HERE COMES THE COLD

From Accuweather.com:

Rest assured folks, it's darn cold up north! In far northern Canada, the temperature dipped to 13 below this morning. It's too early for any cold that harsh across the lower 48 states, but there will be a significant change to colder weather across the country next week. Places across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest that have had highs in the 60s and 70s recently will suddenly experience daytime highs in the 30s and 40s and overnight lows in the 20s. The change to colder will be produced by a dramatic southward shift of the jet stream as shown above. Story by AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist John Kocet.

For the record, I am opposed to the cold. Never liked it, never will.

RANDOM THOUGHT

In my 4 1/2 years as mayor, I have been observed some behaviors which I find humorous at times, tragic at others. Issues can impassion and enflame people, they can also find their judgement impaired or their perspectives narrowed. The recent issues of closing the streets through the Ripon College campus, the deer population problems, and the installation of FieldTurf on Ingalls Field have brought out some of the worst and some of the best in people.

I find it humorous when people ask for my position or my reasoning, then say I am not listening to them based on my position. I listen to EACH and EVERY person who share their constructive criticism and opinion. Note that I said constructive. There are people in Ripon, and, I assume, in every city, who are not constructive, they are destructive. Their aim is to deconstruct the other side in order to champion their cause. Have I been guilty of this trait? Yes, we all have. But I have made a conscious effort in the past few years to keep that emotion contained. A considerable amount of criticism was directed my way over the closing of the streets through the college campus. I believe the closing is a positive move for the college and the city. Anyone who has insinuated there was more to my support is deluded in their thought process.

I also find it tragic when someone loses an argument or an issue, but cannot let it go. Some of the opponents of FieldTurf in Ripon meet that definition. Turf is going on, so something, somewhere, has to be going on that is illegal, immoral, unethical, and unconstitional. There is a conflict of interest involving the mayor, Johnson Bank is being hood-winked, or the voters have been ignored. If you really believe that, then we do not need to talk further on the issue.

I could list all the crazy rumors I have heard in the past several months. They cover the full range from intriguing to absolutely moronic. If I received every kickback or made every threat which has been credited to me, I would driving to the Federal prison in Oxford in my newly-purchased BMW. Of course, I often wonder if the reason behind the rumors is that when one cannot succeed in a republican form of debate, with open channels of communication, they must resort to innuendos and lies. And that is what they are - lies. Vicious, venomous lies, and I always hoped that this type of debate would remain in Washington, and, in some cases, Madison.

I have been asked if I have a moral obligation to the voters of Ripon. My answer has been no. Let me explain. My morals are different than your morals, which are different than your neighbor's morals. I do have an ethical obligation to the residents of Ripon to do what I believe is best for the majority of the community, while respecting, but not being overtly restrained, by the rights of the minority. I found this recently while reading, and found it be a good statement parallel to my beliefs:
Ethics and morals are respectively akin to theory and practice. Ethics denotes the theory of right action and the greater good, while morals indicate their practice. Moral has a dual meaning. The first indicates a person's comprehension of morality and his capacity to put it into practice. In this meaning, the antonym is "amoral", indicating an inability to distinguish between right and wrong. The second denotes the active practice of those values. In this sense, the contrary word is "immoral", referring to actions that violate ethical principles. Personal ethics signifies a moral code applicable to individuals, while social ethics means moral theory applied to groups. Social ethics can be synonymous with social and political philosophy, inasmuch as it is the foundation of a good society or state. Ethics is not limited to specific acts and defined moral codes, but encompasses the whole of moral ideals and behaviors, a person's philosophy of life

Those are my thoughts. I look forward to your ideas and thoughts.

ARTIFICIAL TURF - MY TAKE

Much has been written and said for the past several months about the installation of FieldTurf on Ingalls Field in Ripon. First, let me say that I am a member of the committee raising funds for the turf, and have applied for and been awarded grant money for the project. I want to take a moment and provide my take on this issue. Remember, these are MY opinions, and mine only, and I will list the opinions which I disagree with:
* FieldTurf is dangerous - Yes, I have read the literature from both sides. And all I can really say is that, if you believe anyone on the committee or any of the other supporters would promote a product which is harmful, you are not being realistic. I do not believe the evidence is there to make the claim the turf is harmful.
* The voters said NO to FieldTurf - This has been hashed and rehashed ad nauseum. The voters said NO to borrowing money to install the Turf. The question on the ballot never asked whether the voters wanted turf or not. More than a decade ago, the voters said no to borrowing money for Murray Park Elementary. They did not say no to the school, as a second vote showed. In the case of FieldTurf, the voters said they did not want to borrow money for the project, so the supporters took a different approach to reaching their goals
* This will raise my taxes - As recently as this Monday, Superintendent Richard Zimman said the turf project would have no impact on the school levy. He made the comments at a local forum of city and county leaders, sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
* The letter of credit from Johnson Bank has to be illegal - Think about this closely. Would a financial institution, regulated by the federal and state governments, become involved in an agreement which would violate the law? Sensible people would see it would not
* We should study the issue more - Why? The turf has been installed in a number of professional and college stadiums, including one where a Super Bowl was played. I am leery, at times, of people who say projects should be halted for more study. Do they want more studies, or are they hoping the delay will lead to the project disappearing?

I believe the FieldTurf is a positive for the city of Ripon, and the region. You can disagree with me, and I have heard from you. We will agree to disagree, and that is the bottom line. If you have more questions on the turf - email me

CITY COUNCIL RECAP
The Common Council last night met, with the majority of the discussion centering around deer control within the city limits. The Council took several steps
* Repealed the city's ban on hunting, which we found out we could not do since it violated state law
* Passed a ban on the intentional feeding of deer. The first offense will cost $500 plus court costs, and subsequent fines would be $1000 per violation plus court costs
* Approved going forward with a hunt by local bowhunters (a group called Team Ripon), with locations approved by the City. The hunters will meet with the Deer Advisory Committee to come up with a list of possible locations.

The Council rejected a proposal to spend $5,000 to hire sharpshooters to kill 30-50 deer to control the population. I, personally, was not in favor of spending tax dollars to control the deer. I would like to see us try the local hunting approach first, and see if this will help curb the herd. I appreciate the work the Deer Advisory Committee did over the past eight years, and I know they will come up with the locations we need to locate the hunters.

In other action, the Council approved contracts with a number of companies to do soil tests, environmental tests, and amend the Industrial Park TIF as we move ahead with the development of 58 acres we purchased last year to add to the park. Groundbreaking on the infrastructure will take place in the spring. Additionally, I am working on a proposal to name the streets, by running a competition involving the residents of the city. Stay tuned for the details.

PLAN COMMISSION - There will be an opening on the City Plan Commission, as one of the members is stepping down due to scheduling conflicts. If you have any interest in serving, please email me and I will place your name in consideration.

CITY BUDGET - The city budget for 2008 is now on-line. The public hearing on the proposed budget will be November 26th at 7 PM in City Hall.

CITY MEETINGS IN NOVEMBER (All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted)
5 - Historic Preservation Committee (5PM)
7 - Housing and Community Development Authority (6 PM)
12 - Cable TV Committee (4 PM)
13 - City Council (7 PM)
14 - Fire District Board (7 PM)
20 - Park and Rec Committee (5 PM), Plan Commission (7 PM)
26 - City Council (7 PM)
27 - Library Board (630 PM)

CITY DEBT - WHAT DO WE OWE AND HOW MUCH

In an earlier post, I took a look at the city's proposed and historic tax levies and mill rates. A portion of our budget is, of course, our debts. The city has been active in the past few years of paying down more debt in a given year than we take on. In 2007, the city had to borrow a considerable amount of money, due to the new fire station, a road project, and the city's two residential Tax Increment Finance districts. I am going to do my best to break down what the city has borrowed, how much we owe, and why we borrowed the money:

CITY'S DEBT LIMIT

According to the State Constitution and Statutes, no city can have general obligation debts exceeding 1 percent of their current equalized valuation. TIF debt, along with special enterprise debt (sewer, water, etc.) is not included in the 5 percent cap. In the city of Ripon, this is how the formula looks:
2007 Equalized Valuation ($395,100,300) * 5 % = $19,755,015
Current Debt: $10,016,000
Unused Debt Limit as of 1-1-2007 $ 9,739,015
General Obligation Debt issued in 2007: $1,985,000
Unused Debt Limit as of 10-18-2007: $7,754,015

WHAT THE CITY OWES

The city has several existing bonds and borrowings:
GENERAL OBLIGATION DEBT
* 2000 General Obligation Bonds ($2.675 million, interest rate of 4.8%) - This money was borrowed for capital projects - City Hall expansion (Police department) $1,010,000, refinancing some existing debt $890,000 and street work $775,000 We pay about $330,000 on principal and interest each year. The final payment is due September 1, 2015
* 2003 Taxable Notes ($830,000, interest rate of 2.25 to 5.35%) - This money was borrowed to pay back the general fund for advances it made to the Downtown TIF district. The money was used in part to pay back a large obligation to the State Retirement Fund, which almost all cities and school districts face. I could go on for hours on this situation, but I am proud that we are one of the few cities that does not owe the Fund. We pay about $100,000 a year in principal and interest. The final payment is due November 1, 2012
* 2004 General Obligation Bonds ($1.715 million, interest rate of 2.0 to 4.1%) - This money was borrowed to finance road projects from 2004 through 2006. We pay $175,000-200,000 per year in interest and principal. The final payment is due November 1, 2018.
* 2007 State Trust Fund Loan ($696,000, interest rate 5.25%) - This is the money we borrowed for the purchase of 58 acres to add to the Industrial/Business Park. We pay around $89,000 a year in interest and principal. The final payment is due March 15, 2017.
* 2007 General Obligation Bonds ($1.975 million, interest rate 4.15%) - This money was borrowed to pay for the new fire station ($1.23 million) and the reconstruction of Newbury Street ($750,000). Part of the borrowing ($2.860 million) will be used to construct streets and other infrastructure in the Sandmar and Rolling Hills subdivisions, but that debt is counted against the TIF districts and not the general obligation debt. We pay roughly $245,000 a year in interest and principal, though that number will increase to more than $300,000 a year in 2010. The final payment is due February 1, 2027
SEWER FUND
The city borrowed $6.4 million in 2002 to add onto to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The money to pay back the debt comes from sewer payments. The interest rate (2.75 percent) is low, because we borrowed the money from the State of Wisconsin Clean Water Fund and not on the open loan market. Our annual payments are around $390,000. We still owe $4.529 milion in principal with the last payment due June 12, 2022
WATER FUND
The city borrowed $6.085 million in March 2005 to purchase the water utility from Alliant Energy. The annual interest rate varies from 2.85 to 5.2 percent. We pay around $420,000 a year in principal and interest, with the final payment dues March 1, 2029. The city still owes $5.585 million in principal.
TIF DEBT
The city's Tax Increment Districts have a number of borrowings:
TIF #1 (Downtown) - This TIF has $787,000 due in principal and interest between now and 2012. Annual payments are roughly $156,000, and the TIF generates $152,000 in increment. The TIF will likely borrow $100,000 for the Blackburn Street parking lot upgrade, $100,000 for a downtown beautification project, and $25,000 for a downtown planning study (which is underway). Money to fund these projects can be transferred in from other TIFs, as I have proposed
TIF #2 (Closed) - This TIF is closed, and has collected enough additional revenue to pay the remaining debts, which total $211,000
TIF #4 (Industrial Park) - The TIF will likely take on $750,000 in debt in 2008 to pay for the infrstructure in the new Business Park. The TIF generates $89,000 in tax increment, so the borrowing will be supported completely by the TIF itself. The TIF does owe the general fund $75,000 it borrowed for an improvement around Ripon Pickle. We borrow from the general reserve fund, at times, and charge ourself a lower interest rate than we can get on the open market. It is a perfectly legal process, which can save us money in the long haul on smaller borrowings
TIF #5 (Alliance Warehouse) - The TIF will be used to fund the Stanton Street upgrade in 2008, and generates $131,000 in increment a year, making it very, very successful. Money from this TIF can be used in other TIFs, as I have proposed to the Council
TIF #6 (Highway 23 West) - The TIF borrowed over $450,000 from the general fund to finance the Comfort Suites improvements and the Stoney Ridge subdivision. The TIF also borrowed $1.005 million this past year to pay for infrastructure in the Rollings Hills subdivision and for the construction of a new road adjacent to McDonalds to connect the subdivision to Highway 23 West. The TIF has greatly exceeded our initial expectations, generating $177,000 a year in taxes on almost $8 million in new development.
TIF #7 (Sandmar Subdivision) - Our newest TIF borrowed $1.865 million this year to pay for streets and sewer in the new subdivision. The debt will be paid back as new homes and businesses are constructed on the development.

THE FINAL TOTAL

When you add everything up, the city owes $25,000,000 in total debt to outside lenders (TIF, sewer, water, capital projects, fire station). In 2007, we paid $1.421 million in principal and interest. My policy has been that we never borrow more money than we pay off in the time we need to expend the money we borrow. The formula has worked so far, and the city has been able to do some much needed work in the past four years. Municipal debt can be very complicated, and I now very much appreciate the lessons I learned at UW-Stevens Point when I took that Political Finance class with Professor Dennis Riley. Yes, kids, you do apply what you learn in the classroom in the "real" world. I hope this post was not too complicated, and I welcome your questions and comments.

PLAN COMMISSION RECAP
The Ripon City Plan Commission met last night. In the spirit of this blog so far, here is my take on the issues we discussed last night:
* Approved the exterior design of a new strip mall on the West end of the city. The $400,000 building will be built in front of the current United Auto Parts store, but not replacing it. The Commission was pleased with the developer's move to add more brick to the facade facing the highway
* Approved a Conditional Use Permit for Oak Ridge Plastics to operate at the former Unique Auto Body location. The vote was 3-2, with myself and Jane Schueler in opposition. My "no" vote was not an indictment of Oak Ridge Plastics or their operations, though I am concerned about their proposed storage of potentially harmful chemicals. The Use Permit does NOT allow for the storage of the chemicals, but I still believe this company should be located in the new business park. I understand they are in a bind, as their previous facility burned down in June, and we have no building for them in the new business park. I am hopeful the city and the RCDC can work with Oak Ridge Plastics to help them grow and become a key part of the new business park as they grow
* Approved going ahead with amending Tax Increment District's #4 (Industrial Park) and #6 (West Side). TIF #4 needs to be amended to add the 58 acres we purchased last year to expand the park. TIF #6 will likely add the former Dairy Queen and Citgo sites, as well as some land to the north of Silver Creek where possible development could take place in the future. The additions could also allow us to look at upgrading Aspen Street, including a possible bridge across Silver Creek to connect with Old Berlin Road (that is how I know the street LOL)
* Agreed to focus on landscaping issues in the winter, when the Commission usually sees less building plans and permits due to the season. We are looking at possible ways to improve landscaping at new developments. I would personally like to see more of an investment in the "greening" of the city, as well as more use of brick and stone veneers on facades, especially on the main corridors of the city
* Asked staff to compile a list of current and possible ordinances from other cities relating to home energy devices (wind mills, solar panels, wood/corn burners, etc.). As more and more people consider the use of these products as natural gas and oil prices climb, it makes sense to be pro-active in this area versus making law as individual cases come forward.

That is what happened, and my take. Any suggestions or comments - please sign in and let us know, or email me.

BUDGET UPDATE
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2008 budget on the evening of November 26th. As we get closer to the hearing, I am going to try and disect some of the numbers, so it may be a bit easier to understand. This will be the fifth budget I have overseen as Mayor, and each one presents its own challenges. First, let's start with some important numbers:

TOTAL LEVY FOR CITY PURPOSES ONLY

YEAR TOTAL LEVY CHANGES

2003 $2,670,997 NA

2004 $2,668,562 - 0.02%

2005 $2,678,269 + 0.04%

2006 $2,698,654 + 0.76%

2007 $2,804,164 + 3.91%

2008 $2,814,987 + 0.39%

CITY MILL RATE

YEAR MILL CHANGE

2003 $8.02 NA

2004 $7.77 -3.12%

2005 $7.69 -1.03%

2006 $7.22 -6.11%

2007 $7.10 -1.66%

2008 $6.92 -2.54%

TOTAL MILL RATE

YEAR TOTAL CHANGE

2003 $24.29 NA

2004 $23.86 -1.18%

2005 $24.05 +0.80%

2006 $22.15 -7.90%

2007 $21.76 -1.76%

2008 Not determined yet

NA = Not applicable
* Including Tax Increment Finance District Levies
* The mill rate is the amount of taxes collected per $1,000 of equalized valuation. For example, a $8.02 mill rate would mean $802 in city taxes on a $100,000 home.
* The total mill rate is made up of the school district (51.4% of the 2007 levy), the city (32.6%), the county (22.2%), and miscellaneous (state, Moraine Park) minus the state lottery credit
* In 2005, the lottery credit was lower than average years, resulting in the increase.

EQUALIZED VALUATION

One of the reasons the city has been able to hold the line on taxes has been our growth, which has increased, but remains steady. The city's equalized valuation is the base on which we determine the mill rate. Here is a look at the city's growth over the past five years:

YEAR EQUAL. VALUE CHANGE
2003 $332,927,800 +3.89%

2004 $343,517,800 +3.18%

2005 $348,078,100 +1.33%

2006 $374,021,800 +7.45%

2007 $395,100,300 +5.64%

2008 $410,946,300 +4.01%

When I have some time, I will dissect the city's total debt, so we can see what we owe as a city through bonds and borrowings, and what the money was borrowed for.

CITY WEBSITE UPDATE

* I have asked city staff to make a more concerted effort to get city agendas and minutes up on the city website at a faster pace. The minutes that are on the web can be found here

* I have also requested that the proposed 2008 city budget be placed on the web as soon as the final draft is completed, along with a map of the city's aldermanic districts, so residents know who represents them on the Council

Any question - Email me

QUESTION FROM A CONSTITUENT: What is happening in downtown Ripon?

1 - Unless you have been out-of-town for the past year, you know that a number of properties downtown have purchased by an out-of-town group of investors, called Boca Grande. Some of the properties include the Republican House, Dos Gringos, Roadhouse and the Mansion on Main. In some cases, the investors bought the buildings, and not the businesses. Some business have been or will be closing or moving. I have heard from a number of residents concerned about the future of the downtown. First, we must remember this is capitalism at work. The city cannot legally and will not ethically step in to prevent any transactions. I have met the investors of Boca Grande personally, and have found them to be on the up-and-up. They have not asked for any favoritism. They believe in the downtown and the City, as a whole.

2 - Ripon Main Street, which helps promote and develop the downtown, has hired a consultant, Vanderwalle and Associated, to develop a downtown development plan. As a disclaimer, I am the chairman of the committee overseeing the planning process. A number of public meetings have been held, and the feedback, from what I have read and seen in person, has been very encouraging. People DO care about their downtown, and they do want a voice in the future. I am excited about the planning process, because it includes several componets previous studies have overlooked or focused less attention on:

* The Mill Pond, which is a part of the downtown via Silver Creek

* The "appearance" of the downtown. Sadly, Downtown Ripon is not as "green" as it could and should be, and could use an aesthetic shot in the arm

* Development on the fringes of the downtown (Thorne Street, Silver Creek Brewery site next to the library)

The consultants are currently in the process of compiling the final report, which should be available in November. If you have ideas on the downtown, share them with me - arkramer@charter.net - and let's work together. I believe Downtown Ripon's best days are still to come.

STATE BUDGET FAILS TO PASS
The budget proposed by Democratic Governor Jim Doyle passed the Senate but died in the Assembly late Monday, casting the Capitol impasse over taxes into a 108th day. In case you are wondering, our local legislators, Senator Luther Olsen and Representative Joan Ballweg, both voted against the proposal. While you will hear many gloom and doom forecasts in the upcoming days, (Here is the Governor's) and while I would like to see a budget passed in Madison, I did have some serious problems with the budget proposed by the Governor. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, here are the areas where Republicans and Democrats are differing (my comments in italics):

* A $418 million tax on hospitals, which would bring back an estimated $575 million in additional federal Medicaid money. Democrats say it would help hospitals that treat large numbers of Medicaid patients; Republicans say it would drive up health care costs. - Let's raise taxes here in Wisconsin to receive more tax revenue from Washington. Government accounting at its best. Reminds me of the push to pass the Booster Seat Law in Wisconsin, raising the costs of raising a family, so we could get federal money to help low-income residents buy the seats in the first place. Either way, someone has to pay for the $993 million in additional revenue (state and federal), and it is not going to be the hospitals or insurance companies.
* A $1.25-a-pack increase in the cigarette tax, expected to generate about $450 million in revenue by mid-2009. Republicans have proposed a 75-cent increase. The current tax is 77 cents. - First of all, a disclaimer. I smoke - not as much as I used to, but I do. The tax on cigarettes hasseveral goals, one of them being the reduction of smoking. So how do we replace the revenue down the road if the cigarette tax reduces consumption? I can foresee taxes on fatty foods, unhealthy foods, and other unhealthy choices. Also, this tax is supposed to be used to fund health insurance in Wisconsin. How can I trust the Governor and the state to do this when I read the following proposal...
* A $175 million transfer from a state fund that pays damages to malpractice victims. - Why does the state continually go after this fund? If it has enough money, stop collecting the "taxes" that fund it.
* In-state college tuition rates for undocumented immigrants who graduate from Wisconsin high schools. - Sorry, but to me, undocumented is a politically-correct word for ILLEGAL. Why in the world would any reasonable government leader want to extend the educational benefits we give to legal residents to ILLEGAL residents. First of all, they should not be even receiving a diploma from a high school if they are here ILLEGALLY

And do not get me started on the Oil Company Assessment, which would have raised gas prices 5 to 6 cents per gallon in Wisconsin, according to the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. I lost a lot of faith in the Governor when he said the tax would not be passed on to the consumer, and the constitutionality of the law was in serious doubt.

What is United Way?

The Ripon Area United Way’s goal this year is $83,000.

United Way is your partner in caring, using it’s professional & volunteer expertise to improve people’s lives. Each year, United Way volunteers identify the most critical needs and surround those needs with solutions by investing in your community’s health & human service programs. We are committed to turning challenges into opportunities, and showing you, our partner results. 96% of every dollar raised stays local and your Charitable donation is tax-deductible.

The following area non-profit agencies that benefit from your generous donations:

ADVOCAP Literacy Services: A community based educational program which offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to families with little or no English skills. Provides free tutoring in basic reading and math skills for adults.

American Red Cross: Always ready to give local, state, national, and international assistance in time of disaster. Assists American servicemen and their families. Sponsors the bloodmobile, provides first aid, CPR and lifeguard training.

ASTOP: Provides cost-free trauma therapy, advocacy and prevention education to survivors of sexual violence.

BAY LAKES COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA: Physical and leadership training and educational opportunity for boys. Funds support camps and hiring of professional leaders who assist their local leaders.

BIG BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY: Coordinates volunteer men and women to work with young boys and girls ages 5 - 14 years on one-on-one basis.

BRAVE COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER: Provides students and adults with before school, after-school and evening programs in a safe and supportive environment. This program includes tutoring, group homework help, parenting workshops, and a variety of learning enrichment programs.

DISCOVERY PRESCHOOL: A school for 3 and 4 year olds that emphasizes building self-esteem and interest in learning with a hands-on philosophy. A fun, loving, creative environment that encourages children to explore and prepares them for success in future educational experiences.

DIVERSE OPTIONS: Provides work-related services to developmentally disabled adults in the Ripon area. Subcontracts services to local businesses and industries. Programs are case specific and need specific for each client.

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER: Provides pregnancy and parenting support services. This agency provides programs that teach nurturing parenting and are committed to the prevention of child abuse and child neglect. Provides a 24 hour hotline and free pregnancy testing.

GRACE PRE SCHOOL: Offers early education by certified teachers to 3 and 4 year olds in an environment that is personal and learning-friendly. Classes are held both in the morning and in the afternoon.

LUTHERAN COUNSELING & FAMILY SERVICS OF WISCONSIN: Provides faith-based mental health counseling, family life education, and adoption services. United Way funds will be education, and adoption services. United Way Funds will be used in the Special Times of Need Program, which addresses the need of underinsured and noninsured individuals and families in the Ripon area by offering a sliding fee scale for outpatient metal health counseling with a state licensed therapist.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES - PROJECT YOUTH: Services include prevention, crisis intervention, education, youth and family advocacy as well as direct individual, family and group counseling.

MARSHLAND COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN: Helps supplement the education of children with disabilities by providing field trips, special activities, and community experiences. The council also assists teachers in keeping current with special education issues.

RIPON CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER: A community owned center providing a caring, stimulation and safe experience for children while their parents are working. The staff is trained to provide developmentally appropriate programs for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and school-aged children.

SALVATION ARMY: Provides local welfare service, temporary housing, disaster relief, and social service assistance for needy families.

SOLUTIONS CENTER: (Formerly FAVR): Solutions Center is a Community-based organization committed to addressing the cause and resolution of domestic violence. Provides 24 hour crisis line, shelter, legal and housing advocacy and support groups.

WOODLAND COUNCIL GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA: Promotes better understanding and support of Girl Scout activities and ideals. Stresses a relevant and contemporary educational experience for today's young woman.

Welcome to my blog site. While I have had a website for many years - http://www.thekramer-family.com/ - I have never blogged. I have always been leery of doing so, since I have seen many blogs turn into vicious forums for namecalling hidden benhind a cloak of anonymity. The rules for this forum/blog will be simple.

1. I will answer questions to the best of my ability, with the understanding that certain issues involving government are done in closed session as required by law and cannot be addressed in the open
2. Posters must use civility and decorum. Criticism is welcome, but simply saying "Mayor, you are dumb" or "That question is stupid" accomplish nothing
3. The number one thing to remember is that if the answer to your question is not what you wanted to hear, that does not mean I have not answered the question or failed to do research into the issue.
4. These are MY thoughts, not the City's, not the Council's, not City Staff, not the City Attorney's, not even the First Lady's (unless she wishes to post something on here).

I am not promising a post-a-day, or even a post every two or three days. When thoughts hit me, and ideas come to me, then I will post.

Above all, remember I am the mayor, but I am also a resident, a father, a husband and a person. Respect what I have to say, and I will respect yours. Let's roll....