Friday, June 26, 2009
Russ resoultion stinks
At frist I was happy to see a resoultuion on the the dics golf at leddy. but at the council meeting russ kept leddy as a site IN HIS RESOULTUION. for the golf. his said the want to put this to bed, but he did not. i do not support the dics golf. i hope they pack up and leave. I think it is thime for a new city councilor in ward 4.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Kiss Campain goes dirty
With 2 weeks left CAO Jonathan Leopold atacks mayor candidate Andy Montroll,and accused him of conflict of intrest. The problem is Jonathan Leopold knew of And'y's work with Vally Net. There is no conflict here it is just a nasty atack. Counciler Montroll has been supportive of burlington telecom. Then Leopold lies about not having a meeting and not knowing about Andy's work with Vally Net. I think they know that Andy's campaign is gaining and could win. Mayor Kiss did not show leadership. when you work for Kiss you can say anything you want and have no back lash. Maybe iI should get a job with his addmin.
Kiss addimin don't get the job done
Again the Kiss Addimin has failed us. Sunday afternoon I was droping lit for a mayor canidate and sliped and fell on the ice and snow. It was not plowed at all. This has been happing now for three years. Sorry Progs this not leadership.
Montrooll's campaign pick up steam with Freepress endorsement
The Burlington Free Press Endorses Andy Montroll for Mayor
We're honored to have received the endorsement of the Free Press Editorial Board. Please read the text below or read the full editorial by clicking here.
Remember to Vote for Andy Montroll on March 3rd!
2.22.09. The Free Press editorial board endorses Andy Montroll as the candidate for mayor who brings the right combination of experience in government, knowledge of the city and personal integrity to keep Burlington a destination for visitors, employers and those looking to make a home.
We have interviewed the candidates, have attended the forums and have gotten to know the men seeking the top job in the city. Burlington is fortunate to have four substantial candidates running for mayor.
Even in a strong field, we must choose a single candidate for the top spot, but we also make a recommendation for a second choice on the ballot because of the nature of instant run-off voting.The Burlington economy is stable and city finances are sound, especially compared to the rest of the state. Burlington has an abundance of natural riches starting with the waterfront, and is the economic and cultural hub for the region, if not the state. This is not the doing of one man or one administration.Yet the events of the past year have made clear the need for new management in City Hall. The discord within city government, including senior staffers let free to hurl accusations at public officials, calls for a mayor who will show the leadership to refocus city government on serving the people.We look toward Montroll to provide that leadership for several reasons.He has experience. He has worked hard to gain this office. He is dogged. He comes back time after time. He has an agreeable way about him that appeals to Burlington constituents. He knows the city. He is trustworthy. Little seems to ruffle him. He has his eye on the future.
Montroll promises transparency, which has not been a hallmark of the Kiss administration. He understands that what matters most in government is to fully explain what is going on to the public. He knows keeping the people informed matters more than protecting any single city employee or any department at the expense of the public's need to know. Too often we have seen a City Hall that, in the words of one councilor, feels it is enough to spoon-feed information.Montroll's 15 years on the City Council gives him the inside knowledge of the detailed workings of city government that will help make for a smooth transition in the Mayor's Office. He promises a review of problem departments, to set clear expectations and to give focus to City Hall.Montroll is thoughtful in the way he answers questions and arrives at decisions. Once he makes his determination, he makes his position clear. While other candidates talked about the possibility for a new lakeside convention center -- as long as it was "appropriate" for the setting -- Montroll was alone in taking a definitive stance, saying such a project has no place on the waterfront.He is for careful development of the waterfront, placing a high value on the public accessibility that makes the lake such a critical part of the city's appeal.Montroll's drawback, of course, is the same as the drawback for Mayor Bob Kiss. Their public personalities lack the fire that makes them big band leaders for Burlington, an often showy, loud and flamboyant city when it comes to playing out politics in public.The day-to-day management of this city is made easier because it is prosperous -- the 1-cent sales tax increase that was approved as Kiss took office didn't hurt, either. The city requires someone who will manage this day-to-day responsibility, but also one who will look ahead and worry about the long-term stakes.Montroll shows a keen awareness of the city's assets, its potential, and threats to Burlington's vibrancy today and tomorrow. As a father of young children, building a city for the next generation is no abstract idea.Montroll sees potential threats to the city's economy in the increasing number of empty storefronts on the Church Street Marketplace. He hears the warning in the voices of company owners who find it difficult to find the office space they need to grow.We expect the Montroll administration to be pragmatic and focused on the issues. His record as a city councilor tells us to expect nothing less. Andy Montroll is our pick for mayor of Burlington.
We're honored to have received the endorsement of the Free Press Editorial Board. Please read the text below or read the full editorial by clicking here.
Remember to Vote for Andy Montroll on March 3rd!
2.22.09. The Free Press editorial board endorses Andy Montroll as the candidate for mayor who brings the right combination of experience in government, knowledge of the city and personal integrity to keep Burlington a destination for visitors, employers and those looking to make a home.
We have interviewed the candidates, have attended the forums and have gotten to know the men seeking the top job in the city. Burlington is fortunate to have four substantial candidates running for mayor.
Even in a strong field, we must choose a single candidate for the top spot, but we also make a recommendation for a second choice on the ballot because of the nature of instant run-off voting.The Burlington economy is stable and city finances are sound, especially compared to the rest of the state. Burlington has an abundance of natural riches starting with the waterfront, and is the economic and cultural hub for the region, if not the state. This is not the doing of one man or one administration.Yet the events of the past year have made clear the need for new management in City Hall. The discord within city government, including senior staffers let free to hurl accusations at public officials, calls for a mayor who will show the leadership to refocus city government on serving the people.We look toward Montroll to provide that leadership for several reasons.He has experience. He has worked hard to gain this office. He is dogged. He comes back time after time. He has an agreeable way about him that appeals to Burlington constituents. He knows the city. He is trustworthy. Little seems to ruffle him. He has his eye on the future.
Montroll promises transparency, which has not been a hallmark of the Kiss administration. He understands that what matters most in government is to fully explain what is going on to the public. He knows keeping the people informed matters more than protecting any single city employee or any department at the expense of the public's need to know. Too often we have seen a City Hall that, in the words of one councilor, feels it is enough to spoon-feed information.Montroll's 15 years on the City Council gives him the inside knowledge of the detailed workings of city government that will help make for a smooth transition in the Mayor's Office. He promises a review of problem departments, to set clear expectations and to give focus to City Hall.Montroll is thoughtful in the way he answers questions and arrives at decisions. Once he makes his determination, he makes his position clear. While other candidates talked about the possibility for a new lakeside convention center -- as long as it was "appropriate" for the setting -- Montroll was alone in taking a definitive stance, saying such a project has no place on the waterfront.He is for careful development of the waterfront, placing a high value on the public accessibility that makes the lake such a critical part of the city's appeal.Montroll's drawback, of course, is the same as the drawback for Mayor Bob Kiss. Their public personalities lack the fire that makes them big band leaders for Burlington, an often showy, loud and flamboyant city when it comes to playing out politics in public.The day-to-day management of this city is made easier because it is prosperous -- the 1-cent sales tax increase that was approved as Kiss took office didn't hurt, either. The city requires someone who will manage this day-to-day responsibility, but also one who will look ahead and worry about the long-term stakes.Montroll shows a keen awareness of the city's assets, its potential, and threats to Burlington's vibrancy today and tomorrow. As a father of young children, building a city for the next generation is no abstract idea.Montroll sees potential threats to the city's economy in the increasing number of empty storefronts on the Church Street Marketplace. He hears the warning in the voices of company owners who find it difficult to find the office space they need to grow.We expect the Montroll administration to be pragmatic and focused on the issues. His record as a city councilor tells us to expect nothing less. Andy Montroll is our pick for mayor of Burlington.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Ian resignation from dem chair
Dear Loyal,Earlier today, I sent the following letter of resignation to members of the state committee. I wanted to also share it with you and the broader Democratic community in Vermont. Thank you for your hard work and dedication over the years and I look forward to working with you again in the future.Best,Ian
Dear State Committee Members,After three rich and exciting years of serving as Chair of the Vermont Democratic Party, it is time for me to move on. As of this Saturday, I wish to resign from my position as State Chair. Our able Vice Chair Judy Bevans, with whom I have already discussed this decision, has graciously agreed to serve as acting Chair until such time as the Party wishes to hold a special election for Chair (see Article XX of the VDP Bylaws), or until this November when the Party is statutorily required to undergo complete reorganization. Looking back over the last three years I am struck by the remarkable array of changes, accomplishments and milestones this Party has experienced. Here are a few that come to mind as I write this morning:
For the first time in decades the Party undertook, and completed, a comprehensive, multi-phase revision of its Bylaws.
We vastly increased representation on the Party's Executive Committee by tripling its size and creating specific positions for representatives from all across the democratic spectrum.
We expanded and standardized our endorsement policy so that the Party was empowered to reach beyond its own membership to support candidates of any political persuasion if the circumstances warranted such support.
Then we promptly used our newly expanded endorsement authority to discuss, debate, and ultimately embrace the successful candidacy of Independent Bernie Sanders for U.S. Senate, in the process defrosting nearly two decades of unnecessary and unproductive political tension.
We hired our first female Executive Director ever, Jill Krowinski.
In 2006 we had one of the most successful elections in Vermont political history, obtaining unprecedented majorities in the State House and Senate, sending Peter Welch to Congress, Bernie Sanders to the U.S. Senate, and obtaining four of Vermont's six statewide constitutional offices.
With the help of Howard Dean's 50-State Strategy, we tripled the Party's staff, moved into new offices, and vastly increased our organization's ability to organize the grassroots, communicate with activists, and help our candidates win office.
And finally, in the 2008 presidential election we not only led the charge by being the first state in the nation to be declared for Obama, but we also reached beyond our own borders to deliver victory in other states by making over 100,000 get-out-the-vote calls to Florida and Pennsylvania and knocking on 35,000 doors in New Hampshire.These accomplishments are evidence of a Party that is healthy, self-aware, and versatile. Throughout my time as Chair we have often discussed how important it is that we as a Party reflect the ethics and principles of the society we wish to promote. Over the past three years I think we have taken some important steps towards that goal. In closing, I want to take a moment express my deepest personal appreciation to the three immensely talented, improbably patient, and extraordinarily hard working Executive Directors with whom I had the pleasure to work -- Jon Copans, Jill Krowinski, and Kristina Althoff. Without them I could not have done this job. Thank you again for the thousands of hours we have spent working together. To be part of this organization and our collective efforts was an honor I will not forget.I will be happy to talk with you about this decision, as well as the logistics surrounding it, this coming Saturday at our regularly scheduled meeting. Best regards,Ian
Dear State Committee Members,After three rich and exciting years of serving as Chair of the Vermont Democratic Party, it is time for me to move on. As of this Saturday, I wish to resign from my position as State Chair. Our able Vice Chair Judy Bevans, with whom I have already discussed this decision, has graciously agreed to serve as acting Chair until such time as the Party wishes to hold a special election for Chair (see Article XX of the VDP Bylaws), or until this November when the Party is statutorily required to undergo complete reorganization. Looking back over the last three years I am struck by the remarkable array of changes, accomplishments and milestones this Party has experienced. Here are a few that come to mind as I write this morning:
For the first time in decades the Party undertook, and completed, a comprehensive, multi-phase revision of its Bylaws.
We vastly increased representation on the Party's Executive Committee by tripling its size and creating specific positions for representatives from all across the democratic spectrum.
We expanded and standardized our endorsement policy so that the Party was empowered to reach beyond its own membership to support candidates of any political persuasion if the circumstances warranted such support.
Then we promptly used our newly expanded endorsement authority to discuss, debate, and ultimately embrace the successful candidacy of Independent Bernie Sanders for U.S. Senate, in the process defrosting nearly two decades of unnecessary and unproductive political tension.
We hired our first female Executive Director ever, Jill Krowinski.
In 2006 we had one of the most successful elections in Vermont political history, obtaining unprecedented majorities in the State House and Senate, sending Peter Welch to Congress, Bernie Sanders to the U.S. Senate, and obtaining four of Vermont's six statewide constitutional offices.
With the help of Howard Dean's 50-State Strategy, we tripled the Party's staff, moved into new offices, and vastly increased our organization's ability to organize the grassroots, communicate with activists, and help our candidates win office.
And finally, in the 2008 presidential election we not only led the charge by being the first state in the nation to be declared for Obama, but we also reached beyond our own borders to deliver victory in other states by making over 100,000 get-out-the-vote calls to Florida and Pennsylvania and knocking on 35,000 doors in New Hampshire.These accomplishments are evidence of a Party that is healthy, self-aware, and versatile. Throughout my time as Chair we have often discussed how important it is that we as a Party reflect the ethics and principles of the society we wish to promote. Over the past three years I think we have taken some important steps towards that goal. In closing, I want to take a moment express my deepest personal appreciation to the three immensely talented, improbably patient, and extraordinarily hard working Executive Directors with whom I had the pleasure to work -- Jon Copans, Jill Krowinski, and Kristina Althoff. Without them I could not have done this job. Thank you again for the thousands of hours we have spent working together. To be part of this organization and our collective efforts was an honor I will not forget.I will be happy to talk with you about this decision, as well as the logistics surrounding it, this coming Saturday at our regularly scheduled meeting. Best regards,Ian
Andy Montroll's Energy Independence
A MESSAGE FROM ANDY MONTROLL
Dear Friends,
The price of energy is on everyone's mind these days. This issue is not just about the cost to us as consumers, but also about environmental impact and our city's ability to attract and retain new businesses.
A Plan for Energy Independence
Currently, the electricity needs of Burlington surpass the generation capacity of the McNeil plant, and so the Burlington Electric Department needs to purchase power from other sources to fulfill its needs. I propose that Burlington seek energy independence, owning, in whole or in part, its own power generation sources.
The benefits of this plan to Burlington residents and businesses are many, and include:
Rate stability for end users
Price stability for BED
Reduction of our carbon footprint
An Emphasis on Renewable Resources
As part of this initiative BED should give preference to power from renewable sources, with the ultimate goal of all of Burlington 's power being supplied by renewable sources. I also want to encourage property owners to install their own energy generating equipment. Property owners who have feed power back into the grid will be offered a discounted rate on the power they do purchase, in addition to being credited for the electricity they put back into the system.Experienced Leadership is Needed Now
This plan will not just happen through wishful thinking. Experience in working with our city departments, as well as a deep understanding of the underlying technical issues, will be needed to reach these ambitious goals. Through my fifteen years on the city council, as well as my training as an engineer, I have the background needed to make this vision a reality. In my administration, Burlington will be a national leader in pursuing a progressive energy policy.
Dear Friends,
The price of energy is on everyone's mind these days. This issue is not just about the cost to us as consumers, but also about environmental impact and our city's ability to attract and retain new businesses.
A Plan for Energy Independence
Currently, the electricity needs of Burlington surpass the generation capacity of the McNeil plant, and so the Burlington Electric Department needs to purchase power from other sources to fulfill its needs. I propose that Burlington seek energy independence, owning, in whole or in part, its own power generation sources.
The benefits of this plan to Burlington residents and businesses are many, and include:
Rate stability for end users
Price stability for BED
Reduction of our carbon footprint
An Emphasis on Renewable Resources
As part of this initiative BED should give preference to power from renewable sources, with the ultimate goal of all of Burlington 's power being supplied by renewable sources. I also want to encourage property owners to install their own energy generating equipment. Property owners who have feed power back into the grid will be offered a discounted rate on the power they do purchase, in addition to being credited for the electricity they put back into the system.Experienced Leadership is Needed Now
This plan will not just happen through wishful thinking. Experience in working with our city departments, as well as a deep understanding of the underlying technical issues, will be needed to reach these ambitious goals. Through my fifteen years on the city council, as well as my training as an engineer, I have the background needed to make this vision a reality. In my administration, Burlington will be a national leader in pursuing a progressive energy policy.
Friday, February 20, 2009
my letter to ed (Sevendays)
Note: there are some mistakes i did not have the time to fix, my time at Flecher ran out
In lasts weeks Fair Game councilor Ashe said "the City Council is on the verge of becoming a very cautious, Conservative and, in some ways regressive council" Tim Ashe is a nice guy, but i do not agree with his assement of the city council.
The real problem lies with the Progressive party and Mayor Kiss addmin. Over the years the Progressive party have been regressive and lost touch with the people. Here are some examples.
Westlake hotel and condos that people here can not afford, then backed out of the affordable housing on that site.
The Progs voted for Rubulican Kurt Wright for chair. That is after thay blamed the Dems in 06 for voting for a Rubulican.
The Moran Plant, again there is nothing down there for the poor, disabled or senoirs. i call it a touris trap.
The Progs can get nasty too, CAO Jonathan Leapold attacks Councilor Montroll's integrity, with 2 weeks left in the Mayors race. During the Moran Plant campagin, Councilor Davis gave mis informatiion at a Council meetying stating that the cost of taking the Moran Plasnt down will cost 6 million when it was 2-3 million. You can respond to this at loyalstidalwave.blogspot.com
In lasts weeks Fair Game councilor Ashe said "the City Council is on the verge of becoming a very cautious, Conservative and, in some ways regressive council" Tim Ashe is a nice guy, but i do not agree with his assement of the city council.
The real problem lies with the Progressive party and Mayor Kiss addmin. Over the years the Progressive party have been regressive and lost touch with the people. Here are some examples.
Westlake hotel and condos that people here can not afford, then backed out of the affordable housing on that site.
The Progs voted for Rubulican Kurt Wright for chair. That is after thay blamed the Dems in 06 for voting for a Rubulican.
The Moran Plant, again there is nothing down there for the poor, disabled or senoirs. i call it a touris trap.
The Progs can get nasty too, CAO Jonathan Leapold attacks Councilor Montroll's integrity, with 2 weeks left in the Mayors race. During the Moran Plant campagin, Councilor Davis gave mis informatiion at a Council meetying stating that the cost of taking the Moran Plasnt down will cost 6 million when it was 2-3 million. You can respond to this at loyalstidalwave.blogspot.com
Friday, February 13, 2009
NEXT WEEK STORIES
here are some stories for next week
more from Andy Montroll
who I will be supporting for council
exclusive why I have not been bloging
and more stories see you next week
Loyal Ploof
loyal Ploof
more from Andy Montroll
who I will be supporting for council
exclusive why I have not been bloging
and more stories see you next week
Loyal Ploof
loyal Ploof
how I am voting for mayor
with IRV this is how I am going to vote. i would like to know how you are going to vote.
#1 Andy Montroll-- for better burlington
#2Kurt Wright-- not the wright time
#3 Dan Smith-- maybe city council
#4Bob Kiss-- not a leader and has hurt the low income.
#5 Jim Simpson-- his rant lead him to 5
LOYAL PLOOF
#1 Andy Montroll-- for better burlington
#2Kurt Wright-- not the wright time
#3 Dan Smith-- maybe city council
#4Bob Kiss-- not a leader and has hurt the low income.
#5 Jim Simpson-- his rant lead him to 5
LOYAL PLOOF
sixty million in the red by Andy Montroll
Dear Friend,
As you may have heard, our city's retirement fund is facing a severe shortfall. The Kiss administration maintains that the fund is only $30 million dollars short, but they are basing that off of information from last June. Using more current and accurate data the fund is actually more than $60 million dollars short.
Our City's Financial Future is at RiskTwo years ago the city's retirement fund was thirty million dollars under where it needed to be to meet our obligations. Today the fund is more than sixty million dollars underfunded. If being $30 million short was a crisis, than being $60 + million short is a pending catastrophe. We need to take strong action to prevent the current crisis from destroying the financial stability of the city.
We should immediately start the process of moving from the current defined-benefit retirement plan, similar to a classic pension, to a defined-contribution plan, similar to a 401k. Switching to a defined-contribution plan would prevent city finances from being adversely affected by the whims of the stock market.
Any changes to the retirement plan should affect new employees only. Existing employees would be able to keep their current retirement benefits, or switch to the new system if they so desire.
We will have to renegotiate the city contract with the union, but I am confident that we can find a solution that will work for both the city and its employees
Experienced Leadership is Needed Now
We have an obligation to our citizens to make sure that their tax dollars are not poured into a bottomless hole. Mayor Kiss has repeatedly stated that he has fixed the problems with the retirement fund. Band-aids don't fix broken bones, and the minor changes that Bob has implemented do not address the root problem. Last night I introduced a resolution that would have begun the process of changing the structure of the city retirement system. Unfortunately this resolution was defeated 8-6 in a party line vote. However I will not be deterred from my goal of treating our city employees fairly while ensuring the future financial stability of our city.
As you may have heard, our city's retirement fund is facing a severe shortfall. The Kiss administration maintains that the fund is only $30 million dollars short, but they are basing that off of information from last June. Using more current and accurate data the fund is actually more than $60 million dollars short.
Our City's Financial Future is at RiskTwo years ago the city's retirement fund was thirty million dollars under where it needed to be to meet our obligations. Today the fund is more than sixty million dollars underfunded. If being $30 million short was a crisis, than being $60 + million short is a pending catastrophe. We need to take strong action to prevent the current crisis from destroying the financial stability of the city.
We should immediately start the process of moving from the current defined-benefit retirement plan, similar to a classic pension, to a defined-contribution plan, similar to a 401k. Switching to a defined-contribution plan would prevent city finances from being adversely affected by the whims of the stock market.
Any changes to the retirement plan should affect new employees only. Existing employees would be able to keep their current retirement benefits, or switch to the new system if they so desire.
We will have to renegotiate the city contract with the union, but I am confident that we can find a solution that will work for both the city and its employees
Experienced Leadership is Needed Now
We have an obligation to our citizens to make sure that their tax dollars are not poured into a bottomless hole. Mayor Kiss has repeatedly stated that he has fixed the problems with the retirement fund. Band-aids don't fix broken bones, and the minor changes that Bob has implemented do not address the root problem. Last night I introduced a resolution that would have begun the process of changing the structure of the city retirement system. Unfortunately this resolution was defeated 8-6 in a party line vote. However I will not be deterred from my goal of treating our city employees fairly while ensuring the future financial stability of our city.
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