Saturday, September 22, 2012

Two posts: 1) Sussex County BOS and 2) Waverly Town Council

1st a WOW moment. This blog just recently went over 10,000 views, yes 10,000 ... THANKS!


There is a march on Wall Street movement going on nationally and I can assure you we have a march on Sussex County going on also that is alive and well. More and more AND MORE citizens are getting involved in how this county is being managed or miss-managed. Folks are attending public meetings in numbers never before seen and not just the monthly board of supervisors meeting. Many citizens are attending (some in disbelief) to sit and listen, becoming more knowledgeable and to offer support for those speaking up on all of our behalf. Others are putting themselves up at the podium, for 2 minutes at a time, standing in front of the Board letting them (as a group or individually) know they are concerned and have an issue with them or their conduct, and on a rare time or two to congratulate for a job well done. How appropriate it is that while an individual is facing the Board speaking the rest of us are behind them. While not everyone will agree with everything someone is saying as citizens of the county we have their back, whether it is a cook at the county jail asking for air conditioning or someone looking for relief from an illegal damning up of a drainage ditch that is causing problems on their property.
Before getting to the video clips from the meeting the following is a letter to the editor of the Sussex Surry Dispatch that hopefully will be printed this week. I am posting it here because in the letter I ask folks to “play a matching game.” I will give you the correct answers to that game.

A Path Well Taken
By Fred X Turck, Blackwater District

First a BIG pat on the back for all those citizens that attended one or more of the Community Meetings held across the county last month. AND for all those who are attending the regular BOS meetings each month. It is we the people who will make a difference.

I had great hopes that last night’s board of supervisors meeting was going to turn the corner on an inability to work towards the betterment of the county and ALL its citizens. It didn’t take long for reality to sink in, oh yes we did turn a corner however the turn taken took us down an all too familiar path.
How about playing along with me a matching game? We might as well play games like some on our board members are doing, at least well be accomplishing something. So here is the game. See if you can match the individual sitting at the table with the following quotes. All board members, the County Administrator and Attorney are included as possible options.
  • 1.    It’s not rocket science.
  • 2.    You’re attacking the children, the churches, head start and the seniors.
  • 3.    The town meeting I had.
  • 4.    It doesn't make a difference to me.
  • 5.    Politics got started in the church.
  • 6.    We're at a dreadlock. (this is NOT a typo)
  • 7.    I need time to digest it.
  • 8.    It’s a nightmare.
  • 9.    Acknowledge the extraordinary work our employees provide.


Now to a more serious subject! The Improvement Association is becoming a tremendous distraction to the board of supervisors. Last night we were painfully (once again) exposed to a lengthy, very, very lengthy bantering back and forth about issues that had no place at OUR Board of Supervisors meeting. It’s hard if not impossible to keep this from occurring over and over since two of our supervisors are the main leadership of the association. This is an illness that must be cured and like many infectious diseases the only cure is to cut it out. If Tyler and or Caple really cared about the health of the county one of them (if not both) would remove themselves either from the Board of Supervisors or the Improvement Association. Guess which one they would pick if they were man enough to even make that decision. I can’t blame them either,  I would not give up a very lucrative position on the Association for a public service job that at times is a thankless job. We cannot afford to allow this disease to keep eating away at our health. By no means do I want it to be construed that I am not supportive of the work the Association does and the services it provides, what I am against is the distraction it is creating. Both organizations would be better off if the illness is cured.



If you need a reminder who your choices are below is a group photo of the Board of Supervisors and remember you also have Thomas Harris who sits to the right of Dopey and to his right Attorney Packer.




ANSWERS to the matching game …
  • 1.    It’s not rocket science. (Fly to Tyler)
  • 2.    You’re attacking the children, the churches, head start and the seniors. (Stringfield to Fly)
  • 3.    The town meeting I had. (Tyler to all)
  • 4.    It doesn’t make a difference to me. (Tyler to all)
  • 5.    Politics got started in the church. (Stringfield to all)
  • 6.    Were at a dreadlock. (this is NOT a typo) (Tyler)
  • 7.    I need time to digest it. (Caple)
  • 8.    It’s a nightmare. (Warren)
  • 9.    Acknowledge the extraordinary work our employees provide. (Harris during his report)



I put the citizen comments first as they should be, for it is the citizens who are the most important aspect of the county and the sooner the board (all the board) realizes this then maybe they can put many of their petty differences behind them and move on.

CITIZEN COMMENTS







For all the good the Improvement Association does this is but a single look into some serious issues and concerns we have with this BOS and IA “connection”.
Citizen speaks out about unfair treatment from the Association: http://youtu.be/zFKE9Q3kmgk


Citizens are showing up wanting to take part of the management of our county and would like to hear what the Board is saying and not just the mumbling. This seems to be a request that has been around for many years, its about time to do something don’t you agree?
A promise not kept what did you say? we can’t hear you: http://youtu.be/3-A_sCvZHAQ


PLEASE support the NO TOLLS





There may be time to prevent the I-95 Toll but it looks like the 460 bypass is coming through. Where was/IS the support of stopping this. Sad to say it was too little too late.
460 bypass is coming: http://youtu.be/-HStavboUwk




These next 3 clips are from citizens who regularly attend and regularly voice their concerns. They are saying/asking many of the things the rest of us would want to say if we had the nerve to talk in front of the board. We do have their back and support what they are saying. Thanks for speaking up!
Another citizen speaks up: http://youtu.be/g4dk038BlIs
Are you listening to us: http://youtu.be/o0dQjRSRRA4
A must view-hear clip: http://youtu.be/F0im8M0g4O0


The Superintendent of Schools supports this, the citizens are asking for this,  let’s hope the Board of Supervisors will also when the time comes.
4 year old program study: http://youtu.be/1YmSYQfTXaI



This infection into the day to day running of the county must be stopped, if not this may just be the straw that breaks to preverbal camel’s back. It is not known if this is a symptom or the disease itself.
Association 2 Caple: http://youtu.be/Sly1PwqpMrs




A tie breaker….oh how happy we will be if we have a seventh to call our own to go along with the 6 shown in a previous picture..
Attorney research options: http://youtu.be/0VB5qC183d4




There was a lot of discussion when Tyler requested a “training calendar” that would identify training requests from board members, well besides a public speaking session I know an individual or two who could benefit from attending a session on leadership, being a supervisor/boss and how to set a work profile and evaluation process. Why are we trying to reinvent the wheel? Why are we not abiding by contracts we entered into fairly and legally? What is the underlining issue or attempt with this push for 3 board members to have a meeting among just those 3 to then report back to all 6 to then get with the County Administrator to set the evaluation goals and procedures? We were told that in the contract the board (all 6) and the County Administrator would work together to establish these. In typical fashion with some board members they want to add several more levels of bureaucracy into the mix. WHY?
County Administrator eval 1: http://youtu.be/L6A4qennCLs
County Administrator eval 2: http://youtu.be/44WDvEoCYMU
County Administrator eval: http://youtu.be/gmbF2KP0sCk
County Administrator eval: http://youtu.be/duh4Cb3BfQc
County Administrator eval final comments by ca: http://youtu.be/E2X6NHPQIy0

2 of the positive moments. Is it just me or does it seems that most of those shining moments we have had at many meetings are because of the work of our County Administrator?? THANKS Mr. Harris.
County Administrator report motivated work force: http://youtu.be/8cDd4bUqYoY
County Administrator report I95: http://youtu.be/qepMQ-xABRQ

This was dead issue (like many folks would hope the coyotes themselves would be) until it became important to Tyler. Maybe with the next attempt to bring this up it will be declared a dilatory motion.
Coyote 3 Tyler finds something funny: http://youtu.be/d8F_qJd-RII
Coyote motion dies: http://youtu.be/DdzmTM5SuZE




What seemed to be an attempt to just explore a possibility for additional recreational opportunities for Sussex Counties youth was confronted with opposition? Maybe it was who was asking?
Fly “Let me explore rec program” w/unknowledgeable Stringfield making comments: http://youtu.be/uaZtXY1u6GY

TOWN OF WAVERLY MEETING
Short and …….
Two police officers tender their resignation and a police chief will be offered the job. This does NOT mean the person will accept but at least they will be offered the job. Previous offers went unaccepted when the applicant considered the job in more depth; let’s hope this one does not do the same.
Town of Waverly going into closed session: http://youtu.be/AiXSQm-h8wQ
Town of Waverly out of closed session: http://youtu.be/YKpWCynStho


PLEASE keep this march on Sussex County alive, keep coming to the meetings and bring a friend! You can talk with your representative outside of these meetings but you might be surprised if not upset with what you get told when it's just the two of you talking to what they say or DON'T say during the public meetings. PAL !?!?

In closing I want to take this time to thank the Sussex Surry Dispatch for helping keep folks knowledgeable and informed. Thanks Adrienne and Michael and the rest of the SSD.

Friday, September 14, 2012

What ever happened to the concept of FREE SPEECH


The following flier/letter(exactly as presented, typos and all) was handed out at the last Waverly Town Council Meeting. The Town’s attorney dutifully read out the new rules in a very condescending manor, very typical way that we have come to expect. How sad this is at many many levels. I will address some concerns with the new rules and then present a set of rules for the Council AND the Mayor, since he makes it clear that he is NOT part of the Council when it is convenient for him.

DON'T FORGET the County Board of Supervisors Meeting THURSDAY @ 7:30 PM

NOTICE
PUBLIC MEETING RULES
BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE NORMALLY WISHING TO SPEAK AND THE NEED TO PROVIDE A FAIR OPPORTUNITY TO EVERYONE DESIRING TO PRESENT COMMENTS, AND THE NEED FOR THE TOWN TO CONDUCT BUSINESS:
1     No one can speak unless they sign in to speak.
2  Speaking after the public comment period is an interruption of the council meeting and will not be tolerated.
3    Comments are limited to 3 minutes. If more than 3 minutes is needed then   present your comments in writing and the Counsel will consider them.
4   You may not sign up and then give your minutes to someone else.
5  No personal attacks on any member of the Council or the Mayor will be accepted in a public meeting. The meeting is for the purpose of conducting the business of the Town. If you have personal issues, present them in writing, or see the person aggrieving you on your own time.
6      ANY PERSON BEHAVING IN A DISORDERLY MANNER, OR CAUSES ANY UNNECESSARY DISTURBANCE AND REFUSES TO OBEY THE PRESIDING OFFICER TO REMAIN ORDERLY, SHALL BY GUILTY OF A CLASS 1 MISDEMEANOR. YOU MAY BE REMOVED, ARRESTED AND DETAINED UNTIL A MAGISTRATE OR JUDGE DETERMINES YOUR BOND.

RULE 1. This is ok, however the sign in sheet must be available at all times EVEN during public comment time. In the past the sign in sheet was available for folks to sign up prior to the meeting then removed.
RULE 2. Another attempt at instituting a police state. There is a difference between being disruptive and being disgusted and briefly voicing that concern. A well timed boo or a cheer should be allowed, what are you afraid of?
RULE 3. Another rule that the council is in its power to institute but one that MUST be fairly and uniformly enforced. Even when one of the Mayor’s or Council’s insiders is delivering comments. As evident by the fact that 15 minutes after these rules were delivered a citizen was given all the time they wanted because the Mayor liked what was being said.
RULE 4. They have this right but again I must ask what are they afraid of?
RULE 5. A very large banner needs to be made with these rules printed on it and then displayed in the meeting room with the public on one side and the Council and Mayor on the other so they can HIDE BEHIND THEM as they are attempting to do.  I wonder a couple of things here…..what will be considered a “personal attack”? If a citizen has a problem with the way the Mayor or any member of the Council is conducting the business of the Town should this not be allowed to be presented and entered into the official minutes of the meeting? Too many times when comments are submitted in writing they are not made part of the official minutes and possibly censored. AND, regarding the purpose of the meeting is for conducting the business of the Town …. WHATEVER happened to the concept that the meetings were an opportunity for the citizens to speak their peace? Do they not work for us?? Should they not be willing to listen to us??
RULE 6. The only thing I can say with how this was worded and the fact that it was typed so BOLD and excessively formatted that this must be a treat from Marxist dictatorship of folks in power, what ever happened to the democratic American way?

NOW here is a set of RULES for the MAYOR, the Town’s ATTORNEY and the COUNCIL.
Short and within OUR rights to ask.
1.    Be willing to LISTEN to the citizens. You are PUBLIC officials for the most part act like it!
2.    When listening BE OPEN.
3.    Represent ALL the citizens of the Town NOT a select few.

If you like these rules,  how about clapping; that form of response is I guess still permitted as it was not excluded in the new rules 
instituted last week.

DON'T FORGET the County Board of Supervisors Meeting THURSDAY @ 7:30 PM

Friday, September 7, 2012

3 down 1 to go





Hopefully the County Administrator and the Board Members who sponsored the series of community meetings felt that their 3rd attempt to involve all of us in the planning for our future was a success even though the room was half full. I could have said half empty but that would take a pessimistic view and I want to be as optimistic as possible until given reason to not be.



A few of the key slides from the presentation




Those in attendance were treated to an uplifting program as was done in the previous meetings but this program had an additional update on the progress of the new school.
Also Representative Fly, our host for the evening gave a very good update on the I-95 Tolls and 460 bypass. Did you know NC has gotten approval for placing a toll on I-95 and plan to do so at the VA/NC line? PLEASE listen to the video (link to video is at the end) and be prepared to take action as we were encouraged to do.

“Drag the rats out into the sunshine”, CALL

Bob McDonnell @ 804-786-2211

George Allen @ 804-726-2012

Tim Kaine @ 804-359-7100

These folks are running for an elected office and asking for our vote in November WE MUST ASK THEM NOW are they for or against the tolls on I-95. TELL THEM NO … NO TOLLS on 95 not in Sussex County NOT anywhere!

  




Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of Bill Collins, you must view the video below to get just a slight look into how much he has given back and how proud and humbled he was/is in receiving this recognition. The County has used these Community meetings to recognize County residents that have truly Made A Difference, and as with the 2 previous recipients Bill Collins does just that…make a difference.




Citizens were asking the tough questions too!

Citizens taking the opportunity to write down their hopes and wishes for the future of the county.
In what I see as a glimmer of hope is the fact that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Tyler was in the audience for the first time.
Although he did not participate and sat in silence,  he was there and did hear comments from those in attendance as to what they looked forward to, what they were proud of AND what is concerning them with the leadership or lack thereof coming out of the BOS.
HERE ARE THE VIDEOS
Bill Collins recognition.AVI
Bill Collins reaction.AVI
Fly I95 Tolls part 1.AVI
Fly I95 Tolls part 2.AVI
Update on new school.AVI
And dont forget the wonderful video that was produced ....


County Video.AVI http://youtu.be/5xR1PYQ-3UI
YOU have 1 last chance to attend one of these great opportunities at least for now. Plan on attending. Anyone from anywhere in the county can attend. DON'T EVER SAY "YOU WEREN'T GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY."
Thursday September 13th at the Jarratt Fire House 6:00 PM and
And REMEMBER The next Board of Supervisors Meeting
Thursday September 20th at the Courthouse  7:30 PM

Monday, September 3, 2012

More Drama from the Waverly Town Council


O Waverly, Waverly, wherefore art thou Waverly?

This is the first thing that came to my mind (OK not the first thing) when I got notice of a Special called Town Council Meeting Thursday Sept 6th at 6:00 AM (Yes AM) then the very next day a notice that the meeting was canceled. I was wondering what the leadership was up to, what was going on.
Through the grapevine I was informed that the meeting was to have the personnel/search committee bring forth the name of a new Police Chief so they could vote on the selection and offer the job. But as with any recent town  issue it doesn’t stop with just that….. Wonder why the meeting was cancelled?? Was it because there is dissention among the Council as to the selection? Was it because the Mayor influenced the cancellation because he was in opposition? I think there is more to this besides one day having a meeting and the next not. A truly transparent government would probably explain this, will ours?
Looking at the famous quote, NO not from the 2000 comedy movie starring George Clooney, but from Shakespeare I thought I’d have a bit of fun.

The original quote goes…

Juliet:
O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love
And I'll no longer be a Capulet.


Romeo:
[Aside] Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?

Juliet:
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy:


The re-write goes ….

Citizens of the Town: 
O Waverly Town Council, Waverly Town Council, what fore are you up to? 
Hear thy voice but refuse thy will;
If thou will not abide by thy sworn oath 
I can no longer be a supporter thereof.

Town Council with the Mayor in a supporting role:
I/we shall hear none of this, be on your way and leave the Towns business to us. 
Oh yes no clapping, no clapping we won’t have that.

Citizens of the Town:Tis this be your will, thoust be thy enemy.