Showing posts with label Mayor Mark Funkhouser. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mayor Mark Funkhouser. Show all posts
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Mark Funkhouser?? Leading a "think tank"??
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Now THAT'S funny. He was quoted as saying “Healthy, vibrant communities are the result of governments and citizens working together.” That's rich, coming from the guy who was Mr. "It's My Way or the Highway" and Mr. "I Don't Get Along with Anyone." Add to it that he was the guy that lost so much money for the city he was supposed to be leading, just because of the lawsuits against that same city because of either his mouth or his wife's. That is some think tank, you think? How would you like to rely on THEM for good, valuable information? Link: http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2011/07/07/funkhouser-leads-governing-institute.html
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Did you vote?
The wit, wisdom and insight of H. L. Mencken:
It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office.
Here's hoping you did, folks.
How about that new mayor?
Vote, I tell you!
The wit, wisdom and insight of H. L. Mencken:
If a politician found he had cannibals among his constituents, he would promise them missionaries for dinner.
Fortunately for us, we don't have any cannibals. Go vote, folks!
We're running out of time!
The wit, wisdom and insight of H. L. Mencken:
It doesn't take a majority to make a rebellion; it takes only a few determined leaders and a sound cause.
And it takes you and I voting, folks! Go get 'em!
How many times do I have to tell you?
The wit, wisdom and insight of H. L. Mencken:
Giving every man a vote has no more made men wise and free than Christianity has made them good.
Still, that said, you gotta' go vote today, folks.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Vote today!
The wit, wisdom and insight of H. L. Mencken:
Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard.
Still, we need you to vote today!
Go! Now! Vote!
The wit, wisdom and insight of H. L. Mencken:
Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage.
Still, we need you to vote today, folks!
Go vote!
The wit, wisdom and insight of H. L. Mencken:
Democracy is only a dream: it should be put in the same category as Arcadia, Santa Claus, and Heaven.
In spite of that---go vote, folks!
On our next mayor
Well, here we are, on the cusp of finally being able to get and have a new mayor.
What a relief.
And it seems as though, no matter who we get--"Sly" James or Mike Burke--that they'll, either one, be good for the city.
Of course that's what we all thought when Alvin Brooks was running against Mark Funkhouser, last go-round, too, right?
Anyway, all these years later, thank goodness it's finally here. Hopefully we will now start getting good, solid, positive, forward-thinking, cooperative leadership from downtown and City Hall and the mayor's office, once they're installed.
And no more lawsuits. No more bickering between the City Council and the too-weak, "doesn't get along with others" mayor.
Or his wife/assistant.
Good riddance.
But along with this new mayor and the good leadership we hope to and should attain with this election, we get the "fresh start" we need and frankly have wanted for so long.
And the next mayor is somewhat fortunate for a few reasons.
To begin, the new mayor will be welcomed with open, very-receptive arms by virtually everyone in town--the business community, the newspaper, the Joe and Jane on the street--everyone. That's a lot to have in your corner and to start a mayorship with.
Second, we have problems but they aren't insurmountable, horrible, horrific ones he has to deal with. Sure he'll have to figure out if we can afford and truly do a 1,000 room convention hotel downtown but that's not a big, earth-shaking problem. (Surely the electorate isn't stupid enough to vote away their e-tax, right?)
Third, come November, this new mayor and the whole city is going to get a huge boost by the opening of the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Locally, regionally and nationally, this city is going to get a great deal of good press and that next mayor should be able to preside over a bit of a love-fest with this city and a lot of free and very positive media coverage.
All that said, this next new mayor, either Mr. Burke or James, needs to do the one thing that last mayor never did and that is, convene a press conference very shortly into his new term and call for his office, the City Council and all the local, city, community and church leaders to address the issues of the shootings and killings in this city that happen again and again, month after month and year after year.
That's leadership no other person in this city can offer like the mayor and his office but that we desperately need, especially with the warm weather and increased shootings and killings nearly upon us.
We can't afford to be the Chicago or Detroit of the plains.
What a relief.
And it seems as though, no matter who we get--"Sly" James or Mike Burke--that they'll, either one, be good for the city.
Of course that's what we all thought when Alvin Brooks was running against Mark Funkhouser, last go-round, too, right?
Anyway, all these years later, thank goodness it's finally here. Hopefully we will now start getting good, solid, positive, forward-thinking, cooperative leadership from downtown and City Hall and the mayor's office, once they're installed.
And no more lawsuits. No more bickering between the City Council and the too-weak, "doesn't get along with others" mayor.
Or his wife/assistant.
Good riddance.
But along with this new mayor and the good leadership we hope to and should attain with this election, we get the "fresh start" we need and frankly have wanted for so long.
And the next mayor is somewhat fortunate for a few reasons.
To begin, the new mayor will be welcomed with open, very-receptive arms by virtually everyone in town--the business community, the newspaper, the Joe and Jane on the street--everyone. That's a lot to have in your corner and to start a mayorship with.
Second, we have problems but they aren't insurmountable, horrible, horrific ones he has to deal with. Sure he'll have to figure out if we can afford and truly do a 1,000 room convention hotel downtown but that's not a big, earth-shaking problem. (Surely the electorate isn't stupid enough to vote away their e-tax, right?)
Third, come November, this new mayor and the whole city is going to get a huge boost by the opening of the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Locally, regionally and nationally, this city is going to get a great deal of good press and that next mayor should be able to preside over a bit of a love-fest with this city and a lot of free and very positive media coverage.
All that said, this next new mayor, either Mr. Burke or James, needs to do the one thing that last mayor never did and that is, convene a press conference very shortly into his new term and call for his office, the City Council and all the local, city, community and church leaders to address the issues of the shootings and killings in this city that happen again and again, month after month and year after year.
That's leadership no other person in this city can offer like the mayor and his office but that we desperately need, especially with the warm weather and increased shootings and killings nearly upon us.
We can't afford to be the Chicago or Detroit of the plains.
Get out there and vote!
The wit, wisdom and insight of H. L. Mencken:
Democracy is also a form of worship. It is the worship of Jackals by Jackasses.
Get out there and vote, y'all!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Ding, dong, the dork is done
Wow.
It's nice that's finally over.
We're finally going to get rid of the mistake that became Mayor Mark Funkhouser.
Funk, you were too expensive, what with all the lawsuits you and your wife cost us and you didn't get along and work well with others. Those are two big and costly issues. We just couldn't go on like that any longer. It was a sick, twisted relationship that had to end.
Looking forward, the thing is, we're set up as a city in the same position as the last mayoral election with one African-American and one Caucasian and that's fine. In fact, it's great.
Sly James and Mike Burke are both lawyers and friends of one another. Both are, apparently, intelligent and well-spoken people who do, in fact, work well with others, know how to lead and can hopefully get things done for the city so either should be good for Kansas Citians.
The ONLY reason I bring up the issue of race here is because, like that last mayoral election when Alvin Brooks and the Funk ran, two things need to be pointed out. As I recall, the Funk won by a slim margin, first, and second, I also recall the Star running coverage after the election showing voter turnout for African-Americans in the city was low.
If African-Americans have any real interest in this upcoming mayoral election and want to see Sly James get this office, they will need to organize and get out and vote in strong numbers, clearly, as didn't happen last time.
Let the best man win.
It's nice that's finally over.
We're finally going to get rid of the mistake that became Mayor Mark Funkhouser.
Funk, you were too expensive, what with all the lawsuits you and your wife cost us and you didn't get along and work well with others. Those are two big and costly issues. We just couldn't go on like that any longer. It was a sick, twisted relationship that had to end.
Looking forward, the thing is, we're set up as a city in the same position as the last mayoral election with one African-American and one Caucasian and that's fine. In fact, it's great.
Sly James and Mike Burke are both lawyers and friends of one another. Both are, apparently, intelligent and well-spoken people who do, in fact, work well with others, know how to lead and can hopefully get things done for the city so either should be good for Kansas Citians.
The ONLY reason I bring up the issue of race here is because, like that last mayoral election when Alvin Brooks and the Funk ran, two things need to be pointed out. As I recall, the Funk won by a slim margin, first, and second, I also recall the Star running coverage after the election showing voter turnout for African-Americans in the city was low.
If African-Americans have any real interest in this upcoming mayoral election and want to see Sly James get this office, they will need to organize and get out and vote in strong numbers, clearly, as didn't happen last time.
Let the best man win.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Observation
Kansas City, Missouri, if we re-elect Mayor Mark Funkhouser.
Just sayin'.
Keep warm, safe and dry today, folks!
Just sayin'.
Keep warm, safe and dry today, folks!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Just the latest Funkhouser lawsuit---and what it's going to the city
I just saw this over at TKC and his link to the Star's Primebuzz site:
Shawn Pierce case v. Funkhouser resolved
by Mike Mansur
A former aide to Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser has “agreed in principle” to settle a lawsuit against the mayor and the city.
Sources familiar with the settlement said the amount was about $125,000.
Shawn Pierce had alleged in a lawsuit filed in January that he was victim of retaliatory termination because he had sided with Ruth Bates.
Bates, of course, is the former mayoral aide who sued Funkhouser, his wife, Gloria Squitiro, and the city for alleged harassment and discrimination. The city ultimately settled that lawsuit for $550,000, while Squitiro’s insurance company settled Bates’ claim against Squitiro for $45,000.
Someone please do the homework--the Star? Dave Helling? Steve Kraske?--and total up all the lawsuits and their corresponding dollars and tell us, the citizens of Kansas City, Missouri, just exactly how much, to date, these two have cost us. Will you? Please? I know one of them was for $550,000.00, as this post says.
Wasn't there one or two more or was that it?
The fact is, besides the fact that we have gotten virtually zero leadership from this terribly not-dynamic duo (the Funk and his Squirt), they will have also, now, cost us, the citizens of Kansas City, and besides our additional self-respect, a minimum of $675,000.00 and any progress we might have otherwise made in this city. Progress that could have been in neighborhoods and/or in fighting the shootings and killings in the city and/or fixing the infrastructure, all because we might otherwise have had a mayor--wife or no wife--who DID work with others and cooperated and compromised for the progress of the city.
But no, we had to have the Funk for our mayor.
I don't ever, ever remember a mayor who cost his or her city money because they were sued and sued repeatedly. Do you?
The last laugh?
He's running for mayor again, as we all know.
I'd only laugh but he does have an outside chance at it.
Yikes.
Here's a terrific idea for the new year: Mark Funkhouser, Gloria Squitiro and Clay Chastain all have to do the same thing--that is, go away. Just go away, you three, just please go away.
Here's hoping.
Try to have a great weekend, y'all.
Link: http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/entries/shawn-pierce-case-v-funkhouser-resolved/
Shawn Pierce case v. Funkhouser resolved
by Mike Mansur
A former aide to Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser has “agreed in principle” to settle a lawsuit against the mayor and the city.
Sources familiar with the settlement said the amount was about $125,000.
Shawn Pierce had alleged in a lawsuit filed in January that he was victim of retaliatory termination because he had sided with Ruth Bates.
Bates, of course, is the former mayoral aide who sued Funkhouser, his wife, Gloria Squitiro, and the city for alleged harassment and discrimination. The city ultimately settled that lawsuit for $550,000, while Squitiro’s insurance company settled Bates’ claim against Squitiro for $45,000.
Someone please do the homework--the Star? Dave Helling? Steve Kraske?--and total up all the lawsuits and their corresponding dollars and tell us, the citizens of Kansas City, Missouri, just exactly how much, to date, these two have cost us. Will you? Please? I know one of them was for $550,000.00, as this post says.
Wasn't there one or two more or was that it?
The fact is, besides the fact that we have gotten virtually zero leadership from this terribly not-dynamic duo (the Funk and his Squirt), they will have also, now, cost us, the citizens of Kansas City, and besides our additional self-respect, a minimum of $675,000.00 and any progress we might have otherwise made in this city. Progress that could have been in neighborhoods and/or in fighting the shootings and killings in the city and/or fixing the infrastructure, all because we might otherwise have had a mayor--wife or no wife--who DID work with others and cooperated and compromised for the progress of the city.
But no, we had to have the Funk for our mayor.
I don't ever, ever remember a mayor who cost his or her city money because they were sued and sued repeatedly. Do you?
The last laugh?
He's running for mayor again, as we all know.
I'd only laugh but he does have an outside chance at it.
Yikes.
Here's a terrific idea for the new year: Mark Funkhouser, Gloria Squitiro and Clay Chastain all have to do the same thing--that is, go away. Just go away, you three, just please go away.
Here's hoping.
Try to have a great weekend, y'all.
Link: http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/entries/shawn-pierce-case-v-funkhouser-resolved/
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Mayor seeks US Attorney assistance: to eliminate competition?
From the Kansas City Star today:
Mayor asks U.S. attorney to look at Port Authority
Mayor asks U.S. attorney to look at Port Authority
By DAVE HELLING and MIKE MANSUR
Link to origninal story: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/12/14/2520406/funkhouser-asks-us-attorney-to.htmlTuesday, December 14, 2010
Pylons at entrance to city finally repaired
I've complained about these pylons on the Broadway extension for some time. You know the ones? They're just after or before the Briarcliff exit, depending if you're headed South or North, respectively, on this 169 highway.
After having them inoperable for at least 2 years--during which time I wrote in to the Kansas City Star's ombudsman about them--and also phoned in to the city's 311 phone line about a month ago--I see they are finally, finally fixed.
It made no sense that we--the city of Kansas City, Missouri--built these things as a way of welcoming people into the city and then to have them sit there, broken, not working. They were virtually brand new, for pity's sake. What sense did that make?
The ones at the foot of the Broadway bridge seemed to work fine and nicely. Why shouldn't this 2nd set work?
So I'm pleased to see they're up again, as they should be. They really are a nice welcome to the city--very pleasing to the eye and fun.
And I see the water main leak on this same stretch is fixed, apparently, so it's open again at the old municipal airport, thank goodness.
We really should be "The City That Works."
That would be nice. (Get that Mayor?)
After having them inoperable for at least 2 years--during which time I wrote in to the Kansas City Star's ombudsman about them--and also phoned in to the city's 311 phone line about a month ago--I see they are finally, finally fixed.
It made no sense that we--the city of Kansas City, Missouri--built these things as a way of welcoming people into the city and then to have them sit there, broken, not working. They were virtually brand new, for pity's sake. What sense did that make?
The ones at the foot of the Broadway bridge seemed to work fine and nicely. Why shouldn't this 2nd set work?
So I'm pleased to see they're up again, as they should be. They really are a nice welcome to the city--very pleasing to the eye and fun.
And I see the water main leak on this same stretch is fixed, apparently, so it's open again at the old municipal airport, thank goodness.
We really should be "The City That Works."
That would be nice. (Get that Mayor?)
Monday, December 13, 2010
169 North Shutdown at Municipal Airport
So 169 Highway was shutdown yesterday for a water main break at the old Municipal Airport.
Today is day two. It's still shut down.
Mind you, it's cold--very cold--but how long, exactly, is this going to be shut down and closed off?
Someone needs to tell the Mayor this is a major entry to the city.
Somebody also needs to tell this mayor that Kansas City used to be considered "The City That Works".
We'd like that back, thanks very much.
Link: http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-watermain-break-169highway-121310,0,2861795.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+wdaf-news+(FOX4KC+Local+News)
Today is day two. It's still shut down.
Mind you, it's cold--very cold--but how long, exactly, is this going to be shut down and closed off?
Someone needs to tell the Mayor this is a major entry to the city.
Somebody also needs to tell this mayor that Kansas City used to be considered "The City That Works".
We'd like that back, thanks very much.
Link: http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-watermain-break-169highway-121310,0,2861795.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+wdaf-news+(FOX4KC+Local+News)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
100 homicides in KC this year?
According to Tony at TKC and Crime Scene KC, we're up to 99 homicides right now in Kansas City.
That stinks, of course.
And if we were really cynical, we'd start two pots.
The first one would be to figure out when/if we hit 100, the one closest to the time and day wins the pot.
The second pot would be to see when Mayor Funkhouser gets off his butt and attempts--or pretends to attempt--to do anything about the homicide rate in this city.
Only the second one would pass in the "good taste" department.
Links: http://blogs.kansascity.com/crime_scene/2010/12/kc-shooting-victim-dies-from-injuries.html
That stinks, of course.
And if we were really cynical, we'd start two pots.
The first one would be to figure out when/if we hit 100, the one closest to the time and day wins the pot.
The second pot would be to see when Mayor Funkhouser gets off his butt and attempts--or pretends to attempt--to do anything about the homicide rate in this city.
Only the second one would pass in the "good taste" department.
Links: http://blogs.kansascity.com/crime_scene/2010/12/kc-shooting-victim-dies-from-injuries.html
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Funk fails to lead again/some more
Yesterday, as I wrote here earlier, our not-so-illustrious Mayor Mark "the Funk" Funkhouser was on KCUR's "Central Standard" radio program. He told of what he did during his first tenure ("got our economic/financial house in order", paraphrased) and said what he would want to do in a second term if--God forbid--he were re-elected.
The Star points out today--very well--in an op/ed piece on the "E tax" mess we and St. Louis are in, that as soon as the vote on the Prop A/E-tax was done, St. Louis' mayor jumped all over it and said they were going to form a business/government alliance to defeat it.
Our own mayor?
To date, no word of coordination with anyone.
Instead, again, as the Star points out: "...Mayor Mark Funkhouser hasn't provided any real leadership to rally different groups behind the cause. Instead, he's feuded for months with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, creating a deep schism with business leaders."
So typical of this mayor. Instead of working WITH people--nearly anyone--he virtually always fights them. I've said, time and again, I can't imagine who this mayor works WITH. It's him and Gloria against the world. And they seem to like it that way.
So since the mayor isn't leading on this, people from the chamber, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 42 and the Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City have all decided to come together, wisely, and fight this E-tax vote coming up.
Thank goodness someone's leading in town.
We sure aren't going to get it from Mayor Mark Funkhouser.
Link: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/12/06/2502435/the-stars-editorial-riding-to.html
The Star points out today--very well--in an op/ed piece on the "E tax" mess we and St. Louis are in, that as soon as the vote on the Prop A/E-tax was done, St. Louis' mayor jumped all over it and said they were going to form a business/government alliance to defeat it.
Our own mayor?
To date, no word of coordination with anyone.
Instead, again, as the Star points out: "...Mayor Mark Funkhouser hasn't provided any real leadership to rally different groups behind the cause. Instead, he's feuded for months with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, creating a deep schism with business leaders."
So typical of this mayor. Instead of working WITH people--nearly anyone--he virtually always fights them. I've said, time and again, I can't imagine who this mayor works WITH. It's him and Gloria against the world. And they seem to like it that way.
So since the mayor isn't leading on this, people from the chamber, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 42 and the Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City have all decided to come together, wisely, and fight this E-tax vote coming up.
Thank goodness someone's leading in town.
We sure aren't going to get it from Mayor Mark Funkhouser.
Link: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/12/06/2502435/the-stars-editorial-riding-to.html
Monday, December 6, 2010
Jabulani Le-fail
I'm sorry, I keep trying to listen to and give Mr. Jabulani Feffal, the host of KCUR FM's "Central Standard" radio show that replaced "The Walt Bodine Show" a chance but it just isn't working for me.
I'll keep trying, too, just to be fair, but it's difficult, at least.
Today, Mr. Lefall had on our illustrious Mayor Mark Funkhouser and unfortunately did what too many media people do--in this case, he had young students throwing softball questions at the mayor. What wasn't mushy was painful.
At one point, the mayor pointed out all the millions and billions of dollars we owe as a city, going forward. Somewhat naturally, that got me to thinking about the 1,000 room hotel the city is trying to get built here in town as a way to build convention business.
"If we can't afford the billions of dollars for sewers--or if we can, it's going to be difficult, at least--how can we even think about building a 1,000 room hotel?" is the question I wanted to ask.
So I dialed.
And I told the young lady who took my call what my name and city were, along with my question.
Unbelievably, she said that they had already touched on a "shrinking the city", physically, question so she didn't feel the question pertinent.
WTH?
Listen, if the mayor is lamenting our big expenses to come in the near future but everyone down at City Hall is also trying to come up with a big hotel for us to finance, doesn't that seem to fit right in, right then, as a related questioin?
Nope, not to this high-voiced young lady. No, sir, we'll take some other question.
The questioners then went on to ask the mayor what super hero he thought he would like to be, yes they did.
Ai-yi-yi.
I know that's a "behind the scenes" example there at the station but I have to say, to go from someone who knew the city and its history--that is Walt Bodine--to someone we have to get to know and get familiar with, well, I know there's going to be transition and difficulty and everyone has to get used to each other but I have to say, much as I want KCUR and "Central Standard" to be successful, this CS show doesn't--yet--seem to be working. Today's overall show was alternately either empty or painful. (Don't think I wanted Walt to go on forever, either. I had already suggested here that Steve Kraske should maybe take over the spot, which, of course, didn't happen.)
I hope they can get it worked out so it's worth listening to soon.
It sure isn't working for this listener.
Link: http://www.kcur.org/centralstandard.html
I'll keep trying, too, just to be fair, but it's difficult, at least.
Today, Mr. Lefall had on our illustrious Mayor Mark Funkhouser and unfortunately did what too many media people do--in this case, he had young students throwing softball questions at the mayor. What wasn't mushy was painful.
At one point, the mayor pointed out all the millions and billions of dollars we owe as a city, going forward. Somewhat naturally, that got me to thinking about the 1,000 room hotel the city is trying to get built here in town as a way to build convention business.
"If we can't afford the billions of dollars for sewers--or if we can, it's going to be difficult, at least--how can we even think about building a 1,000 room hotel?" is the question I wanted to ask.
So I dialed.
And I told the young lady who took my call what my name and city were, along with my question.
Unbelievably, she said that they had already touched on a "shrinking the city", physically, question so she didn't feel the question pertinent.
WTH?
Listen, if the mayor is lamenting our big expenses to come in the near future but everyone down at City Hall is also trying to come up with a big hotel for us to finance, doesn't that seem to fit right in, right then, as a related questioin?
Nope, not to this high-voiced young lady. No, sir, we'll take some other question.
The questioners then went on to ask the mayor what super hero he thought he would like to be, yes they did.
Ai-yi-yi.
I know that's a "behind the scenes" example there at the station but I have to say, to go from someone who knew the city and its history--that is Walt Bodine--to someone we have to get to know and get familiar with, well, I know there's going to be transition and difficulty and everyone has to get used to each other but I have to say, much as I want KCUR and "Central Standard" to be successful, this CS show doesn't--yet--seem to be working. Today's overall show was alternately either empty or painful. (Don't think I wanted Walt to go on forever, either. I had already suggested here that Steve Kraske should maybe take over the spot, which, of course, didn't happen.)
I hope they can get it worked out so it's worth listening to soon.
It sure isn't working for this listener.
Link: http://www.kcur.org/centralstandard.html
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
What's that saying? "Even a blind pig finds an acorn once in a while"?
Well, whaddya' know? Not only do I think I agree with Mayor Mark Funkhouser but I think he's dead right for both Missouri and Kansas on this one. And I have a 3rd source to back it up.
Here's the Funk's position:
Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser is launching more criticism at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, this time for its support of a Kansas development program.
Funkhouser said the chamber’s stated support of Kansas’ Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK) incentive program in its 2011 public policy agenda is detrimental to the interests of Kansas City, Mo., and further inflames the job battle between Kansas and Missouri.
That’s a battle he said is fueled by the liberal use of tax incentives to the long-term damage of both states.
“This is a program that is absolutely raiding jobs from Kansas City to no benefit to the region,” Funkhouser said Wednesday.
And in support of the Funk, for once, there's a local study saying he's right:
Missouri and Kansas rank among the bottom half of states when it comes to transitioning toward a global, innovation-based “new economy,” according to a new study.
Kansas ranked 26th and Missouri 33rd in the 2010 State New Economy Index, released Thursday by the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.
The report suggests that states set up policies that decrease competition within states, that pursue win-win economic results and that look for “new state-federal, innovation-based economic development partnerships.”
“In today’s highly competitive environment, states must work together and with the federal government to overhaul their economic development policies,” Dr. Robert Atkinson, ITIF president and index co-author, said in the release. “Too often, states still view their economic competitors as next door, rather than halfway around the world. If, instead, they used incentives to expand broadband, support entrepreneurial assistance programs, or invest in research and technology transfer, they — and the nation as a whole — would be far more globally competitive.”
We've seen this before and we'll keep seeing it--Kansas and Missouri just tearing at each other, taking jobs back and forth across the state line.
It ought to stop.
The mayors of all these towns along the Missouri and Kansas borders ought to get together and pressure the 2 governors to do the same so we call a truce on this kind of border war skirmishing for companies and make a plan to work together instead. We'd be ahead as two states, separately and together, both, but we'd also be strengthened regionally. This information suggests we could be stronger as a country, too, if it were done nationwide.
What a concept. Imagine that--working together for everyone's benefit.
Remember the old song? "Wouldn't it be nice?"
Links: http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2010/11/24/funkhouser-says-chamber-fuels-job-battle.html?ed=2010-11-24&s=article_du&ana=e_du_pub
http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2010/11/18/missouri-kansas-not-ready-new-economy.html?ed=2010-11-18&s=article_du&ana=e_du_pub
Here's the Funk's position:
Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser is launching more criticism at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, this time for its support of a Kansas development program.
Funkhouser said the chamber’s stated support of Kansas’ Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK) incentive program in its 2011 public policy agenda is detrimental to the interests of Kansas City, Mo., and further inflames the job battle between Kansas and Missouri.
That’s a battle he said is fueled by the liberal use of tax incentives to the long-term damage of both states.
“This is a program that is absolutely raiding jobs from Kansas City to no benefit to the region,” Funkhouser said Wednesday.
And in support of the Funk, for once, there's a local study saying he's right:
Missouri and Kansas rank among the bottom half of states when it comes to transitioning toward a global, innovation-based “new economy,” according to a new study.
Kansas ranked 26th and Missouri 33rd in the 2010 State New Economy Index, released Thursday by the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.
The report suggests that states set up policies that decrease competition within states, that pursue win-win economic results and that look for “new state-federal, innovation-based economic development partnerships.”
“In today’s highly competitive environment, states must work together and with the federal government to overhaul their economic development policies,” Dr. Robert Atkinson, ITIF president and index co-author, said in the release. “Too often, states still view their economic competitors as next door, rather than halfway around the world. If, instead, they used incentives to expand broadband, support entrepreneurial assistance programs, or invest in research and technology transfer, they — and the nation as a whole — would be far more globally competitive.”
We've seen this before and we'll keep seeing it--Kansas and Missouri just tearing at each other, taking jobs back and forth across the state line.
It ought to stop.
The mayors of all these towns along the Missouri and Kansas borders ought to get together and pressure the 2 governors to do the same so we call a truce on this kind of border war skirmishing for companies and make a plan to work together instead. We'd be ahead as two states, separately and together, both, but we'd also be strengthened regionally. This information suggests we could be stronger as a country, too, if it were done nationwide.
What a concept. Imagine that--working together for everyone's benefit.
Remember the old song? "Wouldn't it be nice?"
Links: http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2010/11/24/funkhouser-says-chamber-fuels-job-battle.html?ed=2010-11-24&s=article_du&ana=e_du_pub
http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2010/11/18/missouri-kansas-not-ready-new-economy.html?ed=2010-11-18&s=article_du&ana=e_du_pub
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