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News & Current Issues
Here are some of the current issues.
AT ITS MONTHLY meeting Sligo County Council unanimously adopted a motion proposed by Cllr Declan Bree calling on the government to reverse its budget cutbacks.
Speaking at the meeting Cllr Bree said: "The budget imposed by Fine Gael and Labour has scapegoated the underprivileged, the unemployed, young people, old people and the sick.
"As tax payers money continues to be used to fund the bondholders and vampire banks, our public services are being undermined and run into the ground.
"The abolition of the telephone allowance will leave many elderly people isolated and lonely. The cut to the bereavement grant will go down as one of the nastiest cuts in the history of the state. By cutting the amount of welfare paid to under 25s the government has cynically ensured that the flow of emigration will continue and will destroy families and communities across the country. Attacks on illness benefit, maternity benefit and increased prescription charges, and the reduced availability of medical cards, are vindictively aimed at people who are already struggling.
"The role played by the Labour Party in demonising the unemployed and victimising the sick and the elderly, represents a huge betrayal of the people they once represented. It makes a mockery of the Labour Party and of its traditions and the socialist principles it once stood for.
"It is not the case that we are all in this crisis together. That is nonsense. The past number of years has seen a growth in inequality with those in the top seeing a huge increase in wealth and profits, yet this government has systematically chosen to put the burden of the crisis on those who can least afford it.
Cllr Bree then proposed 'That Sligo County Council expresses its dismay at the cut backs being imposed by the Government through the recent Budget, including the decision to (a) increase prescription charges for medical card holders; (b) abolish the Telephone Allowance for the elderly; (c) abolish the Bereavement Grant; (d) reduce the Jobseekers Allowance for young citizens; and further the Council resolves to call on the government to reverse the cut backs.' The motion was seconded by Cllr Sean MacManus and was unanimously adopted.
SPEAKING AT THIS months meeting of Sligo County Council following confirmation that the County Manager is to retire on the 3rd of November, Cllr Declan Bree said
"I am very pleased to hear the confirmation that the County Manager is retiring in November. I believe that the great majority of people in this county will rejoice at the news.
"Under the County Manager's stewardship this Council has built up debts totalling in excess of €80million. And is it any wonder?
"Over the past number of years the County Manager consistently asked councillors to adopt annual budgets that were based on fantasy, budgets that bore no resemblance to reality, budgets that were absurd and unattainable, budgets that led to massive deficits in the revenue account each year. And to make up for the shortfall each year the County Manger then urged councillors to take out loans and increase overdrafts.
"Sligo County Council, as a result of ongoing incompetence, mismanagement and erroneous decisions has the worst financial record in the country. It is the only Council in the state where the revenue deficit is consistently increasing year by year and today it is on the verge of bankruptcy. Never in the long history of this Council has there been such a level of mismanagement.
"The County Manager will retire in November but when he is gone it will be the people of Sligo who will have to deal with the huge debts facing this Council.
"I welcome the news of his retirement." said Cllr Bree.
AWARD WINNING Film Director Ken Loach and a number of members of the cast of the upcoming movie on the life of socialist Jimmy Gralton were among those who participated in a commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary of the deportation of the famous Leitrim socialist.
The event took place yesterday evening at the site of Gralton's "Pearse-Connolly Hall" at Effernagh, Co Leitrim.
Guest speakers at the event included Ken Loach, Paul Gralton, Sligo socialist councillor Declan Bree, screen writer Paul Laverty, Joe Murray of Afri, the actress Sorcha Fox and Jim Gralton a cousin of the celebrated socialist.
During the course of the evening Barry Ward who plays the title role in the new film and Simone Kirby who plays the female lead joined Sorcha Fox in a rendition of the well know labour song "Which Side Are You On?". 'Don't scab for the bosses, don't listen to their lies, us poor folks haven't got a chance unless we organise' they sang to tumultuous applause.
Cllr Declan Bree in his address warned of the current government's plans to impose further austerity measures and he said "They are imposing a diet of cuts and austerity on the majority of ordinary people while the rich can still go to their fancy restaurants and go shopping in Paris or New York, while the number of second-hand clothes shops and soup kitchens continues to expand throughout the length and breath of the country,
"Ordinary working people need to take sustenance, inspiration and strength from people like Jimmy Gralton and his colleagues, who in the 1930's, in much more difficult conditions and under profound hardship, gathered the courage to organise themselves to resist the policies of austerity being imposed by the rich and powerful." said Cllr Bree.
At the conclusion of the event Mr John Cronogue, who presided at the ceremony presented copies of Des Guckians' book "Deported" and Michael Joe Mahon's book on the history of the Kiltoghert Creamery Co-op to a number of the guest speakers.
AT ITS MONTHLY meeting Sligo County Council adopted a motion proposed by Cllr Declan Bree agreeing to invite tenders for the provision of legal services to the County Council in accordance with open public procurement guidelines.
Speaking at the meeting Cllr Declan Bree said "In his report to this Council for the year ended 2011 the Local Government Auditor highlighted the fact that Sligo County Council had not tendered for legal services and he stated that the Council should ensure that it complies with the regulations regarding tendering procedures.
"The Department of the Environment has emphasised that it is very important that the public procurement function is discharged honestly, fairly, and in a manner that secures best value for public money. The Department points out that authorities must be cost effective and efficient in the use of resources while upholding the highest standards of probity and integrity
"It is recognised and accepted that a competitive process carried out in an open, objective and transparent manner can achieve best value for money in public procurement. Essential principles to be observed in conducting the procurement function include non–discrimination, equal treatment, transparency and freedom to provide services.
"To my knowledge this Council has been spending enormous sums of public money for legal services for which the Council never sought tenders. This is surely unacceptable and outrageous in the times we are living in. There is no openness and there is no transparency. It would not be tolerated by other authorities.
"We should be getting value for money. Paying out huge sums of taxpayers money for legal services without any tenders being sought is in my opinion repugnant to the whole concept of public procurement and it is offensive to all those solicitors and law firms who should have an entitlement to submit tenders for the services and who have been denied the right to do so.
Cllr Bree then successfully proposed 'That this Council having regard to the Statutory Audit Reports of the Local Government Auditor, resolves that Sligo County Council invite tenders for the provision of legal services to the County Council in accordance with open public procurement guidelines.'
THE UNITED LEFT (U.L.) in Sligo has called on the people of the North-West to join the growing chorus of opposition which has emerged in response to the upcoming G8 Summit, which is due to take place at the Lough Erne Resort, near Enniskillen on June 17th and 18th.
The U.L views the event, which will see the leaders of the world's eight wealthiest countries, including Angela Merkel, Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin descend on the region for high-level talks, as an important opportunity to pressurise world leaders to take immediate action on a vast number of pressing global crises, including the disastrous impact of austerity in Ireland and across the EU.
Speaking this week Cllr Declan Bree said, "We believe it is important for the people of the North-West to register their discontent with the policies currently being pursued by the G8 in a number of areas and we certainly will be participating in the Protest Demonstration planned for Enniskillen on Monday 17th June.
"The G8 summit will see the main advocates of austerity come together to coordinate policies for making ordinary people pay for the crisis created by the banks and big business.
"In this context we want to make it clear to the likes of Angela Merkel, Barack Obama and the other G8 leaders that austerity is failing the global economy and has caused immense suffering to ordinary people, something which has been particularly evident here in Ireland. People cannot stand meekly by while their futures, and that of their children, are sacrificed to patch-up a failing system which only serves the elites in our society.
"Our actions will coincide with those of a huge number of organisations, including those concerned with human rights, climate change and global poverty. We expect to see over 10,000 people demonstrate in Belfast on the eve of the summit to demand action by the G8 on world hunger, and this has been endorsed by the likes of Oxfam, Trocaire, Christian Aid and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
"We are seeing a complete lack of leadership by the G8 on these issues, and it is only by applying significant pressure can we bring about a policy change." said Cllr Bree.
SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL has adopted a motion proposed by Cllr Declan Bree welcoming the recommendations contained in the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Administration of the National Health and Local Authority Levy Fund.
Speaking at the monthly meeting Cllr Bree said "Each year Sligo County Council pays tens of thousands of Euro to the Local Government Management Services Board. That Board is controlled by the City and County Managers Association, and we now know that the Board contributed over €750,000 to the National Health and Local Authority Levy Fund.
"The National Health and Local Authority Levy Fund we are told was established to develop courses for low-paid workers in the public service.
"However what emerged at the Public Accounts Committee meetings and in the Comptroller and Auditor Generals Report, relates to a slush fund, breaches of public procurement rules and civil service employment law along with lavish expenditure on foreign travel and entertainment for well heeled bureaucrats.
"Almost €600,000 was spent on foreign travel, to the USA, Australia and other far distant lands. €99,000 was spent on hospitality.
"A single restaurant earned €46,000 in business out of the fund between 2004 and 2009. There were no details kept on the identities of the people entertained or trained as a result. There were trips to Lanzarote funded in 2007, 2008 and 2009 which were not in any way work-related.
"There were 27 cheques made out to cash which cost €24,000, the administrator said this was because one particular supplier wanted the cheques for cash. The auditors were unable to identify the beneficiaries for €58,000 paid out to other suppliers where no records kept.
"The Auditors report documented a plethora of instances where inappropriate financial management was discovered. The report states that proper accounts were not kept and explanations for a host of payments were not provided.
"We also learn that a group described as the Local Authority National Partnership Advisory Group (LANPAG) which received its funding from the Local Government Fund, made a number of inappropriate payments to the National Health and Local Authority Levy Fund. While I could not find the names of the LANPAG representatives I found it noteworthy that the Local Government Management Services Board (controlled by the City and County Managers Association) acted as host for the Group.
"While I welcome the fact that the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General relating to this issue have been accepted by the Department of the Environment I have to admit that I am disappointed that no sanction will be taken against any of the bureaucrats involved with the inappropriate payments. Again it is proof that there is one law for some people in this country and another for everyone else." Cllr Bree concluded.
THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT'S decision to cut funding for the Housing Adaptation Grants Schemes in Sligo by 80% has been described as "savage and unprecedented" by Independent Socialist councillor Declan Bree.
"This savage and unprecedented cut in funding will have a devastating effect on the elderly and people with a disability." Cllr Declan Bree said.
The funding is provided annually to each Council to cover the cost of three schemes: the Mobility Aids Grants Scheme, the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability, and the Housing Aid for Older Person's Grant Scheme – all of which are means tested.
In 2011 the combined funding to Sligo County Council and Borough Council was €1,192,707; last year the combined funding was €1,106,824. This year the government has reduced the funding to €221,587 – a cut of 80%.
"These schemes have provided a life-line in the past to many older people and people with disabilities, it has enabled people who have qualified for the grant to fund such items as stair-lifts, walk-in showers, downstairs toilets etc. The older persons scheme provides funding for items such as leaking roofs, replacement boilers, or re-wiring.
"The effect of the cutback will be devastating. It will mean that the Council will simply have to turn people away in 2013 and inevitably some people will no longer be able to live in their homes. Instead some may be forced into residential care.
"What we are talking about here is an outrageous attack on the elderly and disabled. At a time when the government is bailing out bankers and bondholders to the tune of billions of Euro there can be no excuse for slashing the budget for these important housing schemes.
"The fact that the Labour Party Minister for Housing, Ms Jan O'Sulivan, is imposing these unprecedented cutbacks speaks volumes about the duplicity and treachery of the modern Labour Party.
"What the government is doing is penalising the elderly and the disabled – people who have had no hand act or part in bringing about the financial crisis that this country finds itself in. Yet the same government is rewarding the fat cats, the bankers, the developers and the bondholders who have brought the country to the edge of ruin. How can Fine Gael and Labour elected representatives justify such decisions?" asked Cllr Bree
THE CURRENT FINE GAEL/LABOUR government like the previous Fianna Fail/Green administration has betrayed the democratic principles of the 1916 Proclamation, said councillor Declan Bree when he addressed those attending the United Left People First annual Easter 1916 Commemoration Ceremony in Sligo on Easter Sunday.
Led by flag-bearers carrying the Tri-colour and the Plough and the Stars, participants in the ceremony marched from Cairns Drive to the Republican Plot in Sligo cemetery to hear Cllr Bree deliver the oration.
"The current Fine Gael/Labour government has surrendered our economic sovereignty to the Troika, imposing a vicious austerity programme which forces ordinary people to pay the debts of rogue bankers, speculators and developers." said Cllr Bree.
"Today thousands of our young people are again being driven to emigrate, forcibly scattered across the globe because this state cannot afford them the most basic of human rights, the right to work and the right to have a home.
"At the same time we have to endure the sickening sight of the EU elite speeding through the streets of Dublin in their BMW's and being wined and dined by Labour and Fine Gael in Dublin Castle.
"We urgently need to build a united resistance against the policies of the Troika and the Fine Gael/Labour administration, drawing all the many local campaigns around the country behind a people's rejection of austerity." said Cllr Bree.
Following the oration as a lone piper played a lament, Mr Marcus Murray laid a wreath on behalf of the United Left People First, Ms Philomena Dunne laid a wreath on behalf of the Connolly Forum and Mr Thomas Banks laid a floral tribute on behalf of the People's Movement. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.
CLLR DECLAN BREE was critical of the governments Croke Park II proposals when he addressed those attending a United Left public lecture on the subject of the trade union and labour movement in Sligo during the war of independence and civil war.
The noted historian and author Dr Michael Farry, a native of Coolaney, delivered the lecture and gave a wide ranging talk on "The Irish revolution and the labour movement in Sligo 1912-1923".
Clr Bree who presided at the event said: "One hundred years ago, in the face of significant opposition from employers and the establishment, the early pioneers of the Irish trade union and labour movement went out and fought for the rights of working people; for proper and safe conditions for workers; for adequate pay; for a shorter working week.
"It's sad to note that now in 2013 – certain well heeled trade union and labour leaders are actually encouraging trade unionists to vote for a deal which will reduce income and increase working hours.
"It is my fervent hope that public sector workers and trade union members will take inspiration from the early pioneers of the movement, people like Jim Larkin, like James Connolly and John Lynch, people who were inspired by a sense of justice and a sense of solidarity." he said.
A MOTION TABLED by Cllr Declan Bree calling on the government to withdraw the proposed property tax was defeated at this month's meeting of the County Council. One Fianna Fail councillor joined with Fine Gael councillors in voting against the motion while another joined with the Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Veronica Cawley in abstaining on the vote.
Speaking to his motion Cllr Bree said, "Just two years ago during the General Election campaign the Labour Party in its manifesto stated that a Green Paper should be produced by the end of 2012 to show how a site value charge could be "structured in a fair and efficient manner."
"Fine Gael in their election manifesto pledged to keep tax increases to a minimum. They stated that the "International evidence shows that tax hikes on average, raise the unemployment rate by three times more than spending cuts.".
"In line with this approach they explicitly stated that "Fianna Fail's proposal to introduce by 2014 an annual, recurring residential property tax on the family home is unfair".
"Some year's earlier the Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny said 'it is morally unjust and unfair to tax a person's home'. Mr Kenny likened such a charge to 'a vampire tax in that it drives a stake through the heart of home ownership'.
"Neither of the two government parties won an election by stating honestly that they would impose a tax on the family home.
"The sole aim of this new tax on the family home is to raise money to pay off the private debts of bankers, speculators and bondholders.
"Ordinary people are now recognising that they have been betrayed by those who claim to be looking after their interests.
"Enda Kenny was correct when he said it is morally unjust and unfair to tax a person's home.
"As far as I am concerned the proposed new tax on the family home, like the universal social charge, and the ongoing cuts in health and public services are in essence a form of collective punishment against the great majority of Irish people who are being forced by government to pay the private debts of speculators, developers and bankers. The tax on the family home is unfair, it's unjust, and it's immoral." said Cllr Bree.
Cllr Bree proposed: "That this Council abhors the Government proposal to impose a tax on the family home and calls on Fine Gael and Labour to withdraw the proposed penal tax." The motion was seconded by Cllr Sean MacManus.
AT IT'S MONTHLY meeting Sligo County Council adopted a motion from Councillor Declan Bree, calling on the County Manager to provide a report outlining the authority he had to authorise County Council subsidies to Sligo Borough Council.
Addressing the meeting Cllr Bree said, "At last month's meeting the County Manager stated that this Council had not been charging the Borough Council the full cost of services provided to the Borough each year and he indicated that the County Council has been subsidising the Borough Council to the tune of approximately €700,000 a year.
"Given that the finances of the Borough Council are in a healthy state and given that Sligo County Council is almost bankrupt I was astonished and amazed to hear the County Manager say that the County Council has been subsidising the Borough Council.
"And I have to say that members of the public found the story incredible.
"Taking into consideration that the revenue deficit of the County Council is growing by millions of Euro each year why would the County Council subsidise the Borough Council? It doesn't make any sense.
"If such a subsidy was provided I am anxious to know what authority the County Manager had to provide the subsidy.
"Members of the Council will be aware that decisions of the elected Council are made by way of resolutions adopted at Council meetings; and decisions of the County Manager are made by way of written Manager's Orders.
"I was always of the view that decisions relating to Council expenditure was a reserved function of the elected councillors. Yet, I do not remember the elected Councillors every making a decision to subsidise the Borough Council. I have checked back through the minutes of Council meetings and I cannot find reference to any such decision being taken by the elected Council." said Cllr Bree.
Cllr Bree proposed then proposed that the Council request the Manager to provide (a) a written report outlining the statutory authority he had to provide the subsidy (b) copies of the relevant Manager's Orders relating to the decision to provide the subsidy to the Borough Council. His motion was seconded by Cllr Sean Mac Manus and was unanimously adopted.
THE COUNCILLORS WHO voted to impose the County Council's austerity budget do not have a mandate to do so and they have betrayed the interests of many of those who voted for them, said Cllr Declan Bree when he addressed a meeting of the United Left Alliance in Sligo.
"Despite the fact that the Council had been provided with increased funding by the Department of the Environment, the Fine Gael, Labour and the independent labour Chairperson of the Council Cllr Veronica Cawley, voted to impose the most savage cut- backs ever witnessed at Council level in Sligo." said Cllr Bree.
"The decision to slash funding for grants for the disabled cannot be justified under any circumstances and the decision to cut the housing aid for the elderly schemes by 40% will leave many older people without the supports they require
"The vote to remove funding and support for community groups, arts and heritage organisations, and groups promoting tourism will have far reaching implications.
"The decision to slash the maintenance budget for council houses by 75% while at the same time increasing rent income by 12.5% tells its own story. Council tenants will be expected to pay rents amounting to €2.25million while only €100,000 will be invested in maintaining the housing stock. It would appear that the surplus funding will be used to pay senior officials and to pay off banks loans." Cllr Bree said.
"Funding for recreational development, for parks, pitches and open spaces has also been cut to the bone.
"The decision to slash the library book fund to a miserly €10,000 will decimate the public library service in Sligo. This type of cut in the library service would not be accepted anywhere else in Ireland. Libraries are a cultural resource of universal benefit yet the service in Sligo has been targeted by the philistines in Fine Gael and Labour.
"While these savage cuts are being imposed millions of euros from the Council's budget are being diverted to pay interest on huge loans which the same councillors foolishly voted for in recent years.
"In July 2010, the County Manager asked the members of the Council to authorise borrowing of €18 million by way of a term loan of €15 million and a temporary overdraft of €3 million. Councillors were told then that the main reasons for the loan and overdraft totaling €18 million was because there was an accumulated deficit on the revenue account of €7.5 million and that there was expenditure of approx €10 million on capital related activity that awaited funding. The majority of councillors voted for the County Manages proposal.
"However despite the fact that the Council borrowed the money to clear the €7.5 million deficit in 2010 it was discovered last year that not one cent of the deficit was cleared.
"Yet these councillors continue to dance to the County Managers tune. Only two months ago the same councillors voted to take out yet another loan, this time a sum of €7.5 million, to replace overdraft borrowings which they had actually increased by that stage to the banks overdraft limit of €7.5 million. It never stops.
"Now the Fine Gael and Labour councillors and the Independent labour Chairperson of the Council are imposing savage cutbacks so as to allow Council funds to be diverted to pay off interest on loans that were clearly unsustainable and should never have been sought.
"When those councillors went forward for election they talked about improving and extending council services. In the period since the election they have performed U-turn after U-turn. They have accepted levels of ineptitude and mismanagement that would not be tolerated in any other local authority in Ireland and they have reduced the level of Council services in this county to an all time low. They have betrayed the trust of the people" said Cllr Bree.
"THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT Auditors Statutory Report for 2011, released this week, is a damning indictment of the manner in which Sligo County Council manages its financial business and it clearly confirms what I have been saying about the management of the Council, said Cllr Declan Bree.
The Auditor Mr Raymond Lavin, in his report expresses concerns in relation to the financial performance of the Council and in regard to the financial standing of the Council and its increasing level of debt.
"Not only has the auditor confirmed that the Council's revenue deficit increased by an alarming 30% last year - to almost €13 million - he also went on to say that in his opinion the deficit figure was actually understated in the Council's accounts." said Cllr Bree.
"Comparing the Council's budget with the actual outturn the Auditor has pointed out that the expenditure by the Council in 2011 was significantly higher than that provided for in the budget.
"He said the Council needs to prepare realistic achievable budgets and these budgets need to be carefully monitored and implemented. Indeed he said the same in his reports in 2009 and 2010. But no one seems to be listening.
"The auditor has again this year complained about an insufficient audit trail in relation to a number of Council projects and he also complains that the Council's registers of lands and buildings have not been properly maintained.
"The fact that the Council purchased an interest in property in Ballymote for the sum of €100,000 without any valuation or without any formal agreement being drawn up in accordance with regulations and guidelines is indicative of the manner in which the Council management transacts its affairs
"An area of particular concern relates to the recent Financial Appraisal of the Council carried out earlier this year by a firm of private consultants. According to the Auditors Report the consultants were advised by Council management that the Council would break even this year. However he points out that the unaudited accounts for the first half of 2012 indicate a deficit of €1.5 million for the first six months.
"What is particularly amazing is the revelation that a sum of €4 million which Management included in last years Council budget as income, was nothing less than pure fantasy.
"According to the County Manger it was assumed that there would be €4 million savings arising through a voluntary redundancy package and redeployment, and it was decided to show the financial impact of this as income of €4 million in the Council budget. Where else but in Sligo could such a preposterous budget be concocted." said Cllr Bree
"To add insult to injury everyone of us including the dogs on the street knew there was no possibility whatsoever of the government introducing a voluntary redundancy scheme.
"The Council is now over €80 million in debt and is it any wonder? For the past number of years the County Manager has consistently asked councillors to adopt annual budgets that were based on fantasy, budgets that bore no resemblance to reality, budgets that were absurd and unattainable, budgets that led to massive deficits in the revenue account each year. And to make up for the shortfall each year the County Manger then urged councillors to take out loans and increase overdrafts.
"Unfortunately the majority of councillors dance to the County Managers tune and they have constantly voted for budgets which have undermined the council's financial viability.
"It should now be obvious to most people that what is happening in terms of the finances of the Council is not only unacceptable, it is unsustainable." Cllr Bree said.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS indicated that the property tax, due to replace the household charge, will be introduced next July. The property tax is just another name for a tax on people's homes, the United Left Alliance T.D. Joan Collins told a public meeting organised by the Sligo Campaign against the Household and Water Charges in the Glasshouse Hotel this week.
"The fact that the tax is due to be introduced next July is about the only thing that is definite at this point." said Deputy Collins, "Everything else will be announced as part of the Budget. The tax initially is likely to range from €250 to €400 a year. It will increase significantly in the following years."
"Everywhere anger against the inequality and injustice of the present economic system is exploding. In this context the national Campaign against the Household and Water Charges has spurred new forms of struggle and every day more and more people are joining the resistance against austerity
"€25 billion has been taken out of our economy in the last 5 budgets and has devastated our country. The IMF says that every Euro taken out of the Irish economy results in an effective cut of €1.70. In this context it is clear that austerity is not working." said Deputy Collins.
Sligo Councillor Declan Bree told the meeting "The campaign against the household and water charges has built up significant resistance to the governments proposals since the beginning of the year.
"Everywhere the message is clear; people cannot and will not pay the debts of bankers and property developers
"The household charge is essentially an interim measure that will be replaced by a fully fledged property tax on the family home in the forthcoming budget. People should be made aware that registering for the household charge identifies homeowners and acknowledges liability.
"The household charge and the property tax on the family home are being imposed at the behest of the EU and IMF who insist that the monies raised by the tax will be used to pay off the private debts of the speculators, the developers, the bankers and the bondholders – the very people who have brought our country to the edge of ruin.
"The household charge, the septic tank charge, the universal social charge, the ongoing cuts in health and public services, the new property tax on the family home and the new water tax are in essence a form of collective punishment against the great majority of Irish people who are being forced by government to pay the private debts of speculators, developers and bankers." Cllr Bree told the meeting.
Dr Brian O'Boyle who also addressed the meeting said "Each year the Irish state pays over €10 billion in interest payments. This money is robbed from the people through cuts and tax hikes.
"The only reason this scandalous state of affairs persists is that the European Central Bank ordered us to stuff private banks full of cash so that they could pay off debts to the European banks.
"The Troika never had any interest in helping the Irish people – they only wanted to shore up a dysfunctional EU financial system.
"These debts should all be cancelled. They are crippling Irish society and we should no longer suffer." Dr O'Boyle said.
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS on local government including the proposal to abolish urban based councils was described as a retrograde step by Councillor Declan Bree when he spoke on the matter at meetings of the Borouhc council and County Council this month
"The proposal to abolish town councils and local self government in Irish towns is a retrograde step." he said "I am aware that the government wants to divert taxpayers money to pay off the private debts of bankers, developers and bondholders, but there is no evidence to show that the abolition of town government will save money; in fact it will further reduce the level of accountability in the entire administration of local government. This is at a time when we particularly need accountability, openness and transparency
"Recognising that the purpose of local government is to promote the well being and quality of life of citizens and communities, through effective, accountable and democratic representation and efficient performance and delivery of services at a local level I have to say, that in common with many other local elected representatives I was extremely disappointed with the proposals on local government put forward by Minister Hogan and the government and particularly with the failure to devolve any additional real power to local government.
"Instead of the devolution of powers from central to local government this government is further weakening local self government in this county." said Cllr Bree.
"The decision to reduce the number of councils to 31 means that in Ireland there will be a council for every 145,000 citizens. In Luxembourg there is a council for every 4,200 citizens; in Belgium there is a council for every 18,000 citizens; in Germany there is a council for every 6,400 citizens; in France there is a council for every 1,700 people. What Minister Hogan and the government is proposing here is incredible – it makes a mockery of the whole concept of local self government and local democracy.
"I would also point out that in recent years elected councillors have consistently lost powers over road plans, waste management plans, and many planning functions. Even the decisive role which councils once had over their Annual Budget and over City and County Development Plans has been greatly diminished. At the same time Managers and senior officials have been given new powers, which are bordering on the dictatorial.
"It is obvious that the local government management system as operated in this country has contributed to an extremely weak local political system. Council officials do not have a political mandate to represent the local community while local elected representatives do not have the responsibilities or structures to optimise a strong local leadership role.
"I have always made the point that all decisions affecting local communities should be taken by elected councillors.
"In most European countries functions such as Education, Health, Policing, Transport and Traffic are normally delivered and overseen by City, County, Regional and Local Authorities.
"However Local Government, as it is normally known in the rest of Europe, actually doesn't exist in Ireland. At best we have a system of local administration, through which Managers and officials make the executive decisions for our cities, counties and towns. This system was established in the 19th century when we were still the subjects of a foreign monarch. Yet Minister Hogan and the government are taking no real or substantive measures to change that.
"The fact is that elected councillors in Ireland have very little power compared those involved in local government in other jurisdictions. The government's current proposals now confirm that Ireland has the weakest system of Local Government in the European Union." said Cllr Bree.


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Rail Ghosts and Hauntings
The Mourning Woman
Location: Charfield (Gloucestershire) - Charfield graveyard, memorial to those killed in the Charfield Station rail crash Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: 13 October (reoccurring) Further Comments: Her face covered by her hands, this woman is black is widely believed to be the mother of two children killed in a rail disaster which occurred in 1929. Ten people, including the children, who were killed in the train crash could not be formally identified and are buried in a mass grave.
Location: Chartham (Kent) - Chartham signal box Type: Other Date / Time: Circa 1991, around 23:00h Further Comments: A young signalman was on the phone to a colleague in the signal box in Wye when the man on the other end of the phone started screaming. The young signalman asked what the matter was, and was informed that the box in Wye had just started shaking. At that moment, the young signalman's box also began to shake, likened to someone hitting the building with a sledgehammer every second. The young signalman opened the door ready to face whomever was hitting the building; the shaking stopped and no one could be seen. The young signalman continued to work in the box for several years, and while the intensity of the experience was never matched, the shaking would occasionally replete.
Man in Blue Overalls
Location: Chester (Cheshire) - Old lead steel works (no longer standing) Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: 2002 Further Comments: This ghost, said to be a workman who died after being hit by a train, may never be seen again: the area he haunted was scheduled for demolition and new flats will be built on the former works site.
Squeaking Cycle
Location: Chester (Cheshire) - Saltney Junction railway station, area of Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Early winter mornings (reoccurring) Further Comments: An old man on a squeaky bike haunt the area around this old station - it is thought that he hanged himself in a shed here.
George Stephenson
Location: Chesterfield (Derbyshire) - Tapton House Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown Further Comments: Inventor of 'The Rocket', Stephenson retired in later life to this house. Many years after his death, Stephenson was seen by a caretaker's wife who mistook him for a 'real' person after he demanded a glass of water.
Aubrey Clark
Location: Claxby (Lincolnshire) - Railway Signal box Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: 1960s onwards Further Comments: Aubrey was found dead in the signal box which he had manned for many years. Since then, other railway workers have reported heavy breathing in the area.
Black Chrysler Hit by Express
Location: Conington (Cambridgeshire) - Railway junction (8m NE Peterborough) Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: 16 October, 4pm (Reoccurring) Further Comments: 1948 saw the tragic death of Colonel Mellows, when he drove his car over the tracks only to be hit by a speeding train. Another explanation of the ghosts here says that a lorry of German POWs was hit during World War Two, and that one of these soldiers now haunts the area.
Art Student
Location: Coventry (West Midlands) - Old railway building (currently Horizon Recording Studio?), Warwick Road Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: 1980s Further Comments: This building is haunted by both an art student who died of a drug overdose and by a former rail employee. People recording at the studios have felt something brush past them or breathe heavily down their necks. Disembodied footsteps run down the corridors, while lights also turn themselves on and off.
Something on the Track
Location: Crowthorne (Berkshire) - Railway line between Crowthorne and Wokingham Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown Further Comments: Several train drivers have reportedly hit something on the track while travelling at speed. Expecting to find pieces of body, when investigated, there is nothing there...
Blurred Figure
Location: Croydon (Surrey) - Addiscombe railway yard - sheds (station demolished in 2001) Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: 11 April 2006 Further Comments: While the buildings stood, one worker witnessed a grey figure walking from the sheds, the apparition's face blurred and distorted. The sounds of machinery being moved at night were also reported, though the buildings were locked. The grey figure has been seen since the demolition, viewed from the fence along Capri Road.
Location: Dalton in Furness (Cumbria) - Furness Abbey Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: 2005 Further Comments: A ghostly figure in robes was seen walking towards the gatehouse before vanishing into a wall. It is said the monk sometimes appears on horseback, and the site is also haunted by a white woman.
Roaring Train
Location: Dalton in Furness (Cumbria) - Old rail track between Goldmire Junction and Millwood Junction Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Twentieth century Further Comments: Some witnesses allege hearing the sudden sound of an engine and feeling the rush of wind one experiences when a train passes by.
Location: Darley Dale (Derbyshire) - Rail station - area around the sheds Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown Further Comments: The ghost of a fireman reportedly haunts the sheds at this aging station.
Hound Attack
Location: Darlington (Durham) - Old Darlington and Stockton rail station Type: Unknown Ghost Type Date / Time: 5 December 1890 Further Comments: A night watchman reported being attacked by a man and his dog as they came out of the coal house - the watchman defended himself and tried to punch his attacker, only for his fist to pass through the figure and hit the wall behind. The pair of entities then went back into the coal house and vanished.
Location: Datchworth (Hertfordshire) - Area around the station Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown Further Comments: Found guilty of highway robbery, Clibbon was tied to the back of a horse and dragged around the town until he was dead. His screams are sometimes heard. The same area is also home to a headless horse, though it may not be the same creature associated with the highwayman.
Misty Figure
Location: Ditton (Kent) - New Hythe train station Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown Further Comments: This ghostly figure is reported to haunt the area in and around the railway station.
Empty Train
Location: Dunphail (Moray) - Site of old railway line Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Twentieth century Further Comments: This ghost train is said to follow the route where the tracks once lay, and even though the vehicle's lights are all switched on, no-one can be seen inside.
Dark Driver
Location: Dunster (Somerset) - Dunster Station, large goods shed Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown Further Comments: Killed in an accident in the shed, a one time driver is now reported to haunt the location of his death. His shadowy form has unnerved several people.
Faceless Woman
Location: E11 (Greater London) - Beacontree Station Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: 1992 Further Comments: A station employee working alone heard the door to his office rattle several times. Unnerved, the man began to climb upstairs to find a colleague but felt he was being watched. Turning around, he saw a woman standing there with long blond hair but no face - her features were completely smooth. Talking to his colleague a short time later, the employee discovered that he was not the only person to have seen her.
Grinning Man
Location: E15 (Greater London) - Channelsea Depot, Stratford Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: June - December 1994 Further Comments: A former British Rail employee reported seeing a tall man wearing a cape and top hat standing by a hanger. He had a terrible grin and a mouth full of white teeth, and immediately vanished, leaving the witness very cold and apprehensive. A few months later, in the same area, the witness felt a strong tug at her bag that almost pulled her over; she spun around expecting to see a colleague, but no one was in sight.
Cries and Screams
Location: E2 (Greater London) - Bethnal Green Station Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: 1981 Further Comments: A station master working alone in the station office late at night heard the soft sounds of children crying. As time went by, the cries grew louder and were joined by the screams of women. He ran from the office. One hundred and seventy-three people died in the station in a single accident during World War 2, the vast majority being women and children.
Anne Naylor
Location: EC1 (Greater London) - Farringdon Underground Station Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown Further Comments: The odd screams that have been heard in this area are attributed to Naylor, thirteen year old girl who was murdered on this site in 1758. She is now referred to as 'the Screaming Spectre'.
Sarah Blackhead
Location: EC2 (Greater London) - Bank Station, Central Line Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Sarah seen late twentieth century, knocking in 1982 Further Comments: Possibly the same figure that haunts the Bank of England; in life this poor girl couldn't handle news that her brother had died, and returned daily to his office to meet him. Dressed in black clothing, she is affectionately called 'the Black Nun'. A worker once chased what he thought was an old lady locked in the station during the early hours of the morning, but she vanished down a corridor with no possible exit. In addition, at least one employee has reported something knocking on an empty lift door from the inside, way after normal closing time.
Rebecca Griffiths
Location: EC2 (Greater London) - Liverpool Street Station Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Rebecca 1780 - 1812, man circa 2000 Further Comments: Once the site of the first Hospital of the Star of Bethlehem, an asylum for the insane, the area was haunted by the screams of Griffiths who was buried without a coin she compulsively held on to when locked away here. She also had the habit of exciting other inmates by peering through their cell windows. More recently there have been reports by underground staff of a man in white overalls on the platforms that can only be seen on CCTV.
Old Woman
Location: EC3 (Greater London) - Aldgate Underground Station Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Mid to late twentieth century Further Comments: This old woman was seen by an engineer as it stroked his friend's hair, seconds before the co-worker touched a live wire which sent 20,000 volts through his body. Remarkably, he survived. Phantom footfalls have also been reported coming from down the tunnel, abruptly finishing.
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After posting this photo of my bathroom in Germany over in my Flickr stream, I can't tell you how many people contacted me asking where I found my multi-tiered ruffled shower curtain. Burke Decor, my friends! It's called the White Devil, I even have the matching laundry bag that I keep on a white iron hook behind the bathroom door.
That's why I'm thrilled to share this discount because now those of you who want the same shower curtain can now purchase it for 20% off! In fact, Burke Decor is giving decor8 readers a flat 20% discount on everything in their shop, valid until November 30th, including furniture! Please use offer code "Decor8″ upon checkout. In addition, they offer free shipping over $50 shipping to the 48 contiguous states and they ship worldwide, excluding furniture items.
Here is a special page that Burke Decor created with a selection of my favorites (some are shown above). Again, this offer is on everything though, not just my favorite items, and there is no minimum purchase. Have fun!
Note: This offer is valid until November 30, 2008 so you have some extra time to shop!
(images from burke decor)
Looking for address labels? Cards? Prints? Penny People is offering decor8 readers 20% off on all purchases made through November 21st on their website. Please enter "decor8″ into the promotional code box when checking out. Prices are listed in Canadian Funds.
Excluded from this sale: The following categories — Deluxe Birth Announcements & Wedding Invitations.
Shipping info: They ship across Canada & USA. To avoid disappointment with delivery times, please visit their Shipping Page to understand more about how to select the right shipping method. For US customers, Penny People strongly recommends Expresspost shipping. Although it is one of the more expensive shipping rates, US customers get tracking, and a guaranteed delivery date.
Psst: Penny People also maintains a blog…
(images from penny people)
Love Paris? Ferris wheels? Soft magical photography to give or to receive? IS Photography of Montreal is offering decor8 readers a generous 25% discount off of your entire order. Visit the IS Photography shop and enter the coupon code "decor8rocks" during checkout. This offer is actually valid a bit longer than the others, it is good until November 30 and applies to all print sizes and pendants and photographer and shop owner Irene Suchocki ships worldwide.
I adore Irene's latest series: The City of Love. Wow. Makes me want to get on a train… Paris isn't far…
{Update: I could not resist: I just purchased Love is in the Air.}
(images from IS Photography)
Ready for some more discounts this week? I have many great ones to share and I'm excited to get started. Today I'll post the final batch of discounts from decor8 sponsors and then between Tuesday-Friday you can expect discounts from decor8 friends that I'm sure you will really enjoy – all 20% off and more! If you've missed any offers posted last week, you can click here to catch up on discounts posted between November 3-7th. To make it easy, all discounts featured between November 3-14 are valid until November 21st. Okay so with all that behind us let's get started, shall we?
First up this week is Spunky Sprout – a great site for toys, children's bedding, organic goods, books, gifts, and more. Between now and November 21st, you can take 20% off orders over $100 and free shipping on orders over $50. They also ship worldwide. Please enter coupon code "spunkydecor820″ upon checkout to cash in on this deal.
Here are a few of my picks:
a. the Slat rack, b. Zid Zid elephant book ends, c. Bu-Lou plush toy, d. Magno wooden radio and e. Chalkals Mushroom wall stickers.
Have fun!
(images from spunky sprout)


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Allen West Trots Out Former Soldier for Vapid Campaign Ad (VIDEO)
This is the latest reason Allen West says you should vote for him. And it is stupid.
Nobody's saying Delgado's service isn't important or that it wasn't a good thing that he had that body armor on in Iraq. But why, why does that make Allen West qualified to be a member of Congress? There's no discussion of policy or legislation or plans for the future -- just a soldier saying West is a "true patriot." How long are we going to let "AMERICAAA" be West's only campaign plank? (Unless you count "Obama sucks; vote for meee," which would make two planks.)
It's the second ad released this month that, like West's congressional career, is high on emotion but low, so low, on substance. Nothing about the grand (fictional) plans to replace Obamacare, nothing about plans to reduce the deficit (that are actually based in reality). And his voicing full-throated support for the indefinite detention of American citizens probably isn't really something he wants to put on television.
The other ad, posted online a week ago, shows West bragging about how he cared SO MUCH about children that he became a high school teacher after
The point is, there are many, many important issues to consider going into November. And body armor isn't one of them.
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text: CITY OF JACKSON The Neighborhood Watch program is made up of citizens who take the initiative to help prevent crime in their neighborhoods. Participants keep an eye out fro their neighbors and their homes by taking not of unusual activity and reporting the proper information to the authorities in the event of a crime. The Jackson Police also give citizens feedback on how to make their neighborhood undesirable to criminals. The Neighborhood Watch program is led by the Crime Prevention Unit of the Jackson Police Department. The Crime Prevention Unit takes a proactive approach to citizen interaction with a wide range of activities. Start a Neighborhood Watch Group: To create a neighborhood watch group, call the Jackson Police Department and speak with the Neighborhood Watch coordinator. The coordinator will take down your information and let you know what needs to be done to organize the neighborhood watch. You will plan your first meeting with the Jackson Police Department. During the meeting, the Police Department will review booklets describing how to set up the program in your neighborhood. Following the meetings, your neighborhood will have Neighborhood Watch signs posted in the area by the City of Jackson. To be successful, Neighborhood Watch groups should stay active. Groups are encouraged to call the Jackson Police Department once a year to set up an update meeting. During this meeting the Jackson Police Department will provide new information and review your past meetings. Contact Information for the Jackson Police Department Crime Prevention Unit:


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Squandered opportunities haunt Browns
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Squandered opportunities haunt Browns By Ralph N. Paulk PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, December 9, 2011 For much of the past 12 years, Cleveland has floundered while trying to reel in the Steelers since the Browns returned to the NFL. Something, it seems, always goes wrong when the Browns appear on the right track. Mostly, they are haunted by poor draft picks - including quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Tim Couch. After spinning their wheels for a decade trying to build an explosive offense, general manager Mike Holmgren conceded to the old adage that defense wins championships. So, he plucked defensive linemen Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard with the team's first- and second-round picks. On a cold Thursday night at Heinz Field, the Browns' young rookie linemen held their own against the Steelers in a 14-3 defeat. They didn't dominate. They didn't set the world afire. More importantly, they didn't back down when the Steelers shoved them into a corner with a chance to put the Browns away. They summoned the kind of gutsy reserve usually missing in losing to the Steelers - a stretch of Steelers dominance that now totals 15 wins in 16 games. "Personally, I wanted this game," former Steelers defensive tackle Scott Paxson said. "I still have a lot of friends over there, but deep down I wanted this one tonight. "We played well. We didn't play well enough to win." The Browns, it seemed, were about to write another chapter of a familiar storyline until they stood up late in the third quarter. For much of this season, they have been devoid of any momentum-shifting plays - even with the Steelers seemingly vulnerable with a gimpy Ben Roethlisberger laboring in and out of the huddle. But when the Steelers put the Browns on their backs inside the 2-yard line early in the fourth quarter, Sheard and Taylor stared them down during a goal-line stand. Linebacker Chris Gocong stuffed Rashard Mendenhall three times inside the Cleveland 1-yard line. Then, free safety Mike Adams intercepted a Ben Roethlisberger floater to turn back the Steelers' next drive and give the Browns an improbable chance at a victory. Again, when things were going swimmingly, the Browns couldn't make a play that mattered. The Browns, aided by a roughing-the-passer penalty on linebacker James Harrison, advanced into the red zone, but quarterback Colt McCoy was intercepted by cornerback William Gay in the end zone. "We had a chance to make plays we should have made," said rookie offensive tackle Jason Pinkston, a Pitt product. "We need to get better and move on. "It was a little pressure, but it's on us to get it done. They didn't do anything special with their pass rush. It came down to us doing a better job." The Steelers, plagued by mistakes - including three penalties on reserve guard Chris Kemoeatu - finally put the Browns away in the waning minutes when wide receiver Antonio Brown sprinted away from three Cleveland defensive backs for a 79-yard touchdown catch with 2:52 to go. "That's been the story with us all season," a dejected Paxson said. "But we have to keep fighting and keep swinging. I believe good things lie ahead because we're right there. "We were even closer this week. We just didn't come away with a victory." Ralph N. Paulk can be reached at email@example.com or 412-320-7923 . Read more: Squandered opportunities haunt Browns - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbur...#ixzz1g2Xif0B8 |
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"This awful massacre of our youngest children has changed us, and everything should be on the table," said Manchin, who once ran a campaign ad in which he shot environmental legislation with a rifle.
"There's got to be a way to put reasonable restrictions, particularly as we look at assault weapons, as we look at these fast clips of ammunition," Warner, whose state is home to the NRA, told The Washington Post.
John Yarmuth, a Democratic U.S. representative from Kentucky, also shifted position. "I have been largely silent on the issue of gun violence over the past six years, and I am now as sorry for that as I am for what happened to the families who lost so much in this most recent, but sadly not isolated, tragedy," he said in a statement.
There has been little word on assault weapons from Republicans, who are traditionally strong gun rights advocates, even in the wake of the Newtown deaths.
Kentucky's Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, offered words of comfort, but did not mention weapons when he spoke on Monday in the Senate chamber, where a parade of Democratic senators called for greater gun control.
Representatives for the National Rifle Association did not respond to a request for comment. The lobby group has no statement on the school shooting on its website. It has not posted any comments on social media since Friday.
Obama called on Sunday for the country to change its approach to violence, although he did not use the word "gun." The White House said on Monday gun control is part but not the entire answer to address the violence in the United States.
But the tide of national emotion over the deaths of so many children could make a difference this time.
"One of great strengths of the NRA has been its bipartisanship," said Jeremy Mayer, a political scientist at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. "Now it's almost all Republicans and it will be harder for the NRA to deal with a bunch of united and angry Democrats."
Police said 20-year-old Adam Lanza was armed with hundreds of bullets in high-capacity magazines of about 30 rounds each for the Bushmaster AR 15 rifle with which he mowed down the children and staff. He also carried two handguns and had a shotgun in a car.
Lanza killed his mother at home and himself at the school.
Lanza's rampage was only the latest in a string of mass shootings nationwide. But those earlier incidents prompted little movement toward addressing the availability of weapons in the United States and the country's relatively lax gun laws.
The Connecticut rampage prompted the largest-ever petition on a White House website that lets Americans pick issues they want on the national agenda. A petition seeking the introduction of gun legislation had attracted 148,085 signatures by Monday.
"There's a deep interest in some action taking place," U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat, told Reuters. She said she had heard from her district on the issue in person, by phone and through calls during a radio show.
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll on Monday found an 8-point increase in the percentage of Americans who agree that "gun ownership should have strong regulations or restrictions."
The Jewish Daily Forward welcomes reader comments in order to promote thoughtful discussion on issues of importance to the Jewish community. In the interest of maintaining a civil forum, The Jewish Daily Forwardrequires that all commenters be appropriately respectful toward our writers, other commenters and the subjects of the articles. Vigorous debate and reasoned critique are welcome; name-calling and personal invective are not. While we generally do not seek to edit or actively moderate comments, our spam filter prevents most links and certain key words from being posted and The Jewish Daily Forward reserves the right to remove comments for any reason.


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Meeting Rooms
Sioux Center Public Library offers several options for hosting groups and meetings.
Room |
Base Rate |
Half Meeting Room (up to 40 seats) (750 sq. ft.) |
$15/hour | |
Full Meeting Room (up to 90 seats) (1500 sq. ft.) |
$25/hour | |
Conference Room (up to 12 seats) | $10/hour | |
Janitorial set-up/take-down | $20/hour | |
*** |
(Fees are waived for local tax-supported, non-profit, or governmental agencies whose offices are within the Sioux Center Public Library service area.)
***Day rates are also available for business meetings. If a group meets 6 or more hours in one day they could qualify for the date rate. Day rate = $50 for half room, $100 for full room.
For more information, please visit our Meeting Room Reservations page.


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Posts Tagged 'Week 1 picks'
Week 1 NFL Picks: Rookie QBs
Week 1 hype surrounding top quarterbacks from the draft is normal but in 2012, NFL bettors need a manual to keep track of the new faces. We look at the Seahawks-Cardinals, Colts vs. Bears, Eagles and Browns, Redskins-Saints and Miami at Houston game with ATS betting stats and our top picks
Robert Griffin III is one of five rookie starters going after Ben Roethlisberger's NFL rookie record for wins (13) in a season
2012 NFL Picks, Early Odds for Week 1
The complete NFL schedule was released this week and a handful of sportsbooks have added Week 1 lines to their early list of football betting options for 2012. We've got the spreads and totals along with a look at marquee matchups and an early Over/Under play worth jumping on right now
The Dallas Cowboys were 1-6 ATS in the final seven games of 2011 and oddsmakers favored them in six of those seven matchups
The combine gave us a look at prospects and the NFL draft starting April 26 will finally put to rest questions of where Andrew Luck (Colts), Robert Griffin III (Redskins) and Matt Kalil (Vikings) will spend the first few years of the pro careers.
What the vast majority of NFL bettors wait for, however, is Week 1 and this year the season starts in New York where the Super Bowl champion Giants (-3.5, O/U 47) host the Dallas Cowboys.
It's where Tony Romo also watched his disappointing season end Jan. 1, with an ineffective offense that was held scoreless through the first 37 minutes of a must win game, capping the season with a 31-14 loss – their fourth in the team's final five games.
Green Bay (-4.5) won its Thursday night opener 42-34 in 2011, extending the streak to 12-straight years the defending Super Bowl champs have kicked off the campaign with a win.
Week 1 Fact: Since the NFL started opening the season with its Super Bowl champ hosting the party, home teams are 8-0 SU, winning by a 10.0-point average margin of victory
It's the Year of the Manning, with Peyton and Eli taking up max primetime slots but instead of buying the hook down to -3, our early lean on this game is to the "Over" 47.
Peyton Manning will make his regular season Broncos debut vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers on Week 1, Sunday Night Football
The San Francisco 49ers have a rematch with Detroit lined up for Week 2 in what's being dubbed the 'Handshake Bowl' but first they have a Date with the Green Bay Packers scheduled Sunday, Sept. 9 at Lambeau Field.
Since 1996, the Niners have lost eight-straight road games in Green Bay and they are only 2-5-1 against the spread. Online sportsbooks
currently offer Green Bay as a 6-point favorite but once again, we see early value for this contest on the total.
Green Bay gave up 411.6 yards per game (YPG) in 2012, worst in the league and more than 100 yards above the fifth overall rank of 2010 (309.1 YPG), when the Packers won the Super Bowl. It's unrealistic to see this team get back to that level in one season but defense will be a major focus of the off-season and at home field, we'll look for immediate improvement.
Pick: Take the 49ers and Packers "Under" 45 points in Week 1
Here's a look at the current NFL odds offered at select sports betting sites around the net. File these numbers away as they will likely go through some significant adjustments between now and September.
Totals in Week 1 the past two years have varied by an average of more than 10 points per game compared to the oddsmaker's estimate and knowing when to pull the trigger can help get you started on the path to a winning season.
Wednesday, September 5
Dallas at New York Giants -3, O/U 47
Sunday, September 9
Atlanta at Kansas City 'Pick em', O/U 42
Buffalo at New York Jets -6, O/U 42
Indianapolis at Chicago -9.5, O/U 41
Jacksonville at Minnesota -3, O/U 39
Miami at Houston -6, O/U 44
New England -6.5 at Tennessee, O/U 48.5
Philadelphia -6 at Cleveland, O/U 42
St. Louis at Detroit -9, O/U 47
Washington at New Orleans -10.5, O/U 52
Carolina -3 at Tampa Bay, O/U 47
San Francisco at Green Bay -6, O/U 45
Seattle at Arizona -3, O/U 42
Pittsburgh at Denver -2, O/U 45
Monday, September 10
Cincinnati at Baltimore -7, O/U 40.5
San Diego at Oakland 'Pick em', O/U 48
We'll be posting NFL betting updates and predictions throughout the summer with a host of preseason picks, early season betting tips and Season Win Totals with breakdowns. Visit the EveryEdge sports betting forum daily for baseball picks and NHL playoff analysis from some of the best cappers on the net and follow EveryEdge on Twitter for a head's up on all our top plays.


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- Colonels win third straight region title. ()
- Colonels win third straight region title. ()
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Want more? Choose from other designs or create a personalized Skin with your photos!
I am thrilled with the quality of this product. I have gotten so many compliments on it! It actually looks like the gum wrapper and is very HIGH quality. Thank you from a very satisfied customer. :-)Christopher Klingler, United States


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Sprint sent me a wireless broadband modem and I immediately headed off to the sunset with Nancy, our two pony-size poodles and our two Mac laptops -- and the new Sprint device -- in our diesel motor home. We're all camping in a church parking lot in East Liverpool, Ohio this weekend, using the Sprint modem (a Sierra AirCard 595U) to keep up with the real world.
This Sierra modem is a charmer. It's the size of a Snickers bar, is very well finished (if you have an iPod, think of the fit and feel of an iPod and you'll get the point) and can be plugged directly into your Windows or Mac laptop as if it were a PC card or an Express card. You can also plug it into an included cradle that makes it look like a sleek electric beard trimmer on its charging base.
The Sierra modem is fast on the Sprint network. It's not as fast as wi-fi, but it's fast enough to watch streaming video easily. Nancy used her laptop while I drove (she sat at the dinette, and, yes, the dinette has seat belts) and never lost the signal during the entire trip from Baldwinsville to East Liverpool.
We're very happy with the Sprint modem so far. I'll continue to report on it now and then, especially during another cross-country jaunt we're taking this winter. We'll be able to check Sprint's claims of a large coverage area, too.
Sprint's pricing matches the cost structure of its competitors, but the company is much more liberal in two ways:
First, high-speed wireless service is $60 a month, like Sprint's competitors' plans, but you don't have to have a Sprint cell phone account to get the $60 deal. (Verizon, for example, pegs its plan at $80 a month if you're not a cell customer.)
Second, wireless service is unlimited for $60 a month. Use it all you want for that price. If you don't spend much time online except to do e-mail, you can choose a $30 plan that limits your Internet uploads and downloads to a few gigabytes a month.
Apparently, Sprint's definition of "unlimited" is the same as Webster's -- something without a limit. Verizon's definition is basically "anything less than 10 GB a month." Not a good thing to do to an otherwise fine word.
The Sprint modem comes with easy to use software and even has a little battery to help it catch weak signals. It works just as well on Mac OS X computers as it does on those less advanced Windows machines, but Mac users have to download the Sprint modem software.
Oddly, Macs are the only computers that can run these high-speed broadband modems without employing any extra software. Macs have it built in. But you'll need the Sprint software -- it's actually Sierra software, called Sierra Wireless Watcher -- to activate your account the first time you use the modem.
Pay attention if you are a Mac user who wants to buy the Sierra modem and use it on Sprint: Well meaning tech folks will tell you that you have to activate the modem through Windows, but that's not true. Just get the latest Sierra software. Search Google for SIERRA 595U MAC OS DRIVER.
- Al Fasoldt


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The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health, is looking for individuals to participate in clinical studies. Participating in clinical trials allows you to play an active role in research on the nature and causes of many disorders of the brain and nervous system, and to possibly help physician-scientists develop future treatments. The information below is designed to help you quickly learn about actively recruiting research studies for which you or someone you know may be eligible.
This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of using the drug rituximab both intravenously and via an intrathecal injection to treat secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SP-MS). MS is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that progressively weakens and destroys the pathways of the nervous system. SP-MS is the chronic phase of MS. Most people who have relapsing-remitting MS eventually develop SP-MS. There are currently no effective treatments for SP-MS.
Researchers are interested in determining whether the drug rituximab, which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and some types of cancer, is able to target certain white blood cells that are thought to play a role in the progression of SP-MS. To ensure that the rituximab will reach the brain and spinal cord, participants will receive it by intravenous drip and by intrathecal injection (through a lumbar puncture into the cerebrospinal fluid).
The study will last 3 years and will be divided into two parts: a 1-year pre-treatment baseline and a 2 year treatment period during which there will be a total of 4 infusions with either rituximab or placebo. Participants will have periodic follow-up clinic visits that will include brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, blood tests, and other evaluations of brain and nervous system function. There will be approximately 7 outpatient clinic visits. Outpatient clinic visits will last 2-5 hours. The 4 infusion visits will each require a 2-3 day admission to the NIH Clinical Center.
Please follow this link for trial eligibility information to share with your doctor.
Last Reviewed May 1, 2014


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Tuesday 1 January, 2012
Dead 4
Out 7 metres entire circuit
Stewards Panel:
B Wright (Chairman), W Hadley, T Wilson & M Donovan (Cadet)
Replaced By
Dolly's Sundaye
J Benbow
I Gundogdu
Last Man Standing
D Moor
A Mallyon
Champagne Love
J McNeil
R Cross
Deepwell Station
Relative Velocity
D Adam
Did not attend meeting: J Benbow, J McNeil
Race 1 – SLICKPIX PLATE - 1018 metres:
Flying Commando, which had its head turned slightly to the side, began awkwardly, resulting in its rider, R Booth, making contact with the outside gate.
On leaving the gates, Margaret Miss and Scented Siren bumped.
For a short distance approaching the 600 metres, Margaret Miss raced keenly with its head up.
When under pressure in the straight, Dolly's Sundaye lay in and near the 200 metres, caused slight inconvenience to Magnaro.
Also, when under pressure in straight, Margaret Miss had a tendency to lay out.
A post race veterinary examination of Dolly's Sundaye did not reveal any obvious abnormality, however; it was noted that the filly had lost the off fore plate.
Race 2 – SCHWEPPES PLATE - 1018 metres:
Trainer B McCarthy, represented by Assistant Trainer S Pratt, was fined $200 for the late arrival of Shot of Siena on course, which was 31 minutes outside the prescribed time. In assessing penalty, account was taken of Trainer B McCarthy's record in this area.
The start was delayed when In The Rain was reluctant to go to the gates, necessitating its rider, R Booth, to dismount and lead the filly. Trainer P Carey was advised that prior to In The Rain racing again, it must trial to the satisfaction of Stewards.
Prussian Reign was very slow to leave the gates (2L).
Throughout the event, In The Rain raced wide without cover.
Near the 800 metres, Nordic But Nice got its head up when being steadied from the heels of Infinite Fortune, which in turn, was steadied.
For a short distance passing the 400 metres, Infinite Fortune was held up for clear running.
Race 3 – MORNINGTON BMW PLATE - 1527 metres:
Vittese was slow to begin.
On a number of occasions throughout the event, Kem Heart got its head up.
Elzevier raced wide from passing the 800 metres.
For a short distance approaching and passing the 400 metres, Seven Mile King was held up for clear running and when being shifted out after the 300 metres, caused slight inconvenience to Kem Heart.
A post race veterinary examination of Kem Heart, which was eased down approaching the 100 metres, did not reveal any obvious abnormality.
A post race veterinary examination of Zigstroem, which commenced to weaken from the 400 metres, did not reveal any obvious abnormality.
K Bradley (Raw Will) explained that after beginning fairly and with the lack of any early speed in the event the filly raced in a more forward but wide position. He said that for this reason he allowed Raw Will to stride and take up the lead.
When questioned, J Todd (Rhiannons Gold), stated that at its previous start at Cranbourne (22/12/12), his instructions from the inside barrier were to make use of the gate, obtain a good jump and have the filly where comfortable. On that occasion, Rhiannon's Gold began well but could not maintain a forward position. He added his instructions today were similar and after beginning well, was able to hold a forward position.
Race 4 – MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL TRUCK CENTRE PLATE - 1223 metres:
On leaving the gates Rivonia (NZ) lost its footing behind.
Maughan began awkwardly.
Last Man Standing began awkwardly and then blundered on leaving the gates.
Last Man Standing was obliged to race wide passing the 700 metres, when Rivonia (NZ) shifted out.
J Todd (Free Of Doubt) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a) in that approaching the 100 metres, he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear, resulting in Fine being carried in across the running of Dayarma, with that horse having to be checked severely. In the incident some inconvenience was caused to Fine. J Todd's licence to ride in races was suspended for a total of 10 meetings, commencing midnight 2 January, 2013and expiring at the conclusion of the day meeting at Mornington (11/01/13) (2 metro, 8 provincial). In assessing penalty, Stewards were of the view that the incident qualified for the mid range category of carelessness and took into account his good record.
Race 5 – MONICA CID RACING/ MITAVITE SUMMER CHALLENGE HEAT 3 - 1527 metres:
Eternal Optimist bounded when the gates opened and lost ground.
Shortly after the start, Noble Twostep and Benzaiten bumped.
In the middle stages, Benzaiten over raced and when being steadied to take up a position behind Circadian, got its head up, obliging Benzaiten to be shifted out and allowed to stride to the lead.
For most of the event, Circadian raced wide without cover.
Passing the 300 metres, Eternal Optimist was momentarily steadied when tightened between Noble Twostep and Java Spirit, both of which shifted ground.
For a short distance near the 200 metres, Eternal Optimist, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was hampered when racing awkwardly between Noble Twostep and Java Spirit, which was shifting out slightly.
A post race veterinary examination of Babe To Win did not reveal any obvious abnormality.
J Todd (El Solamore) stated the mare, which had previously undergone knee surgery, failed to respond to his riding throughout the event and finished a distant last. A post race veterinary examination of El Solamore did not reveal any obvious abnormality. Stewards will follow up with Trainer L Tolson after she discusses the mare's immediate racing future with connections.
Race 6 ––SHANE NICHOLS RACING/MITAVITE SUMMER CHALLENGE HEAT 4 - 1527 metres:
Catagious was slow into stride.
On leaving the gates, Testaguy, which began awkwardly, was checked severely when tightened between With Danger and Beaumaris, both of which shifted ground.
For most of the event, Testaguy raced wide without cover and passing the 600 metres, got its head up on several occasions and became unbalanced.
Near the 300 metres, Beaumaris was eased when failing to secure a possible run to the outside of Deepwell Station, when held in a pocket by Testaguy. For a short distance after this, Beaumaris was held up for a clear run and near the 150 metres, was steadied and shifted to the inside of Catagious.
After being brushed by Catagious round the home turn, Deepwell Station shifted out and caused some inconvenience to Testaguy.
Passing the 50 metres, Beaumaris was shifted to the inside of With Danger, to continue going forward.
Race 7 – CENTREBET HANDICAP - 1223 metres:
Hemingway Royale and Carjacker began awkwardly.
Near the 1100 metres, Tully Plenty shifted out abruptly away from the hindquarters of Hemingway Royale.
In the early and middle stages, Relative Velocity raced wide without cover.
Near the 300 metres, Ruby Shines, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when tightened between Relative Velocity and Fontainette, both of which shifted ground.
For a short distance approaching the 300 metres, Hemingway Royale was held up for clear running.
A post race veterinary examination of Carjacker, which finished a distant last, revealed cardiac arrhythmia. Ms S Crombie, representing trainer M Webb, was advised that Carjacker must be in receipt of a veterinary certificate of fitness including the satisfactory results of an ECG before and after a 1000 metre gallop, prior to racing again. Further, Carjacker must officially trial to the satisfaction of Stewards before being permitted to race again.
Pre-race blood for post-race analysis:
Race 3 – I Maximus, Raw Will
Race 4 – Go The Cats
Race 5 – Pinski Belle, Java Spirit
Race 6 - Champagne Love, Mariner (NZ)
Post-race samples from the following horses:
Race 1 – Isolation, winner – R2 – Shot Of Siena, winner –R3 – Wairu River, winner – R4 – Fine, winner – R5 – Flirtatious, winner – R6 – Mariner, winner – R7 – Relative Velocity, winner
Race 2 – B McCarthy $200 – late arrival on course
Race 4 - J Todd AR137(a) - suspended 10 meetings, commencing midnight 2 January, 2013and expiring at the conclusion to the day meeting at Mornington (11/01/13) (2 metro, 8 provincial).
Horse Actions:
Race 2 - In The Rain - trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again.
Race 7 – Carjacker – uncompetitive, Official trial prior to racing again.
Race 7 – Carjacker – Cardiac Arrhythmia, veterinary certificate of fitness including the satisfactory results of an ECG before and after a 1000 metre gallop, prior to racing again.
Follow ups:
Race 5 – El Solamore


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the lovecraft stories i've read give more info on the cults than the gods, any suggestions?Quote:
What, no appreciation for Azathoth? Cthulhu? Nyarlathotep?
tehol is one of my favourite characters and bugg does tend to get coloured by association; but my top pick would probably be hood.Quote:
Yeah, he's great and one of my favorites amongst the many gods and ascendants in the Malazan world, Erikson's very good with how he handles all the mythology of his universe.


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NW BW WK Whitnash Community Forum, 7pm on Thursday 15 March at Arcre Park Community Centre, Whitnash
NW BW WK Whitnash Community Forum, 7pm on Thursday 15 March at Arcre Park Community Centre, Whitnash
This message is sent on behalf of PCSO Steve Sample of Whitnash Safer Neighbourhoods Team:
Please can we remind you that the Whitnash Community Forum will be held tomorrow evening, Thursday 15 March at 7pm. The Forum will take place at Acre Park Community Centre.
Please come along, meet officers and staff from Warwickshire Police and partner agencies to raise any concerns you may have involving Whitnash town. It is YOUR community so make sure you have your say in letting local priorities!!
Crime Prevention Event
A quick reminder of the crime prevention event we will be holding at Whitnash Library on Monday 19th March 2012 between the hours of 11am and 1pm.
At the event you will be able to meet members of your Safer Neighbourhood Team along with crime prevention advisors who will be able to give you advice on securing your property to prevent you being a victim of crime.
Looking forward to seeing you during the day
Whitnash SNT.


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Google is finally taking some steps to increase awareness around Android branding When you start your Samsung Galaxy S5 or HTC One M8 you'll be presented with a new message below the usual boot-up logo. It's "powered by Android".
And the reason is, those who use any one of Samsung, HTC, Motorola and Sony for them it is hard to believe that they are using the same technology which has its roots in Android. And that's the thing google want to change. Google is requiring all Android manufacturers that include its services on a device to prominently display the same "powered by Android" stamp.
Many manufacturers have deviated from what Android should be, so the new requirement may simply be intended to ensure there's no confusion among smartphone buyers. A new report from Recode claims that the company recently met with Google to begin working out an agreement that could see Samsung's software move closer to Google's vision of Android. A source told Recode that the Samsung–Google relationship has gone through "a huge change, a sea change in the last few weeks."
On Sunday, the two companies announced a broad patent cross-licensing deal that will see them share key intellectual property — another indication of an improved relationship. Though It's unclear if this branding is part of the Google Play Services agreement that mandates default positioning and availability of Google Apps on these phones, or how long this mandate will remain in place, but this is something that will apply to all Android phones with access to the Google Play Store in the foreseeable future.
One thing we are sure that "powered by Android" logo on the Smartphone boot screen will put Android as a prominent brand in front of a millions of users in coming months.


text:
How Dave Does It - Ebook
Novell Technology Partner
product details
Basic skills are further enhanced in the second section; "Enhanced GroupWise Administration". The third section of the book is a compilation of "How-Tos", providing step-by-step processes and procedures that you will be able to utilize within your system. Also contained is a compilation of all of the Cool Solutions Articles written by Dave Muldoon. And hidden way at the end of the book is a little bit of "geeky GroupWise fun", with a set of questions designed to test your knowledge of GroupWise.
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Novell does not warrant non-Novell products or services. All products and services included in the Novell Partner Product Guide are provided on an "as-is" basis, and in no event shall Novell be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from use or performance of any such products or services. Any warranty service for non-Novell products or services is provided by the product vendor in accordance with the applicable vendor warranty. The information and related graphics published in the Novell Partner Product Guide may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Novell assumes no responsibility for the content of any site linked to its Web pages. Inclusion of third-party products or services in the Novell Partner Product Guide does not constitute an endorsement of such products or services by Novell.


text:
Procter & Gamble Co. said its Align supplement is the nation's No. 1 gastroenterologist-recommended probiotic.
Supplier News Breaks Archives
CINCINNATI – Procter & Gamble Co. said its Align supplement is the nation's No. 1 gastroenterologist-recommended probiotic.
The statement stems from the results of a Wolters Kluwer 2010 survey of more than 600 gastroenterologists, of those physicians who recommended a brand of probiotic, P&G said Wednesday.
And since its launch last year, Align has become a top-selling probiotic, with almost 90% of those who have tried Align saying they would recommend it to a friend, according to P&G.
"My patients come in asking about probiotics, and they want to make sure to spend money on something that will work," commented Dr. Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale University School of Medicine.
According to P&G, Sheth often suggests patients look at The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consumer guidelines for choosing a quality probiotic supplement. The guidelines recommend consumers look for probiotics that are well-researched, come from reliable manufacturers, have a clearly stated shelf life, and are labeled with the exact bacterial strain or strains contained in the product.
"I feel good about recommending Align because it is manufactured with high-quality techniques, has published data and, most importantly, I've seen it really help my patients protect against occasional digestive upsets," stated Sheth.
P&G said Align helps to build and maintain a healthy digestive system and protects against occasional digestive upsets and is the only probiotic supplement that contains bifantis (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624), a natural, patented probiotic strain developed by gastroenterologists.
With just one pill daily, the single-strain probiotic can "help bring peace to your digestive system so you can enjoy life with protection against occasional digestive upsets," according to P&G. The company offers consumers a money-back guarantee for Align within 60 days of the original purchase date.


text:
In his letter to New Times, dated January 15 but received much later, Griffin recalled the meeting that allegedly initiated his partnership with Felton: "One day I seen Danny in his Maxima car. I stopped him and I asked him would he be interested in buying some rims for his car. Danny answers, Man, I don't have any money to buy no rims. I wished I could. Shit, them crackers don't pay me enough. Hell, I need to be doing what you do, so I can ride around like you guys." Griffin writes that he laughed "bashfully," then said to Felton; "Man, stop playing, you want the rims or not? They fit right on your car." Griffin contends Felton replied, "I'm serious, we don't get paid shit."
Then, Griffin writes, he mulled it over, "until I finally got up the nerve to approach him and ask him would he be willing to participate in rip-offs."
In Felton's contested FBI confession, the meeting is recounted differently. "One day, I ran into Marvin on the street and Marvin told me that I could make a little money if I was interested. He said he had a little something for me and I would just have to do my job as a police officer. Marvin was always saying that he had something big and one day, I said I was interested." Felton does not explain his motivation.
"Cases like this are absolute shockers," remarks Maj. Bill O'Brien, commander of the Miami Police Department's internal affairs section. "I don't know why he would do something like this. He was a young man with an excellent future. All he had to do was continue to do his job and he was on the path to success." O'Brien's section substantiated two findings of misconduct against Felton for the rip-offs. The first allegation was that he stole money from an FBI agent posing as a drug dealer on May 19, 1994. The second was that he had ripped off a real drug dealer four months earlier. "After the conclusion of the joint City of Miami internal affairs and FBI investigation, it is clearly and factually evidenced that Officer Danny P. Felton planned and assisted Mr. Marvin Griffin in money and/or drug rip-offs on two separate occasions," the internal affairs report states.
Sharpstein acknowledges that Felton and Griffin were in contact. But in his version, Felton was only doing some unauthorized undercover work. Sharpstein contends Felton was hoping for a promotion. "He was young, naive, and misguided as to how to advance."
According to Griffin, the first rip-off was easy. He traveled to Atlanta and let it be known in night clubs and on the street that he was a Miami drug dealer prepared to do business. Anyone interested should come to Florida with cash to spend.
On January 6, 1994, the first buyer to take up Griffin's offer arrived, according to both Felton's confession and the internal affairs report. At about 4:00 p.m., Griffin and the customer -- who is not named in either document -- passed NW Eleventh Avenue and 40th Street in Griffin's 1993 cream-color Infiniti. Felton pulled them over.
Griffin's letter doesn't refer specifically to this date. Rather he describes generally how the two would separate drug dealers from their lucre. Felton would request Griffin's license. Griffin would pretend he didn't have it. Felton would tell Griffin to step from the car and lead him to the cruiser. Then, Griffin writes, Felton "would ask me in private where's the money located [inside the car] and does this fellow have any weapons on him?" Next, Felton would "arrest" Griffin and inform the visiting drug dealer that, as a passenger, he was free to go. The dealer would take off on foot, leaving the money behind. Griffin and Felton would split the profit.
According to the internal affairs report, Felton earned $1000 for the charade. (A police incident report says the stop occurred January 6, but the internal affairs report, apparently because of a clerical error, states the date as January 1.)
Griffin thought of the scams as a public service. "In a sense we still did some good, because here was another drug dealer going back to wherever empty-handed," he writes.
Felton's lawyer Sharpstein disputes both Griffin's allegations and the contention that his client profited from the stop. "Any contact made was in a pure law enforcement capacity," Sharpstein snorts contemptuously. "Any discussion of money was Marvin asking to be paid for information."
To his supervisors, the rookie cop continued his hot pace. In March 1994 he led the approximately 200 officers in the north district substation in arrests, prisoners transported to jail, and a half-dozen other categories. His supervisor, Sgt. Cornelius Drane, wrote, "Officer Felton is a probationary employee; however, he has displayed above-average attention to duty." In April Felton again led his sector in arrests. He passed the department's required three months of probation with a backslapping endorsement from Drane: "Felton is a highly motivated young officer. He sets the pace for production in his north district patrol assignment. I recommend permanent police status."
On May 2, while Felton was burnishing his success on patrol to a high gloss, FBI Special Agent Thaddeus Buggs received a tip from a source that "Officer Danny Felton and a drug dealer by the name of Mr. Marvin Griffin had committed several thefts of drugs and money from local drug dealers," according to the Miami internal affairs report. "Agent Buggs advised the [confidential source] to inform Mr. Griffin that a drug dealer was coming to Miami carrying a large amount of money and drugs in his vehicle."