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Honor within budget
September 26, 2008 - 9:40am — Journal Staff
The idea of honoring Koochiching County’s veterans is admirable and should move forward.
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Where to even begin on this...
Back to page topWhere to even begin on this editorial?
Lets clear up a couple of flat out false reportings by the editorial - so everyone is quite clear.
... donations to help fill a funding gap? What funding gap? This idea was discussed for about one minute as a possibility - but in the end the county board voted to fund the entire project, but still keep the option for people to donate in memory of a veteran. A fact that this paper reported only days ago.
... raise taxes?
In less than 48 hours, the money to fund the increase over budget was found. Not with an increase of taxes. There is going to be no additional tax burden.
But going over budget to do it may not be the wisest choice in a community that is struggling economically.
Are you kidding me? This paper is going to bring up $14,000 over budget - for a memorial dedicating tribute to veterans who died for their country, and do so over something as politically motivated as a struggling economy? Yet fail to write anything, or have any comment on the City of Internationanl Falls increasing spending by $1 million dollars from 2008 to 2009. Or the city asking the county to consider extending Hwy. 332 at what the county estimates to be an additional cost of $2-3 Million dollars? or how about spending money for the Riverfront Development Project that wasn't "budgeted" for - in the amount of hundreds of thousands of dollars - with no public plan so far on how its going to recoup that money? All that is happening within the same community - that you point out has a struggling economy!
I'm disappointed in the editor for allowing this to be published in the Journal, and/or for writing it. The Daily Journal has some nerve publishing something politically motivated, and using the veterans memorial to do it.
Anyone have issue with my comments - call me 218-283-1179 or come see me - I'm on the 3rd floor of the court house.
~ Allen Kruse
Koochiching County Veteran's Service Officer
Disabled U.S. Army & U.S. Navy Veteran
The only thing I would like...
Back to page topThe only thing I would like to add to your comments Allen is this: Thank you to you and all of those other great Americans who have and continue to sacrifice their time, energy, blood, sweat, tears and lives to retain the ability for the likes of this Editorial staff to publish the crap they continue to do so well.
Allen, I will agree with you...
Back to page topAllen, I will agree with you on the first part of your blog. For the paper to circle talk about how great this memorial is and how it will benifit the community and then slam it for bad decision making on the county board is crazy. The county board will not harm the taxpayer because it takes $14,000 out of a $20 mil budget to honor the men and women who gave time, energy and lives to defend and enable the paper to write editorials like this. Shame on the journal. Now on to what I don't agree with, your politicin in this blog is just wrong in my opinion, again, my opinion. Kay, or is it someone who works at the DJ who is simply stirring the pot feels it is ok to run a free campaign however, and if they do work at the journal, then losing money must be policy. Enough of that, tell people how you will if elected institute change instead of slamming something. As far as the riverfront is concerned, if things work out, the tax payer will not have any burden to carry, and as far as information about how bad the city is treating its taxpayers that you are getting from some one who is on your team that are advising you, well they are giving you bad advice.The city has never told anyone how to fund or build a road, the county is the one screaming $2 or $3 million, the city has stated and asked to sit down and talk how to build and if that future road to the FTZ is important enough for this area. There are ways to achieve a desired goal if people talk. Some ideas may be getting help from the feds and state, changing CASH designations, ect. The county enginnner has said it can't happen, I am sick of people saying "that can't be done", instead of trying to work on a plan to make this area better.I don't know who is working with you but you are taking bad advice. You want to be mayor but you have talking points only and like any of your business adventures in the past, you really have no plans! Would you stop all planning for the riverfront, do you agree with the county plan to divert traffic around the city. Tell the businesses along 53 what you would do. Also, I do have to ask you not to use this memorial for your election, this plan was begun in 2000 by Commissioner Pavleck, McBride and Ms. Jaksa and the rest of the county board, so don't plan on taking credit where it is not due. Many people before you have been involved in this process. I do commend you on helping the process go forward.
Finally, again I do agree with you on this editorial and how goofy it is, now I don't have to write a letter to who ever wrote it. By the way, I see the mayor has disclosed her team, who is working with you.
My post had nothing to do...
Back to page topMy post had nothing to do with running for Mayor. So I won't even bother to respond to that aspect of your post here Doorsman.
But I will say that my comments in regards to the city - are because the editorial referenced this "community" (which IS International Falls in this regard) as struggling - and the DJ has only commented now on this veterans memorial. Where there are many more issues and topics at hand that should be discussed - that have a much higher price tag in regards to budget and fiscal responsibility.
And no part of my post had anything to do with assuming "credit" for the memorial.
Sorry, everything you say on...
Back to page topSorry, everything you say on here as Allen Kruse is because you are running for mayor, don't fool yourself, otherwise you should have remained the F18 Navy Hornet. Take some advice from ROJ, keep your handle.
Nice Spin technique...
Back to page topNice Spin technique Doorsman.
Try and wrap your mind around some simple logic.
I am the Koochiching County Veteran's Service Officer - this topic was about the Koochiching County Veterans Memorial - and my disagreement on the slanted editorial that was written about it. Now whether I posted about it as nvyhornet - and signing my name as (Allen Kruse - Kooch County VSO) == or as allen_kruse signing my name as (Allen kruse - Kooch County VSO) should make NO differance. Nor does using one over the other - mean that I am saying it from a "Allen Kruse for Mayor" perspective or not. Come on Doorsman - you can do better than that.
And you I guess I would just follow the #3 rule for this site - and that is "no misrepresentation of identity". I certainly can't do that if my handle IS my real name.
My wife may guess and play fun food games with Roj - to try and guess who you are. I personally won't participate. You choose to hide point blank behind your handle - instead of standing up and letting people know who you really are. But that is the standard practice for 99% of all blog/forums - so not knocking you for going with the grain - just please don't kick dirt in my corn flakes because I choose to not hide behind mine.
Allen, your reason for...
Back to page topAllen, your reason for writing the blog was to inform the public how stupid the editorial was. You were right, I commended you on that. But you also had to slam, dig, use your platform for mayor in the same blog. Why wasn't just telling the DJ that you disagreed with them good enough. I do disagree with you on misrepresentations made by you on city planning and spending and I can defend my comments I made on your plans for businesses you have. You have had good ideas ,but no one that I know has ever seen a viable full design/ plan for your alternative energy project, and I do think you feel that local government did not take you seriously. Some of your ideas are good, but at the same time to claim the city spends with out planning or is wrong on how or why they spend resources is basically out of touch. I would like to show you why most of us feel the way we do about the reroute, which I am working on to attempt to rectify as we blog, we may have something soon,I can only hope. The river front has a plan, you are welcome to sit down with me and see what the council is working on to make decisions to enhance this community. Even if one does not agree with the plan as presented it is a start on a project which could maintain jobs, give our citizens a place to rest and think and a place to gather. I have gotten grief from friends over the plan for a concert area, we call it a gathering area, we just had to put a name on it. My friends argue that Band Shell and the Backus will suffer if there is a concert area at the riverfront. I disagree, first of all the Bandshell can not be controlled as far a pay per view event because lets say a concert is planned for the Bandshell. You could sit by Sears and hear a Band as good as somone fifth row center who paid $20 for a seat. That makes Bandshell a bad choice for events when a charge is required. There has been very few events that charge when they are at Smoky Bear Park for just that reason. The Bass event had admission but alot of people simply took part in many of the events without paying, again control is difficult. We need to think how to keep people here and more jobs is one method and points of interests that benifit our people and make this a point of destination are another. Backus is wonderful and I totally support it, but to aircondition the theater would cost $100000. They need to do other repairs and be active when it is not 95 degees outside.
Finally, if you have not already figured out, your wifes guess is right. Thank god, free at last. But I stayed the doorsman because ROJ said it makes it more fun. I did not stay DM to take pot shots at you, rather I feel they were valid questions about you and your reasons for running. I also wonder, and this was one of my reasons for challenge, if you were not running for mayor would you still be Navy Hornet? You are right about simple logic in your statement, I like to keep it simple, even wrap myself in it so I can understand things,that being said, the Doorsman is dead, I will if need be help or debate you in the proper venue. Gordy is a good guy, I just think there are more people behind the scenes assisting you. Cornflakes, try milk toast, I would never kick dirt in a bowl of that. I do mean this, good luck and run a fair and clean campaign. No need for rebuttal, we can talk face to face from now on. Again, thank god.
Chopper are you running for...
Back to page topChopper are you running for mayor too? I thought it was a two person race. Or is Kruse supposed to run against the council board and Mason? Your posts have been unprofessional for a council member during an election. You should be ashamed not relieved. Too bad you had no competition for your spot. This type of display only confirms the good ole'boy network and that there will never be change in the Falls.
Mason will win. Shell get her Riverfront debacle and be guaranteed a job once she decides to stop spending city cash for pet projects. What is in it for you Councilman McBride? Do you get to be her shoeshiner? Or are you hoping for a promotion to head waiter?
This is why so many of my generation come back to the Falls only to leave again. This town will never change or grow. People like Kruse try to make a difference and you attack him personally and avoid the issues all together. When are you old farts going to pass the torches on? If Kruse doesnt get elected I fear that Mason and board members like yourself will only further run this town to the ground. So much for ever hoping of moving back to my home town to raise my kids. Thanks for nothing Chopper. She may look good in a bikini but I didnt think that makes a person a caliber mayor. How much are the dues in your little club?
Kick her butt Kruse!
This is why a person does...
Back to page topThis is why a person does not want to be on this blog. This response is only so others can see I read this, I would not, and will not give you a reply on any of your comments who or whatever you are.
Dang-it Doorsman54, I have...
Back to page topDang-it Doorsman54, I have tried to refrain from creating an account on this site and becoming part of this blogging and commenting banter. Your response to what Kruse said is so off base. I don't understand how he was politic'ing on this reply to an editorial that is so obviously slanted. The editorial was not a fair description of this community or the Veteran's Memorial project. To attack him for pointing out the DJ's lack of unbiased coverage is just that, an attack.
Its assinine to point out Kruse's business ventures. The last time I was in town, the riverfront project did not have a business plan or financials. Our own Chamber of Commerce does not endorse the project. According to the City Administrator, the City does not even have figures for what they have spent on the project. As a Falls native, it concerns me that the City is spending money and can't even give their tax payers a figure. Yet here the DJ is going to pick apart a memorial for our veterans being over budget 14K? 14K is a drop in the bucket for a government entity that has an annual budget of over 20K. And then you attack him for pointing out facts that the DJ failed to mention and accuse him of politic'ing? I wish I still lived in the Falls, Kruse would have my vote! Its very evident that the good ole'boy system is still in control; tell the boys I said hi.
To add another slant to this...
Back to page topTo add another slant to this thread, rumor has it that Doorsman is part of the county board that he makes reference to... and should do a level set and let others know his true identity b4 he goes after Kruse ... its a small town and word gets out who is blogging and about what.
Roj knows his identity,...
Back to page topRoj knows his identity, maybe we can bribe him with some wild rice soup! ;)
Lets use walleye. He will...
Back to page topLets use walleye. He will do anything for fresh fish!!!!!!!!!! I will get it sent from Sportsmans not the vacant fish company.
Sorry Kay, I still have some...
Back to page topSorry Kay, I still have some Walleye left in the freezer (but could use a fresh batch). The wild rice soup bribe has gotten through to me though. Here are some hints to Doorsman's identity; He was born in the Falls, Gradyeated from Falls High. Loves to fish and hunt, and occasionally drink at the Ranier Muni-!! He was with me when I crashed a B-25 bomber, and still thinks I didn't care about the plane. He IS NOT a Professor of Economics [if he was, he could solve the financial woes of the USA and the Falls]. With me so far? More to follow "when" I get my soup!!
When are you coming up next,...
Back to page topWhen are you coming up next, for me to make good on that soup? I may have to buy one of Sandy's apple pies for dessert! ;)
lesleyk, I'll be up for the...
Back to page toplesleyk,
I'll be up for the "1st annual" Daily Journal Blogger's Reunion (wouldn't that be a blast?). No guns allowed (just kidding). I think I can smell that soup all the way down here in Dixie!! AND apple pie?? Sorry Doorsman they are starting to wear me down! If they offer me a large pizza and a beer from the Border Bar, "you are history" LOL!!!! Doorsman was going to reveal his true identity, but I told him to keep y'all wondering! Whomever guesses his true identity, will get a free lunch from Doorsman at Falls Country Club.
Hey ROJ, you can get apple...
Back to page topHey ROJ, you can get apple pie anywhere. I'd hold out for Blueberry, or better yet Rhubarb!!!
Keep Well
RJ1127, I think you have a...
Back to page topRJ1127,
I think you have a point there on the apple pie. If someone was to get me a I-Falls "homemade" rhubarb/strawberry pie, I would out everyone on this blog site!! I have connections (just kidding). It took me almost a year to figure out Doorsman's identity, and he was related to me at one time!! Have a good one.
good idea... btw, I was...
Back to page topgood idea... btw, I was corrected and need to correct my rumor - Doorsman is rumored to be part of the City Council of International Falls... not the county board.. I was corrected by the rumor (basis of truth) mill. yikes!
This is interesting and fun...
Back to page topThis is interesting and fun ... wonder if doorsman will come out and take on kruse on level ground. And we don't need Roj to out him - not worth the soup or fish. Another clue from the rumor mill - "doors" man loves the out"doors" and hangs out in the black bay area.. along with his "bro's"...
Come on Falls girl, keep on...
Back to page topCome on Falls girl, keep on guessing and anytime Mr. Kruse wants to debate and that goes for you too Mrs. Kruse, bring it on. I have given so many hints of who I am that I will keep anyone who does not know who I really am wondering. I know Roj won't disclose on my true self but he is giving good hints but if anyone does succeed, SAY SO. Boy, calling a club a club brings rath. Have a good night, unless when I read the rest of this I have to say something. Whats wrong Kay, did I push a button, good luck in your new job. The trouble is we both know who is who, you because you have my backround at your fingertips and me, well, what can I say. By the way 97, I commended Allen on his blog about the memorial, I just think he is playing politics with it.
You said to go for it, so I...
Back to page topYou said to go for it, so I will. :) I think you're Chopper McBride. That's my guess. In regards to debate, I have no reason to debate you. I disagree with a lot you have to say and I don't appreciate the personal digs thrown at Allen. I keep my tongue because it doesn't do any good to go tit for tat on here. I'm not going to change your opinion and you're not going to change mine.
In regards to Allen changing his name on here, his own wife told him to keep Navyhornet! LOL But to his credit, he changed it to be upfront and honest. He changed it for the right reasons, not for the ones you cited. Thank you for fueling my fire that he should listen to his wife! :)
Well I don't have a new job...
Back to page topWell I don't have a new job so I guess you got it wrong. If you are the person named you don't have a clue. Let it go. Mr Kruse has every right to blog on this site just as you do. He has chosen to use his name just as Mayor Mason does when she blogs so I don't know what your problem is. I think this is not on topic so maybe I will start a forum about it.
DM - I have known who you...
Back to page topDM - I have known who you were from day one on the blog and did not have to go by the little clues thrown out by the "little guy" from Dixie. Did not think it necessary to initiate an outing of your "true" id until you appeared to be going after Kruse. Threw out food for thought and bam we now have Chopper McBride in the blog world. Long live the rumor mill of our little town! BTW Chopper, we think you are doing a great job and that you want to do what is best for the long term interests of our small town. Now I will fade away.. and do some casual checkins to see how well you all are doing in your cyber world.
Falls-Girl, So, what's with...
Back to page topFalls-Girl,
So, what's with "the little guy" from Dixie?? Do I know you? Are you the "BIG woman" from I-Falls??
You don't know me.. I know...
Back to page topYou don't know me.. I know of you... used to be your brother's neighbor in the Falls - have not seen him in a quite a while or you for that matter. My Mother knew your Dad. She says you are very much like he was , at least the way you behave on this site - God rest his soul. Last time I checked I was not "big". "little guy" like in Tatoo at least in comparison to your brother - think his nick name was ezekial or something like that?... ps.. send some of your dixie warmth this way - winter is on its way all ready. Remember - we are just all trying to have fun on here... Chill out. btw, I think Mayor Mason would look better than Kruse in a bikini. I think the mayors race will be close this year. They both are great people... Also - we do have something in common - my vote is for McCain. Wished he would have picked a better running mate though. And wished that Biden was Republican.
Falls-Girl, I love these...
Back to page topFalls-Girl,
I love these guessing games!! Let's see, do ya still live in the Falls? If you did, you probably would see my brother alot, since he lives back up there. I don't know you, but you "know of me". And you lived next to my Brother when? Are you closer to his age or mine? You sure we didn't graduate in the same year? Your Mother is 100% right about me and my Dad. I never met him until 24 years of age, but we were two peas in a pod!! So, for those who don't believe in the "gene pool", my Dad and I proved you wrong. I was just kidding about "big woman"!! You are probably a former Miss I-Falls, and now are a beautiful senior citizen. LOL. (JUST KIDDING)!! You call me little guy, but you probably haven't seen me since I was in 5th grade!! I'll send you some of this warm weather, but why don't you come down south to South Carolina. We are friendly, by the way! I'll buy you the best fried shrimp in the USA. Gotta love ya, for being on my side with McCain. If he doesn't win, then I give up! I was all for Biden, until I saw his true colors come out during this campaign. I think a McCain/Romney ticket would have been the way to go! Have a good one.
It is very interesting to go...
Back to page topIt is very interesting to go back through previous blogs that both Doorsman 54 and Navy Hornet wrote when no one knew who they were. I got told off by both several times and not very kindly sometimes. Now that I now who you are I am not very impressed. Both of you should take a look back at some of the comments you have made. It may bite you down the road. Anton really got slammed by Doorsman 54 and I think he is the smarter of the two!! Chopper I have had a few conversations with you in person and felt you did'nt have a clue on topics you voted for as a city council person. This will be interesting down the road. I must say Mayor Mason at least has been very nice and professional on this site.
You know Kay, I think I know...
Back to page topYou know Kay, I think I know you but will not "out you" by name. If you are who I think you are, call me. Allen and I may have stated things about your posts but everyone has at times. I just think you like to stir it up. ROJ is very good at pushing big buttons, that is his goal, to get things riled ,but I am sure if Allen and I hurt your feelings, I as well as Allen I'm sure, are sorry. Yes, 65 and I did tangle a few times and I do think he is smarter than me too. There are brilliant people commenting here. But if I am as inept as you say, don't vote for me. I know what I have done, I know what I can do and I do disagree with your analysis of how I have or have not helped the taxpayer of International Falls. I will not go back to previous postings, I know what I wrote and am not ashamed at all. Next time we meet Kay, tell me its you.
Kay, Good point about how...
Back to page topKay,
Good point about how people can dish it out, when people don't know who they are. And before anyone says that I hide behine "roj2000", just look at my user profile on this website. My identity has been out in the open from the start (no one else had the courage to do that). Anyone with 1/2 of a brain, could figure out who I am. I've had lots of emails and calls from people on here, and it's been great. In fact I almost made the same mistake Professor Johnson made when he signed up. Nothing against the two aforementioned guys, (I think they are both great), but now that they are out in the open, the discussions should be interesting, from now on. Mayor Mason HAS TO be "nice and professional" when on here, because she is speaking as "The Mayor - her Highness"!! Someone mentioned the Mayor in a bikini!! I "googled" that, and kept getting pictures of Brittney Spears!! Figure that one out!