International Falls Daily Journal - City News, I Falls - Comments

Master Chief!!! Been a while

allen_kruse — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:43:41 -0500

Master Chief!!!

Been a while - hows things in South Carolina? You far enough inland to not have to worry about the hurricane barreling down on you guys?

My affiliation leans more towards the "D" side - but I am not so far left (or right) that I am not willing to keep my options open. As I know I don't fit perfectly into the profile for either party. I believe Mayor Mason considers herself an independant - but don't quote me on that.

As far as wishing me luck - thanks - I'll take any that I can get.

BTW - here is a website that I thought you might find interesting.

http://navy.togetherweserved.com

Talk to you later.

~ "The Hornet"

Doorsman, I'm doing great,

roj2000 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:47:34 -0500

Doorsman,

I'm doing great, especially after that great speach last night, by Gov Palin. She sounds as if she came straight out of I-Falls. Sounds like she should have run for Mayor of I-Falls, and maybe she could clean up the "good ole boy" system in the Falls, and maybe, just maybe get the town back on track and save it. I'll bet Sarah Palin could get rid of the "old far" from Boise and a few others that are killing the great little city of I-Falls. I didn't know "The Hornet" was running for Mayor, but I wish him luck. But I wonder what side of the political fence Allen leans towards? If it's to the left, then I wish him a little luck. LOL.... Of course, I don't even know which way Mayor Mason leans towards. Anyway, I've got to run for now, but will be back for more comments of these issues. By the way Doorsman, I think you should maintain your current identity. It's more interesting that way. Some say I have hid behind my blog title on here, but with one or two clicks on the keyboard you could read my user profile, and find out more about me, than any other blogger on here. As for Gov Palin's speach last night, I think she hit a grand slam homer. It's now in the ninth inning, and Sen McCain is up to bat tonight!! I wonder why the Hornet isn't running for "Community Organizer"? That way, he would be one step from the Office of POTUS. LOL

Doorsman, I appreciate this

allen_kruse — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:31:51 -0500

Doorsman,

I appreciate this follow up - because it explains to me a little towards your earlier posts.

Just to clarify this for you and others that choose to read this. Yes I used to blog on this very website as navyhornet, I'm not ashamed of that fact - and the only reason I choose not to anymore has nothing to do with me running for mayor or not. I would just rather blog as myself, so people that read anything I write, know who its from. So if there ever comes a time that me and Roj or Kay disagree OR agree on a topic again - they know exactly who it is that is blogging. There are just some on this blog, as I am sure you know, that use their handle as a shield to spout off about others without having to take any responsibility for it.

In regards to government I do know VERY well that it moves at a snail's pace a lot of the time. But I also do not think it needs to be perpetuated to extend that time either. (This isn't necessarily meant to accuse any government of doing that persay, it's just my opinion.)

In regards to KEDA, I'm not asking anyone to "give up" on KEDA. My position is that we as a city need to focus on ourselves - as a priority. And something I agree with the Mayor on - is that if something comes up that from KEDA requires working together/collaboration that benefits both I.Falls and the county - than the city will be willing to do so.

Doorsman - thank you for a couple good posts - I appreciate some solid conversation and "debate" on an issue. I look forward to talking with you more in the future.

~ Allen "Navyhornet" Kruse

Allen, I just got called

Doorsman 54 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:41:25 -0500

Allen, I just got called into work and before I leave I see you left one more blog. I wish you luck in your adventure, I do not have a problem with anyone commenting on anything of substance. My only problem is that lots of the people who write here know that you blogged for a long time with a coat of armour, and blogged well, however, saying that I personnally feel a bit of hypocrisy is present as you are no longer using the handle you once used, now as a candidate for mayor you are using the real you, sorry, it just seems staged. I understand that the mayor has blogged here and it is open to anyone, but she was asked to clarify something, to me it seems you are using a free media to spread the message of change that really is not new according to the article you are commenting on, your ideas have been in the works for awhile thought up by other people, and if you do know how government fuctions so well, you must know that sometimes it moves slow for many reasons, one being the fact that the city was not ready to give up on KEDA so quickly. KEDA started getting sick with the crime of embezzlement and also the incident and failure of the company you worked for and still support according to some scources. That fiasco cost KEDA alot of respect from me. I said it before, now it is for sure, I will not comment as DM54 any longer, I will converse with you as the real me, that will happen when I blog again. Funny, People are strange by Jim Morrison just came on the pod, em. Finally, How ya doing Roj, what do you think about the speech last night. Time to go to work.

"The City believes that the

allen_kruse — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:40:40 -0500

"The City believes that the right road can be built without anyone being hurt.”

That's an interesting way of putting it.

I'm not saying that the city isn't within it's right to push this issue to it's legal limits. But I have a question as to the motives behind it.

If you want to take the proposed 332 movement from where the county proposes, and divert it so that it runs adjacent to the current FTZ location - in the hopes of "attracting new business to the FTZ", then I am curious...

If with this road expansion the city will also include the necessary infrastructure for the FTZ site, such as high-volume natural gas and water lines, three-phase power access and possibly high-end communication cables. Maybe wrap up in the entire package - having all of the level 1 environmental done for the FTZ and paid for ahead of time as well - so a new business doesn't have to even be bothered by the word "wetland".

Then once that is explained to all of the taxpayers - explain how you are going to pay for it, without increasing taxes - and have it all complete by Sept 30, 2009 - which is the date that the current money that has been appropriated by the county for the 332 project has to be used by.

I am ALL IN when it comes to ideas that will have a positive impact towards economic development for our town and surrounding area. But not when that idea lacks substance or any "plan" behind it, other than being told that "it's a good idea".

Now what I saw was a fairly reasonable request by Boise - to give up one private road, in exchange for the Burner Road. Where the location that 332 dumps back into Highway 11 - is moved to the east by a marginal distance, with no other change. And was met by strong resistance by the businesses along the Highway 53 corridor, with an issue that should be addressed.

I think the amount of time, effort, and money that has been devoted to fighting the 332 issue, would probably have been better used towards coming to a healthy compromise for the Highway 53 corridor businesses - thus allowing the current project to move forward - and bringing the majority of that $500k into the local economy.

~ Allen Kruse

Although I agree that the

allen_kruse — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:39:36 -0500

Although I agree that the city is indeed moving in the right direction in regards to forming it's own EDA, I question that if the city, "agreed to get aggressive on economic development when it met three years ago to discuss changes to the city’s strategic plan.", why is it now three years later that something is being done?

KEDA was setup legislatively, with spots for both the county and the city to participate on the Board. But regardless of that fact, why would that ever be a reason to not have our own Economic Development Authority at the same time? The KEDA is there to promote economic development across the entire county, which is needed county wide, there is no doubt. But International Falls needs to promote economic development across all of International Falls as well! How is it a good thing to put all of our "eggs" in one basket, and not work things from multiple angles? Competition isn't always a BAD thing!

Again - an International Falls EDA is a single baby step in the right direction. But much, much, more has got to be done - and any plans that are set in motion, should have a solid long range plan on how we are going to get there, to back it up. One that includes planning for addressing some huge issues that are plaguing the city right now, such as housing, infrastructure, education, and of course health care – all of which have direct ties to economic development. We can’t just put a smile on our face, tell people we are a great place to live, and expect people to just be lining up to open up a business here.

Rob Boyd said it best - we need economic development and diversity - NOW. But it's going to take a lot more than just our own EDA to get it.

Finally, I have a real quick response in regards to the possible $300,000 reduction in taxes for the taxpayers of International Falls.

In 2008 we were certified to receive Local Government Aid (LGA) in the amount of $3,386,933. Now that total for 2009 is projected to be close to $4.2 Million. Now I know that for 2009 there has been a cap put on the amount that the city can levy - and that it essentially has bitten into that LGA increase. But something to think about:

Here is a quote from MPR back in June that quotes our City Administrator Rod Otterness, "Otterness says International Falls already runs a tight ship and an aid increase is badly needed. He says some of the city's streets and sidewalks are in rough shape and need fixing, but the city can't afford it.

"We had been expecting increased aid," Otterness said. "We had been deferring projects and spending some of our reserves in anticipation of increased aid. But now we're unable to take care of those deferred matters, because levy limits came along with it."

Well my response to that is this. If we are being fiscally responsible and running a "tight ship" - how do we allow ourselves to rely on LGA for almost 30% of our cities Operating Budget? What other expenses are taking priority over simple infrastructure such as maintaining our city streets and sidewalks? Now I am not an expert by any means on the ins and outs of how International Falls has been managed in the past in regards to fiscal and project responsibilities, and Rod Otterness is about as sharp as you can get when it comes to a government administrator. But some further investigation needs to be done.

So when the city dangles a $300,000 tax savings carrot in front of the tax payers (on an election year) - they realize at what price they are truly paying for that tax break. Is it more projects that are being deffered? Perhaps more city streets and sidewalks that are going to stay in rough shape? And god forbid we might want to consider that the state could possibly continue to make budget cuts in the coming years, and not only continues to cap the available levy for cities, but then also reduces the amount of LGA we receive. Leaning on the state for almost 30% of our budget just seems problematic – but maybe that’s just me.

It’s time that we take a good hard look at ourselves – and ask if we perhaps haven’t been operating this city, above our fair city’s ability to pay for it, and doing it with our eyes wide open.

~Allen Kruse

I just saw you edited your

allen_kruse — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:26:59 -0500

I just saw you edited your post above - and I had to say that I find it funny that you follow a statement like "proper political significance" - with - "stay in the shallow end of the pool..."

I just wish I knew who you were - since you seem to know me so well.

~ Allen

Thanks, and I think debate

Doorsman 54 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:07:27 -0500

Thanks, and I think debate is the right road, not this free and rather easy way to express ones opinions. Again, that is all I have here, good luck in your venture and in my opinion,wait a few years and look to the future. That is all Hornet, we will all change in the coming weeks.

Doorsman, Thank you for your

allen_kruse — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:50:09 -0500

Doorsman,

Thank you for your response.

I just wanted to say that - my opinion on the matter, is exactly that - my opinion.

I believe that my response does in fact directly have the well-being of the citizens of International Falls in mind, which includes myself as a taxpayer.

I agree with your post that the people that should sit down and discuss the issue are not talking.

The basis for my post was to bring up a question or two for the city, and the current administration, on the details for making things happen the way they propose.

Again - I am ALL IN for solid movement forward - as long as it makes sense, and has been thought out with a solid plan behind it. Maybe Mayor Mason and the rest of the city council has all these things in place - and if so - I know I am not the only one that would like to see it.

I am sure that I will be debated on this issue in a proper forum - and I welcome the chance. But until then - I will ask questions, and express my opinions on matters that matter to me and may matter to the other citizens of International Falls and it's surrounding areas - whenever a topic comes up that I have an informative or objective viewpoint on.

~ Allen Kruse
Kruse2008.com

It is up to the county,

Doorsman 54 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:40:34 -0500

It is up to the county, city and other parties, to sit down and talk, but that is not happening so other parties may have to enter the fray again, namely (MNDOT, State Att. General, and the courts) to come up with a viable solution, one that positively impacts all involved, not in harming any business or citizen of the city that you are running for mayor of. If you win the election then you can deal with this issuse, but remember what your constituency is made up of. This can not be a road of convenience, rather a road to the future, based on possibility and not selfishness and by the way,everyone I hear from who want the road to be changed, and they are not city taxpayers for the most part, want the proposed re-alignment stating, "that way I do not have to go to town to go to the cities", that is convienence Allen, it is not the solution. Boise will get the Burner Road, that is a prioritry but that priority must be shared by business along 53, and also with that comes the well-being of the citizens of the town. You want to be mayor of the Falls, think of them instead of what someone tells you to say to effect the election or who have an agenda or simply want to leave town early. There is no need to respond, you will be debated on this issue in a proper forum by someone, I am not worried about keeping this up, rather I just will not waste my time again debating you here. Somewhere else, some other time in a place of proper political significance. Sorry about the spelling, and stay in the shallow end of the pool...

Doorsman 54, Thanks for the

allen_kruse — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:41:31 -0500

Doorsman 54,

Thanks for the response.

I have a quick question - what part of my post was not informative or objective in regards to the subject of the article?

The Highway 332 issue is an important subject to a lot of people of International Falls - and I believe that the comment section for this website was setup specifically for people like you and myself to comment on a subject in exactly the way I have.

Since I would like to get back on topic - I would like to see what you have to say about the topic at hand, which is Highway 332.

Thanks.

~ Allen Kruse
Kruse2008.com

I don't think any candidate

Doorsman 54 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:45:44 -0500

I don't think any candidate for office should use this site to get free time to vent or attempt to inform the voter during an election year to spread their message to get votes. Spend some money to advertise or write a non-elect me, informative and objective letter to the editor. If someone asks you a question in this blog, like some have asked the mayor for information or answers to concerns and questions, and for the most part she has recently, you have a right to respond . But don't get too long winded, just some advice.

lesleyk, Good to hear from

roj2000 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:49:43 -0500

lesleyk,

Good to hear from ya. Hope your significant other is doing well in the new job!! (I wonder if he still likes me) LOL!! I've got my ear close to the ground and get regular input from people I know up there, and it seems not much has changed. SO SAD!!!! The "Boise's own" you speak of, must be the same ole one that has always had influence in what happens in the Falls, right?? (you know, who gets to own a business, etc....). If he gets "MORE" power, then you might as well pay someone to change the numbers on the "population" sign, south of town. Better yet, just get one of those digital signs that counts the folks as they leave town, "for a decent JOB"!!!! WAKE UP I-Falls, the clock is ticking!!

You mean you haven't heard

lesleyk — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:01:16 -0500

You mean you haven't heard the rumor about one of Boise's own running for Mayor this year? Roj, I thought you had your ear closer to the ground than that! :)

Based on my "Southern" point

roj2000 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:59:26 -0500

Based on my "Southern" point of view, it seems that until the Falls "rids itself" of a few "old farts" that possibly work in Boise, but have considerable influence as to what businesses come to the Falls, there WILL NOT be any new businesses coming to the Falls!! Unless the "chosen few" who actually decide what happens in the Falls are put out to pasture, then MAYBE there will be a glimmer of hope, that the Falls will survive.