Letters to the Editor
T blackmail
October 5, 2008
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To the editor:
Recent comments (Timothy G. Riling, Oct. 2) are exactly right to point out that opposition to taxes for the T is not the equivalent of opposition to public transportation. Of course Lawrence needs public transportation but the proposal to fund it with two sales taxes is simply blackmail. We are asked to hold our noses and vote "for public transportation."
Public transportation should be part of a city's budget, not paid for by regressive taxes on those who can least afford it. But such a scheme is what we should have expected from a City Commission that refuses to understand basic concepts such as sprawl and blight and holds the maximizing of developer investment as its highest value.
Having such a City Commission is bad enough, but far worse is that the so-called Grass Roots Action group behaves like a bunch of political hobbyists hopping in and out of whatever issue of the moment grabs its attention. Instead of working all along for good government and a sustainable majority of common sense on the commission, it sees a crisis to get excited about and is pleased to become just another tool of bad government.
Wally Emerson,
Lawrence
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5 October 2008
at 12:36 a.m.
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lawrenceguy40 (Anonymous) says…
Wally's correct! There is also no guarantee that your tax dollars will be spent on the empT.
Vote No!
5 October 2008
at 1:03 a.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
The most sensible decision would have been to reinstate the 3 mils originally dedicated to The T. It could still be done if only the City Commisson would see fit.
Campaign to Save the T
http://www.lawrence.com/events/2008/s…
The League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County is urging everyone to vote 'Yes' for the Lawrence Transit System (the “T”), and will hold a forum on public transit in LawrenceForum on Public Transit the “T”
7:00 9:00 PM
Wednesday, October 8th
Plymouth Congregational Church
5 October 2008
at 1:11 a.m.
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toe (Anonymous) says…
The League of Women Taxers has never seen a tax they did not like and support. The tax will pass because this town has more tax dependent people than tax payers. It is funny that you cannot find a sidewalk to a T stop by the Holidome, but you sure can get the T. Lawrence is best defined as a town of fierce battles with little to show for it.
5 October 2008
at 5:26 a.m.
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Informed (Anonymous) says…
Vote 'NO'
Vote early.
Vote often.
5 October 2008
at 8:53 a.m.
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Ragingbear (Anonymous) says…
Vote Recall.
5 October 2008
at 9:10 a.m.
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canyon_wren (Anonymous) says…
Well, I should have read this letter before the one above it. I agree that there ought to be a better way for the City to provide this, but doesn't a “better way” still mean that funding will ultimately be passed on to residents? Not being a Lawrence resident in recent years, but having been closely involved in my own local city government, I would appreciate clarification on the alternatives available that would make public transportation still possible for Lawrence.
5 October 2008
at 9:21 a.m.
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xbusguy (Anonymous) says…
Given the state of our economy, sales tax revenues will not meet projections….. Then what???
5 October 2008
at 10:01 a.m.
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SettingTheRecordStraight (Anonymous) says…
Get informed. Vote NO.
5 October 2008
at 10:44 a.m.
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skinny (Anonymous) says…
Vote NO!
5 October 2008
at 10:47 a.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
No on 1,2 and 3.
5 October 2008
at 11:42 a.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
As far as I know the League of Women Voters has a record of not supporting sales taxes. This may well be the exception or at least among the exceptions.
The first two paragraphs are right on the money.
The T has been on the Chamber of Commerce hit list and the sales tax is how they suggest eliminating the T. During a recent Chamber conference a list was offered of suggested items, to attendees, that Lawrence,Kansas could live without. I was stunned to see the T at the top of list. Most chambers support public transportation because they are an accepted means of transportation plus they bring federal and state tax dollars back to town in addition to other sources of federal money. Everything I've read states that public trnsportation plays an important role in economic growth.
The city of lawrence commissioners refused to fund new money for public transportation which means it is dead if the sales tax fails.
KU on wheels will not become the city of Lawrence bus service. A fair number of USD 497 students use the T also.
Some folks may lose their jobs and life could become more difficult for seniors and a variety of students.
The issue has become evermore confusing to voters because the city chose to split the vote into two items instead of one. Supporting only one of the items still kills public transportation for Lawrence,Kansas.
The bottom line…. public transportation should be a general budget item now and forever.
5 October 2008
at 12:28 p.m.
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monkeyhawk (Anonymous) says…
“The issue has become evermore confusing to voters because the city chose to split the vote into two items instead of one.”
There is no confusion, we can read.
merrill, do you ride the bus?
5 October 2008
at 1:06 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
“Everything I've read states that public trnsportation plays an important role in economic growth.”
And what have you been reading, merrill?
First, lots of people confuse correlation with causation. A town that doubles its population will show signs of economic growth, and may along the way put in a bus system. But that doesn't mean the bus system was responsible for economic growth.
Second, public transportaion may contribute to growth if it a) provides a mean for expansion and b) carries people from where they live (in the expanded outlying areas) to where businesses need employees (preferably on a schedule that's convenient to a work schedule). The mT does neither of these things. (And we all know where you stand on the issue of expansion, or 'sprawl,' merrill.)
Third, how much of what you read had to do with funding public transportation with a sales tax? How many people (like me) live outside Lawrence, or, more specifically, halfway between Lawrence and someplace else? If we start doing our shopping in that someplace else, merrill, how is that going to affect Lawrence's economic growth?
We've seen what you've been reading, merrill, you've bored us all to tears with your spammed links to endless pro-mass transit websites. Stop reading, merrill, and try something new - try thinking.
5 October 2008
at 1:28 p.m.
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foodboy (Anonymous) says…
From the LTE: ” but far worse is that the so-called Grass Roots Action group behaves like a bunch of political hobbyists hopping in and out of whatever issue of the moment grabs its attention.”
This is from the leader of a similar political group that fell apart after some success because of a lack of focus and leadership. Could it be sour grapes? I thought citizen action and involvement was a good thing. Wally evidently wants to keep it in the hands of professionals and big money folks.
5 October 2008
at 1:30 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
Andrew Stahmer;
You forgot the biggest fantasy of all - that giving the city more money for a poorly designed, poorly operated, and poorly managed bus system will encourage them to make changes necessary for it to work, instead of reinforcing the status quo.
5 October 2008
at 1:31 p.m.
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sjschlag (Anonymous) says…
Wally-
Thanks for writing this. I think this letter explains my sentiments about our current commission. I have never been pleased with the way they run this city. I'm voting new commissioners in that will ensure that our city services are well funded, and not just through taxpayer dollars.
Anyone wonder why the city commission hasn't raised the parking fine downtown? Want to increase ridership on the bus? charge for parking downtown! Use that money to help out the bus system. Use increased revenue from parking fines to pay for the bus system. Put some advertisements on the bus. Wrap a bus like they do in Kansas City, Johnson County, etc. The revenues might not be enough to cover all of the costs of running the bus system, but every little bit helps.
5 October 2008
at 1:49 p.m.
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bndairdundat (Anonymous) says…
Andrew, you left out the black helicopters!
5 October 2008
at 2:10 p.m.
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sunshine_noise (Anonymous) says…
The way I understood it is the first tax is supposed to be used to help fund the merge of the T and KU buses and the second tax is supposed to be used to fund this merge. Why can't KU pay for this merger and fund the buses since the buses will mainly be used to transport college students around for the most part? I vote NO becuase of this reason. In years up the road those taxes will shimmy their way into someother funding as well. That's the way it always works. I really believe there is another way to do this without raising the tax base.
5 October 2008
at 2:26 p.m.
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Jaylee (Anonymous) says…
well put sunshine
5 October 2008
at 2:49 p.m.
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laphroaig (Anonymous) says…
Sunshine, the tax is aimed at keeping the T service alive. A merger with KU would not likely mean one system funded by the two entities, but two systems working in cooperation with each other in order to provide better service at a lower cost to both parties. But KU has little incentive to fund the merger and take over the T service, as their current service is adequately funded and serves the needs of the students. Moreover, KU's routes are designed to service student populated areas while the T is designed (however poorly) to serve the community as a whole. So while a merger would likely increase student usage of the T, it would be marginal as KUOW already takes the needs of that population into account.
5 October 2008
at 2:56 p.m.
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Donnuts (Anonymous) says…
” I know you think… (because somebody told me what you think, not that I would actually find out from you)… but I am more educated than you. So…”
Well, go measure something with your eye to match what would fit this bolt, honey.
I want you to recite more Bible verses to me and call it an education.
Legal…
5 October 2008
at 5:36 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
Why should a sales tax be helped to merge the KU system. Those students are already riding the T for free. How much money has KU contributed?
The old slogan “and leave the driving to us” Well, do you still want the city manager as the driver and city commissioners back seating the bus system?
This must be voted NO.
AND I understand today, sunday, the the Drop In Center now has a van.
My god, every agency in town has a van.
Why can't the city have four vans just “shoot the square” and pick up folks. This bus system must go!
Dial A Ride system should be implemented. It works the same as Para Transit but is not exclusive.
That is the problem now in Lawrence. Everything must be exclusive to some part of the population.
This town is working in dumb mode.
5 October 2008
at 9:06 p.m.
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JHOK32 (Anonymous) says…
I agree with Mr. Riling 100%. I think public transit is a good thing, however, can't we downsize these enormous buses that probably get about 8 MPG and have 1 or 2 riders at a time? The system in place is ridiculous. It would be cheaper to pay for private limosine service for each rider!
5 October 2008
at 10:07 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
The system has to be killed at the polls. But TOE is correct about League of Women voters. They are just another neighborhood group , of the same ilk and status. Never contributed anything worth to the community except a bunch of professional meeting goers.
I hope Mr. Riling can get every lawyer in town except Finkeldei and Watkins, and get the legal profession to vote against the sales tax.
I bet if legal fees were to be taxed, it would get killed fast.
I am with Riling about public transportion, but there is nothing public about this except the funding!
Vote NO on all three issues. We are supposed to have a city manager, five commissioners of expertise and now a city auditor (where is that dude anyway, someone wake him up and get him off Funksfrontporch). with all of this expertise, the best they can do at 6 E. 6th is sales tax.
How much is the land worth for every parking lot and curbside parking downtown? Anyone have an idea?
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and not producing much revenue for the value!.
6 October 2008
at 9:06 a.m.
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none2 (Anonymous) says…
To quote Merrill:
“The bottom line:. public transportation should be a general budget item now and forever.”
This is the reality of the pro-T side, they want you, your children, and your children's children, etc to pay for their pet project “forever”.
Can you see how sick that mindset is? What if we had a MAJOR increase in fuels, and a massive depression on the value of property, and a mass exodus out of this area in search of better job opportunities? They would still want you to pay the additional mill levy to keep their precious T operational. Contrary to their distorted views of reality, a mill levy IS A TAX on ALL property owners. They would have you think that a sales tax is really a tax, but a mill levy on your property is not. How silly can you get?
The T as it stands now is a failure, they want to perpetuate that failure forever more. Make these people come back to reality.
6 October 2008
at 9:16 a.m.
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ksdivakat (Anonymous) says…
Wally Emerson for mayor!!!!!!
6 October 2008
at 11:24 a.m.
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texburgh (Anonymous) says…
Foodboy says, “Wally evidently wants to keep it in the hands of professionals and big money folks.”
Sadly, Lawrence politics NOW IS in the hands of “professionals and big money folks.” This is exactly why we now have a city commission that wants to do away with public transportation. This is why we have a sprawl mart being built by the high school. And further evidence is the blooming of Scott Morgan yard signs in front of every real estate office, development project, and apartment complex. Lawrence is now owned by developers and real estate companies. Their money is the biggest influence on local politics. And their candidates now consider a regressive tax instead of sharing the cost. What a surprise!
We have the best city commission the big money people can buy.
6 October 2008
at 11:35 a.m.
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sjschlag (Anonymous) says…
“Can you see how sick that mindset is? What if we had a MAJOR increase in fuels, and a massive depression on the value of property, and a mass exodus out of this area in search of better job opportunities?”
My guess is you all would start riding the T if this happened, atleast those who stayed. And as far as a mass exodus- probably won't be so massive with a PUBLIC university here. People will stay, because those jobs won't go away.
6 October 2008
at 11:58 a.m.
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Informed (Anonymous) says…
Still planning to
Vote 'NO'
Vote early.
Vote often.
6 October 2008
at 12:22 p.m.
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none2 (Anonymous) says…
sjschlag (Anonymous) says:
“”Can you see how sick that mindset is? What if we had a MAJOR increase in fuels, and a massive depression on the value of property, and a mass exodus out of this area in search of better job opportunities?”
My guess is you all would start riding the T if this happened, atleast those who stayed. And as far as a mass exodus- probably won't be so massive with a PUBLIC university here. People will stay, because those jobs won't go away.”
–––––––––––––––—
Sure, right, Yea. We would all ride the T to go work at all the wonderful jobs that are provided here in Lawrence.
As for KU, much of its funding comes from the state. There is no guarantee, that in such an economic turn down the state would still fund KU at the same levels.
Lawrence need to stand up and become a productive city instead of relying on wet nurses for its nourishment and public wheels for its legs. Time to grow up.
6 October 2008
at 12:33 p.m.
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Windlass (Anonymous) says…
Let's all play a zero-sum game! Here's the idea - for everything needed by the bus riders that the wealthy elite takes away, let's take something of theirs (that they don't even need). I'm talking about PACs - political action campaign contributions.
2008 list, folks, of this egregious waste of money:
Senator Pat Roberts $655,796.00
Senator Sam Brownback $398,410.00
Congresswoman Nancy Boyda $710,761.00
Congressman Dennis Moore $2,240.158.00
Congressman Jerry Moran $970,213.00
Congressman Todd Tiahrt $1,105,585
but, but, but….we can't see fit to get people to where they need to go. Get rid of the T then. Because I can't wait for all the bitc**** to stop.
6 October 2008
at 12:36 p.m.
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Informed (Anonymous) says…
Yo, Windlass, what the freak is your point?
If a PAC contributes to someone, it's their (the PAC's) money to spend. It has no bearing whatsoever on the T.
6 October 2008
at 12:42 p.m.
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none2 (Anonymous) says…
texburgh (Anonymous) says:
“Foodboy says, “Wally evidently wants to keep it in the hands of professionals and big money folks.”
Sadly, Lawrence politics NOW IS in the hands of “professionals and big money folks.” This is exactly why we now have a city commission that wants to do away with public transportation. This is why we have a sprawl mart being built by the high school. And further evidence is the blooming of Scott Morgan yard signs in front of every real estate office, development project, and apartment complex. Lawrence is now owned by developers and real estate companies. Their money is the biggest influence on local politics. And their candidates now consider a regressive tax instead of sharing the cost. What a surprise!
We have the best city commission the big money people can buy.”
–––––––––––––
Another conspiracy theorists? I'd hate to see what publications you read. Big, bad, rich, old, white men are out to get you. Boogy man wants to keep you oppressed! Sounds like something out of the National Inquirer. You must have been one of the supporters of the Patriots act since you think others are out to destroy Lawrence.
As to the city commission, they were duly elected by the residence of Lawrence. If you think that the election was fraudulent, then you need to write your federal congressional representative, your senators and give them your proof.
In the mean time, be thankful you live in a country that gives its citizens the RIGHT to vote — including on your precious, poorly planned, poorly executed, exclusive, big bus T. As to sharing the cost, it isn't “shared”, it's hijacked by those that want to put their hands down everybody's pants so they can rob your wallet.
6 October 2008
at 12:48 p.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
Perhaps there are better ways to fund public transit than these sales taxes. I'm all for finding the best ways to do it.
But this city commission isn't giving us that option. We have two options, pass the sales tax issues, or public transit will cease to operate. All funding in the current budget is allocated for other purposes, and that budget, by law, can't be changed.
So while there are many on this board who for various ideological reasons and antisocial tendencies want public transit killed, I believe most voters in this town want it to continue. And for them, it's important that they understand that a “no” vote will mean that public transit will cease to operate in Lawrence for at least a year, and probably much longer.
Come April, a new commission can, and I think should, find better methods of funding public transit than these sales taxes, which they can eliminate if they choose.
In the meantime, vote “yes” on issues 2 and 3.
6 October 2008
at 1:35 p.m.
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none2 (Anonymous) says…
Windlass (Anonymous) says:
“Let's all play a zero-sum game! Here's the idea - for everything needed by the bus riders that the wealthy elite takes away, let's take something of theirs (that they don't even need). I'm talking about PACs - political action campaign contributions…”
––––––––––––-
PAC has nothing to do with the T, and I couldn't care less about it. Where you are coming from is beyond any of us.
You also seem to have another conspiracy theory. Yep, anybody who doesn't support the T is a wealthy elite person. They are ALL out to destroy the American way.
What a joke! What about all the average property tax payers and renters who get passed on the mill levy for your precious T? Of course, since they don't think need it, don't want it, don't use it, don't see it used much, they are “bad” people. Perhaps you would like to put a gentler, kinder term than wealthy elitist. Perhaps one that sounds like they were led astray by the media, but hopefully will come to their senses one day (or more correctly come around to being another clone mentality for the pro-T side).
6 October 2008
at 1:41 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
Bozo, most of the voters in town may want to keep the T. BUT most of the residents don't. You see, there aren't that many voters when it comes down to voting. Most people really don't care. The really don't. BUT they will when the start buying stuff and paying utlitiy bills and whatever, and notice an increase in their costs. Someone is going to get less in the end and it may as well start with the city now. VOTE NO.
6 October 2008
at 2:15 p.m.
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Windlass (Anonymous) says…
1 is a tax to replace fire trucks. Some of you are posting vote NO on 1, 2, & 3. Vote YES on 1, 2, & 3. Riders do not need the big Metro buses, I agree. Use the small buses.
6 October 2008
at 2:18 p.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
Well, Hawk, neither you nor I actually speaks for either “voters” or “residents,” and we'll just have to wait for the election to find out what “they” think.
But they need to be informed about what the vote means. A “no” vote means there will be no public transit system, likely for well over a year, at least— I doubt that there will be enough funding left in the pipeline to run it past the first of the year, if that long, and re-establishing it before the end of 2009 would be very unlikely.
A “yes” vote means that it not only survives, but will finally receive somewhat adequate funding, and a merger with the KU system will mean that we'll have a much more useable and comprehensive system. And while the sales taxes have a 10-year sunset clause, a new commission can find a different way to fund it, and repeal that sales tax in favor of those other funding sources.
6 October 2008
at 2:21 p.m.
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Windlass (Anonymous) says…
Lawrence is best defined as a town of fierce battles with little to show for it.
––––––––––––––––––––
I beg your pardon! Lawrence rocks! I Iuff this edgy little town.
6 October 2008
at 2:21 p.m.
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none2 (Anonymous) says…
Imagine the city decided that residents were entitled to cheap pork every Friday to help meet the nutritional needs of the workers, the elderly, the handicap, the children, and anybody else in town.
Disregarding the argument of whether government should be out trying to feed its residents, what about these conditions?
Such a proposal obviously isn't taking into consideration vegans, Jews, Muslims, and Catholics under such a plan. Would they be considered anti-social, elitists if they didn't agree to a mill levy to such a proposal?
The same situation holds true for the T. It was designed by the few, for the few, at the expense of all. It's time to stop the pork.
6 October 2008
at 2:32 p.m.
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Windlass (Anonymous) says…
My point is this imbalance in what stays and what goes. Zero-sum should have been a clue.
How big and bad we must be if we kick the guy who's already down.
6 October 2008
at 2:45 p.m.
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Windlass (Anonymous) says…
Most folks are poor. There really are two choices, none2. A person can not work and always be poor, or, a person can work and always be poor.
6 October 2008
at 2:46 p.m.
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northtown (Anonymous) says…
Vote NO to all new taxes!!!!!!!!!!!
6 October 2008
at 2:59 p.m.
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Windlass (Anonymous) says…
Rainy Night In Georgia
Hovering by my suitcase
Trying to find a warm place
To spend the night
Heavy rains are falling
Seems I hear your voice calling
Alright
A rainy night in georgia
A rainy night in georgia
I believe that it's raining all over the world
I feel that it's raining all over the world
Neon signs are flashing
Taxis, cabs and buses passing
Through the night
A distant moment of the train
Seems to play a sad refrain
To the night
A rainy night in Georgia
Such a rainy night in Georgia
I believe that it's raining all over the world
I feel like it's raining all over the world
How many times I've wondered
It still comes out the same
No matter how you look at it often
It's life and we've just got to play the game
I shake the rain from my sweater
take out your letters to pass some time
late at night when its hard to rest
i hold your pictures to my breast
and I feel fine, fine
It's a rainy night in Georgia
Such a rainy night in Georgia
I feel that it's raining all over the world
Lord I feel like it's raining all over the world
6 October 2008
at 3:20 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
Bozo, please present me with the facts from the city that say that the T will be discontinued if both sales tax issues fail. While you are at it, see if you can get the J/W to interview each and everyone of the city commissoners and the city manager and have them answer one question.
1. If both sales tax issues fail, will the T be discontinued and the buses garaged and not running.
That shouldn't be so hard.
Vote NO and for that person who wants to throw up, get your baggie and go at it.
Interview each commissioner and ask the question.
Question again: Will the T stop running and the buses drydocked if the sales tax issues fail?
Amyx: Yes or No
Hack: Yes or No
Boog: Yes or No
Dever: Yes or No
Chestnut: Yes or No
Corliss: Yes or No
Give us the facts, and what happened to :”just the facts please” when we him/her/it
Where is the story that says the T will STOP running if the sales tax fails? Where is it?
6 October 2008
at 3:26 p.m.
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Windlass (Anonymous) says…
It never killed me to do anything hard.
6 October 2008
at 3:34 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
Windlass, you mean you “havn't been killed yet by doing anything hard” ?
Then VOTE NO and it will be easy and painless and you won't die. It if is hard to VOTE NO, still vote no and you won't be killed, as you say.
Vote NO
For that person who wants to throw up when they see Vote NO ,vote Often, etc, get your baggie out and go at it.
6 October 2008
at 3:35 p.m.
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Windlass (Anonymous) says…
Pussies
6 October 2008
at 3:37 p.m.
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Windlass (Anonymous) says…
You're so funny, Hawk. You're just a riot.
6 October 2008
at 4:02 p.m.
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none2 (Anonymous) says…
Windlass (Anonymous) says:
“My point is this imbalance in what stays and what goes. Zero-sum should have been a clue.
How big and bad we must be if we kick the guy who's already down.”
–––––––––––––––––-
Oh, I see your point, if we support the T, then the little guy who is already down won't be kicked as everybody will be on the bus and the police can monitor kicking while they are on the bus too.
Rather, we will just run over the little guy who is to stupid to admit that the T is the only way to go. Running him over with the big T behmouth is quick and painless which is more humane.
6 October 2008
at 4:20 p.m.
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monkeyhawk (Anonymous) says…
“A “yes” vote means that it not only survives, but will finally receive somewhat adequate funding”
Sounds like you are poised to stick your hand out for even more funding if it passes. No matter what funding it “might” receive, it won't be enough to satisfy you, right?
…” and a merger with the KU system will mean that we'll have a much more usable and comprehensive system.”
How can you make such a definitive remark? You have no idea, along with the rest of us. According to our beloved hometown newspaper, there are no details. Unless, of course, you are privy to inside info. If so, cough it up. Tell us exactly how it will be more usable and comprehensive.
How often do you ride the bus, boozo? Do you ever see merrill on it?
6 October 2008
at 4:58 p.m.
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KsTwister (Anonymous) says…
Great LTE Wally. “No” it is.
6 October 2008
at 5:12 p.m.
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Informed (Anonymous) says…
Vote 'NO'
Vote early.
Vote often.
6 October 2008
at 5:35 p.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
“Sounds like you are poised to stick your hand out for even more funding if it passes.”
I won't see a dime of any of that money.
“How often do you ride the bus,”
As often as I need to, not as often as I would if it were a more adequate system.
6 October 2008
at 5:51 p.m.
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monkeyhawk (Anonymous) says…
“As often as I need to”
Just like 99% of us.
6 October 2008
at 7:54 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
none2, ARe the jews and muslims and catholics in town in favor of the sales tax issues for the bus? I havn't seen any ads from them? I must have missed something.
And get that baggie back out ant throw up. Vote NO, vote early and vote often but by all means,
VOTE NO..
save money on pet food, tires, batteries, BEER, dog food, lobsters, oysters, steak, chuck roast, potato chips, motor oil, shampoo, automobile repairs, carpet clothing, computer parts, computers, photocopying, furniture, toilet paper, light bulbs, BEER, drapes, especially at Jane Bateman's, home decorative crap , like from Wins,restaurant meals, fast food, TVs, trash bags, bath soap, hand lotion, bath towels, washcloths, cell phone bill, landline phone bill, electric bill, gas bill (wait until it is $200 and pay more sales tax!) BEER, carpet, window repairs at local glass companies(see who is in favor at those places), picture framing, BEER.
And you still want to vote yes? You have to be joking of course.
VOTE NO on all three issues.
6 October 2008
at 8:18 p.m.
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XEPCT (Anonymous) says…
I'm voting yes, my friends and family are too, because I use the bus. I'm sure I've convinced more people to vote for the bus by talking to them than hawkperched has ever convinced with his hours logged sitting at the computer making keystrokes arguing against the bus. But, who knows maybe life is more interesting being “perched.”
6 October 2008
at 8:43 p.m.
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deskboy04 (Anonymous) says…
I don't use the bus…I guess that I should vote no.
6 October 2008
at 9:01 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
XEPCT , since you use the bus, would you mind paying $1.50 a ride to ride it? After all, folks paid 25 cents forty years ago, $2.00 each way shouldnt be too much 40years later. I am sure that your friends and family all have sufficient money to buy cigarettes, bottled water , whatever.
XEPCT, life is interesting being “perched” and often to take off from the perch to see the real world outside of Lawrence.
Lawrence is a social welfare community and is an experiment in Xylophone Euphonics Proudly Creating Tragedy aka XEPCT, and the bus is a tragedy happening and will be greater if the sales tax passes. It still will not have enough money. It is an experiment in transportation being done by poor researchers always looking for more money.
A NO Vote is what is needed to put the commission back into reality. XEPCT, do your friends and family ride the bus? How much are they paying? Are they willing to pay more to ride the bus or are they the recipients of free bus passes and discounted fares? How much do you actually spend a year to ride the t, xepct? That should be a fair question since you believe that the whole town should subsidize your bus ride.
Maybe you should become “perched” and ponder the economics of the system you call a bus.
6 October 2008
at 9:34 p.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
“not as often as I would if it were a more adequate system.”
Combine all those like me with all of those who are willing to spend a few nickels a day to help our city and all their fellow citizens, and I'm predicting that will total more than 50% of us.
6 October 2008
at 9:49 p.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
This City Commission hates developers just like the last guys.
6 October 2008
at 10:45 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says:
“A “yes” vote means that it not only survives, but will finally receive somewhat adequate funding, and a merger with the KU system will mean that we'll have a much more useable and comprehensive system.”
Yeah.
For the students.
For the rest of you? Not so much.
“And while the sales taxes have a 10-year sunset clause, a new commission can find a different way to fund it, and repeal that sales tax in favor of those other funding sources.”
They've had eight years already this time, boohoozo.
How they doin' so far?
6 October 2008
at 10:47 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
And yet one more time I'm amused by the fact that boohoozo, of all people, is one of the most outspoken advocates of giving money to the government with no strings attached and trusting they'll do something smart with it.
6 October 2008
at 11:25 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
Have you trusted our commissioners and city manager thus far? If you have , then you will trust Ross Perot. Maybe we could sell our bus system to Warren Buffett. He likes to buy businesses when they are at rock bottom and turn them around. He can buy the T and turn it around to Omaha and keep it there.
7 October 2008
at 7:06 a.m.
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monkeyhawk (Anonymous) says…
“Combine all those like me with all of those who are willing to spend a few nickels a day to help our city and all their fellow citizens, and I'm predicting that will total more than 50% of us.”
Just a few nickles and, voila!, we will see a 49% increase? That is a staggering figure. Did you get that from “get outta town” Galante?
Where do my nickles already go to help my city and my fellow citizens?
Fire, police, mental health, health care, teachers, schools, streets, sidewalks, trails, sprinklers for private downtown businesses, flowers, parks, cemeteries, food stamps, welfare, free bus rides, homeless shelters (for people and critters), sewers, city hall staff, city commission and manger salaries, social programs, big legal fees to fight businesses that want to pay taxes, and on and on. These are the costs for living in this paradise. Now that times are tough for everyone, we have a choice if we want want to continue to throw huge money into a failed system utilized by (generously) 1% of the population.
All the while, the sales tax hinges on a mysterious merger, with no details available to the voting public. Anyone who would be willing to vote for this ambiguous, burdensome (except for those who ride, of course) behemoth, should be working in Washington.
7 October 2008
at 8:09 a.m.
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toe (Anonymous) says…
A no vote is a good vote. Our city government has used money foolishly for many years, just like the school board. Each time they get in a bind, they both run to the taxpayers with hand out for more money crying they just can't do all the good they can do with the small amount they already have. Well, the voters of Lawrence fall for that every time because the majority of voters work for a government entity. Vote no, but this shake down will pass anyway. There is no hope for responsible government in Lawrence. The only protest vote you have is with your purchases. Just buy less. The local businesses will start to pressure the city to cool it on the taxes.
7 October 2008
at 8:15 a.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
You'd have been right at home in London, say early to mid-nineteenth century, monkeyhawk.
7 October 2008
at 9:05 p.m.
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swan_diver (Anonymous) says…
Blackmail is right, Mr. Emerson. Thanks mightily for saying so. The sales taxes on the November ballot are pure, unabashed, shameless extortion of the people of Lawrence - and the pathetic response of the Grass-rooters plays right into their hands, and those of the business, banking and real estate interests who are the only constituents of this damnable Lawrence City Commission.
Of course their hearts are in the right place. But their minds, experience and character are wholly inadequate on this playing field. America is in a deep crises, from the White House to the out-house, because we're bereft of leaders willing to make a serious stand against the real 'terrorists' amongst us - like our local clowns.
Grass Roots is a part of the problem, and not the solution, in that as Mr. Emerson says, they're “just another tool of bad government.” They should have condemned the duplicitous maneuver of the city commission when it was proposed last summer, instead of legitimizing it, by playing this losing game they're engaged in right now.
7 October 2008
at 10:10 p.m.
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WWoftheW (Anonymous) says…
Swan;
Read the minutes of city commission meetings. Grassroot fought this city commission for two years and did condemn the city. Grassroots showed the numbers that proved sales taxes are regressive last year and again this year. Grassroots, as stated earlier in these blogs, realised that only a running bus system can be improved. The cost to start up again is prohibitive at best. Grassroots never have legitimised this present practice and always state that they do not support sales taxes, but at this point this city has given us no other opportunity.
Ask Grassroots what they hope will happen if the sales tax does pass?
I hope a new city commission will repeal the sales tax and make very needed changes.
What I have read over and over again the T should be killed and started over with better routes, and smaller busses and so forth.
Well you can vote and push for those changes,becuase if Grassroots succeeds you'd have your chance to make sure changes to the T happen. No changes can happen to a dead T.