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Letters, 8/19: Bought and paid for

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Saturday, Aug 19, 2006 - 12:21:38 am CDT

I see that even as oil companies post record profits that Alaska and the federal government continue to offer them tax breaks to drill for yet more oil.

Amazing! If we’d put that money into developing alternative sources of energy, we’d be way ahead. Ohh, wait … alternative fuel companies don’t contribute nearly as much to politicians as oil and gas companies. Amazing how politicians like Dubya and Hagel can be bought and paid for by oil and gas companies.

Bruce Stephens, Lincoln

Super-rich Man

I sat looking at the 300th Pete Ricketts ad and thought “Who does he remind me of?” I had just seen the latest “Superman” movie and it came to me: Lex Luthor. In this case, his secret identity might be “Super-rich Man.”

I guess the theory is if we hear a name often enough, we will love the person and let him control our destiny. It almost worked in Metropolis!

Ricketts could be the best thing that could happen to Nebraska. It’s just that it reminds me that more and more we (in a way) worship the rich. Donald Trump is everywhere and we’re supposed to love it. I can take some of Pete and a little of Donald, but these folks seem to want the “whole show.”

Ever wonder why small business can’t afford many TV ads? It’s because the rich and the corporations have raised the bar and monopolize.

I really don’t know who has the most money, Pete or Ben. I don’t want to know. I just want less of these annoying ads and maybe give a chance to some “small-ville” business men or women to play the game too! Level the field!

I don’t believe that only rich politicians can come up with good ideas. I don’t want my mind monopolized by Lex Luthor, a politician, a minister or anyone.

And there’s got to be a better use for money, considering the state of the world. Bill Gates is becoming a “super-good” example.

Robert Ayres, Holdrege

A less dramatic story

I was surprised to see your article on Americans for Limited Government (“Group led by N.Y. mogul funded petition drives,” Aug. 10), especially since no one contacted me for comment.

Perhaps that was part of the plan, since the reality of the situation is much less dramatic than your story implied. It’s also much more mundane than conspiracy theorists — or those who would like to distract from the real issues at hand — would like.

Americans for Limited Government is proud to support groups that are working for limited, accountable government across the country. We broadcast this on our Web site, in our newsletters and in just about every communication we have with reporters. I guess we could skywrite it over Omaha, but then fans of big government would probably accuse us of subliminal advertising.

It’s no secret that we’re helping out the Nebraska SOS coalition. This year, we have been inundated with requests from local groups for help, and we’re happy to do so.

As for America at its Best, it is another group that shares our mission: helping local activists in their uphill climb against big money, special interests, and, often, politicians. They have done a great job of supporting campaigns for responsible state spending, which is precisely why we support them. When it comes to other issues, on health care or otherwise, America at its Best will fund who it chooses to fund.

If it decided to fund, say, a Center for Responsible Journalism, it would be completely free to do that. In fact, that’s sounding like a better idea all the time.

Heather Wilhelm, Chicago,

director of communications,

Americans for Limited Government

Just leave the money

Cost to bring family to Ribfest:

Gas, $15; enter Ribfest, $18; enjoy Ribfest, $120; the parking ticket on my windshield on a Saturday, $10.

Moved same car to park in another spot to go see a movie with same family in same town. I put the ticket back on the windshield when I put in my money at the meter, but said meter, outside a movie theater, was only good for one hour.

It felt like: Bring your money to Lincoln, drop it off, and get out.

No thanks, Lincoln. I’ll go to Omaha.

Lee Holthus, Syracuse


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Public transportation wrote on August 19, 2006 12:33 am:
" I feel like a broken record, but I have to say, if they had a viable bus system, folks like Lee Holthus, could take a bus to events like Ribfest, or other events, and forget the parking tickets. I am glad to see that the fair has offered a Park and Ride, and its Free from the Bed Bath and Beyond on 27th & Superior. That's available on weekends from 9 am to 11 PM. I encourage all people to start writing to those in charge, tell them you want a better public transportation system. And for events they should offer a park and ride like the Fair is doing! "

 Josh2 wrote on August 19, 2006 3:02 am:
" Lee Holthus, not sure the point of your letter; you spent $120 at ribfest, assume you had ribs; received a parking ticket, guess you didn't obey the law; assume you read the parking meter was only good for an hour when you returned said ticket to the windshield and going to a movie thus breaking the law again. It feels like: Omaha would do the same thing. Lesson you should have already learned: If you park at a meter (in any community - even Omaha), do the right thing and follow the law....... "

 Scott wrote on August 19, 2006 5:12 am:
" Heather Wilhelm and the Americans for LImited Government are also associated with the same fine citizens who brought you the Club for Growth. Remember them? Hmm...I wonder why that isn't part of her signature line? This is just what Nebraska needs-a bunch of ultra-conservative zealots (check out their stand on the judiciary) telling the rubes (that would be us) that they know better how to run our state and what our priorities ought to be. I hope that everyone sees through this sham of a group and their ideology for what it is. "

 Whitney wrote on August 19, 2006 6:17 am:
" I can't speak to the price of gas, the cost vendors set on their product, etc. Lincoln can't do anything about that. (although price of admission is a different story!) But, parking. Now there's something that CAN be helped. Not more of it, there's plenty of convenient, inexpensive, parking in the many parking garages downtown! People don't make use of it,because they are confused about where to enter, simply unaware of where it is, or don't realize how easy it is. I'm one of those who always tried to find street parking, because I thought the garages would be too inconvenient. Then, one day, I had no choice. Now I'm a convert. If mayor Seng really wants to help downtown, she needs to mount a campaign to get people to try garage parking. I don't know exactly what form this should take, (perhaps a reciept from a parking garage in lieu of $10 for a parking ticket for a time) but she has 'people' to help her with that. Maybe then we could avoid some of the many traffic snarls downtown, caused by those 'parking enforcement' vehicles blocking traffic lanes, so they can write tickets!!! "

 al b wrote on August 19, 2006 6:41 am:
" Mr. Stephens, let's try this novel idea. How about your get all of your rich friends like Mr. Buffet, Mr. Soros and Hilary Clinton together, along with all of the environmental groups that you belong to, and all of you go out and develop several alternative energy resources. And when you have perfected all of this wonderful alternative energy, being the kind and wonderfully generous socialists that you are, then you and your buds can donated it to all of the world so that we don't have to rely on fossil fuel. See, wasn't that easy. Problem solved. And you didn't even need the Government to hold your little hand or wipe your nose. "

 Ramone wrote on August 19, 2006 7:37 am:
" Hate to tell you this, Mr. Holthus, but you get tickets for an expired parking meter in Omaha too. Perhaps saving a few bucks to buy a watch would be an acceptable investment for your future to avoid disappointments when the law is enforced. By the way, if it was at the Lincoln Grand your family attended the movie, you could have parked over in the Centrum Parking Garage for three hours for free if you had your garage ticket validated at the theater. Best of luck on your future timekeeping endeavors ... sounds like you're going to need it. "

 Nicole wrote on August 19, 2006 8:32 am:
" Al, the auto manufacturers already have flexible fuel technology but they aren't under pressure to produce. This pressure is going to have to come from the Government and consumers, and as Mr. Stephens pointed out, most politicians are in the pockets of oil and gas companies. As citizens, our tools are our voices, our votes and our wallets. "

 John Near Lincoln wrote on August 19, 2006 8:33 am:
" Oh so sorry, Heather. I, for one, am digusted that your outside organization has the nerve to tell Nebraskan's what YOUR organization thinks is best for our state. And now have the gall to say no one contacted you. I'm not interested in listening to someone who is interested in pushing their own national agenda. I'm not a special interest group member, I'm not a politician, I don't have big $ and you are trying to cram something down my throat just because you want to push your special agenda. Keep your fingers out of our business and STOP working AGAINST Nebraskans! "

 Question.... wrote on August 19, 2006 9:35 am:
" John near Lincoln, just what do you think the casinos are doing? They are from out of state and have stepped in line to take our money too. How is this so different? I'm not interested in their agenda (which is why I voted AGAINST casinos and WON'T sign their petitions) they want nothing more than to take our money out of our state and into their pockets! "

 Not a demand for public transportation wrote on August 19, 2006 9:49 am:
" The buses would be empty on most of these days, and it is already subsidized with taxpayers money, so why would we make most people pay more for a service that they aren't using already. If out-of-towners can figure out how to use garages and get parking tickets that is their problem and not a problem for the city of Lincoln. "

 peb wrote on August 19, 2006 10:12 am:
" I think Heather Wilhelm and her group should turn to the east (DC) and start there with their mantra of "working for limited, accountable government across the country." "

 john wrote on August 19, 2006 11:34 am:
" Lee Holthus. I think you are right. Lots of native Lincolnites think the way they are treated is just part of life. Most of them need to go see other places and enjoy themselves without a large price attached. There is nothing in Lincoln and most of Nebraska that comes without a price or strings. As most natives in Lincoln think out of towners are just taking space from them, maybe out of towners should just stay away during football games and see if the town notices how much money they bring with them. I'd like to see just one saturday with just locals at the game. "

 Patrick wrote on August 19, 2006 12:09 pm:
" $120 at Ribfest, good lord. If you can afford to spend that kind of cash there, you probably shouldn't be complaining about a parking ticket. A full rack of ribs was $20 and drinks were anywhere between $2 for water and something like $5 for beer. $18 to enter the event means you paid for six people over the age of $12. While it is nice that you treated your family, you are acting like you were forced to pay all that money for everyone. "

 John near Lincoln wrote on August 19, 2006 12:29 pm:
" I wasn't talking about the casinos for or against. I was talking about the letter to the editor above that had to deal with Americans for Limited Govt and the spending initiatives. Two different issues. Since you are also against outside interests pushing their way into the state, I guess you agree with me. "

 Jack wrote on August 19, 2006 12:44 pm:
" Good letter by Mr. Stephens. Too bad people like al b cant't respond to it intelligently and have to resort to childish name calling instead. Unfortunately that's the way most conservatives behave these days. "

 The true point of meters: wrote on August 19, 2006 2:40 pm:
" Parking meters are intended to generate turnover of customers for downtown businesses. Every metered space that has constant turnover and is full all day (by cars only staying the prescribed 30-120 minutes) supports one business. When we take out a metered spot for a taxi lane or landscaping, one business goes out of business. When people like Lee occupy a space longer than the needed turnover, that local business misses out on customers. If everyone behaved like Lee, local businesses would be closing left and right. If you are running quick errands, use a meter. If you are spending a day downtown, park in a garage. But don't complain about policies that keep downtown thriving. (source: Bob Gibbs, Urban Retail Consulting--presentation to Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on Channel 21) "

 Jodi wrote on August 19, 2006 3:04 pm:
" Not to bring up a point, but I believe it's either printed on the parking ticket or can be found on the website (which is printed on the ticket) that if you are an out of town visitor, you can appeal the ticket. People are limited to being able to do this once or twice in a calendar year (or so) but those who deal with parking violations realized that we can't expect a person who is unfamiliar with the city to be perfect and so offered a way to work around it. Perhaps this isn't being offered any more, but I know it was as recently as during the past five years. (By the way, UNL's Parking and Transit services also used to offer the same option, and may still, so if you get a pricey UNL parking citation and are an out-of-town visitor--not a student with a car registered at the U--you can easily appeal it.) Honestly, though, check the meter and if you park there, obey what's posted. Maybe we need to make parking garages more obvious, but I kinda thought they were?? Perhaps post signs that ENTRANCE NEXT LEFT or whatever so people can find it? "

 john wrote on August 19, 2006 5:29 pm:
" to true point of meters. Just one comment. Since when has lincoln downtown been a shopping mecca? The only ones I know who use the downtown are college students who go to the bars and fast food joints. You people don't know how to develop a downtown to bring back shoppers. On top of that, most of you are to bullheaded to ask cities that have reversed the downtown blighted area how they did it. "

 We do need public transportation wrote on August 19, 2006 5:42 pm:
" I disagree with "Not a demand for public Transportation" I think more people would use public transportation, IF it were made more easy to access, and was expanded, include more areas, and extend the bus beyond this silly 6 PM. Gas will NOT get any cheaper, it will continue to become more expensive, if we work now to make public transportation viable, when gas is too expensive for the average person, they can supplement and stretch the gas dollar by riding the bus. I'd even be willing to pay an extra 50 cents to ride the bus (that money earmarked just for the expansion of said bus system) that is still far cheaper than gas and less wear and tear on a vehicle. We have to catch up to other countries, who have made Public transportation a viable alternative to gas, lets start now! "

 bc wrote on August 19, 2006 5:47 pm:
" John, You say that it is cheaper to visit other cities and park free? Last year I stopped in Salt Lake City, UT on a Saturday and they had parking meters and you had to feed the meters the like Lincoln but the hourly rate was more or face a ticket. In downtown San Diego I couldn't find any on street parking on Sunday morning and had to pay $5.00 to park in a parking lot. In Lincoln, I would have paid no more than $2.00 for the same amount of time in a parking lot. When you find an on street parking in a business are in San Diego, you still have to plug a meter. Those are just 2 of the cities I visited that charged for on street parking. So it seem other cities also charge for parking like Lincoln and most charge more. So it seems it is cheaper to park in Lincoln than other cities unless you go to small town Nebraksa. "

 Gary B wrote on August 19, 2006 7:23 pm:
" Yeah, there is a need for public transportation, but Lincoln does not have the population density to support the type of public transportation system that many citizens want. Most research shows that an efficient and effective transportation system requires a greater population density than Lincoln currently has...and as Lincoln continues to grow outward, the density will remain relatively unchanged. It would be nice to have an extensive public transportation system, but unless Lincoln's demographics change, pouring money into the transport system is pouring money down the drain. "

 john wrote on August 19, 2006 9:18 pm:
" bc-compare Lincoln to San Diego or Salt Lake, I don't think so. Were there shoppers in downtown San Diego? I was there not too long ago and it was worth the visit to the downtown. Did you visit old town? I don't seem to remember any meters there to feed. I parked on the street as I visited several times. Comparing Lincoln to those cities is like comparing apples and oranges. "

 Chip wrote on August 19, 2006 10:01 pm:
" SOS is extremely dangerous!!!!! Read up on what it would actually do. Find out who is actually behind it and how many other states they are trying to push this on. Lee, park in a parking garage like the rest of us who don't want to gamble with the chance that we might be ticketed. It is worth the $5-$6 hours for all day. BTW, have you tried parking meters in major cities in the US? St. Louis, Chicago, etc . . . Check out those prices. $9 an hour is not uncommon. "

 Demograpics will change wrote on August 20, 2006 12:49 am:
" Gary, this is great for those that can drive, your forgetting about the large demographics of people that either currently can't drive or will be forced to give up driving due to age, disability or other reasons! We will have a huge population of people getting older over the next few years, this growth alone would pay to have a public transportation system. Ironically, it will probably take 5 or 6 dollars a gallon for people to wake up and start demanding public transportation system that works "

 Don Rempel wrote on August 20, 2006 8:32 am:
" All you people complaining about parking in Lincoln ought to try finding parking in New Delhi, India. You wouldn't be able to wait to get back to Lincoln, Ne. "

 kinda smart wrote on August 20, 2006 10:34 am:
" I've lived in lincoln for six years now. I am a so called "rube" who moved here from a town with less than 300 people. I park downtown nearly every other day. I am yet to receive a parking ticket. By this man's logic, he would quit driving on I-80 because the state troopers who dislike people driving in Nebraska gave him a speeding ticket. Be smart, and that has nothing to do with being a "rube." "

 Mass Ignorance? wrote on August 20, 2006 10:41 am:
" Astute developers would demand clear and robust public transportation lines. That would give them reduced risks and increase real estate value near to such resources. Whether in Munich, Paris San Francisco, Manhatten or Chicago...the mass transit lines stimulate demand for locations near them. Developers and LIBA stiffle progress in Lincoln, the subsidies should go to infrastructure such as mass transportation, that is the future hope of this city and her appeal. Urban sprawl and the Omaha model are deceptive and even LA has returned to mass transit models realizing it was a mistake to renounce subways and light rail. "

 Gayle wrote on August 20, 2006 10:57 am:
" It becomes less viable as time and development slide into the future to retri fit mass transportation into corridors it would be most needed. The 27th St widing is an example of how resistance and costs place an extraordinary hardship on the community and progressive development. Planning and engineering of cities can be achieved most effectively and efficiently when urban infrastructure is developed via archetecture and design of infrastructure. Developers tend to ignore and even avoid costs that would and could provide a more functional city. It is because developers have a selfish profit motivation that we need government to regulate. Once developers step upto the plate, government size and role can be smaller...we cannot affor helter skelter development. "

 bc wrote on August 20, 2006 11:55 am:
" John, Yes there were shoppers in downtown in both cities. Also, I just used those 2 cities as examples of the several cities I was in. And they all had meters and paid off street parking. I wouldn't count Old Town San Diego as downtown. That is more like a tourist destination than a business part of town where I was. Comparing Lincoln to Old Town San Diego IS comparing apples to oranges. Not the other way around. "

 cw wrote on August 20, 2006 10:41 pm:
" Omaha does not charge to park in metered spots on the weekends. "

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