People Still Haven't Learned to Save for Retirement??

I thought the outlook was bad but holy shit.

1 in 4 US workers have only saved a grand for retirement? I had 4 times that much after my first year of work. I'm not joking.

Do people really not save for retirement? What about 401K? Company match? All those fat union pensions? These numbers were really a shock to me. Truly. I'm freaking loving the Roth option. I put 100% of future 401K contributions toward it. At this point based on my age I'll have about half of my retirement funds that are taxable and half that aren't. My father beat it into my head that you have to save for retirement. Crap with Obamacare people are going to live longer too.

Regarding people's lack of savings though...........

Obama will have to fix this. It isn't fair that some people like me have retirement accounts and others didn't ever start them. I have a sneaking feeling that somehow I'm going to have to share my retirement cash with people who didn't save, right?

Not to worry people. Obama will have a bailout program for all you all. Was it foolish of me to put so much money away all this time? Okay, just tell me now....please.....how many of you am gonna have to cover when we are old?

Mike Sweeney Continues to Survive in MLB

I saw this article this morning about Mike Sweeney making the Mariners.

I was never a Mike hater nor was he my favorite Royal. He was fortunate that the Royals were desperate to keep a big name player after other guys refused to stay at any price. He was often hurt so we never saw what he might have been capable of but their is little doubt for a couple years he was one of the finest hitters in baseball.

I guess I'd rather see him than some jerk off get paid. They have him and Ken Griffey Jr on the same team.......rename them the Seattle Geriatics? Get Depends and the AARP as sponsors?

I'm very excited about baseball season. Opening Day is right around the corner.

I'm going.....who else? I heard they were adding Stroud's Chicken this year. Yes.

Prediction: I think they win 76 games this year. Aviles, Butler and Maier all have great years but it takes the Royals until June to start playing Mitch on a regular basis and bench/cut Ankiel. Guillen has a better than solid year because it is a contract year and we'll trade him at the trade deadline for a bag of used bats.

Andrew Osman's Statements on Development Create More Questions.

Mr. Osman said in (what I now would argue is a carefully worded statement) an article for the KCJC that he "did not have any projects within the city" and would "avoid future projects if elected". He didn't mention he has/had an interest in vacant land at 103rd and State line. Is he wanting to plant a garden? What do developers do with vacant land? He also doesn't pledge to not have any projects with the city if elected only that he will "avoid" them. Seems a little sketchy now. This is exactly why I don't like developers on City Council.

Perhaps he no longer has any commercial development planned in Leawood or no longer has any development projects in the works but as of less than a year ago he stood before the City Council regarding his "vested interest" in property at 103rd and State line for a Planned Business Park. I guess it depends on what the definition of "is" is.........to quote a much more famous American politco as to whether it seems reasonable that this developer is interested in being apart of the development of Leawood. So let's just imagine how this might have gone if Mr. Osman had been sitting in a Council person's chair on April 20, 2009?

April 20, 2009 Leawood Council Minutes

Andrew Osman, 3312 W. 86th Street, stated he had a vested interest in property located at 103rd and State Line Road in the Planned Business Park District [BP]. The property has been vacant for a significant amount of time and the layout and description allows very limited use. Mr. Osman wanted to express his intention of presenting a possible amendment to the BP zoning that would allow different types of applicant’s occupancy. Mayor Dunn stated this issue has been referred to staff and will return before City Council on a future Agenda.

Indeed, the council met on September 8 in a work session to discuss the issue. Apparently, it is in a flood plain. I couldn't find Mr. Osman's proposal to amend the zoning.



I wonder if Mr. Osman still has an interest in the property and if he still plans to present an amendment to his benefit and that might improve the value of his investment and if that would be at tax payers expense? Hard to know but wouldn't you like to know before you vote on April 6th? Think the following are fair questions and I wonder why the KCJC didn't ask them?


Mr. Osman:

• Do you still have a vested interest in this property?

• What are your plans for this property?

• What is your proposal for changing the zoning and will it cost taxpayers ie the city raising it out of the flood plain?

• When making a statement to the KCJC regarding this issue why didn't you acknowledge your vested interest?

I'm confused.



Mr. Osman has an absolute right to do business in Leawood including commercial development. I just don't like the appearance of conflict it creates to have developers running around city hall.

Sinic Gets Trashy!

Last trash day JOCOeveryman could have been witnessed chasing the Deffenbaugh guys down the street at 7 AM with a big green can on wheels in tow. They were only a few doors past ours and since Spring Break kept the trash indoors the week prior it was getting a little ripe. Almost blew it. I need to get it out the night before. I need to get it out the night before. Luckily, they saw me and were gracious enough to wait. Whew.

I'm writing about Sinic's post today. link.....While our neighborhood switched to the big recycling can program last year I know others still haven't. It is a good deal. Much less goes into the trash and more into the recycling bin. At first I was concerned because they weren't going to take anything that doesn't fit in the can but it really hasn't been a problem. We also keep a separate box for glass (because they won't recycle it) and we run it over to Boulevard guys deal. Anyway, in the face of increased costs, our board determined this was the way to go. My only complaint is that the extra big can on wheels takes up lots of space in the garage.

Our neighborhood association is pretty good. It is really a thankless job. We have a good, active board and they aren't too intrusive but also do their job. They haven't raised fees in a couple years. I go to one annual meeting a year to check up on them and have always found them to have everything in good order and alwaysseem mindful of keeping spending down.

The bigger is point is that getting involved in your neighborhood association or serving on a volunteer committee for the city or county is a great way to serve your community AND make a positive impact on people's lives. The big national races are sexy and they certainly make a difference but I think people overlook just how much is done at the local level. Get involved.

Just look at the stress in poor Sinic's life on trash day everyday she lived in KCMO.

It is Friday!!! Time for Best Wine of the Week.

I feel a little cheesy to calling out this wine as my favorite wine of the week. It is as trendy in the wine geek world as boys wearing untucked dress shirts and expensive jeans at a Johnson County bar.

You know what though.....I've actually had this wine twice and I've enjoyed it both times.

So without further drama........

This week's wine of the week is............

2008 Orin Swift Cellars "The Prisoner"

This wine is a Napa Valley red blend and I've started seeing it pop here and there. Just because several of us wine geeks have found it doesn't mean the rest of you are in the know. But I think you will be soon enough.

The wine is a blend of a majority Zinfandel (46%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (26%) and the rest is some Petit Syrah, Charbono, Syrah, Grenache.

No doubt it is a big, voluptuous fruit bomb with cool blue, red, and black fruits with nice lush, soft tannins and apparent spice like pepper and what I'd say is a little bit of new oak (vanilla). This wine is cool because it is a crowd pleaser AND it drinks well now. I'm not a huge fan of old Zinfandel and while this guy has some other varietals I still don't think most will like the way it tastes when it has some age.

I paid $68 on the wine list at Zest for it which means it should be had at a wine shop for $40. Not cheap by any means but this ain't Wyandotte County. For a semi-special night with some friends and an awesome meal cooked outdoors this would be a great place to start the conversation.

Final Note: A word on blends. Blends have often confused because in America we really like buying wine with the varietal name on the bottle....ie, Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. California wine law dictates that it must 75% of that varietal to put it on the label as such. Blends are often a labor of love for a winemaker in my opinion because they are trying to make the best wine they can regardless of what they have to put in the bottle. Since many wine sections and wine lists are organized by varietal they usually get stuck in a section by themselves that only us wine geeks shop. Good for us......bad for you. You can also look for Meritage but that usually connotates a blend made from Bordeaux varietals. However, this isn't law. Blends are a fun thing to check out and they often have funky names like this one and a very popular one called Menage a Tois.....however, I'm not a fan of it and a white blend I am fond of called Caymus Conundrum.

Enjoy. Have a great weekend.

Vaya Con Dios!

Leawood Rocks on Thoughtful Development

Kansas City Business Journal reported about this interesting study produced by UMKC and the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) of the 14 busiest cities for commercial development.

It reports Leawood as being ranked worst in terms of permit approval time. Our neighbor, Overland Park, ranked last in time AND cost. Ouch.

At face value it would be easy to see this as a smack on Leawood. I don't.

I guess developers would see this as a negative that they can't ram through a commercial project before anyone has a chance to really study it.

This is Leawood, not Gardner or Wyandotte County. Development should be thoughtful with people given opportunity to be heard on it. Leawood should be given a high five for this ranking. It says to me we don't have a huge bureaucracy waiting around for work....we are lean. It says we are busy with lots of people wanting to develop stuff here. It says we don't rubber stamp stuff so it is done right and it will enhance our community. Ever see a building someplace and say, "what were they thinking??" I don't see that in Leawood too much.

I think it is refreshing and positive that developers don't run our city.....the proverbial tail wagging the dog.

For now....this is a highly desirable area for development. I imagine it is fun to be the hot chick but that doesn't mean she has to sleep with everyone on the first date.

By the way it wasn't our costs of development that was a problem.....we were middle of the road on that scorecard.

JOCO Sun Presents Candidates Opinions

If you are interested the Johnson County Sun on Wednesday published a candidate survey. You can find it for all Johnson County candidates here.

Overall, I thought the answers were safe. I'd be seriously worried if someone blew an open book test.

I thought it was interesting Andrew Osman suggested that Leawood City Council members should take a pay cut during this difficult time.

I think it is a cheap shot aimed targeted directly to people who really aren't very informed but think all politicians are getting fat off of us. JOCOeveyman is here to inform you.

Let me hit you with some knowledge on Leawood City Council compensation. They don't make squat especially when you relate it to the time they spend doing the city's work for us. This is public service folks....streets and curbs........there aren't perks.

What do you think a Leawood City Council person makes per year? I looked it up. $5000 per year. That's it. And it hasn't changed from what I can see since 2000. In addition to study sessions and city council meetings all of them also attend the meetings of committees that they are assigned. I'm also guessing there is constituent work (for those of you in Wyandotte County that means citizen's bitching) on a daily basis via email or telephone. I could probably assume there are some appearances they have to make as well. I bet City Council members would laugh at this as way too low but for the sake of argument I'm gonna estimate that your run of the mill City Council person spends 12 hours a week serving us. Give them 2 weeks for good behavior and multiply by 50 weeks and you get 600 hours. Again....this probably low. Divide by $5000 and you get $8.33 per hour.....gross. I bet they end up with $300 a month after taxes. They also get $200 a month reimbursement for car mileage and expenses which hasn't been changed since 2002. Do you remember the price of gas in 2002? I looked it up for you......$1.31 a gallon. Let's agree that City Council compensation really is nothing more paying their expenses for serving.

But, to wit............his point is everyone should share in the cuts and pain. I get it and I'm all for saving money. So let's take a look at it.

8 Council People making $5000 each. Cut 20%?? That's $1000 each or $8000 total. How about cut pay all together?? Now you really limit service to people who are higher earners because it will cost them to serve but you only save a whooping $40,000.

Compared to the city's budget for 2010 which is $29.6 million dollars eliminating ALL City Council compensation would save the city .001%.

I'm just saying.........here are the facts. You decide. Seems a little symbolic to me.

"Save the Music" dominated Blue Valley School Board Forum

Yes, I went to the Budget Forum last night for Blue Valley.

Why do I get the idea that the rest of the area districts are just waiting to see what Blue Valley does then follow?

I will say the event was pretty well organized and the people were on balance very cordial. In fact it almost had the feel of a social event.

In fact, the business was serious.

They did a good job of educating the room on the facts which saved a lot of time.

The bottom line is classroom size will be affected. The question is how much. The proposal is basically adding on average 1 or 2 kiddos per classroom.

Programs like elementary music, middle school sports, and french are also likely to get cut.

One guy I heard said he would prefer adding 5 kids per class if it meant saving music. Ouch. He clearly hasn't been inside a classroom for some time. That won't work. Idiot.

It is a hard deal. I don't envy the School Board members. They listened to everyone regardless of how uninformed and stupid.

Music advocates were there in force with yellow "Save the Music" t-shirts. They were easily 80% of the 500 some people there. I'd hate to see music not apart of the school but truthfully.......I would probably just get my kids private lessons and I'd rather see that than crammed classrooms.

I had the chance to talk with Sue Matson as well as Tom Trigg. They were both patient and helpful.

All the TV stations were there.

We need a funding with better local control.

Llywelyn's Bathroom

Llywelyn's survived the stolen credit card numbers.

This is a place I actually like to hang out on occasion. Old church makes a great pub. Perfect. Not a good wine selection. Drink beer there or whiskey.

The new day bartender is awfully cute. I think she came over from Wil Jenny's.

This place is like a really cute girl, who likes to party with bad halitosis.

It is the men's bathroom. It wreaks of sewer gas............I mean it smells like ass.

If this was the chick's bathroom it would be addressed ASAP. Screw the men.

Guess what? We hate nasty bathrooms too. Come on.......call a plumber.

"Old Leawood" Osman Addresses My Post

My post regarding the race in "Old Leawood", Ward 1, got a tiny bit of attention from The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle this week. Andrew Osman addressed a little bit of my concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest by directly referencing the blog in a what I'll call a very friendly fluff article. Let's just say I'm not expecting a similar profile on Dr. Peppes in in KCJC.

***********************************

Brief digression: When ever someone calls it "Old Leawood" I think of Ron Burgundy. "Do you know what Old Leawood is Ron?"

"I believe it is an old, old wooden ship". I know....only funny to me. Sorry. Bromance me.

***********************************************************

Anyway. I would agree with Mr. Osman that it is sad that often seats so uncontested. Public service is honorable. I'm glad he is running. I'd like to hear some specifics on what he'd like to accomplish. Serving on committees and boards within the city are also a great way to serve the city you love. He suggests term limits. I guess I'm okay with that. Not a bad idea. But to say that the leadership we HAVE had is by default poor....well......I can't go along with that. This has been an exceptionally well run city at all levels. In fact, it has been down right impressive. I can't figure out how that represents a vacuum of leadership.

He says in the article that he doesn't have any projects before the city and won't if elected. Fair enough I guess. At least he addressed it. Me personally? I still don't have a need for developers on city council. That is just me.

But if that is the case then I don't understand this part of the article:

In addition to keeping up with Council and committee actions for his business, Osman said, he has attended many Council meetings to get a feel for
city government. He also attended a Leawood Police Department citizens’ academy
course. (Rick Hellman, Kansas City Jewish Chronicle, March 19, 2010)

Hmmm.......what's the deal here......he doesn't have development projects in Leawood but he is keeping up with Council and committee actions for his business......I guess that is the business he doesn't have with Leawood? JOCOeveryman is super confused and putting down the vino.

I don't know.....just something I noticed. Probably an honest mistake. By the way......someone still needs to tell him that Leawood City Council has zero to do with "education policy".

I'm sure he is cool dude.

Just shoot the dog already

Come on. Really. I've written about this before.

How can anyone value a dog more than a person? Should I start with you and dog and only one space left in the lifeboat? Wayside Waifs says......let me think about this for a second.

Again. I love my (adopted) dog. But he is a dog.

Shelter Veterans? Dustin has been in the shelter for 3 years? I wonder what it has cost to keep good old Dustin alive these past 3 years? Front page of today's paper. 3 stories. Health Care....why you'll love it. Check. Toyota getting sued.........why we should hate another evil corporation. Check. And finally........not crimes against people or the how the homeless PEOPLE faired against this late season storm.....Nope. Homeless Dogs. Thanks Dawn Bormann still on the Doggie beat.

Dustin needs to be pushing up daiseys someplace.

This is exactly what is wrong with a no kill shelter. The article talks about all the time and effort that has gone unrewarded in finding this dog a "forever home". Crap. If this dog is so great why doesn't one of the shelter workers take him home? Most people I know who work or volunteer at a shelter have like 9 dogs. What's one more? Shoot the effing dog and let's get on with it.

Bad Coffee

This might gross some of you out.

On Friday I was head long into a pot of coffee. I don't why I do this but it isn't unusual that after the first few cups subsequent cups will get cold before I finish them. I dunno, the phone rings or get really wrapped up in an opus of an email. I've also surmised that perhaps I use a larger cup than I should.

I had been up from my desk to do something. I came back to my desk and grabbed the cold cup of coffee and headed to the microwave for a 30 second blast. Usually half full, I'll top it off first.

Ding! Perfect. Drink, Sip, Drink. It tastes a little more bitter than normal but nuking it doesn't inspire quality anyway.

Maybe a half hour to hour later my stomach starts rumbling. My bowels start gurgling. I'm starting to feel really shitty. I finish most of my afternoon on the shitter.

Toward 6 PM and cocktail hour I'm starting to feel a little better. In fact, a ton better. I've heard of a 24 hour bug but a 4 hour one? Did I eat something bad?

Then I notice something. Another cup of coffee sitting on the counter. One on my desk and one on the counter. Same cup. Hmmmm.

Turns out..............here is the gross part..................there was an old cup of coffee on my desk from................wait for it......................last week on my desk. I grabbed it instead, topped it off, reheated it and drank it. I know it was at least a week old because I was out of town the entire week on a work trip.

Did you know drinking week old coffee would give you the shits for 4 hours?

New rules at JOCOeveryman's desk.

1. No more topping off and reheating.

2. No more leaving coffee cup on desk from prior day.

These will be posted on the wall.

Yuck.

In Honor of Tony Nigro

I know I'm getting old when I find myself scanning the obituaries.

After getting the kids squared away this morning and shaking off a little bit of last night's bender I read that Tony Nigro had passed on Friday.

I didn't know Tony Nigro. Never met him. I'm certain he was a great man.

I know this because of his boys.

The charity event circuit is beginning here this spring and there are seemingly countless great events and better causes. Over and over again I will see the Nigro Brothers, sporting pressed western wear and cowboy hats, donating their time as auctioneers at those events. In fact, they work so many events that they often have to split up to cover them all. I've heard they cover HUNDREDS of events a year.

Tony Nigro raised some great men. These guys give of their time and talent in a way that is impressive. They are great at what they do. They do it completely free. If you are hosting an event you hope and pray for the success of your event that they are 1. available and 2. like your cause enough to say yes. They must like tons of causes because these guys are everywhere.

They own Nigro's Western Store.

So, I feel bad for those boys today because they lost their dad on Friday. I hope it brings them some comfort that they certainly made him very proud.

Mr. Nigro was 85 and was a World War II veteran. Rest in Peace.

You know this going to pass, right?

I was dying to write a quick post all week about the non drama of the Obama care bill.

While I'm not saying it was going to be easy for the President it is pretty clear to me that this thing will in fact pass, er become law....whatever.

He has too much TARP money at his disposal to spend to not make this happen.

No chance that an additional one sixth of the economy isn't going to be government run. Anybody who really thinks otherwise is a moron.

To me......seriously..........the bigger question in light of all this process, never really getting anything done for the American people, killing ourselves with debt that our grandchildren will have to pay, never changing the way Washington works (or maybe this is what he meant) is truly...........is our way of government really the best way? It really might be time to seriously rethink this whole thing. Not this whole thing like Health Care. I mean like the WHOLE THING....like the Constitution. We were raised to think it is perfect. Check and Balances. Compromise. Will of the people. Of the People. By the People. I'm not saying this as a conservative that is getting ready to lose. This shit didn't work when we were in control either. We borrow money from the Chinese every god damn day and have no plan on paying it back in our lifetime.

This clearly isn't working. This is broke. FAIL.

Knowing what we know now and we were drawing it up from scratch what would it look like? Seriously. We wouldn't do it like this would we? Earmarks. Borrowing for everyday operating costs. Reconcilliation bills. Super majorities. One guy holding up the entire government. Voting for bills nobody has ever read. We wouldn't do it like this again......would we? Certainly not like this fucking mess we call a government.

Best Wine Friday!

It was a crazy week for me. I was at a work meeting at an undisclosed location but the sun was sun shiny and I did get to play some golf. I'm glad to be home.

Anyway, sorry about a lack of posting. I hope you understand.

But getting back on track brings us to Best Wine Friday. The best wine I had this week (and I had a bunch).........

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

How much: $55

This Napa producer has been a well known player since the dawn of the California wine business. Almost to the point where I had forgot about them. Under the radar? Iconic. This wine is mostly Cab (92%) and the rest is Merlot. This thing is complex but to the point. Big. Bold. All the black fruits giving way to some fun spice and meaty (umami) flavors. It has a richness to it that I appreciate.

You can wait on it but you know what it tastes pretty damn good right now and after a few minutes in the Riedel it really, really is a good drink tonight.

I would love this with pepper steak, filet mignon. This night I had it with some slow cooked brisket and some grilled flank steak. The grilled meat really made it pop.

If $55 is too much for the Wyandotte County crowd then I guess a back up plan might be Boone's Strawberry Hill.....still widely available for less the $3.

Final thought for the wine week (if you have time):

As if it all weren't confusing enough there is the iconic Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Stags' Leap Winery....and the Stags Leap District. WTF, right?

That is a lot of effing deer jumping around.

There is a story but let's suffice it to say two people used the same name........and a judge had to sort it out. Clear as mud right? To make it more confusing they named the area around it Stags Leap as well which encompasses an area in which other people own vineyards so those producers can put the Stags Leap name on their bottle as well. Confusion abounds to this day.

So, it is all in the apostrophe and whether it is the Winery, Wine Cellars or the District. In fact, I suggest you focus on the Winery versus Wine Cellars with the later the more famous, iconic property from the late 1800's. They both make very good wine.

The District suggests an area that boasts steep cliffs and a result of temps averaging 10 degrees more and soil that is mostly gravel and ash. Perfect for Cabernet. Some call it Bordeaux West. You'll see several producers that use this fruit and put it on the label.

My only thing is this......it is easy enough to figure all this out standing in the aisle at Lukas but not when looking at wine list written by a drunk and overworked wine steward and the casualty could be your pocketbook. This is one time where I recommend paying attention to what you are ordering.......check to make sure that is what they bring.........and don't be afraid to call them on it if it isn't right.

Cheers! Vaya Con Dios!

Why are some cops pricks?

I didn't end up in jail or anything like that. I didn't even get pulled over. Driving across JOCO this morning on 151st street today I witnessed something I've seen many times from our Overland Park police. Today I just asked myself why.

For what purpose does a police officer on 151st street purposefully drive 30 miles an hour when the speed limit is 45?

It blocks traffic up worse than even a grandpa doing the same thing. Most JOCO idiots don't want to pass the officer even though they won't be speeding. This backs everything up and gets the people at the back of the herd pissed off. Then possibly not knowing there is an officer holding everyone up once they do get an opening they shoot past and ooops!

So, yes, I'm calling this OP police officer I saw this morning a real prick. He knew exactly what he was doing.

I'd love for a cop to comment and give me a good reason that relates to safety why that is a good practice.

A-hole.

Friday's Best Wine of the Week!

Albeit with a different twist, today marks the return of my weekly wine post.

For those who aren't aware I used to do a "best and worst wine of the week" every Friday. I took a break from it for a couple reasons. First, I didn't think anybody liked it. Second.....really, I was having a hard time each week coming up with a worst wine. I just wasn't having that many crappy wines. So, I killed it.

So......the new Friday wine feature will just be my favorite wine of the week. Hope you enjoy it. Cheers.

2007 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain

I was at the "it is closing, no it isn't, yes it is" JP Wine Bar this week and had this tasty little gem. It was part of a flight. I usually don't recommend flights because there is usually one dog in the bunch that is filler and what makes the flight profitable. This flight was called the "cult" flight and was a rich $26 I think. I actually don't remember the other two wines right now.

This Zin was not massive in alcohol but was a little more elegant than the performance enhanced Zins of earlier in the decade. Don't get me wrong. It had plenty of all that you like about Zin. It has plenty of red and black fruits, spice and tannins that were firm. This is impressive Zinfandel. It should be for what it costs.

Final Word: Zinfandel. Is it going to make a comeback like Bobby Brown or John Travolta? Good question. Zin was a sudden mega star at the end of the 90's and early into this decade before it faded back to secondary status. Zinfandel was awesome because it was huge like Cab, had an identifiable spiciness and frankly was a value compared to Cabernet counterparts. I think Zinfandel is poised for a comeback...........more like John Travolta. I think you'll start seeing it again but not so much the big huge, high alcohol versions. Grab one next time you get ready to grill. Spending $15-$20 will get you a good one. Enjoy!

Increase of Beer and Liquor Tax On Ice.

This tax hasn't been touched in 30 years. I don't think increasing it a little bit would slow down sales any more than the current archaic distribution laws they already have. I mean seriously.....Kansas has some of the most restrictive laws around. I might surprise you but considering our budget woes maybe they could take a looksy at it. I guess it means JOCO Cougars can still get young men drunk for cheap(er).

It has been tabled which means it is dead.

Kansas: Kansas legislators table vote on alcohol tax
Source:
KanasCity.com
By DAVID KLEPPER
Mar 10th
Kansas lawmakers Wednesday
tabled a proposal to raise a wholesale tax on alcohol to help fund mental health
programs and services for disabled Kansans.
It's the latest tax measure to
falter in the Legislature as lawmakers look for ways to close a budget deficit
pegged at $467 million.
The proposed liquor tax hike would have added a few
pennies to the cost of beer, wine and spirits. It would raise an estimated $21.8
million, which would be split evenly between mental health programs and services
for the developmentally disabled.
Lawmakers on the House Tax Committee balked
Wednesday, voting to table the measure indefinitely. It's possible the idea
could resurface at a later time.
Rep. Kay Wolf, a Prairie Village Republican,
is the sponsor of the bill. She noted the programs for the disabled and mentally
ill serve the state's most vulnerable citizens and have had to absorb deep
budget cuts.
"Mental health was cut $20 million since 2007," Wolf said. ". I
believe this population is one we need to help almost more than anyone. Without
us, I don't think there is much help for them."
But other lawmakers on the
committee said they feared a higher liquor tax could hurt bars, restaurants and
liquor stores.
Others noted the money could be redirected by legislative
budget committees to fund other programs.
"It's highly unlikely this money is
going to get where it's supposed to go," said Rep. Arlen Siegfreid, an Olathe
Republican. ".we're going to end up with a tax increase that's not going to do
what it was intended to do."
The current tax rate is 18 cents per gallon of
beer, 30 cents per gallon of wine and $2.50 per gallon of alcohol. The tax
hasn't been raised in 30 years.

5 Smart-4 Idiots. Period.

Based on the last 3 posts I might have to rename the blog "KC area education blog". I really didn't want to write about this.....after all what does it have to do with JOCO?

I can't help it. It is what this JOCO guy is thinking about this morning.......well besides sex.....(all us dudes think about things other than sex for brief moments before returning to sex)

During this whole thing it occurred to me that nearly everyone in JOCO was for this plan to close schools in KCMO.....it seemed so obvious looking from the outside looking in......while many in the city wanted to continue to live in denial.

I really didn't know if the School Board would have the courage to do what needed to be done.

I knew people would scream racism........especially as a vote neared.

It isn't about race. This is common sense. This is about necessity. John Covington approached it thoughtfully with due diligence. It is about courage and intellect. 5 people apparently have it and 4 people........well not so much.

I'm nominating Airick West as KCMO hero of the year. He is not a Judas. Shame on KCMO Black people for denigrating him at that meeting. When it wasn't going their way they took the predictable last ditch effort of playing the card they have played all their lives......the race card. Sad.

Glorious Blue Valley Announces Cutback Options Too

Everyone knew they were coming. Everyone knew they would be deep and rough.

Maybe Blue Valley will add a couple failing schools to their list and qualify for some Obama-funds after all these cuts are complete.

This proposal will send a shock wave through mini-van land and you can bet the public forums will make closing schools in KCMO look like a Junior Service League Tea.

Oh the humanity......not our dear Blue Valley School District too? The beacon of hope for all that is good with public education. We live in the real world after all I guess.

Over $9 million more in cuts for next year!

I took a run through the cuts and you know what.........they seem pretty fair and equitably distributed with one exception.

I'd like to see at least a symbolic cut, if not an actually meaningful one, in compensation for people in the Superintendent's office before class size is increased by one kid before one music teacher loses their job, and before one paraprofessional position is eliminated.

Also, pull the plug on that ridiculous Blue Valley Television.....I could live with never seeing another kid pretending to be a reporter. Oh and cut that really ridiculous show choir at the high school. I'd love to never have to sit through another one of those concerts again.

Otherwise, you can read it for yourself here.

Highlights........

No elementary strings or band programs.

No 7th and 8th grade athletic programs.

Reduce number of coaching positions in high school.

Increase class sizes in Elementary, Middle and High Schools

Eliminate some paraprofessional positions, custodians, admins, Middle school resource officers, etc.

In summary, schools will be a little dirtier, a little less safe and some people will lose their jobs. Oh, and a little quieter without all those kids trying to play instruments.

17 Schools you don't want your kids to attend

This is the "thank God I live in Johnson County article" every bitching Blue Valley parent should read. The federal grants you don't want to be eligible for............ Seriously......are any of their schools NOT on the list? Dawn Bormann reported this little nugget in the KC Star on Sunday.

What does the Little Bluestem Grass and Samantha Ryan have in common?

Meaningless but nice resolutions honoring people and organizations are pretty common in state houses and city council chambers all over the country.

Maybe something like "Johnson County Commission presents JOCOeveryman a resolution naming him Blogger of the Day for March 8" would be appropriate.

Almost with as much difficulty of reforming health care in Washington the Kansas House acted on making the Little Bluestem the official grass of Kansas. I guess California already claimed Cannabis. Now off to the Senate. There was controversy and debate. It is kinda like asking your 6 year old to sort M&M's by color while you are cooking so they can say they are helping. It doesn't do much harm and nobody gets hurt! I say keep up the good work you little legislators! Stay away from taxing and regulating as much as possible. How about working on an official Kansas suburban house color next?

We have several official symbols but not as many as you'd think. We all know the state tree is the Cottonwood and the state bird is Meadowlark. Some of us might even know that the state song is "Home on the Range". Sing it to yourself now please.........I said to yourself.

Here are some you might miss on a quiz though..........

Animal: Buffalo

Reptile: Ornate Box Turtle (cause a regular Box Turtle just wouldn't do for Kansas)

Amphibian: Barred Tiger Salamander

Insect: Honeybee (we've all seen the movie and know how important they are so good choice)

Flower: Sunflower

Soil: Harney Series Silt Loam. (We have a soil so we need something official to plant in it).

I was thinking of some other official symbols they could consider:

Official Feline: Common Johnson County Cougar (Nickious Jacobonius species)

Official Criminal: Gardner Meth addict

Official Candidate for 3rd District: Tom Scherer

Official Porn Star: Samantha Ryan

Official Meaningless Attraction: World's Largest Ball of Twine

Official Seasoning: Salt

You knew I'd find a way to get a picture of Rock Chalking Samantha Ryan on the blog, right?

I'm sure there are more and better ideas......bring them on.

Andrew Osman Against Peppes for Leawood City Council

There isn't much action in Leawood City Council politics these days.

There is an election on April 6 and only one of four seats up for re-election is contested. Greg Peppes in Ward 1 is being challenged by newcomer Andrew Osman.

As testament to the general tranquility among the citizens of Leawood these days is that most seats aren't challenged. While the economy is tough Leawood's conservative fiscal nature from its leaders has served it extremely well. The city is fiscally solid and well run.

It is tough to run against it. I can't really see any missteps from the leadership. Especially from the very solid Dr. Greg Peppes. I've spoken with him a few times and he seems not only nice but very genuine, accessible, helpful, very informed and common sense on the issues.

I checked out Mr. Osman's website. I'll break this whole thing down for you as quickly as I can. It is honorable that Mr. Osman wants to serve. I appreciate that. What makes him more compelling than Dr. Peppes? What does he want to do differently than the guy who has the job now? Really. Not much. He says he wants to bring "common sense solutions and fiscal responsibility back to Leawood". I'd say it is amazingly full of common sense now and any city in the Metro would trade places with our financial situation and credit rating in a second. So, in my mind he is saying............more of the same good, well run city. So it really is just I want the job the other guy has........

But I guess his website creates a few questions in my mind and few nuances I want to explore....

1. On his front page under bullet point 2 he talks about his commitment to ensuring we have great schools and a "better education policy". Does he understand the Leawood City Council doesn't have anything to do with our schools and education policy? He might want to consider a run for school board if that is mission. It makes me wonder if he really understands the role of the City Council. It is curbs and streets brother....not schools.

2. Mr. Osman owns a commercial real estate firm. I'm not a huge fan of developers and friends of developers running the city's business. I've seen the deals get shady too many times. I lived in a city once where officials spent most of their time recusing themselves because they were doing business with the city they help run. It just isn't necessary when we have other great people to represent us. I'm not saying he is a crook. I don't know the man. It just makes me very nervous based on history. I'll just say this.....do you think it would help or hurt Mr. Osman's business if he were on City Council? Frankly, with all things being equal, I'd not have a person with potential conflicts of interest on City Council. By contrast Dr. Peppes is a dentist. Not much conflict there.

3. He calls the area he lives in "Old Leawood". I'm not gonna lie. That bugs the hell out of me when people up there do that. It annoys me. I guess they know that. Dr. Peppes says he lives in "North Leawood". Certainly, calling it "old Leawood" might play well with the snobby old gray hairs up there but if it says anything about his "us versus them" attitude then people from Wards 3 and 4 should be sending Dr. Peppes a campaign contribution ASAP. That is just what we don't need on City Council.

None of this means Andrew Osman is a bad guy. He is probably a great guy. He has every right to run and to want the job. A google search didn't yield any kiddy porn convictions or anything like that. It looks like he has a nice family. Dr. Peppes on the other hand has a smoking hot daughter.....sorry...just saying. I just can't see supporting Osman for City Council when you've got Peppes. It is too easy to stay with the guy who has proven to be a good leader, who knows the role of the city council, who doesn't have potential conflicts with the city and who supports the notion of one Leawood.....not "Old Leawood" and the rest of you.

I'll leave a little room to change my mind but I highly doubt I'll be convinced.

The winner and it better not be close...........Dr. Greg Peppes.

If you want to support Dr. Peppes for Ward One re-election you can go to his Facebook page here.

If you want to learn more about Andrew Osman you can access his website here.

Yo Holmes! Do your Homework about Ironwoods Park

I wanna feel bad for people when they make uninformed decisions. It is hard to feel sorry for them though when it is their own damn fault. Such is Mr. Darren Holmes of Leawood.

I utilize Ironwoods Park on a regular basis. It is a great park. This park was voted on by the citizens of Leawood with a full plan to add an enhanced amphitheater BEFORE Steeplechase had a single house built. This amphitheater will be great and a nice place for people to go to see small outdoor plays, events and concerts. This plan was of public record before Mr Holmes purchased his McMansion in south Leawood. Even looking at the park now it isn't hard to imagine they aren't finished with it. As a prospective home buyer I certainly would have had questions.

If Mr. Holmes bought his home 900 feet from Ironwoods Park and didn't have the brainpower to check to see about the plans for the park then I can't really feel sorry for him. That is a pretty expensive neighborhood. I'd have checked. Let's see.....if you were considering purchasing a home next to a major city park...... Maybe one call to the Leawood City Hall or Planning Department wouldn't have taken too much of your time before you plopped down at least a half a million on a home?????? He said nobody told him.......the plan was there...............and I'm sure the cranky old Lou Rasmussen will happily provide Mr. Holmes and anyone else who wants to claim ignorance the background on the project. Nobody told you? Why didn't he ask? I hate to say this but it again is the whole idea of personal responsibility versus expecting someone else to take care of you.

And then there is the whole neighbors acting badly thing. I found this little facebook group and it seems to really be a thing over in Steeplechase. I thought rich people were smart. I thought they checked things out. Certainly you can have a party at your own home until you start bothering others.......and they complain......and the police show up. 134 people joined. Not bad.

In the Ironwoods case, Mayor Dunn is being nice in looking for ways to help and Councilman Bussing is duty bound to speak up for a constituent. He asked for documentation on the project. He already knows what that documentation will show. And then Mr. Holmes will need to be quiet so the rest of us can enjoy the new amphitheater.

I guess I kinda feel bad because the guy wasn't bright enough to check. Mizzou grad...what else would you expect.

Michael Ashcraft to Challenge for JOCO Commission

I think Michael Ashcraft gets it. I don't know the man but in my book he is off to the right start questioning why a part time position earns full time pay. I've been pointing this out since before Toplikar starting stealing signs.

Besides nearly $50,000 a year Johnson County Commissioners get nice benefits and perks like health insurance, car allowance, and cell phone which probably gets to a nice little sum for someone serving their fellow man......one day a week. Who wouldn't want that gig.......and you fly below the radar?

He seems to have a solid background in public administration and works with a firm, ETC Institute, that is a leading national firm for research for governments and municipalities. They often consult with candidates for office on the important issues to voters.......aka polling data. As a result you think Mr. Ashcroft might have a good angle on what 5th district voters want to hear? My early prediction is Doug Wood is a mister in trouble of losing his sweet 50K gig. Will we see another "Sign-gate" or other nasty political tricks the likes we saw from Lindstrom against Azeltine? We'll be watching.

I'll have to keep my eye on this race. He isn't in my district but it looks like a step in the right direction for the County Commission.

Doesn't he have a point??????

Some of the liberal media was actually coming to Jim Bunning's defense in the last news cycle. Chris Matthews and Harry Smith both used the same talking point by saying, "Doesn't he have a point?"

As pitcher you have to be willing to throw high and inside. Give them the chin music. The guy isn't trying to win political points.

He has more than a point. He is one Senator that is finally thinking like most of the rest of middle America. Don't charge more shit when you can't pay for it. Just pay for it you lazy bastards.

He must be listening to Dave Ramsey.

By the way.........a prediction. When they do pass this measure and pay for it they will also agree to pay the workers for the time they missed so it is like they are getting a free vacation. Remember when Newt and the Contract With America Band shut down the government for a few days? Every worker was paid for the time they were furloughed.

Read the Senator's words........

"When 100 senators are for a bill and we can't find $10 billion to pay for
it, there's something the matter, seriously the matter, with this body," he said
to an empty chamber Friday. "There are going to be other bills brought to this
floor that are not going to be paid for, and I'm going to object every time they
do it. . . . I have got too many young grandchildren that want America to be the
same America that I grew up in. And I'm worried to death that that's not going
to be the case."

Big Meeting Shoes

I have big meeting shoes. (BMS)

These are shoes that have a very new look to them even though they are a couple years old. They aren't scuffed and the leather isn't all creased up and worn. I wear them maybe 10-12 times a year. They aren't worn in bad weather to get wet and salt all over them.....no, for those days I have bad weather shoes (BWS).

I keep them in my closet for big meetings. Or maybe a big event or on the rare occasion that I take one.......an interview. Definitely for a funeral or a night time formal business event. They are go to shoes. Ready to wear. No polishing needed.

I know when I put them on they will look great not that most of my other shoes don't. I'm kinda a shoe guy. I have lots of pairs of shoes. Actually, I have a few single shoes as well waiting to see if the other shoe is coming home from a weekend bender. I have flip flops that are also a flask. Don't judge. Many of my other dress shoes were once BMS and retired to everyday work status. The last stop after everyday status is BWS. I read once that the average guy has like 3 pair of shoes. I lap that by about 7 or 8 times.

I think some people have a favorite suit or dress for the same purpose. These aren't necessarily my favorite shoes but when I put them on it is important. When they don't look perfect anymore then I'll get a new pair of BMS.

I check out other guy's shoes. I judge. Sorry. I see a guy wearing a thousand dollar suit and shoes that look like complete dog crap.....or the wrong color.....yikes. I rarely look at a chica's shoes unless they are fuck me pumps.

Today, I'm wearing my BMS. Today shit could happen.

Okay Jackasses....one more time. Stephene Moore.

Okay....one more time.............it isn't Mr. Moore's seat. It is the people of the Third District's seat. It can't be passed down like a birth right or tickets to Allen Field House.

Please do it. Please transfer all that campaign cash to your wife and then go tell everyone she would have more backbone than you.

I can't find a single thing on the woman on the Internet. You almost have to work at something like that don't you when your husband has been in Congress for all these years? Looks like the Facebook page must have come down over the weekend......hmmmm. A search keeps giving me this rugby player......close enough, right?

Jackass.

Embarrassing Sunday Morning

I've always taken pride in being able to shake off a bender.

Went out with friends Saturday night and you know really didn't think I drank that much but holy shit Sunday morning was bad.

I'll admit it. It was embarrassing. I was worthless to my family and my wife had to pull extra duty because of me.

I gotta lay off the booze a little bit. My body isn't processing it well right now. I gotta figure this thing out. Maybe three straight nights of drinking will catch up with you.

Don't Buy Stuff.

This was a SNL skit but jackasses won't seem to let anyone embed the skit. The original is much funnier but this gets the point through. If you want to see the real one with Steve Martin click here.

Truly, I was listening to a little Dave Ramsey on a cross state drive last week and while I usually laugh at how people can make a living telling other people the most incredibly obvious stuff.....like Pepper Brooks in Dodgeball..."that blindfold is gonna make it hard for him to see".....I was actually a little moved by how this guy is getting people to live debt free. They call in with their stories of how they buckled down and got out of debt.....pretty cool. Suze Orman though.....complete idiot....why is she wearing black leather and yelling at everyone? I think she might have been a dominatrix before this gig.