Center of All Things

Mike,

Superstars take a fast track. And he's well prepared for the ride. I wouldn't underestimate Mr. Bradley's willingness to continue his campaign even without an opponent and "define" for voters what his Chairmanship will entail. I bet he's more than willing to share his positions on any number of issues he thinks are pressing against Clay's socio-economic, environmental, political - you name it - well being.

The best thing to do, is call and ask him. His numbers are listed on the County website.

Karen Lake

Mr Bradley's meteoric rise sure is interesting, especially since it looks like the man will be our first chairman with out ever firing a political shot.  I went to the supervisors web site and the donation list was impressive. Big money, big names.  NO wonder his opponent bailed.  Word on the street says that this is just a stepping stone for Mr. Bradley, he is the chosen one for Rep. Carroll's seat when she is term limited in 2012? 

Wonder who is doin' the choosin'?????? Certainly not the average Joe or Jane.

Rob Bradley, who is an Attorney was obviously oblivious to Civil Court Precedents regarding Covenants & Restrictions in Deed Restricted Communities, and the liability placed on any Goverment Entity where there is an "awareness"

In spite of the"front"that was quickly thrown together during a 10 minute recess at the BCC meeting regarding the request for a Land Use Change Study for the Ravines. Rob is no rocket scientist, or he would have already known.  I asked the questions, as an Attorney he could have researched, instead he relied upon the County Attorney to speak for him which didn't turn out well.

I sincerely hope that he is judged based upon the merits of his integrity, his knowledge and his priorities for Clay County.  If that happens the County will be well served.

There is no fast track where competence and integrity are concerned.  You either have it, or you don't.

I think the reason I like to read your blogs is you are such an optimist! Maybe he will be judged on his merits, but Mr. Bradley may also be judged by the company he keeps or maybe judged by the company that keeps him in public office.

I think alot gets lost in translation when I write it down.   Try viewing what I say from a "realistic" not "optomistic" lense. 

I think who you keep company with and who keeps company with you can often help to determine whether competence and/or integrity exist.

My only real optimism is that if the citizens of the county get involved we can turn the tide and take the helm from those who serve their own interests, not the interests of the county.

I got a letter from a friend last night who had some business in the Admin Bldg yesterday and was told the hallways were ringing with Rob Bradley screaming at someone.....for an extended length of time.  Wonder what that was all about

I am not sure if I like realistic translation--but I will give it a try. I am afraid the reality of the "choices" for the upcoming local elections have already been decided.

I also heard about the screaming from a clerk who works in the admin. building, they said that it was over a mullet wrapper's article on courthouse spending. It must have been a doozy for it to be all over town already.

Marsha, Bradley's telephone tirade was directed at the reporter who wrote a story that included his role in the decision about whether or not judges in the new Clay County Court House will be able to have their tea chilled with industrial strength ice while reclining on their leather sofas and flipping through their HD TV channels.

I kid you not. 

Michael S. Mann

Thanks, Folio, for your continued solid investigative reports in your weekly newspaper. Clay County depends on you for investigative reporting. This week's story summarized by Mike Mann is another example of wasteful government at tax payers expense and arrogance by those mentioned in the story.

Look forward to a future issue with details about the "scream" heard round the county.

Folio needs more rack coverage under the 32068 zipcode.  I'm going after this one. 

awakened Paul Revere. 

Stryker

What you talkn bout Willis?  Who was that directed at?  If it's me please change that to Paula, thanks.

If I hated all things 'Clay County' as bad as Susie Armstrong, I'd move.  Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.

As opposed to Ms. Armstrong, and other constant-critics, I'm proud of the new Courthouse.  And, proud of the fact that it was planned and built with very little fanfare, unlike the $400+ million Duval County Courthouse that can't seem to make it off the drawing board.  Green Cove Springs is the county seat, and in my opinion, it should look like it.  Though a city building, the GCS City Hall is another appropriately designed and constructed government building. 

I suppose we could vacate all of the government buildings in Green Cove, sell them to private businesses, and move all of the offices and meeting rooms, and courtrooms into repossessed trailers.  I understand there's a surplus of trailers over in New Orleans.  Of course, if we did that, we'd have to move the county seat to Clay Hill.

Why doesn't someone who finds so much fault with Rob Bradley run against him?  Oh that's right, he's got too much money on his side.  So rather than actually try to do something constructive - like run for office, and make a difference - they sit behind their keyboards and throw mud & darts.  I will give Mike credit for putting his money where his mouth is and trying to join the BCC team and actually make an impact.  Even in the face of a strong contender.  My advice to those who hate the status quo - be like Mike.

All this talk about the CRC being the center of the universe is sure going to make the next CRC pretty exciting.

I for one, look forward to a BCC that is going to be led by a 4 year chair.  I hope the CTLAC amendment makes it on the ballot, and fails.  I support the 60% amendment. I hope a future CRC or citizen's initiative brings forth an amendment that requires signatures for petitions be collected in all 5 districts of the county.

Ive sat in on a few BCC Meetings.  In my opinion, Bradley is the only one with half a brain.  He is clearly the most qualified for the positon of all current officials.

Steven P Munsey A+, MCP, IASO Orange Park | Green Cove Springs munsey13@comcast.net

Marsh....oh no, it wasn't directed at you ..... perhaps because it followed your blog you got that impression.  Paul Revere awakened the people as he rode through the streets and I simply meant this blog is awakening and opening the eyes of many of the citizens of CC, mine included.   Guess my stab at humor wasn't as 'on the mark' as yours .  The article in the Folio Weekly is most interesting.....as is this blog.  At least the pieces of the puzzle are not scattered all over the place any longer, they are beginning to come together, for me at least.

I enjoy your blogs and admire the way you express yourself.  Wish I had the knack.

 Stryker

According to the Folio, the judges have asked Commissioner Rutledge (chairman of the CFC, Commission's Finance Committee) to approve the the purchase of 28 items totaling $10, 863..  Our county manager has already rejected many of the purchases. He (Rutledge) has agreed to bring the matter before the BCC at it's regular meeting on Tuesday, February 12 2008.  The meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. in the BCC Meeting Room, 4th Floor, Administration Building, 477 Houston Street, GCS.  It's also aired live on Cable TV, channel 29.  I'll watch from home, if I'm able, after having oral surgery that morning... 

Stryker

First off most of you know I really don't get into the local political scene so I usually stay out of it except to occasionally interject my sarcasm, hey - somebody has to.

I couldn't pick Rob Bradley out of a line-up (and hope I never have to) but his credentials are a whole lot better than some of the past commissioners. 

Nothing against insurance agents and school teachers (and past presidents of the Women's Republican Club - oh the shame she has wrought), but maybe, just maybe Mr Bradley's "meteoric" rise is actually due to the fact he is competent and effective. 

I am also just guessing here, but I imagine Mr Bradley could make a whole lot more buckaroos if he dedicated himself 100% to the private sector.  Instead he makes himself available for scrutiny, endless criticisms, and "this is how I would have done it" armchair commissionering.

I don't know, it might be refreshing to have somebody on the BCC, chairman no less, that knows using public supplies on his own property is illegal.  And if he is mixed in there (on the BCC) with other folks, i.e. non-lawyers and/or non-meteoric risers - we just might have an effective BCC.

And one last note regarding the Folio, don't forget its primary purpose - Entertainment. 

CCC, I don't know Mr. Bradley either, just seen him on the TV.  You are still going on about public supplies on private property (weren't the sandbags offered to ALL county residents? hasn't she been found NOT guilty?) Lets keep standards up not just for the past.  I personally think that the courthouse doesn't need an industrial ice maker, leather couches and HDTV. One Mann put it much better.  I hope using my tax dollars wisely can be held to  just as high standards as anything else. The county managers veto was right on.

I don't begrudge the courthouse. I like the way it looks and it could give downtown GCS a real  shot in the arm. I don't want county workers in FEMA trailers. But a nice recycling suggestion Bax. 

It makes you wonder why an attorney who is running a fabulously well financed campaign can't take the heat of public scrutiny (for going to bat for the judges which include a relative)  without pitching a screaming tirade? It should not matter where the criticism comes from, even a mullet wrapper.  Politics ain't for sissies, especially in Clay county.   The adage, if you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch.

Why does Susan Armstrong have to hate Clay County just because she's an investigative reporter?  I hear everyone fuss and complain about there being "no real news" in the paper and now there is fussing because someone is writing about something the rest of us don't know about and there is complaining with that as well.

Courthouse is already here, I think that is a dead issue.  Haven't seen it up close and personal yet but it looks nice from a distance.  Now whether or not we needed a new one, I didn't notice the old one falling down or in bad shape the last time I was there, but again it's already there.  The time to fuss about that has long since passed.

Isn't the point in having a County Mgr made a little moot if the BCC can whiz right over him or on him as the case may be?  Sounds to me like the man was just doing his job....correctly in this situation.  You go Mr Behring!

I think the Judges make enough money if they want some luxury items in their offices they can afford to buy them with their own money.  There are people in the county who are worried about food on their table and keeping their lights on.  These luxuries don't serve the people who pay the taxes for such things.  Also considering revenues will be going down I think that's 10K that could be better used somewhere else.  Did they not have furniture in their old offices? 

Baxley are you suggesting if we don't run for or hold Public Office then we have no right to a voice on where our taxes go, or an opinion about anything in Goverment?   

If it's all on the up and up and it's ok for Nephew Bradley to do a favor for Uncle Wilkes then what's all the screaming about? 

Sounds to me like there was a light put on something that shouldn't have been going on, and that is why there was screaming.  Being qualified for the job doesn't mean a qualifed job is being done. 

Susan Armstrong's spotlight always shines on  the correct target. That's why she catches a lot of flack. 

Smunsey;

I don't know whether to laugh or cry about your endorsement of Bradley. I guess it all depends on how much of it you read:

 Bradley is the only one with half a brain.  He is clearly the most qualified for the positon of all current officials.

He is the most qualified with only half a brain but even though you have less than half a brain you may still be qualified!    

But if you have more than half a brain you are probably too smart to be qualified.

Hmmm.

Probably not the way you meant it, but I'm pretty sure that there are more than a few that would agree that he may be the only one with half a brain.

MikeH

Mike,

How very clever of you!  So does that mean we can call some half brains and the others fractional brains?

Why thank you Marsha! Clever may be the nicest thing I've been called in a while. It's usually more on the line of the two you mentioned.   

MikeH

Marsha - after reading what I had written about complaining & running for public office, I agree with your assessment.  Ooops.  Didn't come out quite right.

Of course we all can, and should, speak up and speak out loudly about things we are concerned about.  And of course, not everyone should, or is going to, run for office.  My own frustrations got caught up in trying to be sarcastic.  I should know better.  It seldom works.

How about this:  I like Rob Bradley personally, and think he will make an outstanding Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.  He is obviously an intelligent and hard working man who has some goals in life.  Hurray for him.  I think Susie Armstrong, as is her right, points her sharp "pen" at things she doesn't like.  This time, she hit a friend of mine with a lot of bias and unsubstantiated accusations.  My own little way to hit back is this blog.

I believe Rob, and do not believe Ms. Armstrong.  She can spin a novel out of a single scrap of gossip.  That doesn't make her right.  Just a writer for Folio.  I doubt this will be the last time Rob stubs his toe.  It's called life.  We're all human, and from time to time, let our slip show.  I'll give him a pass on this one.

Next time I'll follow my own advice - give it 24 hours, then comment.

PS - thanks for holding ALL of our feet to the fire.  Someone else called you our Den Mother.  As an old Boy Scout, and that's a pretty good compliment.

Bill.

Bax, The Den Mothers I knew as a kid were nice ladies.  And they could keep a rowdy bunch of boys under control too!

One of the things I like about you Baxley is when you stub your own toe you don't have a problem admitting it.  I try to be the same way, mostly I just try to be very careful to not do anything to have to say "oops" to begin with and it's tough to walk that fine line when it's an issue or person you feel passionately about. 

I've learned so much about what is truly fair being here.  I've learned that I'm not in my living room, I am not having a private chat among friends where I can really speak my mind with no holes barred.  I've learned it is often difficult to keep my eye focused on the issue and not let it become personal.

I don't know Rob Bradley, wouldn't recognize him if I met him on the street, nor would I any of the Commissioners.  Well except for George Bush, he has a twinkle in his eye that makes me believe I would remember him if I came face to face.  I don't have a notebook somewhere with notes written down on what they have done, other then the garbage issue is clearly defined in my mind.  I can tell you that Rob Bradley was the only Commissioner that responded to me at all over the email I sent about the Ravines.  He was professional and courteous.  All of the Commissioners were professional, courteous, and even gracious when I stood before them to speak.  I have no personal issues with any of them.  

What do you say to all the people who know Susan Armstrong who believe she is an advocate for the citizens who shines a light on things we wouldn't know otherwise.  What about her friends, who know her personally.  Were you as fair to her as you wish she was to your friend?  The article says there was documentation, sources, do you honestly think she just pulled all this out of her backside because she woke up and decided to pick on Rob Bradley, along with Rutledge, along with believing too much money was spent on the courthouse.  I would like to use a couple of situations that are personal to me and maybe you will understand what I am driving at.

When I first came to the site I liked to join in with the "Thrasher Bashing", until the day I realized that I have a neighbor up the road that I have respect for.  I may not agree or like everything he does, but he's a good man and he considers John Thrasher to be a friend.  Now the only thing I will say here about the man is that I don't like his Politics, I may address some of his actions and criticize them but I won't speak about his value or worth as a human being because I respect my neighbor up the road. 

I got a not so nice email from the female side of the ownership of Jacksonville Golf a couple of weeks ago. In amongst some other things the woman asked me to please not use her familys name in the blogs anymore.  I gave her a not so nice response, but you know what I have no problem respecting her request.  I can say what I feel about the whole Ravines issue and leave their name out of it. 

So, while we defend our friends, we need to keep in mind that our foes have their friends as well, and their families and we must endeavor to debate or criticize the action, not the person. 

The story in Folio, I don't know what the law allows regarding those things, but I don't think family connections should play a part in Goverments business, and I don't believe with the salaries they make that the Judges have any right to ask the taxpayers to foot the bill for HDTV and Leather Couches when you consider how hand to mouth some of the taxpayers live.  I hear Marie Antionette screaming "Let them eat cake" which may or may not be historically accurate.  I don't believe in such a scenario that the BCC should be overiding the County Mgrs decision or try to talk him into it.   I believe alot of things but to get back on point next paragraph. 

Sticking up for your friends is admirable.  Rather then trash Susan Armstrong your friend would have been better served by extoling his virtues, not her faults.   Writers are well versed on what they can and cannot say, what they have to prove and when it's crossing the line.  I saw no direct line of sight at Rob Bradley, he was only one of the players.  Where is the defense for Rutledge if you're challenging the story? Or are you just saying that the Judges trying to cirmcumvent the Country Mgr through a couple of Commissioners is not a big deal to you?  You mentioned bias, is that towards an individual, or goverment in general, what type of bias do you believe she has?

What I'm waiting for is to see which way the vote goes.  I'm hoping they uphold the County Mgr, this is a trivial matter and to not support him is a knife in the back in my opinion.  Most of all I think we need to discuss ideas and solutions here and leave the personal opinions of the person for conversations in the privacy of our own home or dinner table, or your favorite watering hole.   That is what I try to do.

Thanks again for the reasonable dialogue, we don't agree on alot of things but you're always a Gentleman in the end and that is a breath of fresh air.   

I've been hearing good things about the county manager.  He is doing the job he was hired to do, I hope that the BCC does support him.  If they do not it will be a step backward for our charter driven government.

As far as Ms. Armstrong, she takes on people of power and position.  I am NOT a fan of the Folio but the issues and events that she writes about don't even get a mention in any other papers.  If you look at some of her past stories,she has brought things to light that the average Joe or Jane would never know about.  I don't care for her sharp pen but it sure beats the dull crayon reporting we get in other places. She probably has shaped some of our recent elections. In my assement that is no different than special interest contributors trying to shape our elections with money.

You should have put that last line in CAPS.  People trying to manipulate me really tee me off and it's the quickest way to get me to ignore you.

I know Northeast Florida did not vote to approve the property tax amendment. I also know that most people on this blog were against it. I for one voted for it. Why:
1. County employees with take home SUV’s
2. Almost a quarter million dollar clock tower on the new court house when the old one had none and functioned for years without it..
3. A nine million dollar clean up with no new taxes, so where did that money come from?
4. You bloggers complain about the wages of the top two county employees of Animal Control.
5. Now we have a judge that needs HDTV during the day (to watch soaps?), a leather sofa, and an ice maker that sounds like something a restaurant would use.
In this case I believe you are missing the big picture. This judge is trying to sneak in the back door, and use someone  (a relative) to help him, and the best anyone can do is criticize the writer of the Folio. I’m no fan of the Folio, but at least they have some reporters that will print stories.
 

People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their part.

I think the question I heard the most from the school classes I've addressed over the years was if people ever got mad at me.  My answer was always the same:

"Only if I'm doing my job right."

Investigative government journalism is a tough profession for most people to understand.  It certainly doesn't include the requirement to "hate everything" associated with their assignment.  Far from that.

Any reporter with that kind of attitude would never be able to build the kind of trust it takes to maintain the kinds of sources it takes to get the job done.

Think about sources for a moment.  A reporter's sources come from within their beat.  A government reporter's sources are most often people inside the government.  They aren't the politicians with axes to grind, just the people who actually see things when they do go wrong, or at least seem questionable.

There are two quick ways a reporter can lose a source.  The first, everyone knows, is to expose the source when anonymity has been guaranteed.  But the second way to lose a source is to be inaccurate in reporting.

Ms. Armstrong couldn't continue over more than a decade to generate stories from within local government if she hated everything and wrote stories that weren't true.

Michael S. Mann