THE CITY COUNCIL IS NOT THE KENTUCKY DERBY
I guess we're going to have to add to the cell phone warning on the City Council Agenda, something like: "Men, take your hats off--Didn't your mother teach you anything?"
Men appropriately leave their hats on indoors in two situations: When carrying a sidearm; and, when shooting pool. (If you want to push the point, I'll give you baseball in a domed stadium.)
posted by UMRBlog @ 20:09
75 comments
75 Comments:
yeah, that was the highlight of that meeting. you must be very proud of your party tonight.
Hat night is next Monday , welcome to the national spot light .
Sorry it isn't Chuck 93'
It's more Jack@ss 09
Isn't Steve up in 2 years ?
;)
what the hell are you talking about?
Damn, don't u know u're cutting into their free speech?
The horses have more rights than the people who wish to speak before the City Council.
0556,
The horses showed up in time to run the race, not to discuss it a week later.
TYFCB
Five minutes of calm, reasoned disagreement with a council decision (three actually :) would not have destroyed the republic, the state or the city.
While the council was within their "rights", this is a MAJOR tactical and strategic error by the Democrats. It was also unkind and c ertainly NOT in the tradition of fair play that Quincy has lived by for many years.
Doesn't he have the right to discuss any issue, whether it's late or not? What's the harm, it's already a done deal. Give the guy his 5 minutes. I'd think if the horse showed up late he could still run the track anyway, even though the winner's been declared.
This comment has been removed by the author.
This comment has been removed by the author.
0734
Good analogy. Horses running with nobody there to watch. That coulda happened.
TYFCB
0646,
Thank you for a well reasoned submission.
As you correctly point out, the "He has a Right" argument is undiluted horseflop. The "Bad Move, What's the Harm?" argument is the battleground for this one.
Tookie somehow has Mayors into this. The Mayor's only responsibility at a meeting like this is to make sure he correctly divides the house. He did the most drastic thing a chair can do to ensure his count is correct. He called for a roll call. That's all the Mayor did or can do.
TYFCB
Boy it was amazing how the Council Dems were able to in absolute and complete unison voice their objection to letting Mr. McQueen speak. I'm sure they didn't get together and talk about this before hand, because if they had that would be a violation of the open meetings act. I mean seriously, Ben Bumbry first out of the gate? It was all one big coincidence. Anyway, I hope Mr McQueen isn't disenfranchised after all of this, you know that's something the Democrats USUALLY are concerned with...
Who is to say the speaker was not going to speak about the next sewer/water increase? Thus it becomes timely comment.
Except the next sewer/water rate increase is not scheduled until 2014. They only do it every five years (except they should have done last year and did not, not forseeing the flooding or the economic downturn).
The Dems better be prepared for some sort of nonsense like this about every week. They should of let McQueen speak just so anyone interested can see for themselves the quality of the we-hate-all-taxes folks. Give'm rope to hang themselves. Allow them to speak, because that opens to door to aldermen asking them questions, like why didn't you sound off when we invited any and all to sound off? Course, this guy isn't going to admit it's all a setup. Too bad the Dems fell into the trap.
A trap that went national and a trap that you Dems marched into .
5/5/2009
I don't think anyone should be allowed to speak. They are not elected officials and get their say when it is time to vote. WE elected John Spring to CONTROL these types of situations and that is just what he did. HE followed the law. Spring is connected to Chicago and Washington and he is doing what he is told to do also. I don't care what one citizen has to say. I only care how much money Spring can bring into this community and I don't care how he does it. So all you tax protestors just keep your big mouths shut. You are'nt elected SPRING IS, just like OBAMA IS. GO to Iraq if you don't like it.
TIRED of REPUBLICAN BABIES
I would be ashamed
Grassy Knoll Last Two,
The opinions of our commentators are not necessarily those of your friendly Basin.
TYFCB
All you bloggers that like to constantly bitch about the city council and everything else can leave Quincy. You are not helping anyone by constantly criticizing everything - you are only making things worse.
You have a choice - leave Quincy or work together with everyone else to make changes for the better.
"The horses showed up in time to run the race, not to discuss it a week later."
Spring said it's a just a planning document. Are you tools afraid of McQueen's plan? It was a gutless bone head move on Spring's and the dems on the council. I imagine privately you feel that way too, Umr.
Uncle Tony ,
Can you maybe recruit an adult to run the damage control campaign ? The blame game is pretty weak and is making the case to speak stronger .
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
or abridging the freedom of speech or the press; or the
right of the people peaceably to assemble and to
petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Some how that line jumps out .
So can Robert and his rules override that line ?
0634,
I really do hope you take illegal drugs and you're not that stupid naturally.
Congress didn't make any law preventing anybody from making their feelings known to their government. Neither Congress nor the drafters of the constitution vested anybody with a RIGHT to speak at this particular public meeting or that particular public meeting.
Write letters, demonstrate, start a blog, write a book but for God's Sake, don't take a political manuevering issue or policy issue and turn it into some kind of constitutional collision when it's not.
TYFCB
Hey I've got it...The Mcqueen/Tookie/Gough ticket for our next election instead of Bellis/Tookie/Gough. This will ensure another re-election for Spring if he so desires....I do wish that they would have let the guy speak so people can really hear him and then maybe people will realize him for what he is, I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions. Rage Against the Machine with special guest Steve McQueen appearing next Monday at City Hall.
This one of the many reasons I left the democratic party and now consider myself Libertarian.
1342,
Don't really discuss much City Business here but I did miss the part about how McQueen came forward with a spreadie showing how he could run the city effectively for "x" fewer dollars.
Has nothing to do with whether he shoulda or shouldn'ta been allowed to speechify but you couldn't get away with that at my Daddy's dinner table. If you had a beef, it better be followed quickly by a proposed solution.
TYFCB
Umr
What would the spread sheet look like that shows your salary should be frozen?
1:42 PM
Do you know McQueen? What will we realize that he is?
Umr 4:35 PM
You didn't miss any part. The man wasn't allowed to speak.
Would you have allowed him to speak?
1846,
I was really talking about when the orderly and customary legislative process was going on.
Not taking the position that showing up late to the party necessarily disqualifies him from speaking after it really doesn't matter but after-the-fact beefing doesn't sound very constructive to me.
TYFCB
1524,
I wanted to be a Libertarian when I was a little boy but I never could master the Dewey Decimal system.
TYFCB
1729,
Let me ask you an organizational question: If you are inexorably raising the union employees a three to four spot and you don't give the non-union employees an increase, what exactly are you encouraging the non-union members to join or form.
I think you can get this one. Hint: Lincoln preserved one.
TYFCB
1729,
You're asking the right guy. In my third year as City Attorney, I voluntarily took a 35% decrease because the city was in rough shape and needed the money for infrastructure.
I know what salary adjustments for the good of the public body feel like. I'd kind of prefer to do that when the pain is being shared a little by other public employees but I know what it looks like and feels like.
Anything else, Genius?
TYFCB
7:24
I think it would be fantastic if after your salary was frozen that you and Murphy would get together and form a union to demand more money.
You'll also have a tough time in the coming months not giving the unions another 4% bump for each of the next three years if all the heads get one. Vicious damn circle in the public sector union world isn't it?
7:29 PM
They just printed a chart in the newspaper that showed in the last 10 years your salary has increased by 84%. Looks like you got it back somewhere along the line, Einstein.
0732,
Work on it and you'll master the concept of Fiscal Years. You clearly are trapped by your own polemics.
A true scholar, indeed.
TYFCB
0738,
Gosh, a chart in the paper. All the knowledge you need, huh?
First, go back 25 and see who took a hit and volunteered for in the middle of a FY. Second, do just a little history lesson: what happened in '00 that altered the legal department? How many people worked there in 99, then in the years after?
On second thought, just go by the chart. Heck, it was in the paper. That's all a good mouth-breather needs. Glance at a chart and you're officially smart.
TYFCB
1342,
I have no idea whether he's Audie Murphy or Osama Bin Laden. The counsel voted on his request. I didn't. Not my job.
I understand he's a veteran. I like most veterans not named Ollie North, so I'll bet I'd enjoy talking to him....I'm just a little hazy about what that has to do with anything.
Roll Call Vote: fair shake. Cerrado.
TYFCB
so you're saying your salary hasn't increased 84% in the last 10 years?
Umr 7:57 PM
The 6:44 question was not for you It was for 1:42, but thanks for your valuable input anyway. Breath through your nose every once in a while. It gets more O2 to the melon.
1:42 pm Anon
LOL - You've got it right. McQueen is a TOOL! He's loving all this fame - his enourmous head just keeps getting bigger. They crack me up over at "The Not Really Any News, But I Pretend To Be A Journalist On My Own Blog Because No Legimate News Organization Will Give Me A Job" dot org, where the sky is falling because TOOL McQueen didn't get to toot his horn that particular night. No one at that site knows the difference between an economic system, a political ideology, and a political party. They have called the Quincy City Council: Democrats, liberals, communists, socialists, Marxists, fascists, and Nazi's! They use them interchangeably, as if they all mean the same thing. It's entertainment people, not news...
Anon 9:51,
You have hit the nail on the head my friend! QuincyNotReallyNews.org is nothing but a soundpiece for every disenfranchised, blame the other guy, conspiracy theorist out there. And the guy leading the parade has the journalistic integrity of Larry Flint. I spoke to a news editor friend of mine (and a Mizzou grad to boot Mr. Gough), and he said that no legitimate news organization would stalk public officials at a golf outing, and then post photos of their vehicles on their news site. I believe the phrase he used was "it may not qualify as unethical, but it certainly borders on sleazy." I suppose it's possible that Mr. Gough skipped his Journalism Ethics class while at Mizzou, but my guess is, he just doesn't care. And that's quite sad when you're trying to pass yourself off as a true journalist. And while his loyal readers are calling public servants such vile names as Nazis, fascists and worse, we hear not a peep from Mr. Gough. Is it any wonder why no legitimate local news organization won't touch this guy with a 10-foot pole?
Well put 7:14. You need to understand that Tookie aka Chip Gerdes is a partner is QNO. I think this will explain things to a lot of people.
"They have called the Quincy City Council: Democrats, liberals, communists, socialists, Marxists, fascists, and Nazi's! They use them interchangeably, as if they all mean the same thing."
They left out losers and party hacks. But that's ok, the fun is just beginning......wait until all the retired people start getting the inflated water and sewer charges. Those Monday night council meetings should be very interesting.
I'm sure the King will have policemen everywhere next time. That's good, he should fear the people he works for..... gonna be better than Monday Night Football.
The kill the messenger strategy is a nice play. Good luck with that, you brave anon you.
You did see that every news organization in town is covering this story, didn't you?
And WTAD News has been doing news longer than anybody in this town except The Whig. So much for your 10-foot-pole theory.
And if driving by Westview to pick up my kid from school is stalking, then I guess I'm guilty five days a week.
And why don't you tell me who your news editor friend is? I'm sure I know him...the Mizzou Mafia is pretty tight.
I'll mention your sadness when I lecture at Mizzou again, since I've done it twice since I launched QuincyNews.org.
Then why are local businesses advertising with QNO. People are reading it b/c someone is actually covering city government in Quincy -- probably for the 1st time since the city was founded.
BTW, did you know Murphy doesn't go to council meeting b/e he has soccer on Monday nights. HA! That's too rich.
Tony
You and your cronies' attempt to kill the messenger is pathetic. I hope you and the embezzler Murphy form a union too. That would make for some great PR for what is quickly developing into a Banana Republic down at City Hall. Keep spinning though, it's very funny.
Cameron
You should have more sense than to allow the "TOOL" comment on your blog.
You're asking the right guy. In my third year as City Attorney, I voluntarily took a 35% decrease because the city was in rough shape and needed the money for infrastructure.So step up to the plate and do it again. Not sure why you think you're entitled to more of our money when we're having to make due with less.
Anon 1428 and 1540,
So you're now in favor of my whacking posts. Usually mouthbreathers feel they have a God-given right to have their stuff appear here. Good to know you two recognize you dance here at my discretion.
TYFCB
Umr
So why do you and all the other non union city employees think you are entitled to more of our money when we're having to make due with less?
1918,
I don't recall making a statement about being "entitled" to any amount, nor do I ever recall voting on a budget.
What I do recall is going to a former Mayor and requesting my personal pay be cut because of some extreme circumstances.
The premise of your question is false.
TYFCB
Anon 7:18,
If you're making less money, then you have nobody to blame but yourself. Don't depend on a company telling you what you're worth, find a position in which you control your income. I've worked on commissions my whole life, and I dictate what I'm worth. Sorry, but everybody has the choice, some just don't have the ambition. For those people, I have no sympathy. But if you're willing to let your employer tell you what your worth, you have a job, not a career. That's your own fault.
Umr 8:04 PM
Are you required to take the pay increase, or could you turn it down?
You and Murphy from the IT Dept should sign up to address the council opposite McQueen to make your case as to why citizens' taxes should be increased to support your 4% salary bump.
jrg,
Gee, you must have been driving about 3 mph past Westview that day in order to see those vehicles.
0446,
I missed the part about where taxes were being increased. You must have some duper-duper inside information that I don't have.
It's not really fair for me to have a discussion with a guy blessed with superpowers. Can't compete with x-ray vision.
TYFCB
JRG
Can you tell us who is involved with QNO other than you and Tookie?
Is McQueen?
0341,
The Comptroller can't deviate from the budget she gets from the Council. An employee who felt an increase amount was too much could get the same result by donating the difference to an effective NFP............................................................................Oh, Wait! I already do that.
But it was a great question, Bunky.
TYFCB
2024,
He's on the Burger King management training career track. Just a few years of practice "You want fries with that?" and his career will take off.
I think this is the same guy who gave us "making DUE with less"
Maybe he should wear a do-rag at work to remind him of the correct spelling.
It's really hard to be a tax protester. You sometimes have to spell stuff.
TYFCB
5:54 AM
You didn't miss anything. You are just not paying attention. Gather up your tax bills from the last five years or so, and see if the city portion of your property taxes has gone up or down. Post them here if you can't figure it out.
6:00 AM
So you agree that your salary increase is unwarranted. Instead of speaking up before the budget is finalized, you take our money anyway and justify it by claiming that you give our money to the charity or YOUR choice? How big of you.
He's on the Burger King management training career track. Just a few years of practice "You want fries with that?" and his career will take off.Take that logic to the over 200 people who have been laid off at Knapheide. Just a bunch of idiots who should have chosen a different career path.
UMR
Your attitude towards the people who create jobs and pay your salary speaks to the total arrogance of those running this city. Not everyone can get a patronage job like you and your friends at city hall and not be concerned about the economy when it comes to pay increases.
0624,
I wasn't talking about them. They are fine, disadvantaged Americans (who mostly don't live in Quincy, BTW). I was just talking about you.
You obviously consider yourself the smartest blog lurker in the world so any reduction in your income to below Bill Gates' must necessarily be voluntary.
You really want to keep this up? Is the tin cup next?
TYFCB
For the years I've already paid, it looks to me like my rate (relative to the value of my Real Estate) has gone down.
The one that seems to have really gone up, percentagewise, is JWCC.
TYFCB
0623,
Work on your reading skills. I didn't agree to squat.
You're kind of obsessed with my income and my taxes. Did you wet the bed and break your puppy's legs when you were about 9? I'm afraid we might have a Netstalker here in River City.
TYFCB
6:46 AM
The dollar amount of your taxes went up, or mine if That is a tax increase. The rate means little in this discussion. JWCC is another matter altogether.
Anon 5:56
I really don't like messing up another kid's sandbox, but your question is fair and not rude.
The information on our investors is all on file as we are an s-corp.
QuincyNews.org had an original investor last spring. He got out during the summer for personal reasons.
Chip and a gentleman from Kansas City purchased those shares from the original investor. Their names are all on file.
Steve McQueen purchased an ad on QuincyNews.org to promote the Quincy Tea Party. That is his lone involvement other than being a reader.
We are always looking for new investors or advertisers in order to support our global expansion and plan for world dominance.
6:43 AM
OK, then use an example of any other person you deem an idiot that has recently lost their job or had their wages frozen or reduced. The unemployment rate has increased in Quincy, has it not?
Show me where I claimed to be the smartest anything. I didn't. Let's take for instance one of those disadvantage Americans laid of from Knapheide who do live in Quincy. It's your blog. You are the one getting the pay increase on the backs of these people. We can use a different city employee if it upsets you.
Why do you think they should pay more in taxes to support an increase in Jim Murhpy's salary?
0638,
Not to entrepreneurs generally. In case you missed it, I run a private practice with corporate clients who have issues with, just for example: USDOT, Nuclear Regulatory Commission; SEC; IRS; ATF.
Successful small to medium sized businesses surely paid for my kids' college and provide some of my most satisfying legal services. I respect the Hell out of what these guys do.
I guess it is just Blog-bitchers who want to attack me simply because I have a part time government job who don't garner any respect from me. You, for example, might be one of those.
Would it hurt you any less if the legal staff were all true believers in whatever it is you call your polemic views?
Cerrado. TYFCB
You may have written that before I went "Cerrado" on this topic, so I'll address it.
First, you profess to know which city employees should and should not rec'v an increase, setting yourself up as the decider. It's no leap at all to grasp you view yourself as the smartest kid in the room.
I don't know what the right balance is between employee security/retention and balancing economic concerns. The revenue projections are that gross revenues will go up. How to apply that increase and the FY rollover is what the council gets paid to decide.
The whole Department Head raise thing is symbolic. No real money is being saved. The impact of not raising the pay of non-union technical employees is pretty obvious. A really smart guy like you should be able to figure that one out.
TYFCB
Cerrado
How was ABC being journalistic when running names & pictures of CIA employees?
Did you leave a few out Tony?
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