What To Do About County Fire Control                                                                                                             January 8, 2008

Director Smith Goes to Court.  Yes, Again.                                                                                                         January 3, 2008

We have been asked the outcome of city director Smith's latest court case several time so we decided we may as well publish the results here for all to see. 

Most of you are likely aware that a special judge was brought in from Benton because our local district judges are paid by the city of Hot Springs and to not recuse themselves could be considered as a conflict of interest.  You will likely recall that the special judge found against Mr. Smith and ordered him to pay his painter approximately $2,300 plus court costs. The hearing for Mr. Smith in circuit court on Wednesday, January 2nd was due to Mr. Smith appealing the case even though the time for appeal had apparently elapsed and several other complications and strange twists appear to have been involved.  Mr. Smith and his attorney, Mr. Tapp did appear in court.  Mr. Smith and Mr. Tapp offered the plaintiff $1,000 to settle and eventually did get the plaintiff to settle the approximately $2,300 judgment for $1,500. 

This marks the end of Mr. Smith's legal case but this may not be the end of the public's perception of how Mr. Smith does business.  Don't forget, he is one of your representatives responsible for oversight of millions of your tax dollars.  Sleep well.

City Directors Vote To Take Authority Over County Residents                                                                   November 7, 2007

Well, the city board of directors met again Monday evening and voted 4 to 3 passing a resolution to "study" and prepare zoning maps enabling the city to impose planning and zoning in the first one-mile of county properties immediately  outside of the city limits.  Several residents spoke in opposition but no one spoke in favor of the resolution.  Those directors voting against the resolution were directors Maruthur, Jones, and Smith.  Those voting to ignore the wishes of the people and continue with the study were Weatherford, Daniel, Edwards, and mayor Bush. 

Several citizens expressed concern that this action would only be the beginning of the city forcing affected areas to be annexed in the future.  The mayor did his typical bit of grandstanding and announced, "there will be no forced annexation as long as I'm mayor."  He has had these delusions of grandeur for some time but it does continue to demonstrate his dictatorial side and how important he considers himself.  The city attorney misrepresented what state law requires stating that the state mandates that the city "shall" impose zoning in the first 5 miles surrounding the city.  The exact wording can be found by clicking here so that citizens can decide for themselves.

Bottom line - If the zoning maps and study results in an ordinance, county residents will be told what they can and cannot do with their personal property.  In the humble opinion of this writer, as long as the city doesn't have water, sewer, and basic services to all residents of the city, they should not try and impose their dictates to county residents.  Until the city ceases "selective code enforcement" with city directors using city departments to intimidate anyone who dares speak against their unethical actions, why would county residents want these people imposing similar codes on them?  Until directors cease misusing their positions to help themselves and their friends instead of the safety and welfare of their residents, why would anyone want this particular group of self-serving politicians representing them?  This is especially true when one realizes that county residents have no elected representative to complain to.  Unfortunately, most city residents don't really have representatives that actually represent them either.

Stay tuned.  It is about to get even more interesting.

Unadvertised Town Hall Meeting Well Scripted                                                                                                  October 26, 2007

Much to the surprise of the masses, our Hot Springs board of directors held a Town Hall meeting last afternoon at 5:30 PM in the Central Fire Station on Broadway.  Several items are worthy of note. 

First - Although we didn't see the notice in the local newspaper, we understand one was published which stated that no question was "off limits" and that the public could ask any questions of our board of directors they wished.  The harsh reality was that the public was not allowed to ask anything they wanted and except for Maruthur and a couple of short cute answers, the directors did not answer even the 'milk-toast' questions that were allowed.  This was accomplished by the use of a moderator (H.S. Chamber President) who is excellent at polishing questions intended for directors and redirecting them to city staff.  In fact, the moderator began the meeting by stating that the directors were "here to listen" which was the same as saying they were not here to answer any questions.

Second - The meeting was well scripted.  Questions were hand-picked by the moderator as "subjects" to be addressed and anyone wishing to speak about those particular subjects could do so.  Except for a brief discussion of the city's crime problem, no controversial subjects with the potential to make directors look bad were addressed.  For example, excessive trips by directors to Japan, Reno, Washington DC, New Orleans, etc.; the downtown bottleneck, director's conflicts of interest, the defeated city hall bond issue, improper use of tax revenues, etc. were not subjects open for discussion. 

Third - The audience was predetermined.  This appeared to have been accomplished by the minimal advertising to the public that a meeting would be held plus requiring city employees to attend.  Director Maruthur asked that city employees and their spouses stand and 31 were counted.  She then asked those who live outside of the city to stand and 11 were counted.  The meeting began with about 50 people in the audience but grew to 68 counted at one point.  When the 31 city employees (not counting the directors and city manager) and 11 lived county residents are subtracted, the remaining 26 were assumed to be city residents.  If the members of the Garland Good Government Group were subtracted from this number, it would appear that only a handful of city residents even knew about the meeting.  While this and the recent referendum were used to demonstrate that the public was "apathetic" or didn't care about city issues, the writer feels this was simply proof that the meeting and the referendum were very poorly advertised.  Hot Springs citizens are concerned about their city and the direction the current leadership is taking it.

Fourth - There were a few fresh moments of truth when directors actually spoke.  For example, Director Smith, fresh from his latest court fiasco that same day, asked how many people in the predetermined audience "think that Hot Springs has a crime problem?"  He appeared to be shocked when almost all of those non-city employees and a few city employees raised their hands.  When the rhetorical question "who in their right mind would want the job as mayor even for $200,000 a year?" was asked, the mayor said, "I would."

Fifth - The head "good ol' boy" for the city stood at the very end of the meeting and outlined all of the great things our city has and insinuated that all the new businesses, jobs, park expansions, Oaklawn money, theme parks, and new restaurants were due to the "good ol' boy" leadership.  As for this observer, all of these good things have happened to our city in spite of the "good ol' boys" and NOT because of them.  Our city has potential much greater than what has been accomplished.  We sincerely hope that our citizens continue their strong support to help the entire area reach our goals of ending government by self-serving, egotistical politicians, providing for improved traffic flow, achieving a fair and equitable tax structure, improving our quality of life, properly addressing our drug problems, and reducing crime so that all citizens can feel safe and secure in their neighborhoods.

City Manager's Bid For Naples, Florida Job Unsuccessful                                                                                                             October 14, 2007

Some in Hot Springs are saying it is a sad day although others are glad.  The reason for all these emotions is the fact that our city manager, Kent Myers, did not make the "short list" for the city manager job in Naples, Florida.  This website certainly did our small part in not interfering with this opportunity by changing his name to Special K, thus preventing web searches from finding references to him on our sites.  We also misspelled the title, "city manager"  for the same reason.  Hey Kent, next time let us know further ahead of time when you have resumes out and we'll change those names sooner.  We absolutely do not wish to interfere in any way with your finding employment elsewhere.

Members and Guests Celebration Successful                                                                                                                          October 14, 2007

Some 36 GGGG members and invited guests celebrated our third straight major success at Phil's Restaurant in Howard Johnsons Friday evening.  It was really neat having the entire restaurant to ourselves.  Those who were present were treated to not only a good meal but to very informative reports from various committee chairs.  No official action items were presented but in view of the general consensus to accept the City Mananger's offer to come speak to our group, he will be invited to speak at our December meeting.  Although it was strongly recommended that we allow him 3 minutes, we will likely extend that time.  We also plan to have a state official speak that evening so it is possible we will actually have to limit both speakers.  We will keep you advised.

As to our impending goals and future projects, an overview of our plans was provided at the celebration.  However, the final proposals are still incomplete.  The executive committee is working toward incorporating all of the recommended projects into a single plan.  Once this work is finished, it will be presented for the approval of the full membership.  As you know, we do not adopt projects without the approval of 75 percent of those present and voting at a meeting open to all members.  All paid members are voting members.  Hopefully, our next project(s) and/or plan will ready to be presented at the next business meeting.

City Manager is a Lame Duck - Now What? (a guest commentary)                                                                  October 3, 2008

City Manager Kent Myers announced that he is actively seeking other employment, we wish him success. His resume is complete; therefore his work here is done.

Now what is the next step? We have had over a decade of lack of preventative maintenance on city buildings to the point of needing serious work. We watched as the City over annexed beyond it’s service capabilities, (Fire, Police and Code to mention a few). We have experienced the pain of too much of a good thing, whereas the Parks Division has created more parks than they can safely budget leaving playground equipment in a sad state of repair. We were helpless when the Manager, (backed by the Majority of the Directors) ignored a federal agreement, fabricated a financial study and unjustly overcharged the rural community for sewer service. All this was done in order to create an illusion of excellence, diverting money away from the un-glamorous superstructure or the very foundation of our City’s existence so that we can plant flowers and send people to Japan. We have created an organization that is and was intentionally top heavy in management in order to control the votes of the Directors. Our Mayors have gotten progressively weaker and complacent, (most have not had the experience to run a city). That created a problem in which too much power was diverted to the City Manager’s position.

Wherein lays the solution? It will not be easy for we must correct the mistakes of a decade of camouflage and sugar coating. If we are to keep a government controlled by a City Manager, we must have a good one who can recognize the problems and has the experience to build back the infrastructure that has been destroyed. We must gain the trust and support of the people in order to fund the under budgeted Police and Fire Departments. We must have more than a figure-head Mayor that is willing to control a City Manager if required. We must re-program our department heads to be self thinking and not just "yes men". Those who cannot be trained must be replaced. We must consider a Water and Sewer Commission and take away that responsibility from an overloaded, one sided City Government and put it back in the hands of the people.

How long will it take? The Police and Jail alone will not see much of an improvement for about 2 years after funding. Then we can hopefully see a decline in Crime in Hot Springs. What is our first step? Honest evaluation of our present situation. We must recognize that we have a serious problem before we can get better.

We have a start; let us now plan for the rest of the future. Hopefully it will be a project of all the people and for the good of the people, not just for the glory of a City Manager.

City Manager Makes Short List for New Job in Florida                                                                                        October 3, 2008

We have known for over a month of jobs applied for by our current City Manager from Arizona to Florida.  In view of the fact that he did not make the short list for some and that we did not wish to influence his applications, we declined to print this information as news.  However, in view of the fact that he has continuously failed to comply with numerous "freedom of information" requests (see below) and the city hall bond issue which he promoted, is now upon us, we feel compelled to inform the city of his desire to leave Hot Springs.  Mr. Myers applied for jobs during 2006 so we anticipated that he would continue to do so until he was successful.

Mr. Myers is now on the short list of 10 people from 61 applicants for the job of City Manager of Naples, Florida.  Click here to read the story.  Interviews will begin on October 22.  Click here to see his application and resume.

One of our current primary concerns relative to Mr. Myers' proposed bond indebtedness of over $14 million was that his financing plan was quite risky.  His plan was, and is, based on gambling revenues and possible increases in state turn-back funds, not solid and dependable revenue sources.  We not only questioned the financing plan but the obvious lack of any plan or study justifying a new city hall.  Additionally, we remain concerned that Mr. Myers could move on to another town and leave us to pay for the boondoggle he created.  It seems, at the least, the latter concern has proven to be valid. 

For these reasons, we would be remiss if we didn't inform the citizens of our city of Mr. Myers' intentions prior to the election on Tuesday, October 9 while our citizens still have time to consider all of the facts before casting their votes.

City Manager's Latest Response to Our FOI Request                                                                                         September  23, 2007

UPDATE!  The following e-mail was sent to the City Manager as a follow up Freedom of Information (FOI) request.  Following that is the reply.

City Manager Responds to Our FOI Request.  Sort Of.                                                                                         September  15, 2007

As the members are aware, our secretary sent a letter to the City Manager requesting information under the freedom of information (FOI) act for disclosure of how much money, time, and resources the city has spent on the new city hall campaign.  The original request letter was responded to by the City Manager (click here to see responses) by a letter dated September 4, basically denying any city hall campaign even exists.

Our secretary sent another more specific letter and we personally visited with the City Manager who acted as though he doesn't understand FOI requirements.  His excuse was that they were not calling the city hall proposal a "campaign."  After the second letter and we personally explained what we were requesting, the City Manager promised to address our requests more specifically.  This information should have included time spent, what the involved employees make per hour, all material and labor costs, etc.  Note his second attempt dated September 11 still does not provide the requested information.  We are now reviewing our options including submitting the information to state agencies asking for them to direct the City Manager to more properly respond and cite him for his continued violations of the "Freedom of Information" act.

We will keep you informed.

SEPT 7 UPDATE!!  We are proud to announce that the TV, radio, and print media announced the assault story today.  This just proves, if you want fresh news, check us daily.

More Crime on the Streets of Hot Springs                                                                                                                  September  5, 2007

We noted with interest that our City Manager is once again trying to discount the obvious.  He says the Garland Good Government Group (GGGG) is using dated information and insinuates that our city doesn't have a crime problem.  How can anyone be so blind to not recognize a crime problem when two of our officers are assaulted in two separate incidents on the same day.  An assault on one of the officers has not yet been reported by the local news because it happened late yesterday.  A Hot Springs police Capitan was assaulted by three young hoodlums while in his vehicle.  Unfortunately for the hoodlums, the officer is rather large, in great condition, and a boxing trainer.  When he finally managed to exit his vehicle, the thugs retreated.  Reports are that he did manage to capture one and arrests are anticipated for all three.  On the second page of today's Sentinel Record is a headline, "HSPD breaks up large fight outside local club."  Note that yet another of Hot Springs finest was assaulted.  While looking at the newspaper, also check the police log.  It is huge every day.  We simply must begin supporting our local police by helping to get them the money and resources they need.

The information the GGGG presented at our press conference yesterday is based on facts.  It includes FBI statistics, information from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Arkansas Crime Information Center, and local police department files.  We will post this information here in the very near future so everyone can determine the facts for themselves.  It is true that our police records show a decrease in overall crime but these include misdemeanors.  Except for HSPD numbers, our statistics are for felonies and above.  Our City Manager may not want to know the true facts but they are there and they are painfully evident.   Our city leaders are now trying to convince citizens that a new city hall is more important than public safety but our citizens are smart enough to know otherwise.  The proverbial wool will not be pulled over the people's eyes again.  As our report narrative concludes, "Ignoring our crime problem is not working." 

What Happened to Our Membership List and Officer's Pictures?                                                                            August 23 , 2007

We have had to answer that question at least one dozen times recently.  We though we may as well answer it for our readers as well.  The truth of the matter is we took it off because our city leaders were apparently doling out their method of "old west" justice for those GGGG members who had dared to stand up to them or had, in some way, criticized them.  Yep, we have even lost officers due to what the city did to them and members due to fear of what the city can and will do to them.

We already had over half of our now 100 plus members who did not wish to be listed because they own businesses or do business with the city.  It is terrible that any citizen would even need to be concerned about retribution from the city they pay taxes to but this is the current situation.  It appears that our leaders are using code enforcement and others to harass or give trouble to builders, businesses, and even just property owners in the city.  We ask you to please document and make us aware of such occasions as we now cataloging these events and plan to turn them over to the proper authorities. 

We don't expect to again list our officers or members but wish to reassure the public that we will continue our work.  With your help, we will take the necessary steps to identify those who do not respect the rights of others to have or voice opposing opinions.  Following this documentation process, be assured that we will work to expose and remove these people from their elected positions and/or from their work in service to our citizens.

Watch out for those city vehicles that now say "Neighborhood Services" on them.  That is the City Manager's new name for "Code Enforcement."

Kudos to the Board                                                                                                                                                               August 22 , 2007

We so seldom have an opportunity to thank the board but we must in this case.  We know we may have sort of shamed the board into more appropriately using their surplus by our comments at the August 6 meeting but, by golly, they did come back at their next meeting and do the right thing.  They gave the employees a raise.  Albeit, not a large raise or a raise for everyone but it is a start.  With minor exception, our city employees seem to be a very well qualified and courteous bunch of people.  Far too often, our city leaders come up with ridiculous ways to spend the citizen's money and seldom even think of the real people that really make Hot Springs run.  It is well past time to recognize and begin to appreciate our hard-working city employees.  Thanks board members for finally helping our city employees.  Don't stop now.

4 Board Members Off to New Orleans for Fun and Frolic                                                                                            August 21 , 2007

We tried hard at last evening's city board meeting to convince our directors that sending most of the board to New Orleans in November was not a great idea.  In fact, we told them it was not a prudent use of the taxpayer's money.   We even mentioned that a director going to Japan 3 times, Reno, Washington D.C., and New Orleans was perceived by the public as being excessive.   After hearing us out, the board once again demonstrated their disdain for being 'good stewards' of our money by voting 5 to 1 to go ahead and go to New Orleans.   The vote would have been 6 to 1 but director Daniel was out of the room with a coughing spell.  You can catch their display on city channel 5 any evening this week beginning at 7 PM but this particular item is near the end of the meeting nearer to 8 PM.  You really should watch the entire meeting to see how rude and arrogant or, in the board's mind, how nice and respectful the mayor and board conduct themselves.  It is likely more entertaining than whatever else is on TV anyhow.

Board Decides NOT to Buy Property for New City Hall                                                                                                 August 7 , 2007

We attended last night's city board meeting but we are really not quite certain that this was the same bunch of city directors and the same mayor that was at the "agenda" meeting last Tuesday.  The reason we question this was because those directors and that mayor were resolute in saying we needed to "exercise our option" and purchase the property for the new city hall because a "hotel was interested in the property."  Heaven forbid a hotel would get the property our city leaders wanted so badly.  Note that the potentially imposter city directors and mayor at last nights meeting were unanimous that getting a new hotel to buy the property was just great.  It is difficult to determine if these people were the same folks.  Perhaps, we could do DNA tests prior to future meetings to avoid the infiltration of imposters.  This could be important because way too many people seemed to have that "dropped jaw, blank stare" look indicative of the mental activities that occur upon realizing so many people have totally reversed their common strong opinions. 

It appears that a hotel related company has offered to purchase the city's option.  Camden Express LLC headquartered in Magnolia, AR apparently operates the Holiday Inn Express in Camden and is a legitimate organization.  We will check into this further in the near future.  Could it be possible that this is a sham in which that organization will decide they don't need the property once the election is held, especially if the city hall bond issue passes, and will sell it back to the city for, say $100,000?  We're not saying that will happen, we are just a bit skeptical that so many people could reverse themselves so quickly and be so happy about it.  In response to the mayor's question at the agenda meeting, "what do we do with the property if the bond election fails?" most directors thought it would still be a good investment.  In fact, director Weatherford even stated that it was a great investment and that the city "could make money on it."  Director Daniel and Smith had similar comments.

If we rule out the possibility of imposters posing as directors and the mayor, we have to ask if, just perhaps, the GGGG had some impact on our leaders actually changing their minds.  Naw, not likely.  Okay, we admit it, we're just plain bumfuzzled.

Oh, a late note, one of the directors who want to manage million of dollars of our money just had a garnishment of his wages approved by the court.  See the court papers by clicking here.

Board Decides to Buy Property for New City Hall                                                                                                              July 31 , 2007

Well, our city directors decided at today's "agenda" meeting to tell our citizens they were going to proceed with building a new city hall whether or not the citizens want one.  Yep, item 30 near the end of the "new business" portion of the agenda reads as follows:

Consider Resolution No. R-07-193 Authorizing the Exercise of an Option to Purchase Certain Real Property from L.I.P.S, LLC (DHS Property Located at 115 Market Street). See item 30 at http://www.ci.hot-springs.ar.us/pdfs/agendas/2007/current%20packet/agenda.pdf

What this rather innocent looking ordinance really means is that the city directors are determined to purchase the property for their new city hall.  The "Certain Real Property" is, in actuality, the planned site for their new city hall.  A final item on Monday night's agenda is the refined video presentation designed to persuade the voters to spend another $14 million or so so they can build their new monument.  Does it strike you as very insulting that your directors would go ahead and vote to buy the property for a new city hall before the citizens decide by their ballots that they even want or need it?  It strikes some of us as an outrage and a real "slap in the face" to the public.  Oh, you can show up Monday at 7 PM and express your views on their improperly spending another $1.3 million of your tax money that was supposed to be used only for paying off the civic center but the board has already decided they are not going to listen to you.  These sorts of things appear to be discussed behind closed doors and finalized at the Tuesday afternoon "agenda" meetings.  Sort of makes you wonder why they even have "board meetings" doesn't it?

A Short Parable Titled "Mr. Smith Goes to Court"                                                                                                               July 18 , 2007

Once upon a time, a Hot Springs city director was sued by multiple people for not paying his bills.  After several months and several municipal type judges recusing themselves, a court date was finally set (perhaps Tuesday - July 17, 2007) with a visiting judge from a neighboring town (say, Arkadelphia) agreeing to hear the cases.   The city director managed to pay off and settle young Billy's case the day before the court date.  However, a case which was brought because the director refused to pay painter Marc for painting his house, was heard. 

Mr. Smith somehow managed to get the case closed to the public, which is rare.  Maybe it was because he was an important city director and should be treated differently than just plain folks.  The director showed up with his bank statements in hand and tried to convince the judge that because of the amount of money he had, he shouldn't have to pay.  After the judge explained that being broke or rich was not relevant as to whether or not the debt was owed, the real meat of the trial began and all sides were heard even though the director's wife did interrupt the judge several times.  The judge was not impressed or pleased with the interruptions but maintained his demeanor.  The only thing that seemed to be an issue with the judge was how many coats of paint were put on the house.  The director claimed that only one coat was applied while painter Marc claimed that two coats were applied and, in some cases, three.

The judge was so concerned that he adjourned for lunch so that he and his bailiff could accompany the director to his house and personally examine the paint.  After discovering that there was, indeed, two and three coats of paint and the director was not being totally honest with him, the judge went to lunch at a nearby Mexican style restaurant and returned to court ready to announce his decision.  The director was so unhappy with the judge's decision that he must pay the painter money (approximately $2,285.25) that he stood up and angrily announced he was not pleased with the judge's decision.  The judge was not surprised that the director was unhappy but his outburst so disappointed the judge that he told the director to sit down and shut up or he would be held in contempt of court.

Oh, the fable also includes the obligatory counter-suit (sort of dismissed) and the right to appeal within 30 days to a higher court so the story may not yet be over.  Someone pointed out that cases are not normally closed to the public and that the public should have the right to know how directors handle their own personal finances, especially directors responsible for handling millions of dollars of the hard-working taxpayer's money.  Someone else pointed out that plumber Rick already had a lien on the director's house for not paying his plumbing bill.  Yet another person remembered how another director had taken bankruptcy several times.  Another citizen asked how these people got elected.  One wise old gentleman pointed out that these same directors are now preparing to ask the citizens to trust them to spend several million more of the public's money for a new city hall so they can put their name on a big metal plaque and everybody can see how important they are.  On his way out, the wise old fellow threw up his hands and lamented, "heaven help us all."

Who is Left to Speak Out for Me?                                                                                                                                      July 17 , 2007

Do your city directors speak out for your interests or only for their own interests? Martin Impeller (1892-1984), a political activist of the World Wars, was attributed with the original text which has been many times modified to make a point. Hopefully in one of its most unmodified versions, we can find reason to stand up and be counted.

Now apply this to 2007 and the City of Hot Springs. The citizens demanded and achieved the right to vote on the new City Hall Issue. However, the City Manager and some of the City Directors are moving forward with buying property at inflated prices as though the citizens should still not have a voice in their exploits. They are either not attuned to the voices of the people or prefer to simply ignore our wishes. They travel extensively to Japan, violate State Contractors Laws, file multiple personal bankruptcies, and engage in multiple conflicts of interest while claiming to represent the citizens. They seize personal property to their advantage when there are better alternatives that could be exercised. Department heads find more importance in free trips than in the management of their own duties.

Most citizens are sitting back, with mild interest, thinking, "I am not speaking out-- for I am not involved." How long will rural citizens continue to take that attitude? City management is already dictating planning within the five mile extra-territorial (ETJ) limits outside the city. They are already beginning to dictate zoning within the one mile ETJ limit, and are now considering imposing city codes in both areas. They have already arbitrarily increased the sewer rates 50% more than city customers based on an orchestrated study which violated federal agreements which allowed a sewer treatment plant to be built. Now they are using questionable powers of eminent domain to seize properties outside the city in rural areas to their own advantage. They are offering 60 cents per square foot for this property while paying prime rates of $8 per square foot (proposed new city hall) for property that the citizens have not had a constitutional vote on, as of yet.

Perhaps more desperate measures are called for. Perhaps we should demand our leaders change their personal constitutions by restoring the words, "We the people," to their preambles and removing the words, "We the Directors and Managers." Maybe, just maybe, we need to take our City Government back and rid ourselves of the autocracy that now exists.

Skateboarders Protest, Micromanaging by City Manager, Tax Money Spent Without Asking Citizens    July 11 , 2007

Skateboarders - A dozen or so skateboarders and their sympathizers led by a young fellow from Paris, Texas showed up downtown Sunday afternoon complete with signs and skateboards.  Except for one brief moment, their touted "acts of civil disobedience" did not occur.  A big part of the reason for this was due to the three dozen or so motorcyclists who staked out the area where skateboarding was planned.  Many bikers and locals wore t-shirts with large letters, "C O P S" and in smaller letters, "Citizens Opposed to Punks on Skateboards."  Typically, the TV news media interviewed the protesters but didn't bother interviewing the much larger group protesting the protesters.  The bikers got the point across so well that the skateboarders quickly left the planned protest area.  In fact, such an impression was made that this group, some of which drove hundreds of miles to complain about our police, asked the police if they would escort them back to their cars at the parking garage.  Ironic, isn't it, that those criticizing our police would beg for their help because they feared our bikers.  Despite some of their rough exteriors, these bikers are some of nicest, most courteous and most patriotic people you will ever meet.  It was refreshing to observe those who have respect for law and order take a stand opposing those who advocate civil disobedience.

Micromanagement - Another interesting development was that the City Manager was seen in shorts and a baseball cap walking the downtown sidewalks with a couple of our policemen.  It was later reported that our City Manager had met with the skateboarder group and gave them his blessing to protest downtown.  Apparently, he then called together a meeting of the police and provided his plan for handling the situation.  This is consistent with the numerous charges of micromanagement he is infamous for.  Most citizens have confidence that our trained police department can take care of such situations without the City Manager's constant interference.   We understand he is the reason Hot Springs police vehicles look like taxicabs instead of police units.  Send in your comments, we'll add them to what we already have and provide you a few dozen other similar instances of his micromanagement techniques in the future.

Spending Our Money - Okay, so the city hall issue is over until the citizens vote for or against it on October 9, 2007, right?  Wrong.  Next Monday night's city board meeting will include an item authorizing another $15,000 being paid to a sawmill appraiser to appraise the block-long properties along Central Avenue except for the architect's building at Market Street.  This would allow the new city hall to have access and parking directly on Central Avenue.  The word is that the city directors are prepared to once again slap their citizens down because they now are working to purchase not only the old Ouachita Hospital but also this additional property.  We continue to ask ourselves why the City Manager, mayor, and city board are so determined to remove such expensive properties from the tax rolls when a city hall could be constructed on existing city properties.  Perhaps they could even consider the old Woodmen building on Malvern which, apparently, has been renovated and could be acquired very reasonably.  At any rate, expect to see the board spend $1.3 million of your hard-earned tax dollars plus another million or so for the now proposed Central Avenue property.  We have already paid for one appraisal plus $50,000 to hold the old hospital.  Oh well, as we've said before.  It is not like it is REAL money.  It is just our TAX money.

Our illustrious city leaders are positioned to ease an important issue through with no fan-fare at their board meeting Monday (May 7) evening. Fortunately for our hard-working taxpayers, their poorly disguised attempt to rename a tax and begin calling it a fee is apparent to several citizens who have yet to fall off of the proverbial "turnip truck." The all too obvious reason for their actions is that our city leaders are trying to ram the new $14 million city hall funding through without a vote of the people. Their unfortunate mistake was promising the voters that this can be done WITHOUT RAISING TAXES. It could be devastating to their scheme if our citizens were to discover that the franchise "fees" used as the basis for the bond sale were actually FRANCHISE TAXES. Well fellow citizens, that is exactly what they presently are. You can verity this by checking the last five pages of the City Code at www.cityhs.net/pdfs/code/TITLE5.pdf where you will discover that all of the ordinances refer to FRANCHISE TAXES and not franchise fees as our city leaders are currently calling them. The agenda for Monday (May 7) agenda is available from the city or at www.ci.hot-springs.ar.us/about-hs-boards-agenda.html. Simply check out agenda item 20 titled "Consider Ordinance No. O-07-43 Amending Ordinance No. 2985 Fixing the Amount of Franchise Fees to be Paid to the City by A T & T."

City Mistakes - A Guest Commentary by Fred M. Dierks                                                                                                               April 30, 2007

Several weeks ago the Sentinel record reported council men’s comments about the proposed new City Hall project who said:

"We need new facilities to consolidate ----" – "City Hall is 50 years old and is outdated." – "The main benefit is to have everyone together" – "The City has needed a new municipal building for several years" – "Most thought it OK to use tax money for other purposes for a new city hall."

This would all be nice, but aren’t there more pressing things needed by the city. When the city approved the building of Summit Arena which adds thousands of extra people in town it puts a massive load on all the city services namely law enforcement, jails, parking traffic, fire protection et al. I am amazed by the number of tourists that are now brought to town by locally promoted events. The exclusive franchise of the "Games of Skill" Casino for the race track will also add visitors in town to spend their money if they have any left after using their skills. The City Council and City Fathers have been good at promoting the city, but have been short of proper thought and planning for this population load..

Mistake #1 Build a 6,000 seat arena and auditorium with inadequate parking. Broadway was made into an obstacle course around flower beds to add a few parking places for the project. Executive Suites was allowed to build right up against the Arena with no incorporated parking, only a parking lot even further away from the Arena.

Mistake #2 Build a Bath House Row parking deck with trickling waterfalls in it’s front and a hidden entrance so no one can find it.

Mistake #3 Closing two of the four lanes of Central Avenue traffic for three blocks causing a serious traffic jam during convention time and tourist season. Except for this pinch point of restaurant, art galleries and girlie shows, Central Avenue has four lanes all the way from Park Avenue to the lake. At times during rush hours the traffic backs up all the way from the Arlington Hotel to Grand Avenue causing a serious problem of ambulance delays and police protection for the residents up Whittington and Park Avenue. These traffic delays are not only are detrimental to the quality of life of our residents but the idling cars are destructive to the environment and costly in gas and car maintenance.

Okay. So over 20 years we made a few mistakes that are so evident now on hindsight but lets go forward and see what needs fixing before we spend our last dollar of spending power on a new City Hall. It would certainly be helpful for the taxpayers to be shown an overall plan of expected city needs and costs for the next few years and how we pay for it. What will be done with the old City Hall. I hear a parking lot. No! A big parking deck would alleviate Mistake 1. This could allow giving part of Broadway back to the citizens by removing it’s obstacle course and would provide parking where it is most needed.

Mistake 3 can be solved by taking back the city’s Central Avenue’s four lanes. If adjacent owners want 24 hour curb parking let them move the curb and their building back ten feet. Or why not help the property owners with their parking problem by contributing to an improvement district to build a parking deck say next to Lockwoods. Or – Put a parking deck at the Goddard Hotel. Or think out of the box and ask why not put City Hall on top of one or both of these decks.

Mistake 2 is a tough one to fix but obviously the architect or planner was more interested in looks than use. If you tear out the pretty walkway and put the road back from Central to the parking deck you would probably need a another stop light on Central, certainly something we don’t want. More prominent signs would help but try this: How about using 6/8 seat golf carts on busy days and hours to deliver people up and down central and to the parking deck? Operate them on the sidewalk like at the DFW airport in Dallas.

I was sorry to see the stop lights started up again on both ends of Bridge Street. Are they necessary to maintain the shortest parade Ripley rating? If not why not make Bridge St. One way eastward, replace the Broadway light with a Bridge Street stop or yield sigh, and perhaps leave a pedestrian push button light on Central that is coordinated with the other stop lights?

The Central/Ouachita triangle arrangement is working well and is a worthwhile change. Now if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

After noting the last two City Council meetings they are apparently going to ram the City Hall project through without voter approval or more study since they have engaged a company to handle their bond issue. It has apparently been worked out legally how to finance the project with excess funds, some for other projects and finally a bond issue for the rest. For anyone to mention any of the three major mistakes they made, they don’t want to hear about it. Their PR and efforts to increase tourist attendance has been brilliant but I sense a bit of arrogance like "buzz off jr.". But I think the taxpayers of the City have been neglected in the basics; by indifference to traffic, parking and service problems generated by the City’s tourism growth. This makes me wonder about the adequacy of other city services such as police protection, jails, new required road work such as Higdon Ferry road. I wonder about the judgment of who will design new project or fix the old ones. Will they hire again the same people that helped them make the three mistakes mentioned above?

Note: The above commentary also appeared as an editorial yesterday (4/29/07) in the Sentinel Record.

Shell Games  A Guest Commentary                                                                                                                                               April 19, 2007

Myers says he will use "existing utility franchise fees" to service the new bonds for the new City Hall. His strategy, of course, is to designate that (or some specific) source of "revenue," rather than general fund money (tax revenue), so that he will not need voter approval for the bonds. But his assertion must mean that there is an unencumbered stream of surplus revenue from the utility operation. If so, where is that money accumulated? Myers must be made to explain his stream of unencumbered money (meaning not pledged or used for any other purpose), and if there is such money, where is it? My guess would be that there is no such thing - that every dollar the utilities services bring in is spent. That means that if "utility franchise fees" were diverted to pay the new bonds, that diversion would have to be made up, either by general (tax) funds (a no-no) or by - you guessed it - an increase in utility rates. That is the shell game that is played, and approved by the Court in Harris v Little Rock. The Court (with the exception of J. Glaze) subscribes to the notion of "entrepreneurial government" discussed below, and thinks that a fee is not a tax (although using a franchise "fee" that everybody must pay might test the limit of that idea). What the bureaucrats did in Harris was to raise the user fees on certain recreation facilities (not on everybody), and then use the increased revenue to service the new bonds. They got away with it. Here, Myers may have blocked himself by saying (in his blurb April 13) that the existing level of rates would suffice, which means that he now has a surplus. If he has a surplus, then why hasn't that been a reduction? But then, contrast that with the quote in Thomason's piece, in the 2nd paragraph from the end, attributed to some "Finance Department document," that utility rates will have to be increased to service the wastewater facility debt after all the contemplated draws have been made to complete construction.

Shell games.  To recap, somebody should make Myers explain his implied existence of an unencumbered and unused stream of utility franchise fees which he says he will use to service the new bonds for the new City Hall. The notion of "entrepreneurial government" is wide-spread, and not found just in Arkansas. It is, basically, a form of socialism, dressed up as "government capitalism," where government entities and bureaucrats undertake projects, pretending to operate on some sort of business model, with themselves in charge, but using taxpayer money. They depend upon political pandering and the ignorance and disinterest of the citizenry to keep them in power. This societal illness historically ends in tragedy, but while it runs, politicians, bureaucrats and judges love it. In the end, the taxpayers are left holding the bag. State constitutions initially prohibited almost every variety of it, but over the years those protections have been diluted and undermined by legislators and judges, so that now just about anything goes. A reading of the Arkansas Constitution, concerning municipal debt for example, illustrates the process.

Who is working for Whom?  A Guest Commentary by Ted C. Burhenn                                                                                            April 13, 2007

Remember when JFK said "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country"? Well I just returned from the Hot Springs City Council Agenda Meeting, and our City Manager and most of the Directors are taking that quote to a new level. They are prepared during the next Monday meeting to take the $2,500,000 (yes over two million dollars) "surplus" money taken from your tax money, dedicated to the Civic Center, and spend it on a new City Hall. Total cost will be over Ten Million. Our City Manager, was quoted last week in The Sentinel-Record as saying, "There are no plans for a public vote on this issue." The resolution is worded such that there is very little "wiggle" room for the Directors as to how the money is spent. They also will most likely approve an additional $11,500 of your money to have the existing buildings appraised. Only one Director was willing to oppose the Management Machine and request that the Citizens be allowed an input. She was placed on hold for at least another two weeks. Even in the unlikely event that the Directors, as a majority, vote next month to allow citizen input, they will have already wasted an additional $11,500 in appraisal fees. This will be in addition to the $50,000 they authorized during last meeting for an option on a location of management choice.

During that meeting the City Manager was asked if a financial fact sheet, spreadsheet or ROI (Return on Investment) existed. He stated that it would be ready last Thursday. What was asked for and what was received were two different things. Justification comes in computing how much it will cost us if we stay in the old buildings, with maintenance and utilities vs. how much the new capital expenses would be with all cost factors included. Somewhere in all those figures, there should be a break even point. In other words we should realize a cost savings of our capital expenses and start to see a return on our investment in a specific number of years. That has not been provided because in all likelihood does not exist. In simple terms it is not justified at this time. What has not been discussed is that you will suffer during the next 10 years (or more) to pay off the bonds required. This means that your quality of service will go down. Roads will not get paved, repairs to the parks will suffer.

So much for the problem. Now for the solution. If you want City Management to spend your money without justification or your input, you are in luck, do nothing. If however you think that the City Manager, mayor and directors should be working for you, call your directors or even better yet take an hour out of your life and go to the meeting Monday. Your presence alone will send the required message. You can and will make a difference one person at a time. That was the true meaning of JFK’s words.