First, the Hope Haven expansion vote. The good folks at HH have been raked over the coals for two months and it’s finally over. Many thanks to Mayor Povlsen and Aldermen Simpson, Teresinski and Verbic for their “aye” votes. Hat tip to Alderman Naylor for alluding to the double standard used for HH and the other residential project on the front burner — oh, and if you want to argue it’s apples and oranges, fine, but let’s DO have the argument.
Fourth Ward alderman Brendon Gallagher gets the “Let Them Eat Cake”/juxtaposition fail award for mentioning his country club hobnobbing during the annexation hearing and then vigorously rejecting a proposal that would help people down on their luck in his own ward. As for Alderman Kammes of the 7th, it’s a funny dang time for her to start responding to e-mail, but, whatev.
Much as I am clearly a cheerleader for Hope Haven, that matter overshadowed some serious financial news. The first quarter report shows some stabilization of local tax revenues (and a couple successes in projections ) but there is the troubling reality of the state being behind on income tax payments totaling $788,000. The assistant city manager reported — and repeated — that the money has been “accrued.” This, I believe, refers to the modified accrual accounting method used by municipalities and the translation of “accrued” in this context pretty much is: “spent.” So what happens to the budget if the state doesn’t pay up? Is anybody going to say this can’t happen?
4 comments
Comment by Gracie Mott on November 9, 2010 at 9:23 am
Neither Gallagher nor Kammes explained their NO votes very well. Seemed to me they both had some type of ulterior motives IMO. I did catch Gallagher’s Country Club hobnobbing statement and thought it was very out of place, especially after his HH vote. Baker just keeps getting more and more ‘out there’ with his attempts at micromanaging. I’m so glad HH’s proposal passed but the Aldermen/women seriously disappointed me with their No votes – so much for ‘a few true defining moments’.
Comment by yinn on November 9, 2010 at 9:49 am
Ulterior motives is probably right. I’ve heard a couple rumors but it’s likely we’ll never find out for sure. But: DeKalb won, and Potterville lost. That’s something!
I loved it when Rev. Slabon suddenly asked that they look at her — the reaction was priceless.
Comment by Gracie Mott on November 9, 2010 at 10:30 am
That WAS priceless! The camera stayed on her though, so those of us watching it on TV never got to see the council member’s reactions.
I know when I speak at City Council meetings I feel like no one is listening anymore. Back in Sparrow’s day at least you’d get a ‘thank you’ or ‘we’ll look into that’. These days you don’t get any acknowledgment at all. Polvsen discourages the public from speaking in this regard, seems afraid of the citizens and shows no leadership at all.
I would have loved to watch them squirm at Rev. Slabon’s statement!
Comment by yinn on November 10, 2010 at 10:02 am
Not just Council, the whole room seemed to give a start and eyes went from the Rev to the dais. Sure enough, at that precise moment all the “nays” were writing. Kammes slouched her head lower but she did not stop scribbling. Gallagher leaned forward and stared at the Rev without blinking until she finished. Baker was watching a fly on the ceiling near the back of the room.
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