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News :: Local
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 12:43 AM CDT
Contentious council meeting ends with abrupt adjournment
By JOHN SKIPPER, john.skipper@globegazette.com
MASON CITY — A City Council discussion on Vision Iowa got out of control Tuesday night and ended with the council adjourning while Councilman Max Weaver was still talking.

During the meeting, Weaver taunted Mayor Roger Bang about his involvement in Vision Iowa and made an insulting remark to him when the meeting ended.

No formal action was taken on Vision Iowa.

Weaver started the discussion, saying he voted no on the project originally and that he was still against it.

In March, Mason City was awarded $9 million to help leverage $34 million in city projects for cultural improvements. The money cannot be used for other purposes. The contract requires council approval — and some council members objected to several provisions in it.

A counterproposal, drawn up by Councilmen Jeff Marsters and Don Nelson, was sent to the Vision Iowa board, which is expected to respond to it on Aug. 14.

Weaver said Tuesday night, “I’m not pulling the trigger on anything that talks about spending 5 to 8 million dollars on streetscapes and parking.”

Referring to the June flooding, he said, “I think what we negotiated (with Vision Iowa) has changed. My priorities have changed.”

Nelson said the contract revisions had been approved by the full council and sent to the Vision Iowa board.

“We as a council need to act in good faith with the Vision Iowa board,” Nelson said. “It’s not a high priority compared to the flooding. But we must honor our commitment to Vision Iowa. Their meeting is Aug. 14. Can’t we wait? They’ve been patient with us.”

At that point, Bang said he had been in contact with Vision Iowa board members. “They’re just thrilled we’re still negotiating,” he said.

Bang said he didn’t need to be a part of the negotiating team (along with City Administrator Brent Trout and City Attorney Tom Meyer) because he has been talking with Vision Iowa.

Weaver challenged him on why he no longer wanted to negotiate, asking him several times. Bang said he was willing to negotiate but that decision was up to the council.

Councilman Scott Tornquist told Weaver, “Some of my goals have changed, too. But those are short-term goals. What we’re talking about with Vision Iowa is an opportunity to have an impact on Mason City long after we’re gone.

“So we should be doing everything we can do to keep this alive instead of everything we can do to kill it.”

Weaver smirked and said, “Thank you for the moon speech.”

He then talked about how the city, by sending the revised contract to Vision Iowa, had committed to spending millions of dollars.

Marsters, Nelson and Tornquist disagreed with him, saying everything was in negotiations and nothing was final without council approval.

While Weaver was still talking council members voted to adjourn and got up and walked off.

In other business, the council approved on first reading a new alternate-side parking ordinance similar to one recommended earlier this year.

It also authorized Trout to make a recommendation at a future meeting on whether the city should offer assistance to flood victims who have been required to have their electrical meters moved.

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Showing The Last 63 comment(s) Comments On This Story

Wally wrote on Aug 9, 2008 8:47 PM:

" Yo, janedoe, piers? You building a bridge? "

janedoe wrote on Aug 8, 2008 9:48 PM:

" Saving people money has nothing to do with insulting your fellow constituents. Which is what Max does on a continual basis when he's politely asked to wind down his monologue or when he thinks things aren't going his way. I watched the video. And I stand by my view of him. He might earn more respect if he'd act more respectable toward his piers. There's no excuse or need for his act. He gets back just what he asks for and deserves. "

xvolunteerfireman wrote on Aug 8, 2008 7:32 PM:

" The only problem with Max Weaver is that he's only wrong 10% of the time. There would not be so much controversy about him if he toed the line, and listened to all the deep pockets in Mason City, and did what they want. He keeps them from making more money (which is driving them crazy), because he can't be bought by anybody rich or poor. "

N Iowan wrote on Aug 8, 2008 7:09 PM:

" Thanks, al, for pointing out, once again, that the "inner core in MC" are pushing really hard to get Max out off the council. Let's keep him there. If they insist his ego is at work, at least its not his pocketbook. "

al wrote on Aug 8, 2008 5:28 PM:

" Max being "pushy" as you claim did one thing, it kept Marinos and her crowd from pushing through Snell...and except for pockets, we do have a regional ambulance service, and a damn good one. You should go toe to toe with Max some day and then let me know how you come out...we'll see how well you test JANEDOE! "

rkelachim wrote on Aug 8, 2008 5:01 PM:

" The stagnation or even population decline is not a phenomenon unique cities of similar size and make-up as Mason City. These smaller regional cities are struggling everywhere. Austin, Albert Lea, Ft. Dodge, Marshalltown, Ottumwa all struggle to grow. One positive for Mason City is that it fares a little better than all of these other cities. These towns really need to focus on job creation and one way to do that is to improve quality of life amenities. And Mason City has the good fortune of 9 million dollars of state money to help do this. I don’t understand why there is even a debate? This Vision Iowa proposal should be a slam dunk yes and needs to happen. Yes, there are other ways to grow a city, but Vision Iowa money has a very specific requirements for the types of projects in can be used with. I personally don’t think the Mason City proposal met the spirit of Vision Iowa money, but you were awarded the money. Now you must do what it takes to follow through and get it – you’re a fool to not take 9 million. "

Wally wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:54 PM:

" So Hootchild, what is an Interstructure
? "

What its worth wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:40 PM:

" janedoe:

HITLER is a good example of someone that fooled lots of people with his propaganda and developed a strong following. "

xvolunteerfireman wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:58 PM:

" KenS-You still do not make any sense. It's just hard to believe that four towns you just happened to visit are so much better than Mason City is. Like I said, to be such an expert on these four towns you must have did an in depth study on them. Let's see the facts. I think you just pulled your statements out of the clear blue sky. In fact I'm certain of it. "

janedoe wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:16 PM:

" To al,
A. Max migt know a lot of history....but he doesn't know how to change it and progress.
B. Max did NOT bring the abulance service to MC. It was already one of te ideas. He just tried to be pushy instead of going throught the proper procedure. As usual.... It really should have been a Regional Service anyway. So he scores no points in my book.
C. If Max took the test...he'd flunk. Simply because he considers himself and
"his ideas" above others. It's obvious by how he waves that finger around in the air everytime someone else would like the floor after his 1/2 drival. He's close minded to anyone but himself. Tho he's good at making people think he's for the little guy. It's really only his ego he's feeding. "

concernedone wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:02 PM:

" I do watch, and it is ridiculous. Why would I want my business in a town where I would want to deal with any of them. It is time for some new blood. Is there a way a citizen petition can limit the number of terms a councilmen can serve? "

N Iowan wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:45 PM:

" concernedone - we're glad you are going to Clear Lake. You obviously should watch the council meetings because the majority of the council tries very hard to stir the pot that one is watching "very carefully" for those taxpayers who voted him in. I live in a different precinct and could not vote for Max - but should have. "

superhowy wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:42 PM:

" I am going to have to agree with Ken S on this one. I moved to a neighborhood that my kids and I thought was nice. Then the family accross the street moved and the next door neighbor passed away. Now I have to contend with a viscious pit-bull, a german shepherd that has been cited, but keeps coming back when the police aren't looking, loud drunken behavior at 3 am on a week night by some out of control college kids, drug dealing...the list goes on and on. The police are parked on my street a lot anymore. I need to move for my kids safety. What a shame. Some nearby community will add a happy productive family very soon. "

EdwinMeese wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:20 PM:

" Vote them all out and replace them with people who can actually get things done in a rational manner instead of it being the good ol' boys club versus a guy who wants to fight with everyone. "

hawkhick wrote on Aug 8, 2008 10:19 AM:

" All I know about this situation is that Max, et al. need to kick it up a notch if this soap opera is to retain my interest because they are clearly being outdone by the Marble Rock Council. "

KenS wrote on Aug 8, 2008 9:31 AM:

" Anti-Social laws such as drunk driving, and teenage drinking, Deceptive Practices to name a few. The fines and penalties are much stiffer.

Housing laws including lawns (Herbage requirements), upkeep, and manditory inspections (a landlord here can offer a property which is filthy and unsafe, and there is no enforcement). Noise ordinances from motor vehicles (not enforced in Mason City). Traffic laws such as speeding and parking, enforced for all vehicles motorize or otherwise.

A useful business in the downtown area is a business an average consumer would tend to visit at least once a week. Exempt from that term is places which sell or serve booze, and big box retailers. Included is resturants, smaller retail outlets, ice cream shoppes. Non-useful was described as Offices of Governments, Societies, or those which did not solicit the general public to enter (most such were kept above the ground level).

The towns are: Ottawa, IL; Stevens Point, WI; O’Fallon, IL; and Owasso, MI. Note that Ottawa and Stevens Point, were nationally listed for many years as most livable communities. I have personally visited all four communities over the years of traveling. The information is not opinion, but observation, spurred on by these blogs about why Mason City is not prospering. "

gitwitit wrote on Aug 8, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Eagle...there are so many vacant buildings in Mason City right now. We are lucky to have Mercy...they are the number one employer in Mason City. There are 200+ houses for sale in this city right now. There are still new homes being built all over the place. There is not a shortage of empty homes or buildings, so I think the least of our worries should be Mercy buying property. There are no businesses moving into town, which means those vacant buildings would remain vacant and there would be no tax money earned anyway. At least with Mercy expanding and opening new offices, there is potential for new jobs! "

hootchlid wrote on Aug 8, 2008 6:33 AM:

" i meant fish or cut bait.. lol "

hootchlid wrote on Aug 8, 2008 6:32 AM:

" I agree with some of what globereader has said,but,Large Corporations Do not make business decisions based on 1 person,they make decisions on their "bottom lines".Which means what city will offer them the best incentives and situation for basing their new facility.They would not base their decision on Max Weaver alone.Although,they could put in the mix that the PEOPLE of Mason City Elected him,which would be good or bad depending on the committee who is deciding where to place the facility.
my point is
Mason City needs to
1. Improve its Interstructure
2. Improve its Image,IE Mason City is "Open for Business" and offer actual Incentives for bringing new Businesses into Mason City,Ones that offer good paying jobs,not RETAIL low paying jobs.

Part of the Problem is this,The people of Mason City keep electing the same old people to the council and then recycle them to the Mayor Position.Until,the citizens of Mason City,vote them all out put in new people,and put in a Mayor that has the best interist and the future of Mason City at heart,We will have the same old fights,arguments,bickering.Its time to Fish or But bait,and I truely hope that my hometown rights itself before it becomes a has been,ghost town with no jobs. "

glbrdr wrote on Aug 8, 2008 5:15 AM:

" Lets face it the city council will not be happy until they have turned this city into a ghost town. They do not care about the citizens all they want to do is spend money on ridiculous things like the Music Man Square which nobody goes to or cares about. Half of Mason City needs to be pushed in and rebuilt, but they would rather spend the money on silly things like a stupid hotel that nobody will be able to stay at due to the lack of jobs in this place. The idea of bringing good paying jobs into this city is never given a thought. They would rather have everyone employed at curries and kraft so if something were to happen to those companies than the whole city would be in trouble! Nice going people, keep up the great work! "

al wrote on Aug 8, 2008 3:16 AM:

" BILL C...Max's idea concerning Cedar Rapids had nothing to do with the flood there with the exception that it, like Mason City, had applied for Vision Iowa funds and perhaps it would be a great gesture on Mason City's part to refuse the money and point it Cedar Rapids' way for the project it wanted to complete. Nice gesture, if you ask me. As far as the insulting remark, "I'm sure your seat is still warm..." to the mayor...well, sometimes the truth hurts. I've advocated for a long time that all councilmen be tested at the door before they are allowed to act on government business.

It's amusing to me that there are those in this community who would like, and and do, blame Max for all of the ills of this city...a city whose growth is south and at the rate it's going will move its population into the 20,000 range within 10 years... Max isn't the solution, but he isn't the problem either. Max's main problem is he knows too much...corner him someday with a problem area in the city and you'd be surprised at his answer...he'll take you back to the beginning and bring you up to date.

Mason City's biggest problem is old ideas coming from "old" people. We've been told how many times now..."Build it and they will come..." i.e. Music Man, the mall, central park renovation, the new Fareway store etc., .... and now the Vision Iowa project. Meanwhile we have a fair in failure and buldings there in need of maintenance, city streets that look like something from out of the third world, infrastructure that is crumbling (leaking), ordinances not enforced, crumbling brick on the sidewalk in front of city hall (a nice representation to those visiting the city), parking signs whose height defy logic and are in such disrepair they look as if they are waving at you...the list is endless.

What's good about the city...well, there's the barbque bash which has taken off against all odds, the horse shows at the fair grounds...the trapper's convention...to name a few. Most of the rest of the efforts are pretty futile, including those nights in the park as the city tries, miserably, to emulate Clear Lake.

Were I a flood victim, my first thought would be to try and recoup my losses and then look elsewhere to settle. In the meantime I'd make it my job to personally thank Max for helping to bring the finest ambulance service in Iowa to Mason City. "

xvolunteerfireman wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:18 AM:

" KenS-Things being said on these posts are getting ridiculous. No parking on lawns, loud motorcycles being the exception. These are issues that make a town uninhabitable? You make it sound like the Hell's Angles have their natonal headquaters in Mason City. Please elaborate what an anti-social law is, and why they don't allow housing, noise, and traffic in those other communities. Also what do you mean by a useful business, do they have a better Wal-Mart or something? Who would run a non useful business. By the way I am certain you are not a businesman. Did you do a study or just look at stuff. If you just looked, it's just your opinion, if you did a study let's see the facts. What towns were they, because I would like to ask them why they are so cohessive, and are not drawn on economics, or attitudes, whatever that means. "

KenS wrote on Aug 7, 2008 11:22 PM:

" I looked at 4 communities the same size as Mason City not too long ago. Two in IL, one in MI, and one in WI, all removed from urban areas. Many had the same problems as Mason City. Teens were bored, drugs were readily available, and unemployment was growing.

Of the items that did not match Mason City were, housing prices, income, and schooling. All scored higher than Mason City of course.

As I am familiar with one of the towns, I can speak to the differences in behaviors and attitudes. Such things as parking on lawns are almost unthinkable there, quite common in MC. Loud motorcycles are the exception, not the norm as they are here. The City enforces anti-social laws along with housing, noise, and traffic. The downtown actually has useful businesses that people want to patronize.

Far more, I found the community as a whole, had a certain cohesiveness to it. In MC, I see so much divisiveness, not only drawn on lines of economics, but attitudes.

Civility here is at a premium. So are attitudes that will bring success. I hate to be so blunt about it, but I guess being from the outside, it is glaring to my eyes. "

gitwitit wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:57 PM:

" Crawdad said it best...council members are to vote as proxy for the citizens they represent. Max appeals to a small number of citizens from several wards, but does not necessarily represent a majority of his own ward. Government is all about checks and balances and Max does keep things in check, however, sometimes he tends to go overboard to the point of being counter-productive. Cedar Rapids was hit much harder than Mason City by floods, and their city government is not bailing out their citizens. Cedar Rapids had several projects "in the works" but they did not drop everything in order to help their citizens. There is a fine line between helping your neighbors and "bailing them out". I do not want to see anyone struggle, but there are people who were not affected by the floods struggling. Take a look at the economy. Some people can't afford to buy groceries or commute to work. Should the city government bail them out? They are also our neighbors. Charles City lost 270 jobs with Winnebago; should they bail them out beyond unemployment? The answer is no. YOu push through difficult times and overcome these unusual circumstances. These catastrophies definitely make it more difficult to focus on the long term though! "

KenS wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:55 PM:

" I will not argue that some amenities are what a business will look for in a community, Mason City does not have it.

Again I will suggest it is an attitude about the place, as well as people. "

Ahava S. wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:30 PM:

" Any good Max Weaver *might* do is negated by his disrespectful attitude. He thinks he's "all that and a bag of chips". In that case, I'm on a low sodium diet. "

MC Native wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:54 PM:

" Wow... I find this so entertaining. I wish they would syndicate the MC Council Meetings. This one must have been a hoot! Fortunately, I live in a community where the council gets things done and where businesses want to locate. However, I really think if the local media ignores Max and not give him the grandstand to perform on, MC's image would improve. I see this the fault of the Globe-Gazette as much as Max's. "

globereader wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:45 PM:

" This thread of comments demonstrates some very naïve views: hootchlid, I work within the business community in several capacities with company owners and their senior managers - the men and women who make the decisions whether or not they will invest or continue to invest their capital here in Mason City or elsewhere. You list (4) things corporations are looking for and I agree they are considered, however you mention basic amenities that should be expected anywhere a company would chose to locate. Mason City needs to distinguish itself from other communities to attract potential business and industry. I disagree wholeheartedly with your statements about Mr. Weaver though.

Our elected city council can not even conduct “their own business meeting” in a professional, respectful, or civil manner. Mr. Weaver is consistently disruptive and his childish antics are counter productive. (Don't read passionate) Mr. Jaszewski falls asleep during the public comment period of their meeting, and Mr. Nelson recently made it clear to all that he didn’t want to hear comments from his constituents (representative government at its best)! I often read or hear of our Councils’ ineptness and the finger pointing or blame game that coincides from the never ending flow of opinions and I will offer mine: Max Weaver in his role as a councilperson does more to stifle progress in our community than perhaps one can measure. It is not an issue of competence or effort as I truly believe Mr. Weaver does his homework and feels he is helping the community by serving on the council.

How many quality, capable, caring, and qualified potential city council candidates reside within our city limits? How many of these citizens would consider serving if they didn’t need to be associated with Max? I might! Perhaps these citizens are open to listening (Nelson), or show enough interest to not fall asleep (Jaszewski), or are mature enough to be respectful (Weaver)?

Could there possibly be citizens that would be willing to serve our community or are we being represented by the best Mason City has to offer? I think we all know this answer! Until our elected officials can conduct themselves in a professional manner, we can not expect to move forward as a community when it comes to matters our council has a say in.

Our Council and their unwillingness to put their personalities or personal agendas aside for the better good is what is thwarting progress. Each of our councilpersons is capable of doing so. But will they? "

M.C Taxpayor wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:14 PM:

" janedoe, to many of us ignorant people, the FLW buildingd represent nothing more than a liability hazard and old brick and morter. If they are SOOO valuable, why wont a private enterprize touch them? "

janedoe wrote on Aug 7, 2008 2:53 PM:

" Whether the hotel brings money in or not is beside the point. The fact is it's a significant historical piece of architecture that needs to be preserved. If you don't understand that then you need to go sit on a bump on a log like you've probably been doing asnyway for years. "

TheCrawdad wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:57 AM:

" Their votes are "strictly what their voters want" because that is their job - to vote as proxy for the citizens they represent. Now, of course in the matter of the FLW hotel, sometimes you have to realize that some citizens are uninformed and have never left the county, and do what is best for them anyway.
To those of you who whine constantly about jobs, get over it. No one is building factories with high-paying, easy-going union wages anymore. Did you ever think that the high dollars unions demand are part of the reason everyone goes overseas? Anyway, why not make your own job? Small businesses and sole proprietorships are thriving, you would probably make more. Learn a trade, get off your buts, stop complaining, and be productive. You don't have to be a slave to a corporation, or to a government for that matter. No one is going to do it for you. Again, we need to get out of this "nanny state" mentality before it crushes us. You have no one to rely on (or blame) but yourself, the sooner you realize that the more successful you will be, I promise. "

why wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:28 AM:

" I am not a MC resident but I occasionally watch the council meetings on mediacom. I think that Max Weaver is probably the only council member that is not afraid to get his hands dirty and actually do some of the homework that needs to be done. The other council member’s decisions and votes appear to be strictly what their voters want. They don't care about the long term effects of their votes. They are concerned only with the hear and now and if the people will vote them into office next go around. I think what some people call childish behavior by Max is actually his passion to make what he knows understood. Many times this is just a gut instinct and I think it is wrong that people find fault in this ability to stand up and say what you think even when it is not popular. I am sure he feels like he is talking to a brick wall at times. The council adjourning the meeting in the manner that they did proves once again Max Weaver is correct in his gut feeling. The people do not want to listen. Kudos to you Max for standing by your convictions. If I lived in your city and district you would have my vote. "

eagle wrote on Aug 7, 2008 8:58 AM:

" Wake up people. As much as I think the hotel should be restored, I'm smart enough to realize that it won't bring in as much revenue as people think. We thought everyone loved Meredith Willson so much and thought they would come to see his boyhood home and "Music Man Square". That's a flop. Most people that aren't from this area if asked about Meredith Willson will say "Who's She." Granted, more people know about Frank Lloyd Wright, but that doesn't mean you're going to have people flocking here.

I don't care for the way Weaver acts sometimes, but he moves in the right direction a majority of the time. His fellow councilmen hardly act like councilmen should either when they yell and coax him to his antics. I think it would be best if we could wiped the slate clean and get people in there that have fresh ideas and haven't served before.

I agree with jab. Good comments. "

concernedone wrote on Aug 7, 2008 8:52 AM:

" Is there anywhere you can watch the entire council meeting online? If people would watch the whole thing instead of this little section, you would see how childish Max acted through it all. "

concernedone wrote on Aug 7, 2008 8:41 AM:

" I beg to differ, we are opening up a new business and are moving to Clear Lake to set up shop, for that reason alone....MAX. We don't want to put up with him and his antics. "

hootchlid wrote on Aug 7, 2008 7:55 AM:

" To think Corporations do not want to bring jobs into Mason City just because of one person,is simply put as ludicrous.You people who think that must have such a high opinion of yourselfs..Its absurd that 1 person asking questions of why others are trying to ramrod items and policies thru the City Council is simply misguided...
Corporations that are looking put new Factorys or Facilities are looking for

1.Tax Breaks..Tax Breaks and Tax Breaks
2.Cheap Labor Pool..
3.Good Intrstructure.IE Roads,Schools,city services.
4.Availiblity of Cheap Land and access to city public services.
TO think that MAX WEAVER Is the cause of companies not Coming to MASON CITY is simply SIMPLE minded...ITs the policies of the City Administrator,City Economic Council and to some extent the state of Iowa that MAKES the final decision for a Company to locate its factory...NOT MAX WEAVER..people who claim this must be obsessed with him..Last I looked the majority of mason city agrees with him as he did when the last election. "

jobs needed wrote on Aug 7, 2008 1:41 AM:

" LEVEE FACT'S The water was 40 inches over the levee! You would have rasie up the 12th street and Carolina bridge and the all of the levee 4 to 5 foot to stop this last flood! Yes there are some areas of the levee that were not at 15 foot but when the water is almost 4 foot over, what would it of changed! How much would that project cost and who would of approved it before or after the flood, NOBODY! Get the facts correct before blaming people! "

KenS wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:01 PM:

" To provide for the common good.

If a flooded out home, not located within a flood plain, would not be considered extraordinary, I don't know what is.

Think for a moment. Had you all kept 'your' levee in decent repair, this would have never happened. So you all have yourselves to blame. Better get out the checkbook.

Funny thing about putting the shoe on the other foot, it still stinks. "

nobullplez wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:07 PM:

" Laughing stock of Iowa? Hmmm???
I have yet to here any other community chastise M.C. for th relection of it's government management or laugh at it for that matter... "

jab wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:01 PM:

" I am one of those people against vision iowa. The hotel and the bandshell are both historical sites but this plan wants the citizens to restore one and tear down the other?! Vision iowa for the most part benefits the downtown association. ya the library is on there but how many millions are we overspending on that project to dress up the application to be considered for the 9 million!

Next the flood. I as a taxpayer am all for spending my tax dollars to help the victims. The city is going to be reimbursed for what did they say 80% of thier cost? those victims would love to see that return on thier homes! I say help them.

last, the adjournment last night was a disgrace! I am a max supporter and yes he was out of line more than once last night, but to adjourn the meeting because you don't want to listen to him anymore, before the ajenda is complete! It was sad to see you all take your ball and go! "

DaBearz wrote on Aug 6, 2008 6:58 PM:

" How predictable.

Max needs to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable.

Cast the opposing vote if you like then sit down, shut up and move on. "

Renee wrote on Aug 6, 2008 5:17 PM:

" mrfoad: You say, "it is the government's NUMBER ONE job to take care of its citizens in times of crisis?!" Really? So, if I have a child born with a serious health issue, an ailing elderly parent, a drug-addicted family member, a spouse who drives us into bankruptcy, unemployment due to downsizing or lack of profit or whatever, a tragic loss due to a drunk driver, a severe mental depression or maybe a tree falls through my roof causing extensive home damage. Or maybe I have a crisis of conscience for some inner spiritual reasons. I mean, really, in times of crisis it is up to the GOVERNMENT to help me out? Or does it just depend on numbers? If A LOT of people have THE SAME crisis, then the government is responsible, but if we all have our own individual crisis, it is up to us alone? "

mcdad101 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 5:10 PM:

" Hey ag, when my house flooded I got a SBA loan and spent my own money and I'm not in a flood zone either! Oh yeah, it seems like most of the bloggers on this article agree with me, possibly because they are sick of all the free government hand outs also? "

MCPride wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:44 PM:

" "Mason City is dying - not because Max Weaver doesn't want to update the hotel or the library, but because there are no jobs here"

Actually, businesses do not want to have anything to do with Max so they choose to take it elsewhere. If/when they do make an attempt, they are met head on by him and proceed in another direction. "

flyonthewall wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:08 PM:

" People falling asleep, grown people not getting along in a nonprofessional way....These people were elected????!!!!!Mason City wonders why they are laughed at so much around the state? Why they are considered a joke? Why nothing can get done?

There is your answer. "

al4usa wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:49 PM:

" Only in cases of extreme natural disasters should government hand out or bail out with our tax money. If private enterprise cannot figure out a way to make these projects work then government has no business being involved. If these people who are to represent us on boards and councils cannot figure this out then they need to be removed by referendum now. "

N Iowan wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:39 PM:

" What the average person in Mason City is thinking again today is that the same agenda is still at work in our City. No one wants to help the average person; they want to build monuments that will get visited by only a small faction of people. Mason City is dying - not because Max Weaver doesn't want to update the hotel or the library, but because there are no jobs here. Look around as you drive through this "teaming metropolis." There are so many houses for sale that the realtors are running out of signs. Look at the boarded up and abandoned buildings. Mason City is not going to be thriving "after we're gone" because there will not be any young people here to raise children and help it grow. Money is very tight for most people right now and to see our government body spend this volume of money on these projects just feels wrong. Mason City needs industry, jobs, and more hope. Not more buildings, especially not these projects. "

Bill C. wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:15 PM:

" I have no axe to grind with Mr. Weaver, but his argument at the Council meeting, at least as shown on the video on this site, is an example of sophistry at its worst. Correct me if I am wrong, Vision Iowa is aimed at economic development and its funds specified for that reason alone. As a result, it would take an act of the legislature to "retask" the funds to flood or other relief. Thus, refusing the funds will do nothing to aid those whose property was damaged by the floods. Mr. Weaver does not want the project, plain and simple. The floods are simply another excuse for his end game. He claims to be honest and open, but the rhetoric used shows the opposite to be true. Fine, you don't want to do anything for downtown. Abandon it, level it and build another big box store. Change the name of the town to Dying City and get it over with. Mr. Weaver is trying to kill the project by talking it to death, a time honored political strategy. But stop the grandstanding and call it what it is: "I hate downtown, don't see any use in preserving or redeveloping it, and want it to go away as it doesn't feed my political agenda." Wait, maybe I do have an axe to grind after all! "

mrfoad wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:35 PM:

" This article should have been listed as an "editorial", not in the "news" section. The Globe & Mr.Skipper have an obvious vendetta against Max Weaver.
Max could win the lottery and give the City $10,000,000 with no strings attached and the Globe/Mr.Skipper would find fault with him.

Max was right to bring up the Vision Iowa issue last night. The City is sending down representatives to negociate with Vision Iowa on 8/14 and it was Max's point that they should discuss what points that they wanted the negociating team to push hard on and what perameters on certain points that the Council were okay with. It just makes sense to get all these perameters down BEFORE they go down. The way the meeting ended was rude and unprofessional. I will have to watch the meeting again because I heard the motion to adjourn, but I never heard the vote taken to adjourn. Mr.Bang was so anxious to leave that he was half way out the door while Max was still speaking.

Now I must comment on the other bloggers who are tired of hearing about the "victims" and wonder if government money should be spent helping the "victims". Shame on you! Just because, by the grace of Godm, you weren't a "victim" to the flooding doesn't mean it wasn't a tragedy to the people who were. I'm sure that if we had a situation like what happened in Parkersburg that you would have been the first in line in the government help line. You say that it is not the government's job to help the flood "victims", you are wrong, wrong, wrong. It is the govenment's number one job to take care of it's citizens in times of crisis. What is NOT the government's job is to fund special interest projects like the Wright Hotel or Streetscape project. Those kinds of projects will cost a LOT of money and will only benefit the select few. If the businesses on Federal want the Streetscape, they should pony up the money themselves. But that would never happen because select businesses have everything handed to them, while "victims" suffer in silence. "

al4usa wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:29 PM:

" This paper practices suppression of free speech. Why did you delete my comment posted last evening from this site? The comparison between America's dependence on foreign oil and citizen's dependence on government bailouts and handouts as well as governments' dependence on tax money would make people think. Com'on post it! "

realistic wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:18 AM:

" As people in Mason City, we have lost our identity of who we are.

I feel like this vision Iowa proposal is like having a credit card given to us with a $20,000 balance. Just because we have the ability to spend the money, doesn't necessarily mean we should without working on some of the major issues we have now...short term thinking...I admit..yes..but we have done a bunch of things for downtown that simply, has failed...The one question I have is why would you build a multimillion dollar building for water control and not have any way to block water when you are next to water...I agree, people that got flooded out, sorry, but thats life and if you want the freedoms of owning a house, you get the responsibilities of repairing it...I dont agree with the water situation however where we feel like we are done with major floods..its time to get people in here that dont care about their "legacy" that are willing to not get re-elected, and Max, you need to grow up and understand that its not 1955 anymore and they "good old days" are past.. we need leadership that questions authority, but in a professional manner. "

What its worth wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:11 AM:

" To top things off:

What about the City Council member who fell asleep in the beginning of the meeting during the Public Input Session?

He was caught by the Mayor to keep him from falling to the floor. "

xvolunteerfireman wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:04 AM:

" Max Weaver reminds me of a former Republican U. S. Congressman named H. R. Gross, which I had the honor of voting for in 1970. I usually vote for Democracts. He was always throwing a wrench into the works to, not to cause problems, but to keep stupid illogical money wasting bills from getting passed. One time he objected to passing a measure that had would have given $170,000 to a Professor to do a study on why rats constantly knaw their teeth down. He got up and said he already knew what the answer was. He said they do it because if they didn't, their teeth would get so long they would not be able to eat and would starve to death. Having said that he then asked if he could have the money, which he would spend on something constructive. I think Max Weaver is that type of guy. Don't spend money on stupid ideas just on important ones that make sense. I think this is what he is trying to do all of the time. Of couse Max Weaver isn't right all the time on everything. "

Renee wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:03 AM:

" Max MAY care about MC citizens, it is just too difficult to know for sure. It is VERY clear that he cares about himself, his ego, his agenda, his ideas, his talking time, etc. IF he TRULY cares about MC, he needs to figure a way to reign himself in, present his ideas in a constructive and respectable manner, upgrade his behavior from that of a late adolescent to one of a middle-aged gentleman . His immature antics are really sickening to watch. I keep waiting for him to put his hands over his ears and say "blah, blah, blah....." like I have seen other preschool children do so they don't have to listen to adults.

As for the "victims?" Yeah, it is tragic what some homeowners are now faced with. But I am so sick of victims right now. Since when is the government (local, state or national) responsible for everything? FEMA is Federal EMERGENCY Management, not LIFE management. They did what they are responsible for doing, here, New Orleans, Parkersburg, etc. They came in, provided water, food, clothing , shelter, counsel, services, medical care, etc. When the "emergency" is over, they are done! They are not responsible for seeing to it that people rebuild their lives from the ground up. "

LeeEnterPrizes wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:26 AM:

" I feel bad for the flood victims and wish them a speedy recovery. However, it is not the City government's role to bail out flood victims, or anyone for that matter. People dealing with the flood can go to their insurance company or FEMA or friends and family or charities for help. To blame the City government for the flood and its effects is irresponsible. It is a gamble to live near a body of water (river in this case) and not have a plan for a major flood. The City cannot put these people's lives and homes back the way they were before the flood and shouldn't be expected to do so. The City cannot just write out checks to everyone affected by this disaster, nor should it accept any blame for the flood. The City should advocate for these people for assistance and ease fees for rebuilding and other restrictions ... but no bailouts. "

ag wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:19 AM:

" Hey mcdad101...that is a pretty ignorant thing to say seeing as though some people loosing their houses aren't even close to a flood plain. I don't live anywhere near one and my neighbors have one of those lovely red tags on their door. As to the purchase of flood insurance, many people are finding that their insurance isn't paying for near what they have lost. Most people can't afford to continue paying their mortgage and purchase or rent another property. It is very disappointing that our city can't help these people more. The other communities affected by flooding are advancing must quicker in the flood aid processes. But Vision Iowa is probably more important, right? Max is always there for the people of this city and it gets old reading the insulting articles in the Globe all the time. Maybe more people should take notes on Max's ways, but I don't think anyone has the heart he does! "

kbr1972 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:45 AM:

" "Smirked"? Whoever wrote this piece should act like a professional and just report what happened, and leave his opinions and judgments out of it. This is supposed to be a news story, not an editorial. "

What its worth wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:20 AM:

" Max should be in Hollywood, he really missed his calling. He's an actor!

He convinces people he cares and yet it's really about promoting himself as the hero (or) savior to Mason City.

He forgets, he has a responsibility to ALL taxpayers, NOT JUST flood victims that are gullible to his heroism behavior.

Example: He talks out both sides of his mouth. We aren't doing enough for the flood victims and then says he doesn't care about protecting those victims properties that are unoccupied and being vandalized.

Seems to me that these people need our help more than those able to occupy their homes. "

iowa wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:59 AM:

" Again, if this hotel is so great, why not get the money in advance from all the people that want to come and see it. The last great decesion the Council as a whole made was to be against the Casino, we could have paid for it with those funds. Soon more of our tax money will be going to these special projects than to street repair. Remind me again, where is this parking garage going? Does anyone involved in this have an office where that is? "

janedoe wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:30 AM:

" Oh please. Stop making Max the "victim". Max's mouth makes him his own victim. It wouldn't be about "personanlity" if Max didn't make it so.
Life goes on. MC can't stop functioning and progressing just because a handful of it's residents got flooded. There are still thousands of residents that would like to see MC grow.
Doesn't mean they don't care about those that got flooded. But the world shouldn't stop turning for a chosen few.
The other residents don't "owe" the rest of their lives to the flooded residents. Insurance, FEMA, benefits and personal responsibility are what those flooded should be relying on.
I don't read anything into the above article except the facts. There's no scewing of events or nothing to be missinterpreted. "

mcdad101 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 6:02 AM:

" Why is the does the city feel the need to spent public funds helping the flood victims? I do feel sorry that this happened to these people, but most knew they were buying in a flood plain (or should have as our realtor told us when we were looking in that area) and needed flood insurance. If they chose to buy the minimal amount of flood coverage they rolled the dice and lost. "

willing worker wrote on Aug 6, 2008 5:46 AM:

" You go Max...dog gone it. I should have been there. I agree. Flood this spring should trump any argument. "

MC Native wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:01 AM:

" Taunts and insults? If you watch the video, Max brings up some excellent points. It would appear that the rest of council were too busy thinking about adjournment and not focused on the issue which was flood recovery. In this case, the power of video was stronger then words. The so-called 'news' article above was nothing more of Skipper's continued personal vendetta against Max. Journalism 101... the issue was the subject, not the personality. "

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