Mathis vs. Integrity
Commissioner Elizabeth “BJ” Mathis relies on ignorance and subterfuge. She misrepresents truth and uses emotional appeals to dupe her supporters. In spite of numerous requests for her to address documented historical facts, or the proven financial losses at Nash Farm, her supporters attack me in the press.
A recent letter to the Times said I should “not toss Nash Farm aside.” By following the Golden Rule and saying good things I “will surely be blessed.” In fact, Mathis found a way to use tax money and a county park as a platform for her political ambitions. She is dragging down the integrity of our board of commissioners. Now she must atone for her sins against the county.
There is no point in posing intelligent arguments or trying to present facts. None of Mathis’ so-called experts denied or refuted anything I have written. The Official Civil War Historian remained silent and eventually vacated his tax-paid house at Nash. Her tears of self pity are just feigned dignity when she pleads for Nash to be left alone.
Nash Farm is not a place for Battlefield Committee members to take nighttime ATV rides. And they should not profit by selling goods or services to the county. Mathis and her appointees told lies about battlefields, museums and increased tourism. It is not Mathis’ personal playground. No, this park belongs to all the people of Henry County.
Eminent domain stopped a developer from using his land. The county was roped into spending over $8 million. In two years the park has lost over $300,000 in tax money. But special interests that benefited have flocked to Mathis’ support. She does not care about good government, just getting elected.
Commissioner Mathis, for the sake of honesty and integrity, please stop shoveling the manure. This county does not need another politician who cannot support her own positions openly and truthfully.
Comments
Damn.
I don't think I've ever seen you lay down the f*cking law like this. Well done, Mr. Stanley. Well done.
Posted by: Jace Walden | March 27, 2008 07:31 PM
Thanks, Jace. It has been very frustrating that a sitting commissioner refuses to acknowledge documented historical facts or the proven financial losses at Nash Farm. As a Henry citizen I believe that Commissioner Mathis is pulling down the integrity of the entire board.
It is not my intention to indict the entire board of commissioners. However, it is incumbent upon the board to police itself. There is much good to be accomplished at Nash Farm as a county park, but it cannot remain a 204-acre tract reserved for special interests.
I have appealed to each member to support my request to remove the designation as a battlefield by renaming the park, and shut down the internet domain and website at www.henrycountybattlefield.com. The county deserves broader and enhanced uses at this park without the stigma of false promotion.
Posted by: Larry Stanley | March 27, 2008 08:27 PM
"In fact, Mathis found a way to use tax money and a county park as a platform for her political ambitions."
Wow. That is the pot calling the kettle black.
As for the profits at Nash Farm, please name all of the other County run parks that are profitable.
Posted by: Jamie | March 27, 2008 08:58 PM
Jamie, I will extend to you the same challenge I posed to Mathis: let's keep the issues on a factual and verifiable basis.
From the start Mathis and her cronies have attempted to paint me into one political campaign or other. It is not true. The Times editorial repeated the same tripe and quoted the Golden Rule asking for me to say "good things" about Nash.
I told Mathis this matter should not go to the personal level and asked for a fair hearing. Then I see another supporter's letter attacking me -- and again ignoring anything I have written.
Enough is enough. This person wants to be the next BoC Chairman. If she cannot openly address a well documented grievance, she needs to stay home and do some laundry.
County parks are expected to place a burden on the general fund. However, please name for me one other park that is closed to the public, reserved for special events only, and has a special committee to oversee its operation. Name one other park whose district commissioner appoints a committee, then allows county purchases from its members for that park. Name one other park whose sanctity as hallowed ground is blatantly defended by political supporters of the commissioner's campaign because they get to play dress-up on the property.
The money is an issue because the county owned property is treated like a personal possession, protected and preserved for Mathis' political uses.
On a much larger scale, Nash is to Mathis what the Hidden Valley senior center was to Nita Spraggins. Bad governance is just bad - and Mathis is no better at hiding the truth than Nita.
Posted by: Larry Stanley | March 27, 2008 09:55 PM
As for the profits at Nash Farm, please name all of the other County run parks that are profitable.
Please name all the other county parks that cost eight million.
Posted by: Harry Johnson | March 27, 2008 10:03 PM