Friday, April 28, 2006
Making crime 'go away' no solution
Erin Falls--Texas
By O.K. Carter
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The owners of a few small hotels on Texas 360 are extremely upset about a police decision to post an electronic "High crime location" sign virtually on the front door of their businesses.It could be a remarkable coincidence, but clearly the difficulties involving drug sales -- crack is evidently the mind-bender of choice -- and street prostitution in the area seemed to be growing in direct proportion to demolition in the Peach Street area for the Dallas Cowboys sports complex.Records show that police are not only alert of the dillemma but also working hard on it. One of the hotels in the area, for instance, reports that it has been issued citations adding up to about $50,000. This problem should not persist much longer.
By O.K. Carter
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The owners of a few small hotels on Texas 360 are extremely upset about a police decision to post an electronic "High crime location" sign virtually on the front door of their businesses.It could be a remarkable coincidence, but clearly the difficulties involving drug sales -- crack is evidently the mind-bender of choice -- and street prostitution in the area seemed to be growing in direct proportion to demolition in the Peach Street area for the Dallas Cowboys sports complex.Records show that police are not only alert of the dillemma but also working hard on it. One of the hotels in the area, for instance, reports that it has been issued citations adding up to about $50,000. This problem should not persist much longer.
Making crime 'go away' no solution
Erin Falls--Texas
By O.K. Carter
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The owners of a few small hotels on Texas 360 are extremely upset about a police decision to post an electronic "High crime location" sign virtually on the front door of their businesses.It could be a remarkable coincidence, but clearly the difficulties involving drug sales -- crack is evidently the mind-bender of choice -- and street prostitution in the area seemed to be growing in direct proportion to demolition in the Peach Street area for the Dallas Cowboys sports complex.Records show that police are not only alert of the dillemma but also working hard on it. One of the hotels in the area, for instance, reports that it has been issued citations adding up to about $50,000. This problem should not persist much longer.
By O.K. Carter
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The owners of a few small hotels on Texas 360 are extremely upset about a police decision to post an electronic "High crime location" sign virtually on the front door of their businesses.It could be a remarkable coincidence, but clearly the difficulties involving drug sales -- crack is evidently the mind-bender of choice -- and street prostitution in the area seemed to be growing in direct proportion to demolition in the Peach Street area for the Dallas Cowboys sports complex.Records show that police are not only alert of the dillemma but also working hard on it. One of the hotels in the area, for instance, reports that it has been issued citations adding up to about $50,000. This problem should not persist much longer.
Repeat Drunken Drivers Targeted
Laura Fried
New York
Michael Gormley, Staff Writer
Albany Times Union
New York Senators introduced several bills that crack down on drunk drivers. They get rid of second chance laws that allow judges to reduce first time offenders DWIs to driving while impaired. It would also increase jail time for multiple offenders and would lead to up to 25 years in prison should the drunk driver kill someone.
Official Sources:
Senator John DeFrancisco (R)
Senator Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R)
Unofficial Sources:
Maria Leaf
I think that the laws would be a good thing for the state. The laws on drunk driving were too lenient in the state before and hopefully these bills will pass. I wish the reporter would have asked for more people’s opinions for the article. I think some Democratic senators and some more citizens’ opinions would have been nice for the article.
New York
Michael Gormley, Staff Writer
Albany Times Union
New York Senators introduced several bills that crack down on drunk drivers. They get rid of second chance laws that allow judges to reduce first time offenders DWIs to driving while impaired. It would also increase jail time for multiple offenders and would lead to up to 25 years in prison should the drunk driver kill someone.
Official Sources:
Senator John DeFrancisco (R)
Senator Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R)
Unofficial Sources:
Maria Leaf
I think that the laws would be a good thing for the state. The laws on drunk driving were too lenient in the state before and hopefully these bills will pass. I wish the reporter would have asked for more people’s opinions for the article. I think some Democratic senators and some more citizens’ opinions would have been nice for the article.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Senators, agriculture chief decry budget cuts
Kevin Chandler - Kentucky
Staff Wire report in the Lexington Herald-Leader
State officials were up in arms after learning governor Ernie Fletcher has vetoed $370 million from the state budet turned into him by the legislature. Furthermore, $79 million of those cuts were in coal-severance fund projects, which are determined by the legislature. Dissenters say Fletcher has essentially hijacked state funds and is displaying a lack of confidence in the legislature's ability to responsibly doll out money. The state's agriculture commissioner has also spoken up against the vetoes, saying that with certain cuts made by fletcher, the Department of Agriculture will have a hard time providing essential and expected services to Kentucky residents.
Sources:
Official: Sen. Daniel Mongiardo (D); Richie Farmer - State Agriculture Commissioner; Sen. Jerry Rhoads (D); Sen. Johnny Ray Turner (D).
While the budget cuts certainly come as a hardship to those expecting certain state funds, the cuts must be expected in a state that has as much economic issues as Kentucky. The big controversy comes in that $50 million of the cuts were taken from big coal counties, where voters did not support Fletcher in the last election. The senators will have to wait another year or so for their wished for projects to come about, but the agriculture commissioner is really in a hard place by having to decide which services he will and will not be able to offer this year. Altogether this has to be expected when the proposed budget was running a $2.38 billion deficit.
Staff Wire report in the Lexington Herald-Leader
State officials were up in arms after learning governor Ernie Fletcher has vetoed $370 million from the state budet turned into him by the legislature. Furthermore, $79 million of those cuts were in coal-severance fund projects, which are determined by the legislature. Dissenters say Fletcher has essentially hijacked state funds and is displaying a lack of confidence in the legislature's ability to responsibly doll out money. The state's agriculture commissioner has also spoken up against the vetoes, saying that with certain cuts made by fletcher, the Department of Agriculture will have a hard time providing essential and expected services to Kentucky residents.
Sources:
Official: Sen. Daniel Mongiardo (D); Richie Farmer - State Agriculture Commissioner; Sen. Jerry Rhoads (D); Sen. Johnny Ray Turner (D).
While the budget cuts certainly come as a hardship to those expecting certain state funds, the cuts must be expected in a state that has as much economic issues as Kentucky. The big controversy comes in that $50 million of the cuts were taken from big coal counties, where voters did not support Fletcher in the last election. The senators will have to wait another year or so for their wished for projects to come about, but the agriculture commissioner is really in a hard place by having to decide which services he will and will not be able to offer this year. Altogether this has to be expected when the proposed budget was running a $2.38 billion deficit.
Metro area lures fewer residents
Kyle Chorpening
Michigan
By Brad Heath, The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060420/METRO/604200386&SearchID=7324284880514
This article is about how people are moving out of the metropolitan area of Michigan while not as many people are moving back into the area. This steady stream of departing citizens is most likely due to the economic funk that the state has been in for the last five years and doesn't help the problem. The people who are leaving the state are most likely young, college-age people who are important to changing the regions image and attracting new businesses to the area.
Sources:
Internal Revenue Service Records
Patrick Anderson, principal of the Anderson Economic Group
U.S. Census Bureau report
Byron Mueller, resident
Bob Platte, real estate agent
William Frey, demographer at the Brookings Institution
Karen Gagnon, coordinator of Cool Cities program
This article gives a gloomy perspective of the future of metropolitan Michigan. It is a good example of using records and statistics to to show trends in an area outside of the regular numbers. It also gives a good balance of statistical informationa and analysis with perspective from the average person who is living in the area. This is an important issue because Detroit is the business capitol of the state and if people are leaving the area, it hurts the businesses in the area and consequently the entire state.
Michigan
By Brad Heath, The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060420/METRO/604200386&SearchID=7324284880514
This article is about how people are moving out of the metropolitan area of Michigan while not as many people are moving back into the area. This steady stream of departing citizens is most likely due to the economic funk that the state has been in for the last five years and doesn't help the problem. The people who are leaving the state are most likely young, college-age people who are important to changing the regions image and attracting new businesses to the area.
Sources:
Internal Revenue Service Records
Patrick Anderson, principal of the Anderson Economic Group
U.S. Census Bureau report
Byron Mueller, resident
Bob Platte, real estate agent
William Frey, demographer at the Brookings Institution
Karen Gagnon, coordinator of Cool Cities program
This article gives a gloomy perspective of the future of metropolitan Michigan. It is a good example of using records and statistics to to show trends in an area outside of the regular numbers. It also gives a good balance of statistical informationa and analysis with perspective from the average person who is living in the area. This is an important issue because Detroit is the business capitol of the state and if people are leaving the area, it hurts the businesses in the area and consequently the entire state.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Suits back, blast funds
Kevin Chandler - Kentucky
Article written by Jack Brammer - staff writer for the Franklin Bureau of the Lexington Herald-Leader
Lawsuits have been filed that question the constitutionality of using state dollars to fund a private university in the state of Kentucky. The state legislature has earmarked $11 million dollars in the coming year's budget for the University of the Cumberlands to start a pharmacy school. Two lawsuits have been filed - one by Gov. Ernie Fletcher who wants to determine the constitutionality and another by the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, a gay rights group, which is protesting the funding from another angle. The university recently expelled a student who revealed that he was gay. The group questions the propriety of promoting bigotry within the state by dolling out such huge sums of money to a sectarian religious institution that discriminates.
Sources:
Official: Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R)
Unofficial: Christina Gilgor, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance
It seems that Gov. Fletcher is obviously interested in determining the constitutionality of such a move, but his motives easily come into question since he does have a history of supporting measures that limit homosexual rights. Both lawsuits have different defendants. Fletcher's lawsuit lists Brad Cowgill and the Finance Administration Cabinet as defendants, while the Kentucky Fairness Alliance's lists Fletcher. It will be interesting to see the two cases develop along side one another and the different arguments used in each along with the two results.
Article written by Jack Brammer - staff writer for the Franklin Bureau of the Lexington Herald-Leader
Lawsuits have been filed that question the constitutionality of using state dollars to fund a private university in the state of Kentucky. The state legislature has earmarked $11 million dollars in the coming year's budget for the University of the Cumberlands to start a pharmacy school. Two lawsuits have been filed - one by Gov. Ernie Fletcher who wants to determine the constitutionality and another by the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, a gay rights group, which is protesting the funding from another angle. The university recently expelled a student who revealed that he was gay. The group questions the propriety of promoting bigotry within the state by dolling out such huge sums of money to a sectarian religious institution that discriminates.
Sources:
Official: Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R)
Unofficial: Christina Gilgor, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance
It seems that Gov. Fletcher is obviously interested in determining the constitutionality of such a move, but his motives easily come into question since he does have a history of supporting measures that limit homosexual rights. Both lawsuits have different defendants. Fletcher's lawsuit lists Brad Cowgill and the Finance Administration Cabinet as defendants, while the Kentucky Fairness Alliance's lists Fletcher. It will be interesting to see the two cases develop along side one another and the different arguments used in each along with the two results.
GOP asks IRS to probe Granholm fund
Kyle Chorpening
Michigan
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060415/NEWS04/604150332/1005/news04
By Dawson Bell, Special to the State Journal
The Michigan Republican Party asked for an IRS investigation of a tax-exempt expense account that belongs to Gov. Granholm because of missed deadlines and ineligible purchases. The GOP claims that $141,232 in fines should be assessed to Granholm and the account should be revoked. The key purchases that are cited by the GOP are flights to the Men's and Women's NCAA Tournaments to watch the Michigan State University teams compete. Granholm created the account under Internal Revenue Code to provide for expenditures as governor.
Sources:
Jeff Timmer, GOP Executive Director
Liz Boyd, Granholm spokeswoman
Internal Revenue Code
This is a good article about the financial activity of Gov. Granholm. It gives equal weight to both sides of the argument and details both sides justification for their opinion. It even frames the issue in historical context by adding how the former governor's account was recently used to put up a portrait in the state Capitol.
Michigan
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060415/NEWS04/604150332/1005/news04
By Dawson Bell, Special to the State Journal
The Michigan Republican Party asked for an IRS investigation of a tax-exempt expense account that belongs to Gov. Granholm because of missed deadlines and ineligible purchases. The GOP claims that $141,232 in fines should be assessed to Granholm and the account should be revoked. The key purchases that are cited by the GOP are flights to the Men's and Women's NCAA Tournaments to watch the Michigan State University teams compete. Granholm created the account under Internal Revenue Code to provide for expenditures as governor.
Sources:
Jeff Timmer, GOP Executive Director
Liz Boyd, Granholm spokeswoman
Internal Revenue Code
This is a good article about the financial activity of Gov. Granholm. It gives equal weight to both sides of the argument and details both sides justification for their opinion. It even frames the issue in historical context by adding how the former governor's account was recently used to put up a portrait in the state Capitol.
Michigan set to limit funeral protests
Kyle Chorpening
Michigan
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060419/NEWS06/604190475/1008
By Chris Christoff, Free Press Lansing Bureau Chief
A bill was passed in the Michigan state House by a vote of 102-1 in favor of banning protests within 500 feet of a funeral. This legislation was inspired by protests against the war at soldiers' funerals organized by Rev. Fred Phelps of Topeka, Kansas, who calls deaths in the war punishment from God for the acceptance of homosexuality, promiscuity, and adultury in the US. The vote will likely pass through the state Senate and Gov. Granholm has said she plans on passing the bill once she receives. Michigan is one of 30 states to enact laws prohibiting protests at funerals. The only dissenting vote in the House, Leon Drolet, said he doesn't support the protests, but doesn't support the bill because it will not hold up against a constitutional challenge.
Sources:
Mike Kilpela, Father of a slain Marine
National Conference of State Legislatures
Rep. Leon Drolet, R-Clinton Township
USA Today
Rep. Judy Emmons, R-Sheridan
his article seems weighted in favor of the bill, but still gives both sides of the issue. The least discussed issue is why the first amendment protects protests at funerals, especially at military funerals. The article does show that the reporter tried to contact Phelps, so he can't be slighted for only getting in touch with people on one side of the issue. The quotes used in the story use very harsh words to describe Phelps and his actions, so those parts and to the articles slant. Still, the article gives a good perception of the issue in Michigan, as well as on a national scale and on a highly localized scale by talking to a soldier's father.
Michigan
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060419/NEWS06/604190475/1008
By Chris Christoff, Free Press Lansing Bureau Chief
A bill was passed in the Michigan state House by a vote of 102-1 in favor of banning protests within 500 feet of a funeral. This legislation was inspired by protests against the war at soldiers' funerals organized by Rev. Fred Phelps of Topeka, Kansas, who calls deaths in the war punishment from God for the acceptance of homosexuality, promiscuity, and adultury in the US. The vote will likely pass through the state Senate and Gov. Granholm has said she plans on passing the bill once she receives. Michigan is one of 30 states to enact laws prohibiting protests at funerals. The only dissenting vote in the House, Leon Drolet, said he doesn't support the protests, but doesn't support the bill because it will not hold up against a constitutional challenge.
Sources:
Mike Kilpela, Father of a slain Marine
National Conference of State Legislatures
Rep. Leon Drolet, R-Clinton Township
USA Today
Rep. Judy Emmons, R-Sheridan
his article seems weighted in favor of the bill, but still gives both sides of the issue. The least discussed issue is why the first amendment protects protests at funerals, especially at military funerals. The article does show that the reporter tried to contact Phelps, so he can't be slighted for only getting in touch with people on one side of the issue. The quotes used in the story use very harsh words to describe Phelps and his actions, so those parts and to the articles slant. Still, the article gives a good perception of the issue in Michigan, as well as on a national scale and on a highly localized scale by talking to a soldier's father.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Buyout offers attract 2,795 workers at Ford and Visteon
Kyle Chorpening
Michigan
By Sarah A. Webster, Free Press Business Writer
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060425/NEWS11/60425008
Almost 3,000 workers from Ford Motor Co. and one of its former subsidiaries have accepted early buyout packages. Three different packages were offered based on how long the employees had been with the company. One provided retirement benefits and up to two years of reduced pay to employees with at least 28 years of experience with the country. Another gave employees a lump sum of $100,000 if they forego all benefits that hadn't already been accrued. The third offered $15,000 of tuition assistance for up to four years to employees who had been with the company for at least a year. These buyouts are in correlation with Ford's Way Forward effort which calls for the closure of 14 plants and the laying off of 30,000 workers.
Sources:
Ford officials
Marcey Evans, Ford spokeswoman
The article is a good breaking news piece about the event of the buyouts being accepted, but it gives no context as to what the effects of the buyouts could be and why this plan specifically was offered to the employees. It would also be good to show what the effects of the different buyou plans on the employees would be based on which plan they chose. It would also be good to know whether the subsidiray mentioned in the article is the only former subsidiary to be offered these buyout options.
Michigan
By Sarah A. Webster, Free Press Business Writer
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060425/NEWS11/60425008
Almost 3,000 workers from Ford Motor Co. and one of its former subsidiaries have accepted early buyout packages. Three different packages were offered based on how long the employees had been with the company. One provided retirement benefits and up to two years of reduced pay to employees with at least 28 years of experience with the country. Another gave employees a lump sum of $100,000 if they forego all benefits that hadn't already been accrued. The third offered $15,000 of tuition assistance for up to four years to employees who had been with the company for at least a year. These buyouts are in correlation with Ford's Way Forward effort which calls for the closure of 14 plants and the laying off of 30,000 workers.
Sources:
Ford officials
Marcey Evans, Ford spokeswoman
The article is a good breaking news piece about the event of the buyouts being accepted, but it gives no context as to what the effects of the buyouts could be and why this plan specifically was offered to the employees. It would also be good to show what the effects of the different buyou plans on the employees would be based on which plan they chose. It would also be good to know whether the subsidiray mentioned in the article is the only former subsidiary to be offered these buyout options.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Fletcher aide: Feedback runs against funding Cumberlands' pharmacy school
Kevin Chandler - Kentucky
Article By Jack Brammer, Staff writer for the Franklin Bureau of the Lexington Herald-Leader
A spokesman for Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher said that the governor is receiving phone calls urging him to veto a controversial $11 million dollar grant to a private university at a rate of about 4 times that of those urging him to support the proposal. The grant, which worked its way into the budget approved by the legislature, would fund the creation of a pharmacy school at the University of the Cumberlands. Dissenters within the legislature question the constitutionality of providing such a large sum of money to a private school, especially when a pharmacy school is in the works at the University of Kentucky, the state's flagship public university. Outside the legislature, however, many are disputing the grant on other reasons. The University of the Cumberlands recently drew ire from civil liberties and gay rights groups when it expelled a student after he said online that he was gay.
Sources:
Official- Sen. Daniel Mongiardo (D)
Unofficial-Brett Hall, director of communications for Gov. Fletcher
The bill seems so controversial both within and outside government circles, that it would not be wise for Gov. Fletcher to approve the measure. Even Sen. Mongiardo, a practicing phsician himself, remained opposed to the grant. Kentucky is a poor state, and if the proposed budget goes through, the state will be running a $2.38 billion deficit. Kentucky has no room for wasted money. Furthermore, what kind of message would the state of Kentucky send by openly financially supporting a private university that only very recently attracted its own attention by being outwardly bigoted against homosexuals? For Kentucky to succeed economically and ideologically, they must be progressive and not regressive.
Article By Jack Brammer, Staff writer for the Franklin Bureau of the Lexington Herald-Leader
A spokesman for Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher said that the governor is receiving phone calls urging him to veto a controversial $11 million dollar grant to a private university at a rate of about 4 times that of those urging him to support the proposal. The grant, which worked its way into the budget approved by the legislature, would fund the creation of a pharmacy school at the University of the Cumberlands. Dissenters within the legislature question the constitutionality of providing such a large sum of money to a private school, especially when a pharmacy school is in the works at the University of Kentucky, the state's flagship public university. Outside the legislature, however, many are disputing the grant on other reasons. The University of the Cumberlands recently drew ire from civil liberties and gay rights groups when it expelled a student after he said online that he was gay.
Sources:
Official- Sen. Daniel Mongiardo (D)
Unofficial-Brett Hall, director of communications for Gov. Fletcher
The bill seems so controversial both within and outside government circles, that it would not be wise for Gov. Fletcher to approve the measure. Even Sen. Mongiardo, a practicing phsician himself, remained opposed to the grant. Kentucky is a poor state, and if the proposed budget goes through, the state will be running a $2.38 billion deficit. Kentucky has no room for wasted money. Furthermore, what kind of message would the state of Kentucky send by openly financially supporting a private university that only very recently attracted its own attention by being outwardly bigoted against homosexuals? For Kentucky to succeed economically and ideologically, they must be progressive and not regressive.
Budget battle hits road plan; Local projects may get less
Matthew Bowles, Virginia
Article by Kelly Hannon, The Free Lance-Star staff writer
The Free Lance-Star – April 21, 2006
State transportation officials and local leaders from Fredericksburg examined how the budget stalemate in the General Assembly might affect road projects in the area. The Commonwealth Transportation Board estimates that, without new funding, the draft budget would provide $870 million less for road construction than the previous proposal. The stalemate between the Senate and the House ensues as they spare over financing measures; the Senate has proposed new taxes, which House leaders have vowed to oppose. Republican leaders continue to criticize Kaine and his leadership on the transportation issue. Virginia faces challenges as it moves into the future, with the increasingly substantial problem of road maintenance and the rising price of construction materials.
Official Sources: Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer; Mary Lee Carter, a former Spotsylvania supervisor who represents Fredericksburg on the Commonwealth Transportation Board; Gov. Tim Kaine (D); House Speaker Bill Howell (R-Stafford)
Unofficial Sources: none
Politics is still driving the current transportation proposal in Virginia. There are policy confrontations between the House and the Senate, as well as the governor, and among the two political parties. Localities grow more and more impatient with the deadlock as they await the much needed funding for their road projects. This article is a good capstone to the months-long coverage of the progress of Kaine’s transportation proposal, providing an analysis of where the commonwealth stands now that the year’s first session of the General Assembly has come to a close.
Article by Kelly Hannon, The Free Lance-Star staff writer
The Free Lance-Star – April 21, 2006
State transportation officials and local leaders from Fredericksburg examined how the budget stalemate in the General Assembly might affect road projects in the area. The Commonwealth Transportation Board estimates that, without new funding, the draft budget would provide $870 million less for road construction than the previous proposal. The stalemate between the Senate and the House ensues as they spare over financing measures; the Senate has proposed new taxes, which House leaders have vowed to oppose. Republican leaders continue to criticize Kaine and his leadership on the transportation issue. Virginia faces challenges as it moves into the future, with the increasingly substantial problem of road maintenance and the rising price of construction materials.
Official Sources: Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer; Mary Lee Carter, a former Spotsylvania supervisor who represents Fredericksburg on the Commonwealth Transportation Board; Gov. Tim Kaine (D); House Speaker Bill Howell (R-Stafford)
Unofficial Sources: none
Politics is still driving the current transportation proposal in Virginia. There are policy confrontations between the House and the Senate, as well as the governor, and among the two political parties. Localities grow more and more impatient with the deadlock as they await the much needed funding for their road projects. This article is a good capstone to the months-long coverage of the progress of Kaine’s transportation proposal, providing an analysis of where the commonwealth stands now that the year’s first session of the General Assembly has come to a close.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Anti-gay actions could hurt state's business prospects
Kevin Chandler - Kentucky
Article by John Stamper, staff writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader
Alleged "anti-gay" actions by Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher have drawn the ire of state business leaders, economic developers and executives in the state. On April 11, Gov. Fletcher made the move to strip discrimination protections from homosexual employees, and the general assembly has approved the allocation of $11 million towards the creation of a pharmacy school at the University of the Cumberlands, a private university that recently drew attention when it expelled a gay student. While a spokesman for Fletcher contends that the admnistration has no intention f discriminating against gays, detractors say otherwise and note that anti-homosexual discrimination is bad for business. Opponents of Fletcher's decision provide extensive research that communities that are open and tolerant by and far are more successful in recruiting creative employees and generating lucrative business.
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14408572.htm (for some reason the Hyper-Link button is not working)
Sources:
Unofficial- Alan Hawse of Lexington, vice president of information technology for Cypress Semiconductor; Brett Hall, spokesman for Gov. Fletcher; Gary Gates, senior research fellow for the Williams Institute; Tim FitzPatrick, spokesman for Lexmark; Christina Gilgor, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance
Critics of Governor Fletcher on this issue do have a strong point, and it is one that goes along well with an information box in our Poli042 textbook. The book section reviewed some of the factors that make cities attractive for young, creative workers. One of the important factors was how open a city was to different ideals, values and sexual orientations. These young workers not only stimulate business, but they also liven up a city by patronizing the arts, entertainment, restaurants and nightlife. By shutting out this demographic, Gov. Fletcher is making it hard for Kentucky, already far behind most of the country economically, to get ahead and stimulate development and capital.
Article by John Stamper, staff writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader
Alleged "anti-gay" actions by Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher have drawn the ire of state business leaders, economic developers and executives in the state. On April 11, Gov. Fletcher made the move to strip discrimination protections from homosexual employees, and the general assembly has approved the allocation of $11 million towards the creation of a pharmacy school at the University of the Cumberlands, a private university that recently drew attention when it expelled a gay student. While a spokesman for Fletcher contends that the admnistration has no intention f discriminating against gays, detractors say otherwise and note that anti-homosexual discrimination is bad for business. Opponents of Fletcher's decision provide extensive research that communities that are open and tolerant by and far are more successful in recruiting creative employees and generating lucrative business.
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14408572.htm (for some reason the Hyper-Link button is not working)
Sources:
Unofficial- Alan Hawse of Lexington, vice president of information technology for Cypress Semiconductor; Brett Hall, spokesman for Gov. Fletcher; Gary Gates, senior research fellow for the Williams Institute; Tim FitzPatrick, spokesman for Lexmark; Christina Gilgor, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance
Critics of Governor Fletcher on this issue do have a strong point, and it is one that goes along well with an information box in our Poli042 textbook. The book section reviewed some of the factors that make cities attractive for young, creative workers. One of the important factors was how open a city was to different ideals, values and sexual orientations. These young workers not only stimulate business, but they also liven up a city by patronizing the arts, entertainment, restaurants and nightlife. By shutting out this demographic, Gov. Fletcher is making it hard for Kentucky, already far behind most of the country economically, to get ahead and stimulate development and capital.
State gets a budget, on time
Kevin Chandler - Kentucky
Article by Patrick Crowley of The Cincinnati Enquirer
For the first time in six years the Kentucky legislature has turned in a budget on time. The legislature is required to construct a budget every two years, and many legislators are touting this year's session as the most productive in the past several. Lawmakers cited increased bi-partisan cooperation as the driving force behind the successful session, in which several important measures were passed, namely one that will increase penalties for sex offenders.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060423/NEWS0103/604230408/1077
Sources:
Official - Rep. Jon Draud (R);Rep. Paul Marcotte (R);Lt. Gov. Steve Pence (R); Rep. Addia Wuchner (R); Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R)
Unofficial - Aaron Morris - fiscal policy analyst for the Bluegrass Institute
The article obviously serves as evidence of what can be accomplished when lawmakers throw out intense party debates. Legislators interviewed said that although there were frequent disagreements, they were able to use those conflicts in a constructive manner rather than letting them halt progress. Although the message of the article was largely cheery, it is important to note that several sources, including the governor, have aknowledged that the budget turned in by the legislature will most likely not be the same one enacted in the coming fiscal year.
Article by Patrick Crowley of The Cincinnati Enquirer
For the first time in six years the Kentucky legislature has turned in a budget on time. The legislature is required to construct a budget every two years, and many legislators are touting this year's session as the most productive in the past several. Lawmakers cited increased bi-partisan cooperation as the driving force behind the successful session, in which several important measures were passed, namely one that will increase penalties for sex offenders.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060423/NEWS0103/604230408/1077
Sources:
Official - Rep. Jon Draud (R);Rep. Paul Marcotte (R);Lt. Gov. Steve Pence (R); Rep. Addia Wuchner (R); Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R)
Unofficial - Aaron Morris - fiscal policy analyst for the Bluegrass Institute
The article obviously serves as evidence of what can be accomplished when lawmakers throw out intense party debates. Legislators interviewed said that although there were frequent disagreements, they were able to use those conflicts in a constructive manner rather than letting them halt progress. Although the message of the article was largely cheery, it is important to note that several sources, including the governor, have aknowledged that the budget turned in by the legislature will most likely not be the same one enacted in the coming fiscal year.
State gets a budget, on time
Kevin Chandler - Kentucky
Article by Patrick Crowley of The Cincinnati Enquirer
For the first time in six years, the Kentucky legislature has turned in a budget on time. The legislature is required to construct a budget every two years, and many legislators are touting this year's session as the most productive in the past several. Lawmakers cited increased bi-partisan cooperation as the driving force behind the successful session, in which several important measures were passed, namely one that will increase penalties for sex offenders.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060423/NEWS0103/604230408/1077
Sources:
Official - Rep. Jon Draud (R);Rep. Paul Marcotte (R);Lt. Gov. Steve Pence (R); Rep. Addia Wuchner (R); Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R)
Unofficial - Aaron Morris - fiscal policy analyst for the Bluegrass Institute
The article obviously serves as evidence of what can be accomplished when lawmakers throw out intense party debates. Legislators interviewed said that although there were frequent disagreements, they were able to use those conflicts in a constructive manner rather than letting them halt progress. Although the message of the article was largely cheery, it is important to note that several sources, including the governor, have aknowledged that the budget turned in by the legislature will most likely not be the same one enacted in the coming fiscal year.
Article by Patrick Crowley of The Cincinnati Enquirer
For the first time in six years, the Kentucky legislature has turned in a budget on time. The legislature is required to construct a budget every two years, and many legislators are touting this year's session as the most productive in the past several. Lawmakers cited increased bi-partisan cooperation as the driving force behind the successful session, in which several important measures were passed, namely one that will increase penalties for sex offenders.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060423/NEWS0103/604230408/1077
Sources:
Official - Rep. Jon Draud (R);Rep. Paul Marcotte (R);Lt. Gov. Steve Pence (R); Rep. Addia Wuchner (R); Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R)
Unofficial - Aaron Morris - fiscal policy analyst for the Bluegrass Institute
The article obviously serves as evidence of what can be accomplished when lawmakers throw out intense party debates. Legislators interviewed said that although there were frequent disagreements, they were able to use those conflicts in a constructive manner rather than letting them halt progress. Although the message of the article was largely cheery, it is important to note that several sources, including the governor, have aknowledged that the budget turned in by the legislature will most likely not be the same one enacted in the coming fiscal year.
State gets a budget, on time
Kevin Chandler - Kentucky
Article by Patrick Crowley of The Cincinnati Enquirer
For the first time in six years, the Kentucky legislature has turned in a budget on time. The legislature is required to construct a budget every two years, and many legislators are touting this year's session as the most productive in the past several. Lawmakers cited increased bi-partisan cooperation as the driving force behind the successful session, in which several important measures were passed, namely one that will increase penalties for sex offenders.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060423/NEWS0103/604230408/1077
Sources:
Official - Rep. Jon Draud (R);Rep. Paul Marcotte (R);Lt. Gov. Steve Pence (R); Rep. Addia Wuchner (R); Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R)
Unofficial - Aaron Morris - fiscal policy analyst for the Bluegrass Institute
The article obviously serves as evidence of what can be accomplished when lawmakers throw out intense party debates. Legislators interviewed said that although there were frequent disagreements, they were able to use those conflicts in a constructive manner rather than letting them halt progress. Although the message of the article was largely cheery, it is important to note that several sources, including the governor, have aknowledged that the budget turned in by the legislature will most likely not be the same one enacted in the coming fiscal year.
Article by Patrick Crowley of The Cincinnati Enquirer
For the first time in six years, the Kentucky legislature has turned in a budget on time. The legislature is required to construct a budget every two years, and many legislators are touting this year's session as the most productive in the past several. Lawmakers cited increased bi-partisan cooperation as the driving force behind the successful session, in which several important measures were passed, namely one that will increase penalties for sex offenders.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060423/NEWS0103/604230408/1077
Sources:
Official - Rep. Jon Draud (R);Rep. Paul Marcotte (R);Lt. Gov. Steve Pence (R); Rep. Addia Wuchner (R); Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R)
Unofficial - Aaron Morris - fiscal policy analyst for the Bluegrass Institute
The article obviously serves as evidence of what can be accomplished when lawmakers throw out intense party debates. Legislators interviewed said that although there were frequent disagreements, they were able to use those conflicts in a constructive manner rather than letting them halt progress. Although the message of the article was largely cheery, it is important to note that several sources, including the governor, have aknowledged that the budget turned in by the legislature will most likely not be the same one enacted in the coming fiscal year.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
NYPD to use electric eyes
Laura Fried
New York
Times Union-Albany
In Brooklyn, New York, three wireless video recorders (each with two zoom lenses), were installed 30 feet above the ground as a part of the NYPD’s plan to fight street crime and terrorism. The cameras are just the beginning of the $9 million program to install 500 cameras throughout the city. The city hopes to receive $81.5 million in federal grants to add more cameras. The system is modeled after London’s system. Some people believe that this is a good plan to fight crime, while others view it as a breach of privacy.
Official Sources:
None
Unofficial Sources:
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly
Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union
I think that the cameras are a good idea for the city. New York City has become an amazingly safe city in the past decade and I think that the cameras will only reinforce all the work they have done so far. Not only will it make people feel safer to know that crime will be witnessed and caught on tape, but it will also deter criminals from committing crimes because their act will definitely be seen. I can see how some people might feel that their privacy is being breached, but the cameras are in public places, not your home or office. I see it as if you have nothing to hide than you shouldn’t feel threatened by the use of the cameras. It would make me feel safer. It is an expensive program, but it would make police officers’ jobs a lot easier and help them more effectively fight crime and find the people who commit crimes. I would hope that no police officers would lose their jobs over this program because cameras can be helpful, but are not a replacement for real men and women on the job out on the streets making their presence known.
New York
Times Union-Albany
In Brooklyn, New York, three wireless video recorders (each with two zoom lenses), were installed 30 feet above the ground as a part of the NYPD’s plan to fight street crime and terrorism. The cameras are just the beginning of the $9 million program to install 500 cameras throughout the city. The city hopes to receive $81.5 million in federal grants to add more cameras. The system is modeled after London’s system. Some people believe that this is a good plan to fight crime, while others view it as a breach of privacy.
Official Sources:
None
Unofficial Sources:
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly
Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union
I think that the cameras are a good idea for the city. New York City has become an amazingly safe city in the past decade and I think that the cameras will only reinforce all the work they have done so far. Not only will it make people feel safer to know that crime will be witnessed and caught on tape, but it will also deter criminals from committing crimes because their act will definitely be seen. I can see how some people might feel that their privacy is being breached, but the cameras are in public places, not your home or office. I see it as if you have nothing to hide than you shouldn’t feel threatened by the use of the cameras. It would make me feel safer. It is an expensive program, but it would make police officers’ jobs a lot easier and help them more effectively fight crime and find the people who commit crimes. I would hope that no police officers would lose their jobs over this program because cameras can be helpful, but are not a replacement for real men and women on the job out on the streets making their presence known.
Coercion sees "failure" in reforms for child welfare
Corzine sees "failure" in reforms for child welfare
Christian Rhodes
New Jersey
The Star Ledger
Susan Livio-Staff Writer
Summary: In some of his hardest terms since his election to the governorship, Gov. Jon Corzine said the child's welfare system in New Jersey was a "failure" and would need a few years to get things straight and running smoothly. These comments came on a radio show, a day before he was to present a budget proposal to the Assembly Budget Committee to the new Department of Children and Families. The Budget Committee ask Commissioner Kevin Ryan to explain why the millions of dollars in recent years has not improved the child welfare system in the state, expanded the network of foster and adoptive homes, and hired and trained workers, as promised. In a response to the unproductive child welfare system, Gov. Corzine created a separate Cabinet-level department for children so the troubled agencies that serves abused and emotionally troubled children, will get more attention. The Governor's criticism of the child welfare system was prompted from an irate adoptive parent who questioned why untrained foster parents and workers were taking care of these challenged children.
Sources: Govenor Jon Corzine-(D)
This article reflects the role of the Governor and his ability to use outside markets to get his ideas and opinions across, while pressing his agenda effectively. It is interesting that his criticism comes directly before he presents a new budget for a Cabinet-level position that he created after he was elected governor. This strategy shows the level of detail and precise nature of the Governor's appearance and comments. While there are some statistic that back of the claims of the Governor's claims of failure, the article could have done a better job in covering both sides of the issue.
Christian Rhodes
New Jersey
The Star Ledger
Susan Livio-Staff Writer
Summary: In some of his hardest terms since his election to the governorship, Gov. Jon Corzine said the child's welfare system in New Jersey was a "failure" and would need a few years to get things straight and running smoothly. These comments came on a radio show, a day before he was to present a budget proposal to the Assembly Budget Committee to the new Department of Children and Families. The Budget Committee ask Commissioner Kevin Ryan to explain why the millions of dollars in recent years has not improved the child welfare system in the state, expanded the network of foster and adoptive homes, and hired and trained workers, as promised. In a response to the unproductive child welfare system, Gov. Corzine created a separate Cabinet-level department for children so the troubled agencies that serves abused and emotionally troubled children, will get more attention. The Governor's criticism of the child welfare system was prompted from an irate adoptive parent who questioned why untrained foster parents and workers were taking care of these challenged children.
Sources: Govenor Jon Corzine-(D)
This article reflects the role of the Governor and his ability to use outside markets to get his ideas and opinions across, while pressing his agenda effectively. It is interesting that his criticism comes directly before he presents a new budget for a Cabinet-level position that he created after he was elected governor. This strategy shows the level of detail and precise nature of the Governor's appearance and comments. While there are some statistic that back of the claims of the Governor's claims of failure, the article could have done a better job in covering both sides of the issue.
