Gloria Squitiro Gloating For The Weak

Thanks to a FANTASTIC reader for sending me This week's Funky newsletter . . . I've highlighted the portion of the missive in which Gloria Squitiro laughs last at Kansas City.

Check it:

Dear Folks,

This Week's City Business

The Mayor was asked to be a part of a conference call with Vice President Joe Biden and three other mayors yesterday to talk about stimulus funding and how the federal government can do a better job in serving city governments with the funds. All three mayors were asked for their advice on the subject. Our Mayor felt that the Vice President was sincere in trying to help cities get their fair share of stimulus funding.

Speaking of funds, Police Chief Jim Corwin applied for stimulus funding and was one of the few big cities to not only receive the funding, but to receive the full amount that he applied for. The Mayor is thrilled to have a professional Police Chief who is a partner with him in looking after his constituents highest concern - feeling safe in one's own home and city. The funding will allow the current training academy class, which will graduate next Thursday, to be hired by our city, instead of by neighboring communities. The current class also happens to be the most diverse class that the Chief has ever had, so this is good news all around. The grant will also allow the next candidate class to begin on time in September. The Mayor is still trying to restore cop funding so that the January cadet class can begin on time as well. The reason that this is so important is that if we don't keep the classes going as scheduled, then we lose too many officers on the street for our protection.

The Mayor spent most of his time this week talking in-depth with council members about current initiatives they're working on. While a lot of the news in the media has been focused on hype, the work of city government has been proceeding at a very nice pace.

One area that has been proceeding quite well is the Mayor's City That Works program, which meets on a weekly basis. The program is designed to find ways to strategically target a small amount of money to make a big impact on basic city services. One of the areas that the Mayor has been focusing on is the city's 311-complaint system. He was distressed to learn that over 600,000 calls went unanswered last year; therefore, he is working hard with that department to insure that calls are answered in a timely and professional manner. The Mayor feels that much progress has been made in reaching this important goal.

On a More Personal Note

The judge ruled in the Mayor's favor today regarding the "volunteer" ordinance. Funk is grateful for the decision of the court this morning. The judge's decision protects the authority of the mayor's office, not only for his term, but for future mayors as well. Funk is glad to have this issue behind him so that he and the City Council can fully focus on the significant challenges that face our city.

The Next Town Hall Meetings

When: September 9, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Wexford Place, 6500 N Cosby Ave.
Who: Wexford Place

The Mayor's Public Appearances This Week

Monday
4:00 p.m. New Tools Task Force Meeting
St. Mark' Church, 1101 Euclid Ave.

5:30 p.m. Ivanhoe Neighborhood Night Out Against Crime - Speech
Ivanhoe Park, 43rd and Brooklyn

Tuesday
3:30 p.m. A City that Works Weekly Public Meeting
414 E. 12th St. 10th Floor

5:30 p.m. Ivanhoe Neighborhood Night Out Against Crime - Speech
Ivanhoe Park, 43rd and Brooklyn

Wednesday
5:30 p.m. Education Summit Community Forum
Location To Be Determined

Thursday
1:30 p.m. Council Business Session
414 E. 12th St. 10th Floor

3:00 p.m. Council Legislative Session
414 E. 12th St. 26th Floor

6:00 p.m. Police Academy 138th Entrant Officer Class Graduation - Speech
Police Academy

Friday
7:40 a.m. Friday's with Funk
710 KCMO

8:00 a.m. National Association Of Women Law Enforcement Executives - Speech
Downtown Mariott

In faith,
Gloria & Mark

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Damn.