Exclusive Report on Commission Meeting by WAB
Commission Talks Much, But Does Little?
By Allen Barrett
Giles County Commissioners met this morning, 16 January 2006, with an agenda of several mundane housekeeping items. The only item on the agenda that brought any real discussion was concerning the Hunter Smith building. At issue was once again, "What to do with this building" that has left many commissioners scratching their heads and rolling their eyes as county residents continue having to feed this White Elephant, through insurance and utilities costs. Just when the thought was forming that the building would finally be turned over to a local arts group, an amendment was offered and agreed upon to postpone doing anything until after a suitable annex location is decided upon. Once again the commissioners showed a great ability to prolong the agony of past mistakes.
Perhaps the most exciting activity in the meeting took place when this reporter took a seat reserved for "Press Only". The sheriff approached and told me in a very discrete and respectable manner that the section was reserved for the press and I had to move. I explained that I was a member of the press, showed my press pass and Sheriff Helton said OK and walked away. Immediately The County Executive began violently flaying the air with exaggerated hand gestures that when accompanying her extremely red face and breath holding caused some to think she was choking. No one rushed to deliver medical aid via the Heimlich Maneuver. The Sheriff returned and said she wanted him to move me. I told him I appreciated the difficult spot he was in. I asked him if he was willing to remove me as a legitimate member of the press with every right to be where I was and doing what I was doing. The Sheriff being a reasonable man with a healthy understanding of the law returned to his position by the door.
This "press area" is the jury area facing the commissioners. Previously this section was open for the unlimited use of the public during commission meetings. The County Executive became displeased with certain citizens sitting in this area and immediately after the election closed it to all but those speaking before the commission and the press. I sat in the area at that time because I was on the agenda to speak. After the last commission meeting the restriction was changed and today a sign stating "Press Only" was posted at the entrance of this section. Having anticipated this abusive move I became employed as a reporter for the Giles Free Speech Zone blog and thus a legitimate member of the fourth estate. After the meeting, I was not offered any congratulations for my new job by the County Executive.
I look forward with enthusiasm to presenting future reports on governmental and community activities.
By Allen Barrett
Giles County Commissioners met this morning, 16 January 2006, with an agenda of several mundane housekeeping items. The only item on the agenda that brought any real discussion was concerning the Hunter Smith building. At issue was once again, "What to do with this building" that has left many commissioners scratching their heads and rolling their eyes as county residents continue having to feed this White Elephant, through insurance and utilities costs. Just when the thought was forming that the building would finally be turned over to a local arts group, an amendment was offered and agreed upon to postpone doing anything until after a suitable annex location is decided upon. Once again the commissioners showed a great ability to prolong the agony of past mistakes.
Perhaps the most exciting activity in the meeting took place when this reporter took a seat reserved for "Press Only". The sheriff approached and told me in a very discrete and respectable manner that the section was reserved for the press and I had to move. I explained that I was a member of the press, showed my press pass and Sheriff Helton said OK and walked away. Immediately The County Executive began violently flaying the air with exaggerated hand gestures that when accompanying her extremely red face and breath holding caused some to think she was choking. No one rushed to deliver medical aid via the Heimlich Maneuver. The Sheriff returned and said she wanted him to move me. I told him I appreciated the difficult spot he was in. I asked him if he was willing to remove me as a legitimate member of the press with every right to be where I was and doing what I was doing. The Sheriff being a reasonable man with a healthy understanding of the law returned to his position by the door.
This "press area" is the jury area facing the commissioners. Previously this section was open for the unlimited use of the public during commission meetings. The County Executive became displeased with certain citizens sitting in this area and immediately after the election closed it to all but those speaking before the commission and the press. I sat in the area at that time because I was on the agenda to speak. After the last commission meeting the restriction was changed and today a sign stating "Press Only" was posted at the entrance of this section. Having anticipated this abusive move I became employed as a reporter for the Giles Free Speech Zone blog and thus a legitimate member of the fourth estate. After the meeting, I was not offered any congratulations for my new job by the County Executive.
I look forward with enthusiasm to presenting future reports on governmental and community activities.
posted by J. Kendrick McPeters | 12:54 AM
92 Comments:
I really dont understand why an elected official would act in such a manner. If they cannot stand having to account for their actions maybe they dont need to be in politics.
The sign at the next meeting will read "No One Allowed".
Keep up the good work WAB.
Maybe the County should consider turning the Hunter Smith Building into a County Archives Building/County Museum. I understand the builing sits on the site of the old jail that was used in the Civil War and the some of the jail cells are still in the basement. It is my understanding that the jail cell used to hold Sam Davis before his execution is still there. I cant think of a better place for a county archives/musuem. The commission should consider this option, the builing is not large enough for a courthouse annex.
A commissioner told me about the County Executive trying to remove you from the press area and their enjoyment of seeing all of her antics take place was quite a site to see. It is a shame the voters of our county don’t attend her meetings and witness first hand her inability to properly conduct herself and her job.
And its even more a shame how some whining malcontents who think they have ALL the answers insist on disrupting such meetings.
How is sitting in the press box an act of meeting disruption? Don't you believe in freedom of the press? Or do you think that some "press" -- such as the Lake monopoly -- are more deserving of freedom than others?
It is very apparent Anony. of Jan.18, 3:51:43 was not at the Commission meeting. There was no "disruption" of the meeting. (You sound like M. Gonzales, Anonymous) The commissioners were talking and conducting their business the whole time Sheriff Helton was talking with Mr. Barrett. Even Mrs. Vanzant said nothing, only made violent hand motions to Helton to go to the Jury Box. Some people in the room may not even have been aware of what the sheriff was doing or why. Yup, that comment has all the earmarks of MG.
MG -- Wasn't that a little car with big headlights, big wheels,7 a wooden frame?
I am definitely not a fan of Vanzant, but I was there and I felt the errogance of Mr. WAB when he entered the room. Out of courticy to Sheriff Helton he should have made what his presence to be known and then he wouldn't have drawn the usual attention to himself. Knowing WAB he did this to get at Vanzant using the tax payers time to do so. She did not throw her hands and I did not see her get all red in the face.
Mr. WAB you need to throw that dramatic energy into writing a drama play. It would be a best seller. Get a job and focus on something that really matters to the people. You might have won the election if you hadn't been such a Drama King about things. A little bit of you goes a long way!!!
Well, I say you go Allen! The taxpayers paid for those chairs. The chairs are the most comfortable in the whole room. The chairs are located where you can actually hear what is being said. The chairs weren't bought just for employees of Lake media. Chairs are meant to be sat in. Thank goodness Sheriff Helton is a sensible man and knew you had every right to sit there.
Why does it bother Janet Vanzant that people want to hear what is going on? She put her name on the ballot. She asked for the job. She gets about $63,000 a year for doing the job. The job is a public job. Public as in working for the public. Public who have the right to attend meetings.
My guess is it isn't about the chairs. It isn't about who sits there. She is a control freak and she just means that if she says nobody is going to sit there then nobody is going to sit there.
She did flail her arms around. She did turn red faced and had the usual grimace on her face. Maybe you nodded off if you missed that. If not you must be blind. Or continue to take up for your friend as you usually do. It was as it was and the way Mr. Barrett described it is how it was!
I am not a fan of either but the description by wab and the above post is correct.
So what if the County Executive does not like you WAB. Who cares if she turns red in the face and flails her arms when she sees you.
Just because they are elected officials does not mean they have to like everyone. Get over it.
I think it is funny that WAB had her by the balls on that one...
THe County Executive does not balls.... T HE HE
Well, it's about time somebody besides me pointed out mr barrett's arrogance. Whenever I pointed it out, I was chastised severely. Interesting.
Why do you feel it is "arrogance" for any taxpayer to sit in an unoccupied chair during a regular session of the GILES COUNTY commission. Get it? To sit in a location where you can actually hear what is being said. A meeting of representatives elected by the taxpayers? A taxpayer sitting in an unoccupied chair? What is the problem except that a Lincoln County resident doesn't want a Giles County resident and taxpayer to sit in a comfortable unoccupied chair near her throne that he helped pay for? How is that "arrogance"?
You would think with all of the money that was paid out for court house renovations that SOME money could be found to purchase a decent sound system for the meeting room.
Anonymous said...
You would think with all of the money that was paid out for court house renovations that SOME money could be found to purchase a decent sound system for the meeting room.
But... if they did THAT, people might actually be able to HEAR what was being said!!! The horror... the horror...
And the beat (whining) goes on!
There is nothing wrong with the current sound system although some would have you believe there is. Only problem is many, but not all, commissioners lean away from their mike.
Mrs. V has looked into new electronic system and she is talking $60,000+, absolute waste of tax payer monies.
Remember the LTE not too long ago where somebody tried to have Mrs. V just have the desks turned around to face the audience and she refused. Therein lies the problem.
We gotta get rid of this Lincoln Co woman. Anyone have any ideas how to go about it?
Wow, I've been gone so long and have not missed a thing. Mr.Barrett seems to be on to something and it pisses people off. I personally think Mr. Barrett needs to use that energy and reopen the investigation into the Sam Davis hanging. Most people think it was because he was a spy. I'm convinced it was because he spoke out at a public meeting. It's awfully strange that of all the places he had been, he was hanged in Giles Co.
It is such a shame that the giles county court house didnt take time to find a real crew to work on that building.Did the people of giles county know the people that was working on the court house ,where the bigest frauds that you could ever meet.JandD Mash are two of the bigest liars known to man.They hide behind there christian cover ups.Got there signs of Jesus Christ on the cross on there vehicles. I wonder why they cuss more than anyone I have ever heard before,and are the most racist people you could ever meet.Did you know jeff and debby mash met in a crazy house in Nashville.They also have a guy that works for them that was also on the court house project that was in prison ,because him and three of his buddies were board one day ,and decided to go have a little fun,there little fun consited of raping another guy.Tell you what ,people better watch out for this group of people ,I have seen them myself start a job ,get paid ,and not finish it.She would call tell the home owner he was sick and they couldny make it that day,and he would call the other job saying she was sick,and the only reason was because they had already been paid ,screwed up the job ,and wouldnt go back and make it right even though they said they would.And mostly what it was is because they was already ripping off somebody else and didnt wont to miss out on that money.Should just call it stolen money ,because after it was all said and done thats what it wound up being stolen.so heads up giles county ,watch out for these scam artists,all they wont is your money.Dont let J and D Mash"s christian stickers fool you.These people also believe you dont have to go to church ,say prayers,or even read the Bible to go to Heaven.So mutch for there Christianity huh???SIGNED.MR.VERY CONCERNED FOR YOUR WELL BEING...
Vanzant is the ultimate decision maker on contracts and so signs.
OK, so there was a screw-up when the county didn't secure a state registered architest for the HS renovation. The three commissioners who were on the sub-committee to oversee the renovations are being blamed for this. What I'd like to know is why did none of the veteran commissioners and Mrs V speak up when the work went ahead without the necessary architect? They are as much to blame as anyone else. Could this be part of the reason why Mrs V and her friend Stoney Jackson want to dump the HS fast so more questions aren't asked?
Evryone deserves a second chance that is part of what being a christian is all about-it's not always easy but forgiving others is what we are supposed to do-Jesus did, remember when he was on the cross as said "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!" You don't have to overlook wrong things others do, it's good to beaware of wrongdoings-but we are supposed to give others the benefit of doubt. If these people do as you say-we also reap what we sow and it will come back to them by God one way or the other!
Tom,
It was a bigger screw up than what you have said. Not only was an architect not hired, the construction was performed by unlicensed contractors, and the "construction manager" was one of the county commissioners, who also was not a licensed general contractor. Yes, VanZant is at fault along with the committee of the county commission that oversaw the project and in retrospect the entire commission. Does anyone think before they act down there?
Everytime the commission and county executive has a Brainfart it costs the taxpayers of Giles County. When will they research and get legal advice before they act? Have they learned anything yet? I would say no. Too much talk of buying the Helig Meyers building and this depending on how it is handled could violate state law again.
Ole Hickory
Yes, I think mr barrett needs to investigate Sam Davis immediately. Something very sinister going on perhaps.
Well Ill tell you ,I myself once upon a time worked for J and D MASH and I witnessed my self them refusing to aquire a license,they was working for another contractor in giles county,I will not call any names because that contractor is a well rounded very respectable person.They said it would cost to much money.If there not required to have a license why should any one else?I think they should be made to obtain a license or close up shop.The reason I left the gooroos is because I seen them get over on to many elderly people in this town,and then when they would rip off one church after another,Somewhere in the midts of all this I seen what was going on,seen to many papers laying around,Thats when I said enough is enough.To J and D ,you didnt know this but, when you talk about what you have done,or what you have already done,or what you plan on doing, next time,you should be smart enough to talk amoungst yourseves in privacy,or under your breath.But it dosent matter what I say, I hope you the best,because there is only one man that can judge you now.SIGNED MR> CONCERNED>
Does the county executive ever deal with legitimate honest people?
Better question for you to ask. Is the county executive a "legitimate honest" person?
I'd be careful leaving libel remarks. Defamtory comments about private citizens can get you in trouble.
yes the county executive is a "legitimate honest" person she does what is right for this county, but she still has to go up against 21 good ol boys. for heavens sake she was re-elected wasn't she?
HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What about asking if someone is legitimate and honest is libel?
It can be if you name names.
I personally know the answer to your question about who is legitimate and honest.
Hmmmm. Didn't know asking if someone was legitimate or honest was libel. There sure as heck are some reporters on a national level who are going to be arrested. Every night on the world news I hear them question the president's honesty, senator's honesty, the honesty of foreign leaders. Or could it be you want some Giles County officials to be above answering questions. Which is it?
I believe I was addressing a previous post and said "private citizens" not "elected officials".
In case you dont know there is a difference.
In case you don't know, the post you were "addressing" was about whether or not the county executive was legitimate and honest. Last time I heard she wasn't one of your "private citizens". She's an elected official. Perhaps it is you who needs to learn the difference.
Thurs, 1-25-2:16:43 PM, I am the person that said, I personally know who is honest and I wasn’t speaking about a private citizen. It is none other than our county mayor.
Tom,
You hit the nail on the Head!!!
On the question of Ligitimate: the County Mayor is not. How can she be and not live in the county she holds office in. She is simply a liar, on top of that it is against state law!
On the statements above on arrogance, this woman has so much of it, she doen't even know it. She thinks everyone else it the problem.
If the senior citizens' of Giles County will read up on her records of State Audits and attend a few meetings, hopefully they will not be her swing vote as was the case of the two past elections that put her there.
Why has two county attorneys resigned while she has been in office???
The D.A. should open an investigation on the WHOLE matter.
The real reason the Central Accounting thing ever can up was due to: The State gave her no choice, with her record for the first three years and she hit the radio and paper with this was a new thing that the State required!!
Yep, the did.
Shame on you Janet, another one of your many,many,many lies!
I was referring to the post above yours dealing with J and D Mash not the County Executive. Maybe its you that needs to read.....
Tom,
Your right! I thought you made the post and now after looking back it was Old Hickory that replied to your post!
Sorry for addressing it to you. Still the information is for any and everyone.
Smokie
January 25, 10:27 pm quotes Vanzant stating on radio and in paper that the state gave her no choice on the central accounting thing -
I know for fact she was always opposed to central accounting even though the state has recommended it for years, it is not a new state requirement. She had nothing to do with it. It was two women sitting in the courthouse collecting signatures for the petition to support the referendum that was passed by the Voters. I met the women when I paid my property taxes last year and I'm grateful they did the work, glad I took time to thank them.
Tom,
Those two women you speak of were after the fact.
You DO NOT know the FACTS!!!
Why don't you research the State Audits for her first three years in Office???
Maybe then you'll want to correct yourself.
If 1/10 of the people that voted for her had checked out the facts and figures she would not be around now.
The public needs Mr. McPeters to get both side of the issue, not the one sided news from our local paper and radio.
Smokie
Smokie
I believe we are in agreement on the pitiful audits of our County Executive. I was only trying to make the point that nothing has been done about the lack of accountability in our local government. The commissioners could have put in a centralized accounting system as recommended annually by state auditors. They failed to do this. From what I understand the two private citizens then did the work themselves to get the referendum presented to the voters.
I'm not wanting to argue. If there are some Facts I may not be aware of, please write in.
Well everyone had better be prepared to be at the next meeting Feb 8, it is my understanding Tee Jackson is getting a big raise and an extrension until 2012.
I think you guys should organize a protest complete with banners and streamers and march around the county courthouse shouting your demands. Invite the media down to get it on tv. Now THAT is exposure...a buzz word for you.
6x57x03 The mouse growls from his hole. He won't eat the cheese. He pokes his head out, wiggles his tongue & squeeks and the cat sleeps. Fearful, he scurries back in hole to quiver & shake. Surely as the cat is fat, he'll eat the cheese & the fat cat ate the rat.
And what is the lesson of your fable?
Cat know rat that caveat - rat that caveat now cat fat.
The Riddler has returned?????
The Riddler has returned?????
Smokie
I'm very interested in the facts about the financial management recommendations that I obviously am not aware of. Write in why don't ya? Probably many other interested people out there.
Heard commissioner Terry Harwell pushed to get the true costs of what has been spent on Hunter Smith bldg, including purchase price and finally Vanzant complied, but didn't include the costs of furnishings they are reputed to have purchased a couple of years ago but that was also asked for. Applaud Terry Harwell! Goes to show Commissioner Wendall Wilburn had jacked his figures up so he and the other commissioners who are pressing to dump the HS should aplogize. Why didn't the other commissioners dispute Wilburn's figures knowing they were incorrect? Also, will someone tell me why D Parr is pushing so hard to sell his buildings to the county?
Anonymous,
What is the total cost of the HS building?
Has the HS building had furnishings for the time period it has sat empty?
Here's the LINK to click on, to read WAB's report (and listen to the committee meeting, too).
Reporter Barrett...what a joke. Maybe he should apply for a job with the local newspapers. I'm sure he would be a welcome addition to the staff.
February 05, 2007 5:56:25 AM
What do you have to add? Nothing but more hatred and name calling of Mr. Barrett and his efforts. NOT NICE! And that makes you guilt of the very behavior you call him names for.
Wrong anonymous. I challenge mr barrett and others of his ilk who are on here calling others names, attempting to embarrass and defame them, and etc. There's not a one of them who would tolerate the same treatment from others. Let me tell you this. Were I a family member of some of those crucified on here, be assured that I would NOT be as kind as they have been. Oh no, I'd be visiting some of you in person!
How many times do I have to explain my purpose for standing opposed to such behavior? I could care less about his or any others' opinions. Like I said, we all have a right to see things the way we want to. That doesn't necessarily make one stupid or ill-informed just because he/she doesn't happen to see it YOUR way. That's arrogance, any way you slice it.
“That doesn't necessarily make one stupid or ill-informed just because he/she doesn't happen to see it YOUR way. That's arrogance, any way you slice it.”
The same to you sweet-cheeks.
You are exhibiting the same behavior can you not see that? Maybe you should investigate yourself. Had a bad day out of town?
Nope, I had a wonderful day in fact. I strongly resent your calling me a liar, but that's so typical of malcontents on this blog, isn't it? And, as I have said before, I only represent a dissenting voice and view from yours. Isn't that what dialogue and free speech are all about? If not, then what would you consider dialogue and free speech? Your concept sorta reminds me of an old rock tune that says....'you're free to speak your mind, my friend...as long as you agree with me'. Right?
Maybe you would like to investigate my day out of town, but, it's none of your business, is it?
In Response to Monday, February 05, 2007 3:04:12 PM
Do Tell as you stated:"Let me tell you this. Were I a family member of some of those crucified on here, be assured that I would NOT be as kind as they have been. Oh no, I'd be visiting some of you in person!"
** Keep in mind when you are an elected official, you don't have privacy and you are accountable to the PEOPLE.**
That means sometimes mean and nasty things are spoken about you. It is part of life...let's grow up and quit the whinning. You sorta sound like a spoiled little child or perhaps a Democrat. It isn't fair," I don't make as much as he does" and "Uh, he is makes me uncomfortable because he is smarter than me". Just to give a few examples. In the world we live in today who cares how you feel or anyone else does. Your feelings being hurt infringe on my right to speak my mind,worship my god,and any other personal freedoms I have.
**Reason why they don't confront them like you say you would do**
Perhaps the reason family members of these officials not to mention the officials themselves have not confronted these ill-willed,hate-mongers to reference a few names they have been called is because they are acting not in the best interest of the county and being deceitful and they know it. I mean why not defend yourself, right? Wrong, that is when you are doing wrong. Mr. Barrett and others who are calling their hand are well-informed and intelligent enough to see through the b!@#$ some of our officials are up to. NOTE: I did not say all officials. However,some of these bozos on the County Commmission as well as the County Exec. and Dir. of Schools are among the most crooked and deceitful human beings there are. Seems everyone has an agenda and in these circumstances we have here in Giles Co. these individuals are benefiting or profiting somehow off the backs of the Giles Co Taxpayers. People in Giles Co would have to be fools to not eventually see it. Now, we have people like Mr. Barrett to open the eyes and put in plain sight for all to see the mishandling, poor judgement and ignorance to name a few things we have in SOME of our elected officials. I say expose, expose, expose. After all, if a person is honest they shouldn't have anything to hide. I think most people in Giles Co. will get a real kick out of the knowledge they gain from viewing the audio and video of these county meetings. I say we put all actions of these officials on display for all to see. That way if you know you are being watched so carefully, you will be more inclined to "Do the right thing", if that is possible.
43219 wish you had signed it - don't know who it is, but thanks very much - need more folks of quality
Where is the rule that says an elected official is not entitled to a degree of privacy? That is about as absurd as implying that I am a democrat.
So, are you directly accusing Mrs. Janet Vanzant and Mr. Tee Jackson of being crooked and deceitful? Examples of their misdeeds?
Yes, you should have signed your post.
Tee Jackson has a habit of getting money into the budget under false pretenses and than uses it for other things,ie: pay raises two years in a row, money for the bus garage, etc. Enough said. Mrs. VAnzant lied to the voters when she said that she waas a single mother. enough said there too.
Don't try to trap me into making what you could say is a threat and later use against me. I'm not that stupid. All I was saying is that I would make a visit to anyone who made derogatory and defamatory statements about my family. Why would you assume I was talking about you?
TO: Monday, February 05, 2007 6:31:50 PM
Your Comment: Where is the rule that says an elected official is not entitled to a degree of privacy? That is about as absurd as implying that I am a democrat.
So, are you directly accusing Mrs. Janet Vanzant and Mr. Tee Jackson of being crooked and deceitful? Examples of their misdeeds?
Yes, you should have signed your post.
As far as your comment goes regarding your political standing Dem/Rep...I now say to you that your views certainly lean towards the way most Dems think. Give me this, I deserve that...etc.
I urge you to run for office next election. NO you won't do that because you already knew before you stood in defense against invading ones privacy that you don't have any privacy when an elected official. No argument there...get over it.Surely you don't suppose that when you seek public office and achieve in that endeaver that people actually gain privacy. Hell...you don't have any privacy in this county whether you are elected or not. You must be very naive. I must say I am a little leary of what will pass from your lips next. You are most laughable!!HEHE
You see it is much easier to have your point of view when you truly are oblivious to your surroundings. I mean how much intelligence does it require for someone to see proven facts(most recent county audit) that an individuals isn't on the up and up?? HUH?
Many misdeeds by both parties...flipin'& flopin' both of them. Both have one thing in common among many others and that is they both say they live in Giles, but nah they don't. I mean how long can this go on...??? Lying and lying. One lie to cover up another. Isn't that the way it goes...you have to keep lying to cover up your last lie. They both tell you one thing to your face and completely another to someone else. I mean what is going on here are they planning this..is it scripted do they check with each other to see what the other is saying today so they can be consistently the same. Maybe it is a challenge between the two of them to see who can be the most unpopular. How can it be such a coincidence? Oh it's Giles Co... I forgot. Seems to be alot of people like that around here. It doesn't matter if you lie, decieve, cheat and are a fraud. Just put on a smile,wave at everyone, gritting your teeth, all the while hoping against hope that no one becomes the wiser. Well, guess what...the citizens of Giles Co are gaining wisdom by the minute. Just look at how much info has come out lately. We have several very determined citizens willing to take precious time out of their lives to make it a point to get the facts and educate us. They are not doing this for kicks. They are doing it for the betterment of Giles Co and that my closeminded friend helps us all!
Oh and one more thing...I'll post my name when you post yours :)
No, we have a few citizens here who make it a point to cause as much trouble as they can. They aren't taking time out of their lives to do this...they need to get a life might be more appropriate to say.
No, people of Giles County are becoming more "educated" and full of hate and malice toward those they used to get along with. Wonder who is behind that? The same few doing this call citizens such things as sheeple and yet, it is they who wish to lead them by the nose.
No, I think they do all this, not to better the county but to lash out at and try to discredit those who have the power they so desperately want. And they are experts at their craft. The problem is, the people they are enlightening do not vote in sufficient numbers to elect them to the positions they seek. Interesting.
The irony of it all seems to be that their hate-mongering and slanderous remarks on this blog have hurt more than helped them.
The point is here the people in Giles County who have money control this county and if you don't you up the creek without a paddle. They make the decisions as to what is best for everyone in this county. You are either one of those people or your related or friends with one of those who are. They want to keep Giles County just the way it is, a click. If you say it's not true just look at who gets what, what troubles they get into that just seem to disappear! As far as the elections,I vote every year, they are more a form of a popularity vote than anything! When someone like Mr. Barrett exposes things that are going on, people would used to be appaulled but now instead of people being offended they say oh that's nothing new it happens all the time. It's a shame that all the values that at one time would have made you an outcast now make you a big shot!
Those who work for or who have family that works for any kind of government entity know what is going on but can not sign their names for the fact they would probably lose their job-and if that happens they won't be able to find another one here-thanks to those who are in charge!
It must be nice to live where you live with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.
Wrong is wrong...now tell me why as soon as someone is exposing a person for who they are it suddenly becomes the person being deceitful is the victim. This is what our society has become. People who are blind to the truth. They refuse to believe it no matter how obvious it is.
I think you Sir or Madam should apologize to the Citizens of this county for insulting them as you have. People have far better things to do than chase after imaginary bad guys and the people who chose to open their minds unlike you shouldn't have to be condemned for entertaining the idea that maybe just maybe with proven facts and the ability to reason and not be persuaded by people like you (that their is no evil in this world ..haha)that it is possible that we do have some no good doers seeking to blind side the citizens of this county.
You sir sound as if you are a little worried that the exposing going on could potentially affect the very person(s) you seem so adamant to defend. Speculation of course on my part. It would seem to me that to analyze a situation completely you have to look at all of the possibilities and I am afraid to have to tell you, but you are not doing that.
AFterall, for you to defend the very people you speak of without considering all the facts...well again my closeminded friend you appear to be cut from the same cloth as they.
With all this on your mind...don't forget to have a great day! I know I sure will!!
To the one who accuses others of being a Democrat or keeps trying to make sure we know you are not a Democrat. Give us a break. We can tell by your hide the ball, hide the facts attitude what you are. A Republican. Can't stand the light of day? Think we're too stupid to know the truth about what is going on in the county? Think we can't figure it out. If you are who I believe you are I suspect you and your newly elected husband are going to discover that politics should be in the open. There are reasons it must be in the open. It's called Democracy. Government of the people and for the people. PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE. Mr. Barrett there are many of us who cannot attend these meetings and we are very grateful that you are covering them so we can see and hear what is going on. When elected officials won't answer questions, won't attend meetings where they might have to go on record, won't share public records, avoid the residents of this county, isn't it obvious they have something to cover up?
I am the one you are are speaking of Tuesday, February 06, 2007 9:17:10 AM. I am afraid I am not the person you seem to think I am that has a newly elected husband. Your post makes no sense. Please reread your comments. Confusing to say the least.
I never said what party I represent. You assumed. As do most people when they don't know how or lack the energy to get off their backside and seek the facts.
I have to say your post is actually very favorable to my beliefs. I am just confused about your delivery.
Maybe you should reread and start over.
2-6-7
Food for thought:
School general fund Teaching salaries of $9,950,989 in 2003-4 increased to $11,845,090 in the 2006-7 amended budget. That $1,894,101 (19%) increase is almost double the BLS index of 10.3% for the same period. They do not provide a head count with budgets, so we don't know if it's raises or more bodies. Did anyone get a 19% raise over the past 3 years?
Matter of fact they did (?) a lot more $$$ (bodies? Raises?) Administrative salaries jumped from $2,016,186 in 2003-4 to $2,929,556. That is a $913,370 increase in spending that works out to be a 45.3% increase! Based on forty some years of looking at numbers and figuring out ways to cut waste, we obviously have good folks tripping over each other trying to help someone who simply needs to be left alone to do what the organization is intended to do. Bureaucracy received 2.4 times more money emphasis than teaching! (45.3/19.0)
NO, Maintenance, bus drivers, subs, etc. didn't get it - their increase was the lowest at 18.6%. The message is simple. Bureaucracy rules the roost. Productivity (teacher & facilities to teach) reside somewhere beneath the roost.
For the doubters - only teachers are certified to teach. The numbers are from official school budgets - detail entered to a computer & able organize it, & figure out what is happening. Detail & some summary of it has been distributed to some council members & others. So far no challenges or claim of error. Some claim they can't understand it. Some don't want to. Some are blown away by a desire to believe in goodness, benefiting others who rely on that. There is a lot more serious stuff than noted here. One is the $1.4 million 2006-7 hole dug in reserves, with no ladder to climb out of it. Sadly, the problem solvers are hunting for a new bigger temple & alter to sacrifice taxpayers.
I imagine that would include the director, the former COB, curent COB, board members who were on the board when the last budget & November Amendments were approved. If you were deceived, you have a right to be mad. If not, we have a right to hold your feet to the fire.
Don MacDermid
Excellent post Don MacDermid. Thank you.
Mr. Barrett
Next time would you try to get a camera shot of Joe Vanzant, the invisible and non existent husband during campaigning who has lurked around at most every meeting since wife was elected? I think the citizens who attend meetings would enjoy knowing what Mr. V looks like. Thank you.
I hope somebody is there making a video of "reporter" barrett. So funny.
Ole Joe's antics caught on video would be great. Anyone want to bet who he calls an a$$hole next?
Really hope enough people complain to D.A. to open investigation on Mrs. Vanzant.
Some of her dealing in her 1st term were nothing less then Fraud and Abusive use of Office.
For the DA to do an investigation on Mrs Vanzant should we not all document our experiences and knowledge. Need some guidance on this.
If Mrs. Vanzant should be removed from office, would the county be required to pay her retirement?
Wouldm't think so, retirement is paid through the state anyway. But should she be ousted for whatever reasons, courts should require her to pay everything back to Giles Co.
The DA has the information on her if her will just get off his butt.
If the D.A. has the goods, what is his problem?
If this is a fact; we voters' need to be make phone calls or send e-mail to the Powers that be in Nashville, and demand he go forward with HIS duty.
Wonder if Mr. Barrett or McPeters could suggest which direction this should go? Need to do it right and legal, if the D.A. is out of line.
The right people to contact in Nashville, phone numbers ect.
ole smokie
Ole Smokie
Well put. Why don't we rally together on this matter and get something moving?
I think smokie should lead an investigation into this matter and give us a full report on his findings.
Does Jackson get to build his new building? If its on here somewhere I must have missed it.THANK YOU>
Has anyone heard about the bus garage being condemd,or is that just a rumor?THANK YOU.
Why don't you ask the freedom fighters group to launch an investigation into both matters? I'm sure they can dig up some dirt on at least somebody and make darn sure everyone knows about it. After all, they know best.
Ole smokie appeared to ask for help when he ask for direction from Mr. McPeters and or Mr. Barrett.
If they could give some input, there are several of us that would get behind it.
guess ill ask freedom fighters since you dont know smart ass.
Sure, ask them. They are smarter than everyone else anyhow.
Anonymous (2-8-07, 8:36:50 PM) said:
Ole smokie appeared to ask for help when he ask for direction from Mr. McPeters and or Mr. Barrett. If they could give some input, there are several of us that would get behind it.
Right now I'm snowed under with work... transferring video, editing video, compressing video, and uploading video... it takes all of my time lately. But as soon as I get a breather, I'll scour the online TCA, and see what is required to mount an ouster suit.
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