CW&EP Prepared for 2000.

CW&EP General Manager Bob Williams reported to the Board of Directors during their regular meeting last Thursday that plans are being finalized for New Year’s Eve preparedness.

Plans include having CW&EP power plant generators operating prior to midnight as a precautionary measure. Employees will be on hand at substations to quickly alleviate any problems and isolate the Carthage system so the City will be provided for if necessary.

The Board approved a proposal by Burns & McConnell for an electric rate study at a price not to exceed $21,200. The firm was presented as having excellent credentials and experience in rate unbundling. A presentation of the completed study is scheduled for the April 2000 Board meeting.

The Board authorized Williams to research the leasing of a portion of the utility’s fiber optic system to industry for internet type services. He will report back to the Board.

The Board also heard that new office billing software is in the process of being converted.

Powers Museum Holiday Closing.

news release

The Powers Museum will observe its last public day on December 23 closing at 4:30 p.m. This will mark the last day of the 1999 season that the museum will open due to the holidays and the beginning of its annual closing to conduct maintenance projects and exhibit re-design.

When the museum re-opens on March 1, 2000, the main exhibit gallery is expected to focus on Carthage at the new century —1900 that is. The remainder of the museum’s 2000 schedule will be announced at that time.

For research access to the museum library and archives, patrons can call 417-358-2667 or email pmuseum@ipa.net with their questions. All such inquiries will be replied to through the mail during the January or February period. Exceptions will be made for students working on National History Day projects or other related school projects, but advance notice must be given for weekday access to the museum’s library/archives.

Commentary

Martin "Bubs" Hohulin, State Representative, District 126

Either I am missing something or the leaders of the budget process in Jefferson City are missing something. As you probably know, I am on the Budget Committee of the House and we are charged with writing the budget for the next fiscal year.

This week I received a letter signed by the chairman of the House Budget Committee and the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. In it was painted a very gloomy picture of the budget prospects for the next fiscal year. From the contents of the letter, it appears as though people will be wandering the streets, hopelessly lost, because the State of Missouri won’t be able to take care of them.

Rest assured that I will be sending back a very pointed letter to them pointing out the fallacies of what they are saying, but I wanted to make it the topic of this column so that you could see what we are up against when it comes to trying to let you keep more of your money.

In the letter, it talks about how "mandatory spending" is going to be $410 million, up $150 million from last year. If that is right, that is an increase of almost 40%! The other problem is that they are defining as mandatory spending, items that were in legislation passed last year. There is no requirement that we fund every piece of legislation that goes through. In fact, that is one of our safety valves. If we aren’t able to stop a bad idea from becoming law, we can always fight the battle again the next year in the budget process.

The real outrage though, is the line in the letter that says, "We are now in the position of not having adequate revenue to provide the minimal services needed and expected by our citizens". To add insult to injury, they blame this ‘shortfall’ on the tax reductions and refunds required by the Hancock amendment to the Constitution.

First, and finally, there is no shortfall in the State budget. The mere fact that there have been Constitutionally required refunds every year for the last seven years is testament to that fact. Spending has went up by almost $1 BILLION per year for the last 9 years. Depending on whose figures you use, we have had either the fastest or second fastest growing budget in the nation. This isn’t something to be proud of, but it is even worse to then claim that we don’t have enough money to take care of the needs of our citizens.

The needs of our citizens can best be met by themselves. We spend money on items that in no way, shape, or form should be funded by taxpayers from the state level. Yes, they might be worthwhile programs, but they were never intended to be a function of state government. Outside of some bureaucrats that are constantly scrambling to justify their existence, the hardworking citizens of Missouri would get along just as well if not better without these expensive, bloated programs. Bottom line; I don’t call a budget that has doubled in the last 9 years when the population of our state hasn’t changed much exactly destitute.

As usual, I can be reached at House Post Office, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or 1-800-878-7126, or mhohulin@services.state.mo.us for your questions, comments or advice.

Business Location For Rent

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Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

I heard a guy the other day make the unenlightened statement that the only reason people watch car races is to see the crashes. I’ve heard this before, always from folks who don’t enjoy bein’ a spectator to motor sports.

The real irony of this particular person’s statement was the fact that he is a huge baseball fan. I suppose he sits through long stretches of routine portions of a game wishin’ someone would break a leg or get beaned by the pitcher.

As usual, there is little reason to argue with someone that just doesn’t understand the enthusiasm of racin’ fans. ‘Course havin’ fun or enjoyin’ somethin’ has always been in the eye of the beholder. How else can you explain the popularity of rap music.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune Brooks Hospital

Health Notes

MERRY CHRISTMAS - and please have a safe and healthy holiday. There’s still time to check the lights on your tree to make sure they won’t cause a fire. There’s also time to check that the tree is in a safe setting away from a fireplace or other heat source, and that you keep it well watered. Also be careful about driving. There are misconceptions about alcohol and its effects on drivers.

Myth: Drinking coffee sobers me up.

Fact: Coffee cannot rid your system of alcohol. It just makes you wide-awake. Only time reverses impairment.

Myth: I stay away from the hard stuff.

Fact: Alcohol is alcohol. Beer has the same effect as straight scotch. One 12-oz beer has as much alcohol as a 1.5 oz shot of whiskey.

Myth: I’m bigger so I can handle my liquor better.

Fact: Size is only one factor in how much you can drink. Metabolism, amount of rest, and food intake all play a part in how you handle liquor. Impairment can begin with the first drink.

Myth: I just drive more slowly.

Fact: Many people do, believing they can actually compensate for being impaired by creeping along at 22 miles per hour. This can be very dangerous (since) other cars (will be racing) along at 75 MPH. The truth is, impaired drivers are unsafe at any speed.