Do You See a Pattern Here?

From the Blue Ridge Taxpayer Association:

I begin by expressing how disappointing and sad it is that three city council member’s find it necessary to begin an investigation of the Mayor and council and to spend hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars by bringing in legal counsel from an outside source. From the inception of this administration’s term, the number one area of accomplishment has been spending your taxpayer dollars on legal fees and trying to find a way to make their fellow Council persons or the Mayor look bad. Creating such turmoil should bring to light what is really going on in our City.  It is obvious to everyone that the deck is being stacked in every branch of City government. There are five members on the Council, but it takes only three votes to move forward on any city issue without dispute or compromise.  It is truly pathetic that the same three council members control everything with a “one-two-three vote” leaving other council members, the mayor, and the taxpayers without a voice or opinion on very important issues that concern every citizen in this city.

Is it legal? Yes.  Is it ethical? You decide.  If an issue is presented to the entire council and Mayor and the three council members who have the power to vote no because it doesn’t benefit their interest, “one-two-three”, you are dead in the water! The same holds true with the Zoning and Appeals Board. In most appointments, you will find that the same three council members handpicked who can serve their personal interest.  Are these appointees qualified? Time will tell.  Once again the deck is stacked…are you beginning to see a pattern here?  The lack of consideration for citizens of this community, by Council going behind closed doors and appointing and filling available positions before a council meeting is held,   is at best questionable. Can’t we at least hear about their respective qualifications in a public forum? Are you beginning to see a pattern here?

These boards and these three council members have voted down three different applications for the construction of new building projects downtown. Projects that would create jobs, create demand for   local goods and services, as well as generate revenue and tax dollars for the city.  It appears economic development is of no interest except when it benefits the same three.  The same three council members have already been sued over their backroom tactics and collusive actions. When will the next gauntlet fall that will end up costing the taxpayers more money?   There are five council members and the mayor to govern, however in reality there are only three making all decisions without regard for the Mayor or other council members input or concerns.  Is this legal? Yes. Is this the government you want? You decide.  I am requesting the Mayor convene a Town Hall meeting to give citizens of this city and county the opportunity to be heard without restrictions, bias or a five minute time clock.  Power can be both productive and also dangerous if in the wrong hands.  Having a council with three members with no intention of compromise with the Mayor and other council members is unsettling and suspicious at best.  There are many infractions that need addressing and the residents of the city and country deserve leadership and truth in what is really going on in our town. Stop the bleeding…enough is enough! The time has come to stop spending tax payer dollars with no regard and to finding compromise. If this can’t be accomplished…resign your position!  You are creating a pathway for bankruptcy of our city by putting your own personal agendas ahead of the citizens’ voice. Do what is right for the city and begin by doing the job you were elected to do.  You continue to profess there are no funds available for much needed infrastructure while at the same time you waste taxpayer dollars on frivolous law suits and unnecessary expenditures on the backs of the taxpayers.  I would like to commend Mayor Whitener, Rhonda Thomas, and Harold Herndon for having the character to remain in their positions in spite of all the ridiculousness they deal with on a daily basis. God only knows where we would be if any of the three of them had stepped down. I am amazed that the Georgia Ethics Commission has not taken it upon themselves to do their own investigation of what has been taking place for the last two years. Perhaps someone needs to give them an update.  Mark my words and put it in stone, this group and their handpicked boards are preparing for the next election.  Keep your eyes open for any city board seat that becomes available and also which council members, by a majority of the same three, vote to appoint them.  Then ask yourself what is their association with the appointees. Do you see a pattern here?  If you care about the future of this city, please come and voice you opinions at a Town Hall meeting . You will learn who is really trying to take over and what their agenda truly is.  These are your tax dollars at work. Is this the representation the citizens of Blue Ridge and Fannin County deserve? Is this what you voted for? You decide …..Do you see a pattern here?

 

Blue Ridge Taxpayers Association