Mayor to Host Gardner Town Hall on Saturday, March 6
Posted on Mar. 5th, 2010
Posted by Media Release City of Gardner
Mayor Dave Drovetta
Mayor Drovetta invites you to an impromptu Town Hall meeting on Saturday, March 6th at 10 a.m. to discuss the upcoming appointment process to fill the two vacant seats on the Gardner City Council. The Town Hall meeting will be held at City Hall.
The Mayor will be able to answer questions and discuss the process. He will also be discussing the process for the first appointment due to the need to have a quorum to conduct the business at the next regular City Council meeting March 15th.
Your opinion is ultimately valued by the truth witwrote on 3/8/2010 3:16 pm
@Alisha Harding - Well spoken, one of the few pieces of good reading. Thanks
Alisha Hardingwrote on 3/8/2010 12:43 pm
Yes I am the PTO President and that fact has nothing to do with anything. I'm sure if you google my name enough you will find out that I grew up and Grandview and I am married and have 2 kids and a dog. I am the PTO president, have been for 2 years now, that does not mean that I cannot also have an opinion on what goes on in my city. That is what makes this country great I can be activly involved in my children's lives in and out of school and still be able to speak freely about my feelings in regards to city government. Any more questions about me can be directed to me directly instead of blasted on the GardnerEdge.
@Just saw the picture in the KC Starwrote on 3/7/2010 8:20 pm
Thanks for pointing out the picture in yesterday's KC Star. Wasn't Alisha Harding, who is pictured in the front page photograph, the PTO president at one of our elementary schools?
terrancewrote on 3/6/2010 3:13 pm
OJ was innocent, just like pary meters, john shepard and Dan. all of them were innocent...
Chuck Norriswrote on 3/6/2010 2:14 pm
If there is a defamation lawsuit, I would love to be called as a witness for the defense. I attended the meetings where Shepherd, Peters, and Thompson pulled the shenanigans that got two of them canned.
Sorry Blazer Fan, probably more wrote on 3/6/2010 12:32 pm
sensitive than I should be but perhaps if you have walked in my shoes for the past 5 years or more you would understand. Reprisal is not my game but standing up for what is right is one I have learned I have to be ready to do.
Blazer Fanwrote on 3/6/2010 12:16 pm
I love you. What else can I say without reprisal?
Blazer Fan, you are free to post on any wrote on 3/6/2010 12:13 pm
article but don't be telling other people what they should be doing or not doing with respect to articles or inferring that someone doesn't meet the litmus test because they have not been posting on non-political issues.
The kids in my family are loved to death and told that daily but they are also trained from birth what is acceptable behavior and what is not and the kids are held accountable and responsible for their actions. When the kids in my family hit kindergarten they are ready to learn but I bet Mrs. Furlong is probably still spending most of her time getting the kids in her class to the point of behaving in a manner to be ready to be taught. A whole year of learning is lessened because to me parents are not doing their jobs at home preparing their kids for school or teaching them the basics of acceptable and non-acceptable behavior. And, of course, some kids never do get the message and go on into life creating problems and costs for decent citizens who are meeting their responsbilities.
I just know through my experience if you start at birth with good parenting skills and you give your kids lots of love, you will have many less problems when those kids hit the teenage years and beyond, not guaranteed but I do believe it helps. But most of all those kids need to know right up front some things will not be tolerated within your household and to me the same needs to done in other areas of your life such as with your government entities and you better make sure you are fully informed and educated on the issues and that you vote and not be taken in by propaganda or rhetoric but you need to look for the truth which at times is difficult to determine but is always there if you take the time to find it. I want a whole bunch of strong minded, independent thinkers in my community for the best welfare of all citizens rather than those who just go along to get along.
Blazer Fanwrote on 3/6/2010 11:36 am
I love you. I do not disagree with anyone here, what I was hoping is that you could go to the articles about the kids and let them know you care...thats all. Just let them know you are watching, because believe it or not these kids check this stuff more than you will ever know. I am sorry you are wounded and I wish you peace.Again I love you, sincerely and that is the only opinion I have.
I have to wonder if you would have the same wrote on 3/6/2010 11:31 am
opionion if it was your good name that was being dragged thru the gutter. I set an example for the next generation and the young kids in our schools by saying DO NOT allow this wrongdoing to occur in your community, no matter where you will live in the U.S. or elsewhere in the free world. This recall and other things that have occurred in this community thru dirty rotten politics and evil should not be tolerated. By saying this recall is over and we can all just be friends is bull hockey - you once again are going along with the wrongdoing and not standing tall for what is right. There is no way in Sam Hill will I ever set the example to the generations behind me to say you should go along with something just to get along.
When they say it is not easy to be a Christian I again can identify with that because somewhere along the line you have to speak out against wrong and not let it be tolerated no matter how there are those out there to manipulate the truth and are more than ready to intimidate or threaten you.
Again, I may have to suffer a wrong but I do not have to be part of a wrong. And I feel I and many other citizens have suffered many wrongs in the last years but I will not be a part of the wrong by going along with the bull hockey.
Blazer Fanwrote on 3/6/2010 11:16 am
Politics, politics... "lynch mob" , "brown shirts"? Be adults. I understand that no one is ever going to agree, but be an example to the children...if we do not change, if we do not learn to comprimise, then we are destined to destroy that which we love. I have seen so many posts here, the same arguments back and forth...sometimes 100 comments deep...and they presume nothing in the sight of God.
I would love to here peoples comments on the following events:
The GEHS Boys Basketball is going to the state tourney, The Girls Basketball plays today. The Bowling team had a stellar year, both as a team and as individuals. The wrestling squad had four state placers, 10 state qualifiers. This town has SO MANY great kids doing great things. How many times has our engineering club won nationals? We have High Schoolers signing with awesome colleges, to further their education. (And hopefully come back to Gardner and do the same for the next generation.)
Please, if you have time (BOTH SIDES) to hate, take just a little time to show appreciation towards what we do have...take a look at the articles on our great kids, comment and let them know you appreciate it. They don't know you care if you spend all your time hating...and we all know our kids learn by example.
I am not saying not to voice your opinion, what I am saying to Judith, Jdel, Dot, and all the rest is let the kids know you ALSO CARE about what they are doing or you might just lose the the reason most people fight so hard for their community to begin with.
Opinions are not defamation of characterwrote on 3/6/2010 10:56 am
When you are in the public arena as an elected official there are almost always going to be differences of opinion on public policy.
If we all agreed on everything there would not be any reason to ever have a vote. It is OK to not agree.
These continued lawsuits by John and Mary in my opinion are just driving down their reputation and standing in the community. Their legal counsel is batting like zero for what four or five? The only one I see gaining from this is their lawyer.
Libel should be applicable for the wrote on 3/6/2010 10:40 am
lie shown on the recall petition too. If you are going to bring on the lawsuit, go for the whole thing.
Libel should definitely be added wrote on 3/6/2010 10:38 am
be added to Mary and John's lawsuit to cover all of the Edge comments made.
Let the cards fall where they maywrote on 3/6/2010 10:34 am
the days of blackballing, intimidation, stonewalling, conniving, blackmail, etc. need to be stopped and the sooner the better. Bring it on.
I also hope Mary and John's attorney wrote on 3/6/2010 9:32 am
issues a subpeona to get Edge computer records to call out the lowlifes on this site, especially dear ole jdelphiki, the coward of the county with the tongue of hate. I would gladly help pay for that one.
Justice - love that word. Bring it on and holding people accountable and responsible.
Just saw the picture in the KC Starwrote on 3/6/2010 9:00 am
and the article about Ryan Beasley, Alexandra Clark, Jared Taylor, Charles Clark and Alisha Harding celebrating the slandering and recall of two long standing Gardner residents. It tells me again what Drovetta and Hale represents and the shame I feel to see the actions of my fellow citizens and which I now hold in such high disrespect and contempt due to everything that has occurred over the past 5 years or more in this community. This recall was the most rotten of all.
But wait, then I read a little further and find that Peters and Shepherd will be filing a lawsuit of defamation by slander against Gardner Recall members and other Gardner elected officials. Then the sweet smile of justice comes to my face and I say, hang in there Mr. Right for all citizens. I also think about Sheila White and her fight for justice against BNSF that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court where she finally won and told the world she would not stand for the wrongdoings of the world by some.
O.J. Simpson got by with his crimes in criminal court but he sure didn't get by with them in civil court.
One thing to remember, the important things in life you really have to fight for, especially in today's world. You go for it Mary and John and if you need some money for legal fees, I will be glad to contribute.
Unbiased opinionwrote on 3/6/2010 8:12 am
Is there an echo in here?
Terrance wrote on 3/6/2010 8:11 am
If you're not happy with current situation, by definition you're a malcontent.
prolife. Is the line between left and right at abortion?
Aviswrote on 3/6/2010 6:55 am
Once again, Judith has no ownership interest in the Shell Station! I have deleted all comments that reference the rumor that she owns the Shell Station, and will continue to do so until someone provides proof to the contrary.
1 of 1269wrote on 3/5/2010 9:08 pm
I don't understand how anybody from either side of the recall can believe that having a town hall meeting is a bad thing.
The Mayor is offering to discuss the appointment process with everybody. He doesn't care which way you voted.
This isn't about voting yes or no, it's about moving our City forward.
unbiased opinionwrote on 3/5/2010 8:55 pm
To the person who thinks Gardner is not a fine place to live and is castrated for their opinion - where on this planet do you think is such a great place to live? Have you ever lived anywhere other than Gardner?
If you are so miserable that you constantly criticize the place you call home - by all means move somewhere that makes you happy. You make or break your own happiness - no one else is here to entertain you or make you happy. I do not sense you would be happy anywhere...
jdelphikiwrote on 3/5/2010 8:45 pm
*snerk*
Judith, have you come up with any new insults for Mayor Drovetta or are gonna keep retreading the same old ones?
It's hilarious to have him show precisely the transparency and openness to the community that you complained you weren't seeing before and you're STILL whining about it.
It's even funnier that you're complaining about suffering somehow coming from Drovetta when so MUCH suffering was brought about, instead, by the very candidates and political special interest group YOU supported.
I mean, before Take Back Gardner bought their seats on the Council, we didn't have recalls or Drovetta or ANY of the Council planning in secret to change Gardner government to give them power or suing voters to keep them from voting.
Seems like when it comes to suffering, Judith, you're backing the providers, not the victims. It must be pretty frustrating for you to continue to use arguments that you couldn't prove before, but that are shown to be irrelevant by the truth now.
Have a nice evening.
Gardner14wrote on 3/5/2010 8:40 pm
Good for Mr. Drovetta.
On a side note, I'm tired of the 'Beasley Lunch Mob' moniker. It's disgusting, vile and racist. I'm sure Judith, you were probably alive when such a thing occured, but in no way is it right for that term to be tossed around so lightly. I pity your ignorance and truly feel sorry for you. You are a sad, sad lady.
Drovetta is left of center?wrote on 3/5/2010 8:19 pm
I am sorry to hear this. I thought he was pro-life.
Well, terrance you better get some morewrote on 3/5/2010 8:07 pm
experience on Drovetta and you aren't going to see any special election unless it is a farce where you will get the option of voting for one of Drovetta's CHOICES - certainly not where you will get a duly elected individual. More grandstanding for the Beasley lynch mob and Drovetta's cronyism government tomorrow. I highly doubt if you have any malcontents as you call people with a different opinion since they don't care to smell some more of the City Hall stench that is so strong now every day of the week. Enjoy - you will be out of there by 11:00 A.M. unless maybe the Smokin' Bar-B-Que Babes come out with free samples - samples of what I am not quite sure......
terrancewrote on 3/5/2010 7:55 pm
To call this a tea party tells me that lady doesn't know Drovetta very well. He's far from the extreme right, slightly left of center as far as federal politics go. In my experience anyway. I could be wrong, but that was the impression I got. I'm pretty far right though and do attend the real tea parties.
It's probably just bomb throwing from the lady anyway.
I really couldn't understand why SPECIAL ELECTION was so stuck on the special election thing yesterday. I became convinced it was more tricky stuff from the take back gardner group.
If I was wrong, I'm sorry to him.
terrancewrote on 3/5/2010 7:45 pm
good points, I have to agree. Mrs. Dogood wanted to go and I said that I think we know the process already and have no need to go. She really wants to go though. We'll show up. We'll be the abnormally quite couple.
I'm really not going to enjoy it if some malcontents show up.
I agree it's good for the people who haven't gone through the grind of this forum to get what's up too.
I really enjoyed this week for the most part.
Good ole jdel always comes thru wrote on 3/5/2010 7:41 pm
for the cult followers and they line up as fast they can. That's ok - everyone can make their choices and they will have to live with the consequences. I have seen the consequences of many elections in my time and I have witnessed the suffering that has resulted from the poor choices. Go to your tea party, line up for some more cronyism government - you can still do that here in U.S. but I don't know how much longer it will be before you are groveling on your knees. Hope I am around to comment on the consequences of the Beasley lynch mob and the cronyism government that about 10 to 12% of the Gardner registered voters have brought to this town for years now. Apathy is good if it is getting you what you want but there will be a price to pay.
Paul Joneswrote on 3/5/2010 7:19 pm
You hit the nail on the head Jdel.....unity at this time goes a long way....
jdelphikiwrote on 3/5/2010 7:12 pm
@A Weatherford
I know that Casey's sells an ethanol blend, but do the others? I don't recall seeing any notifications at the other stations that mention using ethanol, but it's possible that they don't have to disclose that they use it or that I've simply missed it.
Actually, I've been to that Shell station (albeit, years ago) and found that, aside from the high gas prices, the inside of the place reeked of cigarette smoke, the soda fountain prices were oddly high, the soda tasted flat and watered down, and the selection of snacks or other convenience store items was thin.
When I visit a business, I don't mind paying slightly higher prices if I get quality, selection, and/or service that justifies my spending more.
Mainly, though, I was being a bit snarky because I've heard it said that a certain antagonistic participant out here on Edge (besides myself, of course) is part owner of that station and I was returning taunt for taunt. I know I shouldn't be so snarky, but it's been a long week and a bad day and I was pretty short on nice vibes when I wrote the post. Caught me kinda irritable, her trying to play the victim after how she's abused people in this town. I oughta know better, folks.
Quick change of subject, but Terrance, in answer to your question, we may NOT learn anything new at tomorrow's town hall meeting, but there might be people in town who haven't been part of the discussions we've had here and others have had elsewhere.
More to the point, even if nothing new is covered, it says a lot to the people that Mayor Drovetta is willing to open the process (and himself) up to facing the citizens. Sometimes, just making the statement that he's willing to be open is of value in and of itself. Look at how many federal-level elected officials face blowback from their constituents because they refused to meet with them. Our own Dennis Moore took enough flack that (perhaps) he decided not to run for another term. Claire McCaskill, on the other hand, went out of her way to hold town hall meetings and was roundly praised for the effort from BOTH sides of the aisle.
Tactically, even if one is as cynical and anal-ytical as me (and yes, the hyphen was intentional), Mayor Drovetta is making precisely the correct move in holding an open town hall meeting. If I didn't personally trust his integrity, I would still praise his move for the message it sends to his citizens.
Fortunately, I believe that Mayor Drovetta is sincere, not calculating, in holding the meeting. I firmly encourage everyone to come to the meeting, even if there's no new ground to cover, because it speaks well for the citizens of Gardner to get together and see where the next steps are going to go.
Paul Joneswrote on 3/5/2010 7:07 pm
Eveyone should just be there to show support for our great town and leaders we have here...
terrancewrote on 3/5/2010 6:30 pm
Are we really going to learn anything we don't already know tomorrow?
A weatherfordwrote on 3/5/2010 5:56 pm
@ Jdel You should try that gas station that charges an extra dime a gallon. You will save money as they don't sell blended gas.
Sorry...wrote on 3/5/2010 5:10 pm
I thought the apostrophe glitch here had been fixed. Jerry
Jerry L Kellogg Srwrote on 3/5/2010 5:07 pm
We can definitely improve our lives, and the fortunes of those around us, if we would complain less and work more with others for positive changes. We should become involved by sharing our individual experiences and wisdom to do some good. Only by providing constructive suggestions and working together with our fellow citizens can we improve the lot of our community.
We are wasting our time by just finding fault with everyone and everything because, as heaven surely knows, none of us is perfect. We need fewer complainers and more problem solvers. Let us put our heads together to find some remedies. Only a fool sits on the sidelines and complains. It takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving. Together we can begin resolving our cityâs difficult issues.
I plan to be at City Hall tomorrow morning and I encourage all that are able to join in so we can start the work of correcting our divisive ways and healing our collective hearts.
âYou donât make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.â â the lovely and talented Shirley Hufstedler, former US Secretary of Education
âThe usual fortune of complaint is to excite contempt more than pity.â â the not so lovely but nevertheless talented Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), English author
@jdelwrote on 3/5/2010 4:20 pm
I'm pretty sure that's what she meant when she said she's, "very acquainted with the action plan which also includes lies". It's her own action plan.
jdelphikiwrote on 3/5/2010 4:17 pm
What's funnier...in a "can you believe Judith said THAT?" kind of way...is how she ascribes everything that SHE does to everybody else around her.
Judith, shall we go to the archives and see who's doing all the intimidation, blackballing, calling every name in the book, and similar slimy-type actions? Without even having to look, everyone knows the records are going to be pointing at you.
Shall we discuss which of us used phrases like: "slut meisters" and "wife beater"? Or maybe we can point at the person who routinely slogs through police and court records, looking for blackmail information to use against people? And wasn't it ALSO you who promised to blackball businesses who had even the slightest (or most imaginary) association with anyone you've ever argued with (which makes that about EVERYONE)? What could be slimier than trying to use the background record of the employee of a local businessman to somehow try to slander him?
You know, Judith, that all of these are things YOU have done. And even the snarkiest of people out here haven't come close to the level of debasement you bring upon yourself with the words and tactics you've used to slander others.
In fact, you've gotten so bad about blaming everyone else for the things that you routinely do that maybe we can use your own accusations as a tally sheet for your unsociable actions.
Creditwrote on 3/5/2010 3:36 pm
Judith I think you give Ryan Beasley to much credit. What about the other 1250 people that voted to nix your crew? Spread the wealth, we'd all like some to.
Translationwrote on 3/5/2010 3:32 pm
WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I lost, and I can't get over it!!! WWWAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!
Intimidate or insult to cover upwrote on 3/5/2010 3:16 pm
your slime. Seen it all and very acquainted with the action plan which also includes lies. Just ask Ryan Beasley - he knows what his action plan entailed.
Consiglierewrote on 3/5/2010 3:05 pm
Please ignore the crazy old lady. Obviously, she prefers the Larry Fotovich, "You don't owe them an explanation" style of leadership to open communication with constituents.
Not a matter of complainingwrote on 3/5/2010 2:51 pm
but a matter of bringing out the truth you don't want to hear. You may think Gardner is a fine place to live but there are others who have a different opinion but they are castrated for that opinion. You either go along to get along here in Gardner or you are intimidated, blackballed, called every name under the sun or a few other slimy types of action. They hypocrites will always be among us.
You don't have to go to that gas stationwrote on 3/5/2010 2:46 pm
you sure don't have to go Walmart, Trade Net or Licausi's Coleman warehouse, Kimberly-Clark or any of several Main St. businesses who have got taken care of by the cronyism government. And if Drovetta had his way you really would be paying the bills for the Allen Group who doesn't have a pot to --- in. You take care of the jaybirds every day of the week and city employees could be losing their jobs this year because there is not enough money to cover all of the costs especially when the specials interests that Drovetta takes care of sure don't pay their full taxes. City of Olathe has laid off over 100 employees the last few years because of the same type of government. Go to the Tea Party on Saturday and kiss Drovetta's ring for taking care of his friends and giving you the bill as he increases your mill levy instead of lowering the mill levy and thank him too for your astronomical debt that jabs you in the wallet.
Unbiased opinionwrote on 3/5/2010 2:42 pm
I cannot believe some of the anti city rhetoric occurring on this post. Gardner is a very nice place to live. Some form of city leadership got us to where we are today. I would like to continue in that general direction. No matter how much we want things to stay the same, things change, sometimes for the better, other times not.
Gardner is a nice town to live in - you can do much worse. I wish the people complaining about things could take all of that negative energy and put it towards some positive actions. Support your community it is where you make your home. Complaining has never gotten anyone anywhere...
This meeting is on a Saturday, and I think it is very nice that the mayor is willing to take time out of his day for a Q and A session. Take advantage of this opportunity.
jdelphikiwrote on 3/5/2010 2:18 pm
Maybe we could add a tax on Main Street gas stations that overcharge a certain percentage above every other place in town. We'd make up that $100 in no time. Especially if the station sells diesel fuel...
And no, Terrance, I don't have any unclaimed property with the Kansas Treasurer. Well...maybe a deck of Card's.
terancewrote on 3/5/2010 2:12 pm
In Judith's defense. I'm pretty sure she said over 91 million in debt. 100 million is over 91 million.
Judith, did you chech out Kansas Tresurer Unclaimed Property yet? I saw a Judith Roger's there with some unclaimed money from an insurance company. No kidding.
I saw nothing for JDEL...
Remember........wrote on 3/5/2010 2:08 pm
total indebtedness does not include interest and fees - Happy Birthday, New Years, Christmas, 4th of July or whatever while you are wallowing in debt.
Democracy at workwrote on 3/5/2010 2:02 pm
Breaking out the popcorn!
Your are not right, Jdel..........wrote on 3/5/2010 1:58 pm
you better call City Hall.
jdelphikiwrote on 3/5/2010 1:55 pm
They didn't reduce the debt...Judith did. We're just poking fun at how Judith used to quote $100 million in debt, but in an earlier post today quoted $91 million instead.
Clearly, it's just so darned hard for some people to keep track of all the arbitrary numbers they throw around.
How did they reduce that indebtedness????wrote on 3/5/2010 1:50 pm
?????????
Same ole crowd..........wrote on 3/5/2010 1:49 pm
it will never change.
B Dotwrote on 3/5/2010 1:39 pm
Blah Blah Blah Judith. You'll never be happy. If Big Dave called and said, Judith I want you to appoint the empty council seat, you'd find something to cry about.
jdelphikiwrote on 3/5/2010 1:25 pm
Evidently, Judith, you can't stand to be proven wrong...especially in the things that you've trumpeted so often, over and over again.
You complain about the $100 million debt, but insult the guy who points out that almost 10% has already been cleared up.
You complain about corruption, special interest influence, and secret agendas in Gardner government and, even though you're right, it all ends up coming from the people you SUPPORTED, not the ones you accuse.
You complain about the lack of openness in our Mayor, but when he sets up a Town Hall meeting, you complain that nobody will show up.
We just LOVE watching you eat crow, Judith. You get all the more desperate with your insults when you know you're wrong.
Now. Go ahead and attack me to prove my point And as a special favor to you, I won't even mention that despite your threats and dire warnings of apocalypse, your favorite elected officials were recalled for their actions.
Ryan Beasley, you can put on the wrote on 3/5/2010 1:19 pm
smiley face like Drovetta does all you want but I know how both of you operate and I have the city's track record to prove it and I am very familiar with the tactics you have used in the past months. If you think truly informed and educated people are going to back off and let the crap continue with an appointed Council, you are not living in reality but I have known that for some time. You live in the world of propaganda and rhetoric to get your way like I have seen for years but hardly a government that operates as one of transparency, democracy, stong moral values, etc. I will hold people responsible for their actions and I expect accountability for them too.
Mike P speakswrote on 3/5/2010 1:13 pm
evidently he is another special interest who is doing fine with the system going on in Gardner now as it has in the past or you are too dumb to know what is happening to you or you don't want to know.
Ryan Beasleywrote on 3/5/2010 1:12 pm
There will always be a select few people that no matter what happens with the appointment or how the Mayor makes the appointment they will NEVER be happy. Hopefully most people will look forward to the future of Gardner and not look back. The Gardner News had a great article in Wednesday paper.
"Please step up, Mayor Drovetta, and try to mend fences; we believe you have the character to do.
Or, we can continue rolling around in the mud, making a mess of our town, keeping score and making snide comments like it's a fashionable blood sport.
We can nurse grudges, take potshots with a "gotcha" mentality, plot revenge and prolong the misery.
We can blame the other side, and find words to support our correctness.
Or we can put aside our egos, find common ground and be progressives."
No author or I'd site the source, it did come from the Gardner News.
Mike Pwrote on 3/5/2010 1:09 pm
I am glad to see our debt has dropped from 100 million to 91 million as it has been quoted numerous times in the past ;-). Seriously Judith, we live in a democracy and as such, the majority rules (again).
The Lehman/Drovetta regime has alwayswrote on 3/5/2010 12:59 pm
thrived on the apathy of the people and those people pay a very high price starting with their taxes. The city of Gardner right now carries an indebtedness of over $91 MILLION and it takes over $11 MILLION just to make the payments on that debt each year. This kind of debt for a small town of 18,000 residents is atrocious and tells you what leadership such as Drovetta's has brought to you.
We are now starting to see the collapse of the commercial real estate market with the beginning of their forclosures. This will be going on for 2011, 2012, 2013 while the residential forclosures will also continue. Congress will do absolutely nothing about the raping of the people with respect to health care resulting in more hardship and costs and the increasing of the deficit. You have banks going out of business faster than lightning and the banks that are holding on by a string are not lending, especially to small business owners, because they need every dollar they can get their hands on for the toxic assets they have on their books. And in the meantime we continue like crazy to borrow money from China which puts us further in the hole much like your city government has operated during the last 10 years when in 2000 we had $27 Million in debt and we now have over $91 Million - you never get ahead with escalating debt of this kind and when you continue to spend more than what is coming in the door.
Your city government has been operating on the cronyism method for so long that your city is sick, sick, sick and this latest fiasco of the recall tells people once again how about 10% of the registered voters are wheeling and dealing for THEIR interests and the interest of their cronies who in part include out of town big biz and developers - look at Drovetta campaign finance donaters to know who he takes care of.
So you go to Drovetta's tea party on March 6 and you will get more of the slime that has been around for years and is a perfect example of privatizing gains and socializing costs and losses and which is slowly doing away with the middle class.
Obama?wrote on 3/5/2010 12:51 pm
Could be challenge, but you'd probably make more than the Gardner News.
Democracy at workwrote on 3/5/2010 12:49 pm
So now that the dust has settled, who can we re-call next? This is fun!!
B Dotwrote on 3/5/2010 12:35 pm
Judith. HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!
jdelphikiwrote on 3/5/2010 12:28 pm
Judith, looks like you might be the only one not there.
Of course, since you raised the question, maybe I should point out that even FEWER of Gardner's registered voters turned out on the election that put Peters and Thompson into office. Was THAT election invalid too, or are you just chewin' those ol' sour grapes?
Chris Morrowwrote on 3/5/2010 12:23 pm
As someone who voted in the election last spring and the recall election I for one will be attending the town hall meeting tomorrow morning. I can't imagine why anyone, who like me cast a vote in these last two elections, would not show up for this meeting regardless of their position. I encourage all other Gardner residents to attend as well.
J Hardingwrote on 3/5/2010 12:12 pm
You can't get much more transparent than this. Of course, the cynics will say it's a waste of time because the Mayor won't listen to dissenting opinions. But cynics aren't happy with anything anyway. Great idea Mayor Drovetta!
@ Sincewrote on 3/5/2010 11:50 am
While the majority of Gardner voters didn't take the time to vote 2,151 of them did. Those people might be interested in what Mayor Drovetta has to say about this important subject.
I'd like to be there, but I'll be out of town. Even though I can't attend, I think it's refreshing to see the appointment process brought out into the light of day for public discussion, rather than the way Take Back Gardner chose to handle it.
Sincewrote on 3/5/2010 11:28 am
Since 78% of Gardner's registered voters wrote on 3/5/2010 12:13 pm
1. did not even bother to vote in Tuesday's election, do you really think they will be bothered to listen to you Drovetta on their day off?????? The only people who might even show up will be the Beasley lynch mob, Chamber members and other special interests who are always around with their hand out who have worked so hard for this APPOINTED council to come into being.
Anonymouswrote on 3/5/2010 11:25 am
This should be a good way to see where the commuity stands on certain issues. Oh, and Judith, you really need to expand your vocabulary a little bit. Everybody knows it's you when you post. Granted it's nothing to me. I find your comments to be rather comical.
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Your opinion is ultimately valued by the truth wit wrote on 3/8/2010 3:16 pm
@Alisha Harding - Well spoken, one of the few pieces of good reading. Thanks
Alisha Harding wrote on 3/8/2010 12:43 pm
Yes I am the PTO President and that fact has nothing to do with anything. I'm sure if you google my name enough you will find out that I grew up and Grandview and I am married and have 2 kids and a dog. I am the PTO president, have been for 2 years now, that does not mean that I cannot also have an opinion on what goes on in my city. That is what makes this country great I can be activly involved in my children's lives in and out of school and still be able to speak freely about my feelings in regards to city government. Any more questions about me can be directed to me directly instead of blasted on the GardnerEdge.
@Just saw the picture in the KC Star wrote on 3/7/2010 8:20 pm
Thanks for pointing out the picture in yesterday's KC Star. Wasn't Alisha Harding, who is pictured in the front page photograph, the PTO president at one of our elementary schools?
terrance wrote on 3/6/2010 3:13 pm
OJ was innocent, just like pary meters, john shepard and Dan. all of them were innocent...
Chuck Norris wrote on 3/6/2010 2:14 pm
If there is a defamation lawsuit, I would love to be called as a witness for the defense. I attended the meetings where Shepherd, Peters, and Thompson pulled the shenanigans that got two of them canned.
Sorry Blazer Fan, probably more wrote on 3/6/2010 12:32 pm
sensitive than I should be but perhaps if you have walked in my shoes for the past 5 years or more you would understand. Reprisal is not my game but standing up for what is right is one I have learned I have to be ready to do.
Blazer Fan wrote on 3/6/2010 12:16 pm
I love you. What else can I say without reprisal?
Blazer Fan, you are free to post on any wrote on 3/6/2010 12:13 pm
article but don't be telling other people what they should be doing or not doing with respect to articles or inferring that someone doesn't meet the litmus test because they have not been posting on non-political issues.
The kids in my family are loved to death and told that daily but they are also trained from birth what is acceptable behavior and what is not and the kids are held accountable and responsible for their actions. When the kids in my family hit kindergarten they are ready to learn but I bet Mrs. Furlong is probably still spending most of her time getting the kids in her class to the point of behaving in a manner to be ready to be taught. A whole year of learning is lessened because to me parents are not doing their jobs at home preparing their kids for school or teaching them the basics of acceptable and non-acceptable behavior. And, of course, some kids never do get the message and go on into life creating problems and costs for decent citizens who are meeting their responsbilities.
I just know through my experience if you start at birth with good parenting skills and you give your kids lots of love, you will have many less problems when those kids hit the teenage years and beyond, not guaranteed but I do believe it helps. But most of all those kids need to know right up front some things will not be tolerated within your household and to me the same needs to done in other areas of your life such as with your government entities and you better make sure you are fully informed and educated on the issues and that you vote and not be taken in by propaganda or rhetoric but you need to look for the truth which at times is difficult to determine but is always there if you take the time to find it. I want a whole bunch of strong minded, independent thinkers in my community for the best welfare of all citizens rather than those who just go along to get along.
Blazer Fan wrote on 3/6/2010 11:36 am
I love you. I do not disagree with anyone here, what I was hoping is that you could go to the articles about the kids and let them know you care...thats all. Just let them know you are watching, because believe it or not these kids check this stuff more than you will ever know. I am sorry you are wounded and I wish you peace.Again I love you, sincerely and that is the only opinion I have.
I have to wonder if you would have the same wrote on 3/6/2010 11:31 am
opionion if it was your good name that was being dragged thru the gutter. I set an example for the next generation and the young kids in our schools by saying DO NOT allow this wrongdoing to occur in your community, no matter where you will live in the U.S. or elsewhere in the free world. This recall and other things that have occurred in this community thru dirty rotten politics and evil should not be tolerated. By saying this recall is over and we can all just be friends is bull hockey - you once again are going along with the wrongdoing and not standing tall for what is right. There is no way in Sam Hill will I ever set the example to the generations behind me to say you should go along with something just to get along.
When they say it is not easy to be a Christian I again can identify with that because somewhere along the line you have to speak out against wrong and not let it be tolerated no matter how there are those out there to manipulate the truth and are more than ready to intimidate or threaten you.
Again, I may have to suffer a wrong but I do not have to be part of a wrong. And I feel I and many other citizens have suffered many wrongs in the last years but I will not be a part of the wrong by going along with the bull hockey.
Blazer Fan wrote on 3/6/2010 11:16 am
Politics, politics... "lynch mob" , "brown shirts"? Be adults. I understand that no one is ever going to agree, but be an example to the children...if we do not change, if we do not learn to comprimise, then we are destined to destroy that which we love. I have seen so many posts here, the same arguments back and forth...sometimes 100 comments deep...and they presume nothing in the sight of God.
I would love to here peoples comments on the following events:
The GEHS Boys Basketball is going to the state tourney, The Girls Basketball plays today. The Bowling team had a stellar year, both as a team and as individuals. The wrestling squad had four state placers, 10 state qualifiers. This town has SO MANY great kids doing great things. How many times has our engineering club won nationals? We have High Schoolers signing with awesome colleges, to further their education. (And hopefully come back to Gardner and do the same for the next generation.)
Please, if you have time (BOTH SIDES) to hate, take just a little time to show appreciation towards what we do have...take a look at the articles on our great kids, comment and let them know you appreciate it. They don't know you care if you spend all your time hating...and we all know our kids learn by example.
I am not saying not to voice your opinion, what I am saying to Judith, Jdel, Dot, and all the rest is let the kids know you ALSO CARE about what they are doing or you might just lose the the reason most people fight so hard for their community to begin with.
Opinions are not defamation of character wrote on 3/6/2010 10:56 am
When you are in the public arena as an elected official there are almost always going to be differences of opinion on public policy.
If we all agreed on everything there would not be any reason to ever have a vote. It is OK to not agree.
These continued lawsuits by John and Mary in my opinion are just driving down their reputation and standing in the community. Their legal counsel is batting like zero for what four or five? The only one I see gaining from this is their lawyer.
Libel should be applicable for the wrote on 3/6/2010 10:40 am
lie shown on the recall petition too. If you are going to bring on the lawsuit, go for the whole thing.
Libel should definitely be added wrote on 3/6/2010 10:38 am
be added to Mary and John's lawsuit to cover all of the Edge comments made.
Let the cards fall where they may wrote on 3/6/2010 10:34 am
the days of blackballing, intimidation, stonewalling, conniving, blackmail, etc. need to be stopped and the sooner the better. Bring it on.
I also hope Mary and John's attorney wrote on 3/6/2010 9:32 am
issues a subpeona to get Edge computer records to call out the lowlifes on this site, especially dear ole jdelphiki, the coward of the county with the tongue of hate. I would gladly help pay for that one.
Justice - love that word. Bring it on and holding people accountable and responsible.
Just saw the picture in the KC Star wrote on 3/6/2010 9:00 am
and the article about Ryan Beasley, Alexandra Clark, Jared Taylor, Charles Clark and Alisha Harding celebrating the slandering and recall of two long standing Gardner residents. It tells me again what Drovetta and Hale represents and the shame I feel to see the actions of my fellow citizens and which I now hold in such high disrespect and contempt due to everything that has occurred over the past 5 years or more in this community. This recall was the most rotten of all.
But wait, then I read a little further and find that Peters and Shepherd will be filing a lawsuit of defamation by slander against Gardner Recall members and other Gardner elected officials. Then the sweet smile of justice comes to my face and I say, hang in there Mr. Right for all citizens. I also think about Sheila White and her fight for justice against BNSF that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court where she finally won and told the world she would not stand for the wrongdoings of the world by some.
O.J. Simpson got by with his crimes in criminal court but he sure didn't get by with them in civil court.
One thing to remember, the important things in life you really have to fight for, especially in today's world. You go for it Mary and John and if you need some money for legal fees, I will be glad to contribute.
Unbiased opinion wrote on 3/6/2010 8:12 am
Is there an echo in here?
Terrance wrote on 3/6/2010 8:11 am
If you're not happy with current situation, by definition you're a malcontent.
prolife. Is the line between left and right at abortion?
Avis wrote on 3/6/2010 6:55 am
Once again, Judith has no ownership interest in the Shell Station! I have deleted all comments that reference the rumor that she owns the Shell Station, and will continue to do so until someone provides proof to the contrary.
1 of 1269 wrote on 3/5/2010 9:08 pm
I don't understand how anybody from either side of the recall can believe that having a town hall meeting is a bad thing.
The Mayor is offering to discuss the appointment process with everybody. He doesn't care which way you voted.
This isn't about voting yes or no, it's about moving our City forward.
unbiased opinion wrote on 3/5/2010 8:55 pm
To the person who thinks Gardner is not a fine place to live and is castrated for their opinion - where on this planet do you think is such a great place to live? Have you ever lived anywhere other than Gardner?
If you are so miserable that you constantly criticize the place you call home - by all means move somewhere that makes you happy. You make or break your own happiness - no one else is here to entertain you or make you happy. I do not sense you would be happy anywhere...
jdelphiki wrote on 3/5/2010 8:45 pm
*snerk*
Judith, have you come up with any new insults for Mayor Drovetta or are gonna keep retreading the same old ones?
It's hilarious to have him show precisely the transparency and openness to the community that you complained you weren't seeing before and you're STILL whining about it.
It's even funnier that you're complaining about suffering somehow coming from Drovetta when so MUCH suffering was brought about, instead, by the very candidates and political special interest group YOU supported.
I mean, before Take Back Gardner bought their seats on the Council, we didn't have recalls or Drovetta or ANY of the Council planning in secret to change Gardner government to give them power or suing voters to keep them from voting.
Seems like when it comes to suffering, Judith, you're backing the providers, not the victims. It must be pretty frustrating for you to continue to use arguments that you couldn't prove before, but that are shown to be irrelevant by the truth now.
Have a nice evening.
Gardner14 wrote on 3/5/2010 8:40 pm
Good for Mr. Drovetta.
On a side note, I'm tired of the 'Beasley Lunch Mob' moniker. It's disgusting, vile and racist. I'm sure Judith, you were probably alive when such a thing occured, but in no way is it right for that term to be tossed around so lightly. I pity your ignorance and truly feel sorry for you. You are a sad, sad lady.
Drovetta is left of center? wrote on 3/5/2010 8:19 pm
I am sorry to hear this. I thought he was pro-life.
Well, terrance you better get some more wrote on 3/5/2010 8:07 pm
experience on Drovetta and you aren't going to see any special election unless it is a farce where you will get the option of voting for one of Drovetta's CHOICES - certainly not where you will get a duly elected individual. More grandstanding for the Beasley lynch mob and Drovetta's cronyism government tomorrow. I highly doubt if you have any malcontents as you call people with a different opinion since they don't care to smell some more of the City Hall stench that is so strong now every day of the week. Enjoy - you will be out of there by 11:00 A.M. unless maybe the Smokin' Bar-B-Que Babes come out with free samples - samples of what I am not quite sure......
terrance wrote on 3/5/2010 7:55 pm
To call this a tea party tells me that lady doesn't know Drovetta very well. He's far from the extreme right, slightly left of center as far as federal politics go. In my experience anyway. I could be wrong, but that was the impression I got. I'm pretty far right though and do attend the real tea parties.
It's probably just bomb throwing from the lady anyway.
I really couldn't understand why SPECIAL ELECTION was so stuck on the special election thing yesterday. I became convinced it was more tricky stuff from the take back gardner group.
If I was wrong, I'm sorry to him.
terrance wrote on 3/5/2010 7:45 pm
good points, I have to agree. Mrs. Dogood wanted to go and I said that I think we know the process already and have no need to go. She really wants to go though. We'll show up. We'll be the abnormally quite couple.
I'm really not going to enjoy it if some malcontents show up.
I agree it's good for the people who haven't gone through the grind of this forum to get what's up too.
I really enjoyed this week for the most part.
Good ole jdel always comes thru wrote on 3/5/2010 7:41 pm
for the cult followers and they line up as fast they can. That's ok - everyone can make their choices and they will have to live with the consequences. I have seen the consequences of many elections in my time and I have witnessed the suffering that has resulted from the poor choices. Go to your tea party, line up for some more cronyism government - you can still do that here in U.S. but I don't know how much longer it will be before you are groveling on your knees. Hope I am around to comment on the consequences of the Beasley lynch mob and the cronyism government that about 10 to 12% of the Gardner registered voters have brought to this town for years now. Apathy is good if it is getting you what you want but there will be a price to pay.
Paul Jones wrote on 3/5/2010 7:19 pm
You hit the nail on the head Jdel.....unity at this time goes a long way....
jdelphiki wrote on 3/5/2010 7:12 pm
@A Weatherford
I know that Casey's sells an ethanol blend, but do the others? I don't recall seeing any notifications at the other stations that mention using ethanol, but it's possible that they don't have to disclose that they use it or that I've simply missed it.
Actually, I've been to that Shell station (albeit, years ago) and found that, aside from the high gas prices, the inside of the place reeked of cigarette smoke, the soda fountain prices were oddly high, the soda tasted flat and watered down, and the selection of snacks or other convenience store items was thin.
When I visit a business, I don't mind paying slightly higher prices if I get quality, selection, and/or service that justifies my spending more.
Mainly, though, I was being a bit snarky because I've heard it said that a certain antagonistic participant out here on Edge (besides myself, of course) is part owner of that station and I was returning taunt for taunt. I know I shouldn't be so snarky, but it's been a long week and a bad day and I was pretty short on nice vibes when I wrote the post. Caught me kinda irritable, her trying to play the victim after how she's abused people in this town. I oughta know better, folks.
Quick change of subject, but Terrance, in answer to your question, we may NOT learn anything new at tomorrow's town hall meeting, but there might be people in town who haven't been part of the discussions we've had here and others have had elsewhere.
More to the point, even if nothing new is covered, it says a lot to the people that Mayor Drovetta is willing to open the process (and himself) up to facing the citizens. Sometimes, just making the statement that he's willing to be open is of value in and of itself. Look at how many federal-level elected officials face blowback from their constituents because they refused to meet with them. Our own Dennis Moore took enough flack that (perhaps) he decided not to run for another term. Claire McCaskill, on the other hand, went out of her way to hold town hall meetings and was roundly praised for the effort from BOTH sides of the aisle.
Tactically, even if one is as cynical and anal-ytical as me (and yes, the hyphen was intentional), Mayor Drovetta is making precisely the correct move in holding an open town hall meeting. If I didn't personally trust his integrity, I would still praise his move for the message it sends to his citizens.
Fortunately, I believe that Mayor Drovetta is sincere, not calculating, in holding the meeting. I firmly encourage everyone to come to the meeting, even if there's no new ground to cover, because it speaks well for the citizens of Gardner to get together and see where the next steps are going to go.
Paul Jones wrote on 3/5/2010 7:07 pm
Eveyone should just be there to show support for our great town and leaders we have here...
terrance wrote on 3/5/2010 6:30 pm
Are we really going to learn anything we don't already know tomorrow?
A weatherford wrote on 3/5/2010 5:56 pm
@ Jdel You should try that gas station that charges an extra dime a gallon. You will save money as they don't sell blended gas.
Sorry... wrote on 3/5/2010 5:10 pm
I thought the apostrophe glitch here had been fixed. Jerry
Jerry L Kellogg Sr wrote on 3/5/2010 5:07 pm
We can definitely improve our lives, and the fortunes of those around us, if we would complain less and work more with others for positive changes. We should become involved by sharing our individual experiences and wisdom to do some good. Only by providing constructive suggestions and working together with our fellow citizens can we improve the lot of our community.
We are wasting our time by just finding fault with everyone and everything because, as heaven surely knows, none of us is perfect. We need fewer complainers and more problem solvers. Let us put our heads together to find some remedies. Only a fool sits on the sidelines and complains. It takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving. Together we can begin resolving our cityâs difficult issues.
I plan to be at City Hall tomorrow morning and I encourage all that are able to join in so we can start the work of correcting our divisive ways and healing our collective hearts.
âYou donât make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.â â the lovely and talented Shirley Hufstedler, former US Secretary of Education
âThe usual fortune of complaint is to excite contempt more than pity.â â the not so lovely but nevertheless talented Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), English author
@jdel wrote on 3/5/2010 4:20 pm
I'm pretty sure that's what she meant when she said she's, "very acquainted with the action plan which also includes lies". It's her own action plan.
jdelphiki wrote on 3/5/2010 4:17 pm
What's funnier...in a "can you believe Judith said THAT?" kind of way...is how she ascribes everything that SHE does to everybody else around her.
Judith, shall we go to the archives and see who's doing all the intimidation, blackballing, calling every name in the book, and similar slimy-type actions? Without even having to look, everyone knows the records are going to be pointing at you.
Shall we discuss which of us used phrases like: "slut meisters" and "wife beater"? Or maybe we can point at the person who routinely slogs through police and court records, looking for blackmail information to use against people? And wasn't it ALSO you who promised to blackball businesses who had even the slightest (or most imaginary) association with anyone you've ever argued with (which makes that about EVERYONE)? What could be slimier than trying to use the background record of the employee of a local businessman to somehow try to slander him?
You know, Judith, that all of these are things YOU have done. And even the snarkiest of people out here haven't come close to the level of debasement you bring upon yourself with the words and tactics you've used to slander others.
In fact, you've gotten so bad about blaming everyone else for the things that you routinely do that maybe we can use your own accusations as a tally sheet for your unsociable actions.
Credit wrote on 3/5/2010 3:36 pm
Judith I think you give Ryan Beasley to much credit. What about the other 1250 people that voted to nix your crew? Spread the wealth, we'd all like some to.
Translation wrote on 3/5/2010 3:32 pm
WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I lost, and I can't get over it!!! WWWAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!
Intimidate or insult to cover up wrote on 3/5/2010 3:16 pm
your slime. Seen it all and very acquainted with the action plan which also includes lies. Just ask Ryan Beasley - he knows what his action plan entailed.
Consigliere wrote on 3/5/2010 3:05 pm
Please ignore the crazy old lady. Obviously, she prefers the Larry Fotovich, "You don't owe them an explanation" style of leadership to open communication with constituents.
Not a matter of complaining wrote on 3/5/2010 2:51 pm
but a matter of bringing out the truth you don't want to hear. You may think Gardner is a fine place to live but there are others who have a different opinion but they are castrated for that opinion. You either go along to get along here in Gardner or you are intimidated, blackballed, called every name under the sun or a few other slimy types of action. They hypocrites will always be among us.
You don't have to go to that gas station wrote on 3/5/2010 2:46 pm
you sure don't have to go Walmart, Trade Net or Licausi's Coleman warehouse, Kimberly-Clark or any of several Main St. businesses who have got taken care of by the cronyism government. And if Drovetta had his way you really would be paying the bills for the Allen Group who doesn't have a pot to --- in. You take care of the jaybirds every day of the week and city employees could be losing their jobs this year because there is not enough money to cover all of the costs especially when the specials interests that Drovetta takes care of sure don't pay their full taxes. City of Olathe has laid off over 100 employees the last few years because of the same type of government. Go to the Tea Party on Saturday and kiss Drovetta's ring for taking care of his friends and giving you the bill as he increases your mill levy instead of lowering the mill levy and thank him too for your astronomical debt that jabs you in the wallet.
Unbiased opinion wrote on 3/5/2010 2:42 pm
I cannot believe some of the anti city rhetoric occurring on this post. Gardner is a very nice place to live. Some form of city leadership got us to where we are today. I would like to continue in that general direction. No matter how much we want things to stay the same, things change, sometimes for the better, other times not.
Gardner is a nice town to live in - you can do much worse. I wish the people complaining about things could take all of that negative energy and put it towards some positive actions. Support your community it is where you make your home. Complaining has never gotten anyone anywhere...
This meeting is on a Saturday, and I think it is very nice that the mayor is willing to take time out of his day for a Q and A session. Take advantage of this opportunity.
jdelphiki wrote on 3/5/2010 2:18 pm
Maybe we could add a tax on Main Street gas stations that overcharge a certain percentage above every other place in town. We'd make up that $100 in no time. Especially if the station sells diesel fuel...
And no, Terrance, I don't have any unclaimed property with the Kansas Treasurer. Well...maybe a deck of Card's.
terance wrote on 3/5/2010 2:12 pm
In Judith's defense. I'm pretty sure she said over 91 million in debt. 100 million is over 91 million.
Judith, did you chech out Kansas Tresurer Unclaimed Property yet? I saw a Judith Roger's there with some unclaimed money from an insurance company. No kidding.
I saw nothing for JDEL...
Remember........ wrote on 3/5/2010 2:08 pm
total indebtedness does not include interest and fees - Happy Birthday, New Years, Christmas, 4th of July or whatever while you are wallowing in debt.
Democracy at work wrote on 3/5/2010 2:02 pm
Breaking out the popcorn!
Your are not right, Jdel.......... wrote on 3/5/2010 1:58 pm
you better call City Hall.
jdelphiki wrote on 3/5/2010 1:55 pm
They didn't reduce the debt...Judith did. We're just poking fun at how Judith used to quote $100 million in debt, but in an earlier post today quoted $91 million instead.
Clearly, it's just so darned hard for some people to keep track of all the arbitrary numbers they throw around.
How did they reduce that indebtedness???? wrote on 3/5/2010 1:50 pm
?????????
Same ole crowd.......... wrote on 3/5/2010 1:49 pm
it will never change.
B Dot wrote on 3/5/2010 1:39 pm
Blah Blah Blah Judith. You'll never be happy. If Big Dave called and said, Judith I want you to appoint the empty council seat, you'd find something to cry about.
jdelphiki wrote on 3/5/2010 1:25 pm
Evidently, Judith, you can't stand to be proven wrong...especially in the things that you've trumpeted so often, over and over again.
You complain about the $100 million debt, but insult the guy who points out that almost 10% has already been cleared up.
You complain about corruption, special interest influence, and secret agendas in Gardner government and, even though you're right, it all ends up coming from the people you SUPPORTED, not the ones you accuse.
You complain about the lack of openness in our Mayor, but when he sets up a Town Hall meeting, you complain that nobody will show up.
We just LOVE watching you eat crow, Judith. You get all the more desperate with your insults when you know you're wrong.
Now. Go ahead and attack me to prove my point And as a special favor to you, I won't even mention that despite your threats and dire warnings of apocalypse, your favorite elected officials were recalled for their actions.
Ryan Beasley, you can put on the wrote on 3/5/2010 1:19 pm
smiley face like Drovetta does all you want but I know how both of you operate and I have the city's track record to prove it and I am very familiar with the tactics you have used in the past months. If you think truly informed and educated people are going to back off and let the crap continue with an appointed Council, you are not living in reality but I have known that for some time. You live in the world of propaganda and rhetoric to get your way like I have seen for years but hardly a government that operates as one of transparency, democracy, stong moral values, etc. I will hold people responsible for their actions and I expect accountability for them too.
Mike P speaks wrote on 3/5/2010 1:13 pm
evidently he is another special interest who is doing fine with the system going on in Gardner now as it has in the past or you are too dumb to know what is happening to you or you don't want to know.
Ryan Beasley wrote on 3/5/2010 1:12 pm
There will always be a select few people that no matter what happens with the appointment or how the Mayor makes the appointment they will NEVER be happy. Hopefully most people will look forward to the future of Gardner and not look back. The Gardner News had a great article in Wednesday paper.
"Please step up, Mayor Drovetta, and try to mend fences; we believe you have the character to do.
Or, we can continue rolling around in the mud, making a mess of our town, keeping score and making snide comments like it's a fashionable blood sport.
We can nurse grudges, take potshots with a "gotcha" mentality, plot revenge and prolong the misery.
We can blame the other side, and find words to support our correctness.
Or we can put aside our egos, find common ground and be progressives."
No author or I'd site the source, it did come from the Gardner News.
Mike P wrote on 3/5/2010 1:09 pm
I am glad to see our debt has dropped from 100 million to 91 million as it has been quoted numerous times in the past ;-). Seriously Judith, we live in a democracy and as such, the majority rules (again).
The Lehman/Drovetta regime has always wrote on 3/5/2010 12:59 pm
thrived on the apathy of the people and those people pay a very high price starting with their taxes. The city of Gardner right now carries an indebtedness of over $91 MILLION and it takes over $11 MILLION just to make the payments on that debt each year. This kind of debt for a small town of 18,000 residents is atrocious and tells you what leadership such as Drovetta's has brought to you.
We are now starting to see the collapse of the commercial real estate market with the beginning of their forclosures. This will be going on for 2011, 2012, 2013 while the residential forclosures will also continue. Congress will do absolutely nothing about the raping of the people with respect to health care resulting in more hardship and costs and the increasing of the deficit. You have banks going out of business faster than lightning and the banks that are holding on by a string are not lending, especially to small business owners, because they need every dollar they can get their hands on for the toxic assets they have on their books. And in the meantime we continue like crazy to borrow money from China which puts us further in the hole much like your city government has operated during the last 10 years when in 2000 we had $27 Million in debt and we now have over $91 Million - you never get ahead with escalating debt of this kind and when you continue to spend more than what is coming in the door.
Your city government has been operating on the cronyism method for so long that your city is sick, sick, sick and this latest fiasco of the recall tells people once again how about 10% of the registered voters are wheeling and dealing for THEIR interests and the interest of their cronies who in part include out of town big biz and developers - look at Drovetta campaign finance donaters to know who he takes care of.
So you go to Drovetta's tea party on March 6 and you will get more of the slime that has been around for years and is a perfect example of privatizing gains and socializing costs and losses and which is slowly doing away with the middle class.
Obama? wrote on 3/5/2010 12:51 pm
Could be challenge, but you'd probably make more than the Gardner News.
Democracy at work wrote on 3/5/2010 12:49 pm
So now that the dust has settled, who can we re-call next? This is fun!!
B Dot wrote on 3/5/2010 12:35 pm
Judith. HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!
jdelphiki wrote on 3/5/2010 12:28 pm
Judith, looks like you might be the only one not there.
Of course, since you raised the question, maybe I should point out that even FEWER of Gardner's registered voters turned out on the election that put Peters and Thompson into office. Was THAT election invalid too, or are you just chewin' those ol' sour grapes?
Chris Morrow wrote on 3/5/2010 12:23 pm
As someone who voted in the election last spring and the recall election I for one will be attending the town hall meeting tomorrow morning. I can't imagine why anyone, who like me cast a vote in these last two elections, would not show up for this meeting regardless of their position. I encourage all other Gardner residents to attend as well.
J Harding wrote on 3/5/2010 12:12 pm
You can't get much more transparent than this. Of course, the cynics will say it's a waste of time because the Mayor won't listen to dissenting opinions. But cynics aren't happy with anything anyway. Great idea Mayor Drovetta!
@ Since wrote on 3/5/2010 11:50 am
While the majority of Gardner voters didn't take the time to vote 2,151 of them did. Those people might be interested in what Mayor Drovetta has to say about this important subject.
I'd like to be there, but I'll be out of town. Even though I can't attend, I think it's refreshing to see the appointment process brought out into the light of day for public discussion, rather than the way Take Back Gardner chose to handle it.
Since wrote on 3/5/2010 11:28 am
Since 78% of Gardner's registered voters wrote on 3/5/2010 12:13 pm
1. did not even bother to vote in Tuesday's election, do you really think they will be bothered to listen to you Drovetta on their day off?????? The only people who might even show up will be the Beasley lynch mob, Chamber members and other special interests who are always around with their hand out who have worked so hard for this APPOINTED council to come into being.
Anonymous wrote on 3/5/2010 11:25 am
This should be a good way to see where the commuity stands on certain issues. Oh, and Judith, you really need to expand your vocabulary a little bit. Everybody knows it's you when you post. Granted it's nothing to me. I find your comments to be rather comical.
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