Waste Collection Increase

The Danville City council went ahead and voted to raise the fees for waste collection over the next 5 years in order to cover the proposed $1 Million increase in expenses. The Council was able to vote on this even though there was very little discussion on the topic during the committee meeting. More disturbing is the fact that Rickey Williams proposed an excellent idea to increase the fee for only the next year in order to give the city more time to investigate alternative options. This was supported by Bill Black, Steve Foster, Ken Davis and Karen McMahon but failed since the rest of the council thought it was a superior idea to strap Danville citizens with another new rate increase over the next 5 years.

In March the Gasoline Tax increase goes into effect and now if you use the yard waste program, you can look forward to a $5 raise to your $20 sticker fee. If you’re like me and constantly wondering how the government keeps growing and taxing us while refusing to cut and live within its means, then you’ll no doubt see this for what it is, another effort by local city government to keep expanding. The only way we will ever correct the financial problems of this great nation is if we can control the purse strings at all levels. It’s not just those in Washington D.C. who have eyes bigger than their stomach it’s also those who control small town America. The main reason this is so frustrating isn’t because I think $25 is to high, but because there is little or no interest in finding others solutions to the problem. We simply can’t keep on like this.

Danville's amazing new $1.2 Million Parking Lot.

Any day now new families and businesses will be moving into Danville now that we are going to have a brand new $1.2 Million "Green" Parking Lot. This parking lot is going to be the catalyst for growth that Danville has been waiting for, or at least that's how it was sold Tuesday night at the City Council meeting. Some would actually have you believe that this brand new High School parking lot is going to help bring in new families and increase property values. Never mind that a brand new Parking lot constructed of traditional means would only cost a quarter of the $1.2 Million projection, this brand new and untested "Green" technology is the icing on the Boondoggle cake that our Federal Government and the climate change community would have us all eating if they had their way.

The EPA just started testing this type of technology in 2009 to see if any positive environmental effects could been seen. They replaced a 43,000-square-foot section of the parking lot at its Edison, NJ facility with three different types of permeable pavement for the study which was slated for a 10 year period. This means the EPA is only 2 years into it's official study, meanwhile they are handing out hundreds of thousands of dollars to any Tom, Dick and city who is willing to spend similar funds implementing something that might or might not actually work.

Not only is this "Green" parking lot going to cost the tax payers $1.2 Million to construct but it will require costly maintenance and cleaning that was only touched on during the meeting. I for one will not be shocked if this maintenance adds tens of thousands in extra cost to the city over the life of the lot. This is only the beginning, if we allow it to continue, this trend in smoke and mirrors "Green" technology will continue to consume our resources and give the government more of an excuse to continue raising taxes.

I urge anyone who agrees with this to share their opinions with their local leaders. We need to prevent the spread of this kind of irrational thinking and spending.

Cheers,

Mike

8-16-2011 Danville City Council Remarks

As a public citizen I would like to point out to the council that I appreciate hearing questions in regards to the spending. I think more citizens would be more involved and have higher confidence if they were aware that that our city's leaders actually did look these expenses over on a weekly basis. As a citizen and a previous candidate for this council I know this information is available to view but I also know most people do note take the time. It's not only our Federal Government that needs to get under control but our local units of governments could be well served by some contraction as well. I know I don't speak for only myself when I Commend Alderman Black and Alderman Williams and the rest for asking questions and getting clarifications on the issues with spending. Not just for getting answers as to where the money is going but for helping to shed light on size and scope our city government.

An $1800 lawnmower for each firehouse, I wouldn't have known that if the question weren't asked. I also purchased a lawnmower this year only mine cost $250. My last mower cost about $200 and it lasted me 5 years. Imagine if each item over $500 had to be fully explained before being voted on, this would extend the time each meeting takes but it would also make city officials and department heads think twice before spending a dollar.

I ask that more of the Alderman make a point to question these expenses as they come up, if for no other reason to make sure they're not hidden. Remember silence equals acceptance.

Personally I'm not interested in hearing pre-packaged or pre-qualified questions and answers. As Alderman Black pointed out, it's not personal, it's about getting the information.

Transparency in government doesn't happen naturally, it only happens when an engaged citizenry and it's elected officials dare to ask those questions. Transparency in government does not come from neatly prepared statements to pre-determined questions but rather off the cuff questions as they arise. It's been said that the people deserve the government they get. If we are to be more concerned about feelings when catching someone off guard then getting answers, then perhaps the city should purchase several teleprompters and run each city council meeting off a script to avoid this from ever happening?

On another topic, in regards to the idea of raising Garbage collection fees from last weeks committee meeting. I want to share my opinion “Absolutely not”.
Only 1 year ago the yard waste fee increased from $10 to $20 and the service was shorted. This meant a 100% increase in the cost for 50% less service.

I was sitting in this room last year when the question of purchasing another truck at a cost of over $200,000 was brought to the attention of the council. I don’t remember ever hearing about a budget deficit due to fuel at that time.
What I do remember is being told that this purchase was going to help save money in the long run. It’s great that the city is saving 20 grand a year on workman’s
compensation claims but that’s a far cry from the $188,000 deficit that was reported.

The solid waste collection is supposed to be a self-sustaining enterprise fund. It was reported that the loans for the solid waste collection totters and trucks are to be paid off faster than anticipated. If the loans are projected to be paid by the Spring of 2012 the money that was going towards the loans' principal and interest is now available for use as maintenance funds for the enterprise account, so I’m having a really hard time understanding why we need the increase.

Also reported was that the solid waste division has about $1.1 million of Capital Improvements it NEEDS to make during the next five years including the purchase of additional land to relocate the yard waste facility. I’m pretty sure Capital Improvements means nice things we’d like to do in the future. If we’re having trouble coming up with $188,000 perhaps spending another 1.1 million might not be such a hot idea. That’s just my opinion, well no, it’s also the opinion of every other voter I’ve spoken to about it during the last week.

Thank you.

Help Support Harold "Sparky" Songer

Upside Down Flags

I think Mr. Songer is a great American. I want everyone to know I
believe it is people like him who made America great. I understand
some are upset about his actions and that's fine. Life is not about
always agreeing with the decisions or beliefs of your neighbors and
those around you, sometimes your feeling may be hurt and this is also
ok. Being an American means you are free to feel upset if you like,
it also means Mr. Songer is free to express his distaste for the state
of affairs in our nation. Our nation is in distress, whether you
choose to accept it or not is irrelevant. His actions are receiving
much fanfare here in Danville as these types of actions usually do,
and much of it is negative because those of you who agree usually do
not speak out. Harry Johnson (Museum V.P.) alluded to the idea that
they would soon attempt to remove Mr. Songer from his position at the
museum. If you support Mr. Songer, I would urge you to write and/or
call the Vermilion County War Museum or its directors, and let
them know how you feel.


VCWM Directors:
Allen Goff
Victor Hix
Julius W. Hegeler II
Jim Kouzmanoff
Kenneth Kuhn
Cordy Heron
John D. McFetridge

307 North Vermilion Street
Danville IL 61832
(217) 431-0034

Brave Citizen "Sparky" sends a message

Harold ‘Sparky’ Songer, President of the Vermilion County War Museum is flying the U.S. Flag upside down. A traditional sign of distress. I commend this brave man for speaking out in such a public manner on the state of our nation.

Thank you Mr. Songer.

After Danville's Mayoral Forum

Danville, IL SOTU Drinking Game

The Time- 8:00PM Central Standard Time
The Place- Your pub of choice

If you can't make it out, play from home.

Alcohol need not be a requirement, the game can be played with anything.
Leftists may prefer to use Kool-Aid

The Rules are simple.

Hope = Drink
Change = Drink
Applause = Drink
Any Mention of Corporations, Wallstreet, or CEO's = Drink
Civility = Drink
Any mention of Republicans or Bi-partisanship = Drink
Use of the code word "Investment" which means more Government Spending = Drink


Anyone Shown Sleeping = 2 Drinks
If John Boehner cries = 2 Drinks
If anyone Yells Liar = 2 Drinks

Any Mention of Obama Care =Shot
Green Energy = Shot
Gun Control = Shot

Is it racist to think drug dealing is more popular than College?

GOP leaders call on Al Reynolds to end campaign


Many people are calling for Al Reynolds to step down from the Dist 52 IL Senate Race because they claim his comments were racist. Al Reynolds was simply pointing out that our society has glamorized illegal actives and the Drug Dealing lifestyle more so than working hard to obtain a good education. He could have been more articulate in this message but that is what comes along with being un-seasoned politician who is more a man of the people than a paid public orator.

Does this make Al Reynolds a racist? Where Would Al have gotten this idea?

Just listen to Clipse's "I'm not you"

an authentic portrayal of dealing blow.

"I keep the Ziploc bustin at the stitches"
"From the panel to the dash, its four pounds of slab"
"Rappers is talking to me as if we in the same boat,
I tell them quick no I move Coke."

But surely this is not the norm right? I mean we need to look very hard to find any other sources of such glamorization in the drug trade. Actually you need not look very far at all. Below are only a few examples I found after looking for less than 5 minutes. I did however spend 20 minutes looking for chart topping rap music whose topic was about getting good grades and going to college. I couldn't find one.

Jadakiss & styles p - dope money


Biggie - 10 crack commandments


Cassidy - ima hustler



So is it only Al Reynolds who feels like the glamorization of this lifestyle is at the root of the problem. Actually No. Here are just a few articles that delve into the idea that this style and culture only perpetuates the problem.

How Hip-Hop Holds Blacks Back

Rap music is keeping the black community in poverty

The impact of Rap music on young black Americans

Angry black women take aim at rappers

I think it's clear that Al Reynolds is not the first person to talk about this issue. He may only be the first one brave enough to do it in Champaign or Vermilion County.

Cheers,

Mike

Al Reynolds IL Senate Dist. 52 Candidate

Al Reynolds the IL Senate Dist. 52 Candidate made comments at a Candidate Forum on Wednesday night 10-20-2010, that do not reflect the opinion of the East Central IL TEA Party.

For the record, I do not believe Al Reynolds is a racist. I think his choice of words were poor. His point was relevant if fully understood, which is impossible in a one minute answer to a question that really requires 20 minutes of discussion to fully understand.

The following is his initial Response from Wednesday's nights comments. It's my understanding that he will be releasing an additional statement soon.

“Racial remarks stunned the audience”
This headline described my comments at the recent League of Women Voters and NAACP forum. I would like to apologize if my statements offended anyone in the audience and in my community.
I realize that my words generalized a small segment of my neighbors and I regret the inferences that it created. That was certainly not my intent.
My comments were intended to initiate a conversation which could lead to solutions for not only African-American youth anticipating college, but youth in general. As an elected official it is my intent to build real educational opportunities, for everyone of all races and gender, not just applicants for admission to the University of Illinois.

I have a strong background of involvement in minority communities, and know first hand the challenges many minority youth face. While I was training for the ministry, I served in the trenches working with two low income churches in Los Angeles. I saw first hand the impact that street crime, gangs, and restricted job opportunities had on minority youth.

I have plans to change this, to bring solutions, and I am outraged that I am being labeled a racist. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have dedicated my life to building bridges for all people and to improve the quality of life for all mankind.

I was speaking from my heart, and although in hindsight I would have worded my statement differently, I am, and have always been strongly committed to the American dream for everyone, including African American youth. I remain committed to solutions and will continue working on behalf of all citizens of our district.

As a Navy Corpsman for 20 years, I put my life on the line in service for my country, for everyone in my country, red, yellow, black, or white.
I am in this race to create real solutions for Danville, the 52nd District and Illinois and not to shy away or gloss over difficult issues and discussions as we've seen too often from professional politicians. Again I regret if my comments were offensive to anyone as that was not my intent.

Al Reynolds, Republican Candidate for the 52nd Senate seat.

Danville District 118 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Danville Community Consolidated School District 118 Board of Education

September 13, 2010

In this financially trying time, the Board is struggling to preserve a level of high quality education. We are using federal monies to bring back dismissed teachers, preserve programs, maintain class sizes, but these monies only go so far. Our schools depend heavily on state aide which is no longer as easily forthcoming. We need our teachers to do their part and take a salary freeze for one year yet not reduce their benefits, most important of which is health insurance. We also sought to explore ways to compensate them in the future years. One of our proposals was to pay merit bonuses if our students’ test scores improved.

Unfortunately, all of our proposals were rejected by the DEA. Despite telling the public that the teachers did not seek a raise for its highest paid teachers, the DEA sought increased salaries for all teachers and non-certified employees that averaged approximately 3% for teachers in each of 2 years and between 4% and 5% for non-certified employees.

The DEA needs to be straight with the public – they claim that they are for school safety but only if we pay the teachers’ legal fees if they are charged with a criminal offense. They want us to spend federal monies for education but only if a substantial portion goes to increase their salaries. They want us to hire additional nurses but only if we hire nurses with teaching degrees when none of our nurses teach. They claim to care about students, but they threatened to shut down our football program unless the Board capitulates to their demands. And, they want the Board to pay half of the DEA President’s salary to do Union business rather than teach our children.

We want to pay our teachers fairly, but we also want to preserve quality education for our students. We will continue to meet with the teachers to bring about a resolution of this unfortunate strike but we cannot agree to a settlement that risks the financial health of our school system.

9-12 Group Vermilion County in Danville, IL

Restore the Republic!

Are you Ready to Take Back America from the Politicians and Special Interest Groups?

Many Americans believe the answers to most of America's problems can be found by returning to Constitutional Principles. Common sense principles that helped make America the most prosperous and free country on the planet.

Before we can do this we need to learn and understand the real history of America. Self study and support will be the main focus of this group. We can talk, share ideas and get involved in the political process.

If anyone in the area is looking for a 912 (9/12) in or near Danville, IL please check out

East Central IL 912 Group

East Central IL TEA

9 Principles, 12 Values

The 9 Principles

1.	America Is Good.
2.	I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.
	God “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” from George Washington’s first Inaugural address.
3.	I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.
	Honesty “I hope that I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” George Washington
4.	The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
	Marriage/Family “It is in the love of one’s family only that heartfelt happiness is known. By a law of our nature, we cannot be happy without the endearing connections of a family.” Thomas Jefferson
5.	If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
	Justice “I deem one of the essential principles of our government… equal and exact justice to all men of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political.” Thomas Jefferson
6.	I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
	Life, Liberty, & The Pursuit of Happiness “Everyone has a natural right to choose that vocation in life which he thinks most likely to give him comfortable subsistence.” Thomas Jefferson
7.	I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
	Charity “It is not everyone who asketh that deserveth charity; all however, are worth of the inquiry or the deserving may suffer.” George Washington
8.	It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
	On your right to disagree “In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude; every man will speak as he thinks, or more properly without thinking.” George Washington
9.	The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.
	Who works for whom? “I consider the people who constitute a society or a nation as the source of all authority in that nation.” Thomas Jefferson

The 12 Values
* Honesty
* Reverence
* Hope
* Thrift
* Humility
* Charity
* Sincerity
* Moderation
* Hard Work
* Courage
* Personal Responsibility
* Gratitude

Danville IL Tax Day Tea Party

Our Website
www.ecitea.org

We are hosting our 2nd Annual Tax Day Tea Party at Lincoln Park in Danville, IL on Tax Day, April 15th from 11:30AM to 1:30 PM

This is our venue to express distaste for ever increasing taxes while our leaders spend with reckless abandon.

Notable Speakers will include:
Al Reynolds IL Dist. 52 Senate Candidate
Michael Puhr IL Dist. 104 House of Rep. Candidate
Chad Hays IL Dist. 104 House of Rep. Candidate
As well as Hannah Landis, Joe Tharp, Nick Royal, Candy Wiersma and Ken Cooley
We Surround Them!

Speaking Schedule
11:30 Al Reynolds
11:45 Hannah Landis
12:00 Joe Tharp
12:30 Nick Royal
12:45 Michael Puhr
1:00 Chad Hays
1:15 Candy Wiersma
1:30 Ken Cooley
2:00 Al Reynolds to close the Show.

Government corruption on every level

My wife has been researching the history and background of some old buildings here in Danville, IL and has found some puzzling information. It seems something is awry. There are many old buildings in various states of disrepair which no one seems to do anything about. These buildings are continually singled out as eye sores and the owners as being irresponsible and inattentive to the needs of their property.

Here is where it gets weird. Many other buildings in town are in similar or worse shape. No one mentions anything about these buildings. Under normal circumstances this goes unnoticed but now that investigation is being done it comes out that many of the buildings no one complains about are owned by a tight group of individuals either directly or indirectly connected to city government. Many pieces of property which have been sold ended up in the hands of some of these very same individuals.

This may be a coincidence but I doubt it. We have contacts connected directly to some of these people who tell a completely different story. In fact I personally know the manager of one of the buildings in question. This individual confirms some very strange practices.

I apologize for the vague details, but I am not ready to ruffle any feathers. I may in a future piece when I have more facts to work with.

The real point here is to emphasize the idea that we all need to pay attention to what's going on. Sometimes everything seems normal until you look just a little closer. We need to start within our cities and towns and not just be worried about the federal government. The corruption doesn't start with the federal government. By the time most reach that level they have already honed their shady skills in the lower levels of government. So pay attention, don't vote blindly and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Cheers,

Mike