Wow, I thought 1776attorney's absurd statement was just going to stand. Glad you corrected it hyperinflate. How long does it take to Google "Is trash public property?". Interestingly the final "proof" is contained in 1776attorney's own title "There should be a city ordinance". There isn't and even if there were, it would have to be defended in court. What a useless waste of money. I have found that if I want to get keep something curb-side, it helps to put a BIG SIGN with words like "FREE" or "PRIVATE PROPERTY - NOT FOR DISPOSAL".
You are correct in assuming that politics at the local level is thankless and largely unappreciated but I believe that even these good folks understand that no one should get unconditional support as that would lead to all sorts of complications with Democracy. I am very thankful for people like Mr. Bayer for posting their doubts and concerns and for doing so in a public rather than anonymous way.
Mike Spielman is not only a great coach but is also an outstanding math teacher. I know this from my daughter's huge strides this last year in his class and from comments made by other students. He is a real asset to the school and community. We are lucky to have him.
I think that our district may need to start charging all students that utilize busing and additionally expand coverage to those areas that were not previously covered. That would quickly identify which parents really need busing. Like our lunch program the costs could be subsidized for lower income families. Additionally, the State provides some subsidy already for those students that live further than 2.0 miles which could also be taken into consideration. With fuel costs rising as they have been and the district budget shrinking, we need every cost savings we can find. Busing has always had a no-bus zone that was not equitable since it was premised on the idea that living in town made it safe to walk to school. I believe that busing should be opened to students in town since since the walk forces the kids to cross numerous busy non-guarded intersections. Based on the astonishing large number of cars that drop their children off at the PC, IC and Junior High, it is clear that many parents are already paying to take their children to school. By placing a use charge on busing we could expand coverage and give parents a choice on what manner their children are taken to school. Perhaps we might see more kids walking and more families car-pooling while those families that really need bus service would have that option as well. My guess is that a charge of somewhere between $50 and $75 per month would be adequate.
I would also like to add my congratulations to the winners - it was a race, so they are winners - and also my thanks to all of the candidates for their guts to come out and run. A special thank you to Slade Dillon for bringing a great energy to this election. I hope you run again, Slade, maybe for city council next time around.
I have to agree with Solo. I was ready to write you off as too inexperienced but your answers are concise, transparent, and very well researched. You will get my vote this time around.
I think GreatGazoo makes a very good point. We have the benefit of having several colleges that offer classes that give real college credit as opposed to AP standing. I have heard that AP classes are being disallowed for some majors because they simply didn't teach the material thoroughly enough for the student to be successful in the major. This is also a great place for service organizations to step in and offer scholarships for these classes as they will certainly not be free. I believe that the education model for the college bound high-school student is changing and this is certainly one of the ways to ease high school students into college level classes.
I would also like to thank Mr. Christie for identifying just how crucial maintenance is. As he very correctly points out, deferring maintenance starts compounding costs when not addressed. It makes fiscal good sense to fix problems as they occur rather than waiting till they cascade into even more problems.
As our district gets its taste of austerity, it is humorous to remember that the rural districts voted overwhelmingly in favor of a KS House candidate that was clearly for cutting the funding for public education, which in turn has led us to this situation. Now, tasting that nasty medicine, a cry has gone out spend more but not raise taxes and reopen those schools. I would like to say that my hats off to Terri Lois Gregory and the Tea Party Irregulars. I mean, yeah, I might favor increased funding for schools but I also believe that it will come at the cost of higher taxes. Please do not take seriously any candidate who says they want to reopen the rural schools without raising taxes. It can't be done and even if it could it would be at the cost of a FOUR DAY SCHOOL WEEK (no apologies). Who in their right mind would sanction a 4 day school week?
I hate that the school board made the decision to close the outlying schools. We could reverse it but that would be irresponsible without a realistic budget and not one candidate has offered up a plan that compensates for the schools staying open.
Finally, why is it I always read that candidates are going to look at the facts and make a plan. If you running for office, you should have already done your research. Don't get me wrong, I thinks its great that you are willing but generally I believe in studying BEFORE the test.
Good article. I didn't know that you could vote in each district's race. I found that the above link is a bit confusing. You have to enter your name and DOB about half way down on the page then select the "Sample Ballot" for this election listed right under your voting location.
I think two things need to be said before this election. The rancor found in politics today, at every level, is making running for office a terribly unappealing thought. As such, I would like to thank all of the people who donated their time, good name, expertise, and values to serve our community in our city council and on our school board. A sincere thanks.
Second. I would like to thank all of the people who have their names in the hat this time around. I am glad the issues that are to be decided are important enough that so many people are willing to take the abuse and I would like to thank all of them for their willingness to participate.
There should be a city ordinance
Wow, I thought 1776attorney's absurd statement was just going to stand. Glad you corrected it hyperinflate. How long does it take to Google "Is trash public property?". Interestingly the final "proof" is contained in 1776attorney's own title "There should be a city ordinance". There isn't and even if there were, it would have to be defended in court. What a useless waste of money. I have found that if I want to get keep something curb-side, it helps to put a BIG SIGN with words like "FREE" or "PRIVATE PROPERTY - NOT FOR DISPOSAL".
Nathaniel Johnson
gruyere.emmentaler@gmail.com
December 21, 2011 at 12:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
School board lowers mill levy before approving 2011-2012 budget
You are correct in assuming that politics at the local level is thankless and largely unappreciated but I believe that even these good folks understand that no one should get unconditional support as that would lead to all sorts of complications with Democracy. I am very thankful for people like Mr. Bayer for posting their doubts and concerns and for doing so in a public rather than anonymous way.
Nathaniel Johnson
gruyere.emmentaler@gmail.com
August 30, 2011 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mike Spielman wins 20th state title in 19th year at BHS
Mike Spielman is not only a great coach but is also an outstanding math teacher. I know this from my daughter's huge strides this last year in his class and from comments made by other students. He is a real asset to the school and community. We are lucky to have him.
Nathaniel Johnson
gruyere.emmentaler@gmail.com
June 15, 2011 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Letters to the Editor
I think that our district may need to start charging all students that utilize busing and additionally expand coverage to those areas that were not previously covered. That would quickly identify which parents really need busing. Like our lunch program the costs could be subsidized for lower income families. Additionally, the State provides some subsidy already for those students that live further than 2.0 miles which could also be taken into consideration. With fuel costs rising as they have been and the district budget shrinking, we need every cost savings we can find. Busing has always had a no-bus zone that was not equitable since it was premised on the idea that living in town made it safe to walk to school. I believe that busing should be opened to students in town since since the walk forces the kids to cross numerous busy non-guarded intersections. Based on the astonishing large number of cars that drop their children off at the PC, IC and Junior High, it is clear that many parents are already paying to take their children to school. By placing a use charge on busing we could expand coverage and give parents a choice on what manner their children are taken to school. Perhaps we might see more kids walking and more families car-pooling while those families that really need bus service would have that option as well. My guess is that a charge of somewhere between $50 and $75 per month would be adequate.
Nathaniel Johnson
gruyere.emmentaler@gmail.com
May 1, 2011 at 9:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
On the chopping block: A special report on Baldwin City food inspections
Nice piece. I would like to see more of this kind of article done by students at Baker about our shared community. Well done.
Nathaniel Johnson
gruyere.emmentaler@gmail.com
April 15, 2011 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Harris, Chapman, Christie, Wedel win Baldwin City School Board positions
I would also like to add my congratulations to the winners - it was a race, so they are winners - and also my thanks to all of the candidates for their guts to come out and run. A special thank you to Slade Dillon for bringing a great energy to this election. I hope you run again, Slade, maybe for city council next time around.
Nathaniel Johnson
gruyere.emmentaler@gmail.com
April 6, 2011 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
City council forum answers: Jason Mock
I have to agree with Solo. I was ready to write you off as too inexperienced but your answers are concise, transparent, and very well researched. You will get my vote this time around.
-Nathaniel Johnson
gruyere.emmentaler@gmail.com
April 4, 2011 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
School board forum answers: Chad Christie
I think GreatGazoo makes a very good point. We have the benefit of having several colleges that offer classes that give real college credit as opposed to AP standing. I have heard that AP classes are being disallowed for some majors because they simply didn't teach the material thoroughly enough for the student to be successful in the major. This is also a great place for service organizations to step in and offer scholarships for these classes as they will certainly not be free. I believe that the education model for the college bound high-school student is changing and this is certainly one of the ways to ease high school students into college level classes.
I would also like to thank Mr. Christie for identifying just how crucial maintenance is. As he very correctly points out, deferring maintenance starts compounding costs when not addressed. It makes fiscal good sense to fix problems as they occur rather than waiting till they cascade into even more problems.
Nathaniel Johnson
gruyere.emmentaler@gmail.com
-Nathaniel Johnson
April 4, 2011 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larger class sizes still focus of USD 348 school closing critics
As our district gets its taste of austerity, it is humorous to remember that the rural districts voted overwhelmingly in favor of a KS House candidate that was clearly for cutting the funding for public education, which in turn has led us to this situation. Now, tasting that nasty medicine, a cry has gone out spend more but not raise taxes and reopen those schools. I would like to say that my hats off to Terri Lois Gregory and the Tea Party Irregulars. I mean, yeah, I might favor increased funding for schools but I also believe that it will come at the cost of higher taxes. Please do not take seriously any candidate who says they want to reopen the rural schools without raising taxes. It can't be done and even if it could it would be at the cost of a FOUR DAY SCHOOL WEEK (no apologies). Who in their right mind would sanction a 4 day school week?
I hate that the school board made the decision to close the outlying schools. We could reverse it but that would be irresponsible without a realistic budget and not one candidate has offered up a plan that compensates for the schools staying open.
Finally, why is it I always read that candidates are going to look at the facts and make a plan. If you running for office, you should have already done your research. Don't get me wrong, I thinks its great that you are willing but generally I believe in studying BEFORE the test.
Nathaniel Johnson
gruyere.emmentaler@gmail.com
April 3, 2011 at 6:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Polls open Tuesday for city, school board elections
Good article. I didn't know that you could vote in each district's race. I found that the above link is a bit confusing. You have to enter your name and DOB about half way down on the page then select the "Sample Ballot" for this election listed right under your voting location.
I think two things need to be said before this election. The rancor found in politics today, at every level, is making running for office a terribly unappealing thought. As such, I would like to thank all of the people who donated their time, good name, expertise, and values to serve our community in our city council and on our school board. A sincere thanks.
Second. I would like to thank all of the people who have their names in the hat this time around. I am glad the issues that are to be decided are important enough that so many people are willing to take the abuse and I would like to thank all of them for their willingness to participate.
Nathaniel Johnson
gruyere.emmentaler@gmail.com
April 3, 2011 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )