Fruitland Township to hold candidate forum for county elections | MLive.com
FRUITLAND TOWNSHIP, MI – Candidates for four Muskegon County offices will gather to meet voters and answer questions July 26 in Fruitland Township.
The forum will start at 7 p.m. July 26 at Fruitland Township Hall, 4545 Nestrom. Candidates for the four offices were given a questionnaire in advance so they could give well thought-out answers.
The candidates for prosecutor are current prosecutor D.J. Hilson and former assistant prosecutors Marc Curtis and Stephen Corwin, all of whom are running as Democrats.
The candidates for sheriff are current Sheriff Dean Roesler, retired sheriff's deputy John Jurkas and former Zilwaukee police officer Joel Dobis, all Democrats.
The candidates for county clerk are Democrat Nancy Waters, who is the incumbent, and Democrat Manda Mitteer and Republican Cindy Fairfield.
The candidates for county commissioner are incumbent John Snider, a Republican, Democrat Terry Sabo and Democrat Chuck Woods, who is a member of the North Muskegon City Council.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Many Michigan urban high schools outperform suburban neighbors in Mackinac Center study
Many Michigan urban high schools outperform suburban neighbors in Mackinac Center study | MLive.com
Many of Michigan’s urban high schools are outperforming their suburban neighbors when their students’ socioeconomic issues are taken into consideration, according to a Mackinac Center study.
Many of Michigan’s urban high schools are outperforming their suburban neighbors when their students’ socioeconomic issues are taken into consideration, according to a Mackinac Center study.
Muskegon Heights school debt includes $1.4 million owed to employees
Muskegon Heights school debt includes $1.4 million owed to employees | MLive.com
The district also owes $6.3 million on a state loan.
The state has been garnishing the district’s per-pupil funding for payments on the loan and will take all of the district’s August payment.
Weatherspoon plans to pay off the school district’s debt with proceeds from an 18-mill nonhomestead property tax levied on businesses and homes that aren’t the owner’s principal residence, such as rental homes.
That plan depends on voters in November agreeing to renew the property tax, which Demetriou said raises about $1.2 million per year, though that number has been dropping.
Voters will be asked to approve a five-year renewal.
The district also owes $6.3 million on a state loan.
The state has been garnishing the district’s per-pupil funding for payments on the loan and will take all of the district’s August payment.
Weatherspoon plans to pay off the school district’s debt with proceeds from an 18-mill nonhomestead property tax levied on businesses and homes that aren’t the owner’s principal residence, such as rental homes.
That plan depends on voters in November agreeing to renew the property tax, which Demetriou said raises about $1.2 million per year, though that number has been dropping.
Voters will be asked to approve a five-year renewal.
Mayor Steve Warmington gives county comissioners 'tough love' message, praises foundation
Mayor Steve Warmington gives county comissioners 'tough love' message, praises foundation | MLive.com
As he said local communities in the Muskegon area protect their territory like it was a Friday night high school football game, Warmington gave a direct challenge to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners.
“I challenge the county board to become leaders in Muskegon County,” he said.
“I don’t think we have had one county commissioner who was serving all of the citizens of Muskegon County.
We need to change the attitude of the county commission.”
Specifically, Warmington said he is still miffed that when the community was at the verge of bringing back cross-lake ferry service to Milwaukee in 2003, the city of Muskegon – not Muskegon County government – took the leadership and financial role to secure a ferry terminal and dock on Muskegon Lake.
On other issues of governmental cooperation and consolidation, Warmington indicated it will take the county board’s leadership to break down the walls between cities and townships in the Muskegon area.
Muskegon County Board Chairman Ken Mahoney said he did not hear Warmington’s outgoing address to the community but has had conversations of similar ideas with the Muskegon mayor over the years.
“In some senses, I don’t know what he wants from us,” Mahoney said. “We don’t have the authority to do a lot and we need the approvals of the local communities.”
As he said local communities in the Muskegon area protect their territory like it was a Friday night high school football game, Warmington gave a direct challenge to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners.
“I challenge the county board to become leaders in Muskegon County,” he said.
“I don’t think we have had one county commissioner who was serving all of the citizens of Muskegon County.
We need to change the attitude of the county commission.”
Specifically, Warmington said he is still miffed that when the community was at the verge of bringing back cross-lake ferry service to Milwaukee in 2003, the city of Muskegon – not Muskegon County government – took the leadership and financial role to secure a ferry terminal and dock on Muskegon Lake.
On other issues of governmental cooperation and consolidation, Warmington indicated it will take the county board’s leadership to break down the walls between cities and townships in the Muskegon area.
Muskegon County Board Chairman Ken Mahoney said he did not hear Warmington’s outgoing address to the community but has had conversations of similar ideas with the Muskegon mayor over the years.
“In some senses, I don’t know what he wants from us,” Mahoney said. “We don’t have the authority to do a lot and we need the approvals of the local communities.”
Egelston firefighters will move temporarily for construction of new station
Egelston firefighters will move temporarily for construction of new station | MLive.com
But Holter said the township had indicated to voters that the station would be built on the current site, and that that needs to be honored.
While the ballot language did not specify a site for the new station, some pamphlets that were circulated prior to the election indicated that it would be.
Holter said a committee that recommended seeking a bond for a new station also had thought the station should be built on site.
“The station is staying on the township campus because that’s what the people voted for,” Holter said.
But Holter said the township had indicated to voters that the station would be built on the current site, and that that needs to be honored.
While the ballot language did not specify a site for the new station, some pamphlets that were circulated prior to the election indicated that it would be.
Holter said a committee that recommended seeking a bond for a new station also had thought the station should be built on site.
“The station is staying on the township campus because that’s what the people voted for,” Holter said.
Muskegon County wind-farm investigation begins with $110,000 payment from Gamesa
Muskegon County wind-farm investigation begins with $110,000 payment from Gamesa | MLive.com
County and Gamesa Energy officials signed a lease in May that gives the wind farm developer and wind turbine manufacturer the exclusive rights to investigate erecting commercial-scale wind turbines on the wastewater site.
If all goes as planned and the upcoming studies produce favorable results, a 150-megawatt wind farm built could be producing energy in late 2014.
County and Gamesa Energy officials signed a lease in May that gives the wind farm developer and wind turbine manufacturer the exclusive rights to investigate erecting commercial-scale wind turbines on the wastewater site.
If all goes as planned and the upcoming studies produce favorable results, a 150-megawatt wind farm built could be producing energy in late 2014.
Report: Muskegon High School achievement tops in the area when socio-economic status considered
Report: Muskegon High School achievement tops in the area when socio-economic status considered | MLive.com
Muskegon’s free and reduced price lunch rate is 87 percent, one of the highest in the state, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Jon Felske.
“It’s nice that there are studies done that take in the accountability factors of the diversity of the population that our teachers serve and our district represents,” Felske said. “Part of public education is you can’t pick and choose those who live in your district, but you serve those who choose to live in the district.”
Muskegon Heights High school ranked 581st, near the bottom of the list, and received an F on the report card.
Muskegon’s free and reduced price lunch rate is 87 percent, one of the highest in the state, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Jon Felske.
“It’s nice that there are studies done that take in the accountability factors of the diversity of the population that our teachers serve and our district represents,” Felske said. “Part of public education is you can’t pick and choose those who live in your district, but you serve those who choose to live in the district.”
Muskegon Heights High school ranked 581st, near the bottom of the list, and received an F on the report card.
Readers debate constitutional amendment opposed by Steve Gunn
Readers debate constitutional amendment opposed by Steve Gunn | MLive.com
pragmatic543 points out big business isn't much better than the unions:
"Those who live in glass houses Mr. Gunn....
Take a look at the too big to fail banks lately and their behavior?
Manipulating the LIBOR, giving artificially low rate home loans to those in power, manipulating currency, etc...
Please take a personal inventory of ones own heroes before casting others under the bus.
Want to know the motivation...follow the buck.
This is life 101, did you skip that day?
pragmatic543 points out big business isn't much better than the unions:
"Those who live in glass houses Mr. Gunn....
Take a look at the too big to fail banks lately and their behavior?
Manipulating the LIBOR, giving artificially low rate home loans to those in power, manipulating currency, etc...
Please take a personal inventory of ones own heroes before casting others under the bus.
Want to know the motivation...follow the buck.
This is life 101, did you skip that day?
Long-term water agreement in place for several Muskegon-area municipalities; More to come?
Long-term water agreement in place for several Muskegon-area municipalities; More to come? | MLive.com
Warner said several factors, including the total water pumped, will go into the water rate, but he is hopeful it will decrease for some residents.
“I think it’s safe to say at the very best it will be less and at the very worst it will be neutral,” Warner said.
Warner said several factors, including the total water pumped, will go into the water rate, but he is hopeful it will decrease for some residents.
“I think it’s safe to say at the very best it will be less and at the very worst it will be neutral,” Warner said.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Eaton County Dumps Prevailing Wage Law
Eaton County Dumps Prevailing Wage Law [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Prevailing wage laws mandate that union-scale wages be paid on construction work funded by taxpayer dollars regardless of whether the company's workers belong to a union.
Local governments can do nothing about federal and state prevailing wage laws, but they do have control over their own.
Eaton County's action in repealing its prevailing wage law was the second time a Michigan community has done so this year. In January, Bay City repealed its prevailing wage law.
Prevailing wage laws mandate that union-scale wages be paid on construction work funded by taxpayer dollars regardless of whether the company's workers belong to a union.
Local governments can do nothing about federal and state prevailing wage laws, but they do have control over their own.
Eaton County's action in repealing its prevailing wage law was the second time a Michigan community has done so this year. In January, Bay City repealed its prevailing wage law.
The Obama Administration Works With Mexico To Increase Food Stamp Usage
The Obama Administration Works With Mexico To Increase Food Stamp Usage - Investors.com
As if being "food stamp president" weren't enough, Barack Obama's administration is partnering with the Mexican government to make sure Mexican nationals living in the U.S. don't miss out. Ay caramba!
As if being "food stamp president" weren't enough, Barack Obama's administration is partnering with the Mexican government to make sure Mexican nationals living in the U.S. don't miss out. Ay caramba!
Peter O.Knight Airport: Watch incredible moment 'pilot accidentally lands' huge Air Force jet at tiny island airport
Peter O.Knight Airport: Watch incredible moment 'pilot accidentally lands' huge Air Force jet at tiny island airport | Mail Online
To the amazement of onlookers, the military plane landed on the 3,405 feet long, 100 feet wide runway stopping within 10 feet of the end of the stretch. The runway at MacDill’s is 11,421 feet long and 151 feet wide.
To the amazement of onlookers, the military plane landed on the 3,405 feet long, 100 feet wide runway stopping within 10 feet of the end of the stretch. The runway at MacDill’s is 11,421 feet long and 151 feet wide.
BLOG COMMENT OF THE DAY
Instapundit » Blog Archive » BLOG COMMENT OF THE DAY
“Fascinating that a man shouting ‘Allahu akbar’ as he mows down 35 people on an army base isn’t motivated by Islam… but a guy who has the same name as hundreds of others—and says nothing as he fires—is obviously a Tea Party zealot.”
It’s all about the narrative
“Fascinating that a man shouting ‘Allahu akbar’ as he mows down 35 people on an army base isn’t motivated by Islam… but a guy who has the same name as hundreds of others—and says nothing as he fires—is obviously a Tea Party zealot.”
It’s all about the narrative
About those polls
About those polls - Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
Jay Cost doesn’t see malevolent intent, just a history of oversampling Democrats consistently across a variety of polling organizations:
Jay Cost doesn’t see malevolent intent, just a history of oversampling Democrats consistently across a variety of polling organizations:
The clear answer is: they skew Democratic. In fact, every recent registered voter poll with party spreads I could identify had a Democratic advantage that exceeded the quarter-century trend. And the average of all these polls together is 35 percent Democratic to 29.5 percent Republican, or D +5.5I’ve never seen anyone analyze the “hang up” effect, namely, that Republicans (particularly conservatives) hang up on pollsters more than Democrats (particularly liberals). If anyone has a link to a study of this phenomenon, even if debunking it, please post in the comments.
Importantly, these polls show Obama with an average lead over Mitt Romney of 3.5 points. But if they have a 2.5-point Democratic oversample, then what we are really talking about is perhaps a 1-point Obama lead.
Incidentally, this puts these polls much more in line with the Rasmussen poll, which has consistently found a toss-up race. Right now, Rasmussen – a poll of likely voters – sees an R+1.4 advantage in party identification. That is entirely defensible, in my opinion, given the weakness in the economy….
Here’s my bottom line. It is very difficult to model the turnout for a presidential election this far away from November. There are a lot of tough choices that pollsters must make, and it is not fair to single any pollster out for the decisions it ultimately goes with. Nevertheless, we can and should still be smart consumers of political polling. We need to keep the historical spread between the two sides in mind, and be cautious of polls that show a relatively wide Democratic advantage over the GOP. They are probably underestimating the GOP’s electoral strength.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Ten Pieces of Bad Economic News the Media's Ignoring
Ten Pieces of Bad Economic News the Media's Ignoring
1. Weekly jobless claims shot up to 386,000.
2. Foreclosures are hitting our most vulnerable citizens.
3. Factory activity contracted for a second month in a row.
4. Home sales dropped a whopping 5.4% -- the biggest drop in nine months.
5. Retail sales dropped for the third straight month.
6. Consumer confidence dipped to 84.7.
7. U.S. business inventories increased by .3%...
8. …sales dropped .1%.
9. Food prices are skyrocketing.
10. More Americans are getting federal disability than jobs.
1. Weekly jobless claims shot up to 386,000.
2. Foreclosures are hitting our most vulnerable citizens.
3. Factory activity contracted for a second month in a row.
4. Home sales dropped a whopping 5.4% -- the biggest drop in nine months.
5. Retail sales dropped for the third straight month.
6. Consumer confidence dipped to 84.7.
7. U.S. business inventories increased by .3%...
8. …sales dropped .1%.
9. Food prices are skyrocketing.
10. More Americans are getting federal disability than jobs.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Five Men Agree To Stand Directly Under An Exploding Nuclear Bomb
Five Men Agree To Stand Directly Under An Exploding Nuclear Bomb : Krulwich Wonders... : NPR
There is a countdown; 18,500 feet above them, the missile is detonated and blows up.
Which means, these men intentionally stood directly underneath an exploding 2-kiloton nuclear bomb. One of them, at the key moment (he's wearing sunglasses), looks up.
You have to see this to believe it.
There is a countdown; 18,500 feet above them, the missile is detonated and blows up.
Which means, these men intentionally stood directly underneath an exploding 2-kiloton nuclear bomb. One of them, at the key moment (he's wearing sunglasses), looks up.
You have to see this to believe it.
Irish Examiner USA: Americans' Ignorance About Socialism Is Unbelievable
Irish Examiner USA: Americans' Ignorance About Socialism Is Unbelievable
Socialism has never worked but it is easy to sell to those who refuse to study history which is why progressives use academia as their base of operations.
I'm willing to bet that "Animal Farm" and "1984" are no longer recommended reading in today's high schools.
Big Brother is only a TV reality show to many of the young today who regard socialism and big government as a good thing because that's how the mainstream media presents it.
Socialism has never worked but it is easy to sell to those who refuse to study history which is why progressives use academia as their base of operations.
I'm willing to bet that "Animal Farm" and "1984" are no longer recommended reading in today's high schools.
Big Brother is only a TV reality show to many of the young today who regard socialism and big government as a good thing because that's how the mainstream media presents it.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
For the First Time, Canadians Now Richer Than Americans
For the First Time, Canadians Now Richer Than Americans - US News and World Report
The average Canadian household is worth about $40,000 more than their American counterparts
The average Canadian household is worth about $40,000 more than their American counterparts
The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease
PJ Media » The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease
Soon, society divided into two parts:
1) The problem solvers and innovators.
2) The whiners, who would keep saying the first group’s output wasn’t good enough.
Soon, society divided into two parts:
1) The problem solvers and innovators.
2) The whiners, who would keep saying the first group’s output wasn’t good enough.
California Pension Takes Nosedive
California Pension Takes Nosedive | Via Meadia
Worse, the fund’s actuary recommended a lower target, but the fund rejected it — not because the current number is accurate, but because using a more accurate rate of return would place too great a burden on struggling governments!
Instead, they will close their eyes, clap their hands, and wait for Tinkerbelle to balance the books.
Worse, the fund’s actuary recommended a lower target, but the fund rejected it — not because the current number is accurate, but because using a more accurate rate of return would place too great a burden on struggling governments!
Instead, they will close their eyes, clap their hands, and wait for Tinkerbelle to balance the books.
Dismantling of a culture
Dismantling of a Culture - Interview - National Review Online
GELERNTER: American culture had its throat slit and bled to death at our feet.
Isn’t that revolutionary enough?
The blood is only metaphorical, but to the 40 percent of [all] infants [who are] born to single mothers this year, the consequences will be real.
In a piddling few decades, the world’s most powerful, influential cultural establishment happened to get demolished and rebuilt from the ground up.
What had been basically a Christian, patriotic, family-loving, politically moderate part of society became contemptuous of biblical religion, of patriotism, of the family, of American greatness.
The American cultural elite used to resemble (more or less) the rest of America.
Today it disdains the rest of America.
That’s a revolution.
GELERNTER: American culture had its throat slit and bled to death at our feet.
Isn’t that revolutionary enough?
The blood is only metaphorical, but to the 40 percent of [all] infants [who are] born to single mothers this year, the consequences will be real.
In a piddling few decades, the world’s most powerful, influential cultural establishment happened to get demolished and rebuilt from the ground up.
What had been basically a Christian, patriotic, family-loving, politically moderate part of society became contemptuous of biblical religion, of patriotism, of the family, of American greatness.
The American cultural elite used to resemble (more or less) the rest of America.
Today it disdains the rest of America.
That’s a revolution.
City of Compton may declare bankruptcy by September: officials
City of Compton may declare bankruptcy by September: officials - Yahoo! News
The City of Compton, a city of 93,000 people located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, must decide by September 1 whether to seek bankruptcy, according to its two most senior financial officials.
The City of Compton, a city of 93,000 people located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, must decide by September 1 whether to seek bankruptcy, according to its two most senior financial officials.
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