D.J. Tice, commentary editor and columnist with the Star Tribune and a writer, editor and publisher in Twin Cities journalism for nearly four decades, suggested this past week that, “A renewed zeal for secrecy in government seems abroad in many quarters.” One wonders where he has been conducting his research? If he happened to be listening in on recent meetings... READ MORE >
Ever run up against an obstacle that looms insurmountable; knowingly stands in the way of achieving what you’ve set out to do? This certainly was the case with the three devoted women who, on an early Sunday morning, ventured out, as the sun edged up over the horizon, to the place where the body of Jesus lay. The myrrh-bearers hastened... READ MORE >
Picture the commissioners’ boardroom jam-packed, wall-to-wall with local residents, elected officials, a fair contingent of county staff, and a few galvanized folks from the fringes. All mobilized to assess the Cook County Administrator’s performance after nearly four years in the position. The room is abuzz with an undercurrent of rather animated conversations, up until the point a moderator steps up... READ MORE >
For those of you wondering what key takeaway emerged from Joe Fredrick’s WTIP County Update interview with County Administrator Jeff Cadwell–fittingly on April’s annual practical jokes day—here’s a brief synopsis. Joe: Referring to the proposed jail expansion… “So what about the numbers? Do you have the cost-benefit numbers available for people to see?” Cadwell: “We really don’t because we haven’t... READ MORE >
A revelation divulged during County Administrator Jeff Cadwell’s opening remarks, at the March 21st public meeting on the issue of the proposed Law Enforcement/ Jail Project, pretty much tells you all you need to know. Here’s Cadwell’s opening salvo … “The three things that became apparent in the last couple of weeks is that, when we started this planning for... READ MORE >
Way back on a balmy 60-degree Wednesday evening, May 22, 2013, a group of predisposed citizens gathered in the community center to discuss expectations for a potential county administrator. Here’s a sampling of questions or comments directed to then Commissioner Bruce Martinson and myself. “What is the pay for this position and would there be savings from this hire that... READ MORE >
Were you aware this past week was Sunshine Week? A national initiative spearheaded by the American Society of News Editors to inform the public about the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary “confidentiality.” An open, transparent and accessible government is important not only to the media, but to a healthy and functioning community. It is... READ MORE >
In last week’s issue of the Cook County News-Herald, County Administrator Jeff Cadwell attempted to justify irrationally indulgent wage increases by extolling the significant role county staff play in providing valuable services to the public; noting, “Staff costs (wages and benefits) make up half of the county’s operating budget.” While a majority of Cook County residents recognize and appreciate the... READ MORE >
“Remember when your sixth-grade math teacher never let you get away with just giving the answer? You always had to ‘show your work.’ That same principle should absolutely apply to any explanation to taxpayers about property taxes.” So writes Mark Haveman, executive director for the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence, an independent voice not tied to any political ideology, who... READ MORE >
German-born novelist, Hermann Hesse, whose writings captivated the German people’s longing for a new order amid the chaos of a broken German Empire following its defeat in the Second World War, held in high regard the writings of 19th-century Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky; but Hesse cautioned . . . to read Dostoevsky is like a “glimpse into the havoc.” A... READ MORE >
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