loyalstidalwave

canndidate Angela dissed by front porch forum

2010-11-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Angela Chagnon a candidate for state rep in district 3-2 North End Burlington Vermont was attacked on Front Porch Forum a on line community forum on November 2. On November 3 Angela Responded, but the forum refused to post her response. This is her post that they will not post

I received the latest edition of Front Porch Forum and was quite surprised at the negative and vicious tones of Brian Drourr's and Kerry Stanley's posts. I would like to assure them that I thoroughly researched Mark Larson's record and all claims made in my ads are completely factual. The comments made by rep. Larson about the budget were actual comments made during a neighborhood planning assembly meeting that I personally attended, and I transcribed his comments directly from a DVD purchased from from channel 17 of the meeting to ensure that every word was correct.
Exposing the truth about someone is not a 'smear campaign'. Kerry Stanley's misguided and uninformed claim that I focused on "a single topic" is laughable. I covered many topics in my ads and debates with Rep Larson the only 'narrow minded opinions on single topic' were my opposition's attacks on my pro-life views with that said, I congratulate Rep Larson on his win, and urge him to exercise some fiscal restraint in Montpelier.

I see no problem with her response, and Front Porch Forum should do the right thing and print this. This not the first time that the Front Porch Forum did this, I hope they will change their policy.

A new low

2010-10-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist church protested at a dead soldiers Funeal. They had signs that said "thank god for dead soldiers" and "Fag Troops. This is a new low i am a wiccan we are not about hate. Taking advantage of a dead man is disgusting. I like free speach but this is too much. when will the hate end.

IRV on the ballot

2010-01-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

IVR has made the ballot. We had two elections, We have a mayor who has 29 percent of the vote. Now the League of Women voters is begining to fight to keep IRV. This going to be one of the biggest battles I have seen. It seems that the pro IRV must be concerned, because the big guns are coming out. This going to be about which side can get their voters to the polls. On the other side you have Repeal IRV who is fighting to end IRV. They have a blog
repealirv.blogspot.com you can add your name if you support the repeal of IRV.

Russ resoultion stinks

2009-06-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Kiss Campain goes dirty

2009-02-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

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.

Ian resignation from dem chair

2009-02-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

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

Andy Montroll's Energy Independence

2009-02-21T06:17:00.000-08:00

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.

my letter to ed (Sevendays)

2009-02-20T09:54:00.001-08:00

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

NEXT WEEK STORIES

2009-02-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

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

how I am voting for mayor

2009-02-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

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

sixty million in the red by Andy Montroll

2009-02-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

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.

Local Action Works slams mayoral candidate Andy Montroll

2008-12-12T03:04:00.000-08:00

Andy Montroll refuses to answer questions. Last month Local Action Works sent Andy Montroll candidate for mayor, who is a demorcrat and ward 6 city councilor, a simple questionnaire. He responded by email thanking LAW for the questionnaie and said he would get back to LAW very soon with his responses. That was on November 17th. After several phone messages went unanswerd to follow up, LAW finally gave up. In LAWs opinion, Andy Montroll represents more of the same; unresponsive government and horrendous consitiuent service. Please think twice before casting a vote for him on Tuesday March 3rd 2009.
vist Locl Action Works at
www.localactionworks.org

I have to say that i am very disapointed in Andy, AND DON'T KNOW IF CAN GET BEHIND HIM. There were only 4 qustions. He could had money and volenteer help. Any way i am still mad at him for slaping people of this fine city by supproting the moran plant.

Kurt Wright to run for mayor

2008-12-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

Event: Kurt Wright to Announce Run for Mayor of Burlington

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2008

Time: 5:45 p.m. - 7:00pm

Burlington City Council President Kurt Wright will be announcing his run for mayor this Thursday, December 11th in Contois Auditorum at Burlington City Hall beginning at 5:45pm. We hope to see you there!

Location: Contois Auditorium at Burlington City Hall

Contact: | 802-658-1410 | vinewright@burlingtontelecom.net

PEOPLE READY FOR CHANGE

2008-12-11T12:53:00.000-08:00

My first poll closed, and 77% said they would vote for a Republican over Mayor Kiss. by by Kiss thanks for the 3 years of crap that you put us threw.

what i want in a mayor.

2008-12-11T12:40:00.001-08:00

first just to let you know i will not vote for Kiss. I will not vote for Dan Smith, because I can not trust some who has Eric Hostra and Stu McGowin in his coroner. Who dose this leave Kurt Wright, Andy Montroll, and maybe Cowman. Well I will get behind any of the candidates that will do the following,
dump Ben Pacy,Wayne Gross, John Leapold, Kristin Mariman Shaperio.

Will work for the people who lives here year around i.e shopping stores not like City Mark Up or the Moran plant that leaves out the poor, Seniors, disabled and the environment behind.

Will work to fix the homeless problem.

Will discontinue the direction that the progs have led us in the now the city is for the rich yuppies.

Will make sure that the admin is working together not like Wayne Gross who should be fired for his childish behavior. If none of the candidates reflect this then expect a surprise in February.

gross is gross

2008-12-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

what is up with Kiss and his admin. what Gross said was a slap in the face to the people of this city and now Kiss, thinks it is alright. the corruption lies deep.

floride campagin is a joke

2008-11-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

Swab(Safe water advocates of Burlington) was formed three years ago. Now Swab is back but, without any of the founding members. The currant group is being lead by Deb Loring and Kevin Hurly. recently Kevin has been using Owen and Jay to get information to run the campaign. After they got the information they needed Kevin hung up on Owen and now they are cut down the founding members like Deb Loring called me(Loyal) a nut and other names were tossed at Owen and other members. This is disrespectful and hurtful to the people who worked very hard door knocking and dropping lit while Deb was sitting on her butt. The other problem is they are using our name swab. They are not going to get any where by running a campaign like this they are burning Bridges when they going to need everyone and not turning people away. this is where they messed up because you need to work together with other groups to make this successful campaign. The other problem is that it is not the right time for this we need more information. support the founding member by not voting on this ballot measure this spring.

upcoming event

2008-11-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

Why can't Progs and Dems just get along?
Vermont voters, post election, still want to know. join Seven Days political columnist Shay Totten as he question to the politicians at a public forum.

Thursday, December 4 7 p.m. this a free event.
Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center,
Burlington's Waterfront, Lake &College Streets

mayors race is shaping up /Adian drops out

2008-11-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

Ed Adian drops out leaving Andy Montroll as the candidate for mayor. Now we are waiting to see if Kurt Wright will jump in or will he back Andy. I will be backing Andy he will be the best. It is time to vote for a change we have not had a dem for over30 years.

recount to start

2008-11-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

State senate recount to start in dec 3rd. the biggest problem is why is there 2,211 spoiled ballots in one WARD? I was the ward clerk for ward three and the most spoiled ballots I had was 20 now over 2000 seems like a big problem. I think the problem is in ward 3 were the prog ward clerk does not know what he is doing and i am sure Ben Pacy has his hands in this, I am going to be working on the recount. I don't think Tim Ashe won and this is the 3rd election that has been a mess under the Kiss admin. Time for a change don't you think.

the race for mayor begins

2008-11-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

December 3rd at the Champlain school, both Ed Adrian and Andy Montroll who is trying for the 3rd time are trying to win the democratic caucus at 6:30 p.m. to face Bob Kiss for mayor. I think they both will be better then Bob Kiss.

progs dying ash lucky

2008-11-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

progs lost another seat in burlington as the dems crushed chis pearson. Now they have 5 state house members. Tim Ashe seamed to get lucky. Burlington made a data entery mistake, some think still seams fishy hear. I would not put past Ben Pacy to lie.

results coming in small NH towns

2008-11-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

reported by the AP in Dixville North Democrat Obama defeated Republican John McCain by 15 to 6. In the town of Hart location reported 17 votes for Obama and 10 for McCain, 2 for write - in Ron Paul and Independent Ralph Nader was on both towns but no votes.

Election day today

2008-11-04T03:43:00.000-08:00

the polls open at 7 and stay open until 7, so lets go and all vote. We are going to have record turn out I am thinking 75%. I don't think there will be any real change here in Vermont. The gov will not get the needed 50% so the 150 house members will decide that for us. Dexter Randall Prog will lose and I think Chis will out of Burlington will lose to Kesha Ram.

gay marriage

2008-11-04T03:39:00.000-08:00

Now gay marriage is starting in Connecticut Nov, 12. What is Vermont waiting for, we are behind the times for a left state.

do not vote for Charlotte Dennett

2008-11-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

I walk dogs for a living and Charlotte canadate for Attorney General did not pay me for my work about 2 or 3 years ago. I don't thing she can do the job if she can't pay people who do work for her. the progs should be careful who they pick to run.

up comming community film series

2008-11-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Lake Champlain men's resource center has it's 2nd annual community film series at Fletcher Free Library college st Burlington from 6:45 to8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 5
Wrestling with manhood,boys,bullying and battering.
Wedenesday, december 3
Tough guise violence, media and crisis in masculinity

suggested donation : $5
no one will be turned away for lack of money
following the films will be a q and a session and discussion
to find out more call 434-8180 or lcmrc.org

moran ballot question to end

2008-11-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

I regret to have to inform everyone that it has to end. I feel bad. I know there are people counting on this, but i have no help and can't do this by myself.

local horror movies help wanted

2008-10-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

Dead hand man spring 2009 I need 2-guys and a woman and other help email me at barkforawalk@yahoo.com

be dead 2009 ? 3 guys and a masked killer

bennington triangle spring and summer 2010 full langeth
4 guys
3- women

if you like to help let me know thanks
loyal

more trouble for Mayor Kiss

2008-10-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

Adam Cate,The Burlington Waterfront supervisor.Who has been suspended with pay since June is appealing the case that was brought up by Parks Director Wayne Gross. Mayor Kiss wants to close the case against Adam Cate. There are lingering questions that need to addressed before that happens. Why have we not heard from Wayne Gross? Why is Adam still suspended, when no crime was committed? What was the cost of the investigation? What happened to Mayor Kisses open government? The city council clearly was left in the dark and received little information. Again this shows the problems we have with the Kiss administration. I have been disappointed in this administration have you?

Interveiw with Larkin Forney for state senate

2008-10-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

1. I am running because over two years ago I was stalked and falsely accused, and I witnessed a serious lack of integrity in the legal system when their was no investigation and in the judicial system when I was wrongfully convicted/violated by the same judge who had previously ignored a restraining order against Brian Rooney. I don't think it is good for the system or society when lies are more important than the truth, and the people in charge of "judging" things make such bad determinations as is indicated in my situation. More about my situation can be read at my website, http://justiceforvermonters.org/.

2. Kids need protected from actual predators and pedophiles, and I would say that we need to use our resources to protect our children from people who prey on them, not everybody who is charged or convicted of some sort of "sex offense." I would say that anyone charged with a sex offense, such as sexual assault on a minor, which has a broad range of different conditions behind the charge, should be evaluated by a certified psychosexual evaluator to determine if they are predatory or pedophilic, or whether the relationship was consensual, and other mitigating circumstances that could arise from things such as a teen lying about his or her age. Those who are diagnosed to be predators or pedophiles should be held in jail for life, because I don't believe they can be treated. Anybody charged and convicted with sexual assault or contact with a person under 10 years old shall get a maximum of 20 years, unless if they are diagnosed predators or pedophiles, at which point they would serve life. We need to use our resources for actual predators and pedophiles, and not fill our jails with people who aren't actual dangers, but may have broken a "sex offense" law by peeing in an alley and getting charged with indecent exposure instead of public urination, and a person who has consensual relations with a sexually active lying teenager and a person who actually molests children or forces themselves on women.

3. I would start by having a couple more shelters built or opened in parts other parts of Chittenden County. Affordable housing is dependent on the supply and demand market. Right now, since there is a crisis, prices are low, but people are still going to have problems affording even seemingly affordable prices. As your Senator, I can't make a house that you can afford, but I can help reform laws and regulations to make it easier for businesses to come into Vermont to create more jobs so more people can afford a house, as well as encouraging other developers to come into Vermont to create more competition and thereby reducing prices on other existing properties.

4. I would support closing Vermont Yankee, if they continue to have problems that could endanger Vermont's citizens and environment, if their decommissioning fund isn't fully funded by 2012, and it is economically safe for ratepayers to afford electicity by other means, then I would support fully closing Yankee with the option of suing Entergy for the remaining costs in the decommissioning fund so that taxpayers are not left with the bill.

5. My goals for my first term would be to make sex offender laws more effective by preventing predators and pedophiles from ever having the chance of harming another child, woman, or even man again, and making sure resources are used for that instead of scapegoating somebody for having consensual sex with a lying sexually active teen who may have already been the product of abuse which should have been stopped sooner, but real predators and pedophiles are hard to catch. I would support an Internet task force in Vermont dedicated to catching people who are seeking people underage. I think the age of consent law should be reconsidered to 14, so that a lying 14 year old can't cause problems for somebody else by having consensual sex with them. Parents need to also pay more attention to what their kids are doing, and teens, and educating them, because the police can't be everywhere, and society really doesn't want them everywhere. We have to do what we can to protect and educate our kids ourselves so that they make the right decisions not to have sex with anybody, even their own age, when they are 14, but if they do, then it shouldn't be a crime, if it is consensual.

I would also legalize hemp (oil) and marijuana. More about my views with those can be viewed at my website as well.

I would also do things that would encourage more businesses to come to Vermont to provide more jobs, and possibly loosen some of the 2,000 mandates on insuarance providers so that more providers come to Vermont and make health insurance premiums more competitive and more affordable in the long-run.

Closing Statement:

Over two years ago, you would have never seen me in politics. I used to be a very introverted person, who just wanted to be left alone and be a part of my daughter's life, but then I was stalked and falsely accused by her mother's friend. The system went out of it's way to make the charges stick, didn't investigate anything, and wasted thousands of tax dollars in the process, just so they could prevent a precedent from being sent by allowing justice to prevail. If they had conducted an investigation, then they would have realized my daughter's mother and the person who falsely accused me was her friend, and that is why she did it--to help her friend eliminate me from my daughter's life, while they, actual predators and pedophiles, abuse my daughter, born 11-15-02, and my words and concerns are discredited because of a lying sexually active teenger. A lot of the things the system does doesn't make sense. Politicians make laws that say sex with teens is wrong, but then they're caught with pre-teen children, and sexually active teens are usually the products of abusive homes.

I have a lot of integrity and honesty, and I am courageous enough to admit when I'm wrong, and I am strong enough to fight when I'm wronged.

I have survived a lot of things, and I am stronger and wiser because of them. My past is my past, and the last time I got in trouble was in 2002, when games were being played surrounding the conception of my daughter, while her mother's friend pursued me and lied to me about her age.

I would fight to have a system that functions for justice and actually protecting society and preventing crime with things that actually work like a good early education with good schools and teachers, and more jobs in Vermont.

While I have no actual experience, I am a fast learner, and I would be shown everything I need to know after election, before being sworn in, and ready to hit the floor running by January, 2009. I am worth a vote, because you will always know at least where I come from and that I am not hiding anything.

McNeil still with the city

2008-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Joe McNeil's law firm is still work for the city of Burlington as John Briggs a Free Press Staff Writer report in the artical below. Again, Kiss fails the city of Burlington again for spending our money. He has resigned and still getting our money. This is wrong, what is wrong with Kiss he is not thinking at all.

City Still has confidence in McNeil

Despite resignation attoney's firm doing work for Burlington
The law firm of Joseph McNeil, who resigned as city attorney for Burlington after admitting a close relationship with a city consultant, continues to receive considerable payments for city legal work.

City officials plan no change in that arrangement despite a court decision this month that revealed a second relationship between McNeil and a city official and found that McNeil did nothing to head off conflicts of interest represented by the two relationships.
Burlington has paid the law firm of McNeil, Leddy and Sheahan more than $599,000 since McNeil resigned in early April 2007, city records indicate.Mayor Bob Kiss said last week the city has received good value for the money and will continue to use McNeil and other attorneys from the firm. The mayor said the judicial finding has not changed his view.
The Burlington Free Press sued in Washington Superior Court to force the release of a number of e-mails exchanged on the city's computer system between McNeil and two women. Superior Court Judge Brian Grearson released his decision earlier this month.
McNeil resigned following disclosure in the Free Press of his relationship with zoning consultant Owiso Makuku. McNeil, who is married, formed a relationship with her when she worked in the Planning and Zoning Department and then arranged for her to work for him on the city's zoning rewrite at approximately double her rate of city pay.
Makuku submitted her hourly work records to McNeil, who approved them for payment.Simultaneously, Grearson wrote in his decision, McNeil had a close relationship with Karen Wingate, the former assistant to Mayor Peter Clavelle's chief administrative officer, Brendan Keleher. After Keleher resigned in fall 2005, Wingate became the interim CAO and held that position until the Kiss administration took office in April 2006.
Makuku could not be reached for comment. Wingate did not respond to a request for comment.Grearson based his opinion on his review of more than 1,500 e-mails sought by the Free Press. The e-mails were between McNeil and Makuku and between McNeil and Wingate.
Grearson said the e-mails "would lead a reasonable person to believe" that McNeil had "a close personal relationship of a romantic nature for an extended period of time" with both Makuku and Wingate. His relationship with Wingate, Grearson said, extended to the period when she headed the city's financial office.
Grearson said those relationships created a conflict of interest for McNeil as he provided legal guidance for the city.The judge did not release e-mails sought by the Free Press, citing the likelihood they would be embarrassing to McNeil, Makuku and Wingate if they were made public.
Neither Makuku nor Wingate works for the city.In his resignation letter, McNeil apologized for what he called a "lapse of judgment" that created an "appearance of a conflict," but strongly defended the quality of Makuku's work. In an e-mail Friday to the Free Press, McNeil said that in his work on the zoning ordinance, "I applied the same pride of workmanship I had applied over the 37 years I was the city's chief legal officer."
Keleher told the Free Press in 2007 that he had not been aware of McNeil's relationship with Makuku, and former Mayor Peter Clavelle declined comment. This week both declined to comment for this article.
Grearson said he could find no indication in the e-mails he examined that McNeil "took any significant steps to mitigate any conflicts of interest related to these relationships" or that city officials did. Grearson noted that all three individuals held "important positions" in city government.
Kiss said McNeil's firm has had two contracts with the city since his resignation, both reviewed by the Board of Finance and the City Council.Those contracts were accepted, he said, "clearly because of the skills Joe brings to this position and the long history and experience he has."
He said McNeil had "disclosed he had a close relationship with Owiso that could create an appearance of a conflict of interest, and he resigned." Kiss added that an independent audit of the billing for Makuku's contract, which paid her more than $213,000 from November 2004 to early 2007 and provided her with health insurance, revealed no billing problems.
"Out of this," Kiss said, "what we've continued to do is appreciate Joe's forthrightness in this ... situation."McNeil acknowledged the relationship with Makuku after inquiries by the Free Press. He did not publicly acknowledge the relationship with Wingate. In his e-mail Friday to the Free Press he noted he was not a party in the Free Press' e-mail suit and said he would "not engage in any discussion or debate (of) any aspect" of the case.
The independent audit cited by Kiss confirmed that the city had paid the bills for Makuku submitted by McNeil and reconciled some bills with meetings both attended.
Kiss said Oct. 10 he was unsure whether the Human Resources Department has changed or clarified the policy on personal relationships between city workers. He said the city relies on "self-disclosure" to allow the city to adjust working relationships to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
He said in the case of McNeil's acknowledgement of his relationship with Makuku, "there is room to judge whether that was timely or not."McNeil's resignation and the departure of Makuku and Wingate, he said, "in some respects," made questions of a conflict of interest a moot point. Kiss said he had no plans to consult the state's Professional Responsibility Board or "pursue anything in regard to (McNeil's) professional conduct."
Figures provided by the Clerk-Treasurer's Office in 2007 showed that the firm of McNeil, Leddy and Sheahan was paid a total of $2,616,959 by the city (including work for Burlington Electric Department and the School District) for fiscal years 2003 midway through fiscal year 2007. The firm was paid $602,969 in fiscal year 2005 and $585,236 in fiscal year 2006.Contact John Briggs at 660-1863 or jbriggs@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com
In your voice

VPR a disgrace

2008-10-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

VPR hosted the vermont gov race, with major party canadates Symington, Douglas, Diamonstone, Pollina. The problem i have is Pollina is not running under a major party. He should not be there unless VPR lets all canadates at the debate. Again VPR slaps our voting rights in the face. Thank you VPR FOR SHOWING YOU REAL FACE.

this blog is about

2008-10-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

This is a new blog. I am going to cover local and state political stuff along with sports and movies. I am new to this and will get better with time so please hang in there.

moran heading back to the ballot

2008-10-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

Local Action Works has begain to petition the moran, it reads "shall the city of Burlington be advised to revoke the $21 million proposal to renovate and redvelop the moran plant with the understanding that the voters have lost confidence in the way proposal agreement has been proceeding?"

dump Kiss

2008-10-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

It is time for Kiss to go, but he is not the only one. The progs have slowly killed the city over the years. Burlington was a great place with energy now it is gone. We had night clubs, stores that everyone could shop without spending all of your money. Under Kiss we had two bad elections, westlake, moran but no affordable housing wow.