The Royals have brought in George Brett as the new hitting coach for the team along with Pedro Grifol. They replace Jack Maloof and Andre David, who were reassigned to minor league duties within the organization.
Brett brings instant credibility given that he is in the Hall of Fame. He knew when to light a fire under people and when to lighten the mood. When Brett tells the players something, they will be much more likely to listen because he carries with him credibility of having played successfully for almost 20 years for one team.
The move will likely serve as a wake-up call for the players. They now know that they are being evaluated and that it is now time for them to become more focused and perform on the field. Anytime there is a mid-season shakeup of this nature, that is the goal.
There is the possibility that the Royals are grooming Brett to succeed Ned Yost. Yost himself came on as a "consultant" before he was hired as the full time manager. This is the last year of Yost's contract. Let Brett get to know the team for a year since they are not going anywhere and then turn the reigns over to him is a possible plan if the team continues to flounder.
The fact of the matter is that some sort of change had to be made. Yost himself set the standard for the season when he said on the record that his hitters were capable of hitting for more power. However, the team actually is hitting for less power this year and hitting fewer home runs. The firing of Maloof and David was a foregone conclusion after the former publicly predicted that the team would finish last in home runs this year in the league. That was a public admission that he was out of answers.
We have to give credit where it is due. Owner David Glass has opened his purse strings to resign Butler and Gordon this year and has put a lot more into the development of his minor league players after years of having a reputation of being a tight-fisted owner. General Manager Dayton Moore has his weaknesses as well -- none of his top draft picks has met the team's expectations. But the fact of the matter is that this season cannot be pinned on him either. Moore went out and got quality starting pitching this year. He stepped in and acted when things were not working out as expected; the replacement of the hitting coaches was a good move. Something had to be done.
The hope is that not only will George Brett help out with the hitting, he will help out with the clubhouse chemistry as well. He was the ultimate clubhouse chemistry person as well as a great player, creating an environment where everyone could succeed. But while the owner is the one who sets the budget, the general manager gets the players, and the coaches work with the players on the mechanics of the game, it is the manager's responsibility to do four things -- write the lineup cards, change pitchers, make substitutions, and maintain a positive environment for the players to perform in. The ultimate responsibility for that still lies with Yost. We don't want him to scream and yell like he seemed to imply the other night; we want him to bring discipline. If someone celebrates when it is not appropriate or there are personality conflicts within the clubhouse, then the manager is responsible for getting it stopped. There is a big difference.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Ned Yost is Toast
For the first time since the 1980's, people were actually feeling better about the Royals than they were the Chiefs. The Royals had totally revamped their pitching staff and were supposed to finally start to make strides towards respectability and have a .500 season this year. But in recent weeks, after a promising start, it has all broken down. There have been recent seasons in which the Royals have teased fans with a fast start, only to go down the toilet once other teams adjusted. But this was supposed to be different -- the pitching was finally there, the hitting was supposed to come around, and the team was supposed to be able to hit for more power.
But now, it has all turned into a fundamental breakdown of discipline. For all his shortcomings, this one cannot be blamed on GM Dayton Moore. He did his part this year, bringing in the pitching needed to turn the Royals into a contender. The responsibility lies with the manager, Ned Yost. The hitting has been a liability all year. The pages of Lee Judge's "Judging the Royals" have become a broken record -- not enough hitting, fundamental lack of plate discipline, and the inability to get the big hit when it matters. But the breakdown of team discipline cumulated last night in pitcher Luis Mendoza's celebration after he got a hit to the wall against the Cardinals. What could have turned into extra bases and a big inning instead turned into a single and one run.
Excuse me, but what does a team that has lost seven straight and 19 out of their last 23 have to celebrate about? This is similar to the times the Chiefs were showboating and celebrating their way to a 2-14 season last year, one of the worst in franchise history. If it had been a World Series win, or a Division Title, or even a winning season, that would have been something appropriate to celebrate about. It would even be appropriate to celebrate a walkoff win. Yet we see Mendoza showboating and celebrating over a single hit.
It's like the immortal Len Dawson says -- let the scoreboard do the talking for you. The long-time color commentator for the Chiefs knows a thing or two about winning; he was part of their winning Super Bowl team. What Mendoza did is not appropriate in Little League or T Ball, let alone the big leagues. Yet it is a perfect symbol of the kind of breakdown in team discipline that Ned Yost has allowed to fester this year.
It's not always a matter of wins or losses; it's how you win or lose that matters. Two nights ago, Yost got testy and defensive when asked questions about his team's performance. He sounds for all the world like a man who is out of answers for this team. He can say all he wants that he doesn't listen to speculation about his future in Kansas City. But the fact of the matter is that management listens to fan discontent much more than they would care to admit. That is why managers and coaches frequently do not last very long in professional sports. That is why the Yost Watch is officially in high gear.
Last night, he said:
“Once we start to swing the bat,” he said, “that’s where you’ll start to see everybody start to relax. Now, you start to put a win streak together. It all comes back to where it should be.”
But the problem is bigger than a matter of a team being in a slump. The team is showing a lack of plate discipline, swinging at pitches they should be taking and taking pitches they should be swinging at. The hitting is so bad that the Royals were only able to win one game out of three at tailender Houston, one of the few teams having a worse year than the Royals.
And the lack of discipline is not limited to the players. The coaches are sending different messages to the public. On the one hand, Ned Yost said that his team was capable of hitting for more power when he fired Kevin Seitzer as hitting coach last year. Now, his own hitting coach, Jack Maloof, predicted that the team would finish last in home runs this year.
The heat on Yost has been building over the last year, given that he has fired three of his coaches. This is a clear sign that management has been leaning on him to make changes. But now that Yost has his own people in charge, he is running short of options. This year, he set his own standards for the team by saying that his players were capable of hitting for more power. However, his coaches and his players have not lived up to his own standards that he set. It's not just a matter of coming out of a slump. It is a matter of the manager bringing discipline to an organization that has too long lacked it.
But now, it has all turned into a fundamental breakdown of discipline. For all his shortcomings, this one cannot be blamed on GM Dayton Moore. He did his part this year, bringing in the pitching needed to turn the Royals into a contender. The responsibility lies with the manager, Ned Yost. The hitting has been a liability all year. The pages of Lee Judge's "Judging the Royals" have become a broken record -- not enough hitting, fundamental lack of plate discipline, and the inability to get the big hit when it matters. But the breakdown of team discipline cumulated last night in pitcher Luis Mendoza's celebration after he got a hit to the wall against the Cardinals. What could have turned into extra bases and a big inning instead turned into a single and one run.
Excuse me, but what does a team that has lost seven straight and 19 out of their last 23 have to celebrate about? This is similar to the times the Chiefs were showboating and celebrating their way to a 2-14 season last year, one of the worst in franchise history. If it had been a World Series win, or a Division Title, or even a winning season, that would have been something appropriate to celebrate about. It would even be appropriate to celebrate a walkoff win. Yet we see Mendoza showboating and celebrating over a single hit.
It's like the immortal Len Dawson says -- let the scoreboard do the talking for you. The long-time color commentator for the Chiefs knows a thing or two about winning; he was part of their winning Super Bowl team. What Mendoza did is not appropriate in Little League or T Ball, let alone the big leagues. Yet it is a perfect symbol of the kind of breakdown in team discipline that Ned Yost has allowed to fester this year.
It's not always a matter of wins or losses; it's how you win or lose that matters. Two nights ago, Yost got testy and defensive when asked questions about his team's performance. He sounds for all the world like a man who is out of answers for this team. He can say all he wants that he doesn't listen to speculation about his future in Kansas City. But the fact of the matter is that management listens to fan discontent much more than they would care to admit. That is why managers and coaches frequently do not last very long in professional sports. That is why the Yost Watch is officially in high gear.
Last night, he said:
“Once we start to swing the bat,” he said, “that’s where you’ll start to see everybody start to relax. Now, you start to put a win streak together. It all comes back to where it should be.”
But the problem is bigger than a matter of a team being in a slump. The team is showing a lack of plate discipline, swinging at pitches they should be taking and taking pitches they should be swinging at. The hitting is so bad that the Royals were only able to win one game out of three at tailender Houston, one of the few teams having a worse year than the Royals.
And the lack of discipline is not limited to the players. The coaches are sending different messages to the public. On the one hand, Ned Yost said that his team was capable of hitting for more power when he fired Kevin Seitzer as hitting coach last year. Now, his own hitting coach, Jack Maloof, predicted that the team would finish last in home runs this year.
The heat on Yost has been building over the last year, given that he has fired three of his coaches. This is a clear sign that management has been leaning on him to make changes. But now that Yost has his own people in charge, he is running short of options. This year, he set his own standards for the team by saying that his players were capable of hitting for more power. However, his coaches and his players have not lived up to his own standards that he set. It's not just a matter of coming out of a slump. It is a matter of the manager bringing discipline to an organization that has too long lacked it.
Schulte Sisters Make Highest Honor Roll
Jacqueline and Michelle Schulte of Ravenwood made the Trustees List at Southwest Baptist. This is the highest honor roll at the university. Honor roll students must carry at least 12 hours of college work and earn at least a 3.00 GPA with no grade below a C. To make the Trustees List, students must make at least a 3.85 GPA. Jacqueline and Michelle are the daughters of Ben and Tina Schulte of Ravenwood.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Sunsmart Technologies Seeks to Bring Solar to NW Missouri
Sunsmart Technologies, a startup solar company based in Phoenix, recently expanded its operations into Kansas City, where they have put some solar panels on some roofs there. Now, they are seeking to expand into Northwest Missouri. The business moves make perfect sense seeking that Missouri is seeking to be 15% renewable by 2021. That was one of the reasons that they chose Missouri over Hawaii when deciding where to open a second office. Another consideration was the fact that KCP&L pays up to a 50% rebate to customers who put solar panels on their homes under their Custom Rebate Program. All projects by KCP&L customers must be pre-approved before work begins; customers with projects that have already started or completed are not eligible for these benefits. Approval is not guaranteed; all such projects must have a societal benefit that exceeds the cost as judged by KCP&L according to KCP&L’s website. Energy Saving measures that are part of the Standard Rebate Program are ineligible for the Custom Rebate Program.
Sunsmart was recently featured in Northland, a magazine that does features on Kansas City area businesses. They employ around 20 people and are headquartered in Gladstone, MO. They provide full service installations of photovoltaic systems to commercial and residential customers. They are located at 701 NE 76th Street in Gladstone, MO; their phone number is (816) 298-7619.
There are other benefits available as well. The USDA pays up to 25% of installation costs for solar for farms and ranches in rural areas. The federal government currently provides a 30% tax credit for solar installation costs. And utility companies are required by law in Missouri to pay $2 per watt for solar electricity installed by customers.
With both federal and state incentives for solar energy, it has created a highly competitive business environment for solar and other alternative energy companies as it provides a major growth industry. And with gas prices rising back to $4 per gallon recently, it will create even more incentive as existing firms may look to get into solar and wind.
Sunsmart is just one of many firms seeking a share of the emerging market of solar. The site Angie’s List, a site where customers can review businesses, lists 59 solar panel installers in the Kansas City area alone. The ones that establish themselves will be the ones who prove themselves knowledgeable about government programs, are able to provide quality service, and who are able to stand behind their work after the job is completed.
The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit allows people to take up to 30% of their tax credit for solar water heaters, photovoltaics, and other solar electric technologies placed in service after 2008 with no maximum. Solar water heating property must be certified by SRCC (a solar rating corporation) or a comparable entity endorsed by Missouri. At least half the energy used to heat the dwelling’s water must be from solar. The credit expires on December 31st, 2016.
The USDA provides grants and loans for rural agricultural producers. The following is information from the USDA website. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in rural America to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems; make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities; use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption; and participate in energy audits, renewable energy development assistance, and feasibility studies.
The REAP Renewable Energy System Grant and Loan Guarantee provides financial assistance to agriculture producers and rural small business for the specific purpose of purchasing, installing and constructing renewable energy systems. This type of assistance may require that a business level feasibility study be completed by an independent qualified consultant as part of the application.
USDA grants can cover up to 25% of the cost of the project. USDA loans and grants combined can cover up to 75% of the cost of projects. This program is competitive, meaning that not everyone will be approved.
The Better Business Bureau advises prospective customers to do their homework before choosing a solar installer like they would any other major contractor. The BBB advises customers to determine if solar energy is right for you, consider all the costs associated with solar energy, stay informed about state and federal incentive programs, be cautious of installers that promise no out of pocket costs prior to reviewing your specific situation, be leery if an installer suggests obtaining credit for the full amount of the system, make sure your roof is in good condition to sustain a solar panel system, and understand how solar energy works. The BBB says that if one’s electric bill is less than $100 per month, there are usually other ways of saving energy that cost less.
United Electric customers can get a low-cost energy audit to help them determine how to meet their energy needs. According to their website, United Electric Cooperative will perform home energy audits for members and recommend weatherization improvements. The Cooperative will charge $100 for the audit, with the full amount refundable if the member makes recommended improvements within 6 months of the audit. United Electric Cooperative will also match up to 50% of the cost for improvements, up to a maximum of $500. Each member who schedules an audit will receive a free energy efficiency kit that includes a water heater wrap, hot water pipe wrap, CFLs, insulation kits for electrical outlets and switches, low flow shower head, caulk and weather stripping. Members can contact their Member Services Department for more information on the home energy audits.
Sunsmart was recently featured in Northland, a magazine that does features on Kansas City area businesses. They employ around 20 people and are headquartered in Gladstone, MO. They provide full service installations of photovoltaic systems to commercial and residential customers. They are located at 701 NE 76th Street in Gladstone, MO; their phone number is (816) 298-7619.
There are other benefits available as well. The USDA pays up to 25% of installation costs for solar for farms and ranches in rural areas. The federal government currently provides a 30% tax credit for solar installation costs. And utility companies are required by law in Missouri to pay $2 per watt for solar electricity installed by customers.
With both federal and state incentives for solar energy, it has created a highly competitive business environment for solar and other alternative energy companies as it provides a major growth industry. And with gas prices rising back to $4 per gallon recently, it will create even more incentive as existing firms may look to get into solar and wind.
Sunsmart is just one of many firms seeking a share of the emerging market of solar. The site Angie’s List, a site where customers can review businesses, lists 59 solar panel installers in the Kansas City area alone. The ones that establish themselves will be the ones who prove themselves knowledgeable about government programs, are able to provide quality service, and who are able to stand behind their work after the job is completed.
The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit allows people to take up to 30% of their tax credit for solar water heaters, photovoltaics, and other solar electric technologies placed in service after 2008 with no maximum. Solar water heating property must be certified by SRCC (a solar rating corporation) or a comparable entity endorsed by Missouri. At least half the energy used to heat the dwelling’s water must be from solar. The credit expires on December 31st, 2016.
The USDA provides grants and loans for rural agricultural producers. The following is information from the USDA website. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in rural America to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems; make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities; use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption; and participate in energy audits, renewable energy development assistance, and feasibility studies.
The REAP Renewable Energy System Grant and Loan Guarantee provides financial assistance to agriculture producers and rural small business for the specific purpose of purchasing, installing and constructing renewable energy systems. This type of assistance may require that a business level feasibility study be completed by an independent qualified consultant as part of the application.
USDA grants can cover up to 25% of the cost of the project. USDA loans and grants combined can cover up to 75% of the cost of projects. This program is competitive, meaning that not everyone will be approved.
The Better Business Bureau advises prospective customers to do their homework before choosing a solar installer like they would any other major contractor. The BBB advises customers to determine if solar energy is right for you, consider all the costs associated with solar energy, stay informed about state and federal incentive programs, be cautious of installers that promise no out of pocket costs prior to reviewing your specific situation, be leery if an installer suggests obtaining credit for the full amount of the system, make sure your roof is in good condition to sustain a solar panel system, and understand how solar energy works. The BBB says that if one’s electric bill is less than $100 per month, there are usually other ways of saving energy that cost less.
United Electric customers can get a low-cost energy audit to help them determine how to meet their energy needs. According to their website, United Electric Cooperative will perform home energy audits for members and recommend weatherization improvements. The Cooperative will charge $100 for the audit, with the full amount refundable if the member makes recommended improvements within 6 months of the audit. United Electric Cooperative will also match up to 50% of the cost for improvements, up to a maximum of $500. Each member who schedules an audit will receive a free energy efficiency kit that includes a water heater wrap, hot water pipe wrap, CFLs, insulation kits for electrical outlets and switches, low flow shower head, caulk and weather stripping. Members can contact their Member Services Department for more information on the home energy audits.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Obituary -- Junetta Barrett 1919-2013
Junetta Barrett, age 93 years and 6 months, passed away May 18, 2013 in Roswell, Georgia at the home of her daughter. Junetta was born November 20, 1919 near Hatfield, the daughter of Raymond and Florence Barnhouse. She attended Northwest Missouri State College and graduated in 1941, receiving a BS degree. Upon graduation, she taught high school in Van Wert, Leroy, and College Springs. She later worked at Trinity Lutheran Hospital in Kansas City. She married Elmer Mumford of Maryville. A daughter, Alicia, was born to the couple in 1944. He was killed in the Burma theater as a pilot in the Army Air Corp flying "the Hump."
In 1947, Junetta moved to Yuma, AZ where she was employed as nutrition director in the Yuma City Schools. She met and married Howard Barrett of Yuma and a daughter, Julie Ann, was born to this marriage. She continued her position in the Yuma City Schools until she moved to Phoenix to become the State Director of School Nutrition. She retired from that position in 1981.
She lived in Grant City for a number of years after her retirement from Arizona and was active in the community and the Grant City Christian Church.
Junetta was a resident in Clearview Assisted Living in Mount Ayr for 10 years before moving to Georgia. She treasured her time there and all the residents and staff.
She is survived by her daughter Alicia Fish and son-in-law Tim Fish of Roswell, GA; brother Hugh (Evaleen) Barnhouse of Hatfield; grandchildren Brian (Bernadette) Fish and Julie (Robert) Percy of Roswell, Aimee (David) Briglio of Ponte Verda, FL, and great-grandchildren Carter Percy, Melanie Percy, Jane Briglio, Mary Katherine Briglio, Celia Briglio, Ian Fish, and Sarah Fish.
Junetta was preceded in death by daughter Julie Barrett, second husband Howard Barrett, parents Raymond and Florence Barnhouse, brothers Verdo Barnhouse and Francis (Hank) Barnhouse, and sisters Marjorie Barnhouse, Bonnie George, and Alice Boyd.
Graveside Service and Interment was Saturday, May 25, 2013 in the Grant City Cemetery alongside members of her family whom she loved dearly. Arrangements were under the direction of the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home of Grant City.
In 1947, Junetta moved to Yuma, AZ where she was employed as nutrition director in the Yuma City Schools. She met and married Howard Barrett of Yuma and a daughter, Julie Ann, was born to this marriage. She continued her position in the Yuma City Schools until she moved to Phoenix to become the State Director of School Nutrition. She retired from that position in 1981.
She lived in Grant City for a number of years after her retirement from Arizona and was active in the community and the Grant City Christian Church.
Junetta was a resident in Clearview Assisted Living in Mount Ayr for 10 years before moving to Georgia. She treasured her time there and all the residents and staff.
She is survived by her daughter Alicia Fish and son-in-law Tim Fish of Roswell, GA; brother Hugh (Evaleen) Barnhouse of Hatfield; grandchildren Brian (Bernadette) Fish and Julie (Robert) Percy of Roswell, Aimee (David) Briglio of Ponte Verda, FL, and great-grandchildren Carter Percy, Melanie Percy, Jane Briglio, Mary Katherine Briglio, Celia Briglio, Ian Fish, and Sarah Fish.
Junetta was preceded in death by daughter Julie Barrett, second husband Howard Barrett, parents Raymond and Florence Barnhouse, brothers Verdo Barnhouse and Francis (Hank) Barnhouse, and sisters Marjorie Barnhouse, Bonnie George, and Alice Boyd.
Graveside Service and Interment was Saturday, May 25, 2013 in the Grant City Cemetery alongside members of her family whom she loved dearly. Arrangements were under the direction of the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home of Grant City.
Community Services Faces Possible Drastic Expenses under Obamacare
Community Services faces possible drastic new expenses under Obamacare and may possibly require them to cover more employees under the plan, Executive Director Bonnie Patterson told the Community Services Board in a written report at their regular meeting last Wednesday. Community Services could face a double hit from sequestration cuts and Obamacare and may be forced to make even more cuts down the road. Patterson said that she would contact the insurance agent and discuss her concerns with him.In California and Oregon, two of the early states to implement Obamacare, rates will be much lower than expected at least initially. However, the concern is that these are simply teaser rates and that they will go sharply higher once everyone is locked in.
Community Services received their funding cut amount from Head Start due to the sequester cuts; it ended up being 5.27%, an amount which is likely to be permanent even if no more sequester cuts are forthcoming. She said that they anticipated a 6% cut in Section 8 Housing funding as well.
The State Association is applying for federal money to become navigators for clients to become enrolled in the federal healthcare system or to purchase affordable healthcare. If their application is successful, Community Services would be able to help clients navigate the system and pick the plan that is best for them.
Community Services Block Grant funding around the country will be cut by $635,283,911, a reduction of approximately 6.3%, from Fiscal Year 2012. This is according to a letter from the US Department of Health and Human Services. This funding level reflects both the final enacted appropriation and sequestration. These figures reflect both the sequestration and the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013 signed into law by President Obama on March 26th.
Community Services was able to weatherize two homes during April. They currently have 126 on the HUD rolls and 10 vouchers out. They have received two new contracts for the insulation of homes, one being a new construction and two additional estimates out. They received a grant from Home Depot for the Energy Savings for Veterans Program, which is specifically for materials. Community Services has acquired control of their domain name, website, and everything else related. They plan to start a new website by the first of June.
Community Services received their funding cut amount from Head Start due to the sequester cuts; it ended up being 5.27%, an amount which is likely to be permanent even if no more sequester cuts are forthcoming. She said that they anticipated a 6% cut in Section 8 Housing funding as well.
The State Association is applying for federal money to become navigators for clients to become enrolled in the federal healthcare system or to purchase affordable healthcare. If their application is successful, Community Services would be able to help clients navigate the system and pick the plan that is best for them.
Community Services Block Grant funding around the country will be cut by $635,283,911, a reduction of approximately 6.3%, from Fiscal Year 2012. This is according to a letter from the US Department of Health and Human Services. This funding level reflects both the final enacted appropriation and sequestration. These figures reflect both the sequestration and the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013 signed into law by President Obama on March 26th.
Community Services was able to weatherize two homes during April. They currently have 126 on the HUD rolls and 10 vouchers out. They have received two new contracts for the insulation of homes, one being a new construction and two additional estimates out. They received a grant from Home Depot for the Energy Savings for Veterans Program, which is specifically for materials. Community Services has acquired control of their domain name, website, and everything else related. They plan to start a new website by the first of June.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Proposed Missouri Ballot Initiative would Restrict Eminent Domain
A proposed Missouri ballot initiative would restrict eminent domain by government entitles. It would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow only government entities to use eminent domain, prohibit its use for private purposes with certain exceptions for utilities, require that eny taking of property be necessary for a public use while continuing to provide "just compensation," require that the intended public use be declared at the time of the taking, and permit the original owners to repurchase the property if it is not so used within five years or if the property is offered to a private entity within 20 years. According to the cost estimate provided by the Secretary of State's office, the total cost or savings to state or local governmental entities is unknown. the estimated costs, if any, could be significant.
The group Citizens for Property Rights is pushing the petition. It says on its website that private use of eminent domain is "one of many types of corporate welfare" that they say is being practiced by the state. On their website, they say that eminent domain, as practiced by certain governmental entities, amounts to nothing more than the theft of small businesses for the benefit of gigantic corporations. For instance, they cite the case of Homer Tourkakis, a dentist who was sued by the City of Arnold, who wanted to take away his dental building so that they could build a huge department store that they said would bring in more revenues.
As quoted by Citizens for Property Rights, Tourkakis said:
I have no objection to development, but I feel it’s wrong to take my property for the benefit of another private party. Over the last three years, I have spent a vast part of my life and a whole lot of money fighting for my constitutional right to keep my property. I would not wish this on anyone. This process is a travesty of justice and needs to be stopped. I don’t take kindly to the idea of having my hard work and property taken away. I could not reproduce what I have here anywhere else. I have a prime location and it has been excellent for my business. But city officials don’t care—they’re too fixated on the increased sales tax revenues the new retail establishments will bring in.
In March 2008, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that smaller and larger cities have the authority to condemn properties and turn them over to private developers. Eminent domain battles of this nature have been fought throughout the state.
According to a fact sheet from the Missouri Ombudsman of Property Rights summarizing RSMo 523.350, the Landowner Bill of Rights in Missouri, at least 60 days before the filing of a condemnation action seeking to acquire an interest in real property, the condemning authority shall provide the owner of record with a notice. Among other things, the notice is required to state the legal description, the purpose or purposes for which the property is to be acquired, and advising the owner of their rights.
Property owners have the right to seek legal counsel, make a counteroffer and engage in further negotiations, obtain one's own appraisal, have just compensation determined by court-appointed condemnation commissioners and by a jury, seek assistance from the office of Ombudsman of Property Rights created to help owners help understand the process, contest the right to condemn, and exercise the right to request vacation of an easement.
The Missouri Municipal League opposes efforts to prohibit the use of eminent domain to rehabilitate blighted areas according to their most recent policy statement available online. They have litigated in the past against previous attempts to restrict eminent domain. "Eminent domain is indispensable and is most often used as a last resort for revitalizing local economies, creating much-needed jobs, and generating revenue that enables cities to provide essential services. Eminent domain is a powerful tool; its prudent use, when exercised in the sunshine of public scrutiny, helps achieve a great public good that benefits the entire community. Economic policies and incentives supported by the Governor and adopted by the General Assembly will have little effect in encouraging business to expand or relocate in Missouri to support the economic vitality of the state if land cannot be assembled through the power of eminent domain if necessary," said the statement.
In another section relating to municipal acquisition of land, the Municipal League stated in the same policy paper that they opposed any requirement to pay property damages to nearby property owners when a municipality purchases or condemns land for public purposes. They also oppose attempts that would encourage property owners to challenge, risk-free, condemnation settlements "offered in good faith."
One of the main problems is that "blight" is a very subjective definition; the Municipal League maintains that most cases of eminent domain are exercised to combat "blight." However, the Ombudsman for Property Rights posted a whole section of well-kept houses that were targeted for condemnation because they were deemed to be "blighted."
The group Citizens for Property Rights is pushing the petition. It says on its website that private use of eminent domain is "one of many types of corporate welfare" that they say is being practiced by the state. On their website, they say that eminent domain, as practiced by certain governmental entities, amounts to nothing more than the theft of small businesses for the benefit of gigantic corporations. For instance, they cite the case of Homer Tourkakis, a dentist who was sued by the City of Arnold, who wanted to take away his dental building so that they could build a huge department store that they said would bring in more revenues.
As quoted by Citizens for Property Rights, Tourkakis said:
I have no objection to development, but I feel it’s wrong to take my property for the benefit of another private party. Over the last three years, I have spent a vast part of my life and a whole lot of money fighting for my constitutional right to keep my property. I would not wish this on anyone. This process is a travesty of justice and needs to be stopped. I don’t take kindly to the idea of having my hard work and property taken away. I could not reproduce what I have here anywhere else. I have a prime location and it has been excellent for my business. But city officials don’t care—they’re too fixated on the increased sales tax revenues the new retail establishments will bring in.
In March 2008, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that smaller and larger cities have the authority to condemn properties and turn them over to private developers. Eminent domain battles of this nature have been fought throughout the state.
According to a fact sheet from the Missouri Ombudsman of Property Rights summarizing RSMo 523.350, the Landowner Bill of Rights in Missouri, at least 60 days before the filing of a condemnation action seeking to acquire an interest in real property, the condemning authority shall provide the owner of record with a notice. Among other things, the notice is required to state the legal description, the purpose or purposes for which the property is to be acquired, and advising the owner of their rights.
Property owners have the right to seek legal counsel, make a counteroffer and engage in further negotiations, obtain one's own appraisal, have just compensation determined by court-appointed condemnation commissioners and by a jury, seek assistance from the office of Ombudsman of Property Rights created to help owners help understand the process, contest the right to condemn, and exercise the right to request vacation of an easement.
The Missouri Municipal League opposes efforts to prohibit the use of eminent domain to rehabilitate blighted areas according to their most recent policy statement available online. They have litigated in the past against previous attempts to restrict eminent domain. "Eminent domain is indispensable and is most often used as a last resort for revitalizing local economies, creating much-needed jobs, and generating revenue that enables cities to provide essential services. Eminent domain is a powerful tool; its prudent use, when exercised in the sunshine of public scrutiny, helps achieve a great public good that benefits the entire community. Economic policies and incentives supported by the Governor and adopted by the General Assembly will have little effect in encouraging business to expand or relocate in Missouri to support the economic vitality of the state if land cannot be assembled through the power of eminent domain if necessary," said the statement.
In another section relating to municipal acquisition of land, the Municipal League stated in the same policy paper that they opposed any requirement to pay property damages to nearby property owners when a municipality purchases or condemns land for public purposes. They also oppose attempts that would encourage property owners to challenge, risk-free, condemnation settlements "offered in good faith."
One of the main problems is that "blight" is a very subjective definition; the Municipal League maintains that most cases of eminent domain are exercised to combat "blight." However, the Ombudsman for Property Rights posted a whole section of well-kept houses that were targeted for condemnation because they were deemed to be "blighted."
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