Disclaimer: everything contained in this blog is MY OPINION. Every attempt is made to present the truth through actual facts or to identify statements which are in doubt; otherwise there will be no deliberate presentation of gossip, rumor, or innuendo which can't be proven as factual.
Medicine these days bears little resemblance to the discreet, capable, concerned, and caring doctors of not so long ago and that's detrimental to both the medical profession and the people of the community.
Despite various glitches in the new medical attitude, my family and I have always supported our local hospital, and that support has extended to the medical complex as a whole.
HOWEVER, there are several things which are of a growing concern to me, and which I think the complex management needs desperately to stomp on before they get further out of hand.
One of those things is political advertising, 'information,' and electioneering on medical complex property. Political advertising has been excused to me by the claim that rooms in the clinic are 'rented,' and therefore the renter can do anything he pleases in them.
I called a couple of attorneys and perhaps a dozen hospitals and clinics which collect taxes. The money medical professionals pay for examination rooms, offices, operating theatres, etc. is a user fee, not 'rent.' Whatever it's called, a tax-collecting entity it isn't allowed to indulge in politics.
Even most private medical entities which don't collect taxes understand and respect this restriction; but ours doesn't.
Then, propaganda for a school bond was displayed and made available, also within the clinic precincts. I was told this was 'information' and wasn't an attempt to influence voters.
Pull the other leg. Here's a doctor, a physician's assistant, a nurse practicioner whom people since birth have been conditioned to respect and obey. Are you trying to tell me these people can't and don't exert undue influence with patients in a medical setting?
I don't like the manipulation of words. Lawyers and journalists are famous for it. However, to have it used in a taxing medical facility (or any other tax-supported entity, such as a school, police station, senior citizens center, etc.) apparently to subvert the law and exercise unfair persuasion with patients is just flat unethical.,
Now we have a city charter amendment which can be used to vote any member of the city commission out of office in November. Since some medical professionals seem unwilling to limit their on site activities simply to the practise of medicine, I've not the least doubt that a lot of of persuasive 'information' will be pushed forward at the medical complex in the months preceding November. These actions can hurt the medical complex's reputation,and it's time for management to put its foot down. Hard.
Anita Huguelet McMurtrie
Friday, May 30, 2014
Friday, May 23, 2014
Oh, the shark bites.....with its teeth, babe....
Disclaimer: everything contained in this blog is MY OPINION. Every attempt is made to present the truth through actual facts or to identify statements which are in doubt; otherwise, there will be no deliberate presentation of gossip, rumor, or innuendo which cannot be proven as factual.
It seems that certain members of the powers-that-be have finally glommed onto the fact that their willful and probably illegal actions might get them in official and very public trouble.
As so many of us believe and have pointed out-repeatedly-the resolution taken by the city commission to fire the now-ex-police chief was illegal. We have also repeatedly stated WHY it was illegal according to both our city charter and state law. In fact, this was brought to the commissioners' attention long before the commission took its final action on the resolution.
With the exception of one, namely Pam Ward, they refused to acknowledge either the charter's rules or the citizens' protests, or the advice of the then-city attorney not to do it. No, they got the bit in their pearly teeth and went right ahead.
At the moment, with voter approval of the city charter amendment providing for the dismissal of a commissioner, it appears that everyone wants to make just one person the scapegoat for the whole debacle involving the Police Department and various other iffy and outrageous actions. This simply isn't right.
It seems one member of the commission stated that he would vote however the people wanted him to: but despite well over 200 signatures supporting the PD, versus 2 against, plus huge opposition to the commission's actions from the citizens, he voted in favor of firing the police chief. How can we believe him?
Another commissioner, apparently unwilling to think for himself, announced that he'd vote however the previous member of the commission voted. But then, this is the commissioner who said the city charter is "just a piece of paper" and proceeded to prove it by overriding the laws laid down in that "piece of paper." (Which leads us to another interesting question: what if this commissioner decides to override or ignore the new amendment providing for the ousting of a city commissioner?)
Yet another commissioner also looked to be unwilling to exercise independent thought and, although there may have been a hidden agenda, appeared to play follow-the-leader.
Then we come to the one everyone seems to want to use the charter amendment to chuck out of office. That commissioner may have been the instigator of the whole disgraceful and scandalous proceedings, BUT the other three went right along with it-enthusiastically adding their 2 cents worth as they went along.
Those four are all equally guilty.
Now it's said the ex-attorney is in serious trouble, brought about by what appeared to me to be a highly edited set-up involving entrapment, which unfortunately made it to YouTube. So, scenting blood in the water, shark-like, it looks like these officials are indulging in both blood lust and CYA, and are attempting to blame the ex-attorney for their actions instead of taking the responsibility and blame on themselves where it belongs.
Anita Huguelet McMurtrie
It seems that certain members of the powers-that-be have finally glommed onto the fact that their willful and probably illegal actions might get them in official and very public trouble.
As so many of us believe and have pointed out-repeatedly-the resolution taken by the city commission to fire the now-ex-police chief was illegal. We have also repeatedly stated WHY it was illegal according to both our city charter and state law. In fact, this was brought to the commissioners' attention long before the commission took its final action on the resolution.
With the exception of one, namely Pam Ward, they refused to acknowledge either the charter's rules or the citizens' protests, or the advice of the then-city attorney not to do it. No, they got the bit in their pearly teeth and went right ahead.
At the moment, with voter approval of the city charter amendment providing for the dismissal of a commissioner, it appears that everyone wants to make just one person the scapegoat for the whole debacle involving the Police Department and various other iffy and outrageous actions. This simply isn't right.
It seems one member of the commission stated that he would vote however the people wanted him to: but despite well over 200 signatures supporting the PD, versus 2 against, plus huge opposition to the commission's actions from the citizens, he voted in favor of firing the police chief. How can we believe him?
Another commissioner, apparently unwilling to think for himself, announced that he'd vote however the previous member of the commission voted. But then, this is the commissioner who said the city charter is "just a piece of paper" and proceeded to prove it by overriding the laws laid down in that "piece of paper." (Which leads us to another interesting question: what if this commissioner decides to override or ignore the new amendment providing for the ousting of a city commissioner?)
Yet another commissioner also looked to be unwilling to exercise independent thought and, although there may have been a hidden agenda, appeared to play follow-the-leader.
Then we come to the one everyone seems to want to use the charter amendment to chuck out of office. That commissioner may have been the instigator of the whole disgraceful and scandalous proceedings, BUT the other three went right along with it-enthusiastically adding their 2 cents worth as they went along.
Those four are all equally guilty.
Now it's said the ex-attorney is in serious trouble, brought about by what appeared to me to be a highly edited set-up involving entrapment, which unfortunately made it to YouTube. So, scenting blood in the water, shark-like, it looks like these officials are indulging in both blood lust and CYA, and are attempting to blame the ex-attorney for their actions instead of taking the responsibility and blame on themselves where it belongs.
Anita Huguelet McMurtrie
Friday, May 16, 2014
From the Horse's Mouth
Disclaimer: everything contained in this blog is MY OPINION. Every attempt is made to present the truth through actual facts or to identify statements which are in doubt; otherwise, there will be no deliberate presentation of gossip, rumor, or innuendo which can't be proven as factual.
Who is stupid enough to let go of a water source in West Texas?
Take a look at Electra's city hall which has a history when it comes to water.
For instance, the creek and spring-fed Old City Lake was abandoned, and then, because someone had a buddy who was absolutely certain, sure, and positive there was oil under it, the dam was broken out so a rig could be moved in. It was a dry hole.
Next it seems Proud Springs was drilled; no one with much water sense drills a spring.
That's #1.
Then we got the New City Lake, which is very shallow and has so much surface area that in the very hot, windy summers, more water evaporated than was used.
When that lake started to dry up, it seems 'we' spent $25,000 for a pump and $20,000 for a barge to carry it out to the water in the middle of the lake. Those were left on a mud bar the minute city authorities thought they weren't needed; there was no apparent attempt to protect them from the weather. Approximately $45,000 worth of equipment abandoned.
For the second time, 'we' abandoned a water source, and it reverted to Waggoner properties. Even if it ever has water again it probably won't be possible to reclaim the lake-it was reported that Waggoner warned city officials of that at the time the lake was acquired. #2.
It seems there is also an earlier waterline out to Diversion Lake abandoned as well without any attempt to preserve it. At what cost? #3,
Having decided to buy and install a reverse osmosis plant, city authorities steadfastly refused offers of help from those with RO experience and knowledgeable contacts. "We can do it ourselves" was the arrogant answer. Apparently 'we' couldn't.
'We' bought an unsuitable, expensive plant and sited it where it could be used for only one water source, which is just foolish.
Then, when the city got the waterline for Wichita water, 'we' did nothing to secure the reverse osmosis plant, or to mothball it; $1.2 million worth of equipment abandoned. #4.
The city water treatment plant with its several thousand dollar new intake valve? 'We' just shut it down and abandoned that as well.
And the 38 river wells and waterline near Punkin Center? 'We' abandoned them, too. #5.
Now it appears that a city official thinks 'we' can refit that line, and Alakazam! Water!
Um. Well, 'we' supposedly 'bought' water from privately-owned wells out on the river before Wichita water was obtained. 'We' can't count those wells as belonging to the city, and since 'we' walked off and left those owners apparently holding the bag, if 'we' want water from them, better arrangements for payment might ought to be considered. #6.
But wait! It gets even better! One of the 'we's' apparently chose to publish derogatory comments about a member of that close-knot and inter-related Punkin Center community. Unfortunate.
Since 'we' have pretty much burned our bridges, does anyone really believe 'we' can just wave their magic wands and have well water?
Here's the site for Electra water information in Austin-direct from the horse's mouth, so to speak, and uncensored.
http://dww.tceq.texas.gov/DWW/JSP/NonTcrSampleResultsbyAnalyte.jsp?tinwsys is number=6424&tinwsys st code=TX&wsnumber=TX2430002%20%20%20&DWWState=TX&tsaanlyt is number=33&tsaanlyt st code=HQ&history=1&counter=0
Anita Huguelet McMurtrie
Who is stupid enough to let go of a water source in West Texas?
Take a look at Electra's city hall which has a history when it comes to water.
For instance, the creek and spring-fed Old City Lake was abandoned, and then, because someone had a buddy who was absolutely certain, sure, and positive there was oil under it, the dam was broken out so a rig could be moved in. It was a dry hole.
Next it seems Proud Springs was drilled; no one with much water sense drills a spring.
That's #1.
Then we got the New City Lake, which is very shallow and has so much surface area that in the very hot, windy summers, more water evaporated than was used.
When that lake started to dry up, it seems 'we' spent $25,000 for a pump and $20,000 for a barge to carry it out to the water in the middle of the lake. Those were left on a mud bar the minute city authorities thought they weren't needed; there was no apparent attempt to protect them from the weather. Approximately $45,000 worth of equipment abandoned.
For the second time, 'we' abandoned a water source, and it reverted to Waggoner properties. Even if it ever has water again it probably won't be possible to reclaim the lake-it was reported that Waggoner warned city officials of that at the time the lake was acquired. #2.
It seems there is also an earlier waterline out to Diversion Lake abandoned as well without any attempt to preserve it. At what cost? #3,
Having decided to buy and install a reverse osmosis plant, city authorities steadfastly refused offers of help from those with RO experience and knowledgeable contacts. "We can do it ourselves" was the arrogant answer. Apparently 'we' couldn't.
'We' bought an unsuitable, expensive plant and sited it where it could be used for only one water source, which is just foolish.
Then, when the city got the waterline for Wichita water, 'we' did nothing to secure the reverse osmosis plant, or to mothball it; $1.2 million worth of equipment abandoned. #4.
The city water treatment plant with its several thousand dollar new intake valve? 'We' just shut it down and abandoned that as well.
And the 38 river wells and waterline near Punkin Center? 'We' abandoned them, too. #5.
Now it appears that a city official thinks 'we' can refit that line, and Alakazam! Water!
Um. Well, 'we' supposedly 'bought' water from privately-owned wells out on the river before Wichita water was obtained. 'We' can't count those wells as belonging to the city, and since 'we' walked off and left those owners apparently holding the bag, if 'we' want water from them, better arrangements for payment might ought to be considered. #6.
But wait! It gets even better! One of the 'we's' apparently chose to publish derogatory comments about a member of that close-knot and inter-related Punkin Center community. Unfortunate.
Since 'we' have pretty much burned our bridges, does anyone really believe 'we' can just wave their magic wands and have well water?
Here's the site for Electra water information in Austin-direct from the horse's mouth, so to speak, and uncensored.
http://dww.tceq.texas.gov/DWW/JSP/NonTcrSampleResultsbyAnalyte.jsp?tinwsys is number=6424&tinwsys st code=TX&wsnumber=TX2430002%20%20%20&DWWState=TX&tsaanlyt is number=33&tsaanlyt st code=HQ&history=1&counter=0
Anita Huguelet McMurtrie
Friday, May 9, 2014
Here We Go Again
Disclaimer: everything contained in this blog is MY OPINION. Every attempt is made to present the truth through actual facts or to identify statements which are in doubt; otherwise there will be no deliberate presentation of gossip, rumor, or innuendo which cannot be proven as factual.
It seems there's already rumors and complaints about the 'new' police department.
The backlash from the scandal accompanying the dissolution of our department is bound to affect new employees.
And Johnny Morris is going to be a hard act to follow.
However, there are always people who are going to resent authority and who will attempt to sabotage it just because it's there, not for any good reason. Authority figures include not only law enforcement, but teachers, bankers, doctors, just about anyone who seems to have money, and those who display more than a modicum of intelligence.
Others who have been caught in the wrong or who don't get what they want are bound to carp and complain.
Still others, who fall into the follower and puppet category, will parrot complaints if their puppetmaster encourages them to do so.
Those who are carrying through with the gossip and fault-finding concerning our Police Department need to back off and give these officers a chance before condemning them.
Anita Huguelet McMurtrie
It seems there's already rumors and complaints about the 'new' police department.
The backlash from the scandal accompanying the dissolution of our department is bound to affect new employees.
And Johnny Morris is going to be a hard act to follow.
However, there are always people who are going to resent authority and who will attempt to sabotage it just because it's there, not for any good reason. Authority figures include not only law enforcement, but teachers, bankers, doctors, just about anyone who seems to have money, and those who display more than a modicum of intelligence.
Others who have been caught in the wrong or who don't get what they want are bound to carp and complain.
Still others, who fall into the follower and puppet category, will parrot complaints if their puppetmaster encourages them to do so.
Those who are carrying through with the gossip and fault-finding concerning our Police Department need to back off and give these officers a chance before condemning them.
Anita Huguelet McMurtrie
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Get Out and VOTE!
Disclaimer: everything contained in this blog is MY OPINION. Every attempt is made to present the truth through actual facts; there will be no deliberate presentation of gossip, rumor, or innuendo which cannot be proven.
There's a reason the local newspaper refuses to print political Letters to the Editor once absentee voting begins. The newspaper has always attempted to be fair and impartial in politics, and in the days before the internet, it was the major source of news. At that time, the editor felt political letters would exert undue and unfair influence in the last weeks before the election, and wouldn't print them. The current editor has continued this custom.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the internet has no such ethical restrictions, and within certain boundaries, we can say what we want to.
I've always maintained a home here, I've seen a lot of city commissions come and go over the years. Some were good, some were bad, some were indifferent.
Two stand out in my mind as being immune to a category because their personalities were just overwhelming: T. Leo Moore, a former circus roustabout, who was larger than life and had an infectious zest for living that was irresistible. Ray B. Dickey, who guided us through severe water shortages, and my kids, whose instincts I trust, thought he was Superman; but I him remember best at a city function when he stuck his finger into the icing on a cake and sneaked a swipe.
Another two of the best mayors were T. E. Shaw, a pleasant straight arrow, who was experienced in management and finance, and Jack Hollis, also experienced in management and finance; they both provided excellent guidance for the town, and they did so with courtesy and respect.
The current candidate whom I favor for the office of mayor is Bill Davis. I don't think he's ideal, but I believe in his integrity in office and he's sensible about priorities, and minds his political ethics.
Another candidate is Pam Ward. Once again, her integrity is obvious, and her willingness to stand behind what she knows is right in the face of huge opposition is both courageous and refreshing.
The last candidate, Sue Howell, is an unknown factor. However, I believe she genuinely wants to get the town on the right track, and that she's honest.
Best of all, none of these three candidates seem to want to use an elective office to work off a personal hidden agenda. I don't think any of them have a vendetta against any city employee or citizen; I doubt they have a need to prove how important they are to parents or friends; I don't believe they'll use their offices for personal privileges; I see no sign that any of them will behave in an autocratic manner or with secrecy when it comes to city business; they don't show signs of having grudges reaching back to high school; I don't think they would deliberately do anything to endanger city employees or the townspeople.
AND, I hope that they would show greater respect for Electra and its citizens than we've seen in the past.
Anita Huguelet McMurtrie
.
There's a reason the local newspaper refuses to print political Letters to the Editor once absentee voting begins. The newspaper has always attempted to be fair and impartial in politics, and in the days before the internet, it was the major source of news. At that time, the editor felt political letters would exert undue and unfair influence in the last weeks before the election, and wouldn't print them. The current editor has continued this custom.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the internet has no such ethical restrictions, and within certain boundaries, we can say what we want to.
I've always maintained a home here, I've seen a lot of city commissions come and go over the years. Some were good, some were bad, some were indifferent.
Two stand out in my mind as being immune to a category because their personalities were just overwhelming: T. Leo Moore, a former circus roustabout, who was larger than life and had an infectious zest for living that was irresistible. Ray B. Dickey, who guided us through severe water shortages, and my kids, whose instincts I trust, thought he was Superman; but I him remember best at a city function when he stuck his finger into the icing on a cake and sneaked a swipe.
Another two of the best mayors were T. E. Shaw, a pleasant straight arrow, who was experienced in management and finance, and Jack Hollis, also experienced in management and finance; they both provided excellent guidance for the town, and they did so with courtesy and respect.
The current candidate whom I favor for the office of mayor is Bill Davis. I don't think he's ideal, but I believe in his integrity in office and he's sensible about priorities, and minds his political ethics.
Another candidate is Pam Ward. Once again, her integrity is obvious, and her willingness to stand behind what she knows is right in the face of huge opposition is both courageous and refreshing.
The last candidate, Sue Howell, is an unknown factor. However, I believe she genuinely wants to get the town on the right track, and that she's honest.
Best of all, none of these three candidates seem to want to use an elective office to work off a personal hidden agenda. I don't think any of them have a vendetta against any city employee or citizen; I doubt they have a need to prove how important they are to parents or friends; I don't believe they'll use their offices for personal privileges; I see no sign that any of them will behave in an autocratic manner or with secrecy when it comes to city business; they don't show signs of having grudges reaching back to high school; I don't think they would deliberately do anything to endanger city employees or the townspeople.
AND, I hope that they would show greater respect for Electra and its citizens than we've seen in the past.
Anita Huguelet McMurtrie
.
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