Archive for Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Questions and answers on Feb. 28 Basehor recall election
Voters make their choices Tuesday afternoon at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor, where residents of the city of Basehor were assigned to vote.
February 22, 2012
Editor’s note: Basehor residents will vote Tuesday, Feb. 28, on whether to recall Basehor Mayor Terry Hill and Basehor City Council members Dennis Mertz and Iris Dysart. In this feature, the Sentinel answers questions voters may have about the recall vote.
Q: What are the new voting rules regarding IDs?
A: The new rules, approved by the Kansas Legislature last year, require every voter to present a photo ID at the polling place. Eligible IDs include driver’s license, U.S. passport, military ID or student ID cards from colleges or universities in Kansas.
The Basehor recall vote will be the first in Leavenworth County to be affected by the voter ID law. For more information about the requirements, visit the Kansas Secretary of State’s website at sos.ks.gov, or call (800)262-VOTE.
Q: Where and when can I vote?
A: There will be only one polling place: Father Quinlan Hall at Holy Angels Catholic Church, near 154th Street and Leavenworth Road. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Q: What will the ballot look like?
A: The ballot will contain three yes-or-no questions, one each for the mayor and the two council members. If you want to remove an official from office, vote YES under his or her name. If you want the official to stay in office, vote NO.
For example, the ballot question about Hill will read: “Shall Terry Hill be recalled from the office of Basehor City Mayor?” If more people vote “yes,” then Hill will be removed from office; if more vote “no,” he will remain as mayor.
Q:Why are we having a recall vote?
A: State law allows for residents to petition for a vote to remove elected officials from office on the grounds of a felony conviction, other misconduct or failure to perform their duties. To start the process of recalling a local elected official, a committee of three registered voters must submit to the county a petition that includes grounds for the officer’s recall, and the county attorney must determine that those grounds are sufficient.
In Basehor, one committee of three voters got approval for petitions to recall Mertz and Dysart, and another group gained approval for a petition to recall Hill. Each of those petitions attracted enough signatures (according to a formula based on past voter turnout in city council elections), so Leavenworth County scheduled a recall vote.
Leavenworth County Clerk Janet Klasinski placed all three recall questions on one ballot in order to save money, rather than having separate votes for each officer.
Q: What are the “grounds” for the recall of the Basehor mayor and council members?
A: The committee seeking to recall Mertz and Dysart claims the council members had discussions outside of public city council meetings regarding their vote to fire former city administrator Mark Loughry last September. Such discussions would violate the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Mertz and Dysart say they did not break any laws, and Mertz has said the city council discussed matters related to Loughry’s eventual firing during a lawful executive session earlier that month.
The grounds for Hill’s recall are also connected to Loughry. The committee seeking the mayor’s recall has accused him of improperly revising Loughry’s contract to give him additional health benefits and authorizing a $50,000 severance check to Loughry without approval from the city council. The group alleges that those actions amount to misuse of public funds.
Hill, though, has said the change to Loughry’s contract was authorized by the city council, and the severance payment was required by Loughry’s contract.
Q: If the county attorney approved those grounds as sufficient, does that mean he ruled that Hill, Mertz and Dysart committed crimes?
A: No. Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson has said his approval had nothing to do with whether the petitions’ allegations were true. His approval indicated only that, if true, the accusations qualified as grounds for a recall vote under state law.
Q: A judge threw out part of the grounds for Hill’s recall. What was that about?
A: In January a Leavenworth County District Court judge ruled that two grounds for Hill’s recall, approved earlier by Thompson, were not sufficient. Those two grounds accused Hill of failing to preside at all council meetings and of misusing public funds in connection with purchases he made with a city purchasing card. The judge said the petitioners did not present enough evidence of a violation in either of those areas.
Q: What happens if these officials are recalled? Who would take over for them?
A: According to state law, any official whom Basehor residents vote to recall will be removed from office the day after the election results are certified by the county. Leavenworth County Commissioners are scheduled to canvass the votes on March 5.
If Mertz, Dysart or both are recalled but Hill remains in office, then Hill will appoint new members to replace them, with approval from the remaining city council members. If Hill is recalled and Mertz is not, then Mertz will become mayor because he is the current city council president. He would then have the authority to appoint a replacement council member for himself and for Dysart if she is recalled, with approval from the remaining council members.
If both Hill and Mertz are recalled, then things will get a bit complicated: First, the remaining members of the city council must appoint one of themselves as city council president. That person would immediately become mayor. The new mayor would appoint any replacement city council members needed, with approval from the existing council members. And finally, the council members could again appoint one of themselves as the new council president.
Q: I’m still not sure how to vote. Where can I find more information about the issues?
A: We’ve got you covered. Check out the Basehor Recall Election Central page on basehorinfo.com, where we’ve rounded up links to our coverage of the recall petitions, Loughry’s firing, Hill’s court challenge and just about anything else that might inform your vote.
And if you still have any questions, ask the Sentinel about it on Facebook (facebook.com/thebasehorsentinel) or Twitter (@BasehorSentinel), and we’ll do our best to get you an answer. And be sure to follow our coverage of the recall election throughout the day and night Tuesday, at basehorinfo.com and on Facebook and Twitter.
Comments
Talisman 11 years, 3 months ago
Good Lord! If the Mayor gets recalled and Dennis Mertz doesn't, Mertz becomes Mayor! I hope our good citizens of Basehor realize that we don't want this egomaniac to become Mayor. Vote "YES" for Mertz!
KSman57 11 years, 3 months ago
And if Mertz and Dysart were to be recalled, but Hill is not, Hill gets to appoint their replacements. Hill's term is up in April, but we could be stuck with his hand picked crew for many more years. VOTE YES TO ALL and let's start over.
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
if that happened then who would get to pick? I don't want a hand picked counsel by brewer either.
Thinkaboutit 11 years, 3 months ago
Couldn't agree more! They all need to go! Maybe then we can get people who care about the city and not vote or act for thier own personal gain. In my opinion, Hill did use city money inappropriately and Mertz got Laughry voted out in an attempt to show his "power". Too bad it was not the correct (or ethical) way to do it. Now we all have to pay.
Talisman 11 years, 3 months ago
I don't necessarily agree completely but I am in agreement that Mertz's move was definitely a 'power' move! Seriously folks, do we really want Dennis Mertz as Mayor of Basehor??? Not anyone I've talked to lately. Can't wait to see all of those stupid signs gone too!
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
so for the first time in years someone took a hard stance against altering contracts and wasteful spending and you want to get rid of him. i think not.
keep mertz
if not you will be stuck with the same corrupt actions that started this mess.
Dennis Mertz 11 years, 3 months ago
Correction the Editor should make: The City Council NEVER approved ANY change to Loughry's contract.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
But Dennis, you did make changes when you cancelled his severance check for two months while trying to extort a severance agreement, refused to give him proper notice, and a hearing before you fired him as called for in the contract you approved with the city manager. You did this firing YOUR WAY, instead of paying him off as instructed by the Mayor and city attorney. Then you ran this man's name through the gutter. Thanks to your actions, the paving of some of our gravel roads and roads in need of repair will not get done this year. $500,000 goes a long way on these repairs. Dennis, would you give up a good paying job and move your family to a new city and not have the understanding that you would have the same benefits that you had in your old job? That is common sense.
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
dennis, dont engage with the falcon lakes clan such as jgreen who is only trying to stir the pot with more destructive untrue comments.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
basehordream: Please tell me what part of my post is untrue and I will gladly retract it.
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
jgreen, smoke and mirrors. the topic was about there never being an approval by counsel to change the contract. somehow you ended up with a rant about some other bs. you are unbelievable.
jayhawk83 11 years, 3 months ago
I can't believe that you would call the City's inability to adhere to multiple details of Loughry's contract BS. That "BS" is the material that is going to get Loughry a large sum of money.
ProudOfOurCity 11 years, 3 months ago
Please Dennis just give it up. People are so tired of hearing you go on and on and on.
ProudOfOurCity 11 years, 3 months ago
ProudOfOurCity (anonymous) says… I was present the night Mr. Loughry was fired. NO, Iris Dysart did not think about it for a bit before calling for a vote....................it was immediate. And by the way, if Sunday's meeting at the library was truly a Town Hall meeting why was the entire Town (City) not notified or invited? .
LightTheDarkCorners 11 years, 3 months ago
See page three of last week's Basehor Sentinel for the 5" x 3.5" display ad inviting any and all to the townhall meeting.
becky 11 years, 3 months ago
it was in the Basehor paper
Dennis Mertz 11 years, 3 months ago
Below is the notification that was sent along with the notice in the Basehor paper;
A town hall meeting has been scheduled for February 19, 2012 at the City Library from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This notification is being sent out to inform you that a majority of council members could be present at this meeting.
This is not a special meeting and no actions will be taken by council members present.
Katherine M. Renn Assistant City Clerk/Utility Billing City of Basehor
JimWashington 11 years, 3 months ago
This Q & A format states the situation well except for Matt's answer on the question about the judge's decision to disallow the grounds of misuse of public funds. Neither the county attorney nor the Judge made a decision as to the validity of the claims only that if true the grounds would be sufficient. What the judge said in his January 12th ruling was that the petitioners did not make the statement that the Mayor's spending of public funds as he did were a violation of policy or a crime and they could easily have done so. Had the three petitioners had the funds for a specialty attorney to draft their grounds this claim would have been properly drafted and easily survived.
I was president of council from the time Loughry was hired until April 2012, during that time the council never in any way confirmed the pen and ink changes to a previously council approved contract as Mayor Hill states in this article. Hill and Loughry were instructed to bring corrections to council after the April 2010 executive session and that never happened while I was on council.
ProudOfOurCity 11 years, 3 months ago
LightTheDarkCorners/Jim Washington: One and the same: There you go again. Grandstanding because you have a personal vendetta and everyone knows what it is. Why didn't you run for council last time around?
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
travis travis travis get back to work at the overpriced water plant that i pay every month for.
OldtimeBasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Sorry Jimmy but you guessed wrong. I am not Travis.
ProudOfOurCity 11 years, 3 months ago
Carol, please give it a rest!
LightTheDarkCorners 11 years, 3 months ago
Today we received mailings from the committee supporting Mertz and Dysart as well as a mailing from those wishing to recall these two fine public servants.
The pro-Iris and Dennis literature is clearly identified as to who paid for it, including a return address and the name of a responsible individual.
In the case of the mailer opposing Mertz and Dysart, the piece is totally anonymous as has been every other piece of publicity advocating their recall. In addition neither the rotating ad in this newspaper nor the Basehor-recall website meets the attribution requirements of Kansas Statute.
Do you want your city government controlled by these unknown masterminds who inhabit the darkest corners? Or do you want open honest transparent government? It’s your money, it’s your city, it’s your decision.
LightTheDarkCorners 11 years, 3 months ago
Ooops, Sorry Trudy - I see after almost two months on this site TODAY someone has made you comply with the law.
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
thats right. i am voting no so that i can keep these two individuals who have all the evidence. the dark side as you put is it nothing but smoke and mirrors. proof is in the pudding. actual visa statements and undisputed documents for you to download and look at with your own two eyes. www.dysartmertz.com
OldtimeBasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Jimmy and Dennis, Really? Seriously? You wouldn't know the truth and facts if they were standing in front of you. Just give it a rest...........................minds are made up and we will find the outcome on Tuesday.
Thinkaboutit 11 years, 3 months ago
I have recently heard odd rumors about Mertz. Since he obviously checks these posts ill ask. Is it true that you have been known to record police officers while they are on duty? If so, and im not saying you have because I just heard this from a fairly reliable source, why would you do this? Granted Basehor PD is not the busiest PD in the state, but they have plenty to worry about im sure. They don't need to worry about their own council members trying to screw them over! Let them do their job. You are not a police officer and don't know what they have to deal with every day! Look forward to hearing from you.
capricorn 11 years, 3 months ago
My name is Marilyn Townsend, and I am one of the petitioners seeking Mayor Terry Hill's recall. I have never tweeted or blogged, and I'm hesitant to do so now, but I do not like reading such vitriol on line. This kind of rhetoric does not solve problems. Judging from all of the comments made thus far, there will probably be repercussions from those who choose not to put their names on their writing. It is so easy to say things when we can remain anonymous. I fervently hope, that whatever the outcome of this election, this town is able to move forward in a positive direction. We moved back to Kansas three years ago to care for aging parents, and it is incredulous to me that I find myself involved in such controversy. I care about how my hard-earned money is spent, and I do not think the taxpayers' money is being spent wisely. If you haven't attended a council meeting, it behooves you to find out for yourself how this city is being run. The city of Basehor is flush with tax money, and we should not have the debt that we have. I have scrutinized the budget, and I attended the budget hearings last year. I really think a professional could make the city budget simple for a layperson to understand. After working with Citizens for Responsible Governing, I have discovered that too many residents in this town do not use their voice when it comes to how their tax dollars are spent. I know there will always be disagreement, but there has to be open and honest discussion of the issues without using words that are hurtful and unproductive or behavior that mimics a three-year-old. I hope our group, Citizens for Responsible Governing, has opened and will continue to open residents' eyes. Everyone has a civic duty to become involved all of the time, not just when a particular issue affects them . This election also gives the American government teachers at the high school a “teachable moment.” Our constitution guarantees our right to free speech; however, there is no freedom without responsibility. I care about where I live and the people who live here. Our group will continue to monitor city affairs and exercise our right to free speech. Please exercise your right as a citizen and vote on February 28. Be sure to take your ID with you. Yours for a better Basehor. Marilyn Townsend
jayhawk83 11 years, 3 months ago
Every citizen should be concerned about responsible governing. But what your group has done is appalling. If you are so in the "know" about the city budget, you would realize that your dear Dysart and Mertz are directly linked to how the city spends money. If you're upset about how money is being spent, look to your council as a whole who approves the budget and spending. And it is well known that certain members watch purchases like hawks. Stop blaming Hill for the self-perceived problems your friends obviously have their hands deep in.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
$70,000-$100,000 in additional costs to the taxpayers for the proposed site for the new city hall over a $0 cost of other sites just as good. An extra $20,000 engineering cost for the wolf creek road extension over a cheaper and just as qualified bid. Extra thousands of dollars for a special city audit that 90% of the cities the size of Basehor do not use because of the extra expense. This looks very much like our city council are the ones that are wasting the taxpayers money instead of the Mayor. All those so called wasteful visa bills that the pro Mertz and Dysart group keep blaming the Mayor for, as it turns out, were approved by that very group of council members they are defending. The Mayor does not set the budget, the city council does. This does not include the $500,000 law suit against the city by the former city manager for breach of contract and slander. Now we are told of another law suit against the city because of possible discrimination against a former Basehor police officer. Enough is enough. Get rid of Mertz and the lady that repeatedly says: "I don't recall".
LightTheDarkCorners 11 years, 3 months ago
You and your crowd know this phony claim by Loughry is going away just as soon as this election is over whichever way it goes. If he expects to have a future in municipal government anyplace in this country he can't have that on his record. He may be self-serving and grasping for every little extra dollar but he is a very smart individual and understands that a suit would mark him in his chosen occupation forever.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
LighTheDarkCorners, Jim Washington: In referring to Mr. Loughry, the former city manager, your very words: "he is a very smart individual and understands that a suit would mark him in his chosen occupation forever."
Do you think he is smart enough to not move his family from a good job to a new city and not have the understanding that he would receive the same insurance benefits for his family that he had in Hays Ks.? Lets be logical.
OldtimeBasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Dennis: While you are answering the question about following police officers around please explain why you filed ethics charges against the city attorney which were promptly dismissed by the Kansas Bar Association. I heard that it cost the city $1800. Is this true also?
LightTheDarkCorners 11 years, 3 months ago
You dumped the only competent City Attorney this city has ever seen - because he had a major flaw. Yep he called the law the way it is not the way you want it to be. The current city attorney has a major conflict of interest and is costing many times what Mr. Reavy cost the city - and we see the resulting chaos.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Light the dark corners: Please correct me if I am wrong, but didn't this as you call it, chaos, start with the letter from Mr. Reavy to the city council dated two years ago? What is the conflict of interest you refer to in your previous posting involving the current city attorney? We all want to know.
LightTheDarkCorners 11 years, 3 months ago
Shannon Marcano was Ed McIntosh's attorney in the Wolf Creek Junction - Wolf Creek Marketplace debacle which left the city with $1.5 million in a KDOT loan which will have to be paid from the general fund for several years.
That is a huge conflict of interest.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
I am a somewhat conservative person. Why on earth would our city council put the taxpayers on the hook for a $1.5 million loan on a project that could fail? Many would say that the council was irresponsible on that matter. You people talk about a waste of taxpayer money, here is another $1.5 million the city residents will pay for. Personally, I think Ms. Marcano did a very good job when in employ of Mr. McIntosh. I am very happy to have someone that smart now working for the Basehor residents. If the council had followed her advice, which Iris, Mertz, and Box didn't, we wouldn't be under that $500,000 city manager lawsuit cloud we find ourselves under.
JimWashington 11 years, 3 months ago
Please go back and check, Iris Dysart and I moved for full financal disclosure of McIntosh and all other investors and their related companies in December 08. We were voted down by 3 to 2. One of those votes to allow the project to continue without standard due diligence came from Councilman Terry Hill. Ms Marcano did represent McIntosh well - and since that property will continue to involve the city in litigation she cannot represent the city - that is conflict.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Maybe, and I say maybe, you are right as far as the Market place litigation, but I don't think that one item would keep Ms. Marcano from representing the city on all other matters. "Ms Marcano did represent Mcintosh well", your exact words.
listenupAmerica 11 years, 3 months ago
What about the Mussett scam across the road from City Hall?? Did the school end up getting their ground for free as promised?? Did the city have to pay out a large sum of money already or is that again for a road that the tax payers paid for once??? When will all that payment come due?? and who exactly will pay for that mess?? Oh that's right that is a very large and flourishing development that both you (Council President Washington) and Dysart both thought that the developer was so outstanding?? Where is he now??? At least the guys with Wolf Creek tried to make a go of something that this town desperately could have used!!!! Did Mussett even get to keep any of his land??? Or did the bank take it all??
OldtimeBasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Once again you are spinning Jimmy. Orschlen's planned opening is in March 2012 as per report in the Sentinel. Their tax revenues will be directed to paying off the loan just like the grocery store would have. With a quality business as an anchor in the Wolf Creek area more businesses will follow. The loan will be paid by tax revenue as intended.
ProudOfOurCity 11 years, 3 months ago
LTDC: Jimmy, I didn't ask YOU about the charges filed by Mertz against the city attorney. Let Mertz speak for himself Jimmy. Dennis did you file ethics charges against the city attorney which were promptly dismissed by Kansas Bar Association that cost the city $1800?
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
We are also waiting for a denial from Mr. Mertz about the police officer situation. Has Mr. Mertz left the building?
Dennis Mertz 11 years, 3 months ago
jgreen1515, The legal claim for discrimination from the police officer has nothing at ALL to do with myself. I have verified from the former officer directly that the claim is against other City staff. Therefore you are absolutely blabbing untruths.
Instead of bashing me on the blog when little to nothing of what you say is true, you are welcome to visit my office and I could eliminate any misconception that you may have.
If you truly are just fact finding you will call or visit. If you are only bashing to sway votes then you will not. Either way the citizens will figure it out. I will update the blog if jgreen1515 actually contacts me.
Sincerely,
Dennis Mertz 2722 N. 155th Street Basehor, KS 913-724-4600
Talisman 11 years, 3 months ago
Really, I heard he already has a job in municipal government. Why would he drop the suit now? In fact, he got the job in spite of Mertz and his cronies! I think that should tell all of "your crowd" something about Loughrey's abilities.
OldtimeBasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
LTDC Jimmy, I believe that you will be the person having trouble finding a job, especially a poliitical job.
ProudOfOurCity 11 years, 3 months ago
LTDC, Regardless of who wins and loses in this election, the $500,000 lawsuit against the City will move forward. The citizens will pay for the personal and vengeful attack on Mr. Loughry by Mertz, Dysart and Box which was brought on by you seeking revenge. You have pulled the strings behind the curtain for your own personal vengence and caused anger and hatred amongst neighbors. Please leave our city. You are not wanted here.
kbrown 11 years, 3 months ago
okaaAAAAaaaaaayyyy. I just finished one bag of popcorn and now I'm on the 2nd bag.
I see a mention was made about a city audit. Where are those results?
Thinkaboutit 11 years, 3 months ago
Don't look like Mertz wants to comment on the police officer harassment. Guess the source was reliable. If he really cared about the city he wouldn't be annoying the very people who put their lives on the line to protect it!
Dennis Mertz 11 years, 3 months ago
Thinkaboutit,
Instead of bashing me on the blog when little to nothing of what you say is true, you are welcome to visit my office and I could eliminate any misconception that you may have.
If you truly are just fact finding you will call or visit. If you are only bashing to sway votes then you will not. Either way the citizens will figure it out. I will update the blog if Thinkaboutit actually contacts me.
Sincerely,
Dennis Mertz 2722 N. 155th Street Basehor, KS 913-724-4600
Thinkaboutit 11 years, 3 months ago
Soooo, no denial? And no I will not meet with you or even call. That will only result in a dispute. I will not fall into that trap. I have asked exactly what I want to ask. You are obviously dodging the question in fear of the public reaction to your actions. A meeting and/or call will change nothing!
kbrown 11 years, 3 months ago
Thinkaboutit: If you would like to exchange thoughts, sound ideas, and solid contribution to this blog (I know it may be difficult for you to keep up with the way this forum layout is arranged) I'll give you a little assistance. Start at this post and count 8 posts up. Then expand Dennis Mertz's reply.
So let's review how this forum works--- my response may not be valid in the future as people reply to any comment between here and Dennis Mertz after I post this. But please do expand all responses when you make a response as it surely makes you look as the one that is arrogantly dodging and making prideful excuses for spreading rumors.
Thinkaboutit 11 years, 3 months ago
ok.. that reply has nothing to do with my question. The officer sueing the city has nothing to do with Mertz. The incident in which Mertz supposedly recorded officers while they were on duty for unknown reasons happened well after the officer sueing the city had been terminated. My comment earlier was for Mertz. You are not Dennis Mertz. If you don't like the way I post you are welcome to keep scrolling and mind your own bussiness. I have searched this site and don't see any "rules" or "instructions" on how to post. Last I checked, this is public and I am part of the public!
kbrown 11 years, 3 months ago
sigh...
...as you wrote, I have searched this site and don't see any "rules" or "instructions" on how to post. Last I checked, this is a public forum and I am part of the public!
I agree. THINK ABOUT IT.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
I also agree. I am not looking for a fist fight or worse.
OldtimeBasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Ok let's try this one more time. Dennis did you follow police officers around while they were working and did you file ethic charges against the city attorney for personal reasons that were promptly dismissed at a cost to the city of approx. $1800? YES or NO!
OldtimeBasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Obviously Dennis the answer to both questions must be yes. Yes you followed on duty police officers and yes you filed a frivolous ethics charge against the city attorney costing taxpayers $1800. I certainly understand why you would not want to answer the questions.
Dennis Mertz 11 years, 3 months ago
OldtimeBasehor,
Be patient as I don't watch this blog constantly. I have a family that would like some of my time with them. That, I will not sacrifice.
Yes, On August 20, 2011, I did in fact send a report to the Chief asking why at 9:50PM we had an officer sitting at the Bonner Springs Casey's Store for an extended amount of time. When I went into the store, coming from the movies with other friends, the clerk offered up that he had been there for over a half hour talking (I only observed about 10 minutes) about a rollover in Tonganoxie and another officer had been there for over an hour the night before. This was concerning to me and I simply emailed the Chief. My question was merely about why we would have an officer out of the City at 9:50PM when our Basehor Casey's Store was open if he needed to purchase something. I let the Chief handle it and follow up with the officers. I do not know what was said to him. Per the weekly police reports the Council gets, we were running "Over the Limit Under Arrest Campaign" and that would be hard to do from inside Bonner Springs Casey's out of our jurisdiction.
The other item you asked about would be the current City Attorney. This is part of an investigation with the KBI and I am not at liberty to discuss.
Now for reference, I will spend time with my family this weekend and will not be engaging into anymore questions that are not related to the recall.
To ALL:
I will report that No one called or visited me to talk as I offered. I can only assume that this was only some untrue bashing to discredit me from someone who does not want to reveal their true name. Well the public can read this and see that I am willing to answer just about any question. I am glad the public is getting involved and informed.
Everyone have a great weekend and enjoy the 50 and 60 degree weather!!!
Sincerely,
Dennis Mertz
ProudOfOurCity 11 years, 3 months ago
Dennis, Each question we ask you is related to the recall. The problem is that you don't like answering them.
OldtimeBasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Dennis: There you go again with untruths. I know you are not going to read anymore today because of family time but for those of us who were waiting for your reply: you were actually videotaping the officers at Casey's. The store clerk brought it to their attention. Do you normally take your video camera to the movies with you? Your filing of a frivolous ethics charge against the city attorney which was immediately dismissed and cost the taxpayers $1800 had absolutely nothing to do with Mr. Loughry's lawsuit (I know Jimmy does not believe that it will happen but maybe when it does Jimmy would like to pay the 500,000 out of his pocket). And Dennis your charge against the city attorney had nothing to do with you and Jimmy's KBI investigation.
By the way, how is that going, I hear you have managed to stir your own pot? Any regrets?
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
hmmmmm the attorney who wrote the response for marcano is also on the disciplinary board. case dismissed. how convenient.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Another $1800 from Basehor taxpayers please.......Taxpayer money wasted!
ProudOfOurCity 11 years, 3 months ago
hmmmmmmm Carol, let it go, we all know Mertz cost the city another $1800. Move onto another one of your lies or better yet give it up.
OldtimeBasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
So Jimmy and Dennis: after all of your spinning and carrying on Dennis DID in fact file a frivolous ethics charge against the city attorney. And it DID cost the taxpayers $1800. Thank you!!!!!!
enough 11 years, 3 months ago
drama drama drama good grief save us all, recall 'em all! let's clean house and start fresh. the main concern of this town should be making it a place that a family or person would want to come live and a place a future business would want to come set up shop in. not a town that makes prospects run away.
OldtimeBasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Follow The Yellow Brick Road To Nowhere Behind the curtain Jimmy the Wizard of Oz is pulling the levers and has sent Dorothy Dysart, Cowardly Lion Mertz, Scarecrow Moore and Tin Man Box out to get the broom of Elaine the Wicked Witch of the East after a house fell on her sister, Marilyn, the Wicked Witch of the West. Along the way they have created a $500,000 potential lawsuit for the Emerald City. Unfortunately in this story there are no ruby slippers. This little group, following Wizard Jimmy’s quest find themselves lost in the Dark Corners Forest with no Light.
Hopefully, the recall election will send all of them home and Emerald City will return to the beautiful, peaceful place that it once was. Let us hope and pray that the balloon full of hot air lifts off soon taking Jimmy the Wizard back to wherever he came from, gone forever from Emerald City.
The End
nomorelies0187Theoneman 11 years, 3 months ago
This was very well thought of... the saddest part of all of this that in the wizard of oz there was 1 evil witch in whats going on here in Basehor is more of a coven of witches. That are casting their spells of hate and lies,this Tuesday is so important that everyone get out and vote... MAYOR HILL BY MANY PEOPLE ON HERE IS GUILTY AND THAT'S IT,OUR COUNTRY IS THAT YOU HAVE TO BE PROVEN GUILTY THERE IS NO PROOF THERE WHAT THEY SHOW ARE MADE UP FAIRY TELL ABOUT A MAYO ..MAN THAT EFFECTS HIS CHARTER ...STOP THE HATE AND TAKE 10 MINUTES TO READ THE TRUTH ITS OUT THERE Mertz and Dysart ARE CORRUPT AND WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.I PRAY THAT GOOD WILL TRIUMPHS OVER EVIL Mertz and Dysart
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
http://www.dysartmertz.com/Documentation.php for many documents of truthfulness. hard physical facts are indisputable such as the altering of the contract. is this why the mayor tried to get the documents removed on http://terryhillrecall.com/Facts.php because it contains the actual visa statements he did not want anyone to see. what did dysart and mertz do wrong nothing nothing nothing. all you have is 80,000 dollars that has never been spent. all you have is 500,000 that has not been a court case yet and may never become one. dysart and mertz are the counsel members whom brought to light what the former city attorney tried to reveal before he was fired by the mayor to shut him up. read the letter for yourself http://www.dysartmertz.com/uploads/Letter_from_Patrick_Reavey.pdf
SmallTownBS 11 years, 3 months ago
Mertz's comment above is lie after lie and that is a fact. I love the Wizard of Oz story, it is so true! I hope everyone votes to get rid of this evil man! The devil should not be running the show! The devil always disguises himself as someone that wants to do good when really all he is after causing nothing but trouble and chaos! Personal gain from a control freak is how it all started so please vote to recall this egotistical maniac and his friend.
Dennis Mertz 11 years, 3 months ago
What is a lie?
Dennis Mertz 11 years, 3 months ago
Please state specifically what you think is a lie? FYI, Still NO calls. I can only assume it is the recall committee that has made multiple comments under multiple user names to try and discredit what is simply available for everyone to see.
Once again, if anyone would like to see hard facts then you can come by and pick them up from me or City hall. I have the right to defend myself against any and all negative comments.
Sincerely,
Dennis Mertz mertz@swbell.net 913-724-4600
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
The Basehor city council, not our Mayor, is costing the taxpayers of the city $500,000+ in a wrongful termination and slander suit, an extra $80,000 for the future city hall land, and extra $20,000 on an engineering bid for the wolf creek road, $1800 fee for a shown to be false ethics complaint against the current city attorney, and extra thousands of dollars for a special city audit that 90% of the cities the size of Basehor don't use because of the extra expense, and the list keeps getting longer and longer. All of the expenses that the Mayor was accused of incurring were actually approved by the city council, whom controls and votes on the budget, not the Mayor. By the way, why does where a council member works have to do with their job as our elected representative? Is it the job of a councilman to video tape Basehor police officers while on duty as Mertz allegedly did? WOULD ANY OF YOU CITIZENS QUIT A GOOD PAYING JOB, MOVE YOUR FAMILY TO A NEW CITY, ALL FOR A DECREASE IN INSURANCE BENEFITS THAT YOUR FAMILY WAS ALREADY RECEIVING? Logically, I think not. I believe the Mayor, that these benefits were understood, even though not transposed properly in writing. Those benefits were paid for two years, and the city manager was re-appointed several times by the city council since the signing of that contract. The Mayor is being punished for trying to do the right thing according to the city manager employment contract and advice by the present city attorney, by paying the man his severance. Now he is being punished for that. Recall Mertz and Ms. Dysart so the city can move on and put this behind them.
mckinley2010 11 years, 3 months ago
in all the months i have been watching this play out. the group of citizens calling for the recall of councilpersons Dysart & Mertz can come up with nothing better than name calling and silly B.S. really. i would sell my home if i lived in falcon lakes you folks are so rude and simple minded. just wonder why Mr. loughry is so well liked by all of you? somewhere the dismissal of the city admin. must have cost someone a lot of corrupt money. all this really makes me wonder what the K.B.I and kansas att. gen. will uncover when all is said and done? you can be sure it wont be wrongdoing by Dysart or Mertz. my guess is there will be several arrest for corruption and fraud. as well as misuse of city funds. i would not be at all shocked to see Basehor lose its charter as a city. hey dont feel to bad its not your first mayor who is a criminal.
kbrown 11 years, 3 months ago
I have said all along this recall should not have been introduced. What is the status of the investigations? What is the status of the audit? As it stands, there are a lot of ill feelings being spread falsely I may add passionately, because of inuendo, by both sides.
mckinley2010 11 years, 3 months ago
this is by far the most rational comment to date on this board. makes you wonder what we could have done if everyone worked together?
many thanks kbrown
nomorelies0187Theoneman 11 years, 3 months ago
Kbrown If you look at the recall Mertz/Dysart website you will see the results of the audit.
kbrown 11 years, 3 months ago
Nomorelies--please give me a direct link. I can't find it. More importantly I can't find any of the audit results in the City of Basehor's site under meeting minutes/agenda packets. The only thing I found was that an audit was to occur.
nomorelies0187Theoneman 11 years, 3 months ago
Sorry I thought it was published already. I am told that you can get the results at city hall from the city clerk.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Kbrown:
I must respectfully disagree with you on the recall timing. With all the money and future taxpayer expense that is wastefully being churned out the door due to these council people, and the fact that they continue to blame everyone but themselves of wrongdoing, now is the right time, before more money is thrown down the crapper.
kbrown 11 years, 3 months ago
And I must respectfully disagree in that current taxpayer expense for this recall ($2800 and counting?) because of "feelings and personalities" rather than the outcomes of audits and investigations, is wasteful and has led to division.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Kbrown Fortunately we can agree to disagree in America.
jayhawk83 11 years, 3 months ago
mckinley, you are very fond of stating there has been criminal activity on Loughry and Hill's part. Once again, I will ask you: where is the evidence? It is my understanding that the KBI has investigated Loughry with nothing found in wrong doing. I'm not sure about Hill's investigation. Note, these investigations have been spurred by Mertz. What was the official outcome of such investigations? I think you should check your facts before spouting off about criminal activity.
nomorelies0187Theoneman 11 years, 3 months ago
McKinley2010: Why do you always assume that everything you read that disagrees with Iris and Dennis comes from Falcon Lakes residents? You need to get out more. Are you aware that there are 5000 residents in the city of Basehor? There are numerous housing areas with lots of people and no they don't all agree with you either. I know that you are just trying to spin some more of your evil thoughts but give it up! You should be very careful when referring to the KBI and Attorney General. There very well could be arrests made and you will certainly be surprised! They may be knocking on your door next. Referring to the Mayor as a criminal is a poor choice of words. When you soon eat those words they may not taste very good.
mckinley2010 11 years, 3 months ago
5000 residents i guess your counting school kids. well anywho lets see. in the last mayoral election how many voted? as i recall (no pun intended) almost 700 voted. what a turnout. terry beat iris by 26 votes not much of a mandate by the voters.
y'all better tell boss hog them duke boys was sniffin round cityhall. he can have sheriff rosco go chase em off.
seriously i would expect there to be many subponeas for bank records as well as a very close audit of the city done in this investagation. with that said its easy to see why folks are so up in arms about this. nothing gets criminals more upset than shining the light of day on them. if i had seen even one sane comment by anyone wishing to remove counciopersons Dysart & Mertz it might have made a difference. but i have not. not one person has the facts or any evidence to support the petiton. mayor hill and mr loughry have left a trail of paper behind them for law enforcement to follow. im not talking about a bunch of speedtrap cops but real investagators and pros. this in no way ends with the recall. in fact its just begining.
nomorelies0187Theoneman 11 years, 3 months ago
Everyone who lives in the City is a resident. You sound backward and ignorant. And no I don't live in Falcon Lakes so don't start with that again. And are you now saying derogatory comments about the Basehor Police Department? For your info an indept audit was just completed on city records (the audit that was voted for by Iris and Dennis). You are not doing anything to help Iris and Dennis's case.
mckinley2010 11 years, 3 months ago
you just dont get it do you. dennis and iris dont need my help. if they did i would give it. you can bet one thing for sure. your gonna need a real police dept. if bruers biuld the low income housing the dont want anyone to know they own. you can also bet that the folks at cedar lakes & pinehurst will be voting on tue. perhaps falcon lakes would like to have some sec.8 housing up there where their kids can use the new playground the city granted them funds for.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
Just wondering what sec.8 housing has to do with this recall? Are we trying to take this blog off the subject of wasteful city council spending?
mckinley2010 11 years, 3 months ago
if the council members are recalled then you will see what it has to do with it.
nomorelies0187Theoneman 11 years, 3 months ago
McKinley: Have you lost your mind? Breuers have nothing to do with a low income housing in Basehor or anywhere else. I am sure all concerned citizens will be voting on Tuesday as well as Falcon Lakes. I do not believe that any neighborhood wants Section 8 housing. You must be a very unhappy person. My Lord, in your opinion, Falcon Lakes, the Basehor Police Dept and now the playground are all bad. Have you asked the Mayor or any Councilperson how they feel about Section 8 housing? I feel very sorry for you.
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
why yes at the meeting last night mark brewer stated that mb reality was his. mb for mark brewer. this gentleman also owns and is the representative for the low-income housing. they will just bring it back next month. they expect to get dysart and mertz out and vote again. the brewers also own the assisted living where they are asking for 60,000 discount. vote no today
mckinley2010 11 years, 3 months ago
remember you heard it here first.
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
because if they are successful in removing dysart and mertz they will bring the low-income back for approval. it is a brewer/hill enterprise. they will make millions.
mckinley2010 11 years, 3 months ago
the money they will make will be comming out of your pockets. the reason for this silly and vicious recall now becomes clear. basehor will become a feudal landlord . the breuers and others will control everything.
listenupAmerica 11 years, 3 months ago
You people are really comical, please read my post below for responses to your ranting!!!
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
yes mr. brewer.
johninbasehor 11 years, 3 months ago
You folks are really desperate, aren't you!
listenupAmerica 11 years, 3 months ago
A lot of you seem to have some misconceptions about the senoir living complex, Country Place Living has facilities in 6 states including Kansas and 9 facilities already in the state of Kansas. The Breurers' do not own this complex!!!! The group came in and asked for investors to make the project a success, in case you do not know, Pebble Brooke (owned by Bonee Enterprises) is the only 55 and older living community in the city. This facility would provide on site care for individuals that would need more than what Pebble Brooke can offer. It's also funny that when the low income housing project came in 2 years ago and asked for support no one, and I mean no one showed up to argue about it then and council (including WASHINGTON, DYSART and I'm sure MERTZ would have also, if he had been at the meeting!!t) gave the development full support and the letter they were asking for to take to the state for tax credits, where in the @#LL were you all at then. From the January 28, 2010 Basehor Sentinel • Approved, 4-0, a letter of support for Garrison Development to apply for affordable housing tax credits to construct Southside Village Apartments at 155th Street and Pinehurst Drive.
SmallTownBS 11 years, 3 months ago
Mr. Mertz.....nobody wants to come visit you to get your facts because your facts are lies. Get over yourself.
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
can you explain the fundamentals of how "facts are lies"?
listenupAmerica 11 years, 3 months ago
A lot of you seem to have some misconceptions about the senoir living complex, Country Place Living has facilities in 6 states including Kansas and 9 facilities already in the state of Kansas. The Breurers' do not own this complex!!!! The group came in and asked for investors to make the project a success, in case you do not know, Pebble Brooke (owned by Bonee Enterprises) is the only 55 and older living community in the city. This facility would provide on site care for individuals that would need more than what Pebble Brooke can offer. It's also funny that when the low income housing project came in 2 years ago and asked for support no one, and I mean no one showed up to argue about it then and council (including Washington, Dysart) gave the development full support and the letter they were asking for to take to the state for tax credits, where in the @#LL were you all at then. From the January 28, 2010 Basehor Sentinel • Approved, 4-0, a letter of support for Garrison Development to apply for affordable housing tax credits to construct Southside Village Apartments at 155th Street and Pinehurst Drive.
nomorelies0187Theoneman 11 years, 3 months ago
This should be shared with KC TV 5. It would certainly be nice to see the truth out there.
mckinley2010 11 years, 3 months ago
i would say that ch 5 covered it pretty well. mayor hill asking a police chief to restrain and remove a citizen from speaking at a public forum. where are we iran the former soviet union? mr washington had and has the right if not duty to voice his concerns and question any government body. it is exactly this kind of leadership the city does not need. it was a desperate act for the mayor to ask chief martley to stop mr washington from speaking on a matter which concerns all the residents of basehor. when truth and justice fail all that will be left is brutish force like we saw last night.
basehordream 11 years, 3 months ago
mr. mckinley is correct here. mr. washington was given 5 minutes to talk then the mayor tried to shut him up at about 2 minutes. when mr washington was done the entire 70+ people erupted in applause. http://www.kctv5.com/story/17034187/basehor-mayor-faces-recall-tuesday-petition-called-for-removal
nomorelies0187Theoneman 11 years, 3 months ago
Once again Jimmy you are lying. If you look up in the city counci chambers in each corner there is a camera on the ceiling which not only picks of visual but also audio and is recorded. When you started your tirade which was not on the agenda the mayor stopped your venonmous outburst. After the third consecutive out of order from the mayor you were subject to ejection from the council meeting. Call to public is so that citizens can speak on the agenda items. NOT JIMMY"S AGENDA ITEMS! You should be ashamed, you made a fool of yourself!
nomorelies0187Theoneman 11 years, 3 months ago
I wonder if Bob the Scarecrow can spell lawsuit? I hope he has a really good attorney!
SmallTownBS 11 years, 3 months ago
basehordream aka Dennis Mertz.......that's funny that you are using your other user name for today. Smart move on your part for once! Let's just say that your explanation of the events of video taping the police officer at the gas station was not the whole truth and nothing but the truth so that makes it a LIE.
mckinley2010 11 years, 3 months ago
wow. you are nuts.
SmallTownBS 11 years, 3 months ago
mckinley2010 First of all if you are talking about me you are nuts cause you don't even know me and if you did you would know I don't care what you think about me. I have reasons behind what I have said and you are obviously clueless! I am very happy tonight.....you may think I am nuts but your buddies are losers. I'll sleep well tonight knowing justice was served.
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