January 8, 2009

VICTORY for South Hall County!!!!

Before I go on, I must first set the record straight. On my December 12, 2008 blog I said that Commissioner Banks motioned for the first reading of the sewer rate ordinance on December 11, 2008. Commissioner Banks informed me, this evening, that I had made a mistake with my comments and that they, the commission, do not motion a first reading. As I said on my website, if I make a mistake on a comment I will retract it, and so I am doing so now. I will say – Commissioner Banks, I apologize for my mistake.

Now I will say that I am deeply disappointed in Commissioner Banks. He had made no official comment of his opposition of the sewer rates, that I am aware of, until the January 5, 2009 work session where he said he had never supported the proposed sewer rates. I would like to point out Commissioner Banks never mentioned that he did not support the rates at the first reading on December 11, 2008, which had the rate in it and you can view here. You can also see where he voted for the Resolution for a loan application to GEFA for CWSRF Part 2 Loan and authorize the Chairman and County attorney to execute the agreement here. Now for full disclosure, I will post a copy of the loan application when I get a PDF copy.

So, Commissioner Banks may not support the rate after the South Hall County residents showed up and voiced their opinion. You can read here and here how the meeting went.

Now I must explain this evening.

First, the three ordinances passed, and so did the resolution for the rates. What most citizens must understand is the resolution can be changed at any time with one meeting. That is a better way for a government to change the rates based on economic condition and the Commissioners will be able adjust the rates, lower, as needed, perhaps equal to the City of Gainesville rates.

Second, a show of force by the people will always help to show a community is united for a cause.

Lastly, we want the best community in Georgia and letting our elected officials know our thoughts is what we should always do.

As an elected official myself, I tip my hat to our elected county official because it is a tough job. I do thank you all.

I would also like to thank Phyllis Mercer, from Deaton Creek, and Craig Lutz, from Sterling on the Lake, because you both represented your/our communities well.

Keep the passion and fire, this is not over yet.