Do our Aldermen represent us, the City of Spring Hill?
What a meeting last night! Senator Bryson and Representative Casada, we cannot thank you enough for coming to our fair city to speak on our behalf. We all know that you have quite a bit on your plate right now, and taking time out of you evening to come visit with our Board of Mayor and Aldermen is VERY much appreciated. I think it is safe to say that you do in fact REPRESENT all of us quite well. Keep up the fantastic work, and let us know how we can help your future endeavors.
Now, regarding Spring Hill, let's look into how our representatives grade out when it comes to voting in favor of the wishes of the community at this most recent meeting on Feb. 21.
Let's start at the top:
Mayor Leverette: C-
* Voted in favor of a health plan that will make the cost of the rec. center look minimal.
* Voted in favor of a development that would have SOLVED many traffic problems on Port Royal and Duplex road.
* Voted in favor of the development of a master plan for the city.
* Chose to not take a definite stand on the issue of re-apportionment. We'll wait and see on this one.
***Lost major bonus points when he chose to reprimand Mr. Mitchell about not bringing up his concerns about the retirement benefit issue before. If I recall correctly, these were the exact concerns that were brought up 1 month ago, causing this issue to be revisited last night. This board voted to pass a package that will without question be rejected in the future. Do you enjoy promising your retirees something that you cannot guarantee in the future?
Ward 1 Alderman McCulloch: C-
* Voted in favor of a health plan that will make the cost of the rec. center look minimal.
* Voted against the GBT Realty development that would set the tone for all of the other commercial developments that surrounded it and improved Duplex and Port Royal intersection. I do not have a problem with the no vote, but I do have a problem with the lack of explanation of your no vote.
* Voted in favor of developing a master plan.
* Did not take a stand one way or the other on re-apportioning the wards.
*** Pretty quite tonight. I very much respect McCulloch's point of view most of the time, even though I tend to disagree with some of it as well. Usually does a pretty good job explaining his vote, last night was an exception.
Ward 1 Alderman Johnson: C-
* Voted in favor of a health plan that will make the cost of the rec. center look minimal.
* Voted against the GBT Realty development that would set the tone for all of the other commercial developments that surrounded it and improved Duplex and Port Royal intersection. I do not have a problem with the no vote, but I do have a problem with the lack of explanation of your no vote.
* Voted in favor of developing a master plan.
* Did not take a stand one way or the other on re-apportioning the wards.
*** Another one that was pretty quite tonight. I very much appreciate Mr. Johnson's common sense approach to most issues. Last night was very confusing to see Miles not use a little bit of that wisdom on a few issues.
Ward 2 Alderman Mitchell: A+
* Voted against the health plan. Provided information and opinions to reflect his vote.
* Voted in favor of the GBT Realty development that would set the tone for all of the other commercial developments that surrounded it and improved Duplex and Port Royal intersection.
* Voted in favor of developing a master plan.
* Is in favor of ward re-apportionment.
*** Won huge points in his response to Mr. Leverette's accusation of not being forthright. Won huge points in supplying accurate numbers regarding the health plan cost and weight in future years.
Ward 2 Alderman Duda: A+
* Voted against the health plan. Provided information and opinions to reflect his vote.
* Voted in favor of the GBT Realty development that would set the tone for all of the other commercial developments that surrounded it and improved Duplex and Port Royal intersection.
* Voted in favor of developing a master plan.
* Is in favor of ward re-apportionment.
*** Mr. Duda has been beating his head against the "wall" that is the BOMA for months now. Hopefully some of the Aldermen will begin figuring out that Mr. Duda is not the antichrist and is doing a fantastic job representing his constituents. He has put his money where his mouth is on many occasions representing the thoughts of concerned citizens in this city.
Ward 3 Alderman Gallardo:B+
* Voted against the health plan. Provided information and opinions to reflect his vote.
* Voted in favor of the GBT Realty development that would set the tone for all of the other commercial developments that surrounded it and improved Duplex and Port Royal intersection.
* Voted in favor of developing a master plan. In fact Mr. Gallardo was the one to bring this as a resolution.
* Is quiet on the issue of ward re-apportionment.
*** Mr. Gallardo takes a very common sense approach to his job as well. I really appreciate him looking for the truth in any question and voting based on what he finds, right or wrong. I would really like to see Domingo really rise up and start to take a little more leadership with this board.
Ward 3 Alderman Cantrell: F
* Voted in favor of a health plan that will make the cost of the rec. center look minimal.
* Voted against the GBT Realty development that would set the tone for all of the other commercial developments that surrounded it and improved Duplex and Port Royal intersection. I do not have a problem with the no vote, but I do have a problem with the lack of explanation of your no vote.
* Voted AGAINST developing a master plan.
* Took a very strong stance against re-apportioning the wards.
*** Mrs. Cantrell was anything but quiet tonight. I truly hope that she is not that vengeful in her private life, because she is in some serious need of flowers. In fact, I may send her some today in an attempt to cheer her up a little bit. Mrs. Cantrell, you cannot say that you vote in favor of the citizens' needs, and then vote against every single issue important to the VAST majority of citizens. Please try to not speak out of both sides of your mouth in the future. Look for the flowers, sorry that it looks gloomy outside today. I hear that the sun will probably come out again soon.
Ward 4 Alderman Pickard: D
* Voted in favor of a health plan that will make the cost of the rec. center look minimal.
* Voted against the GBT Realty development that would set the tone for all of the other commercial developments that surrounded it and improved Duplex and Port Royal intersection. I do not have a problem with the no vote, but I do have a problem with the lack of explanation of your no vote.
* Voted in favor of developing a master plan.
* Took a pretty strong stance against re-apportioning the wards.
*** Mrs. Pickard, I am sorry that these issues cause you hurt feelings. I know this is going to sound harsh, but these issues are not about our feelings of you personally; especially the issue of re-apportionment. This issue is about doing what is right for the future of the city. I really do love your heart, and think that you cook some mean brownies for the work sessions, but the citizens in this city pay attention more than any of you on this board believe. There are many many people interested in the votes that you make, and the stances that you take.
Ward 4 Alderman Raines: F
* Voted in favor of a health plan that will make the cost of the rec. center look minimal.
* Voted against the GBT Realty development that would set the tone for all of the other commercial developments that surrounded it and improved Duplex and Port Royal intersection. I do not have a problem with the no vote, but I do have a problem with the lack of explanation of your no vote.
* Voted AGAINST developing a master plan.
* Took a pretty strong stance against re-apportioning the wards.
*** Mr. Raines, you know better than to vote the way that you do. Stop trying to oppose everything for the sake of opposing it, and start getting behind something that makes sense. Why is it that the developer is the one against developing a city plan? Against the planning commission? Against minimal standards on various building guidelines? Frankly, against anything that the majority of the people in Spring Hill are in favor of?
For a recap, here are a few of the important votes from last night. This will be discussed for quite some time, so for now we will withhold quite a bit of commentary on each and every issue. That will all come out shortly.
* Consider Resolution 06-02, providing 100% Health Insurance coverage for employees and families who retire from the City of Spring Hill. (100% coverage until death)
Yes: Leverette, McCulloch, Johnson, Cantrell, Raines, Pickard
No: Mitchell, Duda, Gallardo
* Consider First reading, Ordinance 06-02, rezoning property of GBT Realty at Duplex and Port Royal Roads. The rezone is from Agricultural to B-4, Commercial. Recommended by the Planning Commission on 2-13-06.
No: McCulloch, Johnson, Cantrell, Pickard, Raines
Yes: Leverette, Mitchell, Duda, Gallardo
* Consider Resolution 06-10, establishing a committee to assist in the development of a master plan for the City of Spring Hill.
Yes: Leverette, McCulloch, Johnson, Mitchell, Duda, Gallardo, Pickard
No: Cantrell, Raines
Please BOMA, do not tell me that you are "in tune" with the people of the city, and then vote against every issue that the citizens are concerned about.
What are we doing here? Do you want the community to be interested or not?
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Do our Aldermen represent us, the City of Spring Hill?
Posted by Gorilla in the Corner at 11:23 AM
Labels: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is a series of personal opinions and is not meant to reflect an official position by the City of Spring Hill.
26 comments:
Regarding the retirement health plan issue. Where can I get a job application to work for the city of Spring Hill? That's a sweet deal...until of course they realize they don't have the money to make it happen. But I guess like so many times before they will just deal with it when the time comes.
Regarding the meeting: I would have gotten more out of a seventh grade debate club...at least they know basic procedure.
Regarding the Cantrell: I really hope that "just say no" campaign of yours does not have the impact it did...IN THE EIGHTIES!
Get with it folks...remember what happened to the democratic party when the power got to their heads? Just saying.
This is pretty laughable. How hard is it to start a message board and have all your friends get online and treat you like a god. Talk about propaganda...
I am not sure that it is too tough. I think actually at the top of the screen it says "start your own blog"
Feel free to be your own "god" if you like. To say that the people in this city follow this site and put gorillas on pedestals as "gods" is a little bit laughable as well. I think that we can all think for ourselves.
What has been stated incorrectly on this website? What is wrong with getting people involved in the process? How would you go about accomplishing this (besides of course being your own "god")
On 22 February, 2006 12:59 Anonymous said...
This is pretty laughable. How hard is it to start a message board and have all your friends get online and treat you like a god. Talk about propaganda...
Do yourself a favor and look around - not everyone here is simply falling in line with the main posts from Gorilla. Look at my posts here - I speak *my* mind, whether Gorilla agrees or not, and whether anyone else agrees or not. And there are others here doing the same thing - so your generalizations are nothing but hollow words.
But I will say one thing - even if the people I see commenting here may have different views, I get the feeling that most share a true and honest desire to make Spring Hill a better place. And that's what this city needs - people who can discuss differing views but share the same common goal.
Do *you* share that common goal? If you do, then sit down at the "table" and share your thoughts - I'd like to hear them, and maybe we can all work on taking this city in the right direction.
Reading through this site, it becomes quickly apparent that it is nothing more than a tool to prop up Duda and Mitchell while trashing those who oppose them. This thread takes the cake.
I recall Mr. Mitchell making those concerns known at the work session a month ago. I also know for a fact that Mr. Mitchell is held in such high esteem by his counterparts on this board that I am sure they would have had no problem at all deferring the issue because he requested that it be done. I would like to believe that, but I am not naive to the board's distrust and dislike for Eliot Mtichell.
I wonder what happened to that commercial rezone for GBT Realty? At the work session last week there was not a single alderman that voiced any concern about that development. It is always nice to blindside a company that is about to dump a ton of money into a future Target development in this city.
sg, your whole post serves to prove me right. Thank you. You have virtually admitted and demonstarted that this entire site is nothing more than progandized drivel meant to make a couple of Aldermen look better than they are.
Magilla,
I agree that maybe that is how it should have been handled, but I would find it very hard to believe that it would be deferred again. It was a fight for him to get it deferred last month because this board was willing to vote it through without seeing any numbers a month ago.
To me it didn't sound like the BOMA was interested in defering or tabling the item (they did vote on it). It was requested at the begining of the discussion and was voted down.
As to the anon that is saying this site is just to prop up Duda and Mitchell, what do you propose then for a forum that is "fair and balanced"? Or would you rather this place just go away and not have any of the citizens of Spring Hill concern themselves or attempt to gain further information on the issues within their city?
What is your solution?
Anonymous @ 15:46,
SG Said:
"Get real ladies, there is only ONE reason you and Sharon want to keep the wards as is...Because WHEN they are changed, you two will never be re-elected."
What say you?
Who was it that said:
"This movement to re-apportion the wards is purely about power?"
A: An Alderman who has all the Power and won't let it go
B: An Alderman who makes a habit of running un-opposed
C: An Alderman who knows what's best for me because I've been "Victimized by a Campaign"
D: All of the above
"This is pretty laughable. How hard is it to start a message board and have all your friends get online and treat you like a god. Talk about propaganda..."
I wouldn't say they are all his friends. The "grassroots" movement that is starting in Spring Hill is what founded this country. Personally, I think it's wonderful.
How do I get one of those Gorilla sings to post in my yard?
McCulloch made the comment last night that if the healthcare insurance for the retirees didn't work out, they would tweak it the next year. I am not sure if the board makes a practice of running the city this way, but I was shocked. It might be okay for the board to tweak it later, but what about the retirees who are covered on this plan already. Does that mean there coverage would change or better yet be taken away from them? I really feel sorry for the retirees if they have serious conditions such as being on dialysis or chemo where it's a matter of life and death, and the board (with the exception of 3 alderman) just willy nilly made a vote which they were uneducated about. Is this something else the board practices, blind voting? I applaud Mitchell for standing his ground. Obviously from the audience's uproar when the vote passed, the board was not representing the citizens of Spring Hill. I want to know what's on the board's agenda. I work for a healthcare insurance provider and I see the rising cost of healthcare everyday. This is not something to be taken lightly like Leverette, McCulloch, Johnson, Cantrell, Raines, and Pickard did. - SW
why do you think people "prop up" Elliott and Duda? I would say the answer is clear - they are the only aldermen who bring anything intelligent to the table
If they were so intelligent, then why are they having such a tough time politically handling their opponents and getting their ideas passed. Perhaps it's because they are just TOO intelligent - so far above the average intellect that we mere humans cannot grasp the magnitude of their genius.
Let's build bronze statues in front of City Hall in their honor since they are the ONLY ones who make a difference in this city. Thank God for those two because where would we be without those two? Hoplessly lost for sure.
The only road work they do will be what is required for the impact they are creating, nothing more.
This is what was discussed and proposed by GBT at the Planning Commission and BOMA work sessions (Thanks for the info Gorilla!):
* Widen Duplex Road to 3 lanes along the entire property line
* Widen Port Royal Road to 3 lanes along the entire property line
* Add Accelaration and Deaccelaration lanes to all entrances to their development
* Shave down the east-side of Port Royal Road at the famous Duplex Road intersection
* Install a traffic signal at Duplex Road and Port Royal Road
They offered this as a condition of the re-zoning request. What did the local Good Ol' Boy developers on Duplex Road of Wyngate Estates, Hardin Landing and Wake Field offer to the city to mitigate the traffic concerns when they got their Commercial and High Density Town Homes Approved?
I am a friend of Duda's.
You know what I see. I see a guy who comes home from work every night to more work. I see a guy that instead of spending time with his friends on the weekends chooses to spend his time on the phone or the computer or reading... all with the hopes of being a better alderman for our city. If you oppose his views rest assured of one thing... he is passionate, dedicated and an intelligent representative of our city.
I didn't vote for Duda because he was my friend...I voted for Duda because I knew he would do far better than his best.
I don't need a website to put Duda on a pedestal...I can do it in person.
They offered this as a condition of the re-zoning request.
Define quid pro quo for us please?
Define quid pro quo for us please?
See definition for PUD in Spring Hill:
I'll give you 20 acres of unusable land in a flood plain, you give me increased density for my development.
Oh, you can't use the 20 acres?
No worries, I'll take it back and apply my previously approved increased density to the acres that I can use.
Hello. I won't be posting much because I don't see how this site will produce tangible results. It probably does serve a good purpose in allowing people to vent though. I do wish that Mitchell, Elliot, the other aldermen and even the mayor would have the courage to post their names when they post. I can see how a citizen might want to remain anonymous, but a public official should not be afraid to attach their names to their statements. On to the thought...
Mr. Duda, your idea for re-apportionment is a good one. it is certainly correct to think that we should have fair representation for all citizens. Why not just make all 8 Alderman at large instead of only 4? That way we don't have to worry about re-apportioning anything ever again. Second, what happens in two years when the Maury side of the city fills out? Do we then need to re-apportion the wards again? If so, how often should we re-apportion? Once a year? Once a month? Perhaps we should wait until the growth level plateau's before we pursue this so that we can see where things stand when the dust settles?
I think we've discussed this in emails, but I don't know if I ever got the details from you. Personally, as you know, I think you've got much bigger things to worry about on the horizon than this so I think your political energy could be better utilized in other matters.
Take care
Michael Dinwiddie
Danny - I'm still waiting on that cup of coffee you offered me a year ago. Should I stop holding my breath yet?
Michael,
When I post a comment I do put my name to it. Check out dospringhill.com you will see my name on a number of posts.
Best Regards,
Eliot Mitchell
Magilla,
I attempted to fix the health benefit in private. I had personal conversations with at least 5 other members of the BOMA about the benefit. I expressed my concerns to Mr. York last week prior to the work session. Not one of them offered any objection or disagreement to my concerns. My concerns were expressed from the very beginning of the process and have not changed in the 3 months that this policy has been on the radar screen. The only reason it was deferred one month was so Mr. York could put some numbers together on cost. The bottom line is this benefit plan has never changed in its structure or description from when it was first introduced. Jonathan and I tried one last time to get it deferred at Tuesday’s meeting and failed.
Relative to your concerns about public discussions, I value transparency. I do not believe public policy should be debated and negotiated behind closed doors. I think the sunshine law is good policy.
I agree with you that I don’t have a lot of political savvy. I apologize for that. My approach to the job of alderman is to champion the requests of the citizens. I don’t claim to be a politician. I am a concerned citizen that decided to run to try to effect change.
Back to the health benefit, I think it is poor policy and I tried to keep it from becoming law. Apparently my arguments were not convincing to my colleagues. I lost and that is too bad. Tomorrow is another day.
Thanks for your feedback.
Eliot Mitchell
Alderman ward 2
Is it possible to collect signatures and have a referendum in the next election asking the citizens if the city should change the way alderman are elected?
Cantrell,
I think we should start removal procedures for Cantrell. Her attitude at the last meeting was obnoxious.
2 things need to be in place for that to happen:
The citizens of Spring Hill will need to feel the same.
There will need to be at least one person running so that the citizens of Spring Hill have a choice.
At 22 February, 2006 17:47, Anonymous said...
If they were so intelligent, then why are they having such a tough time politically handling their opponents and getting their ideas passed. Perhaps it's because they are just TOO intelligent - so far above the average intellect that we mere humans cannot grasp the magnitude of their genius.
Let's build bronze statues in front of City Hall in their honor since they are the ONLY ones who make a difference in this city. Thank God for those two because where would we be without those two? Hoplessly lost for sure.
Sir/Ma'am,
I'm not sure why you need to bring this to a grade school level. I would hope that you would post something constructive (whichever viewpoint you support) and not waste everyone's time with this useless drivle.
In today's Columbia Daily Herald:
Cantrell finally shares her 'reason' for voting against the GBT rezoning
Apparently she feels that the city needs to perform the improvements to Duplex Road and Port Royal Road on its own, without the assistance from developers.
Mrs. Cantrell, where was the concern when you voted to approve the high density rezonings over the past couple of years for the following developments, less than 1/2 mile away (and in some cases, right next to, or across the street from GBT):
Crystal Springs Town Homes
Walden Creek Apartments
Williams Park II Town Homes
Wake Field
I am beginning to think that Magilla was right:
"GBT died for one reason....because Duda was for it. Everything he is for, there are 4 and sometimes 5 on the BOMA that are automatically against."
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