Democracy in Branson has been cancelled in Branson as no residents are foolish enough to put a fight against Branson's new hillbilly mafia.
Reminiscent of the Soviet Union under the darkness of Communism voters will have no reason to show up at the polls in April as the current administration lacks contenders during this election. Four seats, three alderman and the Mayoral slot will fill walk into political positions without challengers.
Three days before deadline it appeared someone was foolish enough to challenge an administration who has demonstrated a willingness to flex business affilliations, financial relationships with local press and position with geo-political entities to shut-down any potential challengers to the fiscal policies of our current administration.
A new almost-resident filed at the last minute against Raeanne Presley before being disqualified due to residence requirements.
Branson Mayoral Candidate Files At Last Minute
Democratic Elections in Branson seemed all but lost as all slots for Branson Board of Alderman were unopposed until the last minute. Tony D. Bentley registered to contest Presley's incumbency three days before deadline.
The name, position, date and time candidates registered is posted below as recorded by Branson City Clerk Lisa Westfall.
Raeanne Presley Mayor 12/16/08 #1 9:47 a.m.
Sandra Williams Ward II 12/16/08 #10 10:00 a.m.
Bob R. Simmons Ward I 12/16/08 #3 1:14 p.m.
Stephen Marshall Ward III 12/18/08 9:50 a.m.
Tony D. Bentley Mayor 01/20/09 1:35 p.m.
Who is dumb enough to challenge this administration?
The name, position, date and time candidates registered is posted below as recorded by Branson City Clerk Lisa Westfall.
Raeanne Presley Mayor 12/16/08 #1 9:47 a.m.
Sandra Williams Ward II 12/16/08 #10 10:00 a.m.
Bob R. Simmons Ward I 12/16/08 #3 1:14 p.m.
Stephen Marshall Ward III 12/18/08 9:50 a.m.
Tony D. Bentley Mayor 01/20/09 1:35 p.m.
Who is dumb enough to challenge this administration?
Martin Luther Tupac Hussein Obama Day
Changes.I've been looking over Sarah Steelman interview footage cut from the Republican Convention in Branson last year. I threw a softball, egging her to elaborate on the benefits of having a woman governor. In response to my question her face cringes - we've passed that barrier she tells me.
On Martin Luther King day last year - Barack Obama visited Martin Luther King's Church on the holiday last year. I didn't get to make this particular campaign stop but the transcript demonstrated a massive dialogue shift. Obama's message focused on a responsibility the black community needed to embrace regarding discrimination against gay citizens.
But, perhaps, the most compelling clip of the year identifying change was Gov. Mike Huckabee's choice of caucus speaker in rural Iowa. A black preacher took the floor - identity politics seemed to be an asset.
Perhaps, the most fascinating historical document I was able to get my hands on was Joseph Smiths campaign bid as General of an Illinois militia. Smith's platform was an end to slavery by 1845 and a movement to end the current United States prison system. Some of his vision, the end of debtor's prison in addition to the eventual end to slavery reached fruition sometime later.For Romney identity politics appears a curse - hey, he wears a different kind of underwear. I suppose it was for Smith too who was assasinated soon after his announcement.
Tupac writes before his death:
"Although it seems heaven sent, we ain't ready to see a black president."
In the video above, changes he elaborates on the low self esteem highly visible in the black community scripting. "Is life worth living or should I blast myself."
Rick Warren will deliver Obama's innagural address tomorrow with heavy criticism from gay rights activists and sympathizers for his endorsemnt of California's Proposition 8 whose passage denies marriage certificates to same-sex couples.
Warren's significance to American brand Christianity is significant - moving from the spiritual charismatics to pratical social structures to insitute focused activism. His book the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" focuses on business structures and group success through a term he coined -" interdependence". The function of the church and Jesus as a political activist reformed the modern day church to a struture we see common today - small groups , preaching in context of modern society etc...
Change is in the air - there seems to be a lingering uncertainty and opening possibilities.
(
On Martin Luther King day last year - Barack Obama visited Martin Luther King's Church on the holiday last year. I didn't get to make this particular campaign stop but the transcript demonstrated a massive dialogue shift. Obama's message focused on a responsibility the black community needed to embrace regarding discrimination against gay citizens.
But, perhaps, the most compelling clip of the year identifying change was Gov. Mike Huckabee's choice of caucus speaker in rural Iowa. A black preacher took the floor - identity politics seemed to be an asset.
Perhaps, the most fascinating historical document I was able to get my hands on was Joseph Smiths campaign bid as General of an Illinois militia. Smith's platform was an end to slavery by 1845 and a movement to end the current United States prison system. Some of his vision, the end of debtor's prison in addition to the eventual end to slavery reached fruition sometime later.For Romney identity politics appears a curse - hey, he wears a different kind of underwear. I suppose it was for Smith too who was assasinated soon after his announcement.
Tupac writes before his death:
"Although it seems heaven sent, we ain't ready to see a black president."
In the video above, changes he elaborates on the low self esteem highly visible in the black community scripting. "Is life worth living or should I blast myself."
Rick Warren will deliver Obama's innagural address tomorrow with heavy criticism from gay rights activists and sympathizers for his endorsemnt of California's Proposition 8 whose passage denies marriage certificates to same-sex couples.
Warren's significance to American brand Christianity is significant - moving from the spiritual charismatics to pratical social structures to insitute focused activism. His book the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" focuses on business structures and group success through a term he coined -" interdependence". The function of the church and Jesus as a political activist reformed the modern day church to a struture we see common today - small groups , preaching in context of modern society etc...
Change is in the air - there seems to be a lingering uncertainty and opening possibilities.
(
Branson Armed Robbery - Auntie Anne's Pretzel Shop - Police Looking For Help
Branson Police Department Press Release
The Branson Police Department is investigating a report of an armed robbery that occurred this afternoon at the Auntie Anne’s Pretzel shop located in the Factory Merchants Mall. Just before 3:30 p.m. a female entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the clerk. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect left the business fleeing the area on foot, leaving in an unknown direction. There were no injuries during the incident.
The suspect was described as a white female, approximately 5’8” with a thin build. She was wearing a black pull over sweatshirt which had a blue hood, blue jeans and a black face mask. The woman was armed with a dark colored handgun.
The investigation continues at this time. Anyone having information to offer regarding this incident is asked to contact the Branson Police Department at 334-3300 or to offer information anonymously, the department’s CATCH line at 334-1085.
________________________
Caroll W. McCullough
Chief of Police
01/13/09
The Branson Police Department is investigating a report of an armed robbery that occurred this afternoon at the Auntie Anne’s Pretzel shop located in the Factory Merchants Mall. Just before 3:30 p.m. a female entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the clerk. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect left the business fleeing the area on foot, leaving in an unknown direction. There were no injuries during the incident.
The suspect was described as a white female, approximately 5’8” with a thin build. She was wearing a black pull over sweatshirt which had a blue hood, blue jeans and a black face mask. The woman was armed with a dark colored handgun.
The investigation continues at this time. Anyone having information to offer regarding this incident is asked to contact the Branson Police Department at 334-3300 or to offer information anonymously, the department’s CATCH line at 334-1085.
________________________
Caroll W. McCullough
Chief of Police
01/13/09
Branson Armed Robbery - Auntie Anne
The Branson Police Department is investigating a report of an armed robbery that occurred this afternoon at the Auntie Anne’s Pretzel shop located in the Factory Merchants Mall. Just before 3:30 p.m. a female entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the clerk. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect left the business fleeing the area on foot, leaving in an unknown direction. There were no injuries during the incident.
The suspect was described as a white female, approximately 5’8” with a thin build. She was wearing a black pull over sweatshirt which had a blue hood, blue jeans and a black face mask. The woman was armed with a dark colored handgun.
The investigation continues at this time. Anyone having information to offer regarding this incident is asked to contact the Branson Police Department at 334-3300 or to offer information anonymously, the department’s CATCH line at 334-1085.
________________________
Caroll W. McCullough
Chief of Police
01/13/09
The suspect was described as a white female, approximately 5’8” with a thin build. She was wearing a black pull over sweatshirt which had a blue hood, blue jeans and a black face mask. The woman was armed with a dark colored handgun.
The investigation continues at this time. Anyone having information to offer regarding this incident is asked to contact the Branson Police Department at 334-3300 or to offer information anonymously, the department’s CATCH line at 334-1085.
________________________
Caroll W. McCullough
Chief of Police
01/13/09
Branson Calendar Year Sales Tax Revenue up 3% and Media irresponsibility in reporting
The City of Branson is reporting Sales Tax Revenue collected through calendar year through November 2008 is up 3%
The facts blatantly disregard assertions of a deficit by city leaders regurgitated through local faux-media outlets. The significance of the finding pontificates a major issue with the new age of reporting.
Determining what news is published is a difficult and time-consuming task . The competitive landscape of our new media age lends itself to foul play - consider all four regional media outlets covering Branson are publishing press releases as opposed to reporting. This enables corruption as officials utilize the press to run ongoing political campaigns and undermines the purist view that media's goal in American society is to keep us free and self governed.
What's sad is that the actual numbers reflect a very positive story about the Branson economy. Instead of accurate reporting of fact we have politicians dictating what is being printed and published by news outlets.
Branson's leaders have been on a massive spending spree to special interests. Economic stimulus plans aren't part of the current administrations goals, ambitions or focus. As a result, Branson's 2009 economy will suffer overburdened with handouts to organizations that have traditionally been funded privately.
The facts blatantly disregard assertions of a deficit by city leaders regurgitated through local faux-media outlets. The significance of the finding pontificates a major issue with the new age of reporting.
Determining what news is published is a difficult and time-consuming task . The competitive landscape of our new media age lends itself to foul play - consider all four regional media outlets covering Branson are publishing press releases as opposed to reporting. This enables corruption as officials utilize the press to run ongoing political campaigns and undermines the purist view that media's goal in American society is to keep us free and self governed.
What's sad is that the actual numbers reflect a very positive story about the Branson economy. Instead of accurate reporting of fact we have politicians dictating what is being printed and published by news outlets.
Branson's leaders have been on a massive spending spree to special interests. Economic stimulus plans aren't part of the current administrations goals, ambitions or focus. As a result, Branson's 2009 economy will suffer overburdened with handouts to organizations that have traditionally been funded privately.
Branson Missouri No Longer Has Daily Paper
The hundred year old Branson Daily News shut down the only existing daily newspaper leaving the Springfield News-Leader the only regional daily paper in the area.
The Branson Independent is currently printing three weekly editions and a new publication named the Tri-Lakes Tribune is also publishing three days a week providing coverage of both Stone and Taney Counties.
Currently, the Independent is delivering the current Branson administration actively delivering a party line (not exactly journalism - but rather political propaganda). The Tri-Lakes tribune is soft on politics focusing on human interest stories.
The Branson Daily News promises to continue coverage of Branson City Council and promises more depth in online coverage.
The Branson Independent is currently printing three weekly editions and a new publication named the Tri-Lakes Tribune is also publishing three days a week providing coverage of both Stone and Taney Counties.
Currently, the Independent is delivering the current Branson administration actively delivering a party line (not exactly journalism - but rather political propaganda). The Tri-Lakes tribune is soft on politics focusing on human interest stories.
The Branson Daily News promises to continue coverage of Branson City Council and promises more depth in online coverage.
Missouri Senator Kit Bond To Retire
Politco published a report and transcript of Missouri Senator Kit Bond's retirement announcement this morning..
Branson Tourism Tax Reaches Record High in Fiscal 08
The City of Branson's Tourism Tax peaked to new heights in fiscal 2008. The chart above depicts the history of the tourism tax, not to be confused with the regional tourism tax that extends to Silver Dollar City.
The Branson Tourism Tax reflects revenue derived by the city of Branson proper as opposed to the TCED tax entity voters approved of over two years ago.
The Branson Tourism Tax is controlled by the City of Branson Alderman and trickled in nearly $800,000 more than projected by government officials at at the beginning of fiscal 2008. Analyst forecasted $11,422,027 in Tourism Tax Income to the city of Branson while actual income from the tourism tax totaled $12,620,239. Branson's fiscal 2008 Tourism Tax Totals reflect record city income from the tax from Branson hotels, restaurants and attractions and a 5.8% increase over last year.
(by Darin Codon)
***Edit: 8 not 10 year history
Favorite Interviews - People I met in 2008
Mike Huckabee - Truly likeable guy. Discussions about theology were some of the interesting experiences with politicos during the year. The discussion - respect for athiesm and free-thought under Christian Leadership.
Tim Russert - One of the most amazing journalists of all time, prior to meeting Russert, transcripts from meet the press were being archived on the Presidential Politics Blog Russert refused to predict who would be the next president of the United States.
Ron Paul - What was interesting about my time with Ron Paul had nothing to do with face time but rather an overwhelmingly large group of missionaries who were supportive of Ron Paul for his philanthropy work with Christian organizations in South America where he volunteered as a doctor and delivered hundreds of children.
(Updating with Photos and videos)
Tim Russert - One of the most amazing journalists of all time, prior to meeting Russert, transcripts from meet the press were being archived on the Presidential Politics Blog Russert refused to predict who would be the next president of the United States.
Ron Paul - What was interesting about my time with Ron Paul had nothing to do with face time but rather an overwhelmingly large group of missionaries who were supportive of Ron Paul for his philanthropy work with Christian organizations in South America where he volunteered as a doctor and delivered hundreds of children.
(Updating with Photos and videos)
Branson City Government in 2008
A foot of the brakes of Branson's economy and the other on the pedal for political traditionalists marked 2008 for Branson's city government.
Contrary to regurgitated press releases by a mostly non-present (never stopped them from publishing stories) regional press, Branson's new alcohol ordinance that moved forward had nothing to do with derailing teenage drinking, but rather a push to thwart a burgeoning nightlife industry that embraced new markets malaligned with Branson's center strip entertainment venues.
Legal consultants and Branson Alderman focused on increasing liability on business owners for misconduct related to abuse of alcohol distribution practices by employees. In addition, the ordinance allows broad oversight and intrusion to private property in order to enforce the new initiatives.
The ordinance also halts potential growth of a bar district, which could stimulate growth in the Branson Landing's adjoining old town district. Social conservatives find the ordinance a victory as Branson's expansion of tourism into new demographics presented a challenge to the Christian Brand.
The very form of government would also change moving from a body of debate to one of strong central leadership and slashing positions - terminating employees willing to debate the new monolithic structure. The Mayor - City Manager form of government would disapate and a successful power grab by Branson's new leader would assume total control of the city.
The true state of Branson's economy would be buried as it would challenge the premise that launched a new government into power in the first place. Branson Landing, a TIF funded district on the lake would deliver on its promise to stimulate Branson's economy and for 22 months Branson would experience the highest revenue in the city's history - ignoring the national economic downturn.
Branson's new government would continue inquiries into past finances , ironically at an expense of 1 million dollars.
New expenditures promise to appear in 2008 as the transition of power would find millions and promise to damper the effect of 10 years of solid economic growth.
Citizen participation would increase and new groups would form to beautify the city and collaborate with state agencies to provide a better anesthetic. The Downtown Business Owners would continue to organize and collaboration with the Branson Chamber would begin.
The Branson Chamber would move more funding into Internet Development and double the size of web traffic.
Conflicts of Interest would be ignored as well as an ethics proposal which proved too hard and demanding of more integrity than Branson City Leaders would allow.
Political Bribery would ensue and Branson Alderman would throw state law to the side to push an agenda rejected by Branson citizens many years coming.
Branson would announce daily flights and the majority of construction of a new airport would ensue.
The one major development within Branson City limits would remain an eyesore on the strip and a new slate would push for more development on the dying strip.
The full impact of Branson's loose spending practices, attempts to stop the growth of new industry and movement back to the "good ole days" of the 1950's will rear it's head in 2009 as more details, successes and dismal failures elope into the pages of the Branson Missouri Blog.
Contrary to regurgitated press releases by a mostly non-present (never stopped them from publishing stories) regional press, Branson's new alcohol ordinance that moved forward had nothing to do with derailing teenage drinking, but rather a push to thwart a burgeoning nightlife industry that embraced new markets malaligned with Branson's center strip entertainment venues.
Legal consultants and Branson Alderman focused on increasing liability on business owners for misconduct related to abuse of alcohol distribution practices by employees. In addition, the ordinance allows broad oversight and intrusion to private property in order to enforce the new initiatives.
The ordinance also halts potential growth of a bar district, which could stimulate growth in the Branson Landing's adjoining old town district. Social conservatives find the ordinance a victory as Branson's expansion of tourism into new demographics presented a challenge to the Christian Brand.
The very form of government would also change moving from a body of debate to one of strong central leadership and slashing positions - terminating employees willing to debate the new monolithic structure. The Mayor - City Manager form of government would disapate and a successful power grab by Branson's new leader would assume total control of the city.
The true state of Branson's economy would be buried as it would challenge the premise that launched a new government into power in the first place. Branson Landing, a TIF funded district on the lake would deliver on its promise to stimulate Branson's economy and for 22 months Branson would experience the highest revenue in the city's history - ignoring the national economic downturn.
Branson's new government would continue inquiries into past finances , ironically at an expense of 1 million dollars.
New expenditures promise to appear in 2008 as the transition of power would find millions and promise to damper the effect of 10 years of solid economic growth.
Citizen participation would increase and new groups would form to beautify the city and collaborate with state agencies to provide a better anesthetic. The Downtown Business Owners would continue to organize and collaboration with the Branson Chamber would begin.
The Branson Chamber would move more funding into Internet Development and double the size of web traffic.
Conflicts of Interest would be ignored as well as an ethics proposal which proved too hard and demanding of more integrity than Branson City Leaders would allow.
Political Bribery would ensue and Branson Alderman would throw state law to the side to push an agenda rejected by Branson citizens many years coming.
Branson would announce daily flights and the majority of construction of a new airport would ensue.
The one major development within Branson City limits would remain an eyesore on the strip and a new slate would push for more development on the dying strip.
The full impact of Branson's loose spending practices, attempts to stop the growth of new industry and movement back to the "good ole days" of the 1950's will rear it's head in 2009 as more details, successes and dismal failures elope into the pages of the Branson Missouri Blog.
Morning Political Dispatch
(Video by Darin Codon)Last year, this week I attended a speech with President Elect Barack Obama. He spoke to a room of 125 people at a Jr. High School in Des Moines Iowa.
The last speech I witnessed first-hand was in Kansas City Missouri with an estimated 30,000 people.
In 10 days, he'll be the leader of the free-world with the Palestinian/Israeli conflict front and center: Articles on Israeli/Palestinian Conflict
"Hamas used Gaza to launch terrorist attacks on Isreal" - the official word delivered from the President live right now and "Israel has a right to defend itself". These words are being delivered live right now by our current president George Bush.
Meanwhile, news wires are flowing digital video filmed ten minutes ago in Washington D.C., the man who drew a crowd of 125 is live with (D-California, Speaker of the House 8th District Nancy Pelosi in preparation for tomorrows swearing in of a new congress. On the Palestinian issue Obama has spoken in favor of Israel's right to respond to rocket attacks qualified with the statement, "We need to change our policy in the Middle East." Obama will likely respond with a statement in a press conference scheduled this afternoon.
Missouri will begin a session this week with a majority of the state legislator maintained in Republican hands. Governor Elect, Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon promises bi-partisan ship - if nothing else out of necessity. Political coverage of the Missouri Legislature will be posted on Missouri Netizen with commentary on the Branson Missouri Blog as issues relate to local political issues.
Chuck Norris and Darin Codon on New Year's Day (Photo)
A late night of partying with Chuck Norris led to an early morning semi-hungover photo. Perhaps you feel as bad as I look in this photo. In case of self-doubt ask yourself, "What would Chuck Norris Do?"
WWCND
....
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