311

I was recently appointed to the 311 Oversight Committee chaired by Councilman Chuck Eddy. Our task is to oversee the relocation of the Action Center which fields all the calls from citizens regarding basic city services. Right now the number is 816-513-1313 but rolling out this summer you will be able to reach the Action Center by dialing '311'. It's a good concept and makes things easier to remember for one-stop access to City Hall. Our first meeting last week went pretty long as we discussed the alternatives for moving the Action Center out of the first floor of City Hall. The entire first floor is going to be renovated starting in April so all the departments located on that floor must move. Of the three options presented, one was the most desirable from a functionality standpoint but was also the most expensive and required moving an existing department somewhere else. The cheapest alternative was also the easiest from a logistical standpoint. I think the most exasperating statement I heard during the discussion was that one location was "only another $400,000 so cost really isn't an issue." I don't know about you, but to me $400,000 is a lot of money. There's an old saying that came to mind. Half a million here, half a million there, pretty soon you're talking real money! Is it any wonder we always have budget troubles at City Hall?

Saturday Night Fervor

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Severe writer's block. There's been so much to write about I was overwhelmed. The roof is back into the stadium lease. Construction has begun on the west edge of the Plaza. People are climbing over each other to get a shot at the appointment to replace Jim Rowland. (and no I'm still not going to apply) Mostly I want to thank everyone for attending the house party fundraiser Saturday night. I enjoyed meeting all the new people and hopefully a good time was had by all. The goal is still the most votes with the least dollars, but we are going to need some dollars to run a good campaign. Your generosity Saturday was very much appreciated. Thanks!

midAmerican Graffiti

I saw a presentation by the KCPD the other night about gangs and graffiti. It seems the problem with graffiti in our neighborhoods is compounded by the lack of zealous prosecution once the offenders have been arrested. Most graffiti in the 4th District is not gang-related but the perception that it is brings down property values in entire neighborhoods. The presence of spray paint on walls gives the impression that the area is in decline. Neighborhood leaders understand the Broken Windows Theory and it’s unfortunate that a few punks with too much time on their hands are allowed to deface walls and traffic signs with their supposed “art.” I’m not opposed to the murals that are done with the property owner’s permission. I’ve seen some fantastic pieces on what would otherwise be a dull cinder block wall. It’s the tagging of street signs, trash receptacles and retaining walls that has to be stopped. Graffiti seems like an innocuous crime until it’s your property or your neighborhood that gets vandalized.

Getting To The Root Of The Problem

Curbs and sidewalks. They’re a big issue here in the 4th district. Getting new sidewalks is nice. It makes for a great campaign promise for a candidate standing before frustrated voters wanting to know where their tax money is going. The problem with promising new sidewalks for all is that it’s only a temporary fix. Our urban forest continues to grow and those same new sidewalks will only continue to heave and buckle as tree roots rise and swell looking for water. I think there’s a better way. Santa Monica street maintenance inspector Richard Valeriano saw the same issue happening in his city and decided to do something about it. He invented a pressure-baked rubber tile made from recycled tires and began installing them in place of the damaged concrete walks around the city’s ficus trees. The result? Mature urban trees were spared from the chainsaw and progressive communities across North America are now installing rubberized sidewalks. An entire industry has sprung up around this environmentally conscious and safer alternative. You can read more about this technology by checking out the website of Rubbersidewalks Inc. Also, special mention to local blogger Heidi at me, my life + infrastructure who blogged on this very subject back in October.

Let's Get Ready To Rumble!

Much panic and hand wringing is occurring over the appointment of a replacement for the soon to be vacated 4th district seat. I even received a phone call from a potential opponent trying to feel me out to see if I had an inside track to replace Jim Rowland. Apparently the phone lines have been burning up as people try to position themselves. With all the backdoor politicking going on things are bound to get ugly. Before you know it this thing will have to be settled by a steel cage match in Kemper Arena. Just to set the record straight, I intend to occupy that seat... IF I am fortunate enough to be elected in 2007. I have not contacted anyone in an attempt to lobby for the appointment. The only people I intend to lobby are the voters of the 4th District in February of ’07. A steel cage match would be pretty cool though...

You knew this was coming.

The Star has reported that the project cost of the Sprint Center may be as much as $40 Million over original estimates. One of the original complaints waged about the selection of S.A. Mortenson to be the project construction manager was that they would get to bid on their own project. Now the bids are coming in "higher than expected?" So the project manager was surprised by their own bid? This is the kind of thing that makes me an advocate for the design-build philosophy. Get things locked down up front. You know the old saying. A million here, a million there. Pretty soon you're talking real money.

Any Publicity Is Good Publicity

It’s official. My first review as a candidate is out. I’ve been discovered by local blogger Tony’s Kansas City. The verdict? I "seem(s) like a decent dude...” Tony writes humorous and often scathing criticism of local issues. His blog is not for the faint of heart and definitely not politically correct. If you're the kind of person who is looking to be offended, you will be. I’m a regular reader except for yesterday. The one day I didn't have a few minutes to hit my favorite blogs. My heart skipped a beat when someone asked me if I’d seen the post. I’ve read some pretty brutal commentary on TKC so I was sweating bullets as I scrolled down to see the damage. I was relieved to find his only criticism of me is having a “vanilla” blog because of the lack of swearing and racy photos. Whew! If that's the worst anyone has to say about me in this campaign I'll be the most fortunate candidate in the history of American politics. As to Tony's criticism, I can’t guarantee there won’t be swearing in the future. The campaign is just getting started...

Heavy Metal

The Star’s editorial board called for a candidate to promise for the abolishment of the steel plates used to cover utility work in the streets. The Star editors contend that not every city uses steel plates and that Kansas City is unique in that aspect. I don’t know about every city but I do know that a little burg on the East Coast called New York City uses them. The difference between New York and Kansas City? NYC has strict guidelines about how long the plates can be in place, how they’re installed, marked and maintained. Kansas City’s ordinance regarding plates is vague and rarely enforced. A better ordinance, with strict guidelines and enforceable penalties; that is something I will promise to work for.