Kentucky Law Review

Off Topic: Stimulus, revenue, trickle down, percolate up, and the bottom line of who pays

The money mystery and the stimulus of the economy is a mystery to me.  Sometimes counsel comes from questions and not advice.  I have a few questions:

• How come the states' solutions center on raising revenues and the federal solutions look at borrowing and tax cuts?
• Why assume the stimulus must trickle down from the federal government to the state and eventually to the citizen rather than percolate up?
• How does it save individual's money when the federal government borrows money and then distributes it the states to handle their shortfalls?  Taxpayer money is taxpayer money, be it state or federal.
• Why must we have a stimulus "package" rather than pointed and focused bills or acts in which the financial costs and benefits are spelled out?
• Why must the individual taxpayer adjust his or her expenses due to a reduced income, but government employees feel protected from reductions and furloughs?
• If property values go down (eg., cars, homes, etc), then why are those values reduced in the tax rolls to avoid an effective tax increase?

With those questions, I now reference Sen. Williams' turnaround on raising revenue in Kentucky:

Williams Says New Revenue Is Needed

By Mark Hebert

Senate President David Williams said for the first time today that new revenue, tax hikes, will be needed to cover the state's 459 million dollar budget shortfall. But House and Senate leaders say they haven't agreed on what taxes will be raised or by how much. I'm hearing the numbers being tossed around behind closed doors are a 30 cents per pack increase in the cigarette tax and a tax hike on liquor that would generate about $100 million per year. House democrats are also discussing an extension of the sales tax to some services, similar to what was proposed by Governor Fletcher. But that proposal appears to have little support in the republican controlled Senate.

And arguably, some taxation without representation:

State to continue current system on car taxes

By Tom Loftus • tloftus@courier-journal.com • January 22, 2009

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Revenue has decided to continue valuing cars for property tax purposes as it has in recent years — a decision that averts a significant loss of revenue to both state and local governments but also means car owners won't get a tax cut.

Revenue Commissioner Thomas Miller told the House budget committee of the decision this morning.

The issue of the possible loss of revenue — from what would be a tax cut for many vehicle owners — comes at a time when the state is facing a projected $456 million revenue shortfall in the current fiscal year.

It was raised by the Revenue Department’s Office of Property Valuation last month. It stemmed from a change made in how the National Automobile Dealers Association lists values for vehicles in its annual guide.

The department uses that guide as the basis for setting values on cars registered in Kentucky for tax purposes.

LOUISVILLE LIBRARY PRESENTS: "Louisville in the Great War" - Get a local perspective on Veterans Day & WW I

OFF TOPIC: The public's need to know can be aided by a debate

Interesting thought.    Might be an interesting television move to announce a debate, invite Senator McConnell and Mr. Lunsford to appear, and if one of them does not show, then ask the questions to the candidate who did appear. 

Times are serious; and all the candidates should be serious too. 

The "D" word is being mentioned regarding the economy.

Now speaking of "Dee" words, where are those bloodhounds unleashed by McConnell from the 1984 "Dee" Huddleston campaign?  The post by Andrew Green last year at his blog seems a little more interesting within the context of the debate declinations by the incumbent senator in "Nipping at McConnell's heels".

Although the incumbent usually has more to lose in a debate by legitimizing the challenger and appearing as equals, the point is that inquiring minds want to know some answers and want them and need them in a format different than the 30 second sound-bites and counter-punches using veterans as pawns in this political campaign.  Not good.

If Lunsford adopts the McConnell Move from years gone by, do you think there will be some television spots the last few days with some bloodhounds looking for the incumbent? 

And if there is no debate on the meatier issues, what about a "Where's the beef?"

Cute commercials, but not informative.  Cute does not cut it today.

This post is not designed to push either candidate for election, just push them to a debate of the issues. 

If debates are good enough for presidential candidates, they should be good enough for senatorial candidates too. 

So, I ask, where's the beef?

OFF TOPIC: But to the point. Without my Diane watching me, much of this would not be!

I just realized in my last post about the "TechnoEsq" booth at the Kentucky Justice Association's annual convention, I referred to myself as the Kentucky Law Blogger, but also as Diane's husband.

For those who know her will most assuredly know that she is the kindest, most loving person around, with an inexhaustible supply of patience and understanding as she "reins" me in while I practice full time as a personal injury lawyer and blog on a multitude of topics and sites in my spare time.

And, if I was not enough to be a full time job for her, she also manages to take charge of our four grandchildren and work at a local nursing home as a registered nurse.

I will never forget how she accompanied me on the judicial campaign trail back in 2002 when neither of us had a clue what to do or how to do it, but we did it and had much fun through the primary.  I surprised many (including myself most of all) by being successful in the primary and advancing to the general election with things getting more serious. 

Every now and then I just like the world to know that behind me is a lovely woman whom I love dearly.  And, I thank each of you for allowing us into your lives in this modest venue and forum.

With a new school year beginning, remember the kids and remember your family.   

OFF-TOPIC: Two photos. Draw your own conclusions.

I saw a photo at the PolWatcher's Blog.  Deja vu all over again?  Not really, but thought I would post it anyway.

Chandler says 'it's time' to withdraw from Iraq

By jstamper@herald-leader.com (Pol Watchers) on KY-6th

By Ryan Alessi
ralessi@herald-leader.com  

 

After making his first whirlwind trip through Iraq over the weekend, Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler said the United States should begin to withdraw troops now and force the Iraqi government to stand on its own.

 

 

 

 

I was then reminded of the Photo that "tanked" a presidential candidate some  years ago. 

Michael Dukakis: The Photo Op That Tanked
Click here for article.

OFF TOPIC: Mike and Diane Horsing Around at West Baden Springs!

I took a few days off the blogging trail and discovered that in my absence the world did not come to an end!

Diane and I went up to West Baden for a few days.  No gambling but enjoyed the hotel (WOW!), the spa (AHHHHH!), the French Lick Winery (burp), and the stables (gidyup).

Here are some pictures of Diane and me horsing around on "Howdy" and "Star".  Trust me.... Very, very , very tame and ez to ride.

Here's the inside of the West Baden Hotel.  WOW.

For a bigger and better picture, then click here.

OFF TOPIC: "Now's the time to plan for Idea Fest"

Now's the time to plan for Idea Fest COURIER JOURNAL

Buckle up and hold on... On Sept. 25, the 2008 IdeaFestivalÆ returns for three days of high-speed innovation, inspiration and ideas at the edge.

OFF-TOPIC: New Arena Criticized by CJ Writer Bob Hill

Bob Hill wrote a piece that was critical of the new arena design.  I have a few criticisms of my own directed at location and ticket availability for all.

Bob Hill, on trying to find a kind word for the downtown arena Courier Journal

As I look at the artist's rendering of Louisville's new downtown arena, I keep thinking of the reaction people generally have to something they don't really like or fully understand. Hummmmm … interesting.

I would just like to add my two cents that there is more criticism to levy than just the looks.  I take issue with the location and with the fact that the average citizen will never get a chance for a ticket even though he or she will be expected to pony up part of the tax bill.

Yes, the looks are like a big old microwave, or even a "squeeze box" wedged in so tight it hurts just to look at it.

However, this ugly duckling has two other problems.

First, looks.  I think an arena is a great idea, but . . . . location, location, location.  Look at it. Why not call it the arena sandwich.  With all the baloney used to get it there.  And then to wrap it up so tightly makes you wonder.  The rationale for the location was near the hotels and the downtown area for stores and shopping and businesses.  But that assumes the business climate will remain not only constant but congested in the confines of its current location.  Rather than bring the arena to the business, why not bring the business to the arena and spread it around the downtown by simply "going west, young man, go west".  Six or so blocks due west, and you have cheaper land, more land, and easier access near an interstate off/on ramp and a pretty good view of the river too.  Buy up the land nearby for parking and a business park or two, and voila' the downtown moves from postage stamp congestion to one with breathing room.

Second, tickets.  Taxpayers ought to be cut a break on this.  Not in the taxes, but in the tickets!  Tickets come with a premium for contributions, and season tickets seem to stay in the family forever and become the subject of unusual holdings with owners selling the use of them to others for a premium.  Here are a few simple suggestions:

• Season tickets for the masses.  Keep 10 per cent of the seats available for a one-year lottery for taxpayers on the condition and promise they do not sell them.
• Season tickets with an end in sight (and not the end you sit on).  Your season eventually ends after five years or so end and it goes back into the hopper of the waiting list for those willing to pay the premiums plus the ticket price required.  This would be especially special for the premium locations on the floor!
• Season tickets with an escalating premium. Every two years, the expected contribution or premium goes up by a percentage.  For example, it doubles every 3 years.  If not willing to fork up the added dough, then it goes back into the waiting list for another person willing to pony up the dough.

These are just some thoughts on the downtown arena-microwave.

OFF TOPIC BUT GREAT COFFEE! "Specialty coffee maker is brewing success"

From Courier Journal is a business story on the coffee behind the Java Brewing Company blends.  Great coffee.  In my opinion, better than those folks from Seattle.

Specialty coffee maker is brewing success Courier Journal

Ileene Seward of Henderson, Nev., isn't normally a heavy coffee drinker. She surprised herself, though, after tasting European Coffeehouse Blend a few weeks ago from a Waukesha, Wis., hotel room's four-cup coffee pot.

And here is an interesting story on the flip side of the local folk's success:

Starbucks to close 600 underperforming stores Courier Journal

Starbucks Corp. said Tuesday it will close 600 stores in the United States in the next year and cut back the number of new stores it had planned to open.

And for those who have gotten over the revolution and the taxation without representation issues from a few centuries ago:

Is tea good for you? Its health benefits seem real Courier Journal

In recent years, tea drinking has taken off in the United States, fueled in part by news about tea's possible health benefits. A Mayo Clinic researcher recently answered questions about the health benefits of tea — questions about what kind of evidence supports claims about tea and what forms of the drink we should consume.

OFF TOPIC: Churchill Weavers

I bought a blanket from Churchill Weavers for my first grandson.  They still have it.  Beautiful, delicate and durable.  So is the grandson!  I thought the story was worthy of a post.  Churchill Weavers was formerly located in Berea, a lovely college town in a rural setting and the last time I was there I stopped at Churchill Weavers hoping they were still open, but they weren't.  Now, I learn they have just relocated!

Exhibition tells story of firm's 85 years in Ky.

Churchill Weavers spent 85 years in Kentucky, and that history is the focus of a new exhibition at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort. Magic in the Weaving: The Churchill Weavers Collection Revealed began May 10 and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays until Sept. 6.

The Kentucky Historical Society bought the Churchill Weavers archives, which included 2,300 boxes of photographs, advertising materials, product samples and other artifacts, last year.

The exhibition, which tells the story of the company and its founders, will allow the public to watch and ask questions as museum staff catalog and preserve the collection.

Among the items on display are a portable loom that was used to demonstrate the weaving process as the company sought to grow its business and furniture from founder D. Carroll Churchill's workshop.

The society bought the collection from Lila Bellando, who owned the company with her husband, Richard Bellando, from 1973 to 1996 and later managed Churchill Weavers for its subsequent owner, Crown Crafts.

Products back in Bluegrass

Churchill Weavers closed its doors in Berea last year after 85 years. But its trademark handwoven throws, scarves and baby blankets are showing up again in the Bluegrass as the company reconnects with its roots.

Ownership and production have moved to Indiana. And the company is still getting back up to speed.

Mike Stutland, who owns Artique in Lexington, said he has just recently begun getting Churchill Weavers merchandise again.

"It's been extremely slow getting product in," he said. But it doesn't stay in long.

"There is an amazing following" for Churchill Weavers in this area, Stutland said. "It sells out pretty quickly."