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Jeff Jacobs - page 22

Jeff Jacobs has 235 articles published.

Paridon Williams – 50 Ways To Help Another

It’s about 1:30am in Seattle as I share a beer with a friend at the newly updated Belltown Pub. As the last call announcement is broadcasted over the speakers, a very tall house-less man walks in. His beard is a little gray and needs a good shaving. Dressed in black with a shoulder bag over his shoulder that appears to have costs a few dollars. It appears to be another awkward moment where we are going to be hustled for a buck or two. Walking the Seattle streets I am sure you’ve experienced it. Some are more honest than others and just need a beer and/or others have a more elaborate story to get some change. Normally, you just continue walking and don’t engage ignoring the behavior to save yourself the time, story, and money.

Paridon Williams was a little different then most, however. He had a passion about this book. It was a book he created and continues to create which involves helping others out. After his pitch to us, I passed on the offer. I just didn’t get it. Mr. Williams continue to chat it up with my friend (who may have had a few drinks) and eventually I was talked into a 50/50 investment into the book from my friend. He pulled out a copy of the book from his shoulder bag and it was put together quite well. He said he goes to the library and gets it binded at Kinkos. The pages are not numbered, but I am estimating it has approx. 75 pages or so (front and back also). I am guessing it must cost about the same for what he is selling it for ($12.95).

Since I basically gave the book to my friend at the Pub, I figured I would flip through a few pages and check it out (before morning) since I won’t be seeing this book again. The book, however, was impressive – really impressive. The value is in its inspiration from a guy who is struggling and continues to push forward and help others. It is his “masterpiece” and a piece of work that overlooks his own needs and problems for the sake of others. The book is filed with letters he has received from people just like me. Most several days and weeks later. People who turned their backs to him initially but after reading and being inspired have changed their point of view. Some people have also submitted stories, poems, and letters to Peridon Williams inside the book. His book, 50 ways to help another, encourages submissions and that keeps the book updated with new versions. He also has advertising in the book from local Seattle businesses.

In short, it’s a good read from a good guy filled with a whole lot of love from a whole lot of people.

Taste of West Seattle Is Tonight

Tonight, May 19th, is the Taste Of West Seattle.  If you haven’t got out today and enjoyed the sun then this a great opportunity for you and your family.  The Taste Of West Seattle runs from 6-9pm and you can get tickets online or when you get there.  The event continues to grow every year and this is going to be another big one.  It features dozens of food vendors and plenty of entertainment.  All proce

Seattle Real Estate Market – Down Again

The Seattle real estate market is down again in April and many are starting to think it may never rebound. I believe the general public is feeling better about real estate (compared to a year ago or more) but at the end of the day it’s comes down to money. Many don’t feel secure in their jobs and even more don’t have enough money to invest in a home. When you’re nickled and dimed everyday with the taxes, fines, tolls, penalties, and other dreamed up concoctions it makes it very difficult for the average family. When you were a child, you most likely were taught that home ownership is the American dream. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself. A place where you can call your own instead of paying rent every month (that goes no where).

The real estate market sure has changed overtime. Of course the wages were less back then but you could get a home in the 5K – 20K range. Over the course of 30 years the property would grow in appreciation and eventually you could make a profit, retire on it, or just live comfortably. Unfortuately, the banks have put a stop to that. The average family purchasing a home will not even come close to see the home appreciation as it once was. A home that cost $250K will cost you over $400K over the life of loan. If you add in the additional 3K+ per year property taxes over the 30 years, that would mean you would have paid over 490K. Do you really think your $250K home will appreciate over $490K? The value of home ownership and the Seattle real estate marketing is retirement. You must be in it for the longterm.

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Has America Changed It's Standards

Has America Changed?

This is an interesting read. Written by Ken Huber – he does make some interesting points about American and what

Seattle Micro Housing

Seattle Micro-Housing

The Seattle Council is considering allowing micro-housing in the city. If you’re not in the loop of what micro-housing is

Seattle Housing Authority & Yesler Terrace Makeover

Last Tuesday, the Seattle Housing Authority Board of Commissioners approved the project of redevelopment and the makeover of the Yesler Terrace.  Why the city even owns property, land, real estate and have a Seattle Housing Authortiy Board of Commissioners is another topic but it appears to be another Board that makes decisions for the Seattle residents and is quick to blow money on projects without proper discussions.  The construction is expected to cost 300 million (so they say) and will take 10 to 20 years.

The last step is getting the City of Seattle Council Members to approve it and since money is no object in Seattle Washington I would expect it to easily pass with little to no discussions or debates by the Seattle Council Members.  They probably won’t even have a public meeting.

City of Puyallup Road Construction

It’s amazing the amount of money we waste on road constuction.  Our system is setup so different cities get a certain amount for road construction.  Anything above and beyond the cost the city has the cover or sometimes they can get it from other federal programs etc.  From my research, most road construction isn’t really needed.  Cities use it because they have to.  It’s a use it or lose it system.  The City of Puyallup has several projects going on that are a complete waste of money and now we are starting to hear they can’t cover the extra costs.  Recently, they have been working on Highway 512.  I personally drive Highway 512 between Puyallup and Lakewood all the time and this is a good example of just blowing the money because they need to.  There is absolutly nothing wrong with the Highway.  The other City of Puyallup road construction project we are hearing about is on 39th avenue.  There is no dought this area is congested (it always has been and will continue to be) but this project wasn’t really necessary.  First this road construction project in Puyallup has been going on since 2002.  So far the project has cost the City of Puyallup 15+ million.  The City of Puyallup even had to use a shady practice called “eminent domain” to legally steal the property of many hard working families.  One of them sued the City and won (by jury) a 5.4 million dollar settlement.  His legal fees were over 1 million dollars.  

This is not just about Puyallup it’s about the country and the way our transportation taxes are being wasted.  Instead of just using it (because we’ll lose it) mentality there needs to be a way so this money can be pushed into the areas of the city that really need it.

A 14 Trillon Dollar Deficit Cut

Obama was in the news today suggesting a 4 trillion dollar  (12 year) plan to cut the deficit.  I would kindly suggest the President modify his plan to a 12 trillion dollar deficit cut.  Well as this article suggest it’s not really a 14 trillion dollar cut – its actually a 1 trillion 200 billion tax cut.  I just times it by 12 to figure out the 12 year plan (14 trillion) like all the smart people do in the Government.  Why they do that I don’t really know.  Each year we create a new budget anyway and vote it.

You can read my previous article here:  https://www.emeraldcityjournal.com/2011/04/american-government-why-bankruptcy-is-the-best-option-now/

I updated it, however, so we can reach the 14 trillion dollar deficit cut in 12 years like this:

In the link above you’ll see I cut many departments that came to: 728 billion.

I suggest we make every man, women, and child make a $100 donation so that would come to:  310 billion

The Feds take 2 trillion a year from us for taxes each year and since we are cutting half the programs (see above) at least 25% of that could be saved each year:  500 billion.

That adds up to 1.2 trillion x 12 (for the important 12 year plan which makes everything look good) = A 14 trillion dollar deficit cut (+400 billion positive revenue).

Now seriously, I write this in part with laughter.  But if you really think a 4 trillion dollar deficit cut (over 12 years) with Obama is going to make it happen you’re sadly wrong.  First that is 333 billion a year.  Last Friday when they were negotiating the Government shutdown they blew 8 billion in a week.  52 weeks in the year folks that is 448 billion dollars for doing nothing.  This isn’t even a drop in the bucket to repair the mess we have going on.

We need to be cutting atleast 1 trillion a year.

Jesse Jackson & The Death Of MLK

Even Though MLK day was back in January, their was a recent news story about Jesse Jackson that just made my jaw drop in disbelief.  The short of the story is this.  As you know, Martin Luther King was assassinated on his balcony in Tennessee.  A shot rang out (what is believed to be a sniper) hit Mr. King leaving him in a pool of his own blood.  The bullet entered the tip of his chin and tore half of his neck off. 

Right before the shot rang out, Jesse Jackson, Ben Branch, and few others we celebrating a little after winning a recent court case (giving them more opportunities to march) in the parking lot.  MLK actually just went upstairs to get ready for a dinner they were all going to that night.  The shot rang out and MLK was assassinated.  It was a mess for a few seconds with the police running in the wrong direction trying to find the suspect and with MLK’s friends running up to take care of Martin Luther King in his last moments. 

Here is the part that I just couldn’t believe.  Jesse Jackson went upstairs and placed his hands in the pool of blood and smeared it on his shirt.  He went out to the public and stated “he died in my arms”.  Because Jesse Jackson was in the parking lot and not on the balcony (as Jesse claimed) with Mr. King his statement was investigated.  There were many photos taken during the final hours where Jesse Jackson was seen with the smeared shirt on.  The next morning he was on the NBC “Today” show saying MLK “died in my arms”.  It was later investigated and it turns out that statement was completely false.  Jesse Jackson later apologies for the false statement.

It’s an interesting story to say the least.  Did Jesse Jackson really have the “entrepreneurial instinct” to take advantage of a tragic moment.  Remember at this time Jesse Jackson really had no opportunities.  Was this lie (or cover-up) by Jesse Jackson really a move for him to take over the leadership role of the civil rights movement?

Drive A Mile…Get Taxed A Mile – The New Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Tax

If you drive a motor vehicle you could soon be taxed for the miles you drive.  Uncle Sam with the help of Democrats are circulating new ideas for increasing revenue and one of those ideas is the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Tax.  Supporters believe its a fair way to charge people for using the highways.  They believe it would naturally limit highway use thus create less spending for the highways (like repairs etc) and obviously create revenue.

It’s not enough any more that you pay your normal taxes, gas taxes, bridge tolls, HOV fees, car tabs, traffic/parking violations, auto ownership transfer fees, and 520 tolls anymore.  You need to be taxedfor the mileage you drive also.  Where do we draw the line in the sand and say that is enough taxes/fees for the roads.  If the roads can’t be fixed with all the taxes and fees above then we have to realize this is more than just revenue – it’s management of the current transportation revenue. 

It starts with getting people out of office who don’t make tough spending decisions and are constantly just thinking up “ideas to create revenue”.  These decisions mean certain people need to be fired (management/staff whatever) and/or over inflated programs need to be cut.  Our officials in office need to have the testicular fortitude to put their neck and reputation on the line (plus other things) to make these tough decisions.  Sure tough decisions mean everyone isn’t going to be happy but that is part of the job.  We don’t need anymore thinkers – we need action.  We have setup a government system that supports ideas and not action.  Officials want to get re-elected and to make this happen they don’t want to make the hard line cutting decisions.  They don’t want to make anyone mad or even have anyone dislike them.  It simply is not in their own professional interests.  That is why most officials don’t make tough cuts or even discuss it – they just sit around and think up some new revenue idea that will tax more people.

These ideas do pass.  Look at the light cameras we have or the HOV lane fees.  The extreme rental car taxes.  Some states have speeding cameras mounted on the road.  We have even tried placing empty white vans on the highways ticketing people (with just a computer inside). 

It’s the same story we hear it all the time.  After a year or two when the government has used that great ideas revenue, they’ll claim we are broke again.  Some Official will think up another revenue idea (tax) and the vicious cycle continues over again.

Senator Ed Murray Tricking Seattle Residents

Senator Ed Murray pulled a quick one on the Seattle public today.  As you grind at work all day trying to feed your family and pay your mortgage, Senator Ed Murray, pushed through 22 “Title Only” bills.  If you’re unaware what “Title Only” bills are they are just that – New “Bills” with only a title.  A short sentence that says what the “Bill” is and that is all.  Lawmakers use them so they can slip them though hearings etc. without them being discussed (privately or with public) or having any feedback on them.  That was a slimy technique to trick the Seattle residents Mr. Senator Ed Murray.

There was one in particular that stood out called “The creation of revenue and taxation acts”.  He will complete the bill later and it will most likely be used to create more taxes.

Senator Ed Murray
Senator Ed Murray

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Washington Public Schools Bad Revenue Management

There is one thing every adult and parent can agree on and that is a solid education.  We all want our kids to be well educated and eventually have a great life (and career).  Teachers should be paid well and be accountable for increasing student education with documented progress.  I truly believe Teachers want the best out of each and every student.  Teachers understand this type of career may not pay well initially and it’s really about the children.  By the way, the average Teacher salary in Washington State is $54,000 per year and Teachers work 10 months out the year.  This doesn’t included the over inflated wages to upper management like Seattle’s recent firing of Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson and Don Kennedy.

As the television, public protesters, and newspapers continue to strike fear in the general public with the constant “loss of funds for student education services” and “it’s just hurting our kids” – do they truly understand the bad revenue management happening inside our Washington Public Schools?  Is the problem with the Teachers (salaries, student to teacher ratio) or bad revenue management (hiring, salaries paid, distribution of funding) ?

Here is some data I pulled recently from the official Washington State of Education website.  It will tell us the total revenue (per student) in King County.

King County Revenue Per Student
King County Revenue Per Student

Let me remind you these numbers are revenue per student in king county schools.  If you’re student goes to one of the Seattle Public Schools, they are making $11,839 per year for that one student (special education students get more).  Lets assume a basic class size of 25 students (more usually) that means that specific class room is generating $295,975 per year (less Teacher salary).

In 2008-2009 school year for just King County they generated $2,487,794,891 dollars in revenue (yes, that is billions).

In the 2010-2011 school year for just King County they are expecting a 24.6 million dollar loss.

There are of course expenses per student that need to be recognized.  We have building expenses, repairs, transportation costs, office supplies (limited), and upper management (who manage and are not teachers per si).  However, if each class room generates over  $200,000 per year in net revenue (already subtracted $95,957 figuring the teacher salary, supplies, and transportation for each classroom/students) where does the rest really get allocated?  You know we have A LOT of classrooms.  It certainly doesn’t cost $200,000 to keep the electricity and heating turned on for that classroom.  Bus transportation for classroom students (a typical bus load) isn’t that much plus many students provide their own transportation and some bus routes have been cut already.  Students bring their own food or buy their own food (which pays the food staff and food expenses).  We all know the Teachers don’t get much of anything regarding supplies for their rooms.  Many Teachers just buy their own classroom supplies.

The problem with Washington Public Schools is bad revenue management.  It’s not about cutting programs, students/classes (that generate revenue), or Teachers (who are paid enough based on classroom student/teacher revenue ratios).  We must correct how revenue is distributed and wasted in our Washington Public Schools.  The root of our school problems are with the methods we waste revenue and over inflated wages with upper management.  It has little to do with school programs, students, or Teachers.

You be the judge.

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