LaFayette police criticize review panel for new public safety director
By Eric Beavers
Monday January 15, 2007 2:20:18pm


LAFAYETTE, Ga. -- Some who applied for the LaFayette public safety director say the review panel didn’t follow its own directive. City officials disagree.

Robert “Skipper” Dunn served as assistant public safety director under the former chief Charles “Dino” Richardson before his boss died in August. He was managing most of the department before his death and has been acting director since August.

Dunn applied for the position and said a less-qualified candidate, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force agent Patrick Doyle, was chosen when the top three nominees were named on Monday.

Doyle has been in law enforcement since 1995. Dunn has more than twice the years of experience and all if it is with the LaFayette Police Department

“We have served this city for years, and evidently your loyalty to the city and your years of service don’t mean anything,” Dunn said.

Besides Doyle, the finalists include Tommy C. Freeman, a major in the Griffin Police Department, and Steve Anderson, a training coordinator at the South Georgia Police Academy in Tifton.

Several others in the LaFayette Police Department with 18 or more years of experience and training applied for the position. They agree the selection process, as defined by city officials, wasn’t followed.

“If we want to look at what the city manager said all along, that they were going to select the most qualified candidate, I don’t see how (Doyle’s) application made it into the top three,” detective Robbie Tate said. “There’s no way that he has the credentials that any of the other at least five candidates from here possess.”

Wesley Steele, a sergeant with the LaFayette Police Department, said he was also vexed by the panels decision.

One of the city’s paid firefighters, Roddy Dennison, asked why the job description focused on the police department. He didn’t apply for the position, but realizes the person who is hired must run both the police and fire departments.

“Why couldn’t they look for a fire chief that could get POST-certified?” he said. POST stands for Peace Officers Standards and Training.

The review committee is made up of LaFayette City Manager Johnnie Arnold, LaFayette Mayor Neal Florence, Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson and Georgia State Patrol Post 41 Commander J.D. Stultz. No fire personnel are on the committee.

Florence said he knows people are upset, but that would be the case whatever the panel decides.

“It’s not their decision,” Florence said. “We followed the procedure that we set forth. We interviewed the candidates and the decision has not been made yet.”

Fellow panel member Wilson declined to comment on the process, saying it was a personnel matter for the city to handle.

“With it being a personnel matter I wouldn’t feel comfortable (talking about that),” Wilson said. “I’m not a city employee. I was just on the committee. I don’t think it would be proper for me to comment on anything to do with that type of matter.”

Florence sounded as if he could understand some of the frustration.

“There isn’t anybody that can replace Dino,” he said. “If we had picked someone else, it would have made somebody else mad. Every time you change department heads, you know you’re going to cause some controversy within the ranks.”

Arnold said Monday that the new director will likely be named at the March City Council meeting.


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IrishRed
Comments: 593
Joined: 01/19/2007
02/26/2007 07:18:57 AM
There is money being passed around behind the scenes by people who want to remain anonymous. You are missing the big target which is the City Manager. He is part of the power structure and is the one who is not elected. I don't know how you replace him buy maybe someone else does.
 
ringgoldone
Comments: 615
Joined: 07/24/2006
02/25/2007 04:29:42 PM
If there is money behind the incumbents, a recall will not solve the problem. Those with money will just buy another candidate. A recall will just get a few people excited for a short time. The answer is getting good people to run in every regular election and educating the voters as to the need to vote in every election.

Just say that only 2 are recalled. There will be 3 and the mayor to continue the status quo. By November, the voters will be so discouraged that they will not care who is running.

Again, the answer is getting our voters to realize that a 10%, 20%, or even 30% turnout is not acceptable. If you want LaFayette to change, everyone is going to have to get involved and stay involved. Vote. Show up at council meetings. Write letters to the editor. Volunteer to help your fellow citizens.
 
middleagedmom
Comments: 13
Joined: 02/15/2007
02/25/2007 03:18:45 PM
I agree with rbdb and ringgoldone. I also agree that this can be a double edged sword. I do feel strongly that LaFayette needs to change to a forward looking, community based, ability to change and grow place. I also feel that we have to be careful about putting in a political machine that doesn't know how to function. This town has been stuck in a rut my whole life mostly due to its politics. Some of that rut comes from the string of officials that we have had and some from the money behind the scenes. The thing that you will battle will be that the people who should be elected often are not because the money doesn't flow for them.
 
rbdb
Comments: 5
Joined: 12/28/2006
02/25/2007 02:23:58 PM
so who are the three that are interested in running? i would like to know who there are and what kind of future they want for lafayette. can't really help until i know where they stand and who they are.......
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/25/2007 09:50:39 AM
At the present we only have 3 people interested in running. I can't see recalling anyone we don't have a replacement for. Also their will be an election for 2 council members in November. We can recall the 3 that would not be up for re-election and then go after the other 2 and the mayor in November. The people involved in this do not want to throw Lafayette into chaos and will only do the recall in a manner that will keep things running throughout the process. I am willing to wait if we need to. Right now we are going over the list of registered voters to see who is eligable to sign the recall petition. It is a tedious job. Roger Carlton 423-667-2110
 
ringgoldone
Comments: 615
Joined: 07/24/2006
02/25/2007 07:16:30 AM
Mom:

There are a lot of scenarios that could play out. Will the voters have the option to recall some, but not all? That is what happened on Signal Mountain. If any are recalled, will replacements be appointed to fill the unexpired term or elected by the voters? And while there is dissatisfaction with the current regime, who will step forward that is qualified to lead?

Might be best to know the answer to that question before a rash action is taken. Also, if there is only a partial recall, how well will the replacements work with the established leaders?

However this ends up, I do hope those involved in the recall process will maintain decorum. This sounds so much like political revenge, and that always comes back to bite you. I would hate to see lawsuits filed for defamation of character.

Also remember that at the end of the day, this action will better no one's life in LaFayette. If everyone would be more focused on making a difference in the lives of the citizens and not who was in charge or who was hired, LaFayette (and any city/county) would be a better place to live.
 
middleagedmom
Comments: 13
Joined: 02/15/2007
02/23/2007 11:39:01 PM
If we recall our city officials, who are we planning to replace them with? Do we have people to run? Need more information. Do I need to call you or can you summarize the plan?
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/23/2007 06:28:43 PM
The papers we needed are here. Anyone who wants to help with the recall can call me at 423-667-2110 Roger Carlton
 
IrishRed
Comments: 593
Joined: 01/19/2007
02/20/2007 07:30:08 AM
I know if I don't pay for my utilities, they shut them off. We have the same environmental law as the rest of the country that were passed by the Federal government. They just choose to ignore them. I have heard that there used to be things for kids to do here but they were closed and not replaced. I have been here five years and I have seen very little progress. Too many people want to keep it countrified. That's great but at the rate things are going with businesses, they could close one of these plants and we will be in a world of hurt. Not everyone wants to drive ten to forty miles to work. We need to develop here so good businesses and people will come her. You will never get it with these stick in the mud councilmen.
 
middleagedmom
Comments: 13
Joined: 02/15/2007
02/18/2007 09:19:54 PM
Does anyone know why the city continues to bill people for back utility bills (amounting to possibly more than several tens of thousands of dollars) without ever making any effort to collect? Does anyone know why the city dosen't condemn more dilapedated buildings? Does anyone know why there are no clean environment or beautification laws around here? Does anyone know why it seems like no progress is ever made in this town?


 
IrishRed
Comments: 593
Joined: 01/19/2007
02/18/2007 06:59:14 PM
I believe that the only real change can be made by changing City Manager. He seems to have too much power and I am unfamiliar with how much authority that he has. I don't think that someone who has not been elected should have the power to name the Safety Director. He doesn't have to answer to us. What qualifications does he have to do this. For that matter what qualifications does the mayor have. I think they bypassed everyone in LaFayette P.D. because they didn't want to have to deal with them. It's easier to work with someone from out of town who doesn't have the connections here.
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/17/2007 08:40:24 PM
Don't think I have gone away. The recall is still on. We are waiting on some papers from Atlanta. I have been getting a lot of calls from some new people who want to help with the recall. The bunch at city hall think this will go away and some are starting to be nasty in public and even to my kids at school. Mark my words, they only strengthen my resolve to rid our city of them. Anyone wishing to be involved can call me at 423-667-2110 Roger Carlton.
 
BigShiggy
Comments: 494
Joined: 01/19/2006
02/17/2007 01:40:53 PM
Not much being said by the opponents of the recall on here lately.
I applaud those who are standing up and speaking their minds to the leaders of the City of LaFayette, Georgia.

"Every man is proud of what he does well; and no man is proud of what
he does not do well. With the former, his heart is in his work; and he will
do twice as much of it with less fatigue. The latter performs a little imperfectly,
looks at it in disgust, turns from it, and imagines himself exceedingly tired.
The little he has done, comes to nothing, for want of finishing."

Abraham Lincoln
Source: September 30, 1859 - Address before the Wisconsin State
Agricultural Society



 
middleagedmom
Comments: 13
Joined: 02/15/2007
02/16/2007 06:30:51 PM
I lost my babysitter for the night of the city counsel meeting and did not get to attend. If it went as you say (the eye rolling) I am appalled. That is the most unprofessional thing I've heard of in a while. If our leaders are going to act like children they will probably make decisions like children too. I'm late coming into this discussion because I only recently found out about it from a friend. Therefore a lot of the backlog has already been erased and I would like to be caught up if possible. Please explain about the recall, who is to be recalled, and on what grounds. Also please let me know if there are other things involved in the motion or if it is just about the Public Safety Director (does the new guy have fire training and if not is he going to be sent to the Fire Academy and be properly certified)? One last thing, are there many people who are behind this movement, how well organized is it, and are there any contact numbers? Would appreciate hearing back from bob38 or other truthful parties.
 
bob38
Comments: 58
Joined: 01/17/2007
02/16/2007 04:25:47 PM
Well I for one am ready for a change and looking forward to the remaining information for the recall to come in so we can get started.
middleagedmom- you're absolutely correct- there are lots of things that need addressing here. The position of Deputy Director was just the straw that broke the camels back. As far as the emergency vehicles I think you can live 10 miles or so outside the city limits, this is probably because it's faster for them respond than if they had to drive into town and get a vehicle before responding. Our council people should be ashamed- even they knew some of the candidates were not quailified and then to go ahead with them and not look at the other resumes. It's pathetic. If you were at the meeting you actually saw how awful they treated a citizen with some very real complaints that are their fault to start with. It was offensive to say the least, our Barney Fife mayor what's with the rolling of your eyes and between Andy and Norm well it's too bad you weren't raised better than that.
 
middleagedmom
Comments: 13
Joined: 02/15/2007
02/15/2007 04:13:57 PM
You know, small town politics have always been hairy. Don't loose sight of ALL the things that go on around here. There's not just the city officials bringing in out of towners to take high positions but other things as well. What about the petition from the local resturants stating that they did want to serve alcohol and felt that it would help their sales. What about the money being spent on the golf course hand over foot that could be used to upgrade utilities, streets, youth and elderly programs, and other things by simply selling the course to individuals. Why didn't our town jump in the fray and try to get the YMCA to locate here? Why is nothing being done to bring in businesses to fill up all the empty stores around here? Why do city employees drive city vehicles home; especially emergency vehicles when they live well outside the city limits? Why do the garbage men waste taxpayer money by spending their time going through our trash to find things to sell in their yardsales? Why did we purchase new garbage trucks that don't have seperate compartments for recycling? The list goes on. We need to look into the whole picture and possibly have a town meeting to see what the people want done and then make sure it happens.
 
ringgoldone
Comments: 615
Joined: 07/24/2006
02/14/2007 11:55:41 AM
By using the word "some", the Free Press gave the reader the indication that the recall movement was something less than a groundswell uprising. Plus, now that the hire has been made, most will move on and go back to their lives.

Just look at the Signal Mountain recall. A couple of faces changed, but everything else continues as it did before.

Many politicians promise to do things different to get elected, and then follow the established pattern. Some by choice; some not. As the old saying goes, better the devil that you know than the one you don't.
 
jwhitesc
Comments: 39
Joined: 01/17/2007
02/14/2007 10:14:41 AM
The blog has been strangly quiet. Perhaps everyone was as stunned as I was. I thought our deportment was admirable while Officer Doyle stormed out of the meeting after the vote ( very professional). When one of our citizens got the floor and spoke our mayor and council sat there and rolled their eyes ( also very professional). The recall can't happen soon enough. It's time we showed the mayor and council who they work for. You can teach a chimpanze to play follow the leader and swing a golf club.
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/12/2007 10:34:44 PM
Getreal, Apparently you know nothing. The council has no say about a recall. The law says they cannot contest it, deny charges, call witnesses or even interfere with the recall effort. If you are going to attack the king, be sure you can behead him and we have done our homework. We researched the law, and made sure we had enogh people before we ever said the word recall. It is going on as we promised. The way a respected citizen was treated tonight, by the mayor and some of the council was absolutely disgraceful. And we will recall them. Roger Carlton. 423-667-2110
 
GetReal
Comments: 6
Joined: 01/31/2007
02/12/2007 06:42:41 PM
MadAsHeck:

While I applaud your zeal and enthusiasm for involving yourself so passionately in city government policy and operations, you have yet to come up with any viable infraction or even behavior by any city
official, elected or not, that would justify a recall. Where exactly is the fire? So far, about all I have heard is petty and unproven allegations with a good deal of emotional and unenlightened rants concerning policy, procedures and even silly "accusations" that have no practical or meaningful basis.

Additionally, you have not done your homework on most of which you speak, which leaves you with little credibility, along with that appearance of a malcontent naysayer constantly seeking attention at others expense.

Listen to NorthGaCitizen. He has the practical view tempered in reality and knowledge of how things actually work. Your efforts are based more in unenlightened and unfettered emotion than anything that would seem to actually be of help in this process.

Are you are already on the agenda? If not, an opportunity to speak at the meeting will not be.
I can hear your scalded dog yelping in advance and your accusatory statements toward the council for not letting you speak, instead of blaming yourself, again, for not doing your homework.
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/12/2007 04:42:51 PM
For everyone who has called. The council meeting starts at 7:30 tonight

 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 165
Joined: 01/08/2006
02/12/2007 02:24:23 PM
No public safety director position in the state of Georgia is elected. That position is always appointed. Hope this helps clarify your question "smarty99".

 
ringgoldone
Comments: 615
Joined: 07/24/2006
02/12/2007 01:05:49 PM
Definitely from Ringgold/Catoosa and have faced and are facing the same thing. Our regular elections have been more than sufficient to deal with deaf politicians.
 
smarty99
Comments: 5
Joined: 02/09/2007
02/12/2007 12:24:49 PM
We have the ability to vote for a Sheriff in an election, why do we the citizens not have the same option for our Public Safety Direction?

 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/12/2007 11:59:01 AM
Ringgoldone, I can't understand why people from Ringgold [a different county] would be so against us having a recall. If you had the same situation there, I don't think anyone here would be worried about it. However, since there are so many people from Ringgold with opinions against the recall it makes me think maybe you are not from Ringgold and are a little bit worried that we are for real. We are for real and we don't care how they do it up north, in south Ga. or in Ringgold. Roger Carlton 423-667-2110
 
ringgoldone
Comments: 615
Joined: 07/24/2006
02/12/2007 11:43:29 AM
MADASHECK:

Not sure if your last post was directed to me, but I will respond anyway. Not questioning the right of a recall, but the timing and wisdom. If you garner your supporters, do you not think the incumbents will do the same and will have a stronger financial backing?

And like you said earlier, all of you have to live in LaFayette when this is done. This tactic seems too divisive to do any long term good. Especially when you have an election in November. Could you not work to get people to vote then?

Again, this worked in Catoosa County.
 
NOTBUYINGIT
Comments: 7
Joined: 01/30/2007
02/11/2007 08:01:06 PM
It seems to me the harder you guys try to undermine Mr. Carlton, he has continued to be reasonable and to the point with facts and legitimate concerns. Our city seems to be in a downward spiral, with taxes rising and services declining. I have to agree that city hall has way too much power and is trying to get more. If they refuse to listen through normal channels, then a recall is certainly our right and I beleive it is now our duty.
 
IrishRed
Comments: 593
Joined: 01/19/2007
02/11/2007 06:20:14 PM
I agree with you about this town not being child friendly. Nothing for kids to do. Have to go elsewhere for movies and other entertainment. Why not here? I guess they want to keep it countrified but the only way to get progress is to develop. Another good reason to get new council. I agree that Judy Meeks tries hard but too many good old boys. Many people are upset about what goes on but how many will step up to vote?
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/11/2007 04:47:30 PM
Because we have no doubt about the outcome. As I said before, I have been talking to people for a year now. This has been brewing for a very long time. Our municipal elections don't bring out enough people to fill a medium size church. But the recall election will. The people have finally tired of the elite at city hall. I don't know why you are surprised. Or why you are opposed to the citizens excercising a legal tactic that is our right. We have every right to do what the Ga. law prescribes. Roger Carlton 423-667-2110

 
ringgoldone
Comments: 615
Joined: 07/24/2006
02/11/2007 01:57:46 PM
MADASHECK:

First, I am glad you are concerned and are willing to be a point person to initiate change. I also applaud your wisdom in encouraging your group to maintain their dignity.

Now, let me toss you an idea of why I think working within the framework of regular elections works best. Let's say you go for a full recall and the majority of the incumbents retain their seats. Your movement will be over before it starts. Plus, you are going to be viewed as troublemakers (as you said) and the incumbents will use that to gain sympathy at the polls. After all, they were elected by the majority of the citizens.

But, if you run 2 strong candidates this November and they win, you will send a message to those remaining that their jobs are in jeopardy if they do not change their ways. I know it will take longer, but I think there is a better chance that you will achieve your goal.

That is how the Republicans gained control of Catoosa County.
 
SpannerWrench
Comments: 8
Joined: 01/19/2007
02/11/2007 12:17:07 PM
Madasheck you are right about that, The codes department should HELP people not try to go around acting like Barney Fife all the time and think they belong to the Police Department. It is evident that they want all the power thay can get by the way some of them wear our badge on their belt that is nothing more than a volunteer fire department badge. Some people don't know its a fire department badge though and are intimidated. People, Do what you want to do. If you want to keep these folks in office that will not even acknowledge you unless you make $40,000 or more, then fine keep em in there. If not, lets get em out. Just remember though, one day it may be you dealing with this bunch and remember this, they think everyone in this town is not smart enough to do what they do. Thats why all the insiders keep getting brought in. What are you gonna do when you need help and all the ones you used to know are gone, and all thats left are a bunch of people from big towns that give you the cold shoulder. It will be your decision, live with it.
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/11/2007 11:44:47 AM
I am sorry to post again so soon, but a lot of people are going to be surprised at how many people are unhappy with our elected officials. They are our senior citizens, who have seen this for too long and had enough. The blacks, who feel like they are not being represented. The young adults who have grown up in the most child unfriendly city around and don't want it that way for their childen. The people who live in the projects. Plus the small business owners who are tired of an anti growth attitude and a codes department that would rather look for violations than help new construction and business. Those of you [mostly outside the city] who think we are a bunch troublemakers with no real issues, should do as I have for the last year and go talk to the people who live here. RogerCarlton 423-667-2110
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/11/2007 11:03:49 AM
Ringgoldone, only 2 spots come up for election in November. Two cannot fix what is broken. Our concerns here go far beyond the public safety dept., and since our elected officials act as though there is no accountability, it seems we as citizens have no other avenues for turning around some serious issues in our city. Secondly, I really don't want the job and will gladly support another person from my district who is willing to step forward. I post my name and # so there is a way for all concerned likeminded citizens to connect with each other. And it has worked well. As for the recall costing taxpayers anything, It will be considerably less than what we are wasting on the golf course while real problems are shoved aside. If you know of a solution that will take less than four years, we would love to have you and anyone else come address the recall committee. I regret that anyone has called names and been ill tempered as you say, and would like to remind anyone who is planning to attend the council meeting to act like mature adults. We will scream the loudest with the recall petition. I would rather no one showed up than some showing their butts. Win, lose, or draw most of you still have to live here. The majority of us are not trying to belittle, offend, or anger anyone. We are well informed and concerned. Roger Carlton 423-667-2110
 
jwhitesc
Comments: 39
Joined: 01/17/2007
02/11/2007 10:50:10 AM
NorthGa, There are 18 states that allow for a recall, Georgia being one of them. I feel quite sure that the council will not listen to such a motion. So, it's a good thing that the filing has to be with the state!! I have no doubt that the "council" will not recognise any statements from the floor or allow any questions. To those of you who believe we still have rights as citizens, " LET'S GO OUT THERE AND WIN ONE FOR THE GIPPER" (groan)
 
ringgoldone
Comments: 615
Joined: 07/24/2006
02/11/2007 06:51:31 AM
NGA:

I agree with you about the value of a blog. It is just to share ideas. This idea of a recall is ill-conceived and a waste of taxpayer's money. Just let the normal election cycle run and the voters can decide then if there needs to be a change. We should not attempt to recall because an official does something we do not like.

One other thing, the only bloggers I have seen reveal their full identity are those who were candidates (current or potential) for office. It gives one reason to question the motive behind the comments. Posting one's name adds no validity to any comment. It only shows someone with a desire to be noticed.

Perhaps we will know more after Monday night. If this group is as ill-tempered in public as they are on the blog, they could find themselves being escorted from the meeting.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 165
Joined: 01/08/2006
02/11/2007 12:47:32 AM
Unless they bother to listen to you, your recall will mean nothing. They aren't going to make a change just b/c a few bloggers get riled up on the Walker Co. Messenger website. That's all I'm saying...Its no offense to you. I'm just being honest with you. Its not that any of us are afraid to post our name, its the fact that this is a blog which means it is a place where you can post your OPPINIONS in private. A blog is not meant for everyone to know who you are even though you like to post your name and number at the end of each of your messages. That's prob. one of the ways this person was able to confront your child at school which I think was horrible but still..that's how they knew who you and your child was.
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/10/2007 07:42:15 PM
NorthGaCitizen, We aren't offering or asking anything else from the council or the mayor or anyone else. We know they won't listen. That is why we WILL have a recall and do everything we can to remove them. For once you are correct, THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO THE VOTERS. And it is our right and duty to put someone in who will. As for Get real, he has'nt bothered to respond since he was put in his place. And he is just like you. AFRAID TO POST HIS NAME. Roger Carlton 423-667-2110

 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 165
Joined: 01/08/2006
02/10/2007 06:43:01 PM
Sounds like "Get Real" has you folks right where he/she wants you. To me, this person has an accurate account of how city government is ran. The rest of you guys are calling for a recall that will NEVER happen. You couldn't recall them even if you wanted to. The council won't even listen to you if you are planning on storming in there Monday night with some recall papers. It just won't happen. Mark my word...I am calling my shot right here and now just like the Babe did for the Yankees...ha ha
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/10/2007 05:37:03 PM
It is possible that she did, but my info from 2 different sources say Wayne voted for Doyle and the rest voted for the Griffin candidate. Melvin Bridges was not there. Roger 423-667-2110

 
voter
Comments: 15
Joined: 01/23/2007
02/10/2007 04:45:16 PM
madasheck are you sure??? Glad to see Wayne didn't vote with Andy and Norm, but I had heard it was Ms. Meeks who called for the other resumes and she couldn't get a second. Will change my opinion entirely if I heard wrong.

 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/10/2007 04:26:43 PM
Thanks SpannerWrench. Do you also know they get a very good medical insurance policy. Roger 423-667-2110
 
NOTBUYINGIT
Comments: 7
Joined: 01/30/2007
02/10/2007 04:11:21 PM
The only reason the good people of Lafayette have not stormed city hall with pitchforks and torches is they are not being informed. The Chattanooga Times has done more to expose this situation than anyother source. When the people see how bad it is they will throw them out from the top on down. I will be glad to help with the recall.

 
SpannerWrench
Comments: 8
Joined: 01/19/2007
02/10/2007 03:58:12 PM
Getreal, In your post you amuse me, You said, Our elected City council has the last word, but it is not their function to do the "grunt" work in regards to winnowing through applicants. Council members are paid a small honorarium. City managers are paid a salary.


Correct me if I am wrong , But in your last post they did not have time to do it. Here is your post “The council does not have the time nor inclination to sift through hundreds of applicants”

Now you say it is not their job to do the grunt work. Will you please tell me why almost every member of this Council has went to the golf course during the preplanning stages of this new clubhouse that we are building. It seems in my opinion as well as others that this golf course is more important to our Councilmen than The Director of Public Safety. After all, They can research the best methods of building a Clubhouse, But do not have time to research a Public Safety Director. They let someone else do that for them because it is “grunt work” according to you. You mentioned in your new post how the Council members are paid a small “honorarium”, But you do not mention just how much that “honorarium” is, And what a Councilman does to obtain it. It seems this small “honorarium “ is to the sum of $300 per month. Now lets look at this for a moment. In one month the City Council meets one time. Sometimes a special session is called but very rarely. From what I understand, If a special session is called, The regular meeting will be cancelled. Every once in a while I am sure they meet on special occasions, I will give them that as you will see below. Here is the way this is looking to me. $300 for the Month, And One meeting. Now how long are the meetings? We will need to know that won’t we. The meeting started at 7:30 P.M. on Jan 8, 2007. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M. Now lets see, that’s 40 minutes and I will give them 20 minutes extra just to be fair for the special meetings, discussing buisness, sitting on the couch in the City Managers office, ect. That’s a whopping $300 per hour per month. Sounds great to me. Then there is the variable that comes into play of whether they even bother to attend the meeting, Say they had to go to a ball game or a sporting event instead (And this does happen, check the attendance on the meeting minutes) Now I know what your thinking, what’s he getting to. Tell me, Do they get the 300 Dollars for a month that they do not attend these meetings? Are they not suppose to attend these meetings to represent the people they are suppose to be serving? I was told they do get this money and would like to know why? Someone should check and verify this.

I also have now been informed that the same councilman that has been spoken of so highly on this blog (And always is said to be the one everyone could count on), Voted in a (Double Their Salary) raise for the Council and Mayor a while back, while failing to include our former City Judge Barry Hollis Sr. It has been said that the Judge did not receive this small “honorarium” as some put it. From what I was told, All he received instead of a raise was notice that the Mayor and Council were thinking about appointing his position. Upon questioning the Council and Mayor at one of the council meetings, Judge Hollis could not get anyone to tell him why, or who initiated it. It was said that only after the Council voted on this did Judge Hollis confront Mayor Florence and Finally Mayor Florence said he initiated it. When asked why, Mayor Florence said he thought this should be an appointed position, that having an elected Judge was a conflict of interest. Does anyone know why the Council wanted this position appointed? Why did the council not give the Former Judge a raise , But found they were entitled to a (Double their Salary ) raise? Did any of the council members think of someone other than their own pockets when this raise was brought up? What have they done that makes them deserve a raise, that the Judge has not done? Can anyone answer this question? Also I was told that after the Council voted on the Judges position being appointed, Some of these council members said maybe they needed to impose a minimum set of qualifications on the Judges position. This brings me to my next question, Does all of our councilmen have a business degree, or some qualifications that makes them qualified? Probably not.
The reason the Judges position was almost appointed was because Judge Hollis did not go sit on the sofa and be a yes man. He would not let them tell him what to do and therefore they did not like him. It was evident that the council did not like him when they DOUBLED their salary from $150 to $300, and the Judges salary has not been changed, Why? Why would they do someone with 27 years of service this way, while treating themselves to a hefty raise. Someone should ask them that.


It has also been stated to me that some of the City Council may have been playing golf while on training sessions and that the city was picking up the tab for this. I cannot verify this but surely someone can as there is always records of spending by each official that has to be recorded as public information, this is what I was told and it came from a very, very, reliable source, maybe someone could check on this too.

Getreal, In a Democracy as you stated , People have a say in their government and the way it is ran. I find in this City our Democracy is eroding. Why else would our public officials not want to hear from its citizens. Because they want control? It sure seems this way to me.

I would now like to address the problem we have with our city streets. They are pitiful to say the least. When I drive through town and my car is beaten to death, I find it hard to praise the government for this. The streets need paved. Not just in Dogwood Circle, Everywhere.

Jwhitesc, I agree with you on the 34 applicants not being to much to read. It is my opinion that they just did not want to take the time to do the “grunt work” as some say.

Getreal, in one of your posts, you said if you have the facts, post them. If you have serious problems with reality, write a novel. As you can see I have both. Thanks to all for reading this novel.
 
jwhitesc
Comments: 39
Joined: 01/17/2007
02/10/2007 11:09:07 AM
Madasheck, I am so terribly sorry about what happened to your son. If he were my child I would be in the principals office first thing Monday morning. We have all been influenced by wonderful teachers and teachers who were'nt worth a hoot. I wish I could say that I'm surpised but I think we may be in for more of the same in the future. The God I pray to tells me there is a special place in hades for people who are mean to the innocents among us. Now it's left to you to explain how an adult, who's supposed to protect him does just the opposite.
The recall can't happen soon enough. Bullies should be confronted no matter where they"re found.
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/10/2007 10:25:40 AM
Voter, I am very sorry to say that Ms. Meeks did not dissent Wednesday night. One councilman did dissent [Wayne Swanson] and we will see if he does again Monday night. Roger

 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/10/2007 10:16:34 AM
Two things: 1st, We are putting the committee for recall together asap. It has to be done right to be effective and it will take good people willing to see it through. Decisions have to be made as to who we are going to recall. Part or all of the city council? The Mayor? We need input, and will also need help drawing up the paperwork and getting signatures on the petition. I work 6 days a week and have another part time business with my children, so I can't do it all. But, I will work tirelessly and relentlessly to see this recall, but it is time for all of you to put your money where your mouths are. If you really want this--- let's go.
2nd My message to the person in the school system was not meant to bring grief to that person, but to remind them that my children looked to them as a friend and their innocence makes it difficult to understand why that person acted as they did.
Call if you are ready to help with the recall 423-667-2110 Roger Carlton
 
SpannerWrench
Comments: 8
Joined: 01/19/2007
02/10/2007 09:33:50 AM
what did thy do voter
 
voter
Comments: 15
Joined: 01/23/2007
02/10/2007 09:30:21 AM
Roger, that's awful that someone would act that way toward a child. I guess though we shouldn't be surprised, look what kind of leaders they're teaching our children to be. I'm looking forward to signing the recall- I do wish that Ms. Meeks would go public Monday night with her dissent. Rest assure though you have more than enough support.
 
MADASHECK
Comments: 65
Joined: 01/18/2007
02/09/2007 09:12:10 PM
Does it seem a little odd that everyone I have accused in the last 2 or 3 weeks of being on Johnny Arnolds side, have all quickly came back with retorts of how much they really are not. Everyone is afraid of posting their names for fear of retribution. Does that speak volumes. The number of city employees who have called me is staggering. And they too are fearful for good reason. Wake up. If everyone is afraid of the city manager, that should tell you eveything you need to know. To the person in the school system who was cold to my child today - He did not understand why you were. As much as I want change, I would not do or say anything to anyones children including Mr. Arnolds that would even make them feel uncomfortable. And I have defended your family to the nth degree in this matter. Roger Carlton 423-667-2110
 
bob38
Comments: 58
Joined: 01/17/2007
02/09/2007 08:40:21 PM
Roger, I talked with Walkingtall today look forward to getting that fax in the morning and getting started on the recall. According to Chapter 3 of the city charter, the city manager may give the council his recommendation, nowhere does it say he can go thru all the applicants and only show them the ones he wants them to see. What's sad is that poor Pat Doyle was put in there because Dino who at the time was on his death bed and drugged out of his senses (I know because I visited him too) said he liked Pat. Hello!
As for why now, it's because enough is enough. Have you never put up with people and their little things and then had them do something that just says to you it's time to stop. Well that's where we're at, the straw that broke the camel's back. As for the council, you're right they can go behind closed doors (executive session) for personnel issues, however given the outrage over this, why not stand up and be counted! The only one that acts like a man is the woman! Maybe it's that people are fed up with all the little things and then this one huge thing. The position in question is very important as are the qualifications of the person that fills them. Don't you want to be secure in the knowledge that this position is filled with a qualified candidate. For that matter the other department heads need to be praying that Mr. Arnold doesn't have a friend who wants their job, because he'll work it out so they get it.
NorthGaCitizen- roger didn't imply anything- he came right out and said it! Imply suggests he hinted!
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