Thursday, August 16, 2012

San Bernardino suspending payouts for vacation, sick time

San Bernardino suspending payouts for vacation, sick time - San Bernardino County Sun
Officials have stopped making those payments until they get control of a cash-flow emergency that has sometimes left the city with as little as $150,000 on hand

Syracuse New York Headed For Bankruptcy, 100% Certain

Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: Syracuse New York Headed For Bankruptcy, 100% Certain: Without a doubt Syracuse, New York is headed for bankruptcy.
Not only is there an "official denial" but the mayor of Syracuse is seeking legal guidance on municipal bankruptcy.

Bargaining rights proposal blocked as canvassers deadlock

Bargaining rights proposal blocked as canvassers deadlock | Politics/Election 2012 | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
The two Democratic appointees, Chairwoman Julie Matuzak and James Waters, voted to put the question on the Nov. 6 ballot.
 The two Republican appointees, Norman Shinkle and Colleen Pero, voted to reject it.

Editorial: Muskegon residents ready to give a damn

Editorial: Muskegon residents ready to give a damn | MLive.com
Read the comments!

Victims families' mark 25 years after the crash of Flight 255

Victims families' mark 25 years after the crash of Flight 255 | Metro Detroit | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Editorial: Muskegon residents ready to give a damn

Editorial: Muskegon residents ready to give a damn | MLive.com
More than 45 citizens, pastors and politicians showed up for MLive Muskegon Chronicle's first Give a Damn meeting, co-hosted by Morning Bear and the Love Community Garden.

Huge public support for voter ID

Eric Holder’s uphill battle: Huge public support for voter ID | WashingtonExaminer.com
In the survey, the Washington Post asked, “In your view, should voters in the United States be required to show official, government-issued photo identification — such as a driver’s license — when they cast ballots on election day, or shouldn’t they have to do this?”
Among all adults, 74 percent said voters should present ID, versus 23 percent who said they should not. Among registered voters, the numbers were 75 percent to 23 percent.

Unions, opponents start ad battle over Protect Our Jobs, other ballot proposals

Unions, opponents start ad battle over Protect Our Jobs, other ballot proposals | MLive.com
Canvassers are scheduled to vote on the proposal on Wednesday morning, with a court challenge expected if the board votes to not put the measure on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Muskegon Heights alumni knocking on doors again to tout benefits of charter schools

Muskegon Heights alumni knocking on doors again to tout benefits of charter schools | MLive.com

Muskegon city commissioners approve 40-year water deal, look forward to consolidate water system

Muskegon city commissioners approve 40-year water deal, look forward to consolidate water system | MLive.com
The consolidated contract is effective through 2052.
It cannot be rescinded unless both the city and its customer communities agree to renegotiate if a regional water agreement is reached.

Candidates file for school board seats, but not enough to fill all openings

Candidates file for school board seats, but not enough to fill all openings | MLive.com
The filing deadline for school board races in November has passed without enough candidates running to fill the available seats in Ravenna and Whitehall.

Muskegon County presents 'forward-thinking' budget with some possible layoffs

Muskegon County presents 'forward-thinking' budget with some possible layoffs | MLive.com
County administration, with the input of department heads, also proposes changes to wages in union contracts as part of a wage reopener.

Muskegon city commissioners unanimously back gay-lesbian rights policy

Muskegon city commissioners unanimously back gay-lesbian rights policy | MLive.com

Muskegon City Commission refuses to change Sappi property zoning, puts issue on Nov. 6 ballot

Muskegon City Commission refuses to change Sappi property zoning, puts issue on Nov. 6 ballot | MLive.com
After a 45-minute closed session with City Attorney John Schrier to discussion attorney-client communications, the Muskegon City Commission ruled on a petition to put the former Sappi property rezoning on the Nov. 6 ballot.

A case of lazyitis? Not bothering to exercise should be treated as a medical condition?

A case of lazyitis? Not bothering to exercise ¿should be treated as a medical condition¿ | Mail Online
Dr Joyner said: 'I would argue that physical inactivity is the root cause of many of the common problems that we have.
'If we were to medicalise it, we could then develop a way, just like we've done for addiction, cigarettes and other things, to give people treatments, and lifelong treatments, that focus on behavioral modifications and physical activity.
'Then we can take public health measures, like we did for smoking, drunken driving and other things, to limit physical inactivity and promote physical activity.'

Jobless mother-of-seven insists her family 'deserve' £1.25MILLION taxpayer-funded home they 'trashed'

Jobless mother-of-seven insists her family 'deserve' £1.25MILLION taxpayer-funded home they 'trashed' | Mail Online
Yesterday Mrs Mahmoud, who came to Britain in 2000 with her husband before they split up, said she was living with six of her children aged between five and 17.
Her 19-year-old son Ossama is in prison for drug dealing.
She added: ‘I am entitled to live in a house like this, even if I don’t pay for it and get benefits.
‘It is fair that the Government houses us.

Michigan Republican governor vetoes broader voter ID law

Michigan Republican governor vetoes broader voter ID law | Reuters
Michigan has an existing voter ID law that is somewhat flexible, permitting a voter to sign an affidavit and vote a regular ballot if they do not have photographic identification with them.
Snyder vetoed a proposal from the Republican-led legislature requiring a photo ID for absentee voting.
Snyder also vetoed proposals that would require voters to affirm their U.S. citizenship before receiving ballots and to require voter registration groups to undergo training by the secretary of state or local clerks.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

2012 8 14 Muskegon county Full board part 2

2012 8 14 Muskegon county Full board part 1

Who's Counting?: How Fraudsters and Bureaucrats Put Your Vote at Risk (9781594036187): John Fund, Hans von Spakovsky: Books

Amazon.com: Who's Counting?: How Fraudsters and Bureaucrats Put Your Vote at Risk (9781594036187): John Fund, Hans von Spakovsky: Books
But voter fraud is a well-documented reality in American elections.
Just this year, a sheriff and county clerk in West Virginia pleaded guilty to stuffing ballot boxes with fraudulent absentee ballots that changed the outcome of an election.
In 2005, a state senate election in Tennessee was overturned because of voter fraud.
The margin of victory? 13 votes.
In 2008, the Minnesota senate race that provided the 60th vote needed to pass Obamacare was decided by a little over 300 votes.
Almost 200 felons have already been convicted of voting illegally in that election and dozens of other prosecutions are still pending.
Public confidence in the integrity of elections is at an all-time low.
In the Cooperative Congressional Election Study of 2008, 62% of American voters thought that voter fraud was very common or somewhat common.
Fear that elections are being stolen erodes the legitimacy of our government.
That's why the vast majority of Americans support laws like Kansas's Secure and Fair Elections Act. A 2010 Rasmussen poll showed that 82% of Americans support photo ID laws.

Exclusive Breaking: 1,100 Florida Voters Disenfranchised Today

Election Law Center: Exclusive Breaking: 1,100 Florida Voters Disenfranchised Today
The ballots were deposited by Martin and Indian River County election officials with the United States Post Office nearly three weeks ago, but the USPS office in Jacksonville treated the absentee ballot mailings as third class mail.

Report: Auto bailout cost taxpayers $3.4B more than estimated

Report: Auto bailout cost taxpayers $3.4B more than estimated - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Why Ryan Terrifies the Left

The American Spectator : Why Ryan Terrifies the Left
(Kemp) He never hesitated, for example, to challenge the idea that theAmerican Left somehow had a moral claim to leadership in civilrights.
He would remind, as he always called them, "our friends onthe Left" that they had been "mired in Reconstruction mentality,(and had been) implicit defenders of white supremacy, the SolidSouth and the Ku Klux Klan."
In a speech at Harvard he looked hisliberal audience straight in the eye and said of his pro-growth,pro-capitalism policies that they were a "moral obligation" to ourfellow Americans.
A Jack Kemp speech wasn't complete without describing left-wingpolicies as "paternalistic" or "condescending" or "elitist." "Manicegalitarians" as he once called leftists.
He believed passionatelyin free markets and economic growth as a pillar of a moral society.
"You can't enrich poor nations by impoverishing their people," hewould say in a 1990 speech

Jonah Goldberg: Voter apathy isn't a crime

Jonah Goldberg: Voter apathy isn't a crime - latimes.com:
It's a sure sign someone is losing when he demands that the rules be changed.

Latest Ethanol Mandate Raises Ire of Motorcyclists

Latest Ethanol Mandate Raises Ire of Motorcyclists - NYTimes.com
To help keep E15 out of these and other engines, service stations offering E15 and E10 from the same pump station must agree to sell a minimum volume of fuel, four gallons, to the customer.

Lone survivor recalls one of worst US plane crashes

Lone survivor recalls one of worst US plane crashes - TODAY News - TODAY.com

Texas State Representative Mary Gonzalez Becomes First ‘Pansexual’ Rep.

Texas State Representative Mary Gonzalez Becomes First ‘Pansexual’ Rep. | TheBlaze.com
Democrat Mary Gonzalez was the first lesbian to openly serve in the Texas House of Representatives, and now she’s becoming the first “pansexual,” too.
“During the campaign if I had identified as pansexual, I would have overwhelmed everyone…Now that I’m out of the campaign, I’m completely much more able to define it,” she explained.
So what, exactly, is a “pansexual”? And how is it different from “bisexual”?
Though many might describe Gonzalez’s orientation as bisexual, pansexuals don’t believe in a “gender binary,” and hence can be attracted to all gender identities.
Gonzalez specified to the Voice that she doesn’t believe in a gender binary because “gender identity isn’t the defining part of my attraction,” and that she never fully embraced the term “lesbian.”
Although she came out as bisexual at age 21, Gonzalez said she has also dated transgender and “gender-queer” people, in addition to women.

Monday, August 13, 2012

New associate superintendent position created at Muskegon Area Intermediate School District

New associate superintendent position created at Muskegon Area Intermediate School District | MLive.com
As director of special education, Fortino earned $109,731. In her new position, she will earn about $4,000 more per year, Sipka said.

Muskegon County plans presentation for proposed budget Tuesday

Muskegon County plans presentation for proposed budget Tuesday | MLive.com
Information about the proposed budget, including a 575-page line-item budget, is available online at http://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/budget/fy2013p.htm.

Feds Conclude Probe Of Polar Bear Scientists

Feds Conclude Probe Of Polar Bear Scientists | New York NOW
But in March 2010, the Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General received what it called "credible allegations" that "acts of scientific misconduct may have been committed by one or more DOI employees."
Federal investigators repeatedly interviewed the researchers.
Many of their questions centered on the observations of the dead bears and how the report was written.

Muslims Own World’s Biggest Condom Maker, Biggest Customer is US Govt; Condom IPO, Condom Consultant

Muslims Own World’s Biggest Condom Maker, Biggest Customer is US Govt; Condom IPO, Condom Consultant
The USAID is Karex’s biggest condom buyer after Congress said condoms bought by U.S. agencies no longer had to be made in the U.S. And USAID buys in bulk from Karex to give these condoms out in the Middle East and Africa.
Yup, we’re getting screwed by them so they can screw each other.

Here's how unethical defrocked judge wins a primary election

Tim Skubick: Here's how unethical defrocked judge wins a primary election | MLive.com
The State’s highest court ruled that Ms. James misused court funds that were intended for crime victims.
She redirected the money, the court contends, into the hands of court employees, which violated the court’s anti-nepotism policy.
 And to add insult to misconduct, she lied during an investigative hearing the Supreme Court concluded.
Certainly that qualifies her to be re-elected.
Doesn’t it make sense to want someone on the bench who has hands-on experience with breaking the law?
After all if you are going to judge others, it’s a plus on your resume to have been judged by your peers and found guilty.
It means if she wins re-election in November, she’ll have more compassion when she rules on crooks coming into her courtroom.
She pulled this off thanks to the crowded field that ran against her as the opponents were confident they could surely beat a former judge who was bounced by the state Supreme Court.
But as is often the case, the incumbent often benefits from so much competition.
It’s a trick they use in legislative races, too.
Pack the field with lots of other folks, and the incumbent’s chances of winning go up. Ms. James benefited from that.
You gotta wonder if she recruited any of those seven other candidates to get in the race?
Naw.
Nobody who misappropriated court funds, would ever pull a stunt like that.

Analysis of Obesity Rates by State

Issue Brief: Analysis of Obesity Rates by State - Trust for America's Health
According to the newly released CDC data, part of the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, the obesity rates by state from highest to lowest were:
1. Mississippi (34.9%); 2. Louisiana (33.4%); 3. West Virginia (32.4%); 4. Alabama (32.0%); 5. Michigan (31.3%);

Muskegon County to take leadership role developing deep-water port

Muskegon County to take leadership role developing deep-water port | MLive.com
Regularly highlighted as one of the community’s top assets, the Muskegon Lake port is being viewed by those in the public and private sectors as a potential economic-development driver in its ability to ship products and goods in and out of West Michigan.

Question of the Day: What are you going to do with your free time now that the Olympics are over?

Question of the Day: What are you going to do with your free time now that the Olympics are over? | MLive.com

Joe Rexrode: So many to thank as I say goodbye

Joe Rexrode: So many to thank as I say goodbye | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com
I start at the Detroit Free Press on Monday.
I will continue to cover Michigan State sports and will continue to live here with my wife and three kids, in a place we’re thrilled to be raising them.

Harbour Towne condo owners pay for the right to have their streets repaved this fall

Harbour Towne condo owners pay for the right to have their streets repaved this fall | MLive.com
The association agreed to pay 20 percent of the cost of the road resurfacing project up to $50,000, according to the agreement unanimously approved by city commissioners.
The total project cost will be more than $225,000 with engineering, design and inspection costs included, city officials said.
“We can justify paving the Harbour Towne streets because we don’t have people knocking down our doors asking to help pay for such projects,” City Manager Bryon Mazade said.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Exclusive: U.S. banks told to make plans for preventing collapse

Exclusive: U.S. banks told to make plans for preventing collapse | Reuters
U.S. regulators directed five of the country's biggest banks, including Bank of America Corp and Goldman Sachs Group Inc, to develop plans for staving off collapse if they faced serious problems, emphasizing that the banks could not count on government help.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

New B.C. Cobb plant dock could be huge asset for the future of Muskegon's port

New B.C. Cobb plant dock could be huge asset for the future of Muskegon's port | MLive.com
A group of West Michigan companies led by Rockford-Berge and L3 Combat Propulsion Systems in Muskegon – including Consumers Energy -- have formed the Michigan Wind Energy Consortium.
The group is investigating the development of a Michigan Energy and Technology Center somewhere on the Muskegon Lake shoreline.
The B.C. Cobb plant could potentially be the location for the energy and technology center, Garner said.
Muskegon and Kent counties, meanwhile, are in the final stages of creating the West Michigan Economic Development Partnership under the Next Michigan initiative of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Garner said that the B.C. Cobb plant could be a location where specific economic development incentives under the Next Michigan program could assist a specific industrial development.

Two Muskegon County primary races end in ties; Now what?

Two Muskegon County primary races end in ties; Now what? | MLive.com

Muskegon County free food truck sites for August 2012

Muskegon County free food truck sites for August 2012 | MLive.com

Muskegon County ranked 72nd in Michigan for voter turnout in primary

Muskegon County ranked 72nd in Michigan for voter turnout in primary | MLive.com
Based on the unofficial voter turnout statistics released by the Secretary of State’s office, Muskegon County ranked 72nd among the 83 counties with its voter turnout of 16.49 percent.

Water service agreement involving Muskegon, others gains county public works board's approval

Water service agreement involving Muskegon, others gains county public works board's approval | MLive.com
Hailed by some as a step toward a countywide municipal water system and criticized by others for lacking an opt-out clause, the 40-year agreement brings three water-buying municipal entities – the Northside regional water system, Roosevelt Park and North Muskegon – together in buying water from Muskegon’s water filtration plant.

Laketon, North Muskegon produce highest voter turnout rates; Muskegon County relatively low

Laketon, North Muskegon produce highest voter turnout rates; Muskegon County relatively low | MLive.com
The voter turnout breakdown by municipality in Muskegon County was:

CITIES
Montague, 13.04 percent
Muskegon, 13.55 percent
Muskegon Heights, 8.69 percent
North Muskegon, 25.51 percent
Norton Shores, 19.49 percent
Roosevelt Park, 20.73 percent
Whitehall, 13.86 percent
TOWNSHIPS
Blue Lake, 16.7 percent
Casnovia, 17.13 percent
Cedar Creek, 15.84 percent
Dalton, 11.73 percent
Egelston, 21.37 percent
Fruitland, 16.52 percent
Fruitport, 16.06 percent
Holton, 10.89 percent
Laketon, 27.44 percent
Montague, 15.01 percent
Moorland, 15.83 percent
Muskegon, 16.36 percent
Ravenna, 21.3 percent
Sullivan, 20.8 percent
Whitehall, 17.13 percent
White River, 19.36 percent

Editorial: Muskegon County voters missed an important opportunity

Editorial: Muskegon County voters missed an important opportunity | MLive.com
....how to increase voter turnout: have a better history of politicians..and yes district attorneys are included in that...not saying one thing yet doing another.
it makes people not care anymore because they feel it just doesn't matter.
Another thing that may make people feel their vote counts is to acctually count every vote.

What would make Roosevelt Park better? (with poll)

What would make Roosevelt Park better? (with poll) | MLive.com
Resident Eric Grimm, a Muskegon attorney, asked if Roosevelt Park could put its city council packets online, like North Muskegon does.
Chandler said putting them online would tie up his computer for most of the day with uploading because of the city’s older technology, but he could provide hard copies to people who request them.

Join MLive and Muskegon Chronicle at first 'Give a Damn' meeting

Join MLive and Muskegon Chronicle at first 'Give a Damn' meeting | MLive.com
On Tuesday, Aug. 14, we're partnering with Love Community Garden to host the first "Give a Damn" meeting.
You may have seen posters about it around town.
We'll be at the garden near the corner of 8th and Monroe in Muskegon at 6:30 p.m.

Statewide coalition seeks Muskegon's ideas on Michigan future transportation policies | MLive.com

Statewide coalition seeks Muskegon's ideas on Michigan future transportation policies | MLive.com
The series of community-based forums on Michigan's transportation future began in Midland on June 12 and will end in St. Joseph on Sept. 25.
What Muskegon County’s transportation system should look like in the future is the topic of a community forum Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Muskegon’s meeting Wednesday is the seventh of the 17 events.
The transportation forum will be at the United Way of the Lakeshore building, 31 E. Clay.
Those interested in attending are asked to register through Marti Lamphear of Disability Connection of West Michigan at marthal@dcilmi.org or (231) 722-0088.

Hermosa Beach meter maids making nearly $100K?

Hermosa Beach meter maids making nearly $100K? - Brian Calle: Uncommon Ground : The Orange County Register
When contemplating the many reasons cities in California and elsewhere are venturing closer to bankruptcy, look no further than the relatively lucrative and often-unjustifiable salaries bestowed on municipal employees – and the lofty pension benefits attached to the high pay.
One of the latest examples comes from the California coastal city of Hermosa Beach, where some community service staffers who collect money from parking meters and manage their operations – positions once widely known as “meter maids” – are making nearly $100,000 a year in total compensation, according to city documents.

Paul Ryan: Hiding Spending Doesn't Reduce Spending

Why has Betsy DeVos-led education group spent $113,000 supporting Democrats in Wisconsin?

Why has Betsy DeVos-led education group spent $113,000 supporting Democrats in Wisconsin? | MLive.com
“AFC, which typically allies itself with right-wing Tea Party types, is now mailing fliers to voters praising Democratic candidates, but discussing issues besides their support for school choice,” the website reported.
“This support can be attributed to the fact that some pro-voucher Democrats are being challenged in primaries by candidates who oppose AFC’s agenda.”

Friday, August 10, 2012

'Romney Murdered JonBenét Ramsey,' New Obama Campaign Ad Alleges

'Romney Murdered JonBenét Ramsey,' New Obama Campaign Ad Alleges | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
“I think this is a fair ad, and I think Mitt Romney owes an explanation to the American people as to why he murdered JonBenét Ramsey,” said Obama campaign manager Jim Messina, who called the commercial’s black-and-white reenactment of Mitt Romney carrying a kicking and screaming child to her death “accurate.”

School board candidate filing deadline is Tuesday, many openings available

School board candidate filing deadline is Tuesday, many openings available | MLive.com
There are plenty of opportunities to run for a spot on a school board, with all but one Muskegon County school district holding elections in November.
The filing deadline for the election is 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Agriculture Department Pays $2 Million for a Single Intern

Agriculture Department Pays $2 Million for a Single Intern
Among the IG’s findings: the USDA spent more than $2 million on an internship program that only hired one full-time intern, $3 million on technology hardware that was never used, and $235,000 on a project that was later canceled due to redundancy.

Can she be THAT stupid?

Bread and circuses

Bread and circuses - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bread and Circuses" (or bread and games) (from Latin: panem et circenses) is a metaphor for a superficial means of appeasement.
In the case of politics, the phrase is used to describe the creation of public approval, not through exemplary or excellent public service or public policy, but through diversion, distraction, and/or the mere satisfaction of the immediate, shallow requirements of a populace.[1] as an offered "palliative."

Juvenal decried it as a simplistic motivation of common people.

The phrase also implies the erosion or ignorance of civic duty amongst the concerns of the common man.

Manchester United makes disappointing public debut

Manchester United makes disappointing public debut - ESPN
Earlier this month it announced a $559 million, seven-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Chevrolet.

Obama the great disabler

Mark Steyn: Obama the great disabler
Right now, combined total debt in the United States is just shy of $700,000 per family.

Add in the so-called "unfunded liabilities" that a normal American business would have to include in its SEC filings but from which U.S. Government accounting conveniently absolves itself, and you're talking about a debt burden per family of about a million bucks.

Boy Whose Hot Dog Cart Was Shut Down by the City of Holland Now Homeless

Boy Whose Hot Dog Cart Was Shut Down by the City of Holland Now Homeless [Mackinac Center]
“Nate and I are now in a shelter,” Lynette said. “Doug can’t stay with us because he takes prescription narcotics to deal with his pain and the shelter does not allow him with those kinds of drugs.”

Meteor-shower party complete with s'mores planned for Muskegon and Oceana county state parks

Meteor-shower party complete with s'mores planned for Muskegon and Oceana county state parks
MLive.com: Muskegon State Park, 3560 Memorial, is hosting a meteor watching party at 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Next from the EPA: Four-Gallon-Minimum Gas Purchases

The PJ Tatler » Next from the EPA: Four-Gallon-Minimum Gas Purchases
Next from the EPA: Four-Gallon-Minimum Gas Purchases
The Environmental Protection Agency is going to require all consumers to buy at least four gallons of gasoline from certain gas pumps after the new E15 ethanol-gasoline blend is introduced into the market.

What is tax fairness? The mayor explains

Charlie Leonard: Inalienable Rights | AspenTimes.com
Recently, Aspen Mayor Mick Ireland made a number of public statements about Gov. Mitt Romney's tax returns.
In short, the mayor said the former Massachusetts governor has not released enough of them and based on what he has released, Romney is clearly not paying his fair share of taxes.
To support his point, the mayor said that he paid a higher tax rate than Romney and that was wrong.

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Over 100 Million Now Receiving Federal Welfare

Over 100 Million Now Receiving Federal Welfare | The Weekly Standard
"The federal government administers nearly 80 different overlapping federal means-tested welfare programs," the Senate Budget Committee notes.
However, the committee states, the figures used in the chart do not include those who are only benefiting from Social Security and/or Medicare.

Amputee, 5, is already a world beater on her bionic blades

Amputee, 5, is already a world beater on her bionic blades | Mail Online

Olympics 2012: U.S. gymnast Aly Raisman reveals her gold medal-winning routine was tribute to 1972 Munch Games massacre

Olympics 2012: U.S. gymnast Aly Raisman reveals her gold medal-winning routine was tribute to 1972 Munch Games massacre | Mail Online
Duringcoverage of this Olympics, U.S. broadcaster NBC has sparked anger in the host countryafter cutting away from the Opening Ceremony when a tribute to the victims of the London 7/7 bombings was shown.
The station said the tribute to the devastating attack - which killed 52 people and left many with life-changing injuries - 'wasn't tailored to a U.S. audience'. It showed an interview with swimmer Michael Phelps instead.

Monday, August 06, 2012

RileyForCommissioner

RileyForCommissioner
· What sets you apart from your opponent?
Almost everything.
Except we both love Muskegon county.
I will demand that every spending item be publicly presented with full cost (including off-book) and plan to fund that spending.
I will not be complicit with illegally covering up debacles like Brookhaven.
I believe the taxpayers, citizens, residents and the media should be fully informed partners in major decisions.
I believe that state and federal money isn't "free money".
We must treat every dollar spent as if it was our own money.

Relatively low voter turnout expected for primary in Muskegon County

Relatively low voter turnout expected for primary in Muskegon County | MLive.com
Waters estimated that voter turnout could be higher in Norton Shores, Muskegon Township and Egelston Township due to “spirited” local races.
In addition, more than 2,000 absentee ballots have been returned in Norton Shores.

That bodes well for Robert-the-RINO....bummer!

Sunday, August 05, 2012

EyeOnMuskegon 8-5-2012 Election predictions!

The Jobs Report Bad News

The Jobs Report Bad News | RealClearPolitics
By the way, the labor force shrunk by 150,000.
The participation rate slipped to 63.7 percent.
And the overall U-6 discouraged-workers unemployment rate increased to 15 percent.

Muskegon County Clerk-ID "required" to vote? NOT!

Muskegon County Clerk
"Voters without picture identification: Michigan election law anticipates that not all voters will have picture identification.
Voters who do not bring picture identification to the polls or do not possess picture identification can vote like any other voter by signing an affidavit."

TV ad about changing Social Security benefits adds to bickering in Thomas-Pestka Congressional race

TV ad about changing Social Security benefits adds to bickering in Thomas-Pestka Congressional race | MLive.com
Trevor Thomas claims Steve Pestka’s new commercial fabricates his position on Social Security and the Congressional candidate said his attorney has sent a letter to television stations asking them to pull it off the air.
Thomas says the ad is an attack that is grounded on distorting his belief that the retirement program needs to be overhauled for people 40 and under.
He has never advocated for benefit changes for people nearing retirement as the commercial says, Thomas said.
The 30-second spot that began airing Friday is Pestka’s second courting of the senior vote, and the former state legislator’s campaign spokesman says they stand behind the commercial.
“They paid into Social Security their whole lives with the promise it would be there for them,” the voiceover in the commercial states.
“But now Trevor Thomas wants to break that promise. He supports raising the Social Security retirement age, forcing seniors to work for years more.
“Steve Pestka knows Social Security is a promise to seniors we can’t break.”
Thomas said the negativity shows a sense of desperation by Pestka, who is presumed to be the favorite in the Aug. 7 Democratic primary with winner advancing to face U.S. Rep. Justin Amash.
“It’s not factual,” Thomas said. “I have been very clear that I would not cut Social Security for seniors and those nearing retirement.

Viewpoint: Want to empty the jail? Change how we handle drug offenses

Viewpoint: Want to empty the jail? Change how we handle drug offenses | MLive.com
According to the March 2012 issue of the Michigan Bar Journal, the No. 1 felony in this state is possession of a controlled substance.
The No. 2 felony is possession with intent to deliver. Drugs-related offenses dominate arrests.
More than assaults, more than shoplifting, more even than drunk driving.
The impact of these arrests is severe, especially for young people of color.
It creates serious barriers to college and future employment.
Such a person’s future may begin to spiral downward.
What may be worse is that the damage to the police and community relations cannot be overstated.
It’s ironic that what these people are arrested for is increasingly socially accepted behavior among the more privileged.
The connected and powerful, including lawmakers and even presidents, have often admitted to smoking marijuana.
But hypocritically they have not become the criminals that we have turned our young and underprivileged into.

Saturday, August 04, 2012

UPDATE 1-New Jersey pension system earns 2.26 percent in 2012

UPDATE 1-New Jersey pension system earns 2.26 percent in 2012 | Reuters
Aug 2 (Reuters) - New Jersey's $69.9 billion public pension system returned 2.26 percent in fiscal year 2012, falling short of its 7.95 percent assumed rate of return, the state said on Thursday.

Blue Marlin: The Giant Ship That Ships Other Ships

Blue Marlin: The Giant Ship That Ships Other Ships
When one needs to transport a large number of ships (perhaps they aren’t ocean-ready), move a gigantic oil rig (like BP’s Thunder Horse PDQ) or perhaps carry a damaged warship home (The USS Cole), the MV Blue Marlin heeds the call.

Rob Bliss explains why a cargo container volleyball court was built in Pere Marquette

Rob Bliss explains why a cargo container volleyball court was built in Pere Marquette | MLive.com
Bliss said he was inspired to try and give Meghan Haan, a15-year-old sophomore and volleyball player at Wellspring Preparatory HighSchool, "the best day of volleyball ever" after hearing how she dealt with osteosarcoma, atype of bone cancer.

Be Thankful And Fearful And Know Your Place, Citizen

Be Thankful And Fearful And Know Your Place, Citizen | Popehat
There's a few problematical trends going on here.
The first is the sick culture of fear, encouraged by the media (because fear is lucrative, and accurate contextual reporting is hard) and by law enforcement and politicians (because fear leads to more power for them).
That culture has led us to accept, uncritically, the existence of an ever-growing level of danger to ourselves and our children, even if actual evidence supports the opposite.

"I Am Pledging To Cut The Deficit We Inherited By Half By The End Of My First Term In Office"

Friday Humor: "I Am Pledging To Cut The Deficit We Inherited By Half By The End Of My First Term In Office" | ZeroHedge
President Obama, February 2009
"We can not and will not sustain deficits like these without end. Contrary to the prevailing wisdom in Washington these past few years, we can not simply spend as we please and defer the consequences to the next budget, the next administration or the next generation.
We are paying the price for these deficits right now.
In 2008 alone we paid $250 billion in interest on our debt, that is more than three times what we spent on education that year, more than seven times what we spent on VA healthcare.
So if we confront this crisis without also confronting the deficits that helped cause it, we risk sinking into another crisis down the road as our interest payments rise, our obligations come due, confidence in our economy erodes and our children and grandchildren are unable to pursue their dreams because they are saddled with our debts.
That's why today I am pledging to cut the deficit we inherited by half by the end of my first term in office.
This will not be easy - it will require us to make difficult decisions and face challenges we have long neglected but i refuse to leave our children with a debt they can not repay.
And that means taking responsibility right now in this administration

List of Muskegon County's countywide races, proposals in Aug. 7 Primary

List of Muskegon County's countywide races, proposals in Aug. 7 Primary | MLive.com
Grant Public Schools
Bond proposal for technology improvement -- $3.7 million(1.3 mills)
Ravenna Public Schools
Operating millage proposal -- 1 mill

Salon writer finds Gabrielle Douglas’ faith ‘unnerving’

Salon writer finds Gabrielle Douglas’ faith ‘unnerving’; followers find her inspiring | Twitchy: Brow@GovKaineBrow
#SALON: Did God help Gabrielle Douglas win? Gold medalist is a teenager of deep faith and gratitude -- and that can be a little unnerving

"The cynics out there already suspected that the Gabrielle Douglas love fest couldn’t last forever.
A gold medalist at 16, she’s amazingly talented, positive, self-confident, All-American and charismatic — the perfect fit for the Corn Flakes box. It’s all too good to be true, though, isn’t it?
There must be some flaw.
Is it her hair?
No, that’s just silly.
Her “outspoken” faith?
Bingo."

Economist Richard Duncan: Civilization May Not Survive 'Death Spiral' -

Economist Richard Duncan: Civilization May Not Survive 'Death Spiral' - Money Morning
Richard Duncan, formerly of the World Bank and chief economist at Blackhorse Asset Mgmt., says America's $16 trillion federal debt has escalated into a "death spiral, "as he told CNBC.
And it could result in a depression so severe that he doesn't "think our civilization could survive it."
And Duncan is not alone in warning that the U.S. economy may go into a "death spiral."

Friday, August 03, 2012

Attorney General Bill Schuette says Protect Our Jobs' pro-union proposal is too sweeping for ballot

Attorney General Bill Schuette says Protect Our Jobs' pro-union proposal is too sweeping for ballot | MLive.com
The union-backed Protect Our Jobs ballot proposal would “eviscerate” Civil Service Commission rules and is too sweeping for a 100-word ballot summary, Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a letter to Gov. Rick Snyder.
Schuette recommended that the state Board of Canvassers not approve the ballot language or place the proposal on the November ballot.

Pension debt overwhelms bankrupt San Bernardino, California

Pension debt overwhelms bankrupt San Bernardino, California | Reuters:
Patrick J. Morris, San Bernardino's mayor, said in a telephone interview that the bulk of the city's debt was due to "unfunded liabilities related to pension and benefits" for the city's employees, and "obligations to employee groups in labor contracts."

MEDC Programs Consistently Fall Short of Initial Claims

MEDC Programs Consistently Fall Short of Initial Claims [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The MEDC oversees the 21st Century Jobs Fund. In a 2008 press release, then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm said, “The 21st Century Jobs Fund is the cornerstone of the most comprehensive and aggressive strategy in the nation to transform our economy, grow new high-tech companies and create good-paying jobs for our citizens.”
Programs of the 21st Century Jobs Fund have not lived up to this description.

Bentivolio Battling GOP Establishment

Bentivolio Battling GOP Establishment [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The 11th Congressional District was redrawn in 2010 and covers portions of Western Wayne County and Oakland County.
Thaddeus McCotter would have been the incumbent running for re-election but he botched the required signature gathering requirement and then later resigned from office in early July.

WinFall: Report details how a Michigan retiree legally beat the Massachusetts State Lottery

WinFall: Report details how a Michigan retiree legally beat the Massachusetts State Lottery | MLive.com
By buying in bulk for his G S Invstement Strategies group, Selbee could tap into favorable favorable margins, which he calculated to be between 17 and 21 percent before taxes.

Rob Bliss reveals details about project at Pere Marquette Beach

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.

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.

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.”

Chick-fil-A Store Locator | Store-Locator.info

Chick-fil-A Store Locator | Store-Locator.info

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."

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.

Road commissioner, North Muskegon councilman square off in Democratic county board primary

Road commissioner, North Muskegon councilman square off in Democratic county board primary | MLive.com

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.

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.

HOPEY-CHANGEY: Amazing Live Prison People

Instapundit » Blog Archive » HOPEY-CHANGEY: Amazing Live Prison People….
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.