JustinMattern wrote:( bold italics are my replies to Justin. Randy W)
Hello all,I am glad to see we have a local forum besides our Tea Party forum to expres ourselves on. Thank you.
Disclaimer: I am Sue Evans Campaign Manager but my words are of MY own opinion, not her's in any way.
Now i must comment on what has been said about what went on at the City Commission meeting. I was also there and also recorded the meeting in its entirity. Now too educate myself I read all of the minutes from the meetings since 2008, alot of pages. I wanted to see how they were conducted and how our money was spent. This meeting was my first and I can say that the minutes you see online are heavily edited! I think that time and space constraints are more of an impact on the issue of editing rather than concerns of conspiracy, but you know how it goes..you say potato, I say potahto...
Now as far as Sue stating John Kautzman runs the show, she is right, this guy did more talking then anyone throughout this meeting, like i said i have it recorded. Not only did he talk alot out of turn ect, he made several rude comments. As far as who was attacking who, it was John on the attack, period.
Well, I certainly respect your opinion, but as I posted earlier, I think that the Mayor is quite capable of establishing a comfort level insofar as his allowance of leeway for individual members of the Board, or employees of the City to talk or not talk at Commission Meetings. Leadership skills and methodologies vary from individual to individual. Bottom line...I don't think that John Kautzman has the authority to make Independent decisions, although in his role as Auditor he does have some authority. I don't think whether or not you, or I, or Sue, or any other citizen likes someone talking out of turn at a City Commission Meeting is what we need to be concerned with. It is the Issues themselves.
Now I will admit I have had my head stuck in the sand for over 20 yrs and did not take part in what was going on in our community and how things were run. Being a person of common sense, in my opinion, things are running very wrong.
Common Sense is a virtue. I think we need to see more of that in our community.
Example: The Fire Chief went before the Commission asking for permission to get bids on certain items that they had 2 grants that would cover the cost of. These items were normal for the profession, such as, Thermal Imaging Technology, SCBA's ect, but one thing caught the eye of a couple of Commission members, a 2010 Yukon outfitted to be a First Respond Vehicle. One of them asked " doesn't the Fire Dept have 2 vehicles already for this" and the Cheif said yes. So then it was asked " well since you started the First Respond Program, how many of the First Respond calls have you gotten?" The Chief said" well since 2002, none, but we have had 2 mini First Respond calls". so then one of the Commissioners said " so since 2002 you have had only 2 mini calls and have 2 vehicles and one that hasn't hardly moved?" the Chief "yes." the Commissioner "and now you want this 2010 Yukon? the Chief "yes." Now you could see the Commissioners wheels turning like mine and others were, why in the heck do they need a brand new very expensive vehicle, when they have 2 now which one of them doesnt even move and the have NEVER had a First Respond call, just 2 mini calls. But by golly all of the Commissioners all voted YES for him to get bids on the Yukon as well as the other items.
I think that the Commissioners must have a great deal of trust in the Chief. If they don't, then he should be gone, for the greater benefit of everyone, including him. Insofar as the Mini-calls you refer to, I bet if you ask the recipients/beneficiaries of those mini-calls if they care how many 2010 Yukons the taxpayers are paying for and whether or not they care if they are sitting in the garage most of the time...they would think you were nuts. If you had an emergency first respond call, who you gonna call? Would you really complain about it then? The rose colored glasses really lose their sheen when the view is up close and personal.
Of course, I understand that you are a Tea Party Member, the anti-tax and fiscal frugality party. I subscribe to that. As part of your goals, you believe that we need new leadership since in your opinion that is not happening right now. I respect that. I don't necessarily agree with you in your anecdote of the 2010 Yukon, but it is a legitimate discussion of the issues and I appreciate you sharing it. From a political standpoint you have every obligation to do what you can to get your party in power. The voters need to be educated and this is a primary goal of this forum. I am just hoping that we will get representative viewpoints from all sides.
Now I having common sense seen this as a waste of money and time. From what I have read this happens often in our City meetings. Now yes there have been alot of good things come out of there, but in my view a few good do not out wiegh a liitle or alot of bad.
As far as John Kautzman in my view he needs to keep his comments to himself and do his one and only job and flip the tape.
I think the City Commissioners determine the boundaries of John Kautzman's role, and rightly so.
If you would liek a copy of the meeting please email me at un4rattler@yahoo.com anytime, also from now on I will be recording audio as well as video taping them.
I want common sense back in decision making. what I seen in my first meeting was not common sense thinking. We need transparency in all of government in all of its forms.
I too believe in transparency in every way. Your groups' efforts might force a re-evaluation of procedural processes, and put people on notice that they are being watched. Great!. However, it does not mean that something underhanded or shady is being done.
Justin Mattern
Justin thanks so much for posting. I am really looking forward to your perspectives and spins on issues we all care about.
Hello all,I am glad to see we have a local forum besides our Tea Party forum to expres ourselves on. Thank you.
Disclaimer: I am Sue Evans Campaign Manager but my words are of MY own opinion, not her's in any way.
Now i must comment on what has been said about what went on at the City Commission meeting. I was also there and also recorded the meeting in its entirity. Now too educate myself I read all of the minutes from the meetings since 2008, alot of pages. I wanted to see how they were conducted and how our money was spent. This meeting was my first and I can say that the minutes you see online are heavily edited! Now as far as Sue stating John Kautzman runs the show, she is right, this guy did more talking then anyone throughout this meeting, like i said i have it recorded. Not only did he talk alot out of turn ect, he made several rude comments. As far as who was attacking who, it was John on the attack, period.
Now I will admit I have had my head stuck in the sand for over 20 yrs and did not take part in what was going on in our community and how things were run. Being a person of common sense, in my opinion, things are running very wrong. Example: The Fire Chief went before the Commission asking for permission to get bids on certain items that they had 2 grants that would cover the cost of. These items were normal for the profession, such as, Thermal Imaging Technology, SCBA's ect, but one thing caught the eye of a couple of Commission members, a 2010 Yukon outfitted to be a First Respond Vehicle. One of them asked " doesn't the Fire Dept have 2 vehicles already for this" and the Cheif said yes. So then it was asked " well since you started the First Respond Program, how many of the First Respond calls have you gotten?" The Chief said" well since 2002, none, but we have had 2 mini First Respond calls". so then one of the Commissioners said " so since 2002 you have had only 2 mini calls and have 2 vehicles and one that hasn't hardly moved?" the Chief "yes." the Commissioner "and now you want this 2010 Yukon? the Chief "yes." Now you could see the Commissioners wheels turning like mine and others were, why in the heck do they need a brand new very expensive vehicle, when they have 2 now which one of them doesnt even move and the have NEVER had a First Respond call, just 2 mini calls. But by golly all of the Commissioners all voted YES for him to get bids on the Yukon as well as the other items.
Now I having common sense seen this as a waste of money and time. From what I have read this happens often in our City meetings. Now yes there have been alot of good things come out of there, but in my view a few good do not out wiegh a liitle or alot of bad.
As far as John Kautzman in my view he needs to keep his comments to himself and do his one and only job and flip the tape.
If you would liek a copy of the meeting please email me at un4rattler@yahoo.com anytime, also from now on I will be recording audio as well as video taping them.
I want common sense back in decision making. what I seen in my first meeting was not common sense thinking. We need transparency in all of government in all of its forms.
Great to have you as part of our board, Sue!! Thanks for joining in!!!
__________________
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
When you state justifiable and prudent use..The Star Fund. It was changed. It is was the also known as the jobs creation fund, what was voted on. NOW, it is the Flex pace program, Mini Match, and 2 others.
I do carry a recorder to all city meetings. It is difficult to demonstrate in writing the tone of an individual. You are correct. It appeared to me that Mr. Kautzman was running the show.
I am happy to have a forum such as this. Thank you for providing a format for the people to use.
__________________
Our ELECTED officials are our employees. These individuals asked for this job. We must govern our employees.
Sue Evans wrote:(My replies and responses to the post are in bold italics. Randy W)
BRAVO!! I am so glad to have some place besides the Herald. NO EDITS..
The last city meeting was not quite what was reported in the paper. John Kautzman seems to run the show. He corrected the Mayor. John told Ward not to spend money we didn't have when Ward began to mention using the oil money towards property tax
I was not there so will just presume that rightly, or wrongly, this is your subjective opinion and perspective of the interaction between the two above mentioned individuals. If John Kautzman is "running the show" as you say, I guess it is up to the Mayor to explain to him whose role is what, and not for any of us to determine who is entitled to say what...wouldn't you say?
...John got after me for the transparency issue. He wanted to know if ND had this bill or was this a TEA Party thing. I was trying to explain that ND had also enacted a transparency bill. John went on to explain that all those sitting before us were elected and therefore our bosses. I reminded him - EMPLOYEE. John let me know I was not the mayor yet.
I would certainly enjoy hearing John Kautzman's spin on that, but I doubt that we will. One of the problems people have is when they are attacked, as he will surely perceive it, they will do one of two things...respond in kind, or totally ignore the individual claims, whatever they may be. Ann Landers said many times, you never win by responding to personal attacks, and should take the moral high road and remain silent. In fact, this allows those who actually are guilty of things they are accused of, an "out" for not responding...it is a slippery slope, so that sort of thing is better left out of the postings...at least in my opinion. You will never win a pishing contest with a telephone post, and will get your britches legs wet to boot....so as happy as I am that you are responding, for what it's worth, I would hope that you would take that into consideration.
Our city in a special vote has a penny tax. 75% dedicated to property tax relief through bond debt reduction and infrastructure. We got BOND DEBT for infrastructure. NO property tax relief. We have no idea of the boundries for our STAR FUND. According to Ward, it only suggests we keep the money in Williston and Western ND.
The windfall monies we have in the Star Fund have generally been put to prudent and justifiable use. However, it is not unreasonable to consider a re-visitation to the Mission Statement of that entity for possible restructure, but that by no means suggests it has been a failure.
You are not being told that the school tax does not end until late 2011 or early 2012. When the park board approached the city to ask for the penny, they envisioned beginning this fall for their needs. They didn't have a full info on this subject. I spoke at the meeting to give them a better view. The city wouldn't offer them the information they were seeking. This was not reported in the Herald.
Not to play Devil's Advocate...no wait, I guess I am...Isn't it entirely possible that they (City Commissioners) are simply studying all angles of the issue before coming up with an answer that will be official, and recorded, and second guessed by every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a dog in the hunt? You will find, if you get on any Board or Office in the Community that the wheels turn very very slowly. Personally I think giving the 1 cent tax to the Park Board would turn into a complete boondoggle. And I, at least, did know that it would end later rather than sooner; and suspicion that more people than you might guess do as well.
I would love to speak in person to anyone. Ask me a question and I will answer it. I will look for the answer.
I am extremely pleased that you have chosen to post your positions and perspectives on the issues of the day. Please continue to do so in the spirit of civility in which is was encouraged. Welcome!
BRAVO!! I am so glad to have some place besides the Herald. NO EDITS..
The last city meeting was not quite what was reported in the paper. John Kautzman seems to run the show. He corrected the Mayor. John told Ward not to spend money we didn't have when Ward began to mention using the oil money towards property tax...John got after me for the transparency issue. He wanted to know if ND had this bill or was this a TEA Party thing. I was trying to explain that ND had also enacted a transparency bill. John went on to explain that all those sitting before us were elected and therefore our bosses. I reminded him - EMPLOYEE. John let me know I was not the mayor yet.
Our city in a special vote has a penny tax. 75% dedicated to property tax relief through bond debt reduction and infrastructure. We got BOND DEBT for infrastructure. NO property tax relief. We have no idea of the boundries for our STAR FUND. According to Ward, it only suggests we keep the money in Williston and Western ND.
You are not being told that the school tax does not end until late 2011 or early 2012. When the park board approached the city to ask for the penny, they envisioned beginning this fall for their needs. They didn't have a full info on this subject. I spoke at the meeting to give them a better view. The city wouldn't offer them the information they were seeking. This was not reported in the Herald.
I would love to speak in person to anyone. Ask me a question and I will answer it. I will look for the answer.
__________________
Our ELECTED officials are our employees. These individuals asked for this job. We must govern our employees.
In a world where personal communication is becoming more and more difficult due to further seperation of ideologies and tolerance..., it would seem a public online forum would be a great vehicle for question and answer sessions such as what you've mentioned. Stress free, answer questions at your leisure.
And I do also agree, it shows a level of competence and education. You actually have to show good use of grammar and spelling. Lack thereof could prove a candidate unworthy of their desired position.
If anyone knows Sue Evans, please direct her to this website.
Thanks Randy!!
__________________
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
It still never ceases to amaze me, that so many people in our community don't seem to get it.
The internet is not going to go away. I really believe that one of the primary reasons the Democrats have been so successful in recent years, is that they have fully grasped the concept of modern day communication. The Republicans seem to have yet to figure that out.
I don't think President Obama and the current majority in Congress were so successful in recent years so much because of their integrity, honesty, ethics, and morality...they are not really much different than most of the other politicos in Washington, DC, but more so because they are just better at gaming the rest of us. The Internet is one of the most free-wheeling and open-ended communications pipelines in the world.
Politicians who grasp that concept, and take advantage of it, have so much more ability to share....a tremendous leg-up on the others....particularly with the Generations X, Y, and Z. Us baby boomers are apparently slow to pick up on that.
How do I know this, you ask? Being facetious, I say, go on-line and look at the demographics of the target groups of the Democratic party; then ask a younger person in the community about their thoughts on local politics and issues.
If it is electronic comms, email, twitter, tweet, facebook, blogs, or chats, be assured, they are there. They may not be posting on this page, or others like it, but I can just about guarantee you that they are reading it. Most of them don't seem to care enough yet, to get vocal, but hopefully, it is coming. Local issues are going to concern them a lot more as their kids grow up.
I suggest, that the candidates, if they don't have the know-how, or the wherewithal to communicate on line, should recruit some younger people, designate them as an email PR guy or girl, and answer questions on-line. Steve Powell is one of the few youngsters who are actually trying to act in a pro-active manner and this forum, his creation, is a perfect place. Ward, how about it? Sue Evans, how about it? All you others who hope to make a difference?
Historically, we have what, one forum each election cycle...(how many people came to the last one), then we have a little blurb article in the Herald about each candidate, one time. There are no debates, no heavy discussion...just one heck of a lot of apathy.
It borders on ridiculous. We have several months before elections...
I would love to see the candidates for the contested seats, any or all of them, or their "press secretary" or PR person, by proxy, come on here, and answer serious questions.
I don't see how people strong enough to run for office in a town of this size can be afraid to communicate. You don't even have to shoot from the hip in response, you can think it out before you reply. If you are careful, you don't even have to take an issue out of context, and even if you do, then the others can respond. Of course, you have to have a brain, you have to understand the English language, have an ability to use fundamental English composition, and you have to understand the nuances of communication. And particularly, a thick skin. If you are lacking those...then why in the heck are you running for office?
I see some little blips and blurbs on the Herald guestbook, and blogs in response to the articles in the Herald, but they are subject to too much editorial license, and simply by delaying the posting of reply and response, they defeat the very intent of those blog reponses. I think the Herald is trying to come into the present day, but we are still "oh, so far" behind most places in this country.
I catch a lot of flack from my own kids, and their friends, for even bothering to post on this page, or the Herald site. They think it is funny, and keep threatening to lock my computer, but if somebody doesn't say something, we are going to keep losing great opportunities to actually accomplish great things.
By now there should be a pretty good list out....maybe you, or someone else could post something up on that.
If more people would write on here in a non-combative way, the site could be a much more effective clearing house for communications between various thought processes in the community.
These sorts of communication resources are common all over the country....and I think more and more of us recognize that, but so many are hesitant to post for fear someone is going to attack them, or...they misinterpret what the other person was actually saying and the comments get taken out of context....
I think we need to get past that sort of negative thinking and communicate with each other. Otherwise, you will continue to have multiple small cliques of people who regularly converse only with like-minded people, rather than actually talking to those of other mindsets. How are we ever going to meet in the middle for the greater good if we refuse to do that?
This page provides a perfect forum for all....even those radicals who post at least have a chance to espouse their extreme ideas in front of all of us. They have a chance to get up on the soapbox and take their turn, just like the rest of us.
I would like to see some of the local candidates post on here....if they have so little confidence in their ability to converse on the internet and interact in the cyber world, they really should re-think their efforts to run for public office because it is a lot nastier out there in the real world than in our little piece of it....and they will get a pretty good taste if they are elected to a office.
Has anyone heard who is petitioning for any of the coming seats?
__________________
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
We need transparency in all of government in all of its forms. 
, it would seem a public online forum would be a great vehicle for question and answer sessions such as what you've mentioned. Stress free, answer questions at your leisure. 
