Monday, November 22, 2010

New Years with Elvis!

Mona Lake Productions

The 'Build America' Debt Bomb

Steven Malanga: The 'Build America' Debt Bomb - WSJ.com
"One sure signal has been the sharp rise in the cost for investors to insure against default.
In June, the price of a contract protecting an investor from a default by Illinois on its bonds rose to a record high of $309,100 on $10 million of debt over five years, according to CMA Datavision.
The national average for states is $190,000 per $10 million in debt.
At that point, Illinois surpassed California as the worst credit risk among U.S. states"

Grab a drink and read it all.
This is scary!

Dying with debt: A dirty little retirement secret

Dying with debt: A dirty little retirement secret - USATODAY.com
"Retired Americans are racking up credit-card debt like never before, be it for vacations or medical expenses, and a surprising number have no intention of paying it off before they die."

Climbing to the top of a transmission tower.

Grab your balls and watch this video!

Michigan Forbids City of Hamtramck to Seek Bankruptcy; My Advice to Hamtramck: "Default"

Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: Michigan Forbids City of Hamtramck to Seek Bankruptcy; My Advice to Hamtramck: "Default":
"No Michigan local government has ever filed for municipal bankruptcy, Stanton said, a rarely used tool that allows cities and other local governments to deal with creditors and extract concessions from its unions."

More pension bad news. This time for locals

More pension bad news. This time for locals - Orange Punch : The Orange County Register
"There really are only a few options: cut benefits, increase contributions or go belly up when the bills come due.

Since going belly up is the one option that is easiest because no one has to do anything for that to happen, that’s pretty much the path most government policymakers have opted for, with a few modest exceptions as outlined in the Pew study, which is the subject of our editorial today."

Retirement shortfalls measured in trillions

Retirement shortfalls measured in trillions pew, state, california - Opinion - The Orange County Register
"Despite recent attempts to mitigate the crisis, the unfunded debt for public retirement benefits poses a massive and growing problem in California and throughout the nation.
A study by the Pew Center on the States captures the gravity of the issue in its title: 'The Trillion Dollar Gap.'

Rising costs of promised public-sector employee pension and retiree health benefits in 50 states now are more than $1 trillion in the red, Pew calculated.

Other studies estimate even greater deficits, including a Free Enterprise Nation study this year that put the combined state and local government unfunded liability at $3.5 trillion."

We the people will defend our liberty!

#t=19
Great video!

Rating the Spartans on a scale of 1-10

Rating the Spartans on a scale of 1-10 greenandwhite.com Lansing State Journal
"How to judge this team's place in MSU history, considering it's the third to reach 10 wins?

Obviously, more games are played now, and at least a couple are gimmes every year.

The other two to hit 10 were the 1965 national champs and the 1999 team that finished 10-2.
This group is comparable to the latter.

Perhaps it's best to look at losses to see where this team could be remembered.

Since those great squads of 1965 and '66, the number of MSU teams to finish with just one loss is: 0"

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Muskegon County Airport dodges new airport security measure controversy

Muskegon County Airport dodges new airport security measure controversy MLive.com

So the suicide Muslims just buy a ticket in Muskegon and fly to O'Hare?

Three unions sue Michigan to block wage plan

Three unions sue Michigan to block wage plan lansingstatejournal.com Lansing State Journal
"Three state employee unions are suing to block a measure that forces workers to pay 3 percent of their salaries toward retiree health care."

12 Facts That Will Blow Your Mind – Federal Employees And Members Of Congress Are Getting Rich While Those Of Us Who Pay Their Salaries Suffer

12 Facts That Will Blow Your Mind – Federal Employees And Members Of Congress Are Getting Rich While Those Of Us Who Pay Their Salaries Suffer

In Likely Parting Shot, Civil Rights Commission Approves Controversial Report On Justice Department Actions

In Likely Parting Shot, Civil Rights Commission Approves Controversial Report On Justice Department Actions - FoxNews.com
"The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights approved Friday its latest report on the Justice Department's handling of a controversial civil rights case, even though the report makes no findings related to the case or the larger question of whether the Justice Department enforces civil rights laws in an even-handed manner."

An Updated List of the 80+ Airports with Full-Body Scanners

An Updated List of the 80+ Airports with Full-Body Scanners Jaunted

Culver OKs state pay raises

Culver OKs state pay raises desmoinesregister.com The Des Moines Register
"Gov. Chet Culver's administration agreed Friday to offer pay increases for state employees that will cost taxpayers more than $200 million"

Friday, November 19, 2010

For Northwestern Wildcats-Illinois Illini game at Wrigley, offense will use one end zone

For Northwestern Wildcats-Illinois Illini game at Wrigley, offense will use one end zone - ESPN Chicago
"When a team is on offense Saturday, it will be positioned to head to the west end zone."

Another TSA Outrage

Another TSA Outrage RedState
"A friend of mine sent me this about his TSA experience.

He, unlike most of us, was coming back into the country from Afghanistan on a military charter."

EU demands Italy repay Elton John concert costs

My Way News - EU demands Italy repay Elton John concert costs
"The European Union said Friday it has ordered Italy to repay almost $1 million in EU money that was used to pay Elton John for a concert in Naples last year.
Italy used euro720,000 ($983,000) in EU money - typically used for investment projects in poorer EU countries - for the British singer's performance fee.
The European Commission said that was inappropriate.
National authorities have much leeway in using EU funding.
But to qualify for EU money, cultural projects must be long-term events such as art exhibits, building cultural centers or restoring old buildings."

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Newly elected County Commissioner meets with Muskegon Tea Party

Newly elected County Commissioner meets with Muskegon Tea Party Muskegon News
"Alan Jager, Muskegon County Commissioner elect met last night with the Muskegon Tea Party.
Jager narrowly beat out long time commissioner Charles “Buzz” Buzzell"

Low-tax states will gain seats, high-tax states will lose them

Low-tax states will gain seats, high-tax states will lose them Washington Examiner
"“in eight of ten losers, workers can be forced to join a union as a condition of employment.

In 7 of the 8 gainers, workers are given a choice whether to join or contribute financially to a union.”"

State withholding Muskegon Heights funds due to tardy audit

State withholding Muskegon Heights funds due to tardy audit MLive.com
"No other Michigan municipality’s revenue-sharing payment is being withheld for this funding cycle, Buhs said.

“It comes up occasionally.
It happens,” Buhs said, saying that in the past Detroit’s revenue-sharing payment has been withheld by the state."

Have Sex With a Guy With a Mustache Day

Have Sex With a Guy With a Mustache Day « American Mustache Institute
"November 18 is “Have Sex With a Guy With a Mustache Day.”"

US comfortable with GM IPO pricing, investors

UPDATE 1-US comfortable with GM IPO pricing, investors Reuters
"Bloom said GM has done the right thing and pricing of $33 per share is a 'fair deal' even though the partial sale represents a loss of roughly $9 billion on taxpayers' original investment.
'We're very comfortable with the way this went,' Bloom said"

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

GOP to Force Vote on NPR Funding

GOP to Force Vote on NPR Funding - By Andrew Stiles - The Corner - National Review Online
"House Republicans announced today that they will force a floor vote to eliminate taxpayer-funded support for NPR in response to the firing of Juan Williams.

A proposal to defund NPR was the winner in the GOP’s weekly “YouCut” contest, in which the public votes online for various spending cuts — GOP leaders have pledged to force votes on the winning items"

Isn't it about time our legislators eliminated funding propaganda outlets that advocate for more government spending?

This is really cool!

Norton Shores looking for election inspectors.

This is a great way volunteer and to insure that our elections are fair and honest!

If you don't live in Norton Shores, google or call your city/township clerk and tell them you want to be on their list of election inspectors as a republican!

The City is looking for residents of Muskegon County interested in serving as election inspectors in Norton Shores.

The City is looking for residents of Muskegon County interested in serving as election inspectors in Norton Shores.
Applicants should be comfortable using or learning to use computers and simple software.

Training is required so daytime availability is a must.

Elections are held up to four times a year in February, May, August and November. Election Day hours begin at 6:00 a.m. and may conclude well after 10:00 p.m.

Click the link below for an application, complete the form and return it to the City Clerk's Office as soon as possible:

http://www.nortonshores.org/vertical/Sites/%7BFF3C7447-59C5-49A5-8AC0-3258B1B50FAA%7D/uploads/%7B95A5607B-AE87-4E42-87FF-E472E46091FE%7D.PDF

The Muskegon County Board of Commissioners is currently accepting applications for a citizen appointments

This is an opportunity for us little guys and gals to get involved!

These must be submitted by the 1st week in December.
The Citizens Review Committee will be appointed VERY soon.

click the link for an explanation of each board:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/citizens.htm

"The Muskegon County Board of Commissioners is currently accepting applications for a citizen appointments to the following:
Department of Human Services Board,
Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee,
Airport Advisory Committee,
Agricultural Preservation Board,
Citizens Review Committee,
Community Corrections Advisory Board,
Lakeshore Coordinating Council,
Lakeshore Museum Board,
MSU District Extension Council,
Road Commission Board,
Solid Waste Planning,
Veteran's Advisory Committee
and Workforce Development Board.

click link for application:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/brdcommapplication.pdf

Please call 724-7139 for further information."

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Michigan may join other Great Lakes states in restricting phosphorus fertilizer

Michigan may join other Great Lakes states in restricting phosphorus fertilizer MLive.com
"If passed by the Senate, Michigan would join other Great Lakes states including Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York and Illinois in restricting phosphorus fertilizer in some applications.

Similar bans are under consideration in three other states."

This is absolute junk science but ought to be a shot in the arm for Indiana Meijers and Walmarts!

Voter-approved accounting change boosts city of Muskegon budget

Voter-approved accounting change boosts city of Muskegon budget MLive.com

"That gave the city a one-time accounting advantage of collecting a year’s worth of revenues but having only six months of expenditures. There was no new cash in the city coffers — just a new way to account for it, said Finance Director Tim Paul."

Smoke and mirrors celebrated by the city and The Chronicle.

That'll bring in a lot of jobs......

Efforts to reintroduce wild rice in Muskegon Lake unsuccessful | MLive.com

Efforts to reintroduce wild rice in Muskegon Lake unsuccessful MLive.com

“Once it got above the water the swans would just come and eat it,” said Terry Stilson, program coordinator with the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly.

“We wanted it to be available for the wildlife but the wildlife wouldn’t let it establish itself.”

Muskegon County-Public Health, Mercy Visiting Nurses offering drive-through flu shots

Muskegon County-Public Health, Mercy Visiting Nurses offering drive-through flu shots MLive.com
"Visiting Nurses will provide flu shots for those with Medicare, while Public Health will assist those with Medicaid or who are paying out-of-pocket.

The cost is $27."

These same shots are available for $25 a Walmart, every day, for everyone.
Yet The Chronicle highlights the tax drainers reather than the tax paying company.
Same old, same old.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

County clerk ignores plea for more accurate minutes.

I guess county clerk Waters wasn't too impressed with my plea for more concise reportage of county meetings in the official minutes:

http://co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/06082010_board_minutes.pdf

"Public Participation
Commissioner Derezinski noted Interim Drain Commissioner, Dave Fisher has been
working to resolve issues in the Wolf Lake area.
Interim Drain Commissioner, Dave Fisher, summarized the history and efforts to resolve
current issues.
Jim Riley addressed the Board as part of Public Participation.

"I've included my actual comments below.

Jim Riley to the County board meeting 6-8-2010:


I commend the commissioners in clarifying the rules that would allow for a greater voice from our citizens.
I'm aware that you are only 11 and that we the citizens of Muskegon county are tens of thousands, and that you acknowledge that our county commission is a wiser body when it embraces the input of those who must live and work under the decisions you make.


I would also hope that your interest in citizen involvement would include those citizens who cannot attend these meetings in person and that greater attention to precision in the published minutes is your goal.

And that the recorded record of our county meetings will no longer have the lapses and blank spots that I have been told by the clerk's office, have been common in the past.


I would also hope that all of you would agree the citizen input is not just a positive for our county meetings but also for the future of our county.


That said, I have the county financial report provided by our county commissioners.


You commissioners tell us the county is soon to be out of money. Broke.


You commissioners tell us there have already been many cuts but won't be specific.


You commissioners tell us there is no more fat to cut in the budget.


You commissioners tell us we will see increased taxes or drastic cuts in services. Or both.
I'm told that 85% of the discretionary budged of the county is employee costs and that most of that expense is covered by 6 union contracts.


My understanding is that the union contracts are now being negotiated in secret and are voted to by the commissioners before they are vetted by the very citizens who will pay the costs of those contracts.


If our county is on the brink of economic disaster, doesn't it make sense to involve our community in the 6 decisions that determine 85% of your spending?


My fervent hope is that you will make these most important spending decisions, 85% of our entire budget, open and honest to those Muskegon citizens who will bear the burden of your votes.


Before you lock us into years of union contracts that we never saw before you vote.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Muskegon city commissioners leaning toward property tax hike

Muskegon city commissioners leaning toward property tax hike
 "Facing a $1.5 million deficit for the next fiscal year, Muskegon city commissioners Monday came to an apparent decision: They’ll cut the budget and approve a property tax increase.

Among the cuts: lifeguards at Pere Marquette Park, mid-block streetlights and $250,000 from the fire department’s budget, with details to be determined."

Again NO mention of reducing the big union contracts which account for 70-85% of the city budget.

Are ALL of the city of Muskegon residents fools?

AG - Summary of Michigan's FOIA,

AG - Summary of Michigan's FOIA,
Penalties for Violation of the Act:If the circuit court finds that the public body has arbitrarily and capriciously violated the Freedom of Information Act by refusal or delay in disclosing or providing copies of a public record, it may, in addition to any actual or compensatory damages, award punitive damages of $500 to the person seeking the right to inspect or receive a copy of a public record.

Good news coming soon from Muskegon county on opening up their union contracts to public review.

I'll update when it happens.

Last chance today!

Last chance to run for office or run as a precinct delegate!

4:00 at the county clerk's building.

Anyone can run for precinct delegate for either political party.

Just fill out the form, get it notarized (very easy) and get it to the clerk's office by 4:00 PM today.
If you're not involved with the elected people and parties who actually make the decisions that affect us, you are gonna keep getting the same old same old.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Big doings today County Building 3:30 p.m.

The attempt to build another parking ramp is back!
Click here for documents from the earlier scam attempt:
http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/2009/01/parking-ramp-documents.html

The Transportation Committee met on April 15, 2010; it was recommended, and I:
Move to authorize the Administrator to develop a recommended revised scope for the Muskegon Area Transit System's downtown Muskegon Transit Center project.

TRlOj04-20 Move to approve MDOT Project Authorization 2007-0264jZ2jRl with the Muskegon Area Transit System, providing for a two-year extension to complete architecture and engineering work related to a new downtown Muskegon transit center, as well as furnishings and equipment for the facility.

These "poor' airplane owners are paying less for a full year's rent at the airport than most will pay for a 6 month slip at a local marina!

Is this just another sweatheart deal in the making?
Or more of the same taxpayer subsidizing those who are connected?

TRlOj04-23 Move to approve the extension of seven (7) T~Hangar Lease Agreements at Muskegon County Airport expiring in the second quarter of 2010 as follows: Terry Grevious, $190jmonth; Scott Kelley, $190jmonth; Larry Duthler, $180jmonth; Kris Layson, $180jmonth; Jim Fishel, $170jmonth; Doug Parker, $170jmonth; and Fred Riplo, $170jmonth.

John McNally is working on this but he needs your help to get more info from the county.
Show up today to let them know we do really care about what happens at the county!

To approve the resolution establishing the 2010 equalized valuation for Muskegon County as determined and submitted by the Muskegon County Equalization Department.

More melting of the freeze from those who promised a 'hiring freeze".

To waive the hiring freeze and allow the Accounting Office to fill the vacant Accountant II position #X02003 (salary range NX00220 $20.349-$25.767/hr) at step 1.


How can we get on this list?
Yes, I know she died.
How did she run up a $7500 bill before she died?
To write off Human Resources bad debt in the Risk fund (6770) of $7,559.87 for Judith Tucker.

Monday, April 26, 2010

County board "planning session" May 4, 1:00 p.m.

C. Board Planning Session -May 4th , 1:00 p.m., Louis McMurray Conference & Transportation Center

Put this on your calender.

They will likely discuss the county commissioner's travel expenses and budget.

I'm sure some commissioners don't want you to see their past expenses or their plans for spending your tax dollars soon.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

County Commission Agenda for Thursday, 4-8-2010

Maybe someone ought to ask why the county has a hiring freeze?
And what's with all the "reclassifying" of jobs?
Another secret way to create a new employee when an old position is no longer needed?
My comments are in bold.


COURTS/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AGENDA:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/agendas/courts_10_04_06.pdf

CPS 10104 -26 (Probate Court) Approve to Reclassify Clerk II Position to Probate Court Clerk

CPS 10/04-32 (Sheriff's Office) Waive the Hiring Freeze and Allow Sheriff to Fill Vacant Deputy Position #505018
CPS 10/04-33 (Sheriff's Office) Authorize Reclassifying the Current Vacant Registered Nurse/Sheriff FT to a LPN/Sheriff PT Position


HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE AGENDA
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/agendas/hr_10_04_06.pdf

"Waive, waive,waive" the "hireing freeze!
HR10/04 -23 (Mental Health) Waive the Hiring Freeze to Allow CMH to Fill Supports Coordinator/DD Full-Time Position
HR10104 -24 (Mental Health) Waive the Hiring Freeze to Allow CMH to Fill the Vacant Employment Coordinator Assistant Position
HR10104 -25 (Mental Health) Waive the Hiring Freeze to Allow CMH to Fill the Vacant Transcriptionist Position

HR10104 -29 (Mental Health) Amend CMH FY2010 Budget and Approve Personnel Changes

This one has supporting documents on pg. 51.
It may be OK but what was the $1,500,00 (or $750,000) supposed to be spent on before this transfer?
Will we next see a new "revenue" need to fund the place we just looted?

HR10104 -30 (Mental Health) Approve an Equity Transfer from CMH Adult Benefit Waiver Reserve to the Equipment Revolving Fund:

"This is approximately $1.1 million and is deposited in the County revolving fund. This is sufficient to cover the debt retirement for most of the 25 year period; however, there will be a few years at the end of the schedule when additional fund reserve will be required, up to approximately $1 ,500,000.


CMH proposes to make an allocation from current reserves to partially fund the future shortage in the revolving fund. This will ensure fund availability through the 22nd year of the bond repayment cycle. Future transfers to this fund will be required to cover the remaining shortage.

SUGGESTED MOTION (STATE EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD APPEAR IN THE MINUTES)

I move to approve an equity transfer of $750,000 from the Community Mental Health Adult Benefit Waiver Reserve to the Equipment Revolving Fund (in a reserve account for Community Mental Health) to cover future debt retirement payments for the Mental Health Center building.HR10104 -30 (Mental Health) Approve an Equity Transfer from CMH Adult Benefit Waiver Reserve to the Equipment Revolving Fund"

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Muskegon County Board of Commissioners

Muskegon County Board of Commissioners

The agendas are posted for the April 6 meeting.

Today's County Commission meeting items

Items for Consideration:


WM 10104 -64 (Administration) Approve Accounts Payable WM10104 -65 (Administration) Approve to Continue Collection of the Local 9-1-1 Surcharge

WM10104 -66 (Administration) Approve Transfer of Position and Funding of the Compliance Review Supervisor/CMH to Administration and Change Title to Grants Coordinator

This one looks fishey.
Why did we have a "compliance review supervisor" if we don't need one now.
Who did that person supervise?
What does a "grants coordinator" do?
Doesn't the county already have people employed to deal with grants?


WM10104 -67 (County Clerk) Waive Hiring Freeze and Allow Filling of Two Circuit Court Clerk Positions G19504 and G19505

More "waives"....

WM10/04 -68 (Finance Management/Accounting) Accept and Place on File the Single Audit Report for FY Ended 9/20/2009

This might be an interesting read!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

John McNally reports on the 1:00 County planning meeting!

This is a classic example of citizen input in our county government.

John showed up. He was respectful. And he had a camera!

Oh the sunlight that so frightened those so used to the cover of darkness!

John, you are the MAN!

We now have a core of "citizen reporters".

Who will step up next?



Fellow Patriots,

I wanted to thank Jim Riley for inviting me to a County Board meeting. It was interesting to say the least.
Highlights

At one point one of the commissioners suggested that they streamline the process for starting new businesses and get more proactive to develop small businesses. Another commissioner replied if I may paraphrase that almost 80% of new businesses fail so what is the point? Wouldn't we (the board) just be helping them to fail? I felt like reminding him these businesses help pay his salary.

There was a presentation on the process for the Indian Gaming casino. I am not sure what your opinion is on this matter but the board was all for it. At one point the attorney for the tribe commented he was the one person happy to see that unemployment went up in the county. The commissioners got a big laugh out of this one.

Discussion of wind farms: The board's role appears to be minimal; either an endorsement or a "kick in the pants". They are waiting for the state to issue the guidelines and updating themselves on the issue.

Equalization:

Donna Stokes (The Equalization Director) gave a presentation including a chart. A commissioner asked about the foreclosure issue. She said there was misinformation in the paper's editorial page and that foreclosures were no where near 2/3rds of the sales. I spoke up indicating that I wrote the opinion letter and the 2/3rds figure came from a freedom of information request which was responded to by Kelly Sobel the Executive Admin. for the State Tax Commission. I also asked her how many foreclosures were included in her data. She did not know.

Budget:

The commissioners were given a copy of a budget. There seemed to be an atmosphere of gloom. A lot of talk about strategic planning and the need to work together took place. There was some talk of across the board cuts but it seemed to be a last resort solution.

Camera: I filmed quite a bit of the meeting. One thing that Jim mentioned is that the board has felt that there was no one watching them. I think they were surprised by the camera.

Idea: Jim is doing a great job finding out about these meetings and attending them. The more we show up for these meetings the better. I would also like to form a group of people focused on reviewing all the county expenses and other documents. If anyone is interested in this project let me know.

John McNally

john@mccoyltd.com

radaris.com/p/Kimberly/Misak/

Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Expenditure Detail ...

Recipient, Amount, Description, Date. Friends of Kenneth Mahoney, Montague, MI, $350, Non-Federal Ken Mahoney (MI-D), 10/27/06 ...

https://www.opensecrets.org/.../expenddetail.php?...Kenneth+Mahoney

Update on Tues. 3-23-2010 Full Board County Commission meeting

Everything I hi-lighted in my earlier blog post passed with no dissenting votes:

http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2010/03/another-county-board-meeting-today-330.html

So we got:

1. $3000 free money for the Heights festival board to do with as they please.
NO other city or township in the county gets any money at all for their festivals.

2. A total of $6,500 of porky earmarks to favored/connected groups (including Muskegon Heights) from the Convention and Visitor's Bureau fund that is supposed to fund out of our county advertising. Just more special interests taking from most of us and giving to their special friends.

3. More trolley money...no trolley riders. And no commissioner dares to ask for an accounting of riders vs cost.

4. The "waives" just keep on rolling. This is one tsunami of waives that keeps on rolling ....and it's entirely created by the commissioners who voted for the "hiring freeze". Gotta love the freeze!

5. I never even got to ask about the "retiree dental benefits". Done deal for them....and our pocketbooks. Doesn't EVERYONE have full dental benefits in retirement?

6. The worker's comp amount was an oversight but I was the only one to spot it. And I don't get a vote. Neither do you. None of the commissioners who voted "aye" noticed it either. I wonder how often this happens. Do you?

No Thursday meeting this week Mar. 25 or Tues.Mar. 30 next week..

See you (I hope) all next week Thursday, April 2.


The agenda isn't posted yet but why don't we all keep checking out the site:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/committee_agendas.cfm

I can't do this entirely alone.

Join me!

Jim Riley
231-557-9912

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Another County board meeting today 3:30 at County building

Another County board meeting today 3:30 at County building
Today (3-23-2010) there will be a full board meeting of the Muskegon County Commission.

Among other items I found these most interesting:

1. I'm against ANY porky funding for this type of public event but especially when our financial future is so bleak.

But look at the funding for the Heights "Festival".
$3000.

Does the county board "spread the money around" to the other cities?
Or is the heights just "special"?

Either way, it ought to stop.

They've already spent us broke.

They shouldn't have the fun of spending us broker.

CD/SP1 0103 -03To approve the financial contributions be made and that the funds be utilized from the CVB's Community Promotions (902020) line item:
Muskegon Heights "Festival in the Park" -$3,000.00;
The Associationof Concert Bands 2011 National Convention Committee -$500.00;
the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant -$3,000.00.

2. Most every trolley I've seen was empty or mostly empty.

Has there ever been a study of ridership vs cost?

Wouldn't it be nice to see that report?

TRlO/03-12 Move to approve operation of a 2010 Trolley Route Program as proposed.

3. They "waive" just about every meeting.

Maybe we citizens ought to get an explanation?

To waive the hiring freeze and allow the Human Resources Department to fill the vacant Human Resources Analyst position #N39502 at step 1 and change the funding from 100% 1010-0226 to 75% 1010-0226 and 25% 6770-0203.

4. Wait-a-minute!

County retirees get dental benefits??!!!!

What's that cost?

Do you get retirement dental?

Gimme a break!

To approve Professional Benefits Services (PBS) for the Third Party Administration of the Muskegon County retiree dental plan from 4/1/2010 -9/30/2012 at a rate of $1.90 per line item.

5. Probably nothing here but anytime I see vague wording, I get the ginchies.

"..grant the authority to sign NECESSARY contracts....

"I'd just like a bit more info sir.....

To grant the Chairperson of the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners and the County Clerk the authority to sign necessary contracts with Web Tecs, Inc., and Ottawa County.

6. This one is minor but says volumes about our state.

They want to hire a kid and pay him about $5,700 but the worker's comp is $1,011 for this part timer!!!!!
No wonder jobs keep leaving our state.

Requested Position Class/Pos. Description WATER SYSTEM ENG AIDE/SEASONAL Requested Table/Grade/Hourly Range $850~/HR~ Salary and Wages Social Security Hospitalization Ins. Life Ins. Retirement
$5,746
Worker's comp$1,011


Come on and join me in these meetings!

Every Tues and Thurs at 3:30 at the County Building.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Big meeting tomorrow 1:00PM!


There will be an open "planning session" meeting of the full Muskegon county board tomorrow from 1-3:00 PM at the Muskegon County convention and visitors bureau building.
That's the old train station across from the Eagles, corner of 7th and Western.

All citizens are legally entitled to attend.

On the agenda will be discussion about:
1. Equalization and assessments.
2. The new casino in Fruitport.
3. Long range financial planning for the County.
4. The county commissioner's travel budget.
5. County purchasing policy.

This is where much of the real policy info is discussed and in the past, the commissioners have had the luxury of little citizen attendance or input.

So they could do just whatever they and those with their hands out wanted.
With little public scrutiny.

Let's change that!

I'll be there tomorrow at 12:45, outside by the front door to greet any of you patriots who will stand tall and attend.

It is YOUR future and your money they will be talking about!

See you there!


"It's the SPENDING Stupid!"


"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)

Government meeting tool kit!

Muskegon County Commission Citizen Action Toolkit!

If you are interested in learning about how our Muskegon county government works, it helps to attend the county commission meetings.

If you want to see "change you can believe in", you need to provide your own citizen input.

Or it will continue to be the same old, same old.

Here is a "toolkit" of links you can use to see what happened last time and what will be discussed at the next meetings.

All meetings are held in the Board of Commissioner's Room:
4th Floor of the Hall of Justice (County building)
990 Terrace Street, MMuskegon, MI
3:30 p.m sharp!

Agenda for full County Commission Board Meeting: http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/board_agendas.cfm

Past full County board minutes:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/board_minutes.cfm

Standing committee minutes and agendas: http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/committees.htm

Future meeting full board and committee schedules:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/meetings.htm


Be an educated citizen!

"It's the SPENDING Stupid!"

"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)