Government By Deception
A list of the least trusted people in the world is topped by lawyers and politicians. Perhaps used car salesmen hover close to the top, but at least we clearly see their slight of hand.
In fairness to the good people who diligently apply knowledge and skills toward honorable public service, this post is not about you.At the Henry County Citizen website there is a post listing some of the misdeeds concocted by a current county commissioner. Since she invoked eminent domain to take private property, to pandering SPLOST funds to benefit developers, through the back-door creation of a county department.
I am most disgusted by the way Henry citizens were sold a false history lesson to justify using eminent domain; securing access to Nash Farm as her private domain; and, publishing lies in the newspaper about profits from her battlefield. After thorough embarrassment, fellow commissioners renamed the county park and set new uses and designations for true public use.
Fellow commissioners were blind-sided when they learned her Life Management department would actually increase the county budget and would actually discontinue needed programs. The board acted wisely by curtailing the boondoggle, but could not legally rescind the pay raise she gave to her campaign treasurer's daughter.
Be concerned that this county may end up with a commission chairman whose agenda openly condones eminent domain for “historical and environmental purposes.”
Be worried that abuses will be defended and justified by special interests - people and groups - that benefit from our tax dollars.
Be worried that we are told infrastructure is her first concern. History and her record have shown that means promoting shopping malls and funding roads to them; it means allowing zoning changes for supporters; it means using government power to take our property for a new park. A legacy filed with conflicts of interest worries me!
Be very afraid of the person who pitches church affiliation, family trees and her mother’s apple pie recipe. The emotional appeal says, “I am a good person. I am like you.” The less you know, the more you believe. Believe what I say, not what I have done. When presented with facts, the defense places the plaintiff on trial. The Mayberry Syndrome actually stops blood flow to the brain!
It’s a shame that a few bad apples taint the reputation of so many others. The game being played is serious. It is why everyday, average folk distrust politicians.
Comments
When will you stop beating her down? Mrs. Mathis has earned more respect.
Posted by: easthampton | July 16, 2008 09:52 PM
I would think that Mr. Stanley would cease his actions once Mrs. Mathis showed due respect to the tax payers of Henry Co. by acting as a true leader.
Dark Knight
Posted by: Dark Knight | July 16, 2008 10:21 PM
Larry can bash Mathis all day long that is nothing new. But I have to draw the line when he attacks Mayberry.
Posted by: Billy Kirkland | July 16, 2008 11:23 PM
But I have to draw the line when he attacks Mayberry.
Haha. By the way, congrats on the Douglas campaign Billy.
Posted by: Joshua Patterson | July 16, 2008 11:58 PM
Larry, this is very good work. People have lost a lot of trust in government. But it is government as a whole. There are those who are in the government who are hard working and doing a very good job for us the taxpayers. But as you pointed out it only takes a few bad apples to leave a bad taste in the mouth. Hopefully the citizenry of our county will get out and vote for the runoff. A government handled with smoke and mirrors has got to change. We need to see progress in that area. The actions of one can affect the actions of the many who handle the day to day workings of our government. We have many caring and supportive people who work for the Henry County government and they should be commended for doing a good job whether they are elected members of the BOC or the people in other departments. But everyone who works and deals with the people's affairs should be held accountable for their actions. They are public officials and should be held to a higher standard. They represent us the average people. Government without proper representation is a government on a collision course with disaster. I hope everything will work out for the people of Henry County. We the people means so much because it is we who bring forth the leaders to handle our day to day governmental duties. I realize nothing is easy and the trappings of life will play into the leadership decisions. Maybe somewhere we can find a leader who will see the needs of the people whether it is the Office of the President of the United States or our local Chairman of the Board. We the people deserve the best that our county has to offer. As our nation deserves the best it has to offer. May we find common ground on which to build our future. We do not all have to agree to be part of this future. Disagreement brings forth a discussion of issues that need proper analysis to find that common ground. If we seek we will find. It is for the citizens best interest to find that path. May it be found.
The Doctor