dec City Council Drama pdf
by matthew on Tue Mar 31 11:46:30 CDT 2009
The big manufactured drama last night came from a comment Larry Foster supposedly made at one of his campaign fundraisers.  He said something along the lines of “if the good people of this community don’t get out and vote…” – Pretty much anything he said after that was lost. Of course those with agendas pounced on the opportunity to paint Foster as “not one of us”.
A parade of conveniently “outraged citizens” filed though the council chamber – most scarcely seen in the room outside election season (funny how that works out, don’t you think?).
 
Of the procession, I thought John Phillips is particularly hypocritical.  Seriously! He gives his wife tens-of-thousands of dollars in political contributions (“Here, honey, I’ll buy you a council seat!”), regularly spouts at council meetings, then has the gall to call Foster “elitist”? Take a look in the flippin’ mirror, mister! I don’t know about the rest of this community, but I remember John Phillips – Union Buster, Director of Operations at Staley’s. I remember the unions of the time asking us “regular working folk” to boycott Marcia’s Waterfront Restaurant. My family didn’t go there – it was too rich (read that elitest) for our URW blood. Maybe John’s seen the error of his ways, and maybe Marcia’s trying to atone for him…Maybe…Of course if you ask me, spending tens of thousands of dollars by buying a seat on the council is a peculiar way of going about it.
 
Not far behind on the hypocrisy scale is Mayoral Candidate Steve Daniels. Here’s a guy who accepted a $10,000 check from a guy in Chicago he “used to work with”. Funny thing is, this guy’s claim to fame is making “executive compensation package” deals…You know, like the compensation packages that allow banking executives to keep their bonuses and stock options after failing miserably in their jobs. Daniels was in the banking industry, too, wasn’t he? Has he still got his “second home” in Vail Colorado?  Man of the people, indeed!!!
 
Following up in the ranks is my favorite councilman, Dan Caulkins.  Dan’s fake outrage last night bordered on the comedic – as did his gratuitous schmoozing of the police department…I’m sure none of it was done for the cameras…wink! At the risk of offending some unions’ leadership (but I doubt their rank-and-file), I have to say…Just as I haven’t forgotten the role Mr. Phillips played in the Staley strikes, I haven’t forgotten the dirty tricks Dan Caulkins played on State Representative Bob Flider’s campaign.  He and Mrs. Steve Daniel’s “Ordinary Citizens of Decatur” fiasco painted us Decaturites as hicks with strong southern drawls too stupid to think for ourselves. And now, Dan’s outraged at Larry Foster’s misquote? Give me a break!!! 
 
I think several of the unions leadership is counting on the rank-and-file have a much shorter memory than they have. I also think they underestimate their membership.
 
Councilwoman Betsy Stockard took a shot at her rivals (me included) in the race.  Apparently no one attended Saturday’s budget meeting. I had intended to go, but (you’re going to love this) I fell asleep on the couch the Friday night with the computer on my lap reading the budget…I woke up to the sun at 8am…Just in time to hit the record button on the DVR. So, yes, councilwoman, I deserve a snap for missing the meeting, but I would like a little forgiveness due to circumstances!
 
I’ll go on more in the comments
by haydiz on Tue Mar 31 13:35:31 CDT 2009
Well, if anyone was looking forward to seeing and hearing remarks made during the public appearance of citizens last night, you might as well forget about it.  The video of last night's meeting on the city's website has that part cut out.  Why?  WAND didn't report anything about it - as far as I know.  The Herald & Review downplayed it.  Uhm....something stinks in the city of Decatur and it ain't the soybeans this time.

Kris


by haydiz on Tue Mar 31 13:38:09 CDT 2009
oops never mind that, I didn't play the video long enough. Sorry about that.  Here's the link:  http://decaturil.gov/council/videos/3-30-2009.aspx

Kris
by Doug on Tue Mar 31 13:57:48 CDT 2009

Well Matt are you saying its all hogwash?    Why shouldn't the people in the community be outraged.  Its not like this is the first time Foster has been accused of being an elitist.  Tell me why I should believe that this was a misquote convince me please.

I think several of the unions leadership is counting on the rank-and-file have a much shorter memory than they have. I also think they underestimate their membership.

I don't understand this sentence does the union underestimate their membership?

I don't know what Caulkins did in Fliders campaign but as you already know I think Flider is as low as you can get as a polititian when he attacked Scott England which was Chicago politics at its best.  I know for a fact that our Democratic party in Macon County didn't want it to happen but they were not in charge of Fliders campaign Chicago was. There was no reason for the personal attacks. Flider would of carried the votes anyway. 

I am not against anyone with money running for the Council so who owns what really makes no difference to me.  The only thing that should matter is how he or she represents the people in whole.  I hope the union wins this battle Lord knows this town has done everything they could to get rid of them.


Ok now lets cover what Foster said you think it was a misuse of words by him or was it written by his campaign mgr.  Also its not "supposedly" said it was said he even apologised for it.  I would think if it was a misquote their would no need for an apology.   I think its a Chamber problem, like the unions they are losing their clout and they will claw back anyway they can.  I hope the voters turn out in groves and get council persons with out elitist agendas. 

I only hope we hear more from the other candidates on the issue.  I would like to know what they think about all this. 


 

by matthew on Tue Mar 31 15:24:23 CDT 2009
What I’m saying Doug, is the outrage last night was well staged theatre, and in general, I don’t buy it…
 
On the rank-and-file’s memory comment -  I can assure you, I am not alone when I say my impression of John Phillips as Union-buster is still burnt into my brain…I recall his 1992 comment in the H&R: “We’re going to hit you all at once. Why have people ticked off for several contracts when we can do it in a couple of years” (Written by Gary Minich, by the way).  Come on Doug - What do you think “it” was? I also don’t think the typical rank-and-filer will forget when Dan Caulkins hung out in Decatur’s Precinct 1, asking voters he considered “questionable” for their ID’s, or that in his fundraisers in the last election cycle he was rumored to be the “Union Crusher” candidate…Just my opinion, but some union leadership (not all) have put themselves into a “strange bedfellows” situation that, in my humble opinion, will be awfully hard for the membership to reconcile (and follow) on election day.  
 
The one person who was at the Foster event and heard the statement firsthand said it was a misquote; taken out of context. Nope - “Hogwash” is not what I’d call it…”Making a mountain out of a molehill” comes closer to the mark.
 
OK, now who wants to call me an “elitist” and “not one of us”?  I am who I am…I’ve never walked in lock-step with anyone, and I don’t see it happening any time soon.
 
With respect to Flider – I know you don’t like him, but just so you know…Before I decided to support him in 2006, he and I had a long talk about the England commercial, and campaigning. In the end he convinced me that one ad run went mismanaged.  He stepped up, he claimed the mistake, and he took his lumps. He didn’t run away from the fact he “owned” it, and it wouldn’t happen again – and it hasn’t.
by Doug on Tue Mar 31 16:30:08 CDT 2009

Isn't anything to do with politics staged with acting. 

So where can I get this article your talking about I want to read it.  I am not voting for Mrs. Phillips anyway but I would want to read the article your talking about. This is the first I have heard about Phillips being a union buster and you know what I think about union busters.

 I want to see the article with Flider stepping up and claiming the mistake because I missed that part. Was it a public apology or just an apology to you?

  I wasn't interested in the last election because I didn't live here and I haven't heard anything about the ID thing. I will email him and ask.  So what union is even left to crush LOL.  I think their are many anti-union people that have now figured out they made more and had more when unions were big and strong.    I think the plan was to show all these Companies they could come here and not worry about unions but I would ask them this.  How did that work out for you? 


I will say this I think they were calling a spade a spade last night!  It was more than just the Good People comment.  I have talked to several people under the impression that a vote for Caulkins, Daniels, Rudderman and some even think Stockard means we are changing the form of government and most of it comes from Foster and the Chamber. 

by haydiz on Tue Mar 31 16:58:44 CDT 2009
Well, I think there was some over-dramatization and theater going on last night, but it does underscore real disconnects and misunderstandings between different groups of people in Decatur.  The Chamber or union labels and/or endorsements have nothing to do with a person's character, responsiveness or ability to govern fairly. 

As far as Foster goes.  I think people had a legitimate reason to be upset.   Foster apoligized and the case is closed as far as I'm concerned, but it does concern me that Foster never once returned a phone call or email to one of his constituents who was having serious problems in his neighborhood.  That's a red flag to me.  I think we can do better.

Kris 
by matthew on Tue Mar 31 18:12:36 CDT 2009
Yup, Kris - exactly right.  And that's why everyone should get out and vote next Tuesday.

Pat McDaniel, Larry Foster and Marcia Phillips is on WSOY right now.

by matthew on Tue Mar 31 18:51:45 CDT 2009
Doug, I talked to Flider in 2006. I don't know what has been published, but I'll tell you in 2004 I was very critical (downright belligerent, if you can imagine that!) of Flider for the exact run of commercials that bothered you. Send him an email – you may be surprised.


 

The Foster comment is on the H&R website it was a March 29 article written by Ken Lowe.


 


 

by Robert Maulding on Tue Mar 31 18:57:47 CDT 2009
Matthew,

I what I said at the council meeting was not staged or asked for.  i was in a meeting with Ryan Mccrady and Jim Anderson.  I was leaving after speaking to Mike McElroy and Pat McDaniels when I saw the protest.  What I said after thanking several people for spending time and effort helping in my neighborhood was this. 

Except for one of you,  one of you have never returned a email, phone call or been to any neighborhood meeting, now I know why.

I am not one of the GOOD PEOPLE.

Mr. Foster is exactly what he has been paint to look like.  He only cares about himself and how he is seen.  This is to further his standing and his business.  The elite of the city are scared that they may lose control and they should be since no matter what they say Decatur has not and will not prosper under the thumb of the Chamber.   We want a council that Listens and ACTS on concerns of the citizens.  Council members with out an agenda, without a pet project and without ties to the Chamber.  To many back door deals and friend friendly ordinances. 

Tuesday will be a great day in Decatur based on my personal contacts and people would do well to recognize that no matter how the vote ends.  We had a say.  If the Chamber wins that is the will of the people, if the Change people win so be it, if one of the other caring people win great.  BUT EITHER WAY ON MOST NIGHTS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WE WILL BE DEALING WITH THE SAMETHINGS.
by matthew on Tue Mar 31 19:00:26 CDT 2009

Listening to WSOY...


 

Pat McDaniel – Holy Cow! Great Job! Had complex, real and viable answers. Exceeded all expectations. Hands down, the most impressive candidate...


 

Marcia Phillips – Apparently she didn't get the memo about avoiding the ChangeDecatur “brand”. Maybe it's just us (me and my wife) but at times she was downright incoherent.


 

Larry Foster – Didn't do as well as I expected. He's a likable guy, but I expected more.


 

(lol – this message proofread and approved by my wife!!!!)

by haydiz on Tue Mar 31 20:15:45 CDT 2009
I've been on the fence for a awhile between McDaniel and Phillips.  One thing I'd like to know, before I make up my mind, if you happen to read this Pat - would you be open to the idea of placing a hybrid government question on the ballot?  7 district; 3 at large?  I know you support inner city representation but I'd really think all of Decatur would benefit from district representation.  And not just the troubled areas.  I know there's people who live in South Shores who would love to see a Wal-Mart and more restaurants on their side of town.  There's people on the East side who feel like they've kind of been forgotten.  And on and on and on.

Personally, I don't buy into the fears that Decatur would turn into a Chicago style corrupt system just because we have 7 districts in town.  To believe so, is to not think very highly of the citizens of Decatur.  (Cough, cough...elitism at its' worst.)   Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Kris
by Sue on Tue Mar 31 23:37:00 CDT 2009

Well, actually I kinda like Councilman Foster….  I agree this type of thinking has to change.  It needs to change on both sides of this.  We have got to come together as community….

 

I watched the March 16 meeting (Edgewood Ct  meeting) and believe he voted his conscious in spite of who he is friends with and who he knows (this is something hard for all of us to do) 

 

Honesty I’ve liked the guy since his comments regarding the noise ordinance last January 5  meeting - At that meeting when DeAngelo Wheeler spoke against it commenting “it should not be about money” and Councilman Foster replied, “It’s not about money it’s about stopping the noise”… I couldn’t help but like Foster then - very straight forward.  The reason that harsh ordinance was put in was to stop the noise - nothing else.  And if you don’t understand the details you need to listen to this council meeting Jan 5. 

 

On the small lots in my neighborhood - I bet I have 5 houses within 75 ft of mine….  I have a street that is just 15 feet from my house.  When my neighbors have visitors that blare their music - I pretty much can’t use my home…. I can’t watch TV or talk on the phone or sleep or read or even hear my own music….  Prior ordinance this did not happen once a day or twice a day but can continue all day long… not the same person blaring their music mind you…   I know I am not alone.  In many of the inner-city neighborhoods this is big problem.

 

Look I love Jimmie Hendrix, I love the Rolling Stones I even like the Sex Pistols and the Ramones I like loud music too - but dang….it’s my world too!

 

Many consider this a minor issue but to me, well most of the neighborhood issues are about respect.  And about the city not enforcing it when neighbors disrespect neighbors by piling their garages full of garbage or junk cars in their  yards or letting their properties go to hell or by just tossing their trash down or dumping their garbage on a vacant lot across the street or spraying herbicide rather than mowing or mowing the litter right on in the with the weeds or even letting their dogs run free…. 

 

All the things I have been harping about for months and years in our neighborhoods are about respect and the fact that when people don’t do the right thing on their own it is governments job to step in…  Well to me the noise ordinance symbolizes that… 

 

10% are repeat offenders.  The city is giving community service for hardship cases…. 

 

I haven’t decided yet who I’m for but this weighs pretty heavy in my books…. And it my books it is a big plus for Foster.

 

Sue

 

by matthew on Wed Apr 01 12:16:48 CDT 2009
 

Well, it looks like the H&R has decided to endorse Caulkins, Stockard, Moore-Wolfe, and Dawson for the 4 year spots. I can't say I'm surprised by the Moore-Wolfe, Dawson, and Stockard picks, but Caulkins is surprising. Lol – Dan's too good an “inside news source” for the H&R to give up, maybe? ;-)


 

7 of the 8 4 year candidates will be on WSOY tonight from 6-8pm (Caulkins didn't want to go on). Should be interesting.


 

by Sue on Wed Apr 01 22:10:53 CDT 2009

I heard tonights - much of it on my drive home - I missed the one the other nights so I'm looking forward to listening to it when i appears on the WSOY website as a podcast.  Good job Matthew!   And over all I was really impressed with all the candidates - we truly have a good group to chose from

I agree with your ideas regarding dredging more because I believe strongly in taking care of what you have 1st.  Have you heard the ideas that this slug could be put back down as top soil spread back on to farm fields.  I'm thinking I heard that suggestion of  use for it from Tim Hoffman who was running for Macon County Soil and Water Conservation district and came to CONO to speak a couple years ago.... It's been a while but I'm pretty sure I'm right.  It seems to me that he suggested it could even be sold because it is that good.  Our soil is the some of the best soil in the world right here in Central Illinois.  I'm not acting like I know all about this but I just recall being really impressed with this guy when he came and talked at CONO a few years back.

Sue

by matthew on Thu Apr 02 06:41:53 CDT 2009
Hey Sue, thanks!  Yes, there are some things we can do with the dredge material - it's another one of those items that have been "in the works" for quite a long time (on the order of years), though..

I'll make a post on last night's conversation (I had a lot of fun) later on today...The podcast should be up on wsoy's website sometime soon (I'm hoping today)...
by haydiz on Thu Apr 02 07:00:55 CDT 2009
I heard most of the last hour of the broadcast.  It was a good discussion between everyone.  On the water, personally I think the city should do all it can to go forward on the new lake - if economic development is what we're really after.  And let's take a regional approach to it.  Yes, we'll have to continue to dredge and take care of Lake Decatur, but that's just a maintenance issue.  I really don't believe lowering the water intakes or tapping into little ponds around the area is going to make much of impact economically.  Yes, it necessary now to get us through an emergency but it's not going to do much to attract employers nor residents.

From a conservation/environmental perspective, something of which I don't think has been discussed at all, what's going to happen to the lake if we do use lower in-takes during a drought?  We've seen how low the lake gets now.  What would happen to it, if were allowed to fall to even lower levels?  I worry about the eco-system of the lake.  I also worry about the water quality we'd be left with. 

To me the only real options are accelerated dredging and a new lake.  We need both. 

Kris
by Doug on Thu Apr 02 09:37:50 CDT 2009

Ok I have asked Councilman McElroy this question just today mind you so give it some time.  What is the exact water issue  this town has lost Firestone, Zexel, Burkes Pumps, Wagners Foundry, and we can't get one new manufacturing job to come here because we don't have water!   Think about it does that make sense to you it sure doesn't to me  and I'm sure I'm not the only one who wonders this.  I also wonder if we need a new lake it may help during a short drought but if have a long drought won't we just end up with 2 dry lakes?  Then what should we build a 3rd?  Their are other issues that use our water at a tremendous rate that I have asked Mike about but for now they are just questions.


I though Matthew Jackson was the star of the show last night. To be quite honest he actually knows more about whats going on in this City than any new candidate running and I don't think I would get any argument from even the current council on that.  Dredging is critical as we know we have bought all the equipment even built a brand new building to work out of on the river.  The question is who do we have do the work.  I think we should have professionals doing the job its nothing against our City Staff at all they are for the most part very good workers.  I would like to see the cost incurred to the City in real data compared to what a professional bid would be.  I don't think it would be to far apart and it may qualify as a shovel ready project which would take a huge burden off us.  Time is critical we all know this needs to be put to rest asap!  I just think we would get "more bang for the buck" with a professional experienced dredging crew.

by haydiz on Thu Apr 02 10:27:33 CDT 2009
Doug,

This is what a think, for whatever it's worth:

The water issue centers around ADM.  They are BY FAR the largest consumer of our lake's water.  They need it for the types of products they make.  Twenty year ago, ethanol wasn't so much in demand, today it is.  It takes a lot of water to produce ethanol.  I would imagine Tate & Lyle uses a lot of water too but they aren't nearly as big as ADM. 

We saw how low our lake got just a couple years ago with a moderate drought - just imagine an even worse drought.  I think that there is a legitimate need for water, and not having enough does make it difficult to attract major industries, or to even expand the ones we have.  The Sangamon River provides plenty of water.  This area is blessed with plentiful rainfall most years.  We don't lack a source of water; we just need to retain more of it.  The dredging will help but it's still not going to see us through a bad drought.  And I really am concerned about the environmental side of things if we allow the lake to be drained so drastically - I am a tree hugger.  I'm also a fish hugger too - I guess. ;-)

To me a new lake would be a win-win on many fronts.  It would solve the water problem.  I think it would attract new residents, be a boost to District 61 (as long as it's in 61's district), and add recreational value to the area. 

Of course, it all comes down to money.  Everything comes down to money.  I just don't want to see the city waste money on Band-Aid approches that won't help grow the city in the long run.  I think that's what they're kind of doing - not that they want to, but because of the lack of money, they're forced to.

Kris
by Doug on Thu Apr 02 11:24:32 CDT 2009
I just don't see a new lake drawing people here where will they work?  I can see the richest of the rich relocating to the new lake thats about it. I am not convinced we have an issue other than in drought conditions.  What do we do when we get off the oil dependency and we are no longer making the expensive gas additives from corn?  You are right the City has blown money like it was water LOL  How much was spent on the study's for lake toko?  I'm sure the head of our water dept. could of measured the size and depth and come up with......well its not enough we need another plan.  I would be curious as to what ADM pays per month for water does anyone know?   Why can't we hook up a water line from the aquifier and give all that to ADM and use the lake for other business?  The City has run those wells when we were in drought condition before so why not let ADM pay for piping the well directly to them and let other business's come to Decatur? 

I too am tired of band aid approaches that why its important to pay professional on the dredging and get the job done!

I just think there is more to it that we are not privileged enough to know.  I don't even have a problem with the water rate hike which in my opinion was not enough if we are having this major of a problem. 

Basically what I am hearing is because we have ADM we don't have room for any other business's because they are using all the water resources.


by haydiz on Thu Apr 02 11:47:35 CDT 2009
"Basically what I am hearing is because we have ADM we don't have room for any other business's because they are using all the water resources."

Well, I think that sums it up!  It's not all ADM's fault but I remember when I was going to school at Richland, eons ago in the early 90's, ADM was about half the size that it is now.  Now ADM and Richland are practically touching each other.  That concerns me too but that's another issue.  

I guess I just believe, sometimes we got to take chances in life.  The city and county were too conservative on the LEC and now look at us.  The Civic Center was built too small to host large events.  We can be super safe (cheap) and only do the bare minimum but we'll get nowhere doing that.  And, personally, I think a new lake would draw residents and would create jobs.  And if someday, ethanol goes the way of dinosaurs, that'll be fine with me.  We'll have two beautiful lakes to enjoy.  No jobs but who cares?  We can go fishing!  That doesn't sound so bad to me.  

The trick is getting the funding.  I think ADM and the city are still in talks but it's hush-hush right now.  But whatever they're talking about, I have some demands.  A.  The lake needs to be within city limits and District 61's school district.  B.  The lake needs to be accessible to the public.  I don't mind development but let's not turn it into a gated community with gaudy McMansions.  C.  Whatever size it is recommended to be, increase that by 50%. Think about the future.  We don't want to have to do this again.

And I agree, there's more that "we are not privileged enough to know."  That bugs the heck out of me!  Like an Enquiry mind, I WANT TO KNOW, GOSH DARN IT!

Kris
by Sue on Thu Apr 02 11:58:15 CDT 2009
Hey guys, here is my question regarding a new lake and it does NOT mean I’m opposed to any new lake at all, BUT,
 
In the past we had much more industry here than we currently have and we had much more population than we currently have and the lake was plenty big. So why is so inadequate for us now?
 
Is it just because it is so much smaller and holds so much less due to silt? Or are the industries that use it expanding or wanting to expand and need more water to do so? 
 
Another question is this – is all industry so water intensive? Is it really cost effective to target other water intensive industries when any water resource we have is man made and will be an expensive endeavor to create? Aren’t there other good jobs we could focus on that would require less expense?
 
I’m just asking…  I'm interested to hear the response you get Doug.
 
Sue
 
 
by Sue on Thu Apr 02 11:59:47 CDT 2009
response to your questions from McElroy I mean.
by Doug on Thu Apr 02 12:33:23 CDT 2009
Kris I agree on doing the job right the first time and location if another lake were built.  I just don't think we can take the gamble of "building it they will come".  From what I heard in several council meetings these business's who ever they are won't come her on a promise they want it done before hand.  What is the budget for the lake we have now ......could we take on another %50  increse to maintain another lake?  We already pay more in taxes than surrounding areas so I see the tax being a negative for new homeowners to locate here.  I agree totally with the Civic Center its too small.  The Civic Center could of been a money maker if it were larger that's for sure.



Not all industry is water intensive.  At Zexel we had our own little water treatment plant and actually gave water back to the City cleaner than what they take out of the lake but we still used a fair amount of water I'm sure.  Why wasn't that marketed to anyone aggressively before the building was sold for storage or what ever its being used for now?  Most of the equipment was left in the building and could still be there unless they pieced it out which is common.  This is another reason I have a hard time swallowing the water problem.


In fairness to Mike McElroy its a touchy subject and I know its not something he has done to put us in this position most of it is due to the whole economic picture not just Decatur.  Even if we built the lake 25 years ago we would now be talking about how we could afford to maintain both lakes due to the global economy.

I will let you know what he says about the water. I must be Missing something just want to find out what that is.
by haydiz on Thu Apr 02 13:57:58 CDT 2009
Sue and Doug, those are all good points and questions.

Well, today was the last day for my husband at Cat.  We are officially flying by the seat of our pants now.  He's trying to get more business but that's not working out so great - too many other guys without jobs trying to do the same thing.  I don't know what the heck I'm going to do.  We have about 12 months to figure something out.  But man, there are just no opportunities in Decatur right now.  Zilch.  I bet the unemployment rate will be hovering around 14% this Summer.  And that's not even counting the people not receiving benefits.  It'll probably be closer to the 18-20% range. That's  awful!   That's Great Depression numbers!




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