1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax Renewal

It's the voters' decision

As a service to readers here, I posted the column I wrote for the Community Free Press on the 1/8-cent transportation sales tax after the City Council voted to bring the issue back before the voters on May 5, 2008. The ballot question will appear before voters on the August 5, ballot:

"Shall the City of Springfield, Missouri, continue a sales tax of one-eighth of one percent for transportation purposes to fund high priority transportation improvements which include the following: Upgrading US Route 65 to a six lane facility from Battlefield Road to Chestnut Expressway; interchange improvements at James River Freeway (JRF) and National Avenue, JRF and Campbell Avenue (Phase I) and I-44 and Kansas Expressway; Intermodal Connectivity investments to enhance mobility of alternative modes of transportation (Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit); intersection improvement at Kearney Street and National Avenue; Turn Lane Safety and Capacity Projects; Bridge and Pavement Preservation Projects; Intelligent Transportation System Projects; and other shared funding projects with County, State, Federal, and Developers to advance high-priority transportation projects with County, State, Federal, and Developers to advance high-priority transportation projects; and including the repayment of bonds which may be used to pay for the improvements, with the tax to sunset in four years?

As a further service to readers, I am going to re-post my CFP column, the correction that followed the column in the Community Free Press' next issue (the issue of June 4) and offer some personal commentary following it:

1/8-Cent Transportation Sales Tax

City Council passed Council Bill 2008-116 on May 5. The purpose of the special ordinance was to allow voters to decide whether to continue the 1/8-cent transportation sales tax 4 more years, from 2009-2012.

The current tax is set to elapse in August, 2009. Councilman Gary Deaver was interested in the process of choosing the projects funded by the transportation tax.

“We work in partnership with MoDOT, Greene County, and the city and really look at where we can get the most value for the transportation dollars that we have,” Director of Public Works Marc Thornsberry answered.

Even though some believe there is subjective language in the ballot, voters have approved the transportation tax three times, beginning in 1996.

The language people have questioned includes unidentified “high priority transportation improvements,” and “other shared funding projects.

”Parking improvements for economic development priorities showed up on the 2000 ballot and street and parking were included as high priority transportation investments in 2004.

This year’s ballot language does not specify parking, but includes “other shared funding projects with county, state, federal, and developers to advance high-priority transportation projects,” which are identified in the bill as, “related to economic development and quality of life enhancements.”

Springfield’s Director of Public Information, Louise Whall, offered insight regarding the general language of the bill and ballot.

“We can’t predict with certainty whether any new opportunities or challenges will present themselves over the four-year period, i.e., a developer proposes a major retail center that needs additional infrastructure and asks for public-private cost-share or MoDOT‘s schedule changes and a project develops that could be a cost-share,” she said.

The transportation tax was used, in part, to fund the College Station and Heer’s Car Parks. According to Whall,the combined amount used from the transportation tax to build the parking garages was $2,836,950.

Community Free Press correction:

"The city budget story (it was actually my CouncilNotes column) in the May 21 issue stated that Springfield's 1/8-cent tax would elapse in August. According to Louise Whall, director of public information for Springfield, "If voters renew it, the new 1/8-cent would start on April 1, 2009. If it is not renewed, it would expire on March 31, 2009. And it remains 1/8 cent during that whole period, so there's no double taxation in the overlap. The ballot issues are put on the ballot well before the effective date to allow the time for the state certification of the results."

I had written that the tax would elapse in August, 2009. That was incorrect and so it was corrected.

I also received the further information about the tax that "the City used $645,000 of 1/8-cent money toward design costs as a cost-share with MoDOT, but no 1/8-cent money for construction," on 266, or Airport Blvd., from Public Information Director Louise Whall.

The use of the tax for the parking garages and Airport Blvd., were approved as uses under the broad (and some say, subjective) language of the previous bills for earlier passage of the tax.

Now, for my personal comments, which, it should be noted are my comments and not affiliated in any way with CFP's stance on the issue, which I do not know and have not discussed with anyone there beyond relaying my reasons for feeling it was important to note the broad, and in my opinion (and others), subjective language of the accompanying documents to the bill. That reason was that voters should have a more encompassing understanding of what they would be supporting if they vote in favor of renewing the tax.

Beyond the projects listed on the ballot as "included" on the list of projects the city plans to undertake, if the tax is renewed, voters are also voting to support administrative opinion regarding what are priority projects for Springfield, and, it should be noted the administrative staff would, likely, tell voters they based those previous decisions, in turn, on past, citizen input.

Previous decisions have included the administrative decision to use $2,836,950 to build parking garages and $645,000 toward design costs for Airport Blvd., as a cost share with MoDOT.

I don't have a personal problem with voters approving such uses of the 1/8-cent transportation sales tax revenue, so long as they understand, completely, the possible uses and how those uses are determined as priority projects for the voters.

Voters will have to weigh whether the projects they want to see implemented are being fairly determined, administratively, by city staff and whether the projects included in the ballot are important enough to outweigh any misgivings one might have about giving city staff license to administratively determine priority cost share projects with private developers and other government entities who are also "leveraging" tax payers' dollars to pay the costs of those projects.

Whatever voters decide, it's certain, they'll pay for it.

Life of Jason Interviews City Manager Candidates

Jason at Life Of Jason blog is doing email interviews with the City Manager candidates. He has two of them up so far. Good questions and interesting responses.

Excerpts, spotlighting one of the questions he posed to the candidates, with links to the first two email interviews:

Q & A: City Manager Candidate Greg Burris

LoJ Question:

4. How would you make your office accessible to the public and transparent on decision making?

I believe in the chain of command. While I consider myself accessible to the University community in my current position, I try to direct complaints to the lowest level in the organization able to solve the problem. I can’t solve all of the University’s problems myself . . . and if selected to be the City Manager, I won’t be able to personally solve all of the City’s problems, either.

My operating style tends to be transparent in the delivery of the solution, but the staff needs to be able to collect data, evaluate options, and determine the best points along the way to collect public input. I’m a big proponent of citizen advisory groups. In effect, I believe most citizens want the City to run like an efficient service business, and a careful balance must be achieved between operating efficiently and having to explain everything you’re doing to someone looking over your shoulder.

In the spirit of openness and transparency, I invite anyone to contact members of the University that they know and ask them about me. Ask what type of City Manager I would make. Most members of the University community will have an opinion about me, whether positive or negative.*

Q & A : City Manager Candidate Kent A. Myers

LoJ Question:

4. How would you make your office accessible to the public and transparent on decision making?

First of all, I think that it is important that my office create an environment of full accessibility to the public and I want all citizens to feel welcome and comfortable contacting or visiting my office at any time. I have always tried to set a positive example for the entire city organization with regard to public accessibility. I practice an “open door” policy in dealing with the public. I make it a practice to respond to phone calls, e-mails and letters on a timely basis. In contacting my office, I want to hear citizen concerns and complaints but I also want to hear their ideas and suggestions on how the city can progress and do our jobs better.

I have found that the public often times does not want to stop by City Hall to voice their concerns or offer their input. Therefore, in order to be effective in dealing with the public and get them involved with their city government, I have to get out of my office on a regular basis. If I am hired for the City Manager position in Springfield, you will see me out in the community attending meetings and special events and getting involved in a number of civic and professional organizations. In Hot Springs, for example, I have used community coffees and brown bag lunches as efforts to reach out to the community. I want to stay in touch with the needs and interests of the community in any way that I can.

Finally, I commit to working with the Public Information Officer to communicate to the public about any important activity or project involving their city government. I currently utilize such things as monthly radio shows, bi-monthly cable television programs, quarterly citizen newsletter and other ways to get our message out and be as transparent as possible.*

Update: Jason @ Life Of Jason has added Larry Stevens answers to his email interview questions:

Q & A : City Manager Candidate Larry Stevens

LoJ Question:

4. How would you make your office accessible to the public and transparent on decision making?

Transparency and openess is an emphasis of our city government in Edmond. About five years I created a seperate small department to coordinate and enhance our communication with the citizens we exist to serve. Extensive communication in a variety of forms would be a priority.*

Read more.

*"The author (Jason) gives permission for electronic, print or broadcast media to use information from any posting ONLY if a link to this blog site is provided and printed identification of the location of the information provided or the full web address of the site, www.lifeofjason.com, is mentioned as the source of the information."

I was just kidding about sexism in the Missouri Governor's race

...but

I've been thinking about a recent comment at this post:

"...I stand by my post, anyway. They're both (Hulshof and Steelman) fiscal twits. How she became treasurer is beyond me, unless it's that pretty face of hers."

I was just joking around when I wrote the above referenced post, Hulshof needs to stop negative attacks against Minority Candidate but in light of that comment and the "Our Voice" column in the News-Leader today, I think perhaps it does need to be addressed more seriously.

The idea that it might be Steelman's "pretty face" that got her the job as treasurer didn't set well with me, even though I'm not someone you'd traditionally use as an example of a feminist.

For the record, I'm not a very big fan of political correctness. I like analysis based on fact a lot better than political correctness and I don't claim to be a highly savvy political analyst. It should also be noted that my attention is not as focused on state and national politics as it is on local government issues, but when a man gets a job for which he is perceived as unqualified, either rightly or wrongly, might it be that he got it because of his "pretty face?"

Or, did he, perhaps, "sleep his way to the top?"

The News-Leader's "Our Voice" column today reads:

"Steelman's problem has its roots in her take-no-prisoners style."

While Hulshof:

"...opposes big government, understands agricultural and crime issues and is willing to take a tough stand for what he thinks is right."

When Steelman fails to have a plan for tackling every issue, the "Our Voice" column insinuates that she's against having a vision at all:

"...our biggest problem comes with her lack of vision.

It's more an anti-vision"

"Our voice," on Hulshof's lack of vision on certain issues? Let's give him the benefit of the doubt because he's more *diplomatic* than Steelman?:

"He has sidestepped -- to some degree -- questions on health care for the uninsured, an overburdened Public Defender's Office and the future of higher education funding in the state.

He said he will be fine-tuning his thoughts on some of those issues -- especially health care -- in coming weeks, if he wins the primary.

We hope he does."

Apparently, there's no such "hope" for Steelman.

I was joking when I asked, "What does he have against a woman Governor?"

Now, I wonder if the issue doesn't deserve a bit more serious handling than that.

I'm not super sensitive in regards to looking for examples of "glass ceilings," as they apply to women, but the commenter on the post I referenced above laid out some statistics regarding my use of the term "minority" in my original, referenced post. I have no reason to question his facts:

"...according to the last census, in 2002, 51 percent of the population of the U.S. are female. Males outnumber females 105 to 100 up until age 29. In age groups from 30 on up females outnumber males."

But, I think a more pertinent question, however, might be, what is the male to female ratio of registered voters in the country?

...and, of course, I don't hold the commenter responsible for the way the editorial board of the News-Leader treated Steelman as opposed to Hulshof in todays "Our Voice," column, but I do wonder when was the last time he suggested that a male political office holder might have got his job because of his "pretty face?"

It's being rumored that the Republican establishment supports Hulshof. I wonder if, like the News-Leader's editorial board, they like Hulshof's approach better than Steelman's.

My interest is less in who the News-Leader's editorial board endorses than who the voters endorse. The News-Leader's editorial board simply seeks to influence the voters.

Is the consensus thought of the people who will be represented by either Hulshof or Steelman that there be more diplomacy when dealing with issues in our state government?

Perhaps Hulshof speaks softly but carries a big stick, I don't pretend to know.

Steelman's voice, which seems to be playing well among voters, might actually be her big stick.

I'm thinking voters might choose that "take-no-prisoner's style" voice, a voice that seems to be promising to speak with and for the voters rather than a voice speaking down to voters after reaching consensus with other politicians.

The primary vote will establish what the people want.

I hope, whichever candidate the voters choose, the Republican establishment will accept the winner diplomatically.

Hulshof needs to stop negative attacks against Minority Candidate

I am really tired of all the negative attacks Kenny Hulshof is making against Sarah Steelman for running negative ads against him.

Shouldn't he be talking about his plans for Missouri!?

Negative, negative, negative. He should be ashamed of himself. What does he have against a woman Governor?

;)

Steelman was on KSGF this morning

Hulshof will be on in the morning

Jo Mannies at Political Fix noted that Sarah Steelman will spend Wednesday morning with radio host Glen Beck, so I thought it was worth noting that she was interviewed in Springfield this morning by Vince Jericho on KSGF. Listen to the podcast.

In the morning, 6-9 am, Jericho will interview Kenny Hulshof. If you miss it, you can always catch the podcast later, access it through KSGF's Web site.

Introducing: JackeHammer's "Bullwinkle" Award

Since this is the first "Bullwinkle" Award JackeHammer has issued I want to explain from whence the term Bullwinkle comes. I'm not referring to the moose.

Furniture Factory Outlet in Springfield used to have a couple who did their commercial spots. "Earl" passed away some years ago but my favorite Earl and Edna commercial was the one in which they were behind some kind of hill, presumably in a flower garden and, I think Edna, had some gardening tools in hand. Earl, who always had trouble with names and the English language and got words confused, identified some unseen flowers as "bullwinkles." He might have meant periwinkles, who knows?

Anyway, my first Bullwinkle Award goes to Michael Savage for inadvertantly raising autism awareness. A lot of folks have spent a great deal of time discussing autism due to some controversial remarks Savage recently made on his nationally syndicated radio program, "The Savage Nation." Many of these people might not have had an opportunity to raise the issue in a public forum if not for Savage's insensitive comments.

The News-Leader has their roses and thorns. I want to stay as positive as possible, here at JackeHammer, so I only have my "bullwinkles."

Related: Apparently, much of this debate was spawned due to a research paper from 2006, written by Paul T. Shattuck, PhD of the Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin: "The Contribution of Diagnostic Substitution to the Growing Administrative Prevalence of Autism in US Special Education

More: An erratum has been published to the above Shattuck, PhD study, in the interest of disclosure I thought the link should be posted here.

More related: RealClearPolitics - Thomas Sowell - Crusades Versus Caution

Does Consistency at Council Meetings Matter?

Yes, even more than I thought

Apparently, I stirred up a hornet's nest with my most recent "Council Note's" column in Community Free Press and this blog posting.

Some have questioned whether I took two completely different, unrelated segments of a Council meeting, one in which it is appropriate to honor people with applause and one in which it is inappropriate to honor people with applause and compared them.

For clarification, all the cases of applause my critic(s) have considered have occurred during the course of a convened Council meeting.

In the instance I wrote about, roll call had been taken and the interim City Manager was giving the City Manager's report, after the meeting had begun, when she asked the Council if they would care to join her in applause for Mayor Pro Tem Deaver. The Council's accommodation set off the applause of the public who were in attendance at that June 30 meeting.

Mayor Carlson has asked the public not to applaud anything recently. Mayor Carlson has even threatened to have people removed from the chamber for doing so.

Here are some further facts that readers, and critics, might find pertinent:

The City's Municipal Code does not distinguish that during certain periods of convened Council meetings applause is either appropriate or inappropriate.

Sec. 2-45. Decorum.

(a) Councilmembers. While the city council is in session, the members shall preserve order and decorum, and no member shall, by conversation or otherwise, delay or interrupt the proceedings or the peace of the council, or disturb any member while speaking, or refuse to obey the orders of the council or its mayor, except as otherwise provided in this article.
(b) Other persons. No person shall make personal, impertinent or slanderous remarks, or otherwise disturb the order and decorum of any council meeting. The sergeant-at-arms, at the direction of the mayor, shall remove any person violating the provisions of this subsection (b).
(c) Signs and displays. No person shall carry or display a sign inside the city council chambers or any other similar type of written communication which is carried or displayed, except nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from using visual materials when presenting a matter to the city council. The city council hereby determines that signs or displays in the council chambers may obstruct the view of citizens, can cause injury and affect the decorum of city council meetings, and are hereby prohibited for such reasons. The sergeant-at-arms shall inform citizens when signs or displays violate this section and shall remove the signs
or displays from the council chambers or may cause citizens carrying such signs or displays to be removed from the council chambers.
(Code 1981, § 2-15)

What the City's Municipal Code does clearly establish is that the presiding officer of the City Council is the Mayor:

Sec. 2-34. Presiding officer.

The presiding officer of the city council shall be the mayor, or in his absence the mayor pro tempore. The presiding officer shall preserve strict order and decorum at all regular and special meetings of the council.

The presiding officer is Mayor Carlson and the Council's presiding officer is on record, during the course of a convened, public, City Council meeting as having established a rule of decorum that people not applaud anything:

"“Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, we would request that you not applause anything. We require decorum in the Council Chambers.” - Mayor Carlson, December, 2007

I have not asked the readers of CFP to consider this a grave issue, I simply spotlighted it.

It was not my idea to establish a rule that people not applaud anything during the course of a City Council meeting. It was the presiding officer of the City Council who established that during a convened, public meeting of the Council.

Apparently, the issue has mattered more to some of my readers than I ever thought it would, hence: It is my opinion, that the interest this most current column inspired makes it that much more important that the presiding officer make every effort to see that the rules he has set forth as pertaining to decorum and the appropriateness of applause during the course of a convened meeting should be practiced consistently during the course of convened, public Council meetings.

I'm happy to answer reader's questions

I received the following query today regarding my Council column in the new issue of Community Free Press:

"Mrs. Melton:

I noticed in today's edition of the Community Free Press' "City Council Notes" section you wrote about Interim City Manager Evelyn Honea leading a round of applause for Councilman Gary Deaver for winning the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Springfield Rotary Club. In your piece, you wrote about Mayor Carlson taking issue with outbursts from those in attendance without mentioning at all the times other people from the community have been saluted and applauded such as city staff who have received recognition and at the most recent meeting a Boy Scout who was in attendance.

I was wondering why you didn't feel it was in the interest of your readers to give them all of the facts."

----end email----

First of all, let me just note that I feel it is in the interest of my readers to have all the facts, I hope in the links and supplemental information I offer and CFP offers they will be able to access "all of the facts." I give readers the facts that I feel are pertinent on any given issue. Truth be known, I am given a word count of 550 words for my "Council Notes" column, which appears in every issue of the Community Free Press.

At issue, in my mind, in the column cited by the writer of the email above, was not whether it was Deaver as opposed to a boy scout or another member of City staff who received applause, it was, rather, an issue of whether the rules of decorum are equally observed. It is a fact that:

"On several occasions in the recent past, Mayor Carlson has demanded the public observe strict rules of decorum in Council chambers, even threatening their removal from the chambers if they are not observed."

It is up to the reader to decide whether it should be an issue as to whether the City staff and Council observe the same rules of decorum they demand of the public who attend the Council meetings. It is of no consequence whether it is Mayor Pro Tem Deaver who is receiving the applause or a boy scout, it just so happens that in this instance it was Mayor Pro Tem Deaver who received the applause.

This column was turned in before a boy scout was applauded at the City Council meeting of July 14, again, the applause, in this case, was not challenged by anyone on the Council. It so happens, that at the moment that applause took place Mayor Carlson was not in attendance, as he arrived late to the meeting this past Monday night.

My column could have just as easily cited applause for a boy scout as applause for Mayor Pro Tem Deaver, had it been a boy scout who was applauded at the June 30 Council meeting, which is the meeting this column covered.

As far as including "all the facts," ask any reporter if they are able to include every fact of every issue they cover. I recently mentioned Wes Johnson of the News-Leader not including information about a resolution here, not to disrespect or question Mr. Johnson, who I happen to have a great deal of respect for, but because I thought it was worth noting.

Every Council column I write requires I make choices about what I think the public might find important or interesting because I am only allowed a certain amount of space to cover the previous meeting and there is not room to include every issue and every word that is exchanged during any given meeting in the space I am allowed for my column. This issue's column is no different from any other in that regard. For whatever reason, the Community Free Press trusts my judgment on the making of those choices and I am honored that they do so and have given me the opportunity to write a regular column for their paper, for which I have the utmost respect.

I appreciate, also, the writer of the email for being interested in my choices and decisions and appreciate everyone who reads my column, as, I'm sure, does CFP.

I'm always open for suggestion. My email address can be found under my profile and I would also encourage any one who has a question or comment to write a letter to the editor at the Community Free Press.

New issue of CFP hits the Web and the stands!

The new issue of Community Free Press is on the Web and in the stands!

Top story: "City Seeks Possession of Skatepark; Contention between Adams and Weatherman causes breakdown of mediation and prompts legal action."

The Council column I turned in touches on how renewal of the CIP tax was approved by voters with the Commercial Street streetscape project listed as a new priority project just before Council approved Commercial Street's designation as a TIF district. Tax increment financing could have covered this cost but it isn't needed, voters already approved capital improvement revenue for the project, read more....

Brian Brown completed: JUSTICE DELAYED PART 2 OF 3; ‘Systemic’ Problem Faces County Justice, a very interesting read. Part 1 of 3 can be read in the July 2 issue, "Justice Here is Justice Delayed; A shortage of judges and defenders compounds the county docket overload."

Bob Mace is teetering on "The Edge" again in "Short-Circuited?"

...and there's a whole lot more, including Managing Editor Mert Seaton's announcement of his brand new family member, Lucy Ann, in "Random Thoughts While on Baby Leave."

CONGRATULATIONS MERT!!!

For an interesting editorial take on the City's, apparent, desire to take over the Springfield Skatepark, I'd direct you to Stu Soloman's blog, "Stu's Potluck."

Recommended reading 27: Judicial Selection Systems

From: Show-Me Institute:

Is the 'Missouri Plan' Good for Missouri?

"Recent judicial appointments in Missouri have intensified calls for reform of Missouri’s judicial selection process. While these debates can seem like mere partisan bickering, judicial independence is critical to a well-functioning legal system, which is an important factor in economic growth. Research has found that judicial independence and legal system quality matter for economic growth, and that the outcomes of a state’s legal system depend in part on how its judges are selected. Although the General Assembly decided not to pursue legislation that might alter the “Missouri Plan” during this past legislative session, the quality of the state’s legal system and its potential effect on economic growth is an issue worthy of ongoing attention...."

Find out the results of a study of judicial selection systems, undertaken by Joshua Hall who is an assistant professor of economics at Beloit College and Russell S. Sobel, professor of economics and Distinguished Chair in the Department of Economics at West Virginia, at the link above.

You can also access the full study and a four page policy briefing here.

From the briefing:

"Our analysis finds no other method of selection resulting in average scores or rankings that are statistically higher than Missouri’s current system."

In the interest of including all the facts: Council Bills 2008-208, 209

In, "Council to consider tax breaks for BKD building," The Springfield News-Leader's Wes Johnson wrote:

"The council will consider giving several tax breaks to facilitate a $21.5 million industrial revenue bond for the 109,600-square-foot BKD headquarters building at 910 St. Louis St.

The site currently is a parking lot owned by John Q. Hammons, just south of the Jordan Valley Car Park.

Tonight's discussion is a first reading of the proposal, and the public will have an opportunity to speak about it. A final vote is likely within two weeks."

Johnson was writing about, one must assume, Council Bill 2008-208.

However, the Resolution, Council Bill 2008-209, will be read tonight and, as a Resolution, only requires one reading. Citizens may speak but the Council may, and most likely will vote tonight, either for or against approval of the City acting as necessary to issue its Industrial Development Revenue Bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $21.5 million to finance the costs of Opus' building of the "BKD" office building.

If the Council approves the Resolution, the City will become the owners of the property and will lease it to Opus, with Opus having an option to buy the property and its improvements. You can read the terms for yourself under both bills.

Johnson failed to note that, so I thought I would.

The original agreement Council approved, which was negotiated with Hammons on the former arena site/parking garage, stipulated that Hammons would sell the property, which Hammons owned and is currently a parking lot, to Opus for the purpose of developing an office building which would be leased, in part, to BKD.

Council approved the option of the bond issuance as a part of the authorization they gave the City to negotiate a development agreement with Opus on June 30. Whether they realized the option of a City ownership, finance and City bond issuance was approved because of the City's inclusion of RSMo Chapter 100 being cited or not, I do not know. I haven't taken the time to find out yet.

16. RESOLUTIONS. CITIZENS MAY SPEAK. MAY BE VOTED ON.

17. COUNCIL BILL 2008-209. (Carlson)A resolution approving a plan for an Industrial Development Project for 910 Springfield, L.L.C., and determining the official intent of the City of Springfield, Missouri, to issue its Industrial Development Revenue Bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $21,500,000 to finance the costs of such project

Religious Debate

Don't quarrel about words; it is of no value

A couple of interesting "my voice" columns in the News-Leader this morning:

Politicians may want preachers with safe message, written by Tim Carson, senior minister of University Christian Church, Fort Worth, Texas.

And:

Bible shows everything occurs as result of God's direction, permission, written by A. Wilson Phillips, senior pastor of Abundant Life Covenant Church in Springfield.

Certainly, the comments are revealing.

I don't think God needs me to defend Him, per se, I think He wants me to choose Him, to love Him, to be obedient to Him and to share Him.

Some of the comments, posted with the above articles, in my opinion, border on cyber-bullying. People who are trying their darnedest, for their own wide-ranging reasons, to make Christians think they're stupid for having faith in God.

Faith is what it is. I have faith in God and I have made my choice, others will make theirs.

The Bible doesn't promise everyone will love Christians who practice their faith and are vocal about it, and in fact, warns us against arguing about words.

I don't think much of the argument that, "because you don't believe the same way I do, you are therefore stupid," coming from anyone.

Closed-mindedness is not synonymous with Christianity and, likewise, open-mindedness is not synonymous with people who don't have faith and practice it in the same way I do.

For those who DO like to argue about it and think it is their place to defend God or their faith, here's a scripture for you to think about:

2 Timothy 1:12

"That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."

From the archives of JackeHammer:

Defending the Faith from Political Attack.

"...I realized... that the Bible is as divisive today as it has always been. The Bible does not tolerate sin. The Bible tells us how God feels about sin. We either accept the Word of God as true, as useful for instruction, as the "anchor and foundation of any true Church," or we do not.

"Of necessity, if one does not believe in an inerrant Bible and consider it the guidebook for the Christian life it separates him from the one who does believe in an inerrant Bible, from the one who does consider it the guidebook for the Christian life. It is not "Conservative" (or evangelical) Christians who are intolerant of sin and it's practice, it is GOD who is intolerant of sin and its practice. The Holy Bible is intolerant of sin and it is still the lightening rod of controversy which it has been since early Christians first shared it with unbelievers.

"When Christians politically attack each other they do not attack each other so much as they attack the precepts and tenets of the Bible. The same Bible which Martin Luther was "conquered" by when he said "my conscience is bound in the Word of God," We would all do well to remember our "anchor and foundation.""

What are you doing here, Jacke? (Revisited)

A Workman Approved by God
(2 Timothy 2)

"Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to dowith foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. - 2 Timothy 2

Council Bill 2008-212

Item 36. COUNCIL BILL 2008-212.

(The details given regarding this bill are by no means the complete bill. I recommend you read the full 27 page document, linked above, for a complete understanding. The following facts are summarized in some cases, quoted in others and are only excerpts. The emphasis added is mine)

"(Carlson)A special ordinance amending the rules and regulations of the Small Business Development Loan Program and the Comprehensive Housing Assistance Program to provide for a Pilot Business Incentive Program and to make minor updates to the overall regulation. (Staff recommends approval.)"

Uh huh. Minor updates.

The Urban District Alliance is sponsoring the "Microenterprise Loan Pilot Program." This bill is a first reading consent agenda bill. As one of the minor updates, the bill strikes these ineligible activities, which are currently ineligible as uses of Small Business Loans:

1. Working Capital
2. Inventory
3. Training of Employees
4. Other costs determined ineligible by the Loan Committee

Added eligible activities, under the "Microenterprise Loan Pilot Program," will be:

1. Working Capital;
2. Merchandise inventory;
3. Equipment
4. Furninture and fixtures;
5. Infill improvements;
6. Other start-up costs

Microenterprise, according to the bill, "means a business having five or fewer employees, one or more of whom owns the business. Microenterprises are for-profit businesses."

Eligible Applicants:

"Due to the early stages of Commercial Street's redevelopment, eligible applicants will not only include retail businesses but any other new and expanding type of business outlined in the Commercial Street "Strategy for Success" accepted by City Council in August of 2005."

Eligible Project Areas:

"Eligible target areas for the Microenterprise program are (1) Boonville Avenue Corridor; (2) Center City; (3) Commercial Street Historic District; and (4) Walnut Street Conservation District; all shown on Exhibit A."

Interest rate for the loans is 5 percent per annum.

Oh, get this:

Maximum Loan Amount:

"shall be $25,000 to eligible businesses. Maximum loan amount may be reviewed, changed or increased in future years."

Personally, I'm wondering if there will be enough Council members to pass this with a majority, considering how many of them may need to abstain?

Update: I should have noted that bill 2008-212 is a first reading consent agenda bill. Usually, Mayor Carlson will ask if anyone on the Council wants anything removed from the consent agenda. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. After he asks the Council, he will ask if anyone in the public would like to have something removed from the consent agenda, if he gets no response, he will ask the City Clerk if she has had any requests that something be removed from the consent agenda. I've never seen anyone from the public ask to have something removed from the consent agenda, but if you would like to address this first reading bill, you could probably let Ms. Cirtin know before the meeting, and perhaps turn in a card that you'd like to speak to it at the same time. Then, that should give you an opening to address the Council....IF you want to. :) -- Jackie

Did you see this coming?

15. COUNCIL BILL 2008-208.

"The City Council approved a Development Agreement ("Development Agreement") between the City and 910 Springfield, L.L.C. ("Opus"), on June 30, 2008. The Development Agreement obligates the City to provide tax abatement* to the land to be purchased, and the office building to be constructed, by Opus pursuant to the Development Agreement. The Developer has requested tax abatement* in the form of issuance of Industrial Development Bonds pursuant to Chapter 100, RSMo("Chapter 100") as authorized* in the Development Agreement.

"Pursuant to Chapter 100, the land and improvements to be constructed by Opus will be owned by the City and leased to Opus. As a result of the City's ownership of the Project, the site will be exempt from payment of real property taxes.* The project is expected to cost $21,500,000* and bonds will be issued in that amount to fund the acquisition and construction of the project. Opus will purchase the bonds. Principal and interest on the bonds will be paid solely with revenue derived from rent payments under the lease agreement between the City and Opus."

My collegue, Stu, over at Stu's Potluck was wondering today why that Hammon's Agreement was made an "emergency bill" at the June 30, Council meeting, I think he might have just got his answer.

*all emphasis, mine

Update: Companion, item 17. COUNCIL BILL 2008-209.

"WHEREAS, 910 Springfield, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the "Company"), has requested that the City (i) approve a plan for a project for the building for use as office industry located at 910 St. Louis Street in the City of Springfield, Missouri (the "Project"), (ii) issue its industrial develoment revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $21,500,000 to provide funds to pay the costs of the Project, and (iii) lease the Project to the Company with an option to purchase the Project, for the purpose of financing the costs of the Project, all in accordance with and pursuant to the Act; and..."

This bill is a resolution, meaning it only requires one reading for the Council to find and determine:

"...that the Project will promote the economic welfare and the development of the City...,"

among other things. Read it for yourself.

Recommended Reading 26: A "Rocket Graveyard," Suzi Brozman

Yesterday, I read James Regions' letter in the Springfield News-Leader and I found some of the comments to that letter very disturbing.

As a continuance to "Recommended Readings, 20-22 and 23," I wanted to update with Suzi's new installment on the Israel story she is writing, since her recent, first trip to Israel.

I thought it was particularly timely after the publication of Mr. Regions letter.

Excerpts, (use the link to read the entire, riveting article).

COVER: A 'Rocket Graveyard'
Dealing with attacks in southern Israel

Suzi Brozman
Staff Writer

"...Surrounded by enemies, Israel cannot afford to relax its vigilance for an instant. For that reason, every inch of the border with Gaza is under constant scrutiny, both live and on camera. At the base, a command room filled with computer monitors is staffed by young women, members of the IDF. Each monitor scans a particular area of the terrain separating Israelis and Gazans, showing pictures broadcast from a network of cameras stationed along the borders trying to detect every movement, every possible terror attempt....

"The process is not foolproof, but it is effective. We were shown tapes of incidents where terrorists were caught trying to cross the border. We also saw times when they weren't stopped. Botched incidents are studied carefully to learn how to recognize the next attempt.

"A commanding officer briefed us on the situation. Twenty settlements are in the area. The 12 nearest the fence are the least secure. Two weeks before our visit a major truck bomb reached settlements inside Israel. The officer warned us that Hamas has been strengthening its positions and issuing more dangerous, upgraded threats in recent days. Missiles, he said, are the main threat now, and they are harder to deal with than terrorists whose movements are easier to follow, though there are daily attempts to cross the border fence, and there are nightly sniper attacks. Terrorists try to cross on the ground by cutting the fence or underground through tunnels. This is how Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was kidnapped...."

Recommended Reading 25: Alternative Autism Treatments

Fringe autism treatment could get federal study

The "fringe" treatment, referred to, is chelation.

Interesting read.

It seemed a little boring in the blogosphere to me, so I whipped up a little something...

...sorry, I had to use energy by having the power turned on to my computer to do so. Hey! I coulda been out drivin' my evil CAR!?!

It seems that Joshua Wolf and Robert Salo of Royal Children's Hospital, in Melbourne Australia have recently reported that:

"A 17-year-old man was referred to the inpatient psychiatric unit at Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne with an eight-month history of depressed mood . . . He also . . . had visions of apocalyptic events."

and that:

"The patient had also developed the belief that, due to climate change, his own water consumption could lead within days to the deaths of millions of people through exhaustion of water supplies."

Read more about it here, though some of the comments are a bit nasty, if you ask me.

April 16, 2007, Darragh Johnson of the Washington Post wrote about a 9 year old boy named Alex Hendel and the effects that discussions about global warming and/or climate change can have on children who have been led to believe, in many cases, that we're headed for epic destruction brought on by people who consume too much gas, drink too much water or own too many farting cows:

""In 20 years," he pronounces, "there's no oxygen." Then, to dramatize the point, he collapses, "dead," to the floor.

"For many children and young adults, global warming is the atomic bomb of today. Fears of an environmental crisis are defining their generation in ways that the Depression, World War II, Vietnam and the Cold War's lingering "War Games" etched souls in the 20th century.

"Parents say they're searching for "productive" outlets for their 8-year-olds' obsessions with dying polar bears. Teachers say enrollment in high school and college environmental studies classes is doubling year after year. And psychologists say they're seeing an increasing number of young patients preoccupied by a climactic Armageddon."

March 19, 2007:

"Half of young children are anxious about the effects of global warming, often losing sleep because of their concern, according to a new report today.

A survey of 1,150 youngsters aged between seven and 11 found that one in four blamed politicians for the problems of climate change."

Hmmm. Maybe it IS politicians who are to blame for all that global warming, hot air. Those 1,150 "youngsters" may have been on to something.

The report above was used to try to shame people into realizing that global warming wasn't just effecting the children of the future but was also effecting the welfare of the children of today:

"The most feared consequences of global warming included poor health, the possible submergence of entire countries and the welfare of animals."

Haven't had enough yet? June 10, 2007, Green Living Tips Weblog posted this:

"A report released by the Australian Childhood Foundation today brings to light some very disturbing fears held by many of the 600 children aged between 10-14 years surveyed.

Other key findings:

• Over half are scared that there will be a lack of water in the future
• 44% of children are worried about climate change
• 43% of children are worried about air and water pollution

What is disturbing to me is that the Green Living Tips Web blog uses the fear indoctrinated into children as a reason for adults to react:

"25% of children recently surveyed believe the world will end before they reach adulthood. If that's not a wake up call for the wider community about our environment, I don't know what is."

Children did not get so obsessed and psychotic about climate change that they can't sleep at night and believe the world will end before they reach adulthood on their own. Someone taught them to live with this level of fear, someone with another motive. I think it's sick, myself.


I believe in good stewardship of the planet and in saving money by conserving energy.

It just makes good hillbilly common sense.

I just think it's unconscionable to use children as a tool by instilling such fear in them in an effort to cause parents and other adults to do what extremist environmentalists want them to do, "for the children."

Recommended Reading 24: Hussein's nuclear program

ABC News: U.S. Secretly Removes Saddam Yellowcake Stash

Hat tip: Larry Litle, Simple Thoughts of a Complex Mind

Some thoughts on Independence Day

“If once the people become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judges and Governors, shall all become wolves. It seems to be the law of our general nature, in spite of individual exceptions.” - Thomas Jefferson

About 3 1/2 - 4 years ago, I loaned a book to my former Sunday School teacher. That book was Watchman Nee's, Love Not The World. I never got the book back.

Today, as I was looking at some quotes that might be suitable to post on this Independence Day, the Jefferson quote, above, reminded me of that book and a particular passage of the book that particularly struck me.

Nee explained that, while many institutions are founded on lofty standards and have their roots in good and doing good, that left to their own devices and, without a righteous leader as their head, will fall into decline. The righteous root will decay without the proper visionary.

That idea, or truth, is why the leaders we choose to represent us is so important and always will be important.


Nee: Chapter 2:

"Most of the historic university colleges of the West were founded by Christian men with a desire to provide their fellows with a good education under Christian influence. During their founders' lifetimes the tone of those foundations was high, because these men put real spiritual content into them. When, however, the men themselves passed away, the spiritual control passed away too, and education followed its inevitable course toward the world of materialism and away from God. In some cases it may have taken a long time, for religious tradition dies hard; but the tendency has always been obvious, and in most cases the destination has by now been reached. When material things are under spiritual control they fulfill their proper subordinate role. Released from that restraint they manifest very quickly the power that lies behind them. The law of their nature asserts itself, and their worldly character is proved by the course they take."

Nee: Chapter 5:

"Christian civilization proves that it can mix with the world, and may even be found taking the world's side in a crisis. There is one thing, however, that is eternally apart from the world and can never mix with it, and that is the life of Christ. Their natures are mutually antagonistic and cannot be reconciled....

(Believers) "...Created distinct from the world, we accept with joy the fact that God has placed us in it. That distinctiveness, our gift from God in Christ, is all the safeguard we need."

Today, I celebrate America and it's independence but I am mindful of the independence a Christian believer possesses. Independence from sin through the blood of Christ Jesus, independence from "the world" by God's calling us out of it.

Happy 4th of July!

Recommended Reading 23: Revisiting Brozman, on Israel

If you read the articles linked at JackeHammer under Recommended Readings 20-22, Topic: Brozman reports on Israel, the other day, but didn't read about Kubbutz, it is because it was omitted when it was first published at Atlanta JT Online. If you will click on The Rockets' Red Glare, again, Suzi wrote to tell me it has been corrected and you can now read the last of the article regarding Kibbutz. She also hinted she's working on part 2. More to come, then!

"Kibbutz Life

"After a full day of interviewing students from 5 through college age and teachers and professionals, we headed to Kibbutz Nahal Oz, where we were to spend the night with kibbutzniks right on the border with Gaza....."

JackeHammer Welcomes a New Local Blogger

Stu Solomon has joined the local Springfield blogosphere with his new blog: Stu's Potluck

Check it out for yourself and you can find him in the blog list on my sidebar anytime.

Hives, Iced tea, my Step-Sister Brenda, Anniversaries, the Pools, Gas Surcharges, Rising Costs of Everything, Humor, a Friend, Scooter and Spike

Okay, I need a diversion for a little while before my head explodes.

At least tonight the hives are at bay. I've been getting hives a lot. Some people tell me they are caused by stress, I'm not entirely convinced that they are.

Some of the Web sites and herbal books I've looked at claim tea is a cause so I stopped drinking tea, just at the time of year I was really enjoying it. I still get hives anyway.

My step-sister got us one of those Mr. Coffee iced tea pots for a wedding present and I normally use it in the summer and store it in the winter. It celebrated it's 12th anniversary recently, stowed away under the counter.

Anyway, here's an issue that's been sort of bothering me, at least since I got my last trash service bill. There was a fuel charge of almost $12 added to it. I was thinking maybe I know how some of the restaurant owners in town feel about the gas surcharges they are paying, the rising cost of raw foods and now added fees for Health Department inspections that, as Tom Martz recently pointed out, are mandated by the government in the first place. Sure, my trash hauler is only charging $12 more, spread out over 3 months of service, but that's not the point. It's the principle of the matter.

My family has to pay more for groceries at the store, too. My family has to pay more for utility service (except last month was a nice break at under $90) and my family has to pay more for gasoline to get around town to take care of important business, too.

If someone else figures out how I can make someone else pay a gas surcharge to offset my cost of living increases, let me know.

In the meantime, tomorrow is Wednesday. The pools will be open all across town and poor, sweaty kids can cool off while their moms or grandmoms or baby sitters drink a glass of iced tea.

I'm thinking now would be a good time to have a sense of humor, not take everything so seriously and move over a bit for the other guy, another task that isn't always so easy.

I'm thinking I need a vacation. It's not like I have a lot to lose or anything.

Oh, one (two or three) more thing(s). My husband and I adopted a 4 year old Boston Terrier from a friend of ours. We just got him last Friday. His name is Scooter.

Scooter.

He's fitting in pretty well. Calming down a lot. He's a beautiful dog. Bostons can look so regal and he's a really nice looking Boston. He has his own blanket. He takes it with him to bed and covers up with it. A real cutey, that Scooter. He loves to play ball and he's nice to have around but we're still sort of adjusting to each other.

Scooter was a nickname I had for Spike, strangely enough. I called him scooter sometimes because he had this habit, silly thing, of scooting around on the floor. He'd even go in circles. I used to sing, "Will he go round in circles? Will he fly high like a bird up in the sky?" to him as he scooted around on the livingroom floor. He was a real ham. I also used to call him Boss Hogg a lot. He truly was the boss of this house and there was no question about him being a hog. :)

I was ready for another dog. I was really missing coming home to that greeting that only a dog can give and Scooter is a great greeter. I already love him.

Recommended Readings 20-22, Topic: Brozman reports on Israel

and her first visit there

Atlanta JT Online, brings us Suzi Brozman's: The Rockets' Red Glare

"We are loving people," one resident declared. "We educate our kids to live and to love, but it is difficult to live with neighbors who hate us."

Also included: The Littlest Victims

"These children tend to get chronic depression - their art lacks color and integration, showing apathy. When they let down their defenses and an attack happens, the reaction is intensified....

...It was jarring hearing 6-year-olds talk of their emotional needs and anxieties."

Want to read more about Suzi Brozman's experiences and first impression of Israel? Hello to Israel - Notes from a First-Time Visitor

A Couple of Associated Pet Peeves Belonging to an Individual

I realized today that I have an associated pet peeve that stands above most others, and it's a pet peeve that I have not been immune to engaging, myself. I've heard it said that the things we dislike the most in other people are things we recognize in ourselves and I think there is probably some truth in that and, because I think there is some truth in that, I am usually fairly cautious about denouncing the actions of people when I, myself, might engage in the same practice or might have engaged in it in the past. This peeve of mine, however, does more harm than its initial exercise, which might even be well founded.

I'll just focus it on myself and how I've used it in the past because it's a very common action, we all assume things. I work under the assumption that, as I gather facts, I gather more understanding about an issue. As I gather more understanding, based on facts, I tend to form opinions about things, whether that's right or wrong is a whole 'nuther issue, in itself, but it seems to be the nature of humanity. The facts will either point me to a conclusion in one direction or another direction. Until I have all the facts and feel I have an understanding about an issue I do my best not to form opinions about things I don't understand.

This translates, in my own life, as a writer, into the passionate exploration of issues or topics that I intend to write about and, at times, has the ability to slow me down because I'm waiting for other people to provide facts that I cannot move forward without. Without those facts I can't have understanding, without understanding, I, personally, don't feel I have any business forming an opinion or writing about something in the first place (I actually think I have a thing or two in common with Mayor Carlson, in that regard).

Often times, this attitude costs me money, and has the potential to frustrate editors, though mine is fairly easy going as long as I keep him updated.

The next issue of CFP will only have my standard City Council column in it because the article(s) I'm working on have hit numerous small snags in my ability to receive all the facts in time to turn it in on a deadline for the next issue. So, while I work harder on the next thing than I usually am required to do, in actuality, I'll be paid less and later for the hard work than if I'd chosen some uncomplicated subject to write about. Since I'm not a wealthy person to start with, I often find myself wondering why I do what I do - the answer is, because I think it's important and no, no one else has to agree with that opinion, by the way. I respect other people's rights to think my work sucks. :)

The pet peeve, therefore, might not necessarily be people who write things based on their assumed understanding of fact (because it might be very credible, depending on the amount of fact gathering in which the writer has engaged) but, sometimes, writers don't stop there, instead assuming what other people's reactions will be to their original assumptive opinion. This, generally, necessitates the writer casting a broad net and labeling a group of people into a large category. Once labeled, the writer will then assume (based on his/her assumption of understanding) the reaction he or she will receive regarding the original (potentially credible) opinion from this large, faceless group of people, and that brings me to the real pet peeve, alluded to above, when I wrote, "This peeve of mine, however, does more harm than its initial exercise, which might even be well founded."

The second peeve, linked to the first pet peeve of "understanding assumption," is the associated baiting of argument that arises out of this individual's labeling of a category of people. By assuming the reaction of that large, faceless group of people, the writer has baited an argument he or she assumes exists which might not have existed otherwise.

People who identify themselves as members of that large, faceless group of people, whether rightly or wrongly, feel they must defend themselves against what they perceive as an erroneous attack against what the member of the large, faceless group actually believes, and the defensive argument is all unnecessary without that original harbinger of assumption.

The best way I have found to deal with it is not to deal with it at all. Let the writer of assumptions languish in non-responsiveness to the crafty worm he or she has baited on their crafty little hook. That applies to whoever the writer happens to be, including myself. As I wrote above, I haven't been immune to labeling and categorizing individuals into a large, faceless group, myself, but hopefully, as I've thought about the fact that we're all individuals, each and every one, and gained a greater understanding of that fact, I won't do it in the future.

I don't like to be labeled and categorized into a large, faceless group and believe much of the "polarization" in America that some people concern themselves about stems from that action.

I'll continue to make every effort to treat individuals as the individuals they are, recognizing that every large, faceless group of people is made up of individuals, each with a separate and varying opinion on any given topic.

People are fascinating, aren't they? I'm not sure if this one made any sense or not.

"She's as Cold as Ice"

This afternoon, I am reminded of that song.

Remember that song?

'Nuff said.

Recommended Reading 19: City Council Records

A must read from the "Springfield News-Leader's" Sarah Overstreet:

Lights, camera, record

Park Central Square's New Sidewalk and Streetscape Design

Did you know you can view the Sidewalk/Streetscape plans for Park Central Square at Community Free Press' Web site? Click on the pictures for an enlarged view.

You can thank us later.

Letters of praise to the editor are always appreciated. :)

We work hard over there.

An update on a previous posting

In Tight-fisted City (and Councilman?) make it Difficult, I wrote:

CFP got a response, on June 18, from City Clerk Brenda Cirtin about the February 15 meeting referred to during the course of the February 1 meeting. The Administrative Assistant for the Committee was out of her office and unable to respond so I had forwarded my query to the City Clerk:

"I have checked our files and there was no meeting posted for the Compensation Package Sub-Committee on February 15." Ms. Cirtin wrote in an email.

Granted, my query specified a particular meeting in this instance, however, originally, I had requested all meeting minutes regarding the committee from Ms. Smith and there were no other meeting minutes beyond the February 1 meeting of the Compensation Package Sub-Committee included with those minutes.

Here's the update:

Upon further communication with City Clerk Brenda Cirtin it has come to my attention that the meeting was posted, but not as a Compensation Package Sub-Committee meeting, it was posted as a "Community Visioning Exercise," because of the way it was posted, it was missed by Ms. Cirtin. It was an unintended oversight on her part.

Ms. Cirtin was unaware of previous queries I had made to Sharon Smith of the City Manager's office and Sharon Smith was out of town when Ms. Cirtin, kindly, tried to assist me with an answer to my question regarding the February 15 meeting. It would be unfair of me to imply that Ms. Cirtin should have known of requests I had previously made to Ms. Smith and I felt that bore noting to readers here.

Recommended Reading 18: God Bless America

Kirby P. Nelson of Springfield wrote a reader letter to the "Springfield News-Leader" today that serves as a good reminder.

It isn't enough to complain, or as my Pastor put it this morning, too many people are becoming cynical and negative. Mr. Nelson reminds us there is reason for hope in, "Writer doesn't grasp principles."

I think my Pastor would be proud of Kirby.

Tight-fisted City (and Councilman?) make it Difficult

To provide depth, scope, and understanding on the part of the media, on the topics that they're covering? (see: Mayor Carlson: Excerpt from the State of the City Report)

In Salary ranges recommended for next city manager, Wes Johnson wrote for the Springfield News-Leader:

"Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver, who chairs the effort to find a new city manager, said the City Council and Arcus search firm can use the pay study to evaluate what to offer a prospective candidate.

"It's a benchmark tool they can use to understand what wages and compensation is in like-sized cities," Deaver said. "We want to be competitive, but not pay too much."

Though he agreed it was a public document, Deaver asked the News-Leader not to publish the subcommittee's pay-range study....*

He acknowledged the search committee and City Council weren't bound by the pay range included in the study."

Then, Johnson (and the News-Leader) provided the link to the City Manager Compensation Recommendations, I do not know if this is the actual "study" Deaver asked the News-Leader not to publish: Salary ranges recommended for next city manager.

I hope Mayor Carlson is proud of Mr. Johnson for providing such depth and scope, indeed, such understanding of the issue.

CFP requested meeting minutes from all of the City Manager Search Committee meetings and Sub-Committee meetings, including the Compensation Package Sub-Committee. Note was made that at the time of publication of CFP's (June 18) current issue:

"The minutes of the February 1 (Compensation Package Sub-Committee) meeting indicated there would be a "brainstorming meeting" held on February 15. Minutes to that meeting, if it took place, were not submitted to CFP and a response to a follow up request for that information did not come in time for inclusion in this publication." (see: Online Supplimentals to the Print Edition).

CFP got a response, on June 18, from City Clerk Brenda Cirtin about the February 15 meeting referred to during the course of the February 1 meeting. The Administrative Assistant for the Committee was out of her office and unable to respond so I had forwarded my query to the City Clerk:

"I have checked our files and there was no meeting posted for the Compensation Package Sub-Committee on February 15." Ms. Cirtin wrote in an email.

Granted, my query specified a particular meeting in this instance, however, originally, I had requested all meeting minutes regarding the committee from Ms. Smith and there were no other meeting minutes beyond the February 1 meeting of the Compensation Package Sub-Committee included with those minutes.

At the online supplimental page at CFP you can read, under the heading of "The Four Sub-Committees of the City Manager Search Committee," the information I (or CFP, through me) was provided regarding meetings held by the the over-all city manager's search committee and the sub-committee meetings.

Interesting. Apparently, all of that study and preparation necessary to create the Sub-Committee's recommended salary ranges was accomplished with one meeting of the Compensation Package Sub-Committee.

At the first meeting of the City Manager Search Committee, on January 14, 2008, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver stressed that the Committee needed to make the search process as open and transparent to the public as possible.

I signed up for news-letters from the City regarding the progress of the search. I can't remember the last time I received one, seriously.

"It's not like it used to be, there's not the depth, there's not the scope, there's not the understanding on the part of the media, on the topics that they're covering.... It makes it very difficult to get your message out." - Mayor Tom Carlson in his state of the city report.

Maybe you're placing the blame on the wrong people, Mayor Carlson? Just a thought.

*emphasis mine

Opinions; Facts not Required: Tony Messenger

I don't have anything, personally, against Tony Messenger. On a personal level he seems like a nice enough guy, but I certainly take issue with some of his reporting.

His piece at "Political Fix," dated yesterday, With no fanfare, Blunt signs village law repeal, takes this little jab at Missouri Republican House Speaker, Rod Jetton:

"Jetton was widely believed to be responsible for the (village) law being inserted into an omnibus bill a year ago at the behest of developer Robert Plaster, who has also been a campaign donor to Blunt."

I don't think there's, necessarily, a thing wrong with Messenger reporting that Jetton was widely believed to be responsible for the village law being inserted into an omnibus bill, what I take issue with is his continued (along with some other reporters) neglect to mention that Jetton has denied inserting the village law into that omnibus bill.

It's one thing to disparage a person's character, but then to neglect quoting or mentioning that the person has denied what is "widely believed," as Messenger, himself heard and reported Jetton saying in this Messenger blog entry, without any proof to offer that Jetton is lying, to me, is the worst kind of journalistic assault, and it isn't the first time Messenger has engaged in the tactic.

It is "widely believed" that Jetton was responsible "for the (village) law being inserted into an omnibus bill a year ago at the behest of developer Robert Plaster," in part, because of this sort of reporting. Apparently, reporters like Messenger refuse to spend the time required to track down who IS responsible for inserting it. If it was Jetton, fine, I have no problem with that, but to consistently smear someone with doing something they have denied doing with no proof or substantiation, in my opinion, is just wrong.

So, chalk me up as one who, personally, likes Messenger but continues to have little respect for his journalistic integrity, in fact, in some circles around the Queen City, it is "widely believed" he has none.

Council's Independent Internal Auditor; What's Happening?

A commentator on this post was asking me questions about the internal auditor position. I wrote an article about the Council's internal auditor for the January 16, 2008 issue of CFP that I would recommend for even more background on the position.

Following is the article I wrote concerning the difference between the city manager and the internal auditor search for the current issue of CFP (June 18, 2008). The story (re-formatted) ended up taking an odd turn, read for yourself. - Jackie

City Manager vs. Internal Auditor

By Jackie Melton
CFP Contributor

Springfield may have cut employees by attrition to help raise the $5.2 million needed to fund the police/fire actuarial recommendation, but there are at least two positions they will be looking to fill this year. Those positions, the city manager and the Council’s internal auditor, seem to be receiving very different levels of scrutiny.

While a 22-member city manager search committee attempts to find the new city manager, the search process for the internal auditor seems to have been relinquished to the city manager’s office and human resource department.

In January, Councilman Dan Chiles said he and Councilman Doug Burlison had informally discussed the possibility of forming an external citizen search committee, but that never happened.

“This position is being handled through our HR (human resource) department and will not be done by committee, except for possibly the final selection and evaluations,” City Clerk Brenda Cirtin wrote in an e-mail.

Burlison said it would be difficult for the all-volunteer Council to handle the search for applicants. He acknowledged he has some concerns about the Council’s dependence on the city manager’s office and human resource department in their search to find qualified applicants for the position. “My suspicion is the internal auditor is not something the city manager’s office wants,” he said.

Burlison noted he’s looking forward to having an auditor to assist the Council in overseeing city government. “This proposed position is, in fact, the key to any reforms that City Council may enact in response to the audit,” Burlison said in January.

Mayor Tom Carlson, in his state of the city report, didn’t seem to share Burlison’s view of the importance of hiring an auditor. “Primarily, they [state auditors] talked about an internal auditor, and we’re going to have one of those, and so, I hope everybody’s happy, but it’s not that big a deal,” Carlson said.

According to the audit report, an “internal auditor could have helped in discovering and resolving several of the areas commented on,” adding, the auditor would, “provide a means whereby the City Council can be made aware of current activities.”

At the June 2 City Council meeting, Burlison asked for an update on the internal auditor search.

“We made a few changes to the job description and expanded the advertisement that we had earlier put out,” interim City Manager Evelyn Honea responded.

Director of Human Resources, Sheila Maerz, acknowledged she had already received the job description changes, and Sharon Smith, Honea’s administrative assistant, acknowledged the city manager’s office had made them. “The city manager’s office made the changes, and Gary Deaver, chairman of the finance and administration committee, was in agreement of those changes,” Smith wrote in an e-mail.

One change contradicted Springfield’s city charter. Under the charter, the internal auditor “shall be a certified public accountant (CPA) or a person specially trained and experienced in governmental or business investigation or administration,” but the city manager office’s changes to the job description made CPA certification a requirement. “In addition, a CPA certification is required along with….” reads one change. Another reads, “Licensed CPA certification is required.”

City Attorney Dan Wichmer was unaware of the changes, because they were not posted in the job description on the city’s Web site; he suggested they might be a draft, then an old copy, then a draft. “She (Honea) said the comments that Council had been making were that they probably would not consider anybody other than a CPA,” Wichmer said, after talking to Honea, “but the requirements are set by charter. They (Council) are free to screen higher than that, but, as far as the actual job description, it needs to say what the charter says.”

Burlison was surprised to hear of the changes. “That’s news to me, unless I’m forgetting a meeting. The change that I thought had been discussed with us in the committee, if not with the Council as a whole, was to not require the internal auditor be a CPA, so we could cast a wider net,” he said.

Wichmer said the Council would discuss it at the luncheon on June 10. The issue was not specifically mentioned on the city’s published agenda for that luncheon meeting and was not brought up by any person who attended the meeting.

Advertisements for the position, listing CPA certification as a requirement, have been sent or posted to several professional journals and publications.

Internal Auditor Job Description Changes Approved June 12

> By unanimous verbal vote, the City Council’s Finance and Administration Committee approved changes made to the Council’s internal auditor job description on June 12, 2008.

> Certified Public Accountant requirements have been removed from the changed job description.

> The Finance and Administration Committee is the body who will work most directly with an internal auditor once hired.

> Members of the Council’s Committee are: Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver, Councilman Ralph Manley, Councilman Denny Whayne and Councilman Doug Burlison.

Go to www.cfpmidweek.com to view the original Council approved job description, circulated changes, and final approved changes, along with the advertisement as published and posted by the city of Springfield.

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There is more information available at Community Free Press - Midweek, including an update on the city manager search and the internal auditor application process.

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Also, available at CFP, click on the "On-line Supplements to Print Edition," (link found under the cover shot of the current issue) to find:

The Answer to: Who Recommended the Changes?

A Link to the City Manager Search Video

The Four Sub-Committees of the City Manager Search Committee

Recommended Reading 17: Park Central Square

What the square needs is maintenence and scheduled programming

A letter to the editor written by Springfield resident Dorothy Thurman to the Springfield News-Leader is recommended reading 17.

Pleasant time down on square

You know, the Lawrence Halprin-designed Park Central Square?

Yeah, that one.

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,

but not their own facts.” - Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan


The Springfield News-Leader's editorial board needs to get their facts straight.

In, Eateries must live with fees, someone from the editorial board wrote:

"Establishing the new fees came through a 7-2 vote of City Council on Monday; council members Doug Burlison and Cindy Rushefsky disagreed with the charges, worrying the city is moving forward too quickly with the fees."

Wrong. Council voted unanimously to establish the fees after Councilman Burlison moved the restaurant fees be removed from the bill.

Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky seconded Burlison's motion but it did not carry.

Then, there was a vote taken on the bill and it was passed unanimously by all of City Council.

Hooray! I got my City Utilities Bill Yesterday!

My husband and I are succeeding on our private (not so private now) "Scrue U, CU campaign."

The campaign is to use as little electricity as possible to save money, but mostly because we want to jab our rhetorical finger in the rhetorical eye of City Utilities.

You see, we got our utility bill yesterday and not only was it under $100, it was under $90!

Woo hoo!!!

The weather has been a factor, it's been very pleasant, but, you know, I don't mind suffering and even sweating a little bit if it enables me to say,

"Scrue U, CU!"

Woo hoo!!!!

Spotlight on Candidates: Travis Maddox, Candidate in Missouri's District 7

Travis Maddox, (see Community Free Press, January 30 issue, page 2) is running against Congressman Roy Blunt in Missouri's District 7.

Maddox is the state vice-chairman and ballot access coordinator for the Constitution Party.

Today, I received a campaign ad from Maddox:

Does the Blunt Money Machine Best Represent South West Missouri?

[picture removed]

In a District where the median income is around $33,000, with many making less, does Congressman Blunt's money machine represent us? In a recent Joplin Globe article listed below, Blunt has not only out raised past opponents but is one of the top fundraisers in Washington. He has received tens of thousands of dollars over the years from large companies ranging from tobacco to beer to oil companies ( OpenSecrets SourceWatch ) . Does this kind of influence help a Representative lose touch with his constituents? Representing Lobbyist and President Bush as a liaison, Blunt seems to forget who he was elected to represent.

Elect someone who WILL Represent YOU!

Support Travis Maddox for US Congress!

Read the Joplin Globe story, here.

For more information on Maddox: maddox4congress.com.

If you are a candidate running for a city, county or state seat and would like an ad placed on this blog, please contact me. My email address is accessible through my profile.

Recommended Reading 16: Classics

Classic busplunge

This morning, Jim Lee gives us all some timeless advice and because he is very inciteful and philosophical-like, he answers a very important question for citizens of the Queen City:

When Is It Proper To Act Like A Two-Year-Old?

Springfield is blessed that Jim's

"got opinions about dang near everything,"

and enough time to tell us about them.

For more classics (or at least some of my favorites) see, this, this, this and this (that was hard, I kept thinking of another and another).

To be continued?

City Council meeting tonight; City Council luncheon tomorrow

Of course, there's a City Council meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Old City Hall, 830 Boonville. You can view the Council agenda here.

There is also, as usual, a Council Luncheon meeting on Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

Luncheon meetings are, more often than not, held on the 4th floor of the Busch Municipal Building, however, tomorrow's Council luncheon is going to be held at Mediacom Ice Park, 635 East Trafficway.

Council does not take public comments at the luncheon but the public is welcome to attend.

LUNCHEON "TENTATIVE AGENDA

1. Ice Park Hockey Update – Jodie Adams and Stan Melton

2. Any and all matters to come before the City Council"

Clarification on City Manager versus Council's Internal Auditor Searches

Vincent David Jericho of KSGF had Tom Martz and Fred Ellison of the Missouri Liberty Coalition on the program this morning. The gentlemen did a fine job covering the high points of the City Council meeting scheduled for this evening, and it's easy to make a mistake, when sorting through information from past City Council meetings. There was a slight misunderstanding about information given by Interim City Manager Evelyn Honea's comments at the last meeting, on June 2.

Having one "coalition," with limited members who, in many cases, have their own jobs and responsibilities but are tasking themselves with watching and holding our city government accountable is a good thing, but, in some ways, they find themselves in the same position as our City Council, they are unpaid volunteers.

I appreciate the efforts they are making on behalf of other citizens who are not taking the time to pay attention to city issues. In fact, I appreciate them so much that I attend many of their meetings and cover them for the Community Free Press, and, so others don't think I'm looking for a chink here, I once mistakenly said that attendance of a MoLiCo meeting by Representatives Shane Schoeller and Bob Dixon was a surprise. In fact, I found out later, it wasn't a surprise visit, maybe a surprise to me, but not to the MoLiCo. MoLiCo does a lot of good work and I like that they are watching our local government, it gives me good material to report.

In the case of their suggestion that the City Manager Search firm, Arcus Public, has not been receiving adequate applicants for the position and that the advertisement for the position has been expanded, there was a bit of confusion. Honea, when she spoke of advertising expansion, was speaking of the internal auditor search, not the City Manager search.

"The internal auditor, we made a few changes to the job description and expanded the advertisement that we had earlier put out and when we advertised a couple of months ago, we had very few candidates who qualified for the position and we really wanted to bring a larger slate of candidates back to the Finance Committee...." Interim City Manager Evelyn Honea said on June 2. Honea then suggested Gary Deaver, Chairman of the City Manager Search Committee would be better to answer questions regarding the City Manager search.

Deaver did update the City Manager search process:

"I've had conversations with the search firm principals the last two weeks. Actually, in 6 days time they had doubled the number of candidates that qued up for our consideration...."

"One thing that they (Arcus Public) pointed out to me, they said, "Gary, you know, this is going to be an easy search for us," and I was silent because easy wasn't what I'm looking for but they went, "When we say easy, it's because your community has so much to offer. We feel so positively about your community that it's easy to sell the attributes that you have to candidates who have the skills that we feel your community deserves." - Gary Deaver, June 2 City Council meeting.

You can listen to the podcast, here.

Vince, who did mention that "JackeHammer" was challenging that information, in the meantime, is checking with Public Information Director, Louise Whall.