Thinking Out Loud

Apostrophe Patrol Case No. 11-105: Maternal Misconduct

This came from one of our secret agents in the field.

"Kids love to bake."

It would be nice if they learned how to SPELL too !!

 

 

 

Three Men of Character @ JCMO

Often we think of Character in lofty and theoretical terms. Truth is, Character is displayed in the real world in tough situations. This week's announcement that City Administrator Steve Rasmussen will be replaced was a venue for three displays of Character that should not be overlooked. 

 

Mayor Eric Struemph focused on the future and not the past, talking about his desire to form a new management team. He talked about Steve Rasmussen's contributions. 

 

 

 

 

Steve Rasmussen accepted the decision with class. He stayed true to his mission to the final hour. His service will reap benefits for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

Nathan Nicolaus accepted the additional duties of interim city administrator without hesitation, as he did six years ago when Rich Mays resigned and we began the search for a replacement. The time and stress on Nathan and family will likely go unnoticed by many citizens who reap the benefits of his leadership.

 

 

 

In a headline-driven world looking for controversy and argument, this important transition took place without much fanfare because three men among us displayed true Character.

And we are all better off because of it. 

 

Middle Aged Men Can Still Attract Attention

Last Sunday afternoon I was hauling my canoe back from the CVB event and I noticed a number of middle aged women who seemed really interested as I drove through town.

Don't get me wrong. I am very happily married. But I concluded that an 18 foot Grumman canoe on a Suburban could be the answer for middle aged single men looking for soul mates.

One word of caution. This is not a wimpy 14 foot L.L. Bean fiberglass lake canoe. Size does matter.

A Little Lovin' For Lawyers

Ok, I'm biased. But I ran across this little video called  A World Without Lawyers.

It's a nice counterbalance to every lawyer joke we've ever heard. 

 

 

 

 

http://tinyurl.com/6xmovns

Landwehr 1 / Moles 437

When men were men, they did not fight moles with poison worms, aromatic dust or electronic gadgets. They watched patiently for the dirt to move slightly. They attacked with shotguns, shovels or pitchforks.

Last night Peggy "felt the earth move" . . . as in the dirt shifting in a flower bed. I sprung into action.

Next stop:  the taxidermy shop. Think they could get him done by Father's Day?

"The Doughnut" Is Alive and Well in Cole County

A News Tribune Article last week discussed whether Cole County might get into the emergency siren business. The headline (always cute and often distracting) was Sounding a Warning. The title was more accurate than they intended. But it's not just about sirens.

The article reported the position of the Cole County Commission on the issue of its responsibility to provide an essential public safety service county-wide. Actually, the comments by elected officials were the real "warning" to municipal residents throughout Cole County. 

Western District Commissioner: "I think the time has come for the County to be proactive in putting sirens up." Thanks for that bold statement. 

But here's the problem, a definitive policy statement from the Presiding Commissioner:

"We need to make sure that everyone is clear in understanding that we are only doing it in unincorporated areas. Any cities that want to do it, including Jefferson City, they do it on their own nickel. We don't want to cross that line." 

But, according to the Commissioner, and to assuage the Western District: it will be just fine to spend tax dollars in "Eugene, Apache Flats, Westview Heights, Lawson and the area around Saddlebrook Estates."

So, when the heck did Wardsville, Taos, St. Martins, Russellville, Jefferson City, etc. secede from Cole County? What 'Line" was the Commissioner referring to? Why is there a 'Line" that prohibits providing services county-wide when they are funded by everyone in the county?

Municipalities in Cole County should encourage the County Commission to allocate public safety dollars throughout all of Cole County. Just because you live in a city does not mean you do not deserve benefits from taxes you pay to Cole County. 

We used to call it "The Doughnut Problem." I guess it's still something to watch for.

You Can Adopt a 50 Ton Friend

Last Saturday was  National Train Day. Our local volunteers celebrated in between duties. The expanded passenger depot at Lohman's Landing (on Jefferson Street) has been expanded and gussied up.

Call Judy Towson, Chief Engineer for Capital City Amtrak Friends, Inc. at (573) 634-4252 to get a little training and orientation, and sign up to adopt a train. You can just greet one train each week, or more if you get into it. 

Apostrophe Patrol Case No. 11-104: Too Much in DC

Caught this gem on trip to DC. Good news: They must think apostrophes are trendy. Bad news: They don't understand what they're for. 

 

 

 

Katy Trail Still Top Rated by Rural Electric Mag Survey

Readers of Rural Missouri, a magazine published by Missouri Electric Cooperatives, are probably not your typical tree-huggers. But in a recent poll the Katy Trail remains at the top of the list of public outdoor amenities, and the new bike/ped walkway at Jefferson City is cited.

 

MO Ct of Appeals Upholds STL Solid Waste Law

The Missouri Court of Appeals in the Eastern District has upheld a St. Louis County ordinance requiring citizens to participate in a regional trash/recycling system provided by private vendors. The case has been sent to the Missouri Supreme Court due to the "general interest and importance" of the issues. Here's the text of the full decision:  Download ED Op 5-11.