Salaries of Central Office Personnel
With the budget problems faced by the school system and so many employees losing their jobs how can the number and salaries in the Central Office possibly be justified. Listed below are the names and salaries of those listed as Central office employees as of May 6 2012. Please understand this list does not include those paid with federal funds or those assigned to the Maintenance Department and the Bus Garage.
ANGUS, SUSAN $23,136.00
AYERS, LEISA $51,285.36
BRADEN, DEBORAH $77,778.00
CHUNN, ANDREW $58,213.56
HOLLIS, JAMIE $23,136.00
HOUSTON, BERENETTA $56,524.68
IRICK, MARK $29,652.00
JACKSON, TERREL $97,407.36
KIMBROUGH, CHRISTY $25,116.00
LONG, DANNY $48,000.00
MCMASTERS, BOBBIE $65,414.04
MORROW, CHUCK $29,364.00
OGDEN, PAM $67,959.56
PHILLIPS, MARY $25,116.00
PRICE, NEAL $28,872.00
SMITH, GERALD $22,896.00
WHITE, DIANE $26,976.00
WHITTEMORE, WANDA $49,299.60
YOUNG, CYNTHIA $59,186.40
TOTAL FOR CENTRAL OFFICE SALARIES $865,342.56
ANGUS, SUSAN $23,136.00
AYERS, LEISA $51,285.36
BRADEN, DEBORAH $77,778.00
CHUNN, ANDREW $58,213.56
HOLLIS, JAMIE $23,136.00
HOUSTON, BERENETTA $56,524.68
IRICK, MARK $29,652.00
JACKSON, TERREL $97,407.36
KIMBROUGH, CHRISTY $25,116.00
LONG, DANNY $48,000.00
MCMASTERS, BOBBIE $65,414.04
MORROW, CHUCK $29,364.00
OGDEN, PAM $67,959.56
PHILLIPS, MARY $25,116.00
PRICE, NEAL $28,872.00
SMITH, GERALD $22,896.00
WHITE, DIANE $26,976.00
WHITTEMORE, WANDA $49,299.60
YOUNG, CYNTHIA $59,186.40
TOTAL FOR CENTRAL OFFICE SALARIES $865,342.56
posted by Allen Barrett | 4:10 PM
231 Comments:
Who is Danny Long or Gerald Smith? Lisa Ayers is adult education at the Tech Center so why is she on there? Sounds like this is why people keep coming up with too many at the central office.
I notice that the folks in the finance office make more than the secretaries at the central office and they have been there a lot longer.
Wow! So if the federaly paid employees in the central office were added to this the budget for Central alone would be a million bucks?
I want to know why Mrs. Young gets more than Mrs. Whittemore? Could it be because her husband is a board member?
6:31 What does each woman do - job title?
Why just the women ... what does everyone of these fokes do? Including Tee
A million dollar payroll for the central office, when you count the federals, and they wonder where the money is going. Are there any classroom teachers making anything like that much without being coaches?
There is a salary scale for these jobs. No one is paid more because they are married to a board member. All of these people don't work at the central office so who knows what they do.
7:48 If they don't work at the central office where do they work?
Still want to know who Danny Long is and why he makes $48,000???
7:48, it says as of May 6 these were all listed as Central Office employees. Are you saying you have documentation that they are not? Post it, please, so we may all be enlightened.
I agree a person don't get paid more because they are married to a Board Member but they sure do get the plum jobs if they are married to the chairman of the board who always votes with the "T".
sometimes it's the board member who gets a great job if they voted for "T" a contract extension such as Mrs Houston did.
Danny Long s the consultant that Jackson hired. Gerald Smith does not work at central office.
Where does Gerald work? Why wold his pay be listed at central office?
What id Danny Long consulting on?
Just another way to use tax payers money?
Maybe he's consulting on how Tee can sell his 'bama house ?
Could be a real estate agent hired by school board to help Tee move on ?
How many of these people does it take to fill Alan Parker's shoes?
How many of these people does it take to fill Linda Summers' shoes?
It seems that someone poisoned Barrett's dog in this county. I have lived here for a few years and it doesn't take him long to run through every elected official in the county and try to defame them in some way or another. Something has to have happened for him to have this much hatred for anyone with a postition of importance or power in Giles County. I noticed that he was heavily defeated in his district for commissioner and cost the county several thousand dollars in a lawsuit that sided with the county.
Could someone tell me why he tries so hard to make every elected official look bad? Most of the people I talk to tell me he has always been a troublemaker and the others don't know him. I appreciate any information regarding this. I know there are some of you that act just as crazy as he does so your opinion will be looked over. It seems he wants the county to run like we were living in the 1930s.
Thanks,
Lucas Reasonover
Dear Lucas
(Or should I say CG) Good try but you didn't make it. Same old complaint, just reworded.
Sorry 6:43 but I don't think the one you call CG is very smart either. It isn't very productive to argue with people like you. If you could answer my question I would appreciate it. If not, just go back to arguing with the others acting like children and you will be more welcomed.
Thanks,
L.R.
Lucas Reasonover,
How is bringing the actions of the public officials who are responsible for how our tax dollars are spent and local government employees' actions to light. Keep in mind those employees take home our tax dollars to feed their family. We have a right to know and government is accountable to the citizens. So I ask you Lucas, why would you attack a person for exercising his Constitutional right?
In addition you just accused Barrett of writing defaming remarks which is against the law. You just defamed Mr. Barrett by accusing him of illegal activity. Since no one who has been written about on here has sued him for defamation, and surely as many people that he has rubbed wrong would sue him if something he wrote was not true. I'll wait for that to happen before I take your word that he has defamed any one.
In addition if the local governments were accountable to the citizens and if there was an attitude of responsibility to the citizens by the local governments, instead of entitlements and an open check book, then I agree this county needs to run like we are in the 1930's.
And just an observation of my own, but are you related to the enabler because your post does have a familiar style to it?
L.R. When I read your post I thought cg or else he asked him to post.
Anyway I think WAB is just trying to kept the officials straight, but can't do an impossible job.
If you aren't cg why do you want to take up with the same old thing?
Each time cg stops posting I think things will be discussed, all the bull will stop. Should of know that wouldn't happen.
Lucas maybe you need to stop listening to the gossip.
Do you have any issues you want to discuss?
If Barrett were to only talk about one or two elected officials I would look past it. However, he goes after them one at a time and hits them all hard. It seems more personal than informative. He does a terrible job of getting his point across. I would imagine this is why people around town have a very bad opinion of him. That could also be the reason nobody cares to sue him. His words are meaningless and he is taken as a joke by the commissioners in my district and others I have spoken with. I am not trying to be mean but this is the information that has been passed on to me. I was also told that in the past he was a guaranteed loss for anyone he supported on this blog. That tells me that he isn't near as important as some of you would lead people to believe.
Once again my question is why he has a negative attitude toward every person that has a position of power in this county? Someone? Anyone?
6:56, no offense but I don't want to hear from anyone that is in his pocket or could actually be him posting anonymously.
Thanks,
Lucas
Lucas,
I can't answer you question, but thought it started when he wanted to speak at a school meeting and they wouldn't let him. Had him arrested.
I always thought if they had let him talk them went on this never would of happen like today.
I think Barrett began checking into what was going on in the county then.
He does tell us a lot we never would of known about what is going on. I took it with a grain of salt at first, but when cg began talking against Barrett but saying nothing about what he said was wrong, I began to wonder.
Do you know why what Barrett says isn't true? Tell us why what he said was not true.
As for as this thread Barrett posted some county people's salary and several wanted to know the others salary. It can be obtained by anyone, just he got it and gave it to us.
If you don't want to have anything to do with cg why do you post like him?
I can't be certain as to what you mean by posting like CG? Maybe you mean that I don't care for someone that constantly degrades anyone that has a little power or a vote in this county? If everyone posting on this blog agreed with Barrett it wouldn't be very much fun. I have formed an opinion that very few post on here and the ones that do seem to bash anyone who disagrees with Barrett. If they don't want anyone to disagree then Barrett should just call his friends on the phone and complain about what he thinks is going on rather than make it public.
The problem with a blog like this is people start to believe what he says when most of it is gossip or written in resentment. I wouldn't have a problem if he would make posts that aren't so personal and involving people in which he has had a direct conflict. He has been proven wrong in the past with documentation and websites as sources and was too stubborn to admit it. Anyone with a brain will brush him off as soon as that happens.
If he wants to be the Robin Hood of the county he should start trying to buy meals for the needy or trying to preach the gospel to those that have gotten off the path. All I have seen is him spending thousands of dollars on lawsuits that ended with him losing and most of the citizens knowing he would do so.
I just want to know why the citizens of Giles County can't vote for the persons they want to represent them without Barrett having something negative to say about them all? Nobody has been able to answer my question and it is rather simple.
Thanks,
Lucas
I received a phone call to check the blog tonight.
I'll say this for Lucas, he uses capital letters and isn't whining Barrett told a lie on me.
All I know about Mr. Barrett is what I've read occasional on this blog. So he hasn't been mean or friendly to me.
Mr. Lucas, has he done anything to you except your tax dollars paying for lawyers?
As for the 70 thousand paid to Mrs. White I blame Mrs. Vanzant for that.
Does anyone have a list of the personnel who were laid off tonight?
The list should be ready by 10a.m. in the morning. No clue was given as to who or what positions.
I bet no was laid off from central office
Chad Hall was let go at Richland after being hired at the end of May. He left a job in Alabama to come to Richland. Not very good business if you ask me.
Why do you few complain so much and not answer anyones questions? You really are a sad group of people. Life isn't always fair but it doesn't mean that it doesn't have to be a certain way. When are you idiots going to realize that? Do you understand how pitiful you all sound by bitching so much?
What question did you ask no one answered?
What is wrong with wanting to know who was laid off and if anyone was laid off at central office?
You sound like a sad person not wanting tax payers to know what is going on. Are you trying to hide something?
Please people, tell me you aren't going to be gullible enough to think the confused one has actually left the blog. Aside from the capital letters and the additional care put into his typing, LR is cg down to the last detail. Watch his key words and the way he phrases his sentences. Pay attention, he'll either admit to it before long or "LR" will stop posting altogether. As for 10:56, he's just the same old crybaby that post his crap from time to time, nothing to it.
Central Office, Dan Long retired, Sherry Woods laid off, Neal Price laid off, Sue Whittemore half time, Beth Mize back in classroom, Carmen Hayes new principal at Southside.
How many teachers have been laid off compaired to non-essential employees i.e. aids? Do you think Tee is going with what will bring the biggest up-roar in the county so he can keep his big empire going for himself and his frinds from Alabama?
Any one know specific numbers on how many teachers vs coaches, aids,and other non-essential personnel? Would be interested in knowing.
Is there truth to the rumor that all the janitorial staff were laid off to be replaced by a janitorial service?
Is it true that the county charter which will be voted on in August would allow us to vote on school superintendent again? If so, I'm ALL for it. Taking the citizens right to vote on this powerful position was the most stupid thing I've seen in a long time!
No 10:54 it does not. It would allow Janet Vanzant to spend 20% of the school budget any way she sees fit. Surely you are not at ALL for that?
I think there are a lot of overpaid people on this list! I also think it's a sad statement that those who are in Giles County law enforcement postitions make far less than those who are in education management positions. Sadly, priorities and common sense are in short supply in Giles County.
Excuse me 11:03. It was something I was wondering about. A friend just told me that we will have to have that changed at the state level through our State Representative and State Senator. The charter does have a provision that would allow voters to express whether or not they approve of the job that the school superintendent is doing. I guess that's a step in the right direction until the state restores our right to vote directly on that position.
The Giles Patriots organization is hosting a candidates forum for county and state candidates tomorrow night. In addition to the candidates' views on various issues, information on the County Charter will also be presented. I would certainly encourage teachers and all of the "little" people who Tee Jackson apparently finds expendable to attend this meeting. It's Thursday, July 12, 6PM at the Pulaski Recreation Center.
If you believe the school system is in good hands then by all means re-elect the School Board thereby commending it for its retention of its sole employee, the director of schools.
If not and if they keep that employee then they obviously do not "get it" and it's time for an entirely new school board.
11:03 just told a big fat lie about the County Executive to spend 20% of the school budget as she sees fit if the charter is passed. The writer knows it wasn't true because they have been called on such misinformation before. Vote for or against the Charter as you choose but at least don't lie about it.
L.R. Do you really think you have anyone fooled? How childish. You already post anonymous so now you are posting as anonymous for an anonymous poster?
What is wrong with reporting news? It's neither positive or negative. Do you blame the weather reporters for the drought? Pulaski has a newspaper. Are any of the facts printed there? What gives you the right to engage in gossip while criticizing others who do it? I will cut and paste to prove my point which you will promptly justify, or totally ignore. Mr. Barrett is decent enough to let us in on what's going on in the county because most of us can't (or in my case) won't attend the meetings. I appreciate it. However, if it bothered me as much as it does you, I would simply stop reading it. Just another example of your failure to fool anyone with your new identity. One thing I have noticed, and I wondered if anyone else has; the instant someone posts that they can identify the enabler and threaten to do so, and they sound reasonably convincing, the enabler immediately states that he will no longer post. His tone is almost that of someone who is filled with terror. Anybody else picked up on that? I bet that keeps him up at night.
Here comes the gossip statements taken fron enabler's post: "I would imagine this is why people around town have a very bad opinion of him. That could also be the reason nobody cares to sue him. His words are meaningless and he is taken as a joke by the commissioners in my district and others I have spoken with."
Now let's see if I am "spewing venom" again as Mr. "If" aka enabler usually accuses.
Deanna
To 11:03
1 - The County Executive would have the right to allow the transfer of up to 20% of a department's budget funds from one line to another during the last 4 months of the fiscal year. That would allow a department head to have funds moved around without having to go through the budget "admendment" process. The County Executive has been given this authority because the County Executive is the Chief Financial Officer for Giles County. Now if you believe that the County Executive would do this without consulting the department head and/or the budget committee then you have the wrong person as County Executive.
2 - The proposed charter specifically states that WHEN TENNESSEE LAW allows for the election of the County Superintendant of Schools , the the county citizens shall be allowed to elect the Superintendant. Until such time the county citizens would be able to vote for a non-binding referendum approving or disapproving the Superintendant's performance.
But you knew that all along didn't you.
Where can we see a list of everyone laid off Monday night?
I really hate to hurt your feelings Deeana but I am not the one that you all call CG. You are definitely someone with an opinion that I will disregard. You have already proven you are a liar by accusing me of being someone I am not. I have been reading back through some old topics and find your posts to be silly and monotonous. You are obsessed with this enabler or cg guy. Clearly you had rather waste your time playing detective for Barrett than actually discussing a topic.
I am still waiting for someone to explain why Barrett acts like he does?
Sincerely,
Lucas
cg lucas
Could it be Barret acts like that because he don't like the way some of the officials act? Could it be none of your business or mine?
It's been a long time until today since I read a post by Deane so you must of been busy reading today.
I find it strange no one ever accused Dr. Gonzales of being the enabler. I had wondered if that was who he was.
He makes it our business 5:29. We are all entitled to an opinion. If you don't like what Lucas or CG or anyone else says you can ignore them. Just because some people don't go along with all the complaining doesn't give the rest of you the right to talk about them and act like children. You folks only are nice to the ones that agree with you. That doesn't say much for the things you represent.
Has either Mr. Jackson or Mrs. VanZant ever answered the question "What happenned to the money"?
Deanna asks what is wrong with reporting news? Ok. How much money did Mr. Barrett and the City have to pay Mr. McAlister? Isn't that newsworthy?
According to the last post Mr. Barrett must have lost in the trial against McAlister. Does anyone have more information about this? That is news that I would like to know. This is giving me more reason to believe he has a grudge against the county. Things are starting to get intersting. Will losing these lawsuits teach him anything?
Kinda Laughing,
Lucas
Deanna,
Last night Mr. J said the list would be available at the Central Office after 10:00 this (Wed.) morning. You can go pick one up there.
Lucas and cg (probably same one as well as 7:21), I would also like to hear about the McAlister lawsuit. Someone said the judge hadn't signed off on it yet maybe the reason we haven't heard.
How long does it take the judge to sign off on it?
7:21 You act like you know so tell us.
5:48 You are right when someone doesn't agree we shouldn't act like children and complain about them. That is acting like cg did when she didn't like what Barrett said.
What about the couple having Bible class in their home and being arrested for it? Anyone going to condemn me for asking that?
It is funny how Lucas has the same whining style and hatred towards Barrett as the enabler. Seems like the enabler decided to stop posting the day ol lucas decided to take its place. Very interesting, very interesting indeed.
11:50 Amen!
First of all if you want a new school board you will have to get someone to run there is never more than one running so they get elected. The board has told Jackson to do certain things but he ignores them. The only thing they can do is fire him and pay him off. That would cost the county $100,000 at this point. Who says that another person would be any better though?
When is Jackson's time up?
They don't have to rehire him if they will just be smart enough not to.
By the way .. according to the upgoming charter a School Board member cannot be a school system employee, or have a member of thier immediate family as an employee. Also the Giles County voters can vote whether they approve or disapprove the performance of the Superintendant. Granted that is a non-binding resolution; but, a negative or positive vote should get the attention of thier district school board member.
Just some thoughts
If Lucas is going to deny being the confused one, he needs to stop posting from cg's computer. That would at least make it somewhat more believable. As far as the Charter is concerned, just the fact that we would have any input towards the school supt. at all makes it that much more appealing. Vote yes next month and allow our voices to be heard. We are NOT too STUPID to help decide what is best for our county.
Lucas cg
I saw this on another site and thought it might answer your question about Mr. Barrett.
"If you want defend your rights, don't complain when you loose them."
How about someone posts the list online instead of wasting time arguing anonymously over the internet about things from the past? Just curious.
Good try 12:05 but there is no way on earth my posts are coming from the same computer as the one you call CG. I am not that person and you are a big fool to make a comment like that. You are stupid beyond words.
Lucas
Let's get out the vote and defeat this charter before it is imposed on us. Just look at the ones behind this thing and ask yourself why.
What truth is there to the tales going around town that T'bird is calling School Bus drivers late at night to tell them they're being laid off ?
Apparently it's the experienced drivers along with experienced (just before they get tenure ) teachers being dismissed
Nye Fandfork
12:58 I'm curious about your post. I didn't understand it. What things from the past?
Lucas, the word stupid is one cg likes to use. So you sound like him with every post.
HEY 1-25
Can you READ and understand ?? Did you READ and understand the FULL copy of the proposed charter in last weeks paper ? OR did you get a copy of it from one of the folks who put it together ? You might try that before committing bytes in Blogville..turn on brain BEFORE hitting keyboard
Once you've done that .....then , and ONLY then , PLEASE come back to Blogville and expound to us all precisely what there is in it that you dont like .
DONT just stand in a corner wetting yourself and having a good moan about it . BE SPECIFIC .
C'mon , there's a real challenge for you to show us your intellect and perspicacity .
Personally I LIKE IT
Not Mikey
1:25 sounds alot like Jim Mooney
Folks there are bad things going on at the School Board. Just found out that two bus drivers with 10+ years experience with perfect driving records were fired in favor of other drivers that have less than a year or two service were kept. Teachers, aids, all the other peons will suffer because of incompetence. Has Jackson offer to cut his salary, how about all the padded positions in the central office. These so call peons that the board, the central office, and Jackson look down on will suffer due to this greed and lack of concern by the powers that be! The county commission is not guiltless either that have given this insensitive Jackson full power and authority. Nobody has the guts to stand up to these bullies.
1:25 I don't know who is behind the charter, care to tell me?
There were 4 routes that were eliminated, those 4 bus drivers that were laid had those routes. There is no such thing as seniority. In the state of Tennessee any one can be fired or laid off without reason.
Do you know whuch bus drivers..
I noticed in this weeks paper Mrs. Moore said the hospital fund would have to be dipped into again. Did she ask the commissioners if she could?
Will more money be coming into the county in the next 5 months?
The Commission has nothing to do with T. Jackson. The school board and the school board only are the only ones that can fire him. He works for them. Call your school board members and let them know how you feel.
I guess that makes it alright and fair 5:20, because it is all up to Tee. Nobody that works for Tee is safe everybody is scared of him. He can do whatever He wants to. School Board is gutless and useless.
The commissioner can NOT give any more money to the school system.
I thought the Financial Department was to keep a check on the education system's spending along with other departments of the county. How did the county get into such a financial mess? Is it all in the school system?
I thought the school system's spending was why the FD was voted on. Looks like it just worse.
8:53, you are right. The same people that brought you Financial Management and claimed it would save the county money now want to bring you the Charter. How many will follow that lead again? Not me!!
When the Financial Managment act was adopted my the majority of county voters it was with the expectation that some with a backbone would lead it instead we got a frightened nice lady that allowed Vanzant and Jackson to lead her down the Primrose lane then push her under the bus when things got out of hand. It wasn't Mrs Garner that over spent budgets by a million dollars each year until all the surplus but the hospital money was gone. It sure is clear now why the big wheels were willing to do anything necessary to prevent Barrett from being elected or from speaking at the public hearing on the budget last year.
How ridiculous you are 9:38. Maybe we do need a charter to make sure there is over sight of those who failed to implement financial management properly. But then again a commissioner that openly ran false advertisements in regards of the financial management act in his campaign against it was appointed head of of the committee. Isn't that correct? Were his intentions to work to see it implemented properly and uphold the accountability standards, or work to make sure it it was not implemented properly therefor dooming the financial management acts effectiveness had it been implemented with the proper oversight? You can not allow one job to be transferred to financial management and another job created in its place.
I will not even get into the lack of accountability in the financial management office that employees a commissioner, who may or may not have a high school education.
Yhe financial management committee didn;t even hold a meeting after Campbell was appointed chairman, the first meeting he held was under pressure from other commissioners who were upset thaat finding the hospital; funds had been stolen from.
The duty of the Financial manager is to see that line items are not overspent. That person is the person responsible when line items are maxed out. She was the one that told the school there was money to spend when in fact summer payrolls & deductions had yet to be spent. Hopefully someone who is familiar with school budgets and spending will apply and get the job. Melanie White did a good job at that if she had only shown up at work half the time and on time. Perhaps Linda Sumners or Judy can be persuaded to come back temporarily and guide the new director. I agree that other people in the other offices should not have a say in what and how that office is run, the director is responsible and they need to do the hiring and make the financial decisions according the budget.
GTC Says to 9:38 PM
It is very curious how people blame the Financial Management Act for our financial problems. Consolidation of financial management into a single, independent office has been accomplished in many jurisdictions with great results, Bedford and Maury Counties be just two examples. For those of you (such as 9:38 PM Thursday) please explain why did the departments (Highway, EMS, etc) when transferring their respective financial person to the consolidated office there backfill those empty positions with another person? Again WHY? Did the County Executive prohibit this double hiring? The plain answer is NO! Did the County Executive (with assistance from a select group of Commissioners) raid the General Fund Excess Fund? YES they did to the tune of $6.5 million over 5 years. Then they proceeded to raid the Hospital Fund without informing the Commission or public. It was only when they were forced to divulge their over spending that the County Commission began to become very vocal. Thank you Mr. Stoney Jackson and others.
An Act or a Charter are just documents. They are pieces of paper that are to serve as guidelines and requirements. Neither demands that Giles County double hire, inflate budgets, hire friends and family into government jobs whether or not that person is qualified. IT IS PEOPLE THAT CAUSED THIS FINANCIAL MESS. Janet Vanzant is either incompetent, ignorant, or worse. She would rather spend the $15.0 million Hospital Fund on her inflated budget than raise taxes. But since there are now Commissioners that are standing up to her tactics, taxes will be raised.
Of course there is an alternative, lower spending, cut waste, eliminate duplication and hire a Financial Management Director who will stand up to the establishment and tell them NO MORE UNFUNDED SPENDING.
Will the Charter cure these problems? No it will not. But it will require Janet Vanzant and her gang to be more open to the public, create and maintain multi-year financial management plans, require that the County Executive provide a balanced budget by June and their goals for the County every September.
People not documents are our problem
Thank You
I knew these people would really be talking charter as the elction draws near. Don't be fooled. These ARE the SAME people who were pushing the Financial Management Act. They are also pretty much the same ones who don't know each other, never meet to discuss strategy, etc. Vote a solid NO to the charter before we get something in place we can't get rid of.
7-31 Friday smells like the same old fish as 1-25 thursday . Same person ? same rant ? (same office in the old courthouse ?) NO reasoning behind the statements ? Just pouting for pouting's sake .Simply throwing solid waste to see what sticks to the wall?
Not Mikey suggested you READ the draft charter before flapping your lips and then tell us WHAT you dislike about it. Have you tried that yet ? C'mon give us some clues .
Meanwhile let's all go vote (TODAY is early voting's start ) FOR the charter
Ima Forit
Yes, let's all go vote AGAINST this charter before it is imposed on us. It's almost impossible to get rid of once it's in place. Don't be fooled. This is a bad thing we do not need.
It is very easy to revert back to a Tarditional form of County Government from a Home Rule Charter form of County government. All you have to do is recend the document.
As for some of you requesting that 7:31 AM read the Charter, you are assuming that they can read.
That is why the proposed Charter requires elected officials have a minimum of a High School or GED degree so that they can read.
Just got a call form a friend who told me that there will be a public meeting on Thursday, July 26th at 6:00 PM at the Rec Center.
This will be an open meeting for any and all to come and ask questions or make comments regarding the proposed Charter.
She also said that WKSR will broadcast this meeting to the public over the radio.
Great for a meeting to be held about the charter and even better the meeting will be broadcast on WKSR.
9:40, that is an excellent argument against the charter:"This is a bad thing we do not need."
That's some good, solid facts to turn me against it. Laughable, typical, tupid.
I'm glad there is to be a meeting about the charter and it will be broadcasted.
Does the charter say anything about commissioners and school board meetings being broadcasted?
Since we don't all get the Pulaski TV channel to see the meetings I say on WKSR beats nothing. Everyone can't get to these meetings so would be good to hear. I prefer seeing so you can see the expression on people's face that tells a lot.
This would stop lies.
I wondered if why it's not taped and put on YouTube is because on one of them Mrs. Garner looked at the person beside her, threw up her hands and said, "don't blame me."
I don't know what went wrong. lol
If we all showed up at this meetings what would they do? I've been told a lot showed up at one meeting and had to stand out in the hallway. The hallway might not be big enough for us.
12:05 If meetings could be broadcast would be a big benefit to the citizens of Giles county. However, it is not something that can be written in the charter. That decision would be up to the owners of WKSR. If someone wants to tape a meeting and put it on U-tube there is nothing against that. Its just getting an individual or two to commit their time and ability to do it.
It's simply amazing the number of lies some folks tell in their efforts to defeat the charter and any progress for this county.
When facts about the charter are presented they just ignore those facts and start a new rant that is even more misleading and untruthful.
Why is there a classroom teacher/coach listed on the GCBOE job listings when so many from that school were let go because of budget issues?
The fact of the matter is that we do NOT need a charter for Giles County. Let's defeat this thing before it's too late.
Why do we need to defeat the Charter 1:34? I would like your specific reasons why the charter is not good for Giles County other than the opinion of a few as to whom is pushing for it.
That alone is sufficient reason.
Vote NO to the CHARTER.
The signs against the charter are about to be put out. We have got to defeat this thing and send a message to those behind it that we don't want their kind of government. Get the word out.
The position is no longer listed but word on the street is that they hired Chad Hall back.
3:49 What are the reasons a person should vote against the charter?
2:45 your ignorant statements are enough to convince me that we may need a charter. Are you one of the commissioners that is about to start their lies to the public in their little propaganda war against the charter?
I have read a lot of good statements about the charter but I have not heard any factually point against the charter, that was factual.
Maybe a vote yes for the charter is a right way to go. Can we say accountability to the citizens?
2:45, that is the stupidest reason to vote for or against anything that I've ever heard. I hope you are not part of our county government if you have an attitude like that.
Ray Lanier
3:49, we don't want the kind of government where the citizens have a say in what goes on? Is that really your stance? Who dresses you in the mornings? Someone must if you feel you should be led around by the nose and told what is best for you. I am over 21 and have just as much right to say what happens in my life as any one of the county commissioners do. I'll be damned if I'll give up that right just because you have some personal grudge against Alan Barrett. I plan to vote yes for the charter as soon as I can get to the polls and I don't give a damned who knows it.
Ray Lanier
Well you are ignorant enough to vote for Obama so why wouldn't you be proud to show your ignorance one more time and vote for the charter. The world would be better off if you didn't vote or talk Ray. You are truly a dumb shit.
I agree with you Ray. I think the citizens need more say in our local government because the actions of the few. Seems like you pissed off a county commissioner.
Ray pissed off intelligence and people that want to do something for themselves rather than depend on the government. You have got to be one dumb person to vote for Obama or the charter. If you want things to change stop voting for the commissioners in office. That is all you have to do. Very simple.
7:40 When you first vote for someone, you believe what they say and think they will be a good one for the job. Just let them get elected and you don't recognized the person you voted for.
Sometimes they do a good job first term, then get sucked in with the good old boys.
Will the charter help you get them out of office if they change that much?
Not anymore than you can do now. That is a fact.
Why is it that Channel 5 reported more in 30 seconds on the school situation than WKSR has reported since before the end of school? Of course, the information was not complete re: reason for the dismissals and total numbers being dismissed.
So all the blame falls on Mrs. Garner misleading the school system they had plenty of money.
Is she going to be dumb enough to take all the blame?
I think this is just a big sham to get the commissioners to put a wheel tax and raise property tax. They shouldn't do that unless T Jackson and Vanzant resign like Mrs. Garner did. They should of been on top of Mrs. Garner.
7:40, do you even know what the charter does? It would not appear so by your post. It puts the power back in the people's hands, not the other way around. I don't profess to understand it all, but at least I've read it. Have you?
As for you, 6:42, if I've got you against me, I must be doing something right. Mission accomplished.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
8:04 In today"s environment that is untrue. It seems now people are voting for what they believe to be the lesser of two evils. Be that as it may, even if all candidates seem to be outstanding individuals it is our duty , in this country to check our government. They are not the bosses. The people are and it is all our money they are spending. So don't try to preach to us, every one votes for different reasons. Some just vote for something because some one they hate is voting the other way. Now isn't that right?
Did you just get onto Ray for a foul mouth 12:56? Who is the dumb shit? Don't bother answering. It is obvious you are too stupid to figure out it is you.
VOTE YES for the charter.
Thanks 12:59, I wondered if I was the only one who noticed that, although I believe it was 11:59 who found themselves out of their league. Where was I foul mouthed, 11:59? I think you are giving them the benefit of the doubt in calling them stupid. 12:56 made a good post and a valid point.
6:42 and 11:59, y'all are farts in a thunderstorm, for all the difference you make. I have given you every chance in the world to discuss your opinions in person, but you want to stay in the closet, hurling insults from the perceived safety of darkness. You're insignificant, meaningless and a little bit sad. Now run along, tell both of your friends how you "really told that s.o.b. off", just leave out the part where you didn't sign your name. My my, at least be a little more inventive. Y'all's insults really suck.
Ray Lanier
VOTE a solid NO for the charter. If we needed it, then why aren't surrounding counties wanting one? Again, take a good look at the ones here who are pushing it and ask yourself why.
I think yes for the Charter is the way to go. Look at the reasons and the ones who oppose it. That alone is a reason to vote yes.
7:22 So now the Financial Management Act is a good idea, other surrounding counties have it and by your logic it must be a good idea.
Lets follow what the other counties do. Maybe that is not a bad idea since they seem to know how to grow their counties respectively. Who is the only county in our area with consistent population decreases? Give me a Giles.
Who needs a Charter to help protect the citizens. Give me a Giles.
7:22 I am very glad you asked that question.............
Lincoln County requested and received a digital copy of the Giles County Home Rule Charter. The citizens in Lincoln County are fed up with the way their county government is being run behind closed doors with no input from the citizens.
Gibson and Frentress Counties area basing their own Home Rule Charters after the Giles County Charter.
7:23 does that answer your question?
Why was a coach reinstated and classroom teachers and bus drivers not rehired. I understand a lawsuit was threatened- what about our children's safety on an overcrowded bus and overflowing class sizes not as important as a coaching position-I do not know mr hall and he is probably a fine person-tthis whole thing has been MISHANDLED from the start-the public needs to start asking for resignations from Jackson-young and others who have let this go-it Is not the county commissioners job to clean up Jackson's mess -please note-no one from Jackson' staff was laid off! We ALL need to wake up
Some of the money (several hundred thousand dollars) was spent to pay for 2 giles county students to go to school in Georgia. This is the student who hit the teacher and his brother. Instead of kicking the moron to the curb, they agreed to pay for him to go to another state, along with his brother.
The board, or Jackson, hired a lady to oversee the budget. She previously worked at a bank in Pulaski. Ask any of her previous co-workers at the bank and they will tell you she cannot add 3 plus 5. Wonder who she is kin to or if she is running for a board position to protect Jackson's job.
Supposely, the financial folks, jackson, and the board made a $1 million error on last years budget. How are any of them still employed? Do they not use a calculator when they figure the numbers?
If Chadrick Hall quit his job at Hazlewood to take a job at Richland, one that is abandoned a few years ago because he thought all his talent was gone, and now they have let him go, all I can say is he got what he desires. It does come back around when you do the wrong thing to others.
7:22 Marshall County must not need the charter. Their officials know how to get rid of a school director that's not good. Look at how many they have had in the 20 years.
Who are the 2 men running for tax Ass. ? Don't know witch way to vote on that one.
8:10
We will fight it at the voting booth. The people pushing this thing are very dangerous. Heaven forbid if they ever gain the power they themselves can't get by the electoral process.
Vote No to the charter.
I hear that there is going to be a public meeting next week at the Recreational Center to allow anyone who wants to discuss the charter (for or against) to have a public forum. I wonder how many for and against fokes will show up.
I also hear the WKSR will broadcast this meeting as well as TV channel 3.
Ought to be good to here who is for the charter and who is against the charter.
I thought being in education didn't pay much. These salaries WOW !!!!! I'm in the wrong field.
10:28 I had thought about going to the meeting to see what the charter is about. I'm neither for or against, o if I go you will label me for or will it be against just which ever way you want.
9:01 Very informative, I bet very few people knew that. Loretta told them they had plenty of money so guess they thought they would use it.
Did the family move to Georgia or why so far away?
9:57 You are right the people who are for the charter are dangerous. They might stop all this good old boy system.
See you at the pole.
I want to know how many employees the former school superintendent employed as well as the superintendent before him/her? I'm relatively new to the area, but if there was a $2,000,00.00 "error" where I moved from, I assure you, HEADS WOULD ROLL!
Also, how many family members sit on the school board that have spouses, children, etc. that have good paying jobs on the hill? Has this county never heard of CONFLICT OF INTEREST? My God, it looks as if the school board is only there to protect their own interests and that of T. Jackson. The good old boy system of "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" is thriving in Giles County!
They all need to be kicked off the board and Jackson needs to be run back to Alabama! I may just end up home schooling my 2 children!
If buses are over crowded or students having to get up to early to catch bus and class rooms crowded, I bet there will be a lot of home schooling.
Seems there was a lot of people couldn't do their job right for this to happen.
10:55
I think the roots of this so-called "good old boy" system can be traced right to the doorstep of a man who seems to despise those who hold elected office when he can't. Why is that? It's because the voters don't want him. So, as a consequence, I believe he tries to cause these officials all the trouble he possibly can in spite of the fact that the voters want them in office to begin with. It's a pity.
I hope people are just as smart when it comes to voting down this charter before a small group of people here in this county succeed in pushing it through. Vote NO to the charter just as you do for those candidates you do not want holding any elected offices in Giles County. Do that for the betterment of the county.
Don't you have somewhere else you are supposed to be, cg. I thought you were no longer posting AGAIN. Oh, let me guess, you changed your mind (lied) again.
2:59 Noticed Lucas isn't posting since cg is at it. lol
The voters wanted Obama and got it, bet he does again.
The voters wanted Haslam. Too bad cg can't see there is no difference in her not liking them and some not liking our county officials.
Disagreeing seems to be what makes the world go around.
02:46 Really? How can everything be Allen Barret's fault? Is he hiding the $2,00,000,.00 somewhere? Maybe in a hole in his backyard. Gee, you guys NEVER cease to find ways to attack this man.
You elitist, control freaks know that the charter will give more power to the PEOPLE and you can't stand the thought of it. Vote YES on the Charter. At least it takes steps to address this ridiculous nepotism and conflicts of interest running rampant through out our county's government.
Make that previous comment read $2,000,000.00.
Was that commissioner Tommy Campbell and his grandson out this morning putting up signs against the charter?
Looks like the signs were printed at Russell signs.
2:46 didn't mention Allen Baarrett's name at all.
To Tommy Campbell
If that was you putting out signs against the charter, I will be glad to help you in any way I can. Where can I get signs?
11:01 Description, you didn't have to call a name. Everyone had heard you describe him enough to know who you were talking about. You are so laughable.
Have fun putting out signs, just don't put one where I will have to mow around, no matter what it says.
How are school employees getting paid this summer if they are already in debt? Where is the money coming from?
Can they dip into the hospital fund for that?
Vote YES for the charter.
Vote NO for the charter. Don't let a small and unhappy little group fool you on this. We do NOT need it, and it's going to be too late to say "oops" once this thing is in place.
Vote NO and send a message to those who are pushing it. Notice that they are making quite an effort in the local newspaper to get their message out there.
We must get busy and defeat this thing. Vote NO.
11:07
You are right. I'm glad you see who the major source of trouble is here in the county.
I noticed there is a small unhappy group against the charter. Must be afraid their loved one will be out of a job. Loved one could be family member or friend.
If WAB or any of his friends that cg don't like wanted the job they would have to be voted on same way as now, so no guarantee they would get it.
Everyone go vote your choice.
Where can one find the charter so that I know what I am voting for/against?
If we had a Charter during the past 6 years the county would not have blown the $6.5M fund balance and Tee Jackson would not have spent the millions on cushion he had tucked away in the school funding, which is now causing him to fire teachers, bus drivers, etc. The public would have been able to keep a better eye on things. Vote FOR the charter so we don't have this tragic mess in the future. The people opposed to the charter are the ones who might get effected - term limits and maybe having to cut spending if they don'tr keep within the budget.
You are incorrect with your statements 9:25. The charter wouldn't have prevented any of those things from happening. The charter isn't really changing that much. It gives the people the opportunity to vote for tax increases but it isn't going to change the scope of government. We still have to pay for services. We need a tax increase right now. our problemsstem from a very large revenue shortfall.
Copies of the charter can be acquired at any municipal city hall.
9:40 disagree with you. The Charter cannot change the basic structure of county government but to me and a vast majority of 'little guys' in this county, getting to vote on ALL new taxes is a BIG thing. I also like the tax freeze for seniors and term limits for some elected fficials. Those items may not seem like much of a change to you but in this household its more than enough reason to vote FOR the Charter.
9:40
Then cut jobs or cut pay if we can not afford services. Our population has decreased in this county for the last 30 years so why has our government expanded? I'm sick of hearing about tax increases when we have so much waste and incompetence in our local governments.
Everyone can download a .pdf copy of the proposed charter from the Pulaski Citizen web site.
The charter people are using the same argument for the charter that they used for Financial Management and it did not make any difference. And don't argue back with "if" and other arguments, it won't work!!!!!
A sign against the charter includes the words "Our Constitution Works". Can someone explain what why those words are on the same sign?
Thats about as dumb as commissioner Tommy Pollerd going around sayin its communism.
Is it true that the charter the state required to be run in the paper at a terrific expense to taxpayers is NOT the same one this group has written up? If this be true, and I understand it is, people should band together and send them a resounding NO vote to its passage.
1:58
The copy of the charter , as printed in the Pulaski Citizen, is an exact duplicate of the charter developed in May 2011 and turned over to the Election Commission.
The Pulaski Citizen used a .pdf copy for publication (the copy on their web site).
But I am sure that you have read both , word for word, and have some substantial reason for stating that there is a decrepancy.
Tax increase, pay more taxes even if you can't buy the medicine you need or food, seems to be the way 9:40 (cg) thinks. Who cares what happens to anyone. Sounds like Obama to me and it's a person in Giles County.
I would like to remind any and all who are so fond of tax increases that you can at anytime voluntarily make out a check in any amount you choose and give it to the county government.
I also wonder how it is that one man can be so terribly dangerous and at the same time be totally insignificant?
One last thing is surely if the charter is such a terrible thing those who are so opposed to it would be able and willing to present logical reasons for not having it?
As I have said before I have not lived here that long but have found this blog on occasion to be very informative when all the personal attacks and rhetoric is overlooked. I certainly have found more newsworthy information on this blog than in the newspaper.
9:50 I'm sure you are going to be accused of being a new comer and wanting to come here and tell people how to live.
I've lived in Giles County all my life and agree with what you said.
it seems everyone is so concerned about a charter or the charter when we really should be concerned with the people who are suppose to be running our local government. No matter what a charter states, it won't do anybody any good when the people in control refuse to abide by it and from the looks of things, those people feel they can do anything they want to, for example, why hasn't Loretta Gardner been investigated by the authorities. The bottom line is she left at the same time a lot of money was found to be missing and now teachers are loosing their jobs due to no fault of their own. The students will be the ones who pay the ultimate price for one person's greed. They will loose out on quality education and the hope of pursuing their happiness. That is a disgrace.
1:13
You are right. We don't need a charter. We just need good people in office who will run our government properly. For the most part, I think we have that already. But I will admit that there are a few whom the voters need to get out of there. And I think the superintendent of schools needs to go...never thought I would say that.
The problem is that there are a few who want to be a part of government but can't get elected. That's why they are pushing so hard for a charter for our county. To me it's just wrong to put laws in place that would deny the will of the voters. Vote no to this thing before we get stuck with it.
How does the proposed charter deny the will of the people?
The charter will automatically remove from ELECTED office those perople who have served a couple of terms simply to get them out of there. Yes, they can sit out a term and run all over again, but that's not what the people want. Like Obamacare, the charter idea is not being well received. Good.
Granted, there are elected officials who need to be voted out, but let's leave that up to the will of the people and not some restriction or law.
7:48 You state, "I will admit that there are a few whom the voters need to get out of there. And I think the superintendent of schools needs to go...never thought I would say that."
For a person who has opposed every effort to clean up this county would you please explain how you came to this determination. Was it because you now finally see that many of the things others were complaining about previously are exactly as they claimed?
Have the so called trouble makers who exposed this mess convinced you to the truth of their claims? They certainly seem to have been right just far ahead of most others.
8:23
The local group of troublemakers (far ahead of others) had nothing to do with my decision. I think for myself and don't need anyone telling me who I should or should not hate. My reason for coming to the conclusion I did is because of what happened to Mrs. Garner.
GTC says to 8:10
The Tennessee State Supreme Court has ruled that term limits are constitutional in Tennessee. At least the Giles County Charter allows a person top be re-elected after serving two terms.
The 'Wizards of NO " are trying hard to convince citizen taxpayers to vote against the proposed charter .
Please note that you can easily rotate the "N" around the "O" and end up in OZ .
Hafta suspect that's where the proponents of no have been in storage for the last 200 years of county government . Now they're looking for their Wizard and Tin Man to save us from the demons of progress .
Whenever you see one of their 'NO' signs , just rotate that 'N' in your mind . That way you'll know where they want you to think you are .
The will of the people's votes got us Obama and Haslam. IF the charter is voted in "THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE" will be what did it.
Some times the will of the majority turns out not to be the best thing.
The Finance Department turned out not to be good BECAUSE some was determined to see it didn't work.
Why did Mrs. Garner tell the Tee Jackson the school system had plenty of money? Who appointed Mrs. Garner?
Garner was chosen by Vanzant and hired by the Finance committee that had Tee Jackson, Vanzant, Barry Hyatt, Stoney Jackson voting to hire her.
Mrs Garner was interviewed along with several other more suitable candidates by the county's Financial Management Committee-which is itself made up from people who did NOT want Financial Management introduced to the county (ask them !!).Their opinions were "It's worked this way for 200 yrs why change ?" . They also sell buggy whips on the side .
They carefully chose 'not the best' candidate and then insisted on 'not the best' workers being transferred to her department
NONE of the committee have any accounting or other financial skills so collectively they didn't have a clue what she was or wasn't doing in accordance with their directions .
So are you surprised when the county got a 'not the best' result ?
J P (Munny ) Baggs
JP Your opinion doesn't make it right.
12:20 Neither does yours make it wrong.
Such childishness. Kepp your opinion, and I will do the same with mine.
Meanwhile back in the real world
GO VOTE "FOR" the charter
Early voting is now open
Other commissioners are putting out signs against the Charter. They were given out at the commission meeting this morning. Is this legal?
Well at least the commissioners seem to be finally working together.
Why are the commissioners so afraid of the charter? That in itself ought to tell you something. How can giving the taxpaying citizens a say in governmental decisions be wrong? Vote yes TODAY. At least we'll only have ourselves to blame if things turn out badly. We who support the charter at least give reasons why, not just because certain people are in favor or against it. Why don't you NO folks back up your opinions with some facts and stop saying vote against it because Barrett likes it. What idiots.
Barrett likes BEER ...... Everybody stop drinking
Barrett likes steaks ... Everybody stop eating meat
Barrett likes driving his car ... Everybody back to horses.
Pollard, Risner, Adams, in addition to Campbell.
5:41 Which districts R they.
Risner and Adams are in the Bodenham and Campbellsville district. They do an awful job. You don't see or hear from either one until voting time. Another group of the good ole boys syndrome alive and well in the 3rd District.
If you don't want the Charter then why were the people voted in to write it. Hours have been spent on the charter and if you are commenting without reading it then you are stupid. And I hope Tommy
Campbell realizes that by putting out signs he has lost my vote next time. As far as the school system goes, I believe it is in Tee Jackson's contract to have a phsical at the request of the board. Tee needs a psychiatric evalutation because he has gone nuts. He needs his walking papers NOW Yes for Charter, Out with TEE.
5:32, you have crystalized my thoughts eloquently. Vote yay on charter day.
5:03
I already went and voted...against the charter. Thank God some of our commissioners know it's not something this county needs and are working to see it defeated. They know all too well who is really behind it and why. God bless those commissioners in their efforts to stop this thing before it is imposed on ALL Giles Countians.
Since when do the voters not have a say in our government? They have as much say as was sanctioned by those who drew up the electoral process. Do they need even more say so? According to who? If so, why didn't those who drafted that process not see the need for additional power?
Some of our Commissioner's lack of doing what is right for the citizens of the community is the only reason I believe a Charter is needed.
10:23
Then those are the ones who ought to be voted out next election. A charter would be no guarantee that they would not be replaced by even worse representatives. No, we don't need a charter, and that is why I voted against it.
But providing a balanced a budget would be guaranteed, which our commissioners and an executive, obviously care nothing about. I'm sick of our governments attitude towards of unaccountability. Lets fleece the citizens of Giles, take all the fund balances down to zero and then claim no accountability to the citizens while campaigning for higher taxes so best fit, under qualified, cousin Jimmy can keep that job created just for him. I can see why the commissioners are campaigning against the charter. They would not know what to do if they were forced to be accountable.
Risner and Adams are two reasons yo don't have a wheel tax. I wish you would vote them out of the district so someone with common sense will vote for the wheel tax.
Wheel tax + tax increase = band aid to cover overspending & accountability.
Figure if you put some money in the coffers you don't have to explain where you overspent huh?
Local School Enrollment Expected To Be Down To 4,000 Students
Posted on July 17, 2012
State funding cuts are one of the main reasons for layoffs in the Giles County School System. And while officials hope the school population goes up acutal enrollment has declined by some 400-plus students in the past
five years. Enrollment is expected to be around 4,000 students. Director of Schools Tee Jackson told WKSR news that when enrollment goes down so does state funding. Jackson said there's been a ten precent decline in enrollment. "This," Jackson said, "is part of the reason we have reduced
the number of employees." An estimated 80 teachers and support staff employees have been let go by the system.
So the layoffs had nothing to do with overspending the not missing money. What a laugh.
I have posted a response to the comments by Mr. Jackson posted on the WKSR website. Please check the previous thread topic.
Don't forget Dan Spear and Terry Harrison both make just shy of 100K We all know that is 200K wasted. but we all love Dan Spear that is why we voted for Par Ford so dan can make 100K and still run this town. RIGHT?
Didn't dan give himself a $1000 dollar raise without any ones approval so he could afford to sponsor Martin's songwriter's night. Oh wait that was tax payers money he used as his own. It seems to me their are a lot of things the commissioners could do to help Giles County get rid of the burden of dead weight dan. One would be cut his funding.
Thoughts about Debbie Braden as superintendent????? I think she would be great!!!!
To 7:30 having Braden as superintendent would be like having tee continue. even tee made an effort to cover up the fact he don't live in the county Braden don't live here and
doesn't even try to hide it.
Mrs. Braden does not live in Giles County and I don't think would consider moving. Dr. Gonzales made his intentions know when he was board member that he plans to be director. Heaven help us all if that happens!
Understand that one of the fired school bus drivers was re instated today. Is there anyone who knows what they are doing in the school department, did they find the missing money and that's why people are being rehired? Who's in charge anyway, sure seems like nobody.
You can tell who was behind Jerry K.K... Cobb's Letter to the Editor. Dumb and Dumber. (Pollard and Campbell). Have they even read the Charter or better yet can they read?
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