Three things that make me smile.
1. I don't think I have ever written about college football here, but I am glad to see that Barrett Trotter of Briarwood Christian has made a commitment to Auburn. Kodi Burns, who has been compared to Tim Tebow, might turn out to be very effective, but it will be good to have a guy who was 20 of 26 with 267 yards and 4 touchdowns last week (Trotter against Anniston) on the roster. Trotter has been a lifelong Alabama fan, saying "I grew up an Alabama fan. But when all this recruiting stuff started coming up in the 10th grade, I liked the Auburn camp better. When recruiting comes up, you have to put all those previous feelings behind you. I'm an Auburn fan from here on out." Me too, Barrett. War Eagle
2. The U. S. Senate passed the Matthew Shephard Hate Crimes Bill adding sexual orientation to the list of crimes covered. This legislation helps local law enforcement prosecute attacks on gays. The legislation was attached to the 2008 Defense Spending bill. Will Bush veto the spending bill to keep from passing the "social legislation," as Lindsey Graham called it?
The House has already passed the bill, as a stand alone bill, so it should not be stripped out of the final bill as happened in the past before it goes to the president.
The bill was co-sponsored by Republican Oregon senator Gordon Smith, who said ''We cannot fight terror abroad and accept terror at home.'' Story
No word from W. We will just have to wait and see.
3. This doesn't really make me smile. Well, yes it does. To some, "White Party" may bring up images of shirtless circuit boys dancing in Miami, as the popular party week approaches in Florida but the real White Party met last night at Morgan State University in Baltimore at a PBS sponsored Republican debate. The front runners were absent due to schedule conflicts...yeah right...Fred Thompson was raising money in Tennessee, Mitt Romney was raising money in California, and Rudy Giuliani was raising money also in California.
Decisions, decisions. Money?...Appearing before journalists and an audience of color?...hmmm.
Money!
What more can the White Party do to embarrass themselves? We hardly have time to digest one foolish move before another comes out. Oh well, the Republican Party: the gift that keeps on giving.
The Year of Moving Forward
At our 4 person wedding reception in DC
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Three Things
Three things that don't surprise me.
1. That Iran's unpopular (here and there) president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would deny that there are homosexuals in his country. First, as has been pointed out, he hangs them when they are identified. So, maybe he should say there are not "out" homosexuals in his country.
Secondly, why should we be surprised at anything the dictator says. After denying the holocaust, I would think he would have no cred left. He doesn't need to be listened to he just needs to be monitored.
There are gay Iranians. Here are some news reports and stories of how they are treated.
Gay news from Iran Scary. Scroll down to read reports
Besides, his views are not that different from some American politicians. Remember Roy Moore. This is from a opinion he wrote ending a lesbian custody case here in Alabama in 2002:
The State carries the power of the sword, that is, the power to prohibit conduct with physical penalties, such as confinement and even execution. It must use that power to prevent the subversion of children toward this lifestyle, to not encourage a criminal lifestyle...
Wikipedia is not my favorite source, but it's easy. You can read more about Roy and this case at Roy Moore in Wiki. Scroll down to DH v. HH
2. Bill O'Reilly has old timey views on race. Don't most conservatives/republicans? Trent Lott comes to mind.
Zennie Abraham has a message for O'Reilly. Bill, you aren't the first white person to ever visit Sylvia's. Message from a Black American, Bill I love how O'Reilly says when Al Sharpton and he walked in there was a big commotion. It wasn't about you Bill, I am quite sure.
3. The leading democratic presidential candidates hold back on pulling troops outof Iraq. While some think appeasing the so-called base is what Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards should be doing, the realities are we don't even know what will be going on in some 400 or so days when one of them takes office, so I think not committing to troop withdrawal is smart. We know how they stand on the war, and on ending it. They are not going to get trapped into being called to task if advisors or special forces or even air strikes are needed in the future. And contrary to what most pundits are saying this morning, I think Hillary did just fine last night in the debate, and I think polls during the next week or so will reflect that.
1. That Iran's unpopular (here and there) president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would deny that there are homosexuals in his country. First, as has been pointed out, he hangs them when they are identified. So, maybe he should say there are not "out" homosexuals in his country.
Secondly, why should we be surprised at anything the dictator says. After denying the holocaust, I would think he would have no cred left. He doesn't need to be listened to he just needs to be monitored.
There are gay Iranians. Here are some news reports and stories of how they are treated.
Gay news from Iran Scary. Scroll down to read reports
Besides, his views are not that different from some American politicians. Remember Roy Moore. This is from a opinion he wrote ending a lesbian custody case here in Alabama in 2002:
The State carries the power of the sword, that is, the power to prohibit conduct with physical penalties, such as confinement and even execution. It must use that power to prevent the subversion of children toward this lifestyle, to not encourage a criminal lifestyle...
Wikipedia is not my favorite source, but it's easy. You can read more about Roy and this case at Roy Moore in Wiki. Scroll down to DH v. HH
2. Bill O'Reilly has old timey views on race. Don't most conservatives/republicans? Trent Lott comes to mind.
Zennie Abraham has a message for O'Reilly. Bill, you aren't the first white person to ever visit Sylvia's. Message from a Black American, Bill I love how O'Reilly says when Al Sharpton and he walked in there was a big commotion. It wasn't about you Bill, I am quite sure.
3. The leading democratic presidential candidates hold back on pulling troops outof Iraq. While some think appeasing the so-called base is what Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards should be doing, the realities are we don't even know what will be going on in some 400 or so days when one of them takes office, so I think not committing to troop withdrawal is smart. We know how they stand on the war, and on ending it. They are not going to get trapped into being called to task if advisors or special forces or even air strikes are needed in the future. And contrary to what most pundits are saying this morning, I think Hillary did just fine last night in the debate, and I think polls during the next week or so will reflect that.
Western Tribune Column from September 26
So Bessemer is finally going to get a movie theater! This past Thursday the City Council voted unanimously to give Colonial Properties one million dollars to help close the deal that will bring a first class theater complex to the new development going up near Eastern Valley Road and I-459.
Bessemer has been fighting to get a theater as long as I have lived here, and deal after deal has fallen through. This one looks like it will stick.
Time after time I heard the phrase “quality of life issue” during the debate over the past several weeks. Quality of life is something that catches my attention, as the mission statement of the Bessemer Neighborhood Association states to “improve the quality of life throughout Bessemer and its surrounding communities.” The association realizes that many things affect our quality of life, from the threat of violence to water rates to government corruption and more. As we learned from the council meetings this week and last, the way our tax money is spent (or wasted) certainly affects our quality of life.
A movie theater gives kids, teenagers, and adults a place to go for local entertainment. It will produce tax revenue both directly and indirectly as movie goers also stop to eat out or shop at Target or other stores at Colonial Promenade Tannehill.
The council was hesitant until they realized that the money was to come from an account that could only be used for commercial or industrial development.
Since our quality of life will be better, let’s just hope that Hollywood takes notice and we also see “quality of film” improve. The last two year’s Oscar winners for best picture were about urban racial conflict (“Crash”) and organized crime and police corruption (“The Departed”). Although good movies, we don’t want to give our citizens and officials any ideas.
The runners-up from the last couple of years may be better for us. Off the wall comedies like “Little Miss Sunshine” and timeless romance stories like “Brokeback Mountain” might be more suitable. After all, more laughter and more love would certainly be an indicator of a higher quality of life, and that’s what it’s all about.
Bessemer has been fighting to get a theater as long as I have lived here, and deal after deal has fallen through. This one looks like it will stick.
Time after time I heard the phrase “quality of life issue” during the debate over the past several weeks. Quality of life is something that catches my attention, as the mission statement of the Bessemer Neighborhood Association states to “improve the quality of life throughout Bessemer and its surrounding communities.” The association realizes that many things affect our quality of life, from the threat of violence to water rates to government corruption and more. As we learned from the council meetings this week and last, the way our tax money is spent (or wasted) certainly affects our quality of life.
A movie theater gives kids, teenagers, and adults a place to go for local entertainment. It will produce tax revenue both directly and indirectly as movie goers also stop to eat out or shop at Target or other stores at Colonial Promenade Tannehill.
The council was hesitant until they realized that the money was to come from an account that could only be used for commercial or industrial development.
Since our quality of life will be better, let’s just hope that Hollywood takes notice and we also see “quality of film” improve. The last two year’s Oscar winners for best picture were about urban racial conflict (“Crash”) and organized crime and police corruption (“The Departed”). Although good movies, we don’t want to give our citizens and officials any ideas.
The runners-up from the last couple of years may be better for us. Off the wall comedies like “Little Miss Sunshine” and timeless romance stories like “Brokeback Mountain” might be more suitable. After all, more laughter and more love would certainly be an indicator of a higher quality of life, and that’s what it’s all about.
Western Tribune Column from Sept. 19
One visit to a Bessemer City Council is all it takes to realize that DNC does not stand for Democratic National Committee; it stands for Do Nothing Council.
On Tuesday, September 11, the Bessemer City Council reconvened to finish up a meeting they started the week before. With one item remaining uncompleted, a public hearing about incentives for a proposed movie theatre, the meeting was over almost before it started, since no one from the public was there to speak on the issue.
But plenty of people were there to speak about the bond issue that needs to be passed so Bessemer can fulfill its obligation to build a $4.5 million water line to Alabaster. Once completed, the substantial amount of water piped to that city will bring welcome revenue to Bessemer.
But they refused to hear us. They adjourned and went in to a planning session. We followed them. While citizen participation is not a regular part of planning sessions, there is plenty that citizens can learn from attending.
Take the proposed noise ordinance, for instance. The council has been considering this for years, and a revised ordinance has been before them for months. Will it ever be enacted?
Or the smoking ordinance. No one denies the ordinance would be good for the health of Bessemer residents, and in many cities restaurant business is unaffected or actually increases after such laws are enacted. A published review of 97 studies on the economic effects of smoking ordinances backs this up. But our council has delayed passage of the ordinance and once something is delayed, who knows what will happen.
Back to the water bond issue. By now, the council has met again and maybe this issue is resolved. But not without a great effort by the Bessemer Neighborhood Association and others concerned about rising utility bills. The only reason the Association took the actions they did; handing out flyers, protesting, sending faxes and making calls, was because of council members who were putting the interest of one person above that of 30,000 residents of Bessemer and other Bessemer Water Service Customers.
Elected officials need to be reminded from time to time why they are in the positions they have been elected to, and who put them there. I hope our efforts were successful. If not, more reminders and more action will be in store.
On Tuesday, September 11, the Bessemer City Council reconvened to finish up a meeting they started the week before. With one item remaining uncompleted, a public hearing about incentives for a proposed movie theatre, the meeting was over almost before it started, since no one from the public was there to speak on the issue.
But plenty of people were there to speak about the bond issue that needs to be passed so Bessemer can fulfill its obligation to build a $4.5 million water line to Alabaster. Once completed, the substantial amount of water piped to that city will bring welcome revenue to Bessemer.
But they refused to hear us. They adjourned and went in to a planning session. We followed them. While citizen participation is not a regular part of planning sessions, there is plenty that citizens can learn from attending.
Take the proposed noise ordinance, for instance. The council has been considering this for years, and a revised ordinance has been before them for months. Will it ever be enacted?
Or the smoking ordinance. No one denies the ordinance would be good for the health of Bessemer residents, and in many cities restaurant business is unaffected or actually increases after such laws are enacted. A published review of 97 studies on the economic effects of smoking ordinances backs this up. But our council has delayed passage of the ordinance and once something is delayed, who knows what will happen.
Back to the water bond issue. By now, the council has met again and maybe this issue is resolved. But not without a great effort by the Bessemer Neighborhood Association and others concerned about rising utility bills. The only reason the Association took the actions they did; handing out flyers, protesting, sending faxes and making calls, was because of council members who were putting the interest of one person above that of 30,000 residents of Bessemer and other Bessemer Water Service Customers.
Elected officials need to be reminded from time to time why they are in the positions they have been elected to, and who put them there. I hope our efforts were successful. If not, more reminders and more action will be in store.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Lipscomb in the News, and a Home for Veterans
Sometime today visitor number 10,000 will land on this site. If I knew who it was, I would offer a prize.
For the city of Lipscomb, your 60 days are up. Now your mayor will be hand picked by Governor Bob Riley. I wonder how many people there are in Lipscomb that Riley knows. Oh, wait, he doesn't have to. Each council person can submit a name to the governor, and he can do a little research and then make his choice. Lipscomb, I hope that goes well for you.
The citizens of Lipscomb are getting fed up. Just like the citizens of Bessemer have formed the Bessemer Neighborhood Association to address issues that affect the quality of life here, in Lipscomb there is now the Lipscomb City Coalition. There purpose is not to be a political forum, but to "actively bring permanent change to Lipscomb."
They have a meeting scheduled for October 1. (I am not sure where or at what time...maybe a Lipscomb reader can fill us in).
Some of the issues they have addressed with the Mayor Pro Tempore are: a solution to the issues of dissension and hostile attitudes publicly exhibited between City Councilors and other city personnel, the need for a state audit, lack of emergency service, accounting of all law enforcement officers, and accounting of all paid city and/or contract employees, and accounting of all administrative public service boards.
Many of these issues are similar to issues we have in Bessemer.
Contact information is Brenda Renz, President 424-5325, and Melinda Richburg, Vice President, at 426-3411.
Bob Riley also wants to build a nursing home for veterans in the Birmingham area, noting that metro Birmingham is the only large city in the state that is not served by such a home. The facility would have assisted living quarters as well.
Riley says they are looking in Jefferson and Shelby counties, but he seems to favor locating near the American Village in Montevallo, citing the new national cemetary for veterans being located there.
That's just a little creepy if you ask me, housing our elder veterans next door to their final resting place? How convenient (church lady again)!
If you want to serve the metro area and be near the population, locate in Birmingham or Bessemer near public transportation. That way more families will be able to visit. And while you are at it, improve public transportation so what I just said does not sound ridiculous.
For the city of Lipscomb, your 60 days are up. Now your mayor will be hand picked by Governor Bob Riley. I wonder how many people there are in Lipscomb that Riley knows. Oh, wait, he doesn't have to. Each council person can submit a name to the governor, and he can do a little research and then make his choice. Lipscomb, I hope that goes well for you.
The citizens of Lipscomb are getting fed up. Just like the citizens of Bessemer have formed the Bessemer Neighborhood Association to address issues that affect the quality of life here, in Lipscomb there is now the Lipscomb City Coalition. There purpose is not to be a political forum, but to "actively bring permanent change to Lipscomb."
They have a meeting scheduled for October 1. (I am not sure where or at what time...maybe a Lipscomb reader can fill us in).
Some of the issues they have addressed with the Mayor Pro Tempore are: a solution to the issues of dissension and hostile attitudes publicly exhibited between City Councilors and other city personnel, the need for a state audit, lack of emergency service, accounting of all law enforcement officers, and accounting of all paid city and/or contract employees, and accounting of all administrative public service boards.
Many of these issues are similar to issues we have in Bessemer.
Contact information is Brenda Renz, President 424-5325, and Melinda Richburg, Vice President, at 426-3411.
Bob Riley also wants to build a nursing home for veterans in the Birmingham area, noting that metro Birmingham is the only large city in the state that is not served by such a home. The facility would have assisted living quarters as well.
Riley says they are looking in Jefferson and Shelby counties, but he seems to favor locating near the American Village in Montevallo, citing the new national cemetary for veterans being located there.
That's just a little creepy if you ask me, housing our elder veterans next door to their final resting place? How convenient (church lady again)!
If you want to serve the metro area and be near the population, locate in Birmingham or Bessemer near public transportation. That way more families will be able to visit. And while you are at it, improve public transportation so what I just said does not sound ridiculous.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The Changing Face of Bessemer
There is a new blog that I have been asked to contribute to, called Politics 08. The organizers are trying to get people from every state to contribute about politics from a local, state and national level. I will be contributing on occasion, and my first contribution is yesterday's post from this blog. New posts from any state headline the site, but all posts from any one state can be found under that state's tag.
Last night's meeting of the Bessemer Downtown Redevelopment Authority and Auburn University's School of Architecture Urban Studio regarding a plan for downtown was a huge success. It was benefical to have input and suggestions from a group of people who do not have tunnel vision because of their poor opinions of our city and their unwillingness to look outside of the box that Bessemer is stuck in.
If you were there, you know who I'm talking about.
More than 100,000 cars a day pass by our city on the interstate, and currently there is nothing to lure them off the highway. No destination, and not sign to direct them even if there was something there to attract them.
Among the highlights of the presentation were a railroad park along the tracks, changing the Depot to a welcome center, and linking the park via an extended trestle to be used as a bike and walking trail, to other trails and parks, including eventually Red Mountain Park. Pavilions and a restuarant would make the park inviting and user friendly.
The Hall of History would be moved to a new site and combined with a Fire Fighters museum that could display the wealth of old Fire Trucks and such that are in storage, along with an enhanced railroad related museum and Bessemer history museum.
Another major change would be doing away with one way streets (18th and 19th). I agree. Their studies show that doing that would increase availiable parking and make the downtown more pedestrian friendly. Also two way streets tend to slow traffic down and make drivers more likely to stop rather than just racing through.
Tearing the tacky siding off the downtown buildings and revealing and restoring their historic architecture would be another major change.
Probably the most controversial suggestion is to move the flea market to the edge of downtown around 22 street (I didn't see exactly where) to bring more life to the area on weekends.
Lots of green space and greenways. Uncovering cobblestone on some of the avenues.
One disappointment was the lack of city officials at the event. Sarah Belcher was the only current elected official there. However there was one unannounced potential 2010 mayoral candidate there.
The Urban Studio will return in mid October with the final product, including poster size maps with drawings and descriptions that can act as a beginning, not a finished product of how Bessemer will be. After that it will be up to progressive, forard looking residents, business leaders and city officials to get any of the ideas to become reality. The can-dos have to outnumber the can't-dos, and right now I am not sure they do. But that can change.
Last night's meeting of the Bessemer Downtown Redevelopment Authority and Auburn University's School of Architecture Urban Studio regarding a plan for downtown was a huge success. It was benefical to have input and suggestions from a group of people who do not have tunnel vision because of their poor opinions of our city and their unwillingness to look outside of the box that Bessemer is stuck in.
If you were there, you know who I'm talking about.
More than 100,000 cars a day pass by our city on the interstate, and currently there is nothing to lure them off the highway. No destination, and not sign to direct them even if there was something there to attract them.
Among the highlights of the presentation were a railroad park along the tracks, changing the Depot to a welcome center, and linking the park via an extended trestle to be used as a bike and walking trail, to other trails and parks, including eventually Red Mountain Park. Pavilions and a restuarant would make the park inviting and user friendly.
The Hall of History would be moved to a new site and combined with a Fire Fighters museum that could display the wealth of old Fire Trucks and such that are in storage, along with an enhanced railroad related museum and Bessemer history museum.
Another major change would be doing away with one way streets (18th and 19th). I agree. Their studies show that doing that would increase availiable parking and make the downtown more pedestrian friendly. Also two way streets tend to slow traffic down and make drivers more likely to stop rather than just racing through.
Tearing the tacky siding off the downtown buildings and revealing and restoring their historic architecture would be another major change.
Probably the most controversial suggestion is to move the flea market to the edge of downtown around 22 street (I didn't see exactly where) to bring more life to the area on weekends.
Lots of green space and greenways. Uncovering cobblestone on some of the avenues.
One disappointment was the lack of city officials at the event. Sarah Belcher was the only current elected official there. However there was one unannounced potential 2010 mayoral candidate there.
The Urban Studio will return in mid October with the final product, including poster size maps with drawings and descriptions that can act as a beginning, not a finished product of how Bessemer will be. After that it will be up to progressive, forard looking residents, business leaders and city officials to get any of the ideas to become reality. The can-dos have to outnumber the can't-dos, and right now I am not sure they do. But that can change.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Is Health Care a Right?
A letter writer (Jack Kean of Pelham) to the Birmingham News Middle letter on this page today suggests that health care is not a right. He then takes the obligatory swipe at France and Canada and Germany (why did he leave out Great Britain?) by criticizing their systems and asks the questions "Do you take my money to pay for the health care of others?" and "Do you lower the quality of health care in general so that some level of health care can be provided to all?"
Comparing health care among nations is not easy, but one way to do it might be to compare life expectancies. Even this measure is not simple, as expectancies among lesser developed countries can be skewed by high infant mortality such that if one survives their first year of life, their life expectancy is much greater than the overall life expectancy for the country.
But among the more developed countries of North America And Europe this is not a problem, and its like comparing apples to apples. The 2006 review of the United Nations World Population Prospects Report reveals that life expectancy in the U. S. ranks number 38 at 78.2 years. Ahead of us are Cuba (37 - 78.3 years), Germany (23 - 79.4), U. K. (22 - 79.3 years), Canada (11 - 80.7 years) and France (10 - 80.7 years). U N Report. These are all countries who have health care systems that unlike the U. S. are not controlled by private insurance companies.
What about medical care? President Bush says we have "the best health care system in the world." The New York times recently published a N Y Times Opinion that addressed this misconception. In the year 2000, the World Health Organization ranked the health care systems of 191 nation, and the U. S. came in 37th, with France and Italy taking the number 1 and 2 spots.
Even more recently the Commonwealth Fund (Commonwealth Fund Mirror Mirror) compared the United States with Australia, Canada, Germany New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and the U. S. came up last in most categories. "The U.S. is the only country in the study without universal health insurance coverage, partly accounting for its poor performance on access, equity, and health outcomes," the report states.
Of course, in our country there are 45 million or so citizens who have no health insurance and millions more who are underinsured. The New York Times points out that the president "blithely" says they "can always get treatment in an emergency room." Well that is a whole different issue and just contributes to the problem of inadequate care for some of those who really need emergency services, and just shows how out of touch the president is how he and others in his party who spout such garbage contribute to the misunderstanding that a lot of Americans have on the issue.
To the letter writer, this "lowers the quality of health care" that you might receive if you use the emergency room: this is already happening to you.
And also to the letter writer, who probably supports the president's position, who do you think pays for those emergency room visits from people who do not have insurance? I know who. You and I do.
This issue is so important that I do not mind revealing that I have to pay almost $800 a month for insurance, and that is with a high ($1500) deductible. That reflects an 11.94% increase in my premiums over last year and I have reached the tipping point and will probably change to a different plan with less coverage offered by the same group (American Veterinary Medical Association Group plan) in order to afford it. The coverage has always been excellent from the AVMA, but their rate increases reflect an industry wide problem that will not be dealt with until insurance companies (and drug companies) are reined in and health care is fairly offered to all. Fairly.
Whether it is HillaryCare, ObamaCare, EdwardsCare (the source of HillaryCare according to Elizabeth Edwards) may not be as important as the fact that the democrats are at least discussing the issue and offering plans (and hope) to address this escalating problem.
Our goal should be "No Patient Left Behind." *
*without using "No Child Left Behind" as the model.
Comparing health care among nations is not easy, but one way to do it might be to compare life expectancies. Even this measure is not simple, as expectancies among lesser developed countries can be skewed by high infant mortality such that if one survives their first year of life, their life expectancy is much greater than the overall life expectancy for the country.
But among the more developed countries of North America And Europe this is not a problem, and its like comparing apples to apples. The 2006 review of the United Nations World Population Prospects Report reveals that life expectancy in the U. S. ranks number 38 at 78.2 years. Ahead of us are Cuba (37 - 78.3 years), Germany (23 - 79.4), U. K. (22 - 79.3 years), Canada (11 - 80.7 years) and France (10 - 80.7 years). U N Report. These are all countries who have health care systems that unlike the U. S. are not controlled by private insurance companies.
What about medical care? President Bush says we have "the best health care system in the world." The New York times recently published a N Y Times Opinion that addressed this misconception. In the year 2000, the World Health Organization ranked the health care systems of 191 nation, and the U. S. came in 37th, with France and Italy taking the number 1 and 2 spots.
Even more recently the Commonwealth Fund (Commonwealth Fund Mirror Mirror) compared the United States with Australia, Canada, Germany New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and the U. S. came up last in most categories. "The U.S. is the only country in the study without universal health insurance coverage, partly accounting for its poor performance on access, equity, and health outcomes," the report states.
Of course, in our country there are 45 million or so citizens who have no health insurance and millions more who are underinsured. The New York Times points out that the president "blithely" says they "can always get treatment in an emergency room." Well that is a whole different issue and just contributes to the problem of inadequate care for some of those who really need emergency services, and just shows how out of touch the president is how he and others in his party who spout such garbage contribute to the misunderstanding that a lot of Americans have on the issue.
To the letter writer, this "lowers the quality of health care" that you might receive if you use the emergency room: this is already happening to you.
And also to the letter writer, who probably supports the president's position, who do you think pays for those emergency room visits from people who do not have insurance? I know who. You and I do.
This issue is so important that I do not mind revealing that I have to pay almost $800 a month for insurance, and that is with a high ($1500) deductible. That reflects an 11.94% increase in my premiums over last year and I have reached the tipping point and will probably change to a different plan with less coverage offered by the same group (American Veterinary Medical Association Group plan) in order to afford it. The coverage has always been excellent from the AVMA, but their rate increases reflect an industry wide problem that will not be dealt with until insurance companies (and drug companies) are reined in and health care is fairly offered to all. Fairly.
Whether it is HillaryCare, ObamaCare, EdwardsCare (the source of HillaryCare according to Elizabeth Edwards) may not be as important as the fact that the democrats are at least discussing the issue and offering plans (and hope) to address this escalating problem.
Our goal should be "No Patient Left Behind." *
*without using "No Child Left Behind" as the model.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Bessemer Bonds, Theaters and Judges
The Bessemer City Council defeated the Mayor Ed May's water bond ordinance last night, and passed the one that Dorothy Davidson brought forth. This is interesting. On the one hand, the issue could be put to rest. We do not know the interest rate on this bond deal, so we don't know if rates will be affected. But it could keep the city from having to borrow $4.5 million to pay for completing the pipeline to Alabaster, which would raise rates for sure. The entire measure was a $26 million dollar bond, because it refinanced old Bessemer Water service debt as well as financing the new water line.
On the other hand, the mayor was very adamant about this being a "good vs. evil" situation, and does not want to do business with Walter Lewis and Gardnyr Michael Capital for a couple of reasons. Gardnyr Michael is the subject of a lawsuit by the city with Bessemer claiming the company defrauded the city to the tune of $1.3 million or so. (Where did the money land? Keep you eyes and ears open!) In addition, the mayor and dissenting councilors do not want to pay Walter Lewis for work he did not do. Bill Blount of Bount Parrish & Company did the leg work to get the 4.5% interest rate on the proposed bond (the rate later went up to 4.8%, and who knows what it is now). Why should Lewis get the credit (and the money)?
Walter Lewis does a lot of business with the city. Louise Alexander said in council the other day that Lewis handled the bonds for Exit 108 development (that's huge...Academy Drive), the Airport, Colonial Tannehill, now the Water Service. Jesse Matthews said he's "married" to Walter Lewis. Walter Lewis claims to have more power than the mayor. Something's not right.
The mayor could veto this deal, depending on how strongly he feels about not doing business with "evil."
Stay tuned.
But Bessemer will finally get the movie theater we've been waiting on for years. Colonial Properties claimed they could not court the theater to build the facility unless they got another million bucks from the city. This has been discussed for at least three meetings, and Tuesday the council denied the gift, with Alexander suggesting they roll another million into the tax incentive bond deal that Colonial already has. But the Colonial rep Brad did a good job of explaining how adding a million to the existing bond will cost a quarter of a million in legal fees and administrative charges, which would become tax incentive money thrown away. And he told them that a theater complex adds a regionality to the center, and would attract customers who would also eat dinner and might buy their kids a pair of shoes on the same trip. I heard "quality of life issue" time and time again. The kicker was when a former resolution was read that revealed the million bucks was coming from an account that could only be used for industrial and commercial development. Alexander had said that the million could be used for raises and other city services...but after learning this and seeing the figures, she and Davidson and others changed their votes and approved the deal 7-0.
Here is the preliminary site plan...sort of hard to read unless you print it, but on this map the cinemas are over to the right. Target is the big anchor in the middle. It doesn't show on this map, but Publix is locating there also. Site Map
The Troy King witch hunt Dan King indictment story grows. Earl Carter, circuit clerk here in Bessemer, in a sworn affidavit, indicated that the indictiment was not presented and certified properly. Rather than being presented to a grand jury in front of at least 11 jurors in open court as required by law, the indictment was brought to Judge Teresa Petelos' office and Carter was asked to sign it there, in front of only Judge Petelos and two assistant attorneys general from Montgomery (Troy King's assistants). That, according to Dan King's attorney Pete Short, is not "open court" and is not in front of the public.
Judge Petelos might find herself in a bad way after this. She is, of course, a republican and her husband Tony is the republican mayor of Hoover. They have both been supporters of the Bessemer cut-off in various ways. This information is from a story by Robert Gordon but the link to the story doesn't work. Also reported on Legal Schnauzer: Bits and Pieces for 40 Alex yesterday.
It looks like corruption in the Bessemer cutoff, on the local, county and state level is being unveiled and will continue to be unveiled over the next few days and weeks. Hmmm.
On the other hand, the mayor was very adamant about this being a "good vs. evil" situation, and does not want to do business with Walter Lewis and Gardnyr Michael Capital for a couple of reasons. Gardnyr Michael is the subject of a lawsuit by the city with Bessemer claiming the company defrauded the city to the tune of $1.3 million or so. (Where did the money land? Keep you eyes and ears open!) In addition, the mayor and dissenting councilors do not want to pay Walter Lewis for work he did not do. Bill Blount of Bount Parrish & Company did the leg work to get the 4.5% interest rate on the proposed bond (the rate later went up to 4.8%, and who knows what it is now). Why should Lewis get the credit (and the money)?
Walter Lewis does a lot of business with the city. Louise Alexander said in council the other day that Lewis handled the bonds for Exit 108 development (that's huge...Academy Drive), the Airport, Colonial Tannehill, now the Water Service. Jesse Matthews said he's "married" to Walter Lewis. Walter Lewis claims to have more power than the mayor. Something's not right.
The mayor could veto this deal, depending on how strongly he feels about not doing business with "evil."
Stay tuned.
But Bessemer will finally get the movie theater we've been waiting on for years. Colonial Properties claimed they could not court the theater to build the facility unless they got another million bucks from the city. This has been discussed for at least three meetings, and Tuesday the council denied the gift, with Alexander suggesting they roll another million into the tax incentive bond deal that Colonial already has. But the Colonial rep Brad did a good job of explaining how adding a million to the existing bond will cost a quarter of a million in legal fees and administrative charges, which would become tax incentive money thrown away. And he told them that a theater complex adds a regionality to the center, and would attract customers who would also eat dinner and might buy their kids a pair of shoes on the same trip. I heard "quality of life issue" time and time again. The kicker was when a former resolution was read that revealed the million bucks was coming from an account that could only be used for industrial and commercial development. Alexander had said that the million could be used for raises and other city services...but after learning this and seeing the figures, she and Davidson and others changed their votes and approved the deal 7-0.
Here is the preliminary site plan...sort of hard to read unless you print it, but on this map the cinemas are over to the right. Target is the big anchor in the middle. It doesn't show on this map, but Publix is locating there also. Site Map
The Troy King witch hunt Dan King indictment story grows. Earl Carter, circuit clerk here in Bessemer, in a sworn affidavit, indicated that the indictiment was not presented and certified properly. Rather than being presented to a grand jury in front of at least 11 jurors in open court as required by law, the indictment was brought to Judge Teresa Petelos' office and Carter was asked to sign it there, in front of only Judge Petelos and two assistant attorneys general from Montgomery (Troy King's assistants). That, according to Dan King's attorney Pete Short, is not "open court" and is not in front of the public.
Judge Petelos might find herself in a bad way after this. She is, of course, a republican and her husband Tony is the republican mayor of Hoover. They have both been supporters of the Bessemer cut-off in various ways. This information is from a story by Robert Gordon but the link to the story doesn't work. Also reported on Legal Schnauzer: Bits and Pieces for 40 Alex yesterday.
It looks like corruption in the Bessemer cutoff, on the local, county and state level is being unveiled and will continue to be unveiled over the next few days and weeks. Hmmm.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Bessemer Council Special Meeting, and Random Thoughts
What did I say? The Bessemer City Council has called a special meeting for tonight at 5:00 to address the water issue. Often they call special meetings to address a critical issue. Sometimes they call a special meeting to avoid the public. Don't let that happen...be there.
I want to know if 50 Cent is really going to retire, since he said he would if Kanye West outsold him with first week sales of their new cd's, 957,000 copies to 691,000 copies. We can only hope.
Larry Langford's TV commercial says he has a one point plan for reducing crime...putting criminals behind bars. Reactive.
Patrick Cooper's commercials state he has a six point plan. Read them here. Proactive.
Fox 6 reported that Cooper's numbers went up during the forum last night...more people saying they would vote for him when leaving the debate than when entering. Other blogs say he should thank each of the other candidates for making him look so good, and John Archibald lists the Top 10 dumb things said at the forum. Top Ten
Mars will not be changing the ingredients in chocolate, so M & M's and Snickers and Dove chocolates are safe. Chocolate is one thing that really shouldn't be messed with. Now the "lesser quality" chocolates, like the chocolate Easter bunnies and Santa's will taste even worse.
Emoticons are 25 years old. :-) Wasn't it really Forrest Gump who invented (discovered) these. ;-)
I want to know if 50 Cent is really going to retire, since he said he would if Kanye West outsold him with first week sales of their new cd's, 957,000 copies to 691,000 copies. We can only hope.
Larry Langford's TV commercial says he has a one point plan for reducing crime...putting criminals behind bars. Reactive.
Patrick Cooper's commercials state he has a six point plan. Read them here. Proactive.
Fox 6 reported that Cooper's numbers went up during the forum last night...more people saying they would vote for him when leaving the debate than when entering. Other blogs say he should thank each of the other candidates for making him look so good, and John Archibald lists the Top 10 dumb things said at the forum. Top Ten
Mars will not be changing the ingredients in chocolate, so M & M's and Snickers and Dove chocolates are safe. Chocolate is one thing that really shouldn't be messed with. Now the "lesser quality" chocolates, like the chocolate Easter bunnies and Santa's will taste even worse.
Emoticons are 25 years old. :-) Wasn't it really Forrest Gump who invented (discovered) these. ;-)
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Do Nothing Council of Bessemer
My prognosticating ability is lacking. First of all, the feds reduced the key interest rate by .5% rather than .25%, so I was wrong, and the markets soared.
Second, Elvira Kidd was allowed to speak in pre-council, when the mayor let her use some of his time. She got all the points of the Bessemer Neighborhood Association across, even going as far as letting Dorothy Davidson know that she lied to her on the phone when she told Elvira we did not have a water contract with Alabaster. Elvira has witnesses in her office.
So since I missed those two, does that mean Alan Keyes will be elected as well?
But here is the rest of the story of the city council meeting. Pre-pre-council there were protesters on the street in front of city hall, carrying signs about the water deal and about the obstructionist councilors. At 9:00 the protesters with their signs moved into the conference room where pre-council occurs.
In addition to Elvira speaking, the mayor had some words to say when the subject of the water bonds came up. Seems the obstuctionists had come up with a new resolution, which Ms. Davidson claimed had only a couple of changes from the mayor's proposal. When questioned by councilor Earl Cochran about who wrote the proposal, it turns out that Mr. Harris, the "council's attorney" wrote it. At whose instruction? Some councilors is what Mr. Harris said. He later said it was at Ms. Davidson's request when it was realized that a breach of ethics might be the case if it gets out that the councilors met without notifiying all the other council members and without the meeting being open to the public. Oops. Ms. Davidson denies there was any meeting..says she just did this on her own.
Shortly after this was when the mayor said he didn't think Dorothy Davidson had the ability to come up with a resolution, and this resulted in finger wagging by the Council President at the mayor, and he apologized (after getting his point across).
The mayor pointed out several major differences in the two competing bond resolutions, and things moved on and we went to council, awaiting the showdown.
Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 were ordinances that, in order to be acted on, the council had to "suspend the rules and leave the regular order of business to consider (four) ordinances. Council vote necessary." Included were the smoking ordinace, the noise ordinance and the two water bonds. (In pre-council they had already delayed the smoking ordinance till October 2, but it was still listed).
After the council addressed Item 9, (which is a "whole nother" story about how the council came this close to givng away $1 million...maybe tomorrow), someone needed to make the motion and second it to leave the regular order of business, but the motion was never made or seconded.
So the issues are dead until the next council meeting, or until the council calls a special meeting to address one or more of them. This council is sneaky, keep your ears open for a special meeting.
Neither water bond would have passed anyway. On first reading, the vote has to be unanimous, and the outcome would have been three for and three against on each. Albert Soles was absent.
The mayor mentioned the lawsuit, and a lot of people are asking me about it. It was explained in the Birmingham News this morning, in an article by Robert Gorden. http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1190192552285890.xml&coll=2
(I am at a computer at UAB that will not let me alter this link..so good luck)
Basically the article says Gardnyr Michael Capital was the underwriter in a $13.4 million bond issue in 2003 that was used to develop Academy Drive.
They defrauded the city, the suit claims, by saying that insurance could not be obtained on the bonds, making them less valuable. Gardnyr Michael then obtained the bonds at a substantial discount, secured insurance and sold them at a much higher rate, thus guaranteeing themselves a much higher rate of return.
Gardnyr Michael capital says the suit is without merit, the mayor says his attorneys took the case on contingency, and they would not do that if they did not feel confident.
Another lawsuit may be in the works, as two men are considering the possible ethics violation referenced above. That could get interesting.
Second, Elvira Kidd was allowed to speak in pre-council, when the mayor let her use some of his time. She got all the points of the Bessemer Neighborhood Association across, even going as far as letting Dorothy Davidson know that she lied to her on the phone when she told Elvira we did not have a water contract with Alabaster. Elvira has witnesses in her office.
So since I missed those two, does that mean Alan Keyes will be elected as well?
But here is the rest of the story of the city council meeting. Pre-pre-council there were protesters on the street in front of city hall, carrying signs about the water deal and about the obstructionist councilors. At 9:00 the protesters with their signs moved into the conference room where pre-council occurs.
In addition to Elvira speaking, the mayor had some words to say when the subject of the water bonds came up. Seems the obstuctionists had come up with a new resolution, which Ms. Davidson claimed had only a couple of changes from the mayor's proposal. When questioned by councilor Earl Cochran about who wrote the proposal, it turns out that Mr. Harris, the "council's attorney" wrote it. At whose instruction? Some councilors is what Mr. Harris said. He later said it was at Ms. Davidson's request when it was realized that a breach of ethics might be the case if it gets out that the councilors met without notifiying all the other council members and without the meeting being open to the public. Oops. Ms. Davidson denies there was any meeting..says she just did this on her own.
Shortly after this was when the mayor said he didn't think Dorothy Davidson had the ability to come up with a resolution, and this resulted in finger wagging by the Council President at the mayor, and he apologized (after getting his point across).
The mayor pointed out several major differences in the two competing bond resolutions, and things moved on and we went to council, awaiting the showdown.
Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 were ordinances that, in order to be acted on, the council had to "suspend the rules and leave the regular order of business to consider (four) ordinances. Council vote necessary." Included were the smoking ordinace, the noise ordinance and the two water bonds. (In pre-council they had already delayed the smoking ordinance till October 2, but it was still listed).
After the council addressed Item 9, (which is a "whole nother" story about how the council came this close to givng away $1 million...maybe tomorrow), someone needed to make the motion and second it to leave the regular order of business, but the motion was never made or seconded.
So the issues are dead until the next council meeting, or until the council calls a special meeting to address one or more of them. This council is sneaky, keep your ears open for a special meeting.
Neither water bond would have passed anyway. On first reading, the vote has to be unanimous, and the outcome would have been three for and three against on each. Albert Soles was absent.
The mayor mentioned the lawsuit, and a lot of people are asking me about it. It was explained in the Birmingham News this morning, in an article by Robert Gorden. http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1190192552285890.xml&coll=2
(I am at a computer at UAB that will not let me alter this link..so good luck)
Basically the article says Gardnyr Michael Capital was the underwriter in a $13.4 million bond issue in 2003 that was used to develop Academy Drive.
They defrauded the city, the suit claims, by saying that insurance could not be obtained on the bonds, making them less valuable. Gardnyr Michael then obtained the bonds at a substantial discount, secured insurance and sold them at a much higher rate, thus guaranteeing themselves a much higher rate of return.
Gardnyr Michael capital says the suit is without merit, the mayor says his attorneys took the case on contingency, and they would not do that if they did not feel confident.
Another lawsuit may be in the works, as two men are considering the possible ethics violation referenced above. That could get interesting.
The Do Nothing Council of Bessemer
My prognosticating ability is lacking. First of all, the feds reduced the key interest rate by .5% rather than .25%, so I was wrong, and the markets soared.
Second, Elvira Kidd was allowed to speak in pre-council, when the mayor let her use some of his time. She got all the points of the Bessemer Neighborhood Association across, even going as far as letting Dorothy Davidson know that she lied to her on the phone when she told Elvira we did not have a water contract with Alabaster. Elvira has witnesses in her office.
So since I missed those two, does that mean Alan Keyes will be elected as well?
But here is the rest of the story of the city council meeting. Pre-pre-council there were protesters on the street in front of city hall, carrying signs about the water deal and about the obstructionist councilors. At 9:00 the protesters with their signs moved into the conference room where pre-council occurs.
In addition to Elvira speaking, the mayor had some words to say when the subject of the water bonds came up. Seems the obstuctionists had come up with a new resolution, which Ms. Davidson claimed had only a couple of changes from the mayor's proposal. When questioned by councilor Earl Cochran about who wrote the proposal, it turns out that Mr. Harris, the "council's attorney" wrote it. At whose instruction? Some councilors is what Mr. Harris said. He later said it was at Ms. Davidson's request when it was realized that a breach of ethics might be the case if it gets out that the councilors met without notifiying all the other council members and without the meeting being open to the public. Oops. Ms. Davidson denies there was any meeting..says she just did this on her own.
Shortly after this was when the mayor said he didn't think Dorothy Davidson had the ability to come up with a resolution, and this resulted in finger wagging by the Council President at the mayor, and he apologized (after getting his point across).
The mayor pointed out several major differences in the two competing bond resolutions, and things moved on and we went to council, awaiting the showdown.
Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 were ordinances that, in order to be acted on, the council had to "suspend the rules and leave the regular order of business to consider (four) ordinances. Council vote necessary." Included were the smoking ordinace, the noise ordinance and the two water bonds. (In pre-council they had already delayed the smoking ordinance till October 2, but it was still listed).
After the council addressed Item 9, (which is a "whole nother" story about how the council came this close to givng away $1 million...maybe tomorrow), someone needed to make the motion and second it to leave the regular order of business, but the motion was never made or seconded.
So the issues are dead until the next council meeting, or until the council calls a special meeting to address one or more of them. This council is sneaky, keep your ears open for a special meeting.
Neither water bond would have passed anyway. On first reading, the vote has to be unanimous, and the outcome would have been three for and three against on each. Albert Soles was absent.
The mayor mentioned the lawsuit, and a lot of people are asking me about it. It was explained in the Birmingham News this morning, in an article by Robert Gorden. http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1190192552285890.xml&coll=2
(I am at a computer at UAB that will not let me alter this link..so good luck)
Basically the article says Gardnyr Michael Capital was the underwriter in a $13.4 million bond issue in 2003 that was used to develop Academy Drive.
They defrauded the city, the suit claims, by saying that insurance could not be obtained on the bonds, making them less valuable. Gardnyr Michael then obtained the bonds at a substantial discount, secured insurance and sold them at a much higher rate, thus guaranteeing themselves a much higher rate of return.
Gardnyr Michael capital says the suit is without merit, the mayor says his attorneys took the case on contingency, and they would not do that if they did not feel confident.
Another lawsuit may be in the works, as two men are considering the possible ethics violation referenced above. That could get interesting.
Second, Elvira Kidd was allowed to speak in pre-council, when the mayor let her use some of his time. She got all the points of the Bessemer Neighborhood Association across, even going as far as letting Dorothy Davidson know that she lied to her on the phone when she told Elvira we did not have a water contract with Alabaster. Elvira has witnesses in her office.
So since I missed those two, does that mean Alan Keyes will be elected as well?
But here is the rest of the story of the city council meeting. Pre-pre-council there were protesters on the street in front of city hall, carrying signs about the water deal and about the obstructionist councilors. At 9:00 the protesters with their signs moved into the conference room where pre-council occurs.
In addition to Elvira speaking, the mayor had some words to say when the subject of the water bonds came up. Seems the obstuctionists had come up with a new resolution, which Ms. Davidson claimed had only a couple of changes from the mayor's proposal. When questioned by councilor Earl Cochran about who wrote the proposal, it turns out that Mr. Harris, the "council's attorney" wrote it. At whose instruction? Some councilors is what Mr. Harris said. He later said it was at Ms. Davidson's request when it was realized that a breach of ethics might be the case if it gets out that the councilors met without notifiying all the other council members and without the meeting being open to the public. Oops. Ms. Davidson denies there was any meeting..says she just did this on her own.
Shortly after this was when the mayor said he didn't think Dorothy Davidson had the ability to come up with a resolution, and this resulted in finger wagging by the Council President at the mayor, and he apologized (after getting his point across).
The mayor pointed out several major differences in the two competing bond resolutions, and things moved on and we went to council, awaiting the showdown.
Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 were ordinances that, in order to be acted on, the council had to "suspend the rules and leave the regular order of business to consider (four) ordinances. Council vote necessary." Included were the smoking ordinace, the noise ordinance and the two water bonds. (In pre-council they had already delayed the smoking ordinance till October 2, but it was still listed).
After the council addressed Item 9, (which is a "whole nother" story about how the council came this close to givng away $1 million...maybe tomorrow), someone needed to make the motion and second it to leave the regular order of business, but the motion was never made or seconded.
So the issues are dead until the next council meeting, or until the council calls a special meeting to address one or more of them. This council is sneaky, keep your ears open for a special meeting.
Neither water bond would have passed anyway. On first reading, the vote has to be unanimous, and the outcome would have been three for and three against on each. Albert Soles was absent.
The mayor mentioned the lawsuit, and a lot of people are asking me about it. It was explained in the Birmingham News this morning, in an article by Robert Gorden. http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1190192552285890.xml&coll=2
(I am at a computer at UAB that will not let me alter this link..so good luck)
Basically the article says Gardnyr Michael Capital was the underwriter in a $13.4 million bond issue in 2003 that was used to develop Academy Drive.
They defrauded the city, the suit claims, by saying that insurance could not be obtained on the bonds, making them less valuable. Gardnyr Michael then obtained the bonds at a substantial discount, secured insurance and sold them at a much higher rate, thus guaranteeing themselves a much higher rate of return.
Gardnyr Michael capital says the suit is without merit, the mayor says his attorneys took the case on contingency, and they would not do that if they did not feel confident.
Another lawsuit may be in the works, as two men are considering the possible ethics violation referenced above. That could get interesting.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Predictions
Prediction # 1. Ben Bernanke will lower interest rates today at 2:15 (eastern time) to stimulate the economy. .25%
Prediction # 2. Alan Keyes has filed papers and announced he is running for President. Remember Alan, he's the guy who called Mary Cheney a selfish hodonist. Actually he didn't say that,he just agreed when asked the question by Michaelangelo Signorile.
Mike Signorile: "So Mary Cheney is a selfish hedonist, is that it?"
Alan Keyes: "Of course she is. That goes by definition. Of course she is."
Anyway, back to the prediction. Alan Keyes will not win the presidency.
Prediction # 3. Dorothy Davidson, the president of the Bessemer City Council, will find a way to prevent Elvira Kidd, the president of the Bessemer Neighborhood Association, from speaking before the votes on the competing bond resolution at todays council meeting. The mayor is expected to yield time to Elvira before the votes. The four members of the council who voted down the 4.8% rate deal that the mayor proposed, are wanting to use Walter Lewis of Gardnyr, Michael Capital as the underwriter. This is the same individual and firm named in a lawsuit filed yesteday by the city over improprieties totaling $1.5 million. This was reported on ABC 33/40 this morning. There can only be one reason that those four council members are so set on using Lewis. As Jesse Matthews said, they are "married" to Lewis. Elvira says they need a divorce. Council this morning should be very interesting. Be there. 9:00 Pre-Council. 10:00 Council
Here is another view of my bird friend, for those trying to identify.
Prediction # 2. Alan Keyes has filed papers and announced he is running for President. Remember Alan, he's the guy who called Mary Cheney a selfish hodonist. Actually he didn't say that,he just agreed when asked the question by Michaelangelo Signorile.
Mike Signorile: "So Mary Cheney is a selfish hedonist, is that it?"
Alan Keyes: "Of course she is. That goes by definition. Of course she is."
Anyway, back to the prediction. Alan Keyes will not win the presidency.
Prediction # 3. Dorothy Davidson, the president of the Bessemer City Council, will find a way to prevent Elvira Kidd, the president of the Bessemer Neighborhood Association, from speaking before the votes on the competing bond resolution at todays council meeting. The mayor is expected to yield time to Elvira before the votes. The four members of the council who voted down the 4.8% rate deal that the mayor proposed, are wanting to use Walter Lewis of Gardnyr, Michael Capital as the underwriter. This is the same individual and firm named in a lawsuit filed yesteday by the city over improprieties totaling $1.5 million. This was reported on ABC 33/40 this morning. There can only be one reason that those four council members are so set on using Lewis. As Jesse Matthews said, they are "married" to Lewis. Elvira says they need a divorce. Council this morning should be very interesting. Be there. 9:00 Pre-Council. 10:00 Council
Here is another view of my bird friend, for those trying to identify.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Bessemer World and The Race For The Cure
George W. Bush says that he has read 87 books in 2007. (Insert you own joke here).
My sister in law Carol is running in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in October and is helping to raise money for the Komen Foundation North Alabama Affiliate. Go to Carol's page to help her raise money for this worthy cause.
The Mayor of Bessemer, Ed May came to the Bessemer Neighborhood Association meeting Monday night, then again to the Town Hall Meeting we sponsored Thursday Night. May is trying to get support for his Water Bond deal that the council authorized him to pursue, then voted against it once he got it.
Rumors are swirling, and I'm not going to repeat them here. But certain council members are being accused of major improprieties. One council member has even stated that we do not even have a contract to sell water to the city of Alabaster (I have a copy). Here is the mayor addressing our group.
ABC 33/40 reported on the issue Friday night as their lead story, showing our group protesting at the Jess Lanier game, and explaining the issue pretty well. She mentioned that if the water rates go up, not only will Bessemer be affected, but parts of Hoover, Helena, Midfield, Hueytown and Ross Bridge as well. If you live in any of these areas, you should come to the Town Hall Meeting tonight. For more information visit Bessemer Neighbors .
Tomorrow night is the Bessemer Historical Homeowners Association meeting at 213 19th Street South at the home of Jason Burnett, at 7:00.
These are two meetings at you need to come to if you are interested in preserving Bessemer and moving the city forward. The weather will be great both evenings, so come on out. Broken Vessel tonight, Jason's house tomorrow night.
I made a new friend the other day outside enjoying my deck.
My sister in law Carol is running in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in October and is helping to raise money for the Komen Foundation North Alabama Affiliate. Go to Carol's page to help her raise money for this worthy cause.
The Mayor of Bessemer, Ed May came to the Bessemer Neighborhood Association meeting Monday night, then again to the Town Hall Meeting we sponsored Thursday Night. May is trying to get support for his Water Bond deal that the council authorized him to pursue, then voted against it once he got it.
Rumors are swirling, and I'm not going to repeat them here. But certain council members are being accused of major improprieties. One council member has even stated that we do not even have a contract to sell water to the city of Alabaster (I have a copy). Here is the mayor addressing our group.
ABC 33/40 reported on the issue Friday night as their lead story, showing our group protesting at the Jess Lanier game, and explaining the issue pretty well. She mentioned that if the water rates go up, not only will Bessemer be affected, but parts of Hoover, Helena, Midfield, Hueytown and Ross Bridge as well. If you live in any of these areas, you should come to the Town Hall Meeting tonight. For more information visit Bessemer Neighbors .
Tomorrow night is the Bessemer Historical Homeowners Association meeting at 213 19th Street South at the home of Jason Burnett, at 7:00.
These are two meetings at you need to come to if you are interested in preserving Bessemer and moving the city forward. The weather will be great both evenings, so come on out. Broken Vessel tonight, Jason's house tomorrow night.
I made a new friend the other day outside enjoying my deck.
Who can identify this bird?
Friday, September 14, 2007
Men on a Mission (and Women, Too)
Mormons are not all cut from the same mold, as this calendar shows us. These guys have returned from the mission field, and are now baring their chests for charity. The money goes to 12 charities picked by each of the men, to help the areas they did missionary work in. Mormons Exposed See a video preview of the calendar here. Youtube
I tell you what...I might not ignore the doorbell if I looked out and saw these guys getting off their bicycles.
Wonder what Mitt thinks of this?
Brings to mid the movie Latter Days about a young Mormon who is gay and the way he is treated by the church. Rent it from Netflix.
A short story. speaking of answering the door, a guy in one of my classes at UAB showed us his gunshot wounds yesterday. Seems he was at home in his apartment on Southside, waiting for the Pizza guy. There was a knock at the door, he opened it and a man burst in with a 38. He stole a lot of stuff, then when he was leaving, he shot the guy in the leg. He has an entry wound and an exit wound mid thigh.
There will be men AND women on a mission around bessemer this weekend. Protests are being organized over the city council's failure to pass the water bond issue and the possibility of a 108% rate increase. Look for Bessemer Neighborhood Association members at the Jess Lanier game tonight, handing out flyers, and watch for protesters at city hall and in the neighborhoods of council members Albert Soles, Dorothy Davidson, Sarah Belcher and Jesse Matthews leading up to Tuesday's council meeting. Want to help? Go to Bessemer Neighbors to see what YOU can do. Also find council member's phone numbers there so you can call them. This affects people in Bessemer, Midfield, Hueytown, Helena, Ross Bridge, Unincorporated Jefferson County and more.
A source tells me that Patrick Cooper and Larry Langford are leading by a long shot in early polling for Birmingham mayor's race, each polling in the high 20's. Smitherman is in third in the low teens and Kincaid is behind her. A lot can happen in the next few weeks.
I tell you what...I might not ignore the doorbell if I looked out and saw these guys getting off their bicycles.
Wonder what Mitt thinks of this?
Brings to mid the movie Latter Days about a young Mormon who is gay and the way he is treated by the church. Rent it from Netflix.
A short story. speaking of answering the door, a guy in one of my classes at UAB showed us his gunshot wounds yesterday. Seems he was at home in his apartment on Southside, waiting for the Pizza guy. There was a knock at the door, he opened it and a man burst in with a 38. He stole a lot of stuff, then when he was leaving, he shot the guy in the leg. He has an entry wound and an exit wound mid thigh.
There will be men AND women on a mission around bessemer this weekend. Protests are being organized over the city council's failure to pass the water bond issue and the possibility of a 108% rate increase. Look for Bessemer Neighborhood Association members at the Jess Lanier game tonight, handing out flyers, and watch for protesters at city hall and in the neighborhoods of council members Albert Soles, Dorothy Davidson, Sarah Belcher and Jesse Matthews leading up to Tuesday's council meeting. Want to help? Go to Bessemer Neighbors to see what YOU can do. Also find council member's phone numbers there so you can call them. This affects people in Bessemer, Midfield, Hueytown, Helena, Ross Bridge, Unincorporated Jefferson County and more.
A source tells me that Patrick Cooper and Larry Langford are leading by a long shot in early polling for Birmingham mayor's race, each polling in the high 20's. Smitherman is in third in the low teens and Kincaid is behind her. A lot can happen in the next few weeks.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Troy King... Sinking To New Lows
Link to July 10, 2008 Story
My recommendation to go to the Bright Star on Wednesday night was based on information from the Birmingham News. Oops. The event is tonight. We found out last night when we showed up and a sign on the door indicated the Birmingham News published the wrong date.
That did not stop us (and several other customers) from enjoying a great meal (broiled snapper, Greek Style) and dessert (chocolate almond pie), and getting our book (A Centennial Celebration of The Bright Star) signed by the owners. Jimmy and Nicky Koikos reflected with Bobby and me about growing up on Dartmouth Avenue just a few blocks from our house. Bright Star Menu
There are four things going on that you might want to do tonight. If you are gay or gay friendly, the Alabama Stonewall Democrats are meeting at 5:30 at Los Amigos, 3324 Clairmont Avenue (next door to the Piggly Wiggly) and Joe Turnham, Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party will be our guest speaker. This is a great opportunity to meet other active democrats and help the party grow and increase the potential for victory, as well as learn from the top what the state party is doing and what one leader sees as the future of the democratic party in Alabama.
If you are not interested in that then eat at the Bright Star.
Be sure to eat early, if you are a customer of Bessemer Water Service, so you can attend the special meeting at Broken Vessel Church about the water bond and potential rate increase (108 to 300 %). A press release was sent to all the TV stations and newspapers and we hope to have a big crowd. Read the press release at Bessemer Neighbors
If you don't use Bessemer's water, than go listen to Angela Davis at the Alys Stephens Center. You may not agree with some or most of what she stands for (or what you think she stands for) but you may be surprised, and she will certainly be interesting. Notice of Event
With all of those offerings, no one should be at home tonight.
Troy King really should never have been re-elected last year. You know I strongly supported John Tyson for attorney general. So did Robby Owens, the republican District Attorney in Shelby County.
Owens prosecuted Marcus Presley and LaSamuel Gamble for the 1996 murders of John Burleson and Janice Littleton, and both got the death penalty even though the killer (Presley) was only 16 years old at the time, and Gamble (who was 18) didn't actually kill anyone.
Recently the U. S.Supreme Court ruled (Roper v. Simmons) that killers could not be executed for crimes they commit while they are juveniles, so Presley was moved off of death row. Soon after Owens gave the following testimony, "Both of those defendants deserve to be on death row. But out of plain fairness and simple equity in life, it's not fair to leave the person on death row who didn't kill anyone and take the person off death row who did." Story
King, who like so many republicans, loves to see the state in the business of killing people, was outraged, and has now taken his former opponent's supporter off the case. And he will argue to have Gamble's death penalty reinstated.
Troy King is also went on a witch hunt in his zeal to find "something on Judge (Dan King, Bessemer Cutoff Circuit Judge) King - old campaign records, finance records, anything to get him off the bench," according to sworn testimony from Anthony Castaldo, who says he was reapeatedly told to keep trying. Editorial
I strongly agree with this editorial in the Birmingham News..."Certainly, Troy King has not always inspired confidence as attorney general. In fact, he has sometimes inspired just the opposite." Well said.
Too bad we have at least 3 more years of Troy King. Sorry Alabama, but we elected him. Let's do better in the future.
My recommendation to go to the Bright Star on Wednesday night was based on information from the Birmingham News. Oops. The event is tonight. We found out last night when we showed up and a sign on the door indicated the Birmingham News published the wrong date.
That did not stop us (and several other customers) from enjoying a great meal (broiled snapper, Greek Style) and dessert (chocolate almond pie), and getting our book (A Centennial Celebration of The Bright Star) signed by the owners. Jimmy and Nicky Koikos reflected with Bobby and me about growing up on Dartmouth Avenue just a few blocks from our house. Bright Star Menu
There are four things going on that you might want to do tonight. If you are gay or gay friendly, the Alabama Stonewall Democrats are meeting at 5:30 at Los Amigos, 3324 Clairmont Avenue (next door to the Piggly Wiggly) and Joe Turnham, Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party will be our guest speaker. This is a great opportunity to meet other active democrats and help the party grow and increase the potential for victory, as well as learn from the top what the state party is doing and what one leader sees as the future of the democratic party in Alabama.
If you are not interested in that then eat at the Bright Star.
Be sure to eat early, if you are a customer of Bessemer Water Service, so you can attend the special meeting at Broken Vessel Church about the water bond and potential rate increase (108 to 300 %). A press release was sent to all the TV stations and newspapers and we hope to have a big crowd. Read the press release at Bessemer Neighbors
If you don't use Bessemer's water, than go listen to Angela Davis at the Alys Stephens Center. You may not agree with some or most of what she stands for (or what you think she stands for) but you may be surprised, and she will certainly be interesting. Notice of Event
With all of those offerings, no one should be at home tonight.
Troy King really should never have been re-elected last year. You know I strongly supported John Tyson for attorney general. So did Robby Owens, the republican District Attorney in Shelby County.
Owens prosecuted Marcus Presley and LaSamuel Gamble for the 1996 murders of John Burleson and Janice Littleton, and both got the death penalty even though the killer (Presley) was only 16 years old at the time, and Gamble (who was 18) didn't actually kill anyone.
Recently the U. S.Supreme Court ruled (Roper v. Simmons) that killers could not be executed for crimes they commit while they are juveniles, so Presley was moved off of death row. Soon after Owens gave the following testimony, "Both of those defendants deserve to be on death row. But out of plain fairness and simple equity in life, it's not fair to leave the person on death row who didn't kill anyone and take the person off death row who did." Story
King, who like so many republicans, loves to see the state in the business of killing people, was outraged, and has now taken his former opponent's supporter off the case. And he will argue to have Gamble's death penalty reinstated.
Troy King is also went on a witch hunt in his zeal to find "something on Judge (Dan King, Bessemer Cutoff Circuit Judge) King - old campaign records, finance records, anything to get him off the bench," according to sworn testimony from Anthony Castaldo, who says he was reapeatedly told to keep trying. Editorial
I strongly agree with this editorial in the Birmingham News..."Certainly, Troy King has not always inspired confidence as attorney general. In fact, he has sometimes inspired just the opposite." Well said.
Too bad we have at least 3 more years of Troy King. Sorry Alabama, but we elected him. Let's do better in the future.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Bessemer Council Happenin's
As promised, here is a report on the actions and inactions of the Bessemer City Council planning meeting of September 11, 2007, which followed the adjournment of the regular meeting.
Since I am not a reporter, I may miss a name or two, but I can get the idea across.
There was a presentation by a guy from DHR. They want to build a new building in Bessemer to consolidate services. A 48,000 sq ft building on the site where the building burned at 1st Ave and 20th St. The building will occupy the whole half block from the alley to 1st Ave.. The city owns part of the land and will acquire the rest, possibly by eminent domain, according to the mayor. DHR will pay for the building, but they can not own the building.
Stormwater management. A proposal by Burke-Kleinpeter to manage stormwater was presented. The presenter said among other things they had lots of experience by working with the New Orleans levees for 75 years. Now does that instill any measure of confidence? I don’t think so.
Charles Gargas from Alabama Adventure returned to let the council know that a deadline had passed as far as the $100,000,000 five star hotel/indoor water park project goes. Seems the $12.5 million tax abatement incentive wouldn’t do. The county is contributing 9-11 million, the state 5 million and Southland Entertainment will borrow $74.5 million. But they need the $12.5 mill now, to help secure their loan. All they wanted today was a signal the council and attorney(s) will look at ways to do that. One way is for Bessemer to secure a $12.5 million revenue bond (oh Lord) and do away with the tax abatement, and pay the bond off with property taxes, which Southland estimates will be $843,000 the first year and increase to $970,000 by year 5. Louise Alexander said “A hotel that’s going to be a knockout for the city of Bessemer” and they talked of it bringing conferences and such comparing it to Ross Bridge. May wants to throw a lodging tax increase in to help. They agreed for the Mayor to write a letter indicating the city is still working on it.
The noise ordinance was brought up for the umpteenth time. The DNC (see yesterday’s post) agreed to address the issue at the Sept. 18 meeting.
Linda Baker and Andre Taylor from the McWane Center asked for $2500 toward their general expenses. Over 500 Bessemer students visited the Center last year on field trips and over 3000 visitors identified as Bessemer residents. Also, McWane personnel visit our schools. The council will vote on it next week as expenditure.
Next was a request from BREMSS (Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Services System) for $5133 to cover costs. They provide the mannequins used for training and other services and local personnel said we needed to give the money and the council will probably do this next week also.
108 LLC has a deal for Bessemer. 108 LLC is Stan Pate, developer. He wants to bring 4 more car dealerships to the city, and he will borrow $3,525,000 to do infrastructure development. The money will be repaid by sales, occupational and property taxes generated by the car dealerships. So it is an incentive, where the city does not have to pay anything. These taxes would not be generated without the development, and they are projected to generate revenue above and beyond the debt service.
This was just a planning meeting so nothing was actually voted on.
And just so you know, our City Council meetings are tame compared to Birmingham’s where yesterday a man stood before the council and told them of a mother who makes her son perform oral sex on her for drugs. Carol Duncan wanted the man to stop speaking but Carole Smitherman allowed him to continue. I just happened to turn the TV on that channel when that was going on. See what we could have if Bessemer had their meetings on TV?
Since I am not a reporter, I may miss a name or two, but I can get the idea across.
There was a presentation by a guy from DHR. They want to build a new building in Bessemer to consolidate services. A 48,000 sq ft building on the site where the building burned at 1st Ave and 20th St. The building will occupy the whole half block from the alley to 1st Ave.. The city owns part of the land and will acquire the rest, possibly by eminent domain, according to the mayor. DHR will pay for the building, but they can not own the building.
Stormwater management. A proposal by Burke-Kleinpeter to manage stormwater was presented. The presenter said among other things they had lots of experience by working with the New Orleans levees for 75 years. Now does that instill any measure of confidence? I don’t think so.
Charles Gargas from Alabama Adventure returned to let the council know that a deadline had passed as far as the $100,000,000 five star hotel/indoor water park project goes. Seems the $12.5 million tax abatement incentive wouldn’t do. The county is contributing 9-11 million, the state 5 million and Southland Entertainment will borrow $74.5 million. But they need the $12.5 mill now, to help secure their loan. All they wanted today was a signal the council and attorney(s) will look at ways to do that. One way is for Bessemer to secure a $12.5 million revenue bond (oh Lord) and do away with the tax abatement, and pay the bond off with property taxes, which Southland estimates will be $843,000 the first year and increase to $970,000 by year 5. Louise Alexander said “A hotel that’s going to be a knockout for the city of Bessemer” and they talked of it bringing conferences and such comparing it to Ross Bridge. May wants to throw a lodging tax increase in to help. They agreed for the Mayor to write a letter indicating the city is still working on it.
The noise ordinance was brought up for the umpteenth time. The DNC (see yesterday’s post) agreed to address the issue at the Sept. 18 meeting.
Linda Baker and Andre Taylor from the McWane Center asked for $2500 toward their general expenses. Over 500 Bessemer students visited the Center last year on field trips and over 3000 visitors identified as Bessemer residents. Also, McWane personnel visit our schools. The council will vote on it next week as expenditure.
Next was a request from BREMSS (Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Services System) for $5133 to cover costs. They provide the mannequins used for training and other services and local personnel said we needed to give the money and the council will probably do this next week also.
108 LLC has a deal for Bessemer. 108 LLC is Stan Pate, developer. He wants to bring 4 more car dealerships to the city, and he will borrow $3,525,000 to do infrastructure development. The money will be repaid by sales, occupational and property taxes generated by the car dealerships. So it is an incentive, where the city does not have to pay anything. These taxes would not be generated without the development, and they are projected to generate revenue above and beyond the debt service.
This was just a planning meeting so nothing was actually voted on.
And just so you know, our City Council meetings are tame compared to Birmingham’s where yesterday a man stood before the council and told them of a mother who makes her son perform oral sex on her for drugs. Carol Duncan wanted the man to stop speaking but Carole Smitherman allowed him to continue. I just happened to turn the TV on that channel when that was going on. See what we could have if Bessemer had their meetings on TV?
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Bessemer DNC
That does not stand for Democratic National Committee.
It stands for Do Nothing Council.
This morning the council reconvened to address the issue of incentives for Colonial Tannehill regarding movie theaters. This was a public hearing, as required by law. There were no public comments, so it was moved and seconded that session be adjourned. The mayor wanted to bring up a new issue, or revisit and old issue, the water line bond. There was a discussion about whether he could do that and all, but it was pointed out that a motion was on the floor and must be acted on. Sarah Belcher was asked to withdraw her second, and if she had, Jesse Matthews could withdraw his motion, so the mayor could speak. Belcher refused, the motion to adjourn was voted on, and Belcher, Davidson, Matthews and Soles voted to adjourn.
They did this fully aware of what the mayor was going to do, because that was brought up in the discussion.
More on this, the Bessemer Neighborhood Association reaction, and the Bessemer City Council planning session that followed today's meeting coming tomorrow.
It stands for Do Nothing Council.
This morning the council reconvened to address the issue of incentives for Colonial Tannehill regarding movie theaters. This was a public hearing, as required by law. There were no public comments, so it was moved and seconded that session be adjourned. The mayor wanted to bring up a new issue, or revisit and old issue, the water line bond. There was a discussion about whether he could do that and all, but it was pointed out that a motion was on the floor and must be acted on. Sarah Belcher was asked to withdraw her second, and if she had, Jesse Matthews could withdraw his motion, so the mayor could speak. Belcher refused, the motion to adjourn was voted on, and Belcher, Davidson, Matthews and Soles voted to adjourn.
They did this fully aware of what the mayor was going to do, because that was brought up in the discussion.
More on this, the Bessemer Neighborhood Association reaction, and the Bessemer City Council planning session that followed today's meeting coming tomorrow.
Bessemer Water Rates, Come On
It’s really surprising that so few people showed up at last nights Bessemer Neighborhood Association meeting. But Bessemer has a recent history of apathy, so why should I be surprised?
The BNA members were concerned about council actions that could lead to increased water rates, so during the meeting we called Camilo Fuller, the mayor’s assistant and he agreed to come down. When he saw the level of concern and the knowledge of the issue exhibited by BNA members, he called Mayor Ed May to come down and discuss the issue.
Anyway, here are the facts. Bessemer is under contract to supply water to Alabaster. Bessemer must build a $4.5 million waterline. Once this is complete, supplying water to Alabaster will be a positive thing for Bessemer.
In 2006 the council authorized Mayor Ed May to put a financial team together and he then went to New York along with some council members and secured a AAA bond rating (the city had no rating before). That means we can get good rates.
In April 2007, the council voted 7-0 to authorize May to negotiate the bond deal, and he did, at a 4.5% rate, which is a good rate. But certain council members wanted to use a different underwriter, the one they recommended in 2006, even though the interest rate would be much higher, and even though by law the 2007 council is under no obligation to adhere to the 2006 (different people) council recommendations.
Then there’s this. The delay has already allowed the preferred interest rate to rise to 4.8%, but that is still the best deal, and the rate will only hold for a couple more weeks.
We are in a contract with Alabaster, and if we do not pass a bond issue we will have to borrow the money, $4.5 million, short term, at rates that will cause our water bills to go up 108%, according to lender estimates.
Council persons Dorothy Davidson, Sarah Belcher, Jesse Matthews and Albert Soles (who was not part of the 2006 council) voted against the bond issue. They want to put the interest of one individual, Walter Lewis of Gardnyr Michael Capital above the interests of 30,000 customers of Bessemer Water, ignoring the hardship that doubling the cost of our water will cause.
The council is meeting at 9:00 this morning to continue last weeks meeting before their regularly scheduled planning meeting at 10:00 today. BNA members will b there to urge them, no, to demand that they look out for the interests of those who elected them rather than their buddy.
If the council does not pass the bill today, we will return with more people next Tuesday, because by then we can alert many more citizens in the districts of Davidson, Belcher, Matthews and Soles.
One member actually called Albert Soles during the meeting last night, and very forcefully told him that he needs to reconsider his vote. Another council person was trying to call the mayor during the meeting, I was sitting next to the mayor and his phone was on the table just vibrating away while he was speaking, and he told me who it was, and why they were calling.
Hopefully pressure is already being put on that council person and others, and they will do the right thing today. It’s not too late for you to help, though and you can do this by calling your council person this morning and demanding that he or she vote in the interests of the people they serve. I don’t have the individual council members cell phone numbers, but call the city at 428-4060 and ask for the council office and if you can’t get the councilor then leave a message outlining your position. I will post the results of the meeting around lunchtime.
The BNA members were concerned about council actions that could lead to increased water rates, so during the meeting we called Camilo Fuller, the mayor’s assistant and he agreed to come down. When he saw the level of concern and the knowledge of the issue exhibited by BNA members, he called Mayor Ed May to come down and discuss the issue.
Anyway, here are the facts. Bessemer is under contract to supply water to Alabaster. Bessemer must build a $4.5 million waterline. Once this is complete, supplying water to Alabaster will be a positive thing for Bessemer.
In 2006 the council authorized Mayor Ed May to put a financial team together and he then went to New York along with some council members and secured a AAA bond rating (the city had no rating before). That means we can get good rates.
In April 2007, the council voted 7-0 to authorize May to negotiate the bond deal, and he did, at a 4.5% rate, which is a good rate. But certain council members wanted to use a different underwriter, the one they recommended in 2006, even though the interest rate would be much higher, and even though by law the 2007 council is under no obligation to adhere to the 2006 (different people) council recommendations.
Then there’s this. The delay has already allowed the preferred interest rate to rise to 4.8%, but that is still the best deal, and the rate will only hold for a couple more weeks.
We are in a contract with Alabaster, and if we do not pass a bond issue we will have to borrow the money, $4.5 million, short term, at rates that will cause our water bills to go up 108%, according to lender estimates.
Council persons Dorothy Davidson, Sarah Belcher, Jesse Matthews and Albert Soles (who was not part of the 2006 council) voted against the bond issue. They want to put the interest of one individual, Walter Lewis of Gardnyr Michael Capital above the interests of 30,000 customers of Bessemer Water, ignoring the hardship that doubling the cost of our water will cause.
The council is meeting at 9:00 this morning to continue last weeks meeting before their regularly scheduled planning meeting at 10:00 today. BNA members will b there to urge them, no, to demand that they look out for the interests of those who elected them rather than their buddy.
If the council does not pass the bill today, we will return with more people next Tuesday, because by then we can alert many more citizens in the districts of Davidson, Belcher, Matthews and Soles.
One member actually called Albert Soles during the meeting last night, and very forcefully told him that he needs to reconsider his vote. Another council person was trying to call the mayor during the meeting, I was sitting next to the mayor and his phone was on the table just vibrating away while he was speaking, and he told me who it was, and why they were calling.
Hopefully pressure is already being put on that council person and others, and they will do the right thing today. It’s not too late for you to help, though and you can do this by calling your council person this morning and demanding that he or she vote in the interests of the people they serve. I don’t have the individual council members cell phone numbers, but call the city at 428-4060 and ask for the council office and if you can’t get the councilor then leave a message outlining your position. I will post the results of the meeting around lunchtime.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Episcopal Church getting busy
All who live in Bessemer should attend the Bessemer Neighborhood Association meeting tonight at 7:00 at Broken Vessel Church on Dartmouth Avenue. There is great concern about City Council action (or inaction) that may lead to a water rate increase and this issue will be discussed. We need more citizens to become involved and to be outspoken about issues like this if we are going to be successful in making Bessemer a better place to live, so come on out.
Contentious Times in Episcopal Land
The local Episcopalians will soon elect a new suffragan, which is a little like an assistant bishop. The six candidates were all together last week in Birmingham meeting Episcopalians from across the state.
The way the church works this is not a popularity contest, but rather “the focus is discernment of what God is calling the diocese (of Alabama) to do.”
I am thinking that God wants the diocese to elect Rev. Marc Burnette, the rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham to the position. Based primarily on Burnette’s comments from Sunday’s Birmingham News, Burnette seems to realize that God’s “people” includes all people and wants to work toward keeping the church united, but also admits that “if they need to leave, they need to be free to do what they need to do,” referring to the faction threatening to split off over the full inclusion of gays.
It may well be that all 6 of the candidates feel the same way, but Burnette was the most quoted, with comments in 6 paragraphs. All 6 candidates were together, so I am not sure if he might have just been the most outspoken, or why he got so much press, but I am thinking it means he is the leading candidate.
Here’s his long quote. “It’s painful. We are family. We are determined to keep that posture. The desire is not for separation. The U. S. Episcopal Church action is very difficult to understand for some people. There is a sense of carrying out the call to be in fellowship with all God’s people, to genuinely be inclusive. Jesus taught radical inclusivity. The fact is, some people don’t want to stay together. Jesus is about table fellowship. Nobody’s turned away. The church has always been that way. That is church. That’s Jesus in action. If we teach that, then we’re being faithful with Jesus. We hold a space for everyone. If they need to leave, they have to be free to do what they need to do. The Episcopal Church is here for the long haul.”
He also said “My position is I believe in communion. I want the communion to be healthy and whole. I’m for inclusion of all God’s people. Those two are harmonious positions for me.”
The other candidates are Rev. Robert Childers of Grace Episcopal in Anniston, Rev. Alicia Schuster-Weltner, canon for congregational development from the Diocese of Atlanta, Rev. John McKee Sloan of St. Thomas Church in Huntsville, Rev. Pat Wingo of St. Thomas Church in Birmingham, and Rev. William Waldo of Trinity church in Excelsior, Minn.
The Diocese of Alabama will elect its suffragan bishop on September 30. The new official will be consecrated and take office on January 12.
Contentious Times in Episcopal Land
The local Episcopalians will soon elect a new suffragan, which is a little like an assistant bishop. The six candidates were all together last week in Birmingham meeting Episcopalians from across the state.
The way the church works this is not a popularity contest, but rather “the focus is discernment of what God is calling the diocese (of Alabama) to do.”
I am thinking that God wants the diocese to elect Rev. Marc Burnette, the rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham to the position. Based primarily on Burnette’s comments from Sunday’s Birmingham News, Burnette seems to realize that God’s “people” includes all people and wants to work toward keeping the church united, but also admits that “if they need to leave, they need to be free to do what they need to do,” referring to the faction threatening to split off over the full inclusion of gays.
It may well be that all 6 of the candidates feel the same way, but Burnette was the most quoted, with comments in 6 paragraphs. All 6 candidates were together, so I am not sure if he might have just been the most outspoken, or why he got so much press, but I am thinking it means he is the leading candidate.
Here’s his long quote. “It’s painful. We are family. We are determined to keep that posture. The desire is not for separation. The U. S. Episcopal Church action is very difficult to understand for some people. There is a sense of carrying out the call to be in fellowship with all God’s people, to genuinely be inclusive. Jesus taught radical inclusivity. The fact is, some people don’t want to stay together. Jesus is about table fellowship. Nobody’s turned away. The church has always been that way. That is church. That’s Jesus in action. If we teach that, then we’re being faithful with Jesus. We hold a space for everyone. If they need to leave, they have to be free to do what they need to do. The Episcopal Church is here for the long haul.”
He also said “My position is I believe in communion. I want the communion to be healthy and whole. I’m for inclusion of all God’s people. Those two are harmonious positions for me.”
The other candidates are Rev. Robert Childers of Grace Episcopal in Anniston, Rev. Alicia Schuster-Weltner, canon for congregational development from the Diocese of Atlanta, Rev. John McKee Sloan of St. Thomas Church in Huntsville, Rev. Pat Wingo of St. Thomas Church in Birmingham, and Rev. William Waldo of Trinity church in Excelsior, Minn.
The Diocese of Alabama will elect its suffragan bishop on September 30. The new official will be consecrated and take office on January 12.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Trail of Tears, Happenin's and more...
Steve Jobs responded to pressure from "blogs, through emails and with phone calls" from angry customers after dropping the price of the iPhone yesterday. Enough so that he is giving a $100 store credit to previous purchasers. Ah, the power of blogs. But I am not claiming that my blurb had any influence, more likely tech bloggers like Kevin Tofel...jkontherun iphone
Anyway, good save, Steve. Oh, wait. Steve, we did notice that you still get to keep the hundred bucks.
Things to do next week.
Monday: Bessemer Neighborhood Association meeting. Bessemer Neighbors
Wednesday: Eat at The Bright Star in Bessemer, and while there, purchase "A Centennial Celebration of The Bright Star Restuarant", and get it signed by owners Jimmy and Nicky Koikos. The Bright Star
Thursday: Angela Davis discusses "Leadership and Democracy." Alys Stephens Center. Free admission. "It is both humiliating and humbling to discover that a single generation after the events that constructed me as a public personality, I am remembered as a hairdo."
And further down the road:
This is a little bit disturbing. The Church of the National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan has been issued a permit to hold a rally in Athens on September 15 to protest immigration policies. On that same day the annual Trail of Tears motorcycle ride (always the 3rd Saturday in September) will bring around 150,000 motorcycle riders through town. Trail of Tears Remembrance
I am all for free speech, and I wouldn't think there would be a conflict here (nor do I think motorcyclists, particularly those on this ride, would be sympathetic to Klan causes) but why schedule a Klan rally on a day of remembrance that carries a degree of peacefulness and calm with it. (I understand that "calm" and "150,000 bikers" may not seem compatible, but you get the idea). And the bikers will probably outnumber the Klan members by about 30,000 to 1.
Klan rallies should be scheduled on days and in places where the public is not likely to cross paths with them. They wanted the court house, they got the city hall, but they should have gotten a different day.
And in my quote worth saving category: in response to the theft of copper from an Alabama Power substation, where a thief used a power saw to cut through several main power lines (interrupting power to 2,800 customers in Forestdale), Jefferson County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Randy Christian said, "It would just make my day if a char-grilled suspect showed up at one of our local emergency rooms."
Anyway, good save, Steve. Oh, wait. Steve, we did notice that you still get to keep the hundred bucks.
Things to do next week.
Monday: Bessemer Neighborhood Association meeting. Bessemer Neighbors
Wednesday: Eat at The Bright Star in Bessemer, and while there, purchase "A Centennial Celebration of The Bright Star Restuarant", and get it signed by owners Jimmy and Nicky Koikos. The Bright Star
Thursday: Angela Davis discusses "Leadership and Democracy." Alys Stephens Center. Free admission. "It is both humiliating and humbling to discover that a single generation after the events that constructed me as a public personality, I am remembered as a hairdo."
And further down the road:
This is a little bit disturbing. The Church of the National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan has been issued a permit to hold a rally in Athens on September 15 to protest immigration policies. On that same day the annual Trail of Tears motorcycle ride (always the 3rd Saturday in September) will bring around 150,000 motorcycle riders through town. Trail of Tears Remembrance
I am all for free speech, and I wouldn't think there would be a conflict here (nor do I think motorcyclists, particularly those on this ride, would be sympathetic to Klan causes) but why schedule a Klan rally on a day of remembrance that carries a degree of peacefulness and calm with it. (I understand that "calm" and "150,000 bikers" may not seem compatible, but you get the idea). And the bikers will probably outnumber the Klan members by about 30,000 to 1.
Klan rallies should be scheduled on days and in places where the public is not likely to cross paths with them. They wanted the court house, they got the city hall, but they should have gotten a different day.
And in my quote worth saving category: in response to the theft of copper from an Alabama Power substation, where a thief used a power saw to cut through several main power lines (interrupting power to 2,800 customers in Forestdale), Jefferson County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Randy Christian said, "It would just make my day if a char-grilled suspect showed up at one of our local emergency rooms."
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Jamaican Elections, U.S. Elections
Wouldn't you just hate to have purchased an iPhone a week or two ago and open the paper this morning to see that the prices have dropped $200? Just $399 now for the 8GB phone.
"We want to put the iPhone in a lot of stockings this holiday season" Steve Jobs said.
I think he's feeling the heat from HP which also announced yesterday two new cell phones, the iPAQ 600 and iPAQ 900. The phones look great, but as of now, no carriers have been announced, so what good are they?
Fred Thompson, the newest official presidential candidate, lived the first 10 weeks of his life in Alabama, but nobody in the town of his birth (Sheffield) seems to know...or care. On Jay Leno last night Jay held up a bumper sticker that read "Fred Thompson: Cause Giuliani is too hard to spell."
Add to that "Cause Romney is too hard to believe." "Cause McCain is too hard to comprehend." "Cause (insert republican name here) is too hard to trust."
The Jamaican elections are over, and with little violence (any violence surrounding elections is too much, and I think several people were killed, but it was nothing like what could have been).
There has been a change in leadership with Bruce Golding assuming power as the new prime minister and leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which also captured a slim majority of seats in the legislative body. Portia Simpson Miller, the People's National Party (PNP) leader and current prime minister, will step down.
60.4% of eligible voters cast ballots, and only about 3,000 separated the winning party from the losing party. The JLP depended on young people to carry them to victory. One would suppose this would mean a more progressive government, but hold on. The number one problem, by far that the government will have to deal with is crime. Social progress is probably way down on the list of priorities.
News reports in our country indicate that young people here are becoming more active politically than in the past few years, and I suspect this will bode well for the democrats. 77% of 18-29 year olds think their generation will make a difference in the 2008 election, but does that mean 77% of them will vote? No...that would be unprecedented. The previous high was in 1972 when 55.4 % of that age group voted (the first year that I voted, by the way).
I hope that each "progressive" who reads this will make an effort to engage young people as the election nears, encouraging them to become involved and to vote. There are many opportunities (Over the Mountain Democrats , Alabama College Democrats , Alabama Stonewall Democrats (no web site, but email me and I will put you in touch) , Alabama Democratic Party (from here you can link to various county Democratic groups) and more for young people (and us more seasoned people as well).
Speaking of Stonewall Democrats, I just received this notice:
Just a reminder that we'll be meeting again next Thursday (September 13th) at Los Amigos, 3324 Clairmont Avenue (next door to the Piggly Wiggly) in the back dining room at 5:30. Joe Turnham, Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party will be our guest speaker. Please feel free to invite friends who would like to join our group or learn more about Stonewall Democrats.
"We want to put the iPhone in a lot of stockings this holiday season" Steve Jobs said.
I think he's feeling the heat from HP which also announced yesterday two new cell phones, the iPAQ 600 and iPAQ 900. The phones look great, but as of now, no carriers have been announced, so what good are they?
Fred Thompson, the newest official presidential candidate, lived the first 10 weeks of his life in Alabama, but nobody in the town of his birth (Sheffield) seems to know...or care. On Jay Leno last night Jay held up a bumper sticker that read "Fred Thompson: Cause Giuliani is too hard to spell."
Add to that "Cause Romney is too hard to believe." "Cause McCain is too hard to comprehend." "Cause (insert republican name here) is too hard to trust."
The Jamaican elections are over, and with little violence (any violence surrounding elections is too much, and I think several people were killed, but it was nothing like what could have been).
There has been a change in leadership with Bruce Golding assuming power as the new prime minister and leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which also captured a slim majority of seats in the legislative body. Portia Simpson Miller, the People's National Party (PNP) leader and current prime minister, will step down.
60.4% of eligible voters cast ballots, and only about 3,000 separated the winning party from the losing party. The JLP depended on young people to carry them to victory. One would suppose this would mean a more progressive government, but hold on. The number one problem, by far that the government will have to deal with is crime. Social progress is probably way down on the list of priorities.
News reports in our country indicate that young people here are becoming more active politically than in the past few years, and I suspect this will bode well for the democrats. 77% of 18-29 year olds think their generation will make a difference in the 2008 election, but does that mean 77% of them will vote? No...that would be unprecedented. The previous high was in 1972 when 55.4 % of that age group voted (the first year that I voted, by the way).
I hope that each "progressive" who reads this will make an effort to engage young people as the election nears, encouraging them to become involved and to vote. There are many opportunities (Over the Mountain Democrats , Alabama College Democrats , Alabama Stonewall Democrats (no web site, but email me and I will put you in touch) , Alabama Democratic Party (from here you can link to various county Democratic groups) and more for young people (and us more seasoned people as well).
Speaking of Stonewall Democrats, I just received this notice:
Just a reminder that we'll be meeting again next Thursday (September 13th) at Los Amigos, 3324 Clairmont Avenue (next door to the Piggly Wiggly) in the back dining room at 5:30. Joe Turnham, Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party will be our guest speaker. Please feel free to invite friends who would like to join our group or learn more about Stonewall Democrats.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Another Craig Flip Flop, McGreevy Weighs In
MSNBC's tag line this morning about Sen. Larry Craig is "Is he or isn't he?"
They aren't referring to his sexuality, rather his most recent flip flop, this time it's his announced resignation from the senate. He's reconsidering.
I'm glad I don't live in Idaho. This gives new meaning to the idea of poor leadership skills. I mean, do you really want a senator who can't make a decision and stick by it. Gonna resign...not gonna resign. Plead guilty...reverse the plea... Give the signals...deny giving the signals. Gay for play...not gay, never been gay.
But one thing is certain. Fighting the guilty plea and reversing his decision to resign from the senate keeps the story in the headlines, possible for weeks...at least until the end of the month...his resignation date. And that can do nothing but help the democrats. They don't have to do a thing (something the democrats often do and which sometimes shows them at their best...or their worst). Just sit back and watch a man who is in a hole grab a shovel and continue digging.
Jim McGreevy, the former New Jersey governor, who is hardly the poster boy for gay personal integrity, but whose story is valuable in exposing the dangers of being "forced" (by society and one's own insecurities) into the closet, had this to say in the Birmingham News (really the Washington Post) today Here .
McGreevy's points are well taken. When the church rejects you, when society rejects you, when medical literature rejects you (as it did back then), and when your peers reject you, you lead two separate lives: your open daily life and your closeted life which you indulge only in dark secret places. He says you do this by splitting in two, rescuing part of your self and walking away from the other part. Yet the other part doesn't cease to exist.
McGreevy understands where Larry Craig is right now. There is no doubt Craig's political career is over, but he will forever have the conflict that McGreevy describes if he does not come to terms with his sexuality. This conflict is manifesting itself in the poor decision making he has exhibited over the past two months.
Like McGreevy, I hope that America continues to move toward recognizing the "worth and dignity of every individual", and that ours is the "last generation that is required to choose between affairs of the heart and elected office." Or any other career, I might add.
They aren't referring to his sexuality, rather his most recent flip flop, this time it's his announced resignation from the senate. He's reconsidering.
I'm glad I don't live in Idaho. This gives new meaning to the idea of poor leadership skills. I mean, do you really want a senator who can't make a decision and stick by it. Gonna resign...not gonna resign. Plead guilty...reverse the plea... Give the signals...deny giving the signals. Gay for play...not gay, never been gay.
But one thing is certain. Fighting the guilty plea and reversing his decision to resign from the senate keeps the story in the headlines, possible for weeks...at least until the end of the month...his resignation date. And that can do nothing but help the democrats. They don't have to do a thing (something the democrats often do and which sometimes shows them at their best...or their worst). Just sit back and watch a man who is in a hole grab a shovel and continue digging.
Jim McGreevy, the former New Jersey governor, who is hardly the poster boy for gay personal integrity, but whose story is valuable in exposing the dangers of being "forced" (by society and one's own insecurities) into the closet, had this to say in the Birmingham News (really the Washington Post) today Here .
McGreevy's points are well taken. When the church rejects you, when society rejects you, when medical literature rejects you (as it did back then), and when your peers reject you, you lead two separate lives: your open daily life and your closeted life which you indulge only in dark secret places. He says you do this by splitting in two, rescuing part of your self and walking away from the other part. Yet the other part doesn't cease to exist.
McGreevy understands where Larry Craig is right now. There is no doubt Craig's political career is over, but he will forever have the conflict that McGreevy describes if he does not come to terms with his sexuality. This conflict is manifesting itself in the poor decision making he has exhibited over the past two months.
Like McGreevy, I hope that America continues to move toward recognizing the "worth and dignity of every individual", and that ours is the "last generation that is required to choose between affairs of the heart and elected office." Or any other career, I might add.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Back from the Beach...Important Meetings
Pensacola Beach was great. I learned some new things about my camera and I think I got some great bird photos...here are a couple.
Hall's Seafood, Paradise Inn Grill, Hemingway's and Sidelines (with packed seating and the Alabama game, the Auburn Game, the Tennessee game and the Georgia game all playing on the numerous tv's, with fans from each school trying to prove they can be ruder than the others) were just some of the places we ate.
Thursday night the Bessemer Downtown Redevelopment Authority and Auburn University's Urban Studio sponsored a public forum to solicit input for revitalization of downtown.
Attendence was sparse, but diverse. Business leaders and business people from downtown, representatives of Bessemer Historic Homeowners Association, downtown residents, community leaders, and one city official (Sarah Belcher) was there.
Bessemer is the 44th community that Auburn's School of Architecture will use their assets- based approach with. Cheryl Morgan, an AU professor, and her fifth year students gathered information about things that we as Bessemer residents think are important aspects of our town and downtown in particular. Icons like the Bright Star but also important architectural aspects like the Carnegie Library building that houses the Chamber of commerce, and the old Post Office which houses the growing library. Buildings throughout downtown are aching to have the aluminum torn off and their rich architecture exposed again.
They also compiled a list of historical figures (how many knew Diana Ross was born in Bessemer?) and events. Major routes in to Bessemer and what people see or how they "know" they are in Bessemer are also being considered.
Finally, they asked about our dreams and visions for downtown Bessemer are. Things like rails to trails, art galleries, and B&B's were brought up.
They will take this information plus their own research and present preliminary ideas on September 24th at the Sweet House at 6:30. They want input that day from even more citizens, so you who live in Bessemer need to plan to be there.
Another important upcoming event is UAB's Understanding Youth Violence conference on October 18th from 8:30 to 3:00. This is good for community leaders, teachers and counselors and social workers and others. For more information contact Andrea Eden at aeden@uab.edu or 205-975-9413, or email me at metrocat10@aol.com and I will forward the brochure to you. Seems like an important topic considering what happened at Legion Field recently. The Bessemer Neighborhood Association will be represented at this meeting.
Thursday night the Bessemer Downtown Redevelopment Authority and Auburn University's Urban Studio sponsored a public forum to solicit input for revitalization of downtown.
Attendence was sparse, but diverse. Business leaders and business people from downtown, representatives of Bessemer Historic Homeowners Association, downtown residents, community leaders, and one city official (Sarah Belcher) was there.
Bessemer is the 44th community that Auburn's School of Architecture will use their assets- based approach with. Cheryl Morgan, an AU professor, and her fifth year students gathered information about things that we as Bessemer residents think are important aspects of our town and downtown in particular. Icons like the Bright Star but also important architectural aspects like the Carnegie Library building that houses the Chamber of commerce, and the old Post Office which houses the growing library. Buildings throughout downtown are aching to have the aluminum torn off and their rich architecture exposed again.
They also compiled a list of historical figures (how many knew Diana Ross was born in Bessemer?) and events. Major routes in to Bessemer and what people see or how they "know" they are in Bessemer are also being considered.
Finally, they asked about our dreams and visions for downtown Bessemer are. Things like rails to trails, art galleries, and B&B's were brought up.
They will take this information plus their own research and present preliminary ideas on September 24th at the Sweet House at 6:30. They want input that day from even more citizens, so you who live in Bessemer need to plan to be there.
Another important upcoming event is UAB's Understanding Youth Violence conference on October 18th from 8:30 to 3:00. This is good for community leaders, teachers and counselors and social workers and others. For more information contact Andrea Eden at aeden@uab.edu or 205-975-9413, or email me at metrocat10@aol.com and I will forward the brochure to you. Seems like an important topic considering what happened at Legion Field recently. The Bessemer Neighborhood Association will be represented at this meeting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)