Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Oh, brother: It's now "Chief" Sleazy-Talker Walker.
Wesley Walker is now the chief of the Homerville, GA PD. Wlaker is Fairley Csco's disgraced son-in-law and one of Big Thug Willie's former top goons. Homerville is that little wart attached to Folkston. It's in today's T&G.
A bit too much wildlife for my tastes.
I've been down with what I think was garden variety flu (as opposed to H1N1) since Saturday. Now, usually, my Scottish housekeeper, Sarah, changes my bed linens every Friday. However, because they had been soaked nightly in sweat until my fewer finally broke last night, I asked her to change them this morning.
When she started to change them, I was in my power chair, sitting over in the corner of the bedroom, sipping on my mornign glass of Spicy Hot V-8 juice and telling her about something-or-other when she let out this blood curdling scream and jumped back from the bed. She was staring intently at the pillow and saying "Oh, God what is that? " Cojack immediately went on full alert. The way she was acting, my first thought was that it was a big spider - she hates spiders. However, when she gingerly flipped up the pillow, to my utter amazement, it was a scorpion! Cojack immediately lunged for it. Fortunately, I was able to grab his collar in mid lunge or he surely would have been stung. The thing was only about two inches long, but it was in classic scorpion defensive posture with tail arched and stinger cocked and ready.
I told Sarah to hand me a shoe. I meant one of mine, but she quickly took off one of her Reboks and handed it to me. Several whacks got him onto the carpet where I finally convinced Sarah to rub him out with the shoe she still had on.
That was my first - and hopefully last - scorpion encounter in this part of the country. Has anyone else encountered scorpions around here?
When she started to change them, I was in my power chair, sitting over in the corner of the bedroom, sipping on my mornign glass of Spicy Hot V-8 juice and telling her about something-or-other when she let out this blood curdling scream and jumped back from the bed. She was staring intently at the pillow and saying "Oh, God what is that? " Cojack immediately went on full alert. The way she was acting, my first thought was that it was a big spider - she hates spiders. However, when she gingerly flipped up the pillow, to my utter amazement, it was a scorpion! Cojack immediately lunged for it. Fortunately, I was able to grab his collar in mid lunge or he surely would have been stung. The thing was only about two inches long, but it was in classic scorpion defensive posture with tail arched and stinger cocked and ready.
I told Sarah to hand me a shoe. I meant one of mine, but she quickly took off one of her Reboks and handed it to me. Several whacks got him onto the carpet where I finally convinced Sarah to rub him out with the shoe she still had on.
That was my first - and hopefully last - scorpion encounter in this part of the country. Has anyone else encountered scorpions around here?
Economically defensible green technology.
http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-03-31/garbage-powers-savannah-homes
http://www.news4jax.com/news4georgia/23009798/detail.html
And once you have harvested all of the methane gas, i.e., when all the organics have decayed, THEN you go in and economically MINE the left-over glass, plastic, and metals, all collected in one place at a cost far lower than recycling, and at a time in the future when they will command a higher price which will not only cover their recovery cost (not the case now) but actually turn a profit.
http://www.news4jax.com/news4georgia/23009798/detail.html
And once you have harvested all of the methane gas, i.e., when all the organics have decayed, THEN you go in and economically MINE the left-over glass, plastic, and metals, all collected in one place at a cost far lower than recycling, and at a time in the future when they will command a higher price which will not only cover their recovery cost (not the case now) but actually turn a profit.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Twenty Camden County teachers' contracts will not be renewed due to budget cuts.
I've just learned from a reliable source that 20 teachers were informed Friday that their contracts will not be renewed next year due to budget shortfalls. My informant understood that there were at least ten more non-teaching employees given notices of non-renewal for the same reason. "I'm sure we will get more details in Wednesday's T&G if Gordon doesn't beat them to it.
I would hope that these teachers would be able to find positions in nearby smaller counties which are perennially short of teachers.
That answers my question about my chances of being hired next year.
I would hope that these teachers would be able to find positions in nearby smaller counties which are perennially short of teachers.
That answers my question about my chances of being hired next year.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Who knew? It turns out that Steve Berry is a "good ol' boy."
Yep, according to Kingfish Feller's blog, it turns out that Berry and the other three GOB's were the reason that he accomplished absolutely nothing during his first and hopefully last term on the county commission. Now that his evil, arch nemesis Berry is leaving, things will be different.
(Feller) "The make up of the Commission from 2002 to 2006, with a 4-1 ratio of good old boys and a displaced Yankee meant that I would have a tough time during my tenure. In 2011 the make up of the Commission will be decidedly different. I believe that there will be a good chance to do some good. With the main issues being taxes and jobs. We a (sic) no longer waste time on doing favors for friends and useless grand standing." http://www.camdenganews.com/blog/
(Feller) "The make up of the Commission from 2002 to 2006, with a 4-1 ratio of good old boys and a displaced Yankee meant that I would have a tough time during my tenure. In 2011 the make up of the Commission will be decidedly different. I believe that there will be a good chance to do some good. With the main issues being taxes and jobs. We a (sic) no longer waste time on doing favors for friends and useless grand standing." http://www.camdenganews.com/blog/
Check out the latest musings of our local leftie extroardinaire.
http://www.alexkearns.com/
I knew damned well she had that sallow, pallid look of a vegan. Yes, she is really showing some liberal leg this week.
I knew damned well she had that sallow, pallid look of a vegan. Yes, she is really showing some liberal leg this week.
Surprize, surprize! The universe of possible candidates to replace Steve Berry just got much larger!
Check this out:
http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/elections/candidate_information/qualguide.pdf
Now, go to the qualifications for running for county commissioner.
Believe it or not, under Georgia law, to run for county commissioner, you need to be a resident of the county, but NOT a resident of the district you are running for!
Moreover, it goes on to say that local legislation (i.e., county charter) can NOT SUPERCEDE the state law.
Clearly, that applies to ALL seats on the Camden County Commission. Very interesting.
Ooops! As you were!
Read this:
http://law.ga.gov/00/opinion/detail/0,2668,87670814_90686057_109458661,00.html
So, it turns out that what the law really says is that while you have to be a resident of the district you hope to represent, you do not have to be a resident of that district for a year; only a resident of the county for a year. So, while the universe of possible candidates is not as large as I first thought it might be, it may well be larger than potential candidates otherwise knew.
By the way, I have an e-mail in to Brent Greene asking for a copy of the language in the county charter (which is not yet on the county website) detailing exactly what needs to be done - and when - regarding replacing Berry effective September 1st. Stay tuned.
http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/elections/candidate_information/qualguide.pdf
Now, go to the qualifications for running for county commissioner.
Believe it or not, under Georgia law, to run for county commissioner, you need to be a resident of the county, but NOT a resident of the district you are running for!
Moreover, it goes on to say that local legislation (i.e., county charter) can NOT SUPERCEDE the state law.
Clearly, that applies to ALL seats on the Camden County Commission. Very interesting.
Ooops! As you were!
Read this:
http://law.ga.gov/00/opinion/detail/0,2668,87670814_90686057_109458661,00.html
So, it turns out that what the law really says is that while you have to be a resident of the district you hope to represent, you do not have to be a resident of that district for a year; only a resident of the county for a year. So, while the universe of possible candidates is not as large as I first thought it might be, it may well be larger than potential candidates otherwise knew.
By the way, I have an e-mail in to Brent Greene asking for a copy of the language in the county charter (which is not yet on the county website) detailing exactly what needs to be done - and when - regarding replacing Berry effective September 1st. Stay tuned.
Sunday Funnies; Volume 108
(Note: this one comes from my Uncle Harry in Australia).
A husband and wife are shopping in their local Woollies. The husband picks up a case of Tooheys and puts it in their cart.
'What do you think you're doing?' asks the wife.
'They're on sale, only $20 for 24 cans,' he replies.
'Put them back, we can't afford them,' demands the wife, and so they carry on shopping.
A few aisles further on along the woman picks up a $40 jar of face cream and puts it in the basket.
'What do you think you're doing?' asks the husband.
'It's my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,' replies the wife.
Her husband retorts: 'So does 24 cans of Tooheys and it's half the price.'
On the PA system: 'Cleanup on aisle 25, we have a husband down.'
A husband and wife are shopping in their local Woollies. The husband picks up a case of Tooheys and puts it in their cart.
'What do you think you're doing?' asks the wife.
'They're on sale, only $20 for 24 cans,' he replies.
'Put them back, we can't afford them,' demands the wife, and so they carry on shopping.
A few aisles further on along the woman picks up a $40 jar of face cream and puts it in the basket.
'What do you think you're doing?' asks the husband.
'It's my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,' replies the wife.
Her husband retorts: 'So does 24 cans of Tooheys and it's half the price.'
On the PA system: 'Cleanup on aisle 25, we have a husband down.'
Could this be the economic revivial we've been hoping for!?
6,000 jobs at Exit 6?
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-28/story/legislation-a%20ims-entice-6000-jobs-camden
NOTE WELL: Before you usual suspects go on the TAD warpath, note that the SALES TAX concessions described in this article are NOT associated with a Tax Allocation District. It may turn out that a TAD is involved, but that is DEFINITELY NOT what this article describes.
Here is a link to the actual bill:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/fulltext/hb1251.htm
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-28/story/legislation-a%20ims-entice-6000-jobs-camden
NOTE WELL: Before you usual suspects go on the TAD warpath, note that the SALES TAX concessions described in this article are NOT associated with a Tax Allocation District. It may turn out that a TAD is involved, but that is DEFINITELY NOT what this article describes.
Here is a link to the actual bill:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/fulltext/hb1251.htm
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Just for laughs...
Click on this link:
http://chathamsheriff.org/Corrections/Operations/Bookings72hrs/tabid/181/Default.aspx
then scroll down to Dobbs, Conrad T.
Now read the charge.
What do you suppose was the arresting officer's first clue?
http://chathamsheriff.org/Corrections/Operations/Bookings72hrs/tabid/181/Default.aspx
then scroll down to Dobbs, Conrad T.
Now read the charge.
What do you suppose was the arresting officer's first clue?
Sad but true.
The following comments from a teacher follow the article in the Savannah Morning News detailing plans to fire 100% of the employees at the failed Beach High School. Just 30 seconds ago, I heard that story on Fox News in the background. Sorry to say, but based on my limited experience in the classroom, I find his / her comments entirely accurate.
Every day I am asked to do
By underpaid overworked teacher
03/26/10 - 11:31
Every day I am asked to do more and more as a teacher. Every day the students are asked to do less and less. We're surprised that the students can't pass the required tests? As a teacher, I am asked to reinforce daily that the students are not responsible for anything. Can't do homework? That's ok. We just won't give it. Can't get turn something in when it's due? That's ok. You'll get a second chance, and a third, and a fourth, and probably even a fifth. In the end when you just don't do it, you'll just get a chance at "credit recovery" formerly known as "social promotion". I don't want a doctor working on me who got "credit recovery" in med school. I have to buy my own paper if I want to have any to use and supply my own pencils (to the same students every day and sometimes multiple times in the SAME day). There are no consequences at school for misbehavior or at home. When I was in school, I would have never dreamed (nor would my parents have called up to school) of asking for a second chance on an assignment. We got a zero. Yes a zero...the horror. We were MUCH less likely to make another one. Now I'm told I can't give a zero when child doesn't do an assignment. This "feel good" approach to education is not doing the country any favors. We are creating a generation of students who will never be taught to be responsible for anything in their entire lives.
Locally, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th,and 5th chances are generally referred to as "re-teaching."
Every day I am asked to do
By underpaid overworked teacher
03/26/10 - 11:31
Every day I am asked to do more and more as a teacher. Every day the students are asked to do less and less. We're surprised that the students can't pass the required tests? As a teacher, I am asked to reinforce daily that the students are not responsible for anything. Can't do homework? That's ok. We just won't give it. Can't get turn something in when it's due? That's ok. You'll get a second chance, and a third, and a fourth, and probably even a fifth. In the end when you just don't do it, you'll just get a chance at "credit recovery" formerly known as "social promotion". I don't want a doctor working on me who got "credit recovery" in med school. I have to buy my own paper if I want to have any to use and supply my own pencils (to the same students every day and sometimes multiple times in the SAME day). There are no consequences at school for misbehavior or at home. When I was in school, I would have never dreamed (nor would my parents have called up to school) of asking for a second chance on an assignment. We got a zero. Yes a zero...the horror. We were MUCH less likely to make another one. Now I'm told I can't give a zero when child doesn't do an assignment. This "feel good" approach to education is not doing the country any favors. We are creating a generation of students who will never be taught to be responsible for anything in their entire lives.
Locally, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th,and 5th chances are generally referred to as "re-teaching."
Don't forget to turn on all of your lights!
Turn on all of your lights tonight between 8:30 and 9:30 PM.
Show your appreciation to the men and women of Gerogia Power who keep us in cheap and reliable electricity through fair weather and foul. Help counter the assault on their income stream by silly Green eco-weenies in a totally meaningless and ineffective self-aggrandizing gesture.
9:30 PM update: Well, from the windows of my house, where all lights are still burning and have been since 8:25PM, I can see a total of 12 houses in my S/D. I'm happy to report that not one went dark during the last hour. Apparently, Victoria Plantation is an All-American, nut-free zone!
Show your appreciation to the men and women of Gerogia Power who keep us in cheap and reliable electricity through fair weather and foul. Help counter the assault on their income stream by silly Green eco-weenies in a totally meaningless and ineffective self-aggrandizing gesture.
9:30 PM update: Well, from the windows of my house, where all lights are still burning and have been since 8:25PM, I can see a total of 12 houses in my S/D. I'm happy to report that not one went dark during the last hour. Apparently, Victoria Plantation is an All-American, nut-free zone!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Update on Chapman's refusal to go along with ending the cap.
This update from Councilwoman Hase via e-mail at 4:55 PM:
Update on HB 1151: After several contacts, Senator Chapman decided to compromise and put a cap of $40,000 (it is now $25,000) instead of eliminating the cap altogether, as the St Marys City Council voted to do. But I ask you, if the County doesn’t have a cap on seniors’ income and Kingsland doesn’t have a cap, why should St Marys have to have one?
I also talked with Rep Hill again, and she said that local legislation gets 5 more days to be considered. It is crossover day at the legislature, so I thought that meant the last day for all legislation, but it doesn’t. So, if you haven’t contacted Chapman yet, please do so by next Thursday; and if you have called, call again and tell him we want no cap on seniors’ income so that St Marys can have the same advantages as Kingsland and the County. St Marys seniors deserve the same benefits as their neighbors.
Please contact your Senator at 912-399-8683. Thanks, Deb Hase, St Marys
Update on HB 1151: After several contacts, Senator Chapman decided to compromise and put a cap of $40,000 (it is now $25,000) instead of eliminating the cap altogether, as the St Marys City Council voted to do. But I ask you, if the County doesn’t have a cap on seniors’ income and Kingsland doesn’t have a cap, why should St Marys have to have one?
I also talked with Rep Hill again, and she said that local legislation gets 5 more days to be considered. It is crossover day at the legislature, so I thought that meant the last day for all legislation, but it doesn’t. So, if you haven’t contacted Chapman yet, please do so by next Thursday; and if you have called, call again and tell him we want no cap on seniors’ income so that St Marys can have the same advantages as Kingsland and the County. St Marys seniors deserve the same benefits as their neighbors.
Please contact your Senator at 912-399-8683. Thanks, Deb Hase, St Marys
Red legislative alert for St. Marys seniors / friends of seniors.
This e-mail just in from Councilwoman Hase.
To All Seniors: I just learned from our State Rep Cecily Hill that our Senator Jeff Chapman is refusing to sign the legislation the City sent to him for a $25,000 Seniors Homestead Exemption. He doesn’t agree with it. If you don’t know, as the law is right now the city has a cap on the income of seniors who can get this. The income cap is $25,000 per household. The council voted to eliminate the cap on income for seniors. If you want this bill to be passed and signed, please call him (chapman ) today. This is the last day for this to go to the legislature. If our senator wont’ sign it, it won’t happen. Our mayor talked to him yesterday and he still refuses to sign. We need to put the pressure on him. With our assessments up to extraordinary heights we all need what help we can get, and seniors do in particular. Seniors need that $25,000 off of our assessments!
If you want to call him, his number is 912-399-8683. Thanks. Deborah
In other words, if you are a senior citizen currently living in St. Marys AND your income is LESS THAN $25,000, you get $25,000 knocked off of your assessment for city taxes, thus lowering your city property tax bill.
The legislation that Chapman is refusing to sign is to remove the income cap so that the exemption is available to ALL St. Marys seniors over 65, regardless of income.
TODAY is the last legislative day for Chapman to sign this bill. Call him!
To All Seniors: I just learned from our State Rep Cecily Hill that our Senator Jeff Chapman is refusing to sign the legislation the City sent to him for a $25,000 Seniors Homestead Exemption. He doesn’t agree with it. If you don’t know, as the law is right now the city has a cap on the income of seniors who can get this. The income cap is $25,000 per household. The council voted to eliminate the cap on income for seniors. If you want this bill to be passed and signed, please call him (chapman ) today. This is the last day for this to go to the legislature. If our senator wont’ sign it, it won’t happen. Our mayor talked to him yesterday and he still refuses to sign. We need to put the pressure on him. With our assessments up to extraordinary heights we all need what help we can get, and seniors do in particular. Seniors need that $25,000 off of our assessments!
If you want to call him, his number is 912-399-8683. Thanks. Deborah
In other words, if you are a senior citizen currently living in St. Marys AND your income is LESS THAN $25,000, you get $25,000 knocked off of your assessment for city taxes, thus lowering your city property tax bill.
The legislation that Chapman is refusing to sign is to remove the income cap so that the exemption is available to ALL St. Marys seniors over 65, regardless of income.
TODAY is the last legislative day for Chapman to sign this bill. Call him!
Failed "98% black" high school in Savannah to fire entire staff!
http://savannahnow.com/latest-news/2010-03-25/update-entire-beach-high-school-staff-be-fired-part-reorganization
The cooks and custodians too? Don't miss the comments. They are sadly telling.
The cooks and custodians too? Don't miss the comments. They are sadly telling.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Ga. Senate approves new, expanded gun carry law.
http://savannahnow.com/latest-news/2010-03-24/ga-senate-approves-controversial-gun-carry-law
Good. College students and congregations have been unprotected sitting ducks for way too long.
Oh, by the way, if this thing is signed into law, you will no longer be able to get your concealed carry permit locally from Judge Gillette's office. You'll have to go through the Secretary of State's office.
I think I'll renew mine this afternoon after class.
Here's a link to the actual bill: http://www.inet.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/fulltext/sb308.htm
Good. College students and congregations have been unprotected sitting ducks for way too long.
Oh, by the way, if this thing is signed into law, you will no longer be able to get your concealed carry permit locally from Judge Gillette's office. You'll have to go through the Secretary of State's office.
I think I'll renew mine this afternoon after class.
Here's a link to the actual bill: http://www.inet.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/fulltext/sb308.htm
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
An interesting question.
Recently. on TOPIX Kingsland, "someone" with what may well be the most virulent case of JDS in the county posed the question what would I do with this blog if I deceded to run for the District 4 county commission seat, now held by Charlene Sears, and won. Of course, the question was actually a hate-filled, accusatory, polemic, but that was the essential question.
Well, let me think about that.
On the one hand, I certainly do not think that any elected official should foreswear his First Amendment rights the moment he is sworn in. Now, traditionally, once someone is elected, they immediately begin to parse their words very carefully based upon political considerations - i.e., how will this effect my chances the next time I run. That is utterly antithetical to my nature. I'm definitely a "tell-it-like-it-is" or at least a "tell-it-as-I-see-it" (which is almost always the same thing) kind of person.
Having said that, the question shifts from what I would do to what I should do. In other words, should my public utterances be tempered in any way by virtue of my being an elected official. Well, the concept of "avoding even the APPEARANCE of a conflcit of interest" comes to mind. Unlike the incumbent in the District 4 race, I have a total understanding of the true meaning of that maxim and would certainly comply with not only the letter of the law but the spirit of that dictum. Now, it seems to me that an analogous situation would arise insofar as it might be hard to distingusih whether I was writng in my capacity as a private citizen or a county commissioner. In some instances, such as the story of my ongoing battle with the moles or the eagle sighting, the distinction would be a moot point.
In the case of my critcizing the actions of the mayors and councils of the three municipalities, to include satirizing certain members thereof, it certainly would be an issue. Ditto for praising the product and service of one taxpaying Camden business owner while panning another. My unquestionable First Amendment right to do so as a private citizen notwithstanding, insofar as there might be even the appearance of an impropriety coming from a sitting commissioner, it would seem that I would need to take a decision to avoid "even the appearance."
So, after some thought, here is what I will do if elected. Rather than delete Camden Commentary in its entirety, which can be done with one keystroke, I will keep it alive. However, subsequent to my election, I will publish on it far less frequently. Politics, restaurant reviews, reports of city council meetings, etc., will be off limits. Innocuous, apolitical puff pieces will be the order of the day. Oh, and the ads may or may not remain. I see absolutely no conflcit there.
So much for Camden Commentary. If I do take the decision to run, I will start a new blog. It will intially be a campaign blog. In the event that I am elected, I will use that blog to communicate with my constituents as an individual county commissioner. That is as opposed to speaking for the entire county commision. One of the things that has always bugged me when I attend county commission meetings is the wham-bam nature in which many agenda items are moved along with no attempt whatsoever to explain to the attending public what an agenda item is about. I would use that blog to ensure that all Camdenians could find out, in easily understandable terms, what all agenda items are really about, my position on the matter, and why I've taken that position. If my comments would serve to sway another commissioner or two to my way of thinking on a given issue, so much the better. Insofar as commenting upon the actions of any of the cities' legislative bodies, I would comment only upon those which would directly involve the county goverment.
I think that this is a good and workable solution.
Your thoughts?
Well, let me think about that.
On the one hand, I certainly do not think that any elected official should foreswear his First Amendment rights the moment he is sworn in. Now, traditionally, once someone is elected, they immediately begin to parse their words very carefully based upon political considerations - i.e., how will this effect my chances the next time I run. That is utterly antithetical to my nature. I'm definitely a "tell-it-like-it-is" or at least a "tell-it-as-I-see-it" (which is almost always the same thing) kind of person.
Having said that, the question shifts from what I would do to what I should do. In other words, should my public utterances be tempered in any way by virtue of my being an elected official. Well, the concept of "avoding even the APPEARANCE of a conflcit of interest" comes to mind. Unlike the incumbent in the District 4 race, I have a total understanding of the true meaning of that maxim and would certainly comply with not only the letter of the law but the spirit of that dictum. Now, it seems to me that an analogous situation would arise insofar as it might be hard to distingusih whether I was writng in my capacity as a private citizen or a county commissioner. In some instances, such as the story of my ongoing battle with the moles or the eagle sighting, the distinction would be a moot point.
In the case of my critcizing the actions of the mayors and councils of the three municipalities, to include satirizing certain members thereof, it certainly would be an issue. Ditto for praising the product and service of one taxpaying Camden business owner while panning another. My unquestionable First Amendment right to do so as a private citizen notwithstanding, insofar as there might be even the appearance of an impropriety coming from a sitting commissioner, it would seem that I would need to take a decision to avoid "even the appearance."
So, after some thought, here is what I will do if elected. Rather than delete Camden Commentary in its entirety, which can be done with one keystroke, I will keep it alive. However, subsequent to my election, I will publish on it far less frequently. Politics, restaurant reviews, reports of city council meetings, etc., will be off limits. Innocuous, apolitical puff pieces will be the order of the day. Oh, and the ads may or may not remain. I see absolutely no conflcit there.
So much for Camden Commentary. If I do take the decision to run, I will start a new blog. It will intially be a campaign blog. In the event that I am elected, I will use that blog to communicate with my constituents as an individual county commissioner. That is as opposed to speaking for the entire county commision. One of the things that has always bugged me when I attend county commission meetings is the wham-bam nature in which many agenda items are moved along with no attempt whatsoever to explain to the attending public what an agenda item is about. I would use that blog to ensure that all Camdenians could find out, in easily understandable terms, what all agenda items are really about, my position on the matter, and why I've taken that position. If my comments would serve to sway another commissioner or two to my way of thinking on a given issue, so much the better. Insofar as commenting upon the actions of any of the cities' legislative bodies, I would comment only upon those which would directly involve the county goverment.
I think that this is a good and workable solution.
Your thoughts?
Radical Ottowan lefties cancel Coulter appearance with threats of violence.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/24/protest-cancels-coulter-speech-ottawa/?test=latestnews
Hmm.. "radical Ottowan lefties." Why does that have a familiar ring to it?
Hmm.. "radical Ottowan lefties." Why does that have a familiar ring to it?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Cedar Oak Cafe gets beer and wine license.
At last night's St. Marys City Council meeting, Cedar Oak Cafe got their license approved. The only nay vote was Councilwoman Hase. Hower, the entire council, one-by-one, each presented their own little kabuki dance trying to appease the group from the church across the street and do right (as they had no legal option but to do) by the applicant. I missed the brief public hearing at 5:30, but when I arrived, the church's minister was out on the porch surrounding by fawning, hard-core, hard shell, militant tee-totalers immersed in a miasma of self-rightousness. It was related during the meeting that they had complained that although the church was outside the 100 foot exclusion zone for the "festival district," the nearest edge of the church grounds were not. Their argument was that at times (Sundays, I assume) some of the children attending the church would gambol on the lawn immediately across the street from the cafe where drinking would be going on, ergo the license should be denied. While Hase argued that denying an otherwise valid and qualifying application for a liquor license should be at the discretion of the council, if only to appease church members, the remaining councilmen pretended to deeply regret that the ordinance was not worded in such a way as to measure from the edge of the church lawn rather than the building itself. They all alluded to how they would be willing to change the rule in future iterations of the alcohol ordinance. Ah, such political courage!
The usual assortment of anti-airport relocation nuts were there, egged on by "No-Conflict Bird." "Hawaii 5-0 and Holding" Rillo and Bob Nutter both spoke and read during both public comment segments.
Alex Kearns and Barbara Ryan both took to the podium to congratulate themselves on their wonderfulness then promptly left - as they always do.
The council approved a memorandum of understanding with Family Matters Counseling. That's the mental health outfit that got a DDA loan to refurbish Kyle Lewis' old hardware store for an office. Here's the deal. When the SMPD encounters someone who is exhibiting symptoms of mental illness, they can call the on-call psychologist from Family Matters for an immediate evaluation. The ladies who own Family Matters are doing this pro-bono. It's a good thjing, however, during the last public comments, drawing on my insurance / risk management experience, I pointed out that there is a potential risk for the city. For example, if the SMPD refers an arrestee to Family Matters for a pre-incarceration evaluation; the psychologist clears the arrestee for immediate incarceration; 4 hour later, the arrestee is found hanging in his cell; decedent's estate's attorney names not only Family Matters but City of St. Marys in ensuing law suit. I suggested that the city attorney take a look at the professional liability policies of Family Matters psychologists to make sure they are covered for pro-bono pre-incarceration evals and take whatever other steps he deems prudent to insulate the city from liability.
The usual assortment of anti-airport relocation nuts were there, egged on by "No-Conflict Bird." "Hawaii 5-0 and Holding" Rillo and Bob Nutter both spoke and read during both public comment segments.
Alex Kearns and Barbara Ryan both took to the podium to congratulate themselves on their wonderfulness then promptly left - as they always do.
The council approved a memorandum of understanding with Family Matters Counseling. That's the mental health outfit that got a DDA loan to refurbish Kyle Lewis' old hardware store for an office. Here's the deal. When the SMPD encounters someone who is exhibiting symptoms of mental illness, they can call the on-call psychologist from Family Matters for an immediate evaluation. The ladies who own Family Matters are doing this pro-bono. It's a good thjing, however, during the last public comments, drawing on my insurance / risk management experience, I pointed out that there is a potential risk for the city. For example, if the SMPD refers an arrestee to Family Matters for a pre-incarceration evaluation; the psychologist clears the arrestee for immediate incarceration; 4 hour later, the arrestee is found hanging in his cell; decedent's estate's attorney names not only Family Matters but City of St. Marys in ensuing law suit. I suggested that the city attorney take a look at the professional liability policies of Family Matters psychologists to make sure they are covered for pro-bono pre-incarceration evals and take whatever other steps he deems prudent to insulate the city from liability.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Another battle lost in the mole war.
A mole or moles invaded my front lawn a while back. About two or three weekends ago, I bought some mole bait from Lowes. This was some stuff that looked like rabbit pellets. It came in a cone- shaped container. The idea was that you would use the point of the container to poke a hole into the critter's tunnels every few feet and deposit a few of the poison-laden baits. As I was headed to the cash register with it, another customer stopped me and warned that he had tried it last year with negative results. I shrugged my shoulders and said, "What the hell - for five bucks I'll give it a try." He was right: zero effect.
Last weekend, I came across a new product in Lowe's. This was a box with six earthworm-shaped baits. It just so happened that only days before, I had read a glowing report about this product on line. The review said it was "pricey, but worth it." So, I paid my $20.00 for six worms and installed them as directed. I just looked out my window to see that a week later, the little bastard's tunnel complex has grown considerably. So much for poisoned worms.
Now, there is always the spring loaded trap for $18.00. However, if I put it out on the front lawn someone will steal it or worse, a kid or a loose neighborhood pet will impale his foot or muzzle in it.
I've got a great idea for a new product. It originated from a guy who told me that he solved a similar problem by stabbing a pitchfork into the entire length of a mole tunnel. Picture a long wooden handle like you might find on a hoe. Now, at the business end picture a long, U-shaped yoke. Near the open end of the yoke, an axle passes through it. The axle secures a wheel with a series of radial steel tines, like the times on a pitchfork. The tines are long and sharp enough so that with a light downward pressure, the operator can roll the tines along the entire length of the little bastard's tunnel, promptly dispatching him.
If someone would be so kind as to whip one of those up and come take this little iron-gutted bastard out, I'll gladly sign over the rights for the promise of one of your first production models for free.
Last weekend, I came across a new product in Lowe's. This was a box with six earthworm-shaped baits. It just so happened that only days before, I had read a glowing report about this product on line. The review said it was "pricey, but worth it." So, I paid my $20.00 for six worms and installed them as directed. I just looked out my window to see that a week later, the little bastard's tunnel complex has grown considerably. So much for poisoned worms.
Now, there is always the spring loaded trap for $18.00. However, if I put it out on the front lawn someone will steal it or worse, a kid or a loose neighborhood pet will impale his foot or muzzle in it.
I've got a great idea for a new product. It originated from a guy who told me that he solved a similar problem by stabbing a pitchfork into the entire length of a mole tunnel. Picture a long wooden handle like you might find on a hoe. Now, at the business end picture a long, U-shaped yoke. Near the open end of the yoke, an axle passes through it. The axle secures a wheel with a series of radial steel tines, like the times on a pitchfork. The tines are long and sharp enough so that with a light downward pressure, the operator can roll the tines along the entire length of the little bastard's tunnel, promptly dispatching him.
If someone would be so kind as to whip one of those up and come take this little iron-gutted bastard out, I'll gladly sign over the rights for the promise of one of your first production models for free.
Sunday Funnies; Volume 107
On their wedding night, the young bride
Approached her new husband and asked
For $20..00 for their first lovemaking
Encounter. In his highly aroused state,
Her husband readily agreed.
This scenario was repeated each time they made
Love, for more than 30 years, with him thinking that it was a
Cute way for her to afford new clothes and other incidentals that
She needed.
Arriving home around noon one day, she was
Surprised to find her husband in a very drunken state.
During the next few minutes, he explained that
His employer was going through a process of corporate
Downsizing, and he had been let go.
It was unlikely that, at the age of 59, he'd be able to find
Another position that paid anywhere near what
He'd been earning, and therefore, they were financially ruined.
Calmly, his wife handed him a bank book which
Showed more than thirty years of steady deposits and interest totaling
Nearly $1 million. Then she showed him certificates of deposits issued
By the bank which were worth over $2 million,
And informed him that they
Were one of the largest depositors in the bank.
She explained that for more than
Three decades she had 'charged' him for sex,
These holdings had multiplied and these were the
Results of her savings and investments.
Faced with evidence of cash and investments
Worth over $3 million, her husband was so astounded he could
Barely speak, but finally he found his voice and blurted out,
'If I'd had any idea what you were doing,
I would have given you all my business!'
That's when she shot him.
You know, sometimes, men just don't know when
To keep their mouths shut!
Approached her new husband and asked
For $20..00 for their first lovemaking
Encounter. In his highly aroused state,
Her husband readily agreed.
This scenario was repeated each time they made
Love, for more than 30 years, with him thinking that it was a
Cute way for her to afford new clothes and other incidentals that
She needed.
Arriving home around noon one day, she was
Surprised to find her husband in a very drunken state.
During the next few minutes, he explained that
His employer was going through a process of corporate
Downsizing, and he had been let go.
It was unlikely that, at the age of 59, he'd be able to find
Another position that paid anywhere near what
He'd been earning, and therefore, they were financially ruined.
Calmly, his wife handed him a bank book which
Showed more than thirty years of steady deposits and interest totaling
Nearly $1 million. Then she showed him certificates of deposits issued
By the bank which were worth over $2 million,
And informed him that they
Were one of the largest depositors in the bank.
She explained that for more than
Three decades she had 'charged' him for sex,
These holdings had multiplied and these were the
Results of her savings and investments.
Faced with evidence of cash and investments
Worth over $3 million, her husband was so astounded he could
Barely speak, but finally he found his voice and blurted out,
'If I'd had any idea what you were doing,
I would have given you all my business!'
That's when she shot him.
You know, sometimes, men just don't know when
To keep their mouths shut!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Bald eagle sighting.
Just a few minutes ago, I was out in my back yard with Cojack enjoying the nice weather. I happened to glance up and catch sight of a mature bald eagle making lazy circles over the apartments behind me at an estimated altitude of no more than 150 feet. That's the first one I've seen since I moved here in 1993.
I've got a 6 foot fence that will protect Cojack from coyote attack. I'm hoping that 30 lb dogs are not on the bald eagle menu.
There was a tall column of circling buzzards a little to the east of me. The eagle flew over and mingled with the buzzards for a few minutes. They seemed to ignore him. I'm guessing buzzards are not on the menu.
The last I saw of him, he was heading south towards the St. Marys River.
I've got a 6 foot fence that will protect Cojack from coyote attack. I'm hoping that 30 lb dogs are not on the bald eagle menu.
There was a tall column of circling buzzards a little to the east of me. The eagle flew over and mingled with the buzzards for a few minutes. They seemed to ignore him. I'm guessing buzzards are not on the menu.
The last I saw of him, he was heading south towards the St. Marys River.
Friday, March 19, 2010
John Stossel on sanctimonious Green eco-weenies.
http://stossel.blogs.foxbusiness.com/2010/03/18/green-crooks/comment-page-1/?action=late-new
My favorite comment:
4gsltw
"Ashley," Greenies are insanely radical, implacably gullible, and willfully ignorant. I know, since all of the above obviously apply directly to you, you'll pay no mind (what little you use) to this comment. Understand that this is for others who may be leaning left, but haven't had the reason brainwashed out of them. Literally everyone cares about the environment, however reasoning and humane people don't force humanity back into the dark ages to protect a gnat.
March 18, 2010 at 5:36 pm
My favorite comment:
4gsltw
"Ashley," Greenies are insanely radical, implacably gullible, and willfully ignorant. I know, since all of the above obviously apply directly to you, you'll pay no mind (what little you use) to this comment. Understand that this is for others who may be leaning left, but haven't had the reason brainwashed out of them. Literally everyone cares about the environment, however reasoning and humane people don't force humanity back into the dark ages to protect a gnat.
March 18, 2010 at 5:36 pm
T&G reports that Commissioner Sears has suffered an attack of "ethics." Reportedly resting comfortably at home.
“There was no question
about the majority of the
residents’ perspective on
this. Every time I went to
the grocery store, or anywhere
really, people would
come up to me to say that
they wanted me to vote to
not suspend the fees,” Sears
said. “Each conversation,
each e-mail, letter and comment
that I got, I weighed
each of them equally and at
the end, when I examined
the number of voices from
each side, I couldn’t ethically
vote for suspending
fees." (Charlene Sears)
Tribune & Georgian, 3/19/10
about the majority of the
residents’ perspective on
this. Every time I went to
the grocery store, or anywhere
really, people would
come up to me to say that
they wanted me to vote to
not suspend the fees,” Sears
said. “Each conversation,
each e-mail, letter and comment
that I got, I weighed
each of them equally and at
the end, when I examined
the number of voices from
each side, I couldn’t ethically
vote for suspending
fees." (Charlene Sears)
Tribune & Georgian, 3/19/10
Thursday, March 18, 2010
St. Marys City Council meeting Monday night.
This time, I'm giving you the link to the councilmemberss' "packet." It contains not only the agenda but the background info the mayor and council get on all of the issues. Be patient, the PDF WILL pop up.
http://www.ci.st-marys.ga.us/council/2010/3.22.10%20City%20Council%20Meeting%20Packet.pdf
Check out the nearly $28,000 we have to spend to look for flatland salamanders and red cockaded woodpeckers at the proposed airport site. God forbid the woodpeckers might have to fly or the salamanders might have to crawl 100 yards to adjacent suitable habitat. If any Green eco-weenies are found trespassing on the site, I hope they will be frisked for salamanders.
http://www.ci.st-marys.ga.us/council/2010/3.22.10%20City%20Council%20Meeting%20Packet.pdf
Check out the nearly $28,000 we have to spend to look for flatland salamanders and red cockaded woodpeckers at the proposed airport site. God forbid the woodpeckers might have to fly or the salamanders might have to crawl 100 yards to adjacent suitable habitat. If any Green eco-weenies are found trespassing on the site, I hope they will be frisked for salamanders.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
But is that really the case?
From Topix Kingsland:
concerned person
Newport News, VA
12 min ago Last night the commisioners voted to keep the impact fees and not to refund those that have already been paid. While I understand the need to pay for sewage, water, roads, library, emergency services, fire services for the emerging developments. The money has to come from somewhere. SO, it makes sense to charge those individuals in those types of areas for those services. But, what about the individual who is building his own home on a private road (non-county mantained), putting a septic tank in, putting a well in, Who has a pond in his front yard for fire trucks to use in case of fire, lives less than a mile from a county fire station. Has no kids in school (no need for a library), lived in the county his entire life. Lets face it. It is unfair for that person to pay 2105.00 for developing subdivisions elsewhere in the county. Its is unfair for that person to pay 2105 for services he does not get!
Okay, Camden Commentary readers, before I tell you the facts, why don't y'all think it over and give us your thoughts?
concerned person
Newport News, VA
12 min ago Last night the commisioners voted to keep the impact fees and not to refund those that have already been paid. While I understand the need to pay for sewage, water, roads, library, emergency services, fire services for the emerging developments. The money has to come from somewhere. SO, it makes sense to charge those individuals in those types of areas for those services. But, what about the individual who is building his own home on a private road (non-county mantained), putting a septic tank in, putting a well in, Who has a pond in his front yard for fire trucks to use in case of fire, lives less than a mile from a county fire station. Has no kids in school (no need for a library), lived in the county his entire life. Lets face it. It is unfair for that person to pay 2105.00 for developing subdivisions elsewhere in the county. Its is unfair for that person to pay 2105 for services he does not get!
Okay, Camden Commentary readers, before I tell you the facts, why don't y'all think it over and give us your thoughts?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Berry Bombshell !!!
At the very end of tonight's CCBOC meeting, Commissioner Steve Berry sadly announced that he just closed on a new home (I suspect that "palatial estate " is probably more accurate) in St. Augustine.
His last day as a county commissioner will be August 31st of this year!!
Get this: the CCBOC will APPOINT someone to fill the remainder of his term, which is not up until 31 December 2012! Possible correction: Gordon Jackson is reporting that they will appoint someone to fill his term until a special election. I'll check on that tomorrow.
Man, this is bad news. The mean IQ of the CCBOC just took a serious hit. We taxpayers just lost one helluva friend and protector.
Well, if you are in District 3, worth a damn, and interested, I guess you need to let the commission know. You should certainly encourage your supporters to start to lobby the remaining four via e-mails ASAP.
By the way, I have a strong feeling that word must have leaked out. Why? Feller was there for the first time in recent memory.
Thanks, Steve, for 14 years of exceptionally competent public service on both the school board and the county commission.
His last day as a county commissioner will be August 31st of this year!!
Get this: the CCBOC will APPOINT someone to fill the remainder of his term, which is not up until 31 December 2012! Possible correction: Gordon Jackson is reporting that they will appoint someone to fill his term until a special election. I'll check on that tomorrow.
Man, this is bad news. The mean IQ of the CCBOC just took a serious hit. We taxpayers just lost one helluva friend and protector.
Well, if you are in District 3, worth a damn, and interested, I guess you need to let the commission know. You should certainly encourage your supporters to start to lobby the remaining four via e-mails ASAP.
By the way, I have a strong feeling that word must have leaked out. Why? Feller was there for the first time in recent memory.
Thanks, Steve, for 14 years of exceptionally competent public service on both the school board and the county commission.
Congratulations, fellow taxpayers: we won!!!
Camden County impact fees , by a three to two vote, will remain inviolate!
After the public hearing, Commissioner Berry made a motion to scrap the whole idea of suspending fees and leave things exactly as they are. In a reversal, Nisi Zell - who is up for re-election this year - quickly seconded the motion. By way of discussion, David Rainer pointed out that he was the one who made the original motion to adopt impact fees. Chip Keene, in an apparent bone to disgruntled Woodbiners (the jail), said that $2105.25 ( the impact fee on a home) was a lot of money to some folks (I had earlier detailed just how little it really is in the grand scheme of purchasing a newly constructed $175,000 house). Charlene Sears, the originator of this turkey, remained silent. In the end, Berry, Zell, and SEARS voted to leave the impact fees as is: Rainer and Keene were the nay votes.
After the public hearing, Commissioner Berry made a motion to scrap the whole idea of suspending fees and leave things exactly as they are. In a reversal, Nisi Zell - who is up for re-election this year - quickly seconded the motion. By way of discussion, David Rainer pointed out that he was the one who made the original motion to adopt impact fees. Chip Keene, in an apparent bone to disgruntled Woodbiners (the jail), said that $2105.25 ( the impact fee on a home) was a lot of money to some folks (I had earlier detailed just how little it really is in the grand scheme of purchasing a newly constructed $175,000 house). Charlene Sears, the originator of this turkey, remained silent. In the end, Berry, Zell, and SEARS voted to leave the impact fees as is: Rainer and Keene were the nay votes.
I've owned this oven for a little over a year now. It's an excellent product. It is large enough to handle a 3.5 lb chicken but still will fit under your upper kitchen cabinets on your countertop.
By the way, the convection option will roast that chicken to absolute, juicy perfection in just 1 hour at 350 degrees.
There is hardly a day that goes by that I do not use this oven. In fact, I've never turned on my larger oven.
I highly recommend this product.
By the way, the convection option will roast that chicken to absolute, juicy perfection in just 1 hour at 350 degrees.
There is hardly a day that goes by that I do not use this oven. In fact, I've never turned on my larger oven.
I highly recommend this product.
Monday, March 15, 2010
And "funny" Feller's point is ???
From Topix, Kingsland: http://www.topix.com/forum/city/kingsland-ga/TF1RLH9534DSHGG50/p3#lastPost
funny
Saint Marys, GA
Reply »
Report Abuse
Judge it!
#43
29 min ago Stan wrote:
Why do you like Sandy over Weaver?
(Feller writes under the name "funny") Sandy has experience and a history of being on the taxpayers (sic) every time over a period of 14 years. Mr. Weaver had no experience aside from his spouse. His spouse was recently defeated for reelection in St. Marys.
Mr. Feller, if you are going to attack a competing candidate via his wife's record, at least have the cajones to come out from behind the cowardly "funny" nom de guerre and do it under your own name!
funny
Saint Marys, GA
Reply »
Report Abuse
Judge it!
#43
29 min ago Stan wrote:
Why do you like Sandy over Weaver?
(Feller writes under the name "funny") Sandy has experience and a history of being on the taxpayers (sic) every time over a period of 14 years. Mr. Weaver had no experience aside from his spouse. His spouse was recently defeated for reelection in St. Marys.
Mr. Feller, if you are going to attack a competing candidate via his wife's record, at least have the cajones to come out from behind the cowardly "funny" nom de guerre and do it under your own name!
Tomorrow night's main event: The 4 county commissioners and the developers versus the taxpayers of Camden County.
AGENDA
Camden County Board of Commissioners
Government Services Building, (Courthouse Square)
200 East 4thStreet, 2nd Floor, Room 252,
Commissioners’ Meeting Chambers
Woodbine, Georgia
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Convene Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM
Opening Ceremonies
• Invocation
• Pledge
Roll Call
Agenda Amendments
Adoption of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
• March 2, 2010 Regular Meeting minutes
Presentations
• Servicing the At Risk Population - Presented by Cap Fendig
• Update regarding the Office of the Tax Assessor - Presented by Board of Assessor Chair Richard Frizzell
• Presentation of Certificate of Service to James Holland, former Altamaha Riverkeeper – Presented by Vice-Chair Zell
Public Comments
Regular Agenda
Administration – County Administrator Steve Howard
1. Approval for Chair to execute Tax Release Applications.
Finance & Budget – Mike Fender
2. Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2010.
Office of the County Attorney – Attorney Brent Green
3. Approval to Advertise for Public Hearings regarding Amendments to the Camden County Official Code of Ordinances, Roads, Chapter 46, Section 37, Subsection a, b, & c, Traffic Controls, Multi-use Recreational Trails & Destruction of Right-of-Way.
Public Safety – Chief Dennis Gailey
4. 2009 Homeland Security Grant Program / State Homeland Security Grant Program Award.
5. State Office of Emergency Medical Services Mobile Data Grant.
Convene Public Hearing
• Public Hearing to consider and receive public comments on a proposal to suspend the collection of the Development Impact Fees by Camden County by amending the current Impact Fee Ordinance Attachment “A” (the fee schedule) to be changed to $0, and refund the Impact Fees collected back to January 1, 2009. Amendments to the Impact Fee Ordinance.
Adjourn Public Hearing
Convene Public Hearing
• Addendums to the previously approved Amendments to the Unified Development Code of Camden County (UDC) regarding Master Land Use Plan (MLUP) -1, 2, 3 & 4.
Adjourn Public Hearing
Reconvene Regular Meeting
Planning & Development – John Peterson
6. First Reading of Amendments to the Impact Fee Ordinance to suspend the collection of the Development Impact Fees by Camden County by amending the current Impact Fee Ordinance Attachment “A” (the fee schedule) to be changed to $0, and refund the Impact Fees collected back to January 1, 2009.
7. First Reading of Addendums to the previously approved Amendments to the Unified Development Code of Camden County (UDC) regarding Master Land Use Plan (MLUP) -1, 2, 3 & 4.
Reports
• Calendar – March/April
• County Administrator’s Report
Additional Public Comments
Adjourn BOC Meeting
Please be advised that this agenda is subject to amendments. Please contact the Office of the County Clerk at (912) 576-5651 before 5:00 PM the day of the scheduled meeting to obtain such amendments.
Camden County Board of Commissioners
Government Services Building, (Courthouse Square)
200 East 4thStreet, 2nd Floor, Room 252,
Commissioners’ Meeting Chambers
Woodbine, Georgia
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Convene Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM
Opening Ceremonies
• Invocation
• Pledge
Roll Call
Agenda Amendments
Adoption of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
• March 2, 2010 Regular Meeting minutes
Presentations
• Servicing the At Risk Population - Presented by Cap Fendig
• Update regarding the Office of the Tax Assessor - Presented by Board of Assessor Chair Richard Frizzell
• Presentation of Certificate of Service to James Holland, former Altamaha Riverkeeper – Presented by Vice-Chair Zell
Public Comments
Regular Agenda
Administration – County Administrator Steve Howard
1. Approval for Chair to execute Tax Release Applications.
Finance & Budget – Mike Fender
2. Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2010.
Office of the County Attorney – Attorney Brent Green
3. Approval to Advertise for Public Hearings regarding Amendments to the Camden County Official Code of Ordinances, Roads, Chapter 46, Section 37, Subsection a, b, & c, Traffic Controls, Multi-use Recreational Trails & Destruction of Right-of-Way.
Public Safety – Chief Dennis Gailey
4. 2009 Homeland Security Grant Program / State Homeland Security Grant Program Award.
5. State Office of Emergency Medical Services Mobile Data Grant.
Convene Public Hearing
• Public Hearing to consider and receive public comments on a proposal to suspend the collection of the Development Impact Fees by Camden County by amending the current Impact Fee Ordinance Attachment “A” (the fee schedule) to be changed to $0, and refund the Impact Fees collected back to January 1, 2009. Amendments to the Impact Fee Ordinance.
Adjourn Public Hearing
Convene Public Hearing
• Addendums to the previously approved Amendments to the Unified Development Code of Camden County (UDC) regarding Master Land Use Plan (MLUP) -1, 2, 3 & 4.
Adjourn Public Hearing
Reconvene Regular Meeting
Planning & Development – John Peterson
6. First Reading of Amendments to the Impact Fee Ordinance to suspend the collection of the Development Impact Fees by Camden County by amending the current Impact Fee Ordinance Attachment “A” (the fee schedule) to be changed to $0, and refund the Impact Fees collected back to January 1, 2009.
7. First Reading of Addendums to the previously approved Amendments to the Unified Development Code of Camden County (UDC) regarding Master Land Use Plan (MLUP) -1, 2, 3 & 4.
Reports
• Calendar – March/April
• County Administrator’s Report
Additional Public Comments
Adjourn BOC Meeting
Please be advised that this agenda is subject to amendments. Please contact the Office of the County Clerk at (912) 576-5651 before 5:00 PM the day of the scheduled meeting to obtain such amendments.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Now Feller, under his "funny" nom de guerre, is not only attacking me but Royal Weaver via Gull Weaver!
From Topix, Kingsland; http://www.topix.com/forum/city/kingsland-ga/TF1RLH9534DSHGG50/p2#lastPost
funny
Saint Marys, GA
Reply »
Report Abuse
Judge it!
#38
58 min ago Politics wrote:
What are these people thinking? First Impact Fee Suspension and NOW implementation of a "Redevelopment Powers Law" to open the TAD door season.
All while the BOE builds one of the most elaborate ELEMENTARY schools in the Country. Followed in the same year with a threat of 10 million reduction in personnel and services.
When we as a community get away from proper place to actually recruiting and hiring based on merit; the community may see brighter days. But based on the current forcast, I see gloom and doom.....
(Now Feller writes) Mr.Blount says the new elementary school was only 27 million dollars. Only 27,000,000.00. We beat tad before. We will beat tad again. Landmar spent 65,000.00 in advertising and we still beat them. That's why we need Sandy back on the commission. He has the track record of fighting for the taxpayers. Mr. Moreno has a track record of sleeping with the enemy (both school and commission).. If Mr. Weaver is anything like his wife we don't need him on the commission.
I don't have a wife but perhaps he will get around to attacking my dog. Yes, I backed ESPLOST and always will. The new elementary school was built with ESPLOST sales taxes - not property taxes.
"Sleeping with the commission" I can only assume is a reference to my refusal to join him in his demented Jihad against Commissioner Berry (but of course we have his word that he will work well with Berry if elected). I certainly have given them hell about the proposal to drop impact fees. I certainly do not apologize for siding with the TAXPAYERS when I vigorously and successfully advocated for having the county employees pay a more fair share of their health premiums.
funny
Saint Marys, GA
Reply »
Report Abuse
Judge it!
#38
58 min ago Politics wrote:
What are these people thinking? First Impact Fee Suspension and NOW implementation of a "Redevelopment Powers Law" to open the TAD door season.
All while the BOE builds one of the most elaborate ELEMENTARY schools in the Country. Followed in the same year with a threat of 10 million reduction in personnel and services.
When we as a community get away from proper place to actually recruiting and hiring based on merit; the community may see brighter days. But based on the current forcast, I see gloom and doom.....
(Now Feller writes) Mr.Blount says the new elementary school was only 27 million dollars. Only 27,000,000.00. We beat tad before. We will beat tad again. Landmar spent 65,000.00 in advertising and we still beat them. That's why we need Sandy back on the commission. He has the track record of fighting for the taxpayers. Mr. Moreno has a track record of sleeping with the enemy (both school and commission).. If Mr. Weaver is anything like his wife we don't need him on the commission.
I don't have a wife but perhaps he will get around to attacking my dog. Yes, I backed ESPLOST and always will. The new elementary school was built with ESPLOST sales taxes - not property taxes.
"Sleeping with the commission" I can only assume is a reference to my refusal to join him in his demented Jihad against Commissioner Berry (but of course we have his word that he will work well with Berry if elected). I certainly have given them hell about the proposal to drop impact fees. I certainly do not apologize for siding with the TAXPAYERS when I vigorously and successfully advocated for having the county employees pay a more fair share of their health premiums.
Sunday Funnies; Volume 106.
Four Worms and a Lesson to be Learned!!!!
A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon..
Four worms were placed into four separate jars.
The first worm was put into a container of alcohol.
The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke.
The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup.
The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil.
At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results:
The first worm in alcohol - Dead
The second worm in cigarette smoke - Dead
Third worm in chocolate syrup - Dead
Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive.
So the Minister asked the congregation -
What did you learn from this demonstration???
Maxine was sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said,
'As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!'
That pretty much ended the service
________________________________________
A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon..
Four worms were placed into four separate jars.
The first worm was put into a container of alcohol.
The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke.
The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup.
The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil.
At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results:
The first worm in alcohol - Dead
The second worm in cigarette smoke - Dead
Third worm in chocolate syrup - Dead
Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive.
So the Minister asked the congregation -
What did you learn from this demonstration???
Maxine was sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said,
'As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!'
That pretty much ended the service
________________________________________
Saturday, March 13, 2010
So much for trying to maintain the fiction that Topix' "funny" is not, in fact, the consummate vote whore, Sandy Feller.
funny
Kingsland, GA
Reply »
|Report Abuse
|Judge it!
|#36
16 min ago Sandy sez; If you do not have impact fees you are in double trouble. First, the current citizens of the community have to pay for infrastructure (roads, sewers, etc.) to make way for the new residents. Then the second hit comes when property values go up, then the current citizens get hit with a tax increase.
The county will have another public hearing and vote on Tuesday, March 16. Let them know what you think. read www.camdenganews for more information.
Kingsland, GA
Reply »
|Report Abuse
|Judge it!
|#36
16 min ago Sandy sez; If you do not have impact fees you are in double trouble. First, the current citizens of the community have to pay for infrastructure (roads, sewers, etc.) to make way for the new residents. Then the second hit comes when property values go up, then the current citizens get hit with a tax increase.
The county will have another public hearing and vote on Tuesday, March 16. Let them know what you think. read www.camdenganews for more information.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Now, before you even go there, consider this:
If you finance a Camden County impact fee of $2,105 at 5% for 30 years, the monthly payment on that amount is only $11.30. If an additional $11.30 will kill the deal, you were really not yet in a position to buy a house anyway.
I am of course referring to the accurate, though far from complete, quote in today's T&G of my remarks at the hearing on the suspension of the county impact fees held recently in front of the Planning and Development Board.
In my complete statement, I made it clear that I realized that there is no such thing a a newly constructed $100,000 house anymore and went on to point out that on a more typical $200,000 house, the impact fee constitutes a mere 1.05 % of the purchase price.
And no, my remaining hair was not on fire when I made those comments. :-)
The reported quote:
Also speaking during the
first hearing, St. Marys resident
Jay Moreno said he
believed that the $2,000 impact
would never deter
someone who was intending
to build a new home.
“I spent $2,000 on a fence
in my back yard. It was just
a regular fence for my dog.
If $2,000 is critical in the
decision to build or not,
that person has no business
building a new home. It’s
hard to build a home for
under $200,000 these days,
but even for a $100,000 new
home, that’s only 2.105 percent
of the total cost of construction,”
Moreno said.
Tribune and Georgian, 3/12/10, page 12-A.
I would note also that if, indeed, banks are requiring a 25% downpayment, 25% of $2,105.00 is $526.25. Again, if an extra $526.25 on the downpayment is keeping you out of the housing market, you're not ready yet. My word, a family of four would not have to skip very many trips to a restaurant or eat too many Tuna Helper dishes before they would have saved $526.25. Gimme a break, Charlene!
I am of course referring to the accurate, though far from complete, quote in today's T&G of my remarks at the hearing on the suspension of the county impact fees held recently in front of the Planning and Development Board.
In my complete statement, I made it clear that I realized that there is no such thing a a newly constructed $100,000 house anymore and went on to point out that on a more typical $200,000 house, the impact fee constitutes a mere 1.05 % of the purchase price.
And no, my remaining hair was not on fire when I made those comments. :-)
The reported quote:
Also speaking during the
first hearing, St. Marys resident
Jay Moreno said he
believed that the $2,000 impact
would never deter
someone who was intending
to build a new home.
“I spent $2,000 on a fence
in my back yard. It was just
a regular fence for my dog.
If $2,000 is critical in the
decision to build or not,
that person has no business
building a new home. It’s
hard to build a home for
under $200,000 these days,
but even for a $100,000 new
home, that’s only 2.105 percent
of the total cost of construction,”
Moreno said.
Tribune and Georgian, 3/12/10, page 12-A.
I would note also that if, indeed, banks are requiring a 25% downpayment, 25% of $2,105.00 is $526.25. Again, if an extra $526.25 on the downpayment is keeping you out of the housing market, you're not ready yet. My word, a family of four would not have to skip very many trips to a restaurant or eat too many Tuna Helper dishes before they would have saved $526.25. Gimme a break, Charlene!
I've owned this bird feeder for over a year. I've dispensed several hundred pounds of bird seed through it. It accommodates up to a dozen small birds at once. I sometimes get whole flocks of migrating birds. I've never had a squirrel problem so far. I highly recommend it. By the way, I bought it via Amazon.com after searching all of the local stores and not finding one anywhere near as large or well designed.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Looking for a good lawn mower?
I've owned one of these for a year now. My lot is .2 of an acre.
The grassy portion is that minus about 2,500 square feet under concrete.
It has always had enough power stored in the battery to cut that without recharging. It is way quieter than a gas mower, absolutely reliable, and requires no gasoline stored in your garage. If you own a small lot like mine, it is a viable alternative to gas powered. While I hire a neighborhood kid to use it, I can tell you from past experience that this cordless model is way more convenient than the corded model.
I've also owned the Black and Decker cordless set of a string trimmer, a blower, and a hedge trimmer for a year. The string trimmer and blower both work well. I've not yet had occassion to use the hedge trimmer as nothing has grown up enough to need trimming yet. You get three inter-changeable battery packs. If the tool you are using runs low, you just change battery packs and keep going. The charger stand keeps all three charged at once. Again, no gas and no cords. The set also comes with a wall hanger for easy storage.
Jay
P.S.,
If you would like to take the mower for a test drive by mowing my lawn, come on over!
The grassy portion is that minus about 2,500 square feet under concrete.
It has always had enough power stored in the battery to cut that without recharging. It is way quieter than a gas mower, absolutely reliable, and requires no gasoline stored in your garage. If you own a small lot like mine, it is a viable alternative to gas powered. While I hire a neighborhood kid to use it, I can tell you from past experience that this cordless model is way more convenient than the corded model.
I've also owned the Black and Decker cordless set of a string trimmer, a blower, and a hedge trimmer for a year. The string trimmer and blower both work well. I've not yet had occassion to use the hedge trimmer as nothing has grown up enough to need trimming yet. You get three inter-changeable battery packs. If the tool you are using runs low, you just change battery packs and keep going. The charger stand keeps all three charged at once. Again, no gas and no cords. The set also comes with a wall hanger for easy storage.
Jay
P.S.,
If you would like to take the mower for a test drive by mowing my lawn, come on over!
How Savannah is utilizing federal stimulus funds.
http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-03-11/savannah-stimulus-money-gaining-momentum
Does anyone know how much Camden got and what we are doing with it?
3/12 update: Thanks to the reader who provided this informative link:
http://www.fedspending.org/rcv/rcv.php?&fiscal_year=2009&pop_cd=GA01&sum_expand=F
Does anyone know how much Camden got and what we are doing with it?
3/12 update: Thanks to the reader who provided this informative link:
http://www.fedspending.org/rcv/rcv.php?&fiscal_year=2009&pop_cd=GA01&sum_expand=F
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Amazon Ads.
You all have no doubt noticed that I've added Amazon.com ads to Camden Commentary. In case you were wondering, I make nothing if you just click on an ad to check it out. However, if you go to Amazon.com via my blog and actually buy anything, I do receive a small commission on the sale.
And yes, I have total control over which Amazon.com products are advertized on my site.
And yes, I have total control over which Amazon.com products are advertized on my site.
Jill Helton takes the reins as editor of the Tribune and Georgian on March 15th.
Please join me in congratulating Jill. I'm sure she will do a great job.
Parts of Savannah now urban jungles.
Habitat for Humanity to benefit from salvage of old St. Marys Elementary School.
Those damned sailors will be helping out again.
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-10/story/camdens_habitat_for_humanity_making_use_of_old_school
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-10/story/camdens_habitat_for_humanity_making_use_of_old_school
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Oh ye suckers! You were warned. Their true colors will always out in the end.
Can you guess which recently-minted anti-American American recently held court in St. Marys' downtown, leftist sugar-shack telling her fellow traveling, espresso sipping, tablemates and all within earshot how much she hates the U.S. Navy and how much the quality of life in St. Marys would
improve if the base were to be closed? No telling what venom will escape those dessicated lips if the shack gets their liquour license.
http://alexandthewhales.blogspot.com/2009/01/naval-sonar-and-right-whales_10.html
http://alexandthewhales.blogspot.com/2009/01/naval-sonar-and-right-whales.html
improve if the base were to be closed? No telling what venom will escape those dessicated lips if the shack gets their liquour license.
http://alexandthewhales.blogspot.com/2009/01/naval-sonar-and-right-whales_10.html
http://alexandthewhales.blogspot.com/2009/01/naval-sonar-and-right-whales.html
Instant Runoff Voting -the latest leftist cause celebre.
Here is the website e-mailed to the St.Marys mayor and council and city attorney by Bob Nutter, who apparently works hand-in-hand with Alex Kearns and Barbara Ryan.
http://www.instantrunoff.com/
Now, here is the antidotal website:
http://www.ncvoter.net/irv.html
3/10: Now, here's another (Thanks, Joyce!):
http://www.instantrunoffvoting.us/
I'm busy with a little "homework" right now, but more later when I've had time read it all.
Imagine my surpise!: http://pvgreens.org/news/irv/bullhornarticlenov2004.html
http://www.instantrunoff.com/
Now, here is the antidotal website:
http://www.ncvoter.net/irv.html
3/10: Now, here's another (Thanks, Joyce!):
http://www.instantrunoffvoting.us/
I'm busy with a little "homework" right now, but more later when I've had time read it all.
Imagine my surpise!: http://pvgreens.org/news/irv/bullhornarticlenov2004.html
Monday, March 8, 2010
About 75 people show up for 1:00 PM hearing on plurality vs. majority elections in St. Marys.
Much to my surprise, there was standing room only. Folks were backed up out into the hallway. While the majority of those who spoke were in favor of election by majority, a few brave souls stood up and spoke in favor of the status quo.
One of those speaking in favor of plurality elections was, surprisingly (to me, anyway) former Chairman of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, Artie Jones, Jr., who, for those who may not know, is black. Artie stated that racism is alive and well in Camden and all but came out and openly ascribed sinister racial motives to those in favor of majority elections. That was greeted with a chorus of throat clearing in the audience that sounded like a frog pond on an August night.
Adam Jacobson, the used car dealer and head of the local Republican Party once more took it upon himself to be unnecessarily obnoxious while speaking. He had to drag up issues from the first time he spoke. Obviously, he was still for majority elections.
Royal Weaver came prepared to speak - as I suspect he will at all public gatherings between now and July. He used every last second of his alloted five minutes. I'm a little drowsy from my kung pao chicken right now, but, so far as I recall, the upshot of it was that he was for leaving things the way they are.
Towards the end of the remarks from the public, Charlie Smith, Jr. came in from out in the hall and said that he felt compelled to give the council a little history on how we came to have the current system back in 1996. He pointed out that his late partner, Judge Terry Floyd, had been the city attorney at the time. Charlie's recollection was that the federal Department of Justice was breathing down the city's neck to create a minority district and go to plurality voting, both of which they did.
He also opined that even today, the DOJ would take a very dim view of our trying to go back to a majority election system. After Charlie spoke, someone else leapt to the mic before I could get my chair turned on.
After they were done, I went to the mic. I told the mayor and council that I had not planned on speaking (true) but I felt that I had to say a few words in light of some prior speakers' comments. Firstly, I reminded the audience that the folks who were elected in November played by the rules and won under the rules that were extant at the time and that, therefor, they were every bit as "legitimate" as if they had been elected in a majority system and that to continue to imply that they were not was silly and counterproductive. That produced a few groans from the usual suspects inthe audience.
I then went on to tell them that I, as one of the two plaintiffs in the law suit which successfully overturned the minority voting district (the other was the late former city councilman, Raymond Dyal and the case was handled pro-bono by attorney, Ken Nelms), had a very clear and very different memory than Mr. Smith's of how we came to have the current system. I'm not sure if Charlie was still there or gone by that time. At any rate, here is what really happened. It was in the national news that in response to NAACP and Urban League complaints in some cities with at large systems, the DOJ had not only approved requests for minority districts from minorities, but was likely to impose them in some cases. However, at the time WE were not actually on their radar. But, the corrupt Brandon regime had a harsh critic, Sam Gardner (white), a nurse anethetist at the hospital, who lived downtown and was making it known that he would run for city council in the upcoming elections. He was also critical of the fact that the downtown merchants virtually owned and operated city government at that time. The Brandon regime hit upon the idea of making a minority district under the guise of fending off DOJ action. The real motivation was to make it impossible for Sam Gardner to be elected by obviously Jerrymandering (the J was intentional) the hell out of the district's boundaries so that it reached out and took in Sam Gardners house. That is exactly what they did. They did it with the minimal required advertising and no fanfare whatsoever. It was done in such a stealthy fashion that the overwhelming majority of voters had no idea that they had pushed a minority district and a switch to plurality voting until the day of the election when folks were shocked to learn that they could not vote for all of the candidates on the ballot. Those in the minority district could only vote fore the at-large mayoral candidate and the one council post assigned to their district. Conversely, folks not living in the minority district could not vote for the candidate(s) running for the post assigned to the minority didstrict.
Charlie's recollection is right about one thing: by 7:00PM on election day, all hell had broken loose.
The next city council meeting was very heated. Trying to cover their asses, the Brandon regime said that the local NAACP had already written to the DOJ, prompting council's noble action. They even produced a copy of the letter supposedly sent by the then preident of the local chapter, a lady named Mary Stevens (if memory serves me) who happened to live in St. Marys. Well, as luck would have it, they failed to notice that the said Mrs. Stevens was seated in the back of the room. You could have heard a pin drop when she rose and asked if she might see the letter. After she read it, she stated emphatically that she had never seen the letter, much less authored it, and that the signature on it, purported to be hers, was clearly a forgery. It was later revealed that as an NAACP board member, then sitting black St. Marys City Councilman Gerald Roberts had access to the official St. Marys NAACP letterhead the letter was typed upon.
The next day, I got a call from my friend, attorney Ken Nelms, a fellow harsh critic of the Brandon regime, which I had by then taken to referring to in my frequent letters-to-the-editor as "Jerry And the Pirates" - the Pirates being the Downtown Merchants Association, the true owner-operators and principal beneficiaries of city government in those days. He was preparing a law suit, at the request of former city councilman, the late Raymond Dyals, to overturn the new minority district. There was some quirk in the law that required at least to petitioners for that sort of suit. I promptly volunteered.
To tell you the truth, it has been so many years that I can't remember if our suit also requested a return to majority elections. At any rate, we won the quest to have the minority district overturned in Superior Court. Apparently, no one challenged that with DOJ becuase that was the last that was ever heard of a minority district in St. Marys.
I concluded my remarks by saying that the South and the nation had moved way on beyond 19996 and that I doubted very seriously that he DOJ would object to legislation to change back to a majority election system in St. Marys.
And now you know the rest of the story.
Tuesday, 3/9: Here's the GTU coverage.
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-09/story/st_marys_residents_urge_referendum_on_council_election_methods
I really did speak at the event. I've noted that since my blog has become a competing news source, I would apparently have to speak with my remaining hair on fire to be mentioned in either the T&G or the GTU.
One of those speaking in favor of plurality elections was, surprisingly (to me, anyway) former Chairman of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, Artie Jones, Jr., who, for those who may not know, is black. Artie stated that racism is alive and well in Camden and all but came out and openly ascribed sinister racial motives to those in favor of majority elections. That was greeted with a chorus of throat clearing in the audience that sounded like a frog pond on an August night.
Adam Jacobson, the used car dealer and head of the local Republican Party once more took it upon himself to be unnecessarily obnoxious while speaking. He had to drag up issues from the first time he spoke. Obviously, he was still for majority elections.
Royal Weaver came prepared to speak - as I suspect he will at all public gatherings between now and July. He used every last second of his alloted five minutes. I'm a little drowsy from my kung pao chicken right now, but, so far as I recall, the upshot of it was that he was for leaving things the way they are.
Towards the end of the remarks from the public, Charlie Smith, Jr. came in from out in the hall and said that he felt compelled to give the council a little history on how we came to have the current system back in 1996. He pointed out that his late partner, Judge Terry Floyd, had been the city attorney at the time. Charlie's recollection was that the federal Department of Justice was breathing down the city's neck to create a minority district and go to plurality voting, both of which they did.
He also opined that even today, the DOJ would take a very dim view of our trying to go back to a majority election system. After Charlie spoke, someone else leapt to the mic before I could get my chair turned on.
After they were done, I went to the mic. I told the mayor and council that I had not planned on speaking (true) but I felt that I had to say a few words in light of some prior speakers' comments. Firstly, I reminded the audience that the folks who were elected in November played by the rules and won under the rules that were extant at the time and that, therefor, they were every bit as "legitimate" as if they had been elected in a majority system and that to continue to imply that they were not was silly and counterproductive. That produced a few groans from the usual suspects inthe audience.
I then went on to tell them that I, as one of the two plaintiffs in the law suit which successfully overturned the minority voting district (the other was the late former city councilman, Raymond Dyal and the case was handled pro-bono by attorney, Ken Nelms), had a very clear and very different memory than Mr. Smith's of how we came to have the current system. I'm not sure if Charlie was still there or gone by that time. At any rate, here is what really happened. It was in the national news that in response to NAACP and Urban League complaints in some cities with at large systems, the DOJ had not only approved requests for minority districts from minorities, but was likely to impose them in some cases. However, at the time WE were not actually on their radar. But, the corrupt Brandon regime had a harsh critic, Sam Gardner (white), a nurse anethetist at the hospital, who lived downtown and was making it known that he would run for city council in the upcoming elections. He was also critical of the fact that the downtown merchants virtually owned and operated city government at that time. The Brandon regime hit upon the idea of making a minority district under the guise of fending off DOJ action. The real motivation was to make it impossible for Sam Gardner to be elected by obviously Jerrymandering (the J was intentional) the hell out of the district's boundaries so that it reached out and took in Sam Gardners house. That is exactly what they did. They did it with the minimal required advertising and no fanfare whatsoever. It was done in such a stealthy fashion that the overwhelming majority of voters had no idea that they had pushed a minority district and a switch to plurality voting until the day of the election when folks were shocked to learn that they could not vote for all of the candidates on the ballot. Those in the minority district could only vote fore the at-large mayoral candidate and the one council post assigned to their district. Conversely, folks not living in the minority district could not vote for the candidate(s) running for the post assigned to the minority didstrict.
Charlie's recollection is right about one thing: by 7:00PM on election day, all hell had broken loose.
The next city council meeting was very heated. Trying to cover their asses, the Brandon regime said that the local NAACP had already written to the DOJ, prompting council's noble action. They even produced a copy of the letter supposedly sent by the then preident of the local chapter, a lady named Mary Stevens (if memory serves me) who happened to live in St. Marys. Well, as luck would have it, they failed to notice that the said Mrs. Stevens was seated in the back of the room. You could have heard a pin drop when she rose and asked if she might see the letter. After she read it, she stated emphatically that she had never seen the letter, much less authored it, and that the signature on it, purported to be hers, was clearly a forgery. It was later revealed that as an NAACP board member, then sitting black St. Marys City Councilman Gerald Roberts had access to the official St. Marys NAACP letterhead the letter was typed upon.
The next day, I got a call from my friend, attorney Ken Nelms, a fellow harsh critic of the Brandon regime, which I had by then taken to referring to in my frequent letters-to-the-editor as "Jerry And the Pirates" - the Pirates being the Downtown Merchants Association, the true owner-operators and principal beneficiaries of city government in those days. He was preparing a law suit, at the request of former city councilman, the late Raymond Dyals, to overturn the new minority district. There was some quirk in the law that required at least to petitioners for that sort of suit. I promptly volunteered.
To tell you the truth, it has been so many years that I can't remember if our suit also requested a return to majority elections. At any rate, we won the quest to have the minority district overturned in Superior Court. Apparently, no one challenged that with DOJ becuase that was the last that was ever heard of a minority district in St. Marys.
I concluded my remarks by saying that the South and the nation had moved way on beyond 19996 and that I doubted very seriously that he DOJ would object to legislation to change back to a majority election system in St. Marys.
And now you know the rest of the story.
Tuesday, 3/9: Here's the GTU coverage.
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-09/story/st_marys_residents_urge_referendum_on_council_election_methods
I really did speak at the event. I've noted that since my blog has become a competing news source, I would apparently have to speak with my remaining hair on fire to be mentioned in either the T&G or the GTU.
Calling all night workers!
Don't forget: for your convenience, the St.Marys City Council has arranged a public hearing on plurality versus majority elections at 1:00PM today in city hall.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The joint will be jumping tomorrow at St.Marys City Council chamber.
http://www.ci.st-marys.ga.us/
Interesting reading: I highly recommend that you take a look at the proposed additions to the powers of the Historic Preservation Commision (highlighted in yellow). You will have to scroll down a ways in the city council packet to find them. Folks in the "mill houses" (i.e. Ann Street neighborhood) downtown will now fall under the authority of the HPC. Here's the link.
http://www.ci.st-marys.ga.us/council/2010/3%208%2010%20City%20Council%20Meeting%20Packet.pdf
Warning: If you live anywhere near the currently recognized "historic district" and / or your house or commercial structure is or is approaching 50 years old and you plan any alterations, additions, demolitions, or tree removals, DO THEM ASAP!
Sunday Funnies; Volume 105
•
Husband Store
A store that sells new husbands has opened in New York City , where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates:
Scroll down
You may visit this store ONLY ONCE! There are six floors and the value of the products increase as the shopper ascends the flights. The shopper may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!
So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband On the first floor the sign on the door reads:
Floor 1 - These men Have Jobs
She is intrigued, but continues to the second floor, where the sign reads:
Floor 2 - These men Have Jobs and Love Kids.
'That's nice,' she thinks, 'but I want more.'
So she continues upward. The third floor sign reads:
Floor 3 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, and are Extremely Good Looking.
'Wow,' she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.
She goes to the fourth floor and the sign reads:
Floor 4 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Good Looking and Help With Housework.
'Oh, mercy me!' she exclaims, 'I can hardly stand it!'
Still, she goes to the fifth floor and the sign reads:
Floor 5 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Gorgeous, Help with Housework, and Have a Strong Romantic Streak.
She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor, where the sign reads:
Floor 6 - You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.
PLEASE NOTE:
To avoid gender bias charges, the store's owner opened a New Wives store just across the street.
The first floor has wives that love sex.
The second floor has wives that love sex and have money and like beer.
The third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors have never been visited
•
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Que pasa with a V-22 Osprey landing in St.Marys?
I was out in the yard just now with Cojack when I heard what sounded like a CH-53 helicopter.
I looked over towards the airport just in time to see a V-22 tilt-rotor with his rotors in the horizontal position appearing to approach for a landing. I had no sooner sat down to type this than I heard it again. Man, they are LOUD. Forget stealth! By the time I got back in the back yard, it had reverted it's rotors to the vertical level flight configuration and was headed west over Hwy 40 at about 1,000 feet.
Now that I've seen and heard it, I realize that that is what passed low over my house about 1900 HRS a couple of nights ago. Anyone know and free to say what they are up to?
Okay, it now appears that they are making wide circles and practicing touch-and-go-landings. With this being a Saturday, does anyone know if any USMC Reserve units have V-22s yet? It seems a little early for that. Man, there is no mistaking the profile of that ungainly looking beast.
Sunday afternoon: That V-22 is back at it today.
Kingsland backing TAD for Chip Drury's development?
I just heard from a reader that Kingsland is set to back the TAD for Chip Drury's Laurel Island development that St.Marys rejected. Has anyone else heard this? Details?
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
President Obama enjoys real southern cuisine prepared by real Southerners.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid33281777001?bclid=33122281001&bctid=69690541001
I've eaten at Mrs. Wilkes many times. You definitely want to put it on your itinerary if you go to Savannah.
Latest attempt to stop jail expansion.
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-
04/story/councilman_disputes_jail_overcrowding_numbers
Note: That 12 million dollar construction price does not include land which, apparently, the county would have to purchase. Nonetheless, if memory serves me, previous estimates for the county to build a new jail ran around $30 million.
Whereas the article says the CCBOC will consider the proposal, had you been there, you would have seen David Rainer adopt a less than enthusiatic sort of "don't call us, we'll call you" resposne a the end of the 10 minute presentation. The presenters came prepared to give much more detail, but before the meeting, Rainer had told them he would give them 10 minutes.
This sounds to me like an option well worth exploring, but NOT a valid excuse to cancel or delay the jail expansion already approved.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Back by popular demand: impact fees.
A reader has suggested that I keep this one at the top until such time as the CCBOC votes on the issue. Good idea.
http://camdencommentary.blogspot.com/2010/03/potential-90-million-dollar-impact-of.html
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-02/story/camden_commissioners_consider_suspending_impact_fees
http://camdencommentary.blogspot.com/2010/03/potential-90-million-dollar-impact-of.html
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-02/story/camden_commissioners_consider_suspending_impact_fees
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Another damnable lie!
From Topix, just a few minutes ago.
birdy
Bridal Veil, OR
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Judge it!
#29
32 min ago you know for all the slamming Jay is doing about these mpact fees, he sure was critical of the man that spoke out against them tonight. after the meeting he was telling one of the commissioners that the man was all sort of names that i will not repeat. it is a shame that he cannot even agree with people that are on his side.
That is a damnable lie. The man who spoke was Royal Weaver. I agreed with him 100%, other than a few minor factual errors he made. I left immediately and did not talk to any commissioners.
I would hate to think that the individual who posted this lie was Royal Weaver himself.
The other possible author is, of course, Charlene Sears.
Then, the lack of capital letters reeks of Feller. Did anyone see him there. I did not.
birdy
Bridal Veil, OR
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Judge it!
#29
32 min ago you know for all the slamming Jay is doing about these mpact fees, he sure was critical of the man that spoke out against them tonight. after the meeting he was telling one of the commissioners that the man was all sort of names that i will not repeat. it is a shame that he cannot even agree with people that are on his side.
That is a damnable lie. The man who spoke was Royal Weaver. I agreed with him 100%, other than a few minor factual errors he made. I left immediately and did not talk to any commissioners.
I would hate to think that the individual who posted this lie was Royal Weaver himself.
The other possible author is, of course, Charlene Sears.
Then, the lack of capital letters reeks of Feller. Did anyone see him there. I did not.
Attention disgruntled county employees we would be better off without!
One of you published a rumor on Topix that the subject of tonight's CCBOC executive session tonight was a request by County Administrator Steve Howard to take the salary paid to recently departed administrative staff member Diana Smith and redistribute it to what you call his "harem."
Now, here is what actually happened. The subject of the scheduled executive session was, in fact, the annual evaluation of Steve Howard's performance. The executive session did not happen. Why? Because Howard waived his right to privacy and allowed the commissioners to vote in public. Apparently, in the rating system they use, a grade of 1 is indicvative of the highest possible level of approval of Mr. Howard's performance. The entire board voted "1" unanimously and very enthusiastically.
In the course of thanking the board, Mr Howard revealed that his original contract called for a series of automatic annual raises if he performed well. Although he got all 1s at the end of his first contract year in 2009, in light of the county's financial condition, he declined to accept the raise. He did the same thing tonight for the 2010 raise he was entitled to. Not only that, but he announced tonight that he will not accept his contractually guaranteed raise NEXT YEAR either.
So, you disgruntled, ungrateful, lying jerk, the money to keep you on the payroll last year, this year, and next year may well come from Mr. Howard's generosity. Keeping all hands on board has been a direct result of his mangerial and budgetary skills.
I don't suppose you'll be man or woman enough to thank him, but you should.
Now, here is what actually happened. The subject of the scheduled executive session was, in fact, the annual evaluation of Steve Howard's performance. The executive session did not happen. Why? Because Howard waived his right to privacy and allowed the commissioners to vote in public. Apparently, in the rating system they use, a grade of 1 is indicvative of the highest possible level of approval of Mr. Howard's performance. The entire board voted "1" unanimously and very enthusiastically.
In the course of thanking the board, Mr Howard revealed that his original contract called for a series of automatic annual raises if he performed well. Although he got all 1s at the end of his first contract year in 2009, in light of the county's financial condition, he declined to accept the raise. He did the same thing tonight for the 2010 raise he was entitled to. Not only that, but he announced tonight that he will not accept his contractually guaranteed raise NEXT YEAR either.
So, you disgruntled, ungrateful, lying jerk, the money to keep you on the payroll last year, this year, and next year may well come from Mr. Howard's generosity. Keeping all hands on board has been a direct result of his mangerial and budgetary skills.
I don't suppose you'll be man or woman enough to thank him, but you should.
Newly minted 4-year College of Coastal Georgia facing existential budgetary crisis!
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-02/story/georgia_colleges_release_budget_cuts_list_coastal_faces_retrenchment
This would be a major step backwards. Hopefully, area state reps / senators / candidates will fight like hell to stave this off. If push come to pull, I would hope that local businesses and private citizens would raise private funds to donate to the college. Spread across the multi-county area the college serves, this should be easily doable.
This would be a major step backwards. Hopefully, area state reps / senators / candidates will fight like hell to stave this off. If push come to pull, I would hope that local businesses and private citizens would raise private funds to donate to the college. Spread across the multi-county area the college serves, this should be easily doable.
Monday, March 1, 2010
I have to laugh!
Take a look at how the daily hits have fallen off since ads appeared.
http://counter26.bravenet.com/index.php?id=405430&type=overview&usernum=2178398764
Now, the ads are not particularly intrusive and you are free to ignore them. At first, I couldn't figure it out: surely, people are not staying away in droves because the ads are really that bothersome.
Then it hit me: the poor bastards with severe JDS are so stupid that they don't realize that I don't make a penny unless they actualy CLICK ON AN AD! Just "visiting" will not do it. Duh.
http://counter26.bravenet.com/index.php?id=405430&type=overview&usernum=2178398764
Now, the ads are not particularly intrusive and you are free to ignore them. At first, I couldn't figure it out: surely, people are not staying away in droves because the ads are really that bothersome.
Then it hit me: the poor bastards with severe JDS are so stupid that they don't realize that I don't make a penny unless they actualy CLICK ON AN AD! Just "visiting" will not do it. Duh.
I wonder if this will slow construction of the new, main campus of College of Coastal Georgia?
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-03-01/story/bonds_for_georgias_higher_ed_could_be_limited
Current Supreme Court case may strengthen our 2nd Amendment gun rights.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100228/D9E4VH083.html
Calypso Louie: nutty as ever.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02/28/white-right-wants-obama-term-president-farrakhan-says/
The potential 90 million dollar impact of no impact fees.
From Topix -and very likely from Bob Nutter (he presented these same facts at the recent public hearing.)
seemstome
Saint Marys, GA
Food for thought:
My main concern is the possible reduction of the impact fees and the resulting REDUCTION in revenue for our county.
Let's run through some numbers to put impact fees and the criticality of collecting such fees to the continued solvency of our County. I will illustrate the magnitude of impact fees and importance of collecting same as I reflect on the Cabin Bluff PD that was approved by the CCBOC in October of 2008. This PD calls for the construction of 42,931 single family housing units over the course of 65 years, beginning in 2010. Currently, the Single Family New Home Impact Fee is $2,105.25 per home.
At 42,931 SFH equals a total of $90,380,487.75 in potential fees. For a subdivision like Cabin Bluff, I would imagine that a $300,000 to $400,000 plus price tag is not an unreasonable house cost. A $2,105.25 impact fee would equal less than 1% of the cost of the home and I would guess that if this fee were built into the cost of the home, it would not be noticed by the home purchaser. And if it were, a simple explanation of where the impact fee goes and what impact fees fund, my guess would be that people would be accepting of the fee.
So, my question is simple, what is the plan to replace or collect $90.4 million dollars if we "zero out" impact fees? Will we choose to do what Tracy, CA (see article below) is going to do - charge our citizenry an annual 9-1-1 fee? And if a citizen opts not to pay the fee, charge that person $300 per 9-1-1 call? In other words, will we be training our 9-1-1 Operators to first ask for a credit card before sending help? Would any of you want your family to be placed in that position? I, for one, do not want my loved ones to be placed in jeopardy of emergency personnel not showing up for the lack of $300.
While the Cabin Bluff development may very well still be a pipedream, what is NOT a pipedream is the current inventory of available building lots in Camden County which is approximately 14,000 lots. These lots, already on the books and waiting for development, represent approximately $29.5 million dollars in potential impact fees.
I ask anyone reading my note to please call, write, visit, attend a commission meeting and request that impact fees NOT be reduced to zero.
==========
http://cbs13.com/local/tracy.911.calls.2.1502...
Feb 18, 2010 6:21 am US/Pacific
Tracy Residents Now Have To Pay For 911 Calls
TRACY, Calif.(CBS13) ―
Tracy residents will now have to pay every time they call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency.
But there are a couple of options. Residents can pay a $48 voluntary fee for the year which allows them to call 9-1-1 as many times as necessary.
Or, there's the option of not signing up for the annual fee. Instead, they will be charged $300 if they make a call for help.
"A $300 fee and you don't even want to be thinking about that when somebody is in need of assistance," said Tracy resident Greg Bidlack.
Residents will soon receive the form in the mail where they'll be able to make their selection. No date has been set for when the charges will go into effect.
seemstome
Saint Marys, GA
Food for thought:
My main concern is the possible reduction of the impact fees and the resulting REDUCTION in revenue for our county.
Let's run through some numbers to put impact fees and the criticality of collecting such fees to the continued solvency of our County. I will illustrate the magnitude of impact fees and importance of collecting same as I reflect on the Cabin Bluff PD that was approved by the CCBOC in October of 2008. This PD calls for the construction of 42,931 single family housing units over the course of 65 years, beginning in 2010. Currently, the Single Family New Home Impact Fee is $2,105.25 per home.
At 42,931 SFH equals a total of $90,380,487.75 in potential fees. For a subdivision like Cabin Bluff, I would imagine that a $300,000 to $400,000 plus price tag is not an unreasonable house cost. A $2,105.25 impact fee would equal less than 1% of the cost of the home and I would guess that if this fee were built into the cost of the home, it would not be noticed by the home purchaser. And if it were, a simple explanation of where the impact fee goes and what impact fees fund, my guess would be that people would be accepting of the fee.
So, my question is simple, what is the plan to replace or collect $90.4 million dollars if we "zero out" impact fees? Will we choose to do what Tracy, CA (see article below) is going to do - charge our citizenry an annual 9-1-1 fee? And if a citizen opts not to pay the fee, charge that person $300 per 9-1-1 call? In other words, will we be training our 9-1-1 Operators to first ask for a credit card before sending help? Would any of you want your family to be placed in that position? I, for one, do not want my loved ones to be placed in jeopardy of emergency personnel not showing up for the lack of $300.
While the Cabin Bluff development may very well still be a pipedream, what is NOT a pipedream is the current inventory of available building lots in Camden County which is approximately 14,000 lots. These lots, already on the books and waiting for development, represent approximately $29.5 million dollars in potential impact fees.
I ask anyone reading my note to please call, write, visit, attend a commission meeting and request that impact fees NOT be reduced to zero.
==========
http://cbs13.com/local/tracy.911.calls.2.1502...
Feb 18, 2010 6:21 am US/Pacific
Tracy Residents Now Have To Pay For 911 Calls
TRACY, Calif.(CBS13) ―
Tracy residents will now have to pay every time they call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency.
But there are a couple of options. Residents can pay a $48 voluntary fee for the year which allows them to call 9-1-1 as many times as necessary.
Or, there's the option of not signing up for the annual fee. Instead, they will be charged $300 if they make a call for help.
"A $300 fee and you don't even want to be thinking about that when somebody is in need of assistance," said Tracy resident Greg Bidlack.
Residents will soon receive the form in the mail where they'll be able to make their selection. No date has been set for when the charges will go into effect.
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