The sheer audacity of Gary Person cannot be believed.
As head of economic development, he now needs a director level position to help him out? Councilmen Wiederspon and Van Vleet are right to question the addition of a new salary and benefits package for one of Gary's friends.
Last year, KSID Radio hack Susan Ernest and the Sun Telegraph fawned over Gary, along with liquid plumber Mike Harzler and Cathy Wilson when people wanted to separate Person from his two personas.
If the city manager can't hack both roles, he choose one, or have it chosen for him.
It's interesting how when faced with the knowledge that Person can no longer hack the job, how accommodating Nienhueser, Gaston and Hiett have become. Staunch friends of Gary they have always been, and staunch defenders of his idiocy they will always be.
Lastly, when does Jim Pelster get back to work. I am surprised his budget didn't include a new Ford Explorer or Dodge Durango loaded up to the hilt.
At one time there was a suggestion by an unpopular citizen that Economic Development be moved to the chamber. Apparently there was some merit to that suggestion. Only difference now is that Pearson wants to keep the control of the position, and now wants it to be a full position in the city. Somehow, someone has to break down the fogg so people can see what is reallly going on in Sidney. Even Gaston admitted last year that Gary's position has too much power, but since it was Gary, it was ok. It is not ok.
ReplyDeleteWhat it is going to take is a substantial number of citizens to go to city hall and demand the change that you are asking for. I have long-stated that Person's dual roles should be separated, but idiots like Hartzler, KSID radio vampire Susan Earnest, as well as the gutless newspaper seem to think that it is ok for the status quo to not only be preserved, but now be extended.
ReplyDeleteI feel good that I can gt the word out for people to consider, but local government is still something that can only be changed by people actively participating in the process.
As an example, the video system budget line item for 30,000 bucks could be done for less than 10k using technologies that are incredibly simple to install, configure and operate. Gary Person was told this more than a year ago and did nothing to advance lthe concept.
I would be willing to give to the city government the entire system setup and to the penny pricing, and I would gladly donate my time to build the interface, but Gary is such a fool for spending money that it will never happen.
Remember, if you don't bitch in person, Person will always win.
It is unfortunate that there is too much power now. Anyone that stands up against Person will be crucified, just as you, Filsinger, VanVleet and Wiederspon were and are.
ReplyDeleteCrucifixion is a strong word. Yeah.. true enough I was targeted by the likes of the Youngs, KSID radio and cheap shots by the newspaper, including the former editor, who is now on the housing board (She was fired for poor job performance). Tammy Nelsen actually sent a letter to the editor I sent to the Telegraph to Ralph Castner but did not print it. Make no mistake, there are strong alliances between the local government and certain parties. I am not saying that there are not good relationships there, but the city has given away too much and the people have gotten too little.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of crappy news coverage, how come no follow up stories on Jim Pelster and his totaled SUV. I would think a man who can't come to work is a bit more serious than first reported in the paper... treated and released. How long has it been???
It is going to take people willing to hold the government accountable. What's it going to take to get some citizen with the courage to stand up in public and identify the real, not perceived problems, the lack of accountability, the Boss Hogg nature and certainly, stand up to the FOGG...?
What was in the letter that was sent to Ralph Castner?
ReplyDeleteYou should ask Tammy Nelsen as it was a letter to the editor. This thread isn't about Cabela's or Ralph Castner. It is about how local governing bodies are ignoring the needs of the many because they choose to sit on the sidelines. This is about rallying the people and your comment shows little interest in protecting their interest.
ReplyDeleteI beg to differ with you. You are the one who always brings up your dislike for Tammy Nelsen and your distain for Cabelas. I am just trying to figure out your reasoning. Your comments seem to be colored by retaliation and revenge against any one who has "wronged" you. You talk about the people rallying, but Mike, they did. It was called an election. The "substantial number of citizens" that you refer to, voted out your way of thinking for a new way of thinking. Doesn't that count for anything?
ReplyDeleteThe substantial majority of those casting votes to elect or turn out those in office in Sidney last year didn't include a majority of those eligible to vote.
ReplyDeleteElections do have consequences and you are right, those who vote, speak. Those who don't, have already spoken.
Again, the local media does nothing to encourage a full voter turn out, does nothing to encourage debate on controversial issues. They are in complete alignment with Gary Person and crew. That is not a bad thing when good things happen, but it is clear from looking at years of material, through multiple publishers, editors and even radio personalities, that their disdain for political news coverage leads to a lack of effective accountability of those who are elected.
Whether it is the perception that Filsinger is the king of trash, as you refer to him, or whether the town should subsidize housing for wealthy people to the tune of some 30,000 each, and get a free ride on the backs of everyone else for the new school for 10 years or more, yes, I have a problem.
You talk about hypocrisy, how about the hypocrisy of forcing the TIF vote while down a councilman contrasted with waiting to hold a vote for the container ordinance so Dalan could vote the potential tie-break.
The only difference in the two items, was whether or not Gary thought he had the votes in hand. That is politics, and yes it is also hypocritical. You speak of your dislike for me, but it seems that you just hate any position counter to your own, to borrow a phrase.
As I said before, I will keep writing and will do what I need to do to counter the lack of balanced coverage on local news. Sorry...you don't have to like me or what I do. I certainly would love to debate you face to face, but I suspect your weak constitution prevents you from actually using your name.