Same Old Town - Different Dirt Bags

From: Out of Town Observer - Date: October 5, 2009

Hot Springs still is controlled by the same factions as when the mobsters ran the town using it for their retreat from crime in bigger cities. Today it's different generation, same dirt. What is so apparent to my mind is dirt can be found from Washington, D.C. to our little Village and everyplace in between. Groups like the GGGG have always been around, remember our Friends to Preserve Paradise? Sometimes they help, but when one dirt bag is uncovered, another is always ready to take it's place.

Editors note: Somehow it makes it harder when we hear such information from non-residents. Just as true but it is a bit difficult to swallow.

Ethics Complainant May Be a Good Ol' Boy? See Related Story in the "News" Section

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: October 4, 2009

After reading yesterdays news headline (Sentinel Record - Oct. 3) and your artical (Commentary page - Oct. 3) we knew the name of Joel Ruch was familar being connected to the school district but we were not sure he was one of the good old boys until we did some talking and some digging. We found out he is who we thought, one of the ones that lives off us taxpayers and it looks like he got caught with his hand in the til. He and Roy Rowe (former Superintendent - Hot Springs School Dist) had some kind of sweetheart deal the state looked into and must have had something to do with why they are no longer with the district. You can see most of the scheme described in an artical by the state auditors by going on line at http://www.legaudit.state.ar.us/AuditReports/Investigative%20Reports/2006/IRSD38706.pdf

Another e-mail on the same subject and date:

I just got started looking at Mr. Joel Rush. It appears that he had some ethics problems of his own not too long ago. He and The Learning Institute were part of an investigation requested by the Department of Education and conducted by the Division of Legislative Audit in 2007. From what I have read so far, the boy has misbehaved, or should I say, has behaved in typical Hot Springs fashion. If you google Legislative Joint Auditing Committee and Joel Rush you should be able to get the report.

Editors note: Thanks to both of you, we did discover quite a bit of information at several sites. The one referenced first above can be accessed by clicking here. We don't totally understand the reports but if you have access to more information, we will post it here for the public to see.

Time To Play Hard Ball With The City Bunch

From: Brian White - Hot Springs Date: October 2, 2009

Well, once again the Board of Directors has shown that quality of character doesn't matter when it comes to their decisions. The appointment of Pat McCabe was quite possibly the most bone-headed play I have seen in my entire life.

Guess what folks. What McCabe did, whether it was thirteen years ago or yesterday, was reprehensible. He made quite a sight at the meeting, standing there with his arms spread wide in supplication as he said he had made a mistake and exercised poor judgement. What a crock! Behavior like that is at the core of a person's character, not an unfortunate mistake. There is absolutely no way that anyone reading those letters could assume that they were humorous. Mr. McCabe was very apologetic, as any criminal in the county jail probably was at the time of his arrest.

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that Mayor Bush didn't seem too offended. Watching the body language and hearing the banter between the two, it was obvious that they were friends. Wasn't it our mayor who thought it was funny and livened up the meeting a while back when a former board member made a vulgar comment to Director Maruther?

I have tried to reason with the board as a matter of professional courtesy. This appointment has removed the scales from my eyes, so to speak. There may be a couple of good board members, but all in all, they don't give a hoot what anyone in Hot Springs wants if they are just a common citizen.

My friends, it is time to take the gloves off and play hard ball with this bunch. I encourage everyone who is sick and tired of having their intelligence and ideals insulted to go on the offensive and take this city back. The Weatherford recall showed that it is possible to have someone removed. It may be too late in the election cycle to do another couple of recalls, but it is not too early to start serious independent investigations into the dealings of this particular group of individuals and start selecting and campaigning for next year's candidates.

We must encourage all like-minded citizens of Hot Springs to begin taking action now. The appointment of Mr. McCabe was the last straw. The Board had a chance to take a stand for decency. Instead, the good ole' boys and their puppets chose the course of debauchery. I hope Mr. McCabe doesn't get too used to that seat. I don't think he will be in it for long. I only hope that his replacement remembers to sanitize the seat before he/she takes over.

Another similar short e-mail sent today

The "drafting" of Fantasy Football expert McCabe, in view of the Toft materials on the GGGG blog, shows how desperate the City pols were to keep Dr Robertson off the City Board. Bad judgment all around - not a good start. J

Editors note: Hey the time for changing city hall is 'past due' but it still can be done. We must stick to the same comments given on September 30 (below). The board's actions do most strongly demonstrate how desperate they are to maintain their choke-hold on running Hot Springs. Hopefully, our citizens are beginning to ask, "WHY are they so desperate?"

Good Ol' Boy Just Not The Same Anymore

From: Brian White - Hot Springs Date: October 1, 2009

While enjoying the company of a friend this week, some of our conversation turned to some country western singers of yesteryear. It started me thinking about the good old days; years spent living in Texas and Oklahoma where I lived and worked in both rural and urban settings.

Back then, being referred to as a "good ol' boy" did not carry with it the negative connotation that it does today in Hot Springs. On the contrary, it was an honor for one's friends and business associates to consider you a "good ol' boy".

The phrase meant that you were a man of honor and integrity, who had earned the trust and respect of your peers. It meant that you were the type of person who could be depended upon to be there when needed, whether it were something as simple as helping a neighbor change a tire or watching a friend's children if the parents were called away during an emergency.

Being a "good ol' boy" meant that your word was your bond, and that a handshake was the only contract required. You walked down the street with your head held high, and did not do anything under the cover of darkness that you would be ashamed to have exposed to the light of day.

A "good ol' boy" gave an honest day's work for an honest day's wage, and did not shirk his duty and responsibility to his family, his church, or the city or rural county that he called home.

Many of us still live by these principles of honor, integrity and trust. Perhaps one day soon, being referred to as a "good ol' boy" in Hot Springs will mirror these principles and once again be restored to an honorary title that one can be proud to carry.

Editors note: Thanks. Most of our older citizens remember the days including the honor and trust most of us had in one another. One is reminded of the stark comparison after living in Hot Springs for only a short while. We truly don't think anyone who has lived in our fair city for long can ever go back and put the "good" back in "good ol' boy."

New Director Selection Prompts Riddle for the Day

From: Ted Burhenn - Hot Springs Date: September 30, 2009

Riddle for the day. What does Roman Polanski, Pat McCabe and Karla Faye Tucker have in common? They all committed crimes or bad calls in judgment for which they were truly so-o-o-o-o-o-o sorry, (or at least sorry that they got caught), begged forgiveness and repented. How did they differ? Polanski and Karla Faye were not from here and thus Polanski will most likely face extradition and Karla faced execution. Pat McCabe is now one of the good ole boys and will serve on the Hot Springs City Board of Directors taking the place of the director removed because of his shady deals. Are we any better off? I think not. Where Karla messed up, is in address selection. If she had only used the 71913 zip code, she would be making City decisions on how to spend your money. It is not too late for Polanski though. He can run down to the post office and make the change in time to become Mayor of Hot Springs. The vote was 4 to 1 with Peggy Maruthur being the only individual thinker of the bunch. One would have thought that Ms Jones and Keheley might have been a little more intolerant since McCabe’s “Crime” was belittling women sexually. Sorry folks but my mother was a woman and what I read was insulting. And I would like to think that a couple of the people mentioned in “McCabe’s Letters” are friends of mine. Too even joke about things like that would be cause for “tar and feather” at one time in our history. Maybe I am getting old fashioned, I still think that honesty and integrity should be rewarded, but what do I know. I’m not a City Director.

Editors note: If honesty and integrity are old-fashioned traits, we are also proud to join you in being "old-fashioned." Thank goodness you don't possess the characteristics of most of our self-serving current city directors. As to your assessment of our new city director, errors in judgment often occur when people let their guard down thinking they are only speaking with friends and these times typically reflect ones true character. The time that has passed and the apologies that have been given are not nearly so important as is whether or not the person has changed. We sincerely hope this is the case sp let us give him a pass for now. He did say he is an independent thinker. We have 13 months to determine if he is really one of the good ol' boys or is actually an independent. What is most disgusting is that the board again proved that they have only one independent thinker. But hey, they are at least consistent and simple to predict. Note our providing the news of who the new director would be following the item below and those e-mails of August 25 and 28. We noted that one of our staff even congratulated the new director prior to the "fixed" selection being announced at last evening's meeting.

Rude and Crude Information on Applicant for City Director

From: Mark Toth - Hot Springs Date: September 29, 2009 (letter to Hot Springs city directors)

On September 29th, 2009, at 5:00 pm, the City Directors of Hot Springs, Arkansas will select someone to fill the remaining term of recently recalled District Four City Director, Carroll Weatherford. One of the candidates for the District Four position is Patrick G. McCabe, Jr.

Attached are materials I have provided to Hot Springs City Board Members regarding an incident in Mr. McCabe’s past which I believe speaks to his qualifications for elective office. A member of the Hot Springs City Board, after having read these materials, suggested that I forward these materials, including my cover memo of September 23rd, 2009, onto you.

I believe the attached materials speak for themselves.

I will attend the meeting of the City Directors on September 29th. It is at this meeting the Hot Springs Board of the Directors will select a replacement Director for District Four. I have asked to speak to the City Board at this meeting. I do not know if I will be allowed to address the Board. I believe the good citizens of Hot Springs should know as much as possible about Mr. McCabe so that the city–and its elected officials–can make an informed decision and select a candidate who will be the best possible representative of the city and its citizens.

Copies of McCabe's Fantasy Football Newsletters and Harold Koppel's Deposition will be forwarded in two Additional emails.

Editors note: Thanks Mark. We certainly hope that the board will listen to whatever comments anyone has to make but, given their history, that is doubtful. The person to whom your letter refers has already been selected by the board (see Aug. 25, 28 below). How else could they perform interviews and then immediately thereafter, announce their selection? We should note that you provided over one hundred pages of information but much of it was similar. We did attach the Fantasy Football letters but, since you made reference only to an attitude toward women with no direct reference in your letter to the issues of gambling, racketeering, a lawsuit resulting from exhibit 12, disciplinary action, or depositions from the federal lawsuit, we did not address or attach those here. We did list your e-mail address in case readers wish to read the other information. Click here to read the letters. Also see additional letter from the same author following:

Message to media dated 9/29/2009 from mark_toth@sbcglobal.net: (read no further if crude language offends you)

The issue is not the lawsuit, but rather Mr. McCabe's character--as evidenced in what he actually says about women in his own words. The lawsuit simply made available written documents that bring his true character into the light. Please take the time to read Mr. McCabe's Fantasy Football Newsletters for weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Those letters, containing repeated hateful, disparaging comments about women speak as to Mr. McCabe's "real" character.

Consider some of Mr. McCabe's comments:

"At last years super bowl party, while in good spirits, a fellow FF [Fantasy Football] owner spoke negatively towards me. ...I was crushed, heartbroken. I've carried this pain, this hurt, all Spring and Summer to this DAY. Barnett [the team player who disparaged McCabe] may Brenda in the heat of doing that nasty thing get a cramp in her calf causing her to bite down hard resulting in your Johnson being severed." [Week One Newsletter]

Referring to a prominent family of physicians, Mr. McCabe wrote: "The only good Bodeman is the one without a member. At least I'd have some use for her." [Week One Newsletter] [Question, to what "use" is McCabe referring?]

"Remember how I introduced you to the guys as the one who delivers babies and looks at sick twat during the day. I hope your practice grew because I would hate to have that same old twat hanging around the office all those years...." [Week One Newsletter]

"One of the office staff of a FF [Fantasy Football] Team Owner called me Tuesday. She liked the letter and stated she wanted to get to know me. SERIOUSLY! I'M NOT KIDDING!!!!!!" [Week Two Newsletter]

Talking about a prominent local physician, "Kevin, sorry hear your moving off the lake so soon. I enjoyed fishing just off your condo. Say, is that a bruise on Kim's right buttock or a mole? Perhaps you should pull the drapes." [Week Three Newsletter]

"One of the two interest office staff members came by for lunch last week. A little flat but a nice personality." [Week Four Newsletter] [To what was McCabe referring when he said, "a little flat...'"]

Talking about two prominent local physicians, McCabe wrote: "On Week 3, Klienhenz and Braun take wives to a couple swap in New York City. Bob calls in lineup from NYC with Robin giggling in the background." [Note, "Robin" is not "Bob's" wife.] [Week Five Newsletter].

If McCabe had made similar vulgar and disparaging comments about a group other than women--say a racial or religious minority (such as African Americans or Jews [He's head of the Jewish Hospital after all])--the outrage would be deafening. Again, the issue is what McCabe wrote and how his words provide insight into his true character. Ultimately the question is this: is Mr. McCabe--given his hateful view of women--someone who should represent the citizens of Hot Springs? Thank you for your time. Click here to read the letters

Editors Note: Letter exhibit 12 can be seen by clicking but is not printed here due to the offensive language.

Some Acronyms Require Explanations"

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: September 23, 2009

About the HL in the SR (9/20) about the DOI’s THM and the lack of RSVP by the IG and did it come from the A&P?. WHO WROTE IT AND WHAT WAS THE COMPLAINT? I read it several times, were they complaining because they didn’t get invited, did get invited, invited the wrong people, allowed General Public into a open meeting?

Perhaps Town Hall Meetings should be by formal invitation only and all guest lists be approved by Steve Arrison. I guess I missed the newsworthy part, did I drop part of the paper? Hell of a way to run a debate.

HL = Head Line

DOI = Department of Interior

THM = Town Hall Meeting

RSVP = RSVP

IG = Invited Guest

A&P = Joke

Editors note: You missed one. We assume that SR is Sentinel Record. We've heard that A&P definition before. See the following comments on the same article. It seems that no one really understood it.

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: September 23, 2009

Mr Gregory - I have read and re-read your front-page piece in today's S-R. What's your point? That Senator Pryor and Rep Ross simply endorsed an invitation list given to them by Steve Arrison? That the NPS also had its own list? That Ms Fernandez was even allowed to name some invitees? That some Pryor staffer thought the meeting would be closed (excepting Arrison's invitees)? That Arrison's list included the lawyer handling the trademark case, who Salazar reportedly told to "sit down" after he started to argue Arrison's case? That some attendees had "pre-printed name tags?" Help me out. Perhaps you could follow your piece up with an explanation of what you were writing about. It is a shame that a couple of trees had to die to provide the paper to print such an apparently pointless article.

Editors note: Whoops, one more that actually had some insight into the article.

Precious Baby Barbara, and Pastor Carney, told him that if he had "done his homework" instead of repeating like a parrot what Arrison had told him to say, and that WE were invited, he chose (rather than admit he is a puppet reporter) to do a FOI on the invitations as he could not accept the fact that WE COULD BE THE TRUTH TELLERS in the silly scenario. None of this would have been necessary had he just bothered to find out who did and did not have invitations at the "get-go".

Examples of Arrogant Bluster and Lack of Substantive Arguments Which Plague City Leaders

From: Brian White - Hot Springs Date: September 21, 2009

As the citizens of Hot Springs and members of the GGGG continue to make positive strides in giving our city back to the people, those who oppose the very idea of transparent local government are responding in predictable fashion. Arrogant bluster and an absolute lack of a substantive argument.

Let's look at a few examples.

1.) The absurd claim made by the head of the Chamber of Commerce during the Sept. 1, 2009 public hearing on water rates that he was there in his "official" capacity and represented "all" of the businesses of Hot Springs. He certainly didn't represent mine. If he did, the only comment I would have to offer such a representative would be, YOU'RE FIRED! By the way, why are our tax dollars subsidizing the Chamber of Commerce anyway? Of all of the cities I have lived in, this is the only one where the chairman of the chamber is referred to as a CEO and is subsidized by the good ole boys.

2.) The infamously arrogant Steve Arrison crying foul when those opposed to the agenda approved by the Hot Springs puppet masters attended the meeting with Interior Secretary Salazar. What's the matter Steve. Is the light of day and accountability for your words and actions too strong for you? Get used to it. We're just getting started.

3.) City Director Tom Daniel, who once again showed his duplicity during the city board meeting of September 15, 2009. While suggesting to Mr. Tom Brown, a concerned county resident virtually surrounded by the city, that he annex his property to get lower water rates and city services, Mr. Daniel didn't seem to want to take his own advice when questioned about the location of his fireworks business by Director Maruther. Director Daniel also made a comment after I read a letter written by my wife concerning the deterioration of local neighborhoods that the city would always have crack houses and meth houses. This is a slap in the face to every citizen of Hot Springs that is doing their best to clean up their neighborhoods and preserve the older sections of town. It is also a direct insult to the men and women of local law enforcement, who place themselves in harm's way every day to rid our city and county of the scourge of illegal drugs. Director Daniel owes this city and its protectors an apology.

4.) Let's not forget our illustrious mayor. Mayor Bush was asked to deliver a welcome address last week to a group of Nicaraguan mayors visiting Hot Springs at a function sponsored by the GGGG. To say that the mayor appeared very nervous during the brief time of his attendance would be an understatement. His obviously unprepared welcome message to the visiting dignitaries fell well short of sincerity. His reference to "tourism" being the "engine that drives Hot Springs" was especially interesting. I always thought it was the people, ordinary tax paying, law abiding citizens like you and I that drove Hot Springs.

The recent success of the citizens of Hot Springs have got the good ole boys rocked back on their heels. The puppet masters have to be sorely disappointed in their marionettes. Good. The time of the good ole boy system of government in Hot Springs is coming to an end as more and more citizens answer the call to action and fight back. Keep the pressure on. We are winning.

Editors note: Reading between the lines of your email seems to indicate that chambers should represent the business community rather than "good ol' boy" networks. We have witnessed the chamber CEO on several occasions tell people "HE" represents the business community. You are not the first business owner or operator to complain about his improper and inaccurate declarations. Several have resigned their membership because of this. You also ask how the chamber can be subsidized with tax money. Note that some chamber executives are immediate family members or close allies of A&P executives, whose board members are all either city board members or appointed by the city board, and then ask yourself, "what else could we expect?" We even have other relatives, current or former employees, and political allies serving as city paid employees. Even a brief look at the city police department will show that husbands and wives work there plus other improper relationships. We recently witnessed the immediate appointment of a person to the civil service board, which is intended to oversee the police and fire department, after freely admitting that her son was a fireman and her brother-in-law and business partner was a captain with the police department. It appears that her niece's husband (who had been released from duty) was rehired by PD shortly after her appointment. Not only do our leaders not know the meaning of "conflict of interest," they also don't know the meaning of "nepotism." As to the A&P head crying foul, wouldn't you complain when anyone questions your arrogant actions especially if it could jeopardize your six-figure income? He and others have managed to ensure that only one side of the story has been heard for so long that they may actually believe that their side is the only one that should be heard. Any city director saying our city will always have crack and meth houses demonstrates that he does not plan to work for the best interests of our city but don't hold your breath waiting for an apology. We'll likely to get more arrogance, intimidation, and ignoring. Whoops, almost used the word 'ignorance' but then again, ignoring does become ignorance, does it not? You are correct that our citizens have begun to fight back. When an elected official who ignores the wishes of the people is recalled by a vote of over 87 percent, it is obvious that our citizens are beginning to realize what is going on.

Commentary on Hot Springs is Fine Explanation of What is Wrong With Hot Springs

From: City Resident - Hot Springs Date: September 20, 2009

I believe the letter read by Brian White, and written by Karen White, is the finest explanation of what is wrong with Hot Springs that I have ever read.

I know quite a few people that have lived in the area for several years, born and raised here, and certainly their ideas of what makes a great city are nothing like what is being forced on them and their families by the planners of all of the growth and development in this area.

This area used to appeal to the retirees, but as things are going, Hot Springs is becoming the very thing they were looking to distance themselves from. I understand Karen and wish more in city planning cared as she does for Hot Springs. When all of the growth possible is forced onto the residents, the big planners will move on to destroy another small, quiet, friendly city and turn it into a impersonal conglomeration of busy people lacking time for civility and all driving at 70 miles an hour just to "keep the pace".

I am sorry for Karen, her family and all of my friends that can only share memories of the past and their life in Hot Springs ages ago.

Editors note: The letter you reference is, unfortunately, too true. This letter is in the "Commentary" section of our site. Click here to read the letter dated Sept. 18,2009.

School Board Officials Should Also Be Accountable and Transparent

From: Brian White - Hot Springs Date: September 19, 2009

If you haven't already heard, the September 15, 2009 school board elections ended in a runoff between the incumbent, Steve White, and Rick Myrick. I encourage everyone to do their homework and look into these men before casting your vote. I have, and have been sadly astonished at what I have learned.

Without opening myself to any possible legal action, let me say that I would vote for just about anyone before I would vote for Rick Myrick.

I would also like to encourage everyone in the Hot Springs School District to take part in this election. The Hot Springs School District is in desperate need of change. Our drop out rate is horrible. There is continuing controversy over the treatment of Special Education students. There are still unanswered questions about the arrogance displayed by the district Administration and School Board. Yes, we need a change, but voting for Mr. Myrick is not the way to get the sort of change that we need.

I was disappointed to see that there were less than 200 votes cast in the Hot Springs School Board election. Whether you have children enrolled in school or not, it is incumbent upon any registered voter to take part. We have to realize that the people who occupy those seats set the policies and curriculum that our children are indoctrinated with for nine months out of the year. Concerned citizens have just as large an obligation to be watchdogs over the school board and school district as they do any other government function.

A large election turnout would send a message to the "good ol boys" and "good ol girls" in the education system that the old way of doing things is over. So would attending school board meetings with the same frequency that many members of the GGGG attend city board meetings. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to do what we can to ensure that those tasked with their education are just as transparent and accountable as we expect our other elected officials to be.

Editors note: We join you in encouraging everyone to vote in their school board elections. If the good people in any community don't vote, who does that leave to elect the people that run the community? People who don't vote should lose all right to complain.

We "Tell It Like It Is"

From: Newcomer - Hot Springs Date: September 9, 2009 [09-09-09 at 09:09 AM]

We have lived in Hot Springs for over a year now and decided it was time to find out what goes on in local government. A neighbor recommended your website and we had already accidently found the City Board of Director's meetings on cable. We just wanted to send an e-mail to you to thank you for telling it like it is. We also found the link to the good government watchdog bunch our neighbor told us about. We plan to go to the next meeting of that bunch. One e-mail that was sent in on Sept. 5 was in the letters to the editor of todays Hot Springs newpaper. We wondered if the newspaper copies e-mails from your website and if that happens often. We do see lots of facts about what is going on with the citys water problems, the A&Ps arrogant guy, and several other issues that the people need to know and again thanks for telling it like it is. Is the person talked about in todays paper as head of the Convention and Visitors Bureau the same guy that is in charge of the A&P and is that appropriate? It sure sounds like the guy must be from Russia or somewhere if he thinks only his people and city board members should be invited to meetings. Especially meetings designed to hear what the public wants. Please just sign us as newcomers. Were you involved in the sucessful recall election? If you were, congratulations. We do hope to get involved soon. It sounds like this city needs some help.

Editors note: Thanks for your kind words. We will continue to "tell it like it is." The local newspaper is often sent "letters to the editor" that have been e-mailed to us. The reason you see those letters on our site first is simply because it takes a bit of time and proper space planning before they are published in the local newspaper. As to the "head" of the Convention and Visitors Bureau being the same person as the head of the Advertising and Promotions Board (A&P), you are correct. It is the same person. We don't really know how appropriate that is. We dislike the old phrase, "we've always done it that way" but if you ask why, that is likely the answer you will get. Yep, some of our people were involved in the recall effort and we look forward to your civic involvement in the future.

Follow the Money

From: Unsigned - Hot Springs Date: September 7, 2009

Let’s say someone owned all the land or represented most of the property south of Lake Catherine to Highway 290. Maybe the land that is shown with a marked line around it including the little subdivision and small lakes inside. Or say maybe they have an option on the property. Or perhaps the other property on the West side of Carpenter Dam.

Let’s say that land is now worth $4,000 an acre. Let’s say we can’t subdivide any more for the lack of water and sewer or the exorbitant costs for water and sewer service extensions. Now let’s say we get the City to build a water treatment plant, oh I don’t know, somewhere south of the lake and say we pump that water back across Lake Catherine. Sort of would be a very convenient source of water wouldn’t it? Now since the City is also willing to build a bridge for the water (which is on the wrong side if the water was for the city), let’s say we also use that bridge to carry sewer to the regional sewer plant. Say we do all of that at the city’s expense. Suddenly our $4,000 per acre property is worth, I don’t know, maybe more like $2,000,000 per acre in ¼ acre plots. AND let’s say we build houses ranging from $350,000 to $1,000,000 on each lot. Suppose how much we could make off that property. I wonder how much you could afford to pay someone like, I don’t know, maybe a City Director or Manager past or present to get that deal done? Would it be worth several million? Of course we need to upgrade the existing sewer plant, divert city sewer to the SW Waste Water Treatment Plant, build a new pipe line from Carpenter Road to Malvern. But no problem, we’ll raise the rates. We will of course want to be annexed so we don’t have to pay the higher rates in the County.

Oh on the plus side, now that the land will be subdivided, the area sold to the City for the water plant and ROW is now worth more than the cost of connections. What if someone anonymously indicated that this is the real reason behind the present push for Water Treatment? Maybe someone who could not afford to let it be known that he was the leak in the plan?

Editors note: Thanks to your questions and supposings, the city's really really poor plan is beginning to, just possibly, come into better focus. Since we're just supposing, you're not forgetting the 300 acre park and frisbee golf course that will be maintained by the city adjoining the property, are you? That park could possibly also increase the property value and provide a buffer between those who may otherwise put in trailer parks or low income housing, would it not?

"Over the Line!"

From: Ken Carney - Hot Springs Date: September 5, 2009

I don’t normally respond so quickly to comments and statements made personally about me, however, I feel that this one needs a quick and appropriate response. Since it was made publicly, I feel it needs a public response. In Friday’s Sentinel Record (9-4-09), the CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (which is a paid position) stated that he wished Secretary Salazar hadn’t heard “…from one group of six people who are trying to get their names in the paper for every issue that is coming up.” This comment was made in response to the meeting with Sec. Salazar where concerned citizens used their first amendment right of “free-speech.” Instead, Arrison said, “I wish we could have invited other board members and members of the public who support our position.” Isn’t that “business as usual” where the chosen few control the city and the voice of the taxpaying public is never heard? He failed to mention that he and others who support his position had a private dinner with Mr. Salazar the night before. Finally, for the first time in years, the opposing opinions are being heard, even to the “successful recall of City Director Carroll Weatherford, who was also a member of the ad commission,” as mentioned in the paper.

To question one’s motive for expressing his opinion involved a lot of assumption, and arrogance. I have lived with “behavior cops” all of my professional life…and I have not run from their words, whether wit or wisdom. Mr. Arrison needs to apologize to everyone about whom he made this derogatory comment. It may be appropriate for the “good ole boys,” but it is entirely out of bounds for his public position.

I was personally invited to come to the Lamar Bath House and for Mr. Arrison to insinuate that I “simply came to get my name in the paper,” is without question, a slap to my character and to my first amendment rights. His statement says more about who he is than who I am, or the others he referenced.

I was not paid to come and represent anyone. I did not bring a lawyer to speak for me. I spoke only for myself and my family as law-abiding citizens of Hot Springs who love this community dearly. I do not receive a salary to speak out for the good of the community or stand for any issue about which I feel deeply. I speak because it is in the fabric of my being to help make this community a better place in which to live. I will always speak out against the vices that destroy the families of our city, and I will support all wholesome endeavors that bring families and communities together (i.e. the National Parks System). Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to be silent.” I will not be silent, and thank God there are others who feel the same way!

For Mr. Arrison to question the intent of those who expressed their opinions and to say that they “just want to get their names in the paper,” is without question, a disparaging—controlling remark. It is sad that a community leader does not want to hear what others have to say. No city official or leader, elected or paid, should attack the motives of concerned, law abiding, taxpaying citizens.

Mr. Arrison, you have crossed the line of integrity and you need to apologize for questioning the motives of citizens who love this community and who are brave enough to speak out!

Editors note: Well stated pastor. We also attended what our invitation called a "Listening Session" which we learned meant that Washington leaders wanted to listen to what we, the public, had to say. We and the Washington leaders were privileged to hear your comments firsthand. The community owes you their gratitude for always taking the "high road" and for consistently asking others to consider that our faith and families should take priority over greed and politics as usual. Readers can continue to the submittal below and then click here to see similar thoughts from others whose voices Mr. Arrison would like squelched.

Oh, What a Wicked Web We Spin

From: Tom Hedrick - Hot Springs Resident Date: September 4, 2009

It is time for the people of Hot Springs to wake up and get involved! The controversy that is going on now between the A&P Commission and the National Park Service is all of the A&P Commission and our city board of directors fault! What they are doing is no more than false or misleading advertisement! They are claiming that Hot Springs is part of or inside a National Park! There is nothing further from the truth than Hot Springs city being part of a National Park!

Our A&P Administrator, City Board, and Chamber of Commerce are using our tax dollars to fight the Federal Government which is also our tax dollars. This is to further their own objectives and their self interests. There are many more businesses, some of very questionable character, using the National Park's name for their benefit also!( Look at Hot Springs National Park on your computer).

Our own A&P Administrator says that the National Park brings in very few people to Hot Springs as tourists and that his A&P is what brings in all of the tourists! If this is true, then why the big deal about all the use of the National Park logo for advertisement? The truth is that all National Parks are a big draw for tourists because they belong to the people of the United States and preserve our heritage, not a city, a state, or local businesses.

The arrogance of our A&P director to say that if he does not win this case he will force them to sue him (which means more of our tax dollars). This could all be corrected very simply by using a different adjective than (is or in), such as adjacent, close, near etc.

Our A&P commission does not listen to the people of Hot Springs, as not long ago, the people gathered a petition to lower the tax on food in Hot Springs (approx 2500 signatures). Again they used our tax dollars to get this thrown out on a technicality, so it would not appear on a ballot for the people to vote on! Since then he has tied this money up so it cannot be touched, or voted on again for 10 years.

In the paper today (9-4-09), it stated that he used $2 to $3 million each year to advertise. Well, his income for the A&P is $7 million. What does he do with the other $3 to $4 million? Well, part of this may be for lawyers and court cases for false or misleading advertisement.

Come on people, take back your City!

Editors note: Well put. How many people in town have seen an honest, transparent, factual accounting of what our 3 percent hamburger tax has been spent for?

Time to Replace Director Jones?

From: Barbara - Hot Springs Resident Date: September 3, 2009

Having attended the City Board of Director's meeting Tuesday evening, I want to know:

Is there a person in Director Jones district that would like to assume her position, and is a recall in order?

How can someone sit in a rule making capacity and have publicly said she will do nothing to help the oldest and best known district of the city as a sitting member of the Board?

I believe she has disqualified herself from service due to the public display of bias toward the Whittington Neighborhood Association.

I agree with the Homeowner's group completely. If this is the Garland County Habitat for Humanity why are all of the homes placed within the city?

Editors note: Your questions are similar to those heard from lots of city residents following Tuesday's city board meeting. Yes, there are numerous well qualified, upstanding, moral, residents of her district who would do a better job of representing the best interests of our entire city. We have talked with several of them already. A recall could well be in order, lets first see if she supports the good ol' boy candidate as Weatherford's replacement. If she does not, we could likely wait until she is up for election in November 2010. If she supports the good ol' boys who have brought this town down, she probably should be recalled soon. We have absolutely NO answer for her foolhardy behavior last Tuesday in denouncing the Whittington Valley area. Heaven help us when our directors vow to vote against sections of our town. We also agree that Habitat has placed a disproportionate number of homes in the Whittington Valley.

Another New Low Established for City Board Meetings

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: September 2, 2009

Well, last nights city board meeting set another new low but no one can say it wasn't entertaining. When you see a director (Jones) say she is never again going to vote to help a particular section of town, that is a real bad thing. We know that directors favor their own wards but to vow to work against a certain part of our town is ridiculous. On top of the normal nonsense, we witnessed a new worst performance ever by a person (Rammick) sitting in the mayor's seat. The city attorney tried his best to keep the stand in mayor on track but it was hopeless. The city attorney once had to tell him, "you shouldn't have done that." The board performance was funny for us residents to watch but if we think about tourists or out of town visitors seeing the circus, it was extremely embarrassing. And how can a real public hearing limit the public to 3 minutes to get their points across? Oh, there were a couple of faux paus by people who did speak. The chamber head (Byerly) told everyone he was representing all of the business community and he did stress the "all" part when questioned by a director (Maruthur). It was painfully obvious that the chamber guy was caught in a big lie but he wasn't about to admit it. One speaker (Riemers) pointed out that the chamber guy was wrong because he knew a business owner who opposed the rate increase. The city's head good old boy (Selig) spoke even though he hadn't signed up to do so which proved who the city board answers to. Another good old boy with Habitat for Humanity (Goodman) was allowed to speak out of order. Methinks the Good Government folks would have been happy because the meeting was so transparent. And not because they meant to be. It was because they did such a poor job of covering up their real purposes that their actions were predictable. Well, let's not try and set another low record for awhile. We need a few months to get over this one.

Editors note: Your points are well taken, we saw the meeting in person and even sort of felt bad for the good ol' boys performance. Professionalism? NOT.

Reader Comments on "The FIX is IN" Story Below

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: August 28, 2009

Hey the Pat McCabe guy you critized is not a bad guy and is probably a pretty independent thinker. He runs the Levi Hospital and he was a city director or alderman many years ago and didn't do a bad job from what I've heard. You owe the guy an apology for talking bad about him. He could make a good director and sure would be better than what we have got now.

Editors note: When you say "he could make a good director," it makes us feel as though you aren't certain. You should reread the next email listed below including our "editors comments." Nowhere did we or the writer criticize Mr. McCabe. We don't even know him. What was being criticized was the method by which he was selected and the predictable "FARCE" the city directors will go through before casting their "SECRET" ballot to make it appear they went through a long, difficult, and impartial selection process. Disallowing the public to speak during their pretend interview and selection process capped by a "SECRET VOTE" speaks volumes about how "open, honest, and transparent" their form of governing is, does it not? Some may question the ethics of a person who would accept this method of appointment but we are not going to rush to that judgment.

The "FIX" is IN - McCabe is the Next City Director!

From: Bob D - Hot Springs Date: August 25, 2009

The public deserves to know - the next city director has already been selected by the good 'ol boy system. Once again, the citizens voices and votes will NOT be allowed because the chamber of commerce and those who control the city directors have already selected Pat McCabe as the new director for district 4.

I went to the city board agenda meeting tonight to see if my agenda request item to address the next board meeting would be approved. Although the agenda request made it through the meeting, the mayor took the unusual action of bringing the item back up just before adjourning and then, he actually took a director by director voice vote (4 to 2) which he decided was justification for removing the item from the agenda. I had never before seen directors vote at agenda meetings and continue to question this action as being proper procedure. I have also always thought that only two board members were required to place an item on the board agenda. Irrespective of the legality of the mayor's crude actions, this does demonstrate the depths to which the mayor and some board members will stoop to, to make certain that the public does not hear dissenting voices that could reveal what they are up to.

My agenda item was intended to propose that the residents of district 4 at least be heard concerning who they would like representing them. These residents need to know that they will not get to vote nor will their voices be heard at city hall. Instead, their representative has been selected by four of our six city directors, none of which live in district 4. We can only wish those citizens "good luck" on being represented in the future. Sorry to unload on you but your website seems to be the only way left to let the citizens know who their next director is going to be. Oh, the current directors will spend a lot of time taking applications and going through the motions of an unbiased selection process but, in the end, your director has been selected. The preceding is, obviously, my personal opinion but it is based on careful observation of how the system works in this town. Want to prove me wrong?

Editors note: You failed to note that you got to speak at an agenda meeting which is also a "first" and was appropriately noted by both you and the board. If the public would like to see the meeting you reference for themselves, it is scheduled to be broadcast Thursday (August 27, 2009) at 7 PM on the city's cable channel 15. DVDs of the agenda meeting can also be purchased for $1 from the city's public affairs department at city hall.

"What to do" About the City's Costly Actions?

From: Jim McCafferty, Anne Fulbright - Hot Springs Date: August 17, 2009

We are residents of the City of Hot Springs. We have attended two “public meetings” put on by the City at the Hot Springs Convention Center, the first on July 28 dealing with a proposed new drinking water treatment facility at Carpenter Dam, and the second on August 11 dealing with proposed water and sewer rate changes. Based upon these meetings and reports on these subjects in the local newspaper, we offer the following.

Drinking Water Capacity

At the July 28 public meeting at the Convention Center, Mr Hudnell and Mr Mallett were telling us that the Carpenter Dam location had been selected by them for the new drinking water out-take and treatment plant (the “WTP“), and would be recommended for approval at the August 4 meeting of the City Board of Directors. The new project would cost about $100 million, to be raised by bonds. A number of citizens expressed their objections and reservations about that recommendation. The matter was then removed from the Board meeting agenda. It has now come to light that as early as June 3, the Arkansas Department of Health (“ADH”), whose approval is mandatory, had notified Mr Mallett by letter that it had serious objections to the Carpenter Dam location, and that it considered “regrettable“ the City’s apparent abandonment of Lake Ouachita as a long-term drinking water source. It has also come to light that at a meeting between City officials and ADH officials in Little Rock on July 29, the ADH orally expressed its disdain for the Carpenter Dam location. At the August 11 public meeting, Mr Hudnell and Mr Mallett briefly reviewed the proposed Carpenter Dam WTP, saying that even though the decision to approve it had been delayed, it was still the “number one” alternative to obtain more capacity for drinking water. Now we learn from the newspaper this morning (Monday, August 17) that Mr Hudnell will apparently present for Board consideration at its August 18 (that’s tomorrow!) meeting a new water rate structure that includes capitalization of the $100 million for the Carpenter Dam WTP.

Wastewater System

At the August 11 public meeting, after speaking on the WTP (as above), Mr Mallett went on to review the situation with the sewer system. He showed numerous photographs of elements of the system in obvious neglect and disrepair, and cited data clearly indicating that the system is seriously flawed. Indeed, he said, the system is so flawed that the City has been cited by the Federal EPA, and that the citation has been referred to the US Department of Justice (“DOJ”) for enforcement. The DOJ referral cannot be taken lightly by the City, as it can lead to monetary fines and other sanctions. Mr Mallett went on to describe in general terms what had to be done, concluding that the City would need to spend some $54 million over the next ten years to cure the defects and deficiencies in the sewer system. No details were provided as to how that number was established. Now we learn from the newspaper that Mr Hudnell will also present for Board consideration on August 18 (tomorrow!) new rates for financing that capital expenditure, apparently now set at more than $69 million.

Lost Drinking Water

At the July 28 public meeting, the City again conceded that it cannot account for a substantial portion of the output from its present drinking water treatment plant. This mysterious “lost water” clouds the question of just how much additional WTP capacity might be needed in the future. At the August 11 pubic meeting, Mr Mallett advised that the cost of finding the lost water, through replacement of old water meters and other methods, would run to $48 million. This would apparently bring the total capital cost to be included in the new rate structure to be presented to the Board of Directors on August 18 (tomorrow!) to $117 million.

Two Alternative Rate Proposals

We now learn from the newspaper that Mr Hudnell will present two (that’s 2) rate structures at the August 18 Board Meeting: Alternative 1 includes the supposedly delayed and discredited $100 million Carpenter Dam WTP, for a grand total of $217 million in capital cost; Alternative 2 (now described as “preferred”) does not include the WTP, so it is for $117 million in capital cost.

Questions Abound

1. Who is in charge here? Who is responsible for letting the City’s sewer system fall into such disrepair that the City has been cited and referred to the US DOJ? Wasn’t the money to maintain the sewer system included in that last rate structure? If not, why not. If so, then what happened to the money? Why have such obvious flaws in the sewer system been allowed to continue? Where is the written plan for curing these flaws, showing just what will be done and when, and how much of the capital cost will be applied to each element of the project? In other words, where is the “business plan” for the project, so that the Board can make an informed decision about how to proceed?

2. Who is in charge here? The selection of the Carpenter Dam site for any new WTP seems so seriously flawed that it cannot possibly be proposed and promoted in good faith. What about the June 3 letter form ADH: was this letter shared with the Board? What about the meeting with ADH on July 29: what did the ADH tell City officials? Was that shared with the Board? Has that been shared with the citizenry? If the decision on any new WTP has been deferred, then why is Mr Hudnell wasting the Board’s time presenting (tomorrow!) a rate structure that includes $100 million for a new WTP?

3. Who is in charge here? How could City officials allow something like 1/3 of the output from the City’s drinking water treatment plant to get “lost?” How could City officials let the sewer system fall into such a state as to get the City in trouble with the Federal Government? How could City officials in good faith promote a new WTP that might not be needed, in a location that likely cannot be approved by higher authorities? Next to police and fire protection, operation and maintenance of the City’s waterworks is perhaps the most important job the City has to perform. We are told by old-timers around Hot Springs that the waterworks was formerly run by an independent “water commission,” but that somewhere along the line City officials viewed the waterworks as a “cash cow” that could be used to fund other City activities without the “inconvenience” of a tax election. Hmmm. Perhaps the City cannot be trusted with running the waterworks, the temptation to raid the revenues being too great for even the most dedicated public servant. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider putting a new “water commission” in charge of the waterworks.

What To Do

We would respectfully suggest that the City Board act as follows at the August 18 meeting:

1. Reject outright Mr Hudnell’s proposed water and/or sewer rate increases as reported in today‘s newspaper, and instruct Mr Hudnell to promptly prepare a report to the Board for its preliminary approval on a project to cure the defects and deficiencies in the City‘s wastewater (sewer) system, including costs and schedules, and a proposed water and/or sewer rate adjustment to pay for the project, then seek and obtain EPA and DOJ concurrence in the project, and then present the project for final Board approval.

2. Instruct Mr Hudnell to promptly prepare a report to the Board for its approval on a program to find the “lost water” and cure the problem, including the costs and schedule for such activity, and any rate adjustment required to pay any necessary bonds or to otherwise finance that program.

3. Instruct Mr Hudnell to prepare a report to the Board and the public on the future needs and planning for treatment plant capacity for the City’s drinking water and wastewater systems.

4. Instruct Mr Albright to prepare a memorandum on the adoption of the commission form of management of the waterworks for consideration by the Board and the public.

Editors note: It certainly appears that someone or perhaps, several someones have not been taking care of our city's maintenance responsibilities and now, questionable planning and exorbitant expenses suggests that we should question whether departments are being managed properly. It is a sad state but your final recommendation would seem to be the most practical solution. An autonomous board once ran the utilities board and it appears to have worked quite nicely. We understand that the former city manager had that changed and he then started charging the utilities department "allocations" for city services. This practice may not even be legal because they appear to be exceeding the percentage that a city can take from their "enterprise funds." Whatever the history and current practice, we do agree that it is time to take the utilities department back from being controlled by our good ol' boy politicians. Could it be they need it to benefit their buddies?

What's More Important Than Voting?

From: Ken Carney - Hot Springs Date: August 9, 2009

Don’t forget to vote!

We have all heard that call to good citizenship! But beyond being a good citizen we must get involved and know our leaders. I don’t know how you feel about the people in authority over you, but if you’re like me, I needed to read, study, and attend meetings to know what was actually happening and how they were governing.

Sometimes it’s hard to know just what to do after coming up-to-speed on the reality of what is happening. And because the average citizen feels like he/she is never heard, it is hard to keep on keeping on, trying to be heard. I have often said that our leaders have the ability to hear, but often do not listen.

Well, coming up next Tuesday is a time when you will be heard. I am not telling you how to vote, I’m simply saying that to vote is of utmost importance. Our voice is perhaps the loudest when we vote. You may think that you cannot make a difference, but you can. The voice of the people of Hot Springs will be heard next Tuesday in a “Special Re-Call” election in District Four. So, don’t forget to vote!

Time & Place: The Church across from Hot Springs High School—from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday August the 11^th.

Area of voting: Basically the area surrounding the airport is District four!

Early voting is being held at the Election Commission on Ouachita Avenue from 8-5 on Monday.

I am very thankful that the voice of the people will be heard and cannot be voted down 5 to 2, or 4 to 3, or just simply not heard. It has been a long and hard road for the people to get a chance for their voice to be heard, don’t miss this opportunity.

Special thanks to all of those who worked so hard for the people to have a voice.

Editors note: Well said. We believe in the old cliché, "those who don't bother to vote lose their right to complain."

Who is Costing Who Tax-Money?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: August 9, 2009

We saw director Weatherford on TV saying some people who don't even live in his district are costing us $32,000. Is this true? If it is, what is the money going for or to? We think he should be recalled for all the bad things he has done including not helping any of his constituents but won't the same amount of money be spent regardless of how we vote on Tuesday?

Editors note: Yes, how you vote has no impact on costs. The truth of the matter is that NO money would be spent if the director had just resigned as was asked of both he and director Ramick. The city did approve $26,000 for legal counsel to defend themselves and the city manager from a suit filed by the director making these wild claims. The city will pay the cost of the election estimated at around $4,000. Neither of these costs would have been incurred if Weatherford had resigned. So, the bigger question is, who is responsible for us having to pay these expenses? The sad fact is that the very person complaining about the costs is the cause of the costs. Now is our opportunity to eliminate his wasteful spending of the taxpayer's money including his continuous trips all over the world. Our only solution is to vote to recall the director. Early voting continues Monday at the Elections Administration Office on Ouachita (next door to the chamber) from 8 AM till 5 PM. Our final opportunity to vote is 7:30 AM till 7:30 PM at the Oaklawn Church of God on 7th. Street across from the Hot Springs High School.

Update to Stories Below

From: Lance Hudnell - Hot Springs Date: August 4, 2009

The following is an e-mail response to: "Somebody just sent me a copy of the following (in red) e-mail. Is this authentic? Did you really send this? Who is Elizabeth Howland?"

From: Lance Hudnell

To: James McCafferty

Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 5:23 PM

Subject: RE: Waterworks Project

Mr. McCafferty:

Yes it is a copy of an e-mail that I send to Ms. Howland, a citizen who made the request of my office. This information is from the FIRST DRAFT of a rate and financing plan prepared by our rate consultant (Economists.com). We are in the process of refining the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) upon which this first draft was based as well as the timing of the needed bond issues, all of which have an impact on the proposed rates. Our hope is to reduce the percentages year by year, but bottom line a rate increase will be needed to funded EPA required capital improvements over the next 10 years on the wastewater side and various capital improvements on the water side including additional treatment capacity. Hence, the 200 million estimate is for a number of projects for both water and wastewater to be accomplished over the next 10 years or so.

Our current plan is to have a final rate schedule ready for Board adoption by September 15^th. In the mean time there will be a public meeting on August 11^th, 5:30 civic center to discuss the various options prior to formulating staff’s recommended rate schedules. By law we will then have an official public hearing on September 1^st (assuming we have a rate schedule(s) will for first reading by August 18^th). State law requires that the rate ordinance be introduced at a Board meeting, then a public hearing (second meeting) and then considered for adoption (third meeting). The proposed rates can be changes throughout the process as the Board sees fit.

Hope this helps. Give me a call if you have any questions 321-6810.

lance

Editors note: Thank you for forwarding the city manager's confirmation of his sending the e-mail shown in the July 31 posting below. It is amazing how cavalier the city leaders are in throwing around the fact they plan to spend $200 million and double our water rates in three years without even allowing the citizens to vote. Click here to see the spreadsheet data using the city manager's own figures from his e-mail. This is the first time we've seen the various meeting dates written down. Hopefully, the citizens will note these dates and attend. If our city leaders continue to not allow the public to speak at public meetings, the public hearing on Sept. 1 will likely be the only time they will be heard. We did notice no time or place was listed for that meeting. We wonder why. Update: We just found out the Sept 1 meeting is at 7 PM in the city boardroom.

City is Violating Its Own Ordinances?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: August 3, 2009

I have pointed this out in the past but the city is billing the waterworks fund far in excess of 5% of revenue in violation of the state law (see below). As part of any hearings on rate increases I think this needs to be brought up.

Additionally, my favorite water fund expense was in 2006 when the city flew aerial photos of the city for $120,000 and billed it 100% to the water fund. Seems the allocations are all one way.

State of Arkansas Statute 14-234-114. Payments from water revenues in lieu of taxes.

(a) The operating authority of any municipal waterworks system which was constructed or acquired pursuant to the authority contained in subchapter 2 of chapter 234 of this title shall have discretion to make payments from water revenues to the general fund of the municipality, in lieu of taxes, in return for police, fire, and health protection and in
return for administrative and other services furnished the waterworks system by the municipality.

(b) The payments, if made, shall be an operation and maintenance expense of the waterworks system.

(c) In any calendar year, the payments authorized by this section shall not exceed the total of the following:

(1) A sum equal to five percent (5%) of gross income from water sales during the preceding calendar year; plus

(2) A sum equal to the amounts the municipality would have received from the waterworks system as property taxes for the preceding calendar year if the waterworks system's property had been privately owned and subject to tax by the municipality. For the purpose of this computation, the waterworks property shall be deemed to have an assessed value equal to twenty percent (20%) of book value as reflected by the waterworks system's usual accounting procedures.

(d) The payments shall be discretionary with the operating authority of the waterworks system and shall not be mandatory.

(e) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as authorizing payments in violation of any trust indenture executed by municipalities to secure waterworks revenue bondholders. It shall be permissible for such indentures to limit or prohibit the payments authorized in this section.

(f) The payments authorized in this section shall not be made unless the municipality maintains water rates sufficient to provide the operating authority's estimated cost of operating and maintaining the waterworks system and sufficient to pay all other items specified in § 14-234-214.

Editors note: On close reading, it appears there may be more violations over and above the ones you mentioned.

No "Urgency" to Spend $100 - $200 million

From: Jim McCafferty - Hot Springs Date: August 2, 2009

Dear Friends - Last week Anne & I attended a “public meeting” at the Convention Center put on by the City, regarding its planned new waterworks project. This meeting was reported in the July 28 Sentinel-Record on page 1 (below the fold). You should read that article.

Briefly, the proposed project would build a new drinking water facility at the Carpenter Dam end of Lake Hamilton, taking water from just above the dam to be processed (purified) at a new plant on the South side of the River, then pumping that water via a new bridge to the North side of the River, and thence into the Hot Springs water system. The area around the new facility would be developed into parkland, including (apparently) a new hiking and bike trail and a new Frisbee golf course. Just what we need.

While public details are sketchy, officials say that the new facility might cost $100 million, perhaps upwards to $200 million. This money would apparently be raised by new revenue bonds, to be repaid from water revenues - i.e., by water ratepayers (anybody with a City water meter). It is not clear whether all ratepayers would get to vote on these bonds.

This project has been proceeding “under the radar” for quite some time. Now, the City Board is apparently poised to commit serious expenditures of money on it as early as next Tuesday, August 4.

The July 27 meeting was attended by perhaps 30 citizens, and a number of City officials and contractors working on the project. The general tone was pleasant, but a number of citizens spoke to express their concerns, summarized as follows:

1. Water Source. The City has been working to get new water from Lake Ouachita, intuitively a far better source in terms of purity and location. This effort has been abandoned in favor of an inferior source on Lake Hamilton, downstream of the City‘s wastewater discharge and all other pollutant discharges into Lake Hamilton. Why the change?

2. Cost and Forecasting Methodology. There are no cost details yet disclosed to the public. What is the basis for the forecasted future water demand? What are the cost details for the proposed new facility, as well as for other possible methods for increasing future water availability? What are the rate implications of these alternatives?

3. Water Losses and Conservation. The City admits to substantial “unaccounted for” (i.e., “lost”) water in its present system. Can the urgency of the proposal be alleviated by reducing the present water loss to a normal level, and adopting water conservation methods?

4. Additional Parks. The proposal includes at least two new public parks. Why are these necessary? Why are they “bundled” into the solution for a projected water shortage? What is their contribution to the costs and projected substantial water rate increases?

5. Wastewater Impact. The proposed facility would apparently double the total waterworks capacity. This water must go somewhere after it is used. What will be the impact on the existing wastewater system? Will this be another large capital cost item in the future?

It would appear that we have yet another project along the lines of last year’s “jail project,” or the recent failed “City Hall” deal, where officials cook up the project under the radar, hold a few token “public meetings” with little fanfare, and then spring the proposal on the general citizenry as essentially a “done deal.” This is a LARGE capital project - important to our future, costing BIG BUCKS. Many fundamental questions are yet to be answered. But yet the City Board rushes to commit to the deal. These are tough economic times. Financial moderation should be the watchword. Especially when it is likely that County and City officials are now also cooking up another “jail tax” for our consideration.

We oppose the urgency of this new waterworks proposal. It may be true that the City needs more water capacity to meet future demand; but maybe not right now. There are too many unanswered questions about the present proposal. Let’s do this right, taking the time to look at all the options and get everybody on board before we get on the hook for millions of new debt. We urge you to call or e-mail your City Director (or your local JP if you don’t live in the City but have City water) and tell them to slow down on this project, and get everything out on the table before they decide the proper course and commit you to substantially higher future water and sewer rates.

Best wishes, Jim & Anne

Editors note: Thanks for your comments. They are totally accurate and should, indeed, be of major concern to all citizens of this area. By calculations provided by the city, those "substantially higher future water rates" would more than double in three years and those living outside the city would also pay their standard multiplier of 150 percent.

Tip of The Iceberg

From: John Brooks - Hot Springs Date: August 1, 2009

I hate bullies, especially those that find gray area loopholes to defraud or circumvent the will of the people. Our newest incident is retirementgate at the courthouse, a ninety day "working" leave of absence "wink, wink", that enabled county employees to get regular salaries and their retirement. Prior to that we had misuse of bond funds, attempts to build a new city hall, a one poll election, ridiculous trip expenditures, etc. The list is far too long to list here. But the real problem is, what other liberties have our city and county officials taken that they have gotten away with? My fear is that the current rampant "legal corruption" is merely the tip of the iceberg. The loophole is around the citizens' necks.

Editors note: Thanks for allowing us to reprint your letter. We enjoyed it when we first read it. We certainly do appear on the verge of allowing our elected officials to whatever they please, whenever they please. How about a bit of honest, open, transparent government for a change?

Expensive New Parks Outside the City Not Needed

From: Barbara Anable - Hot Springs Date: July 31, 2009

The city has 22 parks that are listed including two that the city of Hot Springs maintains but they are in the county.. There is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR THE CITY OF HOT SPRINGS TO TAKE OVER AN ENTERGY MANDATED PARK PROJECT along with all of the projected expense of the water project. It is said that if this were all done as proposed, the needs for water would be fulfilled for growth and be good for 50 years. If this is so, why was not the cost projected out for the life of the project? No, the City planners want to have a 35% increase in 2012 and add to that the sur-charge that the county pays additionally. Get up people, start showing up and telling Mr. Mallett and the City Directors that this does not work for you. You can print out the park list to read or go to the City website, www.cityhs.net/dept-parks-amenities.html.

Editors note: Yep, it appears that we have over 160 acres of parks that are sparsely used and now we are, effectively, being told that we need to add over 300 acres more in city parks located outside the city. By the way, you left out the 17.5% increase in 2009, another 17.5% increase in 2010, and a 10% increase in 2011. Add the 35% in 2012 and your bill more than doubles in 3 years and they don't stop then. Click here to see the spreadsheet data using the city manager's own figures from the e-mail below. Oh, we were criticized by the deputy city manager today for using these numbers and, although he has used the project total number of $200 million himself, he said he had NEVER heard this number and we should "quit throwing that number around." Note that in addition to the e-mail below, the city's rate study refers to the total amount as $203 million on page 9. Do you suppose our city employees don't even read the stuff they pay millions of our dollars for consultants to generate?

From: Lance Hudnell <lhudnell@cityhs.net>
To: Elizabeth Howland
Cc: Terry Payne <tpayne@cityhs.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 4:09:09 PM
Subject: RE: Tonight's meeting

Ms Howland:

The rate study includes increases for water of 17.5% (2009), 17.5% (2010) 10% (2011) 35% (2012) and 3% thereafter.

The wastewater (sewer) side is : 12.5% (2009); 12.5% (2010) 7.5% (2011); 5% (2012) and 3% thereafter.

All of this is subject to Board approval and modification as well as adjustments in capital expenditures and timing of the anticipated bond issues. (The large increase in 2012 is because there is a large bond issue projected for that year. Keep in mind there will be a number of bond issues over the next several years – not one single issue. The total amount of all bonds will probably exceed 200 million, but that will be determined as we refine the engineering estimates, review the proposed rates and consider the projections of the bond experts.

The rate study makes certain assumptions that will probably be refined as we begin the review process and therefore rates will be adjusted accordingly. The above percentages are the worst case scenario.

The reason for selecting the “bond houses” at this time is that their expertise is needed in “running the numbers” now prior to even considering a particular bond issue. They do a lot of “front-end” work before a bond issue is even considered, but we must go through the “selection” process to get them as part of the team working with the rate consultant. They will also be part of the process in refining the rates. They will not be paid unless there is actually a bond issue.

Hope this helps.

lance

More Resignations Past Due?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: July 30, 2009

OK - The Letters to the Editor in todays paper are right. The County Judge - Mayor - Police Chief need to resign plus the double-dipping County Clerk - Assessor - Treasurer who are past due for resigning. The "Retirement-Gate" casts a dark shadow on everybody in County Goverment. Some of those Police Captians also need to go. What other elected officials need to go? There is no need to wait for the next election - these people need to go now. How can we do it if they wont volunteer to resign - another petition drive would be in order - would it not? Weatherford is not gone yet but he knows it is a matter of time - otherwise he wouldnt have tried a law suit to try to stop us from voting.

Editors note: Since you asked, a petition drive does appear to be beginning for one elected official you left out. That public servant is, potentially, the current biggest perpetrator of "conflict of interest" violations, city director Rick Ramick.

"Hang um High" Wants County Judge Hung?

From: Hang um High - Hot Springs Date: July 26, 2009

Is anyone doing anything about the violations by the County Clerk, Assessor and Treasurer? I do agree that the bigger violation is the way the County Judge covered the whole mess up. At the very least he should have told the Quorum Court members about it since they are responsible for oversight of all county employees. The County Judge should be impeached or is that possible? Any cover-up by our elected officers should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He would have been hung covering up law violations several years ago. Hasn't the County Judge announced that he is running for State Representative? I would like to see him try or even try to get his own job back after deceiving the public and his own Board who he answers to.

Editors note: We are not certain the county judge answers to the quorum court but he does answer to the public.

County Officials Owe Apologies or Hard Time for "Countygate" Scandal

From: Disgusted - Hot Springs Date: July 24, 2009

My husband and I retired to Hot Springs from Illinois to be closer to our family and live out our remaining days quietly and peacefully. Call us naive until Hot Springs crime effected us two times and we started asking questions - reading the paper - listening to the news - watching city board meetings - lately reading your blog. This is a corrupt town and that's saying a lot coming from the suburbs of Chicago. The town has been corrupt for a long time so we shouldn't be too surprised to find the police and county people are corrupt. Today's paper tells of a new scandal - how county officials are double-dipping by drawing retirement money but not being retired. Don't even try to read between the lines and it is still really glaring how this scheme was cooked up. Three ladies in charge of tax money and finances at the county took off the exact same three months on paper without telling anybody so they could be retired without really being retired and draw both a paycheck and a retirement check. Their plan has all the earmarks of a sinister plot. If this is not illegal - it sure is immoral. Wait up - upon rereading the news article - notice that the County Judge and his secretary did know about the plot but didn't tell anybody. Wow! Maybe the ladies did report to the correct authority and didn't really do anything underhanded. Maybe the County Judge is the one responsible for the cover-up. Hey - we should call this one "Countygate".

We need to know if the county is like what our neighbors call the good old boys at the city. The average Joe needs to know how many of these schemers are related or could be part of the good old boy system that runs the town. There should be one of those recalls for these embarrassing public servants unless they are hired employees - then they should be fired. If they are elected - this is worse than misuse of office. It is misuse of office done covertly for money. Someone said the County Judge should have known not to keep the secret from the JPs and he should go to prison. Whatever turns out - it must be investigated. If these are minor mistakes - apologies should be given. If these are purposeful deceptions - for real resignations and possible prison time is in order.

Editors note: Although "good ol' boy connections do seem to involve a couple of county JPs, we don't know of obvious connections of the others mentioned in today's newspaper article. However, some of those mentioned who work at the courthouse are related. All positions reported except the secretary to the county judge are elected positions. We can tell you from experience to not get your hopes too high if you are expecting a proper investigation in this city. We too were disappointed because many of us have held up the county officials as examples of how to properly operate government in an open, honest, and transparent manner.

Statute Violated? Investigation? In Garland County?

From: Larry Bailey - Hot Springs Date: July 23, 2009

When? is the GGGG going to look into the violation of statute the Circuit Clerk, Assessor and Treasurer, of Garland county performed when they did not inform the Quorum court they were taking leaves of absents to initiate retirement. The court by statute was supposed to put in office replacements for them during their absence. We need an Attorney General's opinion on this and an investigation by the Quorum Court.

Editors note: Agreed. Do you really think the quorum court or any official in Garland County has the fortitude to do do a proper investigation? We do have an Attorney General's opinion already. He thinks it is wrong.

Police Clique Still Alive and Getting Stronger

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: July 22, 2009

We sent you emails about what has been going on within the police department. We first wrote you after you spoke up for police and fire raises to thank you for doing something you did not have to do. We thank you for not using our names or printing our letters. We thought it important for you to know the things we told you because people should know what was happening in the department. Some of the group we have been telling you about are getting paranoid and threatening us. We are to the point of not much caring any more so go ahead and print any of the letters we have sent you but dont use our name yet. We are looking for jobs and need to stay here until we find something. Mostly what is happening is the same crap but they are talking about how you cant touch them. You remember Lt. XXXXX told us he had you under control and Cpt. XXXXX is still controlled by XXXXX who he protects from violations. Cpt. XXXXX and Sgt. XXXXX still get together for sex. Sgt. XXXXX still tries to borrow money to feed his gambling and Lt. XXXXX still covers up for XXXXX and XXXXX. The female officer Lt XXXXX hired knowing she was going to leave when she got certified is leaving and Lt. XXXXX is throwing a party for her. Her training cost taxpayers lots of money but Lt. XXXXX got what he wanted. Most of the other mess continues with the Chief ignoring it though he knows it. Anyhow go ahead and print all those other letters if you want. People should know what is going on.

Editors note: Thanks for the release. Apologies for the editing but individual's names are not used on this site unless names are important to the posting. Some of the items you and others have written about have been quietly discussed over the last year with those in charge at PD, the city manager, city attorney, and the Civil Service Board. It is disappointing that none of those individuals took appropriate action. However, it is even more disappointing that most of the Civil Service Board, which is supposed to provide impartial oversight, appears to be nothing more than another collection of good ol' boys who are selected at the recommendation of your chief and other good ol' boys on the city board. In fact, we witnessed one lady being appointed by the city board immediately after she admitted to having relatives and business associates working at PD and fire. It is possible that our inquiries only resulted in you and other officers being further intimidated by the internal police clique you reference. For this, we apologize, but felt it important to initially use the proper local channels. Be assured that no officers names were used or ever will be. Some associates are now exploring state and federal remedies. You likely already know that efforts are continuing to get a grand jury empanelled in Garland County. It is understood that problems within PD are important to officers but please realize most of them seem to pale in comparison to those within local government.

Police Need Help

From: John Brooks - Hot Springs Date: July 16, 2009

Within the last three months, my neighborhood store has been robbed twice, my tire man was beaten and robbed, my next door neighbor was robbed at gun point, and five homes within two blocks have been burglarized. Now here is the bad part, our city officials are too busy with their own agenda to get something done. Arguing over a flag, providing attorneys for city officials over a simple recall vote, being arrogant toward their own voters, the ubiquitous bickering, and the good old boy business deal is more important than protecting the city.

I'm certain the answer from these "officials" is that it is a "police failure." Do you ever listen to police calls? They are backed up with calls and there is no way to patrol or involve the public under these conditions. The police do a great job, but we need more of them. Take some of that "hamburger tax" and get some recruits and mobile units and put a sub station or two in the highest crime areas. City officials won't be inconvenienced by this because they DO NOT live in these areas....But I do.

Please, just do something other that hire your brother-in-law to do a $250,000 study to determine that this letter is truthful. For the officials that argue that this is not their responsibility, you guys put your fingers in any pie around here that pleases you....do this one thing for your city.

Editors note: Well put John. It really comes down to where our city leaders put their priorities and crime is apparently not nearly as important to them as helping themselves, their relatives, and their good ol' boy buddies. Thanks for allowing us to reprint your letter to the editor.

Water Costs, Locations, Planning, Losses Questioned

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: July 7, 2009

We keep hearing bits and pieces about a new water treatment plant that the city wants to build on the other side of the lake. We always thought our water came from Ouachita Lake and didn't need much treatment because that water is so pure and clean. Why would we even want to consider taking water out of Lake Hamilton? Isn't there lots of chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and pollutants in that lake? It seems like lots of those things would have to flow into the lake from peoples lawns and gardens. We also heard the price for the new plant the city wants will cost $100,000,000. Why don't we get more water from Ouachita? It sounds like we don't have anyone doing good planning. What ever happened to those billions of gallons of water that the city was losing? Was it ever found?

Editors note: Hot Springs actually takes most of its water from just below Lake Ouachita which is, technically, Lake Hamilton. Apparently, you haven't heard about the new intake being downstream from the sewer affluent drain from the city's new sewer plant. If you double those cost figures you heard, you will be more accurate. As to planning, the city is paying one consulting firm over $3 million just to study our water problem plus several other firms. The consultant's plan includes another new park and a bridge below Carpenter Dam just to bring water back across to the city side of the lake. We have not heard any good explanation of the water losses are and suppose we are still losing some 30 percent of what is produced.

Do Dead People Sign Petitions in Hot Springs?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: July 2, 2009

What is the deal with Weatherford? The newspaper sounds like we won't have a recall election but we have heard nothing from you guys or the Good Government Group. Weatherford needs to be recalled but will he be? The city voted to spend $26,000 just to answer Weatherfords lawsuit. Will that money be wasted or what? Whats with the dead guy who signed the petition and how did that happen?

Editors note: The way we read it, there will most definitely be a recall election on August 11, 2009. We expect the vote to be overwhelming FOR recalling the director. No, the $26,000 won't be totally wasted. The city did hire an expensive law firm that wouldn't be necessary if the director and his buddy would just resign. Something is really wrong when the city is forced to protect itself from the selfishness of its own elected officials. No dead guy ever signed anything - think about it. Why would a deceased person's signature show up except to discredit the petitioners? How about our law enforcement officials do their job and arrest the person who falsified his signature? Here's an item worthy of note. We just learned the dead person whose name the young fellow forged was not a registered voter and had already been rejected by the city. Much ado about nothing.

Weatherford Pure as the Wind-Driven Snow?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: June 21, 2009

How uninformed can one person be? One of today's letters to the editor really said that Weatherford is as pure as the wind driven snow and is a really nice guy. What are the odds he didn't sell Weatherford a computer and try to get paid for it? Do you suppose he hasn't heard talk about Weatherford's bankruptcies, guilty plea to ethics violations while in office, guilty pleas to state contractor violations, misuse of office for intimidation, or helping his buddies regardless of conflict of interest laws? Can he possibly have heard about the director using the city attorney for help with his personal legal affairs at our expense or the city attorney letting him off with no fines and no trials on a dozen or so law violations? The writer says he does knows some things but the examples he uses are wrong. He says he knows that all city directors have been to Japan and Weatherford is doing nothing different from them. Someone needs to let that guy know that all directors have not been to Japan and no one from any Arkansas city has been as many times as Weatherford.

Editors note: We think you just let that letter writer know.

HS Desirable Place to Live Except for the Drugs, Robberies, Burglary, and Violent Crime

From: Dave - No email address Date: June 18, 2009

I think people of our town are getting sick of the way you folks are impeding progress. I am a native of this town and over the years seen government both good and bad at work. I believe our current group of city administrators are doing a good job and should be commended. Hot Springs over the years has grown into one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S.. The city is beautiful, the services good and our number one problem at this time is crime. A new jail was in the works and a tax already in place to fund construction. You folks stopped the new jail from being built. If you read the local newspaper each day you see that this place has become very much like the wild west. Drugs, robberies, burglary, and violent crime go largely unabated. This largely due to under funding of our law enforcement and lack of jail space to incarcerate those who break the law. We need to pass a one or two cent sales tax devoted one hundred per cent to crime control. Forget the sunset provision as it will not get any less expensive to control crime in the future. Our city depends largely on tourism and retirement to survive. These two industries lose their appeal when folks realize the amount of crime that goes on in our town. We need to build a very large, very secure, jail that is safe for the law enforcement staff that operate the facility. The greater cost to our citizens comes from doing nothing and allowing crime to run rampant. Your so-called good government group needs to quit arguing about local government and get behind those trying to get things done. You sound like a bunch of second graders arguing over who gets to throw the ball next.

Editors note: Dave, are you the same guy that sent that phony letter to the local newspaper defending Rodney Myers using the phony name of Bud Fox from a non-existent address in Hempwallace? We are not buying your blank email address, your fictitious name, or Hempwallace as being anyone's address. We also have a couple of other problems with your letter. First, the website for the "so-called good government group" is www.GGGGNews.com so if you have a problem with them, send them a letter. Secondly, you obviously misunderstand Hot Spring's jail issue and crime problem. Your statement, "a tax already in place to fund construction" is totally incorrect. The election was to increase our county sales tax by .5 percent without a sunset clause which means the tax would NEVER end. The tax would have collected over $300 million in just the first 20 years to build a $30 million jail. Members of the GGGG spoke, on the record, to both the County Quorum Court and the City Board asking both groups to dedicate the tax strictly to public safety. Both groups refused to do so. Check the record. It was the City and County leadership that did not want the tax limited to public safety. You are in a small minority to believe that the public would vote to, in your words, "pass a one or two cent sales tax devoted one hundred percent to crime control" but suppose for a moment that we did pass such a tax. If you trust our current leaders to use it only for that purpose, you should check out what happened to the last half-cent tax passed for "public safety." Your recommendation to "forget the sunset provision..." puts you in an even smaller minority. You are correct that we have a huge crime problem and that we need a new jail. A large modern jail would be a big step toward curbing crime but this is not the only solution. You will recall that our former city manager, backed by the city board, stated that Hot Springs doesn't really have a "crime problem." Shortly after that big fib, it appears that our local police department changed their crime reporting methodology such that many crimes no longer even warrant an "offense report" or they are lumped together with other similar crimes making the crime offenses arbitrarily lower. The almost daily headlines of shootings and robberies are likely much worse than you will ever know. Until we have leaders in place that operate openly and honestly and properly protect the public rather than under-reporting crimes or traveling the world at our expense, we will continue to have major problems. We cannot speak for the group you apparently meant to send your correspondence to but we know they are working with county, state, and federal officials to properly locate, design, fund, and operate a new jail. Oh, we also notice that they are working to replace self-serving politicians with people that would actually represent our citizens. Heck of a concept, isn't it?

"We the People" Means Nothing to Hot Springs Mayor

From: Ted Burhenn - Hot Springs Date: June 5, 2009

The other day I was going through some old documents that I cherished from my school days and came across a reproduction of a parchment paper all yellowed and crumbly edges. The writing was in the old style calligraphy and you could tell that someone had spent a lot of time and thought on the contents. I read the whole thing once again and found that the most important message was in the first three words, “WE THE PEOPLE”.

Yes, it was the Preamble to the United States Constitution and those three little words is what it is all about. It is too bad that at all levels of government, we have forgotten that it is the people that matters most. Never had it been so evident that we have strayed from that concept as it was during the Hot Springs City Board Meeting, June 2, 2009. At that time, Mayor Bush with the assistance of Directors Weatherford, Remick, and Daniel denied the “WE THE PEOPLE” from the Whittington area to speak on an issue about property owned by the city and therefore, the very same “WE THE PEOPLE” whose rights were trampled on. Staff doesn’t own the property and even the mayor doesn’t own any more that any other individual wishing to speak. Yet not one of the citizens that live in that area could speak.

What a need for a public forum. Here we have a public hearing/meeting in which the elected officials representing the citizens refuse to hear the people. It is bad enough that they don’t listen but not even to hear them? Sure the issue might be placed on the agenda at a later date and they might be allowed to speak then, but we are talking about a hundred citizens that the mayor and cohorts did not want to hear. The citizens were from all walks of life, young, old, and in-between, rich, poor and middle income, black, and white. Never was there a more across-the-board representation of “WE THE PEOPLE”. We are talking about people on walkers and wheel chairs, and people that stayed up late trying to protect their community.

The parting words from the mayor as the crowd slowed limped out of the meeting room defeated and rejected was, “Lets Move It, Ya’ll, ----Come On!!”.

I must praise Directors Peggy Brunner-Maruthur, Elaine Jones and Cynthia Keheley for their efforts to support the citizens of Hot Springs. They not only hear but listen to “WE THE PEOPLE”.

Editors note: As you are likely already aware, the mayor and directors you mentioned have continued to oppose a "public comment" section for public meetings although we have requested this for several years. Perhaps, we should just rename these "Bush, Ramick, Weatherford, and Daniels Meetings" rather than to keep improperly referring to them as "public" meetings. By the way, while a lady was signing a Weatherford recall petition just yesterday, she pointed out something that, sadly, also rings true. Her statement was, "You never hear Bush's name used without the word 'arrogant' or 'rude'."

City Directors Should Also Go to Prison?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: June 4, 2009

I read today that Weatherford is going to pay for his own trip to Japan. What about the other four trips? Is he going to pay us back for those? How about Washington DC, Vegas, Reno, New Orleans, Orlando and all the other trips he took? Is it true he has already signed up to go to some cockamamie trip to San Antonio?

I heard that Rodney Myers, the former convict, friend, and business associate of City Director Rick Ramick and employer of Director Carol Weatherford is going back to prison for parole violations. Is this true and if so, why has it not made the news? If what he has done requires another prison sentence, why doesn't Weatherford and Ramick go to prison or at least, be made to resign? Didn't Ramick just illegally use his position to help Myers commit violations?

Editors note: Apparently, Mr. Weatherford has requested to go to San Antonio for yet another Municipal League meeting at taxpayer expense. You are partially correct about the Myers' situation. It appears that there have been parole violations which are scheduled to be heard at 9:30 AM on June 8th at the Federal Courthouse downtown. You can see what appears to be the official summons for these possible violations by clicking here. We understand that Monday's proceedings are referred to as a "show cause" hearing which is the most serious type hearing. We think this means that he must show cause why he should not be sent back to prison for the listed parole violations. We agree somewhat with your assumptions regarding Weatherford and Ramick. As a minimum, their actions may warrant investigation but the likelihood of that happening in Hot Springs is almost nil. Again, we believe we need a grand jury. They could stay very busy in this town. By the way, the resignations of Weatherford and Ramick have been requested. We can also tell you that an announcement regarding the recall of Weatherford is likely very soon and many people are now pushing for a recall of Ramick. Stay tuned. It is getting interesting.

Taxpayers Still Paying Tax to Betsy Ross?

From: The "AGINER" - Hot Springs Date: May 18, 2009

I find myself very disappointed in yesterday's article by Ron Alexander. Using his theory, we would still be paying a tax to Betsy Ross for her part in the construction of the first flag. All good things must come to an end as well as all bad things (like additional taxes). How dare we commit our children to a tax that is designed to solve today's problems? We need a jail, we need to maintain a jail, and we need to operate a jail.

Move down the road twenty years or ten years, who knows what our needs will be? Who is to say that the prison system will not be controlled by the state or the federal government? We need to address the NOW problem with a NOW solution. We should take a lesson from the present federal government, we cannot nor do we have the right to indebt our future and the future of our grandchildren for the mistakes we have allowed in our society in the present.

I see the County Government starting to listen once again to the "I Wanters". The City wants to retain a portion of the tax and Garland County wants a portion of the tax to solve other problems. I will not vote for nor support a tax without a sunset, nor one in which 100% of the tax collected does not go to the construction, maintenance and operation of the jail designed for all of the county's use, paid for by all of its citizens. I do realize that maintenance and operation is an ongoing burden and we must continue to support that portion in an ongoing fashion. The Capital Cost however can and must end. I will also fight against a property tax in which any portion would be "turned back" to the City.

Editors note: Yep, the unbelievably short the memory of politicians is astounding. It also appears that the article writer simply did not do his research before recommending a permanent tax. We believe that you are typical of most county residents which does include the city irrespective of how they try to portray themselves. We predict that NO tax will pass unless it has a definite and short duration and the public has had sufficient input relative to siting, sizing, funding, operations, alternative programs, etc.

How Many Trips to Japan?

From: Anonymous - Hot Springs Date: May 15, 2009

Pictorial evidence one director may be spending too much time visiting schools in Japan.

Editors note: Wow! Thanks for the pic. Our elaboration would add nothing to what it says.

Hot Springs Politics Gets Statewide Coverage.

Click here to read The Arkansas Times article, "Hot Springs Heats Up."

Citizen "Smells a Rat" due to Dubious Bond Sale Rationale

From: "I SMELL A RAT" - Hot Springs Date: May 13, 2009

With much fanfare, the City and A&P last week closed on a museum bond that was stated to make necessary lifesaving improvements to the museum but in reality was a smokescreen to prevent the public from reducing the hamburger tax for 10 years.

Now a week later, Stephens Inc. tells us that it is impossible to get bond financing because of the states usury law (last amended almost 30 years ago). The obvious question for the Sentinel Record should have been why wasn’t it impossible last week? But then again, the Sentinel Record has had a long history of publishing all official propaganda so why change now.

It gets worse. The article quotes County Judge Larry Williams as saying “Stephens is acting legal and bond counsel for the jail project.” OK Sentinel Record, are you listening? The obvious question was “Why is Stephens Inc. acting as our legal counsel for the jail project rather than using our county attorney? Are we not letting the fox guard the hen house?”

Just when you thought that it couldn’t get any worse Stephens Inc. came to the rescue with two scenarios.”

1) A half cent sales tax for 4 years and 4 months with no bond that would take too long, so that is out of the question.

2) A half cent sales tax with a delayed bond.

Now the hard hitting investigative reporter for the Sentinel Record must have been ready to leap out and say, “Isn’t it convenient that Stephens Inc., our legal and bond counsel for the jail project, would present us with an impossible solution and one that they make money on?” But no, remembering that long tradition of publishing all official propaganda, there were no questions asked.

So for those who want to know the third alternative that should have been published but was not because Stephens Inc. is acting as our legal counsel for the jail project here it is.

A 1 cent sales tax for 2 years and 2 months that does not require a bond and saves millions of dollars in bond fees (much of that to Stephens) and saves millions more in interest. That tax because it is for a capital project also doesn’t have to be shared with the city so they can’t hold the county up with their demands for millions in city pork.

We were told in the previous election that it would take 6 months to start construction and 2 years to complete it. So what would proposal 3 delay the process by? Maybe 2 months? That is a no-brainer.

So you may be asking, why is Stephens Inc. acting as our legal counsel for the jail project? A better question to ask of our county judge is, have you ever accepted campaign contributions from Stephens Inc.? If so, how much? Also in your run for the state legislature next year, will you accept contributions from Stephens Inc., it’s principals, employees or associated entities if offered?

I hope to see the answers to those questions posted here. It would also be nice to see an answer from the city as to how they managed to close a bond last week when it is impossible (according to the county judge and Stephens).

You will post those answers if they send them in won’t you?

Editors note: We will absolutely post those answers and any other elaborations the county, city, or their paid consultants send to us. We all agree that the county is in dire need of a new jail but are beginning to wonder if our county judge is going to be part of the solution or part of the problem. Will he continue to insist that the same expensive consultants, architects, bond agents, and attorneys be paid to provide the same unacceptable advice they overcharged us for the last time? Our current opinion is similar to yours. We don't need all of the expensive but poor advice this time. Lets "cut the fat" and spend the money on a jail, nothing more, nothing less.

Too Much Stuff to be True?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: May 11, 2009

I have been following the many stories of Rodney Myers, Rick Ramick and Carol Weatherford from the Arkansas Business, Arkansas Times, and Sentinel Record articles. It is difficult to believe that Carol could have indulged in so much bad behaviour and still be on the city board. Do you or the papers have proof he did any of the things they say? He admits to bankruptcies due to divorces and a few traffic tickets but most of that stuff sounds not believable.

I agree with today's letter to the editor in the Sentinel Record that Carol should not have voted to send himself to Japan. Can you explain why he has the right to do this and why he would want to? I thought he had been told that was not an ethical thing to do. Doesn't that violate the Arkansas Ethics Law that the city manager and city attorney told all the board members about? Shouldn't the city attorney have pointed that out?

I have been hearing for a year he was going to be kicked out or recalled or resign. It seems nothing is happening. Do you know of any plans to get him off the board? He lives in our ward but he sure doesn't represent us. We registered to vote so we can get rid of him but when will that be?

Editors note: We were beginning to think no one was reading those articles. Yes, we do have documentation of everything we have seen in the various media stories. For example, the bankruptcies appear to number four rather than the two he admitted to. Click the following numbers to see each of them (1), (2), (3), (4). The four violations he says were nol prossed appear as many more which you can also see for yourself. Note that the NP or N/P designation on the documents means nol pross or not prosecuted by the prosecutor (click here). Public records indicates the kidnapping he says he was not associated with had the kidnappers and kidnappee both working for Carroll. Police and phone records and taped conversations also paint a somewhat different story. Click to see a couple of photos (1), (2). We noted that Carroll did not deny the state violations and fines plus the guilty plea and fine to the Arkansas State Ethics Commission so those documents are not linked. You are correct in pointing out that he shouldn't have voted to send himself to Hanamaki. It is quite difficult to understand how anyone cannot see that as a clear violation of "conflict of interest" regulations. Yes, there are continuing efforts to remove violators from the board. Stay tuned to this website, these are coming sooner than you may think.

Selective Prosecution?

From: Name Withheld - Hot Springs Date: May 8, 2009

I just read the article "New Legal Form of Debt Collection in Garland County, BURGLARY" (see below). It is good to know that our own Garland County Prosecuting Attorney is keeping up with times. Years ago in San Antonio, TX the attitude was then and still is that even murder on the South side was just one Mexican against another. As long as they left the upper class White Citizen alone, what was the harm? That attitude extended into the Black neighborhoods of New Orleans and in fact there are areas that even the Police wouldn't go after dark. We may need jail space, but can we afford this lax-a-daisy approach to the crime element? However we dare not condemn the Prosecuting Attorney, because if you are not a drug dealer, he can fine you for j-walking, pay or go to jail. Laws are meant to be obeyed first by the law obeying citizen that can't afford the fight but can afford the fine, and lastly by the drug dealers and politicians. (In that order, look at our Directors)

Name withheld because my grass may be out of code limits, or I might be the victim of a crime and the PA might come after me too. It is bad when we are afraid of those paid to protect our rights.

Editors note: Well put. We are taking your advice and not commenting.

City Wasting Time and Money in the County

From: Ted Burhenn - Hot Springs Date: May 1, 2009

Here is some information just received. If you live in the County, you must wonder why the city is so concerned without allowing representation. If you live in the City, you wonder why they are wasting so much of your tax money. Either way it is about power. Power to the City Department Heads and City Manager. I could think of many projects within the City that deserves the money and attention that is given to the county problems (yes there are problems). I am not against zoning, I am not against code, but if it is to happen outside the city, it should be controlled by the citizens that have a right to vote (outside the city). Let us decide our destiny. Do you realize that the five mile ETJ is over three times as large as the city itself? Ask department heads how much money is spent in the ETJ? You will be surprised. Those department heads are paid based on the "responsibility" of the area they control and budget allocated. Most of what they do is outside the city.

Editors note: Do you suppose city residents condone their tax money being spent in the county? We would hazard a guess that very few county residents want the city departments meddling in their business.

City's "Hired Guns" Complicating the Lives of County Residents

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: April 30, 2009

I meant to email sooner in regards to the city’s latest attempt to force county people to get approval by the HS planning commission when subdividing property within the 5 mile ETJ. They have only sought planning commission approval when 2 or more dwellings are built and city utilities are involved. My understanding is that dwellings are not a part of this decision.

If possible we need some letters to the editor bringing this up and making people aware of their increased authority even though they can do it apparently by law. Even though they can legally do it, does that make it the right thing to do? They should follow their conscious but do they? The “letter to the editor” by George Pritchard makes reference to this and the fact that HS Board Members have to answer to no county voters and issues you have brought up before.

I am very concerned that a “hired gun” such as Cathy Sellman and the city attorney Brian Albright are further complicating the lives of county residents when they ought to worry about making HS a better place to live by fixing their streets, reducing crime and helping the County more rather than getting all they can out of the sales tax if passed that the county desperately needs to build a jail, buying up condemned property for refurbishment, improving parks, making the area surrounding the Greenway project safe with improved neighborhoods and better routes to reach that area. Improvement of the original industrial park on Belding by better transportation routes, fixing the railroad trestle on Shady Grove Rd and many other projects neglected and long overdue.

Editors note: You make some good points but we had to hesitate and ponder your statement, "They should follow their conscious but do they?" Way too often, we find ourselves questioning whether our city board members even have a conscious.

New Legal Form of Debt Collection in Garland County, BURGLARY

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: March 29, 2009

A second page Sentinel Record story on 4/29/09 stated that a felony aggravated residential burglary charge filed against a local man last month was withdrawn by prosecutors last week while the same charge filed against his alleged accomplice was reduced to a misdemeanor. Bobby Don Franklin, 42, was arrested March 19 in connection with a home invasion robbery Nov. 7 on Highland Park while his alleged accomplice, Corey Russell Hewitt, 30, of Royal, was arrested Jan. 13. According to a Hot Springs police report, the victim, 39, who is confined to a wheelchair, heard glass breaking in his residence and then caught Franklin and Hewitt, both of whom he knows, removing his 47-inch plasma television. The victim claims Franklin pointed a pistol at him and told him not to say anything as they loaded the television into Franklin’s vehicle and then came back inside.

The article says that the victim states Hewitt pushed him out of his chair and warned him not to call police or they would come back and kill him. He stated he has known Franklin for five years and Hewitt for three or four years. The charge against Franklin was withdrawn while the charge against Hewitt was reduced to third-degree battery for pushing the victim and he was sentenced in Hot Springs District Court to 50 days in jail. Garland County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Oliver said he opted not to pursue the burglary charges because the so-called victim had two prior felony convictions and was a known drug dealer. He said he believes the suspects probably took the victim’s property, but he said it was apparently because the victim owed them money. “I have no doubt they probably took it, but it was payment on a debt.” It was also noted there were no witnesses to the incident other than the victim and suspects and the victim’s criminal history would have been an issue at a trial.

Oliver is quoted as saying, “I was not going to waste a jury’s time on that kind of thing.”

The whole thing just struck me as being surreal unless this is a new, apparently legal, form of debt collection in Garland County called BURGLARY.

Editors note: Hey, maybe its not unequal justice for some as you appear to be surmising, albeit tongue-in-cheek. It could be just another case of no room at the jail. Surely the prosecutor would not fail to prosecute an obvious crime. Perhaps you should just wait and see if the victim does get killed, then we'll consider it serious and we'll have a couple of obvious suspects, right?

Many People Shouldn't Even Think About Speaking to Our City Board

From: Observer - Hot Springs Date: April 15, 2009

I understand from someone who attended the city board agenda meeting that some board members want to limit the privilege of speaking to the board to city residents only. They need to know that the following list is some of the people who will be prohibited from speaking to the board in the future since they don't live in the city.

Deputy City Manager Steve Mallett

Airport Director George Downie

City Clerk Janet Heath

City Engineer Dennis McPhate

Finance Director Dorethea Yates

Fleet Service Director Greg Speas

Information Systems Director Jeff Winter

Planning Director Kathy Sellman

Intracity Transit Director Bob Reddish

Police Chief Bobby Southard

There are hundreds of other city employees who don't live in the city but these are a few of the department heads.

It may be worth noting that such a rule would also prohibit the following from speaking to our distinguished board.

President Obama

Governor Bebee

Congressman Mike Ross

Senator Pryor

Senator Blanche Lincoln

Mayor of Hanamaki, Japan

Former President Bill Clinton

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Editors note: Very interesting. You should also note that even residents are limited to three minutes and must speak on a subject that has been approved by the city board at their ~~rehearsal~~ agenda meeting. We also wouldn't want the public to bring up any embarrassing subjects, would we? Apparently, our city board has never read the first amendment because it obviously doesn't bother them to continuously prove discrimination while demonstrating arrogance and disdain for those who live outside the city limits. Are we the only ones who see hypocrisy in not allowing the public to speak at public meetings?

Visitors Abhorred by Directors Reprehensible Behavior

From: Visitors to Hot Springs - Iowa Date: April 12, 2009

We are in Hot Springs visiting relatives and saw what we hear was a rerun of your last Hot Springs City Board of Directors on your city channel 15. We must admit we abhorred by what we saw. We have never seen civilized humans behave the way your elected officials behaved. We were told the behavior we saw is typical. When we questioned how the citizens can allow such reprehensible behavior to continue, we were told that a group is doing something and to look at your web site. Your site only shows there are concerned citizens but doesn't indicate anything serious is being done. We were planning to retire to Hot Springs in a few years but due to the leadership we see, we think that may not be such a good idea. We love the scenery in Hot Springs but now know about your crime and arrogance of those in charge of your city. We had ruled Florida out because so many are retiring there but recently found Florida has no state tax while Hot Springs has the highest tax in Arkansas because of the AP(?) tax plus a state income and personal property tax. After learning of the tax and seeing how your City Board acts, we have put Florida back on top of our list. Do you think it is possible the group we were told about can get rid of the arrogant members of your City Board soon? We suppose there is nothing that can be done about the Arkansas tax rate.

Editors note: Your concern is certainly understandable. However, please don't judge the entire town by our current leadership. You didn't mention it, but you likely also noticed how friendly our citizens are. If you saw the last city board meeting in its entirety, you may have noted that we did ask for the resignation of a couple of board members. Believe it or not, there are some good people on the city board. The local tax you referenced is the A & P (advertising and promotion) tax. It is currently 3 percent but could be increased in the future. Some citizens made an attempt to have that tax reduced but they ended up in a lawsuit fighting against seven lawyers which were mostly paid for by the citizens own tax money. Don't write off Hot Springs because of a few bad apples. Check back when you are closer to retiring. We will either have a better place to live or most of our good people will have given up and left. It should be obvious which is the case.

There They Go Again

From: Ted Burhenn - Hot Springs Date: April 10, 2009

Once again the Hot Springs Board of Directors have refused to even consider that the people they were elected to represent, might have something to say that might be remotely intelligent. Tuesday night, Bob Driggers tried again on behalf of the “Citizens” (that is what Staff calls them), to have the BOD include a section in the agenda to allow the average citizen (to the BOD they are considered substandard and I say that because they will not allow anyone to speak without interruption), the chance to speak on anything that might remotely concern the effectiveness, ethics, cost savings, problems or general state of the city.

They would not even allow others who had signed up to speak in favor of an open forum to show support. We must therefore, continue shopping for answers in frustration while the BOD wallows in self importance. For any elected official to place themselves above the interests of the people they are supposed to represent is ludicrous however par for the majority of the BOD.

Editors note: Thanks for your support and comments. You are correct that numerous people who had signed up to speak were not allowed to do so including other agenda items. Also, please note that the public comment session was requested and identified on the agenda request (in the board packet) to be an ACTION item. This means a vote should have been taken. Obviously, this board does not wish to identify which members are opposed to allowing the public to speak at public meetings.

City Board Actions "Questionable" Not "Transparent"

From: George Pritchett - Hot Springs Date: April 8, 2009

It is unfortunate for the citizens of Hot Springs and the nominees for the various commissions the application and selection process appears questionable. The questionable portions of the process are twofold. First the application deadline was extended by the City Directors to allow more time for additional applications. This is a matter of public record. While this may have simply been that an insufficient number of applications had been received, it appears more likely that some City Board members did not have applications from the individuals they wanted on the board. I offer this as a possible explanation as one of the City Board members commented at a board meeting they wanted their own person for their district. The extension of time to apply was grossly unfair to those that had complied with the initial deadline. Those that had met the initial deadline should have been given preferential consideration. The second questionable part of the process was that one City Board member was extremely adamant the selection process be additionally delayed so applicants not attending the scheduled interview session could be interviewed and considered. These delays appear to be self-serving for some City Board members and very unfair to those who complied with the original application deadline dates and requirements. I am not certain it is accurate, but I've been told the interview process hasn't been delayed or rescheduled in the past to accommodate applicants unable to attend at the scheduled interview session.

At best, the entire process; dismissal of all commission members, extending the application period and extending the interview period was not handled professionally or with the best interests of the citizens of Hot Springs in mind. Any discussion about the proper term to describe the dismissal of all the commission members is moot as the result was t5he same as fired, canned, terminated, laid off, etc. The citizens of Hot Springs are abundantly certain the commission members didn't fire themselves.

Other questionable recent actions by City Board members include the lack of response from Director Ramick about his role in the Cares Away Subdivision problems and his and Director Weatherford's voting on matters involving Cares Away Subdivision and Mr. Meyers (a convicted felon) since both City Directors have more than a casual relationship with Mr. Meyers.

The citizens of Hot Springs deserve better than we are receiving from our City Board and all members need to be forthcoming about their actions and relationships with those involved with issues brought before the board. The actions of the City Board should always be transparent to the public and all members should answer all questions from other members of the board, the press and the public.

Editors note: We thought Mr. Pritchett presented the above to our city board members (4/7/09) so well that we asked permission to reprint it. His statements pretty much sum up the current problems. Our only addition would be to ask why the board members interjected themselves into the interview process at all. We have always understood that the only people the board can hire or fire is the city manager and the city attorney. The boards 'meddling' in the selection process is totally improper but it does add some transparency to their motives, does it not?

Board Still Getting "Pesky Appeals"

From: Unsigned - Hot Springs Date: April 3, 2009

Well doggone, I see by looking at the Board of Directors agenda they have another one of those PESKY APPEALS from the actions of the Planning Commission. In looking at the case it looks a lot like the project the commission had a few months ago on out Park Avenue that was appealed to the Board, it will be interesting to see if the Board remembers they upheld the Planning Commission on that appeal.

Editors note: O'migosh, do you mean to say that firing every member of three boards still didn't eliminate the embarrassment of the city board having to overrule their own staff and those volunteer boards?

Appalled at the Disrespect of Daniels, Mayor

From: Another person that has been trashed for thinking and expressing thoughts at the BOD! Date: March 25, 2009

Congratulations to all of you that went and spoke last night and incurred the wrath of Mr. Daniels, and the Mayor of Hot Springs. I wish everyone could see these people at their normal level of competency and pitiful standard of behavior to understand what an insult they are as "representatives of the people".

I was, and am, appalled at the disrespect displayed toward Reverend Ken Carney and Pastor Doug Jones..........proof again that you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!

Editors note: It certainly appears that lots of people were "appalled" (see letter below). But, lets face it, these could simply just be "appalling" people. We were intrigued by the way you signed your e-mail. Their behavior does tend to discourage people from speaking at board meetings. Do you suppose they do that on purpose so people don't dare speak? Could be, huh?

Board Meeting "APPALLING"

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: March 25, 2009

I watched the city meeting on tv last night and was appalled that grown people can act like that. Our city directors should be ashamed - very ashamed. Do they never watch themselves on tv? I know the cable channel reruns city meetings on channel 15 at 7 every night. If the city directors watch they will see how rude and childish we see them. The mayor constantly butts in saying he disagrees or whatever. He won't let people finish. Isn't there a time limit for speakers from the audience and he is taking their time? Mr. windbag Daniels can't be nice. He always jumps on people and criticizes them for no good reason. I think Bush and Daniels must have learned how to run public meetings from Castro because Bush acts like a dictator and Daniels acts like the big - and I do mean big - want to be dictator but shows the blowhard he is. Why were the people asking for Raymick and Weatherford to resign - the problem is Bush and Daniels.

Editors note: Your observations are interesting because we heard some of the same comments following the Tuesday city board meeting. One young gentleman who stated that he had never seen board meetings previously, used your word "appalling" several times in describing this board meeting. He also likened them to young children arguing on the playgrounds. Yes, there is a 3 minute time limit for speakers. You didn't mention whether you had seen previous meetings but the meeting you referenced is typical, perhaps, only a bit more pronounced since members of the public had some real disagreements with actions their representatives were taking. You do know that the city board fired all members of three volunteer boards, right? Don't be too hard on Mr. Daniel, he did vote properly last night although he is almost always belligerent and boisterous. If you really don't know why the citizens were critical of Ramick and Weatherford, you should read the submissions below plus last Friday's Sentinel Record or go to www.ArkansasBusiness.com and then enter the keyword, "Myers."

Directors Should Resign

From: Anonymous - Hot Springs Date: March 22, 2009

Thanks for the perspective on our city directors and their conspiracies. They can't be described any way except to say plainly - our city leaders are corrupt. They are even helping an ex-con get special favors from the city. They should resign immediately - otherwise what can we do to help get them out? Is anyone working on the recall petition the government group started? Please let us know what we can do to help save our city from these greedy con-men. Thanks and keep up the good work. Please don't use our name or email because we do business with the city.

Editors note: Thanks for the kind words. Sure, you can help. Put a bit of pressure on the two city directors involved to resign. Go to the city board meeting Tuesday evening (7 PM) and let them know what you think. Call or e-mail the Garland Good Government Group at www.GGGGNews.com. We are almost certain their recall campaign is still in effect although it may not include the newest city director. You may also want to consider asking the city director's buddies to withdraw their names from consideration to replace the 'fired' volunteer board members.

Paper Shines Light on City Directors

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: March 20, 2009

We are beginning to see some of what your readers have been saying about our city leaders being corrupt. Wow! Today's paper shines the light on two of them pretty clearly. We just wondered if you knew about their connection to the ex-con. We also read about some of this at www.ArkansasBusiness.com. There are 3 news articles about the ex-con and our city director's involvement but you have to enter the name Myers to search for them. Do you guys know about this going on?

Editors note: Yep, we did. The story you may not yet know is just how many other realtor types and associates were involved. Would you be surprised to find several of them on the list of applicants for the volunteer boards the city directors recently fired? Is it finally beginning to make sense just why all those people were fired? This appears to be just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. You likely will soon see much more about sham corporations, money transfers, "get-rich-quick" schemes, and perhaps even a bit of racketeering and other illegal activities. Sounds sort of like the "good old days" in Hot Springs town, doesn't it? Seriously, we do need to see that these now vacant boards don't become stacked with realtors and others with obvious conflicts of interest. We also need to begin taking steps to remove city directors if they have violated laws.

City Leaders Not Corrupt - Just Stupid

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: February 27, 2009

I just read your article* about city leaders being corrupt. Most all of the items apply to Hot Springs but I'm guessing you already know that. I personally think most of the Hot Springs city leaders are not corrupt but are just stupid. They don't know getting elected means they should serve the constituants and they think it is okay to serve their friends and relatives. l really think Hot Springs has been run this way for so long that they think this is the way all cities are run. It hurts to admit that this is the mentality the Hot Springs elected officials have and I know this sounds like an excuse for them but that is how I feel. I think stupidity runs through some of the county and state elected officers too. I guess what we need to do is to stop electing stupid people but we don’t usually get a choice. No smart people dare run for office in Hot Springs because they don't want to be lumped in with the ones there.

Editors note: Actually, we would take issue with you on your comment about no smart people running for the city board. There were a couple that did run last time and one of them actually got elected. Unfortunately, your primary observation may well be correct. The city has operated improperly for so long that most of the city leaders may not know any other way to operate.

* The article referenced above can be found in the "Commentary" section of this website.

Smoke and Mirrors Act

From: Tom Hedrick - Hot Springs Date: February 26, 2009

There has been several critical articles in the paper recently about the lawsuit on the polling places being closed and how stupid the people were for filing it! Well enough is enough, let me shed some light on the real truth about out beloved city advertisement and promotions manager! All of this hup-lore has nothing at all to do with the museum, but every thing to do with your tax paying money! When your A&P manager found out that a group of tax paying citizens were going to try to get the A&P tax revenues lowered on FOOD, (any prepared food or drink, or any thing served to you) in the city from 3% to 1%, he went ballistic! This group gathered more than 2200 signatures for this to be put on the general election ballet and your city officials got this stopped saying it was unclear and would confuse the voter! This petition was so unclear that a 2nd grader could have understood it! This Museum issue has never been about the museum, but about A&P money! The City was going to turn the museum over to a private party until this issue came up. Now what is the big deal about the A&P using its money to fix the

the Museum? Here is the fly in the ointment. If the A&P gets this bond issued for 10 years, no one-no one can reduce this money on the food tax, because it is pledged to this bond! The A&P has about 7 million dollars income each year with about a 4% increase each year and you’re A&P manager is just protecting his little bird nest on the ground!! He carried on at the City Board of Directors meeting about how "crazy" this was for citizens to want to have a vote on the reduction of tax paid at restaurants and all prepared foods. Today’s editorial, Feb. 22, 2009(unsigned), states that the A&P Commission spent $18,329.00 to defend against the petition to get on the ballot and to fight the issue of a disadvantage to the voters by reducing the polling places from the usual number to ONE. For all of the whining about their costs, did they really need to pay seven attorneys to defend the issue? He also failed to tell you that the people trying to get this unfair tax lowered were using their own money, trying to help the people of Hot Springs. If you have noticed any time they want to get something passed that they know the majority of the people don’t vote in special elections so they have a lot better chance of slipping it through, They also forget to tell you how much special elections cost the tax payer, ( they say they pay for it, but it is still tax-payer money). Our beloved A&P manager tries to take credit for all the people that our National Parks, lakes, horse racing, Magic Springs, National forest, Hot Springs Village and other attractions bring to our city. It is about time that the people of Hot Springs wake up and put this A&P manager in his place and get him to quit wasting our money and making wild comments about the people that pay his salary.

Now back to the museum, our A&P manager could fix the Museum out of funds he already has, instead of issuing a very costly bond, but this would not protect his money. If you do not believe any of this do some research and find out the truth!!! For a supposedly educated person our A&P manager instead of producing the facts, attacks the person and makes wild accusations which is very unprofessional. Even our Governor of our State knows how unfair a food tax is and this A&P tax is just another food tax.

Editors note: Thanks Tom. Seven lawyers did appear to be overkill and unbalanced but it does prove how difficult it is to win when you are fighting against your own tax money which they seem to treat as unlimited. Speaking of unbalanced, has anyone mentioned that the special judge (Charles Yeargan) they brought in is a former chairman of the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission board? Who else is a long-time member and former chairman of that board? Our A&P Director, Steve Arrison? We're pretty certain that wasn't a conflict and the judge was totally impartial, right? They probably don't even know each other, right? Right? The above is the original version of the article which appeared in the Sentinel Record on Tuesday, February 24 without the edits performed by the newspaper.

City Responds to Your Blog Through the Sentinel Record. We're a Blog?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: February 20, 2009

Your blog posted a story about the city not asking for part of the federal stimulus funds on January 15 and on January 20 the City responded through the Sentinel Record. It looks like the website quoted in your blog uses a report issued by the mayors of the nation's metropolitan cities. It is sad that almost every Metropolitan City in the state made a request in the mayor’s report except Hot Springs.

Did they do it in response to your blog? Had they already done it? Who knows? The newspaper doesn’t say because they don’t like to acknowledge your blog, but the city definitely did it late.

Editors note: Oh well, we're just happy to be of service. It does sort of reinforce our opinion that the city is too preoccupied with raising taxes and fees to look for any other sources of funding.

Hot Springs Leaders Snub Nose at Federal Funds

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: February 15, 2009

Hot Springs leaders are more interested in paid vacations for directors and local tax increases than federal dollars for local needs.

The link below is for "shovel-ready" projects for which the mayors of Arkansas Cities have requested federal stimulus funding. You can click on a project to read (and add to) its description. You can also discuss the project and vote on whether you believe it is critical or not. For a more local view, you can drill down to projects in a particular city. Just choose a city from the following list.

The total of cost of all the projects submitted by Arkansas is $1,059,150,740 The total for Hot Springs is $0

View a specific city in Arkansas: Fayetteville • Fort Smith • Little Rock • North Little Rock • Pine Bluff • Springdale

All 199 Arkansas project requests can be viewed at: http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_state/AR

Editors note: Why would our leaders want federal money when all they need do is to close all polls except the one next door to the chamber they fund and have a special election there?

Plato, Volaire, and Burhenn Wax Philosophical on Editorials, Other Issues

From: Ted C. Burhenn - Hot Springs Date: February 14, 2009

Plato 427 BC-348 said, “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.” A French Philosopher, Volaire (1694-1778), was quoted as saying, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Perhaps there is a message in there someplace to Bill Fritz who would have the Sentinel-Record censor contributors like Wayne Spencer because he enjoys Limbaugh. What good would be the news if it always and only printed one side of a political opinion? I am sure that I would face censorship as well as Buddy Wilson and many others. I read both sides and try to formulate my own opinions. Most realistic people realize that you are not going to change anyone’s position but might at least educate them into more intelligent questions.

Volaire also stated, “It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong” and “Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers”. If it had not been for the questions raised by some members of our community that found a way into the editorials, we might have found ourselves indebted for a New City Hall that we now know we could not afford and a Jail which provided funds to be lost in the existing budgets. Taxes would have to be raised just to maintain our present “Status Quo.”

We need a jail and our priorities should be on that and that alone. We need to keep that goal in mind and vote for or against only that issue if it is brought to the public again. If censorship is your goal, then read only the cartoons although I find them quite enlightening politically. Too bad they are not from a local author.

Editors note: That Plato fellow sounds like a pretty sharp dude. Sounds as though he may have known some of our city directors in an earlier life, huh?

City Manager Chatted with Moses?

From: Observer - Hot Springs Date: February 8, 2009

Several thousand years ago, Moses went up on the Mountain and conferred with David Letterman and God and came up with the "Top Ten" do not do list or more commonly known as the Ten Commandments. Upon returning to the masses of people waiting at the base of the mountain, Moses said, "Here is your commandments, sin no more."

Then he pulled the City Manager over, (yes he was around even back then) and said, "You know this does not apply to you. God realizes that you have to be able to Embellish the Truth from time to time if will make your life easier. After all, you will be a leader in your church and government and thus entitled to more leeway than the common followers. In other words you can tell the Planning Director not to come to the meeting, then deny it, or you can tell her that it is not really important that you are getting ready to fire all the people that serve in the commission under her supervision, but it isn't of any concern to her." "After all what kind of government would we have if we require our politicians and leaders to tell the truth?"

So the next time to talk to your City Manager, read the "Ten Commandments" first and be sure to read the fine print. I hope that Moses didn't give him permission to exclude any of the other nine. He might come and get my Donkey.

Editors note: We heard the same thing before the meeting and gave the gossip some credibility since the planning director was not there. There was an item that she could and should have addressed. We were even told by one source that she was told, "We don't want to drag you through all the possible controversy." Your story does ring true but we don't have any real firm evidence, do we?

UPDATE to entry below (2/4/09): The Hot Springs Board of Directors voted 5 to 2 to abolish the Planning Commission Board. The 5 votes to abolish (shame on you) were Daniel, Ramick, Weatherford, Bush, and Jones. The 2 votes against abolishing (bless you ladies) were Keheley and Maruthur. All members of the Historical Commission and the Board of Adjustments were also fired. Oh, spread the word to watch the board meeting on cable channel 15 at 7 PM all this week. This is the most entertaining ever and really shows which board members are working for the public and which are selfish, self-serving yo-yos.

City Board Getting Rid of Pesky Volunteer Boards

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: February 2, 2009

What is the deal with the city directors ( city dictators would be more accurate )? The paper says they are going to fire all of the present board members of the planning commission, the historical society, and the board of adjustments and put in new people with new rules. Doesn't this really mean that they are getting rid of those pesky volunteer boards who have been doing what they are supposed to do which requires the board to constantly overrule them so their good ol' boy friends and family can get whatever they want? The letter to the editor by one of them in todays paper was right on track. Man it will screw things up to get all new members who don't have a clue what is going on. I heard that Weatherford threatened to get rid of some board members and he was asked if he could do that. He said 'just watch me". It is hard to believe he has that much power. Is nobody doing anything about him? You can't let all those good people get fired for trying to do what is right without saying something. What are you doing for Petes sake?

Editors note: The better question may be, "what are you going to do?" If you don't approve of what is going on, go to the meeting yourself and voice your views. But we do thank you for your letter. We were beginning to think that no one had noticed or cared what seems to be going on at the city. We don't know the motivating factors behind the board replacements but suspect what you surmise is fairly accurate. We do know that a couple of directors were upset when they discovered that they didn't have the authority to overrule the Historical Commission. It is also obvious that the directors dislike being chided whenever they overrule the Planning Commission. A relatively common action in recent months. You should read the agenda packet for yourself at http://www.ci.hot-springs.ar.us/pdfs/agendas/2009/current%20packet/agenda.pdf You may note that the new board members can also include City Directors.

Self-serving, Arrogant, Egotistical, Empire Building Leaders Slapping Citizens?

From: City Worker - Hot Springs Date: January 23, 2009

The citizens of our town deserve to know what is going on with the city. The new city manager who was really running most things all along except for the stuff Kent got us into has turned into a worse micromanager than Kent was. He appointed himself an assistant without posting the job and plans to make the court director another over paid assistant. We doubt that job will be posted either. Conflicts of interest by board members are increasing and expect more waiving of bid requirements. We know your writers have complained about that. You are about to see an era that totally ignores the law and all the elected leaders become self serving arrogant egotistical empire builders. They are slapping citizens in the face again by sending 5 people to Washington just because they can and they dare you and anyone else to do anything about it. You are doing nothing right?

Editors note: So, what's new with the board? We tend to disagree with your assessment of the city manager. If you have specific examples, please send them to us. Otherwise he, at the very least, deserves a chance. In six months, things will either be better or worse. Lets see what his contributions to the change are, okay? As to the conflicts of interests and arrogance demonstrated by city directors, that surely cannot get much worse. Why do you think nothing is being done? We just listed your complaint and a couple of thousand people will see it. Perhaps, some of them will get involved and do something. Are you aware that the GGGG is working to remove some of the worst offenders from office? Go help them. Their website is www.GGGGNews.com.

What Job Qualification is the City Looking For?

From: Job Seeker - Hot Springs Date: January 14, 2009

The City posted a new job in the paper, (one of the few job postings lately) for a New Heimlich Assistant City Manager. I went down to apply. You can imagine my embarrassment when I discovered that it was a misprint and they were looking for a Hindlick Assistant City Manager. Just as well, they need someone with experience and have decided to promote from within. They have an ample experience pool. Oh well, back to the Want Adds.

Editors note: Thanks for your comments but we didn't see a posting for the last assistant city manager. We were just discussing whether or not such jobs are required to be posted before being filled irrespective of the fact they would hire who they wanted without regard to qualifications.

Chamber Members Upset With Chamber Leaders

From: Chamber Member - Hot Springs Date: January 7, 2009

We watched the televised city board meeting last evening with interest because of an item that was on their agenda and were not surprised about the references to our chamber of commerce. Although fairly accurate we are disappointed to discover the directors and your website talking about us. Our company has been with the chamber for several years and can tell you with some knowledge that our chamber leadership is at an all time low which is the real root of the problem. If the present course in continued we do not plan to renew our membership even though we recently paid our dues. We know of several others who or either not rejoining but most have just quit participating. Some members are quietly working to get rid of the problem but haven't had the nerve to ask our leaders to resign. Because so many are upset we think this will happen and thought your blog should know about it. You will likely soon see several members including board members drop out and we hope others will get the nerve to speak up. Our chamber is needed in Hot Springs but we must have a clean sweep to get it back on track.

The economic development arm is really not a chamber function. It only appears that way because one of our leaders thinks he is good at it and seems to think he wasn't hired to be a full time chamber leader.

Editors note: What you didn't mention is the fact that the most recent negative comments linked to the chamber relate to the chamber's announcement of forming a political action committee (PAC). We've actually heard from several of your members with similar comments. It is good to finally have one of you actually write in. Perhaps your membership will find their voices and correct whatever problems you