Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (5/16/2023) Concerns, Annexation, Tourism Dignitaries and Ethics!

Cicero (Roman senator, 106-43 BCE) 
Fresco by Cesare Maccari (1840-1919 CE).
Representation of change..

There was a lot of activity within this meeting spanning the spectrum from tourism to finance. Harder numbers were thrown around and people seemed upset about the annexation. Somewhere in the process I suspect they felt like their concerns were not being addressed fully. They brought forward their questions and issues and it appears there was some adjustment on the commission side.  It furthermore seems that the strategy of bringing forward information helps in creating change organically through public discussion. 

Key point: Democracy is a process of conversation.

Key point: Democracy is a process of making decisions based on that conversation.

Key point: Active interest in government and avenues of discussing issues publicly improves democratic outcomes (i.e. the need to protect freedom of speech as a mechanism of growth).

Democracy is a process of conversation because it is derived from a social behaviors (The design of society determines who is allowed to be in the conversation. For example, a dictator uses power to be the decision maker, a theocracy uses religious people, a democracy seeks to use a more form of organic societal decision making. Positive change happens through conversation. i.e. freedom of speech is central to successful decision making. Stifle that and you stifle democracies core method.). We elect people we think are going to represent our best interests. Some do and some don't. (Its not specific here but in general to all elected officials). When they represent us well, we reelect them. When they don't, we don't reelect them (Accurate information is necessary to make those decisions.)

We then go through a discussion using various channels to define what we want as a people and a community. The more accurate (based in observational truth) and honest (based in professed truth) everyone is within the process, the faster a shared truth that guides a community (This is why I like to say, "Which side of truth/"truth" of an argument are you using?" The observed and the professed.). When there is missing information and/or misleading information it can end in costly derailment of decision making. (This is also why we should avoid rudeness and extreme ideological fringes because it limits conversation. It limits not only the proper expression of legitimate concerns but also the hearing of those concerns. Say something rude to someone and you realize they probably stopped listening to you. In general it is best to be polite but persistent.) 

There were some positive adaptations that occurred from my perspective (My perspective is limited but still probably valid at least as an observational data point). There appeared to be some walking back of initial courses of actions and one path that may have been emanant is now slowed for more thorough decision making (I think this is the case. Some experience in contract negotiations so I would gauge it this way). 

An example of this adaptation in local thinking is helpful. I think the people in general agree that the solar farm is one issue and the annexation is a separate issue. If it is a separate issue it becomes possible to use alternative courses of actions such development without splitting or annexing townships. i.e. shared tax and service agreements with an entity for a specified period (There are other options but they will likely be unpopular and in many cases impractical.)

Notes: I try and keep accurate notes but sometimes I make mistakes. If I say something inaccurate just post a message or let me know and I will review and fix. 

-Concerned that the people should decide annexation and not the board. 

-Someone talking about one of the commissioner was a thief. Called someone a criminal. Something about recall and bringing up old stuff. 

-A letter sent in with general criticisms.

-A lady wants to keep Escanaba Twp. Fire Department services. I think if the solar farm comes into the area they could just do a shared tax agreement and an agreement on services. There is no need to annex another area to complete this. 

-Go Paul N! Go Paul! Felt his son was misled and he would challenge the petition for many reasons such as the older names. Such a thing as drastic as annexation should have a vote. An option would be to move to Wells Twp as an Escanaba Twp. will not be able to stand alone. He would restart an organization. Paul is a local mover and shaker in the area and has knowledge of these things. (Combining Wells and Escanaba Twp with industries like Billerud would likely create a strong performing investment location with higher funded services. However, that is a long route and benefits and detractors would need to be analyzed. Its a secondary option if annexation occurs.)

-.32 min. There is an issue of administrative fees and bonuses brought up. Very specific $600K in fee. They are admin fees in exchange for office space. 1. What was the administrative feel? 2. Was it used for something else? 2022 Admin fee. $72K. Two transaction. First 35K from that went to an account for employee labeled "Incentive Pay for Employees". About 10K went to each of the district employees. 10% of profits were kept but is only added in 2023 contract and not in any other contract. One of the district. Another 18K bonuses leading to $33K in bonuses for one of the district employees.

-Tourism dignitaries came out. (This participation is a testimony to how the community wants to grow and how it would benefit from tourism. If we then add that to micro manufacturing tourism related businesses (i.e. golf clubs, snow shoes, etc.) we can improve tourism appeal, investment appeal downtown, and have started an export market. As businesses learn to collaborate on the export market they are able to better hedge the value of these small micro manufacturers by getting their products listed online and listed in other countries. When we think of the new housing development downtown we should be excited about the possibilities for the town.)

$120K donated by the Hannahville Tribe. (The Native Americans in the area are a big part of contributing to our community. This is also why I advocate for greater tribal participation with local leaders to coordinate how both communities can grow. Escanaba should be a modern 'smart city' where different types people are encouraged and welcomed to engage with each other.)

(On a side note I really like this tribe. They do a lot for people in the area. We should be closer people and work together to accomplish our goals. While I had some early memories with that tribe I now find myself in later years respecting their traditions more. The video below is from a different tribe but the Great Spirit gave all two legged beings a choice to walk forward or backward and there are consequences. Light or Dark is a choice. You can watch 'Hear my words'.  If you understand anthropology, archeology, psychology, business, history, philosophy, etc. there is a philosophical concept of a logic to life."

-Comm. wants to bring forward an attorney for procedures and rules. Not frivolous lawsuits related. This is about avoiding being sued. The insurance must still approve which attorney they would use. Comm mentioned that the attorney in question had looked into the annexation on his own because of interest in the county. The crowd didn't appear happy. There was discussion on getting the attorney up in the area. 

-On discussion of annexation the comm asked another with a potential conflict of interest to recuse himself from discussion. Ethics and conflict of interest policy. The comm in question indicated that he will not be in a defendants chair and that there has been no evidence brought forward.

-Ethics polity 1001. Appearance of influence or accepting thing of value. 1101 Not allowed any decision to be made in one's interesting in business and disclose any conflict of interest. Under conflict of interest policy where an employee of a county has personal interest in issues. Avoid appearance through full public disclosure. 

-Some commissioners feel that a commissioner with a potential conflict should be recused by Robert Ballot. 1862 Esc. Twp. was established. People are not aware of the annexation. Have signatures of people who don't want this. 2.5 mils more cost. House cost will rise for insurance because of Cornell difference. Esc Twp. Fire Depart. would lose out on revenue. 190 people want to have their name removed. 409 signatures needed, minus decease, opposed, don't live there, etc. it doesn't reach 20% of the residents. 530 people who oppose the annexation. 3.5 weeks. 

(One of the most respectful and honorable things you can do for your nation and your community is to volunteer. Patriotism isn't only about symbols it is also about action. These local firefighters train for free but put their lives at risk each and every time they get a phone page. They are the ones who respond during the snow, rain, blazing heat and while everyone is still sleeping. If you can't volunteer then encourage others, and if you can't do that find some other way to support our volunteers. What is it like to be a firefigher? From what I have seen this is one of the most trained and capable departments in the area.)

-No one should vote on an issue of in which they have a interest nor can they be stopped. 

-Commissioner says he wants to protect Delta County. He would like to see meeting of Esc. Twp. and Cornell and then both together. 51% of everyone would have to agree. Will receive application for annexation soon. 

-Michigan trust fund grant.135K total match. 500+K money is coming forward. I think that is the same as Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund  They feel that right now they are going to scrape the project because its a lot of extra work. 

-USDA and Sheriff Dept. watch land. There are some service reimbursements. 

-Resignation in dispatch and need someone to refill the position. 

-Veterans Service Fund. Buying equipment and use of multi purpose garage.$78K requested.

-Open position from retirement in corrections. 

-Blight Elimination Grant $500K for reimbursement grant. You can read more about that grant HERE. Terrace Bay Work Group will conduct the site cleaning, state will pay but through DC.

-Discussion on addressing and personal comments. Special Delta County Conservation District Board of Directors June 21st 4-8pm in person voting Pioneer Trail Park. 

-Open Meetings Act. Purchasing Policy Sept. 21st 2021 rules and procedures were approved by commission. During park and recreation must be bid over 10K and it wasn't. It was brought up but ignored 2X publicly. Discussed rules that were not followed and posting requirements.

-Only a few showed up to elections on board. 

-Nov. meeting upset calling twp. board "Marxists" and "ignorance on steroids." Feels like there is a projection 

(I'm not going to share my opinion here as this is the opinion of the speaker. I think she was talking about projection. Harvard wrote something on the topic in An Experiment on Interpersonal Projection Bias. A misperception gap up to like 27%. I tried to find one sort of neutral because I like to trace back the meaning of things people sometimes say just to see where it came from. I failed Harvard's economics class one time. Put in a higher class then I should have taken and then did B+/A- but was spending grueling hours on it along with lots of other full-time work. Somewhere in the middle I dropped/abandoned the class. I only took a few classes for fun.)

-Commissioner discussed and promoted annexation at public meetings. This is why I like these things should be recorded just in case. Obligation to know how much is coming back and used within government. There are concerns. Wants revenue from parks back. 

-Appalled by what she sees. Mentions Tail Gunner Joe and refers to one of the Comms.

-Concerned about my political enemies are your political enemies. Said after hiring of new admin and then posted it again Craig Warpal Newsmaker. (I can't find it). Concerns of words on RINO, obstruction, Democrat, Liberal, etc... 

-Courthouse security concern. 

-Radio comment concerns on the new pro bono attorney rewriting policies of county and prayer in the organization. She feels that there is corruption if they are deciding issues beforehand. 

-Issues of attorney doing pro bono work and be on stand bye. Audio is cutting out because of loudness. Concerned that prosecuting attorney is being side stepped. Couldn't hear anything. Something about wife?

-One lady concerned about what is meant by non-denominational. She said that there are Muslims, Jews, Hindus in town and others who pay taxes.   'Socioeconomic Impact of Religious Freedom')

-The poet (I think its the poet) that says they may want to get the sound muffler. 

-One resident became concerned about some behaviors on social media and intimidation and harassment behaviors in the community (Do you know there are people out there who believe its ludicrous we could have social and physical intimidation for any reason? My personal opinion is if we can see it on the playground in our grade schools some of those kids grow up to do it in adult life.). Talks about seeing corruption and other things. Doesn't care about whether we get solar but how we get there to that decision.  Discussed recusal. No one should go into office for personal gain. Wants the 4 members to vote on annexation or solar panels after the recusal and if they can't then put it out for a vote. 

-One community member felt. I will just quote it, "Your Policy Sucks!"

 (Policies are generally the best place to start to look for potential issues. Lots of problems stem from either policies or not having mechanisms to enforce policies. Good policies and enforcement help any system avoid confusion and inappropriateness. Its not specific to here or anywhere else. I sort of found a funny video on a similar topic 'Back to School'. )

-Concern on ethics and firing of prior administrator. 

-2 years ago some comms discussing bullying. 

-Discussion on contracting with court security.

-One Comm apologized how he acted. Will support new admin (We may disagree with what happened but that doesn't necessarily mean that this admin has anything to do with it. It was an open opportunity it would be natural for people to apply.) A discussion on supporting veterans. Keeping track of veterans. Wants to ensure the ethics policy is sent to all commissioners. Also discusses his happiness that young people are getting involved (Don't underestimate our youth! They learn from us. Let us hope we are giving them helpful lessons.). New business Bay Veteran Clinic (I think this is the right one.). 90 minute session on solar panel questions. Process for answering public questions. (Its hard to answer right on the spot sometimes and sometimes questions are more emotional then logical. Actual questions should be answered either there, on a page/social media, and/or the next meeting. It helps to ensure that legitimate questions and concerns should have responses. It improves transparency and information.)

-Discusses how different states have rules as they relate to names and location, etc. of people who request.

-Comm states that they would need a meet with Esc. Twp and they would need Cornell Twp. and one with the county to complete the annexation. He said the twp. would then need to vote on it. (I think its possible to carve out a shared agreement on how to service and collect taxes on the location as a special exemption for industrial development. That way both twp. receive tax monies. There will be some costs that will need to go to fire departments and other services. This is kind of why I'm thinking about having a first responder fund that can be contributed to fund those expenditures.)

-Ethics complaints go through different people. Ethics board has three. Chair for Personnel Committee, County Chair, and Prosecutor. You can submit complaints to any of the three people. 

-Prayer is from 1861 Non-denominational. Includes everyone. The rules and ethics policies have been around since 1990. 

It is those who know how to grind that get things done. (Motivational Video)

I really like these motivational videos because they kind of get you pepped up with your morning coffee and walk/jog. I thought you might like it. Me, I just got in last night so I'm out grinding already this AM. No matter what you want out of life, your going to have to take steps for it. I accomplished most of my main goals so I reset a few bigger ones. Its the journey, not the goal, that is enticing. 

What is the Difference Between Organizations/Institutions That Navigate Change Well and Those that Don't?

What  makes one organization or institution willing to change to meet new demands and other organizations won't change until there are serious market/public losses. Successful organizations typically comes down to adaptability but one must wonder what are the differences between those who adapt well to change and those that don't.  

The first point to consider is Albert Einstein's Quote , "Today’s problems cannot be solved with the same level of thinking that created them.”

People change and organizations change to meet new demands. Let us look at quality of leadership, customers focus, environmental pressure and resources. 

1. Quality of Leadership: If the leadership doesn't recognize the change and doesn't have the foresight to change, they will avoid making decisions in the long run and instead focus on short term gains more exclusively. In other words, they are task oriented with limited focus but don't solve the essential problem.

2. Customer Focus: If one has a specific customer in mind they will not change as long as that is their primary customer. Sometimes organizations are not aware their customer are different and they will begin to loose customers. If they are an institution they will have lower trust levels.

3. Environmental Pressure: Environmental pressure can force organizations to change or eventually move into misalignment where decline increases. Analyzing the long term strategy and mission are helpful.

4. Resources: A business or institution may not have the resources to change. In this case they have to borrow, sell, or do other things that put resources when they are needed. Sometimes they wait for a major calamity, competition or bankruptcy to change.

Whether we are talking about business or government institutions there are times when change will put them ahead of the curve or they may wait until after the curve. After the curve, thinking becomes more reactive and often leads to wholesale organizational disruption. Pre curve change have some risks but the rewards are high. The biggest point to be made here is that leadership quality, customer focus, environmental pressure, and available resources determine whether an organization can recognize the need for change and make that change happen. 

Escanaba Back in the Day-Delft Theater

 

Risk of Default Rises, Need for U.S. Balanced Budget, the Need for Shared Goals

Deposits are lower and there is some risk that there is a pressure on banks with higher interest rates causing some banking pressure. Thus, we might expect more consolidations, reduced bank stocks, and perhaps a few defaults.  There are also some concerns about how to balance the budge, commercial banking activities and the general need to work toward shared goals. You may find the video and information below as helpful. 

If we look at the FRED data on commercial bank deposits and revolving credit there is a little concern. However, when you go to the actual chart you can move to a 5 year view and you will see we are still up in deposits overall. The revolving credit might be an issue because if you have a US default you will likely find credit defaults which causes a chain reaction. How far, we don't actually know. I would be interested in seeing some projections. 

This is the danger of politics. We know we have a debt/spending problem, we know we must compete internationally, so its intuitive we need to restructure and change to put resources where its going to create net positives (That is not against all social programs which if they use the right metrics some are likely net positives.). It does mean going through our different initiatives and programs and ensure we are cutting waste and we are improving their effectiveness around 4-5 main goals for the country. 

My opinion is do as much as you can, extend 6 months (or some months) and work on adjusting our finances for national success. Start with what we know we need to keep and then putting together bipartisan teams to look at each major government expenditure. We encourage mature politicians that want to work these issues out to be collaborators with the party across the isle for mutual growth. No room for staunch ideologies. Everyone must work together. 

Description: Kate Kelly, New York Times reporter, Larry McDonald, The Bear Trap Report founder, and CNBC's Leslie Picker discuss the latest comments from Janet Yellen on the banking crisis, the ongoing debt ceiling debate, and more.

Dr. Janet Yellen discusses risks of breakdown Yellen warns against a US default

These Federal Reserve Commercial Bank Deposits and Revolving Credit. You can gain more from FRED Economic Data Deposits, All Commercial Bank

Commercial Bank Deposits

Commercial Bank Revolve Credit.

Police Reform is Neither All Good Or All Bad! How do you feel about what I'm saying?

The clan based justice system exists and where it resides the laws become increasingly subjective in their application. I'm like many other Republicans in that I do not support extremism but I do know some that do (It is not necessarily party specific as it's not central to either Democrat or Republican ideology. Its an add on.). I encourage systems that can be improved to move along that line of improvement. 

A problem arises when the clan based justice system supersedes our official laws and systems. No voting, no elections, no solutions or accountability. The essential danger of clan based systems is that extremism is more common in such groups and there are incentives to work outside the official law. When these are racially and religiously based perceptions it is in direct contrast to our national laws.

Even after the sacking of our capital we struggle with extremism. I don't believe it just disappeared magically, it just sort of went in the background again because of national level accountability. I know people who were inadvertent victims of a clan based system and I believe that obtaining justice for them is difficult if not impossible. There are direct and indirect victims to poor behavior. 

What allows these systems to exist? We are in a cultural transition in our country and politicians have politicized the police. To many, they are either all good or all bad. Police reform is also seen as either all good or all bad. While I might believe 80% are good and 20% have issues, likely the same for departments, this is seen a ludicrous conjecture in our current political discussion. This is where we know that politics doesn't always reflect actuality in life.

If I say many times our system functions well but sometimes it doesn't function well people sort of get confused. I might further add that there are many people who are complaining about injustices and concerned about the ethnic, racial, religious based crimes. We should consider their point of view when talking about ways to make policing and the justice system function at a higher level. I can also say there many great officers doing the right thing and they have empathy and positive interactions with different communities. 

(I'm not actually talking out of both sides of my mouth but talking about human nature. No one is all good or all bad. This is why I'm not necessarily looking to put people in jail. However, there were a few who caused the problem and few acted upon false information in a dangerous and illegal way so to me I believe that intentionally destructive, biased, and problematic behavior should not be encourage or given a free pass.)

What you will find is that reasonableness is often not part of the discussion. It doesn't hype people. Clan based justice systems can grow and challenge official systems when they lack accountability. We have seen this in other countries and places. We are not immune to that problem in the U.S.. To improve we will need to recognize the problem, care about our oaths and citizens, and then act on that in a way that solves and rectifies the problem. That is what politics is for....its for solving problems....not hiding them.  

This is my perspective and it makes no difference how many times I'm followed or how many laws are broken in that mad rush to cleans ones community. I support our police more than many of our politicians may understand or know. More than some of our local police know. In my life I have helped police at various times; even at great personal risk. Likewise, I'm helping them now correct a deficiency where close association has come to make inappropriate behaviors acceptable. This is again at personal risk that corruption will succeed.

However, when officers go rogue and act on what appears to be bigoted assumptions and clan affiliation, I believe very much they need some level of behavior modification. Supporting police is about making the best, strongest, fairest system we can in order to have justice- its purpose! It isn't about circumventing justice or providing free passes for intentionally damaging behavior of close associates and friends. It isn't about saying things to get votes or hype people up into different camps even when we are all in the same campground.

I don't know what your beliefs are but I got the impression that certain people can't talk freely without becoming targets in some areas. A type of stifling of intellectuals and legitimate suggestions for improvement.

Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech is America. Its our Constitution and the only one in which almost all of us agree upon. Without that, we have little to nothing that holds us together. Let us not play games with that which binds us into a single identity. Both sides should respect our long term national needs. I don't see myself stopping in my effort to encourage accountability and I don't see them stopping targeting to stifle common sense/reasonable changes. What becomes of it all is proof in the pudding. 

While I might say police, and likely departments, are mostly good but have some issues I'm not being silly, immature, or anti-police. I'm pro-police, pro civil rights and pro institution adaptation to make it better and ensure they are serving their mission and protecting the public. To assume it doesn't need to change as in "all perfect" perception or to assume all officers are bigots "all bad" is not the right way to think about the issue and its inherently manipulative in its proposition. It does get votes! 

(Some emotional charging is beneficial for getting the message to sink in. Not everything I write is useless or not thought out. Its an encoding system we use in our brain so it help package information. Except when its an excuse to target, that is more dangerous and shows subconscious bias. More dangerous if there may be some levels of corruption involved. You acted on your bias, you own it! Ask yourself how angry or happy you are that I'm saying what I'm saying? Emotional priming depends on the degree of conscious experience)

Consider....

15 Black And White Thinking Examples

Convergent vs. divergent thinking: Finding the right balance for creative problem solving

Jerome Powell: Labor market slack and unemployment

Federal Chair Powell talks about inflation and the labor market. Labor market slack will be more important in the near future. The Fed is looking at alternative measures because we have mixed predictors in today's market. If we have a platform shift we are going to have new economic assumptions. I agree that sometimes you can come to understand problems not by relying on traditional metrics alone, but sometimes through multiple secondary metrics few people thought about.