Councilor LeeAnn Doucette

I am curious what Lee Ann Doucette means when she is quoted in the Morrison County Record candidate questions stating "I only allow DIVINE IDEAS to govern my thinking."   http://mcrecord.com/2014/10/10/lf-council-candidates-answer-questions/

Does she mean "divine ideas" like her council vote in favor of "giving $3,000.00 per year from Little Falls City revenues to the Sister City Committee, without having a PUBLIC PURPOSE, to pay the lions share of a posh travel perks entertainment package for French people?  People that aren't even residents of Little Falls? 

Or maybe one of her divine thoughts is to violate council rules and advertise events of Camp Ripley at Council meetings, even though they are not related in any way to "delivery of city services", as council has said are the only items they will allow at their meetings. 

Or maybe one of her divine thoughts are to hang up the phone on me because she doesn't think she has to represent "me." 

Notice there isn't much "meat" to her answers.   That is because she has none.

Under question #1 answer she states council is not "plotting, scheming, lawless or other nasty things said behind our backs."   I believe what she is referring to are my public forum comments where I have called the council "lawless" right to their face, because THEY ARE.  I remind them when they are in violation of their own rules and ordinances. 

 In my three years of attending almost all of their meetings as well as many city committee meetings, I have caught council in numerous open meeting violations.  I have records of all of them.  

There are countless data practice violations.  Dozens of them.

Over the winter, I plan to ask the commissioner for his opinion on all of these. 

CIRCUS CIRCUS

 The true "circus" in town, is your LAWLESS COUNCIL.  Their constant skirting of the their own laws, and selective enforcement of the sign ordinance makes this city look like the "GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH".  The citizenry is guilty of turning a blind eye to their shenanigans.  

From time to time, commenters and folks around town have insinuated that my signs and activism is a joke, or that I have performed circus type antics. I have added some much needed "color" to jazz up my activism and I will use more creative tools in the future. 

 Rick Witte.....this post is for you.

Illegal off premise signs PERSIST.

   BOTH OF THESE PHOTOS WERE TAKEN 10-8-14.  The Zion Lutheran sign was emailed to Ben Oleson, zoning administrator,  months ago, because it was and is  blatantly illegal.  

Don't get me wrong, I am all for signs like these being allowed. But since your lawless council chose an incredibly restrictive sign ordinance, they need to live with the consequences of enacting it.   One of those natural con$equence$ is they get to enforce it now, which will continue to co$t all of u$.

This Boys and Girls pop can bin sign has not been up as long, but is still illegal.   The city staff need to send out a notice in the water bills alerting people about the fact that the sign ordinance does not allow off premise signs.  Our police need more training in this also.   Some of our officers cannot even identify an off premise sign when they are called to investigate one.  This is a problem that the city needs to fix. 

Greg Zylka should know better. He represents Coborns and the City of Little Falls.

Greg Zylka voted in favor of the Little Falls sign ordinance amendments in 2013.  But apparently he thinks the rules don't apply to him, or to the Little Falls Coborn's Superstore. 

There has been an illegal off premise sign on the aluminum can collection bin in the Coborns'  front parking lot for months.  While I support organizations and private residents having signs, Little Falls City Council voted against that, and now needs to follow it's own rules, or change the sign ordinance.

It is the job of the Mayor and City Council to supervise city staff, which includes the zoning administrator.    Extra work for Ben Oleson (the part-time city zoning administrator) has been created, as a result of the Little Falls City Council having enacted their restrictive sign ordinance.

To date, there are many sign violations all throughout the business districts.  The city has had ample time to ensure compliance, but continues to favor some businesses that are and have been in violation. 

The Council is considering hiring an enforcement officer, who will likely be help enforcing sign violations.

I made a data request to inspect all emails between the city attorney, League of Mn. Cities attorneys, city staff including the present administrator Dan Vogt, past co-city administrators Lori Kasella and Jerry Lochner, Doug Stewart(past city sign enforcer), and the LFPD, all communication during the rewriting of the unconstitutional sign ordinance and my lawsuit.

This data request is to ferret out the REAL COST of rewriting the unconstitutional sign ordinance, amendments, and the enforcement of it.  It is also for the public to be aware of how much the city blunder of violating my right to free speech, cost everyone(myself included).  Remember I pay taxes too.

 No word yet from the city.  If they drag their feet too long I can always ask for a commissioners OPINION.

 This pop can bin with illegal off premise sign was allowed all summer on the Coborns' owned parking lot.  Shame on Councilor and Mayoral candidate (and also Little Falls Coborn's Superstore manager) for allowing this blatant violation.  

Within the last few days this bin disappeared, after I posted the above picture to show non compliance, by Coborn's and Greg Zylkas management.

Coleen Rowley, my friend and former FBI whistleblower

 

Coleen was the Times magazine person of the year.   Listen as she speaks passionately.   I am proud to have her as a friend and co-peace activist.  June 22, 2012 First Annual Central Minnesota Peace and Diversity Fair, Maple Island Park, Little Falls Minnesota.   Between 150-200 people attended.   Great weather, great potluck ethnic food, great music, great friendships, what could be better and all to promote PEACE AND DIVERSITY in our quaint little river town.

Derek Amlie West Point graduate and former Army Officer

I will be posting more later that Derek Amlie had to say about the military and endless war.  Stay Tuned.  June 22, 2012 First annual Central Minnesota Peace and Diversity Fair Little Falls Maple Island Park.

more Coleen Rowley

June 22, 2012 First annual Central Minnesota Peace and Diversity Fair at Maple Island Park Little Falls Minnesota

My friend Coleen Rowley, former FBI constitutional attorney

Coleen Rowley speaks at the first annual Central Minnesota Peace and Diversity Fair at Maple Island Park, Little Falls, Mn. on June 22, 2012.

Alderman Brian Crowder asks council to consider Bloomington sign ordinance for Little Falls

Listen and you will hear Alderman Crowder ask the council members to consider adopting a sign ordinance like Bloomington Minnesota has that allows off premise signs for GARAGE SALES, BOUTIQUES, AND CHURCH SUPPERS.  If Bloomington, which has some of the highest property values, can allow these off premise signs, why on earth would Little Falls not do the same?  

the Minneapolis billionaires

This was at the Central Minnesota Peace and Diversity Fair on June 22, 2013.  The women are Coleen Rowley in black, Polly Mann(founder of Women Against Military Madness) and Mrs. I am Rich, and Lucia Wilkes Smith playing Mrs. Hoover Pride.

First annual Central Minnesota Peace and Diversity Fair June 22, 2012 Maple Island Park

 

 

 

LISTEN TO ALL THE HONKS AND CHEERS WE RECEIVED RIGHT HERE IN LITTLE FALLS, 4 MILES FROM THE LARGEST MILITARY BASE IN MINNESOTA(CAMP RIPLEY).   Guess not everybody here is a supporter of endless war based on propaganda and lies!!!

THE WILEY RED FOX on Park Point in Duluth

This movie was made while I was in Duluth for my settlement hearing on July 23, 2014.   This fox was really fun to watch.  

Robin Hensel winter 2014 frontyard tour

As you can see, I have used my flags and signs to promote peace and warn the citizenry of the dangers and prohibitive costs of endless war. 

WAR and Christians

http://www.redletterchristians.org/tubal-cain-jesus-waging-peace-world-war/#!prettyPhoto/0/  A friend sent me this, I thought some of you might enjoy reading it.

*****If you really supported your troops *****

*******************************NUF SAID*****************************************

Palestine vigil 8-6-14

Some of the most integrity filled, diligent peace activists this area has.  Watch as they advocate for Palestine apartheid and Israeli bombing to stop.

COMPLETE STREETS

Why this is important is because this gentleman presented the idea to the Little Falls community this summer 2014, and last spring the Little Falls City Council refused to act on my suggestion that the City adopt Road Diet and Complete Streets in May 2013.   The council really doesn't want my ideas to be known to the public, because I am usually one step ahead of them(more forward thinking).

LOOKIE LOOKIE CHARLOTTE VANRISSEGHEM (Mother in law of Mayor VanRisseghem)

****Look at this....Charlotte VanRisseghems home on 8-7-14.  Pay attention to the location of her daughter in laws(Mayor Cathy VanRisseghem) sign.  IT IS ILLEGAL BECAUSE IT IS ON THE ROAD RIGHT OF WAY.  After a complaint was lodged with the Little Falls Police Department, her sign was not removed(as the police usually do, and are supposed to do and like they did to the Houdek Auction Service sign which disappeared after removal by the LFPD). Instead the police report stated the officer talked to her and she moved Cathys sign inside the sidewalk onto her property.

 This ILLEGAL OFF PREMISE SIGN was parked within city limits, and allowed up all week(conveniently ignored by the zoning administrator Ben Oleson).  This photo was taken 8-7-14.

NOW WHY DO YOU SUPPOSE THE CITY ALLOWS CERTAIN SIGNS AND NOT OTHERS?   It is called viewpoint discrimination and SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT.   It is also called AGAINST THE LAW in most peoples book. (at least those folks that have INTEGRITY....something sorely lacking in Little Falls, a CONSTITUTION FREE ZONE AND GRAVEYARD OF DEMOCRACY.

OUTRAGEOUS FREE SPEECH VIOLATION THERESA SKORSETH 6-17-13

Check out how RUDE AND INTOLERANT YOUR LITTLE FALLS CITY COUNCIL REALLY IS FOLKS.  If this isn't an ***OUTRAGE*** I don't know what is !!!!!!    THERESA SKORSETH FOR CITY COUNCIL WARD 2.   She is by far the most articulate, compassionate, intelligent, and best suited to represent EVERYONE!!!!    Council regime change now!!!!'[

Klinker disallows Robin's videocamera in same spot it has been allowed before....Chief Schirmers enforces.

Watch as council enters on the date they agree to my lawsuit settlement.   Chief Schirmers talks to Dan Vogt, Council President Don Klinker, Loren Boyum and then insists I move my camera, even though they have NO POLICIES about videocameras.  The date of this council work session is 4-7-14.  One thing that is very important.  Terry Lehrke mentions NONE of anything that happens at this meeting in  her council briefs in the McRecord, related to them pestering me needlessly to move my camera, or the HOSTILITY the council displayed towards myself, Larry Fisk( who serenaded the council and audience with his song about Camp Ripley.) Why did Terry Lehrke omit  their clownlike juvenile behavior once again?  Why does she "cover" for them?  Do you suppose it has anything to do with the newspaper getting more than 16k from city to publish public notices?  Does anyone out there believe that the Morrison County Record isn't being propped up by the city, and they aren't in bed together?  ALL OF THAT 16K is from your public revenues.  More business WELFARE.  Now don't get me wrong.  I believe the poor, mentally ill, orphaned and abused children, and the disabled are entitled to social service assistance.  I also believe the word "welfare" carries a certain amount of stigma because selfish people who think no one should receive assistance, have abused that word.  I do believe when corporate or business prop up money is doled out, the word welfare us appropriate and deserves the  stigma.  Just sayin.

Hey Alicia Zigan and friends, TRICK OR TREAT post is ready.

It's almost ♢Halloween♢ and time for some tricks and treats for my blog readers.  Soon I will post the entire commentary thread of your "witch-hunt" gobblin friends on Facebook.  I know you can't ♡♡♡wait.  》》》Stay tuned《《《

 

Halloween spider with egg sack in my yard.   Look closely at the interesting pattern on it's back. 

 

 

 

Moon last night 10-7-14 from my backporch.

 

Hot council denies Robin to speak(again)

This is last nights council meeting 10-6-14 in Little Falls, Mn. Listen at 20minutes 30 seconds into the film, as I am once again, treated differently(viewpoint discrimination)and denied to speak. Theresa Skorseth was denied to speak WHEN SHE WAS ON THE AGENDA, ON JUNE 17, 2013 TRYING TO URGE THE CITY COUNCIL TO DEFUND THE SISTER CITY COMMITTEE. 

Then listen to the entire video to get a feel for how inept this council really is.

Turns out, the city has been misusing public funds for decades by giving the Sister City Committee 3k per year. 

They just can't seem to "get it," that to entertain French citizens on the city nickel, could never be construed to be a valid public purpose use of City of Little Falls public revenues. 

Since the council has once again tabled the deletion of this committee, the responsibility is on the opportunity hoarders to come with a "VALID PUBLIC PURPOSE".....good luck!!!!  

LAWLESS COUNCIL LITTLE FALLS MINNESOTA

Watch as the LAWLESS, INTOLERANT LITTLE FALLS CITY COUNCIL on 4-7-14.  This is the work session.  Col. St. Sauver was allowed to make his annual economic impact statement at the regular council session that followed this film. 

This is also the night that the council passed the resolution to agree to my lawsuit settlement on the advertising bench.  Jason Kuboushek, League of Minnesota Cities is seated at the end of the desk where Chief Schirmers is seated. 

 You can see how disrespectful Mayor Cathy VanRisseghem is by getting up in the middle of the public forum presentations.  She never does this when one of her friends or part of her "poofy party opportunity hoarding" group of friends speaks. 

Even though the city does  not allow ANYONE ELSE to make a non delivery of city services presentation, they make an EXCEPTION for Camp Ripley because of the $$$$ it generates.   Money talks.  

EYE POPPING! The Robin Hensel Story.

This was made to show the Town180 Producers to tell the true story of what really happens in Little Falls, MN and has been happening here over the last three years.

This was filmed at the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

 

Klinker has the audacity to say"why aren't you in another country?''  And then Greg Zylka, our mayor elect laughs smugly.  Men show their character in nothing more clearly than by what they think laughable. 

AND NOW CONVICTED BY A LOCAL JURY GUILTY OF DISORDERLY CONDUCT FOR SITTING IN A CHAIR !!!!   Could this story get any more bizarre.   The costs for the appeals going forward to prove my innocence will cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars again.  Just to attempt to shut me up.  Well it won't work folks.  I will continue to speak out about injustice, illegalities and violations of the law, no matter where I find them.  If they don't want me to find things, all they have to do is start following the laws  and implement uniform enforcement and equal treatment of everyone.   They would be smart to start today. 

Camp Ripley Drone Protest 9-15-13 (DRONES FLY, KIDS DIE - NO CLOWNING AROUND!)

Sister City 7-21-2014 Council Allows Mike Schnider EXCEPTION

good eating tip of the day♡♡♡

Last week I made clam chowder with a big bowl of homemade mashed potatoes with the skins on.  It turns out the mashed potatoes added the thickness that usually requires some type of starch or flour to reach the desired texture.  Those leftover mashed taters were just the thing to give my chowder an interesting twist on the common version.  I always use heavy whipping cream in my cream soups.

I experimented with two types of beer cheese soup. (I had never made or eaten beer cheese soup.)  One was made with leftover homemade bleu cheese dressing, brie, mexican soft cooking cheese(similar to cheese curds but larger), mozarella and parmesan, garlic, celery, and homemade noodles from a local farmers market vendor.  Yummo.

The other beer cheese soup I named "south of the border." I needed to use a big bowl of salsa I had made with corn, refried black bean salsa with fresh cherry tomatoes and parsley, and cilantro from my front yard garden.  I added some rice to thicken.  I recommend trying your own version.  Try a version of your own.

***********State Attorney Generals Office letter*************

On Friday 10-4-14 I received a reply from the Minnesota State Attorney General, Lori Swansons office, in regards to my reporting that the Little Falls Golf Advisory Board and the City Council were in violation of their own ordinance, that requires monthly golf advisory  meetings.   The letter commended me for closely monitoring the situation, and staying attuned to the actions of my local government.  It read "It is alert citizens who help to hold local units of government accountable".

"The state legislature has also given municipal attorneys broad discretionary authority to determine whether or not to pursue particular prosecutions.  Municipal attorneys are appointed by the city council."

It states also that "It is presumed that a municipal attorney is ultimately accountable to the city council and ultimately voters for his or her actions and his or her overall performance will be one of the factors considered by the voters at the time of election of the city council. 

The letter concludes with the following very interesting statement. "The City Attorney however, also has the authority to forward a matter which he or she deems to be a conflict of interest for his or her office to pursue, to another office for prosecution.  Likewise, the police department may also refer a matter to an outside independent agency for investigation. 

From Minnesota Statutes 388.051 Subdivision 1. General provisions.  The county attorney shall:

a. appear in all cases which the county is a party;

b. give opinions and advice, upon the request of the county board or any county officer, upon all matters in which the county is or may be interested, or in relation to the official duties of the board or officer.

c. prosecute felonies, including the drawing of indictments found by the grand jury, and, to the extent prescribed by law, gross misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, and violations of municipal ordinances, charter provisions and rules or regulations.

IT'S HALLOWEEN....spoooookiest of all is THE COBORN'S CONNECTION EVERYONE needs to know.

For some time now I have been concerned about the influential connections throughout the local Coborns Superstore, managed by Councilor and mayoral candidate Greg Zylka.  There are 3 present city councilor connections and numerous other city staff and city committee connections that are very troubling.

Councilor and mayoral candidate Greg Zylkas wife is a Little Falls city office employee.  And not a very friendly one, I might add.  She could use some training in customer service skills.

Many Little Falls residents are concerned that a majority of council members are too closely tied with the Little Falls Coborn's Superstore that is managed by Councilman Greg Zylka. 

This is (Coborn's pharmacist and Morrison County Chaplaincy Board Member) Brad Hircock registering to run for Alderman at Large at 4:53 P.M. on the last day to file, August 12th, 2014, with only 7 minutes before filings closed.  I heard Mayor Cathy VanRisseghem saying she was soooo relieved to hear he was running. 
If Brad Hircock were to be elected Alderman at Large, there would be 4 Coborn connected councilors and it COULD EASILY SWAY/INFLUENCE decisions. When 4 councilors vote no the vote fails. The council can shut anything down with 4 no votes.     Let'$ just $ay Aldi or Cub Grocery store were interested in locating in Little Falls.  How likely do you think that possibility would be if Hircock were elected.
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Aldi stores, I believe DO have an interest in our area, and I for one, would love to see much more local competition. Competition is good for consumers.  It usually keeps prices low.  For a variety of reasons, I buy much on my grocery list from Aldi. They pay a starting wage that is closer to a living wage than other stores.  They allow their check out cashiers to be seated to minimize workplace injuries.

 HyVee Grocery stores who may also have their eye on this area for a store, is 100% EMPLOYEE OWNED, which increases superb customer service and quality of products.

COBORNS is employee owned but only gives something like 10% employee ownership.(unless things have changed since they became an employee owned business.  I was not alone in my view that employee ownership was allowed by the Coborn family owned stores for the SOLE PURPOSE of avoiding UNIONIZATION OF EMPLOYEES.(Something vehemently opposed by upper management. Managers were instructed to report ANY UNION activity immediately to the store manager to squelch any possible union influence. Managers had to follow procedural manual instructions to the tee, on avoiding union activity from creeping in, or risk losing employment). Coborns does not pay any healthcare costs(unless this changed recently) to their THOUSANDS of PART-TIME employees, who include single mothers who desperately NEED healthcare for themselves AND their children.)  Part-time staff are regularly scheduled just less than full time hours, to purposely avoid paying healthcare benefits.  I was in fact told by my former store manager that if we allowed ALL OUR EMPLOYEES HEALTHCARE COVERAGE  managers healthcare costs would INCREASE FOR ALL OF US !!!!   I didn't buy it then and still don't.  Why should large corporations like COBORNS(over 5k employees) be given CORPORATE WELFARE for their employees healthcare?¿   We all pay, when corporations won't pay their employees a living wage.  Poverty wages BEGET POVERTY.  Coborns outlying departments(like photo and floral) managers get an inferior disability plan.(unless this has changed.)  The more essential departments like meat and dairy managers, get better and longer disability.  This doesn't make sense to me, and creates contention among managers. Another troubling issue is human rights violations.  Rich Cousins(human rights enforcer for St. Cloud) spoke upon my invitation, during my council request (in 2013) for Little Falls to implement a human rights committee.  He stated that there have been human rights violations of Little Falls residents(mostly single mothers and older employees) in the St. Cloud area.  Many Little Falls residents commute to St. Cloud area for their employment.
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 Nobody has more interest in their company if THEY OWN A PART OF IT.  I met the former owner of HyVee,  and her daughter at a trade show in Minneapolis, and was impressed. As a lifetime florist,  I admired the savvy idea to focal their floral departments by positioning them in the FRONT OF THEIR STORES, so the first thing customers saw was the loveliest department in the store. This was a stellar idea for many reasons.

 I would also love it if a Trader Joe's would locate here.
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On the council is Jeremy Hanfler, who in recent years(after Jeremy was elected to council), wife was promoted to a full time position at Coborn's. Jeremy is also on the City of Little Falls Planning and Zoning Commission,(and was former board chairman) that makes recommendations to the Council on building permits, ordinance changes, conditional use permits and more.

Councilman Loren Boyum has been a Coborns' Ace Hardware employee.

Coborn's pharmacist Brad Hircock, candidate for Alderman at Large on City Council and was recently endorsed by his fellow co-pharmacist(from Coborn's) Gary Sperl(recent letter to editor supporting Brad).   Remember these two pharmacists both jumped ship from WalMart pharmacy to get employed by the Coborn's family.  What kind of incentives were they possibly enticed by and by whom? 
 
Jerry Lochners(former co-city administrator and long time city employees)wife is a Coborn's employee. 

Lisa Luing (city staffs) husband was a former employee of Coborns Ace Hardware store.

How many other city department employees have links to the Coborn's connection??

Little Falls is not that small of a town.

This is another possible CONFLICT OF INTEREST for the council and city staff, and another reason why the city should enact a conflict of interest/ethics policy immediately.  I will be urging them to do just that, tomorrow night.  Oct. 6, 2014 work session at 6:30 p.m.
Citizens are concerned with a majority of Councilors association with Coborns corporation, because this could affect future businesses (grocery stores) locating to our area.(Such as Aldi and Cub.)

 Mayoral candidate/Councilman Greg Zylka(manager Coborns Superstore)

 Councilman/planning and zoning official Jeremy Hanfler(wife is employee of Greg Zylka at Coborns)

Illegal off premise sign in Coborns Superstore parking lot.

This is Councilor Loren Boyum who is accurately portrayed as the joker he is.

HENSEL MADE WRONGFUL ACCUSATION*****

Check it out for yourself.   Read Darrell Allords letter to the editor titled "Hensel made wrongful accusation" in the Morrison County Record published Oct. 2, 2014 online at 10:21 p.m.   Then, make sure to read my blogpost titled "Darwin J. Allord...a hometown boy and HIS TERRORISTIC THREAT." on this blog.  You won't be sorry you took the time to find out what this is all about.   Darwin J. Allord wrote a comment on my YouTube channel, and I now have proof he is the writer of the threat he made towards me.

 He also included his email address, in the event I wished to apologize to him.

  He states I attempted to have false charges brought against him.

He states he has screenshots of my comments to the Morrison County Record, and all of the comments I have made on my weblog.  He says he will be forwarding all and a copy if this email to the MCRecord, the LFPD, the Little Falls Attorney, the Morrison County Attorney, and the Minnesota Attorney General, to see what criminal and civil charges can be brought up against me.

 He also states he will be attending future city council meetings as well as any other public functions that have to do with any elections as he will be attending future public forums as his schedule allows.

Interesting.  Very interesting. 

Sure seems to be a veiled threat in itself, doesn't it? 

The question is.....why wasn't Darwin J. Allord located by the local police, and then charged?

I really want to get an answer. 

Don't you?

Full commentary thread of the**** Darwin J. Allord threat****

For a full account of all the comments made on the commentary thread that incited the threat Darwin J. Allord made, go to the blogpost titled "Darwin J. Allord....a hometown boy and HIS TERRORISTIC THREAT******ATTENTION****FULL COMMENTARY THREAD ADDED"

The reason I have posted the entire commentary thread is so the public can read what I read, and is no longer available to read.   These were all available to the public at the time the threat was made.

I wonder why ECM publishers chose that particular time(right after this threat was reported to the Little Falls Police Department) to change their comment platform?

What do you think?

NO MORE PIGGYBACKERS ALLOWED.

There has been a fair of amount of comments made on my blog that were attempting to advertise for other candidates, or promote their own blogs, email addresses, and the like.  I will not allow anyone to use my blog to promote or advertise.   They can all promote themselves in whatever way they wish, but not piggybacking on my blog.

There are always advertising benches to be rented....of course not in this prime spot.  Unless the city figures out a way to place benches wherever they want in town.(I believe this effort is already in progress with the help of Kris VonBerge at the Convention and Visitors bureau and the Historic Preservation Committee.   To find out more about this you might want to attend the next HPC meeting which will be held at noon on Monday Oct. 6th in the conference room at city hall.   They need more eyes on them, keepin em honest, so to speak.  

Good idea of the day, as promised.

Awhile ago, I discovered (through Representative John Wards office) a unique program available to cities in Minnesota to aid with mediation areas such as public safety, youth development and education, landlord/tenant concerns, employment, neighborhood disputes, and the court system.  The services could save Little Falls and Morrison County  money, by reducing reliance on the court system and law enforcement agencies.  Stronger communities can find effective solutions to conflicts through this organization.   This organization is called the "Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution."  It will promote mediation by providing grants to provide non-profits or other entities that assist in resolution of disputes, ensuring all areas of the state have access to these services.   This office will help provide technical assistance and best practices, such as the Minnesota Solutions model, used to resolve major disputes of public concern.  The use of collaborative processes through facilitated meetings until there is a consensus reached.  Little Falls could benefit from these available services in the future.  http://mn.gov/bms/OCDR.html         With hope, Robin

ETHICS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

I emailed City Administrator Dan Vogt and my mayoral candidate opponent; Mayor VanRisseghem to request to be on the council meeting agenda for the next meeting Oct.6th. Today I got an email from Dan stating that my request would be put on the work session and if council wished to add it to their agenda, they could.  It is extraordinarily critical that this city adopt an ethics policy.  Any less does not reflect well on the integrity of all councilors.  Transparency is key for good governance and sorely lacking in Little Falls.  Expect/demand the best for your vote and money.  We pay councilors more per hour than the city attorney.  That'$ eye-popping ****  WORK SESSION STARTS BETWEEN 5 AND 6 USUALLY. Call city hall on friday to find out the exact start time...320-616-5500 or check the city website.

Drones and endless war and local council antics....some simple reminders.

 From the Little Falls American Legion Facebook page.  Interesting. 

 Like the dirty tactic of allowing Camp Ripley to give a formal council presentation, when they tell others that any items on the formal council agenda MUST BE DELIVERY OF CITY SERVICES related.  Without changes on the council during the election, this is the kind of local governance you can expect. 

Camp Ripley drone protest.....there is a growing number of Americans that have had it with illegal drone assassinations/President Obamas disposition matrix/and endless war.

Introducing my new jobs blog

I have just created my new jobs blog, RobinHenselJobs.blogspot.com, where I will be posting all kinds of good ideas on how to encourage job growth and create new jobs in Little Falls.  Thanks for reading.  More soon.

The first of many great ideas to help prosper and enhance Little Falls.

I recommend that  Little Falls Planning and Zoning Committee and City Council consider passing an ordinance allowing tiny or small homes on the dozens of non-conforming lots the city owns.  Brainerd City Council voted in June 2014 to allow small homes of 500 square feet to be built on non-conforming lots(less than 7000 square feet).  The forward thinking idea was recommended by the Brainerd Planning Commission. Brainerd Planning Commission promoted the idea to encourage building on vacant lots. 

Many seniors, singles or others wishing to live a simpler, less cluttered lifestyle might wish to build similar homes in Little Falls. Whenever empty lots have homes on them, the city benefits from the tax dollars that those homes generate. 

I hope others agree that this would be an added benefit for our town.  If you do, please call your current mayor and councilors as well as your planning committee members.   Councilor Frank Gosiak and Councilor Jeremy Hanfler are current members of the planning committee.   Their phone  numbers are published in the Little Falls phonebook. Give them a jingle.  

As mayor, I will promote and encourage others to adopt this idea.

It is a trend of the future and will bring in new residents to our town.

JOBS JOBS JOBS.....

Stay tuned for many good ideas to bring jobs to Little Falls.  As soon as I have time, I will be posting numerous ideas to advance this city.  Thanks for following and reading. 

BAD KARMA AmeriKana

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article39819.htm   My friend Phillips article and a MUST READ.  Especially in this military town.   Enjoy.

my opponents signs LOCATION VERY INTERESTING

 Greg Zylka candidate for mayor is allowed two signs in front of KTLF radio station(who is hosting the supposedly unbiased candidate debates).  Chris Grams(widow of former Republican Senator Rod Grams) is the owner of the radio station. Now I really wonder why she would allow a democrat to post his signs in front of her station and not the current mayor Cathy VanRisseghem.

Here is the location of the mayors billboard.  On the property next to KTLF RADIO STATION.  I wonder if Chris doesn't like CathyVanRisseghem because of her passion to destroy the Dewey Radke home.  I wonder if the radio station really wants Greg Zylka to become the mayor of Little Falls.  I wonder if the radio station or Chris Grams is going to contribute to his campaign.  I wonder if Chris would allow one of my election signs on the radio stations property?   Suppose?   Both of these photos were taken 9-29-14.

I am not ALONE.

The following pictures are of David Petrovichs' home and property in Oakhurst, New Jersey.  These photos are all recent. He affixed numerous signs right onto the sides of his house siding.  He is that passionate about the problems facing our nation.  He used his property to exercise his right to free speech and now he is being threatened with a summons. His city may not have even had a sign ordinance before he was sent a letter.   His city has mandated he remove his signs that are erected right on his home and his fences, trees and in his yard.

 A friend alerted me about his situation.  He is a graduate of Rutgers University and wanted to project his ideas through signs, similar to mine. He is also the executive director for the Society for the Preservation of Homeownership, Oakhurst, New Jersey.

This is grassroots democracy in action.

 These are just a few of his many signs.  On a fairly regular basis I get calls from others(some local and some a distance away) with issues with sign enforcement and other problems they are encountering. They ask for my help. 

ILLEGAL OFF PREMISE SIGNS

 This obviously illegal off premise Zion Lutheran Church aluminum cans sign(photo taken 9-17-14), is located close to the downtown dam, and was reported months ago, to the zoning officer Ben Oleson, and is still being allowed.   Why?   This and the next picture are obvious, glaring examples of selective/illegal enforcement of the sign ordinance. 

 This illegal off premise Boy Scout pop can collection sign(photo taken 9-27-14) is on Coborn's parking lot property and was reported months ago to Ben Oleson, the zoning administrator.   Why is it still allowed? 

This certainly doesn't look good for Coborn's to have an illegal sign on their premises.

Now don't get me wrong folks. I am not opposed to either of these signs if the ordinance allowed them legally.   However, the restrictive sign ordinance forbids ANY OFF PREMISE SIGNS. 

These two billboards(photo taken 9-18-14) are erected on City of Little Falls, Mn. land on the northeast side of town and borders highway 371.  There was discussion of these at a city council meeting a few months ago, and they are likely illegal off premise billboards.   These signs were reported as being illegal off premise signs and are still erected.

 I hope others will call on the city to get all the dozens of illegal signs in town, into compliance. 

Here is another illegal off premise Boys n Girls pop can collection sign in front of Donna's Big Jim restaurant on the west side of town.   This sign was also reported months ago to Ben Oleson the zoning administrator for Little Falls and is still allowed. 

Again, let me repeat.  I am NOT OPPOSED TO ANY OF THESE SIGNS, except that the sign ordinance forbids them and so they must come into compliance.  Laws need to be enforced fairly and uniformly.  Period.  No exceptions.

A downtown businessmans outrageous comments

Over the weekend I had a conversation with a fairly prominent and longtime local business owner.  This individual was a former political party head, as well as an educator.   He said he has been so bothered by some of my signs, that he felt like "lighting a match to them'' sometimes.    He claimed he is a law abiding person and would never do it.   

 I suggest  he divert his eyes, if he doesn't like the "look'' or "content" of my signs/yard art.       

I believe he should take a look into his own conscience, and then exercise it.  

After all, this is the "land of the brave and the free" right?

I reminded him that I own my property, and have the right to decorate it with whatever yard art I like.  

I told him that the laws need to be enforced uniformly, and not selectively.  I stated that we still do not have laws uniformly enforced in Little Falls.   As long as we allow selective enforcement of any law, this will plague our city.

Let's all work together to ensure we have democracy in our town.   Isn't that what America is all about? 

A note to Terry Lehrke....

I know this would not be printed on the commentary disqus thread of the MCRecord so I will post my comment/questions here instead. 

Why didn't you include in your article on the trial of Alderman Brian Crowder(Sept. 22+23rd, 2014) the disturbing comment made by Officer David Stevenson, that he asked to be taken off of the investigation of the incident at Oakland Cemetery, because he doesn't like politics at all, and didn't want any political ramifications?  Are sworn peace officers supposed to be allowed to "pick and choose" which cases and which individuals they investigate?  I don't think so.   This is an alarming statement and one that your readers were entitled to know to be fully informed.  

Why didn't you include the bigoted comment that Charlie Sprandel made when he was asked what the building was that Assistant County Prosecutor Todd Kosovich was pointing at on the platte map of Oakland Cemetery?  Sprandels comment was that he thought it was a mausoleum or a "SMOKEHOUSE'' or something.  This was of course a damning reference to the Holocaust crematoriums, and the Crowder Jewish ancestry.   I noticed while seated behind you in the courtroom,  when Sprandel made this comment, you shook your head in dismay. 

I am really disappointed in your lack of thoroughness in journalism.  Is it intentional, or an oversight on your part?  I hope you will explain to me, next time we see each other, why you did not include these two important pieces of information for your readers. 

The investigations of the many threats towards me over the course of the last 3 years, were no less riddled with officer changes in investigating them.  This is in part, in my opinion, why the threateners were never found/or identified.  This is poor policing, and then some. I remember in 2012 when I pointed out to you an alarming comment by a writer who called themself  "ENDLESS LOVELESS" and you removed the comment and blocked that individual.   You told me that anonymous commenters would not be allowed to comment.   What happened? 
What changed that you have since then allowed numerous commenters to post without identifying themselves? 

After speaking with a friend recently, I wonder if you really feel that I have been unfairly demeaned/threatened/harassed by some of the community members?   If so, why don't you write something about that?   Especially since it was your article titled "Police Lead Hensel out of Friday's Council meeting" that led up to the incitement of a terroristic  threat to me.  This terroristic threat was posted for 11 days before I reported it to the Little Falls Police Department.  This is totally unacceptable and sloppy oversight of a commentary thread, no matter whose job it was to police it. 

As mayor, I will be diligent to ensure that the Morrison County Record lives up to the expectation of fair/factual and unbiased journalism or I will move to change the official newspaper of the City of Little Falls to a newspaper that will accomplish this.  That you and the voters can count on. 

So many people have made statements under oath, or just in conversation that they have formed their opinions on what they read in the Record.  Given the fact that the reporting has many times, been less than stellar, I am not dismayed that the present mayor and council have allowed the Record to continue as it's official newspaper.   I have witnessed either the city administrators or council/committee members suggesting "and Terry, you don't have to print that."  

As mayor, I will put an end to the discriminatory/sloppy policing that goes on in this town on a regular basis.  It is one of the highest priorities for me.  I am concerned about racial profiling as well, and intend to ferret the facts out, and then inform the population as to what I discover.   This should be a priority of our current mayor, but obviously is not. 

I look forward to the day when the City of Little Falls and the Morrison County Record are no longer in bed together. 

Darwin J. Allord, a hometown boy and HIS TERRORISTC THREAT*****.ATTENTION****FULL COMMENTARY THREAD ADDED

I believe this is Darwin J. Allord, the man that wrote the terroristic threat on the Morrison County Record  commentary thread that followed the article about my illegal arrest titled "Police Lead Hensel out of Friday's Council Meeting."  His comment was "Why not just pull a "gordie" and shoot her? It worked last time."    What he is referring to is the shooting of Gordon Wheeler by three law enforcement officers,  in the Morrison County Courthouse.

 The Little Falls Police Department could not locate him, but I did.    They evidently didn't even do a Facebook search.

On Darwin's Facebook friend list you will see he is friends with Darrell Allord (his brother I believe), Brenda Allord(Darrell's wife), Sheri Welle(who lives in Little Falls), Shannon Cichon(went to school at Central Lakes College in Brainerd), Heidi Majaski Allord(lives in Little Falls), Elizabeth Birr(lives in Little Falls, is Darwin J. Allords cousin, and worked at St. Gabriel's Hospital), Motor Allord(lives in Greely, Colorado and is friends with Michael Strack from Little Falls;(who bragged about pulling the Strack attack, when he and a companion after dark parked his burgundy pickup truck across the street from me, and then snuck away in the dark, and thought nobody would see them) with the big sign in the back of the truck bed  that said "Because of her, I can't find the garage sales" with a big arrow pointing towards my house), and  John W. Gallagher from Little Falls.

 Some of these people have direct or indirect connection to local police officers, and that would help explain why the local police were not willing to find Darwin J. Allord.

   I also discovered Darwins address and phone number in Hanford, California, on Radaris.

  Why do you suppose our local police department was unable to find him, speak with him and ask why he made that comment?  You would think they could/should have done at least that much, right?  I was told they were unable to locate Darwin J. Allord, so nothing was ever really done to investigate or prosecute him.  I wonder why not?  Why were ABSOLUTELY NONE OF THE THREATENERS OF ME, PROSECUTED?

There are either serious problems within the Little Falls Police Department ability to perform their jobs correctly, or maybe our present Mayor Cathy VanRisseghem is the problem, since she is the head of the police department.

I believe an outside investigation needs to be done, to find out the truth about our police department. 

I have had calls over last three years from people who have been troubled, or angry about our police department, and also the Morrison County Sheriffs Department.  I am not the only one who has concerns.

What do you think?  

*********************************************************************************

LET ME BE CLEAR.   THE REASON I POSTED ALL THESE CONNECTIONS, IS TO SHOW THE INCOMPETENCE LEVEL OF THE LITTLE FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT.   THEY EITHER PURPOSELY DIDN'T WANT TO FIND DARWIN J. ALLORD, OR THEY ARE COMPLETELY INEPT.

BY MAKING THE LOCAL CONNECTIONS, IT WAS CLEAR AND EASY TO FIND DARWIN, BY EVEN A NOVICE. 

I believe this is Darrell Allord, Darwin's brother who lives by the Twin Cities....Blaine???   according to his public Facebook page.   The information I have says that  they are both graduates of  Little Falls High School.

  Darrell made a comment on the same commentary thread (listed above), with his real name used.  His comment was: "Just like you, Linda....can never take you anywhere where you're bumping people's signs...what next? You're not going to steal nuts from the chipmunks in your yard are you?....sheez."

Now you would think that the LFPD would have seen that there were two people with the same last name on this commentary thread and should have been able to put 2 and 2 together.   Guess not.

Who Darrell is referring to in his comment, is Linda Burgraff, ex-officio on the Little Falls Historic and Planning Commission/owner of a local business(Lin Furniture), and the fact that she grabbed one of  my signs without my permission. 

   *******************************************************************

HERE ARE THE OTHER COMMENTS THAT LED UP TO DARWIN J. ALLORDS what I have been told was a TERRORISTIC THREAT

Michelle Hoover; "Was the City Council afraid she was going to start a riot?  Were they afraid she had a weapon and was going to hurt them?  If the only problem was she was there drawing attention to herself WHO CARES?  Really you can't have a meeting with a sign present or a woman dressed in colorful dresses?  Grow up City Council, your job is to discuss city matters with the residents of the city regardless of how "crazy" you think the residents are.  You proved her point, nice job drawing attention to her case, do your job around her and ignore her if  you don't want to deal with her.  Obviously she has something to talk about, she feels her rights were violated and you pretty much proved that.  Next time maybe you should stack the audience with your friends and family to intimidate her, maybe then she will leave you along.  Unless you've already done that?"

Clifton Evans(Mission Support Manager at SRI International); "Actually, her behavior is so irrational I'm not sure she isn't a potential threat to any of us.  I think we should all be careful not to confront her as she appears to be on the edge of doing something violent.  She is creating a climate of fear in this city."

Rick Witte; "Clifton to say she present a threat, a threat of violence, to the Community is quite the stretch.  certainly she is seen, by much of the Community, as a nuisance is certainly understandable. I'm more inclined to believe she does nothing more than grandstand in an attempt to promote her cause."

Clifton Evans;" I'm just saying she seems to be losing it.  Who knows what someone will do to others when they lost control.  Do you remember the shooting in the Morrison County Courthouse?  Even if she isn't a physical threat, I'm not sure I would want her to go after me with her odd claims.  Just saying one needs to steer clear of her."

Linda Seelen Burggraff; "Michelle, I expect you to come to the next meeting on June 17th, to see how she is disrupting the meetings and thinks she is the only one who has freedom of speech.  she actually complained last meeting that another person spoke at the previous meeting.  She is costing the citizens of Little Falls (over $40,000.00 so far of actual taxpayer money, plus The money she is costing ALL Minnesota Taxpayers!  with her lawsuit over signs that no one would want to have in their neighborhood, Not by what they say, but how large they are) Would you live next door to her?  Would your  house be saleable if it was next to hers?  Do you want the helicopter pad not to be where it is?  She is also asking for that.  Do you not want the snowplows out cleaning the roads?  She is wasting the staff of City of Little Falls time EVERY DAY by asking for data that does not pertain to her.  She is doing it to disrupt the city business.  They can not do the job that they are being paid for, the city council was elected to take care of Little Falls not the United States.  get involved and see how she is wasting your taxpaying money, where ever you live.  see you on the 17th.  Make sure to go tot he work session and the regular session."

Sue Doucette(Moorhead State University);"I can't even imagine what Mike is thinking up in heaven, I won't say what I think of her."

Linda Seelen Burggraff(owner at where do I work);" I agree Sue."

Darrell Allord;" Just like you, Linda.....can never take you anywhere where you're not bumping people's signs...what next?  You're not going to steal nuts from the chipmunks in your yard are you?....Sheez."

Monica Hammond;" I am soooooo tired of her crap!  Something needs to be done!"

Jeanne Copa Brastad(Little Falls Senior High School);"I so agree with you"

Dorithy Angevine;"It's just wrong that one old bat can make the rest of the town miserable and she still has signs all over the house, she should be in jail."

Clifton Evans;"If not in jail, a restraining order not allowing her within 100 feet of any of the town's residents. :o"

Tammy Verlen Dalen(Field Operations Assistant at Nor-Son);"I am so tired of the Robin Hensel Story....Nobody complained about signs until she decided to make a spectacle of herself and her home....If Little Falls is such a horrible place to live...move or find some kind of "peace" with the way things are.  Just that simple.  I'm sure when I say this is getting old and stupid I am speaking for more than just myself."

Jill Mackissock(Secretary at Royal Farms);"I totally agree with you.  I think if people would just quit talking to her and leave her out of the public eye she won't get the publicity she wants and maybe she would quit throwing a fit she acts worse than any 2 year old."

Darwin J. Allord;"Why not just pull a "gordie" and shoot her.  It worked last time!"

John Zylka(Little Falls, Minnesota);"Careful Darwin, I am sure you are kidding but don't be surprised if she has you charge with making threats against her life.  Just saying!"

 

Terry Lehrke, who wrote "Police lead Hensel out of Friday's Council meeting" in the Morrison County Record, was I believe, the moderator of the commentary thread at the time this was all written.  It was the job of the Record to moderate comments.  This wasn't the first threat that had been written to me on their commentary thread. I had spoken to Terry sometime before this about anonymous commenters making threats and she informed me that the MCRecord would not be allowing anonymous posters to comment.   The comments were left up for 11 days until I found them.  I went to the LFPD to report this and spoke to Officer Dave Stumpf.  He called Terry Lehrke, and then the comments of  Darwin J. Allord and John Zylka were deleted.  
Sometime shortly after that, ECM publishers(which owns the MCRecord) changed their commentary thread to Disqus.  All of the former comments, that were ever made on the comment thread of the MCRecord, were then deleted. 

Minnesota statute 609.713 Terroristic threats

Subdivision 1. Threaten violence; intent to terrorize.

Whoever threatens, directly or indirectly, to commit any crime of violence with a purpose to terrorize another or to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, vehicle or facility of public transportation or otherwise to cause serious public inconvenience, or in a reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.  As used in this subdivision, "crime of violence" has the meaning given "violent crime" in section 609.1095, subdivision 1, paragraph (d)

Subd. 2 Communicates to terrorize.

Whoever communicates to another with a purpose to terrorize another or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror, that explosives or an explosive device or any incendiary device is present at a named place or location, whether or not the same is in fact present, may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000.00, or both.

 There will be a 4th blog on this subject that will include damning information from police reports on a number of threats.