Local-Opinion.com
Hillsdale College - Steve Markman writes on the future of the Constitution.
George Will exposes GM fraudulent advertising claim of repaying the TARP loan, along with the folly of our "bailing out" Greece. Click Here
With a 6% water rate hike, city residents will not be able to afford the Kool-aid they are being asked to drink. The money raised, approximately $750,000, is mostly spent and will go toward funding City employee raises, and other city projects.
Thomas Jefferson said in 1802: 'I believe that Banking institutions are more dangerous to Our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow Private banks to control the issue of their Currency, first by inflation, then by Deflation, the banks and corporations that will Grow up around the banks will deprive the people Of all property - until their children Wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers Conquered.' The Federal Reserve is a private central bank that issues our currency.
Port Huron City Councilman, Brian Moeller points out that the city has 30 officers on duty, but reduces that number to 26 in the summer months, to allow for vacations. If the city can operate during the busiest time of the year, with 26, why not during the winter months? Generally the officers do not apply for vacations during the winter months, so the city is fully staffed (or over-staffed), during most of the year. Brian suggests, cutting back by scheduling vacations during the slower months, or layoffs. With his background as a police administrator, Brian should be considered a well-informed source
Ballot Initiative: Increases in the water-sewer rates shall be limited to the lesser of the last published general price level (Inflation Rate Multiplier, as mandated in MCL 211.34d) or 3%, unless approved by the voters in the next scheduled election. If you would like to "pass" this petition, when it is ready, e-mail us.
Topic: EDA Report Card - Frendt's reply to Connell
Topic: EDA Report Card - Mike Connell responds.
Topic: EDA Report Card - When it comes to unemployment comparisons, if the State were a dog, St. Clair County would be the tail, and Port Huron is under the tail...click for report.
County Administrator Grodin presented a new proposal for re-joining the EDA. City residents pay much more than township residents and have a lower per-capita income - it seems very unfair. See the chart. Before joining, it would be appropriate for the County to explain why a heavier burden should fall on those least able to afford it.
It is pointed out by EDA officials that job creation, helps everyone in the County - "A rising tide floats all boats", but why does it cost so much more to raise the city's boats? The residents of Port Huron, Marysville, St. Clair, Algonac, and Yale pay SIX TIMES as much as the township residents. In addition, everyone pays as a resident of the County. If the total cost were born by the County, each resident would benefit and pay at the same rate.
"Off the record" sources, say that Scott Beedon, the County Consierge, will likely replace Doug Alexander as Executive Director of the EDA. Scott's current $100,000 job is to help new businesses cut through the administrative red tape, as they bring new investment and jobs to the county.
When the City of Port Huron, dropped out of the EDA, City Manager Bruce Brown hired two new employees to round- up new businesses for our city. How is that $100,000 budget item paying off?