reader letters to kamala harris ahead of the inauguration

The rover will set the samples aside for retrieval by a fetch rover launching in 2026. Under an elaborate plan still being worked out by NASA and the European Space Agency, the geologic treasure would arrive on Earth in the early 2030s. Scientists contend it’s the only way to ascertain whether life flourished on a wet, watery Mars 3 billion to 4 billion years ago.

2021 Budget: It may sound like a broken record to hear that this year’s budget will be one of the toughest ever, but it is certainly the case. Rising costs for salaries and benefits for city workers, projections of significantly reduced revenues, and the familiar but devastating levy limits have us looking at an initial $20 25,000,000 gap in the 2021 budget. Our Finance team provided an initial look at the big picture during last week’s Finance Committee meeting.

For those of you following the 2019 budget appropriation I proposed to add several cameras along the Capital City bike path in the Marquette neighborhood, I have been waiting for this ordinance to be adopted by the Common Council. Once it is finalized, I will follow the recommended process to review the use of new surveillance technology. My interpretation of new means a new location for the cameras.

Everyone in the food service industry is constantly being pounded with regulations, loss of revenue, loss of pay, loss of life, and all the things that have been impacting our industry and the people who support it. If a server forgets something, if the restaurant is out of something, which is usually not their fault, if the experience was not perfect, please put in perspective that your life is not even close to being devastated as probably the hands that serve you. So be kind, greet your server with a smile, tip well (25% or better) and understand that your dining experience is being served by those most affected by this pandemic.”Debra Kue, president, Thai Chef in Grand Rapids: “It is absolutely essential that customers also treat one another with respect and equity.

Economy needs. While the unemployed clearly require help, the vast majority of Americans still have their jobs, pension checks, Social Security benefits, and welfare payments.” Geoff Colvin, FortuneThere is little downside to sending out more money than is necessary”The bottom line is that checks are popular with the public, easy to deliver, will help the fortunes of those who are struggling, and don’t pose a near term inflationary risk to the economy. Congress should go ahead and send ’em.” Conor Sen, BloombergThe extra money will have supercharged the recovery once the pandemic subsides”Checks are a golden opportunity to make sure Americans’ wallets are nice and fat in 2021 so that the economy will pop back to real full employment when everyone is finally vaccinated.” Ryan Cooper, The Week.