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:

Assholes          Volusia County Council

“As someone who has followed County Government, I have watched as (Volusia County Manager) Recktenwald has become more and more arrogant and as many in upper management at the County have followed his lead. Recktenwald, and many in the County’s leadership, show great disdain for us little people who are paying the bills and for those who are doing the real work for us at the County down in the trenches and this attitude has only been bolstered by most, if not all, members of the Volusia County Council present and past. I know these things to be true because I have experienced them and watched them in person.

Try and email Recktenwald or the assistant County Manager Suzanne Konchan and see if you receive a reply and watch and listen to Recktenwald and his senior staff as they sit on the dais. As someone who has attended many County meetings of various kinds, I can tell you because of the tone that is set by leadership it is one of the most uninviting experiences you will have. It is beyond time for Recktenwald to be replaced.”

–Keith Chester, West Volusia, writing in the Facebook forum Volusia Issues, in response to the Barker’s View post, “Another Can of Worms,” Thursday, August 10, 2023

Human performance experts say that “leadership” is difficult to define. 

But, like many of you, I immediately recognize those important qualities when I see them – and when I don’t… 

So, how is it that the myriad issues that continue to hamper substantial progress here on the “Fun Coast” – the lock-step conformity to the stagnant status quo, strategic procrastination, ignorance of important issues, lack of clarity and communication, the dangerous state of our emergency medical services, public protection, beach safety, and other essential services – go perennially unaddressed by those we have elected to protect our interests? 

For instance, during Tuesday evening’s Volusia County Council meeting, a Lieutenant with the beleaguered Department of Corrections implored our elected officials to alleviate the increasingly dangerous conditions at our jail facilities before tragedy occurs and set a living wage for struggling corrections personnel. 

Crickets from the dais…

Another speaker described the Department of Corrections as “broken.”

In mute response, our elected officials stared silently like a flock of catatonic Potoos…

In addition, corrections officers and a union official described continuing dissatisfaction with mandatory overtime in the “tinderbox” that is Volusia’s jail facilities – where inmates are arming themselves with “shanks” (improvised edged weapons) fashioned from dining trays – and single corrections officers are frequently forced to violate safety protocols and transport dangerous inmates without adequate support.

Again, and per the council’s asinine policy of ignoring taxpayers who approach them for redress of grievances, the speakers were condescendingly snubbed by councilmembers…

I hope I am wrong – but I fear something horrific is going to happen at a Volusia County Jail facility – and now that they know about the conditions and choose to remain silent – that preventable blood will be on the hands of the Volusia County Council…

When citizens sought to speak on behalf of the Volusia Forever Advisory Committee’s much anticipated plans and goals (which were crammed onto the consent agenda) for the tax supported program designed to preserve conservation lands for future generations – they were lectured by At-Large Councilman Jake Johansson that they should have known how the County Council would vote on the issue before opening their pieholes and pestering the elected elite with their unsolicited and unwanted input.  

Bullshit.

Look, I realize most of what happens at these interminable time–wasting shams is choreographed behind closed doors well in advance of what passes for a “public meeting” – but Mr. Johansson should respect the right of citizens to be heard on matters important to them.

In fact, perhaps it is time Mr. Johansson – and his “colleagues” – spend less time scolding and dismissing the concerns of residents and county employees, and more time monitoring and correcting the rampant incompetence and mismanagement in County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald’s administration…

Time and again, we see worried citizens like Mr. Chester vent their growing frustration as taxpayers are forced to stand outside the locked portcullis of County government – trying desperately to make sense of the who, what, when, where, why (and how much) of the weird maneuvers and machinations playing out on the dais of power. 

Frankly, Mr. Chester’s spot-on observations of County Manager Recktenwald and his senior staff should shock the conscience of our elected officials – at least those who still value transparent and responsive government – because they are the ones who will ultimately be held responsible by voters for the arrogance and “distain” projected by senior bureaucrats with no political accountability. 

Look, I realize that is not the reality in Volusia County politics where the same Big Money insiders who consistently benefit from the corporate welfare, tax breaks, infrastructure, and other “economic incentives” influence the outcome of our elections with artificially inflated campaign contributions to their hand-select candidates who, in turn, protect the status quo and perpetuate the good old boy system that keeps the public teat patent for all the right last names. 

As an informed voter, I hope you will keep that in mind – along with the abysmal state of many of our county’s essential services – as the 2024 election season begins to heat up…

Angel               The Citizens of Deltona

Earlier this week, Deltona’s Interim City Manager Jim “The Chiseler” Chisholm took his football and went home in a huff…   

Two of his deputies followed suit leaving no one at the helm.

Good riddance.

It is no secret that the long-suffering citizens of Deltona have rightfully developed deep distrust and dissatisfaction with the cheap façade that passes for their municipal government.  It is equally clear that, to coin a well-worn phrase, “they’re mad as hell, and aren’t going to take it anymore…”

That seismic change was evident during last week’s Deltona City Commission meeting as a standing room only crowd packed the chamber to fight proposed increases in stormwater and solid waste fees – and to let their elected and appointed representatives know they will no longer tolerate the wholesale looting of public coffers by vendors and “charter officers” – or stand for mercenary tax and fee increases that are pricing some out of their homes.

Raucous public meetings are nothing new in the Lost City of Deltona – the natural result of years of suppression and frustration – but during the August 7 City Commission meeting, things reached a tipping point as residents stood together and fought valiantly against the rate hikes.  

During a spirited discussion of the fee increases, a steady stream of angry residents approached the podium, some providing compelling evidence of fund transfers – a weird form of budgetary three-card-monte – overcharging, bureaucratic incompetence, cuts to service delivery, and potential conflicts of interests by those elected officials who accepted campaign contributions from the very solid waste hauler they regulate… 

Following each impassioned plea, the audience erupted in cheers and applause.

After successfully dissuading the City Commission from approving the fee increases – the citizens let their thoughts be known on other questionable practices – including their suspicions surrounding the long-awaited agreement with Deltona’s controversial City Attorney Marsha Segal-George – which many saw as gifting Segal-George a blank check that could result in charges of $42,000 a month for her dubious legal services.

In fact, it was painfully apparent that residents had done more legal work analyzing the murky terms of the proposed contract than Interim City Manager Chisholm or any elected official on the dais…  

In addition, residents noted that Ms. Segal-George has been a precipitating factor in three lawsuits currently pending against the City of Deltona, formerly served as a principal in the very law firm the city terminated last year, openly questioned her bearing (she always appears to be a discombobulated spectator to me) and professional competence and challenged her basic eligibility to serve as a charter officer.

Citizens also demanded a hard stop to a proposed change to the fiscal checks and balances that would have allowed Interim City Manager Chisholm to exceed the $25,000 spending cap for already budgeted items.

Then things got interesting…

During comments, Commissioner Jody Lee Storozuk asked that the long-delayed City Manager search begin as soon as possible after dropping a bombshell that Rick Karl, another local government retread who Chisholm handpicked as Deputy City Manager three-months ago, told him that he would not remain in Deltona when Chisholm leaves…

Obviously seeing the handwriting on the wall, last week, Mr. Karl quickly submitted his resignation from the $165,000 post and skedaddled, citing the usual “personal and family” horseshit – rather than admit his loyalty lay with The Chiseler – rather than the good citizens of Deltona who paid his obscene salary and benefits package…   

It was obvious that the sustained nature of the brutal public criticism hit too close to home for Chisholm’s mammoth ego – which isn’t used to having his omnipotent power challenged – causing him to wail to the heavens, “I’m tired of listening to people saying how unprofessional I am, and how stupid you are, when we’re trying to move forward.  I’ve had it up to here!” to the mournful strains of “How Great Thou Art…”

In the end, like the classless asshole he is, on Tuesday, The Chiseler abruptly quit – tendered his resignation and scurried out the door of City Hall – haughtily declaring himself on “administrative leave” until September 14, and advising his blindsided constituents that he “…will be available for consultation while on administrative leave by cell to assist with the transition.”

My ass.

In an open letter to Deltona residents announcing Chisholm’s abrupt departure, Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr. explained:

“I’d earlier called for a Special City Commission Meeting to discuss the City Manager’s performance and my thoughts on the matter. Under Florida Law, the only time this type of matter can be discussed (with multiple commissioners providing input and feedback) is an open meeting. 

I was concerned that the Commission was not receiving previously promised information in a timely manner. As well as direction that was being given was not being executed.”

In the end, Chisholm’s legendary arrogance was on full display as he took a cowards exit rather than have his performance (and rumored behind-the-scenes shenanigans) openly critiqued – always putting his own professional vanity and egoistic self-interests over those of the citizens and elected officials he was paid $200,000 plus the perquisites of a Potentate, to serve.

Right in the middle of the municipal budget cycle…

Once again, The Chiseler lives up to his well-deserved moniker.

Then, in a weird twist, just yesterday, Suzette Cameron – who served as “Assistant to the City Manager” before recently being promoted to deputy city manager, also fled the sinking S.S. Chiseler…

Last evening, the Deltona City Commission meeting in special session appointed Glenn Whitcomb, Director of the City’s Water Department, to serve as Interim City Manager.

In my view, in brusquely abandoning his sworn responsibilities to Deltona residents and the City Commission that put their faith in him, Mr. Chisholm violated a key tenet of the Florida City County Management Association’s Code of Ethics, which requires professional managers to dedicate themselves “…to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships in order that the member may merit the respect and confidence of the elected officials, of other officials and employees, and of the public.”

The fact is the good people of Deltona have been gored and ignored by those they should have been able to trust for far too long – subjected to the insatiable greed and incompetence of a long stain of charlatans – and abused by self-serving opportunists masquerading as senior public officials who repeatedly took personal advantage of the chronic leadership void. 

In my view, the long-suffering citizens of Deltona demonstrated a courageous example of citizenship in action – a galvanizing moment of coalescence between neighbors tired of the dysfunction, mismanagement, and gross fiscal irresponsibility that has left them feeling both victimized and disrespected.

The fortunate departure of Jim Chisholm, and his minions, should give hope to Deltona residents that change is possible as the City Commission begins discussions regarding what everyone hopes will be an open, transparent, and apolitical search for bold new leadership.  

Quote of the Week  

“The Ormond Beach Planning Board is holding its second hearing on Monday, Aug. 21 to continue the board’s hearing regarding building 276 homes on the Tomoka Oaks golf course property.

Please plan to attend to demonstrate your concern regarding this proposed development. The location of the hearing is Tomoka Christian Church, located at 1450 Hand Ave. in Ormond Beach. Hearing starts at 6 p.m. (This August hearing location is different from the July hearing location, so please be sure to write down the correct church address.)

We realize this is a busy time of the year with school starting and people taking end of summer vacations, but all Ormond Beach residents are encouraged to attend if possible to let our planning board members know we are opposed to the overdevelopment occurring in our city. The Tomoka Oaks neighborhood entirely surrounds the golf course property. If development is ultimately approved for 276 homes (or any number of homes) on the current green space, whose green space will be swallowed up next?”

–Carolyn Davis, Ormond Beach, writing in the Ormond Beach Observer Letters to the Editor, “Planning Board hearing for Aug. 21,” Monday, August 14, 2021

Good question, Ms. Davis… 

And Another Thing!

You read about this earlier in the week. 

Read it again…

Earlier this week, I began preliminary research to take advantage of the current “anything goes” development strategy at Ormond Beach City Hall and have my postage-stamp residential property here in the Northbrook neighborhood rezoned and permitted to accommodate an industrial medical waste incinerator which I hope to locate smackdab in my backyard.

Smart thinking, eh?  Yep, strike while the iron is hot, I always say…

While I am doing much of the legal legwork myself, I am not opposed to hiring the venerated Daytona Beach firm Cobb Cole to smooth out the bureaucratic humps and bumps once the trivial details are sorted with the malleable Volusia County and Ormond Beach planning and permitting apparatus.

Of course, I will ensure all appropriate “campaign contributions” are properly distributed… 

My vision is to construct a batch load, direct fire industrial medical waste incinerator running 24/7 at a constant 1,800-degrees – capable of handling all regulated medical waste – to include trace chemotherapy and pathological refuse, amputated limbs, rotten organs, biological tissue, bloody gauze, gowns, and dressings – you name it! 

You’ve got dangerous materials deemed too hazardous for normal solid waste handling?  

Well, just haul that shit over to idyllic Overbrook Drive and let Barker deal with it!

Out of sight and out of mind, amiright!

The absolute beauty of my ingenious business plan is to simply have my side yard classified as a Subtitle D landfill where the resultant dust and ash can be dumped! 

The way I’ve got it cyphered, that should be absolutely no problem in Florida’s wink-wink-nudge-nudge fox in the henhouse regulatory environment.  

What?  Screw the neighbors… 

I am not going to sit here and let a bunch of carping tree-huggers and dirt worshipers stand in the way of “High Paying Jobs,” dammit!

(Oh, one old crone up the street told me she didn’t want “heavy metals, PFAS, and dioxins, blah, blah, blah” in her grandchildren’s water supply – so, I’m going to bury her with a crippling lawsuit under the Bert Harris Act for violating my God given right as a Floridian to do whatever the hell I want on my slice of heaven, whenever I want to do it.  That’ll teach her to infringe on the goddamned economic viability of my property…”)

Besides, those living here in north Ormond will either get used to the odor, ash, and rumble of delivery trucks – or they won’t – but they will soon learn this is Volusia County and, by God, nothing stands in the way of “progress,” right?

Whatever…

My satirical plan makes about as much sense as placing a 20-million-gallon bulk fuel farm off two-lane Hull Road adjacent to a children’s play area and sports complex…

Shockingly, the murmurs and rumors that have swirled around the community for months were confirmed last week in a disturbing article by Sheldon Gardner writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal who announced that a massive petroleum farm is being built near Ormond Beach’s sports complex, municipal airport, and the Bear Creek subdivision. 

According to the report, “The planned facility will consist of 16 tanks, some 40 feet tall, that will store more than 20 million gallons of fuel and feed a steady stream of tanker trucks.” 

You read that right.

The complex, operated by Belvedere Terminals, is part of a planned hub-and-spur fuel distribution system located along the Florida East Coast Railway.  Of course, if you listen to Belvedere’s Chief Operating Officer Mike Benedetto, the operation will be so safe and “state of the art” those “active 55+” residents of Bear Creek won’t even know it’s there…

I’ll bet… 

Look, Florida needs a safe and reliable fuel supply chain – something typically confined to major shipping ports at Tampa, Jacksonville, Port Everglades, Port Canaveral, and the Central Florida Pipeline Terminal at Taft – but no one I have spoken with in recent days could think of a more inappropriate location for a bulk fuel distribution site than the once quaint community of Ormond Beach.

On August 1, with little notice and, to my knowledge, no public input in the process, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued the final “air construction permit,” which authorizes construction of the Ormond Beach Terminal.

After residents voiced their concerns before both the Volusia County Council – and a standing room only meeting of the Ormond Beach City Commission this week – it became apparent our elected officials were as awkwardly out-of-the loop as residents were! 

According to meeting minutes from a meeting of the Ormond Beach Site Plan Review Committee made available this week, city planning and economic development officials met with representatives of Belvedere Terminals in June 2022 to discuss preliminary plans for the fuel terminal.

As I understand it (and I am not sure I do), the property is zoned heavy industrial and currently located in unincorporated Volusia County.  But because the terminal will be supplied by Ormond Beach utilities, once the project is complete, the 60-acre site will be annexed into the city as required by law. 

According to the News-Journal, “Belvedere Terminals will have to provide traffic impact information as part of the site review process with Volusia County ― the site is adjacent to city land but is in the county government’s jurisdiction.

“The project engineer will need to provide information during site plan review that the site and nearby infrastructure can handle the increased truck traffic. Improvements may be necessary,” according to Carol McFarlane, Volusia County’s director of Planning and Development Services.”

Which tells anyone paying attention that at least one high-ranking member of County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald’s administration was aware of the project in advance of this week’s News-Journal report…

So why are our clueless elected representatives in Volusia County and Ormond Beach acting like this is the first they’ve heard of this? 

According to the News-Journal, “While some have only recently learned about the project, it’s been known to city officials for more than a year, at least ― as well as its potential traffic impacts.

The Ormond Beach Site Plan Review Committee spoke about the project in June of 2022, according to meeting minutes. At the time, officials expected the project to bring about seven trucks an hour and over 160 trucks in a 24-hour period. The truck route was expected to be from Harmony Road to Hull Road, and out to U.S. 1.”

With the facility designed to accommodate a constant 24/7 flow of tanker trucks – entering the terminal presumably from Pineland Trail, taking the roar past those once pastoral ranchettes along Harmony Road, ultimately dumping the tankers onto US-1 at its unsignalized intersection with Hull Road – now, officials have swung a wild-assed guess and revised the traffic count to an estimated four trucks per hour…

Understandably, many residents who just found out about the planned monstrosity – in a largely residential community where most equate “heavy industry” with unobtrusive suntan lotion bottling facilities, warehouses, and light manufacturing – are rightly concerned about what the Belvedere Terminal will mean for their property values and rapidly diminishing quality of life.

They are also righteously pissed off at city and county officials for not giving them a heads-up…

So, why wouldn’t Ms. McFarlane bother to advise County Manager Recktenwald so he could brief members of the County Council?

And why did senior planning and building officials in Ormond Beach keep this news from the Ormond Beach City Commission before one of the most potentially inflammatory (pun intended) issues of the day became breaking news?    

Now, those poleaxed officials who should be in-the-know – heavy hitters like Chairman Jeff Brower, Councilman Troy Kent, and clueless Ormond Beach City Commissioners – are left scrambling to file letters of objection, appeal the FDEP permit, and fret over the specter of lawsuits should they fail to rubber stamp what everyone knows is coming…

In my view, heads should roll at City Hall and the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Complex. 

They won’t – but they should. 

Because I will bet you a Donnie’s doughnut that some of these “dumbfounded” elected and appointed officials were well aware of this insult months ago…  

This one bears watching, folks.

When We, The Little People are gaslighted and lied to long enough, watch helplessly while those we elect only represent the interests of their “Rich & Powerful” political overseers, repeatedly approve greed-crazed development with Pavlovian efficiency, and keep major projects that will drastically impact our lives and livelihoods hidden behind closed doors and secret “code names” – we become suspicious of government’s motivations and cynical of the process.

This is the result.  

Now, we are left to wonder if/when our elected representatives (who increasingly act more like corporate fixers than public servants) were aware that residents of Ormond Beach are about to be subjected to the lifechanging adverse impacts of an industrial fuel storage farm – and why there has been no public outreach by either Volusia County or Ormond Beach? 

And why the secrecy and faux astonishment by those who accept public funds to serve in the public interest?

Trust me.  This isn’t how a government of the people, by the people, and for the people is supposed to work.

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