24%/month price increase coincincides with installation of new meter
By George K.
In today’s Standard Examiner’s front page story, “Electric utility backs down”, Rocky Mountain Power’s announcement that it won’t curtail service cutbacks is a wise decision. I would have filed a complaint and maybe a lawsuit against them if it had carried out its threat.
Last summer my old electric meter, that I could read, was removed and a new one installed. Immediately my electric bill doubled! The weather had turned hot, and we needed to use our central air conditioner, so I assumed much of the increase was due to that. But when we no longer needed the air conditioner, my electric bill remained more than $20.00 more than it had the previous year at the same time. The increased amount has remained more than $20.00 a month more ever since, which amounts to a 24 percent increase a month. Just because they changed my meter!
I would like to know if anyone else has had the same experience when their meter was changed. If so, do we submit a group complaint with the Utah Public Service Commission? They should be informed that Rocky Mountain has already received their rate increase with the installation of new meters. Does anyone else share my concern?
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
A Tribunal Must Tell Us What to Fix... and Whom to Punish
The state shirked its role while stupidity and greed slid into thieving. When the crisis subsides, an inquiry is needed
Once you've digested this fine article, do come back with your ever-savvy comments.
If the mistakes that have collapsed the world's financial markets had been made by statesmen and had led to war, there would be corpses swinging from lampposts. If they had been made by generals, they would be falling on their swords. If they had been made by judges or surgeons or scholars, some framework of professional retribution would be rolling into action. But those responsible for our finances can apparently vanish into the forest like Cheshire cats, leaving only gold-plated grins. Not for them a Hague tribunal or a Hutton inquiry. They are not just good at shedding risk - they shed blame.
Simon Jenkins -The Guardian
A tribunal must tell us what to fix. And whom to punish
September 17, 2008
Who are they? Where are they now? They said it could not happen again. They said they were masters of the universe. They had conquered history itself and had that wily monster quivering at their feet. There would be no more crashes, no more recessions, no more booms and busts, just moonbeams and rainbows and jam for tea. [...]Read the rest of this fantastic article here.
We are seeing what historians of ideas call a paradigm shift. [...]
JK Galbraith's book on [the 1929] crash is the Dr Strangelove of financial holocaust. If it offers one lesson, it is that crashes are not acts of God; they are caused by the interaction of corporate behaviour and state regulation. Nor does the market supply its own discipline. Understanding that, wrote Galbraith, "remains our best safeguard against recurrence". [...]
The naivety of all this is now exposed. Politicians encouraged the public to treat home ownership as a "right"; property became the citizen's gilt-edged stock. Bankers encouraged staff to speculate with depositors' money by awarding them huge bonuses to maintain turnover. Those charged with the guardianship of other people's savings behaved, in effect, like thieves. Sheer greed drove young men and women mad. Nobody in authority batted an eyelid.[...]
There is no perfect market. Markets need regulation, just as communities need law. [...]
Once you've digested this fine article, do come back with your ever-savvy comments.
Mayor Godfrey Hammered by Both Citizens and the City Council
City Council Notes 9/16/08
By George K.
I haven’t seen such a lively Council Meeting for at least a year. There were only two items on the agenda, but there was a large crowd and the meeting went for more than two hours.
The Council was considering a rezone of 370-378 Goddard which is a vacant lot and an old house across the street from the Odyssey Elementary School. The owner of the properties, David Griffiths, has a used car lot that is just south of Sandy’s Restaurant. When he first approached the City Council, he said that he did not plan to use the Goddard street access to the properties because Washington Blvd. would be the main access to his car lot and he intended the vacant lot to store extra cars accessed from the used car lot and he had no immediate plans for the house. He emailed the Council yesterday, saying that Washington Blvd would soon be under reconstruction and he would need access from Goddard, but would limit use so that it did not interfere with the high volume of parents delivering and picking up their students. Rich Moore from the Ogden School District read a letter from Supt. Noel Zabrishie who was unable to attend. The letter cited several concerns of the School District and asked that the Council take the safety of the students into consideration when making their deliberation. After some discussion, Council member Brandon Stephenson moved that the rezone be adopted because he felt that Planning Commission would limit the Goddard St. access according to the minutes. The motion passed 6 to 1 with Council member Jeske voting “No.” She said that she was concerned for the safety of the students and referenced the email they had received asking for access via Goddard.
The other item on the agenda was the reconsideration of the temporary ordinance for C-1 and C-2 zones of neighborhood businesses located throughout the City that was adopted 5 to 2 September 2nd. It seems that several members of the Council had been contacted and asked to reconsider their vote. Council member Jeske moved to reconsider the ordinance and Council member Gochnour seconded it. Council member Garcia explained that an educational community center had been in the process between WSU, Ogden School District and the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College for some time, and would be curtailed by the temporary ordinance that halted any new construction in the areas being considered for the zoning change. The developer indicated he was ready to go forward with the plans for the educational center and an office building within the next 30 to 60 days. During public input, several residents of the neighborhood spoke against reconsidering the ordinance stating that the Council should wait for public input through the community plan that is in the process of being redeveloped. They urged that the historic nature of the East Central neighborhood be retained. However, the ordinance that had been adopted allowed for continued work on the old Safeway grocery store, including the facade which had a Hispanic architectural design. Mayor Godfrey poured out a tirade against the developer would put up anything he wanted and added that he and his associates had contacted members of the Council and asked them to reconsider the ordinance. He then sarcastically asked Council member Jeske why she was shaking her head. With barbed arrows in her voice she replied that she had been contacted by a representative from WSU who had stated that WSU, the Ogden School District and the ATC had jointly been working on developing a community educational center. The Mayor replied that he had been in contact with WSU but hadn’t heard anything about it in an apparent effort to discredit Council memberJeske. But he apparently failed because Council member Jesse Garcia amended the motion made by Council member Stephenson that adopted the proposed temporary ordinance, but added that an educational center and business office be allowed in all the zones being considered. It passed unanimously.
Before opening the meeting to public comments, Chair Wicks read a prepared statement regarding excessively high utility bills. She told the audience that the Council had received a great deal of feedback on the new water rates and knew they were concerned. She said that packets were available to them on the table outside the Council Chambers that explained the rate structure. She said that the Council was working closely with the Administration and looking at options, and that they would be discussing the water rates at their Thursday work meeting. She invited the public but noted that they would not be allowed to comment.
The Mayor said that he could give recommendations right then and there. They were to eliminate the $7.00 surcharge per 1,000 gallons of water over the allotted amount, and go back to the $2.36 surcharge. He said that the City could provide rebates or credits as appropriate retroactive for the months of June, July, August and September.
During the public comments, several citizens of the Lorin Farr neighborhood expressed concern about the campground that the City recently constructed on Park Blvd. Their concerns ranged from fear of an increased presence of an undesirable element to their neighborhood, the cost, that they had not been informed and consulted about its construction to concern for the rodeo participants who used the area during the rodeo. Most of them stated that there would be a need for the campground to have some kind of security presence 24/7/365. The Mayor said that they had not decided what kind of security would be provided, but a steward may be on site at all times. He said that the $14,000 cost was greatly inflated, although he never did say how much the cost would be. During the Council’s comment time, Council member Gochnour asked if the Pioneer Heritage Foundation had been consulted. She said that she had heard that they were very upset with the location of the campground. Council member Jeske asked the Mayor if the campground was included in the Neighborhood Community Plan and the General Plan, and told the audience that the Council had not been informed either of the campground. Vice Chair Stephens read from a prepared statement two or three pages long, and said that he was concerned that the Council had not been involved in any discussion of the campground and ended with the statement that the Pioneer Heritage Foundation may pull its support of the Pioneer Day celebration. The Mayor then responded with, “Be fair, Doug. You never asked the questions about the campground or they would have been answered. Be fair, Doug.” He indicated that at a work meeting, CAO John Patterson had told the Council about the campground, and that it had been discussed several times. Chair Wicks said that the she recalled the campground being mentioned as part of the Mayor’s “wish list.” Points were made by most of the Council members that revealed that the Mayor had acted without Council input, and they were very unhappy about it.
Editor's Note: Scott Schwebke also provides his own writeup this morning, on the topic of the water bill rebates mentioned above.
By George K.
I haven’t seen such a lively Council Meeting for at least a year. There were only two items on the agenda, but there was a large crowd and the meeting went for more than two hours.
The Council was considering a rezone of 370-378 Goddard which is a vacant lot and an old house across the street from the Odyssey Elementary School. The owner of the properties, David Griffiths, has a used car lot that is just south of Sandy’s Restaurant. When he first approached the City Council, he said that he did not plan to use the Goddard street access to the properties because Washington Blvd. would be the main access to his car lot and he intended the vacant lot to store extra cars accessed from the used car lot and he had no immediate plans for the house. He emailed the Council yesterday, saying that Washington Blvd would soon be under reconstruction and he would need access from Goddard, but would limit use so that it did not interfere with the high volume of parents delivering and picking up their students. Rich Moore from the Ogden School District read a letter from Supt. Noel Zabrishie who was unable to attend. The letter cited several concerns of the School District and asked that the Council take the safety of the students into consideration when making their deliberation. After some discussion, Council member Brandon Stephenson moved that the rezone be adopted because he felt that Planning Commission would limit the Goddard St. access according to the minutes. The motion passed 6 to 1 with Council member Jeske voting “No.” She said that she was concerned for the safety of the students and referenced the email they had received asking for access via Goddard.
The other item on the agenda was the reconsideration of the temporary ordinance for C-1 and C-2 zones of neighborhood businesses located throughout the City that was adopted 5 to 2 September 2nd. It seems that several members of the Council had been contacted and asked to reconsider their vote. Council member Jeske moved to reconsider the ordinance and Council member Gochnour seconded it. Council member Garcia explained that an educational community center had been in the process between WSU, Ogden School District and the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College for some time, and would be curtailed by the temporary ordinance that halted any new construction in the areas being considered for the zoning change. The developer indicated he was ready to go forward with the plans for the educational center and an office building within the next 30 to 60 days. During public input, several residents of the neighborhood spoke against reconsidering the ordinance stating that the Council should wait for public input through the community plan that is in the process of being redeveloped. They urged that the historic nature of the East Central neighborhood be retained. However, the ordinance that had been adopted allowed for continued work on the old Safeway grocery store, including the facade which had a Hispanic architectural design. Mayor Godfrey poured out a tirade against the developer would put up anything he wanted and added that he and his associates had contacted members of the Council and asked them to reconsider the ordinance. He then sarcastically asked Council member Jeske why she was shaking her head. With barbed arrows in her voice she replied that she had been contacted by a representative from WSU who had stated that WSU, the Ogden School District and the ATC had jointly been working on developing a community educational center. The Mayor replied that he had been in contact with WSU but hadn’t heard anything about it in an apparent effort to discredit Council memberJeske. But he apparently failed because Council member Jesse Garcia amended the motion made by Council member Stephenson that adopted the proposed temporary ordinance, but added that an educational center and business office be allowed in all the zones being considered. It passed unanimously.
Before opening the meeting to public comments, Chair Wicks read a prepared statement regarding excessively high utility bills. She told the audience that the Council had received a great deal of feedback on the new water rates and knew they were concerned. She said that packets were available to them on the table outside the Council Chambers that explained the rate structure. She said that the Council was working closely with the Administration and looking at options, and that they would be discussing the water rates at their Thursday work meeting. She invited the public but noted that they would not be allowed to comment.
The Mayor said that he could give recommendations right then and there. They were to eliminate the $7.00 surcharge per 1,000 gallons of water over the allotted amount, and go back to the $2.36 surcharge. He said that the City could provide rebates or credits as appropriate retroactive for the months of June, July, August and September.
During the public comments, several citizens of the Lorin Farr neighborhood expressed concern about the campground that the City recently constructed on Park Blvd. Their concerns ranged from fear of an increased presence of an undesirable element to their neighborhood, the cost, that they had not been informed and consulted about its construction to concern for the rodeo participants who used the area during the rodeo. Most of them stated that there would be a need for the campground to have some kind of security presence 24/7/365. The Mayor said that they had not decided what kind of security would be provided, but a steward may be on site at all times. He said that the $14,000 cost was greatly inflated, although he never did say how much the cost would be. During the Council’s comment time, Council member Gochnour asked if the Pioneer Heritage Foundation had been consulted. She said that she had heard that they were very upset with the location of the campground. Council member Jeske asked the Mayor if the campground was included in the Neighborhood Community Plan and the General Plan, and told the audience that the Council had not been informed either of the campground. Vice Chair Stephens read from a prepared statement two or three pages long, and said that he was concerned that the Council had not been involved in any discussion of the campground and ended with the statement that the Pioneer Heritage Foundation may pull its support of the Pioneer Day celebration. The Mayor then responded with, “Be fair, Doug. You never asked the questions about the campground or they would have been answered. Be fair, Doug.” He indicated that at a work meeting, CAO John Patterson had told the Council about the campground, and that it had been discussed several times. Chair Wicks said that the she recalled the campground being mentioned as part of the Mayor’s “wish list.” Points were made by most of the Council members that revealed that the Mayor had acted without Council input, and they were very unhappy about it.
Editor's Note: Scott Schwebke also provides his own writeup this morning, on the topic of the water bill rebates mentioned above.
Powder Mountain Update: Weber County Files its Responsive Pleading
The County raises a state constitutional issue, among other apparent defenses
Earlier this month we reported that the Powder Mountain developer had filed an action in the 2d District court, seeking an order to compel the Weber County Commission to fill the mayor and council positions in Ogden Valley's new "Powderville" town, from the developer's carefully-crafted list of lackeys and sycophants.
The Standard-Examiner reports this morning that Weber County has now filed an answer to the developer's complaint. This morning's Di Lewis story give us a first glimpse of the county's legal position in this matter. From this morning's story:
Until then... don't let the cat get your tongues, O gentle ones.
Earlier this month we reported that the Powder Mountain developer had filed an action in the 2d District court, seeking an order to compel the Weber County Commission to fill the mayor and council positions in Ogden Valley's new "Powderville" town, from the developer's carefully-crafted list of lackeys and sycophants.
The Standard-Examiner reports this morning that Weber County has now filed an answer to the developer's complaint. This morning's Di Lewis story give us a first glimpse of the county's legal position in this matter. From this morning's story:
OGDEN — Granting developers the right to create a town without input and then select town government without oversight is “tantamount to monarchy.”We'd earlier surmised that the county might assert defenses based on constitutional grounds, and it appears that the county has done just that. Ms. Lewis's article provides the gist:
At least that’s what the Weber County Attorney’s Office says.
In a response filed Tuesday to Aug. 26 litigation from Powder Mountain developers, the Weber County Commission acknowledges it was required by law to appoint a mayor and town council for Powder Mountain after the resort incorporated as a town on Aug. 5.
The argument now, however, is who gets to choose names on the list from which the appointments will be made.
In response, the commission asserts this stance violates the Utah Constitution by delegating authority to control municipal functions to a private group.This morning's article is a mite vague as the the nature of any other defenses which might be contained the in the County's responsive pleadings, although Ms. Lewis does provide a few tantalizing hints:
Article VI Section 28 of the Constitution states, “The Legislature shall not delegate to any special commission, private corporation or association any power to … perform any municipal functions.”
Commissioners argue the law requires them to appoint “from a list of qualified individuals approved by the petition sponsors,” not from “the list” submitted by the town’s founders. [...]In this connection, your blogmeister plans to trot down to the courthouse this morning, to obtain copies of the pleadings now on file. If all goes well, we'll scan and upload electronic versions for the benefit of our readers, who no doubt share your blogmeister's curiosity about the precise nature of the arguments which the Weber County Attorney's office has mustered in the defense of the Commission's actions to date.
The response also argues the selection of the town government is critical to the success and well-being of the town, especially because it was formed without outside input.
The response adds that, if the Legislature had intended for the commission to approve any qualified list from the petitioners, the law would have been worded differently.
The commissioners said they are supposed to protect the health, safety and welfare of county residents and attempted to do so by seeking input from both residents and the petition sponsors of Powder Mountain.
However, they feel they cannot fulfill their duties if forced to approve only the developers’ list.
Until then... don't let the cat get your tongues, O gentle ones.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
More Local Blowback From the Investment Banking Meltdown
The local municipal bond market swirls down the crapper
Reuters reported yesterday that the municipal bond market has been stopped dead in its tracks. This from yesterday's Reuters story:
For our readers' convenience we've put together a page on our storage site to provide a little more detail re the Junction bonding swap.
We know at least three Ogden City Council members regularly read this blog. We suspect there may be more. We do hope they're all keeping their eyes open as they watch the financial markets deteriorate.
As for the little twit BIG SPENDING and borrowing dope Boss Godfrey: We doubt he reads this blog. Somebody obviously needs to at least send him a link.
Reuters reported yesterday that the municipal bond market has been stopped dead in its tracks. This from yesterday's Reuters story:
This information is also particularly interesting:MIAMI (Reuters) - The collapse of one Wall Street firm and the merger of another over the weekend may raise Main Street America's borrowing costs as those investment banks are central to the trading of the municipal debt that finances schools, parks, hospitals and roads across the nation.
The bankruptcy filing by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc (LEH.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the No. 3 underwriter for competitive deals in the $2.6 trillion tax-free municipal debt market, and the $50 billion acquisition of Merrill Lynch & Co Inc (MER.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), will also restrict liquidity in the municipal bond market, according to traders, portfolio managers and investment strategists.
Indeed, on Monday, the first day of trading after the historic developments on Wall Street this weekend, U.S. municipal bond transactions were few and overall trading slow.
"People are very leery of jumping in," said a Midwest municipals trader. "You are losing two large issuers, two large sources of liquidity. People are sitting and watching."
Higher costs for cities, school districts and other public borrowers will show first in wider spreads between what investors are willing to bid for bonds and the offering prices sellers demand, according to portfolio manager and Vice President Evan Rourke at M.D.Sass Associates in New York.
Smaller and regional firms (can you say Wells Fargo [Ed.]) have grown more active in municipals during recent months, but may not be able to pick up all the slack, traders and portfolio managers have said.And this info is flat out fascinating:
Some hard-pressed local governments and other issuers will postpone borrowing, according to Matt Fabian, analyst at Municipal Market Advisors in Concord, Massachusetts, who cut his forecast for new municipal debt for 2008 to $425 billion from an earlier forecast of $450 billion.
"This may translate into ratings or even credit issues for some governments that have planned on selling bonds to patch current year budget gaps," Fabian said in a weekly commentary. "Further, the deferral of needed infrastructure, replacement and maintenance will increase future costs while slowing economic growth; this puts more pressure on tax rates and political infrastructure going forward."
Bonds with unusual coupons or structures are proving harder to sell because of deteriorating liquidity. [Emphasis added.].As all regular WCF readers know, the Junction Project bonding is subject to a "rate swap," which is an extremely unusual payback structure.
For our readers' convenience we've put together a page on our storage site to provide a little more detail re the Junction bonding swap.
We know at least three Ogden City Council members regularly read this blog. We suspect there may be more. We do hope they're all keeping their eyes open as they watch the financial markets deteriorate.
As for the little twit BIG SPENDING and borrowing dope Boss Godfrey: We doubt he reads this blog. Somebody obviously needs to at least send him a link.
Dow Drops 504 points; AIG Talks Bankruptcy
The nation's largest insurance company seeks a FED lifeline
Today's Deseret News carries a pretty good synopsis of yesterday's stock market action, wherein the Dow dripped 500+ points, as a result of the chaos in the financials sector. From this morning's article:
Wall Street traders seem to be taking the crisis somewhat in stride this morning. Although the Dow has been down as much as 86 points this morning, it's in positive territory (up 24 pts.) as of the time of this posting. While it's still too early in the day to determine whether yesterday's trading action signalled a complete erosion of confidence in the financials sector, there's another GIANT problem looming on the near horizon:
An AIG Accident Could Dwarf Lehman's
AIG is one of the largest insurance companies in the world, with significant exposure in the areas of mortgage insurance, bond (derivatives) insurance and other forms of insurance involving the financials sector. The collapse of AIG could leave a wide array of banks, pension funds and other financial institutions and investors essentially "naked" to the effects of a collapsing financial market.
Those readers who regularly follow developments in the financial markets already know we are witnessing the unfolding of events which are highly reminiscent of events preceding the great depression. Those readers who don't have these financial developments on their radar screens probably ought to take off their blinders and at least have a look.
The events transpiring during the last few days (and in the days immediately to come) will be viewed as "historic."
Will government officials, financial institutions and the FED have the wherewithal to deflate the financial bubble in a tolerable and orderly fashion; or is the U.S. economy ineluctably headed for doom?
Update 9/16/08 11:04 a.m. MT: More chirpy economic news:
Goldman Sachs net plunges 70 percent
Next!
Today's Deseret News carries a pretty good synopsis of yesterday's stock market action, wherein the Dow dripped 500+ points, as a result of the chaos in the financials sector. From this morning's article:
NEW YORK — Mighty investment banks were laid low. Stocks put in their worst performance in seven years. About $700 billion was washed away on Wall Street.Read this morning's full Deseret News article here.
The crisis set in motion more than a year ago by a series of bad mortgage bets produced its most devastating day yet Monday, leaving investors to wonder whether anywhere was safe for their money.
Capping a tumultuous 24 hours that redrew the American financial system, Lehman Brothers filed the largest bankruptcy in American history, and a second storied bank, Merrill Lynch, fled into the arms of Bank of America.
The Dow Jones industrial average lost more than 500 points, more than 4 percent, its steepest point drop since the day the stock market reopened after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
About $700 billion evaporated from retirement plans, government pension funds and other investment portfolios.
It was by far the most stomach-churning single day since a financial crisis began to bubble up from billions of dollars in rotten mortgage loans that have crippled the balance sheets of one bank after another and landed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the control of the federal government.
Wall Street traders seem to be taking the crisis somewhat in stride this morning. Although the Dow has been down as much as 86 points this morning, it's in positive territory (up 24 pts.) as of the time of this posting. While it's still too early in the day to determine whether yesterday's trading action signalled a complete erosion of confidence in the financials sector, there's another GIANT problem looming on the near horizon:
An AIG Accident Could Dwarf Lehman's
AIG is one of the largest insurance companies in the world, with significant exposure in the areas of mortgage insurance, bond (derivatives) insurance and other forms of insurance involving the financials sector. The collapse of AIG could leave a wide array of banks, pension funds and other financial institutions and investors essentially "naked" to the effects of a collapsing financial market.
Those readers who regularly follow developments in the financial markets already know we are witnessing the unfolding of events which are highly reminiscent of events preceding the great depression. Those readers who don't have these financial developments on their radar screens probably ought to take off their blinders and at least have a look.
The events transpiring during the last few days (and in the days immediately to come) will be viewed as "historic."
Will government officials, financial institutions and the FED have the wherewithal to deflate the financial bubble in a tolerable and orderly fashion; or is the U.S. economy ineluctably headed for doom?
Update 9/16/08 11:04 a.m. MT: More chirpy economic news:
Goldman Sachs net plunges 70 percent
Next!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Godfrey Lackey Police Chief Senator Sez Ogden City Crime is Down
More pro-Godfrey propaganda from the Godfrey House Propaganda Organ
Emerald City Crime is front page news in this morning's Standard-Examiner, with this moronic Sam Cooper story, blaring the headline, "Ogden's crime hits 10-year low." The Standard-Examiner presents a hokey table within this morning's article which compares (we think) crime stats during the first six months of 2007... with midyear figures for 2008.
It's impossible to compare Mr. Cooper's information, of course, with any of the other verifiable crime data from previous and similar six month periods. Crime stats are seldom provided over such short periods and are not publicly available. Six months' worth of so-called "crime data" are what competent statisticians would call a "small and statistically insignificant sample."
We already have earlier upside-down crime data from Mr. Cooper's earlier POS article.
Better analyzed crime stats are available from gentle reader monotreme's fine 2007 crime series, as well.
We already know the so-called "brick and mortar" stalwart Greiner will lie for Godfrey... any time The Boss demands. His pension is on the line, after all.
The only thing we have extra for intelligent analysis beyond the vague statistics in today's Std-Ex article is Godfrey Lackey Chief Greiner's statement (taking into account eight months of unverifiable purported data,) appears to be this:
Emerald City Crime is front page news in this morning's Standard-Examiner, with this moronic Sam Cooper story, blaring the headline, "Ogden's crime hits 10-year low." The Standard-Examiner presents a hokey table within this morning's article which compares (we think) crime stats during the first six months of 2007... with midyear figures for 2008.
It's impossible to compare Mr. Cooper's information, of course, with any of the other verifiable crime data from previous and similar six month periods. Crime stats are seldom provided over such short periods and are not publicly available. Six months' worth of so-called "crime data" are what competent statisticians would call a "small and statistically insignificant sample."
We already have earlier upside-down crime data from Mr. Cooper's earlier POS article.
Better analyzed crime stats are available from gentle reader monotreme's fine 2007 crime series, as well.
We already know the so-called "brick and mortar" stalwart Greiner will lie for Godfrey... any time The Boss demands. His pension is on the line, after all.
The only thing we have extra for intelligent analysis beyond the vague statistics in today's Std-Ex article is Godfrey Lackey Chief Greiner's statement (taking into account eight months of unverifiable purported data,) appears to be this:
OGDEN — With hard work and the help of technology, crime rates in Ogden have hit a 10-year low, the city’s police chief says.Of course the last month (August) of Greiner's data fails even to show up in today's Std-Ex's graphic table.
“The gross number of part one crimes for the first eight months of this year is at the lowest point it’s been in more than 10 years,” said Chief Jon Greiner.
So we guess we're going to have take the Std-Ex's word for this on the crime data. Boss Godfrey is a crime fighter, LOL, according to today's Std-Ex.
And speaking of Greiner's high tech computer technology, consider this...
What's next for Ogden... This? (we can always have hope.)
So what say out gentle readers about all this?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Boss Godfrey Lays Another Egg
More behind the scenes maneuvering by our devious little mayor
By George K.
Here's another big egg laid by the Godfrey administration! More behind the scenes maneuvering by our devious little lying mayor! A couple of weeks ago, a council member asked the council staff about an unheard of campground being built on the south side of Park Blvd. near the stadium. Mr. Cook reported that he had been unable to find anything about it and suggested Mr. Patterson be asked if he knew anything about it. He did! Surprise! Surprise! It will be a campground for kayakers, bicyclists and other sport enthusiasts. When asked how it was being paid for, the council was told that it wouldn’t cost much and was being done “in-house.” When asked if it shouldn’t have been placed on the capital improvement improvement plan, the reply was, “Oh No. It won‘t cost very much.” Chair Wicks asked who would use it and was told “kayakers, hikers and sport enthusisasts hopefully. We don’t want any transients.”
Then Scott Schwebke lets the cat out of the bag in this morning's Standard-Examiner article, "New campground taking shape in downtown Ogden.” No wonder there haven’t been any fees decided upon – it’s never been discussed because it’s never been presented to the council!
Is this a foreshadow of what we can expect in the future of how Godfrey will get other projects done? Does anyone know if this kind of devious, underhanded way of doing city business borders on mismanagement and/or malfeasance?
By George K.
Here's another big egg laid by the Godfrey administration! More behind the scenes maneuvering by our devious little lying mayor! A couple of weeks ago, a council member asked the council staff about an unheard of campground being built on the south side of Park Blvd. near the stadium. Mr. Cook reported that he had been unable to find anything about it and suggested Mr. Patterson be asked if he knew anything about it. He did! Surprise! Surprise! It will be a campground for kayakers, bicyclists and other sport enthusiasts. When asked how it was being paid for, the council was told that it wouldn’t cost much and was being done “in-house.” When asked if it shouldn’t have been placed on the capital improvement improvement plan, the reply was, “Oh No. It won‘t cost very much.” Chair Wicks asked who would use it and was told “kayakers, hikers and sport enthusisasts hopefully. We don’t want any transients.”
Then Scott Schwebke lets the cat out of the bag in this morning's Standard-Examiner article, "New campground taking shape in downtown Ogden.” No wonder there haven’t been any fees decided upon – it’s never been discussed because it’s never been presented to the council!
Is this a foreshadow of what we can expect in the future of how Godfrey will get other projects done? Does anyone know if this kind of devious, underhanded way of doing city business borders on mismanagement and/or malfeasance?
Timbe-e-e-e-r! Wall Street is in Crisis Over Fears that Lehman Brothers Crash Will Trigger More Chaos
World financial markets hold their breath as another giant U.S. investment bank teeters on the brink of collapse
From this morning's Times Online story:
Have a nice day, everyone.
From this morning's Times Online story:
This weekend, Lehman’s head is on the block as meetings over its future continue. Will Paulson go to Washington on Tuesday having successfully whipped the banking industry into resolving this crisis? Will he have blinked and put government money in after all? Or will Lehman have simply collapsed, with untold knock-on effects to the banking system? Paulson has been so active on Wall Street recently that “Breakfast at Hank’s” has become bankers’ shorthand for a crisis meeting. In Lehman Brothers, he has a problem that cannot easily be resolved over muffins and coffee.More choice commentary from one of Weber County Forum's favorite economic commentators, Professor Roubini:
Nouriel Roubini, professor of economics at the Stern School of Business and chairman of RGE Monitor, said Washington’s previously “fanatically laissez faire” attitude had precipitated this crisis and forced regulators to perform a humiliating about face to become “the United Socialist State Republic of America.” But this was “socialism for the rich” where profits were privatised but debts were picked up by the taxpayer.Just a little more chirpy economic news for this otherwise dazzling Emerald City Sunday morning.
Roubini said lax regulation had led to the current problems and now that the government’s coffers had been opened, officials will have a hard time closing them.
“Many of the companies not in financial services are going to say the banks are being bailed out, why shouldn’t we?” he said. The car industry is already looking for $50 billion in subsidies. The troubled airline industry may be next.
Paulson has talked of the “moral hazard” of government bailouts – a situation where companies act carelessly because they know the government will pick up the pieces. It’s a debate Roubini said American regulators should have been having years ago during the excesses of the boom years.
“In principle Lehman should be allowed to go,” said Roubini. “But if that happens the next day there will be a run on Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs. Let’s not pretend that’s not going to happen. The systemic risk is worse now than it was with Bear Stearns. It’s pretty pathetic really. They are running out of ideas.”
Have a nice day, everyone.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Utah 58; Utah State 10... WSU 44; Dixie State 7
Basketball sized scores registered all over northern Utah
From the SLTrib:
Fortunately for the Utes, they were playng the Aggies, and not the Cougars, who thrashed UCLA this afternoon 59-0.
More good news for northern Utah football fans:
Final score: Weber State 44; Dixie State 7.
Let's talk football folks. Is your blogmeister the only one who felt like the University of Utah played like crap tonight? Is there anyone in town (other than a handfull of Gondolist dorks) who isn't brimming with pride that WSU kicked butt at tonight's homecoming game? Is the BYU team headed for a national championship... or was today's drubbing of UCLA just a fluke?
From the SLTrib:
LOGAN - The Utah Utes scored twice in the third quarter and twice more in the fourth as they methodically improved to 3-0.This score is pretty amazing, inasmuch as the Utes played as ineptly as they've played this season. Chalk up tonight's victory to the Utes' amazing athleticism... and to the Aggies' painfully poor offense.
Touchdowns by Matt Asiata and Colt Sampson provided Utah with a 44-10 lead over Utah State at Romney Stadium in the third quarter. The Utes were dominant offensively and defensively, with special teams being the only true hiccup. The Aggies scored a field goal, with an interception by linebacker Paul Igboeli being the key play.
Fortunately for the Utes, they were playng the Aggies, and not the Cougars, who thrashed UCLA this afternoon 59-0.
More good news for northern Utah football fans:
Final score: Weber State 44; Dixie State 7.
Let's talk football folks. Is your blogmeister the only one who felt like the University of Utah played like crap tonight? Is there anyone in town (other than a handfull of Gondolist dorks) who isn't brimming with pride that WSU kicked butt at tonight's homecoming game? Is the BYU team headed for a national championship... or was today's drubbing of UCLA just a fluke?
Election 2008 Update: Two WCF Sidebar Election Module Do-dad Updates
At risk of killing off the reader discussion in our lower article threads, well post this brief article, to crow about the latest additions to our right sidebar 2008 elections module:
1) We announced earlier our 2008 Weber County Candidate Roster. It's now nearly complete. Bookmark it or refer back to it here, gentle readers, when it finally comes time to vote. If you know any candidate who still doesn't have his or her online info on the list, please let us know.
2) And speaking of the time to vote... it's been extended. Check out the Weber County Clerk's site for info about extended voting dates and times.
Both of these above links have been added to our right sidebar for our readers' convenience.
And remember... if you decide NOT to vote... we don't want any of you coming around here whining about the 2008 election results.
And whatever you do... if you live in House Legislative District 10, and love Ogden City... DO NOT VOTE FOR BOSS GODFREY'S FATHER-IN-LAW. Something's definitely wrong in Dumb Ed's warped neoCON skull! You'll recognise this Godfreyite immediately when he rings your doorbell, sticks out his pudgy hand and says: "Hi there! I'm Ed Allen, and I used to be Your Stake President! Can I count on your vote?" Seriously... we've gotten reports... that really is this moron's front-porch schtick.
There's a good moderate GOP contender in the Leg 10 race BTW, Brent Wallis, for those who are looking for reasonable non-Gondolist alternatives. Be sure to check out Brent's website. Send him an email with your questions, or call him on the phone. Brent will be happy to deal with your questions and issues, or so he advises us.
1) We announced earlier our 2008 Weber County Candidate Roster. It's now nearly complete. Bookmark it or refer back to it here, gentle readers, when it finally comes time to vote. If you know any candidate who still doesn't have his or her online info on the list, please let us know.
2) And speaking of the time to vote... it's been extended. Check out the Weber County Clerk's site for info about extended voting dates and times.
Both of these above links have been added to our right sidebar for our readers' convenience.
And remember... if you decide NOT to vote... we don't want any of you coming around here whining about the 2008 election results.
And whatever you do... if you live in House Legislative District 10, and love Ogden City... DO NOT VOTE FOR BOSS GODFREY'S FATHER-IN-LAW. Something's definitely wrong in Dumb Ed's warped neoCON skull! You'll recognise this Godfreyite immediately when he rings your doorbell, sticks out his pudgy hand and says: "Hi there! I'm Ed Allen, and I used to be Your Stake President! Can I count on your vote?" Seriously... we've gotten reports... that really is this moron's front-porch schtick.
There's a good moderate GOP contender in the Leg 10 race BTW, Brent Wallis, for those who are looking for reasonable non-Gondolist alternatives. Be sure to check out Brent's website. Send him an email with your questions, or call him on the phone. Brent will be happy to deal with your questions and issues, or so he advises us.
Golf Course Issues: Two More Standard-Examiner Letters
Two more lumpencitizens add facts and common sense to the Mount Ogden Golf Course discussion
Emerald City red-meat news has slowed to a trickle this morning; but we didn't want to launch into the weekend without at least shining the spotlight on a couple of letters appearing in the Standard-Examiner editorial pages this week, on the topic of Boss Godfrey's Mount Ogden Golf Course re-design proposal:
Gary Hicken provides this in this morning's Std-Ex edition:
Golf course budget could be increased
And here's a good one from Don K. Wilson, which appeared on the Std-Ex editorial page on September 10:
Golf course problems begin, end in city offices
We congratulate and thank Ogden residents Hicken and Wilson for exerting the extra effort to help educate Std-Ex readers about the issues surrounding Boss Godfrey's latest hare-brained scheme. We also further encourage WCF readers to follow suit, and to submit their own material for publication in our home town newspaper.
Boss Godfrey's MOGC propaganda blitz is now well under way; and it's therefore imperative that we lumpencitizens act to insert fact, logic and common sense into the discussion, as it develops in the public press.
We know this will come as something of a shock to our loyal and well-informed gentle readership... but believe it or not... not everyone in town makes the reading of Weber County Forum a part of their daily ritual. Sad, but true.
Not yet, anyway.
Emerald City red-meat news has slowed to a trickle this morning; but we didn't want to launch into the weekend without at least shining the spotlight on a couple of letters appearing in the Standard-Examiner editorial pages this week, on the topic of Boss Godfrey's Mount Ogden Golf Course re-design proposal:
Gary Hicken provides this in this morning's Std-Ex edition:
Golf course budget could be increased
And here's a good one from Don K. Wilson, which appeared on the Std-Ex editorial page on September 10:
Golf course problems begin, end in city offices
We congratulate and thank Ogden residents Hicken and Wilson for exerting the extra effort to help educate Std-Ex readers about the issues surrounding Boss Godfrey's latest hare-brained scheme. We also further encourage WCF readers to follow suit, and to submit their own material for publication in our home town newspaper.
Boss Godfrey's MOGC propaganda blitz is now well under way; and it's therefore imperative that we lumpencitizens act to insert fact, logic and common sense into the discussion, as it develops in the public press.
We know this will come as something of a shock to our loyal and well-informed gentle readership... but believe it or not... not everyone in town makes the reading of Weber County Forum a part of their daily ritual. Sad, but true.
Not yet, anyway.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Boss Godfrey Caught Red-handed in Another Mayoral Administration Whopper
GRAMA-obtained documents reveal Godfrey's central role in Ogden City's purportedly "independent" Golf Course Committee
By Dan S.
On August 22 I submitted a GRAMA request to the city for all records pertaining to the golf course advisory committee. On September 10 the city provided me with these records, which consist of meeting minutes and agendas, plus a few email messages. Here is a summary of some of the information in these documents. (I apologize for not getting this posted sooner; yesterday was a busy day.)
In an email sent on April 21, Mayor Godfrey asked the city council to provide names of suggested committee members. The email says that he had already asked for names at an earlier work session but hadn't received any names yet. He says names should be sent to Todd Brenkman. The next day, council member Jeske sent an email with a list of names to city council staff, asking staff to submit the names to the mayor. Alan Franke forwarded Jeske's email to Todd Brenkman on June 8, explaining that the list wasn't sent earlier because "the Council was still deliberating regarding the committee."
On May 21, Godfrey sent an email to Kent Petersen, discussing committee logistics and suggesting agenda items for the first meeting. Petersen sent a reply the next day with more detail on these topics as well as a list of committee members and their qualifications.
The committee's first meeting was May 28, in the ninth floor conference room. Members present included Brenkman (by speaker phone), Godfrey, Heiner, Kusina, Mathieu, Nichols, Opheikens, Petersen, Sorenson, and Wadman; Lindquist was excused. Godfrey opened the meeting by saying the golf course "has lost money every year since it opened.... All of the experts we have consulted about Mt. Ogden agree that there are only half as many rounds being played there as are needed and a complete redesign of the golf course will be necessary to attract this number of golfers." Godfrey later reported that the city has consulted with five different experts. Brenkman spoke to the committee by speaker phone, listing the physical shortcomings of the course as well as the need for an upgraded irrigation system (estimated to cost $1 to $1.5 million), more golf carts, and an improved club house. The committee also discussed the concept of having a nonprofit organization operate the course.
The second meeting was June 11, at the golf course. All members were present except Godfrey, Lindquist, and Wadman, who were excused. Brenkman and McFarland took the committee on a tour of the course, pointing out the problems.
The third meeting was June 25, at the golf course. All members were present except Lindquist and Opheikens (but Brenkman is no longer listed as a member). Godfrey named four different golf course consultants that have visited the course (but the names aren't in the minutes), saying that all recommended a complete redesign and all but one recommended relocating the clubhouse.
A tour of the course with Jon Garner took place July 3. There are no minutes from this event.
The fourth meeting was July 9, on the ninth floor. Only five members were present: Kusina, Nichols, Petersen, Sorenson, and Wadman. After discussing the July 3 tour, the committee agrees that its job is to provide the mayor and city council with multiple alternatives; Hoyle Sorenson agrees to put together a subcommittee to develop an alternative to the total redesign.
The fifth meeting was August 6, on the ninth floor. Only four members were present: Heiner, Nichols (acting as chair), Opheikens, and Sorenson. Sorenson reported that on July 11 he organized a subcommittee consisting of Nan Nalder, Larry Nalder, Jeff Smith, Gary Kapp, Mike Vause, Ron Kusina, Don Wilson, and himself. The minutes also include a detailed report of an August 5 phone call between Petersen and Garner. Among the ideas discussed in the call were a land transaction with Weber State, using some of the soccer field for a driving range, and renaming the course.
The emails and meeting minutes summarized above should put all questions to rest regarding Mayor Godfrey's role in organizing this committee and largely controlling its agenda and the flow of information to it. He and Petersen together planned out the committee's membership and agenda. He is listed as a committee member (either present or excused) in all five sets of meeting minutes. The committee's regular meeting place was the conference room immediately outside his office, and the committee was given access to city staff as well as one of the city's supposedly secret golf course consultants.
And yet on August 21, Godfrey told the Standard-Examiner that "the committee operates independently of the city's administration" and "it's unusual for elected officials to serve on such a committee."
By Dan S.
On August 22 I submitted a GRAMA request to the city for all records pertaining to the golf course advisory committee. On September 10 the city provided me with these records, which consist of meeting minutes and agendas, plus a few email messages. Here is a summary of some of the information in these documents. (I apologize for not getting this posted sooner; yesterday was a busy day.)
In an email sent on April 21, Mayor Godfrey asked the city council to provide names of suggested committee members. The email says that he had already asked for names at an earlier work session but hadn't received any names yet. He says names should be sent to Todd Brenkman. The next day, council member Jeske sent an email with a list of names to city council staff, asking staff to submit the names to the mayor. Alan Franke forwarded Jeske's email to Todd Brenkman on June 8, explaining that the list wasn't sent earlier because "the Council was still deliberating regarding the committee."
On May 21, Godfrey sent an email to Kent Petersen, discussing committee logistics and suggesting agenda items for the first meeting. Petersen sent a reply the next day with more detail on these topics as well as a list of committee members and their qualifications.
The committee's first meeting was May 28, in the ninth floor conference room. Members present included Brenkman (by speaker phone), Godfrey, Heiner, Kusina, Mathieu, Nichols, Opheikens, Petersen, Sorenson, and Wadman; Lindquist was excused. Godfrey opened the meeting by saying the golf course "has lost money every year since it opened.... All of the experts we have consulted about Mt. Ogden agree that there are only half as many rounds being played there as are needed and a complete redesign of the golf course will be necessary to attract this number of golfers." Godfrey later reported that the city has consulted with five different experts. Brenkman spoke to the committee by speaker phone, listing the physical shortcomings of the course as well as the need for an upgraded irrigation system (estimated to cost $1 to $1.5 million), more golf carts, and an improved club house. The committee also discussed the concept of having a nonprofit organization operate the course.
The second meeting was June 11, at the golf course. All members were present except Godfrey, Lindquist, and Wadman, who were excused. Brenkman and McFarland took the committee on a tour of the course, pointing out the problems.
The third meeting was June 25, at the golf course. All members were present except Lindquist and Opheikens (but Brenkman is no longer listed as a member). Godfrey named four different golf course consultants that have visited the course (but the names aren't in the minutes), saying that all recommended a complete redesign and all but one recommended relocating the clubhouse.
A tour of the course with Jon Garner took place July 3. There are no minutes from this event.
The fourth meeting was July 9, on the ninth floor. Only five members were present: Kusina, Nichols, Petersen, Sorenson, and Wadman. After discussing the July 3 tour, the committee agrees that its job is to provide the mayor and city council with multiple alternatives; Hoyle Sorenson agrees to put together a subcommittee to develop an alternative to the total redesign.
The fifth meeting was August 6, on the ninth floor. Only four members were present: Heiner, Nichols (acting as chair), Opheikens, and Sorenson. Sorenson reported that on July 11 he organized a subcommittee consisting of Nan Nalder, Larry Nalder, Jeff Smith, Gary Kapp, Mike Vause, Ron Kusina, Don Wilson, and himself. The minutes also include a detailed report of an August 5 phone call between Petersen and Garner. Among the ideas discussed in the call were a land transaction with Weber State, using some of the soccer field for a driving range, and renaming the course.
The emails and meeting minutes summarized above should put all questions to rest regarding Mayor Godfrey's role in organizing this committee and largely controlling its agenda and the flow of information to it. He and Petersen together planned out the committee's membership and agenda. He is listed as a committee member (either present or excused) in all five sets of meeting minutes. The committee's regular meeting place was the conference room immediately outside his office, and the committee was given access to city staff as well as one of the city's supposedly secret golf course consultants.
And yet on August 21, Godfrey told the Standard-Examiner that "the committee operates independently of the city's administration" and "it's unusual for elected officials to serve on such a committee."
Mount Ogden Golf Course Update: "The Skipper" Covets 4 Acres of WSU Land
"Joint venture project" could make MOGC profitable, Kent Petersen says
Oddball story on the front page of the Standard-Examiner this morning, reporting a new wrinkle in Boss Godfrey's plan to bulldoze, flatten and widen the Mt. Ogden Golf Course. Unfortunately, the Std-Ex's digital site seems to be on the blink this morning; and we're therefore unable to provide a link. We'll thus provide a short synopsis instead:
Ace Reporter Schwebke reports that the Golf Course Citizens Committee Chair Kent Petersen and wannabe course re-designer Jon Garner have cooked up a scheme to approach Weber State University to acquire four acres of WSU land at the south end of the course, via what is vaguely referred to as a "community joint venture." The object, Mr. Schwebke reports, would be the establishment of "two premier, picturesque holes [which] could help make Mount Ogden Golf Course unique and possibly profitable." To our considerable shock, Mr., Schwebke reports that WSU officials haven't heard a word about this development. Surprise of surprises.
We've had a few reader comments on this story under the lower article already this morning; and we believe this story is unique enough to deserve it's own thread. We're therefore moving our earlier reader comments to this article, and invite our readers to further comment on this discrete topic here.
We'll post a proper link to this morning's story if and when the Std-Ex site comes back up again.
In the meantime, have at it. We're scratching our heads wondering about the meaning of this new plot twist; and we're absolutely certain our ever-intuitive and gentle readers can figure it all out forthwith.
Update 9/12/08 10:48 a.m. MT: The Std-Ex digital edition site is back up and running. You can read this morning's above-referenced Scott Schwebke story here.
Oddball story on the front page of the Standard-Examiner this morning, reporting a new wrinkle in Boss Godfrey's plan to bulldoze, flatten and widen the Mt. Ogden Golf Course. Unfortunately, the Std-Ex's digital site seems to be on the blink this morning; and we're therefore unable to provide a link. We'll thus provide a short synopsis instead:
Ace Reporter Schwebke reports that the Golf Course Citizens Committee Chair Kent Petersen and wannabe course re-designer Jon Garner have cooked up a scheme to approach Weber State University to acquire four acres of WSU land at the south end of the course, via what is vaguely referred to as a "community joint venture." The object, Mr. Schwebke reports, would be the establishment of "two premier, picturesque holes [which] could help make Mount Ogden Golf Course unique and possibly profitable." To our considerable shock, Mr., Schwebke reports that WSU officials haven't heard a word about this development. Surprise of surprises.
We've had a few reader comments on this story under the lower article already this morning; and we believe this story is unique enough to deserve it's own thread. We're therefore moving our earlier reader comments to this article, and invite our readers to further comment on this discrete topic here.
We'll post a proper link to this morning's story if and when the Std-Ex site comes back up again.
In the meantime, have at it. We're scratching our heads wondering about the meaning of this new plot twist; and we're absolutely certain our ever-intuitive and gentle readers can figure it all out forthwith.
Update 9/12/08 10:48 a.m. MT: The Std-Ex digital edition site is back up and running. You can read this morning's above-referenced Scott Schwebke story here.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Godfrey's Stealth Golf Course Committee Holds Its First Actual Public Meeting
An invitation for yet another reader-interactive WCF blogging experience
This morning's Standard-Examiner reports that last night's Mount Ogden Golf Course Committee (formerly Boss Godfrey's Secret Stealth Committee) went off as planned last night, with an apparently lively debate, pitting The "Skipper" and various other Godfrey clones, (who favor Godfrey's $8 million dollar course makeover) against against a number of "moderates," (who advocate a more minimalist approach... one that won't bust the Emerald City treasury.)
Aside from the fact that Jeff DeMoss informs us that the committee failed to fulfill its prime agenda, (putting Godfrey's multi-million dollar scheme onto a fast-track,) Mr. DeMoss's report is otherwise somewhat meager as to the facts. Accordingly, we'll take the opportunity to cultivate another reader-interactive blogging experience, and cordially invite any gentle readers who attended this meeting to supplement what Mr. DeMoss has written and to chime in with their own mini-reports.
Please fill us in, gentle readers.
The entire blogosphere is sitting on the edges of their seats, craving info on what really happened last night.
Whatever you do... don't let the cat get your tongues.
This morning's Standard-Examiner reports that last night's Mount Ogden Golf Course Committee (formerly Boss Godfrey's Secret Stealth Committee) went off as planned last night, with an apparently lively debate, pitting The "Skipper" and various other Godfrey clones, (who favor Godfrey's $8 million dollar course makeover) against against a number of "moderates," (who advocate a more minimalist approach... one that won't bust the Emerald City treasury.)
Aside from the fact that Jeff DeMoss informs us that the committee failed to fulfill its prime agenda, (putting Godfrey's multi-million dollar scheme onto a fast-track,) Mr. DeMoss's report is otherwise somewhat meager as to the facts. Accordingly, we'll take the opportunity to cultivate another reader-interactive blogging experience, and cordially invite any gentle readers who attended this meeting to supplement what Mr. DeMoss has written and to chime in with their own mini-reports.
Please fill us in, gentle readers.
The entire blogosphere is sitting on the edges of their seats, craving info on what really happened last night.
Whatever you do... don't let the cat get your tongues.
Conflict of Interest? You Bet!
Has Boss Godfrey's "Ogden Retail Challenge Contest" been rigged?
Interesting story in this morning's Standard-Examiner, focusing on one of our favorite topics: ethics in government. Regular readers of the Standard-Examiner will remember the August 5, 2008 story, wherein Ace Reporter Schwebke announced Ogden City's Ogden "Retail Challenge Contest," which offers a $20 thousand dollar purse (and other goodies,) to be split between the three contest entrants judged to have the best schemes for establishment of a new retail business to be located in central Ogden.
According to this morning's Scott Schwebke story, the contest has developed a glitch. One of the six contest finalist selections is burdened with multiple potential conflicts of interest. We'll incorporate Mr. Schwebke's pertinent paragraphs to provide the gist:
Brad Geiger of course takes the preposterous position that there's no actual conflict here. His mom isn't judging the contest, after all. What he doesn't bother to mention, either, is his familial connection with his father and brother, two highly influential members of the Godfrey (gondolist) brain-trust.
Interesting offhand comment from contest judge Janith Wright:
And we believe Mssrs. Socwell and Mitchell got it exactly right:
Mr. Geiger's selection raises questions about conflicts both apparent and potential. If Brad Geiger walks out of this contest with the top jackpot, we believe the Emerald City lumpencitizens will perceive this contest for what it appears to be... rigged.
If Mr. Geiger had a lick of sense, he'd withdraw his entry from the contest, thus sheltering family members, the Retail Advisory Board and our ethically-challenged mayor from further political heat down the road.
That's our opinion; and we're sticking to it.
Great reporting by Scott Schwebke this morning, we'll add.
And what say our gentle readers about all this?
Interesting story in this morning's Standard-Examiner, focusing on one of our favorite topics: ethics in government. Regular readers of the Standard-Examiner will remember the August 5, 2008 story, wherein Ace Reporter Schwebke announced Ogden City's Ogden "Retail Challenge Contest," which offers a $20 thousand dollar purse (and other goodies,) to be split between the three contest entrants judged to have the best schemes for establishment of a new retail business to be located in central Ogden.
According to this morning's Scott Schwebke story, the contest has developed a glitch. One of the six contest finalist selections is burdened with multiple potential conflicts of interest. We'll incorporate Mr. Schwebke's pertinent paragraphs to provide the gist:
OGDEN — Some unsuccessful contestants in a city sponsored retail revitalization contest are questioning the selection of a finalist whose mother works for the municipality and is coordinating the competition.And there's more:
Brad Geiger, who is proposing to open a retail snowsports shop and indoor snowless terrain park dubbed The Jibyard, is among six finalists in the Ogden Retail Challenge.
He is the son of Kamie Geiger, a senior project coordinator for the city who is also coordinating the contest that will pay as much as $20,000 for the three best business plans leading to the opening of new and unique retail establishments downtown.
Brad Geiger is also the son of Curt Geiger and the brother of Bob Geiger, executives with Descente North America.So factually, Brad Geiger turns out to be the son of the city employee who is running the contest, and a son and sibling of two of the most prominent members of Boss Godfrey's "kitchen cabinet".
Brad Geiger of course takes the preposterous position that there's no actual conflict here. His mom isn't judging the contest, after all. What he doesn't bother to mention, either, is his familial connection with his father and brother, two highly influential members of the Godfrey (gondolist) brain-trust.
Interesting offhand comment from contest judge Janith Wright:
Wright said the committee fretted over choosing Brad Geiger as a finalist because of his relationship to Kamie Geiger, but she considers his business plan the top entry.On that point we believe Ms. Wright and the other contest judges ought to have trusted their gut instincts. Rather than "wishing and hoping," Ms. Wright and the others ought to have simply taken the ethical high road and stricken Mr. Geiger's name from the list. The selection of Brad Geiger as a contest finalist stinks to high heaven, in our never-humble opinion.
“We wished the relationship wasn’t there, but his (proposal) was the best one,” she said.
And we believe Mssrs. Socwell and Mitchell got it exactly right:
Jeff Socwell, an unsuccessful contestant in the challenge who hoped to receive funds to expand The Wine Cellar, a nightclub at 2550 Washington Blvd., said the relationship between Brad and Kamie Geiger in connection with the competition is troubling.Whether there exists an actual conflict of interest in this circumstance we do not know. One thing is blatantly apparent in this situation however. Brad Geiger's selection fails to conform even to the most minimal ethical standards:
“I definitely think there can be bias,” Socwell said Wednesday.
Usually, employees and family members of organizations sponsoring a contest are prohibited from competing, said Walter Mitchell, who is Socwell’s partner.
Mr. Geiger's selection raises questions about conflicts both apparent and potential. If Brad Geiger walks out of this contest with the top jackpot, we believe the Emerald City lumpencitizens will perceive this contest for what it appears to be... rigged.
If Mr. Geiger had a lick of sense, he'd withdraw his entry from the contest, thus sheltering family members, the Retail Advisory Board and our ethically-challenged mayor from further political heat down the road.
That's our opinion; and we're sticking to it.
Great reporting by Scott Schwebke this morning, we'll add.
And what say our gentle readers about all this?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Boss Godfey Proposes "Zeroing Out" the Ogden RDA Bank Account
This is what happens when brain-dead citizens elect a mayor with zero business experience
Disquieting article in this morning's Standard-Examiner, regarding Ogden City's River Front Development Project. Scott Schwebke this morning reports that Evil Boss Godfrey has found almost $1 million languishing in the Emerald City RDA's bank accounts; and in true Godfrey fashion, the little shite wants to spend every dime of it. It's a short article, so what the hell, we'll incorporate Ace Reporter Schwebke's full text below:
1) Boss Godfrey's Riverfront project is bogged down. The Ogden RDA lacks the money to acquire ALL of the necessary properties, so the Godfrey plan seems to be to drain all available RDA funds, and assemble these properties "piecemeal."
2) Godfrey has established with the Riverfront Project an ever-increasing money pit. Realistically, this grandiose project cannot move forward unless all targeted properties are acquired by the Ogden RDA. Yet Godfrey poposes that the RDA "zero out" the RDA bank account.
3) Godfrey's economic savior Gadi Leshem seems to have gone into hiding. We haven't read anything about Gadi since this story, which reported that Gadi was on the hook for $6.3 million in restitution to the California Insurance Commissioner.
4) Dozens of property owners within the Riverfront Development have been held in economic limbo since Boss Godfrey first designated their neighborhood as part of his right wing socialist River Front Development scam. For many of them it's been at least three years.
One of the factors that RDA board members should consider is whether at least some of these property-owning innocents should just be bought out, and finally let off the hook.
We'll add snarkily that this situation is one more reason that we all need to reconsider the business qualifications of our little-shite mayor, whose only experience in business (prior to being elected Ogden's Mayor) involved being a pizza delivery boy, before his father-in-law Ed Allen loaned him $30 thousand for his initial campaign run in 1999.
Its should be obvious to all of us that Godfrey bit off a little more than he could chew with the Ogden River Project, just as he's done with several other mindlessly ill-conceived other projects.
As we examine the languishing River Project, our memory turns to this:
This is how the now-floundering Junction Project looked for 44 months under Godfrey's command, almost FOUR FRIGGIN YEARS after he demolished the Downtown Mall:
Disquieting article in this morning's Standard-Examiner, regarding Ogden City's River Front Development Project. Scott Schwebke this morning reports that Evil Boss Godfrey has found almost $1 million languishing in the Emerald City RDA's bank accounts; and in true Godfrey fashion, the little shite wants to spend every dime of it. It's a short article, so what the hell, we'll incorporate Ace Reporter Schwebke's full text below:
OGDEN — The city’s Redevelopment Agency Board agreed Tuesday night to hold a public hearing next month to consider increasing its budget by $895,368 to acquire properties for the proposed Ogden River Project.Seems to us we have several problems here:
The hearing will be held Sept. 23. Following the hearing, the RDA board, made up of the city council, may consider allocating for the river project housing funds that have accumulated and weren’t transferred in fiscal 2003, 2004 and 2005.
The funds would be used for property acquisition within the project’s boundaries, said Dave Harmer, who is the city’s director of community and economic development.
“We are trying to move forward with remaining properties in negotiating options on behalf of the RDA or closing (the purchase) on some of them,” Harmer told the Standard-Examiner. The RDA still needs to obtain more than a dozen commercial properties within the river project area, Harmer said. However, the $895,368 isn’t adequate to finalize all of the purchases. “It’s nowhere near enough, but it’s all we’ve got,” he said. All told, the river project will encompass about 60 acres that straddle the Ogden River from 18th to 20th streets and Washington Boulevard west to Wall Avenue and will be a mix of residential, commercial and retail development, said Harmer.
Gadi Leshem, a developer from California, plans to construct a 200-unit development, dubbed Renaissance Village, along the Ogden River in connection with the project.
The development would include shops, lofts, townhomes, apartments and restaurants.
1) Boss Godfrey's Riverfront project is bogged down. The Ogden RDA lacks the money to acquire ALL of the necessary properties, so the Godfrey plan seems to be to drain all available RDA funds, and assemble these properties "piecemeal."
2) Godfrey has established with the Riverfront Project an ever-increasing money pit. Realistically, this grandiose project cannot move forward unless all targeted properties are acquired by the Ogden RDA. Yet Godfrey poposes that the RDA "zero out" the RDA bank account.
3) Godfrey's economic savior Gadi Leshem seems to have gone into hiding. We haven't read anything about Gadi since this story, which reported that Gadi was on the hook for $6.3 million in restitution to the California Insurance Commissioner.
4) Dozens of property owners within the Riverfront Development have been held in economic limbo since Boss Godfrey first designated their neighborhood as part of his right wing socialist River Front Development scam. For many of them it's been at least three years.
One of the factors that RDA board members should consider is whether at least some of these property-owning innocents should just be bought out, and finally let off the hook.
We'll add snarkily that this situation is one more reason that we all need to reconsider the business qualifications of our little-shite mayor, whose only experience in business (prior to being elected Ogden's Mayor) involved being a pizza delivery boy, before his father-in-law Ed Allen loaned him $30 thousand for his initial campaign run in 1999.
Its should be obvious to all of us that Godfrey bit off a little more than he could chew with the Ogden River Project, just as he's done with several other mindlessly ill-conceived other projects.
As we examine the languishing River Project, our memory turns to this:
This is how the now-floundering Junction Project looked for 44 months under Godfrey's command, almost FOUR FRIGGIN YEARS after he demolished the Downtown Mall:
The clock is ticking... and Boss Godfrey continues his efforts to acquire the whole Riverfont Development parcel, even though "moneyman" Gadi has obviously "flown the coop."
HA-HA!
We're going to assume that Godfrey's River project will move along at about the same relative pace.
So what say our gentle readers about all this?
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Mount Ogden Golf Course Update: Two New Items from the Standard-Examiner
More Mt. Ogden Golf Course ink from our home town newspaper
We'll kick off this morning's discussion by shining the spotlight on two significant articles in today's Standard-Examiner, both dealing with the Mount Ogden Golf Course.
First, Ogden City Councilwoman Dorrene Jeske provides a truly fine guest commentary this morning, in which she focuses on MOGC's excellent reputation within the national golf community, and further emphasises that the golf course is an impressive Ogden sports venue even as it presently exists. From there, Ms. Jeske then reels off a list of proposed fixes which wouldn't require $6-8 million in future bonding -- all good ideas for a cash strapped city in the midst of a national economic downturn. Further, she makes an interesting comparison between the relative maintenance budgets of MOGC and Bountiful Ridge, another popular Utah mountain course, which annually spends $1.5 million, compared to Mt. Ogden's $250 thousand. Ms. Jeske's inference is quite clear: One of MOGC's major problems is simple maintenance neglect. Accordingly, Ms. Jeske favors an increase in MOGC's budget.
In a slightly different arena, the Std-Ex reports that Boss Godfrey's secretly selected Stealth Citizens' Golf Committee is moving full speed ahead toward its predetermined and ineluctable goal: recommending Godfrey's full-tilt $6-8 million makeover. The committee's first public meeting is set for Wednesday. We urge all interested Emerald City citizens to be in attendance, pitchforks and torches in hand. It will be interesting, we believe, to observe how this committee will conduct itself in the future, now that the cat's out of the bag, and its activities are suddenly subject to the steely eyeball of public scrutiny.
Have at it, O gentle ones.
We'll kick off this morning's discussion by shining the spotlight on two significant articles in today's Standard-Examiner, both dealing with the Mount Ogden Golf Course.
First, Ogden City Councilwoman Dorrene Jeske provides a truly fine guest commentary this morning, in which she focuses on MOGC's excellent reputation within the national golf community, and further emphasises that the golf course is an impressive Ogden sports venue even as it presently exists. From there, Ms. Jeske then reels off a list of proposed fixes which wouldn't require $6-8 million in future bonding -- all good ideas for a cash strapped city in the midst of a national economic downturn. Further, she makes an interesting comparison between the relative maintenance budgets of MOGC and Bountiful Ridge, another popular Utah mountain course, which annually spends $1.5 million, compared to Mt. Ogden's $250 thousand. Ms. Jeske's inference is quite clear: One of MOGC's major problems is simple maintenance neglect. Accordingly, Ms. Jeske favors an increase in MOGC's budget.
In a slightly different arena, the Std-Ex reports that Boss Godfrey's secretly selected Stealth Citizens' Golf Committee is moving full speed ahead toward its predetermined and ineluctable goal: recommending Godfrey's full-tilt $6-8 million makeover. The committee's first public meeting is set for Wednesday. We urge all interested Emerald City citizens to be in attendance, pitchforks and torches in hand. It will be interesting, we believe, to observe how this committee will conduct itself in the future, now that the cat's out of the bag, and its activities are suddenly subject to the steely eyeball of public scrutiny.
Have at it, O gentle ones.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Most Excellent Political Parody by Jon Stewart
A video that should tickle the funny bone of citizens of all political stripes
By: Laughing My Ass Off
For those voters who don't believe MCain is a Bush Clone, have a look at this video!
Jon Stewart Obliterates John McCain's Acceptance Speech:
Editors's note: What we have here is fine political parody, delivered by Jon Stewart, by far the best current jokester in the political parody business. Stewart's The Daily Show is one more reason all locals should sign over their souls for TeeVee via Comcast.
Even your rock-ribbed paleo-conservative blogmeister laughed his ass off with this hilarous video. Of course we paleos always yield major yucks, any time anyone pokes fun at our moronic BIG SPENDING, BIG GOVERNMENT intra-party neoCON adversaries.
Well...?
By: Laughing My Ass Off
For those voters who don't believe MCain is a Bush Clone, have a look at this video!
Jon Stewart Obliterates John McCain's Acceptance Speech:
Editors's note: What we have here is fine political parody, delivered by Jon Stewart, by far the best current jokester in the political parody business. Stewart's The Daily Show is one more reason all locals should sign over their souls for TeeVee via Comcast.
Even your rock-ribbed paleo-conservative blogmeister laughed his ass off with this hilarous video. Of course we paleos always yield major yucks, any time anyone pokes fun at our moronic BIG SPENDING, BIG GOVERNMENT intra-party neoCON adversaries.
Well...?
Why The Fannie-Freddie Bailout Will Fail
The federal government buys a pig in a poke
By: Martin D. Weiss, Ph.D.
Via: Money and Markets
With yesterday's announcement of the most massive federal bailout of all time, it's now official: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two largest mortgage lenders on Earth, are bankrupt.
Some Washington bigwigs and bureaucrats will inevitably try to spin it. They'll avoid the "b" word with vengeance. They'll push the "c" word (conservatorship) with passion. And in the newspeak of 21st century bailouts, they'll tell you "it all depends on what the definition of solvency is."
The truth: Without their accounting smoke and mirrors, Fannie and Freddie have no capital. The government is seizing control of their operations. Their chief executives are getting fired. Common shareholders will be virtually wiped out. Preferred shareholders will get pennies. If that's not wholesale bankruptcy, what is?
Some Wall Street pundits and pros will also try to twist the facts to their own liking. They'll treat the bailout like long-awaited manna from heaven. They'll declare that the "credit crisis is now behind us." They may even jump in to buy select financial stocks. And then they'll try to persuade you to do the same.
The reality: This was the same pitch we heard in August of last year when the world's central banks made a coordinated attempt to rescue credit markets with massive injections of fresh cash. It was also the same pitch we heard in March when the Fed bailed out Bear Stearns. But each time, the crisis got progressively worse. Each time, investors lost fortunes.
Together, both Washington and Wall Street are trying to persuade you that, "no matter what, the government will save us from financial disaster." But the real lessons already learned from these events are another matter entirely...
Read the rest of Dr. Weiss's article here. (It's a mite slow loading, but well worth the wait.)
Comments are invited, as always.
By: Martin D. Weiss, Ph.D.
Via: Money and Markets
With yesterday's announcement of the most massive federal bailout of all time, it's now official: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two largest mortgage lenders on Earth, are bankrupt.
Some Washington bigwigs and bureaucrats will inevitably try to spin it. They'll avoid the "b" word with vengeance. They'll push the "c" word (conservatorship) with passion. And in the newspeak of 21st century bailouts, they'll tell you "it all depends on what the definition of solvency is."
The truth: Without their accounting smoke and mirrors, Fannie and Freddie have no capital. The government is seizing control of their operations. Their chief executives are getting fired. Common shareholders will be virtually wiped out. Preferred shareholders will get pennies. If that's not wholesale bankruptcy, what is?
Some Wall Street pundits and pros will also try to twist the facts to their own liking. They'll treat the bailout like long-awaited manna from heaven. They'll declare that the "credit crisis is now behind us." They may even jump in to buy select financial stocks. And then they'll try to persuade you to do the same.
The reality: This was the same pitch we heard in August of last year when the world's central banks made a coordinated attempt to rescue credit markets with massive injections of fresh cash. It was also the same pitch we heard in March when the Fed bailed out Bear Stearns. But each time, the crisis got progressively worse. Each time, investors lost fortunes.
Together, both Washington and Wall Street are trying to persuade you that, "no matter what, the government will save us from financial disaster." But the real lessons already learned from these events are another matter entirely...
Read the rest of Dr. Weiss's article here. (It's a mite slow loading, but well worth the wait.)
Comments are invited, as always.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Powder Mountain Update: The Developer's Press Release
A pathetic and self-serving propaganda document... elegantly sliced and diced
A couple of days ago, in the wake of Thursday's announcement that the Powder Mountain Developer had filed a lawsuit, seeking to compel the Weber County Commission to rubber stamp the Developer's list of hand-picked flunkies and gophers, to form a corporate dictatorship over the politically disenfranchised citizens of Powderville, we received the following press release. It's quite a doozy:
September 3, 2008 Press Statement
We swear Ms. Carabello and her cronies must have burned the midnight oil for at least a couple of nights, spinning and plotting, in an effort to portray the developer and its evil band of greedheads as the victims in this matter, as they calculate to put the corporate jackboot down on the necks of the gentle citizens of Ogden Valley. From a reading of this document, you'd think they believe they own the moral highground, instead of acting like a pack of jackels taking advantage of a very badly written law.
We're going to invite your comment on this ridiculous and self-serving rubbish; but first we want you read something really special. Our friends at Ogden Valley Forum are way ahead of the game on this. They've dissected, sliced and diced, and made mincemeat of the developer's press release. Check out OVF blog team member Valley's most excellent article on the subject here:
Ogden Valley Forum Exclusive - The Powder Mountain Press Release
OVF has done a fine job with this, producing an article filled with good analysis and links. OVF readers don't do a bad job with their comments beneath the article either. We'll hope you'll all navigate to this site and read up.
When you're done... don't forget to come back here with your own comments.
A couple of days ago, in the wake of Thursday's announcement that the Powder Mountain Developer had filed a lawsuit, seeking to compel the Weber County Commission to rubber stamp the Developer's list of hand-picked flunkies and gophers, to form a corporate dictatorship over the politically disenfranchised citizens of Powderville, we received the following press release. It's quite a doozy:
September 3, 2008 Press Statement
We swear Ms. Carabello and her cronies must have burned the midnight oil for at least a couple of nights, spinning and plotting, in an effort to portray the developer and its evil band of greedheads as the victims in this matter, as they calculate to put the corporate jackboot down on the necks of the gentle citizens of Ogden Valley. From a reading of this document, you'd think they believe they own the moral highground, instead of acting like a pack of jackels taking advantage of a very badly written law.
We're going to invite your comment on this ridiculous and self-serving rubbish; but first we want you read something really special. Our friends at Ogden Valley Forum are way ahead of the game on this. They've dissected, sliced and diced, and made mincemeat of the developer's press release. Check out OVF blog team member Valley's most excellent article on the subject here:
Ogden Valley Forum Exclusive - The Powder Mountain Press Release
OVF has done a fine job with this, producing an article filled with good analysis and links. OVF readers don't do a bad job with their comments beneath the article either. We'll hope you'll all navigate to this site and read up.
When you're done... don't forget to come back here with your own comments.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Utes 42; Rebels 21
Utah avenges last year's shutout
The Utes start out slowly, and then roll... and roll...
From the Salt Lake Tribune:
The most obvious difference between last year's and this year's Ute teams we think (aside from a healthier team overall): The offense is sticking with their blocks longer; and the defense is wrapping up on the ball-carriers, rather than arm-tackling. This team actually looks like it likes to play football. Special teams weren't half-bad either. And this time, Louie Sakoda didn't have to win the game with his toe.
And what say our fellow Utah grads & fans about all this?
What say you, Jason W?
The Utes start out slowly, and then roll... and roll...
From the Salt Lake Tribune:
Payback accomplished.Read the rest of the "hot off the press" SLTrib story here.
Erupting for three touchdowns in the third quarter, No. 22 Utah routed UNLV 42-21 at Rice-Ecccles stadium, avenging a shutout loss last season Ute Coach Kyle Whittingham called the worst loss of his four-year tenure.
Before a crowd of 45,587 - the third-largest in school history - the Utes scored 28 unaswered points in the second half to erase what had been a 14-14 deadlock at the half.
Utah senior quarterback Brian Johnson led the Utes by throwing for three touchdowns and running for another. Freddie Brown caught two of those scoring tosses and running back Matt Asiata ran for a TD and threw for another as Utah improved to 2-0 overall, and got a leg up in the Mountain West race by winning their conference opener.
The most obvious difference between last year's and this year's Ute teams we think (aside from a healthier team overall): The offense is sticking with their blocks longer; and the defense is wrapping up on the ball-carriers, rather than arm-tackling. This team actually looks like it likes to play football. Special teams weren't half-bad either. And this time, Louie Sakoda didn't have to win the game with his toe.
And what say our fellow Utah grads & fans about all this?
What say you, Jason W?
Ogden Raptors Playoffs Start Out Tonight at Lindquist Field
A great autumnal night for Raptors Playoff Baseball
By Dave Baggot
Owner, Ogden Raptors
Hey Friends;
Our boys have turned the season around and have qualified for the playoffs. Our hats go off to the kids for staying focused and ready to play.
We will host Game 1 of the Southern Division Playoffs right here at Lindquist Field tonight. Game time is 7:00 pm. Gates open at 6:00. We are playing the Orem Owlz and we will need to play flawless if we expect to make it through to the championship round. Games 2 and 3 if needed will be in Orem.
Prices are simple. We are treating the game like a Park Buyout. All General Admission Tickets are FREE, so all you need to do is pay the upgrade price to be in the box seats. Upgrade prices are $1.00 - $6.00 pending upon the seating section.
Season Ticket holders will have their same seats but you must come down and pay for them prior to the game. This is the only way I know how to do this since we have no time to promote. You can also reserve them on the phone with a credit card by calling 393-2450.
Playoffs do not draw well, so I need all of you to attend. I also need you to tell everyone you know to get their butts down here and see if we can win a title!.
We need your support so I am asking you to get down here and root for Our Ogden Raptors.
See you Tonight, and Think Blue!
Bags
By Dave Baggot
Owner, Ogden Raptors
Hey Friends;
Our boys have turned the season around and have qualified for the playoffs. Our hats go off to the kids for staying focused and ready to play.
We will host Game 1 of the Southern Division Playoffs right here at Lindquist Field tonight. Game time is 7:00 pm. Gates open at 6:00. We are playing the Orem Owlz and we will need to play flawless if we expect to make it through to the championship round. Games 2 and 3 if needed will be in Orem.
Prices are simple. We are treating the game like a Park Buyout. All General Admission Tickets are FREE, so all you need to do is pay the upgrade price to be in the box seats. Upgrade prices are $1.00 - $6.00 pending upon the seating section.
Season Ticket holders will have their same seats but you must come down and pay for them prior to the game. This is the only way I know how to do this since we have no time to promote. You can also reserve them on the phone with a credit card by calling 393-2450.
Playoffs do not draw well, so I need all of you to attend. I also need you to tell everyone you know to get their butts down here and see if we can win a title!.
We need your support so I am asking you to get down here and root for Our Ogden Raptors.
See you Tonight, and Think Blue!
Bags
Godfrey's Next Hare-brained Scheme: A $13 Million Velodrome
Emerald City.... the town run by the idiot on the ninth floor
Where, oh where will it ever end?
By: Time To Finish Something
Seems to me that the City had a fairly large chunk of money at the end of this past fiscal year (one time money).
They knew revenues would be down, and that costs were going up. They knew that the Police Department was over budget on their fuel charges.
We learned last night that Godfrey has cut the fire department budget by $200,000, and experienced Ogden firefighters are now pursuing job opportunities elsewhere:
The River Project sits in limbo, the Junction is un-finished, along with many other projects.
The city is run by an idiot on the ninth floor, and the Standard-Examiner reports this morning that this same idiot now wants a $13 million velodrome:
"Next up, a velodrome? Godfrey thinks $13 million, world-class facility could be built in downtown Ogden"
Where, oh where will it ever end?
Where, oh where will it ever end?
By: Time To Finish SomethingSeems to me that the City had a fairly large chunk of money at the end of this past fiscal year (one time money).
They knew revenues would be down, and that costs were going up. They knew that the Police Department was over budget on their fuel charges.
We learned last night that Godfrey has cut the fire department budget by $200,000, and experienced Ogden firefighters are now pursuing job opportunities elsewhere:
Godfrey has also asked the fire department to cut the budget by $200,000.Where did that money go? Commitments for a popsicle, and other one time projects? A prudent manager would have saved for the rainy day that the City Leadership knew was coming.
In the last several weeks 3 guys have quit, taking about 22 years of experience with them. There are paramedics on the hiring list of other departments, could be 40 more years of combined experience leaving quickly.
There are firefighters who have been here for 6 years and are still making the same wage. What used to be a 5% step increase is gone with the new "pay for performance" system. Don't let them fool you-we didn't choose it-we were told we chose it.
Does the administration care-no. Are they happy-yes, better to have a bottom pay range guy than top pay range guy.
Should the citizens care? If your child has stopped breathing or your house is on fire which one do you hope pulls up to the door, the truck with 2 guys with 30 years experience or the truck with 2 guys with 3?
The River Project sits in limbo, the Junction is un-finished, along with many other projects.
The city is run by an idiot on the ninth floor, and the Standard-Examiner reports this morning that this same idiot now wants a $13 million velodrome:
"Next up, a velodrome? Godfrey thinks $13 million, world-class facility could be built in downtown Ogden"
Where, oh where will it ever end?
Friday, September 05, 2008
Salt Lake Tribune: Paul Rolly Hammers Ticket Quotas
Writing revenue-producing tickets in Salt Lake City's Glendale area proves to be as easy as pulling trout from a stocked backyard pond.
By Curmudgeon
Something interesting today on the constant Weber County Forum topic of ticket quotas. Here's the gist, from Paul Rolly's column in today's Salt Lake Tribune:
Editor's addendum: One more reason to consider re-electing five-term Weber County House District Legislative Nine candidate Neil Hansen back for a sixth term, we thinks. We talked to Representative Hansen earlier today, and he tells us he'll run a new anti-ticket quota bill every year 'til hell freezes, or until such a bill passes in the Utah legislature, whichever comes first.
Don't let the cat get your tongues.
By Curmudgeon
Something interesting today on the constant Weber County Forum topic of ticket quotas. Here's the gist, from Paul Rolly's column in today's Salt Lake Tribune:
Link to Rolly's column is here.Making quotas?
Peter Hasby was approaching the intersection of Fayette Drive on 900 West in Salt Lake City's Glendale area Aug. 28 about 6:30 p.m. when he noticed a motorcycle cop pulling over a motorist and several other motorcycle cops converged just up the street.
Distracted by all the uniforms, he then noticed out of the corner of his eye someone yelling and waving on the curb as he went through the intersection.
That's when he got pulled over.
Within a span of a couple of minutes, Hasby and four other drivers were pulled over in a sting operation to nab motorists for not stopping for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
The guy yelling and waving was the bait and the cops were there to write up tickets as easy as pulling trout from a stocked backyard pond.
When Hasby protested to the officer that the pedestrian had not even entered the crosswalk, the cop told him he could appeal the ticket. All he had to do was lose several hours of work to appear in court and plead his case to what we're all sure would be a very sympathetic hearing officer.
Editor's addendum: One more reason to consider re-electing five-term Weber County House District Legislative Nine candidate Neil Hansen back for a sixth term, we thinks. We talked to Representative Hansen earlier today, and he tells us he'll run a new anti-ticket quota bill every year 'til hell freezes, or until such a bill passes in the Utah legislature, whichever comes first.
Don't let the cat get your tongues.
Council Considers Lifting Windsor Hotel Height Restrictions
Millions in federal dollars could be placed in jeopardy
By George K.
Scott Schwebke provides a good article this morning about the City Council’s discussion at their work session last night, “Work on 25th St. hotel at stake.” He did a good amount of digging and research to fill in the details. So we must say, “Good job, Scott.”
One thing that he did not mention that was brought up at the work meeting and that is: If Ogden’s 25th St. Historic District were to lose its designation on the National Historic Register, the city would forfeit millions of dollars in federal funds to restore buildings within the 25th St. Historic District. That is quite a large penalty for allowing seven feet to be added to an old historic building. Granted one building modified correctly would not result in the loss of the District’s historical designation, but as Councilwoman Jeske pointed out, the Council would be setting a dangerous precedent. It was made known to the Council that if they approve the zoning change to allow for exceptions of the 45’ height limit, the decisions in the future for other buildings would be out of their hands and given to the LandMarks Commission and the Planning Commission. I would hope that the Council would not hand over that authority to others!
There is a lot more at stake here than allowing the owners of the old Windsor Hotel to add a fourth floor. Another twist to this little drama is the fact that Mr. Peay is denying that Scott Brown is connected in any way to the Windsor Hotel. How does he account for Scott Brown threatening members of the LandMarks Commission last year when their approval for the variance was first sought? True to his promise, the members who had voted against the variance were removed from the Commission. One had served for only a year or two and had taken training for the job which her replacement did not have. This was pointed out to the Mayor, but he would not allow her to remain on the Commission. Now you have “the rest of the story!” You be the judge – do you think Scott Brown is involved with the Windsor Hotel? And Godfrey backs him!
By George K.
Scott Schwebke provides a good article this morning about the City Council’s discussion at their work session last night, “Work on 25th St. hotel at stake.” He did a good amount of digging and research to fill in the details. So we must say, “Good job, Scott.”
One thing that he did not mention that was brought up at the work meeting and that is: If Ogden’s 25th St. Historic District were to lose its designation on the National Historic Register, the city would forfeit millions of dollars in federal funds to restore buildings within the 25th St. Historic District. That is quite a large penalty for allowing seven feet to be added to an old historic building. Granted one building modified correctly would not result in the loss of the District’s historical designation, but as Councilwoman Jeske pointed out, the Council would be setting a dangerous precedent. It was made known to the Council that if they approve the zoning change to allow for exceptions of the 45’ height limit, the decisions in the future for other buildings would be out of their hands and given to the LandMarks Commission and the Planning Commission. I would hope that the Council would not hand over that authority to others!
There is a lot more at stake here than allowing the owners of the old Windsor Hotel to add a fourth floor. Another twist to this little drama is the fact that Mr. Peay is denying that Scott Brown is connected in any way to the Windsor Hotel. How does he account for Scott Brown threatening members of the LandMarks Commission last year when their approval for the variance was first sought? True to his promise, the members who had voted against the variance were removed from the Commission. One had served for only a year or two and had taken training for the job which her replacement did not have. This was pointed out to the Mayor, but he would not allow her to remain on the Commission. Now you have “the rest of the story!” You be the judge – do you think Scott Brown is involved with the Windsor Hotel? And Godfrey backs him!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Boss Godfrey Pays the Price for Years of Deceit
Gentle Reader George K. lets Godfrey have it on his credibility problem... with both barrels
By George K.
Here is my take on the Matthew Godfrey commentary in the Standard-Examiner this morning, which comes as a response to Tuesday's Std-Ex editorial:
Oh, the shame of it all! Poor Mayor Godfrey has been misunderstood about the golf committee by the Standard-Examiner’s editorial board! How could that happen!? Why Godfrey is such a straight arrow – never does anything underhandedly or behind the Council’s back and ALWAYS tells the truth! Why would anyone suspect that he had stacked the committee or had maneuvered so that Council input was ignored?!
I think that his chickens are coming home to roost – in case some don’t understand what that saying has to do with Godfrey, I’d love to recount just a FEW of his shenanigans that he has pulled on the Council:
1) Let’s start with an incident about two years ago when new Council members asked for information about a new company wanting a great price on prime downtown land, Godfrey told his A-Team not to give it to them (right from the A-Team’s mouths.) Then he misrepresented what they said and the manner in which it was said to the Std-Ex so that the new Council members were blamed for upsetting the CEO and the loss of that company opening in Ogden and also for the critical and unmerciful editorial that followed without doing any research to see if things had transpired as Godfrey had indicated. (There was a CD recording of the meeting which absolved the Council of any wrong doing.)
2) Before that with another Council, he went behind their backs and bought portable bleachers for the amphitheater when they turned down his request.
3) He asked Mark Johnson to draft a bill that proposed that city councils could eliminate the Civil Service Commission that protects firefighters and police officers and gives them a means for appealing actions taken against them. Godfrey’s cousin was recruited to sponsor the bill in the Senate, and the lobbyist who was hired and supposed to be working on legislation that both the Council and Administration wanted, was also told to push the passage of that bill. This was unknown until it was discovered by a Council member and she was told by the lobbyist that he took his orders from the Mayor.
4) When the Administration decided that St. Anne’s needed to move to 12th Street, the Council was told that St. Anne’s Board of Directors wanted to move, but needed help with the funding. The Council was asked to petition the Legislature for $1 million which needed to be done before the session began which allowed only a week or so to do so. The Council sent the petition, but also asked for a letter of confirmation from the Board of Directors. The letter that came stated just the opposite, and the Council looked rather foolish.
5) Shortly after that, the Administration said they had a buyer for the Shupe-Williams property, besides the Union Station Foundation, that they wanted the Council to approve a proclamation for that sale because it would also help them with the river front development. The Council took them at their word and passed the resolution only to find out that the company really didn’t want to purchase the property.
6) Then there was the matter of signing a contract behind the Council’s back with UTA to use federal funds for a gondola corridor study.
I could go on but I think you all get the idea.
Is it any wonder that people now think the worst of Godfrey and don’t believe him? He has conducted business with deceit and lies for years and thinks that he now is being wrongly accused of not working with the Council. Do you really believe he has changed his ways? About as much chance of that as a leopard changing its spots! He is just getting what he has sown – seeds of distrust!
By George K.
Here is my take on the Matthew Godfrey commentary in the Standard-Examiner this morning, which comes as a response to Tuesday's Std-Ex editorial:
Oh, the shame of it all! Poor Mayor Godfrey has been misunderstood about the golf committee by the Standard-Examiner’s editorial board! How could that happen!? Why Godfrey is such a straight arrow – never does anything underhandedly or behind the Council’s back and ALWAYS tells the truth! Why would anyone suspect that he had stacked the committee or had maneuvered so that Council input was ignored?!
I think that his chickens are coming home to roost – in case some don’t understand what that saying has to do with Godfrey, I’d love to recount just a FEW of his shenanigans that he has pulled on the Council:
1) Let’s start with an incident about two years ago when new Council members asked for information about a new company wanting a great price on prime downtown land, Godfrey told his A-Team not to give it to them (right from the A-Team’s mouths.) Then he misrepresented what they said and the manner in which it was said to the Std-Ex so that the new Council members were blamed for upsetting the CEO and the loss of that company opening in Ogden and also for the critical and unmerciful editorial that followed without doing any research to see if things had transpired as Godfrey had indicated. (There was a CD recording of the meeting which absolved the Council of any wrong doing.)
2) Before that with another Council, he went behind their backs and bought portable bleachers for the amphitheater when they turned down his request.
3) He asked Mark Johnson to draft a bill that proposed that city councils could eliminate the Civil Service Commission that protects firefighters and police officers and gives them a means for appealing actions taken against them. Godfrey’s cousin was recruited to sponsor the bill in the Senate, and the lobbyist who was hired and supposed to be working on legislation that both the Council and Administration wanted, was also told to push the passage of that bill. This was unknown until it was discovered by a Council member and she was told by the lobbyist that he took his orders from the Mayor.
4) When the Administration decided that St. Anne’s needed to move to 12th Street, the Council was told that St. Anne’s Board of Directors wanted to move, but needed help with the funding. The Council was asked to petition the Legislature for $1 million which needed to be done before the session began which allowed only a week or so to do so. The Council sent the petition, but also asked for a letter of confirmation from the Board of Directors. The letter that came stated just the opposite, and the Council looked rather foolish.
5) Shortly after that, the Administration said they had a buyer for the Shupe-Williams property, besides the Union Station Foundation, that they wanted the Council to approve a proclamation for that sale because it would also help them with the river front development. The Council took them at their word and passed the resolution only to find out that the company really didn’t want to purchase the property.
6) Then there was the matter of signing a contract behind the Council’s back with UTA to use federal funds for a gondola corridor study.
I could go on but I think you all get the idea.
Is it any wonder that people now think the worst of Godfrey and don’t believe him? He has conducted business with deceit and lies for years and thinks that he now is being wrongly accused of not working with the Council. Do you really believe he has changed his ways? About as much chance of that as a leopard changing its spots! He is just getting what he has sown – seeds of distrust!
Another Ogden Lumpencitizen Retort to Last Month's Bob Geiger Screed
Ogden Resident Charles Lyon skillfully takes Mr. Geiger's "argument" apart
Added bonus: a little free practical advice
This morning's Standard-Examiner carries another fine guest commentary retort to that half-baked Bob Geiger screed, published by the Std-Ex on July 31st. In this morning's well crafted guest editorial, Ogden resident Charles Lyon skillfully dismantles Mr. Geiger's false premises, sets forth an array of facts demonstrating that Ogden City is well on the way to "rebirth" (even in the absence of gondolas), and further points to one of the chief factors contributing to the presumed demise of Chris Peterson's erstwhile failed land grab, i.e., Boss Godfrey's pre-election decision to refrain from selling our "crown jewel" Mt. Ogden parkland.
Mr. Lyons also closes his most excellent article with some sage advice for the gondola-obsessed remnants of Lift Ogden. If these downtrodden souls still wish to remain politically relevant, and to relieve themselves of the indignity of being the butt of all Ogden jokes, we believe they should take a long and hard look at Mr. Lyon's final paragraph:
Reader comments are invited, of course.
Added bonus: a little free practical advice
This morning's Standard-Examiner carries another fine guest commentary retort to that half-baked Bob Geiger screed, published by the Std-Ex on July 31st. In this morning's well crafted guest editorial, Ogden resident Charles Lyon skillfully dismantles Mr. Geiger's false premises, sets forth an array of facts demonstrating that Ogden City is well on the way to "rebirth" (even in the absence of gondolas), and further points to one of the chief factors contributing to the presumed demise of Chris Peterson's erstwhile failed land grab, i.e., Boss Godfrey's pre-election decision to refrain from selling our "crown jewel" Mt. Ogden parkland.
Mr. Lyons also closes his most excellent article with some sage advice for the gondola-obsessed remnants of Lift Ogden. If these downtrodden souls still wish to remain politically relevant, and to relieve themselves of the indignity of being the butt of all Ogden jokes, we believe they should take a long and hard look at Mr. Lyon's final paragraph:
Geiger and Lift Ogden should work toward the goal of a gondola to help set Ogden apart from everywhere else. But until they find a way to pay for it that everyone else can accept, maybe Lift Ogden could help to lift Ogden by promoting the other great things we have or could have here if we all work together.Fine guest editorial this morning from Mr. Lyon. It's a good read, and a craftsman-like piece of work to boot. We thus recommend all readers (not just gondolists) take a look at it.
Reader comments are invited, of course.
Powder Mountain Town Issue Heading to Court
An overbearing and arrogant developer opts to roll the judicial dice
The Standard-Examiner reports this morning that the Powderville dispute has now landed in a venue in which everyone following this story knew it would eventually wind up: a court of law. We incorporate below the lead paragraphs of this morning's Di Lewis story:
"Powder Mountain town issue heading to court"
From our point of view this development presents a golden opportunity for the County Commission and Powderville citizens (if any of them decide to file "amicus briefs" and/or "join" as parties to this lawsuit) to press for a statutory interpretation of the now grandfathered SB-466, which is really quite vague as to the prescribed process for appointing a mayor and town council. Moreover, it presents the first opportunity to test the constitutionality of this ill-designed statute itself-- something we've all been waiting for.
Our compliments to the Weber County Commission for sticking to their guns, and refusing to rubber stamp the developer's hand-picked list of developer sycophants and stooges. As this morning's article reports, the Commission knew full well this matter would wind up in court; and we'll go on to speculate that the 2d District Court ought to provide the defendant, Weber County, a fair and friendly judicial venue.
And what say our gentle readers about this latest development?
The Standard-Examiner reports this morning that the Powderville dispute has now landed in a venue in which everyone following this story knew it would eventually wind up: a court of law. We incorporate below the lead paragraphs of this morning's Di Lewis story:
OGDEN — Powder Mountain is determined to get a town council and mayor.Those readers who haven't already seen this morning's Std-Ex hard-copy edition can read the full story here:
The Powder Mountain petition sponsors filed litigation Aug. 26 against Weber County in the 2nd District Court aimed at getting the county to approve a list of appointees for Powder Mountain government, according to a news release issued Wednesday.
Powder Mountain spokeswoman Maura Carabello said, “We’re asking the judge to order the county to follow the law.”
"Powder Mountain town issue heading to court"
From our point of view this development presents a golden opportunity for the County Commission and Powderville citizens (if any of them decide to file "amicus briefs" and/or "join" as parties to this lawsuit) to press for a statutory interpretation of the now grandfathered SB-466, which is really quite vague as to the prescribed process for appointing a mayor and town council. Moreover, it presents the first opportunity to test the constitutionality of this ill-designed statute itself-- something we've all been waiting for.
Our compliments to the Weber County Commission for sticking to their guns, and refusing to rubber stamp the developer's hand-picked list of developer sycophants and stooges. As this morning's article reports, the Commission knew full well this matter would wind up in court; and we'll go on to speculate that the 2d District Court ought to provide the defendant, Weber County, a fair and friendly judicial venue.
And what say our gentle readers about this latest development?
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Administration and Council Pass Joint Resolution to Fund Ogden Street Car Study
Sensible public transit moves to the Emerald City front-burner
Boss Godfrey is dragged along by the city council, kicking and screaming
Splendid news for public transit aficionados this morning, as the Standard Examiner reports that the mayoral administration and city council have entered into a joint resolution to fund Emerald City's long-awaited transit-alternatives analysis study and environmental impact review. From this morning's Scott Schwebke story:
As to the latter, we confess we have our doubts. Godfrey has stubbornly dragged his feet on the streetcar concept since the release of the 2005 Ogden Transit Corridor Study, and has made it painfully clear that an urban gondola is his preferred mode of "public transit." Not only that, we suspect that Mr. Godfrey is experiencing significant angst, as he watches the $231,250 in federal funding, which he secretly obtained for a "gondola study", as it's instead applied to a study involving street cars.
This morning's story also mentions three proposed streetcar routes, two of which have been proposed by the administration, and one of which is recommended by the council. As our gentle readers will recall, the council's preferred route is the same route recommended by the "Baker Study" in 2005.
A Weber County Forum Tip O' the Hat this morning to the Ogden City Council, for finally moving street cars to the top of the city agenda, notwithstanding the many roadblocks which Boss Godfrey has placed in the streetcar's path. Hopefully the city council will continue to keep Godfrey's feet to the fire, with respect to this very important Ogden City transit project. We have a strong sense that Boss Godfrey is being dragged kicking and screaming into this project, and that keeping this project moving along will require considerable continuing resolve on the council's part.
Comments are invited as always. There are plenty of issues to be discussed, such as the merit (if any) of Godfrey's objection to the council's preferred route, and his arguments in favor of the two with the more southerly east-west "connector legs."
Have at it, gentle readers.
Splendid news for public transit aficionados this morning, as the Standard Examiner reports that the mayoral administration and city council have entered into a joint resolution to fund Emerald City's long-awaited transit-alternatives analysis study and environmental impact review. From this morning's Scott Schwebke story:
OGDEN — The city council and city administration adopted a joint resolution Tuesday night to fund part of a $750,000 study that may lead to the establishment of a streetcar system along the busy downtown to Weber State University-McKay-Dee Hospital corridor.Boss Godfrey is quoted this morning as being "pleased the resolution has been adopted so the study can get under way. 'We are glad to see it move forward,'” Godfrey says.
The city’s share of the study that will include a transit-alternatives analysis and environmental impact review will be $290,000.
Funding would come from $231,250 in Utah Transit Authority federal money pledged for local transportation studies and $58,750 set aside in the city’s fiscal 2009 budget, said Bill Cook, the council’s executive director.
As to the latter, we confess we have our doubts. Godfrey has stubbornly dragged his feet on the streetcar concept since the release of the 2005 Ogden Transit Corridor Study, and has made it painfully clear that an urban gondola is his preferred mode of "public transit." Not only that, we suspect that Mr. Godfrey is experiencing significant angst, as he watches the $231,250 in federal funding, which he secretly obtained for a "gondola study", as it's instead applied to a study involving street cars.
This morning's story also mentions three proposed streetcar routes, two of which have been proposed by the administration, and one of which is recommended by the council. As our gentle readers will recall, the council's preferred route is the same route recommended by the "Baker Study" in 2005.
A Weber County Forum Tip O' the Hat this morning to the Ogden City Council, for finally moving street cars to the top of the city agenda, notwithstanding the many roadblocks which Boss Godfrey has placed in the streetcar's path. Hopefully the city council will continue to keep Godfrey's feet to the fire, with respect to this very important Ogden City transit project. We have a strong sense that Boss Godfrey is being dragged kicking and screaming into this project, and that keeping this project moving along will require considerable continuing resolve on the council's part.
Comments are invited as always. There are plenty of issues to be discussed, such as the merit (if any) of Godfrey's objection to the council's preferred route, and his arguments in favor of the two with the more southerly east-west "connector legs."
Have at it, gentle readers.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Response to a Ridiculous Standard-Examiner Puff Piece
Std-Ex reporter Lewis adds a page to her ski resort promotion resume
We can't let the day drift by, without at least directing our readers' attention to this Di Lewis puff piece, appearing in this morning's Gondola-Examiner. Although we'd earlier credited Ms. Lewis, the Std-Ex's new reporter on the Ogden Valley beat, with being something of a "quick journalistic study", we're now leaning toward the view that Ms. Lewis would be better suited to a ski resort development public relations career.
We can't let the day drift by, without at least directing our readers' attention to this Di Lewis puff piece, appearing in this morning's Gondola-Examiner. Although we'd earlier credited Ms. Lewis, the Std-Ex's new reporter on the Ogden Valley beat, with being something of a "quick journalistic study", we're now leaning toward the view that Ms. Lewis would be better suited to a ski resort development public relations career.
Ms. Lewis's contribution today is without a doubt the most egregious example of one-sided reporting that we've witnessed in the Std-Ex in many a day. We'd suggest you read Ms. Lewis's article, wherein three of the most conflicted souls in Ogden Valley (all Alvin Cobabe family members) say, with a completely straight face, that they have no conflict of interest at all.
Before we launch into another jagged rant however, we'll simply defer to our friends at Ogden Valley Forum, who've posted their own most excellent response today. They've done a fine job with this; and referring you all to our sister blogsite will do wonders for our blood pressure:
Ogden Valley Forum: "Powder Mountain Article Counter-point!"
Post your comments either here or there. Where you post your comments matters not at all.
The important thing, we believe, is that we all remain involved.
Before we launch into another jagged rant however, we'll simply defer to our friends at Ogden Valley Forum, who've posted their own most excellent response today. They've done a fine job with this; and referring you all to our sister blogsite will do wonders for our blood pressure:
Ogden Valley Forum: "Powder Mountain Article Counter-point!"
Post your comments either here or there. Where you post your comments matters not at all.
The important thing, we believe, is that we all remain involved.
Standard-Examiner: "Work together, Ogden"
More gentle begging from our home town newspaper
Once again the Standard-Examiner comes out this morning with an editorial, criticising our esteemed mayor, Boss Godfrey, for the same traits he's consistently demonstrated for 8-1/2 years, i.e., mendacity, obsessive secrecy and inability to play well with others.
This time Godfrey's botched Mount Ogden Golf Course (secret) citizens committee is the pressure point du jour, and the Std-Ex editors do a pretty fair job through most of the editorial, setting forth a few of Godfey's many MOGC committee blunders, in this latest episode of mayoral hubris, which mayoral gaffes we'll attempt to enumerate one by one:
• Ignoring all city council input;
• Alienating the council;
• Forming a committee mainly of stooges, and labeling it "independent;"
• Failing to pass on the council's committee nominations to "The Skipper";
• Generally shooting himself in the political foot.
Today's editorial starts out appearing to be a harsh indictment of Godfrey's misbehavior in this latest transaction; and we were sitting on the edge of our seats, waiting for a strong finish. Unfortunately, the Std-Ex editors went soft in the knees... and closed out their closing paragraph with this dazzling piece of milquetoast editorial advice:
"Talk to each other, work together, debate, disagree and compromise. Move the city forward. It’s a simple philosophy, but it works. Ask most other cities, they’ll confirm that we’re right."
Sheesh! Godfrey operates with a style of governance which would make a Chinese warlord blush, and the Std-Ex editors believe the problem is that everyone (including the council and public, we suppose) isn't talking to each other?
The Std-Ex editors mention that today's editorial is not the first time they've admonished Boss Godfrey about his well-demonstrated inability to "play well with others." A quick Google search reveals the two most recent of these editorials:
• Kumbaya on Ice - 3/28/08
• Hunkering down, Doing the job - 5/30/08
If memory serves, the Std-Ex editors have also published numerous other similar editorials over the past few years. These editorials all have one thing in common, it seems to us. They all start out with "fire in the editorial belly," and wind up with the Std-Ex editors essentially on bended knee, begging Boss Godfrey to "play nice."
It's time for the Standard-Examiner to change its tone, we believe. After all, Boss Godfrey is the Std-Ex's "pet project;" and their November endorsement was no doubt at least partly to blame for Godfrey's razor-thin 449 vote victory margin in the 2007 municipal election. Time for the Std-Ex to exhibit a little tough love. They owe this to their readership, we believe.
We suppose it would be too much to ask, for the Standard-Examiner to actually call for Godfrey's resignation. But it would be nice, we think, if the Std-Ex editors pinned the blame in the next Godfrey fiasco squarely where it belongs, rather than "parceling it out" to un-named "others."
Einstein was right. The Std-Ex editors need to try a more forceful approach. The current milquetoast tactic (8 years of gentle begging) makes them look worse than just plain dumb.
That's our take on today's editorial; and what say our gentle readers about all this?
Talk about a tin ear for politics. We’ve said more than once in this space over the past eight-plus years that Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey can be his own worst enemy. He’s proving it again with an “advisory” committee charged with making suggestions about how to deal with the Mount Ogden Golf Course’s annual deficits.
Standard-Examiner Editorial
Work together, Ogden
September 2, 2008
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
The Quotations Page
1879 - 1955
Once again the Standard-Examiner comes out this morning with an editorial, criticising our esteemed mayor, Boss Godfrey, for the same traits he's consistently demonstrated for 8-1/2 years, i.e., mendacity, obsessive secrecy and inability to play well with others.
This time Godfrey's botched Mount Ogden Golf Course (secret) citizens committee is the pressure point du jour, and the Std-Ex editors do a pretty fair job through most of the editorial, setting forth a few of Godfey's many MOGC committee blunders, in this latest episode of mayoral hubris, which mayoral gaffes we'll attempt to enumerate one by one:
• Ignoring all city council input;
• Alienating the council;
• Forming a committee mainly of stooges, and labeling it "independent;"
• Failing to pass on the council's committee nominations to "The Skipper";
• Generally shooting himself in the political foot.
Today's editorial starts out appearing to be a harsh indictment of Godfrey's misbehavior in this latest transaction; and we were sitting on the edge of our seats, waiting for a strong finish. Unfortunately, the Std-Ex editors went soft in the knees... and closed out their closing paragraph with this dazzling piece of milquetoast editorial advice:
"Talk to each other, work together, debate, disagree and compromise. Move the city forward. It’s a simple philosophy, but it works. Ask most other cities, they’ll confirm that we’re right."
Sheesh! Godfrey operates with a style of governance which would make a Chinese warlord blush, and the Std-Ex editors believe the problem is that everyone (including the council and public, we suppose) isn't talking to each other?
The Std-Ex editors mention that today's editorial is not the first time they've admonished Boss Godfrey about his well-demonstrated inability to "play well with others." A quick Google search reveals the two most recent of these editorials:
• Kumbaya on Ice - 3/28/08
• Hunkering down, Doing the job - 5/30/08
If memory serves, the Std-Ex editors have also published numerous other similar editorials over the past few years. These editorials all have one thing in common, it seems to us. They all start out with "fire in the editorial belly," and wind up with the Std-Ex editors essentially on bended knee, begging Boss Godfrey to "play nice."
It's time for the Standard-Examiner to change its tone, we believe. After all, Boss Godfrey is the Std-Ex's "pet project;" and their November endorsement was no doubt at least partly to blame for Godfrey's razor-thin 449 vote victory margin in the 2007 municipal election. Time for the Std-Ex to exhibit a little tough love. They owe this to their readership, we believe.
We suppose it would be too much to ask, for the Standard-Examiner to actually call for Godfrey's resignation. But it would be nice, we think, if the Std-Ex editors pinned the blame in the next Godfrey fiasco squarely where it belongs, rather than "parceling it out" to un-named "others."
Einstein was right. The Std-Ex editors need to try a more forceful approach. The current milquetoast tactic (8 years of gentle begging) makes them look worse than just plain dumb.
That's our take on today's editorial; and what say our gentle readers about all this?
Monday, September 01, 2008
More Signs of a Local Economy Going Belly-up
Standard-Examiner: Wasatch Front subcontractors going under
More evidence concerning the harsh impact of the percipient U.S. recession on the local economy this morning, with this Bryon Saxton story, reporting on the travails of Wasatch Front subcontractors who are squeezed out of their preferred creditor positions when unfinished or unsold residential construction projects are lost to lender foreclosure. Under Utah law, foreclosing senior lenders take foreclosed properties free and clear of junior liens. Even contractors holding valid mechanics' liens are wiped out when such properties are taken back by senior lenders.
In the instant case, the article puts the focus on one Pleasant View plumbing contractor, Dean Henefer, who expects to take a $150,000 write down for labor and materials furnished in projects running up and down the Wasatch Front. Except for the existence of Hennefer's "reserve fund," it's fair to speculate he'd possibly be out of business already. Even under his relatively fortunate circumstance however, (in having had the sense and prudence to save a little money for a rainy day,) Hennefer's been forced to lay off half his work force of six, which means there are now three fewer Utah households who've been propelled into survival mode... three fewer Utah families without discretionary cash to fritter away on restaurants meals, high-adventure recreation centers, ice towers, gondola rides to nowhere and other amusements.
Mr. Hennefer's knows his experience does not occur in a vacuum. Mr. Hennefer suggests "I'm feeling like I'm a good example of what's happening." Mr. Hennefer is of course quite correct. His circumstance is merely a microcosm of the general economy, a single example of what's happened in a single instance, as the destructive effects of reckless and greed-driven credit policies begin their inexorable ripple across the local economy.
Words to the wise from the bottom of today's story: "The party is over. We are back to the chicken coop as it really is."
Words to the wise also for Emerald City officials, as they craft their new grand plans and schemes, hoping to cash in on that mountain of credit-driven consumer spending which no longer exists.
In closing, we'll again note that Mr. Hennefer's survival was the result of the establishment of a "rainy day fund." Something for the Emerald City Council to think about, wethinks.
More evidence concerning the harsh impact of the percipient U.S. recession on the local economy this morning, with this Bryon Saxton story, reporting on the travails of Wasatch Front subcontractors who are squeezed out of their preferred creditor positions when unfinished or unsold residential construction projects are lost to lender foreclosure. Under Utah law, foreclosing senior lenders take foreclosed properties free and clear of junior liens. Even contractors holding valid mechanics' liens are wiped out when such properties are taken back by senior lenders.
In the instant case, the article puts the focus on one Pleasant View plumbing contractor, Dean Henefer, who expects to take a $150,000 write down for labor and materials furnished in projects running up and down the Wasatch Front. Except for the existence of Hennefer's "reserve fund," it's fair to speculate he'd possibly be out of business already. Even under his relatively fortunate circumstance however, (in having had the sense and prudence to save a little money for a rainy day,) Hennefer's been forced to lay off half his work force of six, which means there are now three fewer Utah households who've been propelled into survival mode... three fewer Utah families without discretionary cash to fritter away on restaurants meals, high-adventure recreation centers, ice towers, gondola rides to nowhere and other amusements.
Mr. Hennefer's knows his experience does not occur in a vacuum. Mr. Hennefer suggests "I'm feeling like I'm a good example of what's happening." Mr. Hennefer is of course quite correct. His circumstance is merely a microcosm of the general economy, a single example of what's happened in a single instance, as the destructive effects of reckless and greed-driven credit policies begin their inexorable ripple across the local economy.
Words to the wise from the bottom of today's story: "The party is over. We are back to the chicken coop as it really is."
Words to the wise also for Emerald City officials, as they craft their new grand plans and schemes, hoping to cash in on that mountain of credit-driven consumer spending which no longer exists.
In closing, we'll again note that Mr. Hennefer's survival was the result of the establishment of a "rainy day fund." Something for the Emerald City Council to think about, wethinks.
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