I see that the former Kribs Ford City has been leveled and made way for a new Walgreens. Wow! Development.
Wait....that's not in Overland. Once again, progress "just outside" Overland.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Quite Contrary
When I was a kid, the neighborhood used to chant "Larry, Larry, Quite Contrary". Keeping my contrarian ways, and realizing COGG gives us enough to debunk as ORT, I am announcing the new COGG Contrarian.
My purpose will be to debunk all COGG propaganda. I feel we will have a lot to do with the upcoming election.
My purpose will be to debunk all COGG propaganda. I feel we will have a lot to do with the upcoming election.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Cozad, Lies, and Videotape
When the city spends money--whether it is for the gas bill or a tax incentive--they are truly giving away our money. The city council is elected to oversee the expenditures.
No one is saying that they should micromanage every penny. However, when we give away money via TIFs and tax abatements, we expect our city leaders to assure that such giveaways are not one sided. We expect them to follow-up to make sure the recipient is living up to their end of the bargain.
Such is the case with the Cozad development at Page and Walton. We have provided a tax abatement. We have heard nothing about progress. Thankfully, certain council members (Conlon, O'Connell, Cuminale, May) have requested information.
Unfortunately, as the following video shows, Ol' Empty has been as forthcoming or vigilant. We are not even sure if he has or has not been in contact with Cozad.
No one is saying that they should micromanage every penny. However, when we give away money via TIFs and tax abatements, we expect our city leaders to assure that such giveaways are not one sided. We expect them to follow-up to make sure the recipient is living up to their end of the bargain.
Such is the case with the Cozad development at Page and Walton. We have provided a tax abatement. We have heard nothing about progress. Thankfully, certain council members (Conlon, O'Connell, Cuminale, May) have requested information.
Unfortunately, as the following video shows, Ol' Empty has been as forthcoming or vigilant. We are not even sure if he has or has not been in contact with Cozad.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Tonight's City Council Meeting
The agenda for tonight's meeting is posted online. Not much going on, the only proposed ordinance deals with the cell phone tower at Legion (probably more of interest to Breckenridge Hills than us, since it is practically in their people's backyards). This lack of agenda items does not bode well for Schneider and his promises of bringing in business.
So, the most interesting question about tonight's meeting is: "Do they ever cancel these for weather?"
So, the most interesting question about tonight's meeting is: "Do they ever cancel these for weather?"
Friday, February 8, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities
Given the turmoil that has beset our city for years, one can easily look at the Kirkwood incident and think "There by the grace of God goes Overland." As we grieve for the victims in the coming weeks, I hope we can also examine Overland.
One chat poster had a very reactionary response. The ol' let's put up metal detectors, etc. As Gravy pointed out, a metal detector only works within the confines of the building. It doesn't protect a city official 24 hours a day. Are we to provide 24 hour bodyguards for each official, elected and appointed? We realize that is not practical, and probably unwanted by most officials.
What is the solution? Who knows. I do know it does not lie in overburdening the city and its residents wiht solutions that only provide minimal relief.
One chat poster had a very reactionary response. The ol' let's put up metal detectors, etc. As Gravy pointed out, a metal detector only works within the confines of the building. It doesn't protect a city official 24 hours a day. Are we to provide 24 hour bodyguards for each official, elected and appointed? We realize that is not practical, and probably unwanted by most officials.
What is the solution? Who knows. I do know it does not lie in overburdening the city and its residents wiht solutions that only provide minimal relief.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Somebody call Jan Rahn and Gerry Schneider
Quick!
Somebody call the Treasurers for Ol' Empty and his ethically empty campaign finances!
Let them know that the Missouri Ethics Commission is sponsoring some training seminars. And they are in St Louis next week! .
Somebody call the Treasurers for Ol' Empty and his ethically empty campaign finances!
Let them know that the Missouri Ethics Commission is sponsoring some training seminars. And they are in St Louis next week! .
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Question I would ask....
What's the upcoming municipal elections without campaigning--that includes door knocking and a debate or two. The good thing about both of those is that it provides the electorate with a chance to ask questions about what is important to them.
One thing that I believe is the most shameful thing since Ol' Empty took office is his effort to push a pool company into the city, along with its dangerous chemicals. This was especially on my mind when watching a recent Channel 4 investigative report on Thursday. The report detailed how dangerous chemicals are all around us, but we are not aware of such. This seemed especially heinous since the EPA mandates that we are to be informed.
For those who didn't see this, the report is on the KMOV website, here. In addition, the "investigative team" has a blog that goes into further detail about some sites. And, of course, there is one smack dab in Overland. That blog entry is here.
Now back to my original point. If I was to run across a candidate that is not currently on the board (since we know how they have voted), my question would be in regards to how they would handle the inquiry of such a business coming into a highly residential area.
If you were going to ask a question, what would it be?
One thing that I believe is the most shameful thing since Ol' Empty took office is his effort to push a pool company into the city, along with its dangerous chemicals. This was especially on my mind when watching a recent Channel 4 investigative report on Thursday. The report detailed how dangerous chemicals are all around us, but we are not aware of such. This seemed especially heinous since the EPA mandates that we are to be informed.
For those who didn't see this, the report is on the KMOV website, here. In addition, the "investigative team" has a blog that goes into further detail about some sites. And, of course, there is one smack dab in Overland. That blog entry is here.
Now back to my original point. If I was to run across a candidate that is not currently on the board (since we know how they have voted), my question would be in regards to how they would handle the inquiry of such a business coming into a highly residential area.
If you were going to ask a question, what would it be?
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