OK, so,

someone didn’t like my post. Wah. It is probably very uncivil of me to dare to say that. Once again - Wahhh.

Honestly, I took no offense at someone criticizing what I wrote. I did take offense at the implication that my post was in any way negative to David, better known as Grand Tzar of the GreaterFalls Media Empire. And I didn’t really take offense at the way the Mayor responded. It just plain pissed me off. I have carefully not responded to any of the resultant posts. I will only discuss it here, on my blog, that the Mayor used to visit, back when she was not the one being held accountable…

You can call me rude, or uncivil, lacking respect, and anonymous and I will say I have been here for years now. I am not a crack pot, I rarely drop in and leave a lousy comment, and if I do, you know where you can leave your own. I will always discuss an issue if you wish. Aaron and I once had a rather heated discussion about the genetic charicteristics of species of whitefish. (I was right.)

So, with that being said, I am offering to the public some words. They are good words, meaningful words, and there is an election coming up, so I figure someone may want some strong, passionate words that can inspire the citizens to get out there and VOTE! (for them). I tried to put them on Ebay, but they don’t have a category for words.

  
General feel good soundbites.
It is my belief that our elected officials have forgotten where the true power lies. It is not really theirs - it belongs to all of us, and is only theirs on loan. Government derives its’ power from the consent of the governed.

If I am elected, I will belong to no one but the people of Great Falls. And I will serve them - ALL of them to the best of my ability. (editors note: ALL of them, as long as I know who they are.)

I do think the city has a responsibility to promote events like this, but the City’s responsibility to the taxpayers MUST take precedence. Let’s hope everyone learned to PAY ATTENTION!

by being here tonight, you all honor the democratic process; government derives its power from those who are governed; it’s your power to give, your power to take away; you elect people to represent you, not rule you; earlier, I asked where’s the fiscal responsibility, which is the hallmark of strong government; you will find the answers in the voting booth on November 8th. (typed & posted by david)

I was not a part of the Commission at that time, and it was not MY promise to keep, but a promise is a promise, and I believe in keeping my word, even if it is an “inherited” word. Thus my decision. (editors note: I absolutely support this decision)

On alternative media.
I believe that the weblogs have played a part in this election, and will continue to grow as an influential part of public participation. (editors note: but don’t read them, those people are mean.)

I will continue to post on various blogs - I enjoy the “alternative” print media here and the informed give and take I have found. (editors note: see above.)

To those who supported my candidacy, thank you all. I will do my best to represent you fairly. You know that I will listen and answer your questions. (editors note: as long as I know who you are.)                                             
 Here are some more, just because.
David, my question to Mayor Gray was never answered to my saisfaction. The second part if you recall was,”What will you do if the Northwestern deal falls through?” He failed to address that at all. We are already into it for over $100,000, with another $100,000 pending for the “Guarantee” to NW.
That’s a lot of money already! (editors note: yep, now start adding a 0. that’s really a lot of money!)

When an enterprise fund from the Water Department is set aside for IT in the amount of $1500, and only $900 of it is used for IT services, where does the rest of the money go? It should go back to the point of origin, right? Well, it goes into the General Fund instead, where it is used to fund other services.
Just one example of the fiscal slack that needs to be taken up…I could go on, and will, but I’m out of time for this morning. (editors note: how much fiscal slack is left now?)

$100,000 here, and $100,000 there - and pretty soon they have frittered away $535,000 (that they admit to)on a failed event… (editors note: fritter away millions on a failing event? that could never happen!)

I made the comment in the context of Mr. Lawton’s extreme focus on the energy deals to the neglect of basic housekeeping issues within the city. (editors note: ahh, yes.)

So what the hell changed? Why are Geeguys multiple offers to create a civil, respectful forum, with moderated comments if needed, simply ignored?

Where is the fiscal responsibility?

Where is the focus on basic housekeeping issues?

Where is the responsibility to all the taxpayers?

Where is the respect for a intelligent, informed public, which wishes to participate? A public that takes time to research issues, and has actual knowledge of what they discuss?

These are my words. They are no weaker for you not knowing my name. My vote is still counted, even though my name is not on the ballot. My taxes still pay for police and fire, and they don’t need my name to answer a call.

These are my words. Own your own. 

7 May 2008 | Life | Comments