Harbor Shores propaganda is constant in Whirlpool's "company" paper, the Herald Palladium. Below are parts of two "golf" articles, each followed by reader comments.
Driving forward
[photo] Karl and Karen Karg of Glen Ellyn, Ill., enjoy hamburgers as they sit in front of a mural at the North Shore Inn Tuesday. The mural was painted by Eric Bradford and was commissioned to celebrate the recent Champions for Change golf match featuring Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Johnny MIller. The restaurant is near the 13th and 14th holes of The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, where the match was played.
Officials, business owners: Harbor Shores golf course grand opening event already paying dividends for area
By Julie Swida-H-P
Friday, September 10, 2010
BENTON HARBOR - The grand opening of The Golf Club at Harbor Shores was more than a fun event that participants and spectators will remember for the rest of their lives, Harbor Shores and other community officials said Thursday.
The event will have a far-reaching effect on the economy and reputation of the Twin Cities area, said the officials, who spoke to reporters at a media roundtable meeting Thursday...
We Liked The Livery Beer Flow Stats wrote on Sep 10, 2010 2:06 PM:
" we liked the Livery increased beer flow stats in the chart that went with the press release, oops, the well researched and sourced "news" story - more drunk drivers for the cops to pull over and generate revenue from. "
Pollyanna Belts Out Kumbayah wrote on Sep 10, 2010 2:07 PM:
" Pollyanna breaks out yet another resounding rendition of Kumbayah. Stenography at its finest. "
Oswald Spengler wrote on Sep 10, 2010 3:02 PM:
" Man, that mural is so cheesy. I hope they haven't gotten rid of the bullfighting scene, with the big 3-D bull! "
Dan Loops wrote on Sep 10, 2010 4:00 PM:
" This is a great thing... But the "participants and spectators will remember for the rest of their lives." comments have to stop. And lets face it, Whirlpool (Kitchen Aid) was not "selected", they bought (they are sponsers) the 2012 and 2014 Senior PGA Championships. Not knocking what this brings to the community. But the bombastic marketing and over the top verbal junk is insulting to most people's intelligence. "
Albaby wrote on Sep 10, 2010 8:30 PM:
" Is the airconditioner a Whirlpool? That's a classy location for the mural. Right uinder the A/C. LOL "
Resident wrote on Sep 11, 2010 9:54 AM:
" As a long time resident and very involved in the development of the Arts District, I take offense that in some way, Harbor Shores had anything to do with that neighborhood coming alive. If it had not been the hard work and personal cost of those who bought and worked their butt off to get the Arts District going, there would be no Arts District. Whirlpool, Cornerstone, Harbor Shores had nothing to do with it. For that matter they did nothing to help other than be a bank and give out loans, and not great ones at that. Cornerstone has lied to many business owners in BH. I personally worked with the Benton Harbor Children's Art Fair for 6 years, Where was Whirlpool then? The District was always alive, now it is just to their benefit to advertise for it. Nothing stopped them from doing it years ago - but there was no benefit for them then. It is not their work - so stop taking the credit. Any place benefits when you have a PR firm working nonstop to promote it. "
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/09/10/local_news/1897865.txt
Golf challenge by the numbers
Friday, September 10, 2010
BENTON HARBOR - The national spotlight was on Benton Harbor on Aug. 10 as four golf legends played at the grand opening of the Golf Club at Harbor Shores.
About 4,000 people watched as Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller and Jack Nicklaus, the course designer, raised $1 million in the Champions for Change golf tournament. The money was given to the Benton Harbor Boys & Girls Club...
Resident wrote on Sep 11, 2010 3:36 PM:
" So how much free food and T-shirts and raffle tickets did you offer to get your statistics up?
Did Harbor Shore's ever get permission slips from the parents of the kids they used for their Earthday photo opportunity? When they had the youth of Benton Harbor cleaning up a known contaminated site adjacent to Jean Klock Park.
They continue to use the youth over and over again to pretend like they are really making a difference. Summer jobs taught them how to push a broom to clean not their streets, but Harbor Shore's streets. Challenging and rewarding work.
It is disgusting to read and reread this crappy PR is to how wonderful this all is. There is definitely better news to report Herald Palladium. Haven't you been bought off enough? Give it a rest with Harbor Shores. It is really nauseating. "
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/09/10/local_news/1897907.txt
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Is the rumour true that Harris is moving to Benton Harbor? And that, in reality, he's Whirlpool's hatchet man, working to dissolve every Benton Harbor department? Will Whirlpool replace BH with Harbor Town? Has this been in the works for decades, hence the most innocent and juvenile convictions in the state? Will this MONUMENTAL MISCARRIAGE of justice ever be prosecuted?
9 Benton Harbor officers face layoffs this week
By Julie Swidwa H-P
Wed., Sept. 15, 2010
BENTON HARBOR - Nine Benton Harbor patrol officers can expect to find layoff notices in their mailboxes this week after a unanimous vote by the union Monday to refuse a 25 percent pay cut.
Emergency Financial Manager Joseph Harris said three will be called back to fill grant-funded positions, resulting in a net loss of six full-time patrol officers. Harris said some of them will be offered part-time jobs...
always positive wrote on Sep 15, 2010 1:36 PM:
" Now this is when whirlpool should step in and help fund their ailling city of choice. Oops. They only want tax breaks from their hometown city of choice. The amount of tax breaks certainly would make a BIG difference. "
Rick wrote on Sep 15, 2010 1:52 PM:
" Instead of laying off police officers and closing the fire dept, why dosen't Harris stop the city trash pick-up which has made the owner of Industrial Sanitation rich. "
BH Resident wrote on Sep 15, 2010 3:38 PM:
" Why is Whirlpool giving money to the County and not to the BENTON HARBOR POLICE DEPT? And the city wants to allow Whirlpool to build down town. That's crap. Whirlpool doesn't give a darn about BH. "
Concerned wrote on Sep 16, 2010 5:10 AM:
" Harris is cutting every employee he can. But he is not cutting is own over a $100,000 a year or the City manager and his high paid assistant. That is a real concern to me. If the City is so broke then HOW does he justify his salary and having a City manager and a assistant as well. Harris is taking over every department and running them himself. To me he is going about this all wrong. He was brought in to manage the money and help to guide the City. But is has taken of the role of GOD over the City. Something is wrong with this picture. Or is he actually making the City FAIL on purpose. We better ask that question very soon or it will be GONE "
IN the KNOW wrote on Sep 17, 2010 12:22 AM:
" Ok who is behind the Township water plant? None other than Jim Boothby and his wife. WHY? They do not wish to be a part of the community any more. If people would only look at what is happening you can see for yourself. St Joe needs more capacity. Benton Harbor was able to get the grant and St Joe could not. So why was there a new connection pipe put under the river a few years back to join Benton Harbor and St Joe. The real reason: so that St Joe can get water from Benton Harbor when they run short. Why? So that in time the water plants will be under an authority much like the one in St Joe now and the townships. All but Benton as Benton wanted to be on their own and used The Benton Harbor situation to scam the voters. I am hoping that once all the new pipes and valves and such is placed and the total costs are figured the citizens will be outraged that they were scammed. This whole area is going to be in time a Water Authority and a New town in time watch and see what I say. There is a reason for what is going on and why it is happening. But that reason has not been made public as of yet. The talk of combined Fire services is only the start of things to come. St Joe is land locked and no way to gain land for future expansion and more tax base. Benton Harbor has the land and the river front and that will be the driving force to make the changes in the future. Why do you think Whirlpool decided to build there??? You answer that one HARBOR TOWN "
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/09/15/local_news/1922291.txt
9 Benton Harbor officers face layoffs this week
By Julie Swidwa H-P
Wed., Sept. 15, 2010
BENTON HARBOR - Nine Benton Harbor patrol officers can expect to find layoff notices in their mailboxes this week after a unanimous vote by the union Monday to refuse a 25 percent pay cut.
Emergency Financial Manager Joseph Harris said three will be called back to fill grant-funded positions, resulting in a net loss of six full-time patrol officers. Harris said some of them will be offered part-time jobs...
always positive wrote on Sep 15, 2010 1:36 PM:
" Now this is when whirlpool should step in and help fund their ailling city of choice. Oops. They only want tax breaks from their hometown city of choice. The amount of tax breaks certainly would make a BIG difference. "
Rick wrote on Sep 15, 2010 1:52 PM:
" Instead of laying off police officers and closing the fire dept, why dosen't Harris stop the city trash pick-up which has made the owner of Industrial Sanitation rich. "
BH Resident wrote on Sep 15, 2010 3:38 PM:
" Why is Whirlpool giving money to the County and not to the BENTON HARBOR POLICE DEPT? And the city wants to allow Whirlpool to build down town. That's crap. Whirlpool doesn't give a darn about BH. "
Concerned wrote on Sep 16, 2010 5:10 AM:
" Harris is cutting every employee he can. But he is not cutting is own over a $100,000 a year or the City manager and his high paid assistant. That is a real concern to me. If the City is so broke then HOW does he justify his salary and having a City manager and a assistant as well. Harris is taking over every department and running them himself. To me he is going about this all wrong. He was brought in to manage the money and help to guide the City. But is has taken of the role of GOD over the City. Something is wrong with this picture. Or is he actually making the City FAIL on purpose. We better ask that question very soon or it will be GONE "
IN the KNOW wrote on Sep 17, 2010 12:22 AM:
" Ok who is behind the Township water plant? None other than Jim Boothby and his wife. WHY? They do not wish to be a part of the community any more. If people would only look at what is happening you can see for yourself. St Joe needs more capacity. Benton Harbor was able to get the grant and St Joe could not. So why was there a new connection pipe put under the river a few years back to join Benton Harbor and St Joe. The real reason: so that St Joe can get water from Benton Harbor when they run short. Why? So that in time the water plants will be under an authority much like the one in St Joe now and the townships. All but Benton as Benton wanted to be on their own and used The Benton Harbor situation to scam the voters. I am hoping that once all the new pipes and valves and such is placed and the total costs are figured the citizens will be outraged that they were scammed. This whole area is going to be in time a Water Authority and a New town in time watch and see what I say. There is a reason for what is going on and why it is happening. But that reason has not been made public as of yet. The talk of combined Fire services is only the start of things to come. St Joe is land locked and no way to gain land for future expansion and more tax base. Benton Harbor has the land and the river front and that will be the driving force to make the changes in the future. Why do you think Whirlpool decided to build there??? You answer that one HARBOR TOWN "
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/09/15/local_news/1922291.txt
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Stage set for Whirlpool incentives
(Comments)
Benton Harbor City Commission OKs measures that will allow company to seek tax breaks on $68 million office complex
By Julie Swidwa-H-P
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
BENTON HARBOR - A package of resolutions approved by the City Commission on Tuesday brings Whirlpool Corp. a step closer to getting incentives the company is seeking to build a $68 million world headquarters office complex in downtown Benton Harbor...
Not Fooled wrote on Sep 8, 2010 1:23 PM:
" Bringing "1.100workers into downtown Benton Harbor" should not be interpreted by the lay reader as adding 1,100 jobs! Come on people...who do really think Whirlpool is doing this for? First of all, Muhammed has absolutely no clue what he is talking about, and Jeff Noel is a smooth talking front man who summed up what Whirlpool is really about when he stated that "Whirlpool could have benefited from lower tax rates inother communities." The cart is driving the horse! Time for more "WE LOVE WHIRLPOOLl" signs in the area (lol). "
sick of the outsourcing wrote on Sep 8, 2010 1:35 PM:
" whirlpool, you want tax breaks - bring back the jobs sent to Brazil and Mexico! then we will talk tax breaks! "
Tom Joad wrote on Sep 8, 2010 2:46 PM:
" Small business is the engine that drives the American economy, not large multi-national corporations that outsource U.S. jobs and hide their profits in overseas tax shelters. These are the businesses that should be receiving tax breaks, not Whirlpool. "
Deb wrote on Sep 8, 2010 2:53 PM:
" No company that exports JOBS should benefit from any tax break. "
really wrote on Sep 8, 2010 9:16 PM:
" And this too shall pass. More lies and heart ache for the people of Benton Harbor. "
Oswald Spengler wrote on Sep 8, 2010 10:23 PM:
" Jeff Noel asks, "how do we attract new business so that over time we can lower the millage rate?"
Who is this "we", Jeff Noel? You don't run the city. It's not you who decides the tax rate.
Coming soon: Joseph Harris, Ron Carter and the commissioners lower taxes (pushed on apparently by Jeff Noel). Marcus Muhammad supports his vote with talking points from the Wall Street Journal op-ed page, Heritage Foundation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Club For Growth.
Benton Harbor is getting weirder and weirder all the time. "
Nelly wrote on Sep 9, 2010 2:08 AM:
" The debt mongers and haters are in the house! While it is great point out the difference in the millage from one city to another, Mr Noel should also have mentioned the fact that the people of Benton Harbor subsidize public transport, airport, and utility services for those nice folks in Benton Township. WE pay more in taxes because we and (Niles) provide more services through the property tax levied.
Maybe if St Joe, St TWP, and Benton TWP all paid their fair share of the additional services provided their citizens, the rates would be much closer. "
Common Sense Rules Clarification wrote on Sep 9, 2010 8:05 AM:
" This is not about the WHR tax breaks as they are what they are but a desire to keep the debate accurate. While "common sense rules" is accurate in the fact that the U.S. has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world, he/she fails to also acknowledge that we also have one of the most charitable set of allowances for tax credits, deductions, and write-offs which lowere to true effective level of that rate. Public policy is much more nuanced than what is discussed here which is unfortunate. Corporations are doign just fine from a tax standpoint and have teams of accountants and tax attorneys to ensure such. The area which really deserves attention is the tax burden of truelly small businesses. I bet if you look at it from a relative percetnage of revenue, they pay a far higher rate than larger companies. "
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/09/08/local_news/1888618.txt
(Comments)
Benton Harbor City Commission OKs measures that will allow company to seek tax breaks on $68 million office complex
By Julie Swidwa-H-P
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
BENTON HARBOR - A package of resolutions approved by the City Commission on Tuesday brings Whirlpool Corp. a step closer to getting incentives the company is seeking to build a $68 million world headquarters office complex in downtown Benton Harbor...
Not Fooled wrote on Sep 8, 2010 1:23 PM:
" Bringing "1.100workers into downtown Benton Harbor" should not be interpreted by the lay reader as adding 1,100 jobs! Come on people...who do really think Whirlpool is doing this for? First of all, Muhammed has absolutely no clue what he is talking about, and Jeff Noel is a smooth talking front man who summed up what Whirlpool is really about when he stated that "Whirlpool could have benefited from lower tax rates inother communities." The cart is driving the horse! Time for more "WE LOVE WHIRLPOOLl" signs in the area (lol). "
sick of the outsourcing wrote on Sep 8, 2010 1:35 PM:
" whirlpool, you want tax breaks - bring back the jobs sent to Brazil and Mexico! then we will talk tax breaks! "
Tom Joad wrote on Sep 8, 2010 2:46 PM:
" Small business is the engine that drives the American economy, not large multi-national corporations that outsource U.S. jobs and hide their profits in overseas tax shelters. These are the businesses that should be receiving tax breaks, not Whirlpool. "
Deb wrote on Sep 8, 2010 2:53 PM:
" No company that exports JOBS should benefit from any tax break. "
really wrote on Sep 8, 2010 9:16 PM:
" And this too shall pass. More lies and heart ache for the people of Benton Harbor. "
Oswald Spengler wrote on Sep 8, 2010 10:23 PM:
" Jeff Noel asks, "how do we attract new business so that over time we can lower the millage rate?"
Who is this "we", Jeff Noel? You don't run the city. It's not you who decides the tax rate.
Coming soon: Joseph Harris, Ron Carter and the commissioners lower taxes (pushed on apparently by Jeff Noel). Marcus Muhammad supports his vote with talking points from the Wall Street Journal op-ed page, Heritage Foundation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Club For Growth.
Benton Harbor is getting weirder and weirder all the time. "
Nelly wrote on Sep 9, 2010 2:08 AM:
" The debt mongers and haters are in the house! While it is great point out the difference in the millage from one city to another, Mr Noel should also have mentioned the fact that the people of Benton Harbor subsidize public transport, airport, and utility services for those nice folks in Benton Township. WE pay more in taxes because we and (Niles) provide more services through the property tax levied.
Maybe if St Joe, St TWP, and Benton TWP all paid their fair share of the additional services provided their citizens, the rates would be much closer. "
Common Sense Rules Clarification wrote on Sep 9, 2010 8:05 AM:
" This is not about the WHR tax breaks as they are what they are but a desire to keep the debate accurate. While "common sense rules" is accurate in the fact that the U.S. has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world, he/she fails to also acknowledge that we also have one of the most charitable set of allowances for tax credits, deductions, and write-offs which lowere to true effective level of that rate. Public policy is much more nuanced than what is discussed here which is unfortunate. Corporations are doign just fine from a tax standpoint and have teams of accountants and tax attorneys to ensure such. The area which really deserves attention is the tax burden of truelly small businesses. I bet if you look at it from a relative percetnage of revenue, they pay a far higher rate than larger companies. "
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/09/08/local_news/1888618.txt
Monday, September 20, 2010
Letter to the Editor and comments. Topics: Whirlpool stolen land development and Berrien county prosecutor Cotter.
Excerpt from a 9/16 Letter to the Editor (HPalladium)
Editor,
I have enjoyed Jean Klock Park all my life...
...the illustrious leaders of Benton Harbor and Whirlpool were keeping up the hype that "no one goes to Jean Klock Park."
...What next? Probably luxury condos on all public waterfront property, or casinos, strip joints, hotels and motels. Then it probably will mean some more bars. Oh, and we can all have corporate "campuses" that won't employ any of our residents.
What is important to [our "leaders"] is that they carry out the orders of the entities who want to develop every square inch of lake front property, make a profit, get filthy rich and move on.
That's it, take away all the residents' personal freedoms and let the developers and corporations have their way. Is that the way you want it? If you don't wake up, that's exactly what will happen.
Too many people still have their heads in the sand.
Lea'Anna Locey, Benton Harbor
****************************************
Letter to Editor comments
The Federal Farmer wrote on Sep 17, 2010:
"Let's hope that visitors to the area take their dogs to the Whirlpool Golf Course to poop."
Another windbag supporter wrote on Sep 16, 2010:
"I bet Mr. Cotter don't advocate should felons have work, some of them may not turn to street crimes in the community, and I bet Mr. Cotter when putting his foot in his mouth never takes this foot out to advocate for a better juvenile justice system in this state. Mr. Cotter knows full well how to gain followers and support by egging on those that whine about tax dollars spent on criminals. Mr. Cotter is a foot inserting in thy own mouth windbag, who needs to do a better job in application of the laws and stautes of this state. Maybe someone should do some research to find out how many of his cases are questionable?"
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/09/16/opinion/letters/1916267.txt
Excerpt from a 9/16 Letter to the Editor (HPalladium)
Editor,
I have enjoyed Jean Klock Park all my life...
...the illustrious leaders of Benton Harbor and Whirlpool were keeping up the hype that "no one goes to Jean Klock Park."
...What next? Probably luxury condos on all public waterfront property, or casinos, strip joints, hotels and motels. Then it probably will mean some more bars. Oh, and we can all have corporate "campuses" that won't employ any of our residents.
What is important to [our "leaders"] is that they carry out the orders of the entities who want to develop every square inch of lake front property, make a profit, get filthy rich and move on.
That's it, take away all the residents' personal freedoms and let the developers and corporations have their way. Is that the way you want it? If you don't wake up, that's exactly what will happen.
Too many people still have their heads in the sand.
Lea'Anna Locey, Benton Harbor
****************************************
Letter to Editor comments
The Federal Farmer wrote on Sep 17, 2010:
"Let's hope that visitors to the area take their dogs to the Whirlpool Golf Course to poop."
Another windbag supporter wrote on Sep 16, 2010:
"I bet Mr. Cotter don't advocate should felons have work, some of them may not turn to street crimes in the community, and I bet Mr. Cotter when putting his foot in his mouth never takes this foot out to advocate for a better juvenile justice system in this state. Mr. Cotter knows full well how to gain followers and support by egging on those that whine about tax dollars spent on criminals. Mr. Cotter is a foot inserting in thy own mouth windbag, who needs to do a better job in application of the laws and stautes of this state. Maybe someone should do some research to find out how many of his cases are questionable?"
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/09/16/opinion/letters/1916267.txt
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Below are three HPalladium readers' opinions. All are in line with NAACP-BH strong support for Don Cooney's US House of Rep. campaign to oust incumbent Fred Upton, heir to Whirlpool trillions.
Letter to Editor - comment
spare me wrote on Sep 16, 2010 10:10 AM:
" You only need to take a look at Fred's [Upton] contributors. Being on the communications committee he takes donations from all the big telecommunications companies that stand to make great profits on increased limits and fees for the whole internet. We pay now for higher speeds next we will pay for greater access. The internet is an economic engine for purchasing, information and should not be hampered by corporate interests who only want profits that come from control not capitalism. It's time to rebel against Fred and his corporate buddies "
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/09/15/opinion/letters/1915235.txt
9/15 Letter to Editor (HPalladium)
Upton on the wrong side of net neutrality issue
Editor,
I was amazed to read of the attitudes of Fred Upton, our local representative in the U.S. Congress, that were published in an article in a recent edition of The H-P.
If true, he appears to have sold out to a group of interests that are determined to milk the "free" Internet for corporate profits in a manner that will stifle growth of this valuable resource. The USA is already falling far behind the rest of the world in the speed of local services, and the loss of net neutrality will only accelerate their lead.
The Internet is a valuable resource for advancement of science, industry and free speech, and we certainly can't afford to sacrifice its growth for the profit of a few greedy corporations or compliant politicians!
Daniel Groteke, St. Joseph
9/14 Letter to Editor - Excerpt
...At the national level, Don Cooney is a compelling candidate for election to the House of Representatives. Don is currently in his sixth term as a Kalamazoo city commissioner, where he focuses on issues affecting working families. He has developed a detailed plan for bringing jobs back to Michigan by promoting new industries (e.g., green energy, technology, local food processing), providing tax incentives for companies that expand their work force or supply skills training for their existing workers, and investing in education from early childhood through college...
Larry Feldman, Lakeside
Letter to Editor - comment
spare me wrote on Sep 16, 2010 10:10 AM:
" You only need to take a look at Fred's [Upton] contributors. Being on the communications committee he takes donations from all the big telecommunications companies that stand to make great profits on increased limits and fees for the whole internet. We pay now for higher speeds next we will pay for greater access. The internet is an economic engine for purchasing, information and should not be hampered by corporate interests who only want profits that come from control not capitalism. It's time to rebel against Fred and his corporate buddies "
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2010/09/15/opinion/letters/1915235.txt
9/15 Letter to Editor (HPalladium)
Upton on the wrong side of net neutrality issue
Editor,
I was amazed to read of the attitudes of Fred Upton, our local representative in the U.S. Congress, that were published in an article in a recent edition of The H-P.
If true, he appears to have sold out to a group of interests that are determined to milk the "free" Internet for corporate profits in a manner that will stifle growth of this valuable resource. The USA is already falling far behind the rest of the world in the speed of local services, and the loss of net neutrality will only accelerate their lead.
The Internet is a valuable resource for advancement of science, industry and free speech, and we certainly can't afford to sacrifice its growth for the profit of a few greedy corporations or compliant politicians!
Daniel Groteke, St. Joseph
9/14 Letter to Editor - Excerpt
...At the national level, Don Cooney is a compelling candidate for election to the House of Representatives. Don is currently in his sixth term as a Kalamazoo city commissioner, where he focuses on issues affecting working families. He has developed a detailed plan for bringing jobs back to Michigan by promoting new industries (e.g., green energy, technology, local food processing), providing tax incentives for companies that expand their work force or supply skills training for their existing workers, and investing in education from early childhood through college...
Larry Feldman, Lakeside
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