How Did A Small Circle Of Family And Friends Of The Mayor Get So Much Power Over Your Checkbook?
Why do the same names keep coming up every time you turn over a rock?
Consider that tomorrow 9 June 2009 the Pulaski Electric Company will ask for approval from the Pulaski City Council to borrow 7.2 million dollars, while still owing over eleven million for the energize programs. This is supposed to enable the electric company to install controls that will allow remote reading and slow downs of power usage. Now consider that before approval has been given that Mr. Holcomb has been so sure of approval he has already begun spending the money.
No doubt many read in last weeks paper that there would be no rate increase accompanying this loan but now we find that in a resolution sent from Mr. Hoover who is both the Power Board attorney and the City attorney, that either this loan will be approved by the Council or else the people will have their rates increased.
Consider how it is that the same person Andy Hoover serves as the city attorney and also the power board attorney. How does one person sat on both sides of the same table representing each side equally? It’s sort of like playing checkers with yourself you can absolutely predict the outcome with complete certainty.
How does the mayor sit on both sides of the table representing the City of Pulaski and also the Power Board? Perhaps that helps explain why the City pays the Electric Company over $200,000.00 a year for billing of water, sewer and gas?
Consider that Mayor Speer and company are appointing themselves, family and friends under their control to positions on the Power Board and the Chamber of Commerce then they interact through those positions to the detriment of the taxpayers.
Isn’t it time taxpayers started demanding accountability and separation of family members and friends being placed in these positions who are enriching themselves while continuing to place financial burdens on the average citizen?
Conflicts of interest abound, bully tactics dominate and lies pave the way. When will the abuse of power stop? Allen Barrett
Consider that tomorrow 9 June 2009 the Pulaski Electric Company will ask for approval from the Pulaski City Council to borrow 7.2 million dollars, while still owing over eleven million for the energize programs. This is supposed to enable the electric company to install controls that will allow remote reading and slow downs of power usage. Now consider that before approval has been given that Mr. Holcomb has been so sure of approval he has already begun spending the money.
No doubt many read in last weeks paper that there would be no rate increase accompanying this loan but now we find that in a resolution sent from Mr. Hoover who is both the Power Board attorney and the City attorney, that either this loan will be approved by the Council or else the people will have their rates increased.
Consider how it is that the same person Andy Hoover serves as the city attorney and also the power board attorney. How does one person sat on both sides of the same table representing each side equally? It’s sort of like playing checkers with yourself you can absolutely predict the outcome with complete certainty.
How does the mayor sit on both sides of the table representing the City of Pulaski and also the Power Board? Perhaps that helps explain why the City pays the Electric Company over $200,000.00 a year for billing of water, sewer and gas?
Consider that Mayor Speer and company are appointing themselves, family and friends under their control to positions on the Power Board and the Chamber of Commerce then they interact through those positions to the detriment of the taxpayers.
Isn’t it time taxpayers started demanding accountability and separation of family members and friends being placed in these positions who are enriching themselves while continuing to place financial burdens on the average citizen?
Conflicts of interest abound, bully tactics dominate and lies pave the way. When will the abuse of power stop? Allen Barrett
posted by Allen Barrett | 8:04 PM
163 Comments:
Can we say conflict of interest OR is it interestSSSSS???? Why don't the city council speak up?
Unbelievable! Another negative thread that I'm sure will be filled with more of the same (name-calling, maliciousness, accusations, etc.).
Can we not move past the jealousy and envy and discuss some positive things about Giles County? Everyone is NOT corrupt and dishonest here. In fact, at the risk of criticism from a "small group" of malcontents (there's that word again), I would say that there are no more of those people here than you will find anywhere else on God's green earth. Human nature changes very little across this earthly spectrum. Giles County doesn't hold a corner on the market!
May I make a suggestion here? Get a life and start praying for people rather than continually condemning them!
7:50 Jealousy has nothing to do with it. This is about holding the powers that be accountable for their actions. The people of Pulaski/Giles County have spent too many years with their heads in the sand and have allowed only a few people to be in control of everything. It is high time that the people speak out against such blatant conflict of interest.
Why do you CONSTANTLY scream negative thread? If you don't want to know what is actually going on don't read this blog. I believe you are one of the circle or top dogs and feel your pay or position in jeopardy. Taxpayers deserve to know what is going on even in Pulaski, Tenn !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to pray for you because you want to remain ignorant about what is going on. Or more likely you want all of us to remain in the dark so you can keep on keeping on. So scram because we are tired of your same old whining about negative threads. This topic is just beginning to scratch the surface.
This is the way that Speer does business. If you don't agree, then he will raise taxes. This was exactly what he did when everyone voted down the sales tax. He also operates city hall the same way. A good while back he replaced all the computers in city hall. They were already in place when it was voted to get them.
spanky..
Let me just remind you that we have judicial and criminal justice systems in place to deal with those who break the law. Right? So, why don't you and the others who have "the goods" on those you want removed from office turn over the evidence and then butt out? Oh, but you can't trust those systems because they are corrupted as well, right?
If there is no malfeasance, then vote these people out at election time. Oh, but that won't work either because you can't trust people here in Giles County to make informed and intelligent decisions about voting.
So, it looks like your only alternative is to get on this blog and do your best to destroy the ones you want to see gone. Isn't that about it in a nutshell? If it's not, please enlighten me.
to 8:18
I call them negative because that's exactly what they are designed to be; the "blogmaster" knows that, and you don't?
If I want to know what is going on in Giles County, I certainly do not base my opinions on what I read on this blog. Do you honestly think that bright and intelligent people actually read and/or post on this blog? I relize that is also an indictment of me as well, but I just had to ask. If you do, may I suggest therapy? Finally, your guess that I am peobably one of the "top dogs" is hilarious. Such paranoia!
"Malfeasance" huh? Somebody broke out the old thesaurus. This thread and others like it are about bringing to light what happens under the cover of darkness in the backrooms of Pulaski. Who else will bring these things to light? Steve Lake and the Pulaski Citizen news team? Please, they couldn't find their rear ends with a road map. It is the responsibility of the citizen to hold elective officials accountable.
You're wrong Spanky. The 9:17 poster didn't have to get a thesaurus. He knows the word because he is at the top of the pay scale with the city and is a regular reader of this blog. Folks at the top of the feeding chain don't want anything more revealed. It is getting a little too close for comfort. A thesaurus wasn't necessary because it is a word he is familiar with. He's part of the try to control what they talk about brigade. Of course he'll deny it all while he sits at the computer paid for by taxpayers to post on this blog.
Callie here.....I agree that the city mayor uses intimidation and bullying to get his way. I also agree that little ppl, with little minds, do little things that hurt a great number of ppl. I am SO glad I live in the county and NOT the city limits. However, what goes on in the 'city' government does affect me and some of my tax $$....of which I have NO vote.
Here are a few things that have bothered me about 'city' government lately:
1. Notice how the football field renovation was voted on TWICE. So, the ppl of Giles County could have a SECOND chance to RE-THINK the issue. The FIRST vote was a loud NO! What is more corrupt than having a second vote to get the MAYOR'S way?? Notice how fast the work is being done?? Can't miss ONE day of ball games.
2. No one can miss the BEAUTIFUL electric system building on 1st street. I must say it IS up to date. I MUST also say, IT COST THE PPL WHO USE PES ELECTRICITY A PRETTY PENNY!! That would be fine, except times are VERY hard and Giles County has a LOW per capita income per family. I mean there are those who have $$ and those who don't with VERY LITTLE families in the middle. Check out the free and reduced lunch percentages at PES & SES that should give you a clue about family income.
3. The other day I heard on the local radio, Pulaski Electric System wanted MORE money! I was SHOCKED! I thought 'they just got a chunck of money. What is up??' That is what this thread is REALLY about, 'WHAT IS UP??' No one can trust the electric system not to raise the rates. Just like no one can trust the Federal Government to develop a plan to keep unemployment down. That IS just a pipe dream or plain out lie. Maybe even a con. Citizens HAVE THE RIGHT AND SHOULD ASK QUESTIONS. Citizens SHOULD KEEP A WATCHFUL EYE ON ANY PUBLIC FIGURE. If a public figure is honest and open IT WILL SHOW. If not, the public figure will ALWAYS be questioned. When SO much of 'local' government are 'related' (mom, dad, grandma, sister, brother, uncle, cousin, in-laws, etc.) MUCH CAN AND WILL BE CONTROLLED.
11:28
Please tell me you are not that stupid? Are you? Amazing.
I have absolutely nothing to do with the "feeding chain" you so intelligently referred to in your post. Perhaps you need to take spanky with you to therapy.
Do you ever ask yourself (when you look in the mirror) why you feel such hatred for certain people in county and city governmennt? The "try to control what they talk about brigade" reference was absolutely hilarious. But isn't a lot of you folks' whining about control...or rather, not having any? All I am doing is attempting to "reveal" that to the readers.
You really need to consult a therapist.
You are the one that needs to consult a therapist if you really think that we believe all the hype that you spout all the time.
3:15
Whether you (we) believe me or not makes no difference to me. I'm just trying to explain to you (we) that I have become a self-appointed reporter who comes to this blog with opinions of my own. I have as much right to "expose and reveal" as anyone else does, don't I? Opposing viewpoints are the life of a "free speech" blog?
Do any of you "self appointed reporters" have any idea what happened today about the 7 million dollars?
Guess not, This blog is such a joke.
The 7.2 million was approved partly because the projects had already begun, sort of like knocking down a building in your way then going to court to determine whose property the building was on. With the inbreeding of the committee members, that makes the movie "Deliverance" seem like a comedy, there was never any real doubt that the rubber stamp of approval was already in motion before the council met.
With this approval the door is opened for installing a "smart grid" that will allow the electric department to determine how much electricity each house CAN use. With this system if THEY determine your house is using too much electricity between four and six PM for example, THEY, NOT YOU can simply turn it down so your air conditioner doesn't cool or your TV goes black. The other opportunity is for them to simply charge you more for the electricity that you use at certain times of the day. Folks, it's about control, the loss of freedom and imposing the will of others on you.
Several European countries have had this system for a number of years that's one reason you don't find many individually owned air conditioners and why during the hottest days of summer so many die from the heat. The tree huggers, dollar grabbers, power cannibals and brain dead TV addicts are killing this country and its incentive for excellence and individual achievement. Allen Barrett
Callie here.....Sounds like Socialism to me!! If WE don't STAND UP FOR OUR FREEDOMS AS AMERICANS, WE WILL SURELY GET WALKED ON! Like PES is doing and 'some' of our city and county 'dictators'. WAKE UP PEOPLE!
wab
Inbreeding of the committee members? Incredible! What would you say if some of those "inbreeds" showed up at your church one Sunday morning seeking redemption? Would you turn them away because they are INBREEDS? I'll ask you a question; what would Jesus do? You really are a piece of work, you know.
7:33am are you that dumb, really? Surely yo don't think he really meant inbreeds. I think it is funny actually because what he says is so true throughout our community. Kinships and friendships are abundant in our county and city government. No one gets an opportunity unless you know someone in this town. You are absolutely fooling yourself if you think otherwise.
7:56
Of course not! Are you that stupid? It just seemed odd that a preacher would be on a public blog referring to people as inbreeds. He may not have meant it literally, but the thought was io his mind. Don't you think he could have used a better choice of words? Probably not, but I do!
Let me ask you a question. There are nepotism laws in place. With the evidence you have, why don't you turn it over to the proper authorities and let them pursue it? Oh, I know; the authorities are all corrupt too.
Let's take the preacher out of it. Let's make this a game like 50 states when you are on vacation trying to see one license plate for every state. Let me start it off and then others join in.
In the court house, family ties are many. I hear Judge Damron's secretary is a cousin. One of Merry Sigmon's workers is her son. He worked for sheriff before that. Son's wife Beth is employed in financial management office making about 45 thousand I hear since given a 13 thousand raise by T Jackson just before she transferred from school system. Sheriff Heltons wife works for register of deeds Kay Gibbons. Police chief Dickey has wife working for Carol Wade. Your turn now.
You sound a bit jealous. Again, turn your evidence of nepotism over to the proper authorities.
I don't think Mr. Barrett meant inbreeding in the way some of you "think you are so smart people" want to put it.
If the inbreed person came to his church and wanted to go up and change their way I life, I'm sure he would except them.
8:19 I'm interested. Please post where I look up nepotism laws for TN. Thanks.
8:54 Enlightening post. Thanks.
I must apologize for posting some inaccurate information on Tuesday, 9 June at 10:04PM.
I inaccurately reported that the 7.2 million dollar requested by the Pulaski Electric System WAS approved. Actually it WAS NOT approved by a vote of four to three.
This was a very unusual step in the right direction by the City Board of Aldermen.
I applaud the four aldermen who stood up for the people and voted no to this absurdity of lies, excess and invasion of privacy.
Voting NO were Aldermen Jenkins, Harwell, Gentry and Baddour. Voting to rubber stamp this proposal without questions were Miles, Paysinger and Speer.
One revelation, made under heavy direct questioning, was by Mr. Holcomb from PES. Mr Holcomb and the mayor have on several occasions declared that PES only has 11 million dollars of debt and thus there would be no negative impact on rate payers if an additional 7.2 million of debt was incurred. Truth is PES has 19,440,000.00 in debt. 7.2 million additional would make it over 26 and a half million. When asked specifically how much he had already spent on this project Mr Holcomb finally revealed that he had already spent between 450,000 and 500,000 dollars on this project. One question is if he has already begun this project why did he seek permission from the Board of Aldermen and if he needed their approval why did he already start the project?
Thanks to the four Aldermen who voted to table this, and now find themselves under heavy lobbying by the Mayor and his cohorts, there will be a public meeting at noon on the 23rd of June at City Hall. I urge everyone including those who get power from PES and live in the county to attend this meeting and voice your objections to this very invasive program.
Again I am sorry for the inaccurate post and hope this helps clarify my error. Allen Barrett
I live in the county. I have electric service from Pulaski Electric. I can't vote in city election but I have friends and family in town. I do have a dog in this race because I am a rate payer. I will be at the public hearing and I thank the council people who stood up for the people. I'm calling my commissioners to ask them to go to meeting. This affects everybody mostly.
Many times I have been criticized for using words one peculiar poster has problems comprehending. Instead of this person asking for clarification or using a dictionary to find a meaning, they simply put their own meaning to my words then make such criticisms as this absuritity posted on 10 June at 7:33.
"Inbreeding of the committee members? Incredible! What would you say if some of those "inbreeds" showed up at your church one Sunday morning seeking redemption? Would you turn them away because they are INBREEDS? I'll ask you a question; what would Jesus do? You really are a piece of work, you know".
The term inbreed as I used it referred to "an arbitrarily narrow social or cultural association" it had absolutely nothing to do with parentage. Surely even you would not claim that there is a great diversity on the Power Board, the Chamber or other Committees appointed by the mayor? Perhaps you should spend some time learning the meanings of words before you jump to stupid conclusions, but then that would be totally out of character for you, don't you agree?
The anonymous poster in their pious (here it means a self-conscious virtue) judgmental ravings questioned what my actions would be as a minister were certain people to attend church at Union Valley. Let me assure you my fine feathered friend no one is treated any differently by me regardless of their background. It's their future that is important. I don't change depending on which day it is or where I happen to be.
Now you asked in your sarcastic manner "what would Jesus do?"
I can tell you exactly what He did do with a group like I described. He told them the truth and called them such things as thieves and vipers. In one instance he even took a whip to a bunch of them.
One thing I noticed as with most of your other posts is that you shy away from the facts and focus on trivial matters to criticize. Why don't you try addressing the facts posted on this blog and supply some specifics with your criticisms, but then I already answered that question.
Understand please that I have no problem with your criticisms or you holding different ideas from me I only, as I have asked many times before, ask that you supply some specifics with those criticisms and some facts to support your "feelings". Allen Barrett
wab
Your excellency, why didn't you clarify YOUR meaning of the word when you wrote that post? There are so many of us who are beneath you in intelligence, so a little compassion and understanding on your part would have been helpful, don't you think? You should go back and read my 8:19 post and then you would know that I understood what you meant.
NO, I did not ask you sarcastically what Jesus would do; I asked it in a very literal and serious way. Sure Christ became angry and ran the money changers out of the temple. Certainly God killed Uzza for disobeying him. Yes, we have both a loving and wrathful God. I thinkw e all know that who serve the living God.
By the way, please explain to me how "feelings" are unrelated to the formation of opinions. Would you be so kind. And finally, did I not address an issue on this thread by asking about our judicial and criminal justice systems in place to deal with those who break the law? Did I not ask about nepotism laws? I think I did.
I Have posted a response to your questions 11:50 on the thread for blasting wab. Please feel free to read at your leisure.
why not make a thread for those vicxtims of wab's blasts?
Callie said.....Why not make a thread for 'those victims' of the ppl in the threads who 'blast' and damage innocent ppls lives? (Ex. Tee Jackson, Sherry Polly, Carole Swinford, Bill Holt, Bobby Hastings, Stoney Jackson, Kathy Norman, Romana Flacy, Dan Speer, Loretta Garner...the list could go on and on.) I AM GRATEFUL TO WAB FOR HIS QUEST TO MAKE GILES COUNTY A BETTER PLACE TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN! If anyone is REALLY interested in finding out how the board of education 'works' try attending the board meeting tomorrow (Thursday) at 5:00pm.
Cakkie..
I think you have the victims and the blasters confused. You have many of the victims in parentheses.
Excuse me. I meant to type Callie. Pardon the typo.
Callie here....Just 'laughable' for sure! I GOT IT RIGHT AND YOU AND THE 'CRUMBS' KNOW IT! I mean fans of 'cakkie'. It appears your 'cakkie' is half baked. Oh, you did not say if you are going to the board meeting tomorrow or staying home and trying to figure out what went WRONG with your 'cakkie' recipe.....I think you 'burned'it. No typo here.....
Callie..
How stupid of you. Your foolish attempt to be witty is noted.
Callie here.... 9:38pm THANKS I thought it was funny, too!! Hey 'cakkie, are you going to the school board meeting tonight at 5:00?? Or did you leave your 'cakkie' out in the rain?? :-)
No, but I'm sure you and your cohorts will be there with cameras rolling and notepad in hand and just itching for a chance to find fault. Right?
To be honest with you (and I know you will challenge that) I wouldn't go because of the drama.
Are you people serious. Grow up. The PES issue is a serious issue and all you people want to do is act like children.
Right on 8:21. But those people will sure take it serious when the electric system borrows over seven million more for customers to pay. You'll hear and see gnashing of teeth then! But it will be too late!
Several months ago I tried to tell people about what was happening in the Pulaski Water Department, how some unnecessary expansion would mean a terrible high increase in water bills. I pointed out that we were being lied to and that an eleven percent increase claimed by the mayor was actually almost a 25% increase. Only a couple came to the meeting where this huge increase was approved. Now, one simply has to look at their water bill to understand who was telling the truth in this matter. One only has to go by the Water Plant to see that the "Lagoon" that was claimed to be inappropriate fix for what was "ordered" by the state is the only real change other than the luxury of new buildings that have been added.
Now we come to a very similar situation with the Pulaski Electric monopoly. The question is will we be just as passive and take the word of people who have openly been caught lying to us again, roll over and just take it again, or will the people of this county finally stand up against the bully tactics of threats and blackmail and say NO to those who are enriching themselves at our expense? Allen Barrett
wab
How do you propose that citizens stand up.? Should we all make a statement by calling and asking them to cut off our power? Should we forma militia and take up arms? I'd really like your take on that. Thanks.
To the 11 June 1:29 anonymous poster who asked "how do you propose that citizens stand up?
Well I wouldn't suggest as you stated that we ask the power company to turn off our power and it's still a bit early to form a Militia.
I would suggest that everyone that can possibly show up at the public meeting on the 23th be there and address the council directly.
As individuals we are responsible for our lives whatever they may be but individually we often don't have the power to really alter the impact others have on our lives. As a group, and the larger the group the more impact, we can gather at City Hall united in one purpose and get the attention of those in charge and let them know we are not happy with this waste of money and invasion into our privacy and we will not be bullied into accepting it. Allen Barrett
Very interesting point of view, but from another perspective, our country's power grid is based on the 1960's. How many of you have seen the telecommunications industries transform from landlines to what is called “smart phones?” The power industry has remained stagnant for many years and has to transform to meet demand and reliability.
A smart grid delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers using digital technology to save energy, reduce cost and increase reliability. Did every household have a TV, microwave, HVAC unit, cell phone charger, iPod, etc and electric vehicles in 1960? Our nation is facing a crisis with growing power consumption and Tennessee is the biggest power consumer, nationally. We can choose to be responsible citizens and learn more about utilizing energy efficiencies to preserve our children's future. We need more generation if we do not conserve, are you willing to have the new nuclear plant or fossil fuel plant in your back yard? Smart grid is a national effort. With the obstacles our power industry faces with the tax burdens from pollutants and generation cost; it is a very short period of time before we WILL be charged with some form of time of use rates. How would you feel if you went to fuel your car with no price on the pump? Please inquire on other cities implementing smart grid. I want to know more about my consumption and how I can reduce my kilowatt hour usage.
And as far as the political aspect; people are elected by “majority.”
Callie here.... WAB what time is the City Council meeting on the 23rd? You are SO right about needing a LARGE crowd of folks there.
3:11pm I find it interesting that the local paper said Holcomb could NOT name ONE other city or county with this NEEDED $7.2 million update. Sooooooooooo, if it is soooooooooo necessary, WHY not??? Times are hard and money is tight. Many families are just struggling to pay the current charges of utilities. Our TRUST in PES has been DESTROYED by the fact that the PROJECT HAS BEEN STARTED BEFORE THE MONEY WAS APPROVED!! That is kind of like cheating or stealing taxpayers hard earned dollars!! If you REALLY want to know more about your consumption and how to reduce your kilowatt hour usage, why not stop by PES and have a chat with them. Most folks who use electricity KNOW how to reduce their kilowatt hour usage WITHOUT spending $7.2 million (plus interest) to find out! If not, the Smart Grid won't help them.
Also, Americans are losing more and more of their individual freedoms with this wonderful country moving more and more towards Socialism...frankly, it is scary. I think Smart Grid = government control. As for the political aspect; people are elected by the 'majority' of people who voted during a 'particular' election...unless of course there was some kind of 'hanky panky' with the election. Can you say A.C.O.R.N.??
Part One Of Two Parts
To the 11 June 3:11 poster. I also find your comments very interesting. I understand that the “grid” is not nearly as advanced as it could be and that there have been many advances that require more electric energy. The grid is very different than the so called “smart meters”, better identified as control meters.
Here are some things that I find worthy of discussion. In every instance where electrical usage has been decreased the rates have gone up in order to maintain the same level of income for the producers so what is the financial benefit gained from cutting back?
I fail to understand how the “power industry” has remained stagnant for many years with all the advances that have been made and implemented in computer technology, advancements in energy generation and even in transmission of that energy. Billions have been spent upgrading and expanding systems over the past thirty years.
The problem isn’t simply in having advancements to the grid but also in giving the ability to control the power that is coming into individual homes to unknown people sitting in some distant office. I do not want a European system of continual “brownouts” with power being reduced during the hottest times of the day or the coldest times of the winter.
Your statement, “Our nation is facing a crisis with growing power consumption and Tennessee is the biggest power consumer, nationally” is the kind of disingenuous statement that causes me to be suspicious and question every other statement you made. Tennessee clearly is not anywhere near the biggest power consumer in the nation or even in the south. Actually we are about twelve in the nation in energy consumption; in fact we are behind, far behind Texas, Florida, California, New York and even Rhode Island in energy consumption.
As for the comment about nuclear plants I would have no concerns about having one in my backyard. Nuclear plants are the safest and cheapest energy producers. They are all over Europe and my brother lived on top of one for eleven years, he has two children by choice, they each have the same number of heads and feet as other normal children and I have never seen him glow in the dark. After he left the Navy and his nuclear sub he worked nine more years in a nuclear plant in Decatur, Il. I would be far more concerned at having a tree hugging nut like Al Gore living in my back yard than both a nuclear and a fossil fuel plant there.
Yes we need more generation but that will be needed no matter how much we conserve and the cost will be increasingly greater.
Allen Barrett
Part Two Of Two
I agree that, “Smart grid is a national effort”, but it’s an effort being pushed by the craziest of environmental nuts and people who think they are better qualified to direct our lives than are we. One of the fundamental principles from our history is that we are individuals charged with our own well being. Now comes the socialist that “feel” instead of “think” and they feel that it’s better for the government to control our lives rather than for us to be responsible. Many have become convinced, through the dumbing down by government schools, that it’s better to give everything to an inefficient government with an empty promise that it will take care of us from cradle to grave. I notice that the great algore and the obama have no problem telling others how to live as long as they are personally exempted. Only a fool would believe that the government is better qualified to make decisions for me than I am. My freedom came at a great price and I will not treat it so disrespectfully.
You raise an interesting point in your comment, “ With the obstacles our power industry faces with the tax burdens from pollutants and generation cost; it is a very short period of time before we WILL be charged with some form of time of use rates”. First I would ask why are the obstacles for producing energy so great? Simply because crazy people believe that CO2 is a dangerous pollutant that we must spend trillions of tax dollars to prevent in order to save us from it. Listen carefully CO2 is not a noxious gas and I challenge you to produce the name of one scientist that says it has an odor or is poisonous to humans or even that it is an absolute cause of global warming.
As for your comment about fuel for my car with no price on the pump it’s utterly absurd because I don’t use gas the same way I use electricity. Currently I have no idea how much I will be required to pay from one fill up to the next and again that is the result of government interference not supply. There is plenty of oil in the Gulf, in Alaska and more than enough in the shale deposits in the west to supply this country’s need for the next two hundred years. That is a long time, in fact it’s about how long it will take to get out of the debt the obama has created in the past five months.
In response to your comment, “Please inquire on other cities implementing smart grid”, I will tell you what my Granny usually told me when I tried this ploy on her, “if everyone else was jumping off a bridge would you jump too?”. Because someone else is doing something stupid and unnecessary doesn’t mean I have to join in and do the same thing.
If you have a desire to “know more about your consumption and how you can reduce your kilowatt hour usage” have at it but don’t require me to pay for it and don’t ask me to put one of your control meters on my house. I will decide when I am using too much electricity and when I need to cut back I get that understanding every month when I open my electric bill so thank you but no thanks.
Finally you state, “as far as the political aspect; people are elected by “majority.” I have no problem with that a part of our freedom assures us that we all have the right to be wrong now and then.
Allen Barrett
Even you.
If I leave the TV on when no one is watching it, I leave a light on when not needed don't that say I'm using to much.
I now to cut it off.
I know to not have the water heater to hot. There is lots of ways we can cut our use without someone telling me when I can take a bath or wash dishes.
You people dont understand "Smart Grid". Go to the meetings and listen, rather than taking everything WAB says as Gospel.
If you read what WAB said it's not th grid that's the problem but the meter that allows PES to control when and how you use electricity.
I was at the meeting when Holcomb said plain out that the meters could be controlled from their offices. If they could be controlled they will be.
This is what the person said that WAB answered "it is a very short period of time before we WILL be charged with some form of time of use rates". That makes it clear to me what's in store. I agree with WAB it's all about controlling other people's lives and activities from what they eat to what they drive to how cool or warm they stay.
Getting back to jobs and connections in the town. There is a serious problem of "who you know" vs. "what you know" in Pulaski and Giles County in regard to employment. Want a job in the school system? You better be friends with a inside track. Lots of sucking up here or fear of offending to keep a job, or gain access to the inner circle. Speaking of inner circles how in the world is it that you can lack a college education and be employed in jobs that require a degree (in most towns)? How can you get bumped from consideration when your experience and education outweigh that of those hired? Who is going to stick around and get stuck by being over taxed, underpaid, lack of employment, little chance for a voice in government or fair representation and lack of action by the local citizens to CHANGE that scenario? Welcome to Pulaski and Giles County folks and thank you for passing through with your tourism dollars on the way to somewhere with something interesting to tour. We can afford to pay the tab of 10% sales tax for the pleasure of seeing your bumper on the way through here. Laughable...otherwise you might just cry.
So what do you propose as solutions?
Callie here....11:14am You hit the nail on the head, EXACTLY!!! This is the very reason the director/board of education CANNOT get math, science and english teachers to apply for a job or stay here!! Instead of treating ALL teachers FAIRLY and PROFESSIONALLY, the director/board choose to keep them 'below' the standards of other counties in TN. Therefore, the director/board are ALWAYS whining and crying because 'highly qualified professional' educators won't apply in Giles! They are smart enough NOT to put up with the crap that is constantly SHOVED down local educator's throats!! I heard the director/board are going to pay math, science, english teachers MORE than other educators; in an effort to attract them to Giles. What a bunch of crap!! What is really crappy is; the local teacher's union GCEA has agreed to let it happen! OMG!!! Until the educators of Giles stand up AS A GROUP and say 'We are professionals and we won't be treated as sub-human' nothing and I mean NOTHING will change!!
12:54 You say, "So what do you propose as a solution?" OMG :-0 Have you just started reading this thread?? Go to city, county, board meetings. Bring your friends and family. Speak up!! Call, write, talk to your commissioners, board member, city council member....don't just sit on your assets and say, "So what do you propose as a solution?"
callie,
You need to see your doctor for some medication...at least for your blood pressure which has got to be maxing out. Just a suggestion.
Callie here....Thank ya, honey! Not stressed out, just trying to get my point across.
I propose raising the bar, holding the line and saying no to nepotism unless a family member is qualified over the other applicants. Even then they should not be reviewed by family members.
I propose that we all elect qualified representation that honestly works toward improving the county on budget not rhetoric of "better times" and spending now for the future.
Accountability in all areas of government and non profit sectors.
I could write and write but this is all redundant to the rules and policies and laws in place. How about enforcement or better yet increase in watch dogs who ferret out wrong doing? If this blog serves nothing else it can help to point out where and what is happening across the county to alert a sleeping giant, the people, who pay the tab.
Don't we already have a "small circle" of watchdogs already out there in the trenches for us who are busy with championing the cause of the poor and the oppressed in this county? Those who know best?
Not sure why you paraphrase "small circle" when the quote would be "increase in watch dogs"?
At any rate those who know best is the problem now. If you think there are enough qualified watch dogs to prevent fraud and corruption or misuse of money and time then where are these accusations on this blog coming from? These are from people in a position to report in hopes others will openly and actively get involved or care. Not to the safety or comfort of these individuals either. Getting your money tree taken away can make for a very angry and threatening situation. WAB has had his share of crude and rude comments that accuse him from everything from insanity to insatiable for trouble. Who wants to stand in the line of fire to hatred and abuse to report without personal gain? Everyone loves the pat on the back and I agree with you blogs but who wants to post against anyone (including family or friends) that misuse time and money? Some of us are not closely connected with many of these entities and unaware of misuse unless it comes out here. Historically the press would report wrong doing. The paper is fading fast. Most people blog or twitter in real time then move on. This blog provides some way to hear more of the stories that many of us would never hear. That includes the positive side of the county and city. Thank you to all the citizens who give an inside track on schools, government offices, and the county workings in general that we would never get. This is the only blog I know of for this area. That should tell you something. It tells me that no one wants that heat or is willing to make a stand and create a public forum for fear of reprimand. Gladly there are workers for the poor and oppressed but can you really have too many?
And he has had his share of making crude and rude comments to those who do not agree with him.
No you are wrong 12:56. It is when those who disagree with him attack and he reciprocates .
Everyone has a right to defend that which we believe in. It is a hard pill to swallow for some what WAB reports. No one wants to believe there is underlying deception in our county government because many of those we are told to trust are at the same time no being honest with us.
Try not to twist things around to you and your cohorts that are against WAB to benefit you. Try for once having an open mind. One has to wonder if the message was being delivered by someone other than WAB would you and others be more open to listening? I admire
WAB for posting his name but, sometimes think the message gets overshadowed by the ignorance of people who have a dislike him.
No, I think you are wrong. Wab's message often gets overshadowed by the way he "rediprocates" when someone begs to differ with him. I would take issue with ANYONE who behaved like that.
I for one don't necessarily dislike wab, although I find his antics distasteful. Bu please don't assume that to be ignorance on the part of those who disagree with him.
It's not ignorance that rejects facts that are presented with evidence it's plain stupidity of which you have a great deal 10:18. But you knew that didn't you.
9:23
Are you cheerleading with howard today?
I am not 9:23 but, what of it if Howard was? Silly, silly little person.
3:07
Oh, but you are on the team. You clal me silly when I ask a legitimate question. I could now ask you that same question. Are you cheerleading for howard as well?
By the way, NOBODY I know of, including me, would reject facts when there is criminal activity and those wrongs need to be turned over to the proper authorities. But you knew that about me, didn't you?
You've already rejected facts with evidence and are just too stupid to comprehend the fact that some criminal activity does not carry a criminal penalty thus it is not prosecuted. Man you're dumb but you had to know that already.
whooop whoop horray for howard!!!
turn on the hose for dufus
Einstein, go back and read my post and then ask yourself who between us is stupid. I would refer you to the last two sentences of my post. Pay close attention to the sentence that contains the word NOBODY.
While we tear each other up he laughs all the way to the bank with your money. He drives in the new car we provide him. Wines and dines and wheels and deals. And you argue amongst yourselves and make it easy for him. Which is exactly what he wants. I can imagine he laughs his butt off.
Someone please explain how this happened and continues to happen? Is it that enough of the powers that be are teetering on falling off the wall if they speak up. Is there enough give and take that making a stand would topple their own empire? Are we sheep who either cannot comprehend or want to believe in "truth, justice, and the American way" at the expense of cynicism and misuse of public trust? Are we mouse or men in a time of lean and mean? Sure this is peppered with tons of cliches because the rise and fall of cliche villains deserves nothing less. If corruption exists how did it get to this point and where do we go from here?
11:19 Have you ever tried to talk to the "spear" He is arrogrant, self centered, suffers from bantam rooster syndrome, you cannot tell him anything.
So 3:24 what is the solution to the arrogance you speak about? How is it if he is the worst possible person for the jobs that he continues to do them? Either he has fooled some of the people some of the time or all the people all the time??
He has rubber stamping people on every committee. For instance my good friend Paysinger on city council. I wish to Heaven that he would open his eyes and his mouth for a change and stop letting the mayor lead him around.
They both should be tarred and feathered and ran out of town on a rail. The nerve of those people attempting to act in the best interests of the county as a whole! Maybe a public lynching would be quicker and more satisfying?
This is in repsonse to the following posting:
Friday, June 12, 2009 3:45:00 PM
..."I heard the director/board are going to pay math, science, english teachers MORE than other educators; in an effort to attract them to Giles. What is really crappy is; the local teacher's union GCEA has agreed to let it happen! OMG!!! Until the educators of Giles stand up AS A GROUP and say 'We are professionals and we won't be treated as sub-human' nothing and I mean NOTHING will change!!"...
Please take this as the complete truth not "what I have heard". The past year the entire membership of GCEA voted to accept the wording on the Teachers Differientiated Pay Plan (which was required by state law). The wording is lengthy so I will paraphrase it for you. The currently tenured teachers in Giles County will be refunded up to $5000 to return to college and earn an ADD-ON degree in hard to fill areas. This is not a Master's degree it is an add-on. The teacher must then agree to teach in Giles County for a designated number of years. At no time was it agreed upon to pay any one teacher more than the other. Had you attended a negotiation meeting or read the contract before voting to accept you would have known this to be a fact. I believe it is time you stopped with the insults to GCEA and appreciate what work has been done by this association. If the assiciation were to be decertified that would mean the contract would also disappear. Think long and hard about what that would mean.
I take exception with your statement that the entire membership voted to accept the contract as worded. That is a lie, unless you are stating the vote was unanimous.
How did issues come to the attention of the negotiating team in the first place? While some issues are state mandated, others are not. Does GCEA plan to negotiate for teachers who have already returned to school and advances their education at their own expense? Please could you publish the exact vote on the contract as well as a school by school breakdown. If not here, then at least to the members. Do you have a "transparent" leadership or is this information unavailable?
member for now
You are so correct. I apologize for the words I used. The entire membership had the opportunity to vote and the majority voted to accept the proposal. Thank you for calling my attention to my mistake. As far as the question about paying teachers for having already advanced their degree, I clearly stated this is for an add-on endorsement. This will not increase the teachers pay it will just allow them the opportunity to fill the most needed positions in our school system. In this way we can better serve our students with experienced, highly-qualified educators. The items brought to the table for negotiation are deteremined by a team which is composed of a member from each building and by information obtained by surveys. Each building rep is to inform their building members of the progress. Please remember all meetings are open to the public and all members are encouraged to attend every meeting possible. Again, I will ask that you work with the association to better our profession instead of continuing to work against the association which only harms our profession.
How is asking questions harming the profession? I would also like an answer to my questions regarding the vote count and a school by school breakdown. Is that possible and could it be made public as all meetings are public.
I am sorry if I offended with my questions. It is not my intent. But having witnessed first hand some questionable activities of gcea, heard about others "second-hand", sat in at numerous nego meetings, and seen at least 5 teachers at 2 different schools in dire need of support from their "union", I am not the cheerleader of the association that I once was.
The info I requested is pretty cut and dried. Will it be forthcoming?
member for now
It is possible that the present leadership of GCEA is not as aggressive as some of their past leaders. This is unfortunate, and hopefully they may becomre more aggressive.
It is shocking that they have not seemed to make any attempt to represent these teachers. But one must remember that they are being advised by the TEA rep for this area. That person has changed in the last couple of years and the new man on the block is not as reactionary or as supportative as the last rep. GCEA leadership would be stronger if they were sure they had stronger backing and legal advice from their TEA rep.
Hopefully things will improve.
6:01 You make another mistake....the meetings are NOT open to the public. GCEA IS a union and ONLY the membership and invited guests may attend. It is not true that the current membership is not agressive. They are WHEN it comes to their own concerns. I think more young teachers would join the union IF they heard that the senior teachers where happy with the union. Does not seem to be the case as the membership has dropped about 1/3 in 5 years. One has to think why. PLEASE do not BLAME it on the new TEA representative. GCEA has had at least 4 years of 'clickish' leadership, that in my opinion, has been more interested in the concerns of a few and less interested in the concerns of the entire membership. IF Gile County Board of Ed had been paying ALL teachers what they are worth, there would be NO shortage of math and science teachers. I seem to remember a few years ago our Governor brought the pay scale of teachers to a level playing field. The Gov expected each county to continue with pay increases to 'attract' qualified teachers. OMG! Our local BOE just fell into old habits, no pay raise NEVER, and thus we quickly lagged behind.
It is my suggestion that the current GCEA leadership stop acting like high school 'groupies', check into the history of past issues and the history of poor decisions, question ALL teachers, act like you CARE about the needs of ALL and then maybe....maybe membership will increase and members will support needed changes.
7:41 Are you saying the TEA representative for this area 'advised' the local GCEA NOT to get involved or vocally support the 'teachers' who have been wronged in this county????? Why would the TEA rep. even talk to GCEA about the 'case' unless one of the 'wronged' teachers gave him permission to do such?? I do believe GCEA should have and still could make a statement to the BOE as to the unfairness of the teachers' treatment. Not to mention contract and BOE policy violation. But for some reason, the 'leadership' of GCEA chose not to speak up publically. Umh????
Oh boy! I thought this thread was to trash Dan Speer. Little did I know, huh?
6/12 3:45PM Callie - I know someone has already answered your question, but I felt I needed to answer as well. I don't know where you "heard" math, science, and english teachers would be paid more than other teachers. That would be in direct violation of the contract between GCEA and the school board. Did you just throw out that comment to see how fast the rumor would spread?
6/23 12:25PM - Member for now - you posted more than once so will try to answer what I can. First, 6/22 3:59 SHOULD have said every GCEA member had the opportunity to vote on the latest contract addendum. IF you are a member you should have received a ballot. If you did not get a ballot you should have asked your building representative where it was. The majority of ballots cast passed the latest addendum to our contract. You asked how negotiated items were placed on the agenda - the answer is simple. Every 3 years the ENTIRE contract is open to negotiation. The other years only salary and insurance are open for negotiation. Differentiated pay and principal performance contracts were state mandated (and a salary function) so they were negotiated last year. This year we are negotiating salary and insurance. If you had been at the last session, you would know what GCEA is asking for. If you were not there, call your building negotiations representative and they will tell you.
As for publishing the vote I would have to say this blog is not the proper venue for that. Your building negotiation representative would be able to tell you the vote in your building. The chief negotiator would be able to tell you the final tally. And, may I ask, why do you think GCEA business is public business? So, if you want that information, and you are a MEMBER, contact the chief negotiator. If you do not know who that is, ask your building negotiations representative. If you have gone to negotiation meetings, you would know who the chief negotiator is, as that person is the only one allowed to speak to the school board representative.
Now, your question as to pay increases for advanced degrees. If you have a copy of your Memorandum of Understanding (every member has been given a copy), look on page 17. You will see the salary difference per advanced degree as well as years of teaching.
GCEA monthly meetings are open ONLY to GCEA members and their invited guests. Negotiation meetings are open to the public because BOE business is open to the public. End of part 1
Part 2 - 6/24 10:49 If GCEA appears to you as "clickish", I am sorry you feel that way. As a middle school teacher, I am exposed daily to childish, clickish behavior, and have not felt that with the association. I personally have reached out to GCEA members to get them more involved. If every member was an active participant that would be WONDERFUL! If every member came to the negotiation sessions, that would be AWESOME! When did you last attend a meeting, volunteer your time as building representative, membership point person, or negotiation representative for your building? Why not?
I understand you are frustrated. If you are a member you should ask questions and receive answers. If you are not a member, why not? And, why would you care about the business of the association?
Now my turn to ask questions - Why do you think this blog is an appropriate vehicle to air GCEA issues (if they are really that)?
As for "at least 5 teachers at 2 different schools in dire need of support", I can only guess. This is another of those "I heard" things that have not been verified as true. Did those 5 teachers contact their building representatives? Grievence chair? President of the association? or Uniserve representative? I have personal knowledge of only one teaching filing a formal complaint. If you are not that one person, the outcome is really not your business.
If a GCEA member has an issue, they have many people to contact and I have named them above. If you are a member, please be an active participant. Do what you can. Be positive! The association is here to help you, but can only do that if we are made aware of a problem. And, if you have any other questions, call me. If I don't know the answer, I will find the answer or direct you to the person with the answer. Just don't call next week - I will be in San Diego at the NEA representative assembly. Thank you. President as of July 1
1) GCEA has repeatedly asked (really begged) the board for a raise for ALL employees every year they have been negotiating. The board has complete control of their own budget and that ties the hands of GCEA. Every member was needed to be present at the meetings to show solidarty, unfortunately that did not happen. The burden has been placed on the few that sit at the table. Every negotiation meeting with the board is open to the public, which would include non-members.
2) Each year a variety of issues are addressed during the negotiation process. Some of the issues affect and benefit all certificated staff (full single insurance coverage, sick day pay upon retirement, to name a few). Occassionally, some issues have affected a variety of sub-groups, but the majority of the issues brought to the table each year affect all.
3) GCEA is limited to representing members on issues covered within the scope of the contract. If a member feels the contract has been violated then that member must contact the association directly.
4) GCEA is a professional association striving to improve public education in Giles County. By protecting fair treatment of school employees and promoting competitive compensation, the GCEA has continued to be positive force for school improvement.
I hope this clears up the misconceptions posted previously and would welcome all interested parties to come to every negotiation meeting with the board to help show cohesiveness among the employees.
6:27 or maybe 'new' president - you speak of the ideal situation as to how GCEA is 'suppose' to work. (Ballots getting out to all members, ballots returned on time, building reps. knowing what is actually going on, building reps. knowing the actual count of ballots, building negotiators knowing the issues and relating them to their buildings, etc.) However, the 'reality' is MUCH different. The 'link' is weak and many times breaks. Have I been involved? Yes. Do I hope for a MORE positive next two years? Yes. Am I worried it will be business as usual? Yes.
Let me say this, 'When your eyes are closed or you constantly wear blinders you can't see the entire picture." Please open your eyes or take off your blinders. We NEED a transparent, strong association.
Maybe the link in weak in your building. How about you stepping up to the plate and getting involved?
I do not know why this turned to gcea, but since it has I am the one that asked about the ballots for the contract. Been to the mtg, been to nego sessions, been to board mtg and as I said I know some things first hand and some second hand...maybe just maybe these teachers in need of support were so intimidated or in fear of a breach of confidential info that they were afraid to approach the assoc. Maybe someone with more exp could have reached out to them- Maybe they didn't have tenure. My building rep told me the #'s...wasn't what I asked for; there are no official ballots, no voting security whatsoever and I did say release the info to the membership if this blog was not the place. I would like to know the breakdown by school and see the actual ballots. I would assume professional protocol would call for these ballots to be held for a specified period of time.
The contract is exactly what to boe decided to give the membership before negotiations ever started; no more, no less and members should have held out.We had nothing to lose. Not when surrounding counties are paying 5k a year, every year, for National Board Cert and a teacher with a Masters and 5 yrs exp makes more than a teacher in giles with 15 yrs and +45. And for pete's sake stop letting them tell you it's the tax base, blah, blah, blah. Business will locate in communities where education is a priority. Was shopping in Franklin one day; ran into someone from by gone days who teaches in limestone co...told them where I taught and LITERALLY they could not keep a straight face...I was humiliated, why doesn't the board have more pride? Challenge to county commission, city council, school board and informed citizens...build the school employees up the way they should be, with your wallet and not sappy words which we know are insincere to be tactful, and its a guarantee boom for the town...look around 5 yrs ago, Ardmore was a couple of bars...its school system respects it's teachers with more than empty words....seen any growth in Columbia???check out their salaries- Franklin school district-one of the best in the state, and the "little" town is a long way from what it used to be. Madison, somebody forgot to tell them that the housing market went bust and they are opening new schools every year. You can sit back and wait for growth and then improve schools, but don't hold your breath or you can respect your school employees with more than empty meaningless words and watch growth take off.
So yes, incoming and outgoing president, I think gcea settled rather than fight for it's members and the only concession I can make for my harsh statements is that I don't think the board cared one way or the other about the contract. What diff does it make to them, what hardship does it place on the c/o? Just same ole, same ole.
I even know personal who have been hired this summer for jobs that were never posted. They don't now and they never will respect us, why should they? You are right pres. about the employees showing solidarity, the board and commission has nothing to fear.
member for now
I will go so far as to say this. I have NEVER understood why people who don't necessarily have any post high school education can be in charge of the salaries and earnings of professional educators who paid a dear price to be where they are today. Why is that? Having said that, I too tend to agree that teachers do not get the respect they deserve. It's sad. Teachers should be earning what lawyers make, and vice-versa.
10:00 if you want to look at the ballots contact the chief negotiator. He/she will set up a time for you to physically look at them, count them, whatever. Evidently you do not trust the word of the executive board, who helped with the counting.
And, yes, with the last negotiation we had nothing to lose. That is why it went on for so long. But, when the chief negotiator for the school board rolls her eyes, shrugs her shoulders, and crosses her arms in that oh, so, NOT PROFESSIONAL way, there is nothing that can be done. I have spoken to the BOE chairman about the lack of professionalism, and ill treatment of their employees. I hope that has not fallen on deaf ears. BUT - as long as no members outside the negotiating team go to the meetings, the board won't treat the teachers with respect or professionalism. And, they will continue not to care about their employees
Well, your board chair is from my understanding is a previous educator who should understand what is going on. It was my understanding she ran her campaign on the idea of getting tee jackson removed as director and helping the teachers get the pay and treatment they deserve. If she fell short of the expectations you and other teachers have you are not the only ones who feel that way. No changes of significance have come about to better the situation in the schools for the teachers and the students since she took office. Elections are forthcoming and every body needs to remember that when they cast their ballot. Many of us do not have any representation from our school board member for our district. It leaves you feeling frustrated and disappointed. Every candidate running in an election talks a big game about what they are going to when elected but disappoint more often than not.
10:00 You said it right! THANK YOU!
8:44 "....as long as no members outside the negotiating team go to the meetings, the board won't treat the teachers with respect or professionalism." Cut me some slack OR take off your blinders...I AM NOT a member of the nego. team and I have been to SEVERAL nego. meetings. While there, I HAVE seen SEVERAL teachers from various schools. It is this type of GENERALIZATION and BLAMING that has damaged the creditable of gcea over the past 5 years.
"But, when the chief negotiator for the school board rolls her eyes, shrugs her shoulders, and crosses her arms in an oh, so, NOT PROFESSIONAL way, there is nothing that can be done." WHAT A COP OUT!! Let me tell you about unprofessional behavior by the board's nego. team. Try thinking back about 8 - 10 years when the members of the nego. team were talked down to, had 'sexual' statements made to them and basically treated like trash. (Were YOU involved then - umh...don't remember seeing YOU at any meetings of any kind.) I am NOT saying ALL is wonderful now. But, I AM saying the nego. table is MUCH MORE PROFESSIONAL than I have seen it in YEARS!!! More of the blame game. You might not realize some counties have held current nego. open for over a year. To give up is defeat. To believe nothing can be done is surrender. gcea needs STRONG leadership NOT wimpy noodles.
As for taking part in gcea. I have been VERY involved in the past years; holding at some time or another almost every position available. The ballots SHOULD be kept for at least a year. The results SHOULD be published in the gcea newsletter BY school. Communication NEEDS to improve. It IS the presidents responsibility to MAKE sure members are being informed. DO NOT blame it on the building reps. If they aren't doing their job and the pres. hears about it, IT IS THE PRES. RESPONSIBILITY TO PICK UP THE SLACK. Talk about acting professional.
Let me see if I have gotten this right....You put your faith in the chairperson of the BOE??? Will Locke once told me...Never trust a principal or the boe. Try putting YOUR faith in the membership of gcea and NOT blaming the membership for the down fall of the leadership of gcea.
Also, I think it is VERY strange that YOU do not know if the chief nego. is male or female??? "He/she will set up a time for you to physically look at them....." Haven't YOU seen the chief nego. in person?? The last time there was a male chief nego. it was R. Brewer.....maybe you were in diapers at that time or something.
Can someone explain to me why board members are not required to have higher education credentials when teachers must have all sorts of degrees, certification, and continuing education/inservice? Why?
These people actually have a lot to do with teachers' financial future.
9:26 Great message. I remember when we used to hold a GCEA vote at one school in Pulaski. A day was picked, hours were set, members would have to come to the chosen school to vote, ballots were placed in a box, a couple of members worked the ballot box, votes were counted at the close of voting and results were given verbally and in the newsletter. This to me is a better way to have voting security. The way it is now, anyone can say anything about the outcome of the vote. Somebody said something about transparency, good word. In my opinion, GCEA needs more transparency to bring back members who have become disillusioned. And yes, it is a trust issue.....the facts are the facts.
It would be great if the boe understood their own policies and the teacher's contract. Most don't. It seems they rely on others to tell them what is right. Teachers are not allowed to speak at boe meetings when they know the boe is confused. Control, control, control with a little supression added in.
8:44,Why would you make the leap that by requesting to see the actual ballots, I am exhibiting a mistrust of those in charge? That sounds a bit defensive to me; My perception is that is was a most reasonable request and setting the example to others of not blindly accepting information as fact without researching it on my own. It would have also been great P.R. for the association had you not come off so defensive.
That saddens me that you took what could and SHOULD have been a positive opportunity to those who are either new to or disillusioned with the association and created an almost defiant, intimidating situation. Could this defensive position be why some of those teachers who needed help were hesitant about approaching the leadership? If I were young or inexperienced, scared, or intimidated, that very attitude would have kept me suffering in silence.
Regarding the behavior of the board's chief negotiator, which is such an oxymoron as she is also a member of gcea; I have attended numerous sessions and my take on it is she is in a lose-lose situation. No tenure, fighting against her own "union" and saying exactly what she has to in order to keep her job. Like I said, my opinion only and I have seen her be more abrupt than necessary, but I feel I would react similarly were I caught in a trap of the director's making. Re: your statement that nothing could be done after the board's negotiator acted the way you describe, you could have stood firm, refused to take contract to your members, but by your own admission you said, "we gave up." It baffles me that gcea does not negoiate with the board who is the only entity that has any authority; I know all about the clauses and exceptions and consider it all bull. It's a way for the school board to shirk their duties and not have to make any unpopular decisions. As for professional behavior, I have also seen it lacking on our side of the table, when our chief comes in with a chip on her shoulder, flippantly responds to questions or deliberately tries to embarrass the other side. (ex." Oh, I have those dates.", "I have a copy, you don't?") Not so much what was said, but tone of voice. I realize frustrations ran high on both sides, but the fact remains, both "chiefs" are members of gcea and professionals. Somebody had a great chance to take the "high road" and dropped the ball. Your response could be, why don't I step up to the plate if I think I could do better: I never stated that I thought I could, this is criticism, yes; I hope you will take it constructively and not be as defensive as you were when I asked about seeing the ballots. And back to the ballots-No I will not make an appt with the chief negotiator to see them and put a target on my back. I guess for some reason I had it in my mind that confidentiality would be respected and the ballots might be brought to something like GEN SESSIONS for all members to browse through. Your immediate defensive statement of my not trusting is ironically the exact words my immediate supervisor said to me when I asked to see my personel file. They were equally insulted and frankly since that time, my working conditions have deteriorated, markedly. I make lots of mistakes, but I do try and learn from them and not make the same one twice.
Don't worry, you will still get my dues for now, at least until my supervisor figures out how to get rid of me for "just asking" about my records. And I won't be bothering the leadership of gcea by "just asking" for anything else either. Lesson learned.
member for now
QUESTION - WHat have the raises been since 2004? - in terms of total pay, year by year/?? The BLS index has increased 10% since between 2004 & 2008! - did teacher pay increase above or below that number?
Didn't total school spending increase by 30% (3X the BLS) over the same period? Maybe you need to know $$$ & what's happening??
The ballots were collected and counted at a GCEA monthly meeting. Many members took part in counting the ballots, the counting was not done in secret. I have discussed many issues with our previous TEA Uniserve, one of these issues being this type of request and his opinion was, giving a building to building total could cause a problem for some members. Reason being many buildings have only a few people and to use your words, could put a target on someone's back. I repeat, the ballots were counted at a meeting with many members involved, not counted by one person. There was no secrecy involved, which is exactly what one of the post did suggest.
My post did not suggest secrecy and I fail to see how a school by school breakdown would target anyone, is this a bylaw that a school by school breakdown cannot be revealed? or a suggestion by the new uni? I have had questions regarding the ballots in the past and know for a fact that some were accepted after the deadline and counted. Why can there not be secure ballots. Schools have different priorities and therefore different reasons for voting yes or no on this particular contract. ex: Aren't some, but not all principals get a raise or bonus? Now if the membership at at school had an exceptionally great relationship with the principal, they might see a reason to affirm the contract even though NONE of the teachers are getting a raise. But the flip of that is what if the principal was unpopular but would get a raise with the ratification? Might be the members at that building decide to vote no.
Do you get my drift. How any principal that claims to support their teachers and accept that money at the same time is clearly a person who is not respecting their faculty. I don't remember exactly why certain principals got the $$$ and others didn't, but can anybody say with a straight face that this is acceptable.
Unless it is the gcea bylaws, I will request a breakdown of the ballots by school and risk putting a target on my back. What difference does it make now? The ballots are on plain unmarked paper. There is no check-off system for voting. If one was so inclined, simply running off more ballots and marking their personal preference would be undetectable. That is why I am questioning this like a pit bull, and the leadership need not take offense. Any member with access to a copy machine has the ability to accomplish their desired outcome, right or wrong. I am not accusing, but I am pointing out the extreme danger of a lack of voting security. No one needs to be defensive, though. Think of it this way, nobody gets defensive when our school board tells us we can't be trusted to give our students the state test and we must have a babysitter watching us at all times. We all accept that when common sense would tell the board that a "normal" routine with the same teacher would be much more conducive to favorable scores.
It's just the same type of rhetoric we've heard for years, "we respect our teachers, but not enough to pay them a competitve salary or trust them not to cheat on a test for their students. GCEA is working for its members but when one makes a simple request, the one responding here is all defensive, terse, and all but refuses.
Pretty discouraging and I see why teachers quit around the five yr mark, I made that, but the ten yr is looking doubtful.
member for now
member for now
I've always been told that If I didn't like where I worked, go somewhere else. That was my right to do so. You sound like you have a problem wth where you work, so go somewhere else.
This seems to be the answer to all new comers or people who disagree with anything. Why would you not want our city or county to be the best around. Sometime change is a good thing.
8:01 I am not 'member for now' however, a VERY wise woman once told me if I do not like something, get involved and change it. I believe this is what 'member for now' is saying and so am I....... You would just love it if those that questioned anything the 'click' of gcea is doing would move. OMG!
9:19 Relying on my memory, since the gcea spokesperson, of this blog site, is not going to answer your question and HAS the EXACT #s, during the school years of 2004/2005 & 2005/2006 teachers received a graduated raise during one of those years. Meaning some got $300, some got $500 and some got $700. It all depended on the teacher's years of experience and degree. (This was the first time such a raise was offered.) Teachers NEVER turn down a raise, because they SELDOM receive one. If my memory serves me correctly, during one of those school years the Governor of TN gave teachers a pay raise. So, the BOE decided they would not give teaches a pay raise. The BOE is considered the 'local' the Governor is considered the 'state'. Teachers receive most of their salary from the state, about 3/4 (all teachers in TN receive this base pay). The differece in teacher pay from county to county is the 'local' contribution, about 1/4. During the last THREE school years, the BOE has seen fit NOT to contribute to the teacher's 'local' part of their salary. EVEN WHEN TAX REVENUES WERE GOOD! That equates to 'local' politics.
I am so sorry it has taken me time to ask the correct people for the correct information before posting the information about the raises. Here is the break down that I have been able to discover after searching:
2004 - 2005
Local raise of $500, $700 or $900 depending on years of service
2005 - 2006
local - no raise
2006 - 2007
Local - each employee received a raise of $1000 but the board took out their portion of the taxes before adding it to the pay scale so the pay scale only increased by roughly $800
2007 - 2008
local - no raise
2008 - 2009
local - no raise
So as you can see the employees received a total of $1300 on the low end, $1500 in the middle and $1700 on the upper end in raises for the past 5 years for our local school board.
So when you do the math here is the break down:
$1300 - paid for 10 months per year for 5 years would be 50 months, so that works out to be $26 a month (excpet our pay is divided into 12 payments so each paycheck was increased by $21.67)
$1700 - increase in monthly pay (and remember the emplyees who received this raise does not receive step raises because thay have topped out) again on a 12 month pay schedule (for 10 months) the added amount would be roughly $28.33.
I hope this answers your question.
Thank you for being patient, I wanted to be sure of the figures before posting.
Don't think that "huge" windfall was raises; Weren't the figures quoted one time bonus's? Not sure, just asking. Also, the teachers NEVER received a $1000.00 as quoted for 06/07. 10:38 you did correct that statement, but it is still confusing. For those that don't remember, the bonus teacher's got was around 800.00 before taxes. They never intended to give 1000.00 and wrote a letter to deliberately mislead. It even fooled the board's chief negotiator. The letter explained that teacher's would receive a 1000.00 bonus MINUS what the employer was required by law to pay for taxes and fica. In other words, they made teacher's pay their portion of the taxes that they are supposed to pay-FEDERAL LAW. Don't you just feel the respect?
You are right about the confusing statement concerning the second raise. The first raise in 2004 was added to the pay schedule as 500, 700 or 900 on the line items which corresponded to the years of service. The 2006 raise ended up adding only approx. 800+ to all lines on the pay schedule. This was the confusing part: The difference in the amount was due to the fact that the total per employee was $1000, but the board pays a portion of certain taxes and such. So before they gave the money to each employees they removed what portion they (the board) would have to pay on that money, then they added the balance to the employees paycheck and taxed it again. So as you can see 1000 would shrink real fast.
$1000 minus taxes and social security = 800+
800+ minus taxes and social security and all the other deductions divided by 12 = what the employee would see as a difference in the take home pay.
9:19 I guess you get the picture about teacher pay raises over the past several years....not enough to keep up with the cost of living. NOW do you understand why teaching positions in demand, like math, english, science, AREN'T filled in Giles County? Do you understand why teachers in Giles County are soooooooooo upset when 'some' teachers are offered more money to come here and teach; instead of the board bring ALL teacher salaries up to date. Do you understand it IS the children of Giles County who are the 'real' losers? Do you understand there IS plenty of money in the board's budget to pay teachers according to the cost of living? But, it 'seems' to be going 'other' places so the board ALWAYS 'looks' poor.
Here is what is needed to make your point. We Need base pay rate examples for comparison purposes at the beginning of yr. 2004-5 & at the end of yr. 2007-8 (a 4 yr. period). If the bonus didn't change your salary pay rate, it doesn't count. If they gave you 800 cash money, as a bonus, fine, call it a bonus, not base pay rate - it's a one time issue - nice but doesn't feed the bulldog.
1. starting pay
2. average teacher pay
3. top salary - teaching
(What are the numbers?)
Example: 10% increase
1. $30,000 2004-5 & $33,000 2007-8
2. $35,000 2004-5 $ $38,300 2007-8
3. $40,000 2004-5 & $44,000 2007-8
The actual BLS rate for that period is 10.4% (BLS CPI Index - 211.58/191.97 Dec. 2008 vs 2004)
No new money?
General fund spending total 2007-8 @ $29,294,755/2004-5 @ $22,401,759 =30.77%! Boom times for tax revenue happen with inflation (sales tax). Should have saved some in reserves for rainy years, like now, but reserves were raided instead of increased!
Industry demands employees innovate and improve efficiency - if you save $ you might get a raise. If you don't you get the boot.
My guess is Mr. J & the education establishment add more people to get in your way, new things to prevent you from saving $, & by the time it comes to paying you a decent salary, there's nothing left!
As a consumer, I'm not paying more (taxes) for less productivity! As a person, I'm madder than a hornet, because I know teachers have more talent and ability, but it's smothered by the CCP.
Instead of trying to shaft the taxpayer who has no job and no money, let's get together & redistribute the wealth that is already there & going down a rat hole. Taxpayers will more than support you!
If spending had increased @ 10.4% from 2004-5, the 2007-8 spending would have been $24,731,541, instead of $29,294,755! That $4.6 million that went down the toilet, was more than enough to guarantee you and every other county worker would get at least a cost of living raise!
If you think there was no new money in 2008, you're simply flat wrong. No one knows it because the good news spin isn't good for taxpayers, teachers, or county employees!
donm
2:46 The $800 was not a one time bonus; it WAS an across the board raise for all teachers. It was presented as $1,000 - but ACTUALLY $800. I remember at the time is was presented and negotiated, the amount EVEN 'fooled' d.braden. She thought it was actually $1,000,also.
I also seem to remember ONE person at the boe receiving a $15,000 'bonus' in ONE year that was NOT suppose to continue, but somehow became a RAISE. Go to the BOE webpage and see how many positions are at the central office - about 26 or so. Top heavy to say the least! Also, the BOE gives the Leaps director $40,000 from LOCAL money. She receives $47,000 from the STATE for a total of $87,000. SECOND HIGHEST PAYING SALARY RIGHT UNDER JACKSON. You really don't need actual figures. 2&2 = CRAP!
What you say is true, but it will not get you a raise.
Local, state, and federal money are from taxation. It's one pot with various stipulations to pay, for example "teacher salaries" - at the discretion of Mr. J.
If Betty Boop gets $80,000 to file her nails & you get $20,000 without a raise for 20 years, to teach 30 illegals who can't speak English how to speak Chinese - the objective of spending $100,000 on teacher salaries is satisfied. Mr. J says you can't get a raise without a tax increase.
You & your union scream for more taxes & Mr. J jumps on board with a budget that says the $100K revenue is only $80K, plus he needs another $20K to give you a free trip to Disney Land & a $200 bonus so you can eat at "D" land. The budget says he needs a $40K tax increase to cover the revenue shortfall and the truck load of pencils that disappeared when the classroom flooded.
Mr. J twists some tails in the commission & they plead their conscience to give the man what he wants. Taxes go up & you go down to D Land with 200 kids screaming in Spanglineese on a school bus with no brakes & your $200 to cover expenses. You come back to find that Betty Boob needed an assistant to fan her during her periods of hot flash backs. Unfortunately her daughter, the assistant, has special genetic talents & it took the $40K tax increase plus another $10K from the emergency fund. That means the $200 bonus will have to be paid back, starting with your next paycheck! And ... the cycle starts all over again.
We, the taxpayers have a solution - NO! You have a union and a choice - assistants or raises - truth or consequences! The facts say we need tax cuts and money diverted from waste to employee raises! There is more than enough! Got to call a liar a liar & make it hurt where you can't scratch. I for one, want you to have proper raises, that is what it is, without exception.
Aunt Fannie
Just beginning to enjoy the fur a flying here. Girls - get with it, pull some hair & bite where it hurts.
We're paying for this circus, let er rip! I know for sure some did't get a raise & it sure sounds likt that is as low as it gets!
Teachers definitely need a raise, but they forget about their medical insurance being paid and a $10,000 life insurance policy being paid. They work 200 days a year and if the principal is understanding enough will allow comp time. Yes our teachers are low on the pay scale, but at least educators in this county have a job. Some more cuts need to be made, but will Jackson make them where they could be cut. Where there is an elementary vacancy why not put a couple of the teachers on the hill in that place, does GCHS football need all the coaches getting extra pay and couldn't Jackson take more days instead of asking for the money in its place, as well as closing down the schools and shutting down everything for at least a week before school starts. The maintenance dept. and facilities dept need to leave some vehicles parked and do rotation 24 hour duty. The board discusses this but seems to be ignored until the issue is really pressed. Maybe something good will come of all of the wrongs in the system.
No good will come until Jackson goes packing back to Athens. I heard he was taking all his vacation this year versus getting paid, true?? Less coaches? Ha! It takes as many as they have to formulate enough talent to attempt to coach a team. I agree though there are too many but, that is Jackson's only ambition in our school system other than bankrupting our county is to have an outstanding sports program. All fine and good but, when the graduation rate is as it and continuing on a downhill slide, it appears to me academics should be paramount. Jackson is a slimy, sneaky serpent that is stealing from the citizens of this county, deceiving teachers, students and everyone and he laughs all the way back to Athens. Braden is as bad as he is. She cares nothing about the teachers, she snubs her nose and is a do nothing, know nothing. She has let her position go straight to her small pea brain. Speaking from the experience of knowing her of course. I am yet to be impressed with her as Asst. Dir. Our school system deserves more responsible people running things.
4:11pm MANY counties PAY a single medical insurance policy PLUS dental, vision and life insurance. Oh, PLUS a more professional salary! Teachers are under a 200 day contract BY THE STATE OF TN. Teachers DID NOT write their job 'details or benefits', THE STATE & LOCAL BOEs DID. "Understanding principal....." What a bunch of crap! Only if you are a relative, best friend or the principal wants favors from you.
Good idea....put the 'hill' in the classroom. Start with Jacko, things might change a little.
Teachers are SO tired of hearing 'at least you have a job', you are such good workers, we really appreciate you, 'teachers teach from the heart and don't care about money' (said by Stoney Jackson a few years ago at a commissoner's meeting), etc. Words DON'T pay the bills, put their children in college or put food on the table. Teachers had the FORE thought to get a FORMAL education THAT WAS NOT DOLLAR OR STRESS FREE. With that FORMAL education, teachers sought employment and hoped to be treated professionally. (A word the Giles County BOE and Jacko just don't get.) Teachers were tested and tested again to determine if they were 'qualified' to teach the children of America. Teachers were placed on 'probation' for the first THREE years of their career to 'evaluate' their teaching skills. During the THREE year period teachers could have been 'pink slipped' for ANY REASON. In fact, NO reason had to be given to 'pink slip' a teacher within the THREE year probation period. IF a teacher was hired back for the FOURTH year of her/his career, the teacher received 'Tenure' which equals DUE PROCESS. DUE PROCESS means a teacher MUST be given a REASON to be 'pink slipped' and has the RIGHT to appeal. (Only in America...fear this is changing with our new pres.) Now I say that to say this...What has kept YOU or anyone else from becoming an educator IF you think educators have it SO wonderful in Giles County????? If the pay is GOOD and the conditions WONDERFUL, WHY won't teachers apply in Giles County....like math, science, english, speech...? It seems it is EASIER now to get a teaching degree as the ppl who educate our children seem to be the 'floor mats' of America. I have always heard you get what you pay for....think about it.
6/30 11:45p.m.
I seriously doubt that Jackson has deceived very many people. I agree with most of your assessment of his character, not so much Mrs Braden BUT, the old saying, "lay down with dogs, get up with fleas.", does pop in my head regarding so very many people who once held my utmost respect. I do however give the citizens of GC way more credit than you do, few are fooled by tj, but either can't or most likely WON'T do anything about it. Guess we all have our own agenda.
George Todd
I used to have a lot of respect for Bill Holt and for that preacher who is a commissioner...I forget his name. But those two are behind making teachers pay for their own health insurance. The thing that angers me the most is that, of all people, Bill Holt should know that paid helth insurance is one of very few benefits teachers get! And that preacher fellow apparently doesn't seem bothered by that. They both are making enemies. and it is a shame.
Teachers are under a 200 day contract but this county has one of the highest teacher absentee rates of the surrounding areas. The amount being paid out for subs would be more than enough for a good size pay raise.
11:04, where did you get your information regarding teacher absentee rates?
Also I know that when gcea was truly negotiating with the board, a plan was submitted to reward teachers for not using their sick days. As I recall, the teachers would be paid for days that weren't used which would save the county $$$. The money would have come from the state. It was a win-win for teachers and school board but they turned it down because they would rather lose money by paying subs than show a smidgen of respect for the teachers by allowing them to receive $$$ from the state. (county pays for subs; state pays for sick days) So even though the county would have been better off and the teachers would have a little moral booster, tj was not about to let that happen. He is a LIAR when he says he respects teachers. It's a control, power issue, and the lower the moral, the more powerful he feels. Just look at the history of his administration, not hard to see the handwriting on the wall.
George
If I remember correctly, at one time teachers were paid $30 for every sick day that they did not use at retirement. This included all the sickleave days form all the years taught. For some teachers this made an excellent little retirement package.
At the present time teachers are paid for 30 days of sick leave. I don't remeber when all those other days were taken away from the teachers. I do know that it happened sometime during the last two supers.
We had thought David Little was bad but it is possile that TJ is worse.
Time will tell----Just hope that all things will be revealed soon, and things are settled.
Time has told. Where have you been 4:35pm? Jackson has got to go right along with Bill Holt and Bobby Hastings and too many more to count.
I am so sorry to have to correct the previous posting but I feel I must set the record straight.
Giles County has not paid for sick days at the time of retirement, or I should say not for the past 27 years I could get confirmed. Here is the wording added to the contract (for the first time) last year:
Each licensed employee shall receive a payment of thirty dollars ($30) per day for unused sick leave days for a maximum of ten (10) days at the time of retirement if the employee meets the following criteria: Must have been employed by the Giles County School System for at least fifteen (15) years. This payment does not affect the accumulated sick days earned at the time of retirement. This was negotiated and agreed upon during the school year 2007 - 2008. In the 2008 - 2009 negotiations it was agreed upon to change the number of days from ten (10) to twelve (12).
I hope this clears up the confusion.
Woulde like to hear more about this. I believe there is validity to the first comment about sick leave payments of the past.
We see the mess, smell it, wallow in it, blame others for it, but refuse to say "no more". We take no action to clean it up. We don't like what is in the toilet, but don't have the guts to flush it! What "has been done" can be undone! The process should be learning, applying it, and improving life, not cowering & wishing good wasn't so terrible! The word is "bad". You don't tolerate bad, you get rid of it!
Back to 6-27-9 @ 2:46 - Since 2004-5, total 2008 school spending increased by 30.8%! The Dec. 2004 to April 2009 BLS index says the rest of the world experienced 10.9% inflation! That information is in state audits, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and scattered over the paper and local Blog over a long time period. We haven't grown, so how can spending in a fixed expense "people" operation get past 10%, in a nation that has automated just about every aspect of communication, record keeping, information, etc.? One would think that 10.9% across the board raises to teachers and essential workers over that period should be priority 1; but, that overflowing pot of money was dumped elsewhere! The $22,401,759 in 2004-5 inflated @ 10.9% (at Apr., 2009) is $24,843,550. The 2008-9 estimate in the 2009-10 budget is $30,555,588! Spending is $5,712,038 more than the national inflation index for the one year of 2008-9! There is no revenue crisis! It's a sanity Crisis! In spite of a flood of new money for Jackson to squander, Jackson contrived the pay crisis, after pay crisis, to demand the $1.3 million tax increase for 2004-5 and the $4.7 million in tax increase demands he lost for 2005/6&7&8! This defines an insidious corruption that is destroying our county government!
Commissioner Pollard says we must cut taxes because of extreme hardship within the county. He is absolutely right! Mr. Lovell agrees with Mr. Pollard on the raises, but grabs his fiddle to play his Jackson song & dance for more taxes to give employee raises, ending with the same old worn out chorus of "but, ain't no pay without a tax increase"! The destructive power of school system interests voting in the county commission can not be understated! They voted for the $5.7 million over and above inflation, and fought hard to raise taxes by the other $4.7 million more that "got away". Here they are, sitting on $5.7 million, swatting flies, wondering why the hungry natives are throwing rocks and darts at them, watching the buzzards line up around the courthouse, while Jackson throws some more frogs & LSD in the soup they're drinking! The chant is about giving Jackson money for schools ... and it can't be taken away ... because it's dedicated to getting smarter ... and we can't tell anyone because we can't make waves! It seems that getting smarter might include realizing the teacher is the only one qualified to teach the children and everything else is "fluff". The distance between point "A" and point "B" gets real simple at that point. Take all the money back, give A RAISE to the teachers and the grunts who fetch the children and provide the facilities to teach! There's more than enough to include inflation based raises for the other county departments who rely on property taxes that do not get automatically revenue increases with inflation like the sales tax based school revenue. If you stick a pig, it squeals. What's your preference - more feed bills & pig dung, or a little noise before bacon & eggs? Pollard's common sense is a beacon of light. The Pied Piper needs a deep roll back & a "boot" out the door.
There's that word again......corruption. Everybody is corrupt except for the small band of rock throwers.
To 4:35 and 6:12 Your memory serves you wrong when it comes to paid sick leave. I have been employeed by the BOE for nearly 15 years. I have been VERY active in GCEA and negotiations during my years of employment. I have held nearly EVERY position in GCEA. The public needs to be aware GCEA has a contract, negotiated EVERY year, with the BOE. The contract has been in effect for MORE years than I have been employeed by the BOE. The BOE CAN NOT add nor take away benefits (paid sick leave days) WITHOUT the approval of GCEA. Therefore, the person who posted the information relating to contract negotiations and paid sick leave IS CORRECT. THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR EVER THE BOE WILL PAY TEACHERS $30 FOR A TOTAL OF 30 SICK LEAVE DAYS UPON RETIREMENT.
PLEASE post the actual 'language' relating to your comments about paid sick leave. Or name the place/person who gave you the information.
You might be confused about who offers the benefits. The State of TN will pay teachers for a year of employment, upon retirement, IF said teacher has aquired 100 unused sick leave days.
Maybe the educators of Giles County use more sick leave days because they are under considerable and undue stress on a daily basis and they are suffering from mental exaustion. Remember, the head IS attached to the body.
Would help if the public would SUPPORT the efforts of educators, teach their children social manners (and inforce infractions) and elect members to the BOE who REALLY know what they are doing, know the BOE policies, will enforce the BOE policies and WILL pick a director who cares MORE about the education of the children of Giles County than HIMSELF.
Sorry typo to 8:57 post - meant to say paid $30 for TEN (10) accumulated sick leave days NOT 30.
July 1 11:04 Still waiting to hear where you got your info on absentee rates of Giles teachers. Not doubting you exactly, just don't like to take people's word for such things, I'm sure you understand. I have seen the damage it causes when citizens throws out statistics about teachers with absolutely no basis of fact. Also, do your absentee #'s include all absences which would not be an accurate picture as many many many times, teachers must be absent due to "professional leave", which may include workshops, seminars, or other school visits. And it would be interesting to find out if your statistics reflect the occasions when teachers are actually at their school, trying to do their job, but are called to numerous meetings and either must get a "sub" teacher who may or may not be qualified to teach, or leave students unattended. Statistics can be a dangerous thing in the hands of someone with their own axe to grind, so please reveal where you got your information!
Thank you
George Todd
641 everybody isn't corrupt, like you. Look the word up & look in the mirror - look familiar?
Guess we know the knowledgeable "anonymous" who spouted off the statistics regarding teacher absenteeism was not so knowledgeable after all. It is exactly posters who type things such as that that give teachers and our county a bad name. There is both good and bad here, wonder why that poster felt the need for sensationalism, when the truth would suffice. Wonder if that's an anti-wab poster who claims he does the same. I've noticed that when asked, Mr Barrett provides detailed info regarding his statements; anonymous is strangely quiet. All goes back to credibility.
George Todd
8:20
You really should get a life. When you look in the mirror do you see and angry and politically impotent little person? I'll bet you do.
1120 Nope, but, I see a rat scurrying, unable to get a tax increase & unable to get respect. Walking around in circles trying to look important, but can't even pretend. Gotcha & you can't do a thing about it other than grind your teeth!
Humpty dumpty sat on its wall,
kerplop, kapoof, a rotton egg explodes & nothing left but a putrid smell.
Have a wonderful day. Every day you're neutralized is a good day for everyone else.
What a bunch of mellon heads - The word is focus - 7/1 803 put the high beams on for you, but you stand there dumbfounded waiting to get runover again.
Boss hog ripped off around five mil & you're worried about $35. Pretty good diversion, isn't it! You've got to light a fire under his rear end - make him undo it. Never too late to jump out of the pot. Never too late to toss him in the pot. Maybe you're frogs & not the pransome hince.
riddler is back in full form and still small, politically impotent, and angry. So sad.
Riddler can smoke you out of your hole anytime she wants to. You're afraid of the riddler! Try as you may, you simply have no power. When you say tax increase, everyone walks the other way. Anger??? you didn't get any of my money & I'm real happy about that.
Everyone is mad at you because you had enough money to give everyone a triple inflation raise (30% more spending vs. 10% inflation) - Instead they got none!
I sure wouldn't want to be running around town with people knowing you got 30% more money, blew it, didn't give any of it to the county employees, & have the guts to say you're going to get a big increase when things turn around. When things turn around, creeps like you will be gone - voted out!
I have no power. I want no power. I didn't get 30 per cent anything. aI don't live in a hole. Unlike you, I have no anger issues. When things turn around, I'll be gone? ANot on your life, pal. You have either been drinking or smoking dope or you are completely insane at this point.
Whe all the creeps are voted out, please share with the audience who you forsee in power. Let's see if this would be a great beginning line-up:
county mayor Barrett
city mayor Winkles
commissioners Tarpley
Ross
Deanne
Howard
Spanky
George
Riddler
Howell
Pollard
Others may or may not be added as this group sees fit.
949 - nothing else needed to prove the point.
Your head popped up out of your hole all covered brown & it isn't sand.
Smoke signals that smells like burt feathers? Nope, just the result of a fire under your worthless rear end - No tailfeathers left, but we got the SOS from the O-zone. Alfalfa?
Fingers shaking so bad you can't type a complete word. Keep jamming the key board & going to ram that middle finger through it, right into the live wires & poof you'll be gone - just little pillars of smoke - dot, dot, dash & RIP. Powerless, impotent, putrid, & invisible - like a fart in an elevator!
Turn your hat around backwards again & look in the mirror. Do you really think you will ever know if you're comming or going, when you don't know where it's at?
Callie here.....
To 9:49 Land sakes, honey child, calm down! You will surely get the vapors or somethin'.... Oh me, I am so hurt, dear child. I was left off of the political list and so want to be involved; that word 'involved' equals power to you. Dear me, I know some of you ole men think a delicate, little, southern, girl like me only has a bird sized brain. Sakes alive! Ya ole fools, never could see the flowers for the dirt. Actually, my dear child, I think you have been nippin' the hutch too soon for the July 4th party. Then maybe ventured out in the sun to enjoy the day; causing that brain of your's to pickle. Land sakes! I hope you had a glorious 4th; next year it jus might be 'Obama Day'.
10:34 Honey child, you are such a card! You jus keep ole Callie laughin'. Your punin' is so entertaining! Yet at the same time, SO truthful! May the GOOD Lord bless you!
Add Callie to the list of people who will now doubt save Giles County from all the corruption. We can't allow her mind to be wasted on this blog when there's so much good to be done for the betterment of the county.
Callie here..... Oh, 1:28 you send my weak heart a flutter and flatter me so.....
128 Up goes that head again. One day you're going to get your flashlight cattywampus under your chin & hang yourself when you jump back in your hole. Goodness, someone might see you & recognize who your are. Worse yet, a dog might come by, think your head is a fire hydrant, & whiz in your ear. Might even wash some of the brown stuff away .........................................
riddler,
Do you have a problem with callie joining you on the dream team? Sheesh.
Callie here....8:43 &6:36 Thank you, kind people, for defending little ole Callie!
Shorely you don't need defending Miss Callie. Ifn you do better be a findin a lawyer. These guys won;t be a doin you any good.
I'm sure riddler wouldn't mind Miss C or any other right minded person fighting corruption. Matter of fact, nobody needs to join nothing to fight it. It's fun! It's a bigger calling than 128 can comprehend.
On the other hand, 128 is so cowed, scared, & neutered that we may never hear from it again.
A right-minded person fighting corruption....for truth, justice, and the American Way. you guys are just too funny. No wonder it's so hard for us wrong-thinking people to take you seriously.
Callie here....9:24am Sorry for the confusion, my dear, must be the heat...."lawyer".....baby, what are you trying to tell little ole Callie? Bless your little ole heart, your grammer is so poorly dear; not to mention your spellin, I jus can't understand a smidgen of your post. Honey child, were you able to finish grade school, poor child?
Callie
Shore you can understand the grammar. You was raised up speakin that away
Specially if you's as southern as you tries to appear.
Ruby
Raised up that way. There's the arrogance once again.
Callie here......
Ruby my dear child, my mama taught me how to spell and speak proper. Then like a good mama, she sent me to school to get a formal education. Jus cause we are ALL from the South, honey child, doesn't mean we ALL understand each other.
10:19 Baby, what is arrogant about the statement 'raised up that way.' Goodness sakes, child, I am proud to say I was raised up in a God loving and God fearing way.
616 wrong thinkers usually have crossed wires. by the time the meducation system gets done with the ........ well, no hope - like a starter solinoid with no starter, just goes clickity click.
9:55
I realize that you were just trying to be witty and impress your right-thinking friends here, but that was not nice. I'm just thankful we aren't all wired the same. But of course, the result is that everyone is not as smart as you.
Callie here... 9:55 Baby, how many times do I have to tell you to stay out of the hooch when you are going to blog, honey child?!
sweetie pie - a few bubbles never hurt anyone, but that cough medicine & slurapee tonic is liable to get you all wound up & lost on the back section of the plantation. You take miss pitty pat with you when you go strollin afta medication.
924 night be a lurkin behint a tree!
I'se jist biding my time. Jist thought I'd leaver Miss C alone fer a while yet.
Callie here....'sweetie pie' you silly little tart. Why, bless my sole, you know I don't partake in any of that ole cough and tonic syrup.....oh my goodness! I do say, deary, it was Miss Pitty Pat who kindly whispered in my ear that she saw you strollin' on the back 40 with....well, I shan't say here. But honey child, everyone for miles around knows who. Jus can't keep Miss Pitty Pat quiet.
3:07 How kindly of you. My dear little lost lamb, little Ole Callie has been a working overtime. Jus keep your ear to the wall (heard that is how you got the little ole name 'flat ear') and you might come up with a little ole bit of 'true' gossip, honey child.
Now you shush up miss pitty pat - don't want either half knowin we been huntin tadpoles cross the creek & down near lilly pad pond.
one of the most beautiful sounds imaginable is the whippoorwill calling in the night.
if you have a cell phone jammed in one ear, an Ipod stuffed in the other & the A/C turned up on high ... you'll never find the beauty of creation.
God's gifts are free and forever. idols, lies, and the powers of man to take from man are for never and never free. Do you awaken strung out and empty or awaken in awe filled with the riches God's creation?
What kind of hell lurks in the minds of those compelled to argue that wrong is right and right is wrong?
looks like another ode to jolly-8& 723
Hark did I hear the end of overly sweet peachy southern dialect????
One can at least hope!!!!!
After a while it rings of the sound of fingernails raked across a chalkboard---rather trying and quite trite.
Sounds like the sweet little belle rang a bell. You never know - she might run for office & run over dufus in the process.
Can you say, "yas mam", courtsey, & kiss a hand that isn't extended with money in it?
On the other hand, you may not be the slime bucket & are just someone who likes proper speak. If so aplogies & just let it slide off as intended to be for someone else, who can't smile.
Callie here.... Now little ole 8:22 you say 'been huntin tadpoles cross the creek and down near lilly pad pond'? My dear, to fib is an awful virtue! Why Miss Pitty Pat said it was more like 'playing' leap froggie, only one of the childrn' didn't quite make it over the little ole bottom froggie and landed right on top of him. What a site that must have been, dear child!
11:42 Honey child, Callie is truely sorry to cause you such pain. Help thyself, dear baby, and stop readin' little ole Callies postins'.
I keep reading them because I keep thinking that in that devious mind of yours------something will ring a bell of consciousness.
Callie here....Oh my gracious 8:57, such harsh words for little ole Callie. Why I do believe my little ole feelings are hurt. However, my dear child, I have heard some folks do like to inflict pain upon themselves. So, my dear, are you one of those kind of folks?
I believe if I remember some of your posts correctly you have inflicted quite a bit of pain on others yourself.
If fact I may have been one of them, how do you know whose feelings you have hurt.
But I believe all should have sense enough not to post on these blogs if we aren't tough enough to take personal attacks.
Perhaps none of us are a genteel
as we think we are. Or at least pretend to be. If you get my drift.
Callie here..... Mercy 6:57! You poor 'touched' child, my entire post was scarcism. Baby, little ole Callie is as tough as nails and as sweet as honey. The 'true' virtues of a lady.
I do wish that the two of you would go ahead and have it out and get of these posts.
Nothing lady like about either one of you.
Sick and Tired
Post a Comment
<< Home