Shutting Down the Government

We are quickly careening toward March 4th. What's March 4th? Well the federal government is currently operating under a temporary budget ... which runs out March 4th. Republicans don't want another temporary extension ... not without some spending cuts. So if Republicans won't pass a temporary extension and Democrats won't pass the Republican's spending cuts, we could potentially see a partial shutdown as our government runs out of money (which is quite humorous when you think about it ... we are already out of money!).
Both sides will agree that a government shutdown is not ideal for either side, but if it comes to that, which party will come out on top? Last time we were in this position in 1995, Newt Gingrich and the Republicans did not win the PR campaign with the voters. But are things different now?
I believe the Democrats have every intention of forcing a partial government shutdown. They know that the media helped them win the last skirmish in 1995 ... and they are absolutely certain they can count on the ObamaMedia, led by The New York times, this time. The media will see to it that the Republicans take the blame. The only defense here is an informed public.

How Much is Wisconsin Costing You?

How much are these teacher protests in Wisconsin costing the taxpayers? If all the teachers in just the Milwaukee and Madison school districts are paid for the days they called in "sick", the tab would exceed $6.6 million dollars.
But it isn't just Wisconsin taxpayers who are footing the bill for these union protests, back in 2008 the federal government gave $669.6 million to the government schools in Wisconsin. This means that all of us taxpayers around the country have contributed to the salaries and benefits for these teachers, thanks to this federal subsidy. To put it in perspective, that is more than 20 times more than the $30 million that Gov. Scott Walker is trying to save with his proposal. And that was just for one year. Who knows how many taxpayers around the country have contributed to the salaries and benefits for these teachers.

Why End Collective Bargaining?

Because that's what brought us to where we are, that's why.
Governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin is doing a good job of presenting the issues between the taxpayers of Wisconsin and the government union workers ... a good job in all areas except one. Maybe I just haven't heard it, but he hasn't really explained why collective bargaining for benefits needs to end in Wisconsin. Maybe I should take a stab at it ... not that my opinion is worth any more than anyone else's.

1. Collective bargaining needs to end for Wisconsin's government union workers simply because it is collective bargaining that created the problems Governor Scott is trying to solve right now. The state didn't walk up to these workers and say "Hey! Here's an idea! We'll pay you more than you could make in the private sector! We're also going to give you incredible job security through the state civil service system. Then we're going to make sure that you don't have to contribute anything to your pensions and a pittance to your health insurance premiums? Sound good? Nope ... didn't happen that way. The unions negotiated the freebie retirement plan and "pay for your aspirin and nothing else" health care plan. So if we leave collective bargaining in place for benefits you will simply try to regain these out-of-line benefits with union action a year or two down the road.
   
2. We will leave collective bargaining in place for pay because your pay - not a free retirement or free health care - is the essence of what you're working for.

There is also the question of why Governor Scott isn't including the police and firemen in his union reform plan. Perhaps it is because of the special place these men and women have in the hearts and minds of the citizens of Wisconsin. It is police and fire fighters who put their lives on the line in the performance of their duties, not teachers (except in Detroit) and clerks in the professional licensing division. Be willing to stand between a citizen and a man with a gun, or be ready to run into a burning building to save a small child ... and you occupy a completely different place in our hearts.

Jim Ireton Continues His Personal Assaults

In Jim's state of the City address last night the only thing we really learned was Jim is a petty child. He of course went after SAPOA and took yet another jab at former Police Chief Allan Webster. Jim also refused to answer any questions about his father. If someone doesn't step up soon to dethrone this idiot I will run against him next time. That would be fun

Joel Dixon's Answers To My Set Of Questions

1)      Downtown Salisbury, ideas or solutions to revitalize our Downtown Plaza?

I feel that in order for the Downtown Plaza to be a successful area, we as a community need to establish a welcoming atmosphere which includes residents feeling safe and secure.  Furthermore, in order for the Plaza to generate more business, I feel that we need to attract multiple types of businesses, such as entertainment, restaurants, shops, and a variety of offices.  The City can help with this by supporting Chief Duncan and her plan for the “Safety and Security of Downtown.”  The City could also look into placing more lights in the area as well as making the plaza more accessible.  The citizens of Salisbury and the surrounding areas can also take a stake in this process by taking the time to explore what the Downtown Plaza has to offer and stepping up to the plate.  Rehabilitation of the downtown is a complex and difficult issue and requires a concentrated community effort to make it happen.

2)      Your thoughts on crime in Salisbury and plans to combat it.

 According to the statics provided by the Salisbury Police Department, on their website, part one crimes are down 29.4% from 11/14/10 to 2/13/11 compared to the same period last year.  While we are not where we need to be, I believe we are taking a large step in the right direction.  I would like to say thank you to all parties involved in making this reduction possible, your efforts are making a difference. 

That being said, I believe a three tiered approach to reducing crime is needed.  Supporting legislation to provide the Police Chief and her department the resources they need to accomplish their mission, attract business/jobs to attempt to lower the unemployment level to support homeownership and lower crime, and finally involving our community organizations.

The residents of our community must look to becoming more active in crime prevention.  We need to get today’s youth involved in various activities. Many have no outlet-they look to gangs for acceptance.  The creation of additional outlets and hands-on supervision is more important than ever now that there are cuts to after-school programs.  An idle person is a person that will find trouble and we as a community need to work together to get the kids off the street and involved into extracurricular activities.

3)      And most important to me can you get along with others? Even if they disagree with you?  I want people who can walk in without a tag team with another candidate and discuss the matters professionally.

While I can not control what others do, I will treat everyone with dignity and respect.  I will also approach all situations with an open mind.  Every person has different life experiences, values, training, education, and ideas.  Because of this the best solution can come from anyway even the person or group that disagrees with you.   Differences must be pushed aside and the best interest of the city placed ahead of individual pride.