12 Dec 2011

Gary Slater Named 2012 Chair of International Association

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (12/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Gary Slater, CEO/manager of the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, was elected the 2012 chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) during the final business session of the 121st IAFE Annual Convention held Nov. 28 through Dec. 1 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev.

Slater grew up on a 600-acre crop and livestock farm in the small town of Eolia, Mo. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in animal science and a master's degree in food science and nutrition, Slater began his career as a livestock field man. He then joined the Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, as a livestock supervisor, where he served for five years. Slater joined the Iowa State Fair in 1991, where he was in charge of planning the special events, free entertainment, and booking the facilities for off-season use. After five years, Slater left to serve the National Pork Producers Council as manager of the World Pork Expo. Slater managed World Pork for six years, holding the event in both Des Moines at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and in Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Knowing that his first love was fairs, Slater received the opportunity to return to Missouri in 1997 to manage the Missouri State Fair. He spent four years in a rebuilding mode, helping to restore the Missouri State Fair to physical and financial success and was instrumental in formulating a master plan for the fair. In 2001, Slater accepted the position of manager of the Iowa State Fair. After one year as manager, Slater accepted the position of CEO and manager of the fair.

Slater earned IAFE Certified Fair Executive designation in 1998 and was elected IAFE Zone 5 director in 2002, representing Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. He served as IAFE treasurer from 2007-2009, as second vice chair in 2010, and most recently as first vice chair. He has also played an active role on several IAFE committees.

Slater and his wife Mary have three children: Madeline, 17; Ali, 15; and Andrew, 12.

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12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Campaign Releases 60-Second Version of Newt Ad

By Gary Howard
Ad takes hard look at the former Speaker's record
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today that it will release a shorter 60-second version of an earlier web advertisement that challenges former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on a group of issues dear to conservative voters.

Much of the ad is in the former Speaker's own voice, and after a few statements by Newt it features news clips about the former Speaker's lobbying ties to government mortgage giant Freddie Mac, a firm that helped perpetuate the financial crisis and recession. In addition, the spot showcases discussion of Newt's lobbying ties to healthcare firms prior to his support of an Obama-Pelosi-Reid individual mandate as part of the recent wildly unpopular healthcare reform, to the absolute horror of nationally-syndicated conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. 

The campaign is shipping the ad to Iowa TV stations today, and it will be going up as part of an expanded Paul buy in Iowa beginning on Wednesday. It will run in conjunction with Paul's other new ad, 'Big Dog'.

"We wanted to ensure this ad reached as many voters as possible, to debunk the myth that the Newt we are seeing on the 2012 campaign trail is the conservative he has been touted to be all along," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. 

"The voters are looking for authentic conservatives who are able to show a decades-long career of consistently walking the walk of Constitutional principles, limited government, and promoting sound economic policies.  Ron Paul is the only Republican presidential candidate with that record."

To view the ad, click here.

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12 Dec 2011

Facts are stubborn things

By Howard Kaloogian - Tea Party Express

In 2008 Barack Obama's campaign shtick was "change." That resonated because President Bush was spending too much and the country meant to change Washington. But Obama meant to change the country.

In response the Tea Party movement has arisen to implement the real change, putting brakes on that out of control big government growth. Our message to Washington is simple: you have run out of our money, stop excessive spending. You cannot borrow your way out of debt; you cannot spend your way out of deficits.
What is President Obama's response to our message of fiscal responsibility? Shared sacrifice; everyone must feel his pain. By everyone he means the people, not the government. Winston Churchill was more eloquent when he observed that "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy,its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."
Last year Obama used Pennsylvania's Allentown Metal Works as a backdrop to tout his so-called stimulus spending as a success. A couple of months later, the plant closed.
Then Vice President Joe Biden bragged to a Pittsburgh crowd that all the runaway deficit spending would produce 250,000 to 500,000 jobs created each month by the start of last summer. We're still waiting Joe.
Obama claimed his extreme spending spree would prevent unemployment from going above 8%. It's been above that for the last 27 months.  To be fair, not everyone has done poorly under Obama. Federal government union employees have prospered. Federal employment has grown by over 100,000 positions. Federal civil servants average pay and benefits were $123,049 in 2009 while private workers that year earned $61,051 average pay and benefits, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Take the Department of Transportation as a specific example of excessive government growth. Before Obama, only one bureaucrat there made over $170,000. After Obama's spending spree, 1,690 bureaucrats are paid over $170,000 a year. How has Departments services improved the nations transportation services, has anyone noticed? Now Obama claims austerity by wanting to freeze it at that exponentially higher level for a short while before increasing it again.
I guess that is what Obama meant when he said he "will not rest" until he creates jobs, jobs, jobs. But growing the government is not the same as growing the economy. Extending unemployment insurance payments is not a jobs program. Adding more Americans to food stamps is not a jobs program. Redistribution schemes do not create more wealth; it just shuffles the stack of what was already there, nothing new. No real help there.
News flash to Washington politicians: you don't create jobs. The American people do. In the private sector, without government money, ordinary Americans start businesses and hire people. All that is needed is that the government leaves our money in our pockets and gets out of the way ending excessive and burdensome regulation.
If you succeed, Obama's government would take your profits in oppressive taxation, to consume on growing the government overhead and whatever is left over is redistributed to government dependents who will vote for more handouts.
The truth is only 30% of the money intended to be redistributed actually gets to people liberals claim they want to help. If the government were a United Way charity with 70% overhead expense, would you contribute to it voluntarily? If the government were a company, would you buy its stock? When you hear that Obama wants to raise taxes on anyone, what you are hearing is his call for big and bigger government. The government does not deserve a pay increase. It's time to cut spending.
We here at the Tea Party Express are guided by 6 basic principles:
12 Dec 2011

Grassley Statement on Cameras in the Supreme Court, Iowa Supreme Court Justice Cady testifies before Senate Committee

By Grassley Press

***Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady's prepared testimony is attached.

 

Prepared Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley

Ranking Member, Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Hearing of the Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts

"Access to the Court: Televising the Supreme Court"

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

 

Madam Chairman, I want to thank you for calling a hearing on increasing the public's access to the Supreme Court.  Over ten years ago, Sen. Schumer and I introduced the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act, a bill which would grant federal judges the authority to allow cameras in the courtroom.  Since that time, this bill has been brought before the committee many times.  And each time it has been scrutinized, improved upon, and reported out under broad bi-partisan support.

Today's hearing focuses on a companion issue: whether or not the Supreme Court should permit cameras in its courtroom.  Just yesterday, Sen. Durbin and I introduced "The Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011," a bill which would require the Supreme Court to broadcast and televise its proceedings.  Like the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act, this bill has also been brought before the committee on several occasions.  It, too, was reported out favorably with bi-partisan support and was championed by my friend, Senator Arlen Specter, who I am pleased to see here today.

My interest in expanding the people's access to the Supreme Court increased eleven years ago when the Supreme Court decided to hear arguments on the Florida recount during the 2000 Presidential Election.  Senator Schumer and I urged the Supreme Court to open the arguments to live broadcast.  In response, the Supreme Court took the then unprecedented step of releasing an audio recording of their arguments shortly after they occurred.  It was a sign of progress that gave the entire country the opportunity to experience what so few get to: the Supreme Court at work.

Just last year, the Supreme Court began releasing audio recording of its proceedings at the end of each week.  This is another step in the right direction and I applaud the court for increasing its transparency and access.  But it is not enough.  I believe that the nature of our government and the fundamental principles upon which it was built require more.

As Abraham Lincoln said, ours is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  Our Constitution divides power.  It creates a system of checks and balances.  But most importantly, it makes the government accountable to the people.  The best way we can ensure that the federal government is accountable to the people is to create transparency, openness, and access.

Sadly, the vast majority of the people do not believe they have adequate access to the Supreme Court.  According to a poll released last year, 62 percent of Americans believe that they hear too little about the workings of the Supreme Court.  Two-thirds of Americans want to know more.  What could be a better source of the workings of the Supreme Court than the Supreme Court itself?

In 1947, the Supreme Court stated, "what transpires in the courtroom is public property."  Well, if its public property, then it belongs to the whole public, not just the 200 people who can fit inside the public gallery.  With today's technology, there is no reason why arguments could not be broadcast in an easy, unobtrusive, and respectful manner that would preserve the dignity of the Supreme Court's work and grant access to the millions of Americans wishing to know more.

My state, Iowa, knows something about this.  For over 30 years, it has permitted the broadcast of its trial and appellate courts.  In fact, I am pleased to welcome Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady here today.  He has come to share with this committee his unique perspective of presiding over a court that broadcasts its proceedings.  He is a strong proponent of transparency and continues to pioneer new ways to give the public greater access to their court system.  I look forward to hearing his testimony and thank him for his time here today.

Before we begin, I ask that three things be included in the record.  First is a letter I wrote to Chief Justice Roberts last month, urging him to permit cameras during the court's upcoming arguments over the constitutionality of President Obama's healthcare law.  This upcoming case is the perfect example for why the Supreme Court should televise its proceedings.   It is a case which will address the role and reach of the federal government.  All of us deserve to see and hear the legal arguments in a case which will have a lasting effect on every single American.

The second and third are newspaper editorial opinions. One is written by the Editorial Board of Iowa's second largest paper, The Gazette.  The other is written by the Editorial Board of the Washington Post.  Both express belief that the Supreme Court must permit its proceedings to be broadcast.  It isn't often that the American Heartland and the Washington Establishment agree on something.   I ask that each of these be made part of the record.

Once again, I want to thank Sen. Klobuchar for organizing this hearing.  I would also like to thank each witness in advance for their testimony.  This is a distinguished panel of witnesses who will provide excellent insights.  I am eager to hear what each of you has to say.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

 

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12 Dec 2011

Grassley Introduces Bill to Require Televising Supreme Court Proceedings

By Sen Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON -Senator Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Dick Durbin introduced legislation today to require open proceedings of the Supreme Court to be televised.

The Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011 would require television coverage of all open sessions of the Court, unless the Court decides, by a vote of the majority of justices, that doing so would constitute a violation of the due process rights of one or more of the parties before the Court. A similar bill was approved by a bipartisan majority of the Judiciary Committee last Congress.

In addition, on November 15, Grassley asked Chief Justice John Roberts to provide audio and video coverage of the landmark Supreme Court proceedings of the federal health care reform law.  Grassley said that broadcasting the health care reform law proceedings would not only contribute to the public's understanding of America's judicial system, but provide an excellent educational opportunity on a case that has the potential to have a far reaching impact on every American

"Nine Justices have a tremendous amount of influence on the lives of the people of this country, yet people know very little about the highest court in our country.   In fact, next year, the Supreme Court will hear arguments about a law that has the potential to impact every American.  Allowing cameras in the Supreme Court will help bring much needed transparency to a process that is largely unknown to the American public," Grassley said.

The Cameras in the Courtroom Act only applies to open sessions of the Supreme Court - sessions where members of the public are already invited to observe in person. Public scrutiny of Supreme Court proceedings will produce greater accountability, transparency, and understanding of our judicial system.

A hearing on the Cameras in the Courtroom Act will be held tomorrow in the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts. The hearing will be chaired by Senator Amy Klobuchar and will feature testimony from Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady. More information on tomorrow's hearing - including a link to the live webcast - can be found here.  Klobuchar, along with Senators John Cornyn and Richard Blumenthal, are also cosponsors of the bill.

In addition, Grassley is the author of bipartisan legislation that would allow the chief judge of federal trial and appellate courts to permit cameras in their courtrooms.  The bill would direct the Judicial Conference, the principal policy-making entity for the federal courts, to draft nonbinding guidelines that judges can refer to in making a decision pertaining to the coverage of a particular case.  It also instructs the Judicial Conference to issue mandatory guidelines for obscuring vulnerable witnesses such as undercover officers, victims of crime, and their families.  Included in the bill are safeguards to protect vulnerable witnesses, to exclude jurors from broadcast, and to allow a judge to use his or her discretion in determining whether to allow cameras in the courtroom.

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12 Dec 2011

APPLY FOR THE ANN SHAW FELLOWSHIP

By Theater for Young Audiences

APPLY FOR THE ANN SHAW FELLOWSHIP

Deadline: January 9, 2012

Follow this link for the application

Attention all TYA practitioners and adventurers! Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Ann Shaw Fellowships. Designed to support the continuing artistic and professional growth of TYA/USA members, the Ann Shaw Fellowship provides monetary grants for members to travel to a conference or festival, study with a mentor, conduct research or connect with fellow artists. Dream! Plan! Apply! Additional information and the 2012 Application are available online at TYA/USA.

Elizabeth Schildkret, 2011 Ann Shaw Recipient teaching at the Venezualan -American Center in of Merida

ABOUT THE ANN SHAW FELLOWSHIP

Since its inception, the Ann Shaw Fellowship has provided funds to assist more than 39 individuals with travel to theatres and festivals throughout the United States and abroad, for viewing outstanding work and exploring challenging questions related to the field of theatre for young audiences.

SEE A VIDEO FROM PAST RECIPIENT DANIEL KELIN, II

FIND OUT HOW TO APPLY

12 Dec 2011

SCOTT AREA LANDFILL DEBUTS NEW IMPROVEMENTS FOR CUSTOMERS

By Erin Robinson Vorac

DAVENPORT, IA–The Scott Area Landfill, operated by Waste Commission of Scott County, is debuting new improvements for landfill customers on Thursday, December 8. The new improvements include an automated scale and a citizens' convenience area.

The new automated scale is for customers who frequently use the landfill, such as the City of Bettendorf and City of Davenport. These frequent customers will be given a code, which they will type into a keypad and the truck's weight will automatically be recorded. This will save the truck drivers time by not having to wait in the regular scale line or get out of their vehicle to go in to the scale office. Because the frequent customers will be diverted to the automated scale, other landfill customers will have shorter wait times in line. This improvement will greatly reduce vehicle idling, thereby reducing air emissions.

The citizens' convenience area includes a new trash unloading area for small loads and updated areas for drop-off recycling, appliances, scrap metal, oil, oil filters, antifreeze and car batteries. The new trash unloading area was designed for customers in cars, vans or pickup trucks with small loads of garbage. These small loads will be diverted to a concrete bunker near the office for unloading, rather than the actual landfill. The new trash unloading area is of benefit to these customers in that it will take less time for unloading, is safer due to not being around other large trucks or heavy equipment and they will not have to drive into the landfill.

The Scott Area Landfill is located at 11555 110th Avenue (County Road Y-48) in Davenport and is open 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. The Commission (Board) is comprised of the mayor of Davenport, a Davenport alderman, mayor of Bettendorf, chair of the Scott County Board of Supervisors and the mayor(s) of an outlying community in Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

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12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Scores a 'Favorability Fest' in Des Moines Register Poll

By Rick Martin
Paul benefits from candidate ratings as well as federal department closure preferences
ANKENY, Iowa - Emerging details from a poll commissioned by the influential Des Moines Register newspaper announced this weekend reveal voter attitudes highly favorable to 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul.

Paul polls a strong second place garnering 18 percent, behind Newt Gingrich and ahead of Mitt Romney who have 25 and 16 percent, respectively.  Paul's Iowa support has grown in the last three Des Moines Register polls from 7 percent in June to 12 percent in October to 18 percent presently.  Paul is also among those whose support did not wane over the period the poll was taken.

Poll details found here and here reveal that 15 percent of respondents reported seeing Paul in person within the last year, while 20 percent reported seeing Rep. Michele Bachmann.  Yet, Rep. Bachmann polls at a low 8 percent, less than half of what Paul polls. 

With pizza baron Herman Cain having suspended his presidential run, Gingrich with 14 percent now leads among respondents who, regardless of whom they support, believe is most likely to have a scandal in the White House if elected.  Respondents said Paul with 2 percent, is among the candidates least likely. 

Paul with 24 percent is regarded as the most principled candidate, 7 points ahead of Bachmann and a whopping 13 percentage points ahead of Gingrich.  Paul with 32 percent is deemed the most fiscally responsible, more than double his nearest contender Gingrich who garnered just 15 percent. 

Paul with 17 percent is judged to be among the most socially conservative of all candidates, 7 percentage points ahead of Gingrich.  This is especially notable given that Rick Santorum - who is neither first nor second - makes family-friendly issues a cornerstone of his candidacy. 

Paul in this poll is also given high marks for being among the candidates best able to bring about real change and among the candidates best able to turn the economy around.

New poll details also reveal broad support among Republican caucus goers for closing the federal departments of HUD and Education by measures of 60 and 54 percent, respectively, and 57 percent of respondents favor shuttering the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Of respondents, 45 percent favor closing Energy, 42 percent favor eliminating the TSA, 36 percent favor getting rid of the Federal Reserve Bank, 34 percent want to shutter Commerce, and 32 percent want to close Interior.  These data are available in today's print edition of the Des Moines Register. 

Given that Ron Paul's "Plan to Restore America" proposes eliminating five federal departments, and that he is the nation's foremost Fed and TSA skeptic, information of this kind too bodes well for Paul's candidacy.  Paul's plan also calls for $1 trillion in spending cuts during year one of a Paul presidency, resulting in a balanced federal budget in year three.

These data are derived from the 401 likely Republican caucus goers and have a margin of error of +/- 4.9 percent.

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12 Dec 2011

On December 6, Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady will speak to a subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee about Iowa's experience with video coverage of court proceedings.

By Iowa Judicial Branch

Chief Justice Cady to Speak to U.S. Senate Subcommittee about Cameras in the Courts

Des Moines, December 5, 2011– On December 6, Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady will speak to a subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee about Iowa's experience with video coverage of court proceedings.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is a leader in allowing video and audio media coverage of courts. For more than 30 years, Iowa's courts have allowed audio, photographic, and video coverage of the courts. Prior to this change, and in keeping with the custom in courts around the nation, media coverage of court proceedings was limited to pen, pencil, paper, and sketch pad. In 1979, following a thorough study, the Iowa Supreme Court adopted rules carefully designed to allow audio, video, and photographic coverage of court hearings while safeguarding the rights of litigants to a fair trial.  More recently, the Iowa Supreme Court began streaming video of its oral argument proceedings.

The Senate Judiciary hearing will be held in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building and is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. This hearing is before the Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight. It is entitled "Access to the Court: Televising the Supreme Court." Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, chair of the subcommittee, will preside. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley is a member of the subcommittee.

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12 Dec 2011

Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives December 16 - 31

By Marvin Whittaker

Fulfill Your New Year's Resolution to Give Blood

As 2011 draws to a close, many may reflect on the past year and the New Year's resolutions made nearly a year ago. If 'help others' was included on your list of resolutions, there is still time to help patients in need by donating blood through the American Red Cross.

With your donation this month, the gift of a blood or platelet donation can make an even greater difference. In honor of all December blood and platelet donors, a financial contribution will be made to the American Red Cross annual holiday giving program.

As the new year approaches, take the time to give blood this month and remember to include 'donate blood' on your list of resolutions for 2012. Make an appointment today to make a difference in the lives of others.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assist victims of international disasters or conflicts.

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

Blood Donation Opportunities:

CARROLL COUNTY

12/20/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Big Meadows Nursing Home, 1000 Longmoor Ave, Savanna

HENRY COUNTY

12/21/2011, 10:30 am- 5:30 pm, Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St., Kewanee

12/28/2011, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee

MERCER COUNTY

12/20/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, VFW Hall, 106 SW 3rd Ave., Aledo

KNOX COUNTY

12/17/2011, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Galesburg Blood Donation Center, 143 E Main St, Galesburg

12/20/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Galesburg Blood Donation Center, 143 E Main St, Galesburg

12/27/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Galesburg Blood Donation Center, 143 E Main St, Galesburg

12/29/2011, 2:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Faith United Presbyterian Church, 107 W. Bishop, Yates City

WHITESIDE COUNTY

12/20/2011, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

12/21/2011, 7:00 am- 1:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock
Falls

12/22/2011, 1:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock
Falls

12/27/2011, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

12/28/2011, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock
Falls

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

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