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August 2007 Postings

8-31-2007-06

Response to 8-30-2007-06
You said:
"I think some of the people that post on this site are truly out of their minds and have little else to do...."
Followed by (paraphrasing), "blah, blah, blah . . ." Blah, blah, blah . . ." etc., i.e., nothing of importance
Response: Whatever . . . Reality check; review the primary results.

8-31-2007-05

Iron Mountain is finally going to pave a few streets however one of those is Main Street. Take a ride and look at it no patches, pot holes, and a rather smooth road. Now look at Mille, Pewabic, Aragon, 5th and 6th streets just to name a few. They are falling apart patches on top of patches there is a hole on Aragon so large they don’t even attempt to patch it. 6th street has a cave in going on near a catch basin started this spring they stuck an orange cone over it and considered it fixed. Now I know we need to repave but let’s do it where it is needed most.

8-31-2007-04

To the writer of 08-30-2007-06, about the "Tax on the cable bill":

I can't speak for all who have opposed the Iron Mountain cable-TV fee, but I can speak for a number of us.

If you're referring to Jim Hogan's post (8-29-2007-05), it applies also to my family and a number of others in a separate but similar neighborhood at the other end of town.  His point is perfectly valid.  I'm sure his primary consideration is not financial, although money is a legitimate but secondary consideration.  Practical fairness is his primary consideration.  And he's absolutely right.  That's the larger issue, fairness or justice or rightness, if you will, and has been one of the larger issues for the last 3.5 years with Iron Mountain's city council.

As it stands now, as an Iron Mountain citizen, I will pay $42.00 a year to the city (for cable-television services only, excluding internet service) for a liaison officer at Iron Mountain Public Schools (a program I laud, by the way) although I'm in the Breitung Township School District -- through no choice of my own.

Why should people like us pay a $42.00-a-year tax to Iron Mountain for a service we do not receive?  Yet any other citizen of Iron Mountain who receives the police officer liason service, but has broadcast or satellite or no TV service instead of cable, does not have to pay a dime for it?  Not a dime.  You pay only if you have cable.

Because of the city council's ill-considered action at the last meeting, city-charter legalities aside, only some citizens of Iron Mountain are now paying the full expense of a service that almost all of the citizens will benefit from.  I say "almost all" because not even all of us will get the benefit.  Some Iron Mountain citizens like me are paying, and must pay, and will not even get the benefits because we're part of Breitung Township Schools, not Iron Mountain Schools -- through no choice of our own.

Get it?

Now, does that seem fair to you?  It's legalized theft.  That's what it is and nothing less.  Yet that's how this council works, either through ignorance, shortsightedness, and stupidity; or attempts at slick and clever cunning; or just plain incompetence.  It forces us to pay for a service we do not and can not get, then gets in front of a camera or microphone or newspaper reporter and raves, "Wow!  Look at this fantastic, progressive thing we're doing for all of you!"  I'm all for taxes, I'm not one of those people who demonize them, I understand their value, but I damn well better get a good road, school, bridge, fire department, a police liaison officer in my school district, or some other service for those taxes.  What this council is demanding is the same as if I were to walk into a shoe store, pay $100 for a new pair of Nikes, but would not be allowed to have them and would be forced to leave the store without them.

I dare you to show me and then defend the sense of that or the justice of it.  Is it any wonder there's a groundswell of people in this city prepared to replace the four incumbent candidates in November?  And I hope they do.  This from someone who voted for much of the current council over the last two election cycles.  Boy did I blow it!  But remember the Who song "We Won't Get Fooled Again"?

If you think money should not be the issue, perhaps you'll pony up and send each of us cheapskates who are paying for a service we do not get, and cannot get, a check for $42.00 each year.  Post your name and address here and I'll send you a list of all of us who are forced by Iron Mountain's city council to pay a fee -- a tax -- for services we do not get.  There's not an outrageous number of us.  Forty-two bucks annually per household should not bother an apparently generous spender like you.

As far as your entirely unwarranted cheap shot: "Is it cutting into the Walmart spending sprees?  Cheap people complain about $5...."  You may want to rethink that, then perhaps choke on it.  Is this quotation from the same person writing, and properly so, about "gay slurs" and "poor taste"?  You wear your double standard rather openly.  More to the point: if you bother to do your homework, you'll see that your classless "cheap people" comment would definitely not apply to the citizens of whom I speak who are simultaneous residents of the City Iron Mountain and Breitung Township Schools.  If you check further, you will also learn that many if not most of them are open and generous citizens who, aside from their civic, church, health-care, and charitable involvement and efforts, quietly pump thousands of personal dollars voluntarily into this community every single year, and have done so for decades, including last weekend's Italian Fest that you so admired, as well as many, many activities and events like it.  Ever hear of noblesse oblige?  They have it, you do not.  I wonder what even prompts you to make a remark like that, exhibiting so much inelegant, vulgar, and common ignorance.  Just plain financially I daresay a couple of those people could probably buy and sell you and likely everyone on your city council several times over.  I'm afraid your remark tells us more about you than it does about the people you so easily, gratuitously, and wrongly scorn.

8-31-2007-03

To the writer of Post # 8-30-2007-06:
 
I'm trying to decide if you were just "getting your giggles" by trying to bait for some angry responses...or if you deeply feel everything you mentioned to be true.  It is not politically wise of me to respond to you...but you did happen to strike a nerve I wish to respond to.
 
Again; this site is all about the freedom to express opinions, and discuss ideas and concerns.  I read posts here very often and I honestly can't think of the gay slurs you are talking of, but if they exist I agree that is just inexcusably wrong.
 
Are you a much bigger person then, with your word-slinging and accusations?  "Slumlords", "Bankruptcy filers", "one-issue candidates",  "cheap people" and "idiots"?
 
Insinuating that poorer people who's budgets are stretched to the limit are actually at Walmart on "spending sprees?"  If I had to guess from your comment that the Cable Fee "could be more", I would say you have never had to struggle in your life.  It sounds like you have never had to make the choice between heat and car insurance or food.  The smaller a household budget, the higher the impact of multiple, stacking fees and taxes. Every dollar that goes into yet another non-essential City tax or fee is a dollar that cannot be put into food, school supplies, shoes, medications, electric bill, etc. Have you ever had to pay for child care?  Had a shut-off notice for your heat?
 
I can't help but wonder if you are one of the "watch dogs" at the supermarket who judge and critique a family for using food stamps also.  Maybe it burns your behind if that family buys soda or a gallon of ice cream and you tell them so?  Wouldn't it be better if local families were able to keep more of their income in their pockets?
 
Unless you have been in the shoes of an adult who is doing their best to support a household, I would cut back on the Walmart remarks.  The "sprees" you mentioned were probably for food, soap and paper products.  These days, sadly, cleaning supplies and paper products are starting to fall into the "luxury items" category for a lot of families.
 
What you claim to be "progress" is not helping the average family in this town to be able to afford to live here.  If only a select few can afford to live here, are cared about, and matter to the local governent....well...the population numbers will dwindle even further.  Maybe that's the plan?  To "weed out" the Riff-Raff, Slumlords, bankruptcy filers, and cheap people,...as you called them?  Maybe also get rid of all the residents that don't like to be lied to, left out of important decisions that affect their pocketbook, or who stand up to voice their opinions?
 
If you were indeed successful, it would be interesting to see how many people would be left in this city: 
 
I can hear the crickets chirping now.
 
I know I fell into the trap of responding to you when I shouldn't have given you a second thought.  But if you had ever lived in the real world, where most families in this town reside, you would have compassion and empathy for people's daily struggles and what those precious dollars really mean.
 
Tina Peterson

8-31-2007-02

Ah Excuse me:  to the writer of the Nothside B.S. note.  There certainly was another Northside merchant there.  All American Design was there to  air brush T-shirts, for any who wanted, even though the committee chose to buy the printed T-shirts elsewhere.  Hope next year, wherever it is, this is remembered.

8-31-2007-01

This is to the writer of 8-30-2007-03

 

I think the Northside Italian that you were responding to was trying to make a very valid point. There is no question that the north side is directly a large part of Iron Mountain ’s Italian heritage. Most, if not all Italians who immigrated and settled in Iron Mountain  lived on the north side. It was their/our territory, and not necessarily by choice. It started as a mine-owned poor area reserved for those "lousy Italian immigrants."  Some of the old rooming houses are still standing. Those poor, hardworking Italians made it their own, and have a right to be proud of it. No bigotry, no slamming of "Downtown Dagos" (who probably got their start on the north side)
 
As another Northside Italian, I am offended that you put words into the writers’ mouth, and read so much into what he was trying to say that was just not there. No true Iron Mountain  Italian Fest could give real honor to the local Italian heritage and ignore the huge importance of the northside to that heritage.  There is a reason the Northside was called Little Italy. That’s all he was trying to say. It was just a little local ethnic pride of place showing through. Nothing more. And earned with the blood and sweat of our Northside Italian ancestors. By the way, if my Nonie was still with us, she probably would have gone to the Italian Fest, no matter where it was held, but would have enjoyed it more if it was at City Park as you suggested.  Even more if it was on the Northside. There, I feel a little better now.
 
. . . Oh hell, since you mentioned cacca, Caccati in mano e prenditi a schiaffi!  (just can't shake that "dago" temper)

8-30-2007-10

It's about time someone on this site finally mentioned the dispatchers that were hired at the Police Department, as well as the fact that the city paid to send one of them to the police academy.  Four firemen were laid off, dispatchers were added to the police department and yet our police protection hasn't increased because we still have 2 officers patrolling (just like before the dispatchers).  Seems the Police Department must be pretty crowded with all those people in there all day!
By the way, did the city offer to send all of the dispatchers to the academy or just one?  If just one, how did they decide which?  If it was just the male dispatcher offered the opportunity add discrimination to the list of the current managers' offenses.

8-30-2007-09

Responding to 8-28-2007-01:
 
 
I think and hope you will be mistaken about the hateful comments you anticipated for your opinion.  The whole point of this website is to be able to have an opinion!
 
But,
I just can't help but try to make you understand something about the man you speak of.  I have no problem repeating myself on this one, could do it all day long if given the chance:  He is a good, decent, fair, trustworthy man who's many reasons for running for Council have absolutely nothing to do with pensions. 
Even his wife wrote a letter on this site explaining that she told him to start taking action, instead of sitting on the sidelines feeling helpless about the current Council's bad decisions.  To me it sounded like what most spouses might say to their mate:  Stop your complaining and get in there and do something!  Now maybe that's not what she said, and forgive me if she didn't, but haven't we all heard something similar from our better-half at one time or another?
 
So, he did.  I can tell you from my own experience so far....It ain't easy!  It takes a heck of a lot of courage and determination to put yourself on that perpetual firing line.  Sometimes, the only thing that keeps you going are the thoughts of doing what you know is right for your City and for the people that need someone to be on their side for a change.  It feels like a crusade at times.  Honestly, the tactics the incumbents and manager used in the Primary threw me for a loop because I thought we were supposed to be playing fair, following rules.
 
What you have here is a man, Dave Farragh, who most people in this town will vouch for and who has years of experience to benefit this City.  The other choices you have include some people who have shown you quite clearly, in my opinion, that they have not learned to listen to or respect the public, and have come dangerously close to being as special interest as you can possibly be. 
 
Please read Dave's Post, # 8-28-2007-03.  Doesn't it make sense?  Isn't it time for some common sense?  "Progress" does not mean that you throw your brain cells out the window, for goodness sake!  And it certainly doesn't mean bully tactics...or treating the public as if they are outsiders in their own City.  Dave's Post is right on the mark, in my opinion.
 
Disclaimer:  As usual, everything said above is my own opinion and in no way reflects the views and opinions of anyone else but me....unless, of course, you happen to agree with me.
 
Sincerely,
Tina Peterson

8-30-2007-08

City taxpayers should be getting into these local events free-of-charge when you consider how much of our tax dollars are being spent on them. $630. for wine glasses for Italian Fest, $3590. for temporary fence for Hog Wild; in another report, $1,190.76 for porta toilets. I’ve also seen in past reports where the city paid for a liquor license. Unless the City is providing and serving liquor, why are they acquiring a liquor license? If a liquor license is in the City’s name, does that makes the City/taxpayers liable for any drinking infractions that result from the liquor served?
 
I cannot believe that these outrageous expenditures are being approved. These are not items that I expect my tax-dollars to be spent on when vital services are being cut.

8-30-2007-07

Good research, there, 8-3-2007-04. If the law says the TV fee should go for right-of-way uses (streets, etc.) that's where it should go.
 
 I doubt if anyone, including the city attorney had any inkling until you brought it up. We'll see if they acknowledge your point.  Knowing their tendency to wing it, I doubt it.
 
The challengers have given notice they would bag the TV fee anyway if they are elected, but in the meantime, it should be done right.  
 
Maybe we should hire this poster as a part-time watchdog.  Of course, once he got into digging around all things that this bunch has muddled up, he may be asking for full time pay and maybe even overtime for at least a year.

8-30-2007-06

I think some of the people that post on this site are truly out of their minds and have little else to do....
 
First of all...
All the gay slurs are really in poor taste.  Are you all one step away from pointy hoods and cross burning?  Thank god our mayor isn't black and gay....then he'd really have trouble.  What about people who are slumlords and file bankruptcy...or one issue candidates looking out for their own pensions?
 
Second...
People that are not involved with politics and are named on this site should sue you...
 
Third...
Italian Fest was a fantastic event, and will only improve next year.  Get off the Northside b.s....  Crispigna's Market was the only Northsider to show up, and they fed almost everyone by the looks of it.  I am sure the other Northside retailers will jump on next year after they see how it turned out.  Thank you Brittany, Bakery Shoppe, Four Seasons, Moose Jackson, Crispigna's, and all their supporters and owners for trying something new.
 
Fourth...
This tax on the cable bill....Is it cutting into the Walmart spending sprees?  Cheap people complain about $5....I think it could be more....
 
Finally for this post, if the webmaster actually posts it..
 
When people talk about "taking our town back" do you know what it really means?
 
It means taking us a step backwards....Iron Mountain should continue to run in a progressive manner.  Not everyone will like it...p.s.  I heard Iron River is getting a trolley...they sound like San Francisco now...maybe they have a cool city gay agenda....idiots.....

8-30-2007-05

To poster 8-27-2007-01 who stated he "personally feels it's a conflict of interest" for a retired city employee to serve on the city city council: 
 
1 - You certainly are entitled to your opinion.
 
2 - The law allows a retired city employee to run.  The voters decide if he will be elected or not.
 
3 -  Former Fire Chiefs Richard Rahoi and the recently deceased Al Fuse, retired Police Chief Bill
      Wiegele and retired City Foreman Bill Calcari all ran and were elected by the voters.  There
      was never a hint that any of them tried to affect their pension or health benefits.
 
4 -  Also, the benefits a retired city employee receives are essentially "locked in" at the time of
      retirement.  In fact, retirees recently agreed to allow some of their pension income to
      be directed to the health program.
 
5 -  By the time city employees retire, they know far more about the city than most of us
      could ever hope to know.  They are valuable resource people who have been intimarely
      involved with city affairs for decades - and have seen many council members come and go. 
 
6 -  In the final analysis, we vote for the person.  In the Primary Election, the voters indicated
      they favored a retired employee over any of the incumbents by margins of at least 230 all   
      all the way up to 425.  He got 790 votes.  The highest any incumbent got was 459 and
      the mayor got the very least at 365, less than half as many as the retired employee.

8-30-2007-04

In reading the City Charter under TELECOMMUNICATIONS, it talks about where funds from cable providers may be used. How does this effect money that is being earmarked to pay for the Liaison Officer?
 
If we’re now paying this 5% tax, aren’t we going to lose some of the money that the State gives back under the Metro Act? If we will lose any portion of what the State returns to us under the Metro Act, that is money we will lose from our street maintenance fund (according to where the Charter allocates it).
 
That’s what I’m getting from the Michigan UNIFORM VIDEO SERVICES LOCAL FRANCHISE ACT Act 480 of 2006 (The Act the City used in order to charge this new 5% fee.) Perhaps Mr. Pirkola could review our City Charter and this Franchise Act [especially 484.3306, Sec. 6. (11)] to see what we might be out if the new fee doesn’t replace what we stand to lose.
 
If the City Charter already provides for the use of these funds under one act, shouldn’t all such funds be used in that manner until such a time that the Charter is revised? If it’s a telecommunication related fee, I think it should be applied in the (only) manner provided under telecommunications in the current charter. Very wisely the previous councils chose to use these funds for street improvements.
 
Iron Mountain Code of Ordinances
ARTICLE VIII. TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Sec. 18-228. Use of funds.
Pursuant Section 10(4) of the Act, all amounts received by the city from the authority shall be used by the city solely for rights-of-way related purposes. In conformance with that requirement, all funds received by the city from the authority shall be deposited into the major street fund and/or the local street fund maintained by the city under Act No. 51 of the Public Acts of 1951.

8-30-2007-03

REGARDING:
 
8-28-2007-06
 
I will attend Italian Fest only when its somehow held where it should be; on the NORTH SIDE of Iron Mountain.  Until then, its a sham.  I can't believe someone actually had to put that in print.  Someone down there had better wake up, because my Nona wouldn't have set foot off one block off of Margaret Street to attend this, and neither will I.
 
Hey!  Please!  What's with you?  You some kind of ethnic bigot or something?  Your caca don't stink-stink?  You insult me and all Italians/Italian-Americans who are visiting Iron Mountain, live elsewhere in the city, or live in one of the surrounding communities.  The North Side's got some kind of patent or divine right on all things Italian?  And only Margaret Street besides?  You should be ashamed of yourself.  What about the "Downtown Dagos"?  They don't have a heritage as rich as the Northsiders'?  Their contributions weren't as great to the growth and development of Iron Mountain?  Your smallmindedness and narrowness disgust me.  You might as well tell all of us you'll attend Italian Fest only when it's held in Italy -- and in your province or village or lane or piazza di chiesa to boot!  As if the rest of us care.  And, oh, hey!  Since you and Nona won't set one foot off Margaret Street to attend, too bad, we're sorry to hear that, we'll miss you.  On the other hand, that much more good company and Crispigna Italian-sausage sandwiches for us.
 
Where they should hold Italian Fest though, and all civic activities and events like it, is City Park -- you know, a nice park like other, sensible cities use.  Downtown is the pits for stuff like this and would've been even in its heyday before WWII.  Also downtown is a little too obviously and inappropriately boosterism-like for my taste.  It's not very pretty, the concrete and brick and glass and steel makes everything very hot, the dust and exhaust from the highway/main drag was unpleasant, and my knees and ankles were shot on that pavement after 20 minutes.  And about this I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.  You'll probably lose me and my friends if it's downtown again next year, and each of us spent over $30 -- some of us considerably over $30!  Of course it's never gonna be like the annual Festa Italiana that IME sometimes used to charter us down to at Summerfest Park in Milwaukee -- remember that? Carmela used to perform there every year and you'd always see the Calos and other paesano families from up here -- but Iron Mountain City Park would be much, much more enjoyable than that blah downtown parking lot, of all places, and a ton more people and a much greater variety would come too.  A much better ambiance, a much better environment.  There's a bunch of much better places around the community than downtown Iron Mountain, but I vote for City Park.
 
Hey!  Northsider!  City Park ain't Margaret Street, but would you come if it were there?

8-30-2007-02

I'm sorry to say that I haven't gone to many of the events in the city for one reason and one reason only. I don't need some full time drunk coming up to me again, shaking my hand and telling me who he is and that he runs this city! This man has issues, and one of them is drinking. If this man held any other position in the city, the citizens would all be wondering how  this individual can perform his job and is he worth our tax dollars. He should be expected to conduct himself at a higher standard than any other individual in the city, bar none (no pun intended). How can he tell the police chief to have his men enforce the drinking and driving laws, and be a violator himself? I expect a person with much higher moral values to represent me, my family, and my city. The man is very good at self-promotion, but his actions speak louder than his words. I hope that some day soon, my family and I can attend all the local events, and feel comfortable they are not just another political platform for some individuals.

8-30-2007-01

July 2007 Vendors Report

8-29-2007-06

Regarding 8-28-2007-01:

At first I thought the same as you.  Yours could be a valid argument about conflicting interests.  But it probably isn't because we can be discriminating, and we can ignore the flood of hateful comments -- after all, consider their source: small, hateful people!

Let's cut to the chase.  You're talking about Dave Farragh.  If he were to win an open seat in November, I don't believe for a second that there would be a conflict of interest if he abstained from debating any business regarding city pensions and related business and if he abstained from casting a vote regarding city pensions and related business.  The question becomes whether or not you trust Dave to abstain, and it's difficult not to.  He's a straight shooter and a trustworthy, honorable guy.

And because there almost always will arise a conflict of interest for any council member at one time or another, I think such abstinence should be the behavior for any council member facing such a conflict.  This has become increasingly obvious the last couple of years when downtown and DDA business folk glaringly have not abstained from debate and from votes over issues that directly involved, affected, and stood to benefit them.

8-29-2007-05

Fairness Issue: the City of Iron Mountain collects fees from Breitung Township School District for an Iron Mountain School District Program

I am a resident of Iron Mountain.  I also subscribe to Charter Cable for TV service.  But I also live in one of the Iron Mountain neighborhoods that's a part of Breitung Township School District.  Therefore, I and Iron Mountain citizens living under the same circumstances are paying a five percent (5%) cable fee to the city of Iron Mountain for an Iron Mountain Police Liaison Officer at Iron Mountain School District even though we are members, through no choice of our own, of Breitung Township School District -- which doesn't get the services of that Liaison Officer.

How does Iron Mountain's City Council justify its collection of that 5% cable-TV fee from us and its application toward a program at Iron Mountain Schools from which we get no benefit at Breitung Township Schools?

In other words, why is the City of Iron Mountain forcing us to pay several dollars per month for something we're not getting?

Jim Hogan
Resident of the City of Iron Mountain and Resident of Breitung Township School District

8-29-2007-04

In response to the comment about the conflict of interest to have a person run for city council who is collecting a pension from the same city
 
Nothing hateful. Just this:
Let the voters decide if they want to vote in a person who is collecting a pension from the same city. The voters spoke pretty clearly in the primary.

8-29-2007-03

8-28-2007-06

I will attend Italian Fest only when its somehow held where it should be; on the NORTH SIDE of Iron Mountain.  Until then, its a sham.  I can't believe someone actually had to put that in print.  Someone down there had better wake up, because my Nona wouldn't have set foot off one block off of Margaret Street to attend this, and neither will I.

Answering this post:

How long will we all be waiting for you – or someone else – to host Italian Fest on the Northside??  NOBODY is stopping you.  But I’ve got news for you.  All of Iron Mountain’s Italians don’t’ live on the “Northside”. As far as it being a “sham” – YOU could have volunteered to help, and you could have provided input.  These people worked their butts off, and I say they should be thanked for the wonderful job they did.  People who do nothing, but feel they have the right to sit and judge (without even attending) really do not have any rights.  So you are Italian.  Guess what.  So am I!!  And I don’t live on the Northside.  I am thankful for the months of work they put into it.  I am thankful for the thousands of people they brought into our town.  And I am thankful for my Italian family.  They loved it.

8-29-2007-02

I just heard that Bob Becotte has screwed up again. There have been numerous posts here about the city not following the civil service rules when hiring. It seems that a recent hiring in the DPW was not done properly and now the city has to hire the person who scored highest on the test and who was first on the list. Apparently, he was passed over by Bob Becotte for no good or valid reason. I hope to see some documentation on that soon.
 
I would also like to see the civil service commission do something about the part-time dispatchers in the police station, who were hired without even taking a civil service test for the position.  One of them even failed a city civil service test for a different position. They are neither policemen nor firemen, so they fall under the regular city civil service. The only exception to civil service in the City Charter is part-time seasonal employment. That, of course, is the kids hired to cut grass in the summer.
 
Why do we have a City Charter if the council and management are not going to abide by it? Why do we have a City Charter if no one does anything when its’ rules are violated? With that in mind, I have a great idea for a new novelty item to sell at Farmer’s Markets, Hog Wild, Out to Lunch, Italian Fest, etc. Rolls of toilet paper, printed with the Iron Mountain City Charter (in biodegradable ink, of course). What a nifty souvenir that would be for the out-of-towners! At least our charter would be good for something again, even if it is just a laugh.

8-29-2007-01

City of Iron Mountain finds $10 million in previously unassessed property that it can tax!

Oops.

Never mind.

Get the details from the candidate who did the homework: Bill Toedter.  http://toedter.ironmountaindemocracy.com/blog.htm


Some Iron Mountain private homestead properties are being taxed at the higher rental-property rate!

Is your home one of these?  http://toedter.ironmountaindemocracy.com/blog.htm


Also, Dave Farragh is beginning to mull over November 6.  http://farragh.ironmountaindemocracy.com/blog.htm


IronMountainDemocracy.com

8-28-2007-06

I will attend Italian Fest only when its somehow held where it should be; on the NORTH SIDE of Iron Mountain.  Until then, its a sham.  I can't believe someone actually had to put that in print.  Someone down there had better wake up, because my Nona wouldn't have set foot off one block off of Margaret Street to attend this, and neither will I.

8-28-2007-05

School Liaison Officer. Yes, it is a very good thing to have in our schools, but does it say City Police liaison officer? Do other School districts that have liaison officers get that service paid in part by their cities? Isn’t this a school function? Why isn’t this position a school position paid for by the school district?
 
It has been mentioned that the method of paying for the liaison officer is not fair, and it isn’t. Under the present scenario, the voters of the City of Iron Mountain approved a special tax to pay for a school liaison officer.
 
The liaison officer is only provided by the City to the Iron Mountain School District. There are several areas of the City that are in the Breitung Township/Kingsford School District; yet the Iron Mountain Liaison Officer does not provide any services to their schools. So, if the cable TV fee is to be used to fund this position, a portion of the users and payers of the cable TV fee are in the Brietung /Kingsford School District and are paying for a service that their school does not benefit from. Hence my argument.
 
So, shouldn’t this be a School Funded position voted in as a school tax? If it were, then the voters in the Iron Mountain School District could vote for a tax to fund the officer, and only taxpayers of the Iron Mountain School District would pay the tax. Otherwise we are again looking at taxation without representation.

8-28-2007-04

Does anyone have the facts of the hold-ups/hurdles on the Simone Insurance building project?  I single that project out because I have driven past it numerous times and have wondered what in the world was taking so long for it to be completed...According to a post on this website there have been issues with this and other local projects.  If anyone knows the details of the issues, I (and probably other voters) would be interested to know what they are.  Thanks!

8-28-2007-03

I find it hard to believe that anyone would think I am not for progress.  Progress has many meanings depending who you talk to these days.  What I don't think it means, is spending  money on something that will not benefit the most people.  I am for all the community events that have been in the area over the summer.  I must give kudos to those who take the time to volunteer for these activities so that we may all enjoy. 

 
As I said progress can mean many things.  Some may feel road improvements outside their homes, would be progress.
Some may feel no more increases in fees, would be progress.  Some may think that having their voices heard
and responded to is progress.  Having a city that people want to move in to, is most definetly progress.  As we grow
everyone in the community benefits.  What we can't afford to do is throw away money like it grows on trees.  It is hard enough these days to get by with the growing cost of fuel, electric bills, water & sewer bills, increases at the supermarket and it goes on and on.  We need to find a way to go forward without taking every last penny from our citizens.  SO YOU BET I AM FOR PROGRESS, LETS JUST DO IT THE RIGHT WAY!!  
 
Dave Farragh

8-28-2007-02

Who cares about the gimmickry about how the Liaison Officer is paid?  First of all, the challengers have unanimously agreed to eliminate the TV fee - and keep the Liaison Officer.
 
There any number of ways of accomplishing this:
 
1.  Get rid of Marquart.  Save  $2000 a week plus junket costs. Get an honest, sensibly paid
     city manager who will do something right.
 
2. Get rid of Becotte at $48,000 a year, plus car allowance, plus the fact he is violating the  
    city charter by living in Gladstone.
 
3.  Get rid of Woolard - same reasons as Becotte - just substitute Ishpeming for Gladstone.
 
4.  Get rid of the dispatchers at the police department.  They got along without 'em before
     before  they got 'em, they can get along without 'em now.
 
5.  Sue Rich Brook for botching the unneeded assessment.
 
6.  Sue Marquart for endless violations of the city charter, the litigation costs he has incurred,
     the fines the taxpayers were forced to pay because of his negligence, sending a dispatcher
     to police certification school at a cost of around $16,000 without council approval - but
     the dummies never question the Vendor's Reports, either.
 
And I'm just warming up.  The Liaison Officer stays and the TV fee goes - along with the incumbents.  We finally have hope that we will GET OUR CITY BACK.

8-28-2007-01

I personally feel it is a conflict of interest to have a person run for city council who is collecting a pension from the same city.
 
I also know just by saying so this sight will be inundated with hateful comments.

8-28-2007-01

We're all looking forward to the future we see here in Iron Mountain once the City Manager and his war council are gone in January - but let's not forget the poor people of Dismal Seepage, Alaska, or wherever it is that Marquart chooses to go next to "put the fiscal house in order".  The best thing we can do for those poor people is to leave this website online, including all the past postings, so that when his new victims are searching for information on his past record, it's not so hard to find.  Maybe they will be actually get a chance to get him out before too much damage is done.

8-27-2007-04

Who said we're against progress? 

Who said we're against community events?

Why should only cable-TV subscribers in Iron Mountain have to pay for the School Liaison Officer Program?

New and recent blog entries "straight from the horse's mouth" about these issues and others from a couple of this year's city-council candidates:

http://www.ironmountaindemocracy.com/toedter/blog.htm

 http://www.ironmountaindemocracy.com/peterson/blog.htm

To stay updated frankly and directly, openly and accountably from the challenging candidates themselves, and to question or correspond with them via email about the issues and their positions, please continue to visit http://www.IronMountainDemocracy.com.  There's no bureaucracy or baloney between you and the candidates, and you're always welcome.

8-27-2007-03

I had the opportunity to attend the Italian Fest this weekend.  I found it to be a very enjoyable experience.  These type of activities provide good opportunities for socializing and catching up with our neighbors. 
 
The business sponsors who donate and the volunteers who put tremendous amounts of time and energy into events, such as this, should be highly commended and given a big Thank you for all they have done.  These events would not be possible without them.
 
Bill Toedter

8-27-2007-02

When you drive past the new strip mall look at the sign. The mayor’s agency is handling the rental of the buildings.

Just another example of the conflict of interest and special interest dealings that got him and hopefully three others voted out of office. Remember let your voice be heard in November and speak loudly, vote them all out.

8-27-2007-01

JUST A REMINDER TO ALL OUR STUDENTS AND SNOW BIRDS. SOON YOU WILL BE LEAVING THE AREA, SO PLEASE HELP OUR CAUSE AND REMEMBER TO GO TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT.  IN ORDER TO "TAKE OUR CITY BACK", ALL YOUR VOTES WILL BE NEEDED.  BY THE WAY GOOD LUCK TO THOSE STUDENTS IN FURTHERING YOUR EDUCATION AND TO THE SNOW BIRDS KEEP, US IN MIND WHILE YOU ARE ENJOYING THE SUN THIS WINTER.

8-26-2007-08

I don't think there is any truth to the rumor that Walgreen is not coming over an issue of a few trees.  These large outfits have a fifty-year time horizon and will concede minor issues to get going.
 
That said, I DO KNOW there have been great frustrations faced by the developers of every project.  This includes the Simone Agency, Subway, Holiday Express, Begres Chiropractic Clinic as well as Walgreen's.
 
These frustrations are the many hurdles they faced with the Planning Board, who argue among themselves and leave the developers hanging, by a dictatorial economic developer, one Mark Woolard, who is suppose to move things along, not nitpick every minor item he can think of to delay projects, and finally the ultimate authority, our egomaniac City Manager John Marquqart, who rides herd over Woolard and the Planning Board with his control freak mentality.
 
What should be a routine procedure has become a nightmare for every single project. 
 
Even worse, they have stymied and actually stopped a number of projects involving the purchase and remodeling of existing buildings by telling prospective purchasers they will never get the authorization of occupancy needed for the proposed use. 
 
This is what passes for "continued progress" at city hall.  Give authority to idiots, misfits and people who had been fired from their previous jobs and this is what you get.

8-26-2007-07

I think someone needs to point out the facts on Marquart’s hornblowing, thinly veiled campaign ad on Frog Country regarding the grant money Iron Mountain has received in the past three years. He makes it sound like the fab four incumbents and himself have gotten something for the city that was not happening before the they took office. His spiel is very misleading, and I think one or more of the challengers should ask for time on Frog Country to rebut his statements.
Here are state grant figures from the city budget history, found on issues -
Grants Information - under the city budget tab:
State grant history:
2007-2008      $872,000.00 (proposed - not even a real number)
2006-2007      $885,312.00 (estimate)
2005-2006      $898,651.00
2004-2005      $910,606.00
2003-2004      $950,247.00  before Marquart & incumbents
2002-2003      $981,458.00  before Marquart & incumbents
2001-2002   $1,081,429.00  before Marquart & incumbents
2000-2001   $1,120,830.00  before Marquart & incumbents
1999-2000   $1,077,032.00  before Marquart & incumbents
1998-1999   $1,051,301.00  before Marquart & incumbents
 
These figures are in the latest budget document of the City. Why is Marquart blowing his horn about his grant history, when it is crystal clear that he has procured less than previous councils and managers? And, if you didn’t notice, the numbers are getting even lower as time goes on. If he is reduced to bragging about getting less, and making it sound like more, it has the appearance that there is some grasping at straws going on. It’s too bad that so many people are getting only the spin machine version of the numbers on the radio. Challengers, please find a way to rebut his spin in the media. This bit of "news" has been playing over and over and over. It really should have had to be paid for as a campaign ad, because that's all it is.  Maybe JM should re-read tenet 7 of the ICMA code of ethics.
8-26-2007-06

NOW THAT WE ARE WELL PAST THE PRIMARY AND ALMOST TO THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER, IT SEEMS

LIKE WE SHOULD START PROGRESSING TOWARDS THE GENERAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER. 
 
AGAIN I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THOSE WHO VOTED FOR MYSELF AND THE OTHER CHALLENGERS.  YOUR
SUPPORT WAS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.  NOW I MUST ASK FOR YOUR HELP FOR THE UPCOMING GENERAL ELECTION.  WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT FOUR CHALLENGERS TAKE OVER THE INCUMBENTS SEATS SO WE MAY BEGIN THE PROCESS OF "TAKING BACK OUR CITY". 
 
TO MY SUPPORTERS PLEASE TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR NEIGHBORS OR ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN.  THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORTED ME IN THE PRIMARY KNOW THAT I HAVE NO HIDDEN AGENDA.  THAT IS NOT WHO I AM!  I WILL BRING TO THE TABLE A LOT OF EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE  FROM MY YEARS OF SERVICE AS AN EMPLOYEE.  I KNOW I CAN HELP PROVIDE KNOWLEDGE IN RESPECT TO THE CITY STREETS, WATER  AND SEWERS WHICH HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROJECT FOR YEARS.  
 
I DO BELIEVE STRONGLY IN THE LIAISON PROGRAM WITH THE SCHOOL. WHAT I DON'T AGREE WITH IS HOW THE CURRENT COUNCIL DECIDED TO FUND THE PROGRAM.  I DO NOT BELIEVE THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A FEE ADDED TO YOUR CABLE BILLS.  THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOME ADJUSTMENT OF COSTS OR A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE TO DECIDE THE BEST WAY TO FUND THE PROGRAM.  THERE ARE A LOT OF NUMBERS OUT THERE NOW, BUT KEEP IN MIND WE ONLY NEED TO PROVIDE HALF THE COST.  IT IS MY GOAL AS WELL AS THE OTHER CHALLENGERS TO REMOVE THE CABLE FEE WHEN WE GET INTO OFFICE.  HOWEVER YOU MUST MAKE SURE ALL FOUR INCUMBENTS ARE REMOVED TO SECURE A VOTE IN THAT DIRECTION.  A PARTIAL VICTORY MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO ATTAIN OUR GOAL OF GIVING THIS CITY BACK TO IT'S CITIZENS.    
 
SO LET US ALL START TODAY, FIGHTING FOR THE COMMON CAUSE.  I LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING THE PEOPLE
OF THIS CITY, SHOULD YOU SO DECIDE TO PUT ME IN THAT POSITION.  I WANT PEOPLE TO COME TO MEETINGS AND FEEL FREE TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS WITHOUT FEELING INTIMIDATED.  I WOULD HOPE WE CAN ALL WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL BENEFIT THE MANY, NOT A FEW.  SO PLEASE START TALKING, REMINDING ALL OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING TO THE POLLS IN NOVEMBER.  TO ALL OUR SNOWBIRD FRIENDS, LUCKY YOU, PLEASE REMEMBER TO SET YOURSELF UP WITH YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOTS.  ANOTHER REMINDER SHOULD GO TO ALL THE STUDENTS GOING AWAY TO COLLEGE.  AS YOU GO OFF TO SCHOOL TO MAKE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE COME TRUE, YOU CAN ALSO HELP ON THE HOMEFRONT WITH YOUR ABSENTEE VOTE.  WE WILL NEED EVERY VOTE AVAILABLE TO ATTAIN SUCCESS IN GETTING YOUR CITY BACK.

http://www.ironmountaindemocracy.com/farragh/blog.htm

8-26-2007-05

Response to 8-24-2007-04:
 
Why, if it is indeed illegal and against the Manager's code of ethics, was John Marquart allowed to do what he did on election day?
Why were there no repercussions or punishments?
I have heard from many that the County Clerk had numerous complaint calls that Marquart was soliciting votes, along with the Mayor, definitely within 100 feet of the voting booths.
Why was he allowed to campaign for the incumbents, prior to the Primary, through thinly veiled newspaper articles?
Why did the incumbents use slander in radio ads?
Why is Marquart allowed to lie about information at so many council meetings and to the newspaper?
Why does nothing ever happen to those within City Government that break the rules over and over?
Why does nothing happen to Marquart when he drives drunk and hits a snowbank?  Why is it OK for the Mayor to call police officers for rides when he is too drunk to drive? 
It is a terrible helpless feeling when your local officals don't have to follow rules or laws.

8-26-2007-04

Response to 8-24-2007-03: Hydraulic Falls Property
 
Is this true? Is Doug Rigoni's property now being listed at $950,000?!  Was its original value at approximately $100,000 before the "free" water and sewer he seems to keep getting thanks to John Marquart and the taxpayers?
 
Because if this is true, it really ticks me off.  I also have to wonder where the legal line gets drawn when a council member profits in such massive ways from lucrative schemes...especially ones that absolutely do not improve the life of the rest of the taxpayers.
 
Is this legal?
 
If Bacco has the contract for construction, which they always seem to, there is more profit.
 
This is the same scenario that may be played out with the potential Casino and Pine Mountain.  Doug Rigoni has been heard to ask about those roads at many Council meetings and push for their "realignment."  More Grants to make Marquart look good, more money in Rigoni's pocket?
I want to know if this is true, once and for all!  Hydraulic Falls Road has been hard to stomach, as well as other expensive projects that seem to benefit no one, save the Council members.
 
Mr. Rigoni, chime in and prove to the taxpayers that you are not going to profit on the sale of your property, not going to profit from TIFA contributions or City fund matches if that property sells at your asking price.  And I mean prove it!  Not with words, but with documentation.
 
You said in your campaign statement that you were "made miserable" as a council person by a small group of intense people voicing their opinions.  If you haven't profited from being made miserable, stand up and prove it.
 
If the author of Post 8-24-2007-03 has proof of this allegation, would they please send it to the webmaster and let it be posted on "Hot Links"?  If they are just quoting a rumor, shame on you for getting people like me riled up.

8-26-2007-03

I wouldn't be surprised if the Walgreen rumor is in fact true.  This tactic has been tried before in other cities of the U.P. and elsewhere.  The planting of trees and shrubs on a commercial site in this north country,  first of all hinders snow plowing.  I
believe that was the case with Wal-mart in Marquette.
They were required to plant trees on traffic islands all over their lot.  That lasted one winter when they found they had no place to push the snow.  The following year, many of the traffic islands along with most of the trees were removed.   It's one thing to
want an area to look attractive. It's entirely another thing to consider the additional problems that are created when you live in an area that must deal with snow-removal.

Also, the addition of trees and greenery increases the city maintenance of  leaves and debris in the storm
drains and leaf pickup along the streets.   It also greatly increases the expense of the business that is
building on a budget.  Have you priced a tree lately. Or the cost of continued maintenance on any planted
shrub area.  These added costs could be the straw that breaks the camels back for new businesses moving into
the area.

Even the State Highway Department thought this to be a bad idea when this council pushed for green areas and
trees along U.S.-2.

8-26-2007-02

There is absolutely no reason for TIFA to get involved in a water and sewer project on the proposed Hydraulic Road project.
 
the only thing TIFA would be doing is lining the pockets of Bacco (Rigoni) and JP Development (Forgettes).  Both have already made millions off of TIFA.  Enough is enough.
 
If they want water and sewer, let them pay for it themselves.

8-26-2007-01

I notice that Brittany is the new spokesperson for Iron Mountain.  Marquart has been relegated to non-person status by the city council that lauded him shamelessly for the past four years, only to find out that the public was not fooled - by him or the council.
 
Nothing against Brittany personally.  She's doing the job she was given - it's just that the job was not needed in the first place. She joins such other notables as Rich Brook, Bob Becotte and Mark Woolard - a bunch of nothings who were needlessly added to the payrolls.
 
By all measures, Marquart has practically nothing left to do except collect a paycheck.  What does he do all day now that 98% of his job has been relegated to others?  My guess is that he is polishing up his resume which will be freely dished out at the upcoming ICMA meeting he will be attending in October at taxpayers expense.
 
I'd like to see his new resume.  I haven't read any good fiction lately.

8-25-2007-03

Is it just a bad rumor that Walgreen's is NOT coming to town, because the Main Street project told them that trees etc needed to be planted , and they responded that they don’t have greenery at any of their stores, and Iron Mt. was not going to be an exception?

8-25-2007-02

Mr. Marquart claims that all the changes he’s making are intended to make Iron Mountain more enticing for people to visit or relocate.
 
Let me see how those might read. ‘Move to Iron Mountain. Compared to the surrounding area we have higher water rates, with water that is frequently chlorinated, and the risk of water & sewer backup into your homes; a higher cable franchise fee; and your property will be scrutinized in every detail to make sure you comply with the new ordinance, while you drive to that home on some of the least maintained roads in the area. So, if you are considering locating to Iron Mountain, be sure to look no further than our downtown /main street area because that’s where our money has gone to draw you in. Your children can attend the county-funded college, though they will pay out-of-county tuition because the college actually belongs to a Delta County college.’
 
Or perhaps we could have a write-up for prospective tourists: ‘Visit Iron Mountain. We have new motels, though only one is actually in Iron Mountain and we don’t want to cooperate with the township to assist in providing them with water or sewer. Get a very comfortable room because you‘ll have plenty of time to rest. Although we are pouring all that we can into making our downtown more appealing to the eye, you cannot expect to shop in the evening or on Sundays because most of our downtown businesses prefer not to stay open beyond 4 or 5 p.m. And our museums also close by 4 or 5. Now, don’t forget our “World Class” Timberstone Golf Course” which does not even have a clubhouse, restaurant, or bar. Visit our City website. We’ll link you to a Dickinson County site for some information on our area. And you’ll be hard-pressed to find any local business with a website to encourage you to visit their establishment.’
 
Many of the people who already live in Iron Mountain, and have for years, don’t like it here anymore. Yet Mr. Marquart and his board seem to think it will be enticing to outsiders. Those who might want to locate here are much more likely to opt for Kingsford, Breitung Township or Norway. As for tourists, a great many people plan their vacations via the internet. They book rooms, plan activities, etc. by first visiting sites that detail what is offered with maps, hours, prices, and photos of what they can expect. Oh, and I’m still looking for those ‘World Class restaurants and lounges’ that the Mayor boasted about on the City website, but refused to provide names for when asked (according to an earlier post).

8-25-2007-01

Since someone mentioned ISO in a recent post, I want to know once and for all about the ISO rating of the city, and how it is affected by the half-measure arrangement we now have for fire protection. According to documentation, Marquart has successfully stalled the ISO from returning to do a reevaluation for three years. Why? If the council and manager are SO sure (as they have repeatedly assured us) that the rating will not be adversely affected by what they did, they should invite the ISO back ASAP. You know, put their political careers where their mouths are. They owe it to the voters to get that reevaluation done BEFORE the November election. You would think Marquart would have welcomed them with open arms long before now if he was telling the truth. It's time to put your cards on the table, Mr. Marquart. What are you so obviously hiding?

8-24-2007-05

Behind the scenes:
 
An Iron Mountain Police officer is getting forced out by the city manager and council because he has shown support for the challengers and has stood his ground on many other issues.
The council is saying, however, that it is because they want to replace him with a cross-trained police officer. 
 
Heard about town:  The recent "letter to the editor" about the Larry Barkle Field and warming house had a preceding situation:  the author was given a very hard time at first by council, and when the author was told to prove her Father's name was on the sign....it had mysteriously disappeared. 
 
As for Brittany's article in the paper:  So much downtown progress is mentioned, but it boils down to the adirondack chairs and the Italian Festival.  Both great things and kudos to all the volunteers, but not the massive strides forward she keeps talking about.
 
Interesting point:  In Brittany's article, she claims that the Italian festival is wonderful for the downtown businesses...on another page of the Daily News a smaller article states how the parking lots are closed all weekend.  Some downtown businesses usually have to close during festivals which serve alcohol and they also have no place for regular customers to park.  The intentions are good, but the geography may not be in the best interest of the merchants.

8-24-2007-04

The more I think about it, the more convinced I become that a Charter amendment should be put on the ballot in the near future that would allow the winners of any General Election to take office immediately at the next council meeting.

Both Kingsford and Norway have such provisions as I recall.  In Iron Mountain, we have to wait for another two months until the first meeting in January. 

While it's true that such a time lag occurs at the state and national level, there is less chance for chicanery there. Both of those governments must get both Senate and House approval for any legislation, which makes it more difficult to pass  On top of that, both the governor and the president have veto powers that have to be overridden if they choose to exercise them.

We have no such checks and balances at the local level.  Normally I would be less concerned, but with this bunch, if they get the axe in November as I hope, they will have two months to continue making irrational decisions.  Who knows what they will dream up.  Then we have that loosest of all cannons, John Marquart. Makes me shudder to even think about what capers he may try.  Anyone who was soliciting votes for the incumbents inside and outside city hall during the primary cannot expect that the challengers will welcome him with open arms.

8-24-2007-03

Funny how now that the Hydraulic rd . entrance at Pizza Hut is being reconstructed and water  and sewer is being installed to Rigoni,s land, it is now for sale.    Originally worth $100,000 per city taxes. Now listed by Maddy Tousignant , the mayors mom, for $950,000. Thanks to the city and taxpayers Dougie will get quite a windfall. Plus probably the construction contract to do the work. Dougie probably will not win in November but he's laughing all
the way to the bank.

8-24-2007-02

Summer 2007 Property Tax - $4,500

Cable TV Tax - $3.77 per month

Living in the City of Iron Mountain - Overpriced.

See ya

8-24-2007-01

After reading the posts about the school officer, it seems to me that the council has, once again, done something that sticks it to us. Here is a quote from post number 8-22-2007-02:
 
"The City Attorney, Mr. Pirkola, pointed out this is not a good practice and sets a bad precedent. They blew him off and went ahead anyway."
 
 
I am thinking maybe that was the city attorney stating in his typical reserved and understated way that they were doing something wrong. Refer back to this line from post number 1-28-2007-02:
 
"I think you would also be able to find documents where he (city attorney) gave an opinion that was not followed if you looked hard enough."
 
 
The school officer issue is a perfect example of that. It’s too bad that the city attorney has not yet learned that he cannot simply suggest the proper (legal) course of action for this particular council, as he could have at any time before this bunch was elected. And, it seemed to me it was a strong suggestion at that. Please do not be afraid to spell things out for them, Mr. Pirkola. They will do what they want until they are told unequivocally that something is against the law. Let’s hope that new council members will follow legal advice, no matter how understated, and prevent costly lawsuits in the future.

8-23-2007-04

I picked out these quotes because they seem to relate so well to our incumbent council candidates and their man, Marquart:
 
"Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud." Sophocles
 
"You have not converted a man because you have silenced him." John Morley
 
"Not that you lied to me but that I no longer believe you - that is what has distressed me."
Friedrich Nietzsche
 
"You don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note." Doug Floyd
 
"Force, no matter how concealed, begets resistance." Lakota Sioux proverb
 
And, in the face of all that has happened, this for the challengers:
 
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

8-23-2007-03

Can someone explain why in the minutes of the city council meeting dated 8/6 the council approved the leasing agreement with North Star Industries and now I see it advertised for a public hearing. It was motioned by Dan Burke and supported by Sally Jacobs

Is this just another blonder of this administration or what? Like always they have to back track on everything they do. They still don't know the legal way of doing things.

Why would you lease out property for one dollar a year and you have to maintain it as far as patching, sealing it and monitoring the wells and maybe even paving it in the future.

It should be at least a break even for the city taxpayers.

And on to another subject.

The Mayor is really getting his picture in the paper a lot these day, I can only wonder why, hope it isn't because he is considering a write in position in the general. HOPE NOT

We don't need another 4 years of him.

8-23-2007-02

Isn’t this a bit much?  Isn’t it time to go a little higher now to deal with this City Administration breaking the law.  Oversleeping is not an excuse for violating election law.  Mr. Stanchina could/should face some hefty fines for such violations.  This isn’t “local” stuff. This needs to be dealt with at the state level. 

And Marquart campaigning at an election site on election day.… Is this guy truly insane!!!!

And where is the media when it comes to reporting these things?  I’m sick and tired of our local media’s lack of reporting the things that local citizens should be informed of.  Anywhere else, these things would be top news. Personally, I no longer have any use for our local radio station or newspaper.  We need to boycott them.  Maybe if it actually hurts them in their pockets, they’ll begin to report the way they should.

8-23-2007-01

There were a number of snafus by the City Clerk Jordan Stanchina in the Primary Election.  A third ward election worker reported none of the booths in the City Council chambers were set up by 7:00 AM as required by law. His excuse was that there was a council meeting the night before.  So what?  Set them up after the meeting.
 
The northside polling site had election workers and voters waiting outside after 7:00 AM until the Police Department got hold of the City Clerk, who claims he overslept, to unlock the polling station.   None of this should EVER happen, and it never did happen when Lou Ann Hagen was there.
 
City Manager John Marquart spent hours on election day outside and inside city hall shaking hands and telling voters to "vote for continued progress".  This alone should be enough to send him packing. 
 
I can't wait til Nov 6.  It looks like we have a very good chance to finally GET OUR CITY BACK - and end the four year disaster we have lived with.

8-22-2007-06

I was going to put a post regarding the city councils move to use the cable TAX for the School Liaison Officer, but post 08-22-2007-02 hit it RIGHT on the head. Especially the part about trying to use the issue to gain votes.
  When I read the news paper about the School Liaison Officer costing over 50 Thousand dollars a year, I was shocked. I did some research and contacted a couple of friends to get some information about this position and the information I received was appalling.
 
1. The School Liaison Officer does not have to be the lowest ranking officer in the department. In fact, the current Liaison Officer is a police Sergeant making $19.85 an hour.
$19.85 x 2080 = $41,288 per year base salary.
2. The Police Patrolman's contract states the city shall maintain a minimum of two officers on every shift, but the School Liaison Officer shall not be considered as one of the two. In fact, the Liaison Officer position is not used to avoid overtime but rather is used to fill open shifts at an overtime salary rate of $29.78 an hour.
3. The Liaison Officer receives an annual Longevity payment around 3% of his base salary.
$1,239.00
4. He receives an annual shift differential allowance of $400.00
5. The Liaison Officer receives a $4,000.00 a year bonus if he maintains a level 2 firefighter certification.
6. A $315.00  annual bonus for being able to shoot his gun straight!
7. The city either pays for dry cleaning or gives a $350.00 a year uniform allowance. One or the other, but $350.00 a year would be a fair figure.
8. Being the city manager mentioned benefits, I would assume this individual receives medical coverage for himself and his family.
9. The Liaison Officer receives overtime for any court appearances and special events outside of his normal duties.
10. The Liaison Officer is provided with a patrol vehicle to drive to, from and during work.
11. Add up ALL these salaries, bonuses and special wages to calculate the retirement the city must pay for this individual each year. I'm figuring it's more like 80 or 90 Thousand dollars a year for the city to provide the current Liaison Officer.
  Wait, I forgot, if the Liaison Officer can not be used to avoid overtime, then another 20 Thousand dollars, plus cost added to the pension cost for the officers that do fill the overtime. WOW, It's starting to look more like 100 Thousand to fill the Liaison Officers position. I thought 50 Thousand was bad! More half-truths from the city manager John Marquart and Team Tousignant !!!
  I feel the Liaison Officer position is important, but not at that cost. Can't the county DARE Officer do that job?

8-22-2007-05

Anyone know why the city paid $1,190.76 to Stenberg Bros. Inc. for porta toilets?  If it was for Hog Wild, why is the city picking up this item?  It should be part of Hog Wild's  cost.  They get hefty sums from major sponsors and collect $10.00 a head to get in. (See item #141 under the June Vendor's report).
 
If it wasn't for Hog Wild, who was it for.

8-22-2007-04

People are writing in and commenting about the code enforcement officer not enforcing the sidewalk café ordinance at Moose Jackson. There is a very good reason for that. It is not a duty of the code enforcement officer to enforce that ordinance. It is a duty of the police department. So, if you all want something done about the sidewalk blockage, call the police department and make a complaint. The only time the café is maybe in compliance is when there are no customers and the tables and chairs are pushed up to the building. Even then it’s questionable that there is enough space because of the decorative street lamp blocking half of the area closer to the street.
 
What bothers me is that the police must know about this problem already, and have not stepped up to the plate. Why are they allowing the code officer take the heat that should be directed at them for not doing their jobs?  The poor guy gets enough grief already without taking their lumps, too.

8-22-2007-03

I wonder about the legality of what the council plans to do to fund the liaison officer?  I think the position is a good thing, don't get me wrong.  What I want to know is, why is it suddenly okay to fund that with our tax dollars WITHOUT a vote of the people, when before the last council meeting, there had to be a vote of the people to continue funding the position?  In my book, they just took another special assessment and took away our legal right to vote for or against it. 
 
How can they do that?  It's obviously a gimmick to make the challengers look bad in their plan to do away with the 5% cable fee, but, again, it's taking away our legal right to vote for the assessment to fund the position.  It's a dirty trick, and it doesn't sound legal; it's certainly not ethical to hold the position hostage to the cable fee.  It never ceases to amaze me how low they will stoop.

8-22-2007-02

The city council and Marquart once again displayed their off-the-wall thinking - this time on the Liaison Officer issue. 
 
First, they levied the TV fee originally "because they could."  They did not appropriate it for any specific purpose.  It was simply another user fee they extracted from residents who use either of the two cable systems available.
 
Under the cover of using it for a good cause, thus somehow justifying it, they appropriated most of it for the Liaison Officer.  The City Attorney, Mr. Pirkola, pointed out this is not a good practice and sets a bad precedent.  They blew him off and went ahead anyway.
 
In their simplistic minds, they thought they were gaining political points against the challengers who have promised to repeal it.  Nonsense.  The challengers will still repeal it, but it won't affect the Liaison Officer position.  
 
There are plenty of cuts that can be made from the current budget, then reappropriate the funds to necessary projects, and move ahead.  This self-centered, myopic council and city manager can see none of this.  The voter could, and did something about it. 
 
All the voters have to do is remember to get out there one more time in November.  I am confident they will.

8-22-2007-01

The current administration will attempt to defend themselves by talking about the "hard decisions" they had to make, and the current financial problems of the city, etc.  They won't necessarily be lying, and maybe some of them actually meant well.  The problem is the series of mistakes they made along the way:
1.  Hiring - and not firing - John Marquart.  He has alienated the surrounding communities that are necessary partners in any sort of regional savings arrangement.  He couldn't manage his way out of a paper bag.  Maybe he's got a great record as an axe-man, but as a city manager, he sucks.

2.  Cutting the fire department, replacing the laid-off firefighters with undertrained policemen, and then telling everyone that the ISO rating won't change, that it doesn't matter, that their insurance rates won't increase.  Of course they will!  The current arrangement, in which the policemen are going to fires in case they're needed as firefighters, is not working.

3.  Hiring a passel of unnecessary administrators, skirting the City's civil service procedures in the charter.  None of the 
positions that Marquart filled with hand-picked yes-men is necessary, and yet they negate any potential savings from the above-mentioned layoffs.

4.  Ignoring the public outcry every time they were caught.

5. Channeling public funds to the chosen few.  We were sick of this before you got into office, and yet you have made it exponentially worse.  "No New Taxes, No Special Interests" my ass.

The people fell for the Council's B.S. on the fire department charter issue (yes, in case you didn't know it, the council was behind the opposition - they passed the hat and had the Mayor's special friend chair the opposition committee), but I pray that the voters will see the incumbents for what they are:  lying, incompetent sell-outs. Good intentions don't erase 4 years of bungling.

8-21-2007-03

How is funding the school liaison officer with the cable franchise fee a fair deal? Anyone who does not have cable pays nothing to support this. It is not fair to pay for something in a manner that does not include all taxpayers.
 
Added note: I thought today’s Celebrity Cipher (on the cartoon/puzzle page) was an appropriate one to hand to Mr. Marquart and the current council. If anyone works this puzzle, you will know that it says: “Nobody has a more sacred obligation to obey the law than those who make the law.”--Jean Anouilh

8-21-2007-02

As an observer of the past two city council meetings, it is clear to me that the council has lost all credibility with it's citizens and even when they do come up with an idea that could be beneficial to this city, they are not taken seriously because of their reputation!
 
We now have a "lame duck" administration and they will get even worse as the weeks go by until the general election.
 
No one believes what the mayor or city manager say anymore and all of their effectiveness as a council has been destroyed by their own lies and deceptions! (Wonder where our defeated Mayor was last night?) I'm sure he had a good excuse not to be at the first council meeting since he was voted out of office.
 
For the betterment of this city they should all resign and let this community start over again, although this will happen to 5 of them anyway after the election in November.
 
Mr Marquart bragged about the new improvements to the Imt web site they are offering and says that it will allow people to call into the site instantly to report pot holes and blight infractions and other problems! Why would anyone believe his comments as credible when all calls directly to city hall in the past, have been ignored and dismissed as a bothersome citizen!
 
As these kinds of "grasping at straw" tactics to get votes continue, it will convince the citizens even more so, that they have made the right choice in voting out these people.
 
By the way, a 20 minute discussion about what to do with and how to spend the 5% cable franchise fee, took place last night. Remember Marquart said (quote) "We raised it 5% because we could!" Sounds like they really had a plan for this extra tax burden on the citizens and now after outrage from the people, and because of the up-coming election, they are discussing how to use this money that will really benefit the people!
 
My question is, "Why did you place this burden on the people in the first place?" --- just because you could?????
 
A "lame duck administration" can be very harmful to the everyday duties and decisions that must be made in city government, but at this point, it couldn't get any worse than it has been in the past as a dictatorship form of government. 
 
I can't wait until November!  Our city will be given back to it's people again and the incumbents and Manager will be replaced with caring and honest people who care about Iron Mountain.
 
Go Tina, Dave, Dale, Bill and Bruce! We are counting on you!!!!!!!

8-21-2007-01

With the recent posting of the May and June Vendor Reports, I did a quick calculation of how much money was spent with STS Consultants so far this year.  Last year, I have read on this site the total was over $300,000.
 
Here are the totals so far for 2007:
 
Jan       $36,906.03
Feb                0.00
Mar        27,400.90
Apr          8,405.55  
May        14,823.42
Jun        79,392.62
 
Total  $166,926.42
 
As you would expect from this administration, there is no breakdown.  Many items are lumped into each monthly payment.  I wonder how much was squandered on various designs for City Park and for the many  downtown parking schemes, pavilions, bandshells, etc. that were tossed out after public outcry.  Do any of you council members know?  I seriously doubt it. 
 
Were any of these lumped items ever questioned by the city council before blindly accepting these outrageous fees.  Of course not. 
 
Were any of these designs authorized formally by the city council with a price tag assigned to them before they got the invoice?  If so, where are they in the minutes of council meetings?
 
This is "continued progress" on behalf of the citizens?  The gaffs by this city council never end.
 
They have set records for ineptness that should last forever in the annals of Iron Mountain city government history.

8-20-2007-01

I am commenting on the recent posts about the code enforcement officer. I agree with the fire chief in that the word Nazi was very inappropriate. I think that, when you look at the original post with the picture and the one before it talking about the Moose Jackson sidewalk blockage, that there does seem to be a problem with the code being enforced selectively. That is what people are trying to point out.
 
To the writer who used the term Nazi, if you had not used that word, your post would have had some teeth. Why is it that Moose Jackson can blatantly block the sidewalk while others are getting tickets for much less important issues?
 
There was quite an uproar about blight last year, but I believe it was before the current officer was hired. Why was he hired, though? In talking with the fire chief, I learned that the firemen agreed to do some code enforcement in their latest contract. Why are they not doing it? Is it because the firemen were not "selective" enough in their citations that they are no longer performing that duty? I also heard, not from the fire chief, that firemen cited persons in certain "ritzy" neighborhoods, and that these people complained to the city manager, who then put a stop to the firemen doing code enforcement duties because they were not "exercising the proper discretion" in who they were citing. Can someone with more knowledge comment on that?

8-19-2007-04

I am responding to the comment - 8-19-2007-02 - that asks why a name was listed as a negative item in the list from comment 8-4-2007-11. I wrote that. I should not have put the name in the list. I was frustrated and included it because of the numerous posts that individual had on this site that tried to spin what people were talking about, or he just outright lied about items that could not be defended. If you go back in the archives, his posts are easy to spot because he signed them. Even when he was lying in defense of the mayor, he signed them. Others have written in and claimed that this person was not actually writing the material, but that the mayor was and he was just signing his name to it. I don’t know about that, but I do know that "the named person" did become a very negative item when trying to spotlight and spread the word on the wrongdoings of the current city council and manager.
 
Please go back and read his posts, then check documentation available on this site or write back and ask questions. Also, if you have time, read some of the responses to his posts. Some of the responses have attachments that prove him wrong, that did not make it into the categories on the home page. After reading them, see if you, too, would have thought of this person as a negative item attached to this administration.  You will see in previous posts that this person even interjected himself into city business, and that a business owner felt compelled to write in about the hostile, arrogant, disrespectful attitude of "the named person" when said business owner was trying to iron out a city problem with city officials, and "the named individual" had no business even being there in the first place.

8-19-2007-03

His Name should not have been listed.  It has been removed.

Webmaster

8-19-2007-02

I’m not sure how to post on your forum therefore, I’ll just email my comments/question. 

First of all, thank you for hosting this website.  For a long time, I’ve had many concerns regarding the direction this city has been taking.  Since I’m just an “average Joe” my concerns really don’t matter to the Powers That Be.  As a citizen, I am more interested in seeing jobs created (which there are none); sidewalks repaired (which they’re not); city services that address the needs of the AVERAGE taxpayer and not just the elite, long-time business owners (which are not).  I have renewed hope that in January the city takes a new direction. 

I do have a question regarding post  8-4-2007-11.  The topic is “More Progress” and it lists an individual (Marcus Blomquist) as a bulleted item.  What is this supposed to mean?  I would think that if someone names an individual in a negative manner that they should clarify themselves as to why.  If I am misunderstanding the intention of the author, then please clarify.  Thank you.

8-19-2007-01

Dear Fellow Citizens;

First off I want to state for the record that I have never had a post published on this site before. I know many will find that fact hard to accept, yet it is fact. I have remained mostly quite on the controversial issues facing our city, its citizens, and its government but felt compelled
to write after a recent posted comment.
For those of you who don't know me, I am the Fire Chief for the City of Iron Mountain. As such, I have some insight into code enforcement issues that others may not. As fire fighters we routinely enter dwellings within the city and see what terrible condition some of them are in. I'm talking about basic services such as a flushing toilet and a roof that will not let the rain in.
The Code Enforcement Officer enforces the International Property Maintenance Code and the Rental Property Code the city adopted. My professional opinion as the Fire Chief is that the City badly needed to have something in place to deal with these types of issues. My personal opinion is the same.
Isn't ensuring that our communities housing stock meets minimal standards the right thing to do as a society?  I'm not a big fan of socialism but anyone who argues against having to have a flushing toilet or a roof in halfway decent shape, for example, needs to rethink their view.
This brings me back to my reason for writing. Referring to an earlier comment. To call the Code Enforcement Officer a "Nazi" is just plain wrong. I know the Code Enforcement Officer. He is not overbearing or hard to deal with. I can quote to you at least a half dozen instances just that I know of where he has gone out of his way to work with the people he had to cite. He is just doing his job the best he can. When we see him we should be thanking him.

Thanks for listening.

Dan Johnson
Iron Mountain, Michigan

8-18-2007-02

I NOTICED TODAY 8-18-2007 THAT THE INCUMBENTS STILL HAVE A SIGN OUT ON CARPENTER AVE.  IF I CAN
COUNT CORRECTLY, IS THAT NOT PAST THE TEN DAYS ALLOWED FOR REMOVAL AFTER AN ELECTION?  I SEE
THEY ARE FOLLOWING THE RULES AGAIN!!

8-18-2007-01

The May and June 2007 Vendors Reports are available.

Vendors Reports

Webmaster

8-17-2007-02

  CHALLENGERS BEWARE

   Mr.. Mayor Tousignant  is trying to dig up garbage on all of you that beat him in the primary. The other council people are helping him. Even the ones that are not running, they still want to have all the say and no one to question them. We need council people who care about us the tax payer.  Is our city officials that worried about the up coming general election? They
must be to stoop so low.

    After all they have been raking us with all the added water bills, fees, reassessment, lies, etc..and think that we will change our minds about who we want to be on council and run our city, based on dirt that they might come up with on the challengers. I believe this is just one more stone he will put in his political career. I would like to see all the garbage that
we can dig  up on him, I bet it wouldn't take to much digging to find that out.

This council will go down in history as the most rude, vindictive, arrogant council that this city has ever had. Its really to bad that Iron Mountain can not have a civil election without the incumbents throwing stones. I don't remember ever a election that was ever this bad. Challengers keep running a clean and honest campaign and we will respect you more. Honesty is
the best policy.

Well GOOD LUCK CHALLENGERS they won't change my mind. Thanks again for stepping up to the plate for all of us in this great city.

8-17-2007-01

"Do As We Say, NOT As We Do" !!!!
 
Looks like the code enforcement Nazi is to busy picking on the "riffraff" again!

8-16-2007-05

I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR ACROSS FROM THE MOOSE JACKSON  CAFE TODAY WAITING FOR MY WIFE. I WATCHED PEOPLE SITTING OUT SIDE THE CAFE WITH CHAIRS PUSHED RIGHT BACK TO THE CURB AND A CAR WAS PARKED AT THE CURB NO WAY COULD SOME ONE GET THROUGH WITH A WHEEL CHAIR OR EVEN A HANDICAP WALKER.  THE BEST PART OF THIS IS THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DROVE BY AND SAW IT, I BET NOT ONE THING WILL BE SAID TO THE CITY COUNCIL PERSON THAT OWENS IT. I BET THE NEW SIDEWALK CAFE ORDINANCE WAS ONLY MEANT FOR EVERY ONE ELSE.

8-16-2007-04

In response to 8-15-2007-03

I seriously doubt that any negative comments on the issue of sidewalk cafés are directed at the Garden Room. It seems to be in total compliance with all ordinances. My beef is that while some people in this community will do all that is necessary to go by the rules others do not. The Garden Room has complied, left enough room to still use the sidewalk, and runs a class act. However the competition blocks the sidewalk as much as 100% at times. The Garden Room has invested considerable time, effort, and money into their café and it shows. It appears that the competition went to a discount store and grabbed the cheapest patio furniture they could find. We wish you the best of luck in your venture. And may you be a fixture downtown for many years to come.

8-16-2007-03

My hearty kudos to Pat and Mike Nicometo.  They have indeed added to downtown with their outdoor seating capacity.  The trees previously planted there also add to the overall ambience of that site.
 
The fenced-in area was done in very good taste.  Also, it is removable for the winter months to facilitate snow removal. 
 
Mike is to be commended for the design work he did for the parking lot.  The original design called for an ugly pavilion, loss of 35 or more parking spaces and poor traffic patterns.  The original design cost money - paid to STS Consultants.  Mike's far better plan was done gratis.
 
They are both hard working and have invested their time and money downtown for many years. I wish them continued success.
 
Pat and Mike are also intricately involved (with many others) in the upcoming Italian Fest, which I expect to be very successful and will become an annual event. 
 
Such events, including Hog Wild, Out to Lunch, etc. don't cost the city an arm and leg.  The progressive business people downtown are the kinds of people who will turn things around for the better.  They are not asking for handouts, just simple practical solutions that work. 
 
We don't need the million dollar expenditures some city officials are proposing.  Keep the parking lots paved and maintained and let the entrepreneurial juices flow.
 
Adding the Flea Market to the Farmer's Market is also a practical and inexpensive idea. Other merchants in the downtown area could have the equivalent of weekly sidewalk sales in that area if they chose to display their sale merchandise there.   Some could choose to do it every week, others periodically.  I would be careful in allowing outside vendors who have no investment in downtown in on it unless some kind of weekly permit fee structure is developed and is agreeable to existing merchants.
 
Let's keep the ideas flowing.  Throwing tons of taxpayer money at a problem is far less productive than imaginative solutions by imaginative people.

8-16-2007-02

This is a reply to the post by Pat Nicometo.  Thank you for the wonderful explanation of how the new ordinance works for your business.  I am not being sarcastic; I truly mean that. 
 
I have been one of the people you might probably consider to be a negative post writer.  I want you to know, Pat, that whenever I wrote something that sounded negative, it was not directed toward the business people like yourself.  It was toward a city manager and council who are not capable of presenting something with the tact and professionalism that you possess.  Further, they do totally ignore citizen input on very many things that affect them.  They do skirt around the truth and tell outright lies in open meetings, especially the city manager.  They do push many things through without regard and respect for the law. 
 
I am delighted that the ordinance has benefited you.  I have been thinking about stopping by for lunch for quite some time.  You letter makes that prospect even more attractive.  In closing, I just want to say sorry if anything I ever wrote struck you personally in a negative way.  I want progress, But I feel we can have it without the arrogance, deceit, and total disrespect coming from the current council.  We are better than that, and I, for one, can't sit still and mute while this nightmare government continues.  Thanks again.

8-16-2007-01

You'd think Council Member Eden Caudell of Moose-Jackson would get a slab of concrete poured between the sidewalk and the building (it's only four or five feet wide) and solve the handicap access problem she created and should be cited for.
 
But then again, she the same one who thought seventy-five people at a council meeting was too small a number to pay attention to.  I wonder if she considers the Primary Election results a sufficient sample, or does she plan to personally void the results.

8-15-2007-03

Since I have the first “sidewalk café with alcohol permit”, (Garden Room Restaurant) I want to clarify a couple of things that I read on here.

I’m answering this post:

8-14-2007-03

I’ve been reading through the ‘Sidewalk Café Ordinance’. I see where it requires an establishment to have an Alcohol Permit issued by the City Clerk and liquor liability insurance; but other than stating that they cannot violate any state or federal law, I see no reference to the establishment being required to hold a valid liquor license. I do hope the City Clerk is making certain that a valid liquor license is held before he administers an Alcohol Permit. 

There are TWO kinds of permits you can get for a “sidewalk café”.  You’ll find both under the city’s Chapter 58, which was amended by creating section 58.70 (sidewalk café permits) and 58.71 (sidewalk café with alcohol permit)

We have a class C liquor license, which was issued by the state, the city clerk does not issue them.  We had to have this first, in order to get the sidewalk café with alcohol permit from the city.  We got approved immediately by the state for the “outside sales” addition to our liquor license, because we have proven to them that we are responsible.  There were a lot of guidelines we had to follow for the city, and they worked with us to help us understand and comply with everything.  (this took MONTHS)  We were very careful to make sure we built our enclosure for safety, we followed the disability compliance and right of way rules – and also we wanted it to look nice. It was a lot of work and a lot of money!!  But I can’t tell you how much our business has increased because of it!  We are not out there pounding booze sales!  Our customers will sit and have one beer or wine with lunch, and they LOVE sitting outside.  We get people from all over the U.P., Chicago, Milwaukee, etc, and they rave about what a great city this is while they sit outside and enjoy a good meal, good service, and sometimes a glass of wine. People stop downtown because they see our enclosure and it looks really nice from Stephenson Ave. and then I see them downtown an hour later, walking around and shopping, enjoying their visit to a new town.  I think we have to have more of this!!  I don’t know if Moose Jackson has an outside café permit or not – but they most definitely should.  And all of us should comply with the required right of way and etc.

Finally, I want to say…we have been open a little over 2 years.  During our first 24 months open,, we served 56,200 people.  That means we brought all of these people downtown!! I want to see more restaurants, café’s, shops, and things for people to do, and I want to see our downtown healthy!!  I think I’m doing my part! 

I know there was a LOT of negativity about people being able to drink on the city sidewalk.  I guess I can understand this, but hopefully we are proving that there is a big difference between a bar, and a nice restaurant where you can sit outside and order a glass of pinot grigio to compliment your cobb salad.

I really love that we are downtown.  A business like ours would not work anywhere else.  Having the ability to do business outside has helped us – AND helped the downtown by bringing people in, making them stop.  These people have money to spend, they are looking for a good experience, and a lot of them will come back next summer.  Outside café’s are really, really good for the local economy!!  Come and sit down outside sometime around lunch and you’ll see what I mean.  It’s something you have to experience for yourself! 

Pat Nicometo

Garden Room Restaurant owner

8-15-2007-02

Regarding this comment from 8-13-2007-02:
"I heard from inside sources at city hall that our city manager was instructed by the council that he should no longer associate himself on a personal basis with the public till after the election?"
 
Doesn’t that make him a completely ineffectual city manager, and even affirmed as such by the council? The next logical step, which should immediately follow such a directive, would be to fire him. That step would follow immediately anyplace but Iron Mountain, and anytime that we don’t have the current council members. They, on the other hand, just recently slapped the citizens in the face (again) by giving Marquart a 9% bonus. Whether or not they fire him in self-defense, it needs to be remembered that they have backed him 100% through every suspicious, questionable thing he has done since the day he arrived in Iron Mountain.
8-15-2007-01

I know this issue has been brought up before, but had to go Downtown today and took the opportunity to look around.

I must say I find it extremely troubling that the council  put this ordinance into effect when a current council member and business owner does not comply.  Does this mean there is a double standard Again???????  So current council members if You are going to make an ordinance, please police your Own.

8-14-2007-03

I’ve been reading through the ‘Sidewalk Café Ordinance’. I see where it requires an establishment to have an Alcohol Permit issued by the City Clerk and liquor liability insurance; but other than stating that they cannot violate any state or federal law, I see no reference to the establishment being required to hold a valid liquor license. I do hope the City Clerk is making certain that a valid liquor license is held before he administers an Alcohol Permit.
 
By the way…. I wonder who actually drew up this Ordinance…. or was it just copied from the Traverse City ordinance. http://www.ci.traverse-city.mi.us/streetord/1020.pdf

8-14-2007-02

I have heard, as well, the story of a casino around the Pine Mountain Resort area.  I don't know if they want to buy out the resort and expand it into a casino, perhaps also buy out the Timberstone Golf Course,  or just work with the current owners of each in some kind of joint agreement.
 
A proposal has been run up the flagpole to extend the Lehman Road through to US-2.  The city doesn't own the property necessary to do this.  Landowners in the area have been approached to sell their property, BUT NOT by the city.  It's a private group, of which at least one member is an incumbent on the city council.  Inside information, maybe?

8-14-2007-01

Regarding 8-13-2007-02:

I'm certainly not prepared to call John Marquart "a professional representative of this city."  I believe a more accurate description would be faux professional.  Or smoothie.  Or glad-handing slickster.  Or snake-oil salesman, perhaps.

And "representative"?  Please.  An egregious, harmful, and overpaid employee is more like it.

As far as his professionalism goes, John Marquart is all sizzle and no steak.  And even then the sizzle often sounds more like a hiss.  John Marquart is a perfect three-year lesson to Iron Mountain in why we must seek substance over appearance.  Behind his smile and charm, behind his ravenous and monomaniacal personal desires and his endless stream of authoritatively stated and manipulative bull, the man is as soulless and as empty as a husk.

I know every single member of the city council.  I've voted for five of them.  That over the last couple of years they haven't come to the same conclusion as I have and consequently fired John Marquart, despite their agendas, and in their self-interest, defies belief.  The man is poisoned candy, and no better for them than he is for the rest of the city.

8-13-2007-04

A friend of mine recently attended a party with a lot of 'big shots'. The conversation centered around the supposedly fact that an Indian tribe from up north wants to buy Pine Mountain resort and also build a casino. Has anyone heard anything about this?

8-13-2007-03

8-12-2007-01 wrote

I see that the City website is announcing that the new sidewalk café ordinance has been added to the city code?

Click the link code will open in acrobat reader. Take note of section 1 Prohibitions. The occupancy must not: A. Interfere with the use of the right-of-way for pedestrian…. And B. Reduce the pedestrian travel area of any sidewalk to less than required in the American with Disabilities Act. Now look at Moose Jacksons and tell me they are complying. And how can someone vote on all those motions involved in the sidewalk café process and then open one and not be considered a conflict?

And as far as 365 Tousignant running as a write in would it surprise you he never would listen to the voters all along. Why start now? Too bad tar and feathers are no longer the fashion.

8-13-2007-02

Tousignant running as a write in candidate?
 
First of all, that is like having a party and writing a letter to Tousignant and telling him he's not invited and having him show up anyway.
 
The people have spoken and our mayor was given the least amount of votes of any  candidate. Though it is legal and his right to do so, (for him to run again as a write in) it is a snub to all of the voters in this community. Thousands of tax dollars have been spent for this election and now Tousignant is saying "I don't care what you people say, I am going to run again"  Maybe he thinks that he will take away some of the votes from the new candidates and the outcome will change!  No go Charlie Brown!
 
Our Mayor simply cannot accept the fact that people do not want him in city government any longer
 
He cannot be trusted, he has a distorted image of right and wrong and he cares only about himself and his special interest groups and friends, not to mention his distorted agenda.
 
His political career is over !!!!!!!!!!
 
I heard from inside sources at city hall that our city manager was instructed by the council that he should no longer associate himself on a personal basis with the public till after the election? Has anyone else heard this ?
 
How pathetic that a professional representative of this city can't behave in public and needs to be told this. Could it be that he will do even more damage to the incumbents and to this city than he already has!
 
Just another reason why I am so pleased that the citizens of Iron Mountain have decided to take back our city.
 
Be assured, --- Marquart, Tousignant and the council will try any and all tactics to change people's mind before the general election. Do not under estimate how low they will go to accomplish this!
 
Marquart is running scared right now and he knows what is going to happen after the election!
 
To the top five candidates, --- just keep telling the truth and keep exposing these incumbents for what they are, --- the rest will handle itself through the election process.
 
People are wise to these tactics and will not be swayed! 
 
Evil always loses in the end!
 
Thanks Iron Mountain citizens for a job well done!

8-13-2007-01

Mayor Tousignant to run as a write-in candidate in November?

Big deal.  Let him.  Just defeat him again.

8-12-2007-03

Let's remember to keep an eye on the TIFA Board, too.  The make-up of that board has changed somewhat since Ted Corombos did not seek reappointment and Mark Angelli was not reappointed because Marquart, without any authority, recommend two others.  Mr. Angeli was a good sensible watchdog, and well all know nothing was ever slipped past Mr. Corombos. 
 
John Pryor and David Brule Jr. are an unknown quantity without a voting record. I am a little suspicious because of all the benefits Boss Snow Plow (North Star Industries) got from the city.
 
Brule may feel beholden to Marquart. Besides, Marquart recommended both of them over a solid, sensible member in Mark Angelli, which is enough to make anyone suspicious.
 
Don't forget the $657,000 Marquart is recommending that TIFA should spend on the parking lot, including a pavilion (ugh, I thought we were done with pavilions) in the parking lot behind city hall.
 
There are still some very good members on the TIFA Board.  I just hope they don't do something rash.

8-12-2007-02

I just don’t understand where the current city council members and manager are coming from. On one hand, the brag about creating "hundreds" of jobs. I am not aware of ANY jobs that they actually created. They just took credit for other’s efforts. Then they crow about their constitutionally flawed rental ordinance, which has cost thousands in tax dollars to defend. They tried to get reassessment numbers that are artificially inflated two years in a row, and were strongly corrected by the county equalization department. I just don’t understand what they are trying to accomplish when you put all of that together.
 
This is what I come up with:
         "Hundreds" of part-time, minimum wage, no-benefit jobs
       + higher rent amounts to offset their discriminatory fees
       + unrealiscically pumped up home values
       = no one can afford to buy or rent a home in Iron Mountain with their newly created low paying jobs, so realistically they have no option but to move someplace else where they can find a better job and lower housing costs.
 
Wow. That makes a lot of sense for our future.

8-12-2007-01

I have a few comments. First, I see that the City website is announcing that the new sidewalk café ordinance has been added to the city code. Try as I might, I could not find where the Charter Amendment passed by the people has been added. Did they NOT add that to our City Charter as required? Where do I look specifically for that?
 
Next, on comment 8-10-2007-06 regarding a letter to the editor, the writer says things don’t happen "without half-truths, lies, distortions, City Charter violations, broken laws, vendettas, personal favors, special interests, or some such thing."
Here is a defenseless example of that:
We have two part-time dispatchers at the police department. They are not policemen or firemen, so they don’t fall under section (f) of the Charter civil service requirements. Instead, their employment is ruled specifically by these two sections taken directly from the City Charter:
Sec. 7.11. Civil service.
(a) Application and purpose. [This section is] applicable to all employees of the city except elected or appointed administrative officers, firemen, and police officer[s]. The purpose of this section is to guarantee equal opportunity of employment by the city of all qualified citizens of the city. Employment shall be determined by a competitive examination, free of any and all discrimination.
(e) Short term seasonal employment. Nothing in this section shall prevent the city through its administrative officers from employing short term seasonal employees outside of the terms of this section.
So, the City Charter has been directly violated by this administration. They are NOT shortterm seasonal employees, the only allowable exception. Where is the Civil Service Commission in all of this? They are not supposed to let that happen. That is their main function!  They are personally liable!
 
Next, I appreciated the humorous dialogue on the Millie Hill corn crop. Thank you, Oskar, for the knowledgeable information on that.
 
Finally, on the rumor about the mayor running as a write-in. Maybe the incumbents don’t want to spend money on new signs. They could always just draw an "X" over the mayor’s name. Also, if that rumor is true, why did we even have a primary? If the Mayor does run as a write-in, it nullifies and renders useless the primary election we just paid for with our tax dollars. What a waste that would be.

8-11-2007-03

My house was taxed by the city based on $56,000 SEV.  That means the 1/10 of a mill reduction saved me a spectacular $5.60 a year. I could hardly wait to go on a wild spending spree!!
 
OOPS! I just got my first TV fee on my monthly billing from Charter.  It was $2.77 per month or $33.24 per year.  Coincidently, that comes to $5.54 every two months, or 6 pennies from what I saved yearly on the 1/10th mill reduction. 
 
So now I pay 6 times as much as they "saved" me.  Thank you, city council.
 
We're not talking huge sums here.  I'm more ticked about their repeatedly mentioning the 1/10th mill cut as if it amounts to something. Liars, spinners, deceivers - or pick your own adjective.
 
For me to save enough from the 1/10th mill reduction to offset the TV fee, I'd have to go out and buy at least a $664,800 home with an SEV of $332,400.  I think I'll pass.
 
If, as I fervently hope and pray, four challengers will get elected in November and they have promised to zap the TV fee, so it will be a five-month nuisance.  That's far shorter than the four year disaster and the many other fees we have been living with.

8-11-2007-02

I just heard the most curious thing, and from what I consider to be a reliable source. I heard that the mayor is going to continue his bid for reelection as a write-in candidate. Can it be that the mayor was not paying attention to what actually happened in the primary? That, out of nine choices, he received the lowest number of votes by an embarrassing margin? That his a** was handed to him?
 
If so, I have to think that there is something big coming down the pipe from the incumbents. They have some unfinished business and they want to drive on come hell or high water. They cannot afford to lose even one seat. Keep your eyes and ears open and your wits sharp, challengers. I suspect things are about to get dirty. That fawning letter in the newspaper referenced in post 8-10-2007-02 is just the beginning.
 
Can anyone out there confirm this foolishness about the mayor driving on as a write-in? I don’t know why, but the whole thing makes me feel very uneasy.  I thought we were rid of him.

8-11-2007-01

My curiosity was peaked by the letter from Jim Verrete.  I don't recall that he had ever written a letter to the editor, or for that matter, ever attended a city council meeting.
 
So, checking around with a couple of Golden K Club members, I discover:
 
1 -  Bob Rigoni, Doug Riigoni's dad, is currently president of Golden K.
 
2 -  The Verrettes and Rigonis are related, somewhat distantly by now, but still related
       through the sisters of Amedeo and John Bacco.
 
3 -   Jim Verrette was designated as the person to find the speaker for that particular
       program.  It rotates among the members.  He personally chose Marquart as the
       speaker, and Marquart brought Tousignant along.  They gave a self-serving
       spiel, as you would expect, in favor of themselves and the incumbents.
 
4 -    This program was scheduled two weeks before the primary election. Connect the dots.
 
Important disclaimer: In no way am I disparaging the Golden K Club.  They do wonderful work in the community with their Special Olympics. They visit nursing homes frequently and call bingo games there, entertain many groups, including nursing homes, with their Golden Throats singing group and in many other ways serve the area. They are an excellent local service club.

8-10-2007-06

An addition to post 8-10-2007-02, on Mr. Verrette's letter to the editor:
 
"An improved access on the Traders Mine Road has created a number of new jobs for the area."
You or your family didn't, mayhap, benefit personally from that, did you, Mr. Verrette?  Who else owns lands in that area?  Oh yeah, Bacco/Rigoni.
 
"Things didn't just happen.  There were caused."
Nothing in this town EVER just happened, in 125 years.  The main difference here is that NOTHING seems to have happened in the past three years without half-truths, lies, distortions, City Charter violations, broken laws, vendettas, personal favors, special interests, or some such thing.  The proof is available, some of it on this site.  We can have progress without all of that, thank you.

8-10-2007-05

Hello again:

In response to the question of corn growing on Millie Hill; as a civil engineer and municipal engineer familiar with sewage and its potential by-products, its very unlikely that corn which is present in raw sewage would germinate and grow.  This is because most corn consumed by humans is canned or fresh sweet corn, neither of which will germinate, especially after passing through a human digestive system.  Its been my observation in viewing the area where sewage treatment by-products are deposited where I live, that there has never been corn growing, ever.

That said, certain seeds which humans consume will pass through the digestive system and primary treatment, and germinate where they are deposited.  These seeds have to be fairly dry, either when passed through the digestive system or flushed directly down the toilet.  Every year where I live, which is in a climate northerly of Iron Mountain, the primary dump site at the sewage treatment department sprouts prodigious numbers of Tomato and Marijuana plants.

Once the seeds germinate, there is nothing dangerous about human consumption of the crop.  And no, before anyone asks, the pot is delivered directly to the city police; however, employees at the sewage treatment plant do indeed consume the tomato's.  Yes, yuck, but I'm told the tomato's are delicious.

And in case anyone is wondering, no, I'm not pulling your leg.

Congratulations to all of the successful challengers in Tuesday's primary!

I'm a ways from home, but I get over there often in order to recharge my batteries at camp east of Sagola.  Maybe I'll see you at Bimbo's on a Saturday for a porketta and a boat. 

My best to Iron Mountain,

Oskar

Oskarliminga@hotmail.com

8-10-2007-04

Post 8-9-2007-01 was an excellent one.

 

It reminded me of a quote I faintly remembered and found on Google.  Conditions here were not comparable, of course, but it should remind all of us the price of being overly passive can have serious consequences.  The turnout showed that Iron Mountain voters will not be passive for long.  This is good, but constant vigilance is the price of liberty. 

Nothing except eliminating the mayor has changed officially yet unless you

 REMEMBER TO VOTE AGAIN ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.

by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945

Type in Martin Niemoller on Google to read his experiences

8-10-2007-03

The cable franchise fee is even worse than advertised, in two respects:

1) It levies a tax on a tax. The amount on which the 5% fee is levied includes the fee itself, effectively raising the fee to 5.25%. Unfortunately, this money grab is explicitly permitted by the relevant state law, available at

http://michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/2006_PA_480_183428_7.pdf

The relevant section is Section 6.

2) The fee is not being levied on Internet access, but it is being levied on the rental of a cable modem. I have read the federal law prohibiting taxes on Internet access (47 USC Sec. 151), available at

http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe?getdoc+uscview+t45t48+1334+0++%28%29%20%20AND%20%28%2847%29%20ADJ%20USC%29%3ACITE%20AND%20%28USC%20w%2F10%20%28151%29%29%3ACITE%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20

The law doesn't seem to address Internet access equipment, as distinct from an Internet access service. I am not a lawyer, so I really am not competent to research the case law (if any) on this. That should be taken as not-so-subtle hint to any attorneys on this forum. A quick WestLaw search should tell you whether you (and we) have a class-action opportunity here. Please let us know.

Of course, if we elect four challengers in November, this will all go away.

8-10-2007-02

This is in response to the letter in the paper from James Verrette. I challenge Mr. Verrette to provide actual paper documentation of his many statements in support of the incumbents and the city manager. In the meantime, maybe I can debunk a few of his claims.
 
"Who ever heard of a city lowering the millage rate four years in a row?"
That is false. Three years is the true figure. But, when you add the increased water and sewer rates, the new 5% cable fee, the 1% fee to pay your taxes, you are already exponentially above the supposed savings of the tiny millage reductions. In fact, they have raised the cost to live in Iron Mountain far more than ten times what they claimed to have "saved" us. And let’s not forget that one of those millage reductions was due to the people voting, because the council refused to pass through pension millage that TIFA was capturing.
 
"Water pressure is better throughout town because of water main construction and the new water storage tank on Pine Mountain."
Do you have any idea how many extra water main breaks the city has suffered because of the supposed improvements? How about the increased number of times we have had bad water tests? Sorry. Improvement to me means better quality, and that is not the case. Overall, our water quality is worse.  Marquart should have listened to the public works people who actually know the water system instead of hiring a yes-man with no first-hand knowledge of the water system.
 
"New sidewalks are being added or rejuvenated all over the city and the city streets are being rebuilt and resurfaced."
Please. That’s been in the TIFA plan for 20 years.  Funny how that only started to happen right before an election, too.
 
"The costs of operating the fire department and the public works department have been reduced"
Are you sure?  I demand proof of that statement. There has never been a public accounting of that, even though it has been asked for a number of times. Are you aware of the fines for safety violations?  Are you aware that the public works cannot keep up with their essential duties because of staffing shortages? Are you aware that many very important things went undone just so you could say, "look how nice the cemetery is this year."  I am not forgetting Mr. Giguerre or Mrs. Occhietti and the shabby treatment they received, either.
 
"Over $4 million of federal and state money has come in grants being used for the City Park, baseball fields, and downtown improvements."
Wow. I’m impressed. Follow this link to see that this council and manager have landed less money in grants than past councils. They just bragged about it more.
 
No offense, but the people are onto this council, Mr. Verrette. And you can thank this website for increased knowledge of what they have been doing. For all the whining and complaining done here, there is also very damning evidence here, too.  Gee, maybe that's why there is so much whining and complaining.

8-10-2007-01

After the stunning election results,  I think this post from August of last year deserves a fresh airing:
 
8-31-2006-1
"The best things in history are accomplished by people who get tired of being shoved around."
Robert Heinlein, from Have Spacesuit, Will Travel

8-9-2007-10

Response to 8-9-2007-07:
 
A huge AMEN to that one!  Can't begin to imagine the sacrifices it takes to keep this going.
Webmaster, we owe you so much, but hopefully you'll accept this city's deepest gratitude.

8-9-2007-09

It was VERY interesting Wednesday to turn on WJNR (The frog) at noon time and they had the news from Tuesday re:  going to vote, how long the polls would be open and they were confused.  I called the station as did another of our friends,( I heard later) and the female voice said"  to me-- That was Aaron Harper!!    The whole news was 24 hours late and there was NO mention of the results. Also another person told me that they have had the obituaries on the air and the person has already been buried--several persons obits--Someone is NOT minding the station!!!!!

8-9-2007-08

Should the City of Iron Mountain website have posted the election results at one point?  Yesterday, it still had poll location information.  Today it has Farmer's Market info and in CITY NEWS, "Online Property and Tax Lookup Available!"
 
Not trying to be a meanie here, but didn't the election results qualify as City News?  Or maybe I just missed when they may have had something posted?
 
Anyone?

8-9-2007-07

Webmaster,
 
I would like to personally thank you for the tremendous amount of work and effort you have put forth on this website since its' inception.  The sacrifices and time it has involved are understood.  All your hard work is greatly appreciated by many.
 
Your efforts have been pivotal in assisting with educating the citizens as to what has been occurring in our community. 
 
Thank you again for all you have done.
 
Bill Toedter

8-9-2007-06

Response to 8-9-2007-01
I would like to say this was a great statement.  Please don't be so
Hard on yourself, you now realize how important it is to be involved. We will need a lot of people like yourself to step up to the plate over the next couple of months.  It is important to go to upcoming council meetings as there is still time left for the current administration to make changes.  At least if we are not happy with something they are proposing, maybe with enough support it could be stopped. 
 
My husband, Dave Farragh, decided to run because in a way he
Was like yourself.  He was unhappy with current issues but to busy to be Involved, until the current council made one to many poor decisions.  At that point I stated please don't complain if you are not willing to do something about it.  So he did!!!   From living with his man for 35 years, I can tell you he will give the job his best shot.  You will not find a more honest, caring or hard working
Individual to be your voice.  You are right when you say it may be
At times a thankless job, because there will be a lot of tuff decisions to be made.  I know however he will honestly listen to your views, not just push you aside. 
 
We should all keep in mind that the next couple months are
Critical, keep talking to who ever will listen and encourage them
To become involved.  One last thing that I am curious to know.
There are so many homes for sale in the Iron Mountain area, are
People leaving because of taxes, fees, ordinances or jobs?  It would be interesting to find out.   
Donna Farragh 

8-9-2007-05

I am so happy that we do have good citizens who are willing to give of their time and resources to run for public office.  It will be a hard haul but we can get this city back into shape where it belongs.  It does not need to be a "Cool City" but rather a "Good place" to live and work and for those who need to vacation and enjoy the great outdoors.  For some reason I can't accept the phrase "cool city".....
Thank you to all who made the election count for good and keep up the hard work.  We all need to be on guard for the important issues and who is running our great city.
May God bless this community and make us worthy of such a place...

8-9-2007-04

Heartfelt Thanks!
 
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to compliment the citizens of Iron Mountain for their great turn out at the polls for the primary election.  This is the first step in taking our city back.  Your voice has been heard.
 
I would also like to thank the citizens, not only for their support of me, but all the challengers running for the City Council.  Your support is greatly appreciated.
 
I would also like to remind everyone to vote in the November election.  Every vote is critical. 
 
Thanks again,
 
William Toedter

8-9-2007-03

In reference to 8-9-2007-01
 
Thank you for your response and honesty about passiveness in city government. Years ago, I too was passive and only made myself heard when a certain action directly affected me.
 
I have come to realize that every action in government does affect me directly or indirectly and that I must care enough to speak out!
 
Your words have already allowed you to touch lives and make a difference in this city of Iron Mountain and will continue to do so as we get closer to the Nov election. People associate themselves with your words!
 
Just keep speaking out for right and fairness and encourage the candidates.

8-9-2007-02

Back to the old grind . . .
 
Is there anything new on the sewage dumping investigation? I ask because I just heard that there is corn growing where the mysterious substance was dumped over by the bat cave, where the stuff ran down the hill. Where did that corn come from? Was it from sand, rocks, lots of fresh water, or something else? Apparently, it must be fertilized well. I just hope the crop doesn’t make its’ way to the Farmer’s Market.
 
(I wonder if the corn will suddenly disappear after this post is aired?)

8-9-2007-01

The results of the Primary Election are very encouraging.  It's the best news the citizens could possibly have hoped for.
 
I haven't posted on this site for months now, but I have been checking the posts quite frequently.
 
In reviewing the evolving events in our city government the past four years, I am ashamed of myself.  I have watched and talked about city government with friends and acquaintances on various occasions, but I was passive observer. 
 
I did not make a difference in this election, except for the fact I voted for four challengers.
 
While happy with the results, I cannot take credit for anything.  I did not contribute to any campaign.  I let others worry about it. I attended no city council meetings. 
 
With my guilt in tow, I want to offer my special thanks to the people who did step up.  Thanks to the creators of this website.  For about a year now, they have disseminated information I could not have possibly gotten anywhere else.  I'm not just talking about the posts, but the great amount of information found on the Home Page.  Thanks to all, especially the webmaster who had to expend many, many hours keep it running.
 
Thanks to the Dale Alessandrini, Dave Farragh, Bruce Rosen, Tina Peterson and Bill Toedter for stepping up to run for a job that can often be thankless.  Five people out of 8,000 stepped up.
 
Thanks to the people behind the iron mountain democracy website.  It was a great idea for introducing us to the challengers. I only knew one of them reasonably well and two others casually.
 
All of these efforts take time and money, including the yard signs. I think the least we can do is contribute a little something to one or more of them.  It's the least I can do, and about the only thing I can do now, for being too lazy and passive for too long.
 
I understand being a city council member pays around $500 a year, which probably comes out to less than $1.00 a hour.

8-8-2007-14

To the Voters of Iron Mountain:         Thank you!!
 
To hear on TV6 news that it was a 26% turnout of registered voters yesterday was incredible!  Iron Mountain should be proud of its voters and their desire to be heard.
 
I know that this is just the first part, and there is much more to come.  While I am so happy and encouraged by the support of the vote totals, I realize we still have a lot of work to do in the coming 2 months.
 
I read a post earlier that expressed how the incumbents had been voted in with trust, at first, and had lost themselves to arrogance; they turned away from the interests of the average citizen.  The poster said we will probably be watched and scrutinized...I feel that is a normal reaction after what residents have been through, and I would fully expect them to be wary. 
 
I am confident, however, in our ability to re-establish that trust through our actions, true open meetings, accessible information, and public input before decisions are made. 
 
We have stressed how important it is to give respect and truth to the citizens, and will always hold ourselves to that promise.
 
Again, Thank You Iron Mountain Voters, for your faith, passion, and willingness to give trust another try.
 
Sincerely,
Tina Peterson

8-8-2007-13

Bill, Dale, Dave, Tina and Bruce,
 
Thank you for all you have done to help the citizens of this community get our city back again and to allow everyone (once again) to see a bright future for Iron Mountain.
 
You won because of honesty, integrity and a sincere willingness to fight for what is right!
 
What goes around, comes around and because of your efforts,  Iron Mountain citizens can now expect a representation of the people, instead of special interests 1/2 truths, distortions and cover-ups.
 
Your job is only beginning and the Nov election will allow that beginning to transform this city back to the way it was. 
 
Thanks also to the citizens of this community! The people of Iron Mountain are not little country folk who don't know what is going on. They are smart people who care and are willing to step up for justice and moral values!
 
Congratulations on a job well done and a campaign run on the platform of honesty!
 
Don Christy
Iron Mountain

8-8-2007-12

I would like to thank all the citizens of Iron Mountain for all the support I had in the primary election and to assure you, that if I am elected in November your voice will be heard. You will have a council that will be honest, respectful of the people who put their confidence in us. We will do everything legal and by the Charter of Iron Mountain. If anyone has any questions or concerns please email me at ironmountaindemocracy.org website and I will answer your questions. Please leave your name and telephone number so I may talk with you on a one to one basis. Once again thank you very much.
 
Sincerely,

Dale Alessandrini

8-8-2007-11

Thank You! 

I wish to thank all the people who took the time to vote yesterday. Without you, we could not have achieved the voting numbers that were present.  I think we all have high expectations for the changes that are necessary within the city. It appears that we now have a tremendous opportunity to make Iron Mountain a better place to live – for all. 

The first part of the journey is now behind us. The second part is now more critical than the first. The general election in November is the second part. I encourage everyone to continue the good fight and VOTE again in November. 

Again, please accept my heartfelt THANK YOU! 

Sincerely,

Bruce J. Rosen

Candidate for Iron Mountain City Council 

8-8-2007-10

Congratulations to the challengers on their stunning victory.  This election was NOT an upset.  The challengers were united, forthright, and most of all, honest with the voters. 
 
Let's hope the trend continues into November, as well it should.
 
A dark era in Iron Mountain is ending.  Long live the secret ballot.  Long live the the trust our forefathers put in the hands of the voters.

8-8-2007-09

"... that this nation (city)  under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, - and that government, of the people, by the people and for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

8-8-2007-08

Well the first round is complete and I was relieved to see such a wonderful turnout of voters in an effort to take our city back.  In the back of your mind you feel a change is wanted, but until you see the results you never know.  I would like to thank everyone who supported me in this exciting new endeavor.  Not only would I like to express my thanks to those who supported me, but also for believing in all of the challengers.   We all will be forever grateful for allowing us to go to the next level.  I also need to give a special thank you to Mr. Ted Corombos, who put so much time and effort into helping me out. While I have the desire to serve our community with a sincere, honest and open mind, there was no doubt I could use help from Ted to be politically correct.  I look forward to the coming months and what I hope will be your continued support.  We can take our city back with your help.  Lets keep the ball rolling.
 

Sincerely,

David A Farragh 

8-8-2007-07

November 6

I hope those of us among the victorious voters can refrain from crowing and be humble and gracious over our political win in qualifying all of our candidates for the general election and our broader moral win of convincingly producing the top 5 vote-getters.  But let's not count our chickens before they're hatched.  Four of the candidates we support for a positive change must win in November.  Let's campaign honorably, keep our eye on the ball, and turn out the vote again in three months.

8-8-2007-06

3995 Votes for the Challengers
 
1716 Votes for the Incumbents
 
5711 Total Votes
 
Quite impressive numbers.

8-8-2007-05

The election results couldn’t have been better, especially with the current mayor out of the running now!
 
Perhaps our local media will get the message now and realize that the citizens will find the truth and stand up for it whether our local media properly presents it or not. So, maybe they will start actually looking into some facts themselves and start doing some real reporting for a change (instead of being out-done by this website).
 
Anyway, I want to congratulate our five top vote-getters, but also remind them and their supports not to get arrogant and cocky. There’s still work to be done before November (and for years to come). Many citizens sincerely trusted the current board members when they elected them. They watched them become arrogant and turn away from the interests of the average citizens. So you are going to be watched and scrutinized… don’t think you can rest on your laurels now that the primary is over. We need you to keep the public’s confidence going.
 
Now, back to celebrating for a moment. I don’t usually gloat over another’s misfortune; but our city needed this to happen so badly. I couldn’t help but begin a little chant to Ding Dong the Witch is Dead:
 
Ding Dong! The Mayor‘s gone! The Mayor‘s gone! The Mayor‘s gone
Ding Dong! The Mayor‘s finally gone
Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed.
Wake up, the The Mayor‘s gone. Gone to try to sell the manager’s house.
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Mayor‘s finally gone!

8-8-2007-04

We are no longer helpless… What happened last night is a glimpse of what we can do when we work together!! Remember how that used to be??  I am so proud of us all.  But this is just a small step.  We have so much work to do to get our city back.  Yes – OUR   city.

8-8-2007-03

Congratulations to all the challengers.  If this is any indication of how the General Election will go in November, we should have four new people on the council in January.
 
Here is the breakdown of how the votes went - according to Aaron Harper, WJNR:
 
1 - Bruce Rosen - 909
 
2 - Dale Alessandrini - 823
 
3 - Tina Peterson - 805
 
4 - David Farragh - 790
 
5 - Bill Toedter - 668
 
6 - Jeff Van Laanen - 459
 
7 - Doug Rigoni - 450
 
8 - Sally Jacobs - 442
 
9 - Mayor Ken Tousignant - 365

8-8-2007-02

Final official results of the Primary Election of Tuesday, August 7, 2007
for the Iron Mountain City Council
 
1.  Bruce Rosen                       909   Challenger
2.  Dale Alessandrini                  823   Challenger
3.  Tina Peterson                     805   Challenger
4.  David Farragh                      790   Challenger
5.  William Toedter                   668   Challenger
6.  Jeff Van Laanen                  459   Incumbent
7.   Doug Rigoni                       450   Incumbent
8.   Sally Jacobs                        442   Incumbent
9.   Ken Tousignant                  365   Incumbent
 
Tousignant is eliminated from the General Election.

8-8-2007-01

Way to go challengers and citizens of Iron Mountain. The citizens finally got the first real chance we have had in nearly 4 years to be heard and understood. The city council was not able to pretend to listen and ignore the people they were elected to represent. When one considers that all of the challengers received more votes than all of the incumbents and best of all, Ken Tousignant lost in the primary, we could not have asked for better results.

8-7-2007-08

To the citizens of Iron Mountain,
 
You have spoken and made it very clear that we want our city back!
 
I am so edified that all of you have said "enough is enough" and helped to rid this city of the worse administration we have ever seen in my lifetime.
 
We know who the next will be to go and then we will start revamping this community and bring healing to the damage done through 4 years of corruption, lies and 1/2 truths!
 
Evil never prevails. ---- good always comes to those who wait and speak out!
 
Incumbents --- you should hold your head in shame for what you have done to this city. You will not be forgotten for many years to come!
 
Goodbye Ken Tousignant. 
 
Hello to our new candidates and the top 5 vote getters

8-7-2007-07

Frog Country and TV6 have the election results online, with the vote count listed for each candidate.
 
There is a God!

8-7-2007-06

The Voters have spoken!!!!

8-7-2007-05

Tentative Voter results. 

The list is from highest vote getter to lowest.

1 - Bruce Rosen

2 - Dale Alessandrini

3 - Tina Peterson

4 - David Farragh

5 - Bill Toedter

6 - Jeff Van Laanen

7 - Doug Rigoni

8 - Sally Jacobs

9 - Ken Tousignant

This information is from a very reliable source, but is the unofficial list and may be subject to change.

The lowest voter getter will not be on the November Ballet.

8-7-2007-04

So far,
There has been an incredible turnout for a Primary.
 
Kudos to the citizens of Iron Mountain.  No matter what happens, you have really shown your concern and interest.

8-7-2007-03

In response to the ad in the daily news. 

Recycling four years ago they resisted strongly it took 3 years of pressure from the public to get this accomplished.

Grants already cowered well by others on site

Privatized garbage – where is the savings being used? Its not being refunded and at what cost 2 decent jobs with good benefits replaced by two lower paying jobs with less benefits and profit for a local company.

There was a blight ordinance in place four years ago just simpler and less fines.

As for growth in job market other than Gundlach Champion and Boss anything added has been service sector jobs (low wage, low benefit, and mostly part time) and have we gained what we lost to the Khoury relocation?

Water system modifications for future growth – that is capitol improvements and according to the Headly amendment and confirmed by the Boldt decision a TAX which requires a vote to enact. When did you vote?

Decreased millage 3 years not 4 and the decrease doesn’t even cover the added 1% administration fee let alone all the other fee on fee things

The 5% cable franchise fee will generate $15,000 plus per year just from the north side not to mention what charters share will be. And satellite and the future AT&T TV are exempt making it difficult for the local companies with local employees to compete.

Continue history of road improvement – at least they support our local auto repair and tire shops.

And on the radio will continue to listen to and support all citizens. When did they start? The previous council would re evaluate an issue or motion if 3 or 4 people voiced opposition tabling motions or referring to committee. This council won’t reconsider no matter how many voice opposition saying that far more people have said they support said issues, but where are these supporters? Not at the meetings, most people grow out of the imaginary friend stage at a rather early age.

8-7-2007-02

In response to 8-6-2007-06

You ask, "Can they do that?"

You sound like I did--before I really started to understand that our city council does what it wants, without regard to, "Is it legal, moral, or ethical?"

It really takes awhile for all of this to sink in.  No one wants to believe that our council is so corrupt---but they have been dishonest, underhanded, and in my opinion--sleazy!

It felt so good to vote today!!

8-7-2007-01

If 8-6-2007-06 is true about city plans for a restored Champion building restaurant, it would seem to support what many citizens have been claiming for a couple of years now: that city hall has in fact become merely an arm of commercial business in this town.  And an arm of the businesses of council members and their supporters, no less.  Gay or straight, behind-the-scenes special-interest political maneuvering of this nature really stinks.  Simply the appearance of it stinks.

8-6-2007-06

The Champion Building Restaurant Issue

I'm curious if anyone knows the details of the story that Mayor Ken Tousignant and Chef Tony Sgrecci are arranging to open a gay restaurant in the restored Champion building downtown.  (BTW, what's the difference between a gay restaurant and a straight one?  Seriously.  Just the ownership and/or management?)  I know something's going on.  Before Dougie went dark at ironmountaingay.com, he spoke in passing but matter-of-factly of this restaurant.  It piqued my curiosity because weeks ago I overheard Ken and Tony indiscreetly speaking of it in the grocery store.  And, after asking around, I found out that apparently one of the worst kept secrets in town is that City Manager John Marquart is attempting to arrange a state grant, perhaps with matching city funds, to buy the building at its inflated price (through Stephens Real Estate, the mayor's business? -- can they do that?) and design, restore, and equip it as this high-end gay restaurant.  They of course justify it as a business and downtown development cost for the growth, development, and benefit of the city.  An investment in the city by the city.  But can the city do that?  That seems pretty self-serving and not very civic.  (And should we be paying the city manager to spend his time writing these kinds of grant applications?)  Anybody know if there's any meat and potatoes to this story?

8-6-2007-05

Here's a possible explanation for your missing signs:

In the city where I live (which isn't Iron Mountain), if political signs are placed within the public right-of-way, the city ordinance enforcement officer will come and remove them, IF there is a complaint.  The right-of-way isn't just the paved street, it also include a certain distance into your yard, most often 30 or 33 feet from the center of the road.

So you may want to check City Hall to see if they have confiscated your signs.  The pics posted of incumbent political signs at City properties clearly show (on some of them) that the signs are in the right-of-way; they are thus subject to removal by AUTHORIZED city officials.  DON'T remove them yourself.   The fact that these signs disappeared in the night however, leads me to believe that the City was not directly involved.

Also, it is indeed illegal for candidates to campaign on certain city properties; they can't even be at the polling places, and placement of incumbent signs ON city owned property is a clear violation of election laws.

I wish my old hometown well; it pains me to see what's going on down there.  The sewage dump on Millie Hill particularly troubled me,  because any civil engineering student at MTU would know better than to do such a thing.  My guess is that you haven't heard the last of that issue yet.  The DEQ, like all state agencies right now, is financially hungry and unlikely to be too forgiving when it comes to assessing fines.

As the old saying goes, "Politicians are like diapers; they should both be changed often and for the same reason."

8-6-2007-04

Ya know what I like about Tina Peterson?  She seems to be the most open and honest about what she feels and believes.  Refreshing, wouldn't you say?  She reminds me of that old movie "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington."  GOOD LUCK, TINA.

8-6-2007-03

Ms. Peterson,
 
You are a breath of fresh air.  Thank you to all the "challengers" for stepping up to the plate. I look forward to voting tomorrow and I hope to see LONG lines.

8-6-2007-02

Summer greetings and a final reminder from IronMountainDemocracy.com!

If you're an Iron Mountain voter, we invite, request, and encourage you to vote for up to four (4) candidates of your choice in the primary election on Tuesday, August 7.  (More than four choices will void your ballot.)  This primary is to select the candidates to run in November's general election, which will fill the four opening city-council seats.  Please forward this message to your friends, relatives, and colleagues throughout town.

If you're not an Iron Mountain voter but live in the area, please encourage your Iron Mountain friends, relatives, and colleagues to vote.

If you'd like to meet the five candidates who are challenging the incumbents for the four opening council seats, please visit www.IronMountainDemocracy.com , where you can also learn more about them and their positions.

Thanks for your attention.  Your vote is important.  It can make a difference.  We hope you get to the polls Tuesday.

Respectfully yours,

IronMountainDemocracy.com
"Vote for a positive change!"

8-6-2007-01

That was a sick, sick website that "Dougie" created.  It was so sick that the the host server he was using zapped it. We sure have some disturbed people living among us.       
 
"Previous web site suspended" means it was not taken down by "Dougie" , but by the entity that was hosting and serving the site.
 
"Violation of End User License Agreement" means he violated the license agreement he agreed to when he created the website, i.e., his gross comments against veterans, religious beliefs, people generally and challengers specifically were over-the edge.
 
You truly need help, Dougie.

8-5-2007-08

I will support four of the five candidates running to replace the current city council on one condition. I want to be assured that they have every intention of terminating  our incompetent and polarizing city manager. The city government and management gets worse with every new council. Can you assure me this will be a top priority on your agenda?
 
Gene Melelli
Iron Mountain

8-5-2007-07

RE: Code Enforcement Officer

Is this the same "officer" that was previously employed by the city of Kingsford?
Is this the same "officer" that hit stonework on his way home from a bar?
Is this the same "officer" that spent ONLY one night in jail for the above?

Sure is!

I thought this area was hard on drunk driving? Wait, it is, but only if you are
not an embarrassment. Then it will be kept quiet and swept under the carpet.

Way to go city of Iron Mountain. I feel safer already knowing that person has
"my best interests" at heart and has no desire to "repay" any city officials
for favors granted.

8-5-2007-06

http://www.ironmountaingay.com/

This web site has been suspended.

For those of you that have visited it and remember what was stated, please pass on the disturbing statement made by Dougie to other citizens.

8-5-2007-05

As if our current council members have not turned our neighbors off to us and made Iron Mountain a laughing stock and the butt of jokes enough already, along comes Dougie. Honestly, I don’t know what to think about this guy. Is he for real? Real or not, ploy or not, Dougie shows just how much of a divide this current council has caused in the citizens of Iron Mountain. I NEVER thought I would say this, but, for the first time, I am ashamed to say I am from Iron Mountain. We are getting a NATIONAL reputation because of the practices and methods of our current council members and city manager, and it’s not a good one.
 
On the subject of Marquart & Tousignant, I heard this personally from a Michigan State Congress member: "They make me nervous . . . and I’m a politician!"  (the dots represent a poignant pause, not missing words)  I laughed then, but I'm not laughing anymore.

8-5-2007-04

I want to thank those of you who informed us about the "Dougie" web site. Please read the entire site including the latest postings.  The words made me sick to my stomach but I forced myself to read the entire blog--only because I believe it is very important that we know the good and the bad that exists in our community.
  I also wonder what people who live outside our community will feel when they google Iron Mountain and come up with the "Dougie" site.

8-5-2007-03

I heard the lies on frog country and it just re enforced my new opinion of this city council. A total fabrication of what the candidates have said, and are saying. Anyone who can outright support these liars should be ashamed of themselves. I will not listen to frog country or any of its affiliates from this point on. I would suggest that anyone else that visits this site, do the same! At first I didn't believe everything I heard about these people, but the more I see and hear, the more I feel it's true!

8-5-2007-02

Response to 8-5-2007-01

Well said.

Please remember that this site is not intended for groups of people to bash other groups.  If this get to far out of hand I will stop posting on this subject.

Webmaster

8-5-2007-01

Before this thing gets out of hand . . .

Before 7,200 heterosexual -- that is, straight -- Iron Mountain residents descend with torches and pitchforks on me and my brothers and sisters of similar preference, I'd like to assure them that most gays and lesbians in the city 1.) do not share Dougie's IronMountainGay sentiments, 2.) are not necessarily in agreement with Mayor Ken Tousignant and his agenda for Iron Mountain, and 3.) aren't even out of the closet, at least not entirely.  Please don't let a couple of local narrow-interest political activists with chips on their shoulders and a lot of self-important ideas influence your opinions of or your attitudes toward the rest of us.  Like you, we prefer to be judged as individuals.  As many of you are saying about the landlords in town: please don't judge all of us by the crimes of a few.  Thank you.

8-4-2007-15

Citizens of Iron Mountain,
 
I am furious and disgusted and appalled at what I just read on the web site called www.ironmountaingay.com!
 
This is no longer an issue about 1st right amendment, Land Lord ordinances, election or city council representatives in this city. It has turned into an issue about common decency and moral values that are felt by the majority of people who understand and believe in a society that must be governed by moral values and yes, a creator called God. 
 
Whether or not a person believes in God, believes in the possibility of a creator or even the existence of Satan but not a creator, the reality is that something is seriously wrong in this little community of Iron Mountain. (I am very concerned abour our children, grandchildren and our young teenagers who are confronted with this evil everyday) I do realize that we are no different in this community as are other communities, but this is where I live and where my greatest concern lies)
 
When I first read the four hate articles on the above web site, (www.ironmountaingay.com), I had mixed emotions. Was it someone who wrote the articles to incite the citizens against the council incumbents, but under the disguise of a supporter ------ was it a mentally disturbed person (Dougie) who really believes and means what he said or will people think it was a ploy by the candidates who are running for office so they can discredit the incumbents.  
 
Either way, the fact cannot be denied --- we have a very serious problem in Iron Mountain politics with perception of right and wrong, lack of morality and the presence of deception, distortions and lies about true facts.   
 
I am writing about this pathetic and disturbing web site www.ironmountaingay.com and placing my name on this article because I feel so strongly about what is taking place in this beautiful city!
 
Please send this article to all people on your E-Mail list and just ask them to read the four articles written by this Dougie. With our modern technology, we are now in the process of tracking down the name of this person and we will reveal his name to all who read this web site as soon as we find out.
 
Comment to who ever this Dougie is  ------ If you wish to confront me on my comments about your warped sense of common decency, just E-Mail to this web site and I will discuss your serious problem. Even though you don't believe in God, He still continues to loves you! 
 
My one wish is that every citizen in this community would read this web site before they vote on Tuesday.
 
It is time to take back our city! This is no longer about politics, --- it is our right and duty as a Christian to confront evil! We know who the enemy is, ------- let us face him on Tuesday!
 
These words I just expressed are not about politics, or promoting a certain candidate for election Tuesday, but they are words of great concern and absolute truth!  
 
Deacon Don Christy
Iron Mountain, Mi

8-4-2007-14

Who is Dougie? 

Print it and pass it around let people see for themselves cause they wont believe it  if you just tell them. The agenda just poked its ugly head out of the closet.

8-4-2007-13

Now this “Dougie” isn’t likely a citizen of Iron Mountain because he has nothing nice to say about any faction of the community. I can think of one “Dougie” that would be likely to blast everyone he can in Iron Mountain. A certain Dougie that got fired and finally moved downstate. Hmmm. Just maybe it’s his last ditch try at revenge.
 
Oh, but wait. I must be wrong. The Dougie I’m thinking of is completely reformed!

8-4-2007-12

Who is Dougie?

I guess it was just a matter of time before U.P. gays started coming out of online closets, too.

I used to think that gay and Nazi were contradictions.  Now I'm not so sure.

http://www.ironmountaingay.com/

I'm told by an email "press" release from Dougie, confirmed by usually reliable sources, that his site will eventually evolve from blog to online home of a local nonprofit and rather militant gay association with links to the global gay and lesbian community.  Oh, fun!  Move over Mrs. McGregor's!  Make room for another niche publication!

Does extremism and fanatical, even obsessional allegiance like this oddball's really have traction in Iron Mountain?  Have most of us become so complacent and self-absorbed that we didn't see it evolving right under our noses?  I'm serious, actually.  No one took Hitler seriously or thought him a threat either until, before they knew it, he was in control.  Local, regional, and international histories are full of such examples.

Do we have a multi-year local putsch going on in Iron Mountain, right under everyone's indifferent nose?  Are we one day going to be presented with some sort of fait accompli that leaves the city in ruins of one type or another, but after it's too late, by definition, to do anything about it?  After it's too late to prevent it?  Not that I'm really frightened yet, but I am curious and concerned.  There are a lot of bizarre characters in Iron Mountain.  Often it seems a disproportionate number.  And one of the things that concerns me is that some of these characters have influence and clout.

8-4-2007-11

More Progress:
 
*Costly lawsuit over the rental ordinance
*City recently lost a lawsuit brought by a retiree over his healthcare benefits
*Created bureaucratic position of Director of Planning & Community Development
*A city manager that openly gives false information when explanations are asked for
*City manager issued a written order to employees that violates state law
*City manager unlawfully suspended an employee for exercising freedom of speech rights
*Hired someone who failed a city civil service test
*Cut all of our truly essential services
*Dropped the ball on the train horn issue
*City manager approved breaking into a building belonging to a citizen who was not afraid to question his actions at council meetings
*Council members publicly attacked the character of a long-standing TIFA board member when he opposed them
*Water problems that got much worse instead of better after spending millions
*Utterly destroyed the retiree healthcare fund - then blamed the retirees for living
*The ISO rating - if they are so sure it will not get worse, why not invite the ISO back with open arms instead of using every trick in the book to stall them
*Took credit for the long-term success of past councils actions
*Current council makes the false claim that there was a deficit before they took over
*The blight ordinance snafu, with the "wrong" people given notices
*Mysteriously and successfully hid the code enforcement officers pay and another new employee’s pay for months - until it was questioned on this website
*Somehow took credit for expansion in Breitung (Arby’s)
*Giving grant money (TAX MONEY) to a developer that they refuse to name - Champion building
*Shelled out thousands for a downtown parking lot plan (twice) that was upstaged by a far better plan offered by a local businessman at no cost
*Public opinion of our fine local media is increasingly poisoned simply because the media prints and reports information from our city government that is either misleading or grossly incorrect - blaming the messengers
*Where are these hundreds of new jobs they are taking credit for
*As this website, by its’ very existence, so eloquently proves, current council has generated a sharply polarized and disgruntled citizenry
*Extremely restricted (probably violates our Constitutional rights) free speech at open meetings
*Wasted money on sidewalks leading to nowhere just to make the corridor look good
*Gave Marquart a 9% bonus amid huge gaffs and public outcry for his resignation of firing
 
They just keep going, and going, and going . . .

8-4-2007-10

Webmaster -  Put this link on with the following comment:
 
The link below should be extremely troubling to the good and decent voters of Iron Mountain.  Please read it carefully..
 

8-4-2007-09

Cool Cities, here we come!
 

8-4-2007-08

Campaign Integrity and Posting on the Issues Site 

This campaign for city council has become less than clean The incumbents placed a radio add on frog country, asking the citizens not to vote for any challenger due to reasons of self interest. This ad was a blatant lie – period. From the incumbent’s side, there have been posts that have attacked them personally, this is very wrong.

As I have stated on my website at http://www.ironmountaindemocracy.com, I started attending city council meetings due to the rental housing ordinance. The more council meetings I attended the less I agreed with our city council on most issues. The rental housing ordinance suddenly became much smaller, than reassessment, and the myriad of issues we face. It was obvious that the city council would not listen to anyone regardless of how strong their point was. Rather than complaining, which doesn’t do anyone any good, I decided to get involved the correct way by running for city council.

I have not publicly, stated or written anything that could be viewed as a personal attack. To my knowledge the same holds true for the other challengers. We have addressed the issues and have not attacked any current council member. I guarantee that I will not attack, nor condone any attack, of any candidate on a personal level. I encourage everyone to do the same.

This is my third post on this site. When I post, I will always sign my name at the end of every post. I do this with forthright intentions and to take full responsibility for every word I type. I believe that if we all did this it would clean up the personal attacks, and make the posts more credible.

Bruce J. Rosen

Candidate for City Council

8-4-2007-07

Just heard the incumbent campaign ad for the first time.
 
Progress =
*less money in state grants than previous councils - they just bragged more about what they got - see the budget history
*ongoing criminal investigation for raw sewage dumping
*hundreds of thousands of dollars on useless reassessments
*not one, but two million dollar parking lots
*code gestapo
*safety fines because of our "cheaper, better fire protection"
*unfair labor practices that cost us over $50,000.00
*shameful treatment of sewer and water main break victims
*ignoring our City Charter requirements on hiring
*awarding the reassessment contract without a legal bidding process
*water and sewer fees very likely in violation of the Headley amendment, as affirmed in the Bolt vs City of Lansing decision
*5% cable fee
*1% fee to have the privilege of paying your taxes
*sharply increased permit fees
*new fees where none existed before
*the eroding of good relations between our own city employees
*the erosion/destruction of our formerly great rapport with our neighbors
*alarming depletion of specific funds while bragging about increasing just one
*taxes paying for rooms at the Grand Hotel
*not using the bidding process in purchasing new patrol cars
*ditto for engineering projects, etc., etc., etc.
*the budgeted destruction of the deer pen and budgeted killing of the deer
*violating the Freedom of Information Act
*outright denial of the TIFA pass-through, requiring a charter amendment vote that was passed overwhelmingly by the people
*continued outright denial that TIFA is now breaking the city's back, and the county's
 
God help us all if they convince enough people to let this continue.

8-3-2007-06

Friday, August 3rd 2007

I wish to clarify information that has been playing on Radio Advertisements on both Frog Country and "B on the Border."

Most importantly, except for stating that two of the Challengers happen to be landlords, the rest of the statements about us are FALSE!

We have not publicly, or even privately made these claims that they say we have.

Dave Farragh is a retired City employee, not an ex-employee, who has never in over 20 meetings mentioned a single comment about thoughts or plans for Retiree benefits.  He has only talked of his sincere desire to bring honesty, integrity and respect back to this community and for this City to reach it's potential.  He shared information from decades of experience of infrastructure planning and implementation as well as thoughts and ideas for the future of our City.

Bruce Rosen is a landlord, yes, but again:  in the over 20 meetings we have had, his focus has been solely on the same wishes of Mr. Farragh's that I mentioned above.  He has never said that he was going to "get rid of the rental ordinance."  Running for a seat on the Council is about dozens of issues that affect us all as citizens and families.  Mr. Rosen's sincerity for a better community and his integrity shine through within seconds of meeting him.

Dale Alessandrini is not "mad because he was pressured to tear down the hospital" for one thing, and has had to carry these mistruths about that issue for so long.  Thanks to Dan Burke, and now this most recent false Advertisement, he must continue to explain the situation over and over.  But so be it.  It is well known that Mr Alessandrini has dedicated himself to his community tirelessly.  He is also the type of person who would never take credit for other's accomplishments and his wealth of City knowledge is staggering.

Bill Toedter is a landlord who takes extreme care of his rentals.  I have had the positive experience of hearing his vision and passion for representing residents who have no voice anymore.  He addresses all issues that affect the quality of life for every citizen and has a strong desire to see things move forward for our City...in well thought out and affordable ways.  He truly cares.

Tina Peterson  Myself?  I can only assume that the encumbents were pointing at me when they said "wants to hire back the firemen."  I have never said that I want to hire back the laid off Firemen because it is not my place to make such a grandiose statement.  What I will say as my official statement, you know the one that actually comes out of my very own mouth, is that I want our City to be safe, I want what experts agree is the best plan of action to bring about the safety of our City, safety of our Firemen, and safety of our Police.  I wish this plan to include employment levels so that our City is not being fined by MIOSHA.  I would never profess to know what that plan of action should be, because I do not have the training and the knowledge.

They lied and said that we wish to protect benefits, get rid of the rental ordinance and public safety, and satisfy a grudge.

By seeing our platforms on this website and in our letters in the Daily News, you will know that these things are false.  We also have always invited residents to email us with any questions and have encouraged them to research the facts.  We have nothing to hide.

I'm not sure what the legalities are of these Radio Ads, but I believe that putting statements on public airwaves that claim to know what you are thinking, falsely, may be slander/libel.  It is very unfortunate that these Ads are playing all day long, day after day, with not only lies but also misleading information on their list of accomplishments.

There is no time before the Primary to rebut except through the Internet.  However, we will have documentation and facts to present to the voters, piece by piece, showing you why your trust in us is not only the wise choice, but would never be misrepresented or treated callously.

Lastly, near the end of the Radio Ad, it says that we don't like progress.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  We just believe that you have to carefully spend taxpayer's money.  Carefully is the key word .  It has to benefit all the residents economically and socially, not just a few.  We also believe in the type of progress that involves the community's input and unless certain "progress" claimed by this council has directly benefited all the residents, some of the Grant money touted is like buying things on sale that you don't really need....just because it was on sale.  We do, after all, pay City taxes, State taxes and Federal taxes, don't we? 

Can certain geographic areas with $500,000+ price tags (two different areas) be picked apart to see who it really benefits, besides the person taking credit for the Grant amounts, when there aren't any other businesses there except one of a council member's (two different one's)?  Shouldn't some of that effort have gone to our local streets and alleys?  Should it go to truly getting out of debt instead of claiming to be debt-free while incurring millions in Bonds and extra Financing or depleting funds creating utter crisis situations for coming years? If you care to check out copies of the City Budgets, they are available on the ironmountainissues.org website.

All of these issues need careful thought by the voters.  If possible, as much research as can be done.  It would be nice if you could just rely on the words of someone running for a political position, but it's always in your best interest to inform yourself to the hilt.

My purpose in this writing was to stand up for myself and the other Challengers against the false claims in the Radio Advertisements.  There simply wasn't time after the ad to do it on the Editorial Page or in a flyer. While I have tried to express the thoughts of the other challengers as best as I can, their complete statements and platforms are available on the website of "ironmountaindemocracy.com" and Candidacy letters and statements in the Daily News.

I do, however, make the disclaimer that these words are solely my own.  Please contact any or all of the challengers to get their views on any City issue.  They are more than happy to talk to you.

Please, vote on Tuesday, August 7th

Sincerely,

Tina Peterson

8-3-2007-05

To-Do List: Only One Thing Matters at This Point

Challenging candidates and supporters!  Please read this carefully.  You can learn something very important and effective from your opponents and their supporters if you care to win. 

Between now and August 7, only one thing matters: that you get out the vote.  That's what the opposition is doing.  That's what worked for them the last two election cycles.  Only that will work for you -- and the bigger the voter turnout, the better for you.  Use what works.  Get out the vote.  Nothing else matters at this point.  Get out the vote.  Get Iron Mountain voters to the polls Tuesday.  Get out the vote.

Dig?

8-3-2007-04

WJNR, Politicking, and the FCC

If you believe that WJNR and its sister stations are illegally campaigning in various ways for Iron Mountain city-council candidates, immediately contact the Federal Communications Commission and spell it out in black and white what the radio stations are doing, why you believe it is wrong, and what proof you have to support your claim.  Don't delay.  Get on it immediately.  Don't whine and moan and opine -- cut right to the chase.  Present your case clearly and precisely and as shortly as possible.

It might be too late to prevent biased broadcasting for the primary, but not for the general election.  Furthermore, the FCC can slam WJNR 101.5 FM "Frog Country" with some serious fines, reprimands, and other penalties if they find the station or an employee guilty of wrongdoing, and the Commission has a great deal of influence in having the Justice Department and its Federal Prosecuting Attorneys look into the local politicians/city officials involved.  With a proper channel of entry, the Feds will often be eager to investigate and perhaps prosecute what local officials and the state's Attorney General are reluctant to check into or pursue.  Especially where campaigning is concerned.  And especially in the current political climate and particularly where graft, corruption, and/or undue influence may be involved.  An additional benefit may be that they will also widen their review and look at all of the local media to see whether or not there is a conspiracy by the current local government and the various media outlets to limit, influence, manipulate, and control public (as opposed to editorial) news and information.

Federal Communications Commision:
http://www.fcc.gov/

Contacting the FCC:
http://www.fcc.gov/contacts.html

Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554

1-888-225-5322 (1-888-CALL FCC) Voice: toll-free
1-888-835-5322 (1-888-TELL FCC) TTY: toll-free
1-866-418-0232 FAX: toll-free
(202) 418-2830 FAX on Demand
(202) 418-1440 Elections & political candidate matters

Be sure you call the correct number or email the correct address -- correct meaning appropriate.

8-3-2007-03

City Sidewalk Snafu

In response to 8-1-2007-07 ... Yeah, yeah -- there's a lot of unnecessary junk and white noise on this site.  But what about the ton of stuff on this site that is NOT bogus information?  What about, outside the Public Forum section (which gets way too much attention), all the proof you overlook, don't want to believe, or are just too darn lazy to pursue when directed right to it?  Furthermore, I don't consider the council member's and city manager's half-truths, misrepresentations, distortions, and lies -- said convincing in front of a camera, microphone, reporter, or victim -- as proof of anything.  If you're sincere and not just some mindless city stooge or lackey kissing City Hall's, um, feet, you might try checking out this stuff before shooting off your trap.

Next topic.  I'm as much for good new sidewalks as the next person.  I can see the city manager and DPW manager are hard at work trying to save their jobs by making the mayor and other incumbents look good before the next election when, campaigning, they can crow to the press about their new sidewalks.  

Please.  Give us a break.  Wouldn't it be a good idea to notify the businesses in advance when you're going to start?  Sure beats turning up at work one morning to open up only to find the old sidewalk, parking space, and yard torn up in front of your business and loud, stinky, in-the-way construction going on.  The only people ticked off more than me and my fellow businessfolk are our customers.  Thanks a lot City Hall.  You've managed to show us your utter shortsightedness, inconsideration, and incompetency once again, managing to screw small business again here in town even as you crow throughout the media about being its biggest supporter.

And you, 8-1-2007-07!  Want proof that this ain't bogus info?  Spend a day on, say, River Avenue, asking its businesspeople and their customers about this.

8-3-2007-02

I am going to have to take exception with the poster of 8-1-2007-09.

I went to Hog Wild for the first time this year and was impressed with the event and the crowd.

There were teams from a long ways off and with the sanctioning of the Kansas City Barbecue association that will build.

I also recall going to some kind of ski jumping competition this past winter.

There are also the out to lunch concerts, Pine Mountain Music Festival, etc. etc.

One observation I have is that if I tried to organize such an event there would be a bunch of folks raising a fuss about it on this site.

Now I am no fan of the current City Administration so don't take this as some kind of defense of them.

Just who is it that should put these events together, the City; I think not, if they did we would cut them a new one for it.  Perhaps the poster might want to try and get something going if he (she) sees a need.  Alls it takes is someone with an idea, the drive to organize it, and the gumption to follow through.

8-3-2007-01

No, the mayor doesn't get involved with the city for the pay he receives.  Neither does Doug Rigoni.  It's what you can get from the city that benefits you, your friends, your family.
 
If the TIFA board is dumb enough to spend $350,000 for water and sewer lines along the proposed re-aligned Hydraulic Falls Road, who benefits?  It's the property held by Bacco (Doug Rigoni incuded) and basically no one else.  At $500 a year for sitting on the city council, you would have to sit there for 700 years or until the year 2707 to gross $350,000.
 
The TIFA  board was approached by Doug Rigoni and the mayor at his side trying to get TIFA to buy the Khoury property for around $1,000,000.  Who had the listing on the property?  The mayor's mother.  Commision on the deal - $75,000 to $100,000.  You'd have to sit on the city council for between 150 and 200 years to gross that amount.
 
Are you starting to see the picture poster # 8-1-2007-07?  YET THESE SAME PEOPLE HAVE ADS BLARING ON FROG COUNTRY, where their buddy Aaron Harper hs been running the John (Marquart) and Kenny (Tousignant) show for four years, about the challengers running for self-interest reasons. 
 
Those ads are the cheapest shots I've ever seen in Iron Mountain politics.  How a legitimate government licensed station would risk a libel and slander suit by putting them on is beyond me.
 
Maybe Aaron Harper can get another free round trip ride to Lansing on a chartered plane out of it, huh?  Or is it a payoff to Frog Country radio for their years of free air time so John and Kenny can spout their lies and grandiose schemes - pavilions, bandshells, carousels - while city streets are passing those in Detroit and Flint in deterioration.

8-2-2007-10

The Radio Ads are complete nonsense.  How can they possibly get away with so many lies upon lies?  Supposedly, two incumbents have said that they weren't even aware of the Ads...yet their names are on them...how can this be?
 
Enough of this foolishness:
 
Vote on August 7th !

8-2-2007-09

Has anyone else in this forum suffered flu-like symptoms in the past week or so? This is the second year in a row that I have experienced such an illness in August (not exactly the height of flu season). Last year, the city distributed a notice a week after I got sick admitting that the water had tested positive for coliform bacteria. I wonder whether the contamination has recurred. If it has, you can be certain that they won't admit it before next Tuesday.

8-2-2007-08

Follow this path to the code of ethics of the ICMA - International City Managers Association:
 
http://www.icma.org/main/bc.asp?bcid=72&hsid=1&ssid1=2514&ssid2=2570&ssid3=2571
 
The following is an example, taken directly from the above link:
 
Tenet 7
Refrain from all political activities which undermine public confidence in professional administrators. Refrain from participation in the election of the members of the employing legislative body.

Guidelines

Elections of the Governing Body. Members should maintain a reputation for serving equally and impartially all members of the governing body of the local government they serve, regardless of party. To this end, they should not engage in active participation in the election campaign on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for the governing body.
Elections of Elected Executives. Members should not engage in the election campaign of any candidate for mayor or elected county executive.
Running for Office. Members shall not run for elected office or become involved in political activities related to running for elected office. They shall not seek political endorsements, financial contributions or engage in other campaign activities.
Elections. Members share with their fellow citizens the right and responsibility to vote and to voice their opinion on public issues. However, in order not to impair their effectiveness on behalf of the local governments they serve, they shall not participate in political activities to support the candidacy of individuals running for any city, county, special district, school, state or federal offices. Specifically, they shall not endorse candidates, make financial contributions, sign or circulate petitions, or participate in fund-raising activities for individuals seeking or holding elected office.
Elections in the Council-Manager Plan. Members may assist in preparing and presenting materials that explain the council-manager form of government to the public prior to an election on the use of the plan. If assistance is required by another community, members may respond. All activities regarding ballot issues should be conducted within local regulations and in a professional manner.
Presentation of Issues. Members may assist the governing body in presenting issues involved in referenda such as bond issues, annexations, and similar matters.
 
Just the facts

8-2-2007-07

*          *           *            *             *              *              *              *             *               *
 
In response to the current radio Ads on Frog Country and now "B on the Border" by the encumbents:
 
First,  does a radio station hold any responsibility towards the content of their advertising and the truth/lies involved?  Or is the dollar sign the only thing that matters?
 
Second,  can encumbants state airwave accusations that are not only false, but are in essence trying to guess at someones thoughts or feelings?
 
Third,  where does their never-ending supply of money come from the encumbents seem to have for slander?
 
Fourth,  They must be pretty petrified of the challengers if they are spending thousands of dollars before a Primary to discredit honest, no-nonsense people.  They must now be realizing that the citizens can't be duped and want to be represented by people that are actually in touch with their needs.  But then, they have no problem throwing away money if it's for their benefit.
 
I wish they were spending their thousands of dollars trying to explain what "growth" they have supposedly accomplished or where the heck these hundreds of jobs exist they claim to have created.  How many jobs and citizens went to Kingsford or other surrounding areas because of their negligence?  Have they put forth that honest tally?
 
I have Faith in the residents of this City and their common sense.
I know they can tell the difference between slick politicians and honest people with pure intentions.
 
I hope the vote numbers on Tuesday will prove, once and for all, that we want our community to be respected as it once was... before this priviliged crew destroyed that with the help of their City Manager.
 
Check with officials from surrounding areas about how they feel, and you will be amazed at their responses.
 
5 days until the first step towards "freedom from the out-of-touch representatives."

8-2-2007-06

Inexperience, Mr. Marquart?  You have the audacity to criticize candidates for their inexperience?  This is a small town city council.  Every member is inexperienced at one point.  You owe your very job, and the many perks you squeeze from it, to the way you exploited the inexperience of the current council's members.  Inexperience seems to suit you just fine when it serves your purpose and bends to your desires, maneuverings, and manipulations.

Besides, experience isn't always what it's cracked up to be.  Look at you.  I'm surprised that person after person hasn't stepped out and proclaimed publicly that you're a loser, Mr. Marquart.  That's probably because they're better people than you.  They have a sense of decency.  But look what experience has wrought for you.  Almost 30 years of political experience, no substantive success to point to, catchy dog-and-pony tricks with the media to hide your lack of real accomplishment, and a series of firings and short-term jobs at desperate, hopeful, and successively smaller municipalities that you fool into hiring you with a glowing self-composed resume and charming interview, only to subsequently bully, victimize, and damage with your half-measure scheming, your officious incompetence, and your distasteful personal and professional behavior.

Could it be that you criticize the candidates challenging the incumbents for the open city council seats because you know that they know that, hey, you are a loser and a seriously destructive force on Iron Mountain, and that those candidates will be rid of you and your self-serving baloney in a second if they win those seats?

Experience/inexperience indeed.  As if that has anything to do with the issues in this city and the management of it.

8-2-2007-05

Regarding Public Forum Message No. 8-1-2007-08 and the International City Manager's Association:

 http://www.icma.org/

Ethics:

 http://www.icma.org/main/bc.asp?bcid=649&hsid=1&ssid1=2530

Contacts:

 http://www.icma.org/contactus.cfm?hsid=1&referrer=&thispage=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eicma%2Eorg%2Fmain%2Fbc%2Easp%3Fbcid%3D649%26hsid%3D1%26ssid1%3D2530

Many of John Marquart's misdeeds are on record.  Either send proof of these misdeeds or where a person can readily find that proof or send nothing at all.  Without evidence, this organization will do absolutely nothing.  It doesn't care or want to know what you think or feel.  It only wants to know what he's done or not done that reflects badly on the association and its membership.  If you're patient and careful, showing the ICMA that behavior should be very easy.  Present a clear, concise, short, and unemotional presentation with examples of proof.  Stick to his tenure in Iron Mountain only.  Don't go off half-cocked.  Don't cheat.  Get your facts correct.  If you're going to act on this, act effectively.

For those without computers:

The International City/County Management Association
Suite 500
777 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4201
Telephone: 202-289-4262
Fax: 202-962-3500

8-2-2007-04

I would like to respond to 8-1-2007-09 about functions in the city.
I helped put on the Gus Macker for many years, and it was lack of volunteers that put that out of our city.
You would have thought that the motels and restaurants would have volunteered 1 employee from each
business to help out the two days that was put on, it would have been 8 hours of pay per day and look at
what monies came in to these businesses.
I challenge this person (8-1-2007-09) to come up with an event to have, ask for volunteers and see how many step up to the plate to help out!
It is no easy task putting on any event, let alone one that will benifit the whole community.
It is easy to come up with ideas, harder to make it happen.
So, instead of complaining about the lack of events in our town, do something about it!
thank you

8-2-2007-03

I have been bringing up the election to a lot of people during the past week.
You would be surprised how many people are voting for the 4 people who are presently in office.
I believe in this website and read it everyday, so I see the frustration that many of us feel.
I saw our mayor and city manager sitting outside of Moose Jackson this morning.
They greeted every person as they went into and out of the cafe.  We might not like to admit it, but their being there every morning is great campaign strategy.  I am sure that the people who frequent the cafe will vote, now we have to make sure that we get out and do the same.

8-2-2007-02

When radio ads accusing all challengers of running for self-serving reasons, an analysis is in order.
 
Bruce Rosen bought the former two story Frigo Cheese building on "F" Street.  It took a long time and a lot of money to get the cheese smell out of it.  He converted the upstairs, at great expense, into six apartments.  The lower floor holds his offices and printing equipment.  Bruce runs a successful business forms operation, has a wonderful wife and two great kids, and works very hard at his businesss.  The six apartments in his building are an investment, not his main source of income by a long shot.
 
Bill Toedter comes from a very modest background.  He has known hard work all his life.  He  ran furniture factories for over 20 years with over 250 employees under his supervision.  He then started U. P. Security, Inc., a successful security company that covers the U. P. and Northern Wisconsin.  By any measure, he is one of the hardest working people you will ever meet. In the course of many years, he bought and extensively remodeled houses in Iron Mountain and keeps them in pristine condition. He has 15 units currently. Like Bruce Rosen, his business is his main source of income.  The apartments are an investment built up over the years for retirement, but Bill will probably never retire.  He is a go-getter.
 
Dave Farragh began at the bottom-rung of the Iron Mountain Public Works Department (DPW)
and over the years rose to the top position of Supervisor.  Dave is truly a fountain of knowledge about the overrall operations of the city.  He fully understands the equipment needs of the city and knows the water, sewer and street infrastructure far better than anyone currently sitting on the city council or in the current administration.  To even suggest that his motive for running has anything to do with his health benefits or retirement is not to know Dave Farragh.  He is one of the most decent and honest people you will ever meet.  He knows the city - forward and backwards.
 
Dale Alessandrini has volunteered for so many civic projects it's hard to keep count.  As the head of the Michigan Laborer's Council Training Center, he has mobilized manpower and equipment for the renovation of the Northside Ball Field, contributing more than any other single entity.  He has attended practically every city council meeting inthe past four years. More, in fact, than many of the members themselves.  He is truly dedicated to public service.
 
Tina Peterson is another candidate who has had a rough time of it.  She is 41 years old and widowed with two children, a girl 19 and a boy 15.  She has an Associate Degree in Architecture.
You would think she would be the last person to consider running for the city council.  She not only has the burden of raising her family, she has arthritic and other health problems that are continuing and will continue in the future.  She is a very compassionate, caring person who has spent a great deal of time going up the learning curve of city affairs.  She is intelligent, friendly, and capable of the deep thinking required to make sound decision.
 
There you have it.  Five good, decent, honorable citizens who have stepped forward for good of the community, and to right the wrongs of the past four years.  In return, they get slammed by outrageous radio ads by the administration and the incumbents because THEY DARED TO RUN.  You will judge who has character and who doesn't on August 7th.

8-2-2007-01

Dear 8-1-2007-05 (Subject:  Stop Politicking and Start Governing):
 
Right on!  You go, girl!  We're not far from you, are middle-distance neighbors in fact, and couldn't agree more.  The rude, dangerous, and frightening kids, young and old, with offroad recreational vehicles in this corner of town (like the place you mentioned and that unbelievable race track in our residential midst), their friends and guests, and those riding into the neighborhood along and across our yards through the ravine, quarries, cemetery, South Jackson, South Park, and Campbell Street in increasing numbers from East Kingsford are just horrible.  Our oldest daughter's family has the same problem near the top of the hill on the east side, and another daughter's family suffers the same grief on the north side on and around N. Milwaukee and Lehman.  Others mention other spots in and around town.
 
Maybe the officials in office and candidates who may replace them would understand if they had to continually clean everything indoors and out and breathe the clouds of dust and exhaust, or if the constant revving and gunning of those either unmuffled, modified, or chainsaw-like engines were interrupting their sleep, reading, television and movie watching, music listening, phone conversations, visits from friends and family, or just a quiet and dust-free sit in the yard, on the porch, or on the deck.  No.  Instead it's VROOM VROOM VROOM and choke on the smog of fumes and dirt.
 
I second your suggestions.  City officials and candidates who will win office this fall, start governing.  Start taking care of issues that actually matter to us like these noise and safety concerns.  Quality-of-life issues, as the previous woman wrote.  Ban these vehicles and other vehicle noisemaking inside city limits and built-up population areas.  Start dealing with our water, air, sewage, streets, public safety, and traffic control.  More police enforcement of current law.  You politicians with your expensive fancy-sounding programs and highfalutin and "progressive" ideas can't see the forest through the trees.  Most of us couldn't care less about Cool Cities or Main Street programs and downtown parking lots and cables and pavilions.  But a peaceful summer evening in the gazebo out back is pretty nice.  Most of us don't give a hoot about your silly and futile grand schemes.  We just want you to make the city work for the rest of us, make the basic, simple, important, essential stuff work for us.  Lately you folks just ain't cutting it, no matter how much you damn others and pat yourselves on the back.  You know how to remedy that, don't you?  Actually govern.

8-1-2007-12

Correction to my Post of 8-1-2007-06:
 
I had mistakenly said that all of the 40 signs recovered in Quinnesec were Challenger signs:  Approximately 5 of them were encumbent signs.  Also, there were 2 encumbent signs in Crystal Lake last week and about 10 challenger signs in the lake.
 
Just wanted to clarify.
 
The Small Town Design meeting tonight was excellent and I can't wait to see what they come back with for plans and drawings.  This is really an amazing opportunity for public input towards our community "look" and identity and it can't help but bring us some pride.  The trickle-down effect was that many other City- related ideas came up; very insightful and hopeful ideas.
 
Best of all, the MSU students create drawings that are professional grade and are submitted for the Grants...FOR FREE.  Depending on the Grants approved and what the City's costs would be, it would make this become a reality.  No consultant fees. 
 
Response to 8-1-2007-07:
 
Do you really take that sentence as a physical threat?  Hmmm.  You must feel easily threatened and must come join our "mental institution" to get treated for this malady.
Also, on your comment about what proof does anyone have that everything in the leaflet was lies?  The responsibility shouldn't be on the residents all of the time to have to keep producing the truth:  it should be on the encumbents and Manager to tell the truth in the first place.  But, if you really demand that we once again expose the truth, that's not a problem.  Do you want that before the Primary or after?  With or without fries?  Stalked or unstalked?
 
I have to go now because I just can't stop thinking about all the "personal gain" that's been happening to me.
 
Sincerely,
Tina Peterson

8-1-2007-11

In response to 8-1-2007-07

    The biggest mistake you make is your assumption that any opposition is of a simple mind.

You truly ain’t seen nutin yet expect the greatest voter turnout ever for an off year election.

In your effort to make Iron Mountain seem larger than it is you are making it a smaller more closely

knit community with a common goal, Honesty and integrity in city government. We want a government that

listens to its constituents, one that does what the people want not what they think is best. And I ask best for whom?

Did we need a cable franchise fee? Maybe but 5% I think not. If John Marquart thinks 5% if fair why is he unwilling to pay it(dish network). We cut our fire department to save money yet spent more than we saved on reassessment alone.

Outsourced garbage collection where is the savings? Not on my water bill. And speaking of water bills we were told it would cost the average customer around 8 dollars per month for the improvements to our water system. It’s costing a lot more and where is the improvement? It is still low pressure and poor quality. No matter how many people speak at a public hearing or council meeting they are just a small insignificant percentage of the population. Running water and sewer to a used up gravel pit that is level and ripe for development. Remember vote for four make your vote count and let your voice be heard for this is the one time they can’t say we are small and insignificant.

8-1-2007-10

In response to #8-1-2007-07:
 
People, please try NOT to write responses to that obvious and desperate rant.  That person does not want people to check the facts, and is just goading you for a negative response.  Sounds vaguely familiar, too . . .
 
On another subject, the shenanigans with the election signs, that is, the stealing of challengers' signs and the shameful placement of incumbent signs, has been one more reason for me to vote for four challengers on Tuesday.  Ditto for the city manager openly campaigning, if that is true.  I have not personally heard the mentioned rhetoric, but that is just one more grossly unethical thing I am not willing to put up with for another four years.

8-1-2007-09

Why are there NO, and I mean No events here in Iron Mountain to bring tourists in to spend their money and feed our economy?
We have outdoor activities a plenty, such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing and ATV trails. Seems to me that our events here draw mostly local people. We have lost Gus Macker basketball that drew many, many out of towners here that filled local restaurants and motels and I can only assume spent money at shops around town. It stands to reason that if motels, bars 
restaurants are busier they would hire more workers. I for one would have preferred a facility build to hold outdoor shows or hold 
sporting events or any kind of event, than have a college here to sap our money from us instead of putting money in our pockets. Wake up city officials !!!!

8-1-2007-08

In response to post number 8-1-2007-03, about Marquart saying things on the radio about the candidates:
 
If that is true, each candidate should immediately contact the International City Manager's Association and file ethics complaints against him.  I believe there is a link to that organization somewhere on this website, where you can actually read their code of ethics.

8-1-2007-07

Most of the people who write this bogus information on this forum should either be sent to a mental institution or locked up for being liars, stalkers, and overall simple minded people that have no interest to help the city at all.
 
     To whoever wrote this:
Marquart Tousignant YOU AINT SEEN NOTHING YET!!! WAIT TILL YOU HEAR ABOUT THE SURPRISE ON THE WAY IN A FEW DAYS!!!
 
    Wow, what a strong statement to say, especially on a public forum. I dont know exactly what this means but it be accused of being a physical threat to either men that are mentioned. You could be prosecued for saying such things and frankly, its just childish.
 
    And to the person who thinks he knows everything by posting this:
 
If you are going to deliver a small booklet that tells about your accomplishments, why don't all of you read it before using it. That way your four mis-spelled words will not make you all look as foolish as you already do sitting at the council meetings.
 
I would also suggest that you find a different list of your accomplishments, since most of what you bragged about were lies and distortions of the truth.
 
Well Einstein, I suggest you stop worrying about the simple miss-prints and start worrying about the fact that that has nothing to do with any politics whatsoever. And what proof do you have to honestly say that everything in the booklet was lies. I would really like too see that evidence the next time you post something on this site. I'm sure one of the council members will give you all the evidence you need if you politely asked them instead of going behind their backs and posting all this bull crap on this site.
 
 
    And to all the other small group of people that keep posting all this nonsense on this forum, I have something to say to you. You should really try to get to know the real facts and stop making friction that does not have to be there. I dont know why you do it but it is really stupid and childish. Listen people, try to look on the oppostie side of this forum. Just think why the mayor of Iron Mountain would try to destroy the city. Let's think of the reasons, maybe its because he wants his yearly pension of $600, yeah that must be it. or maybe its because he wants all this great publicity! Oh yeah, he must like being called a fag and like being accused of throwing gay parties and being falsely accused of using the cities money. yeah thats why he wants to be re-elected.
   
    You see the real reason why this council wants to be re-elected is because they care about the town that they live in. They don't have any other reason. I know thats really hard for small minded people to comprehend but its true. All these other candidates have in mind are themselves and there personal gain. so when you go to vote on august 7th and again in November, keep that in mind. I know this will not change a lot of hard headed peoples minds, but maybe I can come across to some people who read this site to change their opinion.
 
 
            Thank you for your time.

8-1-2007-06

Wednesday, August 1st  2007
 
Well, I do believe that things are getting heated, both outside and inside.
 
We, the challengers, had over 40 signs stolen last night and they were recovered in Quinnesec today.  Honestly, I have not heard of one single "continue progress" sign that has been stolen or vandalized as ours have been...but please someone correct me if I am wrong.  In the past few weeks, our signs have been run over, ripped up, taken down, and have even ended up in Crystal lake.  There are even signs of ours that were stolen and put up on Mr. Blomquist's property.
In the meantime, the "continue progress" signs were put up on City property, public ball fields, put up without owner's permissions, and put up in vacant lots and in front of "for sale" signs.
We would never put a sign up without the owner's permission or claim to own the right to public property.
 
Unfortunately, the article in the paper just says election signs and doesn't elaborate that it was ours so I wish to make that clear.
 
And I was told that the radio ad on Frog Country stated that I don't have any knowledge of the City, or some such thing, but I haven't listened to it yet.
I can tell you that I have more knowledge than I ever thought imaginable in my lifetime about the general workings of this City.  How did I get it?  I researched, researched, researched.  I asked question upon question.  I put answers together and asked more questions to make sure I was on the right track.
 
I never had a closed mind, never took anything for granted and never believed here say.  Just the facts, ma'am.  I had to see numbers and columns with my own eyes, had to view documents with statements made, and am still learning because there is a mountain of information involved.  I sought this information out years before I was crazy enough to subject myself to running for a Council seat.
 
The other challengers and I have no "special interest" except the interest in making our City a better place for all residents. 
 
Let's take a look at being a former employee of the City with 20 or 30 years of experience of the infrastructure, shall we?  What does a City really spend money on, year after year?  The infrastructure.  Who knows how to save the most money on projects and do them properly so they don't have to be redone in a few years?  Someone with the most experience with infrastructure.  It's just common sense. 
 
Someone who is in the business of making money off each and every City project would be the person who is caring about their future and not the City's future.
 
Someone who is in the business of making money off each and every City project would be the person who has a "special interest."
 
Anyone will tell you what an extraordinarily decent and honest person Dave Farragh is.  How in the world could he have a special interest when this Council hasn't even addressed the crisis of Retiree benefits but one time in three years...I mean address it in a way that includes action.  Not just, Gee, we really need to do something about this one of these days (check the minutes).
 
You can check the budget letters, the budget amounts, actual amounts spent and even check the Financial Officer's warnings and concern for specific fund balances being depleted.
 
You can see the City Manager's statement in the budget letter of the "albatross around the City's neck" that he claims current employee and retiree benefits are, but you can only find one member trying to address a solution.  Nobody else is even starting to think about presenting a solution.  Three + years running.
 
But if you look at Council minutes for even the past year, just count up the number of times Mr. Rigoni has had to abstain from a vote because of Bacco construction.  If you abstain that many times, doesn't your vote become a bit....unused?
 
So, incumbents?  Don't you dare talk of "special interests" with a straight face when you address these challengers.  Your interests have become crystal clear in the last few years to us.  And by the way, I am very proud of my intelligence and ability and desire to keep learning.  I suggest that you try not to mistake kindness for weakness again. 
 
And stop messing with our signs. 
 
Certainly not ashamed to sign my name,
Tina Peterson

8-1-2007-05

Subject:  Stop Politicking and Start Governing

 

 
I'm directing this email – literally emailing it – not only to the popular Issues site, but to city officials and to candidates challenging the incumbents.   When the city government still doesn't get off its ass and do a damn thing but ignore me and mine, or hems and haws and says it's continuing to investigate, I'm curious what the candidates say they would do.   Tell us on your new blogs.  We have some serious everyday-routine, quality-of-life issues to address, and I'm sick and tired of the local government constantly politicking and trying to appear as if it's governing when it should actually be governing.  You'd think officeholders would get it through their heads that good governing is good politics.

 

First, since 2004, isn't there a standard beautification or anti-blight law in the community?   I don't mean the anti-landlord con job that's been in the news, but I mean just basic standards of community beauty or attractiveness.  Isn't this Sally Jacobs' baby?   Why don't she and her council cronies get off their spoiled do-nothing take-credit-for-everything asses and do something about this instead of just blabbing about it interminably?   We have some serious white-trailer-trash issues unfolding in our neighborhoods.  Want to get elected again, imbeciles?  Then do something about this instead of just talking about, oh, la la, how nice and pretty this and that would be.   Of course it would be.  Make it so instead of revolving everything around Rigoni so Bacco can pave the whole damn town, or bowing to Tousignant so he can drain the treasury by trying to turn downtown Iron Mountain into Gay Boutiqueville at the expense of the rest of the city.

 

I also applaud the anti-noise writers "7-7-2007-02," " To the writer of 7-7-2007-04," "7-8-2007-02," and "7-9-2007-03."  Bravo, folks!   Are we going to have to wait as long to get this racket turned off and/or turned down as we waited for the city manager to quiet the train horns after he blew grandfathering the quiet zone?   Isn't there anyone out there who can step up to the plate and nail this issue for us?

 

I'm not talking about just booming stereo basses and God-awful blatty mufflers – all that maddening macho noise, as bad as it is.   I'm also talking about the unbearably loud unlicensed dirt bikes and four-wheelers – offroad recreational vehicles others have referred to on this site and elsewhere.   Also unlicensed and noise-modified Vespa-like motorbikes.   Teens and unlicensed preteens are loudly racing on these contraptions all over the place – on city streets and alleys!   In yards!  In parks!  In the cemetery!  Inside the city limits.   In populated, built-up areas.  Where the hell are the cops?  Why aren't city officials doing anything about this?

 

The kids on these things are downright scary.  You can't talk to them.   They're hoodlums, thugs, bullies, ruffians.   You ask them to knock it off or stay away and most will say, "F*** you," or "Get f*****," or use other foul language and/or even threaten you not to call the cops.   And their parents or guardians are just as bad, as if their kids have a right to be unrestrained creeps.

 

I come home after work and have to listen to that and deal with these jerks for the afternoon and evening?   Or throughout the weekend?   Or over holidays?  Says who?  These jerks?   That's not right.  I'm a single and aging woman who spent a fortune to move into a beautiful and expensive neighborhood in this community.   Like others, I expect the community, through its officials, to hold up its end of the deal.  I wouldn't have moved here otherwise, and, I'll move out mighty damn fast if this ridiculousness continues.

 

Let me give you a single concrete example that will cover both the blight and noise issues.   In my southeast neighborhood and partially along my property line is a strident, self-righteous, and mostly self-proclaimed do-gooder with a large property and big house many call the Orphanage because of all her foster, adopted, and own children.   She's always complaining loudly and shrewishly about everything under the sun, including blight and noise – others'  blight and noise.  She has a double standard for herself and especially her older boys and sons living with her.   They're apparently a family of privileged characters and the rules don't apply to them.

 

Their yards are always littered – littered! – with campers and trailers and pickup trucks and vans and SUVs and dirt bikes and four-wheelers and even a dilapitated ancient gray school bus!   And that's when they're home alone!  With no visitors!  Of which they have a zillion!   Often!  It's as if Wally's Salvage moved there.   I didn't bank on that when I moved in, and God alone knows how the neighbors farther up the property line, directly on either side of that mess, can stand it.

 

Even worse is the noise, exhaust, and dirt from their vehicles.  Yes, their regular vehicles – none of which has a muffler, from the sounds of it – but especially from their offroad and unlicensed dirt bikes and four-wheelers.   They and others from this and adjacent neighborhoods race, revving and gunning their engines, speeding, up and down Jackson, Campbell, Knight, Alexander, South Park, Terminal, and other nearby streets.   They race into and out of and through the back of Cemetery Park.  They turn around, making as much noise as they can, in our driveways and yards.   The exhaust stinks.  The dirt and dust they raise blows into and over our properties and houses and covers us, our clothes, our furniture, our houses, our meals, our vehicles, and practically everything else in grime and grit.   And, of all things, at the Orphanage they've found the audacity and inconsideration to put in a huge dirt racetrack for these vehicles, and are now expanding it!   Mind you, inside the city limits, in their yard, amid and uncaring of all the people in the neighborhood.   And they're using it.  Frequently, if not nightly.   And having their friends with trailers full of other ORVs arrive and use it.  The Norway stock car track isn't as busy!   Or as dirty and noisy!

 

What the hell is going on?  I want to know why cops are practically never in the area and simply drive by, ignoring this, when they are here?   Why are city officials worrying about the silliest, most irrelevant nonsense as a downtown pavilion, for crying out loud, while motorized youth gangs are forming, growing, and LOUDLY racing around within the city, threatening the peace and welfare of normal, average, law-abiding citizens?

 

We need strict laws regarding these issues.  Now.   Offroad recreational vehicles ought to be banned in town and other built-up adjacent areas, such as East Kingsford.   There's no excuse for in-town use when you've got the entire countryside of the U.P. and northern Wisconsin right on top of us.  And meanwhile there's no excuse why the cops and city officials shouldn't be enforcing the laws already on the books about blight and noise.   For God's sake, these uncouth, uncivilized, and undisciplined kids run wild and do what they want at our expense all over the community.  I'm sick of it.   Enough is enough.   Goodness!  What about the rest of us?  Don't we deserve some consideration?

 

City officials, stop thinking about yourselves and get up off your asses and do something about these issues that actually affect most of us most of the time.   For goodness' sake -- a downtown parking lot pavilion?   A scenic walkway around east Chapin Pit?  What are you thinking?  What other unimportant silliness can you come up with?   Candidates, if the present city officials won't do squat, what do you propose to do about these issues if elected?

8-1-2007-04

This is for the citizens of Iron Mountain:

August 7th is your Primary election. While driving around town I have seen lots of "vote for" election signs, some of which really caught my attention!

Like the one that said "continue progress" in front of the Zephyr station on US2, which is a closed business. Or the ones that were in vacant lots saying "continue progress."

"Continue progress" in front of homes with "For Sale" signs or, the best of all:

A "continue progress" sign next to the controversial sewage/non-sewage dump site on Millie Hill.

Vote wisely on August 7th, Iron Mountain. Surrounding areas are also hoping there is a change.

8-1-2007-03

5 signs stolen at two different times on my own private property!
 
Signs stolen all over town
 
Marquart is using dirty political jargon on ads on the radio about the five candidates running for council.
 
Example: He is saying
 
Don't vote for Bruce Rosen and Bill Toedter  -- they are land lord's mad at the ordinance
Don"t vote for Farraugh ----  He is past city employee with personal interests
Don't vote for Tina  She has absolutely no experience
Don't vote for Dale  He has personal interest
 
Marquart is a pathetic person who knows no boundaries of decency!
 
As if he and the incumbents don't have special interests!  Marquart knows he is going to lose his job!
 
Tousignant going to lose his job and last bit of human dignity in this community
 
Rogoni  special interests $$$$$$$ in paving jobs!\
 
Get rid of these pathetic people in office  --- They are running scared  Keep them running!!!!
 
Marquart Tousignant YOU AINT SEEN NOTHING YET!!! WAIT TILL YOU HEAR ABOUT THE SURPRISE ON THE WAY IN A FEW DAYS!!!

8-1-2007-02

At this Forum, there are many articulate letters full of facts and important pieces of information.  Issues that beg to be addressed publicly in a medium even larger than what we have here.
 
I urge the writers to send a letter to the editor of the paper, or try to bring these issues up at Council meetings.  Otherwise this may be in danger of standing still at being thought of as a "venting outlet" instead of what it truly is:  a fact finding and sharing site.
 
The Primary is only 6 days away and it's going to take a movement to make changes. 
 
If you truly believe in the Challengers, the time is now to get the truth out there.  They don't have the "high connections" that the other side has:  they are just ordinary citizens like you and they need your help.  Think Grass Roots....
 
We can all make a difference for our City, but only if we step off the pages here and start taking some action.
 
Let's get this done.
 
Vote Tuesday, August 7th for people we can trust.

8-1-2007-01

While many of you may be aware of the election sign vandalism, there has been another "attack" since last night.  Apparently, all of Main Street on the North side was affected and parts of Margaret and Smith Streets.
 
Main Street signs for the Challengers were completely stolen.  Yes, that's right.  Taken all the way up the street. 
 
In the past couple of weeks there have been signs that showed up in Crystal Lake, Kingsford, have been run over, have been ripped and destroyed, and just went missing.
 
This last batch may hold an important clue, however:  A purplish, somewhat rusted Ford extended cab truck was seen approximately the same times as the signs being stolen at the area.  It is a crime to steal these signs, not to mention the cost of the signs.
 
If anyone has any information about this truck, please let someone know.  The police have been notified already of the situation.
 
The thing that is mighty fishy about the sign situation is that if it were just a harmless prank, it would be signs from both sides.  But it seems to be only the Challenger signs.
 
This is just childish and downright wrong.