Author: Bob Weeks
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Wichita helps out the Ambassador Hotel campaign
A page on the City of Wichita’s official, taxpayer-funded website provides information on the February 28th special election regarding a guest tax rebate for the Ambassador Hotel in downtown Wichita. While the page provides useful information, it makes a claim that is not accurate, and one which may persuade Wichita voters to vote Yes.
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Sedgwick County Commissioner to present on sustainable development
Sedgwick County Commissioner Richard Ranzau will deliver a talk on the topic of sustainable development.
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Wichita Downtown Development Corporation shouldn’t campaign
Campaign activity by the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation appears to be contrary to several opinions issued by Kansas Attorneys General regarding the use of public funds in elections.
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On Streeter and Anderson
This morning I appeared on the “Streeter and Anderson” program on The Big Talker: 1480 KQAM Wichita. I covered the STAR bond project in Wichita, the special election on February 28th regarding the Ambassador Hotel, and the new home purchase tax rebate program. All in ten minutes.
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Wichita Intrust Bank Arena profit, in perspective
When evaluating information released by Sedgwick County regarding the financial performance of Intrust Bank Arena, citizens need to look beyond the presentations made to commission members. Important facts are available, but not presented to commissioners and the public.
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Wichita convention business
Is the pursuit of convention business in Wichita at great expense to citizens a wise course for economic development?
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Fact checking Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer
Last week Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer appeared on the KPTS Television public affairs program Impact to discuss his recent State of the City Address for 2012. While the mayor didn’t say much that is factually incorrect, examining some of his statement in a larger context is a valuable exercise.
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Wichita HOME program has negative consequences
The Wichita City Council will consider a program designed to boost the sale of newly-constructed homes. While this program was undoubtedly developed with good intentions, government intervention almost always has many other effects other than the desired effect. Unfortunately, many of these unintended consequences have a negative impact, often far exceeding the good that the…
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Fact checking a Wichita Ambassador Hotel “Vote Yes” mailer
Claims made by supporters of a special tax rebate for the Wichita Ambassador Hotel don’t withstand scrutiny.
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Kansas Bioscience Authority hearings, day 2
At the second day of testimony regarding a forensic audit of the Kansas Bioscience Authority, a representative of Kansas Governor Sam Brownback was strongly critical of the audit itself, and also of the Board of Directors of KBA. Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Dale A. Rodman, who oversaw the audit process on behalf of the Brownback…
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No-bid contracts a problem in Wichita
Wichita Eagle reporting uncovers a problem with no-bid contracts for construction projects in Wichita. This revelation illustrates these things: a Wichita City Council almost totally captured by special interests, crony capitalism on steroids, and another example of why Wichita and Kansas need pay-to-play laws.
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Fracking movie proposed
Filmmakers Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer produced the 2009 film “Not Evil Just Wrong” that uncovered the myths and misinformation spread by radical environmental extremists. Now the two have looked at fracking and hope to produce a documentary film on this topic.