Chip - The reason for my departure was the change in the charter from the Dunwoody governance model (mayor, 3 district persons, 3 at large persons) to the more DeKalb model (mayor, 4 districts). I believed the city would be best served by the election of persons who have a sense of responsibility to the entire city, which is met by at-large council elections. At the time, I argued that the loss of the over aching voices of at large persons could prove dysfunctional (such as we presently have in DeKalb), as individual districts competed for resources. I, of course, was startled that I lost the argument, but feeling strongly about it, I thought it best to let others make the argument for the charter as adopted.
The management test for the city with 4 districts is that the persons elected by a district have no accountability to the residents of other districts. They will be elected to champion the district they represent and to address issues that are important to their district - and it is appropriate, and expected, that they do so. The challenge for the Mayor and City Manager will be to balance the competing demands of the districts with the resources - And in getting that budget and plan accepted. I understand and appreciate this issue, and I have the background to manage successfully this process.
While there is more detail to this response, you asked for a full explanation rather than a long one. This may be full enough. I’ll put more information on my website.

Larry, I know you don't mean the DeKalb model; as the DeKalb BOC is 5 districts and 2 at large. Which city are you referring to?

Mr. Stan, was Mr. Danese speaking of the elimination of the “at large” positions when he was referring to the Dunwoody vs. DeKalb model? If you have a short memory, let me know and I will further educate you. Surprisingly, you know exactly what Mr. Danese is speaking of and you know our district #1 will dominate this new city of bigots.

I can see you are still in “sales mode”. What mode are you going to be in when the C$ND and Vinson “models” do not work?

Please pass the yellow mustard!

I agree, Larry good responses and a qualified candidate. Larry you have been a great asset in the community and on the Soil and Water commission.

Though I'm posting because relative to the district only council and at large council positions we took a different path. I don't disagree with your concerns Larry but interestingly enough going to only 4 council people with individual district representation helped with my concerns that a City of Brookhaven would end up imposing a viewpoint on a diverse population.

Our tax base is dispersed throughout the districts, with two CID's of equal value (Lenox Park and Perimeter) and the 85/Buford highway corridor representing the major commercial bases. I'm sure there will be fights but hopefully all elected council people will realize they need to work together and that each of the 4 districts deserve an equal seat at the table and slice of the pie.

Obviously some money may need to be spent to encourage increased commercial development/tax base and this type of development may only be supportable in certain areas of the city such as the Perimeter CID area and along 85 and parts of Buford Highway.

Mr. Eric, please tell me you are not suggesting that my city tax money be spent to encourage private developers to develop:

“Obviously some money may need to be spent to encourage increased commercial development/tax base and this type of development may only be supportable in certain areas of the city such as the Perimeter CID area and along 85 and parts of Buford Highway.”

If so, will I receive shareholder rights to a tangible, saleable portion of my interest? How is it that I have become responsible for property not relevant to my tax dollars?

Your liberal way with my tax dollars is making me very unhappy.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Hi Larry. Much appreciated. As expected, and as asked, a great answer. I asked this question as I feel as though you are the best conduit into the back room inner workings of the Brookhaven Yes initiative and what the REAL agenda was. I feel as though we as a citizenry will maneuver know the whole truth from J Max Davis. I may be wrong and perhaps he isn't hiding anything but in my mind I struggle with that being so. I applaud you for being a man of principals as you have demonstrated time and time again. Things come and go in life but your integrity and good name stick with you forever. Thanks again Larry for your honesty.

Hamburger, no, I don't like tax abatement or what happened at Town Sembler. I'm just acknowledging that there maybe exceptions to splitting budget into 4 even slices. For instance I'd could also spending some money to reduce Buford Highway from its current 6 lanes and 1 suicide lane to facilitate pedestrian and maybe bus facilities if there were federal and state matching dollars since that could 1. serve the community and 2. lead to an increased tax base.

Also a portion of the Hotel Tax revenues is directed towards certain spending categories. I think its a waste of money to do generic promotional marketing of a city and that we should focus that money on endeavors that get more class A office or hotel development.

Now if you'll excuse me my seminar on effective government redistribution of wealth is going back into session so I have to go.

Mr. Eric, seminar on effective government redistribution of wealth? Damn . . . Cynthia did rub off on you!

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Larry D an honest man? Ask him who paid his qualifying fee for mayor? Ask him how he was playing on both sides of he cityhood issue (Laurenthia's no city group). Ask if he really was a Republican when he ran for commissioner. Ask him if he really was a Democrat before the commission race. Smart guy- no principles.

Eric –
Perhaps without intending to, you have touched on the essence of the individual district problem that I see. That is the equal seat (I agree), equal (implied) slice of the pie. Without considering appropriate development that improves our commercial tax base, look at the services we want to provide. Only street maintenance has the potential for providing an objective metric for what and when things should be done. All other decisions are more subjective. Not to belabor this, but if we look at parks, what portion of parks funding should go to District 4? One reasonable answer is none, because they have no parks in the district. However, Gebbia, Lord and Witt may choose to differ. There we may be looking at acquisitions funding.

Regardless, the council needs dedicated people with a broad and equitable perspective. Most other outcomes likely result in a city controlled by 3 persons – 3 council members or 2 and the Mayor – and that may not be a path to success.

Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate it.

Philemon –

Since I am here, it is entirely possible for you to ask me. Rather than both of us waiting for someone else to ask, I’ll just respond here – if that is ok.
I paid my qualifying fee. I was not on both sides of the cityhood issue. I was, and am, entirely in favor of the city. In March, I wrote an editorial stating my position on why a city was needed. Nothing has changed about that. Don’t confuse that with my objection to the change in the charter between the hearing the House (I testified in support) and the Senate (where I opposed the change in the charter that occurred between those two hearings.) I am not now and never was part of either of the No City Groups. I am not an establishment Republican, if that is what you are asking. I have posted my voting record – along with Boyer’s and Millar’s – on my website. It has been there for a while, and it is identical to theirs except when I voted D in the cross over effort to replace McKinney. I voted R even when I ran as a D. All public record. Also there, is the reason that I ran as a D in 2008 to begin with, which began with a closed Republican Party office. I am sure that this response will not make any difference whatsoever to you. It is just that it makes me feel better.

Larry, Thank you for your response. It is a first.

Given, in this day and age---in the USA no less---the audacity of the dilemma imposed, I can certainly understand your having been satisfied with "the explanation of the time."

Let's examine, however, the now urgent dilemma between centuries of evolved legal precept governing "conflict of interest" and the “scurrilous” legislations, recently authored and sponsored by Mike Jacobs which are displacing the precepts, long vindicated by time, safeguarding those who are governed and the Public Trust for the impostion of the self-interest of those who govern and their trust in their revised governance.

First, and despite legal precedent, House Bill 91:

“By: Representatives Jacobs of the 80th, Chambers of the 81st, Millar of the 79th, Wilkinson of the 52nd, Geisinger of the 48th, and others

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

Article 2 of Chapter 10 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to conflicts of interest, is amended by adding a new part to read as follows:...

...If any member of a public authority or an immediate family member of such member has any pecuniary interest in a matter being considered by such public authority, the fact of such pecuniary interest shall be disclosed by such member and recorded on the minutes of such public authority. Such member shall abstain from urging the approval of or voting on any such matter in which the member or his or her immediate family member has a pecuniary interest and shall not be present while such matter is being discussed or voted upon. Such member shall not communicate, either directly or indirectly, with any other member of such public authority concerning such matter at any time while such matter is being discussed or considered by the public authority.”

Sounds wonderful? No?

It is not. Legal precept already includes, but not only, 'pecuniary interest'.

So? Why the legislation except to defeat long standing legal precedent by limiting ‘conflict of interest’ to just 'pecuniary interest'---and, by extention, its proof?

And only when, and if, being found?

No matter how essential to fair and just governance on any level anywhere?

Legal precedent has it rightly that no one can even seek much less accept any position with even the potential for conflict of interest---much less legislate to its defeat---while the public, whose Public Trust it is, is not even burdened with having to prove anything, including mere potential, when the mere perception for the potential is self-evident.

Moreover, the Bill institutionalizes the mentality that “If there is no codified rule against it, it is allowed.” Not only “conflict of interest” not found and proved to be ‘pecuniary’ but also “the Commercial Code of the the State of Georgia does not disallow foreign governments from being incorporated in the US by the State of Georgia, therefore it is allowed.” And even “the elections code of the State of Georiga does not disallow officials and employees of a foreign power to be provided and having voter registration forms,therefore it is allowed.”

This legislation, no matter how contrived and approved has no legal force.

It is in fact a most grievous assault on our very Constitution.

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/GAConstitution.pdf

Second, and despite no even mention found of townships, and instead “municipalities,” in the State Constitution of Georgia, and contrary to Jacobs’ claim, that the Constitution of the State of Georgia prohibits townships and to allow townhships would require a state-wide referendum to [not referendumize but] ‘enact’, House Bill 30:

“By: Representative Jacobs of the 80th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local government, so as to provide for preclearance of new townships under Section 5 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; to provide for a short title; to provide for the requirements for the creation and funding of such townships; to provide for township councils for such townships; to provide for powers, duties, and functions of such township councils; to provide for officers, meetings, elections, and... to prohibit certain conflicts of interest..."

By January 22, 2010 of HB671, Mike Jacobs even proclaims: “The bill codifies the process that we already use,” “And it’s a good process. ...It’s a fair process.”

"The people, not the government, possess [the] absolute sovereignty...Hence the great and essential rights of the People are secured...not by laws paramount to prerogative, but by Constitutions paramount to laws."---James Madison

We are confronted with an unprecedented dilemma that, despite the rights and principles common to American governance that has long set us apart from tyrannies, we are led to have to consider, in a very real sense, living under, for example, Mexico's codified rule enforced by Mexico’s procedures or, as it does stand now, American codified rule enforced by Mexico's procedures.

There is legal remedy; and preferably with your help urgently forthcoming.

"Representative Jacobs knew that and it is one of the reasons that he invited me to join BrookhavenYES."---Larry Danese

What did Jacobs say when you asked him what he was doing on, much less inviting anyone to, a "citizens committee"?

Don - Would like to help you with this issue, but I may be just missing your question. During the time I was active on the BrookhavenYES Board, Jacobs had little participation in the actions that we took as a Board. Jacobs was not on the committee (Board), but did attend some of the meetings and then only for short periods. I was invited to participate because I had some experience that might be helpful to the group, and because I had not been involved in the C4ND group, whose members formed the nucleus of BrookhavenYES. That invitation does not strike me as unreasonable.
As the Secretary of BrookhavenYES, I recorded the attendance, events and votes of the meetings. Jacobs was never recorded as a member of BrookhavenYES during the time that I was Secretary. Can't really add to that.

Larry, i had asked, what did Jacobs say when you asked him what he was doing on, much less inviting anyone to, a "citizens committee"?

And you responded:

"Don - Would like to help you with this issue, but I may be just missing your question."---Larry

The issue is why anyone would allow him or herself to participate in a perceptible invention (or co-option) by a State Representative of a "citizens committee" (C4DK) despite the obvious conflict of interest of a State Representative, charged with representing his constituents, representing the special interest group---no matter how, later, C4DK morphed to BY to perceptibly obscure that fact.

"Morphed": "...BrookhavenYES Board, Jacobs had little participation in the actions that we took as a Board. Jacobs was not on the committee (Board), but did attend some of the meetings and then only for short..."

'Jacobs was never recorded as a member of BrookhavenYES during the time..."

Matters not. Obviously it is not up to Jacob's to decide when sufficient time has elapsed to restore, or not, good faith after his initial breech of the Public Trust to again serve on any committee regarding citihood or annexation much less breech that trust again by perceptibly keeping his name off-record from essentially the same so-called "citizens committee" no matter relabeled.

Do you know what 'corporatist' governance is?

Mr. Stan, you might want to get out a bit. I too thought the bigot tag was a bit much. Then folks started alerting me to a few things going on at area parks, the Brookhaven Yes movement’s actions, and the actions of Rep. Mike Jacobs. Your observations may be different from mine (as well as some of your neighbors), but then you have to decide who the elitist is . . .

Please pass the yellow mustard!

I just love that Mike Jacobs invited people to be on the Brookhaven Yes board. Very telling about what Mikes personal agenda was from day one. I wonder if he sent out a postcard soliciting their involvement as he did soliciting his constituency for their business for his law firm to have him - for a nominal charge - contest their property taxes. And ironically, he is part of the initiative that is surely shooting him in the foot to allow foreclosures and short sales to be viable comps in valuing real estate. Truly a confused fella. He wants a city to ensure his home is not annexed elsewhere - only after Dunwoody declined - and then he works on legislation to devalue property and then he struggles to find tax revenue to support his fantasyland. Interesting strategy. Stan, you go right ahead and say what you want, but I just can't wait until Gabe Sterling and John Garst (J Max's campaign advisors) start their mudslinging and the truth starts to come out on what really went on behind scenes. The Truth has a way of bubbling to the surface. Let's hope it does sooner than later. The people of Brookhaven deserve that if nothing else. One last point, on the bigot comment by Hamburger and refuted by Stan. Where are the females and the people of diverse ethnicity on the commission? Answer that one before you can speak of bigotry.

"I just love that Mike Jacobs invited people to be on the Brookhaven Yes board. Very telling about what Mikes personal agenda...."--- Grieg Ericsson

Not his agenda rather than his assignment.

"He wants a city to ensure his home is not annexed..."

Far more to it than that.

"...only after Dunwoody declined..."

There will be more annexations.

"...and then he works on legislation to devalue property and then he struggles to find tax revenue to support his fantasyland."

Truly, it is not "his." He's just the gofer.

"Interesting strategy. Stan, you go right ahead and say what you want, but I just can't wait until Gabe Sterling and John Garst (J Max's campaign advisors) start their mudslinging..."

Mostly at strawmen who are disciplined enough to take it for the greater good---to fatigue the electorate with the mud before it becomes their turn and; of course, any member of the political clique who may stray from the fold.

"...and the truth starts to come out..."

It has been coming out. See the mud I still have to wipe off myself.?

"...on what really went on behind scenes..."

Not from any of the clique's members. The clique has the means to disallow its members from telling what goes on behind the scenes. And the members know it.

'The Truth has a way of bubbling to the surface. Let's hope...sooner than later."

It's been sooner than later.

Welcome to 'corporatist' governance.

And of which of your neighbors you left out of the cityhood process is that you speak of?

Maven,

Now there's an idea.
Start by FOLLOWING THE LAW on stream buffers, enlarge the buffers to reflect the reality of protecting the obvious water resource and move to discourage development in the drainage adjacent to the buffers.
Voila, a progressive park idea.
Just don't count on any motion toward realization of such an idea.

The Maven – My apologies for taking so long to get back to this, but I did want to say something about the North Fork and other streams and creeks. Typically properties that abut streams and creeks – where the waterway is property boundary – have a lot line that is marked by the center line of the waterway. The lot owners own the property extending into the stream. For lakes, the property typically extends to a historical water line, but can extend to the center of the lake. State law and local ordinance establish a buffer, where the water feature is classified as a water of the state – that includes almost all water features. The buffer acts to limit some uses of the property included in the buffer, but it grants no right of entry, access or use by anyone –even for cleanup - other than the property owner and their guests.
Should the owner want to improve, or develop, the property included in the buffer, then the amount of land disturbance may be limited by law or ordinance and a permit is usually required. The permit establishes a right of access, inspection and enforcement by the permit issuing authorities. Sometimes an easement or right of way exists to allow access by some designated party. It is not uncommon for sewer lines to follow stream channels. Those charged with maintaining those lines have a right of access along that line established by the easement, but frequently must get temporary easements to get to the line for maintenance. (Continued)

The Maven (continued)

My point is only that, because of property ownership rights, it can be extremely difficult to get approval to do even those things that clearly should be done – clearing of channels closed by fallen trees, tires, vending machines or lawn mowers, stabilization of stream banks to reduce erosion and downstream sediment, removal of privet and the like.
The reason I put “acquisitions funding” in my original response, was that such funding would be needed to acquire a parcel, abutting the stream (or otherwise) that could be used for public purposes. I think that would be a great public asset. We should look for one. It is something to talk to the District 4 candidates about.

"Our challenge is in striking an acceptable balance." I agree, and though a 3/3 set up perhaps would make that easier it also increases the likelihood that it would be an acceptable balance in the eyes of the District 1 mindset.

And while it takes less money to win a 50,000 (at large) district than a DeKalb Commission district - the 12,500 size districts really makes grass roots candidacy possible.

To Mr. Danese at 10:54p --

I understood / understand your point, and I much appreciate it. Allocation of scarce resources has been a puzzlement throughout history. It causes me to wonder just how long it will be before District 1 citizens start to whine about "their" tax revenues (from the CID) being siphoned off to fund improvements in or provide services to the other three districts --- particularly in 2 and 3, since they are so residential-heavy.

Sounds like the stage is set for the second act of the same play that prompted people to want to keep their tax dollars in their own back yard to begin with. Your use of the word "demands" is hardly too strong. There are some powerful and greedy people in District 1 who will bring intense pressure on whomever is elected mayor in any number of ways.

Perhaps it will help your campaign if you can use your engineering and business skills to come up with a way to fairly apportion tax revenues (via services) to ALL of the citizens of Brookhaven. Please post such a plan on the Patch and your web site once you have it all worked out. Thank you.

-- The Maven

BM, according to the DeKalb commissioner the appraised property tax value of Lenox Park is slightly higher than the Perimeter CID portion in Brookhaven. Though the Perimeter CID may grow faster and it may generate higher levels of other taxes.

Though your point is a good one I just say that because my sense is some people fail to recognize that revenues are coming from several areas. For example District 4 with the Doubletree, Hampton Inn, Red Roof, MicroTel (?) and Holiday Inn Select on Clairmont have the most hotels and probably most commercial space (corporate square, Buford Highway retail, and several other office buildings.)

Maven - Thank you for the vote of confidence. I may need to read the Bible verses about Solomon again.
A concept on some or all of the issues is helpful because it puts things in personal perspective. However, we need the elected officials to participate in the planning/allocation process and to create it. Without that participation there is no "buy in," and there is resentment. I don't mean to dwell on the potential for the negative. I just suspect that a little "How to win friends and influence people" will go a long way. It is an inclusionary process benefiting from everyones' involvement, anything else fails.

Mr. BM, regarding your question about siphoned tax revenue:

“It causes me to wonder just how long it will be before District 1 citizens start to whine about "their" tax revenues (from the CID) being siphoned off to fund improvements in or provide services to the other three districts --- particularly in 2 and 3, since they are so residential-heavy.”

Thinking further, just wait until they realize that their understaffed new police department tends to patrol and be ever responding to crime in district #4. And, they are going to love it when time and tax money are spent on redevelopment projects in this same area.

Could you please slice those onions a little thinner?

Phil - The filing fee for Mayor was paid by me using my personal check written from my personal funds.
I was given a check that would have covered the filing fee at the time the fee was due, but it was returned to the donor and not used. It was offered as an expression of that persons desire to see another person in the Mayoral race. Further, there was no legal way to accept the check as there was no campaign account that could capture the record of the donation. Anyway, personal check from personal funds.

The model I refer to, has the city initiate delivery of five services: police, parks, roads, code, and planning. With all services but the police being delivered through public-private partnerships. The city would have few direct employees other than police. This is the model we envisioned when going to the polls.

There is nothing wrong with our current police service from the county. The information presented by "YES" was either misinformation or they were just misinformed. All it takes is 5 minutes of talking to the administration or officers with the correct questions; training, planning, equipment, etc . Don't downgradour police service. Go with Zoning/Planning/Permits/Code Enforcement/Parks/Muni Ct. ...The new city could look like the Rep's original township initiative. Be innovative instead of replicating what we already exist.

Bill,
Wait until the CCDR's are available.
Who knew 'Citizens United' would have an effect on municipal start-up election and that 'corporations are people' would enable the purchase of a new government.

My darling Mr. Lowe:

I welcome you to Brookhaven. I was not aware of you in the Brookhaven society. Either you must be new to us or perhaps you lived in a non-Brookhaven area?

If you need any special introductions I would gladly raise my hand to assist you. And please let me know if you'd like an invitation to one of my many lovely soirées. I invite a very diverse group of individuals and am certain you will find others of your ilk at them.

Fond regards,
Ms Millendorf

Mr. William, see Mr. Larry’s answer above.

Special hamburger?

William - I am neither conflicted nor stressed about your issue. I have been involved with the county and its government for many years. I understand that Brookhaven is, and will remain for the foreseeable future, part of DeKalb County. Know those in the county government is not a negative. Knowing our county elected, appointed and employed persons, and meeting with them, is a way by which residents can affect change. I don’t have a problem with the fact that I did that. I don’t have a problem with serving as the District 6 Planning Commissioner, looking out for the interests of half of our citizens. I understand that I did not have the permission of the Republican Party, or you, to run against Elaine Boyer. In so many words, I was told so repeatedly in the GOP Saturday morning meetings. I know that one candidate for Mayor is likely to obtain the endorsement of our elected Republican officials. You will likely get a robo call saying that our Commissioner will be able to work with a certain candidate, but that is how the system works. You may not know this, but the city offices are nonpartisan, as they, and our county offices, should be. It is just the facts, and nothing to get upset about.
I have no problem with you not “liking” me. Some people don’t, so don’t feel special. Remember that you are in control of your part of the equation. Just don’t vote for me. You can even tell your friends why. Just have a reason.

Mr. Baxter,
Please turn off the Rush Limbaugh program and take a deep breath. You are way too angry. You should understand that the divide created in our community was created by a very small group of the North Dekalb Good Ol Boy Faction. Please don't vote for me either. I am a candidate that wants the fewest votes possible as I am a minimalist and have decided to create my own county in my back yard if I am not elected to City Council. Remember to write in on November 7th, John Q Public for Council District 7. This city is like a cornfield. Every ear needs a good shucking.

Maven – Thank you for the questions. I would like to say that I am that way all the time, but that would likely start a whole new discussion. I came to Atlanta, taking a job moving highly radioactive materials for nuclear utilities and the DoE. That kind of transport was not welcome most places, but it had to be done. I was able to work with local (city and county) and state authorities to allow the shipments to occur – several hundred of them. It taught me to listen for what really mattered – usually safety, radiation and accident response – and address that to get approval to transport. It was about negotiation, convincing and accommodating within a budget of about $100,000 for each shipment. I came to Atlanta from Miami, having been an acting projects manager for punch list work (called backfit), for the St. Lucie Unit 1 nuclear station. The budget for which I had accountability was about $500 million annually, shared over various departments, and with contractors and vendors, who did most of the actual work. I did have help in managing that budget. I left there as the plant came on line.
I believe that we are going to have the advantage of council members, whether I am among them or not, that will strive to make the city the best it can be, making this somewhat easier. One thing we can’t do is make it political. It’s really just work that we have to do in the professional, timely, open and objective fashion that serves our residents and businesses.

"Was at Pub 71 and Jacobs and crew were there. He really is a little fella! thanks for the invite Mikey!"---Grieg Ericsson

"Pub 71." Do yourself a favor and don't accept and attend any such invite again.

At least not without plenty of persons you already know you can trust to be potential witnesses.

HamBurger - Unfortunately, both the short and long answers are "no." I only have experience with downspout cisterns, some have been substantial installations, but only because they are below large roofs. These are gravity feeds from the bottom of the drum. Gravity feeds are easy and avoid the range of issues associated with pump systems. I have used this page as a handout for discussion, but it does not size anything:
http://tfssolar.com/residential/rain-water/how-it-works-2/parts-of-an-underground-cistern-for-automated-irrigation/
There are some excellent pointers for larger installations. Diverting the first flush (first water) from the roof is important to the future health of the plants being watered, and lowers maintenance costs. Most local merchants are (currently) rain barrel vendors, so this is an internet search - but the individual components are out there. There are also some utubes available. Cistern systems are not used much in the urban areas that I worked in, but there has been an increase in small system use with increased water costs. Wish I could just email you a great design.

Mr. Danese, appreciated.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

"...glowing reviews he gets from...don g...."---Charade buster

How utterly dishonest of you.

"Just a bunch of partisan hacks..."

I am apolitical. I neither have an entourage or belong to any.

I am a true believer in no one and nothing political.

Meanwhile, haven't you and "Say What" the ability to not appropriate what others state? Parrot someone else.

Mr. William, accept it or not, but Mr. Danese explains his recent political history above. Regardless, I tend to think of Mr. Danese as an involved citizen in his community.

However, if you want to talk about party switching for political expediency, maybe we should look at Rep. Mike Jacobs and Gov. Deal?

You want to contemplate that over a special hamburger?

Mr. Baxter - The only reason I read these blogs is so that I can keep up with your brilliantly insightful opinions and comments.

A few days ago Larry Danese responded to you saying:
"I have no problem with you not “liking” me. Some people don’t, so don’t feel special. Remember that you are in control of your part of the equation. Just don’t vote for me. You can even tell your friends why. Just have a reason."

Is it safe to assume that, even though it took you several days, you do now have a reason? It is still not clear though if you are voting for him or not.

@Say What?,
You said is man.

To find out which side of the city vote Mr.Danese was really on just notice the glowing reviews he gets from Hamburger, Grieg the socialist, Eddie E., don g., enuff gov., e pluribus, and the so -called maven. He is, and always will, be a Dekalb bureaucratic insider who would bring bad habits into our city. This is why the clown car of negative nellies love him. They will respond with "we respect his honesty" "he really is just an involved citizen". Just a bunch of partisan hacks still mad about the election and supporting folks who they know will undermine the results of that election . Nothing more .

Ms. Charade, actually, I am voting for J. Max. He has the expertise to give us the entire city we deserve. I am just pointing out the obvious with regard to Mr. Danese.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

@Charade Buster (J Max Davis),
Go have 8 gallons of ice cream and hush. We already know you post as aliases but we always know it's you. ;) Ole Buddy!

"Ms. Charade, actually, I am voting for J. Max.'---Hamburger

Good. That's about twelve who I can count on who will not be voting for me.

Only 47,888 to go.

Still waiting for the rest of the clown car to respond.......

King Jacob is definitely questionable and you forgot Sonny Perdue also.....
Danese has very close with Burrell Ellis and his tribe...... and dont forget he worked with Kathy Gannon who has no love for us in BH
You sure eat alot of Hamburgers and Mustard

HamBurger - I am curious about the expertise you see in Davis. I was not that impressed with the 55-45 margin in the vote and in attending many of the YES meetings it appeared to me that others were carrying the "sales" burden. I do appreciate his enthusiasm for the city and I share that, but would appreciate your thoughts.

I am voting for Danese, mostly on the basis of a single event at Silver Lake when some homes down stream from the dam where flooded and the dam was damaged, while he was President of the Association. Early the next day he was at the dam with the Georgia safe dams inspectors and had a contractor inspect the dam for repair. He found the reason for the flood event, sued Lowe's, argued the case in a 2-hour arbitration hearing, and came back with $100K check. He managed the repair of the dam and had it reinspected. Further, he established liability with Lowe's, helping the downstream homeowners, in their damage. It is true that someone else might have done it, but he was there, and just did it - with no cost to Silver Lake. I was involved with this at the time, and came away impressed.

@SayWhat?,
As a resident of Silver Lake, I can tell you that I cannot say enough good about the work of Larry on the issue you described. He is truly a really good guy. I wish he were running against Mike Jacobs. I do agree that during the cityhood campaign, J Max did have the sales hat on. Unfortunately, I think he believes that his campaign was delivering a Yes message, but in all actuality it was a No message. My meaning here is that the city was a by-product of voting No to Dekalb County, thus the result of doing so meant some municipality would have to be formed, so therefor a city was the by-product. I think there are certainly those who voted Yes to an ideal that that was promised to them would be 100% doable as framed out but we know that isn't possible. The No side of the equation did not have to "sell" anything to the voters - only try to present factual information that supported their claims that the framework as presented was flawed at best and that voters should fully consider what they were buying into - quite literally. Personally, and I think the majority of the citizens of Brookhaven have now come to realize - that in the heat of the moment there were alot of promises made by J Max Davis that he full well knew them and knows now he cannot deliver as stated. So in a nutshell, it's not only can J Max deliver on his promises, but whether or not he can be trusted. This "Silver Headed" Silver Lake resident says ABSOLUTELY NOT. He is in it for himself..100%.

"Still waiting for the rest of the clown car to respond......."---Charade maker

You'll have to wait until they are finished bellying up to Pub 71's bar.

BTW, they have more than one "clown car."

Mr. Say What, now you have done it. You have interjected common sense into the voting equation. Sometimes you just have to look at the individual running for office and examine their track record, particularly in small town non-partisan elections. Your example with Mr. Danese classically points this out. This is true of folks that may not have a lot of political experience but have been successful in other areas, look at their transferable skills.

I find J. Max to be a manipulative elitist that wants to distance himself from certain population groups. I have listened to him and have observed him manipulating information to the benefit of his agenda. Quite frankly, I have been amazed with the hatred directed at DeKalb County from city proponents, yet few if any of these individuals have made any effort towards changing our county government. And, let’s not forget the school system.

To a lesser degree I feel the same way about Rebecca Chase Williams. You can read my comments about her here: http://tinyurl.com/9cmnh9t

So, I am going to be voting for J., Max Davis and Rebecca Chase Williams. These two candidates are representative of the heart and soul of C$ND and Brookhaven Yes and that slim margin of voters that want a new city. And, they have no clue what they are doing. I am voting to give this new city the leadership it deserves.

Man! May I have another special hamburger?

HamBurger - Thanks. I think.

Hello Mr "A",
My name is Grieg...not Greg. You have no authority to tell anyone to stop anything.

@Hamburger - remember these folks such as Mr "A" do not care if they speak in double standards. If they will it, it is so in their minds. No matter if it is a lie or not.

Ms. A Resident, so much for non-partisan city elections, right?

Jacobs and Deal are state officials that clearly want to be in office for the perks it offers. As far as Jacobs goes, he certainly has been busy creating his city hasn’t he?

I wonder . . . Did our Founding Fathers really mean for the ignorant to vote?

Please pass the yellow mustard!

In that case, they'd have wanted you to vote twice.

Dearest Mr "A",
It is not appropriate to insinuate that J Max Davis feeds from a trough and that he just wants to be elected to something....anything. What role will you play in the new city? Brookhaven Clairvoyant?
I love you ole buddy. XOXO ;)

Ms. A Resident,

“There are some folks who just want to 'feed at the public trough'.”

Reminds me of a flip-flopping pair of politicians I know . . . A Governor and a House Representative . . .

Please pass they yellow mustard!

"...but I questions the ethics of losing a race for commissioner one day and qualifying to run for mayor the next...." A Resident

I take that back. The founding fathers would have wanted you to vote ten times.

There is absolutely nothing unethical about entering a race for a public office after losing another.

All your statement makes clear is that you have such absolutely no idea of what thee ethics are that you couldn't possibly have any yourself

You're just a charade maker---and a very lame one at that.

'There are some folks who just want to feed at the public trough." ---A Resident

And just who created the trough to begin with?

Mr. Phil, just curious, what factual basis do you have for your comments? What purpose is served by making statements like this?

Do you think your behavior of repeatedly making unsubstantiated allegations is out of line? If they are, I specifically want them left in place, so when the time comes, folks can see you for just who you are.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Phil,
You need a Costco Hotdog and a Churl. I see you up there all of time wearing your tight white shorts schmoozing with the sample ladies. However, those shorts will only get you so far, especially after labor day.

Hamburger that is my word for Danese flip flopper

Pass the common sense or are you the Danese Avatar?

Oooooo. William. That's really hurtful. Your post may get deleted. Good thing you didn't say the "I" word.

Mr. Phil, has been a frequent poster up until the time the city vote passed. Also, he has denied he is running for office. However, the folks in Drew Valley know otherwise.

You have proven with your manipulations of my answers to past questions that you are not a man of your word.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Mr. William, see my comments above in response to Mr. Say What about just who I am voting for.

Man! Those special hamburgers with thin sliced onions, pickles, and yellow mustard are out of this world!

Mr. William, just a thought that I cannot stress enough. Conservatives do not vote for more government on themselves, they repair the government that they have. This cityhood issue shows you the bastardization of the political system in Georgia.

Please pass the yellow mustard!

I'm running for office too. I have a online store where we are having a special sale on a book/DVD set about how to make your own "Brain Protector". This is useful to prevent aliens from reading your mind.

It's a great deal for people like Phil that actually think that aliens are not already here and living among us....let alone believe that such a device would actually protect a brain from aliens. It is fun for the whole family and an educational tool as well.

Don Gabacho, these would be aliens from another planet/galaxy/multiverse/dimension, not illegal aliens that may also need brain protection that are on sale. Pesos are an acceptable form of payment!

Note: Aliens living among us can assemble but not wear the brain protector. Being an Alien and wearing the helmet may inadvertantly cause you to explode.

Now come on Phil. Let's be truthful dear heart. You know you have those white Sergio Valente's from 1987. You look good in them. Don't be shy honey. Ill tell you my real name soon enough. Just waiting on my huge war-chest to be freed up by my fathers trust. I am going to blow these wannabe's right out of the water. I am going to have about 3 mailers a week and have a daily 8am robo call and 2 on Sunday evenings. Ill probably have 9 meet and greets at Silver Lake and 8 or so on your street. Word up Phil the Rill Dill, its on!

Thanks Bill. I think the tight white Sergio Valente shorts are a dead giveaway. They provide better access for probing.

Oh my goodness darlings,

Someone has a very defined fixation on tight white shorts and how good another looks in them. Such talk should be kept to the spring & summer months. I do realize though that an addiction to such things is difficult to break.

And might I suggest that coming out day is 365 days/year. I would welcome you at any of my lovely soirées.

Affectionately,
Ms. Millendorf

@Charade (fitting handle I might add),
I have seen where Gerg has suggested that your real identity is J Max Davis. This post by you almost confirms that for me.

"You would need to delete your past posts before you can..."---Charade make

Actually your main man does that.

Thank heavens for Google keeping a searchable cache.

Mr. Kestrel, acknowledged. Not the first, not the last . . .

Please pass the yellow mustard!

Charade - Since I am ok with whatever posts I made at the time and in their context, I don't go back and read them.
One of the problems that you may be having, and many persons do, is appreciating that someone can be in favor of the city, while being distrustful of its charter.
The charter specifies how city governance is to be implemented.. How the city is to be governed has little to do with our (or at least 55% of us) desire to: improve our services at the same, or lower, cost; keep staff size appropriate to the need; or to avoid the creation of legacy benefit obligations.
We need to be mindful that because our governing body is small, there is an opportunity for an even smaller group to control decisions. I am not saying that will happen, I am just saying that we will want to remain vigilant as we get past the elections and into decision making.
And, darn, I sure thought I attended those meetings.

Eric,
J Max cannot be trusted and should you decide to put your trust in him, you will indeed be disappointed. Eric, I know you and we have talked many times. I'll give you a call later and we can discuss. I've heard some things about J Max you really need to know...and they are from sources that I know you know are reliable sources of information.

My dear Mr. Darnell:

Everybody knows that you don't apply the TOS fairly! Countless examples exist to suggest otherwise. I would list them; however, to do so would require me to violate the Patch TOS. As a refined lady & socialite this is something I cannot do.

Fond regards,
Ms. Millendorf