It sounds real high falutin' when some developer or our government says
they are going to "mitigate" the wetlands or streams, etc. In plain
language that means they are going to spend megabucks probably outside of
the county to protect the water of some lucky group while they cover our
water supply with roads, bulldoze the streams and springs out of existence
and oh, oops!, claim that the rain caused all of that mud and silt to wash
into our streams and rivers. We have lost so much of the woods and forests
in Barrow around our creeks and springs that the rain doesn't soak in and
slowly perk to fill our streams and maintain our water supply.

Getting a little dry around these parts? And you keep allowing those
developers and your government to MITIGATE your water?

Don't plan on drinking mitigated water!

Hey folks, my party talked me into running for District 1 commissioner.
HELP! Visit my web-site @ www.mossfor barrow.com. I put a link to your site
on my site. Don't donate money yet (I can't believe that I wrote that) I
don't have PayPal linked to a 501(c)(3) yet. But do please visit my site.
As a Libertarian, I am usually about as welcome as a turd in a punch bowl
in Barrow politics. When I get my accounts straight, then ya'll can start
sending donations!

First instead of talking in vaguary give real solutions.
1) Clean the slate in 2008 - good idea give us a few candiates.
2) Balancing the Budget - make suggestions on where to make necessary cuts
wih cutting services.
3) How do you stop spending and keep services at current level.
4) Proper Zoning - give some idea exactly what you are talking about.
5) Water Solution - what is your suggestion for short term correction
remember it took years to develop Bear Creek.
6) Leave Fire and EMS alone - who messing with Fire and EMS currently
things appear to be running smoothly but maybe you have better information
than the rest of us.
7) Voice of people as conscience of BOC isn't that why they are electd.

8) Allow people freedom of speech apparently your this freedom hasn't been
taken from you because you entered your comments on this blog
9) Don't use legal organ as publicity page and get another legal organ -
that a problem for the paper and unless you can buy it then controlling
what they report is totally in their control and not ours. about the other
legal organ any suggestions on what to do there i'm sure will be accepted.
10) start research and investigate issues brought before the BOC - OK what
issues should be investigated and how will you determine what is in the
county interest and not just the interest of a few.
11) start check and balances on all monies taken into account related to
the county - another good idea how would you do this

"We have not learned to fight for our freedom, we have only learned to
enjoy it." (Source unknown)

With this quote in mind, citizens are standing tall and making a difference
in Barrow County. Our strength is growing daily, and freedom rings in our
ears.

This is our county, our government, and our future, and we are willing to
do what it takes to ensure the quality of life in our community.

Our pledge to one and all: we are willing to fight, and to make sure that
Barrow County will be the best she can be.

"The Price of liberty is eternal vigilance."
Thomas Jefferson. I agree with Boy Scout that we need to remember writings
of our forefathers. Barrow County is ready for a change and change will
not happen without the voters. ALL races, Sheriff, Chairman, District 1, 2
& 3 Commission races, Clerk of Court, District Attorney & Magistrate Judge
will be on the ballot in July and the Democrats in November. Let's not
elect or re-elect any officials with self-serving interests.

Congrats to Danny and the others for being a new voice for the people of
Barrow County.

Now we need to do some more cleaning. The BOE is the largest tax drainer to
the citizen’s pockets and have the worst results for the money.

The last 2 years Barrow County schools have not made AYP. However the
current BOE has gone unchecked and have not needed to be held accountable.
I think that time has come.

We need people on this board that have an investment in our schools i.e...
Children in the schools, not people with private school kids or people who
do not even have children in the school. What are there investments?

Remember Doug who was just beat; the school board has a far worst problem
with supporting the almighty realtor and banker.

There are members who have accepted large campaign money from these people.
You don't think the feel an obligation to do what they are told?

All I ask is to just follow the money trail!!

When your faced with a loved one in danger,then you will be thankful to see
fireman at your door. In our situation the fireman arrived first and took
control. Put our fears at ease. Money is no object when you or your loved
one is at risk. I thank the Firemen for their support and help.

Watching all: The other candidates referred to their notes on flash cards
or a legal pad and Jim didn't have anything to refer to? Sounds like Jim
was the only one there that was not prepared.

DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS IT IS ANNOYING AND PEOPLES DOONT LIK IT SO DOONT DU
IT AND LERN HOW TWO SPILL OR YUZE A SPEEL CHEK OR MAY B ASK SUM WON WAT
THAT NOSE HOW TO SPEEL TIPE IT FOR YU CUZ YU SHER LUK STUPID WEN YOU MISS
PELL EVRY UTHR WIRD ALSO TRY SUM PUNKSWASHIN MARKS WUNS IN A WILE SO YOR
HOLE POST IS NOT WUN LONG CENTANSE AND RELLY SHOWS HOW UNSMART YU IS

THANK YU

One last comment before I move forward and leave this issue behind.
The whole purpose of my original post was 2 fold

1) to advise all that the politcial signs still had reason to be there.
and
2) to remind everyone that they still need to vote in November.

This isn't about rumors or any of that other stuff going on however there
is a way to sneak a person into the election process at the last minute and
with enough support to have them elected.

So one last time everyone needs to beware, be informed by their own
research, and VOTE in November. Remember by not voting you are in your
absent approving who ever is elected.

We have seen that Barrow wants change, and NOw they have it. Now's the
time to get behind the person you support and help them and not hinder
them. Bad mouthing the oppostion just makes the one your supporting look
foolish. You can support someone without mud slinging the competition. Be
mindful of your comments and support of your candidate and Remember get
people out to Vote in November!!!

I've read some concerns on here about why a firetruck goes to medical
calls. Chief Robert J. Post wrote an article I saw in last Sunday's Barrow
Journal. It explains exactly what happens now and why. If you are truly
interested in learning what is going on you should read the article. Here
is a link to where you can read it online...
http://www.barrowjournal.com/archives/712-Barrow-chief-answers-concerns-abo
ut-ambulance-service.html

I've been thinking about all of this news about Freddie and Fannie being
bailed out and the Chinese having the money. So many OF US have spent home
loan money (not just the nothing downs but ALL equity loans) on goods
produced by the Chinese. And we want to spend more.

Barrow County has started its ridiculous, huge jail, barely fended off the
airport expansion and this arts center/convention center stuff keeps coming
up. Who is going to bail us out?

It's like the $20 million Hockey center with on-going land issues in
Wasilla that Mayor Palin sold to her small town and now they are swamped
(snowed under?) with about $3000 debt per capita. That's a problem if you
need schools and sewers. Can we learn from others and avoid the same
stupidity?

Remember that our slate cleaning isn't finished until WE vote in November.

I heard that the current DA is not assisting domestic violence victims with
temporary protection orders anymore. His reason is that his State employees
have to take a day of furlough each month. However, the County funds a TPO
Coordinator so the State furlough should have no effect. It's just
Bridgemans way of getting out of serving the public. Is his sour grapes
over losing the election worth the risk of a DV victim being victimizing
again?

Ok people why did everyone on Thursday go and buy all the gas in Winder so
we would all be out today .This is very ridiculous .Now the gas stations
don't have any gas .Stop doing this on Thursdays .

I totally 100% agree with your post.

disgruntle quit lying you left winged lib step out and admit it your so far
left that Barack is right of you.

I don't know if disgruntled is or isn't a republican, but I do know I am. I
tend to agree with them. I have always voted republican, until this year, I
cannot vote McCain in good consciousness. I believe if I do, it would be a
great mistake. Although I am republican, I'm an AMERICAN first.

If you as your a Republican, which it don't sound like you are one to be
voting for Obama. A true Repulican would never vote for a left wing

How can you state you are a republican. If you consider someone like Barack
Obama and Joe Biden as a better choice John McCain and Sarah Palin
obviously you are uneducated as to what is what. If you want to pay higher
taxes and have more and more freedoms taken from you then obviously you are
a left wing liberal weather you call yourself republican or democrat its
obvious you need to learn the difference between conservative that will
protect my liberty. And a liberal thats wants to give away everything we
have fought for the last 224 years. Wake up or Growth up whichever one you
need to do.

Before you try and talk down to someone you better check your self! A true
Repulican is one who consider American first and would never let our
freedom be in Jeopardy, by voting for Obama! So when you do vote for Him
kiss your freedom good bye. As to the people that control this web site,
you say that you built this web site for the Citizens of Barrow County,
then how can you change or delete our posting. Is this site not for us
Citizens or what ?

deregulation has us in the mess we are in today. who is the king of
deregulation? that's right mccain! you can't see the truth for your
stubbornness. if you enjoy paying $4 a gallon for gas, high food prices,
the highest unemployment rates since the 30's, then vote mccain, you
deserve what you get. don't complain about the downward spiral we are in.
it's time people wake up and get their heads out of the sand.

Why don't you folks go somewhere else to insult each other. Your blogs are
neither informativr nor interesting. Please! Give us a break

It's strange to me that most people know the score of the Georgia Football
Game yesterday but they don't know the score of the county debt. The
department heads are saying amongst themselves, we need to cut but not my
budget. Fire Chief says I'm in the business of saving lives but has given
away pretty close to $800k worth of revenue on ambulance charges to
Procare. Which means that we would not have collected all of that money.
Maybe half but this means we won't collect none of it.

So, here we are, two ambulances short, $800k shortfall to the general fund,
somebody somewhere has got to understand the budget cuts are going to be
deep and hurtful to all of us.

Our present Sheriff's Administration stated over and over at every
political forum that they were coming in under budget. Now, since this
administration lost the election, they are running approximately $600,000
over budget.

Question is, would this have happened if they won the primary?

duz u thunk that a hole pallet of touch screen monitors showed up at that
there Sheriffs Deptmt the othr day is wher the money went? Herd it was
about $50 thousand bucks wurth. Is that there why?

Commissioners, listen up! The people of Barrow County have had enough of
go along, get along, give them what they ask for. Every budget year, you
fold like a cheap pair of pants. Remember, in two years, we have another
election. The people are tired of your go along, get along way of doing
business. Citizens of Barrow County will be watching to see if you hold
the line. When things get tough, the tough get going!

Is anyone listening?

The Chamber of Commerce, Tommy Jennings writes that we are getting so much
for our contribution to the Chamber every year. He is asking us not to cut
the 40 plus thousand dollars that the County contributes to them, out of
their yearly budget. The way the citizens see it, you got an orange
caboose, dirty silk flowers, and a lot of wining and complaining going on.
Budget cuts across the county, state and federal levels are going to be
necessary to get this economy back in line. Instead of wining, do your
part to help your county stay in the black. The cuts have to start
somewhere. You are just as good as the rest of us.

The JDA/WBIBA is run by the Chamber of Commerce - good ole Tommy R.
Jennings. Meeting notices are posted on the window of the Chamber office.
Questions about the JDA can be directed to the Chamber or to the chair,
David Smith.

It seems that Post took it upon himself, without authorization from the
County to discontinue revenue based business. Using time response as a
cover, this is unacceptable. The well trained women and men of 911 have
always been able to contact other nearby counties and pull in back up as
needed. It is very rare for this situation to arise, anyways.

In this time of economic uncertainty, we can not throw a private company
our business while the taxpayers are stretched to their limit. Is Post
getting a kickback or something from the private company? The taxpayers
aren't getting anything out of it except all the bills and no revenue.
This does not make good business sense for someone who is suppose to have
such a great background.

Who does this guy think he is? After a stunt like this, should he be
working for Barrow County? If he's going to cut off a big chunk of
revenue, he shouldn't get any new manpower or equipment requests.

Tuesday night 7 pm commission room ,annex.Come and see your commissioners
in action.
We have to curb the spending now,the commissioners have to hold the line on
the budget.There are several depts out of balance.
It is not always the popular thing, it's the right thing, stand strong and
do the right thing and get our county back in line with what we can afford.
All of these overruns will come out of the reserve fund.Our reserve fund is
dangerlously low.

With the new elected officials on board,they can set the example of a hard
working, know what's going on, take charge commission, like it's supposed
to be.
Too many things have gone under the radar and the noses of the
commissioners, with the attitude "they won't notice".
Well, a lot of us have noticed and are not afraid to do the responsible
thing.
Its not the same old "they are in charge,they can do what they want to
do",the people now have a say in our government.
The people have spoken and will continue to speak.

You see a figure of 800K, do you honestly think the county charges 1K per
transport? Please...the real figure is about 400K if that, but the county
is saving in fuel, manpower and maintenance costs by keeping those
ambulances in the county, is it saving all 400K, no but that leads us to
the next issue. You speak of other counties providing back up, do you
realize how long it takes an ambulance to get from Braselton to Winder? Go
out, drive it and let us know, I promise it is no less than 15 minutes. 15
MINUTES! Do you or your family want to wait that long? You be rest assured
that would be the next big topic on this blog. By sending non-life
threatening patients by ProCare, county EMS is available in the county to
respond to the next emergency that comes in. I assure you Post is the man
for the job, he has improved the service this department provides
three-fold. You will continue to see this department prosper and reach new
highs under his administration, I can assure you of that!

We have to go out of the county to get quality emergency medical care.
Maybe as soon as the new hospital opens in Braselton we will have Quality
care at our doorsteps and will not need to call Pro Care.

Amen i glad someone said that the care here is b.s. why we go out of
county for medical care if we should need help fast

The services provided has nothing to do with the quality of care provided
inside the county, the county does not control that. The BOC and others
need to understand and realize the reasons people go out of the county and
make better preparations, i.e. allowing the hiring of additional personnel
to staff ALL units to the appropriate levels and to also allow staffing
increases so that the other EMS units can be placed back into service. Post
is not the problem, Post is trying to serve all the "masters" to ensure
that adequate and appropriate coverage is provided to all.

County bean counters say it's closer to 800 thousand dollars.You are saying
in your post that it is closer to 400 thousand dollars.If you factor in
that we supply 911 and dispatch for this company. Where does that leave us?

Truth, do you have any info on procare's collection process?
Are they any more efficient than the county?
Are they collecting 400 of the 800 thousand $ or are they billing 400
thousand
We are talking about a lot of money leaving the county.

Since you all apparently know so much...
Could you please post your background in, or knowledge of, any of the
following:
Personnel costs (including workmans comp); Upkeep, insurance, and other
expenditures on emergency vehicles; Training costs; NFPA standards; Any
national response standards; ISO and it's affect on homeowners insurance;
EMS billing and what insurance pays; Indigent care; Fire deparmtent
organization; or collections.
Just curious if any of you have a clue what you are complaining about.

the citizens would like some answers before we write a check for $600,000
to the sheriff's dept.
is it true that one deputy had a $400 bill for one month on her dept issued
cell phone?
How about that palet load of touch screen computer monitors> can you say
$50,000?
Looks like the dept is totally out of control.Who is running the ship?
The commissioners need some answers and Joe can't be found. Where are the
auditors?

Boy is that right, can't wait for Jud to take control.
Maybe he will get the dept on the straight and narrow.

So because the county says 800 thousand you believe them? You scoff at
everything else they preach and proclaim, but you believe them now. That is
hilarious... I do not know the figure, there is no way to place a specific
amount due to there being different billed amounts for each transport
type...The fact that we call them on the radio, when someone is already
manning that radio, I am sure there is no increased costs from 911 talking,
that is what they do. In regard to what ProCare bills and collects, no I do
not know those figures. What I do know is this: ProCare being in the county
relieves the county ambulance from transporting EVERY patient outside the
county, leaving them in the county to handle other emergencies and assist
with fire suppression efforts when necessary. Just the thought of knowing
they will be closer to me and my family is enough to not be concerned with
inflated figures from the know all be all county officials. This equals
better protection for all.

Facts, know it all county officials, taxpayers, give you a job.
Problem, seems like Post and some county officials bypassed proper
chanels.

how do you bypass the proper channels? the boc approves all budgets and
requests for additional money, right?

I am not employed by this county, I have had many questions in the past and
I have followed appropriate channels to obtain the information I wanted to
know. As I mentioned earlier, i just find it awkward that many on this blog
talk so much against the county and it's officials and their dealings, but
someone throws an inflated number out and everyone takes that as gold. I
have been the recipient of many ambulance rides and I can assure you that
not one cost anywhere near 1,000 dollars.

It certainly appears that you believe in what you know but a little bit of
knowledge is a bad thing. You apparently respect and believe your boss.
However, he should have told someone he is doing that.

Note: Every other county can operate while an ambulance or two is out of
the county temporarily. There's no reason why Barrow is any different.
It's even geographically smaller than most of the others.

So you come in and say that all we do is complain. When a loss of revenue
of $ 800K a an overage on a budget is $ 600K adds up to $1.4 million
dollars, I think someone needs to be kicking something. Evidentally, the
one who complains on us complaining doesn't pay any bills. He must still
be living at home with Mom.

That's why those stupid blogs are deleted. It's like fighting with a pig.
All you do is get dirty, and they love it! That person's candidate will not
get in. The nasty blogger took care that.

Why don't we take that money out of Joe's retirement? He'd care then.

To POST about POST, click on the POST at the top of the page.

Please post if you know of any gasoline stations that has gas available.

The Petro Station at Hwy. 53 & Hwy. 8 does have gas but will only allow a 5
gallon maximum. Thank you.

Wal-mart had gas not sure they were about out at 6:00 pm good luck

Well hows the busdrivers doing is it getting any better over there or they
still getting ran over was wondering haven't heard from any of them

There's a point there. I'd like to see the school system put a Para Pro on
each bus to take some of the pressure off the drivers. With bullying on
the rise, it would sure pay off.

You know, Bill Healan has done more for the Citizens of Barrow County in
nine months than any of the rest have done in their whole term (for the
citizens).

Please try and come by and support Bill tomorrow night. He's putting more
into working thru this election than out politic'n.

Well they sure have alot on them for what the county pays them and all the
drivers they deal with so hats off to them job well done keep it up

Well would love for the public to treat them alittle better for they do
carry our kids. And i love my driver and glad their there everyday .Maybe
we take it for granite they will always be there.So thank your driver
sometimes it will make there day

That is what people on this blog have. All you can do is focus on the
almighty word of a politician.
Look at the true figures. Yeah, 800k seems like a lot of money. The true
figure is probably alot less. Even if someone has insurance, the insurance
company still doesn't pay a full amount. So lets look at numbers. Ambulance
100,000 (roughly)X 2. Personnel to staff that ambulance 40,000 x 4
(obtained from career website). So already we are at 360,000. This doesn't
include employee healthcare benefits, maintenance of equipment, buying
equipment for the ambulance, fuel, or any other associated costs. So is the
County really losing 800K?

So, was the EMT's on duty not paid? Of course, they're paid. Just nothing
to offset it. In addition, there was no justification for the action. Did
anyone pass the action through the BOC? Since when does a hired employee
make the determination to not do their job? A good point earlier, the
other counties do it. If it was such a loss in revenue, why didn't the
private company turn it down? If the action was so justified, why didn't
Post advise his actions to the BOC? What if probation stop taking fines
because they are too hard to collect? Maybe someone doesn't know how to do
their job. It doesn't matter now much, it matters that it was not brought
before the proper decision makers. Aren't they responsible for the control
of revenues?