Click the Pig
UPDATE TO STORY BELOW
Sometimes things become so puzzling that we must pause and analyze the situations. After discovering that city director Daniel had won reelection although he lost by a large percentage on election day, we found that the early vote was significantly different from election day vote tallies. This was not the case with other local elections and seems quite strange. We have heard director Daniel pontificate for years so we must also disagree with his latest explanations.
One must ask oneself, in spite of his well documented record and improper positions on important issues (see story below), why do voters still send him back to continue his handy-work? We believe that we have uncovered some very unfortunate facts and will be reporting further on these if and when they can be verified. A group of concerned citizens are currently working diligently. We will report their findings as soon as practical.
The other two city director elections went as we anticipated and, in fact, as we had forecast. Thanks to all of you who went out and voted properly.
EDITOR DISCUSSES LOCAL ELECTIONS
Uncertain economic conditions have every American concerned except, apparently, for the Hot Springs city leaders. This group is still working hard to raise every possible tax and fee. It seems they are trying to "tax us into affluence" although history has proven such efforts always fail. The new city budget numbers are out and they are higher than ever. If you check the budgets of other Arkansas cities, you will find that Hot Springs already pays higher taxes than any other city over 20,000 in population. Our 2008 city budget of $92 million plus for 37,500 city residents equates to a tax bite of $2,500 for every man, woman, and child resident. When compared to cities such as Little Rock with a budget of $170 million for 170,000 citizens or $1,000 per resident, we must question whether our leaders are being prudent with our hard-earned tax money.
Election day, November 4, provides our citizens with a much needed opportunity to replace our "tax-and-spend" city directors with people who will represent us instead of their special interest buddies. For too long, our city leaders have failed to listen to our citizens and have shown little or no respect for the opinions of the public they were elected to serve. Hopefully, we will take advantage of this election to vote these callous, uncaring blokes out of office. Director Maruthur has proven to be the lone voice of reason and the sole representative of the people. We simply must get her some help on the board.
In district 6, Tom Daniel has shown his true colors during
his term by consistently voting with his "amigos" for special interests.
He also has a documented voting record on fireworks contracts, sign issues,
duck operations, and various issues where he had obvious "conflicts of
interest" and should have abstained. He has even bragged that he votes
to "help downtown businesses, such as mine." He has consistently
demonstrated disrespect and occasional disdain for the public and even
board members who dare disagree with him. Citizens are tired of seeing
him "shout down" any member of the public who dares get up enough nerve to
even speak in public who is already intimidated enough with television
cameras pointed at them.
The citizens of district 3 have revolted. In fact, Steve Smith can
already be considered as "history." For this reason, there is no real
need to waste space in listing the multiple errors and misdeeds committed by
this rude, crude, failed director.
In district 4, Carroll Weatherford is not yet up for election. However, a few signatures are still needed to have the sufficient number requiring his recall. Sign the petitions available outside the polls of district 4 during the election and this director will be removed from office shortly after the first of the year. The reason the recall effort was suspended is that if the petitions were turned in now, the existing directors would be allowed to select Weatherford's replacement. Be patient and sign the petitions.
Expect to see a huge advertising blitz for Daniel. Just remember that special interests have lots of money to spend. We believe the candidates running against Daniel and Smith when they say they are running to represent the citizens and not special or personal interests. Better days are ahead but we must first all get our friends and neighbors to the polls.
What is "Going On" in the Hot Springs Area?
Public Safety Special Election - Aug. 12, 2008: Click here for www.JailTax.com information
Bond Issue Election Tuesday - June 10, 2008: Click here for the Mid-America Museum Minutes
Important functions :
Tuesday - January 10, at 6 PM: GGGG Open Meeting - Judge David Switzer - Auditorium, Garland County Library
Tuesday - February 5, at 6 PM:
GGGG Open Meeting - Steve Arrison - Auditorium, Garland County
Library
Tuesday - February 12, at 6 PM:
GGGG Special Meeting - Kent Myers - Hot Springs
Transportation Plaza
Thursday - February 21, at 6 PM: Garland Good Government Group Business Meeting - Room "B" Garland County Library
Tuesday - March 4, at 6 PM: GGGG Open Meeting - Josie Fernandez - Auditorium, Garland County Library
Thursday - March 20, at 6 PM: Garland Good Government Group Business Meeting - Room "B" Garland County Library
Tuesday - April 1, at 6 PM: GGGG Open Meeting - Jo West Taylor, County Treasurer - Auditorium, Garland County Library
Tuesday - May 6, at 6 PM: GGGG Open Meeting - State Senators & Representatives - Auditorium, Garland County Library
Tuesday - June 3, at 6 PM: GGGG Open Meeting - General Bill Lefler - Hot Springs Transportation Plaza
Tuesday - July 1, at 6 PM: GGGG Open Meeting - Josie Fernandez, National Park Superintendent - HS Transportation Plaza
Tuesday - August 5, at 6 PM: GGGG Open Meeting - Jail and Tax Facts - Auditorium, Garland County Library
Tuesday - September 2, at 6 PM: GGGG Open Meeting - Public Safety Concerns - Auditorium, Garland County Library
Tuesday - October 7, at 6 PM: GGGG Open Meeting - County Judge & Sheriff - Auditorium, Garland County Library
Tuesday - November 4, at 6 PM: GGGG Open Meeting - TBA - Auditorium, Garland County Library
We know some of what is going on in Hot Springs and you know some of of what is going on. Together we can have a complete listing! So tell us what you know and we'll publish it right here. This website belongs to YOU, the citizens of the Hot Springs area.
Nothing you want to talk about is "off limits" but if we consider it as untrue, damaging or obscene, we do reserve the right to edit or not publish it. Don't worry because to date, it had to be really "off-the-wall" before we have not published anything.
Please note that this site is still partially under construction so we don't really have as much content as we would like just yet. Send your info and comments to us at editor@HotSpringTalk.com and we will post it as soon as possible. The format and content will be very similar to that used on the www.Hot-Springs-Metro.org website. That site will continue to exist but more as an archive of information relative to the Hot Springs Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). It is because of your participation that we are now providing you with your own website for whatever you want to talk about. Heck, that's why we named it HOT SPRINGS TALK.
- This is the home page and you can go to the following pages
even though there isn't much there yet.
- Discussions page - This page is where your letters, both e-mails and snail mails will be published.
- Commentary page - This is where our editors and guest editors will have their thoughts published.
- News page - This is where relevant news of the area will be posted. For older items, see www.Hot-Springs-Metro.org
- Links page - This page will provide links to other sites similar to ours and to relevant government sites.
- Contacts page - This page provides e-mail and, perhaps, even phone numbers of people you need to contact.
- Other pages? Let us know what you would like to see. After all. it is YOUR site.
