Although I am not one of the "one percent" I am and have definitely been a "job creator"- including creating jobs for myself.
The vast majority of "job creators" only are able to create jobs when there is demand for a product or a service. This has nothing to do with taxation or extra money in the bank. It has to do with DEMAND
Also, it's my observation that those in the top tier of wealthiness in the USA are not even people who manage anything but their own fortune; and they manage to spend a portion of it on very expensive luxury goods and vactaions, in addition to investing in real property (as an investment, usually).
Here are some names of some "job creators" in Marfa who have created jobs for people here very recently
Daniel and Jessie Browning
Rocky Barnette
Maiya Keck
Adam and Krista Bork
Ty Mitchell
Bird Parrott
Rob Crowley & David Branch
Don Culbertson
and there are many others...
I promise NONE of these folks have added any jobs due to "extra cash freed up by lower taxes". In fact, I bet NONE of these folks makes enough to pay the AMT!
These are the real job creators in America
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
david beebe, yoseff and people on the porch
In Terlingua playing music on the porch 12/3/11- community greatness!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Not blogging recent CC meetings
Not much has been going on, other than business as usual (a good thing) and SWTMGC business. Check out ww.bigbendnow.com for comprehensive info on how we're dealing with the dissolution of this municipally owned Gas Corp.
Otherwise, I am more and more and more convinced that once the gas fracking business slows down (which could be years) our future energy source out here will be solar (as technology progresses) and I am 100% behind any efforts to bring it to our sun-rich area. Please email me at marfagringo (at) yahoo.com for any insights---- David
Otherwise, I am more and more and more convinced that once the gas fracking business slows down (which could be years) our future energy source out here will be solar (as technology progresses) and I am 100% behind any efforts to bring it to our sun-rich area. Please email me at marfagringo (at) yahoo.com for any insights---- David
Sunday, April 17, 2011
4/17/2011
Apologies for missing the live feed of the last city council meeting (last Thurs). Not much was covered and the meat of the issues dealt with crowd managemnet tactics and overview of agencies and procedures that will be used during the big weekend here Easter weekend for the Railroad Revival Tour.
Fires were covered- the Mayor presented a slideshow of pictures and we essentially reviewed the data provided by the various press outlets.
I am preparing as much food as possible in advance of this coming weekend- working on veggie lasagna, pork loin "Pork-U-Pine" and red beans today while I cover the regular cooking duties as well. We are open today as tonight YACHT, a popular band with some Marfa ties, will play at the club.
Next sat, Sun and Mon I am cooking breakfast for the masses here as well- should be hectic and interesting- big job. I bought a whole bunch of materials and some equipment to do it all in El Paso a few days agp- hopefully we'll sell enough breakfasts to cover the costs of the gear to do it again! I think we will- we were almost set up for this to begin with....
I attended a law enforcement meeting regarding preparations and policies for the upcoming weekend- a synopsis of which is posted under the RRT section at www.marflist.org . There will be a heavy law enforcement presence (if that doesn't surprise you!) and we'll probably need it--- I don't expect problems, but this place is going to be a zoo.
We've got a whole bunch of new Padres merchandise to sell this coming weekend, which is great news! Screen printed vintage shirts, etc and some women's clothes as well. David Garcia will be manning the door nearly all weekend and will sell merch outside in front. Should be a great way to get this stuff out of Marfa and into Austin and the like... Ellie Kenworth and Helena Stergiou are coming into town to help tend bar and generally help in general, at least in Ellie's case. Cleaning and some other stuff- I really need the help.
All is well- onto kitchen duty--
David
Fires were covered- the Mayor presented a slideshow of pictures and we essentially reviewed the data provided by the various press outlets.
I am preparing as much food as possible in advance of this coming weekend- working on veggie lasagna, pork loin "Pork-U-Pine" and red beans today while I cover the regular cooking duties as well. We are open today as tonight YACHT, a popular band with some Marfa ties, will play at the club.
Next sat, Sun and Mon I am cooking breakfast for the masses here as well- should be hectic and interesting- big job. I bought a whole bunch of materials and some equipment to do it all in El Paso a few days agp- hopefully we'll sell enough breakfasts to cover the costs of the gear to do it again! I think we will- we were almost set up for this to begin with....
I attended a law enforcement meeting regarding preparations and policies for the upcoming weekend- a synopsis of which is posted under the RRT section at www.marflist.org . There will be a heavy law enforcement presence (if that doesn't surprise you!) and we'll probably need it--- I don't expect problems, but this place is going to be a zoo.
We've got a whole bunch of new Padres merchandise to sell this coming weekend, which is great news! Screen printed vintage shirts, etc and some women's clothes as well. David Garcia will be manning the door nearly all weekend and will sell merch outside in front. Should be a great way to get this stuff out of Marfa and into Austin and the like... Ellie Kenworth and Helena Stergiou are coming into town to help tend bar and generally help in general, at least in Ellie's case. Cleaning and some other stuff- I really need the help.
All is well- onto kitchen duty--
David
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Construction vs Demolition
I'm in Houston right now waiting in my cardiologist's office for my yearly checkup. I'm not expecting any news, thankfully, but over the last few days that I've been out of town, my name and my business have been attacked in the blogosphere.
First off, let's understand that I consider the blogosphere to be a "C" rate source of local and regional news; that being said, it's often the only thing we have in Far West Texas. One relatively popular blog that moonlights as a sometimes news source is Andrew Suber's West Texas Weekly. recently it's been 90% opinion, which is fine and sometimes more entertaining, but even more recently it's been a rant against me and now, the greater Marfa community.
It takes a long time to build a bridge or construct a building. A good demo crew can knock down and remove the same in a day. For whatever reason, Suber is burning his Marfa ties as hard as he can. With no provocation whatsoever, he has attacked me, Padre's and it's employees, Marfa in general, and now Marfa's non-profit arts groups.
Check it out and if you like it, "Kachingle" him in his cup-
www.westtexasweekly.com
First off, let's understand that I consider the blogosphere to be a "C" rate source of local and regional news; that being said, it's often the only thing we have in Far West Texas. One relatively popular blog that moonlights as a sometimes news source is Andrew Suber's West Texas Weekly. recently it's been 90% opinion, which is fine and sometimes more entertaining, but even more recently it's been a rant against me and now, the greater Marfa community.
It takes a long time to build a bridge or construct a building. A good demo crew can knock down and remove the same in a day. For whatever reason, Suber is burning his Marfa ties as hard as he can. With no provocation whatsoever, he has attacked me, Padre's and it's employees, Marfa in general, and now Marfa's non-profit arts groups.
Check it out and if you like it, "Kachingle" him in his cup-
www.westtexasweekly.com
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Marfa City Council 3/8/11
All in attendance
Minutes approved unanimously from last meeting
No citizen comments
Jim Mustard's report- USO building Phase 1 construction complete. Tables and chairs from MAC building are being moved- a few of them.
MAC building renovation has begun- oine problem- see later in meeting
No Mayor's Report
OLD BUSINESS- Southwest Texas Municipal Gas Corp
Report from Rudy Garcia- appointed to dissolution and asset reallocation committee.
Rudy says not much has happened.
Rudy has inspected some materials for inventory in Marfa warehouse. Diana Asgiersson is in charge of records and inventory in Alpine. SWTMGC employees are refusing to assist- too busy with training. Diana would like to hire an individual to assist. Rudy says he will do Marfa's inventory. Going to make some progress regardless.
Dunlap says Gas corp owns property on the east end of El Paso St where they are storing some old equipment.
Mustard says that SWTMGC underwriter has provided details on insuring the assets and workers here for Marfa if we were to take it into the city's auspices. Approx $10,000 to underwrite per year.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Proposal to sell inoperable Ditch Witch at Golf Course. Been broken for 8 years or so. Offered $500 for parts. Unanimously to sell.
2) Discussion to sell the broken Nutrition Center van. Also to apply for a grant for a new van. This is procedural- TXDOT granted us the van originally and require that we receive three appraised values and then approval from them to sell. In order to be likely to receive a new grant we need to go through this. Unanimously in favor, although we will incur costs.
3) Notice of General Election- City of Marfa- we are all required to sign order. We sign it.
4)Reauthorization of Ordinance 82-11 concerning return of materials to Marfa Public Library. Libririans wish for permission to use the enforcement ordinance- reauthorization may not be required, but may help clarify whether it's still supported by city government. Unanimous
5) Damage at MAC building.
Construction workers found termite damage between the bathrooms between the two pool bathrooms. Repair will require extra dollars and we'll need to treat the building for termites. Seeking approval for this work. Alss request for putting plywood beneath the sheetrock in the bathrooms to inhibit holes being punched in the walls. Unanimous.
6) Monthly revenue and Expenditure report and Accounts Payable Report
Short question from Josie regarding damage done to house beneath water tower. Mustrad states that our insurance company is dealing with it and that the homeower is not happy. Likely some sort of action between his insurance company and ours.
Also, the East Heights water station received damage and we have not heard whether ou insurance company will cover it.
Sewage project is slated to start fairly soon (downtown. In the city budget- $172,469- to be reimbursed by grant. Josie acts why bills went out so late this month- Mustard says because of freeze we reviewed more bills before we sent them out.
Approved unanimously
Meeting adjourned
Minutes approved unanimously from last meeting
No citizen comments
Jim Mustard's report- USO building Phase 1 construction complete. Tables and chairs from MAC building are being moved- a few of them.
MAC building renovation has begun- oine problem- see later in meeting
No Mayor's Report
OLD BUSINESS- Southwest Texas Municipal Gas Corp
Report from Rudy Garcia- appointed to dissolution and asset reallocation committee.
Rudy says not much has happened.
Rudy has inspected some materials for inventory in Marfa warehouse. Diana Asgiersson is in charge of records and inventory in Alpine. SWTMGC employees are refusing to assist- too busy with training. Diana would like to hire an individual to assist. Rudy says he will do Marfa's inventory. Going to make some progress regardless.
Dunlap says Gas corp owns property on the east end of El Paso St where they are storing some old equipment.
Mustard says that SWTMGC underwriter has provided details on insuring the assets and workers here for Marfa if we were to take it into the city's auspices. Approx $10,000 to underwrite per year.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Proposal to sell inoperable Ditch Witch at Golf Course. Been broken for 8 years or so. Offered $500 for parts. Unanimously to sell.
2) Discussion to sell the broken Nutrition Center van. Also to apply for a grant for a new van. This is procedural- TXDOT granted us the van originally and require that we receive three appraised values and then approval from them to sell. In order to be likely to receive a new grant we need to go through this. Unanimously in favor, although we will incur costs.
3) Notice of General Election- City of Marfa- we are all required to sign order. We sign it.
4)Reauthorization of Ordinance 82-11 concerning return of materials to Marfa Public Library. Libririans wish for permission to use the enforcement ordinance- reauthorization may not be required, but may help clarify whether it's still supported by city government. Unanimous
5) Damage at MAC building.
Construction workers found termite damage between the bathrooms between the two pool bathrooms. Repair will require extra dollars and we'll need to treat the building for termites. Seeking approval for this work. Alss request for putting plywood beneath the sheetrock in the bathrooms to inhibit holes being punched in the walls. Unanimous.
6) Monthly revenue and Expenditure report and Accounts Payable Report
Short question from Josie regarding damage done to house beneath water tower. Mustrad states that our insurance company is dealing with it and that the homeower is not happy. Likely some sort of action between his insurance company and ours.
Also, the East Heights water station received damage and we have not heard whether ou insurance company will cover it.
Sewage project is slated to start fairly soon (downtown. In the city budget- $172,469- to be reimbursed by grant. Josie acts why bills went out so late this month- Mustard says because of freeze we reviewed more bills before we sent them out.
Approved unanimously
Meeting adjourned
Thursday, February 24, 2011
City Council 2/24
All in attendance
Minutes from last meeting approved unanimously
City Admin report- USO building - men's bathroom- holes punched in the wall, but otherwise a success.
Old Business:
SWTMGC-
SWTMGC passed a resolution to dissolve the corp. Appointed 4 member board to assess and appraise the company.
Rudy Garcia, Diana Asgiersson, Randy and another company employee.
City of Marfa's counsel (see last meeting's notes) will wait until Gas co's assets are assessed by the gas co.
2) Request by Project Grad to use a building for graduation night
Robert Lujan- parent rep
18 seniors-
USO building? MAC building?
May 27th
MAC building construction is a big question- MAC preferable.
Play it by ear---name down on both buildings. Use kitchenfor snacks, etc
Waive fee and require deposit for cleaning, vandalism
Josie makes the motion to allow either building; waive fee, require deposit.
Unanimous
New Business:
Proposed legislation relating to Presidio County Water District (including Marfa and Presidio in not participating in teh "midland exemption")
Original district approved in 1999. Midland exemption made Marfa and Presidio exempt from regulation by a water district.
With regard to participation- 2 issues:
1) Funding- here water district is funded by Presidio County and production fees that produce over 25,000 gallons per minute. Includes Marfa City water supply- roughly $5500 per year to pay for Marfa's use.
2) Representation- board is appointed by commissioner's court- 3 rural members and 2 urban. Cities of Presidio and Marfa have insisted on direct representation.
Third issue was two years ago when this was proposed, time was very short.
Mustard has been attending the meetings. Country Judge Paul Hunt wants to add Marfa and Presidio- Dunlap began some talks.
One way approach it is to take a water district ad valorem tax to the voters.
Ad Valorem taxation means the board would need to be elected, resolving representation issues.
Proposed legilation/interlocal agreement would be good for 2 years- trial period of removal of Midland exemption.
2.1- general agreement
2.2 Urban representatives would come from Marfa and Presidio and would show up to meetings.
2.3 Water district agrees to waive the producation fees for Marfa and Presidio. During this time period cities and county wouold pursue an ad valorem tax to fund the district.
Theresa supports and wrote the agreement
Mustard opposes:
Mustard mentions that city council unanimously opposed the legislation.
City was also concerned about maintaining current production.
Water district misrepresented the cities' positions in presenting case to legislature last time- did not let cities know they were still presenting it.
District is currently underfunded. Thinks they are looking to cities for cash.
Mustard was sent by the city last time to negotiate some sort of relationship/compromise. Water district was very closed to the idea of talking.
Mustard sees not entering into the interlocal agreement as a way to maintain the power to shape the issue in the future. Also, if taxpayers opt not to pass the ad valorem tax then we will be paying more than our fair share.
Also, even is cities pay the fee, without a property tax add-on there still won't be enough money to pay for the district to operate properly- only $15,000 extra and they have virtually nothing now.
Marfa Well #3 has a problem- defective, broken but still functioning. Existing regulations would preclude us from re-drilling the well. Over 1400 feet away would be our next option.
2nd problem- our wells are way to close together and produce too much for the spacing. Any exceptions to the rules would have to be applied district-wide.
Mustard thinks we're jumping the gun on giving away our exemption.
Paul Hunt speaks--
Great points- presents both sides of arguement.
Mustard claims to have been rebuffed by district in beginning discussions. Teresa disagrees
Fannin makes motion to accept interlocal. I second in order to discuss further.
Dunlap pushes for agreement.
Vote-
Beebe in favor, Fannin, Baeza and Simpson opposed. Brijalba left eary (ill)
Adjourn.
Minutes from last meeting approved unanimously
City Admin report- USO building - men's bathroom- holes punched in the wall, but otherwise a success.
Old Business:
SWTMGC-
SWTMGC passed a resolution to dissolve the corp. Appointed 4 member board to assess and appraise the company.
Rudy Garcia, Diana Asgiersson, Randy and another company employee.
City of Marfa's counsel (see last meeting's notes) will wait until Gas co's assets are assessed by the gas co.
2) Request by Project Grad to use a building for graduation night
Robert Lujan- parent rep
18 seniors-
USO building? MAC building?
May 27th
MAC building construction is a big question- MAC preferable.
Play it by ear---name down on both buildings. Use kitchenfor snacks, etc
Waive fee and require deposit for cleaning, vandalism
Josie makes the motion to allow either building; waive fee, require deposit.
Unanimous
New Business:
Proposed legislation relating to Presidio County Water District (including Marfa and Presidio in not participating in teh "midland exemption")
Original district approved in 1999. Midland exemption made Marfa and Presidio exempt from regulation by a water district.
With regard to participation- 2 issues:
1) Funding- here water district is funded by Presidio County and production fees that produce over 25,000 gallons per minute. Includes Marfa City water supply- roughly $5500 per year to pay for Marfa's use.
2) Representation- board is appointed by commissioner's court- 3 rural members and 2 urban. Cities of Presidio and Marfa have insisted on direct representation.
Third issue was two years ago when this was proposed, time was very short.
Mustard has been attending the meetings. Country Judge Paul Hunt wants to add Marfa and Presidio- Dunlap began some talks.
One way approach it is to take a water district ad valorem tax to the voters.
Ad Valorem taxation means the board would need to be elected, resolving representation issues.
Proposed legilation/interlocal agreement would be good for 2 years- trial period of removal of Midland exemption.
2.1- general agreement
2.2 Urban representatives would come from Marfa and Presidio and would show up to meetings.
2.3 Water district agrees to waive the producation fees for Marfa and Presidio. During this time period cities and county wouold pursue an ad valorem tax to fund the district.
Theresa supports and wrote the agreement
Mustard opposes:
Mustard mentions that city council unanimously opposed the legislation.
City was also concerned about maintaining current production.
Water district misrepresented the cities' positions in presenting case to legislature last time- did not let cities know they were still presenting it.
District is currently underfunded. Thinks they are looking to cities for cash.
Mustard was sent by the city last time to negotiate some sort of relationship/compromise. Water district was very closed to the idea of talking.
Mustard sees not entering into the interlocal agreement as a way to maintain the power to shape the issue in the future. Also, if taxpayers opt not to pass the ad valorem tax then we will be paying more than our fair share.
Also, even is cities pay the fee, without a property tax add-on there still won't be enough money to pay for the district to operate properly- only $15,000 extra and they have virtually nothing now.
Marfa Well #3 has a problem- defective, broken but still functioning. Existing regulations would preclude us from re-drilling the well. Over 1400 feet away would be our next option.
2nd problem- our wells are way to close together and produce too much for the spacing. Any exceptions to the rules would have to be applied district-wide.
Mustard thinks we're jumping the gun on giving away our exemption.
Paul Hunt speaks--
Great points- presents both sides of arguement.
Mustard claims to have been rebuffed by district in beginning discussions. Teresa disagrees
Fannin makes motion to accept interlocal. I second in order to discuss further.
Dunlap pushes for agreement.
Vote-
Beebe in favor, Fannin, Baeza and Simpson opposed. Brijalba left eary (ill)
Adjourn.
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