Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Pet Peeves - Organizational Etiquette
Just briefly, it's darned poor form to mix personal issues/views/advocacies with organizational ones, and this is particularly annoying when someone in a current position of leadership does so.
It's *important* to be really clear with the public and with ones self regarding the difference between the positions of "John Doe the person who happens to be the leader of this'n'that organization vs. JOHN DOE SPEAKING AS THE LEADER AND SPOKESMAN FOR THIS'N'THAT organization". The rules are somewhat different for "ex-leaders/members".
In the first instance, one either does not utilize whatever organizational titles one holds OR one specifically distances oneself from ones organizational role when making the statement - "Speaking purely as a private individual, and not in any way speaking for the views of This'n'That, I think Joe Blow should take a flying leap because he's a raving ass" makes very clear one is speaking only for ones self, not for our example group "This'n'That" - if one feels so strongly about a topic one must speak to it in the first place, even though it may tar the organization you support, this is an acceptable compromise.
In the second instance, one should only speak in consultation with the group one represents or in clear agreement with pre-established speaking points - THEN you use the titles, organizational name, and any appropriate formal titles. You are, after all, in these circumstances speaking as the official voice of an organization - the members have *agreed* to let you represent them in a narrow range of matters in a specific set of positions or in close accordance with a set of guidelines.
What you *do not do* is simply tear off a letter to every official and/or media source in sight simply because you're mightily peeved by one topic or another at a personal level utilizing the name of the organization you lead and any titles you hold therein. An example of this badness, would be the President of a Dog Shelter tearing off on his/her own initiative to advocate mandatory abortions for all mom's making less than 40k/yr - using his/her title and organizational affiliation for extra oomph and leaving those outside the Dog Shelter inner circle completely unaware that this was *NOT* the position or mission of the Dog Shelter.
Former leaders are a different creature - as former, they return to "I don't represent the views o the organization I once lead", but they retain some portion of the mana they had while serving - so they *might* write a newspaper column that mentioned their former organizational affiliations, and this would be acceptable - precisely as long as they made clear the operational phrase was "former" and they do not speak for the group in question at this time.
To do otherwise is to undermine the organization in question in the short term, to diminish trust in the leadership of the speaker in question in the middle term, and to diminish trust within the organization (and outside of the organization, if it really hits the fan) in the long term.
A bad business and a bad choice all the way around, and it really peeves me when folks who OUGHT TO KNOW BETTER engage in this sort of self and organizationally destructive conduct, no matter how noble their intent - for it is merely a less dramatic form of "extend YOUR foot so I can shoot it, so that I have somebody to feel bad with when I shoot myself in the foot in this noble cause".
GRRRRR
It's *important* to be really clear with the public and with ones self regarding the difference between the positions of "John Doe the person who happens to be the leader of this'n'that organization vs. JOHN DOE SPEAKING AS THE LEADER AND SPOKESMAN FOR THIS'N'THAT organization". The rules are somewhat different for "ex-leaders/members".
In the first instance, one either does not utilize whatever organizational titles one holds OR one specifically distances oneself from ones organizational role when making the statement - "Speaking purely as a private individual, and not in any way speaking for the views of This'n'That, I think Joe Blow should take a flying leap because he's a raving ass" makes very clear one is speaking only for ones self, not for our example group "This'n'That" - if one feels so strongly about a topic one must speak to it in the first place, even though it may tar the organization you support, this is an acceptable compromise.
In the second instance, one should only speak in consultation with the group one represents or in clear agreement with pre-established speaking points - THEN you use the titles, organizational name, and any appropriate formal titles. You are, after all, in these circumstances speaking as the official voice of an organization - the members have *agreed* to let you represent them in a narrow range of matters in a specific set of positions or in close accordance with a set of guidelines.
What you *do not do* is simply tear off a letter to every official and/or media source in sight simply because you're mightily peeved by one topic or another at a personal level utilizing the name of the organization you lead and any titles you hold therein. An example of this badness, would be the President of a Dog Shelter tearing off on his/her own initiative to advocate mandatory abortions for all mom's making less than 40k/yr - using his/her title and organizational affiliation for extra oomph and leaving those outside the Dog Shelter inner circle completely unaware that this was *NOT* the position or mission of the Dog Shelter.
Former leaders are a different creature - as former, they return to "I don't represent the views o the organization I once lead", but they retain some portion of the mana they had while serving - so they *might* write a newspaper column that mentioned their former organizational affiliations, and this would be acceptable - precisely as long as they made clear the operational phrase was "former" and they do not speak for the group in question at this time.
To do otherwise is to undermine the organization in question in the short term, to diminish trust in the leadership of the speaker in question in the middle term, and to diminish trust within the organization (and outside of the organization, if it really hits the fan) in the long term.
A bad business and a bad choice all the way around, and it really peeves me when folks who OUGHT TO KNOW BETTER engage in this sort of self and organizationally destructive conduct, no matter how noble their intent - for it is merely a less dramatic form of "extend YOUR foot so I can shoot it, so that I have somebody to feel bad with when I shoot myself in the foot in this noble cause".
GRRRRR
Eric Holder, AG-Nominee
Today the U.S. Senate Nominations Committee voted AG-Nominee Holder favorably out of committee for vote of the entire Senate. This is bad.
Holder is a staunch anti-gun activist who in his confirmation hearing promised to close the non-existent "gun show loophole" (in other words, shut down gun shows via regulatory excess, and end private sales), re-instate and make permanent the so-called "Assault Weapons Ban" (aka, the "Ban on Ugly Guns and EBR's), and bar cop-killer (a really wide range, if approached logically...could well mean banning everything but AirSoft) bullets.
Add to this his irrational support of the so-called "War on Drugs" (better described as "The Conveniently/Perpetually waveable red shirt, War on Civil Rights, and Prohibition Review") - Holder supports setting minimum sentences of 18 months for first-time convicted drug dealers, 36 months for the second time and 72 months for every conviction thereafter, and ruling marijuana possession a felony.
In these economic times, the issue of stimulating violent black markets aside, this is not a wise use of taxpayer funds - rather, it opens a vast sinkhole for those funds for no apparent benefit. Prohibition not only didn't work, it gave us Al Capone and a vastly more intrusive federal government - the War on Drugs has long failed, significantly impeded civil rights, and given us the Cartels. I'd call it a loss, just written bigger and bloodier.
Write your Senators (worthless as the WA pair are, it's better than giving up in futility), send thank you letters and/or funds (if you have them, in these times) to the two dissenting Senators on the Senate Nominating Committee, and remain ready for a really rough ride over the next four years.
Holder is a staunch anti-gun activist who in his confirmation hearing promised to close the non-existent "gun show loophole" (in other words, shut down gun shows via regulatory excess, and end private sales), re-instate and make permanent the so-called "Assault Weapons Ban" (aka, the "Ban on Ugly Guns and EBR's), and bar cop-killer (a really wide range, if approached logically...could well mean banning everything but AirSoft) bullets.
Add to this his irrational support of the so-called "War on Drugs" (better described as "The Conveniently/Perpetually waveable red shirt, War on Civil Rights, and Prohibition Review") - Holder supports setting minimum sentences of 18 months for first-time convicted drug dealers, 36 months for the second time and 72 months for every conviction thereafter, and ruling marijuana possession a felony.
In these economic times, the issue of stimulating violent black markets aside, this is not a wise use of taxpayer funds - rather, it opens a vast sinkhole for those funds for no apparent benefit. Prohibition not only didn't work, it gave us Al Capone and a vastly more intrusive federal government - the War on Drugs has long failed, significantly impeded civil rights, and given us the Cartels. I'd call it a loss, just written bigger and bloodier.
Write your Senators (worthless as the WA pair are, it's better than giving up in futility), send thank you letters and/or funds (if you have them, in these times) to the two dissenting Senators on the Senate Nominating Committee, and remain ready for a really rough ride over the next four years.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Holding LGBT elected sorts to the same standard....
I ran across (on IRC, of all places) a young gentleman who's launched a new blog in support of beleaguered Portland Mayor Sam Adams, the newly sworn in Mayor of Portland who as a a member of the City Council groomed a 17yo boy for playmate status subsequent to his 18th birthday.
Now, as a gay man, I'm almost always pleased (even as I often shudder at their policies) when LGBT folks achieve political firsts getting elected to this and that office across the land. Public demonstrations that with a bit of gumption, effort, and years of industrial strength determination that anyone can get elected is, in general, a good thing and tends to erode various sorts of bigotry - and I like that.
Surprisingly enough, the Portland gay paper Just Out agrees with me, and is joined by mainstream Portland paper, The Oregonian, in calling for Adams resignation, accompanied by the Portland Tribune. And the Oregon Attorney General, John Kroger, is getting a bit curious as well. In related news, the Portland Q Center event "The Mayors Ball" has mysteriously morphed into a Winter Gala.
However, let us look at this blog's mission statement:
1) Consensual sex between adults does not impact one's ability to serve in public office;
Well, unless its' between an employer and employee or perhaps involved all but the formality of "happy naked time" occuring during the younger parties period of employment and as a minor.
2) The personal affairs of gay officials face a level of scrutiny that is not equal to that of their heterosexual counterparts;
Perhaps, perhaps not. Certainly Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick would disagree. And certainly affairs stop being entirely personal (gay or straight) when they expose the city to substantial liability (sexual harassment, anyone?). Points for artfulness tho' - the "we is oppressed and needs special treatment" meme is well-executed - but wouldn't "No official, gay or straight, should engage in this conduct" be a bit more....well-considered?
3) We acknowledge Sam Adams's dishonesty in this matter and do not endorse it;
Only his dishonesty? Creating liability on that scale would also indicate spectacularly poor judgement, on the scale of that of former Spokane Mayor Jim West - who certainly couldn't be described as a liberal. By proposing that Adams' remain in office, you effectively ringingly endorse both his poor judgement and deceit.
4) Sam Adams is the person we want to lead our city.
Why? Shouldn't he be held to the same standard as other politicians who've been caught with their pants about their proverbial ankles, if only in the name of LGBT equality? Equality doesn't, after all, mean you just get the benefits - it means that when things go wrong, you get just as smeared with the nasty stuff as any other politician!
My reply to the blogs initial post, of a rally for the "poor embattled Mayor" is below. I'd suggest readers (all three of them) pop over and offer comments and analysis on developing events and posts there. It would be atypical for a liberal to actually leave criticism, especially harsh criticism, of their candidate up - but who knows? Perhaps this one has principles.
No mayor, regardless of gender/color/orientation/age/creed/etc, should be boinking their own staff - certainly not direct reports, and especially not interns.
As in the above, no mayor should be spending time grooming a 17yo as a playmate, with a "very special birthday present" planned.
That the players were gay is simply irrelevant to me - the events show poor restraint, bad analysis of potential consequences, and expose the city to charges of sexual harassment (Employer on Employee) and sexual harassment of a minor (see: "grooming). Grossly irresponsible.
It does not matter whether the players involved were boy-boy, boy-girl, girl-boy, or girl-girl.
It is equally bad in each arrangement above.
It appears that Adams best course is a quiet resignation and retirement from politics. The best course from the Portland LGBT community is to repudiate Adams actions as irresponsible and not representative of the community - just as we would were the players non-LGBT.
We don't gain when we create or advocate for set-asides such as "but he/she's liberal/lgbt/etc".
Let Adams slink off into the night, and our community seek a standard bearer who is - if not less flawed, at least uses better judgment.
Update: New website dedicated to Adams recall or resignation.
Now, as a gay man, I'm almost always pleased (even as I often shudder at their policies) when LGBT folks achieve political firsts getting elected to this and that office across the land. Public demonstrations that with a bit of gumption, effort, and years of industrial strength determination that anyone can get elected is, in general, a good thing and tends to erode various sorts of bigotry - and I like that.
Surprisingly enough, the Portland gay paper Just Out agrees with me, and is joined by mainstream Portland paper, The Oregonian, in calling for Adams resignation, accompanied by the Portland Tribune. And the Oregon Attorney General, John Kroger, is getting a bit curious as well. In related news, the Portland Q Center event "The Mayors Ball" has mysteriously morphed into a Winter Gala.
However, let us look at this blog's mission statement:
1) Consensual sex between adults does not impact one's ability to serve in public office;
Well, unless its' between an employer and employee or perhaps involved all but the formality of "happy naked time" occuring during the younger parties period of employment and as a minor.
2) The personal affairs of gay officials face a level of scrutiny that is not equal to that of their heterosexual counterparts;
Perhaps, perhaps not. Certainly Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick would disagree. And certainly affairs stop being entirely personal (gay or straight) when they expose the city to substantial liability (sexual harassment, anyone?). Points for artfulness tho' - the "we is oppressed and needs special treatment" meme is well-executed - but wouldn't "No official, gay or straight, should engage in this conduct" be a bit more....well-considered?
3) We acknowledge Sam Adams's dishonesty in this matter and do not endorse it;
Only his dishonesty? Creating liability on that scale would also indicate spectacularly poor judgement, on the scale of that of former Spokane Mayor Jim West - who certainly couldn't be described as a liberal. By proposing that Adams' remain in office, you effectively ringingly endorse both his poor judgement and deceit.
4) Sam Adams is the person we want to lead our city.
Why? Shouldn't he be held to the same standard as other politicians who've been caught with their pants about their proverbial ankles, if only in the name of LGBT equality? Equality doesn't, after all, mean you just get the benefits - it means that when things go wrong, you get just as smeared with the nasty stuff as any other politician!
My reply to the blogs initial post, of a rally for the "poor embattled Mayor" is below. I'd suggest readers (all three of them) pop over and offer comments and analysis on developing events and posts there. It would be atypical for a liberal to actually leave criticism, especially harsh criticism, of their candidate up - but who knows? Perhaps this one has principles.
No mayor, regardless of gender/color/orientation/age/creed/etc, should be boinking their own staff - certainly not direct reports, and especially not interns.
As in the above, no mayor should be spending time grooming a 17yo as a playmate, with a "very special birthday present" planned.
That the players were gay is simply irrelevant to me - the events show poor restraint, bad analysis of potential consequences, and expose the city to charges of sexual harassment (Employer on Employee) and sexual harassment of a minor (see: "grooming). Grossly irresponsible.
It does not matter whether the players involved were boy-boy, boy-girl, girl-boy, or girl-girl.
It is equally bad in each arrangement above.
It appears that Adams best course is a quiet resignation and retirement from politics. The best course from the Portland LGBT community is to repudiate Adams actions as irresponsible and not representative of the community - just as we would were the players non-LGBT.
We don't gain when we create or advocate for set-asides such as "but he/she's liberal/lgbt/etc".
Let Adams slink off into the night, and our community seek a standard bearer who is - if not less flawed, at least uses better judgment.
Update: New website dedicated to Adams recall or resignation.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Blues
On balance, the United States is a good nation as such things go, particularly when compared with nations less burdened with dreams of idealism and hope. As a nation, we've grown over our brief life and like any young creature some of that growth has been positive, some less so, and a fair amount of growth remains to be done.
Some few brief hours ago , for greater or lesser values of black, I am told we inaugurated our first black President. It is my hope that he governs, to the extent he is able, as the President of the entire United States - and not merely the black citizens thereof; it is a promise he has offered, and I hope he has the character to carry through on that promise. It is my hope he leads an administration that respects differences and the value of diversity outside of his liberal swimming pool, but I am not optimistic.
I object not to a black President, I object to a President with the past political positions and points of origin of Barack Obama. I would not mind debating politics over dinner with the man, but I cannot bring myself to enthusiasm for an Obama Presidency.
The time to build the counter-revolution - whether it culiminates in 2010, 2012, or (heaven forfend) in 2016 - is now. It is time to cultivate candidates for office for the 2010 races (and locally, the 2009 races), to seek out viable Presidential candidates for 2012, to raise money, and build alliances.
If Obama surprises and doesn't try and impose some heavy-handed euro-socialist vision on the United States anti-thetical to personal freedoms - well and good. But should he do so, the time to prepare is now...not when the biowaste is impacting the rotary oscilator.
Some few brief hours ago , for greater or lesser values of black, I am told we inaugurated our first black President. It is my hope that he governs, to the extent he is able, as the President of the entire United States - and not merely the black citizens thereof; it is a promise he has offered, and I hope he has the character to carry through on that promise. It is my hope he leads an administration that respects differences and the value of diversity outside of his liberal swimming pool, but I am not optimistic.
I object not to a black President, I object to a President with the past political positions and points of origin of Barack Obama. I would not mind debating politics over dinner with the man, but I cannot bring myself to enthusiasm for an Obama Presidency.
The time to build the counter-revolution - whether it culiminates in 2010, 2012, or (heaven forfend) in 2016 - is now. It is time to cultivate candidates for office for the 2010 races (and locally, the 2009 races), to seek out viable Presidential candidates for 2012, to raise money, and build alliances.
If Obama surprises and doesn't try and impose some heavy-handed euro-socialist vision on the United States anti-thetical to personal freedoms - well and good. But should he do so, the time to prepare is now...not when the biowaste is impacting the rotary oscilator.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Coming soon to a recall election near you!!
It seems the newly sworn in Mayor of Portland, Sam Adams, has been a *very naughty boy*, and got caught in a wee little fib. My issue is primarily that it's poor form to boink your direct reports, but others take issue with the fact that the Mayors chewtoi was *at most* 18 when the happy naked games began...and then coached the lad to lie about events.
In honor of increasingly temporary Mayor Adams, I dedicate:
To those that would gasp and criticize for having the temerity to use this ammunition...well, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. A hetero mayor boinking a barely 18yo staffer that he'd met when she was 17 would be under serious heat, and it is my position that equality demands we hold a LGBT Mayor to the precise same standard.
Beyond that, Adams (from what I read) basically boils down to a "Greg Nickels with less restraint" such that any little political misfortune that befalls him is to the net benefit of his constituents.
In honor of increasingly temporary Mayor Adams, I dedicate:
To those that would gasp and criticize for having the temerity to use this ammunition...well, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. A hetero mayor boinking a barely 18yo staffer that he'd met when she was 17 would be under serious heat, and it is my position that equality demands we hold a LGBT Mayor to the precise same standard.
Beyond that, Adams (from what I read) basically boils down to a "Greg Nickels with less restraint" such that any little political misfortune that befalls him is to the net benefit of his constituents.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Nickels Follies - 1/13/09 Update
Surprisingly, a number of updates to the Nickels Follies rolled in, all in one morning...or maybe not so much of a surprise.
- Proposal of a Moss-Laden Big Dig (but less city-friendly) in conjunction with WA Gov. Christine Gregoire (after throwing a big enough temper tantrum to ensure her cooperation). The MOss Laden Dig (MOLD) will be less accessible to emergency workers in case of disaster, subject to collapse AND flood (a new feature), reduce traffic capacity through the city (ensuring congestion on surface streets and I-5), eliminate downtown exits (thus forcing yet more traffic with downtown destinations onto already near-gridlocked downtown streets on longer surface routes in stop'n'go, wasting fuel), at obscene cost (4.25 billion in the likely to be tripled initial estimate) in the midst of heavy recession (plan: Beg the Feds), and ripping a vast hole in the middle of the downtown business district for five to ten years as it drives employers, customers,tourists, and workers out of Seattle in search of lower rents & taxes and easier access with less painful commutes.
- Proposing to spend $7 million in federal funds to mount solar panels (in Seattle) on top of one of Seattle's two boondogle stadiums (built to replace the imploded Kingdome that served both teams quite well, at less expense, before its' bonds were paid off, and over the protests of voters). Seattle is, Mayor Nickels, a RAINY city.
- Snow Incompetence. After nearly two weeks of 18+ inches of snow on a non-snow city operating on a plan of "gee, if vehicles with chains or 4x4 can maneuver the compacted snow'n'ice of what used to be considered roads, it's all good" with salt declared "environmentally bad" and plow blades with rubber edges (lest the roads be wounded), even as side streets remain unplowed and various business districts are effectively considered expendable. Local Transit (Metro) routes were cut by more than half, interestingly enough, post event Metro heads complain the Mayors office refused to take their calls. Mayor Nickels gives city response a "B" grade. Excellent article on the aftermath by Seattle P-I's Joel Connelly.
- Nickels persists with his ill-concieved, illegal, and likely unconstitutional attempt at a gun ban. December 2008
- Increasingly globular Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels tells us he's not trying to make life inconvenient for Seattleites...a hint that it just comes naturally to him. A partial list of his more spectacularly foolish moments includes:
- In June 2008, in blatant defiance of state law, Nickels proposed to ban the lawful carry and possession of firearms in all city buildings, parks, and facilities - claiming that the Pre-emption Clause barring this very thing only applied to statutes and ordinances passed by political bodies subordinate to the Washington State Legislature, claiming acts by adminstrative fiat (Mayoral temper tantrum) were somehow outside the statute.
- In November of 2008, Nickels (in the face of a formal legal opinion from WA Attorney General Rob McKenna stating in painful detail that mayoral temper tantrums were not exempt from state law) claimed he would go ahead with his shiny new gun ban, as he needed "clarification" of the AG opinion.
- In the midst of "challenging financial times" Nickels is ram-rodding through the City Council a plan to ban foam containers at restaurants and grocery stores, and impose a 20-cent fee for each disposable paper and plastic bag used in the checkout line at all grocery, convenience and drugstores - with plastic containers/implements/etc banned in July of 2010. In a display of solidarity with less well-off residents that use grocery bags as garbage can liners rather than paying for "extra special" designated baggage, Nickels in an interview said "If you use grocery bags to line your trash can, Nickels says, "that's great, 20-cents."
- After various questionable efforts, Nickels managed to lose Seattle its' pro basketball franchise - the Sonics - for a return of not quite zilch. Good going there, Nickels. Bet those fans will love you come the next elections.
- In 2006, the Seattle Weekly reported Nickels diversion of funds earmarked for the Film & Music Office (the kids supposed to be luring big money film productions to town for fun & profit) to support his passion for smooth jazz.
- At the same time, in 2006, the Seattle Times reports Nickels pushed an adult entertainment ordinance so noxious that even do-gooding sorts voted to repeal it in a local referendum.
- Nickels kept a police chief that can't even keep track of his own gun, one Gil Kerlikowske, who doubles as Nickels puppet-in-chief for gun control in Olympia each legislative session, even after a vote of no confidence in said "chief" from the Seattle Police Guild.
- Nickels has achieved what few Seattle mayors have - designation by local media as a megalomaniac.
- Nickels cronies in the Parks Department, in a triumph of symbolism over sanity decided to take down a long time Seattle tradition, in a sop thrown to "global warming" - beach fires at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens city parks while a factory burns tires for fuel a short distance away. At least until public outcry forced a Parks Department climb down...
- And then there's that loony notion, "car-free" days on local roads - trapping local residents or barring them from their homes if they have the temerity to make an appointment or try to come home during the "forbidden hours".
- Under Nickels, a group of bicycle riding hooligans once a month magically ride above the law, engaging in random property damage and - most recently - assault.
- Nickels, frustrated that the rest of the state won't buy into his delusions, suggested on 4/18/08 that the Seattle/TriCounty (King/Pierce/Snohomish County) area secede from the rest of the state.
Nickels - Gregoire Idiocy - A Big DIG, HURRAH!
Perhaps it is time for a proposition on the City ballot barring spending of any city funds on construction or promotion of any new tunnel construction within Seattle city limits, or the solicitation of funds for such project(s) from any other person or organization for a period of thirty years.
If a tunnel floods or collapses (see Big Dig) there is no realistic escape or rapid access by emergency workers - odds are you will drown or suffocate in the dark, if you survive the immediate disaster. Tunnels are not good in an earthquake prone region, and with Seattle waiting for the "big one", a large heavily used tunnel is merely a ticking bomb.
Reduced throughput on the proposed tunnel will result in increased congestion on both I-5 and Downtown streets, and a shift of city employers to regions less difficult for workers and vendors to access (and which most often offer lower rents and facility costs).
Eliminating downtown exits in a tunnel solution further drives heavy traffic onto surface streets in the downtown via surface access both north and south of the downtown core - both heavy diesel and passenger vehicles added to a downtown mix already perilously close to gridlock for hours each day. Those much bemoaned vehicles transport the people (customers and workers), supplies (from garlic bulbs to the Pike Place Market to construction and industrial materials), and products in and out of SODO and the Downtown core...and will be off-loaded onto surface streets.
Cost is also a factor, particularly in a rapidly darkening economy as tax revenues shrink for both the city and state as personal revenues and property values dive for individuals, as jobs vanish and unemployment costs soar.
Digging up Second Ave for five or ten years is unlkely to improve the fiscal situation of Seattle or the State.
Historically, tunnels double, triple, and quadruple initial cost estimates - cost estimates that we already cannot afford and a fiscally stretched federal government is deeply unlikely to cover.
If the Big One comes, the current Viaduct will likely collapse, necessitating repair or replacement - preferably well before the Big One arrives.
The Viaduct replacement (as we are assured the current structure is flawed beyond recovery) needs to address the concerns above, and facilitate either current or greater traffic flow at the lowest possible cost while ensuring equal or greater access to Downtown, Belltown, and SODO.
The Mayor and Governors "Nickels Tantrum Concession" proposal is built of large gelatinous blocks of fail, and as such, needs to be shot down ASAP before the funding and idiocy begins.
Let the filing of propositions barring tunnels, lobbying of the legislature, and general political mayhem resisting this boondoggle begin.
If a tunnel floods or collapses (see Big Dig) there is no realistic escape or rapid access by emergency workers - odds are you will drown or suffocate in the dark, if you survive the immediate disaster. Tunnels are not good in an earthquake prone region, and with Seattle waiting for the "big one", a large heavily used tunnel is merely a ticking bomb.
Reduced throughput on the proposed tunnel will result in increased congestion on both I-5 and Downtown streets, and a shift of city employers to regions less difficult for workers and vendors to access (and which most often offer lower rents and facility costs).
Eliminating downtown exits in a tunnel solution further drives heavy traffic onto surface streets in the downtown via surface access both north and south of the downtown core - both heavy diesel and passenger vehicles added to a downtown mix already perilously close to gridlock for hours each day. Those much bemoaned vehicles transport the people (customers and workers), supplies (from garlic bulbs to the Pike Place Market to construction and industrial materials), and products in and out of SODO and the Downtown core...and will be off-loaded onto surface streets.
Cost is also a factor, particularly in a rapidly darkening economy as tax revenues shrink for both the city and state as personal revenues and property values dive for individuals, as jobs vanish and unemployment costs soar.
Digging up Second Ave for five or ten years is unlkely to improve the fiscal situation of Seattle or the State.
Historically, tunnels double, triple, and quadruple initial cost estimates - cost estimates that we already cannot afford and a fiscally stretched federal government is deeply unlikely to cover.
If the Big One comes, the current Viaduct will likely collapse, necessitating repair or replacement - preferably well before the Big One arrives.
The Viaduct replacement (as we are assured the current structure is flawed beyond recovery) needs to address the concerns above, and facilitate either current or greater traffic flow at the lowest possible cost while ensuring equal or greater access to Downtown, Belltown, and SODO.
The Mayor and Governors "Nickels Tantrum Concession" proposal is built of large gelatinous blocks of fail, and as such, needs to be shot down ASAP before the funding and idiocy begins.
Let the filing of propositions barring tunnels, lobbying of the legislature, and general political mayhem resisting this boondoggle begin.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Lasagne - a winter treat
This lasagna recipe cheats a bit, but works for me - and it knocks down cook time to around 5 hours (and that can be hurried a bit by using the big jar of chopped garlic and a food processor)...and it's a WINTER recipe - the notion of a hot stove for many hours in summer heat lacks charm, and doesn't do a single good thing for the a/c bill.
1-1/2 c Olive Oil
1 lb Lean Ground Beef or Bison
1 Onion, Finely Chopped (1/8” or less)
3 Bulbs (not cloves) Garlic, Finely Chopped
2 cans, 28 Oz ea. Crushed Tomatoes
1 can, 8 Oz. Tomato Sauce
1 can, 8 Oz. Tomato Paste
Tabasco Sauce
Chili Powder
3 tsp Basil
3 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
15-25 Lasagne Noodles (Depends on your pan)
1 container (15 Oz.) Ricotta Cheese
½ c. Grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese
1 to 1 ½ c. Freshly Minced Parsely
1 egg
1 ½ lbs Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If Italian Sausage is fresh, freeze it. Once frozen, take out and slice each sausage twice lengthwise, quartering it along the length of the sausage. Cut each quarter in ¼” thick slices, and place in bowl.
Heat Olive Oil (I prefer Extra Virgin) in large wide saucepan; add the ground beef (or bison), the Italian sausage, half the onion, and half the garlic. Saute, stirring regularly, until the meat browns (10-12 minutes)…should have a strong onion – garlic scent.
Once the meat is browned, transfer contents to a 6+ quart kettle, place on a low to medium heat, and add the crushed tomato’s, the tomato sauce, and the tomato paste. Stir well. Now add the basil, oregano, and ½ of the remaining garlic and onions. Add 4 shakes of Tabasco, a handful of chili powder, and salt and pepper. Stir THOROUGHLY and taste. Add spices as needed.
Remember, with this sauce if you can’t see the spices, you’re doing something wrong. Simmer for 3-4 hours over a low heat, stirring occasionally. Add remaining onion and garlic as needed – feel free to mince and add more if you believe it will help.
Finely mince fresh parsley (leaf only, leave the stems for the rabbits) until you have about a cup to a cup and a half of the stuff. Toss into a clean large bowl with the ricotta, the egg, and the parmesan. Beat mixture together, cover, and place in the refrigerator.
Cook lasagna noodles in plenty of salted boiling water (I usually add a good dose of olive oil to keep them from sticking to each other) until ready. Rinse in cold water until you don’t see the oil coming off them anymore.
Heat oven to 350F and select a deep baking dish or pan 8x13 or larger. Add enough of the sauce to thinly cover the bottom of the pan. Lay down your irst layer of noodles on top of the sauce. Dot the noodles with the ricotta mixture, splash liberally with the red sauce, and sprinkle a layer of mozzarella across the top. Repeat this process as needed till the next to last layer of noodles. Add all remaining ricotta mixture, cover thoroughly with sauce and Mozzarella, add a final layer of noodles, cover with sauce, then thoroughly cover with Mozzarella (you shouldn’t be able to see the sauce).
Bake lasagna for 45-50 minutes in your pre-heated 350F oven. The top should be a golden brown when completed.
ENJOY!
GayCynic’s Lasagna
1-1/2 c Olive Oil
1 lb Lean Ground Beef or Bison
1 Onion, Finely Chopped (1/8” or less)
3 Bulbs (not cloves) Garlic, Finely Chopped
2 cans, 28 Oz ea. Crushed Tomatoes
1 can, 8 Oz. Tomato Sauce
1 can, 8 Oz. Tomato Paste
Tabasco Sauce
Chili Powder
3 tsp Basil
3 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
15-25 Lasagne Noodles (Depends on your pan)
1 container (15 Oz.) Ricotta Cheese
½ c. Grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese
1 to 1 ½ c. Freshly Minced Parsely
1 egg
1 ½ lbs Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If Italian Sausage is fresh, freeze it. Once frozen, take out and slice each sausage twice lengthwise, quartering it along the length of the sausage. Cut each quarter in ¼” thick slices, and place in bowl.
Heat Olive Oil (I prefer Extra Virgin) in large wide saucepan; add the ground beef (or bison), the Italian sausage, half the onion, and half the garlic. Saute, stirring regularly, until the meat browns (10-12 minutes)…should have a strong onion – garlic scent.
Once the meat is browned, transfer contents to a 6+ quart kettle, place on a low to medium heat, and add the crushed tomato’s, the tomato sauce, and the tomato paste. Stir well. Now add the basil, oregano, and ½ of the remaining garlic and onions. Add 4 shakes of Tabasco, a handful of chili powder, and salt and pepper. Stir THOROUGHLY and taste. Add spices as needed.
Remember, with this sauce if you can’t see the spices, you’re doing something wrong. Simmer for 3-4 hours over a low heat, stirring occasionally. Add remaining onion and garlic as needed – feel free to mince and add more if you believe it will help.
Finely mince fresh parsley (leaf only, leave the stems for the rabbits) until you have about a cup to a cup and a half of the stuff. Toss into a clean large bowl with the ricotta, the egg, and the parmesan. Beat mixture together, cover, and place in the refrigerator.
Cook lasagna noodles in plenty of salted boiling water (I usually add a good dose of olive oil to keep them from sticking to each other) until ready. Rinse in cold water until you don’t see the oil coming off them anymore.
Heat oven to 350F and select a deep baking dish or pan 8x13 or larger. Add enough of the sauce to thinly cover the bottom of the pan. Lay down your irst layer of noodles on top of the sauce. Dot the noodles with the ricotta mixture, splash liberally with the red sauce, and sprinkle a layer of mozzarella across the top. Repeat this process as needed till the next to last layer of noodles. Add all remaining ricotta mixture, cover thoroughly with sauce and Mozzarella, add a final layer of noodles, cover with sauce, then thoroughly cover with Mozzarella (you shouldn’t be able to see the sauce).
Bake lasagna for 45-50 minutes in your pre-heated 350F oven. The top should be a golden brown when completed.
ENJOY!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Less than Original Post
To my way of thinking nearly all ATF agents should be arrested for violation of 18 USC 242. But I don't expect that to happen for at least another, like, million years or so. But there is one less ATF agent in the field today which has to be a good thing:
A U.S. federal agent has been charged with second-degree murder in the alleged 2008 shooting of his neighbor in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Justice officials say they arrested Agent William Clark with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He also was charged with involuntary manslaughter and using a dangerous weapon during a violent crime."
The above is from View From NW Idaho, and since it seems to cause ATF types to meditate upon it rather than doing something more deleterious with their time, I tend to favor duplication.
I would suggest that most law enforcement agencies could be divided into two broad categories - true officers of the peace, striving to reduce the amount of strife and misery in the world by utilizing various and sundry laws and mechanisms to separate the predators out of the herd who generally have my respect and support. And the ninnies with badges and guns (that should be deprived of the first and retrained in the second) who focus on offenses of possession, and largely have my contempt.
The ATF, not surprisingly, strikes me as the dregs of enforcement agencies - that outside of their arson and explosive expertise, have little if anything of worth to offer the world, and should likely be reduced to solely those functions.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
THR Update II
BayouRenaissanceMan rather skilfully dissects recent events regarding TheHighRoad turmoil over on his blog. Please, please, read this dissertation - both as an update regarding the specifics of the THR situation, but just as much as an instructive case study regarding why seemingly trivial things (the THR was originally a bunch of folks in "some configuration", afaik, gathering to save a beloved forum - and the effort grew) really should be VERY CAREFULLY documented, often contractually, really early on.
My own opinion at third remove, having followed this as best I can, is that a theft has occurred of the domain and related assets - and that though I am not a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, it is my belief that both criminal and civil liability were created thereby. Your mileage may vary.
It is my belief after reading BYM's analysis that what I view as a theft is sufficiently offensive as to justify a certain level of, shall we say, enthusiasm. I know that I, having read BYM's latest piece and other viewpoints, would have grave reservations having any business association with an individual or group of individuals such as hold the THR domain and servers (again, simply my take, your mileage may vary). Not being an attorney, I cannot comment with any certainty on relevant law, but as a private invidividual...were Zeanah (and, depending on the applicability of the statute du jour) his merry band arrested for some variant of grand larceny...I would find serious difficulty in having much sympathy for them, and in resisting the urge to send a box of bon bon's for work well done unto the arresting officers (were I assured that local infernal affairs regulations would not relegate fine bon bons to waste basket status or "confiscation to prevent undue influence" aka "internal affairs snack time").
While I suspect it is futile, I hope that this matter is resolved to Mr. Volk's satisfaction at the earliest possible moment.
GC
My own opinion at third remove, having followed this as best I can, is that a theft has occurred of the domain and related assets - and that though I am not a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, it is my belief that both criminal and civil liability were created thereby. Your mileage may vary.
It is my belief after reading BYM's analysis that what I view as a theft is sufficiently offensive as to justify a certain level of, shall we say, enthusiasm. I know that I, having read BYM's latest piece and other viewpoints, would have grave reservations having any business association with an individual or group of individuals such as hold the THR domain and servers (again, simply my take, your mileage may vary). Not being an attorney, I cannot comment with any certainty on relevant law, but as a private invidividual...were Zeanah (and, depending on the applicability of the statute du jour) his merry band arrested for some variant of grand larceny...I would find serious difficulty in having much sympathy for them, and in resisting the urge to send a box of bon bon's for work well done unto the arresting officers (were I assured that local infernal affairs regulations would not relegate fine bon bons to waste basket status or "confiscation to prevent undue influence" aka "internal affairs snack time").
While I suspect it is futile, I hope that this matter is resolved to Mr. Volk's satisfaction at the earliest possible moment.
GC
Seattle Snow, Tar, Feathers
Seattle and its environs...do snow differently, under the absolute best of circumstances. That needs to be understood to really wrap ones head around the bitterness and grim anger that most Seattleites feel towards their dysfunctional Mayor and such other failed leaders as poke their heads above the edge of the political trench.
To start out, we have topography to deal with. Rome was built on seven hills; Seattle was built on seven cliffs with seven gaping chasms between them. While, over the years, having burnt the city down once we washed a fair portion of the cliffs into the Sound and filled in most of the more spectacular chasms and tide flats...local topography rivals that of San Francisco. Steep, semi-vertical hills with level spots surrounded by merely steep long hills, with gorgeous lakes dotted here and there throughout. As a sidelight, ur industrial district is built on a firm foundation of sawmill waste and municipal garbage, and geologists tell us that when the next "big one" comes, it has all the stability of a well shaken bowl of jello - upon which chemical plants and heavy industry stand.
Improving the situation further, the urban Seattleite sees snow once every 4-5 years, and that only a dusting of an inch or so that lasts maybe three days - outside of ski expeditions on well-groomed roads up to lodges in local mountains and up at Whistler. The city panics, people run into utility poles and each other, we tip over a bus or three and a day or two later it's all over with bare roads and the usual rain and blustery conditions. Even those who grew up with snow lose skills quickly (lack of practice) and join the panic...even as they poke fun at it - after all, no matter how good YOU are...there are all those unskilled idiots out there.
Still, we have a basic expectation of our leaders. Roads that work, and garbage pick-up. We get cranky when deprived of these, particularly when it appears due to massive incompetence.
Some years ago we voted out a Mayor on discovering he'd sold all but three snowplows...the year we got a major snow dump. Perhaps 8" as I recall, and that was gone within a week.
The picture begins to shape up. This year Seattle, in the weeks before Christmas (prime revenue for retail, and in our sales'n'property tax based state, local and state gov't) got about 18" spread in three doses over hills comparable to those of San Francisco with drivers for whom snow is largely foreign concept. Add to this a dysfunctional city policy of plowing only major arterials, and those only to create compact snow and ice, and the fun begins.
Dead and ditched 4wd's all over the place, lesser vehicles scattered randomly, chained vehicles grinding through and throwing more sparks than an angle grinder on speed, busses stalled or sliding sideways towards Elliot Bay for the great bus bath...
Made for an interesting time. And through all this merry fun....our Mayor was invisible, emerging only at the end to give city response a grade of...wait for it....a "B".
I have a lovely selection of torches, pitchforks, tar, feathers, and recall petitions just down the way.....
To start out, we have topography to deal with. Rome was built on seven hills; Seattle was built on seven cliffs with seven gaping chasms between them. While, over the years, having burnt the city down once we washed a fair portion of the cliffs into the Sound and filled in most of the more spectacular chasms and tide flats...local topography rivals that of San Francisco. Steep, semi-vertical hills with level spots surrounded by merely steep long hills, with gorgeous lakes dotted here and there throughout. As a sidelight, ur industrial district is built on a firm foundation of sawmill waste and municipal garbage, and geologists tell us that when the next "big one" comes, it has all the stability of a well shaken bowl of jello - upon which chemical plants and heavy industry stand.
Improving the situation further, the urban Seattleite sees snow once every 4-5 years, and that only a dusting of an inch or so that lasts maybe three days - outside of ski expeditions on well-groomed roads up to lodges in local mountains and up at Whistler. The city panics, people run into utility poles and each other, we tip over a bus or three and a day or two later it's all over with bare roads and the usual rain and blustery conditions. Even those who grew up with snow lose skills quickly (lack of practice) and join the panic...even as they poke fun at it - after all, no matter how good YOU are...there are all those unskilled idiots out there.
Still, we have a basic expectation of our leaders. Roads that work, and garbage pick-up. We get cranky when deprived of these, particularly when it appears due to massive incompetence.
Some years ago we voted out a Mayor on discovering he'd sold all but three snowplows...the year we got a major snow dump. Perhaps 8" as I recall, and that was gone within a week.
The picture begins to shape up. This year Seattle, in the weeks before Christmas (prime revenue for retail, and in our sales'n'property tax based state, local and state gov't) got about 18" spread in three doses over hills comparable to those of San Francisco with drivers for whom snow is largely foreign concept. Add to this a dysfunctional city policy of plowing only major arterials, and those only to create compact snow and ice, and the fun begins.
Dead and ditched 4wd's all over the place, lesser vehicles scattered randomly, chained vehicles grinding through and throwing more sparks than an angle grinder on speed, busses stalled or sliding sideways towards Elliot Bay for the great bus bath...
Made for an interesting time. And through all this merry fun....our Mayor was invisible, emerging only at the end to give city response a grade of...wait for it....a "B".
I have a lovely selection of torches, pitchforks, tar, feathers, and recall petitions just down the way.....
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Nickels Follies, An Update
- Snow. After nearly two weeks of 18+ inches of snow on a non-snow city operating on a plan of "gee, if vehicles with chains or 4x4 can maneuver the compacted snow'n'ice of what used to be considered roads, it's all good" with salt declared "environmentally bad" and plow blades with rubber edges (lest the roads be wounded), even as side streets remain unplowed and various business districts are effectively considered expendable. Local Transit (Metro) routes were cut by more than half, interestingly enough, post event Metro heads complain the Mayors office refused to take their calls. Mayor Nickels gives city response a "B" grade. Excellent article on the aftermath by Seattle P-I's Joel Connelly.
- Increasingly globular Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels tells us he's not trying to make life inconvenient for Seattleites...a hint that it just comes naturally to him. A partial list of his more spectacularly foolish moments includes:
- In June 2008, in blatant defiance of state law, Nickels proposed to ban the lawful carry and possession of firearms in all city buildings, parks, and facilities - claiming that the Pre-emption Clause barring this very thing only applied to statutes and ordinances passed by political bodies subordinate to the Washington State Legislature, claiming acts by adminstrative fiat (Mayoral temper tantrum) were somehow outside the statute.
- In November of 2008, Nickels (in the face of a formal legal opinion from WA Attorney General Rob McKenna stating in painful detail that mayoral temper tantrums were not exempt from state law) claimed he would go ahead with his shiny new gun ban, as he needed "clarification" of the AG opinion.
- In the midst of "challenging financial times" Nickels is ram-rodding through the City Council a plan to ban foam containers at restaurants and grocery stores, and impose a 20-cent fee for each disposable paper and plastic bag used in the checkout line at all grocery, convenience and drugstores - with plastic containers/implements/etc banned in July of 2010. In a display of solidarity with less well-off residents that use grocery bags as garbage can liners rather than paying for "extra special" designated baggage, Nickels in an interview said "If you use grocery bags to line your trash can, Nickels says, "that's great, 20-cents."
- After various questionable efforts, Nickels managed to lose Seattle its' pro basketball franchise - the Sonics - for a return of not quite zilch. Good going there, Nickels. Bet those fans will love you come the next elections.
- In 2006, the Seattle Weekly reported Nickels diversion of funds earmarked for the Film & Music Office (the kids supposed to be luring big money film productions to town for fun & profit) to support his passion for smooth jazz.
- At the same time, in 2006, the Seattle Times reports Nickels pushed an adult entertainment ordinance so noxious that even do-gooding sorts voted to repeal it in a local referendum.
- Nickels kept a police chief that can't even keep track of his own gun, one Gil Kerlikowske, who doubles as Nickels puppet-in-chief for gun control in Olympia each legislative session, even after a vote of no confidence in said "chief" from the Seattle Police Guild.
- Nickels has achieved what few Seattle mayors have - designation by local media as a megalomaniac.
- Nickels cronies in the Parks Department, in a triumph of symbolism over sanity decided to take down a long time Seattle tradition, in a sop thrown to "global warming" - beach fires at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens city parks while a factory burns tires for fuel a short distance away. At least until public outcry forced a Parks Department climb down...
- And then there's that loony notion, "car-free" days on local roads - trapping local residents or barring them from their homes if they have the temerity to make an appointment or try to come home during the "forbidden hours".
- Under Nickels, a group of bicycle riding hooligans once a month magically ride above the law, engaging in random property damage and - most recently - assault.
- Nickels, frustrated that the rest of the state won't buy into his delusions, suggested on 4/18 that the Seattle/TriCounty (King/Pierce/Snohomish County) area secede from the rest of the state.
Where've I been....
Well.
After the hearing down at City Hall, things got a bit busy. Between (for Seattle, more of which later) incompetently handled major snowfall, the holidays, doing a full-scale Christmas dinner, and fending off the edges of a cold...I've been a bit busy.
But I'm back, and with plenty of cranky cynicism, one hopes. Will report on Christmas, snow, and holidays shortly.
GC
After the hearing down at City Hall, things got a bit busy. Between (for Seattle, more of which later) incompetently handled major snowfall, the holidays, doing a full-scale Christmas dinner, and fending off the edges of a cold...I've been a bit busy.
But I'm back, and with plenty of cranky cynicism, one hopes. Will report on Christmas, snow, and holidays shortly.
GC
Ricin Poisoning Alert
11 Gay bars in Seattle have rec'd letters indicating that at least 5 patrons would be poisoned at each of them. Case has been forwarded to the FBI. - KOMOTV4 1/6/09 2300 Seattle, Seattle Times 1/7/09
No suspects yet, no knowledge of whether individual/group/bigots/political intimidation. More a heads up, than anything. Guard your drinks, go back to the old GHB protocol - "if it's been out of your and or out of your sight, it's undrinkable - whether it's a gin'n'tonic or a diet coke." If you suddenly start experiencing symptoms that fit the Ricin profile, visit your favorite ER immediately, and perhaps mention the risk factor.
In other reports of this incident the poison in question is, Ricin (generally bad/toxic stuff) derived from Castor beans - toxic if inhaled or ingested, but a non-contagious agent. From our friends at that fount of toxic & infections, the Centers for Disease Control, a data sheet exists here.
Prudence would indicate, barring proof to the contrary, that this may affect other cities as well - better to be a little cautious than start counting bodies.
Please pass this along.
No suspects yet, no knowledge of whether individual/group/bigots/political intimidation. More a heads up, than anything. Guard your drinks, go back to the old GHB protocol - "if it's been out of your and or out of your sight, it's undrinkable - whether it's a gin'n'tonic or a diet coke." If you suddenly start experiencing symptoms that fit the Ricin profile, visit your favorite ER immediately, and perhaps mention the risk factor.
In other reports of this incident the poison in question is, Ricin (generally bad/toxic stuff) derived from Castor beans - toxic if inhaled or ingested, but a non-contagious agent. From our friends at that fount of toxic & infections, the Centers for Disease Control, a data sheet exists here.
Prudence would indicate, barring proof to the contrary, that this may affect other cities as well - better to be a little cautious than start counting bodies.
Please pass this along.
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"Comments: NAACP says suit possible over Seattle school closures
Saying the time for talk has passed, local leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on Friday called litigation "a definite possibility" in reaction to the Seattle Public School's planned school closures, saying the plan hurts people of color, the poor and those with learning disabilities. Read article"One, there isn't enough money to go around, and using the emergency fund for ongoing operating expenses is just silly - it's a fix that lasts one, or if incredible luck is involved, two years...and then the Seattle School District is back in trouble, but now without an emergency fund.
An emergency fund, unless it is large enough to fund all or a significant portion of the budget from interest and dividend income, is dandy for things like "drat, a building burned down, we must replace it" - not for operating costs.
The best approach, to avoid the appearance of impropriety, is to keep it simple. Happily, we have the numbers to do that.
1) Separate out the per location non-instructional (heat, light, maintenance, repairs, custodial) operating budgets of each school.
2) Divide into that number the number of students per location, to determine which buildings (not instructional programs, buildings) cost the most to run per student.
3) Take the number found in (2) and start closing the highest non-instructional per student cost facilities until enough facilities have been closed and sold to save current deficit + 25% (for margin).
Heaven forfend, but repeat as needed.
Dollars are dollars, and an old (however architecturally gorgeous) building that is a pig for non-instructional operating costs is an old building that is a pig for non-instructional operating costs - regardless of the race, color, gender, or creed of the inhabitants.
It would be arguably legitimate to factor in busing costs to for students moving to schools with more efficient physical plants in borderline cases. Could conceivably be that busing would cost enough in some instances to destroy the savings of shutting down a bad physical plant.