State Audit Findings For Giles County Ending 30 June 2011
Audit ending 30
June 2011 for Giles County
OFFICE OF FINANCE DIRECTOR
♦ A revenue anticipation note was not issued in compliance
with state statute.
OFFICE OF DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS
♦ Expenditures exceeded appropriations.
♦ The School Department had deficiencies in the use of
federal Special Education Cluster funds.
OFFICE OF CIRCUIT,
GENERAL SESSIONS, AND JUVENILE COURTS CLERK
♦ The office did not deposit some funds within three days of
collection.
♦ The court software did not have adequate application
controls.
OFFICES OF CLERK AND
MASTER, REGISTER, AND SHERIFF
♦ Duties were not segregated adequately.
FINDING 11.01 A REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE WAS NOT ISSUED IN COMPLIANCE
WITH STATE STATUTE
(Material Noncompliance Under Government Auditing Standards)
During the year, the Highway/Public Works Fund borrowed $450,000 from the
General Fund to provide cash for operations in anticipation of revenue
collections. This loan was not approved
by the state Comptroller’s Office. Section 9-21-801, Tennessee Code Annotated, allows the County
Commission
RECOMMENDATION
Revenue anticipation notes should be approved by the state Comptroller’s
Office as required by state statute.
________________________
OFFICE OF DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS FINDING 11.02 EXPENDITURES
EXCEEDED APPROPRIATIONS
(Noncompliance Under Government Auditing Standards)
Salaries exceeded appropriations in 32 payroll line-item
accounts in the General Purpose
School
institutions, boards, offices, and agencies of county
governments shall be appropriated to such use by the county legislative
bodies.” Also, the budget resolution
approved by the County Commission
resolution.
Therefore, the salaries that exceeded line-item appropriations were expenditures
not approved by the County Commission County
Commission
RECOMMENDATION
Expenditures should be held within appropriations approved
by the County Commission
_____________________________
FINDING 11.03 THE
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT HAD DEFICIENCIES IN THE USE OF FEDERAL SPECIAL EDUCATION
CLUSTER FUNDS(Noncompliance Under
Government Auditing Standards and OMB Circular A-133)
On September 29,
2010 , the State of Tennessee Giles
County June 30, 2010 . The results of that monitoring disclosed the
following deficiencies: A. The School Department allowed an Odyssey software
program paid for and tagged as equipment purchased with IDEA Recovery Act funds
to be used by
all students, rather than exclusively by special education
students. The School Department has
subsequently repaid the $50,000 in unallowable costs to the Tennessee
Department of Education from the General
Purpose School
B. The School Department allowed an IDEA funded teacher to
work with higher level kindergarten students from December 2009 through May
2010. The School Department calculated the time spent on unallowable activities
at
76.5 hours, for a total salary and benefits cost of $2,910.
The School Department has subsequently
repaid the unallowable costs to the Tennessee Department of Education from the
General Purpose School Fund. This monitoring report along with management’s
responses and corrective action plans may be obtained from the state Department
of Education, Division of Special Education,
_________________________
OFFICE OF CIRCUIT, GENERAL SESSIONS, AND
JUVENILE COURTS CLERK FINDING 11.04 THE OFFICE DID NOT DEPOSIT SOME
FUNDS WITHIN THREE DAYS OF COLLECTION
(Noncompliance Under Government Auditing Standards)
In some instances, the clerk did not deposit funds within
three days of collection. Section 5-8-207, Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA ),
requires county officials to deposit public funds to the office bank account
within three days of collection. This
deficiency is the result of management oversight. The delay in depositing the funds increases
the risks of fraud and misappropriation.
RECOMMENDATION
The clerk should ensure that all funds are deposited to the
office bank account within three days of collection as required by state
statute.
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE
– CIRCUIT, GENERAL SESSIONS, AND
JUVENILE COURTS CLERK
I would like to add that there was no fraud or
misappropriation of funds found. Our auditor
sat down with us and showed us the problem, and we have taken steps to correct
it. Deposits will be taken to the bank in a manner to comply with TCA
Section 5-8-207.
_____________________________
FINDING 11.05 THE COURT SOFTWARE DID NOT HAVE ADEQUATE APPLICATION
CONTROLS
(Internal Control – Significant Deficiency Under Government
Auditing Standards) The following deficiencies relating to the office’s
software application were identified:
A. Although the application was designed to generate a
consecutive number for each receipt, the auditor observed instances of skipped
receipt numbers on daily collection reports. These skips could not be explained
by the vendor. On other occasions, one receipt number was assigned to multiple
receipts.
B. Users could receipt collections to a previous date. This
created a skip in the receipt numbers listed on the current day’s collection
report. However, because of the irregularities noted in Item A., it would be difficult to
determine what caused the skip.
C. On a least one occasion, the software application
generated a check to the wrong payee. These
deficiencies could call into question the reliability and integrity of
information maintained in the system. Controls addressing these deficiencies
have been implemented by the vendor; therefore, these deficiencies have been
corrected.
_____________________________
OFFICES OF CLERK AND
MASTER, REGISTER, AND SHERIFF FINDING 11.06
DUTIES WERE NOT SEGREGATED ADEQUATELY
(Internal Control
– Significant Deficiency Under
Government Auditing Standards)
Duties were not segregated adequately among the officials
and employees in the Offices of Clerk and Master, Register, and Sheriff. The officials and employees responsible for maintaining
accounting records were also involved in receipting, depositing, and/or disbursing
funds. Accounting standards provide
that internal control disbursing funds.
Accounting standards provide that internal controls be designed to provide
reasonable assurance of the reliability in financial reporting and of the effectiveness
and efficiency in operations. This lack
of segregation of duties is the result of management decisions based on the
availability of financial resources and is a significant deficiency in internal
controls that increases the risk of unauthorized transactions. Also, this deficiency is the result of
management’s failure to correct the finding noted in the prior-year audit
report.
RECOMMENDATION
The clerk and master, register, and sheriff should segregate
duties to the extent possible using available resources.
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE – REGISTER
The cost of hiring enough employees to segregate each step
involved is not feasible for the Register’s Office. We now have only two employees in the
office. The budget will not allow us to
increase our staff to comply with this recommendation.
AUDITOR’S COMMENT
We have not recommended hiring additional employees. We realize that due to limited resources and
personnel, management may not be able to fully segregate duties among employees.
However, duties should be segregated to the extent possible.
posted by Allen Barrett | 5:26 PM
206 Comments:
wab
Is there a point to all of this?
If you want to keep the county informed, how about shedding some light on when your trial with Mr. McAlister will be coming up? Can we get a status report on that issue? I need to mark my calendar so I can be there to watch. Thank you.
The point is, it confirms Ms Garner is incompetent and needs to go. As to the McAllister trial, check with the court offices.
Or why don't you call McAllister or the City Attorney and get an update and post it here for us.
As far as Garner, will she supersede her authority again if she sees fit? This needs to be addressed by the commissioners as it should have been when it first came to their attention and when she was publicly insubordinate to the commissioners' authority in the paper
Does it seems weird to anyone else that $450,000 just happened to slip through the cracks and not get reported properly? I have defended Ms Garner in the past wit the benefit of a doubt but this along with the hospital money is too much, it's time for her to go elsewhere.
It just seemed weird to me that the reporter isn't keeping us abreast of ALL the news here in Giles County. Needless to say, this trial can cost taxpayers several thousand dollars in addition to what has already been paid out.
I thought the readers of this blog were thankful that they were kept informed?
Why will the trial cost tax payers? I thought that would be MccAlister or Barrett who ever lost's money.
WAB, thanks for [psting this, I never woukld of saw it and I'm sure there is a lot of others that wouldn't of seen it.
I think it should of been in the paper every year.
Did you ever stop to think that in many civil cases it takes years and years before, if ever, there is a trial. Do you know when the trial of the Doctor's suit against the city will be heard, it was filed long before McAlister vs Barrett. If I remember wasn't McAlister also suing Lt. Glossup and the city. Why don't you comment on this audit and it's shortcomings after all it is the topic, instead of trying to change the subject to protect your friends and blow more of your hatred about Barrett.
7:04
Your charge that I am trying to protect friends or change the subject is a lie. I just wanted an update on the current status of the trial. I want to be there to watch.
8:02 You are trying to throw things at WAB like always. I'm sure WKSR and the paper will let you know when the trial will be so you can be there. That's one thing they will be sure and tell.
8:12
Was just pointing out what I perceive to be hypocrusy is all. Keep us informed.
8:36 What in the hell is hypocrosy on the part of Barrett when he reports public information that should also be published in the newspaper? This topic has nothing to do with the McAllister trial and I agree you are trying to take the heat off the audit report. Since you wont call Barrett, call the city or your dear friend McAllister. After all, according to your past posts you knew every minute detail of the sign incident.
The Audit can find things wrong, but nothing is ever done about it.
I would like to know why the funds can't be taken to the bank in three days. Surely they aren't using an out of town bank.
5:44 per your statement
"It just seemed weird to me that the reporter isn't keeping us abreast of ALL the news here in Giles County. Needless to say, this trial can cost taxpayers several thousand dollars in addition to what has already been paid out."
You do know the difference between the city and county government, right? You are aware that Barrett is co defendants with the City of Pulaski so if McCallister wins it will be just as much the city's fault. Will you judge them so harshly and accuse them of costing tax payer money? What about McCallister for filing the suit? In your mind Barrett and certain other citizens should not have the right to challenge what they believe to be wrong so why is it justifiable for McCallister?
Why will you not call McCallister or the city and post your findings about the progress of the case here? Help us out with All the news. Certainly you don't expect one man to be able to keep you informed of all the news that is important and does not make it to any of the other news outlets like the mishandling of funds in the Financial Management Office. My question is what is to be done? Her letter in the newspaper surely stated she did not care for the commissioners' authority and will not be held to it if it so strikes her. Would any one in a private firm still hold their position if they told there bosses what she wrote in the paper only to be proven she superseded her authority with the management of the accounts by a state audit?
There needs to be accountability in her position. But then again wasn't she the best fit for the position. Since we are on the subject concerning best fit candidates for county jobs; did any one find out for sure if Terry Harwell graduated from high school? If she loses her job will Terry slide over into her job?
But any reporter worth his salt would share ALL the latest happenings. Why not this one? Inquiring minds (taxpayers) want to know.
More than just the Financial Office had something found during the audit. Do you think they should just fire them all? If the State of Tn didn't think it was a big deal it must not have been. I believe they have the most knowledge of what is wrong and what is deserving of reprimand.
FF
Whether or not there is a trial regarding McCallister and anyone else has aboslutely no bearing upon the fact that Giles County has financial problems; and, financial management problems.
What happens between McAllister and anyone else is private (since the case will be in civil court and not criminal court) and has nothing to do with anyone else other than those involved. Unless McCallister sues Giles County, which I doubt, the County will have no involvement.
NOW back to the issue at hand. Tennessee conducted an audit in Giles County and its financial management practices. In some cases the County responded to the audit findings. What we will not know until this time next year is how the State of Tennessee will look upon the Giles County Financial Management Office Illegally using restricted Hospital Reserve Funds to balance their spending budget. That is another issue that we will have to wait until the fiscal year 2012 audit..
FF
Did any one else come out and tell the citizens in the paper they would violate policy if it suited them?
FF, I haven't seen it by anyone but Garner, that don't mean someone else hasn't.
I would like to know why they didn't deposit the money in the bank in three days.
Don't they use the bank in Pulaski?
I think that Garners words meant that she would do whatever is best for the county. If you were about to lost your home but had money in an account that you said you wouldn't touch, I think you would take money from that account to keep your home. If the county commissioners and the citizens of the county aren't going to allow for a tax increase to ensure that our bills get paid she has to take the money from somewhere. If any of you have been to meetings you would know that there are several commissioners that have wanted to use the hospital money to fund the county. Those same commissioners are the ones that are against a tax increase. They are also the commissioners that voted to put the cuts back into place that Garner submitted to them.
If those commissioners know that we don't have enough money coming in, why would they not vote to have a wheel tax or a property tax increase? (even when they say they know we need it behind closed doors) Why would they vote to put the cuts back into place? They are shooting themselves in the foot just to get voted back into office. Don't you think that they know they would get crushed by the people on this blog and the real promoters of strife in this county?
Garner is having to work against a bunch of hypocrites. When the shit starts hitting the fan you have to do what is best at the time and hope that the commissioners will wise up and make the right decisions for the future. You all forget that Vanzant and Garner are at the mercy of the commissioners. I know of several that have been trying to do the right thing but some have no clue what is best for Giles County. They have been listening to too much crap like what takes place by Barrett on this blog.
I have sat and watched commissioners try to have conversation as to what the real problem is with this county and the rest were just ready to go home and leave the problems to someone else.
You better be careful who you believe and figure out things on your own. There is a group in this county that want you to believe the good guys are working against you. It is time to wise up to the lies you are being fed.
FF
Fleet Fox it's obvious from the way you write that you believe the money that people have actually belongs to the government and we are just allowed to hold it until the government wants it. That is the Marxist attitude that has gotten us into the mess we're in in the country and about to be in as a county.
Government has a responsibility to the people not the other way around. The country and the county has made too many promises that have nothing to do with their actual responsibility to the people the result is that more now are riding in the wagon than are pulling it up the hill. We as a county and country are broke, plain and simple we are broke and until the spending is lowered our future is hopeless. A few years ago the largest tax property tax increase in Giles County history was implemented and the money rolled in to the government the results were higher wages for government workers, more benefits, travel to this resort and to that resort, hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on "economic development" that did not fully materialize.More than a million dollars a year was spent that what was being brought in no plans were made for the future only react as things happen now we are broke. More money will not solve the problem only better planning and stricter discipline in the spending will solve the problem.
Now for Mrs. Garner you say that she only did what was necessary that is simply untrue. She could have gone to the Commission and explained the situation and offered solutions for their consideration. Nowhere does she have the authority to make such a decision on her own and it's only arrogance that caused her to publicly state that she would violate county resolutions again if she felt like it. While I agree if I was about to lose my house I would take the money out of another account but the difference is that would be my money and the only restrictions would have been self imposed. If I decided to rob a bank to pay the mortgage it would get paid but there would be consequences to my decision. There must be consequences for Mrs. Garner. I do not believe as some do she should be fired but I do believe she should have a reprimand placed in her records with a warning that a repeat of those actions would result in her employment termination.
FF
Excellent post. And did you notice who said you have a Marxist attitude? Oh my goodness.
Under State law, Garner has the ability to freeze any unnecessary expenditures until cash flow improves. She can do this without having to ask permission of anyone.
1:52
Thank you for the post. Will that shut these people up? No!tsdavlsd teaching
What is this new and ridiculous "please prove you're not a robot" posting requirement? It just seems so childish.
1:52 is exactly right and that should have been the first act of Mrs Garner but she chose instead to violate county resolutions and state accounting procedures and take money for a locked line item and move funds into a totally different line item.
Barrett,
Where in the world do you get what FF said is Marxist? You once again come behind the FF with your ramblings. I knew you would have to try to defend your people.
Giles County Government is not the Federal Government. We are not handing out checks to every Tom, Dick and Harry. There is not that much wasteful spending. You all forget that the reason we were doing so well a few years ago is because of the interest coming off of the hospital money.
I would also like to hear you answer some of FF's questions. Why is Garner having to work against a bunch of hypocrites. Why do some of the commissioners vote against a tax increase when they tell people they know we need one? Why do they complain that we are overspending and vote to put cuts back into place? Why do they say we should use the hospital money rather than take the time to hammer out a budget that is balanced? Then the same ones will turn around and pretend they are mad because Garner dipped into the money.
GTC Responds to 7:57
The interest created by the Hospital Fund is nothing compared to the $6.5 million reserve the County General Fund appreciated at the end of FY 2004. What is the reserve for the General Fund today?
Zero, nothing, all spent. Mrs. Vanzant and her buddies spent every penny and now are forced to use restricted Hospital Funds to pay the bills.
On an other matter, since you seem to konw quite a bit about the dealings of this county ... when is the Golden Goose weigh station going to open? According to Ms. Garner that station was to open last October and she included anticipated revenues from said weight station in this year's budget. Well the station is not open, no revenues are realized and the budget is out of balance.
Again I am willing to bet that the County will be forced to raise the property tax rate 30 cents or more, impose a wheel tax or ....... heven forebid lower spending.
What do you think will happen?
When the trial is held, we can all just peek in and see , who is front and center in the audience. That might give us a clue to who the pot stirrer and (must get last post in) is. Sorry to get off subject.
8:12
We will have to get there early to get a seat for this one.
I thought they removed the $500k projected revenue from the weigh station. Garner was going off of what she had been told from the builders and other counties giving her revenue projections.
I think we are going to have a property tax increase unless you all can give the commissoners any REAL ideas on where they can cut spending to balance the budget. The truth is there isn't enough waste to cut out and balance the budget without killing the level of service that the citizens are entitled to receive. Yes, I say entitled because it is our money.
Expenditures exceeded appropriations in 32 payroll line item accounts. WHY is this? Did Garner not amend the budget last year or could it be that her budgeted numbers are just that bad? Why does Giles County continue to pay $70,000 for someone who either cannot prepare a budget or does not know how to amend one?
That is not true 8:54, Garner stood in the budget meeting and sold the commissioners on revenues from the weigh station even though it was not completed. Based on her figures and assuring the commissioners that had objections that the income will be way over what she projected. There is a video of this meeting. The fact is her figures and recommendations stayed in the budget.
7:57
Why are you defending Garner when the commissioners make the financial decisions based on the numbers Garner provides and she has not done a very good job of providing accurate numbers?
The commissioners did try to make some budget cuts, even voted against putting three employees back in the budget but the commissioners vote and wishes were over ridden by the county executive and now we are paying for a commissioner that may or may not have finished high school to help in the management of the county's finance. Wonder why we are broke as a county? Best fit vs best qualified leaves Giles a broke county.
You are just sour and have a personal problem 11:43. It isn't hard to see that you would lie to make yourself look right. Even though you clearly don't know what you are talking about.
To 7:57 While GTC presented an incredible statement of explanation and I could not nor would I want to try and add anything to GTC's insightful comments I must address your comments directed at me.
With out fully understanding exactly who “My People” are I will try to explain why I connected FF’s comments with Marxism.
Capitalism basically is an economic system based on private ownership\ and is characterized by a free competitive market and is motivation by profit”
Marxism on the other hand is the direct opposite and is only one step from socialism which it naturally moves into. Marxist or socialist ascribe to the idea that everything should belong and be controlled by the government. As owners the government receives all profit and then redistributes, what’s left after government expenses, to the people. Communist dictatorship is the enforcement of socialism by a government.
FF’s concern for the government first is in direct line with the Marxist/socialist/communist way of thinking.
While Giles County certainly is not the federal government it is certainly following the pattern set by the socialist in D.C. ours is only on a smaller scale but none the less as disastrous.
While the interest from the hospital funds was helpful years ago it was not the reason so much money was available. If you remember there was the largest tax increase in the county’s history which provided a huge amount of money. There was also the total restructure of county debt and there was a greater abundance of money available through the availability of jobs and lower federal taxes.
One thing Giles County has never been very active in is planning our county government has consistently be one of reaction. Good planning would have built the sanitary system years ago, good planning would have had public water available to every house years ago. Proper planning would have had a goal and a time frame for the Springs and property at Campbellsville and the Hunter Smith Building. This is not a problem unique with the current administration but this administration has certainly competed well with past administrations.
When income began going down there was no downward adjustment in spending in fact spending went up far faster than inflation.
---- Part one----
----Part Two----
You ask for some answers to your questions and I will be glad to answer them but first I will lodge an objection to the premise and tone of your questions. I do not see “Mrs. Garner as having to work against a bunch of hypocrites”. While some commissioners are certainly consistent in their inconsistencies others have been very up front and open about their unwillingness to vote for a tax increase or wheel tax, especially when the people are having such a hard time simply making ends meet now. Gas is again nearing four dollars a gallon with expectations, and desire by the obama administration, of going to $4.50 to $5.00.
Also some of the more responsible commissioners weigh the needs of the government with the needs of the people and surmise that while there is a need for a tax increase if present levels of spending are to continue the needs of the people to buy food, shelter etc is greater so they don’t support putting the added burden on the people.
You paint with a very broad brush in assigning the actions of some to the shoulders of all. I have not spoken with or heard a single person who voted against putting the cuts back into the budget complain about voting against it. The majority, under the influence and misleading of the county executive voted to restore the cuts. Some of those same people have no problem with using the principle from the Hospital money. A number of the more responsible commissioners do want and have tried to “hammer out a budget that balances” but it takes a majority and with out the support of the County Executive it’s unlikely that we’ll see a balanced budget for a while. Are you aware that last year public input on the budget was prohibited and that commissioners actually spent less time on the budget than they spent at the annual CTAS conference?
---Part Three---
Here are some very basic and simple ways the budget can be cut without major cuts in services.
1. Cut the commissioners pay 33% from $30.00 and $15.00 to $20.00 and $10.00. Require a commissioner be present for at least 90% of the meeting to be paid for attending. This morning a commissioner arrived 18 minutes late for a 44 minute meeting and got not only full pay as a commissioner but also his full salary for his county job.
2. Reduce the number of employees in all county offices or justify in writing their continued employment.
3. Cut the position of secretary at the Ambulance Office or justify. We currently pay a billing and collection company and have a person in the Financial Management Office to handle this paperwork.
4. Cut every department by 20% unless they can justify n writing a smaller cut. Reduce spending in all departments by 5%.
5. Reorganize the custodial services for the courthouse and reduce the amount of contracted services. All workers should carry the same responsibility for cleaning and have job descriptions. Hours spent away from the job and involved in courtesy activities should be documented and justified or pay reduced accordingly.
6. Reorganize the security detail at the courthouse. Staff the courts as required by law and put the rest on patrol.
7. Sell all excess county property that carries a liability.
8. Limit the amount of sick leave an employee can take in conjunction with retirement thus preventing the need to hire a replacement and paying both for the same job.
9. Cut the pay of the director and asst. director of the Financial Management Office by 5%. The Asst. Director’s pay was based on becoming a CPA, until that is accomplished the pay should be more in line with others in the office.
10. Reduce to the lowest level allowable by law funding to Economic Development.
11. Cut funding to the Chamber of Commerce by at least 50%.
12. Establish an insurance committee made up commissioners and insurance specialists, not doing business with the county, to evaluate every insurance expenditure.
13. Refuse to fund the School System one penny more than required by law using a legitimate budget as the base line.
14. Reevaluate the retirement of all new hires so that the county and the individual contribute equal amounts. Currently employees contribute 5% while the county kicks in 8.5%.
15. Reduce all salaries for new hires by 10%.
16. Reduce all travel by 25%
17. Insure that the lowest price available, using a three mile radius, is used for hotel/motel cost. Up grades could be paid for by the individual. A daily amount should be allocated for food, receipted cost over the established amount would be paid by the individual. No travel should be reimbursed when county vehicles are used. County vehicles should be used when ever possible.
18. Reduce by 50% the amount spent on dead animal disposal and require the animal owner to pay the other half.
These are just a few of many ways to cut the budget without severely reducing services. These few cuts would result in over two million dollars savings and not only balance the budget but give an excess.
wab
part one
Why don't you call and relate your concerns to one of your commissioners? They are: Tommy Campbell, Vickie Coleman, and Terry Harwell. I'm sure they would love to sit down with you.
part two
Nobody has ever said that you didn't have a few (not many) good ideas. But what you fail or refuse to see is that it's the way you deliver your thoughts and the way you behave that offends people. Do you even care that you are so despised and laughed at? Would you deny this? Is the goal of getting one's way or gaining power worth that? Not in my book.
Barrett is back again with his same empty solutions. The defender of the dumb and the one who places blame on people he perceives to be his enemies. When are you going to get past the fact that just like the president, the county executive can't do anything that the commission doesn't vote on? Your solutions will only put the county at a halt and drive us further back in time. Drop the nonsense Barrett.
Barrett,
I would say that your line of thinking is more communist. Im sure you know that communism follows behind socialism. That is straight out of the communist manifesto. You make me believe that you would like to be the dictator and tell people what jobs to have and see them put in 16 hour days so that you could see the benefits from all the money we would save. Get real. Do you know how much money the call center collected for the ambulance service? Most of your recommendations put much less money in workers pockets. I guess you think that we should have more poor people running around. You have just proven to me that you are a real moron.
Jackson got next to the lowest score he has ever gotten in his career. He barely got over a three. had a 2.8 one time.
Question. What do the troublemakers of Giles County largely have in common? Practically every single one of them (perhaps all of them) are members of the Republican Party. They put forth an arrogance and condescension that sickens me. I'm ashamed that I was ever affiliated with the local GOP.
Don't they hold their public meetings in private homes? What a laugher.
Looks like the liberal democrats are crawling out from under their rocks.
I offered some ideas for getting the budget under control and what's the response, personal attacks against me. Why not discuss the things I posted whether good bad possible or impossible. This is an opportunity for discussion but I realize the sever handicap some are under when it comes to intelligent discussions.
One of the dumbest things said was "When are you going to get past the fact that just like the president, the county executive can't do anything that the commission doesn't vote on?"
Can anyone who has watched this president issue some of the most destructive executive orders in history. Did you not see the socialist czars he appointed without congressional approval, where have you been during the last few weeks as this president attacked Christian freedoms. There are many powers and influences the county executive has that require no approval by the commission and as has been done in the past when she dislike the decisions of the commission she just over rode them.
Another thing is Communism is the enforcement arm of socialism and that is the direction this county and country is headed in at an alarming rate. Remember communist controlled countries have elections also, Cuba, Russia and the old Soviet Union all held elections and the right people always won because they controlled the election procedure.
The majority of Barretts cuts would kill the county. He wants our kids to get the minimum education, cut economic developement that brings in jobs, and cut the pay of the workers blindly so they have less to provide for their families. Why would you cut all departments by 5% and reduce the number of employees when they are having trouble making it now? Why would you cut the services provided to the citizens? Are you going to choose who the ambulance service picks up and who dies? Why would you take the jobs of 20% of the county employees?
I could make up a list off the top of my head as to how to save money but that doesn't mean it will work. That is the same way Obama is running the country. All on theory and no real sense. You are starting to reming me of him. It may look like a real plan on paper, but when you apply it to the system it puts you in a tailspin. Maybe you have gotten too old to realize we don't plow with mules and work from sunrise to sunset anymore. Maybe you are so old that you don't realize people can't survive on minimum wage. I know you hate the government, but our county government is minimal and pretty efficient. If these were your ideas when running for commissioner, I can see why you lost.
FF
FF, You said you could think of a list of how to save money. How about telling it to the commissioners especially to granddad. Some thoughts might be good instead of going on attack.
Why can't anyone tell why what Barrett said wouldn't work. Take each item and talk about it.
No you rather go off like some mad person on WAB.
Whoa Fleet Fox, while I certainly appreciate your attempt to stay on subject I have to wonder if you are responding to the post I wrote or something you may have read somewhere else by someone else.
Would you please explain the outrageous and completely exaggerated and untrue statements you made about my proposals?
Kill the county????? When a family is bankrupt and has to stop spending so much does that mean they kill themselves? If that were true there would be very few people left in the whole country because almost everyone has had to cut back on their spending.
Wants our kids to get the minimum education? How did you miss the fact that the school budget which claimed to have no new money has increased over 20% above the inflation rate during the past six years? Not one study has found any lasting benefits from the Pre-K program but millions are spent on it and the redundant Head Start program. Study after study has shown the school system with the highest dollar per student has produced the worse results; that would be the Washington D.C. at $17,000 per student and less than 60 graduation rate and New York City school systems at over $17,000 per student and less than 70% graduation rate. While more money is always great ask any teacher if it’s money or their own efforts that make the difference. One of the greater influences in my life was an English teacher who made about $4000 a year. She was a great influence on many others as verified at her funeral. She had five daily classes with each consisting of over 30 Junior and Senior high school students. At that time she already had taught 27 years. She maintained discipline and showed interest in each student and she was adored by most every student. She had no computer, no laptop, no Promethean Boards. She did have a pencil, a grade book, textbook an 18 inch ruler and a burning desire to increase the knowledge of her students.
What jobs? Currently we are paying over a hundred thousand dollars a year in salary and benefits to a man who has no effective supervision refuses to make timely reports to the commission and has produced very few jobs.
“Cut the pay of the workers blindly so they have less to provide for their families”? My, my just where did I suggest such a thing? I believe I suggested cutting the salary of commissioners and new hires. The only current employees I suggested pay cuts for were in the Financial Management Office where a 5% cut was suggested for the Director and a reduction of the Asst. Director’s salary until she meets the requirements that were set in place for her current salary. If your pay was based on you becoming a certified wielder but you failed to become certified, should you continue to be paid for your certification? Would a 5% cut in a current employee’s salary be worse than a wheel tax on everyone or a .30 hike in property taxes for everyone? For me consideration is given to the ones paying the bills at least equal to those who we the citizens employ.
I also did not say, “cut all departments by 5% and reduce the number of employees”, what I said was, “Reduce the number of employees in all county offices or justify in writing their continued employment” and “Cut every department by 20% unless they can justify in writing a smaller cut. Reduce spending in all departments by 5%”. That is very different from your claim.
==== Part One ====
------ Part Two ------
You make another outrageous claim with no foundation when you wrote, “I could make up a list off the top of my head as to how to save money but that doesn't mean it will work. That is the same way Obama is running the country. All on theory and no real sense. You are starting to reming me of him.”
Could and have are totally different words with different meanings. While we could have done many things I haven’t seen your proposal for getting the county out of this financial mess without increasing the financial burden on the majority of citizens. If you think balancing a budget by cutting spending is only a theory, you obviously have no knowledge of budgets or finances. Would you adopt the “theory” of cutting back on your spending, or would you increase your spending, if suddenly your income was reduced? Common sense not theory says to cut back first.
Obviously you haven’t been paying attention to the actions of the president. He hasn’t had a budget in over two years and has spent more than a TRILLION dollars each year that was borrowed. He has grown government by over 30% and continues to hold fast to the disastrous Keynesian economics that prolonged the great depression and has put us 15 trillion dollars in debt. I am a firm believer in pay as you go and allowing the free market to move as it will. I would suggest that if you want to slander me with a comparison to Obama at least make it close to sensible.
You state, “Maybe you have gotten too old to realize we don't plow with mules and work from sunrise to sunset anymore. Maybe you are so old that you don't realize people can't survive on minimum wage.” You are wrong again. I certainly am aware of tractors and clocks. I am also aware that when we were using mules and worked from sunrise to sunset there was less government involvement in our lives, less drug abuse, less disciplinary issues at school, less money spent on welfare for able bodied men, fewer babies born out of wedlock, fewer abortions, more marriages that lasted and families that cared for their members, more people set goals above minimum wage for their life and used schools for educations instead of baby sitting services and people had pride in themselves and their accomplishments instead of sitting on the couch waiting for the government to take care of them from cradle to grave. I’m old enough to know that if there were no minimum wage more jobs would be available for people to get experience and learn work ethics that would carry them to higher wages and better jobs. If your career goals are to retire from McDonalds as a burger flipper that’s fine but stop whining about not being able to make on minimum wages. Minimum wage means the lowest you can be paid but it does not limit the highest level you can reach if you are willing to do what’s necessary.
Finally you state, “I know you hate the government, but our county government is minimal and pretty efficient. If these were your ideas when running for commissioner, I can see why you lost.”
I don’t hate government only unnecessary intrusions by the government and the abuses of government and those in government who exceed and abuse their position. I’m reminded of the recent government inspector who took away the little girls homemade turkey sandwich and banana and made her pay for and eat the school lunch of chicken nuggets, the waste of chicken mixed with other things then pressed together in the form of something.
For the most part I agree that county government is efficient but there are many areas that improvements can be made. Some departments have been very responsible in their spending and use of personnel while some have been very wasteful. Why should those who act the most responsibly be penalized while those acting less responsibly continue to ride high? As for losing the election you may be right, I promised a more efficient, accountable government and that was a real threat to the those who want to keep things secret, be unaccountable to the people and spend without reserve.
wab
part one
The government of Giles County is not interested in your so-called proposals
part two
You lost the election. Relate your concerns to your commissioners.
It is clear now that what FF wrote was true or Barrett wouldn't have to ramble on and try to defend the stance he took. I agree with FF that most of those cuts would have a negative impact on our county. It is funny that Barrett only makes these long boring speeches after someone posts that really knows what they are talking about. I used to think that only CG sounded like a broken record.
I believe there are two employees in the county finance office that can do a better job than the director. Isn't it a shame that our county's budgets are nothing more than made up numbers written on paper. Mark my words smoke and mirrors in the near future....
Isn't it a shame that you have the IQ of an ant 4:55. Allen Obama Barrett should be ashamed to have idiots like you backing up his ideas. I really wish I could find out who you are.
5:49,you must be Brian"BUBBA" Sumners. Whoever you are, you are plum dumb to try to put a real snake in the grass like Obamasadden in a class with a part normal person just showing what you are. You are like a sick serpent too. If you don't like what he puts on here, then go out and chase cars. Hope you catch one. If you are not Big Bubba I'm sorry
You are sorry, that is for sure. Maybe Barretts communism plan will breed idiots like you out of the system.
I wonder if they are talking about the one with only a surveyors certificate that is working in the finance office?
12:47
Why don't you just stop trying to stir up trouble? And, while you're at it, get over the resentment and jealousy.
Can you not see the hatred and division this blog is causing in Giles County? It should be crystal clear.
Who has a surveyor's certificate in the Finance Office?
Hey 9:16 Bubba. Why don't you stick your head back in your belly where it usually is.Stay there for a while and maybe you will get some sense and not judge people which you don't have authority to do.
Hey 4:26, did you make that up on your own or call Allen Marx Barrett to ask his permission. It actually looks exactly like words the head moron has used himself. You are such a dumb person.
Hey Bubba 6:34 at least I did not call you a name like you do me.I only decribe your actions. I can do name calling if you want to but what good is that going to do for either of us? To call me a dumb person without knowing me is saying a lot about you.
You are right. What is says about me is that I can pick out someone who is dumb real fast. I guess you don't consider calling someone Bubba a derogatory name. Just shows once more that you are dumb. When something is being discussed that you know nothing about, keep quiet. That is your lesson on how to be smarter for today.
Children go outside and play for awhile.
You take the same lesson and shut your mouth 3:47.
2:49 what if 2;13 thought you were really Bubba? It seems you are dumber than dumb. If you did go outside and play as 3:47 suggests would your Momma have to put a pork around your neck so the other dogs will play with you? It would be nice if all of us were half as smart as you think you are. What flavor dog food do you eat? I think you need to change, it is affecting your head.
I apologize if my answers were long and rambling, but I submit the possibility that the problem is perhaps more one of individual attention spans. I offered specific options for cutting spending instead of a tax increase and wheel tax and the response of some was to again make personal attacks and misstate what I had written instead of rebut the statements. Rebuttal of absurdities takes more words than to simply throw out vastly untrue claims such as Fleet Fox made.
It's been apparent for some time that some use the anonymous designation as a means to hide their cowardice, making childish bully remarks to puff up their ego without endangering their identity. I now find that in addition to cowardice and a lack of honor ignorance and stupidity also reside under the same rock trembling with anonymity.
Someone who allows people to post anonymously on this blog shouldn't turn around and call them cowards, stupid and ignorant for choosing to do so. That is why you are called a hypocrite Barrett. The Fleet Fox was right about you. You are nothing more than a tired old man that can't break away from living in the past.
Most people have big solutions for issues when they can't get into a position, such as commissioner or manager or even parent. Then the time comes when they get the opportunity and they realize all of the negative comments and solutions against those above them were crazy and childish. They also realize that in a logical sense they can't do all they thought. Anyone can write down how to run a population of people, your problem is that you haven't done it so you can't put it into practice.
It is not personal. You are just a big blowhard that deserves all the criticism you receive.
People are allowed to post anonymously as a means of allowing open, responsible, and productive debate without fear of retribution by those who demand obedience through the threat of fear.
The anonymous designation was never intended to cover the cowardly personal attacks and utterances of overt stupidity.
There is nothing secret about making a realistic budget either for a household, a city or a county. The problem is in removing the selfishness of self interest and disciplining ourselves to be responsible and follow that budget.
To date the leadership of the county has shown no realistic efforts to do either, in fact they have done all they possibly can to avoid public input and open discussion. Your comments are perfect examples of that close mindedness that has financially ruined this county.
wab
I think the Fleet Fox has described you perfectly as did 11:48
I just don't see why you can't see yourself as so many others do. Do you honestly think so many people are wrong about you?
You mentioned puffed-up ego, bullying, etc. If I were you, I wouldn't be pointing out such qualities in others until you deal with your own.
The problem seems to come back to the same thing with you. The county does not want you in charge of anything here, and most of us aren't interested in your great ideas.
Congratulations 12:19 You have kept your perfect record of being wrong and using personal attacks when you have nothing substantial to say intact. Not many can show such consistency and predictability.
Not many have your consistency and predictability to cause as much trouble as possible by putting a negative spin on everything. So congratulations to you as well Barrett.
Hey, do you think most households set aside a bunch of money for lawyers fees each year in their budget?
Dave Ramsey says everyone should have an emergency fund. Do you have one?
You might want to think about starting one just in case someone reveals who you are on this blog.
You better have a very large one if you start revealing who people are on this blog.
8:18 I'm wondering what you think would happen if someone or Barrett told who all us Annonmyous and the ones useing a different name are.
Since people have the right to post anonymously Barrett would be breaking the law to reveal who someone is. The only way that someone could get your information is to have a court order. Even then it can't be put out as public information until there is proof of negligence. Barrett is just blowing smoke. He knows it would be a very foolish and disasterous move for him. It is almost impossible to find out who posts. He also knows that. Don't worry.
Barrett already has a very bad reputation so it would be hard for him to prove that anyone has done him harm by saying bad things about him.
10:28: You can be named as a defendant in a lawsuit and it will cost you money to defend it, whether or not your posts were slanderous or not is up to a judge or jury to decide. Dont think for a minute that a judge in TN will act the same as one from California or New York, you will find out real fast that they dont. Its my opinion our Judicial system is a sad state of affairs.
They have to be considered lible before the court will even try to find out who made the post. You have to get a police report that gets presented to a judge to decide if it is worth going after. You can't sue someone for hurting your feelings. You also have to prove what they say is untrue. Most times you will only have a lawsuit if someone says something to cause another persons business to lose customers, and only if what they said was untrue. Rarely, and I mean rarely, does someone win a lible suit in court because so many variables are hard to prove. Then the plaintiff will have to pay the defendants lawyer and court fees.
Are you saying, there aren't computer whizzes out there that can't find out who is posting annomyous If not why do we here so much about someone hacking your computer?I'm not worrying about WAB. He said a long time ag it wouldn't be free speech if he told who was posting.
I still think anyone can find out who is posting, the trouble would be if they told.
Im sure there are people that could find out but they are breaking laws. Barrett doesn't even have access to who posts on here. He is as clueless as you and I. Don't let him make you think he does know.
Good Golly Mrs Molly, my name sure gets thrown around a lot by people who have no idea of what they are talking about.
First of all there is no law that prevents the revealing of names of people who post on blogs or send emails.
Second anyone can file a lawsuit at any time for practically any reason, ever hear of the guy who filed suit against the state because he was given peanut butter with his meals. Winning a suit is a very different matter.
third and most important is where have I threatened to reveal anyone's name who post on this blog. What I have said from the beginning is that nothing short of a court order would get information
about those who post here, end of matter.
Just because some half wit wants to stir up trouble and continue to make personal attacks against me doesn't mean there is anything of significance in their stupid posts.
wab
If I were you I wouldn't lecture anyone about causing trouble.
Matter of fact, there is a law. Since you don't have access to that information without a court order it does make it unlawful. If there was some other way to get the names it is illegal. You don't have that information Barrett. Don't make people think you do. It simply isn't true.
4:24
What is the specific law. Once you post you do not have a right to privacy and you signed no confidentiality agreement with Mr. Barrett or Google so what law are you referring?
All you have to do is Google or Bing lible laws and it will tell you all you need to know.
4:24 I thought you were just stupid but now I know you are much worse off than just stupid.
I am sorry that you think I am stupid but the law is the law. Are you not smart enough to use a search engine on your computer to do research? It is much easier for you to go to a website rather than me have to post it all on this blog. Also, in the future you should reference why you are calling someone stupid. For all we know you could have been looking in the mirror when you made that post. That would be my guess anyway. Have fun picking up trash today.
What trash? Do you mean trashy gossip?
Budget amendment for school department does
anyone have any information?
Lawsuit over blog...
Defendants have transmitted, sent, or posted communications by electronic means with the purpose to frighten, coerce, intimidate, threaten, abuse, harass or alarm Plaintiffs and they have done so in furtherance of severe, repeated, or hostile behavior toward Plaintiffs.
While these aldermen have been a source of much resistance to Mayor Jill Dabbs stormy management, which earns them some sympathy here, I think this is a bad idea for any number of reasons. One is the rooting around they apparently intend to do to uncover who makes comments on websites. (!?!) Another is the further publicity they'll give to the very comments they don't like. Another is the exposure they might give opponents to their own private activities in the course of lawsuit discovery. Another, and most important, is the baseline fact that they are elected officials serving in a political hotspot partially of their own making. If you can't stand the heat ...
Notice last two sentences.
7:02 it might help if someone had an idea what you're talking about. Simple things like is this a lawsuit or just something one person dreamed up, where did it take place and who was involved and how does it apply to here and now.
When I started reading your statement I felt like I had come in the middle of a conversation where I missed half of what had been said.
I Googled law suits about blogs and have read sho much junk, but finallt think I found what 7:02 poated about.
If anyone wants to read it click
http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2012/02/23/bryant-aldermen-sue-over-on-line-comments
I will have to say I agree with 7:02 post about If you can't take the heat....
With reading all that junk I never did find where you could be sued for posting. Don't mean it's not out there, just I've read enough.
Did the commissioners ever publicly confront the issue of the hospital fund, the lack of the financial management office in following procedure in handling funds?
In addition is our tax revenue still below what was projected to meet the expenses of the county?
3:23
Ask some of the commissioners.
3:23 No and yes
Is that good business or best fit business?
11:37
Why don't you call Mrs. Garner and discuss your concerns with her?
While you're there, why not ask Mr. Harwell if he is related to Mrs. Garner and how much formal education he has?
You people just never stop.
7:01 That would be like asking Obama if he was doing a good job. Talking to Garner and Harwell is like talking to Vanzant, their lips all move in sync as their pants burn.
sly
You seem to be cut from the same bold of cloth as the chief troublemaker in Giles County. Could you even be him posting anonymously again?
I'm the Sly Fox and no one else, are you Janet Vanzant or Vickie Harwell posting as a Christian gentleman?
I'll tell you who I am when you tell me who you are, until then we are both only guessing.
7:01 Do you plan to stop? I didn't think so so why must you expect others to stop. Everyone has the same priviledge to post forever.
9:51
I believe you are the one and only allen barrett. Ok?
You can believe anything you want that don't make it true, just look at how you believe yourself to be intelligent.
Sly Fox sounds just as foolish as Barrett
11:23
His sarcasm and arrogance are giving him away. What a laugh.
11:23 sounds like T Harwell t the chilli cook off..
If I would have been Terry Harwell that little punk wouldn't have been able to walk home. They both acted like rednecks. Both are pitiful excuses for Giles County. Hughes never would have had the chance to make me say something off-hand like Harwell. Witt Miller had a stupid liberal article in the paper this weel. I hear that relates to Vicki Harwell.
The worse thing he said, was "I'm a Commissioner what are you going to do about it." He acted wrong there. He should show he's a gentleman and can take the heat. If Vicki wanted to be mayor she should be able to take the heat.
Oh, I see we are back to crucifying the Harwells again. Do you people ever ask yourselves just who started all this hatred? You are going right along with one who is so filled with hatred and resentment that it seems to dominate his very existence. Can you not see that? You can think and reason for yourselves.
As for Terry Harwell, he was provoked to anger. I would have done a lot more than he did had someone walked up and started insulting my wife. Oh yes, I think Terry restrained himself quite well.
You guys keep throwing up what Terry said about being a commissioner. So what? Have any of you ever said things out of anger that you either didn't mean or simply blurted out? Of course, you have. Why can't you just let it go and realize that you have become a part of a troublemaker's jealousies and resentment? You have brains; use them and stop this foolishness.
I didn't write the above about TH but sure do enjoy upsetting CG.
He/she doesn't even know he/she just makes things worse, so laughable.
6:12,
How did Mr. Hughes insult his wife? I watched the video and Mr. Hughes did not insult any one. If any thing it was provoked by Vicki by addressing the conversation to Mr. Hughes when he was addressing another man.
I thought a lot of people thought W. Miller was Vicki Harwell. I don't read that or Watson's after a few times thought it a wast of time.
6:30 When you said they both acted like red necks, I hope you meant Harwell and Hughes, if not who was the other one.
Some folks need to watch that video over. Harwell called Hughes a slang name. Very unbecoming of a 'commissioner'.
Harwell called Hughes a word that is termed hate speech all over the country. Harwell is a bully and 1:17 got it right that Vicki created the whole thing by sic'ing her attack dog on Hughes. The daughter was there stirring the pots as well. The whole family acted like privileged royalty.
7:47
Why can't you people just let this go? The Harwells were minding their OWN bnusiness when this guy came up and started causing trouble. Terry behaved himself much better than I would have had someone insulted my wife. What would you do under the same circdumstances had someone walked up with a camcorder and started filming you?
Ok, who's next to be crucified? Could it be Tommy Campbell or Vickie Coleman? How about Mrs. Vanzant or Mrs. Garner again? No, wait; it's about time you guys went after the election commission again or certain commissioners you dislike?
Is it any wonder why elected officials don't want to be anywhere near you? Is it?
Still crying.
6:29 now that's a fine thing for a nice christian gentleman to say that he would have acted worse than Terry Harwell who was calling people disgusting names calling people who wasn't even there names then assaulting a citizen and daring him to do something about it cause he was a commissioner.
This place is filled up with people who expect and get special treatment while behaving like animals but because of who they are they continue to get special treatment and privileges.
Makes me laugh that you are not one of them stupid fox. Should I send you a bucket for your tears?
11:05 Goodpost, so true.
12:46
No, it's an appropriate thing for a man to say in defense of his wife. I'm sorry if you can't accept that.
Special treatment while behaving like animals. Why don't you stop letting a troublemaker fill your head with such hatred?
Do you need a bucket as well 2:08? I love that you hate us because we have more power than you. Let the tears flow crybabies. HAHA!
How was Terry defending his wife when she directed conversation to Mr. Hughes? If you notice in the video Mr. Hughes said nothing to any one in the Harwell family until Vicky rudely cut him off when he was addressing another man? So please tell us exactly what Mr. Hughes said that was insulting to Vicky. Did he physically attack her, did he walk up calling her names, or was the Harwell's hatred toward Mr. Hughes the motivating factor in the attack . Please explain your stance because every thing I have read in your posts and seen in the video proves you to be a liar.
3:51
You sound like the one who is full of hatred for the Harwells. Have you ever asked yourself who told you to hate them? Why do you follow along after a troublemaker? Can you not think for yourself?
I would have confronted Huges myself under those same circumstances, and aI am not nearly as longsuffering as is Terry.
Stop trying to promote the jealosuies and resentments of a very unhappy individual. I believe he hates Terry, and that is so sad.
What circumstances? Are you saying any citizen that has a video camera at a public function should be attacked by elected officials when they are caught breaking the law? The video shows Mr. Hughes addressing another man and Vicky rudely cutting him off and directing conversation to him by name. She did not like what he asked her back and showed the type of person and public servant she is by instigating the violence. Luckily the citizens of Pulaski were able to see the real Vicky as opposed to the politician.
I saw the video and you state nothing to support your accusations you make about Mr. Hughes insulting Vicky. Do you have something personal against Mr. Hughes?
3:15 Yes Do you have something against Hughes?
I don't dislike or like the Harwells, but I know what I saw on the video and someone that thinks they are a christian don't need to be trying to tell people what to think or who to like. That isnot being a christian bragging what they would do more than Terry did.
I don't know Hughes, but there is nothing wrong with vidieoing around town. Vicki might be mayor now if she had just ignored Hughes and let him video.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
I think Hughes would have a reason to find out who posted 6:48.
On the first thread someone wanted a post removed. I sure hope 6:48 is removed. I bet the person that wanted the other post removed posted 6:48.
Judge not less you be judged.
Leave the judging up to the good Lord.
6:52 what is wrong about telling the truth about Hughes?
homosexualality is an abomination. I am not judging him, just stated a fact.
7:29 So you are stating that Bob Hughes is a homosexual?
I've been around a few homosexual and they were nice people, showed nothing of being gay. I found them better people than a few claim to be christians that were just nothing but hypocrite.
I don't find it my place to judge them.
8:08
Frankly, it is not your place to judge Christian people either.
The post at 7:19 was meant for 8:05
It's best not to judge anyone.
When you are so busy judging others you leave your closet door open and your things fall out.
So it's ok to be against Obama, Summerville, Haslam and Homesexuals, but don't you dare say anything against the Harwells, Vanzant, Garner and a lot of the commissioners.
Calling a person a name does not make it so. I would suggest that until a person proves who or what they are everything else about them is speculation, pure speculation.
The thing that is rather odd is that some are more interested in speculating about people than addressing the issue of what some have proven to actually be.
Homosexuality no question is a sin based in Bible truth but then so is gluttony. Is one worse than the other, not according to God's word.
Are those who are over weight treated like the homosexual is treated? Is the adulterer treated the same as thief?
Only man assigns degrees to sins usually the worse sins identified as those committed by someone else.
That way my sins are never as bad as other people's sins at least in our minds.
The Bible is clear in the matter of judging God deals with the heart, man is responsible for behavior. Accusing people publicly of things without any proof and especially doing it anonymously so they can't confront their accuser is the lowest form of cowardice and proof of no integrity.
8:22 A big Amen!
And telling lies that someone willfully goes along with wrongdoing is also a sin.
11:33
But didn't you attack a persons sexuality in a previous post and defame him with absolutely nothing to back the statement?
Garner response to the local paper concerning the audit finding were expenditures exceeded appropriations in the school budget is laughable indeed! Instead of saying she made a mistake, she says it is a miscalculation by her office of the number of pay periods last June!
And our county govt pays this woman $70,000.
11:59
No, that was not me. I would never lower myself to do such as that. Nice try though.
You mean you really wasn't the one talking about Hughes?
The way you take up for the Harwells makes it hard to believe.
I hear google is tracting everyone and selling info.
Wonder what it would cost me to find out who did say that.
2:14
That's exactly what I mean. Even if I thought someone was a homosexual, I would never be so low-down as to put it out there for people to see. Hard to believe? Oh well; that's your problem and not mine.
Why don't you check into finding out who made that statement? If you find out, will you be so bold as to post that information for all to see?
YES!
4:32
Go for it. Who will be held legally liable if someone gets hurt because of that? Perhaps the victim may want to find out who you are should something like that happen. Think about it. Is this not a good example of troublemaking?
5:28 Do you not think Mr. Hughes should try to find out who called him a name? Wouldn't yu want to know who called you a name?
The person that called him a name should of thought about that before calling him a name.
Ok I am sorry I said those awfull words about Mr. Hughes.So I can't say anything about a person's actions and his lifestyle. That is all I did. Now here is a question for all of you judges, how can it be fine for all of you to call someone stupid, dumb, idiots, and morans. What is the difference? Someone needs to do some soul searching just like I do. How can a preacher like Mr. Barrett call someone a lying brain dead parisite? Enough said.
6:24
That is entirely up to Mr. Hughes, and I wouldn't blame him. However, it is not the business of an uninvolved troublemaker to do so.
By the way, the post at 6:49 proves the point I've often made that this blog has the potential for stirring up serious problems someday.
It's no secret who called Bob Hughes a name, it was Terry Harwell who used hate speech in his attack on Hughes.
There is a big difference in calling somebody a mean name and giving the reason and just calling someone a mean name with no example of why you call that person the name. Mr Barrett is the only person I can think of that when he calls somebody something not only gives the reason he also signs his real name.
7:00 Funny you say it's not the business of an univolved trouble maker to get involved. That's what I use to think when you kept crying about the signs.
I have never called anyone a name or said they were stupid, may have thought it.
7:36 (7:31)
You knew exactly what I was talking about with respect to a troublemaker who stated a desire to find out and "expose" the individual who called Mr. Hughes a name on this filthy blog. I pointed out that such action could cause some very serious problems. You know that's true.
As for the signs, I believe that's about to play out in court, so let's just wait and see how it goes down.
7:31 (7:36)
I do not believe for one minute that Terry called Mr. Hughes the nasty name that was deleted from this blog. I just don't believe that.
As for barrett, how can you defend the names he has called people on this blog (e.g. coward, parasite, anal buffoon)? As he himself said, just because one calls another a name doesn't make it true. Hilarious.
You need to listen to the video, there is no mistakeing what Terry called Hughes.
CG why do you think everyone needs to believe evverything you say and know what you meant. You are so laughable.
As for the signs, Will it play out in court how you kept posting about the signs. I don't thik so.
9:32
All I can tell you is that Terry Harwell was minding his own business (you should try that) and was provoked to anger. I have viewed the video that never should have been made in the first place, and I did not hear Terry call Mr. Hughes a derogatory name. Perhaps he did; I DO NOT KNOW.
As for the signs, I want the truth to come out. I have believed from the very beginning that barrett provoked the entire thing. It sorta reminds me of the way Terry Harwell was provoked.
When did I say that I think everyone should believe everything I say? Those are your words, and they are laughable.
Even a deaf person would have heard the names Harwell called Hughes and Barrett in that video so if you watched it as much as you claim you are not being truthful about hearing it or else you didn't watch the video. Another thing is Barrett made a clear distintion between calling someone a name and giving the reason then signing it and calling someone a name with no reason and doing it as anonymous,
On the video ole terry was provoked by vicki and nobody else.
CG
As you were always saying You know wqhat I mean. You know what I mean. I daid Mr. Hughes had the right to check and see who called him a name. Not that I was going to. But you are always right aren't you.
If it had to be done (didn't say would be) I think the video would hold up in court Terry called Hughes that name. It wasn't exactly that word but one that meant the same or maybe you've been so sheltered you don't now the other bad names.
If you morons are going to be so condescending, please learn how to spell and use proper grammar. You sound so stupid when you reprimand someone else for being dumb and you write like you didn't pass the 4th grade. I wish I could get all of you in the same room and have a Biggest Dumbass competition.
Wow! Somebody is very smart.
I've seen a lot of typos or just didn't spell it right, but don't think it looked good to correct them. Some of the typos was even made by CG, so hope 8:58 isn't him.
Does anyone that only had the education of a fourth grader not have a right to an opion.
Didn't I see where someone said a commissioner didn't need an education to know how to be a commissioner. Then someone wanted ever commissioner to have a high school education.
7:21 Slow down and proof read. Looks like you hit the wrong key a few times and upset 5:58 and made him call you a name. He think his is smart but not smart enough to not call names.
Apparently you do not need an education to work in financial management office. If you are the best fit that is.
7:21
What is wrong with you people? Don't you EVER get tired of trying to give someone a hard time? I realize that you are angry because you don't have any say-so in county government, and you probably never will. You need to ask yourself why for once. While you're asking that question, ask yourself who is the primary root of all this hate and jealousy. If you ask that question, have the courage to accept the truth when it occurs to you. You run around just looking for something to stir up. Have you no shame?
It's one thing to question county government, but what you guys are doing is (my opinion) blatantly wrong.
8:58
That's just the way this little group operates. They are dangerous, resentful and angry. Thank God they can't get elected to anything.
Don't forget that it is this same group who wants us to vote in a charter for Giles County. Go to the polls and tell them NO once again.
Every one knows county business is operated on nepotism and best fit criteria as opposed to best qualified. That is the reason this county is broke and we have sorry excuses with out education getting placed into positions over better qualified candidates. Can you accept the truth 1:31 or is it because you know the truth and are a part of what is wrong in this county? It would explain why you come to the defense of those who abuse their positions and authority at the expense of the tax payers.
6:00
Everyone knows? Translation: You and a couple of others believe it's nepotism, because that's what you've been told to think by the troublemaker-in-chief. It's too bad that the voters don't want you guys and/or your candidates. Oh, what the heck; go ahead and have another refreshing glass of kool-aid. It might deepen your jealousy and resentment.
The "best fit" may or may not be the most educated or credentialed. For example, suppose you were interviewing for a top sales position and had the highest "degree" but an introverted personality? Should the employer hire YOU simply because of the formal education or another applicant who had less education but a terrific personality? I think you know the answer to that question. Knowing the latterm of those two would in fact be the best fit for the job, what on earth is your argument?
Hey CG why aren't you on your knees praying for Giles County with this bad weather instead of on this blog giving people the devil.
I noticed you said in one post you always told the truth. Didn't you not say Terry Harrwell didn't call Hughes a bad name. It's on the tape for everyone to see.
I'm not in giles county at the present.
6:33
Well here you go again. No, I never said Terry did or did not call Hughes a name. Those are your words, so don't try to lie and cause trouble.
Oh, and as your hero once stated when asked if he was praying, how do you know I wasn't? You are hilarious.
6:19
How do you know the person with the degree has an introverted personality when you fail to interview them? You probably read a lot of books by looking at the cover, but as a tax payer I expect the most skilled and qualified to get the jobs my tax dollars are funding and not good time Charlie that is friends or related to the boss and will look the other way when policies and procedures are being broken.
After all are we hiring county employees to show up and party with every one or work. You might want to think about it before you attempt another lame duck excuse for the wasting of taxpayer dollars with unqualified employees. Maybe that is another reason there are so many employees in the finance office. If you do not have qualified efficient employees you have to hire three employees to get the work done of two qualified. That is waste.
7:56
Look, I merely gave an example. How do you know that the person with the degree didn't show that personality trait when he or she first came in to apply? How do you know that the person with the highest degree wasn't already known by the employer? The application process is not the actual interview, and you know that. Have you ever heard of the process of screening applicants? For example, an employer may have received a hundred applications and screens them down to the ones to be interviewed. THAT IS THE EMPLOYER'S RIGHT TO SELECT FROM AMONG THE APPLICANTS THE ONES THOUGHT RIGHT AND BEST FIT FOR THE JOB. What is so hard for you to understand about that?
You know what? I honestly think you would rather argue than eat. I also think you would be better served if you would stop letting a troublemaker tell you what to think and who to hate. It really makes you look like a mindless robot.
If you have a problem with the finance office, why don't you march yourself right up there and demand a full explanation as to what they are doing? While you are there, go ahead and isist that any employee you don't like be fired on the spot.
Can you not see why you people are so despised in the community? If not, you are blind.
7:56,
You are probably a bottom feeder that isn't paying taxes. I bet you get a check from the government the way you cry about how people aren't treated equally. Sounds like a typical leech. I wouldn't hire you because you would probably be in my office complaining everyday about someone getting paid more than you or they have an easier job. You would probably call in sick 3 times a month just to stay at home and watch TV. You need to learn to shut your mouth, go to work and provide for yourself. You certainly aren't doing any good coming on here and trying to make people look like idiots. All of your comments are made up about what goes on at the courthouse. You are a far bigger moron than CG. In fact, he sounds rather intelligent compared to you.
What is the difference between someone calling Hughes a fag as relating to his lifestyle and some saying moron,leach and idiots?
8:03
Now I know you are a liar because I can honestly answer no to all of the above. And I am all to aware of how the application process with much experience as the person in charge of doing the hiring so do not pretend to know what you obviously do not. The only thing that is confirmed by the above two posts is your stupidity. I stand by my post at 7:56 because there is no way that you can even try to say that Terry Harwell has a personality that would put him as the top candidate for the position. Was he rewarded for voting on putting the job in the budget in the first place, or was he rewarded for something else? But the personality argument does not hold water when we can see what has been hired and we all know there personality.
9:42
But aren't you a bit angry because Terry Harwell beat barrett by so many votes? Isn't that really the heart of the matter? In my opinion, it is.
As for Terry, who do you think you are to judge his personality and qualifications for the job? Oh how frustrated you must be.
9:37
Maybe it is because Hughes is not gay and remarks like that are said with malicious intent to defame a persons reputation in the community.
Bob Hughes
9:42
I am sure that you have said and done things that you wouldn't say defines your personality. What if those things were videotaped? Should I just assume that one moment describes you fully. I hope you aren't that big of a hypocrite. Once again, quit crying about what isn't given to you and go make something for yourself. Look at all the time you waste from being a crybaby in this blog.
I did not apply for the jobs in question 10:03 and I do not know where you come up with I am mad about not getting something given to me. As a tax paying citizen and the co-employer of every county employee I would like to see responsibility in the hiring process because the best fit argument is only an argument for the discrimination of the qualified applicant based on others personal prejudices towards certain individuals or groups. Your type of thinking already cost the county at least $70,000.
Actually your type of thinking cost the county $70k. The fact that someone didn't get interviewed and blamed it on race. There you go with the give me something or I will be mad and sue you. Only those that feel they deserve something cry like you. Liberals like you are killing America. I am tired of hearing about racism. Companies and Governments are starting to see how fast they can go down the drain from being so politically correct.
Friday March 2, 5:15 Am Is this not your post big man. You say you watched the video and didn't hear Terry call Hughes a name.
Then you say on 6:56 you never said that Terry never called Hughes a name.
I don't know Barrett and don't care if he got beat. When I read the things you say you think are smart I just have to reply back.
One thing for sure I don't want a job in the county government. I have a better job than any of them.
Your troublemaking is what I don't like yet you don't think you stir up trouble.
I think the first comment on this thread shows how rude some people can be. How they want to belittle WAB anyway they can.
The person can say things about the ones he/she don't like but don't you dare say anything about the Harwells or Vanzant.
12:11
You are absolutely right about the 70K the county had to pay out. And let's not forget who was pushing it. He was right there "agging it on" as they say.
I'm all for the woman that got the 70K. Don't know her but think the county should pay for ever mistake they make.
Don't know WAB either but if he was agging her own, good gor him.
I'm sure Vanzant and Barrett will go down in the history of Giles County.
12:11 You should say Americans who believe in the Constitution like me and think that when any job or contract is funded with tax payer dollars that proper procedures to ensure every one gets an equal opportunity to procure that position or contract are making it harder on the people who choose to abuse their power.
If the city of Pulaski had a position open in either administration or the police dept. and received over 200 applications for the position of which no one was called back for second interviews but the job was filled with a known close and personal friend of the Mayor; is there any thing wrong with that hiring practice?
7:09
Why don't you go visit both mayors and air your concerns? Wouldn't that be better than what you are doing here?
Because I asked a question of those that defend best fit nepotism hiring practices. If such a situation ever did happen or does in the future the question is answered by the action so your response is futile. I simply ask if you condone such hiring practices in all government or just in county government?
11:38
I wouldn't condemn nepotism in any situation, but I do like the concept of "best fit" hiring. This is precisely why affirmtive action is ridiculous and wrong.
Nice try, but I stand by what I said.
So if a black person gets into a position of power in Giles County Government and decides to throw away every white applicants application and only hire black people because they also believe in a best fit over most qualified hiring policy; would you still be so open to best fit hiring practices? Or lets say a homosexual person decides to only hire other homosexuals, would you voice your opinion so adamantly in favor of that practice since you do not condemn nepotism in any situation?
When an individual uses their own money to finance their business I agree that any hiring practice used by the owner of the business, but the difference in public business is that the citizens are the owners and their is a responsibility to every citizen. And best fit hiring is only a weak excuse to abuse power and in the end we end up with mediocre uneducated, under qualified employees that are the best qualified and not pleasant to fill office space.
my last sentence should read:
And best fit hiring is only a weak excuse to abuse power and in the end we end up with mediocre uneducated, under qualified employees that are not the best qualified and only fill office space and make their co workers laugh.
Your stupidity and ignorance makes me laugh 10:21. You can bet your ass that if a black person had power they would give every unqualified friend and family member they had a job. Wait, that happened in the White House too. Guess that proves my point. Nobody is playing favorites in Giles County. They just may be playing to not hire idiots like you. You are a very weak excuse for an argument.
So you support Obama and his practices since Giles County Government has the same practices in hiring and appointments that you support. Is that what you are stating 11:35?
9:37 Harwall calling Mr. Hughes a name was derogatory, racist and bigotted. Harwell also brought Mr. Barrett into his verbal abuse when Barrett wasn't even around. Just shows the mindset. It wouldn't matter if anyone had a lifestyle you didn't agree with, they should still be treated with respect.
No difference in Giles County government and Federal Government. Both have spent too much and now want to raise taxes.
Both hired friends.
11:35
It's people who think like you do that made me leave the Republican Party. Arrogance and troublemaking seem to go hand-in-hand with them.
You know what? Why wouldn't the blogmaster delete your post for the nasty language you used? I would bet it would have already been gone had it been about him or one of his buddies? What do you think?
I think you are a woman that poses as a christian gentleman. I would almost bet my house that you are a woman. I am glad you are no longer a part of the Republican Party as you are politically incompetent. You are proving that with your uneducated approach to tarnishing our Governor. I don't believe you have ever been a Republican. I think about 90% of what you say on here is a repeat of what you have already said. That is what I think, since you asked! I think you and Barrett are deserving of having to deal with each other. Neither of you have enough sense to know when to shut-up.
3:31
Well, I felt like you'd be taking another cheap shot at me, and you came through as predicted. Having said that, please allow me to clear up a few more of your misunderstandings.
First of all (like it or not) I am a Christian and a gentleman. It seems you just can't stand that.
Secondly, being a gentleman means that I am a male. You would lose your house were I a betting man, but I think gambling is wrong. That being the case, you are safe and can keep it. I have a couple of them already.
Thirdly, it's people like you who make me equally glad I left that party. I will always be a conservative, but would rather not associate myself with people like you. Pompousness and arrogance make me sick.
Lastly, you suggest that I am uneducated. Wrong. May I ask where you earned your degrees?
Although largely misguided and incorrect, I thank you for sharing your thoughts. Hopefully, I've succeeded in illuminating some gray areas for you. I occasionally have to do this for barrett, so it's no big deal.
I wonder how Barrett gets talked about so much when he has so little written on here.
Question if a person is hired and given a pay increase for getting a higher degree or certification then fails to get it should that person continue to receieve the extra pay?
If a person is hired to work 40 hrs a week then only works 36 should they continue to be paid for 40 hours?
If I person is hired to work 40 hours but leaves a few hours a week to work their part time job where they are also paid should that be allowed?
My question would be why are they receiving the increased pay before they have actually acquired the degree? If they are already receiving pay it should be stopped because they did not fulfill their part of the bargain. To be honest the difference from original to increased salary should be reimbursed, but the pay should have never begun until the terms of the agreement is completed.
If they are hired to work 40 then work 40 to receive pay for 40. Work 36 and your pay gets pro-rated.
In the private sector if a salaried individual left early to go work another job they would get fired.
9:58
It's simple. He likes to get stuff started and then sit back and let his two or three followers keep it stirred up.
As for the forty hour work week, why don't you go visit the mayors and ask them?
Do we now have two mayors? Would that be Ford Harwell, Ford Harrison or Ford Speer? Just wondering.
6:30
Since you do not have anything of value to add why don't you quit posting. I know you think you are not letting any one get away with any thing including the discussion of topics that matter to some citizens in this county, but you only show your jealousy and resentment of the one you are obsessed with. Besides were the above posts even referring to city government or County. Before you start dictating who people need to talk to you should know what you are talking about. Would that not stir up the trouble that you so look to try to stir up.
In addition why would Harwell be a mayor, the voters of Pulaski showed they did not want her or her attitude.
Which local government office has an employee working tso jobs? That in itself is legal but is that person not working their full hours in order to work the 2nd job?
Terry Harwell is working for the county in the financial management office and attending committee meetings and being paid for both.
Mrs Sigmon was given a pay increase when she came to the finance office on the basis that she would become a CPA, she has not passed the test but has continued to draw the pay.
Very few in the courthouses work a full 40 hours but get paid with benefits as full timers.
Does the County make employees sign a contract at the beginning of their employment stating the pay scale and number of hours to be worked?
8:46
The voters on 7th District have shown not once but twice that they don't want barrett.
Too bad they can't show they don't support CG because they don't know his name.
I think Ray's post on the first thread was talking to you also.
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