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Public Discussion - Now See City Discussion & News at www.HotSpringsTalk.com

The Arkansas Municipal League published a discussion in recent years about the City Manager Form of Government. The discussion basically stated that of the 400 cities in Arkansas around 15 of them changed to the City Manager form of Government around 20 years ago under the belief that a professional could run a city more efficiently than an elected politician. Since that time all but 5 have returned to the mayor alderman form of government. The remaining City Manager Cities are Hot springs, Arkadelphia, Hope, Texarkana, and Little Rock. Additionally three cities in Arkansas have the City Administrator Form of Government. They are Barling, Fort Smith, and Siloam Springs. The decline in the City Manager Form of Government has been attributed by the municipal league to criticism that is not responsive to the public and that it relies too heavily on consultants and studies to make decisions.

Editors Note:  We hear Little Rock is considering getting rid of the City Manager form.

In Mr. Vanderberg’s recent letter he condemned Mr. Messersmith, Patterson and Shirley because they envision a better government, run by the people instead of a City Manager. Mr. Vanderberg had to impress on the readers that he was a college graduate and could remember a quote from his communication class. I am sure that the instructor did not intend for his statement to be taken out of context. With the pooling of intelligence it is a given that a better solution can be found.  I don’t have an MBA, as Mr. Vanderberg proclaims, but as an instructor of National Staff College (graduate accredited) for the Air Force, I would hope that my students left my class being able to think for themselves. I think maybe Mr. Vanderberg missed a few classes. Anyone wishing to better the government, Local, City, State or Federal, are not Zeros and far from Ignorant. Ignorance comes from not recognizing a problem or not taking the effort required to make change.

That being said let us examine some of the problems. Our mayor past, present or future is not a hired Mayor. He is elected by the people. The problem is that the present elected Mayor has no power. We have delegated all the power and influence over to a HIRED CITY MANAGER, not elected by the people. He is not from Hot Springs, and even “not that fond of Hot Springs”. Mr. Vanderberg indicated that through our volunteer elected City Directors, we have the power to remove the City Manager. Please give me a realistic time table. Since the Directors are volunteers, good bad or indifferent, the selection pool of qualified candidates is automatically limited. So first we have to find qualified volunteers that are willing to think for themselves and for the good of the City, and investigate possible problems. Since the present board is mostly controlled by the City Manager, we will have to find approximately 4 new volunteers willing to be City Directors. Then, hopefully they will need time to investigate the problems and form solutions. Then and only then might we see a change in City Management. By that time the problem will have taken his resume (of achievements during his tenure) and left the City holding the bag of Liabilities.

Lets look at Mr. Vanderberg’s analogy of volunteer City Directors to that of a Hospital Volunteer. A hospital volunteer works under the strict supervision of qualified paid staff. Please do not allow a hospital volunteer perform an operation on me. True they are cheaper, maybe just as motivated, many times qualified, but face it, quality volunteers are limited in number. If the all volunteer system works so well, why doesn’t Wal-Mart use an all volunteer staff? Problem is that ideas tend to stagnate. Any form of government requires a good flushing on a routine basis. The president of the USA and his staff is subject to this requirement every four years and limit their stay in power to a maximum of eight years.

On the subject of “flushing”, no, changing the system may not lower your sewer bill, but ask yourself, why, since Melton retired with a surplus budget, has the sudden problems in the budget require a request for an maximum increase in sewer bills? Perhaps mismanagement. Why does the Management think that county residents sewer bill should be higher knowing that it is illegal to increase rates disproportionately? Why will the Directors allow this to happen? Answer is simple, the volunteer Directors will follow the City Manager’s lead. They do not have the time and motivation to investigate thoroughly the true problems. Who will pay the cost of the “oversight”? The City will in increased legal fees to counter the mostly assured lawsuits rightfully filed in behalf of the county residents. Who wins? The City Manager will have yet another achievement feather in his resume.

Lets take a look at the Baptist Hotel, Nick, Darsh, Medical Arts and Math and Science Building. Oops, sorry my space is limited. But a good investigative reporter could have a ball in this town. Start by checking the City Buildings for City Compliance.

Lets clean up our government before it cleans us out.

Editors Note:  Guess we missed your letter to the editor in 2004.  Was it published?  We would agree that the letter sounds appropriate today almost 4 years later.

From:  A Resident - Hot Springs                                                                                                                                   Date:  December 19, 2007

Editors Note:  It would be difficult to add to your comments and perception of the meeting.  Just know that you were not the only person in town shaking their head in disbelief.

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs                                                                                                                                   Date:  November 30, 2007

U of A Should Support Math & Sciences School, Not City Taxpayers

Editors Note:  That was several million they just "elected" to give to Houston Nutt.  It would be nice for them to elect to maintain their building assuming whatever rent, if any, they are paying to the city doesn't cover proper maintenance.  Moreover, with the city's record of maintaining roofs of city buildings, why would the University trust the city leaders to maintain anything for them?

How High Do Taxes Get Before We Are Forced To Move Out-Of-Town?

Editors Note:  It appears that our city leaders have become afflicted with the same mentality so many of our professional politicians have.  Their view is that "It's not REAL money - It's only TAX money."

Myers' Proposed Tax Increase Larger Than Reported

Editors Note:  It is so noted.  Myer's proposed property tax increase is 2 mills.  Remember he also proposed a $2 and $4 increase for residents and business water/wastewater bills for the "mandates" that only Benton has paid any attention to.

Myer's Kingdom is Rich One Day, Poor the Next

Editors Note:  He apparently thinks the public will approve new taxes if he can disguise them as being for fire and police.  He said as much last evening.  He is likely correct but the city should pay their fair share for fire and police and stop the skimming of existing taxes through his "allocation" schemes and stop charging fire and police exorbitant fees for oil changes, etc.

Director Smith Back on His Job at QCC

Editors Note:  We empathize with you but are not in a position to assist your center other than to report information, such as yours, so that responsible persons can take appropriate actions.  Please do send your information so we can make it available to appropriate parties.  As to his city board position, stay tuned.  We agree that  he has far exceeded his limits for performing as a city board member and he should either resign or be removed.

Director Smith Suspended From His Job at QCC

Editors Note:  Okay, Okay.  We didn't report it because it borders on his personal life but numerous citizens have pointed out that politicians should be open and honest about everything they do including their personal lives.  Not being open and honest with his board appears to be why he was suspended.

More Information on the "Flim-Flam" City Director

Editors Note:  That is certainly a question citizens should seriously consider.  We did note several board members at his most recent court hearing so it may be more difficult for him to also convince them that hearing didn't happen.

Today’s Sentinel Record covered a national news story for one of it’s largest advertisers today just as you would expect them to. They Sugar coated it. They referred to a drug resistant bacterial infection in the ICU unit of the hospital that has a huge advertising account with them as being in the ICU department 12 times in the article they mentioned the ICU department. The newspaper went on for 8 columns about the fabulous controls the hospital put into place, but not once did they point out that the infection was also found in 2 patients in the general population as Fox News who doesn’t receive ad dollars from the hospital did. I believe the people of Hot Springs were misled by that article to believe that the problem was isolated to that one floor of the hospital. If Fox News is correct in their reporting large numbers of people may have been exposed in other areas of the hospital and our local newspaper is covering that up.

Fox News reported: “The multi-drug-resistant bacteria known as acinetobacter has affected six critically ill patients so far, four of them in intensive care and the other two in the general medical population, Chopra said.”

The Sentinel Record reported on the ICU department 12 times they stated: “place its intensive care unit off-limits to visitors and additional patients Friday,”  “St. Joseph’s ICU off-limits”  “ICU CLOSED”   ”has placed the hospital’s ICU off-limits temporarily”  “related infections often occur in ICU units”   “we closed down the ICU to visitors”  “I think we saw a pattern in some patients within the ICU,” Chopra said.”  ““think through those instances where a patient’s care may require putting them in ICU and delay those procedures because we’re not allowing any entry into the ICU. And we are not allowing the discharge of any ICU patient to another unit on the floor.”  “Patients who may need ICU care due to an emergency situation will be diverted”  “the ICU being off-limits until we hear otherwise from regulatory agencies”

Regarding the seriousness of the infections Fox news reported it as deadly while the Sentinel Record reported on the recovery times.

Fox News reported: "It's associated with high mortality," he (Chopra) said.

The Sentinel Record reported: "Treatment of the infection is through intravenous antibiotics but recovery time varies from patient to patient," Chopra said.

While you are watching the City who is watching the local newspaper? Their reporting of the recent crime series and the open forum were similarly slanted.  In the October 18, 2007 The Sentinel record reported

“City plans public forum - The Hot Springs Board of Directors will host a community forum at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, in the second floor training room at the Central Fire Station, 310 Broadway Ave. The forum is open to the public. Dave Byerly, president and CEO of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, will moderate the forum. City directors and staff will be on hand to answer questions. All topics of discussion are welcome.”

The City directors were not on hand to answer questions and all topics were not welcome.

Editors Note:  We were with you until the final statement.  The directors, mayor, and city manager were all there, they just didn't take any questions.  Except for the crime issue, the topics did appear to be carefully selected.

Recent hurricanes and climatic issues are proof of the existence of a new chemical element.

Research has led to the  discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.

Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.

A  minute amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction (that would normally take less than a second) any time from four days to four years to complete.

Governmentium has a normal half-life of two to six years; it does not  decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which some of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.

In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization  will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.

This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration.

This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass. When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium, since it has half as many peons but twice as many  morons.

Any questions?

Editors Note:  Yeah, why do we have more than our fair share of this element right here in river city?  Most of ours appears to be in a constant gaseous state so how can it be dissipated?

Editors Note:  Makes sense.  If no entity's funding is reduced, why not give the public a break?

Quit the Personal Attacks and Name Calling

Editors Note:  Thanks for the input which is necessary for us to keep our site refined.  We do wish you had been a bit more specific about the name calling.  Numerous people write in and use some very vile language and call local politicians names that we don't print here.  However, we feel it is important to provide a forum where everyone can express their views so long as they keep them somewhat civil.  Your final comment about protecting your job sort of proves that some people need others to do the dirty work and occasionally call a spade, a spade.  However, others have expressed some of the same concerns that comments from the public may reflect on the group's views and because of these, we have some folks that are initiating a new website that provides a public forum but is not connected with the Garland Good Government Group.  This site is actually up now and will soon replace www.Hot-Springs-Metro.org.  The new site is www.HotSpringsTalk.com so check it out.

Director Slithers By Contempt of Court Citation

Editors Note:  Withholding information from one's employer would typically be considered as a serious offense and was is painfully obvious that he did not tell his employer that he had gotten them into major legal problems.  It will be interesting to see what action the QCC board takes.  As to you last question: hasn't he just proved what actions he would take to cover up problems?

Oct 25 - UPDATE to Smith court saga: The 2 hearings were consolidated and heard on Thursday, October 25 at 2 PM.  Visiting Judge Burnett was prepared to issue "Contempt of Court" citations to both Mr. Smith and the Quapaw Community Center.  Mr. Smith recommended that he be allowed to post the bond that he was supposed to post prior to filing an appeal to Circuit Court and the request was granted.  It was interesting to note that the Quapaw Community Center's attorney showed up to represent them since Mr. Smith had obviously failed to notify his board that his actions (or lack thereof) had also gotten a contempt order ready to be issued against the center.  The judge gave Mr. Smith until 10 AM Friday, October 25th to post a bond in the identical amount of the judgment against him ($2,315.52) or the Contempt of Court order would be instated and an warrant will be issued for his arrest.

Editors Note:  We know the answers to a few of those questions but it will be much more interesting to hear Mr. Smith's answers.  We certainly hope you get to ask them at the Thursday meeting.  For the public's information: The meeting will be held at 5:30 PM at the Central Fire Station on Broadway which is just a couple of blocks up the street from the City Transportation Plaza.  By the way, all of the directors have indicated that they will attend and answer questions from the public.  We will believe it only when we see it.

UPDATE to following story:  The 2 hearings have now been consolidated for Thursday (October 25) both will now be at 2 PM.  Once is for Smith's failure to file a statement of assets. The second should be for the community center failure to answer the garnishment. (also from Concerned Citizen)

Editors Note:  We will not only be a fly on the wall, we'll be interested citizens sitting in the audience when the hearing is held on October 25th.   We agree that Mr. Smith appears to think he can be his own lawyer.  Real attorneys have a cliché that relate to attorneys representing themselves, "He who represents himself has a fool for an attorney."  Wonder how that would go if neither the represented or the representative is an attorney.

Editors Note:  Yes we do know her.  We are proud that Dr. Anable is one of our active members.  Several members and non-members send us their "letters to the editor."  Remember, we also have an editor and this practice simply increases readership of citizen's concerns.  As to the news items, we try and stay abreast of what is going on in our town.  With well over 100 members from all over the area, we often get information before others in the media.

Editors Note:  You are very astute in your assessment of the benefits of his listed "accomplishments."  Mr. Bush did not get his "instant gratification" but apparently, he has not stopped the effort.  Did you also notice his repeated slogan about keeping the city moving?  That sound good but isn't the direction more important than the momentum?  If his leadership and direction are taking us toward worse traffic, less public safety, more debt, etc., etc., wouldn't we be better served by taking a different direction?  Of course, that could require different leadership that actually recognizes the need for a new direction.

Editors Note:  We believe the GGGG is planning a voter registration drive and will be addressing voter apathy before next fall's elections.  It is sad that more people don't vote.  We hope voters remember, "if you don't vote, you have no right to complain" about the issues or candidates you didn't vote against.

Editors Note:  Well said.  Don't you think they will have to lose their egos and attitudes first?

Editors Note:  Don't bet on it.  Thanks for the congratulations but we didn't actually campaign against a new city hall.  We simply tried to point out the facts because we think our citizens are smart enough to know a good deal from a bad deal when they see it.

Editors Note:  Interesting insights.  You obviously have given up on converting any remaining rats, huh?

Editors Note:  Thanks for the "Heads Up."  It is unfortunate that a very few but well paid employees are wasting our money on worthless projects but take credit for what many of our great city employees are doing who get little credit and little pay.

Bank Should Watch Out for Hired Guns Also Known as Code Enforcement

Editors Note:  It is amazing that a city director doesn't understand how the law works or even what "garnishment" means.  Unfortunately, he is not the only mental giant that wants to administer $14 million of our money for the city hall bond issue.

Editors Note:  It is deja vue all over again.  This 1998 website sounds like today even today's story about Grapette.

CCiittyy MMaannaggeerr Now Renamed "Special K"

Editors Note:  You make some really good points.  We certainly do not wish to impede his job search in any way.  For this reason, all references below have now been temporarily changed to "Special K" and all titles are now temporarily, "CCiittyy MMaannaannggeerr."

Wake Up Hot Springs

Editors Note:  We are working hard to get the word out that there is an election but we have very limited funds.  Please help spread the word.  Your observation is great - we do have numerous properties in town that could be utilized without having to build a new facility.

Why the One-Sided Reporting?

Editors Note:  Believe us, we have noticed the one-sided articles.  We have not been contacted for our views so we do have no idea why this type of reporting has occurred.  The "not a tax" is a ridiculous statement.  The only methods the city has to obtain funds is through water or sewer sales, airport or transportation fees, permits, deposits, fines, or taxes (including occupation taxes and taxes turned back which we paid to the state).  Whichever method you chose, the citizens pay it.  Wouldn't it be nice if our city leaders would stop insulting our intelligence and just be honest with us?

Rank and File Police Officers Not Happy, Say Crime is on the Increase

Editors Note:  Thank you so much for having the courage to speak up.  It is too bad your supervisory personnel can't or won't do the same.  One of our primary objectives was to bring public awareness to the shortages in resources and manpower at our local PD.  Our city leaders simply must address the problem and provide adequate funding for salaries and benefits.  Otherwise we will lose the fine city employees we have to cities like Little Rock who are now aggressively adding to their police force.  Hopefully, the public will turn out in large numbers for the October 9 vote and then ask their elected leaders to use our "excess funds" to help both the police and fire departments.  Public safety is a higher priority than a new city hall.

Police and Press Finally Get it Right (at least closer)

Editors Note:  We certainly appreciate your pointing out what should have been obvious to our city leaders.  We did raise the awareness of the problem and whether we are ranked as 1st or 101st in crime isn't really the issue.  The issue is, indeed, what are we going to do about it.  You are so correct that someone had to point out that there may be priorities other than a new city hall our leaders should address.  Many have said that if we have $14 million to spend, let us spend it on a new jail or for new officers or equipment, etc.  At least people are beginning to think and to question the intentions of our city leaders.  A couple of questions are - Are these people doing what is in the best interest of our citizens such as their safety and welfare or wasting our money on things we can do without?  Do we really have a crime problem that is being dismissed or denied by our city manager and city board?  We just hope everyone will think about such questions before they go to vote for or against the big bond issue on October 9.

Democrat-Gazette and Capitan Say City Crime Under Control. Suburbs Likely the Problem

Editors Note:  Your point (or the Capitan's) about a "crime-ridden area that they had to get in bed with" should be stressed.  Check what the Arkansas Crime Information Center website lists for Hot Springs and for Garland County.  You will note that Hot Springs shows 13,349.6 crimes per 100,000 residents while Garland County shows just 314.9.  Click here and scroll down to Garland County.  Apparently, that next largest community of Hot Springs Village doesn't have quite the crime rate of Hot Springs after all.  Even Pulaski and Jefferson Counties barely passed 10,000 while our MSA exceeds 13,000.  Oh well, they will probable dismiss the state's figures also.  It is an unfortunate that our police feel compelled to make such wild statements.  It could be refreshing to see what they would say if the city manager would allow them to tell the truth instead of protecting him for not having a plan or providing proper funding to our police and fire departments.

Crime Reporting Methods Not So Different After All

Editors Note:  You are correct.  All comparisons by responsible agencies across the country show minor differences.  Unfortunately, many of those areas who don't stack up well deny the accuracy rather than doing something about our crime problem.  We'll say this again, "ignoring our crime problem is not working."

Some Crimes Apparently Not Important

Editors Note:  We never really did find out if we are using the "horribly outdated" or the "eight year old" system, did we?  Check the links at www.GGGGNews.com to see what the U.S. Justice Department says about the differences.  Bottom line is that they are minimal irrespective of what our local experts seem to think.  Apples and oranges are still both fruits about the same size, right?

Lets Find a Crime Ranking We're Comfortable With

Editors Note:  Naw, let us just keep talking about the numbers and forget the crimes.  Better yet, quit reporting crimes and the statistics get better quick.

The Professor Wants to Compare Tourist Towns - Lets Compare Tourist Towns

Editors Note:  Your later short comments are also worthy of note.  The Sunday report indicating that Hot Springs is likely using the UCR report methodology while the Monday reports indicates the NIBRS methods does demonstrate inconsistency and lack of thorough research.  The officials in Atlanta treated their crime ranking (http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com:80/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A255192&comments=yes) similarly to Hot Springs officials.  Denying that crime is bad doesn't solve the crime problem.

Sentinel Record Not Reporting Violent Crimes

Editors Note:  Professor Newman's students rate him at http://ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=793605 as being "too easy not to take"  Commentator later states, "That's a great commentary on our professional academic intelligentsia.  Actually, the guy's comments are simply irrelevant to the issue, which remains: on an objective scale (like the FBI might use?), how does Hot Springs (City and Metro) rate relative to other similarly sized areas on the incidence of violent (including implicitly violent, like household burglary) crime?"

Absent Director May Have Voted With the People

Editors Note:  Noted.  We certainly hope that Director Edwards is recovering and wish him all the best.

Only One Director Wants to Know What We Think

Editors Note:  Lots of good points.  The single vote against selling the property so cheap came from an unexpected source, Weatherford.  It was also rather strange

Why Did Quapaw Board Let This Happen?

Editors Note:  That is a BIG question.  Perhaps a BIGGER question is what will they (QCC) and we (citizens of the city) do now?

Hot Springs has Annexed Itself in a Corner

For those of you who read the article in the Sentinel Record last Thursday, September 13, 2007. City Fire Chief Ed Davis made some bold statements about attaching the City Fire Department’s needs to the County wide Tax under consideration for a larger County Jail.  I did confirm that some discussion was taking place among a few of the JPs and the City Fire Chief, however those were not as official as Chief Davis presented to the news. 

In today’s paper (September 20, 2007) a much more official standing was presented by Garland County Judge Larry Williams.  No where in the article did I see any mention of the County bailing the City Fire Department out of their problems.  In speaking to some of the other Fire Chiefs in the County, they are once again upset with Chief Davis assuming that the County should provide funds to the City Fire Department.  We have to keep in mind that the County Jail System is just that, a County Jail System and as much, is a responsibility of the County.  The Fire Departments are a different story.  The City is responsible for their own City Fire Department and the Volunteer Fire Departments are set up throughout the county, are supported by the membership and volunteers in each Department.       

Now, what is the rub?  When the City annexes part of the county, it takes away from the Volunteer Fire Departments source of income. Understandable so far, but, the City does not have the funds to expand and service the areas which it has so freely annexed.  Now they are asking the county to not only give up their source of funding the volunteer departments but also assist the City to serve the newly annexed areas.  Sort of like me taking your car away from you but wanting you to continue making the payments because I can’t afford the car by myself.

If this in some way gets attached to the Jail Issue, it would kill the possibility of a successful vote in a heartbeat.  The Jail is an issue which we as citizens and members of GGGG, must take seriously and must investigate thoroughly before showing support.  We also must be conscious of the fact that crime is going amuck in our City and County and we must take action.  We however should remain vigilant and not write blank checks to the County or the City without a complete and transparent plan.  As I see it at this point, such a plan is being organized by the right people without the assistance of the city manager or Fire Chief.

Let us look at the Volunteer Fire Departments.  They are regulated as to what they can and cannot do.  Therefore a county wide tax to support ALL the Fire Departments is not in order at this time.

Now let’s look at the City Fire Department.  The City has annexed itself into a corner where they need a station in the 7 south area and new equipment.  They already have service problems with the Garvin Garden area where they so smartly annexed by “Line of Sight”.  Now it seems that the Hot Springs Fire Department needs the assistance of the Lake Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department to meet its new obligations.  Same as with the 70 West area just across the bridge, the Chesswood apartments, new to the city, cannot be serviced easily by the Hot Springs Fire Department (equipment problem)  and must rely on the 70 West Fire Department. I am sure that if we travel out 270 west, we would find the same thing.  It appears that the City of Hot Springs is in danger of losing its ISO rating (Insurance Services Office) which is used by insurance companies to determine insurance rates.  A drop in rating could cost the citizens of Hot Springs literally millions in rate increases.  No wonder Ed Davis is trying to get money from the County Citizens, he cannot get support from his own City Management and City Directors.  They would rather spend the great portion of the “SURPLUS” on a New City Hall and let Police protection and Fire protection decline.  And who will get blamed for a drop in ISO rating?  You guessed it Chief Ed Davis, not Mayor Bush or Manager Kent Myers.  

So there you have it, the rest of the story.  At least you have more of the story.   With our city government like it is, it is hard to get the whole story.  Lets face it, it is hard to find a time when all our Department Heads and Directors are in the country at the same time

Editors Note:  So many insights and observations, it wouldn't be fair for us to comment.  Thanks for the worthwhile information.

GGGG Keeping Tabs - We Need to Clean House

City Director Peggy Maruther did an excellent job at the town hall meeting. All citizens that wish to speak were given an opportunity to have their say in a very respectable way. No one was shouted at, intimated or rude to. This should be the way our city directors meetings are held. When voting time comes up we all need to keep this in mind when we choose who we are going to vote for also the past history of some of our city directors voting record on different issues. With the GCGG keeping tabs on what is really going on in Garland county our decisions as whom to vote for will be pretty clear. We need to clean house from the top down. It's time we get what we are paying taxes for, not what a select few want.

Editors Note:  You are so very correct.  We will not endorse candidates but rest assured that we will give you the necessary information on candidates so you can make up your own mind.

Too Many City Parks

This group of City employees should look around and ask themselves where else in the NATION does a city this size have 19 parks................most of which there is little use of except to pay for the upkeep....It is disgusting that a "Eminent Domain" question should ever arise over this....there is no need for the taking of property. Folks at the Town Hall meeting on Sat. expressed themselves very well about their feelings toward re-zoning of persons property areas ..this is even worse.

Editors Note: We do remember the city saying we had no money to maintain the parks yet we are adding more and we apparently, can afford to send the parks director to Japan.  We just did.

Quapaw Community Center Mamber/Director Speaks Up

I have been a member of Quapaw Community Center since 1995...Was on the Board of Directors for about 3 years, as secretary. Then, went on staff as a water workout, Certified Leader, for the past 3 years, quitting in May of this year. I have seen a lot and heard a lot. I do know we have lost several valuable employees, because of alleged harassment from Steve Smith. Rodney, Nina, Mary and one, recently gave her notice.

I have seen him tell a very young expectant mother, when she asked that a machine in the exercise room, be moved away from the wall, to say to her in his trademark of promises, "Yes, I will take care of that immediately". This was followed by him going back to his office and ignoring the situation, entirely. The young woman stood there, as the receptionist came out of her office, after hearing this and went downstairs to locate the "handiman", to help HER pull the machine away from the wall.

This same "handiman" takes care of the pool and chemicals, after a couple days of schooling in another state, I understand. I, as an instructor, went to Mr. Smith, many, many times over the past two years, with complaints from members and myself about the chlorine level in the water. Only after many members walking out of the pool and leaving nasty notes for Mr. Smith and myself writing a letter to the President of the Board, was anything done. Always, promises. The complaints of chlorine problems, dirty shower rooms, dirty pool area, etc., are heard by deaf ears.

I am hoping some solution to the problem will be forthcoming at the next board meeting. These are not open to the public. There is an annual membership meeting, that is open to the members. I am not sure when the next one will be. Let me close with this. I love Quapaw Community Center. I feel good working out in the water, as the rest of our members do.

I hope we are able to stay open forever. I am concerned about our reputation being tarnished in an irreparable way, with recent publications of rude behavior on the part of our Executive Director.

Editors Note:  Sounds like you have a great center with great potential.  If only one person is impeding your potential and causing that much trouble, why is he still there?

Citizens Asking for Smith's Resignation

RE: Steve Smith-Letter to be presented at next Quapaw Community Center Board Meeting, September 26, 2007

Dear Mae,

I attended the September 15^th, Town Hall meeting, that Ms. Peggy Maruthur held at St. Michael’s school.

Toward the end of the meeting, Ms. Maruthur asked Elaine Jones, one of the two directors there, if she had heard Steve Smith’s very nasty outburst after the September 4^th city board meeting. Outburst directed at Ms Maruthur. Elaine Jones replied, that, "Yes, she had heard Steve Smith and that she would not have taken it".

I, also, hope that his future at Quapaw Community Center is deeply in debate about the value he is or isn’t to our wonderful center. I feel that Steve Smith and his harassment have cost the center many valuable and loyal employees. I understand another employee is leaving us soon, for this same problem. Enough is enough. Our reputation, with the city and donors, is in jeopardy, also.

If you are unable to see any side other than Steve’s, with this urgent matter, please withdraw yourself and let someone that is able to take care of the matter, to address it properly. Many members, as well as I, feel that if we continue with this present leadership, we will be closing our doors.

A real solution for the matter would be for Mr. Smith to resign from the City Board of Directors and also, from Quapaw Community Center. Both, need the best representation that they deserve.

Editors Note:  Sounds like a good solution to both your members' problems and the citizens' problems.

Could There Be a Class Action Suit for Mr. Smith?

Editors Note:  Sounds like you need to get your fellow employees together and join Director Maruthur in a class action suit.  No, Mr. Smith, that is not something you can wear.

Our First Wanted Poster

From:  A Disappointed Friend - Hot Springs                                                                                                            Date:  September 13, 2007

WANTED

 If you see this man beware.

He is DANGEROUS!!!

He is charged by The Sentinel-Record with taking taxpayer money for extravagant trips to the Orient

He may not be traveling alone.  He is sometimes seen with a scruffy individual who uses a female first name and has been known to wear a pony tail.

If you see either of these individuals, report them immediately to Don Thomason, ACE investigative reporter for The Sentinel-Record.

Editors Note:  Thanks for submitting.  Hey, we've seen them!!  We've seen them both!!  Is there a reward?

Town Hall Meeting Saturday

Editors Note:  We're certainly interested.  We'll be there.

Director Smith Not Yelling, " BINGO!!!"

Editors Note:  Sounds like Mr. Smith keeps adding to his problems.  What is more disturbing is what the City Attorney is or is not doing.  We heard that Director Weatherford was not prosecuted by the City Attorney for his violations but there may have been mitigating circumstances so we didn't pursue those reports.  However, outright representing a city director on city time or with our tax money is troubling and bears investigating.  Let us know if you have particulars, names, dates, case numbers, etc.

Citizens Can Have a Voice on the Radio

Editors Note:  Thanks for the 'heads-up.'  We'll tune in and see what the citizens have on their minds.

City Directors and Manager Turn Blind Eyes to Crime

Editors Note:   Thanks.  Be assured we will continue because OUR CITY IS WORTH SAVING.

Board Resignations Due

As for my observations of the activities at the City Board of Director's meeting, and the seriousness of the actions of Director Smith, one must conclude the Mayor and Smith are cut from the same cloth for him to find this insanity as generating entertainment for Board Meetings.

Maybe the Mayor's time would be better spent at the local jail where this is common place behavior and he can witness it 24/7 instead of having to wait for Board meetings!

Is anyone thinking there are resignations that are deserved and should be forthcoming from by those that find Code of Conduct rules too restraining for their style of interaction??????

Editors Note:  Resignations are past due.  The board conduct observed by our citizens at every meeting is embarrassing and inappropriate.

Some City Employees Haven't Gotten a Raise in 3 Years

Editors Note:  Thanks for pointing this fact out.  Shame on the city administration for not at least providing all employees with the same increase.  We knew they tried to leave out the police and fire departments but were not aware our "front line" crime fighters were totally left out.  We would encourage the city to correct this error ASAP.

More Problems for Director Smith

Editors Note:  It could get interesting.  Can the public go to those board meetings?  If readers wonder what you are referring to, they should see the July 18 and August 2 letters below.

Smith Shows True Colors

Low-Life, Low-Level Comments, Lack of Leadership?  These are Our Leaders You're Talking About.

city manager Lied or Just Embellished the Truth?

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs                                                                                                                  Date:  September 6, 2007

According to page 130 of the city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report 2006 the below are the tax revenues for each year since the people of hot springs petitioned the city for a vote to initiate a sales tax to support the Police and Fire Departments. Kent Myers opposed this initiative in 1998. 60 percent of the tax goes to the police department 40% to the fire department. Additionally the general fund has not increased it’s funding of the police or fire departments by one cent since the people initiated a tax increase for those departments benefit.  So, what is the city manager talking about when they told the TV stations that they had increased the spending on crime by 3 million dollars over the last 3 years?

 Year       Public safety sales tax revenue

1999         $3,714,816

2000          $4,131,251

2001          $4,534,429

2002          $4,449,744 

2003          $4,595,315

2004          $4,830,660

2005          $5,030,094

2006          $5,320,756

Editors Note:  Seems our city manager may have been a bit disingenuous (or plain wrong) with his comments, eh?  We noticed he also called our public safety report a "slap in the face" to our police department.  Our police departments is doing a great job with what the city forces them to work with.  If there is a "slap in the face" intended for someone, it would be the city manager.  Certainly not the police.  Don't try passing the buck or telling us what we mean Kent Myers.

Infamous "Pillow-Case Rapist" Now Living in Hot Springs

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs                                                                                                                  Date:  September 6, 2007

It seems to be a little discussed fact that the famous Pillow Case rapist chose Hot Springs because of the Clinton connection. After his release from prison a group caught him in an attempted rape in the Gary Indiana area and almost beat him to death. He now resides at 300 Washington Street in Hot Springs. 

http://www.acic.org/soff/index.php

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0DEFDB1E39F936A35751C1A963958260

http://www.pacificnews.org/jinn/stories/1.03/951208-rape.html

http://www.iht.com/articles/1995/12/09/topics.t_12.php

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4346833.html

California law has been shaped around his release to prevent such future releases in that state.

http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/95-96/bill/asm/ab_1551-1600/ab_1562_cfa_960830_030732_asm_floor.html

Editors Note:  Ohmigosh!!  You are correct!!  He is also listed in our Public Safety Committee report which we just released but we didn't recognize the name.

Manager Has Head Buried in the Sand

From:  Ted Burhenn - Hot Springs                                                                                                                 Date:  September 6, 2007

We all know the story about the two girl ostriches being harassed by the two boy ostriches. They stuck their head in the sand and the two boys said, “Now where did they go?” Like the ostriches, the city manager thinks that the Public Safety Issue will go away.

The Garland Good Government Group presented a very comprehensive study on the excessive crime in Hot Springs based on FACTS from various crime reporting agencies including our own police department. Kent Myers’ only comment was that the facts were wrong. In other words the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Arkansas Crime Information Center is giving out bad information. The seven people who were killed this year aren’t really dead, all the women who were raped were not raped after all and nobody was mugged or beaten. Not in his office anyway

My apologies to all the victims of the Hot Springs Crime Wave. With the exception of the city manager, you are not statistics that we can ignore. Your pain is shared by everyone in our community. We think about you as we walk downtown shopping. We think about you walking out to our car at the mall. Yes we even think about you standing in front of the City Hall. We think about you in the “safety” of our own homes. You were not safe when you should have been and neither are we. Now that the city manager’s priorities are focused on a new City Hall, funding for public safety could be delayed for 25 years while we pay for it.

Mr. MMyyeerrss should be more concerned about a solution, not a cover up. How does he do that? Instead of sending the Parks Director to Japan when they don’t have budgeted money to maintain the parks, instead of “buying” the Stepford Director’s votes by shipping them off to Japan and New Orleans, maybe just maybe, he should listen to the Police Chief instead of hiring “Yes Sir" Department Heads. Maybe he should allow the Police and Fire Department to retain the money budgeted to them instead of transferring it back to the general fund in administrative fees and $70 oil changes.

Yes, Mr. MMyyeerrss, pull your head out of the sand, the problem is here and will not go away by changing the way you report crime. Besides the part of you that is still exposed is the part you should cover.

Editors Note:  Wow!  Looks like we opened Pandora's Box.  Surely there aren't any code violations in the photo you sent.

County 3-U Formula

County Also Ignores the Public?

Just a quick note to let ya know you’re not the only folks with representative issues…Over in the Garland County clubhouse the elected have been meeting just like your directors do. And just like your directors the majority of justices pay little attention to the standing room only crowds who for the most part opposed the most recent act of tyranny called a "NUISANCE ORDINANCE". Likely you’ve seen the press on the matter as well as the letters to the editor. This past Monday night, as the committee meeting met to consider its options (for the amended version of said ordinance) the time to vote had arrived… the chair had already forgotten his earlier announcement ref. open comments prior to the vote: JP Mickey Gates fortunately spoke up to address this oversight. The following forty-five minutes of expressed opinions revealed: an overwhelming majority of rural county residents flat out against the measure. Very specific challenges made about constitutionality, vagueness of definitions, and inconsistency with state statute was but a few of the sound points presented. One individual even pointed out the ‘unsightly-unsafe and possible unsanitary presence of black mold in the very courtroom we occupied. Behind the scenes people are being directed to this web site to see how ya’ll are doin’ it: maybe just maybe you’ll need a bigger than big new meeting place.

City Directors Meeting Embarrassing

we just watched our latest board meeting and i couldn't believe what i was hearing 'agender' !  thank goodness brian took over or a simple meeting would have lasted until midnight. i really hope that no one was watching. i'm going to tell people i live in arkadelphia.

Hot Springs Chamber Not Big Enough to Promote New City Hall

I write to say that with the usual arrogance that is part of this Board of Directors for the City of Hot Springs, a plan is under way to purchase additional properties on Central. This, in itself, is not a bad idea as the property values are rising, however to buy the property with the idea that the election in Hot Springs is a "done deal", and this will all become part of the City Hall complex is beyond this reader of the Sentinel Record newspapers understanding. It is time for the group that started the petition circulation to surface again with BUMPER stickers for the citizens to save for the October election. If only three persons were contacted by each signer supporting the right to vote on the issue, I imagine there would not be enough members of the Chamber to pledge support of votes in favor of city hall..............

Prediction: Voters Won't Stop City Leaders Spending or New City Hall

Just went online to send you a message and get your opinion on the city managers comments in todays paper and noticed you already reported on what they are up to. How do you always get this kind of information before the news media? Since you already commented and I agree this is a slap in the face to all us citizens but let me add some comments. The elected city people are wasting our money as fast as they can. You told us they are spending $15,000 of our tax dollars to get an appraisal on more property so we can see the new city hall better. They spent $50,000 for the option to buy the old hospital and $20,000 to have that same good old boy appraise it. My thoughts are that they will never stop. I think they are going to hire and pay architect Douglas Arnold for the picture and work he has done. He didn't do that work for nothing did he? I predict the next thing city manager and city board does is to buy the hospital property for $1,300,000 so they don't lose the $50,000 option and those hundreds of other people who wanted to buy it won't get it. Then they buy the Central ave property for $1,300,000 plus. MMyyeerrss admits he has no funding for it but he will find a source if he has to take it away from some departments like fire or police. He found money for the directors to go to Japan a week after he said the city was broke. Next he and his directors will hire architects, public relations firms, bond counsels, financial advisors, lawyers, contractors and consultants. That probably costs us $2,000,000 or more. Then they do designs, planning, advertising to sell us taxpayers how bad we need a city hall, tear down all the buildings, fill and shape the land and plant some grass and trees. All this will be done before and after the voters reject a new city hall in October. What I am saying is they are determined to have a city hall if they have to build it one room or one floor at a time. The voters are nobody and are not going to get in their way. Watch and see if old Don isn't right on this.

Run City Like a Business?  What a Concept!

Why don't you guys quit beating around the bush and tell us what you know about Meyers, Bush, Daniel, Smith and Weatherford. Either you know something or you don't. The more important things to think about are how they are running the city. How about tell us about how they are qualified to run the city like a business and not a money losing bunch of spendthrifts. Not what they have done in there personal lives. Bush has a record of low level management but not with his own money. Meyers has never run a business but has a poor record and got his last city sued because of the way he ran it. If the city was a business these boys would have it bankrupt. Fact is Smiths companies he run went bankrupt. Weatherford has personally went bankrupt four times. Four times. Daniel is on the board to help his business. Look at his record and what you said about him. He votes to give himself city contracts. This is not what we need. The question is how can these boys run a city when they proved they can't or won't run a business right. Give us facts that show us why they are not qualified to run a city like a business.

Same Standards

Call your U.S. Senate and House Representative and tell them you expect the Congress to hold foreign companies in China and other countries including Mexico to the same environmental laws and standards as the U.S. or prohibit their imports. What good does it do us to make laws and enforce environmental standards on companies here in the U.S. when companies are leaving the U.S. and going to China because there are no environmental laws or standards. We can't enforce laws against filthy coal burning plants in China or other countries used for electricity because its there, but we can require environmental laws and standards on steel and steel products from China and other products directly linked to air pollution, or prohibit their import. The U.S. Congress has the authority and power to require, enforce and inspect those manufacturing facilities, or prohibit their import. Like the importation of U.S. beef to Japan and S. Korea. The product (beef) meets their requirements and standards or they prohibit the import. They have every right to come here to the U.S. and inspect U.S. manufacturing facilities and processing plants, or prohibit the import which they have done. We can no longer afford to allow U.S. companies to move to China for cheap labor and total disregard for the environment. We need to hold these foreign governments and businesses responsible for their actions when it comes to the importation of foreign products that by-pass U.S. laws and environmental standards. Its simply irresponsible and an unfair trade practice that jeopardizes the global environment and U.S. businesses. Foreign companies in Japan and S. Korea seem to have no problem when it comes to telling the U.S. Congress what they expect and require on U.S. exports, and the Congress does it to sell U.S. goods abroad. We need to hold them to the same standards.

Editors Note: Seems there are double standards everywhere these days.

city manager Also Capable of Bone-Headed Ideas

Well, our city manager, Kent Myers, met with the skateboarders who were arrested by Officer Joey Williams and has decided to let them stage a two-day protest rally downtown on July 8th and 9th. More of our tax dollars at work since there will be an added police presence and officers called in to work. Kudos to Kent Myers for yet another bone-headed decision.

Bonehead Decisions Dictate Bonehead Directors Removal

We haven't lived in Hot Springs very long but after reading your columns, talking to neighbors and witnessing traffic conditions and crime statistics firsthand, we strongly support what your group is trying to do. We strongly support any effort that will get Mayor Bush and the rest of the rude and crude board members removed. Arkansas has an Ethics Commission. Has your group reported any of the nepotism, conflicts of interest, and denial of freedom of speech issues to them? There should be other state and federal agencies that could intervene and remove these people. Has anyone filed a lawsuit against these characters? The decisions they have made for traffic, parking and public safety have to rate as some of the most bizarre bonehead decisions ever. We plan to attend one of your meetings in the future and help you get rid of those boneheads. We also wish to personally thank all of you for what you are doing for our newly adopted city. Keep up the good work. We hope to visit with all of you soon.

Who is the Mayor, Really?

Okay so Mayor Mike Bush is the "Man of the Year." We tried to find a biography on him or at least some recent achievements. He is a mystery man as far as the Internet is concerned. One reference was found which said he was an electric company executive. He seems to have a degree from Henderson in Arkadelphia. Is he active in any community service organizations? How did he get elected if he hasn't done any more than the Internet has on him?

Take Off Those Rose Colored Glasses

I am truly amazed when I hear persons discuss "who will pay for the election?" we are to FINALLY have on the city hall bond issue.

Are these people aware that this is a state constitutional right, and petition solicitors have proved that a sufficient number of persons did want the right to decide, rectifying the choice that had been taken away from them by the City Board of Directors?

For persons living off of 70 West and Lakeshore they might say the stench of sewage (on a regular basis) from a "pump station" that has been a problem for over 14 years is far more important than taking every spare coin the city can get their hands on to pay $520,000.00 a year for 25 years to construct a city hall...an idea without plans, and without any promise to place funds from the sale/leasing of other city property toward the bond pay-off!! City leaders have been talking for some time about an expressed need for a jail, pension funding contributions, and fixing necessary city services. Have all of these issues been resolved through some magic act that was not disclosed to WE THE PEOPLE?

Some people seen to be viewing this whole issue through rose colored glasses. It was the City Board of Directors denial of the taxpayers right to decide that set the ball rolling!

Did you "get it" on the first reading..$.520,000.00 for 25 years.....Do you realize that if there is no money to do the normal city upkeep now, what will happen when this debt is due and we do not have the funds?

Editors Note:  We're thinking and it is not a rosy picture.  Not having to pay the debt service on the bonds our board wanted to sell without the people's input is saving the citizens over $1,534 per day including weekends.  That means we have already saved approximately $24,544.  Who gets credit for those savings?  Over 3,000 good, hard-working, taxpayers of Hot Springs who canvassed or signed petitions.  That is who.

Who Really Voted for Man of the Year?

We see where mayor Mike Bush was elected as the man of the year. After reading about Mr. Bush on your web site we wondered how he could win such an honor. After checking into it, we got the answer. His selfish friends, architects, real estate agents, bankers, advisors and others who would make a lot of money by building a new city hall helped stuff the ballots for him. His Rotary club put on a drive to help him win. We went back to last year to see who the honor went to and found it was Dick Antoine. Dick came in second this year. We thought it interesting how you got 3,000 votes against him and the paper got 50 votes for his honor, the mayor.

An Open Letter to Mayor Bush

Editors Note: We've also noticed the mayor's frequent lapses of memory.  Watch the last meeting and you will see he even forgets what some board or commission acronyms stand for, who is on the board, and who appoints the members.  We really think some of the "where do you live and what district are you in?" questions are just designed to illustrate that county residents are third class citizens and should have no right to even speak to a distinguished  Director or Mayor.

Director Says City Has Nothing To Do With Fireworks, Then Votes On Fireworks Ordinance.

I watched the board meeting last night and had a couple of questions:

Director Daniel was so pompous in his explaining the fireworks display process and that he was an "employee" of Jack Warner Co. why did he not make this in a full disclosure to the public at the onset of this issue arising before the City Board? Why does he, Director Daniel not produce a spread sheet showing what the expenses are and what he is making, ie. how much money he is putting in his pocket. Transparency is good in government.

Everything may very well be on the up an up and done everywhere else the same way it's done here regarding firework displays that somehow involve Municipal Governments, but the failure to disclose the information of his, Director Daniel's, involvement makes it look as if something shady is going on. Don't you think?

My second thought was that if the City has "nothing to do with the fireworks displays" other than act as a trusted repository for the donated money, why did they," The City Board", take the time and energy to pass an ordinance dispensing with the need for competitive bidding from those that would be interested in presenting these displays.

I assume that things are on the up and up but why do so many of the Directors on the Board insist on consistently making contradictory statements and actions? No wonder there is so much distrust among the City and County residents.

Got Junk to Store?  Call the Hot Springs Airport "Rent-a-Hangar" Program.

If you ask the Managers about the problem, they will respond by saying, "There is an aircraft assigned to each occupied hanger." That does not mean that an aircraft is actually stored in the hanger, in fact some hangers purportedly have never seen a plane since construction. This is a waste of taxpayers money and cluttering the airport with unnecessary buildings and liability. The National Security Council should be alerted and appropriate action be taken. Lets stop waste in city management and demand an inspection be made of each hanger for violators. The inspector should be accompanied by the press for validation. And lets stop the double talk from the "Hired Help".

Editors Note:  We certainly agree with the city misinformation being inappropriate.  However, if we need to store personal items and can save two-thirds on the cost, why would we use the rental centers?

Next Petition Drive to Recall City Directors?

Congratulations on your sucessful petition drive. I understand you are looking for another project. I see where you are planning another petition drive and I would like to recommend you do a city director recall petition drive. You need to recall the arrogant mayor and directors Smith, Daniels, and especially Weatherford. Just let us know where we can find the petitions and I guarantee you more city voters than you got the last time will find it and sign it. Those guys are only working for themselves and the good old boy group. I commend you for your sucess. Keep it going and get rid of those arrogant jerks.

Editors Note:  Actually, we are not quite finished with the last petition drive and we have not decided to do another petition drive.  We only mentioned that we were looking into the legalities of whether or not our current group should even do a recall petition as this activity may be considered as political.  We are an apolitical group and we believe that is the proper position for the GGGG to retain.  There are, indeed, several individuals within our group that want to start a recall of some directors.  Please note that Director Smith voted to allow the public a right to vote.  Although he has made several incorrect votes in the past, you should take a hard look at him before you throw him to the wolves.  He may have seen the light.  Stranger things have happened.

City has Surplus but Police and Fire Departments are BROKE !!

I'm not sure if the citizens of Hot Springs are aware that the Police and Fire Departments are BROKE! The Police Department can't even afford to pay any Officers overtime during the HOG rally because of the budget crisis. Officers are buying their own equipment, or having to find ways to fix the old equipment to make do. The jail bill has become so outrageous that all people with Fail to Appears (this includes NO BOND) warrants are being released on citations due to a jail bill that is thousands of dollars. Unless the warrants say the person has to be taken to jail and do not give them a citation, they are being turned loose. the Police Department pays, not the City of Hot Springs. Why does the Police department have to foot the bill for every little thing they do? Why does the City want to build a multimillion dollar city hall, but leave public safety in the dust? Officers are even being told "not to do any excessive driving" because of the gas prices. But yet they still deliver the board packets to the front door of every city board member. I understand that the fire department is in about the same shape. In my opinion, the Police and Fire should be of the highest priority for any city, but ours seem to have forgotten.

Editors Note: Thanks to you, the citizens are now aware that the city's so called "surplus" doesn't include the police and fire departments.  It is likely that turning violators loose to keep our jail bill down will eventually have an impact on our crime rate.  The police and fire departments also should not be subsidizing Mr. Myer's and our globe-trotting director's extravagance by paying the city over $200,000 for "administrative services" and over $300,000 for "financial services" from the half-cent sales tax the citizens voted to help the police and fire departments.  You cannot be more correct - Public Safety should come before a new city hall.  Thanks for your letter.  Sometimes it takes courage to state the facts but you need to know that the citizens of this city do appreciate our courageous police and fire personnel.  We are thankful for all that they do.  We're working hard to change the skewed priorities and get proper funding for public safety but we must first stop the spendthrifts who are ruining our city.

Smoke and Mirrors and Razzle Dazzle

Editors Note:  You're educating our city leaders somewhat.  Previously, they may not have known the proper terms for their actions (or inactions).  We agree that it is refreshing to see a director stand their ground on behalf of the public.  Perhaps we need to explain  what the term "Public Servant" really means to those other city leaders.

City Board Falsified, Now Who's Liable for the Funding?

Update, Update!!!!

Do you remember when the City Board falsified verification for the man converting the old Baptist Hotel so that he would qualify for MORE Federal funding..........and the Board allowed him to say he met the standards when, in fact, he had not ?

Editors Note: Yep, we remember.  We certainly don't know where he is or where the money is but we do hope the taxpayers aren't liable for it.

Recall the Rascals !!

We see your project on television, hear it on the radio, and read about it in the newspaper. We appreciate what you are doing and want to encourage you to keep up the momentum by having some more petition drives. We badly need to recall some directors and a mayor. Then we need to get rid of the would be emperor that sits in the city managers office. What ere the chances your group will continue your good work by helping us get some people who aren't interested in only helping themselves and their good old boy buddies in office? The people supported your petition and they will support another one if you don't wait too long to get started on it. Please let us know what you plan next. We haven't been to any of your meetings but plan to come soon.

Editors Note:  We look forward to seeing you at a meeting soon.  There have, indeed, been numerous individuals urging us to get involved in a recall petition but that decision has not been made.  We actually are looking into the legalities of whether this would be considered as "political activity" because there are potential reasons for us to not be involved in political activities.  We are waiting for an answer to several questions of legality and related concerns.  This is, however, not to say that a "recall committee" could not be formed outside of our group.  It is painfully obvious that our city representatives are not representing or even listening to the public.  For this reason, we agree with you that this may well be an excellent time for a recall petition.  It should actually be considerably easier that the petition drive for the voter referendum.

Just be Honest With the Public

Today's Sentinel Record headline is about the tax for the civic center ending. What caught my attention was how the former director Bob Wheller attributed the overwhelming support of the public to the fact they told the truth to the public. This fact was repeated again to show the right way to sell bonds. I could not help but draw a comparison to how Meyers, Bush, and the good old boys are selling bonds for a new city hall. This may have been the purpose of these people mentioning how bonds should be sold, by being honest with the public. Most of us still remember how Meyers and Director Weatherford tried to keep information from the public by telling city employees not to talk to the press. On top of this- the Mayor and Board ramrods the bond sale thru without holding public hearings or a vote of the people. We hope your Government Group is successful in letting the people vote. Best of luck to you and thanks for what you are doing.

Editors Note:  Thank you for the reinforcing comments.  We agree with the article and your assessment that the key to selling bonds is simply being honest with the citizens.  Our voters have proven this numerous times. The primary point we brought from the article was that in spite of the civic center tax being discussed for months, it still has not ended.  To us, this simply reinforces our contention that the taxes could and should have been ended months ago.  Of course, to have done so would have meant we would not have (accidentally?) created the surplus which is now being diverted and used for a purpose that the voters did NOT approve.  By the way, there was a single brief public hearing held just before the vote to sell the bonds but it was poorly advertised and very few people even knew it was scheduled.

Mayor Using Really Bad Words During a Board Meeting

The MP3 file attached to my email is the audio of the vote to allow citizens a vote on the new city hall. Listen carefully to what Mayor Bush says immediately after Director Edwards says "Aye". Director Smith has already voted "Aye" and when Edwards votes, Bush realizes he will be the tie breaking vote to not allow the citizens to vote. Bush's response is sort of a whispered "Ah Sh__" but it sure can be heard. Wonder what he is saying now that everybody knows he cast the deciding vote against letting the people vote?

Editors Note:  Thanks.  The audio is the vote for item 18 from the May 7 city board meeting.  An "aye" vote would allow the public to vote for or against spending over $14 million for a new city hall.  A "no" vote would deny the public a vote on this issue.  We converted the MP3 file to a WAV file so all readers can play it.  Just turn your speakers up and click here.

Selfish People Want a New City Hall

I haven't seen any letters supporting the new city hall in a long time. But I wanted to point out that every person who wrote in favor of a new city hall so far were the mayor's drinking buddies or people who do business with the city or realtors, architects, contractors, building material suppliers, plumbing suppliers, and similar people who stand to make money for building a city hall. These people should be ashamed of themselves for trying to take our tax money to line their pockets while most of us can barely get by. I know every one of the people who wrote in favor of the city hall except one and guarantee they have selfish interests just like the selfish board members.

Editors Note:  Your observations appear to be correct.  However, one more time; we are NOT opposed to the new $14 million city hall.  We have taken NO position for or against this issue.  We only oppose not allowing the citizens a voice or a vote.    

Creative Accounting Misdirects Police & Fire Taxes

Editors Note: Sounds a lot like the accidental "Surplus" that was created by letting the Civic Center taxes run for a few extra months.  "Creative Accounting" is a very kind description of the city manager's financial shenanigans.

Director Makes Hot Springs Look Like a Joke

This is to clear up the statements made about Carroll Weatherford having people beat up. This is coming straight from the horse’s mouth. Yes, Carroll Weatherford had someone kidnapped and thrown in a truck for stealing from him. The person that did this for Carroll Weatherford did two years prison time for that crime. Carroll Weatherford told him that nothing would happen to him for doing it, but that was a lie. Carroll Weatherford let this man sit in prison and would not help him for nothing in the world. Basically, Carroll had someone do his dirty work for him and allowed that person to suffer consequences while he got off Scott free. Carroll does this type of thing often. He puts people in situations where he comes off smelling like a rose while they suffer the consequences of the actions of which he asked them to do. He has been in the newspaper recently about not having a contractor’s license and was charged a fine for not having one, but his fine was so much smaller than other contractor’s that were charged a fine for the same thing. Why is this? He has done work at the Garland County Landfill, which was over fifty thousand dollars, which he did without a contractor’s license and was never charged a fine for that work. Also, he never had to put a bid in for the job, which was supposed to be an open bid job so that other people could try to get this work. He has been run off of jobs for stealing. Ask Xx. Xxxxxx about it in East Gate II. He also owes money to different people in town for building material that he just won’t pay for. He has also filed bankruptcy two or three times. However, he is still able to work and own a business…how can he do this? And about his being a white supremacist, this is not true. He has a lot of black girlfriends unknown to his wife. This poor woman has no idea of the man that she is married to. He sneaks around quite often, but there are people watching what he does. He is a sneaky man that wants to be a gangster like the old Hot Springs people were in the 20’s and 30’s. His trips to Japan are not for the city, they are for his personal pleasure so he can brag about going. He spends his time getting drunk and finding Geisha girls to indulge in coma sutra. And this is a man that sets on our board trying to be an upstanding citizen. What is out town coming to? To allow this kind of person to be on our board of directors makes Hot Springs look like a joke.

Editors Note:  We strive to always "get the facts right."  However, we heard from a fellow who said he was the one who did the prison time but he claims this was because he was already on parole rather than being convicted for kidnapping.  He also told us Weatherford was purposefully in Canton, TX at the time of the kidnapping.  Your "over $50,000" number is just a bit too low.  We did some digging and found that the payments actually totaled over $100,000.  We found over 20 separate journal entries in 2006 plus several more in 2007 paid by Garland County to Carroll Weatherford Construction.  The multiple entries do make it appear that someone with Garland County may have improperly avoided public bidding requirements.  For example, it appears that 4 separate checks were written on December 7, 2006 alone.  Also, recent bankruptcies appear to actually total 4.  These are listed as occurring on 4/7/1987, 8/5/1994, 7/23/1998, and 7/23/1999.  The membership in the Aryan Nations www.aryan-nations.org has been reported by several sources so we remain somewhat skeptical.  Finally, could you have meant Kama Sutra rather than coma sutra?  Thanks for your submittal.  Unlike some information we receive, we do try to be factual, especially when so much information is available from public records (e.g., County records, state bankruptcy records, state fines, rap sheets, etc.).

Taxpayers Help Fund city manager's Love Life?

Editors Note:  Send us photos, etc.  With your help, the citizens can see it for themselves.

Kudos - We Can Change the World

Editors Note:  Thanks.  We appreciate your perception, your candor, and your encouragement.

Chamber Not Performing Chamber Functions

city manager Is An Outright Liar ?

Editors Note:  You are unfortunately correct that the city leaders do not want to hear their citizen's opinions on this issue and most other issues.  You could consider a petition drive to recall the directors.  We are seriously studying a petition for a referendum (see today's "News" article) if you really want rid of the directors who voted against allowing you a vote or even a voice.

Lawsuit Against City

From:  Russ Skallerup - Hot Springs, AR                                                                        Date:  May 6, 2007

The following is for informational purposes

                                            IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF GARLAND COUNTY, ARKANSAS

If you are in this class, then the judgment in this case may affect your rights for any claims related to wastewater billing and charges during the relevant time period. Russ Skallerup and Beauford E. MMyyeerrss and their attorneys contend that the charges levied by the Defendants are illegal and unconstitutional. Among other things, the Plaintiffs contend that the City of Hot Springs promised various Sewer Improvement Districts and persons living outside the Hot Springs city limits that their sewer rates would be billed at the same rate as city residents. Therefore, the Plaintiffs contend that City of Hot Springs Ordinance No. 5274 improperly increased the rates of customers who live outside the city limits. Todd Turner and Dan Turner of Arnold, Turner & Turner, P.A. of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Toney McMillan of McMillan, Turner, McCorkle, Curry & Bennington, LLP of Arkadelphia, Arkansas have been approved as legal counsel for the class in this case.

If you wish to appear at the trial, you may do so. You do not have to attend the trial. If you wish to opt out, you must notify class counsel and the Clerk of the Court in writing, no later than one month prior to the trial date. All of the pleadings in this case are available for inspection at the Garland County Circuit clerk's office in Hot Springs, A.rkansas. The trial in this matter may take several days. The Plaintiffs are seeking a judgment against the Defendants for the amounts paid by all class members as set forth, requesting injunctive relief for the class, and seeking judgment for reasonable attorneys' fees and costs and any and all appropriate relief under the Plaintiffs' claims. If you have any questions about this notice or about the lawsuit, you should send it in writing to class counsel. Because there are a large number of customers who are members of the class in this case, you should not call the attorneys for the class, the clerk or the Court.

Approved on this day of     , 2007.

VICKI RlMA, Garland County Circuit Clerk

McMILLAN,  TURNER, McCORKLE, CURRY & BENNINGTON, LLP