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Google Fiber (Photo credit: YGX)

Giddy Raytown officials have announced Google Fiber is coming to their town...nice.

It is my understanding at the BOA meeting this Tuesday, Mayor Bos will announce Fiber One is coming to WL apparently confusing the cereal with the internet giant.

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Fiber One Caramel Delight (Photo credit: theimpulsivebuy)

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Chamber of Commerce

Tough week for the WL Chamber of Commerce.  First the misstep by KCTV 5 regarding their assertion that WL was infected by zebra mussels, followed by comments by Chamber spokespeople Rick Neece and Hank Nussbeck that really didn't clarify the issue, other than Neece's "drain the lake" comment.

Then the Star runs the double your taxes @ WL piece, without the Chamber weighing in...Assessor Christian had his way with us, referring to the uproar @WL...and dismissing it as "noise".

And finally the apology by the TV 5 reporter on the inaccuracy of her comments...oops.  All in all we've had better weeks for PR...not exactly the stuff that makes people hunt for listings in WL.  At least they didn't drag out the "litigation lake" and "goose killers" allegations.

Bonyen Lee's (TV5) response to her broadcast:

 I wanted to touch base with you about the zebra mussels story. I am the anchor that reported that story inaccurately.  My deepest apologies.  As an anchor, I always make sure to re-write scripts in my own tone - however, my intention is to never change the meaning or facts in the story.  That day, I read the existing script and misinterpreted the story.  We were telling folks not to take their boats to other lakes if they had been in Weatherby Lake in order to prevent spreading of zebra mussels.  I took that as - boaters pose a risk to other waterways if they had been in Weatherby lake waters because of a zebra mussel problem. We did air a correction on the story Monday at 5 and we plan to air another correction this weekend in my morning show for any viewers who might only catch the weekend news.  Please know that I strive for accuracy and truth in my reporting and in this instance, I made an honest mistake.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any other concerns.

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Flying High

KC Star
May 1
Editorial, Page A16

Yep, the same KCMO City Council and Mayor who whine about the current costly configuration of the airport and inefficient 3 terminal setup, just voted not to improve shuttle service (and save money) at KCI.
There was a proposal and bit to privatize the shuttle service in light of costs and poor service.  Standard Parking, a private management company, made an attractive bid to take over the service but the vote went down with only two councilmen voting for the plan, one being Russ Johnson.  Why would the council turn down saving $7 million over 5 years and better service to boot?

According to the Star..."the union representing the drivers".  Not surprising because the unions have had a tight grip on KCMO (Fire/Police to mention a few) for years.  (Local 500 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees represents the drivers).

Why the proposed change in the first place?  "numerous accidents and chronic absenteeism, leading to high overtime costs".

Of course this would be resolved if we spent more than $1.2 billion for a new terminal.

Maybe a drug screen would be appropriate for the Council?

"probably pretty flat"

KC Star Northland Neighborhood News
May 1
Page 6

Story by Glenn Rice, "Assessment spikes come as a surprise"

Trying to quell what has been reported as a firestorm of protests from Weatherby Lake, Platte County Assessor David Christian tries to make the case for the recent round of reappraisals.  He notes there are "pockets" where property was "substantially under-assessed"  (Weatherby Lake) and he suspects "those are the ones who are making the noise".

{There is a difference between making noise and doing something about it in my view.  If you feel you have a case and haven't contacted the Assessor's  office you would fall into the "noise" category}

Christian cites the sales of 13 lake front homes (time period not mentioned) where there is a difference between assessment and sales price.  I guess 2nd tier got dragged along for the ride.

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