This paper so sadly serves much of the MOV poorly in its coverage as he aptly noted. I am not going to get into the rest of the area as I am continually disgusted with how so much of what occurs here in Vienna is not covered of just spun to be a photo op for Mr. Rapp and his shenanigans. I am still trying to decide if a complaint to the Secretary of State on the seeming 10s if not 100s of thousands of dollars in free coverage before this past Election? It seemed to get so bad that even if Mr. Rapp drank a glass of water it was on the front page. Yet, the numerous items on the wasted millions of City Tax Dollars; the total disrespect for right on 85% of the folks living here and the questionable endangerment to the kids, the old folks and just the poor ones in between never see the light day? But, he is a "good ol' boy" and it is not news worthy even when he gets caught. Still thinking on that and the stunt Mr. Leach pulled in his run for City Council? Election seems a waste of time in that we replaced two if not three with two or three new clones? Watch the upcoming budget cycle in Jan/ Feb if is business as usual.
And going back to the facade called a City Council Meeting on the 22d, it was sad that right up too the end, Mr. Miracle chose to roll over and do a Mr. Obama vote of present (abstain). He said he was againt the raise and than abstained. It takes a little bit of courage to stand up for what is right for the folks. And the huge raises for Mr. Rapp and Ms. Smith could not be supported by any honest dirt under their nails work over the past four years. Sure put millions of dollars out the door of the City. Gave $11- 14K in raises and benefits to themselves. Pursued conflicts of interest in voting for raises/ benefits for themselves and generally screwed this great little town into the ground. Now it starts all over again with more raises, wasted dollars and a total lack of taking care of the City versus the special interests.
Said before that IF and I repeat IF the current City Council had a sliver of Morals, Ethics or Integrity, the issue on the raises would be a three (3) part process. When each individual raise by position came up, that person or persons affected would leave the room and the rest of the Council would vote on that particular raise. Watch for a showing of a complete lack of Morals, Ethics and Integrity on the 29th. This vote will be rigged just like Mr. Rapp and Ms. Smith thought the last one would be.
Seems that the rewards for services rendered that I was suspicious about in November are starting to break through the cloud of secrecy and showing themselves? Am just watching and more will show by the time this next budget gets approved in raises.
City IT department has gotten its panties twisted on some ransomware getting into a computer or two? I was taught by a Tech Support guy how to get out of those programs by hitting three keys. Worked for me a couple of months back when I got nailed too. But always better to spend the money.
See also where the City is bidding out for body armor and carriers. Thought it was supposed to be good for about five years? We just bought a bunch about 2- 3 years ago, didn't we? Not sure I am ready to go through the documents to see just yet?
Last Budget Cycle, Mr. Harris wanted to spend $750,000 for Astro Turf at Jackson Park. Luckily, it was not his turn to get whatever he wanted and it went down to defeat for last year. Expect to see it come up again as I think we are now due to give him his turn at the cookie jar?
May I ask this? Where so many Schools from High School through Colleges and even some of the Pro Team Stadiums have removed the AstroTurf because of the injuries it caused to the players, WHY are we even contemplating it. Fact that the grass is getting beat up is called fair wear and tear. Shut the fields down for a few week to reseed and all will be well again. If too many activities are going on to make as much money as possible for the City, than maybe we need to send those teams to other sites at other schools to play the events? City just keeps adding and adding programs without any real room for them to be played properly. I do not remember seeing where being quick to waste as much money was part of any job requirements from the Mayor down? But will again note the issue on injuries that are caused allegedly by Astro Turf.
Increased injury rate on artificial turf:
health— Sports Doc
Grass vs turf: Does it affect injury rate?
A study published in 2011 looking at football, rugby, and soccer injuries showed that there was a higher incidence of ankle injuries on artificial turf. In 2012, another study looking at NCAA football injuries showed an increased risk of ACL injuries on artificial turf. Lastly, a 2013 study looking at amateur soccer players in Portugal showed a greater rate of lower extremity injuries on turf during matches vs. training.
Now it is probably possible to find counter claims on it also, but if there is still the possibility of injury to the kids using the fields, shouldn't they be the most important factor? Maybe in some places, but in Vienna--------------Publicity, Fees, Ticket profits, that is what seems to count?
And something that startled me when I heard it is when I was speaking to a couple and the issue on Mr. Rapp's health issue came up. One of the folks stated that he hoped the lungs would just give out on him. Now that was a personal issue I said. And I don't do personal if I can help it. I will question that Mr. Rapp is one of the sleaziest, slimiest and dishonest of Politicians? But I do not bear ill will to him on a personal basis. I do not believe he can complete another four year term and will continue to feather his nest at the expense of the Community, but that is on the politics of the situation, on his health, for sure not personal. Can't easily contemplate someone drowning in their own juices?
Have watched several folks pass from Cancer; not a pretty sight. My daughters have both had double Mastectomy's and that is Hell for late 30 somethings. So as miserable a Mayor as Mr. Rapp is, personal to him is not my style. Seems a bit too harsh even for karma? 'nuff said'.