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

3 down 1 to go

Hopefully the County Administrator and the Board Members who sponsored the series of community meetings felt that their 3^rd 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

http://youtu.be/MbCkniXl5rI

Bill Collins reaction.AVI

http://youtu.be/6Er2BFGTSnM

Fly I95 Tolls part 1.AVI

http://youtu.be/lO3hGxrHEWw

Fly I95 Tolls part 2.AVI

http://youtu.be/RyRDBm0Byj0

Update on new school.AVI

http://youtu.be/m5noW2P_7PE

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

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 6^th 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.                                                        

LOUD & CLEAR

I won't post to the blog what is in my letter to the Editor of the Sussex Surry Dispatch, but I do hope you will get your copy next week and read not only my letter to the Editor but all the articles. Our local paper, its reporters and Editor are doing a great job in keep us informed as to what is happening AND what is not happening in our county.

The meeting last night was hosted by the Honorable A.G.Futrell. As with the first meeting we were welcomed and thanked for attending. We were also told that we were there to help provide input into the county's strategic plan. We were also told that this was our meeting and we ALL would be given the opportunity to say ALL we wished to say with no time or content restrictions as long as we respected each other.

We were given 2 index cards on one we put down what it was we were proud of in Sussex County NOT today but in the year 2020.

Card 1.AVI

 http://youtu.be/8P2RUJuOI3M

 A moving very well created "movie" was shown. If your only going to watch one of my posted videos please watch this one. I promise you it will make you think....why can't we be more like what is being portrayed?

County Video.AVI

 http://youtu.be/5xR1PYQ-3UI

A special person was given a special recognition. Mrs. Turner, who has probably done more for the citizens of Sussex County over the past 50+ years than any other single individual was surprised by the presentation.

Mrs. Turner surprise.AVI

 http://youtu.be/Hydircpn4FI

 She got the last word in as she usually does. We all could take a lesson from Mrs Turner and give back into the county.

Mrs. Turner.AVI

 http://youtu.be/L5stbHDGvFg

Many, many citizens in attendance spoke one after the other making it VERY CLEAR that change must happen and it is US (We The People) that have the responsibility to make this change happen. A very loud voice was heard. Could this have been the first step in our long journey to a better managed county??

NO TOLLS.AVI

 http://youtu.be/jC9eUjMgbbs

We were given an update on both the I-95 Tolls and the 460 By-Pass. If you want to voice your concern there is no need to talk to your Board of Supervisors because for once they are united on this issue. YOU SHOULD CALL the Governor's office at 1-804-786-2211 or call the Federal Highway Administration at 1-800-424-9071.

REMEMBER 2 more Community Meetings

Thursday September 6th at the School Board Meeting Room  6:00 PM and

Thursday September 13th at the Jarratt Fire House 6:00 PM and

The next Board of Supervisors Meeting

Thursday September 20th at the Courthouse (at least that is where it will begin) 7:30 PM

WARNING get to these meetings early as seats fill up quickly.

Public Meetings scheduled for TONIGHT at 6PM

The 2^nd of the 4 scheduled Community Meetings will be held tonight 6PM at the Prince George Electric COOP in Waverly.

It’s YOUR opportunity to provide ideas for our future to those who are supposed to be listening to US. BE THERE!!

 

Also for those of you who might want to see copies of the various letters that were talked about in the recent Sussex Surry Dispatch, here they are. If after reading them you don’t think a CHANGE is needed in our leadership of the county I just don’t know what would wake you up.

It's OUR FUTURE 1st of 4 meetings

It’s Our Future

This is the title for the 4 scheduled meetings scheduled across the county to discuss where WE see the county in 2020.

The first of these meetings was last Thursday, 6 PM held at the Wakefield Foundation. The old Wakefield School is a perfect example as to what can be done within a community by taking what was once a rundown abandoned property, some local funding, a lot of local support and sweat and building something that is part of our future.

The evening began with a surprise for one of those in the audience. Mr. Brian Bain, President of the Shaketown Riders the motorcycle group from Wakefield. Mr. Harris, County Administrator, read the declaration and then presented it to Mr. Bain with his family proudly looking on.

The real message that we all took home was delivered to us by Brian in the words he spoke after receiving the plaque. PLEASE LISTEN and tell everyone to seek this video clip on YouTube and hear from the heart of a young man what it is that we all can do to lead the County into the future.

Brian Bain recognition.AVI

http://youtu.be/Ope7g3zogIk

Brian's Words of Thanks, Hopes and Challanges.AVI

http://youtu.be/-VPx4yb3ELg

Now to the meeting. This was hosted by the Honorable Raymond Warren with two of the other 6 Supervisors in attendance. Mr. Futrell and Mr. Fly supported Mr. Warren as I am sure he will be doing the same as they host their respective meetings in coming weeks.

The meeting room was full of anticipation and energy as the county began by showing a wonderful video compilation of pictures taken from around Sussex County set to music (which they promise will be much louder at the next meeting). This was very well done and something that should be posted to the county’s web page.

After a discussion as to the mission and goals of the meeting we all were handed out index cards on which we were to write what we like best about Sussex County 2020, yes 2020 NOT today.

This exercise was repeated with another question -  what question you say? Come to the next meeting in your area to find out what that question is. We were told all cards/comments would be presented to the leadership of the county (The Board of Supervisors) so that they all can see/hear what OUR hopes and dreams are for US and the COUNTY.

As one would have expected the possessiveness of the meeting was tarnished a bit as the floor was opened and ALL that wanted to speak were given ALL the time they wanted to bring forth concerns. This was done very orderly and with respect of everyone in attendance. Topics from the 460 bypass, our Senior Citizens, to establishment of a county wide taskforce made up of citizens NOT elected county officials, to discuss countywide opportunities that would then be presented to the Board of Supervisors at regularly scheduled meetings were discussed.

AND yes several comments were made about why the Board of Supervisors could not work together and what it would take for this to happen.

There is a saying that goes “If you’re in a hole you need to put down the shovels and pick up the ladder.” Well we have some Supervisors and citizens that are steadily digging while others are grabbing for the ladders! You know who they are and you know what you have a hold of yourself.

We all need to begin to remove our hands from the shovels, one at a time and begin to steady the ladder that our County Administrator, County Attorney and others have brought to the County. It is only then that we can even begin to think AND PLAN for the future of Sussex County.

There are 3 more of these meeting scheduled PLEASE try and attend the one near you …. IT IS YOUR FUTURE…. IT IS YOUR COUNTY.

Thursday August 30^th – 6PM at the Prince George Electric Coop in Waverly.

Thursday September 6^th – 6PM at the School Board Meeting Room at the High school Complex

Thursday September 13^th – 6PM at the Jarratt Fire House

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT !

TYLER shows his lack of leadership once again!

If you were looking for the videos from the last BOS meeting please scroll down to the previous posting. We have for you a special BONUS!

Below are images of 2 letters that you should find VERY INTERESTING.

The first letter is from Rufus Tyler to the suspended Deputy County Administrator Morrison. The second letter is from the County Attorney Packer to Tyler in response to Tyler’s letter.

Rufus Tyler shows ONCE AGAIN that he feels he only has to play by HIS rules, Rufus’s Rules of Disorder. Remember this posting from a few months ago?

In complete disregard of the standards of conduct one would expect from not only a District Representative but also the Chair of the Board of Supervisors Rufus took it upon himself (himself??? maybe …. maybe not???) to inform Morrison that the will of the county government was to be ignored and he should return to “his” job.

Well THANKS for the due diligence of a very competent County Attorney that move to undermine the management of our County was derailed and Mr Morrison was informed in NO uncertain terms that Tyler was wrong.

If this is NOT an act of the misuse of the duties of a Chairman of the Board of Supervisors I truly don’t know what is!

I always thought this, but now I am sure, Tyler has what is referred to as a NAPOLEON COMPLEX which is defined as “the condition of being small in stature but aggressively ambitious and seeking absolute control”

PLEASE read the two letters and be ashamed of your Chairman of the BOS and be proud of your County Attorney. Click on the letter to enlarge it for easier reading.