Experience
Improbable as it seems, and certainly drawing chuckles from city and town managers all over the valley, the term ‘experience’ was actually included in the advertisement for a Cave Creek Town Manager. Recall that experience was not a requirement for the Interim Town Manager permitting Trenk and his bobbleheads to select Trenk’s buddy Rodney Glassman, a Tucson lawyer and the only candidate with absolutely no experience as a town manager or anything similar. This, of course, turned out to be a very predictable disaster. Now, the news is not all that good because the term used in the Ad is ‘municipal management experience’ which could mean almost anything and given the makeup of the selection committee of Trenk, Glassman (the expert), and the newest bobblehead, Vincent Francia, it probably does. Stay tuned. We can only hope.
Melanie Williams
Cave Creek
Back
We clearly need to reconsider how our permanent town manager will be selected
I am deeply concerned about how the permanent Town Manager of Cave Creek is being selected. It is time for the town council to alter the process to reflect greater transparency, accountability and understanding of a competent selection process. Our community can expect no less from those of us who are elected officials. No other single decision of this Council is more important than selecting the best possible permanent Town Manager.
We now have applications from more than 40 candidates, and the deadline for applications is still a week into the future. This is a far reaching recognition of Cave Creek as a strong community with a bright future. In spite of current unresolved issues about the last election and major legal challenges incurred in the first weeks of the present council, we appear to have a strong pool of candidates.
It is standard procedure in selecting such a critical individual to have a selection process that involves a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Yet, I see an unacceptable bottleneck in the current process. Four individuals, only two of whom are Cave Creek residents (and the actual residence of a third has been in question) constitute a team that will eliminate more than 90 percent of the applicants. That team includes the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Cave Creek, the Interim Town Manager of Cave Creek and the Mayor of Mesa.
Under the current plan, the whole council will be allowed to see all the applications. But at Monday’s council meeting I was first informed that access would be granted only after the three finalists are selected. This protocol eliminates the remaining five members of the council from participating in the selection of the final candidates. This is an unacceptable restriction.
I believe the selection of the finalists should include the whole council and, if possible, several citizens representing different interests of the community. Screening even 40-50 applications is not a difficult task, especially considering what is at stake.
I also advocate a larger pool of finalists who will be introduced to the community and take part in the personal interview process. I propose that the number of finalists should be increased from three to six.
I have refrained from criticism of any individuals. Those issues will be decided by the citizens. My concern is a poorly conceived process.
It may be awkward to change our protocols while the process has already begun. But I believe we can and should correct a deeply flawed procedure to increase transparency and conform to widely accepted standards in such an important hiring process. We clearly need to reconsider how our permanent town manager will be selected.
Thomas McGuire
Cave Creek Councilman
Back
To Cave Creek Town Council
Subject: Cave Creek Hood Ornament Monuments
Do we really need to spend $20,000 of taxpayer money on oversized hood ornaments for the Town of Cave Creek? I found a used one on E-Bay for $69.95.
“After searching the nation for a design to capture the spirit of Cave Creek…” – Is this really the best the council could come up with to reflect (no pun intended) “The West’s Most Western Town”?
If you are unable to restrain the spending at town hall, may I suggest a big whoa and give this some further contemplation. Why not a more authentic design approach, one that will be exclusively Cave Creek? (At least use the Town Seal on it – not a meaningless type font for the words Cave Creek)
Bob Bell of True West Magazine (Cave Creek) is an expert on U.S. Western history and Cave Creek. Perhaps he would be willing to assist. Why not select a design that is uniquely Cave Creek. The current design would fit in nearly any city (how about Lexington, Ky. or Scottsdale?).
Vince, you stated you went with the design because “Sunrises and sunsets should provide a wow factor against that stainless steel.” What about safety issue with the steel reflecting sunlight and potentially blinding drivers? Drivers that may run over a bicyclist in the $391,000 (Cave Creek’s share is $132,000) soon to be built bike lane.
Thank you,
John Hoeppner
Cave Creek, AZ
Are you being served?
Members of the U.S. Senate, the House of Representatives and the President are all considered public servants; are you being served?
There was a spark of hope during the Senate's filibuster Cruz Night where truth and patriotism held control of the chamber for 21 hours. (Ted Cruz should have read them the damn law, all 2500 pages). John McCain couldn't wait to chastise Cruz proving once again Republicans do eat their own young, and to defend the opposition. This is modern politics, vicious and self serving. But are your interests being served?
Surrendering once again to media, opinion poll and presidential pressures the flagging Republican party give Obama, not one, but two victories; the budget, debt limit and health care funding in one neat package and the future option to delay the individual mandate until after the 2014 elections. He may then polish his hero badge while relishing this huge step in the promised fundamental change (destruction) of the American system of government.
Economic dependence and control over life and death insured, Barry, Harry and Nancy will move quickly to cement Democrat hold on perennial power through a massive push for amnesty for millions of illegal aliens. This huge new voting block once offered a place at the trough will surely bankrupt the U.S. Treasury.
Are you being served or serviced?
Randy Edwards
Cave Creek
I need some time in the re-education camp please
It is very obvious I am out of step with America today. I’m not going to take this space to discuss ObamaCare. The success or failure of that huge government program will ultimately be determined by the pocket books of Americans. But I am desperately seeking help. You see, I am at odds with almost every edict coming out of Washington. I don’t get the constant spending, bailouts, and general fiscal irresponsibility. My mind just can’t grasp the failure of Benghazi, tactics of the IRS, spying of the NSA, failure to enforce immigration laws, and cover up of Fast & Furious. I can’t see the value of releasing over 3,000 illegal aliens because the Sequester will make it hard to detain them. I fail to see how one man, Ted Cruz, was responsible for a government shut down and potential worldwide financial collapse because he did exactly what he told his constituents he would do when elected. I have difficulty with Republican leadership and politicians like Peter King calling a freshman Senator a fraud and our beloved John McCain calling Tea Party candidates Wacko Birds. Last time I checked they had every right to their own opinion. Speaking of Senator McCain, I don’t know when he became the Senate jester. “Punch line Johnny” has made the rounds with cute little quips usually directed at his Republican colleges; poor taste John. I for one think you should stick to video poker. I don’t understand why in our nation you are labeled a racist, terrorist, arsonist, obstructionist, wife abuser, extremist, Confederate, extortionist, or fraud for simply disagreeing with our government. I have become the square peg attempting to fit in the round hole. I’m the brown shoes with the tuxedo. I’m the kid that isn’t invited to the birthday party because I’m just not hip enough. Am I the only political outcast left in America? According to the media I am. So either help me out in “Camp Conformity” or I pray that other outcasts make a statement in the voting booths In 2014 and 2016. God Bless America!
Scott Haberman
Cave Creek
$86,000 bond campaign contribution from National Association of Realtors
In case you have not already seen this. I'm astonished at the size of the contribution, let alone that the Realtors are involving themselves in local politics like this.
This may be the single largest contribution to a political campaign in Scottsdale's history. Obviously, there are some vested interests at work here.
John Washington
Scottsdale Trails
From: Keep Scottsdale Special
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 9:41 AM
To: Jagger, Carolyn [Scottsdale City Clerk]
Cc: 'John Washington'
Subject: Contribution Question
Importance: High
Carolyn:
I see from the attached document that the PAC "Scottsdale's Quality of Life Matters in Support of Questions 1, 2, 3, & 4" just yesterday reported to you that they had received an $86,000 contribution from the National Association of Realtors 18 days ago. My question is, were they not required by law to report that sooner than 18 days after the fact?
Kathy Littlefield, Chairperson
Keep Scottsdale Special in Opposition to Questions 1, 2, 3 & 4. www.KeepScottsdaleSpecial.org
Republican Government Shutdown??
Did anyone besides me wonder how they got all those signs distributed far and wide, including to all the national parks and cemeteries overseas only eight to ten hours after the government shut down? Take a look at this from someone who wanted to remain anonymous.
I have worked in the government on and off for 40 years. During that time I became quite familiar with requisitions, bidding, awarding contracts etc. It is a time consuming process with bean-counters and pencil-necked bureaucrats every of the way. The simplest request takes months not days or hours.
In less than 8 hours of the shutdown, miraculously, professionally printed 3X4 foot signs appeared all over the country in the tens of thousands saying-“this [park, facility, etc. with custom logos] closed due to government shutdown. There has not been a government shutdown in 17 years.
These signs were designed, specifications were determined, signs were then requisitioned, bids were posted and vetted, government contracts were awarded. The materials were then ordered and the signs manufactured then distributed.
This shutdown was orchestrated and planned well in advance at least 6-8 months ago. Millions of tax dollars were appropriated and spent in this process.
Congress does not have the power nor the authority to accomplish this feat.
There is a paper trail a mile long leading directly to the White House.
John Battaglia
Southport, North Carolina
Published: Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 10:55 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 10:55 p.m.
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20131012/LETTERS/131019872
28th Amendment
I sent my 28th amendment, to the constitution, to every talk show host I could think of. With Congress and Obama making a mockery of our government, it's time to act. Please share this with every one. It is important folks. Article 5 of the Constitution give us the grassroots power to get this done. I will post a YouTube video sometime in the near future. Let's get this done and stop talking about it. I know some of you won't agree and that's alright. If my attorney friends see any changes that we can make, please let me know.
Article V
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.
Proposed 28th Amendment
Section 1.
The Founders envisioned a Citizen Congress; serving in the Congress of the United States shall be an Honor and no longer a career. No person shall be elected to the Senate for more than two 6 (six) year terms, and no person shall be elected to the House of Representatives for more than 6 (six) 2 year terms nor for a combination of the two offices for more than 12 years. Anyone serving a portion of any such term in either the House or Senate shall be eligible for only that number of terms, going forward, equaling less than the 12 (twelve) years limit for either or both offices.
Section 2.
Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States.
Section 3.
Retroactive to 1980, no person serving or having served in the Senate or the House of Representatives shall be paid a retirement income, nor have medical insurance and/or care provided by the government of the United States. Any such programs shall be discontinued within 6 (six) months after ratification of this amendment. Any and all monies set aside for such programs, from government funds, shall be immediately transferred to the Social Security Program. All monies in such funds, contributed by member of the Congress, shall be returned to such members as rollovers to their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA’s). All members of the legislative branch of the government of the United States shall participate in the Social Security and Medicare programs in the same manner as all other citizens of the United States.
Section 4.
Elected members of either House of Congress shall no longer vote to establish rates of pay for themselves, for pay raises nor for any other benefits payable to themselves. Pay increases shall be tied to the same indexes as increases in Social Security. All other benefits, commonly known as perks, shall be discontinued immediately.
Ralph Pate
Email
Be careful of online sign up ObamaCare
John McAfee, founder of anti-virus company McAfee, Inc, on the
ObamaCare exchanges: On Fox Business Network’s “Cavuto”, computer programmer
and founder of McAfee, Inc. John McAfee said the online component of
Obamacare “is a hacker’s wet dream” that will cause “the loss of
income for the millions of Americans who are going to lose their
identities.”
For starters, McAfee said the way it is set up makes it possible for
fake websites to be set up to fool people to think they’re signing up for
Obamacare.
“It’s seriously bad,” McAfee said. “Somebody made a grave error, not
in designing the program but in simply implementing the web aspect of
it. I mean, for example, anybody can put up a web page and claim to be
a broker for this system. There is no central place where I can go and
say, ‘OK, here are all the legitimate brokers, the examiners for all
of the states and pick and choose one.’”
“Instead, any hacker can put a website up, make it look extremely
competitive, and because of the nature of the system — and this is
health care, after all — they can ask you the most intimate questions,
and you’re freely going to answer them,” he continued. “What’s my
Social Security number? My birth date? What are my health issues?”
According to McAfee, there’s not a quick fix — and as long as it set
up this way, it could be a playground for computer hackers.
“Here’s the problem: It’s not something software can solve,” McAfee
continued. “I mean, what idiot put this system out there and did not
create a central depository? There should be one website, run by the
government, you go to that website and then you can click on all of
the agencies. This is insane. So, I will predict that the loss of
income for the millions of Americans who are going to lose their
identities — I mean, you can imagine some retired lady in Utah, who
has $75,000 dollars in the bank, saving her whole life, having it
wiped out in one day because she signed up for Obamacare. And believe
me, this is going to happen millions of times. This is a hacker’s wet
dream. I mean I cannot believe that they did this.”
Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2013/10/03/john-mcafee-on-obamacare-this-is-a-hackers-wet-dream-video/#ixzz2gmX8k0xW
Open Letter to CNN from Special Operations Speaks PAC
Hoo-AH, Oo-RAH and Hoo-YAH!
The Million Vet March on the World War II Memorial was among the largest, most compelling, inspiring and inventive acts of civil disobedience in American history…and you knew it and blew it.
You knew it because your reporter Shannon Travis, a very cordial gentleman who was wearing a stylish purple tie was present at the rally. He told Special Operations Speaks before an interview that he loved the passion of the rally. Mr. Travis undoubtedly observed the make up of the attendees of the crowd as 80-90 percent veterans and 10-20 percent veteran supporters.
In your feeble and failed attempt to mute the national enthusiasm for the Vet March you reported the event as a “tea party like rally”.
Not speaking for all veterans, Special Operations Speaks embraces and admires the Tea Party’s support for our nation's veterans and points out that not one occupy, amnesty, union, Democratic or liberal organization showed up to stand with the Vets … just the Tea Party.
If your editors must label this group, we insist that you label us “Vet Marchers”.
Labeling the Million Vet March as “tea party like rally” because some tea partiers showed up with “yellow Don't Tread On Me flags” [btw, someone really ought to inform your writer that they are called Gadsden flags; look it up] doesn’t mean it was a “tea party like rally”.
If one follows that logic, one might state that because some of CNN's executives, editors and reporters lean so far to the left, that CNN is a ‘Communist-like News Network’. That would not be a fair assessment, would it?
Special Operations Speaks does not mind the ridicule from your network and other left leaning news organizations. We have grown quite accustomed to it and find it amusing. We simply ask that if you ridicule us, you get our name right.
Please in the future call us Vet Marchers or next time we remove the barricades from the war memorials we might bring them to your doorstep.
Visit specialoperationsspeaks.com.
