I am not a resident of the city of Bonner Springs however I do hold a Bonner Springs mailing address. Just to let you know, I spend several thousands of dollars in your city each year, from groceries, hardware and garden supplies, restaurants, fuel and etc.
Your callousness towards the safety of your citizens and visitors is astonishing. I don't have the facts and figures but from knowing the area very well I cannot think of a more dangerous intersection in your city. I personally have observed the aftermath of many accidents at K-7 and Kansas Ave. I once even observed one horrific accident happen.
Your attitude to dismiss creating a safer intersection by providing an overpass on a busy highway is pure nonsense. Personally I do try to avoid that intersection when I can due to the danger. What I have seen is that you don't have to be the one that is a poor or inattentive driver to be injured there. The current design of the intersection is fatally flawed.
Your willingness to compromise the safety of your citizens for a loss of sale tax money is shameful. In fact there is no way you can even prove you would lose sales tax money but you cite that reason as fact, unless you have some mystical power to see the future that none of the rest of us possess.
Tell me this, if you could see the future and you saw your loved one bleeding and dying in that intersection would you be voting the same way?
We know from history, there will be someone's loved one lying there bleeding and dying in the future will you be willing to personally explain your vote to them that you were afraid of losing the money from a 10% sales tax rate in that area?
It is important that parents talk to their kids about drugs. Studies have been done and the results show that parents would rather talk to their kids about sex than drugs. Parents don't know what to say. If you need help talking to your kids about drugs go to The Partnership at Drugfree.org website they have tools and answers for parents to begin this important talk. You can download a free parent toolkit to help. http://www.drugfree.org/prevent
If you have a problem and need someone to talk to about your teen call the toll free Parent Helpline: 1-855-DRUGFREE
Ron Grover Parent Ambassador The Partnership at Drugfree.org
Teachers, students and administration all deserve to take a bow! And, not to forget you parents that are ever present in the students lives. Go ahead and pat yourselves on the back, you are a part of this too.
Jason2007: I would guess the measurements and gauges are the same as they have been as far back as they were when I was in school for the 1960's forward. Are the students learning an ever increasing amount and acquiring the new skills required to compete in an ever expanding world?
Well let's see. In this issue of The Sentinel there is an article about an improvement in the district ACT test scores. On state assessments there is steady improvement on state testing and BL has regularly met state requirements to meet No Child Left Behind standards and requirements.
It's about outcomes and are goals being met. Second guessing our educators when the proof of steady improvement is evident and test scores bear that out is not productive for our district, students or citizens.
If you think that the school board is not doing its job by allowing something like this then you need to file for a position the next election. If I remember several board members ran unopposed last time.
As Basehor attempts to lure businesses and developments to our community it is important to not get caught up in give-away programs many other communities have fell victim to in their operating budgets.
I can understand providing an upfront incentive but what is the plan to recoup that give-away over the long term viability of the project? Are we looking at increased payback over the long term usage, such as 120% of usage rates? Are we putting in measures of performance that ensure the projections of the developers are achieved and the taxpayer provided incentives are repaid, penalties for non-performance? Are we requiring surety bonds that ensure the financial wherewithal of the developer and personal accountability? As you can see many things can be done to protect the citizens of Basehor along with attracting development.
A simple reduction of the connection fee, I cannot support without assurances the incentives provided come back to the city from the developer. If Basehor continues to provide the incentives without measures to protect the citizens we will find ourselves on the hook again just like the Town Center project and the grocery store project.
I hope everyone has learned their lesson. There is a tangible cost to putting people in positions in which they are not really qualified and refuse to heed the advice of qualified people. When leaders become obstinate then we all pay.
Granted most of this will probably be paid by the E&O insurance but eventually the taxpayers will be on the hook. When someone pays a direct cost of $200K you can be sure the indirect effects and costs will dwarf the $200K number.
Maybe in a perfect world Dysart, Mertz and Box would be not only morally but also financially responsible for this but in our system their only payback is the loss of their positions. Decisions and actions must have consequences.
LOL I've been managing manufacturing plants and overseeing the administration of multiple entities for one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Kansas City area. I've heard no complaints, in fact my management skills in this area are praised and rewarded handsomely. Elementary accounting instruction???? LOL
LightTheDarkCorners, your regressive ideas and mindset will do nothing to further your cause. In fact as shown from the recall election your cause is quickly being marginalized in the community.
There is a significant difference in pay and compensation package, anyone knows that. Or at least I would hope everyone would knows that.
Also, a compensation package of under 100K for a department head with multiple direct reports is a bargain. Truth is I wouldn't do that work for that amount of compensation.
The whole idea of compensation is to get quality and qualified people to perform a set of tasks and assume a set of responsibilities. If the goal is a race to the bottom it is possible to pay very little but you must be willing to assume the associated costs and absorb the unintended consequences of that system. Myself I'd prefer to pay the money to attract top quality people and reap the rewards of a professional team. Obviously from the results of the recall election a majority feel that way too.
Wake up people, it is time to start living in the real world. We want a professionally managed city then lets start acting like it and paying what it takes to be a first class city. Otherwise it is small town minds with small town attitudes and we will be second class forever.
My last point is if you have a personal issue issue with individuals then address those and not hide behind a smoke screens. I don't really know anyone in the city's employ except Lloyd Martley. Lloyd is a quality and honorable person, I know him by refereeing basketball and football with him for 10 years. Let's get out of the personal attacks and allow the man to do his job of upgrading the department and in turn upgrading our city.
Bonner to ask state for changes in K-7 plan
Dear Bonner Springs City Council,
I am not a resident of the city of Bonner Springs however I do hold a Bonner Springs mailing address. Just to let you know, I spend several thousands of dollars in your city each year, from groceries, hardware and garden supplies, restaurants, fuel and etc.
Your callousness towards the safety of your citizens and visitors is astonishing. I don't have the facts and figures but from knowing the area very well I cannot think of a more dangerous intersection in your city. I personally have observed the aftermath of many accidents at K-7 and Kansas Ave. I once even observed one horrific accident happen.
Your attitude to dismiss creating a safer intersection by providing an overpass on a busy highway is pure nonsense. Personally I do try to avoid that intersection when I can due to the danger. What I have seen is that you don't have to be the one that is a poor or inattentive driver to be injured there. The current design of the intersection is fatally flawed.
Your willingness to compromise the safety of your citizens for a loss of sale tax money is shameful. In fact there is no way you can even prove you would lose sales tax money but you cite that reason as fact, unless you have some mystical power to see the future that none of the rest of us possess.
Tell me this, if you could see the future and you saw your loved one bleeding and dying in that intersection would you be voting the same way?
We know from history, there will be someone's loved one lying there bleeding and dying in the future will you be willing to personally explain your vote to them that you were afraid of losing the money from a 10% sales tax rate in that area?
October 25, 2012 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Five questions: Red Ribbon Week
It is important that parents talk to their kids about drugs. Studies have been done and the results show that parents would rather talk to their kids about sex than drugs. Parents don't know what to say. If you need help talking to your kids about drugs go to The Partnership at Drugfree.org website they have tools and answers for parents to begin this important talk. You can download a free parent toolkit to help. http://www.drugfree.org/prevent
If you have a problem and need someone to talk to about your teen call the toll free Parent Helpline: 1-855-DRUGFREE
Ron Grover
Parent Ambassador
The Partnership at Drugfree.org
October 17, 2012 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
New reporter joins Basehor Sentinel
YOU GOT A BYLINE!!!!! Hooray!
September 12, 2012 at 5:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
New reporter joins Basehor Sentinel
As the new reported you should make them give you a byline so we all will know who you are. ;-) LOL
September 12, 2012 at 4:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Basehor-Linwood High School wins National Blue Ribbon Schools honor
Congratulations!!!
Teachers, students and administration all deserve to take a bow! And, not to forget you parents that are ever present in the students lives. Go ahead and pat yourselves on the back, you are a part of this too.
September 7, 2012 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
'It's just their world': iPads changing Basehor-Linwood sixth-grade classrooms
Jason2007: I would guess the measurements and gauges are the same as they have been as far back as they were when I was in school for the 1960's forward. Are the students learning an ever increasing amount and acquiring the new skills required to compete in an ever expanding world?
Well let's see. In this issue of The Sentinel there is an article about an improvement in the district ACT test scores. On state assessments there is steady improvement on state testing and BL has regularly met state requirements to meet No Child Left Behind standards and requirements.
It's about outcomes and are goals being met. Second guessing our educators when the proof of steady improvement is evident and test scores bear that out is not productive for our district, students or citizens.
If you think that the school board is not doing its job by allowing something like this then you need to file for a position the next election. If I remember several board members ran unopposed last time.
August 31, 2012 at 10:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Basehor council considering sewer fee break for multi-unit buildings
As Basehor attempts to lure businesses and developments to our community it is important to not get caught up in give-away programs many other communities have fell victim to in their operating budgets.
I can understand providing an upfront incentive but what is the plan to recoup that give-away over the long term viability of the project? Are we looking at increased payback over the long term usage, such as 120% of usage rates? Are we putting in measures of performance that ensure the projections of the developers are achieved and the taxpayer provided incentives are repaid, penalties for non-performance? Are we requiring surety bonds that ensure the financial wherewithal of the developer and personal accountability? As you can see many things can be done to protect the citizens of Basehor along with attracting development.
A simple reduction of the connection fee, I cannot support without assurances the incentives provided come back to the city from the developer. If Basehor continues to provide the incentives without measures to protect the citizens we will find ourselves on the hook again just like the Town Center project and the grocery store project.
August 17, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Basehor City Council agenda includes $200,000 settlement with former administrator Loughry
I hope everyone has learned their lesson. There is a tangible cost to putting people in positions in which they are not really qualified and refuse to heed the advice of qualified people. When leaders become obstinate then we all pay.
Granted most of this will probably be paid by the E&O insurance but eventually the taxpayers will be on the hook. When someone pays a direct cost of $200K you can be sure the indirect effects and costs will dwarf the $200K number.
Maybe in a perfect world Dysart, Mertz and Box would be not only morally but also financially responsible for this but in our system their only payback is the loss of their positions. Decisions and actions must have consequences.
August 17, 2012 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Basehor City Council eyeing pay bump for employees
LOL I've been managing manufacturing plants and overseeing the administration of multiple entities for one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Kansas City area. I've heard no complaints, in fact my management skills in this area are praised and rewarded handsomely. Elementary accounting instruction???? LOL
LightTheDarkCorners, your regressive ideas and mindset will do nothing to further your cause. In fact as shown from the recall election your cause is quickly being marginalized in the community.
July 5, 2012 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Basehor City Council eyeing pay bump for employees
There is a significant difference in pay and compensation package, anyone knows that. Or at least I would hope everyone would knows that.
Also, a compensation package of under 100K for a department head with multiple direct reports is a bargain. Truth is I wouldn't do that work for that amount of compensation.
The whole idea of compensation is to get quality and qualified people to perform a set of tasks and assume a set of responsibilities. If the goal is a race to the bottom it is possible to pay very little but you must be willing to assume the associated costs and absorb the unintended consequences of that system. Myself I'd prefer to pay the money to attract top quality people and reap the rewards of a professional team. Obviously from the results of the recall election a majority feel that way too.
Wake up people, it is time to start living in the real world. We want a professionally managed city then lets start acting like it and paying what it takes to be a first class city. Otherwise it is small town minds with small town attitudes and we will be second class forever.
My last point is if you have a personal issue issue with individuals then address those and not hide behind a smoke screens. I don't really know anyone in the city's employ except Lloyd Martley. Lloyd is a quality and honorable person, I know him by refereeing basketball and football with him for 10 years. Let's get out of the personal attacks and allow the man to do his job of upgrading the department and in turn upgrading our city.
July 4, 2012 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )