The Toledo Watchdog

Farewell, Goodbye, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu!

2007-07-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

This will be the last post for this blog. It is time to move on to new and greener pastures. Life awaits and the world is full of fun and fortune. I intend to go find some. For purposes of reference, I plan to leave this blog online, so that future Toledo-ites can remember the issues that put the town in the news. I urge Toledo citizens to continue to remain vigilant because our democracy requires it. Best wishes to those who continue to care.

LINDA PALMER IS NOT TELLING THE TRUTH

2007-03-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Linda Palmer, owner and operator of Hogfather's at the end of Main Street has been busy sending out emails to both citizens, groups and City of Toledo officials. In these emails she makes false statements about Mary Johnson and her activities in Toledo. Linda Palmer is blinded by her hatred for me and unable to discern the facts. Anyone listening to her vicious words will be seriously misinformed. She does not tell the truth. Here is the truth:

ONE: In 2005, Mary Johnson was asked by the East County Community Partnership to handle the bookkeeping for a grant that had been received by the Lincoln Commission on Children and Families. Mary Johnson was not elected treasurer for this job. She was acting as the fiscal agent for just the Collaboration funds. During the course of handling these funds and issuing checks to various vendors, she came across some irregularities in the bills submitted by the Toledo Police Department. She also became aware of a check that had been diverted from the payee, Toledo Police Department, to another private account held by Don Denison. These issues were immediately brought to the attention of the supervisor at the Commission on Children and Families. They were also brought to the attention of the ECCP and became the basis for the complaint filed with Oregon Government Standards and Practices Commission against Don Denison.

TWO: No checks were issued from this account to Mary Johnson. Not one. No money from this account went to Mary Johnson. Not one cent. Mary Johnson was not paid to handle the bookkeeping at all.

THREE: Two checks were issued to the Toledo Community Center to reimburse it for materials used in handling the billing, including use of copier, computer, ink, paper, envelopes, and telephone costs. The two checks issued were for a total of $316.78 over the one-year period of the grant. Mary Johnson was director of the Community Center at the time. The Community Center did not pay Mary Johnson, either.

FOUR: One check was issued to the United States Postal Service for $48.00.

FIVE: The total income from the grant to cover all the expenses, salary for a coordinator (not Mary Johnson--someone else), vendor payments for youth activities and programs was $51, 333.60. The total amount spent on these activities was $51, 333.60. There is no missing money. REPEAT: There is no missing money. The audit has been completed. The funds are balanced. Linda Palmer is lying when she says there was missing money.

SIX: The East County Partnership is a 501 c3 organization and has operated in Toledo since 1994. It is made up of hardworking volunteers who are dedicated to the children and families of this area. It has operated for a long time without scandal. Linda Palmer has decided to include the ECCP in her defamation and continues to drag this private non-profit organization into her incoherent rants. Anyone even vaguely familiar with the operations of private non-profit agencies knows that they do not fall under Oregon Open Meeting law rules. They are not run by elected or public officials acting in an official capacity and are thereby also not bound by Oregon Ethics Law. That does not mean that they are free to operate in any way they choose. The election of officers, treasurers, and board members are governed by the by-laws of the respective organization. If the ECCP wants to appoint the Director to act as temporary Treasurer, and it is in keeping with the by-laws, it can certainly do so. Linda Palmer does not know what she is talking about. She received her information from her daughter, Wendy Rudy, who, as an employee of Lincoln County IS subject to Oregon Ethics Law. For Wendy Rudy to reveal the internal workings of a private non-profit organization, distort and twist the facts for some kind of personal and malicious vendetta against Mary Johnson is absolutely reprehensible. If her reports were true, that would be bad enough. But when they are false, she completely dishonors not only herself, but the volunteers who worked with her in this organization.

SEVEN: The Treasurer did not resign from ECCP because of Mary Johnson. I will not divulge her name or her phone number on this public forum, but anyone who wants to contact her directly will be given her phone number by calling Mary Johnson's home phone number, published in the phone book. I have spoken with her. She denied to me that that was her reason.

EIGHT: I never filed actions with 27 different government agencies, the FBI, the CIA, the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, Department of the Interior. I have no idea what Linda Palmer is talking about. She has no facts. She has no evidence of any of this. She is making it up. The complaint was compiled and delivered to the Oregon Government Standards and Practices Commission in Salem, Oregon. In order to receive the documents regarding the secret bank account that Don Denison used for one of the Collaboration payments, I did file a public records request with the City Manager, Pete Wall, who refused to turn it over to me. Oregon Revised Statutes allowed me to then file with the District Attorney of Lincoln County to receive the documents. The order for relief was granted and Pete Wall was forced to turn over the documents.

NINE: Don Denison diverted a check made payable to the Toledo Police Department into another account named "Toledo Police Explorers" in violation of the conditions given to him by Pete Wall when he was authorized to open the account. He was told not to mingle any City funds in that account. He did it anyway. It was this activity that made me decide to file with the GSPC.

TEN: Of the charges included in my complaint, many of which did not fall under the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission, as it turned out, Don Denison was found in violation of nineteen (19) counts of ethics law. Another complaint filed by Lowell Neal yielded an additional two counts. Don had an opportunity to give his side to the Commissioners. He retained legal counsel. This was not a courtroom. There is no judge. There is no jury. There is no appeal. Linda Palmer is not well-informed, but that should be obvious to most Toledo citizens by now. For Linda Palmer to claim that even the City Attorney did not know of the proper procedures to declare an actual or potential conflict of interest is pitiful. If it is true, then he should be fired immediately. Come to think of it, maybe it IS true. For the record, all incoming City Councilors and elected representatives are sent for training in these matters. The sessions are put on by the League of Oregon Cities. It is an easy matter to verify this. The online guide for Elected Public Officials is available on the website of the Oregon Government Standards and Practices Commission. There is absolutely no excuse for any public official to be unaware of the method of declaring a conflict of interest. The City of Toledo, evidently, is not getting very good legal advice. It is about to happen again.

ELEVEN: The Youth Services Team is made up of representatives from various agencies working with children and families. It is not an organization, per se, but rather a gathering of service providers, all of whom are well aware of privacy rules regarding clients. Due to Mary Johnson's role in the community as a private preschool teacher, director of the Community Center and member of the East County Community Partnership, she was INVITED to attend these meetings as a community ombudsman. She was fully informed of the need to maintain complete confidentiality regarding the cases discussed and has never divulged any information to anyone regarding any case brought before this group. Her reputation is solid. Her integrity is unassailable. The role of ombudsman from the community was deemed by the YST to be necessary to the parents that come to the sessions. Any agency or individual can be asked not to attend if the parents so wish. If a family has had difficulties with, for example, the local police department, they may choose to ask the police department not to attend their own session. In the same manner, having a member of the community attend instead of only agency people, gives the families a potential ally, should they choose to do so. Mary Johnson first came into contact with the YST when acting in exactly that capacity more than seven years ago. It was because of this and her character and honesty that she was asked to attend--to represent the community, not the agencies.

TWELVE: I do not like having to divulge the inner workings of some of our community groups, but Linda Palmer leaves me no choice. She has repeatedly attacked me using the most vulgar and vicious terms. She has maliciously and contempuously continued to defame my character and has even sought to defame any organization to which I belong. Her actions are not worthy of the good people of this community. I never reacted to her many vile attacks, but now find that she will never relent. The people of Toledo deserve to know the truth about her accusations. The truth is posted above. Linda Palmer does not speak the truth. She is not a very nice person, as evidenced by her vulgar and nasty writings. Those people in the community who choose to side with her and give her support by listening and joining in her slander will soon find themselves caught up in a miserable web of lies, deception and incoherence. I will stand by everything I have ever posted on this blog, because it is the truth. When you tell the truth you don't get mixed up. If Linda Palmer is your friend, you might want to think about what that tells the community about you.

City Council Goal Setting for 2007

2007-01-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

The new City Council will be setting their goals for the new year on Saturday, January 27 from 9am until 3pm at the City Council Chambers. This is a public meeting, subject to Oregon open meeting laws. Therefore, the public is welcome to attend and observe the governmental process. Citizen input may or may not be allowed at this session, but several Toledo citizens met recently and decided to submit their own concerns to the City Council. Here is the list of citizen goals submitted to the Council:

1. Maintain open communication between elected leaders and the community. We perceive a lack of such communication and a lack of accountability on the part of our government.

2. The number one goal facing the City Council this year is to perform a long-overdue performance review of the City Manager and the City Attorney. We encourage the City Council to insist that the City Manager do likewise with all Department Heads.

3. The City Council should maintain professional conduct and courtesy at all times during open meetings. This pertains to interactions between the Councilors themselves as well as interactions with the visitors and guests in the Council Chambers.

4. We would like to see a revision of the format currently being used for the Consent Calendar. The invoices to be paid need to show not only the department heading, but the balance remaining in the budgeted amount for that item. Also each invoice needs to show the date of the activity, not just the date the invoice was received or the check was issued.

5. The City Council needs to maintain strict separation of powers, limiting themselves to supervision of hired staff, and allowing paid staff to direct work to be done within the City.

6. While economic development is important to the future of Toledo, the local citizens also have concerns about the rapidly deteriorating roadways and other infrastructure. These matters demand your immediate and active consideration.

Interested citizens will continue to monitor the governmental process and offer input in an honest and practical manner. We will be meeting immediately before each and every City Council meeting to review the agenda and provide feedback to the Council. Comments will be made at City Council meetings, as well as written statements provided to the News-Times and City Recorder. We anticipate being actively involved in our government in a positive and yet determined manner.

To participate in this citizen forum please email toledowatchdog-at-charter-dot-net for time and place of our meetings.

FIGHTING FOR OUR COMMUNITY!

2006-12-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

There are forces operating in Toledo that would deprive the citizens of their voice! How many of us want an ASPHALT BATCH PLANT located in the heart of downtown? Are these stories true? Is that why tons of rock and gravel are being hauled and graded to property behind Les Schwab Tires owned by Bob Wienert of Road and Driveway? Would the Mayor sell out our community's health and liveability by sliding this past the citizens? I certainly hope not. But the people need answers, not evasion. Call the City Hall at 336-2247 and punch in extension 211 to leave a message for Pete Wall, City Manager.

ONE YEAR LATER....

2006-09-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

On October 4, 2005, the second post on this newly-created blog read:

BREAKING NEWS

The City of Toledo has acquired over one MILLION dollars worth of miscellaneous equipment from the Federal Surplus Property Program. Many alert citizens are questioning the practice and the propriety of this program. Questions are being raised in the local community about the overall cost to the City for this program, even though the equipment is considered "surplus" by the Federal Government and there is no cash outlay from the City for the equipment itself.
The Surplus Program does require the requesting agency to pay for any and all shipping or freight to bring the equipment from its current location. A large 5th-wheel lowboy trailer, for instance, may be free of charge to the requesting agency, but since it is warehoused in Tucson, Arizona, as an example, it must be shipped back to Toledo at the expense of the City.
Many people are wondering how much the City has paid to ship or deliver this equipment to Toledo. On Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00 pm at the City Hall Council Chambers, local residents may be able to find out.

Now ONE YEAR later, many of you know how this situation turned out. At the City Council meeting on September 20, citizens were given a nearly complete inventory list of the surplus property referred to in this early post on THE TOLEDO WATCHDOG, but at the same time, staff members appointed by our City Manager reported that the total cost to the City of Toledo for transport and storage may never be known. The Police Chief who acquired these items has been found in violation of 21 counts of Oregon ethics law, has gone on an extended "vacation" taking employment with a private contractor in Iraq and most recently, his "retirement" has been announced by Pete Wall, City Manager. How could this have been handled differently? What if, when allegations were made early on by Councilwoman Lambrecht about the propriety of this 1033 Surplus program, the City Manager had immediately taken action to clear up the costs, locations, condition and need for these items? A great deal of pain and misery could have been avoided.

What about the future for Toledo? Again, a crisis in leadership is occurring over the cost overruns and add-ons to the Highway 20 reconstruction project. We are not going to sit this one out. We will demand accountability by the project manager and the administration as well as members of the City Council who have a unique view on separation of powers. Be informed! Stay vigilant! THE WATCHDOG is ready to help.

WORDS OF WISDOM

2006-07-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

"Truth is incontrovertible; ignorance can deride it, panic may resent it, malice may destroy it, but there it is."
Winston Churchill

THE DECISION IS IN

2006-07-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

The decision this morning was 7-0 to deny Chief Denison's attorney, Steven Houze, a motion to delay. The Commission then went ahead as scheduled with a vote of 7-0 in favor of all 21 counts as recommended in the final investigative report. That means that the Commission found Don Denison used his position for financial benefit eleven times in violation of ORS 244.040 and failed to notify the City of a conflict of interest ten times in violation of ORS 244.120. The Commission will now decide what kind of financial penalty will apply. The maximum is $1,000 per offense, or $21,000 but this will be negotiated for a final settlement. Our only request is for an admission of wrongdoing on Denison's part and an apology to the City. A personal apology to Mary Johnson and Mr. Neal for setting his attack dog, Linda Palmer on us would also be appreciated. We are proud to have stayed to the issues at hand and to have never stooped to mean-spirited personal attacks on the Chief. We respect his position and are sorry that his actions have brought unfavorable attention to our town. We now have an opportunity to face the future with a commitment to open government and high ethical standards or go back to the stonewalling and cover-ups that have plagued Toledo for the last several years.

AN INVITATION TO ALL TOLEDO CITIZENS

2006-07-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

The final investigative report of the Oregon Government Standards and Practices Commission has been released. The report will be on the agenda for the next GSPC meeting, Friday July 7th, 2006 at 9:00 am. The hearing will be held in Conference Room B of the Executive Building, 155 Cottage Street NE, Salem. Brief oral statements, including public comment, will be permitted. The Commission will then decide to dismiss the matter or conclude that there is an appearance of a violation and proceed to a contested case hearing. If anyone would like to see the two reports submitted to the Commission, send an email to tcc2-at-charter-dot-net and they will be forwarded to you. If anyone would like to carpool to the hearing, meet at City Hall at 6:45 am on Friday the 7th. Mr. Denison will not be in attendance at the hearing since he is currently on a six-month paid vacation and apparently on his way to Iraq to train police officers. (We wish him well and pray for his safety.)

After reading these reports, please stop by Linda Palmer's website at www.aboutdon.blogspot.com and check out the rationalizations, excuses and other rants she invokes to deflect the scrutiny engendered by the investigation. It will give you a better understanding of the depths of deceit and cover-up used by those who have desperately tried to avoid the spotlight brought to bear by Lowell Neal and Mary Johnson since October, 2005.

Congratulations and deeply-felt appreciation to those in the City government who trusted us and provided the necessary documentation to make the investigation proceed. It was through your honest efforts and concern for truth, justice and the American way that made this all possible. We were content to take the heat from Linda Palmer, knowing that you were not in positions to come forward. Your anonymity will be preserved. Trust is a two-way street, after all.

The City of Toledo continues to suffer from lack of leadership and ethical clarity. The recent arrest of the newly-hired public works director is evidence that ethical considerations are not very important to the City. How did this individual pass a background check? When the Mayor criticizes City workers who filed complaints with OSHA for acting "un-ethically", she obviously doesn't understand the issue at hand. The workers have federally-protected rights to complain about unsafe working conditions. The City Mayor cannot abrogate those rights. It might be a good idea for the City to invest in a short course on ethics for it's administrators. The workers have it right. The Administration doesn't get it.

SIGH!

2006-05-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Linda Palmer! Such a sweet woman. In case anyone is still stopping by here, or has checked our Linda's latest blog and wonders what our reaction will be here at the old doghouse, here it is:

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT LINDA SAYS.

The issues are in the hands of a responsible government agency. There is nothing Linda, or Don or anyone else can do about it now. It could be hoped that people will see some poor bozo sitting under the stairs, blathering and drooling on herself, and only feel pity. It would take too long to correct all the lies, suppositions, rants and inconsistencies of Linda's latest. You readers will just have to make up your own minds. Those of you who know Mary Johnson will not be persuaded to believe what Linda has to say. Anyway, the report from the Standards and Practices is due in July. Anyone out there who wishes to submit additional evidence can do so by calling Don Crabtree at 503-378-5105 or mailing information to 885 Summer Street NE, 2nd Floor, Salem, OR 97301-2522. There is still time to let him know what you know, if you are so motivated. By the way, information can be submitted anonymously. Meanwhile,there are many other things to be done around here than post rebuttals. So, really, it is vacation time. And this time WE MEAN IT!

ps: It's so much fun to use "WE" if only to bug Linda Palmer just a little bit more!

HALFTIME RESULTS

2006-04-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

MARY JOHNSON 5
LINDA PALMER 0

LOWELL NEAL 1
LINDA PALMER 0

Vacation Time

2006-01-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

With the investigation completed and the documents mailed, it is time to sit back and relax. As said many times on this blog, the issues before the City and the Citizens of Toledo are serious ones. They would not have been pursued if they were not. All of the dissimulation coming from the opposing camp is simply a manuever to turn the discussion to something else. None of the issues have been debated. But when in doubt--or fear--one can always shoot the messenger. Or insult. Or demean. Or slander. Or name-call. Or threaten. All who have followed this discussion know full well where to find rational thought. The denizens of the fever swamps will never "get it". When the issues are finally, and hopefully, resolved we can all begin the healing process. Who knows what new directions will be taken. Whatever happens, we here at The Watchdog will be content to know that when reviled, we did not go on reviling. We stuck to the issues, we made the case, we submitted documentation and left it in the hands of the appropriate agencies. Their decision will be binding on all of us. We now let it rest.

Thanks for reading. It's been an interesting endeavour. I never thought over 300 unique visitors to this site would stop by. We sincerely hope we haven't let you down. It is also hoped that you learned something about the process of open government. Posting will be infrequent now, as our job is essentially over. Thanks again, to those who found these posts interesting.

More on Citizen Journalism

2006-01-03T14:39:00.000-08:00

The following article appears on the site http://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/cjis/marimow.html

It is written by Bill Marimow, Managing Editor of the Baltimore Sun:

"In my mind, civic journalism and public service journalism ought to be synonymous. To me, that means a news organization takes its big spotlight and shines it on a very important public issue that requires attention. And by shining a spotlight on that issue, it compels public officials to do the right thing. [...] And that is what good journalism can do: By shining the spotlight, it prods, nudges and cajoles public officals to act."

The time is up for the City Manager to obey the order of the Special Prosecutor, Rob Bovett. Mr. Neal is within the law to ask for the records and the City is now in defiance of a legal order from the County District Attorney's office. Is there still "stonewalling" at City Hall? What do they have to hide?

Setting the Goal Posts

2005-12-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

We all need to have a clear goal in mind when we set out on an endeavor. The Watchdog is pleased to announce that some of our original goals have been met. The questions raised about the 1033 surplus property, the various accounts handled through the city books for police youth programs and an account handled "off record" have been pretty thoroughly taken care of. Those accounts that were "slushy" will now be handled appropriately and the record-keeping of the 1033 program will now be properly supervised. We commend Toledo City Manager Pete Wall for taking the steps necessary in clearing these issues up. We also commend our Chief of Police for getting the whole process down on paper so that the 1033 program history is now clear and concise. It should have been done a long time ago, and we realize that going back through piles of records is no fun. But all those who worked on this should be proud that documentation is now in place. The City Council will now be completely up-to-date on the process and expenses related to the 1033 program. This shows us that good government is obtainable in Toledo. We here at the Doghouse think this is a major accomplishment and a direct result of our efforts to let the sun shine in. All the stonewalling and name-calling by others finally broke down under persistence and honesty. To those who gave the Watchdog moral support during the slander and nastiness, we say THANK YOU. To the VOICEOFTOLEDO.BLOGSPOT.COM we also offer thanks. No one should underestimate the power of a decent human, no matter how cantankerous, to change the world for good. While we don't always agree on tactics, together we made Toledo City Government respond to the unrelenting pressure to do it right! Although some won't ever be convinced, there is a large support base of honest, law-abiding citizens out there who encouraged and supported our efforts. We also salute them. And Mr. Wall? You are going to face this next Monday with a NEW START! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID IT! Lowell was right! He had every confidence in you!

We are now on the ten-yard line. The goal posts are not going to be moved--forward or back--so that others can say we aren't playing fair. Other issues that were uncovered during this investigative process will again be laid in the hands of those who need to examine them. When that is done, we rest our case on this first endeavour. If the people in charge call us out, find nothing improper or unethical, inform us that we were entirely out of bounds with our concerns, we will publicly apologize in the press and before the citizens of the community. On the other hand, if the concerns are valid, will the WORKDOG do the same?

The Watchdog Project will continue. It is our strongest hope that public officials and employees in our fair City will realize that open government is best for everyone. Allowing for polite dissent, agreeing to disagree, being civil and courteous at all times makes the political process strong. And if the City is embarking on a new initiative that is subject to potential conflicts of interest, cronyism, favoritism and squandering of public monies, the leadership might want to be ABSOLUTELY SURE that all records, payments, legal forms and registrations have been clearly and properly delineated before the project gets too far down the line. The Watchdog would like to go back to the cozy blanket in the corner, but he will be ETERNALLY VIGILANT in the DEFENSE OF LIBERTY. And to all of you who visited this blog, thanks for reading and participating in Citizen Journalism.

Welcome News-Times Readers!

2005-12-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

Terry Dillman of the News-Times has published this blog's address in the December 28th edition. We welcome new readers to the blog. Feel free to scroll down and read about the various topics we have been discussing here. For another take, visit "Voice of Toledo" and "Toledo Workdog". We each have our own style and own bias, but the Toledo Watchdog makes a dedicated effort to refrain from personal slander and wild accusations. All of the facts referred to in the blog posts contained here have been confirmed and proven by the author. While the coverage in today's News-Times is mostly concerned with the 1033 Surplus program, that is only because the reporter, Terry Dillman, has been following that story since the inception. We feel vindicated that the City is now taking steps to clear up the "slushiness" of the accounting procedures revolving around the 1033 program and other accounts at the police department. To these efforts, we send our hearty thanks and praise. Good job!

As regular readers may be aware, however, there are still issues remaining. It is these issues, related in previous posts, that will concern THE WATCHDOG in the coming year. Our motto is a simple one: "Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty". City officials and public employees should not be complacent in thinking that the citizenry does not care what they do with public money. We will not rest until City leadership maintains open and transparent procedures at all times.

Christmas Truce

2005-12-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

WORKDOG is right and we agree--let's call a truce for the holidays. The issues will still be there, unfortunately, in January. What would be nice would be to work together on a solution to the convoluted shenanigans at the TPD. One suggestion is to have the Chief look over his official Job Description and see if there isn't some way to cut back on the overload from youth programs, computer classes, wireless installer, quartermaster, supply officer, etc., and just stick to the job of Police Chief. Another idea is to work with some local friends and set up a non-profit organization to take care of the Challenge Camp. The support is definitely there for the Camp. There is no criticism of the Camp and it's usefullness to area youth. If the Camp were a separate entity and could contract with the City under specific guidelines, many of these issues concerning co-mingled funds and phony expenses would go away. As long as the Challenge Camp is run as a city-sponsored activity, the people will have the right to look at the record. Turn the program into a private non-profit and the Chief and the family will not only have more control over the program, they will have more privacy. What do you think, WORKDOG? Could you help the Chief put this together, what with your training and education and experience and all? Shall we all work to fix it instead of sniping at each other?

Generosity and charitable giving

2005-11-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

The statistics on national charitable giving are out, and once again, the proud state of Mississippi is on top of charitable giving by percentage of income. Although at or near the bottom of the nation in per-capita income, the people here--devout residents of the Bible Belt--practice incredible generosity in their daily lives. The local newspaper printed an article of the top charities in Lowndes County and the percentage of their donations that go directly to their charitable mission and the percentage that goes to administration. Surprisingly, Habitat for Humanity was on the low-end at 37% giving to charitable purposes and the local animal shelter on the high-end at 98%. That raised an interesting question: How does the Toledo Police Explorer Fund rate?

By using the same objective method of looking through the expenses and income as detailed in the official spreadsheet of the account formerly known as the "secret bank account", we find a very low rate of 37% of the donations going directly to the youth program. An incredible 49% was spent on transporting and acquiring more surplus property--although it was for an ostensible "fund-raising" enterprise on the part of the Explorers. Another 11% went to pay the youth "volunteers"--many of them the Chief's family. Out of the nearly $12,000 raised by donations and Challenge Camp fees, less than $4000 went to the kids themselves. How does that make you feel? If you gave money to help this youth program, would you be alarmed that such a small sum went to the kids? And how do the Explorers plan to use the two boats valued at $1,800 and $2,000 as a fundraiser? Bay tours or whale watching excursions? It's really too bad when this kind of chicanery takes hold in a small community and generous people are duped. The donors trusted the person responsible for the Challenge Camp--an excellent program by all accounts--and gave generously. Having the money diverted for other projects just doesn't seem right. If the program fails because people became aware of this duplicity on the part of the Chief and choose other places to send their donations, it will be no ones' fault but his. Fortunately there is a solution. More on this later.

Commenting on Blogs

2005-11-23T12:43:00.000-08:00

The Toledo Watchdog chooses not to enable comments on this weblog because comments often hijack the intent and meaning of what is written on the blog. A good example of this can be found at "thetoledoworkdog.blogspot.com". Small-minded people write in to make comments about a post by "The Workdog" and use mean-spirited and thoughtless language to ridicule and harass. If people in the community are reading both of these blogs and would like to leave comments on the other one, we endorse comments that are constructive and helpful. Comments that make a clear argument and stick with facts can be useful in formulating a response. If all that comes to mind is rude and contemptuous language, why bother? It only serves to inflame the discussion and create more discord. The Workdog likes this sort of thing. The Watchdog does not. Please engage in civil discourse or keep your thoughts to yourself. We certainly do not condone hurtful speech by anyone. There are serious issues that need to be faced in a serious manner. Keep the dialogue open and respectful. The Watchdog does not engage in personal character assasination. Criticizing personal or private family issues are off-limits around THIS doghouse. We can not vouch for the other one.

Education for Everyone

2005-11-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

It is nice to know that the Watchdog Project has been instrumental in helping citizens learn more about how their government operates. A few things that have happened as a result of this project include:

1) Helping the City learn how to access the Business Registry database at the Corporation Division to check all new applications for City Business Licenses. The City Charter stipulates that all new business licenses in the City need to be checked and verified for necessary county or state requirements. While primarily used to check on day care providers, hairdressers, contractors and other such professions, the staff at City Hall now know that anyone applying for a license under an assumed business name must also be registered with the state. The fee for an assumed business name is $50 and the registry helps consumers know who is operating under the fictitous name. The Business Registry requires an address for the primary place of business and a registered agent's name, along with officers, if the business is a corporation. Although enforcement is lax, there is a $100 fine for operating in the State under an assumed business name while not registered. The Watchdog is happy to be of assistance and is overjoyed to see such swift action taken on the part of our trustworthy city employees.
2) Showing other citizens how to access the same database and use the information contained therein.
3) Helping the "upstairs staff" at City Hall understand the necessity of following through in a timely fashion to requests for public information. When requests are answered within the seven-day time period required by Oregon Law, the "upstairs staff" won't be bothered with embarassing letters from the District Attorney's office ordering them to take action or go to court.
4) Bringing awareness to the community about the need for vigilance in City Government. When government officials and employees know they are being fact-checked, they will tend to be more open and forthright about their activities. This is a good thing and can only help the community and the citizens.

As far as putting an undue, expensive burden on the government workers, citizens who may request information should be aware that the last two year's of records are stored within arm's reach of the "downstairs staff". This is not a difficult or onerous task, and the staff has never complained about finding the records or making copies.

Of course, if we are talking about 1033 surplus records, they are not stored at City Hall. They are stored at the Toledo Police Department. Nevertheless, I wouldn't think there is any place inside the Toledo PD that is more than 20 feet from the center point of the building. Why is it so hard to find the records? Why does it have to cost $600-$800 to locate them? Or is everything just thrown in a really big box somewhere and no one really knows what there is? The Watchdog would be glad to help!

REFRESHER COURSE

2005-11-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

Let's remind those interested in following this situation what the questions are: 1) How can the Chief of Police or City Manager justify spending thousands of dollars out of the Explorer Scout Fund for shipping of surplus equipment to Toledo? 2) How was the Chief allowed to open a private bank account with a check for $2,740 made out to Toledo Police Department and divert those funds out of the public record? 3) Who authorized payment to the Chief in the amount of $5,160 for invoices which were supposed to be submitted for reimbursement? Many of these invoices have never been paid by the City and in one case the equipment was not only never paid for but it was never even ordered. These are the questions, my friends. WORKDOG and her puppy can skate all around the issue and raise all kinds of questions about the conduct and character of Mary Johnson. Wild rumors, accusations and malicious sarcasm will not win the debate. Only the truth will win this debate. The famous 86 questions submitted to the City Council were only a suggestion for the Council members to start their own inquiry. If they choose not to, then the public should ask--if indeed the public cares. Maybe they don't care. WORKDOG may be right on that account. If you want to hear some nasty comments from a lady who has never met Mary Johnson or Lowell Neal and bases her entire spiel on her own interpretation of what these two are about, you can go read what she has to say at http://thetoledoworkdog.blogspot.com but you'd better take your own disinfectant. We are not afraid of a clear debate on the issues but we are not about to post thirteen pages of slime and sewage on our own bandwidth, even if it is free.

WORKDOG answers!

2005-11-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

Three simple questions and THIRTEEN PAGES of response! Well, isn't that wonderful. This is a person who thinks WE have TOO MUCH TIME ON OUR HANDS. If anyone out there wants the e-mail forwarded to them write us at toledowatchdogatcharterdotnet and we will send it on. Otherwise, we consider the dialog finished. The old advice about fighting with a skunk seems to apply in this case. Sorry, Workdog. We won't engage in this kind of "discussion". So now you can "let 'er RIP" because we refuse to answer you online. This is not productive dialog and has no solution in sight. THE WATCHDOG will not bite back even when provoked. Our purpose is to inform not malign. Won't do it.

Open Letter to the "Toledo Workdog"

2005-11-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

TO THE TOLEDO WORKDOG
http://thetoledoworkdog.blogspot.com/

Could you please point to comments in my WATCHDOG posts that you construe as malicious? Could you show me where I have lied? If I have expressed an opinion that you disagree with could you present me your argument? I have never called The Chief names or referred to him as less than a decent human being. I can continue to respect his role as our Police Chief and care for him as a fellow citizen while questioning some of his actions. If you want to make a point about my concerns I ask you to please stick to the issues. I have defended the Chief publicly and privately to those who seem to think I have an agenda of revenge and hate. I assure you that I do not. I will make an effort to tone down the sarcasm, because it might be considered hurtful. It seems only fair, since you do not even know me, that you would grant me the same courtesy.
THE WATCHDOG

I will post your response.

UPDATE

2005-11-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

Of course we understand confidentiality of personnel records and juvenile privacy laws. Public Records available for inspection never include such items. We are, however, requesting public records relating to expenditures from the "Explorer Scout Fund." These are subject to Public Information inspections. We are not asking for privileged information.

All the FACTS you want

2005-11-09T15:25:00.000-08:00

FACT: A letter dated May 20, 2005 from Stephen Smith director of the surplus property program confirms that Chief Denison did in fact receive all of the property that he says he received. The letter gives conditional approval of a future sale of this surplus equipment. There is no mention in the letter of the value of the equipment received. There is no mention in the letter of the cost to transport the surplus property to Toledo. Mr. Smith states, "I see no reason for concern on anything Chief Denison has done within this program."

FACT: Thirteen different individuals and agencies donated funds to the "Explorer Scout Program", account 026-000-405270, in the amount of $1, 764.50 during the calendar year 2004. These funds are specified donations to the "Explorer Program" under the "Line Item Description" on the account printout.

FACT:On November 3, 2004, a check was issued from the "Explorer Scout fund", account 026-260-605270, to Oregon Department of Administrative Services for shipping of "body armor" in the amount of $219.25.

On February 16, 2005, another check was issued to OAS for "Freight expense to transport 2 vehicles" in the amount of $900.00

On February 16, 2005 a check was issued to Transportation Systems, Inc. to transport a "self powered man lift" in the amount of $1, 800.00

On March 16, 2005, a check was issued to Transportation Systems, Inc. for the transport of "2 lowboy trailers and hose assem" in the amount of $725.00

FACT: ALL of these checks were written from the "Explorer Scout Fund" to transport surplus equipment to Toledo. The total sum for these four checks is $3, 644.25. The money came from an account set up for the purpose of funding youth programs for Toledo's youth.

FACT: On June 30, 2005, a check was received for deposit into the "Explorer Scout Fund" from the Lincoln County Commission on Children and Families in the amount of $5, 160.00. Among the invoices from the Toledo Police Department submitted with this bill is a request for payment for 40 flash drives for the Explorer Program from Edward Oswald of Newport in the amount of $634.80. A call made to Mr. Oswald on October 27, 2005 revealed that the flash drives had never been paid for and never been ordered.

FACT: A check in the amount of $2, 740.00, issued by the East County Communities Partnership (check # 1026) for payment of bills submitted for the Explorer Star Tech program was never entered directly into the Toledo Police Department Explorer Scout Fund, but diverted into a mystery bank account. The cancelled check does not show any endorsement on the back. Federal banking laws prevent inquiry as to the status or origin of this account. An inquiry to the City Manager, Pete Wall, has not been answered, although a request for Public Records was submitted on October 28, 2005. The matter is now in the hands of the District Attorney.

FACT: The author of The Toledo Watchdog has her own twenty-year record in the Toledo community for being an avid supporter of the community, various youth programs and direct support to young children of this community. Recent questions to the City Council and the City Manager are based on fact, not rumor. The allegations of wrong-doing, if any, will be found out through a proper investigation and an open government. These questions should be of concern to every citizen of this community. Name-calling and impugning of improper motives will not bury the truth. It is way past time for these questions to be answered.

Libel, Slander, Malice and a Free Press

2005-11-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Taken from a website sponsored by the US Department of State:

http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/press/press08.htm

"That all changed in 1964 when the Supreme Court issued a ruling that revolutionized libel law in the United States. The famous decision in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan once and for all created a national rule that squared more fully with the free press guarantees of the First Amendment. In its ruling, the Court decided that public officials no longer could sue successfully for libel unless reporters or editors were guilty of "actual malice" when publishing false statements about them.

And just what is malice when it comes to proving libel? Retired Justice William J. Brennan, Jr., who wrote the Sullivan decision, defined it as "knowledge that the [published information] was false" or that it was published "with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not." In other words, public officials no longer could sue for libel simply by proving that something that had been broadcast or printed about them was false. Now they would have to prove that a journalist had knowingly printed false information while making little, if any, attempt to distinguish truth from lies."

Information published on The Toledo Watchdog is not false, slanderous, malicious or hateful. We will never stoop to such vile behavior. While it may be embarassing, the information posted here is based on actual, observed, factual data. If this is a battle of personal reputation, we will take our stand on the side of truth and fact. Let those who wish to descend into a wicked morass of rumor and innuendo do so. We will not.

It's more than some "surplus property", folks!

2005-11-07T15:01:00.000-08:00

The Watchdog has been busy checking records lately and not been able to post here. What's going on? Well, the "Surplus Property" was only the beginning. When we saw the printouts from the City records (public information, folks. Just go down and ask! And yes, the City has to provide it!) it appeared that money had been transferred from the account marked "Explorer Scouts" to ship lowboy trailers and self-propelled manlifts, combat gear and body armor. We don't know what kind of camp the Chief is running out there with Toledo's youth, but we question how "body armor" could be part of the Explorer Scout program. Then we wondered about a check that seemed to "go missing"--a check that was made payable to "Toledo Police Department" that never showed up in that City account? Where did it go? City Manager Pete Wall hasn't answered us yet. We sent him a request on October 28th, and we are still waiting. We are still waiting for answers about how Mr. Wall could justify letting the Chief ship heavy equipment to Toledo, obtained through the Surplus Property Program (but it was FREE!) and use the Explorer Scout Fund to accomplish it. Does that bother anyone out there besides us? Then a fellow blogger over at
http://aviewoftoledo.blogspot.com showed us some information about the "Emergency Plan" that the Chief wrote himself for nearly $12,000. Unfortunately, it seems no one bothered to ask for input from the other City personnel, including the Fire Chief. We'd think the Fire Chief would want to have some say about any future "Emergency Plan". The list of questions just keeps getting longer. Mr. Wall counted the questions submitted to City Council on the 26th of October. There were 86! But there seems to be more and more questions piling up. Every day, new allegations come forth! This is just nuts!! When will we ever get answers? Don't the taxpayers of Toledo deserve some answers? Do we have to go to the District Attorney? Do we have to file suit? Why can't the people in charge of providing answers JUST DO IT? Or don't they have any?

"Anonymous" wants to know...

2005-11-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

We will be as forthcoming as you like, Anonymous, although we are pretty sure of your identity. We will call later today to make sure this information is brought to your attention. Your answers, in the order you presented them:
No money from the Collaboration ever went into Mary Johnson's pocket. Two checks were paid to the Toledo Community Center to reimburse that non-profit for the costs of the copier, paper, envelopes, postage and long-distance telephone calls during the year-long project. The total amount was $416.78. There are invoices in the file for those checks.
ECCP is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization and the records available for public review include the Application for Tax Exempt status and the last three years' of the organization's report forms. If you need to know more about these requirements check the IRS website where the regulations are made public. We have absolute confidence that the Chairman of the ECCP will be more than happy to provide you with that information.
Mary Johnson is not the Treasurer of the ECCP. That job belongs to Debra Spoelstra. Mary Johnson was the fiscal agent for the ECCP/LCCC&F Collaboration. Deb Hite was the other signer on the checking account.
When Mary Johnson became aware of a check that she had signed, made payable to Toledo Police Department, that had NOT been entered directly into the City of Toledo bookkeeping system she immediately began the investigation that has now grown exponentially. The issuing bank was contacted, the depositor bank was contacted and the City Manager's office was contacted. A letter was issued to Pete Wall on October 28, 2005 and copies of that letter were electronically mailed to the Chairman of the ECCP and Terry Dillman of the News-Times.
When questions arose about the invoices submitted to the LCCC&F for payment, Mary Johnson requested clarification. Two invoices from the Toledo Police Department were submitted for work yet to be done--a "Resource Guide" for $2,000 and a "Youth Activities Website" for another $2,000. There were no invoices for either of these items and, since the Collaboration required that the funds be for reimbursement only, a call was made to Jennifer Versteeg at LCC&F for clarification. Mary Johnson was authorized to go ahead and issue a check for $2,740 as partial payment for these activities. This is the check that was not entered into City records.
Checks issued to SLCYC always complied with proper reimbursement procedures. The questions surrounding SLCYC operations were not involved with the reimbursement process.
Oregon State Department of Justice has very stringent laws on the responsibilities of board members of non-profit organizations. Although not the Treasurer, Mary Johnson is making every attempt to clear up the matter. There is a fiduciary responsibility to do so.
We know of no correlation between Chief Denison, South County and Mary Johnson. Another question for you might be "Why is the Toledo Police Chief operating youth programs in Waldport?" Doesn't he have enough to do in Toledo?
The Collaboration set aside $3,100 for Administration of the program. Mary Johnson received no salary or fees for handling this account. The Coordinator for the program received $20,000 for overseeing the overall Collaboration. Mary Johnson received no payment at all.
Several of the final bills for the Collaboration were handled directly through the LCC&F. A payment of $5,160 was made directly from LCCC&F to the Toledo Police Department. These invoices were not submitted to Mary Johnson for review. When Mary Johnson asked for copies of these invoices they were provided. A call to one of the vendors who had submitted an invoice revealed that he had never ordered the equipment and had never been paid for the equipment, but the Toledo Police Department collected the money nonetheless.
The reason Mary Johnson cannot answer all the questions about all the funds is that she did not attend the Collaboration Meetings where the money was redistributed. She did not see the invoices for the last distribution to Toledo Police until last week.
I hope that answers your questions, Wendy.

Disagree but don't be disagreeable

2005-11-04T20:07:00.000-08:00

Someone sent the link to a new blog representing "another view" of the issues in our community. Here's the link:

http://thetoledoworkdog.blogspot.com/

To this we say, "Good for you"! It would be nice if this new blog would try to stick to the facts. And it would be nice if the new blog would refrain from personal insults and attacks. We won't be responding in kind, because it is so counter-productive and mean-spirited. But we welcome the debate. Through debate we can produce substantive change and hopefully agree to engage in productive debate. Welcome to the BLOG WARS! We are glad we helped point you to the web log as a form of personal expression.And, to your credit, "WORKDOG", you have made some good points. I agree that sarcastic comments and incessant negativity are to be avoided. Humor is good. Facts are even better.

Words of Wisdom

2005-11-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

"In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." -- Mark Twain

Message Received:

2005-10-30T09:55:00.000-08:00

"Hi, it's________calling and I think you're the [one] doing all that good work in Toledo and...I just wanted to say 'More Power to You' and how brave of you and how good of you to put that energy into what you're doing. I've worked with people and I know people who have really suffered because of what you're saying the attitude and ...the lack of ethics [are] and good for you for trying to clean it up--for CLEANING it up! I just wanted to say that. Thanks"

THANK YOU to people who know what the issue really is! THANK YOU to persons from all political parties and positions of influence who agree that ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF LIBERTY. And a special THANK YOU to those who don't ask "Why are you getting involved in this?" We are all involved whether we like it or not. Government exists only with the consent of the governed. Those who ignore the issues facing us because they "don't want to get involved" will have some explaining to do later. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

Suggestion from a Good Person...

2005-10-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Current news about the conflict in Iraq is running about 8-1 negative to positive. It seems to be a driving force in journalistic fields to focus on the negative. This web log (BLOG) is doing the same thing. It was pointed out today that attention should be given to the good things going on around our little hamlet. Therefore here's some KUDOS for TOLEDO:
Nice looking fence around the police department. Very professional!
Congratulations to the Library for their surprise donation. It couldn't happen to nicer people anywhere on the planet We love our Library, staff, volunteers and programs.Great job, folks!
The public works people are ALL OVER with this road project. They must be absolutely worn out at the end of the day, but they are creating something of lasting value and our grandchildren will thank them for it!And we do, too!
The Mayor and Council are giving up their evenings and free time to listen to citizens whine and moan and ask questions. It probably isn't alot of fun and the pay is lousy. They deserve our thanks for their willingness to serve. Alot of business takes place at the City Council and we thank them for keeping the bills paid and the water running. (We still have questions, though.We promise to be polite.)
Alot of people think the cottage stone walls are ugly, but they get the job done in a cost-efficient manner. We are all for saving government money, so thanks to whoever made that decision. Who knows? We may become the "Town of StoneWalls"--no pun intended!
The friendly folks down at City Hall who handle all the details of bills and licenses and permits and accounts and records are always cheerful. Dedicated, too. They catch a lot of the barbs of outraged citizens and always respond in a patient, helpful manner. (And they almost always have goodies on the counter and they will share if you ask nicely.)
And the quiet unassuming D.I. who keeps the city buildings sparkly clean and polishes the chrome on the drinking fountains so you never have to wonder who was there last. You're a good man, D.I.!

We don't know anyone, personally, who "hates" any one of our public employees.We do know citizens, however, who are eternally vigilant and dedicated to keeping the process of government open and accountable. When the public employees do the absolute best they can and follow the proper and professional conduct we expect, we have no complaint. Those of you doing so--keep up the good work. Those of you who need to make corrections in your operations--just DO IT!

Oh, come on, Terry!

2005-10-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

Daily Rants? Terry Dillman of the Snooz-Times said that The Watchdog is posting daily rants. Oh, come ON! This is an editorial opinion page. Ranting is not in our nature. Well, not DAILY ranting at least. Thanks to all you folks who stop by to see what's happening at Watchdog Headquarters. We intend to earn your trust. We won't engage in malicious gossip, name calling or false accusations. Questions are being asked and they won't go away. The response to this effort has been quite amazing. On which side will you find yourself when the dust settles? If you're not asking the tough questions, maybe you should be!

And by the way, there were no "harsh words" exchanged at the Wednesday night council meeting last week. It was all one way. Ask any council person.

HOW DO WE DO THIS, ANYWAY?

2005-10-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Oregon's Open Meeting Laws and Public Information laws, the information we are receiving is all legally available from various sources. Once in a while, if the "Big Wigs" in City Government want to make things difficult, a "Freedom of Information" request must be made. Eventually--and they can delay things if they want to--the information must become public. It would be nice if we didn't have to do this. It would be marvelous to wake up tomorrow morning, as a friend says frequently, and just find out that ALL GOVERNMENT PRACTICES ARE SUDDENLY OPEN, ETHICAL, and ABOVE BOARD. Wouldn't that be a happy day! Just like pulling up the white plastic sheet on a "Magic Slate!" Local Government could just start over and say, "You know, I really am not sleeping very well at night. These darn WATCHDOGS are driving me nuts! I'm just going to change my way of doing things and clear all this mess up!" For those who would like to visit an important website for us Citizen Journalists, go to www.filinginoregon.com which is the site of the Oregon Corporation Division. Did you know that the registry of assumed business names was designed to prevent fraudulent businesses from operating in the state? This open and tranparent process allows any citizen to find out who the person is doing business as "Investments in Cancun" for example. Or "Doughboy's Military Surplus" or "Denison Enterprises". Those last two aren't real. People just think they are. See why we need the law?

WE HAVE A WINNER!

2005-10-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Within forty-five minutes of the REWARD posted about Transportation Systems, Inc., we had clear and concise information that the company is registered in Oregon, but not with that name. It may be a large company with subsidiaries, one of which is TS, Inc. As of this morning at 8:30am the name did not appear on the Corporation Business Registry, but by 10:00 am it DID! Amazing! (A person can register on-line with a credit card and update the business registry just that quickly) So the Watchdog is wondering if someone got suspicious that we were checking into that lead? Maybe someone doesn't want to lose a VERY valuable Commercial Driver's License. Was it the call made to "Jimmy" yesterday that did the trick? Hmm? By the way, the tipster chose to return the reward money to The Watchdog to keep up the investigative reporting. Thanks, "tipster"! You might want to get your own blog! Join us in the Citizen Journalism movement.

A CHALLENGE GOES OUT

2005-10-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

The Watchdog will pay $50 to the charity of your choice if anyone out there can send us direct confirmation that a company called "Transportation Systems, Inc." of Beaverton, Oregon is a company legally registered to do business in Oregon. Nobody here at Watchdog Headquarters has been able to find such evidence."Transportation Systems, Inc." was paid $5,100 to ship surplus government equipment to Toledo from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.Send information via e-mail to toledowatchdog-at-charter-dot-net or snail mail it to Post Office box 760, Toledo, Oregon 97391. You can send it to us anonymously if you wish, but give us the name of the charity you wish to honor. First person in with the information requested wins the prize. Good luck! Results will be posted here.

PLAY NICE!

2005-10-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Nothing can be gained by drawing conclusions about people's motives. A reasonable person will sit back and observe for a while. The Watchdog wants to hear opposing views.We want to generate some new ideas and new ways of thinking about the political climate in our community. Ignoring vital issues and quashing dissent does not lead to optimal outcomes. A little humor thrown into the mix of ideas is a good way to help with this process. A great article about just this issue was recently printed in a British newspaper: http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,16988764-5001033,00.html

There's a lot of humor surrounding us if we take the time to discover it. Visit this site to have a little dose of good-natured jibing: http://aviewoftoledo.blogspot.com

If we respond to questions and concerns by attacking the messenger, nothing is really gained. It only illustrates the problem. It confirms the existence of a culture of intimidation and control down at City Hall. Citizen Journalism allows the message to be played out in the open forum. Anyone who wants to join this "blogger revolution" is welcome. Click on the Blogger link on this page and you can set up your own blog within thirty minutes. It's free. Join the debate. If you disagree with the points of view expressed by The Toledo Watchdogstart your own blog and e-mail us your link. We'll link back to you so you can share your ideas. Let's be fair and friendly with one another. Let's agree to disagree. Let's focus on solutions. Let's play nice.

OPEN GOVERNMENT FOR TOLEDO

2005-10-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

The citizens of Toledo need an open government. Stonewalling and coverups should not be a part of our small community. Personal attacks and the attribution of malign motives to citizens who politely approach the Council for information are not acceptable. The Watchdog will not engage in such behavior.

The questions will not "go away" just because the Mayor and Council want them to "go away." We only want answers. We have no hidden agenda.

The City Government leaders do not feel obligated to provide documentation to the people of this community regarding funding streams, health and safety issues regarding youth programs, program costs and expenses for government surplus programs or records of business and financial dealings of a certain Toledo official. We are brushed off and told to “Go Away.” Because of our questions and concerns, we are accused of being a party to political destruction, or that certain citizens, longtime proponents of youth activities in Toledo, simply wish to destroy a specific program for youth. This is absurd. When citizens make a polite request, City officials are taking these questions as a personal affront. This is a dangerous role for government to play. The founding fathers stated many times that “eternal vigilance is the price people pay for liberty.” We intend to pursue this matter to its conclusion and work to keep the government records accessible to the people. We want to see the records. We want to see the documents. We don’t want to be given the run-around.

BAD DOG!

2005-10-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

The Watchdog is not an attack dog, regardless of what anyone may say. Instead of a snarling Rottweiler on the newspaper's masthead, we show a yapping little terrier. An ankle biter. Annoying? Yes. Loud? Sort of. Soft and cuddly? Yes, at times. Basically, a gentle, friendly little critter who will bark ferociously to warn people of threats. The threats that Toledo is facing come from a lack of diverse opinion--such as the ability to stand up and question the elected officials. The right to have SERIOUS questions answered by those officials. Yes, it might be embarassing to some. But the purpose is not to embarass. The purpose is to uncover the facts. Many people in this community are concerned about just these issues. The Watchdog speaks for them. The Watchdog does not speak for all as we are probably the first to admit. There are those who don't like dogs of any kind--snarling , yappy or otherwise. They want them to "GO AWAY." But we will continue to yap and bark and raise a warning until the questions are answered. Then we will go back to our warm little blanket and be happy and content.

HARDBALL QUESTIONS

2005-10-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Someone asked us to prepare a list of questions for Don Denison, confident that he would in fact answer any hard questions put to him. Here they are:

1. Why did you open a separate bank account outside the purview of the City Treasurer using the check for $2,740 from the ECCP for the Star Tech program?
2. Do you have any other checking or savings account for the Explorer Program or the Challenge Camp or any other youth programs that are held privately outside the review of the City Treasurer?
3. How many police, fire, army, sheriff, national guard, coast guard or navy personnel have actually attended SWAT training at the Denison Ranch?
4. When were these trainings held and where are the records of them having taken place?
5. How many students are enrolled in the Star Tech program in Toledo? When and where are the meetings held? Who is the instructor? Where is the sign-in sheet? How many attend on a regular basis? What exactly are they doing? How much does the instructor get paid? Who issues the check? And what is the cost per student for this program? How long have you used the Toledo facility?
6. How many students are enrolled in the Explorer Scout program? When and where do they meet? How many attend on a regular basis? Where is the attendance sheet? Who is the designated Scout leader? Is this program registered with the Oregon Trail Council? What is the cost per student on an annual basis? Where does the funding come from?
7. How many students attended the Challenge Camp at the Denison Ranch this year? Last year? The year before? Where is the record of the students? How much did the students pay to attend? What is the cost per student of this program? Where is the agreement signed by the City and Mr. Denison Sr. for the use of this facility? Did the city cover insurance for this site? If not, who did? What was the level of liability coverage? Did the City or County or any other outside agency ever inspect this site for safety? What were the results of that inspection? Is this program registered with the Oregon Trail Scout Council? Do all volunteer leaders have to pass a criminal background check before having access to the children? Are there records of these background checks on file? Are there any other permits that might be necessary for the operation of this program to ensure safety of the individuals attending? Have you researched this requirement?
8. Did you understand the requirements of the FEMA Emergency Grant? Did you receive any payment of wages, retirement or benefits during the time of writing the Emergency Plan? Where is the Plan? Who has seen it? Were other local agencies consulted as to their input for this Plan? Are you qualified to write such a Plan? Have you received any special training as an Emergency Preparedness consultant? Where is a record of that training? Who paid for it?
9. Is Denison Enterprises registered as an Assumed Business Name with the State Corporation division as is required by law? Were you aware of this requirement? Do you have a license to do business in the City of Toledo under the name Denison Enterprises? Were you advised that you needed to register with the State before your license could be approved? Have you registered any other businesses with the State of Oregon during the last ten years?
10. Did you request payment to be made for transportation of surplus property using the Explorer Scout Fund? Was this approved by the City Manager? Are you familiar with the structure of the so-called ”Forfeiture Fund”? Do you realize that the City Treasurer is under strict requirements from the Federal Forfeiture and State Forfeiture as to how those funds are utilized? Is that why funds were taken from the Explorer Scout Fund? How much was taken from the Explorer Scout Fund to use for transportation of surplus equipment? Was this money going to be paid back to the Explorer Program? Is there any justification for spending the money from the Explorer Fund on transportation of surplus?
11. What is the total number of items you have acquired from various government surplus programs? What is the estimated market value of these items? Can you provide a detailed inventory of this equipment with a listing of where exactly each piece is being held or stored? What percentage of the equipment you acquired is not repairable? What is the total cost to the city—using all funds from which transfers may have been made—for the transportation and repair of these surplus items? Are the items needed for implementation of an emergency plan stored above the anticipated high water mark? Are they all in running order? Have emergency personnel, including police and fire, been trained in their proper operation? When and where was the training held? If none has been held, is that training scheduled in the foreseeable future? Has each piece of equipment been designated with an appropriate use—such as terrorism, drug enforcement, emergency management, etc? Can you provide a written list of such designation? Can you obtain a written statement from the government agencies that provided this equipment that you or the City of Toledo do, in fact, have the inarguable right to dispose of any and all of this surplus equipment (with the exception of certain military-type equipment) after a certain time period has passed?

This list of questions will be submitted to the City Council tonight at the regular meeting, 7:00 pm at the City Council Chambers. The Council may need some help in formulating "hardball" questions. Maybe this will help.

"SOFTBALL GAME" CANCELLED!

2005-10-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

It is raining pretty hard this morning, but that is not the reason the "Softball Game" on the Mayor's radio show was cancelled. Police Chief Don Denison was due to show up this morning. Somehow the "wires got crossed" and Don will be on a later show. Maybe. Meanwhile, we get to hear chuckles and happy thoughts about the Toledo Scarecrow Festival. The Mayor was probably hoping to lob some low pitches to the Chief about what a great job he was doing, how wonderful the Challenge Camp was this year, and all the hard work the Chief had performed for the City, and thank you very much. Tax-paying citizens, however, would have liked to hear some "Hardball" questions about the 1033 program, the FEMA Emergency Plan, the Registration of "Denison Enterprises, the fund transfers from the Explorer Scout program to transport surplus equipment, the SWAT team Training Facility in Harlan, and maybe even the secret "Explorer Bank Account" that nobody wants to talk about. No one can accuse the Chief of not being dedicated. He puts in long hours. He really wants to help the kids. What we question, and what we would like to see the Mayor and the majority of the City Council question is the "slushiness" of the Chief's assorted financial operations. So how about it City Council? Anyone want to bring these up? Let's "PLAY BALL!"

Two Cents' Worth

2005-10-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Comment from a THS student:

"What's with the retaining wall at "A" Street and Highway 20? Are all the walls along the roadway going to look like this? Excuse me, but it makes the town look like Disneyland!"

Thanks for your input!

FAMOUS QUOTATIONS

2005-10-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

"Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of power. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters"
Daniel Webster

"Things are seldom what they seem..."

2005-10-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Gilbert and Sullivan were masters of political satire. Their play "HMS Pinafore" poked fun at class distinctions and civil service. The title of this post is from one of their musical parodies. The Watchdog has been sniffing up some news for the citizenry today. As many of you know, questions are being asked about the 1033 Surplus Property program by some in the community and one lone Council Person. It came to our attention that funds had been expended from a fund called the "Explorer Scout Program" to transport the surplus property to Toledo. A request has been submitted to the City Manager for clarification of this question. We have not received an answer from the Manager's office yet. But it now appears that, in truth, the line item expenditures for transport surplus property did, indeed, come from that Explorer Scout Fund. It is not some nebulous "Explorer" program. It is in fact labeled "Explorer Scout Program" in the official city budget. And the money came out of that fund to ship low boy trailers and combat boots to Toledo. Does anyone out there think that this is a fair and decent thing to do to the few Explorer Scouts we have in Toledo? If so, we would like to hear from you: toledowatchdog@charter.net

By the way, the ending of the ditty cited above from "HMS Pinafore" ends with these words:
"You will learn the truth with sorrow,
Here today and gone tomorrow;
Yes, I know--That is so!"

IS TOLEDO PREPARED FOR DISASTERS?

2005-10-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Lincoln County Emergency Services Manager Jim Hawley will address the Toledo City Council this Wednesday at 7:00 pm. His presentation should dovetail with the report at the last meeting on Chief Denison's "All-Hazards Emergency Plan". Even though an awful lot of people don't seem to know where the Chief's Plan is or how it came to be written , the community should be confident that Mr. Hawley does know. The Toledo community needs to know how to respond to any tsunami or terrorist attacks. Are we prepared for such emergencies? Are they likely? Find out Wednesday Night.

NATIONAL NEWSPAPER WEEK

2005-10-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the last day of National Newspaper Week.

Since 1940, the Newspaper Association Managers have sponsored and financially supported National Newspaper Week, a week-long celebration showcasing the impact of newspapers on the everyday lives of our citizens.

It seems like a good time to kick off this new enterprise. The Toledo Watcgdog is proud to be a part of the new citizen advocacy movement in Toledo. Bookmark this site so you can keep up-to-date on the latest news affecting you, your community and your government.

WHAT IS "CITIZEN JOURNALISM"?

2005-10-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been keeping up-to-date with the "blogging" breakthrough in the new media, here's a quick lesson. "Blogs"--or "weB LOGS"--started out several years ago as a way of posting personal commentary, news analysis and individual rants on the World Wide Web. In large part, the "blogs" have become more prominent in the last year or so due to their incursion into the dominant Mainstream Media of corporate newspapers and television. Many people take offense at the lack of coverage by the Mainstream Media on certain issues facing the nation. Others are upset by the bias of the newscasters and reporters. Many blogs were started as a method of addressing these concerns. Some of the most famous blogs include http://www.instapundit.com/ and http://www.powerlineblog.com/. You may not have known it, but Powerline is the blog that brought down Dan Rather's shabby "journalism" and his faulty reporting on the Texas National Guard Memos. Powerline connected with thousands of experts, lawyers and computer specialists who were able to debunk the memos as forgeries. If you want to know what is happening with the suicide bombing attack in Oklahoma, you'll need to visit http://michellemalkin.com/ because no one else is talking about it.

Citizens are taking to the available media and scooping the press time and again. Have you heard about the Air America Radio scandal? Probably not, because the Maistream Media is ignoring it. But click on this link to http://radioequalizer.blogspot.com/ where Brian Maloney is all over it! In the same way, http://www.toledowatchdog.blogspot.com is taking on the mighty, the powerful and the arrogant. Citizen Journalism is the new hope of democracy. The secrets that have hidden behind the wall of corporate and government power are being uncovered. And in the true spirit of the American Revolution we remind our readers that "ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF LIBERTY!"

WEDNESDAY NIGHT "SOFTBALL" GAME

2005-10-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

Chief Don Denison did an admirable job explaining the Surplus Government Property Program at the City Council meeting October 5. Many questions were answered during his comprehensive explanation of the workings of a convoluted government program. But many more questions remained. Most of the City Council threw loaded "softball" questions to the Chief, which were easily fielded. One Council Person, however, asked some carefully worded and perceptive questions. One Council Person is looking out for the interests of the taxpayers. One Council Person wants to know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. One Council Person suggested some excellent ideas to clear up the "slushiness" of the fund used to pay for the transport of the Federal Surplus Property. It is very good to know that someone is looking out for the "little guy." Thanks, Council Person. You know who you are!

Editorial Comment

2005-10-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

The Toledo Watchdog is making its first appearance. Many citizens are feeling left out of the political process and feel that the leadership of the City of Toledo no longer represents them. The basic principles of democracy require the citizenry to remember that government exists through the consent of the governed. The very first amendment to the US Constitution outlines "Freedom of Speech." A true Democracy needs informed citizens. Participate today!

TWO CENTS" WORTH

2005-10-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

G.S. writes to us:

"Toledo is on the verge of financial ruin, due to bad decisions and lack of public interest. Please attend City Council meetings and voice your opinions--make your vote count!"

Thanks for your input, G.S.!

BREAKING NEWS

2005-10-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

The City of Toledo has acquired over one MILLION dollars worth of miscellaneous equipment from the Federal Surplus Property Program. Many alert citizens are questioning the practice and the propriety of this program. Questions are being raised in the local community about the overall cost to the City for this program, even though the equipment is considered "surplus" by the Federal Government and there is no cash outlay from the City for the equipment itself.
The Surplus Program does require the requesting agency to pay for any and all shipping or freight to bring the equipment from its current location. A large 5th-wheel lowboy trailer, for instance, may be free of charge to the requesting agency, but since it is warehoused in Tucson, Arizona, as an example, it must be shipped back to Toledo at the expense of the City.
Many people are wondering how much the City has paid to ship or deliver this equipment to Toledo. On Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00 pm at the City Hall Council Chambers, local residents may be able to find out.

COUNCIL WATCH

2005-10-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

Toledo City Council will meet at City Hall on Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00 pm. One of the Agenda Topics will be a presentation by Police Chief Don Denison and the Federal Surplus Property Program, also known as the "1033 program" Citizens having concerns about this program or questions about how it operates are encouraged to attend.
Prior to the discussion of the 1033 program, the City Council will allow visitors an opportunity to address the Council on topics of interest. Those planning to address the Council should keep in mind that the time is limited to five minutes, so presentations should be well thought-out and concise. Printed statements for the Press and the Council are allowed.
Copies of the Agenda are available at City Hall and are also posted on the bulletin board outside the Council Chambers. For assistance in obtaining a copy of the Agenda check with Renee Ballinger, City Recorder, at the Front Desk inside City Hall.