Senator millar wants to ensure we feel that 'dunwoody train' coming (his words).

A physical sign of Brookhaven support by both GA Senate and House reps is a good thing, Greig.

Mr. Grieg, Rep. Mike Jacobs and Sen. Fran Millar are not representing their constituents; they are representing Mike’s favorite neighborhoods. I just wonder what could have happened if five years ago these two had used their influence and made improvements to with DeKalb County and DeKalb School System. Nope, they decided to stick their heads in the sand and con folks into forming a new city. Like more government is really going to be better in the long run. So, the county government and school system have not been brought into check and we are kicking off this new city with closed door meetings. Folks just take it all in stride, but hey, they got their new city!

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Repeating a thing will not make it so, regardless of frequency or stridency:

" ...if five years ago these two had used their influence and made improvements to with DeKalb County and DeKalb School System. ..."

Mr. General, well, now that they have created their new city do you think this could be their next extracurricular project? Or, do you prefer to continue to live in a county with a county government and a school system that has been neglected by its citizens and state elected officials because they were too busy creating a new city? You still live in DeKalb County with an embarrassing school system.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Personally I think its just a continuing movement to strip away power from the few remaining outposts of Democratic Party dominated governments.

Though I'm not certain I'd necessarily call DeKalb a model of the Democratic Party. And I think really what it will do is make people realize that in the end political party dogma doesn't really translate to local politics.

I also think if DeKalb County does this right they can become better, fewer responsibilities makes it easier for them and us constituents to focus. Anyway losing responsibility to run parks, police, roads and zoning should be a relief for DeKalb - seems like its always impossible to please everyone in these areas.

As to Schools, judging by the what I've heard about the Charter School proposal its probably best if the legislators are doing other things. Keep in mind these are the folks that don't pay into MARTA but won't lift the 50/50 split, the folks who gave billboard companies the right to cut trees in the public right of way and stop street scapes that could block their bill boards, the folks who in 30 years have studied but not yest built a commuter rail line on the existing tracks.

I think its something to do with the high humidity, it slows people down to the point that people like Sean, Rush and Neal make sense.

Mr. Eric, regardless, from what I have seen none of the key Brookhaven Yes players have been involved at all in bettering their county and school system. The have been concentrating on their new city and the divisiveness it has brought to this community.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Eric,
Welcome to the party, I'm glad you are catching on.
If one cannot gain electoral control over an area, one should modify the area, right?
That is how things work in the OnePartyState.....

And, even if it gets up to 150 degrees, rush, neal and handjob never make sense.

"...why the heck was Senator Fran Millar there? He ain't no Brookhavenite!..."---Grieg Ericsson

He's a member of the same clique of politicians role-playing as public servants which, as would any of the clique's members, gives him more to say on how we are to be governed than anyone who just happens to live in their 'footprint.'

"Mr. Grieg, Rep. Mike Jacobs and Sen. Fran Millar are not representing their constituents; they are representing Mike’s favorite neighborhoods."---Hamburger

No they are not. They are supporting the political clique---camarilla---that they belong to.

It has nothing to do with neighborhoods or political party.

"Personally I think its just a continuing movement to strip away power from the few remaining outposts of Democratic Party dominated governments."---Eric

It has nothing to do with "political party" and everything to do with the imposition of corporatist government by a power-hungry clique which has only one allegiance: themselves.

If brave enough Elena Parent should be able to tell you that.

Look who she supported for election.

Eddie, I've always thought that. However, that's not what is driving most who favored cityhood. Specifically having a city some services and the county provide other more regional services is what appeals to many of us. I think counties providing municipal services in urban areas is unique to Georgia (or is it the south?) and I don't think its a good way to do things.

Having the county CEO and Commissioners responsible for a more defined set of services will make them more efficient and/or accountable on election day. Likewise with the city council folks being responsible for a limited set of services they also will be more accountable on election day.

It's not the attendees that concern me as much, although I do know that candidates were there also. My biggest concern is that the secrecy and the non transparency has already started with Mikey...king of the what the constituency doesn't know won't hurt them club.

Since we have such a wide range of candidates, if they were all invited its not secret and actually pretty transparent.

Sigh. My apologies for the slip-up and thanks for catching it! I was thinking Perimeter and accidentally typed Peachtree!

Then supply us with a list of the attendees and the meeting minutes. If the candidates were indeed there let's see who comes out and displays the transparency they all talk about. I'm pissed! It's one thing to say transparency...it's another thing to be transparent! We have had enough of the good ol boy network in this whole cityhood debacle. Let's not have even more! People...stand up! We already know cityhood is going to cost us more....let's at least hold on to our say in what we will be paying more for! Is this the J Max Davis and Mike Jacobs version of the Local Control they were touting on the campaign trail for cityhood?

Grieg I think its safe to assume that if all the candidates, including any of the No City and now Brookhaven candidates were not invited we will quickly be informed of that.

Kiri In your defense there are a lot of both names around these parts. BTW, isn't Perimeter Center and oxymoron? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perimeter_Center

"We can't reasonably expect every training/informational session to for candidates to be open to the public,.."---Eric

"Training"?

By those guys?

Eric. you're not well.

Phil,
Then supply us with a list of the attendees and the meeting minutes. If the candidates were indeed there let's see who comes out and displays the transparency they all talk about. No one said public commentary should have been allowed but the public should have been notified and given the ability to sit and listen. Otherwise, hush and please refrain. You give me gas. http://youtu.be/R6dm9rN6oTs

Oh dear Mr. Ericsson:

You are quite that testy, old crusty fart! Sit quietly now while my nurse provides you with a hyperbole dose of GasX. And in the words of Mother Tums... "There, there..."

I shall invite you to one of my wonderful soirées once your insides tone down.

Fondly,
Ms. Millendorf

Prissy Max Davis,
Lets kiss.

Mr. Grieg, shhh! She is over at Bill’s having a “cigar” . . .

Please pass the yellow mustard!

"...but they were not involved due to time constraints?..."---Mikey---uhh---Philip

"Time constraints"?

"Time" was disallowed by the Governor. Recall?

You are being worse than disingenuous.

Oh my dears Mr. Ericsson & Mr. BeefPuss:

What a delightful laugh I have had with your comparisons of me to Mr. Davis. How utterly drole & fully erroneous.

Mr. Ericsson, I would be more than happy to accept your kiss since it would mean I would be kissing both you & one of your alters Mr. BeefPuss at the same time. Kind of like eliminating two birds with one stone.

However, I would be so surprised if you would accept my confirmation of your invitation to kiss since I am under the clear belief from your voluminous comments that you & I don't play for the same team. Many sighsssssssssss......

At any rate, I'm so appreciative of your request.

Fondly & Gleefully,
Ms. Millendorf

Oh dear curmudgeon BeefPuss:

Alas, I know of no one by the name of Bill & I certainly don't smoke cigars. Perhaps you are confusing me with someone else at your friend Bill's cigar establishment. I have it on record that you attend his parties and tete a tetes quite regularly. Happy smoking.

Gleefully,
Ms. Millendorf

Both are examples of the sad state of affairs we the people are subjected to by our government and representatives. If this were the 60's there would be a demonstration on every corner.

That, neighbor is YOUR best post ever.

"Stuck on stupid," Ericsson longs for ineffective activism, political unrest, and chaos.

Yo mama!

Eleanor Oglethorpe (1662–1732) was an employee of the royal household during the reigns of Charles II and James II. She followed James II to France, where he was exiled after the Glorious Revolution. Eleanor and her husband Theophilus Oglethorpe returned to their estate outside London, but remained secretly and actively in the service of the House of Stuart. After Theophilus and William III died in 1702 she became an advisor to Queen Anne, even as she continued working for the Jacobite cause. Eleanor Oglethorpe was the mother of James Edward Oglethorpe, the philanthropist, social reformer, politician, and soldier who founded Georgia.

Mama was a laundress, worked hard, married well, and became successful enough to afford me a life of education and breeding, so I could be Founder to the State in which you currently reside.

Greig, what have you ever done?

Mr. General, the individual behind your Patch persona certainly has a big ego and an inflated value of himself.

Special hamburger?

Gen., (J Max)
I just let my dog crap on your lawn.

HamBurger your persona has inflicted it's infected nonsense upon everyone for almost one year now; surely you ARE the best source of information on ego and inflated self-importance.

You lost and now you scramble about, a'pouting, a'pontificating, and a'being an a$$.

As to Grieg, he's just a poor boy, nobody loves him, Scaramush, Scaramush, will you do the Fandango?

Oglethorpe,

The 'yo mama' comment points to a huge part of the problem.
That being the lingering plantation mentality and the notion that those of us not to the manor born should 'politely accept our station'.

When pigs fly.

"Ericsson longs for ineffective activism, political unrest, and chaos."----General James Oglethorpe

Just roll over for tyranny.

And dissent as tyrants define it: "ineffective activism, political unrest, and chaos."

Right Ogle?

Agreed Mike. Thank you Kiri.

"WHAT exactly was discussed at the meeting and WHY it was closed to the public."---Mike

They certainly appear to be anxious to impose a police force, to enforce their (unelected) governance, without "input" by the public.

Clockdale already "chairs" one that they still keep secret.

No, but all the 'services' will be provided by private business.....
Which will end up costing much more.

Hi Brookhaven Maven, yes the civilian co-chairs also attended, Rep. Jacobs told me yesterday. I'll have his full story on the meeting up later this morning.

I love the after the fact explanations by Mike. Pretty typical. Like what can we do about it now? Get a time machine? The meeting was attended by council members, committee members and their buddies. If you are not in the clique, you're out.
http://theotherbrookhaven.blogspot.com/2012/08/post-2-brookhaven-series-governmental.html?m=1

Hi Kiri,
Any updates?

Kiri Walton
6:12 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Hi Brookhaven Maven, yes the civilian co-chairs also attended, Rep. Jacobs told me yesterday. I'll have his full story on the meeting up later this morning.

Shawn --

Did they leave you out?

Since you are Communications Committee Co-Chair, I'll ask you this --- Why such late notice on the Police Committee meeting tomorrow night? Less than 24 hours notice of this meeting.

"Stop believing the 'word on the street'."---Shawn Keefe

Were you there? And, if so, is this all you have to say about the meeting?

BTW, when your name came up as a "citizen co-chair" on one of the committees, I wasn't surprised.

From the beginning, that's how low my regard has been for this governance and its perps.

that's right, we have an imaginary 'deadline' to achieve.

Why take the time and do things right when you can rush and waste all the money at once?

"Please remember, the committee co-chairs were just finalized and announced less than 24 hours ago."---Shawn Keefe

And your first act as a "citizen co-chair" was to agree to a meeting of such insulting short notice on even who is to police us?

Or was your agreement, or the agreement of any "citizen co-chair," even required?

Ala Pat Hoban. Look at the Brookhaven ballot committee disclosures. Or the Brookhaven Yes disclosures. Pat Hoban was the single largest contributor to the Yes campaigns. Man, those 2013 Troncalli Motors police cars are almost on the delivery. And now he's on a committee. Funny business I tell ya. http://theotherbrookhaven.blogspot.com/2012/08/return-on-investment-you-decide.html

"The Police Committee meeting was scheduled at approx 6:56pm this evening and publicly posted at 7:36pm. As Co-Chair for communications, I will endeavor to better next time."---Kim Gocke

"Next time"?

When?

Twenty minutes before the next time?

How can you say nothing "shady" happened when you, for one, refused to cite "transparency" in government for refusing Dunwoody's, supposedly hasty, so-called "invitation"?

PS: Why is the document now published and naming the citizen co-chairs not dated?

"The degree of participation in our civic and municipal life will determine whether Brookhaven is more or less than it is now."---Kim Gokce

By "registering."

I'm a citizen and resident.

Nothing more should be required to participate in any civic matter.

Your chastising is telling.

Roger That,
What is it that you are so fixated on Rogering? It's OK J Max. It's OK. Go have a 55 gallon drum of ice cream and hush!

Hello Kim! When I click on the Brookhaven Commission website, it has no updates or information except Deal's creation of the commission and a notice of the very first public meeting. Can you please let me know where to go to see the updates and other info for the public? I think I am probably not seeing the link for it or something like that.

I'll suggest this theme for the next few months:

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: Some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.” -Sam Ewing

===

Again, with regard to DeKalb County government and schools, and at the risk of annoying Mr. General, Rep. Mike Jacobs, Rep. Tom Taylor, Sen. Fran Millar, the C$ND and Brookhaven Yes board members fall into the latter two categories of Mr. Ewing’s quote.

“Political jokes aren't always funny ... too many of them get elected." –Sam Ewing

Special hamburger anyone?

Atta HamBurger, stick-to-it on the hard work theme as there is very little time.

That is one disadvantage that Brookhaven faces, a short time to get much done, but this is not an insurmountable issue with enough hands on deck.

HamBurger states a common concern, the wrong person gets elected. It will happen, as "People are screw-ups."

As well, local governance makes a poor political choice stand out and makes it easy to replace them.

Now if only a few others would feel as HamBurger does, we could all have hot cocoa and sing Kumbaya around the fire pit.

Or not.

Mr. General, You still live in DeKalb County with a government that needs adjusting and embarrassing school system. Congratulations, it appears as if you are turning up your nose.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Actually, HamBurger I am working with local, State and Federal government on a number of issue fronts, so kindly keep your uninformed opinions to yourself.

You choose to be prickly, to push aside a helping hand when offered.

Got to go to work now, suggest you put your brain in motion before engaging your fingers.

Kiri,
Any update on this?

Kiri Walton
6:12 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Hi Brookhaven Maven, yes the civilian co-chairs also attended, Rep. Jacobs told me yesterday. I'll have his full story on the meeting up later this morning.

Kim,
Please be sure to ask Pat Hoban to get you guys a car with several cup holders.
Perhaps his continued political contributions and his spot on the committees will shore up some nice vehicle purchases for the city police fleet from his Troncalli Automotive Group. You all should mandate that none of the committee folks companies or employers can be in the running for contracts or purchases in the city.

GO,
I am referring to the confederate notion of 'freedom' in which the 'plantation owner' is free to exercise his will upon the citizenry around him and anyone interfering with that exercise is concurrently interfering with his freedom.
Transfer that notion to the Dekalb County republican party and the similarities are striking.
We in the Brokehaven mudprint have been reluctant (at least south of Peachtree) to submit and elect republicans to any office. With no predicted change in that pattern, the only method to 'preserve freedom' was to invent a new boundary wherein the 'appropriate persons' retain authority and therefore 'freedom'.

Every step from the closed development of standards for the CVI, secret funding, extreme rush to invent and implement the city, vague attempts at transparency in 'committee' development will all lead to an interesting textbook in exceptionally inappropriate municipal governance.

Even then, I'm sure there will be staunch resistance to accept the flaws and project reasons for the impending failure.

On another note, why on earth would you expect a 'positive word' when the process is unfolding in a manner PREDICTED by the opponents of municipalization? Prove us wrong with an overwhelming dedication to responsible, transparent, open, development of governance, and you will get your positive word.

EddieE,

Your explanations are interesting and clearly your democratic preferences bely history. The very same 'plantation owner' society was democratic from the Reconstruction until Purdue came on-board. Some would even argue little has changes since many current lawmakers were Dems and switched over.

SoPea voters don't have enough numbers to elect a dem? That's not submission, that's lack of numbers. You have an interesting world view, and I do not mean that disparagingly.

The fact is that the incorporation trend is an attempt to break the large County system of governance that is truly a 'yoke of oppression' on the very freedoms you envision. I can argue that large County government is the 'plantation owner' you so despise and that decision is vindicated by voter turnout.

The fact that DeKalb can only offer a 'benevolent dictator' in the form of a CEO seems not to both Brookhaven NO at all. The inane rallying cry of 'working with the County to overcome pan-DeKalb issues' is untenable because the County will not change itself, ever.

You go ahead and push for pensions, and other types of democratic institutions that are no longer sustainable, and I will push for smaller government. In the end it's a numbers game, 50% + 1.

True freedom, as our Founder envisioned it is diminished equally by both Parties, in the name of national security, etc.

GO,
What is the problem you people have with 'pensions'?

Is it a suggestion that as soon as one has exhausted their working life they should politely die and prevent cutting into your gardening and pool maintenance budget?

GO,

And who is 'our Founder'?

I love pensions, Eddie.

If they are properly funded,
If those funds are not misused,
If they are actuarially sound, they are far better than 401K plans.

A lot of if's to trust to pols or union thug bosses you people seem to admire (;>)
I don't have a pool and do my own yard and garden work, TYVM.

'our Founder' should read 'our Founding fathers.'

GO,

Thanks
That leaves two of us who do our own yard work.

Why yes of course I would.

Of course I doubt that Dekalb County Democrats would force such an ill considered and divisive issue on an amorphous group and pretend there was sufficient cohesion to call it a 'city'.

Mr. General, and to expand on that thought, there are a Hell of a lot of conservatives that just cannot believe that Republicans would vote another layer of government for themselves.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

HamBurger,

Poor solution to an intractable problem, agreed. Your premise that we should have spent time working with our elected officials to resolve pan-Dekalb issues is fallacious.

DeKalb County should have begun 'right-sizing' it's County operations after Dunwoody incorporated, if they were at all serious about making changes to improve governance. You just don't get it - The incorporation movement is going to continue on into Tucker, South DeKalb and other areas until the County becomes like Fulton, bare bones.

The People will control government, or the Union will perish.

"You people," EddieE really?

GO,

It's just that attacking pensions has become a wrong-wing buzz phrase over the last year. Remember, deferred retirement compensation was sold as a reason to accept reduced current compensation. That the issuing authority (be it corporate or government) did not collect and set aside sufficient revenue to meet the obligations to which they were bound is certainly not the fault of the worker.

If you are whining about meeting the long established pension obligation then it makes you one of 'those people' barking at the straw man.

I remarked on your previous comments about setting up pensions for Brookhaven Police, City employees, that's all.

Y

GO,

Then state the whole concept. I have commented on ensuring there was adequate UNION REPRESENTATION for city workers. This is not something to trust to some bait-and-switch insurance broker.

EddieE:

So tell me why government workers, especially, need Unions, please. Regret your confusion over my remarks about what you said, but I do recall your position that Brookhaven needs union representation to start. A premise I categorically reject.

Bait and swith insurance broker? Explain when you can. Your world view is so cynical, who do you actually trust?

GO,

Why do city employees, especially public safety employees deserve adequate (Union Quality) protection?
Because the citizenry that professed this municipality to to be the great savior have been suggesting cutting every corner possible from day one.
Ensuring proper health care, long term accident recovery care, adequate retirement for a job well done are EXPENSIVE. This is a fact that may have eluded the city proponents. Once the costs are real, daily items who do you think those imbued with the notion made popular by the late harpy Leona Helmsley 'I don't pay taxes, little people pay taxes' are going to throw under the bus?

I trust very, very few people, and there are less than three in insurance among them.

Reasonable suppositions though you have a flair for hyperbole.

I would imagine that an Officer would not change departments if the pay and benefits were not superlative, especially a veteran Police professional. Right? I mean free will still works.

All of Dunwoody's Officers are veteran Officers, some cross trained in SWAT, other fields. The pay rate and benefits package is outstanding, educational allowances, car allowances, and so forth. No need for costly Unions. Why? Not necessary if the free market provides above average benefits.

Awhile back you railed on about how poorly roadwork would be accomplished, remember that? Once again, facts deny your point of view. Dunwoody roadwork completed by the same private contractors that build highways, to highly specific engineering standards. More roadwork done in four years than the previous 15 years.

I hope that Brookhaven has the same type of experiences, EddieE. Not to make you look bad, but rather to show you and others that smaller Cities work well.

I'll buy you a cold beer at 57th Fighter Group sometime, you are a worth the effort. Heck, I'll invite HamBurger along just to look him in the eye. Peaceful and neighborly, a 'learning moment.'

GO,

A nice spin around the block, but I thought we were talking about Brokehaven, not Dunwoody as they are not US.

Unions offer defined, long term protection. I understand the potential temporary nature of our not-yet-established municipality so I comprehend the tentative approach for the short term. Of course, I intend to be here for a long, long time (unless it goes south and the need to lease my home out as an addict recovery center becomes necessary) and I would like to feel that any public safety officers feel a sense of 'dedication' to more than this week's check.

And it's nice that Dunwody pulled off a paving job across from Perimeter. I think I mentioned the 'blind hog finding an acorn' on another thread.

I moved away from a small town a few decades ago and the impending aggravations were examples of why.

Time will tell and if I'm right I'm sure the BYES folks will accept full responsibility for their arrogance.

Right?

Mr. General, I understand that if city creation of geographical areas that have no relation to one another continues, DeKalb County will continue to fragment, have higher city and county taxes in incorporated and unincorporated areas, and be less attractive to own property in the county as a whole.

Instead of starting the incorporation craze in DeKalb, the “Smart People” with the assistance of their elected state officials along with the rest of North DeKalb should have organized and demanded government and school system changes in this county. Now we have two cities in the northern part of the county and our county government and school system still suck. And, we now have another layer of government. An organized effective citizen’s movement eight or ten years ago would have precluded little things like the recent DCSS pay raises you have noted not to mention the train wreck of a school system we now have. And, the folks in Decatur would be more attentive to our needs.

The more government you have the less quality of life you have. There were alternatives, but no one wanted to listen. Conservatives NEVER vote for more government, they always seek alternatives.

You might be interested in these potential new city links:

http://tinyurl.com/btzm8dw

http://tinyurl.com/cpqhutq

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Joan,
The fix is already in. It's up to each of us to stop it.
Do a little independent research. Look at those on the commission and the committees and then look at the campaign contributions.
Here is a start for you.
http://theotherbrookhaven.blogspot.com/2012/08/return-on-investment-you-decide.html

Joan Dillon,
Agreed.
Unfortunately, I do think that ship has sailed.

Thank you Tom.
Of course, is there still a state employee assigned to follow up?

General J Max,
Remember what you just wrote once the campaign heats up.

I'd be careful about ascribing my comments Mr. Davis, Greig unless you are getting the IP addresses from Patch and can prove same. I'm just sayin;.

#1, It's not my blog but I do know the author.
#2, Don't believe what's written, who cares.
#3, Please tell Lee Harvey hello
#4, Please fly often...one way
#5, Was it you that stole J Max's lawnmower?
#6, Phil, Please refrain. :)

Mr. Gokce --

As a follow-up to my 5:43p post --- Why was the media banned from this Dunwoody meeting? Doing so simply antagonizes those who believe the city founders are being less than transparent. Again, what was the big secret that kept the reporters out? If the answer to that is that there was no big secret, then why were they excluded?

Since many, if not most of us, have to work for a living and may not be able to attend these events, we rely on the media (including blogs and fora) for our information. It would be great if you would see that this exclusion doesn't occur again without a very
good reason. Thank you.

-- The Maven

To Tom Miller @ 6:01p --

Then, you have just thrown out all of the statistical sciences developed over the last 50 years, not to mention every poll conducted (including that insidious Neilson poll for TV watchers), as well as sampling of chickens for infectious diseases. Way to go!

-- The Maven

Mr. Kim, you are keenly aware of the concerns that many folks have taken exception to regarding the process that has brought us to cityhood. Knowing such, and aware of the tight schedule for the committee to complete their work, advance notice is paramount for folks to have an informed warm and fuzzy about this new city. It may be a tough scheduling hand the committee has been dealt, but transparent and fast information sharing with reasonable notice will solve a lot of problems and make life easier for all of us. Street information and rumors are totally unacceptable.

Just a thought . . .

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Mr. Kim,

You identified a major concern that has hardly been addressed.
Throughout the development of our Republic, citizens with a sense of community have coalesced around central concerns and shared principles.
Over time, a central meeting location became accepted for presentation of grievances and discussion of mutual concerns.
Fast forward to today and we have a breach in the normal evolution.

Since the assemblage of neighborhoods have no real shared concerns, there has never been a development of location for discussion....

We now have a town, with no town hall.

I guess we can invent that too.

Mr. Kim, Choice? Respectfully, that would be Prime . . . I got customers, you know . . .

Cheerwine with that special hamburger?

Phil,

Just think of the value the rest of us place on being LEFT ALONE.

Phil-Doh,
Please refrain.

What A Resident said...

residual,

Just what does 'it's really red' mean?

res,
Everyone knows who I am, just who the heck are you?

And what is your name Friendo?

I volunteer all the time. Where's your rotund little bottoms been volunteering?