Sound Off: Do You Have Issues?
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Do you have issues you want to “Sound Off” about that are not yet covered on our Politically Homeless blog home page postings and comments?
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posted by Blog Master @ 7:09 AM
127 Comments:
Code Enforcement. Why the heck do we have to put up with all the "we buy houses", "peanuts for sale" signs, nailed to trees, utility poles and stuck in the right-of-way? Are our inspectors blind, overworked, or simply unenclined? Nuby's Corner is shameful.
Right on Charles!! Our county is begining to look like some third world county. I think the inspectors don't give a hoot.
Charles: My daughter and I have a way to help with the sign problem. This evening on our way home we stopped and pulled up 5 signs and brought them home to throw in the trash. If more people would do this we might be able to clean up our roads a bit. We are going to pick up signs once a week from now on. My 8 year old feels she is helping clean up the roads. We are probably breaking some law, but so be it.
Good idea. I'll do the same thing. Our road has a bunch of signs.
I don’t have any issues but here’s your scoop of the day. Andy Kesselring will not run for county commissioner again when his term ends in just a few years. Eight years is enough. I think eight years is enough for any of our local politicians; give old Andy credit for recognizing that. A few more should. The man to beat to replace him will be Ocala city councilman Mike Amsden. You can take this to the bank!
I have always been a Kesselring backer, from the time he served on the Ocala City Council through his time as a commissioner. He is a lot more conservative than some give him credit for. Andy would be a great candidate to replace Dennis Baxley when he terms out as a state representative.
As for Amsden, he would be a great county commissioner. He is an independent thinker and would hold his own with Randy Harris, probably even driving Harris crazy because Amsden isn’t going to be bullyed. Of course, Harris may not even be in the picture if all of this “political speculation” does become for real.
I pulled up 3 signs on my way to work this morning.
No way is Andy Kesselring going to give up his seat on the commission. I predict he will run again. Perhaps Amsden will run against him. Now that would be an interesting race.
My issue is I don't like all these MSTUs that are being considered. They are a cop out to good government. They are government within a government and not needed. If people have special needs let them use private sources for doing what they need done. Government can't do everthing.
I’m against all MSTUs. If someone buys a house and it has no roads or street lights, don’t come back to the county government and ask for help in providing them. Go to private sources or better yet have the good sense to take care of these items with the seller before you buy. We have to stop the use of MSTUs.
Charles,
Where in the heck is Nuby's Corner?
Being new to the area and just learning about the local politcs a previous post mentioned Comm Kesslering running for Rep Baxley's seat. What is Rep Baxley's plans? Is Comm Harris thinking about Rep Baxley's as well?
I can’t believe our commissioners can’t find $300,000 in the huge county budget for a one time fix to the flooding problems around Lake DeLancy. This is a unique situation and doesn’t have to be precedent setting for the future. An MSTU is a copout, as someone else has stated. Pretty soon everything our tax dollars is supposed to cover is going to be replaced by an MSTU. A great way to keep tax rates down and still screw the taxpayers.
I would like to see Harris take on Baxley. I know Harris would wipe him out. Kesselring wouldn’t have a chance. Our legislature needs a dose of Randy Harris. Baxley is a party man who does whatever Tallahassee tells him to do.
Harris vs Baxley would be a great one to watch.
Charles,
I have joined the sign patrol brigade. Got rid of several yesterday. It was fun!
Dennis Baxley is doing good job. I don’t think any local Republicans can beat him, including Harris. Why would Harris even want to give up his high paying position on the commission for the peanut pay of a state position? Harris needs the money.
I have heard rumors that Harris will “retire” from the county commission at some point and run for county supervisor of elections (a great paying job). He and George Albright can team up to pad their state retirements.
I don’t see any Democrats to oppose Baxley either. The local cast of Dems is pathetic. The job is Baxley’s until he terms out.
I would love to see a Harris v Baxley race for state legisl. My vote goes to Randy.
I agree with “Baxley Friend” that Baxley is safe until he terms out in 2008. All this musical chairs speculation won’t be of any importance until then. Even then the Baxley replacement situation may not be clear. There are probably several Republicans who may place their hat in the ring. These would include Andy Kesselring (yes, he does have a very good chance), the “heir apparent” (at least in his own mind) Kurt Kelly, and Kent Guinn. Harris is not in the picture.
Yoiu can sure bank on the fact that Kesselring will NOT run again. He said on City Council the time had come to quit, and he has repeatedly said two terms as a County Fommissioner is enough. Only Cliuf Stearns will not live up to his pledge to serve three or four terms.
Harris as a supervisor of elections???? First, he might have to show up to work more than one day a week, something he wouldn't like. Second, even moderately conservative Republicans (not right wingers) would see through the fact that this would be a retirement issue for him. Only the "patriot" woman would want him in this job. Dee Brown would sweep him.
Spoeaking of Albright . . . what ever happened to the wonderful "family" he kept talking about during his campaign, claiming that Bob McCall would clean house and get rid of hangers-on???? Hear now that Linda Lynch is retiring because she can't stand to see him mistreat any more employees. What does that make -- about a dozen or so shown the door in his mismanagement style. Also understand Mac Olson now says his support for good ole George was a mistake. Duh!
Pudgy Kurt Kelly has a problem. His term on school board is gone in 2006, and he has no platform to try for state or national office in 2008. He has been so ineffective as a school board member that he will have to go back to the private sector and miss out on a public retirement as everyone else in his family has going for them.
New here . . . asks where is Nuby's Corner? That's the problem, we have no many new folks here the landmarks are going. Nuby's corner has been at SR 40 and SR 314 for 60-70 maybe 80 years. Nuby Shealy operated his service station there until he finally retired aabout ten years ago. I found Nuby's Corner as I drove into Ocala from DeLand in 1958. Lots of great stories from that area. pwf
PWF,
Thanks for telling me the location of Nuby's Corner. Charles says that it is a mess with signs. I'm going to check it out.
Local pastor Ed Martin, in a letter to the editor (Star-Banner) today, offered a testimonial to two people he considers “true American patriots”. He credits Randy Harris and Pat Strait as his two true patriots.
I won’t quibble about Harris. Love him or hate him, he has long been involved with the pro life movement. Don’t know if that qualifies him as a “patriot”. Many other locals have also been active pro lifers, equally or even more so.
However, Pat Strait as a true American patriot—give me a break! Pastor Martin must have had too many cups of coffee before writing his letter. Comparing Pat Strait to Carrie Nation and Susan B Anthony is ludicrous. Both of these ladies must be rolling over in their graves. Get real pastor Martin!
I know who Randy Harris is. Who is Pat Straight?
Heard rumor Ed Dean may resign early to run against Cliff Stearns. Anyone else heard this
ed dean resign to run against stearns? now let's look at this situation. as sheriff, ed dean commands his own department. as congressman, stearns is one of 435 and way down the list in influence. as sheriff, ed dean does things to benefit all marion county. as congressman, stearns's record of "bringing home the bacon" is a blank sheet -- completely blank. republican operatives have been trying this tale for the last five or six years -- even before ed dean became sheriff and cleaned up the gop mess at the mcso. ed dean is not running for congress -- but he would win if he wanted the job and end up with the same little influence as stearns exhibits. ed dean wouldn't have betrayed all those stearns promised to vote against cafta.
Can anyone tell me what church Ed Martin pastors? I've asked around and no one seems to know.
I'm a Republican and would vote for Ed Dean over Stearns. Stearns let us down on his CAFTA vote. He's been in Washington to long.
I have never heard Ed Martin associated with any specific church. However, if there were something called "Church of the Latter Day Nut Cases", he would make a great Bishop!
I think a good person to challenge Baxley is Mike Amsden. He is leaving the city council in October, giving him a year to get his campaign together. Amsden would represent our county much better than Baxley has. Baxley is more interested in representing himself and furthering his own political career. If Amsden were to run, he would get my support and vote.
Amsden vs. Baxley is the best idea I have heard! Mike would be an excellent opponent. He understands our problems at the city and county levels. Bring this one on.
you ask about Pat Strait -- not Straight -- confrontational, "in your face," rude, hard working, disruptive, generally somewhat knowledgable, lacks influence because of attitude. One of those who has to tell you what a Christian she is -- which generally means her actions do not show it. Not a nice person.
Ditto from me on the above descripption of Pat Strait. Couldn't have put it better.
My hat goes off to local pro-life activist Steve Klein for having the guts to tell it like it is (in today’s Star Banner) concerning Randy Harris and our local Republican Executive Committee. Steve is another example of the local party attempting to silence anyone who dares to disagree with it.
Steve has been a selfless worker for protecting children. Perhaps even more than Harris, who uses the issue primarily for his own political gain. I am amazed that it has taken Steve so many years to discover what many of us have always know—Harris and the local REC is anti-Jew. The local party tolerated Steve’s father because he was influential and had money. Steve has neither of these to offer the party. Thanks Steve for revealing the truth.
I have asked several local and long-time residents of Marion County who know “pastor” Ed Martin if they knew which church Mr. Martin serves. No one seems to know. The best answer I received was that Mr. Martin is a self-ordained “street preacher” and preaches to whoever will listen to him in a church without walls.
There are certainly many people in our county who could qualify as “pastors” of a street preacher ministry. They are people with strong religious principles who are activists on important social issues, and have many followers who listen and learn from them. However, I doubt any of them would be so bold or arrogant to call themselves “pastor” just because they have strong religious beliefs on a certain issue.
Can someone give us any better fix on Ed Martin’s church affiliation?
Since "Pastor" Ed Martin has taken it upon himself to identify "Patriots" I will identify demagogues . . .
Ed Martin, Bobby D., Pat Strait, Randy Harris, John Lund, Kurt Kelly -- that's the start of a good list.
so steve klein has joined the long, and growing list, of people who are fed up with the (lack of) leadership of the marion county republican executive committee. duh!!!! what took him so long. he is right -- many are anti-jewish. welcome to the real world, steve.
Can anyone tell me exactly who is planning on running for City Council. Tired of hearing all the rumors. Can someone please post the facts..
You won't know for sure who is running until City candidates officially qualify. The qualifying period is noon, August 29 to noon, September 2. All is speculation until then. Even though someone says they are going to run, they could change their mind between now and the qualifying period.
Has anyone actually qualified for any of the District 1, 3 and 5 seats. If any of the people who picked up packets follow through with qualifiying, it will be interesting.
Very concerned about the candidates running for Mayor. Do they posses the skills and knowledge needed to directly oversea the Police Department and the safety of the citizens of Ocala.
We do have quite a few Ed Martin type “street preachers” in our area. Unfortunately, many of them really don’t have a real religion to preach about. The main emphasis of these folks is on philosophies that exist in only one other religion I know about. I have heard some of these street preachers espouse hateful messages, with a lack of respect and civility for their fellow man. Agree with us or be doomed to Hell! Not anything that I have been taught in my church.
My son is in Afghanistan fighting a war against exactly the religious doctrine of some of these street preachers. God bless him. I hope he does not have to come back home to fight the same war.
I am also concerned about the candidates for City Mayor. Especially "Doctor" Bean. This guy seems like a real nut. Can't imagine him as our Mayor. "Dude" I can picture as Mayor--however, would like to see more quality candidates come forward.
Just so know one forgets. My daughter and I are still having a ball removing signs along the roads.
I have an issue. We need two more county commissioners. Five is not enough for the size of our county and the growth. How about the addition of two at-large commissioners? Two more brains on the BCC would be great. This will never happen, but had to get it off my chest.
I love Linda's comments about street preachers. She is so correct!
I notice that someone thinks Ed Dean might have a chance against Cliff Stearns. Never going to happen! Stearns would blow Dean away. Stearns is in his position for as long as he wants to stay.
Looks like our commissioners are going to increase (double) the fire service impact fees. This will be interesting to watch when the hearings on this take place. The “burden” on the developers group will likely be out in full force to kill this—if not behind the scenes pressure on commissioners.
Isn't politics strange? I have noticed more and more members of the far right speaking out against some of the local party notables (e.g. Harris, Strait, Pastor Ed). Seems these three folks may not be what they like you to think they are.
I agree with Bob. Congressman Stearns is there as long as he wants to stay. However the Republican Party needs to look ahead to the time when the Congressman decides to retire who will be the best possible candidate to keep the seat?
Anyone read Brad Rogers’ column in today’s Star Banner? We have financial issues in our county far beyond a solution of just increasing impact fees. I’m not sure we have the brainpower on our commission or school board to deal with the problems of our county. The call to arms is for all of us to get tough in evaluating candidates for public office. The good old boy, backslapper is not necessarily what we need. Some non-politician, educated business people who have dealt with financial problems is my leaning next time around. Incumbents are candidates for extinction.
Our Monday morning coffee group came up with three local politicians we think might be replacements for Cliff Stearns: George Albright, Dennis Baxley and Randy Harris. Albright will lie his way into office; Baxley will pray his way in; Harris will bully his way in. Next Monday morning we are going to work on some more names. This list seems pretty hopeless.
Starbuck, you got this one right -- on all three counts. A question, however -- shouldn't we also consider Alachua, Clay and Duval Counties? They have more votes in the district than Marion and you can bet there will be candidates from those areas as well.
How about Jennifer Carroll as a Stearns repalcement? My wife heard her speak at a Republican womens event and was impressed. I beleive she is a state representative.
Starbuck,
I look forward to another list next Monday. Hope it is better than the one you came up with.
I bet you a steak dinner that George Albright is positioning himself to replace Stearns. He won’t get my vote. There are other Republicans who would be much better than Albright. Albright’s campaign promises have not proved to be truthful. I want someone you can talk to without the arrogance of your typical Albright/Baxley/Harris style politicians.
Hey, I’m missing seeing comments from “pwf”. Where are you? You always have nice things to say about Albright!
Too bad for Belleview that Emery Abshier will not run again for city council. He is one of my favorites. I hope he will decide to run against Baxley for the state house of representatives. I believe he could beat Baxley. Anyone know where Abshier is moving to? He says somewhere outside the city limits.
Emery would be an excellent candidate for the state seat.
Abshier versus Baxley. Now that's an interesting thought!
The "greening of Harris". I'll believe it when I see it!!!
I'll repeat what I have said before. Dennis Baxley is in his state rep. job until he terms out. There is no one who can beat him. He's doing a very good job for our county. Why would anyone want to vote him out of office?
Baxley friend . . . I too am a friend of Dennis, and also a Republican but I am not blind. Other counties get action -- and "pork" in the form of roads and bridges, and help on funding area wide projects dumped on counties by the same state legislature in which he serves.
Anything would be better than the nothing her has served up in his six or seven sessions. Good old Dennis is Jeb's friend and kisses his fanny and does whatever whenever and however Jeb and the house leadership say. He does not and never has been a Marion County Representative. You might change my mind if you can build a case that he has been a good representative, and here is your forum --- on this blog site. So, have at it . . . you are up!
Jan, don't believe I have commented on Albright. Can't blame me for other's comments.
I am going out there to pick up a tag, however, and I will look in on him and report back.
You can tell my comments because I sign them -- just like I did in my old newspaper days of writing a controversial column!
--pwf
The comments anon made about Baxley's performance in helping Marion County are right on target. Baxley is for Baxley and his buds in Tallahassee. Local issues are on his back burner--and always have been. I'm also a republican and am very dissapointed with him. I can't wait to see what "Baxley Friend" can come up with concerning where Baxley is helping our county.
I see where Sheriff Ed Dean and his deputies are helping out the people around Lake DeLancy who have flooding problems. Thank goodness one of our elected officials has some sense of urgency about the situation. How amny county commissioners do you think joined in to help the sheriff's people fill up sand bags? We all know the answer to that question.
Thank you Ed Dean!!
He's a politician with a heart.
God bless him and his deputies.
Correction Dave . . .
ED Dean is a man with a heart who happens to have answered the call to be involved in public service, and is, therefore, a politician . . . one of the best in my 50 years of observing!
pwf
I have an issue. Is anyone as concerned as me about the looting and lawlessness in New Orleans? What is happening to our society? Stealing water and food is one thing, but TVs, stereos, fancy clothing, this is hard to watch. I may be accused of being a racist, but it seems to me that most all of the looting is by the low income, black community in New Orleans.
The looting is bad. However, I’m not sure I wouldn’t do the same for food and water for my family, but not some of the other stuff people are taking.
My issue is with FEMA. This is group is a disaster and I hope many FEMA staff get fired when this thing is over. We had some real bad experiences in our county and it looks like it is no better in the other states. FEMA is a nightmare! Someone needs to review whether this agency should be allowed to exist.
It doesn't seem like most of you on here really know the Dennis Baxley that I know. He is an honest Christian, that does what he believes is the right thing to do, not necessarily what is politically expedient. If any of you doubt what he is done for Marion County, you must be blind. He has put us on the map with his leadership in Tallahassee.
My response to "jackvrobinsonphd".
I also want politicians who follow their religious beliefs in the task of representing the people. However, I prefer those who do not shove their religious beliefs in my face all the time. This is the problem I have with Dennis Baxley; to the extent he seems phony at times.
I respect “Christian politicians” like Charlie Stone, Larry Cretul, Randy Harris, David Ellspermann and Ed Dean. They do not need to tell me how religious they are, I know this by their actions. Mr. Baxley should take a page from the actions of these gentlemen and he might get more respect.
To jackvrobinsonphd --
if dennis pui us mon the map i tallahassee, I ask with whom? He ran for speaker of the house and didn't get enough votes to count, then climbed aboard the campaign of one of the front runners and lost that one too. when the far right wing county gop bunch, i.e. mauguerite cavanaugh, pat straight, lewis dinkins and the militia group jumped him about his vote to try and protect kids and old folks during a terror attack, he backed down and told them he really hadn't read the bill he voted for -- not unusual for legislators. But exactly what has he done for marion county that put us on the map? he wanted to give our water to south florida, he has done nothing to help local government, has imposed stupid restrictions and regulations on the school system all because jeb and the boys said "dennis, jump. Good boy dennis, now go back to the back of the room until we need you the next time." A good Chrisatian, no doubnt. A leader ???? give me a break!
I agree with old preacher, this whole hurricane thing is becoming nothing but black leaders trying to politicize the situation. They will only hurt those they should be helping. I know many people who will not contribute to the victim relief funds because of the statements of these so called black leaders.
Someone mentioned the poor job done by FEMA during Hurricane Katrina. Well congressman Cliff Stearns intends to do something about this. He is going to push for the firing of REMA director Mike Brown. Go Cliff!! There is plenty of blame to go around, but I hope the voters of Louisiana also “fire” the governor and mayor of New Orleans. They both must be held accountable for not reacting fast enough by having federal help waiting at the state border to come in when the hurricane ended. Attempting to shift the blame for their poor planning to the federal government is wrong. Even though the federal government, FEMA in particular, did a good job of screwing things up once they arrived. Let’s say good by to the governor, the mayor and FEMA director.
Do you really think Cliff Stearns is going to get the FEMA director fired? You must be dreaming! By the time Stearns and Congress get finished investigating the situation, they will have elevated FEMA to a cabinet level position and promoted Mike Brown to Secretary in the President’s cabinet. Nothing like using a good disaster to get promoted. Screw up and move up!
I know the people who Jan identifies as “Christian politicians”. The difference between them and Rep. Baxley is best summed up by something I was taught in my training to become a lay minister: you can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.
I hope no one uses the comments of some idiot black leaders like Jesse Jackson et al. as an excuse not to donate to the hurricane relief efforts. Remember many of these so-called black leaders have never been poor a day in their lives. Most will just use this situation for their own political benefit. Let’s not shun the many deserving people (white, black, poor, etc.) in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who need our help.
the best thing that could happen for those poor people in Louisianna would be to teach them birth control. Why is it that the poorest without ability to feed and care have the biggest families? And where was the catholic church in all of this mess. Fundamentalist churches, baptist, methodist churches and many others quickly opened their doors and wallnts. i have yet to hear from the cardinal of lousiana, the bishops of mississippi and alabama or even their parish priests. no i am not anti-catholic, just merely tating facts.
I have just sent this message to Conghressman Stearns . . . I hope you all will agree and send a like message to him. This is the time for action, not investigations. That money that is already appropriated for pork projects would help solve a serious problem.
Thank you for your concern about the people displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
I believe you should today form a coalition with other members of the House and exert leadership by introducing a bill that repeals the individual projects of the public works budget and re-allocated all of those $200-plus billions into the rebuilding of the infrastructure of Louisiana and Mississippi and Alabama. That, Congressman, would be leadership and would provide you with a true legacy of your years of service.
Thanks
Paul Ferguson
Ocala
--pwf
I doubt that Stearns will get anything done in response to Mr. Ferguson's request to reallocate the "pork" in the federal budget. An excellent idea being seeded into a bad brain.
PWF, do you have an e-mail for Cliff Stearns? I will send him something on the idea you suggested to him.
Congressman's Stearns assistant in Ocala is Judy Moore. She makes sure he gets the info you send to this address:
judy.moore@mail.house.gov
Hope we get some response.
Thanks for your interest.
--pwf
I agree with the comments that Mr. Baxley has not provided for Marion County. IMO he follows a line of inept people who have held his seat.
Volusia county has state funds to 4 lane SR 40 about 6 miles West of I-95. They don't need it yet, but are staying ahead of the game.
Volusia has state funds to 4 lane SR 44 (between New Sym and Deland)about 14 miles West of I-95. They don't need it yet, either. They are planning for the future.
Heck, where is the money for our part of SR 40? We have needed it for 20 years.
Mr. Baxley needs to quit praying and bring home some bacon.
I believe Pat Howard has really screwed up in his selection of a new Asst. County Administrator. She will prove to be not what the county needs. Hope that I’m proved wrong, but I doubt it.
I think talking about Nuby's Corner is quite a bit more interesting than talking about Dennis Baxley. We can do something about Nuby's Corner, it's not likely we can do anything about Baxley--short of a "miracle" candidate appearing to run against him.
Charles talks about the need for road money and SR 40. The extension of SR 40 from Barberville to Ormond was a big deal back in the dark ages when I came here, and Marion County battled for several years before it got on the list. They rebuilt SR 40 from Silver Springs to Barberville about 1968 or so, and generally, little has been done except talk since that time. You woyld think with my state senator, Evelyn Lynn living in Ormond and driving almost weekly to Tallahassee via SR 40 and Ocala the condition of the road would be brought to the forefront, but other than my questions to her on the radio, I don't believe I have ever heard it mentioned. It sure isn't on any front burner. For God's sake, we have been trying to get Silver Springs Blvd in front of Dennis' business repaved for thre last five or six years. Charles, don't get in a hurry. I have only been here 48 years; it may be built in my lifetime, but they had better hurry!!!!
--pwf
PWF, I think SR40, from Barberville, to Ormond was circa, 1964ish. Barberville to S Springs has been there since Hector was a pup.
The road from Ormond to Tahhahassee does not run thru Ocala, metaphorically, or otherwise.
Charles, you are right about the time line (1964) for Barberville to Ormond -- a senior moment for me. But Senator Lynn does drive from Ormond to Tallahassee weekly coming and going through Ocala and stops at her office here.
Which brings up a new question perhaps the blogmaster would consider...
There is a petition drive to get an amendment on the ballot in 2006 that would change the political party way we draw legislative districts both state and federal As it is now, the party in power moves the boundaries around so incumbents are hardly ever seriously challanged. The way proposed would take the population, split it up into the right number of districts and let the battles begin. It would eliminate a seat for anyone starting in Orlando, going to Jacksonville, and ending in Ocala. State GOP operatives are fighting it cause they fear it would mean they might have come competitive seats. How about it Mr. Blogmaster? Let's see what people think about the ballot initiative.
--pwf
PWF, I'll post something on the redistricting issue as soon as I find out a bit more about it for our bloggers. That way they can better understand the issue before they comment and decide if it is a good/bad amendment. Will be a good discussion item.
General Howard has courage to go against the wishes of five white, uneducated, male commissioners in selecting a Hispanic, educated, female as assistant county administrator. I salute him! None of the five current commissioners had any great qualifications when they came into office, and a couple of the recently elected ones sure haven’t demonstrated any overwhelming brain power. I will go with General Howard’s judgment any day of the week.
Will be most interesting to see if the general will yield any power to his "Hispanic, educated, female as assistant county administrator", and that is unlikely for a marine. If he doesn't, he has used a lot of his good will for nothing. If you are a county slave (sort of an oxymoron) you know there are lots and lots of problems within the the top level staff and someone needs to sort them out quickly.
My use of the name County Slave is not an oxymoron. There is nothing but on-going disrespect and unwarranted criticism of county staff by certain commissioners and their citizen cronies from the far right. We are seen and treated as slaves by this group of people, not employees. I have never gotten that feeling from General Howard. He treats us as employees not slaves. There was a mention of problems within his top level staff group. I’m sure not aware of any.
To "County Slave" . . .
I would concur that Pat Howard treats county employees as employees, and that there are people in and out of government that have little respect for county employees. There are number of oxymorons that can be used with politicians, county administrators and county employees. I understand your use of the word slave, but my experience in dealing with most of you guys that you do work pretty hard and most have always been very cooperative with me and understood when I was trying to correct problems. Not sure who you are, but I suspect you would work just as hard wsith me to correct a problem as others have. God Bless.s
--pwf
Well folks here we go again with book challenges in the library! I think the commissioners are being set up for a no-win situation. They are going to look bad on this one, no matter what they do. If they place the three challenged books in the new restricted area of the library, that decision will be challenged in the courts and they will lose. Some of these books have already been “cleared” by the courts.
If they let the three books stay where they are, then the book “Eat Me” which is currently the one and only book in the restricted area is going to be challenged as to why it is there and the other three (similarly raunchy books) were not put in the restricted area. The commissioners will then have to remove “Eat Me” from the restricted area or keep it there and go to court. If the challenge goes to court, then the commissioners decision not to place the other books in the restricted area will likely be used against them as a reason to remove “Eat Me” from restriction. A strategic legal whipsaw if I ever saw one!
I bet this book mess will result in a lengthy court battle that is going to cost us taxpayers. If the commissioners lose in this unnecessary time waster, I’m going to be among the first wave that goes after each of them personally to be sure the taxpayers don’t foot the bill for what could have been avoided several months ago. The restricted area policy the commissioners adopted is very questionable from a legal standpoint--as their own attorney advised them.
Actually, no book is in the restricted access area set up by commissioners to stigmatize books of which they disapprove and the people who read them. To get into the book jail described in policies that went into effect August 1, a book must go through the Statement of Concern process, including appeal of the library director's decision to the commissioners. They have reserved for themselves the authority to jail books. "Lolita" will be the first book to go through the process. Last week, Barnes & Noble on SR 200 had two editions on display for viewing and purchase by anyone.
The infamous "Eat Me" continues to circulate amongst patrons like any other book with one exception: Thanks to the extensive advertising efforts of Randy Harris & Company, it has the longest patron waiting list of any physical item in the collection. There are people on the list who have been waiting for over a year to borrow "Eat Me."
Of course, anybody of any age can buy it at Barnes & Noble on SR 200 (you didn't believe that Harris propaganda about adult bookstores, did you?), and you can read the infamous Chapter One on all the library computers on about 15 websites, including the Library of Congress website. The LOC also has US and British print editions of “Eat Me.” Well, at least now we know why Cliff Stearns has stayed in Washington for so long :-)
One other correction: I doubt anyone will seriously contend that either of the two books on which I have filed is “raunchy.” Neither contains sexually explicit text or images. “Abortion: A Positive Decision” is a pro-choice feminist counseling book whose author writes in the preface, “Abortion is not the lesser of two evils. Abortion is profamily, prolife, moral, and good.” “My Two Uncles” is a gay-positive picture book with text geared for young children in which a father explains homosexuality to his daughter. “Sometimes a man loves another man in the way a married couple love each other,” her father tells her. “Women who love each other like that are called lesbians. It’s the way they are, just as Mommy and I are the way we are.”
By the way, I picked these books but I didn’t pick the topics. Those were picked by Commissioner Harris and others I quote extensively in my filings who have voiced objections to such library material for five years in county commission meetings and workshops, library advisory board meetings, radio talk show call-ins, letters-to-the-editor, and elsewhere.
Happy reading, commissioners!
This whole book challenge thing is ridiculous. What is it going to prove? Only that the commissioners enacted a policy they are never going to use. The library director will not agree to put any books in the restricted area and the commissioners will agree with her decision. Then what is Mr. Creekbaum going to do, appeal the decision to a court to get the books put into the restricted area. I don’t think so, unless he wants to file a frivolous law suit. What a waste of time.
Ann, Isn't the simple solution to get rid of the policy that created the restricted area for books? If it's not likley to be used, why even have it.If the commissioners are smart this is what they would do and then there is no reason to pursue the challenges.
I would be surprised if the decision of the library director included an opinion on whether a book should be put in the restricted access area. Her role with the restricted access area is that of jailkeeper. The commissioners are judge and jury.
Commissioner Harris has publicly predicted that the commissioners will put books in their jail and has even provided an estimate of the number they will incarcerate.
The need for a process for handling patron concerns about library materials is not dependent on having a restricted access area. Most libraries have a reconsideration process -- locally renamed a Statement of Concern process -- for such situations. It's financially infeasible to pay librarians to read all books acquired for the library, so libraries rely on third party reviews when acquiring books. During the Statement of Concern process, Marion County librarians will read the subject books in their entirety. If a book is deemed insufficiently compliant with the collection development policy, one of the options is to remove it from the collection.
This has already been raised relative to "Lolita." Quoting from the Statement of Concern on "Lolita" filed by Terry Blaes, which I obtained under a public records request: "Of course if Commissioners want to prevent adults (potential child molesters) from being influenced by this book at all, they will need to have it removed from the library."
When Janet Tutt was a candidate for county administrator, she was assailed by supporters of Commissioner Harris as insufficently moral to hold the post because she had not ordered two books -- "It's Perfectly Normal" and "Deal with It" -- removed from the library. Similar arguments have been made for firing Library Director Julie Sieg. I guess one of things we will now learn is how the county commissioners measure on that morality standard.
Mr. Creekbaum, What do you think you are going to accomplish by your challenges of books in our library? What you are doing seems going against everything you have done in the past and seems pretty obvious that you have some sort of personal thing against Randy Harris. Why do you want to give Harris the same publicity that you claim he is giving books like Eat Me? Is this about library freedom or just about your personal and constant campaign to try to discredit Randy Harris?
Well Randy -- you reap what you sow. Mr. Harris is the perfect Republican -- just like George and Jeb, he only wants people around him who tell him what he wants to hear - as evidenced by his successful attack and abolishment of the Library Advisory Board.
He got what he asked for -- complete control of library policy and book placement.
Let him deal with the fallout.
And by the way -- whatever will he do without his trained attack person, Pat Strait?? I hear she is moving??
Now that she has served her purpose of leading the charge on the library -- what is her next mission?
The premise of the question I've been asked by "agk" is incorrect.
My current activities are another phase of my support for the freedom to read at our public library. The tactics may be different, but the principles I'm supporting are not. Stay tuned.
I agree with AGK, Creekbaum has no real purpose to what he is doing. All he wants is personal PR out of this. Hope the Star-Banner stops giving it to him.
If I were the Library Director, I would tell him to p... o..! I'm not wasting taxpayer money entertaining you any longer.
Oh, God, Have mercy on on the poor folks of Idaho where Mrs. SDtrait says she is moving. May they have more strength than we had in Marion County, and bless her as she enters a more radical area than Florida. May she find a home among the militia she worked with locally.
Oh No!!!
Pat Strait leaving Marion County. Who will call Bobby D's show now? He has lost half his audience.
Let's see, if we get rid of Pat Strait and Ray the Jew hater, and the "what'shappenbingnow" preachers, Dick who brags he doesn't pay income taxes, Ken the Bible expert . . . there would be no audience . . . Perhaps Pat can take Ray with her. Hope they all like listening to the Bible Broadcasting Network. I have listened to them for several years now.
Pat Strait leaving. I'll believe it when I see it. I've heard this rumor before.
We can all pray this is a true rumor. It has to be a rumor since she herself and Bobby D are spreading it.
I understand that Mr. Creekbaum’s book challenges have been blown off by the Library Director. Rumor is she told him you don’t have anything to be concerned about. As someone said, what a waste of time fooling with him to push his own personal agenda.
Perhaps Mr. Creekbaum is just beginning his efforts against the county?
If the book challenge by Creekbaum has been "blown off", why hasn't the Star-Banner reported this. They sure gave his initial challenge enough coverage. I'm going to check with the library to see what the status is.
The Star-Banner has answered the rumor about the book challenges. Mr. Creekbaum was given the brush off by the library and the county attorney. Looks like Mr. Creekbaum and Ms. Blahs were trying to play games with library policies and the county attorney slapped their hands.
After reading a couple of weeks ago the candidates that have been brave enough to run for our local office, I ask myself what has our city come to? Night-club owners, hairdressers and not sure what the others do. If elected these people could potentially be in control of our city. Scarey. What experience and involvement do they have to offer to our community. Better yet what are the true intentions of them running?????? I feel as if the candidates should be morely upstanding citizens and positive role models for our community. It would be an extremely scarey site to see Tillander, Riggs and Juergens sitting up in those chamber seats. What have these individuals done for our community? All of this goes without saying KEEP THE INCUMBENTS!!!!!!!!!! Vote for the ones who have the experience and have a positive vision for our children and our community...
Please, no more about the library! I want to know why we haven’t heard from “Baxley Friend”. It has been over three weeks since he/she was challenged to come up with what Baxley has done for Marion County as our state representative. Still no response. Perhaps this is an indication that Baxley has done nothing!
I could support Sue Moseley. I think she would be a very good commissioner. Not sure she resides in the current district of Kesselring. We need some female influence on the BCC.
Don’t count on hearing anything from Baxley supporters. Once he or his followers have been wounded by criticism or anyone disagreeing with them, they react much like little children whose parents won’t give them what they want—pout, sulk and frown. Baxley and his clan don’t like to have their “great ideas” opposed or rejected by others. Humility is not one of his character traits.
I noticed today he is introducing legislation supported by the trial lawyers. What a strange alliance, a Republican and the trial lawyers!
Hey I heard a rumor today and I wanted to see if anyone else has heard this. Supposedly Judy Johnson is running against Larry Cretul. Any truth to this?
-the original
I haven’t heard any rumors about Judy getting back into politics. I can’t imagine that she would want to give up the great retiree life style she has to get back into the mess of politics. I’m sure the local party will try to convince her to run for something. I would sure vote for her. However, I think running against Cretul is the wrong move. He would be tough to beat.
I would encourage her and my party leadership to consider a rerun against Dennis Baxley. Many of my friends and I think he is very vulnerable. He beat her once, but his record would suggest it might not be so easy to beat her a second time.
I was just curious. You are right I think he would be tough to beat. In my mind, either one of them would be. Well, I guess this proves that you can't believe everything you hear.
-the original
Don't bet on Judy Johnson running for anything again. At her age, it just is not in the cards. She could get the Dem nomination, but the right wing zealots would swing into action against her again and slice, dice and quarter her. IMO she has no change against Cretrul at all. He has become a very strong leader who gets things done.
A candidate with lots of money, say like $400,000, would be able to take Baxley's record of guns on school grounds, guns in my back parking lot, guns everywhere, and his total failure to do anything for Marion County and I think probably do a pretty good job of beating him. It would be close, bause he would sing in every church, at every funeral, and parade his family of singers out but elected officials are tired of the problems he creates and does nothing for the local people.
His next sell out to Marion Hammer and the NRA will be to allow employees to wear a holster to work, and then to allow kids to pack heat in classrooms.
I agree,it will take a ton of money by any challenger to beat either Baxley or Cretul. The Dems just don't have it. Oh, the power of the incumbent!
Yes,I'm back!! Sorry to dissappoint you, I guess I made a huge difference in Marion County and I am very proud of the voluntary impact I made. I guess the hate and spite is still alive and well with some! Most are decent folks and dont stoop to the level of 'character assasination' with lies and innuendos! Watch your backs all you newcomers!
I have found many good decent,honorable and sincere friends out here and 'Idaho' is the place to be with traditional values and great patriots! I fit in beautifully in this environment! To the anonymous individual responding to my comments I see you are unable to take ownership of your vicious comments directed at one individual! Cetainly doesn't help your credibilty now does it? I have to wonder why people are afraid to sign their name to comments made if they really believe what they say is fact rather than fiction!
The reason I guess that the Commission meetings are 'quiet' without Lund and myself is because nobody has the guts to stand up against the so-called leadership and headhunters! Harris is the only one with guts to do the right thing for the people in Marion County, Oh, hopefully McLain is staying true to his commitment and principles! I really feel for Marion County and it's awful demise!
Come visit IDAHO the most beautiful place in the USA!
Patty
Have you looked at two suprisingly unpolitical candidates, who really seem to have only the good of Belleview at heart in running for the city council - seats 2 & 4? Cindy Steinemann and George Arvanitis are a breathe of fresh air for the city and already are making a difference in our city. They are committed to supporting the good of the residents, and especially the children. They are hard workers who will do us proud? Let's get them on the council and meet the future head on!!!
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