Topic: Better start this here instead
started by: bianca
Posted by bianca on Aug. 11 2010,9:56 pm
Here is the letter Tim Engstrom let me get through to the public.QUOTE
Mayoral candidates:
Could you tell our citizens/taxpayers how you feel about Ellen Kehr’s SHIP coordinator paid county job and being a city councilwoman? Do you feel that there is a conflict of interest or not?
Even though the Tribune is a member of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, I was wanting more answers from the Tribune on this issue. Where is this money?
The SHIP grant is $190,000; if you go to < www.healthyfreeborncounty.org, > only $8,300 has been spelled out.
In the near future, another mayoral forum will be held, but the chamber decides what questions are worthy. Somehow, I don’t think it was wrong to ask at the last forum whether or not the executive director, Randy Kehr, and his wife’s numerous positions are conflicts of interest. Hopefully, the editor will allow the question here.
Is this right? What will you, if anything, do about it if elected as mayor? In Mr. Mike Murtaugh’s case, why wasn’t anything done?
Points to ponder for the citizens, taxpayers and mayoral candidates:
• The city statute statement that was used as a reason for Kehr to keep her position as a city councilwoman and/or SHIP coordinator for the county was written and hasn’t been amended since 1979. It mentions nothing about county jobs or county positions.
• Both Randy Kehr and Lois Ahern (who hired the unqualified Kehr being paid $22 per hour due to who she knows rather than interviewing anyone else for the position) are both on the Vitality Team, which can also apply for grants in which Ellen Kehr decides on.
• Ellen Kehr is the wife of the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Kehr is president of ALEDA and the Port Authority, which Dan Dorman proclaims that these two are not the same entity. There needs to be more transparency about these roles.
Tonya Lynch
Albert Lea
Could you tell our citizens/taxpayers how you feel about Ellen Kehr’s SHIP coordinator paid county job and being a city councilwoman? Do you feel that there is a conflict of interest or not?
Even though the Tribune is a member of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, I was wanting more answers from the Tribune on this issue. Where is this money?
The SHIP grant is $190,000; if you go to < www.healthyfreeborncounty.org, > only $8,300 has been spelled out.
In the near future, another mayoral forum will be held, but the chamber decides what questions are worthy. Somehow, I don’t think it was wrong to ask at the last forum whether or not the executive director, Randy Kehr, and his wife’s numerous positions are conflicts of interest. Hopefully, the editor will allow the question here.
Is this right? What will you, if anything, do about it if elected as mayor? In Mr. Mike Murtaugh’s case, why wasn’t anything done?
Points to ponder for the citizens, taxpayers and mayoral candidates:
• The city statute statement that was used as a reason for Kehr to keep her position as a city councilwoman and/or SHIP coordinator for the county was written and hasn’t been amended since 1979. It mentions nothing about county jobs or county positions.
• Both Randy Kehr and Lois Ahern (who hired the unqualified Kehr being paid $22 per hour due to who she knows rather than interviewing anyone else for the position) are both on the Vitality Team, which can also apply for grants in which Ellen Kehr decides on.
• Ellen Kehr is the wife of the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Kehr is president of ALEDA and the Port Authority, which Dan Dorman proclaims that these two are not the same entity. There needs to be more transparency about these roles.
Tonya Lynch
Albert Lea
It didn't strike me as shocking that Randy Kehr would speak up for his unqualified wife because he is afterall, as indicated in another thread, doing his wife's work for her and she's getting the paycheck.
Randy Kehr- (comment section)
QUOTE
I thought that the community deserves a response to some of the issues raised here.
The Chamber does sponsor various forums for political races as a service to the community just as we sponsor the 3rd of July Parade, the 4th of July Fireworks, the 3rd Grade Farm Tours and the Farm Family of the Year. Community members who attended or watched the recent forum for the Sheriff’s candidates saw that I was seated in the middle of the candidates and far removed from the moderator. Every question from the audience was given to the moderator. The moderator (and all moderators over the years) have had the right to combine similar questions. For the last 10 years, however, the moderators have been told that they do not have to ask questions of a personal nature nor one that they deem offensive.
I do not know if this particular question was asked since I never saw them but I do know that we ran out of time with many questions going unasked.
The Chamber does sponsor various forums for political races as a service to the community just as we sponsor the 3rd of July Parade, the 4th of July Fireworks, the 3rd Grade Farm Tours and the Farm Family of the Year. Community members who attended or watched the recent forum for the Sheriff’s candidates saw that I was seated in the middle of the candidates and far removed from the moderator. Every question from the audience was given to the moderator. The moderator (and all moderators over the years) have had the right to combine similar questions. For the last 10 years, however, the moderators have been told that they do not have to ask questions of a personal nature nor one that they deem offensive.
I do not know if this particular question was asked since I never saw them but I do know that we ran out of time with many questions going unasked.QUOTE
I do serve on the Board of Directors of the National Vitality Center but neither Lois Ahern or Ellen are on that Board.
LIES!
[B]Vitality Team 2010
• AL School District – Chris Chalmers
• City of AL - Victoria Simonsen, Bob
Graham
• CVB – Susie Peterson
• Chamber of Commerce – Randy Kehr
• ALMC – Patti Hareid
• Freeborn County Public Health – Lois Ahern
QUOTE
As Lois leads Public Health in Freeborn County she often attends to offer her insight and Ellen attends as the SHIP representative. Neither of them have a vote. The Vitality Center posts a newsletter on its website and the community is encouraged to go there to see what’s happening with this important project. Just visit healthyfreeborncounty.org and click on the Vitality Center.
The organizations that Ellen and I belong to definitely share a common mission.(safe wording, I would call it "conflicts of interest")That mission is to work for a better quality of life for the citizens of Albert Lea and Freeborn County. I am proud to be part of trying to make this a better place to live and work.
The organizations that Ellen and I belong to definitely share a common mission.(safe wording, I would call it "conflicts of interest"
)That mission is to work for a better quality of life for the citizens of Albert Lea and Freeborn County. I am proud to be part of trying to make this a better place to live and work....and here I thought that Vern and Mike were running for Mayor
Still wondering WHY Randy Kehr is doing Ellen Kehr's work and she's getting paid almost $25/hr for 
Employer Initiative
Contact: Randy Kehr or Sue Axsmith
507-373-3938,
Tobacco Free Worksites
Contact: Alice Englin 507-377-5504, or
Randy Kehr 507-373-3938, alfccoc@albertlea.org
**I tried to comment right away to the comment section of the paper but apparently an administrator has to "grant" you priveleges before you can post**
...and here's another thing: people always talk about repercussions in their work place by using their name. Not only does the Trib now ask for names they also ask for your occupation in order for you to comment.
I can definitely see why their traffic would go so far down.Has anyone else noticed how many times Randy Kehr has commented since the get-go? I'm thinkin' maybe he was one of them that wanted this done and Shmeltzer obliged as this is his chamber "bud". I mean...afterall, why would I be surprised
as shown numerous times, it's Randy Kehr that sits on every board in this town, as leader.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Aug. 12 2010,8:44 am
The Chamber ex is not appointed by the Mayor! Lois Ahern is not a city employee and does not report to the Mayor! Shmeltzer may be on the Chamber Board, but the Mayor does not put him on that board! Patti Hareid does not report to the Mayor! Susie Peterson & Chris Chalmers are not going to be influenced by what the mayoral candidates think. Victoria is gone and Bob Graham isn't comanding enough to swing the group even if he could be influenced by what the candidates thought. So what is the point of hanging the candidate out on this point? Why don't you ask questions about thiings they can effect. City taxes, city services, and city staffing. Let the county stew in the SHIP mess where it belongs.
Posted by Robert Hoffman on Aug. 12 2010,8:53 am
(Alfy Packer @ Aug. 12 2010,8:44 am)
QUOTE
The Chamber ex is not appointed by the Mayor! Lois Ahern is not a city employee and does not report to the Mayor! Shmeltzer may be on the Chamber Board, but the Mayor does not put him on that board! Patti Hareid does not report to the Mayor! Susie Peterson & Chris Chalmers are not going to be influenced by what the mayoral candidates think. Victoria is gone and Bob Graham isn't comanding enough to swing the group even if he could be influenced by what the candidates thought. So what is the point of hanging the candidate out on this point? Why don't you ask questions about thiings they can effect. City taxes, city services, and city staffing. Let the county stew in the SHIP mess where it belongs.
Posted by bianca on Aug. 12 2010,10:48 am
QUOTE
The mayor has the responsibility of representing not only the people who elected them, but all citizens. Mayors also serve as a resource to the residents of their district, making sure they receive quality services and helping them to solve problems.
Whether working with a town council, city commission, board of commissioners or other city-level entities.
Alfy Packer- Apparently you are missing the whole point. Who said anything about any of those people being directed by the Mayor?
My problem, as is many many others, is that there are conflicts of interest ALL over the place. Let's not forget that Ellen Kehr sits on the City Council. Hmmmm.
The statute that was written needs to be changed, it was last written/ammended in 1979. Who do you think does that? How can there be a conflict of interest if there is NOTHING written about county jobs and city council and/or city jobs and the county commissioner?
I simply want an answer concerning those questions and as a mayoral candidate they should expect to answer questions such as these.
Who runs our city?
Robert Hoffman-
Aren't you also on some committee on the Chamber? Hmmmm...
Posted by Alfy Packer on Aug. 12 2010,11:29 am
So what do you want your next mayor to do. Perhaps he could bring some cheese to go along with all this wine.
Posted by Gamer on Aug. 12 2010,11:34 am
QUOTE
The statute that was written needs to be changed, it was last written/ammended in 1979. Who do you think does that? How can there be a conflict of interest if there is NOTHING written about county jobs and city council and/or city jobs and the county commissioner?
I may be a little behind, but what statute are you referring to? And if it is really a statute and not an ordinance, then the mayor/council can't change it, because it is set by the state legislature.
Please be patient with me, I've tried reading through the old posts, and I just can't seem to find what you're talking about.
Posted by Gamer on Aug. 12 2010,11:40 am
Also, not that I'm disagreeing with you about the conflict of interests. I'm just not sure what the mayor can do seeing as the SHIP position is a county position and Kehr is an elected official for the City.There is a way of getting her canned from the Council - it's called an ELECTION. Vote her out when her term is up! (I can't since I'm not in her ward, but I hope the people who are get rid of her).
Posted by bianca on Aug. 12 2010,11:41 am
QUOTE
Section 2.06. - Incompatible city offices.
An elected officer of the city may not (i) be appointed city manager; (ii) hold another city office or be employed by the city in any capacity for pay; or (iii) hold a city office or be employed by the city for a period of one year after expiration of the officer's term of office.
An elected officer of the city may not (i) be appointed city manager; (ii) hold another city office or be employed by the city in any capacity for pay; or (iii) hold a city office or be employed by the city for a period of one year after expiration of the officer's term of office.
It's actually an ordinance
I stand corrected, not a statute and therefore can be ammended and/or changed through none other than the city council and mayor.QUOTE
Section 3.10. - Amendment and repeal of ordinances and resolutions.
An ordinance or resolution repealing (i) a prior ordinance or resolution, or (ii) a section, subdivision or separately identified clause thereof must state the number or, if no number has been assigned, the title of the ordinance or resolution to be repealed in whole or in part. An ordinance or resolution, or a section, subdivision or clause thereof, may not be amended by reference to the title only. The amending ordinance or resolution must set forth in full each section, subdivision or clause to be amended and indicate new matter by underscoring matter to be omitted by striking out or by other appropriate symbols.
An ordinance or resolution repealing (i) a prior ordinance or resolution, or (ii) a section, subdivision or separately identified clause thereof must state the number or, if no number has been assigned, the title of the ordinance or resolution to be repealed in whole or in part. An ordinance or resolution, or a section, subdivision or clause thereof, may not be amended by reference to the title only. The amending ordinance or resolution must set forth in full each section, subdivision or clause to be amended and indicate new matter by underscoring matter to be omitted by striking out or by other appropriate symbols.
QUOTE
Section 3.08. - Signing and publication of ordinances and resolutions.
Ordinances and resolutions must be signed by the mayor or two council members, attested by the clerk and filed and preserved by the clerk. An ordinance must be published once in the official newspaper. A summary of an ordinance may be published in the manner provided by law. Resolutions must be signed by the mayor or two council members, attested by the clerk and filed and preserved by the clerk. Resolutions need not be published.
Ordinances and resolutions must be signed by the mayor or two council members, attested by the clerk and filed and preserved by the clerk. An ordinance must be published once in the official newspaper. A summary of an ordinance may be published in the manner provided by law. Resolutions must be signed by the mayor or two council members, attested by the clerk and filed and preserved by the clerk. Resolutions need not be published.
The mayor does/can have a role in this change and this should IMO change to include the county. That's what I want from our mayor and/or the council.
Posted by Robert Hoffman on Aug. 12 2010,11:51 am
(bianca @ Aug. 12 2010,10:48 am)
QUOTE
Who runs our city?
Robert Hoffman
Robert Hoffman
...sorry-had to! (a lil' out of context but was funny!)I am very proud to have been a Chamber Ambassador since 2005 and a Planning Commissioner for two terms now. Each can be time consuming and are strictly volunteer.
In the last few years I was also a graduate of the first LEADERSHIP program, the Citizens Ploice Academy and recently graduated from NIACC's Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers FAST TRAC Program for business start ups.
...how do you give back to your community-where do you volunteer your time-what professional and civic classes are you taking?
PS I work a full time Property Management job managing 65 rental units and own my own Inspections Company and have still found time to be on strong volunteer boards and continue to take professional and civic classes so don't tell me your paper route takes up too much of your time. (Just givin ya sxxt Tonya.
)You're good at making noise-you've just got to work on getting people to want to listen to ya.
Take care B.
-Hoffer
Posted by bianca on Aug. 12 2010,12:07 pm
Excellent response "hoffer" This isn't supposed to be a "personal" attack on anyone. But I'm glad you could site your credentials for any employer looking Just toyin' with you.You didn't leave a response so I simply asked the question of whether or not you were part of the Chamber which IMO could lead you to a biased opinion. I wasn't expecting your resume
but I'm glad you are proud of it as I am of mine. Let me assure you that I probably have more civics education than you assume, and have served on the Governors council, but this is irrelevant to the discussion.Don't forget these are just MY opinions, feel free to have your own.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Aug. 12 2010,1:06 pm
So lets have the mayor throw Mrs Kehr off the city council due to conflicts of interest you claim to exist because she was given a job that pays $20/hr. Woman I don't think your way of correcting a problems is at all equitable. I further do not see that pressuring every unrelated Tom, Dick & Harry does anything other than ginning up unrelated elections with irrelevant issues.
Posted by bianca on Aug. 12 2010,1:52 pm
Man you just don't get it. Vote for Vern if that's what will make you feel better.With your kind of reasoning it's no wonder things never progress in this city. Is that small enough words for you, Man?
One more time...the mayor or two city council members CAN change the ordinance (Remember now that we are speaking about mayoral questions and answers 
)Man, you are the one who seems to have a hard time following along. I'm sure glad you said you hadn't decided on who you were voting for.
...and by the way, the public was told she would be paid $22.00/hr but when tallied up she's actually making $24.75/hr. But who cares, right? Afterall it's not taxpayers money or anything
Posted by Alfy Packer on Aug. 12 2010,4:25 pm
O'
Posted by OEF_Soldier on Aug. 12 2010,5:08 pm
I'll break this down into my own knuckledraggin terms Alfy so you'll be able to see the heart of what Bianca is trying to say in her highfalutin language. 
What's bein said is that if we had people in the elected positions who had the nuts to stand up to pi$$ants like Randy Kehr and others of his ilk we'd not have the conflicts of interest that we do. We'd not have the County going the back door route and using Express or any other temp agency to get their buddies hired on for positions that, in the future, will become permanent. Basically what's bein said is we need a Mayor and council as well as a County Commission board that can tell f#cktards like Rand Kehr to F off when it matters.
Ok nuff said time for me to go back to my cave draggin my woman by the hair behind me
Posted by alcitizens on Aug. 12 2010,6:55 pm
(OEF_Soldier @ Aug. 12 2010,5:08 pm)
QUOTE
I'll break this down into my own knuckledraggin terms Alfy so you'll be able to see the heart of what Bianca is trying to say in her highfalutin language.
What's bein said is that if we had people in the elected positions who had the nuts to stand up to pi$$ants like Randy Kehr and others of his ilk we'd not have the conflicts of interest that we do. We'd not have the County going the back door route and using Express or any other temp agency to get their buddies hired on for positions that, in the future, will become permanent. Basically what's bein said is we need a Mayor and council as well as a County Commission board that can tell f#cktards like Rand Kehr to F off when it matters.
Ok nuff said time for me to go back to my cave draggin my woman by the hair behind me
What's bein said is that if we had people in the elected positions who had the nuts to stand up to pi$$ants like Randy Kehr and others of his ilk we'd not have the conflicts of interest that we do. We'd not have the County going the back door route and using Express or any other temp agency to get their buddies hired on for positions that, in the future, will become permanent. Basically what's bein said is we need a Mayor and council as well as a County Commission board that can tell f#cktards like Rand Kehr to F off when it matters.
Ok nuff said time for me to go back to my cave draggin my woman by the hair behind me
You have a special way with words..
Posted by Alfy Packer on Aug. 13 2010,8:17 am
Lets see if I got it right. Randy Kehr is influential, assertive, and ubiquitous. His wife, an Albert Lea councilwoman, and Express Personnel employee working for the county and earning $22.00/hr, got this job when no others could apply. Upset county citizens were unable to get Mrs Kehr put out of this job and to have the job opened to applicants interested and feeling confident they were more qualified. Now some of the upset individuals want Mayoral candidates to pledge to stand up to pi$$ants like the Kehr's. Furthermore Bianca feels that Vern is a "Good Old Boy", likes pi$$ants and would lead the council into drinking the Cool Aid offered up by both Mr. & Mrs Kehr, thus rotting our brains and making us all susceptible to actions which would further victimize all of us.Do I understand it now?
Posted by bianca on Aug. 13 2010,8:48 am
By George son, I think you have it. 
Well... some of it anyways. QUOTE
Mayoral candidates to pledge to stand up to pi$$ants like the Kehr's. Furthermore Bianca feels that Vern is a "Good Old Boy", likes pi$$ants and would lead the council into drinking the Cool Aid offered up by both Mr. & Mrs Kehr,
Not quite sure where the "Cool-Aid" fits in but the rest of this quote is EXACTLY right 
Posted by bianca on Aug. 13 2010,9:15 am
One more time...the mayor or two city council members CAN change the ordinance. Will they? Why in this town are citizens ok with thinking: "oh, ok...well they'll change that the next time because they SAID it won't happen again." It shouldn't continue to go on until another COI happens, their job is to stand up for citizens now and not pass it on because it might cause some "extra work" for them.
They need to take care of the crap now rather than later. It's their job that they were elected and signed on to do. They CHOSE to stand up for us, how are they going to do it? QUOTE
A conflict of interest (COI) occurs when an individual or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation for an act in the other.
A conflict of interest can only exist if a person or testimony is entrusted with some impartiality; a modicum of trust is necessary to create it. The presence of a conflict of interest is independent from the execution of impropriety. Therefore, a conflict of interest can be discovered and voluntarily defused before any corruption occurs.
A conflict of interest can only exist if a person or testimony is entrusted with some impartiality; a modicum of trust is necessary to create it. The presence of a conflict of interest is independent from the execution of impropriety. Therefore, a conflict of interest can be discovered and voluntarily defused before any corruption occurs.
QUOTE
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Refers to a situation when someone, such as a lawyer or public official, has competing professional or personal obligations or personal or financial interests that would make it difficult to fulfill his duties fairly.
Refers to a situation when someone, such as a lawyer or public official, has competing professional or personal obligations or personal or financial interests that would make it difficult to fulfill his duties fairly.
Posted by alcitizens on Aug. 13 2010,10:27 am
Randy Kehr said "That mission is to work for a better quality of life for the citizens of Albert Lea and Freeborn County." 
The only people being allowed the opportunity of a better quality of life is Randy & Ellen Kehr. These people are nothing more than shady sleezers that make profits from non-profit organizations on the backs of taxpayers and local businesses.
How Commissioners Linda Tuttle, Mathiason and Nelson could even think that not opening a Government Funded Job to the public was OK, it just slaps every single taxpayer in the face..
The City should review conflicts of interest among elected officials. Ellen Kehr is suppose to be there to serve the community in which she was elected, not serve herself first and then leave the crumbs for the rest.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Aug. 13 2010,5:16 pm
I've been gone on and off for a few weeks, and just got around to reading through some of this stuff. I haven't found the linkage but there are reference between the SHIP program and the Freeborn Co. Chamber. Will somebody please spell out what roll the Chamber has with the SHIP program. Is SHIP paying the Chamber for services? Is the Chamber involved in directing some of the SHIP program? Or are we just upset and believing the worst because Ellen & Randy Kehr are husband and wife?I have no history with either Ellen or Randy, other than I thought that Randy had been doing what appears a pretty good job as Chamber Director. In fact from all the directors I have seen in that job, I would rate him the best person we have had in that job going all the way back to the mid 1970s. As far as Ellen goes, I know that her family business was sold to 4 Seasons, she went with the sale but didn't get along with the new owner and left. I also know that she ran for election and won a seat on the City Counsel. Then sometime early this year I read of her appointment as the SHIP Director.
Now I am detecting the implication of foul play on the part of the Kehr's that wasn't there before Ellen's appointment. I can understand being upset with the process, but taking out on both of the Kehr's seems like sour grapes. If somebody has more to say, I am open to listening, otherwise it is time to direct your attention on the process, the process, the process, the process...
Posted by Montyman on Aug. 13 2010,5:27 pm
WOW!Good post Alfy!
I liked the part about sour grapes, especially.
M