Archive for May, 2007
Thursday, May 31st, 2007
The Argus Press reported today that Margaret McAvoy has been on sick leave for several weeks and it is unknown when she will return. (She is rumored to be returning on June 4)
I heard about this some time ago, but I don't blog the personal business of county employees, ...
Posted in Shiawassee County | 1 Comment »
Thursday, May 31st, 2007
I was messing around on the Michigan Community Health Site -- because what else are you going to do at 7:00 in the morning? -- and I see that the infant death rate in Shiawassee has increased the last few years. The three year average in 2005 was 9.2, ...
Posted in Politics, Shiawassee County | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
Note: I haven't written on the budget compromise because it's a compromise based on lies and cowardice, and I can't find anything nice to say. It's silly to believe the Republican 'promise' to raise taxes later ... they're the ones who defunded our government in the first place. ...
Posted in Politics | 2 Comments »
Monday, May 28th, 2007
Dear Shiawassee Veterans,
I don't usually write about veterans, war, or military issues. I've smacked around commissioners, prosecutors, administrators, and all for good reasons, but never on your behalf.
It's not that you've been far from my mind. I've seen your funds get shifted to other departments. Departments that ...
Posted in Politics, Shiawassee County | 1 Comment »
Thursday, May 24th, 2007
So I've been meaning to write about this grievance that was filed by Seargent Harkness (Road Patrol), regarding a schedule change. The grievance went before the board last week. Apparently the Department changed some work schedules in violation of the union contract. Sgt Harkness was required to ...
Posted in Politics, Shiawassee County | 2 Comments »
Thursday, May 24th, 2007
I see that Owosso Public Schools cut about a dozen employees, to save about $1,212,965 for the 2007-2008 school year.
I'm guessing the savings to the school district isn't just a matter of salaries. Let's figure that 35% of that savings is in benefits. Where's that get ...
Posted in Politics, Shiawassee County | No Comments »
Thursday, May 24th, 2007
I wanted to take a few minutes this morning to throw out some thoughts on the difference between power and authority.
A few months ago Jack Johnson came to the local Democratic Party asking for support for his Oversight & Reform Committee. The committee would evaluate county activities ...
Posted in Politics, Shiawassee County | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007
Rant on.
Why are we still talking about this?
Raise taxes.
Create a service tax.
Raise the income tax.
Raise the sales tax.
Pick something and do it.
Senate Republicans have put so much effort and PR into their anti-tax jihad against Michigan and Democrats, that they won't be able to compromise and find a ...
Posted in Politics | 3 Comments »
Friday, May 18th, 2007
This post isn't for just anyone. This is for those of you who are afraid to pay taxes. This is for the 23% of you who think Michigan can weasel its way out of crisis without raising taxes.
State workers are looking at 20 mandatory layoff days per year. ...
Posted in Politics | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, May 9th, 2007
ABC News 12 has reported that the Corunna School Bond has failed 78%-22%. The bond would have provided $11 million for an 800 seat performing arts auditorium to be located on Corunna Ave.
Can't say that I'm surprised or disappointed by this. It's not that I didn't ...
Posted in Politics | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007
Just a note on a new blog, http://bloggingformichigan.com/.
Posted in Announcements | 6 Comments »