Topic: RON GABRIELSON
started by: MADDOG
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 20 2003,4:48 pm
Might as well kick this one off. For those of you that didn't have the opportunity to attend yesterdays board meeting, this was my attempt to invoke #19:Due to the increasingly unprofessional behavior of our appointed county administrator. Based on his personal attacks on citizens and members of public committees. On his publicly lying to the local news media, his attempt to silence a commissioner; his misleading of our county commissioners to defend the indefensible in the lawsuit against our county. The threatening behavior against citizens, committee members, and a county commissioner, and most recently, his assault against one of his employers; I publicly request for the immediate dismissal of Ron Gabrielson from his position.
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 20 2003,5:52 pm
Maddog--I caught part of the KATE news this morning. Gabrielson LIKES you! He said so himself--"I like the way he speaks his mind!"Of course, you can't trust a word the man says. He also said "It's good to get this out, to talk about these things." [B][I]THIS FROM THE LEADER OF THE BUNCH THAT CAME UP WITH RULE 19, THAT SILENCED BOK, WHOSE CHAIRMAN TWICE TRIED TO SILENCE SOMEONE WHO WAS GOING TO TRY TO SPEAK ONLY A FEW MINUTES BEFORE, AND WHO PERSONNALLY UNPLUGGED BELSHAN'S MICROPHONE AND SMASHED HIS TAPE RECORDER! FREE SPEECH, INDEED!
Of course, there was the comment about "I'm a level-headed guy"--THIS COMING FROM THE GUY THAT HAS BEEN CAUGHT ON VIDEO TAPE BERATING TRUMAN THROND WITH PROFANITIES, THE SUBJECT OF KAAL'S TAPE "GABRIELSON LOSES IT", OUTBURSTS THREATENING TO CLOSE COUNTY MEETINGS TO THE PUBLIC, THREATENING THE FAIRNESS COMMITTEE WITH FINANCIAL RUIN, UNPLUGGING BELSHAN'S MICROPHONE, AND THE INFAMOUS TAPE RECORDER SMASHING INCIDENT! MAYBE THESE SHOULD ALL BE GATHERED TOGETHER UNDER "GABRIELSON'S GREATEST "HITS"!
Posted by LisaMarie on Aug. 21 2003,8:50 am
I can't believe they didn't do ANYTHING to him!! Not even a slap on the wrist, more like a pat on the butt! What the hell is wrong with our commissioners!!!! Ooooh, that just ticks me off to no end!(edited for swear words - sorry 'bout that!)
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 21 2003,9:46 am
Lisa Marie--they didn't do anything to him PUBLICLY--but "meeting the expectations of the job" is hardly a ringing endorsement. News reports said the board "reached a consensus"--and identified Belshan as being dissatisfied with his performance. "Identified strengths, weaknesses, and areas that NEED IMPROVEMENT"--read between the lines on that one. I have heard they met for an hour to an hour and a half--there must be SOMETHING contentious there.If I was going to guess, I would guess that they discussed his behavior, warned him about further outbursts, talked about the mess he led them into, and decided to present a united front--YOU KNOW, THE STANDARD SPIN!
Posted by hoosier on Aug. 21 2003,9:53 am
Jim, you forgot to mention that level headed guy suggested selling the county parks and the fairgrounds also, real level headed. More like head up his butt. 
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 21 2003,10:42 am
HEY, GUYS! WE CAN'T PLAY HERE ALL BY OURSELVES--WE'VE GOT TO SEND THIS TO OUR "BUDDIES"!How about sending a link to our new website to Dylan?
How about sending it to Gabrielson, and each of the County Commissioners that (don't read the web)?
How about Boone Newspapers, so they can hear what people think of the Tribune?
Posted by hoosier on Aug. 21 2003,11:11 am
Jim, I sent one to Belden and Christine Moser. Your right, wouldnt be any fun unless some of them could read this.
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 21 2003,11:20 am
I sent a letter to the Management, Boone Newspapers. Letter is posted in Opinion.
Posted by KODIAK on Aug. 21 2003,1:01 pm
Talk about your spin doctors....bet that the board has Gabrielson talking this nice, "appreciating" all of these outside comments, ......cus they are a little aprehensive about how they will be viewed by the scores of newly interested parties as this scenario breaks beyone county borders. They have certainly seen too many episodes of West Wing, and think revising history is acceptable. Thats why it is laughable that Dylans' "...once a decision is made..." comment deserves scrutiny. O.J. really must have been "not guilty", so lets forget about it and move on....
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 21 2003,2:11 pm
I wanted to be sure the County Commissioners (you know, the guys that don't READ the web) and Mr. Gabrielson knew where to find us when they want to play. I called the County Administrator's office, asked for the telephone numbers where you can call and leave a recorded message for your commissioner--WAS TOLD THAT THEY GAVE THOSE NUMBERS AND TELEPHONE LINES TO THE NEW WATERSHED DISTRICT!Insult to injury--the "malcontents" (hey, if we can be labeled as such, so can they!) at the Watershed Board bitch that the County isn't doing enough (in their opinion) to "clean up the lakes" (a task yet to even be defined), so they applied to BWSR to let them have their own government offices, complete with TAXING AUTHORITY--then come back to the County for office space, office equipment, seed money, and even telephone lines. Talk about incompetent!
I asked for the E-mail address. The one they gave me is
tellus@co.freeborn.mn.us
I'm going to go over there right now and let them know where to find us--I wouldn't want them to think we've FORGOTTEN THEM!
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 21 2003,2:39 pm
Message sent to Freeborn County, for distribution to Commissioners and Administrator.Now that the Tribune has shut down the Forum board due to the comments about Freeborn County government, I wanted you to know where to find out what people are saying about you.
Most of the "obsessed minority" and other common rabble went over to the Austin Forum, where over half the people posting were refugees from Albert Lea. Within 2 hours, a decision had been made to start a new private forum, and less than an hour later, it was up and running. The new Forum address is:
< http://www.albertlea.com/cgi-bin....rd.cgi? >
Now, I know that each of you has said that you don't read the Forum's in the County. Right. Please bookmark it on your Favorite's list, I'm sure you will want to consult it often. Of course, you are welcome to join, either under your own names or a pseudonym (that's a false name or pen name, for those that may not have finished 4th grade). We will look forward to your participation--WE MIGHT ALL LEARN SOMETHING!
The Loyal Opposition
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 21 2003,4:39 pm
Here's a letter to the editor for those that don't subscribe to the "fishwrap"THEY'RE OUT TO GET HIM
"The Albert Lea Tribune has reported that our county administrator, Ron Gabrielson, has lost his composure a couple of times recently. While I cannot condone this, I can certainly understand it. Quite frankly, I'm afraid I would have "lost" it more often than he has and other commissioners have volunteered to me that they would probably have lost control under the circumstances as well. They don't condone it, but understand also.
What is going on here? A certain group of our citizens want Ron driven from office because they cannot forgive him for being the driving force behind the new courthouse. He understood that we needed a new jail and a new courthouse. If we didn't act quickly, the state would have forced us to act. He also understood that matters such as this are virtually never put to a public referendum. The natural tendency of the voter would be to deny the funds necessary to meet state requirements and the safety needs of the Freeborn County public. To add injury to insult, he didn't try very hard to save the '54 building. This further added fuel to the fire. Whereas this ugly monstrosity has proven to be an eyesore, inefficient to operate, costly to renovate, and an insult to our historic courthouse, many people will not "forgive" him for this.
Ron has studied these issues in great detail. He has given the commissioners his best advise and they have taken the difficult decisions. I might add that each commissioner has also studied each if these issues and formed their own opinion. They don't always agree of everything but most are willing to bow to the will of the majority and move on.
Unfortunately, there is a group in our community that is relentless and simply refuse to move on with them. They harass the commissioners at county board meetings. They constantly revisit decisions already taken. They try to make major issues of insignificant details at meetings. For those of the county board, they are suffering Chinese water torture. They are being nibbled to death by ducks. They are starting to show strain. This is exactly what this group wants and it is hurting our entire community.
From my experience in watching county board meetings and direct dealings with Ron, I am proud to have him of board. He is direct and will always tell you what he thinks. If he gives you his word, you can take it to the bank. He is committed to his job, does it well, and always gives his best and most honest advise to employees and the commissioners. He never tries to undermine the commissioner's authority and always supports their decisions both publicly and privately. What more could we ask? Give him and the commissioners a break. They are doing the best job they can and work very hard on your behalf."
And the author is: drum roll
our own Mr. Tony Trow
[B][/B]
Posted by KODIAK on Aug. 21 2003,4:48 pm
What in the Wild world of Sports does he mean, "...things like this are virtually never put in a public referendum..."? Huh? Maybe in Never Never Land.....
Posted by Navin on Aug. 21 2003,4:54 pm
Would you expect anything different from a wannabe politician that has never won a political race?Anyone recall the last time they saw Tony at a county commissioner meeting?
Posted by KODIAK on Aug. 21 2003,5:03 pm
You can't make this stuff up. I have canceled my subscriptions to Sports Illustrated, Golf Digest and Victoria's Secret cus I don't have time anymore. This is hilarious.
Posted by hoosier on Aug. 21 2003,5:32 pm
Trow is a total idiot. They dont always agree, but most are willing to bow to the majority and move on.
Are you kidding me? Thats the whole problem. I am very glad to see that we are causing strain among the four commissioners and Gabrialson. And a word for Tony the idiot Trow, dont even think about running for office of any kind, because I promise you, you would be feeling the strain also.
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 21 2003,5:40 pm
OUT TO GET HIM! It MUST be true, because Tony Trow and David Rask Behling SAY it's true! Having these guys "endorse" Gabrielson is like some of the other "Greatest Lies" in History:"The DEVIL made me do it!--comedian Flip Wilson ("Geraldine")
"I did NOT have sex with that woman, not once, not EVER!"--Bill Clinton
"Now, you vill all take a nice shower"--as people were led to the gas chambers in Germany.
"I am not a crook"--Richard Nixon
"It must have been someone ELSE that killed her"--OJ
"Build it, and they will come"--field of dreams, and albert lea liberals ("and raise taxes while you're at it, THAT'll draw 'em!)
"Buddist Temple? I thought it was a community outreach program"--Al Gore
"All I want is the Sudetanland"--adolf hitler
"Greater Southeast Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere"--tojo
"I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you"--every government worker.
"Work will make you free"--sign on the gates to Auschwitz
"Drilling will spoil the mountains and forests of ANWR--sierra club
"We are winning the hearts and minds of the people"--Gen. Westmoreland
"You can charge every car that goes across this bridge a toll--you'll be RICH!"--brooklyn bridge salesman
"Let's do it for the Children"--liberal mantra--repeat every time the vote isn't going that way.
"I have no recollection of that"--repeated over 100 times by Hillary during questioning
"Just sign this treaty, Chief, and you can stay on the land as long as the wind blows and the rivers flow"--U.S. Government
I'LL BET WE CAN COME UP WITH A BUNCH OF SIMILAR "LIES AND ENDORSEMENTS!" LET'S HAVE SOME FUN WITH THIS!
Ladies--you can participate in this one, but you get your OWN catagory--i.e. of COURSE I'll respect you in the morning--call you--etc!
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 21 2003,5:52 pm
When Trow states "He never tries to undermine the commisioners authority". Get real. Jim, how many times do you suppose HE HAD TO CALL BELDEN ON THE PHONE TO ASK HIM WHY THE TRIBUNE WOULDN'T PRINT HIS LETTER? It's nice to know the merry bunch is wearing down, and suffering from Chinese torture. Hey, you merry bunch, drip, drip, drip! 
Posted by Ole1kanobe on Aug. 21 2003,6:02 pm
And let's not forget the border-line racial column that Trow wrote for the paper earlier in the year about getting the hog plant in AL.So basically, that is the type of person that is 'endorsing Tony Trow.
What is the old saying..... birds of a feather flock together, or something along those lines?
Posted by Mamma on Aug. 21 2003,6:28 pm
How about:"I'M ON THE PILL....HONEST"
" I'M A SIZE SIX"
" I HAVE A HEADACHE"
" I'M 29"
"I'LL DO IT LATER"
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 21 2003,6:41 pm
| Quote |
| A certain group of our citizens want Ron driven from office because they cannot forgive him for being the driving force behind the new courthouse. |
| Quote |
| If we didn't act quickly, the state would have forced us to act. |
| Quote |
| He also understood that matters such as this are virtually never put to a public referendum. The natural tendency of the voter would be to deny the funds necessary to meet state requirements and the safety needs of the Freeborn County public. |
| Quote |
| They harass the commissioners at county board meetings. |
| Quote |
| (of Gabrielson) He is direct and will always tell you what he thinks. |
| Quote |
| (of Gabrielson)always gives his best and most honest advise to employees and the commissioners. |
| Quote |
| He never tries to undermine the commissioner's authority and always supports their decisions both publicly and privately. |
Spent $3000 or more for an attorney decision on Roberts Rules of Order on 6 questions--ALL concerning Mr. Belshan (the attorney sided with Belshan on 5 of them, the last one was a draw).
"Ghost written" a letter from the Collaborative Board, told to me by the Chairman--in an attempt to remove Belshan after he had exposed waste and wrongdoing in the Collaborative.
Adopted a combative attitude towards Mr. Belshan, as exhibited during nearly every County Board meeting, and the last blowup in front of reporters. Apparently, Mr. Belshan is excluded from receiving the wisdom of Gabrielsons advice.
"Supported publicly and in private"? As in private, illegal meetings of 3 or more Commissioners, always excluding Belshan?
Mr. Trow has chosen to defend the indefensible, overlooking the preponderence of evidence that shows Gabrielson to be a manipulative, controlling, combative little man with a Napoleon Complex!
Posted by hoosier on Aug. 21 2003,7:47 pm
Nice one Mamma. Trow is what I would consider a political insider. His strongest quality is that he is the worlds biggest and best butt kisser. Its the only reason the politicians like having him around, he kisses their ass. Doesnt say a whole lot for the politicians that allow it, but hey, we all already know what kind of politicians we have. One more thing, Its ok if Trow tries to get rid of Paul Sparks and the city charter, but he gets on us for getting involved? I take that back, his strongest quality is.............sorry, couldnt come up with anything but world class ass kisser.
Posted by GEOKARJO on Aug. 21 2003,8:21 pm
Yes, Dear I was Listening to youAnd yes dear I only stopped for a couple,
(yelling at the bar as the phone rings) I'M NOT HERE
Posted by Navin on Aug. 22 2003,10:00 am
| Quote |
Freeborn County Administrator Ron Gabrielsen apologized Wednesday to the county commissioners for an instance in which he lost his temper, shouted at commissioner Dan Belshan and slammed Belshan's tape recorder on a table, breaking it. He also apologized specifically to Belshan, who accepted. Gabrielsen also gave Belshan a personal check reimbursing Belshan for the $30 recorder. Gabrielsen said he felt it was appropriate to apologize at a budget workshop because the instance occurred at a previous budget workshop. Albert Lea Tribune Staff Reports |
That's quite the informative story... all 75 words of it. You would think an issue this size would deserve a little more in depth reporting.
Posted by Ole1kanobe on Aug. 22 2003,12:57 pm
One would think...
Posted by KODIAK on Aug. 22 2003,1:07 pm
Gabrielson and the board are as transparent in what they are doing as Casper the ghost. This is public relations 101 folks, and the folks will eat it up. Stay tuned for the "see, they aren't such bad guys..." offerings coming up on the society page and these forums...........
Posted by rosebudinal on Aug. 22 2003,5:45 pm
HMMMMMMMMMMMMM. Ron Gabrielson apologizes to Dan Belshan, and it actually was the headline. Think he felt alittle pressure? From the community? The Board? I hope he felt it hard from both..............
Posted by minnow on Aug. 22 2003,5:50 pm
Being Gabe means never having to really mean you're sorry. 
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 22 2003,6:21 pm
Minnow, would like this, but at last county meeting, Gabe must have been heavily sedated. He sat there like a little angel, course he has been doing that since the MCLU. Believe me, he took a lot more heat last Tuesday, than I've seen. A month ago, he was poked and prodded good when he got the book. His face was red like a beet, with the veins popping in his head. Last Tuesday, he took it right in the shorts, and he just gazed at the public.
Posted by minnow on Aug. 22 2003,7:06 pm
It sort of bothers me that Gabe will be walking around a brand new $30 million dollar complex and get a spanking new office too boot, while at the same time, hundreds of applicants wait 6 hours to interview at Walmart in hopes of $6-8 work.The message to the children----> Lies, greed, selfishness, bullying and dishonesty get one ahead in life.
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 22 2003,7:24 pm
MINNOW--can't you see the WISDOM of Gabrielson's vision? RICH people don't need many government services. POOR people are dependent on government services. The more POOR people, the more government SERVICES are needed, the more government EMPLOYEES are needed, the more POWER the Commissioners have, and the more people are needed in the ADMINISTRATORS office! Fill the town with POOR people, or TAX THEM until they ARE poor, and we'll fill up BOTH the jail AND the COURTHOUSE! 
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 27 2003,5:57 pm
Yes, and the people that fill up the jail are probably people who had to steal to be able to pay their taxes on the courthouse
Posted by MADDOG on Mar. 02 2004,2:31 pm
After the county board meeting today, Mr. Gabrielsen gave an interview to KAAL. He was over heard telling the news staff how if the plaintiffs had just come to the board to discuss their differences, it would have saved the county thousands of dollars. Roger Bok and myself reentered the meeting room where the interview was being conducted to hear the rest of his lies. When we entered the room, Gabrielsen shut up. He then told Roger that this wasn't a public meeting and he didn't want us there disrupting his interview. Up to this point we hadn't said anything. Then Roger rebuttaled that this is a public biulding and that he wanted to hear what was being said in the interview.
To make a long story short, Gabe stood up all red faced and pointed at Roger and said,"Now you're going to ruin this meeting, just like you ruin the rest," pointing to the rostrum. Then followed that with "Ya BAFFOON!"
Gabe explodes again. Nice to see we're still getting to you, Gabe.
By the way, we warned them you weren't telling the whole truth and that TV6 can check archives of the Tribune and past commissioner minutes to back up the plaintiffs.
Posted by MrTarzan on Mar. 02 2004,10:39 pm
Too much hair of the dog makes you cranky. Refer him to fountain center.
Posted by collector on Mar. 06 2004,6:30 pm
Always a treat to see people knocking Ron. I have met him and he seems to have the county in good shape. Is it because his views are different than those that post in here?
Posted by Liberal on Mar. 06 2004,6:53 pm
| Quote |
Is it because his views are different than those that post in here? |
I've rarely heard him express his view on anything.(except airport expansion) I think people don't like him because of his personality and because he's a liar.
Posted by jimhanson on Mar. 06 2004,7:38 pm
| Quote |
| Always a treat to see people knocking Ron. I have met him and he seems to have the county in good shape. Is it because his views are different than those that post in here? |
No need to hold any of those pesky and expensive referendums on the Courthouse--RON will decide for you, and DENY you the right to vote.
No need to worry about who might speak their mind at a County Board meeting, RON will decide who can and can't speak, and about which subjects.
No need to debate an issue, RON will have the issue pre-decided by the rubber-stamp Commissars--Commissioners--right down to who will introduce it, who will second it, and close debate.
No need to have meetings at night, when the proletariat might actully attend with those burning torches, RON will see that they are scheduled during the day.
No need to actually have Commissioners IN ATTENDANCE at Board meetings, RON will let Commissioners PHONE IN THEIR VOTE FROM PHOENIX!
No need to have accurate minutes of the County Board meetings (the only minutes that might be referred to over the years), RON will have "abbreviated minutes"--that even when inaccuracies are noted, are shrugged off with "we got the gist of it". No need to follow the rules in PUBLISHING the minutes, as required by law--RON will get them published--SEVERAL MONTHS LATE.
No need to vote on changes to the Courthouse at County Board meetings--RON will unilaterally take the money from the contingency fund (seen an accounting for that fund?)
No need to worry why millions of dollars were SQUANDERED on extra interest for LEASE-REVENUE BONDS, the fact that the entire amount of money for the courthouse had to be borrowed from day 1, and the fact that LEASE-REVENUE bonds can't be re-negotiated (like your home loan)--RON was looking out for your best interests by using this tactic to assure that the Courthouse referendum would never come up--because according to RON, "it wouldn't pass!"
Don't worry about the law prohibiting illegal meetings (3 or more elected officials). RON will meet them 2 at a time at Philly's for "thoughtful discussion". The fifth commissioner? He won't be invited, we'll just vote it down 4-1 or 3-2.
No need to put up with that pesky 5th Commissioner. RON will write a letter for the Collaborative Board Chairman to ask that he be replaced. RON will unplug his microphone "accidently" during the meeting. RON will smash the Commissioners tape recorder--then blame the Commissioner for "provoking" him ("the devil made me do it" defense).
Yep, RON is just like Mussolini--"he makes things run on time"--but at WHAT COST? How is RON different than Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Miloslevich, Cousesceau, Hussein, or any other Dictator?
He doesn't have the power to put people to death--just ban them for life!
Posted by cwolff on Mar. 07 2004,9:39 am
Ron Gabrielson (Gabby) is self disstructive!
Posted by collector on Mar. 07 2004,9:49 am
Many of the items listed have happened with previous administrators and commissioners as well. He isn't the first at this. He is acting on things or there wouldn't be so much discussion. Amazing all leaders around here are guilty of these things when reading the boards here. Is it that the mayor, the adminstrator, the CVB head, the Chamber, the City Engineer, County Engineer, city council, lake improvement watershed board, and all other bodies in authority are doing what they want? I doubt it. Make a change in leadership by voting commissioners out, councilors out, mayor out, etc. It is going to change folks.
Posted by cwolff on Mar. 07 2004,10:58 am
Collector, this post is not about any other person other than Ronny, and do not forget that you are the one that said, "I have met him and he seems to have the county in good shape." Your statement is not reality! Don't change your focus now on other officials. We are talking about Ronny!
Posted by Montyman on Mar. 07 2004,11:42 am
cwolff:are you from around here?
do you live here?
you keep talking about heron lake...
what's the deal?
Posted by collector on Mar. 07 2004,7:12 pm
Read the entire thread. Is this only about Ron? I see Belshans name, Trows name, Beldens name, the word commissioners used. Out of all the elected, appointed or hired officials in the county or any other govt. entity, how many do most of the people that post here have anything good to say about them or their job? Including Ron. Someone comes in here and posts something halfway positive about subjects that you all whine about for the last 2 years incessantly and will never lay down and you don't like it. If the posts aren't about how self destructive Ron is and what a saint Belshan is and how terrible the other commissioners are or anything on Paul Sparks the only thing you post on is rumor and innuendo. Not just 2 or 3 posts on rumors but pages of posts like a bunch of busybodies. I have said many times in the last 6 months how tiring it gets to hear Minnow who complains about everything and everyone and how they are wasting his tax money, yet he doesn't live in Freeborn County? Has he ever answered anything like that? He skirts the issue. Believe it or not, I actually agree with Minnow on some things. At times he is right on the mark, but much of his posts are as negative as everyones in here. Find something good to say once in a while and lets see how active everyone is.
Posted by iowegian on Mar. 07 2004,7:51 pm
| Quote (collector @ Mar. 07 2004,7:12:pm) |
| Find something good to say once in a while and lets see how active everyone is. |
I'll say it's good to own a home in Northwood vs Albert Lea.
How's that for a positive attitude.
Please educate us ! Show those negative posters where they are wrong !
Keep giving your side, keep posting and ,its good to see both sides of a debate.
collector:Do you know Jean Eaton the mayor of Albert Lea?
You seem to have the same views on many things.
Posted by Liberal on Mar. 07 2004,8:07 pm
I don't know why you'd be bragging about living in Northwood most people around here wouldn't live there if you gave them $5K. B.T.W. How's that "we'll pay you $5k to move here" program working out for you guys? I guess at this point you will do about anything to stop that gene pool from getting any shallower even if it means paying people to move there.
Posted by MrTarzan on Mar. 07 2004,9:22 pm
Are they really paying people $5,000 to live there? That sounds like an urban myth.
Posted by jimhanson on Mar. 08 2004,11:24 am
| Quote |
| Out of all the elected, appointed or hired officials in the county or any other govt. entity, how many do most of the people that post here have anything good to say about them or their job? Including Ron. |
I gave you a list of Ron's transgressions--just which one's do you see as invalid--items that should not be discussed, or for which he should not be held accountable?
I agree with you, the general public doesn't often have POSITIVE things to say about their elected or appointed officials--perhaps because they EXPECT them to do the job they were hired to do.
| Quote |
| If the posts aren't about how self destructive Ron is and what a saint Belshan is and how terrible the other commissioners are or anything on Paul Sparks the only thing you post on is rumor and innuendo. |
Think about it--even the COMEDIANS make light of and bring attention to the mistakes of others. (it has been said that "the basis of all humor is the misfortune of others!")
There's nothing wrong with being critical--it's the only way change occurs. Not acknowledging these problems is how we got in this position!
Posted by MrTarzan on Mar. 08 2004,4:01 pm
I would rather have a negative light looking in on the government then no light at all. Left to their own mischief, they begin to think they are Lords and Ladys and we are their serfs. Keep up the chatter, good and bad, it should not scare the politicians unless they really are being naughty 
Posted by sick of it on Mar. 08 2004,4:26 pm
maybe if people that are elected did their jobs per their employers wishes; which is each of us, there might not be so much bassshing of idiots in this cuonty.
Posted by minnow fan on Mar. 08 2004,6:16 pm
| Quote (iowegian @ Mar. 07 2004,7:51:pm) |
| I'll say it's good to own a home in Northwood vs Albert Lea. How's that for a positive attitude. |
I wouldn't be too thrilled to own a home in either city.
Seriously, what does Northwood have to brag about?
Worth county is losing people just about as bad as Freeborn county is.
Population 2000-2002
Worth county IA 7912 to 7766, decrease of 1.85%
Northwood city IA 2051 to 2013, decrease of 1.86%
Even your big regional center, Mason City is struggling
Cerro Gordo county IA 46,329 to 45,339, decrease of 2.14%
Mason City city IA 29,098 to 28,464, decrease of 2.18%
Oh well, at least you have more common sense down there, keep hanging your head on that.
Posted by collector on Mar. 09 2004,3:06 pm
Glad to see some more discussion here. As for Ron, I don't necessarily agree with all the things he has done. I do think he is trying. It is still the good ole boy network and reverting back to how things were done before. The sad reality is these types of things were done by previous administration people and will always be done. In the past, they were done farther apart. Ron attacks all these things in a short period of time. Did we need a new courthouse? I don't know. Was he perfectly legal to finance it the way he did? Yes. The state allows it. Many don't agree with the decision, but he did nothing illegal or underhanded on it. The provision was right there waiting for someone to use it. Would it have been nice to have a say by a vote on the issue? Probably. Did the county end up paying more in interest with the delays that happened? Yes. Whose fault is that? Is rule 19 illegal? Not according to the settlement and offer to change the language. Is it the best thing for the county the way it was? Probably not. Was it good to get it changed? Probably. If the whole rule was illegal, there wouldn't have been a settlement and the MCLU would have kept pursuing. The language is now changed to be legal. Does the current wording make everyone happy? No. Is it legal? Apparently.As far as the comment asking if I know Jean Eaton. Sure I do. Doesn't everyone? I don't believe I sound like her. I may agree with some of the things she says, but plenty of other things I don't agree with. The library is one I don't agree with at all. The extra sales tax might be OK. Should the city hold retreats at taxpayer expense? I don't believe so. In response to the Iowa issues, if Northwood, Lake Mills or Iowa in general were better, why is Albert Lea getting the Larson Mfg distribution center and not somewhere in Iowa where the plant is? Just another example of agreeing to disagree. I don't throw barbs at people, I don't belittle them or resort to name calling in my posts. I enjoy reading and posting the few times I have done it. I also try to be respectful of others opinion and don't say anyone is wrong. I simply say I disagree from what I have seen.
Posted by jimhanson on Mar. 09 2004,3:58 pm
Fair enough, Collector.| Quote |
| Is rule 19 illegal? Not according to the settlement and offer to change the language.. |
| Quote |
| Is it the best thing for the county the way it was? Probably not. Was it good to get it changed? Probably. If the whole rule was illegal, there wouldn't have been a settlement and the MCLU would have kept pursuing. |
| Quote |
| The language is now changed to be legal. Does the current wording make everyone happy? No. Is it legal? Apparently |
It IS indicative of a problem, however, that RON chose to fight this for over a year, rather than work it out with the MCLU as he was invited to do at least 8 times at County Board meetings, and by the Plaintiff's counsel.