Puzzle And Puzzle Some More!
Have you ever put a jigsaw puzzle together? You have this beautiful picture on the box lid to go by but when you dump out the pieces it’s just a big mess of paper with bits and pieces of that picture. You then begin, usually, working on different sections then putting those section together until the entire picture is completed.
Now suppose that you were working one of those puzzles, not a small one rated “easy for ages under six” but one that is rated “hard for ages up to 100 years old”. It might take years to fit all those pieces together.
For those who enjoy jigsaw puzzles let me give you a few pieces of a puzzle and you can put them together and make a completed picture which you can name anything you want.
First piece of the puzzle is the question, why would a County Executive become involved in an election for a county commission seat to the extent of funneling taxpayer money in to the defense of a person who blatantly violated election laws? One view might be that since that executive may have been actively involved in picking that candidate they might want to cover their bets. That really doesn’t fully answer the question of why jeopardize your high paying position and use county money to pay an attorney under the table to represent that lawbreaker? Well, maybe they didn’t think they would ever be exposed or if they were exposed no one would care enough to do anything about it? Whatever the reasoning, when you place the pieces on the table, you have one attorney paid double then having half that money be transferred to a different attorney, an attorney related to the most consistent “yesman” on the commission and one that had been given his job for “various reasons”.
Second section of the puzzle is to figure out why that county executive might then go way overboard in cultivating friendship with that new commissioner, who then votes 100% with the executive? Then you add another piece of the puzzle and you get a picture of a county executive personally becoming involved with fraudulently paying that commissioner for attending meetings they “did not” attend but why would someone jeopardize their position with such a small criminal act? Again, perhaps it’s a matter of feeling untouchable by the law since they basically control the enforcers of the law. Maybe, again, they figured that no one would care enough to bother?
Now comes the third section of the puzzle, that commissioner is elected president of a group that controls a great number of votes in the county, enough to prevent the executive from losing their last campaign. The picture develops of a massive quid pro quo, “something for something” activity. A payment for a payment, Use your position to help me and I’ll use my position to help you.
So all the pieces fit together and the different sections match up to make a picture, but what is the picture of? It’s a picture of a medieval castle with a king and the royal court having a huge lavish feast. The tables are being served by people dressed in ragged clothes, look half starved and have sticks poked in their eyes. Outside the castle are a group of workers toiling in the fields. They also are dressed in ragged clothing, look half starved and have sticks poked in their eyes. Surrounding the workers are several individuals on horseback with whips that they use on the workers of the fields. Those on horseback are dressed somewhat better that those on the ground and only have one stick poked into one eye.
Now below the picture are these words, “ The king and his court use the people for personal enrichment. The servers are workers are blinded to their reality other than to know their labors are barely keeping them alive. The riders are only half blind able to see their surroundings but unwilling to do anything for fear of being cast from their comfortable positions on horseback and made to be like the other workers. A circle of fear exist to keep everyone in their “proper” place blind to the reality that they can remove the sticks and restore their sight while gaining the self respect and will that would allow everyone advance and partake in the benefits of their labors.
posted by Allen Barrett | 12:11 PM
101 Comments:
You lost me at "Have".
Sounds like you still have sour grapes about losing your election and then the lawsuit you filed to try to reverse the will of the voters.
Sad, indeed.
Not surprising that you get lost so quickly anonymous.
It's not sour grapes to watch the county executive perpetrate fraud against the people of this county. It isn't sour grapes that makes me disgusted with a county executive that commits a crime by paying a pet commissioner for meetings they never attended. It's not sour grapes that cause me to cringe at the sight of political patronage jobs to people whose primary qualifications are sucking up to the county executive. It isn't sour grapes that repulses me at the sight of so many conflicts of interest. It's not sour grapes to be disgusted at covered up sexual harassment and hostile work conditions being allowed by the county executive. It certainly is sad that these and even worse conditions are allowed and initiated by the county executive.
Some may disagree but how true it is of Mr. Barrett says. Within the future elections, decisions, etc..the people are finally speaking around this town and the good ole boys will be eventually pushed out! What goes around does comes around! It is sad what sound do around here.. very sad, but they will have to live with that!
I hope the maligned persons initiate a lawsuit against the blogger. That should clear the air.
First off, this could have been stated in a manner that didn't make the writer seem to be completely insane. Secondly, how is anyone supposed to believe it's true with no proof or citing of sources?
Johnny Reb, I posted the sign in sheet with the notation from the County Executive stating that Commissioner Coleman was to be paid even though she had not attended the meeting that Mrs Vanzant had been in from beginning to adjournment. That has never been questioned.
As for the receipts and underhanded payments for the attorney I will post then soon. One thing of interest is that not one single commissioner has stated that they knew or voted to approve those payments yet they were made. The only group, individual or committee that will even admit authorizing the hiring of Mr. Williams is the election commission and that was done with a great deal of reluctance. No funds went through the election commission or office to pay Mr. Williams they were all funneled through the county attorney from her personal accounts after being deposited from county funds.
I agree with Johnny Reb. This could have been reported in a professional manner.
Apparently a difficult puzzle is too hard for many to spend time on and that is exactly what the lawbreakers are counting on. Who has time and energy to spend collecting the evidence then going through the hundreds of pages to find the information showing the wrongdoing. Well, I have and I can say with total confidence that the county executive has misused her position and taxpayer funds and that Commissioner Coleman has stolen/received taxpayer money that she was not entitled to and that with the aid of the County Executive taxpayer money was funneled to Mr. Williams, whether wit or without his knowledge I don't know, in a most suspicious way.
So what is the picture that the puzzle reveals, Giles County under the corrupt and abusive leadership of the current County Executive.
This is what you're choosing to report on to get the attention off your beloved school superintendent? Really, when did you report this the first time? You just couldn't find anything else to report about Mrs. Vanzant, so why not bring up old stuff? That's sad. What about forgiveness and not holding grudges?
I agree with Barrett. If the fraud has occurred then the persons involved should be removed from office and disciplined. The money taken needs to be returned to the taxpayers and the fraudulent activity must stop. Does a person who has not asked for forgiveness and has blatantly attempted to trick the taxpayers deserve forgiveness? Or do the taxpayers have a right to be informed? Don't worry about answering that 12:26, we can tell from your post you support enabling the behavior and allowing it to continue.
Forgiveness it is not about forgiveness it is about those who are supposed to do what is right for this county.She doesnt ask for forgiveness she lies and covers up and her supporters do her dirty deeds without discipline because they all have dirt on one another.The proof has been there blind followers just dont want to see it Giles County has a mini mob and the boss is Jv
Oh my oh my... will see some changes down the road with some elections, etc. A lot out there are finally stepping up to the plate to make changes and it will happen sooner or later! It does have to stop and Giles County will continue to keep going backwards instead of forward! It will be interesting to look at in days to come.
12:26 on 26 June 2014 I posted the sign in sheet for a committee meeting that Commissioner Coleman did not attend. On that sheet are the specific hand written instructions from Mrs Vanzant to pay her as though she had attended. The Video of the meeting from start to end reveals that Commissioner Coleman was not in attendance. This proves that Mrs Vanzant fraudulently used tax money and that Commissioner Coleman, who took the money knowing that she was not entitled to it, as a thief.
There were also topics posted on 14 July 2014 and 23 July 2014.
Mrs Vanzant has misused taxpayer money to fund events that were not authorized by the commission, given taxpayer funds to an unregistered charity committed the crime of fraud against the people of Giles County.
I agree too that fraudulent things shouldn't happen. My point is why does it always have to come back on Mrs. Vanzant and why bring this up again now? Why aren't we holding Mr. Smith to the same standards we hold Mrs. Vanzant to?
If Smith was held to same standards as Vanzant they never would have question anything he did. I wish they was held to same standards if they was Vanzant would be in jail.
2:37,
Why should it not be brought up if it has happened? Why should it be buried and forgotten? Do you work in the law firm which received the payments under the table?
Things do come up after 25 years, Just read WKSR's web site.
I don't know if it's true or not about Mrs. Vanzant. If it's true it should be brought up again and again. If you know it's not true show proof and then it needs to stop.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015 2:37:00 PM
Go to next thread and complain about Mr. Smith. This one seems to be about Mrs. Vanzant. Nothing to do with Smith.
It is all connected 2:37, but I guess you are not too smart to put that together. Not many up there are for their own agenda. Not ours!
Several posters on here are a prime example of the apathy this county seems to have when it comes to elected official. Do you folks not realize that these people work for us? Would you tolerate this kind of dishonesty from an employee at your business? I think not. How can you, cg, constantly condone this? Dumbasses.
Totally agree they work for us! As far as the dumbass remark, well that speaks for itself. Look at the voting count of all elections. The ones that whine about it probably do not even vote, but when it comes to the schools stuff, well everyone counts! Some play a lot of games out there but the game usually ends sooner or later.
It was only $15 dollars Barret is bitching about. Wow. Lots of taxpayer money. He cost the county more than that with his ignorance.
Sorry 9:29 while ignorance may be bliss, enough to keep you glowing for years, the truth is that much more than $15.00 was misspent.
How do you feel about the fact that the county paid over $40,000.00 to Ms Henson for the trial then she paid Mr. Williams who was never officially approved to represent the county by the commissioners over $20,000.00.
What are your thoughts about the fact that Mrs Vanzant authorized the laundering of money to Mr. Williams through Ms. Henson?
The IRS don't think so highly of such behavior.
It's dumbasses like 9:29 who allowed this county to become the dismal cesspool that it has. Fifteen dollars or fifteen thousand;fraudulent behavior is just that no matter what the amount. "I only broke the law a little bit, officer, don't punish me for that." Do you even try to process your thoughts before you share them with others? Get a clue people.
I guess 9:29 don't see nothing wrong if somebody steals a few dollars from Dollar General? Wonder if they would have a problem if somebody stole 15 dollars out of their billfold?
Reap What We Sow!
7:36 I looked for a like button, but couldn't find it. Good post!
How many times did that $15.00 happen? If someone can get away with something one time they will do it again and again.
Even pennies add up.
9:29 I saw on WKSR's web site where someone was arrested for stealing. don't you think they shouldn't of done that? It wasn't like they stole a million dollars.
Bet you would of been mad if it was stolen from you.
Records prove that attorney Chris Williams was taking money from the county while serving as counsel for Vicki Coleman.
Question why were all the checks, connected with this trial, written by the county to attorney Lucy Henson then she wrote checks to pay attorney Chris Williams?
Why did Mrs Vanzant hire Mr. Williams, a close relative to Commissioner (at the time) Terry Harwell and city councilwoman Vicki Harwell, to represent the election commission in the appeal process when the county attorney Ms. Henson had been fully engaged with the trial and had represented the Election Commission successfully?
Why was Mr Williams hired without any vote of the County Budget Committee or the County Legislative Body?.
Why were the Commissioners never told about the hiring of Mr. Williams?
If there was nothing illegal or underhanded about the situation why so much secrecy even to the point of the county paying Ms. Henson with no records connecting Mr. Williams to any county checks?
Does it matter that Mr. Williams charged the county almost double to handle a thirty minute appearance before the Appeal Court than it cost for a two day trial?
Records show that the county, in violation of the judges ruling and state law, paid Mrs Coleman's part of the per diem for the Court Reporter. .
Why are there so many unanswered questions and misleading documents in this matter?
Is there any wonder that there is so much distrust among the people and the government, between the commissioners and the county executive?
When will enough be enough so that the people will demand answers from the county executive about the misuse, misappropriations and and plain thief of taxpayer funds?
You ain't never gonna get no answers to them questions, hell you'll be lucky that they don't run you out of town or worse.
8:23 Are you going to run WAB out of town?
I don't think anybody can run WAB anywhere he don't want to go. I'm just saying he's making a lot of enemies. But he proved he can take care of his self.
It's only the enablers of wrong who want to shoot the messenger. I will never understand how some condone the actions of our elected officials. Like them if you must but at least admit many of their actions are less than honest.
What I don't understand is if these things are true why ain't somebody going to jail and it they ain't true why ain't somebody put a stop to Barrett? It makes me think that what he is saying is true but them doing wrong just have to much power.
3:50 I think your last sentence hit the nail on the head.
An other reason our "public servants" have not been called to task and have to answer for their actions is the complete and total apathy of our county citizens. The majority of us are more worried about being beaten at football or baseball than we are with education and honesty.
7:09 you are right, right, right. It's the cause of our losing our county and our country and our families.
Just ask yourself .... why do the mid and senior mangers of our manufacturing firms, who are now coming to work in Giles County do not purchase homes in Giles County? It is because we have the worst school system in the area; and, they prefer to have there kids attend schools in Maury, Williamson or Lawrence County schools.
If our School Board can't see or understand this; they need to get out and smell the flowers. They also need to stop pretending that all is well as far as our public education system is educating our kids.
Giles County is slowly changing from an agrarian economy to a business driven economy. we need a top notch school system that will attract better educated employers and employees. Mr. Speer ...... We are not, and should not be, a retirement community.
WOW !!!!!
Feb 01 at 11:06 seems to have hit a nerve with all blog posters in that no one has responded with a snide, rude, or an inane remark. I guess what that person posted is very near the truth if not the truth. If so, then we all (Yup, that means all of us who live in the County) have a lot of work ahead of us. We all need to become more active and informed; even if it means that our sensitivities might get ruffled.
I agree with you 7:09. Sure sports is fun, but education has to be first! Yes people should get involved. If you do not speak for what you want or believe people will walk all over you. No matter what one of it, at least people are speaking out about the school board. It is time that people speak. As far as the elected officials, etc... I am sure someone can call in an auditor! Not local, higher up of course.
Mr. Barrett has been calling for a comprehensive audit by the state for several years, it was a topic on here. The majority of the commissioners wanted an audit a couple of years ago but they all backed off when Janet told them she was against it.
Go higher up! Always someone higher!
The county is being robbed blind and nobody cares.
Just how exactly is the county being robbed blind and who is supposedly doing it?
It all comes out sooner or later! Always does.Certain people think they cannot be touched or never makes a mistake. It will only take one of their many mistakes or trusting one that they think they can trust. Looks like some things are going to change down the road. Its time.
7:03 didn't you read the statements on this thread?
7:03 has just missed the point of every other post on this thread. Some people just don't understand.
What makes anyone think that any posts on this thread are accurate?
As much as some people hate Barrett do you think he could get away with posting things that are not accurate without getting sued ab out it, The guy don't even have any serious challenges made against him other than they don't like him. They never dispute his facts just don't like what he says air how he says it.
Because Barrett is not the only one that feels that way. He is not afraid to confront them. But believe me, there are others that know the same, closer in than some know, but in due time.
It's not just Barrett's posts that one has to question the accuracy. It's every post on this blog.
There are at least three sides to every story.
Oh yes that is true! Always comes out sooner or later. Nothing stays hidden forever!
We are in charge and that is the way it will be. We have been elected and we will be re-elected. I don't give a damn about Barrett and whatever proof he may have. I will be re-elected again and again whenever I decide to run. Barrett and is crowd can go to HELL.
Oh my...you are in an office in the county. Wow.. ashamed for you. I wish I knew who you are, because I would make sure you were not voted in. And I am not a Barrett follower, I am a citizen that someone said to come read a blog, so I decided to look in on this one too. One day and I am afraid sooner than some think, you will NOT be re-elected because it will not just be you, it will be others.
If WAB wasn't an ass, he could get a lot accomplished.
If WAB wasn't the way he is he would be just like you and the other babbling sheep. He's been made out to be an ass because he is the only one willing to stand up and be counted by name. I don't blame him for not being so involved He's told people the truth and we couldn't handle it.
Charles M., WAB has done a fine job of making himself look like an ass.
If his people skills were better, he could have done a lot for this community, but they are not. The VAST majority tune him out because he is an ass.
I think there are a bit more "asses" around Giles County. People cannot handle the truth that is why some may not want him around. A lot going on right now and will be curious on how it will all play out. So people may not want to be too quick to call someone an ass because a lot of times, it turns around full circle!
Truth, or not, WAB has turned people off.
Oh but the other asses have turned the public off too.
Good post 6:00.
9:26. Yeah. That was a pretty profound and well thought out post by 6:00. It added a whole lot of insight to the conversation.
10:42 Get over your self.
Cannot wait for all to come out and proven and the funny thing is that you people think it's WAB that is always involved. Won't you all be surprised!
1:26 I hope you know what you are talking about and it come out. I just don't have faith in them letting it out.
People really needs to attend meetings!
Mr. Barrett your bizarre and convoluted approach to the subjects you address in this blog really detract from your desire to help this county. Please don't get defensive about this post, but I suggest that after you write a posting that you step away from your computer and calm down to reflect on what you have written. You might even ask an independent source to review it before you post it. It sure would hurt.
Maybe you should lighten up some 9:24. I thought Barrett wrote a funny story with a lot of truth about Giles County. Could it be that you just don't have the ability or patience to discern the meanings. I bet you never read Aesop's fables and saw anything but the animals and insects.
Did you happen to watch the Nashville news tonight on Channel 5, where they reported the Nashville DA is under fire for taking extra money and benefits he wasn't entitled too. They could have a real field day if they would do a close examination of Giles County where people are paid for meetings they don't attend, where charities that aren't charities are given taxpayer money for big block parties, etc, etc.
Why don't you call Channel 5 news and tell them about it? I'm sure that if there is a story, they will go for it. If not, well then.....you know!
8:57 - In case you can't figure it out, those twists, fables and such are part of the reason that WAB gets little to no respect in the county.
How about telling us what those twist, fables and such are 7:51. So far nobody has proven Barrett wrong about anything he has told.
I've asked before why they didn't prove WAB was lying with the great one who despises him post, "who said he lied?"
Why can't people post why what WAB said was wrong instead of making comments against him. Sounds like a cat fight.
I have a question will someone answer that don't hate WAB? Did Mrs. Vanzant have Ms Coleman's name put down to get paid for a meeting she didn't get to until it was over?
2:35 you can see the sign in sheet where Mrs Vanzant signed Mrs Coleman in as having attended and noted that both Mrs Coleman and Mr Campbell were to be paid in full for the meeting. Simply go to the topic posted on 22 June 2014.
Something how signing something causes problems in this little town. Take for instance, Mcmasters accusing Mr. Smith of asking someone to sign her name to an attendance sheet or accused him of forgery. I do believe she said both from what some are saying. Good ole little town. And the weirdest of all, Williamson was standing right next to them and witnessed it. No matter if Mr Smith asked or the person volunteered, Mr Williamson let it happen. Isn't he the chairman of the board and over Mr Smith? That are the interesting things that are happening that a lot are furious about. And it seems it will be in every area of offices. The good ole boys may win still but i think they will have to work a little harder for the votes next time. Been here a long time and never have seen this town finally fed up on what is going on around here. I admit it, from years and years back my fault too. Shame on me. Good thing some of the youngens are getting involved. Its a good thing.
Beginning to see signs around asking for support for Mr. Smith. Any specials ideas on how to go about it?
Speak to the person you represents your school district and voice your support for Dr. Smith
Know someone very well on the board and I am really surprised. He does not want him as director nor in the school system. Up to not so pretty things but afraid it will bite them back in the butt. Such a disappointment.
Call the President.
Some cruel souls. Oh well they have to live with it. They are probably the ones on the front row of their church.
I am reasonably confident based on conversations that Holt, Lovell, McMasters and Brewer all have an agenda against Smith. Williamson is being bullied, and letting them influence him.
I am disappointed in two of them and have come to expect that out of the other two. I can only hope that they change their minds and do the right thing. If not, then karma is a -----, and the backlash will be well deserved!
10:42 Looked for a LIKE button, but didn't see it so I will say I liked your post.
No matter what the decision the board has caused some serious problems for themselves. I know for a fact Lovell does not even like the ground JB walks on. I know Lovell all my life. JB could be the Pope and he still would not want him. Their plan was to get rid of him. And for Williamson, issues will arise on his doings soon I am sure. Up to no good they are but got a feelin it will back fire no matter who gets director. This kind of stuff has gone on in this county forever and it is very sad at our age people just do not grow up.
Sounds like you're the one that needs to grow up.. Although the board may have made some mistakes, JB Smith isn't a saint by far.. The board has a job to do, and that is to hire the most qualified director with everyone's best interests, not just his or her supporters.
1;17 hits the nail on the head. They are up to know good. "Her", yes hear there is a gal in the runnin. You are right, JB no saint. But I know just about all those families and including Holt.Far from a saint there.
Saw the board meeting on pes last week. Embarrassing. Joy making a fool of herself and from what I hear on that story, more to it and more there.
Yes the board has a job to do but it is no where near best interest of everyone, it is just best interest for other seats of the county and their own agenda. Two people told me they tried to talk to two of the board members after meeting and brushed them off. Tell me they care for the public. Pulaski a small town. People talk and the so call friends of some are in it for their best interest too. And 1:17 does not need to grow up, sounds like they lived here a long time as I have and knows exactly how this town works. A person of color has a lot to do with it also. Deny all you all want, but true. After all, this is Pulaski! Sad but true. So those may be the ones to grow up but do not see that anytime soon. Been like that all my life here. Far from over.
Yup same o same o here.
Why can't the public be told who all has applied for the job?
They are suppose to make it all public. The board is not to discuss anything about it or view unless in front of the public. I think the next board meeting is March 12th. No telling. The board is suppose to be about policies. I think the public is allowed to even view the final choices of applicant's application and any other items are public record.
Board dont give a dam about the citizens. If jb does not get the job he will sleep well and the board they will carry on. Just a few people to make this decision but many more in the county that jb knows he has their support no matter what happens. in the end that will be all that matters. The support that the board has don't think jb wants to be associated with those KIND of people but knowing how jb is he would never treat his supporters or non supporters in the way that he is being treated by some now. But as someone said on the other pages they have to live with themselves. Up above knows all the truths and does not matter the religion one is, it is how you live. Anyone can go to church but if you do not live it well just fooling yourself.I think they call that a hypocrite. I am anonymous writing this but the Lord knows, thats all that matters to me.
1:01 You are right the Lord knows who all us anonymous are and what we post. He also knows about the bench warmers.
Yes he sure does! I said ALL!!! More bench warmers than all know, but again HE knows ALL! Bless you!
Joy McMasters is one of the finest people I know.I am very proud of her for standing up in front of everyone to tell the truth.I hope she puts in for school super. She tells the truth and you slander her.She is not lying she is telling you the truth and you start attacking her.What is wrong with you people.You want someone who will bow down to you shame on you.I am gonna sign my name because I am not a coward Be Somebody, vote for the most qualified if its JB so be it but stop bullying people.If he is the most qualified why are there so many people upset. Tonya Holley
Tonya,
Joy may be a fine person to you, but she has really goofed up as a school board member. It's easy to get in a room and jump on the bandwagon. She put on a show for them and embarrassed herself and her family.
Joy McMasters who works for the Marshall County School system and where her kids go to school.
Yep that's who I want for Giles County.
It doesn't matter who gets the job someone isn't going to like them. They will also make mistakes.
Some people are so perfect
until they get the job then it's my way or the highway.
You think you know just what to do then get the job and find out there are rules you didn't know about.
That don't mean keep the same person on the job because they have been there and know how it's done like cg use to say about keeping vanzant.
With the board they have now, no one will be able work with them. Hear Donna Cobb applied. Maybe she may be able to handle them or they may rule her which will probably happen. They all have an issue with JB in more ways than a lot know, even Cobb. Know a lot of these people a long time. Will get worse before better.
I hear the Principal at Marshall County High School is strict. Sounds good.
Right and resigned at a previous job at Coffee County and a former football coach of GCHS that is in Marshall. Not about academics to the board dear.
Mr. Barrett
Well it's been a very long time since I've posted on your "professional" blog, but here goes.
I only came back to see if there might be a thread about the existing racial turmoil that's going on in this country.
There isn't, and I'm gone again. Before I go, I would like to mention that you are still throwing stones at Mrs. Vanzant, Mrs. Coleman, and Mr. Campbell. Have you no shame?
Anyway, I don't plan on being back, so you and your buddies can throw some of those stones at me. I don't care. In spite of how distasteful you find this, I have been and remain a Christian and a gentleman.
Tell it to God cg. No one on here gives a crap about your dumbass.
cg you are the poster child of hypocrisy. Nothing you say is ever as it seems. Why don't you do everyone a favor and mean what you say or simply shut the hell up. With every comment you make you solidify your position as a fool. Take your foolish rhetoric and share it with someone who gives a damn. You epitomize the term dumbass and you seem to be the only one who doesn't realize it. Dumbass.
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