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August 31 " Free Speech ? That's Gonna Cost Ya..."
If We Can Do It, Why Not Our Politicians ?Against LOITDEBORAH KING-EICHHOLZ • Muncie • August 31, 2009 The debate goes on between elected officials and the citizenry: Will the Muncie City Council rise to the challenge of managing, or will they act to raise our taxes? For a fact, their constituents have already done what the Muncie City Council has yet been unable or unwilling to do, particularly in these uncertain and troubled times. To stretch the limited resources of so many, when all avenues have yet to be explored, is indefensible, but sadly, predictable. Please, urge your city council person to vote no on LOIT. Call and tell Muncie City Council there is no need for LOIT. Alison Quirk: 765-288-5319
August 26 The Lion Sleeps Tonight... If one is of a certain age, the memories are embedded in our consciousness...when our world began to change and we were old enough to remember when those changes altered how we saw the world, what might be possible and how we viewed ourselves. The US Presidential election in 1960 was the first election I was old enough to comprehend.
My mother was a Democrat, of sorts. My grandmother, an ardent Republican. I believe Harry Truman scared and enraged her - not because of the bombs dropped on Japan, but because he occasionally swore. For a strict Pentecostal, Harry Truman was not a nice man and defined the Democrat Party, at least in her mind. As a young girl, I listened to her and it didn't really stick. I was more curious about the man who might be President. It seemed almost impossible - a young and handsome President. You would have to remember we had always had old men as President and women who looked old, even as young girls, as wives. Also, in those days, as students, we were told to prepare for " The Bomb, " by way of elementary school films, which showed us how to duck and hide under our desks when " it " happened.
After the election, everything seemed different. The First Lady was not a frumpy, hair challenged old woman, but a stylish young woman and there seemed to be a new direction for the country. Anything was possible.
When our handsome President was assassinated in Dallas, it seemed impossible.
That only happened in the old days.
Or, in Third World countries.
Nevertheless, this country went on. Innocence gone...replaced with uncertainty and suspicion.
The turbulent years of the early, mid and late 60's saw more assassinations, a country mired in a war many saw as morally wrong and dangerous to our society and an evolving culture ready and willing to take to the streets and say " Hell, no - we won't go ! " In those days, before we became adults and taking on adult responsibilities, it was easy to question The Establishment and look for answers to the questions no one would respond to, much less acknowledge.
Yet, we still had to deal with the reality of The Government, looking for another bright light to help lead this country through the continuing issues.
The hopes of a New Generation very nearly trampled by the murders of Dr. King and Robert Kennedy. As we sat with our families and watched the nightly news - the daily body count in Viet Nam, the continuing saga of a government gone crazy - there was little reason to believe anyone could make a difference.
The optimism of the early years of JFK seemed lost forever.
King was dead. Shot, as he stood on the balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. RFK, who had quieted the crowd in Indianapolis - who consoled and grieved with those gathered in the parking lot to hear him speak, was later shot dead in a hotel kitchen. Nixon, who sold his soul for an easy re-election and left the White House in disgrace. Our glimmer of hope, The Last Kennedy...Teddy, disgraced by his own behavior at Chappaquiddick...Camelot was, indeed, over.
No one bounces back from something like that...piled and layered with tales of drunken bad boy behavior for many years...but, Edward Moore Kennedy found his redemption in something more meaningful to him...in service to not only the people of Massachusetts, but all Americans. Who would have thought it possible ? He found his reach extended not merely from the four corners of his country, but wherever there was need, hunger, ignorance and want. Just as the people of Boston knows this to be true, so too do the people of Soweto, in Belfast.
This is not a valentine to a reformed rascal, but a personal acknowledgement of the man who pioneered great legislation on behalf of the people of this country. He came to us, almost as a two-fer, but over time, proved to be so much more. Legislation which made life easier for the needy, the handicapped, the elderly. In a very thick book of accomplishments, we often forget those bills which gave our citizens a more secure life. We have become accustomed to those great moments in our history, often forgetting what life was like before Edward Moore Kennedy took his place in the US Senate. Now, he takes his place in history and leaves behind a country more blessed for the time he walked and worked for us.
Fair winds and following seas, Senator Kennedy.
August 21 Out Of Adversity.... A few years ago, it never would have crossed my mind that I might be leaving my comfort zone to work for, and with, my community. The truth is, I left that behind a long time ago, when it became easier to write a check or something along those lines. For one thing, alot had changed. I certainly was older, working, physically challenged and the family issues had become more significant and pressing. Besides, I " knew " my city...the people seemed lethargic and had adapted to the status quo. By saying " adapted, " I mean they had grown weary of trying to fight the good fight, that it was easier to turn ones' eyes away from the problems facing their community, as their voices had long been swallowed up in a sea of corruption and self-serving politics.
Along this walk, I found people I might never had met otherwise. People who came into my life as co-workers, of a sort and then we became friends. There were no barriers, even as we found each other to be uniquely different, but yet united in the desire to help our City and County help itself. That should not be confused with helping itself to whatever we have left to give.
There were Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, Protestants, Catholics, Athiests, Women, Men, Married, Single, College Educated, High School Diplomas...a little bit of everything. As a whole, one could say it is a diverse gang of local people who were opening their eyes to see beyond the limited horizon we sometimes build for ourselves , or allowed to be defined for us. As we moved in uncharted waters, we began to recognize and appreciate the different personalities amongst us.
This is what I want to write about. Not the reasons we came together, but the people who have withstood the harsh glare of public scrutiny and personal attacks, designed to impact our lives in the most profoundly negative ways possible. All because this group of people have challenged our local elected officials to do as they swore they would do, rather than use what they had gained for their own well-being and next elected office.
I knew this colorful collection of personalities was different was the day one of our own had to be hospitalized. She was immediately cared for and looked after by The Gang, not because she is a prolific writer and activist, but because there was a bond, a friendship that went beyond the usual working relationship.
No matter how we were portrayed by those who had a vested interest in keeping things as they had been for decades, among us, we knew the truth and so did many of friends, family, neighbors and supporters.
It was easy to portray us, as a group, as rich Republican landlords, who were only in it for ourselves. Oh, politicians, heal thyselves. Or, something along those lines.
My friends are amazing people, in that they rose to the challenges and have been stoic in their resolve. The time they have given has been done so with a sense that, perhaps now, now, people have become awakened and know they too can meet challenges, stand and demand more bang for their votes. Yes, we do manage to have conversations which do not include modernization or Parties and, yes, we do get together outside if meetings for dinner or bicycling or whatever fits the day.
I cannot, do not and will not speak for the rest of the gang, but I am never one to take a personal, unfair and malicious attack on my friends without a growl. That's called " friendship, " not a gang mentality. I understand not every group has such tremendous and affectionate ties with one another, but some, in all probability do bond. It goes beyond the genesis of the group.
I remember when I was introduced to one particular lady. Two people could not be more different, yet we found more in common than we could ever have imagined. I am the hurricane to her gentle wind. She is an amazingly gifted woman and never stops short of 100 % in her words and action. I can truly say this about the group, as a whole.
Count Muncie, Indiana as a community blessed with such concerned and caring people. Their work goes beyond the political and into heart-felt generousity of spirit and giving. I wonder, if at any time, those who would villify these people could ever walk a week in their shoes ? I would hope so, but it has been my experience that the response would be " no. " Are we without flaws ? Absolutely not, but we never claimed to be and that again, is one facet of the diversity within this group of people. Each and every member or volunteer brings with them a heart and mind, determined to educate and empower the citizens of Muncie and Delaware County, Indiana. To uplift the spirit and to come together to identify and face the challenges of a community very much in transition.
It is an incredible moment in our communitys' history. It is also an incredible time of my life. At my age, I thought I might be beyond " incredible moments, " but in stepping outside of my carefully crafted life, I have found solid friendships. So many different people, united in a move toward real change, not a campaign slogan.
Those who have used almost possible sort of ammunition to hurt us, individually and as a group, will most certainly never know real friendship. Not that I believe that to be a factor in their lives...where it's almost a foregone conclusion that it is all about a chosen few. You see, we united for the good of all the people. No one person has all of the right answers, but we can find them, if we work for Muncie, rather than against it. Imagine the confusion and outrage among those who would keep us down and dumb, that good might actually prevail.
In that long and unfinished walk toward progress, we've found friendship and strength.
 August 11 From www.munciepolitics.wordpress.com2010 Budget, Prairie Creek, Zook and LOIT PollGood evening folks. The budget meeting went extremely well! The controller presented a workable 2010 budget with the $311,000 cuts recommended by the Umbaugh study. She is pretty confident, based on the current cuts and without the tax draw revenue, that for 2009 we have met the budget deficit! We still are waiting to hear from the state on the pensions, and of course the contracts will be coming up again, so there may be additional monies to be saved in 2010. Doug Zook, Superintendent of the Parks did an excellent job presenting his budget. I was so impressed. Here is why:
The man has it going on. He answered every question in a professional manner, was cool as a cucumber and a real go getter. The summer has been unseasonable cool and we are in a recession, imagine the money during a hot summer and no recession. If every department head comes to the budget with these types of savings, there will be absolutely no need for LOIT. We can run leaner and better. Just takes people who can get the job done. Congrats to Mr. Zook for using his great management skills, and to his employees for their innovations, dedication and hard work! Now, on to the LOIT poll. Much to my surprise I has 50 hits on the poll just this evening. The votes were tallied and in favor of the LOIT. I wonder who would be in favor of doubling of their income tax when we just learned that with good management, and frugal spending, the city more than likely will be able to weather the financial problems without taxing the whole darn county to do it. Call and tell Muncie City Council there is no need for LOIT. Alison Quirk: 765-288-5319 P.S. Don’t forget the county has 8 million dollars from the welfare fund.
8 Million Dollars and A Rainy Day Fund!What’s going on? The Richmond newspaper reported the counties which have a surplus from the family and child welfare budget will be able to keep those funds! Yes, siree bob, them dollars can be deposited into a rainy day fund. According to the article, Delaware County will have 8 Million Dollars. Almost as much as the Morrison TIF had in January. Now, I ask you? Did the county know about these funds before the infamous Wheel Tax? What is their plan for this money? Will Chris Matchett, President of Delaware County Council, still request budget cuts of 25%? Will President & Commissioner Todd Donati find yet another way to spend this money? Will we see this 8 Million Dollars magically disappear in a matter of a few short months? Now just suppose, all of our county officials were aware of the 8 Million Dollars and still decided to add a tax to an already struggling citizen base. After all, the Wheel Tax was introduced in May and adopted in June just a few short days before the State Budget was passed. If the elected officials knew, yet chose to stay silent and get the Wheel Tax passed faster than an Indy 500 lap…well, that’s not very nice. Follow the money, folks. Watch it like a mother hen watches her chicks. 8 Million Dollars of our tax money. Please spend wisely. August 05 Y'all Come Back, Ya Hear !Muncie City Budget MeetingYou are cordially invited to attend the City of Muncie Budget meeting hosted by Muncie City Council. When: Monday, August 10th, 2009 Time: 5:30 PM Where: Muncie City Hall Auditorium No RSVP is needed.
Thank you to www.munciepolitics.wordpress.com August 04 Vote ON LOIT !Poll: Do You Support LOIT? Please vote.Do You Support LOIT? NO. City should live within a budget.
YES. I like paying more money to the government. I don't know. Thank you to www.munciepolitics.wordpress.com
Please, head over and read what's really happened
in Muncie, Indiana and Delaware County, Indiana.
Why swallow lies, when you can absorb the truth !? Thanks to www.munciepolitics.wordpress.comPrairie Creek ~ It’s Happenin’All through 2008, nary a good word was said about Prairie Creek. Many of us questioned why are subsidizing it with our tax money? Why can’t it be self-supporting? In the midst of all the turmoil on the condition of PCR, my friend, Deb and I decided to take a tour. Had not been out there in 10-15 years. Much to my surprise it was nice. What was all the hoopla about? One can only guess. No use dwelling on all the negative, when right before us, the good news. Prairie Creek is on the way to becoming something great! Take a peek at the highlights from Muncie Star’s front page article. In previous years, the city not only budgeted more for the reservoir, it also took in less income, meaning the reservoir was subsidized by property tax dollars. In 2007, city taxpayers spent almost $140,000 on Prairie Creek. In 2008, city taxpayers spent about $84,000. City Controller Mary Ann Kratochvil attributed the financial turnaround to a decision by the parks board in January to increase lease fees and user fees. “There’s no question about it,” she said. Kratochvil said 2009 is the first time the reservoir has been self-supporting in her 11 years working at City Hall. Some have questioned whether it is the first time the reservoir has ever been self-supporting. Any profits generated at Prairie Creek will be directed to a reverting fund, meaning it will be reinvested in the reservoir. ”I think that’s great,” said Joe Harris, who co-owns Dry Dock Marina across from the reservoir. According to Harris, Prairie Creek fees are still cheaper than those at many reservoirs around the state. McShurley said the reinvestment in Prairie Creek gives the city the opportunity to “make it just as nice as a state park.” To read the full article click Prairie Creek Reservoir August 3, 2009. Folks, if people would just quit standing in the way of progress, we could see this in all areas of our local government. Please remember this and don’t worry, be happy. August 03 NO to LOIT !Please attend tonights' City Council. Urge your councilperson to vote NO on LOIT. This is a temporay band-aid on a bleed-out. It's time to manage on what we have. After all, this is what we do now. You are asking, no - you are demanding we sit quietly by and take this new tax, even though your sloth and disregard for the public, as a whole, is indefensible and irresponsible. You have taxed us for years and done very little positive with that money. Now, another tax, when you have shown yourselves to be arrogant as to our concerns and wallets ? You have also taxed our patience. For once, in your political careers, do what you promised ALL the people and do the right thing. Vote NO to LOIT.
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