City administrator hire was wrong choice
Letter from Bob Werkhoven
On or about May 15, 2008, Bob Drake and other members of CCI submitted a petition to City Hall seeking to abolish the position of the city administrator. There were more than 700 signatures on this petition which is, in itself, an accomplishment because of the reluctance of people to sign such a document for fear of unjustified retribution, real or perceived. Mr. Drake and CCI were exercising their First Amendment Rights, the Right to Petition. THEY DID THE RIGHT THING.
Four other petitions have been submitted in the past several weeks on the same subject, but were rejected by the auditor because of non-conformance with the rules of petition structure, submittal, etc.
The Governing Body of the City knew, or at least should have known that a conforming petition was being circulated at their April 7, 2008, meeting when they approved a starting date of May 12, 2008, for the new City Administrator. THEY DIDN'T DO THE RIGHT THING.
The fact that the State Attorney General has ruled that if the position of city administrator is abolished as a result of the upcoming June 10th election, the current administrator will not lose his job is probably based on similar case law and not specifically our situation.
The city commission has been deceptive and disingenuous in this matter, boarding on being guilty of chicanery.
Valley City is looking at increases in electric rates, water rates, (treatment plant), increases in insurance (expansion of flood plain), ridiculous funding plan for the new jail, high fuel prices and its impact on all budgets (personal and tax-supported entities), and even talk of school expansion. We don't need to exacerbate the problem with the addition of new staff positions.
The city is split and we need to find a project with a common goal, and the leadership that will unite and benefit all the citizens, not just special interests, and this commission is not willing to do this. IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE.
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Letter to CCI,
4-11-08
North Dakota Republican State Convention was held the last weekend in March. They passed 35 resolutions. Two of the resolutions are covered below.
Resolution Number 1: Opposition to NAIS (National Animal Identification System)
WHEREAS: The state of North Dakota has numerous livestock producers; and
WHEREAS: Those said producers are committed to representing the industry's needs in regard to animal health, trade, marketing and land use issues; and
WHEREAS: WE do not believe it is the role of the federal government to mandate or encourage producers to "sign up" their ranch or farm with a government program (premise registration/NAIS);
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Republican Party of North Dakota strongly supports individual property rights and therefore encourages individual owners to make independent decisions about the identification of their livestock. The Republican Party of North Dakota opposes any mandatory registration of premises and animal identification system, as it infringes on personal property rights and has no proven means of preventing any disease or the spread of any disease. (See April 2006 City Watch)
Resolution Number 20: NO NATIONAL OR REAL ID CARDS
WHEREAS: The House of Representatives has approved an $82 billion military spending bill with an attachment that would mandate electronically readable identity cards for United States Citizens, and President Bush is expected to sign the bill; and
WHEREAS: Starting May 11, 2008, if you live or work in the United States, you will need a federally approved identity card to travel on an airplane, open a bank account, collect Social Security payments, or take advantage of nearly any government service. Practically speaking, your driver's license likely will have to re reissued to meet federal standards; and
WHEREAS: The Real ID Act would establish what amounts to a national identity card. State drivers' licenses and other such documents would have to meet federal identity standards established by the Department of Homeland Security; and
WHEREAS: Homeland Security is permitted to add additional requirements - such as a fingerprint or retinal scan - on top of those. We don't know what these additional requirements will be; and
WHEREAS: The REAL ID Act hands the Department of Homeland Security the power to set these standards and determine whether state drivers' licenses and other identity cards pass muster; and
WHEREAS: Only identity cards approved by Homeland Security can be accepted "for any official purpose" by the federal authorities: and
WHEREAS: The state of North Dakota is a sovereign state and that the powers of the federal government and the state government are clearly regulated in the United States Constitution;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the North Dakota Republican Party urges the State of North Dakota and all other states to act quickly in overturning this bill; and to take action to further limit the federal government's right to demand this with an amendment to the North Dakota Constitution. (See Feb-2006, April-2006, April-2007 and Feb-2008 City Watches also REAL ID webpage)
There are some other great resolutions that were passed. I urge you to read them.
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Letter to CCI,
3-22-08
Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House in D.C.; one from New Jersey, another from Tennessee and the third, from Florida.
They go with a White House official to examine the fence.
The Florida contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil. 'Well', he says, 'I figure the job will run about $900: $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me.
'The Tennessee contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, 'I can do this job for $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100 profit for me.
'The New Jersey contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers, '$2,700.'
The official, incredulous, says,
'You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?'
The New Jersey contractor whispers back, '$1000 for me, $1000 for you, and we hire the guy from Tennessee to fix the fence.
''Done!' replies the government official.
And that friends, is how it all works!
RM |
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Letter to CCI,
2-29-08
This should be a great informative meeting. The North Dakota Policy Council and The Landowners Association of North Dakota, LAND, are sponsoring this Town Hall Meeting. I look forward to seeing all of you there!
What: Town hall meeting
Guest Speaker: Cato Institute Senior Fellow Randal O’Toole
Topic: Implications of extraterritorial zoning, land use planning, and the Burleigh County Growth Management Plan on private property rights and what landowners can do to protect their assets.
When: Tuesday, March 11 @ 7PM
Where: Best Western Doublewood Inn ( 1400 E Interchange Ave , Bismarck , ND )
Beverages and cookies will be served. “EVERYONE WELCOME”
Randal O'Toole is a Cato Institute Senior Fellow working on urban growth, public land, and transportation issues. In his book The Best-Laid Plans, O'Toole calls for repealing federal, state, and local planning laws and proposes reforms that can help solve social and environmental problems without heavy-handed government regulation. O'Toole is the author of numerous books and Cato papers. He also has a daily blog called The Antiplanner. O'Toole travels extensively and has spoken about free-market environmental issues in dozens of cities.
D.W.
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Letter to CCI,
2-29-08
I just took action to stop government waste and thought you might want
to too. Taxpayers for Common Sense is a non-partisan budget watchdog
dedicated to eliminating wasteful government spending and subsidies.
Check out the Taxpayer Action Center to find out more!
Click below to go to the site
http://capwiz.com/taxpayer/utr/2/?a=10096051&i=86406926&c=
L.M.
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Letter to CCI,
2-29-08
This is amazing - and if you want to compare with any other years, you can go to the website which shows tax info from1913 to the present.
Taxes under Clinton 1999 Taxes under Bush 2008
Single making 30K - tax $8,400 Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $14,000 Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $23,250 Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married maki ng 60K - tax $16,800 Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $21,000 Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $38,750 Married making 125K - tax $31,250
It is amazing how many people that fall into the categories above think Bush is screwing them and Bill Clinton was the greatest President ever. If Obama or Hillary are elected, they both say they will repeal the Bush tax cuts and a good portion of the people that fall into the categories above can't wait for it to happen. This is like the movie The Sting with Paul Newman; you scam somebody out of some money and they don't even know what happened.
L.H.
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Letter to CCI,
2-29-08
Very, VERY good article on the snow truck. How true! Keep up the good work.
B.M.
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Letter to CCI,
2-22-08
1. Should City commission do what with City administrators position?
d. Scrap the position and hire a public works director.
"Need someone with engineering background who can see through the smoke and mirrors and determine if project is really necessary. I.E., remodeling water treatment plant and the additional 40% legal, engineering administrative fees."
2. Do you think Wagar and new jail committee were acting responsibly ..................? NO
"Funding has changed since the vote. This should be a county project so that the city taxpayers don't pay twice. To be touted an economic development is just a way for Gaukler to sell some property."
3. Would you favor a 4 ward system? YES
"Absolutely needed for more representation. Power isn't just north of 9th St. N."
B.W.
Letter to CCI,
2-22-08
WOW- Thanks for the City Watch - Very informative, especially since I'm not very healthy and don't get out and about very much. I can say you are 100% right on in what you write. I used to write letters to the editor 30 years ago about so many things off and on, but they would not put them in the paper, or twisted what I said , so I went to the Attorney General's office over that - so that was not done again.
I'd like a list of the businesses that got new sign money. I'll be honest and say because of all the stuff that goes on and because we can't afford Valley City prices, we shop out of town. I know it's wrong and I spoke of it much in letters to the editor, but when I see most of Valley City business people shop in Fargo anytime, but especially at Christmas, and if not Fargo it's Minn. So why should we the people shop at these stores?
Here is how I picked on the CCI poll of Feb., 2008.
1. City Administrator Position - Eliminate the position.
2. Wagar and new jail responsibility - NO
3. Favor of 4-Ward System - YES
4. Fix up Jail? - Fix up old jail and use it, NO new one.
We'd like to be on the mail list if you have one. Please send information and will pay for a subscription.
Thank you.
D & L.T.
Letter to CCI,
2-22-08
First of all, keep up the good work!!! I personally believe all of the commissioners, including the mayor, should be recalled. Things are not getting done, and what IS done, is not right!! It has been proven so far!!! The city doesn't need an administrator, a Public Works Director, or an assessor. What we need is a "BABY SITTER" to see that the work is done. The commissioners did all the work before. Why not now??? Mary Lee has too many irons in the fire and could care less what happens in the city, and will say "YES" to anything so she can get back to her Rosebud job, and beautifying Sheyenne Valley.
We need people who CARE about our city, and will work to make things run smoothly instead of all the problems that keep arising. We don't need this.
The Mayor's Mama and Daddy keep giving her poor advice the way it looks.
Thank you for your time.
Concerned Neighbors (we're behind you 100%)
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Friends at CCI,
2-9-08
Thank you for the story about the 36 thousand dollar monument to folly.
I thank you for your good work on our behalf and wish you all a very good year. Thank you too for inviting criticism. It is something many of our leaders disdain to their, and our, sorrow.
Enclosed is a check for a raffle ticket on the April 26th drawing.
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Letter to CCI
Feb 1, 08
THIS NEWSLETTER IS GREAT!! Good Work!!!
DS
Letter to CCI
Feb 1, 08
I have a reply to question 4 in your February Newsletter: a)don't build the new facility at all.
I have never been in favor of that jail. Do we REALLY want parents in 7 counties to tell their kids "Watch out, or you'll wind up in Valley City"?
Valley City is known for a lot of things, most of them positive. I don't want our lovely town to become syonymous with "jail" in people's minds - another "Sing Sing."
Good job!
S S
Letter to CCI,
Feb 1, 08
I have not taken a look at the $36,000 snow removal truck myself yet, because until this newsletter I did not know where it was parked, indefinitely. I will probably take a look now.
LB
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Letter to CCI,
1-30-08
This letter has a double cause. It hit's both the snowplow item and the "junk" as Mr Johnson would put it. Short, sweet and to the point. I guess you would know Dave, all about when you fix junk you still have junk. After all take a look at the snowplow truck YOU bought. Oh, my mistake, "WE NOW HAVE JUNK, not you". My mistake. Will this be a lesson learned, Mary, John and Kenny!!! Probably NOT!!! Cause you're just tooo damn bullheaded for it to soak in or listen to the people that voted you in. Can't wait till next election!!
Valley City Business Professional
Lettor to CCI
1-30-08
One question for you Dave Johnson. When your wife goes in for a minor surgey, is she JUNK??
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Letter to CCI,
"JUNK"
1-25-08
City Administrator David Johnson and City Commissioner Jon Wagar believe the regional jail will be built because it is needed and renovating the current jail would be a waste of money. "If you renovate junk, you still have junk," Johnson said.
That is the most ignorant statement that could have been uttered. Look around Valley City or any city, there are plenty of buildings as old as the current jail serving Valley City quite well. Rudolph Square is over 100 years old, was very run down and sat empty for years yet there it is now looking good as new. But I guess according to Wagar and Johnson it is Junk! Elks building, Junk! Old Valley Grocery, Junk! Many many homes in Valley City, Junk! I guess their taxes should go down! Almost all of downtown is JUNK!
The first option should've been to see what it would cost to update current jail not the last option. It is presently holding inmates and passes ALL inspections.
If new jail is built what will happen to current jail? The heating system for Court House is in the basement of current jail. It has been said that they are going to update that and remodel current jail into offices. I guess then it wouldn't be Junk?!
The more one studies this issue the more it appears it is about getting their name on a plaque on a new building, not about what is best for Valley City.
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Letter to CCI,
1-19-08
Fargo School District: Putting Teachers and Taxpayers Last
Recent news that the Fargo School District is considering two plans to bail out the embattled Urban Plains Center should have teachers, parents, and taxpayers concerned.
In the January 17th article by Heather Hotzler in the Fargo Forum, the school district business manager Dan Hoffman is cited as saying the district has $25 million in reserves. The two possible plans to either pre-pay for the ability to use the center or outright loan the Metro Sports Foundation the funds to complete financing of the center show how misplaced the districts priorities are.
More than half the property tax burden for residents of Fargo is caused by the school district. The district has increased its demand for local property taxes by 76% over the last 10 years. In the same 10 years, state funding for the school district has increased 50%, and Federal funding has more than doubled. With all this new money, the school district has build up a large $25 million surplus.
Enrollment, however, is down 9% since 1997.
"The Fargo School district has so much money that it is now promoting itself as a bank. If this district has so much money lying around, why don't they increase teacher pay? Why don't they cut property taxes since that's what we are told is the greatest problem in the state? And at a minimum, the school board members should stop blaming the state for inadequate education funding and/or using that as an excuse for high property taxes." said Duane Sand, state director of Americans for Prosperity.
"We hope that the public starts asking these questions. Having a large reserve in case of an emergency isn't a bad idea, but do the residents of Fargo want their education dollars to be used for venture capital?" concluded Sand.
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Letter to CCI,
1-16-08
I just read David Johnson's story on the front page of the T-R "Johnson's seen progress in city during his tenure". The story was lacking a few of Johnson's accomplishments.
He turned off the heat to an apartment in the middle of the winter where a family with a baby were living because of a simple payment mix-up. He deviously turned it off on a Friday so they wouldn't have been able to get it turned back on till Monday.
He ordered city employees not to shop at a long standing local business because of political reasons. Thankfully most didn't listen to him.
Many times he was seen walking VC streets spraying weeds on company time. What's wrong with that? We have people working for the city who are trained to use chemicals and are paid a lot less than Johnson to spray weeds.
He attempted to destroy the reputations of long time Valley City residents by lying and using smear tactics.
Let's not forget the snow plow he paid way too much for and now it sits.
I have lived in Valley City for a long time and have never seen so much disconnect between the City and the people. But then that is what a city administrator can do for a city, they run interference between the elected and the people and Johnson did that very well.
Good luck Wabasha County.
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Letter to CCI,
1-9-07
Read with interest the globalwarming stories on Keith's page. I honestly wish we could have a more honest debate about the issue. My overarching problem with global warming though is that the main cause is said to be the CO2 in our atmostphere trapping the heat of the sun.
My issue with this is that trees thrive and grow on CO2 The more we produce the more green the earth should become. It would seem to me that the very thing supposedly responsible for global warming it the thing that might well be preventing it.
P.S. For a more cynical view of the issue, my friend Tom says "follow the money trail". |
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Letter to CCI,
1-9-08
I LIKE the website--very nice! You guys are doing some great work! I wish every town in ND had a CCI.
Have a happy New Year!
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Letter to CCI,
12-28-07
Washington, DC –Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, just released its 2007 list of Washington’s "Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians."
1. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY)
5. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)
6. Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR)
8. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)
They cite reasons for making the list.
Example:1) Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY): In addition to her long and sordid ethics record, Senator Hillary Clinton took a lot of heat in 2007 – and rightly so – for blocking the release her official White House records. Many suspect these records contain a treasure trove of information related to her role in a number of serious Clinton-era scandals. Moreover, in March 2007, Judicial Watch filed an ethics complaint against Senator Clinton for filing false financial disclosure forms with the U.S. Senate (again). And Hillary’s top campaign contributor, Norman Hsu, was exposed as a felon and a fugitive from justice in 2007. Hsu pleaded guilt to one count of grand theft for defrauding investors as part of a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme.
Example 2) Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR): Governor Huckabee enjoyed a meteoric rise in the polls in December 2007, which prompted a more thorough review of his ethics record. According to The Associated Press: "[Huckabee’s] career has also been colored by 14 ethics complaints and a volley of questions about his integrity, ranging from his management of campaign cash to his use of a nonprofit organization to subsidize his income to his destruction of state computer files on his way out of the governor’s office." And what was Governor Huckabee’s response to these ethics allegations? Rather than cooperating with investigators, Huckabee sued the state ethics commission twice and attempted to shut the ethics process down.
Click here to read more
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Letter to CCI,
12-26-07
Meeting notice
Date: Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Place: Fargo City Hall, City Commission Meeting Room, 200 Third Street North, Fargo
Agenda: Testimony and discussion on extraterritorial zoning authority
Related CCI newsletter click here |
Letter to CCI,
12-26-07
Really enjoyed the Republican/Democrat Christmas greeting. That's a good one! |
All,
12-26-07
I finally got to hear Ron Paul in a one-on-one interview this past Sunday morning [Meet the Press]. He is the only one that can answer a question. He has my vote ! ! !
http://youtube.com/watch?v=saDw03JXigA |
Letter to CCI,
12-26-07
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it
off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
Free your heart from hatred - Forgive
Free your mind from worries - Most never happen
Live simply and appreciate what you have
Give more
Expect less |
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Letter to CCI,
12-23-07
To All My Democrat Friends:
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.
To My Republican Friends:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Letter to CCI
12-13-07
I understand Cunnigham was blasting Ron Paul on his show saying something like he is a racist because some racist contributed to his campaign, and supposedly Ron Paul has said some racist comments in the past. I invite you to do the same as I did and put "Black leaders oppose Ron Paul" into a search engine. There are no stories about black leaders opposing Ron Paul. If he is such a racist as Cunnigham claims, shouldn't there be?
While I was at it I searched "Black leaders opposing Obama" and many links came up, for instance Powerful black religious leaders oppose Obama.
Then I searched "Black leaders oppose Bush" and again many links came up, for instance Black Leaders Oppose Bush Abstinence-Only Policy.
Once again the self-proclaimed journalist doesn't have the facts to back him up other than some gossip. Par for the course for a 3rd rate talk show host.
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Letter to CCI,
12-12-07
The story on the new jail really burns me. After they have spent a lot of money and assured everyone that they did their homework and it wasn't going to cost us any money and in fact would be a cash cow, now they tell us it's not going to work. Waqar give us three options conveniently leaving out the most obvious one, keep the current jail.
The heating system for the courthouse is in the basement of the jail and probably needs to be replaced anyway even if there would have been a new jail built so do that and tweak what ever else needs to be tweaked and continue to use present jail. It has passed every inspection the state has done on it so let's go with it.
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Letter to CCI,
11-02-07
The Times Record conducted a poll "Do you plan on getting a Flu Shot?" Last time I checked the poll before it closed, 60% of respondents said no! That's a good start.
The flu shot does NOT prevent illness in most people, but actually does the opposite. It weakens the immune system and makes the person actually more predisposed to the illness.
Most flu shots contain mercury thimerosol added as a preservative. They also threw in some formaldehyde, another potent neurotoxin, in the vaccine.
It?s interesting that Fargo locked down Fargo South High School because someone dropped a thermometer that contains mercury. Then spent $11,000.00 to clean up the tiny little bit of mercury that may have spilled on the floor. Yet people roll up their sleeves and have mercury shot directly into their bloodstream.
Do you want any of the following vaccine constituents in YOUR bloodstream?
Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
Phenol, also known as carbolic acid (this is used as a disinfectant, dye)
Formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing agent
Aluminum , which is associated with Alzheimer's disease and seizures and also cancer producing in laboratory mice (it is used as an additive to promote antibody response)
Thimerosal (a mercury disinfectant/preservative) can result in brain injury and autoimmune disease
Neomycin and Streptomycin (used as antibiotics) have caused allergic reaction in some people.
Vaccines are also grown and strained through animal or human tissue like monkey kidney tissue, chicken embryo, embryonic guinea pig cells, calf serum, and human diploid cells (the dissected organs of aborted human fetuses as in the case of rubella, hepatitis A, and chickenpox vaccines).
Well, I refuse to put all of the above in my body, and I hope when your doctor starts telling you it's time for your annual flu shot that you'll require him to defend the annual injection.
Have your doctor read you the insert that comes with the vaccine.
Then have him/her explain why it makes sense to inject toxic chemicals into the human body and how such substances can aid the delicate immune system.
- ACCORDING TO HUGH FUDENBURG, MD - the world's leading immunogenetisit and 13th most quoted biologist of our time (nearly 850 papers in peer review journals) - If an individual has had 5 consecutive flu shots between 1970 - 1980 (the years of the study) his/her chance of developing Alzheimer's Disease is 10 times greater than if they had 1, two or no shots. When asked why Dr. Fudenberg stated that it is due to the mercury and aluminum buildup that is in EVERY flu shot (and in almost all childhood shots). The gradual mercury and aluminum buildup in the brain causes cognitive dysfunction. ALZHEIMERS is now expected to QUADRUPLE.
http://www.vaclib.org/basic/fluindex.htm for more information |
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10-27-07
Guys,
Thanks again for coming to Northwood and for helping Annie. Like we said, the donation of money is appreciated, but seeing your faces and visiting with you is priceless.
Thanks, Beth
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10-27-07
Hi,
The Special interest groups/people, and their voting block weren’t "afraid" of the three CCI candidates who were running for office.
They opposed Bob, LeRoy, and Lloyd because they knew those three couldn’t be BOUGHT!
A Business owner
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Hi,
8-26-07
I just have a quick question I would certainly like an answer to. I must have missed the reasoning, but WHY was Jennifer Feist at the special City Commission meeting on Thurs night pleading for the city to "give" the VC/BC Development Corp. and gift of $20,000 for "administrative costs"??? With the massive amount of tax money that goes to the develop corp., is it necessary for the taxpayers of Valley City to fund them further?????? If I understood it correctly, it seems the County also donates an extra $20,000 annually of taxpayer money for these so-called "administrative" fees. Wow, what is with THIS picture?
From a broke and tired of this mess taxpayer.
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Letter to CCI,
Concerning Lloyd Nelson's page,I am for #2 with no property taxes. I believe every one would pay their fair share. The rich who have all the toys would pay more taxes and the poor who cannot afford the toys would not be making up for the rich tax breaks. But what has every been fair for the average taxpaying person.
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Letter to CCI,
We have been living in Valley City for 12 years now. However we’ve lived close to Valley City for 30 years. When we moved in town there was a rule and a policy on Garbage. I don't think it changed at all. 2 cans so big if any more had to buy bags for garbage. Don't know about having a cover for them??? What I am getting at is some people have 5 to 6 big garage cans every week no covers and filled with dog crap piled over top papers and garbage, if the wind comes up garbage and crap in our yard and everyone else's down the block...During the week we have to smell the garbage till garbage day. Does the City think this is rule or policy. Why not tag those people or is it who you are again...They have covers so why not cover your garbage and crap up so other people can breath. We as tax payers and VC citizens should not have to put up with this. Clean the garbage and crap up, we keep ours in order so should everyone else living in this town. 2 cans and cover it up... We love your web page CCI, we read it all the time. Thanks for keeping us up to par on things, appreciate it. Keep up the good work....
Citizens and Tax payers in VCND |
My wife and I enjoyed the your CCI meeting the other night, learned some things, and find it a fun forum the way you discuss things. I see the tax renewal passed by 65% margin. I was afraid of that, because being from out in the county and an outsider looking in, I predicted that outcome to myself. I hate to say that I write off Valley City as a lost cause, but it needs shaking up. Maybe if people get treated badly enough it will one day wake them up. Anyway, on to victory in our conquest of the Fair Property Tax Initiative. I look forward to helping out getting petition signatures, please keep us up to date. |
Letter to Mr. Drake,
Thanks Mr. Drake for doing the research on the Retail Image Enhancement program. I had no idea that there was so much money spent on signs and misc. I'd like to see how and where the 70% for economic development is spent. If 5% is 194,000.00 look how much 70% is. That's well over 2.5 million dollars! Wow that's a chunk of money. How did Valley City flourish before this 1% sales tax?
I read Mr. Rogers letter in the TR and he talked about the "The darker days" before the 1% sales tax. "As former mayor, I have witnessed the work of many individuals who have taken on the responsibility of solving problems, meeting challenges and growing the community" Mr. Rogers while under your leadership Valley City placed 15th in the nation with % declining population from a population of 6826 in the year 2000 to a population of 6526 in the year 2002 and down to a population in July 2005 of 6,439 (US Census Estimates). I wonder if Mr. Rogers meant a growing city government in the place of a growing community.
Mr. Rogers, Thomas Jefferson summed it up very concisely "A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another yet leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and which shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned: this is the sum of good government necessary to complete the circle of our felicities" (state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy).
I remember growing up in Valley City* we had over 8,000 people living and working here, now we have under 6500. Classes in VC were over 150 students now barely 100 graduating and under 60 first graders now. I talked to a longtime businessman in VC this week and asked him if he got incentives to open his business in VC. He laughed and just said not a dime, yet he opened his business and employed many people and made a good living. I heard the woman that runs the economic development program was on the radio saying that she has been on the job for 20 years. Mr. Drake I have an idea, find out what VC population and how many jobs there were 20 years ago compared to now and how much money has been spent on economic development in all these years. Write an article on that might be interesting.
Seems to me if VC would reduce the taxes it takes to live and work here people would want to stay here and others would move here. Why are Fargo, Grand Forks and Wahpeton so much bigger than the cities right across the river in MN? It's not climate, it's not scenery. Make it less to live here and they will come. I am not in favor of extending the 1% sales tax. This would be a start to lower taxes here.
*I bought popcorn from Popcorn Ed, played pinball with Charlie Brown, fished with Mattie Marks, talked baseball with Howard the twins fan, drank root beer with Ron Stuart at the A&W, ate pizza from the pizza garden, went to movies at the Pillar and the Omwick and got chased by the wild woman that lived across the street from Super Value.
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Hey there City Commission;
What are you so afraid of? I noticed when I was surfing the CCI site links, everybody but you have contact #'s. The County has personal phone #'s, both landline and cell, personal e-mails and pictures! Hats off to Cindy S at the county, she makes it easy to be heard from!! All the other links have many many ways to get ahold of themselves, why not our Mayor or Commissioners?? Why not Mary? I know you read this cause you just have to see what "they are up to now". Why is the city so scared to hear from the people and other government is not? Let's see if you have courage enough to answer this at the end of the next commission meeting!! I have to write it here cause heaven forbid anyone at City Hall will answer me or the TR will print it. Why is it these CCI guys will Listen!!! Maybe I should vote for them! Maybe I should join them!! Let's hear from you Mary!!!
Thanks alot for letting me be heard
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Letter to CCI,
What do you think about these situations????
I went to a commissioner, with some facts that I wanted to have explained
to me. One was why are the assessed value of homes in a 2 block area
increased about 8% while the other side of the street remained the same? Which in the previous year some of the homes were even lowered.!!! Somehow this doesn't make any sense to me. The others on the 2 block area have the increase.. Then I ask some other question about things I had heard (from conversation down town) and wanted some answers. I did get some but others I got no answers to what I inquired about. I admit I did have some of my facts wrong which resulted in him standing up from behind his desk, with a redden face., and not politely ~~~ showed me the the door, and told me~~~ you better get on your way.~~~ Which I did ~~~~However I
did receive a letter in the mail with some facts.But not any informtion about the home
assessment increase. Now I don't think a tax paid commissioner should act in this sort of manner.!!! Do you??
I then decided, well let's see if another commissioner would be able
to give me a satisfactory answer. So I went to his work place. I
inquired the same question about the home assess values. You guessed
it!!!! No answer at this time. But he would be able to check in to it for
me at a later date.He was going to check with Mr. Ramstad.(which I had done
some time before I went to the commissioners ) So a month or so later I
did stop in to his office to see if he had found out ???? Well to this
day I know no more then before, in a 3 month time span or more. Do I need to
say more???~~~~~
Also I have been finding out that their are cities that don't charge their
citizens to cut diseased trees down and clean up, stump removal and then
replant the trees of resident choice. All the resident has to do is water it. These cities own the boulevard just like Valley City does.
But these cities take care of their own boulevards with trimming and the removal of trees.
We have a very different situation here in Valley City, DON'T we?
Over taxed resident, assessed unfair ~~~ |
Letter to CCI,
I still can not believe that our commission have not sat and watched themselves on the replay. They have question after question trying to get out of crap that they have done or said. How long are they going to cover up and stick up for Dave Johnson. Just listen closely to them, Mrs. Neilson "Where is the documentation, Do we have to listen to this without documentation" What is this? and then sit and argue with Bob while he is trying to speak.
I think all these elected officials on the city commission, need to sit back and take a long hard look at who they all work for and think about how they talk to their employers! It really seems like they are worried about the petitions (I think they know that crap is going hit the fan BIG TIME!), and who the attorneys are for you both. YOU BOTH-GO GET 'EM!!
The web site thing is not over, They think that we are all just going to let it go and just forget it all because, he got 10 days off of his hard working job and lost a little, Well, a substantial amount of money in his case (How much money does he make a year any ways?? Plus all his benefits and perks??) It will be very interesting to see who was actually involved in the making and disseminating of this web site, will it not??
I read all of the 47 pages of the transcripts and I think everyone needs to read it, and then everyone will know how our city is run, and they will then sit and wonder how Mrs. Neilson even got elected, (Oh, that is way to long) A 10 day suspension without pay, We need to find out what happens in real life to a person or persons who do something like Dave Johnson did. I think the punishment is a little more than grounded for 10 days. Because someone doesn't want to have to do a little more work, or be at the office a little longer. What a way to decide on a punishment/reprimand.
I would like to see some more comments on the last commission meeting, I will be sending a letter to the editor, we will see if it makes print
Thank You for taking the time to read my e-mails.
Sincerely,
SM
A Valley City Resident
We can only hope and pray for new city government!!!!!!!!!!!!
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City Commission on TV
I would like to give Jon Wagar kudos for his effort to get VC Commission meetings on TV. Citizens can now observe them from the comfort of their homes and not rely totally on the TR and their reporting.
A few observations- When a citizen wants to address the commission, they have to go to the microphone at the podium so they can be heard. The chief of police, the fire chief and other city employees should do the same so they can be heard.
Also Avis Rictor’s microphone needs to be placed closer to her, she is very hard to hear at times.
Since I’m talking about being heard, I heard loud and clear Commissioner Steve Ondroceck tell Mr. Nelson that he never wants to hear from him again. Mr. Ondroceck, whether he want’s to admit it or not, is Mr. Nelson’s and the rest of the citizens of Valley City’s employee, and if he doesn't want to hear from the citizens, I believe he should resign.
I used to think Ondroceck was one of the better ones down there but after what I saw I know have my doubts. I think he has 2 options- apologize or resign.
I am willing to give Ondroceck the benefit of the doubt and realize people have bad days and say things they may not really mean. If that’s the case, a simple apology to Mr. Nelson and to the citizens at the next meeting would take care of it.
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I have a question, why are the Jacobsons, who own Dick's Sewer Service, now being told they have to vacate because the property they are on is not zoned commerical? This has been a business since the building was constructed. What the hell is the CITY up to now!!! They say they want business to come here, then they make them go away!! Or is it just because they are one of the (undesirables) as the city calls them. Another ploy of Dave Johnson? This is REALLY bad. Shame on you city hall !!!
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Hi, To All at CCI,
I just have some questions, my name is Sheri, I have been pondering a letter to the editor or attending a commission meeting to get a few answers to some questions That have puzzled my family and I and maybe a lot more people than I think. (I really need to attend one of CCI meetings) back to the questions they are;
1. If, living in the flood zone, many restrictions apply as a home owner or property owner etc..., I live in the flood zone, I would like to build a garage in my back yard, I can not because I am in the flood zone, So, why can the city, (I think it would have to be the city, that is where we go for permits to build) okay whomever owns the old elks building to remodel and put in an underground parking lot right on the river bank? I would think that would not be possible. Because, if anything is going to flood that surely would, and there has to be water seepage of some sort.
2. What about the new SPENDY housing on the golf course? (that part of the city floods) Also, the property across the street from there, The retirement complex and the huge parking garage, Bridgeview? That is all property in the flood zone. FEMA has been buying people out, to get them out of there.
3,4,5,6,7,........... There are so many questions I have and trying to understand the decisions made by the City that I am just totally not understanding, like why it is OKAY for some and Not others? We all pay and pay and pay for the same reasons, But, The rules just do not apply to all?
I would like to say "Hang in there and keep up the good work, In the end It will Pay off" to Mr. Nelson, I watched the replay of the May 7th 2007 City Commission meeting on channel 68 the other night, and was appalled by the way you were treated when you approached the podium to speak, I heard sighing, the Mayor looking up and down at papers on the table not really even acknowledging that you were even speaking until about 10-15 seconds into your questions, and then it was like they all just wanted you to shut the h*ll up and be done with it. Mr. Johnson should be ashamed of himself by the way he was talking to a community member that pays for him to work and live in this town, and does his wife also forget that you and we the people of VC feed her!! You had legitimate questions that should have had honest respectful answers, I can now see why people says that CCI members feel they are treated (singled out) with disrespect from the Commissioners. I hope many many people watch that replay so they an see it for themselves, I watched it a second time, just make sure I really saw and heard, what I did see and hear, the first time I watched it, before I commented on it. It makes me want to go to a commission meeting and ask some of the same questions just to see if I am treated in the same way. Are they going to treat others with the same disrespect, Because we would like answers to questions they do not want to answer?
PLEASE tell me if I am wrong or if I read the paper wrong, But, I do believe I read an article in the Times Record about CCI wanting to have the police chief elected and positions for the City cut to 20 hours, I think the cities answer to that was: That no one would want those jobs because, no one can survive in VC on 20 hours a week. Right?? Did I read that. I really think I did. But, there are many people in town, single persons, college students, single mothers with 1 child or more, that DO live on 20 hours a week, or have had to live on that for one reason or another. So it IS possible that people would want those jobs. And more so possibly people that would not slander others for fun on City time, obviously, they should probably be 20 hour jobs to begin with if Mr. Johnson has all this extra time on his hands to be able to put together a whole website and maintain it and do his job (whatever it maybe) on his 40 hours.
Well, Thank You for listening and maybe you all with have some answers for me, Hope to be able to attend a meeting soon. Congrats to all for hanging in there and fighting for all of us, I back you all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sheri |
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I enjoyed attending your weekly meeting as a guest two weeks ago. It was most informative and keep up the good work.
Your website is just great and I check it out every week.
I want you to know that I openly support your group whenever I have the opportunity.
- A Valley City Business woman
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It seems kinda odd that when Jacobson decided to start that garden for Mindy Mortensen she went in to city office to ask Mary lee Nielsen I thought was the mayor but she had to ask Dave Johnson if it was O.K. And he thought it was O.K. So he said go for it, well why are we spending about $ 12000.00 year for a mayor then? Only reason we have city official so they can past the buck what a shame. What a city!
-A valley city tax payer
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Awesome job, folks!! The newsletter is particularly well done, informative and easy to understand!!!!!
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I enjoyed your newsletter very much. Very well laid out and informative..........on exactly the right kind of issues people need to KNOW MORE about.....and take action on.
Hope we can visit soon.
D. S.
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Dear CCI folks:
I have some questions regarding the city administrator position.
What is the city administrator's job?
Has there ever been published, for public viewing and comment, a description of the city administrator job?
What qualifications are required to hold the position?
What explanations were offered by city officials (elected or otherwise) for creating the city administrator position? What work was done by other city officials or employees in the past that now are being done by the city administrator?
What benefits do city officials expect from having this position filled?
What is the cost to the city and taxpayers for having a city administrator, including benefits and perks that are not part of salary?
What chance is there to get honest and straight forward answers to my questions from city officials?
I realize some of these questions may have been answered in the past but at this moment I am in the dark. I do not have the time to chase around for answers when none will be offered by city officials ( I have tried that on my own on past issues and the results were bogus or no information for me from a city official). I am tired of paying taxes to support questionable practices and unneeded employees.
Thanks for your time and continued efforts for real city improvement..
VC resident and tax payer.
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Please put me on your newsletter list and send old ones if possible
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We'd like to receive your newsletter electronically.
thank you,
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Hello and thanks for bringing attention to how our
city government operates.
Would you publish a list of where citizens can find
copies of your pamphlet? I ask because I have been
asked the same question. Do you have a subscription
service?
After reading your February 2007 article about how
city govt. spends my (tax) money I have a
question...What is the job of the office of City
Coordinator? Is there an official job description or
does the person holding the position float from one
project to another (duties as assigned)?
Thank you for your time.
VC resident
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