An open letter to the citizens of Crestwood from the Fire Fighters, Local 2665
IAFF Local 2665 proudly endorses
Tom Ford and Darryl Wallach.
Crestwood Citizens-
The Firefighters of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2665, are proud to endorse Tom Ford for Alderman in Ward II and Darryl Wallach for Alderman in Ward I.
Over the past 12 months, the financial problems and political unrest in Crestwood have drawn a tremendous amount of attention from Local 2665. The potential job losses threatened by the former city administration forced our organization into last AprilÂs Mayoral race, and the ensuing tension amongst various Board members and the ongoing financial concerns have us again keenly interested in Crestwood this April.
Contrary to many peopleÂs understanding of the events over previous year, IAFF Local 2665 approached last AprilÂs election with the intention of working with the former administration to solve the problems facing Crestwood. Regrettably, we were not met with the same degree of collaborative spirit. The jobs of six Crestwood Fire Fighters were threatened, and the former Mayor rejected offers to sit down and work out the issues. As you know, our support eventually went the way of Mayor Robinson, and our members and most of Crestwood's good citizens have been extremely impressed with his performance thus far.
I have heard and read several comments implying that our endorsement of Mr. Ford and Mr. Wallach this year, and that of Mr. Robinson last year, were the handiwork of a Mr. Murphy, and that they are in some way attached to a quid pro quo between our organization and the candidates. While such insinuations are commonplace in this political climate, I find it necessary to respond to both allegations.
First, I have never met, never spoken to, nor could I pick out of a room of two people the aforementioned Mr. Murphy. The endorsements of Roy, Tom, and Darryl were based solely on the facts laid out before us, and were in no way influenced by anyone outside of our organization. Quite to the contrary, Mr. Murphy's attempts to gather personal financial information, addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers of my members in the Crestwood Fire Department in his misguided effort to campaign against Proposition S has made him one of the most maligned individuals I have come across recently. We took great exception to our member's careers being threatened last year, and we are taking similar exception to Mr. Murphy's attempts to drag them into his battle against Proposition S this year. Suffice it to say, Mr. Murphy had absolutely nothing to do with these endorsements.
Second, there have been no promises made by any candidate in an effort to secure our endorsement. Period. In Crestwood, we are seeking to support candidates who believe that the primary function of civic government is to provide essential services such as public safety to its citizens. We are seeking to support candidates who are committed to returning Crestwood to a state of fiscal solvency, and who are inclined to work with, not against, the current administration. There are serious concerns relating to your Fire Department that we do hope to one day address in this community. Regrettably, CrestwoodÂs Fire trucks are understaffed and do not consistently meet the basic minimum staffing guidelines set forth by NFPA 1710. Further, Crestwood's Fire Fighters are underpaid, and routinely rank in the bottom quartile of all Fire Departments in the region. In spite of both of these glaring issues, there has been no attempt on our part to persuade any candidate to commit to addressing these major problems within the time frame. Our primary interests this April are to insure that Crestwood continues on a path towards financial security, and hopefully to restore a degree of civility to City Hall and the Board of Aldermen.
The reasons for our support of Tom Ford and Darryl Wallach are simple. Without sound financial management of the city's resources, the citizens of Crestwood will lose the most valuable services that they have, the services responsible for their safety. Crestwood needs desperately to pass Proposition S, and to elect a Board of Aldermen that will work with Mayor Robinson to pay off the City's debt and set Crestwood on a sound financial footing. Crestwood deserves an end to the hostility that has marked local politics in recent years, and Crestwood's citizens should expect their elected officials to work together to insure that your Fire Department is as good as it can possibly be.
Darryl Wallach and Tom Ford are the kind of representatives that the good people of Crestwood deserve. IAFF Local 2665 is proud to endorse individuals of such caliber, and I strongly encourage all voters to elect Ford and Wallach to the Board of Aldermen on April 4th, and to Vote Yes on Proposition S.
Sincerely,
Kurt Becker
4th District Vice President
Professional Fire Fighters of Eastern Missouri
IAFF Local 2665
314.393.9760, Mobile
beckers4blues.kurt@charter.net
No.87
Tom Ford and Darryl Wallach.
Crestwood Citizens-
The Firefighters of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2665, are proud to endorse Tom Ford for Alderman in Ward II and Darryl Wallach for Alderman in Ward I.
Over the past 12 months, the financial problems and political unrest in Crestwood have drawn a tremendous amount of attention from Local 2665. The potential job losses threatened by the former city administration forced our organization into last AprilÂs Mayoral race, and the ensuing tension amongst various Board members and the ongoing financial concerns have us again keenly interested in Crestwood this April.
Contrary to many peopleÂs understanding of the events over previous year, IAFF Local 2665 approached last AprilÂs election with the intention of working with the former administration to solve the problems facing Crestwood. Regrettably, we were not met with the same degree of collaborative spirit. The jobs of six Crestwood Fire Fighters were threatened, and the former Mayor rejected offers to sit down and work out the issues. As you know, our support eventually went the way of Mayor Robinson, and our members and most of Crestwood's good citizens have been extremely impressed with his performance thus far.
I have heard and read several comments implying that our endorsement of Mr. Ford and Mr. Wallach this year, and that of Mr. Robinson last year, were the handiwork of a Mr. Murphy, and that they are in some way attached to a quid pro quo between our organization and the candidates. While such insinuations are commonplace in this political climate, I find it necessary to respond to both allegations.
First, I have never met, never spoken to, nor could I pick out of a room of two people the aforementioned Mr. Murphy. The endorsements of Roy, Tom, and Darryl were based solely on the facts laid out before us, and were in no way influenced by anyone outside of our organization. Quite to the contrary, Mr. Murphy's attempts to gather personal financial information, addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers of my members in the Crestwood Fire Department in his misguided effort to campaign against Proposition S has made him one of the most maligned individuals I have come across recently. We took great exception to our member's careers being threatened last year, and we are taking similar exception to Mr. Murphy's attempts to drag them into his battle against Proposition S this year. Suffice it to say, Mr. Murphy had absolutely nothing to do with these endorsements.
Second, there have been no promises made by any candidate in an effort to secure our endorsement. Period. In Crestwood, we are seeking to support candidates who believe that the primary function of civic government is to provide essential services such as public safety to its citizens. We are seeking to support candidates who are committed to returning Crestwood to a state of fiscal solvency, and who are inclined to work with, not against, the current administration. There are serious concerns relating to your Fire Department that we do hope to one day address in this community. Regrettably, CrestwoodÂs Fire trucks are understaffed and do not consistently meet the basic minimum staffing guidelines set forth by NFPA 1710. Further, Crestwood's Fire Fighters are underpaid, and routinely rank in the bottom quartile of all Fire Departments in the region. In spite of both of these glaring issues, there has been no attempt on our part to persuade any candidate to commit to addressing these major problems within the time frame. Our primary interests this April are to insure that Crestwood continues on a path towards financial security, and hopefully to restore a degree of civility to City Hall and the Board of Aldermen.
The reasons for our support of Tom Ford and Darryl Wallach are simple. Without sound financial management of the city's resources, the citizens of Crestwood will lose the most valuable services that they have, the services responsible for their safety. Crestwood needs desperately to pass Proposition S, and to elect a Board of Aldermen that will work with Mayor Robinson to pay off the City's debt and set Crestwood on a sound financial footing. Crestwood deserves an end to the hostility that has marked local politics in recent years, and Crestwood's citizens should expect their elected officials to work together to insure that your Fire Department is as good as it can possibly be.
Darryl Wallach and Tom Ford are the kind of representatives that the good people of Crestwood deserve. IAFF Local 2665 is proud to endorse individuals of such caliber, and I strongly encourage all voters to elect Ford and Wallach to the Board of Aldermen on April 4th, and to Vote Yes on Proposition S.
Sincerely,
Kurt Becker
4th District Vice President
Professional Fire Fighters of Eastern Missouri
IAFF Local 2665
314.393.9760, Mobile
beckers4blues.kurt@charter.net
No.87
posted by Crestwood Independent at 17:25
58 Comments:
Does Kurt Becker live in Crestwood? Does he work in Crestwood? If Proposition S passes, will he be paying the tax?
Now we know what they want. Additional staff. Pay raises.
I'm no friend of the Fire Union. However, the State of Missouri gives them the right to exist and Crestwood has adopted a Memorandum of Understanding with the local that allows them to speak.
In the past the Fire Union as been relatively low keyed and easy to work with. However, this changed when the Police Chief was appointed CA and set his sights on the department. What do you expect them to do when then CA\Chief Greer said that the "Fire Department is a luxury that the City can no longer afford..."
Personally, I think Mr. Greer's BMW and highly paid incompetent Finance Girl were luxuries that the City really couldn't afford. I see that the Call Newspaper gave Ms. Madrid a glowing send off – with the support of Alderman Tim Trueblood. Perhaps Alderman Trueblood needs to dig a little deeper before he lavishes praise. Ms. Madrid’s “performance” with the City was truly abysmal. 1) She selected the $100,000 Accounting Software program that couldn’t count, 2) She screwed up employee’s pay checks and don’t ask how many times employees were left with no health insurance because she screwed up the health insurance renewal. 3) How many additional employees were hired to do a job that she was supposed to do while police and fire fighters were reduced? But then again when you are in “social relationship” with your boss, you can afford to make these mistakes. If the City gave her one penny of severance its way too much.
The Fire Union is involved because there is one logical way to reduce debt in Crestwood, and that is to eliminate the Fire Department and go to a Fire Protection District. I know many people might scream about this, however it is a reality and an option given the current Financial situation.
Most of St. Louis County, including most of the Lindbergh School District, is covered by Fire Protection Districts. The City of Crestwood, through it's poor decision to annex the area East of us, is paying dearly to the Affton Fire Protection District because of the contract for that area. (If you want to know where a lot of our money went, look right there.)
The proposed tax increase isn't going to do much to alleviate our debt, and the City officials have already said they will have to go back to the voters and ask for more. How much will they eventually need? Perhaps we'd rather pay a little more to a Fire Protection District and have less being spent by the City.
If residents want to be in better control of how their money is being spent, they can can pay directly to the Fire Protection District through their property tax, and eliminate that expense for Crestwood. The City would definitely have all the money they need to continue providing servies, and probably reinstate our Parks Department to what it once was.
The Police Deparmtent is also up for grabs, we could always reduce expenses by contracting with another agency to provide services, but that is still money out of the City's coffers, not the resident's pocketbooks.
You will pay ALOT - minimum 3.5 TIMES, more to Fire District and get far less protection.
Affton you would pay $.93/$100
Mehlville you would pay $.85/$100
Fenton you would pay $.76/$100
With the Crestwood Fire Department you get TWO Engine Companies and Command Officer showing up at your house simultaneously on ALL fire calls.(This is a huge advantage because the first engine company can immediately start attacking a fire with on board water while the second hooks to the fire hydrant and is ready to take over when the tank runs dry on the first truck.) With a fire district you will get one engine company and then IF your house is on fire a second. (No, I’m not a fire fighter, never have been. Just a resident who took some time to ask some questions!)
Folks this is a NO brainer. The days of BMW Driving Police Chiefs, Finance Directors that can count, drunken Mayors, $1,200 Desk Chairs and hanky panky at City Hall ARE OVER. SO ARE THE DAYS OF HAVING THOSE WHO SHOP IN CRESTWOOD PAY ALL OF OUR BILLS.
WE PAY MORE TO THE ZOO IN PROPRERTY TAXES THAN WE DO MAINTAIN OUR GREAT POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS! NO BOND ISSUE, NO MORE DEBT AND A CHANCE TO STRART WITH A CLEAN SLATE!
Quit whining about the chair and the monthly allowance for the BMW. Salaries and benefits are the majority of Crestwood's expenses. Mega bucks compares to a car allowance instead of a full time employee with benefits. Can't compare apples to oranges.
Even if the tax increase passes, it will not pay for services (fire department and police employees). There is not enough money in the General Fund to continue to pay for these services.
if the fire protection district doesn't need to respond with so much equipment, why does crestwood need to respond with two 'engine companies'? how many houses have burned to the ground in crestwood, or in any of these protection districts for that matter?
maybe the excess employees and equipment to offer that kind of service is exactly why the union is interested in backing candidates and having a hold in crestwood, because i can't think of another reason.
isn't this the union that backed the mayor? maybe somebody should ask why we need to spend that kind of money for service twice what other areas have, and how these elected officials are beholden to the union after election day.
couldn't we have the same service as these other areas and save some of that money to get on strong financial ground?
I agree blogger, can we let go of the car allowance and other issues. You keep talking about moving forward, but keep dredging up the past.
We didn't get here today because of these things, sounds to me like sales tax distribution and paying fire protection districts for the annexed area have a lot to do with it.
Also, poor quality of shopping and eating in Crestwood have driven away the customers we had. Shop and Save and Salvation Army don't offer hope for improvement. This new administration is no more impressive than the past ones when they drag us down with this type of 'new' business. BMW's didn't get us here, and Shop and Save won't get us out.
This new administration played UGLY politics to get elected, totally losing my faith in them from the start. They have to constantly remind us how bad it was to make themselves look better. Quit telling us the past is over and to pay more taxes. You 'show us the money' first, and we'll follow.
Amen - to the last three comments!
In response to quit whining about the past. True enough that BMW's, and such didn't get us to where we are today, but past poor decisions, and leadership did!
I agree that we can't continue to dredge up the "who did what to whom", if we are to move forward, and forward we shall move under new leadership!
I have called for unity now, and when this election is over, as that is the only way this City has a chance, and we all know it! I have read all the negitive responses on both sides, some funny, some full attack mode, but all written by people who believe in Crestwood, but from diferent sides of the political spectrum. This is, for the most part a healthy discourse, and one that has been needed in Crestwood for some time.
The one remark I would take issue with is the one reference the "poor quality of shopping, and eating", in Crestwood. Folks, for a "land locked" (not on an interstate,) community such as we are, I think we have some of the best resturant's (new Mexican cuisine ready to open,) and retailers in St. Louis County!
I would venture a guess that if our citizens were to go out, and visit these establishment's, they would be very happy with the quality of food, and service offered by our business community.
If your looking for "up-scale" resturants, such as are seen in Ladue, well, by all means, go there, but take your big piggy bank with you!
When you look at the demographics of Crestwood, you will see that this City is made up of a majority of older citizens who would not spend that sort of money, except on a very special occasion, so why would you expect to find one here?
The bottom line folks is that we have some of the finest retailers in the Nation right here in Crestwood, and it's time we give them the support they need to see a return on their investment!
"My name is Tom Ford, and I want to be your Alderman from Ward Two
Tom Ford
Ward Two
Is this the same union that tried to get one of their Fire District managers fired at HER job as a health care provider at St. Anthony Hospital?
Is this the same union that smashed cars of the people overseeing their union because they didnt like what
they said?
Crestwood needs an Alderman with this type of backing like we need Storm Troopers for school crossing guards. WAKE UP PEOPLE, look who backed the mayor and now is backing 2/3's of the canidates who are in a contested alderman race. Do you think they are backing these people with no thought of what their PAY BACK WILL BE??
Folks, this is serious business, this isnt about a BMW or chairs or who is dating who at city hall, or who laughed at a debate a year ago. Folks, our mayor has already tried to increase taxes 5 (FIVE!) times in his 1st year of office! How much more power do we want him to have by electing aldermen who are backed by the same union and are in lockstep with the mayor?
Folks, I have said it before and I'll say it again, we need to have more people show up at the Aldermen meetings to keep an eye on what the mayor/firefighters union is doing to our city. To support a man who is supported by the union that worked for the mayor is placing way too much power in the hands of too few people who dont live in Crestwood and only have their union's self interest at heart no matter what they say.
WAKE UP PEOPLE, THIS IS SERIOUS!
To the last blogger! Mehlville has their own union totally seperate from Crestwood firefighters union. COMPLETELY SEPERATE! Talk about comparing apples to oranges.
And they are not a part of the IAFF of eastern Mo?
Wake up people, we are lossing control of our city to special interest goups out side out city
Mehlville’s Fire Fighter’s Union is completely separate from IAFF Local 2665. They are both IAFF affiliates, but have different officers, different by-laws, and meet in different locations.
Mr. Ford--Could you clarify you comments about Crestwood being a majority of senior citizens--what are the demographics of Crestwood? You are probably correct that there is a higher percentage of senior citizens...but what about the young families? Will you have their interests at heart? Our city needs to be attractive to young families to thrive. Do you believe this?
I keep mentioning the BMW chair because THAT is what everyone seems to be using as an excuse to avoid reality! THESE DAYS ARE OVER! If you want second rate services vote NO!
Why on earth would you want to pay more taxes and receive LESS service? IF YOU CAN ANSWER THIS QUESTION, I WILL SHUT UP AND GO AWAY?
BTW. Cuts have been made in the Fire Department. Crestwood used to run two Engine Companies AND a Rescue Truck. We now run just two Engine Companies AND still receive 90% percent of the same level of service that we used to which is still way better than what we would get from a Fire District.
I think you better check your numbers…. THE GENERAL FUND IS BALANCED! IT CAN'T OPERATE FROM A CASH FLOW PERSPECTIVE & PAY OFF ACCUMULATED DEBT.
Finally, paying the Affton Fire District is offset by the additional revenue that is collected from the area. Did we make a ton of money from annexation? No, but we make enough to pay the bills and increase our population base which brings in its own taxes based on population. These taxes are MUCH more stable than sales tax.
Reference the younger citizens of Crestwood, it seems that depending on which side of Watson Rd. (north or south,)we are talking about, the demographics change.
On the south side we have more older, than younger residents, while the younger ones live on the north side. I you look at the average age here in Crestwood it's 45 yeard old.
I happen to live on the north side (Joshua Dr.,) where some of my neighbors are in their twenties, and thirties.
I am asked " what about the young families"? I agree that this City must be an attractive place to raise a family, and that we must attract families moving into their first, or starter home. My family, and I were attracted to Crestwood, and a "starter home" 36 years ago (we just forgot to move on up.) What attracted us (and kept us,) were the police, fire, public works, and schools (my wife taught for 38 yrars.)
You know what, these same qualities exist as we speak, and they will continue to be the reason that young families still want to move to Crestwood! Think of it, why woulden't they, full services, low tax rate.
I want to be the type of Alderman who will respond to all of Ward Two, not just "friends", and one who will work hard to insure all of Ward Two has a voice, and that it will be heard! I don't know about you, but as it is now, unless your in the proper circles, you have a hard time hearing back from our elected Ward Two Alderman, that must change!
"My name is Tom Ford, and I want to be your Alderman from Ward Two"
Tom Ford
Ward Two
I appreciate your answer to the question, but I don't appreciate your continued subtle criticisms of the current ward 2 aldermen. (and other aldermen who disagree with you) You keep saying we have to work together-- you would be well advised to practice what you preach. You are already setting an adversarial tone. Just answer the questions please. Thanks.
I am sorry for being "subtle", I am rarely accused of that. I noticed you stated that "I would be well advised", and I agree!
What say you join my team? I would no doubt benefit from your expertise.
"My name is Tom Ford, and I want to be your Alderman from Ward Two"
Tom Ford
Ward Two
The mentality of Crestwood being 'older' people is why we have the administration we have now. I appreciate that I am a part of a large older population, but what we want to do is appeal to the younger families. Isn't that why we built the new aquatic center?
We had a young, vital man running for Mayor in the last election, the type of person we want to hold up as an example of what Crestwood should be. If anyone bothered to attend a debate, they know that he was the type of forwarded-thinking, well-spoken person we need to represent us. Instead we elected somebody who dragged Crestwood through the mud attacking people and is dragging Crestwood backward with so-so businesses and retirement homes that attract nobody.
Let's face it, we have aging homes and can't compete with newer areas. If we want to keep attracting young families that will buy these houses and improve them, we have to promote that in our community. Otherwise, we'll be full of rental we can't sell.
We shouldn't strive to match the businesses we attract to the population we have....we should build for what we want to attract.
Last Blogger, are you referring to Mr. Fagan as that young man that we should hold up as being representative of what Crestwood should be? The same man, our then Mayor, who when asked at a BOA meeting by an elderly couple "why the meeting had started at 6:00pm instead of 7:00pm as stated in the Crestwood Charter" responded, and I quote, "That is not my Book". If that is the young man you are talking about then I feel sorry for you. I would think we should have more respect for the senior citizens of our community. Afterall, it was many of them that have created the great city that you chose to move your family to for a better life. Show some class and respect. Or better yet, tell your parents that you think they are old and useless.
Mr. Ford, had there been times in the past that you trid to contact your Alderman in Ward 2 and not received a response? When I have contacted my Alderman in Ward 2 my questions and comments have always been addressed. Usually within a day or two. Is this from personal experience or more politics (opponent bashing)
If the projected major fund balances at 12/31/06 viewed, you will see at the BOTTOM (not the change in fund balance) you will notice that the General Fund is showing (1,760,708)
The $380,711 that the General Fund paid to defease the bonds is to be repaid from the Capital Improvements Fund in 2006 (it could have repaid the GF in 2005 since the projected fund balance was a positive $1,040,486)
Maybe I am just reading this wrong. Does anyone know the difference between the Projected Change in Fund Balance and the Projected Fund Balance (amounts at the bottom of the report) According to the last line the GF will be NEGATIVE $1,760,708 and the CIF shows a POSITIVE $1,176,805. I have been struggling with trying to understand how we could have a balanced budget. IF the Projected Fund Balance line is correct the GF does not have enough money.
Mr. Baker's comment "In Crestwood, we are seeking to support candidates who believe that the primary function of civic government is to provide essential services such as public safety to its citizens. We are seeking to support candidates who are committed to returning Crestwood to a state of fiscal solvency, and who are inclined to work with, not against, the current administration."
I guess by these "factual statements" they have met the other candidates to discuss these issues and they have expressed that they are NOT committed to returning Crestwood to a state of fiscal solvency? AND I guess they don't care about public safety? It makes me wonder if they had even contacted the others running because I can't believe that those running would given that impression. Politics or what?
All candidates in every Crestwood race received a Candidate Questionnaire to fill out. Unfortunately, two of them elected not to do so. I would have very much liked to learn where Mr. Pickel and Mr. Bland stood on the issues important to my members in Crestwood. It is too bad that they chose not to seek our endorsement.
If you are interested, the questionnaire can be viewed on our website www.iaff2665.org
Firefighters endorsement...in a word--unimportant.
In response to the Post on Fund Balance......
Fund Balance can play a role in whether or not a given fund’s budget is balanced or not. HOWEVER, fund balance doesn’t necessary represent how much actual “Cash” is in the bank for that account/fund. Often, what a fund owes another fund or in the case of Crestwood owes an external source as debt, determines what its “balance” or fund equity is. Additionally, fund balance may or may not represent the fact that the “budget” for a given fund is or is not balanced for the year.
Projected Change in Fund Balance is an estimate of the dollar value of an increase or decrease in fund in a given fiscal year as a result of the current budget.
Projected Fund Balance is an estimate the ending fund balance at the end of a budget year as a result of change in fund balance.
For 2006, the Crestwood General Fund is projected to have operating revenues of
$8,803,958 (Including repayment from the Capital Improvement Fund of $380,711 for the demise of the COPS.) and expenses of ($9,008,637) leaving a “gap” of ($204,679). HOWEVER, the Capital Improvements Fund and Park\Stormwater Fund provide additional dollars $362,482 to the General Fund to pay for operating expenses which can be legally and should be funded by these dollars. (Why should the General Fund pay for expenses associated with having a Park Fund and Capital Improvements Fund – If these Funds did not exist then there would be no General Fund Expense for them. Despite what several posts on this Blogg have said, you can use Capital Improvement Tax Money to pay for operating expenses that are associated with the administration and operation of Capital Improvements.)
When you add these dollars to the projected General Fund Revenue of $8,803,958 you get $9,166,440 which is $157,803 more than projected expenses. This $157,803 is the Projected Change in Fund Balance for the General Fund in 2006. When this amount is applied to the starting Fund Balance of ($1,918,511) the Projected Ending Fund Balance improves to ($1,760,708). It should also be noted that almost half of the General Fund Negative Fund Balance is due to the fact that the General Fund is owed a substantial amount, around $750,000, from the Capital Improvement Fund for money that was utilized to supplement the City’s Street Reconstruction Program in years past. The Capital Improvements Fund is repaying this at a rate of some $90,000 a year. Theoretically, when the Capital Improvements Fund has enough money it could repay this in one chunk, thus making a big dent in the negative fund balance of the General Fund.
This year’s General Fund Budget is balanced. However next year is a different story as some $380,711 in revenue form the COPS demise will not be present and this will have to be taken into consideration through further budget reductions or revenue enhancements.
Prop S. will not fix next year’s shortfall – that is what Mr. Meyers will have to do by recommending further cuts or revenue enhancements. Prop S would provide money to eliminate the remainder of the General Fund negative fund balance and eliminate the need to borrow for cash flow in the future.
Re: comment made at 11:53 a.m.3/13/06
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
So the problem started when Leichliter was city admin. because he did not seperate the different funds, but put them into one big pot. The board had only his and the accounting firm's word at that time that the budget was balanced.
Before the state and other audits instructed them to do so, Greer/Madrid had already started the process of seperating the funds and trying to figure out which fund owned how much to which fund and creating the seperation of funds we that we now have today. Which I seem to recall was one of the things the state audit (cost $60,000 tax dollars) suggest the city do.
I would guess that not knowing for sure how much had been over spent before they were hired would make it hard for Greer/Madrid to tell the board how much city was in the negative even after many audits.
So what is the "mess of the last three years that needs to be cleaned up"?
Sounds like to me that the case against Leichliter is the correct course yet our mayor says he is on Leichliter's side. Why would he do that?
Final question, you saying that even if Prop S. passes the city will still either have to make more cuts or increase taxes. Would that have been the same if the GO bonds passed last April?
To help the readers of this blog in their quest for information about Chris Pickel, this is his website
www.chrispickel.com
his email address:
chrisforward2@chrispickel.com
his phone number:
3149665899
No reason to believe everything you read about Chris on this blog, you can contact Chris and ask him your questions, directly.
Is Mr. Pickel a member of the Crestwood Swim Club?
Thanks to the blogger on 3/13 at 11:53 am - this really helped me get it straight (I think anyway).
I guess the BOA had passed an ordinance to have the Capital Improvement Fund repay back the approximate $750,000 in annual payments of $90,000 per year. I did see that line item but was not sure if it was a passthrough charge (expenses paid by the GF for the Capital Improvement fund)
So if the Capital Improvement fund has balance of $1,176,805 at the end of 2006 - it could pay back the GF in full by 2007 or 2006.
Ok - that still leaves the GF NEGATIVE $1,010,708 ($1,760,708 - 750,000)and a POSITIVE $626,805 ($1,176,805 - 750,000) in the Capital Improvement fund, right?
Part of the problem: the actual revenues in 2005($9,238,747 projected - 8,366,204 actual) were $872,507 less than the 2005.
You are correct the $380,711 will NOT be revenue for the GF in 2007, unless more costs associated with the Capital Improvement fund are found. I believe we still do not have all of the "mixed" fund expenses straightened out yet.
Again - thanks for clearing this up for me.
At least Mr. Pickel pays for his own signs.
Why doesn't the police union back Mr. Pickel's campaign as feaverishly as the fire union? The local that has endorsed Mr. Pickel is associated with the police. Maybe they don't want to get into politics.
Prop S will pay down the $2mil owed and provide $$ for the future cash flow instead of going to the bank BUT it has nothing to do with the NEGATIVE $1,010,708 that the GF will face. How do you expect to be able to fund the firefighters salaries & benefits?
Most officer's are trying to stay out of this mess and do the jobs we are paid to due, protect the city. We've been caught in this mess that started many years ago.
You won't find to many officer's throwing their hats in the ring for any elected offical. Unless your one of the few who sit with the mayor out back and smoke with him or seen about town or out of town.
This power base will shift again and the same ones who ride the fence will try to fall on the side that benfits them the most. All the drama for a small town. I've been told all of the small towns go through this too. To bad, it was a fun place to work at, and no I'm not moving down the road either.
Now that we aren't paying $100,000k a year for a "Finance Director" and $800/month in BMW Allowence, the defecit just got a little smaller!
Forgot to add another $100,000 for the accounting software. Perhaps we could save another $100,000 on legal bills. Gee that's $300,000 saved in about two minutes!
Let's just cut the staff by half and make the others perform the duties of 2 employees. Do you really think that the new CA will never hire a new finance director or an employee to perform those duties?
Do you work in accounting? I am sure you don't realize the amount of time and effort is involved with that job? Maybe you are a CPA? Attorney? Who knows, you are just glad to see cuts being made and especially people you don't like. Why don't we fire half of our police department and make the other half perform the duties? or half of the fire department? Come on.. politics as usual
The new CA may or may not reccomend filling the position. That is HIS call. That's what he was hired to do.
If he thinks he can do it with current staff... what's wrong with that? Maybe we got a bargin in Mr. Meyers.
I can't believe that a full time employee, and the amount of work involved with that job, can be obsorbed without consequences. Don't try and tell me that all the last Finance Director did was just sit at her desk and file her nails. You may think what you want about the individual but the work and hours needed to complete the work are still there. If you believe that the last Finance Director did nothing, then there are people out there with blinders on.
The last Finance Director didn't do anything.... except make pretty charts.
That really shows your ignorance. I feel sorry for you. So blinded by others.
Obviously you don't understand the charts or budget numbers.
Ok, you're correct, she did do other things; like recommend spending $100,000 on an accounting program that couldn't count - the city just terminated the contract didn’t it? I won't even dare to mention using taxpayer money to cover up a questionable "social" relationship with her boss because it’s the “past”.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars of scarce tax dollars have been spent suing former officials for their alleged misdeeds and now I’m supposed to turn a blind eye on the questionable activities of newly departed duo because it’s in the “past”. Sorry, this is one double standard that I choose not to overlook.
As the tagline in the banners throughout town goes “Remember the Past… Imagine the Future”. I choose to do both just like it says! There are many good
things happing in town; Shop-n-Save, new CA –unanimously approved by the entire Board of Alderman, development at Old Sappington/Watson, the Senior Living Center etc…..
I'm sure someone has the opposite point of view, but that’s OK, It’s America. We can agree to disagree and not have to worry about being shot or thrown in prison and cast our vote on Election Day. See you at the polls!
Mr. Ford, Mr. Becker,
Would you please share with us the completed questionnaire Mr. Ford filled out and returned to the IAFF Local 2665? Either post it on this blog or provide a link to the IAFF website where it would be able to be reviewed.
Thanks, an interested voter
I guess you feel that an emotional relationship or whatever ALWAYS clouds a persons ability to perform their job. Pretty judgemental. But I have read many posts doing just that. Too bad real issues have gotten lost here on this site. I would have hoped it would have been more informational that being "caddy".
Oh, and don't comment on older postings - never get any anwers if the comment is too old!
What happened to the comment made by Mr. Ford about personally funding his campaign? I see that the yard signs with Mr. Ford's name on it is paid for by the Fire Fighter' Union. I Mr. Ford can say one thing and do another.
Welcome to the National Coalition of Public Safety Officers web site!
NCPSO/CWA National Training and Leadership Conference
Information
Peppermill Hotel & Casino
2707 South Virginia St
Reno NV 89502
April 5-6, 2006
NCPSO is a division of the Communications Workers of America union. There are now 18,000+ public safety officer CWA members. These officers include the entire range of public safety services – municipal police officers, deputy sheriffs, state police, county and state correctional officers, EMS workers, communications dispatchers, probation officers, and firefighters.
Looks like Mr. Pickel is supported by firefighters as well.
Hasn't the mayor repeatedly said that he ran on a platform that one person should not fill two positions and that was the reason he wanted Greer to return to being just the police chief? What's up with that? Now HIS city administrator should fill two positions? ICK
Let's be honest here. NO ONE wanted Mr. Greer to hold two positions! This was a man that continually embarrassed our city and dragged us into the soap opera reporting of the Suncrest Call every week. He selfishly asked the city to pay for his vehicle expenses, depreciation costs and all, at a time when he went to the public to ask for severe payroll cuts and interest paying lump sum tax increases. He had an unseemly alliance with the only person who was responsible to report factual financial information to the board at a time when over 1200 citizens of this city were requesting the STATE do an audit of the books. He was not the right man to hold two positions. He had no degree in accounting or managing a city. His only experience was a little over a year running a city in Illinois that allowed him to have that job because he was promoted from Police Chief.
Please don't mistake the two people we're talking about.
The board approved of Mr. Meyers unanimousely after much ado.
He has the qualifications and the skills we need here in Crestwood!
From the paper I read, it looks like his wife is a political sciences teacher. I am sure that he fully understands the maneuvering that your statement implies.
You are not making any friends here!
Why don't we put away our daggers and listen to the man that was hired to straighten out the financial problems of this city.
Or does politics mean more to you?
Actually, former CA/Chief Greer did have a Master's Degree in Public Adiministration - the type of degree that most City Administrators have. However, his judgement - BMW, ethics - "social relationships" and ego - police building, were his weak spots.
We all have our faults......
Thank you for that correction. I will be the first person on this site to admit that I was wrong!
I hope others will follow my example. Then we can all learn from each other.
Yeah, he is going to be dearly missed around City Hall! To bad this couldn't have happened about ten years ago! Maybe he would still be married. Maybe we would have never heard of Diana Madrid and her math skills. Yeah, I know, we probably would still be in financial trouble. That is true. it is not all his fault and I know that. BUT.....I promise you it would not be anywhere near what we are facing now. That is a fact! And if you can't realize that then go have your head examined. And byt the way....if I was walked in on having a "private" moment with a co-worker.....at City Hall.....do you think that I would have been allowed to stay there past that very day of buisiness? I DON'T THINK SO! And sorry, you can't compare this to Bill and Monica!
Mayor Robinson put a stop to that too! No more embarrassing revelations..please. I'm kinda nauseous now!
Speaking of this issue, I heard that there were two witnesses to this little incident. One was a secretary who promptly resigned and no one has been able to find her since and the other was the former Assistant CA/Economic Developer who left too. Does anybody know the what ever happen to these two?
Can you blame them for leaving? What a disgrace? Can you believe that we are still paying these two!
Unfourtunately we almost have to to avoid a huge lawsuit from Ms. Madrid. I am VERY familiar with the case and I am sorry I can't post my name. Yes, the affair was going on and on city time and city property! It was rather quite disgusting. They pretty much flaunted it in the administrative offices without a care in the world until Roy was elected.
These two should be ashamed of themselves! Thank God the Mayor put a stop to this.
How can these two in good conscious keep accepting money from the City. Weren't they the ones who said we were broke?
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