Hi, kids!

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

On Volusia: The more things change, the more they stay the same…  

When it comes to the machinations of government, the subtleties speak volumes.

Those clever codes and dog whistles that the bureaucracy uses to signal what is important to the behind-the-scenes string pullers who actually set public policy – and what is not. 

Those who determine which issues advance and which wither on the vine.

For instance, in advance of this week’s Volusia County Council meeting, I perused the agenda – specifically, a proposed ordinance that will allow five-lot subdivisions in rural and agricultural areas that meet certain specifications without the need for council approval.  Essentially, the action will now permit “…the subdivision of properties that are obviously large enough to meet all code requirements and where minimal development of infrastructure is required.”

On the agenda sheet, the purpose for the proposed ordinance was listed as “Increase Efficiency and Effectiveness of Government Operations,” one of five loose-fitting “Strategic Goals” where ordinances, resolutions, and council actions are pigeonholed for political insulation.

Attached was a three-page summary prepared by Growth and Resource Mismanagement Director Clay Ervin, complete with supporting minutes from the Planning and Land Development Regulations Commission, along with a draft of the proposed ordinance for council review. 

All neatly wrapped up in a glossy package and presented to the Council with a bow on it… 

Ergo, the bureaucracy and its supporting cast on the dais want the ability to approve small subdivisions without bringing the matter before the Council – or the public.  (It passed unanimously…)

Then I turned to the most critical issue of our time – Item 4. 

Chairman Jeff Brower’s request for a mere discussion of a proposed temporary moratorium on future development until flood mitigation and sustainable growth management regulations can be set – an emergency stopgap brought forth during Brower’s recent reelection campaign to address the most galvanizing and destructive issue of our time.

Somehow, Mr. Brower’s request didn’t meet any of the county’s identified strategic goals, including what would appear to be the items intended purpose to “Support a Solution-Oriented Culture.”  (Sorry.  I just upchucked in my mouth a little…)

To signal the opposition, the planned discussion of the “M word” was summarized as, “Chairman Brower requested this agenda item by the attached email on Saturday, November 9, 2024.”

That’s it.

The only supporting material attached to the agenda was an email sent by Chairman Brower to County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald and County Attorney Michael Dyer, listing a series of “compelling arguments” and legal precedents detailing why Volusia County should consider a temporary moratorium in the face of recurrent widespread flooding:

“The suffering of our constituents and the increased danger to every resident and county property has made this complicated but important responsibility a priority for this council. I believe we can and will accept the challenge put before us by the recent devastating damage and loss of our constituent’s property and future. I thank you for your consideration and I believe the public expects us to act decisively, boldly, and thoughtfully.”

Later in the week, a letter from Chairman Brower seeking cooperation from area municipal governments was attached.   

What do you think County Manager Recktenwald ($259,041 annually, not including benefits) and his paralytic senior staff was communicating to decision makers? 

That’s why it wasn’t a surprise to anyone paying attention when, on cue, things worked out just as they had been scripted ahead of time. 

Before the agenda had been approved, Councilman David “No Show” Santiago set the stage for kicking that rusty can down the dusty political trail – moving to wait for a minimum of “60-days” before even discussing flooding, because “I don’t have enough information to make a decision,” Santiago said.

After Santiago and the other do-nothings on the dais expended a lot of hot air justifying why, after years of flooding and decades of strategic procrastination on adopting low impact development practices, they still need more time to even talk about the most devastating problem of our time?

Callously, the remainder of the Council unanimously agreed on a 6-0 vote (with Councilman Matt Reinhart absent) to a “special meeting” on January 14, 2025…  

It was another public castration of Chairman Brower – and a slap in the face to the overflow crowd of soggy residents who jammed both the main gallery and a holding room downstairs – to demand that their elected representatives take action to mitigate flooding in Volusia County.

During citizen participation, the elected officials sat stone-faced while countless constituents gave nearly three-hours of emotional testimony, openly pleading for action on development-induced flooding – interspersed with a few developers, real estate brokers, commercial construction companies, and “economic development” shills – who told flashlight under the chin scary stories about how even a temporary moratorium on future development would result in financial Armageddon for those in the trades…   

Bullshit. 

At present, there is enough rehabilitation work in Volusia County to keep a construction company in business for generations…

Per usual, in the end, the institutionalized status quo of stagnation and mediocrity prevailed. 

And those with a chip in the game got sixty more days to fill and build…

Between County Manager Recktenwald’s hypnotic monotone, the asinine finger pointing, the handwringing hypocrisy, timewasting spit/spats, and David Santiago’s stall tactics and name-calling, the devastating issue of regional flooding almost got lost in the bureaucratic ether. 

Just as “No Show” Santiago intended… 

Once again, the same tired names in the cloistered halls of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Building who got us into this mess in the first place will be given even more money – then permitted to cover their previous mistakes and formulate a “solution” to get us out of it. 

While the bulldozers continue to roar.

The very definition of insanity.

Perhaps it is time for frustrated victims of Volusia County’s growth at all cost strategy to demand federal and state agencies with the responsibility for protecting the public trust investigate the myriad allegations, whispered suspicions, and murky alliances at all levels of government that have resulted in this malicious foot-dragging on a clear and present danger to public health and safety? 

I’m asking. 

Because this choreographed strategic procrastination in the face of such widespread human suffering is obscene.

Whispering Sweet Nothings = Big Embarrassment for Volusia County Council

“Whoever is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in big things too.”

–Luke 16:10

Recently, reporter Sheldon Gardner published an important article in The Daytona Beach News-Journal blowing the whistle on a controversial but all too frequent practice: Off-the-record conversations between Volusia County Council members during public meetings.

In my view, Gardner’s excellent exposé left our embarrassed elected representatives scrambling to clarify if they are surreptitiously discussing official business in direct violation of Florida’s Sunshine Law – or just aloof, detached, and condescendingly inattentive to the ‘people’s business’ – safe in the knowledge that the decisions have already been made behind closed doors? 

Is there another explanation? 

For instance, during a Volusia County Council meeting earlier this year, a resident of Port Orange attempted to address her representatives regarding the noise and flooding many believe will accompany Councilman Don Dempsey’s proposed publicly funded motocross track – something that remains an issue of grave public concern – and residents want their voices heard.

As she spoke, the all-to-clubby Councilmen Danny “Gaslight” Robins and “Jake the Snake” Johansson struck up a private conversation in the middle of her appeal – arrogantly ignoring a citizen’s input – while chatting it up about who knows what off the microphone.

To her credit, the concerned resident paused and politely asked if she were interrupting before continuing with her presentation.   

A telling moment… 

According to the News-Journal’s report, “At the council meeting on Sept. 17, multiple councilmen spoke with each other off the microphone. District 4 Councilman Vice Chair Troy Kent and District 1 Councilman Don Dempsey engaged in a conversation that no one could hear.”

“It’s a common scenario at Volusia County Council meetings. Councilmen regularly make off-the-microphone comments to one another during meetings that no one can hear in the meeting room or on the recordings posted online. While councilmen assert they’re not talking about public business, an official with the Florida Center for Government Accountability said off-the-microphone comments shouldn’t happen either way.”

In Florida, public meetings must be open and accessible to everyone. 

In fact, state law holds that elected officials who discuss business that may come before them outside of a duly noticed public meeting can face a noncriminal infraction with a fine of up to $500 – or “a misdemeanor charge that could come with jail time, a fine, or both.”

Per usual, those council members who have been caught whispering sweet nothings now attempt to marginalize and dismiss the valid concerns of their constituents: 

“It’s small talk like, ‘How’s your family?'” Dempsey said.

Johansson said he might ask Robins to pass him a piece of candy or something trivial like that.

“What time’s dinner? What are you doing tomorrow morning?” Johansson said.

You know, just your typical backslappin’ ‘good ‘ol boy’ banter among buddies…  

“Robins said he doesn’t discuss any public business with other councilmen off the microphones.

“If I do talk to another council person up there, it is above board,” he said.

District 5 Councilman David Santiago described the off-the-mic chatter as “normal casual conversations” that never drift into policy.

“People are going to assume you’re doing something wrong. It’s probably sometimes because it’s what they would do,” Santiago said.

District 2 Councilman Matt Reinhart described the chats as discussions of everyday life, like Robins’ fishing trips, but nothing policy-related.

“First off, I know better,” Reinhart said.

Kent said that sometimes during the hours long meetings, a councilman may ask about his personal life or vice versa.”

Bullshit.  Talk fishing on your own damn time…        

Perhaps Councilman “No Show” Santiago should understand that We, The Little People naturally “assume” his off-the-record conversations are out-of-bounds – because they are – and his cheap counteraccusations only raise more questions about his skeevy practices both on and off the dais…  

It’s called “character” Mr. Santiago.  Look that concept up in your County Council Handbook.    

For his part, Chairman Jeff Brower told the News-Journal he plans to police the meetings closer in the future.  “I really don’t want a circus on the Council. I’m really going to start just politely calling it out and letting them know anything that is said is public comment, so they need to share it with everybody,” he said.”

To his credit, none of his chatty “colleagues” on the dais of power speak to Mr. Brower.  About anything. The sad fact is, Brower has been frozen out of the Ivory Tower of Power so hard he should be wearing an arctic parka…

Find the News-Journal’s informative piece here: https://tinyurl.com/mwm69cs2

Another concerning aspect of Volusia County’s “trust issue” was brought to my attention earlier this week when a Barker’s View reader wrote to ask if I knew why county government has failed to post council meeting minutes since June? 

Good question…

More important, the concerned citizen wanted to know why, after repeated attempts to communicate with her council members, none of our elected officials have bothered to respond to a taxpayer’s legitimate question? 

What gives?

Perhaps the resident is being blatantly ignored because she didn’t throw enough money around during election cycles?

On Tuesday, the Council voted to approve minutes from May 7, 2024, July 16, 2024, a July 23, 2024, Workshop, and the August 20, 2024, September 17, 2024, meetings. 

With a record budget now topping $1.6 Billion (you read that right), one would think someone inside that monstrously bloated, uncaring, and unwieldy machine could compile and post meeting minutes in a timely manner…

In the meantime, John & Jane Q. can wait to research issues and actions important to their lives and livelihoods until it’s convenient to the bureaucracy.

Then, just after midnight Wednesday morning, in another of example of an off-the-agenda public policy by ambush – the Volusia County Council voted 6-0 (with Reinhart absent) to limit their meetings to six hours, further pushing important issues down the dusty political trail and ensuring our elected representatives don’t exhaust themselves bumping their gums, obfuscating the issues, and avoiding the very real needs of Volusia County residents.

Of course, they forgot to vote on a corresponding reduction in their $48,926 annual stipend for a part-time job now limited to 12-hours each month (not including the all-important dinner break) …

I don’t make this shit up, folks.      

In my jaded view, these serious issues serve as another ugly example of the hubris and political arrogance that permeates every aspect of Volusia County government – from the top down.

The rules are for We, The Little People.  Nothing to see here, folks.  Keep moving…

In my view, these recurring public integrity questions, gross government inefficiency, and recurrent transparency issues highlight the “We do what we want, when we want” culture that exists whenever unbridled power and a sense of infallibility lead those in public office to believe the rules no longer applies to them in matters large and small.   

Quote of the Week

“Heated debates erupted at a Volusia County Council meeting Tuesday as residents demanded action on a proposed moratorium on new construction, aimed at addressing widespread flooding issues caused by recent hurricanes. 

Hundreds packed the meeting, frustrated by the council’s decision to delay a vote. The board opted to push the matter to a special meeting within the next 60 days, a move that drew boos, interruptions, and impassioned pleas from attendees. 

“You’d have to be deaf and dumb not to see how people are suffering,” one resident said during the meeting. “We know what you’re doing — you’re trying to get around it.” 

Many residents still displaced by Hurricane Milton shared their struggles. Pam Teator, holding back tears, pleaded for empathy. 

“As you go home today and prepare to sleep in your bed, please think of those of us who can’t do that,” she said. “As you prepare for the upcoming holiday, and you gather around your table at Thanksgiving, please think of those who can’t do that.” 

Others took a more direct approach. Allison Reaves of DeLand criticized the council for what he called a lack of response. 

“We have a flooding nightmare. All these people are hurting,” Reaves said. 

Tensions flared not only among residents but also between council members themselves. Heated exchanges included accusations of dishonesty and inaction.”

–Fox 35 News, “Volusia County residents weary from flooding clash with council over construction moratorium,” Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Volusia County flood victims are beginning to realize the depth to which those elected marionettes on the dais of power in DeLand will go to protect the very lucrative profit motives of those in the development community who fund their rise to power each election.

After that insult to all that is right and just on Tuesday, it should now be painfully obvious to Volusia County taxpayers exactly who controls the rods and strings of those well-choreographed puppet shows they stage twice a month (now limited to just six-hours…), which serve mainly to spend money, ram through zoning changes, defer impact fees, and rubber stamp more development.  

Most disappointing, Chairman Jeff Brower, who was recently returned to office with a citizen mandate to ramrod change on that ossified dais – continues to vote in lockstep with the very shills and obstructionists who tried their damndest to end his political career earlier this month.

So much for all that taking off the gloves, horseshit, eh? 

In my view, Brower should have opened this week’s charade by calling for the resignations of County Manager George Recktenwald, Director of Growth and Resource Mismanagement Clay Ervin, and Public Works Director Ben Bartlett.

That’s taking the gloves off – and a damn good start to solving the historical and intractable development-induced problems we face…  

In the words of the great Father Phil Egitto, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Daytona Beach, who spoke to the Volusia County Council on Tuesday, “Nothing changes, if nothing changes…”

And Another Thing!

As a veteran watcher of politics and governance here on this salty spit of land we call home, I understand better than most what our democratic process has devolved into.    

For instance, political campaigns for non-partisan Volusia County Council seats have for years been dominated by massive campaign contributions from influential insiders and skewed by blatant falsehoods printed on “glossy mailers” that are paid for with mysterious “dark money” that originates from equally enigmatic political action committees.

Even staunch Republicans have been left reeling by the shim-sham schemes of the Republican Executive Committee of Volusia and its dictatorial leadership who continue to engage in pay-to-play politics, endorsing anyone their uber-wealthy overseers tell them to support…  

Through habituation, I’ve become hardened by what passes for politics in Volusia County.   

After a lifetime spent in municipal government, with time and repetitive insult, I’ve developed a thick callous on my psyche that protects my fragile sanity from the hype and horseshit of the campaign cycle.   

That said, I must admit, the postelection kabuki performed by petty politicians (or their proxies) who attempt to rewrite history and paint themselves as victims still bothers me.  Because it is disingenuous and self-serving – caustic bilge that erodes the public trust.   

For instance, last week, Volusia County Councilman Matt Reinhart’s wife – who bills herself as a behind-the-scenes master of all political trades, “…Matt’s campaign manager, campaign treasurer, and responsible for his social media posts, and website,” published a diatribe on the popular social media site Volusia Issues decrying the “falsehoods,” “untruths,” “hostility,” and “slander” her delicate husband and “other candidates” were forced to endure during his recent reelection campaign.   

Mrs. Reinhart mewled, in part:

“The recent election was marred by numerous falsehoods presented as facts, particularly regarding “donations” from a candidate running for office. There was rhetoric suggesting that the council answers to donors rather than residents, along with other forms of misinformation that quickly spread on social media and at polling stations.

Due to Matt’s election, I stayed away from all political commentary and even the untruths that were spread about him and other candidates.

I cannot tell you how many falsehoods and fabricated stories I read about my husband and other candidates.

While people are entitled to their opinions, remember these candidates have families that love them, and it is painful to read the lies and the character assignation of your spouse or family member.”

Most shocking was the fact Mrs. Reinhart saw fit to post her spleen-venting harangue under numerous pictures of her family, children, and grandchildren (?). 

In doing so, she broke the cardinal rule of never parading family into the shit-pit of politics in some cheap attempt to garner sympathy – especially for a powerful elected official who accepts public funds to serve in the public interest – yet apparently can’t stand the heat of public scrutiny and righteous criticism come election time.  

In my view, the real reason for Mrs. Reinhart’s screed was to clean up that quid pro quo soiree that is the RECV’s annual Lincoln Dinner.

During the election, many longtime Volusia County Republicans were rightfully repulsed when they learned County Chair candidate “Car Guy” Randy Dye made an after-the-fact $5,000 donation to the RECV (ostensibly payable to the Lincoln Dinner) – then saw his name placed on the “Official Republican Voter Guide” – while Chairman Jeff Brower (also a Republican) was conspicuously omitted – even though he carried the August primary…

As questions of impropriety swirled, civic activist Cathrine Pante perfectly summarized the suspicions of many voters in a well-researched piece on the popular social media site Protect Volusia:  

“Exactly 8 days after the August 20th Primary, In which Jeff Brower captured 42% of the vote and Randy Dye 28 % in a four way race.  Randy Dye made a $5000 dollar donation, to the REC.  After this donation, The REC used Rule 8 in a sham vote to sideline Jeff Brower and keep him off the voter guide which is mailed to all Republicans and passed out at the polls.”

It just so happens that Mrs. Reinhart was the “Co-Chair for the 2024 Lincoln Dinner in Volusia County…”

Yeah.  I know.  In Volusia County, it helps to be a member of the inner circle…

In Simonizing the facts, Mrs. Reinhart wrote, in part:

“Sponsors of the Lincoln Dinner can buy tables ranging in price from $3,000 to $10,000. Their sponsorship includes complimentary valet parking, acknowledgment in the program, access to a Sponsor/VIP reception with an open bar and appetizers, and dinner accompanied by guest speakers.

VIP and dinner tickets are available for purchase. Most guests opt to pay in advance of the dinner, while some sponsors and a few guests choose to pay post-event. Payments are made via checks sent through mail, addressed to RECVC.

The candidate in question sponsored a table and paid after the event in late August. There was no nefarious activity that went on behind the scenes.”

Says who? 

In addition, Councilman Reinhart took criticism after accepting campaign donations from influential insiders – ultimately accumulating a war chest over $118,000 – more than twice that of his largely self-funded grassroot opponent.

In an informative article by reporter Sheldon Gardner writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal before the election we learned:

“Reinhart’s top donors include businesses associated with developer Mori Hosseini, Cici and Hyatt Brown, of Brown and Brown Insurance, and associated entities and businesses; and entities related to the Avalon Park development and its officials.

Avalon Park Daytona Beach is expected to add 7,878 homes and a million square feet of commercial space on the south side of State Road 40/West Granada Boulevard, about a mile west of Interstate 95. As of January, the developers still needed to resolve concerns over traffic and wetlands, among other issues.

Reinhart defends the donations.

“These are individuals that reach out to me that are not looking for favors. They’re looking for good government,” he said.”

Of course they are…

Either Mrs. Reinhart is a sore winner, or she needs to learn something about ‘selling past the close…’

In my view, as a political operative, Mrs. Reinhart should understand that long-suffering Volusia County residents continue to deal with the fallout of a lack of representation and her husband’s staunch defense of the stagnant status quo.

That includes the unchecked sprawl, lack of preparedness and infrastructure to manage the massive growth to come, refusing to demand that developers to pay their fair share, and the cowardly inability of the Volusia County Council to reign in what residents perceive as the backroom collusions and return on investment that brought us to this sad, desperate, and increasingly waterlogged place in our history.

I don’t know about you, but as a Volusia County taxpayer – I want to hear directly from my elected representative on social media and websites – not from his doting ghostwriter, Mrs. Reinhart. 

She hasn’t been elected to anything…  

In my view, this pathetic shrinking violet act – wallowing in butthurt self-pity after winning a relatively benign campaign – paints the already weak Councilman Reinhart as even more ineffectual than his performance proves, as he dutifully fulfills his minor supporting role of voting in lockstep conformity with his fellow marionettes. 

Not a good look…

Grow some bark, Councilman Reinhart.

Seeking sympathy while your constituents are suffering is poor optics.  Your campaign manager should understand that.

To those much is given, much is expected – and your constituents are now demanding answers to the tough questions.  They need comprehensive solutions to the serious problems that are destroying their property values and quality of life this time around – and more obstructionism and procrastination is immoral and unacceptable.   

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

_______________

In keeping with tradition, Barker’s View will take a break next week as we join with family and friends to celebrate the Thanksgiving – a time to reflect and give grateful appreciation for all the wonderful gifts in our lives.

The friendship and loyalty of Barker’s View readers is a great blessing for me – and whether we agree or disagree on the issues of the day – I thank you for taking the time to read and consider an alternative opinion.  

My sincere hope is that you and yours enjoy all the bounty and blessings of this Joyous Season!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!