NIT – The following letter was written by a North Iowa man, JB Johnson, who owns land near a large development about to be undertaken in Clear Lake. Mr. Johnson seeks the name of the company that is moving into CLear Lake, and wants public officials to come forward with the information.
March 12, 2014
Nelson P. Crabb, Mayor of Clear Lake
Dear Mr. Nelson Crabb
I am requesting a copy of the following information pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, the public records law.
I would like copies of all correspondence between yourself and Mr. Scott Flory between September 1st 2013 and March 12, 2014. To narrow down your scope I only am only after the name of an enterprise described as a “Fortune 100 company” that will build a distribution center and warehouse in Clear Lake. Let me be clear. I am asking for the name of the Fortune 100 Company and not Windmill Realty, LLC.
The Iowa Attorney General’s Office advises that most requests for records are routine and should be handled immediately. Chapter 22.8 says that a reasonable delay in responding to a request shall not exceed 20 calendar days and ordinarily should not exceed 10 business days.
If there is a copying fee, please inform me in advance if the fee is more than $30.00. Chapter 22.3 says that the fee shall not exceed the actual cost of providing the service.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
John B. Johnson
735-190th Street
Britt, IA
50423
Cc: Lee Rood, Des Moines Register Watchdog Reporter.
Kathleen Richardson, Executive director, Iowa Freedom of Information Council.
Iowa Office of Ombudsman.
Cats outta the bag!! It’s a pharmaceutical company.
who?
9 years ago
Mr. Johnson doesn’t even live in city limits. He’s in COUNTY territory. So he should whine to the county officials. He won’t be paying any city taxes on this.
blacj
9 years ago
Dollar
Hy-Vee is expanding to the twin cities
And already have stores in Sioux falls
I bet we get one more non-union
(scab) warehouse to weed us out
I heard someone mention Merck recently as a possibility.
Blisterpak
10 years ago
I hit the wrong button–
I meant to say in the last line– leave this to the experts… I think I ran of characters…
Blisterpak
10 years ago
What difference does it make? This guy has too much time on his hands and why should he care.
People want Economic Development, but are not willing to let the entities play by the rules.
Get a life, get a job or whatever u need to. Leave this project alone and let it get off the ground without the small minded people needing to fulfill their curiosity…
The average person has no idea what Economic Development is all about– so keep slinging “them” fries and leave this to the…
I don’t think that’s a fair perspective. The man has a right to ask questions, and this is America, not Russia. All citizens should desire as much sunshine as possible on the activities of government. When you start making excuses to hide information, that is a slippery slope. That being said, I do not envy the Clear Lake officials in having to keep a lid on this while citizens ask for answers. That’s a tough spot. I’m sure they are working hard to do what’s right for their community.
Corporatocracy that caters to the whims of secretive businesses, or an open air community that invests in citizens and builds up progress from within? It’s obvious the Clear Lake Government is a condescending patriarchal organization that sees its own citizens as inconsequential to their “business” plans. What rubbish. Besides, many Fortune 100’s are nothing but Chinese Distributorships, and that is a POLITICAL decision, not a business decision the people have rights to discuss.
I understand what u are saying. But if you would have won the election, you would be subject to some of these rules and I would hate to think that you would be willing to jeopardize deals to make a point.
I am all for bright sunshine, but am realistic to know when their should be sun and when their should be shade…
There are just some things that the people don’t need to know immediately– but out with all of it a the appropriate time…
@Blister: Not sure if you were referring to me or Marquardt? I’m sure if I had won the election, they would probably have kept the information from me as well, because I would not have been complicit with such methods of secrecy. If I learned the company was against the ethic I believe in, such as dangerous chemicals, or Chinese made goods, I would have raised hell and would have spilled the beans. I’m sure that Council was sweating big time the night of election 2013.
@ Philosophus, your mostly right, Toddy boy was a government gofer in Washington DC, yes he did own a white supremist record company. He was FBI, not Secret Service. He sold Resist Records for $250,000 to a nazi by name of William Pearce. Dr. Blodgett bought his problem child a job in Raygun’s White House, so yes TB has to know some Secret Service. I have done lot’s of reasearch on this guy, FBI hired him to spy on them bought his CD’s, their money profits he used to buy crack.
If he was a driver for the President he WAS Secret Service. Were you there for the rest of it or are you dealing in rumors?
Anonymous
10 years ago
Being a friend of Ron’s and working with him through this whole deal I know the facts and don’t depend on some rumor mill. I know all the work he and his attorney went through so he can expand his business.There’s always some other motive when someone brings a name into a story which has nothing to due with the topic. So let’s see your slamming blodgett and Urdahl then say him and Ron are old buddies. Your comment smells like dead fish and I’ll stick with my friend and not second hand bs .
You say UPS is “slamming Blodgett” but really all he did is call him out for stacking the BOS with his cronies that do his bidding. Urdahl is out for Urdahl, Gary got him in, keeps him there. With money. I would think Dr. Blodgett has enough to do just buying his druggy son’s way out of trouble. Guess not. The Mediator is right about this Callanan, if he gets in why the whole BOS will be in old doc’s pocket. Our neighbor already got a letter from Blodgett to give money to elect Callanan.
@another anonymous-Do you know Dr. Blodgett or are you just shooting off your mouth about rumors you have heard. I am willing to bet you don’t know the doctor or his son and if you do you damn sure haven’t got the guts to stand in front of either of them and mouth off. Cowards like you are always brave when talking behind someone’s back.
@ LVS, no I do not know Dr. Blodgett, do not need to know him to know he buys elections for Urdahl, etc. Also bought his own elections to represent Mason City. Puts a price on everything, Gary does, just like all rich Republitards. No, I will not say this to his face, I am not crazy. Old doc’s gun nut son, the Nazi crack head, might shoot me.
@another-and a backstabbing coward like you would deserve everything you get. Don’t you think that a Ex-secret service man would have the resources to find you if you keep backstabbing his father. For a coward you are not real bright.
So you’re admitting the highest level of government police forces are racist and use drugs? What does that say for the integrity of the “system”? (btw…I know next to nothing about this family…only that many people have repeatedly implicated Todd Blodgett as having funded Nazi skinhead music, and having been addicted to drugs.) Plus, I doubt Todd Blodgett was ever a “Secret Service” agent. I heard that he worked as a government page…ie gopher.
@Philly-You had better be careful. I understand he still spends a lot of time in Clear Lake and he definitely won’t care much for a communist like you. You live in a glass house. Don’t throw stones.
Jill C.
10 years ago
@ Ananymous Ok so you call me Spendocrat your making fun of my Section 8 free school lunch my kid’s get so they do not starve, ok Republitard. People like you and LVS make me sick, we are the 99% more of us then you Bozo. I never seen NIACC say he is jealous of Blodgett’s where did he say that. Dr. Blodgett thinks he can decide for us who get’s on the Board, rich Republitard’s toss there money around don’t mean they should get there way.
Used to work UPS is full of crap about Star Auto purchasing that lot by his business having anything to due with Blodgett . It took almost two years of being jacked around by the county to get the property and he paid more for it than originally listed. It was Rons hard work and not giving up that got the deal done. Know your facts before you drag a good business persons name into the conversation you idiot.
Your wrong. Ask Ron about it, and I did not drag nobody’s name thru any mud. I stand by what my friend who works up to the Courthouse says, he was there when it went down. Yes Bartusik did get jacked around for years by the county. But when Gary Blodgett told Urdahl to get off his ass and let Ron buy that lot that was when things started to happen. The Courthouse workers know this, so does Bartusik, like I say ask him your self.
Philosophus
10 years ago
Congratulations to JB Johnson for making the front page of the Globe on his mission to bring transparency to Clear Lake Government, AND to North Iowa Today for first breaking the story, and to the attempted politician who lives in Clear Lake who stood up and told the Council to their face they should reveal the name of the company. All 3 entities are doing the people of North Iowa a much needed service: Truth, Transparency, Fair Play, Justice. We don’t need Patriarchs running government.
@Philly-and what about the opportunity that might be missed here? I know you don’t care about working or paying your own way but there are a lot of people that would love to have a 39K p/year job. Not to mention the other businesses that will benefit from having a major employer start up in the area. When are you leaving for Colorado??
LVS, Wise men, when in doubt whether to speak or to keep quiet, give themselves the benefit of the doubt, and remain silent.
You always have aggressive opinion on almost every story and attack almost every person on this site and have for many years. I believe in free speech, but sometimes you have to understand that you become just noise in the background because you are always there, your agenda plan is lost in translation because of actions of trying to push agenda. See Max Weaver.
His “agenda” is to subvert, obfuscate, and confuse. He has no other plan other than to overtake and topple any progressive reformists who come on this site. He’s like Cerberus the 2 Headed Dog guarding the entrance (and exit) of Hades.
@Ha-You think that is cute but it is still pretty stupid. I just love it when you trolls come out every weekend and attack everyone anonymously. And, what has Max Weaver got to do with any of this?
Again, it is an AVERAGE of $39,000 which probably includes management salaries. Transparent and Open Government trumps private business. If this business imports Chinese goods at the expense of American Manufacturing…then it’s a step in the wrong direction…no matter the salaries promised. Long Term Strategy is more important than the short term interim. Sooner or later Americans are going to shut off their TV’s and begin to live life once again…by working on business plans.
Buy my land off me for $26,000. That’s a great deal as land prices keep going up. Protect Iowa from Socialist Welfare Rats from gaining footing. Send them back to the towns for Section 8 housing from slumlords. Do your part to protect business as usual.
@Philly-If thats all it will take to get rid of you I could start taking up a collection. The issue is no one will believe you will really leave. We have all been there before and heard you lies many times. You can sell the land whether you are her or there. Don’t let that stop you. Take a chance and leave today. You will be there by Monday if you hurry.
Forget about the collection. Pull some of that retired manufacturing engineer money out of your Pioneer Federal Savings account and buy me out. I’m not leaving Iowa til things are tidied up. Leave without a trace. I’ll return only to exhume my deceased son and relocate his bones.
Philosophus The last I knew, you were still buying “your land” on contract. Did you satisfy the contract on your 2.11 acres yet, or are you just wanting to sell your contract interest?
So Buzz is snooping around the Court House checking up on me huh? I might have to do a reverse snoop and find out who’s been asking about me and my land.
Ok so your making fun of my section 8 free school lunch my kid’s get how Republitard of you a-hole. You see we are the 99% more of us then you, get use to it bozo. Dr. Blodgett need to stop deciding for us the people who get’s on the Board and every thing he is a rich Republitard busy body control freak thinks his money should get his way for stuff, thank you Niacc.
Retired NIACC
10 years ago
@ LVS, when did Jill say that Gary Blodgett is not entitled to support candidates of his choice? What offends is the financial advantage which old doc provides for politicians he favors. NIT, the Globb, and KIMT have run articles over the years about Blodgett’s fundraising for Urdahl, and other candidates. His financial support of those he favors, and the way he rounds up money from his rich friends, subverts the democratic process. Democracy isn’t only for well-connected, wealthy Republicans.
@NIACC-pretty jealous of Dr. Blodgett aren’t you? That is how politics is done. Look at the Democratic Superpaks and what they do. Get off your high horse. We all know you don’t like the Blodgetts. You are just a troll who comes on here spreading your hate filled crap. NIACC my butt, you couldn’t teach pre-school. I fell real bad for any young person who ever had you as a teacher.
I have to agree that there are clear rules about donating to campaigns and that everyone should have the right to support the candidate of their choice within those rights.
I’ve donated to several, putting my money where my mouth is, as they say.
Do those that complain about donations support anyone or do they just think that money doesn’t matter in our process?
@ mediator, your right as far as process goes, yes. But Blodgett take’s it to far. Gary buy’s elections, if this Callahan kid who use to work for him down to Des Moines, he get’s in then old doc controls the whole damn board, is that what you want, not me.
I can honestly say that I don’t want the “Callanan kid” to win. I prefer someone who lives in the rural areas on those gravel roads and pays the rural taxes on their residence. Those taxpayers need representation.
I support the candidates that I prefer with donations of money plus my support. I know that not everyone can spare $5-10 on a campaign, let alone hundreds, but if everyone were to pitch in $5 on a campaign, it would counter-act these big donors.
Well of course you want Doug Nelson to win. (wink wink). I’m starting to think he might be the right guy for the job as well. At least he comes onto the pages of NIT and engages in discussion and debate (wink wink wink).
Iowaviking5
10 years ago
Interesting-Not sure what this means if anything but when I googled “Windmill Reality LCC-Clear Lake” below is what came up. I see the words Wal Mart???
http://www.thesheffieldpress.com/sites/default/files/legalPESP_0.pdf
Mar 6, 2014 – Agreement with city of clear Lake and windmill Realty,. LLc and Authorizing a Forgivable Loan; whereas, an agreement between the city of clear Lake ….. walkenhorst¶s, supplies. 436.00 1 walmart community, food/provisions.
Liberals don’t care about the people, they say they do but all they care about is power and lining their own pockets.
Jill C.
10 years ago
@ LVS your wrong, it is proved Dr. Blodgett, he give Urdahl money for politics, all the big money he raise for him from his rich Republitard’s. NIT has wrote articles about Gary Blodgett keeps Jay in, I seen doc’s letters he send out for people send Jay money. See for your self, doc he even got Republitard’s against Chris Watt last time, it is on here go to Search. Blodgett says, you vote for Chris your tax will go up. Jay would be nothing if it would not of been for his Republitard sugar…
@Jill-Are you saying Dr. Blodgett is not entitled to his opinion? So far that is all you have proven. Everyone is entitled to support who they want in an election. There are some tings that happened with Watts that you probably are not aware of. From what I heard he did himself in by not following through with what he said he was going to do. Just because Dr. Blodgett did or didn’t support someone proves nothing. It is still just rumors. Now, I wouldn’t vote for Urdahal and I like Watts.
Union
10 years ago
JB Johnson is a far right wingnut but on this one he is right. In the Globb it says Jay Urdahl is one five people who know who this fortune 500 corp is. Ok then JB just has to go ask his fellow right wingnut Gary Blodgett, what do you bet old doc know’s. He gives Urdahl ton’s of money every time he runs, Jay I am sure already blab to Blodgett who this one is.
Why is Jay Urdahl the only Supervisor who knows the identity of the company? He is not even elected out of Clear Lake, that is Bob Amosson. Where is Bob? He was elected by Clear Lake voters, he should know the company identity.
Bob is also this year’s Board of Supervisors Chairman. However, since this has been going on for a while, I have to think that Jay was likely the chair when the dealing was actually done. That would explain why it was him and not Bob.
Really, it is because Jay fancies himself to be King of the Courthouse and has his paws stuck in the North Iowa Corridor. You Dem’s who think Jay is a Democrat are being utterly bamboozled by this career politician. He is a Jay-o-crat. Whatever enriches Jay, protects Jay and gives Jay the power and prestige (cough, cough … never mind that he is mocked in a 9 county area), Jay will take over. He will even take big dollars from right-wing Republicans to stay in office (and pad his bank account for his retirement). Public servant? Hardly. He’s a secret-keeper with OCD.
@Matt-that sounds like all Democrats to me. But you are correct. Urdahl is for Urdahl and the hell with everyone else. He has always been that way and always will be. If I had to guess I would say that all of the supervisors know who it is and Urdahl is just trying to play king of the hill.
@Lehigh-If you gave someone money to help get them elected to a 50K plus benefits job year after year wouldn’t you expect some favors in return. That is kind of how it works. I am not saying that is what Dr. Blodgett does, but I sure would. It is nothing but a rumor that Dr. Blodgett gives him money anyway. Although, If I wanted to gain influence Jay would be the right one to bribe.
I worked @ UPS 9 years, Jay was there when I got on, he is still there. He is a sleazy, greedy box sorter, got wrote up for more wrecks then anybody, always begs for OT, all crazy for money. Yes if would not been for the Blodgett’s Urdahl would be just a nasty nothing. I got a friend works up to the Courthouse, he told us that is why Urdahl let Star Auto Body repair shop buy that parking lot from the county, old doc told Jay, sell it to his buddy Ron Bartusik, it was a done deal just like that.
@ UPS, you are extra right. Me and the wife done lot’s of volunteer work for the Cerro Gordo Democrats when Jay first run, 1988, also 92. Never saw nobody so excited like Urdahl was, he would go around brag on how he got to be buddys with rich Republicans. Jay says Roger Mathrey this is the guy Urdahl beat in our Primary, should of won, Jay goes, I got this you just wait. He goes, Blodgett’s raising me big money. He was right to but Urdahl is a fake greedy Democrat, we loose every time he…
ventura49
10 years ago
correct me if I’m wrong. Windmill Realty isn’t getting any up front money–just tax breaks on a building that right now doesn’t exist and could provide more employment oppurtunities for the local population. Several of our elected officials and our agents have approved it–they must have their financing in place. We are all curious but there will be plenty of time to point fingers later should it not work–but what’s wrong with just supporting this and thanking the people that put it…
@Philly-you need to read Mediators response to me at the bottom of this posting. Mediator explained it very well. It might help you with your confusion unless you are looking for a reason to disagree with the establishment again. Peter always knows best.
There is the matter of the forgivable loans, which were just bonded by the CL banks. I don’t know when they take effect, but since they are bonded now, I assume they will be given before the LLC turns over control of the project in 18ish months.
smilly
10 years ago
no its in city limits land is a mile straight south of youn readymix or so .south of the ford dealership then west couple a blocks.
I used to live in Oakwood. If I remember correctly, isn’t this warehouse supposed to be built in Clear Lake’s Industrial Park? Oakwood is not even close to the industrial park. This request doesn’t make sense if the locations are true.
Last month, the city of Clear Lake and Cerro Gordo County approved an incentives package to help secure the project.
I’m looking at it from the money point of view and Lakeview is in the County.
Anymore I just have a hard time trusting the elected class anymore. We went to war after told of WMDs and we could keep our insurance if we liked it.
3 banks will be buying the bonds. Every board member on those banks know who it is. Information is power and when you limit that information to those in power, abuse will happen.
First off, if you were addressing this from the county perspective, why didn’t you write to the County Supervisor Board Chairman instead of Mayor Crabbe?
Second, the bonds were made to the government entities, not to the building corporation, if I read the papers correctly. There’s no need for them to know to whom the builder is planning to sell, they trust the city and county to back the money.
Those arguments simply don’t hold up.
Joe
10 years ago
For the record Lee Rood is a female. She is an
Excellent reporter and does investigative stories
Very doubtful she picks up this story.
JB Johnson
10 years ago
At some point the name of the real company would have to have been used. If they try and give me the run around I’m sure the guy at the DSM Register will dig into it. People like him and the Ombudsman office live for these type of things. I also made the same request to Jay and Scott to the EDC. I also have the same request laying on my desk to Tom at P&Z.
Ombudsman Office = no teeth = do nothing = slow = waste your time there. The CG Supervisors scoffed at the Ombudsman. Bob Amosson dared them to do anything about their secret meetings, free meals, flimsy agendas and lack of public disclosure.
I’d go to Branstad’s new agency set up to watch government. I think he wants to put the Ombudsman out of business; Republicans hate government duplication. Go there and tell them about your problem.
I’m pretty sure this request can’t be completed. The company involved is Windmill Realty, LLC. They are the company building the center.
Kudos to JB for going about it the right way, but the information he requested appears to conflict with the reality of the law. The entity of record is simply Windmill Realty, LLC.
Cats outta the bag!! It’s a pharmaceutical company.
Mr. Johnson doesn’t even live in city limits. He’s in COUNTY territory. So he should whine to the county officials. He won’t be paying any city taxes on this.
Dollar
Hy-Vee is expanding to the twin cities
And already have stores in Sioux falls
I bet we get one more non-union
(scab) warehouse to weed us out
Amazon
I heard someone mention Merck recently as a possibility.
I hit the wrong button–
I meant to say in the last line– leave this to the experts… I think I ran of characters…
What difference does it make? This guy has too much time on his hands and why should he care.
People want Economic Development, but are not willing to let the entities play by the rules.
Get a life, get a job or whatever u need to. Leave this project alone and let it get off the ground without the small minded people needing to fulfill their curiosity…
The average person has no idea what Economic Development is all about– so keep slinging “them” fries and leave this to the…
I don’t think that’s a fair perspective. The man has a right to ask questions, and this is America, not Russia. All citizens should desire as much sunshine as possible on the activities of government. When you start making excuses to hide information, that is a slippery slope. That being said, I do not envy the Clear Lake officials in having to keep a lid on this while citizens ask for answers. That’s a tough spot. I’m sure they are working hard to do what’s right for their community.
Corporatocracy that caters to the whims of secretive businesses, or an open air community that invests in citizens and builds up progress from within? It’s obvious the Clear Lake Government is a condescending patriarchal organization that sees its own citizens as inconsequential to their “business” plans. What rubbish. Besides, many Fortune 100’s are nothing but Chinese Distributorships, and that is a POLITICAL decision, not a business decision the people have rights to discuss.
I understand what u are saying. But if you would have won the election, you would be subject to some of these rules and I would hate to think that you would be willing to jeopardize deals to make a point.
I am all for bright sunshine, but am realistic to know when their should be sun and when their should be shade…
There are just some things that the people don’t need to know immediately– but out with all of it a the appropriate time…
@Blister: Not sure if you were referring to me or Marquardt? I’m sure if I had won the election, they would probably have kept the information from me as well, because I would not have been complicit with such methods of secrecy. If I learned the company was against the ethic I believe in, such as dangerous chemicals, or Chinese made goods, I would have raised hell and would have spilled the beans. I’m sure that Council was sweating big time the night of election 2013.
AMAZON
Getting ready for “Drone Delivery”.
That reminds me of a professor I had in college.
nope, not him
@ Philosophus, your mostly right, Toddy boy was a government gofer in Washington DC, yes he did own a white supremist record company. He was FBI, not Secret Service. He sold Resist Records for $250,000 to a nazi by name of William Pearce. Dr. Blodgett bought his problem child a job in Raygun’s White House, so yes TB has to know some Secret Service. I have done lot’s of reasearch on this guy, FBI hired him to spy on them bought his CD’s, their money profits he used to buy crack.
If he was a driver for the President he WAS Secret Service. Were you there for the rest of it or are you dealing in rumors?
Being a friend of Ron’s and working with him through this whole deal I know the facts and don’t depend on some rumor mill. I know all the work he and his attorney went through so he can expand his business.There’s always some other motive when someone brings a name into a story which has nothing to due with the topic. So let’s see your slamming blodgett and Urdahl then say him and Ron are old buddies. Your comment smells like dead fish and I’ll stick with my friend and not second hand bs .
You say UPS is “slamming Blodgett” but really all he did is call him out for stacking the BOS with his cronies that do his bidding. Urdahl is out for Urdahl, Gary got him in, keeps him there. With money. I would think Dr. Blodgett has enough to do just buying his druggy son’s way out of trouble. Guess not. The Mediator is right about this Callanan, if he gets in why the whole BOS will be in old doc’s pocket. Our neighbor already got a letter from Blodgett to give money to elect Callanan.
@another anonymous-Do you know Dr. Blodgett or are you just shooting off your mouth about rumors you have heard. I am willing to bet you don’t know the doctor or his son and if you do you damn sure haven’t got the guts to stand in front of either of them and mouth off. Cowards like you are always brave when talking behind someone’s back.
@ LVS, no I do not know Dr. Blodgett, do not need to know him to know he buys elections for Urdahl, etc. Also bought his own elections to represent Mason City. Puts a price on everything, Gary does, just like all rich Republitards. No, I will not say this to his face, I am not crazy. Old doc’s gun nut son, the Nazi crack head, might shoot me.
@another-and a backstabbing coward like you would deserve everything you get. Don’t you think that a Ex-secret service man would have the resources to find you if you keep backstabbing his father. For a coward you are not real bright.
So you’re admitting the highest level of government police forces are racist and use drugs? What does that say for the integrity of the “system”? (btw…I know next to nothing about this family…only that many people have repeatedly implicated Todd Blodgett as having funded Nazi skinhead music, and having been addicted to drugs.) Plus, I doubt Todd Blodgett was ever a “Secret Service” agent. I heard that he worked as a government page…ie gopher.
@Philly-You had better be careful. I understand he still spends a lot of time in Clear Lake and he definitely won’t care much for a communist like you. You live in a glass house. Don’t throw stones.
@ Ananymous Ok so you call me Spendocrat your making fun of my Section 8 free school lunch my kid’s get so they do not starve, ok Republitard. People like you and LVS make me sick, we are the 99% more of us then you Bozo. I never seen NIACC say he is jealous of Blodgett’s where did he say that. Dr. Blodgett thinks he can decide for us who get’s on the Board, rich Republitard’s toss there money around don’t mean they should get there way.
Used to work UPS is full of crap about Star Auto purchasing that lot by his business having anything to due with Blodgett . It took almost two years of being jacked around by the county to get the property and he paid more for it than originally listed. It was Rons hard work and not giving up that got the deal done. Know your facts before you drag a good business persons name into the conversation you idiot.
Your wrong. Ask Ron about it, and I did not drag nobody’s name thru any mud. I stand by what my friend who works up to the Courthouse says, he was there when it went down. Yes Bartusik did get jacked around for years by the county. But when Gary Blodgett told Urdahl to get off his ass and let Ron buy that lot that was when things started to happen. The Courthouse workers know this, so does Bartusik, like I say ask him your self.
Congratulations to JB Johnson for making the front page of the Globe on his mission to bring transparency to Clear Lake Government, AND to North Iowa Today for first breaking the story, and to the attempted politician who lives in Clear Lake who stood up and told the Council to their face they should reveal the name of the company. All 3 entities are doing the people of North Iowa a much needed service: Truth, Transparency, Fair Play, Justice. We don’t need Patriarchs running government.
@Philly-and what about the opportunity that might be missed here? I know you don’t care about working or paying your own way but there are a lot of people that would love to have a 39K p/year job. Not to mention the other businesses that will benefit from having a major employer start up in the area. When are you leaving for Colorado??
He doesn’t care about new jobs coming to the area, all he cares about is sturring up trouble and to make a name for himself as a troublemaker.
@maybe-if that was his goal, he can quit now as he has made it. He is just a BOSSY individual who never grew up.
LVS, I would like for you to meet pot and kettle.
@Ha-Now that is pretty STUPID. Is that the best you got?
LVS, Wise men, when in doubt whether to speak or to keep quiet, give themselves the benefit of the doubt, and remain silent.
You always have aggressive opinion on almost every story and attack almost every person on this site and have for many years. I believe in free speech, but sometimes you have to understand that you become just noise in the background because you are always there, your agenda plan is lost in translation because of actions of trying to push agenda. See Max Weaver.
His “agenda” is to subvert, obfuscate, and confuse. He has no other plan other than to overtake and topple any progressive reformists who come on this site. He’s like Cerberus the 2 Headed Dog guarding the entrance (and exit) of Hades.
@Ha-You think that is cute but it is still pretty stupid. I just love it when you trolls come out every weekend and attack everyone anonymously. And, what has Max Weaver got to do with any of this?
Again, it is an AVERAGE of $39,000 which probably includes management salaries. Transparent and Open Government trumps private business. If this business imports Chinese goods at the expense of American Manufacturing…then it’s a step in the wrong direction…no matter the salaries promised. Long Term Strategy is more important than the short term interim. Sooner or later Americans are going to shut off their TV’s and begin to live life once again…by working on business plans.
And, sooner or later you are going to get a job in Colorado and pollute that state.
Buy my land off me for $26,000. That’s a great deal as land prices keep going up. Protect Iowa from Socialist Welfare Rats from gaining footing. Send them back to the towns for Section 8 housing from slumlords. Do your part to protect business as usual.
@Philly-If thats all it will take to get rid of you I could start taking up a collection. The issue is no one will believe you will really leave. We have all been there before and heard you lies many times. You can sell the land whether you are her or there. Don’t let that stop you. Take a chance and leave today. You will be there by Monday if you hurry.
Forget about the collection. Pull some of that retired manufacturing engineer money out of your Pioneer Federal Savings account and buy me out. I’m not leaving Iowa til things are tidied up. Leave without a trace. I’ll return only to exhume my deceased son and relocate his bones.
Philosophus The last I knew, you were still buying “your land” on contract. Did you satisfy the contract on your 2.11 acres yet, or are you just wanting to sell your contract interest?
@Buzz-we might just as well figure on burying him on “his” land. he will die before he ever pays off anything.
So Buzz is snooping around the Court House checking up on me huh? I might have to do a reverse snoop and find out who’s been asking about me and my land.
Jill C spoken like a true hands out, give me more, make someone else work so I can sit home on my butt spend o crat.
Ok so your making fun of my section 8 free school lunch my kid’s get how Republitard of you a-hole. You see we are the 99% more of us then you, get use to it bozo. Dr. Blodgett need to stop deciding for us the people who get’s on the Board and every thing he is a rich Republitard busy body control freak thinks his money should get his way for stuff, thank you Niacc.
@ LVS, when did Jill say that Gary Blodgett is not entitled to support candidates of his choice? What offends is the financial advantage which old doc provides for politicians he favors. NIT, the Globb, and KIMT have run articles over the years about Blodgett’s fundraising for Urdahl, and other candidates. His financial support of those he favors, and the way he rounds up money from his rich friends, subverts the democratic process. Democracy isn’t only for well-connected, wealthy Republicans.
@NIACC-pretty jealous of Dr. Blodgett aren’t you? That is how politics is done. Look at the Democratic Superpaks and what they do. Get off your high horse. We all know you don’t like the Blodgetts. You are just a troll who comes on here spreading your hate filled crap. NIACC my butt, you couldn’t teach pre-school. I fell real bad for any young person who ever had you as a teacher.
I have to agree that there are clear rules about donating to campaigns and that everyone should have the right to support the candidate of their choice within those rights.
I’ve donated to several, putting my money where my mouth is, as they say.
Do those that complain about donations support anyone or do they just think that money doesn’t matter in our process?
@ mediator, your right as far as process goes, yes. But Blodgett take’s it to far. Gary buy’s elections, if this Callahan kid who use to work for him down to Des Moines, he get’s in then old doc controls the whole damn board, is that what you want, not me.
I can honestly say that I don’t want the “Callanan kid” to win. I prefer someone who lives in the rural areas on those gravel roads and pays the rural taxes on their residence. Those taxpayers need representation.
I support the candidates that I prefer with donations of money plus my support. I know that not everyone can spare $5-10 on a campaign, let alone hundreds, but if everyone were to pitch in $5 on a campaign, it would counter-act these big donors.
Well of course you want Doug Nelson to win. (wink wink). I’m starting to think he might be the right guy for the job as well. At least he comes onto the pages of NIT and engages in discussion and debate (wink wink wink).
Interesting-Not sure what this means if anything but when I googled “Windmill Reality LCC-Clear Lake” below is what came up. I see the words Wal Mart???
http://www.thesheffieldpress.com/sites/default/files/legalPESP_0.pdf
Mar 6, 2014 – Agreement with city of clear Lake and windmill Realty,. LLc and Authorizing a Forgivable Loan; whereas, an agreement between the city of clear Lake ….. walkenhorst¶s, supplies. 436.00 1 walmart community, food/provisions.
I see now that this means nothing. Just a list of county expenses and Wal Mart is listed as a vender…my bad.
Look if you all keep this up you are going to ruin this!! I am counting on this place for a JOB so why dont you all just SHUT UP and back off!
Liberals don’t care about the people, they say they do but all they care about is power and lining their own pockets.
@ LVS your wrong, it is proved Dr. Blodgett, he give Urdahl money for politics, all the big money he raise for him from his rich Republitard’s. NIT has wrote articles about Gary Blodgett keeps Jay in, I seen doc’s letters he send out for people send Jay money. See for your self, doc he even got Republitard’s against Chris Watt last time, it is on here go to Search. Blodgett says, you vote for Chris your tax will go up. Jay would be nothing if it would not of been for his Republitard sugar…
@Jill-Are you saying Dr. Blodgett is not entitled to his opinion? So far that is all you have proven. Everyone is entitled to support who they want in an election. There are some tings that happened with Watts that you probably are not aware of. From what I heard he did himself in by not following through with what he said he was going to do. Just because Dr. Blodgett did or didn’t support someone proves nothing. It is still just rumors. Now, I wouldn’t vote for Urdahal and I like Watts.
JB Johnson is a far right wingnut but on this one he is right. In the Globb it says Jay Urdahl is one five people who know who this fortune 500 corp is. Ok then JB just has to go ask his fellow right wingnut Gary Blodgett, what do you bet old doc know’s. He gives Urdahl ton’s of money every time he runs, Jay I am sure already blab to Blodgett who this one is.
Why is Jay Urdahl the only Supervisor who knows the identity of the company? He is not even elected out of Clear Lake, that is Bob Amosson. Where is Bob? He was elected by Clear Lake voters, he should know the company identity.
Bob is also this year’s Board of Supervisors Chairman. However, since this has been going on for a while, I have to think that Jay was likely the chair when the dealing was actually done. That would explain why it was him and not Bob.
Really, it is because Jay fancies himself to be King of the Courthouse and has his paws stuck in the North Iowa Corridor. You Dem’s who think Jay is a Democrat are being utterly bamboozled by this career politician. He is a Jay-o-crat. Whatever enriches Jay, protects Jay and gives Jay the power and prestige (cough, cough … never mind that he is mocked in a 9 county area), Jay will take over. He will even take big dollars from right-wing Republicans to stay in office (and pad his bank account for his retirement). Public servant? Hardly. He’s a secret-keeper with OCD.
How come Jay gets Blodgett give him all that money, raise it for Urdahl from his rich Republitards. Thats one thing I want the answer to.
@Matt-that sounds like all Democrats to me. But you are correct. Urdahl is for Urdahl and the hell with everyone else. He has always been that way and always will be. If I had to guess I would say that all of the supervisors know who it is and Urdahl is just trying to play king of the hill.
@Lehigh-If you gave someone money to help get them elected to a 50K plus benefits job year after year wouldn’t you expect some favors in return. That is kind of how it works. I am not saying that is what Dr. Blodgett does, but I sure would. It is nothing but a rumor that Dr. Blodgett gives him money anyway. Although, If I wanted to gain influence Jay would be the right one to bribe.
I worked @ UPS 9 years, Jay was there when I got on, he is still there. He is a sleazy, greedy box sorter, got wrote up for more wrecks then anybody, always begs for OT, all crazy for money. Yes if would not been for the Blodgett’s Urdahl would be just a nasty nothing. I got a friend works up to the Courthouse, he told us that is why Urdahl let Star Auto Body repair shop buy that parking lot from the county, old doc told Jay, sell it to his buddy Ron Bartusik, it was a done deal just like that.
@ UPS, you are extra right. Me and the wife done lot’s of volunteer work for the Cerro Gordo Democrats when Jay first run, 1988, also 92. Never saw nobody so excited like Urdahl was, he would go around brag on how he got to be buddys with rich Republicans. Jay says Roger Mathrey this is the guy Urdahl beat in our Primary, should of won, Jay goes, I got this you just wait. He goes, Blodgett’s raising me big money. He was right to but Urdahl is a fake greedy Democrat, we loose every time he…
correct me if I’m wrong. Windmill Realty isn’t getting any up front money–just tax breaks on a building that right now doesn’t exist and could provide more employment oppurtunities for the local population. Several of our elected officials and our agents have approved it–they must have their financing in place. We are all curious but there will be plenty of time to point fingers later should it not work–but what’s wrong with just supporting this and thanking the people that put it…
Because this is not how honest and transparent government works, that’s why.
It’s better than our federal government by a long shot
@Philly-you need to read Mediators response to me at the bottom of this posting. Mediator explained it very well. It might help you with your confusion unless you are looking for a reason to disagree with the establishment again. Peter always knows best.
LVS: I don’t see that I responded to you in this thread. Perhaps you mean another.
There is the matter of the forgivable loans, which were just bonded by the CL banks. I don’t know when they take effect, but since they are bonded now, I assume they will be given before the LLC turns over control of the project in 18ish months.
no its in city limits land is a mile straight south of youn readymix or so .south of the ford dealership then west couple a blocks.
JB, are you an abuttor or the abuttor of an abuttor?
I don’t know where in Clear Lake is your property, since you signed it with a Britt address.
Lakeview, not far from Oakwood grocery store
That’s outside of city limits, isn’t it?
I used to live in Oakwood. If I remember correctly, isn’t this warehouse supposed to be built in Clear Lake’s Industrial Park? Oakwood is not even close to the industrial park. This request doesn’t make sense if the locations are true.
Last month, the city of Clear Lake and Cerro Gordo County approved an incentives package to help secure the project.
I’m looking at it from the money point of view and Lakeview is in the County.
Anymore I just have a hard time trusting the elected class anymore. We went to war after told of WMDs and we could keep our insurance if we liked it.
3 banks will be buying the bonds. Every board member on those banks know who it is. Information is power and when you limit that information to those in power, abuse will happen.
First off, if you were addressing this from the county perspective, why didn’t you write to the County Supervisor Board Chairman instead of Mayor Crabbe?
Second, the bonds were made to the government entities, not to the building corporation, if I read the papers correctly. There’s no need for them to know to whom the builder is planning to sell, they trust the city and county to back the money.
Those arguments simply don’t hold up.
For the record Lee Rood is a female. She is an
Excellent reporter and does investigative stories
Very doubtful she picks up this story.
At some point the name of the real company would have to have been used. If they try and give me the run around I’m sure the guy at the DSM Register will dig into it. People like him and the Ombudsman office live for these type of things. I also made the same request to Jay and Scott to the EDC. I also have the same request laying on my desk to Tom at P&Z.
Ombudsman Office = no teeth = do nothing = slow = waste your time there. The CG Supervisors scoffed at the Ombudsman. Bob Amosson dared them to do anything about their secret meetings, free meals, flimsy agendas and lack of public disclosure.
I’d go to Branstad’s new agency set up to watch government. I think he wants to put the Ombudsman out of business; Republicans hate government duplication. Go there and tell them about your problem.
I’m pretty sure this request can’t be completed. The company involved is Windmill Realty, LLC. They are the company building the center.
Kudos to JB for going about it the right way, but the information he requested appears to conflict with the reality of the law. The entity of record is simply Windmill Realty, LLC.
I’m sure we’ll all find out, though.
Pretty sure you are correct. The agreement was made with Windmill. It is the legal entity.
Takes a man’s man to write a letter like this one. Will be beyond interesting to see this outcome. Do we live in America or Russia?