First, I encourage everyone to go to the city’s website and offer suggestions about how the Transfer House can be used to serve the public. The City’s website can be found here.

Right after posting the previous story, I headed over to my friendly Democratic Coordination point, and asked what I could do. “Want to walk a precinct?” I walked my own precinct two weeks ago, and it’s not a bad way to spend a day…You get to meet all kinds of people and pets, and so far I’ve not been turned away or bitten by either. So, I said “Sure! It’s a great day for it!”. I then was given a map of the Meadowlark lanes subdivision and sent on my way. 77 visits, and a whole lot of chit-chat later, I’m back at  Panera, with feet and legs a little on the sore side (Ibuprofen to the rescue!), a really serious thirst (I’m on my 4^th cup of tea right now), and hopes very high.  

This is going to be a quick one. The council meeting was long. Really long!

Possibly the most useful piece of information came from Councilwoman Betsy Stockard when she announced a meeting to support the Amtrak coalition/initiative on November 20, at 7pm at the Civic Center (someone please confirm the exact location!). When I was in grad school in Bloomington/Normal I occasionally took Amtrak up to Chicago every now and then on business trips…It’s safe, quick, simple, and very cost-effective…In my opinion, bringing Amtrak to Decatur would add a whole new dimension of accessibility to our city! I’m definitely on-board!!!

Last night I went to the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and CONO (Coalition of Organized Neighborhood Organizations).

First, I have to say I’m in the middle of a combination of catch-up work from having this cold, and prep work for a little two-day class I’m putting on, so I’ll probably be more terse than usual…This sinus/cold thing is still hanging on! (It’s on day 7, now!)

So on to the event -

I had to watch the council meeting on TV last night.  I’ve managed to pick up a cold from one of my students, and didn’t want to spread it around…Forgive me if my write-up is short or if I’m hazy on an item or two.  I’m still in a bit of a Sudafed and Mucinex haze.  

So here we go: 

My family hosted Congressman Phil Hare and Congressman John Lewis Saturday at noon, and everything went beautifully.  I didn’t realize Congressman Lewis issued a statement about the McCain campaign earlier in the day, and he articulated it at our house (right there, standing in the kitchen, speaking into the dining room)…Wow!   

Typical council silliness…Prepare - I’m going to sound grumpy

Early in the meeting, the council approved the ordinance authorizing Ryan McCrady to be hired as the new City Manager. There will be a public reception for Mr. McCrady from 5-7PM next Monday at the Civic Center. The motion passed. On a side note, I thought it was pretty strange that on this item, the Mayor did not ask for any comments from the audience before taking the vote. When you think about it, it’s pretty “par for the course” since they didn’t even take public consideration or commentary on this issue through the process. I would have expected nothing less.

I’m steamed….There’s no way around it…In the 11th hour, the council decided to go with Behnke for workman’s compensation insurance….

 
read on...

First, I have to do a little early advertising…October 11, we’re going to have a little lunch with Congressman Phil Hare and a his special guest Congressman John Lewis. There will be more on this in the coming weeks. It would be great to pack-the-house, and Debbie and I would love to see you.

This Friday, too, we’re thinking of going to Millikin to watch the first Presidential debate with some MU political science types and the campus Democrats, then maybe going somewhere afterwards for an impromptu feedback session (it’s Friday night, after all)…Anyone interested? 

Well, it is pretty interesting watching at home.  First off – the video quality is way better!  Billy Tyus and the camera guy (sorry, I don’t think we’ve ever been introduced) have been using a Canon (XL1?) digital camcorder….Much nicer than the old built-in camera!

Here we go...

Time for a new thread! 

National:

            Sarah Palin….Really?

                        Here’s a little fact-check of her speech.

                        And what Hillary Clinton had to say

.

            John McCain:

                        Here’s a little fact-check of his speech.

Local:

            There are a couple fundraisers this week, and…

            September 15^thish is the first day to circulate petitions for next April’s elections

Who’s in, who’s out?

Come on out and join the Macon County Democrats Thursday night to celebrate Obama acceptance of the nomination at the Forum (224 W Cerro Gordo Decatur) starting at 7:00 pm.  Join us for refreshments, speakers, raffles and a great seat to watch & listen to Senator Barack Obama give his acceptance speech on 60" TVs. 

One of the less fun things about my real job is that while often I have plenty of time to post, some times things pop up that demand a whole lot of attention – right away!  The second half of last week, and so far all of this week has been that way.

Still, there are a couple things I’d like to post.  

The last thread has strayed off topic, but it’s still a good conversation, so…

From what I’ve seen from the city’s website, the study session on Neighborhood Ordinance Enforcement/Strengthening/Improvement that I thought was going to be held tonight after the closed session is not on the agenda.  I’m sure the study session will happen (maybe next Monday?), and when it does, I’d like to have some good ideas circulating in the community.  

So…Let’s kick some around some thoughts on the subject…