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November 23 They're At It, Again !ALERT! ALERT!
The Muncie City Council has scheduled a Special Meeting for tommorow (11/24/09), Tuesday at 5:30 pm at City Hall.
The objective, as we undestand it is to introduce a (Fire) Hydrant Fee. Said fee will ultimately be an additional charge to your water bill. This is the alternative revenue stream to the $600,000.00+ line item in the MFD budget that they cut earlier this month. November 22 Counting Our Blessings It's close to Thanksgiving and nothing says " I am grateful for the blessings in life " - like pre-emptive jumps on the campaign wagon. It's the season of peace, tranquility, shopping until your AMEX bursts into flames at your local department store. It also means getting the jump on what promises to be a Pay Back Political Spring. Keep in mind we still have to get through the end of Autumn and Winter. A good campaigner knows " ya gotta get there first and get there hard. " Now, in truth, if I were chasing an elected office ( which I am not...that sounds about as much fun as walked through Hell, wearing a gasoline g-string ), I'd be after the early bucks and support, too - especially if The Payback Primary was in my future. In some aspects, it is, as I do live in Muncie, Indiana and many of those people will be knocking on my door, promising me everything I could ever wish for, short of an Ansari - designed boob job.
The players and campaigner - all with something to gain - will be hustling good will and votes.
Good freakin' luck. Some of them have put have a hurtin' on this city and county for a very long time. Some folks, with memories as short as their penis - his, or penis-hers', will not remember what was done on their dimes. Or, if they do and they just happen to mention whatever it is that really ticked them off about Mr. or Ms. I Wanna Be Your ( insert elected office here ) will surely be regaled about the many hours he or she put in, trying to circumvent what The Other Side did to upset Mr and Ms Registered Voter. Meanwhile, back at Payback Central...in my head, it's like the WW2 War Room in London, where women stand around a gigantic map, moving miniature candidates and their volunteers around town...sequestered in a backfroom, the Big Daddies' and Big Mamas' will be keeping an eye on the action, via CCTV and cell phones. The mindset will be not " if we win, " but " when we win. " The " we " in this scenario is NOT The People of Muncie and Delaware County, Indiana - the " we " would be the real folks who work this town. Pretty much like Sherman worked Atlanta, but with alot less arson. The effects on the people are almost identical, though. People in a rush to leave a town destined to be left to waste, as the More Powerful can lay waste to a town and it's people. The People, knowing what is coming, but seem incapable of fighting off the onslaught, except for a few hardy souls who will fight for what's left of their town.
What is at stake ?
On the face of it...not much, you might think ? Who wants to be King Of A Shattered County And Town ? Lots of folks, as it turns out.
Some of them, who have fed at the public trough for many, many years, find it almost " a calling. " We may be a small city and we may seem poor as a church mouse, but wielding power over our lives fuels them and their ambitions. Many have sold their souls at the door and many have been guilty of dragging us down with them - although they emerged clean and prosperous, but leaving the rest of us to wallow in a stagnant morass of whatever mess they managed to create, but escape.
When you take time to remember your blessings, remember the people who have little reason to be grateful, this year. Count yourselves among them, because although you may not realize it yet, those who will soon be at your door, smiling and armed with full color brochures have poorly represented The People. I am will agree that all of them are not self-serving pigs at the public trough, but those are few and far between.
When you say your prayers at Thanksgiving, be grateful for those few people who do show us a little Love. November 19 Continuing On.... When we last were discussing my irritation with the local medical practioners, I had to lay it aside for awhile.
It was still a bit raw in my mind and in my heart. I wanted to be very clear about what I wanted to say and how best to say it.
First, it should be said I do have layered health issues - most of them are of the autoimmune nature. I've been jumping through medical hoops for about five and a half years - tests, meds, tests, injections, meds, more tests, etc. If you or someone you know has RA, SLE, Sjogrens, Hashimoto's or anyone of numerous disorders / diseases, you will understand. Last year, at about the time my father was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, I was hobbling around town - and trying my best to figure out the least worrisome lie to lay on Dad. " You lie to your father !? " You betcha. He knows it, I know it and we are both alot happier if I do. He was in Ball Memorial Hospital, stunned and frightened by the diagnosis and I was meeting scheduled appointments to determine " now what the Hell is wrong with me. " I told Dad I was seeing my dentist. Lord only knows what went through his mind. How many times can anyone see a dentist in a week or two ?
I was being CT'ed, MRI'ed, EMG'ed, fluid tested, injected and, finally, dejected when after numerous tests and medications and injections which did nothing to help, I had reached the breaking point. I had esatablished a schedule for what I was told to expect - surgery. That window came and went and I put life on hold to get through the holidays and to help my stepmother, Happy Pants King, care for Dad. I thought - after the first of the year, I'll push for surgery. More bone scans and EMG's. I knew my orthopod would surely notice my mobility was becoming more and more impaired and sleeping through the night was impossible. I'd toss and turn, trying to find the right position, without pain. So, with a sense of " now, we'll get the show on the road, " I went for my next scheduled appointment, who did confirm the problems, but while acknowledging the injections and orals meds, didn't work, decided we would continue that course of action / inaction. I picked up my bag and holding back tears of pure frustration and anger, said " I think I am done here " and walked out to my car and started crying in white fury. Those who have experienced a woman who cries in anger will understand that this woman is more dangerous than a Great White Shark circling a bleeding swimmer. Suddenly, climbing into a steel reinforced cage with a loaded bang stick will make all the sense in the world.
I came home, once I could stop screaming and started researching. My answer would never be found with local specialists - the answer would come elsewhere and from doctors who loved the art of medicine more than they loved their portfolio's and million dollar homes.
First, I needed to regain strength and stamina. Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc. had taken it's toll, along with joint issues which may or may not have been related. Indiana had been particularly cold for Summer, so I went in search of warmth and pools. I needed to detox from the meds, as well as other lifestyle choices. For a solid month, I pushed myself harder than I ever imagined I could, but there was much to consider and alot more at stake. There was one moment with a blood test and the inability of a young woman to get a good stick on me. It's been a problem since birth. I said to the young girl, who happened to be Muslim - " Don't worry, you'll hit it. " She smiled shyly and quietly murmured " Inshallah. " Great...I knew Catholic God was pissed off at me and I was fairly certain Protestant God was going to be showing me any love, so I was left with Allah ? I am screwed. "
I finally left my comfort level and arrived at the hospital of my choice. Within two hours, I had been xrayed, fluids collected and the heart tests. I was a " go " for surgery. Not two, as I had expected but one and it was not what I had expected. As the tests had borne out, I had been misdiagnosed and one issue completely escaped all the tests I had been enduring for over a year. I had to sit down, stunned. The bigger surprise was " When do you want to schedule the surgery ? " HUH !? In that moment, I knew I was in a whole new arena of medicine and how it is practiced. " How about day after tomorrow ? " WOW ! Yeah, party on, Doc. Then, there came one itsy - bitsy moment of concern. I was told the surgery - a total knee replacement - would be performed under local anesthesia. I tried to explain to my surgeon that I am usually much happier with Total Sensory Deprivation and most people actually prefer that I am laid out with TSD. They disagreed. It was obvious - these folks had no idea what they were dealing with and somewhere in my mind, I could hear Mother doing her best snarky heeheehee. I decided there might be room for some negotiation. The first and ONLY time I ever had an epidural resulted in leaving Ball Memorial Hospital with a baby. That was Number One - NO Babies. Second, if I had to be awake, I certainly didn't want to hear them sawing away, so what about taking my mp3 player with me. They agreed. Very cool. Between Mitch Ryder, Steve Tyrell, Frank Sinatra and John Mellencamp, I'd be ok. So, negotiations done, I agreed to return at the appointed time in a day and a half - for the knee replacement of my choice.
I spent the next 36 hours totally relaxed and happy.
In my spacious private room, I was relaxing - doing logic puzzles and generally waiting to get the show on the road.
The nurse came in to prep me. Fine. No problem. Believe me, in all of my surgical situations, I had been through the mill with surgical preps - one included the Charge Nurse on the surgical floor ay our local hospital sending a man in to prep a barely into puberty girl for surgery and me losing my mind. Y'all feel me ? You know what I am getting at ? After that, Hell...bring it on, baybee, bring it on !
She began to shave my leg, showing a stunned surprise that my leg was smooth and shaved. Well, it was warm weather. If she had to do this in the Winter months, she would have required a machete. Seriously, that's another reason I love Winter. Much less maintenance. I am just That Lazy. Hey, I am older than God and it's not like I use the lower parts that much, so why bother ? But, if you swim in warm months, you are pretty much forced to shave. If you don't, those folks who hunt for Bigfoot will track your furry body down and bag you. She didn't stop at the leg. I looked down and said " Hey ! They aren't replacing THAT ! " She explained about the catheter - another word I do not like, but came to appreciate. I laid back and thought - " Great...I'll be flying home and the side effets will be driving me nuts and I'll probably get arrested for suspected self-gratification. "
I was wheeled down to the surgical unit and the entire team was in the hall to say hello.
The anesthesiologist went right to work and I know the coup de grace was coming because two assistants were on bolstering me. I was imagining a needle the size and with all the power of a Hellfire missile. Yep...it wasn't great, but what the Hell. Soon, a nice warmth started spreading down my lower body. Itfelt so good I was considering asking for a cigarette. Then, they lifted my legs into the stirrups and I was having flashbacks..." Hey, remember what I said - NO BABY ! " I plugged into my mp3 player, gave the doc the " let's do it " thumbs up and started thinking happy thoughts, interrupted by occasional outbursts of lyrics - " Good Golly, Miss Molly, you sure like to ball ! " Time sort of drifted by, but I was reliving what I could remember of my yippee days and pretty ignored what was happening.
I came through surgery very well, with little discomfort, except for the removal of the drainage tube and the horrendous thirst Sjogrens patients know all too well. Those small sips of water didn't cut it. That's when I became clever. I pointed into another area of the room and when the nurse turned to look, I snatched the pitcher. This was an old trick I learned years back on another surgical experience. Only I was about 5 or 6 and I managed to climb out of the pediatric cage and snatched another kids' water.
Later, back in my room, the surgeon came in and asked about the pain I was having on admittance. It was gone. Gone !
Within no time at all, the PT people arrived to get me back on my feet and mobile. I was still mourning the loss of my catheter...peeing was alot easier and effortless.
In three days time, I was walking, walking steps - " Good girls ( knees ) go up, bad girls ( knees ) go down. " Trust me, I was laughing so hard at that point, the girls weren't going anywhere and I had to explain why. Three days, post-op, I was released and able to climb stairs. I was babying the knee, yet working on mobility at the same time. Without my friend, The Cane. In ten days, I was released from any treatment.
During my period of recovery, I was making a list of doctors to fire.
I was also wondering, could my new favorite doctor remove my foot from my soon to be fired local orthopods' ass.
Just something to ponder.
If anyone is curious as to whom, what, where and how to get better medical care, please email me. You don't have to suffer.
November 15 Well...They Did It...AgainOnce again, the Muncie City Council acted without conscience or consideration for the people whose interests they have sworn to serve. I will say Council Members Gregory, Conatser and Polk tried to address those concerns, but were voted down and the people were not allowed to speak to the issue.
November 12 We Don't Have To Roll Over And Play Dead !Important information on what you as taxpayers can do about the budget problems.It might be important to note that inspite of the Administration’s and City Council’s ability to resolve an Annual Budget to the satisfaction of the Taxpayers (remember the taxpayers?), there is an alternative to consider….IC 6-1.1-17-13 provides for the Taxpayers to force a hearing in front of the DLGF (the FINAL authority on the City Budget) to address their concerns and objections. If there are those interested in signing on to such an effort, please communicate that interest with the CDCPTR at: webmaster@propertytaxrepeal.com Lay Down With Dogs And Get Fleas ! The rush is on to rescue LOIT, in spite of an overwhelmingly negative response from the community.
Now, how best to do this ??? Remember, we are dealing with people who have, for decades, kept us down, dumb and scared to speak up and out. The solution is simple : forget what your lying eyes see, believe what we tell you to see and hear. Slap a coat of paint on tired old rhetoric and wheel out a few faces not well known as the usual cast of puppets, but with hearts every bit as wooden as The Puppet Masters.
My reaction is disgust and frustration...but, I am also more determined than ever to stand up and work to help this city and county defend itself from those who have sworn to serve the public interest, but have lied time and time again, all in the name of what best serves Their Interests.
A lie is a lie is a lie...and those who perpetuate those lies and who make every effort to shove another tax down the throats of a city and county is detestable and those who deliver those messages are liars. Liars who will rob us blind. There DOES seem to be a pattern and a history precedent in their actions, words and deeds.
Muncie, Indiana...Delaware County...stand up and say NO to LOIT ! Say NO to those who would tax us to our graves and beyond.
November 03 Damned Straight !Just a timeless comment…short and sweetWe were sitting at city council and I remarked something about Muncie moving into the 21st century. My buddy, Deborah, blurted out “You expect them to be like the Jetsons when they can’t even keep up with the Flintstones?” I thought the woman sitting in front of me would die laughing. It was a great line…thought I would share it with you. Thank you to www.munciepolitics.wordpress.com A Night At The Opera...OK, I Lied...But, It Was Still TheaterCity Council 11-2-09 (Or Why I Like Living in Muncie, Indiana)After a whirlwind evening of Delaware County government meetings, Tuesday has finally arrived. Basking in the afterglow after a fantastic night of theatrics, one can now understand why I like living in Muncie. City council members all took their respective places and after the Pledge of Allegiance and the invocation the show began. “Slashing” Sam Marshall took to the budget with a zeal never before seen. In a loud voice and a nearly perfect recital of departments and account numbers he cut 12 jobs, water fee and utilities. No surprises on what positions were cut, but how in the world are we going to power our city? Well, since the city council governs like it is 1850, we may as well live without 21st century amenities. Mayor McShurley took to the podium and true to form, as soon as she began to speak, Councilperson Barton had a question. The mayor asked politely if she could finish. Mary Jo Barton, with her gracious southern charm, allowed her to speak. See what happens when people work together? The administration has finally received the insurance costs. Insurance premiums can be increased, saving the city $1,500,000.00. You could see the calculating mind of Ms. Barton as she tried desperately to compute the figures. “Employees pay more. That’s unheard of”, she exclaimed. Perhaps it is such a shock to her because she is so ill informed on what people in the private and public sector pay. Pay more insurance, keep your job. Pay less for insurance, lose your job. That is a tough call. Not! Brad Polk, a member of the finance committee, was unaware of these cuts. Which brings up a point, if city council is unable or unwilling to work with its own members, how can you expect these people to actually govern our city? Most have no business holding these seats. Mr. Polk also suggested cutting 911 service by $500,000.00. Total cut 2 million dollars and no jobs are lost. The budget was passed 7 yeas, with Conatser voting to “move it along”. Gregory and Polk voted no. City council members are so predictable. Most of us can see this for what it really is. I guess they think the citizens are stupid. Many of the ordinances received a suspension of rules, allowing city council to vote to approve immediately. Ordinance #62-09 requesting a transfer of funds from the mayor’s edit plan to have station 4’s lot paved was passed. Chief Burcham thanked the mayor for her assistance. Not to be undone, Marshall thanked Chief Burcham for keeping the council apprised on this request. Two outdated ordinances, one from 1968 and another from 1991 were introduced. Basically a raise in fees. No biggy. Chief Davis spoke on ordinance #68-09. This ordinance would allow the city to collect $6.00 additional for every traffic violation. The money would be placed in an account and be untouchable, only to be used for retaining police officers. You see, Chief Davis has applied for a grant which will allow the return of 5 laid off officers to the force. Once the grant runs out, the city will need to pick up the tab. Chief Davis has brought a solution. I have the utmost respect for both Chief Davis and Chief Burcham. I truly believe both work hard for their departments and the city. We are fortunate to have them, make no mistake about it. Then a standard ordinance of transferring funds from the motor vehicle fund to pay for the paving bill. The rule was not suspended, which I find odd. The money is there, the company needs paid and it really is a no-brainer. Jim Arnold asked President Quirk how they planned to pay the water bill and keep the lights on. Hydrant fee…no real answer on the lights. President Quirk fumbled throughout the evening. She was really off her game. I wonder who will be president next year? You can almost bet your life, anything the mayor brings before the council will be delayed or voted down, but not before Ms. Barton plays the 20 questions game. The video of city council should be on Citizens of Delaware County for Property Tax Repeal. Muncie Star Press 12 Jobs Cut article Remember: Good government begins with YOU! Election: 2010 Election: 2011 Thank you to www.munciepolitics.wordpress.com From Natasha on The Frontlines !Here's the edited version of the exciting CHAINSAW budget cuts approved last night by City Council. Here's hoping Nick will have a detailed article in the paper today. If not, ponder these actions.
Sam Marshall was spewing the categories out so fast, the citizens couldn't always keep up. Let's just hit the highlights for those of you not lucky enough to be in attendance. Almost every category has small cuts in Soc. Sec., Perf, Supplies, Medicaid etc. Let's not list those just the MAJOR eye openers.
Dept. of Mayor:
Mayor - $4,528, Deputy - $48,000, Assistant - $27,000, Health insurance - $16,000, Promotion - $4,000, Subscriptions & Dues - $1,000. Total Cuts $104K (Axed Shirey, Assistant)
Dept. of Accounting :
Controller - $2,009, Purchasing - $34,000, Payroll - $1,659, Health insurance - $8,000. Total Cuts $78K. (Axed Wagley)
Dept. of Clerk:
Clerk - $1,535, Deputy Clerk - $1,177, Health insurance - $30,000. Total Cuts $104K.
Data Processing :
I'm not sure. Something was $243K.....if that was cuts it may have been the whole dept. which I believe we have advocated for in the past.
Dept. of Law:
- 50K
City Court Judge - $2,000, Probation - $2,091, Court Recorder - $1,196, Bailiff - $11,338, Public Defender - $1,560, Courty Secrty. - $1,133.
Dept. of Bldg. Commissioner:
Commissioner - $1,678, Plumbing Inspect. - $1,285, Electric Inspect. - $1,393, Zoning - $37,604, Secrty. #2-$29,290, Health insurance - $20,500. Total Cuts $96K.
Dept. of Personnel:
Director - $1,535, Specialist - $1,052, Sectry. PT - $13,711. Total Cuts $16K.
Animal Shelter:
Super. - $1,478, Control - ??? (I was talking), Health insurance - $8,000, Gas - $2,000, Other Services $17,983. Total Cuts $62K.
Merit Commission:
Fire Tests - $23,557, Testing Site - $398, Police Application Exam - $2,600, Oral Exam - $4,000, Site - $390, Advertising - $800. Total Cuts ???
Human Rights:
Director - $1,520, Investigator - $1,344. Total Cuts 3K.
Board of Works:
Electricity & Lights - $315,000, Repairs - $15,000, Other Services - $75,000. Total Cuts $405K. Muncie "City of NO lights!" The council likes to keep us "in the dark," that's for sure.
Police Dept.:
Chief - $1,000, Deputy - $2,000, Office Mgr. - $1,139, Investigative Clerk - $31,748, Records Clerk - $30,601, Overtime - $50,000, GAS & OIL - $100K. Total Cuts $254K.
Fire Dept.:
Chief - $1,480, WATER - $625K. Total Cuts $626K. The council likes to keep us nice and dry as well as in the dark.
Common Council:
Somebody(ies) - $6,603, Attorney-Legal - $3,000. Total Cuts $13K.
Other Services:
$361,000 in Cuts.
General Fund Total Cuts: $1,500,000.43!!!!!
I guess Beech Grove is outside the GF as it was mentioned afterward. Where are Parks and Rec? Are they in public works?
Beech Grove Cemetery:
Secrty. - $29,960, Supplies & Gas & Oil - $2,000, Garage - $800, Other - $800, Lawn supplies - $3,000. Total Cuts $39K. (Marshall commented that this was additional cuts, as about 60K had been previously cut from this budget.)
The votes for the question on considering these amendments passed 6-3 with all in favor EXCEPT Polk, Gregory and Conatser.
The votes for passing this budget as AMENDED passed 7-2 with only Polk and Gregory voting NO! Conatser said he "wanted to move it along."
Remember, the above data is incomplete. The above are the highlights. Obviously, with the exception of Polk and Gregory the council wanted to slash and burn the budget and make a point by crippling departments that are vital to any city. It is an "in your face" farce to everyone involved. The mayor said she had an alternative with 1.5 million in health insurance costs with a 4 tiered employee contribution plan. Mary Jo (I guess speaking for the council) told the Mayor "they didn't need her help now, they did it and she didn't think they would."
Polk offered pursuing the $500K overpayment to the 911 dispatch center. Jim Arnold summed it up well at the end of the meeting. He said "the council sharpened their pencils and got out their cost cutter scissors". He recommended taking the Mayor's 1.5 million $ plan, Polk's $500K suggestion and some of the councils cuts and the city would have about $3 million in savings next year. He also asked an important question: Who is going to leave the lights on and how will the fire department function without water????? After suggesting a hydrant fee and/or insurance payment on active fire calls he got something rare: a round of applause from about 8-10 firefighters!!!! Go figure.
I hope you enjoyed this summary and read more about it in the SP and on www.munciepolitics.wordpress.com. It's a great site.
Thank you, Natasha for the update and a thank you to Boris for working through the night to get it ALL on video.
November 02 Almost Three Years On... Since the moment taxpayers began receiving out of control property assessments which did not bode well for the taxpayers of Muncie and Delaware County ( actually, this was a statewide issue ), the voices of the people soon became faces familiar to each other and to the Muncie City Council, as well as the Delaware County Commissioners. Not that those faces meant anything more than names and numbers in a poll book. When small groups of concerned citizens bonded and banded together, their voices became one and they became impossible to silence. Although God knows They tried.
Before anyone jumps for joy over a few progressive steps forward, let us stop for one moment and remember there is still more to do and also to reflect what has been done to those who worked so hard to help bring about " change. " Their work, their dedication and their sense of community was never in question, but they have been hounded, stalked, hassled and slandered...for starters. That's called " Politics in Muncie, Indiana. "
Oh, its' dark history goes back many years, which is one reason finding good people for the right jobs can be difficult. Very few people can withstand an onslaught of unwarranted personal attacks and, at times, the physical threats. You see, Muncie is a very small pond, but alot of people have made a good living swallowing up the small fish. Visit an aquarium - the resemblance is striking. Even down to the feeders who swim alongside and sometime attached to the sharks who circle their prey, feeding off the leavings. We have those too.
Muncie, Indiana is indeed A City In Transition.
We are making yet another change in how we live, how and where we work and how we think. Those who are not afraid to think ahead - to find a vision for this city and to work toward it, rather than to stay mired in a past which has, in all truth, been very good for a chosen few, but has been the root cause of stagnation which threatens our future for the majority.
Tonight, we again go before the City Council and County Commissioners and fight the same fights. I can only assume they are sick of us, because quite frankly, we are sick of them - although the reasoning is completely different and non-negotiable. Ordinary people who put their names, reputations and, sometimes, their livelihoods at risk for something some people will deny exists - The Greater Good. We go before Them because we must. Truthfully, it's not a pleasure, because one can hear the same lies only for so long before you want to scream. On Their side of the table, I am sure they are afraid someone might actually " hear " what we are saying and start asking questions, too.
Who are these people we face ? Most of them, I can easily say, are " sell -outs. "
Sell - outs who will sell us down the river for a another term in office or much needed favors from The Powers That Be who sit behind closed doors and with one sneer or mumbled word pound another nail into the coffins of the lives of Muncie and Delaware County residents who have no other option but to stay in their homes for as long as they can and hope for better days.
It's all been remarkably easy.
One example. Over two years ago, many of us started looking at the financial tornado about to hit us and we began hearing the words " LOIT " and " it's a win - win situation. " Not once did we hear sound a hint of sound financial management or changing the way our city / county could be better managed. No, instead a very orchestrated and carefully choreographed war was created in order to cast doubts and hatred on a local group who was calling for responsible and responsive government, simply by telling The People that a particular was anti-MFD, which was then and is now, a contemptible lie. It was their version of screaming " fire ! " in a crowded thater amd it did backfire. Not before every trick in the book was played. I should know - They even tried to influence my family to shut me up or to at least alienate them from me. It didn't work.
So, tonight...we ride again. There are other things I would like to do, but there is nothing else as important as this night. Oh, one other thing, for those who did try to use my family, I will not deal with you tonight, but the time will come and it will be when and where I choose and it will hurt - maybe not physically, but I will inflict major pain and it will last a long time. Count on it.
Deborah King - Eichholz
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