Don’t Like the Message? Don’t Blame the Interpreter!

 

There’s an ongoing debate in Neosho’s world of politics as to the planned uses of the city’s voter-approved Economic Development sales tax.  Some want to spend it.  Some want to save it.  But it boils down to a two-fold issue: WHAT CAN it be used for and the WHAT SHOULD it be used for.  To get from point A (what can) to point B (what should), I’ve taken the approach of starting at A and then working toward B (vs. the other way around).  While it seems logical to me, some aren’t so happy.

The tax, last approved by voters around 1995 is authorized by state statute.  Specifically, it was passed by Neosho voters using the statute found under Chapter 94 Section 94.577 of the Missouri Revised Statutes.  (If you want to look it up, you can on the www.moga.mo.gov site.)  While the current online section varies slightly from what it read in 1995, nothing material has changed to affect its application here.  (I know what because I’ve spent several hours since April researching each of the city’s taxes to ensure we were using them correctly.  This included several faxes, email, and phone calls to Jefferson City requesting a number of documents.)

The debate begins with the current administration taking a cautious approach on interpreting the statute that enables the city to collect the voter-approved tax.  It reads, in part, that the tax “…shall be used solely for capital improvements….”  Now I’m a fairly capable guy when it comes to basic interpretation of the law and the use of common sense.  It doesn’t take a PhD from Harvard to know what “shall” and “solely” mean.  The word “capital improvements” is also fairly straight forward.  I’ve said recently in a local newspaper that the meaning (of the statute) was “pretty clear”.  The city attorney used similar language in the same article saying it was “pretty obvious”.  Either way, it think the city has done the “right” thing to be conservative on its approach in using the funds moving forward.

One negative consequence of the decision (combined with other fiscal issues in the city) was the termination of the city’s Economic Development contract with the local chamber of commerce.  It was an unfortunate happening as losing that “ED” focus could make Neosho less able to compete for industries and other businesses looking to expand in the 4-state area.  But given the alternatives, i.e. more cuts in areas such as police and fire, we didn’t really have a choice.  (To clarify, I believe all of the city’s ED committee understood the reasons and supported the city’s decision to cut the Chamber contract.)

But what is more concerning to me now is that some have hopes that the city will at some point “change its interpretation” of the statute to allow for a great flexibility in the fund’s use.  Say what?  How do you “change” the interpretation of seven words that seem so clear in their intended meaning?   Isn’t that a little disingenuous?

Well, for the record, I stand by the city’s interpretation of the statute.  The city administration and the council will work through the fallout.  Eventually, we’ll be back on track to be able to do more with the resources we have.  But for now, we’ve got to get a firm hold on doing what is necessary to protect the city’s remaining services and resources until this economic slow-down passes.

I’ll leave you with the full version of my quotes related to this issue that appeared this week in the Joplin Globe.  Like the statue, I think they are “pretty clear”.

Excerpts from the November 25th Joplin Globe article:

Mayor Richard Davidson said the current financial situation has raised “little immediate support” for any economic project that requires the city to incur additional long-term debt. “To me, there are simply too many uncertainties in the current economic climate right now,” the mayor wrote in an email response to questions. “We need to see some good news on job growth along with increases in consumer confidence before such projects become a priority. Today, we’re simply not there.”

“Good or bad, you have a statute that is pretty clear in what you can and can’t do with the revenue,” he said. “This council is simply working to make sure we comply with the restrictions we are given by the state. I’m not happy about not funding the chamber contract, but I think it was the responsible thing to do given the circumstances. Other basic services in the city were a priority.”

No Slow Down Here

Driving in any direction from where I am now and you'll see a Chinese economy that continues to grow.  New building projects, including infrastructure, commercial and residential, continue to spring up everywhere.  In fact, the growth is so strong that the Chinese government is working to help slow it down and help ease concerns over inflation.

Just this week, the Chinese government increased the reserve rate for large banks 0.5% to 18.5%.  The increase is the fifth this year and the second this month alone.  Increasing the rate reduces the amount of capital in the market that is available for lending, thus (hopefully) reducing the number of future projecs by reducing the amount of money available to fund them.  The increase will freeze almost $45 billion USD in liquidity.   

The government has also jumped into the residential property market by limiting the ability of a Chinese person to own a second home.  This action is intented to help with the steep increases on real estate (due in part to speculation) which some estimate will increase as much as 80% this year alone in some markets.

Throw on top of that a continuing fear of inflation for food and materials and China has some challenges ahead.

While the intra-China growth shows no sign of slowing, the business climate for those supplying goods to the US isn't so rosy.  Many of the factories I've been to this week report slow orders for the last quarter and some hint that the US has taken a "double dip" in terms of its slowing recovery. 

iPhone Shutter Effect on my Propeller

This image is looking forward in my Bonanza with the propeller turning at 2300 rpm. I'm not sure why the image looks as it does, but it was an interesting photo.

Printer Salesmen Beware

As is typical with our government and its reactive nature, last week's printer bomb scare has forced new rules for airline passengers. You can no longer carry a printer cartridge in your checked bags or your carry on (no really!)

Here's the official policy:

Toner and ink cartridges over 16 ounces will be prohibited on passenger aircraft in both carry-on bags and checked bags on domestic and international flights in-bound to the United States. 

Whew. Glad to know the TSA is on top of things. I just hope there are no more underwear bombs. Flying commando would not be good. 

Neosho’s November Sales Tax Receipts Down

November’s tax payments from the Dept. of Revenue for sales tax collections were down from the same time last year.  November’s receipts on the 1% general sales tax were $128,398.  That compares to $140,440 in November of 2009.

For the first two months of the fiscal year that began October 1, receipts are down 4.5% vs. last year. 

For the last 12 months, receipts are down almost 2% compared to the prior year’s collections. 

Hayes Execution was the Right Decision

I can think of very few crimes where my immediate response would be to send someone to death row (and the sooner the better), but the circumstances surrounding the murders of a Connecticut woman and her two daughters is one of them.

I applaud the jury’s decision to send Steven Hayes to death row.  Justice can’t come quick enough for that evil monster. 

Kids Make You Proud

I almost forgot to post my daughter’s trophy from her hunt during youth season.  She nailed the 8-point buck out of a ground blind at about 25 yards. 

The best part of the story?  Prior to the kill, I was browsing the internet on my iPhone when I heard “Dad, there’s a deer and it’s got horns.”  Glad to know someone was actually paying attention.

Globe Vents About Sunshine Law…Again

Today’s Joplin Globe editorial took at shot at MSU for alleged Sunshine Law Violations uncovered during a state audit.  The alleged violations were listed in the October 2010 report released by the auditor’s office.  The report also includes responses from MSU’s leadership disagreeing that their actions were actual violations.  But that’s not why I’m writing this.

While criticizing MSU, the Globe editorial board also took a shot at other governmental boards says that Sunshine law violations were “disturbingly common” and “almost routine” with city councils, school boards and Boards of Governors.  (I’d tell you it’s not so in Neosho, but that’s just my opinion.)

What appears to be at issue is how a body lists a planned “closed” session and, specifically, does listing in advance more than one of the allowed closed-session topics imply that those topics will actually be discussed.  I’d say “Yes - probably, but….”

Regardless of what is listed in the agenda , the specific reasons for entering must be included in the minutes.  In fact, the Sunshine Law requires that “members must cite in open session the specific statute and subsection allowing closure”.  So regardless of how many items are listed on the agenda (which is really a best-guess of what will be discussed), the minutes of the actual vote will reflect why and under what section the meeting was actually closed.

I took time to review minutes from recent Neosho council meetings and without exception, the council ALWAYS listed the specific Sunshine law 610.021 subsection that applies.  So with that, the public will have a written record to know what topic was being discussed during a closed meeting.

As to the Globe’s assertion that using the entire list as a placeholder “just in case” is wrong, I’d agree - that is pushing the limits and should be corrected.  But to imply that such actions are “common” and “routine” by all governmental bodies is well over the line and only serves to further degrade an already low level of trust that citizens seem to have in their elected officials.

Also implying that residents wouldn’t know what was actually discussed would be wrong because the minutes require such a list to be recorded (and voted on by each council member.)

PS – If you really think something has been violated, seek judicial enforcement as the law allows and put the burden on the body to to demonstrate compliance.  And also remember that “knowingly” or “purposely” violating the law can result in fines to those that do it. 

Blunt Makes Final Election Push in Neosho

US Congressman and Senate candidate Roy Blunt made a campaign stop in Neosho this afternoon. Joining him was 7th district candidate Billy Long and former Gov. Matt Blunt.

Elder Blunt spoke on the need to limit the size of government and create jobs in the private sector. Blunt faces democratic opponent and current Secretary of State Robin Carnahan in Tuesday's general election.

Police and Fire Benefit from Car Show

A local Corvette club held a car show today on the historical Neosho square with proceedings going to help Neosho's police and fire department.

The event wrapped up with each laid-off employee receiving a gift card and other gifts. Mayor pro-tem Tom Workman and myself selected the Best-of-Show entry from over 100 entries. A '56 Chevy station wagon from Joplin was our top pick.

A special thanks to the club and Mr. and Mrs. Lehar for the invite. It was a good time for all.

Moody’s Report is Depressing

Last week, I attended my first meeting as a board member of the Missouri Higher Education Partnership (MOHEP).  During that meeting, James Moody (who is a Government Relations Consultant) talked in detail about the current budgetary issues being faced by Missouri and what to expect in the next few years.  It was sobering to say the least.

Regardless of where you fall politically, more funding cuts are all but certain and the pain we felt this year (FY2011) is just the beginning until the economy turns around.

Here are some highlights from Moody’s presentation:

FY2009 – Missouri revenues fell 7.0%

FY2010 – Missouri revenues fell 9.1%

FY2011 – Missouri Revenues (thru Q1) – fell 1.8%

FY2011 Budget assumes 2% annual revenue growth

FY2012 Budget planning assumes 6% growth and major increases in capital gains receipts.  Even with that, there is currently a $700 million gap to fill with only $212 million if Federal stimulus to fill it.  (That equates to another $500 million in spending cuts.)

So what now?  Well, without some other forms of revenues, our legislature will finally have to face a day of reckoning and actually make our spending fall within our revenue sources (assuming of course that Washington DC doesn’t offer more “help” in the form of more stimulus funds).  There is a little wiggle room in the tax ceilings, but it’s unlikely you would see any increases come through the General Assembly.  Throw in the limitations of the Hancock and Carnahan/Farm Bureau amendments and we’re basically stuck with cutting non-Conservation and non-MODOT spending (those two agencies are quasi-independent and excluded from these cuts.)

The impact will be felt (as already is being predicted) by education at all levels.  Social programs will inevitably be hit as well.  Regardless of the party, making those unpopular cuts will make for a very tough two years coming up in Jefferson City.

Just for reference, here are some tax numbers presented by Moody for what could be generated annually from various taxes  (increases require voter approval:)

• Sales Tax – 1% increase = $600 million
• Income Tax – 1% increase (from 6% to 7%) = $900 million
• Tobacco Tax – each 1-cent increase is roughly $5.35 million
• Internet Sales Tax enforcement - $100 - $200 million

As Goes Juan, So Does my Funding

This week’s firing of Juan Williams by NPR solidified my decision of whether to continue supporting public radio with my private donations.  (I won’t be sending a check.)

While Williams’ views may not be popular, they are very much a reality for many travelers.  Here is what he said during a TV discussion with Bill O’Reilly Monday night when O’Reilly said the US was facing a Muslim dilemma:

“I mean, look, Bill, I’m not a bigot. You know the kind of books I’ve written about the civil rights movement in this country. But when I get on the plane, I got to tell you, if I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they are identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried. I get nervous.”

I, too, am guilty of the same.  But that’s a reality based on the known facts that Muslim extremists are continuing to target Americans (and have already killed 3000 innocent Americans on American soil in 2001).  It’s not because I (or Juan) have an issue with Muslims in general.

What does IPv4 and Social Security Have in Common?

I read this morning that the global body in charge of allocating IP addresses will be handing out its final block early next year.  After that, due to the design of the system, those addresses will be depleted.  (An IPv4 address is the familiar 1.2.3.4 address used to identify websites and other destinations on the internet.)  This is prompting calls to push the IPv6 protocol (which was introduced in 1995) that is more robust.

What I find interesting is that the eventuality of running out of IPv4 addresses has been known for years…just like the pending insolvency of Social Security.  But no seemed to concerned until the inevitable was before us.

The good news is the IPv6 protocol is being worked on and the switch is already well underway.  But it goes to show that procrastination and denial won’t stop the inevitable.  So deal with it, plan, and make it smoother for everyone.

The article can be found here.

Auditor Contribution Allegations Unfounded (Best I Can Tell)

  Since the state audit of Neosho began this summer, I’ve heard a variety of “rumors” about how things are (or are not) being handled by the state auditor’s office.  One that I continue to hear is that a local businessman has contributed significantly to the Montee re-election campaign as a way to have influence over the audit’s findings. 

I’d first comment that state officials probably value their job and reputation a little more than a few dollars in contributions.  Throw in that the Auditor is both an attorney and a CPA, it virtually rules out that such donations could be an influence.  (While I don’t share Ms. Montee’s political views, I absolutely respect her professionally as well as the integrity of the office.)

But to stay with the allegation for a moment, I took a look at the state’s election tracking site tonight to see for myself who, if anyone, had contributed to the Montee re-election campaign. 

After searching for any contributions to Montee of $100 or more from addresses in the 64850 zip code, I found one contribution – Raymond McClelland - $100.  That’s it.  One.  And not to discount Raymond’s contribution, it certainly wasn’t “significant” in terms of what some allege and also wasn’t from the name being alleged.

I then searched for any contributions in the same dollar range for Montee’s opponent Tom Schweich.  I found two contributions – Richard Davidson (that’s me) - $250 and Rudy Farber - $2500.  (I will say I was the only one who gave BEFORE the election believing he was the right guy…but that’s for another day.) 

So if anything has happened, a local business man (or two) have put their money and support behind a candidate OPPOSING the current auditor, not supporting them.

I think the time has come for all of the ridiculous allegations (about me and others) to stop unless you have “proof” of something.  I get so tired of hearing about the illegal activities going on in Neosho.  And to those that still believe it, take it to someone empowered to check it out.  Simply blirting out such comments is just irresponsible. 

If you want to do your own search, here’s the link:

http://www.mec.mo.gov/EthicsWeb/CampaignFinance/CF_SearchContr.aspx

Globe Cites Experience as Reason to Endorse Blunt

As the November elections near, many people (and papers) are starting to lock-in their votes for their favorite candidates.  Today, the Joplin Globe picked current Congressman Roy Blunt over challenger Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan in the run for US Senate.

Blunt’s “depth of experience” was believed to be key to fixing problems in DC that “urgently need solutions…” according to the Globe article. 

The entire article can be found here. 

This is the same Joplin Globe that endorsed then-Senator (and now President) Barack Obama, a Jr. Senator from Illinois, over Senator John McCain because of his running mate Sarah Palin.  McCain had been in Congress since 1982, serving as a Senator since 1986.

The Globe said then:  “Obama’s ability to transcend generational, racial and partisan divisions, his thoughtful approach to weighty issues and message of bipartisanship resonate with many Americans. There are some who see him as simply a gifted speaker, but his words inspire. We believe that Obama can make those words a reality — making “change” more than just a campaign slogan, but a launching point for a brighter future for all Americans.”

Wildcats Host Kickapoo in Final Home Game

The 2-5 Wildcats will host the Kickapoo Chiefs tonight in the final home appearance of the season. The 4-3 Chiefs are 1-1 on district play. Neosho is 0-2

Questionable tonight due to injury are running backs Blake Stauffer and Will McDaniel.

Water Hearing Details Benefits

Last night’s public hearing on the upcoming water improvements were a final opportunity for citizens to give their input and comments on the upcoming project. 

Unfortunately, no citizens showed up (excluding city employees, the mayor, the mayor-protem and the NDN).

The good news is the project will move forward and within the next 18-24 months, the quality of Neosho’s water will improve along with the system’s overall reliability. 

Despite the proposed rate increases that will be assessed to pay for the project, Neosho’s water costs will still be well below the recommended rates by the US gov’t and still less than surrounding cities including Nevada, Joplin, and Webb City.  The proposed rates will not only pay for the funding of the project, but also planned maintenance and upkeep on the project – something that has been lacking with some past projects.

For those that want to push for more open government and more open communication about what happening in your city, Neosho has once again honored its commitment to do so.  But I’m sorry you weren’t there to see (or hear) it.

Neosho City Manager Locked Up…for MDA.

 Neosho City Manager Harlan Moore (mug shot above) spent some time behind bars today for Jerry’s Kids.  I took a moment to visit him “in jail” and help pay his bond.  When we left, his total was just over $400 in donations to a great cause.

Thanks to Harlan and everyone else who raised and/or donated monies to help fight this terrible disease.

Why Is Neosho’s Dream Such a Nightmare to Some?

Back in 2006, I wasn’t following Neosho politics at the level I follow it today.  My world at that time revolved around the Neosho R-5 School district and my duties on that board.  But I wasn’t totally immune for what was happening in the city.  One program I do recall hearing about was when then-Governor Matt Blunt started a new initiative called “DREAM” and Neosho was selected as one of the 10 inaugural DREAM communities in the state in hopes that downtown areas that had seen declines could be revitalized.

At the time, it sounded good to me.  Our downtown area had been dying for years and any program that could help stop that trend seemed like a good thing to try.  But as things progressed and work began on the plan, it seemed that the DREAM was for some becoming a nightmare.  So why was a program designed to “help” a community turning into a target for opposition?  Well, I’m not sure, but I do believe there is some misinformation out in the community that needs to be cleared up.

The three areas I hear about the most are:

• Why only focus on the downtown area?  Other places need help too!
• DREAM is designed to bring commercial businesses back to downtown.  Why build more apartments?
• All this program does is give money to people to remodel a building and then they get to charge rent.  That’s not right!

Let’s see if I can help a little.

First – Why downtown?  To start, DREAM stands for Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri.  DREAM’s initiatives focus on providing technical and financial assistance to help revitalize downtown areas and leveraging existing public resources to attract new private investment.  Ultimately, it works to put back into use and/or increase the productivity of land and buildings in a downtown area.  While I agree that there are a number of issues that Neosho has to work on (and a number of areas leading to downtown that need work), DREAM is designed for “downtown” revitalization.  That’s why the focus is on downtown.

Second – We need businesses, not apartments!  Well, DREAM doesn’t claim to focus just on commercial development…it’s a focus on reinvestment in any form – housing included.  Any investment, residential or otherwise, is well within the scope and purpose of the DREAM plan.  While some may find it best to make Neosho’s square a commercial center like it was 40-50 years ago, that’s probably not a realistic expectation.  But keeping buildings from being empty and falling into disrepair does seem like a reasonable goal and DREAM does help with that goal. 

Finally, why pay people to fix up buildings so they can make even more money?  There is no doubt that by being a DREAM community, Neosho (and private investors) have access to various public financing programs and a number of professional services from the state to assist with reinvestment.  While DREAM may help make available certain state programs (such as historical tax credits) to those that qualify, it’s important to note that the DREAM initiative does NOT provide cash awards to those who do the development.  Investors downtown must still provide the private funds to pay for the reinvestment and take the risk of making that investment payoff.  It’s not simply a taxpayer-funded way for business owners to get new buildings using the public’s dime.  There may be incentives, but you still have to spend money to get those incentives. And a majority of those incentives require job creation and retention, or at a minimum, significant private investment.  There is no free lunch.

So to me, while the DREAM initiative may not be perfect, it does seem to work in making downtown areas a more attractive place to invest/reinvest private money.  With the move toward malls and shopping centers, we’re never going to have the retail environment that once filled Neosho’s square.  But we can, with these type of efforts, reinvent and restore areas that have been left vacant and make those building productive once again.  That’s why DREAM came about.  You only have to look around the square to see than monies ARE being reinvested and buildings are being refurbished and being made productive again.  (And those same buildings are back on the tax roles at a much higher value.)

Today, there are 35 dream communities around the state who are benefiting from the program.  In SW Missouri, they include Neosho, Aurora, Webb City and Lamar.  It may not be perfect and some may disagree with the plan, but at least for Neosho, it does appear to be doing what it was intended to do.

Joplin City Employees Get Pay Raises…Again

While the city of Neosho has elected to freeze pay again this year (after reducing it 3.75% last year), the city of Joplin has found a way to give their employees a little more money.

From today’s Joplin Globe:

JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin city workers will receive a 2.5 percent pay hike in the fiscal year beginning Nov. 1.

The increase, recommended earlier by City Manager Mark Rohr, was endorsed by the City Council on Tuesday night at a special meeting in which members also adopted a new, self-funded insurance program aimed at eventually trimming city costs for the benefit.

Council members adopted the pay hike on a 7-2 vote, after some questioned the decision in the current economic climate and others pointed out that the increase did little to address a disparity cited in recent pay studies.

This raise is on top of the raise approved in March of 3%.

The full article is here.