This letter is followed by a response by Mr Howard, County Manager.
Gregory Supporter Reaches Out To Smith Supporters!!!
Dear Editor,
I know many of those who supported Bill Smith are very angry. I know they all think that Steve Berry is going to grab all the power and control this county. I have a way to ensure this does not happen. We need a County Ordinance for OPEN GOVERNMENT. With the help of those that voted for Gregory and those that vote for Smith, we can achieve another historic victory on taking back our government. For those who are wondering what open government is, simple put it is completely open. We would have no more executive sessions, no more meeting certain people behind closed doors, no more keeping the people in the dark. In an open government, everything is out on the table in front of the people. This ordinance would be for all meetings of any government body in Camden County. According to the Georgia Sunshine Laws, the elected boards may meet in private for several reasons. These exemptions can be accessed at http://www.rcfp.org/ogg/item.php?t=short&state=GA&level=M2A2. The key word in each of these exemptions is the word may. If the elected were required to meet in private the law would say they are required, but it does not so our elected have the choice to meet or not to meet behind closed doors. Yes, it is their choice. They chose to leave us out of their conversations. WHY? They are there to do our business. If everything is on the table no one will be able to hide what they are thinking or doing. Tommy Gregory has already promise an open Sheriff's Office, it is in his six-point plan. That is why I voted for him. Now is the time to get the rest of the county open and in the sunshine. This is the time of year to get these things done. We have an election for County Commissioner in November between Chip Keene and the current Chairman Preston Rhodes. Which candidate will embraces open government? The candidate the runs on an open government platform will win this election and we will be on our way. Unless Mr. Rhodes wants to get started on it right away, then he could add it to his resume. Mr. Rhodes wouldn’t it be nice to campaign on the fact that you got the ball rolling on open government. As for Mr. Berry, I have good news; you Sir are now officially my Commissioner. Yes, I moved to your district, so I could urge you as my commissioner to bring open government to Camden County. I hear you quote to Sunshine Laws all the time at meetings, now is the time to take those laws and make them work for the people. The time has come for the people to take back this county and make it fair and equal for all. Ms. Zell, Ms. Sears, and Mr. Rainer, You all must want open government as well, I do not know how anyone could be against doing the people business in front of them. Do you? In the next few weeks I would ask, each Commissioner to write a letter to the editor, explaining his or her position on open government. Mr. Keene, your comments are also welcomed.
The bottom line is if you want more accountability from our elected officials, then you must demand an open government. This way, everyone will be treated equally and fairly. How could anyone be against OPEN GOVERNMENT?
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My comments to follow shortly, what are yours?
Their Open Government still includes hiding in executive session.
5 comments:
When will this be implemented? It states that it was adopted on March 18, 2008. Does this mean it is already being implemented? Does this policy/procedure also cover the JDA and PSA? Will we finally get to see where our money is actually going and where it is being mis-SPENT.
they talk a good story. however, they don't need legislation to do what St. Marys does already. talk to them and you will find that they divide everything into open work shops. members of the council attend them, deliberate and then send them to council for action. action is better than words.
Sandy, nice that you stopped by. Care to share with the rest of us what is your "Big News"? Was it a failed election ploy, or do you have news to deliver? We are still waiting.
All this is words on paper as a smoke screen for the commissioners. They try to make us think they are doing the right thing but that is bull. I have seen these "words" before. I know for a fact that you do not get hired on qualifications. It is who you know or who owes you! Why should the commissioners have any say in who is hired for any position other than County Admin positions. I have seen too many jobs "created" for a certain person when that job was not needed, money spent to advertise the job, then time wasted to interview a number of people, when the whole time we were already told who was to be hired. Until the good ole boy system is gone, nothing will change. There are too many "commissioners" who are or were only in office to benefit themself. Take a look back in time and see who benefited greatly while they were in office after the tax payers paid for the white elephant (Industrial Park) on Harrietts Bluff Road to be built.
As far as Mr Howard, he sounds good and most likely has all good intentions to change Camden County, but that will not last long. You have to be a "yes man" to hold that position, all it takes is to piss one of the commissioners off and out the door he goes.
We need a new generation of elected officials in all the offices.
I know we will see GREAT changes from Tommy Gregory at the sheriff office. Hopefully he will open tax payers eyes and they will start to vote for changes across the board.
Rick, I am proud of all the work you are doing to make Camden a better place. You have really "rocked the boat" and alot of people are listening. Keep up the good work!
I echo the above statements! Rick you are simply a blessing for the people of Camden County. I also agree that we need change across the board. I also know for a FACT that people are not hired based on qualifications in the local governments or the school system. Take a look at the gene pool of all of these organizations.
Can someone please explain to me how Danny Daniels and his wife were chosen to decide who gets hired at the County level. And why were all of those positions created to hire the staff of Steve Berrys law practice. Please throw in the answer as to why Danny Daniels sister-in-law is now the Tax Commissioner (inherited).
Better yet tell the people why all the elected positions at the county level are inherited (Probate Judge/Magistrate Judge). This concept insures business as usual. Thus far they are able to pull it off. Wake up Camden County!
For the love of Jesus please explain why Preston Rhodes was out politicing against Bill Smith for Steve Berry and why Willis Keene won't respond in reference to his intentions on particular issues.
Should we vote for Keene or Rhodes? This is the million dollar question.
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