See Commentary Page for latest on the "DeGray WaterFiasco," how city committees operate, city budget, the Mayor, "Health Hazard," "Media Bias," "Good Ol' Boy Plot,"  Fire Chief's "Train Wreck," A History of Hot Springs Problems; and the true St Pat parade attendance plus "Battle of Hot Springs" in the "News" Section        

Most of your letters should now be here but let us know if they are not.

Those "Good ol' Boys" just can't stand to see us on the web and hacking shows how far they will go!

Isn’t it interesting how newspaper stories are seldom totally correct.  Occasionally, they are really incorrect.  This can be due to poor/wrong sources or bad attempts at putting their own “spin” on the story.  I don’t know what category today’s headline story falls into but it is ludicrous and really incorrect.  The headline is about the only correct thing about the story.  It actually appears that this newspaper allows their sources to be picked for them.  Apparently, by the city spin doctors.  Remember last week when we had a real story concerning how our city leaders covered up the fact that we had tentative approval to take water from Lake Ouachita?  Remember how the local newspaper said it wasn’t a story?  It appears that our releasing the information forced them to send the attached “Lake Ouachita Corp approval” to all the board during last weekend and today’s headline article is the story with their “spin” on it.

Editor’s Note: Thanks for forwarding some of the feedback opinions.  It should be noted that a subsequent article was published on Feb. 10, 2015 with the city manager complaining that the FOIA requests cost the city over $2,000.  Feedback to both are shown below.

Dear Editor,

I remember that the City Manager held a Town Hall Meeting about the Water Issue in which no questions were allowed from the audience. Where the room was overfilled from the standpoint of violating the occupancy code and many were turned away because of lack of space. And that is called transparency. I do remember that DeGray was selected because it was closer (which it is not) than Ouachita and that the growth pattern was in the direction of Highway 290 and 128 toward Jack Mountain. Also DeGray was approved as a source of water to meet the needs of Garland County and Hot Springs. This was after he refused water rights to Walmart off Airport Road.  

Now it turns out that the DeGray water is subject to being refused at times up to 30 days at a time. By an article in the Sentinel Record this week, Ouachita can be used as a guaranteed source of water and the operating cost are hundreds of thousands less per year.   But that is just a WAG (wild assumed guess) because the City Management has made up it's mind not to research the issue. It also appears that the Sentinel Record reported that the Highway Department (today's issue 2/11/15) on Airport road is 37,000 per day.  

Also if you look at the top of Trap Mountain (off Amity Road) and aimed at the very area of the City Manager's refused Walmart, they have cleared a ROW for new electrical power line aimed toward Airport Road yet that is miles from the City Manager's assumed projected growth area.  

I looked up transparency, and my dictionary must be out of date. No wonder the City Manager is upset about FOI's. Darn ole Bob Driggers seeking the truth again, insisting REAL TRANSPARENCY in a time that self serving by the City Manager appears to be working so well.

On Tue 2/10/2015 6:25 PM, David Watkings wrote:

Response to Watergate allegation

(The attached submission is a copy of the 2-10-15 newspaper article, We suppose the Sentinel Record speaks for him, huh?)

On Tue 2/10/2015 6:25 PM, Ellen Varhalla (retired engineer) wrote:

Editor, Sentinel Record

I am writing in reference to the article appearing in Sunday’s edition regarding taking water from Lake Hamilton. The referenced FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact) and accompanying Environmental Assessment (EA)were apparently received by the City on December 3, 2014, but were only made public as a result of the persistence of Bob Driggers in making FOIA requests. Today’s paper has an article complaining that these requests have cost the City more than $2,000. Surely $2,000 is a  “drop in the bucket” compared to the money the City has spent trying to convince their water customers that their plan to pipe water from Lake DeGray and build a treatment plant in Hot Spring County is the only viable alternative for meeting the City’s future need for water.  And the money already spent on design and for possible future rights fo water from Lake DeGray isI in the millions, with no definite approval in sight. Currently at issue in this plan is the insistence by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) that the water be taken from the “rereg” pool, which the City and Crist Engineers deem unacceptable.

Based on the EA , it appears that theCorps is moving forward rapidly to approve allocations from Lake Ouachita. An 8.75 MGD allocation has been requested by Mid Arkansas Water Association (MAWA) for Hot Springs and an additional 7.0 MGD has been requested by the City.  The proposed action is to reallocate 50,000 acre feet of storage capacity of Lake Ouachita to water supply. Fifty thousand acre feet per year calculates to approximately 45 million gallons per day. The report states that this reallocation will meet the needs of the MAWA’s 27 water utilities through the year 2050.

As I stated in my letter to the editor back in September, 2014, utilizing water from Lake Ouachita is consistent with the City’s Resolution 7624 dated June 7, 2011, whereas the Lake DeGray plan is not. At one of the meetings that I attended at the library, Mr. Stewart Nolan of Crist Engineers indicated that it would “take an act of Congress” to get approval for Lake Ouachita water. Isn’t it time for Mr. Nolan to admit that he “misspoke” and advise the City to change course?

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen Varhalla

Engineer (Retired); JP District 8

On Feb 10, 2015, at 10:34 AM, George Pritchett wrote:

This is a blatent attempt to discredit all who question or oppose city actions. The city, when they ended the televised public comment section of the city board meeting, eliminated an important method activist groups had to inform the public of items that were detrimental to the public. The city said the comments "spoil" things for some in the city. It would have been more truthful if they would have said we don't want anything negative to city bureaucrats, city board and board members, city actions, etc. from being brought to the attention of the public. Activists have had to work much harder since that time to provide the public with information.

The city doesn't always tell the citizenry the truth or provide the full story or all the details, etc. and some of us exercise our rights through the FOIA to get information from the city to secure the information and provide it to the citizens; something which the city and SR don't do. 

The city manager is wrong and his complaint about the cost is nonsense as the public has the right to the information. The city could make it make easier to get. As for the money he purports it costs he must understand it is their job to provide the information according to the law and as for charging for the information I am confident it would be unconstitutional for the city to charge for information they are entitled to receive from their government. I am confident our IT people could develop a means to search records to provide the information or perhaps the records and emails could be made accessible on the internet. 

Time and again the activists in our community have exposed errors in the information provided to the public, omissions by city bureaucrats and sometimes plots that would injure many in our community if they were allowed to be implemented. 

As for the money FOIA requests are purported to cost, it is a pittance of the money the city wastes entertaining others and attending various meetings in LR and other places and trips to DC, etc. I suspect an accounting of many individuals time would reveal many unnecessary actions by employees that are costly to the taxpayers. Providing information to taxpayers is the responsibility of government. As for the comment about a county resident or non-citizen of the city it is nonsense, Driggers is a customer of the city's public utility and a member of the community and has a right to question the city and he is also the leader of the GGGG which has many members that reside inside the city in addition to many that reside in the county. 

Sour grapes by the city manager and city board and a blatant attempt to discredit all who question city actions. I will lend my name to the requests if the city believes it is necessary to have an inside the city limit resident make the requests and I am confident many others will do the same.

On Sunday, February 8, 2015, George wrote:

On Sunday, February 8, 2015, Cliff wrote:

Responsible journalism 101 seeks comment from both sides. Herw only the city's side is reported as per the standard (mal)practices of the Sentinel-Rag.

On Sunday, February 8, 2015, Don wrote:

Fine analysis, as usual, Bob. One term in next to last red letters is "JAKE" Mountain...try instead, JACK Mountain. Nit-picky?? Where/to whom does one tender this analysis. BUY a full page ad in the local paper? 

GOOD WORK, BOB.   the cover up is and was necessary to get the bond funding because there was no existing project to justify increasing  customer water fees to collateralize the new bond.  The DeGray scam is all about money, not about water, just as the So Lake Hamilton scam was.

Let's see what the City Manager and the Bond Dealer say, because both of them are liable...for selling a bond based on false information. Congrats.

On Sunday, February 1, 2015, Jim wrote:

Bob – If this is what you say it is, and what it appears to be, then you need to write it up and send it to the Democrat-Gazette.  This is truly a BIG story.

On Sunday, February 1, 2015, RC wrote:

Well now it's apparent from his last email why CM was crying like a school boy who got his milk money taken by the bully. Good work.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2015, DS wrote:

GRRREAAAT RESPONSE TO DAVID. BOB! I  RETURNED FROM FLORIDA LAST NIGHT AND DIDN'T KNOW DAVID HAD SENT YOU THAT RIDICULOUS LETTER.  HE IS NOT YOUR INTELLECTUAL EQUAL.

WHAT IS THE NEXT  MOVE ON THE GAME BOARD...A TOWN HALL MAYBE?...

On Wednesday, January 28, 2015, BW wrote:

Great letter Bob in response to Mr. Watkin's bumbling expose.  

Watergate, Hot Springs Style

Editor’s Note: The documents can be seen by clicking on the following: Corp of Engineers letter, draft environmental assessment.... Water Reallocation Study;  Emails referencing no water available from DeGray main pool.

More FOIA Fiasco stuff

Date: Jan. 28, 2015

Mr. Driggers, I never said you did not live in Garland County. I know you have property here, are here much of the time, and have a business in Texas, or did. If Garland County is where you are registered to vote, then I was incorrect and apologize for the misstatement. Sincerely,
 

FOIA Fiasco - City Manager Needs "Error of His Ways" Pointed Out

FOIA Fiasco - City Manager May Not Know What "Transparency" Means

FOIA Fiasco - Legal Stuff

FOIA Fiasco - Residency Request

In accordance with the FOIA, I am requesting that you submit proof that you are a resident of the State of Arkansas before we process your request.

Sincerely yours
 

Editor’s Note: Please let us know if you know of anyone else the city manager has ever made a similar request to.  We suspect this could be a discriminatory request and delay tactic to avoid compliance with state FOIA laws.

Editor’s Note: Wow, good point.

Date: Jan. 24, 2015

Look at my Facebook post. I am throwing red meat at their paranoia with thus follow-up Comment:

Cliff: The local City Manager and his wife, plus some of the Establishment City Directors, paranoidly think I am the spider at the center of the web of a "vast left-wing conspiracy" to "get" the City Manager and bring Hot Springs government to a halt.

In their delusion, I have mesmerized the Tea Party and converted them to my left-wing insurrection to use Saul Alinsky tactics in a take-over.

They are partially right: I am capable of such. They are partially wrong: I am doing no such thing at present.

At present.

Editor’s Note: Seems as though you are leaving the door open, huh?

The Truth About “Why Lake DeGray?” is Finally Revealed

Many have also wondered why the Hot Springs city manager would try to convince us that Lake DeGray is closer than Lake Ouachita or that the area southeast of town is our “growth corridor.”  Why would he tell us that we need to construct water treatment plants on Jack Mountain outside of Garland County and develop water supplies in an area that is clearly not a growth corridor?  We finally have the answer.

The answer was finally found in an email the city manager sent last Sunday (11/23/2014) to the Sentinel Record, mayor, county judge, county water committee members, the GGGG, and a couple of other interested parties.  In reference to the entire pipeline route totally in Hot Spring County, the city manager states, “In reality, it is the CAW route to serve its customers in Saline and Pulaski Counties.”

Wow, what a revelation.  Apparently, being a Sunday, he was in a remorseful yet veracious mood and felt compelled to reveal this heretofore unadmitted fact.  Whatever the reason, it is refreshing to finally know that the proposed project in Hot Spring County was located for the benefit of other counties and was NOT designed with the water needs of Hot Springs or Garland County in mind.

Thank you, Mr. city manager.  Now let the public hear you in a debate about all the other fabrications involved in the city’s proposed $100 million boondoggle.

Editor’s Note: We know that the above was sent to the Sentinel Record and the Hot Springs Daily (online).  It will be interesting to see if it is printed.  We also know that several presentations have been made suggesting that the city of Hot Springs got the "short end" of the contract with CAW (Central Arkansas Water) and benefited Saline and Pulaski County rather than Garland County.  It is good to have all sides agreeing to this fact and we think it is important to have the recommended debate so the public can be apprised of what both sides are saying the facts are. Thanks for the attachment (below) of the city managers' email.  The italicized portions are responses by Bob D. The dark red is the comment referenced in the letter above.

From: David Watkins <dwatkins@cityhs.net>
Date: November 23, 2014 at 12:23:02 PM CST
To: george pritchett
Cc: Don Thomason, Rick Davis, John, Bob D, Russ, Reggie, Barbara, Ruth Carney, Matt, Peggy, Ray
Subject: Re: Water Commission

I appreciate the opportunity to present verifiable facts to the recipients of your email.

Facts

1) I served as President of the Missouri-Arkansas River Basin Association based in Kansas City. MO-ARK is a nonprofit lobbying organization composed of barge operators, municipal water suppliers, agricultural interests, contractors, and other interested parties that promote Corps of Engineer projects in the Kansas City District. I have lobbied and testified in Congress on Corps projects and understand Corps issues and procedures.

Item 1 is simply Watkins bragging about being president of a “lobbying organization” which may partially explain his expertise in putting his own “spin” on items rather than presenting facts.

2) Lake Degray would not have been built without the inclusion of water supply as a joint use in the project along with hydroelectric generation and flood control. We have the legislative history obtained from Congressional Research of the Degray project which presents the chronological history of the authorization and appropriation of funds for this project. Dr. Joe Nix of Arkadelphia and a board member of the Ouachita River Water District Board is a friend and ally of the City of Hot Springs and knows more about this subject than any person in the region.

Item 2 simply talks about non-relevant history of DeGray and introduces Joe Nix who was the environmental activist that worked to keep the Buffalo River from being dammed and to keep hog farms out of the watershed. Nix has been associated with numerous environmentalist groups including being the “Director of Programs” for the Ross Foundation. Yes, Ross is the property owner on Jack Mountain in Hot Spring County where Watkins plans to construct the new water treatment plants. (A comprehensive bio for Joe Nix can be found at www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=5330 )

3) The Ouachita River Water District in Arkadelphia was allocated the original 152mgd for water supply since there were no other municipal water users in the area in the 1960's. The ORWD partnered with Little Rock and ultimately CAW (Little Rock and North Little Rock) to secure a right of first refusal if other entities attempted to purchase storage in the lake. CAW has paid ORWD since the early 90's for the interest on the debt issued by the federal government to construct the project. The interest rate is 2.34% based on the original construction cost. The amount that the city paid will be credited against the interest that the Corps would have charged if no payment had ever been made by CAW.

Item 3 is more non-relevant history with the exception of not fully explaining how much money is equal to the 2.34% which, apparently, is a percentage of the cost to construct the dam and purchase property the lake covers. However, Nix as chairman of the ORWD recently made the following interesting comments (from www.siftingsherald.com/article/20141015/News/141019823#ixzz3JwtyTOCG).

 Joe Nix, chairman of the Ouachita River Water District, represented director Elaine Kneebone and the three-member group consisting of Nix, Kneebone and Ross Whipple. “When DeGray was built a group had to be formed to give assurances for the use of 152 million gallons of water a day,” Nix said of the panel’s involvement in selling water rights. While 152 million gallons sounds like a lot, Nix said it isn’t. “More than that evaporates off of DeGray every summer day,” he said. Currently, the only user of DeGray water is Kimzey Water District, which includes Bismarck and other communities north of the lake. “There are other plans for other groups to take water from DeGray,” Nix added. The Ouachita River Water District owns 6 million daily gallons, and the Economic Development Corp. of Clark County owns 8.5 million daily gallons. “To put that in perspective, Arkadelphia uses about a million” gallons each day, he said.

Item 4 does finally confirm some of the information the GGGG discovered through FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) inquiries to the city. These include the fact that the city paid over a million dollars plus has contracted for additional regular payments to CAW (Central Arkansas Water). The agreement between the city of Hot Springs and CAW clearly shows that the city agrees to solely pay all costs for the water intake site plus 18 miles of 80 foot wide right-of-way although Benton, Bryant, Maumelle, Little Rock, North Little Rock, etc. will use the intake and ROW in the future at NO cost to them. The city should provide anyone interested with a copy of this very one-sided contract.  As for the allegation that Cliff Jackson believes the city wants to sell water to other counties, this was not based on the location of the 42 inch waterline and the location of the water treatment plants in Hot Spring County but, rather, on a Crist Engineering and city map clearly indicating that the city’s retail water service territory would be expanded into Hot Spring County (All County JPs have been provided with a copy of this map).

5) Some members of the Little Rock BOD wanted CAW to charge a premium or not sell at all to the City of Hot Springs. Fortunately, they did not prevail in their views or we would have been eliminated from ever securing water at Lake Degray.

Item 5 is correct because the Little Rock city council did call CAW representatives on the carpet for selling some of their future water to Hot Springs.  However, after they read the one-sided contract referenced above, they realized that they got the “deal of a lifetime” so all objections were withdrawn (see Arkansas Democrat-Gazette headline story).

6) The Corps sent a purchase agreement to the City of Hot Springs and CAW last year to secure the storage rights in the main pool. Both purchasers made changes that were accepted by the Corps. One sticking point has been the inclusion of foregone benefits which are payments to the Southwest Power Administration for the loss of diverted water used for power generation. This expense is estimated to be $180,000 per year for Hot Springs and $1,000,000 per year for CAW until the year 2042. The City of Hot Springs and CAW disagree with this charge because we have seen no evidence that Congress intended this charge to be imposed at Lake Degray when it was authorized over 50 years ago. In addition, a foregone benefit charge should not be imposed until water is actually diverted from Lake Degray. The proposed agreement states payment should be made upon signature and approval. We are trying to save our ratepayers this expense.

Item 6 describes additional costs that the city has not previously disclosed but fails to explain other problems between the city, CAW, and the Corp of Engineers.  From emails between these entities, it is obvious the city, Crist Engineers, and CAW do not want to take water from what the Corp refers to as the “rereg” pool. This pool is subject to being totally shut down every 5 years for up to 30 days but is the only water supply available. Watkins has accused Vicksburg and Fort Worth personnel of “dealing in bad faith” and has attempted to “go over their heads” by contacting the Corp in Washington DC and Senator John Boozman.  So far, his efforts have failed. The city apparently does NOT currently have a signed agreement for any water from DeGray. See http://hotspringstalk.com/discussions.htm then scroll down to “Deception Alert.”

7) Anyone who has dealt with Corp studies and agreements knows that the review and approval process is long and cumbersome. Approvals have to be routed through multiple Centers of Excellence of the Corps and ultimately to HQ in Washington.  We will encounter issues at Lake Ouachita that will also be time consuming. This requires patience and collaboration with all stakeholders. The bottom line is this area needs to secure water rights for the next 100 years or more. That is what we are doing.

Item 7 provides an excuse for the process taking so long but does not explain how the Corp has asked questions related to water from Lake Ouachita that the city and CAW appear not to be interested in answering. Is there any doubt in anyone’s mind that the city and Watkins are determined to use DeGray water, not Ouachita water. How patient can the public be while the city spends $3.83 million of its money just for DeGray engineering?

8) The city has a peak capacity crisis. We are operating on a thin margin during hot summer days or in times of service disruption caused by main breaks or fire suppression. In addition, we operate as a stand alone system. We provide emergency backup to North Garland. We are not interconnected with any other system. I have managed three water utilities and have never been this vulnerable. A new plant will not be operational until the summer of 2018, Thus, we have three summers to go at a minimum before we have added capacity. The city staff will be proposing tough measures to shave peak demand during the upcoming three years.

Item 8 again claims that we have a water “crisis.” Watkins’ perceived “thin margin” acknowledges part of the problem is solely due to a lack of proper planning by the city.  That is the fact that the city is not interconnected to other water systems in the area.  Other area systems have been contacted which not only seem agreeable to interconnecting but complain that the city has never even discussed the idea with them.  We assume the “tough measures to shave peak demand” reference a conservation plan which the city has never had.  Add the inordinate amount of water losses and it becomes clear that, if the city does have a crisis, it is due to their poor planning and lack of proper maintenance of its water system.  The state health department has consistently encouraged the city to increase its capacity at the existing treatment plant (by 9 mgd).  Assuming there is a “crisis,” there are numerous more cost-effective solutions available to the city. It appears obvious that Watkins, one city director, and the city engineers are the only ones who believe there is a “crisis.”

I appreciate the opportunity to present the facts,

Sincerely yours

David Watkins

City Manager

Hawthorn Violates Ethics Rules?  

Date: Oct 28, 2014

For what it may be worth, feel free to use this picture of obvious violation, as Hawthorn has been reprimanded for this type of action before by his boss, Sheriff Larry Sanders, and Judge Ralph Ohm. Sure seems he thumbs his nose at reprimands for campaigning while on duty. Those of his ilk and the good ole' boys feel this is standard operating procedure. Consequently, once more will not disturb him, unless he receives time off without pay?? Hawthorn recently ran a newspaper add depicting his lead in the vote for the race for sheriff at 68%. Could this advertising be blatantly false, and misleading in an attempt to dissuade Garland County citizens from turning out to vote? Is he actually able to furnish documentation showing these figures as valid? Would the election commission sanction such egregious, misleading data, were this brought to their attention? Rumors have abounded that his opponents, Rodney Neighbors and Mike McCormick may file a formal complaint with the election commission. Oh, and one more tidbit of interest may be summed up in asking where the 15 minute parking, loading zone signs may have gone, after his supporters were told that loading zones were to be honored, regardless of day of the week! Stand by, as one may be sure Hawthorn AND his beloved "STAFF" will again BEND THE RULES OF PROCEDURE to favor the shenanigans being played by Hawthorn and company!!

Editor’s Note: We must admit that "a picture is worth a thousand words." Campaigning while in uniform or while on duty is not ethical and perhaps, illegal.  We were also asked to look into Hawthorn's record running businesses.  We discovered from the Arkansas Secretary of State website that he was the "registered agent" for three businesses that the state shows the current status as "REVOKED."   The businesses were: Hawthorn Auto Panels, Inc., Mobile Auto Maintenance, Inc., and Hero's Last Call.  We do not know if the revocations were for non-payment of taxes/fees or for other causes.  We were told by various sources that the Hawthorn Meat Company went bankrupt but have not yet confirmed this information.  To us, the most disturbing action by Hawthorn was his telling voters that his independent opponent was an "atheist."  We confirmed this from voters he spoke directly to.  Disappointing.

See Candidate Updates Below 

Pat McCabe (candidate for mayor): Few people know Pat's past about how little regard he has for women and his history of disrespect for them. We previously posted information from the federal lawsuit brought against him by his secretary for his sexual comments and forcing her to help him run a "fantasy football" scheme during business hours.

From: Cliff - Hot Springs

From: Cliff - Hot Springs

Housing Authority Executive Director Finally Fired

You know, I seldom ever dream but a couple of nights ago, I had a real doozey.  I don’t think it would rate as a nightmare although there were several thoroughbred racehorses in the dream.  In fact, I remember being in charge of a horserace track and casino. After a while, I discovered that my track and casino had a monopoly for the entire state.

But things were not all rosy, some out-of-towners were trying to move in and allow the state to have more than just my one casino. To make it worse, those dadburn religious folks were saying my place was contributing to crime and taking money that was needed for poor little kids.  I realized that I had to take action so I dreamed up a plan.

First, I managed to get on the board of all the local influential groups. These included the local chamber, a hospital, something called Dudes for the Future, the local Rotary club, and some city committees.  I also financed some dudes I could trust and got them elected to the city board. For some strange reason, I began calling these folks my “Groupies.” Okay, nobody would now dare try to hinder my planned growth and expansion.

A vision drifted through showing a hotel across the street from my track with scaffolds that was renovating and would likely house many of my customers.  I mused to myself, “Wouldn’t it be better if I owned that hotel so we could make the money instead of those jerks?”  A couple of conversations later and some of my Groupie buddies assured me they would stop that hotel renovation by pulling the interim financing. Great!

I then drifted into wondering if there were other ideas which could help my growth plan.  Oh, how about we shut down the whole other end of town so people will spend their money only on my end of town. Wow, what an idea. After a few contacts with my Groupies, we devised a plan that would cost the owners of that end of town so much that they would have to shut down or sell to me for pennies on the dollar.

Yeah, I still remember those pesky downtown owners complaining that they should be part of any planning for their future.  To appease these yo-yos, my Groupies appointed two of the downtown owners to our game plan committee.  One of them was a racehorse owner friend and the other owed us big-time for keeping his biggest out-of-town competitor from coming to town. 

Annexation Battle Isn't Over

The battle isn't over, only delayed.  We must continue to adamantly oppose any "corridor annexation" to facilitate a "money grab" by the city.  

City manager Watkins comment "we’re worried about retailers setting up shop on the outskirts and draining city revenue to the point we can’t support our own fire departments,” Watkins said."  is absurd.  

Reality is the retailers that have chosen to locate in county areas near the outskirts of the city are the ones that should be concerned. His comment that these businesses drain revenue from the city to the point the city cannot support it's fire departments (why the plural fire departments?) is comical considering the city has been saying they need more fire stations for more than five years and many of the businesses in the areas proposed for annexation didn't exist until recently. More absurd is the fact the city hasn't done anything to fund new facilities for the fire department, if they truly believe they are needed, aren't they ignoring public safety needs and isn't public safety their most important responsibility.

Round 1 may be over, but the fight isn't.

Editor’s Note: Beginning with the downtown bottleneck, many of us realize the city could care less about the safety and welfare of it's citizens.

City Board Members Have 'Abysmal' Business Experience

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) 1/12/2012 - The interim chief executive officer of the Arkansas State Hospital has resigned after a consultant's report questioned his leadership.

Randall Fale resigned Wednesday after receiving the report from Compass Clinic Consulting. The report criticized Fale's plans to make the hospital a "psychiatric facility of choice," rather than focusing on getting the hospital back into compliance with federal standards needed to maintain its Medicaid funding.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services, which oversees the hospital, says Fale decided to resign because he didn't want to be a barrier to progress.

Steve Henson, the hospital's newly hired chief operating officer, will serve as interim CEO.

The hospital's status as a Medicaid provider has been in jeopardy since federal monitors identified dangerous conditions and improper policies dating back to 2010.

Posted by Arkansas Times’ Max Brantley on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 6:31 PM: Randall Fale, interim administrator of the perennially troubled State Hospital barely six months (and several weeks of that on a vacation to Germany) is already out.

Read the following and ask yourself if there are connections between Oaklawn’s CEO and Fale.

www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/32338/update-eric-jackson-resigns-from-mercy-board-in-protest-of-sale.

Editor’s Note: This is sort of old news (see our posts of Aug. 9, Oct. 22, and Nov. 4, 2012) but it certainly is relevant and confirms those and other previous posts.  Our previous posts are worth visiting if you would like to check other sources explaining the kind of business experience Mr. Fale brings to an organization and how many millions he lost for the hospitals he ran.  Thank you for reminding us.

City Budget and FOI Lawsuit

City Director Pat McCabe was on the 1420 AM radio talk show this morning bragging about the good job the board was doing with the budget and why they were appealing the citys FOI lawsuit loss. He said the $99 million budget was typical for cities with utilities and can’t be compared to Little Rock budget of $150 million cause they don’t include utilities. How about comparing how Hot Springs and Little Rock handle budget shortfalls. For example, Little Rock cut their budget by $2 million back in August while all McCabe and city manager David Watkins can talk about is increasing taxes. McCabe also said the city was appealing the lawsuit loss because they needed clarification on what the loss meant. For heaven’s sake, if the city attorney can't find out what the loss meant, what good does it do to appeal to a court that has never heard of the case?

Editor’s Note:  We feel the board and the public are both being deceived by the city attorney (see our comments on the other post on this date below).  As to raising taxes, that has historically been the mantra of this city for way too long.  Never cut services, always raise taxes.  Also, why can’t Hot Springs separate the budget as does Little Rock so that we can see accurate comparisons?

Little Rock                  Little Rock                  Little Rock      Little Rock                  Little Rock

General fund              Street fund                 Enterprise      Fleet Service             Total

Wed., Dec. 18, 2013

The Sentinel-Record headline today says “City to file FOIA appeal.” The article gives several quotes from Pat McCabe who says he is confused. This seems to be a common state for poor Pat and Ms. Jones. The meat of the article is the quote from city attorney Brian Albright who says “the appeal would be to seek clarification …” and the unanimous board vote to appeal.

Albright has got the city board convinced they need “clarification” so they know what they can or can’t do. He doesn’t have me or my friends convinced he even knows how to do lawyering. Most people at least know that appeals ask for reversal of findings due to improper things happening, new evidence, or disagreement with how the judge or court applied the law. In short – appeals do not ask for “clarification.” If Albright or anyone else needs clarification they ask the person who confused them. For example – if you don’t understand what Dick said, you ask Dick to “clarify” it. You don’t go and ask Tom.

Methinks Albright is just pissed because he lost the FOIA lawsuit. Can you get me a copy of what is filed so we will know if he really is dumb enough to file a appeal just for clarification or is he really asking for reversal and not being honest with his board or the public? Please send it to __________ but don’t list my name or address because I do some work for the city.

Editor’s Note: We will send a copy of the city’s appeal as soon as we obtain one.  We will also post it on this site.  We do agree that you are likely very perceptive as to the city attorney’s motives.  Most people, such as you, are still on the proverbial “turnip truck” but it is painfully obvious that our city board of directors have “fallen off.”

Public Housing Foolishness

The Board of the Hot Springs Housing Authority (HSHA) is to consider offering Executive Director (hereafter ED) Barbara Baer, a five-year contract with increased benefits at its June 2013 meeting. Once signed, the proposed contract could cost the HSHA a half-million dollars to cancel. The proposed contract also makes no sense in light of the cutbacks at the HUD regional, which has already resulted in staff and salary reductions at Metropolitan Housing in Little Rock.

Further, the HSHA has had a reduction in HUD subsidies for Housing Authority residents both in supporting the 365 units owned by the HSHA and the Section Eight program. The potential for any increases in the HUD subsidy is virtually zero. My research into similar contracts (while Board Chair) revealed that less than half of Housing Authorities gave contracts to Executive Directors and virtually none were as lucrative as what the ED is demanding in the contract she wrote and proposed to the board.

To fund this bit of fiscal nonsense, the HSHA approved a ten percent monthly rent reduction to local Section Eight landlords who own over 600 private residential units.  Although this action will have a major impact on the landlords, the item was quietly placed by the ED as a “consent agenda” item and approved by the Board as though it were a routine “housekeeping” item (Resolution 2843, dated April 16, 2013). I doubt other Board members even noticed it considering the vast amount of data they often receive during or shortly before meetings.  The 89-page April board package was sent to Commissioners on the Friday before the Tuesday Board meeting followed by additional handouts during the meeting.

This action followed shortly after another financial fiasco when the ED began imposing $450 bedbug charges on extremely poor tenants. The ED insisted she had tried to obtain HUD approval for the $450 charge but this is questionable and certainly not an excuse to begin such exorbitant and questionable charges to tenants who, in most cases, had nothing to do with creating the problem.  Her defense was that it was okay to impose the fee unless forced to do otherwise.  This pathetic excuse is consistent with previous actions of performing questionable actions until challenged.  Following the HUD Region VI spokesman’s statements that the HSHA was in violation of PIH-2012-17 which forbids such fees, the ED promptly began avoiding calls from the press.

I doubt a public notice will be published on the upcoming HSHA meeting although it is required by law since few notices have been published in the past.  I suggest interested landlords and citizens attend the June board meeting now scheduled for Monday, June 17 at 4pm in the HSHA Executive Directors office at 1010 Illinois Street - Hot Springs, AR.  

Dennis L Bosch - Former Chairman and Commissioner - Hot Springs Housing Authority

With all the legal threats being thrown around, I thought I’d look up Conditional Use Permits.  This was my first hit.

Editors note: As a former city director recently told us, the city board has become the only hope for city residents to be protected from unscrupulous developers or business people.  Sort of makes one question if they want to be a city resident, doesn't it?

Tear Down Historic Downtown?  Oh My!

Editors note: It is amazing how many people don't realize that the Majestic already has a usable multi-story parking deck.  Could that not be utilized by the city to alleviate the downtown parking problem?  Huh, huh?

When Did the Truth Go Out of Style?

Editors note: You forgot to mention the previous city board which still retains a couple of members, firing every member of the Planning Commission, the BZA (Board of Zoning Adjustments), and the Historical Commission.  You actually could have listed dozens of missteps taken by previous boards but we do understand your primary point.  We have the best candidates money can buy.  Could it be due to the pitifully apathetic electorate, huh, huh?

Hot Springs Needs More Taxes - Not Less

TEA Party Incorrectly Painted as Being for Changing Government Form

To the Editor (Sentinel Record):

Mr. Gary Grogan is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.

His Opinion – The Tea Party is backing and behind the effort to “seize control of the city government” by returning to the Mayor/Alderman form of government.

Fact - Clay Herman and Jock MacGregor, members of the Tea Party, have publicly endorsed the change.

Fact – Dan Lewin, a member of the Tea Party has written the Sentinel Record opposing the change.

Fact – I, Jack Sternberg, a member of the Tea Party, while running for City Director, opposed the return to the Mayoral/Alderman system and still do and have, along with Randy Fale, City Director 6^th, just sent a letter endorsing our position that we remain with the present form of city government.

Fact – Neither the Tea Party or the Republican Party has taken an official position endorsing either form of government. Both parties have allowed representatives of each position to speak at our meetings, thereby allowing each member to make up their own mind about the issue.

Fact - No information or vote exists concerning what position the majority of Tea Party members are taking towards this issue.  My opinion is that most are against the change, but I can’t factually back that up.  

So Mr. Grogan, you, as a free American, may continue in your distorted and erroneous opinions, but the facts don’t bear out your claims.

New City Directors Declare War on Public Comments at City Board Meetings

Citizen Favors Changing the Form of Our City Government

Reasons to Change the Form of Our City Government?

Guard Dogs Have Been Watching Too Much TV

Thought your readers may enjoy seeing my well trained guard dogs.  I am very proud of them but sometimes a little afraid to go home.

Inadequate Storm Response by City / County Officials

Okay, count me in to pay my dues and join the GGGG! I've got a few things to say to our PAID city and county officials about this "storm response". You need to sit down and talk to the people who brought the food, blankets, and pillows, and talked to city officials (Burroughs, in my opinion should be FIRED right after that Joy Sanders is!). I spoke to Joy Sanders, asking her for food, and she asks, "What do expect me to do!". "I have no authority (about getting people to safety)", Wanted me to drive all 28 of them that I had right then over to the Salvation Army, because they had a meal. and other stuff. We had people on oxygen, families of 6, old people in their 90's. Her response was, "well, volunteers are picking them up", BULLSHIT, Others were trying to GET PEOPLE to go get them. That's not a plan!  Mayor Carney and Pastor Ken DID EXACTLY what the "paid officials" should have done CHRISTMAS NIGHT. You need to talk to our volunteers and what we did all through this.  WE KNOW exactly what was being said by Burroughs. Apparently the convention center offered to open the night of the storm, CHRISTMAS NIGHT and "someone" said NO! Who ordered that? A friend tried to get the police to get her grand kids and son and she was told NO.  The pastor and mayor stepped up personally, then Faith point. Then the Salvation Army FINALLY brought ONE meal.( Thursday at 3pm). You need to talk to all of us together and then you need to just let them have it! They aren't going to spin this. Judge Davis said go get the people, and who ever is at dispatch told the radio station to stop telling people to call the police/sheriff. Something is screwed up BAD. The Salvation Army only agreed to ONE MEAL, ONE TIME (told that to my face by the head of the Salvation Army) as he was loading the groceries my husband and I bought for the people of the "Warming Center". This is the most screwed up response to a disaster I've ever seen and Burroughs was like, "what do you want us to do, cut down trees or drive people around". HUMAN LIFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EMPTYING THE DUMPSTER'S IN THE COUNTY! How many hundreds of city cars, trucks, etc do the people of this town/county OWN. People should have been brought to the shelters and the "coordinator" for emergencies should have made DAMN SURE we had food to feed them! Hell, we had showers, beds and we got baby beds, diapers, from the nursery at church, food, blankets, pillows from an auction house, (and Myers Supply brought cases of toilet paper). Where the HELL was the Red Cross Christmas night. OR WED. Wed is the latest there should have been an emergency plan in place. People were in tears at the Nazarene church, saying they thought they were going to die until they found out about us. The human suffering was completely IGNORED by "paid" city officials, maybe county too, I don't know who this Joy Sanders lady is or if she is a paid employee. It's time to nail them to the wall!

Editors note: We verified that you are correct on most of what you stated.  Apparently, there is no workable plan in place for a situation like we had on Christmas and the days following.  It appears that our local Red Cross wanted to help but were replaced by their Little Rock organization.  We did speak to the County Judge and got the distinct impression that he was going to work to correct the city/county lack of planning.  Thank you and your volunteers for what you did.  You, quite possibly, saved lives.  We know it would have been much worse without good people like you.  Just an afterthought - ever wonder why doesn't Entergy kick in to help those displaced due to their poor facilities maintenance and slow response to restoration of power?

Why no Comments on the Election?

Lets Give Our New City Directors a Chance

Editors note:  We rather expected such comments from you and we do agree that all new candidates deserve an opportunity to do what is right.  Hey, we still believe in hope and change.  That actually now means we hope that Obama will change.  Good luck on that one.

Fale's Slogan May Not Reflect His True Job Experience?

Editors note: We are not terribly surprised to hear all those "city leaders" didn't give permission because we have received a virtual flood of complaints that his people have been taking down his opponent's signs and putting his signs up in areas where they do not have permission from the land owners.  To us, it also speaks volumes when you list your own wife and kid as city leaders. 

Why the Silence on Steve Smith, Suzanne Davidson?

Editors note: Because, even though you are likely correct that the good ol' boy network is backing Davidson, we think they are supporting Becca Clark in district 3.  We do know that good ol' gal Keheley has changed her support to Clark.  We think that even the good ol' boys don't want Smith back in.  Perhaps you have forgotten how he was an unreliable embarrassment to them.  Check the financial records after the election to see who supports who.  Oh, in case you see thousands of dollars in $5 and $10 donations during the last few days like happened in director Daniel's last race, stop and ask yourself where that money really came from.  Could one of the possibilities be Oaklawn?  Hey Eric, just asking.  It does appear that Davidson and Clark are both "newcomers" but the primary complaint we hear is that Becca Clark's business is actually in Little Rock and she spends very little time here.  We are somewhat surprised that their opponents are not making an issue of these facts.  Could be they don't have the virtually unlimited cash contributions from nebulous sources, huh?  Update (11/5/12): We just discovered that it is now apparent that director Keheley talked all three candidates into entering the race for her seat.  Good but sneaky move Cynthia.  How could you lose? 

What's the Deal With the Good Ol' Boy's Candidate?

Editors note: Thanks for the info.  We also did a search to see who he had supported politically to determine if he is a true "conservative" as he claims.  We discovered he was a major contributor to Blanche Lincoln.  The Huffington Post reports that he gave $1,250 to help her campaign.  We are almost certain that Blanche Lincoln was not a conservative. Wow! Who knew he made that kind of salary?  We were certainly surprised to see the statistics for Saint Joseph's Hospital. Typically, hospitals make lots and lots of money.  Perhaps, this candidate was part of the reason our hospital was forced to sell, huh?  We also found an additional relative post you can view by clicking here. The Compass Report that apparently caused the separation of the CEO from the Arkansas State Hospital can be seen by clicking here.  We have had reports that some of your links don't work and we even had to cut and paste your URLs to make them open the proper websites.

How High's the Water Momma?

Editors note:  The "Code Blue" system you reference is actually called "Code Red" and is, questionably, a weather warning system.  We observed the initial demonstration of the system and noted that the company spent over 20 minutes putting in data to notify citizens that a tornado spotted in Mountain Pine was headed for Hot Springs.  It does not take an intellectual to realize that particular tornado was probably through Hot Springs and headed for Benton before "Code Red" let us know it was coming.  In our view, the system also has numerous other shortcomings.  We will be asking the city for information about how much we are paying for this system and if the purported benefits have proven worthwhile.  One final note.  If it rains a lot, how many people in town won't know that downtown may have flooded even without spending $80,000 to $250,000 of the taxpayer's money plus the additional costs you mentioned?  Even without the expensive system, won't the city and police still barricade the area?  How high does the water have to get before someone notices?  The alarm system is nothing new.  Check the "Archives" section of our website and scroll down to the January 3, 2007 posting.  There are other references that predate that posting.

Good Ol' Boys Have Selected Their Candidate

Did the Deputy City Manager Waste the Public's Money?  Really?

Editors note:  The person you heard speak is with the Garland Good Government Group (GGGG).  We also heard the comments and noted that his primary point was concern that the city plans to issue $28 - $30 million in revenue bonds without allowing the public to vote.  Sort of sounds like the $15 million city hall revenue bond issue the good ol' boys voted in without allowing the public a voice or a vote, doesn't it?  This is rather well documented in the "Archives" section of our website beginning on October 12, 2007 with numerous posts and comments preceding that date.  Concern was also expressed that the city plans to use the same city administrator who wasted some $3 million to oversee the spending of that money.  As to the "wasting" of some $3.2 million for a plant he knew couldn't be constructed, see the "Archives" postings for March 8 and 9 of 2011 plus July 21, 29 of 2010.  Several posts predate these including December 9, 2009.  Many of these posts are authored by the former city engineer.  Additionally, the "Commentary" section provides more insight (e.g., July 11, 2011; December 25, 2009; August 3, 16, and 28, 2009; June 14, 2009).  There is plenty of documentation of wasted money.  For example, click here to view the June 9, 2009 letter where the Arkansas Department of Health recommended the city stop "expending the city's resources."  Click here and here for a couple of other letters.  There actually are several more.

Very Upset Citizen

Good morning, ---------------------

I wanted to ask you about the article on Page 1 about the zoning amendment. I understand this change is based on compliance with Title 8 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968... a while back, I'd say! Under the 3rd paragraph on the page (2a) it sounds like the people can acquire land anywhere and are exempt from the regulations and compliance issues of OTHER (as in majority of residences), proposed structures in a zoning area. Is this correct?

What specific changes will this bring to our established communities? Since boards "may not require additional studies or procedural steps to unnecessarily delay decision making when considering development that may be occupied by members of a protected class". Is this the exact situation that went on with "Safe Haven", although under this system, the neighborhood would not have a say ,and the people organizing the commercial (most likely!) enterprise or government subsidized accommodation would be exempt from requirements others in the same area must meet?

What greater protected class is there than the persons that have invested earned income into a residential area as opposed to those living on grants, Federally supported programs or Half Way housing programs covering a variety of issues ??? I ask most sincerely as I wonder when the final chapter for Hot Springs residential areas will be written. I have NEVER lived in a place where one has to watch the paper daily to see if their residential life and home-style is about to be restructured by some group that usually cannot even buy the property let alone run the program proposed to be brought to the community.  Thanks for your attention to this inquiry.....

The following is a response to the mayor's email reply referring the writer to the city's website

Severely impaired alcoholics and drug addicts are an "accepted" classification for Federal Disability, and as such, these folks are eligible for all of the benefits under a protected class of Disabled persons. This would be one of the major disruptions to any neighborhood since these people are "fully funded", pleased with their lifestyle, and not too concerned about what the others in the community feel about their purchasing a group home in a residential community. This is just one example....Thank you for your reply.

Editors note:  Wow!  We didn't realize that alcoholics and drug addicts are considered "disabled Americans" and qualify to receive our tax money and the numerous benefits as are other "disabled" people.

Today is National Honesty Day

Editors note:  Could it be that the local media is simply afraid of losing those millions of taxpayer advertising dollars?  To see the full comments of M. Hirsh Goldberg, the founder of National Honesty Day (click here).  We understand the above was also sent to the Sentinel Record as an editorial or letter to the editor.  However, we strongly recommend you not hold your breath waiting for them to publish it.

A&P Athletic Field Construction Costs Questioned

Editors note:  We have previous posts and comments relative to your concerns (e.g., See March 8 and 9 below).  If you really need proof for something so obvious, research the real reasons for the Mid-America Science Museum bond issue of a few years back.  Remember that the A&P had decided to sell the museum for pennies on the dollar to the college?  Then, remember how they reversed themselves and became quite concerned with the museum?  Do you not believe that was because they needed to encumber the A&P tax and prevent citizens from petitioning for a vote?  They went so far as to try and convince us the HVAC equipment was 40 years old and could fail at any moment when most of it was only six or seven years old.  How about $150,000 of your tax money for a new hot-air balloon shortly after we had already purchased one?  You shouldn't need much more proof the A&P is collecting too much in taxes when they spend so freely.  Yes, your observations concerning the cost for ball-fields being enormously inflated seem correct.

Reader Agrees With Commentary and Letter to Editor

Editors note:  Your observation is well taken.  We should have pointed out that the commentary was also submitted as a "letter to the editor" sent to the Sentinel Record.  We don't think the author expected the newspaper to actually publish it since there were some negative comments about the newspaper contained in the letter.  We were surprised to learn that the A&P CEO does not have a college degree.  However, we did find the Arkansas Business article you referenced which verified your statements. We do know a young lady who does have a degree in tourism who told us the local A&P would not even give her an interview.  Perhaps this explains why.  No, we do not expect to do any further studies but do expect those people who spend our tax dollars to be more honest in the future.

Has Newspaper Always Slanted the News?

Editors note:  We only have our theories why the local paper slants their news but we do know most of the Garland Good Government Group (GGGG) well and know that they quoted their mission statement in the press release as the reason for commissioning an attendance study of the Saint Patrick's Day parade.  The final part of their mission statement says, "To acquire and provide access to information so the public can make informed choices."  This seems to be a reasonable attempt at getting to the facts and then reporting those facts to the public.  Since you mentioned the name-calling, check out the Arkansas Times blog.  The Times editor called the GGGG an "Umbrella organization for the Jihadists."  Somehow, we don't think the name-calling will have any effect on the GGGG.   By the way, if you haven't seen the GGGG attendance study, it can be seen in it's entirety by clicking here.

When is a News Story Not a News Story?

Editors note:  We most certainly, will publish the full report when it is provided to us.  We look forward to it and promise not to make up a story about what it might say until we get it. 

UPDATE: Okay, we have the study.  Click here to see it.

No "Follow-Up" Reporting

I know by the awards the Sentinel Record has received, that there must be a true Investigative reporter that works on staff ! I can not tell you how irritating it is to consistently read partial stories an have to imagine an outcome, or hope one lives long enough to read the "rest of the story".

Two examples I will mention are current enough to still be on the "front burner" and should be addressed. One has to do with a dispatcher from the HSV police dept that attended a party with others from the department, the general manager of the Village and friends, then left with a boyfriend only to be found murdered at a later date. Details were non-existent in the paper although, if one kept their ear close to the ground, information was available.

The second example I will give is the coverage given to the undisputed fact that the "Agents with the U.S.Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco and Explosives seized a reported 7.5 tons of display fireworks from a storage site at 817 Lakeshore Drive after a search warrant was executed".

As is often the case, there never was a follow up article and no conclusion ever appeared to either of the stories mentioned. Since both incidents had to do with persons holding positions of trust with the citizens of the Garland County community,  in one case the salary of the employee was earned through the tax dollars of the citizens, I would conclude the citizens have a right to expect someone is capable of writing a conclusion to these stories and it should not require folks to file FOIA to get the second part of information originally covered in a paper.

Any answers available? Please do make answers available to all subscribers.

Editors note: We also have been waiting with bated breath for a follow-up story as to what happened.  We know that your letter was also sent to the Sentinel Record.  Don't hold your breath for your letter to be published.  UPDATE: We just discovered that the newspaper editor did respond to the above letter although that's not quite the same as letting the public know, is it?

CBID II Has a Leadership Problem?

Editors note:  We are aware of some of the "whys" of dissolving the group and some of the "hows" relative to required number of signatures of property owners, etc.  However, we are, obviously, not as informed as you relative to actions of your board.  It makes sense to us that you would dissolve rather than be assessed exorbitant charges.  We do, however, tend to believe that you need some kind of group to represent that area to keep it neat and a viable place to shop.  We would like to see a group that would also stay open later and have more "entertainment" related establishments.  We keep hearing, "We don't want to be like Branson" and perhaps, that is why we have almost no entertainment.  Our position has always been, "What the heck is wrong with being like Branson?"  Look at the money tourists spent in that town.  One day of Branson's revenues would likely eclipse what Hot Springs does in a month.  Oh, we almost forgot: Please get rid of the "bottleneck" so traffic can flow and public safety vehicles can get around.

Governor and Arrison Conspiring Together?

Editors note: Although we do not agree with the premise, we surmise that the school of thought is "out-of-state" tourists rent more hotel rooms than Arkansas tourists and "locals" who travel back home after each game.  In today's economy, there is a lot to be said in bringing Arkansas residents to town.  Their numbers should be larger because they don't have to spend as much time or money as do residents of Tennessee, Kentucky, or Texas getting to Hot Springs and back.  Also, consider the fact that it is easier for Arkansans to attend a game and be back on the job the next day.  Arkansans and locals still spend lots of money in Hot Springs stores and restaurants.  Irrespective of how they color it, attendance at the Sun-Belt tournament had to be a disappointment.  We tuned in to ESPN and quickly realized what appeared to be a "sea of blue" crowd was only blue seat backs.  There were probably less than 100 red-shirted Western Kentucky fans and less than 100 green-shirted ("Mean Green") North Texas fans.  Someone commented those 200 probably would be 25 thousand fans if we use Mr. Arrison's count.  He did estimate last year's (smaller) tournament booked 4,000 hotel room nights, correct?  Using the 200 person finals crowd, with each room housing a family of 2 people, that means 100 hotel rooms per night if they all stayed in hotels.  At this rate, 4,000 hotel room nights would mean the tournament lasted 40 days.  A 40 day tournament?  Hey, we're "just saying."

"What's the Deal" with Director Daniel's Fireworks and City Attorney Financial Problems?

Editors note: We also have not heard anything about the Daniel's Spa Fireworks federal/state raid and subsequent seizure.  Irrespective of what Director Daniel told the newspaper, we find it difficult to believe that no charges were pending or that storing that large quantity of explosives in a residential neighborhood is not prohibited by some federal or state law.  With respect to the city attorney, we did confirm that he has moved and that Westly W. Albright is being sued.  The case is filed as CV 2012-109-III in the Circuit Court of Garland County, Civil Division and dated February 3, 2012.  The plaintiff, Bank of America, seeks the amount of $5,242.66, court costs, attorney fees, and interest (pre and post judgment) at the maximum rate allowed by law.  If anyone knows the disposition of the fireworks seizure, we would appreciate hearing from you.  To date, our efforts have been unsuccessful.

So one brave soul named Dale Anderson, who worked for the Hot Spring Village Police Department, has offered his formal resignation in the form of a public letter printed in the Village Voice.  In it he states that there is a hostile work environment within a “culture of arrogance” that has led to members of Laroy Cornett’s police and fire departments (because Laroy is “chief of chiefs” you know) feeling they have a gag order imposed on them.  Mr. Anderson states his resignation is offered due to the way Dawna Natzke’s investigation was mishandled by that department and the ensuing atmosphere that drove fear into the ranks if they were to state their concerns.

Laroy has now countered.  He says they got right on the Dawna Natzke case…blah blah blah.  This senile old shit doesn’t realize we were following this case all along, I guess.  No you didn’t, Laroy.  Sit down and eat your tapioca.  You didn’t get right on anything.  Laroy claims they immediately asked for help from other agencies, including Garland County Sheriff’s Office.  Jiminy Christmas…you know in the world of blogging there rarely is a time you can call someone an outright liar, but Cornett’s banging on that door just begging to be let in.

Laroy…turn your hearing aid up and listen.  Garland County has already PUBLICLY stated you turned down their offers for assistance in the early CRITICAL days of the investigation into Dawna’s disappearance.  Laroy…the Forestry Division has already stated you and your 2 sidekicks turned down their offers to secure and search the CRITICAL first crime scene – that’s Dawna’s car, you know….the one you left unsecured and just sitting out in the rain and public arena for about 4 days???  Laroy, TEXAS EQUUSEARCH has already stated, as well as Dawna’s sister, that you turned TES down when they offered during those CRITICAL early days to assist in finding Dawna’s body.

Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?

Laroy goes on…they did a thorough job on Dawna’s case he says.  As soon as they finally got around to determining they had a missing person (which took several phone calls from Dawna’s friends and family members and about 36 hours or so) they issued a BOLO.  Let’s be clear about something…they issued a BOLO and then they went home for Christmas holiday.

LAROY…HELLO.  Mr. Anderson appears to not be the only member of your rank and file who is discontent.  The Hinky has had INSIDE SOURCES for weeks and weeks now.  You and your top 2 nidgets kept this case behind closed doors.  You, nor either one of the two buffoons who serve you, ever EVER EVER held one briefing with your police officers, you never gave one update to your police officers.  You intentionally left those officers clueless.  Your officers couldn’t possibly have assisted in this investigation because they had NO INFORMATION to go with and requests for information WERE DENIED. Hell, they didn’t even feel safe showing up for the volunteer search that ultimately led to the discovery of Dawna’s body because, according to the sources, you had caused such fear within the ranks that it would be seen as a traitorous act they feared getting fired for if they did show up!

THEN, then…you told those same officers who you would not even update on the case when they asked you for information, those same officers that you actively rejected from being a part of looking for their own coworker and friend, YOU told them you wanted them showing up in full force at Dawna’s funeral in their dress uniforms and showing solidarity. Do you know how disgusting that request from you felt to them? Do you realize that if it were not for the fact that people would have taken them not showing up at the funeral as disrespectful to Dawna they would have not followed your orders? Do you realize what a pathetic little power-mongering incompetent boob you are viewed as? APPARENTLY NOT!

Sources close to the case have informed the Hinky that Garland County has had to ‘START ALL OVER’ on the investigation and case building in the murder of Dawna Natzke because the HSVPD botched it so bad virtually nothing from their original case can be used.

Kudos to Mr. Anderson.

Laroy Cornett needs to stop re-writing history, needs to stop making false statements and needs to resign immediately.  His two Barney Fifes need to go with him.  New leadership needs to be installed so that the fine officers of the HSVPD can actually do their jobs.  And I’m not sure there shouldn’t be some criminal charges against Laroy Cornett for the way this murder was mishandled from the start.

Editors note: Everything you say rings true.  We had the same concerns and doubts you did.  It certainly appears the chief not only doesn't listen to television and radio reports and doesn't read the newspaper, he appears to think that no one else does either.  What a shame.

Newspaper Says We Had Tourists Visiting the Indians

Editors note: Wow!  We never realized those facts either.  Do you suppose the A&P advertised for tourists with smoke signals?  Is it possible that the newspaper is learning how to play with numbers similar to the way Mr. Arrison does?

City Engineer Says We Need Water From DeGray

Editors note: You know it Buddy.  Mallett had a huge hand in wasting between 2 and 3 million dollars of the public's money and still has the nerve to propose pumping water through hills and valleys for 19 miles.  Although he spent millions studying and designing a plant and location he knew would not be approved, he overlooked putting operating costs in the scope of work.  We do have the plans that Jacobs Engineering provided and nowhere was there even a mention of costs to pump water daily from the plant site to the city.  He likely has also overlooked the costs of pumping the 8.5 mgd (million gallons per day) up dozens of hills over 19 miles plus the 408 feet msl elevation  which is some 175 feet lower than the Hot Springs storage elevation.  Just a side note - Ouachita's water level is about 608 feet msl.  Pumping 8.5 million gallons per day involves moving 70,975,000 pounds up and down those hills for 19 miles.  Even if the pumps run full time, approximately 6,000 gallons per minute must be moved.  At this flow rate, just overcoming a single 200 foot head (or elevation) would require 303 horsepower.  One horsepower is 746 watts but when motor efficiencies are considered, 1 kilowatt per hp is typically used.  This means 303kWh per hour will be consumed equalling 7,272 kWh per day or 218,160 kWh per month.  At $0.10 per kWh, the monthly bill equates to $21,816.  If we conservatively assume only a half dozen such elevation differences in the 19 miles, the monthly bill would amount to $130,896.  This means an additional $4.22 every month for each of the 31,000 water customers just to pump the raw water to town.  The pipe will cost over $100 per foot so that is another $10 million plus.  The rights-of-way will likely cost another 8-10 million.  The treatment plant another $20 million Oh, don't forget the $5 million or so to once again pay some engineering friends of the city engineer to design it all.  Paying off $45 million in bonds would also be added to our water bills and multiplied on the sewer bills.  So what if your water and sewer bill doubles, it's not their money so what do they care, huh, huh? 

P.S. We just did some rough numbers here.  We do have a water engineer doing more precise calculations.

Thanks for Preserving Our Neighborhoods

Editors note: We really don't know how certain parties including age groups could be excluded.  This argument has been brought up and tested in courts before by those who continue to pay school tax but have no kids in school.  Our primary concern at present is the sheer number of taxes that are being proposed or soon will be.  These include a public safety tax being proposed by the fire chief, increasing water and other costs by the city, new taxes for schools, a new road (gasoline or diesel) tax, and likely even a tax to fix our city streets which are now being totally neglected.

Chamber of Commerce Taxing Us and Calling It Economic Development

From: Just Sayin - Hot Springs

Date: January 19, 2012

Editors note: Thanks for the info.  The article is well written and does certainly, apply to what is happening with our chamber people here in river city.  Our readers can also click here to access the article you reference.

In reference to the letter by Bill Bowman, “Tale of woe in county”, I can assure everyone that Garland County Judge Rick Davis and the entire Quorum Court are concerned about home construction and all construction in rural Garland County.  While there are citizens that want the county involved in the permitting, inspection, certificate of occupancy business, etc.  there are at least an equal number (and my experience indicates a far greater number) that want to be left alone preferring to be responsible for themselves as opposed to depending on the umbrella of government.  Historically people living in rural areas have preferred to live in unincorporated areas with less governmental interference, preferring to be responsible for their decisions and actions.

Mr. Bowman and all others constructing or purchasing property in unincorporated areas should always take advantage of the many resources available to them to insure that what they are purchasing is as presented or that during the construction process work is done in accordance with federal and state code requirements.  There are many resources available to aid individuals in assuring all work performed complies with federal and state code requirements; some of the resources are home inspection companies, licensed tradesman (plumbers, electricians, construction engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers, architects, etc.).  Another good idea is to have an attorney look over contracts, guarantees, warranties, etc. to be certain they offer the purchaser the protection they are seeking. 

Entering into a home purchase contract or home construction or remodeling contract is only part of the process and can be “akin to giving the keys to the hen house to a fox” if licensed and certified service providers aren’t selected and qualified oversight of the project employed.  People that desire the oversight of government should restrict their property purchases to incorporated areas that offer permitting, planning departments, municipal fire protections, etc. 

Editors note: Thank you Justice Pritchett - some good stuff in your letter.

On December 8th, a Planning Commission meeting was held in Hot Springs . The meeting was well attended as there were several topics covered that evening. I have recently read 2 letters in the paper, written by different people, Marianne and George Lindholm and Deliphia Faye Villars, and they have given their synopsis of the meeting, none of which addressed what the hearings were about, but apparently what these folks wished was covered because of their feelings toward a topic being reviewed.

Each of the authors has failed to research the origins of the Planning Commission, the procedures for regulations to be accepted as the standard for the various zoning regulations, and the collective benefit the population and investors have in fully understanding the legal expectations for residing in certain areas.  I fully support the Planning Commission supporting the existing regulations and requiring that future housing to be in compliance with all of the standards for the specific type of zoning . The only thing I would find fault with is the Commissioner that said he would vote with "how he felt" even though he was advised of the regulations that were not being met. He certainly did not fulfill his obligation to represent the existing standards for our city.

All most people want is a fair and equal opportunity to present their petition. That can not be achieved if there is no support of regulations, even within the Planning Commission hearing board members. To agree with the established rules is not to negate the need or the desire to establish a shelter area.  It is important to be clear in sending letters to the paper not to fail in covering the actual intent of the hearing. When the writer skews the reality to reflect only their position, and forgets that the regulations were not created to defeat their intentions, their intentions were to change or ignore the regulations to comply with a groups wishes....here is the origin of the problem under discussion.

A city resident, but not a resident of the Whittington neighborhood.

Editors note: We understand that the above letter was sent to the local newspaper but, apparently, was never published.  It is amazing, is it not, how many letters from the same people (who use the newspaper for their own personal fight with others) continue to be published when letters such as this do not?

“Hot Springs budgetary problems can only be solved if those in charge will take the necessary actions; reductions in all General Fund services and reducing to minimums the Quality of Life items and or eliminating some or all Outside Agency funding.”

“ Realistically the Hot Springs General Fund doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a major spending problem.  Make the cuts and give attention to the infrastructure and then move forward with raises if the money is there.  Employee raises should not take precedence over infrastructure and public safety; however, public safety personnel reductions must be made to bring properly aligned expenses and revenues.” 

Editors note: The above two quotations are excerpts from a long commentary which is published on the "Commentary" page.  We simply felt these were so appropriate that we wanted to also post them here.

The city director's goals look honorable and I wish them success in achieving them. However this is being done at budget time and looks more like a ploy to get public funds and embarrass leaders who do not fall for it.

When giving grants to non profits (the chamber organizations) that have been in business for many years, givers should look at their track record. Theirs has not been one of accountability as they promise it will be in the future.

City directors must decide whether to give money to this political organization or pave the city streets. I suspect they will give the political organization the money because I believe that was part of the promised payback for the millions  in non jail tax included in the recent election that the chamber funded.

Editors note: Well said Mr. Observer.  When any organization refuses to report how taxpayer money is used, it is past time to totally quit funding that organization.

Last evening I attended the Planning Commission meeting and I was amazed at the lack of cohesive effort displayed by the members of the Planning Commission toward existing regulations for Conditional Use Permits, changes in the zoning of property, all within a residential neighborhood.  I will not even address the issue which turned from what the existing regulations are into a trashing of people as heartless for trying to maintain their neighborhood as a residential setting. One of the Planning Commission members went so far as to say he had not read the Park Avenue/Whittington plan , previously voted on and approved by the City Board of Directors, but regardless of being told the proposed facility did not fit or comply with the current regulated plan, he was going to vote for it!

He was not alone. When a City Director held up a printed copy of the final plan, I did not see one member of the Planning Commission that indicated familiarity with this document when asked by the Director how many had read it?

What is going on in this city? To hear the discussion of this issue, number one of "New Business"  for what was destined to be a very long night, this was a eye-opener and I think we have a group of Planning Commission members not fulfilling their purpose for sitting on the Board when they vote according to how they feel about an issue , even when told the vote was in violation of requirements for the district.

Are we operating as two different cities in that this violation of Board of Directors passed regulation can be disregarded by a Planning Commission that is to be recommending and following the codes and zoning criteria?? If there is continued destruction of our neighborhoods, say good-bye to new residents because NOBODY is going to invest their money into transitional locations where commercial, temporary, part time, or full time businesses are changing the single family designation to accommodate special projects, regardless of how worthy they are.  

Editors note: Too many boards and commissions forget that they exist solely to enforce laws and regulations.  Unfortunately, many of our board members who were doing this were fired and replaced by "good-ol-boy" friends.

City Has No Money But Gives Pay Raises Anyhow and Pay For Not Working

Local Judges Not Standing Up and Doing Their Duty?

Upset Reader Takes Issue With HotSpringsTalk.com

Reader Slightly Upset With Specific Directors

Good Ole Boys/Girls Strike Again

Stop Arrison From Destroying Good People's Reputations

Editorial on GOBs and GOGs (good old boys and good old girls)

Predictions For Today's City Board Meeting and Beyond

Only Real Election Problems Were Due To Actions Of An Over-Zealous County Judge

Another Well Orchestrated Attempt To Discredit Mayor

Give Us $40 mil and Then We'll Tell You What We'll Do With It

Give Us $40 million for a "Half-Baked" Jail Proposal

Sentinel Record Losing Sight of What is Good for the Community

Sentinel Record Policy Quite Different from Policy They Impose on the Public

Keheley Will Become Part of History At Tuesday's City Board Meeting

Director Wants to Further Limit Citizen's Right to Free Speech

Reader Apologizes for Being Part of Our Community

Wants to Hear More About the Good Ol' Boys

What Is The Deal With Director Keheley?

7,000 Attendees at St. Paddies Day Parade

A Million People Attended Hot Springs' St. Paddies Day Parade?   Depends Who You Ask