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July 31
The Chat with the Mayor went better than I expected. The written question and answer format turned out to be an excellent idea. If yo don’t like this type of format and prefer the openness the other meetings provided, you can thank one person for the change. Again, last night, this very same citizen made a feeble attempt to disrupt the meeting. That being said, I would like to post the information gleaned from the Chat. Some may be redundant from previous posts. Bear with me, please.
- The city has received an ADA violation and has 90 days to respond. We are about 17 years behind in compliance. Another problem the administration needs to deal with.
- The city pays $1,000,000 into the 911 budget and has no say on how the money is spent.
- Insurance for city workers hovers around 9 million dollars. Changes have been made but we will not see the results of the savings until March 2010.
- Public safety & administration cuts are done for now. again, we will need to wait until next year for the savings.
- Working on new funding for equipment for the MFD. Being involved in a lawsuit, information was limited.
- An energy grant will allow the city to retrofit traffic light into LED. The saving on electric will be around 80%. An example of savings was given. The light at Willard and Walnut costs $76.00/month and will be reduced to $12.00/month.
- Looking at placing film on City Hall windows which will cut down on energy consumption, saving money.
- Paving is being done around town, the list was given verbally.
- A retired engineer has volunteered his time at the tune of about 35 hours per week for 3 weeks. If you have skills needed, you are welcome to volunteer, too.
- Prairie Creek Reservoir is at 130% of its anticipated revenue. Money generated will be returned to PCR.
- 7-8 years have passed with NO appropriations to the budget for capital improvements.
- City Hall has had no money budgeted for capital improvement. The roof is leaking and the siding is fall off. Carpeting is curling up. The building is 17 years old, paid with tax dollars and it is going to pot.
- When McShurley took office, there was no record of the properties owned by the city. No record of its assets. That list is now being compiled.
- Shirey quote on the past budgets “fake it until you make it”. 66 open projects with INDOT for the county, of which 33 belong to the city. Where are they and what are they? Nobody knows. (Scary, huh?)
- Only take home vehicles: Mayor, Police and Fire Chief. Other department heads use their own vehicles.
- Mayor pays for her own cell phone, and others have brought in their own cleaning supplies, etc.
- SAFER Grant for fireman not available yet, unable to apply. Mr. Burcham (Fire Chief) is working on grants and revenue.
- Westminster Village donates $20,000.00 per year to the MFD, due to the recession, that could be reduced.
- Unsure if Clarion Health will contribute to the MFD as Ball did.
- The stimulus grants’ guidelines change daily. City would be remiss if they did not at least apply. Determination of what grants to accept will be based on the stipulations set forth by the Federal government. (This is a mess.)
- The mayor addressed the cleaning of Station #4. No, her husband does not have a cleaning business, nor dos her brother, nor does she have any friends. So, we can put yet another RUMOR to rest.
If you live in the city, or even if you don’t. I highly recommend attending these meetings. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about local government and meet the department heads. As always, you will be able to view the meetings on-line at Citizens of Delaware County for Property Tax Repeal.
July 29
LOIT Tax (Local Option Income Tax)
on the City Council tabled ordinances
and may be heard on Monday night!!
August 3, 2009 at 7:30 pm.
At the Muncie City Council meeting of July 6th, the taxpaying citizens of Muncie and Delaware County were prohibited from participating and expressing their opinions regarding the Local Option Income Tax (LOIT) when the Muncie Fire Department, for which this tax will specifically benefit, brought in busloads of firefighters from across the State of Indiana causing the occupancy limits of the City Hall Auditorium to be exceeded and thereby denying the local public access to the meeting. Unfortunately, this strategy was embraced by the Muncie City Council who did nothing to either change the Hearing location to a facility with greater occupancy capabilities or ask that non-residents exit the auditorium to allow for local citizen participation.
Chapter 1.5. Public Meetings (Open Door Law)
IC 5-14-1.5-1 Purpose Sec. 1. In enacting this chapter, the general assembly finds and declares that this state and its political subdivisions exist only to aid in the conduct of the business of the people of this state. It is the intent of this chapter that the official action of public agencies be conducted and taken openly, unless otherwise expressly provided by statute, in order that the people may be fully informed. The purposes of this chapter are remedial, and its provisions are to be liberally construed with the view of carrying out its policy. As added by Acts 1977, P.L.57, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.67-1987, SEC.1......
IC 5-14-1.5-3 Open meetings; secret ballot votes; member participating by electronic means of communication Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in section 6.1 of this chapter, all meetings of the governing bodies of public agencies must be open at all times for the purpose of permitting members of the public to observe and record them.
IC 5-14-1.5-7 Violations; remedies; limitations; costs and fees Sec. 7.
(a) An action may be filed by any person in any court of competent jurisdiction to:
(1) obtain a declaratory judgment;
(2) enjoin continuing, threatened, or future violations of this chapter; or
(3) declare void any policy, decision, or final action:
(A) taken at an executive session in violation of section 3(a) of this chapter;
(B) taken at any meeting of which notice is not given in accordance with section 5 of this chapter;
(C) that is based in whole or in part upon official action taken at any:
(i) executive session in violation of section 3(a) of this chapter;
(ii) meeting of which notice is not given in accordance with section 5 of this chapter; or
(iii) series of gatherings in violation of section 3.1 of this chapter; or
(D) taken at a meeting held in a location in violation of section 8 of this chapter. The plaintiff need not allege or prove special damage different from that suffered by the public at large.
(b) Regardless of whether a formal complaint or an informal inquiry is pending before the public access counselor, any action to declare any policy, decision, or final action of a governing body void, or to enter an injunction which would invalidate any policy, decision, or final action of a governing body, based on violation of this chapter occurring before the action is commenced, shall be commenced:
(1) prior to the delivery of any warrants, notes, bonds, or obligations if the relief sought would have the effect, if granted, of invalidating the notes, bonds, or obligations; or
(2) with respect to any other subject matter, within thirty (30) days of either:
(A) the date of the act or failure to act complained of; or
(B) the date that the plaintiff knew or should have known that the act or failure to act complained of had occurred; whichever is later. If the challenged policy, decision, or final action is recorded in the memoranda or minutes of a governing body, a plaintiff is considered to have known that the act or failure to act complained of had occurred not later than the date that the memoranda or minutes are first available for public inspection.
(c) If a court finds that a governing body of a public agency has violated this chapter, it may not find that the violation was cured by the governing body by only having taken final action at a meeting that complies with this chapter.
(d) In determining whether to declare any policy, decision, or final action void, a court shall consider the following factors among other relevant factors:
(1) The extent to which the violation:
(A) affected the substance of the policy, decision, or final action;
(B) denied or impaired access to any meetings that the public had a right to observe and record; and
(C) prevented or impaired public knowledge or understanding of the public's business.
Furthermore, the Public Hearing on the LOIT was required to be noticed to the public a minimum of 10 days in advance of the Hearing of which it was not, and therefore was held illegally!!
IC 6-3.5-6
Chapter 6. County Option Income Tax.......
IC 6-3.5-6-7
Ordinances; hearing; notice
Sec. 7. (a) Before a member of the county income tax council may propose an ordinance or vote on a proposed ordinance, the member must hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance and provide the public with notice of the time and place where the public hearing will be held.
(b) The notice required by subsection (a) must be given in accordance with IC 5-3-1.
IC 5-3-1
Chapter 1. Publication Procedures......
IC 5-3-1-2
Public hearings or meetings, elections, and other events; requirements for publication of notice; posting instead of publication
Sec. 2. (a) This section applies only when notice of an event is required to be given by publication in accordance with this chapter.
(b) If the event is a public hearing or meeting concerning any matter not specifically mentioned in subsection (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), or (h) notice shall be published one (1) time, at least ten (10) days before the date of the hearing or meeting.
(c) If the event is an election, notice shall be published one (1) time, at least ten (10) days before the date of the election.
(d) If the event is a sale of bonds, notes, or warrants, notice shall be published two (2) times, at least one (1) week apart, with:
(1) the first publication made at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the sale; and
(2) the second publication made at least three (3) days before the date of the sale.
(e) If the event is the receiving of bids, notice shall be published two (2) times, at least one (1) week apart, with the second publication made at least seven (7) days before the date the bids will be received.
(f) If the event is the establishment of a cumulative or sinking fund, notice of the proposal and of the public hearing that is required to be held by the political subdivision shall be published two (2) times, at least one (1) week apart, with the second publication made at least three (3) days before the date of the hearing.
(g) If the event is the submission of a proposal adopted by a political subdivision for a cumulative or sinking fund for the approval of the department of local government finance, the notice of the submission shall be published one (1) time. The political subdivision shall publish the notice when directed to do so by the department of local government finance.
(h) If the event is the required publication of an ordinance, notice of the passage of the ordinance shall be published one (1) time within thirty (30) days after the passage of the ordinance.
Like putting lip stick on a pig, the additional Income Tax will double current local rate, nuetralize Modernization effort and destroy Muncie's economic development, it's only answer to it's many economic problems....
The Fiscal Body of the City, facing an imminent $4 million hit and a total $8 million shortfall over the next couple years and yet leading up to the crisis point, they didn't even feel compelled to acknowledge it. NOW, that the reality has jumped up and bloodied their nose, they intend to make the TAXPAYERS accountable!!!..
That additional $19 million that they want to thrust upon the backs of the taxpayers, is DOUBLE the entire Muncie General Fund in the current Budget. And that adds up to an ADDITIONAL $167/year FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD IN THIS ENTIRE COUNTY! For wage earners only, it is an ADDITIONAL $384.00/year...For households only it is an ADDITIONAL $422.00/year..For all Delaware County families it is an ADDITIONAL $679.00/year...all on the back of a major recession, 10% unemployment and 18% (or more) poverty. Furthermore, you can DOUBLE the before mentioned figures to attain the TOTAL Local Income Tax local citizens are burdened with, for we already are paying a 1.05% COIT/CEDIT!
Speak Up! or Pay Up!
City Council Public Hearing
7:30 pm, Monday night (8/3/09)
Muncie City Hall auditorium
Be there NO LATER than 7:00 pm and get signed up to speak because fire codes will undoubtedly be exceeded and you will not be allowed in!!
Until this issue is either enacted or voted down, whether at the August 3rd, September 14th, or October 5th meetings, the taxpaying citizens have been literally kidnapped and are being held for "ransom" to appease the special interests and Muncie's fiscal problems.
Please, please, share this alert with everyone on your contacts lists!! July 24
A hint or two might be gleaned from todays' MSP article regarding the 2010 candidates at the DelCo Fair...for example, in regard to the,candidates, mostly the Sheriff " race " and the following remarks why Muncie has not been able to find solid and / or keep really wonderful candidates for elected office ! A random sampling....
1) You are kidding right? Scroggins has his head up Aul's backside so far, that you would think that they are siamese twins. Winkle had problems running MPD so how is he going to run the Sheriff's Department? Poorly. If you want someone who I believe will do a good job look to Ray.
2) Officer Dudley is a very good person. He is not a yes man. He would make a great sheriff.
3) Dudley, meanwhile, is believed to enjoy support from several Democratic Central Committee members. This would be # 1 on the Top Ten list for "Reasons to NOT vote for Dudley" .....
4) remember to vote out ALL republicans annd solve your problems
5) remember to vote out ALL incumbents and solve your problems
6) three little letters describe dudley D U I !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not a good example for kids.... and hes tylers and nichols boy
7) I agree with ( poster name deleted ) to vote out all INCUMBANTS regardless of whether democrat or republican! Jaybirdy: you and your constant fear of republicans needs to stop, do you watch TV, read the newspaper or listen to the radio? do you even have a clue as to what is going on in Washington? Maybe you need to listen to Rush Limbaugh and wise up.
8) That is the kind of attitude that will cripple our city even more..... now you can try to get the mayor out ASAP haha, but for the most part we need to be a bi-partisan town if we want to succeed. I am a Democrat myself but I do believe that straight ticket voting is almost the most ignorant thing you can do, and as for the non yes-men running I'd say Winkle and Scroggins are probably the way to go.
9) If Mark McKinney is the kind of leader you wish for, maybe you should join 3 of his puppets and campaign at fairgrounds on his behalf. Jaybirdy, put on your fancy "McKinney for prosecutor" shirt and hold your high and campaign for the thief. If conflict of interest and voter fraud is your goal, then maybe you could campaign for Monte Murphy. By the way not one commissioner has donated their family pet for the same kind of abuse that pigs are required to endure. When pig wrestling is a priority to commissioners, one begins to understand mindset of Mark McKinney and Monte Murphy. Common sense is not a requirement for public office.
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That was a small example of public perception, but when it is obvious that Your Party, whichever one that might be, is not behind every candidate it is fielding, going into the Primary...that there is The Annointed One, the public will see it and it sticks in the mind and not in a good way. It is an old problem and nothing has changed.
You back your people going into the primaries - ALL of them - then, when the smoke clears, you work your butt off for the one going into the general election. Once that smoke clears, everyone should pull together for the community.
That is how it should work...as I see it.
Truthfully, the only one of them I know is Mike Scroggins and that's a marriage / funeral sort of a thing, but I do know one thing...as a human being, and that's the only thing I can speak to about the man, he's a decent guy. I know he is a great husband. A good dad and stepdad. He's been a rock for his family and, if he's your friend, he's solid. He won't play favors, that much I do know about the man...if you screw up and break the law, he's on you.
That's not an endorsement, because who the Hell am I to endorse anyone, anyway ? It's simply what I know to be true.
This Forum Post has The Good Beaver Seal of Approval and does not constitute any other recognized, organized ( or, in this case, circumsized ), legitimized movement, gang or Mafia.
STRAIGHT TICKET TOMMY AND PARTISAN POLLY WITH SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCES BY CLARK CONTENT, ANNA-MOSITY “AND THE REST” STARRING IN “THE ATTACK OF THE HOHOWAV” BY J.R.R. TOKEN.
Worry Wort Willie and Worry Wort McGirt were standing in the doorway talking rapidly in their squeaky worry wort voices.
Something bad is bound to happen, Mr. Logical, the two chirped in unison. There has been a lot of angry chatter on the forums lately, and we have heard that a new anti taxpayer project code named the attack of the HOHOWAV is in the works. Animosity keeps posting people’s posts out of context and with part of the comment edited or removed, and Clark Content keeps bad mouthing all of us who support the efforts of the tax group.
If that Clark Content calls me a minion one more time, I am going to find me a jagged piece of Kryptonite, and……. (offensive comments removed)… sun don’t shine growled Worry Wort Willie! I say they are going to poison JR with some poison pastries! If they take out JR then who is going to breathe life into us in the silly stories?
Now that’s just ridiculous said Larry. JR doesn’t even like Ho Ho’s. Concannon pastries might be a better method of delivery but I am sure you are just over reacting.
Well I say they are going to vaporize us with a giant laser beam bellowed Worry Wort McGirt. And don’t tell me I am watching too much Star Trek! If you and Poly can travel through the space time continuum, then there’s certainly room for Giant Lasers in these parodies.
Now calm down, said Larry, I am sure no one has a Giant Laser beam focused on us. Polly volunteered to do a little research into all of this angry chatter and report back.
Polly suddenly appeared with a grin on her face. Well I know what the HOHOWAV is she chuckled.
What is it exclaimed the Worry Wort twins!?
The HOHOWAV is
Hangers ON Hanging On With A Vengeance.
Jeepers shouted Worry Wort McGirt! I was sure it was a giant laser beam.
Remember folks,
Just Say NO to LOIT!
PROGRAM NOTE: This episode of Straight Ticket Tommy and Partisan Polly has been sponsored by Citizens of Delaware County for Property Tax Repeal as part of our “Say No to LOIT” Campaign.
Please call each of your City Council members and tell them to Say NO to LOIT.
Alison Quirk: 765-288-5319
Mike King: 765-282-3709
Linda Gregory: 765-286-2925
Jerry Dishman: 765-289-6242 or 765-215-9747
Mary Jo Barton: 765-289-9494
Monte Murphy: 765-286-4154 or 765-288-0516Sam Marshall: 765-288-0478
Brad Polk: 765-288-0571
Mark Conatser: 765-741-7539
DISCLAIMER: The views presented in this parody are solely my own. They are not representative of any for-profit, non-profit, political, non-political organizations or any organized or unorganized group in Delaware County or Indiana or any of the 50 States. All resemblances to characters real or fictional are purely coincidental. If you think one of these characters is you, please step away from the computer and have a good laugh at yourself. Consider it free therapy from Straight Ticket Tommy and Partisan Polly.
I am Jim Arnold, and I approved this message.  July 23 I'm about three weeks out from hitting the road ( or the fly routes ). Work, medical issues.
First of all, flights in and out JFK suck. I am not nuts about JFK anyway. The boarding ramps and jetways are a nightmare.
I might go a day or two early, just to avoid that mess. A day or two in New York City...that's always interesting. I remember the time I took my sister to New York City. We abandoned our respective families ( " cook your own damned turkey ! " ) and we met up in Detroit. If you fly NWA, you might understand you can't fly to Heaven or Hell without going through Detroit, Memphis or Mineapolis. I remember as we approached Manhattan, Rudi looked out the window and was excited to see the WTC Towers. God, who ever would have imagined that was the last time she saw them.
Oh, we were absolute Foo-Foo Mama's.
We did the tourist things...The Parade, Times Square, 30 Rock rope line for The Today Show...and the Holy Grail for holiday shoppers and the windows - Saks'.
Also found the best little Italian restaurant in midtown. I checked the menu and it practically screamed " Gaeta ! "
We went inside and it wasn't like Olive Garden or Johnny Carino's...it was the real deal. I found myself hearing the accent of Napoli and listened to the men at the bar talking and I started laughing...I was eavesdropping, plain and simple. The waiter slithered over, in his best Italian male stle and said << buona sera. >> I was off and running, like a native. He seemed happily surprised, while my sister say there, with her mouth open. I ordered it all, except for what Rudi wanted. He turned to her and in an " oh, did you just see me " voice said " spaghetti and meat sauce. "
He was attentive and happily refilling our glasses and made a special drink - uhm drinks - after dinner.
Thank God we were close to the hotel, because we staggered out of that place. I hadn't been that hammered since....well, since Gaeta.
Early the next morning, as she nursed The Feel Bads, I flopped out of bed onto the floor. Naturally, she laughed her ass off and I thought, " Well, this one will be family lore for the rest of my stinking life. "
Off we went, in a nice town car, for our lunch at Tavern On The Green.
I promised we would go and it was splendid. We had The Best Table in The Best Room and two waiters. It was decorated in that magical way only The Tavern can do it up around the holidays, which inspired my next Christmas Tree. After snarfing a great lunch and introducing my sister to The Bellini ( we LOVED them ), we had probably the most outradeously expensive lunch she had ever had, but it was worth every cent. Leaving, we admired the outside topiary and walked to the ice skating arena...and then, we did the obligatory horse drawn carriage ride in and aroind the park. It was cold, it was sweet !
The Rockettes, which was terrific, but even more so now. trust me, it's just that good.
Then, we attended " A Christmas Carol " at MSQ.
The lobby was tricked out like Dickensian London and you couldn't help but feel excited, like a little kid.
When Frank Langella hit the stage, Baby Sistah was agog, especially when he came into the audience.
I try to make the NYC run every December and I don't care how cold it gets....
That trip, though, was special.
I've been back many times since and had even more fun.
Once, in the Spring, I was there on business and caught Steve Tyrell at The Blue Note. At one show, he sang into my cleavage and I should have been outraged. Oh, Hell no...I was hoping for a few extra verses. To be fair, I was wearing my very best Shameless Hussy halter blouse, sitting front row center and it was well worth the money. I called Baby Sistah, who heard women screaming at me...." you are so lucky. " Ya think ! At my age, it was a freakin' miracle. Regis Philbin, who was there with his wife, spoke about it on his tv show the next day and Baby Sistah said she sat up in bed and screeched - " That's my sister ! " Later, I again ran into Steve, Lymon, Blue Lou and the rest of the guys at Ronnie Scott's in London. I was a bit more behaved. That's all I am saying.
Yep...NYC is an adventure. It helps if you keep your options open and you get a good bite of The Big Apple.
July 20
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I was not the one to invent lies: they were created in a society divided by class and each of us inherited lies when we were born. It is not by refusing to lie that we will abolish lies: it is by eradicating class by any means necessary. - Jean Paul Sartre, 1963 and Malcolm X, 1965
Two years ago, several small groups of local people began to emerge from the muck and stagnation of Muncie politics because it was time. It was, come to think of it, long overdue. It took a property tax crisis to stir the people from a state of lethargy and apathy to standing up, speaking out, walking the streets to collect signatures and hand out pamphlets and brochures - anything to educate and empower the people of our community and bring them to action. Not by force, but by sheer will of spirit. Make no mistake, it became a war. Another war, on an already ravaged landscape and in the minds of a citizenry already confused by rhetoric, lies, innuendo and fear. Another war we did not want. A war that began when the status quo became threatened and people started becoming aware of what had been done, was being done and might continue to be done if real change did not begin to make itself known. Not " change " as in a very convenient and overdone campaign style fervor, but a change of purpose and reason. Those who choreographed and orchestrated this war had many successful such wars to their credit, but now, the " enemy " was at their doors and at the doors of The People. The truth played a very small part in this war, as facts and truths had always been obscured and would again be utilized against the very people who paid the bills and salaries of The Powers That Be. The People would be what they always had been - swayed by partisan politics and, as always, " collateral damage. "
In those early days, many people were aware of a financial tsunami headed our way, but that was not an issue to be addressed. Not yet, anyway. As usual, the primary task was to " take out " the Primary Target. In our case, regardless of the harm it might do to this community and to her family, Mayor Sharon McShurley was to be barbequed in the public eye and her family served up as side dishes. This is not to say the Mayor did not make a few decisions which might prove to be not in her best interest, but those were magnified beyond fact and set before the public as Gospel. She was to be destroyed, at least in the eyes of the public. Even if truth and honor were sacrificed, but it's happened before and without conscience.
The next in line would be those ordinary citizens who were fighting for this city and county. They were attacked as a group and individually.
This was not a surprise. It's in " The Playbook. "
To get what you want, regardless of what is best for this community, if it means slander, physical attacks and emotional missiles being hurled at every turn, it was somehow acceptable to Our Elected Officials. Fortunately, Mayor Mac has a strong shell and the rest of us...well, we knew what to expect and what it might cost us in terms of peace of mind and personal courage. We have seen and we have felt the sting of slander, physical attacks and intimidation - by any means necessary. We are still here. Not for a job, not for an appointment, but because we have had enough of bad leadership and we have the hope and tenacity to crawl out from the mire and help Muncie help itself to survive and, yes, to thrive.
It doesn't make us any better or any worse than anyone else. It simply means we found our voices.
To be clear, no one wants to see anyone become another statistic in the Unemployment Rolls, but neither can we afford to manage this community as it has been for so long. Even in the days when Muncie was flush with tax dollars and great paying jobs, our local government failed us. That's obvious by the state of disrepair in our local infrastructure. That money went somewhere, but it did not go where it should have gone. Yet, those of us who work for a more responsible and responsive government are said to be anti-this or anti-that. What a loathsome untruth. It also was the jumping off mark for The War. " If you ain't with us, then you're against us. " Total rubbish. You people who look down at your noses at us, claiming we don't care if this City burns - where were you when the firetrucks would break down on the way to a fire ? When station houses weren't up to standards. Where was your concern then ? Where was your concern for the firefighters ? That's a question with an answer - that money went for raises and for whatever else was thought necessary. A 30 year old + firetruck doesn't say " Hey, we are all about keeping you safe....we are all about protecting the men and women who do the work. "
Now, of course, that seems to be the rallying cry. You know, if this had come up 10 or 15 years ago, it might ring true. Now, it's a very self-centered political slogan and your rhetoric is tiresome and hypocritical.
At the last City Council meeting, the citizens of Muncie arrived to find their seats taken by out of town firefighters, who are also in danger of lay-offs, because their cities and towns are feeling the pinch too. But, The Moustachioed One called in every firefighter possible and stood there, scowling and doing his best " I'm Da Man " stance. No, you are everything The Brotherhood never was...you, my baldheaded so-not-a-friend are running on the reputations of men who came before you and your ilk. You...? You are a $50.00 coffeetable book on www.amazon.com wannabee.
This city has no choice but to live within a budget. That doesn't make anyone anti-anything. It's called " common and financial sense. " Google it, won't you ! Here's a hint...it starts with a " C. "
Truthfully, if I had my way, I'd be a one woman, ACLU can kiss my ass, personnel weedwhacker in every department. From City Hall to the each and every taxpayer funded entity - then, I'd be going after all those tasty and questionable tax exempt property and business owners.
With the poverty and unemployment rates so high in this city and county, we are facing yet another tax. The citizens are up in arms and who can blame them ? We have elected people have no idea how to manage our money...there's a history going back decades. Why should we give you more money when you've failed us so many times before ? When you knew this was headed our way, you failed to take it as a serious problem - why ? One meeting in 18 months of the Finance Committee and you neglected to invite a member of that committee to the meeting ? Wait, there was that one meeting - with two CC people and one local union representative....that doesn't inspire confidence in your ability or leadership. You might, however, have earned your ring for The Simon Bar Sinister Club.
The last CC meeting - y'all blew yourselves right out of the water. The cherry on top of that sundae was our State Rep, proudly wearing an anti-CDCPTR shirt. He has said ( and we have it on tape ) say we are un - effing - representable, but we do vote - we are representable and we are not expendable.
By any means necessary...
Say " NO ! " to LOIT
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| July 18
You know, I have had time to think about this " mess " ( and, make no mistake, it IS a mess ) for quite awhile. Almost two years, now - when it became obvious this was coming at us full tilt boogie and it was somehow orchestrated into a war between taxpayer and tax-funded entities by political wranglers. Only when " it " hit critical mass, did The Powers That Be rush into action, if one considers one meeting of the Finance Committee in 18 months " rushing into action. "
This little island called Muncie, Indiana is not alone in its' financial distress, but unlike other cities and communities, it was seemingly ignored until it could no longer be ignored, therefore inflicting another tax on an already over-taxed, underemployed community a neccessity and if you didn't agree with that line of thinking, somehow you were considered anti-insert your favorite tax funded entity here. Most prefer to go with MFD, as it is the most visible and emotionally charged.
When the voices of people who disagree with this proposed taxed are ignored, we have a problem much larger than lay-offs. Our elected officials have failed us, but trust me - they will be more than happy to rationalize their votes and I seriously doubt it is " in the publics' best interest. "
It was much easier to turn citizen against citizen - to stand back and let them take the heat and even attempt to inflict as much collateral damage on the taxpaying dissenters as possible. That was the real " win - win. " For them. For us...it may well be another loss. One we cannot afford to lose.
They sicken me, because they are such hypocrites. Well, most of them, not all, but most.
Speak up or Pay Up!
Please call each of your City Council members and tell them just say NO to LOIT.
Alison Quirk: 765-288-5319
Sam Marshall: 765-288-0478
Mike King: 765-282-3709
Linda Gregory: 765-286-2925
Jerry Dishman: 765-289-6242 or 765-215-9747
Mary Jo Barton: 765-289-9494
Monte Murphy: 765-286-4154 or 765-288-0516
Brad Polk: 765-288-0571
Mark Conatser: 765-741-7539
July 17 About two years ago, the citizens of Indiana were hit with unusually high property tax assessments, which would mean higher than expected tax bills. My interest, at that point, was the simple fact my neighbors, Miss Marty and Miss Lieta - two of the most wonderful ladies I know - were stressing and both were upset to the point of tears, wondering why this was happening, would they lose their homes. At that point, I decided to become a party of one and look for The Answer and possible resolutions. Life is, however, rarely that simple and it has not been simple since that day.
When you begin looking at taxes, you quickly find out that it is more than a small project and there are many avenues with small streets taking different directions. To understand the basic tax system is one thing, that's a basic. When you start following the money and the personalities involved, it becomes incredibly complex, confusing and difficult. Sometimes made all the worse by self-serving so-called servants of the public who seem to serve their own interests.
You find a great deal of collateral damage along the way.
Friendships blown to pieces. Families ripped apart. Those who work so hard FOR a community portrayed as liars and ( how very 70's ) as " groupies. " Lies and rumors spread as Gospel and Truth. All in the name of maintaining a status quo which as hurt us and our town beyond comprehension. " Wars " are orchestrated and people manipulated without question or conscience. Sometimes, those who work and give for real change are " collateral damage. "
Your time is no longer entirely your own, but given to meetings and, sometimes, hitting the pavement with printed information and knowledge. Not lies. You are an outcast within some groups, even family. When lies and innuendo attack trust and unconditional love. You decide, at that time, can I do this...is it worth it ?
The victories are few and far between, but sometimes very sweet.
At the last City Council meeting, I knew we had become a serious threat to The Powers That Be when they appeared, not as usual with their yellow tee shirts ( after all, the last time we saw one, it was in a vehicle, trying to mow down a citizen activist or two ), but in cheaply made cotton tees with a deprecating mesage about CDCPTR. First of all, buy quality shirts. Perhaps if you hadn't blown all your dough on those glossy brochures, you could have gone for a nicer quality tee. Second, we do not uses periods in the CDCPTR. Third, NEVER EVER put your State Rep in one of those shirts outside City Hall and NOT expect some notice. It's not as he got off his narrow butt to attack the tax issue or the out of control spending of tax payer dollars, but this is, after all, the " man " who said we are ( and I quote ) " un-fucking-representable. "
Our State Rep, ladies and gentlemen...NOT looking out for your tax dollars. He's out looking FOR them and has no problem spending them. So, his presence really wan't a surprise, but it was a disgrace to the office he holds.
Is it worth it ?
I've lost alot to help save a community from going under. Some of us have in some ways. Is it worth it ? I don't know. When people you love, who should know you best, when their heads and hearts can be turned by something twisted and evil, I have to wonder what I had to lose anyway.
Will Muncie be a better place ? One day...with a great deal of work and those who would destroy families in their own selfish pursuits are long gone to Gulf Shores or somewhere in the Smokies and our small town thriving, rather than being the victim of their thieving, it will be seen to have been worth it.
July 13
Straight Ticket Tommy and Partisan Polly with a special guest appearance by Maximus Taximus and Clark Content in “LOIT: Monument to Failure” By J.R.R. Token.
Maximus Taximus, the harbinger of higher taxes, had flown into Muncie on a foul wind. Maximus was chiseling away at a block of stone with a gleam in his eye and a smile on his evil lips. Chisel chisel klink klink, Chisel chisel klink went the Chisel, as Maximus tortured a tune about taxes.
You take the High road and I’ll take the LOIT road,
And I’ll see bankruptcy before ya,
You thought the Tax Caps would bring your taxes down,
But I’ll raise taxes even more, yea………..
Korny Kenny appeared in a flash from nowhere. Jeepers Mr., what are you hammering on there?
It’s a “Monument to Failure” to honor your esteemed City Council and the new Local Option Income tax that they plan on foisting upon the beleagured taxpayers of Muncie and Delaware County. For 18 months they have ignored warnings of the looming budget crises for 2009, and beyond, and now it is time to pay the piper. They could make a concerted effort to cut costs, but the path of least resistance is though your wallets.
Jeepers, shouted Kenny, they shouldn’t raise taxes in these tough times.
But they will, gloated Maximus. My minion, Clark Content (content with the status quo) is spreading the message on LOIT Lane that raising taxes will do less harm than spending cuts to the local economy during a recession. Clark is skilled in the ways of double speak and will convince those silly taxpayers that we are doing them a favor.
Jeepers shouted Kenny, that’s not right! Someone needs to warn the taxpayers! Someone needs to mobilize them against this assault on their hard earned dollars, and I’m just the feller to do it.
I won’t let you do this to my town buckaroo glared Kenny.
Maximus quickly pulled his “tax axe” from his bag, took a quick swing and severed Kenny’s head from his shoulders. Kenny ran in a circle for a few seconds then grabbed his head from the ground, held it aloft with cold eyes staring at Maximus and exclaimed, jeepers Maximus Taximus. All my life I’ve worked hard to get a “head” and now you’ve kilt me!
Maximus wavered for a second with that deer in the headlights look on his face that is reminiscent of the look our public servants get when you tell them there is a budget shortfall.
Kenny repositioned his head on his shoulders and faded for a second then rematerialized as a fierce warrior. Kentron the Magnificent then made short work of disarming Maximus, leaving him in a heap on the ground.
It’s time for you to skedaddle Mr. said Kenny in his squeaky voice. We don’t need you or your high taxes in this town.
Maximus crawled off into the distance licking his wounds as he went.
Logical Larry materialized with a grin and asked, ”why didn’t you duck”, you knew that tax axe was coming?
I know, but I really enjoy the look on their faces when I pick my head up of the ground. They always get this look like it’s the first time they’ve seen it.
Oh well we have our work cut out for us said Larry. We need to spread the word about the Local Option Income Tax, and stop it before it draws breath.
Remember folks,
Just Say NO to LOIT!
PROGRAM NOTE: This episode of Straight Ticket Tommy and Partisan Polly has been sponsored by Citizens of Delaware County for Property Tax Repeal as part of our “Say No to LOIT” Campaign.
Please call each of your City Council members and tell them to Say NO to LOIT.
Alison Quirk: 765-288-5319
Mike King: 765-282-3709
Linda Gregory: 765-286-2925
Jerry Dishman: 765-289-6242 or 765-215-9747
Mary Jo Barton: 765-289-9494
Monte Murphy: 765-286-4154 or 765-288-0516Sam Marshall: 765-288-0478
Brad Polk: 765-288-0571
Mark Conatser: 765-741-7539
DISCLAIMER: The views presented in this parody are solely my own. They are not representative of any for-profit, non-profit, political, non-political organizations or any organized or unorganized group in Delaware County or Indiana or any of the 50 States. All resemblances to characters real or fictional are purely coincidental. If you think one of these characters is you, please step away from the computer and have a good laugh at yourself. Consider it free therapy from Straight Ticket Tommy and Partisan Polly.
You have now entered the official “Say NO to LOIT thread.
All other Say No to LOIT threads are merely imitations.
Thanks
Jim Arnold
Do You Have Too Much Money?
Hello friend.
Do you have more too much money?
Do you have piles of unsightly cash cluttering your home?
If so, the Muncie City Council can help.
After18 months ignoring the budget shortfall predicted for 2009, the City Council is considering Local Option Income Taxes to fund their fiscal failure.
Why cut costs or reorganize government when taxpayers can bail you out. The LOIT will cost every Delaware County Household $400.00 per year in extra taxes.
Please call City Council president Alison Quirk at 288-5319, and tell her just say NO to LOIT.
Say it Again Sam
Several months ago, when asked about the Local Option Income Tax, then City Council President Sam Marshall claimed he did not support LOIT.
But now, due to their fiscal failure, the City Council is considering enacting the LOIT at a cost of $400.00 per year in extra taxes for every Delaware County Household
Please call City Council Member Sam Marshall at 288-0478, and ask him to “Say it Again Sam”.
Say it again Sam, Just say NO to LOIT.
Top Ten Reasons to ADOPT LOIT
In Honor of David Letterman the Citizens of Delaware County for Property Tax Repeal have drafted a top ten list of reasons to adopt the Local Option Income Tax.· It may not lower your property tax bill, but it will validate your low expectations of our City Council.· Muncie residents will be able to get a seat at future city council meetings.
- People would probably just waste those dollars on food, clothing, and shelter.
- It's easier to spell than User fees.
- It’s our chance to share the pain with the rest of Delaware County.
- Enable Muncie to clinch the title of highest taxed city in Indiana.
- Who cares, we don’t really need any new jobs or businesses.
- Taxation without representation really isn’t worth fighting about.
· It gets the City Council off the hook of making tough decisions · Joe Biden said it's patriotic to pay more taxes.And the number one reason to enact the Local Option Income Tax.· It guarantees a lot of new faces on City Council after the next election cycle. Please call City Council member Linda Gregory: 765-286-2925, and tell her just say NO to LOIT.
Top Five Reasons to Say No to LOIT
Listen up for the top five reasons to Say NO to the Local Option Income Tax.
- Taxpayers cannot afford $400.00 more per year in Taxes.
- The city needs to cut costs first.
- Higher taxes will drive away business.
- Need to consolidate services to cut costs.
- You can’t tax your way to prosperity.
Please call City Council president Mike King at 765-282-3709, and tell him just say NO to LOIT.
Say No to LOIT
Don't allow Muncie's local government to punish ALL Delaware County taxpayers for THEIR fiscal failure.
The Muncie City Council is preparing to strap every Delaware County household with a Local Option Income Tax of $400 per year to sustain the status quo and avoid confronting the City's budget issues!
Please call City Council member Mary Jo Barton at 765-289-9494, and tell her just say NO to LOIT.
The Left Hand Taketh
What the right hand giveth the left hand taketh away”. So goes our hard fought savings from the property tax caps.
After18 months ignoring the budget shortfall predicted for 2009, the City Council is considering Local Option Income Taxes of $400.00 per Delaware County Household to fund their fiscal failures.
Attention City Council. We need Leadership, not new taxes.
Please call City Council member Jerry Dishman at 765-289-6242 or 765-215-9747, and tell him just say NO to LOIT.
No One listened.
In 2008 we warned of an estimated revenue shortfall of nearly $3 million dollars for 2009......no one listened.
In 2008 and 09 we submitted objecting petitions to budgets with line item reductions, which contained no cuts to public safety, and no reductions in union arbitrated salaries.......no one listened.
Now the city Council is considering a Local Option Income Tax to fund their fiscal failure.
Please call City Council Monte Murphy at 765-286-4154 or 765-288-0516, and tell him just say NO to LOIT.
Speak up or Pay Up!
Please call each of your City Council members and tell them just say NO to LOIT.
Alison Quirk: 765-288-5319
Sam Marshall: 765-288-0478
Mike King: 765-282-3709
Linda Gregory: 765-286-2925
Jerry Dishman: 765-289-6242 or 765-215-9747
Mary Jo Barton: 765-289-9494
Monte Murphy: 765-286-4154 or 765-288-0516
Brad Polk: 765-288-0571
Mark Conatser: 765-741-7539
July 12
Psst, can you keep a secret? Did you know that Center Township Spends $930,000 per year for fire protection?
It seems like the Mayor is under a lot of pressure to “compromise” with Center Township Trustee Kay Walker on the consolidation of Fire Safety services for Muncie and Center Township.
Ironically, the best kept secret in Muncie and Center Township is the fact that Center Township has as much or more to gain than Muncie in the consolidation of fire safety. CT currently budgets $500,000 for fire protection, but is robbing Peter to pay Paul to fund their fire Safety Services. The actual cost for CT fire protection is closer to one million dollars per year.
Ironically, the CDCPTR plan would have staffed the current CT stations with full time fire fighters for $450,000 per year, but Kay didn’t jump for joy when she heard the plan. Perhaps her priorities are a little confused.
Yes Muncie stands to gain some newer fire trucks with the consolidation, plus an extra $450,000 per year, but the “newer” Center Township trucks won’t hold much sway in negotiations now that the powers that be have purloined 1.1 million dollars of the Morrison TIF money to purchase two brand spanking new fire trucks for Muncie.
July 10
The CDCPTR will be featured on radio this Saturday (tomorrow, 7/11/09) on WHBU AM-1240 on the Kevin Smith Reports program.
CDCPTR President, Chris Hiatt and CDCPTR Vice-President, Scott Alexander have been invited to share about our organization's efforts and Muncie's and Delaware County's issues as well as other Social and Political issues.
The program will start in the 10:00 am - 12:00 pm range and will last for about an hour.
Ought to be a great opportunity and time!!......
Tune in and tell your friends!!
Don't allow Muncie's local government hold ALL of Delaware County's taxpayers accountable for their refusal to accept the realities and live within their means!.....
The Muncie City Council is preparing to strap each and every Delaware County household with an additional $400 per year tax to sustain the status quo and avoid having to realistically confront and rectify the City's issues!...
Say NO to LOIT!! July 09 In the tradition of David Letterman....
The CDCPTR's have drafted a Top Ten List to Adopt the Local Option Income Tax.
10 ) Muncie residents will be able to get seats at future City Council meetings.
9 ) People would just waste those $$$ on food, clothing and shelter.
8 ) It's easier to spell than User Fees.
7 ) It's our chance to share the pain with the rest of Delaware County.
6 ) It may not lower your property tax bills, but it will VALIDATE your low expectations of our City Council.
5 ) Allows Muncie to clinch the title of " The Highest Taxed City In Indiana. "
4 ) Who cares ? We don't really need any new business or jobs.
3 ) Taxation Without Representation really isn't that bad.
2 ) Joe Biden says " It's patriotic to pay more taxes. "
AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON TO ENACT THE LOCAL OPTION INCOME TAX ..........................
1 ) It guarantees alot of new faces on City Council after the next election cycle.
No One listened.
Comments from Chris Hiatt president of the CDCPTR.
In the fall of 2007, we asked for serious cuts to the 2008 Budgets in preparation for the inevitable…..no one listened.
In October of 2007 we proposed voluntary consolidations…..no one listened.
In following months we pointed to the multiple TIF Districts, with bulging balances that could be used either to retire the debt, saving millions in wasted interest expense , or better yet, abolished in order to return even more millions to the various contributing taxing districts…..no one listened.
Next we exposed dubious Common Construction Wage practices that have been costing Delaware County and her Cities millions of dollars….no one listened.
In January and February of 2008 we petitioned for Modernization and Consolidation…..some reluctantly listened while simultaneously looking for ways to render the effort useless.
As far back as early summer of 2008 we warned of an estimated revenue shortfall of nearly $3 million dollars for 2009 and $4.5 million for 2010…no one listened.
In 2008 and again in 2009 we submitted objecting petitions to budgets with line item budget reduction suggestions. Keep in mind that these suggestions contained no cuts to public safety services, and no reductions in union arbitrated salaries………no one listened.
In the fall of 2008 we proposed sweeping departmental budget cuts, and worked up a comprehensive plan to cut $3 million from the 2009 Budget……..no one listened.
The Star Press penned it perfectly when they opined that “Elected officials on all levels stuck their heads in the sand, used uncertainty over the precise numbers to justify inaction and allowed partisan politics to trump sound fiscal policy and paralyze government”.
Every single elected official, they said, bears responsibility for where the city is today. Now, they must share the responsibility for finding a way out of this mess.
On more than one occasion, citizens have implored you the members of the City Council and the Mayor to open a channel of communication to work together to resolve the serious problems facing our city, and the Star Press article concurred when it declared that “the mayor and members of the city council must put aside their differences, and start talking to each other”. “BUT, more important than talk is finding solutions and implementing them. They must make hard choices regardless of special interests”.
Your citizens are asking you to think outside of the box to find creative ways to cut costs while still providing public safety and other critical government services. We ARE NOT giving you the green light to saddle us with new taxes.
Say NO to LOIT, Say NO to COIT. Say YES to fiscal responsibility
Yes, folks, I have reached the point of no return. Fed up with the lies, the politics the whole kit and caboodle. It began somewhere around 5:15 PM Monday, July 6th.
A public hearing is designed for citizens to air their concerns to our elected body. Unfortunately, that does not ring true for our city. The auditorium was packed with firefighters from cities across Indiana. All the while, people who dwell in our county were left to stand in the rotunda.
President Quirk had the power and could have asked those who do not live in Delaware county to kindly relinquish their seats to those who do. President Quirk and most of the city council were aware there would be a packed house. The meeting should have been moved. Was it poor planning on the president’s part? Yes, unless you are looking at it from purely political side.
Question: Was it poor planning or was it political?
Today we read in the paper the county commissioners will be taking over the hiring of the 911 director, completely overriding the 911 board. Click here to read the full article.
Question: Is this legal to bypass the board?
Which brings me full circle back to the title of this blog.
Question: Have the people of this city no shame, no sense of right or wrong?
The mayor has had to endure some of the most vile attacks on her integrity, it doesn’t stop there. It has spilled over to her family. Lower than low, stuff you find in the most smutty of novels. Her home has been vandalized, her life has been threatened, her family has been under attack, flyers branding her Public Safety Enemy #1.
Say what you will about citizens who are working hard for the city and the county. Since when is it wrong to ask our elected officials to be held accountable for their actions? Since when is it wrong to question where the money for TIF is going? Since when is it wrong to speak out against nepotism? Since when, since when?
You will nof find annoymous flyers circulating about the commissioners, or the city or county council members. Or their homes vandalized. Or their families disrespected. Or their lives threatened.
The citizens who care about the community (and there are many) will not participate in conjuring up lies, there is no time for such nonsense. Nor do they have the mindset to do so.
And the same people who have waged this war of lies upon our mayor, will gleefully continue on to any who they find in direct opposition to their ideals.
In closing, agree or disagree with your elected officials decisions, be vocal, get informed and before you open your mouth, check yourself and use these simple rules as guides:
He without sin, let him cast the first stone.
People in glass houses should not throw stones. July 08 Let's take a break.
We have earned it, although the Hell rages on in city government. Right now, I am in a break.
The one thing I would like to do is to thank my friends, who have been good friends - supportive and kind, not just where I am concerned, but with the entire community. Sometimes in life, you are lucky. I'm very lucky.
From old to middle age to the younger set, Muncie, Indiana has many assets in its' people.
I can only hope we utilize these treasures and work our way back to progress and prosperity.
For now, and because I am exhausted to fire off a huge blog, I would like to thank my friends and co - activists. You are this citys' greatest asset.
July 07
We Should Be Ashamed, Not Proud
The public hearing started with Mayor Sharon McShurley playing an incoherent and bizarre recording left on her home answering machine over the weekend. The message, which lasted more than 90 seconds, criticized McShurley for closing fire stations and asked, apparently hypothetically, whether the mayor would drive her son to the hospital when he dies of a heart attack.
The woman in the message did not leave her name but identified herself as a southside resident.
"@#$% S. Penn," she said. "You want to know who I am, come to my damn door."
The message went on to call McShurley a worthless thief and liar and ended with "The south shall rise again."
The message received a loud applause from the audience, which included a large proportion of police officers, firefighters and their supporters.
Facing the council with her back turned to the audience, McShurley did not audibly respond to the applause.
She did, however, blame the phone call on a flier the fire union is distributing on the south side of town questioning whether McShurley has put public safety in jeopardy. She said the flier was inaccurate and suggested it was being used to stir panic in the community.
 Please join concerned citizens for breakfast and questions. CDCPTR does not endorce this message, but I can ( quite honestly ) say - " You don't have to use your young kids or the elderly and the poor to attend. Just bring your questions and your appetite ! "
LOIT TABLED!!
City Council delays
decision on LOIT!!
Is this taxation without representation for the County taxpayers??
We strongly suggest that you contact
every City Council Member and express
your opinion of them pacifying the minions by doubling your income tax....putting us back right where we began 2 years ago!
Alison Quirk: 765-288-5319
Mike King: 765-282-3709
Linda Gregory: 765-286-2925
Sam Marshall: 765-288-0478
Brad Polk: 765-288-0571
Mark Conatser: 765-741-7539
Jerry Dishman: 765-289-6242 or 765-215-9747
Mary Jo Barton: 765-289-9494
Monte Murphy: 765-286-4154 or 765-288-0516
July 06 A huge thank you, a grateful thank you, to Brad Polk for standing up for not only the people he represents, but for this entire community. It's been awhile, but I think it's called integrity. Thanks, Brad Polk !
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