Mixed Feelings.

The City Council met yesterday evening at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall for a special work session. The session was to discuss changing the way Council Members are elected. The purposed change would allow each ward to elect one member and the other five members would be elected at large. Mayor Kenneth Johnson brought the purposed change to the Council.

Former Council Member Bill Puttnam was present to speak to the Council and explained his reason for supporting the change.

"There is no organization to encourage people to run," said Puttnam. "If you want to run, you step up and run kind of situation. In some aspects the Partisan was better, because it had an organization."

Council Members have been elected with no party affiliation since 1992.

Council Member Claude Newport stated he had mixed feelings. Newport explained that he was concerned that the Council would not be equally balanced.

Council members Bill Fortune, Diane Sharits, Ronnie Wells and Jim Woestman were among the others with mixed feelings. Fortune and Wells both brought up the idea of dividing the at large candidates. Electing three one year and two the next.

Council Member Ron Ferguson stated he was opposed to the change.

"There is too much potential for special interests," said Ferguson. "I think we have plenty of interests right here, right now. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it."

Council Members Mike Harris and Bill Welch stated their opposition to the change. Welch expressed that diversity counts and every ward should be represented. Harris stated that each ward is different and has differences between perspectives.

Council Member Jackie Boyer stated as a former Charter Commission member she feels there is a need for electing members at large. Boyer said she agrees with the idea of staggering the election of at large canidates each year.

"I think this is just evolving government and an attempt to better serve the community," said Boyer. " I would like to see us go with it."

artCentral Gets Ready for the Holidays.

By Lee Sours, artCentral

The next show will open Friday, Dec. 5. An artists’ reception will be held that evening from 6-8pm with refreshments served.

The new exhibit in the Main Gallery will feature paintings and stone sculpture by Debbie Reed and Penny Wilkinson. Both have been artists for many years and have highly evolved skills.

The Members Gallery will have the photography and pottery of Richard Reed and Tim Reed.

Richard Reed has been known for his raku pottery which is an ancient method of firing pots. A unique crackled glaze forms on each pot. This year we will also be treated to his photography.

His son, Tim, will be showing his photography as well. Tim’s photography is rich in showing people’s emotions.

ArtCentral will be one of the stops listed on the Victorian Carthage Christmas Homes Tour on Saturday, Dec.6. In addition to the two galleries of artwork, we will have a display of handwoven articles and pottery by Jack and Lee Ann Sours. This would be a great opportunity to pick up some handmade Christmas gifts. Some of the handwoven items will include scarves and throws made with natural fibers for softness and warmth. Jack’s work will include domestic ware pottery such as mugs, bowls and teapots. Look for some big discounts on overstocked items!

Our cookbooks, courthouse postcards and southwestern note cards will also be here waiting to be picked up for stocking stuffers.

HOURS: T – F 11 - 5

Sunday 12 -5 Closed Mon. and Sat.

1110 E 13th • 358-4404

ozarkartistscolony.com

The proposed change in the method of electin’ Council members is an ordinance and therefore requires six votes of the Council to be enacted.

Accordin’ to the discussion at the Council meetin’ it looks like there are three definite "no’s" and some undecided.

I’m guessin’ that some of the undecided members are wantin’ to hear from their constituents on the matter. If ya have an opinion or just want some clarification on exactly what the change would mean to you, give a Council member a call. The vote on the ordinance is scheduled for the next meetin’ on December 9.

I’m guessin’ the Council will want to settle the matter before the middle of December for the upcomin’ April election.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

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Click & Clack
TALK CARS

by Tom & Ray Magliozzi

Sponsored by Metcalf Auto Supply

Dear Tom and Ray:

My son has a ‘94 Ford Explorer. After we bought it, we found out that rollovers are not uncommon with this vehicle. Since the previous two cars he had during his short driving career were totaled, I would like to protect him the best I can. I’ve heard from a friend that you can get weights attached to rollover-prone SUVs that adjust the center of gravity and lessen the risk of a rollover. I checked with the Ford dealer, the Ford corporate help line and searched online, but came up empty. Have you heard of this, or is it just wishful thinking? — Marty

RAY: I’m sure that somewhere, some knucklehead is doing something like this, but we don’t recommend it.

TOM: If you attach weights to a car, you’re going to affect the handling in ways that you can’t even predict. So even if you do manage to make it more stable in one way, you’re likely to make it less stable in other ways. I’d forget all about the amateur engineering, Marty.

RAY: It’s too bad you didn’t find out about the top-heavy nature of SUVs before you bought one for your son. You probably also know by now that SUVs tend to do lots of damage to cars in non-rollover accidents, and I’m sure you don’t want your kid being a danger to other, innocent people on the road. So I’m afraid your best bet is to sell the Explorer and get him something else.

TOM: The best cars for teenagers tend to be medium to large sedans without too much engine power. That way, the kids have some mass around them should they get into an accident, and they don’t have so much power that they’re tempted (more than usual) to drive like idiots.

Natural Nutrition

by Mari An Willis

Sponsored by Oak Street Health & Herb

What is germanium? No, not the lovely odd smelling flower. Germanium is a naturally occurring trace mineral, such as gold and silver. Research began in 1950 as an important trace nutrient.

I was first introduced to germanium several years ago when I was suffering from consistently cold hands and feet. This coldness was there in spite of exercise and even with the help of capsicum.

My chiropractor suggested I start taking germanium and within the next hour or two I noticed my hands were warmer. It was not like a niacin flush warm, but just warmer. This led me to check into this more closely and I found it was know for improving oxygenation to the cell. It is also known to help keep the immune system in good health while eliminating toxins.

It has been used to detoxify the liver and body from toxins. Viral infections have responded well to the germanium.

Germanium was first discovered to be beneficial to health by Dr. Kazuhiko Asai, a scientist and chemist. In studies with mice, he found that less oxygen was required to maintain respiration when those tissues were supplemented with germanium."

Today’s Herbal Health by Louise Tenney
Scientific Validation of Herbs by Mowery

* This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. References available by request.