E-mail topic: Monday, the 18th of September...
...will be the first official meeting of the new county commission. Any bets on which commissioner will be the first to submit a resolution in support of their campaign pledges or stances?
Also, during the recent campaign there was much said about the need to control spending. Any bets on who will be involved with changing the budgets to increase spending?
Also, during the recent campaign there was much said about the need to control spending. Any bets on who will be involved with changing the budgets to increase spending?
posted by J. Kendrick McPeters | 10:22 PM
382 Comments:
Oh, that would be an understatement!
After I red da paper today I thank da questons about who was gonna spend da most fastest was allready answered. I don't no how many commites they is but if they has 15 dat wood make $450. a month if they was at all of them. I no dat ain't much but da other way to look at it is da meetings only last an hour. $30. a hr. ain't dat bad. Well at lest thay don't git paid for not atending like wuz 1st wanted. Hay, maybe it ain't so bad a idea to pay them to stay away. I wuz sure happy to see dat da financ comitee has got some peoples on it dat no how to red a budget?
Who is on the financial committee?
Thanks, Mr. Barrett,
I was referring to the Financial Act (referendum) committee. I have since read Friday’s paper and I think someone other than all commissioners should be appointed to that committee as Mrs. Vanzant has recommended. What do you think?
If you are going to get a good balance, it makes sense to put non supporters on this committee. What concerns me more is the cumulative IQ of the budget committee. This county is hurting!
I agree with Mr Barrett that some of the people on the committee should be regular folks. I think Mr Barrett and Mrs Proud would be good ones to have on there. Having only those that can be controlled by the county commissioners and those who fought against it is just plain dumb.
I agree there should be someone from the private sector on that committee and I will be sending letters to my commissioners. When did the meeting take place to recommend the commissioners for the Financial Act committee?
From sowing seed to obstruction fish?
chuckles said...
Somethang I do no is that da commission comitees was either picked by da county xecutive by herself or else they was picked by her an some other comisioners in a meeting that werent told about so da public couldn't be their which makes it a vilating da sunshine law. If da paper wuz right vilating da sunshine law wus jus what thay done.
Even if I run off at da mouth I stil no more than you who cant see da pig pen fer all da pigs an mud.
Tanks to da nice anonmous that took up fer me, I do pay my tax an its a hole lot.
Saturday, September 16, 2006 11:37:44 PM
if the financial management plan is not properly implemented according to the election, the interested citizens should file a lawsuit to remove the members of the committee and county executive from office!
Sunday, September 17, 2006 2:19:04 PM
AMEN!!!
Ir is plain to see what she is up to.
Does anyone know who in the world "Chuckles" is talking to?
I don't know, because I don't read the comments made by Chuckles. It takes too much effort. I think that it's time for him to just write normally.
Go to the thread: E-mail topic: County Executive Column, and you can understand Chuckles's comment.
It seems the problem with Chuckles post, besides not being able to spell, is that it ain't exactly chuckles post. The comment seems to have been taken from another thread and posted by "Anonymous" on this thread. Without any information to go with it the comment don't make any sense but if you read it under the "County Executive Topic" you can understand it better.
Did anyone attend the first meeting of our new commissioners today? How 'bout you Chuckles? Did they raise those already high taxes you are paying?
Mr. Barrett, What is the workhouse committee and why would it be abolished? Also, would you please explain what you mean by the commissioners not wanting citizens looking them in the face while they spend our money?
Sowing more seed?
Get off the seed crap!
to WAB did i hear you say that they approved 6 new deputies?
Mr. Barrett,
I am I wrong-- I thougth the public voted for the commissioners and you were not elected. Did the majority not speak loud enough for you to hear?
I do not understand why people of Giles County are upset by the tactics and actions of some of our commissioners. even the president says that "It's unacceptable to think" as he stated during his news conference last Friday.
Mr. Barrett,
One of Janet’s commissioner buddies made the following statement to five people, myself included, “Janet is waiting until the election is over before she removes the people that sit in the jury seats during meetings, because she is afraid all of them will not vote for her. So, I know what you are writing about.
anonymous tuesday, september 19, 2006 9:56:22 am, please explain your post. I’m not getting it!
Mr Barrett,
I thought you said that you attended the commissioners meeting yesterday. Maybe I attended a different meeting than you did because Sheriff Helton never even requested 6 new deputies. He stated numerous times that the state RECOMMENDED 6 deputies. Mr. Helton, however, plainly said that he was requesting only 4 deputies. You have once again tried to mislead the people who might unfortunately believe the statments that you make. I guess I should just be thankful that you are at least speaking about the subject at hand for a change. You are so predictable, that when I read the post last night asking about the meeting, I just waited to see what negitive things you would have to say about it. Did you know that there was an itemized request submitted to the commissioners concerning the Courthouse security mandate? Surely you did because I know the always informed Mr. Barrett would not speak on a subject that he didn't have all the facts about. But wait-- that would mean that you might be telling untruths. So which is it Mr.Barrett?
As for the "secret meeting" as you called it, THERE WAS NO SECRET MEETING! Just because you were not informed about the "TRIP" doesn't make it a "secret meeting". Furthermore, Mr. Barrett, the "Meeting " was held for all the commissioners in middle Tennessee to attend. I just can't stop wondering why you would chose only to confront 1 of the commissioners who went to Henry Horton Park. As you must know he did not go alone. Why must you always try to back everyone into a corner? You should know by now, from much experience I might add, that you just don't intimidate some people.
You should also be informed that only 2 of the 7th district commissioners voted to pay for attending meetings of committees on which they are not members.
Tammy Pollard
Who attended the meeting at the park and how did the public find out there had been a meeting outside of Giles County?
Who organized the meeting and was all the commissioners invited, if so by whom?
Were minutes taken?
Why would the commissioners and the county executive feel the need to go out of the county to have a meeting in the first place?
I'll get off the seed "crap" when they are no longer being sowed.
Careful Tammy.....you will be called a pinhead or some other colorful name if you point out HIS misunderstandings and shortcomings.
Tammy,
When I wrote my post of Tuesday, September 19, 2006 5:09:31 PM, your post was not printed. You have covered some of the questions I had and I thank you.
To Mr. Barrett,
Who gave you the information that one commissioner complained about people sitting in the witness seats? As you can see in my post, that move was already in place well before the election.
I would have to agree with you Mr. Barrett. I think the jail could use more deputies and not the courthouse. I do remeber reading in the local paper about a new video camera that can be used by the Judge Damron and the inmates. So the inmates do not need to be brought to the court house. This way it helps free up the deputies time, to do their regular job. So if the inmates are not being brought to the courthouse, why have more deputies there?
Mr. Barrett,
In no way was I asking you to betray a confidant. I just wanted conformation that it wasn’t Mrs. Vanzant placing the blame on anyone but herself again. I can only hope she learned from her past term to just tell the truth no matter how bad it might make her look, just tell the darn truth!
One thing I notice about you, that so many posters won’t do, is you apologize after you have made a mistake and try your best to make it right. Now I’m wondering if Mrs. Pollard attended the same meeting on Sept. 18th as you did. She stated only (2) 7th district commissioners voted for the payment to commissioners that attend meetings they are not serving on…and you are now saying all three voted no…so she is wrong now? I am confused!
As for commissioners conducting secret meetings, I know for a fact this practice DOES happen and I personally think it is totally wrong. Earlier this year, a local organization was making a false statement to the public and when I went to my commissioner to obtain the truth to present to them he said, “Oh, that information will not be in the minutes, the exchange between Mrs. Vanzant and that commissioner happened before the meeting ever started.” In other words, no one could ever prove her wrong, it would simply be a he said, she said and to this day, 99% of that organization believes her. So, how can the citizens ever have complete faith and trust that our representatives and leaders are following the law and doing what is right if it takes place in secret meetings? If I were in their position, I would want the entire county to know every move I made, so there would NEVER be any doubt as to what took place, because doubt brings on distrust and suspicion in government. I think our leaders should embrace the citizens that ask questions because they are not going away, so, why not include them and make them a part of the process?
To “some” commissioners and the county executive:
Just drop the chip on your shoulders and leave your egos at the door when you enter to do the people’s business. Don’t get defensive and the attitude of, you are not going to tell me what to do, when you are asked a question, after all they are the reason you are there!
I must say I am very disappointed with the response you received from Mr. Hughes regarding the Sunshine Law and the attitude he displayed when you questioned him!
to Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:07:35 PM deputies dont bring inmates to the court house jailers do
I am utterly shocked by Terry Hughes’s statements to Mr. Barret! What a way for a newly elected commissioner to react to a question by a citizen and to out right deny he knew about the meeting at the park, deny he knew anything about the sunshine law and then to prove himself a liar by acknowledging the meeting did take place and he was in attendance!!!!!! Unbelievable!!!
terry, say it isn't so!
I am glad the actions and comments of Mr. Hughes were exposed in a letter to the Editor of the Pulaski Citizen. He is an educated man and should have known better. Perhaps he will rethink his comments and come to his senses and see no need in the future to display the power his new position has given him over a lowly citizen.
Can anyone tell me who chose the committees and when were they chosen? Also, did anyone attend the meeting when they were selected? Mrs. Pollard maybe you could respond to my questions, I’m sure your husband has the answers.
Thanks in advance!
first of all i want to come to the defense of terry hughes and wab's letter to the editor and statements on this blog. i was present and was in arm's length of this conversation. terry walked over and instituted a handshake and warm welcome to wab. wab asked terry if he attended the meeting at horton park and terry said he did. but before terry could respond wab let in on terry telling him how he had lost respect for terry by attending the meeting. wab was very outspoken and accused terry of violation of the sunshine laws in which terry said he did not understand what wab meant or was accusing him off since he had attended a meeting in a public place where golfers, campers, and members of the public were in attendance. wab was very crude, disrespectful, and demanding of terry. personally, i think terry did not say any thing out of the way to wab. terry told wab that there were two opinions concerning the sunshine laws and wab should get a lawyer to decide if any laws had been violated. also, i agree with terry. why should any elected offical be subjected to a man(wab) who has a track record as his. personally, i admire terry for the way he handled wab by answering him and then walking away. wab has fabricated this story to make terry be something he is or was not. if anyone has been around wab or keep up with his ordeals you will see he is a trouble making hippocrite. why did wab not include how he personally verbally attacked terry and continually repeated to terry how he had respect for him before the election but since terry attended the meeting he "totally had disrespect for him:". i also know terry was not for keeping the work house committee but some people told me how a winkles lady and proud woman contacted him and asked him to support keeping the committee in tack. has wab contacted these ladies to see if terry was polite to them, voted to accommodate them (15-6) in which terry was one of the six? also, a mr. winkles was standing next to wab and terry when the conversation took place. ask him if wab did not verbally attack, insult, and not give terry a chance to act with out interruption. i also know that terry would not use this blog after the election, he did make all his personal contact infor available. if wab was truly serious in his intentions he would tell all the truth in any incident he is involved. wab, did you or did you not verbally attack terry, make accusations toward him that would provoke(whick i think terry handled the comments very professionally) even a man of the cloth. i have read your ordeals in different situations and did not pass judgement because there is always two sides of a story. in this case with mr. hughes you did not tell the whole truth and when that happens usually the complaintant is trying to falsely accuse some one of something. the irony of the whole thing is how you lambasted terry, praised pollard, and pollard was at the same meeting which terry attended. also how can you personally attack tammy pollard one minute then write a statement latter apologizing to her. could it be your mental faculties get derranged sometime? since i was standing close by, heard the incident first hand, know the truth, and it was not as you described it, then i feel compelled to go to bat for terry. not because i personally know him, but i stand for what is the TRUTH in any event. do you? this note is for terry: you did a good job and keep up the good work. i also understand your comment for wab to take it to court if he was so sure a violation had occurred. after all, he is the one who always needs a lawyer. finally, i commend terry for the way he handled such a nusiance as wab. i also understood your comment as far as district two was your loyalty to your voters and you did not have time to be insulted by a citizen of another district. i thought your comment was professional and above all in good taste. i would be proud to have you as my commissioner if i lived in district two. bravo, mr. hughes.
During the election of the four additional members of the Financial Management Committee, did any commissioner suggest members of the public be considered? Shouldn't this have been put to a vote before deciding commissioners only?
To Anonymous defender of Mr. Hughes,
You should go over both Mrs. Pollard’s and Mr. Barrett’s posts again. She attacked him first and no where in his post does he apologize to her.
He has apologized to the commissioners of the seventh district for being wrong and she has not.
What amazing tales are told. I was there when the discusion between Mr Barrett and Mr Hughes took place. After reading the statement above I'm not sure I herd the same conversation that anonyous herd. I agree there is always two sides to almost everthing but for this conversation I have to say Mr Barretts version of how things happened are a whole lot more right than anonyous version is. I won't go into detail about all she said but either she is making up things or she didn't hear very much of what was said.
I refered to anonyous as she cause after reading what anonyous said they couldn't be nobody but Mrs Pollard. The pattern and way they say things are just to much the same.
Anonymous of Wednesday, September 20, 2006 11:15:30 PM, Please tell me the defender of Mr. Hughes is not a commissioner. If he is, we are in trouble!
Was Mrs. Pollard in the vicinity of the exchange between Mr. Hughes and Mr. Barrett?
I would like to express my sincerest regret in the mistake made in my earlier post of Tuesday Sept 19 2006 5:07:51pm. I had stated that 2 of the commissioners from the 7th district voted in favor of the pay for committee meetings of which they are not members. Please know that it was an honest mistake on my part and confused with the previous vote, on which the number of commissioners was voted from 14 back to 21. I will certainly double check any information before posting it in the future. I apologize to all the commissioners from the 7th district for any problems this may have caused and will do so in person as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Tammy Pollard
I am not the poster who defended Mr Hughes. If I had been I would have signed my name as I have always. TAMMY POLLARD
Mr Barrett
I have re-read your post as you suggested. If you will re-read my post, the entry was made on Tues Sept 19 2006 5:07:51pm. As you will see, my entry was made in response to your post from Monday Sept 18 2006 11:38:24pm, in which you made no mention at all of the State mandate for Courthouse security, but asked only "does anyone really think there is a need for six new deputies to cover the courthouse?". Tammy Pollard
On Mr. Barrett's attack on Terry Hughes: During the break Mr. Hughes and other commisssioners were meeting and greeting. Mr. Hughes went over to Mr. Barrett and extended his hand and said hello to Mr. Barrett. Mr. Barrett immediately started in on Mr. Hughes about a meeting at Horton. Mr. Hughes was caught off guard and said what are you talking about. Mr. Barrett starting in on weren't you this and weren't you that!!! Mr. Hughes told him he went over to eat chicken.
Mr. Barrett needs to be an attorney. He can slam someone and not let the person get an answer in. It seems that he comes looking for a fight. The people of the 7th district has pretty much expressed how they feel about him and his uncontrollable mouth and temper. The situation with Mr. Hughes should have been done if at all at another place and time. The school board incident should have shown Mr. Barrett that he needs to watch his mouth and keep it shut when necessary. It takes his puppy lagging behind him, MR. Winkle to knudge him when he feels he has gone overboard.
This should be the Allen Barrett blog.
Anyone with any education and dignity needs to quit reading this garbage and shut it down. All it's good for is people who don't have a life and nothing better to do than stir up something. Yes I'm on it but someone called and ask me to read this blog. Not only does it seem that Barrett is an attorney but a newsreporter as well. He can really get the WRONG facts down an interprets everything his way. Get a life Mr. Barrett. I'm sure your sweet family stays on needles and pins wondering if you popped off and got put in jail again.
Signing off to never pull up again.
Me......
Regardles of which district you are commissioner over you should never tell a citizen that you do not have to worry about them, you should be concerned with every citizen of Giles counties need, for everything that you vote on affects all of us. You never know a person in the fifth distict may move to the second district. Than what would happen would you still not have to worry about that voter. I believe that is an irresponsible comment made by any comissioner. If that is the way a commissioner honestly feels he/she is only responsible for the citizens in their district they should not have been voted into office. As I stated earlier they represent the whole of Giles County even if they are divided up into districts.
Mrs. Pollard, could you consider letting your husband go out and play commissioner without your taking up for him or trying to be the commissioner or tell everybody what happened at the meetings?
Mr. Pollard, there is a learning curve to everything and no one wants to hear you talk all the time. You remind me of former commissioner Mark Dunnavant. yap yap yap yap. Listen more and talk less and you might learn something. How are you even breathing sitting in the county executive's back pocket. Everybody knows your connection to the Vanzants and that Lincoln County Joe went around and picked up your campaign signs. Stand on your own two feet. After all it is hard to fit four feet into one pair of high heel shoes.
Maybe Mr. Barrett does not always say things the way you would. Perhaps he does not always do things the way you would. But when government is allowed to operate without public scrutiny and input it is not a good thing.
As for Terry Hughes, I am a 5th District voter and he has fooled me once. I have already heard of some of the meetings he has had behind the scenes with the county executive when they were lining up committees and he will not get my vote again. I thought he was smarter than that. I was wrong. He is easily led and not smart enough to figure out when he is being manipulated.
Please keep stirring things up Mr. Barrett. Elected officials need to be willing to answer questions, even hard questions. If they are not they should stay home.
Sorry I mistyped. I was thinking about Mr. Pollard in the 5th District when I was writing about Terry Hughes. I am a 2nd District voter and live not too far from Mr. Hughes. Liked him as a teacher and voted for him for commissioner. As a 2nd District voter, he will not get my vote again!
beautifual people and beautiful days. they go so good together.
Tammy, you go girl!
I am bewildered by the fact that by my best count…the questions regarding the nominations, selection and recommendations of the committee members has been asked thirteen times and still no answers!
Commissioners have made several of the posts, people in attendance and the wife of one commissioner and not one answer will come out of their mouths. Elected officials, can’t you see why you are a large part of the problem, by not following the law and guidelines that you swore you would uphold???
I am bewildered by the fact that by my best count…the questions regarding the nominations, selection and recommendations of the committee members has been asked thirteen times and still no answers!
Commissioners have made several of the posts, people in attendance and the wife of one commissioner and not one answer will come out of their mouths. Elected officials, can’t you see why you are a large part of the problem, by not following the law and guidelines that you swore you would uphold???
Boy o boy did that mr barret stired up the pot now. He done got Mr Huges mad at him an that comisioner Tammy an so many anonomuses that I bet he's a scared to walk down da road. I don't no why sumbody don't jus answer his questions sos he will leave them alone if thats what they realy want. I thank they just keep on a saying things about him that ain't true jus so he will talk to them. One thing I shore ain't so shore about any more an that is or we beter off with these here new comisoners than we was with da ole ones. Seems lik a hole bunch of secret meatings is goin on that ain't supose to be. I don't no why them comisioner don't jus foller da rules an act right. Chuckles
In defense of Terry Hughes , I would just like to say that he is a good man who got my support and will continue to have that support. As for dealing with Allen Barrett, anyone who knows him knows very well how he can provoke others to anger. Why should Mr. Hughes be held to any higher standard of toleration? This man angers a lot of people by his attacking and know-it-all attitude.
What upsets so many people is Mr. Barrett is right and so far no one has entered a battle of wits with him and won. Ignorance in Giles County is an all time HIGH! Keep asking your pointed questions Mr. Barrett because the people of Giles County deserve an answer. Also, everyone is entitled to mistakes. Including Mr. Barrett, who when is called out as making a mistake he owns up to it.
I would like to make this suggestion; in the future when a person in posting choose a User ID so some people will know it is not only Mr. Barrett asking questions of our elected officials. As long as you don’t share your ID with anyone, you will still be anonymous. Just click, other, and type in your User ID.
Thank you for this consideration.
Re: Post by Me…. Thursday, September 21, 2006 5:51:16 AM
Your comment; “Mr. Hughes went over to Mr. Barrett and extended his hand and said hello to Mr. Barrett.”
Were you following Mr. Hughes, in the same manner as you suggested Mr. Winkles did? You should apologize to Mr. Winkles for calling him a name! He had a stroke and doesn’t speak very loud, is a gentle man and doesn’t deserve the name you called him or the assault you chose to bestow upon him in your post. If “you” were an educated person with dignity, you would debate the issues without the name-calling!!!! I am more concerned with the education of our newly elected commissioners and not the general public.
Your comment; “Anyone with any education and dignity needs to quit reading this garbage and shut it down.”
I have to disagree with you. There are people like me that can’t attend the meetings and rely on this blog for information. I will admit, some post have no news value at all, but I am educated enough to spot those and simply don’t respond to them. If you are a commissioner, could you please answer the questions posed regarding the selection process of the committees this year? That would be helpful!
Mr. Hughes is a grown man and needs to speak for himself, don’t you think?
In my view, Mr. Barrett is defeated with regularity on this blog. Just because he is argumentative and condescending to those who disagree with him does not make him right.
And, as for the anonymity question, Mr. McPeters made that provision on this blog, so why make it an issue?
This bunch of commissioners (as a group)and WAB are an embarrassment to the county and state. We have regressed at least 50 years!
Well it looks like commissioner Tammy has taken to cover just like the last time when she was caught telling things that weren't true and Mr Barret exposed her. If she had any entegrity she would just admit she was wrong apologize and that would be the end of it.
Another thing I noticed in Mrs Pollards apology and Mr Barret. She offered up one excuse after another while Mr Barret simply said he was wrong and was sorry. If there is an excuse for what you did then its not really your fault is it? And how can you really be sorry for something that wasn't your fault? Seeing this difference and re-reading what each said makes me think Mr Barret is the more sincere and correct of the two.
Anonymous of Thursday, September 21, 2006 8:49:39 PM,
Did you attend Monday’s meeting?
"Why should Mr. Hughes be held to any higher standard of toleration?"
To whomever posted this, he is held to a higher standard because when he took office he took an oath and with that oath he is representing every person in his district and county so therefore should continually control his anger. That's just like President Bush, he represents the USA and whatever he does reflects on the ciitzen no matter what we feel.
Mr Barrett may be very vocal in what he feels but we need people who can and will ask these question. It gets others thinking about how our government is run and maybe someday we will get some people in there that will not let the power they are given go to their head.
Ever wonder why more people don't speak out? You see this is one of the problems here if someone starts asking hard questions then they are labled a troublemaker and are tried to be pushed out.
America really isn't free anymore, you will eventually pay for everything you say or do one way or another!!
when and where is the next metting about the courthouse deputies? if anyone acn help me thanks
It appears to me, if you are going to learn when and where any meetings are taking place, you will need to hire a private investigator or become one yourself.
Personally, I don’t think the commissioners are the entire problem about meetings not being revealed to the public. The County Executive is a large part of this problem by wanting to be so secretive about everything.
As a fifth district resident, I am so disheartened and disappointed to hear our new commissioner is in the back pocket of the county executive as described in the post of Thursday, September 21, 2006 10:33:54 AM. I already knew Mrs. Howell was in her pocket and did a lot of campaigning on the CE’s behalf and put up sighs for her all over the county.
Re: Courthouse Security Issue.
Per a state official Courthouse Security is NOT mandated by the State. Perhaps Com. Campbell should check this out before the Committee meeting Sept. 28. Are the commissioners being hoodwinked into giving out more money??
I will not continue to debate my earlier post. Anyone who can read can go back to Mr. Barrett's FIRST POST, in which he responded to a question about the Monday Commissioners Meeting. This was the post that I had responded to and I continue to feel justified in doing so. With that said, the only thing I need to apologize for had nothing to do with Mr. Barrett, rather the 7th district Commissioners. I have done so publicly on this blog and contacted 2 of them personally. As for the third commissioner, I have tried numerous times to reach him and have been unsuccessful thus far.
As for my defense of my husband, Tommy, I will always defend him when I know he is right. We have always worked as a team and will continue to do so. In fact, we are so close that if one of us takes a dose of laxative, it will surely work on the both of us. I will never try to make decisions for him, however, I will do all that I can to help satisfy the needs of the Giles County citizens.
Tommy asks that I let everyone know he would be happy to share any information about the Monday meeting or the trip to Henry Horton Park. He can be reached at 931-732-4385. This not only applies to the 5th district, but to any of the citizens of Giles County.
Sincerely,
Tammy Pollard
Yes. Connie campaigned for her. She would not put up a Vanzant in her own yard because she didn't want it to cost her any votes. So Connie went around to friends and neighbors and put Vanzant signs in their yards. Sounds like trying to dupe the 5th district voters ????? Some people have asked Connie questions and she has admitted to some that Vanzant had "lied" to her. Wonder how Connie decides what to believe?
In light of the post, Friday, September 22, 2006 9:00:18 AM, by Mr. Barrett, I am FURIOUS to say the least!
Mrs. Pollard referred to the meeting at Horton as a “trip” and Mr. Hughes referred to it as an opportunity to “eat chicken!” Were Mrs. Vanzant and her husband Joe in attendance and I want to know every commissioner that attended also?
What is the cost to the taxpayers for these paid lobbyist to aid our leaders to keep their decisions secret? What is the total cost paid for the commissioners and the county executive’s membership in this origination??
Whose idea was it to hire a lobbyist to fight the Sunshine Law for them and how long has this practice been in effect?
Please excuse me, but I am mad as hell!!!
I hope I can be proven wrong, but I believe commissioners like: Stoney Jackson, Mrs. Ramona Flacy, Mr. Bill Holt, Mr. Roger Reedy and Mr. Edwin Lovell have been commissioners “TOO” long, not to know about these lobbyist and what their goal is.
Can Tommy Pollard read and write? Or does he need a translator?
Mr. Barrett, if you had read the sunshine law that Tennessee County Services Association lobbied to have defeated, you would know that that was not a well written law! I know you know that, but your propaganda is evil!
We all know that breaking the sunshine law is wrong, but that law was not the answer.
How can you refer to someone as being evil when they are just trying to inform the public of our secret government doings? If not for Mr. Barrett there are alot of things that have happened that I would not have known about.
You Go Mr. Barrett and don't worry about what people say as long as you feel God is leading you to do the right thing don't let anyone hinder you!!!!!!
Boy are you mislead!
Mr. Barrett,
I will not continue to argue with you on this blog in such a childish manner. If my response thus far has not adequately satified you I will be glad to speak with you about our "relationship" in person. I really don't believe the people on this blog care about how we view each other. I do, however, believe that most of them are sincerely interested in the county meetings and decision making. Therefore, I will continue to post my version of the meetings and you can continue to post your version. It's as simple as that. Tammy Pollard
The issue was not whether Mr. Hughes should be held to a higher standard in office but rather should he be held to any higher standard of tolerating rude and obnoxious people simply because he now hold an office. You miss the point entirely.
Yes, Mr. Barrett does a good job of exposing.....his rear end!
TO ANONYMOUS OF FRIDAY-SEPTEMBER 22,2006 3:55:54
Why don't you just call and ask Mr. Pollard? His wife already posted the phone number so he could answer anybody's questions?
I'm sorry I messed up on my post above . It should be to SEPTEMBER 22,2006 3:51:40pm. My bad.
Answering Mr Barrett's questions of Sept. 21 post:
1 - Yes, violated own rules.
2 - Possibly.
3 - Not mandated. Just another way
for new sheriff to get more
deputies.
4 - Bill Holt coordinates these
committees along with Vanzant.
5 - Private meeting. Again,
violated own rules.
Voting on items 1 and 5 should be voided. Maybe Connie Howell will speak out on these issues.
I can't believe that someone described Fred Winkles as "gentle."
To mrs tammy
you right about people don't care how you an Mr Barrett view each other but I sure do care if somebody is lying to me. I went back an re-read every word that both of you wrote and you was just wrong. Why wasn't you big enough to just admit it. If you was interested in what people thought about county meetings why didn't you answer the questions he asked about things that was clear cut. You ignored the questions and refused to give answers and just called him a liar. That was just wrong and you made a fool of youself.
To Mr. Pollard,
Thank you! Thank you! At last, after 100 posts and a slew of questions, you had the fortitude to answer the tough questions. I had mentioned in an earlier post that I was a fifth district resident and I have gratitude and admiration for you now.
1. How many commissioners attended the Horton meeting and who were they?
2. Did the county executive and her husband attend?
3. Will you try your best to find out what the membership costs are for both commissioners, the county executive and post it here?
4. When did the meetings with Mr. Holt and the CE take place and was the citizens kept in the dark on purpose?
5. Have you been privy to any discussions between any of the commissioners and the county executive to keep any of the secret meetings quite? (Meetings that were not publicize, as the law requires)
Attention:
Heard the assistant bookkeeper at the courthouse was getting the job of “Director of the Financial Act” as she is such a good friend of Vanzant. She is “NOT” an accountant but only a trained on the job clerical bookkeeper. Could this be the reason, Vanzant made sure all commissioners were on the committee?
Don't think this new committee will break the state laws but we'll have to make sure they advertise the position.
To anonymous your comments to Mr Pollard seem to be a bit off track. The answers that were give by "Tom" was in response to questions written by Mr Barrett on Sept 21. I'd like to know the answers to your questions to. I think only Mr Barrett would be bold enough to tell the answers.
Tammy Pollard who cares what you think, it is your husband in public office, not you. So if your husbad can not talk for himself, please stay out of it. Nobady cares what you think, and if your husband can not speak for himself, he needs to step a side and let someone else do his job. What about it Mr. Pollard can you speak for yourself, or Mrs Pollard does your husbabd know that you are speaking for him.
Welcome to the commission Tommy and Tammy. I'm afraid you will have to get used to being criticized just like the same group has consistently done good men like Roger Reedy and Terry Harwell. It is a rotten shame, but that must be the price for being a commissioner and for being at apparent odds with them. Shameful.
i doubt it!
Anonymous of Saturday, September 23, 2006 1:01:51 AM
Are you suggesting Mr. Pollard is not the “Tom” that answered the questions?
To Anonymous of Saturday, September 23, 2006 3:57:17 AM
I want to make this perfectly clear to you; I have “NEVER” criticized Mr. Harwell or Mr. Reedy. I personally don’t know Mr. Reedy and have never had any interaction with him.
Mr. Terry Harwell is a different story; I have the utmost respect, admiration and a genuine caring for him and his family. He is an admiral man, period. And, he cares about this county and is never rude to anyone that approaches him with questions, unlike some of the other commissioners.
So, in the future, you name, names or post, when you are accusing anyone on this blog of criticizing him and if you choose to not to do this, shame on you!
To Anonymous
I don't know if that was Tommy Pollard that answered the questions or not. I have never heard him refer to himself as anything but "Tommy".
I would suspect that it wasn't him since he did not answer the questions that was asked specific to him and the fact there is very little on here from him.
To Tammypollarddjvpvr
You told Mr Barrett that you would continue to give your version of meetings and he could give his and it was as simple as that.
My question is will you offer as much backup and support for your view as he seems to?
Correct. I am not Mr Tommy Pollard
And Sinclair Lewis without a cause keeps exposing.........his rear end.
Anonymous...
Nobody accused YOU personally of slamming Roger Reedy or Terry Harwell. If you will read the post again you will see that the accusing finger was pointed at the group..not YOU. Don't presume such importance.
By the way, it appears that Terry Hughes will be the next one! Shameful.
It was my post of, Saturday, September 23, 2006 12:06:00 AM, Thanking Mr. Pollard.
My questions to the poster by the name Tom,
Why did you make the following statement and are you a commissioner?
“Voting on items 1 and 5 should be voided. Maybe “ CONNIE HOWELL” will speak out on these issues.”
Can you see why I drew the assumption the post was made by Mr. Pollard? I had made it clear I live in the fifth district and Connie Howell is the other fifth district commissioner.
I had asked similar questions on this thread as Mr. Barrett did, so, I don’t understand why you felt I shouldn’t respond to the post from Tom.
To Anonymous, Saturday, September 23, 2006 6:53:00 PM
I am the person that responded to your post, regarding Mr. Harwell and Mr. Reedy. I just want to add, “ I DO NOT” belong to a group of any kind and never have. I am simply a citizen of this county and have a lot of questions. But, you will never hear me call people names, or criticize them. I will probably disagree with some of the commissioners, but, I will tell them to their face, not get on this blog and try to crucify them!
In response to this statement,
”Tommy asks that I let everyone know he would be happy to share any information about the Monday meeting or the trip to Henry Horton Park. He can be reached at 931-732-4385. This not only applies to the 5th district, but to any of the citizens of Giles County.”
Sincerely,
Tammy Pollard
Why does Mr. Pollard steadfastly refuse to answer the questions posed on this blog if he is so eager to keep us informed?
To the posters who ask why Tommy has not responded to questions on this blog. I do apologize for not explaining this sooner, as I did months ago when Tommy was merely a candidate for Commissioner. Tommy does not use the computer nor does he even attempt to type. For this reason, he has asked me numerous times to make sure the people of the county know how to contact him if they have any issues that they would like to discuss or questions they would like to ask. With that said, I will stress the fact that if my post reads "Tommy says" or "Tommy asks", he is standing beside me as I am typing for him. I have listed our home phone number in previous posts and would add that we do not have the caller ID feature, therefore anyone who chooses to remain anonymous may continue to do so, just as with the blog posts.
Sincerely,
Tammy Pollard
I was informed of the many questions being asked on this forum and I will be more than happy to tell you what I know, as little as it is.
1. When I attended the meeting on Monday morning of September 18, 2006, I assumed it was to elect the new committees for this term, since I had not heard one word about any meetings taking place or any committees being nominated and I was not the only commissioner left in the dark. There were others that kept coming by and asking me if I had heard of any meetings being scheduled? I had not. So, I can say along with others, we were shocked to learn on Monday the committees had been decided. So, I will have to say that as far as I know, there had to be private meetings to make these selections and I have no idea who did the process of selecting them, where or when the meetings took place.
Answer: In my opinion, the open meeting laws were broken.
2. I did not attend the meeting at Henry Horton State Park, but I did hear Mrs. Vanzant talking about it to some commissioners, planning to meet so they would go in a van. I really didn’t pay much attention to what she was saying because I knew I would not go. I don’t know how many people went or who went. I haven’t heard any conversation about it since that day.
Answer: In my opinion that would classify as a private meeting.
3. Does the County Commission, by their own rules, have the requirement to have all spending resolutions go before committees pertaining to the area of spending and then the budget committee before it comes before the commission as a whole? Did the commissioners violate this rule Monday morning when they agreed to put $250,000 new dollars in the budget for water projects?
Answer: In my opinion yes.
4. Has the state clearly mandated that $250,000 be spent on courthouse security or was this merely a suggestion or recommendation?
Answer: In my opinion it is merely a recommendation.
5. Who and when were the committee assignments made? Did one person or more than one assign them?
Answer: I really don’t know, but I have since heard it was one person and Mrs. Vazant, but I do not know this for certain, but I strongly doubt it not being the truth.
6. When was the decision to do away with the Workhouse Committee brought before the Law Enforcement/Safety committee? Did one person make this decision or was it made in another “private” meeting?
Answer: I do not know any thing regarding this subject and suspect it is another violation of the law.
Butch White
TO MR. BUTCH WHITE:
MY HAT IS ALSO OFF TO YOU. PLEASE ALWAYS STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT. BLESS YOU
GH
To anonymous...
Again, don't assume such importance. Nobody was referring to YOU. Speaking of being critical of the commission, just take a look above at what Mr. Barrett suggests about the issue. He talks about the integrity and moral character of the commission being very lacking. Doesn't that "suggest" at least an implication and even an indictment of those currently serving? Of course, it does. Think.
To Mr. Butch White,
Thank you for your answers to the many questions asked on this blog by others and me. So far, you are the only commissioner with the intestinal fortitude to provided answers. I appreciate the fact that you always speak your mind, whether it sits well with people or not. At least you leave no doubt where you stand and that is something I admire in a person.
I would also like to thank you for the many, many donations you make to better this community. Bless you and be strong!
To Mrs Tommy Pollard
I ben very worryed about you an yore husben ever since you said you wus so close that if one of you takes a laxitive, it will work on both of you. I were a wondering do you ever take one witout da other one noing about it. Them thangs can be dangurous if you go to da Walmarts an don't no yore husben done taked sum X lax you could shore end up in a mess.
When I was a lil kid my daddy bilt us a outhouse. Cause they were so many of us chilin runnin around there he made a two holer. That were gud fur us til momma wuz in there one day an my little bruther was playin in da yard. Da seed salesman came runing up an said he had da diearear an needed to use the toilet. My burther dent no what da diearear wus but noed ther was a empty hole so he tole him to go ahead. That seed man wus in such a mitey hurry that he had his britches loose when he opened da door of da outhouse.
When mama who weren’t hardly done saw him she scremed an jumped up an tryed to run out da door but her bloomers wus stile down an triped her an she felled right on that seed salesman who droped his britches when she scremed. When daddy herd all da ruckus he thunk it wus us kids agin. He runed round da house real fast an seen mama an da seed salesman a laying on top of each other half neckkid an a squirmin a round an boy did he git mad. He got his gun an wus afixin to shoot sumbody us kids wuz never ever sure who wus gonna git shot but da onlyest thang that saved them wus when poppa saw what they was a laying in. Poppa said he lurned a lessin that day and he lurned it to all us kids. Poppa said that whenever we got mad at sumbody whatever we do don’t be a shootin at nobody til we no what da crap is a goin on.
To Mr. White,
It is certainly nice of you to post your comments and I really appreciate you doing so. I can’t understand why so many of the other commissioners won’t do the same, when there are so many questions being asked, and as citizen’s of this county, I feel we have the right to have answers.
To Mr. and Mrs. Pollard.
Since Mr. White has answered the only questions he knew, can’t either one of you please answer the ones he didn’t know the answers too. Like, who attended the Horton meeting, commissioners, the county executive or her husband? What do you see wrong in just answering these questions since you have written so much about other things? Please restore our faith in you two.
Please bear with me , as I am new to this job and have much to read and learn. I am glad to share with you what I have been able to find up to this point.
I will begin with the trip to Henry Horton Park. The list of Giles County Coommissioners who attended is as follows--Ramona Flacy,Connie Howell,Stoney Jackson,James Harwell,Wendell Wilburn,Chan Harris,David Adams,Alan Faulkner,Terry Hughes,Roger Reedy,Edwin Lovell, Jack Woodard and myself. Janet Vanzant also attended but her husband, Joe, did not attend. The County van was driven by Jane Jones. I did not hear any discussion of any County business at any time during this trip. There were approximately 200 Commissioners who attended from the surrounding middle Tennessee counties. I should also point out that along with information being presented by various lawmakers about upcoming new laws and updates on old laws as well, a meal was served during this time also.
Now to address the nomination and selection of the various committee members. I had no knowledge of the County Rules of Order prior to the time of the Monday September 18th meeting. The mannual was placed on my desk just prior to the meeting, therefore, I had not been able to read it until after the meeting. I received in my packet, which was mailed to me days before the Monday meeting, a list of Committees and their members. I have since read that according to the Rules of Order of the Commissioners of Giles County Tennessee when selecting and nominating Committees, Rule #1 states, "There shall be one member from each district nominated to form a nominating committee". Bill Holt was the nominated commissioner representing Connie Howell and Myself. I have no knowledge as to who the other 6 nominated representatives were from the remaining 6 districts. I will, however, try to get these names within the next few days. According to what I have read, the County Executive is to nominated only the members of the Recreational Committee and the Agri-Park Committee.
I will be attending the first meeting of the Budget Committee on Wednesday and the Law Enforcement Committee (of which I am a member) on Thursday. These meetings have been scheduled to discuss the Courthouse Security mandate. I will have more information on this matter after these meetings take place and will answer any questions you may have about the recommendations and decisions made at that time.
I hope this will clarify some of the questions that have been asked and I will do my best to have more answers for you as soon as possible.
Respectfully,
Tommy POllard
Tommy,
I am not in your district but have known you for a long time...you have my utmost respect. You are by far and away much too nice to those who would belittle you and your wife. But remember, you have to take them with a grain of salt and consider the source. Take care.
Mr. Pollard,
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
My faith and respect has been restored. I appreciate your honesty and your wiliness to be open and answer the questions so many has asked of you.
Do you know if the Wednesday Budget meeting and the Law Enforcement Committee meeting has been publicize and where will they be held?
The referendum that passed by citizen’s votes requires an Accountant for that position and not a bookkeeper friend of the county executive.
To: All Giles Countians
From: William Terry Hughes
I used anonymous because I forgot my user name.
I am not proud of what transpired between Mr. Barrett and my self during the recess of the County Commission on 18 Sep 06. I was totally caught off-guard by his abusive remarks about no respect for me, how I had broken the law, and was not living up to my campaign pledges. I will admit there is no excuse for what I did(argue) simply because someone else riducled me. I want to personally "THANK" Mr. Barrett for his manipulating me in to being someone I am not. As one of his supporters admitted to me, "Allen has a way of turning things to benefit himself". Instead of feeling guilty for my actions I learned from them and I will become a better person and commissioner. If any of you have ever had your child come home and tell you how the class bully was abusing him/her you probably told them to stand up for themselves. That is what I did in this case, believe it or not. I do not like controversy and I will not be caught up in another situation as this again. Yes, Mr. Barret I will talk with you if you have a concern, question, or comment about the welfare of Giles County and its Citizens. I want to reassure ALL CITIZENS in every district I will listen to you and I will help you in any way possible irregardless of your residency. I may be reached by email: vols1973@dotspot.net, phone: 931.363.4307(H) or 931.638.1369(C) or mail: 1963 Hidden Hills RD Pulaski, TN 38478 Please contact me any time night or day. In closing I hope all of you will forgive me if I offended you. Contact me and hear my side of the story. I am proud to be a commissioner, I respect all citizens, and especially my fellow commissioners. We have a good slate of commissioners and we will do what is right and we will do a good job. Thank You,
William Terry Hughes
Commissioner District Two
Serving ALL of Giles County
363-4307
638-1369
1963 Hidden Hills RD
Pulaski, TN 38478
vols1973@dotspot.net
Mr. Hughes you were in the school system for many years. Do you respect the Giles County School System? Did you enjoy being paid by Giles County tax dollars and enjoy the benefits of your employment? If your answer is yes then please explain how you could vote for Alfred Chan Harris to chair the school committee? Having served as a former committee member I had an opportunity to hear Mr. Harris say that "the school system is the biggest burden on the taxpayer's back". I could not believe an educated person would make that statement which may explain why he did. The school system may be the biggest consumer of tax dollars but it is most certainly not a "burden". The education of our children is our most important job. Please tell me you didn't vote for Mr. Harris because if you did you certainly have no regard for public education in our county. Please say that I heard wrong. Surely you are smarter than that!
Mr. Hughs that was a very nice apology. I myself along with everyone else have been in similar situations and it is usely what you learn from them that makes the difference in the long run-no one is perfect and all you can do is try not to let it happen again. I applaud you for your honesty in your response and I am glad to know that you intend on being available to every citizen. With that said now can you answer the questions that have been put to the commissioners on this blog. Mr. White did an extremely well job of answering them.
1. Who attended the meeting at the park and how did the public find out there had been a meeting outside of Giles County?
2. Who organized the meeting and was all the commissioners invited, if so by whom?
3. Were minutes taken?
4. Why would the commissioners and the county executive feel the need to go out of the county to have a meeting in the first place?
6. How many commissioners attended the Horton meeting and who were they?
7. Did the county executive and her husband attend?
8. Will you try your best to find out what the membership costs are for both commissioners, the county executive and post it here?
9. When did the meetings with Mr. Holt and the CE take place and was the citizens kept in the dark on purpose?
10. Have you been privy to any discussions between any of the commissioners and the county executive to keep any of the secret meetings quite? (Meetings that were not publicize, as the law requires)
Forgot these also!
11. Does the County Commission, by their own rules, have the requirement to have all spending resolutions go before committees pertaining to the area of spending and then the budget committee before it comes before the commission as a whole? Did the commissioners violate this rule Monday morning when they agreed to put $250,000 new dollars in the budget for water projects?
12. Did the commissioners attend a private meeting of commissioners at Henry Horton State Park? Did this meeting, at the minimum, give the appearance of violating the state open meetings law?
13. Has the state clearly mandated that $250,000 be spent on courthouse security or was this merely a suggestion or recommendation?
14. Who and when were the committee assignments made? Were they assigned by one person or more than one?
15. When was the decision to do away with the Workhouse Committee brought before the Law Enforcement/Safety committee? Was this decision made by one person or was it made in another “private” meeting?
To Butch White,
Thank you for opening the floodgates, since your post we’ve now got two more commissioners to follow suit. I am just hoping more of them will have the fortitude to be open with the citizens of this county. I have known you for many years and know you call things as you see them, I only wish more people had the backbone to do the same especially our county executive. Again thank you, thank you!
To Mr. Hughes,
I am very grateful to you for using this blog and for your post. As someone like me, that can’t attend meetings this forum is very helpful and please consider answering the questions posed to you.
Thank you,
To Ramona Flacy,
Do you support the Open Meeting Law/Sunshine Law?
To Stoney Jackson,
Do you support the Open Meeting Law/Sunshine Law?
To Executive Vanzant,
Do you support the Open Meeting Law/Sunshine Law?
Mr. Barrett,
Please correct me if I am wrong because my paper got in the trash, but didn’t Mrs. Vanzant state in the paper, “Mr. Helton asked to take over the responsibilities of the Workhouse committee.” Do you know if Mr. Helton “really” asked her for this responsibility so there would be no need for the Workhouse committee?
TERRY.....
You have to remember that he loves belittling and manipulating. The sad thing is, a lot of people believe he is the smartest thing to happen around here in many years. Just consider the source and do what is right.
Okay Terry Hughes here's some simple questions, probably a phrase you've used in the classroom a million times. The answers are either yes or no. No explanation is necessary.
1. After your election did you meet with the county executive to discuss county business?
2. Was there someone else present?
3. If yes was that someone another commissioner?
4. Did you discuss your committee assignments?
5. Did Mrs. Vanzant or the other individual make any comments or suggestions to you regarding commission committees?
Simple number your paper 1 through 5 and answer yes or no.
Has anyone else heard Mrs. Vanzant was planning to give the CPA job to a bookkeeper that is a friend of hers? I would really like to know if this is true and if it is true, we the people can’t sit by and allow that!
To anonymous of Monday, September 25, 2006 3:52:32 PM
Re: Your Comment about Mr. Barrett, “The sad thing is, a lot of people believe he is the smartest thing to happen around here in many years.”
You may not like the man or you may not even know the man, but one thing you can’t say about him is, he doesn’t know an awful lot about our local government, now can you? If you know anymore than him, I wish you would share it with people like me, that don’t know much but just trying to learn more about what is going on with our leaders. I don’t know Mr. Barrett but I find his information very educational and presented intellectually.
Mr. Barrett,
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question regarding the workhouse committee but I must say, I find the situation disturbing to say the least. I don’t know Mr. Helton but I sure would like to hear his side of the story.
I find his information both entertaining and almost comical at times. Just a different perspective from yours, I suppose.
To Anonymous, Monday, September 25, 2006 7:28:39 PM
“I find his information both entertaining and almost comical at times. Just a different perspective from yours, I suppose.”
What part do you find almost comical and what part do you find entertaining?
I thought the anal baffoon thing was halarious!!
I sure would love for Mr. Stoney Jackson (the real county executive) answer the questions being asked?? Do any of you think he has the guts to do that?
Stoney thought he was the "real county executive" but he has apparently fallen from Mrs. Vanzant's grace. He wasn't smart enough to figure out that he was being a puppet for the county executive. Rumor out the county is that Stoney is now in cahoots with Dan Speer and the city bunch. Does anybody know if that is true or not? If it is true why has Stoney left Vanzant behind and moved on to Speer. Anybody know the facts?
What happen with he and Vanzant and if he has fallen from her, conniving grace, who will call the radio and complain when they report accurate news that she doesn’t like? He did that this past term and covered her behind on a lot of things.
I understand that Mr. Speer put Stoney's son to work just before the spring deal was announced. Does anyone know if this is true? It sounds like something that Speer would do to get his way.
These thoughts have been bothering me for a sometime and maybe someone can address them. How do people like Mrs. Flacy, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Beets and Mrs. Connie Howell justify their actions of playing a big role in getting Mrs. Vanzant back in office knowing she really lives in Lincoln County and is married but told during the election she was not married? These people knew the untruths being told and they became a part of those untruths by supporting her. Is this normal for people running for political positions? I don’t know how they live with themselves being a part of that behavior. I guess you can tell I have never been involved with politics other than always voting.
Mrs. Flacy, Mr. Jackson and Mrs. Howell do it because they feel important and think they can get their way with Mrs. Vanzant in office. They think they can outsmart or outmaneuver her. I am sure Mrs. Vanzant thinks the same thing about them. Hopefully they won't forget how deceitful the county executive can be. Mr. Beets, well what can you say?
yes, Stoney's son works for the city-He is the one who is in the paper for domestic violence (on more than one wife), drug use, and has been to rehab a couple of times-His other son used to work for the city but has moved out of town-He wasnt given his job he earned it and did it well-Bless his heart!!
If what you say is true, why didn't somebody from the city check into the son's background? Or are you saying that Speer gave the son the job just to have Stoney on a string? What department does the son work for? Sounds like Stoney will be torn between two masters. Wonder how Vanzant likes him being tied to Speer. Oh what a tangled web we weave.
Mrs. Flacy used to always stand up for what was right and tried to uncover wrongdoing. Of all the others she should know where Mrs. Vanzant lives. Her lawyer daughter knows the law and surely she has shared the information with her mother. Of all the names you mention, I am most disappointed that Mrs. Flacy has allowed this to continue without being exposed.
Does anyone know if the City does back-ground checks on all their employees and if so, what is the City policy regards employing someone with a record?
Would also be interesting to know what the County policy is.
John Dickey reads this blog all the time. He should be able to tell you the policy. How bout it John?
Financial Management Committee meets Monday Oct. 10 a.m. 2nd floor courthouse. Please try to attend.
Oct. 10 isn't on a Monday. What day is the meeting and is it open to the public?
Anonymous said...
yes, Stoney's son works for the city-He is the one who is in the paper for domestic violence (on more than one wife), drug use, and has been to rehab a couple of times-His other son used to work for the city but has moved out of town-He wasnt given his job he earned it and did it well-Bless his heart!!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006 10:04:50 AM
Really you have to be kidding us, right? Please tell me you are.
no, im not kidding-he's been working where the streets have been being repaired-i'm not sure what dept he works in but i've seen him out on the streets holding the "slow" or standing beside the "street closed" signs-he's also been in some of the city vehicles-his history is not rumor-check at courthouse-its all public record-or you could ask either one of his ex-wives-believe me-they havent forgotten
CORRECTION:-
Financial management committee meets Monday Oct 2 at 10-00 AM , Courthouse , 2nd floor . UDC room?? OPEN TO PUBLIC
Dan hired Stoney's son 6 days before the announcement that Ice River will be taking the spring for 50 years.
I witnessed the strangist thing this morning when I was at the courthouse.
All that stuff Mrs Pollard was a writing about Mr Barret being such a disrespectful trouble maker sure did seem weird when i saw her refuse to even shake hands with him. He shaked hands with Mr Pollard then offered his hand to her, she jus brushed his hand aside with her arm so she can't say she didn't see it.
Okay, Let's refer to Tammy Pollard as Lil' Hillary. Mr. Hughes, are you really a moron or do you just play one on this blog? Fuzzy Zoeller was just there to eat chicken too.
Why does everyone get so upset and angry when Mr. Barrett asks a question?
Because they are afraid he is really right and it makes them look ignorant. Ignorance in the county is plentiful!!
To: the guy with the funny blue head....The reason people get angry with Mr. Barrett is because of his arrogant and know-it-all attitude toward those who disagree with him. Hasn't that been sufficiently pointed out to you on this blog? Can't you tell for yourself?.
To anonymous (9-28-06 at 18:32 PM)
I beg to differ with you on your assessment of Mr. Barrett's irritating presence among several people on this blog and elsewhere. But you would imply that those in disagreement are just a bunch of dumb southern hicks, wouldn't you?
Okay irritated, You have an open forum with little or no censorship and unlimited space. Please start listing the things Mr. Barrett has been wrong about. I will even help you out with the first one.
Things Mr. Barrett has been wrong about.
#1. Mr. Barrett thought that the citizens of Giles Co. were tired of being treated like second rate citizens with no voice or opinion and would vote him commissioner.
Okay, the ball is rolling, I'll let you take it from hear. Oh, and when Mr. Barrett caused Hurricane Katrina to hit Loisiana, that does'nt count.
To Opened My Eye,
I'm not quite sure why you would say something that is so far from the truth, but I believe that even Mr. Barrett would disagree with your story. In fact, I sat next to Mr. Barrett during the meeting and POLITELY asked him for a copy of the information he passed out to the committee members. Could it be possible that one of our commissioners would be trying to cause unnecessary conflicts? As you must know, there were only a few commissioners in that room when Tommy and I left, so it didn't take long to figure out who you are. I should also add that myself and Mr. Barrett were the only two people who attended the meeting that were not county officials or county employed. I surely hope that my presence at the meetings isn't a problem for you. If that should be the case then you have a 4 year problem on your hands. Anyone who really knows me would know that I would never intentionally be rude to anyone. Furthermore, if I had "brushed Mr. Barrett with my arm" I would have said to him as I would anyone else "Excuse me".
It is now becoming clearer to Tommy and I, why the people of this county no longer have faith in the County Commission. How can they when men such as you are intent on stirring in the stink pot instead of focusing on the many problems the Commission is faced with at this time.
I have a suggestion for you--maybe you should try opening both your eyes in the future.
Tammy Pollard
Tammy,
After four years, you will realize why intelligent people do not want to seek the position of commissioner and why many do not wish to seek re-election.
Also, here is a tip: I think you should just type what your husband wants to say and sign his name to it. It leaves a negative impression for the wife of a commissioner to appear to be more involved than the commissioner. You will probably get frustrated and tired of all of the politics fairly soon.
to WAB--KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!
Mr. Barrett,
I will have to diagree with you on the fact that you say people are to timid to speak up, but with the way laws are worded today an average person can not understand what is or isn't law. You have to be a lawyer to even try and understand what they mean and then half the time your still not right.
The reason people have lost faith in our commissioners is simply because they(not all of them) lie. They will tell you one thing to your face and then turn around and do something totaly different, breaking the sunshine laws, and alot of them have their own agenda to tend to and are not worried what the citizens want. Most people feel that they can not change anything so why bother. Government has been taken out of the hands of the people going all the way to the presidency.
With several instances where Mr Barret has revealed the county executive is obviously not doing her job, does anyone think we have a case of removal from office? What else ain't she doing?
Agree with the attorney who wrote in - Mr Winkles & Mr Barret had a legitimate and easy case against the School Board, County and City ,guess they didn't need the aggravation.
WAB
Thanks for writing about what was probably the Law Enforcement meeting yesterday. Wish I had been there to support you and your questions. About this 2 buck fee -didn't even Tommy Campbell have an answer? I think he has been chair of that committee for 2 years and should have been keeping up with all this and should know where the money is and the failure to hold Security Committee meetings. Poor representation, and now we have him on the financial management committee! If he can't keep up with $2 fees how will he ever keep up with the county's $millions?
This comment should be under topic Spring Deal---Good or Bad? but since noone seems to be on anything but this one, here goes. The commissioners voted to GIVE AWAY our spring water. Read today's paper page A4 Tennessee Rambling by David Bowman for a wakeup call and respond on that topic please.
Agree with the attorney who wrote in - Mr Winkles & Mr Barret had a legitimate and easy case against the School Board, County and City ,guess they didn't need the aggravation.
To guy with the funny blue head:
This has been explained over and over and over and over and....over. You can't see it? Nobody said he is wrong all the time. That is not even the point. Here's the point: He turns people off and angers them by his presumption of having superior intelligence to those who would disagree with him. And, as for pointing out facts to support my position, how can that be done since he has ALL the facts on any subject. You don't see arrogance there?
To stillirratated, Did you ever consider that maybe your personal dislike for Mr Barrett isn't held by many others who actually appreciate his efforts to keep people informed and his fearless approach to those who hold office by lies and deceit. Personally I have found him to be a wonderful, warm and easy to approach person.
Maybe it's your insecurity that makes you so angry toward him. That's how most liberals deal with things it's how you feel that is important not what is true.
Why don't you consider what he says and forget about how you feel for a change.
Once again.............
I do not even know Mr. Barrett, but his comments on this blog turn me off. I would like for lies and deceit to be exposed! I, for one, am not insecure -- but his responses really irritate me! If he just states facts, I respect him. When he starts calling people silly names.........I, along with a lot of others, do not respect him. I have a very negative opinion of him --- only because of the smart ___ remarks he makes. I do think that he is doing better, though!
stillirritated..........
So basically you think Mr. Barrett is arrogant because he has more facts than you? I'm still waiting on #2.
Justathought...
Please spare me your psychoanalysis of my insecurities. And to call me a liberal is even more laughable. By the way, who appointed Mr. Barret the watchdog for Giles County? Finally, I believe 78 (the above post) proves you wrong about my being the only person in this county who doesn't appreciate his manner of "talking down" to people. I don't dislike him personally....just his attitude. Trust me, I'm not the only one either. That's plain enough, isn't it?
to guy w/funny blue head
No, I think he is arrogant because he THINKS he has all the facts. That is a classic example of arrogance, wouldn't you agree?
still irritated, I'm sure it's going to be always irritated.
Be truthful,
ARE YOU PROUD OF YOUR FAMILY?
ARE YOU PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN?
ARE YOU PROUD OF YOURSELF?
ARE YOU PROUD OF YOUR CHILDREN?
DO YOU TAKE PRIDE IN THE WORK YOU DO?
DO YOU TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR FOOTBALL TEAM WHEN THEY WORK TOGETHER AND WIN?
ARE YOU PROUD OF THEM EVEN WHEN THEY DON'T WIN?
ref. Webster's New World Dictionary -- arrogant (ar-ro-gant)
full of or due to pride; Mr. Barrett is full of facts because he is proud. Let's see if this is correct. You do not like Mr. Barrett because he digs and digs and comes up with all of these facts(more facts than you) and informs the public to them. Boy, I should dislike him too. Let's go alittle further, maybe I can get more people to dislike him. Webster also states, fact (fakt) 2. a thing that has actually happened or is true 3. reality; truth. Okay, Mr.Webster has me all confused. You do not like Mr. Barrett because he digs and digs and comes up with the truth (more truth than you) and informs the public to them. I'm sorry, I just can't understand why you dislike the guy, maybe it just hurts too much when he's stepping on your toes.
Oh, no! I'm starting to sound like Mr. Barrett, look at the length of my post, I hate myself!
Oops! almost forgot stillirritated.
#2-
to guy w/funny blue head
I'll not even respond to your idiocies, although my answers to all of them is a resounding YES. The "facts" remain about arrogance and has nothing to do with personal dislike for an individual I have never met. How can I say that any plainer?
Mr Barrett:
We appreciate very much the time and effort you put into ferreting out the abuse going on in our local politics. Rather than involving yourself on this mudslinging blog, have you thought about starting your own blog which could be dedicated strictly to politics and which you could keep under control.
WAB
Sounds like a good idea for you to start your own political blog. There are many out there who are concerned with the shenanigans but can't dedicate time to attend meetings so it is very helpful to hear from you.
Those who are looking for WAB for information, education and knowledge are very gullible.
i think the county spoke when they didn't elect him. i guess he didn't get the picture.
To WAB
You speak of my warped sense of perception and honesty...then call me prejudiced? You are so terribly funny. My position has been more than adequately explained on this thread. It's nothing personal. I just dislike know-it-all attitudes in anybody who belittles those who choose to be in disagreement. As you so frequently tell others.....think about it, and perhaps you will become a bit more critical of self rather than of others.
Name-calling:
"pathetic little jerk"
"bigot"
"dishonest"
I see that you, in reality, have once again displayed YOUR character behaviors. Calm down a little.
Also, I am not the one that you were calling names.
Also, I think you have the underdeveloped, malnourished brain.
Also...I knew that you would respond by saying that you were not calling people names because you didn't say, "YOU are....."
That is so silly. It's one of those things that's understood...like when a sentence says, "Go to the store." Even though it doesn't have the word "you" it means, "You go to the store." Do you understand?
Wrong once again Mr. Barrett...you are way off base in even suggesting that I'm a liberal. Laughing here. I won't even bother to try anymore to explain my "prejudices" toward those who think themselves so smart and always right.... it smacks of arrogance gone to seed, wouldn't you think? Anyhow, the point you fail to grasp is that others are just as smart as you think you are and they are NOT always wrong or have underdeveloped brains as you just accused someone of having.
I will again post under anonymous, because that option is available. So go ahead and call me a coward again if you must.
Name-calling:
liberal
coward
lacking integrity
prejudiced
if you are trying to get kendrick to follow his own rules he himself has posted at the top of his blog then good luck. those rules have not been followed since the advent of this blog and i highly doubt it will start now.
"The rules are the same: no slander, no libel, no name calling, no flaming, no racial or derogatory remarks."
i beleive every single one of those has been broken in this blog at many different points.
There is a petition to kill the “spring deal” going around in Campbellsville and you will never believe who signed it, our own county executive, Janet Vanzant, that voted for the deal!!
She refused to sign the petition for the Financial Act stating,
"It would be a conflict of interest".
I wonder who is pulling her strings, anyone know?
Also, who is getting the signatures?
WAB
I would suggest a better adage: If the shoe fits, please try not wear it anymore.
Mr. Barrett......
Once again, you are showing your rear end.
Did you find his rear end pleasing to gaze at, since you have seen it?
I think that he meant that he was showing his a-s-s. It's a figure of speech.
From what I hear the petition has already been sent to Ice River.
Vanzant voted for this sale at the EDB meeting and again at the Property Committee meeting. Yes, its true she is now siding with the families from Campbellsville. With her past and most recent behavior don't we have a case of"ouster from office"?
To Anonymous, Sunday, October 01, 2006 5:43:49 PM
That has been her problem all along, she agrees with who ever is standing in front of her at that moment. She has sided with so many people, I don’t know how she keeps up with what she has said and to whom she told.
It is obvious Vanzant cannot kep up with the many different positions and statements she makes. She cannot tell the truth!!
Our CE should read Jim Greene’s post under the thread of Spring Deal and maybe she will, once again, change her mind or should I say come to her senses and send a letter of apology to Ice River for signing a petition against them, after voting twice in favor of the deal? What representation for industry that might look at Giles County in the future!
Have you ever thought the reason Mr. Barrett was not elected was because there were alot of people campaigning against him! Alot of those commissioners did not want him on the board for the simple fact of his honesty and knowledge!!!!!
Mr. Barrett I do appreciate all of the information that you provide, but I do have to agree about the name calling in several of your post you do seem very arrogant. Since you have chosen to put yourself in the public eye (which I thank you for helping keep us informed) you will be criticized for your statements, and when you are it would be better to just reply with facts rather than be condascending and calling names. I know it is hard to overlook people who call you names and talk about you, but as stated in an earlier post some are put off by several of your remarks. You would seem more concerned and sincere in your remarks if you would not call names. Just a thought.
What difference does it make when Stoney's son was hired-The fact remains he was hired and he has a criminal record
The timing of the hiring was not to insure a vote on the spring deal but for the appointment of Speer as Industrial Director.
Mr Jackson is on the industrial board along with mrs/miss vanzant, both voted for speers appointment.
Lowman may be on to something. Jackson and Vanzant are on the industrial board. According to paper both voted for Speer. Both voted for water company to come in. Then Jackson's son got a job with the city right before the commission vote. Stoney boasted that Tommy Watkins and Speer got his son the job with the city. Watkins is on the industrial board with Stoney. Stoney pushed for the deal to sell the spring property. Janet was visibly angry with him. Now Janet has signed a petition to keep water company out. Jim Greene wrote an article about water company. Course one thing to remember is that Jim Greene's father Jimmy Greene is on that board too. I heard he was on the committee who gave Speer the job???? We need to check that out. Also heard David Rackley and Ron Holcomb were on committee. Speer is on power board which means he is over Holcomb. Pulaski Electric is run by the city, mayor. Whew! This spider is tired of spinning. The web is getting too big. Got to rest.
Hiring Stoney's son looks like a typical case of you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours-BUT the fact of the matter is this-HE has a ciminal record-He has been arrested numerous times for domestic violence against not one wife but TWO!!! and DRUGS!!! I feel certain a drug test has to be done.I wonder if he passed it??He's been fired from other jobs for his drug use and for being in jail and not showing up for work-It will be interesting to see how long he keeps this job-He'll probably be able to retire from there.
Will anyone from the city not respond to this? Have you hired someone with a criminal record? What about the safety of the other workers? Violence and drugs isn't something others should have to work around. Can the wives or their families tell us more? What other type of arrests?
You people are unbelieveable!!!!!!!! I am not related to the family or gentleman in question here, but I do know of them. This young man may be trying to change his life for the positive. Can you people not give him a break? Seems people in Giles County thrive off of other people's misery. Perhaps, he is trying to become a productive human being in this screwed up society we live in. Are you people that heartless and uncaring that you can't see that people can change? I guess you would rather see him fall on his face and fail. That way you can continue to have someone to gossip about and belittle. If this young man is trying to make a better life for himself after his past history of bad decisions, he doesn't need people looking down on him. This is what Giles County is all about... People around here thrive off of other's MISERY!! I don't condone the things he is guilty of, but if we as a society reject people that are trying to do better what what does that say about us. If I was him and had to face the negative people in this town, I might just give up all together. People can see the errors of their ways and change for the better. Oh, and by the way, let's not talk about the criminal behavior in this crooked a!@ little town. We have plenty of hoodooers, crooks, thieves, drug pushers and users, wife abusers,drunks, etc. in this town and guess what? These people are your supposed more prominent folks so to speak. So, let's not go there when you talk about someone not being deserving of a job because they have been arrested and convicted of a crime. We have plenty in Giles County doing as bad or worse and no one acknowledges it or wants to do anything about it. They live day to day breaking the law and putting other people in harms way and the ones that can do something about it, turn the other way. How pathetic...
To not brain dead...
You are so right in that we need not kick someone when they are down. Yet, that seems quite the norm with some people around here. They are quick to point out and criticize. But when they receive flack over it, they scream "foul" for some reason.
Thank you anonyomous Monday, October 02, 2006 4:04:06 PM. Sometimes it seems like this whole community is full of nothing but hatred and judgement. I was beginning to think I was one of only a handful around here that was level headed. There is no compassion for this young man's family who worries about him and wish they could make his life different. Who doesn't want the best for their children? We don't always approve of the way they live their life sometimes, but we don't cast them aside and not help them. You do all you can and let the good lord handle the rest.
Mr. Barrett everyone has a limit to which they can be pushed and then snap, and believe me with the things that have been written about you on this blog, I really do not blame you for the things you have written. I just wanted to remind you the better man can turn the other check. My father retired from the army so I can completely understand your statement there. I believe you are truly a gentleman. Thank You
A gentleman doesn't call others names.
The only person who has never made a mistake was Jesus and none of us can live up to him!!!!! Forgiveness is a key trait necessary in today's world!
Post a Comment
<< Home