What a eye opening video - it clearly shows who not to vote for....Walter Waddell is probably the only candidate there without an agenda / Mr. Bell has no platform other than he does not like Mr. Richard personal traits - then he proceeded to act EXACTLY like Mr. Richard - at least we know Mr. Richard votes in the citizens favor - no one now how Mr. Bell will vote / Jim Boff is full of himself - water bottle /sign all in view / Mr. Smith just mumbles alot / Mr. Tam is too slick and cockey / Mr. Busse says he'll look out for Dist 2 .... Thanks Cumminghome for this great video

DAVE SUCKS.... join this online petition to show your support http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/dave_sucks/

Spirke, just a question here, but what votes of Mr. Richard's do you consider 'in the citizens' favor? Cuz I am not getting your rationale. Are you a member of any special interest group by chance?

Commissioner Richard,

During the Smart Growth debate you said you were opposed to townships. Could you please expand on your comments?

No, I think opposed pretty much sums it up.

We have elected representative government for a reason, and if you don't like what we are doing, you can vote us out.

There is an answer us citizens can be proud of.

How are the Lanier Lifestyles folks leaning these days, Mr. Quinn? When can we see that yellow-highlighted name for district 4 on your website?

Commissioner Richard,

We have a federal government with ellected officials. Is that as close as government should be? We have state government with ellected officials. Is that as close as it should be? We have county government with elected officials. Is that as close as it should be? I don't believe representative government should stop at the federal, state or county level. It should be as close to home rule with elected officials as possible. The major responsibility of townships would be zoning. Please explain why you believe three commissioners who live outside of what could be a township area would be better equipped to decide what development should occur in that area than the people that live in that area?

Thoroughly enjoyed the video. I find it amazing how full of himself Tam is. Last time I checked, there were 5 members on the board of Commissioners, but to her Brian talk, you'd think he was King Tam. Thought we had seen the last of the Royal Family when Jack "hit the road". Last time the citizens voted for Tam, we ended up having to pay for an aid for him because he couldn't work his job at the playhouse and do the job as commissioner. Charlie seems to have figures to back up his answers, so at least he has an interest and is doing some investigating. Mike is always entertaining and is really passionate in his beliefs. It's hard to call District 2. Dave seems to have his heart in the right place if his friends would just super glue his lips, he'd have a better chance. Actually,I almost fell off my chair and onto the floor when I saw Dave admit he was wrong about something. Maybe pigs really do fly.

Boff impressed me. He was the only one that I saw the other candidates defer to on three occasions. Apparently Boff has been not only doing his homework, but has already put himself out there and been working to help solve some of our counties issues. Tressler- not impressed. Why is she running for commissioner when all her past experience is better for school board? Waddell, he should be commended for serving as a fireman, but with type of a high stress job and a second pat time job,I just don't see how he would have the time to do the job as a commissioner.

District 2 - toss up between Charlie or Mike. Like them both, both qualified and both retired so they can dedicate themselves full time. Pretty much Anybody But Tam will work.

District 4 - Dave has a voting record to stand on, just wish he could keep the trap shut when he feels the need to call his fellow workers names. Patrick, seems like a nice guy, but is unproven in how he might vote. Have seen a lot of ties with him to the city folks.

District 5 - Boff, because he knows what he is doing. knows what needs to be done, and has already been working on some of the issues. retired and qualified and ready to go. Tressler - special interest group with developers and real estate, plus raising two young children? Linda said she would be able to do the job and work too, and then she turned around and the county was having to pay for an aid for her and Tam.

Enjoy yourselves, make some popcorn, kick back with the computer and watch some debates.

I'm curious...how can a man in his 40's who worked at the grocery store possibly be "retired"?

Is Mike Busse independently wealthy?

Dear Curious,

I'm also curious, curious why Mr Busse didn't mention his service on the Board of Tax Assessors in his background during his opening comments and why there is no mention of it on his website.

Chris,

I'm supporting Commissioners Tam and Richard and Mr Boff.

Today is my birthday 69, I attended the Not so Smart Growth at Ottwell. The problem Mr. Bell has, Dave Richard should stop basrardizing the citizens here in Forsyth. If Dave Richard was my commissioner I would feel the same way,Period. Thank you Mr. Bell. Now Mr. Sweney is a whole nother story. He wanteed to introduce a platform and was told "not allowed". Mr Sweeney said what Ronald Ragan said when told "not allowed". "I paid for this time", was the exact wording. Good for Mr. Sweeney. Why was Mr. Boff allowed to show 3 or more bottles of water with his name there on the table. . Look at who runs Smart Growth, People named Vernon, Ms. Castro and Wycliff. Remember the old saying: " Look at the company you keep". Mr. Sweney has what we need, A fair and balanced mentallity. He has a platform far beyond all the other candidates and his youtube message is invaluable to me and my family. KEEP THE VALUE OF MY PROPERTY UP is what I got from his message. Tahnk You Mr. Sweeney Ritchie " Yahoo" Thompson

District 5 - Anyone but Jim Boff ... I like Waddell, Tressler and then Sweeny

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.

Mr. Quinn,

I wonder if you would elaborate on why you (Lanier Lifestyles) are supporting Commissioners Tam and Richard and Mr. Boff rather than their opponents. What has led your group to believe these men are in the best interest of Forsyth County? After all, it is the ENTIRE county they are representing, you know. One could gather that these endorsements were self-absorbed unless there was a responsible answer to the good of all citizens. Has either of the opponents in the respective races done or said things that have garnered the negativity from your group and if so, what was it? We are constantly hearing from candidates that they shun the special interest groups but the proof is in the pudding when it comes to these endorsements. I wonder if any candidate, whom adamantly states he / she will not pander to these groups, would reject the endorsement publicly. Thank you in advance for you answer(s).

Mr. Quinn,

I've lived in areas where you have towns running the show and where you have a county running the show, and I much prefer the county running the show. You get too many overlapping and redundant decisions and needs with townships.

Wow - I just read this:

jim quinn Jun 30, 2008 6:00pm [ 4 ] Commissioner Richard,

During the Smart Growth debate you said you were opposed to townships. Could you please expand on your comments?

David Richard Jun 30, 2008 7:18pm [ 5 ] No, I think opposed pretty much sums it up.

I have only encountered DR at one meeting and thought he seemed genuinely interested in serving Forsyth's best interests. I have since read negative comments about him and read some of his inappropriate/unprofessional posts. Not having first hand knowledge of the history behind some of the exchanges, I've tried not to jump to conclusions in either direction too quickly. Some would say that approach was naive - and they may be right. After reading the two sentences of DR's response to Jim Quinn's post, DR's suitability (or lack thereof) for another term in office became crystal clear for me. He may have come to office with the best intentions and even achieved some positive results in the past, but he's so far off track at this point that there is no way forward for him. His inability/unwillingess to control the hostile and arrogant remarks creates an increasing liability for this county on many levels. It is in DR's and Forsyth's best interest to decline his bid for another term in office.

To DR - I know you read and respond to these posts. Before you are tempted to lash out again, consider that in the end such hostility hurts you more than the intended recipient. For yourself, there is no post, no job, or no enemy worth putting yourself on this kind of path to self-destruction. (You give the impression you are a prime candidate for a nervous breakdown, heart attack or stint in jail.) And, frankly citizens should expect more from their elected representatives. As commissioner, you can do no more positive for yourself, Forsyth, or anyone else at this stage so gracefully call it a day (term) and take up a cause that doesn't make you feel the need to behave with such hostility.

Beth Tipton

This is my first post in this or any other forum where politics are discussed but this extremely arrogant reply by David Richard really floors me.

“No, I think opposed pretty much sums it up. We have elected representative government for a reason, and if you don't like what we are doing, you can vote us out.”

I have worked for a couple of multi-billion dollar companies (one from Germany) where the same attitude exists. This attitude assumes the person knows best in all situations, under all conditions. Almost without exception it lead to best case loss of productivity and efficiency to worse case total failure of a project .Of course the manager was never to blame or willing to take responsibility.

While the elected office of commissioner is a leadership role it is also defined as a public servant. It appears some elected officials have either lost or never have considered themselves servants. It seems the term “elected representative government” has lost the representative part of this. There have been many elected officials throughout history that became a dictatorship when the elected official became all knowing. While this position in no way compares to that of someone like “President” Robert Mugabe of Africa the mindset can be the same.

When elected officials stop listening to the people they “serve” it is time for the people to search for a replacement which will take into consideration the public’s opinion or at least listen to it and then make the best decision they can. Perhaps the people of Forsyth should take a good look at who is in office and make a decision of their own at the polls. If they are willing to accept this type of attitude then so be it. There is a saying I truly believe in, be careful what you ask for, you may get it. If the people of Forsyth do not speak up at the polls it is the same as asking for no change. Take a good look at what is happening around you in Forsyth. Take a little time to find out what is occurring in many areas of our local government. I for one have certainly learned a lot.

I now have the privilege of working for one of the largest and most successful companies in Forsyth. We are taught and work as servant leaders. This has served most of the people in their private lives and at work extremely well. We listen to our teams, both internal and external customers then make the best possible decision we can. The ability to listen, learn and react is a major key to our success.

I wonder how many of our elected officials consider themselves or even understand the concept of “servant leadership”

Andy Tipton

Ms. Tipton,

Unless you actually believe the crap that people post about me, you'd know that I only "lash out" at those who lie about me or try to tell people what I do or do not believe.

You have disagreed with my stance. Big deal. Disagreement is fine, but can you back up your disagreement with any facts that show the opposite view will work? Remember, government doesn't always work the way we think it can or should, because we have laws. As a matter of fact, newly elected commissioners go to school for 4 days following their election to learn what NOT to do and what they CAN'T do, rather than what they can.

So remember this: I've been there and done that and got the t-shirt on government. I've seen and lived in townships and county government first hand, and I know what it takes to manage both. If your pedigree is that good, feel free to comment on why townships will work, rather than just disagreeing with my stance.

And your opinion of me is not based on any fact, and is not even remotely accurate.

And there you have it!

Mr. Joel, Sounds like one of Ms. T's supporters is working a smear campaign against Boff. Mr. Waddell seems nice enough, but he hasn't had the time to even go to most of the debates and with working a full time Firefighter job and part time at WalMart, it's not possible to put the effort needed into being a commissioner. Tressler works full time as a realtor (nothing wrong with the profession, the developer industry, as proven in the past, just poses a conflict of interest while also holding a commission position. The people here in Forsyth just voted in the last elections to choose representation that didn't have those special interest, and city ties such as Ms. Tressler has (nothing personal). "Fool me once, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me." The voters here are no fools.

Dear Help , well I think your name says it all. Help is exactly what you need if you are choosing to boycott someone who is qualified, and has the time available to do the job. Sounds like sour grapes from someone with their own special interest at heart, not the interest of who is the Best One For Forsyth because he is working for the regular homeowner.

The informed citizens have several good, qualified candidates that have chosen to step up to the plate and work as your commissioners. In 2 you have two qualified candidates that would be good for the county. You can get on the big old Busse and you can't go wrong with Charlie Smith. Basically, Any one but Tam. In 4 you have Dave Richard. He has a mouth on him, but his voting record speaks for itself, he votes with the citizens. And in 5 you have Boff, Best One For Forsyth. He's already been working for the citizens as Chairman of Splost VI with Transportation and has been involved with working to come up with viable solutions to some of the other problems facing our county. Remember you can vote for one person in each of the districts, not just your own. Remember get out early and Vote next week. You avoid those long lines.

Good morning,

I am like the Tiptons in that I don't write on these webs. I think though that Mr. Richard has shown his true colors in his writings above and I want to speak up.

First, the comment about "I think opposed sums it up" and then his rude comments to the Tiptons.

I don't know what the yellow highlight means. If I could do it, I can tell you Richard's name would not be highlighted. From what I read here he has a high school diploma and works at a retail store as a sales clerk. Before you jump on me, they are both admirable qualities. He has been a commissioner for 3 1/2 years. Here he acts like an expert and looks down his nose at the people asking him to clarify his position or challenge his position. That attitude is not an admirable quality.

I don't know what happened at that debate either. I have watched it and understand he was challenged to tell the truth about something that he cannot prove. Am I correct in that he has not named whoever it is he has been asked to name? Would that not be the easy way to do it? The logical way? Or is it better to keep complaining about it? Mr. Richard, why not just answer? That is the sure fire way to disprove this lie.

The other thing is about the moderator. As I understand it, Mr. Moderator emailed Bell and said he would not moderate. Then when the debate starts Mr. Moderator is right up there. I also understand that the format changed 4 or 5 times that night and most all candidates grumbled to some extent. In fact I know Mr. Richard did as a friend of mine was there, but reality is no candidate was happy about this.

I have been to many a debate and hosted a few in my time. I can offer insight on this. A moderator is supposed to be a neutral person and should step aside if they have been challenged. Also, if the moderator says they will step down and then on debate day they are there standing tall what does that say about the forum in general and the organization? Lastly, you never, ever should change the format like that right before the debate and NEVER in the course of the debate. I would take anything said here by any candidate and disregard as this was a poor excuse and poorly organized debate. If it was a lynching and sneak attack then they did a good job.

I think with all that I see here, on aboutforsyth AND hear out in the community, this fellow has made some poor decisions that cannot be corrected.

Some may think he can work with the other board members but I think they would NOT work with him. Neither would the state people he has lashed out at. Maybe they would be willing to speak up?

Please consider this when voting, it is so important that we have a board that can work together for the common goal of making Forsyth County the best place for us to live. We have difficult times ahead with this econonomy, don't make an error when voting on District 4.

Nothing personal Mr. Richard. I just think that with what I have been told by many others and how you act, that Bell is the man for the job.

Mr. Richardson,

I don't take anything personally, except when people lie about me.

I will say for the record that if you believe anything at all written on aboutforsyth, you need to re-evaluate your fitness to cast a vote. The majority of those people posting on that site are not stable. It is proven in their "opinions" not based in fact, and on their proven lies and distortions. Any site that allows someone of David Milum's character to post things without any proof whatsoever gets no respect from me.

You may think my comments to the Tiptons were rude. That is your opinion. My opinion is that if you want to disagree with me, tell me why. They did not.

You may think the other commissioners won't work with me, but without any first-hand knowledge, you would be wrong. Since you aren't a commissioner, you have no first-hand knowledge, and therefore you are wrong in your conclusion.

Getting along all the time doesn't mean that things actually get done. Or done for the betterment of this county. At some point, you have to stand for SOMETHING, because if you don't, you can't stand up to anyone. If you want the special interests that support Patrick Bell to run roughshod over the county commission, then vote for Wonder Boy.

If you want someone who has a proven record of small government, lower laxes, managed growth, water independence and exceptional public safety, you need me back in that commission seat.

Mr. Richard,

I believe my post said that I tried not to jump to conclusions too quickly in either direction on other posts because I knew I didn't have the history of those situations. That means I didn't make a judgement about you or the other posters. I also indicated that the one time I met you at a meeting, I thought you to be a person working for Forsyth's interests. If anything, I assumed that the tone of some of the posts by yourself and other posters were motivated by a real passion for Forsyth's well-being - just gone too far and too personal. I was not attacking anyone or saying I believed anything about other posts I've read.

I haven't agreed or disagreed with your stance. I don't know the answer to the township issue and would have liked to read about the pros and cons from those who do have a position - including you. When you were asked to elaborate further on your position against townships - my jaw didn'thit the floor because you are opposed - it was because your response clearly said you don't need to give more than a one word answer and that you'll do what you want. Your answer shows me you've forgotten/don't care that the very people who were in a position to hire you for the job, can also fire you through elections. (I don't single you out. Laughinghouse is also one who seems to feel it's the citizens/voters who are brazen if they dare question or speak up against him or his appointed/elected buddies. The following recent response to the Busse situation is yet more proof of his belief: "It's a shame when people play politics without understanding the game." )

I may be talking into the wind here but DR, if your position on any subject is based on experience and an understanding of law that the rest of us don't have, it seems you would be willing to educate rather than tell citizens it's just because you say so.

Serving the county in an elected position is not for the faint of heart - especially those who are honest and trying to do what's right. It seems Forsyth government has it's own version of the Bermuda Triangle. Good people go in and then the person they were disappears. I am relatively new to the county but when I look back over some of the history of politicians , the road is littered with people starting out doing good work and somewhere along the way they end up being more like those they railed against in the beginning. My impression is that you are yet another casualty of Forsyth's Political Bermuda Triangle. Your response to my post confirms my belief that it's time for you to move on for the well-being of all - including yours.

Beth Tipton

Ms. Tipton,

Some people have the time to write long-worded responses to complex issues; I do not. Townships are a complex issue that will take a very, very long time in which to answer fully the concerns people have and the complexities of a decision to move to townships.

I'm running a campaign here. In addition to getting my own message of real results and accomplishments out, I have to answer each and every lie and distortion that the Bell campaign and it's myrmidons throw at me multiple times on a daily basis. If you want a complex answer, you'll just have to stop writing and actually give me a call.

Why don't you ask yourself why other candidates and commissioners do not even bother to tell you what they think about these issues, instead of railing on me for not providing you each i dotted and every t crossed on my beliefs?

Chris,

If the people of an area come together in order to save their lifestyles, their property values, their safty and the enviornment from destruction caused by a totally inappropriate, improper and devastating zoning qualifies them as a special interest group, then Lanier Lifestyles is a special interest group. Commissioners Tam and Richard voted to deny that zoning. Mr boff spent endless hours leading in that cause. Commissioners Tam and Richard also voted to protect the Walmart area residents from that inappropriate land use. They also voted against the Castleberry zoning. They both voted for the needed changes to the UDC. They both voted in favor of the much needed changes to the Future Land Use Map. They both supported the park and rec bond. They both supported Splost. They both are strong supporters of public safety and schools. They both encourage benificial commercial growth. Mr Boff has worked long and hard on the golf course issue, the Habersham sewer problem, traffic solutions etc. He has not only read the UDC, he has studied it and understands it. He has attended many, many BOC meetings in order to learn the process. He has dealt with the EPD and the Corps. He understands the problems facing our county and is the best prepared to serve. Neither I nor Lanier Lifestyles are opposed to the other candidates. We support Tam, Richard and Boff. We believe they are the best candidates for the future of the entire county.

Mr. Richard,

What's so sad is that you can't see I was not/am not railing at you. You came into the forum to offer some political views so it seemed logical that you might be willing to answer a request to elaborate on a position you hold. It was a perfect opportunity for you to win supporters. Instead your responses have been hostile and defensive - which tells me there is nothing productive to be gained in writing you further on the subject of townships. I think calling you on the subject would only allow you to continue with the condescending, arrogant tone so thanks for the offer - but no thanks. I'll let my 7/15th vote be my voice. Thanks for the very telling exchange - you've managed to enlighten a lot of us.

Good luck to you -

Beth Tipton

Mr. Quinn,

Thank you for your timely response. Respectfully, just a couple of points.

First, you have done a masterful job of diverting the motive of your group but lets make no mistake, yours is a special interest group. Had the Mantons and Bagleys never tried to sell THEIR land, there would be such thing as LanierLifestlyes. (Heck, if I had a golf course view with wonderful walking paths, I be campaigning too)

Secondly, your endorsement of both Tam and Richard and painting them both with the same stokes, is contradictory at best. Commissioner Richard has plainly and very much to the point described Commissioner Tam as a commissioner who has abused the land use map and is very much part of the problem for the unchecked growth of Forsyth County. Richard has also described Tam of having very low morals and ethics because he has refused to omit his vote when the situation revolved around the city of Cumming. It is my opinion that Comm. Richard too caters to some of the devolvement community. I will site the situation with John Weiland homes when this commissioner led the vote that allowed that developer to totally bypass one of our most basic code rules and allowed him build two homes too close together. This was done with the developer asking for forgiveness, rather than permission and he was just given a small slap on the wrist all making still an enormous profit on the home.

Thirdly, your comment that Richard supports beneficial commercial growth has been very much brought into question during this election season. It has been documented his vote against the Avenues as well as his opposition to Taubman. He has point blank stated he has voted against every incentive package to attract business. Also, even though they were originally on the same side on SPLOST, they are now on opposite ends of the spectrum in how it has evolved. Lastly, the comment about Richard being pro-education is absurd to the point of being comical. He campaigned hard against the school SPLOST. He voted against a school / county joint venture park. He has insulted the board of education recklessly. He has never once denied he is anti-public education.

Again, I appreciate your response but let’s call the spade a spade. These men have either promised or led you and your group to believe that they will buy the course as a county owned course thus saving yours and others golf course views. The credibility of these endorsements is void with me and I hope with the readers of this forum.

For those interested in the Bethel Park Issue, here is a copy of the entire findings of the Corps of Engineers.. The Corps has taken public comment regarding Bethel Park and has listed many of the comments on their statement regarding the matter. I hope people consider that if the county engages in a legal battle with the corps of engineers over a park, this will likely be quite an expense.

This thing is 45 pages long but just cut and paste in your browser:http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/pd/EAs/Final%20EA-scanned.pdf

Chris,

A couple of errors in your post.

Wieland didn't get off with a "slap on the wrist". He had to put over $65,000 of improvements in both of those homes to get the fire protection I required for those homes to stay where they were, including in-home sprinkler systems. Separation between buildings is why we have those codes, so he did the equivalent by upgrading their fire safety.

I have not voted against every incentive package for business. That is another Patrick Bell lie. I voted for the standard incentive packages our Economic Development Authority offers to businesses thinking of coming into the county. I have voted against every ADDITIONAL taxpayer giveaway over and above the standard package.

Third, I am not opposed to Taubman. That is another lie by Patrick Bell. I voted FOR their overlay, and hope they come here. Again, I am against the additional giveaway of tax dollars.

DR said on the township question; “No, I think opposed pretty much sums it up. We have elected representative government for a reason, and if you don't like what we are doing, you can vote us out.”

David Milum: What a novel idea Dave I think that I will exercise that suggestion.

David Richard’s arrogant demeanor does not cultivate good working or negotiating environments, it completely destroys it. He has alienated every last member of the BOC, most in the County Administration, everyone at the City of Cumming, the Chamber of Commerce, and I’d be wiling to bet at the Corps of Engineers, the EPD and any other government organization who is forced to deal with this arrogant little man. He reminds me of a sullied up turtle who can’t bear anyone looking at him so he withdraws his ugly head back into his shell because he knows that he can be safe all on his own while not having to answer to anyone about anything. Just read his responses to the posters here and judge that for yourself.

Consider that I was previously an ardent David Richard supporter as I honestly and truly believed that he was the man for the job he now holds. I defended Dave to the point that I felt absolutely guilty that I was overdoing it in the hopes that he would somehow extricate himself from the hole he had dug for himself “IF” he received a helping hand, unfortunately that did not materialize. Everything was all hunky dory until the VERY FIRST TIME I asked him about a surplus land sale that honestly looked crooked to me, and then he exploded on me. You can read for yourself this conversation as evidence. I provided a link to these mails below. In fact, I highly recommend it to show to you why Commissioner David Richard needs to make selling socks at the Discount Outlet Mall his full-time position while he leaves the rest of us alone.

Knowing Mr. Richard as I now do, and as you folks now know him, Mr. Richard would be much better suited in a position where he has no personal contact with anyone. This is the first time in my life that I really thought that a man could actually have terminal PMS. Or perhaps Dave Richard has a nail in his shoe that he has been unable to detect. See, I am still trying to protect him.

The bottom line is; nobody can work with this arrogant little man who sees everything as lines drawn in the sand while he doesn't have enough gumption to realize that we are all not against him but only asking legitimate questions. If you do not adhere to the exact specification doled out by David Richard you are automatically a liar, a stooge, a sleaze master, a drooling embicle, an idiot, he attacks your business, or you are a useless air breather....my God the list is so long none of us can keep up any more.

Obviously, Mr. Richard has become a very sick individual and that can not be denied by anyone reading his spittle. The stress has taken a horrible toll on a man much too weak to hold his wagging tongue and hold on to his respectability and usefullness in our community. He has hurt Forsyth County’s cause much too long and this litigious embarrassment must stop for all our sakes. I urge all of you reading this to be thankful for the good David Richard has done in the past but consider replacing him on the BOC. It will be the compassionate thing to do for him and his family.

Read the emails to and from Commissioner Richard and David Milum:

4th post down on the link provided.

http://www.aboutforsyth.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4189&start=0

That did not take long, did it? You did lead the vote that allowed a devoper to make a profit on homes intentionally built to close together. Whether that profit was one dollar of $100,000 dollars doesn’t matter. You still allowed a developer to get forgiveness rather than permission. If you were true to your principles, those houses would have been torn down. And yes I know that safety requirements are the number one reason that the code is enforced but it would seem to this voter that a precedent has been set that developers can put a little extra funds into safety measures and totally disregard the rules. To me, that is not responsible leadership when it comes to development. Also, if you are saying that you have voted for business recruitment 100% of the time, then I will retract my statement. But I don’t think that is the case and many voters don’t either. Sometimes the “standard package” isn’t enough. It is the difference between someone who knows how to run a business and one who doesn’t. Which are you?

Also, you are obsessed with the “lies” of Bell!!! Some folks that will be voting for him are going to do so because you are an ass and the ideas they have are theirs, not Bell’s. These “lies” that are keeping you up at night are spin coming from you and you know it. Even on your website, every” lie you debunk”, you simply reword them so they fit with your rhetoric of accusations. Another thing while I have diarrhea of the fingers, your bragging about the hits your website gets is comical. People look at it like they are watching a car wreck. Taking a peek to see if things upset them. I would venture to say that the amount of folks that go to it to agree with something can be counted on one hand. I could be wrong but I doubt it. In my opinion, your website is the best tool yet for the campaigns of Bell and Flack. BTW Are you anti-public education? Simple question really.

Mr. Richard. .. I respectfully disagree with your position and vote on the Bethel Park Issue. We cannot afford taking on this issue as a county. Has anyone in these special interest groups ever said , they would be happy to 'lead' the charge and pay for this expense? If so, great, goood for them. But now, me and everyone else is footing this bill for what I believe is frivolous lawsuit and if we engage in this battle, and win, we will then have to foot the bill to revamp that Park.

Furthermore, Mr. Richard.. can you answer this, have you ever taken part in YMCA acitivities, either yourself or any in your family. I personally like the Y because it is Judeo-Christian based that is NON- EXCLUSIONARY to anyone. If anyone has declared otherwise, this is simply a smear tactic on the Y to get people to 'buy-in' to the notion that we should be suing the corp over Bethel park to keep the Y out. In addition the Y offers scholarships and help to lower income families for access to both their facilities and their programming.

So can you please explain your position as to why you believe it is beneficial for the citizens to sue the corps of engineers at this juncture-- especially during a time of economic slowdown?

Dear Neighbors,

If the owners of LGC had requested a low density zoning consistent with 95% of the residential development in the area I would have missed the golf course but could not have realistically opposed that zoning. However, they chose to ask for an extremely high density zoning, totally inappropriate for the area and it infrastructure. The present BOC properly voted 5-0 to deny that zoning.

I did not intend to paint Commissioners Tam and Richard with the same brush. They are vastly different but have both voted in a similiar fashion on many of the important issues.

None of the commissioners or candidates have made any commitments concerning the golf course other than they will listen to any proposals concerning it.

The one thing I pray for as a result of the election is that control of the BOC does not return to the hands of those in favor of out of control high density development and I believeTam, Richard and Boff agree.

Kudos to Beth!

July 1st @ 6:16 "David Richard Jun 30, 2008 7:18pm [ 5 ] No, I think opposed pretty much sums it up. We have elected representative government for a reason, and if you don't like what we are doing, you can vote us out."

You gotta love the guy who has to post on his own website, nearly every day now, to attempt to refute the facts.

The fact is Mr. Richard, you chose to sue the corp of engineers over Bethel Park in a downturn of the economy. Expending God knows how much money on this endeavor with legal fees and other ancillary charges us taxpayers have not come to realize yet!

Mr. RIchard, can you justify your decision to fight the corps, attempt to keep business out of Forsyth County (YMCA) and take on the expenses related to Bethel Park. The Y is a business, you voted against them. And may I say....a judeo-christian business too. Hmmmmm? What say you?

The Public Comment on this issue has already been submitted to the Corp of Engineers. And why could this not be put forth on the ballot in some way? Perhaps the people that support Bethel Park and the county taking it over are afraid it would be voted NO by the rest of us!

Dear Neighbors,

I don't know much about the Bethel issue. I have a couple of questions. If the "Y" is a business will they be paying either a fair market price or rent. Will they pay property taxes.

Jim: My understanding of this document: http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/pd/EAs/Final%20EA-scanned.pdf

Is that this corp of engineers property is for lease...either by the YMCA or by Forsyth County. It is also my understanding that the Y and Forsyth County have submitted their proposals for the property with details of those proposals and public comment was already made to the corp on the issue. The Pro Y comments exceeded the Against the Y comments. But you may want to read the whole thing yourself...don't want to mislead anyone in any way, so you can see for yourself.

Sorry, TerryB, but you fail the quiz again.

How many times do I have to tell you this?

All the answers you'll ever need are posted on my website. Look under County Issues on the left, then click on Bethel Park when the new page pops up.

Can you figure that out, TerryB?

Chris,

Once again, you don't know anything about which you post.

There was some controversy about whether a county inspector had allowed the two houses to be built, even though they may have brought the error to the attention of a Wieland representative. We were in a bit of a no-man's land where it was a coin toss as to whether we could act decisively or not in forcing Wieland to tear down a house.

So the commissioner that Patrick Bell claims can't negotiate, sat down with Wieland representatives and Mr. Wieland himself, and negotiated a settlement that protected public safety and did not force a developer to tear down a house, or sue us if we did force him to. It was truly a win-win situation for both sides. Even the Wieland attorney claimed that he hadn't seen such a skillful compromise in many years and remarked how well the situation worked out.

Oh, and I'm glad you think that $65,000 is a "little extra funds".

Nice try, though, Chris.

And on business recruitment, it is the difference between someone who knows how to run a government, Chris, not a business. Show me anywhere in the U.S. Constitution where it says that the role of government is to attract business with tax dollars. How about the Georgia Constitution, Chris? Anything? Maybe there's something in the charter creating Forsyth County.

And while I'm not "obsessed" about anything, I always take exception to anyone who lies about me. Patrick Bell has done so 21 times and counting. Not a good record for a boy scout "leader".

To you question about public education, I believe that education has suffered greatly as more money and more power has been afforded public education. Anything funded by the public (as in government education, for all you Bell supporters out there) should be as unintrusive and as small as possible, and the private sector should do what it does best - everything. Including education.

Now, are there any other comments you wish to get wrong about me, or shall we all agree that you don't know squat about what you are posting?

Let’s back up and un-spin the spin, shall we. Before the first of the year, you stood on your soap box and proclaimed you were putting everyone one notice your intent to right the wrong concerning this mistake. This developer knew full well he was violating the rules and you know it. Your diversion, while impressive, is wrong. You could have torn down the houses of a known rule breaker but you didn’t. If he sued us, we would have won. On another note, you have had now problem in throwing around tax dollars in legal fees before, why now…see Hansard…see City…see LGC…. But you got your fancy tickled by a “special interest group” and the rest is history. BTW Yes $65000 is a ton of money to me, but to a developer standing to make around $100000 on a home and even a lot more, if they were torn down, it is a drop in the bucket. Simple math, simple math.

Then the business spin…..We are not talking about the constitution of either the US or State. Impressive again, but the same type of curve you always throw. Here is my point…If I have $10 and you had a business that makes a ton of money in tax revenue. The “standard package” may be $5 but you say you need $7 to locate in Forsyth County, thus pumping millions in taxes here. Otherwise, you are going to Fulton or Dawson. Now, does it make good business sense to say that $5 is all we are allotting and lose the tax revenue or do we go beyond the “standard” and land your company? It is a business decision, one you have proven you do not and will not understand. Simple math, simple math.

The “lies” are proven to be your spin…I don’t know how else to say it.

And on your last paragraph, you pretty much spell out you answer that you are anti- public education like I and others thought. Yes folks, a man who is charge of part of your tax dollars is anti-public education. A man, who must have a working relationship with the county Board of Education, is anti-public education. A man who makes decisions concerning the development of areas where potential schools are built and going to be built is anti-public education. A man who must make decisions concerning the traffic and water concerns of an area where a public school is, is anti-public education. Mr. Quinn, are you sure your yellow high-lighted endorsement supports education?

Dear neighbors,

Can anyone tell me Mr Bell's position on property rights, zoning and development? I could not find it on his website. Am I correct that he has no position on the Walmart proposal?

Sorry Chris, but your comments don't pass the Constitutional smell test. Why am I not surprised?

And thanks for ignoring the FACTS about the Wieland issue. Don't let FACTS get in the way of a good argument, because that is the ONLY way a Bell supporter can win an argument.

They just ignore the FACTS.

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).

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!!!

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!!!