Letter to the Editor

Comprehension

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Dear Editor,

Preface: "It's too bad we teach some folks to read without teaching them to comprehend."

From the Internet responses to my letter of 10/5, it appears several , unable to comprehend, prefer to attack me personally ... that's OK, but stop trying to write my resumé!

To Rural Citizen: If you think a new municipal facility would be reason for our young folks to return, you need professional help. To your second point, the money stashed is sales tax money earmarked by vote for specific purposes, not general fund money where good budgeting would apply.

To Dennis: In a Nov. 3 2009, article, the city said "in the previous two years they had "set aside" $1,000,000 for a city facility. Not telling us for two years is not ethical and I consider it an " admission to "rat holing" for two years. Showing us antique and abandoned electrical, inferring it was in service at West Ward, is unethical.

Morrison spent thousands on plans and renderings for his project. Would he have done so if his engineers said no to rehab? The straw man he supposedly sold it to had no intention of rehab ... I doubt if he even brought a tape measure to the site, let alone spent money for an engineer. Morrison' deal fell because as reported on 10/27/09, he couldn't get it financed. If the stooge buyer even tried to get financing no one knows ... one thing we know, the projects fell for financial reasons. To tell us they fell because of engineering reports is not true and is unethical

I am sorry I don't put much credence in engineers reports bought and paid for by- the client. Many times they reflect the client's wishes. In an Oct. 27, 2009, article the State Historical Society recommended the city consider "adaptive re-use" of West Ward and as I recall their position later meant stimulus money couldn't be used to demolish it. If the Historical Society later said they didn't recommend rehab as you claim, please provide verifiable evidence supporting your claim. They thought the old YMCA was worth saving and it was in far worse shape than West Ward. I looked at the old "Y" before rehab began ... There was a tree growing out of the roof!

"The only source of knowledge is experience" -- Albert Einstein. Please refer to my opinion of 11/16/09 as to my experience and let that serve as my "professional report" Those critical of my position,, what are your qualifications?

I am well aware the city is in the process of rehabbing the band shell. I hope I live long enough to see that happen. Why was it allowed to rot away in the first place? The pigeons can 't wait for the auditorium to become vacant.

On 11/3/2009 the mayor suggested letting the public vote to re-use or tear down West Ward. We have been denied that vote.

I stand by my comment this project will benefit only 40 public employees.

Are you telling me police, fire and city hall employees are going to stop helping us if we don't agree to this extravagance? I think not.

I am not denying the need for parts of the project (in particular a new fire station). I am against this proposal. It's too extravagant and far too expensive.

As to my sources please refer to the Gazette articles of 10/27, 11/3/2009, 1/5,8/17. 8/19, 8/20, 9/29, 1/30/2010. (my responses were published 11/4, 11/16 2009 1/28, 2/2, 4/24, 9/16, 10/5 2010.)

To: Pensive Observer: How long have you worked for the city? My wanting to rehab West Ward is, I think it can be incorporated in a project that would save money and become a building we would brag about. I sent the Gazette some crude illustrations and even though they have published 12 color photos supporting the city's position, they didn't publish one black and white showing an alternative.

Except for a few sheets of paper and my time I have not spent $1 to promote my views.

To McCook1, JLake, McCook Supporter and Sussane: Reference "Preface."

"Nuff said"

Bill Frasier

McCook

Comments
View 41 comments
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. Please note that those who post comments on this website may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.
  • McCook having updated facilities, accommodations for future expansions, up-to-date communications, and renovated historic architecture and places of interest shows kids of today and outsiders that McCook is not going to die. McCook won't become another ghost town. We want our community to succeed and prosper. Without these things, kids of today and other people will think that McCook has nothing to offer they won't come, this town will become just a retirement community and then fade away. Do you want that Bill? I believe that this facility will help everyone in this and surrounding communities, not just the 40 City employees. Maybe you are the one that is in need of professional help because you can't look past the fact that the City has done a good job at budgeting, careful planning, etc. Maybe it's something that you yourself should take into consideration and give credit where credit is due instead of attacking and condemning. We need to build for the future whether we are going to be around to see it or not. It's for our children and their children. Let's make this a place where they want to come back after college and build their homes and raise their families.

    If we've got the money to do this without raising taxes, let's do it. Let's continue to build McCook's future.

    -- Posted by FNLYHOME on Wed, Oct 13, 2010, at 1:04 PM
  • Bill, at every budget hearing and at the three readings of the budget the past two years the set aside dollars for facility updates or rebuilding has been included and was NEVER hidden in the budget discussions. I am truely sorry that the blogs from your last letter ran about 15 to 1 against your positions. The bond issue may not pass but clearly not everyone shares your views. As to budgeting, the newly released study of the 54 cities in Nebraska shows that McCook has the 9th lowest property tax per person for city services. We all make choices in life and I choose to act on my hopes rather than on others' fears.

    -- Posted by dennis on Wed, Oct 13, 2010, at 1:29 PM
  • Blah, Blah, Blah! I only read your opinion letters for amusement because each entry seems to get more and more amusing. I'm sure that the majority of those in McCook will listen to your views and opinions on how to save an old school over the opinions and recommendations of professionals who have years of experience that do these things for a living. No one in their right mind is going to agree that McCook should save the old school. I was back in McCook for the Heritage Day celebration and toured the wonderful updated Keystone Building. I've heard nothing but positives about the old YMCA. I will be anxious to see the new bandshell when it is complete. The city is doing a wonderful job of supporting worthwhile projects. I just find it amusing that Mr. NUF SAID Frazier thinks we need to save the school. I understand that the old hospital has been vacated. I was born in this hospital and have some very fond memories of that old hospital and some of the nurses and doctors that worked there. I can remember thinking at a young age that I wanted to help people when I got older and I'm glad I'm now able to do that. So, Mr. Frazier, might I make a suggestion for you and all your "SAVE THE BUILDING" friends. Gather up all your support, money, friends, and anyone else who may actually take you serious and buy the old hospital. I'm sure with your experience and expertise you can rehab that into a nice apartment building. Or maybe a nice motel. Heck, I don't even think there's trees growing out of it yet!

    -- Posted by McCook Supporter on Wed, Oct 13, 2010, at 3:41 PM
  • Oh Bill Frasier, you are music to my ears! I loved your pointed article in the opinion about the municipal building. I too cannot understand how the city council can rat hole 1.5 Million dollars of our tax money for a project we neither were asked for nor voted for first. My favorite part of the budget was the $179,000 new ambulance I heard that it doesn't even fit in the current building. (They have dreams you know!)I think our current ambulance is 3 years old.

    I also was dismayed that the City Council raised our sewer rates after paying down sewer debt #3. According to the Private Financial Management Company (who ever that is) it was recommended that the sewer rates be increase 7, 5 then 3 percent for an indefinite time to maintain a healthy "Sewer fund".

    Now that brings me to the "rat holing" money issue. I was trying to figure out just what our debt was and what the cost of our debt was over time and why the health of this fund was dependent on raising rates so high and continuing to come to the tax payer for more money. It's probably burried in the States Comprehensive Annual Financial report somewhere. We don't seem to get the whole financial picture in the city budget. Who knows how much money is really rat holed in the funds. It's all about wealth building isn't it? Like your financial portfolio, got to diversify!

    It's not my brother and it is heavy!

    It seems to me McCook has been drinking the Washington Kool-aid and are drunk on special projects, stimulus money, and on a building binge. Unfortunately nothing has changed in McCook. All the pretty little projects, expansions and dog parks won't change the fact that property taxes are too high, state taxes are too high, the citizens of Nebraska are all on the government teat. We keep taxing and spending but nothing really ever changes fundamentally to stimulate jobs. Taxes, jobs... Taxes, Jobs.... Think there is a relationship here that this so-called conservative community and state haven't figured out yet? You know what I think? I think Nebraska nor McCook is conservative, they are lying to themselves I wish some real conservatives would run for office, I'm tired of not having a real choice when I vote. Any way Bill, how about running for council? I'll pencil you in on the ballot.

    Jerie Quinty

    McCook

    -- Posted by Jerie Quinty on Wed, Oct 13, 2010, at 7:46 PM
  • Jerie Quinty, you say that McCook has rat holed away 1.5 million dollars. From everything I've read, this is absolutely not true. The city goes through a budget process every year. There are meetings that the public can go to and ask, see, and find out where every dime is going. Then you speak of the $179,000 for a new ambulance. Our community just bought a new ambulance for just over $210,000 so I say $179,000 is a really good deal. You also say the current ambulance is 3 years old. you would probably be the 1st one to complain if they had an ambulance that wouldn't start because they aren't on a replacement cycle. Then you say that it won't even fit in the current building. Does the city buy equipment or not buy equipment based on a building thats 60+ years old? I sure as heck hope not! By the way, our community replaces two ambulances every other year. Maybe those of you who seem to want to complain about every little thing that McCook does to stay modern should look at moving somewhere else that share's your views on these things. Oh, wait....all those towns have dried up!

    -- Posted by McCook Supporter on Wed, Oct 13, 2010, at 9:21 PM
  • Bill,

    First: to answer your question...... I wouldn't dream of working for the City.... they don't pay enough.

    Second: if you rehab the building, this building or any other not suited for the end use... you spend more money on demo than on remodel. When you demo for rehab you don't just run a bull dozer through it and somehow save the parts that you want to keep, it requires careful and methodical planning which NEVER is planned well enough. Then you work around the confines that the existing building presents. Then there's the final product, a rehabilitated building that in no way resembles what it did to begin with and after all of the old wiring, plumbing and mechanical has been replaced... (that will happen by the way.... the wiring in the school building is not to code and if it were it would have to go because the existing walls will have to be moved, removed, or as it generally turns out, both moved then removed.) The wiring that the public saw in the photos was immaterial... again, even if it was new....it had to go, can't reuse it.

    If this building was rehabbed to accommodate the new facility, the school that you know and love will have very large holes in the wall where they will park emergency equipment. This will, by extension, mean that the floors above will be removed and all that useable floor space will be reduced by a fourth right out of the gate. Let's examine the masonry... those bricks might as well be saved.... They'll clean up nicely because the mortar joints have begun to chalk which means they will soon be removable without the aid of tools. There looks to be a complete tuck-point project in the works there... or..... it COULD be stuccoed for less, leaving the building with an EIFS appearance of new construction, multiple large doors, no second floor over that area but plenty of extra headspace to condition in that same area. The need for an elevator for ADA access..... AND STILL AN OLD FOUNDATION!

    Yes it can be done..... BUT WHY? It won't be the same building, it will cost more and it WON'T effectively serve the purpose that is being sought after. "Why?" is the question here.

    This is it in a nutshell. Bill, this isn't all about you, those that wish to save the building for whatever reason makes them feel warm and cozy at night or me and all those that say "start fresh". This is about the continuation of a community once I'm long gone and my children and my grandchildren are taking care of things in this town.

    It's a WONDERFUL community, I know... I've lived in New York, Chicago, and cities as close as Lincoln and Omaha.... And I choose McCook. Too many towns have faded away in the close proximity and those community leaders that said "Don't spend the money" are gone..... their legacy?....... an unincorporated community. How is that fair to everyone that want to spend the rest of their lives here? I've still got quite a bit of kick left and I intend to stay here and IMPROVE my community.

    The Keystone Building would have cost $600,000.00 to demo (if reports were accurate) and it DID have a good infrastructure. The space was suitable for the end user and the project was properly if not painfully managed to success. With the school building, to the best of my knowledge, there is no one throwing their name in the hat for the position that Rex Nelson and his staff took on for the Keystone. You Bill? Are you willing to dedicate 4 to 6 years to this endeavor or do you wish to simply let everyone know how delightful it would be to "Save Your School" and put it on someone else's back?...... Why?

    "IT'S DIFFICULT TO PROGRESS THROUGH A PROCESS OF REGRESSION." -- ERIN SHAU (philanthropist)

    -- Posted by PensiveObserver on Wed, Oct 13, 2010, at 10:03 PM
  • Mr. Frasier,

    I have a 1983 Buick Regal for sale. The engine's shot and the body is beat up but the tires are in horrible shape. Interested?

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Wed, Oct 13, 2010, at 10:34 PM
  • Sorry about the repeat. I can't figure out this bloody computer.

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Wed, Oct 13, 2010, at 10:36 PM
  • I recall there being a "For Sale" sign on the West Ward lot for somewhere around a year.

    Where were all the people who wanted to preserve that "historic building" during that time?

    -- Posted by Owen McPhillips on Wed, Oct 13, 2010, at 11:42 PM
  • I read your most recent letter for my amusement as well cuz I needed a good chuckle this morning. But yet don't see how you disagree that the proposed new facilities won't benefit you. Do you have a house that needs protecting? Do you not wish that if the services of the paramedics were there if the situation, God forbid, arose for you?

    I'm the last one to encourage government entities to spend money when not necessary. However, in this case I will encourage that. If you don't like how this city is conducting business and don't care for how people in this city are ready to move on with the demolish of this building and progress into the future, then I am sure you can find an alternate residence. I however moved back here because I feel this is one of the best places to raise my family. I have every confidence in the fire and police departments and feel it is way past time to take care of them so that they may better protect us.

    @Owen, you are soooo right on that one. Why is it people don't step forward till projects are in the last stages? Lets move on McCook into the future and start using some of our energies on other causes.

    -- Posted by susanne_1989 on Thu, Oct 14, 2010, at 8:51 AM
  • My argument is not whether this project should be built or not, but rather this is NOT the right time. Have any of you paid attention to our countries present financial situation???

    If you think we are isolated out here in southwest Nebraska you are wrong! Are we better off than most of the country yes, but I guarantee it will get much worse before it gets better!

    Do you realize the financial obligation we have already left our kids and most likely are kids, kids!!!! Now is not the time to keep borrowing and spending! And if we do spend be smart about it.

    Do we really need at this present time a 5 plus million dollar building??? 5 MILLION DOLLARS in real money if weighed in 1 dollar bills is 5.5 TONS! If laid end to end would stretch 2,500,000 feet or 473 miles!!!

    -- Posted by remington81 on Thu, Oct 14, 2010, at 9:02 AM
  • Okay, remington81, when is the right time? If not now, when construction costs are at an all time low and interest rates are at an all time low, then when? I left McCook in the 80's and they were talking about building a new public safety center then but...it wasn't the right time. I think they've tried several times since then and well...it wasn't the right time. I'm in Colorado. Someone needs to come and tell them out here that now isn't the right time to build because there's new construction going on on almost every corner of town. So, before the building literally falls down and then costs 3 times the current cost to fix, please consider doing the right thing and get those that protect you when you need it most in a new facility.

    -- Posted by McCook Supporter on Thu, Oct 14, 2010, at 10:46 AM
  • remington81, now is the time, we have the money, no new taxes, no borrowing, why can't you see that. it's already paid for. now is the time to start rebuilding our future, our kid's future, so that they want to move back to a town that is thriving, not dying. I agree that we are not isolated from the rest of the country, however because of good ideas, planning and budgeting, we are heck of a lot better off than the rest of the country. We should be lucky to be here and in this situation. And, I disagree with you about it getting worse before getting better. There has been a turn around already in the economy and financial situations with several industries. it takes time and with proper budgeting and sacrifices, individuals will see those increases and benefits. Everyone has to do their part in recovery instead of waiting for handouts. If we've got the money and can improve on our Cities future to make it more appealing to our children and other visitors, LET'S GO FOR IT!

    -- Posted by FNLYHOME on Thu, Oct 14, 2010, at 11:22 AM
  • No new borrowing????? What do you think a bond issue is???????? The money rat holed was money set aside for property tax relief! IT'S ALREADY PAID FOR!!!! Dennis wouldn't even claim that!! Dang you have had way to much cool-aid!!

    -- Posted by remington81 on Thu, Oct 14, 2010, at 2:15 PM
  • Please check the Editorial in the paper for Oct. 14th. McCook, by almost anyones standards is in very good fiscal shape. The line item for repair or replacement was not "rat holed" it was openly discussed in multiple open meetings. The report in the editorial should again confirm that the city staff and council is doing a fine job and should be trusted to move ahead.

    -- Posted by dennis on Thu, Oct 14, 2010, at 3:54 PM
  • Again I call for Mr. Nuff Said Frasier to throw his hat into the ring and run for City Council, you seem to have all the answers when writing letters, put your powers to work and lets see if you do a better job than the ones we have now.

    Your so called rat-holing is pure BS, it was listed in the budget each year, earmarked for municipal improvements, if you had a question about that line in the budget you should have been questioning it then not now.

    The old fire barn and cop shop are junk, it would take a fortune to rehab them, and what you have? Some 60 year old cobbled up buildings that won't last another 20 years.

    What happens when you start rehabing old buildings? You have to bring them up to code, good money flushed down a ----hole.

    Time to stop "waiting" and build this building while interest rates are low, favorable building costs. Remington if we wait until all the national debt is paid off, even the grandkids will be dead and gone.

    Man I hope the city hurries up and tears down the old school even if they don't win the election, perhaps the church can use more parking space.

    Time for the city of McCook citizens to step up to the plate and vote yes for this project, cause if we continue to wait, it is only going to cost more in the future.

    -- Posted by goarmy67 on Thu, Oct 14, 2010, at 9:12 PM
  • Nice Wondering70, why stop at our grandkids?? Lets screw their kids and grandkids!!!! Heck it just money, it's not our's but screw it!!! we all know it about us! Heck with the people that actually got to pay for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    -- Posted by remington81 on Thu, Oct 14, 2010, at 9:49 PM
  • I was at tonight's meeting.

    Didn't see Frasier there.

    uh....

    Nuff Said?

    :o)

    -- Posted by Owen McPhillips on Thu, Oct 14, 2010, at 10:42 PM
  • remington81,

    This is being paid for with SALES tax. Want to see who's paying for it? Drive through the Wal-Mart parking lot and look at license plates. You might be surprised.

    -- Posted by Owen McPhillips on Thu, Oct 14, 2010, at 10:46 PM
  • Thats funny McPhillips. It made be "Laugh Out Loud"

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Fri, Oct 15, 2010, at 7:57 AM
  • Remington81: If we don't get this rolling now and wait for another 20 years or whenever the "Time is right"..... You and I won't be paying for this facility........... Who will be then? Oh, my Kids and their Kids and if we manage to avoid taking care of things on a timely matter then most likely their Kids after that. I'm the type of person that doesn't want someone else carrying my bag, dumping my trash, and wiping my.... well you get the point, I'm independent and I believe that this updated facility will be paid off while MY tax dollars are still making a difference and you know what.... at one point in the past when some "pay later citizen" in the community said "let the new guys pay.... Well as a former New Guy, I have paid.... for the repairs on broken down facilities, deteriorated sewer and water lines, and un-repairable streets.... I am the "Now" and I say: "No one needs to wipe my nose, carry my bags, or dump my trash.... I'll do it myself thank you.... and I can. Let my Children handle their own issues.. not mine. They have enough federal money to return... this facility, as Owen put it is being paid for by EVERYONE that makes a purchase here... And I for one appreciate EVERYONE that visits.

    VOTE YES on the New Facility!

    -- Posted by PensiveObserver on Fri, Oct 15, 2010, at 8:16 AM
  • Amen Pensive.

    The problem this city is now facing is that former city managers and councils had the wait until later attitude. Well later is now, and we have worn out facilities for the police and fire departments, we have worn out streets, sewers etc. Enough of waiting, we have to start repairing and replacing. Streets are finally starting to improve, now the 60 year old facilities need to be replaced.

    I have heard some seniors say I am not getting a raise this year, well I'm one of them that is not getting a raise either, but my property taxes are not going up because of this bond issue, it's being paid by my spending at the stores in McCook, I still have to eat, still need clothes, and probably buy things I really don't need, but do, the taxes I pay for those, will help pay for this facility. The time is now to build this, no more waiting for the right time, the right time is now. Also nuff said, I saw no extravagance in the plans for this building, pretty functional building with some things that the employees need, like restrooms!

    By the way nuff said, I can remember the first year that the budget showed the money being set aside for facilities improvement, and I pointed it out on this site, that this money was more than likely being set aside for a new facility.I also said that the council should put it to a vote. They are doing that, not hiding anything. If I can figure it out, you sure as the devil should have been able to, after all you have all the answers! Or is just handy that you now wish to beat that drum of rat holing?

    -- Posted by goarmy67 on Fri, Oct 15, 2010, at 12:03 PM
  • Record low interest rates, low construction costs and a $5.25 million facility will be paid off in 7 years with no increase in any taxes. If now is not the right time then the right time will never come. Paying off this facility in just a little more than the time it takes to pay off a new car is as good as it gets.

    -- Posted by McCook1 on Fri, Oct 15, 2010, at 12:26 PM
  • UGH...ENOUGH!!!!

    I am schooled in the Native American decision making prosess...They consider the consequences of their decisions to all the people to the seventh generation beyond them. A good thing to consider!!!

    PEOPLE OF MCCOOK.....If Mr Fraiser wants to save that blasted building then let HIM AND HIS SUPPORTERS BUY IT!!!!! Let them do what the want and forget them!!! Its their loss/problem!

    Build a NEW police and fire station. These are vital community nisesitys. Dont scrimp on them. EVERY ONE NEEDS THEM!!!! Even mr nuff said! Weather he thinks so or not!!! He would scream the loudest when they wernt there for him and his family when he needs them....so....disregard his retoric...for your own well being.

    Providing for Law inforcement and Fire department requirements to serve the community should be THE priority!

    Saving old buildins are one thing....providing for the needs of the community is another!

    Mr nuff said should be deligated to the irrevalant pile!!!!

    Keep growin McCook...Im rooting for ya!!!!

    Peace and prosperity

    Karen

    -- Posted by kaygee on Fri, Oct 15, 2010, at 6:14 PM
  • Kaygee, these opinion posts didn't used to bloody matter but they are now getting more and more attention. I think that the thing that worries dennis, wondering, pensive, mccook supporter and mcphillips is that the opinions that are written by nuff said sound full of fact but from what i have read in these articals they tend to be full of one sided fact. They dont want the readers to tell someone else what they read if it wasnt all true.

    I suspect that they just want to keep the playing field level. This Opinion thing here is a might more powerful that it looks so if one side of a matter speaks and the other dosnt it may bloody sway the publics opinions from bias facts.

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Sun, Oct 17, 2010, at 8:52 AM
  • That's right on the mark Nick. I would encourage anyone that isn't aware of all the facts to attend the next meeting to be held on October 25th. This not only includes those interested in the "ifs, ands, and buts" of the project but those which are against the facility as well so that an actual forum for the public may be properly represented by both arguments. (of course the City Council will be in attendance) No one should go into anything blind and if McCook intends to press on into the future and excel, the Citizens of this community and the surrounding area need to do it as a Team.

    Not everyone will agree on issues all the time, but a team isn't about unanimous wishes, it's about unanimous actions. A team knows that in order for the desired outcome to prevail, sacrifices must be made, perseverance must drive the fears and aspirations forward, and the team succeeds just as they worked together..... AS A TEAM!

    McCook can and will prosper providing it isn't divided, and we maintain a key group of people that have the vision to excel. Right now we have a City Manager, a City Council, and dedicated Citizens which have that desire to turn McCook into something more.... something that those before them couldn't envision. Now is the time to act rather than wait and react. In the worst of adversity there is opportunity..... The economy is down therefore "supply and demand" is in our favor via means of lower costs and timely construction. In addition the citizens and companies of this community will see an immediate return by means of local professionals doing the work and further keeping the tax dollars local, entering those funds back into the area communities.

    None of which will happen unless the Citizens of McCook can make the proper decisions. They must not hear ONLY one side of the issue. The toughest part of rolling the ball is getting it started..... That ball has begun rolling with things such as improved roads, dedication to parks such as the fountains at Barnett Park and the needed removal of diseased trees at Norris Park along with the walking trail. The removal of blighted buildings around McCook and the improvements of City Facilities is further example. Goodness begets Greatness. If we as a community take pride in our City, then visitors will recognize that and they too will enjoy our home.

    A prosperous city is what new industry looks for, couple that with a low cost of living / operation, and we are quickly becoming a desired location. Prosperity however does not come cheap. It requires desire, dedication and perseverance. A new facility should be the beginning of what is to come. It will be required to facilitate increased responsibility created by increased industry.

    First we must get the ball rolling..... then we will be obligated to continue its path for generations to come. McCook is on the horizon for change..... it can be a change for the better or a change for the worse..... Together as a team, "We can make our City...... Something More".

    -- Posted by PensiveObserver on Sun, Oct 17, 2010, at 11:00 PM
  • Nick,

    I have read your post about 3 or 4 times and I'm still not sure what point you are trying to make about the facts.

    I do know this, I went to the meetings and at first was neither for or against the new facility.

    I tried to go with an open mind, but after seeing the 50-60 year old buildings that have been patched together over and over and are no longer cost effective, I will be voting for the new building.

    As far as nuff said, he sees if differently, but I feel he should not be telling everyone that is for the new building that they fail to comprehend the subject matter. He keeps telling us what an expert he is, I still think he needs to put his butt on the line and run for city council since he seems to think the rest of us don't know anything. By the way Mr. nuff said was not at the last meeting.......and I didn't see him at the walk through, although he might have been, just didn't see him.

    It is time for the citizens of this city to give the employees that protect us, a decent work place/environment. It's a wonder that most of them are not going to a shrink, for depression, to work in that old dump would be very depressing.

    Karen hit the nail on the head, if the save west ward people want to save the old barn, let them put their money where their mouths are, buy the old dump from the city, with the purchase price being equal to the amount of money it would take to buy another suitable site. Also the site being sold to them with the understanding that it will be added back onto the tax rolls.

    -- Posted by goarmy67 on Mon, Oct 18, 2010, at 12:11 AM
  • Wondering: I am saying that more people are reading these "Opinion Pages" and if someone posts that the sun is blue and no one argues that, then readers may believe it. That is a big stretch, im not saying that people would belive that the sun is blue but they may belive that its cheaper to remodel than to rebuild if the source claims to be an expert. Maybe I'm wrong and everyone just like to hear, or see themselves talk, write.

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Mon, Oct 18, 2010, at 12:19 PM
  • Thanks Nick,

    I agree.

    -- Posted by goarmy67 on Tue, Oct 19, 2010, at 4:15 PM
  • Nick

    I totally agree with you....these opinion pages do matter.... In a big way.....That is why I read them!!!! And that is why I comment too.

    The best point that has been made here is that mr nuff said and his supporters did NOT attend the city council meetings. Diddnt make their opinion heard...especally because there was peobably some one there that would oppose him ...IN PERSON!!!! OR... MABY....THEY ARE JUST LAZY AND OPINATED!!!!!!

    Most people here on this forum are the same people...you know the kind of nay sayers that dont bother to get out and make the effort to make this a better world. Mr muff said and remington 81.. and many others like them.

    You should understand that most of the readers here know that.

    BUT....KEEP FIGHTING ON MY FRIEND...I WILL SUPPORT COMMON SENSE WHERVE I FIND IT!!!!

    Peace, love and prosperity

    Karen

    -- Posted by kaygee on Wed, Oct 20, 2010, at 9:45 PM
  • Wondering 70

    Thank you for words of support!!!

    When/if Mr Fraiser finds out how difficult and expensive it is to remove and dispose of asbestose.... AND... deal with lead paint perhaps then he will understand why this needs to be let go of!!!Only time will tell!!!!

    I hate to think that he and his love ones would need police/fire rescue in order to teach him this much needed lesson but some times that experiance is the best teacher.

    BUT....I will leave that to our GREAT CREATOR to decide

    Peace

    Karen

    -- Posted by kaygee on Wed, Oct 20, 2010, at 10:15 PM
  • Some people may not read these blogs but they may read the letters to the editor and listen to the call-in radio show. I suggest that folks that support the removal of the old school and building of the proposed new safety center/city offices use those sources to help counter the views of Mr. Nuff and 81. And naturally it would be good if supporters attend the 7:00 p.m. Oct 25th meeting at the senior center and speak up. No new taxes and a new facility sounds like a good deal.

    -- Posted by dennis on Thu, Oct 21, 2010, at 9:10 AM
  • Amazing a guy with no support for Mccook's future that moved back from the huge as he stated denver convention center business the former house he used was the size of a regular house and now is living in a house that pays at most a few hunded dollars a year in property taxes so what would be you real cost to you 25 bucks or less bill ...to much ??? I am not sure why anyone would be on any posts about paying to much in taxes like Billyboy.. Bill let the real tax payers who are really paying your way make the decisions about mccooks needs not you crybabbies with no real issue with property taxes because you dont pay much of anything in mccook for what you complain about daily... nuff said what a joke.....

    -- Posted by Cornwhisperer on Thu, Oct 21, 2010, at 12:44 PM
  • Jlake,

    I know what you are say'n but DANG that was tough to read. Just razz'n ya.

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Fri, Oct 22, 2010, at 1:06 PM
  • Wow 34 comments about the comprehension letter. I wish the readers would take notice of the MRNRD letters. Decisions made by the MRNRD affect the taxpayers of McCook.

    -- Posted by rw county irrigator on Fri, Oct 22, 2010, at 7:59 PM
  • sorry to be a killjoy, and pardon me for the interuption CARRY ON

    -- Posted by rw county irrigator on Sat, Oct 23, 2010, at 5:35 AM
  • RW,

    I took note of the MRNRD (Middle Republic Natural Resource District?) postings and frankly, its pretty confusing for a weak mind like mine.

    I did ask some questions on "Equality" which maybe you can clear up.

    Vote Yes for the new ERC facility! (I had to add that because I'm supposed to keep on topic)

    -- Posted by PensiveObserver on Sat, Oct 23, 2010, at 1:13 PM
  • I looked over some of the water letters too and I have to say that maybe our time is better spent figuring out that problem. I think by now the town knows the new offices need to be built but what if we dont have water to use, a lot of good that will do us.

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Sat, Oct 23, 2010, at 1:19 PM
  • Wow, hope you are all proud of yourself! You would think it was a crime that someone would actually cared about how our city spends money.

    -- Posted by remington81 on Sun, Oct 24, 2010, at 10:02 PM
  • 81 Im not sure its the cities money you are worried about. sounds like you dont want any of your money spent. If this is sales tax money that helps us with these things and a town of 7500 has a consumer pull of what? 24000 people from the area, then it is more the people that shop in mccook than your property tax that does the trick. We should be thanking our visitors for stopping by and helping out.

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Mon, Oct 25, 2010, at 7:30 AM
  • WOW! I've been out of the loop for a bit, out of state and missed the news but it looks like I need not say no more. NUF SAID!

    -- Posted by McCook Supporter on Mon, Oct 25, 2010, at 12:27 PM
Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: