A Lawrence business owner who believes the city needs to do more to embrace growth is set to become the first announced candidate for City Commission.
Mike Dever, owner of the Lawrence-based environmental firm GuideWire Consulting, said he thought the City Commission needed to do more to broaden the city's business tax base.
"I think the most important thing is for us to focus in a more determined fashion on growth instead of being a bit afraid of growth," Dever said.
Dever is scheduled to announce his candidacy at 11 a.m. today at City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.
Dever will be vying for one of three at-large spots held by Commissioners Boog Highberger, Mike Rundle and David Schauner. All three incumbents said Monday they either had not decided or were not ready to announce whether they would run for re-election. Highberger, though, said he was strongly leaning toward seeking a second term.
Dever, 43, has lived in Lawrence since 1998. He also lived here from 1981 to 1991 when he was a student and employee at Hall-Kimbrell, a former Lawrence environmental consulting firm.
Dever said his work had taken him to about 1,000 communities during the past 10 years. He said that gave him the opportunity to see what was working and not working in cities across the country.
In Lawrence, he said, there is a strong need to do more to decrease the city's reliance on residential property taxes. He also said he had seen evidence that the city could add new retail areas to the community without hurting its prized downtown.
"Improving the number of people who live here and the amount of money they earn will be the best way to help downtown," said Dever, who is married and has two middle school-aged children.
On other large city issues, Dever said he wanted to do some polling of the public to find out what they really wanted in a new library before moving with plans to build or expand the library. He also said he wanted to interject his environmental training into the South Lawrence Trafficway issue. He said he had some concerns about the City Commission officially opposing a 32nd Street route for the road.
The City Commission election will be April 3. If more than six candidates file for election, there will be a primary election Feb. 27. Candidates have until noon Jan. 23 to file.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
Sounds like this guy has been drinking the same Chamber-mixed Kool-Aid that created the problems we currently have.
No thanks.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
I'm curious why the website for his "Lawrence-based" business says it's based in Kansas City.
ASBESTOS (anonymous) says…
I know Mike. This guy is GOOD, and would be good for Lawrence.
Noweigh (anonymous) says…
Finally someone who understands that "growth" is a reality whether we like it or not and that we have to deal with it intelligently right now. He's also well versed on the environment and reasonable about how to make projects move forward. It's time Lawrence put some people on the commission who were smart, reasonable and try to represent the greater good instead of narrow agendas.
ASBESTOS (anonymous) says…
He is truly the difference between "symbolic environmentalism" and true environmental work. There is a difference.
Some libs holler about "saving the environment" protest, and generally raise h. But they have no clue what they are talking about, it is just what some liberal guru (al baby) told them.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
So, Asbestos, are you saying that he is following the long Chamber tradition of running for City Commission to promote your business opportunities?
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
From their website:
guidewire consulting, llc
1600 Genessee, Suite 651
Kansas City, Missouri 64102
(888) 294-0905
Upon looking at the website again, I also noted a Lawrence address.
Which is it?
carolannfugate (anonymous) says…
gee bozo maybe he lives here and has his company headquarters there. who cares anything is better than what is there.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
If he's running for city commission as a "the owner of a Lawrence business" that is actually based in KC, it is important.
carolannfugate (anonymous) says…
If he lives here he is a Lawrence citizen and it is ok for him to run. Maybe the currenyt commission wouldn't allow his Biz here. They tend to do chit like that.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
I didn't say he couldn't or shouldn't run. But if he is misleading voters about the location of his business, that's an important bit of information.
carolannfugate (anonymous) says…
Dennis Highburger lives here and works in Topeka
David Scauner lives here and works in Topeka
What really is your point?
In case you have not figured this out the job market in Lawrence sucks. Do you recallthat the average cost of living here is less than the average wage here?
People have to work outside of the community to survive here.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
Pace yourself, Marion. The day is young, so you don't want to exhaust your supply of petty insults too early.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
"What really is your point?"
Neither claims that they work in Lawrence.
homechanger (anonymous) says…
Lets show Mike Rundle
the door. He has become a career comissioner, stagnate in thought and action. He is controlled by PLC heads.
Schauner needs to back off also. Term limits anyone?
lunacydetector (anonymous) says…
perhaps he had to open an office for his business in kansas city, like so many other lawrence based businesses after your progressive trio took over and promoted their semblance of growth (which in reality = no growth).
he ain't working for the government and he isn't a lawyer - that in itself sounds good to me, but we'll have to see what he plans to do.
lunacydetector (anonymous) says…
the above was directed to bozo
carolannfugate (anonymous) says…
Perhaps the majority of his contracts are here. Perhaps while the company headquarters are based in K.C he works from an office here in town.
I know it will be difficult for you to let go of the current Commission but times are changin and if we do not get them out and soon tumbleweeds will be blowin in the wind.
homechanger (anonymous) says…
Marion, good point but lawrence is so full of uninformed voters who vote strictly party line, on both sides. Rundle could very well wind up King of Lawrence.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
carolannfugate:
This very well could be a non-issue. If he has moved the company to Lawrence, or if it has offices in Lawrence and KC, he should just say that.
To state that you are a "Lawrence business owner" when your website has two different locations listed for that business is confusing, at best.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
homechanger--
I believe that you would find that those who have voted for Rundle tend to be very well informed, although you probably don't like the way they interpret that information.
SouthernBelle (anonymous) says…
Marion,
I think you should run for commissioner.
I'm serious.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
Marion wouldn't have the time--unless he gave up spamming this website.
Sandman (anonymous) says…
Two of the PLC candidates commute to jobs in Topeka every day.
They hired an Overland Park attorney to represent us in the WalMart lawsuit (and gave him $250,000 and counting).
They hired an Overland Park firm to do a city employment study.
They hired an out of state firm to find a city manager.
But watch the liberals attack when a potential competing candidate has some contact outside of Lawrence.
Hypocrisy...
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
"But watch the liberals attack when a potential competing candidate has some contact outside of Lawrence."
There's absolutely nothing wrong with his operating a business in KCMO-- just don't say that it's based in Lawrence if it's not, or if that's just a partial truth.
geppetto (anonymous) says…
if Bozo and Marion know everything, why don't you both run for city commission?
Geppetto.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
'Now my comments are "spam".'
Sorry, Marion. "Spam" is an overly generous description. But my post would be removed if I were 100% accurate in describing your "content."
opinion (anonymous) says…
logrithmic,
Did you get that argument from the KBOE? Sounds very much like what they said when they hired Corkins. ;^)
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Marion, The Corporation is a pretty objective documentary that both liberals and conservatives have said is very balanced.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Have you even watched it?
Toto12 (anonymous) says…
Sorry to all of you who think running an environmental firm means you are a "true environmentalist" (asbestos). That supposition is absurd. One of the major jobs of an environmental firm such as the one this man heads is to help corporations jump through regulatory hurdles in order to develop land (phase ones etc...). That by no means makes you an expert in helping or 'saving' the environment which is a totally different deal. While he may be involved in defining environmental hazards which is a commendable thing, what his profession says to me is that he is a friend to development interests, nothing more.
ASBESTOS (anonymous) says…
Toto 12 the idiot:
"Sorry to all of you who think running an environmental firm means you are a "true environmentalist" (asbestos). That supposition is absurd."
How many sites have you cleaned up? How much ground water have you cleaned up?
Our profession is cleaning up the problems the corps. have done. Only "ethically challaged" businesses would do as you state: "help corporations jump through regulatory hurdles in order to develop land.."
In fact we DO NOT do that, because we then are as liable as RP for the land and cleanup. Anyone remember the PRESTO situation in Lawrence??? WHOM was the "environmental firm" doing the oversight???? ta da!! kdhe!!! That is right, the regulatory agency!!!
whom is keeping NPL sites OFF the listing in Wichita????? KDHE that's who!
Who kept the sfaap off the NPL site listing??? KDHE that's who.
So before you talk BS on our industry (with very little information, and a lot of BS I might add) you might check out what we actually do. What an idiot and simpleton you are! YOUR supposition is by no means useful in ANY discours in terms of environmental affairs.
Recycling and believing in the holy "Al Gore" does not an envormental professional, scientist, or expert in any way shape of form. Neither does a democrat automatically have the moral high ground in the environmental discussion either.
You oversimplify. Nuff said!
"While he may be involved in defining environmental hazards which is a commendable thing, what his profession says to me is that he is a friend to development interests, nothing more."
We are no friend to developers...we spend their money, which they want to keep! When we "define the hazards.....we also make a plan to clean them up, which we charge more money for. That is the business, which you do not understand. NO ONE cleans up anything difficult and contaminated, for nothing, those that say they do, have something up their sleeve.
It takes a lot more than granola eating and shopping at the MERC, wearing tye-dyes, and having long hair to be inteligently, and appropriately environmentally aware,...and correct.
The rest is symbolism over substance.
What is happening to the asbestos regulation in Kansas??? it sucks that is what? UST's...same thing. superfund sites...same thing. Formerly used Defense sites...same thing. Whom is allowing this....KDHE.
Whom is the friend of developers in this state???
KDHE!!!
tony88 (anonymous) says…
"We", asbestos?
Thanks for the unbiased post about Mike Dever!
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Marion, answer my question i asked you above.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
In my experience with environmental consultants, their concern IS with meeting minimum requirements to get a project underway. By environment, they do not mean ecology, but simply surroundings.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
To Marion,
What innocuous_posts said.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Yeah, i bet you really have...
tony88 (anonymous) says…
I actually work in the industry, Marion. Do you?
ASBESTOS (anonymous) says…
"By environment, they do not mean ecology, but simply surroundings."
By ecology, you are going to have to define, a groundwater plume is a part of the "ecology" which is why we clean it up, the subsurface soils are part of the "ecology" which is why we clean them up. Same for the air!
The reason that we go to the "minimum" is because that is all the client is going to pay for....unless demanded to clean up to a higher level by the regulators, shich is not done in Kansas because the KDHE Div of Environment, is the number 1 friend of the developers.
Check out how many of the demolitions have been notified to the KDHE asbestos Program from the Housing developement in Ft. Riley,... or Junction City. There is your problem. How about Topeka, Clark Duffy is on the Topeka City Commission, and is in charge of the Air and Radiation Section. I am sure he makes sure that ALL the projects a "fast tracked" for the developers. There is no better "developers friend" than a City Commissioner, whom looks the other way. Mike would not do that, nor would he inhibit a legal permit. He plays by the rules. That is what an Environmental Professional does, nothing more... certianly nothing less.
So take your granola eating, tye-dye wearing understanding of environmental issues, and hang it.
Tony, if you had a brain and were in the industry at all, you would know that "minimum requuirements" is all that has to be met by law anyway.
Who is going to pay for more cleanup when they are not required to do so? That is the difference between the "theroitical world" and "reality".
ASBESTOS (anonymous) says…
Tony88 your were the one also arguing for supporting the KDHE on the Presto gas station leak, and being an apologists for them as well.
Your "opinion" in not very good.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
"Tony, if you had a brain and were in the industry at all, you would know that "minimum requuirements" is all that has to be met by law anyway."
Exactly!
You equate that with "environmentalism"!
That's like saying an architect is a quality architect producing good buildings just by meeting minimum building codes.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
I never posted on the Presto gas station story as far as i can recall.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
That's also like saying an architect is an environmentalist just by meeting the minimum energy code.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Oh, Marion, the old "prove it". That goes a long way on this forum.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Why in the world would any intelligent being provide you with any personal information that could become the subject of the right-wing witch-hunt/love-in over on your little rivercitytalk forum?
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
But given you are you, you have a completely different standard, right, Marion?
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Good thing you're not me. Otherwise, i would have a severe identity crisis.
Why did you start attacking me anyway? I've sometimes had decent discussions with you, but you are really bitter of late.
Toto12 (anonymous) says…
It cracks me up how whenever some people get confronted with a little truth they get really defensive and resort to name calling etc... I should post more often. I feel like a real somebody now that I've been called an idiot by a couple of the resident whackos.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Perhaps you should actually read my 11:41 post in the context of my discussion with asbestos.
ASBESTOS (anonymous) says…
"That's also like saying an architect is an environmentalist just by meeting the minimum energy code."
No that is NOT what I stated. I was talking environmental cleaqnup laws, only a moron like you would apply it to architecture issues.
You are correct, I see it was "TeamPOllution" that stated he was in the biz.
"You equate that with "environmentalism"!"
And you equate "environmentalism" as proper and intellectual discussion and action on environmental events.
the business does cleanup, the "isms" refer to running their mouth alot and setting on the rears a lot.
There is a difference between you and me, I actually do the work and get paid well for how I do it.
ASBESTOS (anonymous) says…
Tony88:
"Perhaps you should actually read my 11:41 post in the context of my discussion with asbestos."
and perahps you could take things in context! Quote mining out of context is a poor debate skill!
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Please, stop calling me names.
If you can't understand the pretty straightforward analogy, then perhaps i shouldn't waste my time discussing with you.
My point is that if one is not constantly pushing for more environmentally conscious laws and approaches when there is obviously more that can be done, then one is not equal to an environmentally conscious leader. If one becomes complacent with simply reducing and abating damage, and not halting damage, than one is not an environmentally conscious leader.
_____________________
"only a moron like you would apply it to architecture issues."
"There is a difference between you and me, I actually do the work and get paid well for how I do it."
Give me a break. You think anybody other than those that already agree with you is going to listen to you with that kind of attitude. According to you 1.) I am a moron. 2.) I don't have a brain. 3.) When i claim to be in the industry, it is a lie, but when you claim to be in the industry, it is the truth.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Marion, I didn't say that the 11:41 post was proof of being in the business. Get over that. I'm not going to offer proof, and i wager that asbestos won't either.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Quote mining out of context? What?!?!
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Marion, are you wearing your glasses? It says "88" not "SS".
tony88 (anonymous) says…
Well, if i had a name like I_BEAM, would you have no doubt that i was a structural engineer? Good point.
MyName (anonymous) says…
Spam:
To abuse any network service or tool by for promotional purposes.
OR
To flood any chat forum or Internet game with purposefully annoying text or macros.
www.dictionary.com
both could apply equally well to the "content" of your posts Marion.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
All i can offer is that when we first met on this forum, the discussion was the new library. I told you directly that i was an architect and had done my own estimates of what a new library might cost. You seemed to have no doubt at that time.
Rationalanimal (anonymous) says…
Maybe I'm hopelessly jaded by the current fab-5, but Dever's comments make him sound like he brings a BS, MS and PHD to the commission (aka Bull S#@!, More of the Same and Piled Higher and Deeper). That's not going to provide any change for the community.
ASBESTOS (anonymous) says…
I_BEAM
is also the EPA Indoor Air Quality modeling program. Kinda works.
"I told you directly that i was an architect.."
Interesting. Did you know one of the reasons that the AHERA left out the CIH , Architects, and Professional Engineers from AHERA accreditation is that they screwed up the first round of Asbestos Inspections of the schools prior to AHERA? Did you know that? All of those wanted to be able to do inspections, and EPA ruled that (in your own words) needed specialized training to do the inspection.
That was one of the more protective laws that EPA passed that I bet you don't like.
It just depends on your perspective, doesn't it?
I am degreed in the Environmental and Physical Sciences with a B. S. and over 17 years of experience in multiple countries, and multiple states with UST's, Asbestos, LBP, and IAQ, as well as some other stuff with labs.
Architect does not = environmental professional. No way shape or form. I would not even suggest to you as an architect on the proper loading of floors and building structural systems, nor the door schedule.
I ask for simple prfessional courtesy by not lumping our "Environmental Professionals" as ethically challanged and in the tank for the developer. Most would say the same of architects (which design the Big Box stores) as the same.
I however did not impune your professional capability. You did however did mine and Mr. Dever, simply because of an opinion you have.
So if you want professional respect.... act like it, and offer others the same level of respect.
Otherwise, you get called names.
Free speech.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
I agree, rationalanimal. At least so far, he hasn't offered a complete explanation of why he thinks he's qualified. Other than 'i've seen 1000 cities, i know what works and doesn't work'. And 'we need more high paying jobs'. Duh! The question is "HOW?"
daman (anonymous) says…
I know Dever and he is bright guy who will do an excellent job. I'm a bit surprised he's running given all the crap he'll have to endure for low pay, no respect position where all you get is abused. That is why you the three stooges running the show. Good luck Mike, you have my vote!!!!!
ASBESTOS (anonymous) says…
Tony your 12:44 post is the one that bothers me a great deal.
Your take would be similar to me stating that because architects and engineers designed the Crown Center Walkway and it collapsed, that all architects and engineers act like this and further genrealizations will show them to be unethical, and for the developer.
Well that is simply stupidity! That was one engineer and architect. Not all have this level of carelessness.
Same is true for the majority of trades or careers. regardless ow what trade or profession 10-20% will rip you off and not care one wit. Doctors, attorneys, samdwich makers, etc.
You tend to paint with a pretty broad brush.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
I never said ethically challenged. I never gave you any disrespect. All i and toto said was that Dever's being an environmental consultant has little to do with enacting environmentally conscious policy. I did not "impune" your professional capability. I got called names immediately for simply stating that being in the environmental consulting field does not necessarily equate to being interested in enacting environmentally conscious policy. After all, it is a business.
tony88 (anonymous) says…
It is i who was rejecting generalizations. That is, the generalization that environmental consulting firms are interested in pushing environmentally conscious policy(growth policy, etc.).
Andini (anonymous) says…
I think some of the posters in this forum need a timeout.
Good Luck Mike.
You've got my vote.
A former co-worker from back in the day.
Rationalanimal (anonymous) says…
My point was not to give M. Dever any unnecessary guff. I don't know the guy, personally he probably is the world's best dad, husband and boss. But, what I am saying is that Lawrence has had a gutful of the downtown being the prime meridian of the world, or epicenter of the universe. The myth that the universe revolves around the earth was dispelled a long time ago. The current fab-5 have dangled a lux library to the tune of a 100 million or more, done all but put up "Trespassers will be shot" signs for new businesses, and along the same token consistently come to the golden goose (taxpayers) whenever there is a revenue shortage (which by the way has been alarming since this commission has depleted the millions in rainy day funds built up over decades). So, with all that said, I mean no disrespect or malice towards M. Dever. But, Lawrence needs real leadership, new ideas rather than "I'm going to take a poll" to see what Lawrencians think. That's what I'd like to see in someone we elect to lead the community forward in what should be the same prosperous growth Johnson County, and, heck, even Eudora, are experiencing.
justthefacts (anonymous) says…
Those who are upset or unhappy with how things are going in any political realm should do more about it. Posting diatribes on-line (repeatedly venting) doesn't do a lot of good. If you can't or won't run for office yourself, at least help someone of whom you approve get elected. At the very least, find out FACTS and share them with others. The attack and slash method of communicating so often used (especially by anonymous bullies) really doesn't help anyone to improve their lives, let alone improve their communities! I hope to see a lot of good and new candidates running for city office. It's nice to have choices.
Rationalanimal (anonymous) says…
I look forward to and hope facts, vision and leadership will be forthcoming. Secondly, I applaud M.Dever for wanting to serve our community. That doesn't necessarily mean I share his vision and will vote for him.
SB1 (anonymous) says…
One Chamber Boy identified, two more to come. Stay tuned.
bearded_gnome (anonymous) says…
"its a beautiful day in the neighborhood."
wow...marion apologized.
***
if Mr. Dever
1) is not a treehugger;
2) is not supported by the PLC;
3) is opposed by the Bozo_on_the_wrong_bus;
4) operates his own business based in Lawrence and KC.
then, I'm happy to vote for him.