Respectfully, Chunkster, perhaps the verve in Ilagan's glowing accolades comes from presentation of the budget, the substantial hotel room tax $$$ issue, and Kenoi's overall presentations on other issues (Good Lord, watching the Council meetings is an oxygen sucker, no question![xx(])
Here is the basis for my comments in the links below:
(*Snipped - More at link)
http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2016/0...-tat-grab/
Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi was critical on Wednesday of the State of Hawaii’s distribution of the Transient Accommodations Tax to the four counties, which is likely to be millions less than what Kenoi says the counties should be getting.
“Frankly,” Kenoi told the Hawaii County Council during a budget review meeting in Hilo, “the counties should all stand up and say enough is enough.”
“We are supposed to be receiving $34 million dollars through the TAT,” Kenoi said. “Everyone one of us should be upset about that.”
Then, there is this: (*Snipped - More at link incl. full proposed budget)
http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2015/0...2015-2016/
The proposed budget is $17,752,059 or 4.3 percent larger than last year's spending plan, with no increase in property taxes.
Conclusion
This proposed budget represents our departments’ best efforts to meet the needs of our growing community in a timely and fiscally responsible fashion. Our administration is committed to investing in our future, maintaining core services and meeting our obligations to our employees.
Our economy is in a state of gradual recovery. We believe our investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and parks and recreation are critical to the future of Hawai’i Island. We look forward to working closely with the County Council to put forth a balanced budget that ensures public safety and meets the needs of our community.
NO raise in property taxes is bloody good news! There is also a "campaign" on social media expressing great admiration for Kenoi and his leadership skills, especially during the tough economy of late. The public parks and public services have been maintained, and improved. Many of these things are not just Kenoi, but years (perhaps decades) of planning and funding.
It is election season, and politics enters all issues (the geothermal thread I'm avoiding like the plague...sorry, O/T), however, my personal interaction with both Ilagan and Ruderman leave room for discussion in my mind.
I met Ilagan at a geothermal meeting in Pahoa when Fred Blas was still Councilman. He was with his father, who was a lovely man. Ilagan was SO young, yet I was impressed. His composure wasn't BS, and his father was very well spoken and sincere, as well. I've met with him several times since, and he maintains my respect. He has grown into his position.
When I had the pleasure of meeting Senator Ruderman, it was in another community meeting prior to being elected. Very pleasant, and charming, and also sincere. Unfortunately, he doesn't meet my expectations to continue serving our Puna...yet. I do wish them both well. Things could be a lot worse! (Reserve my right to change my mind through this process, as I am a woman with menopause
])
Another thing Papa always said:
No man is an island, as the old adage says (John Donne circa 1624). Wonder
who the bell tolls for? I think all of us, no matter who is elected.
JMO.
ETA: Clarity
