Old Drum

Commentary on Warrensburg, Johnson County and Missouri issues from a Libertarian perspective. View my earlier commentary at www.olddrum.net.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Anti-smokers have an organized camapign

See the comment to yesterday's post. The anti-smoking forces have a 20-page campaign plan on how they intend to use the "law" to suppress the rights of property owners. It even says something along the lines of 'if they can't get their whole agenda, don't accept a partial step - it increases pressure.' Reminds me of prohibition - the temperance movement got their way and created big time organized crime. The drug war created big-time drug cartels and drug gang wars. Will tobacco prohibition create 'smoke-easies' and a new type of organized crime? Or will the existing gangs find an opening here?

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Warrensburg smoking ban?

Before I start - I quit smoking in 1969. My wife smokes, but not heavily. I prefer non-smoking or well-ventilated venues for meals; if a bar is too smoky, I'll leave.

The people who want to control our lives in the name of "common good" are resuming their push to ban smoking in Warrensburg. The "health" teacher (I don't remember having a "health" teacher) at the local middle school instigated a letter-writing campaign by her students to force the City Council to move away from their willingness to let the market decide which restaurants & bars would and would not be smoke free. A free-market member who was term-limited was replaced by an academician who advocates a smoking ban.

Let's look at some issues:

1. Fairness - Depending on how an ordinance is written, some restaurants & bars could be more adversely affected than others. Bar/restaurants that have completely separate smoking sections (Player's Nathans's, Heroes'), generally with separate HVAC systems, would suffer because the extra expense they incurred to do so would be negated. Restaurants that failed to spend the capital for physical separation (Applebee's, County Kitchen) would be rewarded. If the ordinance allows smoking on outside patios, small places like the Checker Tavern or Joy's Donuts would suffer.

2. Safety & the Public Peace - Bars and restaurants outside the city's control, such as the strip bar at Skyhaven or the places in Montserrat, would draw smokers. That would increase the number of imbibing drivers on US 50 at night. Draw the conclusions yourself. If smoking at outdoor drinking venues is allowed, would that lead to noise complaints from neighboring residences & downtown apartment dwellers?

3. Money - Warrensburg appears to be doing a good job managing its finances despite the economic downturn. I wonder how much tax revenue is generated by the businesses along West Pine Street? I wonder if they've run an economic profile of the effects of various smoking ban scenarios? I suggest reading this study: Economic Effect of Smoking bans.

4. Property Rights - Is it fair for government to take someone's property without compensation? While the U.S. & Missouri Supreme Courts seem to think that government has the right to do anything it wants with your property, a smoking ban does take the property (economic potential) of the bars/restaurants/establishments targeted.

My conclusion - If you don't like smoking, don't patronize establishments that allow it. Tell the owner/management why you're not frequenting their establishment. Instead, patronize non-smoking establishments such as Mary Jane's or one of the fast food restaurants; have lunch at the Senior Center or Sheltered Workshop. Don't ask the government to suppress the rights of the business owner to accommodate your desires.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Zoning was smashed

Yes, we (the people of Johnson County) did it. We beat zoning 78-22%. I will post the by-precinct results and other info at www.olddrum.net/zoning as I have time. Meanwhile, thanks for your support.

And don't forget the Tea Party at the courthouse at noon on tax day (4/15).

Saturday, March 21, 2009

SexOffenderGate

That's what I'm calling this whole zoning effort. First the bogus sex offender halfway house to get zoning initiated. Then, during zoning commission meetings, almost no talk of zoning for industry or to get industry here, mostly about preserving what people have. Now, the Johnson County Economic Development Corp, a not-for-profit partially funded by taxpayer dollars, is campaigning solely on the basis that they claim industry won't come here without zoning.

Does this raise suspicions for you, too? Are we being scammed and bamboozled? Do they think we are a bunch of hicks? Did the Temporary P&Z Commission put in 18 months of work under false pretenses? Should w be royally ticked?

Vote NO on April 7th!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Government agency to promote zoning

Yes, the Johnson County Economic Development Corporation voted to spend money to promote the zoning issue. Yes, they get most of their money from government agencies (County, Warrensburg, UCM, etc.). Yes, their board includes the County Clerk, Presiding Commissioner, Warrensburg Mayor and Warrensburg City Manager. See DSJ Article for details on what they're doing.

We've also learned that the Warrensburg City Manager addressed a class at UCM on County Zoning. We don't know what he said yet, but are looking into it.

These actions may violate the prohibition against spending public money to advocate issues, and may violate the rules of the Missouri Ethics Commission. We shall see. Meanwhile, there's nothing wrong with expressing your outrage.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Zoning Update # whatever

I missed last night's anti-zoning meeting but understand it was productive. Sign placement around the county is taking off with the warm weather - I have 31 ready to go. I also understand I've been volunteered to talk to some anti-zoning folks at a meeting in the Knob Noster area. Talk is good, but the lead committee can always use some more donations - see Johnson Liberty website. You can't print quality signs and bumper stickers, much less ads in the paper & on TV, without money.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Zoning Update #11

We have only 6 weeks until the zoning election. The anti-zoning committee Johnson Liberty is raising funds for signs, bumper stickers, door hangers and ads. I have painted out the date of the 1997 election on 31 large signs stored in my barn - they're ready to add the new date & hit the streets.


I've added a "Zoning Facts" page to OldDrum.net and updated the Johnson County Libertarian Party's participation in anti-zoning efforts.


Meanwhile, we've learned that some people are passing out a rumor that zoning will be mandatory if Johnson County reaches 1st Class County status. That's not true - the specialist attorney hired to advise the temporary P&Z commission stated that to the group.


Please, if you want to preserve your liberty, pick up some fliers at Affordable Tax Service or at Joy's Rise & Shine Donuts, and pass them out to your friends & neighbors. Campaign contributions are always welcome.