Well it appears that some people will just never learn, or never understand. The more I read "the informer" the more I just cringe at the lack of good information and disjointed thought process. At least in this latest issue, the completely unbiased opinion of Ceja Kingsley (aka Cindy Williams) is no longer present. Remember as you read this, that Mr. Schoenbrodt is in fact part of the group trying to elect the "fearsome foursome" as one of you put it a day or two ago.
Enjoy the article, and I will put my two cents in where it is needed.
Monthly Marathon Ends Early
by Charlie Schoenbrodt
The monthly marathon meeting at City Hall ended early March 12. The Work Session of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen started at 7:13 pm and ended a little earlier than last month. However, it was only 16 minutes before last month's ending time of 11:44.
An interesting event took place early in the meeting. Jonathan Duda, was faced with defeat when he tried to place the issue of establishment of a Historic Commission, which was defeated on the second reading last month, on the agenda as a second reading. City Attorney, Tim Underwood, informed him that the issue will have to start from scratch again with a first reading. Mr. Duda argued, but finally had to yield when the attorney stood his ground. Eliot Mitchell did his best to support Mr. Duda, but the two were rendered helpless to the rules of the Board itself. The Historic Commission will go through two readings and a public hearing.
The next item on the agenda was the most hotly debated matter of the evening. Harvest Point is a large development in a part of the city where little development has taken place. The developer has generously donated about 35 acres for the site of Spring Hill's long awaited Middle School. As has been the case in so many meetings in the past, Mayor Leverette, Jonathan Duda, and Eliot Mitchell argued that another site offered for donation off Port Royal Road is better suited for the Middle School. Maury County School Board Chairman, Shaw Daniels and Spring Hill School Board Member, Tommy Dudley, tried their best to explain that the Port Royal site is not large enough due to part of the donated land being in the flood plane. This would require considerable grading to mitigate the problem. Mr. Daniels also tried to explain that the Port Royal Road developer has required that the School Board build a road to the site. The Mayor and two aldermen argued that there is no growth to the southwest side of the city. Keep in mind that this site is part of a development that will have about 1,200 living units and that grading has started for a development of about 700 units just across Beechcroft Road west of the railroad tracks. In addition to this growth, the City has contracted for sewer lines to be laid along Beechcroft to Dr. Robertson Road. Mr. Duda questioned the offer of land on Derryberry Lane, but no one seemed to know what he was talking about at the time. Mitchell indicated that he has had several calls from constituents complaining that infrastructure needs to be in place before development. Yes roads are a part of the infrastructure, but so is water, sewer and schools. County seems to be ready to do their part, acting proactively, but three Williamson County residents on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen seem to be trying to prevent this.
I wanted to let him get through his entire article before I commented, I really did. Charlie Charlie Charlie...Please go drive out to Cleburne Road and let me know a couple of things when you do. Do you think that the city should place a multi million dollar road improvement of Cleburne Road ahead of Duplex, Buckner (either one), Beechcroft, Miles Johnson Pkwy, etc? Also let me know WHO is going to pay for that if we do not? Now, you tell me who is being railroaded (literally) into a decision that is detrimental to the city. Frankly, you can talk about infrastructure all you want, and franky the road issue on Cleburne is a HUGE infrastructure issue, especially since that is a county road, and the county has made it very clear where they stand on that.
You are correct in one thing, Mayor Leverette, Jonathan Duda, Eliot Mitchell, Mingo Gallardo, and Miles Johnson do have something to gain by the school being built elsewhere in the city. Frankly everyone in the city has something to gain by following a development plan for the city instead of scrapping the whole thing and letting the developers decide to create a absolute mess (like has happened in the past). Wake up!
Now back to Mr. Schoenbrodt...
Following a break for the Board to go into executive session, Huntley Gordon announced that Arrowhead Land Co. had offered to donate a 30 acre tract between Jim Warren Road and Derryberry Lane along Interstate 65, to the School Board for a school site. He also indicated that there is an alternate site just across I-65, 24 acres, that may be available if the 30 acre site is not acceptable. Neither of these sites would be appropriate for a Middle School since State requirements for a Middle School are a minimum of 35 acres.
Near the end of the meeting, the Board discussed the creation of a new position for the city. City Administrator, Ken York indicated that there is now a need for a full time City Planner. The position is estimated to have an annual salary of $40,000. Mr. Duda stated that it would be impossible to get a qualified, experienced person for that salary.
During the round table, Mr. Duda seemed to be confused about the rights of those seeking election to the Board. He indicated that several of the Aldermen had met together along with another candidate opposing one of the current Board members. It seems that Mr. Duda does not feel that this is appropriate. However, he held a Bar-B-Q during his campaign, at which there were other candidates present. I am not sure what he thinks is different about the two situations. From my experience, candidates work together when they have similar interests and commitments.
It was nice to get out of the meeting before 11:30 pm but I am still waiting for the leadership we had two years ago when long meetings ended at 9:30 pm.
Wow, is it just me or does someone have a "mancrush" on Mr. Duda? I know that Mr. Schoenbrodt was not a big fan of Jonathan, but this is pretty amazing stuff! I guess those secret meetings that Charlie has been keynote speaker for has done a good job passing the Koolaid and bashing opponents. CHARLIE...please go back to the old Charlie and at least think for yourself! You are becoming crazed and maniacal, and frankly I liked the Charlie from a couple of years ago better.
Here is the key quote from the entire article.
From my experience, candidates work together when they have similar interests and commitments.
I could not have said it any better myself!
So Charlie, you have attended the secret meetings...what exactly are the commitments that bind your group of candidates together? Better yet, WHO binds Sharon Cantrell, Brandon McCulloch, Jim Gabriel, Viola Pickard, and Charles Raines together?
It is also said in the article that Mr. Schoenbrodt liked having the leadership prior to Mr. Leverette. The leader that INSTITUED the behind the scenes dealing, dark alley conspiracies, and leaving out MANY from the whole government process. Meetings only lasted until 9:30 pm for two reasons:
1. Everything was taken care of behind the scenes. Discussion did not have to take place, because they had already happened (off the record). When everything is decided out of the public eye, questions do not need to be asked, discussions do not need to take place, and issues are resolved very quickly.
2. There are more agenda items, and more community involvement in our city than ever before. Enough said.
Things take longer when Work Sessions are just that. Communities actually get involved when work sessions take place. COMMITMENTS should be to the citizens, not others attending secret meetings with a select few developers (including the school site on Cleburne Rd).
Now, you tell me something. Who is missing what here? Mr. Schoenbrodt, please pull your head out and look around you! Some sitting on our board are out for the good of the community, and openly argue to make government MORE accessible not less. Some sitting on the board have been proponents of developing a comprehensive city plan and have actively lobbied and voted for a city planner. Some on the BOMA have presented ideas to help the city integrate old treasures and new development. Some on the board have presented ideas for city parks, increased development standards, and frankly a better family oriented community.
Others on the board have opposed every measure mentioned above at one time or another. These same aldermen also just happen to be the very ones with hidden agendas! You tell me WHO needs a reality check?
...and one other thing. I called and talked to Mr. Duda about that Bar-B-Q that he held during his campaign. If I am correct, all of the mayoral candidates were invited to come speak to his group of supporters and that included Danny Leverette, Michael Dinwiddie, and CHARLIE SCHOENBRODT. The only candidate that showed was Mr. Leverette (for about 2 minutes), and he was also in fact the only sitting aldermen. So, let me get that straight...ONE elected official at the event even though ALL of the candidates were invited. The secret meeting at the Best Western (like many others in previous weeks and months) was attended by FOUR sitting aldermen and those were the only ones invited other than the candidate picked to take on MR. Mitchell (arch enemy #2 or 3 of the "good ol boys").
If there is anything that I am missing, feel free to fill me in. Until then, enjoy the election!
Oh yea, and what are those COMMITMENTS again?
43 comments:
Gorilla, he is never going to understand. He is too close to the trees to see the forest. In fact, he is too close to even see the tree. Charlie just sees the bark.
How about an invitation to all 12 candidates and all of the BOMA to the next developer/real estate meeting at the Best Western?
I think Charlie (a.k.a. Old Angry Man) must sit at home and watch movies like the "Conspiracy Theory" on repeat.
We have all seen the 1997 movie the Conspiracy Theory, right? Is it just me or has our very own OAM become Mel Gibson’s character Jerry Fletcher?
Movie Synopsis:
Mel Gibson is a New York taxi driver, who has a strange habit. He makes complicated scenarios of conspiracies and publishes them in a newsletter sent out to five recipients. He keeps doing that, until something unbelievable happens: One of his "conspiracy theories" turns out to be real, and so he finds himself chased by the man hiding behind the whole thing.
I can’t wait to see which one of OAM's theories may actually be true. How long must we wait?
You called Charlie bark. That is too funny, and quite a nice comparison.
What is going to cost to fix Jim Warren Road?
"I can’t wait to see which one of OAM's theories may actually be true. How long must we wait? "
If and when but likely it will be never. Charlie or shall I say "OAM" will never report on the truth because then he will be exposed for the fraud he is. He likes to point fingers but my 2nd grade teacher taught me that pointing fingers is not nice. You are not nice "OAM."
Although I have to admit it would be a riot to see Mr. Duda chasing down Charlie.
Here's an idea: Movie at my place tonight. I'll pop the corn. Charlie you bring the movie. Sharon, Brandon, Viola, Charles please come too and bring your developers and realtors with you. Sorry no one else is invited. This will be a private screening where city business will not be discussed.
Top props to anonymous on the bark. I think I peed in my britches a little.
I can hear him typing his rebuttal right now.....
I love this quote from Charlie from back when he was running for Mayor (obviously the residents of Spring Hill are smart because they did not vote for him):
''I am a trained listener and a problem-solver,'' he said. ''And I plan to use that as mayor; it's what a mayor does — or should do.''
Yes, he is trained by the fearsome four. He has become their little puppet. Wow, thank goodness the residents of Spring Hill did not vote him as Mayor. We would be in way more trouble than we are with just the good ole boys and girl.
Charlie, maybe if you would have showed up at J.D.'s bbq, you would have received a few more votes. Sure did get Danny some. You were invited, correct? It is absurd you would try and compare the bbq to the Best Western meeting. I guess that is what happens when you have people pulling your strings and distorting your thoughts. Next time tell the truth when attempting to write another article. Just goes to show your character.
Is there gas and sewer lines on Jim Warren Road? If so, do they run out to I65? Is this road going to be fixed?
are there any gas lines in Meadowbrook, or to Marvin Wright Elementary?
This is no suprise. charlie has been spreading this junk around for years.
Gorilla, the petty ramblings and gossipy goop from your commenters detract from the true message. This article is written by a man who clearly sounds as if he has no hope. The negativity seethes with every word.
Amongst the ramblings, if you listen real close, you'll hear the message. THEY ARE SCARED.
Their strategic planning session at the Best Western has been exposed.
Their COMMITMENTS have been exposed.
Their unadultered motives with ties to developers and real estate professionals have been exposed.
In short, they are pissed.
It is time for the people who read this blog to stand together with a unified VOICE to send a clear message on April 12th. If we don't get out to VOTE with our VOICE, I fear more of the same will continue to occur. If that were to happen, we, my friends, will have no one to blame but ourselves.
Keep up the noble cause Gorilla, there are some here who do appreciate it!
From the looks of things it appears the Gorilla is the person with the "man crush" on Duda. Everytime something occurs Gorilla responds with "well I called my friend JONATHAN and he said....." Maybe Gorilla is just frustrated that he can no longer present his interpretation of the BOMA meetings as fact, since OAM has become a regular.
The next time OAM (a.k.a Charlie) is not regular may I suggest the below cure. Be careful diarrhea, in this case of the mouth, is a side effect which OAM has trouble controlling.
What is milk of magnesia?
Milk of magnesia is a saline type laxative. This means that the magnesia acts to pull a salt or saline solution into the intestines from the blood. This excessive fluid then provides a flushing or laxative action within the intestines.
What is it used for?
This preparation is useful for the temporary relief of constipation. It can also be used for indigestion or heartburn, but the diarrhea side effect usually limits its use.
You all lighten up. Ole' Charlie, who lost a Mayoral campaign by a landslide, lost a recent "ridiculous lawsuit" and will forever be known as Spring Hill's "biggest loser" is actually doing us a favor by supporting the "fearsome four". Thank you Charlie for being an indirect team player. If I want to lose at something I know who to call.
Anon @ 20:12
I am not sure that I have learned too many "facts" from Mr. Schoenbrodt, but I am glad he is a regular. Frankly, he is one of the few that will actually say what he thinks, and I appreciate that. I disagree, but at least he is willing to put it out in the open.
In regard to me having a "mancrush" on Mr. Duda...In some respect you are correct. I have always appreciated that Jonathan has always been very open, honest, accessible, and knowledgable on just about any issue that I have had with the city. There are 4 aldermen that absolutely WILL NOT even return and email or phone call from myself under any circumstances ever (even before I became a "problem" for them, you know back when I was just a citizen without a website). THEN...at the meeting they go off about how they are speaking on behalf of the citizens? What citizens are they talking about? Not me, and not some of my neighbors that also call.
The only aldermen that you have any chance to actually speak to about a subject are Jonathan Duda, Eliot Mitchell, Mingo Gallardo, and Miles Johnson. Danny is even better at getting back to you than any of the fearsome foresome, and he has a ton on his plate. Some of the old guard in this city is so excluding of newcomers, that is it any wonder that they are out of touch?
Vote them out! Forget my opinion, think for yourselves. Look at my information. Look at Mr. Schoenbrodt's information. Call the city and ask questions. Do whatever you want to find out the truth from independent sources. Whatever you do, get involved and make a difference somewhere, and GO VOTE!
When you do all of that research, send me an email and let me know how far off the information is. I bet you will find it is pretty much dead on!
Gorilla, I think your Election Poll is wacked! How could Viola get more votes than Sharron?
I do know that Bruce ticked off a few people out on Denning Lane that read this website. Maybe one or two of them decided to vote for Viola? Who knows, I haven't told any of you who to vote for.
I do know that Sharon has made quite a few long time Spring Hill people, and young Spring Hill residents mad, so maybe Viola is more popular? She certainly is a very nice woman, so maybe people feel sorry for her? Who knows?
Cantrell's red signs maybe...
Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, & danger. Red is widely used to indicate danger (high voltage signs, traffic lights). Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are usually painted red. Yes, red signs describe Cantrell!
Viola's blue signs maybe........
Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness. No, blue signs do not describe "Pick Pickard".
First off... Charlie is a friend of mine. Second... Charlie and I strongly disagree about who to vote for. We've agreed to disagree. But, Charlie has taken the time to share his thoughts/opinions/etc. He always answers my emails when I ask for his opinion on things even when I don't agree with them. I have a lot of respect for that. I don't think he deserves some of the personal insults directed at him on this forum. If we each put as much effort into supporting the government that we believe in, as Charlie has, our city, county, state and country would be much better off.
VOTE!!
"If we each put as much effort into supporting the government that we believe in, as Charlie has, our city, county, state and country would be much better off."
Was "supporting" really the right word?
Charlie also is a friend of mine. I also disagree with who he has told me he will vote for, but I definately agree that the personal attacks by the commenters who probably have never spoken to the man are out of order. The man has a passion for all things about this city, he just "sees the bark" right now. Anyway, if you (the bloggers) want to institute change, now is the time to do it.
Get out and vote, or else you will continue to have plenty to talk about on this forum.
GO VOTE!!!
Are you kidding me friend of Charlie's? He just sued the mayor, aldermen, and city of Spring Hill. He absolutely does not have passion for this city or support our local government.
Right! Because anyone who challenges the validity of the BOMA's decisions is clearly not a friend of the city. If only people would keep their questions to themselves, the BOMA could do what it wants. Damn free thinkers! Why can't everyone be complacent?
Whether you like it or not, Charlie did the city a favor when he sued. Unfortunately, the powers that were dropped the ball when it came to changing the term of mayor. The resulting mess required a lawsuit to clarify the situation. Further, the lawsuit would have to be filed by someone that had suffered a loss, namely, a candidate. If you have heartburn about the lawsuit, you need to take it up with the incompetent that failed to follow through with filing the change with the state. Would that be the city attorney or the city manager? You can whine all you want, but Charlie isn't the problem when it came to that lawsuit.
anon. @ 10:03
There is a difference between "free thinkers" and someone who consistently misrepresents the truth, who consistently tears down our city, and who's only involvement, at this point, is born out of "sour grapes". Instead of moving forward Charlie continues to dwell on the past and his "sour grapes" filled propaganda has clearly consumed him.
Charlie, put your trained problem-solver techniques to good use and fix your problem.
OK, Charlie was the biggest problem when it came to the lawsuit. He cost the city and BOMA time and money dragging them to court. The law was not on his side, it was a dumb lawsuit, and he lost. What was the whole point anyway? Was he trying to run for mayor (again) in April and surely lose (again)??
Anonymous @ 27 March, 2007 16:24 asked:
Is there gas and sewer lines on Jim Warren Road? If so, do they run out to I65? Is this road going to be fixed?
The gas and sewer for this whole area is coming. You'll see them soon enough coming through Winding Creek Drive, if you know where that is...I am certain you do.
What about the road? Also, how many years is soon enough? Winding Creek Road, is this the road which has not been built yet?
Friend... Charlie was NOT the biggest problem with the lawsuit. When Charlie filed, the term of mayor was unknown... 2 years or 4 years... depends on who you talked to. Charlie did NOT create this situation. It was going to come up sooner or later. Had not previous powers that be screwed up royally, the lawsuit would have never happened. Those are the ones that are the biggest problem. And those are the ones that should be voted out/fired. Although, by the looks of the poll, we're well on our way to taking care of that problem. (Thank God)
Further, I agree that Charlie's article would have been more appropriate as an editorial. Wouldn't the classification of an article fall on the Informer? So the Infomer is biased? No s**t. So is every other media outlet in the world...
Love him or hate him, agree with him or not... Charlie doesn't deserve personal attacks.
So he can attack Duda every chance he gets, but he does not deserve any reprecussions from that.....C'mon, he set himself up for this...
I am sorry, mistype....repercussions...I know I will be held to it if I do not admit fault.
Good point. JD doesn't deserve any personal attacks either (nor does anyone else).
As much as I'd like for all of us to stick to the issues, we quickly slide into personal attacks.
sigh...
Anonymous @ 14:45 said:
Although, by the looks of the poll, we're well on our way to taking care of that problem. (Thank God)
Be careful about the results of the poll on the Gorilla's website. Unless we each do our part to go out and get 4 or 5 more voters each, the poll results won't mean a thing.
It all comes back to good ole' fashioned grass roots campaigning, and you got to bet that money is not an option for the developers and special interest groups. Get ready for pretty, feel good, full page ads in the local newspapers and slick campaign mailers in the mail that hide the true record of THEIR candidate block.
It all comes back to their COMMITMENTS, as Charlie so eloquently put it.
You must also remember that this blog is only reaching a small demographic of the greater Spring Hill population: technically savvy, informed people with a personal computer and an internet connection. I've seen some of the places that have the big red signs out front, and I wonder if the people that live inside would be inclined to go on a blog and vote.
Both good points... I stand corrected. Runnerboy, you have described the division in this town perfectly. Technically savvy young professionals on one hand, and older, more traditional demographic on the other. This election will start the changing of the guard which will culminate in the 2009 mayoral election.
I honestly feel for the older demographic as they watch their small town life disappear before their eyes. I've been on the receiving end of unwanted growth myself. But time marches on...
Like Silverback says... we have to get the vote out...
It was the older demographic that put Ray Williams into office. So they brought all this growth upon themselves. There's nothing about them to feel sorry about.
HEY... Is STARBUCKS coming to Spring Hill....Soon.
If anyone knows the name of the company responsible for doing the mowing around this city, please list it. They have been throwing away candidates signs as they mow. Not only is this illegal, but these signs cost money. I'm sure the candidates would like to know who to send the bill to (or who to have arrested).
Regarding the last comment about city mowers removing election signs - what is the law exactly? If signs are posted on city property, don't mowers have a right to remove them so they can do their jobs?
I'd rather see the grass mowed and no signs, even if it meant that candidates were forced to find other locales for their signs.
Removing and replacing - OK. Removing and throwing away - not OK. It's not their property.
It's not your property where you put them.
Neither is it the mowers.
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