The political left and right are subjects of endless debate, often over imagined philosophical moorings.  The real problem in politics today is Democrats and Republicans. Both parties have been leading us to tyranny and away from the Freedom and prosperity which makes our country a great nation.

It is Liberty that offers the greatest hope for your children and those yet to be born…and yes it is good for the environment too. Those that argue otherwise do not have a strong grasp of either the immutable laws of economics or the capacity of humans to control and improve their environments.

Progress on all fronts is routinely limited and degraded by a political process that undermines the values and best interest of people, culture and communities.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/blog/post/cap-and-trade-washington-state-phase-2-big-buyoff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK8o8nPVIRM#t=521

Posts before this date are from the 2011 Mike For Spokane Campaign.

New Disposal Rate proposed during  S.W.A.C. Meeting

By SN&I Staff  – 8/26/11

A few months ago the Director of the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System, Russ Menke stated during a Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting that garbage rates in Spokane would need to rise dramatically and could climb to as high as $142.00 per ton in the coming years.  This past Wednesday, he informed the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Advisory Committee that all of the system’s cash reserves were committed and the system was now essentially out of money.

Menke said the City needs to increase garbage rates approximately $10 per ton now, and will need additional rate increases in the next couple of years.

At the beginning of  this year the City of Spokane was budgeting $128.8 million in disposal related expenditures for 2011. Included in this figure was a budget of approximately $56 million for the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System, which is owned and operated by the City of Spokane.

Over the last decade the regional system has charged one of the highest disposal fees in the nation, at near $100 per ton, while running operating loses often in the $7- $9 million range.  On Wednesday Menke stated that the Waste to Energy plant is now in poor shape and in need of repairs.   He has estimated these repairs could cost as much as $18 million, but indicated not all repairs would be able to be accomplished with the newly proposed rate increases.   Menke also indicated that heavily subsidized electricity sales contracts are expiring this year, and there is little hope that new contracts will bring in anything close to what the system has received in the past, adding to the anticipated, increased deficit situation.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Spokane County Commissioner, Al French presented a proposal to replace the existing regional solid waste system with a new regional solid waste alliance that would take regional solid waste administration responsibilities away from the City of Spokane.

The Regional Solid Waste System has benefited from no competition, due to a government imposed monopoly, referred to as flow control,  with as much as 70% of all revenues going to Waste Management, Inc.,  a private sector, Fortune 500 Company.  During Wednesday’s  meeting, S.W.A.C. member and Waste Management, Inc. employee Ken Gimble spoke in favor of maintaining flow control, due to the excellent value the Spokane community receives under this arrangement.  Under the new waste alliance proposed by Commissioner Al French, government flow control provisions would be extended for another 35 years.

No proposals were being considered to introduce private sector competition, which could lower the cost of local disposal towards national and regional averages, currently at nearly half of what the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System now charges citizens and businesses throughout the county.

 

http://spokanenewsinformation.com/

Thank you, to the Citizens of Spokane, for considering my Campaign for Mayor.

I am blessed to live in a nation that allows  me to stand for elected office and to share my views on government, community and economic Liberty.

Good luck to all the Candidates that have stood up for our Spokane Community this election cycle.   I look forward to a bright and prosperous Spokane future, enabled and protected by our Constitutionally Free Republic.

Michael J. Noder ~ August 15th 2011

Mike for Spokane does not accept political donations from any person or organization because of  inherent conflicts associated with money and elected office.

Charity is a different matter and may be a better place for Spokane political dollars.

There is a need for giving in Spokane that is also highly beneficial to our community, but this giving should not be mandated nor handled by government.

Individuals and the business community can manage charitable organizations far better than government with a much better return on our  charitable dollars.

Help Mike for Spokane support the local food banks and Spokanimal.

http://www.2-harvest.org/

http://www.spokanimal.org/

100% of all proceeds designated for a Spokane Charity, goes to that Charity. Mike for Spokane covers all administrative costs and handling fees.

Those giving $100 or more get a non-partisian, election-neutral Mike for Spokane, “thank you” sign to display in their yard or business during the political campaign.  Signs are delivered and will be picked up promptly after the elections.

If you are going to give political money, consider making it, “For Spokane.” ~  Mike Noder

 

Thank you, to the following early contributors:

Sam M. -Spokanimal:  $100.

Jeff G.- Spokanimal

Glory G. Spokanimal:  $100.

Jim K.  -Woman’s Shelter

Marla K- Woman’s Shelter  $100.00

Lynda M.- Spokanimal & Food Bank $200.00

Linda A. – Spokanimal $100.00

 

 

 

 

 

Mike for Spokane responds to questions from the  Washington State Council on American-Islamic Relations:

 

2011 CAIR-Washington Candidate Survey

 CAIR-Washington is the local Washington state chapter of CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) serving the Northwest. CAIR is the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group.

CAIR-Washington is a not-for-profit organization registered in Washington. Though it leverages the resources, expertise, and knowledgebase of CAIR (based in Washington D.C.), it functions as an independent organization that sets its own strategy and goals.

CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Candidates are asked to answer the following questions honestly and to the best of their ability.  Surveys completed by July 22will be distributed to constituents electronically by August 3.  CAIR-WA does not make official endorsements and will provide the full text of all collected responses.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact the office of CAIR-WA at (206) 367-4081 or at info@cairseattle.org.

1.       In the last year there have been over 10 reported anti-Muslim hate crimes in the Northwest.  U.S. Attorney for the Western Washington region, Jenny Durkan, wrote in an Op-Ed published April 6 that “fear and prejudice cannot be allowed to define who is welcome and who will be ostracized.”  Do you commit to publicly confronting bigotry against any race, religion, or other protected classes, including bigotry against Muslims?

Answer: I swear to uphold the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, which does not exclude any race or religion.  The only protected class that I am aware of is Individual Liberty under our Free Republic.

2. A 2009 report by the Asian Law Caucus cited numerous reports of racial profiling and religious discrimination that targeted the American Muslim, South Asian, and Middle Eastern communities.  That report found that “overbroad and intrusive questioning of ordinary Americans at the border doesn’t just violate their constitutionally protected rights, it instills fear, anxiety, and insecurity in targeted communities, inhibits cultural exchange, and strains U.S. diplomatic relationships abroad.” Do you commit to stopping the harassment of Muslims by border-protection agencies and airport security?  If so, how do you plan to act?  Please explain.

Answer:  I am running for Mayor of Spokane.  I am not involved, nor have the authority to act on U.S. Diplomatic relations and border security matters.  However, if you believe a citizen of Spokane  has been abused, unfairly treated or threatened by any level of government, I would appreciate having  it brought to my attention.   

3.   The Southern Poverty Law Center released its 2011 Intelligence Report: “Jihad Against Islam” that documents the “reckless and bare-knuckled campaign to vilify a distinct class of people and compromise their fundamental civil and human rights.” Additionally, the American Muslim community has been scrutinized by the Islam Radicalization Hearings being held by some Congressional members.  These acts of prejudice and hatred are detrimental to the American Muslim community and have only increased the negative stereotype of American Muslims.  How do you plan to engage and involve the Muslim community in visible political activities in order to combat hysteria and promote understanding in our communities?

Answer: I do not consider the Southern Poverty Law Center a reliable source of information.   I am engaging Spokane as a community, not as a specific race or religion.

4.       Reductions in bus routes and delays in expanding light rail service have burdened many low income communities unfairly as gas prices rise.  What can be done to improve the accessibility of transportation for low income communities?

Answer #1: I am against light rail in Spokane as a highly limiting and inefficient use of regional transportation dollars.

Answer #2:  I would like to reduce weight limits on specific commuter corridors that would allow bicycles and golf carts to operate  safely and far more cheaply with a wider range of mobility and greater flexibility in long-term, city transportation planning. 

5.       Ward Connerly, the founder of the California Civil Rights Initiative, Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, and American Civil Rights Initiative, has been instrumental in campaigning for an end to affirmative action programs across the country.  His latest campaign involved a repeal of the Supreme Court’s decision upholding affirmative action programs within public universities and received no endorsements from other civil rights groups.  After helping to pass I-200 in the state of Washington, he took his campaign to Michigan where he thanked the KKK for endorsing his initiative.  How do you plan to support under-served communities of color who are perpetually denied equal opportunities while the law denies this reality?  Do you support affirmative action and the repeal of I-200?

Answer #1: I believe that the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights is all the affirmative action any Citizen of  Spokane needs.    I have lived in Spokane for 40+ years and have never seen any evidence of the KKK.

Answer #2:  We already have  a pretty good affirmative action plan under this Republic and as Mayor I fully intend to uphold those protections to the best of my ability.

6.       The death of John T. Williams has demonstrated the need for stronger diversity training among law enforcement officers and agencies.  A report by the Public Research Associates found trainings promoted as “anti-terror” programs in Washington State and across the nation actually promote racial and ethnic bias.  Will you push for and support an end to these damaging programs?  How will you encourage positive diversity and sensitivity training programs for all law enforcement personnel?  Please explain your position(s).

Answer:  I do not know the circumstances of John T. Williams and do not know who the Public Research Associates are.  There are some problems with various law enforcement agencies, which are not restricted to race or religious overtones.  The Mayor’s Office has limited power in dealing with the actions of state and Federal agencies, but it can make Spokane a very uncomfortable place for any person or organization that does not respect the Bill of Rights, regardless of governmental affiliation.

7. Students in middle and junior high school are educated about the Holocaust, Japanese-American incarceration, and tolerance through literature and history.  Will you push for and support a supplemental curriculum consistent with the methods used for teaching the aforementioned periods of American history and which accurately describes the challenges facing American Muslims and promotes an accurate understanding of the American Muslim experience?

Answer: This is a matter for parents and their school boards.   Personally, I want students taught math, English and World History circa 1770-1812,  but more importantly I want all students living in the United States of America to understand they are not disadvantaged if they live here.  They are part of a free, capable and resourceful people that includes the young of all our races and creeds.

8.  How can your office prevent the bullying of American Muslim youth in schools that stems from perceived racial, ethnic, or religious affiliations?

Answer:  Spokane elects a School Board and hires educational professionals that are charged with the responsibility of managing such affairs.  When children are loose in the community  and threaten to  impose on the Liberty of others, they risk the wrath of the Mayor’s office and the keen interest of Spokane Law Enforcement.

9. Will you push for and support the creation of an Office of Immigrant Affairs within the City of Seattle that can coordinate immigrant integration strategy at the highest, cross departmental level for the growing population of immigrants and refugees in Seattle? Please explain your answer. [King County Candidates Only]

10. How can our cities enhance the resettlement services and opportunities available to new-comers and immigrant communities across the state?  For King County candidates, how do you plan to engage and involve the Somali Muslim community to enhance their standards of living and benefit the county in general?

Answer: It is not the job of the city to settle or resettle anyone.  The city of Spokane should provide core city services at the best value/cost basis possible, and ensure a governmental framework where all citizens can live and prosper fairly.  Charity is a matter of individual choice, not government mandate.

11. Throughout the United States, many municipalities and states have taken the enforcement of federal immigration laws into their own hands by participating in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security (ACCESS) programs. One Department of Homeland Security-sponsored program, called 287(g), allows local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. Despite numerous studies that have highlighted problems with these programs, ranging from ineffectiveness to deterioration of trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, these programs persist.  Do you support local enforcement of federal immigration laws, including 287(g) and Secure Communities? If so, under what conditions? Please explain.

Answer:  It is difficult to grasp the ramifications of  all the different laws and agencies involved with this issue throughout the many jurisdictions. 

I believe the states are sovereign within the framework of our Constitutional Republic and the Tenth Amendment reinforces the powers reserved for the states and individuals.

Spokane Law Enforcement is charged with protecting the citizens of Spokane within the confines of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.  If you are not a citizen or are in this country illegally, expect problems with Spokane Law Enforcement as we will  want to know who you are and what you are doing here.  The Spokane community is our responsibility, not the Federal Government’s.

12. How will you support education and other social services affected by cutbacks in state spending so that our children, elderly, and poor do not suffer the heaviest burden?

Answer:  I do not believe any other generation in any other place in the world  has more opportunity for spiritual, educational and career advancement than we do.  Vast amounts of information and instruction is readily available at our finger tips for free and near free.

I do not see a disadvantaged people here in Spokane.  I see one of the relatively few places on earth where individuals and families do not have to stay poor.  For some this has meant the freedom to start or move a business to another jurisdiction because of  incompetency and self-dealing by our local government. 

 I do not intend to allow Spokane government  to crush the, “Blessing of Our Liberty” any further.  Economic and individual freedom are far more valuable on both a moral and economic basis than any perceived benefit from government mandated programs and taxing schemes.

Senator Michael Baumgartner will provide a legislative wrap-up at this nonpartisan, community event.

Mike for Spokane response to questions from Naral Pro-Choice Washington:

Questionnaire to City Candidates

Revised 2011

Name: Michael J. Noder Position Sought: Spokane City Mayor

Website: mikeforspokane.com

Email: mike@mikeforspokane

Campaign Contact:  Mike Noder

x    Challenger

PART ONE

1. Please summarize your previous involvement with reproductive choice issues and with NARAL Pro-Choice Washington in particular.   I have not been involved with reproductive choice issues, nor with NARAL Pro-Choice Washington

2. Have you ever cast a public vote relating to reproductive rights as an elected official or member of a political or other community organization?  If so, please provide pertinent details.   No.

3. Do you support a woman’s right to choose abortion in accordance with current Washington State law?      I do not believe it is my or my government’s right to even know if a woman is pregnant, let alone supervise individual decisions and responsibilities.  I have no reason or desire to support abortion, but have every desire to defend the rights and liberties of the individual.  I seek to adhere to state law at all times, except where such laws are found to impede on Constitutional protections established and guaranteed under our Republic.

4. Do you support age appropriate, comprehensive, medically accurate sex education in public schools? That is a matter to be decided by parents and their School Boards. I encourage both groups to be deeply engaged and aware of all parts of a school’s curriculum.

5. Do you support contraceptive equity (the requirement that health insurance plans that cover other prescription drugs also cover prescription birth control) for all city employees? I support the people of Spokane deciding such matters for themselves and this includes city employees.    Whether contraceptives are part of any healthcare plan depends primarily on cost and will of the employees.    Price, access and availability of contraceptives make it far easier for the individual to manage such matters as opposed to government, which can become oppressive with such influence and personal information.

The following issues may be unlikely to come before you as Mayor, however NARAL Pro-Choice Washington requires that all endorsed candidates be fully pro-choice, consistent with our position on the issue, and therefore requires your response to these questions in order to consider you for endorsement.

6.  Under present law, all medical patients must give their informed consent for medical procedures.  Current law requires accurate explanation of every patient’s medical alternatives.  Do you OPPOSE policies that single out abortion and create special “informed consent” or mandatory waiting period requirements for abortion care? I am not qualified to make decisions that I believe should be reserved for the individual and their physician or spiritual advisor.

7.  Do you SUPPORT continued state funding of abortion services for low-income women of any age?  No, I do not support mandatory tax payer supported charity, without the consent of the individual tax payer

8.  Do you SUPPORT continued state funding of family planning clinics and services for low-income women of any age?  No, charity is the decision of individuals and their communities.  I do not support government mandating such decisions, particularly those that may violate the personal faith of an individual.

9.  NARAL Pro-Choice Washington believes it is desirable for minors to involve their parents in their decision whether or not to have an abortion.  However, we recognize that sound family communication cannot be mandated by politicians.  Do you OPPOSE policies that require parental notification and/or consent for a minor to terminate her pregnancy?  Until the child reaches the age of consent, it is the parent’s duty to stay informed.  I am against any actions by the state that supersede this parent responsibility, absent the presence of criminal or mental defects.

10.  Congress and many state legislatures have passed bans on methods of abortion referred to by our opponents as “partial-birth abortion.”  While the Supreme Court has upheld the federal abortion ban, Washington State voters defeated a similar abortion ban initiative (Initiative 694) in 1998 with 57.2 percent of the vote. Do you OPPOSE abortion bans that do not allow for exceptions for the health of the woman?  I support the 10^th Amendment that protects state & individual rights and powers.

11. . Anti-choice limited service pregnancy centers (also known as “crisis pregnancy centers”) target women who are facing unintended pregnancies by offering free pregnancy tests or sonograms. These centers are typically staffed by anti-choice volunteers who give women misinformation about abortion and refuse to provide referrals for contraception or abortion care. Do you OPPOSE public funding or tax credits for limited service pregnancy centers or other programs that do not provide accurate information about contraception and/or abortion?   I oppose deceiving the public under any circumstances.   I do not believe managing pregnancy centers is the proper function of city government.  We have churches, neighborhood councils, schools, libraries and a vast medical community which are likely far better than government as stewards of family and community concerns.   We do not want government imposing religious or moral standards on an individual, nor do we want to restrict those that choose to hold themselves to such standards.   It is not the place of our government to rule over individual matters of Liberty and responsibility.

12.   Will you SUPPORT policies that would require limited service pregnancy centers to: disclose that they do not provide abortion or birth control care or referrals, keep women’s medical information private, and provide written pregnancy test results immediately? I support the 4^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution when it comes to matters of privacy. I am not qualified to comment on physician referrals and the delivery standards of medical services.

13.  A 2008 community-based survey of pharmacies found that nearly 10% do not stock emergency contraception. Would you SUPPORT a policy that requires pharmacies to stock emergency contraception? No, I am against government dictating the practices of private business organizations, unless specifically found to impede individual rights or Liberties expressly protected by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

PART TWO

1. Please provide a list of endorsements being used by your campaign.  I am not accepting money from any person or organization. I am not asking for the endorsement of any group or organization.  I only seek to defend Constitutional Protections and to ensure good tax and rate-payer value for City of Spokane Services.

2. Would you welcome an endorsement from NARAL Pro-Choice Washington?  YES

3. What do you know about your opponent(s) position(s) on choice?  I know a great deal about my opponents’ opinions and positions, but believe I should speak only for myself.  I do not represent the views or opinions of any other Candidate for Spokane City Mayor.

4. Has your campaign consistently complied with all PDC regulations and deadlines?  I think so, although they don’t seem to have one of the forms I filed three weeks ago.  As I am not accepting money from others, most PDC requirements do not apply to me.

5.  Total cash raised: NA

6.  Expected campaign budget:  NA

7.  Cash on hand your campaign currently has: NA

8.  Number of households personally visited to date NA

9.  Number of households contacted using volunteers: NA.  I do have offers from several volunteers to campaign on my behalf, and may also help organize a few public events in association with Mike for Spokane.

 

Candidate’s Signature  Michael J. Noder    Date July 30, 2010

Please Return to Alison Mondi at alisonmondi@prochoicewashington.org; NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, 811 1st Ave, Suite 456, Seattle, WA 98104; or fax to 206-624-4505.

 

 

 

A strong mayor protects the citizens from excessive government monopolies and taxation.  Increasing government at the expense of the poor, while using weak moral and scientific justifications is not representative of strong leadership. That’s a sign of weak or highly conflicted leadership.

 

New Spokane water rates before adding a 20% city utility tax:

The Spokane City Council approved a new conservation-based water rate structure that will charge large water users more per unit of water. Taking steps now to reduce water use can help you avoid a bigger bill this year.

Step	Usage	In Units	Inside City Rate*	Outside City Rate*
1	First 3,000 gal.	1-4 units	$0.20	$0.30
2	Next 4,500 gal.	5-10 units	$0.45	$0.68
3	Next 6,000 gal.	11-18 units	$0.85	$1.28
4	Next 20,000 gal.	19-45 units	$1.35	$2.03
5	Use Over 33,600 gal.	Over 45 units	$1.85	$2.78

 

Source:  http://www.spokanewater.org/?page_id=273

 

“Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” ~ George Washington

 

“Liberty and good government do not exclude each other; and there are excellent reasons why they should go together. Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.” ~ Lord Acton

 

“He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself.”  ~Thomas Paine

 

 

“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” ~ Harry S Truman

 

 

“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” ~ James Madison

 

 

“The liberties of our country, the freedoms of our civil Constitution are worth defending at all hazards; it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors. They purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood. It will bring a mark of everlasting infamy on the present generation – enlightened as it is – if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of designing men.” ~ Samuel Adams

 

 

“…a wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicities.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

 

 

Please send comments or questions to:  mike@mikeforspokane.com