BIG MEETING 23 APRIL!!!!!!!!!!
If you have a concern about county government, not satisfied with 200 years of the same tired failures and ideas, you will plan to be at the TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY CENTER (1223 East College Street) on 23 APRIL AT 6PM.
The signatures have been gathered for including the County Charter on the ballot now plans need to be discussed and finalized about who is interested in running for election to the charter board.
The speaker for the night will be Mr. Ben Cunningham a well known tax activist who will offer more insight into this great opportunity to make our county government more responsive to citizens and bring it into the 21st century.
There will be door prizes given away and ample opportunity for questions to be asked and responded to. Allen Barrett
The signatures have been gathered for including the County Charter on the ballot now plans need to be discussed and finalized about who is interested in running for election to the charter board.
The speaker for the night will be Mr. Ben Cunningham a well known tax activist who will offer more insight into this great opportunity to make our county government more responsive to citizens and bring it into the 21st century.
There will be door prizes given away and ample opportunity for questions to be asked and responded to. Allen Barrett
posted by Allen Barrett | 10:51 AM
101 Comments:
It will be interesting to see if Commissioner Tommy Campbell has the gumption to show up at this meeting and listen to what the citizens wish for Giles County.
Got the guts - Tommy?
There's a big difference between having a gut and having guts
That is a low blow
When this group gets the county home rule charter going will you do the same thing for the city. That is where it is really needed.
Just wondering, How many counties or small towns are under this Charter program at this time ? Is this just another program to increase the size of our county government like the Financial has done? If so I'm against bigger government.
As I understand it this is not to make goverment bigger. It is to make government more transparent. To give citizens more input and access to government. Perhaps that is the reason those who have been in politics so long are so dead set against it. Government exists only on the backs of the tax payers. So why is it that government doesn't want tax payers involved? That is the question to be asking. More involvement, more scrutiny. More scrutiny, harder to keep doing what you've been doing for so long.
8:27
The opportunity may exist to do something for the city and I do agree something needs to be done there as well. Question is, how many people from the city feel strongly enough to make the effort? I live in town and plan to go to the Thursday meeting in hopes that something might be said about the same change for the city.
10:22 Good comment. But my question is still open. How many counties or small towns are presently under a charter government?
3:35 Hi. I am not 10:22 but I do know that most every town in TN operates under a charter. They do it when they organize into an incorporated municipality.
I have only been able to identify Shelby and Knox counties as operating under a charter form of government, DeKalb county may also be operating under a charter.
Will commissioners Beets, Holt, Campbell, Jackson attend this meeting? Will they add their personal view points openly or will they hide and attack from the shadows?
Will they stand like men and voice their opinions as to why they are against a charter form of government? Or, will they lurk around?
Isn't Knox and Shelby operating under a Metro government ? Along with Lynchburg, Davision ,. Is this what local people are calling a Charter?
No. They won't show. What would they say? We're against it because we couldn't keep doing what we've been doing for so very long and doing it without any input from you and we don't want home rule because then you the folks who live here and pay the taxes that operate the government might have some input and then we, a handful of really smart commissioners, wouldn't be able to have the same old same old and take care of the same old same old. Nope. They won't show.
No, a metro form of government is different. Look this up under the Tennessee government web site if you have doubts.
Memphis and Shelby county have merged and are now under a Metro form of government. I believe that they are the only "metro" government in TN. Again, look it up or call the Secretary of State's office in Nashville.
I would not trust the knowledge of local "people who know" unless they have documentation in hand. Rumors are not fact.
Lynchburg and Moore County are a "metro" government. It usually occurs when the county and its major city merge into a single form of government. Foe Giles county to be "metro" Giles county and Pulaski would have to merge into a single government.
The meeting on Thursday is open to everyone and there will be ample opportunity to discuss any matters that are brought up, not just some group of officials gazing at the table with no response to any questions. If we desire openness from county officials we must set the example with open respectful debate.
At this meeting there will also be an opportunity to begin organizing for action in Pulaski.
Come get involved so you can proudly tell your children and grandchildren that when the opportunity to make a difference presented itself you stepped up and did your part for their well being. Allen Barrett
The City of Pulaski already opperates under a charter.
Where are all the intelligent people?
It has a charter, the Speer/Harrison we're all powerful enriching ourselves charter but it is not under home rule.
9:51
Moore and Davidson counties are under Metro government. Knox and Shelby counties have a charter for Knoxville and Memphis. Knox and Shelby counties have Home Rule Charters. Memphis and Shelby have NOT merged. If you will read the Home Rule charter for Shelby county it specifies that county cannot merge with the city of Memphis.
In addition to Giles county there is another small county looking into Home Rule.
This is a topic regarding a charter for Giles County. What other counties do has no bearing on Giles County.
7:59
Checking with other counties will let us know how it's working. If only 1 other small county has this "Charter" then that tells me something isn't what it's cooked up to be. If this is as great as some say it is then every county in the state would want it. It's just like the Financial thing, only a small hand full of counties have it. And it's cost this county a ton of money.
All the power brokers in Giles County fall back on the premise that: "if it is not done elsewhere then it's no good". They also say that if other counties don't have home rule then Giles County shouldn't. Have they ever figured out that the reason for the home rule movement is to better Giles County?
Other counties may not have home rule because they are being managed in an appropriate manner and have a Board of Commissioners who are compassionate and have the best interest of their voters at heart.
The majority of our commissioners are out for themselves. They vote as they see fit and not what is in the best interest of the citizens of Giles County. They have the power and they do not want anyone else directing what they are to do.
I agree that thought and prudence need to be a part of this process; but, ignorance and apathy seem to be the process exercised by the power brokers. “Keep the citizens ignorant for they are too stupid to rule themselves.”
Well Tommy, Stoney, Bill, Billy and the rest of your gang .. we the people have had enough. You have a choice . be part of the solution or remain the problem. Regardless changes are being made.
No 8:26 you are very wrong. It is clear you are one of the very ones who feel threatened by this proposed change. Why is that? Don't like transparency? Did it ever occur to you that the reason other counties may not have it is that it requires an INCREDIBLE amount of time to get the petition going, to get the required signatures, to educate yourself on home rule, to stand up to folks like you who want status quo, to put up with your half truths, your untruths, your sabotage. I believe you will see this time that the people want to be heard. The people want to be a part of county government. You might want to get used to that idea.
Why are you (the 2 above posts) pointing fingers at me when all I did was make a committ about the lone small county using this plan. It appears to me your little group only want to make commits and doesn't want anyone else to investigate this charter. Don't worry, I'll never ask another question or make a commit on here again.
How many of the above 'bleaters and whiners ' went to the meeting on thursday night to try and learn about what this Home Rule charter is about ?? I did and have to say it was interesting . It's all about "We the people" having more say in local government . It has nothing to do with zoning unless the people who will write the chater for the county put something into the charter itself .
If you didnt go , maybe you can make the effort to go to the next one -which the people running the meeting said will be in Minor Hill
`12:11 The reason other counties have not attempted this effort by the people is because the law allowing for this is very hidden. Give credit to the folks who ferretted it out and made the effort. Did you not know that the commissioners and county exec didnt even know the people of any given county could do this? Had you been at yesterdays meeting you would have heard about other counties getting interested and starting their home rule charter through the people.
You seem to be the same poster who wants to know how its working out in Shelby and Knox. The question has been asked of a commissioner in Shelby and he is very satisfied with it.
to:Monday, April 20, 2009 1:55:00 PM
Now you see, there's my rub. You state that you want to see if a certain Commissioner has the "gumption to show up at this meeting and listen to what the citizens wish for Giles County." You make it sound like this group's members are the only citizens of Giles County OR that all of the citizens will show up. Shouldn't you have stated " listen to what some citizens have to say"? Freudian slip??
TO: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 9:51:00 AM
I think you'll also find that Nashville / Davidson County operate under a Metro government.
April 22, 9:51
Why on earth would you expect "local people who know" to carry around documentation proving to someone who might ask about the form of government in another county miles away? Use your computer and check it out yourself then you will find "the local people in the know" are correct and you wouldn't even have to wonder about it if it is of such concern to you.
Mr Barrett what happened at the meeting about taking action in Pulaski?
To : Friday, April 24, 2009 6:26:00 PM.......Who are these "local" people in the know?
You would need to ask April 22, 9:51 since it was a phrase used by that poster.
Personally I am not that curious. All I want to know about is the county charter and its possible benefits to the citizens of this county.
Speaking of being in the know I was told the Board Meeting for the 23rd was cancelled does anyone know why?
To the fri 8;38 PM anon...
If you look further down the list of subjects in this blog , you will see another series of discussions under a title of 'County Charter/Home Rule ' regarding the charter . It even has a list of possible items that "Could" be in the charter if that's what the taxpayers want in there .Here's that list copied and pasted for you :-
Taxpayers elect the School Director instead of being appointed by School Board
Term limits for elected officials
Taxpayers vote to approve all tax increases or decreases
Recall vote for government officials
Provision for People's Initiative
Detailed job descriptions for elected officials
All job openings in Giles Government advertised properly
No hiring of immediate family members by department heads
Enable commissioners to adopt ordinances passed by commission
Sunshine Law must be adhered to or fine imposed on offenders
Commissioners who are an employee of the county denied ability to vote on appropriations or budgets
Court house open for business forty hours each week
All County Financial statements and Contracts available on line
Copies of All County Checks and disbursements online
These are some of the things that would be available that taxpayers presently have no say in.
You can also go to
http://gileshomerule.blogspot.com and see the same info AND a draft of what the charter "Could" contain .
We're in the 21st century now so it's all downloadable and the people who are running it are looking for input from citizen-taxpayers . Compare that to how Giles County is governed today by the 'old boys and girls' club who think the last 200 yrs have been 'just fine ' by them .
So, how did the meeting go? Big crowd as anticipated, I guess. Any one do a head count? Thanks.
Are these things not possible now if they are voted in? If there are people elected to run this charter why would the same people in power not be elected again since those people already get the popular vote. I don't understand how this would help. These items are not things that will be for sure but possibilities.
The school board meeting was cancelled because there was no quorum.
4:00 pm
The list posted on this blog is only a small part of what could be written. And yes, most of the items shown could be voted in by the commissioners but they havent done it in 200 years what makes you think they would vote for it now? The people of this county are having to fight for change and a county charter is the first chance they have had.
The 24 Apr. 7:01 poster asked, "Mr Barrett what happened at the meeting about taking action in Pulaski"?
The issue is being researched. While Pulaski has a charter it does not necessarily have home rule and that is the question awaiting an answer.
One item of interest is that under the law TCA 5-1-127 the "city charter of incorporation" is required to be posted on the city maintained website. When I asked Mr Harrison about why it wasn't posted his response, I have it on tape, was "I don't know", "I'm not sure if that's what the law says". When I asked when it might be posted on the website and comply with the law he stated, "maybe sometime".
It's this type hostility to the public that forces the need for a greater involvement with that government. Hopefully this will come about soon. Allen Barrett
We need a topic on the insurance plot at the board of ed. I was told Tee Jackson has something to do with it. Any one know what in the world is really going on with that?
Mr Barrett
The law says every city and county must post annually their charter or law they operate under. How much is Harrison at the city being paid to "not know the law"? Mr. Barrett, we badly need home rule in Pulaski. Might you announce a meeting for people interested in this to come to and get working?
4:01 I heard TJ got a 'gift' of a few thousand dollars, for the schools ofcourse, to go with some insurance company.....wonder if any bucks went in TJs pocket?
Just in his belly!!!!!
To the 26 April 4:01 poster who suggested a topic about the insurance scandal taking place with the school system.
Please check the topic, "Words And What They Mean!!!!!!!" posted 26 Feb. Allen Barrett
To April 26, 7:54 pm
I heard the same thing and was told that is why the meeting had been cancelled. I was told that someone found out Tee Jackson had his hands all in this insurance deal.
Why is it taking so long to get rid of this dude after everyting he is done, seems to me there is plenty of evidence to oust him. Why isn't he gone yet?
More than one cash gift from Alsup Insurance has been given to the school system then used by Jackson to buy refreshments and meals for the school board.
Mr. Barrett I know this is off topic but I don't know how to contact you for a new topic.
Is anybody but me ticked off about all this bicentennial crap???? Whoever picked the committee of rich folks left the majority of folks OUT of the celebration!!!! The pavers are $1000. Do they not know we are in a depression and folks here are out of work? They act like everybody will just run on out and buy a paver or two to decorate the courthouse lawn. I imagine it will be the same ones whose names are on the little flags - most elected officials paid by taxmoney. The dinner and dance tickets are $100 PER PERSON. Guess they are creating a selective crowd of blue bloods. That's probably the intention. They price the cost so high it creates their own little private event. And it is taxpayer money funding a LOT of this stuff!!! I am steamed about it. How many just regular Joes and regular Janes can attend the grand bicentennial events? VERY FEW - except the rich. Guess the poor folks or those laid off by local places and on unemployment can just go park their cars on the square and stare at those pretty little blue banners hanging around. What a bunch of malarky. Can you provide the names of those who picked the bicentennial committee? Plus the names of those on the committee. I think that would explain everything. Can you start a thread on this Mr. Barrett and see if anybody else feels this way.
NEW TOPIC SUGGESTION--------Has anyone heard about the proposal that to improve its status as a targeted school and increase its graduation rate, GCHS has decided to pull zero tolerance kids off the street (weapons on campus, drug dealing, etc.) and put them back into a single classroom on the GCHS campus?
Thanks.
OK, one more time - all I want is a straight answer. How did the meeting go and how many concerned citizens attended. It's just a simple question. A simple answer will suffice. Just a number please. Thanks.
If the count is so important to you, attend the meetings instead of relying on someone else to get your information for you. A friend attened and he told me it was almost a full room.
To: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 6:41:00 PM
Obviously to can't give a straight answer to a simple question - and it seems that no one else can. I didn't ask for a smart mouth answer- just an answer. Was it 500? 50? 5? or can you not count to any of those numbers?
Small room. I think it was 3.
If approved by the voters, I hope that the Charter will include a section in it that prevents the County from hiring their kinfolk. I've heard that Mary Sigmon hired her son and all he does is sit on his hinny and talk and cuss like he's still handling prisoners. Another thing I would like to see in the charter is that if a person retires from the County, then he or she CANNOT be rehired and double dip from the taxpayers. I just heard today, but don't know for sure, that Judy Roberts is filling in at Kay Gibbons office. If this is so, then this is wrong. County Officials, this comment is to you. DON'T HIRE SOMEONE WHO ALREADY HAS AN INCOME. HIRE SOMEONE WHO CAN TRUELY USE A JOB THAT MAY HAVE A FAMILY TO SUPPORT. STOP THE NEPOTISM AND STOP HIRING PEOPLE ALREADY WITH A RETIRMENT CHECK!!!!
This is happening not only in the schools and the administrative bldg. but in our courthouse.
GO CHARTER! We've got to regain control of our local government before they (the elected officials) break the living daylight out of us.
I don't know if Judy is filling in or not but she cannot work but a limited amount of time and still get retirement. Those are TCRS rules.
Some people have jobs at night or family committments. They could not attend the meeting. I was one of those. What is wrong with asking what happened. I am not the above person requesting this information. Are all trying to hide something by not answering? I am sorry but I don't see anything wrong with answering. Evidently something is not right for everyone to be getting so upset with someone asking these questions. Makes me wonder about this charter thing.
6:46 Maybe all the meetings won't be held in the evenings and you could attend one of those.
5:42 & 6:46
The meeting went very well.
To those asking about the meeting on "Home Rule". I apologize for not posting this information sooner. I don't have an exact count but the number was between twenty-five and thirty-five. It was disappointing that more did not attend but with so many competing activities that night and the enthusiasm shown I consider it a success. Ben Cunningham head of the "Tennessee Tax Revolt" (much information can be learned about this group if you google Tennessee Tax Revolt) presented a very informative program and many questions were asked and answered. There were several who announced a strong interest in running for a Charter Commission position to help write the charter. Another meeting will be held later to discuss the progress being made.
Also discussed at this meeting was the very possible prospects of adopting "Homerule" for the city of Pulaski. More information about this subject later. Just be aware it's being worked on and there is hope for the city. Thanks for your help and patience Allen Barrett
I'm sure the meeting went very well, as was stated. BUT WHY is the question, of number of attendees present, being hidden or totally ignored? Makes me wonder if this whole County Charter deal is just a bunch of folks that want something changed to "the way it was" - in the previous town / towns where they lived???????
Get someone to read the comment above yours to find out how many people were at the meeting. Ain't nothing being hid but your brain.
Thanks for the answer WAB. I appreciate it.
As for the comment from: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 5:22:00 PM - I would have expected to here your comment on my oversite. I made a mistake - unlike yourself , who probably, in your own mind "ain't" never made one.
The meeting went well and was well attended - 35 to 40 folks. It was a very diverse crowd. Ben Cuningham made insightful presentation - Supreme Court rulings and Tennessee Constitution on topic. Potential for home rule for city of Pulaski discussed and much interest. Folks asked good questions and detailed answers were given. More than sufficient petition signatures have been obtained - process is moving forward. IF you want to know so very much would suggest you attend the meetings where you could count heads yourself, ask questions you want answered or just snoop to see if it's really gonna happen.
35 to 40 people is what percentage of the population of the county. Does not sound like a good turnout to me. Once again people who have not idea of what this thing is about will be voting on the issue. Most people will hear rumors and vote just like they did on Financial Mangagement. All they heard on that was how the county would save money. How much money are we saving?
The number of people that attended the first meeting has nothing to do with the population of Giles county since most of the 29,000+ people in the county dont vote. 35 - 40 people attending a meeting of that subbject sounds good to me especially when the Dave Ramsey meetings in area churches were happening as well as the courthouse celebrations and other meetings. Darned good percentage turnout when you are lucky if one person attends some of the county commission meetings.
A revolution that gave birth to this nation began with less than thirty people. The Nazi resistance began with only a handful of people. The Protestant Reformation began when one man said enough. It seems a couple of thousand years ago one man and twelve followers changed the world forever.
It's not about the number a movement begins with but the propriety, the appropriateness of the idea. Allen Barrett
Totally agree with WAB on 5/4/09 comments. All that is required is a nucleus of people with enough fortitude to move this County Charter forward. People who have studied what is required. People who are credible in our community. People who have the best interests of our county and our citizens at heart. People willing to roll up their sleeves and work work work. I think County Charter could help. But have heard that there are some new folks leading the charter movement. Is this true and who are they? I assume the group interested in the charter who have been holding these meetings has voted these folks in? Please provide the names of the officers of the group and their contact information so we know who to contact.
to 5.7.09
This group wants positive change. So I am sure they voted in their own officers. Otherwise they are acting just like the good ole boys they are trying to thwart. Who are the officers leaders of the group Mr. Barret?
Kathie Hass and Judy Laviana are the co-vice chairs and Allen Barrett serves as chairman of the committee. These people were elected by those attending the organizational meeting and subsequent meetings.
The major difference in this group and what you refer to as the "good ole boy network" is the opportunity for everyone to be active participants based on their ideas instead of their relationships.
This group is about county progress and enrichment not personal enrichment and family advancement. Allen Barrett
Is Kathie Hass the same as Cathy Haas and living on E College Street?
yes and i hear that there tweren't no election!?!?!?
WAB you are saying there was an election of officers and word on the street is there never was one. We deserve to know the truth. I'm beginning to wish I didnt sign the petition.
Why did you sign a petition 5:19 but, missed the first meeting for the public to get informed??? The ignorance in this county is astounding! You deserve a brain too but, apparently you stepped in the wrong line when they were passing them out. You are truly amazing!!! You deserve, you deserve...what a joke! You are demanding to be informed, yet you chose not to be present to inform yourself. You are truly a pinhead!! Statements such as yours would make a sane person crazy. I beat my head against a wall trying to understand how people like you function daily with your level of intellect. Since when did it become anyone's priority to keep people like you informed? Inform yourself for crying out loud. Take some responsibility for yourself like others are required to do.
May 12 5:26. We cannot all got to these meetings. We have family priorities or some of us still have jobs. Don't blame people that wanted to go to the meeting but couldn't for asking questions. We can look at this website at our leisure. It was not leisure time at the meeting for many. I think you owe someone an apology. Don't call people names if you don't know the circumstances.
5:26 am
I am 5:19 pm. I couldnt go to the public meeting to get informed because I attended another function being held at the same time. I have a reasonable knowledge of charters anyway since I have done research as time became available. This discussion is not about the meeting. I commented the public should be informed about the truth of the election of officers in the group bringing this charter to the public. If you cant be honest about how things are being run internally how can the public feel confident in anything presented to them.
WAB please provide us with information on the charter committee group. You wrote "These people were elected by those attending the organizational meeting and subsequent meetings". Why wasn't all the officers elected at the "organizational meeting"? Not enough people show up or not enough interest in charter? Why did you have to have a second, third, another election at "subsequent meetings"? Everybody is talking about how this charter could help our county but it seems the whole truth and nothing but the truth is missing in the account of the election of officers. Why are there clouds around this issue. It seems someone asked a simple question about officers for the group and then it seems someone blogs that there wasn't an election. WAB please set us straight on this. Was there an election or did people just volunteer and take over the leader slots?
To the 11 May 5:19 poster.
Not only do you deserve to have an answer to your question, one of the hopes for this group and blog is to enable people to be better informed.
Those who serve as chairman and both vice-chairs were elected by those who were in attendance. This was not a county wide election only one involving those present. It's only a matter of semantics as to whether these were elected or appointed either way they accepted the positions yet have no more power than any other member of the group. Have you ever tried to do something without having at least someone to lead the meetings. In order to accomplish the best results from the "Home rule" provision it will require as much active participation as possible from as many people as possible.
Now regardless of what you might have heard on the street these are the facts.
So please, if you or anyone else has questions feel free and welcome to ask them. Our next meeting is planned for the Minor Hill area the date and time will be posted later. Allen Barrett
Allen Barrett
If everyone wasnt present and you and your vice-chairs were "appointed", were other people in the group given an opportunity to fill those positions? Were they even asked? How many people in attendance when they were "elected"? Three? Was the remainder of the group asked their opinion? Have you elected a charter group secretary or have you "appointed" that position as well?
WAB Agree people want and need to be informed but they also want to be told the truth. It is not a matter of semantics between being elected or appointed. We have elected commissioners who run on their merits and then we have appointed commissioners by someone already in office, the good ole boy system. Reading between the lines it seems you have not been truthful and you are struggling to save face and trying to preserve what bit of credibility you might have left. Why dont you come out and tell the truth say you are sorry. This would be more acceptable to the bloggers.
To the two anonymous posters directly above.
There is no way "everyone " could have been present to vote, less than half the registered voters cast a ballot in the last county election does than mean the election of commissioners was invalid? I know of no way to make people attend meetings and vote for or against anything, do you?
Yes, everyone and anyone who was interested had the same opportunity to serve in these three offices. Anyone who is now interested in serving is very welcome to contact me and I assure you we will hold another election for your benefit, I'll even campaign for you as long as you're not a stooge for those seeking to sabotage this opportunity.
At the present time there is no "charter group secretary".
As for telling the truth give me one shred of evidence that I have done less than that.
The reason I stated it was a matter of semantics is because someone had questioned how many were involved in this election process. If an election is held and only one person voted would that be an election or an appointment? That is not what happened only an example of the difficulty of trying to explain a matter to someone not willing to accept the words and terms used to describe the situation.
I find your statement, "Reading between the lines it seems you have not been truthful and you are struggling to save face and trying to preserve what bit of credibility you might have left", not only offensive and without merit but completely absurd. Perhaps you should stop reading between the lines until you learn to read "the lines", that should lead to much less confusion for you. Yes, if that sound like I'm irritated I am, I don't have a lot of patience for people who simply make up things then try to pass it off as truth under an anonymous posting.
I have written the truth and if you can't accept that sorry, that's your problem. Until you can show me some credibility of your own by producing something to support the idea I have been less than truthful, something other than your feelings, I could not care less about whether you believe me or not. Allen Barrett
WAB How many members are there in your charter group? Then tell us how many people present on the day or days the elections were held and how many votes each candidate received. That might resolve the dispute.
Why did you not elect a secretary to take minutes and record votes. Who then has the vote count?
Isn't it funny, actually pathetic, that people beg and plead for Mr Barrett to keep them informed and the second he posts something, someone attacks him; latest being this small group election. If you weren't there, you don't get a vote; standard operating procedure, sounds like to me; if only 3 were there,( to the smart-alec poster of this afternoon) then only 3 could vote; give me a break. The question is, were you there? If not, then shut-up about the officers. That's true of : bridge clubs, sororities, fraternities, Lions Club, Booster Clubs, or most any organization. You can't vote if you're not there; oh forgot for a second, didn't mean to confuse anybody with common sense and facts!
Foreigner
Dear Foreigner
I have never asked Mr Barret to keep me informed on anything, so I have never begged or pleaded. All I asked for was a simple answer to a couple of questions and I asked for the vote count. Would you not expect your bridge club etc to have that information and be willing to produce it if requested if there was any question about a vote? What happened to a quorum or don't they exist in your social clubs? Remember, this is not a social organization. It is a group representing the voters of Giles Co. There is a responsibility that goes with that representation. Will we get an answer from Mr. Barret or will he be hiding behind your skirts or pants, whichever the case may be?
From Foreigner, Not that it's any of your business, but I can assure you that Mr Barrett is not hiding behind me. We would both find that very awkward, as we have never met each other. I was not speaking in defense of him anyway,but apparently your reading skills are lacking. I was speaking of the ironic situation. Irony is a common literary term. I have no way of knowing who is pleading with Mr Barrett for info, but the facts are right here: two, maybe three people asked him for info and when he posted he was called a liar.
Please clear a few things up for this confused foreigner.
Since when does this group represent the voters of Giles County? Who says a quorum must be present for a vote? Have bylaws been adopted for this group?
I don't know as I was not there, were you? That was my point, sorry you were not able to process it.The status quo remains, facts are irrelevant as long as someone gets to put down the only person with enough conviction to sign his name. (and yes, to those of you uninterested in the issues but only hoping for an opportunity to criticize any and all who suggest progress) the irony is not lost on me that I am among those too cowardly to post my name. I still maintain that if one did not make arrangements to attend a well advertised meeting then one missed their opportunity to vote. Only in Giles Co have I ever heard of elections being "re-done" because a few did not like the outcome of the first election. Seems like those who didn't attend this fledgling group's meeting aren't much different from those who insisted us citizens were too stupid to vote correctly on Financial Mgt, so we had to show them again, our wishes. Seems like some of us have come "full circle." I think Mr Barrett's offer of having another election is very generous, but I also think it is setting a dangerous precedent. But again, I am an "outsider", have only been here 20 years, so what do I know???
Foreigner
I understand this group that Mr Barret is a part of is a very informally organized group, no dues, restrictive membership, bi-laws or organizational chart and makes no claim of representing anyone other than themselves. So May 12 @ 7:15 why don't you attend the next meeting for some 1st hand information, call Mr. Barret, produce something to support your belief that he is lying or just shut up? Either one of these suggestions would save you from sounding so stupid.
Foreigner
What well advertised fledging meeting? The first word of anything about a county charter being offered to the voters was a couple of months ago. This group had to have had meetings prior to that. As to representation, seems to me when you are bringing something of that magnitude to the voters and the impact it could have on the county you need to keep everything in the open and above board with plenty of advertising allowing others to participate. It also means knowing the difference between electing and nominating which is what this discussion is all about.
Let me ask you this Mr Foreigner, have we ever seen an ad asking other interested people to join the group?
Then we have Mr Barret not knowing the name of his vice-chair posting it as Kathie Hass rather than Cathie Haas. Was that done deliberately?
This arguement could be easily settled by asking the other members of "the group" if the chair and vice-chairs were elected by them or appointed. Anyone know who those members are?
Ok anonymous, you got me, I'm guilty, I can't spell worth a toot on a penny whistle. It seems not being able to spell a persons name is a long way from not knowing it. By your reasoning, or lack of, you don't know my name since you misspelled it even though you have apparently read my posts where my name was included and spelled properly.
The meeting was advertised on "GilesSwap", no we didn't have a full page ad or a personal letter to you announcing this meeting both those things took money and a lot of it. Did you personally go to the courthouse and pay your property taxes, if you did you should have seen the people there, outside the door of the tax office, collecting names for the petition.
It also amazes me that one so keenly aware of the "word on the street" would have failed to hear anything about the last meeting.
I am sorry that you were left out of the information loop, if you will send me your name and address I will be more than happy to send you a personal invitation to the next meeting. Heck, I invite you now to come over to my house and we can discuss any and all aspects of this movement.
I didn't think so. It seems your only purpose is in nitpicking and criticizing without bringing anything constructive to the table. Oh, well, as the kids say "WHATEVER". Allen Barrett
Sorry. Have seen your name spelt with one L and two. I stand corrected. Thank you.
Who are the members of your group?
From Foreigner, to 9:44, the answer to your question is, "yes."
And I wish to thank you for further proving my point that far too many on here on so indifferent on the issues and their sole purpose in posting is to criticize and "shoot the messenger."
Oh my, what a clever zinger, I'm so impressed! You certainly put Mr Barrett in his place for not knowing the name of his "co-chair" or whatever the title is...
Really Mr Barrett, is it Cathy, or Kathy, or Cathie, or Kathie, or Cathey, or Kathey? How irresponsible for not knowing a person's name. Get the tar and feathers ready, and let's get a kangaroo court assembled quickly!
Give us all a break, 9:44. There is a vast difference between knowing a person's name and spelling their name correctly. If that is your basis for objecting to WAB, you are pretty desperate for drama. (My apologies to Mr Barrett for the tongue-in-cheek "reprimand", I will be the first to admit I can be a bit sarcastic over the silliness of some of these complaints. Especially when they won't find out for themselves, but rely on the "grape-vine" for info)
But again I am only an outsider who has been intruding here for a mere 20 years...maybe some day I will be welcome here and allowed to call Giles County, "home".
Foreigner
Foreigner:
Your continued postings only prove one thing. You are totally clueless about what is really going on. And why these questions are beng asked. WAB has always shot straight before and I have taken up for him many times and admired his staces. However, this time the bullet may have curved slightly or a bit more than slightly.
To the 13 May poster who asked, "Who are the members of your group?"
I am sorry if I have not answered your questions the way you want them answered, I have tried to respond, with as much clarity as possible, to your questions as I understood them.
There is no member list as I said before it is a very informal group of people who are interested in bettering this county and its financial situation. Some people have attended one meeting and not another. The meetings have been publicized except for the first one which consisted of about six people who met at McDonald's. There is nothing more secretive about these people than they also have other important things to do on a daily basis and can not spend all their time on this issue.
I have not been given permission by anyone, nor have I asked, to release their names. If you haven't noticed there are some powerful folks in this county who are very vindictive, and some who just want to be critically irritating, both are desired by some to be avoided, that may be your reason for posting anonymously.
The bottom line is this, there is no official membership only varying attendees of meetings, all positions are informally held by the will of those who elected them, there is no monetary exchanges made in any manner and no one has any more directorial power than another. The only reason for identifying officers is so someone can be in charge of the meetings to recognize those wishing to speak, and to turn off the lights when the meeting is over.
When I have sought to give detailed explanations in the past I have been accused of "talking down" to people, when I have been brief I have been accused of not telling the truth, so whatever this response may be categorized as it's all I have to say about the matter of membership and elected persons. Allen Barrett
WAB That is the most evasive response I have ever heard. You would make a great politician.
To coin a phrase from Paul Harvey ....there's this story that we're being told and then there's "the rest of the story".
Someone needs to start a group to defeat this whole charter mess. Something stinks about it.
Who died and left WAB boss? Everybody thinks he is so crooked, start your own group or at least go to the meetings yourself; nah, much easier to sit back and criticize.
Mr Barrett, I must make a point to meet you one day. The power and influence you wield over so many is amazing to me; I never have seen so many hanging on to every word a person says hoping for an opportunity to point out a fault, never pausing to consider that they themselves would not dare speak out in public. When you are silent, that ask you to speak up, when you speak up, they attack. You inspire strong emotion in many citizens of this county. I wish I were as courageous as you to take a stand; even tho I do disagree with you on some points, (as well as agree on others, which is such a foreign concept to most folks), I do admire you for ALWAYS owning up to what you saying. I wish I could be that open and honest.
8:46, I am far from clueless; I understand that while you have offered no encouragement or possible solutions, when wab or anyone does offer anything, you quickly shoot it down. What's the old saying? "Lead, follow, or get out of the way."
Foreigner
Yep, he's a true paragon of virtue. Being facetious there.
I'm sorry, 1:59, I must have missed your suggestions or comments on the issue of the charter; mine were:go to the meetings of the current committee or start one of your own. In other words, "lead, follow, or get out of the way." Maybe your solution is to "shoot the messenger."????? I do believe some would allow a public building to burn to the ground if they were standing on the sidewalk, saw the flames, and smelled the smoke, if they found out that wab was the one who called 9-1-1! What does that man have that inspires so much passion? It's a fascinating study in psychology: I will miss it when we move...translated get deported to a surrounding "foreign" state.
Foreigner
One thing about WAB is he certainly does stir passionate responses some to criticism and some to positive actions. The reason for this is, I believe, not just with him but for most people who are willing to stand up and be counted, it makes those unwilling to do so all the more aware of their fears and weaknesses. Many people when faced with their fears and weaknesses simply seek to overcome them while still others sulk back into the shadows and throw rocks of criticism hoping no one will notice them shaking before their own shadows.
I too have had disagreements with WAB on this blog but I have yet to find him wrong about a matter only
not clear in what he was saying.
Mr. Barret:
Please tell us what happened at commission meeting yesterday. Heard it was interesting?
He wasnt there.
I thought Mr. Barrett was "The Reporter".
Yeah it was interesting!Loretta Garner's incompetence was brought up.Will be a finance comm. meeting in the coming days to get to the bottom of the issues the commissioners have with her job duties. Will be interesting to see how the meeting goes. I will not miss this one. This lady is a liability for the county. I bet a hundred times the commissioners wish another more competent person was chosen to fill the position of finance director. What a shame and disappointment. She should go ahead and resign and save herself any further embarrassment.
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