Op-ed:
The headline in today’s Sunday edition of the Globe-Gazette centered on the Micro-Enterprise program at NIACC. This front page onslaught was due solely to what Matt Marquardt had written earlier in the week. Marquardt’s editorial cut through City Hall and the $26,000 a year offices of the North Iowa Commerce Center like a surgeon’s scalpel, peeling the flesh back to the bare bone. Matt exposed the undeniable truth that the patient has died and nothing is going to bring it back to life. It was D.O.A. when the concept was born.
Let’s pause and use Mr. Skipper’s facts and figures….you know John will spin you a hell of a story. Those participating in this blatant rape of the taxpayer are quite few; just 5 businesses. One business owner, Tyler Anderson, has used the funds to buy candy bars and is said to have spent over $600.00 in Forest City… something that is plainly spelled out as a no no. Another business owner used the funds to improve the property with contracting some cement work then putting the business up for sale. These are your tax dollars, could you not have used some improvements on your own residence? Your business? Business owners, do you enjoy supporting your own competition?
I would say this project was a failure attracting only 5 participants after over 18 months of availability. Yet the city still kicks in $15,000 a year until the $150,000 commitment is fulfilled. Marquardt was right when he asked for answers from the EDC and all others affiliated with this wholly funded group who say much but do little. Don’t hold your breath waiting for answers from City Hall or their accomplices across the street… John Skipper gave the answers in today’s paper and they weren’t satisfying to say the least.
Did you notice, the Globe which is over 100 years old is now in the position of answering to a 3 year old start up online news source called NorthIowaToday.com. Never say never.
Peter Children
——
Read the truth about the MicroEnterprise program here.
Read the truth about the North Iowa Corridor / EDC here.
Peter – I don’t think Skipper told only what he wants us to know, I just think he doesn’t know much and his article demonstrates that.
After reading your NIT articles on MC micro-enterprise program I don’t think you know either.
For instance, is this a loan program or a tax rebate program or what?
If it’s a loan then some sort of repayment has to have been agreed to. If it’s a tax rebate then taxes already paid are being rebated for specific purposes.
A little clarity would go a long way.
Wait, there is no more Zumba at Fiesta House? What are those people doing three times a week in Laura’s building then?
FROM THE FIESTA HOUSE FACEBOOK PAGE:
MY LAST CLASS TONIGHT 6pm!!! Come join the party as we sweat and dance! Afterwards we will continue the party at renee rolfsen’s house with drinks, food, swimming (?) and lots of laughs! Thanks again to all those who have supported me through the years! I love you all! Laura
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fiesta-House/137427306373100
FROM ZUMBA.COM
THE FIESTA HOUSE
MONDAY 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | LISA BENTER
OTHER CLASSES WITH LISA BENTER :
Monday
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Lisa Benter
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM Lisa Benter
Thursday
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Lisa Benter
Is the building for sale or not?
That’s what the banner and the lawn sign says. Does that mean the business that goes on inside goes away if the building gets sold?
Not only is the micro enterprise program a drain on the taxpayer, but it also smacks once again of cronyism….Tyler is on Bookmeyer’s campaign committee, Jumper is the wife of a Mason City school district principal, and again a supporter of Bookmeyer.
I would guess any business in this town could get some positive cash flow from the taxpayers….all you have to do is get down and kiss the mayors ass.
When I read Skippers story today it was nothing more then the party line no reporting at all. No wonder the globe is in trouble.
You mean it was “the party line no reporting at all” (sic) of the reporter you don’t agree with versus “the party line no reporting at all” (sic) of the reporter you do agree with.
“Skipper again told you only what he wants you to know about Micro Enterprise”
And how would his “view or opinion” on things be any different to your own Op-Eds? One thing I can think of is, I haven’t read where Skipper talks about the balls between his legs, like you have.
Peter provides updates because of all the wives he’s bagged. They all want to know the latest so why not share. Prolly got to Buzz’s wife too, hehe.
Well, I bagged all of your wives.
hehehehe
In a bit of defence…. replacing sidewalks is always good. But, I do understand the point….
What’s the point, let’s see if you even get it.
The point is that the city shouldn’t be getting into the “flipping business.” The sidewalk isn’t that big of a deal, gives the property more value in the long run.
@Polio Loco-the rest of us have to pay to replace our own sidewalks. Would you pay to replace mine?
Get sued sometime for a busted up sidewalk and see who pays.
You would, not the Taxpayers.
Skipper told us nothing at all. If you knew the facts before you could tell he was trying to gloss over the real issues with feel good crapola.
I just had to laugh at Skipper’s assessment of the issue. It’s like he is the pooper scooper at the end of the horses in the parade. He sure makes a good one for Bookmeyer!!!
Couldn’t have put it better myself. I applaud you