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A blog by Managing Editor James Jordan about the newspaper. So far it's mostly about city commission, but I hope to delve into other local issues.
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About Me
- Traveler Editor
- I have been at the Traveler for 4 years. I have been in the newspaper business longer than that. I came here from South Carolina. Apart from that, I am an unapologetic Jesus Freak. I am not, however, Republican.
63 comments:
Would you do anything to promote finishing the plans for the softball/baseball complex along the bypass for our youth programs?
I think Jay Warren is the way to vote. Hopefully Patrick McDonald and Jean Snell get on also. Then we will have a balanced commission that doesn't bow to the whim of Kuhn and Smith.
So Jay has been on the rec commission for 19 years and sleeth ballpark looks the way it does why?
Check the facts. Pat voted with Mel and Dottie more than Scott did. You are a puppet spouting drivel.
I notice that some candidates are picking up on other's good ideas. Some feel that is dishonest, but I think it is a positive for our town. These debates are bringing forth some good ideas and the candidates are picking up on that. Some of them have changed their tone or perspective. When an idea is a good one, everyone recognizes it.
1. Utilizing water facilities to full potential
2. Opening up rivers and ponds for recreation
3. No micromanaging
4. Donating land for future industry or home owners
5. Hiring someone to analyze city/police staff size
6. Getting reliable info before voting in an ordinance
Am I missing any? Some of the things they still disagree on:
1. Whether TIF's fall back on tax payers if retail or industry fails
2. Support of BB/Museum with tax dollars
One thing I would have liked asked is what issue of the many on the table do they feel most important to fix? What will be their #1 priority if elected?
THIS IS INTERESTING: WISH I KNEW WHO PUT IT UP---
"Warren has ties to Ark City Industries...so I trust him not.
ACI is all about profit for the shareholders, regardless of what Mr. Sybrant says. If this were not true, and the stock was worthless ($100.00/share) then why would there be so many trying to buy up remaining shares? ACI currently holds over 2 million in assests. They are responsible for the development out by the AC Country Club (Including getting AC to run sewer out there long before it was annexed). This did not benefit AC in any way.
Why did they want to bring in Lowe's and donate the land to do so? So the remaining land around the Lowe's development, which ACI owns, would become more valuable.
Watch carefully for this one. Arleta is pulling his strings just to get an interview out of him.
And Arleta is vying for the Hospital board position.
Mark my words we are about to get screwed.....AGAIN!"
THERE WAS A COMMENT ABOUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH ACI MAKING MONEY ON THE LAND? WELL MY PROBLEM WITH IT IS, AT LEAST ACCORDING TO SYBRANT, ACI IS NON-PROFIT AND STRICTLY FOR THE BETTERMENT OF ARK CITY. WHY DON'T THEY SELL THEIR HOLDINGS AND RENTALS, DONATE THE MONEY TO THE CHAMBER OF COMERCE OR SOMETHING SIMILAR AND DISBAND?
Sounds like a neat idea. The chamber with 2 million to put AC propaganda all over the nation....KEWL
I wouldn't put the chamber in charge of jack.
"no micromanageing"
does that include keeping the hospital board from micromangeing the hospital?
How can ACI be non profit and have shareholders? There is a flaw in your outrage. So what if they are making profits?? That's what this country is all about.
they aren't nonprofit just wish they were so they could be taxfree
THERE WAS A COMMENT ABOUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH ACI MAKING MONEY ON THE LAND?
>>>
Just for the record.
that comment was not made by the candidate.
The candidate did say he would step down from various boards he is on.
ACI is a "not for profit" organization. That does not mean it cannot make a profit.
Why is making a profit bad?
Because this town will not believe that the money made by ACI is then reinvested NOT by the people on the board but back for things to grow the city. ACI has been around for years and has many people, from many walks of life, banking at ALL the banks in town as part of it. If you look at the people involved NO one is rich from any money they made from ACI because they did not take any money from the sale of anything. If they have money they made it through their own employment.
It is a case of the naysayers wanting to shoot ACI for doing good. This town hates people that work to make positive changes either on a personal or on a community level.
It would be very interesting if the Traveler would do an acutal article on ACI and find out what they have done and when for the community.
ACI is a "not for profit" organization. That does not mean it cannot make a profit.
Why is making a profit bad?
-----------------
I don't think making a profit is bad! The question still remains -
Why do they need the City and what keeps them from developing their property?
----------------------
It is a case of the naysayers wanting to shoot ACI for doing good. This town hates people that work to make positive changes either on a personal or on a community level.
----------------------
I'm not sure that is the case -
but there is no doubt a difference of opinion on what is needed and how it should be accomplished.
OK so you think ACI should make a profit at the expense of the public? That is exactly what the TIF & Lowes would have accomplished. The developers would be getting MILIONS from your sales tax dollars given to them. It would have cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in unearned taxes while still being required to supply the business with water, sewer and police protection.
I DARE ANY ACI SHAREHOLDER to come forward with last years annual meeting report, prepared by Lee Gregg, showing their holdings. (At least the holdings that were reported, many in that report were "very mysterious" & "non-specfic")
TEA TIME
Mell Kuhn supports Jay Warren
Had the TRAVELER taken the time to go to the ACI meeting, (of which they are a shareholder) we would have this report.
Oh wait, sounds like they are in on it too!
Let's see 2.3 million assets divided by 1200 shares = $1916.67 price per share value.
Looks like the "players" of ACI are stealing money from the widows by buying up the "worthless" shares for a $100.00 each.
Oh, but you said it is ok for them to make a profit....
Get this through your head...
As soon as the "six" main owners have full control of ACI, then they will own majority shares and control the money.
ACI holds it's investments at Home National Bank. Technically the bank is doing nothing wrong by holding these items, it is just odd looking to me. Lee Gregg has been informed not to give out names of other shareholders to anyone, including current shareholders in fear that other non- "six" shareholders will get the widows stocks bought up before they can.
Everyone loves conspiracy theory...so ACI I challenge you...publish a list of names of your shareholders, publish a report of holdings.
I can bet it will never happen!
TEA TIME!!
More ACI at work, city supporting Sybrant warehouse:
IRB Letter of Intent, Hearing Date
Ark City Industries
Goff Industrial Park, Warehouse Building
Resolution No. 2006-05-2328
City Manager Freeland presented a resolution of intent to issue IRBs for financing a new
warehouse building in Goff Industrial Park, and setting the date for a hearing on an economic
development tax exemption for the project. Arkansas City Industries is working on a project
for construction of a new warehouse building in Goff Industrial Park just west of the existing
156,000 sq. ft. building and adjacent to 8th Street on the west and Goff Industrial Road on the
north. The new building would be similar in size to the existing building. ACI wants to use
IRBs to finance the building, and requests the economic development tax exemption that
normally is a part of this type of financing package. The City has used this type of financing for
many commercial and industrial projects in the community. The use of IRBs is private
financing using the City's name and does not constitute any obligation for repayment or
liability to the City. Staff recommended the Commission adopt the resolution of intent and set
a date for a hearing on the ED tax exemption. Jim Sybrant, representing ACI, spoke to the
request for a resolution of intent, the first step in initiating this type of financing. A discussion
followed on various issues, including Mr. Sybrant’s assertion that the City needed to construct
substantial infrastructure to accommodate new business in the industrial park including truck
traffic along Skyline Road between 8th Street and Summit Street. There was also discussion on
whether the building would be inside the City limits in the future. Mr. Sybrant indicated that
he thought it was outside but Commissioner Rice noted that it certainly looked like the
building would be partially inside the current City limits. The Commission indicated that it felt
the building should be completely inside the City limits at some point in time and certainly
before any City investment in additional infrastructure improvements. Mr. Sybrant noted
some businesses would not consider locating inside the City because of zoning, other building
restrictions and increased taxes but he indicated that he would take the Commission’s thoughts
on this back to the other ACI Board members. Following further discussion on the matter,
Commissioner Hockenbury made a motion to adopt the resolution of intent as recommended by
staff, setting a hearing for May 16, 2006 to consider an economic development tax exemption.
Commissioner English seconded the motion. Voice vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Mayor McDonald declared the resolution adopted and given Resolution No. 2006-05-2328.
TEA TIME
HERE ACI IS AT IT AGAIN:
Resolution of Intent to Issue IRBs
Economic Development Tax Exemption Public Hearing
Ark City Industries
Resolution No. 2003-10-2153
City Manager Freeland presented a resolution of intent to issue Industrial Revenue Act bonds for the construction of a new industrial building in Goff Industrial Park, and reviewed a request for approval of an economic development tax exemption by Arkansas City Industries. ACI has decided to proceed with constructing a new 125,000 sq. ft. industrial building in Goff Industrial Park for the purposes of attracting a new industry and for providing space to begin a new “business incubator”, which will provide space and some services to assist entrepreneurs in starting up a new business. The building will also provide some warehouse space that will serve existing Cowley County industries until the building might be fully occupied with industrial uses. ACI has asked the City to issue IRBs for purposes of financing the estimated $3,000,000 cost of the building project. The IRBs are fully the responsibility of the company for whom they are issued and will be repaid by ACI or its successors. The bonds pose no financial risk or obligation to the City even in the unlikely event of a default or bankruptcy. Since the exact cost of the project is not yet known, what is requested is a resolution of intent to issue IRBs for the project. ACI has also requested that the building be 100% exempt from property taxes for a ten year period. Mr. Freeland reviewed the results of the cost/benefit analysis of the requested tax exemption with the Commission. Jim Sybrant and Dave Schaller, representing ACI, reviewed the project for the Commission and answered questions. Vice Mayor Short opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Vice Mayor Short closed the public hearing. Staff recommended the Commission approve the resolution of intent which includes the requested property tax exemption. Commissioner Lisk
made a motion to adopt the resolution of intent as proposed. Commissioner Hooley seconded the motion. Voice vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. Vice Mayor Short declared the resolution adopted and given Resolution No. 2003-10-2153.
TEA TIME
ACI GETS CITY TO FUND ITS WAREHOUSE:Helps Sybrant not AC Citizens!
Warehouse benefits under study
A cost-benefit analysis of a proposed warehouse shows that the city of Ark City would lose revenue during the 10 years of a property tax exemption, but city officials say the overall good of the project makes it worthwhile.
"I think in the long run, it's good for the county and the whole community," said Steve Archer, director of administration for Ark City. "It's going to bring some new jobs and some job growth to Cowley county. You gotta look at the big picture."
The City Commission is expected to vote on whether the property owner, Ark City Industries, should receive a 10-year property tax exemption as an incentive to build the facility, at its next meeting May 16.
The land is near the city and sits in unincorporated territory, but the request for a tax break was made to the City Commission.
The cost benefit analysis, which the city is required to do when a property tax exemption is requested, shows that the total benefits to Ark City would be a $134,427 loss over 10 years.
That calculation weighs the cost of services such as police and fire against the property and sales taxes and other government revenues expected from the project.
Ark City's benefit was a net loss because most of the jobs the warehouse is expected to create for other businesses are not in Ark City but other areas of the county, Archer said.
Ark City Industries wants to build a 158,000 square foot warehouse in Goff Industrial Park, south of Creekstone. Jim Sybrant, of Sybrant Warehouse, would occupy the building and serve several area manufacturers planning to expand, he said.
The city last week agreed to issue up to $4 million in industrial revenue bonds to help finance the warehouse.
The 10-year property tax exemption would free Ark City Industries from paying nearly $1 million to several taxing entities, the cost-benefit analysis shows.
TEA TIME
Jim Sybrant, owner of his own warehouse company, has served
on the AC Industries board for about 35 years.
The corporation is for-profit but has never paid dividends
and its officers do not make salaries, Sybrant said. The shares
back in 1955 were bought by merchants, educators and farmers.
Investors wanted to see Ark City attract industry to improve the
town’s overall quality of life, he said.
Environmental Protection Agency: 3X5yr review arkansas city dump ... The parcels that contain the treated sludge are owned by the Sybrant Family Trust and Arkansas City Industries. Land and Resource Use From 1916 to 1931 the ...
www.scribd.com/doc/1972401/Environmental-Protection-Agency-3X5yr-review-arkansas-city-dump-arkansascity-ks072007 - 262k - Cached - Similar pages
http://www.scribd.com/doc/1972401/Environmental-Protection-Agency-3X5yr-review-arkansas-city-dump-arkansascity-ks072007
$1000.00 / ACRE Wheat Feild..now a steal for $5000.00 / ACRE:
Goff Industrial Park is located just north of the city limits of Arkansas City. Land is owned by local economic
development group Arkansas City Industries. Tenants of this industrial park include Creekstone Farms Premium
Beef, a major food processing facility employing over 800, and Northern Contours and a large warehouse
facility. The City of Arkansas City has invested in major improvements to the roads, water, and sewer services
at this site. Sites are available for new construction at $5,000/acre. Arkansas City Industries is willing to
negotiate an attractive sale price to draw quality jobs to the industrial park and has additional land optioned west
of 8th Street for future expansion.
Utilities:
Power Supplier: Westar Energy Phase: 3 Voltage: 480 Transformer: 600 KVA/KW
Nearest two substations- Oak Sub and Prairieland Sub: 8 ½ MW currently unused on substations
Natural Gas Supplier: Kansas Gas Service Size of Line: 6”
Sewer Supplier: Arkansas City Size of Line: 8”
Water Supplier: Arkansas City Size of Line: 12”
-Industrial Park has independent water tower from Arkansas City
Fiber providers: AT&T and Cox Business Services
Phase 1 available for review
Transportation:
Distance from Interstate: 18 miles – Interstate 35
Distance from 4-lane hwy: ½ mile – US Highway 77
Distance from Other Highways: 3 miles – US Highway 166; 10 miles – US Highway 160
Distance from Commercial Airport: 50 miles- Wichita Mid-Continent Airport
Distance from Regional Airport: 5 miles- Strother Field Industrial Park & Airport
Contact: David Schaller, Arkansas City Industries – 620-441-2111 or dschaller@homenational.com
TEA TIME
OK so you think ACI should make a profit at the expense of the public? That is exactly what the TIF & Lowes would have accomplished. The developers would be getting MILIONS from your sales tax dollars given to them. It would have cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in unearned taxes while still being required to supply the business with water, sewer and police protection.
.......................
I still dont understand the anger at ACI. What have they done that is so bad?
Other than participate in various conspiracies to cheat the city out of bajillions of dollars ... you may say some of their dealings are mysterious, but .. where is anything to back up your vague accusations.
On the BIG BOX deal.
The developer would have received money to pay for infrastructure .. roads, parking lots, water and sewer connections.
Things downtown merchants get for free.
But it would not have cost the city - taxpayers - anything. NOTHING, zero, no money.
The city would have collected sales tax and property tax from any restuarants and other businesses that came along with the development.
Then when TIFF ended, the city would have collected sales tax money from the whole operation.
The only extra cost would have been police and fire protection, but those areas are being served already.
Existing merchants get those things for free now.
So basically, we threw a way a chance to have a Lowes, a couple new restuarants, and a few other businesses. There would have been no extra cost involved.
If the deal fell through, nothing would have happened.
Worst case scenario would have been an empty building.
Yet somehow ACI is the bad guy. ?
Why are some people so against progress?
"Why are some people so against progress?"
Do you really have to ask? Failure validates Scott Margolius's platform. If he is elected again he will tell you it validates his stance on the big box development.
We will have more years of nothing. More years of his micro managing city departments.
"So basically, we threw a way a chance to have a Lowes, a couple new restuarants, and a few other businesses. There would have been no extra cost involved.
If the deal fell through, nothing would have happened.
Worst case scenario would have been an empty building."
That's how I see it as well. Some people on here are angry that someone might stand to profit from the deal. Who cares. The city and all of it's citizens would have profited by having a Lowe's and some nice places to eat, and maybe some other stores come to town. Sounds like win win to me.
You really think this is about Scott Margolis? HARDLY... this is about the "AC Mafia" using city resources to make a profit for themselves.
"Looks like the "players" of ACI are stealing money from the widows by buying up the "worthless" shares for a $100.00 each."
Why would these upstanding businessmen only offer $100.00/share to the widows? Because they will keep using Ark City resources to build wealth for ACI.
They get majority control of ACI and they will cash out....GUARANTEED!!
HAHAHA...Mr Dylan looks like that blogger has a point. Maybe you should stick to singing music...LOL
Well I still think Lowe's was a bad idea. Let them come here on their own dime. And pay the same taxes just like we all do.
It is just as crazy as Obama's plan to spend us out of debt. It will not work. How can giving developers money for free help us?
Hey Arleta I like the name bobby dylan. Did you come up with that or did Jay?
Well I still think Lowe's was a bad idea. Let them come here on their own dime. And pay the same taxes just like we all do.
>>>
When will you people admit the truth.
The developer would have been paying taxes. All taxes would have been paid.
That money would have went to build infrastructure.
So there would have been infrastructure that would have helped the city at no cost to the city.
I want to also assure you, that I am not arleta or warren, or anyone else involved with the city.
Im a free-lance rabble-rouser.
Why when you do a County wide parcel search on the County website
does ACI only show one Parcel?
"When will you people admit the truth."
Amen Bobby! I will also answer the above question for you! If they admit the truth it admits there failure to be objective. It admits they had an agenda for a few not for the many. The tree Amigos would have to admit they may a bad decision. The truth in this case will set them free of their commission seat!
There is no way the average person can get access to old minutes at 5:28 a.m. to post on a blog. This would lead me to ask whether someone currently in office or employed by the city is not trying to sabotage the efforts of growth.
I also think there are employees of banks not having shares of ACI deposits that have gotten copies of anything that will hurt ACI to use on a blog just as this. For them it is a personal vendetta that has all of ARk City hostage.
It is also obvious that the conversation on this blog was directed so that information could be taken out of context and posted. I am sure that this information was not just stored in a desk drawer to be thrown out at random.
There is no way the average person can get access to old minutes at 5:28 a.m. to post on a blog.
It is the continual smoke screen and the label of mafia that hinders this community. I contend that the people twisting the facts are indeed the mafia destroying the community.
I also think I have a very good idea where this information came from. The people that are losers in this battle are all people in this communnity that know that growth...any growth..would ultimately benefit all of us. What is lost in all this smokescreen is that the revenues from sales at all those businesses we lost would have come to this community. I contend that several people that do not like ACI or Home National Bank are committing crimes against the people in this town by spreading hate and lies. You may have an ax to grind with those people but you have effectively hurt the entire town...get over it and move on.
well said.
It is the continual smoke screen and the label of mafia that hinders this community. I contend that the people twisting the facts are indeed the mafia destroying the community.
>>>
I agree with that.
One can get old minutes from the city's web site.
It is interesting to me that certain people are under attack, while others get a free pass.
I do agree that the nay saying, negative attitude that shows up here, and around town, is a much larger enemy than ACI , the ark city mafia, or even the communists.
:)
j
THIS SHOWS YOU HOW OUT OF TOUCH YOU ARE WITH TECHNOLOGY.....
Ark City posts the meeting minutes:
http://www.arkcity.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1154&DL=1
So, regardless of time you can view them. Damn freedom of information act anyway!
And as for the mafia statement, what goes around comes around! No one wants to discuss the buying of shares, the lack of a list of names, or a number of other problems that seem interesting.
Everyone likes a good mystery...except for those involved
re: the claims or statements that arkansas city industries, inc. is a non-profit corporation (see james jordans 4-2-09 9:20 p.m. post), you might check out the kansas secretary of state's business entity search. you might be shocked to find that aci, ID#0091330, is a "domestic FOR PROFIT" corporation. it doesn't matter how many times you repeat a falsehood, it isn't going to become true. jay, jim, roger, lee,jean, pat, & others, QUIT BLOWING SMOKE!!!!
Looks like the poster is correct. I did a google searc for "sybrant and ark city industries" and found all the information that was posted.
Mystery solved and it only took a computer.
Wow
WOW!
Small town politics at its best (or worst)! I am from Winfield and look in on this blog from time to time and I am always amazed at how so many of the issues in Ark City continue to paralyze your community and how so many of the facts get misused or manipulated to skew one's perception of what happened in the past and what should happen in the future. My advice to those interested; get over the past, quit complaining about who owns the land and how they should promote it. Find leaders with some governmental experience and a few fresh thinkers who are not "owned" by others and turn them loose to promote commercial and job development. One other thought, Jobs come with industrial development more than retail. This entire region needs to attract new and expanding industry, not another retail store.
Sorry that I crossed that invisible brick wall barrier between our two great towns, but I am so disappointed in our county's lack of results in industrial development. It may be your grassroots effort on this blog to change things for the better, but this blog needs a more constructive approach than burning bridges over the past. How great it could be if your group evolves into a gathering place for ideas and information. We can all brainstorm our way to a better future.
Amen
I wonder if industry would be attracted to a "soveriegn city" or state? National news has indicated major industry is frightened by the changes in Washington.
Also, I think industry would be attracted to cheaper utilities (much like Winfield offers).
This guy has been on the rec commission for 19 years, so why do the ball fields look so bad? What can Jay bring to the city, nothing but a vote for HNB & ACI.
The ball fields can not be changed without funding and more volunteer time. Are you willing to step to the plate or just complain. A petition to work on the ball fields was passed and money from a matching fund available but sent back for "lack of interest". I don't think Warren or anyone else on the rec commission can be blamed for lack of effort. The community can be blamed for apathy.
"Then we will have a balanced commisssion that doesn't bow to the whim of Kuhn and Smith"
Then don't you have an unbalanced commission again??? How long before you gripe about what "this three" will do???
Oh BOO HOOOO....
ADMIT THAT ACI IS STEALING MONEY FROM WIDOWS!
ADMIT ACI IS STEALING FROM ARK CITY!
It is dishonest!
"ADMIT THAT ACI IS STEALING MONEY FROM WIDOWS!
ADMIT ACI IS STEALING FROM ARK CITY!"
Why place the proverbial ball in our court? If your accusations have a grain of truth to them, how about this...
PROVE THAT ACI IS STEALING MONEY FROM WIDOWS!
PROVE ACI IS STEALING FROM ARK CITY!
Until then, stop badmouthing.
Jay Waren mentioned being on the board for his church, and rec center, but not his being on the boards of ACI and HNB wonder why he didn't mention that.
"The ball fields can not be changed without funding and more volunteer time. blah blah blah"
The job of the rec are any other board is to get this stuff done, no excuses!
We don't give the commission a pass.
I do not think being a regular Joe is something to aspire to or to support in an election of our leaders. I do not want a average, regular people to lead the city. I would much rather have someone above average at least. Someone successful, intellegent, articulate, with good problem solving skills. Just because you are wealthy now or have a good career does not mean you cannot relate and be empathetic of others. Many successful people are down to earth folks. I honestly would not want an average Joe of Ark City to be in public office. I bet I am in the minority, but think about it a bit please.
Also, all of the candidates are successful more than most. A business owner (McDonald), a man that helps run a successful local company (Margolius), a man in the oil business with interest in a local bank (Warren), a retired fire cheif (Fry), a retired finance man for local banks (Matthews), a retired superintendent of schools (Snell). All pretty exceptional, and not average. But all are good people and can relate and be empathetic to many. They want to help and serve.
Average is not something to aspire to. Excellence is.
Jay is a bad choice because he hasn't bothered to inform himself on the issues has be flat wrong on many of the things he's read to you. If he can't bother to study for campagin answers how on earth can you expect him to be able to make any decisions or do any of his own study if elected? Plus he can't speak his way out of a paper bag. Is that who you want as your betst foot forward to speak for you?
I think Warren would be a wonderful choice. Granted he is not a golden speaker but when he speaks it is well thought out and informed. He does not speak from both sides of his mouth and will not stoop to name calling. I also admire the hours he has put into raising money for kids so they can be involved in sports. He also has donated time and hours of cooking to raise funds for a variety of projects.
He is a genuine person that is not retired and is trying to run a business, campaign and become informed on issues. It is so easy for the "arm chair" politicians to be critical. If you are going to go after one candidate then look at your own and judge each on the same criteria.
All of us saw one group of visible people in the society of this town call
all the shots for years and years. Let me tell you; they were shocked when
that all came to a crashing end in the last commission election.
We are seeing there dirty tricks as they demand to have back their
"rightful place" calling the shots and knowing in advance what will happen
even before an issue comes to a public vote.
Our town finally got in a commission that will not do their bidding. You
know there are some tough times ahead, but the “old money” will never
suffer. The real problem is; they don’t care if you do.
So follow the money of the candidates, how much is bank money and how much
is self funded? Just look at the signs for a start.
Please get out and vote so the “ Chosen Ones” and their minions can’t run
this town in to the ground ever again. Vote for openness, honesty, and a
fair shake for even the little guy.
Don’t ever think your vote does't’t count, in the eyes of God and in the
voter’s booth we all account for the same amount!
The Ark City Tea Party
""Why place the proverbial ball in our court? If your accusations have a grain of truth to them, how about this...
PROVE THAT ACI IS STEALING MONEY FROM WIDOWS!
PROVE ACI IS STEALING FROM ARK CITY!
Until then, stop badmouthing.""
Looks like that is an easy way out for you. You don't like the question, so your answer is you prove it. Looks like buy the above post of the commission minutes it has already been proven about stealing from Ark City. And as for stealing from widows, lets talk about how the shares of stock keep getting undervalued when the six of you buy up shares. You are not fair to the stockholders feeding them misinformation for your personal gain.
That is stealing and you know it. Hide behind the "WE HELP ARK CITY" all you want...you are still thieves.
Who are the six shareholders? What was robbed from Ark City? I have not seen this and I have lived here for many many years. As for the "old money" what do you mean. The people working and trying to make this a better place to call home? The people who build houses for habitat? the ones working at the Burford? the ones volunteering hours at Big Brothers or on the multitude of boards in this town? I just don't see what was robbed except that I think these negative posts that are unsubstantiated are robbing the town of the ability to move forward and to start thinking positively.
IF the current commission had voted the way they have for ethical reasons or even reasons that made sense then I would be all for them. BUT the fact remains that they never study issues, stop discussions on many issues before they can move on and have split this town in half. I believe they were against many things because people like you made positive changes look bad and because they believe the same half truths that you believe. They were doing the citizens a favor by voting down every item that they were told looked like "old money" supported it. It never was about the real issues but about proving points and getting even.
I saw this commission robbing people who can not pay their water bills or who have an accident. I saw them stop the proposal that would have brought in millions of taxes and that is my idea of robbing.
Double Wow. Hey last post, are you serious? If so, how's that Kool-aid? Are you spewing that as campaign rhetoric, or do you really believe yourself? Those of us who are voting sensibly and for the good of the town know what you are full of, and it's not wisdom.
The ACI shareholders are real and so are their motives. As to their identities; to print them would mean a quickly deleted post. Some are obvious and some are hiding behind outside entities, but they ARE there and will get what's coming to them eventually. You will notice them by their backpeddaling when things appear to be going in a direction which they failed to foresee. One such example is the hospital location. Try to nail someone down on the hospital deal, and their allegiances will become "transparent."
I do know members of ACI and they are farmers, business people, retired citizens and good people. They had nothing to do with the hospital location...that land was donated by people that cared about Ark City.
I have taken the time to educate myself and found that getting the list of ACI members involved asking a few questions. Ironically, I also found out that they are not all friends, do not all bank at the same bank, do not share anything more than the desire to see Ark City Grow. It was founded over 50 years ago by citizens and it is sad to see so many good things tainted by the continual name calling. You are the one that is obviously bent on keeping Ark City in the 50's.
Do some research and get your facts straight before you call people thieves, etc. I like a previous poster would love to see exactly what the ACI did that has robbed the community, widows, innocent children...etc.
"Our town finally got in a commission that will not do their bidding."
And you say that like it's a good thing? I thought the council was supposed to do the town's bidding. It's obvious that Kuhn, Smith, and Margolius didn't get that memo, but I'm pretty sure that's why they were elected.
Someone said Kuhn was backing Warren, but from what I've seen Kuhn has Mathews and Fry signs out in front of his business and his home. I don't think Kuhn likes Warren at all. I think Kuhn actually feels threatened by him.
They just say that to get people to not vote for Warren and vote for their guy. It's obvious that Warren will be the Anti-Kuhn. Polite, well spoken, and thinking before he talks. In other words, just what this town needs after all we've been through with Smellicious Puhn and his amigos.
Who said Kuhn was backing Warren??? Citation, please (other than "someone").
It was posted earlier on one of these blogs.
I think it was just someone trying to stir the proberbial poo.
Everyone knows Kuhn is against having Warren and Snell and McDonald get in and ruin his little voting blosk that he now enjoys.
blosk = block
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