Way to go Julie! I am looking forward to voting for you on the 15th.

I have had the pleaseure of talking to you and have been impressed with your professional attitude and balanced thoughts.

Citizens, you owe it to yourself to check out her info.

Julie,

Just a bit of information on the whole "expanding our re-use system" thing.

Today, EPD rules for re-use wants to have that re-use discharged into the source point to replace the water taken out; not re-used directly by the local system. In fact, you might be penalized for trying to expand your re-use systems too much too soon.

EPD is looking at possibly flipping that particular issue to allow for better re-use systems, but we can't do what you propose to do today and not run a-foul of EPD.

"Julie Tressler, a candidate for District Five County Commissioner, has her fingers on the pulse of this community"

Might read better as "She is checking to see if her special interest groups have finally choked the life out of the Forsyth County Citizens.

"Between serving as the PTO president for Cumming Elementary, participating in the Leadership Summit that launched Envision 2030 and serving as a coordinator for the Forsyth Fusion Soccer Club, Julie also found time to guide the Forsyth County School System’s SPLOST campaign in 2006. "

These seem to be qualifications that are much better suited towards a position on the School Board than on the Board of Commissioners. Did she enter the wrong race by accident?

"Tressler proposes implementing a more expansive water reuse system that alleviates the demand on water taken out of Lake Lanier while also decreasing wasterwater discharges."

Reuse sounds good, but does not address the problem of water conservation. People need to use less water. A gallon of water withdrawn from the lake for potable use and then properly treated and returned to the lake or river is a gallon SAVED!! If we did as Ms. Tressler proposes, with her re-use plan, then that same gallon of treated waste water used to irrigate is LOST AND A GALlON has to be released from the lake to maintain downstream flow. Congratulations Ms. Tressler, you have planned to institute a plan to deplete our water supply at an even faster rate than before.

This is her "...real solutions to our water shortfalls..." I would guess that she would be the only one to propose this. The other candidates are trying to protect our natural resource, not use it up even faster.

In her critical statements about Chairman Laughinghouse she said he was "..the same chairman that was in favor of granting Wal-Mart a stream buffer variance in order to begin the development of another big box store off Highway 141, right next to a residential neighborhood. That is not reflective of what the citizens said they wanted.” once again Ms. Tressler is unfamiliar about that which she is speaking about. Wal-Mart owns the land. The commissioners were working with Wal-Mart to have them make concessions to bring the business into line with what would be more suitable to the area. Wal-Mart was going to a smaller store with an upscale look. The way it was explained when the decision was made, the stream buffer variance would actually improve the quality of the stream water. There was a great deal of inaccurate propaganda that was spread concerning this decision.

"We have 5 county commission seats for a reason and we need 5 commissioners that have the ability to be objective and think independently. Otherwise, the board does not effectively represent the voice of the citizens that make our county great. It's time to stop playing politics and elect a commissioner that has the ability to get some work done"

I totally agree with her in this statement, the thing is that . SHE IS NOT the one with the ability to get some work done. The citizensof Forsyth County just worked to vote out the commissioners with special interest at heart. They elected commissioners that have not only pledged to be a voice for the homeowners and taxpayers, they have the voting records to back up their pledges.

"... I have a proven track record of doing just that.”

Looking at her website and the things she has proposed, it is evident that she is not informed on what is going on around the county .She was unaware that the intersection projects that are in the works now are giving us the most bang for our buck, so she is proposing to do something that she was unaware was already being done. With her transit proposition it looks like she is proposing to bring MARTA to Forsyth. She wants to establish a 24/7 non-emergency call center that ALREADY EXISTS.

I could go on, but I think everyone gets the message. I would encourage you all to check out her website and what she is proposing, then you too will realize that she definitely DOES NOT have her fingers on the pulse of this county. Maybe get her fingers on the purse strings seems more like it.

Dear Ms Tressler,

Could you please tell me what your position is on property rights, zoning and development.

SPLOST 6

Jim Boff... DIDN'T EVEN SERVE HIS OWN DISTRICT!!!

Serving on the committee are Jim Boff (District 1 representative); Charles I. Smith (District 2 representative); Bob Charles (District 3 representative); Charles Cantrell (District 4 representative); Ernest Turner (District 5 representative); Tracy Moon (Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce representative); and John Manton (senior community representative).

Dave,

You just cant let the whole water thing go, can you??

Mr. Waddell, Congratulations on becoming the Pam Bowman of Campaign 2008 (aka the city's patsy). Up until this article you had my respect but not my vote. Now with this sort of ridiculous attempt to instigate some negative campaign against an honest candidate, you don't have either. The appointees on this committee do not have to represent a particular district. They are just the type of citizens who care enough to make the time to get involved. I notice that your name is not there for ANY district. I respect the position you hold as a firefighter, and therefore am shocked at this sort of juvenile attack on Jim Boff for making the time to serve this county.

Sorry to bring the truth! Pam or no Pam, City or not City... My name is not on there, because I am not shoved up Laughinghouse's rear! Thank you very much and as far as your vote OR respect? You want even write your name ... Mr. Boff - YOU ARE A COWARD!!!

I don't think Dave Richard wants to talk about water. He is the one that mislead Smart Growth about the water allocation.

Besides, by the look of his booth last night and at the parade today I think he wants to run the Bethel Park group instead of running for commissioner. He had signs up in his booth and on his trailer for Bethel Park. That should tell you folks that Dave Richard is the special interest incumbent.

If you want a voice vote for Bell.

Pop,

Your right! Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Dave want the Y to have the camp? And now not only does he want to "save" Bethel park, but supporting a special interest group?

Your Truly, John

My comments... I did not mean to sling any mud earlier. I never meant to offend anyone or hurt anyones feelings. I saw that information on a web page and would of liked to know how to serve on a committee and it not be in the district you live in. Which were answered by Boff and Smith. Some of the other comments got spun way out of control and some were not signing their name and I said somethings I am embarressed about... I want to apoligize to you Jim Boff for those comments - I AM SORRY!!!

John,

Do you ever get anything right? Oh, that's right, you're a Bell supporter, which means you get everything wrong.

I have never - repeat - never supported the YMCA getting Bethel Park.

And Pop, I'm a believer in the Constitution, not special interests.

Am I clear enough for ya?

There you have it voters -- another lie from David Richard. " I am not a supporter of special interests."

You sell your soul to Smart Growth Forsyth County and turn your back on the voters in north Forsyth. North Forsyth voters won't forget how you have turned your nose up to them the last four years. These yahoos as you like to call them will be highly motivated to vote your sorry butt out of office starting on Monday.

You can blow hot air all you want Mr. Richard, your booth at the fairgrounds and trailer in the parade is proof enough for me that you are a special interest candidate. You need those votes so bad as well as the votes of your crooked buddies at smart growth.

You are a pathetic little man that is struggling to hold onto power. I will say this right now as I see it coming. You will lose this election and will then become a chief mouthpiece for the Bethel Park crowd. Mark my words.

And your little "I am clear enough for ya" is about silly. Is that something you yankees do to act tough? Do you think that comment makes you intimidating or cool? If so, your wrong (again).

You are so silly and looney, I think Sweeney is looking more intelligent than you right now. You can say he is goofy but Terry cares about his county, you don't. You are a power hungry sock salesman.

That's telling him Pop!

I made an interesting observation at the fairgrounds the other night.

It was packed and I mean jam packed! People having fun, cooking out, listening to music, visiting with friends and just generally having a great time. It was then topped off with another outstanding fireworks show.

It made me stop and think. All this talk about the city vs. county. Talk about the Mayor and City Council. I wonder what is costs the city to host this event? I bet it is a bunch of money! And every citizen in the county, every last person, is invited to come down and enjoy the celebration.

Then we have the parade on the 4th, everyone in the county is welcome to enjoy the festivities.

I see here all the time that people like to rag on the city. I think this is an instance when we owe Mayor Gravitt, the City Council and the employees of the City of Cumming a huge "thank you" for doing this year after year.

That IS an interesting observation Pop. However, Ford Gravitt is from a generation of Forsyth County people who were known for their generous "southern hospitality." Of course, with the likes of Dave Richard running the county now, that kind of generosity and good will stands out more and more, doesn't it Pop?

Hey, boys and girls, maybe you missed this little point, but it DOES cost money to put this little event on.

Where do you think the money comes from?

The people who pay for booth space at the event, the people who pay during the Fair each October, the people who pay for any other event that runs there over the year, the 10% the city takes off the top of every item sold at the fairgrounds.

Yes, it's wonderful that they host this event. But don't for one minute think that a city with no tax revenue stream pays for this out of their own pocket.

The people ultimately do. As they do for everything in a free and open market society.

I think everyone should read Commissioner Laughinghouses response to this attack on the current board of commissioners by Ms. Tressler. His response points out the misinformation that Ms. Tressler has attempted to spread. Isn't she the one who claimed that she would be able to work well with the board members, yet she leads an attack on those very same members and does so with misinformation. Everyone is entitled to their own voting decision,but the voters should have the correct information so they are able to make a truly informed decision. Someone needs to let Ms. Tressler know that the voters in Forsyth County do not like to be mislead and given false information.

Has there ever been a more condescending commissioner than Dave Richard? Just read his last post where he addresses citizens as "Boys and Girls."

And Lynn, Richard's idea of Southern Hospitality is to attack ladies like you, Terry Barradine, Pam Sessions, Linda Ledbetter, Paula Gault, Marcie Kreager and Nancy Roche as liars, cowards and idiots.

That may be acceptable back in Massachussetts -- where Richard was raised -- but here in Georgia we respect women and don't address them in such a vulgar, dehumanizing way.

Starting tomorrow Forsyth County residents can send Richard a message that that is NOT acceptable behavior in Georgia.

Debra,

Please clear something up for me:

In what official capacity to you work in Patrick Bell's campaign, and why should we not believe that anything he has said about his Clean Campaign Pledge is simply more hot air from your candidate?

David,

Pleease clear something up for the voters. Why did you and your ex-con buddy Jerry Wickliffe have to conspire to rig the SGFC debate? Is your campaign that desperate? Did you approve the email he sent to Patrick saying that he would not moderate the debate? If not, why haven't you condemned it for the lie that it is?

How many other ex-cons are part of your campaign?

Debra,

I talked to Jerry Wickliffe only one time about 4 days before the SGFC debate, and only to learn about the proposed format. He told me what it was going to be, but that it was subject to change.

My campaign, unlike Patrick Bell's, is not desperate. We do not resort to lackeys and flunkies to do our dirty work for us, nor do we do any dirty work at all. We leave that to your boy Bell.

I have never seen the e-mail supposedly sent to Patrick from Jerry, nor did I approve of it since I never saw it.

SInce I have not seen it, nor do I know the context of how or what it was framed, I cannot condemn it. Since I do not know the context of any communications regarding SGFC and its people, I have no idea if what you claim is a lie.

Jerry Wickliffe is NOT part of my campaign. He does, however, support my efforts in Forsyth County. When will you get it through your thick head that I do not have campaign staff at all? It is just me and my wife as treasurer, just as it has always been. We like it that way.

Now Debra, since I've answered ALL your questions, you owe me a couple of answers as well. Failure to respond directly to these questions is proof positive that you are another member in good standing of the Patrick Bell Liar's Club.

(1) Please clear something up for me:

In what official capacity do you work in Patrick Bell's campaign, and why should we not believe that anything he has said about his Clean Campaign Pledge is simply more hot air from your candidate?

(2) How many ex-felons are part of Patrick's campaign?

(3) Is it true that the Patrick Bell listed in public records below is the same Patrick Bell running for county commissioner in Forsyth County? If so, why should we trust him with the public's money when he can't manage his own?

Bell USA, Inc. dba Professional Gifts and Awards

(Incorporated in Florida, created 10/14/91 - In 2004 Annual Report, Patrick B Bell listed as an officer of company)

Address for Patrick Bell in the report is 239A Castleberry Industrial Dr, Cumming GA 30040)

Company Activity:

1,135 - Unemployment Fifa (GA Dept. Labor) - Mar 2003 - filed 9/15/03 - paid 1/7/05 (ST TAX # 200312001)

909 - Unemployment Fifa (GA Dept. Labor) - June/Sept 2003 - paid 1/7/05

26,903 - Fifa Lien by Fedex - filed 7/14/04

8,321 - Fifa Lien by Bulova - filed 5/31/05

1,215 - Unemployment Fifa (GA Dept. Labor) - Dec 05 /March 05 (ST TAX #200513090)

862 - Unemployment Fifa (GA Dept. Labor) - June 05 (ST TAX #200503651)

2,097 - Unemployment Fifa (GA Dept. Labor) - Sep 05 (ST TAX #200501336) Cancelled

2,097 - Unemployment Fifa (GA Dept. Labor) - Dec 05 (ST TAX #200605257) Cancelled

2,952 - Unemployment Fifa (GA Dept. Labor) - Mar 06 (ST TAX #200608796) Cancelled

Cancelled note: "business has already ceased"

Bristol International Inc. (CEO, CFO, & Secretary all listed as Patrick B. Bell)

Established in GA, 2001

2300 Bethelview Rd STE 110 1135 Cumming, GA 30040 - fed tax lien address

Company Activity:

4,154 - Fifa Lien by Advertising Specialty Corp - filed10/28/03

5,171 - Fifa Lien by Fedex - filed 5/15/04 - settled 6/15/05

2,520 - Judgement from Oceanside Bank 12/06 - Paid 1/17/08 (CIVIL ACTION #04SC0072)

21,830 - Federal Tax Lien for unpaid taxes from FY 2003, 2004, 2005 (SER #315034306)

17,530 - Fifa Lien filed by Stuart Allan and Associates - Filed 1/17/07 (ST CT CASE

2,923 - Fifa Lien filed by Suntrust Bank - Filed 1/30/07 (SUP CT CASE #06CV1973)

Patrick B Bell

Personal Activity:

8,321 - Cross Referenced Bulova Lien - Personally Cited

10,922 - Federal Tax Lien for unpaid taxes from FY 4Q 2004 & 2005 (SER #440874208)

David, when you repeatedly answer questions with lies, you haven't answered them at all.

My question was not is Wickliffe part of your campaign. My question is why did you and the ex-con conspire to rig the SGFC debates?

Do you really think voters are so naiev as to believe the man who was convicted of bid rigging and who you have admitted was "a great help to your campaign" was an impartial moderator? Please!

I also asked why you haven't condemned the email Wickliffe sent to Patrick Bell. Your response was that you haven't seen it. That is quite simply a lie. It's posted on at least 3 websites you visit frequently. So my question remains unanswered.

And, I'll remind you once again that I am not a candidate for public office. What I think or say or write is -- as you yourself have pointed out -- unimportant because I am not running for county commissioner. You are.

But keep throwin' 'em high and wide. You've got nine days to continue spreading your lies and insults.

I have refrained from posting on this site and do not plan on posting again. This is an important issue and feel it important that I clear up a bit of mudslinging.

I think that it is disapointing that David, his supporters and his aliases think it important to spread rumors. I saw him do this when he ran for office in '04 and again when he was supporting Charlie and Jim. I don't normally pay attention to him and his rhetoric but since he has dropped the personal attacjk bomb I want to answer.

I want my supporters and the public to know the truth. That's what you get from me. You see, I will not hide behind a curtain of disallowed questions. I will not say it's personal and off limits.

I will never ever bring up what was told to me by people very close to David. I know the real David Richard and he deserves our prayers more than anything.

I will continue to call out the half-truths and mis-truths but will not resort to back and forth personal attacks.

Jerry and Marc (and others), I do appreciate your support so very much. However, I will agree with City Slicker and Around the Block. Let's not drop to the level I have spoke about and rallied against. Most of the content is correct but please present it in an acceptable manner.

As to the info posted by Dave/concerned. If you think it so important I do wish you would contact me and get the whole story. But since you did not, let me lay out a bit of history for you that I would have given you had we talked.

Those companies were family businesses run by myself, my father, and mother. We enjoyed great success and built a solid reputation within the golf industry, both in the USA and Europe. I still maintain many of those old friendships and am proud that I can call them my friends and many are still clients.

A few years ago my mother was diagnosed with cancer and died within three weeks. She was an integral part of the company and our family as a whole. In fact, I am not ashamed to say that besides my wife, she was my very best and closest friend.

My mother maintained much of the record keeping for the company. After her death, it was a difficult adjustment for us on a personal level and business level. Five months later my father had an emergency 4 way by-pass and was in ICU and in the hospital for several weeks. This was a very serious matter and we did not know what the outcome would be. This was just 5 months after my mother's death. He virtually retired after my mother's death and then did retire after the by-pass.

During this time I was more concerned about my father than anything else. He lost a 40 year companion and also was dealing with recovery from a serious health issue.

My family is #1 and my Dad is the most wonderful, suppotive man in the world. I spent many, many days in Florida during this year.

Yes, we missed many tax returns during this time, all since reported and satisfied. I missed many things including nearly a year of growing the business. I was then hit with a quarter of a million dollar loss from a client that closed up shop. It hit our small company hard.

I decided to close the business and did end up selling the company to meet obligations and structured payments with many others, the IRS included. So you see, had you known the whole story it may have made more sense to you. Next time I ask that you call me before spreading rumors.

I am well able to handle it, but it is not fair to the voters for them to be misguided. I will not tolerate any mudslinging from anyone that volunteers on my campaign and ask that those that support me to refrain from the same. I also ask that Mr. Richard’s supporters refrain from mudslinging and stick to the issues. I know I will probably earn another paragraph or two on his website but I asked him to pledge a clean campaign and he refused. I still maintain that pledge today and will not enter into that type of behavior.

That's done and if you want to discuss please call me and I will gladly discuss with you. Remember, that is one thing I stand for, open communications.

I am running my campaign based on teamwork and professionalism and have some great ideas about how we can solve the issues we face.

Yes, I have had hard times and they have been tough on me and my family but provided many lessons. Who can claim never having hard times or making a decision we wish we could change. I am not perfect nor have I ever claimed to be. I am honest to a fault sometimes, and run my life based on integrity, morals, and clean values, and I take pride in being a good role model for our youth.

I have a background in business that I am proud of, I have relationships I am proud of and can bring many experiences to the table. Experiences with good and bad, up and down. I have been at the top, down a few notches and risen again. But nobody anywhere can say I am dishonest. I am honest, respectful, hardworking, and compassionate and I have not let anything knock me down.

In closing, I ask for your support next week and on July 15. Any registered voter in Forsyth County can vote for Patrick Bell. Vote for teamwork and professionalism…and experience!

Thanks and enjoy the rest of your Sunday night.

-

Patrick,

You know nothing about me. You never have, you never will, because you never, ever do your homework on any issue.

You have allowed your supporters and campaign workers to violate your clean campaign pledge time after time, while you sit back and allow it to happen. You have no shame whatsoever, and have been proven to be a serial liar.

julie we know the mayor contributed to you , tam and bell we have just picked up the records . bell only seems to be running to prevent the county from obtaining a water intake source. tam as always whats in it for him . i do not know why you are running you do not seem to know anything about county gov.