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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