Welcome new members

[Guidothesemipsuedocaptitalistpig]

I would like to take the opportunity to welcome John streeter to the forum.

 

Feel free to post, or add a discussion, if you don't see anything you are particularly fired up about

 

Who knows you may end up knee deep in emmm a debate!!

[Edie Lindsey]

Speaking of new members, Where's Wanda?  Since she has become a member three weeks ago there have been a few threads concerning the city of Ludington and its policies.  But she's been a no show.  Someone scare her off?  City Councilors are a timid lot, you know. 

[Sweater Cows!]

I was wondering the same thing. lets give the benefit of the doubt and hope she is reading, reading, reading (railroad-jk) all the old threads to get caught up with the rest of us.

[AQUAMAN]

I thought Wanda's posts were informational, and she seemed sincere. One of her last posts asked everyone to reveal their true names, since she did likewise. I think we explained that quite clearly, so, I hope she knows the ball is in her court, and her posts and participation is appreciated. Thanks Wanda. I'd like your take and feedback on the DDA thread of recent.

[XLFD]

The thread about Water Power is a thread I would have been interested in her reply.  There has been a series of water/sewer related ordinances/policies enacted over the last two years that should be of concern to one and all, even if they are comfortable with the local system.  Not only do they exert more power over your water/sewer rights, some of these allow certain officials (such as the unelected City Manager or his representatives) the ability to enter and inspect your private house without any warrant, just 'suspicion' that there is a water connection not according to the City Code. 

Ordinance 220-10 says that if you refuse what you think might be such an unreasonable search, the City will take that as evidence you have a cross connection, and charge you with a municipal civil infraction for each day of such refusal.  Moreover, they will in short order, cut your water off.

Here's that Ordinance:  Ordinance 220-10 Ludington

[Sweater Cows!]

Wow, SOOO glad I don't live there!! Talk about right to privacy (being non-existent)

[Willy]

I understand the reason for the ordinance but to insist on access to the piping of your dwelling without due process is not acceptable.

[Sweater Cows!]

Maybe it isn't about water, but the new Med. MJ Law, by-passing real law to get in the houses and then report people to law enforcement to get a search warrant and take away more property through forfeiture and get the city more money by selling off the properties!!!

[XLFD]

Cross connections can be bad and against the public health, but does anyone want to permit an unelected (or elected for that matter) official and his representatives to have the ability to enter and search your residence based on a suspicion of a cross connection. 

Why do Ludington residents have to waive their Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights for this? 

I would not be surprised if Lando's outlandish supposition is too far from the truth.  I think this and several other recent ordinances passed by the City have been incredibly insensitive to the pocketbooks and natural rights of the citizens.  And this is a direct result of having a City Attorney who doesn't live here and a short-sighted, ethically-challenged, City Mercenary Manager.

[Edie Lindsey]

What hit me in this ordinance and the other you put in the "Water Power" thread is the complete disregard for basic rights.  In that other ordinance, the City water department could do work on the city-private connections and bill you for it without any notifications needed. 

You'll get a bill for repairs, but not be aware of or oversee the process. 

If you had an outbuilding that was not hooked up to the City water system, that other ordinance effectively mandates that you do so, even if you have determined it is not in your interest to do so.  And you have to pay the various fees that do not have any reason to be kept low due to the City monopoly.  

Why?   The City needs more of your money.

[XLFD]

Bingo.  I am glad to see someone actually is reading the ordinances, and questioning why some things are in them (more $ and power for City Hall) and what things are not (basic protections of rights and regard for citizens' fiscal solvency). 

Recent changes in the state health department policies do not require either ordinance to go into effect.

[Lisa O'Brien]

Wow that has got to be illegal - the police cannot even enter your home without a warrant unless they believe someone is endanger (they hear screaming). How on earth did that get passed.

[Sweater Cows!]

That is what I was thinking, somebody needs to use the courts to challenge this ordinance.