Things I Learned This Tuesday

[Eve Alone]

On Tuesday, I accompanied XLFD down to City Hall for his interview for Third Ward Councilor.  But first, I was sent to that public facility to get John Shay to sign a "Letter of Permission" so that X would get written permission to enter without fear of arrest.  It's pretty funny; this guy has devoted his last couple of years to find out why City and County Officials have wasted tax dollars, violated established codes of ethics, and disobeyed laws they were stewards of, and yet he is one of the most harmless and affable men I know.  A guy who as "Firefighter Tom" helped teach Fire Safety to our area's kids for years, and has such a sensitive side that all who he allows to know him well grow to respect and love him.

When he uncovered the undisputable facts behind what he calls "Signgate", where the Community Development Director and her fiance serving in the Downtown Development Authority had his company do $15,000 of contracted sign work before any competitive bids for the project were even considered, and then unfairly skewed the bidding process to his company's benefit, the Empire of Ludington decided to strike back. 

The City created a policy especially for him, wherein he was branded as a brute who made someone in the City feel physically threatened and intimidated by him.  This public policy forbid him to enter the City Hall or the Police Department, without any hint of due process, and threatened him with arrest if he entered to pay a utility bill, get a garbage sticker, or report a crime being committed.  Instead of disciplining the errant DDA operatives for ethical wrongdoing or issuing some sort of explanation, they attacked the public watchdog and smeared him in the paper once again.

John Shay would not sign X's Letter of Permission, he had to make me wait about a half hour and wrote one himself.  When X showed up, Herr Shay reminded him of his power of allowing him to enter the premises, and when X left, he so gracefully allowed X to be able to show up at the next City Council meeting where they would decide who the next councilor is. 

John Shay was mostly silent throughout the interview, but when the topic of the expensive water tower project came up, he defended his purchase, but avoided the topic of the total cost of the project.  He also had the notion that the Company who contracted for the $1.2+ million project were going to paint the water tower again under this contract in ten years.  A thorough reading of that contract has no such wording of that, nor would it be good business sense for the company to do that when they can start a new ten year contract for about $2 million in 2020.

Councilor Castonia accused X of the high crime of perjury for having resided in the third ward for 17 years and being registered at his mailing address since the last millenium in a ward outside of the Third.  An affidavit of registration does not make you affirm a statement that you are a resident of a specific ward in a city, just that you live in the city.  I would advise this ex-policeman to look at the laws once again.  If you review the excellent pictures taken at that venue, it looked and looks as if his face is in a constant frown, but I saw this look on each of the councilors.  Their conscience must weigh heavy on them.

The best thing I learned was that the love of my life could hold his own against these pulpits of bullies and his beliefs in lower taxes and fees, less interference with the private sector, and the inherent rights of our citizens.  He overcame his nervousness, stood behind his views even when they were criticized, and spoke from the heart and from the brain.

[Edie Lindsey]

I hope the X-ster runs for this spot if-- for some odd reason-- the Interviewing Committee overlooks his qualifications.  If he does, I think he needs to get on the ball quick.

[Sweater Cows!]

Even though I am "outsider" and many in the city don't appreciate my opinions (lol -joke from the Rom guy at the RD site where he posted that wording I just stated), I would be happy to be a part of the "street team" and post some flyers or handouts around town if he decides to do so.

[XLFD]

I appreciate that sentiment Lando, and Edie, you're absolutely right about getting on the ball, as the nominating petitions need to be in to the City Clerk by May 10.  I will make a decision this weekend about running during an actual election by the people.  I could use some extra feet on the ground to circulate the initial petition and would love anyone who cares about the area or my political movement to contact me and offer whatever help they can. 

I would also like to encourage those who do really care about this city and do really care about corraling some of the City's political power, cutting taxes and fees, and improving the plight of the common citizens of Ludington (and the plight of our businessmen and visitors in the process) to run their own campaigns and put some grass roots back into our area.  There are four City Council positions up for grabs this year, and only one is occupied by an incumbent.

[XLFD]

Your support and love keeps me going, Eve. 

[AQUAMAN]

A great supporter and partner there X, good picture taking too. I'm kinda surprised they allowed any pics. and any taping either. If the taped interview is available, it would be of interest too. Thanks and wish you all the luck in the world.

[XLFD]

With the lack of honor and dirty tricks I've encountered among many of the City Hallers, I would certainly be foolish to go there without a witness or more and at least a digital recorder at hand. 

I feel I must comment positively on the City Clerk, Debbie Luskin.  She was pleasant, smiled, and was very helpful afterwards in our repartee.  She seems very down to earth and doesn't strike me as being disingenuous.  I have always felt her meeting minutes were very concise and professionally written, and unlike the DDA, Marina Board, and Planning Committee secretaries, her minutes are always on the City website within a workweek of the meeting.   Keep up the good work, DL!

[Willy]

Not much respect can be mustered for those City Councilors who continue to go along with whatever is set before them. The Councilers who go along without confirmation of the truth. It's hard to imagine that Ludington has such sheepish followers who are in charge of running the City. No backbones no headbones just yellow tailbones.

[AQUAMAN]

Thanks X and Willie, and for the positive side, and being  another fan of "good government" I'd like to say  "elected Clerk DL" is a great asset to the Ludington City Hall staff, and as such, will be reelected until her colors prove otherwise. There are several other notable staff members that also resemble/mirror the same image..........peeps to be proud of.... have earnest and honorable mention........and earn their keep too.............more to come later.

[easymoney]

It takes a person of character and conviction to go face to face with the powers to be. For years,people have complained about what is wrong with government, city, state, federal, but, thats all they do. If more people would finally take a stand for what they believe in, the silent majority would come out of the wood work. I believe this is in part, why the repubs are trying to distance themselves from the tea party, don't rock the boat. A tidal wave starts as a ripple. People everywhere are finally getting off of their dead a.. and fighting back.

Don't know all the facts, but, sounds like X is a man of conviction, so, win or lose, he knows he at least tried to make a difference. If others feel as he does, maybe you can gain all three seats. GOOD LUCK

[AQUAMAN]

So right easy, again, we as citizens need to step up to the plate and be counted, not apathetic and remorseful. With the right communications and hard work, I could easily see X getting the elected vote in the fall. The ground swell of concern is being seen as yesterday throughout the nation in the Tea Party rallies, with people really getting upset and marching in a peaceful and organized way to let our leaders know we really are taxed enough already, and they need to change their act and spending habits. The R's should not distance themselves from the Tea Party, in fact of matter, the TP could be getting more silent support than anyone imagines. If they support an Independent, (like Trump), in 2012, we might just get a new party in there that knows how to run the nation the right way, without all the excuses and deception.

[XLFD]

Thank you, EZ$ and Aq; I think any serious (or not so serious half the time, like myself) candidate who believes in local government accountability and reducing taxes can win, even when they get attacked by the City Hall powerbrokers.  But they have to do more than just say "no new taxes", or "I'll read every bill"; this is political tripe. 

We should expect them to be specific, and say

"I will vote no for any tax or fee increase.",

"I will investigate thoroughly any instance of corruption that has a basis in fact, no matter who's at the root of it." 

"I and other government officials will only be paid the rate at which we are legally entitled to.  This means I will only accept $50 per year, and expect my fellow councilors to do so."

"I will not block any citizens' right to enter City Hall without due process or hinder the exercise of their rights to an open government  by passing covert policies.  I will not allow any concerned citizen to be slandered by City Officials."

"I will not vote for any ordinance that unnecessarily takes rights from individuals."

 

No current City Counselor believes any of these sound rules of governance (maybe one or two for CC Engblade); I would pledge to do them all.

 

[Sweater Cows!]

A close friend who I have been keeping updated on your trials and tribulations with the CoL said they would be happy to help out if needed. Getting those sigs maybe, or does a person have to be a CoL resident to campaign and help?