..Everything looks like a nail -- AG Nessel puts the hammer down on Menards
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(9)Nuh Uh.(1)Tag Archive for Government
Government Incompetence, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Opinion
Something In The Water
by Jason • • 4 Comments
Traverse City pursues expensive power option.
There’s Crazy – Then There Is Traverse City Michigan crazy.
Once upon a time, Traverse City owned TCL&P (Traverse City Light & Power) produced electricity. (see picture at right) We had coal docks, a steam producing boiler, and turbines that were able to produce all of what was needed for Traverse City, and some surrounding area power needs.
In the early eighties, TCL&P, contracted with the county to operate power generation from three dams that were deeded to Grand Traverse County a decade before by Consumers Power. It cost them nothing. In the 90s, TCL&P erected the region’s first windmill, while at the same time reducing output and planning complete decommission of its coal fired facility which (by the way) was located on the valuable public waterfront.
Stories were plentiful about how the city was conscious of the environment, had to do their part, and how some folks would sign up for that ‘expensive’ energy which cost only 3 or four times the current rate. There were TCL&P customers who voluntarily paid for ‘green’ energy that came down the same transmission lines, even though it was the same electricity as the guy was getting next door for less.
I suppose a byline in the local fish wrap was worth it?
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(12)Nuh Uh.(0)Cronyism, Michigan, Rent Seeking
So You Want To Be In Government?
by Jason • • 3 Comments
Why would anyone bother getting involved JUST because of a class?
Some folks think that citizen engagement is pitiful, so we are going to have classes on how to be engaged.
Let that sink in. You are too busy dealing with all of the complications of life (jobs, family, American Idol), added to the complications of government (Taxes, zoning, naming of trail systems), and frankly, you have zero interest in managing the community budget. Is there time left in your day to fully engage?
Unless Idol is cancelled, your box under the bridge falls apart, family members around you stop going to school, or stop getting married, or never need to go to the hospital, those few extra moments you are blessed with are precious. That free time is becoming rarer as the more dedicated mini-Stalins take the reigns at all level of government. (yes, I purposefully avoided the ‘Hitler’ word. )
We are over managed by an out-of-control Federal bureaucracy, and our local governments have never been so in-your-face with private property rights deprecation in the history of our ‘conquered’ new world. (Columbus day wasn’t that long ago) Dealing with what used to be the simplest of issues now requires a council meeting, permission, a check, and a rubber stamp.
But MSU extension has the fix. Lets teach more dunderheads how to rule effectively! The TC Ticker lays it out:
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(8)Nuh Uh.(0)Cronyism, Elections, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Opinion, Philosophy, Rent Seeking, Republicans, Taxes
MDOT Station Hosts Wild Party
by Jason • • 6 Comments
Perhaps we ask the MDOT why the May 5th question failed so badly.
The Michigan Department Of Transportation continues to ‘effectively’ use transportation monies provided by the richest state citizenry in the nation.
But a “wild party?” OK, maybe just because its usually accompanied by cookies and orange juice. And yes, as some readers might suspect, I have the sarc switch on. ‘Effective’ use of our taxpayer dollars might actually mean that we don’t have to face the crony machine kicking into full gear tomorrow. The Steudle led MDOT does indeed continue to spin its wheels and waste our resources in areas not reflected in their mission.
There is no question the good works provided by our blood letting missions will save lives, and continue to provide our hospitals with the perishable commodity that we all share. Indeed we have need for those organizations who will accommodate blood drive efforts, and we hope those needs will be met.
However, it is neither the mission or responsibility of the Michigan Department of Transportation to manage,, aid, provide assistance, or promote such efforts. Yet they think it is:
August 17, 2015 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) encourages state employees and the general public to give the gift of life by donating blood at the Ishpeming Transportation Service Center (TSC) Aug. 26.
The Upper Peninsula Regional Blood Center will have its mobile collection vehicle at the facility from noon to 2 p.m. The TSC is located at 100 S. Westwood Drive in Ishpeming.
“Making the decision to donate blood can save lives, it’s really just that simple,” said Harmony Michaud, the MDOT employee coordinating the event. “We sometimes take for granted that there will always be blood readily available in an emergency, but what if no one donated? It only takes 10 minutes to donate and it could help save a family member or friend – or someone else’s family member or friend. There are a lot of people who need long-term treatments and donated blood is their lifeline.”
Harmony’s paycheck is from the state (taxpayers), not the UP Regional Blood Center.
Perhaps her time might be best spent filling out the warranty orders?
Policy Changes:
Making MDOT accountable.
What good are road warranties, if you won’t enforce the ones you have already?
Given that literally MILLIONS were wasted when it was recently reported that MDOT let road warranties expire without any action being taken, legislation should be implemented to hold those accountable. No one would tolerate an employee who simply walked off in million in Michigan Taxpayers money, so why should hiding under the guise of being an appointed official and not doing the job you were hired to do, be any different?
Exactly.
Some things are hard to change, yes?
Some folks expect action to fund more of the same to happen this week.
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(9)Nuh Uh.(0)Michigan
Meat Wagons
by Jason • • 4 Comments
State of Michigan Cautions human carnivores ..
Beware the meat trucks!
The state has made an exceptionally important announcement for those who would consider buying from an unknown person who shows up at your door selling ..meat.
“Although door-to-door meat sales can offer the ease of being able to shop at home, these types of transactions can also provide an opportunity for some bad actors to take advantage of their customers,” said MDARD Director Jamie Clover Adams. “Consumers should always do their homework before making a purchase, to safeguard their health and their pocketbooks.”
Adding.
Never buy meat from an unrefrigerated vehicle or from the trunk of a car.
This taxpayer funded intellectual exercise brought to you by a full time bureaucracy, funded by a full time legislature that is too busy planning gas tax hikes.
And if the meat doesn’t taste so fresh?
Door-to-door meat sales are also regulated by the Michigan Home Solicitation Sales Act, Public Act 227 of 1971, which outlines your rights as a buyer and your right to cancel the sale and return the product within three business days. Details of this law can be found at http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-Act-227-of-1971.
“Excuse me, I would like to return this raccoon meat you sold me a couple days ago”
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(11)Nuh Uh.(0)All the Other Stuff, Humor in Michigan, Michigan
Frank?
by Jason • • 2 Comments
Good for the gooses, good for the Michi-gander ..or something.
Why does the guy falcon get the normal name?
Why even bother? A new set of pigeon eaters has apparently been hatched at a government bridge. The government people tagged em so they could keep track and all that. New AKAs as well:
“In addition to their leg bands, the peregrine chicks received names Tuesday: the females are Jasina, Dwaynette and Q, while the lone male is named Frank.”
I’ll leave it to you all to figure out which one is the gander.
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(17)Nuh Uh.(1)Conservative News, Cronyism, Elections, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Opinion, Rent Seeking, Republicans
Well THAT Was Disappointing ..
by Jason • • 8 Comments
What at first appeared to be a reach out to get input for a post-SCOTUS ruling direction was just a scam.
Not at all surprising however.
Given that it was from team Benishek. I though perhaps he was noticing how folks have lost all respect for him, and as contrition, was reaching out to see what would make folks a little more confident in his future performance. Gosh, maybe it was in response to my put up or shut up articles!
The email arrived with this heartfelt message:
” Jason,
With more than three decades in the medical field, I know how important it is for our healthcare system to empower patients and their doctors, not federal bureaucrats in Washington.
Too often, Washington politicians try to pass laws without talking to the people who have to live with the consequences. Any doctor will tell you that listening to your patients is one of the most important parts of medicine. I believe this is true in politics as well.
That’s why I want to hear from you.
Jason, please take my survey to let me know what you think of ObamaCare, and how we can build a better healthcare system.
Our current system isn’t working, and I know we can do better. With your support, we can fight for a bottom up healthcare system that empowers people not politicians.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts,
Dr. Dan”
So I clicked the link. I diligently filled out the form answering the ready-made questions, and then I offered offered some “other thoughts” that were being solicited at the bottom. I typed in:
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(13)Nuh Uh.(0)Michigan, Michigan Politics
Acta Est Fabula
by Jason • • 3 Comments
Proposal 15-1 died as it was supposed to, but there is still work to be done.
Assume ‘gloat mode,’ then get back to work.
If anyone thinks it ends here, they have forgotten the lesson of 2013 when we eased up pressure, (if only temporarily) and the governor slammed us with Medicaid expansion. In fact, when looking at the way things happen with this progressive mess in Lansing, scales put it this way to me directly:
“The gross underestimation has only brought a hike in the State Income Tax, Medicaid expansion, retirement pensions being raided, Common Core, 300+ Ghey *marriage* licenses, a quarter of a billion to the Ilitch’s ice rink who vote Democrat, a Detoilet bailout for the DIA, a recapture of control of the state Party via his pal Baird from Chicago and the Rockefeller-wing Romneys, a monolith of a Health Department, a NAFTA Bridge, a cousin with furniture contracts, more slightly faster Amtrak railcars, driver licenses for illegal alien anchor brats, a H1-B visa center operating out of his MEDC, the launch of moonslime Day at the Capital, Boji payola buildings, no-bid Medicaid contracts with moonslimes, a pending abomination of energy policy waiting in the House and Senate, and this goddam ballot proposal, of which, you notice the Nerd ain’t wooing anybody who falls within the Right side of the political spectrum, yes?”
His point can be taken to the bank.
And it will earn interest.
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(22)Nuh Uh.(1)Michigan Politics
And In The Meantime
by Jason • • 9 Comments
Bill Schuette's office hard on private business for raising rates, but larger permanent rate increases ignored?
A press release today alerts us of a major strike against ‘energy price terrorism’ in Michigan’s winter wonderland!
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office says:
Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced his Corporate Oversight Division has secured more than $500,000 for approximately 5,600 Michigan propane consumers to resolve customer complaints against AmeriGas concerning propane-pricing issues during last winter’s heating season. This settlement marks a key development in his ongoing investigation into hundreds of consumer complaints related to propane pricing and delivery during the 2013-2014 winter season.
“Cooler autumn weather means many Michigan families are already anxious about upcoming heating bills,” Schuette observed. “I’m happy we can put money back into the wallets of hard-working families who paid steep prices to heat their homes last winter while already trying to make ends meet.”
Put that money back!
Oh, and in the meantime, after beating up the suppliers who might just run out of propane or fail to deliver due to cost controls the NEXT harsh winter, perhaps the AG can turn his attention to the real villains; The EPA, and the Obama administration, which is turning up the heat on all of the UP ratepayers through unconstitutional environmental badgering of our utilities.
Oh, and don’t let Levin and Stabenow fool you in the link above. Destroying the middle class and depopulating the UP is their life’s work as much as anyone’s.
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(11)Nuh Uh.(0)Conservative News, Cronyism, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Opinion, Philosophy, Rent Seeking, Republicans
In For A Penny
by Jason • • 1 Comment
Lets simply call it what it is; a corrupted system
In for a pounding.
The collapse of our healthcare model was not enough for the bureaucrats and politicians, but now they want to double down on stupid by selecting ‘failure’ as the option. Aside from adding untold numbers onto our welfare rolls, disrupting doctor patient relationships and encouraging sloth, Michigan’s brain trust wants to go with a high bidder who has demonstrated they suck, and is also based out of the country, to handle your sensitive data.
The unicornfarts.org site was designed and implemented by a Canadian firm, and it never worked. It was slow, and had severe security flaws exposing personal records to those of criminal AND innocent intent. And now Michigan [Take A Vote Not a Vacation©] officials have decided that Michigan deserves more of that, thank you very much. According to the Free Press
“Officials in the administration of Gov. Rick Snyder chose CGI Technologies and Solutions, whose parent company is headquartered in Montreal, over three U.S.-based firms.
CGI did not submit the lowest bid. Accenture, a management consulting and technology firm headquartered in New York, offered the lowest price by nearly $5 million, but “CGI provided best value,” Kurt Weiss, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, said Friday.
Oh yeah, did we mention there were US firms bidding?
RightMi.com feels it unnecessary to elaborate further at the moment.
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