Chocolate

Am interrupting my PowerRule posts for a current event. For the second time in a week I look into our cove to see a vein of dark, chocolate covered water coursing its way towards the main body. The same is true as I drive across the Barry Road bridge at North Cove. It is a tangible forewarning of what it to come. The continuing stripping and preparation of the land off Tiffany Springs and the road improvements on Barry Road at the High School slowly but surely add to the storm water "pollution" to our lake. I use the word pollution loosely, because in addition to true contaminants I see sedimentation as another form of pollution. Whatever your definition I believe the results can/will be catastrophic for our community. If the quality of our water is compromised you can say adios to property values, no matter what "tier" you live on. It won't make a difference if we have a redecorated Community Center or not. We can have the best roads on the planet, no one will care. Ask Bob or Linda, our real estate gurus, how important the water is to sale of homes here.

The City has taken some steps to address the issue, but really the bulk of the fight has to be performed by the WLIC. I know Joe and the Board are mindful of the situation. I think it is important we ask the WLIC how we can help and support.

There is a vocal, active group who has pushed for the Barry Road improvements. Now they are getting what they wanted. Hopefully they will also be just as active and vocal in defending the lake from the downhill, downstream pollution that is bound to increase and worsen. What do you think?

PowerRule-Mary Hoy

Mary Hoy was elected West Ward Alderman in April 2007. Here are her pledges as stated in her campaign brochure, "Ship a Hoy To CITY Hall", Ray Staton Treasurer.

• Establish an openness of communication between myself and the citizens of Weatherby Lake, especially those in the Westside Ward. An informed community is an involved and empowered community.



• Build upon my experience t plan strategically; to manage large budgets and to examine the financial affairs of Weatherby Lake with the goal of developing new revenue streams, sound fiscal accountability, management and public disclosure



• Utilize my skills managing personnel matters for the benefit of our city.



• Cooperate with other governmental agencies and the WLIC. Collaboration makes each entity stronger and maximizes limited resources.



• Work to improve the infrastructure of Weatherby Lake, including police protection, roads, signage, and buildings. Maintaining and increasing property values benefits everyone.



• Maintain a questioning mind towards all City Hall matters. Careful listening will lead to fair and wiser solutions.

How did Alderman Hoy perform, in your opinion, during her first year?

PowerRule-Pat White

See yesterday's post re:PowerRule. First up, East Ward Alderman Pat White. As listed in My Pledge & Goals As Eastside Alderman (campaign brochure, "Get It Right, Vote For White" John Bugg Treasurer).

• Open, honest and timely communication with residents of Weatherby Lake


• Establish responsible, accountable & open communication with the community on all financial budget issues & decisions


• Work constantly with an eye toward sensible & feasible long range planning, for the best interest of the city and its residents


• Actively seek to gain deeper understanding of important City issues to facilitate making sound decisions

How did Alderman White measure up to her promises?

Happy Earth Day 2008!

About 10% of WL residents recycle, if you are one of the 90% who don't, why not start today? Click on the WLGreen site to the right for information. Bring back curbside recycling to the Lake. Take the first step and begin collecting plastic bottles and cans.

PowerSchool/PowerRule

If you are a parent, grandparent, guardian or other involved with the education of a child in the Park Hill School District, then you are probably familiar with PowerSchool. For those of you who don't know, here are the cheat notes. PowerSchool is basically an online progress report of a student and his/her grades. We receive it usually in the early morning in our email Inbox and it gives the up to date view of quizzes, tests, project scores and overall grade for each student in the household (we have two) You can run but you can't hide, all is there to see. So, if a student "forgets" to bring a test paper home, no problem...PowerSchool knows all. Occasionally there is a glitch, but overall it seems to be pretty accurate.

My point? Why not have a PowerRule for those who "rule" our City. We just completed a year in office for two alderman, why not give them, and the others a grade for the year? I'll post a name starting tomorrow and ask for your comments. What did they promise? What did they do or not do for the City in your opinion? Opinions are okay, facts are better. You can give them a pass/fail or a letter grade...hopefully have something to back it up. This isn't a popularity contest...although if you wish, we can do that sometime too. Come on back tomorrow when PowerRule debuts!