Rob Bliss reveals details about project at Pere Marquette Beach | MLive.com
He did explain however, why he chose Muskegon's PereMarquette.
He said they considered different beaches in West Michigan, includingGrand Haven and Saugatuck.
The Muskegon CVB was the most helpful, he said, PereMarquette's location was also convenient.
"It's also a beautiful beach," he said.
Friday, August 03, 2012
Two separate Norton Shores neighborhoods start watch groups to curb crime
Two separate Norton Shores neighborhoods start watch groups to curb crime | MLive.com
Any other neighborhood interested in learning more about the program should contact Passchier or Officer James Davis at the Norton Shores Police Department at 733-2691.
Any other neighborhood interested in learning more about the program should contact Passchier or Officer James Davis at the Norton Shores Police Department at 733-2691.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Muskegon County Board race in Norton Shores features veteran official, talk-show host
Muskegon County Board race in Norton Shores features veteran official, talk-show host | MLive.com
Scolnik also contends that his style of working together and seeking compromise is more effective.
“My opponent has run a campaign built entirely on negatives … twisting and distorting information without giving the whole picture,” Scolnik said.
“He has not put forth any plan for improving the county and, worst of all, he is attempting to bring the same destructive partisan politics that are occurring in Washington to the Muskegon County commission.”
Scolnik also contends that his style of working together and seeking compromise is more effective.
“My opponent has run a campaign built entirely on negatives … twisting and distorting information without giving the whole picture,” Scolnik said.
“He has not put forth any plan for improving the county and, worst of all, he is attempting to bring the same destructive partisan politics that are occurring in Washington to the Muskegon County commission.”
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Actuaries Debunk Myth that 80% Pension Funded Ratio Alone Constitutes 'Actuarially Sound'
Actuaries Debunk Myth that 80% Pension Funded Ratio Alone Constitutes 'Actuarially Sound' -- WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The American Academy of Actuaries cautioned today that a commonly used measure for considering a pension plan healthy—its funded ratio—fails to provide a sufficient measure on its own of a plan's financial health.
"Any realistic assessment of a pension plan should include several measures, not just one," said Senior Pension Fellow Don Fuerst.
"Somehow 80% has become a perceived standard but that is a myth we need to replace with facts."
The American Academy of Actuaries cautioned today that a commonly used measure for considering a pension plan healthy—its funded ratio—fails to provide a sufficient measure on its own of a plan's financial health.
"Any realistic assessment of a pension plan should include several measures, not just one," said Senior Pension Fellow Don Fuerst.
"Somehow 80% has become a perceived standard but that is a myth we need to replace with facts."
RileyForCommissioner: My response to The Muskegon Chronicle questionaire
(click link for full response)
RileyForCommissioner: My response to The Muskegon Chronicle questionaire
Why are you running?
Last year, Governor Snyder set out his revenue sharing program tied to requirements for accountability, transparency, service consolidation, employee compensation reforms and other standards.
Almost immediately, the Muskegon county board rushed to vote on all union contracts in order keep pension and benefits at levels that would violate the governor's recommendations.
And do it before the governor's deadline.
Our county leaders skipped their own rules for a required committee meeting to publicly review the contracts and presented the contract vote to the full board with most commissioners not even seeing or reading the contracts themselves.
In other words, county commissioners trashed transparency, changed their own rules and gave up future revenue sharing in order to push through Cadillac benefit packages for every union contract.
Shortly thereafter, they included all non-union members in the same package.
And now county leaders tell us further cutbacks or tax increases are going to be necessary in the near future.
Bob Scolnik voted for every step of this scheme to violate our governor's plan for prudent governance and rush the contract vote.
I would not have done that and I would have taken my message to the public.
RileyForCommissioner: My response to The Muskegon Chronicle questionaire
Why are you running?
Last year, Governor Snyder set out his revenue sharing program tied to requirements for accountability, transparency, service consolidation, employee compensation reforms and other standards.
Almost immediately, the Muskegon county board rushed to vote on all union contracts in order keep pension and benefits at levels that would violate the governor's recommendations.
And do it before the governor's deadline.
Our county leaders skipped their own rules for a required committee meeting to publicly review the contracts and presented the contract vote to the full board with most commissioners not even seeing or reading the contracts themselves.
In other words, county commissioners trashed transparency, changed their own rules and gave up future revenue sharing in order to push through Cadillac benefit packages for every union contract.
Shortly thereafter, they included all non-union members in the same package.
And now county leaders tell us further cutbacks or tax increases are going to be necessary in the near future.
Bob Scolnik voted for every step of this scheme to violate our governor's plan for prudent governance and rush the contract vote.
I would not have done that and I would have taken my message to the public.
Muskegon Township's county commissioner pits incumbent vs. challenger in Democratic primary
Muskegon Township's county commissioner pits incumbent vs. challenger in Democratic primary | MLive.com
If elected, Hughes listed her top three priorities as using local businesses and services at the county level whenever possible, reviewing a program’s effectiveness before renewing or extending it and seeking more input from county residents, local businesses and local service agencies about the needs within the county.
If elected, Hughes listed her top three priorities as using local businesses and services at the county level whenever possible, reviewing a program’s effectiveness before renewing or extending it and seeking more input from county residents, local businesses and local service agencies about the needs within the county.
Michigan’s 11th – An August 7th Primary to watch
Michigan’s 11th – An August 7th Primary to watch « The Greenroom
Unfortunately, this is one of the things that many people of this country are so frustrated with… people who run for office one way and vote another.
People who take credit, but don’t expect criticism.
Unfortunately, this is one of the things that many people of this country are so frustrated with… people who run for office one way and vote another.
People who take credit, but don’t expect criticism.
HOPEY-CHANGEY: Amazing Live Prison People
Instapundit » Blog Archive » HOPEY-CHANGEY: Amazing Live Prison People….
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:44 am
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:44 am
Many questions need to be answered about jail
Letters: Many questions need to be answered about jail | MLive.com
Finally, a jail may be the best solution to our current predicament.
But where will the money come from?
Why haven't the county commissioners made plans for this enormous expense?
What have they done to reduce costs and save money for the jail?
It seems to me that these questions need to be publicly answered before any taxpayer money is spent on an expensive new facility that our county's citizens clearly can't afford.
Finally, a jail may be the best solution to our current predicament.
But where will the money come from?
Why haven't the county commissioners made plans for this enormous expense?
What have they done to reduce costs and save money for the jail?
It seems to me that these questions need to be publicly answered before any taxpayer money is spent on an expensive new facility that our county's citizens clearly can't afford.
Full List - Famous Republicans
Full List - Famous Republicans - Zimbio
Famous Republicans
While Hollywood is comprised of mostly staunch Democrats, there are a few conservative folks who stand tall and strong.
Famous Republicans
While Hollywood is comprised of mostly staunch Democrats, there are a few conservative folks who stand tall and strong.
Ted Cruz Rises to Victory in Texas Senate Runoff
The PJ Tatler » Ted Cruz Rises to Victory in Texas Senate Runoff
He won comfortably, with about 53% of the vote. Cruz’s win is a strong sign that the Tea Party is capable of backing a strong candidate against a stronger candidate, at least on paper, and backing that candidate to a resounding victory.
He won comfortably, with about 53% of the vote. Cruz’s win is a strong sign that the Tea Party is capable of backing a strong candidate against a stronger candidate, at least on paper, and backing that candidate to a resounding victory.
Former SEIU leader indicted
Former SEIU leader indicted - latimes.com
Freeman’s quick climb up the ranks of the powerful Service Employees International Union burnished his reputation as an effective advocate for the disadvantaged, a man who helped improve the lot of about 190,000 workers paid about $9 an hour to provide in-home care for the infirm.
Freeman’s quick climb up the ranks of the powerful Service Employees International Union burnished his reputation as an effective advocate for the disadvantaged, a man who helped improve the lot of about 190,000 workers paid about $9 an hour to provide in-home care for the infirm.
Mr. Scrib's expands to the southwest
Mr. Scrib's expands to the southwest | wzzm13.com
"We are opening up eight to ten stores in the greater Phoenix market right now," says Bill Cooper of Mr. Scrib's Franchising Company.
"We are opening up eight to ten stores in the greater Phoenix market right now," says Bill Cooper of Mr. Scrib's Franchising Company.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Citizens use Muskegon County Board of Commissioners public comment period to voice concerns over new jail
Citizens use Muskegon County Board of Commissioners public comment period to voice concerns over new jail | MLive.com
"It certainly seems … that you all have been sidestepping the real issue that resides with the jail — (it's) overpopulated," said Toby Fraser, a member of the Citizens Review Committee who spoke during the meeting and later interrupted the forum.
He argued for community education and diversion programs to eliminate some of the community problems that lead to crime and more inmates being lodged in the jail.
"We know it needs to be dealt with and you're not dealing with it," Fraser told the board
"It certainly seems … that you all have been sidestepping the real issue that resides with the jail — (it's) overpopulated," said Toby Fraser, a member of the Citizens Review Committee who spoke during the meeting and later interrupted the forum.
He argued for community education and diversion programs to eliminate some of the community problems that lead to crime and more inmates being lodged in the jail.
"We know it needs to be dealt with and you're not dealing with it," Fraser told the board
Derail The Jail
Derail The Jail | Home
Welcome to Derail the Jail!
The Muskegon County government has initiated a planning process with hopes to either build a new jail facility or expand the current one from 370 beds to a 600 bed capacity with room for a "25 year build-out."
This means a continued increase in the incarcerated population in the County for 25 years as the government chooses to lock up more people for primarily non-violent crimes while spending tax-payers' money to do so.
The County is moving quickly to put a plan into place without voter approval, so this summer and fall are a crucial time to get involved and keep tabs on the actions of local government.
We hope this site will keep you informed about what's happening with the jail plans and will get you involved, we will be posting many opportunities to make our voices heard!
Welcome to Derail the Jail!
The Muskegon County government has initiated a planning process with hopes to either build a new jail facility or expand the current one from 370 beds to a 600 bed capacity with room for a "25 year build-out."
This means a continued increase in the incarcerated population in the County for 25 years as the government chooses to lock up more people for primarily non-violent crimes while spending tax-payers' money to do so.
The County is moving quickly to put a plan into place without voter approval, so this summer and fall are a crucial time to get involved and keep tabs on the actions of local government.
We hope this site will keep you informed about what's happening with the jail plans and will get you involved, we will be posting many opportunities to make our voices heard!
As ‘fiscal cliff’ looms, debate over pre- Election Day layoff notices heats up
As ‘fiscal cliff’ looms, debate over pre- Election Day layoff notices heats up - The Washington Post
The deep federal spending cuts scheduled to take effect at the start of next year may trigger dismissal notices for tens of thousands of employees of government contractors, companies and analysts say, and the warnings may start going out at a particularly sensitive time:
Days before the presidential election.
The deep federal spending cuts scheduled to take effect at the start of next year may trigger dismissal notices for tens of thousands of employees of government contractors, companies and analysts say, and the warnings may start going out at a particularly sensitive time:
Days before the presidential election.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Opponents to Jail Expansion Plan Protest July 31st
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Nell Schaefer July 30, 2012
231.726.5080 Muskegon County, MI
Opponents to Jail Expansion Plan Protest July 31st
Amidst growing opposition to a jail expansion plan in Muskegon County, a coalition of individuals and groups will picket outside the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice at 2:30pm this Tuesday, July 31st. Clad in "Derail the Jail" t-shirts, the group will then attend the County Commission's Full Board meeting at 3:30pm to voice their opposition to current plans for a jail expansion that would include doubling the bed space at new or revamped facility.
Those that disapprove of a jail expansion cite reasons from a lack of voter approval over a large expenditure of taxpayer money to concerns over an ever-increasing jail population without adequate implementation of diversion programs and alternatives to incarceration. The County plans to use a bond to finance a new jail that will cost tens of millions of dollars to build and millions more to run each year instead of asking the public to approve a millage. "Just like many other people, I don't want my tax dollars spent on this plan, but unfortunately right now the County isn't asking for public or voter input," said Wendy Sampson.
"The current jail houses many problems that need to be addressed, but building a larger facility under the direction of the same administration that has let the jail fall into disrepair and has targeted unemployed and African American communities isn't a solution," said Heather Snogles. Based on statistics provided by Muskegon County jail administration for 2011, 75.8% of people were unemployed at their time of incarceration and African Americans are 5.5 times more likely to be incarcerated than whites.
The coalition is also debuting new, free "Derail the Jail" yard signs and a website at www.derailthejail.org.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
D.J. Hilson has the support of many community leaders
Endorsement letters: D.J. Hilson has the support of many community leaders | MLive.com
Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, Montague Chief of Police Robert Rought, Prosecutor Tony Tague, County Clerk Nancy Waters, County Treasurer Tony Moulatsiotis, Commissioner Ken Mahoney, Commissioner Rillastine Wilkins, Commissioner Ben Cross, Commissioner Scott Plummer, Retired Mayor Steve Warmington, Muskegon Heights Commissioners Keith Guy, Vernonell Smith, and Patrice Johnson, Attorney John Beason, Attorney Jeff West, Attorney Briana Scott, and Louis Churchwell, are just some of Hilson's supporters.
Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, Montague Chief of Police Robert Rought, Prosecutor Tony Tague, County Clerk Nancy Waters, County Treasurer Tony Moulatsiotis, Commissioner Ken Mahoney, Commissioner Rillastine Wilkins, Commissioner Ben Cross, Commissioner Scott Plummer, Retired Mayor Steve Warmington, Muskegon Heights Commissioners Keith Guy, Vernonell Smith, and Patrice Johnson, Attorney John Beason, Attorney Jeff West, Attorney Briana Scott, and Louis Churchwell, are just some of Hilson's supporters.
O’Reilly Is O’Really in Left Field on the Guns and Ammo Issue
O’Reilly Is O’Really in Left Field on the Guns and Ammo Issue - Doug Giles - Page 2
Another thing I was howling over was O’Reilly calling an AK-47 a “heavy weapon.”
Heavy weapon?
Uh … not hardly.
Granted, I wouldn’t want any round from a .22LR up inside of my body, but the pipsqueak little 7.62x39 is hardly considered a heavy caliber by anyone who knows anything about guns.
Then to cap off Bill’s misinformation, the following night O’Reilly stepped in it again by wrongfully asserting that the Aurora jackwagon who shot up the theater ordered “60,000 rounds of ammo over the Internet.”
Bill screamed that several times … “60,000 rounds!”
Wrong again. Holmes ordered 6,000 rounds, and not one ton of ammo.
Another thing I was howling over was O’Reilly calling an AK-47 a “heavy weapon.”
Heavy weapon?
Uh … not hardly.
Granted, I wouldn’t want any round from a .22LR up inside of my body, but the pipsqueak little 7.62x39 is hardly considered a heavy caliber by anyone who knows anything about guns.
Then to cap off Bill’s misinformation, the following night O’Reilly stepped in it again by wrongfully asserting that the Aurora jackwagon who shot up the theater ordered “60,000 rounds of ammo over the Internet.”
Bill screamed that several times … “60,000 rounds!”
Wrong again. Holmes ordered 6,000 rounds, and not one ton of ammo.
American Federation of Teachers in Detroit calls for an end to high-stakes testing
American Federation of Teachers in Detroit calls for an end to high-stakes testing | MLive.com
High-stakes tests deny students a rich, meaningful education, and exams should instead inform, not impede, teaching and learning, American Federation of Teachers members said in a resolution.
High-stakes tests deny students a rich, meaningful education, and exams should instead inform, not impede, teaching and learning, American Federation of Teachers members said in a resolution.
Newsalert: Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
Newsalert: Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
NBC Chicago reports:
Chicago likes to compare itself to other world cities, so Ward Room thought it would find out how we rank in violence. It turns out no one can top us. Among what are considered Alpha world cities, Chicago has the highest murder rate -- higher even than the Third World metropolises of Mexico City and Sao Paolo.
Chicago values! For a look at how the Chicago Mob brought gun control to Chicago click on this.
Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
NBC Chicago reports:
Chicago likes to compare itself to other world cities, so Ward Room thought it would find out how we rank in violence. It turns out no one can top us. Among what are considered Alpha world cities, Chicago has the highest murder rate -- higher even than the Third World metropolises of Mexico City and Sao Paolo.
Chicago values! For a look at how the Chicago Mob brought gun control to Chicago click on this.
Chick-fil-A and the Coming Clash
Chick-fil-A and the Coming Clash | CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION FORUM
That was fast.
Last week, Mayor Thomas Menino announced that, because of COO Dan Cathy’s comments in favor of traditional marriage, Boston would not allow Chick-fil-A to open any restaurants in that city. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel followed with similar statements.
“Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” he declared.
That was fast.
Last week, Mayor Thomas Menino announced that, because of COO Dan Cathy’s comments in favor of traditional marriage, Boston would not allow Chick-fil-A to open any restaurants in that city. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel followed with similar statements.
“Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” he declared.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Flint Union Contracts A Major Reason For City's Financial Problems
Flint Union Contracts A Major Reason For City's Financial Problems [Michigan Capitol Confidential]: In 2006, the city of Flint operated at a $5.9 million surplus. Four years later, the city was $48.1 million in the red.
...At a time when the city’s revenue was evaporating, its expenses were rapidly escalating.
For example, the city’s revenue from property tax, income tax and state-shared revenue dropped a combined $19.2 million from 2006 to 2011.
Yet, the city’s contributions to the pension and benefit trust funds increased by $6 million over five years.
It jumped from $22.2 million in 2006 to $28.2 million in 2011, a 27-percent increase.
...At a time when the city’s revenue was evaporating, its expenses were rapidly escalating.
For example, the city’s revenue from property tax, income tax and state-shared revenue dropped a combined $19.2 million from 2006 to 2011.
Yet, the city’s contributions to the pension and benefit trust funds increased by $6 million over five years.
It jumped from $22.2 million in 2006 to $28.2 million in 2011, a 27-percent increase.
Michigan PTA President Says Top Spending Highland Park District Needs More Money
Michigan PTA President Says Top Spending Highland Park District Needs More Money [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
In 2010-11, Highland Park spent $19,634 per pupil on operating expenses, making it the highest statewide in per-pupil spending.
Detroit was the fifth-highest spending district at $15,884 per pupil.
In 2010-11, Highland Park spent $19,634 per pupil on operating expenses, making it the highest statewide in per-pupil spending.
Detroit was the fifth-highest spending district at $15,884 per pupil.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)