EDITORIAL: The slate is clean; now what?

YEARWOOD

EDITORIAL: The slate is clean; now what?

Posted by

in Editorial Archives

Wednesday, August 13. 2008

Comments (23)

Barrow County voters sent a strong message to elected officials during the Primary elections: It is time for a change.

With the exception of District 3 Commissioner Bill Healan, all of the incumbents on the Barrow County Board of Commissioners, including the chairman, are now lame duck officials. The only Barrow County incumbent to survive a contested race was Chief Magistrate June Davis. The others must now spend the next four months wondering where they went wrong.

But now, all the newly-elected leaders will have to figure out how to put campaign promises into action. After calling the incumbents on the carpet over a variety of shortcomings, the newly-elected officials will have to be prepared for serious scrutiny themselves.

Chairman-elect Danny Yearwood will have the toughest job merging two new board members with existing BOC members and building a consensus about the future.

Yearwood must also answer to those who put him in office. After running his campaign with the motto “stop wasteful spending,” the voters in Barrow will expect him to produce results.

It won’t be easy. One person’s “wasteful spending” is another’s legitimate expense.

Barrow County’s fiscal year does not end until September. It will be several months before citizens find out how well Barrow is weathering the ongoing economic crisis, a crisis that has hit hard at government revenues.

But Barrow was in a strong position this time last year. At the end of FY07, the county’s general fund balance had increased by $1.3 million despite revenues that were $403,000 under budget.

Overall, the county spent $1.6 million less in FY07 than had been budgeted. The Barrow County Sheriff’s Department, whose budget Yearwood has described as “way out of control,” finished the year $720,700 under budget.

Not only did Barrow County finish 2007 under budget, it trimmed its 2008 budget during the planning process. Initial budget requests totaled $43 million. After department heads were asked to cut costs, they reduced that amount by $5.7 million.

The bottom line to all this is that the FY09 budget will be in place for several months before Yearwood and the new commissioners take office. Making cuts won’t be easy, especially with increasing pressure from the public to address traffic and other county problems.

Hopefully, the newly elected Barrow County commissioners can deliver on their campaign promises of a more efficient and responsive local government.

But a word of caution is in order: The view of county government may be different when looked at from the inside than it is from the outside.

Published in The Braselton News Aug. 13, 2008

Defined tags for this entry: Barrow County, BOC, Opinions

Related entries by tags:

Trackbacks

Trackback specific URI for this entry

No Trackbacks

Comments

Display comments as (Linear | Threaded)

#1 Anonymous on 08/13/08 at 11:58 AM [Reply]

Did you forget about the bonds that must be repaid? Those are debts that eliminate any "balance" that may appear on paper.
And something else that we cannot put a price tag on...we cleaned the slate of those we did not trust. There will be no more "patty-fingers" with special interest groups in Barrow.

#2 Anonymous on 08/13/08 at 12:37 PM [Reply]

The only reason Barrow County was in the black last year is because of the EXTREME increase in property taxes in 2007. Mr. Garrison made sure that each department was given more than enough money in their budget because he wanted to look good for the election year.

#3 DuWayne R. Anderson on 08/13/08 at 01:36 PM [Reply]

Mr. Yearwood now has to put OUR money where HIS mouth is. Quite frankly, his platform of "Stop Wasteful spending" while clever, may have actually sealed his fate as a one-time Chair(if that long) of the BOC. With the latest BOC seat going to the politically ambitious Ms. Elder, and the ever popular Mr. Healan,(always the watchdog for the citizens of Barrow County),it won't be long before the political in-fighting begins, and the "Honeymoon" will be over in a hurry.

Mr. Yearwood has no clue as to what kind of quicksand he is about to step into. Let me give you an example: What happens when Mr. Yearwood is forced into a political decision that is not popular with the recent citizen watch groups, and wallet-hugging blog sites that have popped up in recent months? How do you think they will respond? Whose fault will it be then? The answer? Mr. Yearwood plain and simple. Add a couple of more unpopular BOC decisions over the next couple of months, and these groups will be calling for his political head on a platter.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you think Mr. Yearwood doesn't have to answer to any special interest citizens groups, website bloggers,or website watch groups, you are sadly mistaken. Mr. Yearwood is about to get an education in "why I really got elected". I believe it is safe to say that Mr. Yearwood is about to step into the "Black Hole of Politics" armed with only a tricycle. Some solid advice for Mr. Yearwood: Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. This also assumes you know which are which. Think about it. I am quite sure they will be in the weeks and months ahead.
Until next time........
DuWayne R. Anderson
Winder, GA

#4 DuWayne R. Anderson on 08/13/08 at 02:09 PM [Reply]

I hope Mr. Yearwood has enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame. It will not last long. Not in this county. Now that Mr. Garrison will no longer be in office after Dec.31st, who do you think will be the next political target for the concerned citizens groups, citizens watch groups, wallet-hugging blog groups,etc., etc? Mr. Helan?, Ms. Elder? Mr. Parks perhaps? No, it will be you Mr. Yearwood. I hope you enjoy your stay as Chair of the BOC. Be careful what you wish for....you just might be unlucky enough to get it. In your case, I'm afraid you have.
DuWayne R. Anderson

#4.1 Anoynmous on 08/13/08 at 03:27 PM [Reply]

DuWayne, This quote sums up your attitude: "Arrogance diminishes Wisdom".
Until next time.........

#4.1.1 DuWayne R. Anderson on 08/13/08 at 05:28 PM [Reply]

Hit a nerve did I? Guess So........

#4.1.1.1 Anonymous on 08/13/08 at 08:27 PM [Reply]

This post from DuWayne did not surprise me at all.

He has consistently shown he is a Socialist with his many Letters to the Editors condemning taxpayers for preferring to keep their own hard earned money, rather than turning it over to local bureaucrats and elected officials to help line their own pockets at the taxpayers expense. DuWayne has always believed the government is smarter than the citizens of Barrow County. Only government knows how to spend your money!

I'm holding out hope for DuWayne though. His past writings have also shown an affection for Facism as he also sharply criticized anyone who had the audacity to question the decisions made by Chariman Garrison. At least now it appears he is willing to think critically of elected officials.

Or, could that perhaps just be a coincidence since his good buddy he always follows around like a homesick puppy at FBC has been voted out of office by an OVERWHELING majority?

Time will tell if DuWayne has indeed turned over a new leaf or, if I suspect, he is simply serving as the lead attack dog for the currently deposed, and FAILED, Administration.

#4.1.1.1.1 DuWayne R. Anderson on 08/14/08 at 08:09 AM [Reply]

Ladies and Gentlemen,
To the best of my knowledge, I have never, in any writings, sunk to the level of calling someone a Socialist, or Fascist. Now, I have used the term "Wallet Huggers", which is an accurate term for folks who can't see past their their own property values and personal quality of life issues, in relation to the future generations of this county, and their needs. But never to the depths Mr. Anonymous here has sunk to......
The simple fact of the matter is, you folks hide behind fake e-mail names in order avoid any responsibility for the geo-political babble
you spew out to anyone who disagrees with your opinions. Let me make it simple for you. You will not tolerate anyone who has the guts to stand up and render an opinion that is in opposition to yours and sign their name to it. Plain and simple. Sounds a little bit like censorship doesn't it? Hmmmm..........

By the way just for the record, I am a Republican..... the Socialists won't have anything to do with us, sorry, but a nice try anyway....now left-wing Democrats may be a different story,they may have something to worry about.........
As far as how I am respected in this county does not depend on your personal opinion. You sir, do not speak for everyone in this county.
DuWayne R. Anderson

#5 Anonymous on 08/13/08 at 08:21 PM [Reply]

to DuWayne:
You quite forget that we voted for the man we could trust! Remember, you personally were given a chance to tell us why we should vote for Garrison when we did not trust him. You could not answer the question.
It may come as a surprise to you, but most people do not care what you have to say, because you are not respected in the community.

#6 DuWayne R. Anderson on 08/14/08 at 08:59 AM [Reply]

Answer to Anonymous #5.

You should have voted for Chairman Garrison, because, you and others allowed themselves to be manipulated by a few big buck home owners personal views, and the sky is falling political tactics.. Do you know Mr. Garrison personally? Have you ever even tried to talk to the man. If you had, and really knew his views and the values that he stands for, you would have and should have voted for him. Scare tactics worked on you and a majority of others, but not on everyone as the polls proved....including me. I will wait and see how you and your big buck airport home owner friends treat Mr. Yearwood, when he finally makes a mistake..... should be interesting to observe.
DuWayne R. Anderson

#6.1 Anonymous on 08/14/08 at 09:38 AM [Reply]

Answer to your first question: No, I do not know Garrison personally, but that is not from lack of trying on my part! I have personally emailed him numerous times on various citizens issues and was ignored. And that answers your second question.
I will never vote for a man I do not trust. Anyone that would do such a thing is a fool.
Let's remember, DuWayne, you are biased. Doug is your FRIEND. You defend him out of loyalty, but not conviction.

#6.1.1 DuWayne R. Anderson on 08/14/08 at 10:05 AM [Reply]

The best you and I can hope for is to agree to disagree. Since neither one of us will give in, further dialog is useless. But for the record, I did answer your question. You asked me why, I gave you my answer, and you rejected that answer.
Stalemate, Mr. Anonymous.
Here's another challenge. I predict Mr. Anonymous will never reveal his true identity. Anyone out there believe that?
By the way, since you also don't know me, you have absolutely no idea how I arrive at my decisions, so anything you say is your opinion, not that of all the voters of Barrow County.
But thanks for play'in anyway, I think we have a couple of consolation prizes for you to take home. Hope you enjoy them......
DuWayne R. Anderson
Winder

#6.2 joe blow on 08/14/08 at 05:36 PM [Reply]

Doowayne please come back to the BCW blog. You are so entertaining. By the way I do know Doug and have for a long time. You know what I still don't like him.

#6.2.1 DuWayne R. Anderson on 08/15/08 at 07:19 PM [Reply]

Yea, I can understand that. With Doug gone I guess y'all have no more scapegoats to bash. I know how you can pass the time......go back to counting your big bucks....that should keep you busy for a while. Or you could just make stuff up that isn't true, get everybody in the county stirred up about it, add some more made up stuff,
and invite everyone to the barn burning on the next election day....some kind of fun...wouldn't you say? But please don't forget to hide behind those clever blog names...I like those the best...
Until next time.......
DuWayne R.Anderson
Winder, GA

#7 anonymous on 08/14/08 at 11:14 AM [Reply]

Mr. Yearwood won because he recognizes some of the problems present in Barrow County. Home valuations are well in excess of home worth and of the failure of Mr. Garrison and soon-to-be former commissioners to recognize this fact. "I haven't been tracking them so I don't know what the values are here." (Mr. Garrison's response to a question of the Barrow Journal.) All Mr. Garrison had to do was ask any homeowner in Barrow County how much their house payment and insurance increased due to the current approved budget.

Mr. Yearwood will succeed or fail based purely upon his salesmanship of his vision to the officials we elect, and to the citizens' of Barrow County. Barrow County Citizens' have given him a mandate and the commissioners should be listening carefully to his words and the words of the newly elected commissioners.

He will need to overcome the "circling of the wagons" by department heads, to protect their domain should staff size come into play. He will need to be the "bully in the pulpit" for citizen wishes in relaying his message to commissioners that aren't listening, since he has no vote except to break a tie.

Kristi Reed made an interesting comment in this article, "But a word of caution is in order: The view of county government may be different when looked at from the inside than it is from the outside." This comment was true until this election cycle. The litmus test now, is in county government passing a citizen developed lesson plan that teaches both elected and hired officials why they serve at the pleasure of the taxpayers. Elected and non-elected officials should have no personal view, only the view of voters who cast their votes to elect them and in the case of non-elected officials, remembering who pays their salaries to account for each penny spent.

This election proved that citizens, although voter turnout was dismal, are informed and will not tolerate waste but especially, being ignored.

The message sent by voters was loud and clear, failure of elected officials to act on the behalf of taxpayers is not an option!

#7.1 russell brogan on 08/14/08 at 04:52 PM [Reply]

everyone here is so concerned about mr garrison being in realestate,you all do realize mr.yearwood is an agent also.maybe his intentions are to transfer power from mr.maynard to mr.o'neil.

#7.2 DuWayne R. Anderson on 08/15/08 at 10:54 AM [Reply]

No personal views are allowed to enter into decisions if you want to serve in public office??
Have you lost your mind????????? May I remind you that we are ALL HUMAN BEINGS....NOT MACHINES!!
If we did what you suggest there wouldn't be any politicians left in the world anywhere!! What happens when you have to vote on an issue, to break a tie, and the public vote is split 50/50 with NO majority to guide your decision? Do you think you just might have to rely on your own judgment of the matter as to which way to vote to break the tie??
If we all agree with you, then let's just get a few laptops, put name tags in front of them sit them in the BOC seats including the chairman's seat and dictate the results to the rest of the county. Oh yea!.....I think Mr. Yearwood,and the rest of the BOC would be OK with that!Hey,just think of it....we wouldn't have to pay any salaries or benefits, hold elections, or anything. Now your talkin real taxpayer savings. Do me a favor, bring your idea up at the next BOC meeting, and tell me how that works out for ya!! I can't wait...
Until next time.......... :-)
DuWayneR. Anderson

#7.2.1 Anonymous #7 on 08/16/08 at 01:20 AM [Reply]

Mr. Anderson is the very reason I don't normally participate in blogs and choose to be an anonymous contributor. Twenty-one comments are listed with Mr. Anderson accounting for nine, yet he disagrees with all opinions other than his own. He states,"...geo-political babble you spew out to anyone who disagrees with your opinions." From a newcomer's (me) point of view, the spewing is originating from one source, Mr. Anderson.

For the record, Mr. Anderson, I personally know Doug Garrison and have participated in meetings with Doug outside of the Board of Commissioners scheduled meetings. I don't know Mr. Yearwood and voted for him, as did the other voters that chose Mr. Yearwood to represent Barrow County. Could all 2542 voters for Mr. Yearwood be wallet hugging, big buck home-owning, big buck airport home-owning, big buck counting Barrow County residents? Did each voter buy into the sky is falling message you mention? Doubtful! Anyone possessing a copy of the Barrow County budget (I do) can intelligently arrive at a conclusion that is factual, not conjured up to scare people.

You state that you are a Republican. Perhaps, when you aren't busy packing this blog with your insight, you may want to freshen up on the Republican platform and the Georgia Bill of Rights Par. 18; "The social status of the citizen shall never be the subject of legislation." In particular, you may want to read Section V, Par. 1, "The people of this State have the inherent, sole and exclusive right to regulating their internal government, and the police thereof, and of altering and abolishing their Constitution whenever it may be necessary to their safety and happiness." Mr. Anderson, pay particular attention to these passages when you think about your statement, "...an accurate term for folks who can't see past their own property values and personal quality of life issues, in relation to the future generations of this county, and their needs." Your statement flies directly into the face of our Bill of Rights.

Additional recommended reading is a little-known document called the Gettysburg Address. Pay particular attention to this passage,

"...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

I don't know you, but I do sense a wealth-envy attitude based upon your comments within this blog's subject matter. Does your employer fall within this "big buck home-owner" category? As you state in 4.1.1.1.1, "anyone who has the guts to stand up and render an opinion that is in opposition to yours and sign their name to it.", perhaps you can relay your big buck message to your employer? Tell us how it works for ya! We cannot wait!

The remainder of your response to MY OPINION deserves no response from me, as your response is sheer nonsense however, I do respect the fact that it is YOUR opinion. One comment you made, "If we did what you suggest there wouldn't be any politicians left in the world anywhere!", rings true with one exception, only the true representatives of the people would remain.

As to your comment, "Do me a favor, bring your idea up at the next BOC meeting, and tell me how that works out for ya!! I can't wait." I don't need to stand in front of the Board of Commissioners to express my point of view. I express my point of view to our representative and our representative carries the message to the Board or explains to me the logic for not presenting my point of view (if I am in the minority), as are all citizen messages carried to the board using the same logic.

Anonymous #7

#7.2.1.1 DuWayne R. Anderson on 08/16/08 at 11:19 AM [Reply]

Mr. A,
Again, our exchanges are going nowhere fast. We simply agree to disagree. That is the best that can be achieved under the circumstances.
As I have said many times in the past, at least I stand up for what I believe is right, and sign my name to it, and take full responsibility for my remarks. If you truly believe in the things you speak of sir, then it should be no problem for you to take off the blog mask once and for all and take responsibility for your remarks.
In closing, I leave you with a thought.. How seriously would England have taken our Declaration of Independence, if the founding fathers all signed it...... Anonymous!!
Until next time.......
DuWayne R. Anderson
Winder, GA

#8 Anonymous on 08/14/08 at 06:03 PM [Reply]

Mr. Yearwood made it clear from day #1 that if elected he would inactivate his real estate license. That's something we never could get Garrison to do.

#9 Mike Formato on 08/15/08 at 07:01 AM [Reply]

I am glad to see the change in leadership. A word of warning to all BOC's, new and remaining; you are being watched. If you start to run Barrow like it's Atlanta or DC you will be out of a job. I don't care with which party you're affiliated.

#10 Anonymous on 08/15/08 at 10:12 AM [Reply]

Anonymous #7 - you've got that exactly right:

"This election proved that citizens...are informed and will not tolerate...being ignored."

Mr. Yearwood, long before he thought of running for his new position, regularly attended open meetings of concerned citizens. He was involved! He was a concerned citizen!

These group meetings were BORN out of the FACT that our government was IGNORING us.

Mr. Garrison never showed his face at one single meeting. When asked by a local newspaper why he did not attend, he said he was not invited!! Well, brother, I don't recall getting an engraved invitation either, but I was there.

Goodbye Doug. Your "concern" for the average Joe will not be missed.

#10.1 Anonymous on 08/16/08 at 06:22 PM [Reply]

Goodbye, Doug, and good grief, take DuWayne with you!

Add Comment

Name
Email
Homepage
In reply to
Comment: E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.
To leave a comment you must approve it via e-mail, which will be sent to your address after submission.

To prevent automated Bots from commentspamming, please enter the string you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly.

Enter the string from the spam-prevention image above:
Phone*

What is eight minus five?
: Remember Information? Subscribe to this entry
: Submitted comments will be subject to moderation before being displayed.

EDITORIAL: The slate is clean; now what?

Barrow Journal

EDITORIAL: The slate is clean; now what?

Recent Stories

Recent Comments

This Week's Poll

Sister Sites

Archives

Community

Keyword Tags