Extraordinary Position of Power

Anyone running for office will be looked at closely by me.

I will listen to what you have to say, but if you cannot show that you have been active in voicing your opinion in the past to the government and to the people, how can I believe you. When campaigning tell me what you have been doing in the past to support your position.

I am not a sheeple that will vote just the party line. I do try to find out who is the best person to vote for. Although sometimes I have no choice but to vote for the person  I feel will do the least damage. A lot of good people will not run because they do not want the smear tactics and underhandedness that goes with it.

I have burned into my mind what the County did to Buddy Griffith. No one went  to jail over that. I will never forget that ever.

 I feel I am preaching to the choir. None of the sheeple ever come here.

 Wake up people your kids future is on the line. Don't send them to the bread line.

Those who give up freedom for security have neither. 

I think Clay County residents and taxpayers have the opportunity to made some real changes in our government in the upcoming elections. As I've heard before voters, when at the ballgame, its time to pitch or bitch. We need to vote because that is a power we have. We need to take control of that power and get out the vote. Encourage those around you and those who you come in contact with daily. Support good candidates even if they are not in your district. We may not be able to solve all of the worlds problems but we can make a difference in our little corner of the world.

I always try to vote for the best person that I think will represent a good direction for the county to go in. And yes sometimes I have to settle for the best of a bad bunch or the one who will do the least damage. But I did something and will try again the next time to better support another candidate. 

Since this is Mike's blog I will state some obvious things that jump out at me. He has 3 people in his district at the present time.

Travis Cummings who has a nice big war chest to fight the world. But then I take issues with some of his actions, such as, the poker rooms in Orange Park. Regardless of how you feel about that issue. It was clearly in opposition to the wishes of the residents. I have to look forward and see if elected would he listen to the voters or vote his way on such a controversial issue.

Next he was on the CRC and I have yet had anyone explain to me how 2 additional Commissioners would stop corrution. It just doesn't make me feel comfortable to add more government because it always comes with more inefficiency. The system wasn't broken the people were, and that's where the change was needed. 

Most important was the following email:

From:  Al DelaparteSent: Wed 5/3/2006 11:32 AMTo:  Fritz BehringCc:  Rich J. O'ConnellSubject:  Travis Cummings

Fritz:

Yesterday, Travis Cummings visited my office to solicit the county’s insurance business.  Though his name was familiar, I did not immediately recognize him as Chairman of the Charter Review Commission.

I am concerned that this may not be an appropriate time for us to enter into, or consider entering into, a relationship with Mr. Cummings, or his company.  I am inclined to diplomatically advise him of this via letter but in view of recent events in the county believe a higher level approach might be warranted.

Please also note that the yesterday’s email issue involved Pete Cummings.  I don’t know what, if any, relationship there is between them—other than the same last name—but I wanted to call this to your attention.

Please let me know if you require any additional information, or have any suggestions in resolving this matter.

Thanks--AL

Al Delaparte  CPCU

Risk Manager

Board of County Commissioners

Clay County

P.O. Box 1366

477 Houston Street

Clay County Administration Building

Green Cove Springs, FL  32043

You know Mr. Cummings is an elected official he is aware of the State Laws, and he should know better.

Armed with the above information I wouldn't care if he had 36 million to run on in a campaign. I could not vote for him and if others could then you get what you asked for. That's all I can say. The email then makes me question the 2 above reasons for his decisions even more. Is it for personal gain or the good of the county.

I looking for some real integrity in Clay County not more of the same. With the above information and Mike Mann's open expressions on the blogs he would be my choice. Now if he messes up like the above I would blog about it too, if I found out. But I feel he is truly committed to change and that's what I''m looking for in 08. 

Let's seige the moment Clay County.

Angela, your record retrieval/information collecting is once aqain astounding. And if you really meant siege the moment (and I believe you did) rather than seize the moment, I also must give you "big props" on your word play. It has really given me a huge chuckle and a mental picture that will make me smile all day. Thanks.

Imagine all the blogerrs storming City Hal land the commission chambers armed only with their keyboards and multiple copies of public records/informatioin requests PRICELESS.

I remain, clueless and entertained in Clay

  We definately are in a uniquie position and unfortunately in more ways than one. Yes we could all go to the polls as informed voters and change the county drastically,(except for a few minor problems) First we have a very limited field to choose from, and second there are very few voters left with the stomach and will to know what's going on much less care. When I see how little people know about how we got in this mess I can't see how they would understand it well enough to know what to clean up.

 We do seem to have a few people wanting to run who I think are honest and have the right intentions. I hope they can get there message out and bring out the voters.

 It's kinda like the greyhound chasing that rabbit. What are you going to do with it when you catch it?

Which you are not clueless. I keep thinking about lily's idea of it's about time to storm the castle fellow citizens. It's time to take back our government.

What's sadly ironic about Angela's weak attempt to try and cast doubt on Cummings is that the evidence "she" uses to try and show that Cummings might be unethical proves exactly the opposite.  She posted a memo allegedly from the county's Risk Manager saying that Cummings had visited his office to solicit the county's insurance business. OK, if Cummings was indeed using his position as a Orange Park Town Council member to unduly influence decisions on County business, why didn't he get the County contract?  In fact, Cumming's insurance business has no county contracts. Which, to me, proves the exact opposite of what Angela was trying to get us to believe. It shows that Cummings has not been using his position or connections to unfairly get County business. It supports the fact that he's probably gone out of his way to play by the rules because he, as Angela writes, "is an elected official and aware of State laws." Angela's attempt to discredit Cummings and prop up Mann is thinly disguised and poorly done.  It reminds me of a quote I heard Mike Huckabee say this week... "You know you are out in front if people are trying to kick your butt."  So far, Cummings is the only candidate running who has the skills and the integrity to handle the office.  Angela's attack only reinforces that fact in my mind.  

More questions bare with me I am learning. Is Mr. Cummings one of the people who worked on the ethics things we voted on? Who is Buddy Griffith?

Yes, Travis Cummings, Orange Park Town Council, was on the Charter Revision Commission. He is now a candidate for the District 3 seat now held by George A. Bush.

Buddy Griffin is a former Clay County Commissioner. I believe OneMann or Whitewolf could fill you in on additional facts concerning what happened to Buddy Griffin as a result of incidents of slander--Their memory for the details is probably better than mine..

I do, however, however remember Buddy tried to speak as a private citizen during public comment time a couple of years ago at the BCC meeting. Chairwoman Christy Fitzgerald immediately adjourned the meeting, but not before she had 4 security guards surround him.

GCS--I can't comment on what Angela's intention was referencing the email--she will have to do that. But I doubt it had anything to do with "proping-up" One Mann.  I think One Mann does just fine expressing himself and as a newspaper guy in a previous job, he knows and uses the power of (in this case) free MCS press!

I find it interesting that because Mr. Cummins didn't get the business you think that means he had integrity.  In my opinion he should have NEVER even solicited the county for business.  It may be just as simple that he did not get the business because he wasn't a good salesman or the product wasn't as good as what the county already had. 

 However, it sure looks bad on the surface to an outsider like me.

I remain, cluess (but catching on fast)in clay.

After the day I've had filled with more excitement than should be required to just get through life. I come home and find out Ms. Fitzgerald is innocent and have to face the reality again. We are woefully underserved by the State Attorney's Office.

We have a 9 million dollar (minimum) illegal dumping scandal in Clay County and the only things the State Attorney can surmize from a grand jury presentment is to charge Ms. Fitzgerald with sandbags/plywood, and the mountain to prove to a jury she heard something. No wonder she's innocent go after the real crimes you dim wits.

Then I read on the blogs that I attempted to discredit Mr. Cummings. Could you please tell me what I did. Did I force Mr. Cummings to go to Clay County and visit Mr. Delaparte? What did I do that caused Mr. Cummings to attempt to solict their business in violation of the laws.

Then it states "alleged" email. Please, every record in the county's offices are our records, unless they are exempted by law. If you think it "alleged" then go down there a get a copy. I would encourage everyone to get a copy. Better yet call Mr. Delaparte and asked him if he made the record.

The only person I see in that email with ethics is Mr. Delaparte, who seems to be working to bring some integrity to Clay County for a change by reporting Mr. Cummings unethical actions to the appropriate authority.

Then I am accused of "proping" up Mike Mann. Mike seems to be doing an excellent job by himself with his words, deeds, and ideas, and I don't think he needs my help. I stated clearly in that blog, and I am sure anybody who has ever followed my blogging style, and the numerous emails that I have posted would not doubt. If I were to come across information such as that I would put it on the website as well. I would be an equal opportunity blogger. 

You know, either you have integrity or you don't. It's not what you do when people are looking, but what you do when you think they aren't. I think that jumps out at me in the email.

When he was down there soliciting business he is an elected official representing Orange Park, well aware of the laws, a member of the CRC working on an ethics amendment to put on the charter. It didn't stop him from going down there. He just showed his true colors in my opinion when he didn't think anyone was looking. My question, what else would he do when he thinks we aren't looking. 

You should be blogging to Mr. Cummings about keeping his own foot out of his own ass, not me, for putting an email on the website. The only place I see Mr. Cummings ahead is in campaign contirbutions, but not in integrity. I would suggest everyone look at that list, it may tell the rest of the story.

As far as I am concerned I wouldn't care what he has to say now. As I was always told, actions speak louder than words. Mr. Cummings actions are screaming. Take it up with him not me.

Sorry bloggers for the bad word, bad day. 

This is what is wrong with these blogs.  Angela gets to slander someone's integrity from the shadows with no accountability.  Angela, do you even know this man?  Have you ever met him or anyone who knows him well?  How can you say based on some email that is taken completely out of context that he has no integrity.  This person has family, friends and a job.  Does it bother you at all that you have personally attacked this person's integrity to a lot of people, and it's all over an email that doesn't, by itself, show anything?  

The County guy, Deleparte, didn't say there was a problem, he appears to be acting cautiously and asking the County Manager if it was a problem.  Did you bother to check with the County Manager to see what his answer was to Delaparte's question?  If you had an ounce of concern about getting the story right, rather than throwing out innuendo to fit your political agenda, you would have emailed the County Manager and asked him.   Based on the volumes of public records and inquiries you appear to make, that wouldn't have been hard for you to do.  But I'm sure you didn't and you won't.  You accomplished your goal.  My guess is that you know that the County Manager disagreed with Deleparte and he didn't see any problem at all (because, when you think about it, there isn't a problem), but you have selectively posted this email to let the innuendo hang out there.

Cummings volunteers to serve his community on a county government committee.  He doesn't get a paycheck from the County.  He's not an employee of the County.  You don't give up your right to make a living when you volunteer for a committee.  It's not a conflict.  Did you ask Delaparte if Cummings said anything improper to him?  Did you ask anyone at the County about any of this?  You know better than anyone that they would answer you if you did ask the questions.  Email the County Manager tomorrow and ask him if he agrees with your allegation that this man broke the law.  Better yet, ask him if Cummings even acted improperly.  The County Manager is the expert, he'll tell you.  

You have nerve to say that "integrity is what you do when people aren't looking," implying that Cummings was lurking in the backrooms trying to get cut a deal away from the eyes of the public.  You know good and well that these contracts are awarded at open public meetings.  Cummings couldn't have hidden what he was doing if he wanted to.  

I'can't believe that anyone runs for office around here.  Sounds like Cummings is being treated like Buddy Griffin. 

I guess it's easier to sit in the shadows and slander people than actually put yourself out there like Cummings has done.  Pathetic.

Stan24 why not make this real easy. Mr. Cummings is a public official and a candidate why don't we let him file for an advisory opinion from the ethics commission and then he can show us their answer. It will be an official document for everyone to see.

Every public officer, candidate for public office, or public employee, when in doubt about the applicability and interpretation of this part or s. 8, Art. II of the State Constitution to himself or herself in a particular context, may submit in writing the facts of the situation to the Commission on Ethics with a request for an advisory opinion to establish the standard of public duty.

Or we can see if someone would like to file a complaint with the Ethics Commission and see what the results of that investigation determine.

Wow-wee Stan.....are you related to Travis?  Or  his campaign manager? (Just a weak stab at humor) Don't get your knickers in a knot.  You should pay more attention to the blogs.  There have been many people who have taken a verbal beating in MCS, some of them even regular bloggers. Some have even had their mental status questioned.  Lighten up, if you chose to put yourself "out there" and under the political microscope you should not do anything that could even be remotely considered inappropriate. It is going to be a looong time until the November elections and everyone who runs for office better know that someone is looking for skeletons in their closets.  And Mr Cummins soliciting business is quite questionable.  And to say that he still has to "make a living" while he volunteers is just nonsense.  If you can't afford to volunteer--DON'T

Your remark about Angela besmirching his name sounds lika case of "Thou doth protest too much"  (If I were as good as Lily I would be able to tell you where that quote came from-- McBeth?)  

I remain clueless (but catching on) in clay 

I don't personally know Travis Cummings, one of the two opponents I face in the GOP primary for the District 3 seat on the County Commission, but no one will be hearing me question his integrity.  (Or that of Debbie Terry, the opponent Travis and I share.)

Politics, even campaign politics, doesn't need that.  Travis and I are likely similar in that we're probably both relatively good men with the desire to help make our community a little better.

There are some legitimate differences in what we think is better for Clay County and how to go about getting there.  We each have a history that proves our perspectives and beliefs.  That should be what each voter's decision is based on.

Michael S. Mann

michaelsmann@comcast.net

Mike you are such a gentleman in every aspect of the word. See I told you he didn't need my help.

Clueless, nice try. You were thiiiiis close. :>)

This line originally appeared in Hamlet, spoken by Hamlet's mother while watching a play.

Over the years it has been mutated by various writers, most notably a MASH writer who changed it too "Methinks he doth protest too much" spoken by Hawkeye Pierce. There are way too many other examples to cite and essentially they are not important.

Lily's Lore "I don't ever want to be rescued And I don't ever want to be saved I got a feelin' that I'm gonna be alive forever Dancin' on the edge of a grave..." Jim Steinman

Lily you're good. :)

Hamlet's mother is watching a play and a character in it swears never to remarry if here husband dies. Hamlet's mother is getting a little uncomfortable because she remarried almost immediately after the murder of her first husband.

MCS bloggers are the best. Lily will make you use your mind and sharpen those skills for jeopardy.

Lily, I echo Angela.  I need to get up to speed in quite a few areas! I believe I slept or cut class  through most of Hamlet (and apparently McBeth too!)

Mike, didn't you refer to Running with the Idiots when you decided to be a candidate?

I guess that isn't a swipe at integrity, just someones "smarts" and/or judgement.  Or is it just a political course correction like your stand on contributions?

I remain clueless (but paying attention) in clay

Janie

If you want to know who Travis Cummings really is (or any other candidate for office in Clay County) go to the supervisor of elections office web site and look up the contributors.

I urge you to look up these public records. More than likely you will have difficulty connecting the dots. Ask the question why would this person or entity support the candidate?

My experience has been the Campaign Treasurers Report is a road map to the ethics and character of the candidate and an excellent predictor of future actions if the candidate becomes an elected official. “Ordinary” people support individual campaigns for various reasons. Lobbyist and special interest support campaigns of to gain control of the process and to assure support when needed

Thanks for remembering the "Running With Idiots" line when I made the announcement that I was running for District 3 on the County Commission.  As you may recall, I appropriated it from a distant relative, Mark Twain.

Anyone running for office who doesn't look in a mirror once in awhile and say "I must be an idiot for doing this," doesn't have a firm enough grasp on reality to warrant election.  I've learned a lot about campaigning the past couple of months, but there's been nothing to dissuade me from that,

Michael S. Mann

michaelsmann@comcast.net

Angela, please cite the Florida law that says Travis Cummings, as a volunteer member of the Charter Review Commission and a member of the OP Town Council cannot solicit business for his firm from Clay County.  If you can, then we can continue our discussion about whether or not your "smoking gun" memo says anything about the integrity of Mr. Cummings.  If you can't cite any such law, then please limit your blog submission to issues you know anything about.  You say your opinion is that he should never solicit any business from the county.  As much as we all value your opinion, I think I prefer to refer to Florida Statues on such questions.  You need to be very careful when you seek to impune a person's character and integrity.  It's very easy to annonmously do so through these blogs, but it's no less hurtful or unethical.  If we want to talk about ethics, let's talk about getting your facts straight before you go slinging mud all over the place.

GSC- I would suggest either you or Mr. Cummings contact the Ethics Commission. I would suggest you inquire about the following information:

PROHIBITED EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

A public officer or employee, acting in a private capacity, also is

prohibited from renting, leasing, or selling any realty, goods, or services to his

or her own agency if the officer or employee is a state officer or employee, or,

if he or she is an officer or employee of a political subdivision, to that

subdivision or any of its agencies. [Sec. 112.313(3), Fla. Stat.]

Conflicting Employment or Contractual Relationship

A public officer or employee is prohibited from holding any employment

or contract with any business entity or agency regulated by or doing business

with his or her public agency. [Sec. 112.313(7), Fla. Stat.]

I am certain if you contact the Ethics Commission they are generally very helpful in giving you the correct information. As I stated before Mr. Cummings can request an advisory opinion if he would like too.

These are my opinions not the opinions of the bloggers. I find his actions to be questionable to me personally. When acting as the Chairman of the CRC for the county

Now let's look at the following Dinner Invitation:

 Northeast Florida League of Cities

Dinner/Meeting Notice

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Lake Butler Community Center

Lake Butler, Florida

Board of Directors Meeting: 6:00 p.m. - Attitude Adjustment Hour: 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Dinner/Meeting: 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $15.00

RSVP: Reservations by Friday, June 9, 2006.

No Shows will be billed.

Please furnish first and last names for name badges. Whenever possible, please email reservations.

League: 912/579-6921 or 904/868-1613 - E-mail: neflcities@screvenmail.com

Speakers: SENATOR ROD SMITH and REPRESENTATIVE AARON BEAN

APPETIZERS: The City of Lake Butler will sponsor appetizers including

a variety of Boiled Shrimp, Cheese and Crackers.

DINNER: Grilled Ribeye Steak, Baked Potato, Green Beans, Tossed Salad,

Yeast Rolls, Cheesecake, Iced Tea, Coffee or Soft Drink selection.

HOST CITY:         Lake Butler

Attitude Adjustment Hour Sponsor:

HANCOCK BANK

1706 Tennessee Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32304

850/425-3310/Fax 850/681-1074/Toll Free 888/516-7373

Welcome New Associate Member - Please note address correction:

Haught Financial Group, Inc.

Contact: Travis Cummings

8833 Perimeter Park Blvd., Suite 703

Jacksonville, FL 32216

904/642-5350

travis@haughtfinancial.com

Although this is allowed it still causes me concern that he is the new associate member. As a candidate is he still a member of the Fl League of Cities?

Is Aaron Bean one of the speakers a relative of Commissioner Bradley? I think I heard that somewhere too.

I am not a big fan of the Fl Association of Counties or the Fl League of Cities because in my opinion they are lobbyist group representing governments. Still my opinion only of course.

What I do find funny is Stan24 who stated on the blogs concerning the CTLAC and his question on the blogs.

"Wait a minute, is the CTLAC the local branch of Scientology?"

Maybe he should reflect on the same questions he asked me. 

Mike Mann do you have ongoing business relationships with the BCC or attempting to solicit any business from them in your private capacity as a candidate for District 3? Just wondering.

No, Angela, I haven't had, don't and won't have any financial dealings with the county government, or any municipality in the county (except, of course, when paying any of the myriad of taxes everyone else pays, too).  But then, I don't have a profession that would warrant such contact.

No one's asked, but here's my opinion on the incident that was referred to about my opponent soliciting county business while a member of the Charter Review Commission.  It's no big deal.  Someone serving on an appointed advisory committee, even someone with elected experience as a Town Council member, can't be expected to know every law.  But ...

Employees on the County staff are professionals.  That's what they get paid to do, and it looks like Al Delaparte didn't have to back up to the pay window picking up his check that week.  So, no harm, no foul, as long as it was a learning experience and something that isn't repeated.

That's one thing former Commissioner Pat McGovern (he of the infamous "The Truth is There Are Two Arthur Iveys" speech) never seemed to grasp about what made folks angry about Iveygate.  He thought we expected him to know how to take out the trash properly, but that wasn't it.  What we expected him to know was that County Commissioners shouldn't hire unqualified, incompetents to important government posts.

As long as the county is hiring qualified people to professional positions, instead of friends and relatives, they can catch little mistakes before they become huge issues.

Michael S. Mann

michaelsmann@comcast.net

Mike thanks for your candor and putting yourself out there for Q&A from the bloggers.

For the record, I live in District 4 - thank God.  There is a reason we get to vote in private.  In the past, I have been put in the VERY awkward position of being asked by 2 different friends of mine to support them in their campaign for the same elected office.  It was not fun.

Having said that, I know all 3 people who are running for Dist. 3; casually at least.  I served with Travis on the CRC.  Met Mike for coffee a couple times, and heckled from the audience as he served on the School Concurrency CAC.  I've met Debbie a few times at a variety of local government related meetings.  All 3 should be commended for trying to help run Clay County.  Mike - Mark Twain had it right.  But, all 3 volunteered, even paid, for the opportunity to run for public office.  All 3 should be held to the light and turned around and around to see what they are all about.

Angela has consistently been the queen of the public records department - I am amazed at the info she turns up.  It's not my style to be so harsh with my criticism, nor do I see a conspiracy unfolding in every e-mail, dinner invitation, etc.  When it comes to "ethics" in government, I think a person has to hold themself to a higher standard and imagine how an event may be perceived.  But, I don't expect public officials to live in a cocoon either.  Unless I'm just plain ol' stupid and gullible beyond belief, I do not believe Travis Cummings is unethical at all.  Quite the opposite in fact.  I was impressed with his chairmanship of the CRC.  Can't say the same for the poker room vote though.

I agree with Angela on one thing - Mike, you are demonstrating what a gentleman, and fair person you are.  District 3 will continue to be served by a good, honest, hard working person no matter who wins.  I hope the race will focus more on issues for Clay County & the district than on trying to impugn someone's character.

I agree with GCS621 (I like the avatar) - it is way too easy to sling mud here, and I for one, get more and more skeptical the harder a person is slinging.

Good Luck to Mike, Debbie & Travis.

Now - to the real blog.

Mike, you're right, this election will be a barn burner.  I can hardly wait.  In fact I plan to vote early for the Presidential primary just to get warmed up. (Go McCain)

I'm sure it's no surprise, we disagree on the HTDA.  From some recent info I've seen, whether it makes it to the ballot this year is getting to be a real question.  With signatures collected being valid for 4 years, it is certain to be on the ballot in 2010 if it doesn't make it this year.  I'm really glad we voted to raise the bar to 60% for Constitutional Amendments.  I realize the people want more power, and honestly I don't have a problem with that.  But, I am concerned about the unintended consequences should this Amendment become law.  If anyone thinks this will slow developers and landowners, I believe they are wrong.  All we would be doing is turning every land use change into a huge political campaign that will have to be financed.  That cost will be added to the cost of the final product, and . . . well, you know the rest.

Florida is at a real crossroads.  Populist answers will fall short in solving our problems.  I think it was in the TU Letter to the Editor section that I read a suggestion that Florida start to consider an income tax.  I agree.  I have heard very intelligent people say that they were going to vote Yes on the upcoming Prperty Tax Plan just so it forces the economic system on over the edge so a real solution will have to be found.  The HTDA, to me, falls along the same lines.

Looking forward to voting.

Baxley just to clear up something that has been said repeatedly in this blog. That I attempted to sling mud on anyone.

Let's go back to where I posted the email. I was clear on making the statement when I decide who I vote for as a candidate and what information I use to process that determination. I make determination based off what information that I am able to gather concerning the candidates. You and all the bloggers are free to base those decisions off whatever reasons you feel best protray your vision.

Then it's discussed slander on the blogs.

Public officials must meet a high bar to prove someone slandered that person.

I will go back to the Lancaster (Adams) case against Buddy Griffin. For all interested that would need to be a blog by itself.

This person filed false charges against a public official. They were charged with filing false reports. It is in the court documents for anyone so inclined to look that up. Public records prevails again.

I did not filed any false reports with malice toward anyone. I simply stated that when I see information such as that it influences my decision making process for a candidate. It may make no difference to you or anyone else when they decide.

On the other hand Stan24 who is an attorney and makes statements about CTLAC and poses the question, "Wait a minute, is the CTLAC the local branch of Scientology?". That to me would be walking a fine line unless he has some records to back up that statement.

Well that's how I see it from my little corner of Clay County and of course just my opinions.

As far as Mike Mann all of us on the blogs can agree on somethings on different subjects at difference times.

As far as researching information it is sometimes not what you know, but who you know, and it helps if you know where to find it.

With all due respect to Baxley, how can you possibly think that the passage of the HTDA will not slow developers and landowners when the very nature of the restriction of changes to the development plans for the County being held up to voter approval will automatically slow the process. Instead of convincing a few people who could be swayed by lobbying efforts, you have to convince the people who live and work and play and drive in the County. So what if they spend a lot of money trying to convince the residents that it is a good idea. I happen to think there are a lot of smart people in this County who will need a lot more than pretty renderings of waterslides and clubhouses before they will let another developer add to the choked infrastucture, transportation and overcrowded schools. And when that happens a few times, they will either slow down or stop because they will come to realize that there is power in the people's vote over the power of political persuasion. You can buy a politcians heart because they keep it near their wallet. You cant buy the heart of the County because it lives, works and plays here every day and wants to see the quality of life grow in our direction for a change.

HTDA will drive Government into the ground.

Let's support local control through concurrency. It is in place. Roads and schools.

Verb

Thanks for the information. I think you need a PhD in Clay County to know who to vote for here. I learn lots of stuff from the blogs. Does Clay County take out a Commissioner every couple of years they don't like?

Janie..I don't know if you need to be a PhD, but I thnk you may need to be Columbo to ferret out the real reasons to vote for someone in Clay.  I like you came on the blogs to listen (read?) and learn about a variety of things, the upcoming elections mostly.  A few of my top criteria are: motivation, character, and because of MCS...funding.  I did not even know that info. was so readily available.

OneMann, I differ with your "Idiots" explaination too..I want a candidate who looks in the mirror and knows EXACTLY why they are running. And someone who has absolute conviction that they are the one for the job.   It isn't a task for the faint of heart or someone who can't stand up and take the heat of public scrutiny.  Thats MY idea of a reality check. 

Also Janie, my comment to OneMann is realted to another thing I've found on MCS.  You bet Clay County "takes out" a politician every few years and it is up to the individual voter to figure out if it is justified or not.  It seems that some commissioners skate while others become the focus of peoples ire. 

I remain, clueless (but learning) in Clay 

Janie, a PhD isn't really necessary in order to make up your mind during local elections.  The fact that you are interested and paying attention now will make you an informed voter when it's time for you step into the booth.

And CCC, we've got a ways to go during this campaign season, and it's awful early to stash our senses of humor away.  But, since we've put them aside when talking about idiots ...

Campaigning for office takes a serious commitment from any serious candidate, and I doubt there is any candidate in any of the races who doesn't know exactly why they are running or think they are the best choice available.  We all know tough, legitimate questions and irrational political attacks are coming during the campaign and, if it's a successful campaign, for four years afterward.  I doubt anyone who suffers from faintness of heart jumps into any race.

As for the District 3 race for County Commission, both my opponents - Debbie Terry and Travis Cummings - are experienced politicians in Clay County, so I imagine it's pretty hard to hurt their feelings.  And I spent a couple of decades having the result of my work being called a fish-wrapper, with my motives and integrity being questioned by the politicians in power, so that kind of stuff doesn't really bother me.

Usually, the Clemens portion of the DNA comes to the surface and helps remind me that life is best viewed with a smile.

Michael S. Mann

michaelsmann@comccast.net