DAVE SUCKS... SIGN THIS ONLINE PETITION TO SHOW YOUR "ANTI-DAVE" SUPPORT. LINK: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/dave_sucks/index.html

As an active participant within My community, I attend SmartGrowth functions...The following is My reply to Patrick Bell upon recipt of his letter of apology (His reply to it was apparently a form letter).

Patrick Bell,

Too a freelance Journalist, I can imagine that in the course of the "Makings of Laws and Sausages" our Commissioners may find themselves privey to incredible information from sources that wish to remain "annonymous", and while there does then lie some responsibility in excercising the dissertation of that information--for it's "Senstionalism" no less than it's credibility--the protection of it's source as such is paramount of that responsibility.

That said, I feel You would have well served yourself to have simply stated your case, illuminated that annonymity, and let the chips fall where they may. You chose instead to break-out of the earlier agreed format...which of itself wasn't what ran you aground in My perception of what is an appropriate charecter representation of any "Commissioner" I'd like to see representing Forsyth Countys Citizens--Terry Sweeney had already upstaged everyone there, and I feel he should have salvaged some measure of his candidacy by staying to re-enforce his convictions, but instead he'd "Cut 'n Run".

I recently saw a beautiful young woman in La Jolla, CA asking for "Spare Change to Save the Seals"...She had an encrypted tattoo across her collarbone of all places that (I had to ask) decyphered read "To thyself be true" bacwards--to remind herself--whenever she looked into a mirror.

Now, I of all people can appreciate your thinking/acting "Outside the box", but you then disintegrated the foundation of Your fundamental "Cause de celebre" (Civility in Government, no?) by following that "Question" with that direct verbal attack, thus exacerbating that degradation of the civility of the forum at that time...only to further go off-the-chain and over-the-top by directly addressing Commissioner Richards derogetorily, and loudly stating "Your a Liar!"

So in front of everyone...and Video-Taped "Live" on Cumminghome.com...Didn't Your behaviour then exibit the antithesis of Your platform?

I would imagine that the exhibition of a candidates charecter under just such scrutiney and public pressure is the intent of the SmartGrowth endeavor to host such a forum, and with that regard Commissioner David Richard did shine in that light you projected.

The "Candidates Debate" was then illuminating and therefore succesful--that fact is a matter of visual record to be viewed over and again--and I can only thank You, then, for your participation.

Best Regards, Jack Gleason Concerned Citizen Forsyth County Dist. 2

P.S. There is another addage I've never heard before I located here in Forsyth County: "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is for permission".

to which he replied:

Hi Jack,

I appreciate your response and that you took time to compose your thoughts. It takes many people just like you that love their community to get different ideas out and discussed.

I hope we again have the chance to meet.

Patrick

Thanks for Your sincereity then Patrick...

Jack Gleason

All I can say is that I think that the courage to man up about it makes me want to vote for Bell even.

David has been caught in a lie and cannot own up. Now that is more of a problem than anything.

Sorry, forgot a word.

Bell owning up makes me want to vote for him even more.

Am I disappointed in BEll ...yes, but given the circumstances of the most bias debate ever given... it was a sham and if I was him I would have gone to any another meeting. ANy other meeting with any other civic group in the county. Smart Growth does not represent the folks in south forsyth... not at all. Don't let them fool you.They only represent their agenda... and g-d only knows what the heck it is. I just don't get it.

I still could never vote for Richard the worst public official I have ever encountered in my lifetime. I hear the outlet malls calling his name....

Boycott Boff, Boycott meaning...To act together in abstaining from using, buying or dealing with as an expression of protest or disfavor or as a means of coercion.

I invite EVERYONE...BEFORE the July 15th election...Sit forward of the Council Chambers for even one visit to either a Planning Commission or Board Of Commissioners assembly...Really take in the complexity of what's going on about you...Imagine then Your responsibility in understanding everything put forth in that environment of Developers and their Lawyers, The County and their Lawyers, those "Concerned Citizens" and THEIR lawyer, etc. ad nauseum...All presenting thier Maps/Sketches/Concepts to their particular interest...both stoic and emotionally...And YOU as a Commissioner have to sort it all out...while that big digital clock rolling red numbers spins away the seconds...while the focus of all those "Interested" entities discribed above and the Live Media attending pour over your every squint...waiting for YOUR decision that's about to effect so many lives thereout...all this a "Part time position" that pays peanuts in Money unless your behelden to "Special Interests" the likes of which are less considerate of Our local Community than they are their 'Share-holders" perhaps?

Dave Richard may arguably be somewhat of a "Shark" for his tact at times...but I've come to believe now that his tenacity and experience over the last four years puts him at the top of the food-chain in just that environment, and if you haven't observed him "working" in this environment--after objectively reviewing his successes in it--then how can you fairly discard his candidacy?

That said, I applaud ALL candidates comming forth in this endeavor to better our County and its environment...Truely and Sincerley.

Jack Gleason aka MAD JAX "Concerned Citizen" Christopher Robin Road Warrior Friends of Caney Creek (Adopt-a-Stream)

Jack Gleason has given an excellent insight into the pressures commissioners face in making decisions. The ability to understand and make decisions on complex issues in the face of incredible pressure is a critical ability for someone in that position. However, there are other abilities that have equal importance. One that comes to mind is the ability to refrain from impulsive, arrogant, behavior and words. That may seem like a minor consideration but during my career I have had an upfront seat to watching intelligent, hardworking individuals self destruct on that very weakness. Any good they could do is destroyed by the impulsiveness, arrogance and unwillingness to reflect on one's own actions and correct course. Actually most people like that continue to spin out of control until they are removed or have caused serious harm to their own causes.

Mr. Bell,

I don't know you but it is my hope that your apology is sincere. (Personally, I don't know that I would have been able to control my own reaction in your shoes but as you've acknowledged - it is important for someone in your role.) A good leader is humble, reflects and takes responsibility for their own actions - good or bad, and corrects course where needed. A leader with that trait is also likely to have other traits that I can respect and support - even when I don't agree with your stances. I'll always choose someone with character who has a sharp learning curve over someone with good experience/knowledge that lacks self-control or humility.

Words of advice as you go forward Mr. Bell - it is far worse to hide behind a pretense of humility than to be honest about the fact that you don't give a damn what citizens think. When you portray yourself as a person of character, people always hold you to a higher accountability. If you get into office - and it is least in part due to a pretense of character - be aware that the good citizens of this county will quickly sniff you out, expose you, and send you packing. I sense a weariness in many who have elected leaders believing they will work to help Forsyth reach it's tremendous potential - only to be taught a hard lesson about the reality of who and what they've elected to office. Citizens do not want impulsive or arrogant or self-serving leaders. (Self-serving would also include those we can't yet toss out of office that seem focused on orchestrating a personal political game with rules about how and when citizens (their employer) will be "allowed" to play the game when it comes to speaking up and questioning government leaders.) You may be entering what I call Forsyth's Politicial Bermuda Triangle - where the good (or seemingly good) go in to serve and the person they start out being is never seen again. Proceed with caution :).

Ok - when I get worked up (as I have lately over our leaders and my own failture to look closer at those leaders) I tend to get "long-winded" so I better move to close my comments. Ever the optomist, I commend you for stepping up to take responsibility for your actions. You may well find your chances of election increasing by the day. Some citizens will vote for you based on your stances but a number may also vote for you soley by default of perceived character. (Just occured to me that your opponent's constant "wonder boy" references may well be a subconscious acknowledgement and endorsement of qualities even he can see that you may offer Forsyth.) No matter the outcome - good luck to you Mr. Bell.

I'll take up just a little more space here to thank all that have raised their hands, with genuine intent to serve the county's best interests in such a difficult, and often thankless, job. I also thank those who have made a point to be informed about the issues and hold our leaders accountable to Forsyth's best interests.

Beth Tipton

John,

My recent impressions of DR are not good so I'm no fan but common on - grow up and cut out the childish stunts. You are mistaken if you think you are hurting DR (he can do a great job on his own) with "Dave Sucks" petitions. In fact, if there is any outside chance your message has any impact - it may be that some feel sorry for DR and become even more resolved to put him back in office - which undermines your original intent. Get a grip man.

Beth Tipton

I am guilty of signing that petition. I did it at the spur of the moment without thinking how very childish it was. I'll have to apologize for that. At that particular moment I had just read one of Dave Richard’s arrogant posts and I just couldn’t help myself.

I guess this is a perfect working example of how adversely affected folks get who are forced to work with Dave Richard. Infuriation has a way of pulling the worse from people who are fed up with Dave Richard childish antics that cost us so much.

David - I for one understand your frustration. Sometimes the circumstances you describe can bring out the evil twin even in the best of people. In reading this and other forum posts, it looks like you and several others have made a point to know what's going on in Forsyth because you care about your community. You don't just sit in the sidelines, you are each trying in your own way to hold government officials accountable for acting in Forsyth's best interests. That takes a lot of perservance in the face of huge obstacles. I don't know how you could not be tempted to lash out sometimes.

My personal strategy for keeping things in perspective (and my evil twin in check) has always been to ask myself whether my ultimate purpose is to affect a change or to lash out because the opportunity has presented it self. Most times that question brings me back on track. However - in the short time I've been coming up to speed on some of our county's challenges, I have to admit my own evil twin has been tempted to lash out more often than I'd like. :)

This is getting a bit too sickening for me to read this tripe, so I'll close by saying that I actually went to the site with the intention of signing the petition, just to tick off the 4 year-old John.

However, I refreined from doing so.

Wow..... yet ANOTHER example of childishness by the incumbent. With his continued comments, he does quite a fine job of demonstrating lack of grace, dignity and respect for others and sadly, himself. The poor man needs our pity....

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).

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!!!