Friday, November 14, 2008
"Abilene Frontiering" Ridiculous Waste Of Taxpayers' Money
The negative reception to the "branding" announced by the Abilene Branding Partnership, in conjunction with North Star Destination Strategies of Nashville, Tennessee, has been overwhelming in Abilene, Texas. The joint effort, both publicly and privately funded, has created quite a public uproar amid demands for accountability and public acknowledgement of responsibility by city leaders. The Council has tried to shift blame to quasi-public branches of the city administration, which oversee the organizations involved in this $432,000 boondoggle.
All branches of the local media have reported citizens' dismay at paying North Star for what many consider plagiarizing the existing "Friendly Frontier" brand. There have been very few positive comments on the new brand proposal, which has kept city spokespersons backtracking to downplay their involvement in the decision to use at least $30,000 in tax dollars for the initail phase of the project. An additional $400,000 plus was allocated for signage and other implementation costs.
Friendly Frontier was submitted by college students as a class project in 2004 and awarded a $100 prize - far less than North Star's continuing fees.
Read the full story and public comments from the links below:
City's New Brand
432K In Tax Money
Branding Often Stirs Reaction
Big Country Homepage
Friday, October 10, 2008
Balloon Accident in Albuquerque Kills One
BERNALILLO, N.M. (AP) - A hot air balloon crashed into power lines and burst into flames Friday during Albuquerque's annual balloon fiesta, throwing both men on board to the ground and killing one of them. Witnesses said that many of the balloons were flying low right before the Wings of Wind balloon crashed in Bernalillo, just north of Albuquerque.
Stephen Lachendro of Butler, Pa., was killed and Keith Sproul of North Brunswick, N.J., was critically injured. Kathie Leyendecker, a spokeswoman for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, said she did not know who was piloting the balloon.
Lachendro was found dead at the scene on the side of a ditch; Sproul was unconscious and taken to the hospital, Rio Rancho Fire Battalion Chief Paul Bearce said.
Sproul is also a licensed amateur radio operator who equipped his craft with radio position tracking equipment and had attended the Amarillo Invitational Balloon Rally for several years.
Balloon Crash
Controversial Jim Ned CISD Teacher Indicted
UPDATE 10/10/2008 - Kaleb Tierce has been indicted on three counts related to inappropriate contact with students while employed by Jim Ned CISD in Tuscola, Texas. More to be posted as this latest development unfolds
Local media article released 30 minutes after our story
Teachers get in trouble for having sex with students. But a West Texas teacher is in trouble — with the cops, no less — for assigning a book in which someone has sex.
Of course, the character was having sex with bodies of people he killed. This might explain the uproar and why the teacher's career could be deader than a sexed-up corpse.
The fact that a teacher can get trouble over fictional necrophilia is a tribute to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Cormac McCarthy's talent and the dull life of small town Texas.
The case against (former) Jim Ned CISD teacher Kaleb Tierce unfolded haphazardly over the past year, according to published reports (Read the Abilene story last, because it's long and confusing and stands on its own as inadvertently funny newspapering.)
Tierce was put on leave and his teaching contract was not renewed by Jim Ned CISD officials in Tuscola, a town located 15 miles south of Abilene that's best known as the home of Colt McCoy, record-setting quarterback of the University of Texas Longhorns.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Let's select sheriff based on merit
Posted by lee_vee_one on October 3, 2008 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GOOD CALL NEAL COCHRAN.
ART CASAREZ WITH HIS ADVANCED EDUCATION AND EXTENSIVELY VARIED EXPERIENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT STATE WIDE STANDS TO BE AN EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD AND CREDIBLE CANIDATE FOR SHERIFF WITH NO QUESTIONABLE PAST THAT I CAN FIND. OH! AND I DO DIG AROUND WHEN IT COMES TO POLITICAL CANIDATES IN ABILENE AND TAYLOR COUNTY. I SAY LET US HIRE HIM BEFORE SOME OTHER COUNTY FINDS OUT ABOUT HIS JOB QUALIFICATIONS. OH! OH! I MEAN LET'S VOTE HIM INTO OFFICE FOR SHERIFF OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
Posted by kelly_41_2000 on October 3, 2008 at 5:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought Bruce won this last year.
Posted by squid on October 3, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Les won the Republican primary over Dieken earlier THIS year. Try and keep up, kelly...
betcha Les wins with a margin of 60-40 to 70-30....
Posted by lee_vee_one on October 3, 2008 at 9:43 a.m.
THERE IS A CHOICE FOR CHANGE IN ABILENE AND ITS NOT LES BRUCE. SAD BUT TRUE HE HAS BEEN CORRUPTED BY THE VERY JOB THAT GAVE HIM "ALL THIS EXPERIENCE". ITS HARD SOMETIMES FOR A MAN TO FIND HIMSELF TEMPTED BY THE VERY VICES OF OTHERS THAT HE IS TRYING TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS FROM . LIKE DRUGS AND PROSTIUTION. THE INDIVIDUALS THAT KNOW ALL SO WELL ABOUT LES BRUCE BUT CANNOT COME FORWARD. THE DRUG ABUSER,THE PROSTITUTE(WORKING GIRL). LES BRUCE KNOWS .YES "LESS" BRUCE KNOWS.
QUOTE THE RAVEN "NEVER MORE".
Posted by topo97 on October 3, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lee_vee_one, you might get banned for that post unless you can back it up. Hurry up the hounds are coming...
Posted by johnqpublic on October 3, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lee_vee_one, if you have evidence to back up your claims then it is your obligation to turn it over to the authorities.
Posted by TexasTwister on October 3, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lee_vee is a joke...right? Nobody is that far removed from reality to write those things, are they? And they think screaming them in all caps gives them more credibility?
Why don't you crawl back into whatever hole you came out of, because you're only hurting your own candidate.
Posted by squid on October 3, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lee vee has no evidence, just an agenda. What he, she or it fails to let you know is that Art Casarez has spent his career in narcotics and vice, just as Les has........
lee vee has more than likely done some time in the Gray Bar Motel (the Dieken Inn, soon to be the Bruce Suites) due to the work of Les, and is a bit bitter about his, her, it's time there....
Posted by kelly_41_2000 on October 3, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Crap. I thought I was voting for sheriff then. Talk is cheap.Bummer! I know Les and he's good people and comes from good people. I still cant get over how shocking it was to learn the deputies had second jobs just to make ends meet.Les can sure make it alot better for those good officers out there. But then it would be hard to make it any worse for them and still keep em on the job.
Posted by wild_bill on October 3, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I used to work with Les and Art. I like and respect them both. Were Art not running against Les, I would have no trouble voting for him. While it is true that Art has widely varied experience gained at a multitude of jobs, it also appears he didn't stick with any of them.
Les seems to have known from early on what he wanted and how he wanted to get from where he was to where he wanted to be. I also applaud someone willing to stick with a task until it is finished.
Les and Art are good and honorable men but I will vote for Les Bruce for Sheriff.
lee_vee_one and your all caps nonsense, either prove your foul slanders or retract them.
Posted by DontCensorKonstantin4Abilene on October 4, 2008 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not saying I believe the previous post about the character of Les Bruce. However,If you know about the "Kiniority" system in Abilene, even if the claims against him were true, nothing would come of it.
Kiniority [kin-yawr-i-tee, -yor-] 1. A phenomenon were the rules for everyone else, do not apply to you if you have enough money, the right friends, or are "kin" to the right family. 2. A good lawyer knows the law, a great lawyer knows the judge. 3. It's not seniority that counts in the real world, it's kiniority.
Posted by nanaspeak on October 6, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Les Bruce has worked in law enforcement in our community for many years. He has the experience, the knowledge, and the integrity to do an outstanding job as the Sheriff of Taylor County. I am aware that Art Casarez has run in the past more than once, and was unsuccessful more than once.
lee_vee_one you posted a comment (whats up with the all caps?) singing your praises and support for Art Casarez. You then posted another comment shortly after that didn't make much sense at all. You made cloudy accusations about the moral character and integrity of Les Bruce, and your twisted comment appeared to come from drug addicts and prostitutes that "cannot come forward". GOOD GRIEF! Did you forget to preview your comment there Lee? Are you telling us that we should base our perception of the candidates for Sheriff and our vote on the word of drug addicts and prostitutes?? WHAT COLOR IS THE SKY IN YOUR WORLD? Have you developed such a close relationship with these drug addicts and prostitutes that they now influence your decisions in such important situations as voting? TexasTwister was right, you are only hurting your own candidate, especially if that is the candidate your drug addicts and prostitutes have advised you to vote for. Shame on you and your little friends for trying to berate and degrade such and honorable and capable man.
Posted by DontCensorKonstantin4Abilene on October 6, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a college student and a Republican. I have heard some very troubling things about Mr. Bruce.(not from Mr. Konstantin) My sources were varied. I trust my sources. I can't repeat what I heard. It would break the rules here to say some of it. Included were views similar to what lee_vee_one said. I could not find a person who was not a personal friend / co-worker that had anything positive to say about the guy. "Arrogant" was a word I can include that kept coming up. I will not vote for a Democrat. I have too many concerns about The Republican. When I go and vote the Sheriff's race will remain blank. I would like to mention Mr. Konstantin does not share my conclusion of not voting at all.
Posted by lee_vee_one on October 6, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THERE IS A CHOICE FOR CHANGE IN ABILENE AND ITS NOT LES BRUCE. "WITH ALL THAT EXPERIENCE". ITS HARD SOMETIMES FOR A MAN TO FIND HIMSELF TEMPTED BY THE VERY VICES OF OTHERS THAT HE IS TRYING TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS FROM . LES BRUCE KNOWS .YES "LESS" BRUCE KNOWS.
QUOTE THE RAVEN "NEVER MORE".
GOOD CALL NEAL COCHRAN.
ART CASAREZ WITH HIS ADVANCED EDUCATION AND EXTENSIVELY VARIED EXPERIENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT STATE WIDE STANDS TO BE AN EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD AND CREDIBLE CANIDATE FOR SHERIFF WITH NO QUESTIONABLE PAST THAT I CAN FIND. OH! AND I DO DIG AROUND WHEN IT COMES TO POLITICAL CANIDATES IN ABILENE AND TAYLOR COUNTY. I SAY LET US HIRE HIM BEFORE SOME OTHER COUNTY FINDS OUT ABOUT HIS JOB QUALIFICATIONS. OH! OH! I MEAN LET'S VOTE HIM INTO OFFICE FOR SHERIFF OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
Posted by kelly_41_2000 on October 3, 2008 at 5:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought Bruce won this last year.
Posted by squid on October 3, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Les won the Republican primary over Dieken earlier THIS year. Try and keep up, kelly...
betcha Les wins with a margin of 60-40 to 70-30....
Posted by lee_vee_one on October 3, 2008 at 9:43 a.m.
THERE IS A CHOICE FOR CHANGE IN ABILENE AND ITS NOT LES BRUCE. SAD BUT TRUE HE HAS BEEN CORRUPTED BY THE VERY JOB THAT GAVE HIM "ALL THIS EXPERIENCE". ITS HARD SOMETIMES FOR A MAN TO FIND HIMSELF TEMPTED BY THE VERY VICES OF OTHERS THAT HE IS TRYING TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS FROM . LIKE DRUGS AND PROSTIUTION. THE INDIVIDUALS THAT KNOW ALL SO WELL ABOUT LES BRUCE BUT CANNOT COME FORWARD. THE DRUG ABUSER,THE PROSTITUTE(WORKING GIRL). LES BRUCE KNOWS .YES "LESS" BRUCE KNOWS.
QUOTE THE RAVEN "NEVER MORE".
Posted by topo97 on October 3, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lee_vee_one, you might get banned for that post unless you can back it up. Hurry up the hounds are coming...
Posted by johnqpublic on October 3, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lee_vee_one, if you have evidence to back up your claims then it is your obligation to turn it over to the authorities.
Posted by TexasTwister on October 3, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lee_vee is a joke...right? Nobody is that far removed from reality to write those things, are they? And they think screaming them in all caps gives them more credibility?
Why don't you crawl back into whatever hole you came out of, because you're only hurting your own candidate.
Posted by squid on October 3, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lee vee has no evidence, just an agenda. What he, she or it fails to let you know is that Art Casarez has spent his career in narcotics and vice, just as Les has........
lee vee has more than likely done some time in the Gray Bar Motel (the Dieken Inn, soon to be the Bruce Suites) due to the work of Les, and is a bit bitter about his, her, it's time there....
Posted by kelly_41_2000 on October 3, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Crap. I thought I was voting for sheriff then. Talk is cheap.Bummer! I know Les and he's good people and comes from good people. I still cant get over how shocking it was to learn the deputies had second jobs just to make ends meet.Les can sure make it alot better for those good officers out there. But then it would be hard to make it any worse for them and still keep em on the job.
Posted by wild_bill on October 3, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I used to work with Les and Art. I like and respect them both. Were Art not running against Les, I would have no trouble voting for him. While it is true that Art has widely varied experience gained at a multitude of jobs, it also appears he didn't stick with any of them.
Les seems to have known from early on what he wanted and how he wanted to get from where he was to where he wanted to be. I also applaud someone willing to stick with a task until it is finished.
Les and Art are good and honorable men but I will vote for Les Bruce for Sheriff.
lee_vee_one and your all caps nonsense, either prove your foul slanders or retract them.
Posted by DontCensorKonstantin4Abilene on October 4, 2008 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not saying I believe the previous post about the character of Les Bruce. However,If you know about the "Kiniority" system in Abilene, even if the claims against him were true, nothing would come of it.
Kiniority [kin-yawr-i-tee, -yor-] 1. A phenomenon were the rules for everyone else, do not apply to you if you have enough money, the right friends, or are "kin" to the right family. 2. A good lawyer knows the law, a great lawyer knows the judge. 3. It's not seniority that counts in the real world, it's kiniority.
Posted by nanaspeak on October 6, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Les Bruce has worked in law enforcement in our community for many years. He has the experience, the knowledge, and the integrity to do an outstanding job as the Sheriff of Taylor County. I am aware that Art Casarez has run in the past more than once, and was unsuccessful more than once.
lee_vee_one you posted a comment (whats up with the all caps?) singing your praises and support for Art Casarez. You then posted another comment shortly after that didn't make much sense at all. You made cloudy accusations about the moral character and integrity of Les Bruce, and your twisted comment appeared to come from drug addicts and prostitutes that "cannot come forward". GOOD GRIEF! Did you forget to preview your comment there Lee? Are you telling us that we should base our perception of the candidates for Sheriff and our vote on the word of drug addicts and prostitutes?? WHAT COLOR IS THE SKY IN YOUR WORLD? Have you developed such a close relationship with these drug addicts and prostitutes that they now influence your decisions in such important situations as voting? TexasTwister was right, you are only hurting your own candidate, especially if that is the candidate your drug addicts and prostitutes have advised you to vote for. Shame on you and your little friends for trying to berate and degrade such and honorable and capable man.
Posted by DontCensorKonstantin4Abilene on October 6, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a college student and a Republican. I have heard some very troubling things about Mr. Bruce.(not from Mr. Konstantin) My sources were varied. I trust my sources. I can't repeat what I heard. It would break the rules here to say some of it. Included were views similar to what lee_vee_one said. I could not find a person who was not a personal friend / co-worker that had anything positive to say about the guy. "Arrogant" was a word I can include that kept coming up. I will not vote for a Democrat. I have too many concerns about The Republican. When I go and vote the Sheriff's race will remain blank. I would like to mention Mr. Konstantin does not share my conclusion of not voting at all.
Posted by lee_vee_one on October 6, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THERE IS A CHOICE FOR CHANGE IN ABILENE AND ITS NOT LES BRUCE. "WITH ALL THAT EXPERIENCE". ITS HARD SOMETIMES FOR A MAN TO FIND HIMSELF TEMPTED BY THE VERY VICES OF OTHERS THAT HE IS TRYING TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS FROM . LES BRUCE KNOWS .YES "LESS" BRUCE KNOWS.
QUOTE THE RAVEN "NEVER MORE".
Change The Property Tax System
Every year, county appraisal districts mail notices of appraised value changes to millions of property owners across the state which prompts protests by unhappy taxpayers.
Even with fewer values than usual increasing in Galveston County this year, hundreds of property owners attended classes to learn how to be effective in the protest process. I know because I taught those classes and attendees confirmed what seems to me to be obvious -- the system needs to be changed.
In 2006, the Governor's Task Force on Appraisal Reform traveled the state collecting information on problems associated with our current property tax system. Today, interim committees in both the Senate and House are studying the same issues. Why? Because many property owners are still mad (even after enormous reductions in school district tax rates) because their values increased and it became apparent that savings would be temporary at best. Sadly, few are willing to take a leadership position in order to establish a permanent remedy -- it is easier to study and debate the issue than it is to correct it.
What a waste of time and money -- their time, our money.
The solution is simple -- adopt a property tax system based on acquisition rather than market value. Starting with current values as a base, values would change when sold to the sale price. To provide for inflation (or recession), values could increase (or decrease) annually based on the rate of inflation (or recession) or 2 percent, whichever is less. The limit should not apply in certain circumstances, such as when additions are made to properties or in the event of catastrophic losses.
Seniors and the disabled must be allowed to retain their current tax benefits and, in the interest of maintaining community stability, families should be allowed to transfer their homestead property to heirs without a change in base value (as long as it remains a homestead).
The result? Taxpayers are no longer angry each spring because appraisal notices will not be arriving in the mail. Legislators stop hearing complaints from constituents and can finally get on with important state policy decisions.
Fiscally, in excess of $300 million paid by local governments to fund appraisal districts will no longer be needed. The Comptroller's Property Value Division would no longer be conducting ratio studies and school districts would cease spending thousands of dollars defending failed ratio studies. The result? Less government and lower taxes.
Is an acquisition value system fair, uniform, and Constitutional? Yes. It provides predictability for property owners, increases community stability, and everyone is treated equally (after the initial assessment at the time the law takes effect). The U.S. Supreme Court in Nordlinger v. Hahn, 505 U.S. 1 (1992) presents compelling arguments to support the constitutionality of an acquisition value tax system.
Statewide, voters overwhelmingly support changing our current system and the time has come for permanent and sustainable change. Let's solve the problem instead of placing yet another temporary Band-Aid on a gapping wound. We deserve a better system than the one we have today. We have been taxed into awareness and we want solutions now.
-- Cheryl E. Johnson is the Galveston County tax assessor and collector.
Comments
Posted by Dinner_4_2 on June 22, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why should seniors get to retain current values? This is not to put down seniors, hec I'm getting closer to being one every day. My point is,just because my property values went up doesn't mean that my income has also. Maybe if their values went up right along with everybody elses,they would join the rest of us who oppose higher taxes. By saying they are exempt, they will keep quiet.
Posted by squid on June 22, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How many seniors see significant increases in their income each year? After paying their fair share for 40-50 years, I have no problem with them getting a break in 'the golden years'...
Posted by ropers40 on June 22, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What is funny to me is how peoples home are never paid for. I was shocked after my home paid off and I found out that I still have to budget nearly half of what my payment was just to cover the taxes and insurance. I understand we pay taxes to keep the city running and insurance to keep insurance companies rolling in money.
Now think about this we also pay gas tax, phone tax, cell tax, sales tax, water tax, electrical tax, tax on the interest our money has made, tax on our license, tax on fishing, it goes on and on.
I wonder if there has ever been a study done to show exactly what Texans pay in a years time just in hidden taxes.
Posted by marb28 on June 22, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If I read this article correctly, the property tax would be tied to the acquisition price and would stay there until the property was sold. This would work for many of us whose property values keep going up while our incomes go down. We are senior citizens and have been hard pressed to pay our property taxes. Our house is ten years old, mortgage paid off. The value has gone up over 22% in these ten years.
Posted by Dinner_4_2 on June 22, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
squid,
You completley missed the point. I have no problem with the seniors as a group. If they were taxed, you can bet they would be hollering up a storm. And thats what needs to be happening. Someone at city hall or wherever our tax money goes would hear this hollering loud and clear and maybe, just maybe they might be a little more reluctent about raising taxes on everyone. Get it now?
Posted by squib_kick on June 22, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seniors get enough breaks already. Equal taxation for everyone. Higher taxes for any home valued over 200K.
Posted by hatestheramps on June 22, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The State Law says taxes are based on MARKET VALUE, or as close to it as the Appraisal Districts can determine. It taxes are too high, the elected officials need to lower the tax RATES. The value of a property is what the market says it is. Write your city councilmen, school board members, and county commissioners and tell them to lower the tax rates. Leave property values alone. They are not the problem. The unsatiable appetite of elected officials for more tax money is the problem. The formula proposed by the lady in this article would cause nothing but more problems for taxpayers and complicate the procedure where no one could understand it.
Posted by wild_bill on June 22, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hatestheramps it should be a lot easier to change one law, than to get every elected offical to lower rates all over the state.
I like Ms Johnson's idea to change the one law and save all of us tax monies. No appraisers or bureaucrats needed (that would save a TON of money right there!). It's be like a sales tax in a way. The taxable value doesn't change until the property is sold. Then THAT buyer has the valuation stay the same until it's sold again. Property with a high-turn-over rate will generate plenty of property tax revenue. Places that stay in the same hands for years, decades or generations would retain a much lower value, until improved or sold. What's to dislike about that?
Posted by reaganite on June 22, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
squib_kick
"Equal taxation for everyone."
Great idea!
"Higher taxes for any home valued over 200K."
And how is that "Equal taxation for everyone." ?
Posted by adams77331 on June 22, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd like to make a couple of points.
1. A key ingredient to accurate mass property appraisal is having adequate sales information. Appraisal districts are expected to perform according to state law, and comptroller review, without all of the necessary components. We need mandatory sales disclosure for all types of properties. Most people are angered at the large increases, increases that could have been spread evenly over time, given adequate sales data. Low to medium value homes are easy to appraise, high value residences and commercial property are not. The wealthy, businesses, and realtors are the only ones that benefit from non-disclosure of sales. Most states whose local taxes are derived from the ad valorum tax system have mandatory disclosure.
2. Reducing property taxes will not solve a thing. Taxing units need a certain level of tax revenue to operate. If not from property taxes, then revenue will come from somewhere else. Income tax, or another form of taxation. Property taxes are the fairest way to distribute the burden according to what you own/are worth.
3. Senior citizen doesn't equal disadvantaged. Every break that is given to a select group shifts that burden to all of those that don't. Every break that is devised to help a few, is exploited.
4. Tax Assesor/Collectors seem to voice their opinions quite often, but are the least informed about the reality of the Texas property tax system. Remember that they are elected and have a very strong motive to say whatever is appeasing to citizens. I do not personally know Ms. Johnson, but the California property tax system is not a solution for Texas. If you like that system, get ready for a state income tax.
Posted by squid on June 23, 2008 at 5:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dinner 42, I guess you missed my point too. Aint worth arguing about though.......
Posted by Tumbleweed on June 23, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Eliminate all taxes currently n place and implement a new flat tax to cover all federal requirements. A percentage; let’s say 10% to start. If you make $1 you pay 10 cents, if you make $1,000,000 you pay $100,000. No deductions no business expenses, none of that. Everything is based on the gross.
For state expenses a sales tax that's included into the cost of the goods. So, when you went to the store and the item is priced at $9.99 its $9.99 not $10something.
The percentages would be delved out per person, obviously there are more people in Abilene than Clyde, but the city, county and state leaders would have to live within the budget.
Hmmm imagine that government spending directed by the people for the people.
Posted by rsjz4 on June 23, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ropers, I read a report one time that states we pay at least 50% of our income in taxes. That includes all the things you named above.
My family and I went to the metroplex and stayed in a hotel. The hotel tax was 13%! The same thing in Oklahoma last year.
Posted by Abilene_Libertarian on June 25, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Property taxes are like a sales tax on something you are not selling.
Every year!
Property taxes allow the local government to keep it's foot in the door, in case you fail to pay the ransom. To agree to an annual payment for what should be yours free and clear is an admission that you never really own any land. The Government just lets you use it until you miss a tax payment.
We need another way to finance legitimate government expenses.
I don't know what that may be, Any ideas?
Posted by mlthmsn on June 25, 2008 at 6:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First step is normally TAR and FEATHERS
I like the flat tax idea best.
Posted by mlthmsn on June 25, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe a flat rate sales tax applied to everything except groceries. and then a flat income tax added to those who make over $250,000/yr (got to be sure to exclude me from that tax) oops is my right wing showing?
Posted by jscottkemp on June 25, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Consider the fair tax - do away with the IRS, ad valorem taxes, all other forms of taxation. And put a 23% sales tax on the retail sale of everything. ~23% is what we pay anyway, and this way we would all feel the pinch the same way every time we bought something...which would encourage us all to watch very closely the way the government spends OUR money.
I think it is a great idea. No, I think it is a fair idea.
Posted by wild_bill on June 25, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good point Steve. I never thought of it that way, but I should have.
Posted by DontCensorKonstantin4Abilene on June 27, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr Konstantin, former candidate for mayor, would like to comment about this. Problem is the un-American editors at the Abilene Roprter News will not let him. The newspaper is denying his right to the same freedom of speech they enjoy. I don't know much about taxes, and can't remeber all he told me about this. Write the editor and demand an end to censorship. This is the USA, not Nazi Germany, Cuba, or Red China!
Posted by M1 on June 27, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Use of actual sales figures could greatly reduce the problem of over and under appraisals as the basis for property tax. Even this however would be subject to manipulation.
A potential property purchaser could pay 50-75% of the true market price on the sales contract but then funnel the remainder to the seller in some other way. In a severely down housing market taxes would not decrease at same rate as the market. A person keeping their home would over pay.
Transferring property to a family member without setting a new market price would set in place a fundamentally unfair dynastic system. Wealthy individuals could avoid taxes for generations simply by transferring their holdings to infinity. With the possible exception of a surviving spouse, a market appraisal should be done whenever such a transfer without cash takes place to re-set the property to market value.
Mandatory reporting of ALL sales figures would be vital to this type of system. If commercial and high-end brokers don't want to do this then perhaps this new system should be limited to Homestead properties only.
Posted by Abilene_Libertarian on June 28, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ron Konstantine's comments have been blocked from the rest of us. I know this to be true.
The ARN has the right to refuse publication, but why with RonKon, when there are so many better candidates for TOS violation?
Sure, some of his rants may seem out in left field, but there are other posters who seem to exist for the singular purpose of running down other posters.
Posted by wild_bill on June 29, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A newspaper should be equally diligent in protecting the First Ammendment rights of their readers as itself. Personally I would not mind if I never saw another of RonKon's postings but my rights to post are no greater than his. If I fail to try and protect his rights, who will protect mine? I don't agree with a lot of RonKon's postings but to my knowledge he was never profane, obscene or threatening. I don't know though if the First Ammendment protection extends to these forums. I know it does not on most game sites since they are private companies. Any of you legal eagles have any ideas on this?
DCK4A, can you ask him what he did? Surely he was provided with an explaination of WHY he has been perma-banned from the forum.
Even with fewer values than usual increasing in Galveston County this year, hundreds of property owners attended classes to learn how to be effective in the protest process. I know because I taught those classes and attendees confirmed what seems to me to be obvious -- the system needs to be changed.
In 2006, the Governor's Task Force on Appraisal Reform traveled the state collecting information on problems associated with our current property tax system. Today, interim committees in both the Senate and House are studying the same issues. Why? Because many property owners are still mad (even after enormous reductions in school district tax rates) because their values increased and it became apparent that savings would be temporary at best. Sadly, few are willing to take a leadership position in order to establish a permanent remedy -- it is easier to study and debate the issue than it is to correct it.
What a waste of time and money -- their time, our money.
The solution is simple -- adopt a property tax system based on acquisition rather than market value. Starting with current values as a base, values would change when sold to the sale price. To provide for inflation (or recession), values could increase (or decrease) annually based on the rate of inflation (or recession) or 2 percent, whichever is less. The limit should not apply in certain circumstances, such as when additions are made to properties or in the event of catastrophic losses.
Seniors and the disabled must be allowed to retain their current tax benefits and, in the interest of maintaining community stability, families should be allowed to transfer their homestead property to heirs without a change in base value (as long as it remains a homestead).
The result? Taxpayers are no longer angry each spring because appraisal notices will not be arriving in the mail. Legislators stop hearing complaints from constituents and can finally get on with important state policy decisions.
Fiscally, in excess of $300 million paid by local governments to fund appraisal districts will no longer be needed. The Comptroller's Property Value Division would no longer be conducting ratio studies and school districts would cease spending thousands of dollars defending failed ratio studies. The result? Less government and lower taxes.
Is an acquisition value system fair, uniform, and Constitutional? Yes. It provides predictability for property owners, increases community stability, and everyone is treated equally (after the initial assessment at the time the law takes effect). The U.S. Supreme Court in Nordlinger v. Hahn, 505 U.S. 1 (1992) presents compelling arguments to support the constitutionality of an acquisition value tax system.
Statewide, voters overwhelmingly support changing our current system and the time has come for permanent and sustainable change. Let's solve the problem instead of placing yet another temporary Band-Aid on a gapping wound. We deserve a better system than the one we have today. We have been taxed into awareness and we want solutions now.
-- Cheryl E. Johnson is the Galveston County tax assessor and collector.
Comments
Posted by Dinner_4_2 on June 22, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why should seniors get to retain current values? This is not to put down seniors, hec I'm getting closer to being one every day. My point is,just because my property values went up doesn't mean that my income has also. Maybe if their values went up right along with everybody elses,they would join the rest of us who oppose higher taxes. By saying they are exempt, they will keep quiet.
Posted by squid on June 22, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How many seniors see significant increases in their income each year? After paying their fair share for 40-50 years, I have no problem with them getting a break in 'the golden years'...
Posted by ropers40 on June 22, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What is funny to me is how peoples home are never paid for. I was shocked after my home paid off and I found out that I still have to budget nearly half of what my payment was just to cover the taxes and insurance. I understand we pay taxes to keep the city running and insurance to keep insurance companies rolling in money.
Now think about this we also pay gas tax, phone tax, cell tax, sales tax, water tax, electrical tax, tax on the interest our money has made, tax on our license, tax on fishing, it goes on and on.
I wonder if there has ever been a study done to show exactly what Texans pay in a years time just in hidden taxes.
Posted by marb28 on June 22, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If I read this article correctly, the property tax would be tied to the acquisition price and would stay there until the property was sold. This would work for many of us whose property values keep going up while our incomes go down. We are senior citizens and have been hard pressed to pay our property taxes. Our house is ten years old, mortgage paid off. The value has gone up over 22% in these ten years.
Posted by Dinner_4_2 on June 22, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
squid,
You completley missed the point. I have no problem with the seniors as a group. If they were taxed, you can bet they would be hollering up a storm. And thats what needs to be happening. Someone at city hall or wherever our tax money goes would hear this hollering loud and clear and maybe, just maybe they might be a little more reluctent about raising taxes on everyone. Get it now?
Posted by squib_kick on June 22, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seniors get enough breaks already. Equal taxation for everyone. Higher taxes for any home valued over 200K.
Posted by hatestheramps on June 22, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The State Law says taxes are based on MARKET VALUE, or as close to it as the Appraisal Districts can determine. It taxes are too high, the elected officials need to lower the tax RATES. The value of a property is what the market says it is. Write your city councilmen, school board members, and county commissioners and tell them to lower the tax rates. Leave property values alone. They are not the problem. The unsatiable appetite of elected officials for more tax money is the problem. The formula proposed by the lady in this article would cause nothing but more problems for taxpayers and complicate the procedure where no one could understand it.
Posted by wild_bill on June 22, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hatestheramps it should be a lot easier to change one law, than to get every elected offical to lower rates all over the state.
I like Ms Johnson's idea to change the one law and save all of us tax monies. No appraisers or bureaucrats needed (that would save a TON of money right there!). It's be like a sales tax in a way. The taxable value doesn't change until the property is sold. Then THAT buyer has the valuation stay the same until it's sold again. Property with a high-turn-over rate will generate plenty of property tax revenue. Places that stay in the same hands for years, decades or generations would retain a much lower value, until improved or sold. What's to dislike about that?
Posted by reaganite on June 22, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
squib_kick
"Equal taxation for everyone."
Great idea!
"Higher taxes for any home valued over 200K."
And how is that "Equal taxation for everyone." ?
Posted by adams77331 on June 22, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd like to make a couple of points.
1. A key ingredient to accurate mass property appraisal is having adequate sales information. Appraisal districts are expected to perform according to state law, and comptroller review, without all of the necessary components. We need mandatory sales disclosure for all types of properties. Most people are angered at the large increases, increases that could have been spread evenly over time, given adequate sales data. Low to medium value homes are easy to appraise, high value residences and commercial property are not. The wealthy, businesses, and realtors are the only ones that benefit from non-disclosure of sales. Most states whose local taxes are derived from the ad valorum tax system have mandatory disclosure.
2. Reducing property taxes will not solve a thing. Taxing units need a certain level of tax revenue to operate. If not from property taxes, then revenue will come from somewhere else. Income tax, or another form of taxation. Property taxes are the fairest way to distribute the burden according to what you own/are worth.
3. Senior citizen doesn't equal disadvantaged. Every break that is given to a select group shifts that burden to all of those that don't. Every break that is devised to help a few, is exploited.
4. Tax Assesor/Collectors seem to voice their opinions quite often, but are the least informed about the reality of the Texas property tax system. Remember that they are elected and have a very strong motive to say whatever is appeasing to citizens. I do not personally know Ms. Johnson, but the California property tax system is not a solution for Texas. If you like that system, get ready for a state income tax.
Posted by squid on June 23, 2008 at 5:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dinner 42, I guess you missed my point too. Aint worth arguing about though.......
Posted by Tumbleweed on June 23, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Eliminate all taxes currently n place and implement a new flat tax to cover all federal requirements. A percentage; let’s say 10% to start. If you make $1 you pay 10 cents, if you make $1,000,000 you pay $100,000. No deductions no business expenses, none of that. Everything is based on the gross.
For state expenses a sales tax that's included into the cost of the goods. So, when you went to the store and the item is priced at $9.99 its $9.99 not $10something.
The percentages would be delved out per person, obviously there are more people in Abilene than Clyde, but the city, county and state leaders would have to live within the budget.
Hmmm imagine that government spending directed by the people for the people.
Posted by rsjz4 on June 23, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ropers, I read a report one time that states we pay at least 50% of our income in taxes. That includes all the things you named above.
My family and I went to the metroplex and stayed in a hotel. The hotel tax was 13%! The same thing in Oklahoma last year.
Posted by Abilene_Libertarian on June 25, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Property taxes are like a sales tax on something you are not selling.
Every year!
Property taxes allow the local government to keep it's foot in the door, in case you fail to pay the ransom. To agree to an annual payment for what should be yours free and clear is an admission that you never really own any land. The Government just lets you use it until you miss a tax payment.
We need another way to finance legitimate government expenses.
I don't know what that may be, Any ideas?
Posted by mlthmsn on June 25, 2008 at 6:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First step is normally TAR and FEATHERS
I like the flat tax idea best.
Posted by mlthmsn on June 25, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe a flat rate sales tax applied to everything except groceries. and then a flat income tax added to those who make over $250,000/yr (got to be sure to exclude me from that tax) oops is my right wing showing?
Posted by jscottkemp on June 25, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Consider the fair tax - do away with the IRS, ad valorem taxes, all other forms of taxation. And put a 23% sales tax on the retail sale of everything. ~23% is what we pay anyway, and this way we would all feel the pinch the same way every time we bought something...which would encourage us all to watch very closely the way the government spends OUR money.
I think it is a great idea. No, I think it is a fair idea.
Posted by wild_bill on June 25, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good point Steve. I never thought of it that way, but I should have.
Posted by DontCensorKonstantin4Abilene on June 27, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr Konstantin, former candidate for mayor, would like to comment about this. Problem is the un-American editors at the Abilene Roprter News will not let him. The newspaper is denying his right to the same freedom of speech they enjoy. I don't know much about taxes, and can't remeber all he told me about this. Write the editor and demand an end to censorship. This is the USA, not Nazi Germany, Cuba, or Red China!
Posted by M1 on June 27, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Use of actual sales figures could greatly reduce the problem of over and under appraisals as the basis for property tax. Even this however would be subject to manipulation.
A potential property purchaser could pay 50-75% of the true market price on the sales contract but then funnel the remainder to the seller in some other way. In a severely down housing market taxes would not decrease at same rate as the market. A person keeping their home would over pay.
Transferring property to a family member without setting a new market price would set in place a fundamentally unfair dynastic system. Wealthy individuals could avoid taxes for generations simply by transferring their holdings to infinity. With the possible exception of a surviving spouse, a market appraisal should be done whenever such a transfer without cash takes place to re-set the property to market value.
Mandatory reporting of ALL sales figures would be vital to this type of system. If commercial and high-end brokers don't want to do this then perhaps this new system should be limited to Homestead properties only.
Posted by Abilene_Libertarian on June 28, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ron Konstantine's comments have been blocked from the rest of us. I know this to be true.
The ARN has the right to refuse publication, but why with RonKon, when there are so many better candidates for TOS violation?
Sure, some of his rants may seem out in left field, but there are other posters who seem to exist for the singular purpose of running down other posters.
Posted by wild_bill on June 29, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A newspaper should be equally diligent in protecting the First Ammendment rights of their readers as itself. Personally I would not mind if I never saw another of RonKon's postings but my rights to post are no greater than his. If I fail to try and protect his rights, who will protect mine? I don't agree with a lot of RonKon's postings but to my knowledge he was never profane, obscene or threatening. I don't know though if the First Ammendment protection extends to these forums. I know it does not on most game sites since they are private companies. Any of you legal eagles have any ideas on this?
DCK4A, can you ask him what he did? Surely he was provided with an explaination of WHY he has been perma-banned from the forum.
Old News, But A Classic Example
Posted by kam76 on January 8, 2008 at 2:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"POLICE INVESTIGATE OFFICER INVOLVED IN SHOOTING"
Did the author of article write this headline or was it written by someone above her pay grade?
Let me get this straight: An APD officer working a shift during which a disproportionate number of violent crimes occur responds to an in-progress violent domestic disturbance. According to your reporting, back-up was not immediately available to this officer. Situations such as the one involving Mr. Holt usually devolve into the realm of life-threatening danger to the officer within a matter of seconds, not minutes, so back-up would have had to have arrived pretty much at the same time the original officer arrived. The responding officer confronted an intoxicated and combative suspect who clearly intended the officer harm and had no qualms about fighting with the police. THIS OFFICER DID HIS JOB.
To Ms. Hsu and the management of the ARN, this headline is SHAMEFUL, MISLEADING, AND UNFAIR TO BOTH THE OFFICER AND THE APD. On its surface, this headline smacks of an attempt to sensationalize the unfortunate and devastating reality that police officers are sometimes required to employ deadly force in order to uphold the law and safeguard their personal well-being. No police officer EVER wants to be put in a position where he is required to use deadly force against another person, but the nature of our profession demands that we be willing (God forbid) to do so.
I have been in law enforcement for several years, and this headline seems deliberately vague. I believe it was worded in this way with the intention of attracting readers. This is as pathetic a display of journalistic dishonesty as I have ever encountered. Congratulations. The ARN has succeeded in characterizing a dedicated public servant as a murderer even though he acted in the only manner he could in order to save his own life (WHILE IN THE COURSE OF PERFORMING HIS JOB OF PROTECTING THE CITIZENS - INCLUDING EVERYONE WORKING FOR THE ARN). I hope my disgust with regard this incident is apparent.
Posted by squid on January 8, 2008 at 6:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The media would much rather there be a 'story' here. Sensational sells papers, the story of an Officer doing his/her job in a textbook manner is boring.
Posted by Bluethunder on January 8, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
KAM I couldnt agree with you anymore. Maybe the headline should read " Abilene Police investigate Abilene Reporter News for misrepresenting the truth".
Now that would raise a few eyebrows.
Posted by Bluethunder on January 8, 2008 at 6:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Abilene Reporter News : " We specialize in unfair and biased reporting. Bringing you the news we want you to have".
Posted by liveNup on January 8, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree. SO many better headlines ARN could have used!
Posted by ebtry on January 8, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
" We specialize in unfair and biased reporting. Bringing you the news we want you to have".
Key words... "We WANT you to have"
Typical liberal establishment.
Hey editor? Still on vacation?
Posted by TexasTwister on January 8, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Excellent post, kam.....thanks for your insight, and most of all your service to our community. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it standard procedure to put an officer on temporary paid leave when a weapon has been discharged in the line of duty...or a perp is shot? And not releasing the name of the officer is just common sense. The last thing he/she needs is reporters and others calling their home.
Editorially the headline should reflect the facts within the article. Nowhere in this article does it say the officer is being investigated. In fact, it says "the incident" is under investigation.
I've seen some horrendously written headlines and articles in this rag lately, but this one takes the prize. Totally misleading and dishonest, as well as accusatory of the officer for doing his job. Ms. Hsu and the ARN should be ashamed of themselves. A correction and apology should be written, but I'm not holding my breath.
Posted by potosidad on January 8, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They should change the name of the paper to the Abilene Distorter News. Much more accurate than reporter news.
Posted by davidc79536 on January 8, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How about "Officer Safe in Justified Shooting" that sounds like a much better headline.
Posted by RangerHorn on January 8, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with everyone...
No where in the article does it say the APD is investigating the officer, it's says the APD is investigating the "incident." Big difference! Just seems like a poor taste in headlines. Should have been something along the lines of, "A Drunk Woman and Police Beater Put in Jail!"
Thanks APD for all you do keeping us safe!
Posted by kid50 on January 8, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First, if one wants to find the illuminating bias in the Reporter News’ handling of this report, one need not look further than the by-line last night where the arrested party was referred to as the “victim”. In today’s article, they ludicrously cite a shooting 35 years ago.
Second, a SUSPECT who chooses to fight with a police officer is only “unarmed” until he incapacitates the officer. At that point, the suspect is armed with the officer’s weapons including his sidearm. A police officer cannot afford to lose a fight, period.
Finally, Abilene Police Officers regularly approach dangerous calls alone either due to their lack of manpower or, more often, their personal desire to try to keep others from being hurt.
Posted by squid on January 8, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lemme help you out with headline writing ARN....
APD investigates Officer-involved shooting incident
Suspect in domestic disturbance shot by APD Officer
APD Officer shoots assault suspect, incident under investigation
all reminds me of the Don Henley song 'Dirty Laundry'
I make my living off the evening news
Just give me something-something I can use
People love it when you lose,
They love dirty laundry
Well, I coulda been an actor, but I wound up here
I just have to look good, I dont have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry
We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who
Comes on at five
She can tell you bout the plane crash with a gleam
In her eye
Its interesting when people die-
Give us dirty laundry
Can we film the operation?
Is the head dead yet?
You know, the boys in the newsroom got a
Running bet
Get the widow on the set!
We need dirty laundry
Posted by apricottx on January 8, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
squid, that perfectly defines Faux News.
I agree with the posters here that the headline was misleading. Upon reading the story, it appears the officer acted very reasonably and only wounded the suspect, and that it was justified.
Posted by mikeb on January 8, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I couldn't agree more with all the comments above. This is very similar to the headline about 3 years ago of "ACU Quarterback Faces Felony Charges." The headline sensationalized an article that had zero credibility and was full of inaccurracies that caused negative perceptions. That headline prompted me to cancel my daily subscription to the ARN. I suggest each of you to do the same if you haven't already. The Abilene media in general is third rate at best. We should demand more professionalism from those who report the news.
Posted by dalai-llama on January 8, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kam, great post.
A couple of questions:
The article doesn't say, but I would imagine that EVERY discharge of a duty weapon is subject to investigation. Is it safe to assume that putting the officer on paid leave while the incident is investigated is just standard operating procedure for ANY and ALL instances where a suspect is shot? If so, the article should have noted that this is just procedure and is IN NO WAY a reflection of the officer's conduct.
Second:
The article says the suspect was shot in the arm. When deadly force is employed, are y'all trained to shoot to wound first, go straight for center-mass, or is it up to the officer's discretion? (Note that I understand close-quarters work is nasty and frantic as hell; I am not questioning the officer's marksmanship, I'm just curious.)
As always, thanks for everything that y'all do. Public kudos are not as nice as a pay raise, but hopefully are better than nothing. If you have contact with the officer in question, please convey my gratitude.
Posted by squid on January 8, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
every use of force is subject to investigation, deadly force carries a suspension while the investigation is completed.
Officers are trained to shoot to stop, not to wound.
Posted by dalai-llama on January 8, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Squid,
Thank you, that answered my questions perfectly.
Posted by cromeensb on January 8, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Folks,
No doubt about it. The headline was not the best that could have been written. For that, we apologize.
It could have been both more accurate and precise.
Yes, it's standard procedure to investigate the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the shooting. We plan to have a follow up - hopefully in tomorrow's newspaper.
There is no conspiracy to smear the police or the officer involved. Nobody is characterizing the officer as a "murderer" as was stated above. There is nobody at the Reporter-News trying to find a way to bend a headline or a story to sell newspapers. There is no liberal agenda (frankly, that's a pretty tired argument - funny actually if you really looked at the pages of the newspaper and the stances it has historically taken).
For those of you who point out issues in a constructive manner and invite dialogue, I appreciate it.
Barton Cromeens
Editor
Abilene Reporter-News
Posted by stokeysrc on January 8, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's ridiculous. What's wrong with the headline? This sure is a Daggum Big Ol' Red State, ain't it fellers?
Posted by elizabeth on January 8, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh the Editor has chastised us all. Must go to corner... LOL
Posted by hillmichaels on January 8, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I really don't know how anyone can run a newspaper in Abilene. Based on these comments, it's a town made up of third graders. Get a life people...
Posted by cmnchaz on January 8, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WHAT? I thought I was reading THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER!!!!
Posted by TexasTwister on January 8, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cromeens -
I believe many of us commenting on this story and its headline have done so in a "constructive manner" and have "invited dialogue" as you have suggested.
Please, Mr. Cromeens, answer the question so many of us have posed. Where in the article does it say the police are investigating the officer? If, in fact, it is the "incident" and not the officer that is being investigated, do you not think the headline is inaccurate as well as misleading? And, if you do believe this and admit your mistake, why will you not admit it and change the headline?
I realize we are just the "unwashed masses" that actually buy your paper and pay your salary, but don't you think we deserve a simple act of respect by answering our questions?
Posted by liveNup on January 8, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Texas you know he is probably going to remove your post because you are ARN politically correct.
Posted by elizabeth on January 8, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The headline is almost as inaccurate as the ARN headline announcement yesterday calling Mr. Holt a "victim". Not trying to bash the ARN but please, please, please GET IT RIGHT
Posted by squid on January 8, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
'For those of you who point out issues in a constructive manner and invite dialogue'
Goose step, March! !
Posted by TexasTwister on January 8, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Posted by hillmichaels on January 8, 2008 at 1:32 p.m.
I really don't know how anyone can run a newspaper in Abilene. Based on these comments, it's a town made up of third graders. Get a life people..."
Interesting....you tell us to get a life, and yet you took the time to read the comments here and actually type one of your own (even though it was condescending and pointless).
Oh, by the way, I have a BBA and a Masters, so I guess I got a little farther than the 3rd grade.
Posted by wild_bill on January 8, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr Cromeens your comments here are certainly appropriate, but it would be even more appropriate if they were placed on the front page of your paper along with the follow up. You should absolutely include the information on APD's standard operating proceedure to put the officer on leave and investigate the deadly force usage.
You should also address Mr. Holt being called the "victim". If he's the victim of anything, it's his on stupidity and actions.
I've been reading 'your' paper longer than you've been working on it and liberal bias or not, your paper has a strong history of disparaging the local law enforcement agencies. Your paper has consistently taken an adversarial stance towards our police, deputies and fire personnel and it's time for it to stop. Being critical is fine, but being fair and unbiased is even more important.
I am strongly biased in favor of our local law enforcement and fire personnel and proud of it, but then I'm neither an employee of the ARN or the APD/AFD and I'm allowed to be as biased as I choose. You do not have that liberty any more than APD/AFD has.
Posted by dancarlson82 on January 8, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The headline seems pretty straightforward to me. There's a police officer who was involved in a shooting, and he's now being investigated. The headline doesn't pass judgment on the officer involved.
Barton, don't be afraid to stick to your guns and stand by your paper. You did nothing wrong here.
Posted by liveNup on January 8, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dan Who do you know working for ARN???? The ARN needs new reporters who know what facts are and can actually make a headline that is NOT misleading. Go back and reread TexasTwisters comment. I think he explains the problem with the ARNs headline and article.
Barton, retract & try again because you failed miserably this time!
Posted by Mellonello on January 8, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do our police officers NOT use tasers!! If not, they should! It seems to me by the article posted here last night, the officer didnt have a lot of time to do anything. He was dealing with TWO drunks. ONe a woman the other Male.
And that male wasnt going to be arrested, cause he fought the officer. Now, the officer used the best judgement he could at the TIME!!!
Posted by TexasTwister on January 8, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Okay, Dan...
Let's say you're a fireman. You respond to a fire and are in the midst of putting it out when you come across the arsonist still in the building. He physically attacks you....you respond by whacking him unconscious with your fire axe and drag him out.
Tomorrow's headline in the ARN reads:
"Police Investigate Fireman Involved in Arsonist Attack"
Fair...straight-forward reporting? Wouldn't you, as a casual reader, assume that the fireman is being investigated for possible wrong-doing?
Once again...see if you can grasp it this time....the OFFICER is not being investigated. The INCIDENT is. Big...big difference.
Posted by cromeensb on January 8, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I work for a newspaper and semantics are argued on a daily basis. I don't have a problem with that. As I said, I do think the headline could be better. At this point, the headline is a matter of record.
It is, however, not a record that I think warrants a correction. The incident is being investigated - a part of that investigation includes the officer and his actions. That's the way it should be.
Technically, the officer and his actions are under investigation as is everything else about this incident.
I don't find this issue to be one that needs to be played out with the editorial opinion (mine or that of the Reporter-News) on the front page. There was a headline that was less than stellar but I don't feel it warrants a correction or a front page explanation. I don't think that's hubris on my part or that of the newspaper. You may disagree.
I have been with the Reporter-News for 11 years. That may not be a long enough history to address certain allegations, but I have not been witness to the "consistently...adversarial stance towards our police, deputies and fire personnel..." taken by the newspaper.
Give some solid examples, and please provide context. Other than spot news and most crime issue stories, the biggest and most reported upon stories in recent history have been the shortage of personnel.
Will we ask critical questions? Surely we will. The officer's name, for example, should be a matter of public record. He is a public servant. So, too, should a number of other facts that didn't appear in this story. I'm not alleging that anybody is covering something up. Sometimes folks are guarded with the facts for a variety of reasons - they differ in opinion as to what should or shouldn't be released or do not know the law regarding public records. Sometimes the facts are simply unavailable.
The "victim" comment. I may have missed it in the first posting of the web story. We do try to get news up in a timely fashion. I don't believe it is in any of the current posted stories or in the print edition.
Nobody is/was being admonished. I do appreciate folks reading us and encouraging dialogue. I'm not particularly appreciative of the cheap shots that are fired across everybody's bow (mine, the Reporter-News' and its readers) on these forums. I do think it would be different if we didn't allow anonymity, and that is something that has been discussed at length industry-wide.
Barton Cromeens
Posted by jjb04a on January 8, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm really suprised to see Cromeens finally chiming in on a subject.
Cromeens is a photographer ... he was a photographer for the ARN and he still should be today. He is no way qualified to be an editor, but I guess the ARN isn't really looking for qualified, experienced people.
What I love about the ARN is the fact that most of their articles are 1) not theirs, they are from the AP or another news source 2) the same thing that ran two days ago 3) cite KTXS as the source for a lot of their stories. It's a joke, this paper is a joke. If we had another option in this town, the ARN would go out of business within a couple of years!!
It's terrible, just plain terrible. Starting at the top all the way down ...
Posted by liveNup on January 8, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Of course you don't think it is appropriate to correct your blunder on the front page because it would reflect upon you. I do not remember the story but I do know that on one article, maybe a letter to the Editor that ARN actually put many of the comments in the daily paper so that those not on ARN website could also see the public view. Why not try that? Put our thoughts in your paper on your article tomorrow since you won't correct what you wrote.
Don't start bashing anonymity now when your paper has encouraged it for so long now and the only reason you are changing your stance is because you are the one no one is agreeing with.
If you do not have the facts to the story why don't you also add that to your article instead of making innuendos that there is a cover up CSI style? There are many reasons why certain facts of a case aren't made public, I do believe fair trial is one of those because as the ARN has proved time and time again facts can become distorted fairly quickly. (Yes that is a cheap shot)
Barton is chiming in now because adding fuel to the fire makes for more readers.
Posted by jjb04a on January 8, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen TellitlikeICit! I wonder why he wouldn't put these comments on the front page ... scared of what would happen more than likely.
Posted by TexasTwister on January 8, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cromeens -
I appreciate your response, and yes, I do strongly disagree with your interpretation and continued support and implied justification of the wording used in the headline. In fact, I was surprised to see that one of your comments actually unintentionally supports the stance with which many of us are taking issue.
"The incident is being investigated - a part of that investigation includes the officer and his actions. That's the way it should be."
It seems in this statement you agree that "the incident" is the main focus of the investigation. However, what is disconcerting to the majority of the posters here is that you chose to emphasize what you acknowledge to be "a part of that investigation". And by emphasizing this in your headline, you imply something totally different than the focus of the article.
I don't think I saw any posts asking for admonishment of anyone. I do think I speak for many others here in saying that you and your editorial board should refrain from going for the sensational, attention-grabbing headlines instead of the thoughtful, factual ones.
We get our fill of National Enquirer style headlines while waiting in line at the grocery store...please don't inundate us with them in the ARN.
Posted by dancarlson82 on January 8, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When I went to school in Abilene, we made up a list of "rejected" town slogans. My favorite was probably "Abilene: God's Dumpster."
Good luck, everyone.
Posted by i_think on January 8, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why not remove the comments section?
All that happens on here is people bashing each other.
Posted by apricottx on January 8, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by wild_bill on January 8, 2008 at 3:37 p.m.
"I am strongly biased in favor of our local law enforcement and fire personnel and proud of it, but then I'm neither an employee of the ARN or the APD/AFD and I'm allowed to be as biased as I choose. You do not have that liberty any more than APD/AFD has."
However wild_bill, you are retired APD dispatcher..... So you do have a dog in this fight...
Posted by cougar on January 8, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i dont have a dog in this fight. but we all must thank our police fire and our armed forces as they are the reason we can bash eachother.
Posted by notolerance4904 on January 8, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the A.P.D. officer involved, "Thank you for putting your life on the line to serve and protect."
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on January 9, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The truth is out there. Abilene is no longer close to being a safe town. Homicides almost doubled during the previous year. Our friendly hometown has been transformed into a haven for violent criminals and scofflaws. It has evolved into the very antithesis of its former self.
Support Your Local Police - and Keep Them Independent!
How I wish Katharyn Duff, Irby Fox, Richard Dickenson and Annalene Kite were still with us, and contributing their perspectives to the newspaper. Their writings, opinions, ramblings and musings gave us something to look forward to reading each day.
I have known Frank Grimes, Ed Wishcamper, Richard Tarpley, Glenn Dromgoole, Stormy Shelton and Frank Puckett. Don Blakely, John Best, David Leeson and David Kent from the photography department have also been acquaintances.
Mr. Cromeens, think of the people who have come before you who made the Abilene Reporter-News a great newspaper during its proudest years, before Scripps gutted it. Are you worthy to even walk the same halls they walked?
"Without or with offense to friends or foes, we sketch your world exactly as it goes." - Byron
Posted by sherrimca on January 9, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Abilene_Reporter... you brought back such fond memories by those names. Many years ago (while I was in college in another town) I remember getting into a Letters to the Editor battle with Annalene Kite. Don't remember the subject, but it went back and forth for quite a while (back in the day you were allowed more than one in 30 days).
My husband, an APD officer, on more than one occasion witnessed Dr. Fox in the ER making sure the combatant drunk was stitched up with his own "brand" of anesthesia - NONE, other than the alcohol already consumed.
And Katharyn Duff... no one need to say more than her name.
Those, indeed, were the days...
Posted by motherof2 on January 9, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Regardless of the headlines what it really comes down to is there should have been more officers responding to the call. When there is an assault family violence case you know there is going to be atleast 2 people involved. So maybe we should find a way to get more officers out on the street to respond to calls like this one and things like this might not happen.
Posted by squid on January 9, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
motherof2...not to offend, but are you sure you have your facts straight? Please dont depend on the ARN for the facts of this situation. The PD sends two, sometimes more, Officers to calls such as this, but they never arrive at the same time. Should the first Officer on the scene standby and allow an assault to continue while awaiting backup? Alot of times Officers drive up on fights and disturbances in progress, very often Officers go into these situations alone. It is VERY common.
Posted by elizabeth on January 9, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
squid You know the ARN never gets their facts wrong nor do they twist headlines :)~
motherof2... quite frankly if I were getting my ass kicked and a police officer was sitting back waiting for a backup officer to get there before stepping in to help me I would be a little (LOT) pissed! I do believe the story said the back up officers was there within moments which goes to show you that these situations can escalate in a matter of seconds.
Posted by wild_bill on January 9, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
apricottx, you are absolutely right. I AM a retired dispatcher. I freely admited my bias. I can almost guarantee I know the officer invovled too. Being retired the city can't fire me or take away my retirement based on the opinions I express. I don't work for the ARN either, I subscribe to it.
Because I have nothing to fear from the City or the newspaper, and have no control over either, my bias has no weight beyond the worth of what I say. As an employee of the City I was expected to treat, or try to treat, everyone equally, without bias or prejudice. The same SHOULD apply to an employee of the paper such as Mr. Cromeens. The newspaper should be just as concerned with truth and justice as the police department is. I do NOT believe the newspaper is held to the same standards however based on what I have read and observed.
Mr Crommens, I don't keep your paper beyond the day I read it. Nor are the papers archives what I would call 'user friendly' as far as searching them goes, so I would be hard put to "prove" my recollections of the newspapers' bias over the past half century. All I have is my preceptions of what I have read, balanced against what, in some cases, I know was the case. That's suits me just fine. Just as you are satisfied with your treatment of the initial article that started all this with the misleading headline.
Oh yeah, just for the record wild_bill is William J Newman. I am a retired dispatcher for APD/AFD and damn proud of both my service and the people of both departments.
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on January 9, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bill, we (the longtime residents of Abilene) are damn proud of your service, too. Countless lives were saved thanks to your rapid handling of tense situations by calmly dispatching the appropriate emergency services to the correct location.
I remember seeing you in action when the police dispatcher was located in the north end of City Hall. You could simultaneously answer the telephone, dispatch police units and silence the old burglar alarm annunciators quicker than many of the newbies can figure out what to touch on their high-tech monitors.
Thank you for your many years of service to the community!
"POLICE INVESTIGATE OFFICER INVOLVED IN SHOOTING"
Did the author of article write this headline or was it written by someone above her pay grade?
Let me get this straight: An APD officer working a shift during which a disproportionate number of violent crimes occur responds to an in-progress violent domestic disturbance. According to your reporting, back-up was not immediately available to this officer. Situations such as the one involving Mr. Holt usually devolve into the realm of life-threatening danger to the officer within a matter of seconds, not minutes, so back-up would have had to have arrived pretty much at the same time the original officer arrived. The responding officer confronted an intoxicated and combative suspect who clearly intended the officer harm and had no qualms about fighting with the police. THIS OFFICER DID HIS JOB.
To Ms. Hsu and the management of the ARN, this headline is SHAMEFUL, MISLEADING, AND UNFAIR TO BOTH THE OFFICER AND THE APD. On its surface, this headline smacks of an attempt to sensationalize the unfortunate and devastating reality that police officers are sometimes required to employ deadly force in order to uphold the law and safeguard their personal well-being. No police officer EVER wants to be put in a position where he is required to use deadly force against another person, but the nature of our profession demands that we be willing (God forbid) to do so.
I have been in law enforcement for several years, and this headline seems deliberately vague. I believe it was worded in this way with the intention of attracting readers. This is as pathetic a display of journalistic dishonesty as I have ever encountered. Congratulations. The ARN has succeeded in characterizing a dedicated public servant as a murderer even though he acted in the only manner he could in order to save his own life (WHILE IN THE COURSE OF PERFORMING HIS JOB OF PROTECTING THE CITIZENS - INCLUDING EVERYONE WORKING FOR THE ARN). I hope my disgust with regard this incident is apparent.
Posted by squid on January 8, 2008 at 6:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The media would much rather there be a 'story' here. Sensational sells papers, the story of an Officer doing his/her job in a textbook manner is boring.
Posted by Bluethunder on January 8, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
KAM I couldnt agree with you anymore. Maybe the headline should read " Abilene Police investigate Abilene Reporter News for misrepresenting the truth".
Now that would raise a few eyebrows.
Posted by Bluethunder on January 8, 2008 at 6:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Abilene Reporter News : " We specialize in unfair and biased reporting. Bringing you the news we want you to have".
Posted by liveNup on January 8, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree. SO many better headlines ARN could have used!
Posted by ebtry on January 8, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
" We specialize in unfair and biased reporting. Bringing you the news we want you to have".
Key words... "We WANT you to have"
Typical liberal establishment.
Hey editor? Still on vacation?
Posted by TexasTwister on January 8, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Excellent post, kam.....thanks for your insight, and most of all your service to our community. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it standard procedure to put an officer on temporary paid leave when a weapon has been discharged in the line of duty...or a perp is shot? And not releasing the name of the officer is just common sense. The last thing he/she needs is reporters and others calling their home.
Editorially the headline should reflect the facts within the article. Nowhere in this article does it say the officer is being investigated. In fact, it says "the incident" is under investigation.
I've seen some horrendously written headlines and articles in this rag lately, but this one takes the prize. Totally misleading and dishonest, as well as accusatory of the officer for doing his job. Ms. Hsu and the ARN should be ashamed of themselves. A correction and apology should be written, but I'm not holding my breath.
Posted by potosidad on January 8, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They should change the name of the paper to the Abilene Distorter News. Much more accurate than reporter news.
Posted by davidc79536 on January 8, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How about "Officer Safe in Justified Shooting" that sounds like a much better headline.
Posted by RangerHorn on January 8, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with everyone...
No where in the article does it say the APD is investigating the officer, it's says the APD is investigating the "incident." Big difference! Just seems like a poor taste in headlines. Should have been something along the lines of, "A Drunk Woman and Police Beater Put in Jail!"
Thanks APD for all you do keeping us safe!
Posted by kid50 on January 8, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First, if one wants to find the illuminating bias in the Reporter News’ handling of this report, one need not look further than the by-line last night where the arrested party was referred to as the “victim”. In today’s article, they ludicrously cite a shooting 35 years ago.
Second, a SUSPECT who chooses to fight with a police officer is only “unarmed” until he incapacitates the officer. At that point, the suspect is armed with the officer’s weapons including his sidearm. A police officer cannot afford to lose a fight, period.
Finally, Abilene Police Officers regularly approach dangerous calls alone either due to their lack of manpower or, more often, their personal desire to try to keep others from being hurt.
Posted by squid on January 8, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lemme help you out with headline writing ARN....
APD investigates Officer-involved shooting incident
Suspect in domestic disturbance shot by APD Officer
APD Officer shoots assault suspect, incident under investigation
all reminds me of the Don Henley song 'Dirty Laundry'
I make my living off the evening news
Just give me something-something I can use
People love it when you lose,
They love dirty laundry
Well, I coulda been an actor, but I wound up here
I just have to look good, I dont have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry
We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who
Comes on at five
She can tell you bout the plane crash with a gleam
In her eye
Its interesting when people die-
Give us dirty laundry
Can we film the operation?
Is the head dead yet?
You know, the boys in the newsroom got a
Running bet
Get the widow on the set!
We need dirty laundry
Posted by apricottx on January 8, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
squid, that perfectly defines Faux News.
I agree with the posters here that the headline was misleading. Upon reading the story, it appears the officer acted very reasonably and only wounded the suspect, and that it was justified.
Posted by mikeb on January 8, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I couldn't agree more with all the comments above. This is very similar to the headline about 3 years ago of "ACU Quarterback Faces Felony Charges." The headline sensationalized an article that had zero credibility and was full of inaccurracies that caused negative perceptions. That headline prompted me to cancel my daily subscription to the ARN. I suggest each of you to do the same if you haven't already. The Abilene media in general is third rate at best. We should demand more professionalism from those who report the news.
Posted by dalai-llama on January 8, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kam, great post.
A couple of questions:
The article doesn't say, but I would imagine that EVERY discharge of a duty weapon is subject to investigation. Is it safe to assume that putting the officer on paid leave while the incident is investigated is just standard operating procedure for ANY and ALL instances where a suspect is shot? If so, the article should have noted that this is just procedure and is IN NO WAY a reflection of the officer's conduct.
Second:
The article says the suspect was shot in the arm. When deadly force is employed, are y'all trained to shoot to wound first, go straight for center-mass, or is it up to the officer's discretion? (Note that I understand close-quarters work is nasty and frantic as hell; I am not questioning the officer's marksmanship, I'm just curious.)
As always, thanks for everything that y'all do. Public kudos are not as nice as a pay raise, but hopefully are better than nothing. If you have contact with the officer in question, please convey my gratitude.
Posted by squid on January 8, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
every use of force is subject to investigation, deadly force carries a suspension while the investigation is completed.
Officers are trained to shoot to stop, not to wound.
Posted by dalai-llama on January 8, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Squid,
Thank you, that answered my questions perfectly.
Posted by cromeensb on January 8, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Folks,
No doubt about it. The headline was not the best that could have been written. For that, we apologize.
It could have been both more accurate and precise.
Yes, it's standard procedure to investigate the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the shooting. We plan to have a follow up - hopefully in tomorrow's newspaper.
There is no conspiracy to smear the police or the officer involved. Nobody is characterizing the officer as a "murderer" as was stated above. There is nobody at the Reporter-News trying to find a way to bend a headline or a story to sell newspapers. There is no liberal agenda (frankly, that's a pretty tired argument - funny actually if you really looked at the pages of the newspaper and the stances it has historically taken).
For those of you who point out issues in a constructive manner and invite dialogue, I appreciate it.
Barton Cromeens
Editor
Abilene Reporter-News
Posted by stokeysrc on January 8, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's ridiculous. What's wrong with the headline? This sure is a Daggum Big Ol' Red State, ain't it fellers?
Posted by elizabeth on January 8, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh the Editor has chastised us all. Must go to corner... LOL
Posted by hillmichaels on January 8, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I really don't know how anyone can run a newspaper in Abilene. Based on these comments, it's a town made up of third graders. Get a life people...
Posted by cmnchaz on January 8, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WHAT? I thought I was reading THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER!!!!
Posted by TexasTwister on January 8, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cromeens -
I believe many of us commenting on this story and its headline have done so in a "constructive manner" and have "invited dialogue" as you have suggested.
Please, Mr. Cromeens, answer the question so many of us have posed. Where in the article does it say the police are investigating the officer? If, in fact, it is the "incident" and not the officer that is being investigated, do you not think the headline is inaccurate as well as misleading? And, if you do believe this and admit your mistake, why will you not admit it and change the headline?
I realize we are just the "unwashed masses" that actually buy your paper and pay your salary, but don't you think we deserve a simple act of respect by answering our questions?
Posted by liveNup on January 8, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Texas you know he is probably going to remove your post because you are ARN politically correct.
Posted by elizabeth on January 8, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The headline is almost as inaccurate as the ARN headline announcement yesterday calling Mr. Holt a "victim". Not trying to bash the ARN but please, please, please GET IT RIGHT
Posted by squid on January 8, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
'For those of you who point out issues in a constructive manner and invite dialogue'
Goose step, March! !
Posted by TexasTwister on January 8, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Posted by hillmichaels on January 8, 2008 at 1:32 p.m.
I really don't know how anyone can run a newspaper in Abilene. Based on these comments, it's a town made up of third graders. Get a life people..."
Interesting....you tell us to get a life, and yet you took the time to read the comments here and actually type one of your own (even though it was condescending and pointless).
Oh, by the way, I have a BBA and a Masters, so I guess I got a little farther than the 3rd grade.
Posted by wild_bill on January 8, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr Cromeens your comments here are certainly appropriate, but it would be even more appropriate if they were placed on the front page of your paper along with the follow up. You should absolutely include the information on APD's standard operating proceedure to put the officer on leave and investigate the deadly force usage.
You should also address Mr. Holt being called the "victim". If he's the victim of anything, it's his on stupidity and actions.
I've been reading 'your' paper longer than you've been working on it and liberal bias or not, your paper has a strong history of disparaging the local law enforcement agencies. Your paper has consistently taken an adversarial stance towards our police, deputies and fire personnel and it's time for it to stop. Being critical is fine, but being fair and unbiased is even more important.
I am strongly biased in favor of our local law enforcement and fire personnel and proud of it, but then I'm neither an employee of the ARN or the APD/AFD and I'm allowed to be as biased as I choose. You do not have that liberty any more than APD/AFD has.
Posted by dancarlson82 on January 8, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The headline seems pretty straightforward to me. There's a police officer who was involved in a shooting, and he's now being investigated. The headline doesn't pass judgment on the officer involved.
Barton, don't be afraid to stick to your guns and stand by your paper. You did nothing wrong here.
Posted by liveNup on January 8, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dan Who do you know working for ARN???? The ARN needs new reporters who know what facts are and can actually make a headline that is NOT misleading. Go back and reread TexasTwisters comment. I think he explains the problem with the ARNs headline and article.
Barton, retract & try again because you failed miserably this time!
Posted by Mellonello on January 8, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do our police officers NOT use tasers!! If not, they should! It seems to me by the article posted here last night, the officer didnt have a lot of time to do anything. He was dealing with TWO drunks. ONe a woman the other Male.
And that male wasnt going to be arrested, cause he fought the officer. Now, the officer used the best judgement he could at the TIME!!!
Posted by TexasTwister on January 8, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Okay, Dan...
Let's say you're a fireman. You respond to a fire and are in the midst of putting it out when you come across the arsonist still in the building. He physically attacks you....you respond by whacking him unconscious with your fire axe and drag him out.
Tomorrow's headline in the ARN reads:
"Police Investigate Fireman Involved in Arsonist Attack"
Fair...straight-forward reporting? Wouldn't you, as a casual reader, assume that the fireman is being investigated for possible wrong-doing?
Once again...see if you can grasp it this time....the OFFICER is not being investigated. The INCIDENT is. Big...big difference.
Posted by cromeensb on January 8, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I work for a newspaper and semantics are argued on a daily basis. I don't have a problem with that. As I said, I do think the headline could be better. At this point, the headline is a matter of record.
It is, however, not a record that I think warrants a correction. The incident is being investigated - a part of that investigation includes the officer and his actions. That's the way it should be.
Technically, the officer and his actions are under investigation as is everything else about this incident.
I don't find this issue to be one that needs to be played out with the editorial opinion (mine or that of the Reporter-News) on the front page. There was a headline that was less than stellar but I don't feel it warrants a correction or a front page explanation. I don't think that's hubris on my part or that of the newspaper. You may disagree.
I have been with the Reporter-News for 11 years. That may not be a long enough history to address certain allegations, but I have not been witness to the "consistently...adversarial stance towards our police, deputies and fire personnel..." taken by the newspaper.
Give some solid examples, and please provide context. Other than spot news and most crime issue stories, the biggest and most reported upon stories in recent history have been the shortage of personnel.
Will we ask critical questions? Surely we will. The officer's name, for example, should be a matter of public record. He is a public servant. So, too, should a number of other facts that didn't appear in this story. I'm not alleging that anybody is covering something up. Sometimes folks are guarded with the facts for a variety of reasons - they differ in opinion as to what should or shouldn't be released or do not know the law regarding public records. Sometimes the facts are simply unavailable.
The "victim" comment. I may have missed it in the first posting of the web story. We do try to get news up in a timely fashion. I don't believe it is in any of the current posted stories or in the print edition.
Nobody is/was being admonished. I do appreciate folks reading us and encouraging dialogue. I'm not particularly appreciative of the cheap shots that are fired across everybody's bow (mine, the Reporter-News' and its readers) on these forums. I do think it would be different if we didn't allow anonymity, and that is something that has been discussed at length industry-wide.
Barton Cromeens
Posted by jjb04a on January 8, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm really suprised to see Cromeens finally chiming in on a subject.
Cromeens is a photographer ... he was a photographer for the ARN and he still should be today. He is no way qualified to be an editor, but I guess the ARN isn't really looking for qualified, experienced people.
What I love about the ARN is the fact that most of their articles are 1) not theirs, they are from the AP or another news source 2) the same thing that ran two days ago 3) cite KTXS as the source for a lot of their stories. It's a joke, this paper is a joke. If we had another option in this town, the ARN would go out of business within a couple of years!!
It's terrible, just plain terrible. Starting at the top all the way down ...
Posted by liveNup on January 8, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Of course you don't think it is appropriate to correct your blunder on the front page because it would reflect upon you. I do not remember the story but I do know that on one article, maybe a letter to the Editor that ARN actually put many of the comments in the daily paper so that those not on ARN website could also see the public view. Why not try that? Put our thoughts in your paper on your article tomorrow since you won't correct what you wrote.
Don't start bashing anonymity now when your paper has encouraged it for so long now and the only reason you are changing your stance is because you are the one no one is agreeing with.
If you do not have the facts to the story why don't you also add that to your article instead of making innuendos that there is a cover up CSI style? There are many reasons why certain facts of a case aren't made public, I do believe fair trial is one of those because as the ARN has proved time and time again facts can become distorted fairly quickly. (Yes that is a cheap shot)
Barton is chiming in now because adding fuel to the fire makes for more readers.
Posted by jjb04a on January 8, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen TellitlikeICit! I wonder why he wouldn't put these comments on the front page ... scared of what would happen more than likely.
Posted by TexasTwister on January 8, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cromeens -
I appreciate your response, and yes, I do strongly disagree with your interpretation and continued support and implied justification of the wording used in the headline. In fact, I was surprised to see that one of your comments actually unintentionally supports the stance with which many of us are taking issue.
"The incident is being investigated - a part of that investigation includes the officer and his actions. That's the way it should be."
It seems in this statement you agree that "the incident" is the main focus of the investigation. However, what is disconcerting to the majority of the posters here is that you chose to emphasize what you acknowledge to be "a part of that investigation". And by emphasizing this in your headline, you imply something totally different than the focus of the article.
I don't think I saw any posts asking for admonishment of anyone. I do think I speak for many others here in saying that you and your editorial board should refrain from going for the sensational, attention-grabbing headlines instead of the thoughtful, factual ones.
We get our fill of National Enquirer style headlines while waiting in line at the grocery store...please don't inundate us with them in the ARN.
Posted by dancarlson82 on January 8, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When I went to school in Abilene, we made up a list of "rejected" town slogans. My favorite was probably "Abilene: God's Dumpster."
Good luck, everyone.
Posted by i_think on January 8, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why not remove the comments section?
All that happens on here is people bashing each other.
Posted by apricottx on January 8, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by wild_bill on January 8, 2008 at 3:37 p.m.
"I am strongly biased in favor of our local law enforcement and fire personnel and proud of it, but then I'm neither an employee of the ARN or the APD/AFD and I'm allowed to be as biased as I choose. You do not have that liberty any more than APD/AFD has."
However wild_bill, you are retired APD dispatcher..... So you do have a dog in this fight...
Posted by cougar on January 8, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i dont have a dog in this fight. but we all must thank our police fire and our armed forces as they are the reason we can bash eachother.
Posted by notolerance4904 on January 8, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the A.P.D. officer involved, "Thank you for putting your life on the line to serve and protect."
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on January 9, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The truth is out there. Abilene is no longer close to being a safe town. Homicides almost doubled during the previous year. Our friendly hometown has been transformed into a haven for violent criminals and scofflaws. It has evolved into the very antithesis of its former self.
Support Your Local Police - and Keep Them Independent!
How I wish Katharyn Duff, Irby Fox, Richard Dickenson and Annalene Kite were still with us, and contributing their perspectives to the newspaper. Their writings, opinions, ramblings and musings gave us something to look forward to reading each day.
I have known Frank Grimes, Ed Wishcamper, Richard Tarpley, Glenn Dromgoole, Stormy Shelton and Frank Puckett. Don Blakely, John Best, David Leeson and David Kent from the photography department have also been acquaintances.
Mr. Cromeens, think of the people who have come before you who made the Abilene Reporter-News a great newspaper during its proudest years, before Scripps gutted it. Are you worthy to even walk the same halls they walked?
"Without or with offense to friends or foes, we sketch your world exactly as it goes." - Byron
Posted by sherrimca on January 9, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Abilene_Reporter... you brought back such fond memories by those names. Many years ago (while I was in college in another town) I remember getting into a Letters to the Editor battle with Annalene Kite. Don't remember the subject, but it went back and forth for quite a while (back in the day you were allowed more than one in 30 days).
My husband, an APD officer, on more than one occasion witnessed Dr. Fox in the ER making sure the combatant drunk was stitched up with his own "brand" of anesthesia - NONE, other than the alcohol already consumed.
And Katharyn Duff... no one need to say more than her name.
Those, indeed, were the days...
Posted by motherof2 on January 9, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Regardless of the headlines what it really comes down to is there should have been more officers responding to the call. When there is an assault family violence case you know there is going to be atleast 2 people involved. So maybe we should find a way to get more officers out on the street to respond to calls like this one and things like this might not happen.
Posted by squid on January 9, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
motherof2...not to offend, but are you sure you have your facts straight? Please dont depend on the ARN for the facts of this situation. The PD sends two, sometimes more, Officers to calls such as this, but they never arrive at the same time. Should the first Officer on the scene standby and allow an assault to continue while awaiting backup? Alot of times Officers drive up on fights and disturbances in progress, very often Officers go into these situations alone. It is VERY common.
Posted by elizabeth on January 9, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
squid You know the ARN never gets their facts wrong nor do they twist headlines :)~
motherof2... quite frankly if I were getting my ass kicked and a police officer was sitting back waiting for a backup officer to get there before stepping in to help me I would be a little (LOT) pissed! I do believe the story said the back up officers was there within moments which goes to show you that these situations can escalate in a matter of seconds.
Posted by wild_bill on January 9, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
apricottx, you are absolutely right. I AM a retired dispatcher. I freely admited my bias. I can almost guarantee I know the officer invovled too. Being retired the city can't fire me or take away my retirement based on the opinions I express. I don't work for the ARN either, I subscribe to it.
Because I have nothing to fear from the City or the newspaper, and have no control over either, my bias has no weight beyond the worth of what I say. As an employee of the City I was expected to treat, or try to treat, everyone equally, without bias or prejudice. The same SHOULD apply to an employee of the paper such as Mr. Cromeens. The newspaper should be just as concerned with truth and justice as the police department is. I do NOT believe the newspaper is held to the same standards however based on what I have read and observed.
Mr Crommens, I don't keep your paper beyond the day I read it. Nor are the papers archives what I would call 'user friendly' as far as searching them goes, so I would be hard put to "prove" my recollections of the newspapers' bias over the past half century. All I have is my preceptions of what I have read, balanced against what, in some cases, I know was the case. That's suits me just fine. Just as you are satisfied with your treatment of the initial article that started all this with the misleading headline.
Oh yeah, just for the record wild_bill is William J Newman. I am a retired dispatcher for APD/AFD and damn proud of both my service and the people of both departments.
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on January 9, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bill, we (the longtime residents of Abilene) are damn proud of your service, too. Countless lives were saved thanks to your rapid handling of tense situations by calmly dispatching the appropriate emergency services to the correct location.
I remember seeing you in action when the police dispatcher was located in the north end of City Hall. You could simultaneously answer the telephone, dispatch police units and silence the old burglar alarm annunciators quicker than many of the newbies can figure out what to touch on their high-tech monitors.
Thank you for your many years of service to the community!
Rudy Didn't Start KEAN!
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on September 21, 2008 at 2:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know whether to take this story as a new (unpaid) intern's first major assignment, or a media disinformation fest by Rudy "Fearless" Fernandez. Rudy DID NOT start KEAN-FM, although he was involved in the early years of KEAN Cruise Night as an on-the-air personality (DJ).
First a brief history lesson on KEAN 105.1 FM. The frequency originally went on the air as KWKC-FM in the 1960s. After the newness and lack of FM radios, especially in automobiles, proved unprofitable for KWKC, the frequency was eventually transferred to KNIT-FM, where the talents of Michael Henry Martin playing Top 40 music proved to be a profitable endeavor for over a decade. Several DJs went on from KNIT to some of the top stations in the Dallas market. Surprisingly, KNIT was a decent attempt to bring a scaled-back version of Dallas' Gordon McLendon "powerhouse" station KLIF's format to West Texas.
Fast forward to the spring of 1978 in the old KRBC 1470 AM studios located in the 11th floor penthouse of the Windsor Hotel. During a midday break in KNIT's Top 40 programming, the airwaves on 105.1 began to spout the sounds of "modern" country music on Abilene's new KEAN 105 FM. Instead of the Beatles, Eagles, Herman's Hermits and the Rolling Stones - Johnny Duncan, Ronnie Milsap, Eddie Arnold, The Oak Ridge Boys, Johnny Paycheck, Willie & Waylon and Moe & Joe. The high school rock and rollers were furious, "their" station was now playing redneck $#!+kicker music!
Rudy wasn't there, yet. Gene Ditmore, Benny Springer and several veteran Abilene radio station personalities, along with a group of investors had gambled on FM country music being profitable in Abilene. KEAN-FM has been immensely popular, after a slightly rocky start.
The on-air personalities who deserve credit for the early years of KEAN Country
include John Howard Blackwell, Linda Morgan (one of several Bobby & Bonnie teams, although John Blackwell was not the original), Kim (KB) Massingill, and Bruce Wayne (Denton), Jeane Perryman and a host of others whose names escape me.
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on September 21, 2008 at 2:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Part 2
Greg Beatty was delivering pizzas for Gatti's and Rudy was still a high school student when KEAN-FM* went on the air. KEAN-FM didn't see, or hear Rudy Fernandez until around 1980. (*KNIT 1280 AM was acquired in the purchase and retagged as KEAN 1280 AM which was a simulcast of the FM station most of the time).
How do I know? Well, KEAN actually had news reports at the top of the hour, with top national and state syndicated reports, then a brief local news blurb, which I sometimes reported, when not filling in for absent DJs or dubbing country hits from vinyl records to Ampex tape cartridges - or even providing sound effects and voice fills on commercials and PSAs.
Before anyone tries to take credit for the KEAN Bass Tournament, that was another Gene Ditmore collaboration with Rex Carey, Dennis ??? and many other avid bass fishermen from the Big Country (I'm trying to remember the lyrics to Fishing Fever).
The worst thing I can say about KEAN would be during the time of its misfortune to be owned by Clear Channel, which prides itself in removing local control and implementing "cookie cutter programming for all of its stations.
Don't take me wrong, Rudy has done PLENTY for local charities. Probably a harmless misprint, but just to set the record straight, RUDY FERNANDEZ DID NOT START RADIO STATION KEAN!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_in_country_music
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on September 21, 2008 at 2:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please excuse the typos in my two previous posts above. You have to have a clear mind to benefit from a spell checker at two in the morning.
Posted by Jam4junk on September 21, 2008 at 5:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought that that was a funny misprint also, Fearless started KEAN, what a joke!
Wasn't it Bobby and Bonnie in the morning in the early '80s.
Posted by muchlove on September 21, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
At the safety dance, did they wear helmets, knee pads and elbow pads? Were people allowed to touch or hold hands?
Posted by rsjz4 on September 21, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sure with Rudy's ego, he has it in his mind that he started KEAN.
I am sure this post will get deleted.
Posted by DB on September 21, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I sure like Doc & Kelly alot better.
Posted by wild_bill on September 21, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Abilene_Reporter! I was one of those "rockers" who left 105 after KNIT went to KEAN and I've never gone back. I also remember Rudy trying to get a job as a dispatcher at APD back in the mid/late 70's (can't remember exactly when, just that it didn't happen). He is, or was, a good guy but that was back before his "superstar" status. I haven't had any contact with him in years. The last time (I think) was when I was still dispatching and he called in complaining about "hot rodders" creating a noise disturbance by his house.
I remember the old Cruise Nights down Sayles to Sonic on N.1st. All those people on Sayles calling in complaining about the noise and the "hot rodders". Nearly all of 'em DEMANDING something be done to stop it, RIGHT NOW! I enjoyed telling them to talk to the Chief Monday morning since the APD was one of the sponsers.
Ah, remember when....
Posted by Texan55 on September 22, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've always wondered why the cruise goes thru the busiest intersection in Abilene, then the dance at the busy Mall. One year in the 90's, the cruise was down S.1st and ended up in the new Winn Dixie, K-Mart parking lot. No traffic problems what so ever. That lasted one year. The most ridiculous route was around 8 years ago went it went down Leggett. a two lane street, and everyone had to take a left turn on 14th at a very short green light. My point being, why not have the cruise on the most user friendly streets?
Posted by abilenesfinest on September 22, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To all of you arm-chair radio history majors and experts on this community. Rudy Fenandez did not begin KEAN radio, he began working at KEAN radio 30 years ago. In 30 years he has done more for this community than 120,000 of us could ever do. Any organzation that contacts him, he has never told no! I can not think of one non-profit organzation that he has not helped out here in Abilene or the Big Country. So if you call that super-star status or a man with an ego, just do me a favor ask yourself what have you done for this community!
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on September 23, 2008 at 2:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I could instantly name six organizations "Fearless" has said NO to in the past ten years. For various reasons, they were "too small" or "not popular enough" for KEAN to promote. Doc, Kelly, JB and Justin didn't hesitate to help them and no prepaid "promotion package" was ever mentioned by KBCY. Maybe that is why KBCY has been the number one station in ratings for the last three years. Interestingly enough, most of the 99.7 KBCY announcers were formerly with KEAN, back when KEAN 105 was numero uno. KBCY was another one of Gene Ditmore's projects, after corporate media gained control of KEAN.
Rudy has not been with KEAN for thirty continuous years. He quit and tried to make it in a larger market and came back to Abilene within a year. Dave Dalzell was a more talented DJ (while at KRBC 1470 AM) compared to Rudy, but Dave realized when it was time to grow up and get a real job.
My first thought was "abilenesfinest" might be connected with the police department, but after some additional consideration, maybe it is Rudy himself. The ego is there, ask anyone who has worked with him!
Posted by GaryBuseysBartender on September 23, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW! I think we've set a record! That's eleven posts, and nobody's mentioned Obama, Palin, God, abortion or lesbians!
Posted by abilenesfinest on September 23, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It looks like the problem lies with your ego sir! You mention Doc, Kelly, JB, Gene Ditmore, Dave Dalzell and several others. All, which have played a very important role in this community for several years and all great men. It's your pompous ego that stands in the way, to acknowledge Rudy as a part of those very important names.
Again sir, ask yourself what have you done in this community. I think the first thing we all learn in vacation bible school is the one person who will judge us, is not our fellow man but the man upstairs, and we are pompous ego-maniacs if we judge other people's accomplishments and dis-count them as nothing. I had the pleasure and the pain of working with Mr. Fernandez for several years and can't ask for any better. If you had any sense of the radio business (by your comments, I'm thinking not) once you meet one D.J you have met them all! Keep your chin up, they should have a new story soon for you to judge behind your computer.
Posted by thechurchlady on September 23, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, now I MUST interject. Obama personally told me Rudy Fernandez was a fine man.
So, as the objective person that I am...I went to Mrs. Palin. Following our aero wolf hunting trip and abortion seminar, Sarah told me Rudy was a fine man. I thought to myself, "self, who would know best?" and the answer from God was "Lesbians, they know Rudy".
But not to be outdone, our President reitterjicterated (only Bush can say that word) that Rudy was not a great man.
You see, we all have our own opinions and views. In many cases, they're not the same. But what makes us a great nation is that we have the freedom of speech and from what I understand, a 100,000 watt megaphone is a great way to take advantage of said freedom. Last time I checked, Rudy hasn't bashed anyone on air. As a matter of fact, I think we can leave that up to the a-holes on the evil radio station!
Posted by thechurchlady on September 23, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh yeah, by expressing my opinion here I saved a bunch of money on my car insurance!
Posted by tud_sandwich on September 23, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've been watching the comments from the sidelines for several days. Sometime in the last 24 hours the wording was quietly edited to change "Fernandez started the country music radio station 30 years ago..." to "Fernandez started at the country music radio station 30 years ago..." No mention of the revision was indicated in the credits below the headline.
Rudy has done plenty to help charitable organizations, that part can't be denied. Just my opinion, though, he seems to make sure his name is right in there with the organization's, where others choose to promote the cause less conspicuously. Nothing wrong either way, just that self promotion by media personalities annoys some charities' supporters, if the same person always piggybacks on their fundraising efforts.
Keep up the good work, Rudy, but I still won't be listening to you!
Posted by weeman on September 24, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Abilene reporter or shall i say George? Keep your day job bro...no wait, I take that back...please go away..you didnt make it in radio and your even worse on tv......
Posted by thechurchlady on September 24, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I like cheeseburgers!
Posted by thechurchlady on September 24, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yay, squishy squishy!
Posted by TheTruthShallSetUFree on September 25, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I read this article to read about Cruise Night and was truly brought back to reality of the nature of people. Rudy Fernandez was there and knows exactly how this history occurred as far as it concerned him, a reporter made a simple typo. Proud and opinionated "ANONYMOUS" bloggers jumped in without even giving a second thought to verifying the validity of the quote. I'm amazed how many people climb onto a soap box to jump on a person who's allowed himself to be a target of criticism for decades in return for countless acts of support for every charity that asks. It's not the fact that he impacts our community that strikes me but the manner that he conducts himself. Constantly reminding us how blessed we are and he has been is something I've come to expect from Rudy. Abilene and the Big Country is known for being a charitable community, and like it or not, it's people just like Rudy Fernandez that remind us to help others. Being expected to never say no and help any cause that asks for help is simply part of being a radio celebrity and Rudy Fernandez does this with class. This man works more hours than any person I know and you can't be in Abilene Texas without running into him EVERYWHERE. Personally I think Rudy does more for the community he chose to live in than he will ever realize.
OH, By the way, being so critical and not identifying yourself is just childish. If you feel so strongly just sign your name.
Thanks,
Andrew Way
I don't know whether to take this story as a new (unpaid) intern's first major assignment, or a media disinformation fest by Rudy "Fearless" Fernandez. Rudy DID NOT start KEAN-FM, although he was involved in the early years of KEAN Cruise Night as an on-the-air personality (DJ).
First a brief history lesson on KEAN 105.1 FM. The frequency originally went on the air as KWKC-FM in the 1960s. After the newness and lack of FM radios, especially in automobiles, proved unprofitable for KWKC, the frequency was eventually transferred to KNIT-FM, where the talents of Michael Henry Martin playing Top 40 music proved to be a profitable endeavor for over a decade. Several DJs went on from KNIT to some of the top stations in the Dallas market. Surprisingly, KNIT was a decent attempt to bring a scaled-back version of Dallas' Gordon McLendon "powerhouse" station KLIF's format to West Texas.
Fast forward to the spring of 1978 in the old KRBC 1470 AM studios located in the 11th floor penthouse of the Windsor Hotel. During a midday break in KNIT's Top 40 programming, the airwaves on 105.1 began to spout the sounds of "modern" country music on Abilene's new KEAN 105 FM. Instead of the Beatles, Eagles, Herman's Hermits and the Rolling Stones - Johnny Duncan, Ronnie Milsap, Eddie Arnold, The Oak Ridge Boys, Johnny Paycheck, Willie & Waylon and Moe & Joe. The high school rock and rollers were furious, "their" station was now playing redneck $#!+kicker music!
Rudy wasn't there, yet. Gene Ditmore, Benny Springer and several veteran Abilene radio station personalities, along with a group of investors had gambled on FM country music being profitable in Abilene. KEAN-FM has been immensely popular, after a slightly rocky start.
The on-air personalities who deserve credit for the early years of KEAN Country
include John Howard Blackwell, Linda Morgan (one of several Bobby & Bonnie teams, although John Blackwell was not the original), Kim (KB) Massingill, and Bruce Wayne (Denton), Jeane Perryman and a host of others whose names escape me.
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on September 21, 2008 at 2:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Part 2
Greg Beatty was delivering pizzas for Gatti's and Rudy was still a high school student when KEAN-FM* went on the air. KEAN-FM didn't see, or hear Rudy Fernandez until around 1980. (*KNIT 1280 AM was acquired in the purchase and retagged as KEAN 1280 AM which was a simulcast of the FM station most of the time).
How do I know? Well, KEAN actually had news reports at the top of the hour, with top national and state syndicated reports, then a brief local news blurb, which I sometimes reported, when not filling in for absent DJs or dubbing country hits from vinyl records to Ampex tape cartridges - or even providing sound effects and voice fills on commercials and PSAs.
Before anyone tries to take credit for the KEAN Bass Tournament, that was another Gene Ditmore collaboration with Rex Carey, Dennis ??? and many other avid bass fishermen from the Big Country (I'm trying to remember the lyrics to Fishing Fever).
The worst thing I can say about KEAN would be during the time of its misfortune to be owned by Clear Channel, which prides itself in removing local control and implementing "cookie cutter programming for all of its stations.
Don't take me wrong, Rudy has done PLENTY for local charities. Probably a harmless misprint, but just to set the record straight, RUDY FERNANDEZ DID NOT START RADIO STATION KEAN!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_in_country_music
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on September 21, 2008 at 2:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please excuse the typos in my two previous posts above. You have to have a clear mind to benefit from a spell checker at two in the morning.
Posted by Jam4junk on September 21, 2008 at 5:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought that that was a funny misprint also, Fearless started KEAN, what a joke!
Wasn't it Bobby and Bonnie in the morning in the early '80s.
Posted by muchlove on September 21, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
At the safety dance, did they wear helmets, knee pads and elbow pads? Were people allowed to touch or hold hands?
Posted by rsjz4 on September 21, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sure with Rudy's ego, he has it in his mind that he started KEAN.
I am sure this post will get deleted.
Posted by DB on September 21, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I sure like Doc & Kelly alot better.
Posted by wild_bill on September 21, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Abilene_Reporter! I was one of those "rockers" who left 105 after KNIT went to KEAN and I've never gone back. I also remember Rudy trying to get a job as a dispatcher at APD back in the mid/late 70's (can't remember exactly when, just that it didn't happen). He is, or was, a good guy but that was back before his "superstar" status. I haven't had any contact with him in years. The last time (I think) was when I was still dispatching and he called in complaining about "hot rodders" creating a noise disturbance by his house.
I remember the old Cruise Nights down Sayles to Sonic on N.1st. All those people on Sayles calling in complaining about the noise and the "hot rodders". Nearly all of 'em DEMANDING something be done to stop it, RIGHT NOW! I enjoyed telling them to talk to the Chief Monday morning since the APD was one of the sponsers.
Ah, remember when....
Posted by Texan55 on September 22, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've always wondered why the cruise goes thru the busiest intersection in Abilene, then the dance at the busy Mall. One year in the 90's, the cruise was down S.1st and ended up in the new Winn Dixie, K-Mart parking lot. No traffic problems what so ever. That lasted one year. The most ridiculous route was around 8 years ago went it went down Leggett. a two lane street, and everyone had to take a left turn on 14th at a very short green light. My point being, why not have the cruise on the most user friendly streets?
Posted by abilenesfinest on September 22, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To all of you arm-chair radio history majors and experts on this community. Rudy Fenandez did not begin KEAN radio, he began working at KEAN radio 30 years ago. In 30 years he has done more for this community than 120,000 of us could ever do. Any organzation that contacts him, he has never told no! I can not think of one non-profit organzation that he has not helped out here in Abilene or the Big Country. So if you call that super-star status or a man with an ego, just do me a favor ask yourself what have you done for this community!
Posted by Abilene_Reporter on September 23, 2008 at 2:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I could instantly name six organizations "Fearless" has said NO to in the past ten years. For various reasons, they were "too small" or "not popular enough" for KEAN to promote. Doc, Kelly, JB and Justin didn't hesitate to help them and no prepaid "promotion package" was ever mentioned by KBCY. Maybe that is why KBCY has been the number one station in ratings for the last three years. Interestingly enough, most of the 99.7 KBCY announcers were formerly with KEAN, back when KEAN 105 was numero uno. KBCY was another one of Gene Ditmore's projects, after corporate media gained control of KEAN.
Rudy has not been with KEAN for thirty continuous years. He quit and tried to make it in a larger market and came back to Abilene within a year. Dave Dalzell was a more talented DJ (while at KRBC 1470 AM) compared to Rudy, but Dave realized when it was time to grow up and get a real job.
My first thought was "abilenesfinest" might be connected with the police department, but after some additional consideration, maybe it is Rudy himself. The ego is there, ask anyone who has worked with him!
Posted by GaryBuseysBartender on September 23, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW! I think we've set a record! That's eleven posts, and nobody's mentioned Obama, Palin, God, abortion or lesbians!
Posted by abilenesfinest on September 23, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It looks like the problem lies with your ego sir! You mention Doc, Kelly, JB, Gene Ditmore, Dave Dalzell and several others. All, which have played a very important role in this community for several years and all great men. It's your pompous ego that stands in the way, to acknowledge Rudy as a part of those very important names.
Again sir, ask yourself what have you done in this community. I think the first thing we all learn in vacation bible school is the one person who will judge us, is not our fellow man but the man upstairs, and we are pompous ego-maniacs if we judge other people's accomplishments and dis-count them as nothing. I had the pleasure and the pain of working with Mr. Fernandez for several years and can't ask for any better. If you had any sense of the radio business (by your comments, I'm thinking not) once you meet one D.J you have met them all! Keep your chin up, they should have a new story soon for you to judge behind your computer.
Posted by thechurchlady on September 23, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, now I MUST interject. Obama personally told me Rudy Fernandez was a fine man.
So, as the objective person that I am...I went to Mrs. Palin. Following our aero wolf hunting trip and abortion seminar, Sarah told me Rudy was a fine man. I thought to myself, "self, who would know best?" and the answer from God was "Lesbians, they know Rudy".
But not to be outdone, our President reitterjicterated (only Bush can say that word) that Rudy was not a great man.
You see, we all have our own opinions and views. In many cases, they're not the same. But what makes us a great nation is that we have the freedom of speech and from what I understand, a 100,000 watt megaphone is a great way to take advantage of said freedom. Last time I checked, Rudy hasn't bashed anyone on air. As a matter of fact, I think we can leave that up to the a-holes on the evil radio station!
Posted by thechurchlady on September 23, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh yeah, by expressing my opinion here I saved a bunch of money on my car insurance!
Posted by tud_sandwich on September 23, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've been watching the comments from the sidelines for several days. Sometime in the last 24 hours the wording was quietly edited to change "Fernandez started the country music radio station 30 years ago..." to "Fernandez started at the country music radio station 30 years ago..." No mention of the revision was indicated in the credits below the headline.
Rudy has done plenty to help charitable organizations, that part can't be denied. Just my opinion, though, he seems to make sure his name is right in there with the organization's, where others choose to promote the cause less conspicuously. Nothing wrong either way, just that self promotion by media personalities annoys some charities' supporters, if the same person always piggybacks on their fundraising efforts.
Keep up the good work, Rudy, but I still won't be listening to you!
Posted by weeman on September 24, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Abilene reporter or shall i say George? Keep your day job bro...no wait, I take that back...please go away..you didnt make it in radio and your even worse on tv......
Posted by thechurchlady on September 24, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I like cheeseburgers!
Posted by thechurchlady on September 24, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yay, squishy squishy!
Posted by TheTruthShallSetUFree on September 25, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I read this article to read about Cruise Night and was truly brought back to reality of the nature of people. Rudy Fernandez was there and knows exactly how this history occurred as far as it concerned him, a reporter made a simple typo. Proud and opinionated "ANONYMOUS" bloggers jumped in without even giving a second thought to verifying the validity of the quote. I'm amazed how many people climb onto a soap box to jump on a person who's allowed himself to be a target of criticism for decades in return for countless acts of support for every charity that asks. It's not the fact that he impacts our community that strikes me but the manner that he conducts himself. Constantly reminding us how blessed we are and he has been is something I've come to expect from Rudy. Abilene and the Big Country is known for being a charitable community, and like it or not, it's people just like Rudy Fernandez that remind us to help others. Being expected to never say no and help any cause that asks for help is simply part of being a radio celebrity and Rudy Fernandez does this with class. This man works more hours than any person I know and you can't be in Abilene Texas without running into him EVERYWHERE. Personally I think Rudy does more for the community he chose to live in than he will ever realize.
OH, By the way, being so critical and not identifying yourself is just childish. If you feel so strongly just sign your name.
Thanks,
Andrew Way
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
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Welcome to the mostly uncensored alternative to reporter**ws.com and big country****page.com!
With the restrictions which have been randomly (and irresponsibly) placed on the users of those sites, we embark on a civilized alternative to Bart (F**k the First Amendment) Crowmeans and the "powers that be" who have ruined bchomepage (dot) com!
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Now, blog away without fear of "This comment was removed by the site staff" or other nonsense!
With the restrictions which have been randomly (and irresponsibly) placed on the users of those sites, we embark on a civilized alternative to Bart (F**k the First Amendment) Crowmeans and the "powers that be" who have ruined bchomepage (dot) com!
This is your open-minded moderator, Abilene Reporter.
Now, blog away without fear of "This comment was removed by the site staff" or other nonsense!
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