Sunday February 26, 2006

Letters, Letters, Letters

These are the letters to the editor that appeared in the Examiner during my campaign. I have posted these in chronological order. Some are endorsements, and some are a back-and-forth between myself and the reigning political machine in Independence, a PAC group called “Citizens for Effective Leadership.“

http://examiner.net/stories/111105/ope_111105022.shtml
Friday, November 11, 2005
City needs a return to common sense
Wendy Terry
Independence
To the editor:
My candidacy has officially been announced. A year ago, I never thought I would make that statement. But in the last year, actions of the City Council have changed my mind.
I don‘t feel as though the council has enough respect for private property rights. I have seen what many residents believe is an abuse of eminent domain. The Supreme Court indelibly stamped those two words on the minds of many homeowners, and we have watched it in action in our city, especially through the case of Tom Scott. I have listened to many complaints about overzealous code enforcement.
The at-large seat incumbents seem to want to gamble with taxpayer‘s money. While tax-increment financing has been successfully used in blighted areas of many cities, it is should not be used for new commercial districts on undeveloped land. The initial gamble worked in the city‘s favor. However, we are already pushing our luck. The use of tax-increment financing for such purposes has helped create blight on the west side of Independence.
Some candidates are speaking of increasing city planning, or of staying the course. I believe that if anyone gets tax relief, it should be the poor. More importantly, in a capitalist society, the free market does the business planning, while the city government simply regulates the businesses through permits and licensing.
I will do my best to bring common sense back to Independence. I promise I will obey the U.S. and Missouri constitutions, and I will obey the City Charter. I will study the issues, including reading my packet in advance of meetings. I will use reason, not emotion, when making decisions. Most importantly, I will listen to residents‘ concerns, and I will be your voice in city government. Together, we can make a difference.

http://examiner.net/stories/121505/ope_121505022.shtml
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Council using sense, listening to taxpayers
Charles E. Rich
Independence
To the editor:
It is interesting to read the comments of several candidates for the Independence City Council who state that common sense needs to be used by our present Council and the “little people“ need to be heard.
Not too long ago, the Council proposed a joint tax to fix the streets and parks and the people responded with a no.
The city then outlined the schedule of streets to be repaired and stated which parks would be updated and when.
They also promised that a committee of private citizens would be appointed for oversight of the projects. This time the people responded with a yes. They also voted a tax for permanent park maintenance.
The city then asked the voters if they wanted the storm water problems addressed and they voted yes on that tax.
Lately, the city went to the voters asking for taxes to meet the pressing needs of the police and fire departments. The vote was affirmative. Streets are being overlaid, parks are being repaired. Storm water problems are being addressed, and the police and fire departments are receiving much needed improvements.
If this is not using common sense and letting taxpayers make the decisions, I don‘t know what is.

http://examiner.net/stories/122405/ope_122405047.shtml
Saturday, December 24, 2005
City government serves only the elite
Wendy Terry
City Council candidate
Independence
To the editor:
It was interesting, if not humorous, to read the letter to the editor on Dec. 15 from the former council member (“Council using sense, listening to taxpayers“ ). His confusion concerning what common sense government means is not surprising, considering he is also a former director of Citizens for Effective Leadership. He mostly mentioned taxes, but failed to mention the waste in city spending that caused those taxes to be placed on the ballot.
He also neglected to mention any other decisions made by the council in recent years that critically fall short of common sense. There was no mention of the distressing city codes recently passed that are ripe for abuse. There was no mention of the abuse of tax-increment financing and the nonsensical definitions applied to the word “blight.“ There was no mention of eminent domain abuses devoid of common sense, and leading to potential corruption.
Common sense, in the strict construction of the phrase, is what average people sense in an agreement of common understanding. It‘s an understanding of common people. I doubt anyone in the CEL understands the needs and lifestyles of common Independence residents. Nothing that a typical politician or a member of a power-elite group like the CEL would implement as public policy comes close to the basic definition of common sense.
Independence is unfortunately like other big-government authorities, tip-toeing along ethical lines, espousing to residents “feel good“ rhetoric, while enacting policies that are beneficial to elite groups but detrimental to the average resident.
The only way to bring common sense back into our city government is to elect common citizens to the council. If you agree, cast your vote for Wendy Terry on Feb. 7. Together, let‘s stop the government abuses to which we have grown accustomed.

http://examiner.net/stories/123105/ope_123105040.shtml
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Candidate‘s target stands for progress
Robert G. Fisher
Independence
To the editor:
The council candidate, whose long letter you printed Dec. 24–25, evidently wants the aginner-bellyacher vote (letters, Wendy Terry, “City government serves only the elite“ ). She does not tell us what she can do for Independence, if elected. Instead, she bashes Citizens for Effective Leadership. She calls us a “power-elite group.“
She says we don‘t understand “average people“ and lack “common sense.“ While she‘s at it, she drops innuendoes about “tip-toeing along ethical lines,“ “waste in city spending“ and “potential corruption.“ But she gives no details. Nor does she back up anything she says.
Here are some of the policies CEL has stood for: professional city management, new police equipment, new fire stations and fire equipment, contracts with all employee unions, street repairs, upgraded parks, new storm sewers, an aquatic center, the Palmer Senior Center an urgent care center in western Independence, keeping a hospital in town. promoting tourism, improving neighborhoods, an expanded tax base.
We believe Independence has effective leadership. It has been good for average people. We want to see it continue.
If anyone wants to know the truth about CEL, go to our Web site at www.celinfo.org. It‘s all there: Who we are. Our mission. Our history. Our progressive, non-partisan approach to city politics. The acheivements of which we are proud.
Please don‘t let aginners and council wannabes smear us with buzz words and sweeping generalities. Judge for yourself.

http://examiner.net/stories/011406/ope_011406046.shtml
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Independence badly needs some changes
Jack R. Waymire
Independence
To the editor:
The “truth fairy“ shattered the invincible shield and created the flaw that caused the demise of team Stewart and Citizens for Effective Leadership supporters. The Englewood Cafe elections strategy session of C.E.L. and hopefuls was attended by team Stewart. Former police colleagues of Stewart demonstrated public contempt for him at a meeting, also headline news. These two incidents from several tend to support Wendy Terry‘s position of the C.E.L. supported majority council public record.
The Dec. 31 letter headlined “Candidate‘s target stands for progress“ was an attack of Mrs. Terry and was, in a word, hogwash.
The C.E.L. appointments to the Planning Commission, Eth ics Board, T.I.F. Commission and Charter Oversight Review board enable the council majority to dictate the outcome of any issue. This “my way or the highway“ method keeps the high-ranking mercenaries in city government in line
If you support the current Catch 22 methods of the C.E.L. and approve the demeaning, ar rogant, egotistical, slam-mouth, hard-ball form of local government, you should vote for Reimal, McDonald, J. White and Schultz. That will ensure double standards, and quid pro quos will continue.
Newcomer Wendy Terry, on the other hand, will bring a refreshing breath of clean air that is much needed at City Hall. Vote for the non-C.E.L. candidates and return our city to the people.
The new leaders should a s sem ble a non-political group for an in-depth review of the charter A.S.A.P. to remove improper changes that currently allow abuse by a council majority.
Creating a pool of board or committee volunteers from all walks of life assures fair and equitable findings, out of reach of the politicians.

http://examiner.net/stories/012106/ope_012106040.shtml
Saturday, January 21, 2006
‘Progress‘ is another word for high taxes
Marilyn Wright
former council member
Independence
To the editor:
On Feb. 7, we have a rare opportunity to vote for a woman who has not sold her soul to any special-interest group. Wendy Terry is a candidate for the Independence City Council. Wendy is energetic, very intelligent and will stand against anyone who tries to deprive us of individual liberties and commercial or property rights.
So the next time you hear some globalist-socialist advocate of big government with higher taxes and utility rates, who calls Wendy‘s supporters “aginers,“ remember the “aginers“ are definitely for open and less government, sensible, prioritized spending; no deficit spending with its inflation, tax increases and interest costs. Are you aware how many millions of our special sales taxes dollars are spent for just interest payments on loans the city has used to finance “progress?“
“Aginers“ and Wendy Terry care about all of us, the vast majority, instead of just special interests.
If you vote for Wendy Terry on Feb. 7 in the primary election, we can all have an opportunity to vote for her again on April 4 in the general election. We can all win with Wendy!

http://examiner.net/stories/012306/ope_012306020.shtml
Monday, January 23, 2006
In city elections, vote for liberty
Wendy Terry, candidate
City Council, at-large
To the editor:
Progress comes from the labor of free people, occurring naturally in free markets, never from government action. Progressives would rather we comply with their agenda, paying the price for their “progress.“
Because candidates backed by Citizens for Effective Leadership are the majority on the council, the last 12 years has had widespread impact. The CEL president, Robert Fisher, listed their “progress“ in a recent letter (Dec. 31, “Candidate‘s target stands for progress“ ). However sewers are still backing up, water lines continue to break, utility bills rise, some streets remain neglected, po lice and firefighters‘ salaries remain low, some park bathrooms remain locked, etc. Cutting spending on their special projects could pay for these without tax increases.
Fisher mentions “contracts with unions,“ but neglects mentioning lost benefits of city employees and retirees. He says they are in favor of one hospital in town. A new hospital is wonderful for those in the east, but those in western Independence will be too far away to enjoy it, especially in an emergency.
Their concept of eminent domain is backwards. It is intended for public uses, (e.g. hospitals, schools) not for private development. So much for progress. The CEL wants us to forget that their “effective leaders“ violate the charter and are disrespectful toward concerned citizens. (e.g., the Dec. 19 meeting).
Harry Truman said, “the buck stops here.“ In Independence, the buck never stops. Money is spent without forethought or accountability. Future tax increases are certain without a change in leadership. Rampant TIF projects drain future tax revenues; future expenditures continually rise. Common sense is non-existent.
The CEL president said “aginner-bellyachers“ will vote for Wendy Terry, but that type of person never votes, just complains. Those who vote for me will be those who embrace the concept of liberty. Mr. Fisher asks what I stand for. One word: freedom.

http://examiner.net/stories/012806/ope_012806038.shtml
Saturday, January 28, 2006
City Council‘s action inexcusable
Greg Terry, chairman
Jackson County Libertarian Party
Independence
To the editor:
Watching the Jan. 17 City Council meeting, I was appalled at the council‘s disregard for the constitutional right to redress of grievances with the city government.
Bill Wagner of Independence was stopped cold in his attempt to complain about three persons who had been expelled from their home. He was on the agenda to speak, and he had the floor. He was beginning to describe why he felt this was “the tyranny of a police state“ when the council asked an officer to remove him and barred him from speaking for six months.
The Council violated Article 1, sections 8 and 9 of the Missouri Constitution. Their excuse was that Wagner mentioned the name of a code enforcement officer. Do we have a secret police force, or are they code enforcement? If the people who enforce our city laws are not public knowledge with their names and pictures, then we have a secret police force.
The fact is the council does not want the information made public concerning the continuing abuse of citizens to enforce the city codes. One of the citizens was elderly, and the two others are both disabled. The heavy-handed tactics to enforce city codes are getting worse. This is not a government serving the people. I agree with Wagner that this is much more like “the tyranny of a police state.“ With their arrogance, council members have opened the city to more litigation. Again. Independence claims the title of “All American City.“ Perhaps we should change it to “Soviet American Police State.“
I say to the citizens of Independence: Learn your Constitution and put it to use, or lose it.
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people‘s minds.“ – Samuel Adams

http://examiner.net/stories/012706/ope_012706018.shtml
Friday, January 27, 2006
Just one clear choice in Feb. 7 vote: Terry
L. Smith
Independence
To the editor:
I strongly urge my fellow voters to cast only one vote for the at-large City Council candidates. Vote only for Wendy Terry. If we cast only one vote for Wendy instead of voting for two as allowed, we can boost Wendy‘s chance in the Feb. 7 primary election.
Wendy is not a glamour girl. She is an ordinary woman with an extraordinary concern about the direction our city has taken in recent years: excessive debt, higher taxes and fees, favoritism to campaign contributors, disregard for human and property rights.
Because of her principles and her refusal to “sell out“ to the perpetrators of the illusion of “progress,“ she has not gotten the big donations to buy fancy campaign materials, signs, or TV ads.
It is up to us, the ordinary voters of Independence, to wise up and save our city. We can win with Wendy Feb. 7.

http://examiner.net/stories/020206/ope_0202060043.shtml
Thursday, February 2, 2006
Leaders must care for the entire city
B. Wehling
Independence
To the editor:
Did you notice all of the campaign signs for mayor all over town? It was in poor taste to have them up at Christmas time, the green ones.
If you really want to know who to vote for, attend council meetings or see it on Channel 7. Bring a neighbor who doesn‘t take The Examiner. We need someone who will take care of all of Independence, not just the southeast part of town.
An excellent choice for mayor is Bill Wagner, as well as Wendy Terry for council-at-large.

http://examiner.net/stories/020306/ope_020306023.shtml
Friday, February 3, 2006
CEL‘s agenda has hurt Independence
David McDaniels
Independence
To the editor:
Phony elitist snobs make up CEL.
I too, Robert Fisher, (letters, Tuesday, “The Examiner‘s open forum often abused“ ) am tired of the Citizens for Effective Leadership pretending to be the only group that knows what is best for the average taxpaying, hardworking citizens of Independence. The CEL form of governing is to ask us to elect legislators who honor the CEL by abdicating their responsibility to the voters by blindly transferring all power to a non-elected, out-of-town administrator. These administrators become the machine boss (city manager) protected by the CEL.
Fess‘ up. Fisher, and tell the citizens the truth. The CEL wants a government of the CEL, by the CEL and for the CEL. Through the CEL‘s involvement in commission and board appointments, you are trying to “fool all of the people all of the time.“ The Good Government League worked to keep machine politics out of City Hall. The CEL, on the other hand, is a minority special-interest machine that has maintained power in City Hall through their endorsed candidates since 1992.
CEL-endorsed candidates have indebted our city up to our eyeballs. The CEL has supported every one of the 11 tax increase votes, all rate and fee hikes and supported the city using public money to issue political brochures disguised as information to support the CEL tax increase votes. The CEL‘s chokehold on City Hall has cost us plenty in loss of freedom and money.
Now the CEL has the audacity to smugly sit in judgment of The Examiner for allowing the only people‘s forum in town. Your own CEL words, Mr. Fisher, condemn you and reveal what an arrogant bunch of “know it all“ snobs make up the CEL.
I hope the people vote for the only populist candidates: Renee Paluka and Wendy Terry.

http://examiner.net/stories/020306/ope_020306022.shtml
Friday, February 3, 2006
City needs those who would serve
Joe Elrod
Independence
To the editor:
Hear ye, hear ye, citizens of Independence: Are you aware that your freedom and liberty are waning quickly, not only here but in America. Also, the ACLU is attempting to ban Christmas, our favorite holiday. Christmas is the birthday of our savior, Jesus Christ, and the left-wing liberals want to put God out of America.
God is not pleased with what has happened here in Independence and to His people. And the so-called Peace Plaza is such a shameful display to be placed on sacred ground.
It‘s time for the citizens of our city to take back our local government of the people, by the people and for the people. We must elect those who will abide by, defend and protect this sacred document, our Constitution, inspired by God, who has blessed this great land, and honor our American creed that they believe in the United States of America as government of the people whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed. This is a democracy, a republic, a sovereign nation of many sovereign states, a perfect union, one and inseparable, established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity, for which America‘s patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I believe it is my duty to my country to love it, support its constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag and defend it against all enemies.
I endorse Bill Wagner for mayor and Wendy Terry and Wayne Baker for the City Council. I believe they will be public servants. I pray Independence will become that bright and shining light on the hill. May God bless and inspire our president and guide him, our troops and our leaders. God bless America, a great nation.

http://examiner.net/stories/020306/ope_020306026.shtml
Friday, February 3, 2006
City has gone too far with property codes
David Schwensen
Independence
To the editor:
I found the letter from Robert Fisher very interesting (Tuesday, “The Examiner‘s open forum often abused“ ). A complaint from one who considers themselves a community leader, basically wanting to silence public debate on issues people have with the city government. We choose to vote for candidates who take particular stands.
At this time, it is especially crucial for those who cannot raise a small fortune, such as the CEL can, to also have a say in the issues that may help decide who will become a part of the City Council.
The CEL has the wherewithall to blanket the city with advertising for candidates they support. The CEL-backed council members have voted for more and more codes that are offensive to free citizens. I have heard members of the council repeatedly give lip service to “diversity.“ I have also repeatedly heard that demand for citizens to be compliant with the ever-increasing burden of control that has been written into the codes. It seems that one particular council member looks at “codes“ in the manner of “if some are good, more are better.“ He has bragged about how many more ordinances Independence has than the surrounding municipalities, as if that was a good thing.
An example of this was a bill to modify an existing code concerning unsanitary living conditions. One department head jovially told the council that the Health Department had no intentions of becoming “good housekeeping police.“ However, the council went ahead and passed the bill with wording that allowed just this.
The council members who voted for this bill were either naive or diabolical. The council needs someone who will expose these attempts to subjugate Independence citizens.
I believe that that someone, and please excuse the political plug, at this time is Wendy Terry.

http://examiner.net/stories/020306/ope_020306032.shtml
Friday, February 3, 2006
Don‘t let outside interests prevail
Ray Lewis
Independence
To the editor:
This year‘s election can affect every citizen, their children and grandchildren, and it is too important to not become informed and vote wisely.
Not voting or putting bad officials back into office sends them the message that you accept their bad laws and regulations. Examples: – Voting to put toxic fluoride into the public water system. – Special tax benefits for big businesses (TIF) at the expense of the citizens of Independence. – Eminent domain has now been given broader access by the courts. – Many other regulations and laws too numerous to mention.
I worked as a city fire/police dispatcher for about three years in Bolivar, Mo., and observed how cities work, and not always in the interests or rights of its citizens. We don‘t need more politicians in office; we need more citizens to dedicate time to themselves running for office so voters have real choices.
We also need more voters to know who to vote for. Big billboards and signs are usually paid for by special interests from places outside of Independence, even outside Missouri. We need to be represented by citizens such as Wendy Terry and others. Why should we allow outside interests to control our city, county, state or federal governments – or our lives?

http://examiner.net/stories/021506/ope_021506031.shtml
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Wendy Terry
Independence
I am thankful for every individual who supported me in every way possible. Together, we have made a difference. My campaign brought forth issues and viewpoints that would not have been mentioned otherwise. Though Young and Baker do not share my consistent views on certain individual liberties, I believe that their election will shake up the status quo and eliminate the automatic voting block that always favors certain groups over individual rights. We must remain vigilant watchdogs, no matter the outcome in April. We know there are issues ahead of us that we must fight: annexation, smoking ban, selective code enforcement, UN influence in city laws, threats of monopolized refuse collection, and other property rights and privacy issues. None of the candidates who made the general election ballot truly embrace the concept of decreasing the size, scope, and cost of city government.
I had so much fun that I may run again in the future. I hope that this new coalition of freedom fighters that were my growing base of volunteers will continue lighting the fires of liberty in the hearts and minds of Independence residents. We can have a small, efficient government. We must remain steadfast and unwavering.
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people‘s minds.” — Samuel Adams, American Patriot