Discussions

Hot Springs' infamous downtown "Bottleneck" courtesy of our city manager, mayor, and board

This page is for your comments. We use whatever name you sign. If you do not chose to sign, we will print it as "Not Signed" so don't hesitate to tell us whatever is on your mind especially what you think about local area government and the job our city leaders are doing including taxation without representation, traffic planning, the downtown "bottleneck," etc. Send your E-mails to editor@HotSpringsTalk.com.

Hot Springs Metro, Inc. and the website, HotSpringsTalk.com takes no responsibility as to the accuracy of statements on our site. Hot Springs Metro, Inc. accepts and presents data as is, without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, mistakes, errors, or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained on this site. Hot Springs Metro, Inc. reserves the right to edit and/or change any discussions which are rude, offensive, or derogatory. The messages written on this site are the sole opinions of the individuals contributing them and do not, in any way, express the opinions of Hot Springs Metro, Inc. All editorial content and graphics on this site are protected by U.S. copyright and international treaties and may not be copied without express written permission of Hot Springs Metro, Inc. Re-use of any Hot Springs Metro, Inc. editorial content, graphics, or other items on this site for any purpose is strictly prohibited.

Life-Net Employees Forced to Attend City Board Meeting?

From: Ted Burhenn - Hot Springs Date: November 19, 2008

For those of us that sat through Tuesday night's city hall filibuster, do you remember the supervisor from LifeNet standing there and telling us that all the employees of LifeNet were there in support of the decision to award the contract to them? Well for the rest of the story, LifeNet employees were directed to attend the meeting in uniform as a continued condition of their employment. Some were there under duress and although would not have spoken against LifeNet, are not in support of LifeNet.

Did you notice that the LifeNet Supervisor was not familiar with the one of the required Technical aspects of the contract and neither was Kent Myers who was one who recommended LifeNet using that same technical aspect as part of the rating system? Thank you Peggy for bringing that out into the open.

The Helicopter Service supervisor was not there because of a conflict in schedule, and the employee present (nurse) could not obligate the service other than to say that it is under consideration. Fact is that they are going to open another operation in Arkansas (third, I think) and Hot Springs is one of the selections but not if LifeNet gets the contract. They will run 12 hour shifts which requires at least 4 crews of 3 plus supervision. They will be based at Hot Springs Airport. Economic Impact.!!!!

70W has a least 6000 call outs per year and at an additional cost of $500 (for the Flag Car) that is $300,000.00 per year (no wonder LifeNet's band aids are cheaper). For that amount of additional funds you can buy a lot of band-aids or even park a truck in the county. Lake Hamilton, Piney and the rest of the county have similar number of call outs per year. LifeNet has refused to station a truck at the High Schools for football games unless paid in advance. AMR will do it as part of the service. The presentation needs to be made to the Board of Directors and not to any panel controlled by Myers.

Being tabled for two weeks, City Directors need to insist that in addition to band aid cost, the entire service needs to be appraised. And I hope you caught the Lance-Davis act. They forgot to rehearse and countered each others statements,

Editors note: Thanks for the information. We did notice some city employees contradicting each other and, occasionally, even themselves. It appeared quite obvious that the city manager was biased in the selection process. Oh well, he has now resigned effective January 1, 2009. Actually, the whole city board show was akin to a 3-ring circus.

No Change in Travel Budget for Freeloading Directors

From: GP - Hot Springs Date: November 18, 2008

I was reading the paper this morning about the new city budget which appears to be lower than last year. I wanted to get your take on it. The one thing I did notice was that no reduction was made to the director's budget which includes all of those trips to Hanamaki and other resort places that the freeloading city directors constantly take at our expense. Didn't most of our directors just return from Orlando, FL? I also check your website daily but there have been no new postings lately. Why is this? Can you give us your take on the city's proposed budget? It seems like they are wasteful with out tax money but do a good job of giving us a spin they think we will believe.

Editors note: Thanks for your comments. Based on your observations, you are obviously very astute. We do not yet have a copy of the proposed budget but will attempt to get one and have one of our CPA types review it and then provide comments on this website based on facts rather than theory. However, in the interim, we also noticed that no mention is made of reducing the budget of our perennial travelers also known as the city board. Yes, they did just return from Disneyworld at the taxpayer's expense. As to web updates, we can only publish what we receive. Send us your comments daily and we'll have daily content.

Director Used Public Property for Personal Gain?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: November 10, 2008

Thought you would want to know how Tom Daniel won the election. We thought he would lose but he was and has promised lots of people in our area street paving and other favors if they would vote for him. He told some of them outright and insinuated to others. He even reminded people to remember who got there street paved for them. Isn't this illegal somehow? He used asphalt that belonged to the public and city employees labor to get hisself some votes didn't he? We live near Tom and have heard this and also from several other neighbors too.

Editors note: We do think it may be illegal or, as a minimum, unethical. Please give us as many of the peoples names who know about these promises, were offered paving (or other favors), or received paving, etc. and we will see what can be done. If it can be proven that he used the public's property for his own gain, he could possibly be prosecuted. As a minimum, we can file a complaint with the state ethics commission. It will certainly not be the first for this director.

Arrogant Sign Installer Told Where to Go?

From: Bubba - Hot Springs Date: November 6, 2008

I told you Tommie and Stevie were putting up signs without permission. A small little old guy chewed out my brother and told him he had permission to put signs up on his property. The little guy didnt know he was talking to the owner. My brother told him in no uncertain terms where to go and where he should put his signs. Guess what. Next day the damn signs were up again. I told you Tommie and Stevie would put signs where they want. They dont care who owns the property. Remember Stevie put signs up in Greenwood cemetary. You have the pictures. Stevie is gone now but how come Tommie got elected again? Are that many people dumb?

Editors note: Could be. See our commentary on the main page.

Paranoia or Legitimate Voter Fraud Concerns?

From: Observer - Hot Springs Date: November 4, 2008

I hear there is concern about people going around to several polling places without ID and voting several times especially in district 3 and 6. Is there anything to this and what can be done to stop it. When you hear about the ACORN folks registering a guy out of state 73 times it seems so distant, but to think that kind of stuff might happen here in Hot Springs makes me really upset. Is that just paranoia or does it happen here?

Editors note: It can certainly happen here. We fully intend to make a few random checks to see if it is being done here.

Daniel is Shameful, Smith Should be Committed

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: November 3, 2008

Boy are those good ole boys beginning to get desperate. A good indication of how to tell if candidates are really desperate is whether or not they are using their kids or moms in their ads. Everybody likes kids and moms and everybody has a mom. The only local candidate doing this is Tom Daniels. Hey Tom if we could vote for moms we would do so but you and a couple of your buddies on the board are the ones who have literally screwed up the town and ignored the public except to occasionally chew them out. It is interesting to note that you have used other people even the poor old couple who you told to put up that downtown awning because you would overrule anybody who gave them trouble. You have now forced them into a lawsuit. You have good reason to be ashamed of your record. You should be forced to run on your record. If you did you would get no votes. That is probably why you have mentioned everything but your record. You have done a shameful job of trying to start rumors on your opponent. Now you have even helped your buddies who are running by telling them how to start rumors. You are a shameful person Tom. Maybe you will soon have lots of time to think about it. You can help us all by staying out of politics. Almost forgot but Steve Smith says he is committed in todays ad. Maybe you will be soon Steve.

Editors note: But how do you really feel about those two incumbents? Have they misused their offices?

Chamber is Unethical, Not the Candidates

[The following e-mail references an article which reports that the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce has complained to the Arkansas Ethics Commission that city director Tom Daniel and challenger Ken Carney had improperly used the chamber's mailing list for political purposes.]

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: October 30, 2008

Concerning todays Sentinel Record front page article here are a few points that should be made:

1) Mr. Carney responded to an inappropriate attack he didn’t start the exchange he has run a very positive campaign.

2) Mr. Carney obtained the list from a chamber member. He didn’t claim to represent the church in obtaining the list.

3) The list was used in The Oaklawn issue and the Museum issue for political purposes why would the chamber now complain?

4) The chamber stated the list was worth $1,000 in the paper. Have they ever sold it to anyone? They have given it away so may times does that not establish the value?

5) When you file an ethics complaint you are urged to wait until they make their findings public. It asks you on the form not to disclose the complaint to anyone. Did the chamber violate this?

6) If the Chamber claims to have given out something worth $2,000 to candidates why have they not filed their needed forms with the Ethics commission as a pac? If you give more than $500 to a candidate does that not make you subject to fling as a pac? [PAC - political action committee]

Editors note: Since you didn't elaborate much on each item, we did a bit of research and discovered the following: 1) It appears that Mr. Carney did respond to the same list of people Mr. Daniel sent an e-mail to making a charge that Carney was opposed to businesses and businessmen. [Click here to see letters referenced]. 2) We are aware of where the list came from and agree it was not obtained through Carney's church. 3) You are correct that the chamber itself has used its own list to support Oaklawn and the museum (for the kids) campaign. We think they also sent members e-mails recommending they vote for the jail tax. 4) Correct. If an item is given away freely for years, it should not become worth $1,000 overnight. 5) It does appear that the chamber made the information known to the news media. We can only speculate as to their purpose but it appears to be political in nature. Our opinion is that this is very unethical. 6) We also understand that if groups give $500 or more (actual or in-kind contributions to political candidates, they must file as a political action committee (PAC). What is most disturbing is that the chamber of commerce appears to be continually getting involved in politics. The job of a chamber is typically to represent the business community, not to take political positions including supporting or complaining about individual candidates or political parties.

Even More Comments on Director Daniel

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: October 27, 2008

I was listening to City Director Tom Daniels on a KZNG radio talk show this morning and I heard him compliment the Garland Good Government Group. He said ”Everyone likes Good Government”. Did you guys kiss and make up for the election? I thought he votes for all the Hanamaki and other vacations, the bottleneck, city hall without voter input, etc…

Director Daniel also said that a city director can’t just get someone hired. I thought City Director Carroll Weatherford got one of his cronies hired in the sewer department after the guy got out of prison. The story I heard is that Director Weatherford allegedly arranged for the guy to kidnap a man who had been accused of stealing from Director Weatherford. The police responded while the kidnapping was in progress, the guy was never convicted of the kidnapping but it made the front page of the newspaper. He went to prison on a parole violation and after he was released with a long record of Drug offenses, attempted murder etc… he was hired by the city sewer department. I would like Director Daniels explain how a Director can’t get someone hired but this crony was hired?

Editors note: We can't speak for the Garland Good Government group but we can almost guarantee there was no "kissing or making up." Politicians are prone to say whatever they think will get them elected rather than what they really believe. We are almost certain that Director Daniel did, indeed, vote for Hanamaki and all the other taxpayer paid "vacations," the bottleneck, the new city hall, and not allowing the citizens a voice or a vote on most issues. We also have heard about how the directors improperly influence lots of things, not just hiring. We think this is called "abuse of office" and far too many of our directors do it.

Candidates Reach New Campaigning Lows

From: RK - Hot Springs Date: October 27, 2008

I want to make a couple of points which show how out of touch Tom Daniel, Carol Weatherford, Steve Smith and Kim Gilliam are with the people. I just heard Tom on a morning talk show talking about 4 laneing Shady Grove. We live off of Shady Grove so we know this is a residential neighborhood. Tom DanieI has never asked anyone we know of if we wanted it 4 laned. If he would bother to ask us he would find we don't want it 4 laned. We see him hanging with his buddies Weatherford and Smith deciding what they are going to do to raise our taxes. He was talking about that again this morning. They never have enough money. He bragged about the money the tourists pay on the hamburger tax and he still acts like we residents don't pay it also. He said it took him 4 years to get AC-LI-MENTED to the job and needs 4 more now to get the work done. I think he will never get acclimated since he can't even pronounce the word.

Tom and the good old boy system started their campaign with misrepresentations and lies. It is really low when the A&P picks one of their board members to run against the only person who ever questions what they and the city do with our money but to see her running ads that say - I have the problem Pegged - is a new low. How about we run one that says - Dirty politics is so bad it is has become Kimmed? Both are stupid and childish. Another low is the Act 1 people using kids to try to get people to vote against it. The Hot Springs good old boys were first to use kids. Remember the museum vote?

You were right about Daniel and Smith having no concern about rules and regulations. We have noticed several of their signs on public right of way. Why don't you take a picture of the one in the middle of the county club right beside a fire hydrant?

Editors note: If you take the pictures, we will try and publish them. You must not have seen the photos we published on the "News" page that show what the A&P is not using our tax money for. Click here and check them out.

An Open Letter to City Director Daniel

From: Tom - Hot Springs Date: October 25, 2008

This is intended to be an open letter to Tom DanieI. I should start by apologizing to everyone for having the same name. I had the name first so he should be the one to stop using it. He could rename himself traitor because that is what he is to the people who elected him.

Tom - since you have been in office you have voted for every tax increase and fee increase that you and your buddies could think of. You voted to spend our tax money to send yourself and all your cronies on vacation to Japan, Reno, Vega, Washington, New Orleans, and several other vacation spots. You just voted to send most of the directors to Disneyworld in November. Beleive me - you would have gone to but it would look bad with you running for office again. Tom - you voted for the bypass knowing most people didn't want it. You voted to buy property and build a city hall the people didn't want. You told the police and firemen you supported them but you know you voted to not give them any raise. How dumb do you think people are? There is a record of your actions Tom. I guess you are hoping people don't have time to check it before the election or remember how bad a director you have been. Tom - I remember how rude you are to anyone who dares question what you have done and I remember how you always voted against the people. Now it's my turn to vote and I'm damn well going to remember how you voted. Sayonara Tom!

Editors note: You make an interesting point. Wouldn't it be interesting and enlightening, although perhaps, devastating to Director Daniel's re-election efforts, to have his voting record printed before the election. However, you made no mention of the issues we think are more deplorable. Those issues include his record of placing items on the agenda, discussing and influencing those items, or voting on those items. You may not know that he was investigated by the Arkansas Ethics Commission for such "conflicts of interests." We have personally witnessed conflicts similar to giving himself fireworks contracts, helping his relatives or friends get their items approved, approving signs that only his sign company sells or rents, using his position to resolve personal vendettas, illegally meeting with other directors, bragging about using his position to help his downtown business, and the list goes on. His voting record is secondary to but confirms much of what should be illegal activities committed by this director.

City Board Member Beats Women?

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: October 24, 2008

I have lived out of town for awhile and now that I'm back I see that Steve Smith is on the City Board. I guess that no one does background checks when these people run. This man is a wife beater, I don't know about the wife he has now but I sure know about the one before and I know for a fact he has beaten his Mother (hence the reason she moved from Hot Springs) He was supposed to have paid his Mother and Stepfather for their business when they retired but he didn't. Instead he sold artifacts that were very important to them. This man is rude, mean, hateful and abusive. I pray he doesn't get reelected.

Editors note: You are correct about background checks. Believe it or not, Steve doesn't have the longest "rap-sheet" on the city board. We didn't even know his mother had lived here but we do know about his rudeness and abusiveness. He has demonstrated that to the public often enough to where we feel confident he will NOT be re-elected.

Newspaper Bias and Good Ol' Boy Mentors

From: RK - Hot Springs Date: October 23, 2008

I have two observations to make. First - Why is the local newspaper so biased? Note the question list they publish for candidates. They always list the incumbent first and use bold face headlines while the challenger always is listed second with smaller font headlines. When turning to the continued article the challenger is listed first so that the reader ends by reading the incumbents information last which means the reader will more likely remember the words from the incumbent. Don't tell me this is accidental. Look back at all of the city and county races the paper covered over the last week.

Second - Some people may not remember but the mentor Tom Daniel proudly professes to be following in his ads was a likeable alcoholic good old boy but he only worked for himself and the same special interests Tom now works for. Tom is looking up to this good old boy the same way he looked up to his buddy Don Bridges that used to be in the ducks business. Tom so much wanted to be like him that he would dress the same and buy the same brand of vehicle Don had and even get the same color. It was kind of a joke in town back before Tom became so important. Some of the things Tom takes credit for in his ads are also claimed by his fellow amigo Carol Weatherford. Ask Carol who started the cook offs and Christmas lights and who is in charge of them. Carol will tell you it was him not Tom. But what else is new, those two and the other amigo Steve Smith who always met together every morning before Grannys Kitchen or National Cafe closed tell you whatever they think will make them look important.

Editors note: We did go check previous issues of the Sentinel Record. We had not noticed this but you are correct that they have consistently treated incumbents and challengers in the manner you describe. Maybe it is intended to be a subliminal thing, huh? As to Daniel's mentors, we do not and did not know these individuals. We would encourage our readers to enquire for themselves before believing what our submitters send us.

Reader Seems to be Upset with City Candidates

From: Bubba - Hot Springs Date: September 19, 2008

I just read todays paper and want to let you know I am tired of the same old crap from our city directors. I see where you guys dont much like them anyhow. The stuff Stevie Smith told the newpaper made me want to puke. I took some pictures of where he is putting his signs. He must think those folks in the greenwood cemetary are going to vote for him. Heck they might knowing how voting fraud goes or used to. Look at the pictures of Tommie Daniels signs. He puts them up on city street signs and public right of way. He must think he owns the city but who has the guts to stop this? He has always thrown his big weight around pun intended. This shows how much respect he has for public property. He think he owns it. He put signs on my friends land and didnt ask if it was ok. Stevie also has signs on city land. Look at the pictures. Do you guys not give a dam either?

Editors note: Oh we care, but like you say, it is difficult to get anything done other than to just demonstrate the facts so the people can see what is happening. We are publishing a few of your photos below. Perhaps that will help.

City Bond Elections Cause Statewide Problems

From: Comment 1 - Hot Springs Date: October 15, 2008

We have been sold on bond elections, and bonds against our fees in Hot Springs several times over the last couple of years and repeatedly told don’t worry about it there will not be any new taxes. Now on the front page of the Sentinel Record we see the state can’t waive the birth certificate fees for the homeless and domestic violence victims because of those great bonds our city leaders and newspaper has been trying to sell us on have tied the states hands.

The front page of the newspaper today states “The Arkansas Department of Health charges $12 for the first copy of a birth certificate and $10 for each additional copy. McDaniel’s opinion said that birth certificate fees were used to secure a loan that the state’s Development Finance Authority issued to the Health Department to build a lab. The attorney general’s office said that waiving those fees without replacing the revenue stream would be an unconstitutional impairment of a contract between the two agencies.”

Why didn’t the newspaper explain that on the front page before the city hall, the jail tax and especially the museum bond elections?

Editors note: Great question but you're not really expecting an answer from them are you? Oh, you don't really expect the city leaders to stop raising taxes and fees either, do you? These is only one answer and that is the one citizens can help in November 4th. at the polls. We must support Marurthur and replace the spendthrifts, Daniel and Smith.

City Manager Looking Even Harder Now to Leave Town

From: BC - Hot Springs Date: October 14, 2008

Well, our city manager is looking even harder now that he is about to lose his support on the city board due to the upcoming election. He will be out of town this weekend. The following appears in The Tennessean, a Tennessee newspaper.

FRANKLIN — The list of candidates vying to be hired as Franklin’s next city administrator is now five.

Norcross Ga. based Slavin Management Consultants is recommending interviews in Franklin with four people out of a list of 12 possible candidates as well as fifth official who’s résumé was received after the original 12 candidates were selected.

The final five candidates include:

   James Lewellen - administrator for Collierville, Tenn., since 1995.

   David Hales - director of finance/administrative services for West Jordan, Utah.

   Kent Myers - city manager for Hot Springs, Ark., since 1994.

   Eric Stuckey - assistant administrator for Hamilton County, Ohio, since 2000.

   Rick E. Chaffin - assistant city manager for the city of McKinney, Texas since December 2006.

Slavin initially recommended former Broward County, Fla. administrator Pamela Brangaccio as a candidate, but her name was withdrawn from consideration after finding temporary employment with the city of Sarasota, Fla.

The top five finalists will arrive in Franklin on Friday, Oct. 17 and will be interviewed by members of the city’s search committee on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Editors note: We wish him well. There are a couple of locations to see the information you reference. To read these: Click Here for one or Click Here for the other. Oh, you can Click Here to see what he told the Springfield interviewers. Do you think this is our Kent or an imposter?

Perceived Emergency Wakes People Across the County and the Country

From: Observer - Hot Springs Date: September 17, 2008

Phones all over Garland County and even across the country rang from 1 am till 3 am with the voice of Nate Schanlaber, the City Fire Marshall, waking people up to warn them about trees and power lines being down and that it was unsafe to go outside. Mr. Schanlaber who has an unlisted phone number on Lakeside road, and probably his superiors who authorized the call, need a lesson in early planning and telephone courtesy. We knew for at least 4 days that the reminants of a major hurricane would pass over us Saturday night downing trees and power lines. They could have easily give a press release Friday to all of the local media and accomplished the same result. If they really felt it was necessary to use their 20 cent per call code red toy to call everyone. Why didn’t they do it during daytime hours? They called every water customer in the county even though the system is paid for by city customers. That call must have cost $10,000. Some customers who live out of state were so concerned about what was going on that was so drastic that the fire department found it necessary to call everyone in the middle of the night, that they begin calling local residents to find out.

This harassment on our cell phones and unlisted numbers by people with no common sense needs to stop. We didn’t get to vote on the $3 per month per household tax that pays for this. So our only choice now it to vote against the directors that are forcing this lunacy on us and recall those not up for election.

Editors note: We totally agree. We talked to some people that didn't get to the phone in time during the wee hours of the morning so they began calling family members to see if they had called due to a real emergency. Check out the item on the replays of the city board meeting at 7 PM any evening this week (cable channel 15) and you will see how belligerent the mayor, board members, and the city attorney were and how proud they were to have awakened people in several states for their perceived emergency. By the way, if you would like to tell these folks how proud you are, you can click here for their phone numbers. We recommend you call between 1 and 3 AM just to be certain they are at home. Sorry but the city attorney (Brian W. Albright at 304 Lotus Loop) has an unlisted phone (like many of those the city called). Could be you could just ring his doorbell at about 2 AM, huh?

No Life Threatening or Emergency Safety Work Needed at Mid-America Museum

From: Mrs. H - Hot Springs Date: September 17, 2008

Last week I had company visiting and took three persons to the Mid-America Museum. We all enjoyed "The Body" exhibit very much. In conversation with the employees, I was told that in excess of 32,000 persons have come to see this display. I asked if the place had been closed for "life threatening" and "emergency safety work" and was told that everyone working there thought that was the most ridiculous rumor ever put into print!

It seems EVERYTHING was working well, has worked well on a daily basis, and there have been no museum closings due to any imperfections in the operating systems of the museum. Could it be our greedy tourism representative has "gone over the top" in his description on the failings of the museum property????????????????

Editors note: No doubt about it. But then, we've said that all along. The undeniable fact we have repeated time and time again is that the museum was used and abused in a poorly disguised scheme to encumber the A&P's future tax funds and, effectively, not allow a vote by the people for the next 10 years. In fact, look at the official court transcript for the kangaroo court held last week and you will see some of the half-dozen high-priced lawyers hired with our tax money saying exactly that. Their contention was that the court could not allow the citizens a vote on the taxes because those taxes were encumbered by the museum bonds. Read the transcript and then let us know how many of you still believe that the museum vote was "for the kids."

Crows Sound Better in Cool Weather

From: 'a'crow'n - Hot Springs Date: September 17, 2008

Some is always say'n call Bob... call Bob: ya know ya can call him. It's precious...but also very true: the action has definitely picked up since ya came to town and GGGG has made an impact. CONGRATS!

I was think'n which got me to write'n and was a hope'n you'd post this and as usual just sign me 'a'crow'n'

Blessings to ya
Eph 5:11
keep reproving

Speaking of fall… Have ya ever noticed how much better the crows sound in the cool weather?

I don’t know how they know that their appeal goes up 10 fold in the fall…maybe it’s the empty nest syndrome or perhaps the un-crowded fly ways after the opening day of dove season; your guess is as good as mine.

Talk about guessing: is it possible that the season for Detachment of territory has come? I mean…according to the rules I have to wait to a certain time of the year to bust crows; and as such the proceedings for detachment have a seasonal appeal as well: just listen to the sound of it…When ever any corporation shall desire to throw any portion of the territory aka city (Arkansas allodial and patented land or otherwise?) lying within it’s corporate limits outside of such limits and remitt it back to the county in which such corporation is situated and so on and so on blah blah blah (That’s blah law short hand: cause ther’s a bunch more) Any how just like crows can’t stay away from the new high tech digital mp3 driven crow caller so too are the county folks await’n on you city folk to get some detachment action a go’n…once ya think about it: boy howdy you just love the action!

KAW-kaw kaw kaw

Editors note: Thanks for the congrats. You are sure right about the crows sounding clear and crisp in the cool weather. We noticed recently that even the vultures are making noise. It is good that the city decided to leave the county people alone for the time being. The folks at the city do appear similar to crows being fascinated with high-tech gizmos. They appear unable to resist finding any reason to use their new high-tech crow caller. In fact, they used it in the wee hours last Saturday to call even county, out-of-county, and out-of-state water/wastewater customers to tell them trees were down in the city. Wonder how many residents got up at 2:00 AM to go see what trees were down because the city woke them. Oh, speaking of detachments, would you agree that because of the detachment between the city residents and their representatives, we need to detach some of the non-representative directors from their positions in the November election?

Late Questions?

From: Jim McCafferty - Hot Springs Date: September 11, 2008

As yet another sickening example of the pro-politician bias of our local newspaper, the Sentinel-Record refused to publish this letter. The letter referred to, from the Chamber of Commerce to the County Judge is annexed.

Dear Editor - August 23, 2008

Re: Late Questions?

In a letter dated August 15, 2008, only three days after the “jail tax” election, the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce asks Garland County Judge Larry Williams for answers to a list of eight questions that “may have significant bearing” on the jail tax issues. May have? Here are the questions (paraphrased):

1. Does State law allow for the enactment of a County sales tax specifically limited for capital improvements that would not require that tax proceeds be shared with local municipalities?

2. Does State law allow a County to enter into contractual arrangements with private correctional facility providers, such as is done in neighboring states, for example Texas?

3. Does State law allow a County to issue industrial revenue bonds for capital construction projects? And if so, under what conditions can a County offer a guarantee for those bonds?

4. What estimates, projections and reports are available that evaluate the capital costs, required debt service of short-term bonds, and pay-back analysis for a phased jail expansion involving rehabilitation of the current jail, immediate addition of 300 +/- beds, and a design that allows future expansion based upon need?

5. What are the projected operating costs for the jail program described in the previous question?

6. What annual revenue would be generated per 1 mil of property tax in Garland County?

7. Are there thresholds regarding property tax increases that can trigger voter-led roll back initiatives? If so, please describe those limits and process.

8. What alternative approaches are available for addressing the public safety communication equipment needs throughout Garland County?

These are all good questions. And they need answers. But perhaps the better question is: why weren’t these Chamber of Commerce questions publicly asked and answered by the County Judge and the Quorum Court before the doomed jail tax proposal was presented to voters on August 12? How much did that special election cost? Who’s in charge here?

Editors note: Those are good questions but were hard to answer and even harder to ask without holding a town-hall type meeting or two. We understand the election cost was $30,000 which was apparently paid by the county. The newspaper has only had about 3 weeks to publish your letter. Perhaps they will get around to it. Okay, perhaps not!

Real Reason for Special Elections Disclosed

From: Carl Steplock - Hot Springs Date: September 10, 2008

On a very recent radio talk show, Garland County Judge Larry Williams disclosed the real reason why, in Arkansas, SPECIAL INTERESTS use SPECIAL ELECTIONS to pass their tax and spending wants. He admitted that if a special interest issue appeared on the ballot in a GENERAL ELECTION and voters do not agree, are not adequately informed, or do not understand an issue, they will usually vote NO! ... as they should!

Conversely, in a special election, you have mainly the special interests and their backers who are the majority of the voters. My recommendation is to NEVER have a special election except in a TRUE emergency need.

Editors note: We heard that explanation as well. It is refreshing to occasionally hear the truth from an elected official.

Idiots Running the City Denying Citizens a Vote?

From: GB - Hot Springs Date: September 4, 2008

My day was going just fine until I read todays headline. How dare these idiots tell me and 1587 other citizens we don't deserve a vote on something we have never had a vote on anyhow? I see where we taxpayers are sending most of the idiots to Disneyworld in Orlando. Isn’t one of them in Japan now? They don't even thank us for sending them on monthly vacations do they? Yesterdays headlines said the idiots are going up on garbage fees again. Didn't they just raise our water and sewer bills? The audacity of these idiots. Do they not know the meaning of planning or budgeting or do they just not give a damn?

Editors note: In the interest of accuracy, the public did vote once in the 80's but this was due to a lawsuit and not because the city ever wanted to allow the public to vote. Your final question indicates that you already know the answers to most of your questions. Yes, they did just raise several of our fees and taxes and, yes, they may NOT know the meaning of planning or budgeting. As to planning - the city's new strategic plan is now printed. It consists of 8 pages, none of which are actually devoted to planning. As to budgeting - we do have directors who have failed in business and taken multiple bankruptcies. Don't take our word for it. Pick up your own "City of Hot Springs - 2007-2008 - Strategic Plan" and check the county court records for the directors. As to the city clerk and city attorney trying to throw out the petitions allowing our citizens to vote - they are only acting on behalf of the city and the city's A&P commission in making it so apparent that they will go to any lengths to keep the public from having a voice in our local government including once again denying us our fundamental "right to vote" on important issues. Someone pointed out recently that the legacy of our current leaders can only be that of obstructionists determined to represent only their "good ol' boy" interests. When if comes to elections, our leaders seem to continuously demonstrate that they can get monthly special interest elections approved by misrepresenting the real reasons for the elections and misrepresenting those who are promoting or funding the elections. But then, let some 1600 citizens ask for a vote and see how quickly they can find a reason not to allow those people to be heard at a general election. If constantly raising fees and taxes, traveling all over the world at the taxpayer's expense, not allowing the public a voice in their own government, and constantly denying our citizens their "right to vote" is what our current leaders want to be remembered for, as our illustrious mayor would likely say, "so be it!" We can remember their actions when we finally get a change to vote in their re-election.

A&P a Fraud to Tourists?

From: L - Hot Springs Village Date: September 3, 2008

Essentially, the A&P is an organization that is a fraud to tourists. It sucks up a huge amount of money from taxpayers and in return the citizens receive what? A downtown the locals avoid, a strip of tacky souvenir shops and boarded up stores. As far as the tourists go, I wonder how many return? As a fact, I have heard others like the lady and husband from Michigan who said they would never return, nothing impressed them. They had considered retiring here, but after the way they were treated for a parking ticket the town is not a welcoming retiree location. When they returned home 3 weeks later, a letter from your diligent and conscientious police dept was in their mail. In an attempt to intimidate, they claimed a Warrant for his Arrest had been issued. And for a $10, over- due parking ticket no less! And that was after they had put 75 cents in the meters while touring the bath houses. When they returned to their car they put the ticket in their glove compartment to handle when they got home. There was no dollar amount on the ticket, but the ticket did say not to call for 3 days for the cost and they were on the road again by that time. The entire fiasco was disgusting and this is what the A&P encourages visitors to enjoy. As I said before, ask how many visitors return and for what reason? I doubt the Hot Springs citizens get their money's worth from Arrison and the A&P.

Editors note: We heard a similar complaint from people from Shreveport recently except it was about the police being rather rude. When asked for directions to a museum, the cop told them Hot Springs didn't have one, they would have to go to Little Rock. Besides needing to inform our police that their job includes being good will ambassadors, we apparently also need to tell them what attractions we have including the Mid-America Science Museum. Thankfully, they found the museum on their own and loved it.

The A&P Guru Has Fans?

From: Free Speech Advocate - Hot Springs Date: September 2, 2008

Larry, you have defined perfectly what America is about! We can agree to disagree, and life does go on......take a break! We Americans even have safeguards to protect the minority from the majority in given cases. By the way, the person that spoke to the papers (that you say is incorrect) must have caused the condition to have rubbed off on you....her name is Diane, not Barbara!

----- Original Message -----

From: Larry

Sent: Monday, September 01

Subject: Re: A&P

Barbara,

I am sorry, but I think you have overstepped your bounds. Barbara Silverman's comments reduced your position to a point that I can not support. As a teacher of government at Hot Springs High School and an advocate of Steve Arrison, I think you have overstepped a line that I can not support. Steve is a good friend and he has consistently supported me and come to my classes and explained the role of the Advertising and Promotion Committee. Barbara Silverman does not know what she is talking about. If Steve's postition is that accountants have validated the finances of the A&P, then how can Barbara Silverman say that she can do what the A&P can do? I believe that 3% is a small price to pay to get tourists to Hot Springs. I don't care if they are bikers or retirees. If they come, they will come back. I love Hot Springs and I hope that people will come to visit and maybe decide to return. Oaklawn and the other large taxpayers that support Hot Springs and increase the revenues that support and pay my salary are appreciated. When minority groups hamstring majority views and cost the citizens revenue to defend the majority opinion, I get upset. Hot Springs is fortunate to have someone in the classroom who has some sense, and I will use my position to explain that minority groups have a right to speak; however, I will give students a forum that presents both sides. When someone like Barbara Silverman says that she can run the A&P better that Steve Arrison without providing specifics, I sit back and say balderdash. I have all the respect for you and Tom, but I am not going to be a part of your attempts to subvert the Advertising & Promotion Commission's role in Hot Springs. Steve Arrison does a good job and I support him.

Editors note: Hey guys, the commentary you reference is from our "Commentary" page dated August 30, 2008. Neither Barbara or Diane or an upset easily impressed government teacher friend that has some sense wrote that article.

Emergency Storm System Used to Tell Us About Garbage

From: Callee - Hot Springs Date: September 1, 2008

I got a phone all today from the code red system saying they wouldn’t pick up garbage today. I thought after they used up 40,000 minutes they were being charged something like a whopping 20 cents per minute. Do they think we are so stupid that they must spend something like $4,000 to tell us it is a holiday?

We could use that money to send Director Weatherford back to Hanamaki again and keep him from hassling local contractors and citizens.

Editors note: We are fairly sure he is in Hanamaki now, correct? Code Red, the former telemarketing company that the city sent all of our personal data to does appear to be misused but so what if they go over their allocated minutes? They can just raise our taxes, err... water/sewer fees again, can't they?

Hot Springs Finest Not All That Fine?

From: Fed up in Hot Springs ~~National Park~~ Date: September 1, 2008

In reference to the lady who's sister from Michigan was issued a warrant for her arrest for a $10 parking ticket, here is how the system works. Last May I was in an accident where a "drugged out" woman was driving on the wrong side of a five lane highway, hit my truck, trailer and a van behind me. Total damage close to $10,000. Thankfully no one was hurt, however the "Druggy" had to be taken to the hospital because she couldn't walk in her condition. Ticket issued was driving with a suspended license, no insurance, and driving on the wrong side of the road. Nothing about DUI. At the hearing, she pleaded innocent and court date was set. She did not appear for the court date, and a bench warrant was issued.

The warrant was never served because the Hot Springs Police claimed that it was a minor traffic ticket. Upon our insistence, they went out to her last known residence where she had people moving her to an unknown location. She was not there and when WE tried to determine her new address by following the movers, my wife and I were both verbally abused and threatened by one of Hot Springs finest although we were blocks away and in a public parking lot. When we filed an official complaint, (which they have never responded), we were told that Hot Springs only has 6 cars on patrol during a shift and they don't have time to follow up on warrants. The City's Neighborhood Services has a least 4 trucks checking grass, at least 4 more checking code violations and no telling how many checking storm sewer, urban forestry and meter maids. Plus three of our directors are getting ready for yet another trip, this time to Disney World. But we cannot afford police or Fire Stations.

My advice, pay the $10 or the keystones will most likely extradite your husband for the ticket. (money is not the issue, power is). This is the same city that wants to expand zoning, code and annexation one mile into the County? Perhaps the City should start taking care of business within the city first. Even better, maybe they should turn some of the city limits back to the county instead of expanding.

Also someone should check up on how a parking deck, paid for with federal funds, can constitutionally have parking meters of which the proceeds go to the city?

Editors note: Hey, there are times when only 4 patrol cars are out there and they aren't patrolling (we are told because of gas prices). Could be our police need some sensitivity training or, at least, some basic lessons in public relations. Oh it does appear that the city could be in violation of the terms of use for the federal funds received for the new parking deck. Oh well, what else is new and why should they care? By the way check out how Hot Springs now rates in the crime field at http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ar/hot-springs/crime/.

Spa Guest to Broadcast Lack of Constitutional Rights in Hot Springs

From: Janet S - Hot Springs Guest Date: August 31, 2008

I have been a house guest in Hot Springs and I was informed of the petition effort that was presented to the city clerk last week. I then stayed long enough to read how Americans, with 1st amendment rights, are invited by the person in charge of tourism to leave town for exercising their constitutional rights to present initiative measurers.

I asked my host if this is why people are still so leery of "small towns"?

The following day, the newspaper's editorial article concludes saying: "progress should not be derailed by a small group of naysayers and finger-pointers who stand on the sidelines, carping about everything but contributing little or nothing to make things better".

How can you judge the character of persons you do not even know?

So, if I understand this, people are also required to think the same as the persons in the position in charge of tourism in order to be acceptable as resident citizens. Is this your vision of America?

I am happy to be leaving and going back to my home which is far more tolerant of different points of view and where the issues, not the people, are discussed to make ones point or opinion.

The newspaper people claim to realize the petition was submitted by a grass-roots group. Doesn't this tell you that many people in your community feel that this grass-roots group merely represented the feelings of a large group of residents?

I want you to know, I am taking these newspaper pages home to broadcast this message to any person I hear of coming to Hot Springs so they can learn what is accepted behavior and that they park their constitutional rights at the border.

Editors note: Thanks for your candid comments Janet, but be assured that the comments of "the person in charge of tourism" and the local news media do not represent the average citizen of Hot Springs. Most all of our citizens are courteous, considerate, caring, and friendly people. Unfortunately, the citizens currently have little influence with the "good ol' boys" who are in control of our city. Hopefully, you will return someday to find these people are no longer in control. Our next city board election is in November so don't expect any major changes until then.

Arrest Warrants for Parking Tickets Damages "Tourist Friendly" Image

From: Not Signed - Hot Springs Date: August 29, 2008

My Michigan sister called today quite upset. They got a notice in the mail that HS police have issue a warrant for the arrest of her husband for the parking ticket he received in July. It really infuriates me the way HS welcomes tourists, especially in the parking garage with the meters. Roy and Fred went to tour the bathhouses without us girls and Roy said he put in 75 cents, but had overrun the time by a few minutes. The ticket was under their windshield wiper with no box in the area to deposit a fine nor even the cost on the ticket.