Commission Quartet apparently happy with same ol' same ol' at JDA.

Well, I went up to the 5:30 workshop on the JDA Tuesday. It was a workshop alright: the JDA board worked over the taxpayers. So long as Rainer is chairman, the Quartet remains united under his leadership, and they continue to ostracize Berry as the official Lone Ranger (out of fear of the coming Thuggie backlash?), the gentlemen who comprise the Board of Directors of the JDA have no need to fear change of policy or direction, much less replacement. The JDA board, in the person of board member and local attorney, Michael Perry, quickly fired an opening shot across the BOC's bow before the BOC had even charged their guns. Mr. Perry let it be known that they were against any changes whatsoever from the status quo ante and would thank the board to kindly just continue to fork over the quarter -million or so annually and otherwise mind their own damned business. Chairman Rainer couldn't get out of the blocks fast enough in his zeal to signal that he was not only on their side, but had the entire Quartet in his pocket. Commissioner Berry expressed his dissatisfaction with the JDA's performance to date, including an allusion to some "illegal contracts" having been signed. I do not think he was talking about the illegal exactions surrounding the per-structure, pseudo impact fee (by the way, REAL, LEGAL impact fees became effective January 1st) deal which was struck down. I got the distinct feeling that there is more to the Bob Noble business than is known for now by the public. Berry's suggestion was that the BOC should be involved in the hiring of the new JDA director. To that end, the County Administrator had drawn up a job description for the new man. What a concept! The JDA board of course appreciated that, but did not want the BOC, per se, and Berry in particular, involved in any way in the hiring process. I mean, after all, look at the stellar track records of their two previous hires. Moreover, Berry wanted to have the function of JDA director come back in house as an employee of the BOC, reporting directly to the county administrator, Mr. Steve Howard (a guy with whom I am more favorably impressed with every passing month). Of course, Mr. Perry quoted chapter and verse from the JDA enabling legislation as to why that was not permissible. He was technically right, but totally oblivious or defiantly indifferent (not sure) to the fact that the objective was to FIND A WAY to make the JDA director productive - that is, to ACTUALLY bring employers to Camden County (what a concept.) I will say that Commissioner Sears spoke rather cogently, albeit in that classic quasi-apologetic, demurring, southern belle style, as to her disappointment with the JDA's long, uninterrupted history of failure to do much beyond peeing away millions. However, in the end, as a member of the Rainer-led Quartet, she voted to maintain the status quo. I had high hopes for Commissioner Keene. However, about all that I can say is that he cleans up nice; he's well educated; he's artuclate; but, it's all for naught because he's clearly hitched his wagon to St. David, the patron saint of Good ol' Boys. The math on what needs to happen in the next election cycle is now clear. P.S., as an afterthought, I just went to the JDA's award winning, state-of-the-art website (where the late Bob Noble is still listed as the director). http://www.camdenjda.com/ I had assumed that Michael Perry was a member of the JDA board. Wrong. Apparently, he was there at the workshop acting in his professional capacity as an attorney REPRESENTING the JDA board. That they brought their attorney to a "workshop" is interesting. John McDill, the JDA Board Chairman was there. I'm not sure who the other gentleman was. It was not Stan Fowler - I'm using him to file my tax return this year (paying Social Security, state and federal unemployment, and a contribution to the damned EIC, and cranking out a W-2 for a part-time housekeeper are all a pain in the butt well worth a CPA's reasonable fees.) On second thought the third guy at the JDA table must have been Pat Brown, the vice chair. Oh, by the way, cable viewers watching the following regular meeting should be on the lookout for a guy who came to speak to the JDA director situation at the request of his friend, Commissioner Keene. The guy was incredibly sharp. He now works for Georgia-Pacific in Brunswick after capping off a 20 plus year career in industrial development with a stint as the number two in the Georgia Dept of Industrial Development ( or words to that effect.) Very impressive and knowledgeable guy. I wonder if he might be interested in the job? Oh, and when you see me address the commission on the subject, I was not nervous, I was just having a time breathing while supporting my weight on the podium with my arms. Next time, I'll just remain seated and bend the goose necked mic down a bit. Addendum: Oops! I almost forgot: Steve Berry did win one minor victory of no consequence. At the moment, Mike Fender (County Finance Director) cuts the JDA a monthly check for one twelfth of their annual quarter million dollar gift from the taxpayers. They spend it any way they choose and write the checks temselves. Moreover, they keep own books. Effective February 1st, when they want to pay a bill, they will submit a voucher to Mike Fender. Fender will both cut the check and do thier bookkeeping - at no charge, of course. Now, if you are thinking that anyone in county government will have veto power over the JDA's INSTRUCTION TO PAY, you are sadly mistaken. Some "victory," eh?