Shame on you MCS, Commissioners Conkey and Cummings

Marsha,

Since you & some of the other bloggers are more familiar with the inner workings of the parties involved, I have to ask if there is any kind of underlying animosity towards Mr. Smith of which I am unaware for them to exhibit such a lack of simple social grace towards him?

Rich K

This mother has done every tv show possible and it is reported locally daily. This is a mother's attempt to keep this in the public so we don't forget. I applaud her efforts. I don't think she would be offended in any way that others continue to talk to about this horrible situation which keeps the public aware there is a killer still out here.

As sad as it may be, I think Durwood is correct. Evidence mingled with trash of who knows and that has been transported first to the county dump and has travelled all the way to Georgia has certainly been tainted. A defense attorney will certainly make that point.  

Shame on them as Commissioners. The public has a right to speak on any subject they desire at public comments. Its clear no harm was meant here but to state the facts. However, they have no right to attack citizens. Shame on them and MCS.

RichK;

A partial answer to your question lies in the southern tradition of laws being passed to protect the traditional elite (landowners, developers, etc.) and traditional norms in the south.  (See the college text book entitled "Politics and Policy in American States and Communities, 6th ed., Dresang & Gosling)

Mr. Smith has dared to challenge the power structure by opposing it on issues such as: term limits, single-district v. county-wide election of BCC, salaries, etc.  All of which have pretty consistently been opposed by BCC members and those special interests who contribute to their elections. By challenging them on these issues he has aroused their ire and contempt.

 Hope that modest contribution helps!

Tom Platt

Rich,

Tom has been involved and around local politics far longer then I have and is probably more reliable then myself in this situation.  Three years ago I'd never even heard of Durwood so my knowledge is limited.  Durwood was involved (if I am correct) in helping to expose the dumping scandal that cost this county 15 million dollars to clean up.  He is one of the co founders of the CTLAC, and along with the voters in the county helped to bring about term limits, doing away with a permanent Chair and two more Commissioners, lowering their salaries and I'm sure a whole list of other things long before I ever came along.

He's involved in his community, he expects elected Officials to be accountable for their actions, he constantly reminds them just who pays their salaries.  Everything that a Commissioner pays lip service to wanting (an involved citizen) Durwood is and they detest him for it.  I don't know how many years he's gone to the BCC meetings each and every time.  The disrespect collectively shown by the BCC for this man of principle and devotion turns my stomach. 

I've not known Durwood long, nor do I know him well but this much I can tell you, if we had people like Durwood sitting on the BCC this county would be much better off.

I commend his persistence and his spunk and have the greatest of respect for him.  To chastise him over someones loss while ignoring his is the true "great disservice".

They take every opportunity they can to lambast him during public comments and some reporters are more into brownnosing then reporting. 

I don't think I have every seen a story with a byline signed as MyClaySun.  Why wasn't there a reporter's name posted as usual?

http://jacksonville.com/community/my_clay_sun/2009-11-14/story/city_council_rebukes_local_activist_for_somer_mention

Tom & Marsha,

Thanks for the explanation.  It sounds as if this might be a tradition not worth keeping if it isn't working for the general good.  We have something similar back in CHICAGO, my kind of town,  It's called having "clout," with the machine behind you.  The machine being the Democratic party.  It's more political in nature but very much the same on some levels.  Once again, thanks.

Rich K

Mr. Smith's comment was taken totaly wrong They and everybody else knows that he was not being disrespectfull or otherwise, just a bit flippant with an arrogant board. The Boards attitude towards the public begin to change in 1992 with the election of Gearge Bush, and Larry Lancaster. It has been on a downhill run ever since. Prior to that a citizen was given all the time and consideration they wanted and meetings were at night. There were meetings where as many as 100 people spoke at length, and even those who did not get what they wanted were grstefull to be heard. Even committe meetings had an audience.

If garbage were taken closer to home, Smith said at Tuesday's commission meeting, "they wouldn't be dumping little kids up there, either. They would dump them in Clay County where they belong, if they're going to dump them."

My condolences to Mr. Smith; however, if accurate, I think that comment was pretty crass. 

You're entitled to your opinion. 

However, I disagree with trying to discredit an honorable man who certainly meant no harm to anyone.    His point obviously was intended towards the decision to transport our garbage out of state.

Too bad some of you were unable to figure that out.    This county would be a much better place if there were more like him.

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