Thanks
As I begin my second term as President of CMERA, I want to thank the members of the Governing Board (particularly the Executive Committee), and other volunteers for their efforts in keeping CMERA focused on its goals. CMERA requires dedicated volunteers who perform a variety of tasks such as scheduling meetings, publishing newsletters, maintaining records, appearing before City Council, monitoring CSA-related negotiations, keeping track of City Council activity, looking out for trends and/or discoveries that assist retirees, etc. Indeed, my thanks go out to everyone who helps.
Weather Part 1
A few weeks ago, a strong cold front moved across the upper Midwest. The national news broadcast the next day showed a picture of the radar clearly displaying a line of deep red. The reporter pointed to the “hook” feature on the radar that indicated a possible tornado. Then they ran a short film clip displaying houses leveled by the “possible” tornado. Residents reported hearing the noise of a freight train as their neighbor’s house was torn from its foundation. Damage was observed several miles along a narrow path. Then, the reporter concluded the story by saying that the National Weather Service would be on site soon to confirm a tornado. Confirm???
When I was in high school, I was taught the “duck rule.” If something looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and swims like a duck – it’s a duck. Maybe the reporter was not permitted to confirm that the damage was caused by a tornado. Or maybe he never learned the duck rule. According to the “duck rule,” it was a tornado.
Police Chief Performance Review
Remember the annual performance review we received while working for the City? How we met or exceeded certain performance criteria determined our evaluation. Of course, supervisors did not always look forward to writing reviews but they did so because it was part of their job. And the City did not have to pay them extra to do it.
Currently, the City leaders are examining the performance of the Police Chief. They are not, however, doing the evaluation themselves like supervisors should. They hired a law firm to do that work. Eventually, however, someone at City Hall is going to make a final decision on her performance. Currently, the cost of this review is capped at $49,000. In terms of the overall City budget, that amount is not significant but those funds could be used for other purposes. It could provide more recreation equipment, repairs to City buildings, or another police vehicle. Better yet, it could be transferred into the employee pension fund.
I suspect the $49,000 will not be the only expense. If she is fired, there will likely be a lawsuit costing more money (win or lose). Maybe the Chief and the City will reach a settlement. Again, more money.
Weather Part 2
Once there was Tony Sands. He provided me with the daily weather as a child. I never recall him as causing panic every time snow was expected or the temperature was going to fall more than 10 degrees. He would simply state that I should dress warmly or wear my boots to school. Since then, weather forecasting has improved with enhanced radars, faster computers, and better trained forecasters. With the advancements in forecasting the weather, an unwelcomed consequence has arisen – fear prediction.
Local channels now compete among themselves and with streaming services to capture your attention and keep you watching. More watchers equal more revenue. One of the tools stations use to keep you watching is the weather, particularly severe weather. There is now First Alert, Weather Alert, First Warning Alert, etc. Too much cold, rain, wind, etc. generates a verbal warning by the news anchor and then the warning is prominently displayed on crawlers at the bottom of the screen during the newscast. I fear the constant use of these alerts for (what I consider) non-severe weather events will reduce their effectiveness. They will be ignored. Just tell me in a calm voice if I need a raincoat, sweater, or sandals. If a confirmed tornado is nearby, then it’s OK to raise their voice a little.
Until next month…
Note: The statements and opinions expressed in the CMERA Chronicles are my own (Chuck Cullen) and may or may not reflect the views of the Governing Board of CMERA.