New Orleans Levee Reconstruction Progress
Topic: Government
I get press releases on a regular basis from the federal government. One of today's notices was about the Corps of Engineers' progress report on the reconstruction of New Orleans' levee damaged by hurricane Katrina.

"To date, 100 of the 169 damaged miles of levee have been repaired, and 85 percent of pumping capacity is restored, Lt. Gen. Carl Strock, commander and chief of engineers, Army Corps of Engineers, said at a White House news conference."

I thought you might want to read about their progress. Take a look at it here on the Corps of Engineers' web site. I wish New Orleans a speedy recovery. Until next time... I am and will always be Frank....

IRS Tax Credits
Topic: Government
Today I received a notice from the IRS about tax breaks for Contractors and Homeowners. When home builders and homeowners improve existing homes or build new homes with energy efficiency design factors, they will qualify for tax breaks. This is a great program. The IRS has downloadable pdf files that explain the requirements. I urge all homeowners and homebuilders to research these requirements. They can be found in publications IR-2006-032 Energey Policy Act of 2005 and IR-2006-034 Homeowners Energy Credits. Until next time... I am and will continue to be Frank....

Mobile, Alabama's Mayor Sam Jones Transition Task Force
Topic: Government
I know you were expecting something about President Bush's State of the Union Speech tonight, but I was a part of something that will benefit where I live.

I am satisfied with the troops keeping terrorism in the terrorists' neighborhoods while we can continue our freedom in our neighborhoods.

That freedom allows citizens the opportunity to shape the cities in which they live.

I was one of six-hundred plus volunteers to participate in creating Mayor Sam Jones' Transition Task Force's Final Report. Mayor Samuel L. Jones asked the public to help him identify and plan objectives to accomplish during his first term as Mobile, Alabama's Mayor.

Tonight, I attended Mayor Sam Jones' and Members of the Mobile City Council's Transition Team Recognition Ceremony. Mayor Jones announced the release of the Final Report, thanked us for our contributions, and were presented a Certificate of Appreciation.

The Mayor wrote: "in recognition of your interest and willingness to serve on the Mayor's Transition Task Force. Your commitment to the growth and vitality of our City is inspiring. I sincerely appreciate your valuable contribution and outstanding service to the community and hereby appoint you as an honorary member of the Mayor's Staff."

I spoke with Mayor Jones after the ceremony and offered my continued assistance during the implementation phase of the objectives.

In particular, I told Mayor Jones I was interested in Mobile's Downtown and Riverfront Development; That I have thirty years experience in working with architects, engineers, contractors, their clients and the government; And that I would be available when he calls on me in the near future.

I also spoke with my group's Associate Manager, Bob Schaefer. He and I spoke several times during the planning process about concerns and possible solutions to Downtown and Riverfront Development. He told me that he put quite a few of my comments in the report. I reminded him to call me when he needs my assistance.

On my way out the door I spoke with Terry Hazzard. He sang "Ordinary People" during the ceremony. He is graced with a fantastic singing voice.

I remembered him from Bishop State Community College. When I was a student in 1988, I successfully asked him for student financial assistance while I was waiting for my VA education funds to arrive.

Because of his assistance, I graduated with honors with a degree in Civil Engineering Technology.

Later tonight, while sitting in my study at home, I read the bound copy of the Final Report. It covers 24 committee reports and includes 128 recommendations.

I can see this report as a guide for investors, educators, and business owners to gain great insight. Bright souls will see where they can participate while growing financially.

The group I participated in asked the Mayor to create a cabinet position on the Mayor's staff to ensure the success of our group's vision statement:

"We believe the most important first-term objective of this administration should be to make the City of Mobile the leading business and cultural community in the State of Alabama in order to be nationally recognized as the regional center for economic diverse, residentially and commercially desirable downtown/riverfront core is critical to having the City of Mobile achieve this goal. We must build upon the energy and success of our immediate past and stand upon our 300 years of coastal heritage to move forward together."

I believe that Mobile will grow both inside and out. By the way, Mayor Jones also announced his new slogan "LYN - Love Your Neighbor, Mobile, Alabama"

If you are a bright soul and are interested in reading what I've been talking about, click here for your free copy of Mayor Sam Jones' Task Force Committee's Final Report. .

Unfortunately, I am afraid that only a few people will be smart enough to see how much insightful this report is. I believe that it is better than looking into a crystal ball. But that is only my opinion.

Enjoy reading about Mobile's immediate future! Until next time... I am and will always be... Frank...

p.s. Take a look at what the City of Mobile web site has posted. gfb3