Letter to the Editor

Second coming?

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Before the Gazette and a few callers, letters to the editor and bloggers christen young Mr. Kircher as the Second Coming, maybe we should review the past.

When first elected, he had a very inexperienced and unremarkable past. He did graduate from high school. He had not served on any boards or commissions. He did sell popcorn and candy at the movies and was friendly there. Why he left working at Valmont is a mystery.

He pushed to bring the vice of Keno gambling to McCook. He lives in a MEDC rehab house and sits on the City Council which funds the MEDC. This looks like a perk and a conflict of interest. He wanted us to pay the city a fee to license our dogs and cats. He wanted taxpayers to pay for health insurance for city workers who have domestic partners -- including those who are homosexual. He wanted to raise our utility bills higher than needed and when us seniors complained he told us to eat our vegatables and to look for extra change in our couches.

When he was first elected he had such an inflated opinion of himself, he nominated himself for mayor. Maybe because no other council person wanted the job or maybe because they wanted to give him a chance to prove himself, the council did elect him vice mayor but then later, when up for re-election those that worked most closely with him, his fellow council persons, went in a different direction and chose another person.

And, finally, the police said they were called to his loud after-the-bar closed parties three or four times before he was ticketed. So he was given several chances but parties continued.

This is an indication of lack of concern for his neighbors. It also demonstrated a lack of maturity and judgement. Because of his actions the city has invested time and at least a thousand dollars in legal expenses.

His behavior has caused the city embarrassment across the state on TV, radio and newspapers and even across the U.S. as it was covered by USA Today.

I believe it is long past time to clear the slate with a replacement. If he wants to run again for council at the next election than OK. The voters can look at his record. They can check out who he might run against and if he is voted back in then we will have gotten what we asked for.

It is the law and time to move on.

The guy I feel sorry for is Shane Hilker. If Kircher did not repeatedly screw up and then make a big deal of it with a trial, acting as his own attorney, maybe none of this would have happened.

Ronald Wilson

McCook, Nebraska

Comments
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  • Kudos!

    -- Posted by FNLYHOME on Tue, Dec 27, 2011, at 1:08 PM
  • Double Kudos

    -- Posted by happy Eb on Tue, Dec 27, 2011, at 4:06 PM
  • To say that Mr. Kircher BUYING a home from the MEDC with a loan that he obtained with his own debt to income ratios and credit scores is a perk of being on the city council is a stretch. What he did there was take an opportunity that many other first time homebuyers also have the chance to take. He went from renting an apartment to owning a home, there is no shame in that. And, if memory serves me correctly the MEDC is funded by grant funds received from the state and possibly even federal programs, not the city.

    Why he left Valmont doesn't matter, he chose a different career path, other than labor and there is nothing wrong with that.

    As far as the other calls to his home, some keep forgetting that there was a lack of evidence to write a citation those 3 or 4 other times. And your last comment is disturbing in its own. To say that this all started because of Aaron exercising his right to a trial because he felt the citation was unnecessary is like saying that no one should stand up for themselves. It appears to me this all started when Mr Kircher was forward thinking enough to try and save taxpayers money by getting some of them off state aid. You see if his health insurance plan would have passed the city employees premium would have went up to include their partner (sexual orientation should not make a bit of difference)and in turn maybe get some of the couples who prefer not to get married, but start families off of medicaid, which isn't that supported by tax payers?

    This is all of course my opinion and food for thought.

    -- Posted by citysupport on Tue, Dec 27, 2011, at 4:52 PM
  • Well, Well, Well, let's just take the statements and make them fit what ever purpose we want them to. A self assured young man now becomes "an inflated opinion of himself" nominating himself for mayor, did you ever ask yourself why???? Maybe and oh of course I am sure "nickmercy" will have fun with this one, but well, could there have been discussion about this happening before it happened? YES!!!!! there is a lot that goes on that some of you will never open your eyes to see because it's to **** easy to sit in your chair and see and read only what you want to. You don't want the facts you don't want to do the research, you want to sit and call names with no concern as to what this is doing to Mr. Kircher and his family and his community, because yes it is all of our community. Stand on your high horses send our young off to other cities and eat your vegetables, or just maybe what should be done is a complete review of every council member for oh let's say the last 20 years and find their "crimes" and then let the votes be over turned let's see how far that sets the city back and I just may be tempted to do just that because you know the law is the law and I am sure we have had city council members that have violated the statue while seated, because the "crime" doesn't have to be committed in this county or city according to the statue so let's do some research it's really not that hard. Then we can cost the taxpayer's a whole lot of money to defend every decision ever made by anyone who violated the statue sounds like fun to me, air some more dirty laundry get some more press for McCook, and accuse people of things out of context and oh the list just goes on and on and on. Yes I believe that someone in position to bring this to the forefront is to blame for the mess we are in. I believe that since it is statute the law is the law, but it should apply to everyone, not just the ones you don't like. Maybe I will do some sitting in my chair and do some back ground digging, bet I could come up with a whole big can of worms, doesn't that sound like fun. Let's chase some more people out of town. After all that's what we do. As for the property Mr. Kircher decided to BUY the one that he is paying for with his money from his job, that's his god given right to do. If I had the opportunity to buy a rehabilitated home or a fixer upper I think I would buy the rehab. Makes good sense because of oh energy efficiency, affordability. As for selling popcorn and candy, how many of you can say that you held the same job for several years during high school with only missing a few days, one of which was Sr. prom, as for Valmont so what, what does any of that have to do with the this situation other than to throw more mud. If you had the opportunity to better yourself wouldn't you? Oops no you wouldn't because then you couldn't sit back and criticize others, sorry my bad. Guess I have some homework to do, maybe some votes to over turn maybe some "crimes" to bring into the open. Better get busy, I am sure there is a lot of them out there. Just food for thought some of you arm chair opinion maker's might want to read the open meetings act, might just be some violations on that end as well. Bye have a very enjoyable time ripping this opinion apart. But just remember no one is perfect.

    -- Posted by ruby4 on Tue, Dec 27, 2011, at 5:43 PM
  • While reading this ilk I found myself hoisting my jaw off the floor. Never before have I read such hateful, misinformed and pompous rantings. The author obviously has an axe to grind and doesn't mine grinding it shamelessly. I would imagine after 7 years of public service if you would cherry pick only the issues you have indifference to you could come to the same conclusions as Mr. Wilson has, however I believe Aaron has done a lot of good as well. When talking with folks regarding Aaron one thing comes up more than anything else, "at least he will read and study every issues that comes up and make an informed decision." Now I too may not always agree with him but I can be sure he has done the research and that is what I want from any elected official.

    But first let's look at Wilsons rant. Keno, I believe that was a voter approved action, the issue I think Wilson is referring to had to do with the reissuance of a vendor license. The only thing I can best recall about this one was another council member voting against it for the reason of "voting as the voice of the ones which vote against allowing Keno." Really is acting in the interest of the loser really the way we want to be represented? Next as to Aaron's residency: As per the County records he purchased his home, yes it was MEDC rehab house but was purchased fairly, legally and was an arms length transaction. Being a homeowner he pays the taxes, insurance and maintains it just as any homeowner would. Not sure why that would be a conflict of interest other than it fits Wilsons rant. As for the rest of it, well that should all speak to the hatefulness Wilson shows he so dearly holds onto. Other than the one regarding USA Today, I did a search on their web site and some McCook news did come up, like wanting old sparky, something regarding the airport, accepting funds for a statue, couple of other things but alas, nothing regarding the issue Wilson refers to. Not saying it was never there, just saying it didn't show up on their web site.

    Finally and best of all, now Shanes problems are all Aarons fault as well. Are kidding me? Is this a joke? Where do you get off being so hateful and condescending as to attempt to undermine someone's public service or intellect for that matter. Is he perfect? No, but he's not an axe murder either. Have mistakes been made? Sure but who hasn't? Frankly I'm sick of all this but mostly I'm sick of people like you that can't make a case without shouting down your opponents.

    -- Posted by let the shout down begin on Tue, Dec 27, 2011, at 6:23 PM
  • Ruby, who do you suggest started this whole debacle? Just curious, you want to put effort into dismantling the City Council but to what end? Vengeance? Justice? What is to gain from Mr. Kircher's dismissal? (for lack of better terms) There may have been someone targeting him, but really, how many people curse a police officer for issuing a citation to them when they break the law? Many do, even when they know it was their own doing. Most come to their senses eventually and pay the fine and move on, few will proceed to run a speed trap themselves to catch others, that would make them the same person they cursed. And in the end, they gain nothing for it. If Mr Kircher, or any of his advocates to this issue, wish to dig up criminal occurrences of other current and past council members then so be it, but it won't bring him back onto council so it is done out of vengeance, with no benefit realized. If you have done anything Ruby4, you have managed to put a thorn in my sandal towards Mr. Kircher as I feel as though he is kicking and screaming and holding his breath..... Unfortunately for him, he may not be, but I can't see past your perception of the ordeal, as to me, his reaction and your reaction have commingled and I am unable to decide how pure his intentions are. IS he concerned for the City and its public as you would suggest? Or is this means to power.... a power which he desires so intently, that he can not step down regardless the consequences forced on the people he has been said to have represented so diligently. A team player sometimes has to take one for the team. He may have been wronged but I have to say this..... If he truly cared for the public, as has been suggested, he might have the mind set that its better to remove himself as opposed to pressing on. Keep in mind, although what Mr Kircher did, wasn't a serious crime, it wasn't a stop sign violation either. The man isn't innocent.... He's only a victim if he let's this effect him adversely, if however he chooses to learn from it, take something away from it, then this can make him stronger.

    Anger and emotion, the precursors to poor decisions, take a moment to breath ruby.

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Wed, Dec 28, 2011, at 8:06 AM
  • Let me set the record straight for you "nickmercy" these are my opinions and mine alone, commingling with Mr. Kircher's decisions NOT TRUE I thought this was an opinion blog, guess I am not allowed because it then is perceived to be his opinions. Let's think about this, everyone keeps referring to the law on the books, okay, the law states that at the time of conviction the seat is forfeited, Mr. Kircher declined to vote on any issue till this was resolved, if being at the meetings is yet another crime,WOW yes I feel he was wronged yes I feel he was targeted, yes I have my opinion, I am by being a citizen of the United States entitled to free speech just as you are. Does taking down the city council make sense no. Maybe venting maybe frustrated maybe sick and tired of the "good ole boy system" oh my yes. No one will gain by this ordeal with the exception of the ones who want a fully appointed council, yes that's right the remaining three were appointed to their seats in the beginning. So this is democracy at it's finest. So it's business as usual McCook loses yet again, no matter what the total end result is. You ask me to take a breath but yet you are willing to take my opinions out on Mr. Kircher really???? That's a fair approach. Vendetta's Justice, as for a thorn in your sandal it was already there, stirring the pot just like everyone else who only wants to hear and read what they want and not the entire issues at hand, and when I make that statement it does not mean only the situation with Mr. Hilker and Mr. Kircher it means the City as a whole. As for Mr. Kircher and his commitment to the city who are you to judge, do you know how much research he has done on this and many issue for the good of the city, I think not, because it's easier to cast stones. However you must admit it does make one wonder who is above the law and who isn't. Poor decisions have already been made and not by me. Angry oh ya you bet I am, no one knows the damage this has done better than Mr. Kircher, not his intent not his plan in my way of thinking take a long look at his record on the council, no he didn't please everyone but if you look long and hard at the entire time he fulfilled his seat more good than bad came out of it. Of course I don't expect anyone to do that because again it's easier to cast stones. Place blame, which I as well am guilty of, some of which is with knowledge, some yes based on emotions, it is an unfair law yes we can agree on that! but after how long comes to light. REALLY! If you can not see past my perception of the situation it just reaffirms that you only want to see parts of the situation and not all. So who is short minded here. Did I agree with all of the decisions Mr. Kircher made while on the council no, but that doesn't mean that I would turn my back on him just because he doesn't think like me. I think they call it thinking outside the box, that in which no one is willing to do. Let's not forget who violated the law first, now let's think about when it came to light. Am I saying it's a vendetta YEP! otherwise we as a city would have been here months ago, not now. One more little tid bit of food for thought. Have you set back and thought maybe just maybe Mr. Kircher was researching an outcome that best fit the city before making a statement or a decision? No I think not again easier to cast stones. So just to make sure that when you scan this and not read it in full the last sentence you read is this. THIS IS MY OPINION AND MINE ALONE!

    -- Posted by ruby4 on Wed, Dec 28, 2011, at 9:36 AM
  • Just to clarify MEDC Housing has never used any City money to support the Housing Department and I'd be happy to discuss with anyone how our housing programs are administered and or funded.

    Give Mary a call at 345-1200 or email Mary at mary@mccookne.org

    -- Posted by MEDC Housing on Wed, Dec 28, 2011, at 10:14 AM
  • Ruby, I DON'T know all the facts behind Mr. Kircher's ordeal. I believe at one point you mentioned that you have dinner with him on occasion (if memory serves correctly) so I can understand how it is that you might know the details. You also mentioned that he should be left alone about the issue, or perhaps it was "give him some peace" but that would indicate that we shouldn't bother him for the details. Does he want us to call him up or does he want his peace? No need to answer that as I'm sure if everyone that had a bone to pick with him, dialed the phone, his privacy would be invaded, I don't know as I would want to discuss such an issue openly, in fact I would most likely say "Its none of your business." That leaves the problem with the information handed to the public for their own consumption, which was basically, Mr. Kircher was cited for disturbing the peace, was found guilty of the charge and paid the fine. I don't even take into account that there may have been several calls in regard to that as nothing came of those, so that point is mute to me. From a speculation point of view; however, one might construe that because Mr. Kircher was either young or a council member, that those other calls were disregarded by the police as perhaps a second chance, or a third chance so as not to cause problems with his business or council membership. That is of course speculation and profiling, no more than to say that he was targeted because of his age, but none the less either.

    My thorn has never been with Mr Kircher, it could have been with any one of the council members, or city officials, or police personnel, if fact I wouldn't have made a comment about it had his advocates never started thumping their chests and telling everyone to leave him alone, they don't know the details and its none of their business. It is the public's concern when an elected official brakes the law. Are his law breaches my largest frustration regarding public officials? Not by a darn site, there are truly serious crimes being committed by higher officials than our local government, but to remain on topic, Mr. Kircher had to know that he was being scrutinized, apparently his crotchety old neighbor had it out for him. (I read that in perhaps your own comment regarding the initial article of Mr. Kircher's case ruling). How can one defend someone for breaking the law when they put themselves in the public eye to begin with? It doesn't make sense to me. An as idioticlly written as the statute is.... It does remain a statute written poorly. If this issue never came up somewhere in Nebraska before now, it would surprise me, if no one did anything to rectify the verbiage then they didn't and someone released their seat. But the legislature along with the League of Municipalities is currently attempting to rectify the verbiage, so something IS indeed being done.

    What else should be done ruby? Turn the other cheek and pretend that USA Today didn't print an article on it. Just blow it off? Can we do that? It would certainly be the easier path to take. Let me know how the ignore it and let it fade away method will work. We can even coin a phrase for it..... How about..... "The Good Ol' Boy's Network". I think that will catch on. People will be using it to describe it when certain people are allowed to do things that others can not, even if there are legal issues at hand. Maybe not, it probably won't ever catch on after all.

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Wed, Dec 28, 2011, at 2:24 PM
  • Yep, just as I had thought. You "Nick Mercy" can make an issue of anything. "The Good Ol'Boy's Network" has been at work in McCook for a very long time. You just choose to look the other way, and make excuses for the way you want to justify a situation, regardless of which one, any one just to what, have the last word, have the last thought, you have no idea what this has done to Mr. Kircher his family, his friends, and really you don't care. Bottom line. Justice is not blind, however it does pick and choose it's victims, in this town and many others. Yes this has left a bad taste in my mouth, so defensive yep I am, hurt that people can be so mean and hateful, why yes I am, and did I almost fall into the trap yep I did, but I think at this point I will rise above all of you arm chair lawyers, critics, and ignorant's at some point everyone will get what they deserve, let me clarify not by me but a higher power. I will keep the faith that most people are good and just, however as I have seen through your posts on several subjects and others who choose to rant, and accuse, it just lets me know that no matter how hard you try some people just see what they want to see. Have a great day "Nick Mercy" enjoy your soon to be fully appointed council, and we will see just how well they work for us the community the taxpayers, we will see who reads and understands the issues. We will also see how this law is enforced or not enforced until changed. I for one will always believe that Mr. Kircher has and will always have the cities best interest at heart, may not be the way some would vote, but rest assured he researched did his homework and took his position seriously which in the end was his down fall, apparently stepped on one to many toes. It's to bad, the city lost a very strong advocate for growth and fairness.

    -- Posted by ruby4 on Wed, Dec 28, 2011, at 3:16 PM
  • Paragraphs are always appreciated. Thanks.

    -- Posted by bberry on Wed, Dec 28, 2011, at 4:27 PM
  • See I rest my case, sorry I am human, but as always someone must find something to criticize. However I will rise above and say no more.

    -- Posted by ruby4 on Wed, Dec 28, 2011, at 5:32 PM
  • Well, hopefully this will end soon and we can quit trying to read through Mr. Kircher's attack dog's text blocks. It would still be nice if he'd bother to defend himself on here instead of having ruby4 do it.

    -- Posted by bjo on Wed, Dec 28, 2011, at 5:52 PM
  • Point Confirmed!!!

    -- Posted by let the shout down begin on Wed, Dec 28, 2011, at 7:54 PM
  • haha bberry, yore a grammer troll two!

    -- Posted by speak-e-z on Thu, Dec 29, 2011, at 8:04 AM
  • i dunt car aboot spellingz, wuz hard to reed long with know peragrafs.

    -- Posted by bberry on Thu, Dec 29, 2011, at 1:52 PM
  • I cunkurr. Hukt on foniks werked 4 me!

    -- Posted by speak-e-z on Thu, Dec 29, 2011, at 3:59 PM
  • Actually, it was a paragraph!!!

    Just sayin'

    -- Posted by citysupport on Thu, Dec 29, 2011, at 4:08 PM
  • Yus, I no it wus a peregraf. But peragrafs iss plurl.

    -- Posted by bberry on Thu, Dec 29, 2011, at 4:40 PM
  • nick mercy is a pampas irritant. this guy can find an argument about anything. He goes on about how he likes the councilmen but how they have to be let go because of the law. pampas is what he is. Speaks out of both sides of his mouth. i think he is dennis berry himself. he always defends what the city of mccook is doing have you notced that? i'm with you ruby4, he needs to stay out of it or put himself up for a job at the city. maybe he has one already. what do you have against kircher anyway nick? Get off his back already and let the man serve out his term already.

    -- Posted by BTWinecleff on Mon, Jan 2, 2012, at 10:47 PM
  • BT, your posts do more justice for me than any words of my own could do. By simply being disliked by you, I have been perceived by others, to be on a higher level. Keep it up my good man!

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Tue, Jan 3, 2012, at 10:12 PM
  • Who paints a more positive picture of McCook? Nick or BTW? If a person looking to relocate read Nick's posts would they be more likely to think of McCook as a good place when compared to some of the shots given McCook by other bloggers? Anyone can tear down a house. It is much harder to build one.

    -- Posted by dennis on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 7:57 AM
  • "Pampas" are fertile South American lowlands...

    -- Posted by speak-e-z on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 8:25 AM
  • I suppose Dennis it would depend on your point of view.

    -- Posted by carlsonl on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 8:43 AM
  • Pompous. That's the word you were searching for BTW. See what I mean?

    Carlson, I'm going to go ahead and ask, how could you construe BTW's comments to be more positive than mine? If that's your point of view. Granted, I did just get a dig in on him when I could have passed it up, but then again, it might have been an educational experience for him. Who knows.

    I support our local government because I can see what they have achieved over the past 8 years. If they decided to go a different direction and chose to regress rather than progress, perhaps I would be more likely to voice concern, but not in such a manner that would cause others to turn tale and run from our community. That only benefits the hermits. What's YOUR point of view?

    -- Posted by Nick Mercy on Fri, Jan 6, 2012, at 6:10 AM
  • Was no dig. I actually wasn't weighing in much on this conversation. Just was simply pointing out depending on a persons point of view about the discussion, would probably be the main factor on who paints a more positive view of McCook.

    -- Posted by carlsonl on Fri, Jan 6, 2012, at 8:02 AM
  • Is BTWinecleff yet another name for Ironcat, and others used by Mr. N?

    -- Posted by goarmy67 on Sat, Jan 7, 2012, at 9:28 AM
  • wondering70 always tracks ironcat. i think hes in love with him. your not very smart 70. dont know who ironcat is but he isnt me. i dont paint a bad picture of mccook, i just say it how it is and mccook does the rest itself. and there dennis is sticking up for old nick, tell mw nick isn't dennis berrys middle name. Does anyong know?

    -- Posted by BTWinecleff on Sun, Jan 8, 2012, at 10:27 PM
  • Yes, Nick and Dennis are the same person posting on the McCook Gazette Website... Pretty sure he's also wondering70 and ruby4.

    It's for the fame I'm sure.

    -- Posted by bberry on Mon, Jan 9, 2012, at 11:27 AM
  • I assure you that ruby and dennis are for sure two different people, I am not Dennis.

    -- Posted by ruby4 on Mon, Jan 9, 2012, at 11:43 AM
  • I know ruby, it was sarcasm.

    -- Posted by bberry on Mon, Jan 9, 2012, at 12:32 PM
  • I am really bberry and he is really me.

    -- Posted by carlsonl on Mon, Jan 9, 2012, at 1:18 PM
  • you can't see that? you all are blinded with your own sarcasm. it doesent even matter. you'll see, I'd bet a buck nick an dennis are 1 in the same.

    -- Posted by BTWinecleff on Mon, Jan 9, 2012, at 6:31 PM
  • I'll take that bet.

    -- Posted by bberry on Mon, Jan 9, 2012, at 7:42 PM
  • Yes we are all blind. Now that I open my eyes I can clearly see the Grandmajo and Benevolous are the same as well.

    -- Posted by carlsonl on Tue, Jan 10, 2012, at 1:49 PM
  • I have no idea who I am.

    -- Posted by speak-e-z on Tue, Jan 10, 2012, at 2:21 PM
  • Who I am is of no importance. What matters is what I am.

    -- Posted by bjo on Wed, Jan 11, 2012, at 4:55 PM
  • Ironcat?

    -- Posted by bberry on Fri, Jan 13, 2012, at 2:13 PM
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