EyeOnMuskegon

Showprep EOM 1-29-2012 Municipal transparency-Capt. Fred Bertsch & Mackinac Center's Jack McHugh

2012-01-27T15:28:00.000-05:00

More to come as more comes.....

Viewpoint: Commissioner explains his support for 'Move the Box' initiative removing criminal background information from the county's written job applications
http://www.mlive.com/opinion/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/viewpoint_commissioner_explain.html

Congressman Huizenga doing all he can to secure the SS Badger's future
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/congressman_huizenga_doing_all.html

Muskegon Heights shutdown? Superintendents told to make plans to accept students if it happens
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/muskegon_heights_shutdown_supe.html

Unemployment rates up in December, down for 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/unemployment_rates_up_in_decem.html

Absentee voter applications without party marked generate clarification calls, letters
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/absentee_voter_applications_wi.html

2012 1 19 Muskegon county Strategic planning/ Community developement Northern Machine Tool

2012-01-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

1-24-2012 County planning session

2012-01-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

2012-1-24 Muskegon County full board.MP4

2012-01-24T19:26:00.001-05:00

WKBZ radio Promo for 1-29-2012 show

2012-01-24T07:23:00.000-05:00

Hi, This is Jim Riley, your host of EyeOnMuskegon every Sunday morning from 8:30 to 10:00.
Our county leaders tells us they're broke.
But they need a new jail.
And many other local governments and school systems tell us they're broke too.
Are higher taxes coming soon?
How did that happen?
Where did all of our taxpayer dollars go?
Captain Fred Bertsch will be my co-host next Sunday morning at 8:30 on EyeOnMuskegon as we take a look at just how honest and transparent our local leaders really are on NewsTalk 1090 WKBZ, the Talk of Muskegon.

Frontloading HQ: The 2012 Presidential Primary Calendar (Republican and Democratic)

2012-01-22T17:29:00.000-05:00

Frontloading HQ: The 2012 Presidential Primary Calendar (Republican and Democratic)

WHAT VOTERS SHOULD KNOW

2012-01-22T14:46:00.001-05:00

Muskegon County clerk
http://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/

WHAT VOTERS SHOULD KNOW
http://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/elections/index.html

Campaign Finance reports filed with the Muskegon County Clerk’s Office
http://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/campaignfinance.htm

EyeOnMuskegon 1-22-2012

2012-01-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

Eerie Mackinac Bridge photo makes rounds on Facebook, a reminder of Michigan's winter at its best

2012-01-22T07:25:00.001-05:00

Eerie Mackinac Bridge photo makes rounds on Facebook, a reminder of Michigan's winter at its best MLive.com

Show prep EOM-1-22-2012

2012-01-20T21:56:00.002-05:00

EOM WKBZ radio promo for 1-22-2012 Nancy Waters

2012-01-18T11:07:00.001-05:00

Hi, This is Jim Riley, your host of Eye On Muskegon every Sunday morning from 8:30 to 10:00.

Next month Michigan and Muskegon voters will have their chance to decide just who will be the republican nominee for president of the United States.

And it's kind of confusing. Obama's on the ballot or is he?

But time is running out if you want to vote in the Feb. 28 primary
.
Next sunday morning EyeOnMuskegon will talk Election 2012 with Muskegon county clerk Nancy Waters and ask her "how can I make sure my vote really counts" on NewsTalk 1090 WKBZ, the Talk of Muskegon.

EyeOnMuskegon 1-15-2012 Alan Jager

2012-01-16T09:58:00.000-05:00

EyeOnMuskegon 1-15-12 show prep

2012-01-10T07:41:00.003-05:00

more to be added as they are added...or not.
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/audit_muskegon_heights_schools.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/muskegon_county_changes_job-ap.html

http://dailycaller.com/2012/01/11/in-rush-to-attack-ben-smith-blows-it-on-limbaughs-bain-disclosure-video/

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/01/rick_snyders_grades_mixed_on_c.html

EyeOnMuskegon radio promo for 1-15-2012 show

2012-01-09T10:16:00.001-05:00

Promo for next week's show(1-15-2012):

"Hi, This is Jim Riley, your host of Eye On Muskegon every Sunday morning from 8:30 to 10:00.

Our Muskegon county board of commissioners started the new year off by shirking their responsibility to oversee lawsuit settlements against the county and gave up their required review of spending as long as it's under $10,000.

And when 2 commissioners said the county was rushing spending decisions, the board said fagetabout it, that's too complicated, we need more time to decide.

Next sunday morning EyeOnMuskegon will talk to commissioner Alan Jager and ask him "what the heck is going on at the county commission" on NewsTalk 1090 WKBZ, the Talk of Muskegon."

Muskegon county commission Thu 3:30 1-12-2012 Public works

2012-01-08T21:49:00.001-05:00

Public works agenda
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/agendas/pworks_12_01_12.pdf

Muskegon county commission Tue. 3:30 1-10-2012

2012-01-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

Courts/Public safety agenda
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/agendas/courts_12_01_10.pdf

Human resources agenda
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/agendas/hr_12_01_10.pdf

Meet me at Carmen's Cafe at 2:00 to talk about this spendathon!

EyeOnMuskegon 1-8-2012

2012-01-08T19:24:00.000-05:00

Muskegon county commission Organizational meeting 1-4-2012

2012-01-08T07:24:00.003-05:00

Muskegon County commission-ways & means 1-5-2012

2012-01-08T07:24:00.002-05:00

EyeOnMuskegon 1-1-2012

2012-01-08T07:24:00.001-05:00

Absolutely No Refunds: Detroit Coney accidently served chicken head, customer left with bill

2012-01-05T14:04:00.000-05:00

Absolutely No Refunds: Detroit Coney accidently served chicken head, customer left with bill MLive.com
A Detroit man ended up in a hospital after a Coney Island reportedly served him a chicken head disguised as a chicken tender.

Republican U.S. Senate candidates gathering Wednesday in Hart

2011-12-31T09:42:00.002-05:00

Republican U.S. Senate candidates gathering Wednesday in Hart MLive.com
It's tonight (Wed. 1/4/12) at 7:00-Be there!
HART — Five of the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate are expected to be in downtown Hart on Wednesday night for a candidate roundup hosted by the Oceana Tea Party.
Great opportunity to see who our next Senator will be.
It likely will boil down to Congressman Hoekstra or the non-Hoekstra, so here's your chance to see and meet them in person.
I'll be there.
Dump Debbie!

Rick Snyder State of Change | MLive.com

2011-12-26T07:32:00.000-05:00

Rick Snyder State of Change MLive.com
“Rick Snyder State of Change”

Good resource for real, positive change that will lead to real HOPE for a better Michigan.

EyeOnMuskegon 12-18-2011 Municipal consolidation

2011-12-18T20:17:00.000-05:00

EyeOnMuskegon-12-18-2011 Municipal consolidation, collaboration, cooperation. Showprep

2011-12-16T15:18:00.001-05:00

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/12/muskegon_county_board_finalize.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/12/preservation_group_proposes_mo.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/09/should_grand_rapids_kentwood_a.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/12/personnel_file_offers_glimpse.html

http://frontpagemag.com/2011/12/15/mark-steyn-at-restoration-weekend/

EyeOnMuskegon-Race in Muskegon part2

2011-12-11T22:12:00.001-05:00

EyeOnMuskegon NEW time starting this Sunday!

2011-12-10T14:18:00.000-05:00

Whoooo nellie!
The people have spoken!
You wanted more insight into how our wonderful county, cities, townships, school boards and the rest are running amuck?
Well, you got it!

We're getting an additional half hour of EyeOnMuskegon.
Starting this Sunday, Dec. 11, EyeOnMuskegon will run from 8:30-10:00am giving us a full hour and a half of community conversation.
So set your alarm folks, 8:30 every Sunday morning is BLAST OFF time for EyeOnMuskegon!

Last week we touched the ultimate third rail in politics, race and race relations.
And yes, we survived that show and we're coming back next week with more in our quest to understand racial politics in Muskegon.
It may not be fashionable to talk about what is really happening here in our community but we'll keep bringing up the important issues that affect all of here in Muskegon.
Next week Sunday, Dec. 11 EyeOnMuskegon will look at Race and justice, in Muskegon county, part 2.

On NewsTalk 1090 WKBZ, the Talk of Muskegon.

Here's the link to the YouTube of last week's show: http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/2011/12/eyeonmuskegon-racism-in-muskegon.html

and links to showprep for last week and next Sunday's show:
http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/2011/12/eyeonmuskegon-showprep-12-11-2011-hot.html

Call in or E-mail me if you have comments or suggestions.
This is the only show that actually has a conversation with you the taxpayers about how politics really affects us here in Muskegon so listen in and give us a call.

EyeOnMuskegon showprep 12-11-2011 Hot topics/Race

2011-12-10T14:17:00.001-05:00

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/12/everything-you-know-about-education-is-wrong/249722/
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/12/saginaw_woman_charged_with_usi.html
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/12/muskegon_county_board_approves.html

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/12/pete_hoekstra_should_resign_fr.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/12/muskegon-based_occupy_proteste.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/12/closed_muskegon_heights_school.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/12/muskegon_heights_teachers_unio.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/12/muskegon_heights_call_for_emer.html

Tonight 9:00pm Singing Christmas Tree on TLC channel

2011-12-10T09:05:00.001-05:00

Tonight at 9:00pm the TLC channel will show the "Extreme Christmas Trees" episode that includes the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree.

Extreme Christmas Trees

37 TLC: Saturday, December 10 9:00 PM

Special, House/garden Christmas

Christmas trees that are over the top.

Original Air Date: Dec 10, 2011

Future Airings:

TLC Saturday, December 10 9:00 PM

TLC Sunday, December 11 12:00 AM

TLC Saturday, December 17 8:00 PM

TLC Saturday, December 17 11:00 PM

My comments before the county commission

2011-12-09T15:27:00.000-05:00

This was just before they voted for the three new union contracts:

"You have been elected by the public and we the electorate have entrusted you the authority and responsibility to make informed and wise decisions on our behalf.
As you all know, you will vote today to approve or disapprove 3 union contracts binding county employees and taxpayers.
And as you surely must know, the specifics of those agreements have been kept from those who will ultimately be paying the cost of these legally binding documents.
The citizens and taxpayers of our county.
So I would ask, before you vote, to inform us taxpayers and residents of Muskegon county and to answer some simple questions that I'm sure you have already asked yourselves:
How many paid days off from work, including holidays, sick days, vacation days, personal days, birthdays and any other paid leave from the work of the county will these new contacts grant?
How do the new contracts differ from the current contract in this respect?
The retirement and healthcare benefits including vision and dental for county employees have been described as Cadillac plans and are definitely far more lavish than those of private employers and local municipalities in our county.
They more resemble union agreements in Detroit's Wayne county and Flint's Genesee county rather than the balanced budget counties of Oakland or Kent county.
Do these new contracts address those unfair disparities?
Our county has made promises of secure healthcare and pensions to current and already retired employees that are estimated to be underfunded by approximately $100 million dollars .
Exactly how will these new contracts affect the county's ability to fulfill your promises to county employees without reducing services or increasing taxes?
Simply stated, how much more or less will these contracts cost the taxpayers of Muskegon county.
If it will be less, let's celebrate together.
If it will be more, please explain.
If you don't know, how can you vote on these contracts?
In short, you have a sacred responsibility to fully understand in great detail, just how these union agreements will affect the ability of the county to provided services and manage the scarce funds available.
Please assure us citizens that you have the answers and will share them with us before you vote.
Otherwise, I implore you to postpone your vote until you have fulfilled your responsibilities and know specifically what your vote would cost.
Just like you would do if it was your own money."

Letters: Consolidation: One government.; one bad idea

2011-12-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

Letters: Consolidation: One government.; one bad idea MLive.com
Consolidation is an ideology that claims smaller government by enlarging the perimeters of the area, eliminating the individual governments within those boundaries and replace them with one government.
However, this is not smaller government.
It is one government.
And contrary to the supporters' claims, one government does not mean smaller government.

Well stated!
Now that more Americans are understanding what "consolidation" really means, watch out for the new word "collaboration".
Nice new word to describe the same old power grab.

Pure Michigan: Wisconsin & Ohio

2011-12-08T18:41:00.000-05:00

Muskegon Heights schools asks for emergency financial manager to take over the district

2011-12-07T16:18:00.000-05:00

Muskegon Heights schools asks for emergency financial manager to take over the district MLive.com
Muskegon Heights school officials will ask the state to appoint an emergency financial manager to take over operations of the district after Superintendent Dana Bryant retires at the end of this month.

MuskegonPundit: A December 7th story

2011-12-07T06:32:00.000-05:00

MuskegonPundit: A December 7th story:
A December 7th Story
December 7, 2002

Sixty-one years ago today a young man celebrated his eighteenth birthday.
Little did he know that date, his birthday, would become "A day of infamy".

ElfYourself by OfficeMax - Powered by JibJab

2011-12-06T10:57:00.001-05:00

ElfYourself by OfficeMax - Powered by JibJab

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex

2011-12-06T10:56:00.000-05:00

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex

Muskegon-based Occupy protesters work to reach, educate general public

2011-12-05T07:28:00.000-05:00

Muskegon-based Occupy protesters work to reach, educate general public (video) MLive.com
Dean Vanderstelt, media representative for the new Occupy The Lakeshore, served in a similar capacity for Occupy Muskegon.
He said the two groups have different philosophies on how to occupy.

Civil war?

Occupy the Lakeshore Movement to Begin in Muskegon Church Headed by Bill Freeman

2011-12-05T07:12:00.000-05:00

Occupy the Lakeshore Movement to Begin in Muskegon Church Headed by Bill Freeman - 1450 WHTC Holland's Hometown Station
An Occupy the Lakeshore movement is slated to begin this afternoon (Sunday Dec. 4) in Muskegon, with organizers hoping to draw upon a wide regional base for support as they draw up a list of goals and actions similar to those of other Occupy efforts nationwide.
The group will meet at the Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation, headed by Minister Bill Freeman, who is also the Chaplain of Holland’s Interfaith Congregation.

Hmmm....

EyeOnMuskegon-Racism in Muskegon

2011-12-04T13:19:00.000-05:00

EyeOnMuskegon 12-4-2011 ShowPrep-"Race in Muskegon"

2011-12-03T13:35:00.001-05:00

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/11/report_muskegon_county_employe.html

http://www.politico.com/blogs/joshgerstein/0311/Eric_Holder_Black_Panther_case_focus_demeans_my_people.html

http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=6905255&page=1

http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2011/12/consumers_energy_announces_bc.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/04/post_77.html

Norton Shores residents could see their sewer bill increase next year

2011-12-01T13:36:00.000-05:00

Norton Shores residents could see their sewer bill increase next year MLive.com
The City Council is expected to vote Tuesday on a proposal that would see the average resident's quarterly sewer bill increase by 4.9 percent, from $164.91 to $173.07

Michigan State Cheerleader Taken Off on Stretcher

2011-12-01T11:38:00.000-05:00

Michigan State Cheerleader Taken Off on Stretcher
Michigan State cheerleader Taylor Young was in stable condition at a local hospital after falling on her face during a performance.
The 20-year-old junior from Twin Lake, Mich., was raised into the air and fell hard onto the court during a timeout Wednesday night when the Spartans hosted Florida State

UPDATE-she's OK!
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/12/taylor_young_the_msu_cheerlead.html

City orders family to take down Christmas decorations

2011-11-30T21:55:00.000-05:00

City orders family to take down Christmas decorations - WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather

This is a very weird story!

School board election dates now dictated by state law

2011-11-30T11:04:00.000-05:00

School board election dates now dictated by state law MLive.com
School officials who have resisted moving elections to coincide with general elections have said they didn't want their races to get lost on ballots filled with other national, state and local races.

This is BIG!
School board elections will be less expensive to the taxpayers AND will have a far larger voter turnout.
A giant win for students, parents and taxpayers!
A great gift to all from our Republican government.
Watch out for the big unionists at the MEA to make big trouble for all over this.

America's Tallest Singing Christmas Tree

2011-11-30T10:03:00.000-05:00

Singing Christmas Tree opens Thursday, set to air on The Learning Channel (trailer)

2011-11-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

Singing Christmas Tree opens Thursday, set to air on The Learning Channel (trailer) MLive.com
As seasonally ubiquitous as “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol,” the Singing Christmas Tree concert is a West Michigan yuletide staple.

If you live in Muskegon county and haven't seen the monster Christmas tree show....sup wit dat?
Go and enjoy!
And tell your family to watch the TLC show on Dec. 10 to see it on TV.
And sign my petition to ban the uber-ubiquitous use of the word ubiquitous!

EyeOnMuskegon 11-27-2011 "The Rich"

2011-11-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

EyeOnMuskegon-Sunday 11-27-2011 Showprep-Are the "rich" paying their fairshare?

2011-11-26T18:39:00.001-05:00

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/11/muskegon_county_young_people_f.html

http://www.infowars.com/why-are-ows-protesters-repeating-white-house-talking-points/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903918104576504650932556900.html

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=351121

http://www.moneynews.com/StreetTalk/obama-wallstreet-electioncampaign/2011/07/22/id/404563

http://www.prisonplanet.com/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/22/house-republicans-rich-fair-share-taxes_n_1108600.html

http://constitutionalconservative.wordpress.com/myth-the-rich-dont-pay-their-fair-share/

http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=5746&type=0

http://www.financialsamurai.com/2011/10/12/who-are-the-top-1-income-earners/

http://biggovernment.com/tag/fair-share/

http://news.yahoo.com/top-0-1-nation-earn-half-capital-gains-172647859.html

http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/12626

http://www.mackinac.org/10154

http://www.itepnet.org/

http://www.freep.com/article/20111126/SPORTS03/111126002/NBA-owners-players-reach-deal-end-lockout?odyssey=tab

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/who-are-the-1-percenters/2011/10/06/gIQAn4JDQL_print.html

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2011/11/14/who-are-the-real-1/

Heritage and Railroad Historical museums hosting open houses

2011-11-26T10:24:00.000-05:00

Heritage and Railroad Historical museums hosting open houses MLive.com
The Muskegon Heritage Museum and Muskegon Railroad Historical Society Museum, 561 W. Western, are hosting open houses 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.
The Heritage Museum and Railroad open house will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for students. Children 5 and under are free.

The Railroad museum is fab!
If you like trains, go!

Girl trampled in Black Friday Wal-Mart rush

2011-11-25T17:01:00.000-05:00

Girl trampled in Black Friday Wal-Mart rush MLive.com
Among the incidents he referenced was a woman who fell and hit her head at Bed Bath & Beyond, an elderly man with a medical emergency in the mall's food court, and a shortness of breath call at Victoria's Secret.

Oh, my!

Welcome to the Official Occupy Muskegon Website

2011-11-24T11:28:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Official Occupy Muskegon Website
We, the 99% are protesting social and economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of corporate money and lobbyists on our government.

Well, here's their website.
Interesting the only greed they see is from the American corporations that pay taxes, employ workers and provide goods and services we need.
No government greed out there.......?
The "Occupy" movement has been taken over by the big government employee unions and the democrat party.
Bummer, dudes.

Don't be surprised!

2011-11-22T09:24:00.000-05:00

No Muskegon county commission meetings until Thu. Dec. 1.

Those 5 meetings in November musta tuckered 'em out!

Election 2012 - Michigan Republican Presidential Primary

2011-11-21T14:35:00.000-05:00

RealClearPolitics - Election 2012 - Michigan Republican Presidential Primary

Latest polls!

EyeOnMuskegon 11-20-2011

2011-11-20T14:13:00.000-05:00

Muskegon Area CTC Principal Jeanne Roe resigns, gets $45,000 severance

2011-11-19T20:21:00.000-05:00

Muskegon Area CTC Principal Jeanne Roe resigns, gets $45,000 severance MLive.com
As part of the severance agreement with Roe, the MAISD agreed to not reveal the nature of its concerns about Roe, said MAISD Superintendent Dave Sipka.
He said the severance agreement was equivalent to about three months' worth of Roe's salary and benefits.

Occupy Muskegon "Press Release"

2011-11-15T06:59:00.000-05:00

Contact:
Dean Vanderstelt
Media Representative
248-953-5816
occupymuskegonmedia@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Occupy Muskegon Protests “Referendum-Proof” Laws

MUSKEGON, November 11, 2011 – The Occupy Muskegon (OM) movement voiced opposition to the passage of “referendum-proof” laws in Lansing during a meeting with Senator Geoff Hansen (R – Hart) on Friday.
Approximately 30 members of the group launched a protest at the Senator’s “coffee hour” meeting with the
public at Tanglewood Park in Norton Shores. Article II, Section 9 of the Michigan Constitution provides for public referendum of laws with the verbiage
“The people reserve to themselves the power to propose laws and to enact and reject laws, called the initiative, and the power to approve or reject laws enacted by the legislature, called the referendum.” The constitution does, however, exclude appropriation laws from the referendum process. Through procedural slight of hand, the legislature has circumvented the Michigan Constitution by using appropriations (expenditures) to make policy laws referendum-proof.
Already this year the legislature passed three laws; individual item pricing, tax reform…including pension
taxation, and political redistricting with appropriation provisions that made them referendum-proof, and is in process of preparing to pass a fourth, (HB 4936) in a similar manner. HB 4936 significantly restructures the no-fault insurance law in a way that is surely beneficial to big business. That law, if enacted, would significantly reduce no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP,) while at the same time reduce liabilities for the insurance companies, in doing so, essentially transfer the burden of costly medical treatment and rehabilitation on the injured and other parties. Per the Michigan House’s own analysis, and the estimation of the Michigan
Catastrophic Claims Association, (MCCA) the passage of this law would result in 22.7% of the injured, well over 3,000 people each year, unable to receive needed and adequate care, due to limits included in the bill. To ensure the “referendum proof” nature of this bill the legislature has added a relatively small $50,000 appropriation to print brochures, something that could have easily been put in a separate appropriation.
Although not taking an official position on the pending law, Occupy Muskegon strongly objects to the use of
procedural slight of hand to circumvent the Michigan Constitution, and feels that these maneuvers by the Michigan legislature are an affront to democracy. Occupy Muskegon demands that no further laws be passed with this referendum-proof language, and that those laws already passed be revised to eliminate the offensive language.
To reinforce Occupy Muskegon’s position, protesters carried signs and chanted slogans such as “We are the 99% and so are you”, “Tell me what democracy looks like…this is what democracy looks like!” during their
march along Seminole Rd., and in front of the Tanglewood Park facility prior to, and during Senator Hansen’s visit. The group received support from many people in cars on Seminole Rd. through cheers and
honking horns.
The group subsequently joined the Senator’s meeting to voice their objections directly to the Senator, and

repeatedly asked the Senator for his support to:
1) ensure that no further laws are passed with this referendum-proof language, and 2) those laws that have
already been passed as such be revised to remove the appropriation language. Despite repeated requests from the movement’s representative, Dean Vanderstelt, the Senator was unable, or unwilling, to agree with the request.
After the meeting, Mr. Vanderstelt stated “We felt the questions were fair, our demands were reasonable, but felt Senator Hansen’s response was evasive and did not show likelihood that he would support these demands.” “We believe that the public’s trust in their legislators has been terribly violated. Further, the movement feels that all the citizens of Michigan should be enraged by this affront to their expectation that elected officials are there to represent them, not corporations. The movement will continue its efforts to rectify these violations of our democracy.”
One sign seen at the protest seemed to state the demonstrator’s views clearly: “Michigan Legislators: What
Part of Democracy Don’t You Understand? When you fear the citizens, you pass referendum proof laws – Have you no shame?”

Occupy Muskegon Protests “Referendum-Proof” Laws

2011-11-14T20:43:00.000-05:00

Occupy Muskegon
In Solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Together Movements

We, the “99%”, are protesting social and economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of corporatemoney and lobbyists on our government.

NEWSRELEASENEWSRELEASENEWSRELEASENEWSRELEASE

Read the rest.
I bet most at the camp haven't.

Jeff Bezos Owns the Web in More Ways Than You Think

2011-11-14T11:38:00.001-05:00

Jeff Bezos Owns the Web in More Ways Than You Think Magazine
Bezos may well be the premier technologist in America, a figure who casts as big a shadow as legends like Bill Gates and the late Steve Jobs.

Read this and see the future.
My Fire arrives Wednesday!

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing

2011-11-14T09:34:00.000-05:00

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing
(or words to that effect)

A study of a Web quotation

I mistakenly attributed the quote to Albert Einstein on Sunday's "EyeOnMuskegon".
My quest for truth led me to this interesting article.
Enjoy.

Free e-books and e-book managers

2011-11-14T09:21:00.001-05:00

Free e-books and e-book managers - Komando.com, Website for The Kim Komando Radio Show®, Komando Downloads
I recently bought a Kindle and I love it!
But books can be expensive.
Here are some great sites for free or cheap books.
And don't miss the $2.99 or under Kindlehttp://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b/ref=sv_kinc_2?ie=UTF8&node=1286228011DailyDeal.

Ohio election shows power of government to vote itself money

2011-11-13T19:36:00.000-05:00

COMMENTARY: Ohio election shows power of government to vote itself money
Every Ohio household should write a check for $76,000 today just to pay unfunded pension benefits for government workers betrayed by politicians and union bosses who made them promises taxpayers now must keep.

We’re No. 2! Ala. default tops O.C. bankruptcy

2011-11-13T19:33:00.000-05:00

We’re No. 2! Ala. default tops O.C. bankruptcy - OC Watchdog : The Orange County Register
Leaders of Alabama’s most populous county have filed an estimated $4.1 billion bankruptcy, the largest for a municipality in U.S. history.

It's starting......

Jeremy Minnier: 18-year-old Wins Iowa Mayoral Race

2011-11-13T17:08:00.000-05:00

Jeremy Minnier: 18-year-old Wins Iowa Mayoral Race
"the senior at Hampton Dumont High School was elected mayor of Aredale (AHR'-dayl) on Tuesday with 24 write-in votes. Incumbent Mayor Virgil Homer received eight votes."

Another "off year" election result?

EyeOnMuskegon 11-13-2011

2011-11-13T17:04:00.000-05:00

ITPP Tea Party Legislative Scorecard for Michigan - Michigan Votes

2011-11-13T07:29:00.000-05:00

ITPP Tea Party Legislative Scorecard for Michigan - Michigan Votes
ITPP Tea Party Legislative Scorecard for Michigan
A public service of the Independent Tea Party Patriots (www.itpp.us)
The Tea Party Scorecard only includes votes on tea party issues.
Unanimous and party-line votes are largely excluded to highlight the differences between members of the same party rather than differences between the parties.
"Messy" bills with complex, competing content were also excluded as no clear "correct" vote could be assigned.

Hansen 48%
Hughes 73%
Hovey-Wright 12%

Checking the Numbers on Michigan's Auto Jobs

2011-11-13T06:38:00.000-05:00

Checking the Numbers on Michigan's Auto Jobs [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
But just 1,000 of those 65,300 jobs were from the “transportation equipment” sector, which includes the state’s core blue collar jobs that are tied to the auto industry.

Union power to protect your job?

Ohio vote shows unions still a political force

2011-11-09T08:50:00.000-05:00

Ohio vote shows unions still a political force - CBS News
Labor unions are celebrating one of their biggest victories in decades after turning back an Ohio law that curbed collective bargaining rights for the state's public workers.
The vote showed unions are still a potent political force that can't be ignored.

This is big for Michigan too.
The unions won this one BIG Time.
Will they continue to prevail?

City elections: Muskegon Heights Mayor Darrell Paige wins; Muskegon City Commissioner Clara Shepherd loses | MLive.com

2011-11-09T08:39:00.000-05:00

City elections: Muskegon Heights Mayor Darrell Paige wins; Muskegon City Commissioner Clara Shepherd loses MLive.com

Lots of local election coverage!

Result of Norton Shores Ward 2 City Council race unknown until write-in candidates certified

2011-11-09T08:38:00.000-05:00

Result of Norton Shores Ward 2 City Council race unknown until write-in candidates certified MLive.com
The write-in candidates are: Nick Dreliozis, Scott Drier, and Cindy Jurkas.
Typically, the vote totals for write-in candidates are available within a week or so.

Muskegon County Election Results

2011-11-09T08:37:00.000-05:00

Muskegon County Election Results
The Unofficial November 8, 2011 election results for Muskegon County will be published on this site.

click on "All Results" on left.

Herman Cain confirmed to appear in Kalamazoo on Thursday

2011-11-08T21:10:00.000-05:00

Herman Cain confirmed to appear in Kalamazoo on Thursday MLive.com
It's official — Herman Cain is coming to Kalamazoo on Thursday.

According to an e-mail from Jack Hoogendyk's blog, Core Principles, Cain will appear at Pine West, 2425 South 11th Street in Kalamazoo at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday.

The stop will come a day after Cain, and seven other candidates, participate in a GOP primary debate at Oakland University.

More information is available my e-mailing michigan@hermancain.com

Muskegon County plans open house celebrating transportation center's 10th anniversary

2011-11-08T11:05:00.001-05:00

Muskegon County plans open house celebrating transportation center's 10th anniversary MLive.com
The event, scheduled for 4-5:30 p.m., is open to the public and will feature tours of the 30,000-square-foot facility that serves as the base of operations for the Muskegon Area Transit System.
The Muskegon County Board of Public Works also is set to host its monthly meeting at 3:30 p.m. at the center.

Note location change for Public Works board meeting.
THURSDAY-Nov. 10!

EyeOnMuskegon - Muskegon Summer Celebration

2011-11-06T18:36:00.000-05:00

EyeOnMuskegon - YouTube
11-6-2011

And While You Are At It

2011-11-05T14:14:00.000-04:00

RightMichigan.com And While You Are At It
2011 SB 638.
A bill to designate English as the official state language; to provide certain rights; and to provide the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials.
Senators KAHN, GREEN, COLBECK, WALKER, BRANDENBURG, HANSEN and PAPPAGEORGE are right on target in sponsoring this legislation that will save state government in a number of ways.

Give Sen Hansen a call and tell him you support him on this issue!
You can be sure the opponents are melting his phones!
(517) 373-1635

How does the launch of the MLive Media Group affects the Muskegon Chronicle

2011-11-03T10:54:00.000-04:00

How does the launch of the MLive Media Group affects the Muskegon Chronicle MLive.com
Q: What is going to happen to our local newspaper employees?
A: Chronicle Editor Cindy Fairfield has voluntarily left The Chronicle; the interim editor is Peg West, currently a local news editor at The Grand Rapids Press.

Montague mayor's death, a week before election, sends officials scrambling to find answers

2011-11-02T20:12:00.000-04:00

Montague mayor's death, a week before election, sends officials scrambling to find answers MLive.com
Montague Mayor Henry Roesler Jr.'s death Tuesday sent election officials scrambling to find out what it means for next Tuesday's election.

The answer: Based on state law, it appears that Roesler's sole opponent for mayor, 32-year-old Kevin Erb, will automatically win the election.

You can't change public policy unless you run.
Good for you Mr. Erb!

Final list of candidates, proposals for Nov. 8 election in Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Northwest Ottawa counties

2011-11-02T17:48:00.000-04:00

Final list of candidates, proposals for Nov. 8 election in Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Northwest Ottawa counties MLive.com
Wondering who is running for what in the Nov. 8 election?
Here is the final list, which includes all potential write-in candidates.

Plus the county clerk's site:
http://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/elections/index.html

Progress made at 2 toxic hot spots in Michigan

2011-11-02T07:35:00.000-04:00

Progress made at 2 toxic hot spots in Michigan MLive.com
Deer Lake and Muskegon Lake are among 43 sites designated by the U.S. and Canada as environmental "areas of concern" in 1987.

"Toxic"?
To whom or what?
Another word dumbed down by our increasingly dumber media.

Who authorized Turkia Mullin's severance pay? Nobody in Wayne County seems to know

2011-10-28T06:55:00.000-04:00

Who authorized Turkia Mullin's severance pay? Nobody in Wayne County seems to know MLive.com
“We have a system that does not have checks and balances,” said Commission Bernard Parker.
“I think that’s a serious flaw.
I think it’s something that we as a commission need to look at because it was $200,000.
It could have been a million dollars.”

Why not a full review here in Muskegon to make sure we don't have a similar problem in the future?

Sen. Goeff Hansen to hold 'coffee hours' in November

2011-10-27T21:06:00.000-04:00

Sen. Goeff Hansen to hold 'coffee hours' in November MLive.com
The scheduled “coffee hours” are:

• 9-10:15 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Book Nook & Java Shop, 8726 Ferry, in Montague;

• 10:30-11:45 a.m. Nov. 7 at Gary's Restaurant, 906 E. Colby, in Whitehall;

• 8-9:15 a.m. Nov. 11 at Ravenna Roundtable, 12396 Stafford, in Ravenna; and,

• 10-11:15 a.m. Nov. 11 at Tanglewood Park, 560 Seminole, in Norton Shores.

Muskegon Summer Celebration ends

2011-10-27T11:21:00.000-04:00

Muskegon Summer Celebration ends News Muskegon News
MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) - The Muskegon Summer Celebration Board of Trustees has decided not to bring the annual festival back in 2012.
In a press release, the Board reports that the past few years have been "tough financially" and could not risk further set backs.
"This has been an extremely agonizing decision for the Board," said Bryon Mazade, Board Chair, in the press release.
"We looked at different plans and ideas to move forward, but didn't feel we could overcome past debt."

Muskegon County to consider wind-farm lease for wastewater site Tuesday

2011-10-25T09:50:00.000-04:00

Muskegon County to consider wind-farm lease for wastewater site Tuesday MLive.com
The Public Works board meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Hall of Justice, 990 Terrace, in Muskegon.
A regular county board meeting is set to follow the Public Works board meeting.

EyeOnMuskegon-show prep 10-30-2011 Muskegon's new jail

2011-10-25T09:13:00.004-04:00

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/08/aclu_joins_muskegon_group_in_o.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/02/muskegon_county_jails_poor_con.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/03/muskegon_county_considers_fina.html

MSU this morning!

2011-10-24T10:25:00.000-04:00

Wow! I just blew off most of the morning and watched the BigTen channel replay of the MSU/Wisc football game.
Wow!
So much more satisfying to see the game with a giddy smile on my face rather than the awful dread that accompanies my Spartan TV viewing over most of the last 44 years.
I did watch it on TV Sat. night but the heebie-jeebies only allowed for about 30 seconds of "happy" before the final call.
I am a season ticket holder but gave my tix away because the late start would have made it tough for me to be at my best for Sunday morning's EyeOnMuskegon radio show.
Since my guest didn't show up, it was a great call.......except I missed one of the greatest games in Spartan history....doh!
I guess the "show" rules.
If you get a chance to see it on BTC, do it.
They shortened it and it's all Spartan satisfaction.
Go Green!

EyeOnMuskegon 10-23-2011-Muskegon's bus system

2011-10-24T09:56:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0mFoRIMJAc

Flu Vaccinations

2011-10-24T07:50:00.000-04:00

Last year I asked Honeybunch (a health professional) if I should get a flu shot.
She said "you idiot, you've had the flu 3 times in the last 3 years. Get a freakin' flu shot.
I got the shot and......voila!
No flu for me.
Get a shot and save money!

Flu Vaccinations: Cost
Seasonal flu shot $27
Seasonal flu mist $37
Pneumonia shot $52

Anyone can receive a seasonal flu vaccination at the public health department, however, the public health department is unable to bill Medicare or health insurance programs other than Medicaid. If you have Medicare, we recommend either getting a seasonal flu shot at your doctor's office, at a pharmacy, or through Mercy Visiting Nurse Services (VNS).

Mercy VNS 2011 community flu shot clinic schedule. ($30)
Hours
Monday through Friday
Noon until 4:30 pm

Please call (231) 724-1220 to confirm vaccine availability.

Today!

2011-10-22T08:56:00.000-04:00

Occupy Muskegon
Reminder: General Assembly Today At Noon, Hackley Park.

Sen. Goeff Hansen explains his vote against the Detroit-to-Windsor Bridge project

2011-10-21T10:41:00.000-04:00

Sen. Goeff Hansen explains his vote against the Detroit-to-Windsor Bridge project MLive.com
A plan to build a bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, was defeated Thursday by the state Senate's Economic Development Committee.
Sen. Goeff Hansen, a member of the committee, was one of three Republicans who voted against the proposal.
In a statement, Hansen explained his vote.

Imagine an elected official explaining, in simple english, his reasons for his vote.
What a concept!
Keep it up Goeff!
Maybe Goeff's candor will start a fad among our other elected politicians?
Don't bet on it.
Stealth, in the shadows government suit most Muskegon electeds just fine.
And that's just WRONG!

Smart Meters-Dumb customers and intrusive government!

2011-10-21T10:30:00.000-04:00

This is really big government at its worst.
Anyone remember the book "1984"?
Click the link to see a letter you can send to your electric company that will (I hope!) stop this intrusion into you home.

Path to 'Light Freedom' Bill Passage Still Unclear [Michigan Capitol Confidential]

2011-10-21T07:52:00.000-04:00

Path to 'Light Freedom' Bill Passage Still Unclear [Michigan Capitol Confidential]: House Bill 4815 would allow Michigan residents to continue purchasing the federally banned light bulbs as long as they were produced in the state. The key to the measure is the argument that Congress has no authority to regulate commerce that takes place entirely within the boundaries of a single state. Currently no light bulbs are produced in Michigan, but Rep. McMillin says that could change if the bill were enacted.

Show prep for Sunday's show-Muskegon MATS-Buses-Tom Gantert

2011-10-20T21:45:00.001-04:00

MATS website: http://www.matsbus.com/

County union contracts http://co.muskegon.mi.us/humanresources/laborcontracts.htm

Transportation committee minutes:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/committee_agendas.cfm

County budget-Transportation-MATS (pg 500-516):
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/budget/line_item_a2012.pdf

Muskegon Chronicle links:
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/08/muskegon_county_buses_may_driv.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/03/students_night_workers_could_b.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/09/muskegon_county_picks_site_see.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/05/riders_excited_about_new_night.html

Mackinac links:
http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/article.aspx?ID=15879&print=yes

http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/15636

http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/8190

http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/article.aspx?ID=15873&print=yes

Sen. Goeff Hansen explains his vote against the Detroit-to-Windsor Bridge project

2011-10-20T17:28:00.000-04:00

Sen. Goeff Hansen explains his vote against the Detroit-to-Windsor Bridge project MLive.com
A plan to build a bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, was defeated Thursday by the state Senate's Economic Development Committee.
Sen. Goeff Hansen, a member of the committee, was one of three Republicans who voted against the proposal.
In a statement, Hansen explained his vote.

No politician can please everyone every time but Sen. Goeff Hansen seems to believe that doing your homework, researching and asking questions about big spending, communicating with your constituents and publicly fielding questions from your detractors is a way to do the job with honor.

What a concept!

I'm still confused on the "Bridge" but I am very confident that Sen. Hansen will make an honest analysis and vote for the interests of our entire state and his constituents in West Michigan.

Don't let up Goeff, we're watching!

Today's Muskegon County board-Transportation

2011-10-20T13:30:00.000-04:00

http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/committee_agendas.cfm

http://www.matsbus.com/

New jail?!!! Communication "Muskegon County Board of Commissioners" style.

2011-10-19T19:07:00.001-04:00

New jail-New Taxes?

These "planning sessions" are important discussions about our county's future and by law must be open to the public.

The only notification of this next meeting is posted outside of the 4th floor board room in the county building.

No mention on the website.

They really don't want you to attend.

They'll be talking about the need for a new jail. And they'd just as soon you sleep in!

Next time a county commissioner tells you they value citizen input, you should know they don't really mean it.

We at EyeOnMuskegon do want you to attend and here's how.
If you have time, I'll be at Carmen's Cafe (downtown Muskegon Clay/Terrace) from 12:30-1:15 and we can chat about the upcoming planning session.

Otherwise we'll meet at the South campus training room 202, 133 E Apple at 1:30.
Call me at 231-421-4409 if you have any questions or e-mail me at EyeOnMuskegon@gmail.com.

EyeOnMuskegon this Sunday-City bus service-Good deal or more money down the drain?

2011-10-19T17:22:00.002-04:00

This Sunday, Oct. 23 we will talk about Muskegon's "MATS".

That's "Muskegon Area Transportation System".

The buses and trolleys we all see zipping around town.

The federal government spends millions on our system.

The state spends hundreds of thousands.

And Muskegon county taxpayers subsidize more hundreds of thousands to keep the system going.

Good deal or not?

My guest will be senior capitol correspondent Tom Gantert of the Mackinac Center. (http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/bio.aspx?ID=597)
Tune in to WKBZ 1090AM this Sunday morning at 9:00 and join in our community conversation.
Or listen on line at http://www.newstalk1090.com/main.html.
Give us a call at 231-830-3109 or just sit back and listen...and learn how your taxdollars are really spent!
See you Sunday!

Gordo's Musings

2011-10-18T15:03:00.000-04:00

I always tip waaay more (%) for breakfast and lunch than I do at dinner. The servers work just about the same (or more!) but the total check is much less. Plus the servers seem to be more friendly. Who'd of guessed?

Do the leaders of Muskegon (city) really want folks to visit? The stop lights never seem to synchronized.
Plus all the stopping/starting because of the non-syncd lights uses more gas and pollution. I guess living "green" is for others if it involves effort on behalf of the city. Bummer!

It seems to me that the ads the USPS has run on TV and radio bleating about how tough it is to run their monopoly sort of lose credibility when they close on Columbus day.

Why do we even allow elections to happen in months other than November? Everyone knows they only have them in order to keep the vote down so the special interests can win an election they would otherwise lose.

Wow! 6000 hits!

2011-10-18T14:39:00.002-04:00

Today's County commission-THE PROBLEM!

2011-10-18T08:56:00.002-04:00

This "item for consideration" from today's county Ways and Means committee agenda is classic "Muskegon" politics.

1. "In an effort to be efficient with current resources...". What the heck does that mean?
2. What do these "reclassifications" mean to the county and to the taxpayer? More spending?
3. "General fund is a net zero adjustment..". OK...what does that mean?

The county's biggest problem is not "general fund" spending it is the unfunded "Cadillac" benefits given to employees and retirees that is tied to every raise that every employee receives. How does "reclassification" affect our biggest problem which is we are making promises we can't afford to deliver?????

Not one commissioner knows what the answer is to any of these questions.
I doubt that any will even ask and/or receive a clear answer from administrator Hammersley.
And the pay increase shifting will continue in stealth mode as the union insiders continue their stranglehold on our county.

Don't we expect our county leaders to know what they are voting for BEFORE they vote?

Is Nancy (But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.) Pelosi the role model for our elected county leaders?

Don't they know we trusted them to do their job with honesty, hard work and integrity?

Don't they know we're broke?

This is going on in municipalities across the country.

And it is wrong!

Amtrak Subsidies vs. Megabus Private Enterprise

2011-10-18T06:57:00.000-04:00

Amtrak Subsidies vs. Megabus Private Enterprise [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
If someone were to purchase an Amtrak ticket for a Nov. 7 trip from Detroit to Chicago and then return the same day, the cost would be $32 each way, or $64 round trip.
But Cox cites a 2008 study by the Pew Charitable Trusts that reports Amtrak lost $55 per rider on each leg of the Detroit-Chicago route.
.....By comparison, the same roundtrip from Detroit to Chicago and back again on Megabus would take two extra minutes each way, but the Megabus roundtrip ticket costs $25.

So we take taxpayer dollars to subsidize at choo choo train that puts a taxpaying business out of business.
And the same is true in cities like Muskegon with their bus system.
Take tax dollars from tax payers to put a tax paying business out of business.......it's the democrat way!

Occupy Muskegon

2011-10-17T09:37:00.001-04:00

From their facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Occupy-Muskegon/277622115601345
Occupy Muskegon
General Assemblies everyday at 12:00 in Hackley Park!

EVERY day?!!!
It's startin' to sound like a job......I wonder how that will go over......