Sue,

You are right it is a "Bleeping valuable thing". Maybe we should hold an auction, I mean this is Illinois. I bet that most likely a former member that lost will be ask to stick around for clear reasons. I think this council is going to be the most out of touch group of city leaders we have had in recent memory. It will be act one of "Randy and the Puppets". The strings won't cost us much, just think of it this way. When one side controls the check book, gavel and compass, how can we go wrong? LOL!   

So I ask again - why so bitter?

Matthew,  what did I post that made you believe I'm bitter?  I thought I clearly stated in the previous thread that I believe we had a very good slate of candidates and that I even had a difficult time making my mind up....  Sue

What exactly is "Doherty’s Sheppard’s Pie with HP Sauce"?  I'm assuming HP doesn't stand for Hewlett-Packard.  

I think the candidates won fair and square with the system we have.  I didn't like the petition challenges at all and said so at the time.   They obviously backfired.  Still, I would've preferred a more balanced council with some opposing views.  It's more entertaining, if nothing else.  Like I've always said, I prefer the "Team of Rivals" approach. By the way, I just checked out that book by Doris Kearns Goodwin at the library today.  It's going to take a while to read. Over 700 pages! 

I think the police space issue is dead until we get more money or the economy improves.  From what I've heard, the city and ADM are working on the water issue and we'll be hearing about that in a few weeks.  The budget is going to be tough.  Some things are going to have to be cut.  There's no way around it.

Actually, I'm looking forward to the new council.  I dont' think they're going to behave as puppets.  Every council member has surprised me in the past, with a comment or a vote here and there, when they break away from their supposed labels and slates.  They're more independent than we give them credit for being. 

Kris

Matthew,

You really have to be kidding!  I am not bitter in the least toward the election.  I supported Steve and Marcia, but have for along time said "Just because I support one person does not mean the others are worthless".  I just think that we should call a duck a duck and a Puppet master a Puppet master.  I mean you seem to still be a fully functioning person even though you were used by Randy.  I just think that there is no need to hide my disdain for the Randy backing the slumlord that use to own the apartment building near me.   I ask for scholarship help for my 2 girls that are going to college this year and he was very clear that I should look other places.   Randy probably could not pick me out of a crowd, but HE made it clear which SIDE he is on and "it ain't mine".   So pardon me if I feel a little let down by having some of the canidates elected.  It is clear it was a vote on name recognition and a decree from Prince Randy.   I only want to live my life without the problems I have now, because of that building.  If there is any hope for landlord licensing, it will have to have Randy's ok and we all know it.  In the mean time I will continue to try and make Decatur better and not just talk about it!  As far as being independent goes we will see, but my money is on the line being drawn early and often by the chamber.  Votes that could even appear to be against the chamber will never be put in front of the council. 

 

I am trying to figure out how Randy went from the head of a local farm organization to king of Decatur in just a couple of years?  I voted for the new mayor and 2 of the 3 people who won council seats and I don't give a flip about a decree from Randy Prince. In fact, I must really be out of the loop, because I didn't get the decree in the mail.  I think your statement that the vote was on name recognition and a Randy Prince decree insults those of us who did our homework and decided the Daniels and his "slate" were not the direction we thought Decatur should go. And before I get labeled with the much to often used "elite of Decatur" moniker, I am a life long Decatur resident and 32 year union member.

Look Mr. anonymous (decaturguy55) Dont hide behind a fake name and presume to know anything about me. I am giving my personal opinion, an opinion I am very much entitled to, given what I have put up with, volunteered for and tried to make better. If you plan to attack my post do it as I do and sign your name! You showed just how much out of the loop you are by assuming your point needs to counter mine anonymously! I did support Steve and Marcia, and am in the 40% that thinks things are not a great as some do. So should I just shut up and accept the vote? Is that your point? I do and will work with anyone wanting to make Decatur better! I have had very negative personal experiences with Randy and clearly you support him. So I will tell you what he told me "you need to look somewhere else". I do not agree with you and my name is Robert Maulding!

Hey we're off to LaFondita for dinner tonight, celebrating getting taxes done (turbotax online) and just about breaking even...Well, before dinner, that is! ;-)

 

Kris, HP is short for “House of Parliament”...It's a kind of citrus-tangy-hard-to-describe thing...And Sheppard's Pie is just wonderful stuff...Mashed Potatoes, cheese, hamburger, and the odd bean, pea, and carrot thrown in for good measure...It's great!!! Come to the Council meeting some time, and if it ends early we'll treat you to dinner at Doherty's!

 

Robert, I didn't get to read the posts after Kris' – I'll have to reply later...Got to go!!!

Number 1.. I do not feel I attacked your post. I responded to your post. I felt like you attacked me as a voter because of who I voted for. Part of my post was to say that I could care less about Randy Prince. Exactly where does it say I "support" Randy Prince. Never met him or any chamber board member. Sorry, I don't run in their circle. You have had more contact with him then I have.  Number 2...Nobody is suggesting you "shut up". You have every right to post here as I do. And, until the rules change, I can post with or with out my name.  I respect your opinion, and if you knew where I came from you would know I very much understand your anger with the city of Decatur, it is to bad that you cant seem to respect an opinion that is different from yours.

Robert, I second Decaturguy55 opinion, I did not pick the people I voted for or aginst based upon anything Randy Prince said or the chambers endorsement. Some of the items that made me vote the way I did were Daniels and Phillips ideas they promoted in the election. First they both claimed Decatur taxes were to high and needed to be cut, but then promoted ideas that are going to take more money to put into action. Daniels promoted a gurantee for all high school kids to get a guranteed education, as did Phillips, but neither offered and way to fund it. Phillips claims to be an "idea" person and tossed out a lot of expensive ideas without funding. Including buying 50,000 acres to have in case some business wanted to come to Decatur.
50,000 acres at $5,000 per acre is $250,000,000. Daniels also said he could bring 10,000 new high paying jobs to Decatur, all we have to do is elect him and he will tell us how.
I understand for your posting last week that you are having a lot of problems in your neighborhood, ones I would not want to face, but I don't have any solution other than the police. What I got from Decaturguy55 was he did his own research and Randy Prince or the chamber ment nothing to him, I feel the same way. If the chamber had endorsed Daniels,Grady, Caulkins, Ruderman and Phillips it would not have changed one vote I cast. Ther fact the chamber did, didn't make one difference in my vote, I made up my own mind based upon what I read about and heard from each of the canidates.
I had made my mind up on two of the positions before the chamber endorsed anyone. On one of the positions I didn't pick my final choice till I was in the voting booth. I ended up picking four out of five I voted for, but there were four other canidates I could have picked and struggled with my choices about.
And I always sign my name
Steve Payton  

Steve, I agree with you.   The only problem I have is we now have a mayor that didn't want the job(his words) and and rarely puts an idea out there that could make things better.   I supported Steve and Marcia because they had ideas and were willing to listen to me.  I feel that Decaturguy55 is just another anonymous poster that we have plenty of.  I post with my name, because I stand by what I say and have every right to say it.  If we are to get past the election and come together we must stand up and make a difference.  Can that be done anonymously?  I will help anyone with any idea to  make Decatur better.  Call me 412-7079  if you have anything that I could help with. 

Robert Maulding
732 W. Forest Ave.
Decatur, IL 62522

I guess I don't understand why' if I have a valid point, it does not count if my name is not attached. You seem not to understand that I may have a very good reason to not want my name published. I don't attack people personally and try to give reasoned and thoughtful arguments. I have only been polite and understanding of your positions. If you want to see that kind of posts, just go the the Herald and Review web site and read the responses to the letters to the editors. My only problem with your last post is you are quoting Mayor Carrigan saying the our new mayor didn't want the job. He has denied saying this. As neither one can verify the conversation, you can believe it and I can choose not to believe. Again, thanks for your thoughtful posts. They do give me things to think about, which I believe is the purpose of this site.

Robert, I agree with you as far as Steve Daniels and Marcia Phillips having some great ideas to lift the community up to a higher level. I believe education is a great place to start, ensuring that every child that completes four years of education in Decatur Public Schools is 1) promoting education to our youth 2)encouraging people to move to Decatur to take advantage of what would be a great opportunity for their children to receive a higher education 3)Would draw more businesses to consider Decatur as a place to locate because of the overt value that would be put on education. The idea is not some half though out brainstorm. There are similar programs that exist such as the "Kalamazoo Promise" I believe that if you google it you will be overwhelmed with all of the positives the program has brought to Kalamazoo, MI. I believe it is largely funded by donors. It is my hope that Steve and Marcia keep bringing ideas such as this back to the community as a possible solution for problems such as declining numbers of high school graduates, a declining population, and an ever shrinking tax base. Bill Francisco

Matthew, we just tried LaFondita for the first time this weekend.  Doug said they had good food and it was very good!   I had to Google Doherty's to even know where it was.  It's the old bowling alley downtown.  I've never been in there.  I'm hoping to be able to go to the first meeting of the new council next month.  It should be interesting. 

Personally, I gravitated towards Daniels and Phillips because I'm one of those goofy idea people too.  I think I got that from when I was on an advisory panel for a software company.  We were encouraged to toss ideas out - no matter how silly they may have seemed - without fear of being attacked.  Not every idea took root but good ideas will get the ball rolling in the right direction.  And when you get people from different sides all contributing, it can transform into something very positive.

I think the education plan is worthwhile of discussion and funding.  Why can't the whole community come together to make it happen?  Just because Daniels and/or Macon County Shared Vision support it doesn't mean the rest of the community should shoot it down.  Doesn't the education coaliton want to do something similar?  Let's make it happen!  We have the big companies and philanthropist here to fund it fully without one tax dollar needed to be spent.  It would put Decatur on the map and make us much more marketable for better paying jobs.  We've spent millions of dollars on much dumber things.

I hope McElroy will be inclusive and get the entire community participating.  I'm tired of of the same clique groups manning the various community boards years after year after year.  Bring in the rest of us and things will begin to happen.  I REALLY hope the Park Board brings the public to the table for what should be done at Nelson Park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I CAN'T STRESS THAT ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

decaturguy55, you sound like a very nice person.  Keep on posting.  And as far as anonymous posting goes, you might enjoy this.  You're in good company.

Well, off to read my big ol' book! 

Kris

Robert, Nice talking to you and I totally sympathize with you.  And I believe we -

as a community we have to turn this around. I believe there are things that will help and I think we are already seeing the city move towards some of them.  Don’t give up.  Many who do not live in the “bad” areas think the majority of residents are causing trouble - it is generally just couple.  A few years ago the city council created a “neighborhood commission” especially for the purpose of looking into problems and coming up with suggestions.    http://www.ci.decatur.il.us/citycode/code24.pdf   Please read this code and see what you think?  

 

So far this commission has only been used to award grants - I’d like to see it used for more like it was intended to be used.  Looking into a landlord licensing studying ways to stabilize and revitalize these areas using both public and private groups and money and volunteers and maybe reentry workers. There are poor elderly left alone to fend for themselves in these scary places and low income single parents and many kids who grow up here.  These are things we need to do as a community not all of it can be government.   But the government has to be part of it and NOT just city government - county and township and park district and school district as well.  Similar to the approach Gloria Davis is using with the schools - raise the bar and then do everything we can do to help all meet that bar.  In the long run it benefits us all.

 

I have been friends with Steve Daniels for a number of years. I like Steve and believe he is sincerely concerned for neighborhood problems. Personally, like Kris,  I like his idea of doing the same as the "Kalamazoo Promise".  Google it.   But I also believe Mike McElroy’ is sincerely concerned and determined to address these issues as well.  I also have a hard time believing that Randy Prince or anyone could control people like Jerry Dawson or Julie Moore.   I listened to most of the forums beginning with the CONO forum and I really think those elected will have a genuine concern for the problems we are having.  Like I said before, not everyone I voted for won but I really think we a got a good group of people in there that will listen and do their best.  I do not believe the neighborhoods will be deserted or ignored by them.  I guess time will tell…..

 

I know one thing - DON’T GIVE UP!! These “bad” neighborhoods are packed full of really good people - like you.  And I really believe people like us can turn it around.  One block at a time, one yard at a time, one house at a time, one kid at a time.

 

Sue Barnhart

 

 

 

Robert, the conversation has moved well beyond any comment I would have made at 6pm. I'm good with letting the conversation flow.

 

Kris, LaFondita was closed today; we ended up at MiPueblo (no idea on the spelling).

 

On posting: Since the email verification procedure was put into place, spamming has pretty much become a thing of the past. Decaturguy55, your comments are as valid as mine or anyone else's – keep on contributing! As far as I'm concerned, as long as you share your honest thoughts, and stay reasonably on-topic (which is pretty easy in an anything-goes thread like this) you're welcome here!

 

And it's great to hear from you Bill (and you can vouch to Kris on Doherty's Shepard's Pie)! One nice thing about the elections being over is we can hopefully have conversations here again without playing the “subtext” game...So - It's my understanding that the Kalamazoo Promise program was started with approximately $100,000,000 in private seed money, and currently the endowment has $200,000,000-$250,000,000. Have you heard a plausible plan that could make it happen? I like the idea of doing both two and four year degrees. I was a commuter student at Millkin, I couldn't afford to live on campus, and I ended up graduating up-to-my-eyebrows in student loans.

 

Aww, Sue (and Robert) – now you're going to make me 'fess up, and show I can be serious! Sue, brace yourself - we may be getting dangerously close to a “great minds think alike” moment...I was reading through the ordinances this afternoon too. Specifically, I was browsing what constitutes a nuisance (chapter 48 of the City Code), and what recourse the city has against them. Wouldn't it be interesting if a portion of landlord licensing fees, and maybe some federal/state grant money could be placed into a local “nuisance-property-for-demolition-acquisition-superfund”? There are plenty of details and legal twists to navigate, I'm sure, but there's the thought.

 

It struck me at dinner tonight – I bet the money that was spent in last Tuesday's election would go a long way towards purchasing and demolishing Robert's problem apartment building...What was it sold for last time it changed hands, Robert?

 

Too funny Matthew - that IS a good idea!!  

I should have been doing my taxes tonight too.... Oh well they are almost done just not sent in yet.  

Just remember in the big picture the fact that people care passionately about Decatur IS A GOOD THING!!

The building was sold for $250,000!   Is that insane or what? 

I don't think we'd need $100,000,000 to fund the college plan.  I'm not sure what we'd need but no where near that much.  But I like the idea of a two and four year plan too.  Richland isn't that expensive to attend.  When I got married I qualified for PELL grants that pretty much covered the expenses, if I remember correctly.  Millikin on the other hand is pricey.  I was accepted and ready to go but I just didn't want to put myself and my family into $40,000 of debt.  If I remember right, it's about $20,000 a year to go to Millikin.  I qualified for grants and scholarships to help cover some of that cost but not enough, so I didn't go.  With a mortgage payment and kids, I couldn't risk adding more debt.  I'd really love to see something for adult students, not just those fresh out of high school.

This article tells the story about Harper College in Palatine, IL who wants to begin offering 4-year degrees and all the trouble they've encountered trying to do so.  I've always wanted to see Richland begin offering bachelors degrees, at least in general studies, but I guess that wouldn't be so easy in Illinois??? 

Kris

I haven't checked into the PACE program too deeply.  I'm not sure if the degrees that they offer are really what I'd be interested in anyway.  I don't know how much it cost.  I'm looking more for a degree in history/anthropology with a minor in art.  My dream job would be working at the Field Museum picking dirt particles off of old bones and dinosaur eggs or sifting through the sands of Egypt for artifacts.  ;-)  I'd feel kind of silly going to Millikin as a traditional student at my age but I have a feeling I'm going to have to - unless I can find a good program online and that's not easy.

Kris

I only need two math classes and a dreaded speech class to get my A.A. from Richland.  I also have lots of credits towards computer science and graphic arts.  I think I have well over 100 credit hourse completed at Richland but no associate's degree yet!  ;-)   I have found some online programs from Oregon State and the University of Maryland that would fit my needs.  But they're pricey too.  What's new!  I've found some cheaper alternatives in Colorado and Kansas.  They're all regionally accredited institutions, which I know is important; I just don't want to go to some cheeseball university that won't help me get a job.  lol

oops credit hours...  No matter how much I proofread, I screw up too!  Maybe it's a form of dyslexia. 

Kris

Talk to Christy she just took speech last semester and she is taking algebra this semester.  I agree with you having kids makes it very hard to go to school.  Christy has waited this long now that we are empty Nester's.  She is familiar with Richland online stuff she could help you.  Richland also has a program similar to the Pace I don't have all the details but Christy does.  She takes all her classes at night and even without little ones its tough.

Next time you guys go to La Fandita call us we love it, and the owners Raul and Elizabeth are great people.  I always forget they close on Mondays too.  Kris tell Rick I am almost ready for him to come till. I have 1 more stump to remove or I should say my son has 1 more LOL.  My back is not what it used to be old age is kickin in LOL.

I think the funny(sad) part of the whole discussion about education on here is we could only find 1 person to run for the 1 open seat on the Board of Education. While I know Lavelle Peete(sp) a little bit and like him, it is to bad there was no more interest then that. I heard the Reverend Carry Grady talk on the radio a few weeks ago and he seems to have a heart for children. While he didn't do well in the city council election, he would have had my vote for board of education.

Doug,  I'll talk to Christy about that the next time I see her.  It is really hard to go to school with young kids at home.  The last time I tried to take a math class at Richland was after having my son.  That was a mistake!  He was less than a year old and my brain was too sleep deprived to take it all in.  I noticed Richland is offering the classes I need at Fariview this summer.  That would be convenient for me.    I'll tell Rick about the tilling.  If it ever warms up and quits raining, it sure would be nice.  I guess I'll be handing out flyers this weekend.  It supposed to be beautiful weather.  I haven't heard back from the newspaper.  Dave Dawson forwarded my message to Ken Lowe but I haven't heard anything from him yet.  Maybe I better just contact Ken directly. 

decaturguy, Rev. Grady should consider a run for the school board.  Like you said, he does seem to have a heart for children - and the arts.  

Kris

 

Decaturguy, 

not disagreeing with you - the school board election is an important election and it was barely covered anywhere.   But I think many people believe that District 61 faces such an uphill battle if the Decatur continues it's decline.    As we lose population and many core neighborhoods property values decline the tax base declines as well as leaving District 61 with less money AND the biggest bulk of low income and the hardest cases regarding students.  A number a people believe the biggest issues hurting Decatur schools are those that the school board and the Kile building has no control over.

Sue 

Matthew,

On the subject of "reciprocal tariff strategy" polices of the United States, you better go back and read your economic history. Our country did estabish such policies during the Great Depression which only helped prolong the economic problems of the country and the world. We are in vast "globel economy" compared to the 1930s, and it would be complete global economic mess if the USA and other countries start putting up trade walls again.

We are a nation of people, but it takes small business and corporate entities to create the jobs that "the people" need to buy a home and a car.

You can't keep taxing and taxing people at every level of government for the country to move forward with strong economic development that creates jobs.

Matt, when it really gets down to it individuals are paying all the taxes anyway. Corporations increase theur prices to us for their goods and services by the amount they paln to pay in taxes. If they can't they end up going out of business. Our last govenor thought the companies in Illinois wern't paying their fair share of taxes and wanted to charge a tax on gross income. This dosen't do anything for the businesses who have losses, or don't make large margins. His two percent would have put every grain elevator in the state out of business and most all the car dealers.
Many of these businesses that are not paying large state income taxes are closely held companies with a handfull of stockholders who pay the corporate profits out to themselves and are then taxes individually on the money.
Steve Payton

Matthew,

Newly "created""economic trade policy terms" are used with each new generation of economists and politicians, but an "equitable reciprocal trade policy" is the same as a "protectionist trade tarriff policty".

I'm listening to the City Hall Insider hour podcast from WSOY. Hmmm...Maybe I should announce the “Matthew Jackson for City Council in 2011 Exploratory Committee” lol – No donations accepted at this point – just pledges to sign the the petition for candidacy when the time comes! ;-)

 

Matt  Are you in the running for the open council  seat?    You know you got our signature. Since I didn't get called to court I must have an acceptable signature. I would actually sign any ones even if I wouldn't vote for them the more the merrier.  You get your name on the ballot in 2011 and I will sponsor your campaign with a donation that's for sure.

So what names are being rumored for the open position?

OK Doug, I’ll tell you what I think!

 

I’ve heard that my name’s been thrown around, but in all seriousness it would be surprising if I’m asked. I think everyone who ran this time around (name on the ballot or not) will be considered, but the person selected will come from a totally different area.  Names I’ve heard floated that could fit the bill are Nick Burton, or Sue Neisslie. 

 

From a purely functional “nuts-and-bolts, non-incumbent-ready-to-hit-the-ground-running” (and I’ll be honest: ego-boosting) point of view I think it’s hard to beat Pat McDaniel or me. But politically speaking I think it would be an almost impossible sell. After all, we didn’t do so hot in the popularity contest.

 

So, if offered, Heck yes, I’d do it – and I'd do my best to prove those who selected me right!  But I’m not holding my breath.  

 

Either way, I’m going to see what can be done to build a broad base so if the trigger does need to be pulled in 2011 I’ll have enough in the bank to fend off any knuckleheaded petition challenges and mount a modest advertising campaign, and have the votes to come in first place! This election cycle been a valuable experience, but if it’s all the same, I’d rather not repeat it!

 

Now to the question “How likely is it the trigger will need to be pulled in 2011?”.  Right now I’d say it’s pretty likely. The McElroy replacement will be up, as will Pat Laegeler, Larry Foster and Mayor McElroy (the office returns to the regular cycle).  I’m guessing Larry Foster won’t run again, I’ve heard Pat Laegeler may not run again, and the unnamed council replacement is anyone’s guess. I think McElroy will run again for a full Mayoral term (probably with results similar to last week). 

 

So there you have it!  (and yes, I did make minor gramattical corrections at 12:09am...it's my flippin' post on my  flippin' blog, so sue me!)

Well, the Herald & Review just ticked me off again.  Why are they against allowing some four-year degrees at community colleges?  "Community colleges play a vital role in educating people and helping them succeed in life.  However, we are afraid that allowing some community colleges to offer four-year degrees, even on a limited basis, puts them on a different track that detracts from their primary mission.  We hope the Senate wil put the brakes on this move."  What???  What is the mission of a community college anyway?

Isn't the mission of any college to educate its' students and provide them with the opportunity to obtain degrees that will help them qualify for higher-paying, satisfying jobs?  There was a time when a high school diploma was enough; now it's practically meaningless.  There was a time when an Associates degree was enough to land a good job; it isn't any more.  I can vouch for that .  Even entry level, half-way decent paying jobs, now require bachelors degrees.  It's time for the community colleges to step up and get with the real needs of students and employers.  Yes, vocational training programs are a big part of community colleges and are most certainly needed, but for adult students like me who want a traditional college education, but have to take care of children and/or work while going to school, we need community colleges that offer flexible schedules and affordable tuitions.  I'm not saying they need to offer every degree on the planet but offering a Bachelors in Arts or general studies isn't so much to ask. 

Kris

I agree Matthew.   The clases that I truly enjoyed the most, and actually still remember, came from those basic core courses-  literature, history, psychology and sociology.    The discussions can become quite lively in all of those classes.  I still remember quite a few of those discussions.  It was like blogDecatur but in person!  And those computer science courses I took are obsolete and out-dated now. 

Well, off to mow some grass!  I don't need a degree for that.

Kris

Pat, those are all very good questions that I've pondered myself.  I would definitely want Richland to remain affordable.  Higher education has become out of reach, like you said, for even upper-middle class families.  Every year the cost go up and up.  Students having to pay off their student loans for 10 years or longer is ridiculous.  I think Millikin is a great school but it doesn't cater to working adults and it's so darn expensive.  Driving to Springfield to finish a bachelors degree is kind of the pits.  Add in the cost for gas, the wear and tear on a vehicle, and the time taken out of your day and away from your family and it's not that affordable or convenient.  Decatur needs more options in higher education for working adults.

I'd love to see the PACE program expanded and Millikin begin catering to students like me with more flexible schedules and a lower tuition - okay the lower tuition part might be as likely as your hair growing back but you never know!  ;-)


Kris