Bowman/Kearney's STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE ESSENTIALS, SIXTH EDITION takes a positive look at state and local government, in a shorter and more streamlined approach than its full-length counterpart (State and Local Government 9781435462687). It espouses clearly and succinctly that government can be a force for good in society, while addressing critics simultaneously. Through engaging coverage of current events and an accessible writing style, the text fosters interest and involvement in state and local politics, policy, and public service.
Estate planning for family cottages and cabinsIt's never too early to take steps to preserve a beloved family property for generations to come. Shared ownership of vacation property--especially when the co-owners are family members--can be fraught with problems. The idyllic dream of a cottage getaway can be shattered when co-owners' emotions, financial concerns, and opinions on how the property should be used come into play.Fortunately, a solid plan that dictates how the property will be owned and managed can prevent squabbles over the family cottage. This book lays out a roadmap for creating and implementing this plan. It also explains how to identify properties that qualify as heirlooms worthy of a succession plan, and provides time-tested guidance on how to: keep the peace among heirsprevent a family member from forcing a sale of the propertykeep your vacation home out of the hands of in-laws and creditors, andsmoothly transition ownership of the property from one generation to the next.The seventh edition expands on buy-out options for heirs, how to transfer the property to later branches of the family, and when it might be appropriate to form a nonprofit association to hold the property.
Create a solid, binding lease that complies with your state laws If you rent out residential real estate, you need to createdocuments that are legally valid where your rental property is located. Everystate has its own rules when it comes to what landlords must include in theirleases, and one-size-fits-all forms simply cannot comply with every state'slaws. This book gives you a template and several 50-state law charts, which youcan use to create a lease or monthly rental agreement that will work in yourstate. You'll also get customizable versions of key rental forms you need, including: a fixed-term lease a month-to-month rental agreement a rental application tenant reference and credit check forms move-in and move-out letters, and a property inspection checklist. The 16th edition is completely updated to reflect the latestlandlord-tenant laws--find out what your state requires regarding securitydeposits, entry to rental property, disclosures, termination notices, and muchmore. This new edition also covers topics relevant to today's landlords, suchas the wisdom of asking for applicants' criminal history, the issues toconsider when asking for attorneys' fees, and how to evaluate tenant screeningreports.
Until recently, Austin, the progressive, politically liberal capital of Texas, elected its city council using a not-so-progressive system. Candidates competed citywide for seats, and voters could cast ballots for as many candidates as there were seats up for election. However, this approach disadvantages the representation of geographically-concentrated minority groups, thereby—among other things—preventing the benefits of growth from reaching all of the city’s communities.Reinventing the Austin City Council explores the puzzle that was Austin’s reluctance to alter its at-large system and establish a geographically-based, single-member district system. Ann Bowman chronicles the repeated attempts to change the system, the eventual decision to do so, and the consequences of that change. In the process, she explores the many twists and turns that occurred in Austin as it struggled to design a fair system of representation. Reinventing the Austin City Council assesses the impact of the new district system since its inception in 2014. Austin’s experience ultimately offers a political lesson for creating institutional change.
Until recently, Austin, the progressive, politically liberal capital of Texas, elected its city council using a not-so-progressive system. Candidates competed citywide for seats, and voters could cast ballots for as many candidates as there were seats up for election. However, this approach disadvantages the representation of geographically-concentrated minority groups, thereby—among other things—preventing the benefits of growth from reaching all of the city’s communities.Reinventing the Austin City Council explores the puzzle that was Austin’s reluctance to alter its at-large system and establish a geographically-based, single-member district system. Ann Bowman chronicles the repeated attempts to change the system, the eventual decision to do so, and the consequences of that change. In the process, she explores the many twists and turns that occurred in Austin as it struggled to design a fair system of representation. Reinventing the Austin City Council assesses the impact of the new district system since its inception in 2014. Austin’s experience ultimately offers a political lesson for creating institutional change.
How much is an individual the product of his or her upbringing? To what extent is the sense of family, its pride and bonding, a part of an individual's soul and character? Ann O'Farrell narrates a story of a family's inexplicable dissolution-five children tragically split and cast off to separate worlds. In the span of fourteen formative years their story unfolds, touching the very core of what is the essence of family and attachment. Set in the rural Ireland of the 1920's and 30's, the tale is wonderfully painted in expressive detail, settings and emotion. This is a mindful and moving experience reflective of parents, siblings, and those of us sensitive to today's family-based challenges and values. An absorbing story ... sharply observed characters ... a rich portrait of rural Ireland in the '20s and '30s ... an engrossing, convincing family saga. Kirkus Discoveries A story full of lilting phrases ... poignant scenes ... tear at the heartstrings. ... an explosive finale ... that stops readers cold. O'Farrell's account stands as stark testimony to a fearsome era and .... (a) searing tale of profound loss. Mary McWay Seaman, The Celtic Connection, Denver Well told and beautifully written ... fascinating and powerfully emotional. Frank West, Irish American News As real as the blood flowing through my veins. Incredible heartache ... (yet) a real display of the true spirit of family. Mary Jo Sullivan, Midwest Irish Focus An inspirational story ... Susan Bethany, Midwest Book Review Poignant, heart-rending narrative ... an eloquent novel of immense sorrow. Sharon Greer, The Celtic Connection A compelling story that easily kept my attention. Home School Book Review A compelling and sensitive story of family. Ann O'Farrell is a gifted writer and storyteller. Her characters are so real that it sometimes is difficult to remember that it's a novel. It is a wonderful read and I didn't want the story to end. ... Linda Burg. The Little Read Book Store, Wauwatosa, WI O'Farrell is a highly gifted writer ... unable to put Norah's Children down, reading "just one more chapter" to see what will unfold next. I am already looking forward to the sequel, "Michael". Angelo Giambra, author of 'Oranges and Eggs.' Captivating O'Farrell draws you in with her sensitive depiction of life in Ireland. There is such a charm and bittersweet beauty in the writing. Georgia Post, author of 'Arsenic Soup for the Lover's Soul.' Following the great tradition of Irish story-telling. Mary T Dresser, author of 'Twilight of Grandeur.
Who are we? What blend of gene, heritage, family or culture conjoin to make us who and what we are? How is one predisposed by an unknown past to the life set before him? Irish, orphaned and abandoned, a toddler is literally handed off to strangers only to be judged inferior and passed on to an exploitive spinster seeking support for her old age. Michael, a second novel by Ann O'Farrell, evolves from her first engrossing tale, Norah's Children. This time O'Farrell explores the family theme as it relates to the transcendent emotional ties of need, loyalty and self worth. Michael's duality must overcome his conflicted world of loyalties to country (England/ Ireland) and family (biological/ surrogate) ... then comes love and World War II. ... sensitive ... compelling ... poignant ... A rich, moving exploration of the meaning of family, in all its guises.' Kirkus Discoveries .... I did not want the book to end." Frank West, Irish American News ... ensnaring writing ... I had hair tingling reactions at high points in the story. John O'Brien Ohio Irish American News ... a forlorn tale woven into one of optimism. Sharon Greer. The Celtic Connection. ... what a wonderful book Linda E. Burg. The Little Read Book Wauwatosa. WI
The year is 2112. Paco Valderrama, grandson of anchor babies, is in the White House-the 70th President of the United States and the third Mexican-American. A Latino majority in Congress is in control of both the House and the Senate. America is on the brink of war-with herself. Fifty years before, the rift between the left and the right, the liberals and the conservatives, peaked. With its disciplinarian and authoritative stance, one no longer tolerated the loose values and permissiveness of the other. It reached a boiling point and led to the Great Race Riot never before seen in history. Cities burned across the country. From the west coast to the east coast. Communities came under siege. People of different cultures, ethnicities, races feared for their lives and sought refuge with their own kind. Decades after the turmoil, the United States-to those who still cared and knew-was no longer a whole nation. It had broken up into four ethno-racial regions: the Asian-Pacific Islanders in the Northwest, the Hispanic-Latinos in the Southwest, the African-Americans scattered in three separate parts of the mainland-the Midwest, the Northeast and parts of the South-and the Anglo-Americans (whites) in the rest of the land. Through a succession of bad federal governments in Washington in the last quarter century, the country deteriorated further. Laws aimed for national security and the protection of citizens' rights especially the underclass, were seldom enforced: the Civil Rights Act, Immigration, the Freedom of Information Act and, most important of all, the First Amendment to the Constitution. Offenders, no less than government officials themselves, consistently got away violating these laws with impunity. Control of the media for years now had been disguised by the puppet press in Washington. The result was a news blackout the country was made to believe did not exist. But an Alliance of a few true Americans on the Capitol Hill knew better. This group, leaders representing their states, grew in number and eventually founded the Federation of American Independent Republics. In a matter of weeks, sixteen states and the northwestern part of Texas seceded from the Union, declaring themselves independent Republics. In March of the year 2112, the Federation proclaimed itself a new sovereign country and declared its Independence from the United States of America. That same day, the newly organized Federation Defense Forces (FDF), mobilized weeks in advance, seized and took command of major U.S. bases in several Republics. The second American Civil War, thus, had begun.
This family saga starts with a young South African woman searching for her family origins and history in Britain. While starting work on compiling notes on The Gravel Road, I earnestly began to want to bring back to life those long-forgotten beginnings of an ancestral family, hoping to capture their experiences of surviving under extreme circumstances in their daily lives. At this time, men of different colors and creeds could put aside their grievances, uniting in the determination and will to succeed. I listened to the many stories told by my grandfather Sanderson, which became an integral part in my research. These stretched across old Prussia in Eastern Germany to the old cotton mills in the north of England. The Gravel Road covers 140 years of old and modern history where two exceptional, courageous families, though ethically disparate and living worlds apart, were drawn together and united in peace. In doing so, they paved the way for the next generation. I gathered many hours of notes to write this book in order to write true-to-life characters. My goal was that, in time, it would become a source of wonder and pride for all those who came to befriend them as I did. While reliving those lives, I tried to get an understanding of how some feared the unknown, while others ventured far in the last century, ultimately changing attitudes along the pathways to life.
This family saga starts with a young South African woman searching for her family origins and history in Britain. While starting work on compiling notes on The Gravel Road, I earnestly began to want to bring back to life those long-forgotten beginnings of an ancestral family, hoping to capture their experiences of surviving under extreme circumstances in their daily lives. At this time, men of different colors and creeds could put aside their grievances, uniting in the determination and will to succeed. I listened to the many stories told by my grandfather Sanderson, which became an integral part in my research. These stretched across old Prussia in Eastern Germany to the old cotton mills in the north of England. The Gravel Road covers 140 years of old and modern history where two exceptional, courageous families, though ethically disparate and living worlds apart, were drawn together and united in peace. In doing so, they paved the way for the next generation. I gathered many hours of notes to write this book in order to write true-to-life characters. My goal was that, in time, it would become a source of wonder and pride for all those who came to befriend them as I did. While reliving those lives, I tried to get an understanding of how some feared the unknown, while others ventured far in the last century, ultimately changing attitudes along the pathways to life.
Boon or blight? Ann Bowman and Michael Pagano define "vacant land" broadly, to include everything from brownfields (environmentally contaminated land) through trashed lots and abandoned buildings to greenspace (parks, community gardens, etc.). "Terra Incognita" takes a fresh look at what they believe can be the ultimate urban resource. Beyond the common studies of the influence of market forces, it explores how these areas are affected by the decisions of local governments, and then shows how vacant land can be a valuable strategic asset for localities. "Terra Incognita" derives from what - until now - has been the lack of substantial information about the amount and the diversity of urban vacant land. This book is based on an unprecedented survey sent to all U.S. towns with a population greater than 50,000, and contains data previously unavailable. Three cities were studied in greater depth for detailed case studies: the greater Phoenix and Seattle areas and Philadelphia-Camden. A number of other cities are cited frequently, including Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Oklahoma City, among many others. Identifying the fiscal, social, and development imperatives that drive the decisions local officials make about using vacant land, Bowman and Pagano pay particular attention to the varying dynamics of sales, property, and income taxes, and conclude with a model for making strategic decisions about land use based on a city's priorities.
Doodling is a great. Whether it's your hobby, and stress relieving activity, or a tool to combat boredom, you will enjoy putting pencil to paper and creating something new. Increase your peace and creativity, and let your left-brain run free. Use unique shape templates to make your creations come alive. The best thing about Zendoodle is that you don't need to be an artist. You don't even need to think about the end result. Just stay in the moment and create something amazing. Zen doodling is an amazing gift to give yourself, or those you love.Book includes: Circle grids, circles with in circles, compasses, square grids, overlapping circles, comic strips and more. OVER 300 pages
Doodling is a great. Whether it's your hobby, and stress relieving activity, or a tool to combat boredom, you will enjoy putting pencil to paper and creating something new. Increase your peace and creativity, and let your left-brain run free. Use unique shape templates to make your creations come alive. The best thing about Zendoodle is that you don't need to be an artist. You don't even need to think about the end result. Just stay in the moment and create something amazing. Zen doodling is an amazing gift to give yourself, or those you love.Book includes: Circle grids, circles with in circles, compasses, square grids, overlapping circles, comic strips and more. OVER 300 pages
