In the Name of Experience

EnvisionLaie.com Update

2009-05-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I spoke about the Northshore community of Laie, Hawaii, going through an amazing community-based urban planning process. A committee which is heading this process held a series of meetings where they gathered input from the community, and they have posted their results on the envisionlaie.com website. It's an interesting view of how government, since the advent of reinventing government in the 1990s, is seeking the input and knowledge of the community in the governance process. The long term success or failure of this community will be interesting to gauge, especially if this success or failure is due on part of too much government intervention or community intervention.

Dust Abatement Wrap-Up

2009-05-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

The other day I had the opportunity to see 56-lane miles of dirt shoulders go through the dust abatement process. It's amazing how much work actually goes into this process, and the paradigm we face here in Arizona: conserve water but fight dust (which requires A LOT of water).

Also, it was frustrating to see that some parts of the project will need to be redone due to the fact that some individuals went 'mudding' through the dirt shoulders and destroyed the integrity of the dust abatement process. More time and money the municipality will need to spend; two commodities they do not have.

Wrapping it up

2009-05-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

The end of the term is just around the corner, so it is causing me to wonder whether my internship is also coming to an end. When I started at Queen Creek we never talked about a time to end my service there. Technically I can leave whenever I want, but I'm receiving great experience and I like the team I'm working with. Unless something else comes along in the next few weeks, it looks like I'll be sticking with Queen Creek for as long as they can stand me.

EnvisionLaie.com

2009-04-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

I've seen a trend in municipalities, specifically in creating a digital Town Hall for the community to discuss specific issues. One such municipality is Laie, Hawaii, a small town on the Northshore of Oahu where I began my undergraduate studies. This town has a rich history, religious backbone, and a struggling economy. There are a host of other issues which are plaguing this community, ranging from sanitary sewer issues, tourism management, and environmental sustainability. In my recent trip to this town, I can say with assurance that this type of program is needed. However, I believe their current format (a few meetings ranging a few hours to discuss common themes) will not yield the fruits they desire.

Take a look at their website and give any suggestions you feel may help this struggling community.

APWA

2009-04-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Public Works department of Queen Creek may be undergoing a real change in the coming years. The idea has been presented for the Town to obtain the American Public Works Association (APWA) self-assessment accreditation, a process which could take, from start to finish, four years.

There is a very thick manual linking requirement for nearly every aspect of public works, laying out specific best management practices. If you're interested, follow this link and it can explain more:

http://www.apwa.net/About/Accreditation/?mode=SelfAssessment

Right now I'm in the process of contacting Greeley, Colorado and Mohave County, Arizona to ask for their certification information to see where we should start. This will definitely be an interesting endeavor for the Town.

You Might be a Terrorist if...

2009-04-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

When I wake up in the morning and take a deep breath of air, I can always look forward to a giant, steaming pile of governmental ambiguity to greet me. The most recent document released from the Department of Homeland Security concerning domestic terrorism is, for lack of better words, a giant pile of politicking, radical philosophical bull crap. The title, in and of itself, is enough to make any sensible person, regardless of political affiliation, cringe as the government, not the People, draw political lines amongst the populous: Rightwing Extremism:
Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment.

This really doesn't have to do with anything current associated with my internship, but it has a lot to do with public administration. It doesn't affect the way we plan streets, sewers, water treatment facilities, parks, etc. but it is a stunning looking into the rhetoric and beliefs of one very influential government agency. I really must be sadistic, because I willingly read this literature (and I use the term literature lightly, as it borders more on the line of propaganda) to understand what the government is doing. One of the very first lines brings a great deal of clarity into their 'findings':

"The DHS/Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) has no specific information that domestic rightwing terrorists are currently planning acts of violence, but rightwing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about several emergent issues. The economic downturn and the election of the first African American president present unique drivers for rightwing radicalization and recruitment."

Interesting, so now we are basing heightened levels of national security against individuals of political leaning due to the mere possibility that issues concerning abortion, immigration, rising taxes, and the election of the first black president may cause recruitment into so-called radical hate groups? In my experience as a human being, creating broad accusatory statements and generalizations doesn't always bode well within the population. Lest we forget that these statements are concerning American citizens; we are not talking about foreign terrorists who are known to be in the country, but we are speculating on the recruitment activities of Freemen and other anti-governmental groups living out of trailers in Montana and Wyoming, including the creation of new 'hate' groups due to a heightened economic and political environments.

Are you concerned? Do you find this slightly disturbing? Or are you to the point where you just don't care anymore? It's interesting to note that today, being the dreaded Tax Day, that there are tens of thousands of Americans spread throughout the United States protesting, quite angrily, the steady increase and expansion of governmental powers and spending. It's not only 'rightwing radicals' but people of all political ideologies concerned about the course of government. In my opinion, we don't need 'rightwing radical groups' to see that government is obviously overstepping their boundaries, and they are continually approaching the American people for increased authority to garner more power into their coffers.

I feel that government has become out-of-touch with the American people. Many argue that government as been oblivious to the perils of the ordinary man for many years, while others will argue that the current Administration is to blame. I blame many years of governmental oppression coupled with the lazier-faire political 'activism' of the American people. Why is it that Americans only become concerned with their liberties when they are at the brink of losing them? Very few Americans, and politicians at that, understand that the Constitution was constructed on a foundation of distrust in government. We came from the ashes of tyranny and monarchy; the great American Experiment which fueled revolutions throughout the world and interjected millions with the spirit of self. However, government has progressively turned from its position of provider into the position of ruler. Politicians from both sides of the political fence are seeking increased authority and power to push America and its people into a direction they feel is correct. All presidential administrations have been guilty of this, but this piece of rhetorical political garbage excreted from the Department of Homeland Security has overstepped its bounds. What Liberals bemoaned Bush for his rhetoric of "if you're not with us, you're against us" is no different if you seek to label individuals who organize and protest against hot-button, left-wing political issues (i.e. same-sex marriage, abortion, illegal immigration) potential domestic terrorists. The blinding fog of political partyism is literally destroying America, as our government continually draws battles lines with every changing presidential administration between the American people.

Now, as for public administrators this gives us a clear insight into the importance of political neutrality. There is an entire argument to be had over moral obligations and remaining politically neutral, and it may be very easy to point out moral problems with this DHS document. However, imagine if (and this is a big if) the DHS remained politically neutral concerning the possibility of American grown, politically motivated domestic terrorism? We wouldn't be seeing a report simply about the 'right', but we would be seeing a broad report outlining how the current economic and political climates as a literal breeding ground of political discontent amongst all political parties. It appears that our government officials need a little refresher into the history and challenges of the American people, as many great leaders of the past understood the spirit of dissent:

"An unconditional right to say what one pleases about public affairs is what I consider to be the minimum guarantee of the First Amendment." Justice Hugo L. Black: (1886-1971) US Supreme Court Justice.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"The right to criticize: the right to hold unpopular beliefs; the right to protest; the right of independent thought. The exercise of these rights should not cost one single American citizen his reputation or his right to a livelihood... Otherwise none of us could call our souls our own." Margaret Chase Smith Biography -United States Senator from Maine (1897-1995).

The climate public administrators will have to operate is highly politicized and controversial. How can we operate in such an environment and still rightly uphold our values and serve the public? I think it is quite simple: allegiance to Nation and People will always yield ripe fruits when compared to the bitterness and discontent of political parties.

She is trying to kill us all!

2009-04-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

The Internet is a wonderful thing. Really. It makes my life much easier as I research various subjects for both my internship and grad school classes. There's a wealth of information out there, and plenty of worthless garbage, too.

On the lighter note of worthless garbage, I have found evidence that a supposed cheery-dispositioned Southern woman on the Food Network is trying to kill everyone! I am talking about Paula Deen, and I believe she is trying to kill America through over-consumption of butter. Have you seen that television commercial for I Can't Believe It's Not Butter called 'The Buttertons'? Well, that idyllic 50s American family chomping down on large sticks of butter protruding from mama's homemade bread and baked potatoes isn't a far exaggeration of Paula Deen's Food Network program.

Seriously, Paula Deen has some type of strange infatuation with butter. Sure, butter is great stuff. Good for cooking, baking, and a little smudge on a slice of warm bread. But when butter becomes your main ingredient, then that goes beyond the realm of cooking into cardiac terrorism! Behold, Paula's Fried Butter Balls recipe!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/paulas-fried-butter-balls-recipe/index.html

CMOM

2009-03-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

I've really never understood the fascination our government has with acronyms. To be quite honest, I find it troubling (turn on sarcasm now). I'm sure the government has devoted an entire group of intellectuals to create department names that will sound interesting once they have been turned into acronyms, like the Department of Urban Management and Business (sarcasm off). However, I have been introduced to a new acronym that I will be working on: CMOM. I could write home and say "See, Mom, I'm working on CMOM!" It's a stretch, but give me a break.

For those inquiring minds, CMOM stands for Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance (CMOM) regulations set forth by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). More information will come when I get my duties.

A small thought...

2009-03-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Many people I have come to know in the MPA program will be graduating in May. Some of them are currently employed while others are full-time students (like myself). However, this raises a serious question in my mind: all of these individuals are gaining training in how to effectively run municipal government, but in the current economic downturn very few, if any, municipalities are hiring. In most cases, municipalities throughout the nation are actually firing employees, so where does that leave the currently non-employed, full-time student? I can remain optimistic and say that the state of the economy will improve by December (when I graduate), but the pessimistic side of me knows far too much regarding most municipal government budgets for the next fiscal year.

I've talked with some students at ASU and at other universities around the nation about their plans after completion of their MPA. Most have adopted the ideology of 'take whatever comes,' which I find myself contemplating almost daily. Others have said if they cannot find work they will simply enroll into a second Master's program until the economy and job market becomes better. I am an advocate for obtaining as much education as possible, but I also believe a good servant is one who has applicable experience and education.

Along the same lines as experience, I also find it frustrating that many municipalities are in such dire need of help but are not reaching out to ASU for assistance. There are many, many MPA/MPP students that are looking for applicable experience to put on their resume, with the skills and knowledge to assist any municipality, but they are not recruiting or asking for volunteers. For example, before I started my internship with the Town of Queen Creek back in October, I tried contacting the City Manager of Chandler to offer my assistance with any projects or day-to-day operations. I telephoned and wrote e-mails every week for over two months without success. I even had the assistance of Lloyd Harrel, previous City Manager of Chandler, personally speak with the current Manager about my desire to serve. Still, even with that referral, I did not receive a call back. I was not asking for pay, I was looking for volunteer work and experience. Don't get me wrong, pay would be a very, very nice incentive for a poor graduate student, but experience is definitely something we need alongside our degree. Come mid-May I will end my internship with Queen Creek and hopefully find either another municipality who will offer some pay for my services or I will extend my time with Queen Creek in another department to diversify my experience.

Overall, it's a great time to be a MPA student since we are learning valuable skills during a time of economic turmoil, which will teach us how to effectively manage municipal government throughout our lifetime. However, it's a terrible time for a MPA student to find work, especially in the public sector. Hopefully this will change...soon.

Time for a little soap box action...

2009-03-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

This post will definitely go under a personal entry, so please bear with me. If you enjoy Jay Leno, then I'm sure you saw our President exchange joyous banter back-and-forth this evening. However, there is a good section of the American people who should be (and probably are) enraged at the words our President spoke this evening. I am speaking of any individual with a disability, I being one of those people.

So the scenario goes something like this. Leno asks Obama about his bowling game, which is known to be terrible due to his less-than-stellar attempt to be a 'common man' and bowl with some people in the campaign trail (bowling is probably too low-class for his taste, in my opinion). Obama smiles and says "No, no. I have been practicing . . . I bowled a 129." Obviously it's a cheerful punch at himself and his inability to play the game, and the people had a good laugh; Leno humored the President and said, very sarcastically "that's very good, Mr. President." But what came next was not humorous when the President said "It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something."

Honestly, what in the hell is he thinking? This man is falling from grace in my eyes very, very quickly, as without the presence of his beloved teleprompter Obama is very quick to throw both feet square in his mouth. But alas, Bill Burton, the bulldog Whitehouse Spokesman was quick with a rebuttal while in Airforce One:

"The president made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics. He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world."

Oh common, Bill. Lets be completely honest here. No one is going to buy the excuse of "offhand remark" when we are talking about poking fun at the Special Olympics, especially from the candidate who promised widespread change in every aspect of political and social culture. Remember, dear children, that Obama's comments are not "offhand" or even mistaken; this is a new low for the President, and these words are meant to be a blow to the disabled community. On the campaign trail Obama promised change for the disabled community in his Blueprint for America. In fact, he promised broad changes in order to end discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for people with disabilities (a bullet-point mark in his plan to "Empower Americans with Disabilities"; it's on page 3 if you don't believe me). Trust me, I read Obama's plan for the disabled community with great fervor, but now I am thoroughly disgusted. How can this pathetic excuse for a President seek to "empower" people with disabilities if he still stereotypes and stigmatizes people with handicaps and disabilities as less than average? Since his bowling game isn't up to par with some other Americans he feels it proper to link his poor performance at the level of those who compete in the Special Olympics? Bill Burton, you can create all the smoke and mirrors you want, but the disabled community isn't going to buy the absolute rubbish coming out of your mouth.

Mr. Obama: you are pathetic. You have built yourself upon a golden pedestal of 'change' and 'hope', but in only a few short words you have belittled and alienated some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. I ask all of you, is that 'change' you can believe in? If I really want to see a real apology from the 'President' I will see it come from his mouth, and his mouth only. If I want to see the President truly caring for the disabled community, I will see him volunteering at a Special Olympics rather than filling out a NCAA bracket in his cozy office. Words are cheap, and so is Obama's humor and his shots at the disabled community.

Fueling Station...put a fork in it...

2009-03-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

An English proverb states:

All good things must come to an end, but all bad things can continue forever.

The municipal fueling station that the Town of Queen Creek wanted to construct, which had great intentions for the municipality, has come to a close. Stick a fork in it, this goose is cooked. The powers-that-be stated "the potential cost savings and projected break even point simply don't justify the up-front capital and ongoing maintenance costs associated with the installation of a Town fueling station at this time." This is all true. A fueling station would provide far more convenience than cost-saving measures, at this point, for the municipality. However, when the Nation recovers from the backlash of this economic downturn and Queen Creek becomes a hot spot for home and business activity, perhaps the research myself and many other performed will provide a fueling station when the time is right.

As for the 'bad things' in our little proverb, the Circle K gas will have to continue for the foreseeable 'forever'. Maybe the 'K' stand for Krap.

A Serious Talk

2009-03-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

With the state of the economy gradually slipping day-to-day, unemployment claims increasing, and municipal jobs becoming ever-so scarce, this has caused serious reflection on my part. As I will be graduating in December with my Master's degree, I am wondering whether there will be any jobs available when I actually enter the job market? I have already sought employment while being a full-time student, but nearly every job I have applied for has caught the eye of at least 300 other fully-qualified candidates. Frustrating is the least emotion I feel right about now. I greatly appreciate the opportunity I have to volunteer my time at the Town of Queen Creek, as I am hoping this experience will help me obtain a job after my studies are over. However, in the meantime, living off my wife's $9/hour job, having my rent raised nearly $200/month, and viewing a depressing job market is going to make life even more complicated than it already is. Being stuck in transition between a full-time student and the desire to be a working professional is not easy

Public Administration Grade for the State of Hawaii

2009-03-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Today I returned from a 10-day trip to the State of Hawaii to celebrate a two-year wedding anniversary with my wife. This was a return trip for me, as I lived in Hawaii (on the island of Oahu) from 2001 until December 2003. Now frequenting some previous stomping grounds of my earlier years with the perspective of a MPA student, I must give a grade to the State and how they are handling serious issues.

Problem 1: Graffiti. I was literally shocked at the increase of graffiti that is plaguing the island of Oahu, especially the metropolitan area around the City of Honolulu. At nearly every corner I was greeted by layers of primer on public and private walls, building, and utility equipment; it was almost like a patchwork quilt from hell. Ironically, on top of all these patchworks of primer, freshly applied tags defiantly mocked the attempts of the municipality to curb the grotesque appearance of territorial graffiti. One corner I drove past every morning would be covered with graffiti, only to be painted over by noon, then reapplied with graffiti that evening. Rather than being on the offensive, the City of Honolulu is on the defensive, simply covering up (in a rather poor manner) the effects of graffiti. At first thought, the measures Arizona has taken to curb graffiti could assist this City greatly, but any type of intervention would help right about now. If the State of Hawaii fails to curb this aspect of urban blight quickly and efficiently, they may see a deeper decrease in tourism than they are already experiencing from a slumping global economy. Grade: F.

Problem 2: Budget Shortfall. Like most states in the Union, the State of Hawaii is not exempt from a ghastly state budget shortfall. Their shortfall is to the tune of $915 million dollars, which is creating quite a stir amongst citizens and bureaucrats alike. Also, like other states, the rate of home foreclosures are affecting the amount of capital the government can obtain through property taxes. So, in order to obtain the needed funds to balance the state budget, the legislature is looking at raising taxes, but the people digress from such ideas. The people of Hawaii do not want additional pressures placed upon them in an economy where the price-of-living is already through the roof (who really wants to pay $5 for a gallon of milk?). So the legislature is looking at other measures to gradually raise money in the forms of additional taxes and fees on the tourism industry. On services from hotel room to rental cars, the state would raise taxes and fees in order to obtain the monies with little affect on the residents of Hawaii, or so they think. Why the legislature thinks placing greater burden upon the tourists who drive the bulk of their economy is a wise idea is beyond me. In conjunction with the first problem and a slumping global economy, Hawaii is already seeing less tourists frequenting their island paradises. If the legislature does increase the price of people to visit their islands they will more than likely see an even greater drop in tourism than they are already experiencing. Regardless of the price of living, the people of Hawaii are not exempt from sacrifice in stabilizing their state budget. Some legislatures have been looking at raising sales taxes, vehicle registration fees, and even toll roads. Whatever the legislature seeks to resolve this problem, neither the people of Hawaii or the tourists to their islands should bear all the weight. Grade: D.

Problem 3: Crime and Drugs. This was also an issue when I lived in the state of Hawaii, but the problem is becoming even more serious. I was told nearly everyday from concerned locals and business owners to not leave any valuables in my rental car when I would leave it. You may think 'valuables' equates to wallet, purse, electronic devices, or luggage. This is true, but you may wish to expand your vocabulary to anything of value. Even such things as clothing and food will be taken from rental cars, as the ever-increasing demand for drugs will drive individuals to gain funds by any means necessary. ICE or methamphetamine is the drug-of-choice in Hawaii, and for anyone who knows the short- and long-term affects of this drug should know of the ramifications this will have on society. I did notice a greater presence of police forces in the public, which was assuring, but in the north shore and other remote parts of the State there was minimal police coverage (where many of the drugs are produced). Hawaii is, however, fighting a good fight. The community is also behind officials in seeking to halt the use of ICE in their communities, but they will need to implement stricter penalties and community education programs to effectively fight both drug use and the crime associated with it. Grade: -C.

I don't mean to be critical of the State of Hawaii because I love the history and culture of the people and land. However, officials are being presented with real 'mainland' issues and are seeking to solve them in an 'island' fashion. There can be no laid-back pursuit of solving these problems, and officials will need to make serious decisions which will inevitably change the way their State is maintained and run. Overall, the people would be wise to revisit their State Motto: Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono (The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness). Righteousness is still needed, but a little common sense and resolve will go a long way, too.

To Kill a Dust Cloud...

2009-03-03T13:46:00.001-08:00

To kill a dust cloud takes a lot more than imagination or a vibrant Pecos Bill donning a magical lasso. Instead of the lasso, try water, chemicals, more water, chemicals, and even more water. On top of this, a massive amount of capital is also required, all in order to kill a dust cloud. After the dust abatement meeting today I was a little beyond disappointed; Queen Creek needs to act fast without the needed personnel or capital in order to fulfill the projects mandated by the State. We could really use a Pecos Bill right about now, but the final result will need a heavy dose of innovation; that is unless you've got Bill's phone number and could pass it on to me.

Dust Abatement

2009-02-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

Next week I will be attending a meeting concerning modifying dirt shoulders to meet dust abatement guidelines. It's a very interesting program; I know in other states they have specific programs on eliminating weeds or other types of pests, but dust is definitely a strange foe to fight, especially when you're in the desert. Either you can pave the dirt, thereby eliminating dust, or you can water the dirt, turning it into mud. Asphalt is expensive, so we can't pave the entire world. Water is scarce in the desert, so we can't turn Maricopa County into a large pool. It's a shame...I had just bought a beach ball...

Our Attempt to Stimulate

2009-02-25T18:33:00.000-08:00

In a meeting with officials at Queen Creek earlier this week, we had a brainstorming meeting, of sorts, in how our municipality can gain capital funds from the recently passed infrastructure stimulus bill. I can't say that I was surprised when one individual stated we were simply wasting our time. Some seem confused, so he handed us a large stack of papers filled with equations and project categories associated with each potential project. Having looked over the equations, those municipalities that would gain funds from the stimulus bill are those who have high minority populations, high rates of poverty, high levels of foreclosures; basically, the Phoenix-area would gain a majority of the funds allocated to Maricopa County.

So did we end the meeting? Nope, though it would make sense to do so. But rather we need to fill out endless forms and waste tax-payer monies on filing for projects in which we will never gain funding. Why? Because we don't want the constituents to ask "why didn't you apply for stimulus money?!" [insert scene of angry people carrying fiery torches, pitchforks, and a person with a goat here] You get the idea.

The question I have is this: when will the citizens realize that they must keep themselves educated on how their tax dollars are utilized? If it were me, I'd be much more angry with my municipal leaders if they were wasting valuable time building a paper-trail to nowhere rather than seeking out ideas/projects that actually have a snowball's chance in Hades of materializing.

How Stimulating...

2009-02-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

Many Americans, just like me, are wondering about this buzz-word circulating around the Nation and the long-term ramifications of it: stimulus. I've taken the liberty to poll the opinions of my classmates within the MPA program and many, if not all, are opposed to the stimulus bill recently passed by Congress and ratified into law by the President.

Maybe opposition is growing because of the vast amount of money it entails (787,000,000,000...that's a lot of zeros, my friend), but the initial amount doesn't even include interest or payback schedules. Others have voiced concern that many Americans and politicians alike are viewing this as a magic wand (which I have seen while in my internship), that people believe money is going to solve the problems of our current peril.

The latter of these statements is what I find most amusing. Lets say that a man has smoked all his life and is dying from lung cancer, to which the doctor prescribes more cigarettes to 'cure' his cancer. Laughable. Our current state of the economy is like the man who has smoked his entire life, except our addiction is with poor personal and public fiscal policy. Most Americans do not know how to handle money, as is evident that a majority of Americans have tens-of-thousands of dollars in credit card debt, on top of mortgages, car payments, student loans, etc. A large chunk of the stimulus bill is being injected into the housing market; quite possibly the hardest-hit sector of the American economy which has some of the most long-lasting implications. I have yet to have someone explain to me in a clear, concise, and logical manner how giving individuals money who mismanaged it in the first place will solve anything. This goes for both citizens and public municipalities.

I've been accused of having 'ideological blockage', but sue me if I raise questions when someone wants to tap more tax-payer resources for people who mismanaged their life and want a ticket out of the trials. Could it be that more and more people are objecting to this plan because it is placing too much weight upon people who have learned fiscal conservation (either through choice or experience) to bailout those who have not? Let us not depend upon a discussion in Congress to address these questions; 12-hours of night-time deliberation is all we get to pass the largest spending bill in U.S. history.

In regards to municipalities, our President has stated that this will give our local governments much-needed resources to complete projects which will create jobs and help stimulate local economies. My oh my...how stimulating. As I read a press release on this very issue, the President was quoted in saying:

"This is not a blank check...we're going to work with you closely to make sure that this money is spent the way it's supposed to."

Not a blank check? What if (and when) the money dries up and the economy still is not 'stimulated', what then? Will be have Stimulus II? Stimulus III? And so on until the economy is finally 'fixed'? For anyone that has worked within the government, whether it be an hour or years, the simplistic statement of government oversight (which Obama is advocating in this statement) is comical. Maybe the terms and conditions for government oversight, to make sure "this money is spend the way it's suppose to," were stuck somewhere in the pages of the stimulus bill, or maybe they'll just run with the punches. Regardless, vague statements and empty promises will not fix problems, they only create such.

Put another cigarette in the cancer patients mouth and give him a light. More of the same could fix him up, or kill him faster. Want to wager which it will do?

Lo, in the distance!

2009-02-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

The all-familiar sound of weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. The sounds of people being laid-off from their jobs is drawing ever so close to the Town of Queen Creek. The air is definitely thick with tension; nerves are frazzled and patience is being tested. One definite plus of being a slave to experience is that if I'm laid off, then the situation is most certainly dire for the remainder of my colleagues.

However, it is never a laughing matter when men and women in their 30s and 40s with kids at home, mortgages to pay, and livelihood to sustain are literally frightened about how they will make ends meet if they do, indeed, receive the 'pink slip'.

In my opinion, the government can pump trillions of dollars into a struggling economy in hopes of a miraculous turnaround, but if the faith of The People is lost then no amount of money or awe-inspiring speeches can save us. Faith is not bought with money, nor is it built upon the fleeting words of politicians, but it is laid in a solid foundation of knowledge that within The People, and only The People, is the salvation of our Nation. If The People lose faith in themselves, not only have we lost perspective of our own potential then our government has lost its true and only source of power.

Model Ordiance

2009-02-10T21:25:00.000-08:00

I truly believe that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a sense of humor. Not a bear riding a unicycle kind of humor, but more of a crazy man chasing after you with a butcher knife sense of crazy humor.

The Town of Queen Creek is currently assessing Chapter 16 of their wastewater ordinance for updates. They have conducted a study to assess local limits of everyday contaminants (i.e. copper, BOD5, FOG, etc.) to which they extended me the opportunity to update the new numbers into the local limits. It was actually very informative, though town ordinance is quite a dry read, it was interesting enough to see how the process actually works.

However, you may ask what this has to do with the EPA. Well, my dear little friends, let me tell you the ironic, sick, twisted humor of this organization summed up into two seemingly innocent words: 'Model Ordinance'. Individuals within Public Works asked me to view this 'model ordinance' set forth by the EPA; ideally, the Town of Queen Creek would like me to work on transferring information from our pretreatment plans to the model ordinance set forth by the EPA. So, I began the task of transferring information from the Town ordinance into the body of information set forth in this model ordinance.

Let me be the first to say that the EPA should be awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine, because they have found a cure for insomnia. Within my studies in the MPA program I've learned how confusing, difficult, and frustrating it can be to work within the complex, cold, and inhuman networks of bureaucracies, but nothing can prepare you for 62-pages of absolute drudgery! I have a theory on why Al-Qaeda hates America so much: they were randomly paroosing the Internet and happened to come along the EPA.gov website. They searched around and stumbled upon the 'model pretreatment ordinance' and began to read. About four pages into the document, they then declared jihad against America for composing such a vague, boring, and utterly annoying piece of literature.

I continued on with my task, regardless of wanting to smash my head against a wall numerous times. The overall task of inputting essential information about Queen Creek into this document took far too long, and the task is not even close to completion. Yet, I have done all I can do. Now, I pass on this cursed piece of literature to the Town's legal department where it can inflict upon them the same horrors and nightmares pronounced upon me for the past two weeks.

Behold, if you dare!

http://yosemite.epa.gov/water/owrccatalog.nsf/065ca07e299b464685256ce50075c11a/309cb85244d2d1e585257284005e1f3f!OpenDocument

The Beginning

2009-02-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome one, welcome all. In the grand name of experience, and three coveted hours of credit towards my MPA, I will allow you to enter my life as I work with the Public Works Department in the Town of Queen Creek. If you find hours of tedious research into EPA documents exciting, then I hope you brought your Ritalin.

In all seriousness, I hope these posts will serve some benefit to anyone seeking an MPA. The work is tedious and difficult, at times, but the work we do most certainly serves the greater good. It is not about money, position, or power; we are here to serve those around us. So, due to the fact that every minute of my time has an impact on the citizens of my town, every time I enter my cubicle at Queen Creek I ask myself the selfsame thing: Are you doing all you can do? Lets find out...