Larry Kudlow's take on Obamanomics:
During the debate, Obama bungled his answers on tax policy, big time. Period. End of sentence. End of story. To my liberal friends in the media, all I can say is: Get over it. Your guy has a very poor grasp of basic economic principles.
First off, you don't raise taxes during a recession. That's a no-brainer. Second, doubling the capital-gains tax rate will affect Americans up and down the income ladder, not just rich hedge-fund managers. In addition, capital-gains tax cuts are self-financing, and they stimulate jobs and the economy. You want to raise budget revenues and spark economic growth? Cut the cap-gains tax rate. That's what history shows.
The Wall Street Journal's Steve Moore points out that in 2005, almost half of all tax returns reporting capital gains came from households with incomes under $50,000, while more than three-quarters came from households earning less than $100,000.
Obama also proposed uncapping the payroll tax, another blunder that will hit people up and down the income ladder. While Obama pledges tax hikes only for folks earning more that $200,000 a year, his tax hike on payrolls would actually slam middle-income earners. The cap on wages subject to the payroll tax is presently $102,000. By eliminating that cap Obama will be soaking veteran firemen, cops, teachers, and health-service workers, along with a variety of other occupations.
In fact, in America's largest cities, a firefighter married to a school teacher can earn close to $200,000 filing jointly. So not only will each spouse separately pay more for Social Security and health care under Obama's plan, together they'll also be slammed by Obama's cap-gains tax increase.
This is more than just a failure to understand the Laffer curve. It's another cultural misstep by Obama. I can't help but wonder if the senator knows any cops or firemen. His appeal is to well-educated latte liberals. That remark about middle-income folks having turned to God, faith, and guns because of economic setbacks? Not only was it ill-advised, it illustrates the wide cultural chasm that exists between the candidate and the rest of America.
In effect, Obama's economics are bad and his social circle is very limited. This is one of the many reasons why a quarter of the Hillary Democrats are telling pollsters they'll likely move to John McCain in the general election.
Obama's real agenda is far-liberal left. It's an ideology that places income redistribution above economic growth. That's his real message. And it's the same one that sunk Carter, Mondale, Dukakis, Gore, and Kerry. Bill Clinton? He was a growth Democrat. So he won twice. But Obama is aligning himself with the Democratic losers. And that will make him a loser as well.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/04/why_not_blame_obama.html
Friday, August 29, 2008
HOW I FEEL AFTER THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
EXCITING TIMES FOR RIPON
Optimism is a powerful ingredient in achieving success. And I am optimistic about our future as a city. When I ran for re-election this spring, I stated that I believed that our best days as a city were still to come, and I still fully believe that. Here are some recent examples and challenges as we move into the last third of the year:
INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL GROWTH - The recent expansion of the Industrial/Business Park is paying off dividends quicker than any of us thought. Ripon Medical Center, which should be announcing a new CEO shortly, will begin construction on a new facility next year. Tracy Porter Incorporated is preparing their site for a new warehouse/office complex. In the past few weeks, we have approved $2 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds to help finance the move of Advanced Paper Enterprises (APE) to the last remaining large lot in the old Industrial Park. Work on the land will begin in the next few days. I also had a wonderful opportunity recently to tour the Spartech facility in the park. Needless to say, I was impressed with what I saw, and am hopeful Spartech remains a key component in the park.
FLOOD RECOVERY - The city appears to be bouncing back from the June 12th floods. The city has been reimbursed for part of its losses from our insurance company, which will allow us to continue with some of the projects we had originally approved from the 2007 budget surplus. While I am not sure exactly what projects we will be doing, here is the list we previously approved:
• $96,360 in the equipment replacement fund
• $25,000 –Emergency fund for fuel over runs
• $20,000 - Construction of two concrete dugouts for girls softball fields in Murray Park
• $10,000 - Purchase of additional and replacement playground equipment
• $10,000 - Increase funding available for Welcome to Ripon signs
• $9,000 – Consultant fee for determining the feasibility of moving the rail system through Ripon
• $6,000 – Repair four (4) street lights in Barlow Park
• $5,000 - Replace existing Ripon population
• $5,000 - Refinance Downtown Facade Grant Program
• $3,360 – Added funding sesquicentennial celebration
• $3,000 – Replace toilet partitions in Ceresco Park
BUDGET - Early indications are that the upcoming budget will be the most challenging I have faced in my five years as mayor. It will require some delicate balancing to fund personnel requests, while keeping up with our infrastructure programs of recent years. Your input and suggestions are going to be important, as well, in the process.
INGALLS FIELD - As I write this, we are hours from the first official event on the new FieldTurf - boys soccer. The Tiger football team will take the field for the first time next Friday against Fox Valley Lutheran. While the issue did polarize the community and there has been a lot written (not all of it factual), I would encourage all of us to unite in celebrating the achievement of the community raising the funds needed. We should also celebrate the athletic accomplishments of the college and high school athletes who will perform on this "new" field. It is time to put the rumors and half-baked stories about the field behind us for now, and look at the fact this community was able to raise the funds needed, after the community said twice it did not want to BORROW the funds for the field. It is also good to remember that the school district has placed aside $250,000 for further maintenance and eventual replacement.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT - The public will get their first, in-depth look at some of the major projects being proposed by the Boca Grande investment group in the next few weeks. Some of them have the potential to change downtown Ripon in ways we never imagined. From housing to eating to technology, the impacts of the projects are immense, and I hope it spurs further investment and development in the downtown and the area around it. I am prepared for the scrutiny and questioning which will come as we move forward, but I am also hopeful the dialogue is constructive, fact-based and respectful.
Of course, not everything is wine and roses:
SANDMAR SUBDIVISION WATER ISSUE - We still need to find an affordable and practical solution for the water issue in the subdivision. While the lots remain available for building, the perception is different in the community. Homes can be built, and I still believe the subdivision will be a shining jewel in our crown once we resolve the flooding from the pond. I am also hopeful that the solution will open the way for additional development south of Barlow Park and south of the city, in general.
THE AUGUST 25th COUNCIL MEETING
Proclamation – commending Stephanie Zambrowicz for her state track title
You may wonder why we are doing this in August, when she won the title in June. Scheduling conflicts...but when she wins it again as a senior, we will be more timely LOL.
Request for bike racks in the downtown area – Stephanie Cutler
On July 8th, Stephanie Cutler, a Ripon College student, made a presentation asking that the City buy and install more bike racks in the downtown area. Council requested input from Ripon Main Street, but as of now, no response has been received. As we are approaching budget meetings, staff would like Council’s preliminary thoughts on this issue. The Council agreed to a supporting motion on locating more bike racks downtown, but the location and exact funding still needs to be determined. The additional bikes on the Ripon College campus is one reason for the request, but we have received a letter of support from the theater pointing out they would like to see racks downtown as well for the kids and teens who bike.
Request for added street lights on Newbury Street (Dave Gray)
After further review, staff is proposing an ordinance to adopt 400 feet between street lights as a standard for mid-block lighting. The 400-foot spacing is comparable to the distance from intersection to intersection on normal city blocks. This was acceptable to the Council, so staff will draft an ordinance for review and approval on September 11th, then work with Alliant Energy to restore this level of lighting along Newbury Street.
Discussion of budgeting for publication of 2009 City calendar
Two years ago, I removed the calendars from the budget in a cost-savings move, but there was considerable criticism. Last year, the City printed 2000 calendars, but we only sold about 750 at $2.00 each. One possible reason is that, with the availability of more information on our website, there may be alower demand for calendars. As the 2009 budget is being prepared, I asked the Council for their direction on this matter. They voted to print 750 calendars for 2009, with the cost to be set at what we need to break even.
All in all, it was a light night for the Council. Our next meeting will be September 9th (Election Day) at 630 PM. The September 22nd meeting has been moved to September 29th in order to hold a public hearing on the proposed downtown Tax Increment District.
Friday, August 22, 2008
A OLD/NEW FOOTBALL LEAGUE - THE USFL RETURNS?
Ok, I am not sure if this is legitimate, but I am kind of excited. I grew up in the 1980's, and I DID watch the USFL. I enjoyed spring football, and really would have liked to see the original USFL succeed (Curse you Donald Trump):
The New United States Football League To Kick Off in February 2010
Redondo Beach, CA – August 13, 2008 – A new professional football league will launch its inaugural season February 20, 2010 as the New United States Football League (USFL), it was announced today by Michael Dwyer, founder and chairman of the new league. The New USFL season will run from February through June and will feature a sixteen-game season with no pre-season games. There will also be wild card and division playoffs leading to a new USFL championship Game at the end of June. This schedule is designed to avoid any overlap with other major football leagues and provide fans with football excitement year round.
The league will start with 12 teams and grow to a maximum of 16 teams. Teams are currently slotted for California, Oregon, Nevada, Texas, Michigan, Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Utah and New York. Tom Shapiro, USFL Commissioner and Assistant City Attorney of Santa Barbara, CA, said, “Americans love football – it’s a fact that’s been proven year after year. We’ve worked long and hard to develop a winning league concept that Americans can really buy into. In fact, 30% of each team will be sold to the public in stocks, with an additional 20% of each team held by the league. We think this will help create fan loyalty and discourage teams from moving
around.”
He added that the league believes its owners will have the financial strength, personal reputation and professional accomplishments that equal any group of professional league owners in existence today. The stock sales should help generate another $40 to $50 million in capital to help ensure the success of the New United States Football League. For more information on the new USFL, or to find out about team sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael Dwyer at 310-539-3837 or visit www.newusfl.com
Thursday, August 21, 2008
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - RIPON ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-08-06-Outofcars_N.htm
This fall, Ripon College in Ripon, Wis., is offering freshmen free mountain bikes, helmets and locks in exchange for a promise not to bring a car to campus. The $300-per-student cost is funded by private donations.
The college's president, David Joyce, says the project was meant to avoid building a parking garage, but its side effects are beneficial: less pollution, more exercise and savings on gas.
The timing was right, Joyce says: "We were either extremely brilliant or extremely lucky."
About 60% of the school's 300 incoming students have signed up.
On other campuses:
• At Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., a bike maintenance shop in the new student union and a bike-sharing program kicks off this fall.
High gas prices have helped the school meet its goal of increasing bike ridership to 12% of students and staff two years ahead of schedule.
• Other bike-loan programs will start or expand this year at colleges in Georgia, Illinois, Maine and Pennsylvania.
• More bike racks, new speed limit signs and a parent carpooling system are among the changes being considered at Hanover Park High School in East Hanover, N.J., to reduce car traffic and to improve students' safety.
• Howards Grove High School in Howards Grove, Wis., is using a federal grant to create a walking and biking path to the campus, currently accessible only by car or bus. The $100,000 project is scheduled to be done by fall 2009.
• Graduate students at State University of New York-Albany proposed a 5K (3.1-mile) biking and walking path around campus as a class project. The first phase, one-third of a mile, was completed in June.
• Faculty and students at three high schools in Marin County, Calif., are working with their local Safe Routes to Schools program to improve intersections, designate walk-or-bike-to-school days and use bikes as transportation for field trips.
The National Center for Safe Routes to School gets state and federal funding for kindergarten through eighth grade. A bill sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., would fund high school programs. High schools' wider attendance boundaries, students' reduced physical activity and their desire to be self-reliant make funding necessary, he says.
"We have over 100 million bikes that are sitting around in garages and basements and back porches," Blumenauer says. "When people start to use them, it can be transformational."
REVIEWING THE AUGUST 20th PLAN COMMISSION MEETING
Public hearing – revised concept plan – Sandmar Village project
This has been one of the most frustrating projects as mayor. I am very hopeful that we took some major steps forward last night and in the past few weeks to alleviate the drainage and water problem around the Luther Hills subdivision. A couple of key points:
* A study is being done as we speak to determine the best course for removing the water from the area
* NONE of the lots in the Sandmar subdivision have been flooded. A person could purchase a lot and build there tomorrow, with no assessments to pay and watch the development grow up around them
* This project will require the cooperation of the land owners downstream from Sandmar
* I promised the neighbors I, and the city staff, will provide the leadership to get this done, if they can give us a little more patience.
Public hearing – relocate master plan street (Jeff/Kathy Fischer)
The Commission voted 5-2 against relocating a master plan street than currently goes through the Fischer property southeast of the city.
Site plan – Advanced Paper Enterprises
The plan, for a 61,000 square foot facility in the old Industrial Park, passed unanimously. Work could begin as soon as next week on the building, which may lead to 30 jobs in the paper industry here in Ripon. The company is currently located in the old Smuckers' warehouse west of the library along Silver Creek.
Establish public hearing – creation of Tax Incremental District #8
The day has come for the world to see what is in store for downtown Ripon. On September 11th, a public hearing will be held on a new downtown Tax Increment District (TID), and, of course, the Boca Grande investments will be a large component. This project has the potential to change the downtown for the better for the future. Change can be frightening, but my hope is that we can get these projects out into the public and have a reasonable and fact-based discussion. Some people are opposed to change, but I think that if we respect their concerns and listen, and those of all interested parties, we can move the projects forward in a civil manner. More details on the TIF will be released in the next few weeks. I believe, from what has been discussed so far, that the city should be proud in the level of investment that Boca Grande, and other individuals and companies have made into the city.
If you have questions or comments, please email them to me - arkramer@charter.net
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
NEWS AND NOTES ON A WEDNESDAY
* Ripon College president David Joyce is the only Wisconsin college president so far to sign on to the newly formed Amethyst Initiative, a collection of about 100 university leaders who say the 21-year-old drinking age is not working and that it has created a culture of dangerous binge drinking on their campuses. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the group’s Web site does not go so far as to blatantly call for lowering the drinking age to 18, but the statement by the group’s signatories does say that raising the drinking age has had negative effects. The statement encourages public debate on the issue.
I actually commend Doctor Joyce for signing this initiative. There is nothing wrong with debating this issue. It will be polarizing, but I have always wondered why an 18-year old can vote, pay taxes, fight for our country, and not have a drink legally. And I have never heard an answer that completely satisfies my curiousity.
* The Fond du Lac County Board last night voted to not take a vote on a much-discussed Comprehensive Countywide Diversity Initiative statement. Supporters claim the statement is intended to stimulate economic growth and attract a varied work force to Fond du Lac County, while opponents have argued that county government has no business regulating diversity issues. They also have raised questions about whether the statement is simply a measure aimed at advancing the gay and lesbian rights movement and promoting the hiring of illegal immigrants. The board voted 12-6 to table the issue, following several hours of debate. A standing-room-only crowd witnessed the discussion in the Legislative Chambers of the City County Government Center in Fond du Lac.
I am glad the board voted to table this measure, which has certainly been a blog favorite on some local websites. There are WAY too many questions about this proposed statement, and I simply do not know how you can legislate diversity. I would like someone to show me a community where a similar statement has produced measureable results. Finally, there has been some conflicting statements about the county funding a diversity position. If this is true, this is a tremendous waste of tax dollars. I have no idea how you can set any "goals" for this position.
* Verlyn Adamson and his wife won't have to split his 350-thousand dollars in winnings from a SuperCash lottery ticket. Judith Adamson has her own 350-thousand dollar check from the state lottery. Judith had reportedly asked her husband if she could play the same numbers he was going to choose. He evidently said yes. Verlyn Adamson bought his winning ticket at a Mineral Point gas station, while his wife got hers at a store in Barneveld. Playing the same numbers means they both won. There's a side story: Verlyn Adamson says he has a secret formula that has resulted in him actually making money in the lottery over the last two decades. Nothing, he admits, like this big winner.
Some people have all the luck....
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A REVIEW OF THE AUGUST 12TH COUNCIL MEETING
Here are my comments and thoughts on the most recent City Council meeting - August 12th 2008, including the comments which were available on the agenda.
Response to street lighting concern on Newbury Street (Dave Gray)
On July 28th, Dave Gray, who resides at 733 Newbury, requested more lighting on his street. The only standard currently found in the city code suggests there should be a light at each intersection, but it doesn’t address longer blocks, like Newbury Street. Our city staff has asked the City’s tree contractor to remove branches covering existing lights. Also, we are arranging a meeting with Alliant, and we expect to have a further report for the August 25th Council meeting.
Accept low bid for the Stoney Ridge Road extension – Kopplin & Kinas
The City has secured all land needed to extend Stoney Ridge Road north to West Fond du Lac Street. This is adjacent to McDonalds. The project has been bid out, and staff recommends acceptance of the low bid of $259,555.32, with payment to come from funds being borrowed from the State Trust Fund loan program under TIF District #6. We budgeted $225,000 for the project, but will be able to borrow the amount we need. TIF District #6 is in fine financial condition, and will pay back the loan in 2-3 years. Work should begin the next few weeks.
Consider issues related to "Class B" liquor licenses
a. Ordinance – maximum of 90 days allowed without using license - On July 28th, Council directed the City Administrator to work with the City Attorney to draft an ordinance closing the "loophole" which allows a "Class B" liquor license holder to be closed for more than 90 consecutive days, just because it covers 2 license years. This ordinance was approved unanimously.
b. Minimum standards for the acceptable level of alcohol service - The council also discussed, during the July 28th meeting, the issue of setting a minimum level of alcohol service expected for "Class B" licenses. As requested by the Council, the city administrator sent letters to the current license holders, inviting them to hear this discussion. A representative from Sodexho/Ripon College and Boca Grande appeared to address the Council. Boca Grande, which holds several licenses, including two which are inactive, informed the council that the former Rita's restaurant site will be re-opened with a new restaurant by the end of September, but their plans for the former Big Stella's site remain uncertain at this time. They also told us that Roadhouse will be expanded to the south, and a full bar added to the establishment. The council decided to take no more action on the issue.
Ordinance – permitting use of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs)
Based on discussion at the July 8th Council meeting, the City Attorney drafted an ordinance allowing Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). It is based largely on the Waupun model that we reviewed earlier, and it limits NEV use to City streets, but they would be allowed to cross state trunk highways. The ordinance passed 6-1, with Alderwoman Scheuler in opposition. The main concern is the fact that some of these vehicles, which may not be able to go more than 25 miles per hour, will be able to travel on streets which have a 35 MPH speed limit. We will monitor the situation as the law takes effect.
Final draft – City’s financial plan for the 3-year period from 2009-2011
On July 28th, the Council agreed to adopt a 3-year financial plan this year, due to increases in debt service payments in 2012-2013, and other uncertainties. It was agreed that the plan could include borrowing in an amount up to that paid in principal on existing debt for the same 3 years. With these guidelines, staff drafted a plan which does not involve ANY borrowing in 2009 (while we pay off over $320,000 in debt) and still allows us to do slightly more than $1 million in capital projects, including the Blackburn Street Parking Lot, the second half of Newbury Street and replace several old pieces of equipment. I am particularly pleased that we can do this with no new borrowing.
Resolutions – support for the issuance of industrial revenue bonds
a. Consideration and Adoption of an Initial Resolution Relating to Industrial Development Revenue Bond Financing on behalf of Advanced Paper Enterprise, Inc
b. Consideration and Adoption of a Resolution Waiving the Requirements of Wis. Stat. 66.1103(11)(b)1. in connection with Industrial Development Revenue Bond (IRB) Financing on behalf of Advanced Paper Enterprise, Inc. - The council approved the backing of $2 million in IRB's for Advanced Paper, which will allow the company to expand its operations and workforce. The company is currently located in the former Smucker's warehouse along Silver Creek.7.
Stormwater management warrant system; review of recent complaints
Due in large part to recent heavy rains, the City’s stormwater management approach is being called into question. The issue is: when should the City take an active role in complaints, and what is our role in addressing these issues. The council reviewed the current warrant system, which was adopted 3 years ago, along with a list of problem areas discussed at that time. The bottom line remains simple: Who is going to pay for the improvements, if needed, and, if it is the city, does this mean a stormwater utility tax and/or increased general taxes. No decisions were made, but we can expect the issue to come back at the August 25th council meeting and future meetings.
Discuss issues related to the quality of our parks maintenance services
At our last meeting, Councilmember Brockman asked that this issue be put on the August 12th agenda. He was concerned about the condition of the Murray Park diamonds after receiving several complaints at a recent tournanment. It appears there is a breakdown in communication regarding when tournaments are being held. I am hopeful that staff will come up with a better system so everyone involved is keeping each other informed, so the diamonds are groomed and we can be proud to host their tournaments.
Update – status of the revolving loan fund and our current loan portfolio
At our last meeting, Councilmember Schueler asked for an update on our revolving loan fund and loan portfolio. While we have some delinquent loans, the overall balance of the fund is almost $180,000. We have adequate resources to be able to work with prospective companies and start-up businesses looking to get going in Ripon. If you are interested in the loan program, please contact our city administrator, Steve Barg, at sbarg@cityofripon.com
It was a busy Council meeting, and August 25th promises to be just as action-packed LOL. We can also expect to see the proposed 2009 budget from the city staff in the next few weeks. A reminder of the following Plan Commission meetings:
AUGUST 18 - Continued discussion of the Smart Growth plan
AUGUST 20 - The Commission will take up the Sandmar subdvision issue (the developer wants to move some of the components, a senior living apartment and an assisted living project) and a request to move a master plan street from the Kathy and Jeff Fischer property.
If you have any comments, complaints or suggestions on these issues and others, email me - arkramer@charter.net - or call me at 920-291-5250 (cell) or 745-2578 (home). Thanks for your time.
May 1 - A business with a license closes, starting the 90-day window.
