Know What You Vote For

It's important to note that Mitt Romney did not choose his own VP running mate. The choice was made by a dozen or more rich old guys with their own agenda. He is bowing to his base as per normal. He is acquiescing to the money that is fostering his campaign. He does not speak for himself, nor will he ever. People would be wise to pay attention to this. That is not to say that our current president does not have powers that he answers to, but Mitt is a crystal clear case of what his puppet presidency would look like. He will promote and sign anything the billionaires want. The Richie Riches don't not want you to have paid sick leave, or vacation pay, or weekends off, or minimum wage, or health insurance. With the ability to make profits from foreign labor, these oligarchs have designed a system that works for THEM. With four applicants for every available job, it has become an employer's market, just the way they like it. Has anyone ever questioned why the Republicans have filibustered or blocked every single jobs bill? It is more than obstructionism. It is a designed ploy to keep Americans from working, to keep the wages low from workers competing against workers. This is a designed system.

We have already witnessed many of the red states boldly passing legislation that puts us fifty years back in terms of social programs, religion, women's rights, etc. They are more emboldened by the voter suppression which they believe will give them the presidency and a majority in both congressional chambers. The right-wing constituency has filtered glasses blocking their view to the travesty of voter suppression; or else they just thinks it's OK because it benefits their party, which is equally sad. If you think the crazies like Todd Akins are bad, think of how bold the conservatives will become with an oligarchical puppet Republican in the Oval Office, a couple more right-wing supreme court justices, and a majority in both chambers! We probably have not even seen the beginning of crazy yet. We all know that Shelly Adelson wants war with Israel It is a guaranteed action if Mitt moves into the White House. We must all be vigilant in getting our friends and family registered to vote. Throw a voting party and vote in groups so that for every vote denied, four or five more are waiting to compensate for the ones denied. We can win this thing with vigilance and determination!

Lake Shore Hospital Authority: Secret procurement - No public comments allowed

By Stew Lilker

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Columbia County's Lakeshore Hospital Authority has proven time and time again that it does not represent the people who foot the bill for its existence, the taxpayers of Columbia County. Last night, this Governor appointed board out did itself by first banning public comment and then flaunting the fact that the General Manager, past Republican chieftain and political operative, Jackson P. (Jack) Berry, could facilitate a secret procurement process for professional services without the knowledge of this handpicked board.

An examination of the Lakeshore Hospital Authority minutes since the beginning of the year show no comments by anyone, including Authority Manager Berry, for the procurement of professional engineering services for plans to renovate a Hospital Authority building purchased at the peak of the real estate bubble. The building, at the corner of Marion and Franklin Streets, was purchased in a real-estate spending spree orchestrated by the then Chairman of the Hosp Auth Board, Mr. Berry.
The Observer fielded many complaints about the Berry real-estate deals and referred those folks to the Justice Department. The Authority was put under investigation. It is not clear what happened to that investigation.


Legislative Intent - Procurement: It's Florida - What's that?

Section 287 of the FL Statutes begins this way:

The Legislature recognizes that fair and open competition is a basic tenet of public procurement; that such competition reduces the appearance and opportunity for favoritism and inspires public confidence... and that documentation of the acts taken and effective monitoring mechanisms are important means of curbing any improprieties and establishing public confidence in the process by which ... contractual services are procured. It is essential to the effective and ethical procurement of... contractual services that there be a system of uniform procedures to be utilized by state agencies in managing and procuring... contractual services; that detailed justification of agency decisions in the procurement of... contractual services be maintained; and that adherence by the agency and the vendor to specific ethical considerations be required.

The purpose of the renovation: To build on spec a doctor's office.

The Law:

Each agency shall publicly announce, in a uniform and consistent manner, each occasion when professional services must be purchased for a project that basic construction cost of which is estimated by the agency to exceed... $250,000.

In discussions, which went nowhere last year, the value of the renovation was discussed to be in the neighborhood of $400,000, which is well over the $250,000 threshold required for competitive sealed bidding.
During the meeting, General Manager Berry did not announce where the request for bids was advertised, because it was not. It is uncertain when and where the bids were opened.
One of the responding companies, GTC Design Group, the low bidder, who was awarded the contract last night, is in the process of being sold and as of last Thursday the sale was not complete, causing the County to withdraw an item involving GTC Design Group.
Board member Dr. Waseem Khan, the only non republican on the Board, objected to the Authority building a doctor's office on spec. Mr. Berry blew him off.
After Mr. Berry told Dr. Khan that he did not have a guaranteed tenant for the proposed renovated property, Dr. Khan asked for a show of good faith from the purported tenant.
Mr. Berry told him "that was impossible."

Just Speculation

Dr. Khan told the Board, "This whole thing is just speculation."
When Dr. Khan asked to see the floor plan, Mr. Berry told him he could not see it.
The floor plan was part of the bid packet.
It is not clear why the taxpayers of Columbia County are financing the building of a doctor's office by the Lakeshore Hospital Authority, as this seems to be something that could clearly be financed by the private sector.
Board member Lori Chancy opined that if Mr. Berry asked for too much the purported tenant, "Could just rent a place."

No Public Comments

Shortly after the conversation concluded, Board Chairman and Representative Elizabeth Porter's chief legislative aide, Koby Adams, announced that there would no longer be a time for public comments on the agenda.
Mr. Adams announced that if a member of the public wanted to make public comments they must put them in writing at least 15 days before the meeting so that the board could prepare a response.
Not one member of the Governor appointed board objected.
After the meeting, Board member Mark Vann defended the Republican Chairman. Mr. Vann said, "The Supreme Court of Florida said no public body in Florida had to take comments. That is his choice."

Epilogue

Columbia County -- The Land of the Good Ole Boys --- The legend continues.

Kohl's Department Stores Looking To Open Shop In Columbia County, FL?

As long as they bring jobs that pay better then all these other companies around here, then it wouldn't be such a bad idea... If not, they need to kick rocks. Too many people in this county are over worked and still struggling to keep a roof over their heads and a meal on the table because of the lack of hours and most of all, their wages. We need companies that aren't stingy with pay, hours, or respect for their employees. Its those same companies that will be begging for tax exemptions from our county. Just like Target Corporation asked our county for a property tax exemption a couple months ago. These companies hire a fist full of people and treat them like dirt. I know I'm not the only one in this county that has experienced, witnessed, or know people that have been taken advantage of as employees for any of these corporations around here. I understand that most of the businesses around here are franchises, but the treatment is still the same. If we leave these types of decisions to "The Good Ole Boys" we will be doomed. The people that run this county need to set a higher standard for these multi-million dollar companies that look to open up for business here in our county. All of the major companies in this town are sucking from the Government tit, while the rest of the people that make the companies money are struggling so badly, that there are more and more people applying for government assistance. And once they apply then they're in the line of fire from the people that aren't struggling. Like being called lazy, and yelled at to get a job. We allow for this to take place in our county? Its time for this county to set a higher standard for these companies. We need politicians that aren't all about the money, status quo, and only for what suits their best interest. We need to suit the best interests of the citizens of this great county. 51% rules in a TRUE DEMOCRACY!!! ~ Kyle Rasmussen

Gov. Rick Scott Came To Town

Florida Gov. Rick Scott speaking at Florida Gateway College. Lake City, FL  6/5/2012

 Florida Gov. Rick Scott came to speak today at Florida Gateway College. As I walked around the campus for over 20 minutes and asked all the faculty that I spotted where Rick Scott was speaking today. They each looked at me weird and had no clue he was even there giving a speech. It took me by surprise that nobody knew anything about it. I mentioned it to everyone that it was marked on the County Bulletin. Still no body knew. So I walked back to the car and on the way I spotted an unmarked SUV. I approached the vehicle with my arms up because we were in a secluded area of the parking lot. The man gave me the same answer as the rest of the faculty did. So I finally got to my car and drove away. I got about a 1/2 mile down the road and pulled over. I thought, "I came a long way just for nothing." So I turned around and headed back to the parking lot in front of the Library/ Media Center. I approached the doors where I was met by 3 of Scott's FDLE Agents. They asked if I needed assistance with anything. I just replied, that I was there for the discussion. I reached for the door when an FDLE Agent grabbed my forearm  and told me that it was an invitation only discussion and that I had to leave. I then calmly replied, "I'm just here for media purposes." The FDLE agent told me that it was an invitation only speech and that I was not invited. (Truth be told it was really a public discussion.) So I asked if I could at least get a picture. They said they had to get back with an answer for me. Finally they said that it wouldn't be a problem. The problem here is that our county is lagging behind in jobs and education. Why would he waste tax payer dollars to fuel his airplane just to come to Lake City, and talk to a small group of selected people. Shouldn't he be talking with all of us? 

What Happened

Columbia County Courthouse. Lake City, FL

I've been in Columbia County, Florida For 15 years now. I've seen a lot of things take place in this county that would make you look twice. It is safe to say that there is quite a bit of Rights being violated toward citizens in this, "what used to be a great place for a drive." The police catch a driver speeding, they always make a move to search the vehicle. I myself, have pulled over to wait on traffic to make a U turn, cop wants to flash his lights and approach the vehicle. "What are you supposed to do?", many people think. You can't just burn out in his face. Officers want to slow down traffic just to get to the grit and tell you their going to search your car. Most people get jittery when they see the Red & Blues flashing in their rear view, so its easy for folks to forget their rights as citizens. Officers want you to leave your windows down, and doors unlocked when you step out of your vehicle. Minorities get it the worst. What makes it worse, is that the same Sheriff Deputies run the jail. Many folks have been beaten, choked, went without their medications because of guards refusing to give people their med's. Anyone that has been in there can tell you. My brother was just one of those many. A guard slammed his head against the wall, then threatened to "switch out his pills with something he won't wake up from."- Actual Quote..  My brother had the bloody scab on the back of his head, and it was obvious that he had been without his med's. The Jail needs a surprise inspection out of the clear blue. This county is messed up. All stops should be reviewed as well as the Jail. I respect the fact that Columbia County is "Zero Tolerance" for drugs, yet the county allows for a Methadone Clinic to go up. If you ask me and are capable of logical thinking, the clinic being here is good for business down at our local neighborhood Police Departments. i.e Jail fees, court costs, lawyer fees, probation fees, drug council fees, etc. Once your in the system here, its impossible to get out. The county gets all that money and want to spend it on what exactly? Here is an example, but fact of what $25,000.00 of our counties tax dollars are going to irrigate and seed a football field that is used approximately 3-3 1/2 months a year. Columbia County Board of Commissions approved a Property Tax Exemption for Target Corporation. What? Why would they do that? Target is a Multi-Billion dollar company. Can't they afford to pay taxes? We have hundreds of people struggling to make ends meet to keep a roof over their heads, and Target gets an exemption? If you ask me we are all over run by corporate interests influencing our local government. Jobs here are slim and nothing pays. The average hourly wage in Columbia County is like $8. That's gas money. 90% of jobs in Lake City are for companies that don't allow 40 hours a week, just to get out of giving employees the benefits they promised in the beginning before being hired. What we have here is White Collar Crime made Legal through Legislation starting at the top. All that corruption and greed has trickled down into the roots of our own communities. Lets not be blind. Whats happening in your community?