Colorado Springs is not a small city. However, in reading this latest article it is amazing to watch how scare tactics are used whenever a group tries to push through a property tax increase.
"If a playground burns down, I can't replace it," Schroeder said. Park fans' only hope is the possibility of a new ballot tax pledged to recreation spending that might win over skeptical voters.
"I don't know if people are convinced that the water needed to be turned off in the parks, or the trash cans need to come out, or the lights need to go off," Fowler said. "I think we'll have a big turnover in City Council a year from April. Until we get a new group in there, people aren't really going to believe much of anything."
First, I would like to know how many playgrounds are burnt to the ground each year in the United States? That would be a great story if there are a lot.
I wonder why it is hard for the employee's of a city to understand why property taxpayers would not want to see their taxes tripled. This is one of the main problems within government, and why you should consider running for elective office. The self-interests of the staff of a city and the interests of elected officials can often be at odds. It is important that elected officials are pushing back on staff to ensure money is spent wisely and projects can be sustained in an economic downturn.
TIP 1: If you are an elected official please get to know your budgets in detail. There are areas you can cut or reduce the rates of growth. There are areas you can consolidate and streamline. There are budget reserves that can be used to transition through the tough times. (Tip provided tax and fee free of course!!)
I'm not sure if there will be a big turnover in the City Council a year from now. However, given the voters turned down a huge property tax increase, it sounds to me like a certain viewpoint just might be the winning issue in November.
A slogan like: Smaller Government, Lower Taxes, and Responsible Fiscal Management. Maybe even a few staff changes within departments that have become so out of touch with the people who actually own the city: It's Citizens.
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A productive set of days for us here in Florida. We have dealt with our share of planes and automobile's, but it has been a great experience. If any of you have not visited Missionary Flights International website please do so.
Without this group of committed pilots, mechanics, and staff our task to get supplies to Haiti would be impossible. We have spent every day at the airport organizing, finding, and preparing supplies for Pignon, Haiti.
One of the neat stories we have to tell had to do with our hotel. We were busying boxing, organizing, and labeling supplies. The cleaning ladies were so excited when they saw our boxes out in the lobby they came right in to our room and started helping. They wanted to have a part in sending supplies.
We were able to purchase four new tires for the Haiti Mercy Mission Toyota Land-cruiser. When the gentleman at the parts counter figured out the tires were for Haiti he was able to get us a great deal on them from the owner of the store.
With what we saved in cost; it covered the cost to ship them to Haiti. In addition, his parents are rice farmers in Arkansas and he was sure he would be able to secure free rice in the future if the need arose. It is always great to meet other Christians with a heart to help no matter where you are.
We are still waiting on truck parts for a 1980 Toyota that was not built or sold in the United States. A major headache would be an understatement.
My brother Erik is in charge of securing the airport in Pignon when planes come in. He told us last night that the crowds are so big he's lost a few pallets to the mob of people and he was not going to die trying to save them.
We told him we packed a few American treats for him (beef jerky, candy, and an assortment of other snacks) on the flight Thursday. He said that the box with the snacks after eating corn meal for weeks would be something worth dying for and he has secured a UN Convoy for the C130 that lands tomorrow.
More to come soon. We will have a huge list of "Thank Your's" for everyone who has helped.
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First Lady, Belene, and I are leaving for Florida on Sunday morning. We have been encouraged by all of the donations and words of support coming in through Facebook, CHIPIN (click on link above to make a donation), and America's Small City Mayor. The checks are starting to collect up in Nisswa, MN. I hope to have a total next week for everyone.
Here is how you can help:
Priority #1: We need everyone to pray that the MFI flight for next Thursday to Pignon, Haiti will make it through Haiti customs. We have direct reports from MFI that this continues to be an issue. We want to have our first set of supplies reach Haiti Mercy Mission next week.
Many have asked about collecting supplies. We are now in a position to begin collection. If you are in Minnesota we can begin to collect donations for the following items. We should be able to get them transferred to a central location. Items include:
Tarps & Tents
Flip-flops and quality shoe apparel
Medical supplies (including First Aid Kits, antibiotics, anti-bacterial creams, bandages, disinfectant swabs, band-aides)
Blankets & towels
Unopened personal hygiene (shampoo, soap, toothpaste)
Batteries and flashlights
Donations to help cover shipping costs to Florida & Haiti
Granola and energy bars
Light weight non-perishable foods
Churches and Individuals not in Minnesota can collect material donations provided you can raise enough money or volunteer transportation to a central location in Florida. I am working with Federal Express on a possible arrangement to assist and lessen the costs.
UPDATE: Spoke to my dad briefly this evening. He said some are struggling with stomach sickness and just being tired from the work. They are happy to be able to help and have an impact. They have a list of parts for the truck and supplies they would like on the MFI flight. The priority will be a large tent area that can serve as a clinic and additional shelter for refugees. He said they are in the dark regarding news and unable to respond to all the emails, but he thanks everyone for their support and encouragement.
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The plan is starting to take shape on getting emergency aid to Haiti Mercy Mission.
We have raised nearly $3000 dollars online and through checks mailed in over the past few days. I know other churches are sending in donations, so this total will increase. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! It will be tremendously helpful.
I am asking for DONATIONS: You can CHIP-IN by clicking on the link above. A second option is to mail your checks to the address below. Consider having your church, co-workers, or missions group make a donation:
Haiti Mercy Mission
PO Box 164
Nisswa, MN 56468
The Plan
We are currently working with MFI out of Fort Pierce, Florida. They are getting us costs to airlift supplies into the city my parents are currently working. We will have the costs and planned schedule of flights for the next few months shortly.
Myself or contacts will purchase supplies down in Fort Pierce, Florida. We will ensure they are placed on pallets and prepared for shipping. We want to have a steady stream of food and medical supplies airlifted over the coming weeks. (schedule permitting)
People have asked if they should send money directly to my parents in Haiti. A recent conversation from my mom explains why this poses a problem:
"Nathan.... I just went down to the "bank" and they are now closed because they have no more currency. The exchange rate has our buying power reduced by 75% now!!"
The cost of just shipping supplies will cost thousands of dollars because they are remote. We want to ensure they have the proper amount of food and supplies. Travel is becoming a hazard and so the grass airstrip next to the orphanage will be our best bet.
I will update "The Plan" again soon!! Please keep visiting, feel free to call us if you have questions, and again thanks for the prayers and financial support.
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