Sunday, July 25, 2010
Bell council used little-noticed ballot measure to skirt state salary limits
"The highly paid members of the Bell City Council were able to exempt themselves from state salary limits by placing a city charter on the ballot in a little-noticed special election that attracted fewer than 400 voters.
Since passage of the measure, salaries for council members — part-time employees — have jumped more than 50%, from $61,992 a year to at least $96,996."
They can only succeed in the darkness of public lethargy.
Wake up and smell the fetid stink of corruption!
Green Jobs Training
"Ken Braun, managing editor of Michigan Capitol Confidential:
Government experts know the secret to making 'green energy' AND creating jobs?
And the formula is just adding more tax dollars?
The worst part of this fantastic fable is that it isn't even original.
Decades ago, the magic green bullet was ethanol.
The formula for ethanol, as the Wall Street Journal's Paul Gigot famously quipped, is 'corn plus your tax dollars.'"
Worst heat ever
"Don't sweat it, New York.
While this month's sizzling weather may feel unbearable, with the temperature hitting a high of 97 degrees yesterday, tying a record, it pales in comparison to the heat wave that city residents endured in the summer of '96 -- 1896, that is."
I grew up in NY in the 50-60s and remember the 100 degree days.
The eco-nazis would tell their faithful that me and those who remember should be shunned for our apostasy.
But we are still here...and shouting the truth!Cool!
New club strives to be welcoming, safe
"The former Cadillac Jacks at 760 W. Broadway has reopened as Carbon under new ownership and management.
The renovated club features an urban theme and VIP areas catering to ages 21 and up."
Doh!
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/07/one_dead_two_injured_in_melee.htmlIt seems that "urban theme" in Muskegon now means "Detroit style".
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Woman charged with murder in road death
Woman charged with murder in road death freep.com Detroit Free Press
"A 23-year-old Pontiac woman was charged with second-degree murder Friday after police say she caused an accident that killed a 21-year-old woman, a violent end to an argument that began on Facebook."
It's the culture, stupid....
"A 23-year-old Pontiac woman was charged with second-degree murder Friday after police say she caused an accident that killed a 21-year-old woman, a violent end to an argument that began on Facebook."
It's the culture, stupid....
Medical marijuana to be OK in some VA clinics
"Patients treated at Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics will be able to use medical marijuana in the 14 states where it's legal, according to new federal guidelines."
Holland man who died after rescuing son in Lake Michigan identified
Holland man who died after rescuing son in Lake Michigan identified MLive.com
"His father Mark quickly swam to his son’s rescue, but was swept away himself after rescuers took the boy from his arms."
What a tragedy!
God rest his soul and give comfort to his family.
"His father Mark quickly swam to his son’s rescue, but was swept away himself after rescuers took the boy from his arms."
What a tragedy!
God rest his soul and give comfort to his family.
1 killed during '100 person gang fight' in Norton Shores
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=125005&catid=2
"NORTON SHORES, Mich. (WZZM) -- The Norton Shores Police Department is investigating a large fight that broke out in Norton Shores, after a man was shot and killed Saturday night.
The Norton Shores Police Department received reports of a large fight in the 700 block of West Broadway shortly after 2:00 a.m."
Isn't it time for Muskegon Heights to annex that part of town?
"NORTON SHORES, Mich. (WZZM) -- The Norton Shores Police Department is investigating a large fight that broke out in Norton Shores, after a man was shot and killed Saturday night.
The Norton Shores Police Department received reports of a large fight in the 700 block of West Broadway shortly after 2:00 a.m."
Isn't it time for Muskegon Heights to annex that part of town?
Union lists its endorsements
"The following is a list of endorsed candidates for the UAW Community Action Program."
An excellent list of candidates NOT to vote for.
Absentee ballot alert!
I was just about to mail in my absentee ballot last week and add the required stamp when it occurred to me that the large envelope might need more than the regular $.44 first class postage.
I weighed the envelope (it was about 1oz) but wondered if the large size might require more postage.
Most citizens don't have postage meters in their homes.
The weight of the envelope is VERY close to 1oz, so even if someone weighed it they might not realize the tiny difference that would require more postage.
And MOST IMPORTANT, if the wrong postage is affixed, the letter will be returned and the vote may be lost.
My question is simple:
Why not provide postage-paid envelopes or at least alert the voter that this mailing might need more than a regular $.44 stamp?
I live in Norton Shores and NS has chosen NOT to alert the voters to this problem.
I don't know what other cities/townships are doing but if you want your absentee vote to count, weigh it, measure it and add the correct postage.
And demand that your government officials make it clear or provide free postage in the future.
And tell your friends who vote absentee!
I weighed the envelope (it was about 1oz) but wondered if the large size might require more postage.I took it to the Muskegon PO and they measured it (OK) and weighed it, not OK.
The envelope with my ballot weighted 1.1oz and required a $.61 stamp.
The envelope states "add correct postage" or something like that.
There is no suggestion that more than a regular first class stamp is necessary.Most citizens don't have postage meters in their homes.
The weight of the envelope is VERY close to 1oz, so even if someone weighed it they might not realize the tiny difference that would require more postage.
And MOST IMPORTANT, if the wrong postage is affixed, the letter will be returned and the vote may be lost.
My question is simple:
Why not provide postage-paid envelopes or at least alert the voter that this mailing might need more than a regular $.44 stamp?
I live in Norton Shores and NS has chosen NOT to alert the voters to this problem.
I don't know what other cities/townships are doing but if you want your absentee vote to count, weigh it, measure it and add the correct postage.
And demand that your government officials make it clear or provide free postage in the future.
And tell your friends who vote absentee!
Bell council defiantly defends outgoing officials' high salaries
Bell council defiantly defends outgoing officials' high salaries - latimes.com
"The Times revealed last week that Rizzo was earning a $787,637 annual salary, Adams $457,000 and Spaccia $376,288.
Experts said Rizzo appeared to be the highest-paid city manager in the nation.
He had nearly three years left on his contract, and it's unclear whether the city bought it out or whether he agreed to walk away without compensation."
This abuse will continue to happen if the salary and compensation of public workers continues to be secret from the public.
"The Times revealed last week that Rizzo was earning a $787,637 annual salary, Adams $457,000 and Spaccia $376,288.
Experts said Rizzo appeared to be the highest-paid city manager in the nation.
He had nearly three years left on his contract, and it's unclear whether the city bought it out or whether he agreed to walk away without compensation."
This abuse will continue to happen if the salary and compensation of public workers continues to be secret from the public.
City Council hearing is set on TV show
City Council hearing is set on TV show detnews.com The Detroit News
"Detroit has gone Hollywood, and some City Council members are none too happy with the results.
Council members have scheduled a 2 p.m. Tuesday hearing to grill producers of the ABC cop drama 'Detroit 1-8-7' about its representation of Motown.
But it's unclear if anyone from the prime time series, which started filming in Highland Park this week, plans to appear."
"Detroit has gone Hollywood, and some City Council members are none too happy with the results.
Council members have scheduled a 2 p.m. Tuesday hearing to grill producers of the ABC cop drama 'Detroit 1-8-7' about its representation of Motown.
But it's unclear if anyone from the prime time series, which started filming in Highland Park this week, plans to appear."
Friday, July 23, 2010
Nix kicks; Roe gets low - LSJ Blogs: Hey, Joe
Nix kicks; Roe gets low - LSJ Blogs: Hey, Joe
"Kalin Lucas is on schedule to be back on the basketball court in the fall. What about everyone else?
I caught up with MSU assistant strength coach Mike Vorkapich, who spends more time with these guys than anyone else in the offseason.
So let's list it -- Top Ten July 22 MSU Basketball Individual Updates (courtesy of Vorkapich):"
Great insight into our next Hoops season!
"Kalin Lucas is on schedule to be back on the basketball court in the fall. What about everyone else?
I caught up with MSU assistant strength coach Mike Vorkapich, who spends more time with these guys than anyone else in the offseason.
So let's list it -- Top Ten July 22 MSU Basketball Individual Updates (courtesy of Vorkapich):"
Great insight into our next Hoops season!
Now The Media Demands Context When It Comes to Race
Now The Media Demands Context When It Comes to Race — Are You Kidding Me? - Big Journalism
"Lemme get this straight: the media is talking about context. They want context!
They’ve never cared about context in the past.
When a person talked like a racist there were no excuses, no context, no explanation, no recovery allowed or given.
Ask any conservative who’s been wrongly accused of being a racist knows exactly what I’m talking about.
The list is long.
Limbaugh, Beck, Allen, O’Reilley—on and on."
"Lemme get this straight: the media is talking about context. They want context!
They’ve never cared about context in the past.
When a person talked like a racist there were no excuses, no context, no explanation, no recovery allowed or given.
Ask any conservative who’s been wrongly accused of being a racist knows exactly what I’m talking about.
The list is long.
Limbaugh, Beck, Allen, O’Reilley—on and on."
White Lake area has vivid new sculpture
White Lake area has vivid new sculpture MLive.com
"A colorful addition has been made to the White Lake area. This 22-foot sculpture, “Sailboat-Trees,” designed by George Ramsay, has permanently been placed in Covell Park on N. Thompson Street in Whitehall.
The project was sponsored by the Arts Council of White Lake with generous donations from the White Lake Community Fund and area citizens."
This is the way art should be purchased!
"A colorful addition has been made to the White Lake area. This 22-foot sculpture, “Sailboat-Trees,” designed by George Ramsay, has permanently been placed in Covell Park on N. Thompson Street in Whitehall.
The project was sponsored by the Arts Council of White Lake with generous donations from the White Lake Community Fund and area citizens."
This is the way art should be purchased!
Lt. Col. West 'blacklisted' from charity gala
Lt. Col. West 'blacklisted' from charity gala
"Allen West, a retired U.S. Army officer and GOP candidate for Congress in Florida, claims he was disinvited from a high-profile charity fundraiser after his Democratic rival's wife 'prodded' donors to protest and 'blackmail' the organization."
"Allen West, a retired U.S. Army officer and GOP candidate for Congress in Florida, claims he was disinvited from a high-profile charity fundraiser after his Democratic rival's wife 'prodded' donors to protest and 'blackmail' the organization."
Our national debt would horrify the Founders
Our national debt would horrify the Founders Washington Examiner
"In the period spanning the final year of George W. Bush's second term in the White House and President Obama's tenure to date, the national debt has exploded from $9.1 trillion to nearly $13.2 trillion, reaching 90 percent of the gross domestic product."
"In the period spanning the final year of George W. Bush's second term in the White House and President Obama's tenure to date, the national debt has exploded from $9.1 trillion to nearly $13.2 trillion, reaching 90 percent of the gross domestic product."
Tea party redux in Bell, California
American Thinker Blog: Tea party redux in Bell, California
"Bell, California has become the poster child for greedy public employees, a subject closely related to the TEA (taxed enough already) parties. The City Manager was making almost $800,000 a year, and the Police Chief nearly $500,000 in a city of under 40,000 souls.
Yet, because Bell is heavily Hispanic and lower income, few are making the connection between what happened there last night and the rise of the tea parties.
The two phenomena are closely related.
What happened in Bell Thursday night? Ruben Vives and Jeff Gottlieb of the Los Angeles Times report:"
Power to the people!
"Bell, California has become the poster child for greedy public employees, a subject closely related to the TEA (taxed enough already) parties. The City Manager was making almost $800,000 a year, and the Police Chief nearly $500,000 in a city of under 40,000 souls.
Yet, because Bell is heavily Hispanic and lower income, few are making the connection between what happened there last night and the rise of the tea parties.
The two phenomena are closely related.
What happened in Bell Thursday night? Ruben Vives and Jeff Gottlieb of the Los Angeles Times report:"
Power to the people!
The Art of the Ann Arbor City Budget
The Art of the Ann Arbor City Budget [Mackinac Center]
"The debate in Ann Arbor, where firefighters are being laid off due to a multimillion dollar budget deficit, is over an $850,000 piece of art.
That's how much the city has agreed to pay German artist Herbert Dreiseitl for a three-piece water sculpture that would go in front of the new police and courts building right by the City Hall."
"The debate in Ann Arbor, where firefighters are being laid off due to a multimillion dollar budget deficit, is over an $850,000 piece of art.
That's how much the city has agreed to pay German artist Herbert Dreiseitl for a three-piece water sculpture that would go in front of the new police and courts building right by the City Hall."
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Newark Budget Cuts
Newark Budget Cuts
"Things are getting so bad in Newark that the mayor has ordered the government to stop buying toilet paper.
It's part of Newark Mayor Cory Booker's belt-tightening plans that include reducing most city workers to a 4-day work week and shuttering city pools. Booker estimates that the pool closures alone would save $250,000.
He also says that no gas will be purchased for municipal vehicles that are not deemed critically important"
It's about time!
They do shitty "work".
They deserve to pay for their own TP!
"Things are getting so bad in Newark that the mayor has ordered the government to stop buying toilet paper.
It's part of Newark Mayor Cory Booker's belt-tightening plans that include reducing most city workers to a 4-day work week and shuttering city pools. Booker estimates that the pool closures alone would save $250,000.
He also says that no gas will be purchased for municipal vehicles that are not deemed critically important"
It's about time!
They do shitty "work".
They deserve to pay for their own TP!
Political Hotsheet - CBS News
Bill Cooper posts - Political Hotsheet - CBS News
"Bill Cooper, a congressional candidate in Michigan has updated the famous LBJ 'Daisy' Ad.
Instead of framing the decision to vote around national security and fear of nuclear war, the new ad uses the young girl counting the daisy petals to mark the growing national debt."
Great ad.
Great candidate!
"Bill Cooper, a congressional candidate in Michigan has updated the famous LBJ 'Daisy' Ad.
Instead of framing the decision to vote around national security and fear of nuclear war, the new ad uses the young girl counting the daisy petals to mark the growing national debt."
Great ad.
Great candidate!
Ballot slogan axed
Ballot slogan axed - JSOnline
"State elections officials Wednesday narrowly rejected a Milwaukee Assembly candidate's attempt to run with the slogan 'NOT the 'whiteman's bitch' ' under her name on the ballot.
Ieshuh Griffin, an independent candidate with a history of feuds with local officials, said in response she would sue the state Government Accountability Board for infringing on her freedom of speech."
"State elections officials Wednesday narrowly rejected a Milwaukee Assembly candidate's attempt to run with the slogan 'NOT the 'whiteman's bitch' ' under her name on the ballot.
Ieshuh Griffin, an independent candidate with a history of feuds with local officials, said in response she would sue the state Government Accountability Board for infringing on her freedom of speech."
The Tax Tsunami On The Horizon
The Tax Tsunami On The Horizon - IBD - Investors.com
"Many voters are looking forward to 2011, hoping a new Congress will put the country back on the right track. But unless something's done soon, the new year will also come with a raft of tax hikes — including a return of the death tax — that will be real killers.
Through the end of this year, the federal estate tax rate is zero — thanks to the package of broad-based tax cuts that President Bush pushed through to get the economy going earlier in the decade.
But as of midnight Dec. 31, the death tax returns — at a rate of 55% on estates of $1 million or more. The effect this will have on hospital life-support systems is already a matter of conjecture."
"Many voters are looking forward to 2011, hoping a new Congress will put the country back on the right track. But unless something's done soon, the new year will also come with a raft of tax hikes — including a return of the death tax — that will be real killers.
Through the end of this year, the federal estate tax rate is zero — thanks to the package of broad-based tax cuts that President Bush pushed through to get the economy going earlier in the decade.
But as of midnight Dec. 31, the death tax returns — at a rate of 55% on estates of $1 million or more. The effect this will have on hospital life-support systems is already a matter of conjecture."
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Chetly Zarko, RIP
Chetly Zarko, RIP [Mackinac Center]
"Michigan has lost forever the contributions of a stalwart freedom fighter: Chetly Zarko was found dead this morning at the age of 39. Reportedly, he slipped away while reading, sitting in a chair in his apartment."
A stalwart soldier AND leader in the struggle for truth in Michigan.
He will be missed.
Our land is less free as a result of his passing.
More:
http://bottomuppolitics.blogspot.com/2010/07/chetly-zarko-is-dead-but-not-forgotten.html
"Michigan has lost forever the contributions of a stalwart freedom fighter: Chetly Zarko was found dead this morning at the age of 39. Reportedly, he slipped away while reading, sitting in a chair in his apartment."
A stalwart soldier AND leader in the struggle for truth in Michigan.
He will be missed.
Our land is less free as a result of his passing.
More:
http://bottomuppolitics.blogspot.com/2010/07/chetly-zarko-is-dead-but-not-forgotten.html
Of Course Oakland Can't Afford These Cops
RealClearMarkets - Of Course Oakland Can't Afford These Cops
"At current levels of compensation, yes, Oakland cannot afford to maintain a police department with 776 employees.
That's because total compensation for an OPD employee averages an astounding $162,000 per year."
"At current levels of compensation, yes, Oakland cannot afford to maintain a police department with 776 employees.
That's because total compensation for an OPD employee averages an astounding $162,000 per year."
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
California Official's $800,000 Salary in City of 38,000 Triggers Protests
California Official's $800,000 Salary in City of 38,000 Triggers Protests - Bloomberg
"Hundreds of residents of one of the poorest municipalities in Los Angeles County shouted in protest last night as tensions rose over a report that the city’s manager earns an annual salary of almost $800,000.
An overflow crowd packed a City Council meeting in Bell, a mostly Hispanic city of 38,000 about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles, to call for the resignation of Mayor Oscar Hernandez and other city officials. Residents left standing outside the chamber banged on the doors and shouted “fuera,” or “get out” in Spanish.
It was the first council meeting since the Los Angeles Times reported July 15 that Chief Administrative Officer Robert Rizzo earns $787,637 -- with annual 12 percent raises -- and that Bell pays its police chief $457,000, more than Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck makes in a city of 3.8 million people. Bell council members earn almost $100,000 for part-time work.
City Attorney Edward Lee said the council members couldn’t discuss salaries in public without advance notice."
"Hundreds of residents of one of the poorest municipalities in Los Angeles County shouted in protest last night as tensions rose over a report that the city’s manager earns an annual salary of almost $800,000.
An overflow crowd packed a City Council meeting in Bell, a mostly Hispanic city of 38,000 about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles, to call for the resignation of Mayor Oscar Hernandez and other city officials. Residents left standing outside the chamber banged on the doors and shouted “fuera,” or “get out” in Spanish.
It was the first council meeting since the Los Angeles Times reported July 15 that Chief Administrative Officer Robert Rizzo earns $787,637 -- with annual 12 percent raises -- and that Bell pays its police chief $457,000, more than Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck makes in a city of 3.8 million people. Bell council members earn almost $100,000 for part-time work.
City Attorney Edward Lee said the council members couldn’t discuss salaries in public without advance notice."
Lawmaker Says Special Tax Favors Are 'Cronyism' [Mackinac Center]
Lawmaker Says Special Tax Favors Are 'Cronyism' [Mackinac Center]: "If a business is in need of a tax break, the quickest route may be the local politician.
State Rep. Justin Amash, R-Kentwood, recently called out his colleagues for submitting bills that created tax advantages for single businesses.
Amash called attention to Senate Bill 500, sponsored by State Sen. Tony Stamas, R-Midland. That bill was tailored to create a tax break for an electronics building in Gaylord. An expanded version was passed by the House and Senate"
State Rep. Justin Amash, R-Kentwood, recently called out his colleagues for submitting bills that created tax advantages for single businesses.
Amash called attention to Senate Bill 500, sponsored by State Sen. Tony Stamas, R-Midland. That bill was tailored to create a tax break for an electronics building in Gaylord. An expanded version was passed by the House and Senate"
Documents show media plotting to kill stories about Rev. Jeremiah Wright
Documents show media plotting to kill stories about Rev. Jeremiah Wright The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
"It was the moment of greatest peril for then-Sen. Barack Obama’s political career.
In the heat of the presidential campaign, videos surfaced of Obama’s pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, angrily denouncing whites, the U.S. government and America itself.
Obama had once bragged of his closeness to Wright.
Now the black nationalist preacher’s rhetoric was threatening to torpedo Obama’s campaign."
"It was the moment of greatest peril for then-Sen. Barack Obama’s political career.
In the heat of the presidential campaign, videos surfaced of Obama’s pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, angrily denouncing whites, the U.S. government and America itself.
Obama had once bragged of his closeness to Wright.
Now the black nationalist preacher’s rhetoric was threatening to torpedo Obama’s campaign."
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