Why there was such a big deal in the paper is odd since as I noted this is a yearly thing and already has been disclosed in City Council Meetings. I would suspect it is more of an effort to somehow make Vienna look like it got something special that what is ordinary year by year? OR because it was "announced" by Ms. Capito and Mr. Manchin, it is some sort of "look what we did for you" story. As noted, it is a yearly event.....................
It is supposed to be used this year through 30 June 2018 for items like Windows, small roof repairs (remember where I noted Mr. Rogers was alleged to try and get a couple to apply for a new roof from the program and he would than buy the house?), doors, gutters and like SMALL repairs? How it really plays out is on the amount of money a Family applying has. Some pretty strict limits for Vienna families. That is where these balances seem to build up and get used for City projects. Some of this money is alleged to have been used for those three Restrooms at the Ball Fields, ADA bathrooms in the Fire station and so on.
Be careful folks of getting sucked into the Media hype that is much ado about nothing. The real issue is HOW the money is really used?
Yes, Mr. Uhl, the City siphons off $15K every year for administrative cost, which lives only $72K for actual use. Lots of Pork for everyone in Vienna. I asked about reducing the Administrative cost this year in my blog and it was not even considered. I believe and may well be wrong, but I think some of that goes to Ms. Tiano, who is the City Grant Writer?
I have to ask why the various Police Departments go out and buy a K9 dog and do not buy it a vest as part of the deal? It seems they immediately start asking/ begging for a vest and so on? That would make about as much sense as hiring a Police Officer and saying have a nice day as he/ she is put out with no vest? These dogs are at more risk than any of the Police Officers as they must get within biting range to have a weapon- their teeth. The Officer as we know has a weapon and if within 30- 50 feet may well be able to drop the criminal if they are charging with a weapon or firing a weapon at them? The K9s are invaluable so to buy one without a vest is asinine.
See where Mr. Stephens is getting as camera hungry as his mentor Mr. Rapp. Seems he can also sniff out where the cameras/ microphones are going to be and rushes to the scene for the first hand report where Mr. Rapp sets them up. Lotta capable officers out there who deserve some face time.
The new plant for building booze barrels is going to be a good thing for the Greenbrier County area. Not a lot of jobs, but each one is a new start for someone who may have been out of work and almost hope for far too long. Wonder how long till they cut down/ mill all the nearby trees and have to import from elsewhere? Is anyone thinking about sustainability with replanting's? Has been a problem in the Wood Industry for decades to log off everything nearby and than begin the importation of product to use. Remember when I worked in the Plywood Mill in the day and it got to where they were importing wood as logs or in milled form to make plywood for 50-100 or more miles away. Eventually was part of reason the mill closed.
While there was a massive replanting program in what was called the Tillamook Burn, it was started too late to sustain the need for logs in a close proximity. And even now from what I saw a few years back with a lot of Timber close by, there is no effort to do any Lumber/ Plywood manufacturing anymore?
Course the rumor that he is running for Vienna Mayor in 2020 is already afoot along with Mr. Conley and Mr. Leach?
Really hope the little maniac in N. Korea does not get too nuts or too threatened and do a first run at us rather than wait for us to strike. He truly has little to lose and everything to gain. Plus he has a very, very well positioned weapon bring much if not all of the U.S. to its knees. We keep waiting and for sure the waiting will be over?
Went out Saturday and mowed the front yard in spite of the Smoke/ Debris in it. I am very prone to Environmental Allergies and knew better. So now am spending the rest of the day with sinuses closed up, tight lungs and breathing tough at best. But I figured if I can survive that terrible stench that Ms. Smith wears in Budget and Finance/ City Council Meetings, I can stand a bit of nasty smoke?
I have notified Mr. Rapp on my allergies before, but he will not do anything about it. The City Attorney complains at how expensive Law Suits are to fight. All he has to do is look to his left and he will see a lot of why he has a tough job? 'nuff said'