More stench from city government in DeFuniak Springs.
DeFuniak Springs Fires Another City Manager
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53
Beach Fanatic
More stench from city government in DeFuniak Springs.
DeFuniak Springs Fires Another City Manager
Why am I NOT surprised this is here? Mostly because the folks leading this travesty NEED an AUDIENCE!!
I didn't put this here because this is a NoWal issue and SoWal doesn't give a tinkers damn about issues north of the bay. They have no dog in the fight and can not vote in City elections.
First...Florida is an "At Will" state which means employers can hire or fire at will. Mr. Lucas gave the City Council ample opportunities to fire him when he:
1.) Allowed a City employee to receive a gift (a case of crown royal) from an individual who had been granted a permit by vote of the City Council which, the Council promptly ordered returned to avoid the appearance of impropriety and because City employees KNOW they are not allowed to accept gifts!
2.) Mr. Lucas and Bob Campbell collaborated together to turn a residents 4 MONTH past due water ($3,775.00 bill) back on despite city ordinance/law which clearly states all payments must be received 10 days past the due date or arrangements have been made for payment or the water will be shut off and a reconnect fee applied. Billy Williams (the Triumph Liaison for Walton County was granted special privilege that is NOT extended to ANY other residents of DFS. Mr. Lucas admitted in a very public meeting that he knew it was a violation of city ordinance/law to order the water turned back on.
3.) Several weeks ago Mr. Lucas ordered sanitation workers to show up on a Saturday (they don't work Saturdays) to clear trash and debris for a fellow black constituent, from a PRIVATELY OWNED LOT AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE which, is a violation of State Statue and Fl. Sunshine Law!!
4.) Mr. Lucas was unable or unwilling to perform simple tasks which Council asked him to perform.
5.) Mr. Lucas LIED to Council Woman Janie Griffith about his credentials when she met with him to discuss it.
From the onset, it was made abundantly clear to Mr. Lucas that he worked at the will of Council (not the Mayor or city employees) and he signed (as part of his application and employment agreement) a statement recognizing he was hired as an "at will" employee.
Regarding those interviewed for the newspaper article:
Diane Pickett for eons has been part and parcel of the problems DFS is experiencing, is not a resident of DFS (she is homesteaded in Miramar Beach) and can not legally vote in City elections. She claims she lives in Tallahassee albeit she does own property in DFS. Ms. Pickett seems to think she can control every aspect of City government and that Council was elected to do her bidding. I won't mention the money the City has lost because of her shenanigans either.
Mayor Bob Campbell IS THE ENTIRE PROBLEM at City Hall and IS responsible for the $221 thousand dollars in lost tax revenues because he failed NINE (9) TIMES to turn over letters he received from State Auditors to the City Council. Mac Carpenter a former councilman (while not interviewed) also stated in a very public meeting that, "Those letters mean nothing, every City gets them". Mayor Bob Campbell seems to think the Council was elected to do his bidding and does not understand his own job description which includes...signing proclamations, kissing babies and shaking hands with dignitaries. He is the "CHAIR" at council meetings (and doesn't conduct those meetings well at all) and has NO VOTE in decisions made by Council. He along with Diane Pickett and the majority of those in attendance at Thursday night's meeting are under the misguided impression that he and his followers dictate how City Government is going to work and Council should only listen to them while ignoring the FACT that there are 3136 (+ or - a few) registered voters in DFS that have been so disenfranchised by the "status quo" and "just the way things have always been" that have lost all hope of any real or significant change, so much so that they don't even turn out to vote in City elections. They DO NOT REPRESENT the majority of DFS residents, they represent themselves and want elected officials to do only their bidding!!!
Shaney Betts...I met Shaney Betts (for the very first time) Monday night at the regularly scheduled meeting prior to Thursday's special meeting. Evidently Ms. Betts was very active back in the day (2012) in local politics and then suddenly disappeared from the political scene. Ms. Betts and J.B. Hillard created the Defuniak Springs Free Press in Jan. 2012 (an online blog that caught allot of attention) and it disappeared almost as suddenly as it appeared when she dropped out of politics and Hillard retired from politics. I digress...Ms. Betts approached me at the Council meeting and proceeded to drill me over whether or not I was the member of the public who had taken my concerns about Mr. Lucas' credentials to the City Atty. I categorically denied any involvement in it and to this day have only seen the certificate in question. Ms. Betts proceeded to tell me that my name was attached to their fiasco and that her group believed I was responsible even though Councilwoman Janie Griffith told her that she specifically asked the City Atty. if I was involved which, he also categorically denied PUBLICLY! I had nothing what-so-ever to do with it. To make a long story short, Ms. Betts and I stood in the parking lot at City Hall for 3 hours talking politics and remarkably we AGREE on many of the issues. Where we diverge is how to go about meaningful and significant change. Ms. Betts seems to think rallying a shitstorm of people (maybe 150 or so) with half truths, misinformation, innuendos and SOME outright lies, calling for Council to resign or face recall elections based off them is the way to go. I DO NOT AGREE!! Ms. Betts and I agree that this entire County needs open, honest government, operated in the Sunshine but again we diverge as to how to get there.
Clayton Adkinson...While not interviewed but pictured, IS and ALWAYS has been part of DFS governments problem. I have been one of his harshest critics and I agree his position should go out for competitive bid and he has held the City (in my opinion) hostage for far too long. His very close association with the real powers that be in Walton County (in my opinion) can only be viewed as corrupt and I do believe when information was taken to the State Attorney in regard to the Grand Jury findings that he was instrumental in downplaying the role of the Mayor Bob Campbell. While there was no criminal wrongdoing found it should be NOTED that the Grand Jury was NOT INSTRUCTED to look for criminal wrongdoing!! To quote one of our illustrious County Commissioners, Bill Chapman, "The grand Jury could indict a monkey, if they were instructed to do so"!
Other key players in that MOB (not interviewed) are: Melinda and Harley Henderson. Mr. Henderson is a former Mayor of Defuniak and had pretty uneventful tenures, mostly I guess because he rubber stamped whatever the real powers that be wanted and his wife (again my opinion) is just a meddling busy body who can no longer influence Council decisions. One of the outright lies being peddled by this group is that the City ignored the recommendations of a private consulting firm in regard to hiring a city manager. What they didn't tell was, that Melinda Henderson INVITED this private firm from SoWal to come and speak to the board at a very public meeting or that she had an agenda a mile wide and they had a candidate already chosen who they wanted Council to hire. The City did not hire this firm and were under no obligation to do anything they suggested and they didn't!! Ironically a local realtor who also spoke at that same meeting also had his own candidate picked out and presented that application to council. Can we say agendas, agendas, agendas? Ms. Henderson is so angry that that she can not impose her will on Council that she called a Council members employer insisting he or she be terminated because she just felt he/she was a bad bad person and not good for their position. I ABSOLUTELY draw the line on retaliation, lies, innuendos and attempts to destroy the livelihoods and lives of elected officials who have jobs outside of government. Calling employers is a cowardly, dishonest, vile, evil thing to do. It's also very hypocritical to call yourself a Christian while your doing it Ms. Henderson!!!
I could also rally the troops and create a MOB that includes the NAACP and the black voters in DFS to show up to a few Council meetings based on half truths, lies and innuendos if I wanted to make this an issue about race but where I come from public records don't lie and the truth will always carry more weight than an angry MOB who really has no clue what they are even angry over. Most of those folks are simply being led blindly down a path they have never bothered to look into themselves and who are rarely if ever at actual Council meetings because its so much easier to be a follower than it is to be a leader. Still others are saying..."well my friends said".
This was not an issue with the color of Mr. Lucas's skin. It IS an issue of the color of his character!!
Beach Fanatic
P.S The fact this made it to the visioning page on FB also tells me this MOB is only after an audience. SoWal doesn't vote in NoWal City elections!
Beach Fanatic
The MOB!
Beach Fanatic
From Tom McLaughlin NWFL Daily News
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — As has often been the case in the past five years, the city is without a chief administrator.
The DeFuniak Springs City Council voted 4-1 Thursday to fire City Manager Danny Lucas. Lucas had been on the job for about six months.
The firing followed the discovery that Lucas had falsely claimed in his employment application to be a graduate of the University of Georgia.
City Attorney Clayton Adkinson said he confirmed the deception through an investigation initiated when information was provided to him by “a member of the public.”
“The University of Georgia was unable to verify that he was a student at the University of Georgia, or that he was a graduate of the University of Georgia,” Adkinson said in a document presented April 18 to the council and Mayor Bob Campbell. Lucas’s firing drew about 150 people to the meeting in anticipation of what would transpire. Campbell, who often has been at odds with council member, was among those who were livid.
“Somebody was looking long and hard for a technicality to bring him down. He was, in my opinion, a cracker jack city manager,” Campbell said. “He was astute and trying to clean up the mess dumped in his lap. I don’t know what was so scary about him other than how professional he was.”
Lucas’s application indicates he had 13 years of city manager experience in three municipalities in either South Carolina or Georgia. One person in the audience Thursday identified himself as a former college administrator. He said he believed Lucas had filled out the job application in question as truthfully as he could, but that the application itself is formatted in such a way that it made it appear he had attempted to deceive city officials.
Hoopla aside, Councilman Kermit Wright said, Lucas plain and simple lied in filling out an application he had agreed to truthfully complete.
“He’d never been a student at the University of Georgia,” Wright said. “That pretty much got him.”
Adkinson also noted in his report that he could find no documentation showing anyone at the city had done the due diligence required in investigating Lucas’s background before hiring him.
“It appears that a full background check, verification, or other investigation was not completed prior to employment. Therefore, no documents exist within the city’s files to support or refute information provided by Mr. Lucas,” his report said.
The city’s failing to properly process paperwork has long been an issue. A grand jury that reviewed city management reported in February that jurors were “shocked to learn of the lack of knowledge of government operations by those entrusted with governance.”
They found a “certain culture” exists that blocks the flow of information within city hall.
“We have determined that a systemic problem exists,” the grand jury said.
City resident Linda Morse said city administrators have proven once again that they cannot be trusted to govern.
“I believe the City Council is doing everything in its power to clean up the messes of the past,” Morse said. “But we have a bunch of nincompoops working for the city who can’t follow directions.”
The grand jury spoke in its presentment about a lack of continuity within city government having a negative impact on its smooth function. Lucas is the fifth city manager or interim city manager to leave DeFuniak Springs in the past five years.
Sara Bowers was the last city manager. She resigned in 2016 after City Council members spoke critically of her job performance.
The city has also been operating without a finance director for the past year. Joe Brown, the last one to resign, was the third in that position to leave in five years.
City resident Shayne Betts blames the five-member City Council for Lucas’s firing and the bulk of the city’s failings. She said DeFuniak Springs residents need to step up and find elected officials they can count on to do the right thing.
“We’ve done enough hoping and praying, and now we’ve got to have action. Changes will benefit the whole community and we need to find qualified people that will run and take these council seats,” Betts said. “I’m very appalled and disgusted at the representation we’re getting from the council. They’re not representing the citizens.”
www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20180427/defuniak-springs-boots-another-city-manager
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — As has often been the case in the past five years, the city is without a chief administrator.
The DeFuniak Springs City Council voted 4-1 Thursday to fire City Manager Danny Lucas. Lucas had been on the job for about six months.
The firing followed the discovery that Lucas had falsely claimed in his employment application to be a graduate of the University of Georgia.
City Attorney Clayton Adkinson said he confirmed the deception through an investigation initiated when information was provided to him by “a member of the public.”
“The University of Georgia was unable to verify that he was a student at the University of Georgia, or that he was a graduate of the University of Georgia,” Adkinson said in a document presented April 18 to the council and Mayor Bob Campbell. Lucas’s firing drew about 150 people to the meeting in anticipation of what would transpire. Campbell, who often has been at odds with council member, was among those who were livid.
“Somebody was looking long and hard for a technicality to bring him down. He was, in my opinion, a cracker jack city manager,” Campbell said. “He was astute and trying to clean up the mess dumped in his lap. I don’t know what was so scary about him other than how professional he was.”
Lucas’s application indicates he had 13 years of city manager experience in three municipalities in either South Carolina or Georgia. One person in the audience Thursday identified himself as a former college administrator. He said he believed Lucas had filled out the job application in question as truthfully as he could, but that the application itself is formatted in such a way that it made it appear he had attempted to deceive city officials.
Hoopla aside, Councilman Kermit Wright said, Lucas plain and simple lied in filling out an application he had agreed to truthfully complete.
“He’d never been a student at the University of Georgia,” Wright said. “That pretty much got him.”
Adkinson also noted in his report that he could find no documentation showing anyone at the city had done the due diligence required in investigating Lucas’s background before hiring him.
“It appears that a full background check, verification, or other investigation was not completed prior to employment. Therefore, no documents exist within the city’s files to support or refute information provided by Mr. Lucas,” his report said.
The city’s failing to properly process paperwork has long been an issue. A grand jury that reviewed city management reported in February that jurors were “shocked to learn of the lack of knowledge of government operations by those entrusted with governance.”
They found a “certain culture” exists that blocks the flow of information within city hall.
“We have determined that a systemic problem exists,” the grand jury said.
City resident Linda Morse said city administrators have proven once again that they cannot be trusted to govern.
“I believe the City Council is doing everything in its power to clean up the messes of the past,” Morse said. “But we have a bunch of nincompoops working for the city who can’t follow directions.”
The grand jury spoke in its presentment about a lack of continuity within city government having a negative impact on its smooth function. Lucas is the fifth city manager or interim city manager to leave DeFuniak Springs in the past five years.
Sara Bowers was the last city manager. She resigned in 2016 after City Council members spoke critically of her job performance.
The city has also been operating without a finance director for the past year. Joe Brown, the last one to resign, was the third in that position to leave in five years.
City resident Shayne Betts blames the five-member City Council for Lucas’s firing and the bulk of the city’s failings. She said DeFuniak Springs residents need to step up and find elected officials they can count on to do the right thing.
“We’ve done enough hoping and praying, and now we’ve got to have action. Changes will benefit the whole community and we need to find qualified people that will run and take these council seats,” Betts said. “I’m very appalled and disgusted at the representation we’re getting from the council. They’re not representing the citizens.”
www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20180427/defuniak-springs-boots-another-city-manager
Beach Fanatic
It is also very interesting to note some individuals who spoke in that video are not eligible to vote in City elections:
Diane Pickett is NOT eligible to vote in City elections (she is homesteaded in Miramar Beach) and DID NOT vote in the 2015 elections BUT DID VOTE in the 2017 elections when her buddy, old pal Mac Carpenter was voted off the City Council!
Bruce Butts is NOT eligible to vote in City elections as he is homesteaded in Santa Rosa Beach.
Mr. Mayfield who at one time had a dental business in Defuniak Springs is NOT eligible to vote in City elections as he resides in Walton County.
Russell Lane, D Train Security did NOT vote in the 2015/2017 elections.
Geneva Lee did NOT vote in the 2015/2017 elections.
I personally did NOT vote in the 2015 City elections, was not involved in the politics of DFS at that time but was involved and voted in County Elections. I DID vote in City Elections in 2017.
Donald L. Graham D Train Security, EX City police officer terminated from DFS P.D many years ago, currently an announced candidate, running for City Marshal DID vote 2015/2017. However, he also has a very checkered past with the Court system in Walton County to include several domestic violence appearances, possession of a controlled substance, open container (passenger) battery, trespass, criminal mischief , disorderly conduct and numerous traffic infractions. His brother Wayne Graham was elected to Council in 2017. It's my opinion we have enough trouble in the City with Mark Weeks the current City Marshal and we don't need to elect anymore.
Its my opinion that if you are going to call for our Elected officials to resign or face a recall because you are not happy with decisions they were duly elected to perform, that you should have at least voted for or be eligible to vote in City elections.
Its also my opinion that if you are going to claim to be the majority of or represent the majority of voting citizens in Defuniak that you actually be the majority. At Thursday night's meeting the building was set for 140 people including staff. The room was not standing room only, the chairs were not filled and the majority of that room never spoke!
Diane Pickett is NOT eligible to vote in City elections (she is homesteaded in Miramar Beach) and DID NOT vote in the 2015 elections BUT DID VOTE in the 2017 elections when her buddy, old pal Mac Carpenter was voted off the City Council!
Bruce Butts is NOT eligible to vote in City elections as he is homesteaded in Santa Rosa Beach.
Mr. Mayfield who at one time had a dental business in Defuniak Springs is NOT eligible to vote in City elections as he resides in Walton County.
Russell Lane, D Train Security did NOT vote in the 2015/2017 elections.
Geneva Lee did NOT vote in the 2015/2017 elections.
I personally did NOT vote in the 2015 City elections, was not involved in the politics of DFS at that time but was involved and voted in County Elections. I DID vote in City Elections in 2017.
Donald L. Graham D Train Security, EX City police officer terminated from DFS P.D many years ago, currently an announced candidate, running for City Marshal DID vote 2015/2017. However, he also has a very checkered past with the Court system in Walton County to include several domestic violence appearances, possession of a controlled substance, open container (passenger) battery, trespass, criminal mischief , disorderly conduct and numerous traffic infractions. His brother Wayne Graham was elected to Council in 2017. It's my opinion we have enough trouble in the City with Mark Weeks the current City Marshal and we don't need to elect anymore.
Its my opinion that if you are going to call for our Elected officials to resign or face a recall because you are not happy with decisions they were duly elected to perform, that you should have at least voted for or be eligible to vote in City elections.
Its also my opinion that if you are going to claim to be the majority of or represent the majority of voting citizens in Defuniak that you actually be the majority. At Thursday night's meeting the building was set for 140 people including staff. The room was not standing room only, the chairs were not filled and the majority of that room never spoke!
Beach Fanatic
CRY ME A RIVER BOO HOO HOO!
It seems the "MOB" is still angry that the City refuses to do their bidding.
The City gave required notice (24 hours according to Government In The Sunshine) that there will be a special meeting tonight at 4:30 PM to announce an interim City Manager. No Biggie...it will be about a 5 or 10 minute meeting, if that. The MOB believes however, that the City's business should revolve around their agenda and this meeting conflicts with the "Citizens action MOB" meeting that they have scheduled at 5:30 PM. Historically when special meetings are announced by the City they give 24 hours notice. No news here, just another business day!! Its my position that if people want to go and listen to Diane Pickett, Melinda Henderson and others (many of whom who can't even vote in City elections) rail on City Council members there is nothing stopping them from attending BOTH meetings.
The MOB seriously needs to give it a rest! You do not control the business of running this City nor should the City be expected to do your bidding! You are not the majority!!
Most INTELLIGENT people already know that Craig Drake is the Interim City Manager and the meeting at 4:30 is just a formality!!
It seems the "MOB" is still angry that the City refuses to do their bidding.
The City gave required notice (24 hours according to Government In The Sunshine) that there will be a special meeting tonight at 4:30 PM to announce an interim City Manager. No Biggie...it will be about a 5 or 10 minute meeting, if that. The MOB believes however, that the City's business should revolve around their agenda and this meeting conflicts with the "Citizens action MOB" meeting that they have scheduled at 5:30 PM. Historically when special meetings are announced by the City they give 24 hours notice. No news here, just another business day!! Its my position that if people want to go and listen to Diane Pickett, Melinda Henderson and others (many of whom who can't even vote in City elections) rail on City Council members there is nothing stopping them from attending BOTH meetings.
The MOB seriously needs to give it a rest! You do not control the business of running this City nor should the City be expected to do your bidding! You are not the majority!!
Most INTELLIGENT people already know that Craig Drake is the Interim City Manager and the meeting at 4:30 is just a formality!!
Beach LoverAuthor
#81
Beach Fanatic
Really? First it was Councils fault now its the City Atty's?
REALLY???? ROFLMAO!!!
By ALL MEANS POSSIBLE DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT hold Lucas' responsible for his own actions:
1.) Allowed a City employee to receive a gift (a case of crown royal) from an individual who had been granted a permit by vote of the City Council which, the Council promptly ordered returned to avoid the appearance of impropriety and because City employees KNOW they are not allowed to accept gifts!
2.) Mr. Lucas and Bob Campbell collaborated together to turn a residents 4 MONTH past due water ($3,775.00 bill) back on despite city ordinance/law which clearly states all payments must be received 10 days past the due date or arrangements have been made for payment or the water will be shut off and a reconnect fee applied. Billy Williams (the Triumph Liaison for Walton County was granted special privilege that is NOT extended to ANY other residents of DFS. Mr. Lucas admitted in a very public meeting that he knew it was a violation of city ordinance/law to order the water turned back on.
3.) Several weeks ago Mr. Lucas ordered sanitation workers to show up on a Saturday (they don't work Saturdays) to clear trash and debris for a fellow black constituent, from a PRIVATELY OWNED LOT AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE which, is a violation of State Statue and Fl. Sunshine Law!!
4.) Mr. Lucas was unable or unwilling to perform simple tasks which Council asked him to perform.
5.) Mr. Lucas LIED to Council Woman Janie Griffith about his credentials when she met with him to discuss it.
The MOB is so desperate for a fall guy, that everyone's a target.
REALLY???? ROFLMAO!!!
By ALL MEANS POSSIBLE DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT hold Lucas' responsible for his own actions:
1.) Allowed a City employee to receive a gift (a case of crown royal) from an individual who had been granted a permit by vote of the City Council which, the Council promptly ordered returned to avoid the appearance of impropriety and because City employees KNOW they are not allowed to accept gifts!
2.) Mr. Lucas and Bob Campbell collaborated together to turn a residents 4 MONTH past due water ($3,775.00 bill) back on despite city ordinance/law which clearly states all payments must be received 10 days past the due date or arrangements have been made for payment or the water will be shut off and a reconnect fee applied. Billy Williams (the Triumph Liaison for Walton County was granted special privilege that is NOT extended to ANY other residents of DFS. Mr. Lucas admitted in a very public meeting that he knew it was a violation of city ordinance/law to order the water turned back on.
3.) Several weeks ago Mr. Lucas ordered sanitation workers to show up on a Saturday (they don't work Saturdays) to clear trash and debris for a fellow black constituent, from a PRIVATELY OWNED LOT AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE which, is a violation of State Statue and Fl. Sunshine Law!!
4.) Mr. Lucas was unable or unwilling to perform simple tasks which Council asked him to perform.
5.) Mr. Lucas LIED to Council Woman Janie Griffith about his credentials when she met with him to discuss it.
The MOB is so desperate for a fall guy, that everyone's a target.
Beach Fanatic
Beach LoverAuthor
#111
Beach Fanatic
Beach LoverAuthor
I own what I say and do!If that's true, then the libel lawsuit that's been filed against you should be a slam dunk.
Beach Fanatic
If that's true, then the libel lawsuit that's been filed against you should be a slam dunk.
If you knew what you were talking about or had read the court filings (public records) I have not denied anything.
This thread isn't about me though is it Mark? It's about the firing of Danny Lucas and about a bunch of grown adults, acting like a bunch of petulant children, who didn't get their way, throwing a fit and showing their a$$es!
Beach LoverAuthor
"The lady doth protest too much, me thinks"
Beach Fanatic
"The lady doth protest too much, me thinks"
People who cant discern fact from fiction generally speak in euphemisms to downplay whats really going on in Defuniak.
Beach LoverAuthor
People who cant discern fact from fiction generally speak in euphemisms to downplay whats really going on in Defuniak
It is a quote from Hamlet not a euphemism.
There is no way for anyone to downplay what's going on in DeFuniak.
DEFINITION:
eu·phe·mism [ˈyo͞ofəˌmizəm] NOUN
quote [kwōt] VERB
- a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
- repeat or copy out (a group of words from a text or speech), typically with an indication that one is not the original author or speaker. "he quoted a passage from the Psalms"
Beach Fanatic
And you help spread the BS.
Beach LoverAuthor
Any regular reader of this forum knows that you belittle anyone that doesn't agree with you. My mother warned me to never get into an intellectual argument with an unarmed person.
Beach Fanatic
Any regular reader of this forum knows that you belittle anyone that doesn't agree with you. My mother warned me to never get into an intellectual argument with an unarmed person.
Actually, you took the first shot with your comment regarding a lawsuit that has nothing to do with this thread.
You made it personal. I dont care who agrees or not...no one is forced to read anything posted here.
Beach LoverAuthor
Your propensity to defame your enemies, spread rumors, lies, and half truths has everything to do with this thread.
Beach Fanatic
Your propensity to defame your enemies, spread rumors, lies, and half truths has everything to do with this thread.
When or if you can prove I lied about any thing please do so. My enemies (as you call them) have done quite the hachet job on themselves by calling employers of a council member and spreading the BS all by themselves.
Your cartoon tells me your agenda. You have never spoken to me, so if you believe something someone told you I've said then that's on them and you for believing it. Try asking me what I said rather than the crap you choose to believe.
My posts are the record of what I've said.
In the interim of you proving I've lied, I'm done with this and you.
Beach LoverAuthor
When or if you can prove I lied about any thing please do so. My enemies (as you call them) have done quite the hachet job on themselves by calling employers of a council member and spreading the BS all by themselves.Your toxic postings on this site are all the 'proof' anyone needs.
Your cartoon tells me your agenda. You have never spoken to me, so if you believe something someone told you I've said then that's on them and you for believing it. Try asking me what I said rather than the crap you choose to believe.
My posts are the record of what I've said.
In the interim of you proving I've lied, I'm done with this and you.
Beach Fanatic
Your toxic postings on this site are all the 'proof' anyone needs.
Just as I thought.... you don't like what I have to say so, you (like about 10 or 15 others) calling themselves the City Corruption Cleanup Crew have to make it appear I am spreading lies, rumors and innuendos with NO proof that I have done any of those things.
Admittedly, the truth is not always pleasant and in politics it is or certainly can be toxic (as you call it) but that doesn't make it any less true.
Want some more truth bombs?
The group calling itself "C4ward" has launched a smear campaign against the City Council (Bob Campbell excluded because that's their buddy) saying they "lack the qualifications". That's a lie!
Truth is every member of the City Council "qualified" through the Supervisor of Elections office to run for their elected positions. The qualifications are:
- The candidate is a registered voter.
- The candidate is qualified to run for and hold the office being sought.
- The candidate has not qualified for any other office in the state that runs for the same term as the office sought.
- The candidate has resigned from any other public office whose term would run at the same time as the office being sought.
- The assessment fee has been paid.
- If running with a political party, the candidate has not been a registered member of any other political party for 365 days before the beginning of the qualifying period.
The group has called into question the Council's competence and are asking for a recall election.
Fact is, Florida is one of 12 states that requires specific reason for a recall and there are 7 allowable grounds. They are:
1.) malfeasance
2.) misfeasance
3.) neglect of duty
4.) drunkenness
5.) incompetence
6.) permanent inability to perform official duties
7.) conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude.
Just because the Council refuses to do the bidding of a "few" does NOT make them guilty of any of those things. On the other side of the coin, Danny Lucas was assuredly guilty of transgressions, especially misfeasance (the wrongful exercise of lawful authority) malfeasance (wrongdoing, especially by a public official) and incompetence (inability to do something successfully) and those issues have previously been listed in this thread. No one wants to talk about those things though because its always easier to kill the messenger than it is to address the issues. Mr. Lucas was NOT part of the Grand Jury investigation but had he been there may well have been a whole different outcome to the report that they "found no criminal wrongdoing". The Grand Jury was NOT charged with looking for criminal wrongdoing.
That group has tossed about words like "corruption" (dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery) and ironically Danny Lucas was fired because he allowed himself to be led down a path where he found himself doing "favors" for a select few (again those issues have been pointed out at the top of this thread) and he paid a heavy price for ignoring the ordinances/laws of the City and the laws of the State of Florida!!
In discussing a recall election that group has assured the 75 some odd people (excluding themselves) who attended the meeting at ARC they do in fact have the money to force a recall.That is questionable at best!! I believe Diane Pickett actually has the money to force a recall but I also think/believe (my opinion) that her mouth has written a check her A$$ can not pay for. There is simply not enough time remaining before the elections (111 days according to that group) to get this on the ballot to force a recall. Talk is cheap, in fact its FREE!
Speaking of the meeting at the ARC building... its also my opinion (and that of several others) that ARC committed political suicide by holding that meeting in that building. The ARC receives TAXPAYER DOLLARS from the County (City residents pay county taxes as well) and it is a conflict of interest for them to have held that meeting there. Don't bite the hand who feeds you ARC because just as the County gives the money, they can take it away!!!! The County does NOT want to become embroiled in City politics and well they shouldn't!! In the video link posted below the ARC admits they used the opportunity to have that meeting there as a fundraiser raising over $350.00 dollars.
I have been told (yes, you may call that a rumor) that Erin Glenn with the Mainstreet project was asked to and has resigned her position with the Mainstreet Project. I'm told the Director (Jay Evans) recognized the political fallout of one of his board members associating with a MOB who is calling for the resignations of all Council members who voted to fire Danny Lucas or face a recall election, was not the thing to do and seriously jeopardized the projects efforts to obtain anymore funding from the City. Well duh...I'm glad someone saw the folly in that.
The group talked about the $221 thousand dollars the City lost in sales tax revenues because the Mayor failed to get letters he received from the Sate to council nine (9) times. When someone in the audience pointed out the public records absolutely positively identified the culprit the comment was brushed off with, we'll look into that.
The discussion from that group about the BP money that's unaccounted for is a misnomer. The money should have been placed in a special account, for future use which one of the supporters of that group actually suggested when he was a Council member. That didn't happen because the finance department manager wasn't doing his job. The money was simply dumped into the general account and spent and no one bothered to tell the Council the money was gone.
The problem really occurred at the State level because the State did not implement safeguards to track how that money was spent. The first BP monies issued were a joke! Fraud, waste and abuse was rampant! The State Atty. Bill Eddins actually looked into whether or not the money had been misspent (I agree that it should not have gone into the general fund) and according to the Grand Jury Report there was no wrongdoing on the part of the City Council!!
In ending this post Mr. Douglass, let me assure you that I agree with many of the issues the Citizens of Defuniak Springs have raised (including that MOB's issues) but where we diverge is in the delivery! Making spectacles of yourselves with brooms and dust pans is NOT my idea of healthy discourse nor is the venom and vitriol that has been spewed at our elected officials for months (by a select few including members of that MOB) who simply can not push the Council into doing their bidding. As I said before and will say again, the stranglehold that some folks have had over this City for eons is coming to a close. If the object of their political involvement is to make a laughing stock out of the City of Defuniak then their protestations about how much they "love their City" while making a mockery of it, just goes to show whose really trying destroy it. You have helped in that regard with your quack cartoons, in my opinion.
Let me also thank you Mr. Douglass for enabling me to get the thread you created back on track and off of me. You don't have to agree with me and you have made it abundantly clear that you don't. I'm ok with that too but you have NO RIGHT to accuse me of lying, spreading rumors/innuendos or half truths (you are liable for what you say also) when my comments are generally pulled from PUBLIC RECORDS with documentation, from actually attending public meetings and witnessing first hand what happens in those meetings. as well as my understanding of what transpired at them. When was the last time you attended a Council meeting Mr. Douglass? I don't recall ever seeing you at one. Have we met? If not, introduce yourself at the next council meeting.
Beach Fanatic
P. S. Mr Douglass,
There are a couple things I forgot to mention in regard to things that group has posted or said publicly.
Geneva Lee, the tiny black woman who spoke in the video regarding voting is homesteaded in Walton County and does not vote in City Elections. Admittedly she owns allot property in the City and assuredly has an interest and a voice in City Council meetings. Ms. Lee has always been recognized at Council meetings and been allowed to speak when she has chosen to do so. I absolutely agree with her that people need to not only register but also actually VOTE in City elections! Historically, the City elections have always been poorly attended either because VOTERS are disenfranchised, don't believe city elections are important or don't believe their vote would change the Status quo. It's that mindset that needs to change and I just don't honesty think that brooms, dust pans or prayer is going to do the trick. Trying to engage them by screaming "corruption, incompetence, unqualified, malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duties or moral turpitude certainly wouldn't endear me to turn out and vote either, especially if its never been proven that the City Council is guilty of anything. On the other hand, since I know Bob Campbell is directly responsible for a lot of the mess created at Council meetings I would show up to VOTE HIM OUT!
I also think its highly unfair for ANYONE (property owners or not) to sign a petition for recall in a City were they are not even eligible to vote. In the County yes and I'd be the first to jump on that bandwagon. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong (no doubt) but if I understand the process correctly the signatures must be from City residents...which leaves out a substantial number of that group.
It's also ironic to note that Bob Campbell thinks its perfectly acceptable to meet outside the Sunshine to discuss City issues with other (at the time) Council members and the finance director (Joe Brown) and in the 2015 elections there was actually a question on the ballot to have the Mayor’s voting taken away so he could talk freely outside of meetings which was turned down by the voters. The mayor only votes in the case of a tie and in the past 15 years that has happened only one or two times. Because of the very slight possibility he could be called to vote, he can NOT discuss city business with the Council outside of a meeting. The voters did not want the change and said so 603 over 439. That didn't stop the Mayor though, he does just exactly as he pleases as evidenced by the photo below.
It should also be noted that the Grand Jury report which, that group is notoriously famous for waving around would also prevent a recall because the Council was NOT found guilty of any wrongdoing and there isn't a Judge in this County who would sign off on a recall petition given that GJ Report.
However, if the State Atty. wants to launch another investigation on actual wrong doing by the Mayor and instructs the GJ to look at wrongdoing by public officials, I think there are SUBSTANTIAL witnesses who could and would testify about his meetings out of the Sunshine, his gross negligence, misfeasance and malfeasance while in office. That isn't going to happen though and we all know it, just as we knew the outcome of the GJ report. When you're not looking for something chances are you ain't gong to find it!!
The 3 Blind Mice.
There are a couple things I forgot to mention in regard to things that group has posted or said publicly.
Geneva Lee, the tiny black woman who spoke in the video regarding voting is homesteaded in Walton County and does not vote in City Elections. Admittedly she owns allot property in the City and assuredly has an interest and a voice in City Council meetings. Ms. Lee has always been recognized at Council meetings and been allowed to speak when she has chosen to do so. I absolutely agree with her that people need to not only register but also actually VOTE in City elections! Historically, the City elections have always been poorly attended either because VOTERS are disenfranchised, don't believe city elections are important or don't believe their vote would change the Status quo. It's that mindset that needs to change and I just don't honesty think that brooms, dust pans or prayer is going to do the trick. Trying to engage them by screaming "corruption, incompetence, unqualified, malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duties or moral turpitude certainly wouldn't endear me to turn out and vote either, especially if its never been proven that the City Council is guilty of anything. On the other hand, since I know Bob Campbell is directly responsible for a lot of the mess created at Council meetings I would show up to VOTE HIM OUT!
I also think its highly unfair for ANYONE (property owners or not) to sign a petition for recall in a City were they are not even eligible to vote. In the County yes and I'd be the first to jump on that bandwagon. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong (no doubt) but if I understand the process correctly the signatures must be from City residents...which leaves out a substantial number of that group.
It's also ironic to note that Bob Campbell thinks its perfectly acceptable to meet outside the Sunshine to discuss City issues with other (at the time) Council members and the finance director (Joe Brown) and in the 2015 elections there was actually a question on the ballot to have the Mayor’s voting taken away so he could talk freely outside of meetings which was turned down by the voters. The mayor only votes in the case of a tie and in the past 15 years that has happened only one or two times. Because of the very slight possibility he could be called to vote, he can NOT discuss city business with the Council outside of a meeting. The voters did not want the change and said so 603 over 439. That didn't stop the Mayor though, he does just exactly as he pleases as evidenced by the photo below.
It should also be noted that the Grand Jury report which, that group is notoriously famous for waving around would also prevent a recall because the Council was NOT found guilty of any wrongdoing and there isn't a Judge in this County who would sign off on a recall petition given that GJ Report.
However, if the State Atty. wants to launch another investigation on actual wrong doing by the Mayor and instructs the GJ to look at wrongdoing by public officials, I think there are SUBSTANTIAL witnesses who could and would testify about his meetings out of the Sunshine, his gross negligence, misfeasance and malfeasance while in office. That isn't going to happen though and we all know it, just as we knew the outcome of the GJ report. When you're not looking for something chances are you ain't gong to find it!!
The 3 Blind Mice.
Beach LoverAuthor
When or if you can prove I lied about any thing please do so. My enemies (as you call them) have done quite the hachet job on themselves by calling employers of a council member and spreading the BS all by themselves.So many words....especially from someone who is "done with this and you." It's a pity that I occupy so much space inside your head now.
Your cartoon tells me your agenda. You have never spoken to me, so if you believe something someone told you I've said then that's on them and you for believing it. Try asking me what I said rather than the crap you choose to believe.
My posts are the record of what I've said.
In the interim of you proving I've lied, I'm done with this and you.
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