Last week was mid-session break in the State Capitol. It gave me the opportunity to head home and spend time with my family and close friends. I even got to take a short vacation for four days. I was also able to meet with several of my constituents and local organizations and businesses in my district. Soon, the week came to an end and I headed to Jefferson City, ready to get back to business and reach across party lines to continue working for our state. Much to my dismay, my return was greeted with a shocking report from the Missouri Information Analysis Center. The report is a clear display that our freedoms and basic rights are now being bullied by Missouri’s governor and his appointed Public Safety Department.
As part of the Department of Public Safety’s intelligence gathering and dissemination to law enforcement agencies, the MIAC released a report with instructions as to how to identify members of the modern militia movement who may be domestic terrorists. The report, printed on state letterhead, points directly to Missouri citizens who support small government, gun rights, those who are pro-life and those who voted for Ron Paul, Bob Barr or Chuck Baldwin in the November 2008 election. The report accuses these people of being possible threats to our society. This means, if you drive down the street with a pro-life sticker on your car, you may be considered for criminal profiling by Missouri’s public safety officials and other citizens who may not believe the way you do.
Not only is this an act of political profiling, it is an infringement on our 1st and 2nd Amendment rights. Our great nation was founded on freedom; the freedom of speech, the freedom to have our own opinions and voice those opinions, the freedom of religion. These are all key components of the United States of America — our free country. American citizens should not be fearful that their beliefs regarding abortion, government size and other social issues separate them into terrorist categories. Unfortunately, Gov. Nixon doesn’t think there is anything wrong with this. He is throwing the ideals of our founding fathers out the window. In fact, the governor outwardly defends this practice by saying, “Getting information, especially public information, out of our fusion center out to local law enforcement agencies is what we do every day and what we’re going to continue to do. Any way they take that information and can analyze what the threat levels are is important to make sure the public stays safe.”
Undoubtedly, the MIAC report was an attempt by the governor to abuse his power and alienate those with conflicting beliefs. Not only is he infringing our basic rights, he is targeting right-wing groups. There is no mention of the left-wing groups related to his political party. If he is truly fearful of our Missouri citizens being criminals, he would include all groups; not just the side that opposes his personal beliefs. It looks to me like he’s against a third party and maybe the right side all together.
After much national and local media attention, the Department of Public Safety issued an apology. If you ask me, it wasn’t good enough. They apologized to Ron Paul, Bob Barr and Chuck Baldwin. They made no mention to those of you that they singled out for being pro-life, pro-guns, small government supporters, etc. Lt. Gov. Kinder called for the director of public safety, John Britt, to take administrative leave pending an investigation into this despicable political profiling done by MIAC. We can only hope he will follow the call.
Branson Official Government Handout Report March 25
Action taken by Branson Board of Aldermen at March 24, 2009 meeting
SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE BILLS
City contracts with local non-profits for emergency services
Aldermen approved on final reading service contracts with four non-profit agencies to provide
temporary emergency services for the homeless and families and individuals in need.
$30,000 will go to Christian Action Ministries
$ 5,000 to the Salvation Army
$ 3,500 to the Women’s Crisis Center
$10,000 to Branson Church Army
Sewer and annexation agreement for new development gets approval
Aldermen approved a sewer and annexation agreement with Tuscany on the Lake. This
development is 17 acres on Highway 265 just north of Chateau on the Lake and will contain
whole ownership condominiums. The agreement requires Tuscany to comply with city codes for
construction and landscaping.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (1st Reading)
Board approves agreement to fund Branson Arts Council
Board approved on first reading an agreement with the Branson Arts Council to provide funding
for community arts and cultural activities. The amount approved was $22,500. This item was
postponed two weeks ago when aldermen wanted more information on what programs and
services would be cut by the Arts Council as a result of this year’s funding, which was $18,000
less than in previous years.
Chamber of Commerce presents 4th quarter (Oct-Dec ’08) marketing report
Highlights:
Overall visitation in Branson during 2008 was about 8.1 million, down 3.7% or about
250,000 visitors from 2007.(This particular statement is intentionally misleading. The Chamber is referring to a two county area not Branson proper)
However, Branson’s sales tax revenues were up 1.9% and tourism tax revenues up 0.2%
in 2008. (This clarifies the note above)
Hotel room demand in 2008 was down 7.8% (People coming to Branson to shop from a 100 mile radius don't need hotels)
Sixty percent of visitors in 2008 came from 301 plus miles away; 25 percent from 101-
300 miles and 15% from 0-100 miles.
Average age of Branson visitor dropped from 58 to 57.
Percent of families visiting Branson in 2008 dropped from 44 to 37%.
Percent of first time visitors to Branson in ’08 was 23%.....up from 14% in ’07.
2009 Branson forecast:
Unrealistic to forecast significant growth in 2009. (This statement contradicts other statments proposed by the Branson Chamber of Commerce)
Early ’09 business activity in the Branson area shows some promise that Branson’s value,
location, product and marketing efforts may weather the stormy economy better than most
destinations, and could even lead to modest increases in visitation. (More accurate assesment than Mayor Presley's public campaign against the Branson Landing)
Taney County Health Department presented results of its 2008 Health Assessment
According to Robert Niezgoda of the Taney County Health Department, the results of the
2008 Health Assessment indicate the top three priorities for the county should be:
1. Tobacco use prevention (Great way to waste money on ads instead of addressing health care issues. This gives an excuse to waste money on media buys vs. non-smoking assistance)
2. Obesity, nutrition and physical activity
3. Child and family safety.
Niezgoda said other health priorities that need to be addressed include communicable
disease prevention and senior issues. He said the health department has increased educational
programs in the county to address these health issues, and has specifically targeted Branson and
Forsyth schools to conduct smoking prevention programs.
SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE BILLS
City contracts with local non-profits for emergency services
Aldermen approved on final reading service contracts with four non-profit agencies to provide
temporary emergency services for the homeless and families and individuals in need.
$30,000 will go to Christian Action Ministries
$ 5,000 to the Salvation Army
$ 3,500 to the Women’s Crisis Center
$10,000 to Branson Church Army
Sewer and annexation agreement for new development gets approval
Aldermen approved a sewer and annexation agreement with Tuscany on the Lake. This
development is 17 acres on Highway 265 just north of Chateau on the Lake and will contain
whole ownership condominiums. The agreement requires Tuscany to comply with city codes for
construction and landscaping.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (1st Reading)
Board approves agreement to fund Branson Arts Council
Board approved on first reading an agreement with the Branson Arts Council to provide funding
for community arts and cultural activities. The amount approved was $22,500. This item was
postponed two weeks ago when aldermen wanted more information on what programs and
services would be cut by the Arts Council as a result of this year’s funding, which was $18,000
less than in previous years.
Chamber of Commerce presents 4th quarter (Oct-Dec ’08) marketing report
Highlights:
Overall visitation in Branson during 2008 was about 8.1 million, down 3.7% or about
250,000 visitors from 2007.(This particular statement is intentionally misleading. The Chamber is referring to a two county area not Branson proper)
However, Branson’s sales tax revenues were up 1.9% and tourism tax revenues up 0.2%
in 2008. (This clarifies the note above)
Hotel room demand in 2008 was down 7.8% (People coming to Branson to shop from a 100 mile radius don't need hotels)
Sixty percent of visitors in 2008 came from 301 plus miles away; 25 percent from 101-
300 miles and 15% from 0-100 miles.
Average age of Branson visitor dropped from 58 to 57.
Percent of families visiting Branson in 2008 dropped from 44 to 37%.
Percent of first time visitors to Branson in ’08 was 23%.....up from 14% in ’07.
2009 Branson forecast:
Unrealistic to forecast significant growth in 2009. (This statement contradicts other statments proposed by the Branson Chamber of Commerce)
Early ’09 business activity in the Branson area shows some promise that Branson’s value,
location, product and marketing efforts may weather the stormy economy better than most
destinations, and could even lead to modest increases in visitation. (More accurate assesment than Mayor Presley's public campaign against the Branson Landing)
Taney County Health Department presented results of its 2008 Health Assessment
According to Robert Niezgoda of the Taney County Health Department, the results of the
2008 Health Assessment indicate the top three priorities for the county should be:
1. Tobacco use prevention (Great way to waste money on ads instead of addressing health care issues. This gives an excuse to waste money on media buys vs. non-smoking assistance)
2. Obesity, nutrition and physical activity
3. Child and family safety.
Niezgoda said other health priorities that need to be addressed include communicable
disease prevention and senior issues. He said the health department has increased educational
programs in the county to address these health issues, and has specifically targeted Branson and
Forsyth schools to conduct smoking prevention programs.
Branson Employee Turns Whistleblower Accuses City Administration of Fraud
 |
| From Branson Missouri |
Interim Planning and Development Director Ruth Denham alleged city employees are involved in a cover-up regarding building code shortcomings on a Lake Taneycomo lakefront project.
The allegations include accusations that city employees are intentionally keeping information from FEMA that buildings at the Branson Landing meet neither Branson Municipal Code nor National Flood Insurance Program requirements.
Denahn contends that that a legitimate Certificate of Occupancy could spur an audit from FEMA which couldn't pass without city employees committing fraud. Denham went on to state in a letter verbalized to Branson Alderman last night that she along with other employees are being pressured to sign off on Certificate of Occupancy documents.
Sam Proffer, Branson's former floodplain administrator was cited by Denham as an employee who refused to sign off on CO's resulting in a "resignation under pressure".
The engineering firm Benham was said to be uncooperative after hiring an administrator to replace Proffer even after receiving $1,300,000 from the city to oversee the highly successful waterfront project.
Denham explained to the Board of Alderman that detailed information was sent to the interim city attorney, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley and Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof. The only response she received was from Kruihof who stated Denhan, "was very upset I put the white elephant in writing"
During the meeting, Denham stated "Those who aren't playing along with the cover up game are resigning, or being terminated, for failing to play according to the morals of their supervisors".
The city issued an immediate response promising to quickly address the issue. to selective press outlets before Denham's allegations could be published in full.
Branson area charities fighting poverty merge
March 13, 2009, Forsyth, MO. Gift of Hope, Inc. has recently acquired My Neighbor’s Pantry, a local food pantry serving over 1,800 people monthly in Northeast Taney County. The Pantry has been in operation for the past six years, however the building used for its operations has recently been leased to another entity leaving the Pantry in a position to shut its doors. In recent months Gift of Hope’s Board of Directors has been considering expanding its programs to include a food pantry. When they became aware of the situation My Neighbor’s Pantry was facing, the Board recognized an immediate means of expansion through a mutually beneficial acquisition. Gift of Hope founder, Anthony Collier, states, “We saw an opportunity for Gift of Hope to expand its outreach to families in need and are excited about this acquisition and the ways in which we can continue to grow this program in the future.” Gift of Hope, Inc. has been serving the needs of children and families in Taney county for over 20 years. Currently Gift of Hope sponsors programs to provide children with school supplies, food and clothing. In addition, Gift of Hope provides assistance to qualified families in need of help with rent, utilities, food, and Christmas gifts, particularly during the winter months when the need can be the greatest in Taney County. My Neighbor’s Pantry will reopen its doors as a new program of Gift of Hope, Inc. at its new location at 10275 East State Highway 76 in Forsyth on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 under the direction of Robin Collier. The Pantry’s hours of operation will be 12:00-3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. ### For more information about Gift of Hope’s My Neighbor’s Pantry or how you can help contact Robin Collier at (417) 546-8098
Branson Airport Announces New Airline Extends Service with Sun Country Airline
Sun County Airlines is the second provider to offer air transportation directly to Branson. The Branson airport is scheduled to open May 11, 2009.
Branson Considers Marketing to Germany
An effort to expand Branson tourism without altering demographics has some local politicos asking if we should spend tax dollars overseas. We're not sure how well the marketing message will translate into sales but we were able to translate Sam Clanton's report on the topic from KRZK into the German's native tongue:
Der Tourismus Gemeinschaft Enhancement District Board of Directors verbrachte einen guten Teil seiner Sitzung am heutigen Nachmittag über einen Vorschlag auf den Markt Branson in Deutschland. Hier ist Dan Lennon Branson der Industrie-und Handelskammer ...Discussion on the issue including a video presentation is slated for the TCED meeting scheduled March 10th.
Cut 1
Der Vorstand erwägt die Zuteilung von bis zu 20-tausend Dollar für die Forschung den deutschen Markt für amerikanische Tourismus. Auf der Hand für die Sitzung wurde Meike Wolf von US-Correspondents.com ...
Cut 2
Die TCED Bord wird am Dienstag morgen wieder zu hören, einen vollständigen Vorschlag von Wolff und ihr Ehemann Till Jürgens. Vorstandsmitglied Ann McDowell unterstützt internationale Marketing-Anstrengungen, ist aber nicht sicher, ob das die bestmögliche Nutzung des Verwaltungsrates an der Zeit ...
Schneiden Sie 3
Vorstandsmitglied Bill Skains gemeinsame ein paar Gedanken ...
Cut 4
Auch während der Sitzung heute, ein Jahr-End-Destination-Marketing-Analyse wurde von Dan Lennon.
Stimulate Me
Ten days ago the Missouri Capital Press Core was bored to tears awaiting the shuffle for stimulus jobs the Missouri Congress would eventually debate.
The first question, now being answered, is what leverage will departments have to reallocate money to different programs.. The key word here is leverage and how much of the money can be used to offset already budgeted funds.
The multi-billion dollar handout has kicked local geo-political entities into high gear and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon launched a website last week to ensure anyone with a good idea can contribute their two cents with a potential multi-million dollar return.
Conservative Missouri Senator Matt Bartle submits, "Missouri's current economic development policy is seriously flawed and tremendously beholden to those with political influence." in his weekly editorial posted on Branson Agent.
During the Missouri Republican Convention in Branson last summer debate over the Fair-Tax which proposes elimination of income tax replace by sales tax created unlikely bedfellows.
From Chad Livengood reporting from Jefferson City for the Springfield News-Leader:
As details about regulations regarding stimulus money, journalists won't be calling any of it monkey business. But the Missourian reports on the first project to receive stimulus money dubbed by some as - "Missouri's Bridge to Nowhere"
Assembled by Darin Codon
The first question, now being answered, is what leverage will departments have to reallocate money to different programs.. The key word here is leverage and how much of the money can be used to offset already budgeted funds.
The multi-billion dollar handout has kicked local geo-political entities into high gear and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon launched a website last week to ensure anyone with a good idea can contribute their two cents with a potential multi-million dollar return.
Conservative Missouri Senator Matt Bartle submits, "Missouri's current economic development policy is seriously flawed and tremendously beholden to those with political influence." in his weekly editorial posted on Branson Agent.
During the Missouri Republican Convention in Branson last summer debate over the Fair-Tax which proposes elimination of income tax replace by sales tax created unlikely bedfellows.
From Chad Livengood reporting from Jefferson City for the Springfield News-Leader:
Rep. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, and Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia, presented separate bills to a House committee that advocate for the creation of a system that taxes people based on how much they consume, not how much they earn.
Emery's bill calls for raising the state sales tax from 4.225 percent to 5.11 percent and eliminating the 6 percent personal income tax and 6.25 percent tax on business earnings.
The tax structure is what's known as a "fair tax," because it taxes people equally based on their spending and gets rid of all exemptions and refundable tax credits.
As details about regulations regarding stimulus money, journalists won't be calling any of it monkey business. But the Missourian reports on the first project to receive stimulus money dubbed by some as - "Missouri's Bridge to Nowhere"
Assembled by Darin Codon
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