicinity of Delaware Avenue at Bennett Street; provided for publications and notices.
Council Bill 2009-051: Approved plans, specifications and Hunter Chase & Associates, Inc.'s bid in the amount of $678,644.45 for the construction of Cherry Street improvements from Glenstone Avenue to Grandview Avenue. The engineer estimate for the improvements was $855,719.50. The Hunter Chase & Associate bid was $177,075.05 below the engineer estimate. The accepted bid was the lowest bid for the project.
Council Bill 2009-052: Approved plans, specification and Hartman & Company, Inc.'s bid in the amount of $359,571.35 for the construction of the Sunshine Street and Fremont Avenue intersection improvements project. The engineer estimate for the improvements was $430,838. Hartman & Company's bid was $712,666.50 below the engineer estimate and it was the lowest bid for the project.
The one reading consent agenda bills were passed unanimously by the City Council. There were no second reading consent agenda bills.*
*Council members present February 23, 2009: Mayor Tom Carlson, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver, Ralph Manley, John Wylie, Dan Chiles, Mary Collette, Doug Burlison, Cindy Rushefsky, Denny Whayne
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Interview with City Council General Seat A Candidate Tom Martz
This is number 2 in a series of email interviews with Mayoral and Council Candidates.
1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (Martz's answers precede the listed core services):
3. capital improvements
1. public safety
4. quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc.
2. road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure
2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?
Martz: NO
3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?
Martz: I have signed onto the SOS citizen coalition plan to redirect the 1/4% CIP tax which is going to sunset in FEB
4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."
Martz: Police, Fire, storm water drainage, traffic control devices, infrastructure.
5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.
Martz: quality of life issues, followed by capitol improvements, then followed up by reductions in workforce. Public safety is NOT an area that will see cuts if I'm elected to city council at least not by my voting.
6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?
Martz: Areas of public safety
7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?
Martz: Every project will be put through rigorous cost benefit analysis before being funded.
8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?
Martz: e-mails, phone, town hall type meetings and going into there place of business to discuss the issues which concern them.
9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.
Martz: At some point the people of an area have to take responsibility for the abuse, wasteful spending, and lack of involvement of local government in dealing with issues that concern the greater good of the community. These people have a choice to try to change the misdirection from the floor of the council chambers by talking to the elected members or to become involved in the day to day running of city government. I have chosen the day to day aspect to bring about REAL change to the city of Springfield.
10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?
Martz: I currently do this now and would not change that aspect upon my election to represent the people of this city. It takes an involved informed person to know and understand how city government operates. I have done this actively for the past three years.
11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?
Martz: In times of economic prosperity you could probably say YES, if the voters were truly informed on what they were voting on. In economic downturns it becomes a priority of the city council to spend money only on projects which will return the investment outlay.
12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?
Martz: I would hope that with my election that I can get more people involved in the process and educate them in a manner that they themselves will want to become more informed. I want to hold workshops so people can come out and learn how to understand the council process, council agenda, and quite possibly change the manner in which legislation is placed on the agenda and the time frame of which it is on the agenda.
13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.
Martz: In the General Seat "A" race I am clearly the most conservative candidate in terms of fiscal responsibility, government transparency, taxation, government growth. There are clearly areas that Springfield should NOT be involved in and I want to see to it that tax dollars are spent on core essential services.
14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?
Martz: My first question will always be is this the position of government and should government be involved in this??
15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?
Martz: I own an environmental company so we recycle everything we possibly can
16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park? When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?
Martz: I am a regular visitor to Doling Park either to feed the geese, walk the dog, or just out for a leisurely stroll.
17. What is your favorite color?
Martz: purple
18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?
Martz: I don't have a favorite item of clothing, unless it would be my loud pink tie, however I don't wear ties that often
19. What is your favorite genre of music?
Martz: I listen to rock, jazz, country, R & B
20. What is your favorite book?
Martz: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand or the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye
21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?
Martz: We have two dogs and two cats, I'm the dog person because I do not like the sneakiness of cats
22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?
Martz: Up until I was affected with this vertigo problem we attended every Sunday, currently the patterns on the wall coverings and in the carpet of my church makes me extremely dizzy and sick. We attended the LDS church off of Ingram Mill Road when we were attending regularily.
23. What is your favorite kind of food?
Martz: Lasagna
24. What is your favorite kind of pie?
Martz: cheesecake
Candy?
Martz: butterscotch or butter rum
Previous: "Interview with Mayoral Candidate Christopher Donegan"
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1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (Martz's answers precede the listed core services):
3. capital improvements
1. public safety
4. quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc.
2. road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure
2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?
Martz: NO
3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?
Martz: I have signed onto the SOS citizen coalition plan to redirect the 1/4% CIP tax which is going to sunset in FEB
4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."
Martz: Police, Fire, storm water drainage, traffic control devices, infrastructure.
5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.
Martz: quality of life issues, followed by capitol improvements, then followed up by reductions in workforce. Public safety is NOT an area that will see cuts if I'm elected to city council at least not by my voting.
6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?
Martz: Areas of public safety
7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?
Martz: Every project will be put through rigorous cost benefit analysis before being funded.
8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?
Martz: e-mails, phone, town hall type meetings and going into there place of business to discuss the issues which concern them.
9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.
Martz: At some point the people of an area have to take responsibility for the abuse, wasteful spending, and lack of involvement of local government in dealing with issues that concern the greater good of the community. These people have a choice to try to change the misdirection from the floor of the council chambers by talking to the elected members or to become involved in the day to day running of city government. I have chosen the day to day aspect to bring about REAL change to the city of Springfield.
10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?
Martz: I currently do this now and would not change that aspect upon my election to represent the people of this city. It takes an involved informed person to know and understand how city government operates. I have done this actively for the past three years.
11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?
Martz: In times of economic prosperity you could probably say YES, if the voters were truly informed on what they were voting on. In economic downturns it becomes a priority of the city council to spend money only on projects which will return the investment outlay.
12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?
Martz: I would hope that with my election that I can get more people involved in the process and educate them in a manner that they themselves will want to become more informed. I want to hold workshops so people can come out and learn how to understand the council process, council agenda, and quite possibly change the manner in which legislation is placed on the agenda and the time frame of which it is on the agenda.
13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.
Martz: In the General Seat "A" race I am clearly the most conservative candidate in terms of fiscal responsibility, government transparency, taxation, government growth. There are clearly areas that Springfield should NOT be involved in and I want to see to it that tax dollars are spent on core essential services.
14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?
Martz: My first question will always be is this the position of government and should government be involved in this??
15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?
Martz: I own an environmental company so we recycle everything we possibly can
16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park? When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?
Martz: I am a regular visitor to Doling Park either to feed the geese, walk the dog, or just out for a leisurely stroll.
17. What is your favorite color?
Martz: purple
18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?
Martz: I don't have a favorite item of clothing, unless it would be my loud pink tie, however I don't wear ties that often
19. What is your favorite genre of music?
Martz: I listen to rock, jazz, country, R & B
20. What is your favorite book?
Martz: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand or the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye
21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?
Martz: We have two dogs and two cats, I'm the dog person because I do not like the sneakiness of cats
22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?
Martz: Up until I was affected with this vertigo problem we attended every Sunday, currently the patterns on the wall coverings and in the carpet of my church makes me extremely dizzy and sick. We attended the LDS church off of Ingram Mill Road when we were attending regularily.
23. What is your favorite kind of food?
Martz: Lasagna
24. What is your favorite kind of pie?
Martz: cheesecake
Candy?
Martz: butterscotch or butter rum
Previous: "Interview with Mayoral Candidate Christopher Donegan"
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Saturday, March 21, 2009
Making Mountains out of Trash Hill Negotiations?
No one wins with this "Springfield News-Leader" article: "Springfield trash agreement made in private," it is a sad and fragmentary(?) story.
I'm not trying to take the side of "The City" against "The Press," here (and Wes knows I love him) but, geesh, let's get real. I think there could be a more plausible reason for the sub-committee being shut out of the negotiations, a less sinister reason than the one implied(?) in the article, though, perhaps still damaging enough.
According to the News-Leader article:
Here's what I am thinking, and have not confirmed: The News-Leader article is unclear about who requested the "full solid waste committee," to seek volunteers for a "put or pay subcommittee" that was "given the task of working with two major Springfield trash companies," and the News-Leader article first identifies this Solid Waste Committee subcommittee as "a citizen subcommittee." Is a Solid Waste Committee subcommittee a citizen subcommittee? Technically, I just don't know.
I suspect, but, again have not confirmed, someone employed by the City, in their desire to either get public input or be perceived as getting public input into the trash hauler negotiation process, recommended the Solid Waste Committee put together a citizen sub-committee on the trash hauling contract negotiations without realizing the legal ramifications but, I don't know who might have recommended it.
Instead of that or those City official(s) just owning up to the mistake of forming the sub-committee in the first place, the sub-committee was strung along and not allowed input and not likely given much information but, I think the point is: Any input provided by the committee would have jeopardized the negotiations because the negotiations would then become public information.
According to the News-Leader:
Do the citizens of Springfield deserve deliberate and thoughtful decision making that doesn't front load negotiation processes like the trash hauler/City put or pay contract with stupid mistakes that have the potential of being perceived as secrecy on the part of our city government? Yes.
What should have been legally, private negotiations, which should not have been made public until a final agreement was reached in the first place, (and remember, such agreements are never truly final until the public's Council representatives approve them, AFTER the public has had an opportunity for public hearing) are now tainted with suspicion.
If the sub-committee was not mistakenly formed to begin with, there wouldn't even be an issue with whether that sub-committee was involved in the process or bypassed by the Springfield Public Works Department and a contract attorney.
I think it was a stupid mistake on the part of the (I'm assuming) City official(s) who decided to call for a put or pay sub-committee in the first place but, it was more than likely a well intentioned mistake, meant to involve the public in the process.
I suspect, in that particular aspect, a mountain has been made out of the trash hill negotiations.
On the issue of whether it is a good contract and the negotiations were in the best interest of Springfield citizens? That's fair game for discussion.
At the City Council meeting wherein the bill to approve the agreement was first read and the public hearing held, the News-Leader previously reported:
It was at that Council meeting the citizens had their first opportunity for input, and then, during the interim before the next Council meeting, scheduled for this Monday, the 23rd, the citizens could, as the last linked News-Leader story indicated, write emails and place phone calls to their Council representatives to let their voices be heard regarding the City's proposed trash hauler agreement. So, the facts are, there was a public hearing and there has been an additional two week's time for the public to personally contact their Council representatives regarding the issue.
I don't mean to sound hard-nosed about it but, the News-Leader did its part to try to make the public aware of questions they might have about the trash hauler agreement, that was the right thing for our daily local paper to do. I would suppose, at Monday night's Council meeting we'll hear from members of the City Council about whether they received public input in the form of emails and phone calls over the last couple of weeks, and, if you don't like the way you are being represented on the City Council, I would appeal to you to VOTE in the upcoming Council election.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"It was a horribly handled process," said Hal Buchert, one of three Citizen's Solid Waste Committee members who volunteered for the put-or-pay subcommittee.
"They didn't want us involved in the negotiations. They knew where they wanted to go. They knew how they would go about doing it. They dressed it up with the task force."
I'm not trying to take the side of "The City" against "The Press," here (and Wes knows I love him) but, geesh, let's get real. I think there could be a more plausible reason for the sub-committee being shut out of the negotiations, a less sinister reason than the one implied(?) in the article, though, perhaps still damaging enough.
According to the News-Leader article:
"Buchert, Dan Hoy and Rusty Worley volunteered to serve on the put-or-pay subcommittee, which the full solid waste committee formed on April 2, 2008."
Here's what I am thinking, and have not confirmed: The News-Leader article is unclear about who requested the "full solid waste committee," to seek volunteers for a "put or pay subcommittee" that was "given the task of working with two major Springfield trash companies," and the News-Leader article first identifies this Solid Waste Committee subcommittee as "a citizen subcommittee." Is a Solid Waste Committee subcommittee a citizen subcommittee? Technically, I just don't know.
I suspect, but, again have not confirmed, someone employed by the City, in their desire to either get public input or be perceived as getting public input into the trash hauler negotiation process, recommended the Solid Waste Committee put together a citizen sub-committee on the trash hauling contract negotiations without realizing the legal ramifications but, I don't know who might have recommended it.
Instead of that or those City official(s) just owning up to the mistake of forming the sub-committee in the first place, the sub-committee was strung along and not allowed input and not likely given much information but, I think the point is: Any input provided by the committee would have jeopardized the negotiations because the negotiations would then become public information.
According to the News-Leader:
"Using Wright -- and not the subcommittee -- ensured that any talks would not run afoul of the Missouri Sunshine Law, Buchert said.
"The waste haulers wouldn't sit at the table if the press was going to be there and listen to all their business," he said."
Do the citizens of Springfield deserve deliberate and thoughtful decision making that doesn't front load negotiation processes like the trash hauler/City put or pay contract with stupid mistakes that have the potential of being perceived as secrecy on the part of our city government? Yes.
What should have been legally, private negotiations, which should not have been made public until a final agreement was reached in the first place, (and remember, such agreements are never truly final until the public's Council representatives approve them, AFTER the public has had an opportunity for public hearing) are now tainted with suspicion.
If the sub-committee was not mistakenly formed to begin with, there wouldn't even be an issue with whether that sub-committee was involved in the process or bypassed by the Springfield Public Works Department and a contract attorney.
I think it was a stupid mistake on the part of the (I'm assuming) City official(s) who decided to call for a put or pay sub-committee in the first place but, it was more than likely a well intentioned mistake, meant to involve the public in the process.
I suspect, in that particular aspect, a mountain has been made out of the trash hill negotiations.
On the issue of whether it is a good contract and the negotiations were in the best interest of Springfield citizens? That's fair game for discussion.
At the City Council meeting wherein the bill to approve the agreement was first read and the public hearing held, the News-Leader previously reported:
"Only one resident showed at a recent City Council meeting to question the city's proposed new deal with its trash haulers."
It was at that Council meeting the citizens had their first opportunity for input, and then, during the interim before the next Council meeting, scheduled for this Monday, the 23rd, the citizens could, as the last linked News-Leader story indicated, write emails and place phone calls to their Council representatives to let their voices be heard regarding the City's proposed trash hauler agreement. So, the facts are, there was a public hearing and there has been an additional two week's time for the public to personally contact their Council representatives regarding the issue.
I don't mean to sound hard-nosed about it but, the News-Leader did its part to try to make the public aware of questions they might have about the trash hauler agreement, that was the right thing for our daily local paper to do. I would suppose, at Monday night's Council meeting we'll hear from members of the City Council about whether they received public input in the form of emails and phone calls over the last couple of weeks, and, if you don't like the way you are being represented on the City Council, I would appeal to you to VOTE in the upcoming Council election.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interview with Mayoral Candidate Christopher Donegan
Because we can never learn too much about our representative candidates
This is number 1 in a series of email interviews with Mayoral and Council Candidates.
1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (Donegan's answers precede the listed core services):
3 capital improvements
1 public safety
4 quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc.
2 road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure
2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?
Donegan: No I did not. I support the SOS ¼ cent sunset, ¼ cent pension fund tax plan. This proposal will result in a no net tax increase. I would entertain other tax increase proposals only after exercising all other available options.
3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?
Donegan: I think Mr. Burris’ tax proposal would have passed if he had only asked for a ¼ to 3/8 % sales tax increase. I still like the idea of reallocating general fund revenue before increasing the total sales tax in Springfield above 6.85%.
4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."
Donegan: The Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield Public Works Department, and the City Clerk’s Office. There are other departments that support the core city services, and I understand their need to be funded. I would strive as Mayor to make sure core city services are funded first.
5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.
Donegan: City Clerk’s Office, Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department
6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?
Donegan: I would not want to cut the already emaciated Police and Fire Departments. As a member of the business community, though, I understand that expenses must stay below revenues to keep an organization solvent.
7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?
Donegan: The wording of the CIP tax passed by voters in 2007 states “High Priority” projects. I would push for a discussion at the first City Council meeting with new members on a possible priority number for the projects. I also would stress that the priorities may change if economic conditions and constituent attitude towards the project change. This was definitely the case with the Wayfinding Sign program.
8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?
Donegan: I am good at answering emails. I would make myself available to local radio, print, Internet, and television media. I would knock doors and attend public forums whenever possible.
9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.
Donegan: I want to see a City Council that will start representing the conservative majority in Springfield again.
10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?
Donegan: Yes. The only way the Mayor is going to provide leadership is by knowing his stuff. I can also admit when I am ill prepared to cast a vote, and would move to table the bill if others are in the same situation, if appropriate.
11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?
Donegan: Yes. We are in an ever changing world. Also, the residents who choose to make their voice known to their elected official changes with every election cycle. In the end, the person who is elected to Council by the voters chooses whether to make decisions based on personal conviction, public opinion, or a combination.
12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?
Donegan: There are some bills where you will have a strong personal conviction, and I think you must go with your values system regarding that decision. Other bills allow you to poll public opinion, listen to both sides of an issue, and analyze data before voting.
13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.
Donegan: Conservative
I believe in the Right to Life for the Unborn, regardless of how the pregnancy came about. I believe the government should not tax someone based on production of wealth. I believe every law-abiding American has the right to own and carry any firearm, especially in Springfield, Missouri parks.
14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?
Donegan: If a bill does not promote some personal responsibility, or seeks to tear down some residents’ interests in the name of building up other residents’ interests, I cannot support it.
15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?
Donegan: I have in the past by taking materials to the Lone Pine Recycling Center. We don’t have room in the garage currently to store the recycle-eligible materials. While I like the idea of curbside recycling, I don’t think a City of Springfield mandate through franchising is the way to get this accomplished. The waste agreement just signed does not promote recycling; it increases revenue for the City.
16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park?
Donegan: It has been a few weeks since the campaign started.
When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?
Donegan: I play racquetball on the tennis courts at a number of parks on the North Side of Springfield. I hope to play Softball at Killian and Ewing in April.
17. What is your favorite color?
Donegan: Blue
18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?
Donegan: My belt. I will actually turn around and come back to the house if I forget to put it on, even if my pants are snug and I don’t really need it.
19. What is your favorite genre of music?
Donegan: Country. I am originally from Nashville, TN. Growing up, I listened to WSM 650-AM.
20. What is your favorite book?
Donegan: I really liked the book, Manning, by Archie and Peyton Manning. I never knew much about Archie. I am a huge Tennessee Volunteers fan, and I enjoyed hearing about Peyton’s time in college.
21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?
Donegan: I have one dog, Rosco. I am a dog person because I like the interaction between man and man’s best friend.
22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?
Donegan: Yes. I attend Springfield Community Church. I grew up in a Southern Baptist Church, and my beliefs match up with most Baptists.
23. What is your favorite kind of food?
Donegan: It’s American, but I am starting to lean toward Mexican and Chinese.
24. What is your favorite kind of pie?
Donegan: Pumpkin Pie (My wife’s is the best)
Candy?
Donegan: Snickers Bars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is number 1 in a series of email interviews with Mayoral and Council Candidates.
1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (Donegan's answers precede the listed core services):
3 capital improvements
1 public safety
4 quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc.
2 road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure
2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?
Donegan: No I did not. I support the SOS ¼ cent sunset, ¼ cent pension fund tax plan. This proposal will result in a no net tax increase. I would entertain other tax increase proposals only after exercising all other available options.
3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?
Donegan: I think Mr. Burris’ tax proposal would have passed if he had only asked for a ¼ to 3/8 % sales tax increase. I still like the idea of reallocating general fund revenue before increasing the total sales tax in Springfield above 6.85%.
4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."
Donegan: The Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield Public Works Department, and the City Clerk’s Office. There are other departments that support the core city services, and I understand their need to be funded. I would strive as Mayor to make sure core city services are funded first.
5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.
Donegan: City Clerk’s Office, Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department
6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?
Donegan: I would not want to cut the already emaciated Police and Fire Departments. As a member of the business community, though, I understand that expenses must stay below revenues to keep an organization solvent.
7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?
Donegan: The wording of the CIP tax passed by voters in 2007 states “High Priority” projects. I would push for a discussion at the first City Council meeting with new members on a possible priority number for the projects. I also would stress that the priorities may change if economic conditions and constituent attitude towards the project change. This was definitely the case with the Wayfinding Sign program.
8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?
Donegan: I am good at answering emails. I would make myself available to local radio, print, Internet, and television media. I would knock doors and attend public forums whenever possible.
9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.
Donegan: I want to see a City Council that will start representing the conservative majority in Springfield again.
10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?
Donegan: Yes. The only way the Mayor is going to provide leadership is by knowing his stuff. I can also admit when I am ill prepared to cast a vote, and would move to table the bill if others are in the same situation, if appropriate.
11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?
Donegan: Yes. We are in an ever changing world. Also, the residents who choose to make their voice known to their elected official changes with every election cycle. In the end, the person who is elected to Council by the voters chooses whether to make decisions based on personal conviction, public opinion, or a combination.
12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?
Donegan: There are some bills where you will have a strong personal conviction, and I think you must go with your values system regarding that decision. Other bills allow you to poll public opinion, listen to both sides of an issue, and analyze data before voting.
13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.
Donegan: Conservative
I believe in the Right to Life for the Unborn, regardless of how the pregnancy came about. I believe the government should not tax someone based on production of wealth. I believe every law-abiding American has the right to own and carry any firearm, especially in Springfield, Missouri parks.
14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?
Donegan: If a bill does not promote some personal responsibility, or seeks to tear down some residents’ interests in the name of building up other residents’ interests, I cannot support it.
15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?
Donegan: I have in the past by taking materials to the Lone Pine Recycling Center. We don’t have room in the garage currently to store the recycle-eligible materials. While I like the idea of curbside recycling, I don’t think a City of Springfield mandate through franchising is the way to get this accomplished. The waste agreement just signed does not promote recycling; it increases revenue for the City.
16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park?
Donegan: It has been a few weeks since the campaign started.
When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?
Donegan: I play racquetball on the tennis courts at a number of parks on the North Side of Springfield. I hope to play Softball at Killian and Ewing in April.
17. What is your favorite color?
Donegan: Blue
18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?
Donegan: My belt. I will actually turn around and come back to the house if I forget to put it on, even if my pants are snug and I don’t really need it.
19. What is your favorite genre of music?
Donegan: Country. I am originally from Nashville, TN. Growing up, I listened to WSM 650-AM.
20. What is your favorite book?
Donegan: I really liked the book, Manning, by Archie and Peyton Manning. I never knew much about Archie. I am a huge Tennessee Volunteers fan, and I enjoyed hearing about Peyton’s time in college.
21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?
Donegan: I have one dog, Rosco. I am a dog person because I like the interaction between man and man’s best friend.
22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?
Donegan: Yes. I attend Springfield Community Church. I grew up in a Southern Baptist Church, and my beliefs match up with most Baptists.
23. What is your favorite kind of food?
Donegan: It’s American, but I am starting to lean toward Mexican and Chinese.
24. What is your favorite kind of pie?
Donegan: Pumpkin Pie (My wife’s is the best)
Candy?
Donegan: Snickers Bars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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