So when will AJ get the job?

Well, according to Chairman Laughinghouse, whoever gets the job will only be there until January 1, 2009, since he told the department heads that he will rehire her after the first of the year. So, already Jim Boff is living up to his campaign promise to be Charlie's third vote. He isn't even in office yet and the Chairman is telling him what to do and how he will vote. Is the Chairman so incapable of running this county without his very high paid "aide/county manager" that he is willing to overlook unanswered budget questions and an historic deficit accompanied by excessive consultant fees? Only time will tell - and only Jim Boff knows for sure if he will truly by a pawn or an independent voice representing the citizens and not the Chairman.

Boff already told us how he would handle this situation in the "tough questions", remember? One of the questions was about "what recent issue would your vote have influenced?" or something to that effect. His lame answer was about this very issue--- that he thought it terrible that they even reprimanded O'Connor for her incompetance and that his vote would have changed that. There's your answer about which way he'll vote! Apparently Boff thinks it's ok to pay $130K/year to a su-par employee but not hold her accountable for her actions. Not a wise choice with MY tax money, but since when has Charlie's regime ever concerned themselves with that?

One also has to wonder how much the "prominent local businessman" paid Boff to say that. Is he on his disclosure? Oh, I guess we wouldn't know since Boff's disclosure was incomplete.

gajackson, you better present proof if you're going to make an accusation about Jim Boff's disclosure being incomplete. I have confidence it was complete at the time of disclosure. At least it wasn't released the day AFTER the run off like his opponent's was.

Boff's disclosure was complete. Boff's disclosure was on time. Boff's rival's disclosure was late (she did say when she lost by 30 votes that she felt she ran out of time! If Boff used the time he used to fill out the disclosure it could be argued that the margin could have been bigger).

Boff's rival has not conceded yet. Sour grapes.

Back on topic (since others tend to easily get sidetracked here, ADD pills anyone?).

If Chairman Laughinghouse does anything it is not right but Chairman Conway and Chairman Kieffer was ok? (insert list here)

At least we are not talking about Chairman Tam's actions. Thankfully that never happened (guaranteed it would have had Tressler won).

Who's having trouble staying on topic? Who is talking about Tressler, Conway or Kieffer? No one mentioned any of them and they are not remotely relevant to this thread. The question was about whether or not Boff was going to vote with Laughinghouse to reinstate O'Connor. I simply pointed out that he already answered that for us ON VIDEO! I also found it interesting that he chose to answer THAT question. Why pick that as the issue your vote would have changed the outcome of? Doesn't that seem rather random to you? Of all the issues this county faces he picked the firing of Rhonda O'Connor before it even happened and when it now looks like it will be one of his first votes when he takes office? Did he already know this was coming? You Boff supporters are awfully defensive. Thou doth protest too much...

Rhonda, I have been proud to have you serving as our County Manager. I think you have proved yourself time and time again when dealing with some people who can be pretty nasty. Looks like you were unfortunate enough to get caught up with the possible Scott/AJ situations. Looks like the voters didn't clean house as well as they should have. Richard, Ledbetter and Tam makes 3. Sour Grapes on their part.
Rhonda, thank you again for serving Forsyth County efficiently and with style, grace and for displaying great leadership skills under less than opportune conditions and in a hostile environment. It will be a sad day for the county to loose an experienced person due to others personal agendas.

This certainly isn't surprising. What's shocking is that it took THIS long.

If Rhonda O'Connor is reinstated in Jaunary 2009, the motives of the BOC will be highly questionable.

Lynn, I must agree with you that it is shocking that it took Tam, Ledbetter and Richard this long to attack Rhonda. They have had a personal, (no professional proof) dislike for Ms. O'connor. They probably held out on their true vicious attack till after the election in order to maybe allow a certain re-elected commissioner put on a pleasant and trustworthy persona during election time. He also did not want to draw any negative attention to himself. Lynn, I also agree that the actions of the BOC of Tam, Ledbetter and Richard is highly questionable. They are allowing the power that they can fire someone they don't personally like go to their heads. Their job and what they were elected to do is to act in the best interest of the county, not in their own best interests.

I've heard that maybe this is happening because their might have been certain promises made regarding this action to certain people that helped someone out in the election.

I think that Tam, Ledbetter and Richard are going to have to be watched very carefully. Two are gone in January so they don't have to care how what they do effects their electability, and the third figures he is safe for another 4 years. He has proof that the voters will forget what a commissioner does throughout his term as long as it looks pretty good for the last few months. After all is worked for him this past election. I'm just waiting for everyone to once again admit that they were hoodwinked. And here I thought that TRUE REPUBLICANS were like the elephant and they never forgot, then again who said that those who supported him were true republicans.

Southern belle, you are full of crap.

Maybe you like to be kept in the dark when you get a budget submitted to you $5 million in deficit spending.

Maybe you like to be kept in the dark when your deficit blooms to $13.9 million.

Maybe you like to have your question "Where is the money going to come from?" answered - "We have plenty of money for this." time and time again when you eventually find out you don't really have the money.

Maybe you like to continue to authorize consulting contracts to help your county manager do the things she should already know how to do, then find out you don't really have the money to do them.

Maybe you like to find out that your county manager has screwed up the proposed jail design by not doing her job to protect the taxpayers of Forsyth.

And maybe you like to have your direct report be insubordinate to you.

You might like all of these things, but I don't. I don't give a damn about perception - I care about reality and the reality is that Ms. O'Connor was not the right person 2 years ago, and hasn't proven herself in the past 2 years. Those are the FACTS, Southern belle, and if you don't like them, too bad. I do not act in any way, shape or form in a personal manner when it comes to my votes as commissioner. If you really paid attention to the last 3 1/2 years, you'd know that.

And you wouldn't be publishing this crap you call a comment.

Who is the author of this article? Both sides of the story needed! How about some actual quotes and who stated them? ....not others say this and others say that

Geesh!

Dave Richard, it would be a delightful turn for this county if when you step aside as commissioner that you become our next manager. Or better yet, Dave, run as an independent this Fall and show them all!!!!!

'kept in the dark'???!!

Sorry, smj, but I don't work for people I don't respect or trust.

And GA law prevents people from running in the general election after being defeated in the primary. Call it an incumbent protections law.

We should all consider Commissioner Richard's opinion. After all, he doesn't have a high school education (nor does his children). He is the most prudent person to evaulate educated people with college degrees and phd's. Has Commissioner Richard confirmed he knows how to read a financial statement? Much less a $100 m budget. Let's all listen to him because he has all the answers. Laziness and ignorance are partners which is our Dave.

That's too bad. We might have actually accomplished something in this county.

David Richard Aug 30, 2008 6:05pm [ 11 ] Maybe you like to be kept in the dark when you get a budget submitted to you $5 million in deficit spending. Maybe you like to be kept in the dark when your deficit blooms to $13.9 million. Maybe you like to have your question "Where is the money going to come from?" answered - "We have plenty of money for this." time and time again when you eventually find out you don't really have the money. Maybe you like to find out that your county manager has screwed up the proposed jail design by not doing her job to protect the taxpayers of Forsyth. And maybe you like to have your direct report be insubordinate to you. You might like all of these things, but I don't. I don't give a damn about perception - I care about reality and the reality is that Ms. O'Connor was not the right person 2 years ago, and hasn't proven herself in the past 2 years. Those are the FACTS, Southern belle, and if you don't like them, too bad. I do not act in any way, shape or form in a personal manner when it comes to my votes as commissioner. If you really paid attention to the last 3 1/2 years, you'd know that.

DM: Wait a few days and “Burnout” Dave will stick his foot in his mouth again.

First; “Burnout” David W. Richard you have ranted and raved to us about how smart you are and you have quoted fiscal numbers since the day you took office with such as; “I know more about this and I know more about that, and nobody knows more about....” ...well go ahead and name any subject we’re thinking. But you know, as of yet you haven't offered up any sort of degree in accounting. Isn't that odd?

Now “Burnout” you claim something got past your all seeing all knowing eyes so what do you do? Cry like a baby; “booho she lied to me as we didn’t have the money like she said we did. She’s such a terrible person because she wanted other qualified consultants to help set up check and balances so my bestest buddy Gary Smith wouldn’t have an untethered ability to steal from the Taxpayers like he did in the past.

Now “Burnout” Dave W. Richard squawks that it’s all Ms. O’Conner’s fault that the new jail house numbers are all fouled up even though she didn’t have diddlly squat to do with Sheriff Paxton’s numbers.

And “Burnout Dave’s; “I don’t give a damn because I do not act in any way, shape or form in a personal manner when it comes to my votes as commissioner.” Yea right ‘Burnout”, such as the attacks on the Hansard family maybe? All because they have a great big ole house on the lake and you on the other hand just can’t seem to manage to get your grass cut or replace missing hubcaps on your clunkers? Jealously is such a terrible thing to watch from losers and in your case “Burnout” David W. Richard it’s disgusting. The raging jealously you show for Ms. O’Conner’s salary has eaten at you every since you helped to attack innocent David Armstrong. Now you have turned you idiot sights on Ms. O’Conner as well.

I’ll ask again; how much will you cost Forsyth County Taxpayer before you shut you blabbering uneducated mouth “Burnout” David W. Richard?

(yawn) Is 0-fer Milum posting again?

zzzzz zzzzzz zzzzz

Oh, and Daisy? I do have a high school education with a real, live diploma to prove it. And you can roast in hell for bringing my children into any conversation about anything. Typical Bell supporter who considers nothing too low to type.

Dave, So I guess in accordance to you, You will be roasting with Daisy. I do believe that you are the one who started bring commissioners children into the picture when you brought Commissioner Laughinghouses daughter into one of your more popular e-mails. Personally, I totally disagree with spiteful name calling attacks on individual commissioners for personal reasons and especially attacks on family members as they are not involved. I should have taken my cue on your true colors after that, but I tried to concentrate on the commissioner and the man I voted for 3 1/2 years ago. That was the Dave Richard with his heart, soul and energy working for the best interest of the citizens of Forsyth. Your quick wit was a great part of who you were. That wit has unfortunately mutated into a vile, vicious and spiteful personality with little of the Dave Richard of the past. Too bad as he would be missed. Mr. Richard, I can no longer say that I am proud that I voted for you in the last election. I went to the poll and cast my vote for you because I felt that you had our best interests at heart and I made a conscious decision to overlook your vicious attacks on the citizens of our County. I also would like to apologize to those of whom I asked to vote for you. I suppose, in this the voters of Forsyth County got it right. I have not been a Bell supporter, but I have to say that in that race there might be a lot of die hard Republicans that may not vote for that position or may actually cross over for Mr. Flack.

Southern belle,

Pay attention. You might just learn something.

I did not attack any member of Charlie Laughinghouse's family. I was trying to explain to Ms. Scott why Charlie was exhibiting the crazy and diametrically opposite actions he was exhibiting towards her and her proposed position.

And sorry, but when people lie about me and attack me, I'm going to attack back. I don't care if you are sorry for any action in regards to me. I'm the same Dave Richard I have always been when dealing with people who don't lie about me like the serial liar running in district 4. My heart and soul and energy are still in this position, even though I was voted out on a lying smear campaign and could just simply mail it in like Eddie Taylor did. But that isn't in my nature to do so.

By the way, the serial liar is about to be hammered on his little "Dave Richard lied about our water intake" issue, as it is about to be signed off at GA EPD. Then what will the serial liar have to say?

Daisy, I am pinching myself but I agree with David in that there is no reason to mention his kids in this or any other forum. They have nothing at all to do with this issue and don't have a thing to do with the way David acts. I don't know who you support and it does not really matter at this point. I know for a fact that Bell does not condone anyone dragging wives and children into this forum.

If you want to cross over and vote democrat that's your choice. That's what makes America a great country. Our freedom of choice.

Our county can't keep a board and administration in check so it makes sense to go with the democrat and his townships. Create another board, more administration and more ordinances. Which, by the way, are not free. You will pay for those when you have another layer of taxes put on you. More government and more taxes is just what we need in this county.

Now then, David. You are still grasping at redemption on the water issue. You said long ago that we were "this close" to getting that permit. In fact you told someone at that meeting we were weeks away. That was months ago. You lost that one pal. Let it go. You are going to give yourself a heart attack! You either lied or were pandering to smart growth and it bit you on the rump. It was a chance you took,

You almost had me fooled! Here you were talking somewhat reasonable and then you had to go and get a case of diarrhea of the mouth again. Wipe off your chin and take something for that and maybe you can help out in your last few months.

Why not let that heart and soul help the county and forget about your personal issues. That would be the best thing, right? Maybe you could put your differences aside and you could maybe help your fellow republican make a difference.

Just a wild thought. Actually working to help the county without personal issues involved! Wait, this is Forsyth County. That could never happen here...sadly.

Sorry, Jerry, but that swine in a Republican suit will get not help from me. He lied about me and my record, and allowed all of you to do so as well. He'll also be eating a lot of crow when the signed permit is delivered and posted on my website.

By the time he takes office (and hopefully Flack will keep that from happening) my service to the community is done. I've done my work without personal issues for almost 4 years, and I'm done with that work in December.

Which means I won't have to work with the serial liar.

"David Richard Aug 31, 2008 9:35pm [ 23 ] I've done my work without personal issues for almost 4 years, and I'm done with that work in December."

DM: Yea right there "Burnout David W. Richard sure you don't have any personal issues with anyone! Shall we re-visit your famous letter to Shawn Scott?

From: Sent: To: Subject: Richard, David W. Saturday, June 23, 2007 9:12 PM Scott, Shawn L.

Hopefully, not our final e-mail Shawn,

I know that you are probably re-thinking your decision to stay with us since Charlie's bone-headed comments of last Thursday night. You should know that I read him the riot act today, as only I could. I am sending this to you because:

A. I don't want to clutter up your Saturday night with a phone conversation, even though I expect you'll still pick up this email anyway.

B. You know I never get all my points together unless I write them down

C. I don't want to screw this up

You need to remember the following things about Charlie, and the Board of Commissioners as well as you sit down and decide your future.

1. Charlie is, and always will be, an engineer. He has never learned how to deal effectively with people. It is still a minor miracle that he has been elected twice, because he really doesn't impress people very much in person. I know, because I have a lot of his supporters telling me they wish that he were better in public than he is. The degree to which the electorate have loathed previous commissioners is the main reason he was elected (which, or course, can be said for just about all of us - even a cute little cuddly fuzzbalilike me). The reason Charlie can be successful with people today is because he is in a position of perceived power.

2. Remember that even though he is perceived as being in charge of the county, the chairman is now just one vote of five. You have seen Charlie outvoted on any number of things so far this year, whether it was on mandating garbage pickup or on the recent cell phone tower issue. The downside to these votes is that Charlie doesn't appreciate being on the losing side of votes, and would probably wish for a stronger role as chairman now that he is in the position. But remember that he will always have just one vote as long as I am on the commission.

3. Charlie is going through some very trying times in his personal life, and the position of chairman isn't helping him to spend any time in trying to fix them. It revolves around his daughter, Kim's health and her marriage. Needless to say, Becky is not what you'd call a calming influence on him right now, which is what he needs. He also doesn't want to release the reins of control, as he clearly enjoys being in the limelight with all his boards and committees.

4. Charlie can't admit when he is wrong. He is rather pig-headed in that regard. See the comment about being an engineer above.

5. Remember that even if he did make those stupid comments, he did vote for you. Only the idiot from District 5 didn't, and her vote actually doesn't count much anymore.

Now remember this as well. Brian certainly knows how much we need you, Jim certainly knows, and even if I don't use your expertise very much, I also know how much this county needs you. Linda, again, doesn't count. You know that I have both written and spoken to others about your abilities, and I am certainly committed to making sure that anyone coming on board in 2009 knows about them as well. And since I am not planning on being caught in bed with a live boy or a dead girl anytime soon, I am relatively confident that I will be continuing to menace the city of Cumming for years to come.

Now, we've voted in a position for you that has been largely crafted by you, have agreed to a pretty fair increase in salary, have allowed you to keep your comp-time and allowed you to continue to accrue more. We have insulated you from the wicked witch down the hall, and have put you in a position that could mean big things for us, and for you in the future.

But beyond everything stated previously, I WANT you to stay with us. I can't use the cry, "It's for the CHILDREN! " All I can promise you from my one vote perspective is that I will always speak to you as openly and honestly as I have done in the past, and that there will be no surprises from me. And that I hope that I will know about anything regarding you in advance so that there will be no surprises from us.

Bottom line: I you can't get past Charlie being an insensitive boob, then your only course of action is to leave. Otherwise, please stay and let's have some fun for the next few years stirrin' the puddin'! - - Me

“Burnout” Dave, when you attack a man and his family who has dedicated himself into a full time effort like Charlie Laughinghouse that’s personal. When you attacked the innocent Hansard family that ultimately cost the Taxpayers $239,000.00 and the Hansard’s over $300,000.00 that’s was personal. When you attacked my livelihood that was personal. When you tell half the story on Ms. O’Conner’s efforts to save this county financially that’s personal because the 5 million you describe was never transferred. When you call your constituents the most despicable names that harms their standing in this community that’s personal.

Please stop crying because you should know that the Voters who booted you to the curb didn’t have anything personal against you as it was simply our way of having a little fun.

(yawn) Is the lunatic Milum posting nonsense again?

zzzzz zzzzz zzzzz

p.s. I'll be correcting the FCN reporter for not quoting me correctly tomorrow.

Can't we all just get along?

Just as soon as the crooked sheriff, the crooked judicial system and David Richard stop setting up innocent Citizens I'll turn back into that shy guy my neighbors have known me to be all these years. As long we have lying rouge move-ins in my county I’ll be right cheer busting them. It’s my job.

A job, Mr. Milum, is what you get PAID to do. That is something I am sure will be in short supply for you in future years.

Count on it.

Well "Burnout" when I get to the point that I have to grovel for pennies as you do on the monthly meetings at the Taxpayer's expense I’ll run on up there at the outlet where you work to see if I can part time up there. I could always use an extra hundred dollars or so per weekend. I'd bet you a new milk cow that I could out sell you any day of the week.

Do you really want me tell what a complete failure you were in your computer business “Burnout” Dave? How you couldn’t even afford to pay the very smallest of business expenses? Yes, I know about that!

I’m on my 24th year in the same business and in the other going on 17 years, so do you want to tell us your success story now or wait till later “Burnout”? Oh shucks “Burnout” Dave that’s all right, we wouldn’t want to embarrass you any. Look, I’ve got an old used push lawnmower stored away someplace that I will donate to your neighbor’s cause. Do you want to pick it up “Burnout”?

When do I need to set up the polygraph test "Burnout" Dave?

(yawn) Is the nut-job Milum posting nonsense again?

zzzzz zzzzz zzzzz

What the matter "Burnout" Dave running out of good comebacks? The truth twisting like a knife in your side is it? Can't find the proper words to tell these fine upstanding Citizens why you are too cowardly to take a polygraph test beside me? All those lies about you not using alias names on these forums coming back to haunt you now are they “Burnout” Dave? Feeling bad are you because you cost the Taxpayers $239,000.00 for attacking the innocent Hansard family? Is that causing you any conscience problems “Burnout” Dave?

Did you know that Ronda O’Conner is dying laughing at you “Burnout” Dave? After all she’s making off with $157,000.00 and there you are while you can’t buy enough gas to fill your lawnmower. You know, as I think about that it this causes me to laugh too “Burnout” Dave. Let me see now with $157,000.00 Ronda can take a hell of a vacation, maybe a four month vacation just about anywhere in this big ole world, return to work at the county after you are gone and most likely get a handsome raise too. Won’t that be swell “Burnout” Dave won’t that be great? And she can also buy herself a new Mercedes, maybe a nice red one too. I'll bet hers will have hubcaps too!

You’ll leave the county payroll penniless with your skinned tail tucked between your wobbly legs and Ronda with be smiling, laughing, and sashaying around and showing off her vacation pictures as you are packing up your stuff. Goodness, I believe that I will ask her if I can come watch you do that. Be OK “Burnout” Dave if I take a few quick snapshots of you leaving? For my scrapbook naturally.

(yawn)

LOL...Mr. Milum, whoever you are I must say you have old Burnout's number. He is a waste of oxygen and has again failed in his attempt to hold onto a job and be the man of the house.

Yet, he will never accept the fact that he is his own worst enemy and that his mouth is getting old. His making Forsyth County look bad is fast coming to an end.

I wonder if we can get someone to be there as he packs up his last stuffed teddy bear and ducks out the side door.

He will skulk off into the shadows ducking reality and hiding from that polygraph machine!

Hay look, I was as serious as a heart attack about the polygraph test. He loses he leaves politics here in Forsyth forever and if I lose I leave. He a stinking coward just like I said he was.

Feel free to have your heart attack without me, Milum.

I would like something explained to me. I am not certain if I understand this budget thing correctly. Did Ms. O'Connor have a finance or accounting degree when the budget review was conducted? I maybe thinking out of turn here but I would think that all the budget information in detail would be part of the CFO duties. Since the CFO was not employed at the time it would fall under the Finance Director.? I have been pondering this for a little while and I have done a little research. If my findings are correct the county manager did have some financial background, however the Finance Director doesn't have any degrees period. How can someone be over the Finance Department without an education? Or perhaps this might need to be looked into further? I did not have to go very far to find this information out. It seem the county is aware of this situation. If the county commissioners are looking to save money in a time of crisis they might start with the management positions that are not qualified to serve his or her post. Just food for thought for those who are hungry.