State Law Requires But County Executive Ignores! Why Is State Law Ignored And The County Doesn't Care?
It was recently reported that the County Executive had declared that Commissioner Terry Harwell WOULD be allowed to vote on all budgetary items that come before the Commission, but is this legal or just another thought plucked from the air of arrogance?
The State of Tennessee has a little law about "Conflicts of Interest". Part of that rule states "A special rule exist in the case of a County Commissioner who is also an employee of the county. A conflict of interest can come up in this situation anytime the county commission votes on appropriations or budgets. A statutory exception allows a member of the County Legislative Body to vote on these matters if that member was employed by the county before becoming a member of the County Commission. But, immediately before the vote the commissioner must read the following disclaimer which is set out in the Tennessee Code:
Because I am an employee of (name of governmental unit), I have a conflict of interest in the proposal about to be voted. However, I declare that my argument and my vote answer only to my conscience and to my obligation to my constituents and the citizens this body represents."
Now it that was all there was to it there would be no problem and Commissioner Harwell could vote on anything he wanted so long as he read the declaration of conflict.
Here's the fly in the buttermilk, "A legislative body member who is also a county employee and whose employment began on or after the date on which the member was initially selected as a governing body MAY NOT VOTE on matters in which the member has a conflict of interest." T.C.A. 12-4-101.
The County Financial Management System of 1981, which applies to any county in which it has been adopted and essentially holds all county officials and employees to the strict rule. T.C.A. 5-21-121. Under the "Strict Rule" both Direct and Indirect conflicts of interest are prohibited. Although under the general rule indirect interest are allowed if they are disclosed, the strict rule disallows the interest altogether."
The State of Tennessee has a little law about "Conflicts of Interest". Part of that rule states "A special rule exist in the case of a County Commissioner who is also an employee of the county. A conflict of interest can come up in this situation anytime the county commission votes on appropriations or budgets. A statutory exception allows a member of the County Legislative Body to vote on these matters if that member was employed by the county before becoming a member of the County Commission. But, immediately before the vote the commissioner must read the following disclaimer which is set out in the Tennessee Code:
Because I am an employee of (name of governmental unit), I have a conflict of interest in the proposal about to be voted. However, I declare that my argument and my vote answer only to my conscience and to my obligation to my constituents and the citizens this body represents."
Now it that was all there was to it there would be no problem and Commissioner Harwell could vote on anything he wanted so long as he read the declaration of conflict.
Here's the fly in the buttermilk, "A legislative body member who is also a county employee and whose employment began on or after the date on which the member was initially selected as a governing body MAY NOT VOTE on matters in which the member has a conflict of interest." T.C.A. 12-4-101.
The County Financial Management System of 1981, which applies to any county in which it has been adopted and essentially holds all county officials and employees to the strict rule. T.C.A. 5-21-121. Under the "Strict Rule" both Direct and Indirect conflicts of interest are prohibited. Although under the general rule indirect interest are allowed if they are disclosed, the strict rule disallows the interest altogether."
posted by Allen Barrett | 4:02 PM
75 Comments:
Call the state and file charges then.
Even if you succeeded in getting Terry Harwell kicked off the commission, you are noty going tom get the job.
Is this crazy or what? After all, Vanzant puts a copy of the disclaimer on each commissioners desk prior to the meeting. Didnt she even remind them all they might need to declare prior to the votes? Hopeless! And we pay her how much each year?
Why was none of this on the radio today? Why is this blog the only place to find out what's really going on in this county?
6:19
you are noty going tom get the job.
And you have the never to correct others.
I don't see where there is a conflict of interest. I would think the law covers those who stand to profit or make some personal gain from the vote. I don't understand how it is a conflict with him voting on financial matters for the county and the people of his district.
I think Barrett should do a little better job of explaining what the conflict is rather than saying Harwell and 3 others were guilty.
FF
It don't matter what you or I think the conflict is the state says there is a conflict why is there any other questions?
8:10
No, I don't have the "never" to correct others. Anything else?
FF if you don't see a conflict and you don't think Barrett did a good enough job explaining the thing then why don't you do the research and report your findings on here he gave you the code numbers so it shouldn't be very hard to show how wrong he is or prove how right he is.
When you work for the school system and vote on school money that is a conflict. When you work in the finance office then vote on your work that's a conflict but you knew that.
Harwell abstained from form voting on most of the issues yesterday. Did you mention that?
10:05
Will that silence the troublemakers? I doubt it. Good post.
Well Well Harwell did the right thing. So 10:05 & 11:03 probably the same person got to gloat.
Amyway thanks for tell us what Harwell did.
Sorry 10:05 but he voted for each amendment that was offered. Check the vote count they each total 20.
Jealousy and resentment can destroy us if we lety it.
It's a shame how people get on here and lie like 10:05.
That is what I call jealousy and resentment.
I read this with many doubts knowing that there seems to be some animosity between Mr. Barrett and Mrs Vanzant.
When I read the TCA that was mentioned my doubts were removed.
The statutes are very clear in prohibiting commissioners who are employed by the county after their election can not vote on financial matters. something I also learned that Mr. Barrett didn't emphasize was that those commissioners who work for the school system are prohibited from voting on the school budget under the Financial Management system.
Why this is not followed i can't say other than it seems to be either from not knowing or it has been inconvenient to follow. With this revelation there can no longer be any excuses for not complying with the law.
747
No, you were right that there's animosity between barrett and Mrs. Vanzant. Ask yourself why. Mrs. Vanzant didn't set out to hurt and destroy barrett.
As for whether or not Mrs. Vanzant broke some law, I think it would be better to caqll or go by and see her to find out for yourself. Please don't take the word of an angry and resentful man as the gospel.
7:57 No she has just made up laws to keep Barrett from addressing the commission so the budget could be pushed through. I have witnessed Vanzant do quite a few things in reference to Barrett that is unbecoming of an elected official.
8:02 is right as I have been witness to some of the same abuses by the executive. I have experienced her lies first hand many times. No citizen should be treated the way she has treated Barrett. The reason she hates Barrett, and there is no question she hates him, is he talks back, fights back and most of the time he is right and that's very intimidating to an insecure public official.
8:18
You can't be serious. Mrs. Vanzant has been called every name in the book and has been treated less than a dog by one who himself proclaims to be a man of God. What a laugh that is. If she hates barrett, I don't blame her one bit. Uh, doesn't he hate her? Doesn't he despise Terry Harwell, Vicki Coleman, and Tommy Campbell? Look at the larger picture and accept the truth when you see it.ingdoce
8:26 of course I'm serious. I don't know everything about Barrett or Vanzant but I do know from personal experience that she will mislead, coverup, stall and outright lie without skipping a beat.
I have seen Barrett a number of times holding his hand up to be recognized to speak only to have others recognized who just blurted out. Barrett is forceful and passionate but I personally have never seen him be disrespectful to her or any of the commissioners. That don't mean he hasn't only that I haven't seen him and I have been present many, many times.
As for hating I don't know either of their hearts so I can't speak to that. I have never heard him call her or anyone else anything related to them personally but he has referred to their behavior with some very pointed terms. Because a person disagrees with someone doesn't mean they despise them does it, if it does there are many families where every member despises every other member. He and Tommy Campbell seem to have a lot of conversations before and after meetings without punching each other or raising their voices.
8:44 Glad to see your post about Campbell. cg is the only person to say anything about anyone actions. No one is allowed to say anything about any county offical's action. He/she don't seem to know if you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. In this place it is county government.
No matter what they do it will be disagreed wit by someone. If you are going to run for office be man or woman enough to take the heat and keep whatever your hatered for anyone very well concealed from others.
Treat everyone fair.
I still haven't heard who had the "conflicts of interest" and what those "conflicts" are. Until someone explains it, I will have to take the side of the County Executive on this one.
4:26 What about a conflict of interest? I haven't heard anything about it from vanzant or anyone else.
It has been explained if you bother to read before you post. Included were the state codes.
Posting state codes hasn't shown anything as to who or why their was a "conflict of interest". Did anyone gain anything personally from voting? I appreciate your pitiful attitude 7:52 but I did read the topic and all discussion before posting.
7:06 AM If you cant interpret the law as written its your problem. Try reading again and you will read that no commissioner employed after becoming a commissioner can vote on budgetary matters. Also the strict rule applies if a county is under financial management.
If you were voting on your or your wife's salary would that be a conflict of interest? If you took part in making the budget then voted to adopt that budget would that be a conflict of interest? If you voted to give yourself or a family member a job or pay raise would that be a conflict of interest? If you voted to give yourself a newly remodeled office would that be a conflict of interest?
The law was written to prevent a government official from voting on matters where they or their immediate family would personally benefit. Mr. Barrett failed to tell what a conflict is but I appreciate that he put this topic on here.
The conflict arises in that Mr. Harwell is an employee of the Financial Management Office. Therein lies the rub; in that he is now excluded from voting on any matter that passes through or deals with the Financial Management Office. If he was a janitor, school bus driver, police officer that would be another matter. It just so happens that he decided to become an employee for the County Finance Management Office which deals with all matters that are financial in nature. This was explained to hime upon his being hired (by Ms. Garner) and Mr. Howell stated that he fully understoon the conditions of employment and the restrictions upon his being an elected Commissioner. However, Ms. Vanzant does not like this one bit.
I apologize if my post of the topic didn't clearly speak to the issue of what a "conflict of interest" is. My main goal was to show what the law states, in comparison to what has been stated by the County Executive.
The 8:19 poster puts a very good statement forward to explain the issue.
It has long been held, by the fact that commissioners have traditionally read the statement provided by the state, that there are conflicts between those who work for that school system or other parts of the county government. In the past they were considered to have either a direct or indirect conflict however under the Financial Management System the county operates under the state has declared all conflicts are direct under the strict law. Under said law no vote can be cast.
I believe poster of 9:12 intended to write Mr. Harwell rather than Howell.
(Thanks for the excellent post 9:12!)
Even if you guys succeeded in chasing Terry from his commissioner position, barrett is still not going to get it.
4"35 Who cares?
That has nothing to do with breaking rules.
5:32
Files a grievance with the state of Tennessee then and stop whining.
5:16 So 5:32 has filed a grievance with the State of Tennessee. I'm glad someone did.
Funny you whine more than anybody I know on this blog.
7:29
Since there's so much corruption here, I'm surprised that you haven't already filed a grievance.
8:54
The ones who are constantly holering corruption is a very very small group of people who are, in my opinion, simply jealous and resentful that they have no power. I wouldn't pay too much attention to them.
hollering...typo
JVZ is a good person, I think, but a bad county leader!
Janet IS a good person and county leader as well. In addition, she is well-liked by county employees. Granted, she is not perfect and neither are the whiners who have done everything within their power to demean and belittle her.
May God bless Mrs. Vanzant and her family for all she has had to put up with from those who hate her. May HE also speak to the hearts of those who have been so cruel.
Funny that one that does not condone name calling resorts to such tactics so early in the morning. Just shows the hypocrisy. Always whining about people calling it names but woke up this morning ready to attack those that have opposing views.
And not every one sees the world through your distorted lenses 7:25 but on the other hand if I was hired because I was best fit and not the most qualified I would like the person as well.
8:07
Ok pal; I've got to do some things around here, but I will be back, the Lord willing, to take you on. You want to argue; you know I'll be your huckleberry.
When you mentioned those who hold opposing views and hypocrisy in the same sentence, I almost hyperventilated with laughter.
Tell me what names I called anyone in my above post? And why do you keep having such difficulty getting over the concept of best fit?
I'll be back.
At least 7:25 did say something good about Mrs. Vanzant, but he/she just had to get her usual digs in.
I may not agree with her/him but that was a little better than most of his post.
Why is it that the janitor lady who was hired for a position in the Financial Department is no longer there; but, is now working for Carol Wade? She waiten on me when I renewed my truck tags,
8:38
I'm not sure that's true, but why don't you call Carol and ask her what's going on?
8:38
Regardless, you can't stand it because you and your buddies have no say so as to who is hired for what. Oh, how that must frustrate you.
Hey Huckleberry, are you that stupid that you do not know the meaning of what you write in your posts? Never mind you answered it in your 8:20 post with your denial of your own actions in calling any one who questions the actions of our local oligarchy whiners. Or maybe you will like to take some time, now think before you write, and explain who you were calling whiners. You whine on here all the time so are you not being hypocritical as well?
In regards to your promoted best fit hiring practices, since I live in a Republic which is supposed to have a government of the people(all citizens) for the people(all citizens) and not just friends and family of those in power at any point in time. I believe when using tax dollars to pay a persons salary you hire the most competent instead of the buddy system hiring system that is the support structure of an oligarchy and Giles County and Pulaski.
I find it funny when a person buys his/her tags from someone, cg thinks they don't know what they are talking about.
As for wanting to have a say so in the county government, all I want is for them to follow the law and do what is right. If they don't me and all the other tax payers including cg have a right to complain.
You can see by cg's post these people complaing really frustate him/her.
Jesus never pleased everybody and wouldn't if he came back today. That's just life.
Why are you attacking 8:38 and hinting they may be lying? Why don't you call Carol and find out for yourself the truth before you try to lay dispersions on the the character of another especially when you were not there. Or were you 8:45.
9:49 (9:52)
Not stupid at all. I have never said that a law-abiding citizen has no right to question government. Those are you words.
The whiners are those like you. Is that clear enough?
You have a right to question government, but the thing you can't seem to stand is the fact that elected officials also have rights. They don't have to get YOUR approval to hire those individuals whom they believe to be the best fit employees for their respective offices. I know you can't stand having no say so, but you guys made it that way by your constant whining and troublemaking. And THAT is what frustrates me.
If a black person comes to power in local government and implements an unwritten policy of only hiring black people, or if a homosexual only decides to hire homosexuals because they would be the best fit and make a more comfortable environment for them at the time and qualifications were not a factor; would you be so adamant in your stance?
If the latter was ever to happen and they walked in to an office and fired employees for making past comments that would lead one to believe that the employees had a dislike for the group to which he was a part would you speak in support of their actions or condemn them for being a homosexual? One of the things that frustrates me about you is that you do not understand the difference in a private business and a publicly run business. The elected officials are not the owners. The officials do have rights as every citizen should, although they are spit upon dependent upon who you are here in Giles County. But the officials and employees have written laws and rules to follow and should be held to such and not applauded when they choose to exercise their power arbitrarily.
11:454
Of course not, and this isn't about race or sexual orientation. But of course you know that.
Best fir for the job means a combination of experience, formal education, personality, manageability, etc. It has nothing to do with qwhat you are trying to imnply.
Don't be frustrated with me. Go look in youtr own mirror. I perfectly understand the difference between private and public business. Look, when an individual is hired for an office, it is his or her right to hire whomever he pleases. It's not subject to YOUR approval. Don't condescend.
Don't hate. Ok?
Your post is foolish and silly. Aren't there those that have been hired recently in financial management that poses no formal education? I guess the personality, manageability and the etc. must have been overwhelming in those departments. What I see there is the ingredients for yes men who go along with what ever infractions of the rules are being accumulated or are being rewarded for some other deeds. They may have been under handed dealings but it is my opinion that some of this has happened recently. Or maybe it is better to have people to stupid to know by following a supervisors orders they are breaking the rules. Again if you want laziness and lack luster productivity hire friends and only people you deem to have a pleasant personality. You want results hire skilled competent people regardless.
Where do you draw the line when it comes to best fit practices. The county already had to pay $70,000 for calling less qualified white people in for interviews when they denied granting the black applicant an interview, that was more qualified than maybe not all but other white applicants who were granted an interview.
So how does the county respond to this? If we hand pick employees and have no interview process we can assure ourselves that our friends and families will be the only ones that are employed. That is not hate. That is what I have witnessed in this county. In the city of Pulaski and County Government.
1;08
Yours is foolish and silly. Why can't you understand the simplest procedure? The employer does NOT have to consult with you, barrett, and maybe a couple of others about who is hired. Get over it.
Here's the problem. You guys just can't stand it that you have no political say-so around here. That's your own fault that people will not elect any of you to office. Thank God.
Oh, and you just had to throw in the race card. Don't hate.
Who said they did? Those are your words. I just want the best qualified in the positions so we do not have to hire two employees to do the job of one. Certainly you are not as stupid as you pretend to be. But if the ones doing the hiring do not like that I and many others have an opposing opinion as to how our tax dollars are spent then tough, and they should be ready to answer questions regarding their perceived nepotism.
1:23
Right. I'm not stupid, but you certainly seem to be.
Many others don't have an opposing opinion. It's you and perhaps one or two more on here who just can't stand it that you have no say-so in ANYTHING in our county's government. Thank God for the blessings.
If you think there's nepotism, why don't you, barrett, and the other one or two go see Mrs. Vanzant and relate your concerns.
Why would I want to call Vanzant when her actions speak for her. You call her? I think this blog has helped open quite a few peoples eyes. The power of the internet is a powerful tool in exposing unpopular actions of government officials. With the main stream reporting in Pulaski it is no wonder up til recently many citizens had the wool pulled over their eyes in regards to some local politicians. And for a blog that no one reads you concern your self with it quite a bit. Speaks tons about you.
1:45 Speaks tons about me? Actually, I'm a bit ashamed for even being a part of it. My friends tell me it's just a group of whiners who want to have their say. They are right, but still, I don't believe they have the right to use this as a forum for attacking people they dislike or, most of all, resent.
Would you call this blog responsible news reporting? Oh please!!!
1:50 & 1:45 whick I believe to be the same person. Anyone posting on this blog is as responsible for the trouble going on as Barrett is. The person that has been called enabler (I'm not saying he/she is just idinifying who I'm talking about) is as quilty as anyone else.
This person keeps trying to make himself believe only one or two or unhappy with the way things are being run in Giles County and just because Barrett ran for commissioner this person trys to make people believe everyone post is jeaulous because they don't have a say so in how the county is ran.
When you don't like the way Obama runs the United States, are you being jealous of you not being allowed to run the US? THINK!!
You are feeling the same way anyone that don't approve of the way Vanzant and some Commissioners run the county.
My thought is the Federal Government and Federal Government both has let spending get out of hand over the years. Not just since Vanzant or Obama got elected. Now jobs have left the US, money is scarce for everyone unless you are in a political office. People are worried how they are going to feed and cloth their families and don't want any new taxes.
The Federal Government and Giles County Government have been on a run away train and it's time to try to stop it. Not blast one another.
3:44
I posted 1:50 but not 1:45. And I never said only one or two people besides barrett are unhappy with county government. I said that from one to maybe three, including barrett, are the ones posting all the negativity on this blog. There is a subtle difference.
It is my belief that county government has recognized the 'run away train" you speak of and has taken at least some steps to stop it. It is not my belief that they 9county government) has elected to spend our county into bankruptcy. I do know for a fact that all department heads have been asked to trim their budgets in spite of the escalating costs of doing business and providing services. We shall see if they continue down that path. Were I to become aware that county government was being malicious and foolhardy, I would be among the first to call their hand to it. That's just further proof that I would never knowingly support something I believe to be wrong.
My hope is that God will continue to bless Giles County and to create in us all a willingness to work together for its betterment.
MMC Student asks:
4:18 you say that you know for a fact that all County Departments have been asked to trim their respective budgets, That is great! Except for a few minor issues. Why did the budget for the County Executive Office, Office of Emergency Management and the County Commission increase in 2011? If the departments did, in fact decrease their budgets; then why was the 2011 budget the exact same as 2010? Why did the County Executive ignore the cost cuts recommended by her own Financial Director and re-instated those cuts into the 2011 budget?
Now if you are refering to the 2012 budget that is now coming up; why is it that the Highway Department (the first to submit their proposal) has requested an increase of $2.2 million over last year? Also why is it that our current Commission is considering imposing a Wheel Tax for the Highway Department and an increase of 27 cents to the property tax rate?
Do you think that the County Executive or the County Commission will hold public discussions through which the County officials will explain what the financial needs of Giles County are to a public audiance? Do you think that the County Officials will ask the general public for their input and hold open discussions? Don't you believe that every citizen has the right to know why they are being ased to pay more in taxes? Would not this allow all of us to work together for the betterment of our County?
Sure has been a lot of spewing going on today. I'm afraid all this baiting one another will come to a bad end. Has anyone ever thought someone could get mad enogh to go after the one they think has been posting and an the wrong person would get hurt.
Would you feel bad that you might have caused it? Think about all the school shooting. Didn't the shooter feel he had been bullied?
Someone already posting could be already half off their rocker. Giles County has had enough bad things happen in the past, please stop this before anything else happens.
Discuss the issues but stop the attack against one another. If you can't discuss the issues keep quiet.
5:22 why do you write a post to avoid the issues? MMC student has some very valid points and questions for discussion. It seems they have posted fact in support of their statements as well.
They will have a nerve to ask for a tax increase after they put back in the budget what they took out that looked like it would help.
I can see how gas is going up and more money will be needed, but until some people is laid off, if I was a Commissioner I would never go for it.
cg need to read 5:22 and think will he feel bad if someone thinks he is one person and comes looking for him then that's not him. He shouldn't be popping off and making people mad. I'm worried about someone going off, it has happened before in places.
5:54 what do you think about what the student wrote? What do you think about a tax increase?
mmc
I don't know about those departments. Why don't you call and ask them? And of course citizens have a right to know why their taxes go up. Isn't that the way it's always been?
5:22
You have raised a very valid issue. I have said for a good while now that this blog has the potential to cause someone to get really hurt. It's just sad that we can't seem to avoid the hating and name-calling. My plea is that it stop. When it does, I believe there's a chance that people can actually work together for the betterment of Giles County.
6:42
I not only have read what 5:22 had to say but am in total agreement with the writer. However, the name-callers and attackers refuse to stop what they are doing. I too worry that someone could get hurt because of this trashy blog. I am on record for saying a couple of things. The troublemaking needs to stop, and this blog should be shut down.
MMC Student says to 7:16
You are correct in stating that all citizens have a right to know when their taxes go up. Please educate me as to when Mrs. Vanzant or the current County Commission has provided the citizens an opportunity to discuss the financial need of Giles County and how to resolve this delima? My research has concluded that the County Government has never allowed an open and free public discussion regarding financial needs and the tax burden of Giles County. Why? They do not want to be questioned or have to answer to the public.
I don't have to call "those Departments" for those increases were published in the current budget. As for the Highway Department you can call them and verify what I have stated.
I believe that you would like to know how your hard earned monies are being spent. So how about you taking the time and looking into the public documents that the County is required to publish? You too may be surprised. But if you are satisfied with "that is the way it has always been"; then I am sorry that you do not want am active say as to haow your money is spent.
I've just read the latest post and 5:22 gave me something to think about. I've enjoyed trying to make CG mad. I would certainly be upset if it made him mad and he hurt someone thinking it was me.
I want be posting anything else unless it is about the thread.
I hope CG can be man enough to feel the same way. If name calling still goes on it want be my fault. CG is the one I think someone might go after, but who knows just what might send someone off.
I don't think Barrett will be help responsible of what others say on here. He has asked over and over we talk about the thread and not say the things that's been said on here.
7:16 You say the name callers want stop, try to ignore it. Will make you a much better person. As long as you come back at them they'll never stop. I've never called you a name, but have pointed out things you do.
7:55
I am so glad to hear that you are going to stop this battle. As promised, so will I. We are both to blame, and I accept that. It almost became a game for us both I think. However, you do not have to worry about me going off trying to hurt someone. At one time in my life, that would have been true, but not now. I truly am trying to live a Christian life. That's not easy.
I would disagree with you on one point though. I do believe a blogmaster can be held accountable for the content of any given blog. In fact, I think I read some case law on that very issue.
Anyhow...peace.
Actually that is wrong. Case law looks at blogs and moderators as re-publishers and since the individual writes the post and publishes the post the sole liability falls upon the one who wrote the defamation. Barrett can only be held liable for what he writes. The ones that write defaming remarks, even when writing anonymous are held accountable by a subpoena to, in this case, Google and the local internet provider. I have a feeling more about this will be in the open in the near future.
It is really not that hard to track once the subpoena is served.
There has never been an open discussion of the financial matters for this county where private citizens were allowed to take part in the discussion.
When the county was forced to follow the law and hold public meetings prior to the budget being accepted there were a number of people who asked questions but not one singlr response was made by any person on the budget committee.
Last year Mr. Barrett tried to ask some questions about the budget in the public budget meeting and was not allowed. When he did ask over Vanzants pounding on the desk that "if every department was actuaqlly cut 10% why was the budget bigger than the year before? A very red faced and angry Vanzant threathened to have one of the many deputies guarding her remove Barrett, she left instead, I still wonder how she cut her budget 10% but increased it by a couple of thousand dollars.
If anybody wants to get mad they should be mad at how the taspayer is being abused by these obama like leeches in county government.
You have a real problem 9:43. I hope we get a property tax increase, a wheel tax and they hire 4 more janitors to work in the Finance Office just so you will have more to cry about.
Good post 9:43, those are questions quite a few of us have wondered. Maybe they are using some new math that normal citizens are not privy to.
So 8:01 wants a wheel tax and increase in property tax. Is he/she a millionare or on Welfare?
It's that kind of attitude 8:01 that keeps this place regressing and it's people subjected to an eternal poverty of spirit and purse.
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There seems always to be a great deal of criticism about this blog and some of it is justified. Some have sought to turn it into trash by preventing any and all intelligent conversation about issues. If a person can deny the existence of a problem by turning a blind eye to it then they can avoid feeling any responsibility for fixing that problem. Unfortunately ignoring a problem only allows it to fester and grow stronger and bigger. That is one of the problems with county government people have accepted the word of others without question until now when questions need to be asked more than ever before many government officials feel they are above the people's question and are no longer accountable to the people.
9:43 is exactly right in that when the county was forced to comply with the law and hold public meetings on the budget they refused to respond to one single question that was asked. Last year I asked to speak at the Budget Hearing and was not only refused but treated much like a leper by the County Executive. Even commissioners were appalled by her refusal and subsequent behavior.
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MMC raised many solid questions that are deserving of answers but what was the response? Basically the topic was hijacked by the same anonymous apologists for wrongdoing. When will the personal attackers who still have their feet planted in the 19th century and their heads up their oversize hats open their eyes to what is going on and start acting responsibly?
See yall, that's why I sign my name.I only want to get shot for something I said, not for something someone thinks I said. Why do the majority of you post anonymously anyway? If you're too ashamed or frightened to sign your comment, perhaps that should be a signal for you not to hit that "publish" key. Duck and cover, yall.
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