The Untouchables
It’s finally happened. I wondered when the Manchurian candidates were going to show their hands, and they have finally decided to discard their cloaks and show their true colors. At last night’s board meeting, there was some tension looming about the budget cuts. The board was allowing the citizens to ask questions about certain agenda items. There was an agenda item for a training class for one of the clerks. I was allowed to ask a question, and I wanted to know if the class was mandatory and Mayor Holder stated that the class was not mandatory. So, some other citizens began to chime in on the agenda item and just as I was getting ready to ask another question, Alderman Timothy Johnson emphatically stated that “It didn’t matter; we have the votes to do it anyway.” I was speechless, if you could believe that. The truth finally came out, they want everyone to know that “they” are in control. He basically told a room full of voting citizens that it didn’t matter that the city was in a financial bind, that it didn’t matter what the people wanted from their elected officials, it didn’t matter what the mayor thought of the situation—“they” had the votes and that was all that mattered. There was over $9,000 in water bill adjustments due to over reads, under reads, billing errors, etc. and there was an agenda item to end ALL water bill adjustments. It had gotten to the point where even Rebecca Hale was getting intoxicated on the power "they" now have. When going through the adjustments, she said “give them the adjustment b/c it won’t happen anymore.” Now, there is almost an entire page of water bill errors and adjustments and she has already purposed in her mind, like her cohorts, that she is going to vote to end all water bill adjustments. Remember that the public hearing for this matter has not occurred, but “they” are so eager to show that they are the ones in control, that “they” are telling the voting public how “they” are going to vote before the matter is put on the agenda. Alderman Rogers stated that if the public is against the amendment to the ordinance, they would vote against ending water bill adjustments, but from where I was sitting, it seems that their minds have already been made up, despite what the voting public has to say on the matter. Another show of their authority occurred when Paul Ockmond presented a zoning map change to the board of aldermen b/c he wanted an area of land to be re-zoned. Again, we have a business man/minister that is trying to avoid going through the proper channels to get something done b/c he feels he is above the laws of this city. When I questioned the board as to why this matter was not being presented to the planning and zoning committee, Alderman Timothy Johnson interjected again saying that this matter did not have to go through the planning and zoning committee. He can’t be serious. You are telling me that a zoning issue is not something that needs to be addressed by the planning and zoning committee. But then it all became clear to me. “They” had to know about this and that is why Crider tried to abolish the planning and zoning committee and that is why Johnson wanted the planning and zoning committee re-organized. Those were calculated steps to get the planning and zoning committee out of the way b/c they already knew that Paul Ockmond would want them to usurp the authority of the planning and zoning committee to change the zoning of this tract of land. I guess “they” feel that there are three more years before another election and “they” are ready to do what they wanted to do from the beginning. How can the board know about hospital plans and enter into agreements with other counties without the mayor being privy to this information. Also, there was some representative there with a medical company, but she didn’t address the aldermen in open session, she was allowed to go into executive session to discuss her proposal or agenda. All I can say is that we are in for a bumpy ride. The untouchables have decided to take their places regardless of what the voting public has to say. One thing is for certain, the votes they cast TODAY, will serve as the ammunition TOMORROW.
I'm disappointed that you missed the point of the "positive mindset". It seems that one can't truly have a positive mindset until one realizes that everyone else is not devious, deceitful, scheming, conniving, manipulative, etc. I will be praying that you can learn to find love and joy in life. That is heartfelt and not intended to be a sarcastic comment. I have had that same negative outlook in the past due to having endured some hardships, but I am thankful that I was able to "see myself" and break free from those chains of anger and distrust. May God bless you and have mercy as you press forward.
ReplyDeleteI only hope you take the anonymous comment above to full heart. People often want to say that stating facts is judging but that is not always the case. Some things are just facts and not judgment of others. And I have to agree with the facts that the previous reader/commenter stated. I pray that God leads you to the right place.
ReplyDeleteDon't believe em John keep doing what you do
ReplyDeleteJohn is not being negative he is just telling the truth about the happening of city hall. He has invited people to come and see for themselves but they want. People are serving the citizens who believe they are above the law. Like John said they believe they are the untouchables. They will never let Lumberton grow because they are about their own gains. You have aldermans laughing about people leaving the town because Lumberton is not growning what is that. That shows no concern for Lumberton. Whats with the budget everyone gets cut but the city clerk who is not doing her job sounds like this is arbitrarity. Looks like if I was an employee I would be talking with a lawyer.
ReplyDeleteFirst of let me say I think that Jonathan does a lot of good with some of his information but before he puts it in print he should know all the facts. Frist place he spelled my name wrong it is "Paul Ockmand" The zoning he was talking about is county property that is part of the South Lamar Industial Part and the engineers who are working on the project to get the park certified want a letter of intent from the Mayor and the board. This request by the engineers was giving to me only 4 days ago and I talk to the Mayor Holder about addressing this matter at the next board meeting because they needed the intent letter to complete the project. This is nothing that I will profit off of. It will only help the city when the jobs start coming in. I love this city as much or more than Jonathan I invested my money and time trying to make this a better place for everyone. Now back to Jonathan He may be a good watch dog on what goes on in the city goverment but it would help his cause if he would get a job and find out what the real world is like.
ReplyDeleteWow Jonathan, you got Paul commeting on your blog. I am surprised the leprechaun was able to leave his pot of gold long enough to read something you wrote. But I would like to ask Paul and all the other naysayers some questions. Whenever this blog hits on the truth you all resort to personal attacks? I keep reading comments that say he is letting others feed his articles and that he don't have all the facts, but no one ever comes forth and say what he was incorrect about? Did Tim say that they had the votes and didn't care what the audience had to say? Yes, b/c I looked right at Jonathan when he said it? Has Sue been on for four or five years and have not completed her certification? Yes. Did the board illegally reinstate Lindsey Carter as city attorney? Yes. Did all department heads get a cut in salary? No, Stephanie's salary was not cut but Danny's and Chief Fortenberry's was? The aldermen and employees of our city like to pretend that they don't read Jonathan's blog, but they are. But if he was making such false statements, then they should stop making anonymous comments and come out and set the record straight. I have little to no respect for Paul Ockmond, but at least he didn't hid his hands when he decided to throw his stones.
ReplyDeleteWow, all of that to point fingers at anonymous commenter FROM AN ANONYMOUS COMMENTER!
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