by BC Watchdog
Now we see their true Colors
9:54 pm in County Commission, Ethics Complaint by BC Watchdog
The following is an email exchange between me and the County Commission. I had initially written to record my objection to the county spending $100,000 of our tax money on a second lobbyist.
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From: Ian Walters
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 1:27 PM
To: Commissioner Frank Burt; Bob James; Tucker Dorsey; Charles F. Gruber; David Brewer
Cc: Connie Baggett
Subject: Resolution #2011-051
Commissioners,
I can’t attend tomorrow’s meeting but I would like to go on record with my opposition to resolution 2011-051.
In these challenging economic times all four of you have promised to be fiscally conservative and to spend $100,000 of tax payer’s money on an extra lobbying company is outrageous.
I understand the idea is to try and secure more money for road building projects in the county but the “if we build it they will come” mentality has to stop. I drove down the Foley Beach Express at the weekend and I believe that when that project was first proposed the rationale was that it would become a well travelled road with commercial development and job creation. On the first spring-like weekend of the year the road was empty and while it was nice to see mile after mile of open space after being in a city all week, it hardly fulfilled the promise of becoming a revenue source for the county.
Once again, I urge you to be truly fiscally conservative, remember who you are working for and simply stop spending money that the County does not have.
Yours sincerely
Ian Walters
Daphne, AL
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fromCommissioner Frank Burt
toDavid Brewer
ccIan Walters, Bob James, Tucker Dorsey, “Charles F. Gruber” , David Conner, Anu Gary, Connie Baggett
dateMon, Feb 28, 2011 at 5:34 PM
subjectRE: Resolution #2011-051
David:
Have you determined if Mr. Ian Walters is a registered voter in Baldwin County? Or, is it perhaps possible that he may just be another unhappy resident blogger with too much leisure time?
Thanks,
Frank
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Mr. Burt seems to share a trait with Senator Beason when questioned about legitimate concerns from a citizen that pays his salary through tax dollars–cocky and looking for a way to deflect criticism by going on the attack.
Deflection, as we all know, is a well-worn tactic used by the arrogant among us in Alabama who call themselves servants of the people.
Mr. Burt could have addressed Mr. Walters concerns with some semblance of “I hear you” even if he did not take the concerns seriously.
He didn’t even take that half-hearted step, instead he chose to attempt to discredit Mr. Walters in a distasteful way that made clear, in public for the rest of us to see, he is not interested in hearing from his own citizens. His mind is made up and by gosh that’s how it’s going to be like it or not..
You, Mr. Burt, are much more of a problem than any “unhappy blogger” as you put it, will ever be. If it weren’t for bloggers interested in getting the truth out to the people, you would be able to rule your perceived fiefdom in a vacuum that most political animals who have something to hide seem to prefer.
May I remind you that your job is to serve your constituents faithfully, not serve them up with snappiness when they ask you the hard questions that you, and all the BCC deserve over this nonsensical waste of money.
Hiring an additional lobbyist is nothing more than political favor to some select friends Mr. Burt, not an idea that is designed to “move Baldwin County forward.”
Let’s just call it what it is shall we?
Thank you Mr. Walters for posting this interesting exchange.
It’s time for the Feds to clean house in Baldwin County.
Not only are these elected officials bent on self-preservation and self-gain,
they are as repugnant as they are short-sighted.
Simply add this to the growing file.
C.E.W.
Well now Commissioner Frank Burt, Mr. Walters has written: “I look forward to your public explanation of why I should be treated any differently than any other resident in the County.” That certainly appears to be an appropriate request. Why should any law abiding, taxpayer be treated different? Many in Baldwin County are awaiting your reply.
I hope that Commissioner Burt is checking these replies. His challenge of Mr. Walters and his right to question the actions of elected officials was certainly inappropriate. It seems that Mr. Burt wants to divert our attention from the legitimate issues that concern all of us as citizens of Baldwin County and Alabama.
What possible excuse is there for Commissioner Burt to ask the County Administrator to spend even one minute of his time determining whether Mr. Walters is a registered voter in Baldwin County!