It’s quite ironic, really.
Two different writers have suggested that the DeFuniak Free Press is making false claims. That we’re “slandering good people.” And that our claims don’t “hold up under the light of day.” That we’re twisting words. And that our website is full of lies.
And neither writer has offered a single shred of evidence.
Which is priceless given that they are guilty of the very thing they have accused us of doing: making claims without any substantiating evidence.
The difference, of course, is that we have substantiated our claims with facts. Using audio, council minutes, and even the candidates’ own campaign material, we have built a case for our council’s misdeeds. We have provided draft copies of minutes, and approved copies of minutes, highlighting the changes that were made and never acknowledged in a public meeting. We have provided proof of campaign contributions, made by an employee who was inexplicably protected in the face of unacceptable conduct. And we have used actual employee interview recordings to demonstrate the council’s inconsistent hiring practices.
So what one writer in the DeFuniak Springs Herald Breeze calls “vile nastiness,” we call uncomfortable facts.
It’s ironic, too, that both writers have made reference to our writers being “run… out of town” or getting us “…OUT of it’s [sic] government.” Doesn’t our Constitution guarantee the right to free speech? Isn’t the right to dissent an important part of our nation’s structure?
In the final bit of irony, we must agree with Keith Rowland in his “Letter to the Editor.” The only possible explanation for Ron Kelley’s handling of the minutes is that he had the voluntary cooperation of others at City Hall. Not everyone at City Hall, of course, but a select few who have turned a blind eye while the minutes were altered. And if, as Rowland suggests, the entire claim is a “smear campaign” with no basis in fact, why did Mac Work find it necessary to point out publicly, in a city council meeting, that he never asked the city clerk to change the minutes?
So our challenge to Rowland and Graham Campbell-Work is this: substantiate your claim. Provide an example of a lie, or a twisting of the truth, on the part of the DFP writers. Demonstrate, using our own words and evidence, when we have been dishonest.
Realize, though, that making sweeping claims about how a roomful of people couldn’t possibly be fooled doesn’t qualify as evidence. Neither does Kelley’s reputation for good grammar somehow prove he has been forthright with the minutes. In order to back up your claims, you must provide specific instances in which we have falsely accused our councilmen of unethical, dishonest behavior.
We welcome the opportunity to have a public discourse about the politics of DeFuniak Springs. We agree that this is a “wonderful community,” and we want nothing more than to see our representatives demonstrate ethics and integrity in government. We respect your right to disagree with our viewpoint, but we sincerely hope you’ll stick around and explain your position.
Honest legitimate dialogue can only benefit our town and the voters who reside here.
Wade Carlan said:
Haha… From what I have gathered, It seems as if there are some sour grapes. Minuets?! Really!? Graham Campbell Work seemed to be defending a man that was attacked about his weight. Which a reader was more concerned about Graham’s rhetoric rather than the comment about Mr. Kelly. Then he called out the prior staff for it’s inafective, and basically obsolete presence. I myself find it hard to dig up dirt or find reasons to complain about a council that has created more jobs in 6 months than the prior did in years. Plus our budget has been cut in half. I moved away from this town because it was a joke, and seemed to be falling to the waste side. I chose to move back for family. By the grace of god, it’s actually becoming livable. Stop splitting hairs, applaud them for what they have done for our community. If you don’t like it do what I did, move. I’m sure the sour apples that are trying to ruin it for the happy ones won’t be missed. The majority of the people spoke, and they were elected, and they are fulfilling what they said they were going to do….. And people are complaining about minuets in a meeting… Gah
defuniakfreepress said:
I’m quite sure I’ve said this before, in response to another writer who made the same point you did. There are those of us who will not sacrifice our ethics and integrity on the altar of “more jobs and more money.” You may believe that they are doing wonderful things for this community, and certainly you are entitled to your opinion.
What posters like you fail to realize is that a city council who will take liberties with simple things like the proper handling of minutes, or the lawful handling of public records requests, won’t stop there.
They’ll move on to bigger things. Like moving to condemn a property that would become a potential money-maker for the council member who is a practicing real estate agent. Or protecting disrespectful employees to the detriment of the supervisor involved. And making significant changes to the municipal code in an attempt to prepare the way for the employees they’d like to hire.
It is your right to believe that minutes are unimportant, and not worth discussion. That’s exactly what they’d like you to believe.
Wade Carlan said:
No, I didn’t say they were unimportant. I take it the is King replying? If so, you’re in your twenties correct? Are you not happy to see our community growing? Are you not happy that unnecessary spending of money has been nixed? Answer that and I’ll continue….
defuniakfreepress said:
King? I’ll assume, since this came up yesterday on this site as well, that you’re referring to Jonathan King?
This isn’t Jonathan King. And I’m not in my 20s. But I fail to see how any of that is relevant.
What IS relevant is that I’m not willing to overlook the council’s ethics violations, regardless of the growth and money. So I could turn the question back to you… Are your ethics so flexible that you’ll overlook unlawful behavior simply because we’re getting yet another dollar store?
dustin said:
All of us are entitled to our opinions. I am glad to finally see some of the few supporters of Work, Kelley and Crew coming out of the wood work. Your support of these elected officials is very telling and it shows what you value, that is your right. Just as it is my right to call B.S. on unethical behavior conducted by these elected officials. So, with that said, can we get back to Factual Debate, supported by Facts, not Emotion?
Can you please provide some support to your claim of “created jobs in the last 6 months”? I am interested to know what jobs the council created and how. Please educate me.
I would also be interested in your take on the Mike Standley Hiring Process, are you fimiliar with that?
How about the city attorney with no contact for 30 years? Maybe the council can be proactive and address that issue. That could save the city some money. Obviously the new County Attorney felt compelled to make some changes to the handouts that were being given out.
I don’t agree with picking on people for their weight.. now their attitudes, lack of professionalism and unethical behavior, I say that is fair game. What say you?
Fishwalton said:
Oversight of government is an important function under the Constitution and the Laws of the State of Florida. Any time a citizen starts asking questions and looking into government business they become a target. They are usually branded a “trouble maker”. As they say, been there done that.
What is important is there are some citizens who are willing to take on that risk and stand up and be counted. This can be just a single little guy or something much larger like the Tea Party and the Occupiers, or even closer to home with the Walton County Tax Payers Association or an individual like Suzanne Harris. Citizen interest and participation in being involved do make positive differences.
We can all disagree, but it’s much better for everyone if the debate is done with respect and civilty. We don’t tar and feather anyone (anymore) and run them out of town on a rail and we don’t force them to move or give up their life because of what they promote, believe, or advocate. Not here in Walton County or De Funiak Springs anyway. Statements to the contrary are not even worth debating.
I’m a strong believer in holding government accountable,and for the most part I believe elected officials in the county and our cities don’t mind that at all, but when they forget that things can go haywire. That’s why it’s important for citizens to be interested and involved. Remember – government is run by those who show up.
defuniakfreepress said:
Beautifully stated, Fishwalton…
Rose Ismyname said:
I like this discussion about job creation. Does anyone have any statistics about what businesses have opened and closed since the new council members took office? I’ve seen a few businesses open and some close down so it’s hard to say if there has been any actual growth and job creation. We have a new dollar store opening. I guess three dollar stores located within a mile of each other just isn’t cutting it. Sears closed. Daizy Dukes and Pig Daddy’s opened. Big Momma’s never even got started. There is a new lawn tractor and golf cart business. Parrot Ice Cafe closed down and Smokey J’s gave way to The Corner Cafe. It seems that we’ve seen a fair amount of turnover, but not necessarily a lot of growth and job creation. The other question is how much of a role has the new city council played in bringing businesses to this town? It would be awesome if some of our esteemed city council members would comment on this blog as to what they have been doing to promote growth and job creation beyond the realm of threatening to condemn houses and then offering them for sale.
dustin said:
You bring up yet another FACT, that of the property (Circle Dr) to be condemned, then listed for sale by a councilman. Did his office position have anything to do with his acquiring the sales listing? I don’t know, but I do know that its a FACT that is was being looked at for condeming, then “For Sale”.
As for business, I’ve seen some new, seen some go, looks about even to me and I have no idea what role, if any the city council played, positive or negative. I do know there are a lot, I mean a lot, of abandoned properties. Some may be for sale, but they are not managed and that leads to transients and break-ins…
Fishwalton said:
Rose did a good job laying out the comings and goings of local small business. Most likely this has about balanced out the job numbers.
Rose Ismyname said:
I’ve also noticed a great deal of attention being given to the identities of the folks writing this blog. Can anyone tell me why that matters? If the content is factual and supported with evidence then what difference does it make who is writing it? I guess when the facts aren’t on your side you have to resort to ad hominem attacks. You are all longing for a name like Kirby or King so that you can focus on attacking them rather than discussing the real issues. Anyone care to defend your position on that? Mr. Campbell-Work? Mr. Carlan? Bueller? Anyone?
dustin said:
Why all the “King” is this “King”? The poster (Wade)of those comments writes like (notice, I said “sounds like” not IS or name calling, just “sounds like” as in words used), a typical thug or redneck.
“you’re in your 20’s”, what is all this? I though the only bullies in town were members of the council. They bullied Johnathan King while he was employeed and now we continue…
This is so sad and it is really a good measure of the chaos the current leaders in this community have perpetrated. Job Well Done Elected Officials. Keep it Up. (Really, grow up. If you want to disagree with things said on the blog, then disagree, don’t attack, you only make our points for us and we like to be mentally challenged sometimes for a response).
Wade Carlan said:
No, actually an educated war veteran. Thug or red neck huh? Haha… Nice. I was a question I asked sweetie. People like you are the ones I avoid in public I’m sure. As far as my full name goes… I’m not hiding behind a keyboard with my questions or opinions.
Wade Carlan said:
Also, a taco bell and hibbets are coming into town. Impact fees were also dropped allowing community growth. Save your breath, this blog is silly and I’m not coming back on here reading about people complaining…. Don’t like the current agenda, move or run for office.
dustin said:
Thank you for your service.
thingathatmakeugohmmmm said:
Carlan…Mac Work’s cousin’s son? Talk about full-circle. Facts…Work has a cousin named Charles Carlan, who works for an engineering firm, who competed for the city’s primary engineer ad well as the airport’s engineer. Very interesting that family is coming out of the woodworks to save the town bulley and town bully, JR.
Bobby's Boy said:
Welcome Wade,
Let’s talk about those impact fees which have done so much for community growth. You may want to review the city manager’s report from the last council meeting on Monday, 3/12. Mrs. Bowers made an excellent case for reinstatment of tap fees and the concensus of the council members, led by Councilman Work who clearly stated that something needed to be done, was to reconsider the moratorium when the one year is at an end which would coincide with the next budget process.
At that same session, the city employee responsible for the installation stated that the city has lost a minimum of $400 in parts alone for each of those 121 taps which have been applied for since the moratorium was put into place. That employee stated this in response to a question posed by Councilman Work. Please note that dollar amount does NOT include the cost of city labor ivolved in each of those taps.
You might also want to note that of those 121 taps, only FOUR were commercial. All the others were residential. Not exactly what I would call expansion of the business community..
May I humbly suggest that a careful perusal of council packet items (avaialble each Friday preceding a council meeting) and perhaps even attendance at city council meetings or review of the audio from each meeting (also available on the city website) would provide you with the factual information you need in order to make your case here – or anywhere else..
I too would appreciate your factual presentation of the number of jobs created by this city council. And may i also suggest that job creation is NOT the responsibility of city council members. Rather, creating an environment in which present and new business can grow and prosper is their role. That seems to include a smooth, well coordinated city government, not a group of men riding roughshod over employees and citizens alike.
Wade Carlan said:
MAY I STATE, that the city council dropping impact fees allows small buisness owners and corporations to expand here which equals job creation. As far a riding roughshod, it was done because city employees weren’t held accountable, and in unqualified personnel held positions. Which they were quickly disposed of. Now personel are held accountable for their actions and work ethic and there’s a problem with that? Hahaha… Nice… So the City lost 400 dollars + labor in order to create jobs? Your math skills are sub par… And it’s Rodney Carlan’s son. One of the best men to walk through this town. As far as Charels… Apply yourself through out a life time as he did, put yourself in a position to gain as he, then your opinion will hold some relevance. The reason there aren’t “supporters” in this group is because it contains fired employees and retired “let’s make this a retirement community” voices. This was brought to my attention because family members were being attacked. Why you all sit in here and complain instead of lending a helping hand and support, I’ll step out and let you bicker between yourselves and continue to waller in your own self pity. All I know, is the majority of the city voted, and are happy with the results. the 20 bitter people or so in here can have at it. We lived by a saying in my career field. The strong shall stand, the weak shall fall by the waste side….. Pick a side… Mine seems to be winning.
Wade Carlan said:
Also, you validated my point, and then said I was wrong for it?! Confusion…..
defuniakfreepress said:
First of all, Mr. Carlan, your statement that personnel are now held accountable is laughable. Does the name Rodney Ryals mean anything to you? No accountability there. It would appear that the level of accountability is inversely proportional to the amount of campaign money that is given. The more money you give, the less accountability you have. Perhaps you’ll argue that Ryals wasn’t given preferential treatment because of his contributions, but you have no facts on your side. To date, none in the “cheerleader” camp have offered a single shred of evidence that any of our claims are wrong.
Just a word of advice: it would be wise to proceed cautiously when you’ve been given second-hand information. I realize that someone has filled your head full of information about who comprises the DFP, but perhaps you should consider the possibility that the facts are wrong. It is intriguing to me that you will blindly accept second-hand, baseless information from those who think like you do, but disregard the hard facts presented here.
The members of this group are doing exactly as you suggest: lending a helping hand. Our helping hand is extended to the citizens and employees of this city who have suffered at the hands of those you seek to defend. And as for your suggestion that the “majority of the city voted,” have you looked at the numbers? Mac Work received 434 votes, Kermit Wright got 410 and Ron Kelley got 526. Hardly a mandate by anyone’s definition. The problem is that years of unscrupulous leadership have left the voters of this town defeated. It is our goal to change all that.
All the blustering in the world won’t change the fact that our council has made substantive changes to its operating procedures as a result of the issues raised on this blog. Public records requests are no longer being tracked on paper. The council has been forced to change its handling of the meeting minutes. Meeting audio is now available on the city’s website. Mac Work has initiated a move to provide streaming video of council meetings on the website, in an attempt to improve transparency. Uncomfortable though it may be, our council is sitting up and taking notice.
You certainly have the right to “step out.” And you have the right to claim you’re stepping out to let us continue bickering. And I have the right to believe that you’re stepping out because you have absolutely no defense for the men you came here to support.
dfsnelson said:
I’m new to this blog and have read a lot of posts on the threads. Seems someone has finally started raising quesions on how city goverment has been run for the last 50 years, maybe longer.
It’s about time someone is interested enough to start poking around. There is no telling what might shake out of the trees.
Incidentally, I don’t see any reason for some of the posters to be so hateful just because questions are coming to the surface. Everyone should applaud any citizen who takes the time to research and report in a public way. More power to the administrator. Keep up the good work.
defuniakfreepress said:
We’re thrilled that you’re here, dfsnelson. We agree with you that everyone wins when facts are out in the open. The only people who fear facts and exposure are those who have some vested interest in keeping them hidden. This community is made up of many different demographics, and it is our desire to see all of them get involved in our local politics.
The dissenters here refuse to see that we have acknowledged those times when our leadership has gotten it right. Any trip through this blog will prove that we aren’t afraid to give credit where it’s due. We only wish there was more cause to give it.
Amazed said:
Wade… You might want to get some understanding of what impact fees are before you open your mouth… It really makes you look quite ignorant…
Impact fees only affect NEW CONSTRUCTION businesses… Of which we have exactly…. ZERO… That this new council can take credit for… The only commercial building that ha been constructed in the last year is the family dollar of which was already planned and in the works long before Mac Work got involved…
Maybe you want to rephrase? Or do you need more? Like the fact that the tap fees that have been costing a minimum of 400$. Before labor. Each….. Four of them have been commercial taps… Pretty telling on how much economic impact it has created…
And geez, you won’t stop so here is more… You do realize that the budget WAS NOT cut in half right? In fact, the City Council approved using more out of reserves to balance the budget than EVER befOre… Oops, Uncle Mac didn’t tell you that before you went to bat to defend him did he? Or how about the fact that the million dollars that he claimed to cut from the budget includes the money that was cut by the impact and tap fee moratorium? Somehow the math doesn’t add up….
This isn’t about Mac and isn’t a smear campaign against him specifically… This is about untruths that have been told to the public… If our council would act right and quit being deceitful and pursuing their own personal agendas, there wouldn’t be a need for websites such as this…
I applaud you Defuniak Free Press… Don’t let little punks that have no idea what they are talking about stop you… Thank you…
Wade Carlan said:
I have proof…. You don’t, check the 6,000 square foot shopping center with a taco bell coming soon…. More jobs created…. NEXT
Wade Carlan said:
Oh, and tractor supply is coming because they dropped the impact fees… Which hibbets soon followed… Who’s ignorant?
Wade Carlan said:
Mac has no siblings…. Yet he can be an uncle? Weird….
Amazed said:
First, you said they already had created jobs because of impact fees… All you can talk about is what is “supposedly” coming… Obviously you live in another world where things that aren’t reality are of a greater value than things that have actually happened…
Second, the tractor supply and hibbett sports (when they actually come) would not have paid impact fees anyway… Again, why don’t you googl impact fees and educate yourself since its obvious you don’t have a clue… Google will be a great place to start… Impact fees ONLY apply to NEW CONSTRUCTION…
Next?
Wade Carlan said:
Oh my god!!!! You don’t get it… THEY STILL WOULD HAVE TO HAVE PAYED BUISSNESS IMPACT FEES!!!!! When taco bell is built along with the six thousand square foot building that makes it worth while because they dont have to pay building impact fees….Yeah, I know for a fact it is built… Next as in another dumb argument…. You obviously don’t have a clue. Who are you? That way when it’s built I can give you a tour. If you hate the current situation move…. I’m sure you won’t be missed….you seem to enjoy pissing in the wind
Amazed said:
Oh and by the way… I know the guy who is putting the tractor supply in… They have been looking at the old Marvin’s building long before the impact fees were dropped… Why that building? Because of they go into an existing building they can avoid IMPACT FEES…
But wait… You know what you’re talking about so maybe you know about ANOTHER tractor supply that’s coming in? Now that there are no impact fees? Man… We will have tractor supplies on every corner the way we have dollar stores…
…………….
Amazed said:
Wade… I am a business owner in this city… Of multiPle genres… The council did not do anything about business licenses, Which are so cheap it’s ridiculous… If you start a business in an existing building, you do not pay a penny in IMPACT FEES…
Apparently my friend, when you started your businesses in defuniak… You got took and paid way more than anyone else… I am assuming that you have paid business impact fees since you know so much about it…
And again, when the taco bell is built… They would have to pay impact fees because they are BUILDING a NEW BUILDING,.. Again.. But you just keep going to things that have yet to happen… Tell us about all the jobs the council has created? In fact tell me about ONE job they can take the credit for creating? Because from my perspective, it looks like we have lost way more than we have gained…
Thanks for proving who the hothead is 🙂
Bobby's Boy said:
AMAZED,
I am truly amazed. Keep at it – and welcome!
Wade Carlan said:
Figures…
SeaGarden said:
What happened to you not coming back to this blog? We love having everybody..just try not to thug it up. I don’t know you, don’t need to. I have a mental picture due to your rantings and ramblings. That’s what’s so wonderful about the Free Press posters. They write well. Try it sometime Wade. Try not using “Oh Yea” and “who looks stupid now” and “what are you 12”. We should be having intelligent conversations, even if we strongly disagree. Agree?
dfsnelson said:
Impact Fees? I thought the Council had suspended these fees along with tap fees.
Anyone who want’s to take advantage of this brief period from fees better hurry up. I bet come next October they will be back in full swing.
What the city needs is a good unbiased management and operatons study to see if the taxpayers are getting full value. The city does not get all that much from ad valorem taxes, I think about $800,000, yet there is something like a $22 million budget. The City makes big profits off gas, water, sewer and does well with grants. That where the big budget comes from.
It doesn’t make sense we have such a large budget for such a small town. Where does all the money go? Excessive spending is most likely where it goes. I remember Work made a lot of noise about dipping into reserves to balance the budget. He’s been there less than a year and is already having second thoughts on reduced spending. This is what happens when people become politicans.
Wade Carlan said:
Funny how everyone in here is just *censored*…. One sided…. Where were these complaints before…. I’m out, you people are sad…..
*censored by moderator-foul language will never be tolerated*
Amazed said:
Funny how you can’t debate facts… So you insult us, or rather attempt to insult us and leave the dialogue.
Now don’t forget… This is the second time you said you were out. We all know you will keep reading this blog and our comments, in fact you are probably so upset about being shown up by me that you will check every day, just waiting for something that you will actually have some FACTS you can dispute. Whenever you feel the urge to jump back in the ring, you might want to google search you’re argument and make sure it is a good one. I’d hate for you to get shown up again and have to get “out” again…
Now, for everyone else’s benefit, since lil wade is no longer with usthat never felt that the previous council did anything to help our city’s business community. The difference was that they didn’t allow there egos to get in the way of progress (for the most part). I was grateful to see the council take some action, and then extremely disappointed to see it take such a huge swing to deceptive and personal. I can’t comment on a lot of the issues that are addressed on this site because I did not know a lot that is going on, but I applaud the folks doing all this work to make sure citizens are informed.
Thank you
SeaGarden said:
diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy. It’s as crucial as location, location, location. 🙂
SeaGarden said:
Then leave the thug and goon language out of this dialogue. That’s all. Make your point like a gentleman. Like a statesman. If that’s not your style, perhaps you could start working on it. Your point is made with much more impact when not followed by disrespect for yourself and the readers of this blog. Thanks for your consideration.
Everthing's Peachy said:
[quote]The city does not get all that much from ad valorem taxes, I think about $800,000, yet there is something like a $22 million budget.
It doesn’t make sense we have such a large budget for such a small town. Where does all the money go?[/quote]
Attorney fees?
dustin said:
Attorney Fees and Civil Settlements for starters.
Mulligan said:
Contrary to my name, I’ll try to do this in one take. Put your feet up & grab a glass of sweet tea.
This is my first time posting, but most certainly not my first time here. Sorry to disappoint some of your recent posters but I’ve been here daily for a couple of months now – rather than lured here by their gargantuan egos.
BRAVO, DeFuniak Free Press for standing up. I couldn’t care less who is writing it. OK, technically the curiosity is killing me on the inside but whoever it is – you have an ardent fan! You’re doing your homework & the facts are indeed uncomfortable! This small town just got turned on its ear by you folks & I am loving it!!
Here are a couple more uncomfortable facts:
1. I know Graham & Wade personally. I also know they are both passionate about many, many, many topics. I certainly don’t blame them for coming to the defense of a family member. But I do find their arrogance, while not surprising, incredibly distasteful & rude to those who have been nothing but cordial (even when disagreeing). What I do find surprising is that Graham hasn’t been back – because it’s hard for that bulldog to let something go when he knows he’s right. Which brings me to my next point – wouldn’t he come back to defend his pappy to the bitter end if the facts were on his side? Seriously – if they ARE on his side – I want to know. If the Free Press has it wrong, tell us how. ‘Cause the best I can tell, they keep hitting the proverbial nail on the head. By the way, last I checked politicians & their families needed thick skins. I can’t tell you where to get them, but I would suggest finding them.
2. I’ve seen several times now things like “the people spoke” – like that’s the end of it. Ahem. IT SEEMS WE ARE SPEAKING AGAIN! And this time, we have the help of the Free Press to find our voice and a common place to use it. Are we not allowed to speak up? Oh wait – that’s right – we should just LEAVE when things don’t go our way. Those are the antics of a child, not an adult. An adult would look for a solution rather than whine. And while the readers have been accused of whining – funny, looks less like whining and more like freakin’ banding together to uncover secrets & solve problems to me. But what do I know. I’m some poor ignorant & bitter ex-government worker…which brings me to my next point.
I do like Wade’s suggestion about running for office, however…I’d bet there’s a candidate in the making reading this very blog!
3. I’ve never worked for the government a day in my life. Lest you count paying uncle sam my due. I am however a business owner (have been for years) – I’ve owned and still do own multiple businesses. God help us all if we start relying on government for our jobs. I won’t belabor that point, but to credit the current council with job creation is fantasy land meanderings. As others have said: Prove it! Oh, and more specifically, show a timeline proving the current council was the catalyst. Hell, just show proof the businesses hadn’t already contacted the city long before the election.
By the way, I’m under 40 – not sure if that makes me better or worse than the poor guy harangued for being in his 20’s – maybe we should look into upping the voting age since being in your 20’s makes your beliefs or opinions inconsequential.
4. I understand completely why the Free Press stays anonymous. Anyone who doesn’t play the good ol’ boys’ rules gets rendered obsolete around these parts. Sayonara, you’re gone. I know more than I want to about the ones in power in this town of ours. So much back door dealings, personal agendas, secret meetings and political plans that are literally years in the works. All to serve ONESELF rather than the public. All for glory & recognition. The purpose, as designed by our forefathers, was for the elected to sacrifice. A short term sacrifice, not a lifelong ambition or term. Not so you can further YOUR agenda – but listen to the people instead. But I digress. Can you imagine taking on Clayton Adkinson in ANY other way than anonymously? He is one powerful, scary dude who I suspect, thanks in part to those on this blog, will soon have his day in court (pun intended).
In case anyone needs just one more reason to stay anonymous: I’ve heard firsthand from multiple employees the threats that have come DIRECTLY – and indirectly – from some of the council members. The stories I’ve heard would curl your toes, folks. Was I there? No. Can’t say I was. And I might not have given them much credit except THERE WERE SO MANY – and they were so offensive.
I’ve probably chased a rabbit or two (or three) on here – but I appreciate the opportunity to express some of my pent up passion! 🙂 I will be back and I’ll try to keep my next post more like Cliff’s Notes rather than War and Peace.
SeaGarden said:
Hole in one Mulligan! Never need to abbreviate good rational thoughts and ideas. Keep them coming. Maybe you should be one of those considering running for office.
I love the anonymity because it allows me to speak out on issues more freely. Its somewhat like the privacy of a voting booth. It’s your right to vote and to do so in a private fashion.
This blog is having your “voice” in a private fashion. It doesn’t lessen the message or the issues. If anything, it strengthens them.
defuniakfreepress said:
We agree with you wholeheartedly, SeaGarden.
Bobby's Boy said:
I am encouraged by the ongoing dialogue! Thanks to each of you for jumping into the fray. It gives me hope for the future of our city. There are two council seats plus the mayoral office up for election in 2013. I sincerely hope that interested citizens will remain so – and graduate to the level of considering a run for one of those positions. Then in 2015, we’ll have the opportunity to right some wrongs done to our community (if a recall doesn’t take care of it before then!) and replace the “gang of three” as they have been called.
Just think, friends, in three years, DeFuniak Springs could be back in the hands of honest people with no hidden agendas who want to see substantive change which
benefits the entire community, not just themselves – YES!
Of course I’ve always been an optimist!
As Aesop said, “We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.”
dfsnelson said:
Bobby’s Boy….There was certainly no hidden agenda with the previous council, but with this new bunch there seems to always be the perception of something needs to be fixed when no fix is necessary. It’s a form of micromanagement, especially with Kelley and Work. Herman just seems to be in over his head although he is an honest decent guy. I don’t see Herman as having an agenda. Maybe he will come along on behalf of the people rather than follow the lead of the Kelley/Work click.
Mulligan said:
SeaGarden, thanks for your support & encouragement. I think you’re right – the anonymity really does strengthen the position. It allows you to speak a little more uncensored, less politically correct, and less concerned over the age old southern tradition of making sure everyone likes you.
Rose Ismyname said:
Your words ring true with me Mulligan! I want to put a “Mulligan for Mayor” sign in my front yard. I seriously hope this blog will spur some interest and get some good honest folks on the ballot. You are spot on about the purpose of government as envisioned by our founding fathers. Most of them served reluctantly and with great sacrifice. They did it for the good of all and with the notion that the common good was far more important than personal gain. We need more citizens representing us rather than career politicians. Public office should never be viewed as a career. It should be considered a sacrifice. I’ve noticed the Mac Work Fan Club has retreated from the discourse here. It’s tough to stay in the debate when the facts are not on your side. If they should ever decide to join the discussion with substantive arguments based on facts, then I will welcome them again, but I suspect we have seen the last of them.
defuniakfreepress said:
We agree, Rose… the purpose of this blog is to shed light on the issues in DeFuniak Springs, but more importantly, to bring about change. We have already seen evidence of change: audio posted on the city’s website, proper handling of public records requests, and changes to the handling of the minutes. But the change we’d really like to see is the kind you made reference to: citizens getting involved in the political process. That can take many different forms. It can start with involvement on this blog, and continue with telling others about DFP. For some, it may be a call to public service.
Our ultimate desire is ethical representation. If our current council members refuse to provide it, the citizens of this town should replace them with those who will.
Cavalier said:
I find this blog very informative, challenging and encouraging and will try to be a participant in the future. One thing worth mentioning at this time is that if the City has had Clayton on retention for 30 plus years, it is time for a change. Why can’t the Council just dismiss or fire him and .get an attorney on an as needed basis.
Eddye said:
Clayton has been city attorney for 30 years with no contract. To suggest that secrecy and hidden agendas started with the current city council is overlooking a 30 year performance. If his performance since this council has been serving is any indication, it is illogical to assume that secrecy and hidden agendas started then.