SJSD Levy, Bond Issues

Let's establish something up front, before the rhetoric. I am totally, unequivocally AGAINST giving our school district any more money. I am appalled at how much of my annual tax money the school gets from me, and how little I see being put back into the schools. St Joseph has not been the first town I have lived in, but I have never given so much money to a school district before.

I have followed with great interest the school superintendent, Dr. Melody Smith, in her requests for the residents to give and give. I have seen her presume, no wait, assume that the fine citizens of St Joe can be bamboozled into approving both a bond and levy tax to satisfy an urge that Dr. Smith has to demolish and rebuild anew. She has assumed that both measures on the upcoming ballot will easy pass, and has even coerced the Board into purchasing land for a new school site based upon the ASSUMPTION that she will get her funds. I want to deny her every last penny based on her attitude alone.

But I do realize that the children are our future. Great line... thank you Whitney Houston. In all reality, I believe that the operating levy may be a good investment. A little high, but an investment nonetheless. The Board should learn to live within the confines of an actual budget and provide "proof" that they can exercise fiscal responsibility and sound investments. They should not make rash decisions to purchase land without prior approval from the people. This levy may be vital to their success, but I will not know for certain until I can obtain a copy of the budget, which thus far has been nearly impossible to obtain (Once I do, I will post for public viewing).

The bond should be knocked down 100%. The citizens should stand and have their voices heard. Stand up. Our children WILL survive. The solid structures will continue to benefit them. The bond will not provide your student with books or computers. It is wasteful.

A recent quote from Dr Smith notes that now she is against the building initiative. After she pushed it and pushed it. Why the backpedaling now?

Perhaps the people really are strong enough to get their voices heard. Perhaps the politicians don't really have the upper hand. Let's show this woman that she can't get everything she wants. Demand fiscal responsibility. Vote NO in April. Vote.

Positive Quote of the Day

Principle -- particularly moral principle -- can never be a weathervane, spinning around this way and that with the shifting winds of expediency. Moral principle is a compass forever fixed and forever true.

-- Edward R. Lyman

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I would hope that each of our Presidents would abide by this quote. Moral principle should be fixed, and would guide our leaders in a positive direction.

Obama

1. If you didn't know there was an inauguration, I gotta ask: ARE YOU LIVING UNDER A ROCK?
2. If you didn't watch it, live or via a rerun, why?

So, sum it up, whaddya think? I think there was a lot of pomp and circumstance, but nothing overly exciting. I am so proud to be a citizen of a country that has such a peaceful, classy transfer of power. I am looking forward to a successful presidency, and hoping that Obama makes decisions in the best interest of our country's people.

Restaurant Review

Almost immediately after I moved to this fine town, I found myself asking nearly everyone I ran into where a good restaurant was. Mexican, italian, american... you name it, I wanted to find the best. Sometimes word-of-mouth can be the best referral, you know? I had tried restaurant after restaurant looking for a place that I would visit more than once. My family got tired of being "guinea pigs". We just wanted a place we could go to that we knew would be good.

During the course of my "experimentation period", I volunteered to write a weekly "Letter to the Editor" article for the News-Press outlining cleanliness, value of food, taste of food, and more. I had several goals:

1) To encourage other people to patronize restaurants they might not otherwise think of.

2) To encourage restaurant owners and managers to put their best foot forward. Not knowing who this "random" food critic might be just might encourage them to be on top of their game ALL the time. Not just when the health inspector shows up.

Alas, the newspaper felt that this subject would be too controversial, and they rejected the idea of an anonymous reviewer. Recently, the NP decided to publish results from the county health inspectors office, which outlines both minor and major violations that restaurants have been written up for. I guess the goal was to either sway patrons one way or the other. But, however clean the kitchen might be, the reports still failed to tell me if the food would be good, if the restrooms would be clean, or if it would be kid-friendly. Personally, I'm looking for a great date restaurant where I can spend special time with my love.

Being a solution solver, I decided to start a new blog: http://stjoerestaurants.blogspot.com/

I can't write about every experience that I have, but I'd like to think that I can add some insight as to what to expect at various restaurants. There will be no "regular" updating per se, but as often as I can I'm going to publish my findings. I'm going to continue the guinea pig approach and try new places, but I'm sure you'll see lots of familiar names of restaurants.

Bookmark it. Visit it. Write back. Post a comment with a suggestion of where you'd like me to go. I'll go anywhere and visit anything. Fast food is not exempt from my review, either. Let me know your thoughts. Talk back!

They Grow Up So Fast

Any parent who loves their child(ren) will likely tell you that his/her child(ren) grow up so fast. You'll hear stories about how their child(ren) learned to sit, talk, walk, read, drive, and finally, leave, all in too short a time. Every parent dreams of success for their child, and any parent who says they don't want their child to be more successful than they are fooling themselves. A "good" parent will likely dream that their child will progress through the K-12 years with acceptable grades, attend college, get a good career, marry, buy a house, and have children. In that order. But so often recently, I have been reading alarming statistics demonstrating how many teens are getting pregnant, and choosing to raise their child. This "phenomenon" of teenage pregnancy is certainly not isolated to our region, yet is so prevalent here.

I am appalled at how many parents are accepting of their teenage daughters "circumstances", and are electing to raise both the child and grandchild. Many years ago, teenage pregnancy was simply unacceptable. Perhaps it was certain lack of knowledge that prevented youth from unprotected sex, one could blame it on the media, society's sexual acceptability... whatever the excuse, it is simply unacceptable that parents are so willing to continue to provide for their children.

My rant today isn't about the number of pregnancies, though loads of statistics are available (start here: http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/state-data/state-profile.aspx?state=missouri).

Rather, I just cannot understand why parents coddle their children. Do they believe that by "softening" the blow of birth, that children will magically become more responsible? I have heard all too often about the grandparents waking in the middle of the night to feed the baby since mom is tired. Wait a minute... who's kid is this? Many of these teenage parents are high school dropouts, unemployed, and totally dependent on their parents.

At what point will the grandparents expect their child to grow up? When will they demand responsibility?

How do these grandparents envision their grandchild growing up?

Why is it acceptable for the state to pay for medical care for these irresponsible parents and their children? WIC?

If these teens want to play house, let them. Make them make an important decision. A REAL decision for once in their lives. Decide between (a) keeping baby, getting a job, a house, a spouse, and learning to support all of that financially, or (b) give baby up for adoption.

There are so many willing, financially able, stable, loving, married adults who are patiently waiting for the opportunity to have a baby in their home. The lists at adoption agencies are long - - many responsible adults want a baby to raise from the beginning. These adults would provide much better homes for these babies than most teenagers. Mostly because of their age and experience. Teens simply are inept at providing quality care for their child.

Parents of pregnant teens - - you want to be supportive? Encourage your child to own up to their decision to have unprotected sex, and make them carry baby full term, attending each scheduled doctor visit, eating healthy, and having a safe and healthy pregnancy. Abortion is not an option. And make them decide. Not you. Them. Make it important, and real, and serious. There have to be consequences. Children are not toys, not a fad, and they deserve our best. Society relies on parents' raising adept children.

Positive Quote of the Day

To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.

-- Donald A. Adams

You can subscribe and unsubscribe at: http://www.positivepress.com/saying/subscription.php3

Side note from me: I wish every business owner and employee would read and heed this quote. Every individual on the receiving end would gladly be the recipient of sincerity & integrity.

It's Official Folks... We've Made Nat'l Headlines

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,479782,00.html

Ok, so it's not St Joe, but it's close enough to hit home. It just reiterates my earlier discussion about obesity.....

Safe Spot

Saint Joseph offers a really cool program for kids called "Safe Spot". Promoted by the Fire Administration, the SAFE SPOT program is designed to provide a safe haven for children whenever they feel threatened. Any business that would be interested in helping to provide a safe environment for children is encouraged to get involved. All that is required is to provide the child with temporary shelter and call the Police Department for emergency assistance.

The SAFE SPOT logo is easily recognizable by children so they can seek help quickly. Contact Fire Administration for further information (816) 271-4603.

Safe Spot locations are designed for children who feel threatened by bullies, adults or even family members. This program is also useful for children who are being abused at home who need a safe haven. Most businesses are relatively close to residential homes and are scattered throughout the city, so children should not feel that they need to go only to the police station. Also, going into a business may seem less "scary" for the child, and may also hide what the child is really entering for, reducing the risk from further harassment.

My only question is: how are we marketing this program to our children? The businesses have done their part and have posted the signs in their windows, making themselves available. But how are our children being alerted to this service? The signs do not specify what exactly SAFE SPOT is, and I had a hard time learning about it! I found a small paragraph in the city's 2006 annual fire report! Perhaps principals should take an opportunity at an assembly to advise students of this service. Or even better, maybe the signs themselves could be a little more explicit. Any ideas, folks?

Positive Quote of the Day

So, then, to every man his chance -- to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining golden opportunity -- to every man his right to live, to work, to be himself, to become whatever his manhood and his vision can combine to make him -- this, seeker, is the promise of America.

-- Thomas Wolfe

Parents as Teachers

What is the "Parents as Teachers" (PAT) program offered by the SJSD? According to the PAT's national website: Parents as Teachers is the overarching program philosophy of providing parents with child development knowledge and parenting support. The organizational vehicle for delivering that knowledge and support is Parents as Teachers National Center.

Huh? Okay, so after dissecting all of the propaganda presented on their website, I have ascertained that PAT is a network comprised of parents who are certified in the PAT theories.

1. These individuals then con new parents into signing up for their program in which a PAT representative will visit new parents in their home on a regular basis to provide insight about the expected growth and development of their child.
2. PAT representatives are supposed to identify potential health and developmental problems with children in their visits.
3. These visits are targeted to prevent child abuse and neglect.
4. Somehow, these short visits are supposed to increase school readiness and success.

The PAT website has reports and evaluations that tout the success of the program. My question is how accurate or successful can this program truly be if it is voluntary? My first thought is that those parents who elect to participate are already looking out for the best interest of their child and are parents who are unlikely to beat or ignore their children. Following this argument, it is the parents who choose not to enroll that we should be the most wary of.

I have spoken with parents who are enrolled in the program, and they have said time and again that the PAT representative provides no real insight into the development of their child. Many times, PAT representatives are telling parents about what to expect, while the child has already achieved the milestones! What a waste of time. What a waste of resources.

The program also touts it's ability to provide new parents with community resources. Hmmm... wonder what those community resources are? Literature? The parents that I have talked to are unaware of any benefits of enrollment. They simply have the "PAT lady" coming to visit.

Most of the parents enrolled are working parents who spend very little time with their children anyway. Daycare providers should be the ones educated. So many parents drop their kids off in the morning, pick them up in time for dinner, bath, and bed. In the midwest, it seems many parents spend their weekends at extended family's home, so are unlikely to have direct, uninterrupted interaction with their anyway.

Promoting a solid pre-school program would be more likely to lead to success of our children.

PAT's... pshaw...

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! While I'm not typically one for resolutions, I thought that this could be a year that I can actually set a goal and stick to it.

This year I resolve to blog about something every day. I'm always thinking of something! So right, wrong, or otherwise, I'm going to publish something corny, cooky, wacky, observant, defiant, critical, interesting or just plain old boring. My goal is to get people talking. Whether it is to criticize my thought process or agree, just talk. Get your kids involved. Get involved in improving our city. Write back. Anything.

Take action.

No Icy Roads Here

I've lived in a town where we received snow.  Not 4" here or there, rather 4' in one storm.  I don't think salt was legal, and drivers were encouraged to use chains to prevent slipping and sliding on the roadways.  Chains with snow tires was preferred.  Anyone who has ever tried to put snow chains on a car in the snow knows exactly what I mean when I say it is not an easy (or speedy) task.  I must admit, our town never had ice like St. Joseph does.

I am impressed every winter when I take to Belt Hwy or other heavily traveled roads (Frederick, Lovers Lane, 22nd, Cook) to find that the city and MoDot have managed to keep a clear road for travelers.  Salt is liberally applied and major thoroughfares are continually plowed, making it somewhat easier for me to reach my destinations.  I know I won't have to worry about slipping near the shopping centers, only on residential roadways.

And so I send this big, warm thanks to those who oversee the roads.  Because of you, I am able to do my Christmas shopping, my grocery shopping, and pay my bills.  I am not afraid to drive in winter weather.  I'm relieved that I can relax just a bit on these frozen days.  Keep up the great work, fellas!  We drivers appreciate your hard work!

Saint Slow

In a recent discussion with a non-St Joe resident, a particular observer told me that he had always called St Joseph "St Slow".  My initial reaction was to be offended.  But after about... oh 1 minute or so... I laughed.  Out loud.  St Slow. How funny!  I can see how an "outsider" would see "St Joeians" as slow.

We have speed limits that are absurdly low (and nevermind that almost every resident obeys them); ahem, Woodbine, anyone?  Has anyone seriously tried to drive northbound on Woodbine without braking?  Next to impossible.  And our police force is consistently staking out this road to snag any who dare to pass the 35 limit by any speed.  Cook Rd - east of the Belt.  25 MPH?  You've got to be kidding me.  I could go on and on, but you catch my drift.

Nearly every retail store or restaurant is guaranteed to provide slow service.  Not good or bad service... just SLOW.  1 hour minimum visit at Chili's guarantees I won't be taking my lunch there, and 30 minutes in line at Wal-Mart makes me want to buy "quickie" items elsewhere.

The whole mindset of our town is slow.  A great example is an advertisement by The Comfort Center.  They are advertising a fiberglass pool as "the pool of the future".  People, these pools have been around for years.  They aren't anything new, yet somehow, St Joe is just now catching on.  Some homebuilders are still using copper pipes to build new houses for crying out loud!

Technology is slow.  Does any business provide stellar internet service?  No.  Does every citizen have internet access?  No.  Does every business have a website?  No.  In fact, most of these "technological" advances that most of the progressive world takes for granted is too far-fetched for St Joe residents.

What is the solution?  I dunno.  Maybe the roots here go too deep.  The old adage that "this is how it's always been done" will always remain in this town.  Stuck in it's history.  Continually looking backwards instead of forward.  It sure explains most of the current problems our town faces, including the inability to attract businesses in both the mall and the industrial park on Riverside.  Maybe other outsiders see us simply as "St Slow".  Maybe our workers are too "slow" for new business.  We need to kick the label.  Let's start with raising the speed limits!

Helmet Law

An article posted in the local paper about a 12-yr-old boy who was hit by a vehicle while skateboarding seemed to spur some discussion on the stjoenews.net blog boards. Some blamed the parents for lack of adult supervision, others blamed the City for not providing ample places for youth to skateboard, and one blogger even posted a link to the ordinance which stated that no person is allowed to use skateboards, inline skates or other similar device in any business district.

All "blame" and accessibility to parks aside, this does raise an issue of safety. Why is there no law in MO for helmets? One other state comes to mind : CA. They have a helmet law for minors riding anything with wheels. Youths are required to have a helmet on when riding their bicycle, skateboard, scooter, etc;. I cannot believe that the government has to be the one to protect your child, but apparently, I've been told that helmets can save lives! In CA, you don't have to be rich to have a helmet, either. There are countless opportunities for families to receive free helmets, courtesy of fire depts, public service agencies, etc;

It's time to demand a helmet law be enacted to protect our children.

Sonic

What is the obsession with Sonic fast food restaurants? In the city of St Joseph, there are 5 Sonic restaurants! Do we really need that many? The number of drive-thru restaurants in our small region is remarkable. Rather, it is appalling.

It is no surprise that fast food and obesity are directly linked. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to look around our community to see that our citizens have a problem. In fact, our neighboring largely-populated cities (St Louis and Kansas City) have routinely made the "cities with the highest rating of obesity" list released by the American Obesity Assn. This rating is not an award. It is not something to be proud of.

Today I am met with a dilemma. How can I help change the notion that regular visits to Sonic are okay? It is like asking kids to give up their candy. Virtually impossible, one would say. However, there are solutions. And, like almost every other topic, it starts with education.

1. Offer cooking classes. Not at the college, but through a city/county/state-sponsored program that will offer free or at least reduced courses on how to make practical, real-life, un-gourmet snacks and meals.
2. Promote a healthy lifestyle. Uh... anyone hear the sound of change coming? It's time to suck it up and build and/or maintain sidewalks or bike lanes. Time to warmly embrace physical activities. A community center that offers racquetball, basketball, basically any indoor sport would THRIVE (year-round activity, folks).
3. Condone smoking and other poor health vices.
4. Start in school. Offer a health class. Not just sex ed here, folks. Actual discussion about the food pyramid, making healthy choices, the effects of those choices, physical education (not just running around the gym) to include the positive effects of exercising one's heart, lungs, muscles, etc; and also basic hygiene.

Obviously parents aren't stepping up to the plate to educate their children. And I believe it is extremely difficult to teach adults new tricks, but if we start now, we can change the predictions for obesity in our area.

Let's put pressure to halt or at least slow the addition of more fast food restaurants.

Let's put pressure on those who are overweight to make a lifestyle change. It is NOT okay to be overweight. It is NOT okay to eat out consistently.

Healthy is the new "in" thing.