Barboursville’s economic outlook remains positive. The budget is not so different from previous years, and the finances are experiencing only a minor decrease from this time last year.
The City Council approved the nearly $5 million budget during the Mar. 16 meeting. Mayor Paul Turman complemented the finance committee and was pleased with how the budget looked.
“We are holding our own,” Turman said.
While other areas of the country, even the county, have experienced negative consequences of the recession, Barboursville has not had any major changes. While Huntington has had user fees, and is now considering the 1 percent occupational tax, Barboursville hasn’t had to take any drastic steps.
“Barboursville’s budget is at 70 percent of our projected $5.3 million as of month-end March 2010,” said Diana Roy, finance department member. “We are only about $50,000 lower than our projected revenues for the same period last year. That is not bad considering the national economy.”
Roy said the local economy feels the effect of the recession much slower than bigger cities. Roy said the budget is doing well.
“I contribute this to our being conservative on expenditures where possible,” she said, “and trying to promote the economic health of the area by bringing in things like the Regional Soccer Tournament.”
The biggest revenue of the budget comes from B&O taxes, the majority coming from the
Huntington Mall.
“I would estimate the revenue from the mall to be about 70 percent of our B&O Tax revenue which this year is estimated to be $2.7 million,” Roy said.
Joe Johnston, Huntington Mall property manager, said the mall isn’t experiencing major changes in the number of businesses staying or leaving the mall property.
“It happens every year at this time,” Johnston said. “There’s probably less activity this year than previous years, but it’s not unusual that particularly this time of the year, early spring, we’ll have three to four stores close and three to four stores open.”
Johnston said it isn’t always the local business’ choice in the stores leaving. It’s sometimes due to changes being made in the national store chains. Johnston gave examples of Casual Corner and Petite Sophisticate, who both left within the last few years.
There are some changes that will happen this year. Stewarts Hot Dogs didn’t renew its contract and J.B. Robinson jewelers also chose not to renew. Qdoba just recently opened and Johnston said it is doing quite well. Shoe Carnival is opening in the space previously occupied by Dawahares near JCPenney. Johnston said there were realtors showing the property outside of the mall to people Tuesday.
“It’s ongoing,” he said.
Johnston said the Huntington Mall’s occupancy rate is higher than the national average.
“We are about 96 percent occupied,” Johnston said.
Johnston said he has been with the Huntington Mall for nearly 16 years and has seen good economic trends and flat economic trends.
“It doesn’t have as much affect on this shopping center as it does a shopping center that has a big boom,” Johnston said. “We’ve never experienced a big boom, so likewise we don’t experience a big letdown economically.”
Johnston said they do have to make changes to go along with the economy.
“It would be accurate to assume that during different economic times, the advantage swings back and forth like a pendulum to either the tenant or landlord’s advantage,” Johnston said. He said right now the pendulum is to the advantage of the tenant.
“The space is being rented or marketed at a lower rate than three or four years ago,” Johnston said.
Johnston said he anticipates a good future for the mall and notes some changes that he thinks will be coming.
“I anticipate the economy will pick up,” Johnston said. “I think this mall is geared to remain as the No. 1 retail shopping center in the region. Our third generation of ownership has taken over and I would look for our mall to be renovated in possibly 2011, no later than 2012, to upgrade and create excitement. Consumers like to see progress.”
With the source of Barboursville’s largest revenue looking promising, it’s looking good for the city’s future financial situation.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Is it still a rip-off when it's not intentional?
When I took a class in the fall semester, my work was adequate and I felt my grades were good. I expected to get a C in the class, but hoped for better. When I checked the grades online, I was devastated to learn that I made a D in the class, meaning I would have to retake it.
I immediately emailed my professor to ask what happened to cause such a poor grade and to find out what I had done wrong. I didn’t get an email back until the week before the spring semester started.
The entire Christmas break was depressing. While it shouldn’t have been my focus, as that is the time I should be centering my attention on the celebration of Jesus’ birth, I was consumed with sadness. I couldn’t decide if I should change my classes to try to retake the class and drop the one that follows it. I kept my schedule the same and waited until I could talk to her.
She replied to my email and said she could talk to me about it when the semester started. That wasn’t good enough for me, because on the slim chance that there was an error, I didn’t want to be enrolled in a class I didn’t need and miss out on a class I did need.
I replied to this email immediately and asked her if I could talk to her in person and she gave me her office hours. I went to see her and she was very kind about it in person and gave me a list of grades I made in that class. While doing so, she saw an error of 100 points that weren’t carried over in another column, and I was hoping this saved me, but it was a few points off. She let me keep the grade sheet and told me to check it over just in case.
As soon as I got home I looked at it and it still wasn’t adding up to me. I rechecked the grades several times, several ways, adding and dividing any way I thought I could to see if my numbers matched hers, but they didn’t. I asked a few other people to look it over and it was wrong. I saw her immediately the next day and she agreed with what I found. Because of that, several other students’ grades were changed.
If she had not been willing to show me the grades, my next step was going to be talking to the dean of the School of Journalism to see what I could find out. If that didn’t work, my plan was to go to the dean of Student Affairs. I was just glad I could get it changed.
While my rip-off example wasn't intentional or monetary, I, and others, almost didn't get what we deserved.
I immediately emailed my professor to ask what happened to cause such a poor grade and to find out what I had done wrong. I didn’t get an email back until the week before the spring semester started.
The entire Christmas break was depressing. While it shouldn’t have been my focus, as that is the time I should be centering my attention on the celebration of Jesus’ birth, I was consumed with sadness. I couldn’t decide if I should change my classes to try to retake the class and drop the one that follows it. I kept my schedule the same and waited until I could talk to her.
She replied to my email and said she could talk to me about it when the semester started. That wasn’t good enough for me, because on the slim chance that there was an error, I didn’t want to be enrolled in a class I didn’t need and miss out on a class I did need.
I replied to this email immediately and asked her if I could talk to her in person and she gave me her office hours. I went to see her and she was very kind about it in person and gave me a list of grades I made in that class. While doing so, she saw an error of 100 points that weren’t carried over in another column, and I was hoping this saved me, but it was a few points off. She let me keep the grade sheet and told me to check it over just in case.
As soon as I got home I looked at it and it still wasn’t adding up to me. I rechecked the grades several times, several ways, adding and dividing any way I thought I could to see if my numbers matched hers, but they didn’t. I asked a few other people to look it over and it was wrong. I saw her immediately the next day and she agreed with what I found. Because of that, several other students’ grades were changed.
If she had not been willing to show me the grades, my next step was going to be talking to the dean of the School of Journalism to see what I could find out. If that didn’t work, my plan was to go to the dean of Student Affairs. I was just glad I could get it changed.
While my rip-off example wasn't intentional or monetary, I, and others, almost didn't get what we deserved.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mar. 16, 2010 Barboursville City Council Meeting
The budget for the city of Barboursville was approved during the second March meeting of the Barboursville City Council, and the plans for a new skate park were introduced.
Mayor Turman presented the nearly $5 million budget and reported an increase of 5 percent. "We are holding our own," Turman said.
The president of the Park Board said they had sent out surveys over the last year for residents of Barboursville to report waht they felt the city needed. After reviewing them, the decision was made to look into constructing a skate park to give youth something to do.
Steve Parsons said Spaulding Ramp Skate Parks is the company that gave them the information they neeed. He said the budget for that included the public relations, the set up, the disign, construction, etc, and comes with a 20-year warranty.
There is a budget of $135,000 to pay for it. The location will be next to the city pool where the unused tennis courts are currently located.
The board voted yes to start bid documents, and building is expected to begin in the fall. This is to keep building traffic and construction from interfering with the summer season of the pool.
Scott Bias, Cabell County commissioner, attended the meeting seaking support for levies. He said many programs are supported by these, such as Green Acres, Autism Services, the healh department and the fire department.
Kandy Miller, recorder, said that earlier this month, the park board voted to have the Relay for Life on June 11 in Barboursville.
Miller also reported that plans for the annual Fall Fest are already undersway.
Miller introduced the idea of getting more use from the Barboursville Park ampitheater. She would like to see a gospel sing, blue grass music and maybe a youth "battle of the bands." She would like to see this event be free and offered once a month.
Mayor Turman presented the nearly $5 million budget and reported an increase of 5 percent. "We are holding our own," Turman said.
The president of the Park Board said they had sent out surveys over the last year for residents of Barboursville to report waht they felt the city needed. After reviewing them, the decision was made to look into constructing a skate park to give youth something to do.
Steve Parsons said Spaulding Ramp Skate Parks is the company that gave them the information they neeed. He said the budget for that included the public relations, the set up, the disign, construction, etc, and comes with a 20-year warranty.
There is a budget of $135,000 to pay for it. The location will be next to the city pool where the unused tennis courts are currently located.
The board voted yes to start bid documents, and building is expected to begin in the fall. This is to keep building traffic and construction from interfering with the summer season of the pool.
Scott Bias, Cabell County commissioner, attended the meeting seaking support for levies. He said many programs are supported by these, such as Green Acres, Autism Services, the healh department and the fire department.
Kandy Miller, recorder, said that earlier this month, the park board voted to have the Relay for Life on June 11 in Barboursville.
Miller also reported that plans for the annual Fall Fest are already undersway.
Miller introduced the idea of getting more use from the Barboursville Park ampitheater. She would like to see a gospel sing, blue grass music and maybe a youth "battle of the bands." She would like to see this event be free and offered once a month.
March 2, 2010 Barboursville City Council Meeting
The first of two March meetings of the Barboursville City Council allowed Romie Mundy of West Virginia American Water to report on his recent inspections.
Mundy said the company inspected every hydrant last year, more than 1600 of them, and the valves as well. He reported the company reads 97.8 percent of the meters yearly. He also reported there were 400 water leaks last year, but only five of those times the leak lasted longer than six hours. Councilman Hall asked about water discoloration. There were also concerns about confusion over which parts of Barboursville were affected during a recent boil water advisory.
Michael Maxey, a candidate for Cabell County Commission, visited the meeting to introduce himself.
Pat Riley, of the Herald Dispatch, was at the meeting to thank everyone for the hard work of keeping the roads salted and cleared. He has been running with middle school students.
"I wanted to let everyone know how thankful we are," Riley said.
Councilman Hockenberry discussed concerns about the youth running so close to the streets.
"Make sure they stay on the sidewalk," Hockenberry said.
"We've got to look at control of the cats running loose in this town," Hockenberry said. He sees the cat overpopulation in the city as a problem. Kandy Miller, recorder, said to call the Humane Society and they will send a cage.
Mayor Turman recently spoke at the meeting of the Young Professionals, of which Councilman Chris Tatum is the chair. The group is comprised of 150-160 members.
"The air of the group is community service projects, as well as networking," Tatum said. He said the group meets with leaders to show interest in being leaders of the future. They are currently involved in an art project for Huntington with concrete by the flood wall.
Councilman Orman Hall reported a dog problem on Blake Street with tearing up the garbage.
Councilman Dick Spencer reported a hole on his street that is missing the cap. He would like Steve Parsons, who is in charge of street and maintenance, to check it out.
Mundy said the company inspected every hydrant last year, more than 1600 of them, and the valves as well. He reported the company reads 97.8 percent of the meters yearly. He also reported there were 400 water leaks last year, but only five of those times the leak lasted longer than six hours. Councilman Hall asked about water discoloration. There were also concerns about confusion over which parts of Barboursville were affected during a recent boil water advisory.
Michael Maxey, a candidate for Cabell County Commission, visited the meeting to introduce himself.
Pat Riley, of the Herald Dispatch, was at the meeting to thank everyone for the hard work of keeping the roads salted and cleared. He has been running with middle school students.
"I wanted to let everyone know how thankful we are," Riley said.
Councilman Hockenberry discussed concerns about the youth running so close to the streets.
"Make sure they stay on the sidewalk," Hockenberry said.
"We've got to look at control of the cats running loose in this town," Hockenberry said. He sees the cat overpopulation in the city as a problem. Kandy Miller, recorder, said to call the Humane Society and they will send a cage.
Mayor Turman recently spoke at the meeting of the Young Professionals, of which Councilman Chris Tatum is the chair. The group is comprised of 150-160 members.
"The air of the group is community service projects, as well as networking," Tatum said. He said the group meets with leaders to show interest in being leaders of the future. They are currently involved in an art project for Huntington with concrete by the flood wall.
Councilman Orman Hall reported a dog problem on Blake Street with tearing up the garbage.
Councilman Dick Spencer reported a hole on his street that is missing the cap. He would like Steve Parsons, who is in charge of street and maintenance, to check it out.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Prestera Foundation starting to improve after decline in donations
America's struggling economy has hit a lot of places hard. Businesses are shutting down, unemployment is up and money is tight. Non-profit organizations are feeling the pinch as well because when individuals are having a hard time getting by themselves, there's little left for organizations that are relying only on public support for income. The Prestera Foundation for Behavioral Health Services is a non-profit organization that has felt the effects of an economy in distress.
The Prestera Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds for Prestera Center for Mental Health. Megan Burton, the director of development, said the foundation raises the money to support Prestera Center.
“Prestera Center is a behavioral health non-profit that serves about 14,000 individuals each year with mental health, substances abuse, and developmental disability issues,“ Burton said. “We have a grant program that programs within Prestera can apply for to receive funding for various projects that might not be in the budget that year.
“We kind of serve as a supplemental funding source for the different programs and services,” Burton said.
The main fundraiser the foundation has done for the past eight years is the Grand Ol' Auction. They sold tickets to get into the auction, and those there were offered catered food, silent and live auctions and door prizes.
According to the foundations tax forms, in 2008 the Grand Ol' Auction brought in $38,909. The money spent to host the fundraiser was $15,330, nearly 40 percent of what the auction brought in.
In 2007, the Prestera Foundation made $77,230 from the fundraiser, including corporate sponsorships. That same year, the money spent on fundraising was $22,304, nearly 29 percent.
Other monetary donations were down from 2007 to 2008. In 2008, only $4,500 was brought in for individual donations, while in 2007, $25,459 was brought in, showing a decrease of 82 percent.
Burton said giving has been down, to the Prestera Foundation and the non-profit community in general.
This year, the Prestera foundation is revamping their fundraising tactics and Burton said, so far, giving has increased.
Mike Mattison, marketing officer for the Prestera Foundation, said this year's fundraising has brought in more donations than the last two years put together. “I can't imagine how well we could be doing in a booming economy,” Mattison said.
“This is actually our first year of having a true annual campaign,” Burton said, “so we have actually seen an increase for our organization because it is kind of a new twist on things - new procedures, new campaigns, and new events.”
This year, the foundation is hosting A Magical Evening. The foundation is advertising this as a benefit, consisting of dinner, drinks and entertainment including a band and a mentalist. Prizes are also being given, including $2,000. The foundation is charging $50 per ticket to the event.
Another change is their new direct mail campaign, where the foundation will write letters and send brochures to ask for funds that way.
Burton said the change wasn't really due to the decrease in donations.
“It's just a change of focus,” Burton said. “We never really had a true fundraising program in the past. This past year, we just implemented a new program.
“The foundation used to just have one event, and now we are starting to take a different approach by doing the direct mail campaign and newsletters and things of that nature,” Burton said.
The Prestera Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds for Prestera Center for Mental Health. Megan Burton, the director of development, said the foundation raises the money to support Prestera Center.
“Prestera Center is a behavioral health non-profit that serves about 14,000 individuals each year with mental health, substances abuse, and developmental disability issues,“ Burton said. “We have a grant program that programs within Prestera can apply for to receive funding for various projects that might not be in the budget that year.
“We kind of serve as a supplemental funding source for the different programs and services,” Burton said.
The main fundraiser the foundation has done for the past eight years is the Grand Ol' Auction. They sold tickets to get into the auction, and those there were offered catered food, silent and live auctions and door prizes.
According to the foundations tax forms, in 2008 the Grand Ol' Auction brought in $38,909. The money spent to host the fundraiser was $15,330, nearly 40 percent of what the auction brought in.
In 2007, the Prestera Foundation made $77,230 from the fundraiser, including corporate sponsorships. That same year, the money spent on fundraising was $22,304, nearly 29 percent.
Other monetary donations were down from 2007 to 2008. In 2008, only $4,500 was brought in for individual donations, while in 2007, $25,459 was brought in, showing a decrease of 82 percent.
Burton said giving has been down, to the Prestera Foundation and the non-profit community in general.
This year, the Prestera foundation is revamping their fundraising tactics and Burton said, so far, giving has increased.
Mike Mattison, marketing officer for the Prestera Foundation, said this year's fundraising has brought in more donations than the last two years put together. “I can't imagine how well we could be doing in a booming economy,” Mattison said.
“This is actually our first year of having a true annual campaign,” Burton said, “so we have actually seen an increase for our organization because it is kind of a new twist on things - new procedures, new campaigns, and new events.”
This year, the foundation is hosting A Magical Evening. The foundation is advertising this as a benefit, consisting of dinner, drinks and entertainment including a band and a mentalist. Prizes are also being given, including $2,000. The foundation is charging $50 per ticket to the event.
Another change is their new direct mail campaign, where the foundation will write letters and send brochures to ask for funds that way.
Burton said the change wasn't really due to the decrease in donations.
“It's just a change of focus,” Burton said. “We never really had a true fundraising program in the past. This past year, we just implemented a new program.
“The foundation used to just have one event, and now we are starting to take a different approach by doing the direct mail campaign and newsletters and things of that nature,” Burton said.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Future of Investigative Journalism
Investigative journalism has been shining light into the dark nooks and crannies of shady business and wrongdoings for decades. As readers and citizens, we want and need this stuff. People have a right to be informed when a grocery chain is selling bad meat or when a politician is up to no good.
Can we imagine a world without the likes of Pulitzer Prize winners Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, who are known for the Watergate reporting? What could be going on behind the scenes in this country if we as Americans have no one checking up?
That sort of journalism is as important as any other and will not be done away with as long as journalism is still doing the public a service. The real thing to consider is how long journalism as a whole will be needed, and what form it will take.
Combine the ever-increasing and improving technological advances along with a troubled economy and you have the perfect ingredients for newspaper arsenic. While this media outlet will probably not see death in the near future, it’s likely to need the intensive care unit before long.
What can be done? According to Chris O’Brien, columnist for the San Jose Mercury News and head of the Next Newsroom Project, the newsroom should be multi-platform, be the center of continuous innovation, keep the community at the center of all it does, collaborate with other local newsrooms and work hard at building and maintaining trust. Those are the things he feels will keep a newsroom going.
The most important thing people hear when it comes to being a good journalist these days is to be versatile. This is because with the changing technology, the way we receive news will be very different in the near future. In fact, it already is.
While print newspapers may not be as necessary as before, people still need their news. Many are likely getting it online, as it is mostly free and easy to do. As long as newspapers and journalists keep up to date with technology, they will be needed. It’s important to hone your skills when it comes to how to report news on paper, on video, audio or on the Web. Never be lazy in learning new things.
Focusing on local news is also a big one. People can easily access national news from a plethora of Web sites, but local news has few options. Focus on things going on in the area. Know the people, know what they care about, what they want to know. Yahoo can’t tell you what the city council decided in its meeting.
If the focus goes to online news, how can your paper survive? It can’t if the news is free. Advertising is always a way to make a profit, but it isn’t enough. How do you know what to charge? The Future of Journalism blook says you charge whatever it takes. You have to make a profit to survive. Some companies will charge a monthly fee, though the right price is up for debate. Some might want to charge as little as $4.95 a month like the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, while the blook says it’s reasonable to go as high as $20 if that is what it takes for your paper to profit. Others are looking into charging per article looked at, while some have tossed around the idea of charging meter-style, determined by how long you are parked on that Web site.
News will always be around and journalists will always be needed. The number of journalists needed is questionable. If a paper downsizes, people lose their jobs. As mentioned earlier, journalists have to stay informed and educated in technological changes. John Yemma, editor of the Christian Science Monitor, says that there will likely be an increase in journalists who work remotely. Yemma also says the quality of work turned out by these journalists is likely to go down. If there are fewer journalists to do the news, there will be less coverage, and we as readers will suffer because of it. The other problem Yemma lists is amateur blogging being used to fill in where experienced reporters would have been before.
No doubt about it, journalism is changing. How we get our news and who provides it is up in the air. Nevertheless, investigative reporters will always be needed, regardless of downsizing and the economic uncertainty.
Can we imagine a world without the likes of Pulitzer Prize winners Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, who are known for the Watergate reporting? What could be going on behind the scenes in this country if we as Americans have no one checking up?
That sort of journalism is as important as any other and will not be done away with as long as journalism is still doing the public a service. The real thing to consider is how long journalism as a whole will be needed, and what form it will take.
Combine the ever-increasing and improving technological advances along with a troubled economy and you have the perfect ingredients for newspaper arsenic. While this media outlet will probably not see death in the near future, it’s likely to need the intensive care unit before long.
What can be done? According to Chris O’Brien, columnist for the San Jose Mercury News and head of the Next Newsroom Project, the newsroom should be multi-platform, be the center of continuous innovation, keep the community at the center of all it does, collaborate with other local newsrooms and work hard at building and maintaining trust. Those are the things he feels will keep a newsroom going.
The most important thing people hear when it comes to being a good journalist these days is to be versatile. This is because with the changing technology, the way we receive news will be very different in the near future. In fact, it already is.
While print newspapers may not be as necessary as before, people still need their news. Many are likely getting it online, as it is mostly free and easy to do. As long as newspapers and journalists keep up to date with technology, they will be needed. It’s important to hone your skills when it comes to how to report news on paper, on video, audio or on the Web. Never be lazy in learning new things.
Focusing on local news is also a big one. People can easily access national news from a plethora of Web sites, but local news has few options. Focus on things going on in the area. Know the people, know what they care about, what they want to know. Yahoo can’t tell you what the city council decided in its meeting.
If the focus goes to online news, how can your paper survive? It can’t if the news is free. Advertising is always a way to make a profit, but it isn’t enough. How do you know what to charge? The Future of Journalism blook says you charge whatever it takes. You have to make a profit to survive. Some companies will charge a monthly fee, though the right price is up for debate. Some might want to charge as little as $4.95 a month like the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, while the blook says it’s reasonable to go as high as $20 if that is what it takes for your paper to profit. Others are looking into charging per article looked at, while some have tossed around the idea of charging meter-style, determined by how long you are parked on that Web site.
News will always be around and journalists will always be needed. The number of journalists needed is questionable. If a paper downsizes, people lose their jobs. As mentioned earlier, journalists have to stay informed and educated in technological changes. John Yemma, editor of the Christian Science Monitor, says that there will likely be an increase in journalists who work remotely. Yemma also says the quality of work turned out by these journalists is likely to go down. If there are fewer journalists to do the news, there will be less coverage, and we as readers will suffer because of it. The other problem Yemma lists is amateur blogging being used to fill in where experienced reporters would have been before.
No doubt about it, journalism is changing. How we get our news and who provides it is up in the air. Nevertheless, investigative reporters will always be needed, regardless of downsizing and the economic uncertainty.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Huntington's Budget
The city of Huntington, W.Va. is undergoing some changes this year. The projected budget for 2010 has increased expenditures as well as revenue. However, Mayor Kim Wolfe predicts a possible 10 percent decrease in revenues, as he stated in his State of the City address Feb. 13, 2010.
The budget for 2009 listed expenditures as $38,919,497, while the 2010 budget estimates expenditures at $42,135,417, a difference of $3,215,920.
The revenue differences were similar, with 2009 showing $39,990,304 and the 2010 estimates revenues at $42,135,417,with a difference of $2,145,113.
The biggest increase in expenses was in the insurance programs, the police department, the fire department and streets. The insurance programs increased by $584,028. The police and fire departments increased more than $681,000 and $306,000, respectively. The streets department increased by more than $662,000.
The biggest revenue increase was in in the Business & Occupation tax, with an increase of more than $467,000 and in the city service fee, with an increase of $1,350,000.
The city service fee, also known as the user fee, was increased in April 2009 up to $3 per indiviudual working inside the Huntington city limits. This fee change comprised nearly 63 percent of the budget increase.
Huntington's financial picture is not a pretty one at this point, and as Wolfe pointed out in the State of the City address, it could result in a reduction of office staff in the police department, forcing officers to cover that themselves. Other city workers will be affected as well, with layoffs of employees and open positions because of retirement left open.
The budget for 2009 listed expenditures as $38,919,497, while the 2010 budget estimates expenditures at $42,135,417, a difference of $3,215,920.
The revenue differences were similar, with 2009 showing $39,990,304 and the 2010 estimates revenues at $42,135,417,with a difference of $2,145,113.
The biggest increase in expenses was in the insurance programs, the police department, the fire department and streets. The insurance programs increased by $584,028. The police and fire departments increased more than $681,000 and $306,000, respectively. The streets department increased by more than $662,000.
The biggest revenue increase was in in the Business & Occupation tax, with an increase of more than $467,000 and in the city service fee, with an increase of $1,350,000.
The city service fee, also known as the user fee, was increased in April 2009 up to $3 per indiviudual working inside the Huntington city limits. This fee change comprised nearly 63 percent of the budget increase.
Huntington's financial picture is not a pretty one at this point, and as Wolfe pointed out in the State of the City address, it could result in a reduction of office staff in the police department, forcing officers to cover that themselves. Other city workers will be affected as well, with layoffs of employees and open positions because of retirement left open.
State of Huntington
Mayor Kim Wolfe was forthright with the city of Huntington when he gave the annual State of the City address Feb. 13, 2010, in the hallway of City Hall. Wolfe shared positive things that have happened over the past year, like improvements made in the area, as well as the difficult financial times the city is in now and facing this coming year.
Wolfe had an audience of about 75 people, including protesters who came in from outside to hear his address. He gave those in attendance some uplifting reminders of the good that has came out of the past year, like the benefits of the user fee increase. Wolfe said the fee increase has allowed the employment of six additional police officers, more paving of streets and roadways, and equipment for the city. Wolfe also said emblems and signs were purchased to credit those improvements to the user fee. He spoke highly of Jamie Oliver's positive effect on the city, mentioning the cooking class that is now available in Huntington. Wolfe praised the Create Huntington organization and credited it with fueling volunteerism. He shared the Weed and Seed program's success of helping get a 13.5 percent increase in drug arrests.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Barboursville Democrats give more to candiate
The political donations given by Huntington and Barboursville residents for the 2008 presidential elections were similar for both democrats and republicans by area and by party, except for the democratic contributors in Barboursville, W.Va.
Huntington had a total of $84,220 in contributions for the election, with $36,155 given by the republican contributors and $48,065 given by democratic contributors. Individual gifts from Huntington republicans totaled 56, with an average of about $646. Individual democratic givers totaled 67, with an average of about $717.
Barboursville presidential election gifts totaled $26,534. Of that, democrats gave $21,087, while $5447came from republicans. The number of gifts in Barboursville totaled 19, with 12 of those being from democrats and seven being from republicans. Gifts from Barboursville republicans averaged $778, while the individual gifts from democrats averaged $1,426.
The bulk of the Barboursville democratic gifts came in the form of several large donations for Sen. Hillary Clinton. Clinton supporters from Barboursville gave $19,125 out of the $21,087. This came in the form of just seven out of the 12 gifts. President Barack Obama received the rest of the support, with a total of $1,987.
The Barboursville republican givers were similar in their support. Six of the seven republican gifts were for Sen. John McCain, totaling $3,947, while a single gift of $1,500 was for Gov. Mike Huckabee.
In Huntington, the gifts of support were more varied. There were 38 gifts given in support of McCain totaling $29,273 of the $36,155, with the remainder divided among three other candidates. The support for Clinton not as clear in Huntington, with 30 gifts totaling $28,285. The support for Obama totaled $19789, given by 31 individual donations.
The support from Huntington and Barboursville matched the voting, with Clinton and McCain winning the West Virginia primary elections in 2008.
*The information from this report was obtained from the Web site www.fundrace.Huffingtonpost.com.
Huntington had a total of $84,220 in contributions for the election, with $36,155 given by the republican contributors and $48,065 given by democratic contributors. Individual gifts from Huntington republicans totaled 56, with an average of about $646. Individual democratic givers totaled 67, with an average of about $717.
Barboursville presidential election gifts totaled $26,534. Of that, democrats gave $21,087, while $5447came from republicans. The number of gifts in Barboursville totaled 19, with 12 of those being from democrats and seven being from republicans. Gifts from Barboursville republicans averaged $778, while the individual gifts from democrats averaged $1,426.
The bulk of the Barboursville democratic gifts came in the form of several large donations for Sen. Hillary Clinton. Clinton supporters from Barboursville gave $19,125 out of the $21,087. This came in the form of just seven out of the 12 gifts. President Barack Obama received the rest of the support, with a total of $1,987.
The Barboursville republican givers were similar in their support. Six of the seven republican gifts were for Sen. John McCain, totaling $3,947, while a single gift of $1,500 was for Gov. Mike Huckabee.
In Huntington, the gifts of support were more varied. There were 38 gifts given in support of McCain totaling $29,273 of the $36,155, with the remainder divided among three other candidates. The support for Clinton not as clear in Huntington, with 30 gifts totaling $28,285. The support for Obama totaled $19789, given by 31 individual donations.
The support from Huntington and Barboursville matched the voting, with Clinton and McCain winning the West Virginia primary elections in 2008.
*The information from this report was obtained from the Web site www.fundrace.Huffingtonpost.com.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Update from Barboursville City Council meeting
Barboursville received approval of grant money to improve recycling, soccer fields, football and little league, as reported in the city council meeting Tuesday evening. The grants were the focus of the meeting, and all council members voted in favor of accepting the grant money.
The money is coming from a Community Participation Grant, and is to be dispersed in four categories: the Barboursville Recycling Program, the soccer fields, the Barboursville Little League, and the Barboursville Football League. The recycling program will receive a grant of $9,000 and the soccer fields will be getting $5,000. The Little League organization will have $8,000, and the Barboursville Football league is getting $4,500. Chris Tatum, council member, reminded the board to thank the legislators.
A community rummage sale was also voted on and received a unanimous approval. The rummage sale was the idea of a Marshall student, Brandon Watts, sophomore Parks & Recreation Management major, who came up with it as a class project. Watts will be the organizer of the event and will be responsible for getting the word out to the people. The sale is to be on the corner of Main Street and Depot Street.
Time was spent discussing the great job Barboursville has been reported as doing in keeping the roads drivable in the snow. Steve Parsons is the Public Works Director, but was not present at the meeting. He was commended on the work they have done in salting the roads. Kandy Miller, recorder, said there have been many phone calls coming in, thanking Barboursville for doing such a great job.
Citizen John Harris was at the meeting with concerns over what he had heard were plans to straighten out an "S" curve on Greenwood Way. Harris said this curve keeps speeding down and that it is important to keep it. Harris had a petition from the neighbors with him. Mayor Paul Turman was very clear that there has never been intentions of straightening out the curve.
Herb Johnson was at the meeting as well, and said he plans on running for Cabell County Commissioner and just wanted to meet people and see if there is anything people need.
All seven members of council were present: Dick Spencer, Chris Tatum, Orman Hall, Kandy Miller, Paul Turman, Sr., Paul Hockenberry and Donnie Plyban. The meeting was at the Barboursville Community Center beginning at 7:30p.m.
The money is coming from a Community Participation Grant, and is to be dispersed in four categories: the Barboursville Recycling Program, the soccer fields, the Barboursville Little League, and the Barboursville Football League. The recycling program will receive a grant of $9,000 and the soccer fields will be getting $5,000. The Little League organization will have $8,000, and the Barboursville Football league is getting $4,500. Chris Tatum, council member, reminded the board to thank the legislators.
A community rummage sale was also voted on and received a unanimous approval. The rummage sale was the idea of a Marshall student, Brandon Watts, sophomore Parks & Recreation Management major, who came up with it as a class project. Watts will be the organizer of the event and will be responsible for getting the word out to the people. The sale is to be on the corner of Main Street and Depot Street.
Time was spent discussing the great job Barboursville has been reported as doing in keeping the roads drivable in the snow. Steve Parsons is the Public Works Director, but was not present at the meeting. He was commended on the work they have done in salting the roads. Kandy Miller, recorder, said there have been many phone calls coming in, thanking Barboursville for doing such a great job.
Citizen John Harris was at the meeting with concerns over what he had heard were plans to straighten out an "S" curve on Greenwood Way. Harris said this curve keeps speeding down and that it is important to keep it. Harris had a petition from the neighbors with him. Mayor Paul Turman was very clear that there has never been intentions of straightening out the curve.
Herb Johnson was at the meeting as well, and said he plans on running for Cabell County Commissioner and just wanted to meet people and see if there is anything people need.
All seven members of council were present: Dick Spencer, Chris Tatum, Orman Hall, Kandy Miller, Paul Turman, Sr., Paul Hockenberry and Donnie Plyban. The meeting was at the Barboursville Community Center beginning at 7:30p.m.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
State of the City address
Mayor Kim Wolfe was forthright Saturday afternoon with the city of Huntington when giving the annual State of the City address in the hallway of City Hall. Wolfe shared positive things that have happened over the past year, like improvements made in the area, as well as the difficult financial times the city is in now and facing this coming year.
Wolfe had an audience of about 75 people, including protesters who came in from outside to hear his address. He gave those in attendance some uplifting reminders of the good that has came out of the past year, like the benefits of the user fee increase. Wolfe said the fee increase has allowed the employment of six additional police officers, more paving of streets and roadways, and equipment for the city. Wolfe also said emblems and signs were purchased to credit those improvements to the user fee. He spoke highly of Jamie Oliver's positive effect on the city, mentioning the cooking class that is now available in Huntington. Wolfe praised the Create Huntington organization and credited it with fueling volunteerism. He shared the Weed and Seed program's success of helping get a 13.5 percent increase in drug arrests.
Wolfe shared plans for the future including developing park growth, improving shelters and playgrounds, additional trees and making the park more easily accessible. He mentioned the problem of burned down structures in the neighborhoods and his intentions to get those taken care of. Wolfe also said the city of Huntington's Web site, http://www.cityofhuntington.com/, has now changed, including a citizen support center system for questions and requests.
The difficulties Huntington faces are in finances. Wolfe noted a possible 10 percent reduction in revenues this year. He stated the city isn't looking for a short-term solution in financial difficulties. He noted a possible 20-day furlough for city employees, lay-offs of some employees, and not filling positions that are opened due to retirement until the city sees better a financial position.
Huntington's financial situation seems grim, and Wolfe wasn't bashful about sharing it.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Investigative Story Proposal
This is a sample letter to an editor for an investigative story idea, as we were assigned to do in class.
To: Editor
From: Jennifer Chapman
Re: Story Outline: Shady business at the Body Shop
Subject: Body shop accused of substituting used parts when insurance companies are paying for new parts
Scope: We will research the quality of work that the insurance company is paying for versus what they are getting from the body shop. The concern is that a particular body shop is using used parts after the insurance company has paid for new parts to make more money.
Need: Insurance companies are allegedly being scammed by the body shop, while the body shop is making money it doesn’t deserve. This could be happening to individuals as well.
Methods: We can interview former customers and former employees. We can also send in a wrecked car to be fixed, and have a professional inspect it afterward to see if it is a new or used part that is used.
Sources: We can interview former employees, former customers and insurance companies and get information from personal experience if we choose to test them by having a car repaired there. We will also interview the owner of the body shop and have him respond to what we found.
Presentation: This is likely to be a story that could be ran in just one day.
Follow-up: If the body shop is found to be involved in wrongdoing, it is likely that they would face fines and lose credibility with the insurance companies. A story on the aftermath on the body shop would be needed.
To: Editor
From: Jennifer Chapman
Re: Story Outline: Shady business at the Body Shop
Subject: Body shop accused of substituting used parts when insurance companies are paying for new parts
Scope: We will research the quality of work that the insurance company is paying for versus what they are getting from the body shop. The concern is that a particular body shop is using used parts after the insurance company has paid for new parts to make more money.
Need: Insurance companies are allegedly being scammed by the body shop, while the body shop is making money it doesn’t deserve. This could be happening to individuals as well.
Methods: We can interview former customers and former employees. We can also send in a wrecked car to be fixed, and have a professional inspect it afterward to see if it is a new or used part that is used.
Sources: We can interview former employees, former customers and insurance companies and get information from personal experience if we choose to test them by having a car repaired there. We will also interview the owner of the body shop and have him respond to what we found.
Presentation: This is likely to be a story that could be ran in just one day.
Follow-up: If the body shop is found to be involved in wrongdoing, it is likely that they would face fines and lose credibility with the insurance companies. A story on the aftermath on the body shop would be needed.
Investigative report
The Web site California Watch reported an article questioning the money a company from Alaska received from the federal stimulus plan.
Suulutaaq is a construction company started by Alaska natives, and is now ran by Samuel Boyle who used to run a dot-com company that went bankrupt.
The company received a $54 million project paid by the stimulus package which was designed to create jobs. So far, this project has created 12 jobs.
This is an investigative article because it looks for details that are not normally asked. Why this company was chosen is the real issue.
The target of the investigation was given a chance to respond in the eleventh and twelfth paragraphs, where the company and Boyle both declined comments and interviews.
The reporter refers to a document, saying, "According to a report submitted..."
No graphics or pictures were used in this article.
People who were not in favor of the stimulus plan will be interested in this story, as well as people who have an interest in politics and finance.
No harsh headline words were used.
It is not clear where the story idea came from, but it is likely it was either a tip or maybe a project idea after a list of recipients of the stimulus package was published.
Suulutaaq is a construction company started by Alaska natives, and is now ran by Samuel Boyle who used to run a dot-com company that went bankrupt.
The company received a $54 million project paid by the stimulus package which was designed to create jobs. So far, this project has created 12 jobs.
This is an investigative article because it looks for details that are not normally asked. Why this company was chosen is the real issue.
The target of the investigation was given a chance to respond in the eleventh and twelfth paragraphs, where the company and Boyle both declined comments and interviews.
The reporter refers to a document, saying, "According to a report submitted..."
No graphics or pictures were used in this article.
People who were not in favor of the stimulus plan will be interested in this story, as well as people who have an interest in politics and finance.
No harsh headline words were used.
It is not clear where the story idea came from, but it is likely it was either a tip or maybe a project idea after a list of recipients of the stimulus package was published.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Budget assignment, part 1 & 2
Professor Morris assigned my class a worksheet for understanding a city budget, specifically the city of Huntington. What we found was the city of Huntington gets the most revenue from the Business and Occupational tax, which was $17,395,121 for 2010. The next highest was the municipal service fees, at $5,900,000 for 2010.
The highest expense was on police, at $11,580,414, for 2010. The second highest expense was the fire department at $10,411,811 after an adustment, for 2010.
The most recent story about Huntington's budget referenced the budget freeze Gov. Joe Manchin put in place for West Virginia. Mayor Kim Wolfe said he is hoping the freeze will help balance the budget and that there are some things it won't effect, such as job hirings. Jim Insco, Huntington City Councilman, said it will affect the user fee and the Business and Occupational tax.
The highest expense was on police, at $11,580,414, for 2010. The second highest expense was the fire department at $10,411,811 after an adustment, for 2010.
The most recent story about Huntington's budget referenced the budget freeze Gov. Joe Manchin put in place for West Virginia. Mayor Kim Wolfe said he is hoping the freeze will help balance the budget and that there are some things it won't effect, such as job hirings. Jim Insco, Huntington City Councilman, said it will affect the user fee and the Business and Occupational tax.
The State of the Union 2010
President Barack Obama gave Americans the yearly pep talk, also known as the State of the Union address, Wednesday evening. Most of it was expected, though there were a few parts I didn’t see coming.
The beginning of his address started out as I figured it would, with a notable list of what he has accomplished. I was a little reminiscent of the first day back to elementary school listening to a student tell what he did over the summer. It was a good list, nonetheless. He focused on the Recovery Act, also known as the stimulus package. He listed how he has provided tax cuts to working families, saved 2 million American jobs and extended or increased unemployment. Obama also shared with Americans some difficult things we are facing, as I expected, like the current unemployment rate, noting that one out of every 10 Americans is unemployed. He also had to mention that we are still at war. He intended to share some hope as well, by committing to have troops out of Iraq by August and supporting the freedom for gays in the military, neither of which I expected.
There were other things I didn’t expect to hear, like his plan to freeze government spending over the next three years. He also did not talk about health care reform or education nearly as much as I thought he would. Obama also was unexpectedly comedic, getting a good laugh several times during his speech, adding a lightheartedness to the evening. Maybe he was just keeping the options open in case this whole president thing doesn’t work out.
The beginning of his address started out as I figured it would, with a notable list of what he has accomplished. I was a little reminiscent of the first day back to elementary school listening to a student tell what he did over the summer. It was a good list, nonetheless. He focused on the Recovery Act, also known as the stimulus package. He listed how he has provided tax cuts to working families, saved 2 million American jobs and extended or increased unemployment. Obama also shared with Americans some difficult things we are facing, as I expected, like the current unemployment rate, noting that one out of every 10 Americans is unemployed. He also had to mention that we are still at war. He intended to share some hope as well, by committing to have troops out of Iraq by August and supporting the freedom for gays in the military, neither of which I expected.
There were other things I didn’t expect to hear, like his plan to freeze government spending over the next three years. He also did not talk about health care reform or education nearly as much as I thought he would. Obama also was unexpectedly comedic, getting a good laugh several times during his speech, adding a lightheartedness to the evening. Maybe he was just keeping the options open in case this whole president thing doesn’t work out.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
President Kopp's response to Gov. Manchin's SOS
Stephen J. Kopp, president of Marshall University, responded to Gov. Joe Manchin’s State of the State address Friday by an e-mail directed to faculty and staff. Even though Manchin’s message included an action to reduce State appropriations by 3.4 percent, Kopp was positive about the success Manchin has had in keeping West Virginia in good economic standing. He was also positive that Marshall University can withstand a decrease in funding, but did make it clear that changes will have to take place.
Kopp pointed out that there are already things in the works that will improve the financial situation Marshall is facing. The physical therapy and pharmacy programs Marshall is looking to acquire are expected to benefit the university by attracting new students and by keeping those students through a strong and desirable program. The endowment-based research program is another positive financial move for the university, as it will bring money to the university without requiring financial responsibilities from the university. Kopp mentioned many environmentally-friendly improvements Marshall is making that are also a financial plus. Finding ways to conserve water, decrease power usage and decrease food waste are helping Marshall’s budget.
Kopp has a Sustainability Department devoted to the task of finding ways to save money, and he is looking for any ideas and suggestions others may have to help Marshall’s financial situation.
Kopp pointed out that there are already things in the works that will improve the financial situation Marshall is facing. The physical therapy and pharmacy programs Marshall is looking to acquire are expected to benefit the university by attracting new students and by keeping those students through a strong and desirable program. The endowment-based research program is another positive financial move for the university, as it will bring money to the university without requiring financial responsibilities from the university. Kopp mentioned many environmentally-friendly improvements Marshall is making that are also a financial plus. Finding ways to conserve water, decrease power usage and decrease food waste are helping Marshall’s budget.
Kopp has a Sustainability Department devoted to the task of finding ways to save money, and he is looking for any ideas and suggestions others may have to help Marshall’s financial situation.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Anticipating the State of the Union 2010
President Barack Obama will give his State of the Union address to the American people this week and many are speculating on what he will say.
Like presidents before him in similar situations, he is likely to speak openly and candidly about our country's struggles with unemployment, a troubled economy and war, as well as the progress we have made in those same areas, in addition to the success of his stimulus plan and environmental accomplishments.
Obama could begin his speech focusing on his administration's accomplishments of the past year. He could point out his stimulus plan and the positive effects it has had on the economy. He could point out his success in bailing out the automotive industry and the banks. Environmentally, he has protected over 2 million acres of land from development and made a difference with his clean cars actions.
Obama will need to address the negatives too. The country is still in a recession, and while progress has been made, America is looking for it to be over. Many people are still out of jobs and businesses are still closing and laying off employees. Obama will have to be honest about these situations, ending on a note of hope. He needs to address the war and the fact that we are still in one. He had given the American people hope that the war would end soon, and that the sons and daughters would be back on American soil, out of Iraqi harm. This has not happened, as Obama has watched and learned and listened, giving him a different perspective on what needs to take place. He has gone against what is popular and made decisions he feels are best for America.
These are the things other presidents before Obama have addressed. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy addressed the American people about the issues of war and of a difficult economy. Kennedy told the American people, “I speak today in an hour of national peril and national opportunity.” Obama is likely to speak this same way, though with maybe a little less peril this year than last. He is likely to give a review of the difficulties involved with the war and the economy, but will ultimately end on a positive note – a note to encourage the American people.
The questionable topic is going to be health care reform. Obama was certainly looking forward to announcing to the American people that the health care reform legislation has passed, giving Americans a more affordable way to get insurance and reducing the number of uninsured Americans. Due to the recent election of Scott Brown into the senate of Massachusetts, the republicans have likely added a vote against Obama’s health care reform the way it stands. This has undoubtedly caused a change in what he was going to say about health care. He must now address what will need to be done to get this going.
In keeping with Obama’s previous speeches, he will be sure to give some positive words to the people about about education, healthcare, employment, war and the economy. He will try to leave us looking forward to what 2010 might bring. As in his 2009 speech to America, he will likely ask us as Americans to “come together and lift this nation from the depths of this crisis.” He will try to unify us as American citizens and in the end, as before, he will ask God to bless the United States of America.
President Obama will give the State of the Union address on Jan. 27, 2010, at 9 p.m. EST. It will be shown on www.whitehouse.gov/live, as well as channels such as CNN and C-Span.
Like presidents before him in similar situations, he is likely to speak openly and candidly about our country's struggles with unemployment, a troubled economy and war, as well as the progress we have made in those same areas, in addition to the success of his stimulus plan and environmental accomplishments.
Obama could begin his speech focusing on his administration's accomplishments of the past year. He could point out his stimulus plan and the positive effects it has had on the economy. He could point out his success in bailing out the automotive industry and the banks. Environmentally, he has protected over 2 million acres of land from development and made a difference with his clean cars actions.
Obama will need to address the negatives too. The country is still in a recession, and while progress has been made, America is looking for it to be over. Many people are still out of jobs and businesses are still closing and laying off employees. Obama will have to be honest about these situations, ending on a note of hope. He needs to address the war and the fact that we are still in one. He had given the American people hope that the war would end soon, and that the sons and daughters would be back on American soil, out of Iraqi harm. This has not happened, as Obama has watched and learned and listened, giving him a different perspective on what needs to take place. He has gone against what is popular and made decisions he feels are best for America.
These are the things other presidents before Obama have addressed. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy addressed the American people about the issues of war and of a difficult economy. Kennedy told the American people, “I speak today in an hour of national peril and national opportunity.” Obama is likely to speak this same way, though with maybe a little less peril this year than last. He is likely to give a review of the difficulties involved with the war and the economy, but will ultimately end on a positive note – a note to encourage the American people.
The questionable topic is going to be health care reform. Obama was certainly looking forward to announcing to the American people that the health care reform legislation has passed, giving Americans a more affordable way to get insurance and reducing the number of uninsured Americans. Due to the recent election of Scott Brown into the senate of Massachusetts, the republicans have likely added a vote against Obama’s health care reform the way it stands. This has undoubtedly caused a change in what he was going to say about health care. He must now address what will need to be done to get this going.
In keeping with Obama’s previous speeches, he will be sure to give some positive words to the people about about education, healthcare, employment, war and the economy. He will try to leave us looking forward to what 2010 might bring. As in his 2009 speech to America, he will likely ask us as Americans to “come together and lift this nation from the depths of this crisis.” He will try to unify us as American citizens and in the end, as before, he will ask God to bless the United States of America.
President Obama will give the State of the Union address on Jan. 27, 2010, at 9 p.m. EST. It will be shown on www.whitehouse.gov/live, as well as channels such as CNN and C-Span.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Past State of the State addresses
I have an assignment coming up regarding President Obama’s State of the Union address, and in preparation for it, I have researched the State of the Union addresses of previous presidents. Here is what I found.
President John F. Kennedy came into office at a time when the country was in an economic crisis and a time of war. In his 1961 State of the Union, Kennedy was very candid about the gravity of the financial situation, but his words were not without hope. He spoke specifically about business bankruptcies being at an all-time high, and unemployment being the second highest in history. Businesses were in trouble and the finances of individuals were down.
Kennedy offered a glimpse into his plans to start repairing the damage. For example, he wanted to give more food to those who are unemployed, increase minimum wage, stimulate housing construction and encourage price stabilization.
In response to the war going on, Kennedy focused on strengthening America’s military, improving the economy and sharpening diplomacy.
Kennedy was clear that the country’s situation was not the best, he was careful to remain positive. He referred to the time as “an hour of national peril and national opportunity.”
President Franklin D. Roosevelt also had a presidency during a time of war, and his 1945 State of the Union referred to that time as “the most critical phase of the war.” Roosevelt said a lot about the war and updated the people on what had already taken place, the good and the bad.
For the present, he said America needed more nurses and needed people to continue working, keeping the country running. He said, “The Lord hates a quitter.”
President Richard Nixon’s 1974 State of the Union was right after a time of war. He spent a lot of time talking about the difficulties America overcame during the previous five years, and was pleased to say, “Tonight, for the first itme in 12 years, a President of the United States can report to the Congress on the state of a Union at peace with every nation of the world.”
Nixon was able to focus on homeland issues, like the economy and education.
President John F. Kennedy came into office at a time when the country was in an economic crisis and a time of war. In his 1961 State of the Union, Kennedy was very candid about the gravity of the financial situation, but his words were not without hope. He spoke specifically about business bankruptcies being at an all-time high, and unemployment being the second highest in history. Businesses were in trouble and the finances of individuals were down.
Kennedy offered a glimpse into his plans to start repairing the damage. For example, he wanted to give more food to those who are unemployed, increase minimum wage, stimulate housing construction and encourage price stabilization.
In response to the war going on, Kennedy focused on strengthening America’s military, improving the economy and sharpening diplomacy.
Kennedy was clear that the country’s situation was not the best, he was careful to remain positive. He referred to the time as “an hour of national peril and national opportunity.”
President Franklin D. Roosevelt also had a presidency during a time of war, and his 1945 State of the Union referred to that time as “the most critical phase of the war.” Roosevelt said a lot about the war and updated the people on what had already taken place, the good and the bad.
For the present, he said America needed more nurses and needed people to continue working, keeping the country running. He said, “The Lord hates a quitter.”
President Richard Nixon’s 1974 State of the Union was right after a time of war. He spent a lot of time talking about the difficulties America overcame during the previous five years, and was pleased to say, “Tonight, for the first itme in 12 years, a President of the United States can report to the Congress on the state of a Union at peace with every nation of the world.”
Nixon was able to focus on homeland issues, like the economy and education.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Education plays a big part of the State of the State
Gov. Joe Manchin gave his State of the State address Wednesday evening, and I was pleasantly surprised to find myself interested in some of it.
Manchin emphasized education and there were highlights for college students to pay some serious attention to.
College students in West Virginia have heard the last of tuition increases for at least the next four years, if Manchin has anything to say about it. Manchin proposed a tuition freeze for all technical schools, colleges and universities in West Virginia.
Manchin said this in response to his concern with the staggering statistics of declining college graduation among today’s youth. He said out of 100 students in ninth grade right now, only 16 of them will finish their education and get a diploma. He called the graduation rates “very disappointing.”
Manchin said the United States and Germany are the only Western democracies where the children are less likely to have graduated from college than their parents.
This is shocking. However, the enrollment into college continues to rise. The problem lies in keeping the students enrolled and excelling academically through graduation.
On a positive note, Manchin said community college enrollment has increased for adults by 16 percent.
Manchin said the PROMISE scholarship program is something he is proud to keep going. However, in echoing his concern from his State of the State address in 2008, he is asking the recipients of those scholarships to keep a vow as well.
“I’m asking every PROMISE graduate to make us a promise – to do everything possible to stay in the state of West Virginia,” Manchin said Wednesday.
In 2008, Manchin said he was going to propose a rule for the recipients of the PROMISE scholarship to work in West Virginia or pay back the scholarship.
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission reported about 9,300 students received the PROMISE scholarship from 2008 to 2009.
Manchin praised the success of the Bucks for Brains program, which began in 2008. The program provides funding for research in areas of science and technology at Marshall University and West Virginia University. Manchin said there has been increase in students majoring in areas of technology, engineering, math and science.
In addition to education, Manchin addressed West Virginia’s economy. He said he has had to do the first mid-year budget reduction since being in office.
He did say, however, “We should be proud that the state of our state is still strong.”
Something Manchin seemed pleased to announce was the Boy Scouts of America’s commitment to host the National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia for the next 100 years. In addition to this being an honor to the state, he also saw this as an opportunity for more part-time jobs.
For the school system, Manchin is concerned with the lack of attendance of the full 180 days that are required each school year. He vowed to make that a priority.
Bettering the school lunch menu is also a concern. Manchin said this was brought to light by chef Jaime Oliver’s recent television show recorded in Huntington, W.Va. Manchin is hoping there will be an improvement in the quality and nutrition of the food.
Jennifer Garner was representing the program Save the Children, which focuses on the health, education and economic opportunities for 150 communities in the United States. Manchin allocated $1 million for this effort in the rural counties in West Virginia.
With the help of Manchin, West Virginia should be producing college graduates who have eaten well during school, worked part-time jobs at the Boy Scout National Scout Jamboree, and had their tuition paid for, and will be working in areas of technology in West Virginia for years to come.
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