Let the Scare Tactics Begin — Where Are Your County Dollars Being Spent?

It’s time to look local!

Recently Bob Jasper, the Summit County Manager, was asked some tough questions by KPCW.  You should listen to his responses.  Click on this link for the audio file — Bob Jasper on KPCW

On November 8, Summit County voters have a chance to vote on some ballot initiatives.  When deciding if you want to rob Summit County of its assets to make up for the losses, and buy into the scare tactics of the County Coucil,  here are some things to consider:

1.    The County was over budget by $1.6M last year, and $2.1M this year.

2.    The County for too long has been using these heavy-handed strategies to get their agenda passed.  Sending out a letter paid by the taxpayer to try to pass their agenda is just a form of propaganda.  And YOU are paying for it.  They believe you are the little people, and that their agenda is too important to worry about the best interests of the people they are paid to represent.

3.    The County is lending money to Mountain Regional Water (the county owned water system) at a rate of 1.5%, when they would probably have to pay five (5) times that amount in the market.  Why is that?  Jasper said the Treasurer (Corrie Kirklen) made that decision.  Why should any business receive preferential treatment from the county over another business in the same industry?  And is this really a good risk for the county?

4.  The county Treasurer is working basically part-time and receiving approximately $110k per year.  So, who is really making these big decisions?

5.  The County gave Mountain Regional Water the ability to create a 14% rate increase this year and next, and for some reason they still need $500K of County funds.  There are other companies, like Gorgoza Mutual Water Company in Pinebook, and Summit Water Distribution Company, that are private organizations, that seem to be able to handle their water just fine, without county help, and even with the county doing things to block their progress.  These are great examples of how private industry is much more efficient than a government that can simply tax away your money instead of providing better services at a lower cost.

4.    Jasper claims there is an announcement on the movie studio.  Really?  Too bad the other parties involved don’t know of any deal on the table that will be announced in the next two weeks.  Is this just more propaganda to give hope?  And hope to who?

5.    In the discussion with KPCW, Mr. Jasper made a comment about someone on the planning commission  made negative comments about Prop 2 on her Facebook page.  (We know who this is.)  If someone made negative comments, then obviously there is an “against” that could have been written for the county publication.  It is wholly inappropriate for a county manager to take a public swipe at someone to try to get them into line with the will of the Council.

6.  Your county manager is a hired position.  His job is on the line under the direction of the County Council.  This is a horrible check.  It would be like our governor being appointed by our state legislators, and then if they didn’t like his positions, threatening his job.  How can Jasper claim to be doing what is in the best interest of the county, when he only answers to five (5) people on the council, instead of to the residents of Summit County.

There will be much more to see on the antics of this county council, so please subscribe in the box to the right to receive these posts right in your email box so you can easily forward them on to your other friends in Summit County.

Labels, Campaigns, and You

by Jacqueline Smith

I recently received an email sent out by the Democratic Candidate for Treasurer.  It linked Henry Glasheen the Republican Candidate for Treasurer to the “right wing” group The STAR Forum in a negative way.  First, Henry Glasheen is not a member of our group.  While most of the members support Henry in his election because he is a fiscal conservative, and qualified enough to handle this position, my main point of this article is to discuss labels. 

Labels are a way for the opposing view to denigrate individuals and groups.  Going back in history, we look at the Nomad age.  Those who were living on farms and in stable homes, also known as the Agrarian culture called the Nomads “barbarians.”  Once the Industrial Age caught on, those people building factories looked at the Agrarian age as “Third World.”  Each group wants to denigrate the other with a label.  What might the Information Age call the Industrial Age builders?  Polluters maybe.

Many labels have been attached to the freedom movement, such as “tea baggers,” “racists,” “hate-mongers,” and “right-wingers“ etc.  This type of label is not only inaccurate, but can fool us, if we as a people do not look at the entire picture.  We have a right / left paradigm in our society, and I have used the terms myself.  Liberal / Conservative is thrown around a lot as well, but with less negative connotations.  If you are using a term to describe a standpoint, be sure you are using it with accuracy.  Liberals call themselves liberals.  That is not a derogatory term.

 I think it would be good to define right-wing.  The video linked here is a video that shows why right-wing is the opposite of the definition many people place on groups intent on supporting the Constitution of the United States as seen through the eyes of the founding fathers.  Right wing actually is a call for anarchy.  This is not the case for The STAR Forum at all. 

The STAR Forum stands for Save The American Republic.  I cannot imagine a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Independent not wanting to Save the Republic.  Unless you believe in total anarchy or Fascism / Communism, we have common ground.  If you believe in God or simply in good, we have common ground.  If you believe that the Constitution of the United States is the law of the land, and holds government at bay to ensure the highest level of liberty for the people, then we have common ground.  If you believe that government is necessary, but should be limited, we have common ground.

The purpose of The STAR Forum is to educate people in ways of government workings.  We seek to give individuals the tools necessary to participate in an environment that may otherwise seem foreign.  We teach the proper role of government, and give the individuals the ability to look at history and better understand the period we are entering, known as The Fourth Turning.  It is individuals aligning themselves with others that want to recognize the vital role they can play in ensuring liberty for all.  It is recognizing the need for charity, honesty, and public virtue from ourselves on a daily basis.  We believe that an educated electorate is the most important thing in maintaining a Republic as our form of government.  We are not a democracy, because our founders understood as James Madison said, “…democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of  property, and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.”  In addition, Samuel Adams stated, “Democracy never lasts long.  It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself.”

If placing labels on individuals or groups is the only way to win elections, and it works, it will not be the fault of the person placing the label, but the individuals who are fooled by those labels and vote based on the “feeling” the label creates.  Be an educated voter.  Look at comments and phrases placed on opposing candidates in context.  Do not believe everything you hear.  Study things out for yourself.  Find the candidates that align most with your views and belief systems.  Above all else, remember that this Republic has lasted longer with our Constitution than any other written Constitution on the earth.  It is the duty of all who take office, and all who vote, regardless of party to align themselves within the bounds of that document.

 FREEDOM CAN WIN!

2010 Summit County Fair Republicans Responsible for Stimulus

Jamisyn with her Star Class hogs

The Summit County Fair has been going on all week.  The kids raise their hogs, steers, and lambs to show and sell at the fair.  The younger kids usually join in with chickens, bunnies, and art.  Summit County has long been known for its high prices for the auction.  This year seemed a bit lean due to the economy, but it was still a great success. 

Jamisyn with her 4th Place Hog

Silvere helping show hogs

I did notice one thing this year.  It is an election year, and you often see candidates step in and purchase.  They are helping the kids, helping the community, and they get name recognition by the people who are keeping the rural part of Summit County alive and well. 

Right out of the shoot,  

Rob Hunt for County Assessor

 Rob Hunt, running for County Assessor, and Richard Motto, running for County Clerk, purchased a hog.  The auctioneer mentioned they would take that kind of “stimulus.”  This was their first time purchasing at the fair, and they were looking forward to getting great meat and donating to a good cause. 

Richard Motto for County Clerk

Then Sherriff Dave Edmunds joined in.  He also purchased a hog.  After the hogs were sold, the steer went to sale, then the lambs.  Henry Glasheen, running for County Treasurer purchased a lamb. 

Sheriff Dave Edmunds

Richard Motto & Henry Glasheen for County Treasurer

Here is the interesting thing … they are all Republicans.  This is typical of a Republican.  See a need, and fill it, without government interference.  The Summit County Jr. Livestock Sale, through the 4-H program, is a way to encourage our youth to achieve their goals, set aside money for college, and learn about the circle of life.  Amazingly, there seems to be no need for government subsidy.  Hard work actually pays off for these youth.  In addition, their parents are actively engaged in helping them.  That is the American way.  These kinds of programs are what every community needs.  If not with animals, then with art, crafts, gardening, etc.  A little competition is great for these kids, and gives them a sense of pride.  It teaches them that instant gratification is less rewarding than reaping what you sow.  Our country has become obsessed with having it now, and that is not real.  It takes time to create a harvest; it takes time to raise an animal. 

Some children become very attached to their animals and both of my girls shed quite a few tears as their animals were taken away to the slaughterhouse.  They have loved these animals all summer, fed, watered and walked them.  Nevertheless, they understand that while their bodies are still here for us to appreciate and help sustain us, their spirits have moved on, and they have filled the measure of their creation.  Besides, bacon is yummy! 

Also, Lyndon & Stacy Jones, STAR Forum members, were responsible for the purchase of many animals, including a steer.  This is a wonderful way for everyone to get involved in their community, and show their support for those in the upcoming generation. 

If only our government understood these principles.  We, the people, do, and as we continue to teach our children these principles, they will grow up and become our government.  We have raised children in a 3^rd turning, and it is now time to raise adults. 

Now, I could have missed the Democrat candidates purchasing animals, but I did not hear any names that I recognized as candidates.