The World as I Know it Now

Capital Development Fund

2012-01-03T12:21:00.003-06:00

I went to a city committee meeting in December and the city is still toiling with how to manage the capital development fund after the eye opening analysis presented near the end of 2010. Projects seemed to have been slated for years without no one really ever running the numbers.

Everyone seemed to know money was being spent from this fund but nothing was ever really done to stop its decline. The "excuse" was that the money was there to be spent.

Here is the capital development projection from 2010.

Here is the most recent capital development projection from 2011.

As anyone can see from either projection things will actual need to start changing for this fund to stay viable. I suppose we could always pay more taxes...

I spoke my viewpoint on the capital development fund in April of 2010. My post from April 20, 2010 shows how I voiced my opinion to the council. I'd suggest people start calling their aldermen and ask them how this problem gets fixed, or at the least how it will be addressed.

A good start would be an itemized list of things supported by the transfers to the general fund.

2011-11-21T12:56:00.002-06:00

Well its been quite sometime since I have posted anything. I'll be honest and explain why. Being a father is more rewarding than anything I could have ever imagined.

I saw today that the city has a new web site layout. It looks better and is easier to navigate than the old one. Its far easier to find the most useful portion of the website.

The only beef I have with the site is that it seems to depict Columbia as being a river town and that the JB Bridge is part of our community which I have to admit are not the first things that come to mind when I think of Columbia.

In the coming months I plan to tackle the upcoming 12th Congressional District race in the same manner I have our previous city elections. It looks to be good race with some new faces and for the first time in a long time someone other than Jerry Costello will be elected.

Columbia Lakes

2011-08-23T12:04:00.001-05:00

See it was back on the agenda last night. Follows with how they voted the last time, no one voted yes and no one voted no.

Wonder how much the plan changed.

Costello Office Hours

2011-08-16T08:32:00.002-05:00

Call to schedule if you'd like.

All during the day so working people can take some time off work and voice their concerns to what I feel are deaf ears. Town hall forums, later office hours, anything of the sort?, nope.

Columbia Lakes

2011-08-09T08:00:00.003-05:00

I went to the council committee meetings last night in order to present some information for the library board. I did get to sit through another round of Columbia Lakes discussion while waiting for my meeting to begin.

In the end the council seemed against the CUP. The Mayor noted the criteria in the CUP citing something along the lines of "promoting the moral well being of the citizens". The motion was made to approve the CUP by Aldermen Ebersohl if I remember correctly and that motion died on a lack of second. After a few more comments Aldermen Huch made a motion to not approve the CUP as presented, it also died on a lack of second.

The crowd, mainly consisting of Columbia Lakes residents, seemed happy with the results. I think the coucil was trying to do a couple things last night.

Work to keep the public happy, which it seems it accomplished, for now at least.
Keep the city out of a lawsuit, by neither voting for or against the CUP the city has in fact set it aside and is simply saying they are not interested in it as presented. The trouble with that is they were interested as recent as a few weeks ago, until people started calling them. The plan was approved by I think the zoning board of appeals, so it had traction for being accepted.
By not approving or disapproving they leave the option open for the developer to come back and tweak the plan and try to get it approved again.

The real estate broker representing the developer was sort of called out for "threatening" that R-7 is a real possibility, I feel that's a real shame since he is also a resident of Columbia Lakes. I think the city once again proved unable to work with a developer. They asked the developer to change some things and he did, the developer had worked from what I saw very hard to meet whatever concerns the city and the residents had (tree lines, fences, use of amenities, open to suggestions of any kind, assurances there would be no section eight housing, assurances to sell as a preference to leasing)

The people in Columbia Lakes all seemed very willing to "gamble" that no developer will come in and just build to the R-7 restrictions. If/When the property gets cheap enough someone may do just that and there will be nothing to stop that from happening.

I was glad to see the school district voice a request for some money from the developer to offset the increase in residents. I still cannot figure out why the school district and the city seem to never talk to each other, maybe we should open that channel of communication a little more.

How would I feel if I owned a house backed up to the proposed CUP?
Would I want the proposed CUP built behind my house? Probably not.Would I want R-7 built directly behind my house? Definitely not and I'm normally not a betting man.

Jerry Costello

2011-08-08T13:02:00.003-05:00

Have you ever tried to get an actual answer from your Congressmen? I have and its really not possible, unless you know them in their personnel life or are a hefty campaign contributor. I had attempted to contact Congressmen Costello back in August of '09 with general questions regarding the then hot topic of government health care. I received back an email from "Jerry" that contained in Jerry's words, "a brief summary of questions and suggestions I have received."

Number six was my least favorite.

6.Why are you not holding town meetings?
I have held over 400 town meetings since I have been in Congress. In the beginning, the town meeting forum was productive. Unfortunately, they became unproductive for almost everyone in attendance when a few people traveled from meeting to meeting in order to dominate the time with their one issue; therefore I stopped holding town hall meetings a few years ago.

The issue I have is that Costello had been in Congress for just over twenty years when this email was sent out. That works out to about twenty meetings a year. It is important to note that he sent this email out when the "Tea Party" was forming and town hall meetings that showed political figures giving no answer or bad answers to questions were the news story of the day, I could understand his hesitation to these meetings then but its time to stop hiding.

I can't think of another word to use other than hiding. Its time to come home, stand for your actions, and listen to people who may or may not agree with you. I'd have to think that a congressmen would want to come back to their district and gain as much information as they could. At $175,000/year we should get a couple of meetings while he's not in Washington.

Try not to pigeon hole me into a political party when you read this post. I have voted for people in both political parties. I have voted both Democrat and Republican in primary elections. I am losing my faith in both parties and fully understand that neither truly reflects my beliefs. This is not a slam towards Congressmen Costello on the basis of his party but due to his reluctance to face his constituents. I'd like to see what he's planning for us since so far the only person I can see that is planning on running against him is good ole' Terri Davis Newman........,on that note I'm done for the day.

Columbia Lakes

2011-08-01T16:29:00.002-05:00

I received pdf copies of eight sets of meeting minutes from 2004 and 2005 regarding the then Columbia Lakes CUP discussions.

I read through them and didn't see the vote that actually put a stop to the development moving forward. I'm still of the belief that the CUP provides "the best, worst case scenario", unless you want to gamble.

Aldermen Row said that the site could be built out with a lot of apartments if the CUP was not approved. Aldermen Unnerstall said he was willing to take that gamble, and he also mentioned that if the developers were required to follow the R-7 code without any variances, it could be cost prohibitive for them to proceed. - Page 3, Minutes of the Meeting of the Ordinance Committee held July 26, 2004.

I think that is a possible course of action that makes sense if the city can find a way to deny the CUP in a legal way. If developing that land under R-7 was profitable, it may have already been done.

Columbia Lakes - My Take

2011-07-26T13:22:00.002-05:00

I didn't go to the committee of the whole meeting last night as I imagine the council has its mind made up already. I have never seen our council change their minds on to many issues, granted I haven't seen our present council in action for that long.

I imagine this eventually passes the council vote next week for a few reasons.

Lack of legal basis to deny the developer what he wants. If the developer meets all of the guidelines for a community unit plan then denying him opens the doors for my next point..
The possibility of legal action. Remember that many of the sitting aldermen have stated that the city needs to get its legal bills under control. Starting a new legal battle regarding a development would leave a bad taste in many peoples mouths.
Four of these aldermen campaigned on the concept of controlled growth. The city working with a developer to get things done and in place may go a long way in showing other commercial developers that Columbia is interested in working with them in a rational way as well.
The plan on the table now is what I have refer to as "the best, worst case scenario". Not many people want to have an apartment complex built behind/amongst their current single family houses. But if given the opportunity to have 200+ units built as currently proposed or to have 500+ units built along with a convenience store and no real park/common space by the next developer, I know which most people would choose.
It ultimately increases the tax base.

I have submitted a FOIA request to get the minutes from 2004 when a development similar to this was proposed and voted down by the city council. The city has said it will take some time to sort through the documents and scan them in, since '04 is not saved electronically.

I find it hard to understand why no city official has gone back and checked these records themselves to see what history can illustrate to us. No elected official I have talked with could tell me why the council voted the way it did in '04.

Columbia Lakes Meeting - July 20, 2011

2011-07-21T13:06:00.004-05:00

Edited 9:36AM 7/22/11

Here is the first video from last nights Columbia Lakes Community Unit Plan Meeting with the developer.

Thank again to St. Paul UCC for allowing the space to have this meeting and for the developer, David Levinson, for coming to Columbia to state his plan in person.

Part 1

Part 2

Levee Plan is Outlined

2011-07-21T09:46:00.002-05:00

Link to the Project Implementation Plan

At first glance the timetable here seems very fast paced. I'm glad to see things progressing with this project. Hopefully the estimates turn to realities and the government accepts the work once completed.

Shocking?

2011-07-20T06:22:00.002-05:00

Link to the story.

I have a hard time believing he was the best candidate.....is he getting a taste until he needs to slip in the US House?

Long record of public service? I thought I was going to read the untold story of Jr. being on a city council, volunteering for various public boards, or having been elected by his piers in some manner.........

Almost too busy........

2011-07-19T08:10:00.000-05:00

A quote I just read from last week urged me to post something.

"He is the president of the United States. I know he is busy," Pelosi said. "I myself am almost too busy to continue listening to some of the things going on in that room, so I know he must be very busy. But he has treated everyone there with great dignity."

I'll be upfront and say I am no Pelosi fan right out of the gate, I am not attacking her but I am sure others are tired of listening to her as she is tired of listening to the GOP. I continue to wish that one day I will see the work of a political party or one politician stand and say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done without care for their hopes of being re-elected. Their whole constituency will never support their actions fully, regardless of those actions so continuing to please everyone is pointless. The tactics used in Washington to save face, raise money, tow the party line, and constantly campaign for oneself do more damage I fear than I have yet to fathom, though I have tried.

Pelosi may be right in saying they are all busy. Busy doing what though, I’m not sure. I cannot see a more important issue than what is at hand. The ceiling must be raised, the spending must be cut, and our tax system must be overhauled. I have heard calls for reforming these items as long as I can remember, yet nothing has been accomplished to fix the problems. The main problem facing the budget is that social security & medicare/medicaid do not function in their current state. Eventually we'll be incapable of borrowing more money and an unlucky group will be the first unable to claim what they need from the funds they supported for many years.

Washington needs to understand there must be middle ground. Everyone must sacrifice something of what they want for what is needed. A politician’s sacrifice may be that they do not get re-elected or they drop in favor with their party. Unfortunately when I say everyone must sacrifice I am not only referring to both sides of the isle and 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. I speak also to those accessing the programs at the current time, who may need to in the case of misfortune, and those who plan to in the future as part of their retirement. All of these groups may get less, but the trade off is that the programs will be sustainable; the point being you will continue to get something. I hope to receive a social security check at retirement like so many before me, although I plan for retirement in a manner that does not factor that income for my survival.

The debt our country has is a sacrifice every American carries, although we never truly feel it. Raising the debt in the short term is the safe way to preserve our everyday lives, while allowing a period of time for Washington to show reform is in store. If we cannot find a way to "get serious" about fixing our spending then raising it again is ill advised, regardless of the possible default. Obama it seems would prefer to not revisit debt ceiling talks again before the election, raising in the short term forces cuts to be made in some manner or a return to debt ceiling talks may come to close to everyone’s election cycle.

In regards to tax reform make no mistake; I would surely enjoy having a lower tax bill in any regard. I never quibble over how much I pay in taxes, at least not since high school. I have come to accept that the freedoms, protection, oversight, & services the federal and state governments provide do in fact cost money. Do I use every service the government provides to its citizens? No, but I do assist in paying for them all and I understand some of the people in this county do need these programs. I also do not agree with every expenditure the government makes, though I am sure there are people that would not agree with items I feel the government should fund. In short we all pay in and we all get something back, even if it is not tangible.

I like many people I talk with just want things “fixed”, we often see what will hit us directly and look no further and accept that as the solution that should be put in place. We want our money spent in a more useful, no a more respectful manner. We work hard to earn the money from our employer and they all work hard to keep us working in order to earn that money. The people paying our employer for services or goods have worked hard for their money and choose wisely how they should spend it. We want the government to begin to look at the money in the coffers as if they need to spend every single dollar in the best manner possible. We have all seen the waste that can be generated.

It’s no easy problem. I don’t think the correct solution will be made before August 2nd. We’ll get the band-aid fix and move on until someone takes a stand and risks their career or life, like those who formed our country, to find the right solution. I hope I live to see that day.
I feel I have rambled enough and unfortunately may have succeeded in nothing more than looking not much more than long winded, young, and naive.

July Already?

2011-07-15T09:33:00.002-05:00

It’s been too long.......

A few have asked me why there haven't been updates or why I haven't been making it to the Monday Council meetings The simple answer is that my wife and I had our first child in March and I enjoy spending as much time as possible with her.

Aside from the "Columbia Lakes Super Development" not much is happening from what I can see. I was recently told that the Waffle House was only a mention and not a final decision for the development. I think a little part of me died when I heard that, Waffle House is good place to get some quick eats at a moderate price, the wife and I enjoy Waffle House.

There will be an upcoming meeting with the developer I hope to get video of and post here so everyone can see and hear what the plan actually is.

Interesting Redistricting Article

2011-06-01T12:46:00.001-05:00

Link to the article

Senate Redistricting

2011-05-19T13:10:00.002-05:00

Capitol Fax

Good compilation of news feeds from many sources citing the changes to their districts. You would think redistricting would really change in one or two places to tweak things. A whole new map of the state with obvious cutouts and land grabs to make political territory more solid for some and a sandy foundation for others.

Our district has shifted a bit. We'll see what happens when the House releases their proposal.

Monroe County Independent May 10, 2011 E-Newsletter

2011-05-12T13:12:00.000-05:00

I occasionally read their site to sort through the vehicle accident stories to see if anything interesting pops up. Two items caught my eye in the May 10th edition.

Life Returning to Normal in Columbia

(Ed-itor’s Note: So we suppose now the Columbia police will be back to their normal rounds, and the from-home folks will be once again complaining about high taxes, the CPD pulling over too many cars, cops checking for speeders on I-255 and Route 3, the CPD keeping a very close eye on the bar regulars, kids speeding along the side streets, bicyclists taking up the middle of the road and teens loitering in the parks.)

I'm not sure they can pull over enough cars in town, especially on Rt. 3. I grew up primarily in Edwardsville where three state highways converge (159, 157, & 143). In Edwardsville these roads all slow down to sub 40 mph speed limits. Is it too much to hope for people to actually drop down from interstate speeds before they pass the first stoplight entering town, let alone actually do the speed limit all the way through town. Haven't we all seen enough people die on Rt. 3?

Columbia Council, ICS In Accord On Plan For New Church

Mayor Kevin Hutchinson and the Committee of the Whole (all eight aldermen) apparently are willing to waive utility tap-in fees and legal and engineering fees, which will save the parish more than $100,000.

I wasn't at the meeting and I assume the City has done this for other churches in the past but that's a large chunk of money. I wonder what the actual costs to the city are given that these fees normally cover at least some actual costs. I'm glad construction will be starting on the church though, I don't go to ICS but I know they need the space.

New Aldermen Take Their Seats

2011-05-04T16:46:00.000-05:00

Monday night’s council meeting was lacking a few participants. Only two of the aldermen whose terms were up came to the meeting. The mayor presented plaques to aldermen Oberkfell and Row. Aldermen Stumpf and Hejna I suppose decided coming to their final council meeting was not worth their time. I’m not sure I understand that reasoning and it’s not worth theorizing as to why they didn’t come.

Once the new aldermen were sworn in Row left and Oberkfell came and sat in the back row near me. It seems that Oberkfell will now be a member of the audience and keep tabs on what the new council does; maybe the city will have a new source of information.

The new council settled in quickly and voted all yeas to the remaining items on the agenda with little to no conversation on any item. I suspect we’ll be seeing a great deal of agreeing with the new council.

A plan was shown for a large addition to the Columbia Lakes subdivision. It appears to be for all apartments which have some positive s and negatives associated with them. I’ll do my best to obtain a copy of the proposal.

Newly Elected Aldermen

2011-05-02T16:01:00.001-05:00

Columbia’s newly elected aldermen will be sworn in tonight at the city council meeting. They made a number of claims throughout the election process, mostly regarding how important new non-residential development is to the future of Columbia.

The mayor has always said that new development is necessary for the future of Columbia. It is needed to give some relief to the strained municipal budget and to offset the need for higher rates on residential property taxes.

The mayor and newly elected aldermen appear to share a great number of beliefs regarding non-residential development in Columbia. I would think anything short of a number of new places to shop and eat in Columbia would mark their terms as elected officials as failures. I am not sure how they intend to attract new businesses to Columbia in a way that makes fiscal sense to Columbia and its future; I hope they have a good plan. I suppose filling our current TIF district would be a good start but I would suspect something larger could be in the works.

After the last election cycle when Mark Roessler took over the reins from Jay Unnerstall the Programmatic Agreement from Columbia Crossing was reintroduced, it quickly settled back into the shadows. We’ll all be waiting to see if a large scale development is proposed or talked about in the coming months.

The way in which I have seen the newly elected aldermen act and some comments I have received from them lead me to believe they have spent a great deal of time discussing the issues facing Columbia with one another. They will now have all of those discussions in a public forum and be judged by those who elected them.

The aldermen leaving should be thanked for their time to the city. If you disagreed with them, their still entitled to your thanks, they have spent their time doing what they felt was right for the city, and I feel they never hid what they stood for. I can honestly say I have not always thought the four of them made the best choices but they would explain their position if I asked them about it, which is not always easy for people in elected positions to do. My thanks go out to Aldermen Stumpf, Row, Hejna, & Oberkfell for the time they served the city.

Who Votes in Chicago?

2011-04-19T09:07:00.004-05:00

Good little article over at a tech site called engadget. "The iPad is taking away American jobs, Jesse Jackson Junior's sanity (video)"

Video shows Jesse Jackson Jr. attacking the iPad as a cause for the employment issue facing our country and then going on he somehow ties Steve Jobs' success, China, job loss, and the 1st Amendment being taken advantage of all into one quick summary.

I know at least ten kids in high school right now that could have written a better explanation of why job loss should be a more important issue to Congress. They would not have used those poster-boards in their presentation. They would have used the HDMI out on their new iPads to present their powerpoint, who makes those giant posters for everyone in Congress, someones has to be getting rich off of those.

Obituary

2011-04-11T12:45:00.002-05:00

The Obituary of Charles Todd can be read here.

I have some video of what he said back in September '09 when September 28th was proclaimed Charles Todd Day. I'll try to dig it up and get it posted. He was moved by the city's gesture and recognition.

For the Good of Illinois - Illinois Reality Check

2011-04-08T12:43:00.002-05:00

I receive a number of emails from political parties and elected officials from being on email lists. I dont have to necessarily support or agree with Costello, Obama, the Republican Party , or our mayor to want to receive emails from them when the send out update emails. Being informed is always a good idea. They are my elected officials even if I didnt elect them and I should want to know what they are up to, or at least what they say they are up to.

I received an email invite from the Monroe County Republican Party from Myron Neff earlier this week for their annual Lincoln Day Dinner. I scanned through the speaker list to sees whose coming to our city. The Democratic Party recently had the Governor come to town. The keynote speaker for the Lincoln Day Dinner is Adam Andrzejewski, who is the founder and CEO of forthegoodofillinois.org. I'd never heard of the site so I browsed on over to it. I started reading some info on their site regarding the state budget. This pointed me over to another site called http://illinoisrealitycheck.com/ promoting a Republican backed plan to fix the state's budget. This I had to read. Their plan tallies a quick savings of $6.71 billion. Some items are well explained and appear to be thought out, while others were quickly mentioned with little explanation.

I have no issue with a well thought out plan to save the state over $6 billion. But when a savings titled "Pension Reform" recieves the following explanation,

Meaningful reforms reduce state liability going forward and, therefore, reduce the required payments on that unfunded liability. Illinois must adopt significant pension changes, such as those proposed by the Civic Committee. Targeted Savings: $1.35 billion

I have to ask someone for the details. The total saving of their plan is $6.71 billion and the line item that saves $1.35 billions has a two sentence explanation? The document is twenty-two pages long and they documented 20% of their savings plan with two sentences split over the end and start of two pages which made it easy to glance over.

Later on in their plan there is a cherry of an item anyone living in Illinois should pay attention to.

Local Government Revenue Sharing: Review the over $6 billion that local governments receive in revenue sharing from the State of Illinois. They receive around 6% of income tax receipts, over half of all gas tax receipts, 20% of sales tax receipts on items other than food and drugs, 100% of sales tax receipts on food and drug purchases, and 100% of revenues from the Personal Property Replacement Tax. A $300 million reduction represents around 5% of those revenues. This approach has been suggested by many groups including the Governor’s Taxpayer Action Board, the Illinois Policy Institute and the Civic Committee. Targeted Savings: $300 million

The state cannot pay what they owe local communities now. Local communities are trying to find new sources of revenue and someone thinks its a good idea to take more money from what local government was operating on? Someone thinks that will be a positive for the taxpayers?, how?

I fired off an email.

After reading your plan I have one concern. You offer good explanations regarding many of the proposed cuts and ideas for saving money for the taxpayer.

I expected to see a line item regarding pensions and I found it split between pages 16-17. A proposed savings of $1.35 billion should have a little more explanation than what was given. Who will this affect and how will it affect them? How will it be implemented? Smaller dollar amounts were given much better explanations than what was provided for a cut the covers 20% of the proposed savings.

I would caution the idea proposed in the section Local Government Revenue Sharing. The state of Illinois has been overdue on paying these funds to local communities for a few years. Communities have been struggling with paying their bills without these funds. You have named nearly every revenue source smaller communities in the state have and you feel a 5% reduction is fair. Your simply passing the responsibility of raising revenue on to local government and thsi will come at the cost of the taxpayer in the end. Its money raised in those communities for those communities, why should the state simply get more of that pie?

I would welcome a response of any kind. Thanks
-Levi Ottwell

After re-reading that I suppose I had more than one concern. I didn't really expect a reply, usually nothing is sent back when you fill out the web form like they provided to contact them. I received a reply back in a little over 24 hours.

Dear Mr. Ottwell,

Thank you for your thoughtful comments on the Senate Republican Caucus' "Reality Check" plan.

In retrospect, I would agree with you that we should have offered more explanation on the proposed reforms to state pension systems. This issue has been debated and discussed to such a degree here in Springfield that I think we fell victim to assuming that everyone would be as familiar with the proposals as we are.

The truth is, the debate over pension reform could easily have filled the entire document and then some. It is a very challenging issue, as any discussion of changing retirement benefits always is. The challenge facing Illinois is that the cost of anticipated pension benefits for teachers and other public employees is consuming an ever-growing percentage of the state budget. It will become increasingly difficult to meet our basic obligations to provide public safety, fund education, provide health care and also to meet the obligations of our pension systems.

Yet, those obligations represent a constitutionally protected contract between employers and employees that cannot be lightly dismissed. Much of the debate in recent months has focused on differing legal opinions as to whether or not modifications in benefits for existing employees would violate that constitutionally-protected contract. Beyond that, significant questions exist as to what form appropriate modifications might take.

At least two organizations have taken an active role in promoting pension reforms. You may wish to visit their websites for a more thorough discussion. They are the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago http://www.illinoisisbroke.com/index.aspx and the Illinois Policy Institute http://illinoispolicy.org/news/article.asp?ArticleSource=3929. These are just two organizations and two sources for additional information.

Our purpose in the "Reality Check" document was not necessarily to endorse any particular plan, but rather to acknowledge that pension reforms must be a significant part of any budget solution. We set an aggressive, but also realistic, goal of finding $1.35 billion in savings from the state's retirement systems. One of our goals is to jump start negotiations as to how to achieve those savings.

Your point regarding local government revenue sharing is well-taken. This is also a very difficult issue that will require balancing the needs of the state and the needs of local governments. As with almost every reduction recommended, Senate Republicans recognize that these are difficult choices and that ultimately negotiations will be needed to balance the needs of the state with the needs of the local governments. However, you are exactly correct that we should not simply pass on the costs to local taxpayers. Protecting local taxpayers must be an integral part of any negotiation.

Again, on behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus, I want to thank you for taking the time to review the proposal and for your thoughtful comments. Illinois would be in much better shape if all citizens took the time and interest that you have taken to learn more about these public policy issues.

Sincerely,

Mark Gordon
Director,
Communications and Public Affairs
Illinois Senate Republican Caucus

Now I have some more reading to see what the plan is really based on. I do appreciate getting a response. I am very appreciative that it was not a canned response. Sounds like the plan is centered around a few negotiations. How do you negotiate with all of the local communities in Illinois? At least the document had savings explained and outlined in a way most people could understand there may be hope for the state budget.

Colbert PAC

2011-04-07T13:16:00.004-05:00

If I'm up late enough I usually catch part of The Colbert Report. Even if you do not agree with the political views he has and I'm not saying I agree with him all or even most of the time. I do often agree with the method he uses to illustrate how shockingly ridiculous the system is.

If you don't understand what a political action committee (PAC) is, Colbert gives a fairly good description and illustrates the flexibility in how the money can be spent along with commentary and perspective from Trevor Potter. Colbert ends the segment stating he is starting Colbert PAC whose goal is "Making a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow"

Maybe my generation is missing the point, at least some would think so since we tend to tune into things like "Colbert" over "Meet the Press". I tend to think we understand whats going on fairly well. We may tend to look at things with a simplistic approach and be ridiculed for it, but I have always heard a lot of the "older" generations tell people my age how things used to be simpler and better because of it.

Seriously Cahokia? & Columbia's Election Recap

2011-04-06T08:59:00.008-05:00

Cahokia:
The situation in Cahokia only gets worse and worse. In '09 four men were charged with vote fraud, two of which were newly elected village trustees.

One of these men, Trevor Tompkin, again became mixed up in a situation with Cahokia police yesterday at a polling place.

According to Tompkin, the officer, who was not identified, asked him, "Why are you eyeballing me?" to which Tompkin said he replied, "I'm eyeballing you because you're eyeballing me." The officer then placed Tompkin in handcuffs.

Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/04/06/1659842/cahokia-poll-watcher-on-probation.html#storylink=misearch#ixzz1IkgjWzSO

"Why are you eyeballing me?" We're supposed to believe a police officer said that out of the blue? And the response to the officer was "I'm eyeballing you because you're eyeballing me."? Seriously? Then the cuffs were placed on him. If that dialog is what actually happened it's the most ridiculous back and forth between a cop and a person I've heard of since I last watched a good rerun of Cops from the 90's.

I imagine more was said between the two before he was arrested.

Columbia:
At least Columbia didn't have any arrests at polling places yesterday during our election.

Instead we had four new aldermen elected. No incumbents won the right to serve four more years. With the vote totals from the election a candidate really needed to have a few blocks of their wards turn out and vote to win. 200-300 voters is all it took to win yesterday. That's it.

If your candidate won then I hope you follow their actions at city hall very closely and make them stand by what the told you they could/would do for you, take notes and keep them accountable.

If your candidate lost, I'll assume you'll be watching their successor very closely in order to point out their failures and what they have done that you do not like or want. I would however caution against this. It will be nearly impossible to measure the newly elected aldermen against what the sitting aldermen accomplished and stood for while they held the position. In every ward that had a true aldermanic race the candidates stood for different ideas and very different ways of achieving even similar goals. I feel these comparisons will only continue to split the community. I encourage those who voted for the incumbents to grade the new aldermen on what they said they could/would do if elected. They all had some lofty goals, some of which I feel may be unattainable. Grade them on what they said they would be, not on what you wanted from your candidate.

For those of you who did not vote, I would ask why not? Then again if you take the time to read the blog I would hope you took 10 minutes yesterday and voted. If you were silent yesterday I would encourage you to keep tabs on your aldermen in the same manner I stated everyone else should. They are your aldermen now.

In closing I would offer the incumbents leaving office soon my thanks. As disingenuous as that may sound post election, I do mean it. Your time spent serving the city should be appreciated and a thanks should be extended to you, being an elected official is often a thankless job at the end of the day.

Election Day

2011-04-05T08:45:00.003-05:00

Well I stopped and voted on my way into work this morning.

I was there at about 6:50 and was number 15 in my precinct who had voted this morning. I hope as always that there will be a good turnout. I try to keep the site fairly neutral so I wont say who I voted for. My ward gets to choose between Jeff Huch and Brad Oberkfell.

When selecting a candidate I tend to weigh out the negatives/positives they have on an individual basis and then weigh out what their impact will be on the council as a whole. I see two individuals that have what the feel are the best interests of the community in mind, I truly think the feel they do. I then see two very different possible impacts on the city council. I'm still not sure which council impact will be best for the long term health and future of Columbia.

Is it too early for someone to start doing their homework and paying attention to what the city is facing to run for office in 2013? A lot depends on this elections outcome. Plenty of claims were made and regardless of who wins, I plan to hold my new aldermen to their campaign promises. I hope all of you do the same.

East st. Louis School District - School Closings

2011-03-30T13:14:00.003-05:00

Asked whether class sizes will increase, Saunders said yes, "but not by much."
She said elementary schools will have 25 students per class, middle schools will have 30 per class and the high school will have 32 per class, which is what the teachers' union contracts call for, Saunders said.
Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/03/30/1650380/district-189-closing-3-schools.html#ixzz1I6kn7cmI

I don't understand how closing three entire schools and laying off 287 teachers can be described as increasing class size "but not by much." Are children leaving the district as well? Its troubling what is happening in regards to their school system and the city in general. I know for a fact there are good people in East St. Louis trying to improve things. They're life long residents and everyone seems against them.

Responses from John Piazza

2011-03-30T12:29:00.003-05:00

Copy and pasted responses from John Piazza. I did go back and highlight the responses in red. Hopefully I did not miss any.

1. What is the extent of your education? I have a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois in Champaign.

2. How long have you lived in Columbia? We moved to Columbia almost eleven years ago. If not a lifelong Columbia resident where did you grow up and where did you live right before you moved to Columbia? I grew up in Cahokia, IL. With my job I have lived in many communities but most recently in a small town, Plainville, IL, just outside Quincy, IL.

3. Do you feel that the length of time you or your family has lived in Columbia makes you a better candidate than someone else? I don't think it has a particular bearing. Perhaps, since most of the council has a significantly longer tenure my perspective might be a bit different and thus add to the diversity of opinion. Why is this continually an election talking point? Probably because it is a point that differentiates the candidates. Unfortunately, it splits the town in an unhealthy way. Many residents of Columbia, my family included, do not have deep rooted family trees in Columbia, is their opinion worth less to you when compared to others who have lived here for generations? Certainly not. And while I might be better prepared to represent your family's position, I feel that most residents desire the same things from our community.

4. What is your occupation?I have worked as an engineer for over 24 years. My current position is as a business manager having several engineers and technicians reporting to me. How will it affect your serving on the city council? I believe that it has prepared me to objectively consider very complex issues to determine the best solution available for a particular opportunity. I have both a technical and commercial background that will allow me to contribute to finding solutions that help the city move forward in a responsible manner. Much of my energy is spent first understanding an issue, then evaluating the possible solutions, and then making (and taking responsibility for) decisions that can have a significant impact on my employers success.

5. Does your occupation make you a good candidate to serve as chairmen of any present city council committees? I am certainly interested in serving and think that there are some committees that could more effectively use my skills but will serve as requested.

6. How have you gathered your information regarding issues facing the city? I have gathered most of my information primarily by speaking with the citizens of my ward. In addition, I have also taken the time to attend some of the council meetings, to read the council meeting minutes for the past several years,to speak with current aldermen, the mayor, various department heads, and those citizens (and groups) that have offered their opinions.

7. How many city council meetings have you attended in the last year? Two years? I have attended only a few meetings but have read the minutes from the past four years.

8. If you support commercial growth in Columbia what specifically will you do to make that a reality? I believe that commercial growth is good for Columbia. New businesses typically creates jobs, produces sales tax revenues, and increases the value of the property - all generating revenue for our city. I will begin by meeting with existing businesses to better understand why they chose Columbia and what they think other businesses are looking for as they choose their location. My experience has taught me that the best way to win is to understand the rules. What types of commercial entities do you feel Columbia needs the most? I believe that we need to encourage both commercial and light industrial growth. Those businesses that either allow us, as residents, to spend more of our dollars in our community or encourage non-residents to spend their dollars in our community.

9. Does commercial growth belong in the bottoms in light of the current issue facing the certification of the levy? If the levy issue is resolved do the bottoms become a good place for development? Why or why not? If elected, I will expend significant energies to better understand this opportunity. In short, I believe that the bottoms are a natural area for our community to utilize for commercial growth without adversely affecting our small town atmosphere. It also has the unique benefit of being likely to draw dollars not only from other communities but also from across the state line. A very positive benefit that must be fully explored before making any quick decisions.

10. Alderman Stumpf has proposed the idea of having an economic development committee in order to field questions, comments, and ideas regarding any economic development opportunities that may present themselves to the city a number of times over the last year. Would you support this idea? Why or why not? I have not fully reviewed the concept of creating another committee, but it seems that we already have a Director (and assistant) for Community and Economic Development. While I intend to become very familiar with their goals and methods, and I would like to think that I can have a positive impact on this department, I do not think that I, as an alderman, need to control this function. I believe that this is such an important issue to our City that we need to have professionals whose only focus is the development of our community. I believe that the council should set the tone/policy and then we should rely upon those dedicated to this purpose.

11. What types of incentives if any do you support to attract development to Columbia? Get specific, developers will know what they want. Each opportunity brings with it unique opportunities - both in terms of possible revenue to the city and requirements from the city in support of the business. The issue is too complex to offer a single solution that fits all sizes. I have spent many years negotiating very large contracts and the first rule you learn is to know the value of what you give and only give when you receive in exchange. I do not believe that we as a city must give away a litany of prizes to attract businesses. We just have to help them to offset the risks that they take when they start a new business. I will do my best to utilize my education and experiences to serve the city in this matter.

12. Do you support the annual 4.99% increase in Columbia’s tax levy? Is this an “ethical” practice to the community and its residents? Since I have not had the opportunity to fully evaluate this question, I will not offer an opinion at this time.

13. Should the city vehicle sticker tax be re-instated? Why or why not? It seems unfortunate that the city lost this source of revenue especially when we are currently struggling financially. I would avoid re-instating the tax.

14. Should city departments be allowed to carry their budgeted balances over yearly, rather than the end of year balance rolling back to the general fund? Why or why not? This seems a mute point as the city is not operating in a surplus. But as this seems to be a major issue in the fire departments bid to join the rural fire district, I think it is worth investigating. Once we understand the benefits and the ramifications, I believe that we can find a good solution.

15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city? Since it has been decided by the current council to put this to the voters, I believe it is best to allow the entire city to decide.

16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city? I haven't given it a lot of thought - I am certain that none of the current or those seeking the position are doing it for the stipend.

17. Are there any pressing issues facing Columbia in regards to infrastructure you feel should be immediately addressed, other than the road by McDonald's leading past Firestone on the way to the Post Office? Since I have not had the opportunity to fully evaluate this question, I will not offer an opinion at this time.

18. Do you feel my questions are biased towards any one line of thinking or candidate in particular? Not at all.

For Challenging Candidates

1. What compels you to run for city office? I feel that in order to keep our quality of life, both at a high level and affordable, requires a professional approach to managing the city. My education and experience have prepared me to contribute to the city. Do you have higher ambitions in politics? No

2. Have you met with other candidates or community groups to discuss issues and the upcoming election? Yes If so which ones? I have met with the three other challenging candidates and I participated in the forum hosted by the Progress for Columbia group.

3. Were you brought up to speed regarding city issues by any certain people? Answered in question 6 above.

4. Are you a “member” of Progress for Columbia? No Did PFC or any of its members assist you in your candidacy in any way? While I am not certain of their membership, I have garnered their support as a result of my desire to help Columbia prosper.

5. Have you ever met with or discussed issues facing the city with your aldermen? Yes with Mary Ellen Niemietz. Specifically the one you may be running against? No If not, why? I am not sure it would be a profitable use of time. If yes, did you find that conversation satisfactory?

No Responses from John Piazza and Steve Reis

2011-03-30T09:07:00.002-05:00

I sent an email out this morning to all candidates in an effort for everyone understanding the process requesting responses to my questions from Steve Reis and John Piazza. I wonder if they are pondering if I am a real person or not, which has been used as a reason for not responding to me in the past by people.

I understand my email was never received by TJ as his email address bounced back as being rejected by his email systems domain. His responses while important for people to see are not as vital as others since as we all know TJ should win the election rather easily, it is the luxury of running unopposed, not a dig against anything TJ stands for or has stated throughout the election process.

I have received responses from all candidates except Steve Reis and John Piazza. I'll assume they both received the email I sent as it is how they were notified of the candidate forum they were both in attendance at.

Steve & John,
I understand my questions may not be viewed as important for you to answer since I do not live in your ward and will be unable to cast a vote in your favor, if I viewed you as the right candidate. Both of your opponents have responded to my questions and have their responses on my blog for their prospective voters to point to, they may also point to the lack of responses from either one of you. I heard both of you make reference at the candidate forum for the need for a council that can work together to meet the needs of our community. The community needs to know what your stance is on issues facing our city before they choose to elect you.

I can assure all candidates one thing. If you are elected I will continue to occasionally send emails and ask questions regarding your actions as an aldermen. While you are elected by the people of your particular ward you do represent and vote on behalf of the entire community. You as an elected official have an obligation to respond to questions people may have and ideas they may share with you.

If you feel the need to, email me back with any concerns you have regarding getting responses back to me.

Thanks
-Levi Ottwell

Responses from Alderman Hejna

2011-03-29T12:48:00.002-05:00

Responses copied from two pdf documents Alderman Hejna sent over to me a few hours back.

1. I graduated from Columbia High School in 1983. Attended Belleville Area College.

2. I grew up in Columbia. I have family that goes back many generations. After living in a couple of other communities for short periods of time, there was never any doubt that I would always want to call Columbia home. My husband Jeffrey was transferred to Cleveland, OH for his job in 2002 and we were there for one year before moving back.

3. Yes, I feel it makes me a better candidate because I am aware of community issues that have happened in the past... I think it’s a talking point because this is a very tight-knit community where neighbors have always watched out for each other and we are proud of our heritage. No, I don’t think their opinion is less worthy. I believe new ideas and opinions are very important for a community to grow and I will attest to this as my husband grew up in St. Louis and wanted to live here.

4. I have been a stay at home mom. I just recently started a home based business which still gives me great freedom to attend to my duties at Alderman.

5. Before I chose to stay home with my daughter I was employed as an office manager at Lutheran Church of the Living Christ & Quick Dough Inc. My prior employment, as well my home based business, gives me a financial background which includes accounts payable/receivable, billing, payroll, as well as working with all levels of employees. I was the former Finance Chairman and I am currently the Refuse/Recycle Chairman.

6. Growing up here I watched my parents be very active in the community. Currently, I stay very involved volunteering for the organizations that I support and talking with everyone I can about the issues that face them and their families.

7. I have never missed a City Council meeting since being elected into office in 2007.

8. I do support commercial growth in Columbia. As an Alderman we must make smart policy decisions and provide reasonable economic incentives to bring business here, but not provide multi-million dollar tax rebates in TIF districts for multi-billion dollar big box stores.

9. At this time I do not think it is economically feasible for development to occur in the floodplain without the levees being repaired. It could be a good place as long as our city reaps some benefit from whatever develops there. I would like to see a business park, office campus complex along with some retail. We are Columbia and we need to develop our own signature stamp, not copy other communities of just larger and larger strip malls.

10. I absolutely support Alderman Stumpf’s idea of an economic development committee. Right now the City Council is ill informed of what is taking place with economic development. It’s always a big secret, and information is not as forthcoming as it should be. A committee would be a great liaison to the council and would help open up ideas for everyone to discuss and debate for all of our benefit. Our city government needs more transparency, the
Alderman need to be allowed to be more involved and help this community grow in a positive direction.

11. Some of the incentives that can be used are waiving fees for sewer and water tap-ons, allowing building material variances, sales tax rebates after a certain amount of sales is reached. I do not support TIF districts. Columbia is not blighted, and our current TIF district has committed over $3.9M in property tax rebates. It is simply not fair to the rest of our residents and businesses to require them to pay ever increasing taxes, while a few receive these excessive tax rebates. Public tax dollars should be used for the public benefit, not private profit.

12. No, I do not support and have been consistently opposed to the annual 4.99% tax levy that gets approved every year. No tax should ever be automatic and unfortunately that is the way our City Council has always handled it in the past.

13. No, the city vehicle tax should not be reinstated. It is a regressive tax that is only charged to people who own or are purchasing their cars; it does not include lease vehicles. It is also very inefficient as the revenue that is generated isn’t very great compared to the costs associated with collecting the tax.

14. Right now we have a budget projected to spend more in expenses that projected revenue. I do not believe we have monies to consider rolling over for the various departments.

15. Yes, I do support the merger; however the City should reduce its taxes by the amount that would be collected by the newly formed fire district because the City will no longer be providing these services.

16. I voted against it in the past and unfortunately it did pass. I will not support this in the future.

17. Yes, as our City continues to grow we have to expand our parks and trails with a park land set aside ordinance as well as develop a comprehensive street plan.

18. No, I thoroughly enjoyed answering all of your questions and appreciate your attention to detail.

For Incumbent Candidates

1. Championed for a balanced budget. Despite the objections of the Mayor and senior Alderman, we were able to cut spending and achieve an effectively balanced budget in the 2008-2009 fiscal year after the prior City Council had burned up most of the City’s reserves when it budgeted $864,000 more in General Fund expenses than revenue received.

2. With a heart filled with a desire to serve the city that I care so very much about, I will work to help this city recognize its true potential.

3. I have the exact same concerns as everyone else about government spending and having a balanced budget. I also believe that Columbia’s growth has slowed because of the economy in general, but I wouldn’t say our growth has been stagnant. We have several new businesses on Main Street and we are improving everyday.

4. No, you have a genuine interest in your local government.

5. I have no regrets. I know that I stepped on a few toes over Columbia Crossing, but I could not support such a totally one-sided development agreement in favor of the developer - one that provided for excessive property tax, sales tax, and utility tax rebates to the developer for the next 25 years! An agreement that was so poorly made it was not even legally valid! I will not allow special interests, no matter how powerful, to stop me from doing what is right for the majority of our citizens.

Second Round of Responses from Alderman Oberkfell

2011-03-29T07:48:00.003-05:00

Aldermen Oberkfell sent this over to me late last night in response to citizen Kevin Hutchinson's comments.

Levi,
Please post this in response to Kevin's comments:

Levi, you are 100% correct in stating that I was not taking credit for the new commercial growth, but rather just correcting your statement stating commercial growth was stagnant. Furthermore, unless the mayor has a crystal ball, or is psychic, no one knows if these businesses would not have built based upon the building materials. This is merely his assumption and has no facts in backing it up. I want it to be known that because of my profession, I am very familiar with subpar building materials and feel our city deserves higher building standards.

In regards to the rural and city merger, I stand corrected.

It is no secret I oppose TIF, but the TIF district was already in place and that was done by the previous council.

The 2008 special hearing on pay increases completely escaped my memory until the mayor brought it to light. To reaffirm my answer, I will not support any further increases. Again, due to the recent economic hardships, most citizens are cutting back financially and the city should not be exempt from such practices.

Brad Oberkfell

I'll go ahead and say one more time communication is the largest issue facing our city council. I cant think of the last time Aldermen Oberkfell and the Mayor spoke this much to each other during a discussion at a meeting. It's sad and it's not something that can be blamed on any one individual at the council level, the entire council is guilty of not communicating to each other as well as they should.

Responses from Alderman Oberkfell - Clarifications By Request of Citizen

2011-03-28T16:07:00.004-05:00

I have always had the policy of posting clarifications to the site if someone finds false information that I post here for others to read. It allows for the most accurate information since I'm a one man show and cannot check every fact. I struggled with whether or not I should post this as it seems as if this could go back and forth all day.

Clarifications to the responses from Alderman Oberkfell on http://worldasiknowitnow.blogspot.com/2011/03/responses-from-alderman-oberkfell.html Levi Otwell’s blog The World As I Know It Now

Question in Black, Oberkfell in red, clarifications underlined.

15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? The rural is actually merging with the city fire department. How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city? The merger would benefit the city by allowing the department to work on better response times, consolidate financial resources and equipment, and allows for additional specialized training.

The city does not have a fire district so it is impossible for the rural district to merge with a city fire district. The City petitioned to Join the Rural Fire District

16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city? No, I have not supported an increase in the 4 years I have held office, and would continue to not support any increases. Again, due to the recent economic hardships, most citizens are cutting back financially and the city should not be exempt from such practices.

Look at Ordinance 2695 Nov. 18, 2008 Alderman Oberkfell voted in favor of Aldermanic pay increases http://www.columbiaillinois.com/documents/Ordinances/2008%20Ordinances/2695_Elect_Official_Salary_4_09.PDF

3. Why do you deserve to be given a second chance at facing the challenges of the city given that the city continues to have budget concerns and that commercial growth seems to have become stagnant over the course of your term as aldermen?

When asked why he voted to not pay the bills he said the city is spending too much

When asked what department or what line item

He had no answer just the city was spending too much. He did not share the ways he found to cut spending

He voted no on the building materials for Gillan Graphics without the other yes votes the building may not have been remodeled.

He voted no on the building materials for Dollar general without the other yes votes they would not have built a new building.

He voted no on the incentive package for the Hampton Hotel without the incentives they would not have built in Columbia

Maverick Technologies was approved before he was on the council but he has said he would never support the incentives used for maverick technologies

CVS is in a TIF district and he said he is opposed to TIF districts

Without the other yes votes to override Alderman Oberkfell negative votes most of the development he is taking credit for would not have been approved

Columbia Voter and Property Owner in Ward III
Kevin Hutchinson

I'm not sure I agree with the last bit Kevin shared. It doesn't seem Brad was taking credit for the new commercial growth, rather Brad was just saying that my question contained false information since commercial growth was in fact not stagnant as I stated it was while he was aldermen. I'll reserve opinion over this "clarification". I stand by my long standing opinion that communication is the main issue facing the council.

Responses From Alderman Oberkfell

2011-03-28T05:26:00.000-05:00

1. What is the extent of your education? Upon graduating from Lindbergh High School in 1994, I enrolled in Drury University’s five year architectural program. I successfully completed the program and received my Bachelors Degree in Architecture in 1999.
2. How long have you lived in Columbia? If not a lifelong Columbia resident where did you grow up and where did you live right before you moved to Columbia? My family and I have lived in Columbia for almost 11 years. I was born and raised in Sunset Hills, MO. My wife and I lived there shortly before moving to Columbia.
3. Do you feel that the length of time you or your family has lived in Columbia makes you a better candidate than someone else? No
Why is this continually an election talking point? It has not been an issue during my campaign. Many residents of Columbia, my family included, do not have deep rooted family trees in Columbia, is their opinion worth less to you when compared to others who have lived here for generations? Absolutely not! Whether you have lived here for 5 days or 50 years, I am deeply committed in knowing all of my constituents opinions. Communication is essential for a successful city government to truly represent the people.
4. What is your occupation? How will it affect your serving on the city council? I am an Architect. I am able to advise the council (and citizens) on architectural related issues, these include but are not limited to building codes, standards, energy efficiency, etc. Does your occupation make you a good candidate to serve as chairmen of any present city council committees? Yes, Municipal Buildings, Capital Improvements Committee and the Planning and Zoning Committee.
6. How have you gathered your information regarding issues facing the city? I have been the alderman of Ward 3 for the past 4 years.
7. How many city council meetings have you attended in the last year? Two years? I have attended all the meetings except for about 4 or 5 due to the birth of my daughter, and business travel that could not be avoided.
8. If you support commercial growth in Columbia what specifically will you do to make that a reality? I do support commercial growth. However I find it necessary that we also must reduce the tax burden on citizens and home owners. To accomplish this we need to find creative alternative financial incentives, other than offering a TIF (Tax Increment Financing). I would be willing to work with our Economic development Coordinator to make this a reality. What types of commercial entities do you feel Columbia needs the most? Businesses that generate quality jobs for the area.
9. Does commercial growth belong in the bottoms in light of the current issue facing the certification of the levy? If the levy issue is resolved do the bottoms become a good place for development? Why or why not? Due to a current lawsuit, I am unable to answer this questions at this time.
10. Alderman Stumpf has proposed the idea of having an economic development committee in order to field questions, comments, and ideas regarding any economic development opportunities that may present themselves to the city a number of times over the last year. Would you support this idea? Why or why not? I would definitely support the idea. I feel a committee, such as the one Alderman Stumpf has indicated, would be beneficial in promoting and marketing our city and as a result we would have a better chance to improve our economic status.
11. What types of incentives if any do you support to attract development to Columbia? Get specific, developers will know what they want. The key is to be creative with any type of incentives. While it’s important for the developer to receive a “good deal” it is equally important that the city receives a “good deal“. Due to the recent law suite I can not comment any further than what I have.
12. Do you support the annual 4.99% increase in Columbia’s tax levy? No. Is this an “ethical” practice to the community and its residents? Is it ethical, NO. Do we get away with it, YES. This is just another way for the city to increase its spending power without notifying the citizens. While I have been in office the last 4 years, I have brought this issue to light with many of my constituents. It is unfortunate that it has continued to pass the last 4 years. Due to the recent economic hardships, most citizens are cutting back financially and the city should not be exempt from such practices.
13. Should the city vehicle sticker tax be re-instated? NO Why or why not? The city was grossing roughly $50,000 from this tax. After figuring in the postage costs and employee labor costs, the city was netting a significant lower amount. I have yet to hear anyone complain that we did away with this tax, other than the mayor and two council members.
14. Should city departments be allowed to carry their budgeted balances over yearly, rather than the end of year balance rolling back to the general fund? Why or why not? This is a great question, and I am still uncertain how I feel about this issue. There are pros and cons to doing it both ways. I would definitely be interested in hearing what my constituents would have to say regarding this topic.
15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? The rural is actually merging with the city fire department. How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city? The merger would benefit the city by allowing the department to work on better response times, consolidate financial resources and equipment, and allows for additional specialized training.
16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city? No, I have not supported an increase in the 4 years I have held office, and would continue to not support any increases. Again, due to the recent economic hardships, most citizens are cutting back financially and the city should not be exempt from such practices.
17. Are there any pressing issues facing Columbia in regards to infrastructure you feel should be immediately addressed, other than the road by McDonald's leading past Firestone on the way to the Post Office? In Ward III there are several streets that are prone to excessive speeding and traffic. These roads (i.e. Rueck Rd., Quarry Rd.) need to be considered for additional stop signs.
18. Do you feel my questions are biased towards any one line of thinking or candidate in particular? Not at all.
For Incumbent Candidates:
1. Name one thing you specifically “took the reins on” as a city council member. I initiated the upgrade of Columbia’s building codes to the International Building Code, and have encouraged all City buildings to become more energy efficient.

2. What drives you to continue as a member of the city council?

Well it is definitely not the pay...LOL! But in all seriousness, with keeping future generations in mind, my goal is to make Columbia a better place to live, work and play.

I have recognized that the city does in fact have budget concerns. I have found ways to cut spending and will continue to do so when elected. I have to disagree with you, though, in that commercial growth has become stagnant over the past 4 years. In fact, we now have a Main Street that is flourishing with many new businesses, we now have a hotel in Columbia, CVS is now in a new bigger building, we are expecting a Dollar store to open in the near future, Dollar general is building a new and larger facility, Quality Collision is building a larger facility and will be selling used luxury vehicles, Gillians rehabbed a historical building and moved to the larger facility, Maverick Technologies built a large state of the art facility....and the list continues.
4. Do you find my presence at most council meetings an issue? Not at all. I would actually prefer that you would start bringing guests. I feel that citizens should be active in their local government and hold council members accountable.
5. What action or actions if any as an aldermen do you regret and how would you handle things differently in that situation given hindsight? Absolutely not. To quote Victoria Holt; “Never Regret! If it is good....it’s wonderful. If it’s bad.....it’s experience!”

Responses From Jeff Huch

2011-03-27T18:46:00.001-05:00

Again, I just copy and pasted these responses from an eamil Jeff sent to me. Good thorough responses.

1. What is the extent of your education?

Graduated Columbia High School in 1987, Graduated SIU-E - 1991 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a specialization in Management

2. How long have you lived in Columbia? If not a lifelong Columbia resident where did you grow up and where did you live right before you moved to Columbia?

I was born and raised in Columbia. In 1996 I was trasferred to Jopin, Mo and in 2000 we moved back to Columbia. My family moved to the area in 1837 after immigrating to the U.S from Hanover, Germany in 1831 and originally settling in Ohio before moving to New Hanover, Il and the Columbia area.

3. Do you feel that the length of time you or your family has lived in Columbia makes you a better candidate than someone else? Why is this continually an election talking point? Many residents of Columbia, my family included, do not have deep rooted family trees in Columbia, is their opinion worth less to you when compared to others who have lived here for generations?

I do not feel the length of time a family has been here makes a difference in the canidates. I believe it is mentioned because of the pride we have in our past generations for building such a wonderful community to live in today. I believe it is brought up because many feel it shows dedication to the community and a will to do the best we can to continue our legacy of quality of life and a vibrant community. I feel that the experience brought to the community from those who chose to be a first generation Columbian is extremely valuable. We all need to not only understand the communities history but how the community is viewed and why people chose to move here. It is important to have experience of those who have lived elswhere and learn from those experiences to keep growing our community in the best possible manner. Liiving in the Joplin/Webb City area for 4 years taught me alot about the quality of life and services that other communities have to offer. I was able to learn everything from the importance of building codes and materials to the aspects of successful and not so successful commercial development and how it affected the residents.

4. What is your occupation? How will it affect your serving on the city council?

I have worked for Walgreens since 1988. I am currently a Community Leader Store Manager. I manage one store and have been assigned 5 other St. Louis stores to assist in supervising, mentoring the manager, training and personel issues. My job responsibilities will have little affect on my ability to serve on the city council. My job enables me to bring my experiences with budgeting, personel, sales, training and human resouces to the job as alderman.

5. Does your occupation make you a good candidate to serve as chairmen of any present city council committees? I feel my business and personel skill set will enable me to serve on any of the committees.

6. How have you gathered your information regarding issues facing the city? I have gathered my information from conversations with current aldermen, the mayor, department heads, city emplyees, family and residents of columbia.

7. How many city council meetings have you attended in the last year? Two years? During my two year term as alderman I attended all but a couple due to being out of town and I have been to a number of meetings since but do not recall how many.

8. If you support commercial growth in Columbia what specifically will you do to make that a reality? What types of commercial entities do you feel Columbia needs the most?

I do support commercial growth in Columbia. To make this a reality we need to work with the economic development coordinator and the local businesses to determine first of all how we can support local business and then bring in complimentary business growth that will benefit both the new business and the existing business. I would like to see the firms that Maverick, Budnick and a number of other large employers need for their businesses to move here to be able to build areas of partner businesses which could help with logistics and money savings to make these businesses stronger and help with their possible expansions in our area. This type of complimentary business growth would positively affect everyone including bringing in jobs and strenghtening our current businesses. I feel additional retail, restaurants, office and professionial buildings would be a good start.

9. Does commercial growth belong in the bottoms in light of the current issue facing the certification of the levy? If the levy issue is resolved do the bottoms become a good place for development? Why or why not?

I feel that once the issues of the levy system is resolved that the bottoms are the most ogical place for commercial growth. Columbia sits in a unique location by a major highway to transports, people and goods on without bringing that traffic through our residential areas and downtown. The natural barrier of the bluffs and location of that property seperates that type of growth from our residential areas. The traffic on 255 is such that would support retail and restaurant types of businesses combined with easy access to south county and the city of St. Louis.

10. Alderman Stumpf has proposed the idea of having an economic development committee in order to field questions, comments, and ideas regarding any economic development opportunities that may present themselves to the city a number of times over the last year. Would you support this idea? Why or why not?

We have an economic development coordinator whose job is do do just that. If we support this position and empower him to do his job as such there is no need to duplicate these duties. The planning commission also works in this capacity.

11. What types of incentives if any do you support to attract development to Columbia? Get specific, developers will know what they want.

Each incentive package is widely different. Any support of an incentive package must have the best interest of the city, schools and taxpayers formost. Incentive packages can be fashioned to benefit all parties and help the business offset infrastructure costs. The city's interests must be first and formost in any incentive package.

12. Do you support the annual 4.99% increase in Columbia’s tax levy? Is this an “ethical” practice to the community and its residents?

The 4.99% increase is not a tax increase however it is a revenue increase. The 4.99% increase is an increase in the amount of property tax dollars, not percentage tax rate that the citizens pay. This is an increase in the amount of tax dollars which the city can receive from the property tax dollars colloected which is based on the equalized assessed value of all property, both commercial sn residential within the city of Columbia. Each year the city is allowed to request an increase of 4.99% of those dollars without a truth in taxation hearing. In a growing community like Columbia, the EAV grows at a higher rate than the 4.99%. When this higher growth rate happens the end result is more money for services to constituents without increasing the tax rate to those same constituents. My opponent is opposed to this 4.99% increase but does not have a plan to replace those lost dollars which will force a reduction in city services decreaseing the quality of life in Columbia. Every year I will look at the financial situation of the city and determine if this 4.99% increase is necessary. Quality of life is one of my largest concerns This type of increase, in some years, is necessary to keep Columbia one of the most desirable place to live in the metro area.

13. Should the city vehicle sticker tax be re-instated? Why or why not?

This tax revenue is gone and I do not believe will ever be re-instituted. The lost revenue for the projects that this tax funded must be made up elsewhere or these projects cancelled due to the lost revenue. The city sticker tax has always been a widely debated tax and the projects it funded were not widely known. Most people did not know where the money went and were happy when the stickers were no longer required.

14. Should city departments be allowed to carry their budgeted balances over yearly, rather than the end of year balance rolling back to the general fund? Why or why not?

The city operates as one unit and not a group of independent businesses. All departments must be fiscally responsible at all times with the best interest of the city as a whole at heart. They are all working out of the same checkbook so at the end of the year those departments that have operated within or under their budget contribute to the financial well being of the city and the ability to operate with a stronger budget the following year.

15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city?

I have had a number of conversations with Mike Roediger and members of the fire department. We discussd the benefits and their desire to become a district. This is a question for the voters to decide. Our current city council supported the measure being put on the ballot and it comes down to the vote of the citizens. With the merger we will receive the same fire protection we currently are getting except the fire department will be run by a board instead of managed by the city. The department will be its own taxing body and control their own tax levy into the future. The benefit is to be seen if the measure passes and how the department if run and managed into the future.

16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city?

I do not feel the job is about the money.

17. Are there any pressing issues facing Columbia in regards to infrastructure you feel should be immediately addressed, other than the road by McDonald's leading past Firestone on the way to the Post Office?

We have an aging water and sewer infrastructure that must be continuously updated to avoid issues. One of my biggest concerns is when we outgrow the current city lagoon and need to expand or replace the current facility. This is going to be a large expense when we get to this point and we must be making plans for this.

18. Do you feel my questions are biased towards any one line of thinking or candidate in particular?

I feel the questions are consistent and fair. I do not feel they are slanted in any way towards one side or the other.

For Challenging Candidates

1. What compels you to run for city office? Do you have higher ambitions in politics?

I am compelled to run for office out of my love for the city. The city of Columbia was a great place to grow up and raise a family. We have a great culture and a wonderful quality of life. I feel we need to manage and balance our growth both commercial and residential to continue to have a very high quality of life. We must continue to expand our sales tax revenue base and continue to increase our commercial EAV revenues with controlled development to continue to fund the city and our schools. We need to capture the sales tax dollars being spent in surrounding communities by offering additional shopping and service choices in Columbia. I have a very large interest in maintaining our city services and programs while adding as little burden upon the citizens through taxation as possible. We need to develope a city council that can work together to solve the issues our city faces now and in the future.

2. Have you met with other candidates or community groups to discuss issues and the upcoming election? If so which ones?

I have met with many other groups and a number of other canidates in preparation for this election season.

3. Were you brought up to speed regarding city issues by any certain people?

I have spoken with many in city government including department heads, city employees, commissoners and volunteers.

4. Are you a “member” of Progress for Columbia? Did PFC or any of its members assist you in your candidacy in any way?

Yes I am a member of PFC, Columbia Kiwanis Club, St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia Sportsmans and Midwest Workforce Investment Board. I have had support and assistance with my campaign from many of these groups and organizations. I have received strong support based on my many years of community service and my willingness to think out of the box and listen to the needs of others.

5. Have you ever met with or discussed issues facing the city with your aldermen? Specifically the one you may be running against? If not, why? If yes, did you find that conversation satisfactory?

No. After the last election and we had an apparent difference of opinoins on many of the issues facing the city. I spent 4 weeks reviewing the minutes of every concil meeting for the last four years. His voting record does not support the opinions and statements that he has been giving to the constiuents in our ward. I have spoken to numerous constituents who have spent years trying to get my opponent to return a call to discuss issues they have.

Responses From Alderman Stumpf

2011-03-27T17:40:00.003-05:00

I'd like to thank Alderman Stumpf for sending his responses in. It's a busy day today so I'm just copying and pasting what he sent over to me just before noon. Reading through them I have a better sense of where he stands on the issues. Its never easy to send in responses first.

Questionnaire responses.

Education graduate U of I bachelor of science ornamental horticulture and ag industries School of hard knocks in process.

Home place was in the river bottoms near Merrimac. Moved to rural Columbia 1978. and into city limits 1984.

All input from all residents is valuable. What makes this town a good place to live is the hard working ethical and honest people that live here.

I own and operate Shadycreek Nursery which means I am very accessible to people daily.

I feel the daily decision making routine of running any business makes one more ready to accept the responsibility and appreciate the ramifications of decisions rendered.

I would welcome to be chair of any committee.

I have attended all meetings accept for two in the last four years.

Supporting commercial growth can lead to many avenues of what should and shouldn’t be done. Commercial growth should not be an at all costs proposition.

First and foremost the citizens life style of living in Columbia should be the number one consideration of what should and shouldn’t be promoted. Not all commercial growth will alleviate our egregious properly tax burden in fact some could possible worsen it. An increase in protective services and infrastructural maintenance costs all need to be considered when promoting and incentivizing business. A well thought out paced and calculated plan for business growth is what I support.

The flood plain issue for growth is controversial and complex. Density of commercial growth and what types of commercial enterprises should be the question answered before we proceed. Undeniable someday that levee will break, when? And at what cost do we proceed. The Columbia river bottoms has several unique characteristics that I feel Columbia can take advantage of to produce good high paying jobs. We have the largest inland waterway in the center of our country at our door step.

We have one of the largest rail centers cut through our city limits. We have a major interstate also cut through our city limits and we have a commercial airport within 10 miles of our city limits. These four characteristics offer huge potential for economic growth. I do not support a massive TIF district for box stores in this area, I feel other avenues need to be pursued. Do I have the answer? I feel when a good proposal is forwarded on this area it will be a decision that collectively the majority will agree on and the transparency of the plan, I will be an advocate of.

I feel an economic committee consisting of a diverse group of Columbia citizens with business and development background would serve the city well.

On incentives; the biggest concern I have about TIF is the creating of another entity where after it is created citizens have little input until it expires.

Every business has it own needs and wants and must be viewed independently.

I have voted for the 4.99% increase reluctantly as the city‘s expenditures always dictate the need.

I support the merger to have one department instead of two. Hopefully the efficiency gained will have a positive effect.

Infrastructurally speaking Gall road is in dire need of improvement. Hopefully the issue can be addressed soon as this road will experience growing traffic as Columbia’s residential growth expands.

One thing I specifically took the reigns on was the questioning of the legality of approving a $200 million Tif district.

I enjoy working with the council and the Mayor in honing the direction the city takes in it future journey.

The budget is a problem that needs disciplined decision making on the part of the council. As I did not vote to pass our deficit budget last year I feel I showed how I stand.

I disagree that growth has become stagnant; look at the renaissance of mainstreet plus 50 new homes last year. Columbia has what many places don’t; location location location

Respectfully submitted

Alderman Fred Stumpf Ward1

My thoughts on the Candidate Forum & The Questions I Sent to the Candidates

2011-03-24T17:06:00.004-05:00

I’ll be upfront and say I’m not a member of Progress for Columbia. I know specifically of a few people associated with the group and do trade emails back and forth with them. I have asked when their meetings are so I could attend and asked who the members are so I could get an idea of what they are about; both questions netted no answer in return. On the other side of things I have traded emails on occasion with the incumbent aldermen. I’ll discuss issues with just about anyone.

Where were all of the candidates? The incumbents were never formally invited? What!? I know for a fact that this is not true, they were formally invited on March 18^th, a bit late in my opinion, and I let two of them know on March 10^th a day after I was made aware of the forum. So for whatever reason Candace, Brad, and Fred had for not coming to the forum I can say that honestly they didn’t miss much.

If you took the time to watch the videos below that I have posted of the candidate forum you’ll quickly realize that while there wasn’t a wide spread smear campaign against the current aldermen there wasn’t really anything said that hasn’t been mentioned by candidates before.

The candidates who came to the forum believe that controlled commercial growth should accompany the residential growth of Columbia. They believe in having a well qualified city staff and that the utility tax should not be eliminated without a new funding source to take its place. They believe that their professional experience makes them qualified candidates. Some believe their life-long connection with Columbia make them a better candidate.

I’m not sure how much more general a question and answer session could have been. I think that these four candidates will work well with the other four aldermen who are not up for re-election this year. They share the same views and have a distinct belief that the incumbents they are opposing are holding things up in some way.

That sums up what I got out of the forum on Tuesday. I sent out the following questions to the candidates. I’ll post their answers to this website if the candidates reply. Hopefully they can get answers back to me over the weekend and people can have a few days next week to look them over. If the candidates would like to point people to this site to not only reference their reply but also their opponents that is welcomed.

1. What is the extent of your education?

2. How long have you lived in Columbia? If not a lifelong Columbia resident where did you grow up and where did you live right before you moved to Columbia?

4. What is your occupation? How will it affect your serving on the city council?

5. Does your occupation make you a good candidate to serve as chairmen of any present city council committees?

6. How have you gathered your information regarding issues facing the city?

7. How many city council meetings have you attended in the last year? Two years?

8. If you support commercial growth in Columbia what specifically will you do to make that a reality? What types of commercial entities do you feel Columbia needs the most?

11. What types of incentives if any do you support to attract development to Columbia? Get specific, developers will know what they want.

12. Do you support the annual 4.99% increase in Columbia’s tax levy? Is this an “ethical” practice to the community and its residents?

13. Should the city vehicle sticker tax be re-instated? Why or why not?

14. Should city departments be allowed to carry their budgeted balances over yearly, rather than the end of year balance rolling back to the general fund? Why or why not?

15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city?

16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city?

17. Are there any pressing issues facing Columbia in regards to infrastructure you feel should be immediately addressed, other than the road by McDonalds leading past Firestone on the way to the Post Office?

18. Do you feel my questions are biased towards any one line of thinking or candidate in particular?

For Challenging Candidates

1. What compels you to run for city office? Do you have higher ambitions in politics?

2. Have you met with other candidates or community groups to discuss issues and the upcoming election? If so which ones?

3. Were you brought up to speed regarding city issues by any certain people?

4. Are you a “member” of Progress for Columbia? Did PFC or any of its members assist you in your candidacy in any way?

5. Have you ever met with or discussed issues facing the city with your aldermen? Specifically the one you may be running against? If not, why? If yes, did you find that conversation satisfactory?

For Incumbent Candidates

1. Name one thing you specifically “took the reins on” as a city council member.

2. What drives you to continue as a member of the city council?

4. Do you find my presence at most council meetings an issue?

5. What action or actions if any as an aldermen do you regret and how would you handle things differently in that situation given hindsight?

March 22, 2011 Candidate Forum - Hosted by Progress for Columbia

2011-03-23T12:55:00.007-05:00

Here is the first video from the forum last night. It starts out with an introduction and welcome from Mr. Phelps(sp?) and then dives into opening statements from the four candidates that attended. No incumbent candidates attended last nights forum. No reason for their absence was given. I'll wait and post my thoughts once all of the videos are posted.

I have given some time queues at the start of each video in case you would like to fast-forward to points of interest.

Welcome and Opening Remarks by Candidates

Questions for Candidates - Part 1

Questions for Candidates - Part 2

Closing Remarks from Candidates

Candidate Forum

2011-03-22T21:20:00.002-05:00

Well it seems we were missing three of the seven candidates at the forum tonight. I'll post videos starting tomorrow of what took place at the forum. I'll also get my list of questions out to candidates this week and see what kind of responses I get.

Update on Email to the Mayor

2011-03-18T19:36:00.002-05:00

Update: I received an email from Kevin yesterday afternoon and had a phone conversation with him today as well. Below are the answers paraphrased by me of what he replied. Kevin if I misstate something you said shoot me an email and I'll get it clarified. (A note of reference, I offer this "editing feature" to any city official if I misstate actions they make or something they say to me, not just the Mayor)

What is the city planning to do with the money usually allocated to the fire department if the merger passes?Will that money simply flow back into the general fund or will the tax levy be reduced by the amount usually allocated to the fire department at the earliest opportunity? If the money is to be reallocated for other uses and not "rebated" back to the citizens what are the plans for these newly "freed up" funds?

The city has discussed plans to reduce the total City tax levy by approximately .0611 which is the amount for the fire protection portion of the tax levy. The New Columbia Fire District tax rate will be roughly.09 as previously stated. The remaining difference of .03 will not be removed or reduced from the city tax levy at this time. There is however no absolute guarantee of these reductions as the council as a whole must agree and vote on these reductions, which has not happened at this time.

Am I correct in thinking that for a minimum amount of time while the newly formed district is being setup and they are waiting on their newly levied taxes the citizens will be taxed both by the city and the district for the same thing? Is the time of the overlap that substantial or will it be timed by the city to not overlap in any way?

He explained that this issue is outlined in the intergovernmental agreement between the Rural Fire District and the City. Both entities will work together to prevent overlap and or gaps.

A major concern regarding large scale developments in the past was fire protection, will the city include the newly created fire district in discussions with and or regarding large scale developments and their affects on the districts ability to continue to offer equal protection to Columbia residents?

The mayor explained that the city has in the past and he will continue to require that the city involve all taxing bodies in any future talks regarding large scale developments.

Information Regarding The Candidate Forum Set For Tuesday March 22nd.

2011-03-18T18:59:00.003-05:00

Below is the text from an email sent out from Will Trowbridge. It was also sent out to all of the candidates running for aldermanic positions as well as Chief Roediger. The linked text takes you to the .pdf that Will had attached to the email explaining the format for that evening. I hope many people make their way to the middle school next Tuesday.

Good Afternoon,

Attached is an outline of the plan for the forum next Tuesday night. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. At this time we are assuming that everyone is attending as no one has said that they are not.

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you!

Will
Progress For Columbia

Shot Out a Few Emails Today

2011-03-17T13:21:00.005-05:00

Three people were contacted for further info on the upcoming forum being held March 22nd being held at the middle school regarding the election. I was wondering if the public would have the opportunity to ask questions that night and what process the forum would follow. We'll see if I here anything back.

I also sent an email over to our Mayor, Kevin Hutchinson, regarding the fire district merger. It read as follows.

What is the city planning to do with the money usually allocated to the fire department if the merger passes?

Will that money simply flow back into the general fund or will the tax levy be reduced by the amount usually allocated to the fire department at the earliest opportunity? If the money is to be reallocated for other uses and not "rebated" back to the citizens what are the plans for these newly "freed up" funds?

Am I correct in thinking that for a minimum amount of time while the newly formed district is being setup and they are waiting on their newly levied taxes the citizens will be taxed both by the city and the district for the same thing? Is the time of the overlap that substantial or will it be timed by the city to not overlap in any way?

A major concern regarding large scale developments in the past was fire protection, will the city include the newly created fire district in discussions with and or regarding large scale developments and their affects on the districts ability to continue to offer equal protection to Columbia residents?

I would prefer an emailed response rather than a phone call. It makes things easier for me to remember months down the line.

I'll let everyone know what the response is that I get one back from Kevin.

Biggest News Story Of The Year

2011-03-16T13:33:00.002-05:00

The World as I Know it will never be the same.

My wife gave birth to our first child over the weekend. Campbell Shea arrived at 11:49 am on Saturday March 12th. Carleigh and Campbell are doing well and I couldn't be prouder.

Intergovernmental Agreement Between The City Of Columbia, Illinois and The Columbia Rural Fire Protection District

2011-03-16T12:31:00.002-05:00

I have some main points of interest I gathered from the actual document. What the voters really care about is the financial info regarding the situation. That can be best summed up here in an article by The Suburban Journal. I am reviewing two other documents I received from the city regarding the financial breakdown of the situation. I hope to have all of that completed soon and here for everyone to see for themselves. The Suburban Journal article is troubling for one reason.

However, in the city, Hutchinson said, the City Council is leaning toward eliminating the 6.1 cents of the property tax that goes toward fire protection. But he emphasized he can't speak for the council members. He said the council has not discussed lowering property taxes by 9 cents — the amount of the new tax.

I would have to think the council could pass a resolution stating that if this district is formed that the money currently levied by the city for fire protection will not be levied in the future. And by my saying not levied in the future I mean that amount would be reduced once the district is collecting their own levy and is self-sustaining. If that does not take place then the city residents will see no positive effects of this merger.

On to my main points from the signed Intergovernmental Agreement Between The City Of Columbia, Illinois and The Columbia Rural Fire Protection District. The full document can be read and viewed by clicking this link.

The newly formed fire district board will be comprised of five members appointed by county commissioners, two of which will be from the “city” to start. At a further date the total number may be increased to seven and may move from being appointed positions to elected.

City will continue to fund district with funds normally set aside for city to fund the fire department until the district begins to receive money from its tax levy in the second half of 2012.

District will take control of fire department building as part of a $1/year lease.

All city owned fire department vehicles and equipment will be sold to the district for $1.

The 100ft platform truck will be transferred to the district’s legal possession at the conclusion of the district paying the current debt of that vehicle at an approximate rate of $70,800/year. This equipment will be used by the district while they are paying the debt. There will be a separate lease/purchase agreement regarding this equipment at a later date.

Current employees of the city relating to the fire department will continue their employment with the district unless at a point in the future the district decides that releasing an employee is in the best interest of the district.

The district will pay the city for dispatching fees ($6,229) under the current system already in place with an increase in that fee of 5% each year.

The plan itself seems relatively sound. Two groups that currently share equipment, personnel, and facilities will join into one entity and levy for their own funding independent of the city. Basically the plan puts fire protection into the hands of those who know what it takes and out of any influence/oversight from the city council and the mayor; to an extent the agreement puts the political burden on the county commissioners.

2011 Aldermanic Election

2011-03-10T11:24:00.002-06:00

I received the following email from Gene Bergmann. Seems to me that Progress for Columbia only appears every once in a while. The candidate forum in '09 was a little too short I thought to really get a feel for what people's stances were on given topics. The topics covered seemed a little too general as well. I hope for more detailed questions and more detailed answers this time around. Hopefully all of the candidates will be able to make it so they are all represented.

Mayor Hutchinson,

Progress for Columbia will again be sponsoring a Candidate Forum for the April Aldermanic election. As such,
we would ask that you notify the incumbent Aldermen running for re-election of this event so they can mark their calendars.

The forum will be held on Tuesday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Columbia Middle School. The format will be the same as the previous one and each candidate will receive specific guidelines prior to the event. I would ask each of the incumbents to provide me with an email address to use for sending the guidelines.

We also hope to have a representative from the Columbia Fire District to present some brief remarks regarding the upcoming referendum and be available for questions after the forum. However, the forum itself will NOT be addressing the Fire District consolidation since it is a separate election.

Thank you for your help in communicating this.

Gene Bergmann
PFC

You may recall I sent out my own questionnaire to the mayoral candidates in '09. I was going to do the same for the election in my ward but if I can gather the email addresses of the following candidates I will send it to everyone. So if you know the following candidates let them know to drop me a quick message at levi.ottwell@gmail.com

– Steven D. Reis
– TJ Mathews
– John W. Piazza
- Fred Stumpf - would prefer to have something other than his city email address

Wisconsin and the Past

2011-02-21T08:28:00.003-06:00

I try to keep the blog here as specific to Columbia as possible. The city has been relatively calm in regards to small town politics, aside from some interesting discussion on the relocation of Dollar General and the issuance of a $450,000 general obligation bond. I am sure the blog will be more active over the next two or so months. The municipal election is six weeks away from tomorrow and the yearly budget is due to be completed shortly after.

I would like to link to an article from a union website, not so much as to show how one side may be wrong or right on the issue currently facing the state of Wisconsin, but rather to show how we should not forget how we have all gotten where we are.

The link was provided to me by Mitchell Stille who is on the political staff of Iowa Council 61 which represents the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. I played little league with Mitchell and went to high school with him, we don't always share the same views but discussion is always healthy.

Link to the Article.

The point I take from the article is that each party pulls out all the stops when needed and they both find it unfair when the other does. Are these last ditch efforts needed? Do they help any? Do they cause more issues than they solve?

I think sometimes they are needed as they do help to slow the process for even a brief moment and cause some to pause and say "That person seems rational enough & they were elected after all...maybe we should look closer at what viewpoint caused them to jump out a window or flee the state."

As far as causing issues without resolving anything, I feel that's dependent on how your opponents view your actions. Politics do not often allow for your opponent to look back after you jump out the window and say "you know they may be right about something" After all, they must be weak or willing to "cave in" to the demands of an apparent extremist willing to flee the state to dodge a vote.

Resolution to the problem eventually has to be made, the tactic may bring more attention to your cause but not necessarily the attention or resolution you may be seeking. Since if you could have swayed your opponents opinion in the first place you would not embark on a dash to the border, bathroom, or window.

Challenger: President Reagan's Challenger Disaster Speech - 1/28/86

2011-01-28T08:05:00.003-06:00

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
-John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

Dollar General Moving? Looks like it.

2011-01-27T13:11:00.004-06:00

Variance Request for the Possible Relocation of the Dollar General in Columbia

Link to the Variance Requests includes maps of the location.

I don't see any large issue with the requests made. I suspect Alderman Agne will have an issue with a building of this type being at one of the entrances to town.

It should be no surprise to anyone that a business wants to move away from downtown and get closer to Route 3. It should be noted they're not moving into a TIF district and they are developing a piece of land that makes sense for their business model.

Finding a new tenant for their old space should be a main concern as the council continues to find ways to develop downtown. We should however be glad they are staying in Columbia and hope that the new location attracts more sales, thus increasing the revenue they provide to the city in sales tax.

I did not make it to the meeting last night, this material was provided to me from the clerks office yesterday via a FOIA request I placed. To bad info like this couldn't just be placed on the city's website in the first place.

Just Like Heaven: On Hallowed Ground

2011-01-25T13:37:00.003-06:00

Click here to get the caption.

Click here to get the caption.

Good webiste for inspirational bits from around the world. The irony of this submission is that it's in a series titled "Just Like Heaven"

Message from the City Clerk

2011-01-12T13:01:00.002-06:00

The last day that the Clerk's Office can register voters for the City Election of April 5, 2011 is Tuesday, March 8, 2011. Two (2) forms of identification are needed (i.e. driver's license or state issued picture ID with current address, utility bill, bank statement, any items that prove residency at that address).

Its always important to have a good voter turnout, regardless of who your planning to vote for get registered if you haven't already. You shouldn't complain unless you cast a vote.

Income tax increase

2011-01-12T08:05:00.002-06:00

Illinois tax hikes have passed.

Something had to give, higher taxes or some serious cuts in spending. Since no one in Illinois politics seems to have the ability to reduce spending of any kind then the tax hikes seemed inevitable. The real issue here is that Quinn was elected based on his claims of a tax hike, but nothing with this magnitude was ever discussed on the election trail for one reason, he would not have been elected.

The slanted view of Progress Illinois states what should be obvious to everyone. Read the whole article here.

"To get this through, the Democratic leadership needs the support of lame-duck lawmakers from both parties who can take a tough vote without considering electoral repercussions." –Progress Illinois

Voters should go ahead and interpret that as everyone who did not get re-elected in November and was unable take a stand and demand something be done for any number of years leading up to this point should act now since they don’t have to face any voter in upcoming elections. (ie. men are weak)

With Republicans gaining seats in both the house and senate this was the last ditch effort Quinn had. I am sure the partisan politics will go one for the rest of the year.

I think the Republicans have two options. Cut Spending and get the state where it needs to be, take some notes from what’s happening in New Jersey and put that lesson to action. Will it make some people mad, sure, but a great number of people in your electorate will take notice and with the extra revenue coming in we can pay down the debt and get out of this very very dark hole.

The second option which is more haphazard and disastrous is to bust the budget & spend like crazy.

"In addition, the measure would attempt to limit spending in each of the next four budget years — $36.8 billion in the 2012 budget year, $37.5 billion in 2013, $38.3 billion in 2014 and $39 billion in 2015. The state’s auditor general would determine if lawmakers and the governor exceed those spending limits. If the limits are exceeded, the higher income tax rates would revert to current levels." – Chicago Tribune

The whole article from The Tribune can be read here.

If the state breaks its budget in 2012 the higher tax rates would revert back to the previous levels and we would be back to the same problem again, only worse. I don’t think it will be a goal of the Republicans to accomplish this feat of budget busting but I also don’t think the state can throttle the budget to 2% increases, they have not proven themselves capable of reducing or regulating spending up to this point, why should that change now.

In addition to all of this what should have been the none issue decision of the whole package, the cigarette tax hike, did not pass. That’s easy for me to say since I don’t smoke but its common knowledge that smoking is bad. If it’s more expensive then maybe less people would and thus many people would have a higher quality of life and more money to spend on things they need.

I think Columbia is due over a half million dollars. Once the state gets their bond we'll get our check. I'll believe that when I see it.

April Election Update

2010-12-15T11:35:00.002-06:00

I received an email back from the City Clerks Office this morning. I had sent an email yesterday afternoon asking Ron Colyer if he could let me know who turned in their petitions on Monday for the April Election. Here is the list I was sent back by the Deputy Clerk.

Alderman Ward 1 - Steven D. Reis
Alderman Ward 2 - TJ Matthews
Alderman Ward 3 - Jeffery D. Huch
Alderman Ward 4 - John W. Piazza

I had a hunch that TJ Matthews would be on this list. He has come to a few Monday night city meetings over the last few months.

Jeff Huch was alderman in Ward 3 before he lost to now alderman Oberkfell in '07 by 12 votes in a three way race.

I have included a Ward Map in case your not sure which ward you live in.

Elections in '11

2010-12-13T08:08:00.003-06:00

The first date to file petitions is today Monday, December 13, 2010 and continues through Monday, December 20, 2010.

Today we may have our first glance at who will be running in the Spring.

Documents I Received

2010-11-22T13:10:00.002-06:00

Motor Fuel Tax 5-Year Budget Projections

Capital Development Fund 5-Year Budget Projections

Lease Between City and The American Legion

November 5th, 2010 Tax Levy Memo to Mayor & Council

Committee Meetings 11/8/10

2010-11-09T15:25:00.002-06:00

Alderman Rowe & Oberkfell were not in attendance at this meeting.

Finance, Claims, Bonds, & Interest

• Financial Projections – Motor Fuel Tax Fund and Capital Development Fund

Al Hudzik and Linda Sharp did some five year projections on these funds.

With their projections I believe they said it shows the MFT Fund with a negative balance in fiscal years ’14 & ’15 when counting current revenue projections and the currently projected projects we have scheduled.

The Capital Development Fund shows a negative balance, again according to what I heard them say, in fiscal year ’13-’14 with their current projections. The Capital Development projections included a $400,000 per year transfer to the city’s general fund which may not be needed but was projected. It also shows the income of the $450,000 general obligation bond the city is working to prepare now.

I have submitted a FOIA for these two projection sheets and will post when I receive them.

In regards to the MFT Fund Al said something along the lines of “it looks like no one projected to see if these were able to be funded” in reference to projects the city has planned.

Seemed to me the outlook shown above on two major city funds painted a black enough picture to make asking for annual 4.99% increase in the next discussion easier for everyone to swallow.

•Tax Levy Discussion

It is important to note that this does not always equate to an increase in your tax bill. If the EAV of the city increases enough by new home construction and development to cover the increased amount then current residents will see no change due to the city’s request.

Alderman Ebersohl noted that the council has asked for this increase every year he had been on the council. Al Hudzik noted last year was the first in a number of years to see an actual dollar amount increase, $.76/$100 assessed value to $.78/$100 assessed value.

Alderman Hejna noted she had never voted yes on this issue and she abstained last night, while everyone else in attendance voted yes. Hejna noted that this request when coupled with what the school district and county may ask for will more than likely lead to an increase for residents.

This increase would provide the city with approximately another $92,249 if passed at the next council meeting.

It was noted that the city really doesn’t know what the other taxing bodies will be asking for in order for them to realize if an actual increase will be passed onto the residents. We’ll see how many aldermen attend the school district budget forum meeting next week Tuesday. No school officials attended this committee meeting.

License, Insurance, Claims, CEMA and Contracts

•Cable TV Franchise update/discussion

In short Al Hudzik is negotiating an agreement with Charter Communications. The major sticking point is a change from 20 to 30 houses in a one mile stretch that Charter requires before they opt to install service. Charter wants 30.

It was also noted that HTC has contacted the city regarding a franchise agreement for their upcoming IPTV service.

Committee Meetings Tonight

2010-10-25T12:55:00.002-05:00

First up is a 1st Quarter Review for the current fiscal year.

Then what appears to be a look back at a 2007 Hotel and Motel Accommodation Tax Rebate
Financing Agreement.

A discussion regarding a fire district follows, Alderman Roessler mentioned some discussions he had on this topic at the lats council meeting.

Then an executive session update on the June court filing against Aaron Griffith for 75% of the costs for his police training paid for by the city totaling somewhere in the neighborhood of $16,000. The agenda notes a settlement offer discussion. I would assume the discussion would maybe also include if the legal expenses are worth the possible amount of money we may recover.

The city website also seems to be missing meeting minute postings from August till the present.

In Case You Missed The Announcment....

2010-10-18T09:28:00.001-05:00

Taken from Columbia's City Website.

September 28, 2010

PETITIONS FOR OFFICES OF ALDERMEN AVAILABLE AT CLERK'S OFFICE

Petitions for the City of Columbia offices of Aldermen Ward I, II, III and IV may be obtained at the City Hall Municipal Building, City Clerk's Office, 208 S. Rapp Ave., Columbia, Illinois between the hours of 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday and on Saturday between the hours of 8:30a.m. to 12:00 noon. This is for the Consolidatd Election to be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2011.

Petitions may now be circulated. The first date to file petitions is Monday, December 13, 2010 and continues through Monday, December 20, 2010.

Any questions, call the Clerk's Office at 281-7144, ext. 104.

J. Ronald Colyer, City Clerk
Local Election Official
City of Columbia

Funding From Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Also Wednesday, the department announced that Rock City in Valmeyer will get

2010-10-14T13:08:00.003-05:00

Story from the News Democrat found here.

I think solar and wind power are vital to stopping our dependence on fossil fuels. The in-kind donation as their match is smart and should be used more often in these situations. Would be interesting to see how large the panels are and what their break even time period is.

The bid story for us is the last paragraph in that story which is not even mentioned in the headline.

"Also Wednesday, the department announced that Rock City in Valmeyer will get a $750,000 grant to create 30 jobs at the National Archive and Records Administration storage facility and to support other businesses at the abandoned limestone quarry."

I wonder if we'll be seeing a good breakdown of how these funds will be spent. Glad to see the facility is being used and possibly growing.

I Was Taught About The Pitfalls Of Group Think In School.......Was Anyone Else?

2010-10-11T13:16:00.006-05:00

It has been just over a week since you could throw those yard signs up for your favorite candidate(s) this fall.

I appreciate and like how people will place a sign for a candidate in their yard that they believe in. It shows everyone who your voting for and who your backing. Its a public stance on an issue that many people keep private. Its a choice that lets the general public "guess" at some of your most core beliefs simply by who your backing. Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice, Big Government vs. Small Government, Guns vs. Less Guns and all the success or failures of the incumbent can be things people "guess" you support or don't simply by whose sign you have on your lawn.

I just have one issue with yard signs and how people use them.

There are a few instances where someone has gone down to the campaign HQ for either party and has opted for the party assortment package. It includes a sign for every candidate your party is backing for that election. I cannot fathom how any one party has the best candidate for every job opening or how someone can think their party has the best candidate for every open office. It simply does not make sense.

It illustrates in my mind that you may not have any knowledge of the candidates but "blanket faith" in the party. Say Quinn is better than Brady since Brady has released no budget plan other than he will fix it the first year in office, does that mean you should vote for Alexi over Kirk since Alexi and Quinn are in the same party? Is it rational to think that way? Is one party always correct?

The fact that the two parties go to war in Washington along party lines distorts what I feel the system was put into place for. A person elected from our district to Congress should do what is best for us locally and what we want, regardless of what their party is doing or not doing. I know many people who vote party lines and don't even worry about who or what these candidates have done or plan to do. Do a little research before you vote.

Keep putting up those yard signs as a statement to endorse the people you support, just make sure you know what they stand for and not just what party they are in.

Could Always Be Worse

2010-10-11T12:37:00.003-05:00

Continued Trouble in Cahokia

Even with the complaints I have about how our council fails to communicate you do not have to travel very far to see how it could get worse.

This voter fraud thing has been lingering there for a while, too bad they can't figure this out a little faster.

Aldermanic Raises

2010-09-27T13:43:00.003-05:00

This goes back to the committee meeting of August 23rd.

Very little discussion actually took place regarding this topic at the committee meeting. I only have a few notes from that portion of the meeting.

Al Hudzik wanted to get the raises if any passed so that elected officials could take office April 19th or on the first meeting in May without any special meetings.
Alderman Ebersohl suggested a 3% increase be used.
Alderman Niemietz suggested that when this issue was delayed during the last election cycle the extra ordinances and special meetings probably cost more than the raises that were given.
The Mayor said that he could easily defend a raise of $1000 over a term per alderman. He felt that the hours put in by the alderman easily justify the raises.
Alderman Stumpf mentioned a 4% raise as the last time.
All Alderman voted Yes to pass the motion to the council for 4% raises each year for the officials elected next spring.

At the council meeting of September 7th the council voted on the recommendation as follows.

Motion: Recommend to the City Council that the compensation of the city’s aldermen elected at the April, 2011 municipal election be the same as those aldermen elected in April, 2009 for the city’s fiscal year 2011 (05/01/11 – 04/30/12 (annual salary of $5,192)) and fiscal year 2012 (05/01/12 – 04/30/13 (annual salary of $5,400)), and that said aldermanic salaries be increased by 4% for each of the city’s fiscal years of 2013 and 2014.

It passed with a Yes vote from every alderman except Oberkfell, Stumpf, & Hejna.

I emailed those who voted no and Alderman Ebersohl who is my second alderman along with Oberkfell.

I havent seen a reply back from Alderman Ebersohl yet.
Aldermen Hejna asked that I call her, which I have not done. I find it best to get answers back in writing/email so I can keep my interpretation of what others are trying to convey to a minimum when I post here for others to read.
Alderman Stumpf replied back with the following "The budget is totally out of control and no one seems alarmed. I would be a hypocrite to vote for an aldermanic raise, when come budget discussion next year, I will lobby hard for fiscal prudence and restraint."
Alderman Oberkfell replied back with the following, "The real issue hear is that I do not feel we should be taking raises at this time. My feelings on this issue have been expressed many times before, and my stance has not changed. If you look at my past record you will notice I did not support the previous raises, however they were still approved by the council. The economy is in a state of dissarray and I believe no elected official should be adding to their pockets at this time."

I support the stance of those who voted no, as there is no money for this. I just find it confusing that at the committee meeting there was little discussion against a raise at all. There was no open discussion from any alderman at the committee meeting or council meeting saying they were against a raise and they would not support it. Its frustrating to see everyone make a motion to recommend with little talk of opposition and then have people vote no.

I understand that the vote in committee does not "count" and you can change your mind between meetings but why vote yes to recommend to the council something that you do not agree with. Why give it that chance to pass at the council level when you could stop it at the committee or at least express that you are not in favor of something. It could have been possible to pass a motion for no raises since three of the alderman up for re-election who would be affected by these raises did not want them.

If your against something you should voice your opinion on it. That's not a complicated concept.

Thanks again to Oberkfell, Stumpf & Hejna for voting no to a raise, even though its still happening. Planning for the budget should start now if real changes are going to be made and I would hope this is the first step they are planning to take.

Simply stating that the budget is not good will not suffice next spring. Actual suggestions and items to "cut" if needed will be required by those not in support.

Low Speed Vehicles?

2010-09-21T16:38:00.006-05:00

At last nights council meeting they instructed administrative staff proceed with the necessary research and document preparation to prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles on the streets of the City.

I wish I had been at the committee meeting last week to understand what brought this idea around, minutes of these committee meetings are not posted on the website yet.

For whatever reason it was brought up, I find it to be interesting. There was a representative there last night who sells these LSV's in a number of towns in Illinois, I believe this is his company's website, he mentioned if Columbia outlawed them they would be the first city in Illinois to do that, although it appears the city can prohibit them according to "Sec. 11-1426.2. Operation of low-speed vehicles on streets" which states the following

(c) The Department of Transportation or a municipality, township, county, or other unit of local government may prohibit, by regulation, ordinance, or resolution, the operation of low-speed vehicles on streets under its jurisdiction if the Department of Transportation or unit of local government determines that the public safety would be jeopardized.
(d) Before prohibiting the operation of low-speed vehicles on a street, the Department of Transportation or unit of local government must consider the volume, speed, and character of traffic on the street and determine whether allowing low-speed vehicles to operate on that street would jeopardize public safety. Upon determining that low-speed vehicles may not safely operate on a street, and upon the adoption of an ordinance or resolution by a unit of local government, or regulation by the Department of Transportation, appropriate signs shall be posted in conformance with the State Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted pursuant to Section 11-301 of this Code.

I went back and found an article regarding LSV's in a retirement type community in Florida that I read last year in Wired Magazine that I thought of instantly when they were discussing thsi last night. Its worth a read and makes LSV's sound fun or at least interesting.

I don't see what they could hurt in town. I think most people need to slow down as it is. The law doesn't let them on Route 3, though they could cross it. The Illinois law requires a drivers license unlike the Florida situation in the Wired article I linked to. It may attract a new business to town, who knows.

Does Columbia need to be the first town in Illinois to challenge section "d" above? Probably not.

8:14 AM Wednesday
Ironic Followup: The new Issue of Wired arrived in my mailbox yesterday and the cover story is? The Tesla Electric Car and a good article regarding that company's influence on the global electric automobile industry and then some info on other electric cars to be released over the coming years. Please note that an electric car is not the same as a low speed vehicle, they can be confused as the same rather quickly.

My Feelings on the G.O. Bond Issue

2010-09-10T13:52:00.001-05:00

My feelings on the G.O. Bond are mixed. On one hand I understand the need for additional income for the city to offset the costs we as a town are facing. On the other hand I also see this as an opportunity for the city to say OK we have been taxing the community for an extended amount of time with these bonds and we’re going to stop and every council member could actually say they reduced your tax bill in these tough economic times.

First the need - There are good reasons to issue the G.O. Bond and I’ll point some out below.

* The city clearly needs the income.

* It’s easy to do and the city can do it (albeit under a certain amount) without asking the taxpayer for permission.

* People are already paying for one so when it expires we’ll just start a new one.

* The cost is minimal as shown by Al Hudzik on 8/9/10. He noted the figure of $.03 per $100 assessed value. This as he pointed out is $30/year for a $300,000 home. Not everyone in Columbia has a home worth that. I think most would fall in my category at about $15/year. Can most people afford $15/year to get these projects done? Probably.

* This money will help offset some possible shortfalls to the general fund and alleviate some of the depletion of the capitol development fund. When the budget was passed it was explained that the use of the capitol development money was just and acceptable, as it was being spent on capitol development costs, this would offset those expenditures though.

* The money the bond will generate will be used on some well deserving projects as illustrated on the short list provided 8/23/10 to the council. Keeping these long planned projects going will be great for the city’s growth and future. Without this income the city cannot complete all of the projects on any of the lists. Services or infrastructure improvements will be cut.

* The state is behind on some tax payments to the city like I have discussed before and that is causing a budget shortfall in all areas. This will help.

On the Other hand.

* Maybe the city should end accessing funds in this manner. In a month or two the city will levy for the 4.99% tax increase they have every year I paid attention to the local government. The key at 4.99% is no vote is required from the people for a levy of that amount. The council could say this year we need more since we have a shortfall and levy for 5.5%. The community would likely say no but at least we would have a voice in our local governmental system and the tax increases placed upon us.

* The cost is minimal over one year. This will last for a minimum of six years so it’s really costing me $90 on my house hopefully worth somewhere around $150,000. For the example Al gave its costing our friends in the Gedern at least twice that. Not breaking the bank, but everyone likes to keep their money.

* I would feel better having my taxes raised in another way and the city simply use the money on their own without using my money to pay down a “loans” interest. Call it 3% on the whole $450,000 and I am sure this is the incorrect way to figure it but that’s another $13,500. A lot of savings? No, but that would buy the building inspector the vehicle he needs or most of the equipment the parks department has on the short list, we would just have to prioritize what we need and when we get to buy it. Then again, this is what we should have been doing in the first place (budgeting and prioritizing)

* If when the budget was passed it was ok to use the capitol development money on these projects since that’s what the fund is for why the concern to lessen the blow to that fund now? If the first budget plan was ok why the cause for the change?

* The short list has the capability to use the entire $450,000 the bond will produce. That’s just one year’s list. If things do not improve next year how do we fund similar projects next year. We’re paying for this years projects over six years with interest.

I’ll admit that both sides have points. I do ultimately feel the city should not obtain another G.O. Bond. The budget is what it is. If the budget was good enough to pass without the funds from this bond planned or expected then we don’t need the bond, right? Going into the year everyone who voted yes on the budget said some cuts will maybe be necessary and we’ll keep tabs on how things go throughout the year.

Now is the time for those cuts to be made. The Bond basically allows for the council to ignore the problem with a temporary (this year only) and easy fix (no voter approval required). If the bond is issued and no hard choices are made now how can anyone expect the hard choices to be made next spring on next year’s budget.

I would welcome anyone's response to my views, via comment or email. I would encourage you to contact your aldermen or speak out at the public hearing when that time comes if you feel strongly for or against this issue.

Alderman Oberkfell and Hejna both voted "No" on Tuesday for the council to grant approval for the city staff to take the steps necessary to proceed with this bonds issuance in the amount of $450,000.

Chicago: Biggest/Best News since the Cubs won in '08

2010-09-09T12:14:00.003-05:00

Mayor Daley is calling it quits, click for the story.

I've never lived in Chicago but know a number of people who have over the years both young and old. There has always been some grumbling about his reign and his fathers before him. Below is what I feel may be the largest reason for my distaste in the man.

The March 30, 2003 bulldozing of Meigs Field, maybe the last great small downtown airport.

Columbia Budget Fix - A General Obligation Bond

2010-09-07T15:22:00.003-05:00

It was clear to me earlier this year when the city prepared its budget that taking money from the capitol development fund was not the ideal fix to the shortfalls of the city’s finances and I stated that idea at the appropriate time.

The state is currently two months behind on payments to the city which is an improvement over the four it was previously behind. These are sporadic payments at best with no guarantee that they will catch up anymore or not fall behind again.

At the August 9th Committee Meetings the Finance Claims, Bonds, & Interest Committee met to discuss “Finance/Budgetary Issues”. I’ll bullet point my notes from that meeting.

The city has a bond issue that they may wish to renew. The expiring bond was for $375,000 at a 6 year term.
Alderman Roessler: If the city does not renew it will expire. The cost to renew is low approx. $3,000.
Al Hudzik: Current rate for the bond is .03-.04/$100 which works out to cost someone with a $300,000 house about $30/year or $2.50/month. The cost to renew the bond would be about $3,500 in legal fees.
Linda: Kurt Froehlich in Champaign could handle the renewal of the bond. She thinks we could spend the money over three years and the tax to repay the bond is already built into the city’s tax structure.
Alderman Hejna: Had a few questions about going out to bid for council on the bond.
Al: Said that the fee of $3,500 was very reasonable and it’s under a $10,000 expense so no bidding process is required.
Alderman Niemietz: Should we look at spending some of this money to expand the lagoon capacity?
Ron Williams: Not right now as our capacity is 1.6 million gallons and we are using under 1 million right now.
Linda: Water and Sewer can issue their own bonds for any of those needs; the issue currently is capitol development depletion.
Alderman Stumpf: Bonds tend to have specific purposes; this is more of a bailout.
Alderman Oberkfell: The city has raised its levy 4.99% over the last three consecutive years.
Alderman Roessler: This would help us keep better fund levels.
Alderman Hejna: She would need a list of things the city intends to buy with these funds, as some items should maybe just not be purchased.

It was determined OK for Al Hudzik and Linda to contact Froehlich to explore the issue. No one voted no on the issue.

I wrote this synopsis some time ago but thought it best to wait until I had the documentation handed out to the council that night 8/9/10 to add for anyone to look at.

At the August 23rd Committee Meetings the Finance Claims, Bonds, & Interest Committee met to discuss “Finance/Budgetary Issues” & “General Obligation Bond Issue Information Presentation/Discussion”. Nothing was discussed under the first heading and I’ll bullet point my notes from the Bond discussion.

Capitol expenses are an eligible use of these potential funds.
The funds must be spent within the first three years of the issue.
When issuing the bind it is best to use general language and not mention very specific projects/items, this was changes in what to spend the money on later can be made if needed.
Fixing up the Oak Street property may be OK but it would complicate dealings with certain IRS rules that may not be worth the hassle.
$375,000 - $450,000 is a small amount for a 6-year term.
Keep the repayment back loaded as property values should rise Columbia in by the time years five and six are due. Possible payment schedule $70,000/years 1 & 2, $75,000/years 3 & 4, $80,000/years 5 & 6.
Possible use could be to pay off ambulance lease off early as the bond carries a lower rate.
Whole process should take 1-2 months to complete including a public hearing.
There is no need for a call provision since rates are unlikely to drop below the current rates available.
Linda: Had a list of possible projects/items that she pulled form all departments that all get money from the general fund.
Alderman Roessler: Asked if anyone was against proceeding with the idea of renewing the bond, no one said anything.
Alderman Stumpf asked if the bond issue would be more, which he found out that it can if the would like it to be.
The committee decided to move forward at a $450,000 amount. Ebersohl made the motion which Stumpf seconded and Hejna and Roessler voted yes on.

I wrote this synopsis sometime last week but thought it best to wait until I had the documentation handed out to the council that night 8/23/10 to add for anyone to look at.

I received the linked pdf documentation last Friday. I'll be honest I was outside working on the yard and in my garage with the nice weather we had over the holiday weekend. I'll reserve judgement on the issue until I read over the paperwork everyone else was looking at, I've scanned it but not read it thoroughly. I briefly talked with a few of the alderman after the 8/23 meeting. I'll get my opinion posted sometime this week.

Blago

2010-08-24T12:39:00.002-05:00

I caught the partial edited interview on Comedy Central last night and was impressed at how Stewart actually confronted him on a number of issues while slipping in a few quips especially about the hairdo.

Don't watch it if your not OK with foul language. As far as I know not too many kids are reading my blog. I don't see Rod in too many sit down interviews since he doesn't answer questions very well he mainly dodges the Chicago media altogether.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Exclusive - Rod Blagojevich Extended Interview Pt. 1

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Exclusive - Rod Blagojevich Extended Interview Pt. 2

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

The Seven Lies of Downtown - Bert Stitt

2010-08-23T12:48:00.004-05:00

My last post was regarding an article reviewing another article. I'm the type of guy who wants to read the original along with someone else synopsis just in case they might have missed something. Well Bert Stitt emailed me back with a copy of his article as an attachment.

I wanted to post a link to a copy of the article which he mentioned was originally presented sometime in the eighties at a State of Pennsylvania downtown conference. The article has changed over the years it appears. Link to Google Docs Copy of Article.

I found points 8, 9, & 10 rather interesting in regards to Columbia. Number 10 especially since the city is moving forward with the Main Street street scape project (on the agenda for tonight's committee meetings 8/23) that raised a great number of questions at the last council meeting. Questions that should have been asked previously. Questions that I think stem from new eyes that may not have been around when the street scape plan was first developed, not just members of the council.

Downtown Revitalization

2010-08-06T15:15:00.003-05:00

I have been looking recently for articles and research on small town revitalization and came across an article that summarizes an earlier journal article by Bert Stitt. I have not been able to find the original article by Stitt, but I have sent an email off to Stitt to request a copy. I’ll see if I can locate the actual journal article by more traditional methods at a later time.

Dr. Besser has summarized the main beliefs that Stitt believes diminish the revitalization of downtown areas. I keep added my feelings in green italics below Dr. Bessers comments.

Community Connections News Release
Beliefs That Hinder Downtown Revitalization
December 23, 1996
by Terry L. Besser
Assistant professor and extension sociologist
Iowa State University Extension to Communities

Vital, hospitable and active downtowns provide communities with a source of pride and a location for congregating, socializing and dealing with community affairs. Towns without functioning downtowns become a collection of domiciles housing people who work, shop, socialize and seek entertainment elsewhere. These places may continue to be recognized as towns by mapmakers, but they are not the same kind of community we commonly associate with small towns. The whole community is affected by the nature of the downtown. It is for these reasons that downtown revitalization should concern the whole community and not just the local business owners.
In a recent article in Small Town (July-August 1996), Bert Stitt warns small town business owners and community leaders that belief in a set of common myths jeopardizes constructive steps to revitalize main street business districts. Stitt was the downtown development coordinator for the state of Wisconsin and is now a private consultant. The beliefs that follow are a condensation of his ideas.

Belief No. 1. People should shop locally.

Stitt maintains that for most merchants this is a hypocritical position. He challenges business owners who make this claim to turn away the business of all non-local customers. Anyhow, according to Stitt, scolding people to shop locally doesn’t work. It might influence a few people, but many others are put off by the preachy tone.

More importantly, concentrating on the "disloyalty" of local people diverts attention and energy from the constructive tasks of learning about potential and current customers, and what they want in terms of services and product selection. Stitt cautions that if business operators don’t understand and cater to the wants and needs of current and potential customers, they will not be successful in retaining the business of even the most loyal local residents.

I understand the idea behind “Think Monroe County First” which Columbia supports and was all that came to mind when I read Belief #1. I do believe the “Monroe County First” initiative has stayed clear of sounding preachy as described above. They offer promos and rewards for shopping local rather than saying shopping elsewhere is bad. The closest they come to “preachy” is pointing out the positives economically of spending your money in Monroe County and the negatives of spending it elsewhere.
I do think sometimes people here tend to make a point specifically regarding how they shop locally or wear it as a badge of honor that they shop locally. This was never the case when I lived in Edwardsville where people often drove to Fairview Heights for many years.

Belief No. 2. Lack of parking is the major obstacle to main street vitality.

According to this logic, the ample parking provided by the "super stores" and shopping malls is the major reason for their success and the demise of downtown businesses. Stitt recognizes that parking requires attention. Improvements such as the provision of adequate lighting and maintenance, good signage, enough open spaces, easy passage between street and businesses, and a sense of hospitality are important.

Even so, all the parking in the world will not by itself attract customers. In fact, if there is plenty of parking and no cars, people may suspect that the business is not open or that the products and services offered are undesirable. Customers are attracted to stores, in Stitt’s opinion, that provide desired products and services in a convenient, pleasant atmosphere. Adequate parking is a necessity, but not a sufficient factor alone for retail success.

The Main Street Improvement Plan addresses the improvements mentioned above. I feel parking is hardly an issue in Columbia, at least right now. If downtown becomes a bustling center of commerce then it may creep up in the future. We have plenty of side streets where people can park. Certain parking areas could use some “beautification” I suppose, but overall I think this is not yet an obstacle for Columbia.

Belief No 3. We need more jobs in town in order to revitalize the downtown.

The falsity of this claim is apparent by considering all of the towns that have more jobs available than residents looking for work, yet they still have deteriorating downtowns. Adding more jobs won’t necessarily add more population to the community, nor customers to the downtown. Where we work, live and shop are independent of each other in the modern era of highways and automobiles.

A recent study at Iowa State University revealed that in the average small town 47 percent of employed people work in another town, 50 percent shop someplace else for daily needs, 73 percent go to another town for entertainment, and almost nine out of ten of them shop elsewhere for big ticket items. Residents have the choice of doing business in their home town, their work town, towns conveniently located in between or in a larger adjoining metropolitan area. Where they shop will be determined by a combination of convenience, product mix, price, service and shopping atmosphere.

This point is clear in that I can name a few areas in the St. Louis area where they have great down-towns that people from all over drive to; Delmar Loop, Kirkwood, Old St. Charles, Grafton, & Alton come to mind. Increasing Columbia’s population does not mean our downtown will all of a sudden become more vibrant.

Regarding convenience and product mix I’ll be honest that I haven’t tried every option in Columbia or even Monroe County for that matter to buy things when I need them. I head up to Ace and buy things that they have when I need them and I must admit from time to time they have something the “big box stores” don’t. If I am on my way home from work or need drywall, 2x framing material, etc. Home Depot is hard to pass up. I think the important point is to understand Columbia will never provide us with everything we need or want and even if Columbia somehow does accomplish this feat we may not always shop here.

Belief No. 4. Downtowns are made up of independent business people.

This statement is not totally inaccurate. However, according to Stitt, successful main streets are usually populated by business owners who have put their fierce individualism aside to work together for their shared interests. Cooperation, not independence, characterizes vital small town business districts. Examples of cooperation include coordination of store front restorations, marketing strategies, product and service offerings; deciding on consistent hours of business; sharing information on technology, suppliers, customers; pooling resources to be able to afford consultants, renovations, employee training and benefits programs; and on and on.

The list of areas that could result in mutual benefit through cooperation is extensive. Stitt contends that business owners must learn to work effectively as a group for their own and the community’s welfare. They should understand how to conduct effective meetings, how to organize and sustain effective group activities, and how to deal with difficult people and contentious topics.

Assistance in learning these important meeting and group skills is available from your local Iowa State University county extension education director. In addition, the county director has access to information about many aspects of small town business success.

While I do think our businesses are working “together” I think that may only be to a point since many of the businesses downtown are in competition with each other. There are a few groups that are creating for the lack of a better term “coalitions” to work to bring attention to Columbia’s downtown. Our town provides an excellent resource in Paul Ellis to work to gain interest and resources to develop not only downtown but Columbia as a whole.

I have to say that Columbia has many events that happen downtown that attract gatherings, if not downtown than at Metter Park only one block off Main Street. I have not lived here as long as most but Columbia seems to be making strides at developing the downtown district.

Columbia's Attorney Woes.

2010-07-21T12:48:00.004-05:00

With a vacation earlier this month to the Southeast including the wife's first trip to Epcot and a stop at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta was a nice change of pace Things seem to be getting busier at work again so time for the blog has slipped.

Not much has been happening up a city hall unless you want to talk about attorneys.

A legal bill is running up a total for an issue at the police station that I have to believe may be getting close to the amount of money that the attorney was hired to recover. It will be discussed in executive session at next weeks committee meetings. I am glad Alderman Stumpf brought it to light on Monday night.

The main attorney issue is that of the new city attorney who was selected a few weeks back. I missed the meeting (first one in a long time) but I was told it garnered little obstruction at that meeting. On Monday night when discussing the fee schedule for the newly appointed attorney Alderman Hejna presented the council with a enveloped packet detailing complaints from former clients and the Martindale Hubble rating for the new attorney.

Discussion then took place regarding if Tom Adams had a Martindale Hubble rating and what Tom Adams thought of Martindale Hubble ratings. Tom said he had been asked to be interviewed for an "A" rating but declined and that he knew of some attorney's with "A" ratings he would not recommend to anyone.

I don't know how the mayor weigh his decision to select a new attorney. I don't know what the new attorneys Martindale Hubble rating is or if that would even be a credible measure to use. I searched for it online but could not find one for Belsheim & Bruckert, LLC. I spoke with Alderman Oberkfell after the meeting and I asked him how long the new attorney is on board for. The response was for one year as all appointments.

I say let it go for a year and see how they perform. It seems the new attorney has a decent background in municipal law that will keep us out of trouble for a year, then the council can decide if they made a mistake.

The most ironic thing I took from the entire meeting was that Alderman Hejna presented the council with "surprise" material the night of the meeting. I do not know what was in the prepared packet, it may have been greatly valuable information.

The irony is that Alderman Hejna has voiced concern time and time again for information not being given to the alderman on the Friday before a meeting, in order for everyone to have time to review the information. In order to be an effective leader, which is what the all of the alderman should be, you must lead by example in order to obtain desired results.

Communication is the largest problem facing our council.

The state is now five months behind in payments to the city totaling approximately $343,000.