County Charter Petition Delivered To County Officials
Today I hand delivered the petitions for the County Charter to County Officials. Originals went to the County Clerk with copies delivered to the office of Administrator of Elections.
The next step is for people interested in serving on the committee that writes the Charter to get qualified through the elections office. One person per district will be elected in the next election. These seven elected officials will write the Charter and present it for approval by the voters of Giles County. When this process is completed the committee will be dissolved and the Charter adopted.
Much appreciation is due those men and women who worked so hard and long getting this completed and much gratitude is due those who looked past the antics of some in opposition to sign the petitions and seek to more Giles County into a position that is more reflective of the people instead of the politicians.
Look for and plan to attend informational meetings to be held in the near future at different locals.
Allen Barrett
The next step is for people interested in serving on the committee that writes the Charter to get qualified through the elections office. One person per district will be elected in the next election. These seven elected officials will write the Charter and present it for approval by the voters of Giles County. When this process is completed the committee will be dissolved and the Charter adopted.
Much appreciation is due those men and women who worked so hard and long getting this completed and much gratitude is due those who looked past the antics of some in opposition to sign the petitions and seek to more Giles County into a position that is more reflective of the people instead of the politicians.
Look for and plan to attend informational meetings to be held in the near future at different locals.
Allen Barrett
posted by Allen Barrett | 3:37 PM
205 Comments:
More reflective of which people is the real question that begs an answer. Why is it considered "antics" when one opposes the charter? I thought people were entitled to their opinions.
Not if you disagree with you know who.
How can anyone be elected for a charter that has not been voted on? You do realize that when it comes to election that the same people who are in office now will get voted for again. Regardless of what you think the people that are in office are the popular vote threfore the same people will be unhappy with whatever leadership we have.
6:37
Thank God the unhappy ones will not be elected.
Maybe if we get the right County Executive in office, we won't need a Charter.
Oh, be assurd that there is a movement underway as we speak to get someone new into that poition. Translated, that someone is being sponsored and promoted by the very small and vocal minority around here who think they have all the answers. And, if their candidate is who I am told he is, I am very much disappointed that he would be their puppet. I just hope he knows how they will attack him if he doesn't do exactly as they wish. But of course that is conditioned upon his getting elected. And I don't think he will be. He's a good person, but my vote stays with Janet Vanzant!
Scott Stewart will be running for County Executive and he will win
7:32
We shall see. I'll be supporting Mrs. Vanzant and will do all I can to help her...as will my entire family. And I like Scott Stewart, but I just don't think he is what we need. In my opinion, he will be a voice for the unhappy ones and will do exactly as they dictate.
Mrs. Vanzant is the voice for????? How mant times does she mis-speak? How many times does she speak without thinking through the problem? Again, I ask what one thing has Janet done on her own for this County that has made it a better place to live and educate out children? Going to meetings is important, attending photo opportunitites is part of the job; but, what has out County Executive done, as the County Executive, to improve the lives of our people? What initiatives has she brough forward? What improvements has she championed? How has she inticed new jobs to come into this County? What has she done to lead Giles County out of the mess we are in? The County Executive is to be a leader not a rubber stamp for a select few Commissioners. Yes she does not have a vote; but, she is to be a leader, out in front, challanging others to do what is good for our County whether or not it is the best for her personaly.
Scott Stewart will be beholden to no one. Mark my words. Unlike our current County Executive WHO DONT EVEN LIVE IN GILES COUNTY. And from what I hear he has a crowd of supporters so in your eyes there must be a crowd of disgruntled people. But that might be why he is running anyway.
Vanzant all by her self destroyed the opportunity for a Pilot refueling station to be built at our interstate
thus killing more than 9o jobs it would have brought to the county. The problem she procrastinated in submitting proper paper work and lied about it having been submitted until Pilot like most every other business trying to come here just got so frustrated they gave up.
8:53
Yes, I'd say Scott has a crowd of supporters although very small when compared to the county in total. And when people find out who is backing him, a lot of voters will be turned off. Mark my words on that; you'll see for yourself at election time.
I like Scott, but I think he's got the wrong crowd backing him. And, if it were not for the fact that I will be voting for Mrs. Vanzant, I would not vote for him based on that very small group of disgruntled people who are trying to get him elected.
It must be wonderful to know what everybody in Giles County thinks.
6:02
Who claimed to know what everybody in town thinks? I believe the post suggested something about backers and supporters. Perhaps you read more into the post than was there?
6:02
Who claimed to know what everybody in town thinks? Who said everybody in town would be voting for Mrs. Vanzant? Nobody.
I believe the post suggested something about backers and supporters. Perhaps you read more into the post than was there?
Mrs. Vanzant,
Who in the "very small group" of people who are backing Mr. Stewart will turn voters off?
Henry
3:13 Scott Stewart is his own person and made the decision to run entirely by himself and was not swayed by anyone. Unless you were at the meeting you would not know who all the supporters were in attendance.
Scott Steward doesn't have a snowballs chance in hell of being elected county executive.
9:37
You are right. He's a good guy, but won't be elected if Mrs. Vanzant decides to run again.
What does discussion of who might or who might not be elected as county executive have to do with the topic of county charter? If thats what you want to do ask WAB to start a topic especially for that.
Why ask wab to start a thread about the county executive? It seems the topic is discussed on practically every thread, and the very vocal minority never misses opportunities to trash her. That's fine. All they are doing is getting future votes for her, because people generally do not like to see what is going on here. I know a lot of people around the county, and I know from listening to them talk that this is a goal the VVM (very vocal minority) did not want to achieve.
5:15 You assume too much as always. I was NOT suggesting the writer ask WAB to start a topic on Mrs. Vanzant as county executive. I was suggesting perhaps WAB might start a topic on the subject of the county executive POSITION in Giles county.
I would be happy to start topics on most any suggestion submitted by anyone. It has long been the policy for this blog to offer topics for open discussion.
I fully disagree with the 2 Feb. 5:15 poster who stated, "people generally do not like to see what is going on here". I believe people want to know what's going on and they want to have a say in how those things impact their lives. One reason some do not want to know what's "going on" is because they don't want the responsibility for doing something about things they know are wrong so they simply refuse to accept the truth that is so plain. They prefer to hide in their fantasies and complain about everyone else who offers a thought or solution about anything uncomfortable to their world.
The County Charter offers an opportunity to establish a government far more responsive to the people, regardless of who fills the positions, than anything this county has ever been allowed to do in the past. It's a matter of putting aside personalities and focusing on putting the principles of good government in place. I urge everyone, who has an interest in seeing this county move forward, to consider running for those elected positions on the Charter Committee. Go to the election office and get your qualifying papers then get set to make history. Allen Barrett
How much is these elected positions going to pay ? Is this not going to make Gov. even bigger ? I thought you were for smaller gov ?
The only thing this elected committee will be paid for is their expenses and nothing else. There is no salary. They will be obligated to serve until they present their recommendations for voter approval then the committee will be dissolved.
I'm very much for smaller government but more for better managed government this committee will have the opportunity to create both. Thanks for your question. Allen Barrett
wab
Let's just wait til election day and see what happens. Sure, people generally like to know what is going on, but you and I both know what I was referring to about people not liking what they see going on with respect to this blog and other related accurrences. Time will tell.
Excuse me...typo. It was meant to be occurrnces.
7:07 Excuse me...what does occurrnces mean - or is that ANOTHER typo? tut tut
5:11
Trying to be cute? It's not working. HLSS has you in its grips. Occurrences is a word that is synonymous with events. I wish everyone were as perfect as you must think you are.
Why are you so angry and sarcastic?
6:11 Wrong again! I am not angry or sarcastic. Just had a good chuckle. Funny how you can criticize WAB but cant take take any form of correction yourself. Thanks for the laugh.
11:15
You then are in denial if you think you aren't angry or sarcastic. But that's fine.
By the way I was laughing at you not with you.
Can we get back to discussing the potential for change that this possible county charter might bring to Giles County ?
It is a LOT more important to the taxpayers than childish bickering .
Mr Barret needs to get the word out about where/when there will be meetings before the August election to meet candidates for charter commissioner and collect ideas for things that NEED to be in the charter .
Term limits for commissioners ?
Term limits for elected officials ? WHAT do YOU want to see in this charter ?
Charteribus Maximus
8:01
I think this county needs some charismatic and respected people to go before the public and inform them about the pitfalls of having a county charter. But don't take my word for it. I challenge you to investigate the problems Knox and Shelby Counties are having with it. People need to know what they are voting for should they think this is a good idea.
7:01 Instead of challenging someone, if you know of problems in Knox & Shelby counties why dont you tell us what those problems are? Otherwise we will have no other choice but to disregard your comment.
They are trying to get out of the charter and can't. What does that tell you? Research it for yourself.
Is there anything other than Knoxville and Memphis needed to be said to know what the problems are.
The Charter there has taken to much power away from career politicians and they just can't stand it.
8:59
And some people around here who have no political power just can't seem to stand it that others do. And that is exactly why the VVM is working so hard to get it passed. But I think you need to dig a little deeper than to say those counties do not want the charter because of some career politicians. It's just a bad deal in general. My prayer is that some people will come forward and warn the voters what they would be getting into.
Well 5:32 you seem to have some strong objections to the charter why don't you "come forward and warn the voters" JUST HOW a Charter is such a "bad deal". You claim to only be interested in the well being of the county this would seem to be a perfect time to show that concern and your expertise in saving the people from themselves.
532 is dumpo - squeeze her head & the little recorder in her gizzard comes back with the same old dumb messages. Don't pay any attention to her - just more ramblings from a pea head.
There are terrible things that can happen if the charter is passed. Poor old Mr. TJ could be fired by the malcontent taxpayers & the schools would fall apart & all the children would have to find a new hero. He'd have to find a new job but there are no new jobs for people with the same old story.
Order in the county court would become chaos if taxpayers had a right to tell the people who work for them, what they think. Things like the great hunter-smith investment might get side tracked & derailed before deals get closed in the middle of the night. If that happened there wouldn't be anything to fight about & life would get booring & useless.
What would Ms. Van Cant do if she couldn't maintain order, bang the gavel down, & sick the cops on WAB. If WAB was turned loose to sniff out all the rats in the corn crib, rats would become an endangered species & get put on the endangered fecies list!
Some say old stonehenge might have a coniption fit & get lockjaw if he couldn't call things to order, flag down the mistress of mischief, & get her to sic the cops on WAB when he gets too rambunctchievous (in someone's face who needs it).
Folks, as Ms Klippity Klop says, you just don't know how bad bad can get till bad stuff happens! On the other hand, maybe we could copyright the proceedings, sell episodes to PBS, & they could replace the Leno show with the GC Circus. With all those royalties & ad dollars comming in, we could repeal all the taxes & live happily ever after. Ms Janet could ride around in a lemmo, TJ could become a star always stirring up crap like JR, & we'b be the talk of the nation!
Wonder why there is only 2 counties in the whole State of Tennessee with a charter form of government? That should tell you something.Do you people think Giles County should have to hold a election anytime the County need to have a bond issue for schools or what ever is need for the County? Wonder how many people would vote for a bond issue. Giles County would never get anything of importance done.
howard...
Rest assured that I will do my part to defeat it. Have you ever considered the extra expense that will be involved in a charter situation? It will be enormous to taxpayers. Aren't you guys pledged to saving the taxpayers money and looking out for their welfare?
3:50 Please list a few of those expenses if we had a county charter. Thanks
6:27
Increased costs involved with holing referendum votes is only one. And wgo will pay for the additional ones?
How much do you think it cost to print an extra line on a ballot? It will cost much less than a special called meeting of Commissioners to correct a stupid mistake by someone who should have known better.
3:50 Dont you think it is worth a few bucks to bring an option to voters? The democratic way? As several commissioners have confessed in meetings "We have thrown money away on other things". Something going before the citizens is surely worth the effort.
It would cost about $30,000.00 to hold a election.
1:40 For the General Election. Adding a few lines for folks to vote on to the usual general election would be peanuts. It would not require more poll workers.
What is at issue is the fact that many more elections will have to be held. Who is going to pay for that?
GTC says to Feb 8th 2:37 and 3:50
How about reading a proposed draft of the forth coming Giles County Charter? Specifically section 2.02.E which establishes the athority to authorize borrowing funds to the County Commission ONLY!
I invite all people to go to ... http://www.scribd.com/doc/11478966/Giles-County-Draft-Charter-ver-1 and discover a draft charter that has been created for discussion purposes ONLY!
Interesting that someone would oppose the charter form of gov't and use as their basis of arguement the cost of an election; Wasn't it the folks in charge now that insuated that citizens were too stupid to understand what we were voting for the first time we voted for financial mgmt and forced a 2nd election? Who paid for that? For sure it wasn't the charter proponenents. I was opposed to financial mgmt until that happened. Folks in power should learn to listen to the people that put them there, NOT the other way around.
Carl
The financial management vote was not held during a special election. It was held during an already scheduled meeting, so it did not cost extra.
Each voting step during the county charter will be held in conjunction with already scheduled elections as per the law.
To GTC
Is this a draft charter that you put together? I've started reading. Thanks
GTC You pointed out specifically 2.02E on this draft. What in particular are you pointing out to people?
Does GTC stand for Giles Technology Center?
Think of the millions we could save when we dump TJ & his money pit mentality! Think positive, as in a sure thing, with an end to all of the tax hike threats added as frosting on the cake!
Giles County is not progressive (as in marx & bo) it's on the move for better things by better government, where less interference is better, as in always!
Better yet visit http://gileshomerule.blogspot.com which tells much more about it.
To GTC 4:21 pm
Ref 2.02E County charter cannot change any TCA. You will find the law does not allow otherwise on that particular topic.
I invite all everyone to go to ...
http://www.scribd.com/doc/11478966/Giles-County-Draft-Charter-ver-1
This was posted on 9 Feb. at 4:21 by an unknown poster and gives an excellent in-depth opportunity to look at some possibilities for the County Charter. As the poster clearly stated "this is only a draft for discussion and thought" and is in no way an actual approved Charter for Giles County.
Please read and feel free to post comments.
Another excellent website available with much information was also posted at 8:12 on 9 Feb.
http://gileshomerule.blogspot.com
Understand these are only ideas and possibilities, it will be up to the elected Charter Committee Members as to what the final wording will be that is presented to the public for a vote. Much input is needed from everyone in order for this process to be the most productive and effective. Allen Barrett
So long as we can vote on Schools director and some of the other experts Giles County employs I'll be delighted to vote FOR a county charter .
Wont you ?
The home rule charter thats drafted by who, that on giles home rule web site? Looks like ones who drafted it wants to make sure that they get a place on committes.If they can't get elected they will change the way government works to suit them.
Why would you draft a charter and its not even voted on yet.The committees job is to draft a charter not Barrett. I guess he is the one that is responsibility for it maybe not guess had some help with his followers.
5:44
In my opinion,that is EXACTLY what these people are up to. They know they can't get elected, so they try to go about it another way. Beware and stay focused.
Excellent post. Get that mesasage out to as many as you can. I'll do my part..
5:44 When I read the draft I thought I read about it being there as only a suggestion of what it could possibly look like. Personally I think if you "got your message out" the way its written you would be putting your foot in your mouth along with the poster of 5:52. Beware indeed.
6:17
Like I said, I'll do my part.
GTC says to all
YES .... YES all of you do your part to spread the word regarding Home Rule, for or against. The more people know the more they can make up their mind. The more people read about Home Rule versus General Government the more they can make an informed decision as to how they want THEIR Government run. For once we have an opportunity for all the citizens to have a say rather than a select few.
Yes the citizens have an opportunity to elect a person from each District to draft a charter granting Giles County Home Rule. Once the proposed charter is completed; all the citizens of Giles County (registered voters) will have an opportunity to accept or reject the charter. If accepted, Giles County will then become a Home Rule county.
For those of you who have concerns, please present them to the elected charter committee so that your voice can also be heard as the charter is being drafted. What a unique concept for Giles County .... everyone will have an opportunity to speak as say their opinion, unlike today. Everyone (for and against) will be able to present their thoughts for consideration.
GTC - thank you. Good positive post.
Please allow me to share with you some information I got today from a HIGHLY reliable source about what could happen to Giles County with home charter rule. And this should scare each and every Giles County voter.
The citizens will have an opportunity to elect a home charter committee member from each district. That is correct. But the caveat there is to be VERY CAREFUL who you vote into those positions. We need good people to step forward and run against those who have been working for this charter all along. Because once they are seated, they can pretty much dictate what will be in the charter for such things as term limits and even to the extreme of dismissing some or almost all elected officials with the power to replace them with people OF THEIR CHOOSING! Beware! Can you see where this could be headed?
Let me take this scenario a step further. Ok, let's say there's a small group of disgruntled Giles Countians who lack the ability to be elected and are thus rendered politically impotent. If they or their cohorts can get elected (and they will run) to this home charter committee, what do you think they will do to those elected officials whom they have been attacking all this time?
Although I do have my suspicions, I am NOT accusing these people of having this as their ultimate objective. I'm just warning Giles Countians that they need to KNOW what they are voting for or against before they step into the voting booth. Again, I heard this from a VERY RELIABLE source who said that whatever we do, we as Giles Countians MUST defeat it. This scares me, and I'm sure what I have just said will be criticized sharply by the disgruntled. And if what I heard is true about what COULD happen with home charter rule, I can't help but wonder why anybody would want it to begin with.
People, please do your homework on this one. We cannot afford to be asleep at the wheel.
6:42 The only thing you got right in your post is that 1 person from each district can be elected. We all read that in the paper. The remainder of your post is pure speculation, of which you are very wrong. Then your post is meant to scare. For myself, I dont see this as anyone trying to push anything on us. Just an opportunity being offered that we have never had before. I plan to keep an open mind until the charter is written, then vote on it.
To 6:42 First of all let me qualify what I am about to say by stating that I am not running for the Charter Committee plain and simple.
Second if you heard this information from such a reliable citizen then why would you not state the name of such a reliable source? The reliability of your source can be debated but the facts of your information is as full of error and the man made Global Warming theories.
The matter of the Charter Committee
has already been decided by the voters of the county. The coming election is to vote for people who seek election to the Charter Committee whose sole responsibility is to write a Charter and present it for approval or rejection by the voters. No one at this time has the power to put any elected official out of office before their term is completed without legal proceedings
Even if term limits are later adopted no one would be put out of office during their term without some egregious behavior.
Here's a simple thought, it was suggested in another post by someone, instead of using scare tactics to try and defeat something that is already in place educate yourself with the facts, read the Tennessee Code talk with people on both sides of the issue about your concerns then be prepared to address the issues with the Charter Committee or better yet stand for election to the committee.
This process is the opportunity to actually bring about the much needed change that can break the good ole boy network, give the citizens back their government and establish Giles County as a Twenty-first century leader instead of an eighteenth century serfdom. Allen Barrett
7:31
You are right that my post is designed to scare. What I learned today scares the pants off me.
You say the remainder of my post is pure speculation. Well, isn't that what I said it was when I wrote the post? Do you recall that I mentioned the word "scenario"? I did NOT accuse anyone of some clandestine operation. But, that could be in play. And this is, based on the information I received, too important an issue to just look at flippantly and say it could never happen here.
Yes, I would agree with you that my post is meant to scare, but only in terms of scaring people into checking the pros and cons before they vote. What's wrong with that? And I too plan to keep an open mind.
Let me ask you this. Would you favor a charter home rule situation wherein a committe could dismiss any county official they didn't want and replace that individual with another of their own choosing? Could you not see a problem with thatto wab...
Ok, please enlighten me as to who is on that committee? Are you by any slight chance a member? And please tell me why a very reliable source from Knox County said that whatever we do, Giles Countians MUST defeat this charter?
dumbo is about to explode - doesn't seem to be any way to let the air out!
9:23
Wrong. I'm simply asking for answers.
Mr. Barrett:
Are you saying that a charter has already been drafted? If so, who met as a group to write it? I have read several times on this blog that there has never been a small group of people working behind the scenes on anything? Could you please address that? Thank you.
To the 13 Feb. 9:45 poster.
I'm sorry for not explaining the situation better.
The people signed petitions authorizing the Charter Amendment. When I turned those petitions in to the County Clerk and Election Officials they had to certify those signatures. After the signatures were certified and it was determined there were enough the next step was having the Charter Committee elected. That will be done at the next election along with other election decisions. Those who are elected to the Charter Committee will then have nine months to write a Charter and submit it to the voters for an accept or reject vote. After the Charter is submitted the Committee then is dissolved. If the proposed Charter is accepted it then becomes the law for County Government. If it is rejected it dies.
Until the Committee is elected in August there is no one on the Committee, there is no one who has written a single authorized word of the proposed Charter. What has been posted was merely an idea for discussion it has no official standing and the Committee will have absolutely no requirement to read a single word of that proposal.
The question was asked, "Would you favor a charter home rule situation wherein a committe could dismiss any county official they didn't want and replace that individual with another of their own
choosing?"
First of all state law would prevent such an action and second such a proposal would be almost sudden death to the Charter.
The Charter Committee will hold meetings with the public for input and they will have to submit something they believe has a chance of being passed by the public or else their work will have been useless.
Knox County has had trouble because a group of powerful people will not accept the lose of their power and control without a fight. That fight is characterized by some of the same scare tactics now being used here, distortions, plain ole fashioned lies and bully tactics.
Some of the same people who tried so hard to prevent the petitions from being signed, who put up signs in the Courthouse that stated "No On County Charter your county has existed for 200 years on general law" so why change anything?
Well, nothing has or can be done until after the Committee Members are elected so who not wait for your objection until something is proposed and until then let's all get better educated as to what we as a county want. Allen Barrett
wab
But who was the "we" who met to draw up a proposal? I believe you were asked that question by the person who made the 9:45 post. I too thought there was no such thing as a group. You mentioned "what we as a county want." We? I can tell you this. There are a lot of people here who disagree with you as to what is in the best interests of Giles County. And, should this charter get voted in and should it become what I learned it could, will you be willing to share in at least part of the blame?
Hopefully, the charter will have a provision for recall of a government official by petition of the citizens and a vote of the citizens, (not a "committee").
We need a change to make the director of schools an elected position.
Hopefully, the charter will have a provision for recall of a government official by petition of the citizens and a vote of the citizens, (not a "committee").
We need a change to make the director of schools an elected position.
5:59 You obviously don't know how to interpret. "We" means the voters who sign the petition. Give up, you are flogging a dead horse and its getting old.
11:53
I would agree with you that, should this thing get voted in, there should be a provision for recall based on vote by the people and NOT by a committee. I think we can both see the very negative and highly suspect ramifications of a committee with such power. It's very similar in nature to tenure laws for teachers. Without tenure, teachers could be fired on the spot for trumped up charges and replaced by another person of choice.
The only problem I have with the director of schools being an elected position is that it would turn into a popularity contest in which the best person for the job may or may not be hired. I would rather see the director hired by a team of knowledgeable professionals who are both familiar with and involved in the field of education.
1:26 Recall votes are done by the people not a small committee. Personally I think it a good idea.
1:26 are you that dense are just that determined to mislead. There are a couple of entries including at least two from Mr. Barrett explaining the reality of replacing someone in office.
As for the director of schools do you not realize what a popularity contest it is already you just have to please a smaller group with an appointment and you only have to answer to a small group. An elected school official would be answerable to a wider group of people and still have to meet the same professional requirements. The difference is in local people voting or Nashville people appointing I don't want Nashville pushing anything down our throats.
4:27
Neither of the two. Perhaps I just happen to have a view that differs from yours.
If it was just a difference of view wouldn't you be asking more appropriate questions instead of repeat the same questions that have been answered already?
Anonymous on 2/13 @ 6:42pm- Please publish the name of your highly reliable source. I am very skeptical of accepting any person's word on matters such as these and have not read the draft yet. I need to educate myself as to know which questions to ask. Please do this as soon as possible. I too am very concerned. Also, so as to let your reliable source know that I am not a phony or playing some political game, I am sure you would not mind giving me your name as well so that the source will know where my information came from. I would like to find out all I can about this matter and since your information and sources are so reliable, I am assuming that you won't mind my quoting you when asking my informed questions. Truly, you will be doing both sides of the issue a great service so that all will be informed and the vote will truly be a democratic event.
It was a great way of lightening the mood on the blog by being so dramatic and talking of reliable sources and danger, and then signing anonymous to your post. That's quite a dry sense of humor you have, but I do infer a sense of urgency in your post and we really must get serious asap. I realize a lot of people might not get your joking by signing anonymous about such serious matters when you hold such important info, so let's drop the suspense for now and be determined to find out all we can for our county. I did enjoy your joke of signing anonymous but come on and truly share your important information. This is far too important and as the person who possesses such knowledge it's up to you to educate the rest of us and we both know that intelligent people ignore silly little anonymous postings knowing they come from silly little scared people.
Geoffrey Jordan, Lynnville Tn
Geoffrey...
Your sarcastic remarks are noted. And I will not reveal the names of those who shared this information. Actually, I do not know them personally, and they are not even from Giles County. But the source is reliable. And I never said the things they warned about will necessarily happen in this county. I simply stated some possibilities and that the voter needs to be aware of the pros and cons of a home rule charter bfore casting his or her vote. As I also stated previously, I will keep an open mind until the actual proposal is made public. At that point in time, you and I both will be able to make an informed decision. Finally, there's nothing at all silly about being concerned over the things that were mentioned. Ok?
Sorry 8:37 you haven't had an open mind since your lobotomy.
The only person I have seen on here who has posted information reliable enough to sign their name to it has been Allen Barrett. I appreciate his efforts and find far more potential credibility in his post because he put his name on it than anything you have posted thus far. If you want others to believe in what you have to say then you must demonstrate your own belief in it first by posting your name with it.
8:37 Strange we have heard nothing on the news about Shelby or Knox counties having problems with their county charters. If what your reliable source says is true there would be major fights going on. Instead, nothing. Obviously your reliable source is not so reliable.
10:46
I don't have to give you my reasons for not posting. It's none of your business anyhow.
2:48
Look, all I am telling you is that those counties have tried to get out of the charter rule and can't. The information I got was from people who are qualified to make statements about the situation in Knox County. I don't know why it hasn't made the news. Why don't you call over there and check on that? It seems you want to play gotcha with me, and that would be a golden opportunity for you.
6:48 First you talked about having A reliable source, now 'you have PEOPLE who are qualified to make statements' about ANOTHER county!! Why do I need to call Knox county and ask? I'm not the one concerned about that county. Seems to be you are so I would say that should be your responsibility to provide proof to back up your statements. As for it not being on the news, you could always e-mail one of the investigative TV news stations and have them do your work for you. In other words, put up or shut up.
9:46
Wrong. I never said these people were in a position to say anything about Giles County. What I said is that they shared information about the potential things that could happen here. But you knew that, didn't you?
Why don't you e-mail one of the TV stations over there? I know what I heard, and I don't have to prove anything. This should scare the pants off every Giles Countian. But, I will, as others say, maintain an open mind until I see what the GILES COUNTY charter proposal has to say. If it's anything like it could be, be assured that I will be actively working against it.
10:08 I heard from a very reliable source that there is a monster in his closet. Another reliable source has reported and its confirmed by thousands of other people that the Easter Bunny will be visiting in a few more weeks. Another very reliable source has stated along with millions of other reliable witnesses that Santa Claus flies around the world at Christmas in a sled pulled by reindeer and leaving all sorts of gifts in every single house.
I fear your open mind is revealing nothing but the emptiness in your head.
10:52
And I fear that you must have your very childish last word, regardless of what I say or the simplicity with which it is said. If I were you, I don't think I'd be talking about the emptiness in somebody else's head. What a laugh.
I really can not believe anyone is as dense and out of touch with everything the way you seem to be. I think it is all an act and an effort to try to keep anyone from talking about any of the topics.
Wrong. I just happen to love Giles County and am quite concerned about what's going on here. And just because I oppose mean-spirited attacks and mud-slinging doesn't give you the right to talk down to me.
Geoffrey here, I was not being sarcastic. I meant every word. If someone possesses knowledge that would save the county they profess to love, they have a responsibility to share it with all who will listen. Not doing so is akin to "withholding evidence" that would save or condemn someone in a criminal situation. If you really and truly had knowledge, you would share it, with pride that you were doing something to help. You by remaining anonymous, are repeating gossip, which nobody can confirm or deny because we don't know who you are, and personally I know of nobody that would bat an eye if we suddenly got an alarm on our t.v. sets with a dire warning, delivered by a newscaster hidden in shadows, with their voice altered. People would take it as a very bad joke delivered in poor taste. "Ah, the sky is falling", This is Donald Duck reporting form planet Pluto. Nobody would or should take a single anonymous posting seriously, ever.
Geoffrey
To 6:48 and your 'reliable source'.
I did some research. Only thing I came up with on Knox county and their charter is they did an amendment to the charter because the original failed to include a recall vote. Now included. Suggest you pass this on to your 'reliable source'. BTW is his name Tommy?
Just type in Knox County, TN free speech blog.
Sounds a lot like Giles County Free Speech Blog.
geoff..
Think what you will. I'll do the same. Ok? Your sarcasm is again noted.
To those of you who are discussing the possibility of a new form of local gov't with thoughts that it would include the ability to elect rather than have the director of schools appointed, you are forgetting a major point. I mean no criticism here, but I am not sure if you realize that a new local gov't could do absolutely nothing toward electing a superintendent for the schools. That is a state law which went into effect some years ago, possibly 15 to 20 years or so. There is nothing counties individually can do about it, it would have to be changed at the state level and it would have to be for all TN counties unless our representatives in Nashville specifically left it up to the individual counties to make the decision as to whether to elect or appoint someone to this position. The appointment wouldn't be such a bad system if and only if an impartial school board could be elected that was capable of understanding that they are the director's supervisor and can tell him what to do and not the other way around. They would have to be intelligent and ethical enough to stand up to shady manipulative behavior and have enough character to remember that they answer to the voters who put them in office. We obviously don't have that now, but we're stuck with the appointment system unless Nashville decides to change the system. Locally it cannot be changed.
Geoffrey
Geoffrey.
Great information! But not everyone agrees with your assessment of Mr. Jsckson. In fact, many would resent that.
As for the "new form" of government, there are also many of us who are quite concerned about that. And trust me when I say that there will be plenty of us out there who will be working to defeat it. We will do our level best to educate Giles County voters on what it can do.
Do you ever ask yourself who is behind this sudden "revelation" that Giles County needs a new form of government? I think you know. Well, these people are politically impotent, and I honestly believe this is a tool that can be used to gain power. Perhaps I am wrong, but it certainly seems that way to me. And that is exactly why we need strong and respected people in every district to run for the charter committee. I believe at least some of the ones who are behind this will be running for this committee. This has to be defeated.
To 6:21
I have to agree with you. I think the people who are pushing this charter rule agenda are counting on Giles Countians to be apathetic and uninformed about the issue. I'll be glad to help spread the word, and I think we need to get busy right now. They are.
To 6:21, from Geoffrey-Thank you for your compliment, but apparently you mis-read what I posted. I made NO assessment of Mr. Jackson, nor did I in any way indicate that I am pro-charter gov't or against it. I am studying it and will make my own mind up. Please do NOT assume that "you think I know" what insuation you are making regarding another citizen. That was an arrogant statement, at best. I rarely discuss my politcal philosophy with friends and family and I most certainly would not share them with a perfect stranger who could be someone between ages nine to ninety-nine. The negative statements I made regarding our current school board are based on
1st hand information, not gossip, not rumor, and absolutely not on an anonymous post. "Have you ever wondered what assumptions regarding another's motives will get you?" "I think you know."
Following the nonsense we, as citizens, had to endure over the beer laws and by commissioner Stoney Jackson's own words "They looked like a bunch of clowns", we all should give strong consideration to this county charter. What have we got to lose?
geoffrey
My apologies then. I took your comments about "shady manipulative behavior" as a reference to Mr. Jackson. It just seemed like one more dart directed at him. Again, my apologies for the misunderstanding.
But, as for my question about who is behind the home charter issue, I STILL think you know who that is. Most people do, so, YES, I assumed you knew as well.
4:23
What have we got to lose? I hope you will remind yourself of that statement and do some investigation on what can happen to this county with home charter rule. From what I have learned about it so far, I would have to call it "home bullies rule." We have a lot to lose.
Let's both take Geoffrey's advice and do some research on this. I'm reminded that we only have two counties in the entire state who have home charter and both of them are trying to get out of it. That speaks volumes, even though the ones who are behind this would counter by saying it's just because the powers that be in those counties do not want to lose power. That's not true, and we must not be naive.
4:42 Can you back your statement up about the two counties trying to get out of their county charters or is your comment made based on 'information' by your mysterious 'reliable sources'?
7:13
Why don't you investigate this for yourself rather than waste time ctiticizing the message?
7:13
Let me ask you a question. If home charter rule is so darned good, then please explain to me why there are only two counties in this entire state who have it. You should be able to respond to that, regardless of whether or not they are trying to get out of it....and they actually are. Thank you.
I am truly amazed that a person with as open a mind as Doctor Dufus claims why would he seek to defeat the charter before it is even written?
You would think they would at least find out what is in the charter before committing to defeat it.
As for only two counties having a Charter government and they are both trying to repeal it, that Doctor Dufus is an outright lie.
8;39 It has already been done. You are wrong.
Pierre Billard looked for an answer and asked the question to Knox County whether or not there was an effort to discontinue their current Home Rule form of government. The answer from Knox County is:
Mr. Billard:
Thank-you for your e-mail regarding Home Rule government in Knox County. We are not aware of any formal or organized effort to reverse the Charter form of government, and the Mayor believes it has served the citizens well for many years.
I hope this helps.
Many thanks-
Dwight Van de Vate
Chief Administrative Officer
Office of County Mayor Mike Ragsdale
400 Main Street, Suite 615
Knoxville, TN 37902
By the way folks all you had to do is ask and not assume
7:50
I will not take this as the gospel until I can see into it further. While I'm not questioning Mr. Billard's integrity, I would also say that anybody can post anything on this blog.
The thing that bothers me most about this is the fact that there is the strong possibility that those who draft the proposal will have a recall provision wherein they can just dismiss whomever they want and replace them with those of their choosing. Can you see the danger in that. Is that not precisely why tenure laws came to be? Of course, it is.
In spite of the individual who continues to call names if anybody disagrees with him or her, I remain open-minded and will definitely check this thing out. And I will again say that Giles County needs strong and respected individuals from every district to run for the charter committee. If this doesn't happen, I'm afraid we will get the kind of government here that we allow.
I agree. I think the ones who are pushing this are those who know full well that they cannot get elected to office or gain any meaningful power through the normal electoral process. So they have figured out another way to "skin a cat" it seems. That is troubling.
We can all see that the last two posters are one and the same.
8:29 Your response to Mr. Billard's post of proof doesn't even justify a response. Too, you try to portray yourself as so knowledgeable but you obviously you don't have a clue as to how a Recall vote works. Do just a favor, educate yourself before you make yourself look an imbecile again. Sad personality.
Perhaps I am not as smart as you think you are or as knowledgeable as I should be about the recall issue. But what I DO KNOW is that those who draw up the charter CAN put that provision in as a part of it. That's why Giles County needs respectable and smart people to run in every district to ensure that those who are so desperately craving power do not slip in due to voter apathy and write up a proposal that would FINALLY give them that power. They are counting on the average Giles Countian to be uninformed about this matter. And they will be running their people for this committee.
You can rest assured that I plan to educate myself on this issue and work my fanny off to educate others if it turns out to be the monster I think it might be. Rest assured.
So far all your efforts to educate seem to have been the spreading of misinformation, wild speculation and plain lies.
I believe I read on here that Mr. Barrett hos no intentions of running for a position on the Charter Commission.
Don't it seem to even you that if Mr. Barrett and his so called gang of subversives were intending to have a coup d'etat that they would not entrust the job to others but run for the offices themselves?
1:05 For weeks you have been telling us that this "group who cant get themselves elected" will be running for charter commissioners, now you have changed your tune to "they will be running their people". You have lost any credibility you thought you might have. Rest assured.
2:56 and 6:08 (same person maybe?)
My efforts to educate hasn't begun yet, because I need to learn more about it. But if it's anything like I was told it could be, you can bet I'll be working against it. You see, everybody might not agree with you about what's best for Giles County. And just because there will be those who disagree doesn't make them stupid or dishonest.
Gang of subversives? Those are your wods and not mine. But I truly believe he has or is at least a part of a group that collaborates of what they are doing. That's my opinion.
The 8:41 was not mine, but I totally agree with it. And, in my opinion, there are those who want power but lack the ability to get elected. Too bad if that doesn't please you.
6:08
Are you playing semantics with me now? When I said they will be running and that they will be running their people, can you not consider that it means the same thing? It did to me. Some of their people (them) will be trying to get on this committee. The only credibility I've lost is yours, and so what? If I said a red barn was red you would tell me it was blue.
GTC Says:
To the fine person who is really worried about a recall provision in any Home Rule government charter. So what if there is a recall provision??????
Any recall of an elected official, by State law, has to be approved by a majority of voters (by the way, that includes you). The Home Rule Charter has to abide by State law. Any replacement of a recalled official has to be approved by a majority of the voters (again that includes you).
See you are part of the solution.
8:28 it's a waste of time the person you are trying to educate will not allow any facts to be entered into the debate. They already have made up their mind what the Charter will be even though no charter for this county exist at this time and will not exist until after the committee is elected. There are rocks smarter that that guy.
GTC
Ok, then I will withhold judgment until I see what's written in it. And, if an employee can't be replaced except for the vote of the people, then I'm cool with that. I just had the idea that the committee would be arbitrarily given the power to dismiss an elected official and replace that person with someone of their choosing. I hope I am wrong about that.
But, this doesn't negate the fact that Giles County needs well-known and respectable candidates from every district to run for this committee. Would we be able to agree on that without your condescension?
GTC Says:
Absolutely! I hope that there is at least one person in every district that loves this County and has concern for everyone to step up and volunteer their time and assist in the creation of a Charter that will provide us with a meaningful Home Rule Government.
To 9:22 All you have to do is actually read what's been posted including the denial by Mr Barrett about that whole idea being absurd and their encouragement for people to seek election to this committee.
There was never any attempt to have a closed election except in your mind and the only controversy that has been stirred up has been the result of your misinformation and unwillingness to listen to anyone who offered you facts instead of speculation.
Nobody said anything about a private or closed election.
To 4:02 Your comments have implied little else since this topic was posted. You have accused me and an invisible group of "unknown but select" individuals of not only controlling the election but already having written the charter. Even when I and others tried to assure you that not one word of the charter had been written or would be until after the committee writes it that still wasn't good enough for you. Even the e-mail that was posted by Mr Billard from the Chief Administrative Officer of Knox county wasn't good enough for you.
The only thing you have made clear is that you have set your mind against the idea of a charter and are willing by any means, including dismissing facts and simply making up things for support, to try and stop it advancing. I have absolutely no problem with you thinking anyway you choose or supporting anyone or anything you choose the only thing I have ever said about either of those topics is that feelings are not a reliable source on which to base decisions when facts stand so firmly in opposition to those feelings.
By all means go out and recruit some good people to run for these offices I may even support some of those you pick.
You have implied, used innuendo, gossiped and plain lied in your efforts to attack me personally. You have even stooped so low as to challenge the propriety of me being a minister and even Christian. You have made claim after claim of even knowing my motives for things I say and do all without knowing anything about me personally except what you have conjured up in your own mind.
You have done these things from under the cowardly cover of anonymity and refusing to take even the smallest level of responsibility for your childish, untrue whining. It's time you grow up and take responsibility for your expressions and either back them up with some factual proof under the post of your name or just shut your big fallacious spewing mouth. Thank You Allen Barrett
WAB, the person is cuckoo.
Would like to suggest that once a topic is started everyone completely ignore this person's usual postings since its so easily identifiable, and respond ONLY to those postings where people are willing to discuss the subject matter. If we don't respond to the cuckoo's baiting they might realize they are being ignored.
wab...
I have made up NOTHING false about why I am against the charter. Are you lying or are you simply mistaken? Your statement is untrue, so it has to be one or the other. Which is it?
You say I have made claim after claim about knowing your motives for things you say and do. Well, isn't that what you are doing to me? Just because what I believe about the dangers of home charter rule do not coincide with what you think, I am somehow wrong and "conjuring" up falsehoods. WRONG! Not everyone sees eye-to-eye with you, and isn't that their right? Question. If home charter rule is so great, then why do only two counties in the entire state have it?
And to be honest, I do question your role as a minister. I am not in a position to judge you or anyone else in terms of Christianity. However, in my entire life, I have never seen a preacher behave as you do. So forgive me if I find that a bit troubling. It really bothers me.
Let me just say this. You and a few others are not the only people in this county who care about Giles County. And if this home charter thing is as bad as I have heard it COULD be, you can be assured that I will be working against it with as much fervor as you will be working for it. That's both a reality and a right.
Like I said on another topic, you should get him an office right next to yours. Then you can keep an eye on him all day and follow him home every night, so you can see he gets home all right and doesn't throw any wild parties you don't know about.
To 9:52 If you are going to deny things you say you shouldn't leave so much evidence showing you said them. There are a whole list of examples on this single thread that exposes you.
The whole presentation you gave about Knox County trying to opt out of their Charter form of government was false. Your contention of what the Charter proposes was made up. Your contention that I would try and be on the Charter Committee was untrue. People are not thinking you are wrong because you disagree with them but because you fail to offer any credible argument in support of your positions. Feelings are not credible arguments facts are. Then when you fail to support your feelings you simply make up stuff. You are not only dishonest with others you don't even have enough self respect to be honest with yourself.
In fact almost everything you have tried to use as an argument against the charter has been nothing short of plain fiction.
I have never made a claim of knowing your motives only that what ever they are it's obvious that you do not have the confidence in them to stand up for them and identify yourself.
I have never questioned your Salvation. Would it be fair of me to say that because I've never seen a Christian behave as you do that you can't be a Christian, of course not. You claim constantly that people are upset with you because you don't agree with them, well because I don't fit your mold of a minister you seem to have no problem declaring me unfit to be one, how hypocritical of you. Because you have such a limited experience with ministers should everyone accept your definition of what a minister is, thankfully not. I have given you a number of ministers that acted outside the realm of your expectations including Jesus Himself and your response is I'm not them. I never claimed to be but only used them to show you that ministers come in all sizes, shapes and behaviors.
Not once have you ever seen where I have said I'm the only one in Giles County who cares about the county. There are many including you who care and many more are developing a great concern because of the information that is provided on this blog, in the newspaper and what's being revealed now in the Commissioners meetings. The problem is for some including you the mindset continues to be one of blindly defending those who are raping the county and perverting justice and freedoms.
Lastly I have no problem with you working as hard as you possibly can against the Charter, I only wish you would use some integrity in your oppositions. Allen Barrett
wab...
Look, your excellency, I never made up anything. I only "exposed" what I learned from people in Knox County who would beg to differ with you. And I do not appreciate your calling me a liar. By the way, it's very very hard to see the halo on your head. So please don't be hypocritical about this. You either misunderstood what I said or you are lying, because I didn't fabricate one thing about Knox County. Oh, and don't even bother trying to talk to me about integrity. What a joke.
You continue to talk about those who are raping and pillaging our county, and etc. I've done a lot of thinking about why you are so paranoid and distrusting and have come to some conclusions. I think you must have had some bad experiences at some point in your life that have caused you to feel the way you do about others. And you are an angry little man with no power...in my opinion. That's my mindset.
My definition of a minister? My minister fits the definition very well. He is involved in love and soul-winning and is not out there stirring up trouble and, at the least, being contentious with others. I'm glad he fits an EXPECTED definition and not some subjective reasoning that would give license to behave as you do. Think about that.
You sound just like one of the churches where I came from. If the minister doesn't preach and do to suit the congregation, then get rid of them. They are not supposed to preach on what you want to hear, but what the Bible says.
I think I might sound like one who expects a certain level of behavior from his or her minister. And if it's not there showing in his life, I would go somewhere else.
Hypocrit? "I don't appreciate you calling me a liar, you lying powerless little man!" I guess that's why you don't want anyone to talk to you about integrity, you might feel left out. It's funny how people can expose themselves in their own posts. Good job anonymous 6:15
Can't everyone see that 7:46 and 6:15 are the same person? She does this every time trying to make everyone think that there is more than one idiot in the bunch complaining about Mr. Barrett. She is the only one trying to keep up with everything the man does. She even goes by his house to see what she thinks he might be up to, like throwing a wild party like the last time she reported it.
8:08
Are you really that stupid? I AM the one who posted the 6:15 entry, but that's it. And, guess what? I meant absolutely every word I said. But 7:46 belongs to someone else and not me. Furthermore, I have never said anything whatsoever about what goes on at wab's house and could care less. However, I suspect that there are meetings held there from time to time to discuss how best to deal with all the "corruption" in Giles County.
You are really confused; I'm thinking the continual spewings of hatred and resentment is getting the best of your mental health.
9:20
Isn't that about what happened to a preacher here in Giles County a few years back? They got rid of him. But I heard he didn't go away until he exposed his rear end. Would you have any information on that?
Mr. Barrett, I must respectfully disagree with one of your statements regarding the person you are referring to in your post @ 5:16 on 2-22. I believe you accused him of being willing by "any means" to stop the advancement of the charter form of govt. Sir that is an incorrect statement. This person is not willing to put his name to his "proof" of which he obviously has none. It's very easy to shout from the rooftops about how much info one has and how far one is willing to go to "protect" his ideas and values against the "boogie-man" when one can remain anonymous.
The charter is an interesting idea. I have some concerns, and will continue my research. Thank you for providing examples for each premise instead of rumor and innuendo.
Carl
I saw Mr. Barrett on the news tonight and he not only didn't have any horns there was no fire coming out his nostrils.
Fact is he made a good impression and the article gave some good information about the charter. That report also said there are several other counties that are looking into adopting a charter form of government. Could it be that the charter ain't so bad and we're just way ahead of the curve. Thanks Mr. Barrett and thanks to channel 4 news.
carl
If you were anything close to as smart as you think you are, you would have noted at some point that I said I would remain open-minded. Your efforts at being cute failed.
You say Giles County may be "ahead of the curve" on this charter issue. Could it also be that the county is going to be the first one in the fire, excluding Shelby and Knox Counties. And, if that come to be true, the one for whom you are leading a cheer will have to assume a major part of the blame.
Let me say this. In theory, home charter rule in could be a good thing. But I am very troubled by the way it's being pushed here. I am even more concerned because of the ones I know who are behind it.
You just don't want to be pushed out of your cushy job.
to 6:26 If you were keeping an open mind why would you have such a negative attitude toward something that hasn't even been done yet?
Would you please tell us how it's "being pushed" that makes you so troubled? Would you like to compare the charter movement with that to rebuild Sam Davis Park. The charter movement was a people's initiative with petitions signed by over a thousand registered voters. Sam Davis was an initiative of Dan Speer and when presented to the voters was defeated soundly. It was then re-packaged and brought back.
Nothing can be done with the Charter until representatives can be elected to write it. Doesn't it seem reasonable to withhold condemnation of the charter until at least one exist? While expressing concerns about what could be is reasonable telling people that what might be is already a reality is simply absurd.
You state, "I am very troubled by the way it's being pushed here. I am even more concerned because of the ones I know who are behind it".
Concern over "who is behind it" is as absurd as is "being troubled over it being pushed", because first of all you have no idea to what extent any individual has been behind it and you certainly have no idea who will write it. It's only vanity that allows you to claim to know what you don't know and is impossible for anyone to know.
When the future becomes the present then we will all know better but until then the future remains a mystery.
Should I think that the one involved that is causing you so much trouble is me? Seems anything I happen to be involved in is cause for you to be concerned to the point you feel it must be condemned.
Let me ask your thoughts about the Pilot refueling project that was proposed for the Frankewing exit. I was 100% in favor of that project that would have provided over ninety jobs. Were you opposed to it because I supported it? When the County Executive failed to file the proper paper work on at least two separate occasions and numerous contacts by the Pilot management were you bothered by that negligence. Were you in favor of her actions and the lose of this project because I was disgusted by them? You see my real question is
can I be involved in anything that will not bring an immediate protest from you?
Sir you have not had much less kept an open mind on the matter of the charter and this is very easily proven by the totally negative and false comments you have made about the matter. An open mind is not one that builds opposition within it on the basis of who might be involved with it. Allen Barrett
In response to your 24 February 6:15AM whining, obfuscations and unfounded claims I offer a few of your postings from only this thread to show the utter absurdity of your statements.
From 24 Feb. 6:15 “Look, your excellency, I never made up anything. I only "exposed" what I learned from people in Knox County who would beg to differ with you. And I do not appreciate your calling me a liar. By the way, it's very very hard to see the halo on your head”.
“Your Excellency”; does that mean you have now placed me in a superior position over yourself? I certainly have not and would not place myself above anyone but don’t think I place myself beneath anyone either and that seems to be what galls you. The fact that I am not beholding to anyone to the point of sacrificing my core values in an effort to win their approval. As for the “halo” it’s there not because of what I have done but because of what Christ did for me, He made me a Saint by His sacrifice and I will not betray that for your approval.
As for being a liar, I believe when a person knowingly states something to be untrue as the truth, it is indeed a lie therefore the term fits you.
From the same post you state, “I've done a lot of thinking about why you are so paranoid and distrusting and have come to some conclusions. I think you must have had some bad experiences at some point in your life that have caused you to feel the way you do about others. And you are an angry little man with no power...in my opinion. That's my mindset”.
You continue to flatter yourself with an unqualified claim of knowing the intricacies of my psychic. Just so you will know I am indeed the product of all my life experiences good, bad and indifferent, just as is everyone else. About the only thing that makes me angry is when someone seeks to abuse, either physically or emotionally, me or someone in my presence. Do I find it difficult to trust someone who has lied to me absolutely that’s why I have no trust in Mrs. Vanzant for example and can not have until she has proven herself trustworthy.
You state, also from the same post. “ My definition of a minister? My minister fits the definition very well. He is involved in love and soul-winning and is not out there stirring up trouble and, at the least, being contentious with others. I'm glad he fits an EXPECTED definition and not some subjective reasoning that would give license to behave as you do. Think about that”.
I’m glad you are satisfied with your minister and I certainly have no problem with him being the kind of man you describe. Peter was not the same kind of minister as was John, Paul was not the same kind of minister as was Stephen. Love is expressed in a number of ways. I have come to the understanding that real love is an activity and activity requires involvement whether it’s with a spouse or a community. My activity of love may be more aggressive than someone else that doesn’t make either one wrong or right only different and that is what you seem to fail to understand.
Continued on next page
On 7 Feb. at 7:01 PM and 7:43PM you posted this statement, “I challenge you to investigate the problems Knox and Shelby Counties are having with it. People need to know what they are voting for should they think this is a good idea. They are trying to get out of the charter and can't. What does that tell you? Research it for yourself.”
This is an absolute fabrication or lie on your part. They are not having any expressed problems in those counties as a result of the charter and second they are not trying to get out of the Charter form of government.
On 8 Feb. 2:37 PM you posted, “Wonder why there is only 2 counties in the whole State of Tennessee with a charter form of government? That should tell you something. Do you people think Giles County should have to hold a election anytime the County need to have a bond issue for schools or what ever is need for the County? Wonder how many people would vote for a bond issue. Giles County would never get anything of importance done.”
Here again you show an incredible prejudice for one who claims to have an “open mind”. There are several counties that are looking at the possibility of adopting a charter form of government. The reason they have not yet maybe because like Giles County they didn’t feel the need or know there was an option until now. Had the people voted on a bond issue to build the school administration building do I believe it would have been built not through a bond issue but there were other means available. You claim that if this charter is adopted “Giles County would never get anything of importance done” is just another example of a plain out right misstatement or lie.
On 8 Feb. 3:50 PM you posted, “Rest assured that I will do my part to defeat it. Have you ever considered the extra expense that will be involved in a charter situation? It will be enormous to taxpayers.”
Here again you state something that is not factually supported.
On 11 Feb. 5:44 PM you posted “The home rule charter thats drafted by who, that on giles home rule web site? Looks like ones who drafted it wants to make sure that they get a place on committes.If they can't get elected they will change the way government works to suit them. Why would you draft a charter and its not even voted on yet.The committees job is to draft a charter not Barrett. I guess he is the one that is responsibility for it maybe not guess had some help with his followers.”
While your train of thought is more difficult to follow in this post it seems to bear the same wrong minded statements. Any reasonable person would have been able to read a number of post including the thread topic and understand that one the charter has not yet been written, two the only committee is one where members are elected by the general public (no one is appointed). I will not be running for a position on the charter committee nor have I written one single word of the charter. So again you speak either without knowledge or without integrity.
On 13 Feb. 6:42 PM you posted, “Please allow me to share with you some information I got today from a HIGHLY reliable source about what could happen to Giles County with home charter rule. And this should scare each and every Giles County voter. They can pretty much dictate what will be in the charter for such things as term limits and even to the extreme of dismissing some or almost all elected officials with the power to replace them with people OF THEIR CHOOSING! Beware! Can you see where this could be headed?”
This is just a plain outright lie and I challenge you to offer any factual information that would support such an absurdity. You did not receive such information from a “highly reliable source” as no “highly reliable” source would say something so untrue. State law prevents dismissing any official, without proof of breaking the law, and replacing them by any means other than appointment by the county legislative body and/or election by the voters. This was either simply made up by you as a scare tactic or you just lied outright.
Continued on next page
That same day at 8:37 you posted, “You are right that my post is designed to scare”.
But didn’t you declare you purpose was to inform?
In that post you also stated, “You say the remainder of my post is pure speculation. Well, isn't that what I said it was when I wrote the post? Do you recall that I mentioned the word "scenario"?
Well, no you did not. No where in the post you refer too did you use the term “scenario”. What you did was clear “this should scare each and every Giles County voter. They (the charter committee) can pretty much dictate what will be in the charter for such things as term limits and even to the extreme of dismissing some or almost all elected officials with the power to replace them with people OF THEIR CHOOSING!”
This was not a “scenario” it was stated as fact and is as wrong as anything you have written.
In that post you also state, “Let me ask you this. Would you favor a charter home rule situation wherein a committe could dismiss any county official they didn't want and replace that individual with another of their own choosing?”
Let me ask you this, would you favor firing a rocket loaded with explosives into the mall at Cool Springs? I’m sure you would agree that is a totally stupid question with absolutely no realistic foundation on which to stand. It is no less stupid and flawed as your question about the equally absurd dismissal and replacement of county officials.
You ask, “Please tell me why a very reliable source from Knox County said that whatever we do, Giles Countians MUST defeat this charter?”
Unlike you I have no psychic powers to determine why others do the things they do, however I do question, especially in light of your unwillingness to identify your “highly reliable source”, whether anyone made the statement you claim. Until the charter is written no one can intelligently oppose it on any grounds other than they just want things to remain as they are.
On 20 Feb. at 4:42 PM you stated, “From what I have learned about it so far, I would have to call it "home bullies rule."
This is a reflection of an “open mind” an unprejudiced examination? If this is what you have learned then you above all men are ignorant.
I apologize for writing such a long entry but have limited your comments to only these. Your comment “wab... I have made up NOTHING false about why I am against the charter” is overwhelmingly revealed to be wrong. Sir based on these comments and many others you are clearly a liar with no regard for the truth and are void of any integrity. Allen Barrett
wab
I DID NOT make up or fabricate one word concerning what I was told about Knox and Shelby Counties. And since you refuse to admit that you are either telling a lie about me or simply misunderstanding what I wrote, I have no choice but to speculate. Either way, I did not lie, and you were off base in calling me a liar. So, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and just say that you misunderstood my post. I have a little more class than to call you a liar.
In my opinion, the only thing you have revealed is your rear end.
Mr Barrett. The person to whom you responded is an absolute nut. I wish you wouldnt waste your time responding. Put your energy into other posts. We all know the person is crazy. Dont encourage them by responding. Its the only reason they post what they do, just to bait you. Thanks
Wow, 6:35 is that your only response to such a statement by WAB? Is all those things he posted really things you said, oh wait I know they are because I read them when you wrote them.
6:42
I cut to the chase when I have something to say. And I don't waste time and energy trying to impress others with superfluity of speech.
I asked a simple question about lying or misunderstanding what I wrote. To me, my request seems very clear and, since you brought it up, concise.
Mr. Barrett
Did you say that you have never met with a group or anyone about the county charter? I also think you said there was no group working on it. If these things are true, then who went about collecting names on that petition and how did you wind up with it?
6:12 You are flogging a dead horse. Many people, and I was one of them, simply downloaded the petition from the website and collected signatures from family and friends. Bottom line is the county charter is on the ballot for August. Live with it and move on.
10:43 I believe you said yo had never made up anything then Mr. Barrett posted a number of things you had written and showed that they were not true in other words you made up things. NOw if he was wrong tell us where he was wrong if he was right then remaine silent. It's your cerdibility at stake not mine.
To the 26 Feb 6:12AM poster.
No I did not say I had never met with a group or anyone about the county charter.
What I have said is there is no formal group. There was a public meeting held at the VocTech building where a number of people came and the matter was discussed. This informal meeting was advertised in the free section of the paper, on the radio and by word of mouth in the community.
The names were collected by some very committed hardworking men and women, mostly women, who sat for hours and hours at the courthouse during last years tax collections and by citizens who downloaded the petition and took it to their family, friends and neighbors for signatures.
I wound up with the petitions because I asked people to give them to me to be taken to the proper authorities. Hope this answers your questions and concerns, thanks Allen Barrett
wab
Ok, let's just say for the sake of argument that there is no "formal" group. Then could we agree that there is an informal group of hardworking people who collaborated on the petitions effort. How did you know who to call and ask to let you have them when finished?
Let me answer your cheerleader's 9:36 post. Your charge that I made up the information I was given is either a lie or a misunderstanding. I only passed along that information and added nothing whatsoever to it. Ok? I just can't understand why that is so hard for you to address (which is it?) and why it can't be understood when I said I never made up a word about the charter issue.
You know 3:58, it's like when Mr. Billard posted the response from the Chief Administrative Officer for Knox County stating there was no move underway or projected seeking to move Knox County out of the charter form of government. Your response was to challenge that which is reasonable but why didn't you contact that official and report your findings. What you did instead was to continue posting unfounded rumors that they were trying to do away with the charter?
Those were comments that you either knew were fraudulent or should have known since every opportunity was given you to check out the facts, including the name of the official who refuted your original assertions.
As for the non-existent group you continue to whine about I'm through trying to explain since your comment show no real interest in the truth. Allen Barrett
wab
My concern is that Mr. Billard may think like you do. And, while I am not accusing him of such, it is quite troubling to me. I mean no offense by that; I am just sharing a concern. Not everybody sees things the way you do.
Oh, and by the way, my comments about the charter issue were made BEFORE mr. Billard posted his letter. Ok? Let's try to keep the chronology of events straight.
I have asked you at least twice to tell me if you were either lying about the false statement you made about me or did you just misunderstood. As I said, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you just don't understand. Regardless, I suppose I'm through trying to get you to answer the question. For you see, I never falsified anything.
Mr Barrett
Please resist and dont even try to answer this person. If you dont respond to them they wont have anything to continually argue with you about. I would much rather read your comments related to the issue at hand. Thank you.
There's an expression in folklore "Empty vessels make most noise " .
Mr Barrett PLEASE quit beating or even tapping lightly on the obviously empty vessels that are recurrent on this blog . They keep coming back like dead frogs in a pond when you stir the water !!
Lets get back to some serious discussion concerning the upcoming election for county home rule charter commissioners .
Who does anyone think will be standing for election to these highly important positions in Giles County's future as a Land of 21st Century Milk and Honey ? 200 yrs of the powerful few controlling the remaining many is more than enough despite what the current crop of hand-selected commissioners (selected by who ??..yes , the same 'few' ) may say on their courthouse signs .
Dee Mocrat
dee
What an irony! You speak of serious discussion on the charter issue. Well, it's only serious if the ideas posted here are in perfect agreement with you or with the blogmaster? Ridiculous. There's an old expression that says something to the effect that there's two sides to every story (issue). But it appears that you guys don't accept that.
I find the true irony in what you said about 200 years of the masses being ruled by a hand-selected few. I think the correct term would be elected instead of hand-selected. The last time I checked, this IS a democracy. I fear home charter rule would truly be government by a few. Can you see any irony in what you said?
As for those who will be going after these charter commission positions, I think we both know some who will be running. They are some of the same people who are continually trying to embarrass or ruin those they resent.
10:39 What will your reaction be when you find that no one that YOU think is planning to run for charter commissioner does not attempt to run? Of course, it will be easy for you to pick someone of the seven to say "that was one I knew would run". Since you are so concerned, why don't you run in your district which would also assure that you get "the right people in" and the charter written the way you would like to see it done. Problem solved all around for you.
10:57
Time will tell. And we both know they will either be running or will sponsor someone of their persuasion.
12:22 ou just cant accept that no one from this mysterious group will be running. But again I ask, what about yourself since you are so concerned the 'right' people get to write the charter. Or, are you too lazy and just want to muddy the waters qand whine on this blog? Sounds that way to me. Not up to the challenge? You would probably lose anyway and I would hate for you to be so disappointed. Poor thing.
4:06
As I said, time will tell.
to 10:39 once again your ignorance is showing this country is not a democracy, it has never been a democracy and will never be a democracy it is and has always had a representative form of government. For your small mind only Representative form of government means governed by the few who have been elected to represent the many.
You are chasing shadows with your ignorant ranking. Why don't you get some facts to support your stupidity then start talking.
You were asked a legitimate question and evaded it twice. If you are so concerned about who is on the charter committee why don't you run for a position? I know the answer it stupidity, cowardice and desire to continue whining instead of doing something productive for a change. You got a big mouth and a little doer.
6:16
Excuse me, but I believe wab was asked a question at least twice, and he never answerd it. Was he lying or simply mitaken? Which is it?
6:16
And I suppose you and those of your persuasion are doing "productive" things for Giles County? Please share some examples.
I love Giles County, and I don't want to see it ruined. OK????? Can you understand that?
6:44 Poor thing. Feel sorry for you.
7:22
Please do not pine for me. I know you worry yourself sick about my welfare aas well as well you do for all Giles Countians. But we would all be better served if you would focus those energies on the ones who are creating all the trouble. Would that be an indictment of you as well?
Ironically, I do feel sorry for myself and for the people of Giles County, because the know-it-alls will not go away. In my OPOINION, they are like a blight on our society. And I know you will make hay out of that comment....status quo, loves corruption, etc.
Maybe a focus on prayer and soul-winning would be a better plan on this another Lord's day. That would be an equally good plan for the rest of the week too. It sure would beat troublemaking, being contentious, and having feet that are swift to mischief! Just some thoughts.
8:27 Still feeling sorry for you my little nincompoop.
That's your privilege, but I don't need your pity.
Would you agree that prayer and soul-winning are better than stirring up trouble and strife, causing division, being contentious, and being part of those whose feet are swift to mischief? Those are not my words. Look it up in the Bible.
5:09 Whether you need my pity or not, you have it. Say, any chance you could get up early in the morning so we can trade barbs before I have to go out of town? How about around 6 a.m. does that suit you?
No thank you. I'll be leaving for work before then anyhow.
Do you consider it a barb if I tell you what the Bible teaches?
To 27 Feb 8:55 you state "Excuse me, but I believe wab was asked a question at least twice, and he never answerd it. Was he lying or simply mitaken? Which is it?
Sorry to be so late in responding to your question or more clearly your accusation. If you would plainly state what the question is that I failed to answer I would be more than glad to answer. I have tried to read back through the comments and find where you asked a question that I did not respond to and could find none. So by all means ask your question and I will gladly answer it with my name directly under that answer so you will not have to wonder about what I have said. Allen Barrett
5:32 Since you post during the daytime you must be using the company computer. Since 6 a.m. is not a good time for you can you make it earlier? I'm at your command and available any time.
6:26
Wrong. I don't have access to the blog at work. You sound like a bully who is trying to talk someone out into the street for a tussle. Silly, indeed.
Were I using a company computer and you knew that for a fact, I'll bet you would feel morally bound to report me, wouldn't you? Sounds like I would be at your command and not the other way around.
8:21 There you are again my little nincompoop! Busy as always. Talk at ya in the early morning so I can give you a good send off to work.
9:36
Oh, please don't bore me further with the spewing. Ok?
3:51 You know its not spewing. We have a strong relationship going on here.
Oh yes, it's spewing. Relationship? Are you insane (describing behavior)? The only relationship you and I have exists in your mind. That is, you have all the answers, and I am an ignorant nincompoop. What a laugh.
Sounds like love to me!!!!
Sounds like love to me!!!
If it's love, then let's work together to educate as many Giles Countians as possible about this charter. Whatcha say?
6:49 Good morning my Sweetie. Love is all about give and take. You are going to have to adopt an open mind about the charter in order for this relationship to be successful.
This may have been covered so sorry if I'm repeating--but I didn't want to read all the distractors an name calling.
I'd like to see in this Charter that commissioners and city official couldn't serve on each and every board and committee...go to them, it's the same group all the time at every level. There's much less opportunity for control so to speak and more chance for a voice of "the people" and acountability.
Also, considering running for the charter committee~is there a "standard" for running....I'm not a dumb person, but I'm also not of the likes of John Adams, Ben Franklin etc....I'd hate to hamper the chance. What assistance would Board members have? And god forbid that we get some of the same ol' same ol' people on that committee---If we had the likes of that, what would be the point of a Charter anyway~it's intended to break the chain of command not reinforce it. That alone might be enough for someone to run.
Sorry so long~thanks
Also, when is a deadline for running/qualifying?
Mr. Barrett~please consider placing this blog at the top of the board and keep it there instead of chronological order so that it doesn't get burried.
I REALLY wish that the distractors from the subject and namecallers would be edited off, regardless of which side they stand.
Make it the standard that everyone would know~if you do this you will be deleted, sort of like the "terms of use" stuff you see on MSN or Yahoo etc.
My 2 cents~thanks again
I'm sorry but I don't have the capability to place a topic at the top of the list and keep it there.
The requirements to qualify for the Charter Committee are the same as for qualifying for a commission seat. T.C.A. chapter two covers those qualifications. Basically you can qualify if you are over eighteen years of age, a citizen of the country and state and meet the residency requirements for the county. There are some unusual dis-qualifiers but they seldom come into play. One thing of importance is you can not be or seek to be an elected official in another area and qualify for the Charter Committee.
After you pick up your qualifying papers at the election office it's simply a matter of getting twenty five registered voters to sign the papers, turn them in and start campaigning. Good luck. Allen Barrett
9:03
You said that those who distract should be "edited" off. Translation. Those with opposing views should be censored. Isn't that pretty much what you would like to see happen?
no not opposing views, just ones that are off subject, Example....talking about Dog pound (thread) suddenly people are arguing about County Mayor or County Executive title...what does that have to do with aa pound? NOTHING. Edit the post that have namecalling or completely off subject. Even having to explain why that was said is off the subject....what I said should have been plenty self explanitory. Off subject~name calling~quoting the bible usually not relevant to governmental situation.
Or...jsut make it mandatory to have a verified name/account to post..myself included...although haven't engaged in the name calling...fewer off subject responses and accusations would fly if your names where attached.
The "unsigned" post would actually help employees that wanted to vent about problems....but so many are in the clic, it's be apparent who was a whisleblower and they'd be fired.
10:04
Then who will "edit" barrett when he starts in with the name-calling? Or, is that ok since he is the blogmaster?
The charter will help getting rid of Jackson. His contract is up July 2011. The board is looking at adding another year. People better be calling their board members to tell them that if they vote for another day they will not vote for them in the election. I'm afraid that Greene, Norman and Young might vote yes just because they problely won't run again. If no years are added then it will be easier to get a replacement through election by the people and not 7 board members.
GTC says to March 3 8:22am:
Unfortunately the proposed Charter must be completed by June 2011 and then will be voted upon by the citizens of Giles County in August 2012. Even if approved by the citizens the timing of events may allow Tee Jackson another 3 years in office in that his position may not come up for election until 2014.
Do you guys know Ben Cunningham? Just wondered.
5:01 No. Why do you ask?
I think at least one or two of you know him quite well.
Maybe I'll just start posting the "posts" that I'd delete if it was my blog so everyone would see I wouldn't delete "opposing views" just the off subject from ether side...
5.01 & 6.31 Why would you ask an open question about if anyone knows Ben Cunningham, get a reply, then use confrontational words in your response to someone who obviously does not know the man? If someone does know of Mr Cunningham does that make them a criminal? What is the problem?
10:53
Confrontational? Hardly. I think we both know what I mean by asking who knows that guy. Maybe we should just table that question for now.
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