NEW PROGRAM/CHALLENGE PROPOSED FOR THE COUNTY
A the Budget Committee Meeting this morning a program/challenge for the county was presented by Mrs. Beverly Murrey. In conjunction with the county celebrating its 200 year anniversary the county will be challenged to collectively lose 73,000 pounds, one pound for each day of the past 200 years. This program will be officially launched in a newspaper article in the next issue and a ceremony at the Gazebo on the courthouse lawn 4 April. Allen Barrett
posted by Allen Barrett | 11:03 AM
44 Comments:
What has that got to do with the budget committee unless they are planning to give some money.
Well, there are a lot of us that could stand to lose a pound or two. Myself included. May give this a whirl.
VanZandt wants another $2,500 for this thing. Hopefully, the budget committee will stomp that one out also.
Just saw on WKSR.com today that a SPECIAL meeting of the Commission has been called by Co. Exec. VanZant for April 13 and guess what is one of the reasons it was called! For the commission to okay the expenditure of $2500 for this weight-loss thing. With the price of groceries rising and rising it won't be long and the citizens will have lost all that weight.
What is the money being used for? A reward for weight loss? Promoting the program? Doesn't Beverly own a Curves and would this not benefit her business as well? Why not offer a FREE membership to those in a lower income and or reduced health care for the winner from the hospital? This could be cross promoted in about 1.000 different ways (or $2,500) and be a winner for both sides if someone gives a little. Right now it just sounds like a political campaign to promote the county tourism. Look at us we're on a weight loss program that happens to coincide with some number significant to Giles County meaning nothing to anywhere else and barely registering on most radars. I am all for the weight loss though. Just make it FREE for all and no money needed from the tax payers. Let that be what you promote...good health and reaching out to those in need.
Agreat idea. Mrs. Murrey has been on a program that she has said she wants to share. She says her pay is the loss of weight. She has been using a transition coach and the coach needs to be reinbursed for materials and travel expenses. She is from up around Spring Hill. Yes 25oo was asked for but it is free to everyone to take on he challeng. It's about learning to have a healthier lifestyle. people don't need to knock something until they try it.
Murrey left Curves long ago. So find something else to harp about.
If Beverly Murray has been using a coach thats her choice. This SHOULD NOT be paid for from tax payers money even if it is to promote the bicen. celebration.
WAB your topic did not include the fact Bev Murrey had asked for $2500 from the county to promote this idea of hers. Can you believe J Vanzant has called a Special Meeting of the commission to vote on this? What a load of BS. Not only if they allocate the money but the cost of pulling 21 commissioners together at $60 a head for just a few minutes. This is disgusting.
Had Mrs. Vanzant simply given Mrs. Murrey the money, you people would been all over this blog accusing her of everything from "corruption(buzz word) to stupidity. She calls a meeting to discuss the matter, and you criticize her. The people you guys resent and/or dislike for whatever reason can't win either way. Have you ever stopped to think that's why they aren't as friendly toward you as you think they ought to be?
According to previous resolutions, money can not be appropriated without going to the budget committee. They will be breaking the rules if this passes.
Mrs Vanzant does not have authority to give any money to anyone. Did this really not go before the Budget Committee? Whats the answer WAB you were there. Not only would they be breaking the 'rules' if this goes to the commission before going to the budget comm. they would be breaking the law.
4-3-8:38 A great post.I do not think our commissioners stop to think, when they approve the smaller items. When a lot of these smaller items are put together it adds up fast. All our commissioners need to JUST SAY NO.
Add the $2500 and the cost for the commission to vote in a SPECIAL meeting costs us $3760, plus the cost of the county attorney, whatever that is. As commissioner Pollard says, we have kids in Gils Co trying to go to school from a homeless situation. This county has gone beserk under current leadership. This money would be better spent helping to feed the hungry in the county. Weight loss is a giood thing, but its personal and should be done by the individuals without it costing the county money. If you cant do it by yourself then you need to pay for a diet program, not the county.
Things are getting out of hand.
The called meeting was already scheduled. This was added after Mrs. Murrey went to the budget commission with this idea. Mr. Pollard is right in thinking of the children, but have you been in the schools or looked at the statistics on obesity in our children which is leading to more adolescent diabetes. And yes the students are involved. Mother's, father's sons and daughter were at the kick off yesterday. I saw it wit my own eyes. I joined the group and was very impressed. I asked Mrs. Murrey what she was going to get out of doing thi program. She replied being a loser. She said that the lady that worke with her gets $500.00 for 12 week session. She asked her if she would give the county peole a big discount if she would come to Pulaski and do this program. Paula told her she would do it just as long as her April expenses could get covered. So it looks like this woman is making a big sacrifice for all the people of Giles County. If someone doesn't take advantage of this then let be happy with your tax $ going to the Hunter SMith building or the Campbellsville Spring or not going to get a Cracker Barrell and shall I go on. If you weren't bashing this you'd be bashing something else. So get off you fat hinies and join in the challenge. A ealthy chooser
With the post from 5 Apr 7:48 I think they have answered the questions raised earlier about the money and the purpose of the called meeting. I support this effort and hope the goal is met. I apologize for not stating the amount in the original post it was an oversight not an intentional deception. Allen Barrett
If there are new homeless families in Giles County the children need to be registered at school as such. There are no more children registered this year than any year before. Funds are paid to the school system for those children but if they don't register they don't count. If you know any homeless children please encourage them to register their children as such.
Supporting the effort to conquer obesity and or get the county on track is not at issue. Getting money from the county when the area is working hard to keep food on the table and find jobs is an issue. I cannot believe you would throw your support for this WAB? Either you are getting soft or are soft or rolling over? Why bring someone in from Springhill to help out? The hospital here has excellent nutritionist and the college has majors or sports trainers enough to "assist" in materials and direction. That is the problem here in going out of the county to pay someone to come in to get us to lose weight and get on a program. First get a program organized and planned with a local support base. Then pitch that idea to the people via the media and THEN ask for money if and when it becomes necessary. Or, here is a novel idea get on the internet and sign up for the millions of web sites that do just this. They offer free support 24/7 and look how many people STILL are obese? I want to see the area lose weight but there are free to low cost alternatives. If it's in you to make a change you do it. This is another pet project and I am NOT for it. Join weight watchers people, go to weigh down, nutrasytem, curves, and on and on. Even spending money this country has no shows in these programs. So, save our dollars for viable issues (poverty,schools, and on) so your brow beating for this is wasted.
But have they gone out to do this for the people of giles county or let it be known they will do this for the people. NO!! They are doing it among themselves. Besides how much do you weigh and do you need to find a program. Maybe one for your big mouth.
Here's a rational idea. Pass a law (tax) on restraunts. Put a scale at the check out & if they look fat or tip the scales over 115# for a woman & 200# for a man the fat tax is double the meal charge. All of the money goes to a reserve fund for an all the skinny folks can eat, yummie good BBQ & beer frestival on the square - whenever there's enough money to pay for it.
WAB supports this goal because he and Beverly are two peas in a pod.
I am not sure if you are for or against the expenditure (April 6,1P)? You wrote,
"But have they gone out to do this for the people of giles county or let it be known they will do this for the people. NO!! They are doing it among themselves. Besides how much do you weigh and do you need to find a program. Maybe one for your big mouth."
Does that mean that they did this in collusion and not for the people of Giles County? That is the way it does seem to me. Unless they plan on putting up the $2,500 requested out of pocket it is about and for the people? Also, I am within the normal range for a person my age. I know obesity is a major concern in this country. Many great things could be accomplished by losing weight and good nutrition. Unfortunately now is not the time for pet programs especially if they can be sponsored or provided FREE of charge. It is not a matter of throwing bad money after bad (Hunter Smith or ?) to justify the project. Whether it is Beverly or whomever this is not the time to ask for money. It is the time to join in and start dieting and exercising. Just Do It!!! Having some program in the county is not going to make it happen...it's up to us. Try not to bully your way to a rebuttal but take a side (so said my "big mouth").
To the 6 April 5:29 post. Glad you know so much about my thoughts, heritage and what motivates me, only problem is you're just plain wrong.
I support this program because it's a good publicity idea, good health motivator and a good tie to the Bi-Centennial celebration.
I do not support the idea of the county paying for it. Allen Barrett
Thank goodness for that WAB and I agree with you on that. It is a good promotion with a good outcome (if participation is given). My beef with it is the money coming from the county. If any citizen (even family) were to introduce the same I would say the same. Come to the county with ways to make money not ways to spend it or at least utilize our sources all around first. The hospital would have rallied this for a cross advertising promotion for heart health and nutrition as would Martin. No need to bring in your own trainer/advisor and piggy back the advertising on already existing promotions and brochures. SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! By all means go to this, enjoy this, and feel good about it but you are paying for it if they spend $2,500.
So far I understand there are over 100 people signed up. So if that is the case the county is speing 25.00 on each person. Wow, thanks for the money. I know I paid in more with my tax $ than that. The more that sign up the cheaper per person. $2500 isn't going to break the county is it. That worries me if someone is holdin out on how bad our ecomomy really is. Come see what this is about. I have been please and sure that I have already lost some weight this week. Be positive about something and do your part for Giles.
I wonder if the commissioners knew that Janet VAnzant had taken it upon herself to give the 73,000 lb. challenge or was she doing her typical lying as usual. After talking to Beverly Murrey she said that she and her friend became confident the motion would pass because Mrs. Vanzant had out right told them that they weren't asking for enough money and that she knew it would pass. She told them several times in different meetings with her. They wanted to make sure about getting started and she assured them to go ahead because she would be writing Ms. Garner a check that same day of the vote. So much for another fool believing in Vanzant. Beverly you should have know better.
I am thankful that the commissioners, at least 15 of them, have enough sense to nip this in the bud. To spend $2,500 on a weight loss contest when children in Giles Co are going hungry is ludicrous and shameful. I agree with 10:19am, Mrs. Murrey could go to Hillside, Martin, and/or Harvey's Gym and raised the money. It is the same with the new football stadium, instead of finding new and inventive ways to raise money for their unessential projects they want to stick it to the taxpayers as if they have a blank check.
Good for the commissioners who held the line on the budget. These are tough budget times. It was not a bad program or idea but there are plenty of ways to do the same thing for less or free. Good for Minor Hill getting a FREE patrol car from Brentwood. Thank you Brentwood!!!
Was the check Ms Vanzant would be writing a personal check? She has NOTHING to do with the writing of county checks. Ms Vanzant still dont realize she is not the chief finance officer of the county since finance management got voted in by the people.
Saw in the paper where Tommy Campbell is asking for 2500.00 for little league tournament. I don't have a child in little league. So does that mean that he can ask for a small group when Murrey was asking to include the whole county. Be interesting to see if he gets his money in these hard times.
Hmmmm, now lets see. Why would Vanzant be talking out of both sides of her mouth again? Could it be in preparation of running again next year? Heaven help us if we don't get her out and someone else in. Our county is dying fast.
Ditto to 8:13. I bet she's preping her son already to be her trump card.
April 13, 4:23
Since you say Beverly had several meetings with Vanzant, was there anything else she lied to Beverly about?
Maybe Beverly should have talked to her constituents or the public prior to requesting funding not Janet? If she had they would hopefully have explained how broke they are right now and unable to fund a weight loss project. The weight loss program is in this county is unemployment. Know your audience which in this case is not people with descetionary income right now. If they had it they would join their own gym or maybe go to the doctor or dentist with it. Wake up and look around you and participate in a program to assist struggling neighbors. Even if it were $5 per person for those that show up it could be spent on a family for food or a project not capable of being supported locally for free.
Beverly went to several people to feel them out on the community involvement. They were very encouraging to her. People are always ready to encourage but not follow through. I went this morn. and met with Beverly and Paula. They are asking those that can pay for the services to pay $30.00. compared to Paula's usual fee of $500.00 for 12 weeks. The group I was in gladly paid and some gave extra for those who couldn't pay. This is a joint effort and like most people they, being Beverly and Paula did not ditch the effort. They were very upset with Vanzant and the commissioners. The main reason so many wanted this program was because they couldn't pay 35-45 a month to a gym or $ to a weekly meeting or for pills. They were as hopeful in the money coming from somewhere else. We didn't know how it was going to be funded but excited that it was for free. They both apolized over and over for what happen and apologized for asking for the money. Not one of us refused such a great deal.
3:53
Can see where Beverly would be upset with Vanzant since she told Beverly it would be funded but she shouldnt be upset with the commissioners. Maybe they had calls from their constituents wanting them to vote against this.
Donn't think she is mad a commissioners. Just mad at herself for believing in Vanzant. She said a couple of commissioners helped them out monitarily.
10:17
Then lets hope Beverly and others will realize you cant believe anything Vanzant tells you and will say anything to cover her own butt. Lesson learned.
The lesson to be learned is not to write a check before you have money to cover it. And, not to come out in the press announcing your program without all the details (money)there to make it happen. I would feel worse if she got the money. Pay yours if you want and let the weight loss begin. It would be nice having someone to represent this county with a good insight into doing more with less. Too many unrealistic programs and demands with surprised representatives when they get vetoed. Who on the board is struggling to find work, pay bills, and keep a small business afloat? They are too busy or unable to run for office and keep a job.
to 8:13 on April 15
Yes, it does appear that Giles County continues to lose population and that industry isn't so easy to find for those who live here.
But I disagree with you that this is all because of Mrs. Vanzant and any others you may dislike. I truly believe the problem is with all the fussing and fighting, arguing, and etc. that you see right here on this blog. I can tell you that people in surrounding counties laugh at us.
7:49 You might have one person you have steered to this blog who gets a laugh out of it but most folks are too busy with their lives in their own counties to be interested in what goes on here. And let's face it, no industry takes time or is even interested in what local bloggers have to say. They have more important things to do.
10:28 so true! It seems to be a gag for anyone wanting to speak out to say that industry or others might find what a blogger writes as a deterrent. It is not bloggers that are the face and voice of the county. Anyone wanting to live here or setup a business here uses good old fashioned marketing to find out the tax base, work force, and logistics and if it is affordable or having good schools. The people you elect represent this county and help get the things you want funded (or not) so they are the face and voice for local government. Are they doing and saying what you want them too? We are facing tough times ahead and the more openly you blog and talk the more your voice is heard. And, if there are people laughing at us in other counties why are you worrying so much about that? Be more proactive in the county you live in and make it better and stop worrying over what other people say or might think.
Whoever defended Beverly about leaving Curves a long time ago, thank you. She's just trying to help Giles County out because nobody wants a small town much less a county full of fat asses
Fat asses may be preferable to Fat, Loud mouths.
Post a Comment
<< Home