Pueblog USa
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Stupidity (Part 1)
Looking at the idea of a Mayor in Pueblo.
One of my favorite citations is….
Stupidity got us into this mess. Why can’t it get us out?
I think a lot upon ‘stupidity’. I come across it nearly every day on the web. And when you encounter it THAT much, there’s plenty of it to go around. I encounter it so often I’ve developed what I call a ‘working definition’ of how to recognize it when I see it. Here it is….
Stupid, adj., Ignorant and proud of it.
The point here being that I consider stupid behavior in people as when they are ignorant of facts and are so proud of their ignorance that they refuse to examine a situation or proposal with an open mind, i.e., gathering all the important facts on the matter, before making a decision. And/or unable to relate the facts to the situation or proposal in a logical manner.
Case in point….
At the public forum on the proposed health care reform, I asked one of the supporters of HR 3200 if they’d even READ the legislation. To which they replied, “I don’t care.”
Got that? They don’t care enough about the matter to take the time necessary to read the legislation that will impact them, their parents and their possible children.
Classic ‘stupid’, by my definition.
So….
....we’re looking at the idea of changing the City Charter. It isn’t the first time we looked at doing that vis-a-vis a mayor. Won’t be the last.
What does this have to do with ‘stupid’?
Well…..
....I’m trying NOT to be ‘stupid’ and asking various parties in this discussion to show me the ‘advantages’ and ‘disadvantages’ of their proposals.
On the one hand we’ve got the CALM group with their proposal for a ‘strong mayor’.
On the other hand, we’ve got the City Council appointed Blue Ribbon Panel and their proposal for a ‘weak mayor’.
On the THIRD hand, we have today’s editorial in the Chieftain and it’s support of the ‘status quo’.
NONE of these have provided, as far as I can tell, a compare and contrast evaluation of the ‘advantages’ and ‘disadvantages’ of each of the three options.
With out this sort of information, we’re looking at another GREAT OPPORTUNITY to do something truly ‘stupid’.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Now That You Mention It — 090910
The Chieftain fires a ‘Warning Shot’?
Seems that a couple of weeks ago, the Chieftain ran an interesting editorial item from a source that, to the best of my knowledge, they’d never called upon before. This after a couple of posts I made on this blog wherein I took their ‘journalistic qualities’ to task.
I made those posts in order to provide what I call ‘counter-spin’ to the articles that had been written about two events I attended.
I’ve held off on replying to their more recent item until I’d consulted with some others. And having done that, I’ve decided it was time to call out the Chieftain once again.
Why do I do this?
Because it is essential for a free country to have ALL the facts of a matter. Not just one-sided ‘spin’ on matters of importance. Otherwise, that saying by President James Madison….
A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
....will come to pass.
So, here is my reply to their ‘editorial’.....
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Those Damn Dams
Remembrances and Thoughts on Some Damming Business.
Frank Starginer passed away last week. He was quite the man in town. Some people loved him. Some people didn’t think so highly of him. I wish I’d had the time to pick his highly informative brain and record all I could from him. He was so full of information that we need. And now….most of it is lost to us.
One of Frank’s pet ‘peeves’—he had a number of important ones—was the safety of Pueblo from the possibility of a failure of the Pueblo Lake dam. I’ve heard him talk on it a number of times. As I’m sure a number of others have as well. Many to the point of despair. However, what he said about the potential for disaster may have been more accurate than most people would care to think.
I say this based on two incidents. One from a year ago. Another just today.
A year ago, I attended the Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs, Southern District Annual Meeting. There the guest speaker was talking about water issues for southern Colorado. I happened to be seated at the table with the gentleman and somehow….I don’t know exactly how….the discussion came around to water control mechanisms, e.g., dams. During the conversation, he mentioned that about 50% of the dams in Colorado were below ‘par’, i.e., not up to ‘snuff’, for their requirements. This prompted me to remember Frank’s comments about dam safety. Especially the Pueblo Reservoir dam.
Today, I found THIS on the web.
Now I have to wonder about the safety of Pueblo again.
If Frank were here and heard about this, I’m certain he would have been at the next 2010 Commission meeting raising (1) his hand and (2) cain.
[Hero: n., One who is never appreciated until he is no longer around.]
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A GREAT Idea!
If my Congressperson, John Salazar, doesn’t host a town hall this August….
....I recommend that whomever is planning to run against him for the Colorado Third Congressional District do THIS!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Where Is John?
Missing Inaction?
I’ve contacted my Congressman’s local office (phone #: 543-8200) twice now on a matter near and dear to the hearts of a LOT of my fellow citizens. That is if you believe the reports of ruckus being raised over House Resolution (HR) 3200.
I called on August 3d. And I just got off the phone with that office again.
On BOTH occasions, the staffers I talked to indicated that my Congressman has no plans to hold a Town Hall meeting on this matter.
And I have to wonder just WHY.
His staff has not been forthcoming when I’ve asked what has he been doing all this time.
On MIGHT get the impression he’s flown to Argentina, for all we know.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Now That You Mention It — 090810
Comments on an article in the Pueblo Chieftain.
I normally do not comment on matters at the national level in this forum. But because of the importance of the issue of healthcare ‘reform’ and its impact on everyone in the city and county of Pueblo, I’ve decided to start this Now That You Mention It series.
The Pueblo Chieftain article caught our attention the other morning. And I decided it was time to throw in my two-bits on what was said in it.
The article, titled “Health care debate deserves more than one-sided rhetoric”, relates to HR 3200, a.k.a., America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.
It is by Juan Espinosa. He’s the “night city editor” of the Pueblo Chieftain. And, as with all too many people in such an organization, he’s ‘liberal’ to the point of obvious bias. Maybe even to the point of being ‘progressive’. But that’s beside the points I’m about to make here.
But before I begin here, let me comment that this matter is being complicated in a manner that Juan is NOT addressing. Like so many others, he is getting confused by mutually conflicting issues. And I’ll discuss those as “The Bottom Line” after fisking Juan’s article.
So, now, let us begin…..
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Back to Politics — BRPoCG - 3
How we got here? How we’re organized?
More views of the on-going Blue Ribbon Panel on City Government (BRPoCG).
The week before meeting focused on a presentation of how the Pueblo city government got to be the way it is configured today.
In my professional opinion, something about being a retired Army officer with some experience in giving information briefings, it could have been done better. There were no visual materials other than a copy of the City Charter for reference. The presenter had his copy marked with post-it notes to help him quickly flip to a particular page.
Furthermore, there was no organizational charting to show the different forms that the city government took, let alone the various departments therein and who they reported to. This, I think, is an important aspect of understanding what the city organization looks like. Not everyone is as ‘textually’ oriented as the presenter apparently was. Some people are more ‘visually’ oriented, i.e., they understand a complex topic better with diagrams and pictures.
One example would be the Board of Water Works. When and why did this utility get separated from the city? Another example is the electricity utility. Colorado Springs has that utility inside its government. Additionally, consider Englewood. They have a ‘concrete’ utility that deals with the development and maintenance of sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
These are ALL aspects of the city government that should be looked into. If not having to do with a mayoral form of government, certainly have a significant impact on how the government functions, mayor or no.
It is my considered opinion that the panel was poorly served by this presentation. And, for their sake, I hope they get better information on how we got to this current organization, as it will likely impact on where we go with the question at hand.
The more I look at this. The more I believe that a City Charter Convention is going to be required to address the form of city government Pueblo adopts and other important aspects of how the government functions.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
On Pinion Canyon — 1
Thoughts on training areas and eminent domain.
I’ve been quiet on this particular issue. And, based on an inspiration of a bumper sticker I saw on a station-wagon at Hobby Lobby lasts weekend, I think it’s time I came out on this matter.
Who the HECK are these people? And WHY are they so short sighted?
These are the simple questions I’d like to understand better about this matter of expanding the training area afforded the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized).
Additionally, why do they think their property is any more or less at risk than my own house in light of Kelo v. New London? That they should think their home is more important than national defense?
I’ll have more thoughts on that last item in the near future. [Note: Oddly enough, the fellow walking into Hobby Lobby looked like he had a son that could well be impacted, if not a casualty of war, if this matter were resolved in the wrong manner…..
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Back to Politics — BRPoCG - 2
Additional thoughts on the first meeting of the Blue Ribbon Panel of City Government (BRPoCG).
Maybe I should have said, “In a day or two,” instead of “later today”. I was OBE (Overcome By Events) after posting that initial item of similar title. At any rate, here is an additional thought on the initial meeting of the BRPoCG.
There was mention that the panel might want to hear from the Right Honorable Mayor of Denver, Colorado, John Hickenlooper.
I’m not sure WHY someone thinks this might be a good idea, other than the fact that Denver is the largest city in Colorado. But Denver is an ‘odd bird’ in terms of governance. Why? Because Denver’s government combines both city AND county government into one entity. They are not like Pueblo where the city and county government are separate. So whatever he would have to say would not bear too much on whatever form of government Pueblo might want to adopt. It is impossible for the city and county of Pueblo to be united into one entity. This is especially true with the other metropolitan districts in the county, i.e., Beulah, Rye, Colorado City, Pueblo West. Each of them has their own identity and governance and I have doubts that they’d like to join with the city of Pueblo in a monolithic system. They would likely look upon Pueblo having an overwhelming say in their local governance as Puebloans would look upon Denver telling it’s citizens how to deal with their fireplaces or using augmented mobility fuels and get their auto emissions checked.
So why this interest in Hickenlooper? Why not get a mayor of a city who has a similar situation as we have here in Pueblo city-county to speak?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Back to Politics — BRPoCG - 1
Getting back into local politics, vis-a-vis the Blue Ribbon Panel on City Government (BRPoCG)
I had the opportunity to attend the first public meeting of the recently appointed Blue Ribbon Panel on City Government, as it met last Wednesday, 18 February 2009, in City Council Chambers.
It was rather interesting. For a number of reasons. Some of which I doubt the City Council will appreciate exposure. And, just to be honest, others won’t appreciate these insights either.
The audience in chambers was an interesting mixture of the usual as well as the unusual suspects.
We had, not only the appointees to this panel, but members of the City Council, the appointed interim City Manager, the 30+ year contracted city attorney, some people from the Pueblo County Republican Party, the obligatory coverage from the Pueblo Chieftain…and one other….as well as at least one representative from CALM…an attorney in the community, himself.
The opening comments by the panel and the temporary chair were optimistic. Lots of promises about (1) open minds and (2) discussion of advantages and disadvantages. But, as my 58+ year sojourn in this venue has proven….verbal promises aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. And I think those of us with more than two synapses to rub together are recognizing that in a more vivid manner at the federal level these last few weeks.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Demonstration for PNP
This is a demo…..
Hi there everyone….
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
I Am REALLY….
...getting TIRED of auto accidents ending up in my front yard.
For the self-serving purpose of having a minor convenience during funeral services, or so it seems, Ascension Episcopal Church has arranged for 18th Street to be one-way going West.
In a suburban setting such as ours, this is a grave mistake and we almost had another grave in Pueblo just a few minutes ago.
The problem is that people don’t expect a one-way street in a suburban setting such as ours.
So here I am typing at my work and I hear the squeal of tires and a loud CRUMP! and loss things skittering down the street.
I don’t need to look outside. All I need to do is reach for the phone and punch up 911 and tell them there’s a traffic accident at 18th and Greenwood. Send emergency services vehicles immediately. And I mean NOW! DAMMIT NOW!
This is the second time this scenario has been played out…..
Someone going the wrong way East on 18th Street from Elizabeth; thinking it’s your standard suburban two-way street. And, there being no Stop sign at the intersection with Greenwood; after all it IS the wrong way, they drive into the traffic on Greenwood.
No serious injuries THIS time, but it’s only a matter of time before we have that or much, much worse.
The previous incident, two years ago, involved an SUV full of children that wound up in my yard upside down.
As I said, it’s convenient for the church to manage funerals. But do they REALLY need to be drumming up additional business of that sort? It’s time for the City Traffic Managers to make 18th Street a two-way.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Thoughts on Governance — 080810
An interesting perspective.
Last month there was an article published in the Denver Post. One that has not appeared in our own Pueblo Chieftain. And I have to wonder just why that is. But I won’t go into that…..yet. Here is the link
to the article.
What follows are my comments, i.e., some fisking, of said same….
Monday, July 14, 2008
Governor’s Commission on Community Service (GCCS)
A chance to speak your mind.
This week—Wednesday, Thursday and Friday—there will be representatives from our friends in Denver, i.e., the Governor’s office, asking us what we think needs to be done to help Pueblo.
The meetings are to be held:
Place: First Nazarene Church
Date/Time:
- Wednesday, 16 Jul, 12:00 - 1:30
- Thursday, 17 Jul, 10:30 - 12:00
- Thursday, 17 Jul, 12:00 - 1:30
- Thursday, 17 Jul, 2:30 - 4:00
- Friday, 18 Jul, 9:00 - 10:30
- Friday, 18 Jul, 1:30 - 3:00
All are invited to attend one of the forums, at your convenience.
Please RSVP to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), stating the date and time you’ll be attending. I think they’re offering lunch for certain forums.
Personally?
I’m intending to go and tell them that in order for Pueblo and the rest of the state of Colorado to get what they need, on a par with what Denver needs, we need to return to the balance of legislative power we enjoyed before the Supreme Court overthrew our state constitution; Reynolds v. Simms (1964). The place where the state senate was elected based on geographic areas instead of population, as the state house of representatives is. As it is now, the state senate is just an over-paid version of the state house of representatives. And Denver controls the most votes in both.
As it is right now, the Denver metroplex holds 17 of the 35 state senate seats. This is an egregious concentration of power that allows the Denver area to dominate state law-making and the appointment of judges and commissioners.
Until that balance, as we enjoy at the Federal level, is restored, Denver rules Colorado.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Speaking of Initiatives
Going pro-active.
I have to admit that Chris Nicoll’s initiative has been an inspiration. So much so that the Pueblo Neighborhood Partnership (PNP) is going to emulate it as part of its efforts to improve the quality of living in the city and county of Pueblo.
Last Tuesday, I proposed five possible items to put forward as citizens’ initiatives for the city ordinances on the 2009 odd-year City-County election. These were:
[1] Require the city to provide public notices and publish all documentation relating to a proposed action 45 days prior to any hearing on such actions on their web-site.
[2] Establish a sidewalk utility for the regular maintenance of sidewalks in the city limits.
[3] City recognition and work with organized neighborhood associations, requiring that changes in statutes or zoning or other activities that impacted on neighborhoods would have to have said neighborhoods input.
[4] Oaths at Meetings would require Staff as well as citizens to swear to the honesty of their report under pain of perjury at meetings where witnesses are required to swear or affirm such.
[5] That the city’s legal department should be employees of the city government and not a private firm contracted to do such work for the city.
This list is not locked in concrete. I invite any other possible ideas to modify the City Ordinances or City Charter that would improve our governance by making it more open to the citizens and/or provide better service to them. If you think you have a good idea, let’s hear it. Just click on the word Comments in the box immediately below and say your piece.
Over the course of the next few months we’ll discuss each of the options provided to thrash out their advantages and disadvantages.