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LAKE is just curious citizens; a small core group and a larger loosely connected group of associates. We are the media, and you can be, too!
See our submissions policy.
According to Justia.com Dockets & Filings, Catherine Leigh Touchton filed a federal civil rights lawsuit 30 May 2007 against John Fretti and the City of Valdosta Georgia Middle District Court, On 17 April 2009:
A dozen similar lawsuits were filed the same day by Karen Camion, Faye Chachere, Jesse Clark, Callie Fielden, Reggie Griffin, Kathryn Harris, Willie Head, Joann Mosley, George Rhynes, Willie Roberson, Floyd Rose, and Mary Sherman. All appear to have had the same result.Court Opinion or Order ORDER directing judgment for defendants on federal law claims. State law claims are dismissed without prejudice. Ordered by Judge Hugh Lawson on 4/17/2009.
Access to related documents is available by registering with PACER. They don’t charge until a user runs up a minimum amount of usage.
-jsq
Continue readingPerhaps this is my last post: It is in regards to Michael Noll’s most recent post. I will attempt to cut and paste the section that I would like to respond.
“What I found most disturbing are actually the following things that happened at last night’s meeting:Michael – I hope that I have always been polite and respectful1) A Mayor in absentia because he is celebrating his birthday and decided not to attend because of a lack of agenda items for the meeting.”
…apparently Yost thinks your criticism of people not staying is something he can use to good effect to nullify the need to publicly address citizen complaints.Well, good luck to him: it doesn’t seem to be working that way.
I think I’m an equal opportunity criticizer.
Remember
I pointed out that the council is not a law enforcement body
and gave a recent example of that.
And I pointed out that the mayor of little old Gretna
put out a proclamation saying no biomass
and the great city of Valdosta could go ahead and do that
instead of waiting for somebody else to make the decision for them.
And yes,
I criticized the protesters for not staying.
I’m not surprised various people choose to ignore part of what I said
and pick up on other parts; life’s like that.
I understand that some people don’t like to take a strong position in public. Clearly not everybody has to be an advocate for or against any given topic.
However, my opinion is that anybody who runs for elected office should be willing to say in public what their opinion is. Sure, sometimes it’s good to say “I’m thinking about it” or “I’m studying it” or even better “I’d like to know more about X”: that could promote a dialog. Even “I’m working on it behind the scenes” would be a useful public statement. But elected officials refusing to take any position is ridiculous, and I see nothing wrong with laughing out loud at the ridiculous.
-jsq
Starting with one thing, web strategy, led to general open government. They even have a candidate questionnaire. Which most of the candidates have answered.OpenAustin promotes open government & open data in Austin, TX.OpenAustin is a member-driven organizantion that promotes open government, open data, and civic application development in Austin, TX.
OpenAustin was originally formed by Austin residents interested in the City of Austin’s web strategy and approach. Presently, OpenAustin focuses on ensuring that all local public sector agencies embrace open data and open government principles, provide adequate oversight over public information, and support the civic software development.
Through a series of conversations, common ground was developed between the City and Open Austin to work together in a formal and recurring way. The goal is to develop new capacities for the City of Austin website while reducing or eliminating costs.
A strategic alliance document has been created by Open Austin and the City represents the expectations and the basis for the working relationship. In order to advance this partnership relationship, the City and OpenAustin will partner, innovate and improve.
-jsq
George Boston Rhynes said:
Every time Frank Barnas asks one of you representatives while you all are on that radio broadcast, he gets answers. So many people who come before the city council who have answers don’t get answers.
While
George Rhynes was talking
Frank Barnas seemed quite amused by all that.
Here’s the video:
Frank Barnas @ VCC 7 April 2011
Regular monthly meeting of the Valdosta City Council (VCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 7 April 2011,
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
You know, when Roy Taylor
and
George Rhynes,
about as far apart on the political spectrum as two people can get,
think there’s something wrong with your council,
maybe it’s worth thinking about.
-jsq
PS: George Rhynes was not one of the people Scott Orenstein was saying don’t stay for the whole meeting; George was the videographer Scott referred to. George stayed even after the meeting was over, and talked to Council Deidra White on the way out of the building.
The mayor prefaced a comment that he’s read (apparently in this blog)
that he’s been criticized for not paying attention while people are speaking.
He clarified that he’s often taking notes.
Then Dr. Mark P. George spoke, wondering when people would get answers
to their more substantive questions.
I have an attorney. These folks have an attorney. He’s sitting right there.Indicating the city attorney.
Here’s Part 1 of 3:
Dr. Mark P. George @ VCC 7 April 2011 Part 1 of 3:
Regular monthly meeting of the Valdosta City Council (VCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 7 April 2011,
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
Dr. George amplified the not paying attention comments
by adding in body language,
and saying he did appreciate taking notes.
He asked if the meeting is recorded.
Mayor Fretti answered yes.
Dr. George remarked:
It seems to me you are now cloaking the lack of response in legalities.Council Sonny Vickers remarked that he already told everyone he is for the biomass plant.…
Legality does not equal morality.
Dr. George recommended conversation, following up on new information.
The mayor asked Dr. George to wrap up. Dr. George responded:
There really is no end.
Here’s Part 2 of 3:
Dr. Mark P. George @ VCC 7 April 2011 Part 2 of 3:
Regular monthly meeting of the Valdosta City Council (VCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 7 April 2011,
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
More back and forth between Dr. George and the mayor about how or whether or when he or somebody might answer questions, followed by interchange between Dr. George and the audience.
Here’s Part 3 of 3:
Dr. Mark P. George @ VCC 7 April 2011
Part 3 of 3:
Regular monthly meeting of the Valdosta City Council (VCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 7 April 2011,
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
-jsq
-jsq
Public Notice of a Public Comment and Review Period and Public Open HouseContinue reading
In accordance with requirements set forth in 23 CFR 450.316, 42 USC 2000d, Executive Order 12898, and Executive Order 13166, and other laws and regulations; the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization (VLMPO) has developed the Draft Public Participation Plan (PPP) which includes a Limited-English Proficiency Plan and Title VI Compliance Plan, for the Valdosta Metropolitan Planning Area which includes all of Lowndes County and portions of Berrien and Lanier Counties.
This PPP is available for public review and comment from April 15, 2011