On yesterday's post there were a few comments about property rights.
It is an interesting question.
Do you really have a right to do whatever you want to your property?
I do believe in having as many rights as possible, but at the same time, the neighbors also have rights.
If what you do affects the community, or your neighbors, they have a right to tell you about it and to have their rights defended.
If they dont take care of their stuff and it affects property values, they are infringing on the rights of others. That isnt right is it?
My mom used to have a neighbor who had a terrible place. As it was, she was at the end of a subdivision. The next house was not in the subdivision and was in the county and not subject to ordinances. Half the house had burned down and they still lived in it. Soot blew from the house for about a year, and the smell was awful for a year or more.
It was really nasty.
So when she came to sell her house, it was a huge problem.
The neighbor actually lived there in squalor, and had two new cars in the yard, so he wasnt broke. He just didn't care and didn't mind telling you that either.
So she sold her house for about $30,000 less than what it would have brought at the other end of the subdivision.
How fair is that?
I mentioned too that I lived on Hilton Head Island where it was very controlled. People either love it or hate it there, and for the same reasons. It is beautiful, but controlled and you are limited as to what you can do.
Im not for that again, but there should be minimal standards.
Many states even have zoning in the county areas, outside city limits.
As I have said, I believe that if you wont take care of your property, you should be forced to do so.
Just minimal standards that do not create hardship for your neighbors, that shouldn't be too much should it?
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Well then, how do we force the city to take care of the things they are neglecting????????????????
Like the streets, water and sewer?
I was so glad to read that our water and sewer are going to be raised on us AGAIN. don't forget folks that they just increased our water and sewer rates over the last few years, 50% even. and now the new city manager says ever so sweetly how they are going to raise the rates over the next 4 years so it wont be such a shock- i think it was just so we wouldnt notice this time or he hoped anyway. why does little mexico, er I mean creekstone, get yet another break on their water bill while ours gets raised AGAIN? why do the people with the least money in this town have to shell out the most for this city, while the rest get tax, water, and who knows what other breaks? time to move out to the county i guess because i just cant afford to live in ark city anymore.
by raising your taxes:)
Good. now all you poor people will have to move while us rich people can stay. And we'll keep our city police's heads buried in the sand to help out the illegal aliens so they can stay too.
Someone has to mow our yards.
I understand sarcasm (?) but some of that was unnecessary.
(of course, I dun't live in the city)
Ricky Ricardo
Well, one thought occurs to me: if the City decides it has the power to mandate such things, won't it seem a little hypocritical for a group who is loudly proclaiming they must cut, cut, cut expenses to insist that residents spend, spend, spend?
they could argue that since they are cutting your taxes, you will have more money to fix, cause youre not paying as much in taxes.
or at least, youre not paying more in taxes.
Personally, I would prefer to pay taxes and be assured of support for things such as the Museum and an expansion for the Library. Those things are worth a little extra to me, and they should to the entire community. Just my 2-cents!
that "IS" the question. Obviously the commission prefers to cut.
Id rather pay a bit more too and support museum and all that.
Had 50 people showed up at the commission meeting and raised cain about it ... might have persuaded them.
True, I suppose it is OUR obligation to put our mouth where the money is...
It s not too late really.
They have a public hearing before the vote on Tuesday, August 5.
But they are planning to vote for passage after the public hearing, so it would take a tremendous outpouring.
50 might not be enough.
100 maybe:)
It hasn't been that many years ago that I worked with a young man who was a supervisor at a company in the area. He made somewhere around $28,000 with his overtime. Now this was at least 15yrs ago or more - he had a family of six.
He was eligible for food stamps at his income vs. family size.
He was surprised and confused but at that time was considering the help.
Then recently it seems the conversation comes up when taking with some of the younger people- where both spouses work - the day care costs do not allow for much net gain. Often one of them is working for the benefits. (health insurance seems to be the big one).
It seems to me that you can create all the $6.00 to $10.00 jobs you want and it would not change the above status. The young singles who might live on these wages move on for education or higher wages.
You/We can't reverse this trend without significant investment in
Economic development and infrastructure.
The problem is you can't generate the money required from taxing the working poor and the elderly.
Growth has to include a broader range of incomes and invesments!
You are right about income and debt in our area. It's probably that way in many other places, too.
Many working mothers bring home very little after paying daycare and filling the tank to get to work. In my case, I found that I could quit when we cut back on some luxuries like eating out and going to the movies. Of course, I do not drive a shiny new car, but I get to take care of my little ones.
Many young people have found a way around the system. They do not get married, they DO have children and then tell the IRS that they live apart. These couples basically pay no tax or (sometimes) get more back than they paid in. They, also, sometimes qualify for different welfare programs like healthwave and daycare assistance. This allows the mother to actually have some "bring home". However, it is not ethical.
Ownership, PRIVILEGE and, then, responsibility.
Amid a recessive economy, I think folks are cautious about new regs that dictate expense. We are not immune from the distresses in our nation.
The mortgage crisis, unmanageable energy costs and healthcare (pharmaceuticals) bleeding down every spare penny folks have.
I think the proposed directives coming from the local council represent a point where folks do not feel helpless to push back.
They want to say no to some entity. We cannot very well stop buying gasoline or purchasing electricity/natural gas. We cannot ask the heart patient to skip their pressure pills or other maintenance drugs.
The argument of the masses is that some orders of home maintenance are put off for the same reason that the city has not done overlays on a majority of its traffic ways; cash flow!
The vision of a brighter more aesthetically pleasing community needs to be put out there. Kudos to the Council for raising the awareness level and promoting the dialog.
Now, instead of just asserting (like the federal government tends to do) that the folks just need to muster up the money to do it within an arbitrarily imposed deadline, talk about ways things can be done. The current approach pretty much says to everyone, “We have just decided what will be your priorities.” I even know of one property owner who has had a lengthy hospital stay (two months off work plus hospital bill) who would be devastated with the urgent need to replace some damaged windows on her home. In that instance, a hefty non-compliance fine would not be the salve that heals the wound.
Perhaps a rebate program through the county where maybe 10% or 20% of the expense be forgiven from the tax bill is an option. Perhaps we task someone with approaching KDOCH for a matching funds grant (or maybe only 25% match) where $1000 worth of windows could be replaced for $750 with the balance coming from housing improvement program funds.
Is there any manner by which folks could feel both "Minnesota encouraged" and supported in bringing homes up to a new aesthetic municipal code?
Seems to me that "encouraging" had not worked.
There will always be examples and special cases. Exceptions can be made if the person can make a good enough case.
Ive come to believe that people in Ark City have let their property go because they get away with it.
Have you ever noticed that when you fire up the lawnmower, your neighbors are soon out mowing, too?
Does the sound trigger some kind of subliminal message? Hmmmm.....
why is it your so purrfect keeli, its sickening to read your blogging
I know, I should get a life...
Help!!!!
Did anyone watch Glen Beck tonight,Wed July 30th? He talked about government being corrupt, spending the taxpayers money without end, taxing the middle class and lower class more to keep up with the spending, then spending more. HUH???? Does that ring a bell to anyone local? We need to cut cut cut they say.....But ahhh, in the same breath say......we need a new hospital with a new sales tax! When are you people going to realize that we as taxpayers can't take much more, there will be a failure of goverment, of the stock market, soon.....Commissioners, county and city...pull your heads out.... WE CAN'T TAKE MUCH MORE!!!!! I for one and trying to get ready for the hard times you all are driving us into....Get ready it is going to happen!
Cats and dogs living together! What will we do?
If you don't like it here, MOVE!
If you want things to improve, be willing to pay more taxes!
"why is it your so purrfect keeli, its sickening to read your blogging
July 30, 2008 4:22 PM"
Did I miss a joke or something? If not, then whats the problem?
I'm a goodie-goodie know it all who thinks people who smoke pot are breaking the law. I made (or tried to, make) a joke earlier about it which offended someone. Sorry!
Good to see some humor, but I wouldn't really apologize, the law is the law. Even if we don't always agree on it.
Quoting:
"Good. now all you poor people will have to move while us rich people can stay. And we'll keep our city police's heads buried in the sand to help out the illegal aliens so they can stay too."
Just FYI, there is nothing that police can do unless the illegal immigrant commits a felony crime. Research your information before you make comments like that.
Hows that? I know a couple of illegal immigrants thats been in jail and they are still here! Nobody is gonna mess with them unless their is complaints.
It's always SOMEONE ELSE'S JOB to deal with the problem of illegal immigration, isn't it. How about we adopt some of Sheriff Joe's thinking and deputize some of our deputies to enforce immigration law? Because then Creekstone would go out of business, and too many feathers would get ruffled, that's why. Law Enforcement would rather turn a blind eye to illegals because it is a pain to deal with it. I did my research. Maybe you should too.
they turn a blind eye because the people with power and money in this town or any town discourage them. otherwise, where would all the greedy ones with money get such low paid help so that they can keep even more of their money in their greedy pockets. thats what it boils down to, greedy people with money who can afford to pay more would rather pay less so they can keep even more of their money for themselves. this is a nationwide problem that is ignored because too many of the wealthy depend on this workforce. that crap about 'no one else will do the job' is just that, crap. if the MILLIONS of illegals in this country were removed, it would force those using them to pay more and then they could get legal help to do their work. but they dont want to pay decent wages because they are greedy greedy greedy. illegals in this country (NO MATTER which country they came from) hurt everyone by encouraging lower wages, loss of benefits, loss of jobs. and, if all else fails, our wealthy companies are allowed to just build over the borders and take advantage of those people in their own country right alongside their corrupt government!!! we shouldnt even carry on good relations with a country that treats their citizens like that, but of course we do, as it benefits the rich again by being allowed to be down there and joining in on treating them that way- thats good ol NAFTA for ya i guess. and then the illegals in our country also get to enjoy 'getting one over on the srs system' that keeli talked about- it should be noted that some senior citizens get divorced (but are really still together) so they can get better benefits also, but I dont blame them for that as it is a shame what social security expects them to get by on. and as for keeli staying at home and not driving a new car and giving up 'a few luxuries' well once again she is so righteous and upstanding in the way she lives her life that its once again sickening to read AND on a further note, and keeli may want to double check this for us all, i happen to know MANY families where only one works and they actually qualify for some SRS assistance due to living with just one of them working-you might be suprised to know that if you only make $10 an hour and have a few children to raise also, you are at poverty level according to your own government. but, maybe they should not have kids if they cant afford them, thats probably what miss upstanding keeli would have done :) but, for that family, just being able to go to the store and buy groceries is a luxury, not EVERYONE has the luxury of staying home with their kids, i didnt, usually i was working two jobs just so my kids could have luxuries like clothes and food!
What I don't get is why some people are totally against all srs assistance. It doesn't hurt for a person to ask for a helping hand as needed. I am not saying take advantage, just a little help. Do you people that are totally against it all not realize that our taxes are paying for it. Some years ago I had to get some food assistance for a short time and I hated it...but it helped me when my dad pointed out to me that I was working and paying my taxes, so I shouldn 't feel so guilty about it. I don't think people should stay on it indefinitely, as some do and with exceptions made for some, but their isn't nothing wrong with temporary help.
Wow! For some reason, I have come across as being someone who looks down my nose at others. Ironically, I have always felt that others did that to me. Look, I could go on and on about my downfalls and short comings. If you knew me, you would probably find these acusations pretty funny.
I am not trying to put someone down for doing what they do to get by. Anyone who works two jobs to make ends meet is a hero in my eyes. Many of the points you are trying to make are ones I have argued myself. I'm just saying that the economy and wages put people in the position where assistance is needed for a very high percentage of it's citizens. That is a shame, but a reality. Then you have some who find ways around the system so that they are accepting the benefits which are not technically due. Some do it out of necessity, others do it to obtain a better standard of living. Either way, the system and the economy are broken. I wish I knew how to fix it, but I have never claimed to be a smart person. In a perfect world, I guess, the government would not involve themselves in wealth distribution and we would all be given the opportunity to support our families without them. Isn't that what our country was founded on? Wasn't the American dream one full of opportunities and freedoms which allow us to succeed, not one where we have to outsmart the "system" in order to survive?
I like people who hide behind a anonymous status that like to down other people. If you like to gripe dont hide your name.
ahhh so sweet of you to jump in and defend honor, glad you have to live with it too and not I
What is the matter with you and why the heck do you keep on picking on Keeli? You have either not been on these blogs long enough to know her or you totally misunderstand the woman. I do not know her personally but I can tell that she is a fine citizen and she is not uppity the way you are making her out to be. My opinion of you is that you are just jealous of the fact that she is taking some initiative and has some good things to say. Just because someone does not always agree with you doesn't mean you should start attacking them, their is that word, you know, called debating!! Things can be said with out attacking one another if you don't agree with them. Give it a try sometime.
i dont believe she was attacked just told she was a little self righteous- i just dont care for the way she uses herself as an 'upstanding example' in many of her posts-such as, she is able to be a stay at home mother, like all it takes is "giving up a new car and not going out to eat". if that was the case, we would ALL be stay at home mothers- i am quite positive that her husbands wages must be above average also, or she has gotten help from her family at times, or whatever, which is fine, but that is not the case for most people these days. i do know her and have even worked with her and i very much agree she is a very nice person. i enjoy her posts mostly except when she includes herself as a good example, we dont really need to see or hear about that in these posts-what works or is available to one may not be an option for many others.
Well you should really double check yourself now and reread what you have posted then and now you are contradicting yourself in saying "once again she is so righteous and upstanding in the way she lives her life that its once again sickening to read" and then saying she is a nice person. come off your high horse, whats wrong with being a good example or telling people, hey look what I am able to do since I did such and such to be a stay at home mom? If you think I(or others) are misunderstanding your post, don't you think you are misunderstanding others then? To me anyways, it still seems like you are attacking her personally.
I agree Donna.
Id rather have keeli even when she is on her soapbox than some arrogant high horse guy who doesnt know what he's talking about.
:)
"ditto!"
Well, first of all I am not always nice. I have had my moments both on the blog and in the real world. Second, my husband does make enough money to cover our bills (mostly). That could change at any given moment and we would be between a rock and a hard place. Trust me, I count my blessings every day. My husband and I had to both work very hard to get out of debt and sacrifices had to be made, or I would not be staying at home. I am proud of that, but do not mean to gloat. Sorry if I was.
Donna, JJ, Thanks!
Everyone has their moments. I know dang good and well not every mother or father can do this,especially with the cost of living now, but I also sacraficed a lot and lived almost dirt poor to stay at home to be with my daughter for reasons i will not elaborate on, but i did pick up a few odd jobs here and there and my kids had paper routes. I think alot of times where their is a will their is a way.(READ) "For some people, not all."
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