County Commisssioners-How Are They Doing?
Here is our question for July:
What is your opinion of the job being done by the five Marion County Commissioners?
Please give us your comments and evaluation of the performance of the County Commissioners.
Thanks,
Blog Master
posted by Blog Master @ 3:54 PM
51 Comments:
Four of the five commissioners are doing a good job. Randy Harris is the only commissioner who is absolutley worthless. Harris is for Harris, and could give a damn about what is right for our county. His backward-thinking and prissy behavior is holding back progress by his fellow commissioners. 2006 is our year to strengthen the commissioner team by sending Harris back into the workforce to earn an honest living and stop living off us taxpayers.
John in Ocala
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
I agree with "John in Ocala" about Randy Harris. I hear rumors that some Republicans have come up with a candidate to run against Harris, who will be able to raise "much" money. That's what it will take in today's political climate.
The complexity and importance of problems and issues facing our county is far beyond the intelligence and abilities of any of the current five commissioners. About the only “critical issue” they even seem capable of handling is selecting books for the library, and there are those who question that.
Frankly, we need five new and better-qualified Republican (yes, Republicans!) commissioners in place of the ones we have. It is a shame that the political gene pool is so shallow in Marion County.
Patti
Patti do you really believe the current commissioners are (only) capable of selecting library books??? You are really going too for...because all current commissioners are not Marion County library "cardholders".
I read in today’s Star Banner that Jim Payton is stepping up to the plate on the issue of impact fees. Kudos to commissioner Payton for having the guts to push forward on making sure developers don’t continue getting off the hook on our many development related problems.
Payton’s fellow commissioners seem to have “wimped out” on this, and the five “ostriches” on the county school board also have buried their heads on the issue of fairness in our impact fee structure. Jim Payton isn’t walking away from it.
I’m all for a targeted increase in impact fees. I know that many of my friends agree with me. Go for it commissioner Payton!
DA
Spruce Creek
Payton is the only one wish guts (wanted to say some other part of anatomy) to research issues and then speak his mind. He was right on Joe Ste. Pierre who was rehired because Harris, Mrya Tedder and Mike May pushed and pushed to get him back on the payroll. Payton was also the only one who will tell Bill Glass to shut up when he gets out of line. His comments about veterans and animals qualify him for the stupid hat in the back of the clasroom.
You know, it was eight years ago that randy harris proposed a road program, and then asked the voters to approve a tax to finance the rebuilding of our roads. When some of his ultra right wing loonies opposed the tax, randy said almost not a word on the campaitgn trail and it was defeated. Nary a word has come from his mouth about any road financing program since. His ilk -- glass, strait, lund, etc then made the road task force a farce, and meanwhile they bitch and complain and our roads are more crowded, we need more of them, and nothing is done. Thank God for someone with guts like jim. Maybe slick hair (stone) and "in the middle" kesselring can get mc clain to understand all thewse contractors can't get to their jobs to asdd to the crush even more if we don't get some roads. and roads take money!!!!
You want a better county commission. Get rid of the five we have and sign an interlocal agreement with the Ocala city council to have them also run the county. I bet this would be better than what we have.
Bill
You want city council to run the county? Remember this is the city council that is creating the traffic mess on ft. king with the roust-a-bouts, and wants to give millions of dollars of propeerty to a gainesville millionaire to create one of tghe biggest traffic jams in Florida in downtown Ocala. fraid not, you wont get my help with this bunch. they never saw a developer than didn't love.
I see in today's Star Banner where the city council is arguing over giving away county tax funds -- the tax increment financing money comes from ALL marion county taxes not just the city of Ocala -- plus a bunch of land some of which was bought by only downtown taxpayers to give a legacy to someone. I will bet they work out some sort of a deal to give away the store and when we all wake up, we will have been given the shaft again.
It was a sad day for Marion County when the most decent and thoughtful member of the Bocard of COmmissioners, Parnell Townley was defeated because he wasn't rabid enough for the right-wing gang that seems to be running the county. And an even scarier day when R. Harris was denounced by his own party because, in one of his very few almost moderate actiuons, he invited Charlie Crist and a few others, to speak to the local party gathering when they were not vocal enough in their oppostion to some hot-button issues.
Parnell was a good man. When Cretul left he was out gunned by Harris and Henning. Kesslering was trying to find his base.
What County Commissioners?? You really mean the Puppet Master Harris and his obedient little hand puppets??
DelaSue
The question is about county commissioners, but there needs to be one about school board members.
Let's see, we have almost a half billion dollar budget and spend about an hour or less in meetings,and seldom really discuss any issue. They are afraid to allow the public a chance to participate in any discussion they have -- probably because the public would likely show up the shallowness of their ideas. Some people have said we need an appointed superintendent. Looks to me like we should keep an elective super and appoint a school board. Sure could not be worse than what we have.
I used to watch the educational channel tapes of the county commission meetings. However, I have stopped. The meetings are now very boring. The highlight for me was the Payton and Harris word battles. These just don’t seem to happen anymore. I really enjoyed watching Payton put Harris in his place. Don’t know what has happened. I guess the two of them are now going through some sort of love fest with one another. Sure hope the fall edition of the TV soap opera “As The Commission Turns” is better than the current season has been.
Here is my evaluation of the performance of our county commissioners (rating scale=
0-100):
Jim Payton 95
Randy Harris 85
Andy Kesselring 80
Charlie Stone 75
Stan McClain 60
How about some debate and discussion on my ratings?
I agree with "the evaluator's" assessment of the county commissioners, except he/she is 10 points too high on each of them. We don't have an A-level commisssioner in the bunch. Payton may be the only potential exception and he seems to also be drifting toward mediocrity.
The "Evaluators" ratings average 79 for the five commissioners. Where I went to school that would get you at best a "C". We need better than that from our commissioners as a group.
Agree with the blogger who suggested that we ask a question about the performance of the Marion County School Board. Our School Board needs some attention concerning what it is or is not accomplishing. We will focus our September question on the School Board. With school back in session then, this should generate some good response to the question. Personally, I believe the School Board has much room for improvement. Frankly, in my opinion, its performance ranks well below that of our County Commission. Arrogance and unwillingness to listen are two of the School Board’s major flaws. We will be very interested in hearing from others on this issue in September.
I see things a bit different than the "Evaluator". Here are my ratings:
Payton 100; Stone 90; Kesslring 85;
McClain 70; Harris 60.
McClain is learning and has potential. Harris has been there too long, should "retire"; he's an obstructionist to progress.
How can anyone in their right mind not rate Randy Harris as the top rated commissioner!! Not a one of the current group of commissioners is even in his class concerning knowledge of issues, leadership and dedication to the conservatives of this county. What trash to rate him below any of the current mental midgets on the commission.
I notice someone thinks the Republicans have a potential candidate to run against Harris. If it's Lynnet Vermillon, bring her on. Harris will destry her and her liberal, uppity women's network group!
For Harris Supporter . . .
I agree that Harris should be rated higher. But to call others mental midgets shows the current level of communication in politics -- if you can't argue the issues, resort to slander. It is what is wrong in our country today. Perhaps it is education that failed to teach us how to communicate, but I think it is probably a parenting issue -- mine taught me to use my intellect to discuss issues, not throw sticks and stones and try to knock others down by calling them names.
I too am a Harris supporter, but I can have a discussion with him without calling others names. I hope you will learn to do so also.
I agree with the blogger above. Harris supporters have an uncanny way of defaming and bad mouthing anyone who disagrees with their support of Harris. Unfortunately, this has become the typical "profile" of a Harris supporter. If this continues, Harris will not be able to bridge the gap with the (many) more reasonable voters in this county. Perhaps he needs to ask himself the question: are my supporters helping or hurting me? Voters will answer that question for him in two more years.
I just want to tell you that Charlie Stone is on my list as one of the best county commissioners we have. I had a problem a few months ago and called my commissioner, Randy Harris. After calling three times with no response, I gave up and decided to call Mr. Stone. Within a few hours he called me back and answered my question. I appreciate a commissioner who responds to the people. Thank you Mr. Stone!
it will be interesting to see how voters feel about the gop controlled commission next election. taxes on homes have skyrocketed and when they try to claim in ads they have held down spending all that needs to be done is look at the budget and see the increase. it will be difficult for payton and harris -- the two up in two years -- to claim they have held down spending will be a joke. randy has never voted for a budget but the facts the budgets have climbed so much in his 14 years shows, perhaps, his lack of leadership. surely, the chairman of the gop should be able to shepherd his flock enough to get them to control runaway spending. the "randy, he's on our side" signs may not be enough this time. the new budget must have lund begging for a life jacket in the high water of lake weir, the english woman tightening her jacket, and glass trying to find another veteran to blame!
I discovered the following on an Alachua County blogsite describing one of their local politicians. Does this description fit any of the Marion County commissioners you know?
Characteristics of a Political Narcissist:
Feels grandiose and self-important (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents to the point of lying, demands to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
Is obsessed with fantasies of unlimited success, fame, fearsome power or omnipotence, unequalled brilliance (the cerebral narcissist), bodily beauty or sexual performance (the somatic narcissist), or ideal, everlasting, all-conquering love or passion
Firmly convinced that he or she is unique and, being special, can only be understood by, should only be treated by, or associate with, other special or unique, or high-status people (or institutions)
Requires excessive admiration, adulation, attention and affirmation - or, failing that, wishes to be feared and to be notorious (narcissistic supply)
Feels entitled. Expects unreasonable or special and favorable priority treatment. Demands automatic and full compliance with his or her expectations
Is "interpersonally exploitative", i.e., uses others to achieve his or her own ends
Devoid of empathy. Is unable or unwilling to identify with or acknowledge the feelings and needs of others
Constantly envious of others or believes that they feel the same about him or her
Arrogant, haughty behaviours or attitudes coupled with rage when frustrated, contradicted, or confronted
Anyone you know?
I can think of one commisssioner who fits the political narcissist description. Everyone probably knows who that is. I can think of a couple of outher local politicos who would also qualify. If Jim Warford were still around he would sure fit the term. This is probalby why he no longer works for the State of Florida. It just took a little while to discover his traits.
How about some comments and discussion about commissioners other than just Randy Harris! He is only one out of five commissioners. Lately, he seems to more and more be on the bottom of some 4-1 votes. I think McClain is finding his own without being a Harris yes man. More comments about the others please, Harris doesn't need anymore publicity.
Perhaps Randy Harris is getting too much attention. However, I wish he would stick with what he is best at and stay out of all the piss ant things like the library books, playing sheriff, park gates, etc. I voted for him as a fiscal conservative and couldn’t care less about him getting involved in the junk he is into lately. I want him to be sure my tax bill is kept real low and that the county isn’t spending money stupidly. He is drifting far away from why I voted for him. His real base is the fiscal conservatives and not these social conservatives. His so called social conservative followers don’t care about how our money is spent or our taxes--many of them don’t even pay any meaningful taxes. Fiscal and social conservatives are not always one and the same.
Fiscal Conservative is right on. The republican party I used to know has become more like the democrats--tax and spend. We need new blood throughout the republican party. No (emphasize "no") incumbent republicans will get my vote next time around. That includes Randy Harris who has lost touch with his constituents. Perhaps a few democrats should be given the opportunity to see if they can do better than some of the current republicans.
harris lost touch with his constituents??????
he still has lunch with lund, the english woman and glass, and he says the right things at the lunch bunch and the 40-50 freeloaders who come to eat.
harris will be tough to beat because his voters will turn out. and only 30-35 percent of the GOP will elect the next commissioner -- because that is how many vote in primaries, and the majority of them are harris people.
Who is John Lund and what does he do? I see his name mentioned in some of the comments.
I see someone does not know who John Lund is . . . well, he is the founder and president and chief proritor of the CAVE Society -- Citizens Against Virtually Everything! John is an Illinois transplant who from time to time I remind that there is a road headed back north since he doesn't like how Florida is run. He spends more time than anyone I know researching how dimes are spent in government. We work together on some projects, and while he is against most everything regarding spending of money -- including buying his own lunch (He is cheap), he probably knows as much about county government as any full time employee. And he gets not a penny for doing his daily radio show. But then as the founder of the CAVE Society, he gets plenty of honors! We agree a lot and disagree a lot, but he is fun to argue with.
pwf
PWF,
Don't be too hard on Lund. His radio show beats the devil out of the one by Bobby D. Bobby D is a hatemonger who should be ashamed to even call himslf a Christian. All he can do is to defame those who don't agree with him. Most of those calling in to the show aren't much better.
He (Bobby) is on the same plane as "Ray" who calls his show to quote screipture, then calls God's chosen people, the Jews "snakes and vipers." There is more hate and misinformation in that two hours everyday than you would normaly run into in a month.
John Lund’s claim to fame is his talk show on a local radio station-- known locally as “Wacko” radio. The Big Bad John Show has a small group of listeners who are frequent callers to his show. The same people call all of the time. I listened a few times, but have stopped. Frankly, John’s wife Barbara seems much smarter and reasonable than him. She should have her own talk show. By the way, the name Big Bad John is a farce. One of my friends pointed Lund out to me at a county commission meeting. I was expecting a tough looking lumberjack type person. Instead, John is a little shrimp with a 1950’s flat top! The flat top seems to go with his philosophy on most things.
Come on guys, be kind to Big Bad John. He's from Illinois country, rode motorcycles and then sold them, and some how found a lady who will do all his work. he can't be all bad.
The problem with all of these call in shows is the same people call in every night. Don, Sonny, Ray, Ken, the English lady . . . They need a once a week rule so either you get new listeners or get off the air. I'd rather listen to Sean Hannity rant and rail and beat up on people than these same old nuts.
One thing about Big Baddddd John . . . he and Barbara have spent literally thousands of hours of their time and thousands of dollars of their own money researching government spending and policies.
How many of the rest of this community would do that . . . I only know one other person, and he is crazy as Barbara and John.
Until you are willing to get involved and try to make a difference, don't criticize the ones who do.
pwf
I agree, enough said about John Lund. John can’t solve our road problems. Let’s talk about why my car needs a front end alignment for the second time in 6 months! The problem is roads, roads, roads. Where is our roads Czar, Charlie Stone? I can’t find but about 2-3 roads/streets that you can drive on without the threat of getting a hernia, or back problems from the potholes. Please Charlie and the BCC let’s have some planning to fix the miserable condition of many of our county roads. More important, let’s have some action.
Agree, enough about John Lund and Bobby D. Their radio shows have about the influence of a rain drop in the Atlantic Ocean.
I think our county commission is doing a better job than it gets credit for. I am much more confident in the commission than the county school board. The school board is becoming a financial train wreck. Perhaps they need to work closer with the commissioners to help address and solve some of their problems. I don’t see any long range financial planning being demonstrated by the school board. They better get their act together or we will be seeing some new faces sitting in the chairs.
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
I'm with the posting above. Who said this? Doubt it was the blogger posting this.
Unfortunately, we have more to be critical of than say good things about in our local government. We need more really good, community oriented people, who don't give a damn about politics to get involved. I'll vote for anyone (Dem or Rep) who gives me solutions to problems and not just political rhetoric. Around here, there is less of the former and more of the latter. I wish I had the youth and energy level to enter politics.
Sorry, I should have given the citation.
CITIZENSHIP IN A REPUBLIC
"The Man In The Arena"
Speech at the Sorbonne
Paris, France
April 23, 1910
Teddy R.
That pithy posting about “it is not the critic who counts” is way off base!! It is the voter who counts and the voters can and should be critics. Sweating politicians means nothing to me if the sweat isn’t a result of hard work. You can sweat just by sitting in a room without air conditioning. Don’t give me that baloney that the politicans sitting in the positions of power should receive some special treatment because they were elected. That’s great philosophy but not reality. Give me more Payton types and fewer Harris types and I’ll be less of a critic. As long as I vote, I’ll be a critic.
I agree with the Belleview Critic. Holding their feet to the fire is one of the few ways we can be involved with their decision-making.
Charles, Your quote by Teddy R. is good. If we only had a few more politicians who would take risks at the expense of their political careers.
I really liked the old group of commissioners from a few years ago: Henning, Cretul, Kesselring, Townley and Harris. They seemed to be able to keep Harris in control.
You have got to be kidding! The group of five commissioners you listed did no better job than the current five in controlling Harris. He is uncontrollable by anyone, including his backers. He uses his supporters to do his dirty work better than any politician I have seen.
Jay, my man, the real action is not on the threads in our archives!
Go to the main thread and post where people, other than probably just the Blog Master, will read your good thoughts. I think I know the 2/3 you are talking about. I bet many others do too. Join us on the more current part of our Blog.
Glad to have you blogging with us!
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