Political Support

- If you’re a political junkie, you can see which of your neighbors have donated to which candidates. For example: according to the HuffPo, Cheryl Crawley, our new GFPS superintendent, donated $350 to Barack Obama. On the other side, Amy Astin, who used to work for Rep Denny Rehberg, donated $500 to Mitt Romney’s campaign, according to NewsMeat.

- The keyword in 2008 seems to be “superdelegates.” So how many does Montana have, exactly, and who are they? Check it out.

- Didja notice that Larry Steele, who ran for GF Mayor a few months ago, appears on the primary ballot as a candidate for Governor?

May 15, 2008 | Filed Under politics, civics, election | 3 Comments

“Room To Live”

“Buckle up!” How many times have you said that to a passenger in your car? For me, seat belts are automatic - I barely even think about it; buckling-up is a matter of routine. To be honest, I don’t quite understand people who DON’T automatically fasten their seat belt as soon as they get in a car. If you’re not a regular buckle-upper, or are trying to convince a family member or friend to use their seat belt, then you should check out these two videos titled “Room To Live.” They are PSAs for the MT Dept of Transportation, created by GF’s own Banik team. The phrase “room to live” refers to the “cage” of your vehicle, which protects you IF you are buckled up. Share the link or the video - spread the news.

May 10, 2008 | Filed Under civics, media | 1 Comment

“Let Great Falls Rot”

Based on initial results, it appears that the school levy won’t pass, although the tallies are razor-thin right now. KFBB just reported that the elementary school levy has been defeated by fewer than 200 votes, and the high school levy by fewer than 400 votes. By the way, kudos to everyone who voted - about 18,000! - and to the folks who handled the election and counted the ballots.

It’s clear that there is a pretty even split in our community about whether our schools need more money. I suspect that if our schools were in true need, the vote would have been lopsided in favor of the levy, but as I noted earlier, many people in Great Falls believe that we have excellent schools that do a great job with their available resources. I’m sure that the time will come - next year, five years? - when our schools will indeed require more money, and I have no doubt that voters will step up.

Read The Whole Thing >>>

Now, having said that, it sure is pathetic to see a local teacher post the following screed on the Tribune forums:

Name: forgotten_cenotaph
Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 11:35 am Post subject: Let Great Falls Rot
I would normally never post anything to a forum of this nature, but I just want to say that I am a teacher here in Great Falls. I’m a first-year teacher, in fact, fresh out of college and married. My wife and I thought this community would be a good place to settle down and start a family, but after the debacle of this election, we’re not so sure.
What kind of a town doesn’t value education? Isn’t it funny how the people who know the least usually think they are the very smartest? I read some of these comments and these people have no clue what they are saying.
Well the response of the people sickens me. Do you think teachers get into this profession to become rich? I did this because I want to help the kids. If this thing doesn’t pass, we’re definitely leaving and moving to Missoula or Billings or Helena or anywhere but here….If you don’t care about education, then Great Falls will keep losing professional, stable people. No more nuclear families, no more people with college degrees. Let this town become a haven for drunks and gambling addicts. You can all hang out at the Super Wal-Mart together, get loaded and complain how the schools are sucking the community dry happily ever after.

Wow. The arrogance is boggling: “What kind of a town doesn’t value education?” Whoa, there, Teach: just because we don’t throw money at it based on your first-year assessment doesn’t mean that we don’t value education. And the implication that our entire citizenry is illiterate, drunk, and lazy; unbelievable. To be honest, if this is your first year as a teacher and you’re already that cynical and ill-mannered, then perhaps you shouldn’t even wait for the final results of the levy: just pack up your stuff and move along. I’m sure that most parents would prefer that your attitude not rub off on the kids.

While the folks in Great Falls do indeed value education, we also value civility and respect - two things that his college education failed to address, apparently.

« Hide It

May 6, 2008 | Filed Under civics, education | 7 Comments

Privileges of Residency

How many of you would believe that I was very happy on Tuesday when I went to renew my auto registration and pay the associated fees? It’s true: I felt proud to pay “full fare” finally, now that I am retired from the Air Force and have officially claimed Montana as my home. Military folks in Great Falls who have a “home of record” (residency) in another state - as I did - only have to pay a portion of the auto registration fee, so this was my first time paying the full amount ($133). It felt good. Seriously. And being able to park, get in the building, pay the money, get the sticker, and back to my car in 13 minutes - damn, but I love Great Falls!

Read The Whole Thing >>>

April 24, 2008 | Filed Under civics, education | 7 Comments

You Can Help

Janna and some friends have put together a fund-raiser called “Light Up The Dark” to benefit the two teen girls who were beaten and sexually assaulted several weeks ago. The benefit will be held on Saturday, April 26, at the Black Eagle Community Center. And not only will the money help the families, but the community support will show the girls that most people are good, and hopefully give them some peace of mind.

Read The Whole Thing >>>

April 22, 2008 | Filed Under events, civics, people | 2 Comments

Siebel Soccer Park Update

Got an e-mail from Sandra Guynn, the chair of Neighborhood Council 4, regarding the earlier post about the Siebel Soccer Park:

Hi David,

With regard to your post about the parking issues at the soccer park: I’m the chair of Neighborhood Council 4. The soccer park falls within our council boundaries.

Thank you to those of you who have expressed concerns about the parking problems at the soccer park. As the chair of Neighborhood Council 4, I can assure you that we too are concerned about the problems and dangers this issue presents to our neighborhood.

Our council would like to hear from you. Our next meeting is Thursday, April 24 at 6:30pm at the Heritage Baptist Church, which is located across the street from the soccer park.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to express your concerns, you may e-mail me at siguynn@yahoo.com

Sincerely,
Sandra Guynn, Chair, NC4

OK, folks — make a difference! Sandra, thank you for leading on this issue, and for taking the time to write.

April 11, 2008 | Filed Under civics, sports | 1 Comment

Pulse Re-launch

The good folks over at Pulse Great Falls have re-launched their website and seem to have been re-energized - go on over and see what they’ve got to offer. The group is ostensibly targeted at young professionals, but I’m sure that “the more, the merrier” is the prevailing attitude. After all, it’s the attitude that counts: positive, enthusiastic, and “up” on Great Falls!

And check this out: the GFDA is on the verge of unveiling their new and improved site! I’m cautiously optimistic.

April 4, 2008 | Filed Under events, civics | 4 Comments

Clueless Cynthia

Cynthia Schultz, the “CEO” of the Great Falls airport, apparently stated that: “I…generally don’t read blogs as I find them to be fact challenged and agenda driven.”

Well, there’s two things about her attitude: first, I question her assertion that blogs are “fact challenged.” If she - or you - can find anything on my blog that is “fact challenged,” please let me know. I aim to be accurate, and if I’ve posted something that is not true, I need to correct it.

Second, she claims that blogs are “agenda driven.” OK, hold on a minute while I prepare my response: DUH. She seems to think that the phrase “agenda driven” connotes some sort of malicious intent, when in fact the phrase is meaningless. She used that phrase only because she is being “called out” for possibly inappropriate behavior by…a local blogger, who she seems to think is driven by some sort of evil agenda.

News Flash for Cynthia Schultz: EVERYTHING is agenda driven to some degree. After all, isn’t the Airport “agenda driven” in the pursuit of promoting air travel and tourism?

Yes, my blog is driven by an “agenda”: to promote Great Falls - the events, people, quirks, and businesses that make it a great community. And yes, GeeGuy’s blog is driven by an agenda: to try to hold elected officials accountable by providing more in-depth reporting than other local media outlets.

So come on, Cynthia: don’t blame blogs for the little mess that you’ve found yourself in.

April 3, 2008 | Filed Under civics, blogging, people | Leave a Comment

Moving To Great Falls: Q & A

OK, Great Falls, time to put your best foot forward! Got an e-mail from Vivian today, and she & her husband will be moving to Great Falls soon. They’ve got some questions - and you’ve got the answers.

My husband is going to be retiring from the Coast Guard this summer…he has taken a job in Great Falls. I have read the Chamber of Commerce Site, along with the Official City Site, however I would like to know what it is really like to live there. We will be renting a house so I guess what I am after is what Great Falls is like from someone who actually lives there. Cost of living; shopping, grocery; malls, local downtown shopping; what the weather is like in Spring Summer Winter and Fall; is it easy to get around driving wise. Right now we are in the Seattle area, needless to say the best word that describes traffic is gridlock most of the time. A ball park figure on what rental houses go for. Just the basic three bedroom two bath nothing fancy type but in a good neighborhood. I know all places have crime, what is the crime rate. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated!

I’ll be posting my answers to her questions later, but it would be great to hear what YOU have to say. Let’s have it!

March 13, 2008 | Filed Under shopping, business, civics | 10 Comments

Biz Brief

Some news from my downtown correspondent:

New Clothing Store Downtown
The Blue Rose will open in Mid-April depending on remodel progress. This new boutique located at 419 Central Avenue will offer contemporary, casual to dressy styles for men and women. When we talked to the owner Tracy Perry, she hopes to work in harmony with current established downtown retailers, providing Great Falls shoppers another reason to shop locally. It’s going to be a fun, upbeat boutique, and there will be something for everyone at the Blue Rose. You can contact Tracy at 406-231-9808 or tracy@bluerosestyles.com. Welcome Tracy!!!

St. Patrick Day Parade
Sue Ferrin, our new Downtown Great Falls marketing director, informed me that the parade will start at 3:00 on Monday March 17th. If you have any questions or want to register an entry give Gerry Boland a call at 727-4901.

Also: I have it on very good authority that the Great Falls Development Authority (DGFA) is taking concrete, positive steps towards upgrading their website.

As always, there’s plenty going on in Great Falls. If you have any tidbits or news flashes to share, drop me a line at david AT greaterfalls.com.

March 11, 2008 | Filed Under business, civics | Leave a Comment

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