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."
Following Muskegon county news.
Friday, November 19, 2010
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."
"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."
"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"
"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.”"
"“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."
"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.”"
"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"
"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!
"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
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."
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!
"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......
"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.”
“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.
"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.
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?
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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