Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges Authority meets Thursday morning at 10 am. Of course it is open to the public but set for a Thursday morning while most are at work. Typical.
Date: Thursday, July 1, 2010
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: The NEW Greater Clark County Schools Admin Building- Board Room
Street: 2112 Utica Sellersburg Rd
City/Town: Jeffersonville, IN
Hal Heiner Grand opening of Southwest HQ is Thursday at 5. Hal has taken a huge step forward by including the Southwest in his Mayoral bid. This commitment shows that finally someone may actually be inclusive to all throughout Metro. While I can't be in attendance because of the MyViewMatters Radio Show scheduling conflict please attend if you can.
Date: Thursday, July 1, 2010
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Hal Heiner For Mayor Southwest HQ
Street: 10648 Dixie Highway
Rand Paul will speak in Shepherdsville at a Tea Party event there. Campaign for Liberty and Take Back Kentucky will be on hand as well. Check them out.
July 1, 2010 Shepherdsville City Parkat the corner of West First Street and South Buckman St (Preston Hwy/61) near the Salt River bridge. Activities begin at 5:30 pm
* Emcee: Mandy Connell from WHAS radio
* Musical Guests: Traci Barger Micheal Goodman and Friends
* Speakers include: Sheri Quinn, Campaign for Liberty; Eric Wilson, KY 9-12; John Riley, Take Back Kentucky
Dr. Rand Paul scheduled to speak at 7:30 pm.
MyViewMatters Radio airs as usual at 6 pm following Sean Hannity. Tune in.
Until next time folks!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
MSD SET UP THE PLAN FOR "FEES" 10 YEARS AGO OR LONGER
I follow MSD closely as most who read this site can tell and it amazes me how many times something new pops up. This is one of those times. According to this document, http://stormwaterfinance.urbancenter.iupui.edu/PDFs/Wpcf4.pdf, created November 16, 2000 and modified March 6, 2001, MSD was already trying to find a way to justify fee increases without it being labeled an illegal tax.
The writer? None other than Larry Zeilke MSD's own attorney.
The substance is actually a good read but I am sure MSD did not count on someone finding this document 10 years later as it basically justifies the lawsuit recently brought against them by the STOP I.T. (Stop invisible taxes) group headed by Ray Pierce and Paul Holliger.
The story can be found here: Louisville News and Politics: MSD SUED OVER RATE INCREASE: ONE GROUP SAYS JUST STOP I.T.!
What is interesting is that STOP I.T.'s basic premise is that MSD never received permission to raise rates from a legislative or governing body. The evidence presented in this from 2000 clearly shows that MSD knew they needed it.
The writer? None other than Larry Zeilke MSD's own attorney.
The substance is actually a good read but I am sure MSD did not count on someone finding this document 10 years later as it basically justifies the lawsuit recently brought against them by the STOP I.T. (Stop invisible taxes) group headed by Ray Pierce and Paul Holliger.
The story can be found here: Louisville News and Politics: MSD SUED OVER RATE INCREASE: ONE GROUP SAYS JUST STOP I.T.!
What is interesting is that STOP I.T.'s basic premise is that MSD never received permission to raise rates from a legislative or governing body. The evidence presented in this from 2000 clearly shows that MSD knew they needed it.
In 2000 as part of this report by attorney Zeilke he acknowledges the needed approval of the legislative body of the City yet every increase done that falls below 7% is done automatically. Does MSD make their own rules as they go along?
Furthermore, Zeilke goes on to explain why the fees are not an illegal tax with the primary argument being that the fees are used for storm water and/or drainage only. Since the City receives no revenue from MSD these cannot be considered a tax.
Of course the City receives money from MSD all the time. Anytime MSD puts in new sidewalks, etc, among other things in some areas that is the City's responsibility, so the arguments by Zeilke 10 years ago and the cases he cites are mute.
This is going to get real interesting real soon so stay tuned.
LOUISVILLE MAYORAL RACE AND JACKIE GREEN
There are some interesting things coming to light concerning Independent for Louisville Metro Mayor Jackie Green. As most of you know I ran as an independent for Louisville Metro Mayor in 2006 so I can sympathize with the plight of Jackie Green.
Mr. Green showed up to attend the "debate" sponsored by Home Builders Association last week and was denied entry. In fact, though he is a legitimate candidate he was not even invited. From my experience as an independent this is nothing new. In 2006 there were several debates between Jerry Abramson and Kelly Downard that I was not invited to nor was allowed to participate in.
The reasons given were simple. These were private events paid for and sponsored by private groups with an audience of their private paid members and not open to the public. Jackie Green just experienced the same thing first hand.
Read here for more: Jerry's kids Louisville's Alt-Weekly LEO Weekly
While both party candidates Democrat Greg Fisher, and Republican Hal Heiner, have touted the need for openness and transparency only one has backed that up with action. When asked to respond about this situation Hal Heiner stated this:
“When the Heiner Campaign accepted the Home Builders invitation we were unaware Mr. Green would be excluded from the forum,” says Joe Burgan, Heiner’s campaign manager. “Moving forward this campaign will urge those planning debates and forums to be as inclusive as possible. Louisvillians deserve an open and honest debate on the issues and that debate should include all candidates.”
I would expect no less from Hal Heiner and it was the right thing to say and do.
Greg Fisher on the other hand is basically doing the same old song and dance we have come to expect during this campaign. In short, not answering anything controversial and proving he is nothing more than the standard Abramson hack who does not believe in openness as he says he does.
Totally expected.
In the meantime I contacted Jackie Green on June 24 explaining I understood his situation, but I had also noticed that according to the Jefferson County Clerk's office, he was not even listed on the ballot for the General election. http://elections.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/pdfs/JCCandidateFilings_G10.pdf look on page 4.
Yet the Clerk's office also has this link: http://elections.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/pdfs/RegistryofCandidates_G10.pdf check out page 3 where it clearly shows Jackie Green is a candidate.
For anyone sponsoring debates this could be a confusing situation depending on which link you choose to look at to invite candidates.
While not making excuses for the HBA, personally I found out firsthand how pathetic the exclusionary practices are for outside candidates from those such as the HBA, I also believe this could lead to other venues that perhaps would inadvertently exclude legitimate candidates from consideration.
And in my opinion Jackie did not miss much in this situation. There was no "debate." Both invited candidates were given a prepared list of questions in advance and allowed time to prepare a response. They not only were not allowed to question each other, no one in attendance was allowed to ask questions either. That is not a debate by any stretch of the imagination.
Kudos to Heiner for standing up and keep up the fight Jackie Green!
Mr. Green showed up to attend the "debate" sponsored by Home Builders Association last week and was denied entry. In fact, though he is a legitimate candidate he was not even invited. From my experience as an independent this is nothing new. In 2006 there were several debates between Jerry Abramson and Kelly Downard that I was not invited to nor was allowed to participate in.
The reasons given were simple. These were private events paid for and sponsored by private groups with an audience of their private paid members and not open to the public. Jackie Green just experienced the same thing first hand.
Read here for more: Jerry's kids Louisville's Alt-Weekly LEO Weekly
While both party candidates Democrat Greg Fisher, and Republican Hal Heiner, have touted the need for openness and transparency only one has backed that up with action. When asked to respond about this situation Hal Heiner stated this:
“When the Heiner Campaign accepted the Home Builders invitation we were unaware Mr. Green would be excluded from the forum,” says Joe Burgan, Heiner’s campaign manager. “Moving forward this campaign will urge those planning debates and forums to be as inclusive as possible. Louisvillians deserve an open and honest debate on the issues and that debate should include all candidates.”
I would expect no less from Hal Heiner and it was the right thing to say and do.
Greg Fisher on the other hand is basically doing the same old song and dance we have come to expect during this campaign. In short, not answering anything controversial and proving he is nothing more than the standard Abramson hack who does not believe in openness as he says he does.
Totally expected.
In the meantime I contacted Jackie Green on June 24 explaining I understood his situation, but I had also noticed that according to the Jefferson County Clerk's office, he was not even listed on the ballot for the General election. http://elections.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/pdfs/JCCandidateFilings_G10.pdf look on page 4.
Yet the Clerk's office also has this link: http://elections.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/pdfs/RegistryofCandidates_G10.pdf check out page 3 where it clearly shows Jackie Green is a candidate.
For anyone sponsoring debates this could be a confusing situation depending on which link you choose to look at to invite candidates.
While not making excuses for the HBA, personally I found out firsthand how pathetic the exclusionary practices are for outside candidates from those such as the HBA, I also believe this could lead to other venues that perhaps would inadvertently exclude legitimate candidates from consideration.
And in my opinion Jackie did not miss much in this situation. There was no "debate." Both invited candidates were given a prepared list of questions in advance and allowed time to prepare a response. They not only were not allowed to question each other, no one in attendance was allowed to ask questions either. That is not a debate by any stretch of the imagination.
Kudos to Heiner for standing up and keep up the fight Jackie Green!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
TUESDAY: IRON QUARTER,BP, AND MORE
IRON QUARTER: All seven buildings making up the Iron Quarter along West Main Street were unanimously declared local landmarks Monday evening by the city's Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission. Iron Quarter buildings declared local landmarks courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal
So what does this mean now? The usual. Nothing will be done with the property and once again we lose. Blue agreed to preserve the facade, the interior is not worth saving, and was denied the opportunity. Here is an idea. Have the landmarks commission and the citizens who are thwarting progress to save old buildings not worthy of saving buy the properties and rehab them immediately under the rules they force everyone else to follow.
BP: One more day and another estimated 2.5 million gallons of oil spilled into the Gulf. Many are wondering if anything will be left to salvage along the coast. Oil is alreayd rampant on the shores at Pensacola and the wetlands in Louisiana are already suffering tragically. BP says the cost to them so far is roughly $2.6 Billion. Gee I feel so sorry for them. Poor BP huh?
But more importantly Obama did get $20 Billion he can exploit from BP so all is good.
AZ BEING SUED BY THE PRESIDENT?: What can be said at thispoint. President Obama has decided apparently to make Arizona his example of what happens when a State does what is in their best interests at the expense of the federal government I guess. Townhall - Obama Courts Latinos by Suing Arizona
This monstrosity of an ego that Obama has needs to change quickly. I do not understand why every State is not standing up and decrying this action. Allowing Obama to do this jeopardizes any chance at State rights by any State and is an insult to American state rights and values.
So what does this mean now? The usual. Nothing will be done with the property and once again we lose. Blue agreed to preserve the facade, the interior is not worth saving, and was denied the opportunity. Here is an idea. Have the landmarks commission and the citizens who are thwarting progress to save old buildings not worthy of saving buy the properties and rehab them immediately under the rules they force everyone else to follow.
BP: One more day and another estimated 2.5 million gallons of oil spilled into the Gulf. Many are wondering if anything will be left to salvage along the coast. Oil is alreayd rampant on the shores at Pensacola and the wetlands in Louisiana are already suffering tragically. BP says the cost to them so far is roughly $2.6 Billion. Gee I feel so sorry for them. Poor BP huh?
But more importantly Obama did get $20 Billion he can exploit from BP so all is good.
AZ BEING SUED BY THE PRESIDENT?: What can be said at thispoint. President Obama has decided apparently to make Arizona his example of what happens when a State does what is in their best interests at the expense of the federal government I guess. Townhall - Obama Courts Latinos by Suing Arizona
This monstrosity of an ego that Obama has needs to change quickly. I do not understand why every State is not standing up and decrying this action. Allowing Obama to do this jeopardizes any chance at State rights by any State and is an insult to American state rights and values.
DAVID WILLIAMS ON MANDY CONNELL SHOW
Steve Beshear as you know recently spoke about the budget and taking credit for getting it done essentially. Well David Williams was on Mandy Connell just a minute ago and apparently Beshear has some memory problems.
Consider these points from Senator Williams:
Beshear originally wanted to take the 412 million from lottery that is currently used to fund scholarships and use it to balance the budget instead. So much for higher education in Kentucky not to mention it would have violated what we agreed to when we brought the lottery to Kentucky.
The special session was called to pass a budget yet the budget that Beshear called the special session for was the same one the senate conference committee put forth at end of the regular session. So Beshear now claims he needed a special session to get the budget that was already before him towards the end of the regular session.
While Beshear claims he made the changes to the budget that was voted on apparently this again is a lie.
Beshear counted on a medicaid increase from feds that did not come. This is gimmick funding. Normally medicaid is funded on a 75/25 split with feds in Kentucky and it does vary state to state based on poverty level. While many states, 35, were hoping for the same thing it did not happen and we cannot budget on hopeful income.
Beshear's answer for the budget was basically 900 million in one time money. Seriously? You cannot do an effective budget with one time money as the base. Common sense tells you that one time money is exactly that. To be used one time. Once it is gone then what? Beshear had no plan for that.
Governor Beshear says he has cut $1 billion from state budget. Has he shown any proof? According to Senator Williams this has not been done nor could it be.
Many questions abound but nothing new.
Your thoughts?
Consider these points from Senator Williams:
Beshear originally wanted to take the 412 million from lottery that is currently used to fund scholarships and use it to balance the budget instead. So much for higher education in Kentucky not to mention it would have violated what we agreed to when we brought the lottery to Kentucky.
The special session was called to pass a budget yet the budget that Beshear called the special session for was the same one the senate conference committee put forth at end of the regular session. So Beshear now claims he needed a special session to get the budget that was already before him towards the end of the regular session.
While Beshear claims he made the changes to the budget that was voted on apparently this again is a lie.
Beshear counted on a medicaid increase from feds that did not come. This is gimmick funding. Normally medicaid is funded on a 75/25 split with feds in Kentucky and it does vary state to state based on poverty level. While many states, 35, were hoping for the same thing it did not happen and we cannot budget on hopeful income.
Beshear's answer for the budget was basically 900 million in one time money. Seriously? You cannot do an effective budget with one time money as the base. Common sense tells you that one time money is exactly that. To be used one time. Once it is gone then what? Beshear had no plan for that.
Governor Beshear says he has cut $1 billion from state budget. Has he shown any proof? According to Senator Williams this has not been done nor could it be.
Many questions abound but nothing new.
Your thoughts?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
MYVIEWMATTERS WITH CANDIDATE ED MARTIN
Tonight's show was a different show for me. My partner and co host Ed Martin as you know by now filed to run as a Libertarian candidate for the 3rd Congressional District against incumbent John Yarmuth. For over a year now Ed Martin has been my other half, if you will, and he will be leaving as a regular co host until the election is over in November, or beyond if he wins.
Ed has been an inspiration to me as well as a comrade in arms for some time so him being in the hot seat was different for a change. Interviewing Ed versus communicating with him was a different part of our relationship but I found it interesting as well.
Nope he didn't get soft ball questions he was treated like any other guest on the show. Very informative discussion in particular when it comes to the economy and healthcare.
Listen in below:
Ed has been an inspiration to me as well as a comrade in arms for some time so him being in the hot seat was different for a change. Interviewing Ed versus communicating with him was a different part of our relationship but I found it interesting as well.
Nope he didn't get soft ball questions he was treated like any other guest on the show. Very informative discussion in particular when it comes to the economy and healthcare.
Listen in below:
THURSDAY UPDATES: RAND PAUL, GENERAL MCHRYSTAL, MYVIEWMATTERS RADIO, AND MORE!
Let's do some catch up this morning shall we?
RAND PAUL STILL THE DEVIL: The CJ is still hammering Rand Paul and now with letters to the editor. Reader Letters Whose best interests? courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal. Never mind that anyone who actually pays attention realizes these people don't know what they are talking about.
FIRING GENERAL MCCHRYSTAL: Yesterday General McChrystal, the commanding officer in Afghanistan was relieved of duty by Obama. I don't get it. I am a veteran and really saw nothing worthy of termination in the Rolling Stone article that created this conflict The Runaway General Rolling Stone Politics. Let's face it General McChrystal probably did not make the best choice by allowing a reporter to witness him and his staff in an off duty situation and being open and candid, but termination?.
If we are going to allow "embedded media" to go into war zones to capture anything and everything they want and spin it what was so wrong with McChrystal and his men throwing down a few. How many of us do the same thing after a tough day on the job. Drink a few beers, bitch about things, and move on. The General is no different. I personally liked the fact he felt he had nothing to hide and his people were open. I guess relieving stress these days is uncalled for as well.
MYVIEWMATTERS RADIO SHOW: MyViewMatters Radio, thanks to the enormous success over the last year doubling listeners each and every quarter, has moved to a new time slot. Tonight will mark the new date and time inaugural show following Sean Hannity on WKJK 1080 AM at 6 pm.
Tune in we will actually interview my normal, now former full time co host, and Libertarian candidate for 3rd Congressional District Ed Martin. Ed's duties to the show will be waning a bit during this election season so he can focus on his campaign. He will be remaining as Co Owner and a part time co host.
ILLEGALS CONTINUED: There is rumor that Obama will be granting immunity to illegal aliens through executive actions. Senators Challenge Pres. Obama on Rumors of Amnesty Thorugh Executive Actions NumbersUSA - For Lower Immigration Levels. Personally, I am sick of this garbage. Our federal government is supposed to be focused on protecting our borders and instead have decided to take a new direction in our history by nation building across the globe like, oh say for example, Afghanistan.
Obama do your job and close the borders, collect the illegal population, send them back to Mexico, and anywhere else they came from, and put together a decisive plan to clean up our home first. Continuing to try and Nation build wasting billions of dollars that could be utilized here at home is ridiculous.
It is past time to do the job we elect our officials to do.
RAND PAUL STILL THE DEVIL: The CJ is still hammering Rand Paul and now with letters to the editor. Reader Letters Whose best interests? courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal. Never mind that anyone who actually pays attention realizes these people don't know what they are talking about.
FIRING GENERAL MCCHRYSTAL: Yesterday General McChrystal, the commanding officer in Afghanistan was relieved of duty by Obama. I don't get it. I am a veteran and really saw nothing worthy of termination in the Rolling Stone article that created this conflict The Runaway General Rolling Stone Politics. Let's face it General McChrystal probably did not make the best choice by allowing a reporter to witness him and his staff in an off duty situation and being open and candid, but termination?.
If we are going to allow "embedded media" to go into war zones to capture anything and everything they want and spin it what was so wrong with McChrystal and his men throwing down a few. How many of us do the same thing after a tough day on the job. Drink a few beers, bitch about things, and move on. The General is no different. I personally liked the fact he felt he had nothing to hide and his people were open. I guess relieving stress these days is uncalled for as well.
MYVIEWMATTERS RADIO SHOW: MyViewMatters Radio, thanks to the enormous success over the last year doubling listeners each and every quarter, has moved to a new time slot. Tonight will mark the new date and time inaugural show following Sean Hannity on WKJK 1080 AM at 6 pm.
Tune in we will actually interview my normal, now former full time co host, and Libertarian candidate for 3rd Congressional District Ed Martin. Ed's duties to the show will be waning a bit during this election season so he can focus on his campaign. He will be remaining as Co Owner and a part time co host.
ILLEGALS CONTINUED: There is rumor that Obama will be granting immunity to illegal aliens through executive actions. Senators Challenge Pres. Obama on Rumors of Amnesty Thorugh Executive Actions NumbersUSA - For Lower Immigration Levels. Personally, I am sick of this garbage. Our federal government is supposed to be focused on protecting our borders and instead have decided to take a new direction in our history by nation building across the globe like, oh say for example, Afghanistan.
Obama do your job and close the borders, collect the illegal population, send them back to Mexico, and anywhere else they came from, and put together a decisive plan to clean up our home first. Continuing to try and Nation build wasting billions of dollars that could be utilized here at home is ridiculous.
It is past time to do the job we elect our officials to do.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
ED MARTIN IN FOR 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT!
Update: Ed Martin officially filed at 2:30 this afternoon.
For months now my radio show co host, friend, and business owner, Ed Martin has been thinking about a run for 3rd Congressional District. I just spoke with Ed and confirmed he is on his way to Frankfort right now to file. After trying to run prior and being literally railroaded out of the race by the Republican Party (which led to a lawsuit by Martin) Ed has decided to run as a Libertarian candidate again.
I have to say this kudos to Martin. Not because he happens to be a friend or business partner but quite the contrary. Martin will bring one thing into this race that is lacking today from both incumbent John Yarmuth and Republican Todd Lally.
Substance.
Anyone who has listened to our radio show, MyViewMatters Radio, or spoke with Ed Martin knows just how intelligent he is. He not only identifies what the problems are but more importantly he offers solutions to those problems. While Yarmuth continues toeing the party line and not offering any original ideas, and Lally continues using the same old tired Republican rhetoric of "cut taxes," neither has given us any plans to accomplish anything to better our Kentucky or Country.
Ed Martin will swing that balance. He will give you a plan and tell you how it is regardless of party mantras and is worthy of checking out. Martin is not the old school typical "hundred percenter" of past Libertarians. He is a fresh face in politics and beholding to no one.
He is not one to sugar coat either. He will not tell you what you want to hear for a vote he will tell you how he sees it, offer solutions, and let you make up your mind.
Already there is talk that John Yarmuth is happy Martin is in the race because he feels this will help him by taking votes away from Lally. The normal pompous and arrogant Yarmuth way if you ask me. Since Yarmuth is the sitting incumbent, and has been part of the dismal failure of this current Government that has led us to the messes we are in today, perhaps now he will finally have to be forthright and honest. Most don't know Yarmuth benefits from the whole health care reform he just helped pass against the majority of his constituents as one example though they will soon. There is much more to come about silver spoon Yarmuth in the months to come.
Yarmuth should be worried that someone with real substance has entered the race regardless of party. He will now have to be accountable.
Lally on the other hand has to worry as well. The Republican challenger has much on the surface to offer. A Lt Colonel in the military, the "face" of a politican people like, and a conservative base to fall back on. But since all we have seen to date is the same old talking points and no solutions, Lally will now have to truly define his plans on what he will do if elected.
Martin forces all to begin giving us specifics and not the same old boring talking points we continue to get that are never followed through on.
You owe it to yourself to check him out.
For months now my radio show co host, friend, and business owner, Ed Martin has been thinking about a run for 3rd Congressional District. I just spoke with Ed and confirmed he is on his way to Frankfort right now to file. After trying to run prior and being literally railroaded out of the race by the Republican Party (which led to a lawsuit by Martin) Ed has decided to run as a Libertarian candidate again.
I have to say this kudos to Martin. Not because he happens to be a friend or business partner but quite the contrary. Martin will bring one thing into this race that is lacking today from both incumbent John Yarmuth and Republican Todd Lally.
Substance.
Anyone who has listened to our radio show, MyViewMatters Radio, or spoke with Ed Martin knows just how intelligent he is. He not only identifies what the problems are but more importantly he offers solutions to those problems. While Yarmuth continues toeing the party line and not offering any original ideas, and Lally continues using the same old tired Republican rhetoric of "cut taxes," neither has given us any plans to accomplish anything to better our Kentucky or Country.
Ed Martin will swing that balance. He will give you a plan and tell you how it is regardless of party mantras and is worthy of checking out. Martin is not the old school typical "hundred percenter" of past Libertarians. He is a fresh face in politics and beholding to no one.
He is not one to sugar coat either. He will not tell you what you want to hear for a vote he will tell you how he sees it, offer solutions, and let you make up your mind.
Already there is talk that John Yarmuth is happy Martin is in the race because he feels this will help him by taking votes away from Lally. The normal pompous and arrogant Yarmuth way if you ask me. Since Yarmuth is the sitting incumbent, and has been part of the dismal failure of this current Government that has led us to the messes we are in today, perhaps now he will finally have to be forthright and honest. Most don't know Yarmuth benefits from the whole health care reform he just helped pass against the majority of his constituents as one example though they will soon. There is much more to come about silver spoon Yarmuth in the months to come.
Yarmuth should be worried that someone with real substance has entered the race regardless of party. He will now have to be accountable.
Lally on the other hand has to worry as well. The Republican challenger has much on the surface to offer. A Lt Colonel in the military, the "face" of a politican people like, and a conservative base to fall back on. But since all we have seen to date is the same old talking points and no solutions, Lally will now have to truly define his plans on what he will do if elected.
Martin forces all to begin giving us specifics and not the same old boring talking points we continue to get that are never followed through on.
You owe it to yourself to check him out.
Monday, June 21, 2010
LALLY HAS QUESTIONS BUT THEN AGAIN SO DO WE
Congressman John Yarmuth sponsored a job hunting workshop at Crown Plaza Monday. As you know 3rd District Rep. Yarmuth is up for re election and will face Republican challenger Todd Lally in November. Since Yarmuth was here Lally decided to attend as well to simply ask the question we all want to know:
Where are the jobs?
Myself like millions of other Americans are still waiting for those answers. The fact that Yarmuth has to sponsor a job hunting workshop speaks volumes in regards to failed leadership in and of itself. If leadership were doing its job would we still need a job hunting workshop sponsored by a sitting Congressman?
Read this Todd Lally criticizes Rep. John Yarmuth over jobs courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal, Lally said Yarmuth's support of health-care reform and government spending were adding taxes, regulations and uncertainty that have made companies reluctant to hire.
Fair enough he is right. The fact is when I speak with business owners they are unwilling to expand or replace workers because of the uncertainty of Obama and his Dem machine that includes Yarmuth, Pelosi, and Frank. They don't like or trust the health care reform and they believe taxes are too high. Most of that sentiment is the tax paid in Louisville. They would rather downsize.
Lally continues with this quote: "They can put on their best suits ... but the simple truth is there aren't enough jobs to go around," said Lally, who said his plan for job growth including making Louisville a health care and logistical hub. "There's no such thing as a jobless recovery."
I agree with him. To an extent. I mean we already have Humana, not to mention Nationally recognized hospitals in University and Jewish. Health care hub? Check that already exists. Logistical hub? Check that already exists as well. UPS owns Louisville and our rail service is no laughing matter in its own right. Great quotes but the substance is lacking.
For one thing the biggest difference I have with both is that we have had less taxes for a few years now and we have not seen the job growth we were promised and expected. While corporate profits and bonuses were going up exponentially overall we lost more jobs. As a Nation can we cut more taxes overall? Eventually but not now. The same old talking point is wearing thin. This alone discounts Lally's message since no plan has been set forth.
Does this mean Yarmuth is better? Nope. Yarmuth is willing to let the Bush tax cuts expire in January 2011 and we cannot afford to do that either. If you think the economy is bad now just wait. It will get much worse if these cuts are rolled back. We cannot raise taxes and if we allow this to expire that is exactly the net effect. At the same time we cannot simply just arbitrarily lower taxes to business either without some regard to what that will do for our fragile economy.
I often hear the statement that Yarmuth is great and the Repubs are to blame for our problems. In a word? Hogwash.
Democrats have controlled Congress for over 3 years and they bear the brunt of the problems today. We cannot continue to blame Bush when the Dems have had the House and Senate under Bush for his last 2 years and Obama's first 15 months. The problems we face today are bi partisan problems. Period. No one party is safe from the blame game they are equally responsible.
The flat out greed by the Republicans during Bush first term, and just beyond, led to the problems of today. They forgot about fiscal responsibility in their quest to lower taxes and make sure their lobby and coprorate interests buddies benefited.
We simply could not afford to continue down the path of corporate giveaways without a day of reckoning. When the day of reckoning came upon us because of the greed of those like AIG, Halliburton, etc we found we had no easy fix solutions to stimulate the economy.
We had already used unnecessary tax rollbacks to the point that they are insignificant now. We did not regulate or pay attention to the real markets allowing these interests to rob us blind. No wonder many jumped on the Obama "hope and change" mantra. But what did we gain?
What has happened during Obama's tenure? Well not much productively. The bailouts, though created under Bush but with a Democratic controlled Congress, did very little for the average American. The bailouts let banks off the hook for faulty and suspicious accounting practices thus letting them avoid responsibility for their failures at our expense. Are any of us better off than before? Nope in fact many are even worse off now though the corporate bottom line is protected.
Home foreclosures are through the roof despite a short term halt to the slide with the stimulus money rebates for new home buyers. Even today Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are set to suspend mortgage payments for those who have basically lost their jobs because of the BP oil spill. Though no fault of their own, how can we honestly say this is appropriate?
Obama has paid lip service and done absolutely nothing to correct the problems he railed against when campaigning. Instead he has opted to return to a handout mentality that the most basic Democratic elected official has always stood with. Simply put? Throw money around in a few select areas so we regain and keep power and don't worry about the rest.
How many people have been laid off, or lost their jobs through no fault of their own, that are now in foreclosure and will lose their home? Where is their free or suspended mortgage payments at? Though I am appalled at BP's carelessness, and the fact that so many are out of a job accordingly, there are literally thousands more in the same boat for the same basic reasons as those in the Gulf today. Obama is picking and choosing who deserves help most when the situations are identical. Unemployed through no fault of their own.
So what needs to be done? Many things but we must start somewhere. I say continue the Bush tax cuts but do not do any major tax cuts above that right now. We definitely can do some limited targeted tax cuts but noting to fancy or costly for now. Local tax rates need a severe overhaul.
We simply cannot afford the uncertainty of a perceived tax hike which will be the reality if we allow the Bush cuts to expire in 2011. Not to mention business has already adjusted to the Bush cuts and the uncertainty currently rests with the fact they will expire. Eliminate the uncertainty by making permanent the cuts that already exist.
Additionally, Obama and his friend Rep John Yarmuth pushed through a health care plan that most did not want adding even more money to our deficits to pay for something we do not need. This is a monstrosity of an overreach by Government at a time when we quite frankly cannot afford it. Forget about it for now. Yarmuth is lying again when he says that health care reform will create jobs. No way. Yep I said it. More lies and deception.
Force business to be accountable. Quit bailing out anyone who has deceived the public and not done their job. Ford didn't take the bailout and look at them today. They had to adapt and did. Take the billions that are left in the TARP appropriated funds and re appropriate it where it will do the most good. Relax the red tape and put it in small business or even perhaps help the other folks who are in danger of losing their homes through low interest readily available loans through the Government. The money is already sitting there why not take a chance on the American people down on their luck for a change?
Don't pay lip service to the American people follow through. Most of the "programs" put in place to date for these purposes are dismal failures because everyone in Government wants a piece of the pie. Take all the extra hands out of the equation and streamline.
If it is good enough for the Corporations than it should most certainly be good enough for the citizens themselves. Cut the red tape, quit playing politics, and let nature take its course. Most just need a hand up not a handout period.
The day of reckoning for the political machine on both sides is now upon us. We have a choice to continue down the path of destruction that incumbents, and lifelong elected officials have led us, or we can choose a new path by electing new people to leadership positions that may actually have a different view of our problems. New people and new faces bring a new approach in most cases. That is not a bad thing.
For Yarmuth and Lally show us the plans for job creation and quit speaking the same old talking points that we have heard over and over again with no results.
Until we see them the rest is just the same old tired rhetoric we have come to expect.
Where are the jobs?
Myself like millions of other Americans are still waiting for those answers. The fact that Yarmuth has to sponsor a job hunting workshop speaks volumes in regards to failed leadership in and of itself. If leadership were doing its job would we still need a job hunting workshop sponsored by a sitting Congressman?
Read this Todd Lally criticizes Rep. John Yarmuth over jobs courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal, Lally said Yarmuth's support of health-care reform and government spending were adding taxes, regulations and uncertainty that have made companies reluctant to hire.
Fair enough he is right. The fact is when I speak with business owners they are unwilling to expand or replace workers because of the uncertainty of Obama and his Dem machine that includes Yarmuth, Pelosi, and Frank. They don't like or trust the health care reform and they believe taxes are too high. Most of that sentiment is the tax paid in Louisville. They would rather downsize.
Lally continues with this quote: "They can put on their best suits ... but the simple truth is there aren't enough jobs to go around," said Lally, who said his plan for job growth including making Louisville a health care and logistical hub. "There's no such thing as a jobless recovery."
I agree with him. To an extent. I mean we already have Humana, not to mention Nationally recognized hospitals in University and Jewish. Health care hub? Check that already exists. Logistical hub? Check that already exists as well. UPS owns Louisville and our rail service is no laughing matter in its own right. Great quotes but the substance is lacking.
For one thing the biggest difference I have with both is that we have had less taxes for a few years now and we have not seen the job growth we were promised and expected. While corporate profits and bonuses were going up exponentially overall we lost more jobs. As a Nation can we cut more taxes overall? Eventually but not now. The same old talking point is wearing thin. This alone discounts Lally's message since no plan has been set forth.
Does this mean Yarmuth is better? Nope. Yarmuth is willing to let the Bush tax cuts expire in January 2011 and we cannot afford to do that either. If you think the economy is bad now just wait. It will get much worse if these cuts are rolled back. We cannot raise taxes and if we allow this to expire that is exactly the net effect. At the same time we cannot simply just arbitrarily lower taxes to business either without some regard to what that will do for our fragile economy.
I often hear the statement that Yarmuth is great and the Repubs are to blame for our problems. In a word? Hogwash.
Democrats have controlled Congress for over 3 years and they bear the brunt of the problems today. We cannot continue to blame Bush when the Dems have had the House and Senate under Bush for his last 2 years and Obama's first 15 months. The problems we face today are bi partisan problems. Period. No one party is safe from the blame game they are equally responsible.
Until we hold both sides accountable for their joint failures we will not move ahead. Call it a stalemate. Until leadership on both sides steps up and accepts equal responsibility and moves to the middle we will be stuck with mediocrity and poor results for years to come.
The Reps started this problem during the Bush years when the Repubs destroyed a surplus by lowering taxes during a good economy when we could have been paying down debt and salvaging our future. Additionally deregulating to a point that we have no responsibility for anything today.The flat out greed by the Republicans during Bush first term, and just beyond, led to the problems of today. They forgot about fiscal responsibility in their quest to lower taxes and make sure their lobby and coprorate interests buddies benefited.
We simply could not afford to continue down the path of corporate giveaways without a day of reckoning. When the day of reckoning came upon us because of the greed of those like AIG, Halliburton, etc we found we had no easy fix solutions to stimulate the economy.
We had already used unnecessary tax rollbacks to the point that they are insignificant now. We did not regulate or pay attention to the real markets allowing these interests to rob us blind. No wonder many jumped on the Obama "hope and change" mantra. But what did we gain?
What has happened during Obama's tenure? Well not much productively. The bailouts, though created under Bush but with a Democratic controlled Congress, did very little for the average American. The bailouts let banks off the hook for faulty and suspicious accounting practices thus letting them avoid responsibility for their failures at our expense. Are any of us better off than before? Nope in fact many are even worse off now though the corporate bottom line is protected.
Home foreclosures are through the roof despite a short term halt to the slide with the stimulus money rebates for new home buyers. Even today Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are set to suspend mortgage payments for those who have basically lost their jobs because of the BP oil spill. Though no fault of their own, how can we honestly say this is appropriate?
Obama has paid lip service and done absolutely nothing to correct the problems he railed against when campaigning. Instead he has opted to return to a handout mentality that the most basic Democratic elected official has always stood with. Simply put? Throw money around in a few select areas so we regain and keep power and don't worry about the rest.
How many people have been laid off, or lost their jobs through no fault of their own, that are now in foreclosure and will lose their home? Where is their free or suspended mortgage payments at? Though I am appalled at BP's carelessness, and the fact that so many are out of a job accordingly, there are literally thousands more in the same boat for the same basic reasons as those in the Gulf today. Obama is picking and choosing who deserves help most when the situations are identical. Unemployed through no fault of their own.
So what needs to be done? Many things but we must start somewhere. I say continue the Bush tax cuts but do not do any major tax cuts above that right now. We definitely can do some limited targeted tax cuts but noting to fancy or costly for now. Local tax rates need a severe overhaul.
We simply cannot afford the uncertainty of a perceived tax hike which will be the reality if we allow the Bush cuts to expire in 2011. Not to mention business has already adjusted to the Bush cuts and the uncertainty currently rests with the fact they will expire. Eliminate the uncertainty by making permanent the cuts that already exist.
Additionally, Obama and his friend Rep John Yarmuth pushed through a health care plan that most did not want adding even more money to our deficits to pay for something we do not need. This is a monstrosity of an overreach by Government at a time when we quite frankly cannot afford it. Forget about it for now. Yarmuth is lying again when he says that health care reform will create jobs. No way. Yep I said it. More lies and deception.
Force business to be accountable. Quit bailing out anyone who has deceived the public and not done their job. Ford didn't take the bailout and look at them today. They had to adapt and did. Take the billions that are left in the TARP appropriated funds and re appropriate it where it will do the most good. Relax the red tape and put it in small business or even perhaps help the other folks who are in danger of losing their homes through low interest readily available loans through the Government. The money is already sitting there why not take a chance on the American people down on their luck for a change?
Don't pay lip service to the American people follow through. Most of the "programs" put in place to date for these purposes are dismal failures because everyone in Government wants a piece of the pie. Take all the extra hands out of the equation and streamline.
If it is good enough for the Corporations than it should most certainly be good enough for the citizens themselves. Cut the red tape, quit playing politics, and let nature take its course. Most just need a hand up not a handout period.
The day of reckoning for the political machine on both sides is now upon us. We have a choice to continue down the path of destruction that incumbents, and lifelong elected officials have led us, or we can choose a new path by electing new people to leadership positions that may actually have a different view of our problems. New people and new faces bring a new approach in most cases. That is not a bad thing.
For Yarmuth and Lally show us the plans for job creation and quit speaking the same old talking points that we have heard over and over again with no results.
Until we see them the rest is just the same old tired rhetoric we have come to expect.
WHAT HAPPENED TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND RELIGION?
I ran across this story last week and was appalled. Seriously. It seems there are two sets of rules when it comes to freedom of religion. One for Muslims in tihs Country and another for everyone else. Read this for more:
THREE CHRISTIANS ARRESTED IN OUTREACH TO MUSLIMS IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN - TheCypressTimes
From the article:
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN -(ANS)-Three Christians were arrested today at the Arab International Festival as they shared their faith with Muslims. The three were arrested by police as they engaged in intense, but respectful dialog in which they proclaimed their faith in Christ.
"I never thought I would see this in America," says Steven Atkins, a resident of Toronto, Canada, who was visiting the festival and observed the incident.
Arrested for passing out literature and engaging in dialogue with the Muslims.
In America? What was the crime? Freedom of speech?
When did we lose that in America?
If you are muslim in Florida, and do not want to follow the basic rules for a driver's license for example that requires an open faced picture on ID, what do you do? No problem you change the law and allow a picture Id that reveals nothing of the face except the eyeballs. If you are a Christian you do not get that right.
All Christians must be identifiable I guess.
They even passed a law banning distribution of Christian material anywhere near the festival. Anyone remember when a muslim was banned from passing out literature near a Christian event? Just saying.
Finally this:
This year, the city of Dearborn banned the distribution of Christian literature near the festival. Some accused the city of catering to its large Muslim population when the law was passed. On June 17, a three-judge panel from the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency motion on behalf of Pastor George Saieg, allowing him to distribute literature and talk about his faith to Muslims at the festival.
"It was an intense discussion, but it was not unruly," Atkins noted. "There was no threat of violence," he said. "It's becoming more restrictive here than in Canada."
How much more do we as Americans have to give up? Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, where does it end?
Heard enough to get involved yet?
THREE CHRISTIANS ARRESTED IN OUTREACH TO MUSLIMS IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN - TheCypressTimes
From the article:
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN -(ANS)-Three Christians were arrested today at the Arab International Festival as they shared their faith with Muslims. The three were arrested by police as they engaged in intense, but respectful dialog in which they proclaimed their faith in Christ.
"I never thought I would see this in America," says Steven Atkins, a resident of Toronto, Canada, who was visiting the festival and observed the incident.
Arrested for passing out literature and engaging in dialogue with the Muslims.
In America? What was the crime? Freedom of speech?
When did we lose that in America?
If you are muslim in Florida, and do not want to follow the basic rules for a driver's license for example that requires an open faced picture on ID, what do you do? No problem you change the law and allow a picture Id that reveals nothing of the face except the eyeballs. If you are a Christian you do not get that right.
All Christians must be identifiable I guess.
They even passed a law banning distribution of Christian material anywhere near the festival. Anyone remember when a muslim was banned from passing out literature near a Christian event? Just saying.
Finally this:
This year, the city of Dearborn banned the distribution of Christian literature near the festival. Some accused the city of catering to its large Muslim population when the law was passed. On June 17, a three-judge panel from the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency motion on behalf of Pastor George Saieg, allowing him to distribute literature and talk about his faith to Muslims at the festival.
"It was an intense discussion, but it was not unruly," Atkins noted. "There was no threat of violence," he said. "It's becoming more restrictive here than in Canada."
How much more do we as Americans have to give up? Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, where does it end?
Heard enough to get involved yet?
MONDAY ROUNDUP
CJ Again trying to beat Rand Paul to death: Once again the CJ carried yet another story on Rand Paul today that you can read here: Rand Paul has long history of controversial views courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal. They must be getting really scared their favorite son Jack Conway is in trouble considering Andrew Wolfson used 10 pages in their online edition. I mean sheesh guys give it a rest let Conway do his own work.
METRO REALLY NEEDS OVERSIGHT: A couple of weeks ago I did a story on employee Eric Garrett who I felt got screwed by Metro because of his call to the Metro tipline. Louisville News and Politics: METRO TIPLINE LEADS TO UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN USED The story just keeps getting better so I did a followup over the weekend Louisville News and Politics: METRO EMPLOYEE INDEED GETTING SCREWED BY THE ABRAMSON GESTAPO The Abramson machine just keeps getting worse and worse. Stay tuned to this story as there will be more coming out including background on the controversial employee that Betty Younis used to make up charges against Garrett, and Ted Pullen who has no clue.
OLDIE BUT GOODIE: This was actually sent to me in email a few years ago and I just saw it again this weekend. I love it and felt like it would make a good read for you all. Check it out and let me know your thoughts. Until next time.............
The following has been attributed to State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA. This guy should run for President one day... "We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."
ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful, do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.
ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.
ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape,intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.
ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.
ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (lastly....)
ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!!!!
METRO REALLY NEEDS OVERSIGHT: A couple of weeks ago I did a story on employee Eric Garrett who I felt got screwed by Metro because of his call to the Metro tipline. Louisville News and Politics: METRO TIPLINE LEADS TO UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN USED The story just keeps getting better so I did a followup over the weekend Louisville News and Politics: METRO EMPLOYEE INDEED GETTING SCREWED BY THE ABRAMSON GESTAPO The Abramson machine just keeps getting worse and worse. Stay tuned to this story as there will be more coming out including background on the controversial employee that Betty Younis used to make up charges against Garrett, and Ted Pullen who has no clue.
OLDIE BUT GOODIE: This was actually sent to me in email a few years ago and I just saw it again this weekend. I love it and felt like it would make a good read for you all. Check it out and let me know your thoughts. Until next time.............
The following has been attributed to State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA. This guy should run for President one day... "We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."
ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful, do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.
ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.
ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape,intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.
ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.
ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (lastly....)
ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!!!!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
METRO EMPLOYEE INDEED GETTING SCREWED BY THE ABRAMSON GESTAPO
Last week I did a story on what I consider to be retaliatory behavior by Metro Government in regards to a case involving Eric Garrett and his use of the Metro Tipline to report problems within Facilities Maintenance, in what seems to be a running battle with Department heads Ted Pullen and Betty Younis. Louisville News and Politics: METRO TIPLINE LEADS TO UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN USED
Since then much has been uncovered in my ongoing investigation of this agency. Primarily at first glance it appears Ms. Younis has no control over the Department nor does she have any applicable training or knowledge of the equipment she is charged with overseeing. Additionally, she seems to be in the habit of falsifying claims against Mr. Garrett, in the latest case using a subordinate with a history of conflict with co-workers. In what looks like a setup and despite having the only witness to events testifying squarely on his side, Garrett gets an indefinite suspension and railroaded into a psychiatric exam or loses his job.
Confused yet? I hope not because it gets better.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=labeled_buildings.showProfile&profile_id=1008735
Things like the Old Jail Building seems to be at the root of this problem. When you start talking to people who work Downtown stories about HVAC problems, the basis for Garrett's Tipline complaint, come easily to the surface. The Old Jail building gets special mention because it's the one building Mayor Abramson put up on the Federal list as a Metro building with an Energy Star rating, and then trotted off to Washington to get his award. But the problem might be that the building doesn’t deserve to be on that list, and it’s a joke to a lot of people who work in it every day.
How could that be?
Part of the problem is that routine maintenance just hasn’t been done in many of the buildings downtown, which is one of the most important things you need to do to earn your Energy Star credentials. In the Old Jail for example, lots of other problems make it a poor choice to brag about. In order to not get too complicated let me ask this.
If you bought a brand new central air unit for your home, but your thermostat didn’t work or your kids left the windows open, would buying that new AC unit make your home "energy efficient?" The obvious answer is no and yet they did something like that at the Old Jail.
They bought a new chiller and cooling tower to replace the old, neglected equipment for Energy Star purposes, but they did it ass backwards. They chose NOT to follow the guidelines and bought the system before a lot of other things had been done to reduce the heat load on the building, so that they could be sure to buy the right size equipment. They brag about outside air dampers, but fail to mention that they haven’t worked in years.
Energy Star guidelines say this is an "obvious" problem if your goal is to make the system efficient, not to mention that it prevents the folks in the building from getting enough fresh air (another Energy Star requirement).
Throughout the building, you’ll find problems like broken thermostats, dirty coils, broken valves and disconnected equipment, along with a long history of complaints from the building’s occupants. Supervisors at ground level have made enough requests for the authorization to have these problems fixed, so the responsibility lies with the same people who now claim it’s the best the City has to offer.
So just how does one get "Energy Star" certified? According to the disclaimer at the bottom of the link above:
"Narrative information in this profile has been provided by Louisville Metro Facilities Management or a representative of this facility. Other building information was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application."
How does a building with all these problems get verified?
When you start looking at the connections there might be more to answer for than just misrepresenting the Old Jail as having an efficient HVAC system (we haven’t even looked at the boilers); there might be questions about how claims of Energy Star compliance are being used to leverage ARRA Federal stimulus money, and if it’s as bad as it sounds, the whole "Go Green" reputation of this administration might wind up looking like a house of cards. We will see…..
I’m hearing all kinds of rumbling about how things have been managed by Facilities over at Metrosafe, too, where the City just dropped about $12 million to upgrade a building we all depend on for emergency response. From what I have been told by sources Garrett apparently had to virtually drag Younis, kicking and barking like a rabid dog, to just get the filters changed on brand new equipment that had been in alarm for months.
That, I am told, is the incident that Councilman Heiner was inadvertently referring to when he mentioned filters being so dirty they were pulled through their frames. They finally were changed, I am told right after Garrett's complaint to the Ethics Tipline was made.
A complaint that led to a retaliatory indefinite suspension without pay I might add.
For the same reason, they might be running around now trying to get a lot of stuff done. I could go on and on and assuredly I will as this investigation continues but for now ask yourself a question?
Why in the world do we allow people with no education or experience to head Departments that require such?
There is more to come I assure you............
Since then much has been uncovered in my ongoing investigation of this agency. Primarily at first glance it appears Ms. Younis has no control over the Department nor does she have any applicable training or knowledge of the equipment she is charged with overseeing. Additionally, she seems to be in the habit of falsifying claims against Mr. Garrett, in the latest case using a subordinate with a history of conflict with co-workers. In what looks like a setup and despite having the only witness to events testifying squarely on his side, Garrett gets an indefinite suspension and railroaded into a psychiatric exam or loses his job.
Confused yet? I hope not because it gets better.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=labeled_buildings.showProfile&profile_id=1008735
Things like the Old Jail Building seems to be at the root of this problem. When you start talking to people who work Downtown stories about HVAC problems, the basis for Garrett's Tipline complaint, come easily to the surface. The Old Jail building gets special mention because it's the one building Mayor Abramson put up on the Federal list as a Metro building with an Energy Star rating, and then trotted off to Washington to get his award. But the problem might be that the building doesn’t deserve to be on that list, and it’s a joke to a lot of people who work in it every day.
How could that be?
Part of the problem is that routine maintenance just hasn’t been done in many of the buildings downtown, which is one of the most important things you need to do to earn your Energy Star credentials. In the Old Jail for example, lots of other problems make it a poor choice to brag about. In order to not get too complicated let me ask this.
If you bought a brand new central air unit for your home, but your thermostat didn’t work or your kids left the windows open, would buying that new AC unit make your home "energy efficient?" The obvious answer is no and yet they did something like that at the Old Jail.
They bought a new chiller and cooling tower to replace the old, neglected equipment for Energy Star purposes, but they did it ass backwards. They chose NOT to follow the guidelines and bought the system before a lot of other things had been done to reduce the heat load on the building, so that they could be sure to buy the right size equipment. They brag about outside air dampers, but fail to mention that they haven’t worked in years.
Energy Star guidelines say this is an "obvious" problem if your goal is to make the system efficient, not to mention that it prevents the folks in the building from getting enough fresh air (another Energy Star requirement).
Throughout the building, you’ll find problems like broken thermostats, dirty coils, broken valves and disconnected equipment, along with a long history of complaints from the building’s occupants. Supervisors at ground level have made enough requests for the authorization to have these problems fixed, so the responsibility lies with the same people who now claim it’s the best the City has to offer.
So just how does one get "Energy Star" certified? According to the disclaimer at the bottom of the link above:
"Narrative information in this profile has been provided by Louisville Metro Facilities Management or a representative of this facility. Other building information was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application."
How does a building with all these problems get verified?
When you start looking at the connections there might be more to answer for than just misrepresenting the Old Jail as having an efficient HVAC system (we haven’t even looked at the boilers); there might be questions about how claims of Energy Star compliance are being used to leverage ARRA Federal stimulus money, and if it’s as bad as it sounds, the whole "Go Green" reputation of this administration might wind up looking like a house of cards. We will see…..
I’m hearing all kinds of rumbling about how things have been managed by Facilities over at Metrosafe, too, where the City just dropped about $12 million to upgrade a building we all depend on for emergency response. From what I have been told by sources Garrett apparently had to virtually drag Younis, kicking and barking like a rabid dog, to just get the filters changed on brand new equipment that had been in alarm for months.
That, I am told, is the incident that Councilman Heiner was inadvertently referring to when he mentioned filters being so dirty they were pulled through their frames. They finally were changed, I am told right after Garrett's complaint to the Ethics Tipline was made.
A complaint that led to a retaliatory indefinite suspension without pay I might add.
For the same reason, they might be running around now trying to get a lot of stuff done. I could go on and on and assuredly I will as this investigation continues but for now ask yourself a question?
Why in the world do we allow people with no education or experience to head Departments that require such?
There is more to come I assure you............
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
MYVIEWMATTERS RADIO: BP, OBAMA, RAND PAUL, DAVID WILLIAMS, AND MORE!
Tonight's show Ed Martin and I decided to do a kind of update show with some issues thrown in. Why this format? Next week we will be moving to a new date and time. The show will begin airing at 6 Pm on Thursday nights on WKJK 1080 AM beginning next Thursday.
Thanks to all of you loyal listeners, newcomers, and our online friends at Ky Grassroots radio our numbers have doubled for the 4th consecutive quarter and WKJK wants to move us to a better time slot and day on Thursday. We will now be following conservative talk show host Sean Hannity every Thursday night at 6!
It is a great move for all of us as now we will have an even broader base of people to listen and get informed on the issues of the day with a local slant.
As many of you know we have been able to do this self funded. Two working guys with your help have proven we can make a difference and our thanks to you all.
With that in mind we have been asked by many of you to expand the show and we would love to. You can help.
It takes money so if you can make a gift of money please do so at the paypal link on this site or by mail at the PO Box listed above on this site. Just think if 100 of you sent in $1000 bucks apiece we would be funded for 2 full years. If 1000 of you sent in $100 we would get the same result!
Of course I know that is impossible in this economy but if you can help in any way $5, $10, or better it goes a long way!
In the meantime check out tonight's show! We talked about everything from Obama's failure in the BP mess, to attacks on Rand Paul, and Julie Denton's sell out attempt to take over David Williams seat in the Senate.
Tune in below and tune in next week on our new day and time Thursdays at 6PM!
Thanks to all of you loyal listeners, newcomers, and our online friends at Ky Grassroots radio our numbers have doubled for the 4th consecutive quarter and WKJK wants to move us to a better time slot and day on Thursday. We will now be following conservative talk show host Sean Hannity every Thursday night at 6!
It is a great move for all of us as now we will have an even broader base of people to listen and get informed on the issues of the day with a local slant.
As many of you know we have been able to do this self funded. Two working guys with your help have proven we can make a difference and our thanks to you all.
With that in mind we have been asked by many of you to expand the show and we would love to. You can help.
It takes money so if you can make a gift of money please do so at the paypal link on this site or by mail at the PO Box listed above on this site. Just think if 100 of you sent in $1000 bucks apiece we would be funded for 2 full years. If 1000 of you sent in $100 we would get the same result!
Of course I know that is impossible in this economy but if you can help in any way $5, $10, or better it goes a long way!
In the meantime check out tonight's show! We talked about everything from Obama's failure in the BP mess, to attacks on Rand Paul, and Julie Denton's sell out attempt to take over David Williams seat in the Senate.
Tune in below and tune in next week on our new day and time Thursdays at 6PM!
WEDNESDAY UPDATES
There is so much going on right now even I can't cover it all. Here are some updates today and a hint of what will be coming soon!
MYVIEWMATTERS RADIO SHOW: Tonight on WKJK 1080 AM we will be hosting the weekly edition of the MyViewMatters Radio show at 7 PM. Tonight will be an open show with Ed Martin and myself and we will be discussing anything and everything. Want to talk about something? Give us a buzz at (502)571-1080. Details will be announced as well on the changes coming next week. You will like them!
RAND PAUL IS THE DEVIL DAY ELEVENTY BILLION SOMETHING: I know it is starting to become an everyday habit but really does the CJ have to continue to try and portray Paul as the devil? I mean each and everyday there is a new article trying to portray Rand as the evil coming of Christ himself. Here is the latest and predictably it chastises Rand again for the supposed "certification" problem. Editorial Rand Paul's 'certification' courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal. Of course you can read my take here Louisville News and Politics: RAND PAUL IS THE DEVIL: ASK THE LIBERAL MEDIA.
JULIE DENTON TO CHALLENGE DAVID WILLIAMS: Come on Julie really? Seriously? Julie Denton to challenge David Williams for Kentucky Senate presidency courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal You have major ethical baggage with MCNA Dental Damned: Lauderdale Health Care Group Puts a Senator on Its Payroll - Broward Palm Beach News - The Juice who states:
MCNA Dental Plans, a benefits system based in Fort Lauderdale, wanted a $20 million contract from the managed care group that administers Medicaid spending in Kentucky. State Sen. Julie Denton, a former dental hygienist, wanted a job. They both got what they wanted.
As Chair of the Kentucky Senate's health care committee you directly oversee the Passport Health Plan, which gave YOUR employer, MCNA Dental, its $20 million contract.
Your own son filed suit against you for theft claiming you stole $15,000 from his trust fund set up by his Dad, and your ex husband, Tom Rose that you used for your personal self?
Isn't it arrogant to say you will take on David Williams in January when you haven't even won your general in November yet?
While no fan of Williams on many issues I certainly respect the fact he will stand up right or wrong for his actions. There will be more on this later I assure you.
WHISTLEBLOWERS LOSE JOBS: Recently I covered a story involving Metro employee Eric Garrett and what happened to him after he filed a whistleblower complaint. Louisville News and Politics: METRO TIPLINE LEADS TO UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN USED. Looking further this case is going to be even bigger than I thought. We will have more details in the days to come.
That's it for now listen in tonight for the MyViewMatters Radio Show at 7 pm!
MYVIEWMATTERS RADIO SHOW: Tonight on WKJK 1080 AM we will be hosting the weekly edition of the MyViewMatters Radio show at 7 PM. Tonight will be an open show with Ed Martin and myself and we will be discussing anything and everything. Want to talk about something? Give us a buzz at (502)571-1080. Details will be announced as well on the changes coming next week. You will like them!
RAND PAUL IS THE DEVIL DAY ELEVENTY BILLION SOMETHING: I know it is starting to become an everyday habit but really does the CJ have to continue to try and portray Paul as the devil? I mean each and everyday there is a new article trying to portray Rand as the evil coming of Christ himself. Here is the latest and predictably it chastises Rand again for the supposed "certification" problem. Editorial Rand Paul's 'certification' courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal. Of course you can read my take here Louisville News and Politics: RAND PAUL IS THE DEVIL: ASK THE LIBERAL MEDIA.
JULIE DENTON TO CHALLENGE DAVID WILLIAMS: Come on Julie really? Seriously? Julie Denton to challenge David Williams for Kentucky Senate presidency courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal You have major ethical baggage with MCNA Dental Damned: Lauderdale Health Care Group Puts a Senator on Its Payroll - Broward Palm Beach News - The Juice who states:
MCNA Dental Plans, a benefits system based in Fort Lauderdale, wanted a $20 million contract from the managed care group that administers Medicaid spending in Kentucky. State Sen. Julie Denton, a former dental hygienist, wanted a job. They both got what they wanted.
As Chair of the Kentucky Senate's health care committee you directly oversee the Passport Health Plan, which gave YOUR employer, MCNA Dental, its $20 million contract.
Your own son filed suit against you for theft claiming you stole $15,000 from his trust fund set up by his Dad, and your ex husband, Tom Rose that you used for your personal self?
Isn't it arrogant to say you will take on David Williams in January when you haven't even won your general in November yet?
While no fan of Williams on many issues I certainly respect the fact he will stand up right or wrong for his actions. There will be more on this later I assure you.
WHISTLEBLOWERS LOSE JOBS: Recently I covered a story involving Metro employee Eric Garrett and what happened to him after he filed a whistleblower complaint. Louisville News and Politics: METRO TIPLINE LEADS TO UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN USED. Looking further this case is going to be even bigger than I thought. We will have more details in the days to come.
That's it for now listen in tonight for the MyViewMatters Radio Show at 7 pm!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
RAND PAUL IS THE DEVIL: ASK THE LIBERAL MEDIA
I have become fascinated of late with this whole Rand Paul supposed controversy about his certification. People will believe anything it seems so maybe we should look at some interesting facts. The questions have arisen because Dr. Paul did not renew his certification with the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) in 2005. The inference is that Paul is not qualified to be a Doctor accordingly.
Is this the best they have? Is Conway and the liberal media crew that scared?
It would seem so. Let's take a look at some things.
First according to the website ABO:
What are the educational requirements for a physician to become Board Certified? Certification by the ABO is a voluntary process, and is the last step in a long and intensive educational experience ......
Certification is not mandatory by their own admission. Additionally, according to their website ABO states: The ABO was the first American Board established to certify medical specialists and is one of 24 specialty Boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association.
Note they are recognized by another private medical group. Of course most people think you must be AMA certified to be a Doctor yet the AMA's membership represents 10% or less of ALL Doctors. Get the point yet?
These boards are self serving and benefit themselves period. In fact many conservatives chastise labor unions because they feel they hurt business. They are accused of using their lobbyist to force politicians to do their bidding.
What is the difference between them and the AMA or other "unions" of like minded individuals. Essentially nothing.
But then again since the ABO is a private authority we the public who chooses to use physicians certainly have no say so in that decision do we? Is the intent of the ABO to ensure we receive the best medical care from their physicians as possible?
If so, then why discriminate? Do your skills diminish as you age? Do you feel the need to continue education requirements for the certification when you already meet the State requirements to be a licensed physician?
But therein lies the rub.
Since these organizations' are private enterprises, approved by yet other private enterprises with no public oversight of the approval process, then why aren't the majority of physicians members? Because they know this and do not need them to give permission for them to do their job. Why pay the added expense for a certification that does nothing to aid your practice? In fact read this:
Is this the best they have? Is Conway and the liberal media crew that scared?
It would seem so. Let's take a look at some things.
First according to the website ABO:
What are the educational requirements for a physician to become Board Certified? Certification by the ABO is a voluntary process, and is the last step in a long and intensive educational experience ......
Certification is not mandatory by their own admission. Additionally, according to their website ABO states: The ABO was the first American Board established to certify medical specialists and is one of 24 specialty Boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association.
Note they are recognized by another private medical group. Of course most people think you must be AMA certified to be a Doctor yet the AMA's membership represents 10% or less of ALL Doctors. Get the point yet?
These boards are self serving and benefit themselves period. In fact many conservatives chastise labor unions because they feel they hurt business. They are accused of using their lobbyist to force politicians to do their bidding.
What is the difference between them and the AMA or other "unions" of like minded individuals. Essentially nothing.
According to the CJ, Rand Paul's ophthalmology certification not recognized by national clearinghouse courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal Rand Paul is a graduate of Duke University's medical school and was board certified under the American Board of Ophthalmology for a decade. He has been licensed to practice in Kentucky since 1993.
In the late 1990s, Paul was a driving force behind forming the National Board of Ophthalmology to protest the ABO's exemption policy.
"I don't think that some people should re certify and others shouldn't," he said. "And I don't choose to give my money to a private group that discriminates."
Paul said in a May interview that he formed the rival board because he had a problem with the organization treating younger doctors -- those certified after 1992 -- differently from older doctors.
"It annoyed me and a lot of younger ophthalmologists ... that people who were 55 years old didn't have to be recertified and those who were 45 years old did," he said. "So we thought if it was a rule, a good rule, everybody should obey it."
Paul has been certified through the National Board of Ophthalmology since 2005. This is a non issue for most who actually pay attention. The ABO, the AMA, and others are private organizations that fund themselves by trying to make themselves important by certifying others. Yawn.
But then again since the ABO is a private authority we the public who chooses to use physicians certainly have no say so in that decision do we? Is the intent of the ABO to ensure we receive the best medical care from their physicians as possible?
If so, then why discriminate? Do your skills diminish as you age? Do you feel the need to continue education requirements for the certification when you already meet the State requirements to be a licensed physician?
But therein lies the rub.
Since these organizations' are private enterprises, approved by yet other private enterprises with no public oversight of the approval process, then why aren't the majority of physicians members? Because they know this and do not need them to give permission for them to do their job. Why pay the added expense for a certification that does nothing to aid your practice? In fact read this:
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recognizes board certification only by the American Board of Ophthalmology. So the only certifying authority they will even consider is their own? What if you had the same or more stringent guidelines but were an outside source, would they allow you to be a certifying agency? Chances are they will not.
Great closed game isn't it? Just like every other closed game in town. Look at the court system we rely on they are a closed entity. Check out the JCC or the Ky Bar. Protect your own is the mantra and that is essentially what the ABO is doing.
Kentucky is the one who certifies anyone wanting to be a physician here. These rules require continuing education and accepted State standards be met to be allowed to work in that capacity. Ask a Realtor if they have continuing education as a requirement for their job. The answer is yes. To make an issue like the liberal media is trying to do by implying Rand Paul is not qualified to be a Dr in Kentucky is asinine at best.
Most physicians would not be qualified in the State using the same argument.
Interestingly enough it looks like Rand Paul isn't the devil but perhaps the devil is in the details the spin meisters do not tell you.
Your thoughts?
Monday, June 14, 2010
GREG FISCHER: TROUBLE IN THE INNER CIRCLE?
You have to love the insider machine. anyone who thinks Fisher is not the next Abramson is in for a rude awakening. While perusing my regular sites, yep Joe Arnold you are one of my regular visits, I saw this post: Poynter leaving Abramson for Fischer WHAS11.com WHAS11.com Louisville Blogs WHAS11.com News for Louisville, Kentucky.
I saw the healdine and had to read it again.
Abramson's favorite overpaid spin machine spokesman Chris Poynter is leaving the Abramson machine to work for Greg Fisher as his overpaid spokesman. Of course the plan is for Fisher to win and Poynter never misses a beat as official overpaid spokesperson for the Mayor. Kind of looks like that is a new tag in the making isn't it?
We already had the "Mayor for life" in Abramson why not a "Mayoral Spokesman for life" in Chris Poynter?
But I digress.
Interestingly enough though Poynter is moving on ahead of Abramson leaving after all their years together. One more leaving the ship.
According to Joe, "The move would set Poynter up to return to City Hall as Fischer's chief spokesman, but Poynter would not comment that far in the future.
Poynter says it was "very easy to get on board" the Fischer campaign. He says Fischer's job creation record and understanding of business makes him a "dynamic" choice for Metro Mayor."
Poynter needs to check some things out apparently. But the biggest news I got from the story is this:
Poynter disclosed that Fischer is looking for a campaign manager. Former field director Lisa Tanner left the campaign almost two months ago, according to spokeswoman Rande Swann.
Swann served as Chief of Staff of the primary campaign, but tells me her last day as paid staff, as planned was May 31. She plans on volunteering some time on a limited basis until after her daughter's wedding in September.
Huh?
Fisher has been without a campaign manager for almost two months? His campaign manager quit and his Chief of Staff resigned on May 31? Not only did his Chief of Staff drop down to a lowly unpaid spokesperson she has now been replaced by an overpaid spokesperson in Poynter.
Anyone see a problem with Fisher's management style. One would certainly think that during a general election doing without a campaign manager for two months is very telling. Why has he not hired someone new?
There is trouble in the Fisher camp and apparently his management skills are in dire need of upgrading. Interesting too that his campaign leadership, and both women, who helped him win handily in the primary are now out of a job. Does Fisher have a problem with women in power?
If he cannot even keep a simple campaign staff together long enough to get elected how will he govern Louisville?
What say ye?
I saw the healdine and had to read it again.
Abramson's favorite overpaid spin machine spokesman Chris Poynter is leaving the Abramson machine to work for Greg Fisher as his overpaid spokesman. Of course the plan is for Fisher to win and Poynter never misses a beat as official overpaid spokesperson for the Mayor. Kind of looks like that is a new tag in the making isn't it?
We already had the "Mayor for life" in Abramson why not a "Mayoral Spokesman for life" in Chris Poynter?
But I digress.
Interestingly enough though Poynter is moving on ahead of Abramson leaving after all their years together. One more leaving the ship.
According to Joe, "The move would set Poynter up to return to City Hall as Fischer's chief spokesman, but Poynter would not comment that far in the future.
Poynter says it was "very easy to get on board" the Fischer campaign. He says Fischer's job creation record and understanding of business makes him a "dynamic" choice for Metro Mayor."
Poynter needs to check some things out apparently. But the biggest news I got from the story is this:
Poynter disclosed that Fischer is looking for a campaign manager. Former field director Lisa Tanner left the campaign almost two months ago, according to spokeswoman Rande Swann.
Swann served as Chief of Staff of the primary campaign, but tells me her last day as paid staff, as planned was May 31. She plans on volunteering some time on a limited basis until after her daughter's wedding in September.
Huh?
Fisher has been without a campaign manager for almost two months? His campaign manager quit and his Chief of Staff resigned on May 31? Not only did his Chief of Staff drop down to a lowly unpaid spokesperson she has now been replaced by an overpaid spokesperson in Poynter.
Anyone see a problem with Fisher's management style. One would certainly think that during a general election doing without a campaign manager for two months is very telling. Why has he not hired someone new?
There is trouble in the Fisher camp and apparently his management skills are in dire need of upgrading. Interesting too that his campaign leadership, and both women, who helped him win handily in the primary are now out of a job. Does Fisher have a problem with women in power?
If he cannot even keep a simple campaign staff together long enough to get elected how will he govern Louisville?
What say ye?
GOP ANNUAL PICNIC:UNITY 2010
I was invited to attend the annual GOP picnic entitled Unity 2010 at the home of Senator Dan Seum yesterday. I have to be honest here. I dreaded going in a way because typically these political events are, well, boring as hell, and turn into a cliquish event where you generally don't exist if you aren't in with the "players."
Of course I attended anyway as a stalwart reporter for this site and a former candidate. Ah the sacrifices we make for the sake of news eh?
So yep I attended the annual GOP picnic at Senator Dan Seum's house yesterday. Anyone and everyone running for office was there including notables such as Hal Heiner, Rep. Kevin Bratcher, Renay Davis, Brian Simpson, Wade Hurt, Jerry Miller, Sandra McLaughlin, Christine Ward, and many many others. Other notables in attendance included Chris Thieneman, Kaven Rumpel, and Senator Seum of course.
Of course I attended anyway as a stalwart reporter for this site and a former candidate. Ah the sacrifices we make for the sake of news eh?
So yep I attended the annual GOP picnic at Senator Dan Seum's house yesterday. Anyone and everyone running for office was there including notables such as Hal Heiner, Rep. Kevin Bratcher, Renay Davis, Brian Simpson, Wade Hurt, Jerry Miller, Sandra McLaughlin, Christine Ward, and many many others. Other notables in attendance included Chris Thieneman, Kaven Rumpel, and Senator Seum of course.
GOP Chair Shellie May chaired the annual event and did a great job. Mention must also be given for Iris Wilbur who most recently worked for the Chris Thieneman campaign and now is working for the local GOP. Trust me Iris is one to watch in the future. A harder or more dedicated worker I have never met. She keeps me inspired and that is hard to do. Another mention must go out to Rachel Ford. Rachel is as dedicated as they come to working to make a difference and did a great job yesterday keeping things moving along.
The first thing I noticed was that I did not see any cliques standing in opposite areas. This actually was an interesting development for me as I have attended both Democrat and Republican functions and that is always the case. Cliques ignoring everyone not in their circle.
Another interesting thing about this event is that unlike years past most did indeed seem well unified.
Everyone was intermingling. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be together and working towards a common cause. Other annual picnics I have attended have seen the cliques break away from each other and it was obvious there was dissension within the party.
Not this year. This year's group was entirely different. Everyone seemed to genuinely get along and the normal cliquish behavior did not exist.
Of course the candidates got to speak as they do at every event but normally you can see the crowd tune out the candidates, and in some cases that was true yesterday, but in most the crowd seemed intent on hearing what the candidates had to say.
In the case of Mayoral candidate Hal Heiner I have to say he was the most impressive of the day. Forceful in speaking, using examples of what is wrong with the Mayor's office, and candid about what he will do to fix it. For the first time I saw Hal Heiner truly be forceful in a way that resonates with all of us.
The crowd literally hung on his every word during his speech and I was even flattered listening to Hal speak about a case I did a story on, and am continuing an investigation on, just the other day Louisville News and Politics: METRO TIPLINE LEADS TO UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN USED
If this is a sign of things to come then the name Unity 2010 aptly fits.
The Republicans seem to be finally standing together and that bodes well for conservative voices in Louisville and throughout the State.
I am looking forward to November...........
MONDAY ROUNDUP
RIP George Unseld: Funeral arrangements for councilman George Unseld are as follows:
Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday at St. Stephen Baptist Church, 1018 S. 15th St. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Stephen Baptist Church, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. A.D. Porter & Sons Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To honor George, donations may be made to the following organizations: University of Louisville Autism Center, 571 S. Floyd St., Louisville, KY 40202 or the Ronald McDonald House, 550 S. 1st St., Louisville, KY 40202
CJ FINALLY ASKING ABOUT MSD: For years now I have been bringing to light MSD problems with the help of my friends at STOP I.T.. You can readmy stories on MSD throughout this site but here is a start: Louisville News and Politics: Search results for MSD. Now it seems the CJ is finally starting to get involved. Check out James Bruggers article here: As MSD debt builds, residents feel pinch courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal. It's about time.
RAND PAUL ON GUNS: Rand Pual showed up at the gun show this weekend and promised to work to protect the second amendment rights of gun owners. CJ has the story here: Rand Paul promises to be 'vigilant' protector of gun rights courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal
Rand stated: "We must be ever vigilant of our Second Amendment rights. We must continually remind Washington that a majority cannot vote to take away our Second Amendment rights," he said.
Well said and applies equally to ALL of our Constitutional rights.
Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday at St. Stephen Baptist Church, 1018 S. 15th St. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Stephen Baptist Church, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. A.D. Porter & Sons Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To honor George, donations may be made to the following organizations: University of Louisville Autism Center, 571 S. Floyd St., Louisville, KY 40202 or the Ronald McDonald House, 550 S. 1st St., Louisville, KY 40202
CJ FINALLY ASKING ABOUT MSD: For years now I have been bringing to light MSD problems with the help of my friends at STOP I.T.. You can readmy stories on MSD throughout this site but here is a start: Louisville News and Politics: Search results for MSD. Now it seems the CJ is finally starting to get involved. Check out James Bruggers article here: As MSD debt builds, residents feel pinch courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal. It's about time.
RAND PAUL ON GUNS: Rand Pual showed up at the gun show this weekend and promised to work to protect the second amendment rights of gun owners. CJ has the story here: Rand Paul promises to be 'vigilant' protector of gun rights courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal
Rand stated: "We must be ever vigilant of our Second Amendment rights. We must continually remind Washington that a majority cannot vote to take away our Second Amendment rights," he said.
Well said and applies equally to ALL of our Constitutional rights.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
BREAKING: METRO COUNCILMAN GEORGE UNSELD DEAD AT 67
Sources report that Metro Councilman George Unseld was found unconscious on his office floor around 5:35 PM when a noise was heard and a search was made for the source. Information is sketchy right now with details to follow tomorrow morning.
According to the CJ, Metro Council member George Unseld dies after collapsing at City Hall courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal, MaDonna Flood was the first to find Councilman Unseld.
Additionally, the CJ is reporting that Council member Vicki Welch, who is a registered nurse, applied pressure to the bleeding while others administered CPR until an ambulance arrived. He was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
WLKY, Metro Councilman George Unseld Dies - Politics News Story - WLKY Louisville, is reporting that Vickie Welch who is a nurse, treated Unseld until emergency crews arrived.
My sources tell me that Welch yelled for someone to do CPR while she kept pressure on the bleeding area and that Councilman James Peden was the one applying CPR.
As you can see details are sketchy right now.
My sources tell me that Unseld, who was undergoing dialysis, apparently was bleeding because a hemodialysis canon catheter, which is inserted into large veins around the heart in dialysis patients, burst and was the source of the bleeding.
It is unconfirmed at this time.
From the CJ: Republican council member Hal Heiner said Unseld was beloved on the Metro Council -- an elder statesman and one of only a few holdovers from the old Louisville Board of Aldermen who was an inaugural member of the new Metro Government.
"He helped get us going," Heiner said. "He had a love for public service that was apparent. George has touched a lot of people in this community."
Unseld was elected to the first Metro Council in November 2002, and was re-elected to a full four-year terms in November of 2004 and 2008. Previously, he represented the city's old Tenth Ward, beginning in 1999.
George Unseld was 67.
The Metro Council will now interview Democratic candidates for appointment to Unseld's seat to fulfill his term. They are expected to take 30 days for interviews and then make the appointment.
According to the CJ, Metro Council member George Unseld dies after collapsing at City Hall courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal, MaDonna Flood was the first to find Councilman Unseld.
Additionally, the CJ is reporting that Council member Vicki Welch, who is a registered nurse, applied pressure to the bleeding while others administered CPR until an ambulance arrived. He was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
WLKY, Metro Councilman George Unseld Dies - Politics News Story - WLKY Louisville, is reporting that Vickie Welch who is a nurse, treated Unseld until emergency crews arrived.
My sources tell me that Welch yelled for someone to do CPR while she kept pressure on the bleeding area and that Councilman James Peden was the one applying CPR.
As you can see details are sketchy right now.
My sources tell me that Unseld, who was undergoing dialysis, apparently was bleeding because a hemodialysis canon catheter, which is inserted into large veins around the heart in dialysis patients, burst and was the source of the bleeding.
It is unconfirmed at this time.
From the CJ: Republican council member Hal Heiner said Unseld was beloved on the Metro Council -- an elder statesman and one of only a few holdovers from the old Louisville Board of Aldermen who was an inaugural member of the new Metro Government.
"He helped get us going," Heiner said. "He had a love for public service that was apparent. George has touched a lot of people in this community."
Unseld was elected to the first Metro Council in November 2002, and was re-elected to a full four-year terms in November of 2004 and 2008. Previously, he represented the city's old Tenth Ward, beginning in 1999.
George Unseld was 67.
The Metro Council will now interview Democratic candidates for appointment to Unseld's seat to fulfill his term. They are expected to take 30 days for interviews and then make the appointment.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
MYVIEWMATTERS RADIO: BRIDGES EDITION
Tonight's show focused on the bridges authority and the possibility of using tolls to pay for the asinine $4.1 Billion project favored by Abramson and his machine. Needless to say I am not a fan. Good news is I am not alone.
Tonight's guests were author Steve Weiser, Neighborhood and community activist Martina Kunnecke, and Investment specialist and activist Shawn Reilly. Props to Curt Morrison at http://www.louisvillecourant.com/ for helping us get these guests.
On a different note welcome back to the live simulcast by our friends at Ky Grassroots radio! For those around the State who were feeling left out thanks to Clint Hardy, Matt Singleton, and David Caldwell for making this happen!
All I can say about the show is WOW! I had a great time even though I disagree with some things these guys stand for it was great having a good discussion about this issue and the effects on our community.
For the River Fields obstructionist folks that include Mayoral candidate Greg Fischer, and Congressman John Yarmuth trust me this issue is getting ready to heat up.
Listen in below and let me know your thoughts!
Tonight's guests were author Steve Weiser, Neighborhood and community activist Martina Kunnecke, and Investment specialist and activist Shawn Reilly. Props to Curt Morrison at http://www.louisvillecourant.com/ for helping us get these guests.
On a different note welcome back to the live simulcast by our friends at Ky Grassroots radio! For those around the State who were feeling left out thanks to Clint Hardy, Matt Singleton, and David Caldwell for making this happen!
All I can say about the show is WOW! I had a great time even though I disagree with some things these guys stand for it was great having a good discussion about this issue and the effects on our community.
For the River Fields obstructionist folks that include Mayoral candidate Greg Fischer, and Congressman John Yarmuth trust me this issue is getting ready to heat up.
Listen in below and let me know your thoughts!
METRO TIPLINE LEADS TO UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN USED
Yep I know bold statement and I hate to say I told you so. But I did tell you so. Last year STOP I.T. group led by President Ray Pierce, and Operations Manager Paul Holliger, introduced the independent tipline at (502)410-1009. They told everyone that an independent tipline was needed for the sake of integrity.
Last year STOP I.T., Senator Dan Seum, Chris Thieneman, and myself held a press conference offering the Metro employees an alternative to what we knew would happen with the Government run "anonymous" tipline.
Today in the CJ proved just exactly why Whistleblower lawsuit filed against Louisville Metro Government courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal
This story involves Metro employee Eric Garrett.
According to the CJ, Garrett generated work orders for about 1,000 pieces of heating and air-conditioning equipment that were being "neglected," the lawsuit says, adding that he eventually complained directly to Public Works Director Ted Pullen.
In February 2010, Garrett contacted the Louisville Metro Ethics tip-line to report supervisory and financial mismanagement in the department, the lawsuit says.
After making the complaint, Garrett met with officials from the city's departments of Internal Audit and Human Resources. Sidebottom said his client also met with Metro Council member Hal Heiner.
About a week later, Garrett was notified in by a Public Works manager that a complaint had been made against him by another employee of the department. Sidebottom said Garrett was suspended without any further information about the alleged incident.
Yet according to Attorney Shane Sidebottom said the complaint against Garrett was that he was "being mean" to another employee. He said a third employee has testified to Human Resources that Garrett did nothing wrong during the incident, but the suspension has not been rescinded.
Excuse me?
Garrett was suspended without pay for being mean? Hell that can apply to Abramson himself who has a very short temper privately when pushed for answers. Can we suspend him for the same thing?
It was, and is, a pathetic display of harassment for using the tipline and for what it was intended to do. Just one more way to control Metro employees and one more reason for Abramson and cronies to go.
Of course we get the usual from Abramson's overpaid mouthpiece Chris Poynter who says the city "encourages all workers at all levels ... if they see inefficiencies, or things that are illegal or unethical, to report those."
Yep you bet they do. They love nothing better than to see who will try to do something about a bad situation so they can rid themselves of them.
I believe Sidebottom's version much more when he stated "Once Mr. Garrett met with the council member, that's whey he was mysteriously accused of some kind of misconduct."
This is what happens in the real world everyday just about anywhere in the workplace. Metro included.
What will be the costs of this one Jerry? You love wasting our money trying to cover your butt so how much will this cost?
Angry yet folks?
Last year STOP I.T., Senator Dan Seum, Chris Thieneman, and myself held a press conference offering the Metro employees an alternative to what we knew would happen with the Government run "anonymous" tipline.
Today in the CJ proved just exactly why Whistleblower lawsuit filed against Louisville Metro Government courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal
This story involves Metro employee Eric Garrett.
According to the CJ, Garrett generated work orders for about 1,000 pieces of heating and air-conditioning equipment that were being "neglected," the lawsuit says, adding that he eventually complained directly to Public Works Director Ted Pullen.
In February 2010, Garrett contacted the Louisville Metro Ethics tip-line to report supervisory and financial mismanagement in the department, the lawsuit says.
After making the complaint, Garrett met with officials from the city's departments of Internal Audit and Human Resources. Sidebottom said his client also met with Metro Council member Hal Heiner.
About a week later, Garrett was notified in by a Public Works manager that a complaint had been made against him by another employee of the department. Sidebottom said Garrett was suspended without any further information about the alleged incident.
Yet according to Attorney Shane Sidebottom said the complaint against Garrett was that he was "being mean" to another employee. He said a third employee has testified to Human Resources that Garrett did nothing wrong during the incident, but the suspension has not been rescinded.
Excuse me?
Garrett was suspended without pay for being mean? Hell that can apply to Abramson himself who has a very short temper privately when pushed for answers. Can we suspend him for the same thing?
It was, and is, a pathetic display of harassment for using the tipline and for what it was intended to do. Just one more way to control Metro employees and one more reason for Abramson and cronies to go.
Of course we get the usual from Abramson's overpaid mouthpiece Chris Poynter who says the city "encourages all workers at all levels ... if they see inefficiencies, or things that are illegal or unethical, to report those."
Yep you bet they do. They love nothing better than to see who will try to do something about a bad situation so they can rid themselves of them.
I believe Sidebottom's version much more when he stated "Once Mr. Garrett met with the council member, that's whey he was mysteriously accused of some kind of misconduct."
This is what happens in the real world everyday just about anywhere in the workplace. Metro included.
What will be the costs of this one Jerry? You love wasting our money trying to cover your butt so how much will this cost?
Angry yet folks?
CITY JUST DOESNT GET IT: WE ARE SICK OF BEING TAXED!
I posted a story last night concerning the False Alarm Reduction Program (FARP) and woke up this morning to see a story by the CJ that the Mayor is shopping an ordinance that will charge an annual fee of $25 to each homeowner, $50 for each business, that owns an alarm system.
Huh? Let me get this straight. We now want to generate revenue by basically taxing a security system that is bought and paid for with our disposable income? Who the hell comes up with these ideas?
Read the CJ story here: Fee on alarm systems dominates police budget hearing courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal
In Mayor Jerry Abramson's $821 million budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, he has set aside nearly $144 million for the police department.
But most of the discussion centered around a proposal that would require any home or business with an alarm to pay a yearly fee. The fee would be $25 for homes and $50 for businesses.
Additionally these funds are paid to an outfit in Cincinnati. Why? Do we not even have a legitimate collection agency in Louisville so the fees collected at least create local jobs?
Soon to be ex (thank God)Chief White says he sees benefits with this:
White acknowledged that the move would be a significant source of revenue for the city, which would go into the general fund to pay for city services.
"That's $1.5 million that certainly this city can use," White said.
But he said there are benefits of getting each of the roughly 62,800 alarm users in the area covered by metro police to register because it means that police will have the opportunity to teach people how to more efficiently use their systems and hopefully cut down on unnecessary runs that take police away from other matters.
Seriously? We claim we do not have enough officers now to do the job effectively. We do not have enough money to hire more officers to do the job right and he now wants to commit the police to do private training that private employer alarm system reps do. Chief White does not even know what goes on in his own department half the time how in the hell will he know about the dozens of different alarm systems capabilities to train anyone?
Want to bet there will be yet another forced fee on alarm system owners to pay for required mandatory training from LMPD? Another "fee" scam to increase revenues even further on an already overtaxed population?
Get real here.
For years the police have recommended buying an alarm system for personal and business property to protect yourself from loss. Now that so many do we decide we need a "fee" to continue protecting those owners.
What we should do is take up our own collection "fees" and start court actions to protect us against the real thieves in our community.
Our so called elected leaders who are continually robbing us blind.
Stand up and be counted Louisville. We can no longer afford this idiocy by this Mayor and his cronies. Even worse if he gets this passed what will he do if elected Lt Governor where he will surely promote even more taxes or "fees" that will rise as well resulting in an even further decline.
I, for one, have had enough. The question is have you?
Huh? Let me get this straight. We now want to generate revenue by basically taxing a security system that is bought and paid for with our disposable income? Who the hell comes up with these ideas?
Read the CJ story here: Fee on alarm systems dominates police budget hearing courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal
In Mayor Jerry Abramson's $821 million budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, he has set aside nearly $144 million for the police department.
But most of the discussion centered around a proposal that would require any home or business with an alarm to pay a yearly fee. The fee would be $25 for homes and $50 for businesses.
Additionally these funds are paid to an outfit in Cincinnati. Why? Do we not even have a legitimate collection agency in Louisville so the fees collected at least create local jobs?
Soon to be ex (thank God)Chief White says he sees benefits with this:
White acknowledged that the move would be a significant source of revenue for the city, which would go into the general fund to pay for city services.
"That's $1.5 million that certainly this city can use," White said.
But he said there are benefits of getting each of the roughly 62,800 alarm users in the area covered by metro police to register because it means that police will have the opportunity to teach people how to more efficiently use their systems and hopefully cut down on unnecessary runs that take police away from other matters.
Seriously? We claim we do not have enough officers now to do the job effectively. We do not have enough money to hire more officers to do the job right and he now wants to commit the police to do private training that private employer alarm system reps do. Chief White does not even know what goes on in his own department half the time how in the hell will he know about the dozens of different alarm systems capabilities to train anyone?
Want to bet there will be yet another forced fee on alarm system owners to pay for required mandatory training from LMPD? Another "fee" scam to increase revenues even further on an already overtaxed population?
Get real here.
For years the police have recommended buying an alarm system for personal and business property to protect yourself from loss. Now that so many do we decide we need a "fee" to continue protecting those owners.
What we should do is take up our own collection "fees" and start court actions to protect us against the real thieves in our community.
Our so called elected leaders who are continually robbing us blind.
Stand up and be counted Louisville. We can no longer afford this idiocy by this Mayor and his cronies. Even worse if he gets this passed what will he do if elected Lt Governor where he will surely promote even more taxes or "fees" that will rise as well resulting in an even further decline.
I, for one, have had enough. The question is have you?
LOUISVILLE SCAMS BUSINESS AGAIN
This story came to me last night by a small business owner. I admit until then I had not heard about this so I made a few calls to some other business owners I know and was surprised, well not really, by this program designed to once again generate more money for Abramson and cronies.
A little known Metro Government Code of Ordinance is Chapter 127. I admit until yesterday I didn't know anything about it but I am quickly coming up to speed. Chapter 127 concerns false alarms in the City. It is called False Alarm Reduction Program (FARP). Yep you heard that right we have an ordinance aimed at reducing false alarms by our Police.
The funny thing is it seems to be nothing but another pathetic way to generate revenue.
My small business owner friend just received a bill from FARP for $100 due to "false" alarms going off on some buildings they own. The property has a built in alarm system and is in a high crime area. Police have made late night runs there 3 times due to the alarm going off.
Why in the world would you fine a business for using a security system designed to prevent theft?
If you are a thief and the alarm goes off in most cases you run away so what are the chances the thief would still be there when the police arrive? Very small if not zero yet this from the FARP says it all:
The purpose of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances Chapter 127 is to encourage burglar alarm users and alarm companies to properly use, install and maintain the operational effectiveness of burglar alarm systems in order to improve the reliability of alarm systems and reduce or eliminate false alarms. A false alarm is a request to dispatch police to an alarm site when there is no evidence of a criminal offense or attempted criminal offense.
Of course if the alarm is working properly it goes off when anyone attempts to break in, as it is supposed to, if the thief leaves then there is no evidence in many cases. Before anyone says there must be evidence I say hogwash.
Many alarm systems are set on motion detectors. A heavy handed attempt or blatant trying to force open say a garage door will set the alarm off. If there is not someone on site 24/7, and in the case of small business there generally isn't, think warehouses and storage units, then there would be no physical evidence other than the fact the alarm itself was working and doing its job.
Now we charge for dispatching police to the scene?
Isn't that what we pay taxes for?
That's the rub. To reduce costs of policing the City, that we are paying for, Metro has found one more way to bring in new money by charging us for what we already pay for now. Here is a list from Metro Ordinance Chapter 127 that even tells you how to reduce false alarms http://www.louisvilleky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/1DC46340-408A-4EB1-8417-F1274D4E7725/0/StepstoReduceFalseAlarms.pdf .
My favorite:
If you feel you have caused a false alarm, immediately notify your alarm and/or monitoring company and cancel the police dispatch. All calls cancelled before police arrive on scene are not charged as a false alarm.
Let's see 2:30 am I am in bed asleep and my alarm company calls me to tell me my alarm is going off in a storage building I own and they have dispatched police. What do I do? I thank them for the call and I most certainly do not cancel the dispatch. Why would I?
I pay taxes for our police to protect and to serve and they do that job admirably. Why should I be forced to pay a fee for using what we already pay for?
Just one more example of Metro scraping for new revenues because of the failed leadership, greed, corruption, and graft by Abramson and cronies in my opinion.
And funnily enough, as usual, the City does not send the bill. They use yet another out of state entity to do so for them. Read this:
Payment:
To pay a false alarm penalty, please send payment to:
False Alarm Reduction Unit
c/o Fifth Third
P O Box 636148
Cincinnati, OH 45263-6148
Liens:
Liens shall be placed on property when civil penalties are unpaid. Are you kidding me?
Any wonder why business is reluctant to move to Louisville? These continual added charges on anything and everything we do adds up. And as we have found out through MSD many of these places have out of town owners who pay these fees because it is cheaper than having to fight them. They consider it a cost of doing business. A cost that gets passed along to the consumer anyway.
I consider it pathetic. What about local business owners who are struggling to survive? Or worse.
Say you are in an abusive relationship and call the police 3 times and they respond 3 different times but by the time they get there the abuser has fled and there is no evidence other than the abused word. Without evidence is this a false alarm?
Will the person abused then pay a $100 fine as well? Since most abuse happens in poor households, statistically speaking, how willing will someone in a domestic violence situation be to come forward then? Is this where we are headed?
Charging a service run for police protection that we are paying for already?
This is how the machine pads its pockets.
Our police motto is to protect and to serve. I think it is time we started protecting ourselves from being served by Metro government and stop these idiocies.
Your thoughts?
A little known Metro Government Code of Ordinance is Chapter 127. I admit until yesterday I didn't know anything about it but I am quickly coming up to speed. Chapter 127 concerns false alarms in the City. It is called False Alarm Reduction Program (FARP). Yep you heard that right we have an ordinance aimed at reducing false alarms by our Police.
The funny thing is it seems to be nothing but another pathetic way to generate revenue.
My small business owner friend just received a bill from FARP for $100 due to "false" alarms going off on some buildings they own. The property has a built in alarm system and is in a high crime area. Police have made late night runs there 3 times due to the alarm going off.
Why in the world would you fine a business for using a security system designed to prevent theft?
If you are a thief and the alarm goes off in most cases you run away so what are the chances the thief would still be there when the police arrive? Very small if not zero yet this from the FARP says it all:
The purpose of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances Chapter 127 is to encourage burglar alarm users and alarm companies to properly use, install and maintain the operational effectiveness of burglar alarm systems in order to improve the reliability of alarm systems and reduce or eliminate false alarms. A false alarm is a request to dispatch police to an alarm site when there is no evidence of a criminal offense or attempted criminal offense.
Of course if the alarm is working properly it goes off when anyone attempts to break in, as it is supposed to, if the thief leaves then there is no evidence in many cases. Before anyone says there must be evidence I say hogwash.
Many alarm systems are set on motion detectors. A heavy handed attempt or blatant trying to force open say a garage door will set the alarm off. If there is not someone on site 24/7, and in the case of small business there generally isn't, think warehouses and storage units, then there would be no physical evidence other than the fact the alarm itself was working and doing its job.
Now we charge for dispatching police to the scene?
Isn't that what we pay taxes for?
That's the rub. To reduce costs of policing the City, that we are paying for, Metro has found one more way to bring in new money by charging us for what we already pay for now. Here is a list from Metro Ordinance Chapter 127 that even tells you how to reduce false alarms http://www.louisvilleky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/1DC46340-408A-4EB1-8417-F1274D4E7725/0/StepstoReduceFalseAlarms.pdf .
My favorite:
If you feel you have caused a false alarm, immediately notify your alarm and/or monitoring company and cancel the police dispatch. All calls cancelled before police arrive on scene are not charged as a false alarm.
Let's see 2:30 am I am in bed asleep and my alarm company calls me to tell me my alarm is going off in a storage building I own and they have dispatched police. What do I do? I thank them for the call and I most certainly do not cancel the dispatch. Why would I?
I pay taxes for our police to protect and to serve and they do that job admirably. Why should I be forced to pay a fee for using what we already pay for?
Just one more example of Metro scraping for new revenues because of the failed leadership, greed, corruption, and graft by Abramson and cronies in my opinion.
And funnily enough, as usual, the City does not send the bill. They use yet another out of state entity to do so for them. Read this:
Payment:
To pay a false alarm penalty, please send payment to:
False Alarm Reduction Unit
c/o Fifth Third
P O Box 636148
Cincinnati, OH 45263-6148
Liens:
Liens shall be placed on property when civil penalties are unpaid. Are you kidding me?
Any wonder why business is reluctant to move to Louisville? These continual added charges on anything and everything we do adds up. And as we have found out through MSD many of these places have out of town owners who pay these fees because it is cheaper than having to fight them. They consider it a cost of doing business. A cost that gets passed along to the consumer anyway.
I consider it pathetic. What about local business owners who are struggling to survive? Or worse.
Say you are in an abusive relationship and call the police 3 times and they respond 3 different times but by the time they get there the abuser has fled and there is no evidence other than the abused word. Without evidence is this a false alarm?
Will the person abused then pay a $100 fine as well? Since most abuse happens in poor households, statistically speaking, how willing will someone in a domestic violence situation be to come forward then? Is this where we are headed?
Charging a service run for police protection that we are paying for already?
This is how the machine pads its pockets.
Our police motto is to protect and to serve. I think it is time we started protecting ourselves from being served by Metro government and stop these idiocies.
Your thoughts?
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