Sioux Locks, Roads, and Erosion are where some of the infrastructure money will be spent. Michigan has lots of focus on the Auto Industry and $8 Billion influx (See EV Michigan, Fed Plots Course, EMP Concentric, MI Infrastructure, Values and Competition China). You may also want to read about MITA and the Michigan Infrastructure Office.
The blog discusses current affairs and development of national economic and social health through unique idea generation. Consider the blog a type of thought experiment where ideas are generated to be pondered but should never be considered definitive as a final conclusion. It is just a pathway to understanding and one may equally reject as accept ideas as theoretical dribble. New perspectives, new opportunities, for a new generation. “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”—Thomas Jefferson
Friday, January 14, 2022
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Fed Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell Testifies to Congress on "Normalization" (Demand, Supply, and Policy)
Few things are more exciting that watching Congressional testimony on Federal fiscal policy!๐ฅณ (Think about it.....not boxing, not NASCAR, not a Packers-Lions game.....have as much action packed comments! ๐ You can just feel the intensity in the room.). We got inflationary fires all over the place while consumer demand is fanning the flames with insatiable need to buy and consume (Its actually good for society up to a point. Yet it would be better if we bought more of our own stuff to stretch those dollars into the corners of the system.). What we do know is that as we wean off the adrenaline rush of Federal stimulus we may want to figure out a way to hold onto what is helpful (i.e. increasing wages☝) while pouring cooling water on that which is not helpful (i.e. inflation and supply prices๐๐)
There is a discussion on how inflation can be fueled by supply chain issues or demand type issues. A way to solve that is to return production of some of the more important items back to the U.S.(especially leading technology that will be necessary to stay competitive) so that American manufacturers can avoid supply logistics, continue to raise wages, while also putting downward pressure on price through increased supply/demand not only in the U.S. but perhaps globally (i.e. meaning if we have a problem and can shoot two birds with one stone we should consider it.๐ฅ )
Its possible to impact the supply side (...and perhaps even shift demand with new products) but that would require the ability to influence the innovative process/systems that invents, develops, and manufacturers these products (i.e. those market areas/products where the U.S. would like to compete globally and are importing significant products means there may be some benefits of manufacturing separately. Its a little like changing the factors of the system by making the U.S. more competitive by adjusting industries to become active in key areas.)
What one would hope to have happen is downward pressure on inflation through increased supply chain, improved wages through labor development in higher reward occupations, while returning investment into American manufacturing that leads to sustained growth by creating new global markets (Delta County Invest Hedge Fund, Clusters and Semi Conductors, Michigan EV Investments Unfinished Economic Theory). That can only be possible if we are strategic about what type of clusters we develop and how to utilize new infrastructure changes to create competitive advantages and wider innovative butterfly effects (At least in theory. It would require commitment among investors and bureaucrats. Theories are just ideas that can be used to "test" one's environment. You can read Peter Eastwell's 'Understanding Hypotheses, Predictions, Laws, and Theories' ๐ค. Also see Regional Development, China Trade Manufacture Imbalance, US New Platform.)
(Also you can read IMF's Professor Keynes Economic Theory. In general focused societal resources {i.e. money} can help increase economic activities {i.e. transactions} but through that increased economic activity and tax base we should be paying that money back to create "net positives". If lucky, "net surpluses" to spur economic activity in other areas. That is likely one reason why Professor Powell states our current debt trajectory is unsustainable if economy is not expanding faster than the servicing of debt. Perpetual systems are primarily driven by organic market factors because that is where the highest profits and innovation are realized in a way that improves an investor's bottom line. It can use a Keynesian-Schumpeter blend. One launches/attracts and the other builds...i.e. government-investor mutual benefits. ๐คท Maybe not. Its just an unvetted idea remember.)
You can gain a top line review of Powell's Testimony in Sergei Klebnikov's article'Stocks Surge After Powell Says Fed Not Afraid To Raise Rates Further If Higher Inflation Persists'
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
City of Escanaba in Search of New City Attorney (Announcement Info)
City attorneys have a big job and need to have a broad set of skills that range from business law all the way over to civil law. Escanaba is a city that is seeking new opportunities and growth that ranges in scope. The quality of those services will influence the ability of administrators to make strong decisions that benefit their communities. You can read more about the position HERE.
City of Escanaba Request for Proposals (RFP) For City Attorney
Introduction:
The City of Escanaba would like to contract with an Attorney, or law firm, to serve as City Attorney. The City invites interested Attorneys and/or firms with a minimum of three years of municipal law experience, representing municipal or other governmental entities in the State of Michigan, to submit a written proposal to provide City Attorney services.
The City Attorney, or Attorney’s firm, will be expected to provide a wide range of legal services to the City. The City Attorney is appointed by and accountable to the City Manager, but works closely with the City Council, Mayor, City Manager and City staff. The City Attorney serves as a key member of the Escanaba management team.
Submission Instructions:
Qualified attorneys and/or law firms are hereby invited to submit a proposal in accordance with the requirements and conditions set forth in the RFP. Submissions must be directed to:
Patrick Jordan
City Manager
P.O. Box 948
Escanaba, MI 49829
Submission Deadline:
Eight copies of the proposal are due to the City Manager no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 28, 2022.
Inquiries:
Questions concerning the RFP should be directed to Patrick Jordan, City Manager, at pjordan@escanaba.org or by calling 906.786.9402.
Notice to Respondents:
The City of Escanaba reserves the right, without qualification, to:
Select or reject any or all proposals.
Exercise discretion and apply its judgment with respect to selection or rejection of any proposals submitted.
Negotiate specific terms and conditions contained in any proposal, including fees and pricing.
Proposal Content:
Proposals should provide a straightforward and concise summation of qualifications, adequate to satisfy the requirements of the RFP. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content. Responsiveness will be a primary consideration throughout the evaluation process. Indirect, imprecise or incomplete responses will only serve to disadvantage a candidate. The City Council requires that all proposals contain the following elements:
Summaries of Experience and Qualifications:
1. Describe the nature of your law firm’s practice and your qualifications for providing City Attorney services for the City of Escanaba.
2. Provide a professional employment chronology for each individual who will be designated to serve as City Attorney, as well as any other individuals expected to be involved in providing legal services to the City of Escanaba.
3. Provide the overall capabilities, qualifications, training and areas of expertise for each of the principals, partners and associates of the law firm, including the length of employment for each person and his/her area of specialization for those involved in the assignment.
4. For the person whom you propose to designate as City Attorney, and for each person you propose to designate as a deputy or supporting counsel for special services or backup, please provide the following:
a. Legal training and years of practice (including date of admission to the Michigan Bar.)
b. Years of municipal or other local public sector law practice as a fulltime local government attorney and/or in a private law office specializing in the representation of governmental entities.
c. Knowledge of, and experience with, Michigan Municipal Law or other public sector experience or redevelopment law, including land sale
and purchase transactions.
d. Types of clientele represented and years representing each.
e. Litigation experience and demonstration of a good court track record. Cite examples of municipal litigation experience.
f. Experience with and knowledge and practice of law representing charter law cities relating to land use and planning, environmental law, general plans, real estate, code enforcement, and other related law.
g. Experience in the area of contracts and franchises.
h. Experience in the preparation and review of ordinances and resolutions for charter law cities.
i. Experience in public sector personnel matters and union labor negotiations.
j. Experience in municipal enterprises, including water, wastewater, electrical and garbage.
k. Experiences in the area of the Michigan Open Meeting Law and Public Records requests.
l. Intended office location and accessibility to the City of Escanaba.
m. Scholastic honors and professional affiliations.
n. If the responding firm, or any of its attorneys, have ever been sued for malpractice, or have ever been the subject of a complaint filed with the State Bar, or have ever been disciplined by the State Bar, please provide information on the nature any such incidents, including dates and final disposition.
Summary of Method of Performance:
1. Describe how you would establish, develop, and maintain an effective working relationship with the City Council, Mayor, Department Heads,
and City Staff.
2. Define the standard time frames for response by the City Attorney to requests or inquiries from the Mayor, Council or staff.
3. Describe the staffing of your office, and include any staffing changes you would propose for your firm, should you be awarded the contract to provide legal services to the City.
4. Describe proposed systems for monthly reporting of the status of pending matters. The City of Escanaba will require a billing methodology that identifies the specific task, the attorney completing the task, and the time billed toward the task.
Identification of Conflict of Interest:
1. Please list all current or former clients, having an interest in a business located within the Escanaba City limits.
2. Please list all cities, and other public clients, for which you or your firm currently provides, or previously provided, services under a fee or
retainer agreement.
3. Please identify any conflicts of interest, or potential conflicts of interest, which might arise by virtue of serving as City Attorney. In the event said conflicts or potential conflicts exist, please describe the manner in which you would propose to resolve such conflicts.
Proposed Compensation:
The City Attorney will be expected to provide legal services pursuant to a fixed monthly retainer fee, with special services provided at an agreed upon hourly rate. Currently, Union Labor Negotiations are considered to be special services and are billed at an hourly rate, outside of the retainer agreement. All other work is performed under the retainer agreement.
Respondents should propose a monthly retainer fee, and specify which services shall be covered under such fee. Respondents should further identify any services which will not be covered under the retainer, and specify the hourly rate for such work, along with any other applicable fees or charges.
Duties:
The City Attorney will be required to attend all regular City Council meetings. Virtual or phone attendance will be at the discretion of the Mayor. There are typically two (2) City Council meetings each month, held on the first and third Thursday, at 7:00 p.m. Attendance at special meetings will be at the discretion of the Mayor.
The Attorney is occasionally expected to attend board, commission, staff and committee meetings, and is expected to meet with staff and Department Heads as needed.
The Attorney is required to provide written opinions concerning legal matters that affect the City.
The Attorney reviews, prepares and negotiates a variety of contracts and agreements on behalf of the City.
The Attorney performs legal work, including document preparation, relating to property acquisitions, property disposals, public improvements, easements, right-of-way abandonment and related matters.
Provide legal advice relating to enforcement of City codes, zoning regulations and building standards through administrative and judicial actions.
The monitoring of pending and current state and federal legislation and court decisions as appropriate.
The Attorney represents the City in litigation and defends the City against all legal claims or challenges.
The attorney represents the City in all bankruptcy matters for which the City has monetary claims.
The Attorney represents the City during labor negotiations with the City’s six bargaining units. This work is currently performed outside of the retainer agreement.
Please identify any work you would propose to bill on an hourly basis, outside of the retainer agreement.
Evaluation and Selection:
Proposals will be screened, and finalists will be selected by the Mayor and/or the Mayor’s appointed Subcommittee. In reviewing the proposals, the City
will carefully consider the following:
a. Depth and breadth of experience and expertise in the practice of law, specifically in those areas most often encountered in municipal government operations;
b. Capability to perform legal services promptly and in a manner that permits the City Council and staff to meet established deadlines and to operate in an effective and efficient manner;
c. Degree of availability for quick response to inquiries that arise out of dayto-day operating questions or problems;
d. Degree to which firm and individual attorneys stay current through continued professional development and active communication with practitioners in the municipal law field;
e. Communication skills;
f. Cost of services; and
g. Other qualifications/criteria as deemed appropriate by the City Council.
The Mayor and/or Mayor’s subcommittee will interview candidates, negotiate terms and recommend a final selection to the City Council.
The City Council will make the final appointment in conjunction with approval of an agreement for legal services. Services to the City of Escanaba are
expected to commence on or about March 1, 2022.
Monday, January 10, 2022
Jaimie Diamond CEO JP Morgan Chase Says Economy Might be Best Year Since Depression
This will be an interesting year for economics in a post Covid pandemic matched with adaptive technology and hyper competition between the US and China. Jamie Diamond predicts volatile markets, 4 Fed interest rate increases, and a strong underlining economy. Let us see what happens.๐ค (Economic Explosions, Roaring 20s JP Morgan, Goldman Socks Projection, Not Out of Woods, See 20 Years, Out Perform China 2033๐ฎ). Let us wait and see as nothing is for sure๐!
Sunday, January 9, 2022
Escanaba Boy Needs Bone Marrow Transplant Funds (Baby Camden)
Be The Match |
There are few things more precious then a child's life. An Escanaba boy by the name of Baby Camden Kleikamp needs a second bone marrow transplant (See what a bone marrow transplant is HERE.)When a community boy needs our help many of the residents will open their checkbooks and share some of what they have (See TV6 Video). If your a business and have a few dollars you can consider doing a different kind of investing in the future. (Tax Deductions? Here). Sometimes its about helping your neighbor and feeling good about your contribution to the world above and beyond the financial benefits.
Sunday, January 2, 2022
Running Hate Review and Analysis: Hometown Hate and Potential Solutions
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Colorado Fires: 1000K Homes Destroyed: Need for Firefighters Rise
Firefighters do a lot and when natural disasters come into play they are often the first responders to the events. Just like in Colorado we rely on our firefighters to continuously deal with issues that relate to the health of our communities and protection from natural events. Firefighters are likely to become increasingly important as we wrestle with environmental shifts. Instead of becoming a declining occupation it may very well become of increasing importance if the need arises.
Consider donating to a few firefighting associations (I know little of these organizations so look at their sites and if you like to donate a little. If someone wants to donate a grass fire truck I know a great place to send it.)
Firefighters Charitable Foundation