Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

Asshole           Daytona Beach City Commission

This week, the incomparable Mark Lane, writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, let us know that no bad idea is ever really dead – especially once a self-serving bureaucracy, and the elected officials it controls, get dollar signs dancing in their heads and engages the legislative machinery.

Earlier this year, Daytona Beach residents learned that City Manager Jim Chisholm, and his minions on the City Commission, were working surreptitiously to have public use deed restrictions on City Island removed so they can ultimately accommodate the avaricious greedheads looking to exploit the land.

Even Volusia County – who has a courthouse and library on the property – and His Royal Highness J. Hyatt Brown, who controls everything but the ebb and flow of the Atlantic tide in this community, claimed they were blindsided by the news. . .

Last December, former Governor Rick Scott and his Cabinet voted to remove the deed restrictions, which date to 1925, if the City of Daytona Beach agreed to render unto Caesar a handsome ransom of $8.77 million.

When the scam was uncovered, citizens of the Halifax area were rightfully and royally pissed off – I’ve found that is the expected reaction whenever We, The People find out those we have elected and appointed to represent our interests have ulterior motives – however; it appears now that our collective push-back has receded, Mr. Chisholm is moving full speed ahead with plans that could ultimately privatize City Island by lobbying the state to remove the fee.

Or at least he tried to. . .

At their last meeting in October, as commissioners reached one of the final Administrative Items on the agenda, the rather benign topic of setting the city’s legislative priorities for the coming year, there it was, in a resolution request from the City Manager’s Office on line 10-B – buried amongst the innocuous state and federal funding requests:

Support for release of state-owned rights and restrictions on riverfront area property to the City at no cost to the City.

My God. . . 

After the city’s always effervescent Government Relations Administrator, Hardy Smith, used his patented ‘dry as a popcorn fart’ delivery to explain the city’s legislative priorities – he tossed it over to Commissioner Rob Gilliland – who proceeded to lecture us on how the initial exposure of the City Island debacle was “completely misrepresented by the News-Journal,” then did his level best to assure us that “there’s nothing underhanded going on here. . .”

Bullshit.

Even if there isn’t, we’re all way past the old governmental “See, nothing up my sleeves!” trope. . .

To her credit, Commissioner Ruth Trager spoke directly to the controversy – and the will of the people – in calling for an end to this quest to turn “the peoples” island over to what she aptly described as “some big entity” for private profit.

Hell, even Mayor Derrick Henry formally acknowledged the “trust issue,” the clear and convincing message that We, The People – unequivocally – do not want to see Jackie Robinson Ballpark and other areas set aside for public use and recreation put under a bulldozer blade.

The whole exercise was stilted, uncomfortable and clumsy – and it was clear to everyone that Mr. Chisholm shouldn’t have tried to shoot this political hot potato through the grease – because it just brought more unwanted attention and official yammering to the original shit storm. . .

It was equally apparent that the elected officials and the City Manager’s Office were working from two completely different sheets of music, and none of the policymakers (except, perhaps, Mr. Gilliland) seemed completely comfortable with what was happening or why.

In politics, perception often becomes reality – and given the community outcry the first time around – tossing this cause célèbre in with the miscellany of a legislative priorities package was wrong.

This should never have been sprung on the citizens this way.

At the end of the day – at the very smart suggestion of Commissioner Aaron Delgado – the elected officials agreed to pull the item from the mishmash of municipal lobbying “priorities” until visual aids (they didn’t have maps before now?), various development restrictions (and a narrative that makes some semblance of sense) can be produced to ameliorate the very real fears of a citizenry that has been fooled before.

Look for this to come back for discussion later this month. . .

Angel              OBS Association & Ormond Beach City Commission 

It always amazes me, and restores my faith in our battered and bruised democratic system, when a small group of committed citizens band together to protect their civic interests – and are actually listened to by government.

That takes guts – and a degree of mutual trust and diplomacy that’s sorely lacking in local government today.

However, that is exactly what happened this week when the Ormond Beach City Commission agreed to table its push to convert thousands of Ormond by the Sea homes from septic to municipal sewer until further inquiry can be made.

On Tuesday, members of the OBS Association and other residents of the unincorporated north peninsula took to the podium at the Volusia County Council meeting to express their fervent view that the environmental argument brought by the City of Ormond Beach doesn’t hold water (pun intended) unless an independent study scientifically proves that their septic systems are a significant contributor to pollutants and nutrients in the Halifax River.

Needless to say, the concerned citizens didn’t get much of a response from their elected representatives in DeLand. . .

In an unfortunate turn, one clearly angry individual used an extremely poor choice of words when he said council members “should be shot” for their handling (or lack thereof) of the highly contentious septic-to-sewer measure.

That’s wrong.  And dangerous.

I’m all for speaking truth to power – and I am a staunch defender of a citizen’s right to voice criticisms and seek redress of grievances before those they have elected to serve their interests – but no one has the right to evoke even the suggestion of violence toward our elected officials or anyone else.

That crosses a very bright line – and I agree with Chairman Ed Kelley that violence has no place in the public discourse.

Fortunately, the Ormond Beach City Commission was more receptive to residents’ concerns.

During the meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to direct staff to research a scientific analysis – and look at alternative environmental protection projects that can be completed in the interim.

There was also substantive discussion of a moratorium on new septic systems in Ormond Beach.

Kudos to the intrepid civic activist Jeff Brower – candidate for Volusia County Chair – who boldly stepped into the fray and spent his own time and money to bring independent soil testing to the conversation.

I was also impressed by Commissioner Dwight Selby – who has been the city’s very visible point man for this issue from its inception – and was incredibly magnanimous in agreeing to seek answers for north peninsula residents.

In addition, Commissioner Troy Kent showed signs of the responsive civic leader I once knew when he openly contemplated how the city got so deep into this issue – knowing well the residents of Ormond by the Sea didn’t want it – then looked introspectively at the larger issue:

“We need to get our own house in order first.  We need to get our own residents — all of them — off septic before we introduce this into other jurisdictions.”

At the end of the day, I understand why some don’t believe that the proposed study will be independent or objective – and only the City of Ormond Beach can alleviate those fears through complete transparency and on-going collaboration with their constituents and north peninsula residents.

But, in my jaded view, this was a good start.

Look, I don’t agree with much coming out of the Ormond Beach City Commission chambers of late, but this high-minded compromise in the interest of concerned citizens showed real statesmanship.

A job well done by both sides of this difficult and divisive challenge.

Angel              Seabird Island Residents and the Halifax River Audubon Society

As I mentioned in the screed above – bad ideas in Volusia County, from sales tax initiatives to the wholesale giveaway of public resources to for-profit interests and colossally stupid development schemes – just seem to reanimate and claw from their moldering graves the very minute our attention wanes.

After a few fits and starts a decade ago, most of us thought the sclerotic plans to develop Seabird Island – one of the most sensitive and accessible nesting rookeries for brown pelicans, great herons, egrets, wading birds and other species on Florida’s east coast – were dead and properly buried.

They weren’t. . .

This week we learned that a pair of former Seminole County Firefighters-turned-developers (?) are resurrecting plans for a 102-slip deep-water marina on the south side of the Port Orange causeway under the Dunlawton bridge.

Which proves my long-standing belief that, in the Sunshine State, literally anyone – regardless of education, training, vision, experience, funding or motivation – can make the lycanthropic transformation into speculative developer. . .

Whatever.

According to reports, the original plans brought by Melbourne-based developer Joe Calderwood, never got past the design stage.

This incredibly complex project would require filling some 1.2 acres of sensitive wetlands and river bottom to make way for 87 parking spaces – then dredging other areas of the site to allow boats enough draft to maneuver.

Historically, residents of the long-time mobile home park have been less than receptive to the idea of having their quality of life – and the habitat of the birds and wildlife they share the island with – irreparably disturbed by some cockamamie development scheme.

Obviously, there are more questions than answers right now – and any plans for disturbing this  protected critical wildlife area and develop what the two former firemen envision as Pelican Key Marina (I don’t make this shit up, folks) – would need to start from square one.

Good.

I admire the young men’s determination – but taking on a massive marina project in the worst possible location – adjacent to a protected seabird colony involving the destruction of sovereign submerged lands, a natural sandbar and sensitive estuary – in an environment where residents have proven their desire to be left alone might be a little ambitious. . .

But stranger things have happened here on the Fun Coast. . .

Kudos to Seabird Island residents and the Halifax River Audubon Society for your dedicated advocacy for this sensitive ecosystem and sanctuary.

Keep up the good fight.

Quote of the Week

“Facebook is the domain of trolls who live not to provoke thought but simply to provoke. Facebook is also the platform that refuses to police political advertising. Candidates at all levels will need to deal with false narratives on Facebook.”

“A final point: Social media can be ugly, but it’s inexpensive, and 2020 could be a year when money will have less influence, and may even be a liability.”

–Pat Rice, Editor of The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Predictions for 2020 elections,” Sunday, November 3, 2019

On Monday, I wrote a piece which asked the question – Whose opinion matters most?

I also learned this week from several reliable sources that there are plans afoot in Volusia County government, and its hyper-redundant “economic development” apparatus, to increase their social media presence as a means of confronting what is being referred to, in the parlance of Mr. Rice,  as “false narratives.”

In my view, that means any point of view that doesn’t comport with the official glittering generalities that pass for “public information” – regardless of how patently misleading or biased those messages may be.   

Perhaps I’m clinically paranoid – but since I am the only guy sitting around in his boxer shorts pounding out an alternative opinion blog focused exclusively on the machinations of Volusia County politics which is read by thousands each month – I get the sneaking feeling they’re talking about me. . .

Clearly, this forum is upsetting what passes for the Halifax area haut monde.

Maybe it should. 

Frankly, I could care less what these damnable political hypocrites think.

In my view, Volusia County government isn’t known for employing the best and brightest in its senior management ranks – that’s just a sad reality – and we’ve had a front row, center ring seat to the intellectual limits of our doddering fool of a County Chair, Ed Kelley, and his Boo-Boo the Addlepated Clown act for the past three years. . .

Let’s just say, our Brain Trust in DeLand doesn’t inspire confidence.

So, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone in the Ivory Tower of Power had the dull-witted idea to bring their bureaucratic agitprop to social media as a means of marginalizing citizens who point out the utter dysfunction we’ve suffered for years.  

Here’s an educated prediction from up here in the cheap seats:

If the long-suffering citizens – those who pay the bills with their hard-earned tax dollars – suspect for one minute that highly-paid governmental mouthpieces are being dispatched to the lower parts of the internet to battle “trolls” and bicker with frustrated citizens on Facebook as a means of influencing the outcome of a local election – or to hawk flawed public policy – the political shit-storm that accompanies that level of official waste and overreach is going to be felt strongly at the ballot box.

For the uninitiated in the Halls of Power, this is a simple exercise in critical thinking – a rapid cause-effect analysis – an evaluation of all potential outcomes beyond the momentary ego-massage of answering a critic. . .

I would remind Mr. Rice – and the others who feel the need to do something, anything, to stop the near-constant criticism of a system that no longer represents the interests of its constituents – of the effectiveness of Facebook in the defeat of the recent sales tax referendum.

The fact is, social media represents a bully pulpit for the masses, a clear and equal voice for “citizen journalists” – and bombastic blowhards like me – who ventilate when they realize they can no longer afford political representation in this oligarchical caste system we find ourselves in.

And anyone who doesn’t embrace that concept won’t be in politics – or the news gathering business – in the coming decade.

Consider that some free advice from out here in the hinterlands – an alternative view you might not get in that bastion of obsessive groupthink in DeLand. . .

In my view, Mr. Rice is right about one thing – the citizens of Volusia County are most assuredly coming to the realization that the pernicious use of massive campaign contributions to purchase the loyalties of compromised perennial politicians is counter to the civic, social and economic progress we deserve.

So, go ahead and set ‘squabbling on Facebook’ as a governmental priority for 2020 – rather than attempting to learn from the varied – even scathing – criticism of a constituency grown tired of neglect, and let’s see how that strategy works come election time. . .

I’ve mentioned this before, perhaps it’s time for Volusia County, and those ancillary quasi-governmental organizations that drag on the public tit, to focus on the foundational elements of public service – transparency, honor, fidelity to our democratic values, service over self-interest, ensuring a level playing field for everyone – regardless of their ability to pay, and a commitment to providing fact-based information in the public interest, rather than engaging in this base form of political insulation.

And Another Thing!

Kudos to Richard Wahl, the New Jersey Mega-Millions lotto winner who recently invested $13.65 million in the revitalization of our desperately downtrodden core tourist area by purchasing the rotting corpse of the former La Playa Hotel & Resort – with the intent of transforming the festering eyesore into a timeshare property.

For his trouble, Mr. Wahl was all but labeled a fool and a rube by those whose opinions matter in the Halifax area tourist and hospitality industry. . .

In a recent report in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, our own Bob Davis, Chief Maharishi of the Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County, didn’t sound overly encouraging of Mr. Wahl’s vision:

“He (Wahl) had to invest his money to get the tax credit,” Bob Davis said. “It’s a good piece of property in a good location, but I think that timeshares have had their day. People aren’t investing in timeshares (like they once were) because they can’t get out of the contracts. If that’s what he wants to do with his money, God bless him.”

Awesome reception for our new investor, Bob!

Wait until Mr. Wahl meets the Welcome Wagon over at the City of Daytona Beach Permits & Licensing Department. . .

As you may recall, the decrepit ruins of the La Playa were owned by Summit Hospitality group – those darlings of the Volusia County Council responsible for permanently removing some 410’ linear feet of beach driving behind their Hard Rock Hotel – who kept stringing us along with tall tales of renovating the dump as a “name brand” hotel.

Somewhere in that process, Volusia County gifted an adjacent beach approach to Summit – apparently contingent on the developer constructing a “dune walkover” and a beachside parking lot.

No word yet on the fate of our beach approach. . .

Stay tuned.

It’s painfully clear that local government can’t dig us out of this festering quagmire of blight and dilapidation that our ‘powers that be’ have turned a blind eye to for years.

No, the issues are now so horribly entrenched that “The Brand” has been irreparably damaged, with a corresponding impact on occupancy and room rates.  Yet, I doubt Mr. Davis – or anyone else who makes their living prognosticating on Fun Coast tourism – will confirm my suspicions. . .

In my view, the only thing that can reverse our fate is the stimulating effect of entrepreneurial investment on the beleaguered beachside.

By forming a strategic vision for the future which incorporates quality hotels, family-priced resorts, private convention and entertainment venues, well-managed short-term rental properties, wholly owned condominiums, first class timeshares and the “condotel” concept into a comprehensive plan which embraces our century old traditions of beach driving and open access – I believe good things can happen on Atlantic Avenue and beyond.

That plan should include a commitment from notoriously lead-footed Daytona Beach bureaucrats to remove the onerous hoops and hurdles that have seen the dreams of more than one new business owner dashed before ever opening the doors – and foster a “business friendly” approach to welcoming new enterprise on the beachside.

Unfortunately, according to our Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce’ “Government Relations E-News Update!” the legislative committee is busying themselves rehashing “priorities” for the coming year, that – like most years before – will never come to fruition (how’s that east ISB looking?), rather than focus on using their collective clout to breakdown the official barriers and bureaucratic interference that is the true obstacle to outside investment and revitalization.

I know some of these Chamber types personally.

They are incredibly bright minds with a history of personal success – so, why they engage in these annual fiddler’s conventions while our beachside burns continues to escape me. . .

Interestingly, I almost never see the kind of negativity that greeted Mr. Wahl from our exalted city/county “leaders” when ill-fated businesses throw good money after bad by rolling the dice in places like One Daytona – where the average life expectancy of even nationally recognized restaurants and shops is about that of an asthmatic Mayfly. . .

Why is that?

Good luck, Mr. Wahl – and welcome to the Fun Coast!

You’re gonna need it, buddy. . .

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Way back in 2016, this experiment in alternative opinion blogging was born from the simple notion that someone should say what everyone was secretly thinking.

In fact, an early Barker’s View post grew from my frustration over the Volusia County Council’s lack of an annual evaluation of then county manager Jim Dinneen – a process that became a ridiculous rubber stamp that always resulted in a generous year-end bonus for Mr. Dinneen – apparently to reward his skillful channeling of our tax dollars in all the right directions. . .

In my view, this lack of a comprehensive review for the county manager, and our entrenched county attorney, exemplified all the dysfunction, insider influence and open cronyism that passes for governance in Volusia County.

I could no longer contain my outrage:

“Anyone who can read the printed word and think critically cannot help but be moved to uncontrolled rage by the Council’s continued pandering to a few wealthy and influential insiders, multi-million dollar giveaways, lawsuits against their own constituents, open bullying by the County Attorney’s office, our cartoon character of a Council Chair, the sheer arrogance of the County Manager, and the Council’s continued indifference to the needs and opinions of those they serve.”       

And everything I have written since has been a riff on that same unsettling theme. . .

Now, as we approach 2020, the majority of our elected officials on the Volusia County Council remain the obsequious handmaidens of a system that still abhors accountability and oversight.

What’s changed?

On Tuesday, Councilwoman Heather Post did her level best to convince her “colleagues” on the dais of power that the two most powerful positions in county government – the manager and county attorney – should be evaluated by objective written review.

Seems like a no-brainer, right? 

During my years in public service, I received – and wrote – written evaluations, participated in 360° reviews, single and multi-rater management audits, external promotional assessments, outside inspections and organizational improvement planning – each of which was memorialized in writing to ensure an accurate portrait, year-over-year, of my performance trajectory.

I’ll bet many of you have had a similar evaluation during your working life.  It’s pretty common.

Except in county government. . .

The commonsense process of actually assessing the effectiveness of the highest paid recipients of public funds in our county government was supported by Councilwomen Post, Billie Wheeler and Barbara Girtman.

Unfortunately, the measure was rejected, out-of-hand, by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – the lockstep voting bloc of Councilmen Ben Johnson and the Very Reverend Fred Lowry, our doddering fool of a County Chair, Ed Kelley, and the always arrogant Councilwoman Deb Denys.

But why?

Well, according to Chairman Kelley, “We don’t have an off-the-shelf form at this point.”

Apparently, we don’t employ the talent in our Human Resources office to research and put one together in, oh, an hour-or-so, either. . .

Sad.

Look, I would be reasonably satisfied if the Volusia County Council could have just one meeting where they weren’t required to spend the last half deciphering their twisted votes, mini-moves, amendments and amendments-to-amendments that always leave staff – and their confused constituents – scratching their heads. . .

Perhaps, We, The People should exercise our right to political accountability and use this bimonthly affront to our collective intelligence as our own evaluation of those we have elected to high office, eh?

In government, senior management – and the citizens they serve – deserve a thorough review of their professional performance, accomplishments and growth areas at regular intervals.

It’s a healthy part of the oversight process, and the narrative evaluation provides personalized feedback and a mechanism for communicating expectations for organizational goals and professional objectives that just aren’t possible in the farcical performance art of a Volusia County Council meeting.

Anyone who has ever served in a leadership role understands that performance evaluations are a critical resource for documenting the health and success of the organization – and should be a continuing process at all levels.

But not in the byzantine bureaucracy in DeLand. . .

In government, as in most progressive private organizations, accountability exists when a responsible individual, and the services they provide, are subject to horizontal oversight.  This occurs when the responsible party is required to provide articulable justification for their actions, expenditures, and the performance of their subordinate staff.

A practice especially important for government officials at the executive level whose decisions can have wide-ranging and very expensive implications.

You want to know the most serious issue Volusia County residents face?

It is the staggering level of incompetence, government waste and resource mismanagement that results in surprise headlines like “Volusia’s overtime tab: $99 million since 2013” and other shocking revelations – and a continuing, almost institutionalized, lack of substantive oversight by our elected officials that allows this atrocious course of conduct to continue.

 

“Well, opinions are like assholes. Everybody has one.”

–Dirty Harry Callahan, The Dead Pool, 1988

 

Sometimes the news on Florida’s fabled Fun Coast sounds like a broken record.

“For a city already working with its trust issues. . .”

“After a former Volusia County Council member proclaimed in a public meeting this summer that trust in county government had never been lower. . .”

“What they’re most divided on: how much trust the public has in county government.”

“Much has been written about Volusia County government and a lack of transparency.”

“They got caught doing something that now seems deceitful.”

Sounds like a bad Barker’s View screed, doesn’t it?

It’s not.

These quotes came right from the pages of The Daytona Beach News-Journal – picked from feature stories, editorials and letters from readers who have grown suspicious of the machinations of our elected and appointed officials and the uber-wealthy special interests who seem to control it all.

Unfortunately, in the oligarchical system that has come to dominate our lives and livelihoods here in Volusia County – constructive criticism is neither welcome nor accepted – and those who attempt to shine a bright light into the dank corners where public funds and private interests intersect are often marginalized, painted as lunatics, or worse, labeled as “trolls” who reside in the lower parts of the internet and exist simply to poke, prod and provoke the “Rich & Powerful” who can still afford political representation.

So, we are forced to ask the question: Whose critical views on the myriad issues of the day are more accurate and worthy of our attention?

Which opinion matters most – an amalgam of viewpoints of an editorial board – or the concerns voiced in the contentious realm of social media, something News-Journal editor Pat Rice calls the “domain of trolls who live not to provoke thought but simply to provoke”?

More often than not, on those rare occasions when our newspaper of record calls foul on the editorial page, they sound like that kindly-yet-critical old aunt, who, at the risk of offending, softly suggests you might want to “run a comb through your hair” – as opposed to the blunt message of the overbearing truth-teller in the family who calls it like she sees it, “It looks like rat’s are nesting on your head, Lois – do you even own a hairbrush? Look in a mirror for Christ sake. . .” 

It seems whenever the News-Journal has cause to offer a gentle suggestion to the perennial politicians and governmental insiders who are seen as “friends” and conflicted associates of the newspaper’s senior leadership – the paper comes off like a mewing, declawed kitten with a raging case of  Taijin Kyofusho.

The true editorial scolding is saved for ordinary citizens and grassroots efforts with the temerity to challenge the status quo – voice a call for fundamental change to this disparate scheme that has resulted in the social and economic quagmire we find ourselves in – or use the every-man’s civic soapbox of social media to vent frustration, voice an opinion or engage in a no-holds-barred debate of the issues.

Whenever someone from outside the fraternity offers a pointed criticism, calls out missed opportunities for substantive change, or brings attention to the utter incompetence and dysfunction that have come to permeate the halls of power in DeLand and beyond – they are invariably treated as a threat to the “system” – branded an opinionated malcontent without credibility and immediately set upon by those who still stand to benefit.

That’s not shaping public opinion – that’s an exercise in not ruffling the right feathers. . .

Sound familiar? 

It should, because marginalization – the process of making others feel their opinions are insignificant or secondary to those held by insiders – is the exact tactic used by members of the Volusia County Council to ensure lockstep conformity.

In my view, the most important opinion is your own.

I happen to write down my goofy thoughts on the issues we face and circulate them on this blog site as a means of stirring the pot, calling attention to the seemingly intractable problems we face and stimulating a greater discussion in the community.

Why? 

Because our ‘powers that be’ hate it when We, The People focus on the machinations of the politically unaccountable insiders behind the curtain – or expose the self-serving maneuverings of  their bought-and-paid-for politicians who are repeatedly returned to office on increasingly larger piles of campaign cash originating from those who the system now exists to serve.

In my view, when citizens educate themselves on the issues of the day – then formulate individual opinions that come together into a collective vision for the future through the debate of competing ideas – it results in quality public policy, civic revitalization, collaborative problem solving and fosters a true sense of ‘community building.’

So, to hell with what I, or anybody else thinks – or what the News-Journal tells you about the role of social media and non-conventional communication in contemporary politics.

Take the time to educate yourselves and your neighbors, learn the players and the issues, contemplate our collective needs – then form your own opinions – and express your views in whatever forum you feel comfortable with.

If you are a loyal member of the Barker’s View tribe, I naturally consider you an ‘informed voter’ who looks at all sides of an issue then makes a knowledgeable decision.

If not, I encourage you to get involved.

Talk to candidates for public office, hold their feet to the fire on issues that are important to you and your family, voice your point of view on the issues of the day, be bold, be brave and let’s return a respectful and responsive “government of the people” to DeLand and beyond this election cycle.

Let’s restore the public’s trust in our local government by electing those who value it.

It’s important – now, more than ever.

 

 

 

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

Angel               Dustin Wyatt & Tony Holt

The exodus from The Daytona Beach News-Journal continues, and the unfortunate loss of journalistic talent and stability is being felt throughout the community as our nearly 116-year-old newspaper of record slowly transitions into something. . .different.

Much of what I write about here on Barker’s View is a riff on News-Journal articles crafted by gifted professional journalists and editorialists who are out pounding the streets, working the phones, keeping their ear to the ground and bringing the news of the day to our doorstep or computer screen each morning.

And, like anyone with ethical boundaries who serves the public, they often take a horrible beating for their efforts. . .

During my professional life, I developed close working relationships with some very talented News-Journal reporters – superior scribes like Lyda Longa, Patricio Balona, Eileen Zaffiro-Kean, Barry Gear and others – and had the pleasure of working with legendary storytellers like Kathy Kelly and the late John Carter – it wasn’t always easy, and I took the lumps when I made a mistake, but these symbiotic relationships taught me how hard good reporters work to get it right and the importance of building trust.

Now, instead of hearing it straight from those we have elected and appointed to serve our civic interests, increasingly, stories in our hometown newspaper will begin, “. . .according to a GateHouse Media data analysis. . .”

Adding to the sense of uncertainty was the newsroom layoffs – then, this summer, the News-Journal’s printing press was shuttered, and the operation moved to another GateHouse proprietary in Ocala.

The explanation? 

“These days, it’s not unusual for a newspaper to be printed outside the market where it circulates. In fact, it’s become the norm.”

Sad.

Then, the talented editor and accomplished author Derek Catron – and our incredibly dedicated environmental reporter, Dinah Voyles-Pulver, who shined such a bright light on those who profit from the wholesale destruction of our natural places, left for roles with GateHouse Media.

And now, crime reporter and Sun Crime State podcast host, Tony Holt, and our intrepid Volusia County reporter, Dustin Wyatt, are leaving the News-Journal for greener pastures. . .

In my view, Mr. Holt’s coverage of the always intriguing local crime beat was truly second-to-none – and it was always interesting to learn the misty machinations of Volusia County government from Dustin Wyatt’s inimitable writing.

I don’t know about you, but Dustin’s live Tweets from County Council meetings were something I looked forward to.

As I understand it, Tony has been snatched up by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock, while Dustin will be serving the fortunate citizens of the Upstate of South Carolina as a journalist with the Spartanburg Herald-Journal.

When it comes to consuming the news, one thing I appreciate is the institutional knowledge of a seasoned reporter who understands the nuances of what is happening ‘behind the story’ – and uses that situational awareness to triangulate relationships, analyze previous decisions, recall quotes, develop depth and craft a rich explanation of perhaps the one nugget of good information in an otherwise dull public meeting.

In my view, Mr. Wyatt’s painstaking reporting on what became known as the ‘secret study’ – a 2016 report commissioned by the county council which was intentionally hidden from policymakers because it called for higher impact fees – brilliantly exposed the lack of transparency and backroom shenanigans so common in Volusia County politics.

In my view, his unflinching reportage ultimately led to the departure of former County Manager Jim Dinneen – and if he never writes another exposé – Dustin Wyatt earned his spurs on that one. . .

I’ve said this before, community journalism is important – and ‘our’ newspaper is as relevant and necessary today as it always has been – perhaps more so.

That’s why the loss of those bylines we have come to trust is so terribly difficult to take.

Best of luck, Dustin and Tony.

Your important contributions to the life and health of our community will be sorely missed.

Asshole           Volusia County Council  

Last month, I wrote a screed venting my spleen on the growing mystery of why County Attorney Dan “Cujo” Eckert attempted to unilaterally cancel a popular historic racing parade in Ponce Inlet.

Following a public outcry from race organizers, beach driving advocates and concerned residents, earlier this month the county council rightfully ignored Mr. Eckert’s weird “advice” and authorized the 2020 North Turn Parade on a 5-2 vote.

That’s a good thing.  The event has become a very important part of Speed Weeks – and it deserves the county’s logistical support and sponsorship.

Now, amid accusations that over the eight-year life of the parade, county officials allocated public funds and logistical resources for the event without proper accounting or documentation, the always arrogant Councilwoman Deb Denys has come down with selective amnesia – acting as though she has no recollection of the county’s direct involvement.

The trouble is, a virulent case of selective amnesia is highly infectious – especially when it starts running rampant through the halls of governmental power – and, like a bad syphilis outbreak, it can be hard to stop until virtually no one in the organization can remember what they had for breakfast – let alone who authorized public funds for a controversial community event. . .

As a result, the chasm of trust between taxpayers and Volusia County government has deepened, with many – including at least one former member of the Volusia County Council – wondering aloud what other unexplained leaks are lurking in the labyrinthine system.

Unfortunately, it appears help is still too far out for hope. . .

Inexplicably, nearly a year after the position was approved, Volusia County has conveniently failed to attract a qualified internal auditor – the ombudsman we were promised would improve transparency in this shadowy secret society and add a layer of “checks and balances.”

For the princely $215,000 plus bennies we pay County Manager Georgie Recktenwald, we don’t get to hear directly from the Big Guy himself; however, Volusia’s new professional mouthpiece, Kevin Captain, tells us it’s a “unique and difficult” position to field.

Difficult?

Maybe.

But for $156,963 a year – certainly not impossible. . .

Last week, in a well-researched piece by former News-Journal reporter Dustin Wyatt, we learned that, even in the aftermath of the shit-storm surrounding the North Turn Racing Parade, our doddering fool of a County Chair, Ed Kelley, continues to consider the internal auditor a “waste of money.” 

You read that right.

“It’s nonsense to think we need an internal auditor,” Kelley said, adding that that measure is only needed when a company is in the midst of a financial scandal. “That’s for a company like Enron.”

 Actually, it’s to prevent another governmental “Enron,” you insufferable ninny. . .

If this isn’t a “financial scandal,” what would Chairman Kelley call the unexplained allocation and expenditure of tens-of-thousands in public funds and transportation resources with no record, requisition, allocation, accounting or documentation?

If Old Ed can’t see the frightening similarities between Enron and Volusia County government – the hubris, the arrogant sense of infallibility, the clear lack of ethical and moral guidance, the marginalization and destruction of whistle-blowers, the ‘asleep at the switch’ lack of oversight, the unnerving incompetence that precludes even an organized public meeting – then perhaps we have bigger issues than we know. . .

“It’s my guess that there are lots of surprises from over the years,” said Vicky Jackson, a Daytona Beach resident and former councilwoman who served from 1989 to 1994.  We have had a series of managers and financial people and it’s past time to check up on the peoples’ money.”

Amen, sister. . .

Now, after yet another embarrassing fiasco, Chairman Kelley has been forced to acknowledge what many of us have been demanding for years – an end to the pernicious practice of ‘Public Policy by Ambush’ – off-the-agenda financial sneak attacks, where our hard-earned tax dollars are shunted to special interests without any debate, explanation or public input.

Our elected officials have used this sleight-of-hand for years – now, they have been caught with their pants down. . .

In my view, it’s not enough to pull the same scam time-after-time – then feign a lukewarm promise of substantive change to the way you’ve always done business after the con has been exposed.

We’ve heard it all before, and this is unacceptable by any standard.

I like to humor myself into believing that we still have some fragments of a democratic process remaining – like the sacred tradition that permits one person, one vote.

I believe that if enough like-minded citizens hold firm to the basic belief that we can control our destiny by electing strong, ethical and visionary members of our community to high office – servant/leaders who will stand firm in defense of the rights, responsibilities and privileges of taxpaying residents who work hard to carve out a life here on Florida’s Fun Coast – we can once again balance political power and restore transparency, fairness and the spirit of democracy in Volusia County government.

Angel               Maryam Ghyabi & Kelli McGee

Have you ever gone into a situation with terribly preconceived notions – only to be pleasantly surprised that those with seemingly opposite viewpoints can find common ground on matters of universal importance to the community?

This week I had the pleasure of meeting with Maryam Ghyabi, owner of Ghyabi Consultants & Management, a transportation and infrastructure engineering consultancy in Ormond Beach, and Kelli McGee, Executive Director of the Riverside Conservancy, a nonprofit environmental advocacy dedicated to cleaning and protecting our sensitive waterways and estuarine ecosystems.

We were joined by the irrepressible Big John – host of the public affairs forum GovStuff Live! With Big John, on 1380am The Cat – an important alternative voice which airs weekdays beginning at 4:00pm.

What began as an invitation for coffee turned into a three-hour, wide-ranging discussion on some of the most important state and local issues of our time –  transportation, infrastructure, growth, controversial funding issues and the impact of urban sprawl and development on our water quality and natural places.

We agreed on certain issues – disagreed on others – and shared personal insights on problem-solving, community building, environmental resiliency and sustainability planning.

Initially, I felt like a fish out of water – an unrefined bumpkin asked into the company of real players.

Fortunately, my fears were quickly put to rest.

I found these two highly accomplished professionals to be super intelligent,  sharp-witted and incredibly astute on the contemporary issues facing Volusia County and beyond; with a disarming sense of humor and down-to-earth charm that immediately put me at ease.

As an uneducated rube, I learn best from being around smart people – and my time spent with Mrs. Ghyabi and Ms. McGee provided a quality primer on many important topics that interest me.

Most important, it was the first time that anyone took the time to sit down and ask my opinion on the myriad civic, environmental and social threats facing our community – let alone value my input on potential answers.

In my view, the result of these informal discussions between people of differing perspectives naturally result in a feeling of  joint ownership in solutions – and proves that the debate of varied opinions can be done in a non-confrontational way – in an atmosphere where everyone’s contribution has value.

Trust me.  Key Volusia County governments do not employ the vision required to get us out of this quagmire.

As a result, we desperately need more of these small group conversations across the diversity of stakeholders as we work collectively to establish a path forward – one that includes clean water, supports and protects our natural resources, effectively manages growth, embraces environmental conservation, demands quality governance and leaves our children and grandchildren with a safe, prosperous and healthy coastal community to call home.

Angel              Bethune-Cookman University Homecoming 2019

Kudos to everyone from the university who worked so hard to see Bethune-Cookman’s Homecoming 2019 become a rousing success!

In my view, it was a true shot-in-the-arm for this important community institution that has endured turmoil and distraction for too long.

From Friday’s Pep Rally at Ocean Center to Saturday’s parade, afternoon of football and fellowship, I believe this special weekend signaled a turning point in the renaissance of B-CU.

It is evident that there truly are community angels among us, and Barker’s View would like to recognize the contributions of B-CU Graduate Assistant Tennis Coach Alejandra Vidal for her outstanding work making the 5^th Annual Juan Varon Wildcat Invitational tournament such a huge success.

The event is the university’s signature tennis tournament which brings clay court play to Daytona Beach in honor of former team captain Juan Varon, who tragically lost his life in a 2013 auto accident.

According to historian and senior writer Dan Ryan of B-CU Athletics, “With our resources maxed out thanks to homecoming and a sold-out football game down the road, Alejandra stepped up and made sure the tennis tournament was a logistical success.”  

Also, I recently heard an inspirational story about National Football League veteran Jon Bostic, a linebacker for the Washington Redskins, who recently honored his father – B-CU great and 1984 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year John Bostic – by purchasing throwback uniforms for the current Wildcat squad and sponsored a party for the entire 1984 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship team, which was coached by former B-CU and Miami Dolphin great Larry Little.

In addition, Jon provided a few very special gifts for his father, legendary Coach Little and other members of the Wildcat’s staff.

What a wonderful way to pay tribute to the contributions of B-CU Hall of Famer John Bostic – and a beautiful expression of a son’s love. . .

Angels, indeed.

Quote of the Week

“The city seems bound and determined to move forward with the Beach Street project come hell or high water (very appropriate considering the location). Like the ridiculously expensive roundabouts now under construction in Flagler County and the City of Palm Coast, it is very frustrating when government spends tens of millions of dollars for projects that the locals do not want. Representative government? I think not!”

–Mike McQuire, Palm Coast, The Daytona Beach News-Journal Letters to the Editor, “City persists in Beach Street foolishness,” Monday, October 28, 2019

It is becoming increasingly clear to anyone paying attention that the mysterious plans to systematically destroy Beach Street merchants under the guise of “transforming” the area by removing traffic lanes and widening the already ample sidewalk has nothing to do with helping existing businesses and everything to do with appeasing special interests.

Yep.  It appears the greedy Curse of the Halifax – the bizarre anathema to good governance that puts the wants of political insiders over the needs of many – is alive and well downtown. . .

According to a persuasive dispatch sent to members of the Daytona Beach City Commission by James Sass, long-time owner of Abraxas Books:

“I’m in touch with many merchants on Beach Street and none of them I am aware of are in favor of the project to narrow Beach Street two lanes. I know Kelly White pushed this and I know (City Commissioner) Quanita May is now pushing it. I’ve not spoken to anyone who feels they are representing the interests of the merchants on Beach Street. Quite the opposite, the impression is they are ramrodding the agenda of Kelly White especially in her relationship with Brown & Brown and the Riverfront Esplanade Foundation. None of the other business owners I have spoken to on Beach Street are in favor of this project.”

“The arguments for it presented by Jim Chisholm, Quanita May and a handful of people invariably affiliated with Jack and Kelly White are lame at best and not shared by anyone I have spoken to.”

Unfortunately, for reasons known only to Daytona Beach City Manager Jim Chisholm, he is hellbent on forcing the complete destruction of the downtown streetscape – an area that already includes all the aesthetic qualities, traffic flow, sidewalks and ample parking necessary for success.

Why is Mr. Chisholm intent on treating Downtown like a kid with a box of Tinker Toys – build something – then tear it apart and put something else together with the random pieces?

With construction expected to start in January, perhaps it’s time for the Daytona Beach City Commission to actually do their job – provide a modicum of oversight to Mr. Chisholm – and  consider the urgent needs of their constituents who are trying desperately to eke out a living downtown.

These are small businesses who have suffered the environmental and economic hardships – and stood valiantly against the economic odds, waiting patiently for the much-promised Eternal Blessing of Brown & Brown to take hold – only to be told their storefronts will be virtually inaccessible as Jim Chisholm and Company orchestrates the destruction of Beach Street.

And Another Thing!

There was an ancient Chinese execution tactic known as “Lingchi” – which loosely translates to “lingering death” or “death by a thousand slices.”

As the name implies, lingchi was a brutally drawn out process where the executioner would administer hundreds of cuts to the body of the condemned, slowly exsanguinating the victim over time. . .

I was reminded of this nasty bit of history last week when a loyal member of the Barker’s View tribe reached out to express his utter disgust with the recent unanimous vote by the Volusia County Council to raise fees for both the county parking garage, and surface lots, during events at the Ocean Center and Peabody Auditorium.

In addition, our elected officials gave the “Gift that Keeps on Giving” by increasing daily maximum rates for their spooky elevated garage at Ocean Walk from $8.00 to $10.00. . .

Jesus.

Why the need for a 100% increase in parking fees as our increasingly distressed core tourist area is struggling to attract visitors – fighting for its very survival?

At a time when Main Street merchants are begging city and county officials to lead, follow or get the hell out of the way as they work feverishly to breath life into that vitally important commercial corridor? 

Because, despite a budget approaching $1 Billion – Volusia County needs the money for “accelerated completion of much needed capital improvements” to the garage – oh, and some parasitic horseshit about keeping rates in line with other nearby parking locations.

Civic Lingchi.  What a cruelly effective strategy for killing a tourist economy. . .

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, friends.