Freedom of Speech, Rest in Peace!
What does it take to simply get fair and equal treatment from the County Executive and those who blindly follow after her. Apparently you must be among the select and not ask any difficult questions.
Today in the Budget Committee Meeting a remarkable lesson in obfuscation was displayed for those present. Not only were many false and misleading statements made in support of adopting a tax rate of $2.77 no one from the audience was allowed to challenge those statements or present documents disputing those statements. Even though I held my hand up to speak several minutes and a commissioner continued to direct the chairperson to recognize me to speak I was ignored.
Now following the Budget Committee Meeting the chairman announced a five minute recess, over the objection of some commissioners, with instructions that the Public Hearing on the budget would begin at the end of that recess.
As soon as the Public Hearing was called to order by the Budget Committee Chairman, the question was asked if there was anyone to speak and as I raised my hand, an immediate motion to adjourn was made. I stated that I had applied to speak and was told I didn't get the request in on time. The requirement was to request to speak five days prior to the meeting but no specifics as to what the request must include was published. I stated that each time I tried to find information about the request there was no one in the office that could tell me.
The ad that was required to be posted only stated that a written request was to be turned in five days prior to the meeting. No specifics were stated as to what the request was to include. That's why I tried to contact the County Executive to make sure my request was correct. The newspaper came out on Tuesday night but wasn't delivered until Wednesday afternoon thus the latest a request could have been made was Thursday. One and a half days notice is not reasonable. Without any other requests to speak why couldn't three minutes be given for rebuttal of the things that had been stated earlier, the answer is the very fact that a rebuttal was to be offered.
I have now submitted a written request to address the full commission on the 27th
of July. It will be interesting to see what procedures will be tried to prevent me speaking on that day.
The Budget and Public Meeting held today will be posted on the website http://pulaskionline.blogspot.com/
Today in the Budget Committee Meeting a remarkable lesson in obfuscation was displayed for those present. Not only were many false and misleading statements made in support of adopting a tax rate of $2.77 no one from the audience was allowed to challenge those statements or present documents disputing those statements. Even though I held my hand up to speak several minutes and a commissioner continued to direct the chairperson to recognize me to speak I was ignored.
Now following the Budget Committee Meeting the chairman announced a five minute recess, over the objection of some commissioners, with instructions that the Public Hearing on the budget would begin at the end of that recess.
As soon as the Public Hearing was called to order by the Budget Committee Chairman, the question was asked if there was anyone to speak and as I raised my hand, an immediate motion to adjourn was made. I stated that I had applied to speak and was told I didn't get the request in on time. The requirement was to request to speak five days prior to the meeting but no specifics as to what the request must include was published. I stated that each time I tried to find information about the request there was no one in the office that could tell me.
The ad that was required to be posted only stated that a written request was to be turned in five days prior to the meeting. No specifics were stated as to what the request was to include. That's why I tried to contact the County Executive to make sure my request was correct. The newspaper came out on Tuesday night but wasn't delivered until Wednesday afternoon thus the latest a request could have been made was Thursday. One and a half days notice is not reasonable. Without any other requests to speak why couldn't three minutes be given for rebuttal of the things that had been stated earlier, the answer is the very fact that a rebuttal was to be offered.
I have now submitted a written request to address the full commission on the 27th
of July. It will be interesting to see what procedures will be tried to prevent me speaking on that day.
The Budget and Public Meeting held today will be posted on the website http://pulaskionline.blogspot.com/
posted by Allen Barrett | 12:11 PM
57 Comments:
I don't know how anyone who watches the curt and rude way Van Zandt conducts business at these meetings would continue to vote for her.
The manner in which our County Executive and some of her supportive Commissioners dodged from having to sit politely and listen to citizen comments is not a surprise. Did the County receive written requests in a "timely" manner? According to the Finance Director the answer is NO! Is the County Executive and her supportive Commissioners allowed to adjurn the meeting without any public comments? YES!
However, any public servant who has any degree of self-worth and concern for those that THEY SERVE would have allowed the public to speak regardless. But that would require our "elected officials" to come off their on-high attitude and listen to comments that they might not personally like.
Were they correct? YES
Do they have the best interest of Giles County citizens at the core of their individual or collective thoughts? NO!
I know there are "rules and regulations" concerning procedures citizens have to go thru to be able to speak at meetings.And don't tell me it's to keep frivolous talk out of meetings. Most people who take the time out of their schedule (and most people have other things they would rather be doing) have meaningful questions, thoughts, etc to express. There shouldn't have to be "rules" there should be COMMON SENSE and COMMON COURTESY employed.
This arrogant attitude of elected officials (some of them) needs to stop. Someone is sure to come back and say it's because Barrett is loud, or whatever. If you speak in a pleasantly quiet tone of voice they for sure won't take you seriously coz they don't think you are serious.
Under the circumstances of the county executive and the newspaper making a mess of when and where the public hearing was to be held and the fact it was still advertised this Tuesday, the 19th, you could apply to speak, Mr Barrett should have been given his time. Read the front of Tuesday's paper and the ad about the meeting and you will see what I am talking about. Next time Mr B requests to speak at a full commission meeting (and I hope he does) he should be given the same amount of time the woman who spoke last was given, which was more than 5 minutes. She was also allowed to speak before the commissioner business got underway and thats the way it should be, not at the end of the meeting when the voting is all over. This is a disgussing state of affairs.
Was the public hearing at the the school or the courthouse? I went to the school but there were no cars so I thought I had missed it since there was no set time.
Oh no 8:19, it was not in a place where a large number of citizens could gather in comfort. It was in the basement board room at the annex about the size of the average living room.
Do we not have government , of the people, for the people, by the people, any more?
8:42,
Did a large number of citizens try to attend? Was the basement not big enough for the hundreds of citizens lined up to get into the meeting?
Perhaps if the meetings were located in a more convenient location and time more citizens would attend. I guess it is more convenient for the Commission to meet in a small place in the middle of the day when everyone is at work.
that and prhaps maybe the meeting wouldn't have to be done AGAIN since the snafu in the tax rate. Budget meetings and public hearing had already happend once--then they had to re-do it....
Good luck on getting time to speak to the commission...
9:53,
Did you, or have you ever gone to a meeting?
8:40 Yes I have smart aleck. And I couldn't get into the room because it was so small. Again, if the meetings were in a more conducive place and time there would be more citizen participation. But they and you don't want that, do you? The Commission would rather meet in secret and conduct business under the veil of darkness. I don't agree with WAB on a lot of things, but I do appreciate the fact that he brings a lot of the dirty laundry of local government into the light.
Are you going to sit there and say that you have been to a meeting that you couldn't get into? I think I may have to call you out on that. Sounds like B.S. There is no conspiracy in Giles County. You people have to find better things to do with your life than believe the commissioners and county executive are out to get you.
I went to a meeting and could not get in because there were no seats because the room in which the meeting was held was small. I don't know how I can spell it out any more. Conspiracy or not, I will guarantee you the Commission does NOT want the public to see what they are doing just like the Congress does not want to see what they are doing. It is much easier to spin the truth that way.
By the way, tell Janet I said hi the next time you come up for air.
They just don't want morons like you coming in and stirring up trouble. Most of the time you look like an idiot when you speak. It is a common problem amongst all you C.A.V.E people. There is no issue with normal citizens coming to the meetings.
1:08 You're a fine one to define what's "normal".
Giles County Budget Committee video at http://pulaskionline.blogspot.com
See for yourself that citizens have valid concerns that were ignored by the Budget Committee.
We need a government that cares about it's citizens and not just the ones that share the same views as our elected officials.
Apparently the majority of citizens that vote care about the same things that the elected officials care about. Otherwise they wouldn't keep getting voted into office. I guess that puts most of the people that whine and compalin about everything in the minority. It also means that it is never going to do any good to try and overthrow the current establishment just because a few of your heros can't get elected. Hurts doesn't it!
If you care and want a local government that has to be more responsive to our fellow citizens and must be responsible for its actions; I suggest that all of you read the proposed Giles County Home Rule Charter to be found at the lower left hand corner of the Pulaski Citizen web site home page.
The Home Rule Charter is a definite dead end road for the county. Ask anyone in the counties that have adopted one. They have regrets. I think the data has been given on here before.
GTC says to 9:47
You spout off stating that counties that have Home Rule have regrets? What regrets? Since you are so knowledgeable pleaase inform the rest of us with specifics.
Knox and Shelby Counties are the only two Tennessee Counties that are governed under Home Rule and both governments are alive and well. Both County charters have been reviewed at least twice each (as required by State Law), changes made when needed and those Charters continue to form the rule of government in those two counties.
If I am incorrect, please do inform me and the rest of the County.
Thanks,
10:03 He can't tell you. All he ever does if make silly comments hoping people will think he's the smartest one that knows all.
I was at the meeting and had to stand outside the room where you could not hear very much that was being said. There were between ten and twelve standing out there with me and every chair and standing space in the room was taken.
The behavior of the commissioner at the table was terrible and Mrs Vanzant really surprised me with her involvement, very disappointing. When I saw the film on that new web site I understood what the problem was and it wasn't the guy trying to ask a question.
Open government would have allowed an open public meeting but this was nothing short of angry and arrogance on the part of Commissioner Campbell and Mrs Vanzant specially.
Why would we want the same kind of government that those two counties have? We don't compare to them at all. Crazy!
I watched the video last night (all 6) and I didn't see a problem with anything that happened. It seems that WAB was a day late to be able to speak. He has given Campbell and Vanzant such a hard time around town and on here that it would be hard for me to be as nice as they were.
6:42 the videos show the attitude of the commissioners toward citizens. You should keep in mind that if this has always been tha attitude of the commissioners and Vanzant towards Barrett, which seems to be the case, then WAB has been justified with his statements and actions.
I found the actions of the Budget committee and Vanzant were appalling.
It doesn't matter how a citizen acts the peron elected by the people should act nice and set an example.
I've only watched a little of the first part and wondered why some commissioners wasn't there on time.
Why has the part 4 of the meeting been taken off? Could it be that they don't want everyone to see what happened?
Some questions that need to be answered about the Budget Committee and the Public Hearing held last week.
1) When so many government officials keep saying that there needs to be more citizen involvement why do these same officials keep going out of their way to prevent involvement by citizens?
2) The requirement is that the Public Hearing had to be published in a general circulation publication. The "Pulaski Citizen" meets that requirement so why are expensive ads being placed in the "Ardmore Shopper" as well. How many people in Lynnville, Campbelsville, etc not in the immediate area of Ardmore actually are getting the "shopper".
3) The "Pulaski Citizen" is published on Tuesday evening and goes to the newsstands but the vast majority of the publication is mailed and delivered on Wednesday and sometimes even Thursday. The paper was released on Tuesday evening 12 July after most County Officials have left work. With a requirement to put in a request five days before the meeting, if a person wants to speak, the only day that could have been done would have been either Tuesday evening after the officials left or on Wednesday after the mail was delivered. The only time to submit a request for most people would have been during the hours between one and four. Lunch is over at one sometimes and some officials leave their offices at three so at best there was a four hour period I could have requested to address the Public Hearing.
4) Does anyone really think that had I been able to get the request in on time that there would not have been another loophole used to prevent my speaking?
5) For those who think I would have been allowed to speak had I gotten the request in on time I simply ask that you consider what happened with my request, to address the full commission, that was submitted on time.
I watched the video and was very disappointed in Janet keep saying it came out in the paper on the 12th.
Yes the paper came out on the 12, but most people don't get it until the mail runs on Wednesday.
12:30 it was a faulty link and should be restored. Any problems viewing videos in future can be solved by contacting the administrator of that site or contacting through facebook.(pulaskionline)
Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
I notice that the B is posted beside the Pulaski Online poster. Is WAB the one that started the new Pulaski Online blog? That is also beside his name when he posts.
I don't know who posted the video and don't care, just glad it's posted.
Sure miss George Martin, he use to put the meeting on the radio and we knew what the commissioners were doing.
4:04 No. Mr. Barrett is not the owner of the blog Pulaskionline.blogspot.com.
Other people carry the initial 'B' ya know.
Ya, I know ya. I betcha it is the blogs admin. Ya I gotcha!
6:52 What does it matter?
It needs to be took off the internet. People can see how Janet acts. "Don't blame me!"
You guys do know that the B stands for Blogger, as in Google Blogger, Blogger powers blogspot.com and all members of blogger get the B.
Haven't been able to view the videos for some reason. Could someone please guide me through the steps? This is a great service to the people of Giles county so my hat is off to whoever has brought this to us.
2:56 go to the site page scroll down through the topics and click on the title of the post you wish to view the video. The read more button will do the same. You will see pictures and click here text below the pictures. click the text to watch the videos.
I watched the vedio and was shocked at the behavior of Janet. I thought she would be more understanding in allowing people to talk. Guess I have to rethink somethings about her and Barret. Very disappointed in her and commissioners.
9:13 Thanks for your help. Will try again in a few minutes following your instructions. Thanks again.
6:42
You are absolutely right.
10:52 you are absolutely right.
10:52
You are absolutely wrong. Ask someone who was actually at that working meeting and you will know who showed his rear end.
6:53 You are wrong. Watch the video no need to ask any one.
Some people hate Mr Barrett with a vengance and won't accept the facts when its presented to them to see for themselves. Which means there IS a bunch of cover-up going on and they don't want Barrett to reveal it. Kudos to the man.
9:37
I have a very good friend who WAS at the meeting, and it appears that it WAS none other than william allen barrett who showed his rear end.
8:42
Kudos to a troublemaker? Are you serious? Why must there always be corruption, conspiracies, and cover-ups? Stop drinking the kool-aid and ask yourself why you have become so paranoid and distrustful?
7:20 you have already proven to be a worthless gossip with no credibility why now prove yourself to be even a bigger liar than everyone thought.
wab
A worthless gossip? Hardly so. A liar? Totally untrue. And I just had to laugh when you mentioned credibility...as if you have any?
What a joke!
What I said about the meeting is true, and you know it.
6:20 you admit your information came second hand which makes it gossip and since it isn't true then it's a lie.
I wasn't there either but watched the video and it was nothing like what you described.eflogra
10:47
Wrong. When my brother tells me he saw a specific thing, then I know it is true. You can call it gossip or hear-say if you wish, but that doesn't change the event.
Let's say your best friend called and told you he saw a mutual acquaintance being placed on a stretcher at the scene of an accident. He also told you that his car was badly damaged. Would you call him a gossip or thank him for calling that to your attention?
Reporting a newsworthy event to those directly involved is very different from sitting at Hardee's and habitually talking about people and rumors about them without any facts or real knowledge of the person or situation.
10:41
I think I will call you an enabler because you defend misbehavior.
Thursday, August 11, 2011 1:09:00 PM
Better have your eyes checked. 10:14 isn't 10:41.
Yes, perhaps I need to have my eyes checked since the post was directed to 10:14. Thank you for pointing that out. We as humans (at least some of us) do make mistakes from time to time.
5:42 Got the last word again, didn't you. I don't post against Mrs. Vanzant to the Commissioners, just to the little child that post on here.
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