Some thoughts in general, probably BS so beware

[solo1]

No members will be harmed in this little rant.


The present situation in DC leads to discussion here and alows us to "blow off steam"  I will say one thing, people on this forum care (both sides of the argument).  I, for one, feel like maybe using a new phrase "political malaise"  Despite trying to think of other things, the mess in DC keeps intruding in my mind.

Along the same lines (meaning new ways to worry!) I attended a city council meeting last week.  The problem with storm water infiltration was discussed.  Our city of 17,000 pays the BIG city of Ft. Wayne for our water and sewer services.  We charge for the amount of metered water used by each resident and then add a percentage of that for the sewer charges to the resident.  However, again, however, we, the city, pay for the amount of sewer AND clear water that goes through Ft. Wayne's meter.  Infiltration of clear water into the sewer system from down spouts, sump pumps, and broken laterals all add to the amount of unwanted clear water that goes into the sewer.  Last year our city paid $800.000 extra in clear water fees because of high rainfall but the resident doesn't get charged for that.

If you stayed this far you'll know shortly why I'm po'd.   I'm on the Board of Works (the body responsible for approving the city's expenditures) and I take my duties seriously.   Back to the council meeting.

One of the long time members of the council has a favorite expression "Quality of Life"  He brings that up whenever there is a fiscal involvement. "Quality of Life" is the excuse for 'socking it to THEM"

 I'm thinking of all those in a less fortunate part of our town who will have to pay to replace their broken laterals, unhook their sump pumps from the sewer, etc.  Maybe these people are on a very limited income.  Another backbreaking charge on them will not add to their "quality of Life"   

Meanwhile our "Quality of Life" guy lives in a $200,000 home and drives two nice cars, one a Mercedes.  He doesn't have a clue about "Quality of Life"...............except his own.

What does this have to do with our present discussion about political issues........ Nothing.

Jes blowing' off steam"

wayne, solo1

[Rams]

No members will be harmed in this little rant.

What does this have to do with our present discussion about political issues........ Nothing.

Jes blowing' off steam"

wayne, solo1

Wayne,
I read and understand why you're PO'd and tend to agree with you but, I would also advise you to not become part of the problem.   If that steam you're blowing off condensates, you'll be adding to the problem. 

[Gryphon Rider]

No members will be harmed in this little rant.

What does this have to do with our present discussion about political issues........ Nothing.

Jes blowing' off steam"

wayne, solo1

Wayne,
I read and understand why you're PO'd and tend to agree with you but, I would also advise you to not become part of the problem.   If that steam you're blowing off condensates, you'll be adding to the problem. 

Not if he can direct it to a storm water sewer. 

[Rams]

No members will be harmed in this little rant.

What does this have to do with our present discussion about political issues........ Nothing.

Jes blowing' off steam"

wayne, solo1

Wayne,
I read and understand why you're PO'd and tend to agree with you but, I would also advise you to not become part of the problem.   If that steam you're blowing off condensates, you'll be adding to the problem. 

Not if he can direct it to a storm water sewer. 

Agreed but, he does not indicate that as an option.   

[solo1]

I was in the street when I was 'blowing off steam"  Thus it condense and went directly into the storm drain and then into our only CSO into the Maumee river, so there!!!!!!!

I'll leave it to you to figure out what a CSO is.

A hint.  We were not having a high rain event so it didn't really go into the CSO.

[Rams]

I was in the street when I was 'blowing off steam"  Thus it condense and went directly into the storm drain and then into our only CSO into the Maumee river, so there!!!!!!!

I'll leave it to you to figure out what a CSO is.

A hint.  We were not having a high rain event so it didn't really go into the CSO.

Well, now the real story comes out.       

[solo1]

Gee, Rams if you don't like that story, i can come up with a new one.

After all, every body else does it.

[Rams]

Gee, Rams if you don't like that story, i can come up with a new one.

After all, every body else does it.

Oh no, I like it.   I just wish I had been at that meeting.   Was probably very entertaining for an outsider.   

[Varmintmist]

No members will be harmed in this little rant.


Meanwhile our "Quality of Life" guy lives in a $200,000 home and drives two nice cars, one a Mercedes.  He doesn't have a clue about "Quality of Life"...............except his own.

What does this have to do with our present discussion about political issues........ Nothing.

Actually it has everything to do with what is going on in the political realm right now. One side wants everyone else to pay for the ones causing the problem. One side wants the ones who are non compliant to pay to get the problem fixed.

There is a middle ground. If 800K/ were dedicated to assisting (NOT DOING FOR THEM) folks getting compliant, one shot deal, then get fined, then you would save money in the long run. But that will never happen because the "poor" will always have advocates to make excuses and not be responsible and the strict letter of the LAW advocates will make compliance so costly that it will be thousands per foot of pipe laid, instead of a 4 in pipe from Lowes and a afternoon with a mattock.

Govt. is the substitute for common sense.

but the resident doesn't get charged for that

Really? Then who pays for it? I could be wrong but I would be willing to bet that is paid out of tax money, which is taken from the residents. The "city" doesnt pay for squat. The city has no money to pay anything that they didnt take from the residents.

[solo1]

You've made a couple of assumptions that apply to the Federal government, NOT necessarily to a small city, and definitely not to mine.

Having served as a councilman and now the Board of Works, I know that the city's tax dollars are well regulated and monitored, They have to be, since we have multiple tasks (some mandated but unfunded  by the Feds, some mandated by the state) to do.    I know the inner workings of my City and we do our best.  NEVER compare small cities, that are struggling, to the Feds.

Probably 95% of residents do not go to city meetings to 'keep them honest"  In my city, residents are welcome to speak their opinion and are listened to.

i can't speak for any other city ,large or small.