Editors Note: Good questions all.  How about sending us some answers, Mr. City Attorney?  We will publish them right here so the public will know how this royal screw-up happened.  Don't you agree that it is way past time for someone to be held accountable?

From:  Not Signed  -  Hot Springs                                                                                                                                 Date:  November 29, 2007

Editors Note: We checked recently and discovered that Mr. Meyers salary was raised from over $114,000 to over $117,000.  Meyers and the city attorney were the only city employees to receive a 2.5 percent raise while other city employees received only 1.25 percent.  We understand Mr. Meyers reported to city employees that his raise was only 1.25 percent but this is not correct.  The information is public record.  You can check for yourself.  Shame on you, Mr. Meyers for lying to your employees.

Editors Note:  Actually, you are in the majority.  Based on the over 3,000 people who signed petitions and told city hall they didn't like what they were doing, the survey the city did last year, and every indicator you can find, the citizens of this town are fed up with the way our city leaders are operating.  The question is, are they willing to help do something about it?

Editors Note:  Amazing!  You put your finger on it with only one visit.   

Editors Note:  The word 'hypocrite' comes to mind.  Speaking of "how you cut it."  We hear that he brought a sack full of grass clippings and put them on the desk of a code enforcement officer last week just to remind them that he should not be questioned when his grass gets too high because he is an important director.  Sounds more childish to us.

Good Ol' Boy System Demonstrated Again

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                              Date:  August 15, 2007

From: Truth Purveyor - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                             Date:  August 14, 2007

A letter for Dick Antoine.

Mr. Antoine, let this note put you on notice that you now will be addressed for honesty and accuracy for comments made on your morning radio shows.

There will be no opportunity to scream, as you do to callers with whom you disagree , WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! You will not have the option you like to use by fumbling with your phone board saying 'they must have hung up' or indicating you have another caller.

Of course you can stop reading this, but I doubt you will since your ego is as big as your bulk, which you keep mentioning. You're happiest when talking about yourself.

Let's start with the misinformation you spew about the Garland Good Government Group and the October 9th election.

The Group is not required to pay for the city hall bond issue election, that's the law.

The reason for the election is that it will provide an opportunity for 2,500 or so Hot Springs voters who signed the petition to be heard regarding the construction of a new city hall. These voters realize they have not been heard by the arrogant city Board of Directors.

The election must be held. Again, it's the law. The bond issue is still in play regardless of the board relinquishing its' option on the Market Street property.

The bond issue language indicates it, ..is issued for the purpose of financing a portion of the costs of acquiring, constructing, furnishing and equipping a new municipal building and acquiring land in connection therewith, funding a debt service reserve and paying necessary expenses incidental thereto and authorization and issuance of the bonds.?

You have criticized the letter writers who anonymously send in letters to the GGGG web site. The nature of the politics in Hot Springs dictates that most of the writers do remain anonymous. Would you sign YOUR name if you were employed by the city? Retaliation is alive and well in and around our city.

Mr. Antoine, you thought some of the contributors to this web site should not point some of the legal problems Steve Smith and Carroll Weatherford have had. The information comes from public records. Do you conclude that anything that appears to be conflicts of interest of ethical conduct should not be mentioned about these or other directors? If so, you are so wrong.

Let the light shine so we, the citizens of Hot Springs, have transparency in government.

You appear to do all you can, as a sycophant, to expound by muddling the facts.

Editors Note:  Great factual points.  We even have many members who do not want their names listed due to fear of retribution from city board members.  Apparently, some board members have even had city departments harass city property owners for political reasons.  Dick has an ego?

Editors Note:  We need to send the city manager the phone numbers of some roofers.  Even if we build a new city hall, should we entrust the maintenance of it to our city manager?  There do seem to be other priorities which may be ahead of building a new city hall.

From: Citizens of Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                               Date:  August 12, 2007

Editors Note:  Hopefully, you are correct about the change.  We just hope people will begin to take the initiative and dig up the facts for themselves.  Most of this stuff is public record.

From: Blake Robertson - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                        Date:  August 12, 2007

"The honest hardworking citizens of Hot Springs, Arkansas are the overwhelming winners last Monday night when the City Directors voted to allow the property once touted by the Board and the City Manager as the next location of City Hall to go to a hotel developer.  It takes a big person to vote to change the opinion of Directors even though Kent Myers, city manager said that it was going to happen.  Luckily, Kent Myers does not have a vote.  The City Board, with their vote, has allowed the City to benefit from a large revenue developing improvement to the downtown landscape rather than place a non-revenue project in a very prime piece of property.

Let's consider some questions.  When was the last time that you went to City Hall?  How many times this year have you been to City Hall?  How many people come to Hot Springs each year?  Would these people stay downtown at a brand new hotel?  Would the City benefit from these visitors staying downtown at a brand new hotel?   The right decision was finally made, but what did it take to convince the Directors to make that decision?  Why did it take that much effort to convince them to do the right thing?

Editors Note:  Good questions.  We think we had some influence on them finally making the right decision.  The citizens of Hot Springs are not real happy with their leaders at present.  This could have pushed them over to being just plain "mad."

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                              Date:  August 9, 2007

Editors Note:  Probably not.  Buying the property was just one of several unreasonable actions the board has proposed.  Whatever the reason, we are happy that they had a last minute "change of heart" but our work is just beginning.  It is great to have periods where we don't have immediate problems and it is also quite nice to see the Sentinel Record agree with our position.  But, then again, how can you disagree with the public's desire for open, honest, ethical, representative government.  We simply just call it "good government" and our citizens deserve nothing less.

From: Tom Hedrick - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                          Date:  August 8, 2007

From: Enlightened by the City - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                Date:  August 7, 2007

Editors Note:  Sounds like a great experience.  We hope more folks will take enough interest in their city government to go to a few meetings and get the enlightenment you received.  Heck, it's almost worth paying admission to see.

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                              Date:  August 7, 2007

Editors Note:  The most disturbing part of your message is that the city manager left most of our city unprotected by bringing all the firemen to one location.  It does also seem like an expensive way for him to practice his pitch for the new city hall.  You have some great points.  Do you know how much the poll cost and who authorized it?  Surely they didn't use the public's money, do you think?

From: Rambling Man - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                              Date:  August 4, 2007

the quapaw community center///a.k.a.///never never land of incompetence....king stevie smith, or should i say queen for a day, cause i think when the truth finally does rise to the top, the cream will smell like a pig sty. speaking of pigs, did you say something stevie?

i have had some dealings with this self promoting, self adoring narcistic anti social city director. and i have even filed a complaint with the q.c.c board president, miss whatcha mcallit Mae. who did not want to give me the time of day. she, i felt in our conversation was irratated that someone would even think, let alone voice a complaint, about queen stevie. queen stevie had yelled and cursed at me in the q.c.c. and for no reason. maybe, the reason behind city code inspectors have been afraid to call on his majesty at 720 quapaw, is they may be afraid of

    a. the house falling in on them

    b. the big bad wolf

    c. that the odors of nausous and obnonious ego might rub off from his excallency.

i grew up on that same block and to my memory, there has always been an a__wipe of the month residing there. lets see, previous owner was caroll weatherford, and before him there was john orlitz, previous employed at a ww2 concentration camp. what a fine band of companions and debonair gentlemeanies.

i vote for stevie smith to be a to be a poster boy for lyeing a__ losers anomynous. also a close second as poster boy for self serving naracystic closet queen. time for a break. i must rest so i too can continue the struggle to inform the fine citizens of the metro area about the the neanderthals running amok with their tax dollars and the city check books. to my brethen in this cause keep pushing on to nina for the 411 on this page hugs to stevie smith, your day is coming, maybe time to pack up the big top, and move your clowna__ on. thank you in advance for doing so.

Editors Note:  Sometime when you aren't being so diplomatic, tell us how you really feel about this director.  Sorry, but we had to leave a few of your "ss's" out.

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                              Date:  August 3, 2007

Editors Note: We're with you.  We noticed that you said "disturbing" rather than "surprised."  They are so accustomed to ignoring the public that such an action shouldn't surprise us very much.

Editors Note:  Don't expect us to provide any answers.  It seems to be dumfounding to anyone with IQs over 60.

From: Concerned citizen BR549 - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                          Date:  August 2, 2007

From: A concerned citizen - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                        Date:  July 30, 2007

Editors Note:  We think their board only meets about once per year.  Hopefully, they will check his records at all courts including those in California for Smith-Hughes.

From: The Poor of Hot Springs - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                Date:  July 28, 2007

Editors Note:  Don't ever walk home at 2am from the hospital.  The editor's cell phone number is 617-4777.  Call it.

From: A concerned citizen - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                        Date:  July 27, 2007

Editors Note:  How about him handling $14 million of your money so they can build a new city hall to put their names on?

From: DC - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                                             Date:  July 27, 2007

Editors Note:  It appears that you are correct.  The point must be stated once again.  These are the people who expect us to allow them to spend some $14 million of our money for a project on which they didn't want to allow us to vote or even speak about.  We are only now learning how financially responsible our directors are.

From: Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                             Date:  July 23, 2007

Editors Note:  Could be.  We understand a number of traffic violations were dismissed.  Do you suppose any of those Capital One charges could have been incurred during one of his numerous trips to Hanamaki, Japan reimbursed by our taxpayers?  We just learned this was filed in in civil court (case CV-07-165) so don't blame the wrong court.

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                             Date:  July 20, 2007

Editors Note: Probably not.  We haven't heard about the other director so we don't know how to respond.  We will see what we can find out and answer back here.  The Smith episode shouldn't be that funny.  He is still sitting and making financial decisions for us irrespective of how he handles his own finances.  Does that thought make it a bit more serious?  Our research does not show a court case next week.

From: Diane Silverman - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                                    Date:  July 19, 2007

Editors Note:  Thanks so much for your kind words.  We understand this was also sent to the Sentinel Record for publication so watch for it.  This nice lady also just joined our group.  Hopefully, she will let us do a profile article on her in the future.  She has accomplished great things and we are so proud to have her as an energetic member.

We have many factors that, in just the past few years, have created transportation and traffic flow problems in Hot Springs. The bottleneck created on downtown Central Avenue, has slowed traffic, or forced motorists to use alternate routes, much as when Central Avenue at the MLK expressway became congested, people began to use Higdon Ferry as an alternate route. Then, signal lights were installed on Higdon Ferry near the MLK, and now it is as congested as Central Avenue at the MLK .

It would appear that bad engineering designs, poor planning, a constant flux in traffic population, inadequate traffic signals and control, and too much traffic for our current systems are some major contributing factors to the traffic problems faced by Hot Springs. Every time Hot Springs tries to fix one traffic problem, it transfers the problem to another area, then another.

I’m not sure what, or, if anything, can be done as far as poor engineering design on the MLK expressway. However, some problems could be alleviated such as the bottleneck on downtown Central Avenue, by reverting the street to the way it was before. Doing away with the extra parking spaces, and opening the lanes, would help traffic flow. If bicycle lanes were constructed, people would feel much safer riding their bicycles, could ride them, and would cut down on the number of motor vehicles. If cameras connected to a central control hub, were installed, that could change signal lights during times of abnormally heavy traffic such as five o’clock traffic or major city events, it would allow the traffic to flow more smoothly. Cameras connected to a central control hub could also help with seasonal traffic at lakes, Oaklawn Park, and Magic Springs.

Consultants need to look at the overall picture and correct existing problems before new construction or changes occur. Engineering design problems, such as the MLK design, sometimes cannot be fixed as an afterthought, but should be correct before construction ever begins. I think Hot Springs is throwing good money after bad. But, if Hot Springs can correct current design problems, install bicycle lanes and signage, install modern traffic control technology, and study proposed changes before they are implemented, they might be able to decrease the current traffic problems if they cannot totally correct them. Hot Springs needs to stop spending money on projects that either, do not work, or that make matters worse, only to spend even more money to fix what was done and unfeasible.

I was very pleased to attend the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting at the Transportation Depot in Hot Springs the other day. I am also happy that Hot Springs has traffic engineering consultants looking at our traffic problems and the Hot Springs area transportation master plan. Thank you for you consideration.

I try to stay current on politics and events concerning our city. I read the Sentinel Record and watch the city meetings on television as they air. Many times I am reminded by articles and discussions concerning city business of smoke and mirrors used by magicians and razzle dazzle used by carnival barkers. I hear questions asked by citizens and city directors that are never quite clearly answered. I hear questions asked, and in response the person asking the question has a question put to them, instead of being given an answer, seemingly to redirect them away from their original query. Razzle dazzle and smoke and mirrors work sometimes, but there is always one person that is intelligent enough to catch the "G". For those of you unfamiliar with the carnival, a "G" is a gimmick. A gimmick is the way they sucker you without you catching it. The folks who don’t catch the gimmick and get taken are called "marks". This means they are marked and ripe to be taken for their money. I believe the citizens of Hot Springs have gotten wise and won’t be such easy "marks".

Then there are those directors who just plain don’t respond when contacted or questioned. I have tried numerous times to contact my district director concerning the trips taken by city directors and employees to Hamanaki Japan. I feel this money could be better utilized by purchasing bicycle racks and posting public transit time schedules, as was requested by the head of public transportation, and, who was told that it would have to wait because of lack of funds. I truly wish I lived in district one so I would have a district director who would not only listen, but also respond with my best interest in mind. I have called Peggy Maruther on several occasions, and she has not only listened and given me help with my problems, but also, if she was unable to help me, directed me to someone who could. And I am not even in her district. I believe Peggy Maruther is epitome of what we should expect and receive from our district directors and our city officials. Peggy Maruther will put herself at odds with the mayor, city officials, and city manager just to represent the will of the citizens of Hot Springs. And she will most certainly listen and respond when contacted.

More Liars at City Hall ?

From:  Obviously Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                             Date:  May 4, 2007

People all over are talking about the real reason we lost $65,000,000 the Sentinel Record reported. This has been known for a long time by lots of us with the city. The New World billing software has never worked right. We told you a long time ago that it was antiquated and made errors.  You can't be too surprised that it didn't bill right and caused the city to lose millions. MMyyeerrss told us to keep our mouths shut about it but if you look you will see we told you about it a loong time back. This is obviously not signed.

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                                              Date:  May 4, 2007

We moved here from the west coast a few years ago so we notice the differences between the areas. The main reason offered by Hot Springs for a new municipal complex is "to put everyone under one roof."  We did just the opposite in California. Separate departments or areas where the public could obtain information, forms or data was deemed to be a good thing. Spreading our offices also reduced the travel time for municipal employees and the public. With today's technology, more people than ever can work from home or remote offices regardless of their jobs. E-mails and the ability to share documents or information via a wide area network allows better and quicker interaction. Consolidation of employees under a single roof usually reduces productivity because people have a tendency to visit with one another. The presumption that the public will be better served is ridiculous. Making forms and information available to the public at several locations reduces travel time and improves convenience. The public interface in many California locations is a computer which routes the public to the appropriate agency and saves time and frustration. A properly  planned computer interface can also completely eliminate the necessity for the public to travel to any location. We have tried unsuccessfully to find the proper Hot Springs city employee in their office several times. Computer based city information which includes instructions, data, forms, and even payments is much more effective. Hot Springs management needs to be made aware of how much effort, time, and money could be saved. With today's technology, city employees don't need to interact directly with the public so the location or number of people per location does not matter.

From:  LC - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                             Date:  May 2, 2007

The Sentinel Record headlines today said a lot about Hot Springs and how the city is being run or in this case not run. It is unacceptable for a town to have water losses of almost half. If the article is correct and it must be since the numbers come from the city, Hot Spring loses more water than any other town in the entire state. We may should feel sorry for those poor inept souls like Kent Myers but their failures are costing us big money. Using their own figures the losses cost $65 million in six months. This is easy to calculate at $130 million per year. These are the same incompetents who want us to look the other way while they decide without our vote or input to spend millions more for a new city hall. They first need to cut our losses of water and who knows what all else? If they cut water losses by half which would still leave us worse than any other town, the savings would be $65 million per year. With that much money they could build 6 new city halls every year and put a million a year in a rainy day fund.

From:  No Name - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                 Date:  May 1, 2007

Having been involved with the Baptist Hotel, Sanitarium, Woodman project or whatever name is being used today, you need to know that the certificate of occupancy (CO) has been fully approved although many items are still incomplete. You remember a CO was signed and backdated by the mayor. This was unethical and could be illegal. Some of us are concerned our actions will be questioned although our recommendations were ignored. We have basically been told to keep our mouths shut so you understand why you must sign me as no name. Please look into this and report how the project was deceiving and may be illegal.

From:  Ted Burhenn - Hot Springs, AR                                                                         Date:  April 30, 2007

There is an old adage relative to statistical analyses by Gharles Grosvenor, Figures don’t lie, but liars will Figure". We have watched and listened to the City Directors and city manager over the past few weeks explain why they "want" a new City Hall. They have given us facts like, "We have increased the number of employees over the past 10 years and with the present rate of growth, will not have sufficient office space for the new employees." If you look up oxymoron in the dictionary, it might very well use that statement as an example. Until recently and perhaps even now, the City has a hold on hiring new employees because of budget restraints. However they expect the citizens to pay out $10,000,000 (plus) for a new City Hall, which I assume will office those employees that we can't afford to hire. Perhaps we should consider firing 25% of the present employees so we could afford an even bigger City Hall in case we ever need to hire even more employees.

Mr. Daniel stated that the average City Employee was happy with his job. Actually that is not what he said. What he said was more like, Every City Employee I have talked to is happy. (See paragraph one) Maybe he is not talking to very many employees. Or the ones he does actually talk to are afraid that he will jump down their throat. (He is good at that, check the last meeting)

The simple fact is that in the past ten years, we have remodeled the old fire station and moved Parks, Utility Engineering and Drafting into a perfect office, one to be proud. Building Maintenance, which does not need to be in City Hall, has taken over the Oakwood Fire Station. The Street Department has built a new office/shop facility as has transportation, sanitation and not to mention the Transportation Depot. They moved the City Clerks office into the new building at the Garland County Courthouse Square, thus freeing up new office space for Lance and his crew. Terry Payne has taken over the office where the computers were located and now has an office most would die for. The Directors have one of the best most modern Chambers that I have ever seen. Code/Planning and Engineering was completely reworked. Oops, seems as though we left out Kent Myers office. Is that what this is all about?

We are painfully aware that crime is an issue that we can't ignore. In order to fight crime, we must increase our force. Same principle applies to the Fire Dept, as the City grows, so must the Fire Department. We cannot ignore the employee that cleans our streets, fixes our drains and maintains our sanitation and water departments. While it is true that perhaps someday we will need to increase our office space, wouldn't it be more prudent to use the budget to fill in the employee gaps first. Otherwise who will occupy the empty City Hall, et tu Kent Myers?

Editors Note:  Good points.  Apparently, it is easy for the city manager to find money for new buildings or monuments for our leaders to engrave their names on.  At the same time, it appears very difficult for him to find money for new employees or proper pay for the ones we have.  We would encourage everyone to conduct their own tours and decide if we really need a new city hall.

How About a Sister City Everyone Can Visit or Be Visited From?

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 30, 2007

I whole-hearted agree with the person who wrote in complaining Japanese were such a big part of the National Park 175th birthday celebration. The native americans or indians were here and maybe some spanish or even french but for sure no Japanese. The part I saw would make you think the Japanese discovered the park. It sure don't look like no damn Japanese flower garden to me. While we are at it, why the hell is our sister city in Japan and do we really need a sister city? The only reason I see is so Carroll Weatherford can have a Japanese spa complete with gesiha girls to visit. He goes there 2 or 3 times a year. I say it is time to get rid of the sister city. If we do need one lets get one that all of us can visit like Texarkana or Branson or Memphis. Maybe more important, a place where all of their people can afford to visit Hot Springs.

Editors Note:  Great idea.  Now go try to sell it to those folks running our city.

Surplus Money Burning a Hole in city manager's Pocket

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 30, 2007

My Dad had a saying about how money could burn a hole in your pocket.  The little bit of surplus money Kent Myers Meyers has found is burning his pocket bad. Heck, he wants to spend it so bad he is willing to let the city board members build a monument with their names engraved on the front. You may not know but Chris Polychrome bought the old hospital back in 1999 for $450,000. He rented it to the government and got his money back. Now the city wants to pay him $1,300,000 for it so bad they even gave him $50,000 to not sell it to anyone else. Nobody wanted it anyhow so that money is wasted. My big problem is how Meyers lied to us when it was time for raises for city employees. He said there was not enough money to give raises to everybody and the board even cut out travel expenses. Heck, a week later, he found a bunch of money and the first thing to be refunded was the boards travel expenses. Now we have a big surplus. Hey Meyers, just set it aside. There will be plenty of more important things to use it for down the road than a monument (city hall) to your directors.

Editors Note:  We vividly recall the budget fiasco to which you refer.  However, we view the current surplus as a contrived surplus achieved by allowing the taxes for our civic center bonds to continue for a much longer period than was necessary to satisfy the bond indebtedness.  Read the Arkansas Constitution and especially amendment 62 which can be found at http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/ar-constitution/arcamend62/arcamend62-5.htm, then judge for yourself if our city manager violated the law or the trust Hot Springs voted put in him when they voted for the civic center bond issue.

Rude Directors Don't Speak Well for Our City

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 29, 2007

Hooray for the lady who wrote the Sentinel Record today. Her comparison to using a financial advisor or money market manager compared to our representatives spending or investing our tax money was right on track. Such professionals always treat us nicely because they know we will fire them if they don't. It should not be different with those who want to spend our money whether it is for a new city hall or anything else so expensive. The very least they could do is let us decide how we want our money spent. They surely should not spend our money without listening to us and they most certainly should quit being so rude to anyone who asks questions about what is being done with our money. The lady was really right about the rudeness looking bad and not speaking well for our city. The mayor and his rude directors should be fired for not acting professional and for not being courteous to us, their clients.

Editors Note:  We agree that today's "letter to the editor" was on track.  The mayor, directors, and city manager are, indeed, our hired representatives.  If your representatives are not using your money as you think they should and they won't listen to you, fire them.

We Just Need to Come Out of the Closet?

From:  No Name - Hot Springs, AR                                                                              Date:  April 27, 2007

When can we all just come out of the closet and not be afraid to sign our name to letters or emails? My husband is in business in town and tells me to not dare sign my name though I would like to. Why are business people afraid to speak out? He agrees that the mayor, board and city manager are trying to not let the people vote or speak about the things that effect us taxpayers but he says his business could suffer because these people are ruthless and vindictive. I say that's why they get by with it, because no one will speak up. And I know people are afraid to speak at city meetings because of how rude the mayor and the fat director is to anyone who dares to speak. Please sign me as NO NAME but I sure hope we all finally regain our nerve before it is to late for the people to take our local government back from the greedy bunch running the city. Thanks for having the courage you are demonstrating everyday.

Editors Note:  Your are quite perceptive.  Unless enough people overcome their fears and make their voices heard, nothing will change.

Another Instance of Rudeness at City Hall

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 22, 2007

My husband and I had every intention of attending your last meeting after hearing about the Garland Good Government Group on the radio. We will be at the next meeting but we wanted to write in and tell you that we totally agree with what you are doing. No one has dared to go and try to talk sense to those people at city hall for a long time. You have seen how they treat people. Most of us don't like to speak in public anyway. They know that being rude is a good way to keep people from talking to them and they use it to their advantage. Thank you for what you are doing.

Editors Note:  You are most welcome.  However, just going to a city board meeting to speak to your so-called "representative" board is not permitted.  Check it out.  A citizen cannot go and speak  to the city board unless you sign a particular form over 7 days before a meeting describing what you wish to speak about.  The board then has an "agenda meeting" the Tuesday before the real meeting to decide whether or not to let you speak and, in case you are approved, they can then rehearse their rude responses to you.  Yep, the public can't speak at public meetings.

Parade and the Audience Show Up at Different Locations

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 21, 2007

You should have been at the big Corvette parade yesterday evening. We all stood on Central Avenue downtown for a couple of hours waiting for the Corvettes. The Corvettes were sent from the transportation plaza down Convention Blvd. then East Grande, then Gulpha Gorge, then Park Avenue, then Whittington, then Blacksnake, then to the science museum. Hey, a few of the Central Avenue group saw them when they went from Park to Whittington. The rest of us just got to stand around and talk about what the heck is going on in River City. You needed to be there to appreciate the joke on all us poor fools who stood there for two hours.

Editors Note:  Now be positive.  We don't think the city leaders had anything to do with this one but, of course, we could be wrong.

A New "City" Group Forming?

From:  Barbara - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                 Date:  April 20, 2007

I heard Elaine Jones say a "city" group was formed and the statement was made to (or was it at?) Mr. Driggers in a manner that implied it was to counter the efforts of GGGG..... However, if their intent is to serve as a communication tool for persons with little representation in city decisions, and they are a positive and a constructive group as the GGGG has promised to be, maybe we could get an invitation for a joint meeting? I heard Mr. Driggers extend an "open invitation" to anyone interested in coming to the GGGG, but I can not find any mention of any new city group open for participation... Can you help?

Editors Note:  We heard the same comments but know of no such group.  We welcome anyone to our group including Ms. Jones.  We encourage open, honest, transparent government so it would be hypocritical to not be open to everyone.  Unlike city board meetings that disallow a public comment section, we provide an "open mike" and encourage anyone to speak at our meetings.

All Chamber Members May Not Want a New City Hall

From:  A Chamber Member - Hot Springs, AR                                                           Date:  April 19, 2007

In the city board rerun, an individual said he represented the chamber of commerce and we endorsed the new city hall. I have been a chamber member for many years and must state that he did not represent me. Neither I nor most chamber member friends agree that we need a new city hall. Like most of you who spoke, we don't presently think we have been given enough information to make an informed decision. We do think there are possibly, other city projects more important than a city hall. The democratic way is to have a vote of the people which several of you also recommended. Please be assured  the gentleman who spoke for the chamber did not speak for all members. Based on the little information from the city, if our membership has taken a vote without informing all members, there will soon be several fewer chamber members.

Editors Note:  Thanks for the information.  We know the chamber is a good non-partisan organization.  Until the chamber president or chairman speaks, we consider such people as not having authorization to represent the entire membership.  It's too bad but every group has a few overly zealous members.

Don't Get Mad, Feel Sorry

From:  LC - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                          Date:  April 18, 2007

Your last emailer went a little too far in criticizing the mayor. That is not to say we disagree. We only think the same thing can be said without using such bad language. The lack of common courtesy and decency is on view for all to see. We shouldn't get mad  We should feel sorry for those poor souls. They look really bad to their constitutes and the constitutes will eventually take care of them by turning them out of office.

Editors Note: We would totally agree if our leaders weren't spending so much of our money without even asking, taking so many trips at our expense, and not allowing the public to have a say in anything.  Are you certain we can wait until the next election?  Some of our leaders were just reelected last November.

Mayor Bigmouth Fool

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 18, 2007

After watching the city aldermen meeting replay I was mad. I don't get mad much but that Daniel guy treats people like they are slaves. Worse than him is the idiot mayor. How the hell can he get by with acting like a bigmouth fool and people keep taking it? Does he think he is some kind of king or dictator? This thing will be on TV again tonight on 15. Watch and tell me why I shouldn't think the mayor isn't the biggest fool you have ever seen.

Editors Note:  We've seen it in person and we wouldn't try to change your mind.

Any Second Thoughts Director Daniel?

From:  Ted C. Burhenn - Hot Springs, AR                                                                    Date:  April 17, 2007

Anytime you are confronted by the animosity that I was exposed to by Mr. Daniel at the City Council Meeting April 17, for trying to express a citizen’s opinion, you have to reevaluate your purpose. His attempts to belittle me in public only shows the concern that he has about his own validity. Anyone that has nothing to hide, will willingly submit to public scrutiny. The irony lies in the fact that I was not criticizing him, only asking to allow public opinion. His feeble mental games only strengthens my resolve plus now I have the question of what is Mr. Daniel afraid of that might be uncovered?

This is not an unusual tactic unique to City Council Members. It is a political tactic used by most of all the great dictators in history. First they must get into a position of a little power, then intimidate anyone who opposes them until the public is afraid of further confrontation. It is a good idea to for them to surround themselves with people with the same ambitions to speed up the process.

The only weapon that you can use against this type of autocracy is the truth. Perhaps this is why FDR coined the phrase, "This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

So in that light, Mr. Daniel, take your best shot. Keep in mind that I have the advantage, I have been shot at before, I have nothing to hide and I seek nothing but a transparent honest government that represents all the citizens of Hot Springs. If you, Mr. Daniel, are so sure that you speak for all the citizens, then you have nothing to lose by allowing them a voice. Remember, getting shot at is not all that bad, getting hit is what hurts.

Editors Note:  On behalf of that director, Ouch!!!

Citizens Being Treated Rudely Doesn't Speak Well of Our City

From:  Elizabeth Valovich - Hot Springs, AR                                                               Date:  April 17, 2007

I watched the City Meeting on television on April 16, 2007 in utter disbelief. I could not believe that people on a public television show could act so rudely toward other people or show their tempers so blatantly. I certainly hope that young people who are supposed to learn how to behave properly by emulating adults were not watching this particular meeting, because there were very poor examples of common courtesy and keeping one’s temper in check. A meeting is not a debate. I believe the purpose of a meeting is for people to communicate with one another toward a common purpose.

I certainly could understand the citizens who felt the need to ask questions of the city concerning the cost of the new municipal building, and also the stance of the city directors that they were elected to make decisions by the citizens of Hot Springs. But, if I selected a money market manager to invest my money, I would not be happy if the money market manager did not allow me to ask questions about how my money was being invested or have a say in how it was invested. Yes, I trusted him to invest my money or I would not have selected him, but it is my money and I feel I should have input on how it is invested.

I think if the people of Hot Springs were given all of the information concerning the need and the cost for a new municipal building, and were shown a legitimate need for the building, they would make an educated decision. They acknowledged the need for the new convention center, as well as other city projects. People will always disagree on how budgets and tax money should be spent, that is just human nature and how people set their personal priorities. However, this is America, where one of our inalienable rights, is freedom of speech without reprisal. I think everyone, city board and citizens alike, should have the right to ask questions and voice their opinions, but without showing tempers or being rude to each other. All of the improvements in the city will do no good if visitors and new residents see citizens and city board members at odds, and people being treated rudely. It does not speak well of our city.

Editors Note:  Very astute observations.  Unfortunately, those people on the public television channel were our illustrious board of directors doing what they are accustomed to doing.  Based on the way they treat other directors and the public, someone told us they likely graduated the Rosie O'Donnell School of Diplomacy.

city manager Misusing Surplus Funds May Cause Increases in Taxes

From:  Mrs. H of Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 17, 2007

Editors Note: We're steamed too but we are still cooler than when we were around our city leaders last evening.  There was lots of hot air in city hall.

More Money Wasted - Software This Time

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 16, 2007

Editors Note:  We already researched this months ago.  See paragraph 8 of the Feburary 11, 2007 item in the "News" section.  This software was also referenced in our January 24, 2007 "News" item.  The bottom line is that the new software appears to be yet another "waste of money" because the old software worked better and easier than the new stuff.  Apparently, egos will force our hard working city employees to make the difficult-to-use, error-prone, expensive, non-working software work rather than cutting our losses and going back to the old software.  Another case of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it?"

New City Hall Good News for Some

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 16, 2007

Editors Note:  Surely you aren't insinuating that an architect or plumbing supply owner would have any selfish interest in a new $10 million building.

Stuff You Need to Know Before the Next City Board Meeting

From:  Ted C. Burhenn - Hot Springs, AR                                                                    Date:  April 13, 2007

Who is working for Whom?

Remember when JFK said "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country"? Well I just returned from the Hot Springs City Council Agenda Meeting, and our city manager and most of the Directors are taking that quote to a new level. They are prepared during the next Monday meeting to take the $2,500,000 (yes over two million dollars) "surplus" money taken from your tax money, dedicated to the Civic Center, and spend it on a new City Hall. Total cost will be over Ten Million. Our city manager, was quoted last week in The Sentinel-Record as saying, "There are no plans for a public vote on this issue." The resolution is worded such that there is very little "wiggle" room for the Directors as to how the money is spent. They also will most likely approve an additional $11,500 of your money to have the existing buildings appraised. Only one Director was willing to oppose the Management Machine and request that the Citizens be allowed an input. She was placed on hold for at least another two weeks. Even in the unlikely event that the Directors, as a majority, vote next month to allow citizen input, they will have already wasted an additional $11,500 in appraisal fees. This will be in addition to the $50,000 they authorized during last meeting for an option on a location of management choice.

During that meeting the city manager was asked if a financial fact sheet, spreadsheet or ROI (Return on Investment) existed. He stated that it would be ready last Thursday. What was asked for and what was received were two different things. Justification comes in computing how much it will cost us if we stay in the old buildings, with maintenance and utilities vs. how much the new capital expenses would be with all cost factors included. Somewhere in all those figures, there should be a break even point. In other words we should realize a cost savings of our capital expenses and start to see a return on our investment in a specific number of years. That has not been provided because in all likelihood does not exist. In simple terms it is not justified at this time. What has not been discussed is that you will suffer during the next 10 years (or more) to pay off the bonds required. This means that your quality of service will go down. Roads will not get paved, repairs to the parks will suffer.

So much for the problem. Now for the solution. If you want City Management to spend your money without justification or your input, you are in luck, do nothing. If however you think that the city manager, mayor and directors should be working for you, call your directors or even better yet take an hour out of your life and go to the meeting Monday. Your presence alone will send the required message. You can and will make a difference one person at a time. That was the true meaning of JFK’s words.

Editors Note: Thanks, it is refreshing to see a signed letter to the editor, both to us and the Sentinel Record.  In fact, we were so impressed with your knowledge of the facts and your ability to express them that we have selected your letter as a guest commentary article.  See the "News" page.

Do Away With City Government

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 13, 2007

Editors Note: Makes sense . . . . we think.  The county is unquestionably doing a much better job of representing the public.  But, how the heck do we eliminate city government?

MMyyeerrss Says a Lot But Citizens Still Won't Get a Vote

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 11, 2007

Editors Note:  We basically share your husband's views.  Once we re-read the editorial, we will likely post a commentary in the "News" section.

Replace Them All - From the Mayor Down

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                                             Date:  April 9, 2007

Editors Note:  Your views certainly seem to be representative of most citizens.  Thanks, we hope to have future meetings in the evenings so all us working folks can participate.

We Only Helped to Scare Them

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                              Date:  April 5, 2007

Editors Note:  You are most welcome.  We would like to think we had some influence but the bottom line is the fact that we only helped to ensure that the citizens knew the truth.  Apparently, the citizen's knowledge of what is actually going on at the city sort of scares our city leaders.

We Relish in Kudos

From:  Mrs. A of Hot Springs, AR                                                                                     Date: April 4, 2007

Editors Note:  Thank you.  We needed your letter after the one below.  We certainly agree that board members attitudes are poor.  They certainly could and should be more courteous to each other and to the public they were elected to serve.  We also completely agree that directors Edwards and Maruthur deserve thanks for representing the interests of the citizens rather than selfish or special interests.  Director Maruthur would also get our vote for mayor.

We're Okay, They're Great

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                               Date: April 4, 2007

Editors Note:  Okay, so we are just okay while the Sentinel Record is great.  We can live with that.  They are doing a good job.  But please remember, the more citizens you tell about our website, the better we'll do, too.

Recall the city manager

From:  Jerry - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                         Date:  April 4, 2007

Editors Note:  We are pretty sure that the city manager cannot be recalled.  Unfortunately, he serves at the pleasure of the board of directors and most of them appear to be pleased with him.  We also went back and reviewed the answers you referenced and agree that they were really bad.  It does appear though, that we may finally have a "public comment section" on future city agendas.

More Wrongdoings by a Director?

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                               Date: April 4, 2007

Editors Note:  Thanks for the information sent and for your e-mail.  It should be the responsibility of our city manager to investigate and correct such incidents.  Unfortunately, he appears to only be contributing to our problems (see letter below) rather than solving them.  Because of this, we will pass your information to the appropriate authorities and exclude the city manager.  It certainly does sound as though it is time for a director to resign.

Whatever Happened to Accountability and Transparency?

From:  CL - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                             Date: April 3, 2007

Editors Note: You have attained a painfully correct perspective during your two years in our city.  Believe it or not, Hot Springs has been worse but not in recent history.  As far as we know, our small group is the only voice asking for accountability and transparency.  We are probably pushing it but we also are asking for honesty and representative government.

A Plethora of Questions That Should Be Answered

From:  An Observer - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  April 3, 2007

Editors Note:  Those are all great questions.  Unfortunately, we don't have the answers and we seriously doubt if our city leaders even care to try and answer them.

Sounds Like a Political Conspiracy, Huh?

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                         Date:  March 30, 2007

Editors Note: Well, we learn something new everyday.  However, where one lives hardly proves a conspiracy.

Director May Have Us Dudes "Beat Up"

From:  Bubba - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                 Date:  March 25, 2006

Editors Note:  Yes, we checked and saw that you last e-mailed us on December 1 (below) calling us chicken and saying a director was a member of a white supremacist group.  We must admit that we have done some investigation and discovered that there was an incident similar to what you describe.  Something appears to be wrong at the police department because almost everyone we spoke to knows about the incident but the records appear to have vanished.  We are still working to find the truth.  Stay tuned.

Director's Most Recent Law Violation is Only One of Many

From:  A Buddy - Hot Springs, AR                                                                             Date:  March 24, 2007

Editors Note:  We appreciate your reading but it appears you may have missed the letter from "a concerned resident" on March 18 which is listed below and our "News" item of February 23, 2007 in which we informed our readers of the upcoming hearing for Weatherford again violating state statutes.  His last violation resulted in a fine (settlement) of $1,800.  We were not aware of a violation other than the January 25, 2006 fine.  Send us specifics if you have them.  The contracting board should also have that information.  In view of his continued disregard for the law, we tend to agree with that previous writer that perhaps, Mr. Weatherford shouldn't be a city director.

Wanted, Nice Throne for the New Emperor of Hot Springs

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                                        Date:  March 23, 2007

Editors Note: You obviously reference today's front page newspaper story.  We actually didn't know.  We would guess that only the mayor knew.  However, if this is correct, we would wager that Mr. MMyyeerrss has visited with our local representatives and senator by now to see what is going on.  You left out the part about the poor taxpayers having to purchase a throne, perhaps, even a crown.

Can We All Just Agree on Trust and Credibility?

From:  blr - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                        Date:  March 22, 2007

Editors Note:  You are most welcome.  However, we are compelled to disagree with your take on today's Sentinel Record editorial.  Our read is that even if you disregard the law and "perish the thought, the state Constitution," there still remains the question of loss of trust or credibility.

City Hall Had It's Pants Down?

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                        Date:  March 21, 2007

Editors Note:  It probably was not necessary.  As to their argument, we spoke to several experts before our editor made his presentation Monday night.  For example, the Arkansas Attorney General's office told us the three keys as to the legality were the authorizing ordinance, the enabling statute, and the ballot language.  We reviewed all three.  Our primary concern was that the ballot may have added the catch-all phrase, "and all other legal purposes" but it did not.  The language in all documents is very specific.  The ballot even states, "for the SOLE purpose" so we are quite confident our position is based on solid facts.  Our handout to the city board (click here to read) even took the extra step of providing relevant opinions from the Attorney General.  It is our belief that the city is currently collecting taxes that they now know are illegal and they must be held accountable for their actions.  The bottom line is that our elected representatives are ignoring the obvious facts and are wasting $50,000 of our hard-earned tax dollars.  We also have a "News" update you should read.

History Repeats Itself

From:  BC - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                      Date:  March 20, 2007

Editors Note:  We did not know that but have now confirmed your info.  We just finished a commentary item in the "News" section commenting on how easy it would be for him to leave town and now discover it would be even easier if he owns no property in Hot Springs.  Thanks for the info.

Talkative Rude Board Members Unusually Quite

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                        Date:  March 20, 2007

Editors Note:  We don't know yet but will enquire today and update this answer ASAP.

Criminal on the Board?

From:  A Concerned Hot Springs Resident - Hot Springs, AR                               Date:  March 18, 2007

Editors Note:  We have previously verified some of the above violations (see Feb. 23 "News" item) but have only heard of the others.  Can you please send us names, times, and other documentation?  Our P.O. Box is 21324 and the zip is 71903.  We will also post the results of the director's hearing of last Friday for violations of the commercial builders code.

What Evidence Do We Have?

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                                        Date:  March 15, 2007

Editors Note: Check under "Signs" in you phone book.  We find "Arkansas Tent Portable Sign & Storage Rental" listed at 2194 Higdon Ferry Rd.  Go by and ask who owns that business.  You also can call the listed number of 525-2261 and speak to the director.  Note that this is the same address and phone as SPA Fireworks, Inc. which had it's charter revoked on Dec. 31, 2006 (per Arkansas Secretary of State).  Evidence enough?  You don't suppose he only sells or rents those signs in the county do you, especially now that he obtained board approval for portable signs in the city?

It Takes Guts To Tell It Like It Is

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                                        Date:  March 12, 2007

Editors Note:  Thank you for reading and contributing.  We agree with your comments about the Sentinel Record.

Letter to Editor Edited?

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                         Date:  March 11, 2007

Editors Note:  Yes, it appears our commentary was edited somewhat but it was minor.  They left out our reference to the sex offender in the director's neighborhood.  We know about the message.  This is due to the software being an evaluation copy.

Sideshow Characters Behaving Illegally?

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                         Date:  March 11, 2007

Editors Note:  Thanks.  We wonder what the "deal is" with most of the directors.  They have been getting away with that type behavior for a long time.  We are not attorneys but we think it is illegal.  If not, it should be.  We know about the video problem and are working to convert to something that your Windows media will play.  We started with a VHS tape but finally have some videos working.  See the notes below the March 7, 2007 "News" item.

A & P Club Needs Change

From:  Guess Who - Hot Springs, AR                                                                          Date:  March 9, 2007

Editors Note:  Great information and great writing.  This is the kind of stuff the citizens need.  We will repost this in the "News" section as commentary in the near future.

More News Scoops

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  March 7, 2007

Editors Note:  We simply keep our proverbial "ear to the ground."  Well, sort of.  Our report on the new city hall and director being fined was in the "News" section on February 23 although the ducks story predated those items slightly.  We are proud to see that the city attorney had determined that the half cent sales tax which paid for the convention center cannot be continued to pay for a new city hall unless the citizens have a vote.

People Puff-Up for Different Reasons

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                           Date:  March 6, 2007

Editors Note:  You really made our editor's day.  Don't brag on him too much though because his head gets really big.  We did note how the city manager also "puffed up" but for a different reason after being admonished for again acting like a board member.

Taxes and School Funding Proportionate With State Geniuses?

From:  Barbara Anable - Hot Springs, AR                                                                   Date:  March 6, 2007

In the paper (Sentinel Record) of 3/6/07 Allyson Mead wrote to the editor stating "in most states, tax funds make up almost 50 percent of the school budget; however in Arkansas that amount is only 25 percent." I do not know if Ms. Mead is a tax payer, or a recipient of the benefits of tax payers, but if she does pay, please ask that she turn over any tax bill and see how the taxes are proportioned.

Editors Note: Perhaps she thinks we have benefactors or private support for schools.  You are correct that the numbers make no sense.  We were tempted to reference the geniuses at city hall but forced ourselves to refrain from doing so.

Police Department Used as a Personal Courier Service for Directors

From:  Name withheld by request - Hot Springs, AR                                                  Date:  March 4, 2007

Just thought you may be interested in this tidbit about our City Directors. Our City Directors refuse to pickup their board member packets at City Hall. Instead, an on-duty uniformed police officer has to pickup their packets and hand deliver them to each Director at their home.. We have even had police officers attempt to give the packets to the Directors at the police department and were told, "Deliver it to my house." Seems like a waste of an officers time, tax payer's money, and a blatant abuse of "power".

Editors Note: This board seems to think being a courier service is more important that real police work.  Apparently, the city manager has a similar view because we noticed that the police provide security service whenever the utilities or finance department needs to take money across the street.

Directors Throwing Their Weight Around

From:  BS - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                         Date:  March 1, 2007

Editors Note:  We think the red blinking light has been there for quite some time.  Go to the "News" section and scroll down to the January 3, 2007 article and you will see that we have already given director Smith credit for improperly "throwing his weight around."  We must admit though that we did see a car on Orange Street recently.  Perhaps he really needed the 4-way stop since that proves that a car does occasionally cross Quapaw.  It appears that the Weatherford issue was referred to the Arkansas State Police and we are still investigating.  Stay tuned.

No Police At Dysfunction Junction Well Explained

From:  Name withheld for obvious reasons - Hot Springs, AR                           Date:  February 27, 2007

Editors Note:  The thanks goes to you and your associates who are doing a great job in spite of being underappreciated by our city leaders.  Citizens must recognize that the police did not design Dysfunction Junction, the downtown bottleneck, and our numerous other traffic impediments.  Unfortunately, you have no choice but to work with what the incompetent designers (see 2nd letter below) and the city's lack of planning has forced on you.  You would undoubtedly, add more to the congestion and frustration by stopping violators in the mess than to leave it alone.  The police in Hot Springs are some of the most courteous and professional we have seen.  It is a shame that our current city manager and city board didn't consult any of these professionals in our police department, fire department, Sheriffs department, EMS, etc. before designing such traffic impediments.  The most obvious example is their voting for the downtown bottleneck so their friends could have free parking.  This group is not likely to ever put the safety and welfare of our citizens ahead of their selfish motives.

The Deal With Daniels

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                    Date:  February 21, 2007

Editors Note:  We can only refer you to the August 7, 2006 city board minutes.  There are other references to the ducks situation or director Daniel and his association with ducks owners or operators in other minutes but this one is probably the most lengthy.  We do not know what, if any, laws he has broken but we do know that it is inappropriate for directors or other elected officials to vote on issues when they have "conflicts of interest."

Idiots Designing Intersections

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                    Date:  February 21, 2007

Editors Note:  You are most welcome.  How about the redesign of the redesign?

Do Nothings Take Credit for Great Things

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                    Date:  February 20, 2007

Editors Note:  That is what politicians and city managers do.  It is part of their job to take credit for the work of others.  We don't recall any public notices but the city manager did make an announcement at the end of a city board meeting.  The process did go rather well except for what appeared to be an improper attempt by the city manager to circumvent the process at the end.  Apparently, he tried to restart the selection process with only two applicants in the running including his Oklahoma 'good-ol-boy' security guard.

Down, Dirty, Downtown Ducks, Director Daniel

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                    Date:  February 18, 2007

Editors Note:  We agree.  The Sentinel Record seems to be reporting a lot more facts.  The "Ducks" fiasco stems from issues that we feel shouldn't even be issues.  Any objective person realizes that loading and unloading Duck riders on Exchange Street is safer than doing so on Central Avenue.  Director Daniel is on record as stating that not loading on Central takes business away from the shops on Central (including his shop).  Does this sound like he gives priority to the safety and welfare of the public or to his own profits?  The record also indicates that he is a relative of the Duck's competition and was told he should refrain from voting on such issues because this would be a "conflict of interest."  Yep, you guessed it, he voted anyway.

We Report What Wouldn't Be Known Otherwise

From:  GP - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                  Date:  February 17, 2007

Editors Note:  Thanks.  Your letter is also consistent with what we hear on the streets.  The public is beginning to pay attention.  Too bad they didn't start before the last elections.

City Board Overly Medicated

From:  CR - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                  Date:  February 12, 2007

Editors Note:  Thank you.  Without readers like you (and compliments) we would be nothing.  Hey, the meds could be the answer.

Reasons to Not Have Tax Increases Provided by the city manager

From:  Ms. A - Hot Springs, AR                                                                             Date:  February 11, 2007

Editors Note:  You read our minds.  See the last "News" item we published.  However, we did not point our that the State of the City Report is a great argument to NOT raise taxes.  Thanks for the great "heads up" to all of our citizens.

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                    Date:  February 11, 2007

Editors Note:  Au contraire.  You need to check our "News" article of January 13, 2007.  Sometimes we get the real story out so soon that people don't see it in other news outlets until almost a month later.  However, we did intend to do a follow-up news item on the "state of the city" report anyhow but do not yet have all of the research information we would like to have.  Irrespective of this fact, we do know some things about portions of the report that the general public may not know.  Partially because of your enquiry and today's front page Sentinel Record article, you will find an "Alternative State of the City Report" in today's "News" section.

City Board Ignores Planning Commission Recommendations

From:  Name Withheld - Hot Springs, AR                                                               Date:  February 8, 2007

Editors Note:  Yes, we did notice and are beginning to wonder why anyone would serve on the planning commission board.  The city board overrules them with regularity.  The planning commission must abide by applicable laws, regulations, etc. but the city board appears to only cater to special interests or their own "pet" projects.

Kudos to All Editors

From:  Name Withheld - Hot Springs, AR                                                               Date:  February 7, 2007

I sent this to Ms. Gassaway and a suggestion that she check YOUR WEB SITE TO GET THE REAL HEARTBEAT OF THE CITY.

Dear Editor:

I just read your column in the paper (02-07-07) and I congratulate you for saying so well what many in the city can not say in print with out suffering repercussions. This is the second time, that for the sake of money, the lifestyle of the neighbors has been sacrificed to a developer. Did you see or hear the Board overturn the recommendation of the Planning Commission on the Lake Hamilton Drive project?

Editors Note:  Thank you.  Its letters like yours that keep us inspired.  The Sentinel Record editorial was refreshing and right on target.  Hopefully, our leaders will begin to pay attention to what is right, legal, and ethical but we're not holding our breath until that happens.

Directors Available for Buyouts

From:  Lady B - Hot Springs, AR                                                                             Date:  February 6, 2007

Editors Note:  We are somewhat at a loss as to specifics but we do view Director Maruthur and Edwards as working harder to protect the public's interests than the other directors.  It does certainly appear that they sold us out in the Bottleneck and several other areas.

Snappy City Board is Entertaining Viewing

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                      Date:  February 6, 2007

Editors Note:  It was, apparently, a really slow night for television viewing last evening.  We also, have often wondered why they always suspend the rules rather than simply changing the rules.  Additionally, we often wonder why we even have competitive bid laws if our city board can consistently just vote to "waive the rules" and buy goods or services from whoever they please.

Hot Dog Monopoly

From:  DC - Hot Springs, AR                                                                                    Date:  February 5, 2007

Editors Note:  Good points, but our city directors may not agree.  Remember, these are the folks who created the bottleneck so the arts group could have free parking at the expense of the safety and welfare of our citizens.  They closed Bath Street to our multi-million dollar parking garage so the same group could install some statues and a high-maintenance waterfall.  Don't be surprised to see your directors vote to provide a monopoly for their restaurant owner friends in the bottleneck area.  It sort of appears that our directors don't even know how to spell SPECIAL INTERESTS.

Clinton Statue Hulabaloo

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                                     Date:  February 1, 2007

Editors Note:  We just spoke to the artist who donated the statue to the city and he was told that the city doesn't want it after all.  This is strange because we know the city board took official action accepting it.  It appears that the statue may already be destroyed by now.  We'll investigate further and report our findings, with photos if possible.  Update: See our story on the "News" page dated 2/5/07.

Doesn't Like the "Stuff" City Hall is Handing Us

From:  Buster - Hot Springs, AR                                                                              Date:  January 28, 2007

Editors Note:  It was refreshing how you call a spade a spade but we were surprised you didn't add a vote for "Crappy Crossroads."  We'll not let them forget.  Let us know if you would like to join our efforts.

Info About Cover-up on its Way?

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                      Date:  January 24, 2007

Editors Note: Thanks.  We'll watch for the info.  Hopefully, others will see this and do the same.  We hope you understand why we really need firm information and not just rumors.  Yes, we read the article in the statewide newspaper.  At this rate, we may reclaim our notorious political reputation from the 1950's.

Cover-Up Bigger Than We Realize

From:  Anonymous  - Hot Springs, AR                                                                    Date:  January 23, 2007

Editors Note:  We keep hearing this cover-up stuff but we implore you to please give us specifics with documentation.  Note that we did obtain some, somewhat, more specifics that will soon be referenced in the "News" section.

What Cover-up at City Hall?

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                                      Date:  January 22, 2007

Editors Note:  Bush is due credit for taking the right position in this one but remember his position on letting us and the public speak at public meetings.  We give more credit to Edwards and Maruthur for continuing to stand up for the public.  Note what they had to say on the censorship issue.  Bush, in our opinion, had no choice with the publicity the issue generated.

Why Hold Back Letters to Editor?

From:  Chuck - Hot Springs, AR                                                                               Date:  January 20, 2007

Editors Note:  Thanks.  It was sent in a few days before but these things take awhile to get published.  That seems to be sort of normal procedure irrespective of the date.  What you didn't mention is that it was edited but you can see what we really said on the "News" page including our correct e-mail address.

Does city manager and Weatherford Have Something to Hide?

From:  Tom - Hot Springs, AR                                                                 Date:  January 13, 2007

Editors Note:  Okay, okay.  One must wonder what they are worried about the public hearing about.  Alright already.  We just finished a "News" piece for J.B. and we'll do one for you on today's Sentinel Record article as soon as we can.  There is just too much news.  Tell those guys at city hall to slow down with the rhetoric.  We can hardly keep up as it is.  Update: We put our comments in a "Letter to the Editor" of the Sentinel Record.  After all, they are due some thanks for publishing the story.  You can read our letter before it comes out in their newspaper by going to our "News" section.

Bush and MMyyeerrss Responsible for All Good Things in (and out of) Hot Springs

From:  J.B. - Hot Springs, AR                                                                 Date:  January 13, 2007

Editors Note:  We read the article you reference with great interest.  We were sort of holding off because we wanted to write a more comprehensive item for our "News" section.  Flash: That item is now finished and can be found in the "News" section of this website. As to Bush and MMyyeerrss taking credit, we sort of feel like most of those good things happened in our city in spite of them rather than because of them.  They even took credit for the widening of U.S. Highway 70 west to Lake Hamilton School.  When they start taking credit for things that far outside of the city, watch out.  Next thing you know, they will be responsible for improvements on Interstate 30 (or maybe even 40), huh?

Sister City Program a Fiasco, Wasting our Tax Money

From:  DT - Hot Springs, AR                                                                   Date:  January 12, 2007

Editors Note:  Sorry.  We do remember your letter and thought we had published it.  Our site was hacked into so we could have lost it.  Don't worry, we are much more secure now.  We appreciate your information and yes, what we thought was just sort of an unofficial title turns out to be a real full-time employee and position apparently dedicated to doing nothing except the sister city work.  The city leaders owe us an explanation as to how this project is benefiting us beyond just providing a place for us to send our city directors a couple of times each year.

city manager Honored or Credentialed?

From:  J.B. - Hot Springs, AR                                                                 Date:  January 10, 2007

Editors Note:  Sorry to not have posted your e-mail sooner.  It simply got stuck in our 'voters' bin and we just noticed it.  You are correct that the timing was impeccable.  You can check out the honor for yourself by going to www.icma.org and then clicking on "Credentialing" and then "Assessments."  There you will find how you too can become credentialed for only $75 or the improved version for $225.  Judge the honor for yourself.  No, we're not changing his grade.

Greedy City Representatives Want Even More Taxes

From:  Mrs. B - Hot Springs, AR                                                       Date:  January 9, 2007

Almost Hit by an 18 Wheeler at Dysfunction Junction

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                      Date:  January 5, 2007

Editors Note:  Well said.  We have heard lots of comments such as yours.

Different Expenses for Different Folks

From:  Jack - Hot Springs, AR                                                                 Date:  January 2, 2007

Editors Note:  No, they did not.  The numbers were really interesting and may demonstrate the difference between employees who have to account for expenses and directors who, apparently, do not.

Too Much Traffic Reporting

From:  ER - Hot Springs, AR                                                                 Date:  December 31, 2006

Editors Note:  We were a bit perplexed because you have to scroll through five items (below) to find an e-mail on traffic and even further on the "News and Commentary" page.  However, you are correct that our organization's number one issue has been and continues to be traffic and the lack of planning or listening our city leaders demonstrate relative to traffic.  As to "what else the city leaders have done wrong," we are lacking in space and time.  We do, however, plan to provide a few highlights in a future "News and Commentary" section which we understand is currently being prepared.  In the interim, look at today's local newspaper.  One front page article speaks to traffic in 2006 including the infamous "bottleneck" while another addresses the exorbitant travel expenses of city leaders.  Check the editorial commentary and you will see a reference to how ridiculous it was to build a multi-million dollar parking garage and replace the street to it with a fountain and sidewalk.  Traffic is topical, an existing problem, and we will continue addressing it until our city leaders make it a priority.  Update: To answer your final concern, See January 3 "News" item.

Help Families by Asking for Pardons

From:  Barbara - Hot Springs, AR                                                       Date:  December 29, 2006

Editors Note:  Read more by clicking http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51417

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.

We are taking a brief break for Christmas.  During this holy and festive time, we wish you all a most joyous season and hope you are all back here safely following whatever holiday you celebrate.  In the interim, here's a couple of serious thoughts followed by a few superb and humorous insights into how kids see things. Thanks to our contributors for the items listed below.

http://usawakeup.org/ poses some really rather serious questions

http://www.youtube.com/v/pa_7P5AbUww  made us think of one of our city leaders

Now for the GOOD stuff:

Property Tax Increase Not Necessary

From:  T.G. - Hot Springs                                                                      Date:  December 21, 2006

Editors Note:  His demeanor seems to shout that most of us (exclusive of himself) just fell off the turnip truck.  You should have seen him in action at the podium of his Rotary club Monday referring to the waiters and waitresses as "the help."  He clearly demonstrated his version of political correctness by trying to recognize and thank the wait staff while continuously referring to them as "the help."  Rather awkward for all of us but especially for "the help."

Taxes Rising to the Top Again

From:  Ms. B - Hot Springs                                                                   Date:  December 19, 2006

A caller to the Dick Antoine show this morning brought up that the one half cent tax dedicated to the Police and Fire fund 8 years ago was with the understanding that IF IT PASSED THE CITY WOULD NOT COME BACK FOR ANOTHER TAX. Meyers said" yes, BUT... that money went to buy officers a car, to increase salaries as they were quitting to go for higher salaries, and to other expenses associated with equipment etc., and insurance coverage " He never addressed the issue of not having it spent for what it was for.

Do our police and fire employees contribute to their pension fund? their insurance benefits? and at what age, or years of service, are these people covered with retirement benefits? This is pretty important stuff, and even with the 100,000.00 projected windfall from the games of skill, and the acknowledgment that indeed there will be probably more money than anticipated from the Oaklawn folks, Kent Myers Meyer is still bent on proposing a millage tax on the property owners.

These people are wasteful and we need to expose the excess of resources the tax base has brought in during the last three years. These folks need a BUDGET not a wish list! Once again Kent Myers Meyers was speaking of the property the city folks did not vote to fund, some farm out in the county, I think. I do not know what was said about it, just that I know it was voted down previously and it is rising to the top again.

Editors Note:  They probably had their fingers crossed when they promised not to raise taxes again.

Revenue Increases But They Still Want to Increase Taxes

From:  A Hot Springs Resident                                                            Date:  December 19, 2006

Editors Note:  Somebody should explain to the taxing entities what a fixed-income family is.  Following that, spend our tax money more prudently or inform retirees that this is not a good place to retire.

Bottleneck Mess Has Spilled Over into Quapaw / Prospect Neighborhood

From:  Jerry - Hot Springs, AR                                                             Date:  December 18, 2006

Editors Note:  You are totally correct.  Unwanted and unnecessary business and tourist traffic has been diverted through your residential neighborhood.  Related issues were the subject of a "News" item on October 23 and an e-mail below from Glenn on November 6 but you do a much better job of explaining neighborhood ramifications due to the "bottleneck."  If you ask why the "bottleneck" was created, do you also reach the conclusion that it was solely for selfish reasons and not in the best interests of the safety and welfare of our citizens?  We hope you are correct about their days being numbered.  Would your neighborhood help in a "recall" effort to speed that process?

Rude Mayor and Board Destroying Our Green, Natural City

From:  Elizabeth Valovich - Hot Springs, AR                                      Date:  December 14, 2006

Editors Note:  Very well spoken.  We agree that the city leaders have priorities that are different from the public and, for whatever reason, refuse to listen to what the public has to say or perform in our best interests.  They are quick to spend our hard earned tax money to pay for their vacations but don't have time to solve our traffic or safety problems. You are also correct that our once beautiful area is not nearly as nice. We were just observing that our once beautiful mountains are now nothing more than convenient places to install cell towers.

Unions Not Representing Workers

From:  Hot Springs Resident                                                                Date:  December 14, 2006

Editors Note:  It seems that not only Hot Springs leaders have forgotten what being a representative means, huh?

Criticisms not Answered

From:  Hal - Hot Springs, AR                                                                 Date:  December 9, 2006

Editors Note:  What could have been questioned?  Sometimes the truth hurts.  Our take is that the board just wanted him away from the lectern as soon as possible.  The video of that brief presentation will be available on this site just as soon as our technician gets to it.

Fun in Reno

From:  A J - Reno, NV                                                                              Date:  December 8, 2006

Editors Note:  Sorry not to get you posted sooner but expected more from you.  The e-mail referencing "they" is actually our city directors who are attending a conference in Reno at our expense.  Stay tuned.  We hope to have some videos soon.  The test photos are fine [1].

UPDATE!!                                                                                              Date:  December 11, 2006

Didn't get all the information promised you. There were like 5000 people at the conference. Most of the nations mayors, city managers and council were in town. We saw the lady on an economic development tour and one of the guys gambling in a casino but he sort of vanished. We apologize but this town was packed with politicians. Temperature rose about 8 degrees from all the hot air. Sending you a bit of news via snail mail.

Editors Note:  We understand.  Thanks for trying.

Taxes Wax Poetic

From:  BA - Hot Springs, AR                                                                Date:  December 5, 2006

For your enjoyment....sounds familiar, wouldn't you say?

Tax his land,

Tax his bed,

Tax the table

At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,

Tax his mule,

Teach him taxes

Are the rule.

Tax his cow,

Tax his goat,

Tax his pants,

Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,

Tax his shirt,

Tax his work,

Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,

Tax his drink,

Tax him if he

Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,

Tax his beers,

If he cries, then

Tax his tears.

Tax his car,

Tax his gas,

Find other ways

To tax his ass

Tax all he has

Then let him know

That you won't be done

Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers,

Then tax him some more,

Tax him till

He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,

Tax his grave,

Tax the sod in

Which he's laid.

Put these words

Upon his tomb,

"Taxes drove me

To my doom..."

When he's gone,

Do not relax,

Its time to apply

The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax

Building Permit Tax

CDL license Tax

Cigarette Tax

Corporate Income Tax

Dog License Tax

Federal Income Tax

Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)

Fishing License Tax

Food License Tax,

Fuel permit tax

Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)

Hunting License Tax

Inheritance Tax

Interest expense

Inventory tax

IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)

Liquor Tax

Luxury Tax

Taxes Marriage License Tax Medicare Tax Property Tax Real Estate

Tax Service charge taxes

Social Security Tax

Road usage taxes Sales Tax

Recreational Vehicle Tax

School Tax

State Income Tax

State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)

Telephone federal excise tax

Telephone federal universal service fee tax

Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes

Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax

Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax

Telephone state and local tax

Telephone usage charge tax

Utility Taxes

Vehicle License Registration Tax

Vehicle Sales Tax

Watercraft registration Tax

Well Permit Tax

Workers Compensation tax

What has happened?

And I still have to "press 1" for English while in my own country!

Editors Note:  Sounds all too familiar.  We think you missed a couple.  For example, Hot Springs hotel and restaurant tax, their new proposal to bring back ad valorem tax without letting the citizens vote on it, and their most recent proposal to triple or quadruple their "Land Use Planning and Zoning Fee Schedule."  Sometimes its more palatable if you just call them "fees" instead of taxes.  You also know that even your federal representatives are working hard to tax the Internet and assess a fee for every e-mail you send. 

Hunting Season is Open . . . . Taxpayers are the Prey

From:  Tom - Hot Springs Resident                                                       Date:  December 2, 2006

Editors Note:  Lots of great points.  The caller you referenced is most likely the lady who wrote us below.  You are right about it being impossible to talk to the Board of Directors.  You betcha' we will get our group together.  It is great to see vocal people like you who are members of Hot Springs' over-taxed and under-represented public.  Like you, most of our citizens have had enough of this and we welcome you to join our effort.

Why Should the Public have No Say on Possible Taxes?

From:  Barbara Anable - Hot Springs, AR                                            Date:  December 1, 2006

Editors Note:  It does appear that the city manager and city attorney are working really hard to find a way to allow only the city board of directors (BOD) to vote to increase taxes.  They also likely know that the citizens would vote down tax increases.  Unfortunately, not allowing citizens to vote or even speak against issues seems to be their modus operandi for controlling the city.  We are certainly not getting representative government from our present leaders or they would be pleased to let the citizens vote or their voices be heard.  The front page article in the Wednesday, November 29 Sentinel Record was well done and fairly accurately detailed how hard MMyyeerrss and Albright are working to keep the public from having a say in whether or not taxes are increased.  As far as the ideas, we can only recommend that we make our voices heard to those that should be representing us.  This is really difficult because they currently censor items proposed for their agenda and prohibit "free speech" at their public meetings.

Nope, We're Not Chicken

From:  Bubba - Hot Springs, AR                                                            Date:  December 1, 2006

Editors Note:  We didn't publish it because we are not in the habit of publishing e-mails that make wild unsubstantiated claims.  Our reply to you asked you to send proof.  We have heard similar things from other sources but until you send documentation, we can only consider these to be rumors.  We did do a bit of research and can tell you that we found some information on the Arien Brotherhood, most information was found under the name Aryan Brotherhood or Aryan Nations which was apparently named after the Aryan race.  Many items can be found on the internet.  A typical example is www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11179562/site/newsweek/.  We also discovered they host a couple of claimed official websites such as www.aryan-nations.org/. 

Another New Member

From:  Barbara A - Hot Springs, AR                                                    Date:  November 29, 2006

We Provided a Big Grin

From:  Bob - Hot Springs, AR                                                               Date:  November 27, 2006

Editors Note:  We are happy when we can provide a grin.  Thanks for your e-mail.  It sort of provided the impetus we needed to write the news item we published today on the "News" page of our site.

Need More New News

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                                                  Date:  November 25, 2006

Editors Note:  Thanks for the words of support.  Unfortunately, new news about planning or the lack thereof by our city leaders doesn't happen everyday and that has been our primary focus.  If you would like to inform us of other newsworthy items or issues, please e-mail.  We'll post it.

We're Informative

From:  Barbara A - Hot Springs, AR                                                    Date:  November 24, 2006

Editors Note:  Thank you so much.  Sometimes even a city manager can mislead.  Readers who missed it can click here.

Hot Springs has a Zoo?

From:  J. K. - Hot Springs, AR                                                               Date:  November 24, 2006

Editors Note:  Thanks for your comments.  We'll help spread the word about our new zoo.  It is an area that is entertaining and often humorous.

Website Fails to Credit Lady Commissioner

From:  Ann - Hot Springs, AR                                                                Date:  November 22, 2006

Editors Note: We appreciate your comments.  You could not be more correct in your assessment.  Director Peggy Maruthur has been a steadfast critic of the lack of proper planning and was the only director to continuously point out the downtown "bottleneck" as a major safety hazard.  We humbly apologize for our oversights and thank Director Maruthur.  You likely also noted that while she is pointing out her facts and figures, most other directors are rolling their eyes, checking their watches, etc.  It is painfully obvious that they don't want to be bothered with facts.  Check out our most recent reply to the city manager on the "News" page and you will see that he has also adopted their unfortunate philosophy. 

Gambling or Skiing Vacation for City Directors?

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                   Date:  November 17, 2006

Editors Note: Isn't it enough to know that our city manager thinks at least one of them should attend?  We expect to have a member of our group in Reno on December 4 - 11 which is almost the same time our hard working board members are there at the National League of Cities Conference and we hope to have some pictures of what they actually do while in Reno.  Stay tuned.

Now What?

From:  CM - Hot Springs, AR                                                               Date:  November 11, 2006

Editors Note: Sorry to have not gotten your e-mail in sooner.  We sort of lost it for awhile.  We don't view what we are doing so much as complaining as we do informing.  No, we will not give us and go away.  If you and enough other citizens really admire what we are trying to do,  you need to join our effort.  Numbers talk.

Now Two Bottlenecks on CentraI

From:  Don - Hot Springs, AR                                                              Date:  November 7, 2006

Editors Note: It appears that nothing is being done for the holiday season.  They seem to only be concerned about getting it ready for racing season at Oaklawn and tourist season in the spring.  It is interesting to note that the city says the timing is the state’s fault but the state says they don’t do anything without the city’s approval and the scheduling was done by the city.  It is the old “Pass the buck” syndrome.

Include Central & MLK in the Traffic Mess

From:  Marie - Hot Springs, AR                                                              Date:  November 7, 2006

Editors Note:  We couldn’t agree with you more about that being a continuous mess. If Mr. Crisp is the person recommending “round-a-bouts” most of us would disagree.  These work well in residential areas for speed control but cannot handle large volumes of traffic and we think you would agree that MLK and Central has large volumes of traffic.

More Misuse of the Office?

From:  Glenn - Hot Springs, AR                                                              Date:  November 6, 2006

Editors Note: We think that may be on the city board agenda for tonight.  We will try to attend the meeting and find out.  Update 11/7/06: Your letter may have done some good.  Director Smith withdrew his request at the board meeting last evening (Nov.6).  We appreciate your  catching him with his hand in the cookie jar.  We hope everyone will continue to report such information and just perhaps, our representatives will start to think before taking self-serving actions.

Board Members Traveling WAY too much

From:  No Name - Hot Springs, AR                                                        Date:  November 3, 2006

Editors Note: We think this travel was already approved several meetings back.  We checked their agenda and didn't see any travel items on the agenda.  You can check for yourself at http://www.ci.hot-springs.ar.us/pdfs/agendas/2006/agendas/Pages%20from%20ag11-06-06.pdf   Lots of luck about even getting to speak if you go to the Monday meeting but if enough of us keep trying, maybe they will eventually let the public speak.  We do not intend to give up.

Kudos, Kudos, Kudos

From:  Anna - Hot Springs, AR                                                               Date:  November 2, 2006

Editors Note:  You're welcome.  You're welcome.  You're welcome.

New Mayor Next Time?

From:  Bubba - Hot Springs, AR                                                             Date:  November 1, 2006

Editors Note: We have heard that as a rumor and, apparently, a couple more current directors also have mayoral aspirations.

City Directors Have Critics Beaten?

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                       Date:  October 24, 2006

Editors Note:  Mostly because we didn't know about Weatherford.  We will look into this and report whatever we find as fully and accurately as possible.  In the interim, please send us whatever factual details you have including the people who were involved.

A Campaign Ad to Get the Rascals Out

From:  No Name - Hot Springs, AR                                                          Date:  October 21, 2006

Editors Note: We agree with you that those folks should be replaced although, probably not for the same reasons.  Director Edwards actually voted against the "bottleneck" on Central but his health is not good and he deserves a rest.  Moreover, we certainly do not want the other directors appointing his replacement in the event Mr. Edwards is unable to complete his four year term.  As to the write-in, we think there are provisions for this but just writing in several different names would not pose much opposition.  How about we all write in "Scooby Doo"?  Scooby would probably do a better job without the rude comments and vindictive attitude.

Not all Pigs are Razorbacks

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                                                        Date:  October 6, 2006

Editors Note: His name is Steve Smith.  Special interests and favoritism seem to be commonplace with the group you reference.  It is illegal in some places but apparently not in Hot Springs.  The only thing currently being done is that we hope to help the public wise up and get rid of as many incumbents as possible in next month's election.  Note that previous e-mailers call your group the 3 amigos, the 3 stooges, and even the bottleneck kids.  "Pig" is still a term of endearment in Arkansas, is it not?  Update: See article on "News" page.

Sentinel-Record Campaigning, Verse 2

From:  An Observer - Hot Springs                                                      Date:  September 27, 2006

Sentinel-Record Campaigning for Edwards?

From:  A friend of Lindrel Hogaboom - Hot Springs                          Date:  September 26, 2006

Editors Note: Thanks for the letter.  We do not refuse to publish anything here and we do not edit (except perhaps, for really bad words).

Upcoming Election is Most Important

From:  No Name - Hot Springs, AR                         Date:  September 26, 2006

Editors Note: We couldn't agree more.

City Director Using Position for Selfish Interests?  Surprise, Surprise

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                     Date:  September 22, 2006

Editors Note:  Sounds like abuse of power and conflict of interest to us.  Don't expect to get the city board to take any action though because it appears that they get together before the meetings to decide the issues so none of them look too bad.  Also, don't expect to be able to just go and speak to the city board because their public meetings are structured such that they won't allow the public to speak.  Why don't you get your folks together and file suit.  If what you say is correct, you should be able to win there.  Are you not also concerned that the additional traffic you are getting through your residential area is due to the bottleneck your director and his compadres voted for?

New City Director Candidates

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                       Date:  September 9, 2006

Editors Note: Sorry, but we don't really know any of the new candidates.  We will work to find out what we can about them and give you a report in the near future.  It is odd that Director Weatherford didn't draw an opponent but he was the one who offered the motion to reopen the right-turn lane onto Ouachita.  Let's just see how long the city takes to actually perform that work.  Perhaps they think we will forget about it.  Update 9/26: We still don't know a lot about the candidates but we do know those we have are bad so we are proposing that everyone cast votes against the incumbents.

Don't Call Names

From:  No Name - Hot Springs, AR                               Date:  August 31, 2006

Editors Note: We assume you reference the previous e-mail and while we agree with you, we do not edit what in sent to us via e-mail unless the words are vile or vulgar.  Note that even your minor typo was not corrected.

3 Amigos Headed for Japan

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                             Date:  August 29, 2006

Editors Note:  Lots of interesting questions and interesting names there.  We would agree that it is somewhat curious as to how this particular three ended up as our representatives.  You failed to note who is paying for the trip and that the same three "whatevers" plus Miss Jones are also going to Reno at our expense in December.

City Sued Because Directors Playing Politics

From:  J.B. - Hot Springs, AR                                          Date:  August 27, 2006

Editors Note: We are in no position to render legal opinions but it does appear that the city (we taxpayers) will have to pay for whatever illegal activities our leaders are found to have participated in.  Apparently, Daniel was performing his supposed duty as a city director and that is the reason he wasn't sued as an individual.  Your last question is a good one.  We've been asking it for a long time along with why they don't care about what is in the best interest of our citizen's safety and well-being such as the BOTTLENECK.  We have heard the duck folks also complain about the bottleneck because it is costing them lots of time and money.  Ask those guys if they could include that in their lawsuit?

Bi-annual Japanese Vacation for Directors Blasted

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                             Date:  August 25, 2006

Editors Note: The last trip was in April so they obviously are going at least twice this year.

From the above photo, Bush, Weatherford, and Jones were on the last trip.  We are told that Weatherford is going again in September and will be joined by Daniel and Smith.  As you can see on our "News Page," we also questioned whether or not Weatherford, Daniel, Smith, and Jones really needed to also vacation in Reno, NV in December at the taxpayer's expense.  Check the city meeting that approved all this travel for some interesting perspectives by clicking here and going to item 33.  Also read all the Hanamaki propaganda on the website to determine for yourself the real purpose of all these trips and the actual benefit to our taxpayers.  Sorry for the delay in posting this and the next couple of e-mails.  We took a short vacation.

Casinos Coming Thanks to City Directors

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                             Date:  August 22, 2006

Editors Note:  We've heard that also.  Apparently, there has been a sale for such a purpose.  You should check with your local realtor to see what the sale was all about and let us know.  Oh, why would our current directors care what is legal or in the citizen's best interest?

Power Grab Failed

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                             Date:  August 19, 2006

Editors Note: Yes, we were surprised that those two didn't get appointed.  It was obviously painful for director Smith who voted against the two that were appointed but the other directors appear to have realized that adding more of the "Bottleneck Bunch" may not sit well with the public.  We don't know anything about those appointed but do think it is significant that this group of self-serving individuals failed in their attempt to obtain even more control of our city.

Power Grab by the "Stooges" Family and Friends

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                             Date:  August 13, 2006

Editors Note:  Yep, we noticed.  You don't really think they will ever learn or even care what "conflict of interest" means, do you?  Check out the minutes or the video from the last meeting and you will see some "big-time" conflicts but it didn't keep any directors from voting or showing obvious prejudice.  You are right to question what those folks are up to but they are proving to be their own worst enemies.  Keep cool until after they put themselves in control.  We will have much stronger evidence of their true agendas then.

Arrogant Bunch at City Hall Sends Themselves to Japan, Reno

From:  C.J. - Hot Springs, AR                                           Date:  August 1, 2006

Editors Note:  It is interesting how the normal four or five watchers of the city board meetings has now grown to hundreds.  It is also quite interesting to note the consistency of responses from this group.  Almost no one comes away without negative comments. Read the article in the section titled "News."  We have a few negative comments of our own.  You can help by continuing to check in at this website or call and really get involved, we will announce our future plans soon.

Badge of Honor?

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                               Date:  August 7, 2006

Editors Note:  We sincerely hope the directors read the site because they need to know what the citizens are saying and thinking.  Some directors certainly won't listen to the public at city hall. 

Hot Springs Residents Speak

From:  J.B. - Hot Springs, AR                                            Date:  August 2, 2006

Editors Note:  You are correct.  It took us awhile to find it but we did and added that link to our "Archives" page.  You can access it by clicking here or at: http://www.ci.hot-springs.ar.us/pdfs/Strategic_Plan_Comments.pdf.  They understand but we think the better question is, "do they care?"

What's the Easiest Way Out of Town?

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                               Date:  August 1, 2006

Editors Note:  We don't know that your statement is factual and we don't care to get involved in anyone's personal life.  As to your question, you appear to have already ascertained the answer.

Bottleneck Working Fine at Slowing Traffic

From:  BG - Hot Springs, AR                                          Date:  August 1, 2006

Editors Note:  We were wondering when we would get an e-mail from someone who thinks bottlenecking traffic is a good thing.  As to improved safety, the 40 accidents since the bottleneck was put in place seems to be a better response than we could provide.

City Survey Backfires

From:  Bubbabelly - Hot Springs, AR                            Date:  July 31, 2006

Editors Note:  We assume you refer to the Sunday (July 30) Sentinel Record front page story.  Yep, it backfired on whoever at the city devised the survey and you are possibly correct as to the source.  No, we think most of our city leaders thought they were doing a great job and hopefully, this will serve as a wake-up call.  Unfortunately, you may also have the correct assessment as to their intellect.  If this is the case, they may not comprehend or accept what the public has told them.

Downtown

From:  D.G. - Hot Springs, AR                            Date:  July 27, 2006

Check out yesterday and the day before newspapers. One of the front page stories is about how traffic flow needs to improve. Recent letters to the editor also are ripping the highway department. Even the city street department engineer is getting defensive. Wonder how he justifys his tearing up the bottleneck again and like M.R. pointed out smack in the middle of tourist season. We are still boycotting the bottleneck businesses anyhow. What about some bumper stickers, BOYCOTT the BOTTLENECK?

Editors Note:  The city board and administration should all know that 95% plus of citizens would remove the bottleneck.  The engineer is just following orders and is caught in the CYA syndrome.  We like your bumper sticker idea.

Poor Timing for Bottleneck Repairs

From:  M.R. - Hot Springs, AR                               Date:  July 24, 2006

Editors Note:  We have noticed and assume you refer to the construction work on Central at Bridge Street.  We have no explanation for what is going on and you raise very valid points.  Why, why again, and why now?

Ambulance Inches Through Bottleneck

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                               Date:  July 16, 2006

Editors Note:  Yep, we heard that.  Go back through the board archives and you will discover that he must be becoming rather forgetful.  Just a note - we understand they are more accurately referred to as city board members.

City Board Minutes Now Available

From:  No Name - Hot Springs, AR                               Date:  July 14, 2006

Editors Note:  What was written was fairly impartial but some statements were presented as facts and there were a handful of inaccuracies.  Note that the board packet and the information we requested to be part of the record are still not included.  Perhaps this will be added in the near future.  Read the board minutes for yourself by clicking here.

Who Was That Substitute Mayor Dude?

From:  Jimbo - Hot Springs, AR                               Date:  July 11, 2006

Editors Note:  His name is Carroll Weatherford.

Downtown Drying Up

From:  No Name - Hot Springs, AR                            Date:  July 10, 2006

Editors Note:  We have been hoping to hear from some of you downtown merchants via e-mails.  We talk to many of you and already know how most of you feel.  Be assured, we are 'digging in' for the long term.  Make your voices heard, if not here, to the press, to your government representatives, etc. and keep checking our website.  We hope to have a nice surprise development for you in the next couple of months.

Downtown an Unsafe Freeway Detour

From:  P.T. - Little Rock, AR                            Date:  July 7, 2006

Editors Note:  Sorry for your discomfort but please don't stop coming to Hot Springs.  Just come when it is not a holiday and know that most of the downtown merchants are also opposed to our bottleneck.  The problem is the group of selfish merchants that want free front-door parking and don't care about anyone else.  Your reference to large trucks appears to be due to the fact that bridges in the Gulpha Gorge area have been load-zoned such that they can no longer accommodate heavy vehicles.  Thanks for your kind words of support.

Recall the Clowns

From:  Jerry - Hot Springs, AR                            Date:  July 4, 2006

Editors Note:  Sorry to not post your e-mail sooner but we wanted to get you an answer first.  Recalls are not very difficult and quite possible.  For example, it appears that we would need to obtain only 910 signatures on a recall petition for a director such as Weatherford.  Only 35% of votes cast for all candidates in the specific director's race in the last election are required. There were only 2600 votes cast in the most recent election for that particular position.  Jones ran unopposed and the county clerk's office is presently working to find the number of votes cast.  Officially, this may be as few as one vote.  We will find out.  You can read the law for yourself if you click here and then type 14-61-119 and then click on item 2.

Its Cute to Block Traffic

From:  Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                     Date:  July 3, 2006

Editors Note:  We must understand that those type drivers are also out there.  Why else could less than 1% of our citizens manage to bottleneck our primary north-south thoroughfare for the other 99% who may need to get somewhere in less than 20 minutes.  Traffic requirements can change but some of us will still live in the 50s.  " The times, they are a changing" doesn't mean all the people are.

Last Board Meeting a Secret?

From:  J.B. - Hot Springs, AR                               Date:  June 30, 2006

Editors Note:  We noticed.  It is possible they don't want the packet we provided to them included in the minutes and are trying to find a way to exclude it. You are correct that the June 19 meeting minutes are still not on the city's website.  Even if it gets posted on the next business day, it will have been 14 days.  Strange.  Update: Finally posted on July 14 but without board attachments.  check it by clicking here.

Directors are The Biggest Bottleneck

From:  Jerry - Hot Springs, AR                            Date:  June 29, 2006

Editors Note:  Lots of folks we talk with agree with you.  We are currently researching what is required to do a recall of the two who are not up for re-election.  The November election should take care of the other two if we just make the public aware of their records.

Sober Directors?

From:  Gene - Hot Springs, AR                           Date:  June 27, 2006

Editors Note:  In their defense, they look like that a lot.  We don't know about drugs but we do know they were under the influence of a well orchestrated special interest group.

Kudos

From:  Barbara - Hot Springs, AR                      Date:  June 26, 2006

Editors Note:  Thank you Barbara.  It is folks like you who provide our inspiration.

We're Hard to Find

From:  Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                            Date:  June 25, 2006

Reading today's and recent letters to local newspapers caused us to become interested and find your website. We didn't think too much about the bottleneck because the city is always working there and we were told it was just a temporary situation. How can anyone in their right mind think that congested traffic and upset motorists are good things? You need to put your website in the newspaper. We made a dozen calls before we managed to find if.

Editors Note: Great question.  No one here has accused them of being in their right mind.  Thanks for the recommendation.  We plan to advertise just as soon as we get organized a bit better and we also plan to have a news release at that time.

Vote The Rascals Out

From: Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                          Date: June 23, 2006

We told you the best thing could be to lose so we know who the rascals are. Now we know they are Tom Daniels, Steve Smith, Carroll Weatherford, and Elaine Smith. They don't care about protecting us and don't care how long it takes us to get through town. Lets get them out of office and get some people who care about us and will do what the majority wants..

Editor's Note:  Okay, we're with you.  Unfortunately, only two "rascals" are up for election this year.  Those two are Carroll Weatherford and Elaine Jones.  We need to keep Bill Edwards because he voted in the best interest of our citizens.  Word on the street is that Weatherford is thinking of running for mayor.

Boycott Downtown

From:  D.G. - Hot Springs, AR                            Date:  June 23, 2006

Check out today and yesterday newspaper (letters to editor). Looks like a lot of us are going to start boycotting the downtown businesses. Maybe they will get the message if we all just stop going there. Hell, we cant get there anyhow.

Editors Note:  Please don't stop going to those 24 businesses (see item below) that also want the parking removed.  Although we sort of like a couple of the restaurants in Spencer's Corner, we agree with your boycott idea and will encourage all our friends, relatives, and visitors to not do business in the bottleneck but only in that area. The other stores downtown need our support. Oh, irrespective of what Mr. Gipe told the city board, all businesses in the bottleneck are not unanimous in wanting parking.  Please continue to patronize the Bath House Show and the Magic Show folks.

Missed One

From:  Karen - Hot Springs, AR                            Date:  June 22, 2006

We noticed your latest news pointed out some errors made by the arts crowd people who spoke Monday. You missed one obvious error. The city reported the DMA (Downtown Merchants Association?) survey resulted in 12 wanting to remove bump-outs and parking, 12 wanting to go back to the way it was (which removes parking), and 5 wanting to leave things as they are. The first speaker named Gipe said he was surprised to hear 12 businesses wanted to remove parking. His math is really bad. That should have been 24 out of 29 who wanted to remove parking. Can anything be done now?

Editors Note:  Thanks for pointing out the "Fuzzy Math."  There were other mistakes throughout their presentation.  If we had more than 3 minutes, perhaps we could have addressed them.  Remember, the primary point of our "News" section article was that there was no real need to hear from the public because the city board had decided the issue well before the meeting.  Yes, we sincerely hope something can be done.  Keep watching, we have just begun.

New Words Invented for 'Kissing-Up"

From: Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                Date: June 20, 2006

Watched the fiasco last night. It was clear who was giving facts and who was saying, "please don't take our parking." The lady kissing up was real good. She went over the line when she bragged on them for planning so visionarily. Is there such a word as visionarily? Thanks again for what you are doing.

Editor's Note:  We could not find such a word.  The facts we managed to present in 3 minutes were obviously not complete.  We will provide a copy of the facts in either the "News" or "Archive" section real soon.  Keep watching.

We Got Kicked Where?

From: J.B. - Hot Springs, AR                              Date: June 20, 2006

Well. You got your butts kicked. What you goin to do about it? My guess is you do nothing cause nothing can be done. Don't feel bad cause you tried but that don't cut it in Hot Springs. Never has, never will. Either sue them or get another bunch that will turn out just as bad. You are wasting your time.

Editor's Note:  You may well be correct but we think last evening's meeting was actually a good thing.  If you read our article in the "News" section, you may understand why we believe that.  Then read the second one, written a few days ago and determine whether or not we already knew exactly what would happen.

Honkin' Ad Misleading

From: L.G. - Hot Springs, AR                          Date: June 18, 2006

Hey, is that honkin' big ad (today's newspaper) a try to bribe the newspaper to not print anything bad about them? Is the ad paid for by the people named or do they want people to think that? What does 1950 have to do with today?

Editor's Note:  We can't speculate as to their motives.  We would certainly hope and we do assume that the ad was not paid for by those listed on the bottom.  The more misleading point is that we are somehow trying to remove their streetscape improvements.  Again, we only oppose their forcing the city to give them free parking and creating traffic congestion and safety hazards.  We already addressed your 1950 question below.

What About That Half-Page Ad?

From: Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                          Date: June 18, 2006

Just read the huge half page ad in todays papers and wanted your reaction. They must be well funded or is the city paying for that ad too? How much for ads like that one?

Editor's Note:  We have no idea how much such ads cost.  As for our reaction, we should observe that our traffic flow has increased somewhat since 1950 so perhaps we need 4-lanes more than we did in 1950.  It also appears that they wish to paint us as being opposed to all of their improvements.  Not true.  We think the sidewalks, planters, benches, trees, freshly painted buildings, etc. look just great.  Our only opposition is the bump-outs and parking that created the bottleneck which hampers traffic flow and the ability of our emergency responders to get through the area.

Threatened?

From: Bubba - Hot Springs, AR                          Date: June 18, 2006

Read the news section and the guy saying you gave up. Somebody said you were threatened is why you gave up. Was it true, were you threatened? If it is why dont you file charges and shut them up? We understand if you dont have guts to give details.

Editor's Note:  What are you people reading that says we gave up?  Sure, we received threats.  Some of our members have even withdrawn their support because they received threats or were called names.  Sure, we have been called names.  One of the most recent and nicer e-mails called us "back-woods folks."  We reported the threats aimed at shutting down our website some time ago.  The most recent threat directly to us by one of the selfish special interest group members was that they would sue us and anyone who has anything to do with removing their parking.  These type threats don't cause us much concern.  Suing us would be great because it would expose their true greed and selfishness.  What bothers us most is that their threats and intimidation appear to effect our elected officials and their tactics have caused some of this city's most credible and respected citizens to withdraw their support of our noble cause.

We've Given Up?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                          Date: June 18, 2006

I told you twice already you are wasting your time and see that you have given up. What you call the Monday night circus is not a circus to those board members. Its the only way they know to do business. I told you they cant vote to remove the bottleneck, that would be admitting they screwed up and there heads are too big to admit screw ups. Good try while you lasted.

Editor's Note:  Where did we say we were giving up?  We know what the vote will be Monday evening.  We have never anticipated changing any of the city board member's minds with facts.  As the previous writer noted, Monday's votes will show us the board's "true colors" or, better stated, will allow the public to know the position of each of their supposed representatives. 

Best Thing is To Lose

From: Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                          Date: June 15, 2006

the best thing could be to lose monday nite. then we will know true colors of city board members. next step get them out of office. please list how board members voted so we get rid of ones who want parking instead of safety.

Editor's Note:  We don't know that there will be a vote Monday evening but we will publish it if there is and will let you know where each director appears to stand on the issue.  Better yet, come to the Monday meeting at 7 PM and hear for yourself.

Don't Criticize Mayor

From: Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                          Date: June 12, 2006

The mayor just had a heart attack and is in the hospital. Can't you lay off him?

Editor's Note:  The news reports are that he had a sextuple bypass but did not actually have a heart attack.  It is not our intention to criticize any individual by name but rather by deed.  Note that comments directed at individuals such as the city manager and a Mr. Gipe were made only after they criticized our efforts.  We sincerely wish the mayor a complete and speedy recovery.  We hope that he is in the prayers of all citizens.

Board Not Real Bright

From:  L.G. - Hot Springs, AR                       Date:  June 12, 2006

You folks have made a big mistake. You think the board members understand what you say about congestion and safety. You give them way more credit than deserved.  The writer of June 6 nailed it. The board is not real bright. Try to talk at their level. OK?

Editors Note:  You are, obviously, not the first to make that particular observation and you may be correct.  However, we prefer to believe that they do understand but just don't want to.

Bottleneck is a Good Thing?

From:  Jerry - Hot Springs, AR                                Date:  June 11, 2006

City Board Totally Confused

From:  Ms. Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR               Date:  June 6, 2006

We just discovered last night city board meetings are carried live on cable channel 15. Are those folks always so confused? They kept asking what they were doing, "what does that mean" and acted like this was the first meeting they had had. Are they really total incompetent idiots or did we find this channel on a bad night?

Editors Note:  They are actually a lot more clever than they appeared last evening.  We think the primary reason you received that impression is due to the agenda they were using.  See today's article on the "News" page.

Public Safety is Being Ignored

From:  Karen - Hot Springs, AR                            Date:  June 5, 2006

Can you tell us what the Public Safety Committee is? It sounds like we are going to have a report from them at the next city public meeting tonight. Did they have input into creating the bottleneck downtown?

Editors Note:  We are sorry to admit that we don't know but we will find out and give you a better answer to this question later.  Logic tells us that if such a committee exists, they should have been consulted before such drastic safety changes as the bottleneck were made,  However, based on the fact that the sheriff, police, fire, and EMS were not asked for their opinion, it is highly unlikely such a committee was consulted.

Editors Update (June 6): We asked the Deputy city manager your question last evening and he said this committee is comprised of himself, Lance Hudnell; Dennis Wooldridge -  Traffic Services; Steve Mallett - Public Works Director; and Lt. Cooley - HSPD.  See the News section for our comments on this committee.

Headline Newspaper Article Notes Problems

From: Bubba - Hot Springs, AR                          Date:  June 4, 2006

Does anybody read the newspaper anymore? The first article in todays paper talks about the parking problems and what they were doing at the Confederate Memorial. Nobody said anything about the other article on Friday either. It sounds like other people on Central are getting mad now.

Editors Note:  Sorry we didn't post your other e-mail yesterday but it is shown next today.  We saw both newspaper issues but don't get too excited about today's article.  It is likely that the people in the 1000 block of Central are upset because the city took some parking away in that area.  If this is the case, they have a valid point because once you give one group free parking at their front doors, everyone will want it. 

Newspaper Editorial Notes Problems

From: Bubba - Hot Springs, AR                          Date:  June 3, 2006

Nobody said anything about the Sentinel Record editorial yesterday. Did you see where MG with the newspaper said they beg to differ with those who say nobody is against the parking, bump-outs, run-around and stuff they were doing at the bottleneck? Somebody else has noticed those problems. Keep it up. If the paper is tired of the crap they are doing - maybe others are getting tired of it too.

Editors Note:  Thanks.  We did see the article and you can be assured that we have no plans to give up our effort.

Get Rid of the Three Stooges

From: A Registered City Voter  - Hot Springs, AR        Date:  June 1, 2006

I am glad that there is someone who will take a stand against those elected officials who think they can do what they want and not give a second thought to the safety of the citizens of Hot Springs and Garland County. I talked with several visitors this past weekend when myself and family were walking down town. Several stated that they would not come back down town. The traffic was horrible. I waited in line from West Grand Ave. till we got to the Parking Deck. I finally got smart and took some back roads. I know my way around the city, but those visiting do not and they were very upset about the traffic. Some asked what was going on with the city. On Saturday, I saw an Ambulance going in the wrong lane against traffic from near the intersection with Park Ave. all the way past the bath houses. This was unreal. Is the city waiting to be sued for such blatant disregard for the safety and well being of the citizens and visitors? Why is the city manager allowed to do as he pleases, and the city directors do nothing? As for me and my family and relatives, we will be looking for the next election of city officials and the THREE STOOGES getting voted OUT!!

P.S. Hope you can use this PHOTO taken in the bottleneck. (We can't. See note below)

Editors Note:  Fantastic analysis.  You have helped put our emphasis back where it should be, on public safety.  Your second point is also where our second priority should be because our city would just be another struggling Arkansas town without those tourists.  Have you read the letter from the Convention and Visitors Bureau?  It is the first listing under "Documents" on our "Archive" page.   Your summation is on target.  Perhaps they should be sued.  It could help the voters make easy decisions.  The following letter also references the next election.  Thanks for the photo.  A picture really is worth a thousand words, isn't it?  UPDATE: We received a call from Richard with the Sentinel Record 11/7/06 that your photo was their photo which was copyrighted and must be removed within the next 20 minutes.  For this reason the link to your photo no longer exists.

City Leaders Just Buying Time

From: Jerry - Hot Springs, AR                                      Date:  June 1, 2006

It takes a long time to read all the stuff you have on your website but we read most of it. Thank you for all the well documented information. Anyone who takes the time to read everything will be well informed and will see what the city leaders are doing and it is not right. It is sad what they are doing and you are right that they are buying time to try to come up with excuses for their wrong actions. They need a lot of time to ever come up with an explanation we will believe. But don't you think we should let them keep dragging the time out? Lets wait and hear them explain it just before election time this fall.

Editors Note:  Thanks for the kind words and especially, the great thoughts.  Making this fiasco into a campaign issue could very well work to the citizen's benefit.

Told You So, Told You So

From: Not Signed                                                          Date:  May 31, 2006

I saw your news article tonight complain you couldn't talk to the city board. I told you (apparently May 27) you were wasting time trying to change the way Hot Springs is run. Why do you think they will let you talk if they know you will criticize them? It will be a cold day in hell when they let you criticize them in public and a colder day when they take out any of their screw ups. That would be like admitting mistakes. They think their fountain is better than a road to the park garage and they think their bottleneck makes town look like a quaint little village. They said that on a TV board meeting.

Editors Note:  It is also difficult for us to admit but you could be right.

Keep Priorities Straight

From: Anonymous - Hot Springs, AR                          Date:  May 30, 2006

Thank you for having a site where anyone can speak there piece but keep your priorities straight. It is more important for you, the city and all our people to remember why we have Memorial day. Our liberties and our freedom to have direct speech like your website came at a terrific price. We must never forget the brave soldiers who gave so much so we can have freedom today.

Editors Note:  We could not agree more.

Representative Government Is Possible in Our City

From: Tim - Hot Springs, AR                          Date:  May 28, 2006

The person saying Hot Springs leaders will not change is wrong. They are right that only a few people run the town but it is only because we let them. This bunch running the town doesn't have the power or money the old group had. They just make noise. If your group makes more noise than they do, you will be heard and you sure may have an effect. Don't give up. The public will help you.

Editors Note:  Thanks for your words of encouragement.  Our primary purpose is to help ensure that the public is heard.

Representative Government Not Possible in Our City

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs, AR                          Date:  May 27, 2006

Your group is wasting time trying to get Hot Springs to change. The other day somebody said back in the 50s and 60s there were only a couple of people who ran the entire town but its some better now because there are about a dozen that run the town. Your group is going to find this out the hard way.

Editors Note:  We sure hope it is not too hard.  Can you expand on those thoughts?

Fire City Employees if They Question City Leaders

From: City Dude - Hot Springs, AR                          Date:  May 24, 2006

I spent a lot of years with the city. The person wrote in called Can't Say knows who I am talking about. Two of those fellers were heard saying this is a right to work state they could fire anybody for anything for no reason so it is not smart to question what they are doing. I still know lots of people with the city that would say a lot but they are afraid they would get fired. Firing is not the job of those fellers and everybody should tell them that is not there job. Everybody at the city knows the city manager uses threats to get them to be quite.

Editors Note:  Doesn't sound like a nice situation.  Let us hear from others.  We will not use your name or e-mail address unless you authorize us to do so.

Bluntly Cuts to the Chase

From:  No Guts                                                 Date:  May 24, 2006

You folks need to quit beating around the bush and cut to the chase as to why we have a bottleneck, a parking garage we can't get to and many other traffic problems. First, we have a city manager who so badly wants to be one of the arts and croissant crowd that he lets the 'in crowd' tell him what to do and say. Second, we have a little architect who looks like the Pillsbury doughboy but thinks he is a traffic engineer because the city lets him do traffic designs. With these two characters fronting for a loudmouth restaurant owner, the city directors don't have the guts to go against them. I don't think the directors are crooked or even doing favors. I think they don't have the guts to do the right thing. Oh, since I was pretty blunt, sign me 'No Guts'.

Editors Note:  We're going to pass commenting on this one.

          Exorcism Needed for City Leaders

          From:  RR                                                     Date:  May 23, 2006