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               The “New” Volusia County Council

Whether you agree philosophically and politically with the results of a local electoral process that has taken on the characteristics of a Turkish bazaar – for good or ill – our skewed “system” worked as intended.   

On Thursday, members of the “new” Volusia County Council were sworn-in with much pomp, circumstance, and turd-polishing pontification – annoyingly punctuated by the embarrassing audio malfunctions the long-suffering taxpayers have been forced to accept for far too long.  

Like many of you, I listened carefully to the various longwinded speeches of our newly seated “representatives” – and made a comprehensive list of the many lofty promises made. Of course, I got that warm feeling I always get when talk turns to quarterly coffee klatches with the lower caste, “cooperation and commonsense,” and “respecting citizens time.”

I was incredibly pleased by one of the first significant items addressed, when At-Large Councilman Jake Johansson suggested adopting a hybrid schedule to permit a mix of both daytime and evening meetings to allow more constituents to attend.

District 4 Councilman Troy Kent (who always comes off like a hyper-enthusiastic Middle School Assistant Principal…) strongly supported this concept – and took it one step further – initially making a motion to go to all evening meetings beginning in February. 

That died for lack of a second (while “staff” shifted uncomfortably in their seats. . .)

Another motion from the dais called for alternating start times with one monthly meeting beginning at 10:00am and the other at 4:00pm. 

The measure passed unanimously (with Councilman-elect David Santiago absent).

In my view, this move is a quantum leap forward in addressing the needs of those long-suffering constituents forced to take time away from work to approach their elected officials on issues of concern.

Good stuff.  Well worthy of an “Angel” designation, (I think).   

Kudos to our newly constituted Volusia County Council for considering the needs of their constituents and setting a new bar for accessibility and responsiveness. 

Will progress continue? 

I don’t know. 

I’m still trying to decipher exactly what the theater we witnessed on Thursday means.

But, in my view, the hybrid schedule is an invigorating departure from the stagnant status quo.  

Unfortunately, in my experience, because the bureaucracy and its entrenched leadership remains the same – and the self-serving motivations of those influential insiders who control the rods and strings of public policy have not changed – I don’t expect anything to substantively improve on the dais of power.

That includes the continuing political castration of Chairman Jeff Brower. . .   

I hope that’s not the case.  But it is.   

Disturbingly, when talk turned to refining “the rules” – those contrived constraints which our elected officials use to limit the right of We, The Little People to provide input, speak our mind, and stand before our elected representatives for redress of grievances – it became apparent that some of our Monarchical “representatives” (including the monotonous bureaucratic babbler Councilman Troy “Super Excited!” Kent) still believe their time is more important that yours.

Bullshit.

In keeping with tradition, things later dissolved into minor confusion over procedural issues as the new members attempted to get their sea legs – and Chairman Brower once again proved that, while he is a capitulating nice guy – he is wholly out of his element on the political battlefield –and, as per usual, the Chair allowed the “discussion” to melt into a chaotic ramble. 

But it’s the citizens who are holding up the “people’s business”? 

My ass.

It seems in Volusia County, the more things change, the more they stay the same.   

Don’t take my word for it, watch the fun here: https://tinyurl.com/3avmh5y4

Stand by.  Things are just getting started. . .

Angel               Politis & Matovina and The City of Daytona Beach

The Halifax area has its share of problems, but we can still do what we do best:

Throw a kickass party!

On New Year’s Eve, thousands of revelers enjoyed the 16th Annual Politis & Matovina Law Firm’s New Year’s Eve on Main Street Party – a family friendly celebration complete with multiple entertainment stages, street performers, food, drinks, and a midnight ball drop.

Thanks to the support of Politis & Matovina, the event was free for residents and visitors!

The City of Daytona Beach assisted by closing Main Street to vehicular traffic, and, as always, the Daytona Beach Police Department kept everyone safe.

Throughout the evening, Fox News Channel provided national exposure of the Daytona Beach Resort Area with frequent cutaways to a roving reporter interviewing revelers of all ages along Main Street. 

I’m certainly not a “hospitality genius” (Lord knows we have enough of those) but our resident experts at the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Halifax Area Advertising Authority – the “brain trust” who decide how bed-tax funds are spent – could learn something by talking to Main Street merchants, analyzing historically successful events versus those that fill hotel rooms but have a destructive impact on our tattered “brand,” then wisely allocate funds to aggressively market these high draw/low impact events to potential visitors.

Last year, former Daytona Beach Mayor Dick Kane concluded an excellent essay on historical issues with our tourism industry when he laid down some hard-earned wisdom:

“The Resort Tax started at 1 per cent and, like them all has grown to 24 million and is technically overseen by the County Council. Maybe it’s time to take another overall look at our tourist lifeblood.”

I agree.

That requires a break from the current strategy of repeatedly rubber-stamping goofy marketing slogans (“Seize the Daytona,” “Wide. Open. Fun.,” “Beach on, bitches!” etc., etc.) concocted by another out-of-town advertising agency – then demand that our tourism gurus focus on what works – rather than throwing good money after bad while expecting a different result. 

It would also help to see substantive movement on the long-anticipated renovation of the blighted East International Speedway Boulevard gateway – that suppurating carbuncle that for decades has served as a ghastly first impression to visitors and potential investors – a much-needed makeover we have been promised (repeatedly) will begin “early this year.”

Kudos to Politis & Matovina, the City of Daytona Beach, and everyone who worked hard to make New Year’s Eve on Main Street another roaring success!

Asshole           Volusia County District Schools

In an outstanding October 2022 exposé by The Daytona Beach News-Journal’s education reporter Danielle Johnson, we learned that the mother of a student with Down syndrome who attends Seabreeze High School under a deferred graduation program filed state and federal complaints alleging discrimination against her son and other students with disabilities.

According to the original report, “Anni Suadi says the district “warehouses” students with disabilities in segregated “building 15” at the high school “like it used to be back in 1950,” and that Volusia County Schools has not followed her son Lance Avery’s legally binding individualized education plan (IEP).

The actions, which she calls “immoral,” “unethical” and “illegal” in her complaint, have deprived him of opportunities to participate in electives and be included with general education students. She’s pulled him out of school until a change is made to include her son and other students.”  

Unfortunately, the trials of Lance Avery are not unique in Volusia County Schools.

In 2021, the United States Department of Justice reached a settlement with Volusia County Schools after finding the district’s “…systemic and discriminatory practices” were punishing students with disabilities for behaviors the students couldn’t control.”

That investigation began in 2017 after an attorney representing eleven students – nine of whom were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder – filed complaints on their behalf with the DOJ.

According to a 2021 News-Journal report:

“The DOJ found the students’ claims to be true. The district relied on overly punitive disciplinary tactics and law enforcement to address behaviors that are known or should be known manifestations of the students’ disabilities. The district also “routinely sought to exclude these students by removing them,” by asking parents to pick children up from school or asking them to keep the children home, by suspending the children, or by using Baker Act procedures to involuntarily hold children at hospitals.” 

The resulting settlement gave the district three-years to revise discriminatory policies and procedures. . .

Earlier this week, the News-Journal reported that Lance Avery’s due process claim was dismissed by an Administrative Law Judge following a hearing in December. 

Controversial attorney Barbara Myrick represented the Volusia County School Board. . .

As you may recall, in April 2021, Myrick was arrested on a charge of unlawful disclosure of statewide grand jury proceedings and subsequently resigned from her role as Broward County School Board General Counsel.   

The indictment came in the shambolic aftermath of the Broward County School Board’s disastrous handling of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. 

You can read more here: https://tinyurl.com/ysnduu9m

On Tuesday morning, School Board Member Ruben Colon – in my view, one of the most transparent, sincere, and genuinely helpful elected officials in Volusia County – confirmed that Ms. Myrick serves as an attorney with a firm contracted by the district, and she specializes in cases related to exceptional student education.

To her credit, Anni Suadi, told the News-Journal “she’s not done fighting.”

According to the News-Journal report:

“In the final order, the judge did acknowledge that one witness, an Americans with Disabilities Act compliance officer, presented testimony that was “highly insensitive,” as she stated, “we can’t have him (Avery) on campus where the students who are much younger than him are using him as a plaything and a toy and a pet.”

“The kids are mentors,” Suadi said, disagreeing. “Lance, he grows socially, he becomes independent, he communicates, he complies, he’s on task, he does what all the other kids do….

He’s made friends. Nobody plays with him like he’s a pet or a toy.

Suadi intends to appeal the final order with a lawsuit and is in touch with an assistant United States attorney in the Middle District of Florida’s Orlando Division about elevating her complaints. She has also filed a report with the Daytona Beach Police Department over alleged falsification of Avery’s records.”

Good for Ms. Suadi. 

Given the fact the school district is under an active federal settlement agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section, my hope is DOJ intervenes on Lance Avery’s behalf and gets this matter out of the Florida Administrative Hearing process and into a federal courtroom where it belongs.    

In fact, my hope is the Civil Rights Division will open a branch office here on the Fun Coast, clear the logjam, and let the chips fall where they may. . . 

Quote of the Week

“The News-Journal requested the surveillance video, but Captain cited a law that exempts from public records videos “relating directly to the physical security or fire safety of the facility or revealing security or fire safety systems.”

“In follow up with our legal team, case law has consistently held that video obtained from a surveillance system at any government facility falls within that exemption,” Captain wrote in an email to The News-Journal. “There are several attorney general opinions that confirm this. It does not matter how many cameras are involved.”

–Volusia County “Community Misinformation” Director Kevin Captain, as quoted by The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Report: Inmate, officers give conflicting accounts of incident at Volusia jail,” Wednesday, December 28, 2022

In recent weeks, many have been fuming about the growing speculation following scandalous revelations of inmate abuse at the Volusia County Department of Corrections. 

Despite Volusia County’s repeated attempts to downplay the scandal – it’s a ‘big deal.’

Look, I often make light of the civic issues we face here on Florida’s Fun Coast.  Let’s face it, laughing at our collective plight beats the alternative of throwing ourselves in the floor and having a good cry. . .

But one thing I never joke about is trust in government.   

Unfortunately, in Volusia County “the truth” has now become a choreographed narrative carefully crafted by Mr. Captain – a highly paid mouthpiece who “manages” information and controls the story by spinning “facts” – a strategy which ensures that no one in a position of high responsibility is ever held accountable for (insert debacle du jour).      

On Monday, I wrote my thoughts on the swirling controversy at the Volusia County Department of Corrections – including allegations by former Department of Corrections Director Mark Flowers that he is being retaliated against by senior administrators for blowing the whistle on issues at the jail.

Much of what we know about this disturbing controversy initially came from Mr. Flowers’ attorney, Kelly Chanfrau, as reported by The Daytona Beach News-Journal – revelations which were followed by counter-accusations from Volusia County – including claims that an internal investigation sustained a laundry list of violations against Flowers that include ordering the isolation of inmates, violating suicide protocols, creating a hostile workplace, and directing that corrections officers place an unidentified inmate in a “four-point restraint” – naked – for days.

Last month, just hours before the Christmas break, Volusia County issued a self-serving press release choreographed by “Community Information” Director Kevin Captain – complete with a chest-thumping “statement” from County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald – touting the results of an independent review by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of the State Attorney of a single use of force incident when corrections officers intervened following a fight between two inmates.

According to Mr. Captain’s glowing release, “An independent, outside review of an altercation at the Volusia County Branch Jail in April found no evidence that corrections officers used excessive force while gaining control of a combative inmate.”

Wow.

That’s vastly different from the findings of Volusia County Department of Public Protection Captain David Vanis whose initial internal investigation concluded, “Based on the information gathered during this investigation, I am unable to determine if the force used against (inmate Caruthers) on April 26, 2022, was excessive in nature.”

Of course, Mr. Captain’s spin set up Mr. Recktenwald to spike his apparent vindication from Mr. Flowers’ pointed allegations in a prepared statement:

“The fact that the review by the State Attorney’s Office of the interviews, evidence and circumstances came to the very same conclusion shows that we were thorough and transparent in our investigation,” said Recktenwald. “We appreciate the detailed and professional manner in which our internal affairs staff conducted the investigation. The suggestion that our investigation was handled in anything less than an appropriate and exemplary manner has been proven to be false.”

Nothing to see here, folks.  Keep moving. . .

So much for self-reflection, a transparent failure analysis, an honest examination of leadership breakdowns, acceptance of responsibility, and the recentering of organizational values at VDOC, eh?

In my view, the FDLE investigative report – and the subsequent prosecutorial review – paint a disturbing picture of issues at the Volusia County Department of Corrections – with conflicting testimony, opposing vantagepoints, and differing recollections of the same incident.

According to reports, neither the Volusia County Department of Public Protection, nor FDLE, were able to definitively determine if the use of force was excessive in nature, resulting in findings of “not sustained” in the case of four of the officers named in the incident – and “unfounded” in the case of two of the officers involved.

Back when I was conducting and reviewing Internal Affairs investigations, “not sustained” generally meant that the investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegation – while “unfounded” determined that the alleged incident did not occur.

According to the findings of Assistant State Attorney Ashley Terwilleger, the inquiry was complicated by the fact, “Video surveillance of the area outside the cell provided views of the common area outside of the cell but no angle provides a view of the interior of the cell. There are no video surveillance cameras for the interior of the cell.”

As a result, the State Attorney’s Office found “insufficient evidence to proceed.”

I don’t know about you, but I find Director Captain’s slanted media release, and refusal to release video of the incident, alarming – especially since Volusia County rarely (if ever) publicly comments on employment matters and pending litigation. . .

As the great television journalist Bob Schieffer once said, “…self-serving spin at the first sign of crisis does not help the situation; it makes it worse, because it makes it harder to believe anything the government says.”

Add to that Mr. Captain’s reliance on legal mumbo-jumbo, “case law,” attorney general opinions, and “exemptions” to Florida’s public records laws whenever it does not serve the County’s narrative – and it gives the appearance our county government has something to hide. . .

That’s a problem.

But don’t worry. 

When the time is right, these incredibly well-paid senior administrators will puff out their chests in righteous indignation, then crow, ad nauseam, about their “honor and professionalism” while their bosses – our elected representatives – gaze misty-eyed from the dais, validating this abhorrent continuing course of conduct with their inaction. . .

It’s good to have “friends,” right?    

Earlier this week, I said what many are thinking regarding the ongoing shit show at the Volusia County Department of Corrections – hoping against hope that “The Wreck” would follow his conscience, accept responsibility commensurate with his vast authority (and paycheck), do the right thing and resign during the swearing-in ceremony for the “new” Volusia County Council.   

You know – out with old, in with the new?

Right.

That will teach me to put faith in senior Volusia County officials following their conscience, eh?

Hell, even with Councilman Matt Reinhart, the former jail warden now in a position of oversight, the 800-pound abusive gorilla in the room that is the VCDOC debacle wasn’t even mentioned.

(Like I said – where is the United States Department of Justice when we need them?)

The faces on the dais of power may have changed this week, but make no mistake, the exclusive Good Old Boys Club is alive and well in the cloistered Halls of Power at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Building – and those of us who pay the bills are clearly not members.

Despite our optimism for new beginnings, the “Trust Issue” which has hampered substantive progress continues. 

That’s a damn shame.

And Another Thing!

Whether we like it or not, you and I are about to run a railroad. 

What?  You don’t know diddlysquat about the management and logistics of operating a complex commuter-rail system that will ultimately connect DeLand with points south? 

That’s okay.  Neither do our powers that be.

Unfortunately, no one who should seems to give two-shits as we trundle like a runaway locomotive toward the Florida Department of Transportation’s handover of SunRail to Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties and the City of Orlando. 

What we do know is that in coming weeks, work will begin on the final segment from DeBary to DeLand while senior administrators in DeLand and beyond continue to shillyshally on the all-important details as the clock ticks.

The twelve-mile section will cost $34.2 million (Volusia County taxpayers will cover a quarter of that) and the line will terminate at a depot to be constructed near the DeLand Amtrak station. 

With FDOT actively preparing to unload SunRail onto the backs of locals in June 2024, the who, what, when, where, and how (don’t get me started on the why) of the operation and management of the commuter-rail system remains in limbo – including exactly how much you and I will be on the hook for annually – given that ridership is far less than what is required to sustain operating costs for a system that still does not run nights or weekends.   

As I understand it (and I am not sure I do) some are suggesting that the current Commuter Rail Commission become SunRail’s operating agency – an incredibly expensive proposition that would require constructing another massive multifaceted bureaucracy – including hiring some 200 people, building dedicated office space, purchasing various insurance coverage, etc., etc., etc.   

Another suggestion is to contract with Orlando’s existing public bus system known as Lynx – which knows nothing about running a railroad – a move some see as limiting Volusia County’s say in the governance of the system even more than it has been. 

So, why the lack of urgency to find solutions?

Better ask your elected “representative” on the Volusia County Council while they are still feeling communicative. . .

Recently, West Volusia resident and dedicated government watcher Keith Chester wrote in the West Volusia Beacon:

“Our County’s leaders have, as is often said in County Council meetings, kicked the can down the road long enough on the issue of SunRail. It is time to start moving forward with the public’s input. Just waiting to see what the State and the SunRail commission offers up is wrong.

To members of the Volusia County Council, please bring the DeLand SunRail project out of the shadows and call for a nighttime workshop that will allow for the public to participate in the process. Enough of the wishy-washy BS over SunRail, it is coming so let’s make the best of it together!

Sorry Keith.  I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you. . .

Happy New Year, everyone.   

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

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.”

– Albert Einstein

Much has changed in the administration of local governments since my retirement from public service.

Good and bad.   

One of the most noticeable is the widespread use of highly paid public information professionals – the “spinmeisters” who serve as gatekeepers for senior administrators and elected officials, none of whom speak directly with the media outlets who once ensured accountability in the cloistered Halls of Power, now communicating exclusively through canned ‘press releases’ and orchestrated “statements.”

Most do a great job of keeping us informed, serving as a single point of information, especially during times of crisis. But make no mistake – as the official mouthpiece, the “PIO” reflects the character of the organization they represent.

“In my day,” public officials developed close working relationships with individual reporters based upon mutual trust – the daily exchange of information that kept the public informed – and I was honored to serve with some of the best in the business.

All these years later, I still maintain friendships with some of the hardworking print and television news reporters I had the pleasure of working with. 

The inviolate rule was to never breach that sacred trust, and I learned early that when my agency made a mistake (and I made some doozies) – it was important to air the dirty laundry – admit the error, explain the circumstances without excuse or embroidery, apologize to constituents, and set about making things right. 

Could that soul-bearing exercise be painful? 

You bet it was. 

That’s the trouble with the truth.  It is difficult – but essential. 

However, the alternative of allowing issues to fester into scandals can be disastrous – and any Public Relations pro will tell you the cover-up is always worse than the crime.  Because once a government official or entity loses the public trust, it is nearly impossible to win it back. 

Unfortunately, when elected and appointed officials begin circling the wagons and pulling the shades, things quickly deteriorate – and a domino effect of distrust can quickly spread – especially to those charged with the oversight of governmental operations where even the appearance of impropriety can have wide-ranging implications.  

In my view, the most recent example of this bureaucratic sleight-of-hand is the on-going conflagration at the Volusia County Department of Corrections following revelations of horrific inmate abuse – including allegations by former Department of Corrections Director Mark Flowers that he is being retaliated against by senior administrators for blowing the whistle on issues at the jail. 

Much of what we know about this disturbing controversy initially came from Mr. Flowers’ attorney, Kelly Chanfrau, as reported by The Daytona Beach News-Journal – revelations which were followed by counter-accusations from Volusia County – including claims that an internal investigation by Human Resources sustained a laundry list of violations against Flowers that include ordering the isolation of inmates, violating suicide protocols, creating a hostile workplace, and directing that corrections officers place an unidentified inmate in a “four-point restraint” – naked – for days.

Ugly. 

Now, things have gone from bad to worse.   

Amid this swirling controversy, last month, the final act of that foul iteration of the Volusia County Council resulted in a 5-1 vote to gift County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald and County Attorney Mike Dyer a 4% pay increase.  Only Chairman Jeff Brower rightfully reserved judgement until the various questions, speculation, and investigations surrounding the Department of Corrections debacle are concluded. 

As this rotten onion continued to peel, just hours before the Christmas break, Volusia County issued a self-serving release choreographed by “Community Information” Director Kevin Captain – complete with a chest-thumping “statement” from County Manager Recktenwald – touting the results of an independent review by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of the State Attorney of a single use of force incident when corrections officers intervened following a fight between two inmates.

According to Mr. Captain’s glowing release, “An independent, outside review of an altercation at the Volusia County Branch Jail in April found no evidence that corrections officers used excessive force while gaining control of a combative inmate.”

Wow. 

That’s a far cry from the findings of Volusia County Department of Public Protection Captain David Vanis whose initial internal investigation concluded, “Based on the information gathered during this investigation, I am unable to determine if the force used against (inmate Caruthers) on April 26, 2022, was excessive in nature.”

Of course, Mr. Captain’s spin set up Mr. Recktenwald to spike his apparent vindication from Mr. Flowers’ pointed allegations in a prepared statement:

“The fact that the review by the State Attorney’s Office of the interviews, evidence and circumstances came to the very same conclusion shows that we were thorough and transparent in our investigation,” said Recktenwald. “We appreciate the detailed and professional manner in which our internal affairs staff conducted the investigation. The suggestion that our investigation was handled in anything less than an appropriate and exemplary manner has been proven to be false.”

Nothing to see here, folks.  Keep moving. . . 

So much for self-reflection, a transparent failure analysis, an honest examination of leadership breakdowns, acceptance of responsibility, and the recentering of organizational values at VDOC, eh?

In my view, the FDLE investigative report – and the subsequent prosecutorial review – paint a less than “exemplary” picture of issues at the Volusia County Department of Corrections, with conflicting testimony, opposing vantagepoints, and differing recollections of the same incident.

According to reports, neither the Volusia County Department of Public Protection, nor FDLE, were able to definitively determine if the use of force was excessive in nature, resulting in findings of “not sustained” in the case of four of the officers named in the incident – and “unfounded” in the case of two of the officers involved.

Back when I was conducting Internal Affairs investigations, “not sustained” generally meant that the investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegation – while “unfounded” determined that the alleged incident did not occur. 

According to the findings of Assistant State Attorney Ashley Terwilleger, the inquiry was complicated by the fact, “Video surveillance of the area outside the cell provided views of the common area outside of the cell but no angle provides a view of the interior of the cell. There are no video surveillance cameras for the interior of the cell.”

As a result, the State Attorney’s Office found “insufficient evidence to proceed.”

I don’t know about you, but I find Director Captain’s slanted media release alarming – especially since Volusia County rarely (if ever) publicly comments on employment matters and pending litigation. . . 

Confused?  Me too. 

According to an excellent follow-up by reporters Sheldon Gardner and Frank Fernandez writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Report: Inmate, officers give conflicting accounts of incident at Volusia jail”:

“The FDLE did not make a finding on whether the force by correctional officers was justified or illegal. The agency, as it typically does, turns over its report to the State Attorney’s Office for prosecutors to decide whether charges are warranted.”

Now Mr. Captain – and Mr. Recktenwald – have a big credibility problem. 

I suspect FDLE – and the Office of the State Attorney – are reassessing this disturbing development as well. 

At least I hope they are. . .

In my view, this problem begins (and ends) with County Manager Recktenwald – who either knew, or should have known, of the systemic abuses, low morale, and dangerous practices employed at the jail – and that neither Director Captain’s release, nor his gloating “statement,” were an accurate portrayal of FDLE’s review.

Now it is high time for the United States Department of Justice to thoroughly investigate, provide oversight, and return public confidence to the Volusia County Department of Public Protection.

With significant questions swirling around the myriad issues at the Department of Corrections (and the executive suite) – this is not the time for Mr. Captain’s “cover your ass” crisis-management, skewed press releases, and the political insulation tactics that have effectively destroyed the public’s trust in Volusia County government. 

With a new slate of elected officials set to be sworn in on Thursday – the ceremonial transfer of power presents an excellent opportunity for The Wreck to finally accept responsibility and resign.

Because We, The Little People will never believe anything Recktenwald or Captain say again. . .  

I hate to throw a damper on the pomp, circumstance, and self-congratulations, but the first order of business for our “new” Volusia County Council should be to throw open the musty drapes at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Building and allow the disinfecting light of day to shine – then hold those in positions of high responsibility accountable for the maladministration that allowed these disturbing issues to fester in the first place. 

Hi, kids!

“And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.”

― Rainer Maria Rilke

Where does the time go?

Each year, I like to recognize those intrepid souls who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life – or detracted from it – in some significant way as we proudly unveil the 2022 Barker’s View Honor Roll!

In coming weeks, the annual Halifax area rubber chicken banquet season will be in full swing. 

That time of the year when various chambers of commerce, political organizations, and exclusive civic clubs dress up in their finery and bestow honors and accolades on all the right last names while We, The Little People sit in gridlocked traffic wondering how in the hell anyone could take credit for…this.  

However dubious, the Barker’s View Honor Roll remains the only prize in Volusia County that our “Rich & Powerful” cannot buy!

No, this honor is reserved for you – all of you – from the gilded Halls of Power to the thousands of strapped families trying desperately to find safe and affordable housing on a warehouse workers wage.   

From our social, civic, and economic elite – the ‘movers and shakers’ with outsized influence – to us lowly rubes who struggle desperately to eke out a living and raise families in this weird artificial economy – we all have a personal stake in improving our quality of life here on Florida’s fabled Fun Coast. 

That proposition has become increasingly difficult in an era when elected bodies are little more than elaborate rubber stamps – malleable marionettes who enact rules to prevent substantive citizen engagement and interaction – a time when addressing The Monarchy for redress of grievances is a frustrating exercise in futility as the important decisions are predetermined by influential insiders and laundered through political insulation committees long before the choreographed theater of a public meeting.   

Don’t take my word for it. 

Take time out of your busy workday to attend a meeting of the Volusia County Council – approach your elected officials on the dais of power – and see if they acknowledge your physical presence, let alone answer your questions. . . 

As a result, the prevailing ‘Us vs. Them’ mentality has many rightly convinced that we deserve better from those who control our fate and are increasingly willing to speak truth to power.   

Thank you.

You are my heroes.

I honor all who fight the good fight – those who stand for elective office for the right reasons and endure the slings and arrows of harsh criticism, the administrators and career civil servants who have devoted their lives to public service, the watchers, the informed voters, and dedicated gadflies who so courageously let their voice be heard – and those of us up here in the cheap seats who pay the bills and suffer in silence.

Thank you.

To those hardworking civic activists who struggle valiantly to protect our natural places, improve amenities, preserve our unique traditions, keep our history alive, and enhance our quality of life – from committed environmentalists and those who fight for animal rights to beach driving supporters, smart growth advocates, and beyond – your dedication and perseverance is inspiring.   

Thank you.

I never lose sight of the fact that the opinions of cynical blowhards like me do not matter.

As Roosevelt said, the real credit belongs to those “who are actually in the arena” – who spend themselves in a worthy cause – the grassroots efforts of neighborhood organizations, the philanthropists who give so generously, and the volunteers who form the very backbone of our community.

Thank you.

Seven years ago, I launched Barker’s View as one man’s soapbox, a place to vent my jaundiced spleen and provide an alternative opinion on the news and newsmakers in Central Florida – neither always right, nor always wrong.

I could never have imagined how many of you would take the time to read, welcome a unique perspective, and consider these diatribes for what they are – and what they are not.

Thanks to your engagement, this blog continues to open doors, shine a light, and influence opinion – and I appreciate the opportunity to meet and correspond with so many wonderful people – including a few of those “power brokers” and politicians I take to the woodshed – some of whom still have the humility and sense of humor to laugh at themselves and our collective situation.

While I cannot know the hundreds-of-thousands of you who have visited this site – including readers from some 87 countries around the globe this year alone – I appreciate each of you for taking the time to connect with Barker’s View.   

Thank you.

Invariably, whenever I meet Barker’s View readers – you are incredibly kind to me – and take the time to offer your own unique perspective on the issues, point out where we agree or differ, provide constructive criticism, and give suggestions for future content.   

Thank you.

To everyone who reached out this year, stopped to chat in the grocery aisle, wrote a note, or sat down next to me on a barstool to discuss the world’s problems, pass along gossip, commiserate, share a joke, argue a fine point, or just lend a word of encouragement.

Thank you.

I appreciate that more than you know.  

The problem with making lists is you will invariably (and inadvertently) omit someone most deserving, and if I have overlooked your contributions, please forgive me – it was not intentional.

Please let me know where I fell short.  The mistake is mine alone.

While this Honor Roll is not all inclusive, it begins and ends with YOU.

Those who read, contribute, opine, comment, argue, agree, disagree, disparage, elevate, share, offer solutions, moderate a social media site, participate in politics, educate our children, speak out, campaign for public office, serve on an advisory board, plan for our future, offer criticism, demand accountability, serve their community, care for the sick and infirm, risk their lives to save others, raise the bar, give generously, provide hope and encouragement – political allies and foes alike – anyone who can still be my friend when the heated debate is over.

Thank you.

Most of all, to the faithful readers of Barker’s View – the independent thinkers who analyze and contemplate my warped thoughts on the myriad issues of the day – and those who further a larger discussion in the community, an important exercise that can lead to innovative ideas and solutions to the problems we face.

Thank you.

You are making a difference!

The Good Lord willing, in the coming year, I will be here – spectating from the Peanut Gallery – cocktail in hand – a rheumy-eyed witness to the machinations of our local players, power brokers, and politicians – providing you, the devoted members of the Barker’s View Tribe, with one man’s jaded opinion on the important issues that affect our lives and livelihoods.

Thank you all.  May God bless each of you and this beautiful place we call home.

That’s all for me in 2022, y’all!

Here’s wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

2022 Barker’s View Honor Roll

Aaron Delgado

Aaron Van Kleeck

Abraxas Books

Adam Bucher

AdventHealth

Aja West

Al Everson

Al Moore

Al Smith

Alan Blythe

Alan Burton

Alan Lowe

Alan Rosen

Alex J. Kennedy

Alex Zelenski

Alexander Haff

Alexey Lysich

Alice Popour

Alicia Page

Allan Brewer

Allan Gochall

Allen E. Harrell

Allen Espy

Alvin B. Jackson

Alvin Mortimer

Alycia Severson

Amanda Brower

Amanda Gang

Amazon

Amy Pyle

Andre Vidrine

Andrea Totten

Andrei Ludu

Andrew Ethridge

Andrew Gant

Andrew Grosso

Andrew Hall

Andrew Sandall

Androse Bell

Andy & Debbie Cotton

Andy Dance

Andy Esterhay

Andy Grosso

Andy Kelly

Angela Dempsey

Angelique Nelson

Angry Mom

Anita Bradford

Anita Burnette

Ann Johnson

Ann Marie Sikorski

Ann McFall (RIP)

Ann Russell Hylton

Ann Ryder

Anna Hannon

Anna Wright

Anne B. Evans

Anne Ruby

AnnMarie Groarke

Anonymous Teacher

Anthony DeFeo

Anthony Recascino

Argentina Tavarez

Arlene AL

Arthur J. Byrnes

Astrid Deparry

Austin Spivey

Avalon Park Daytona

Avanu

B&B Cheetah

Babe’s Blue Room

Barb Girtman

Barb Shepherd

Barbara Bonariggo

Barbara Deering

Barbara Kincade

Barbara Whitehouse

Barbara Zimmerman Phillips

Barry Allen

Barry Chantler

Barry du Moulin

Barry Gear

Beat Kahli

Beck Crush

Belinda A.

Bellaire Community Group

Belle Schumann

Ben Butera

Ben Johnson

Benjamin Bartlett

Benji Shiflette

Benjiman Jerkins

Benny Barker

Beth Branton

Beth Legary

Beth Rogan

Beth Sutherland

Bethune-Cookman University

Betty Goodman

Betty Landrum

Betty Ledyard

Big John (RIP)

Biggins Gentlemens Club

Bill Albert

Bill Barber

Bill Bernardo

Bill Boots Bouthillette

Bill Chaffin

Bill Fletcher

Bill Fraser

Bill Hall

Bill Hyde

Bill Koster

Bill Lindlau

Bill Milano

Bill Navara

Bill Offill

Bill Orpinuk

Bill Partington

Bill Partington II

Bill Posey

Bill Wastrel

Bill Willis

Billie Barker

Billie Wheeler

Billy Flash

Billy Rose

Blaine Lansberry

Blanca A. Maldonado

Bo Brewer

Bob Apgar

Bob Bennett

Bob Davis

Bob Finch

Bob Fitzsimmons

Bob Jagger

Bob Kates

Bob LaRue

Bob Lloyd

Bob Manley

Bob O’Connor

Bob Renforth

Bob Walker

Bobbi Glass Cline

Bobbie Stricklen

Bobby & Tracy Parks

Bobby Thigpen

Bobby Wise

Bobby Woell

Body Exchange

Bonnie Ness Whaley

Brad Burbaugh

Brad Carter

Brad Hoisington

Brad Lackey

Brad Nordin

Bradford Gonzalez

Brandon Young

Brandy Lee White

Brass Against

Brenda Hahn

Brendan Frey

Brenno Carillo

Brent Brown

Bret Douglas

Brian Hazen

Brian Holt

Brian Lapointe

Brian Nave

Brian Smith

Brian Soukup

Britney Miller

Brodie Hughes

Brown & Brown

Bruce Heugel

Bruce Robb

Bruce Williams

Bryan Feigenbaum

Bryan Glaze

Bryan Jaquish

Bryan Soukop

Bryn Rawlins

Bryon White

Bub Robson

Buc-ee’s

Bud Baldwin (RIP)

Bud Ritchey

Buz McKim

Buz Nesbit

Byron Cogdell

Byway Chairperson

C. Bear

Caitlyn Casey-Parker

Cameron Lane

Candace Chelf Griffey

Carl Cusumano

Carl Persis

Carmen Balgobin

Carmen Rosamonda

Carrie Baird

Carson Kapp

Casmira Harrison

Cassidy Alexander

Catherine Craig Fisler

Catherine Pante

Catherine Robinson

Cathleen “Kat” Atwood

Catholic Charities

Cathy Wharton

Celeste Morgan

CEO Business Alliance

Chad Lingenfelter

Charleen Smith

Charlene Bishop

Charlene Greer

Charles Guarria

Charles “Chuck” Duva

Charles Barkley

Charles Cino

Charles Lichtigman

Charles Moskowitz

Charles Paiva

Charles Puckett

Charles Sintes

Charlie Lydecker

Charlotte Hope Gillis

Charlotte Price Carr

Chase Herbig

Chase Tramont

Cheryl Bagshaw Frederick

Cheryl Espy-Dalton

Cheryl Reed

Chez Paul

Chief Tomokie

Chip Olden

Chip Wile

Chris & Christine Daly

Chris Belflower

Chris Bonner

Chris Bowler

Chris Challis

Chris Cloudman

Chris Conomos

Chris Gollon

Chris Graham

Chris Jarnagin

Chris Long

Chris Nabicht

Chris Pruner

Chris Quarles

Chris Sanders

Chris Via

Chris Yates

Christian Miller

Christina Gerson

Christine Power

Christine Ratti-Sprowl

Christopher Alcantara

Christopher Cloudman

Christopher France

Christopher Jenkins

Christopher Kelly

Christopher Marlow

Christos Mavronas

Chuck Collins

Chuck Gittner

Chuck Guarria

Chuck Marcus

Chuck Siple

Chuck Tindall

CiCi Brown

Cindy Gambrell Fleishmann

Cindy Hale

Cindy Nour

Cindy Rivera

City of Daytona Beach

City of Daytona Beach Shores

City of DeBary

City of Deland

City of Deltona

City of Flagler Beach

City of Holly Hill

City of New Smyrna Beach

City of Ormond Beach

City of Palm Coast

Claire Metz

Claudia Archer

Claudia Vanderhorst

Clay Carpenter

Clay Ervin

Clay Henderson

Clayton Park

Clement Nadeau

Cliff Colby

Clifford Windle

Clinton F. Smith

Coach Morris Small, Jr.

Coastal Cloud

Cobb Cole

Colleen Corrozza

Colleen McDevitt

Conklin Center

Connie Colby

Connie McNamara

Connie Rutter

Corunna Stevens Goris

Cory

Cory Mills

Costa Magoulas

County of Volusia

Craig Albright

Craig Capri

Craig Hickcox

Craig Lee

CTO Realty Growth, Inc.

Cumiskey Consultants

Curtis Colee

Curtis Wayne

Cyd Lichter-Khayter

Cyndi Ritchey

Cyndi Stevenson

Cyrus Callum

D. Gray Leonhard

D. J. Lebo

D. W. Smith

Dale Anderson

Dallas Seibert

Dan Eckert

Dan Hurst

Dan Lowe

Dan Luby

Dan Merrithew

Dan Ravan

Dan Ryan

Dana C. Dougherty

Dana McCool

Dana Paige-Pender

Dana White

Daniel Apker

Daniel Escalera

Dannette Henry

Danny Erwin

Danny Fuqua

Danny Oakes

Danny Robins 

Danny Rodriquez

Danny Yanesh

Darcy Lynn

Darius M.

Darlene Kochendoerfer

Darlene Weincouff

Darren Zoeckler

Dave Jeffries

Dave Seyse

Dave Stokes

David Alfin

David Allen Potter

David Brannon

David Butlien

David Carroll

David Cromartie

David Fisher

David Foxman

David Giles

David Higgs

David Hudson

David Isenberg

David Jarvis

David Jones

David LaMotte

David Loh

David Lowe

David Mims

David Romeo

David Romeo

David Santiago

David Simmons

David Smith

David Sosa

David Sullivan

David Swanson

David Vukelja

David W. Acuff

David Wilkerson

Dawn Fields

Dawn Glaczenski Petrella

Dawn Larson

Dawn Nichols

Dawn Smith Tharpe

Dawn Starr

Dayle Whitman

Daytona Beach Black Clergy Alliance

Daytona Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau

Daytona Beach News-Journal

Daytona Beach Police Department

Daytona Beach Regional Chamber

Daytona Crab

Daytona Dog Beach, Inc

Daytona International Airport

Daytona International Speedway

Daytona State College

Daytona Times

Daytona Tortugas

Deana Sallee

Deanie Lowe

Deanna Newkirk

Deb Denys

Deb Lord Lafreniere

Debbie Darino & Justice for Ponce

Debbie Dolbow

Debbie Kruck-Forrester

Debbie Phillips

Deborah Jarnagin

Deborah Joy Williams

Deborah Phillips

Debra Berner

Dede Siebenaler

Dee Dee Stahl

Defend the Loop

Deltona – A City on the Move?

Deltona City Commission

Deltona Strong

Deneen Mangan

Denise Bennett

Denise Brewer

Dennis Breo

Dennis Craig

Dennis Creamer

Dennis Futch

Dennis Norman

Dennis Simpson

Dennis Thomas

Denny Hockenberry

Derek Catron

Derek Lamontagne

Derek West

Deric Feacher

Derrick Henry

Derrick Orberg

Developing Daytona Beach

Diana Malik

Diana Webster

Diane Carney

Diane Choquette

Diane Clow

Diane Crisp

Diane Garrity

Diane Howley

Diane Kirvan

Diane Reynolds

Diane Severini Smith

Diane Vandervoort

Diane Whitby

Diezel Depew

Dinah Voyles-Pulver

DME Holdings

Don Bennington

Don Bok

Don Burnette

Don Dempsey

Don Lepore

Don Quixote

Don Shinnamon

Dona Butler

Dona McIntire

Donald Freeman

Donald Moore

Donald Needham

Donald O’Brien

Donald Parks

Donald Williamson

Donna Craig

Donna Dea

Donna Fitzpatrick

Donna Maxwell

Dontpooponputnum.org

Doris Catauro

Dorothy A. Fogg

Dorothy Prasek

Doug Daniels

Doug Fisher

Doug Kinney

Doug Pettit

Doug Quartier

Doug Rumery

Douglas Bell

Douglas Denison

Douglas Gibson

Dream Green Volusia

Drew Bastian

Dru Driscoll

Duane De Freese

Duffy Dyer

Duncan Demarsh

Durenda West Durrance

Dustin Wyatt

Dwight Selby

E. LaBrent Chrite

Earl

Earl Sullivan

Earnest Murphy, Jr.

East ISB Dead Zone

East/West Volusia Forum

Ed Connor

Ed Danko

Ed Gist

Ed Kelley

Ed Noseworthy

Eddie Branquinho

Eddie Hennessey

Edgewater Environmental Alliance

Edith Shelley

Edward Gist

Edward Somers

Edwin Ferrari

Eileen Zaffiro-Kean

Elaine Barnicle

Elaine D’Amore Tillard

Elaine Gibilisco

Elaine Stewart

Elbert Bryan

Elena Jarvis

Elizabeth Albert

Elizabeth Blackburn

Elizabeth Caswell

Elizabeth Fetterhoff

Elizabeth Lendian

Elizabeth Wade

Ellen Hayden Needham

Ellen Wintermuth

Elliott Hagood

Emily English

Emily Nice

Enis Qosja

Enrique Zahn

ERAU

Eric & Vanessa Lewis

Eric Breitenbach

Eric Cooley 

Eric Lewis

Eric Raimundo

Eric Sander

Erick Piskator

Erika Barry Webb

EVAC

Evans Smith

Eveline Kraljic

Evelyn Fine

FAITH

FDOT

First Step Shelter Board of Directors

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

Flaglerlive.com

Fletcher’s Pub

Florida Department of Health

Florida Legislature

Food Brings Hope

Forough Hosseini

Foundation Risk Partners

Framework Group

France Family

Francis Snipes Himes

Frank Bruno

Frank Castle

Frank Costa 

Frank Fabrizio

Frank Fernandez

Frank Garaitonandia

Frank Molnar

Frank Sawyer

Frank Thomas Graham

Frank Van Pelt

Fred Cleveland

Fred Costello

Fred Lowry

Frederik Coulter

Fredrik Coulter

FREE Daytona Beach

G. G. Galloway

G. L. Crews

Gail Gianfelice

Gannett

Gary Crews

Gary Libby

Gary Mostert

Gary Owens

Gary Smith

Gary Wandelt

Gene Crouch

Georgann Carnicella

George Anderson

George Butts

George Cameron Lane

George Colby

George F. Ritchie

George Miller

George Mirabal (RIP)

George Pappas

George Recktenwald

George Smith

Gerald Fieser

Geraldine Morgan Clinton

Gerard Pendergast

Gerard Witman

Ghyabi Consulting

Gigi Bennington

Gil Adams

Gina Baker

Gina Joseph

Gina Marie Legler

Ginger Adair

Ginny Maccio

Glenn & Connie Ritchey

Glenn Irby

Glenn Ring

Glenn Storch

Gloria Max (RIP)

Gloria Nitz Crescenzo

Godwin Kelly

Gordon Brown

Gordon Meyer

GovStuff.org

Green Lion Café

Greg “F-ing” Smith

Greg Akin

Greg Burns

Greg Fretwell

Greg Gimbert

Greg Hansen

Greg Knapp

Greg Vernam

Gregory Trent

Greg’s Local Politics Page

Gus Massfeller

Gwen & Rev. Larry Edwards

H.V. Grantham

HAAA

Halifax Health

Hard Rock Daytona

Hardy Smith

Harold Briley

Harry Black

Harry Jennings

Harry L. Burney, III (RIP)

Harry Newkirk

Harvey Morse

Heather Post

Heather Rutledge

Heidi Herzberg

Helene Wetherington

Helga van Eckert

Helping Hands Through Arts

Henry Springer

Henry Wolfond

Heraclitus

Hero’d Out…

High Paying Space Jobs

Highland Park Fish Camp

Holly Hill Police Department

Holly Rose

Holly Smith

Homeless2Home

Hometown News

Hopcycles

Hope Place

Hornitos Tequila

Howard Bailey

Hubert Grimes

Hugh Watkins

Hunter S. Thompson

ICI Homes

Ida Wright

Indigo Lakes Residents

IRL Council

Iron Head

Itsaboutgreen

Itz Princess P’earl

J. D. Bushdid

J. D. McGurk

J. Hyatt Brown

J. Mark Barfield

J. Scott Green

J. Suzy Peterson

Jack D. Howell

Jack Driskell

Jack Gonzalez

Jack Jarrell

Jack Surrette

Jack White

Jack Williams

Jaclyn Carrell

Jacob Johnson

Jacqueline P. Kelly

Jakari Young

Jake Johansson

Jake Sachs

James & Ashley Brodick

James Alford

James Bland

James Clayton

James Connell

James D. Sass

James Fulcher

James Gillis

James Manfre

James Newman

James Pendleton

James Pericola

James Powers

James S. Purdy

James Shuler

James Smith

Jameson Distillery

Jamie Gill

Jamie Gogarty

Jamie Haynes

Jamie Overfield

Jamie Seaman

Jamison Jessup

Jan Shinnamon

Jane Bloom

Jane Glover

Jane Mealy

Jane West

Janet Kersey

Janet Nutt

Janet Schmutz

Janet Tomlinson

Janice Smith

Janie Gagne

Jared Adams

Jared Crawford

Jared Thompson 

Jarleene Almenas

Jason Davis

Jason Greene

Jason McGuirk

Jason Raynor (RIP)

Jason Umberger

Jason Wheeler

Jay Barton

Jay Maher

Jay Young

Jayson Meyer

Jean Lord

Jean Lowe

Jeaneen Witt

Jeanne Hertan Savoie

Jed Smith

Jeff Boyle

Jeff Brower

Jeff Feasel

Jeff Martin

Jeff Miller

Jeff Phillips

Jeff Terzini

Jeff Thorla

Jeff White

Jeff-A-Rooski

Jeffery P. Terzini

Jeffrey Ault

Jeffrey Bender

Jeffrey Dees

Jelly Bean

Jennifer Dean Shaffer

Jennifer Finno Ellis

Jennifer Leigh

Jennifer Whittet

Jenny Nazak

Jerry Cameron

Jerry Chow

Jerry Ficco

Jessa Monroe

Jesse Godfrey

Jessica Davis

Jessica Gow

Jessica Matthews

Jessica Melton

Jessica Winterwerp

Jessie Thompson

Jewel Dickson

Jewish Federation

Jim Abbott

Jim Annett

Jim Arthur

Jim Bayer

Jim Berkley

Jim Cameron

Jim Chisholm

Jim Connell

Jim Evans (RIP)

Jim Fogg

Jim France

Jim Goempel

Jim Judge

Jim Kotas

Jim Landon

Jim Legary

Jim McCammon

Jim Melady

Jim Meyers

Jim Morris

Jim Neviaser

Jim Pappalardo

Jim Patton (RIP)

Jim Purdy

Jim Rose

Jim Stewart

Jim Weite

Jim Whittet

Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Paul

Jo Glennie

Jo J. Reeves

Joan Anthony

Joan Campanaro

JoAnn Mancuso

Jodi Beard

Jodie Samman

Jody Lee Storozuk

Joe Bungart

Joe DeAngelo

Joe Don Lewis

Joe Forte

Joe Hannoush

Joe Martincic

Joe Mullins

Joe Petrock

Joe Pozzo

Joe Roebuck

Joe Stitch

Joe Will

Joe Wolfing

Joe Woody

Joel Paige

Joey Gallagher

John & Karen Bulman

John A. Peacock

John A. Peters

John Albright

John B. Henderson

John Boyer

John Bozzo

John Cavanaugh

John Clukey

John Danio

John Difiore

John Dunbar

John Garrett

John Gibson

John Guthrie

John Hawkins

John Hawkins

John Hill

John Holton

John Kirvan

John McCormick

John Nicholson

John Penny

John Peters

John Power

John R. Rogers

John Reid

John Reynolds

John Rossi

John Szaroleta

John T. Anthony

John Warsinske

Johnny Frisbie

Johnson Bros.

Jon Cheney

Jon Wong

Jonah Powers

Jonathan Abraham Eid

Jonathan Brokaw

Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Foley

Jonathan L. Squires

Jordan Tyler Hobson

Joseph Hopkins

Joseph Prince

Joseph Valerio

Josh Fogarty

Josh Vedder

Josh Wagner

Joy R. Myers

Joyce Cusack

Joyce Shanahan

Juanita Garza

Judith Campbell

Judy Gillingham

Judy Rock Bergevine

Julian Fojon-Losada

Julie Bowers

Julie Cafiso Sanderson

Julie Sipes

Julio David Sosa

Kadie Hayward Mullins

Kandi Schromm

Karen Chasez

Karen Foxman

Karen Jans

Karen Robey

Karen Stokes Stone

Karen Waters

Kat Brown

Kat O’connor Atwood

Kate Brady

Kate Perez

Katherine Hurst Miller

Katherine Wanamaker

Kathleen Dulco

Kathleen McNeilly

Kathryn Disbrow

Kathryn Voltoline

Kathryn Weston

Kathy Jean

Kathy Josenhans

Kathy Tew-Ricky

Kathy Yingling Weaver

KathyAnn Zimmerer

Katie Kustura

Kayleen Garcia

Keith Chester

Keith Norden

Keith Prewitt

Kelli McGee

Kelly Frasca

Kelly Kwiatek

Kelly McGee

Kelly Pancratz Nixon

Kelly Schulz

Kelly White

Kelvin Miller

Ken & Deborah Strickland

Ken Bradley

Ken Bryan

Ken Doremus

Ken Edwards

Ken Fustin

Ken Sipes

Ken Smith

Kenneth Parker

Kenneth Wintermuth

Kenny Franks

Kent Sharples

Kerry Orpinuk

Kevin Bowler

Kevin Callahan

Kevin Captain

Kevin Duffy

Kevin Gelnaw

Kevin Kilian

Kevin Lowe

Kevin Para & Ashley’s Ride 

Kevin Parkinson

Kevin Reid

Kevin Smith

Kevin Wallace

Kevin Walsh

Kiki Bobo

Kim Harty

Kim Morris

Kim Olden

Kim Vukelja

Kimberly Hennessey

Kimberly Sheeter

Kimberly Short

Kimberly Taylor-Bandorf

Kimberly Yaney

Krista Goodrich

Kristen Gregor

Kristine Cunningham

Kristine Tollefsen-Cunningham

Krys Fluker

Kurt Ardaman

Kurt Sniffin

Kurt Swartzlander

Kyauta Ezekiel Kadala

Kyei Anchor Solomons

Kyle Bainbridge

Kyle Bryer

Kyle Capsaicin

Kyle Daly

Kyle Powell

Kyle Totten

L. Gale Lemerand

L. Ronald Durham

Langford Every

Larry Arrington (RIP)

Larry Bartlett

Larry Denham

Larry Edwards

Larry French

Larry Newsom

Larry Steele

Laura & Greg Ward

Laura Berglund Weast

Laura Devlin

Laura Roth

Laurel and Mike Foley

Laurel Lynne

Laurel Webster

Lauren Olsen

Laurie Cromie

Laurie Elaine

Laurie Massfeller

Lea Bartos

Leah Case

Lee Ann Luedeke

Lee Strong

Leo J. Vidal

Leonard Marinaccio III

Les Cantrell

Lesa France Kennedy

Lesley Blackner

Leslie Burnett

Let Volusia Vote

Libby Ann Higbee

Linda Ann Brownlee

Linda Cuthbert

Linda Gatewood

Linda Gaustad

Linda Leary

Linda Morse Dixon

Linda Parkin

Linda Scheibener-Boardman

Linda Smiley

Linda Smith

Linda White

Linda Williams

Linnie Richardson

Lisa Lewis

Lisa Martin

Lisa O’Neal

Lisa Rinaman

Lisa Scartelli

Liz Murdoch

Liz Wade

Lloyd Bowers

Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia

Lois Paritsky

Loren King

Lorenzo Bizzio

Loretta Arthur

Lori Bennett

Lori Campbell Baker

Lori Graf

Lori Koontz

Lori Richards

Lori Tolland

Lori Weakly Galvis

Louana Cordaro

Lou Bonnell

Lowell Lohman

Lu Witton

Luke Delaney

Luke Zona

Lynda Kessler

Lynn Caniglia

Lynn Curley Ney

Lynn Swenson

Lynn W. Thompson

Lynne Newell

Lynne Weremay

Mad Mom

Maggie Thompson

Main Street Station

Mainland High School

Manny Chevrolet

Marc Antonie-Cooper

Marc Bernier (RIP)

Margaret Hudson

Margaret Macduffie

Margaret Peggie Hart

Margie Padgett

Maria Summerlin

Maria Trent

Marianne Burley

Marie Condon Smith

Marilyn Ford

Marilyn Stumpf

Mario Bertolami

Mario’s

Maritza Avila-Vazquez

Mark Adkinson

Mark Annitto

Mark Ballard

Mark Billings

Mark Flowers

Mark Gardner

Mark Geallis

Mark Harper

Mark Huling

Mark Lane

Mark Mchugh

Mark Nealon

Mark Soskin

Mark Swanson

Mark Watts

Mark Wolcott

Mark9000

Marko Galbreath

Marla A.

Marla Abell

Marlene O’neill

Marshallann Marti Weeks Camp

Martha Fraser

Marti Jolley Winn

Marti Smolinski

Martin J. Favis

Marty Grimshaw

Marvin Miller

Mary Anne Connors

Mary Bruno

Mary Connor

Mary Feeley

Mary Forester

Mary Helen Moore

Mary Jane Hurst

Mary Jolley

Mary Lou Dean

Mary Martin

Mary Mcleod Bethune 

Mary Reid Morelly

Mary Synk

Maryam Ghyabi-White

Matt Doughney

Matt Gable

Matt Ihnken

Matt Metz

Matt Morton

Matt Reinhart

Matthew Foxman

Matthew Hopson

Matthew Monroe

Matthew Reider

Maureen France

Maureen McConnell

Megan O’Keefe

Meganne Sarau

Mel Lindauer

Mel Quinton

Melanie Bingle Marsh

Melissa Holland

Melissa Lammers

Messod Bendayan

Michael Booker

Michael Chitwood

Michael Chiumento III

Michael Dorsett

Michael Dye

Michael Dyer 

Michael Ihrig

Michael J. Arminio

Michael Kolody

Michael L. Young

Michael Lee Young

Michael Mc Bride

Michael McDowall

Michael Moltane

Michael Orfinger

Michael Pleus

Michael Politis

Michael Ray

Michael Redbourn

Michael Rogers

Michael Schottey

Michael Sznapstajler

Michael Ulrich

Michael Von Kreuzfaufsteiger

Michael Waltz

Michelle Carter

Michelle Newman

Michelle Zirkelbach

Miguel Capellan

Mike Agostinis

Mike Bregg

Mike Chuven

Mike Dean

Mike Denis

Mike Fincher

Mike Ignasiak

Mike Jiloty (RIP)

Mike Lambert

Mike Martin

Mike Orfinger

Mike Panaggio

Mike Philbrick

Mike Poniatowski

Mike Read

Mike Scudiero

Mike Shekari

Mike Springer

Mike Synan

Mike Tacinelli

Mike Thomas

Mike Walker

Mike Waltz

Mike Wilkes

Mike Worlledge

Milissa Holland

Milverton Robinson

Mindy McLarnan

Minto Communities

Missy Herrero

Missy Phillips

MOAS

Molly Cunningham

Monica Paris

Mooma Clooda

Mori Hosseini

Muzo Rules

Nan Tarasi

Nancy Capo

Nancy Epps

Nancy Keefer

Nancy Lohman

Nancy Long

Nancy Maddox

Nancy Miller

Nancy Niles

Nancy Steele Lilly

Nanette McKeel Petrella

NASCAR

Natalie Brunner

Natalie Pilipczak

Neil Harrington

Neil Kapp

New Smyrna Board of Realtors

News Daytona Beach

Newton White

Nic Klufas

Nick Conte

Nika Hosseini

Niki Yanakou

Nikki Ross

Noah McKinnon

Noel Bickford

Nola Barker

Noreen Morris

Norma Bland

Norma Guida

North Turn Bar & Grille

Northern Mockingbirds

Oliver Du Bois

One Daytona

Orlando Sentinel

Ormond Beach Historical Society

Ormond Beach Observer

Ormond Brewing Company

Ormond Einsteins

Ormond Issues

Ormond Strong

Ormond-by-the-Sea Association

P&S Paving

P. Barry Butler

Palmer Panton

Palmer Wilson

Pam Carbiener

Pam Clark

Pam Jarvis

Pam Lawler

Pam Novy

Pam Wilsky

Pamela Daley

Pamela Rodriquez

Parker Mynchenberg

Pat & Ed Northey

Pat Cavanaugh

Pat Fanning

Pat Finn

Pat Hodgkins

Pat Jeffries

Pat Katzenstein

Pat Patterson

Pat Rice

Pat Zeitlin

Pat Zuegg (RIP)

Patricia Boswell

Patricia Heard

Patricia Miracle

Patricia Page

Patricia Stevenson

Patricia Venuti

Patricio Balona

Patrick Opalewski

Patti Barker

Patti Corbett

Patti Starkey

Paul Carpenella

Paul Deering

Paul Milward

Paul Nelson

Paul Renner

Paul Rice

Paul Skinner

Paul Stevenson

Paul Zimmerman

Paula Reed

Paula Rossiter

Peg Brown

Peggy Farmer

Peggy H. Schultz

Penny Currie

Perego

Permaculture Daytona

Pete Lynch

Pete Zahn

Peter

Peter Grosfeld

Peter Kouracos

Peter McGlashan

Peter Migner

Phaedra Lee

Phil “Father Phil” Egitto

Phil Giorno

Phil Maroney

Phil Rice

Phil Vanderhoof

Phil Wassem

Phillip Hoffeld

Phyllis Beynon

Phyllis Butlien

Phyllis Clark Hogan

Phyllis Stauffenberg

Pictona at Holly Hill

Pierre Louis

Pierre Tristam

Pierson Town Council

Port Orange Gov Forum

Preston Root

Protogroup

Psycho Magnet

Quanita May

R. J. Larizza

Rafael Ramirez

Rainer and Julie Martens

Ralph Brown

Rand Bennett

Randall Rowe, III

Randy Ast

Randy Bennett

Randy Cadenhead

Randy Dye

Randy Fine

Randy Hartman

Randy Post

Raquel Levy

Raul Zambrano

Ray Evans

Ray Hill

Ray Marcov

Ray Max

Raymond Johnson

Realty Pros Assured

Rebecca Cabral

Rebecca Lynn Doremus

Rebecca Wade

REC of Volusia County

Reed Berger

Regina Santilli

Reginald C. Williams

Rell Black

Rene Coman

Renee Richardson

Reuben “Lounge Lizard” Morgan

Rhonda and Walter Glasnak

Rhonda Kanan

Ric Urquhart

Rich Brown

Rich Felisko

Rich Malkus

Rich Tracey

Rich Waters

Richard Bellach

Richard Bryan

Richard Feller

Richard Frizalone

Richard Kane

Richard Klein

Richard Little

Richard Martinez

Richard Myers

Richard Nisbett

Richard Slaughter (RIP)

Richard Thripp

Richard Waters

Rick Basso

Rick Belhumeur

Rick Dwyer

Rick Goodsite

Rick Karl

Rick Nedescu

Rick Rawlins (RIP)

Rick Rivers

Rick Robertson

Rick Rollins

Rick Staly

Rick Steffen

Risa Newman Ross

Rita Ware

River to Sea TPO

Riverside Conservancy

Rob Bobek

Rob Bridger

Rob Brown

Rob Corrozza

Rob Gilliland

Rob Hougham

Rob Jackson

Rob Kuhn

Rob Littleton

Rob Merrell

Rob O’Connell

Rob Sabatino

Robert Augusto

Robert Augusto

Robert Barnes

Robert Barrett

Robert Burnetti

Robert Burns

Robert D. McFall

Robert Giebel

Robert Gilliland

Robert Greenlund

Robert Hawes

Robert Jagger

Robert Joseph Sorenson

Robert Maccio

Robert Mullins

Robert Riggio

Robert Sanders, Jr.

Robert Sprouse

Robert Stolpmann

Robert Taylor

Robert W. Krause

Robert Watson

Roberta Richardson

Robin Hanger

Robin Newton

Robyn Heath Walker

Robyn Hurd

Rocky Lawrence

Rocky Norris

Rodney Cruise

Roger Accardi

Roger Duvernoy

Roger Eckert

Roger Jones

Roger Sonnenfeld

Roland Blossom

Roland Via

Rommel Scalf

Ron Andersen

Ron DeSantis

Ron Kendrick

Ron Martin

Ron Nowviskie

Ron Rice (RIP)

Ron Wright

Ronald Donovan

Ronald Jungk

Ronnie Mills

Root Family

Rose Ann Tornatore

Rose Schuhmacher

Ross Blissett

Ross Janke

Roundtable of Elected Officials

Roxanne Hallahan

Roy Johnson

Roy Mohr

Ruben Colon

Russ Cormican

Russ Moulton

Russ Owen

Rusty Ford

Ruth Norman

Ruth Trager

Ryan Dealy

Ryan Ossowski 

Ryan Ridder

Sally Gillies

Sam Bell

Samantha J. West

Samuel G. S. Bennett

Sanctuary Café

Sandford Kinne

Sandi Snodgrass

Sandra Bass Van Cleef

Sandra Chavous

Sandra Kay Watts Battiste

Sandra Upchurch

Sandra Walters

Sandy Kauffman

Sandy Krieter

Sandy Murphy

Sandy Walters

Santiago Avila, Jr.

Sara Collins

Sara Crane

Sara Murphy

Sara Ragsdale Petroski

Sarah Bruce

Sarah Johnson

Saralee Morrissey

Scott Caldwell

Scott Cleary

Scott Fritz

Scott Gutauckis

Scott Harkins

Scott in Daytona Beach

Scott Lee

Scott Markham

Scott O’Connell

Scott Owen

Scott Simpson

Scott Stiltner

Scott W. Spradley

Sea Dunes

sean Kelly

Sebastian

Security First Insurance

Seminole Curmudgeon

Sen. Rick Scott

Sergia Cardenas

Seth Green

Sharon Adams

Sharon Raffel

Shawn Collins

Shawn FL

Shawn Goepfert

Shawnerie Langford

Sheila Hancock

Shelia Prather

Shelley Szafraniec

Sheriff Guindi

Sheron Weatherholtz

Sherrise Boyd

Sherry Gilreath

Sherry Huskey-Hopson

Sherry Purdy

Sheryl A. Cook

SJRWMD

Skip Andress

Skip Armstrong

Skylar Swisher

Smoking Truth Podcast

Snake Andress

Soles4Souls

Sonja Tyrus

Sons of the Beach

Sonya Wiles

Sophia Urista

Sophie’s Circle Dog Rescue

South Daytona Dan

Spencer Stratton Hathaway

St. John’s River Keepers

Stacey Simmons

Stacy Cantu

Stacy Wager Day

Stan Kapp

Stan Schmidt

Stanley Escudero

Stasia Warren

Stephan Dembinsky

Stephanie Bidlack Cox

Stephen Bacon

Stephen Matthews

Stephen McGee

Stephen Terence Williams

Step-Up Volusia

Stetson University

Steve Aldrich

Steve Burdette

Steve Crump

Steve Koenig

Steve Miller

Steve Parker

Steve Puckett

Steve Ridder

Steve Stinson

Steve Thomas

Steve Thorp

Steve Weaver

Steven Burk

Steven Henderson (RIP)

Steven Miller

Steven Narvaez

Stirling Gosa

Stony Sixma

Sue Barnes

Sue Krainik

Sue Lyle Reynolds

Sun Flowers

Susan Ball

Susan Barrie

Susan Brehme Park

Susan Bussinger

Susan Cerbone

Susan Driscoll

Susan Falkenstein Reilly

Susan Guzman

Susan Lear

Susan Lutz

Susan M. Murphy

Susan Persis

Susan Scofield

Susan Skow

Susanne I. Odena

Suzanne Johnston

Suzanne Kridner

Suzanne Scheiber

Suzie Johnston

Sweetie (RIP)

Synergy Billing

T. R. Brown

Tadd Kasbeer

Tami Lake

Tangela Hardy

Tanger Outlets

Tanner Andrews

Tariq Hamid

Taxpayers of Volusia County

Team Volusia

Ted Doran

Ted Erwin

Ted Hordecky

Ted Noftall

Ted Teschner

Tennessee Hills Distillery

Tere Arce

Terence Perkins

Teresa Hunt

Teresa Martin Lawson

Teresa Morford Rice-Peck

Teresa Pope

Terica Charles

Terri Miller

Terri Roberson Tippins

Terry Brock

Terry Cady

Terry Heisler

The Avion

The Bridge

The Civitas Project

The Frye’s

The Lowe Down

The Nines Parlor

The Nowinski’s

The Pallet Pub

Theresa Doan

Thom Morris

Thomas Akin, Sr.

Thomas Burbank

Thomas R. Larrivee

Tiger Roberts

Tim Baylie

Tim Curtis

Tim Egnor

Tim Grigsby

Tim Harbuck

Tim Phillips

Timmy & Annemarie Groarke

Tina Guzman

Tina Louise

Tina Monteiro Blount

Tina Peppeh

Tina-Marie Schultz

Tishian Pearson

Tito’s Vodka

Todd Hammond

Todd Phillips (RIP)

Tom A. Wright

Tom and Kayti Caffrey

Tom Bertolami

Tom Clapsaddle

Tom Coriale 

Tom Goreau

Tom Laputka

Tom Leek

Tom LoBasso

Tom Maccio

Tom Morgan

Tom Rebman

Tom Russell

Tom Ryan

Tom Sejnowski

Tom Symenski

Tom Wright

Tommy Jee

Tomoka Oaks Residents

Toni Adkins Hiller

Tony Cassata

Tony Goudie

Tony Ledbetter (RIP)

Tony Servance

Tony Walsh

Tonya Gordon

Travis Hutson

Travis Sargent

Tripp Parham

Troubled Men Podcast

Troy Crawford

Troy Kent

Troy Olson

Troy Shimkus

TulaPuppy

Turner Hymes

US Coast Guard – NSB

Valencia Gallon-Stubbs

Valerie Duhl

Valerie Joiner

Valerie Manning

Valli Perrine

Valoree Mclean

Vanessa Blair-Lewis

Vernon Burton

Vic Baker

Vic Irland

Vicki Duma

Vicky Jackson

Victor Barbosa

Victor Ramos

Victoria B. Holmes

Victoria Fahlberg

Vikki Leonard

Virginia Vainella

Voloria Manning

Volusia County Concerns

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Volusia County Government Forum

Volusia County School Parents Forum

Volusia County Schools

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Volusia Firefighters Association

Volusia Forever

Volusia Forever/ECHO Alliance

Volusia Issues

Volusia Political Scene

Volusia Politics

Volusia Tax Reform

Volusia United Educators

Volusia Wildlife Corridor

Volusia’s Old Guard

VolusiaExposed.com

Votran

Wallace Bailey

Wanda Van Dam

Warren Shaw

Waylan Niece

Wayne Bryan

Wayne Harris

Webster Barnaby

Weegie Kuendig

Welcome to Rockville

WELE “The CAT”

Wendall Ray DallaRosa

Wendy Alvarez

Wendy B. Anderson

Wendy Wilson  

Wesley Heidt

West Volusia Beacon

West Volusia Hospital Authority

Westplan Investors

Will Roberts

William Freebern

William Jones, Jr.

William Reischmann 

William Sell

William Tillard

William Whitson

Willie Kimmons

WNDB

World’s Most Famous Brewery

Wray Gillette

Xiangjun Li

Yaupon Brothers Tea

Yetay Smith

Zetta Baker

Zev Cohen & Associates

All who contribute and wish to remain nameless.

And, well, you know who you are. . .

For me, the week between Christmas and the New Year has always been a time for reflection. 

Looking forward while remembering the past.

During my professional life, I used this typically quiet week of the year to close out projects, clean up outstanding assignments, determine what worked and what didn’t, reflect on mistakes (and I made many), recenter personal and organizational goals and values, consolidate strengths, identify weaknesses, and contemplate the challenges ahead. 

Sounds simple.  But it isn’t. 

Because being honest with oneself is always difficult.

In my experience, self-reflection can be painful when our faults and foibles are laid bare – and we are forced to admit where we fell short – then make personal and professional course corrections to ensure the failures and omissions of the past are not repeated.

For example, I once worked for a police chief who refused to accept excuses or explanations – only acceptance of direct responsibility for my mistakes and those of my subordinates – and an assurance that I had learned from the error in judgement and would not repeat it. 

This sense of accountability was incredibly important to my early career development because honest mistakes became confidence building learning opportunities – rather than career-ending disasters – something I have never forgotten.

Unfortunately, in some local governments, openness, accessibility, and a willingness to admit missteps has become anathema in an era that values “CYA” political insulation over transparency.

In my view, this close-to-the-vest strategy has become standard procedure for bureaucracies that communicate to their constituents through highly paid internal mouthpieces, who report exactly what politicians and public administrators want We, The Little People to know, using carefully crafted releases and canned soundbites heavily seasoned with pap, fluff, and bureaucratese.      

Rather than submit to the open Q&A that once allowed reporters to probe public officials, winnow the truth from spin, and report the good, the bad, and the ugly of government – now, taxpayers are treated like mushrooms – kept in the dark and fed horseshit – left to peer through the greasy pane in the locked portcullis that separates us from those we elect and appoint to represent our interests.

Left to speculate on the behind-the-scenes machinations and true motivations of those in control.

That’s where I come in.

As a Barker’s View reader, you are obviously someone who thinks deeply about the issues that touch our lives and livelihoods here on Florida’s Fun Coast – an educated participant concerned about the direction of what passes for a “representative democracy.”   

I am not blowing smoke up your ass – and it does not mean we have to agree on everything. 

People who reason critically and view the world around them with an analytical eye tend to read and evaluate differing points-of-view – including alternative opinions that are counter to the posturing of our elected elite – then form their own take on the motives of policymakers and string-pullers.   

In my view, it is this independent thought that separates the sheep – and those partisan navel-gazers who never look beyond the confines of their close-minded camps – from active, informed, and involved citizens from which all political power originates.

I still believe it is a fundamental duty of citizenship to remain vigilant – even fiercely skeptical – of outsized political power and those murky insider forces that seem intent on shaping our future based on some mysterious plan which does not need or want our input – only our money and apathetic acquiescence.  

Bullshit.

Thank you for reading – and for contemplating our shared experience.

As we close out this strange year, I want to take this opportunity to send my sincere appreciation to the loyal Barker’s View tribe who follow this alternative opinion forum and perpetuate a larger discussion of the issues. 

Thank you for indulging my oddball views and rants.  Your curiosity about the news and newsmakers lets our “powers that be” know someone is watching – and oversight is a fundamental element of accountability.

But that is wisdom for another day.

Now is the time to hoist our glass and celebrate new possibilities.

Last week saw the final self-absorbed goodbyes of the most dysfunctional iteration of the Volusia County Council in recent memory – a bickering group of meanspirited procrastinators who oversaw a bloated bureaucracy where astonishing incompetence is handsomely rewarded – even encouraged – with stratospheric salaries, exorbitant benefits, and clockwork pay increases for those senior administrators who protect the stagnant status quo.

As they sail off to the ash heap of history, the political epitaph of this sad ship of fools will read “Lost opportunities, Lost possibilities…” and history will not be kind.

But that is polluted water under an aging and too-narrow bridge – and stupidity deserves no sympathy.

Now, we turn our jaded eyes to what comes next.

On Thursday, January 5, a new slate of elected officials will be sworn-in amidst much pomposity and circumstance – the pageantry that begins the process of separating those we elect from We, The Little People – the soon forgotten Oath of Office that marks their ceremonial ascendance from butcher, baker, and candlestick maker to the gilded Monarchy. 

Only time will tell if our new crop of representatives will embrace the concept of service above self – putting the needs and quality of life of their frightened constituents over those of their well-heeled political benefactors – and allow collegiality, mutual respect, and inclusion to build consensus on the difficult issues we face. 

At heart, I am an infernal optimist, willing to give our “new” council a chance to get their sea legs, to heal old wounds, eschew vindictive animus and petty politics, and prove their stated commitment to building a better Volusia County while shaping a positive vision for the social, economic, and civic future of all residents.

A New Year. A fresh start.

Again, thanks for reading.

_______________________________________

Join Barker’s View on Friday for our “2022 Honor Roll” – which remains the only civic honor in the Halifax area (however dubious) that our “Rich & Powerful” cannot buy! 

See you then!

And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2

One of the greatest gifts in my life is the sense of purpose this alternative blog has given me – the opportunity to participate in a larger discussion – all made possible thanks to your readership and support. 

Whether or not we agree on the myriad social, civic, and economic issues of the day, I hope we remain friends, grounded in the common purpose of seeking a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren through the vigorous competition of ideas and a universal desire for honorable, accessible, and principled governance.

Here’s a special thanks to the loyal members of the Barker’s View tribe.

Your civic awareness and activism continue to make a difference in our community – and your friendship has enhanced my life in immeasurable ways. 

A true blessing.

Here’s wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and all best wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2023!

Mark

It was never about you. 

In keeping with tradition, Tuesday’s final hootenanny of this painfully dysfunctional iteration of the Volusia County Council dissolved into a self-lovefest – an onanistic last chance for outgoing members to lavish praise on themselves and “staff” in a weird egotistic and timewasting gush before slinking off to the political ash heap of history. 

It was also an opportunity for our elected dullards to obsequiously flatter (and handsomely reward) County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald and County Attorney Mike Dyer, the true power duo that facilitate it all by crafting an agenda that first, last, and always protects and perpetuates the stagnant status quo.

During an unmarked agenda item mislabeled “Leadership,” council members took up the annual charade that has become the “evaluation” of the County Manager and County Attorney – a farcical shim-sham that bears no resemblance to a legitimate performance review – little more than a smokescreen of hollow accolades and baseless praise.   

In my view, it was a foregone conclusion – amid serious turmoil, controversy, and on-going investigations of alleged inmate abuse at the Volusia County Jail – that saw our elected officials (who are charged with providing politically accountable oversight) referring to their direct reports as beloved “friends.”

At the end of the day, like clockwork, both Recktenwald and Dyer were gifted a hefty 4% pay increase on the 5-1 vote – which equated to an approximate raise of $10,000 each. 

It’s nice to have friends. . .

Only Chairman Jeff Brower had the savvy to couch his lone “no” vote with, “For me, I think it’s premature to evaluate and discuss a raise until the results of that investigation are done, because I believe that the county manager and the county attorney are serious about having an independent, fair evaluation, and I believe that’s underway.”

Whatever.

If you are a struggling small business owner in Volusia County – or labor against massive inflation at a tax-supported industrial warehouse that our “economic development” types continue to spend public funds to attract – I wonder how your Christmas bonus was this year? 

What I found most telling (although not surprising) was how our elected representatives, in their final official addresses from the dais – droned on, ad nauseum, sugarcoating their “service” and “accomplishments,” rewriting recorded history, marginalizing detractors, labeling critics “liars,” and vehemently denying that their vote was influenced by the massive campaign contributions of those influential insiders that got them elected in the first place – all while heaping accolades on senior staff members who tell them exactly what they want to hear.

You and I – the long-suffering taxpayers of Volusia County who feed the machine – were an afterthought, if we were mentioned at all. . . 

That sense of elitism springs organically in the hallowed Halls of Power where the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker become convinced of their own infallibility – a cloistered environment where influential people (their “new friends”) who wouldn’t look twice at them outside of politics – suddenly laugh at their jokes, slap them on the back, and make them feel part of the snobbish social and economic inner-circle where you and I aren’t welcome – an ego-massage reinforced by fawning senior administrators who know which side their bread is buttered on. 

A weird Fantasy Land that exists only in the minds of these self-important dullards – a place of diversion and procrastination where that which is important is kicked down the dusty political trail while the non-sensical machinations of government and vicious personal attacks on their “colleagues” are passed off as the “people’s business.” 

Bullshit.

Look, I’m not some Cassadaga clairvoyant who saw this coming in a crystal ball.

I spent most of my life dragging on the public teat, and I have seen this all before, and human nature being what it is – most politicians fall victim to the trappings of office and perquisites of the monarchial system that fosters this Us vs. Them mentality – then, over time, become everything they hated when entering politics.

This lackluster group was no different.

If there is one positive to emerge from this self-congratulatory pageantry, it is that We, The Little People get a peek at how these political hacks see themselves in the mirror – and how little those of us they are sworn to serve matter to them personally, professionally, and politically.   

(This is where I normally say, “Don’t take my word for it” then link the archived meeting video. Apparently, the perennial audio/visual “difficulties” that constantly plague these meetings and effectively dissuade citizens from watching the sausage being made prevented Volusia County from posting the meeting video… Don’t worry, George – no one who should seems to give two-shits.)

As things come to an unceremonious end for this iteration of the Volusia County Council, like you, I contemplate how my life – and that of my grandchildren – is appreciably better (or worse) economically, environmentally, and civically for all the timewasting bickering and bitchery that marked their contentious reign? 

Unfortunately, at the end of the day, all we can do is lament what “could have been” had the spirt of cooperation and collegiality prevailed over meanspirited one-upmanship and this shameless self-promotion. 

Sadly, it was never about us.

In Volusia County, it never is.   

Tomorrow, while most of you are at work, raising a family, and stretching the household budget to make last-minute preparations for Christmas, County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald and County Attorney Mike Dyer – two of the highest compensated public employees in Central Florida – are set to be “evaluated” by our elected representatives on the Volusia County Council. 

Although an annual review of salary requirements for these positions is established by Charter – there is no agenda item (that I can find) – and no record of an established performance review protocol for either the County Manager or County Attorney – beyond a cursory mention in previous minutes of an “accomplishments report” which was not attached to the publicly available minutes.

In fact, the only list of “accomplishments” I could find for Mr. Recktenwald were listed on the “County Manager” page of the Volusia County website where the second bullet point touted Mr. Recktenwald’s oversight of “…the construction of the $81 million Ocean Center expansion.”

That was “accomplished” in 2008. . .

Whatever.

For years, the process of evaluating these powerful positions that command more than $200,000 each in public funds, top shelf benefits, and lavish perquisites is a farcical sham – consisting of little more than a few minutes of idle prattle from the dais of power, saccharine praise, and empty accolades that invariably culminate in an obscene pay increase. 

Sound familiar?

In over three-decades in service to residents of a small municipality – a place that put customer satisfaction over the organizational arrogance that often develops in bloated bureaucracies where “bigger is always better” – each year, I received a written performance evaluation which included the observations of my superiors, and a review of both measurable accomplishments and “growth areas” where improvement was expected.

These reviews always involved a face-to-face meeting with my department head or city manager – a time to candidly discuss issues, receive constructive criticism, and a much-needed pat on the back (or a kick in the ass) – a conversation that was memorialized in writing as a roadmap for personal improvement and professional growth.  

Periodically, departments and divisions were subject to external management audits – a top to bottom analysis of operating protocols, procedures, staffing levels, technology, and systems – which included confidential interviews with staff members to provide a 360-degree review and ensure essential services were being provided in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Could these examinations be uncomfortable? Absolutely.

But we were ultimately better for the critique.

This oversight is just one of the benefits of smaller, more manageable governments – places where the concerns of taxpayers are considered, strong leadership is valued, and those who are politically accountable to their neighbors (rather than a handful of oligarchs) demand a high degree of personal and professional responsibility from those who accept public funds to serve in the public interest.

In Volusia County, accountability has become an afterthought – the final yearly postscript of that dysfunctional slapstick troupe on the dais of power – most of whom have committed themselves in thought, word, and deed to the protection of the stagnant status quo that serves the bureaucracy and those influential insiders who control the rods and strings of public policy. 

But how is it that We, The Little People – from which all political power is derived – allow this lopsided power structure to have such enormous control of our lives and livelihoods?

Why did we stand idle while Volusia County government transmogrified into a massive and unwieldy machine that greedily gorges on an ever-expanding annual budget now exceeding $1 Billion – and a legislative branch wholly controlled by a few extremely wealthy powerbrokers with a very expensive chip in the game?

And how is it – year in and year out – our elected representatives ignore the myriad issues and scandals that continue to playout on the frontpage of the newspaper – everything from a dangerously dysfunctional emergency medical system – staffed by a dwindling number of demoralized, disrespected, and overworked first responders, the strategic suppression of commonsense environmental protections and impact fees, the continuing lack of transparency, and now revelations of the horrific abuse of inmates at the Volusia County Jail, etc., etc., etc.?   

Good question. 

With damn few answers. . .

According to an outstanding report by Al Everson writing in the West Volusia Beacon, on Thursday, just two days after Dyer and Recktenwald will be “evaluated” – a secret meeting will be held behind closed doors to determine the fate of former Director of Corrections Mark Flowers – who requested a hearing to challenge his pending termination on charges of “…harassing employees, creating a hostile work environment, and ordering the possible abuse of jail inmates.”

According to Mr. Flowers’ attorney, he has been the victim of retaliation after blowing the whistle on abuse and misconduct at the jail.

A recently completed internal investigation conducted by Volusia County sustained serious allegations of misconduct against Flowers – to include that he ordered “…a difficult inmate placed in a special unit of the jail, where those held there may be restrained because they pose a danger to others or to themselves. The inmates sometimes are placed in four-point restraints, meaning both arms and both legs are tied down.”

According to the Beacon, when corrections officers advised that placing an inmate in four-point restraints, face down on a concrete slab, in the nude, did not “feel right” – they were told by Flowers that he had “clearance from legal” to engage in the dangerous practice. 

Whoa. 

Now, taxpayers have a right to know what County Attorney Mike Dyer knew, and when.

Because it is one thing for County Manager Recktenwald to be asleep at the switch, ignorant of systemic abuse at the Department of Corrections – it is quite another for the legal department to have authorized the effective torture of inmates in some fetid isolation chamber at the Volusia County Jail.   

In my view, tomorrow’s “evaluation” of Recktenwald and Dyer is, at best, premature – at worst, it gives tacit approval to this horrific mismanagement, gross negligence, and lack of situational awareness.

Given the expanding nature of the accusations and counteraccusations, it is time for a wider external investigation – not a “like it never even happened” sidestep. 

Unfortunately, a deeper dive is highly unlikely – because this iteration of the Volusia County Council embraces plausible deniability – rather than providing effective oversight and letting the disinfecting light of day shine into the inner-sanctum. 

As a result, the status quo prevails.

Why?  Because we have become conditioned to it.

That’s why.

And those who are elected based on the financial backing of influential insiders continue to signal that there isn’t a damn thing you or I can do to change this insulated system.   

In my view, this is exactly why this pervasive disempowerment is detrimental to our representative form of government, as citizens become increasingly apathetic over their lack of substantive input in decision-making, and ultimately refuse to participate in the process.

My hope is that when the “new” Volusia County Council is seated in January – they will have the courage to throw open the curtains at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Building and get to the bottom of this on-going travesty – then hold highly paid senior administrators accountable for what has happened on their watch.

Those of us who pay the bills and are expected to suffer in silence deserve better.

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               NBA Legend Charles Barkley

I’ve always been a fan of Charles Barkley. 

The 11-time NBA All-Star and always humorous, often controversial, commentator for TNT’s “Inside the NBA” keeps us coming back for more with a charm and charisma that has made the irrepressible “Sir Charles” one of the most successful personalities in all of sports. 

In October, a rumor had the NBA Hall of Famer signing a new 10-year contract with Turner worth an estimated $100 million (possibly closer to $200 million) – a deal Barkley described as “life-altering” in a recent interview with the New York Post.

Now, The Daytona Beach News-Journal is reporting that Mr. Barkley has generously pledged $1 million each to our own Bethune-Cookman University and Mississippi’s Jackson State. 

“Since 2016, Barkley has given $1 million to six other HBCUs in addition to Bethune-Cookman and Jackson State. Those schools include: Alabama A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Miles College, Tuskegee University and Spellman College.”

According to the report, the impetus for Mr. Barkley’s largesse was due to B-CU’s Athletic Director/Head Basketball Coach Reggie Theus – a fellow NBA alum – who also served as a commentator for TNT, and later coached the Sacramento Kings before coming to Bethune-Cookman in 2021. 

In the News-Journal report, Mr. Theus expressed his appreciation, “I’m just so incredibly humbled by what he’s done. It’s just a big thing. He’s my NBA brother. It’s a small fraternity,” Theus said. “I was actually surprised. I didn’t know this was coming.”

It is no secret that Bethune-Cookman University has seen its share of adversity in recent years – and this incredibly generous donation represents a much-needed shot-in-the-arm – and serves as an outstanding testament to Coach Theus’ efforts as he works to build a championship program at B-CU. 

In a recent interview with reporter Roy S. Johnson writing in AL.com, Mr. Barkley explained in his own inimitable way:

“I’m [expletive] sixty [years old] in a couple of months, which is crazy,” Barkley said. “All this [expletive] money is crazy. I’m gonna use the rest of my life to bless as many people as I possibly can.”

Many thanks to Mr. Barkley and Director Theus for their personal and professional commitment to Bethune-Cookman University and our community. 

We’re glad these two legends passed our way.

Angel               City of Ormond Beach Planning Board

No, I haven’t bumped my head. . .

As a self-anointed cretinous critic of local government, I call the balls and strikes as I see them – and, by any metric, the once quaint community of Ormond Beach (like much of the Halifax area) has unequivocally grown too far, too fast.

But last Thursday, the Planning Board listened to the very real concerns of existing residents when they unanimously denied a developer’s request for a 300-unit mega-apartment complex near the busy intersection of Tymber Creek Road and West Granada Boulevard.   

Anyone who has sat through three cycles of a traffic signal at Granada Boulevard and (insert any cross street here) is celebrating the board’s decision as a victory for our area’s quality of life. 

According to an excellent article by Senior Editor Jarleene Almenas writing in the Ormond Beach Observer:

“The developer first submitted a site plan for review in 2020 and resubmitted another plan in December 2021 after the first application expired. Ten residential buildings were initially proposed, though due to concerns from residents of the nearby Indian Springs subdivision, the developer agreed to remove one of the buildings facing the community.

Citizen concerns also included the worsening of traffic on Tymber Creek Road and West Granada Boulevard.

“Your decisions are permanent,” resident Mike Lambert said. “To say that the quality of life in the areas of Moss Point, Indian [Springs] or Tymber Creek will not change is absurd. The traffic already on Tymber Creek Road is horrific.”

In my view, Mr. Lambert is right – and it is refreshing to see stakeholders speaking truth to power at public meetings, fighting hard to limit the adverse impacts of development on existing residents and infrastructure – especially with the specter of Avalon Park looming dark on the horizon. 

Kudos to the Ormond Beach Planning Board for having the wisdom to discern between quality development that enhances the character of our community and that driven by voracious greed that increases density regardless of the long-term impacts. 

Now, the Planning Board’s recommendation will be sent to the newly constituted Ormond Beach City Commission on January 24 for review.    

Trust me.  The Commission’s decision on this issue will tell concerned citizens all they need to know about our path forward. . .

Asshole           County of Volusia

Something stinks at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Building in DeLand. 

In what may well be the biggest scandal to rock Volusia County government since, oh, the last melodrama to befall this shadowy administration – late last week, we learned that county officials plan to fire besieged former Corrections Director Mark Flowers. 

Depending upon who you believe that action is either a retaliatory act by craven senior administrators to silence a whistleblower – or a long overdue comeuppance for a dictatorial and unpredictable ogre. 

The abrupt notice of termination came following competing allegations by Flowers attorney, Kelly Chanfrau, who claims Flowers was retaliated against after he came forward with information on the abuse of inmates at the jail – and the results of an internal investigation by Volusia County which sustained serious policy violations – including accusations that it was Flowers who ordered the abuse of inmates, along with anecdotal information leaking from the Department of Corrections that Flowers was a vacillating leader with the management skills of Atilla the Hun.

These diametrically opposed claims have left many wondering who to believe. . .   

According to a News-Journal report, Chanfrau alleged that Flowers repeatedly reported misconduct by corrections officers – including the abuse of an inmate identified as Justin Caruthers, who reportedly “…suffered two black eyes after a beating administered by correctional officers.”

Now, the findings of the county’s internal investigation have turned the tables – sustaining a laundry list of violations against Flowers – to include ordering the isolation of inmates, violating suicide protocols, creating a hostile workplace, and directing that corrections officers place an unidentified inmate in a “four-point restraint” – naked – for days.

Damn. 

This week, Flowers appealed his termination and requested a hearing after it was determined Volusia County violated its own Human Resources protocols “…by not giving him enough time to appeal.”

Really? 

Good thing this outrage isn’t playing out on the frontpage of the newspaper, or that glaring oversight would be embarrassing for Volusia’s outside counsel and highly paid HR professionals, eh? 

Adding to the confusion, County Manager George Recktenwald said in a canned press release, “Any suggestion that the termination was retaliation or in any way related to Dr. Flowers filing the complaint is absolutely and unequivocally false,” then laid full responsibility for the abuse and mismanagement at the jail on his former subordinate:

“He (Flowers) was under investigation for three months before he ever filed the complaint. The reality is that the allegations that were substantiated during our investigation were so egregious that it was impossible for Dr. Flowers to continue in his job. His own actions and his mistreatment of his staff and inmates left us no choice.”

According to the News-Journal, “Flowers filed a complaint Monday with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Flowers has claims against the county related to failure to accommodate, veteran status and disability, Chanfrau said.”

Those complaints are in addition to “…a whistleblower claim, a Family Medical Leave Act claim and a First Amendment claim.”

Now, Chanfrau is actively preparing a lawsuit on Flowers behalf.  

Regardless of how this conflagration plays out, guess who is ultimately on the hook?

More important – who do we hold responsible for the on-going shitshow at the Volusia County Jail?

As the accusations and counteraccusations mount, one thing is clear – inmates have been subjected to horrible abuse inside the isolated walls of Volusia County’s Abu Ghraib – and a hostile workplace exists for an already demoralized and overworked corrections staff who perform a difficult and dangerous job for far less than they are worth. 

In my view, regardless of who is eventually found culpable for this abominable misconduct, County Manager George Recktenwald bears personal responsibility for the acts and omissions of his subordinates.

According to a recent News-Journal’s report:

“Councilman Danny Robins said the situation is under the purview of the county manager and that it was his understanding that Flowers would meet with Recktenwald Friday, though he wasn’t sure what would happen.

Councilman Ben Johnson and Vice Chair Barb Girtman declined to comment. Volusia County Council members Jeff Brower, Billie Wheeler and Heather Post couldn’t be reached.”

(God help me, I chuckle every time I read that last part as outgoing council members realize their political legacy will be the horrifying mental image of a secluded prisoner stripped nude and tacked-out prone in some fetid isolation unit of the Volusia County Jail. . . )

The fact is, Councilman Robins is right.

This repugnant scandal is directly under the “purview” of the County Manager – and the inviolate rule of command is that responsibility may be delegated, but ultimate accountability cannot be abdicated – and Mr. Recktenwald either knew, or should have known, what was going on at the Department of Corrections.

If history repeats, no one in that bloated maze of overlapping senior managers, department directors, division directors, a deputy county manager and beyond will ever be held to account – so long as an atmosphere of “admit nothing, deny everything, make counteraccusations” prevails.

But this is different.  

The Flowers debacle involves credible allegations of the sadistic physical and psychological abuse of inmates under the legal care, custody, and control of the Volusia County Department of Corrections – acts that, if proven true, would represent systemic civil rights violations that should send a chill up the spine of anyone who values the rule of law – or respects the time-honored obligations and responsibilities of leadership. 

This isn’t a wholesale indictment of the men and women of the Department of Corrections.  Rather, it speaks to the culture of Volusia County’s senior administration and the lack of politically accountable oversight that allows this shit to fester.   

(Speaking of indictments, where is the United States Department of Justice when we need them?)

Frankly, the old dodge, “I didn’t know what was happening,” is not a privilege afforded those who are held to exacting standards of professionalism and personal accountability – and as a chief executive commanding an annual salary of over $224,000, plus benefits and perquisites, The Wreck should understand that and step aside. 

He won’t – and here’s why:

In the waning minutes of next Tuesday’s Volusia County Council meeting, the final act of this slapstick comedy troupe will be to “evaluate” the performance of County Manager Recktenwald and County Attorney Mike Dyer – which, if precedence holds, will result in saccharin accolades and a massive pay increase for both. 

Perhaps those dullards on the dais of power should look up the definition of “Leadership, Responsibility, and Accountability” in their Elected Officials Handbook (I’m sure it’s in there, sandwiched between “ethics, negligent retention liability, and best practices”) before evaluating the highest paid public employees in Volusia County government? 

Even with this disturbing scandal still raging, something tells me Messrs. Recktenwald and Dyer will have a very, very Merry Christmas. . .

Quote of the Week

“Wilbur-by-the-Sea is a dream spot for those who want to wake up to the sound of waves, beautiful ocean views and the smell of salt air.

But Robert S. Young, a coastal geologist, views this picturesque seaside village south of Daytona Beach as a warning sign, a glimpse into the future. Beachside living will grow even riskier and more expensive as oceans rise and warming seas generate super-charged storms, he said.

“There will come a time, 10 years from now, who knows, 15 years from now, when you’re going to have lots of places like this all over Florida,” said Young, director of Western Carolina University’s Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines. “You’re not going to have enough money to save them all.”

–Reporter Skylar Swisher, writing in the Orlando Sentinel, “Not ‘enough money to save them all.’ Volusia grapples with double hurricane whammy,” Sunday, December 11, 2022

While serving as a law enforcement officer, I was lied to on a daily basis.   

In fact, I was told so many falsehoods and fabrications that I now live by the idiom, “Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. . .” 

Earlier this week, News-Journal business editor Clayton Park wrote an interesting piece entitled, ‘Daytona is catching up,’ – which included the obligatory fluff from a glib South Florida developer trying his best to convince leery locals that another monstrous 27-story 304-unit ‘condotel’ is what we need on our crumbling dune line. 

I wonder if Mr. Park ever feels like he’s “heard it all before” when interviewing the developer du jour? 

Way back in 2007, Miami-area Developer Eduardo Avila of Key Realty Advisors purchased a 2.8-acre site at the southeast corner of A-1-A and Silver Beach Avenue.  Now, Mr. Avila is planning to break ground (“a year from now”) on what is tentatively billed as the Silver Beach Condo-Hotel. 

According to the News-Journal’s report:

“Avila said his group kept waiting for market conditions in Daytona Beach to improve to where they could justify spending more than $100 million to build their planned luxury high-rise.

That time has finally come. “We feel Daytona is catching up with the rest of Florida,” he said.

(Sorry.  I just shot coffee through my nose, dammit. . .)

The “Silver Beach Condo-Hotel” name listed on preliminary plans submitted to the city is just a working title, said Avila. “Once we get it branded (as part of a hotel chain), then we’ll have it (officially) named.”

Avila said his group has already invested $11.5 million on the project, including buying the land as well as hiring Miami-based architectural firm Arquitectonica and Daytona Beach engineering firm The Performance Group.”

Yep!  Good times are here again!  Again. . .

Look, far be it from me to shit on the dreams of another out-of-town speculative developer looking to squeeze a profit from another “$100 million” investment on our dilapidated beachside (God knows others have tried) – and I certainly don’t want to squash the hopes of our giddy ‘powers that be’ who are still desperately searching for the “panacea project” that will save us yokels from ourselves. 

With much of our fragile oceanfront in ruins – I question whether permitting additional building east of A-1-A makes environmental and economic sense – especially with hodge-podge emergency mitigation efforts underway to save existing structures from toppling into the sea? 

According to Mr. Avila, “Some of those (damaged) buildings are from the 1950s and ’60s. They weren’t built with the knowledge we have today. Those pilings (for oceanfront high-rises) need to go down to the rock, at least 75 feet. If you look at Miami Beach, there are a lot of tall buildings and nothing happens to them.”

Say what?   

Is it possible Mr. Avila is unaware that last year – just 19-miles north of his office in Coconut Grove – the Champlain Towers condominium collapsed in a pile of rubble resulting in the tragic death of 98 people?

The exact cause of that disaster has yet to be identified; however, the wide-ranging investigation includes a geotechnical engineering component to study ground behavior at different depths to determine how the structure’s foundation interacted with subsurface soils.   

In my view, it is that hard-earned and incredibly expensive “knowledge we have today” that confirms why we should not be permitting new development east of the Coastal Construction Control Line until a comprehensive erosion control plan can be established and funded. 

Yeah.  Don’t hold your breath.

Because when the fears of We, The Little People come up against the for-profit motives of extremely wealthy developers – you and I lose.  Every. Damn. Time.

And Another Thing!

Another week, another glaring frontpage headline in The Daytona Beach News-Journal:

“More homes planned at LPGA”

And the frustration builds. . .

On Tuesday, we learned that the “out-of-state owners of the golf courses at LPGA International” have plans to pave over the golf community’s three-hole practice course and replace the popular amenity with 154 new single-family homes and forty townhouses in the proposed LPGA Golf Villas development.

This week, Virginia-based Fore Golf Partners LLC planned to hold one of those stilted “developer-initiated meetings” – where residents directly impacted by the increased density and resulting traffic are sold on the idea of more, more, more development at the epicenter of the already overstuffed LPGA Boulevard area – as Daytona Beach’s “shove ten-pounds of shit in a five-pound bag” growth-at-all-costs strategy continues. 

Too many people showed up and the meeting had to be rescheduled. Standing room only.

Naturally, residents of the LPGA community are concerned – especially since they are trapped west of that Monument to Mediocrity that is the two-lane pinch-point over the Tomoka River.

Guess what?  No one who should seems to care at Daytona Beach City Hall.  

According to the report, Daytona Beach Planning Director Dennis Mrozek concluded in an email to the News-Journal:

“The proposed development will be consistent with the area development patterns and use of residential…”

That’s all ye know, and all ye need to know.

Unfortunately, the residents of LPGA are not alone. 

Earlier this week, I spoke to a concerned citizen who owns property bordering the footprint of another colossal monstrosity – the Framework Group’s massive tax supported “luxury” apartment complex and parking garage proposed for downtrodden Downtown Daytona – who has repeatedly reported issues surrounding the development’s impact on his property to local leaders, including at least two sitting city commissioners, and the increasingly reclusive City Manager Deric Feacher.

I was told that while each of the city officials paid cursory lip-service – commiserating with the property owner over issues ranging from denied driveway access, parking encroachment, traffic issues, flooding concerns, and potential nuisance conditions during construction – once they left, the taxpayer’s concerns were completely ignored.

Crickets.  Not so much as a return phone call. . .

Yeah.  I know.    

I’ll have more thoughts on this growing North Beach Street fiasco later, but unlike Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry – who preened and fawned between backslapping with Framework Group executives at the premature “groundbreaking” ceremony last week – not everyone is “…elated for the future of Daytona Beach.”

In fact, many existing residents are sick and tired of having their concerns dismissed with the patented shoulder-shrug and “Nuttin’ we can do about it, rube. You’re either growin’ or you’re dyin’” sidestep that is gridlocking traffic and ruining the character of the Halifax area.

This quantum shift in the attitude toward additional development is best evidenced by the increasing number of people turning up at “developer-initiated meetings” to express their growing anger.

Now, add residents of the LPGA community to that growing list of victims of the old ‘golf course bait-and-switch.’

In my view, the lack of official action to address the adverse impacts of new development on long-time residents – even as city officials bend over backwards to accommodate the wants and whims of out-of-town developers – speaks volumes about the true loyalties of those we elect and appoint. 

Unfortunately, I do not see that changing anytime soon.  Do you?

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

______________________________________________

Merry Christmas!

Angels & Assholes will take a pause next week. 

Here’s wishing you – the loyal members of the Barker’s View Tribe – a healthy and joyous Christmas Season!

Few realize what little influence those we elect to represent our interests have on the day-to-day operations of the bureaucracy or those career civil servants who deliver essential governmental services.

It is a source of frustration, especially following elections, when a new slate of elected officials is elevated to high-office amid great pomp-and-circumstance – a time of anticipation – when we expect the ardent promises of the campaign season to come to fruition.

The fact is those self-aggrandizing stuffed-shirts who fill expensive wingback chairs on the dais of power are little more than wooden bowsprits – elaborate figureheads fixed at the prow of a large and often unwieldy ship – without any control over the speed, direction, or momentum of the vessel.

As the policymaking arm, at best, the council or commission may set the ultimate destination – but make no mistake, how the ship of government navigates, and when it arrives – will be determined by the omnipotent City or County Manager.

In this “Council/Manager” form of government, the inviolate pecking order is explained to newly elected officials before they take office – the “chain of command” – a hierarchy usually established by the jurisdiction’s governing charter which, in theory, protects public employees from the meddling of politically motivated elected officials using a sacrosanct “hands-off” policy that keeps the council or commission members away from the tiller.

Conversely, the city or county manager is appointed (and terminated) by majority vote of the elected body and granted the extraordinary authority and responsibility to administrate the daily operations of government, carryout the policies of the council or commission, hire, fire, and discipline employees, and given wide latitude to ensure efficient service delivery. 

Trust me.  It’s a hard dollar. 

Because with enormous authority comes incredible responsibility. 

Optimally, the chief executive employs strong leadership to maintain sound organizational discipline, respects the formidable power of government, identifies objectives, communicates effectively, provides equal and unbiased information to the policymakers, exercises judgment, builds esprit de corps, instills confidence in constituents, and effectively directs personnel and resources under his or her command to accomplish difficult goals important to our collective welfare.

Most important, the leader sets and demands high moral and ethical standards so subordinates will act honorably in the absence of direct supervision. 

The role is never static – constantly in flux – and it requires the ability to ‘multi-task,’ evaluate, consider variables, constantly monitor high-liability operations, adjust to changing conditions, and anticipate future challenges in time to adapt.

Regardless of the pursuit, a leader – public or private – must have the ability to maintain situational awareness at all times, even in the fog and confusion of stressful or rapidly changing conditions, and constantly evaluate Context, Circumstance, and Consequence.

What is happening.  What has happened.  What could happen.

You either have that three-dimensional mental picture or you don’t – and once lost, it is extremely difficult to recover in a dynamic environment – and nothing is more noticeable, or destructive to morale and public confidence, than a “leader” who has lost command and control of a situation or organization.

Initially, the crisis phase is marked by the element of surprise – horrible revelations “pop-up” out of nowhere, misperceptions drive the solution, the wagons are circled, established processes are manipulated to accommodate situations, and cracks begin to appear in the carefully constructed façade.

Often, people in the upper-echelons of government – senior leaders who should be “in the know” – appear to be caught unaware, resulting in a lack of faith in management and a growing sense of organizational confusion – with subordinates and constituents left flummoxed by the actions of those in positions of great responsibility.

Unfortunately, once this damaging process begins, it is often unrecoverable – resulting in systemic failures, finger-pointing, retaliation, “cover-ups,” misplacing blame on subordinates or “failed technology,” and a creeping atmosphere of suspicion and animosity ensues. 

Sound familiar?

In November, The Daytona Beach News-Journal published an in-depth look at another brewing scandal in the cloistered Halls of Power at the Thomas C. Kelly Administrative Building in DeLand, when reporter Frank Fernandez exposed allegations of “malicious and abusive behavior” toward inmates at the Volusia County Branch Jail…” and, more disturbing, a possible cover-up at the highest levels of county government.

According to the News-Journal’s exposé, now neutered Volusia County Department of Corrections Director Mark Flowers retained the venerable Daytona Beach attorney Kelly Chanfrau whose firm investigated claims that former Director Flowers was retaliated against after he blew the whistle on the physical abuse of inmates.

In turn, Chanfrau forwarded correspondence to County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald that included a memorandum headed “formal written complaint” that Flowers sent to the County Manager on August 6, just days before his suspension and isolation, wherein Flowers wrote that he has repeatedly reported unlawful actions at the jail and suggested a “cover up” surrounding a use-of-force incident against an inmate.

According to the report, against Flowers’ recommendation, Mark Swanson, who, rather than being relieved, was recently appointed Director of the Public Protection Department (?), “…reassigned the officers involved to other duties in the jail rather than removing them from the facility to prevent any possibility of witness intimidation or harassment.”

Ultimately, Flowers was removed from office, stripped of his responsibilities, and forced to work from the very public and humiliating pillory of a conference room. 

Last month, a Volusia County mouthpiece cryptically told us that “portions” of the investigation had been handed over to FDLE – then, with the investigation presumably still underway – late last week, we learned in an informative follow-up by the News-Journal:

“Volusia County filed a notice of intent to fire Corrections Director Mark Flowers, who has alleged the county is retaliating against him after he complained that corrections officers were abusing inmates. Volusia County fired back at Flowers, accusing him in its notice, among other things, of violating policies by ordering that an inmate be placed face-down in a four-point restraint and demanding that another inmate on non-active suicide watch be moved without medical clearance.”

According to the shocking report, senior Volusia County officials now say inmates were abused at Flowers direction – to include instances of prisoners being hog-tied – with “inmate(s) being four-pointed in a prone position naked for several days” – an incredibly dangerous and painful practice that even a rookie law enforcement or corrections officer knows can result in death by positional asphyxiation – and others left in a disciplinary unit ominously called “10-A” for extended periods without basic hygiene products.  

My God.

Who do we believe?

As the accusations and counteraccusations play out, one thing is clear – inmates have been subjected to abuse inside the isolated walls of the Volusia County Jail – and a hostile workplace exists for an already demoralized corrections staff.

In my view, regardless of who is ultimately found culpable for this abominable conduct, County Manager George Recktenwald bears ultimate responsibility for the acts and omissions of his subordinates. 

According to the News-Journal’s report:

“Councilman Danny Robins said the situation is under the purview of the county manager and that it was his understanding that Flowers would meet with Recktenwald Friday, though he wasn’t sure what would happen.

Councilman Ben Johnson and Vice Chair Barb Girtman declined to comment. Volusia County Council members Jeff Brower, Billie Wheeler and Heather Post couldn’t be reached.”

Councilman Robins is right. 

This repugnant scandal is directly under the “purview” of the County Manager – and the inviolate rule of command is that responsibility may be delegated, but ultimate accountability cannot be abdicated – and Mr. Recktenwald either knew, or should have known, what was going on at the Department of Corrections. 

Frankly, the old dodge, “I didn’t know what was happening,” is not a privilege afforded to those who are held to exacting standards of professionalism and personal accountability – and a chief executive commanding an annual salary of over $224,000 plus benefits and perquisites should understand that.

In my view, as an act of conscience – County Manager Recktenwald has a responsibility to step down and allow an external criminal investigation of abuses at the Volusia County Jail to proceed.   

Then, if there is any justice, let those who brutalized inmates – and those whose inaction facilitated it – find themselves in a similar predicament as their victims.      

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               The Reconstituted Deltona City Commission

West Volusia Beacon reporter Al Everson said it best:

“What a difference an election makes!”

On November 28, the newly constituted Deltona City Commission voted unanimously to reject a rezoning request that would have permitted an additional 145 homes in Fernanda Place on Deltona’s east side. 

With recently elected Mayor Santiago Avila Jr. and three new commissioners on the dais, in a refreshing break from tradition, the elected officials listened to constituent concerns surrounding increased density, traffic, and inadequate parking – ignored attractive baubles, gewgaws, and developer incentives – such as a swimming pool, a dog park, enhanced tree preservation, and a $100,000 cash spiff to the City of Deltona “for affordable housing efforts” – and voted 7-0 to deny the zoning change from Agricultural to Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD). 

The bold move to protect the quality of life for existing residents resulted in an ominous warning from the developer’s normally conciliatory attorney, Mark Watts:

“The property currently has rights.  There’s going to be development there.”

According to an excellent report by Al Everson writing in the West Volusia Beacon:

“After the commission voted down the ordinance to rezone the property for Phase 3 of Fernanda Place, Watts left the meeting, but he indicated he and his clients are not giving up.

“The property has rights to develop,” he said, adding he may submit a new request for Phase 3.

“We can file tomorrow,” he concluded.

In other words (in my best Schwarzenegger impression): “I’ll be bach.”

And you can bet your sweet bippy they will. . . 

In my view, for the first time in a long time, a local elected body put down the rubberstamp and held firm to existing zoning regulations to protect the character of their community from the rampant overdevelopment that has stressed existing transportation infrastructure, added to flooding concerns, and threatened the quantity and quality of our drinking water supply across Volusia County.

In addition, according to the Beacon’s report, in a refreshing about face from the “Us vs. Them” mentality that has gripped Deltona City Hall for years, Commissioners removed the “…cordons in the commission chambers that formed a sort of no man’s land between the audience and the dais.”

Bravo! 

First implemented by former Mayor Heidi Herzberg during the bad old days of 2019 when Deltona residents were rightfully up-in-arms over the direction of their community – the physical barrier separating citizens from those they elect to represent their interests was a bitter reminder of an ugly and divisive period in the city’s history.

Although the physical screening procedures at the entrance to the commission chamber will remain, Mayor Avila assured the citizens of Deltona that he is committed to representing all residents of Deltona – and extended an olive branch to wary citizens asking that they trust their city commission going forward. 

That’s going to take time – but this week’s meeting was good start toward mending fences. 

I have often said, if the City of Deltona is to remain a legitimate entity, then the elected officials must begin the painful process of sorting through the contentious baggage and set a collective vision, put aside the mean-spirited “gotcha” politics, collusions, and accusatory maneuvers, and work cooperatively with stakeholders to achieve civic equilibrium.

While it is too early to tell how things will shake out, in my view, Mayor Avila and the reconstituted Deltona City Commission is making great strides to reverse the sins of the past and restore public confidence at City Hall. 

Excellent work.

Asshole           Volusia County Council

Just one month ago, The Daytona Beach News-Journal published an in-depth look at another brewing scandal in the cloistered Halls of Power at the Thomas C. Kelly Administrative Building in DeLand, when reporter Frank Fernandez exposed allegations of “malicious and abusive behavior” toward inmates at the Volusia County Branch Jail…” and, more disturbing, a possible cover-up at the highest levels of county government.

According to the News-Journal’s exposé, now neutered Volusia County Department of Corrections Director Mark Flowers retained the venerable Daytona Beach attorney Kelly Chanfrau whose firm investigated claims that Director Flowers was retaliated against after he blew the whistle on the physical abuse of inmates. 

In turn, Chanfrau forwarded correspondence to County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald that included a memorandum headed “formal written complaint” that Flowers sent to the County Manager on August 6, just days before his suspension and isolation:

“In the memo, Flowers wrote that he has repeatedly reported unlawful actions that have occurred within the jail, but the issues have not been addressed. Flowers wrote there was a cover-up involving a use-of-force incident against an inmate named Justin Caruthers. He wrote that Caruthers reported that “Your correctional officers beat my ass.”

Flowers wrote that two correctional officers witnessed the incident and wrote statements. The two officers said that while they could not point to any individual officer, Caruthers was struck and punched numerous times in the head and body. A nurse at the jail said, “They beat his ass,” Flowers reported. Flowers wrote that nine days after the incident he interviewed Caruthers, who still had two black eyes.

Flowers said that against his recommendation, Mark Swanson, the interim director of the Public Protection Department, reassigned the officers involved to other duties in the jail rather than removing them from the facility to prevent any possibility of witness intimidation or harassment.”

In my experience, public and private organizations that value the public trust take credible allegations brought by a sitting department head seriously – and act upon them in an open and transparent way – to protect the integrity of the process.    

But not in Volusia County.

Here, the old “fire him or promote him” managerial style is clearly alive and well – cementing a culture of mediocrity that rewards those who toe the line, keep their mouth shut, and help marginalize anyone who dares blow the whistle on the dark side of this cloistered and opaque “government.” 

On Tuesday, rather than formally relieve Recktenwald and Swanson pending an independent external investigation into Flower’s serious accusations (we were told in November by a Volusia County mouthpiece that FDLE is handling a “portion of the investigation”) – the Volusia County Council (with Chairman Jeff Brower absent) voted 5-0 to reward Swanson by enshrining him as permanent director of the Public Protection Department. 

Really?

Look, I get it. 

No one gives two-shits about the physical abuse of inmates (unless and until you or a loved one get your teeth kicked in on the floor of some fetid jail cell).

Let’s face it, outside of their defense attorneys, incarcerated convicts don’t have a very good lobby – but the integrity of the system should matter to everyone who pays taxes and expects professionalism and accountability from those who accept public funds.

Instead, Volusia’s bloated bureaucracy continued its exponential expansion this week when Recktenwald announced the formation of the new Emergency Services Department – which transfers a few services from the existing Public Protection Department (emergency medical services, emergency management, emergency medical administration, and fire/rescue) – and places them under the Emergency Services Division’s new director, Jim Judge.

In perfect bureaucratese, The Wreck explained, “I think this puts us in a good position to capture efficiencies and to continue to evolve the department.”

(Yeah.  I know.  It’s the art of expending hot air while saying absolutely nothing of substance.)

No word yet on what those “efficiencies” will amount to in dollars saved – but according to a recent article in The Daytona Beach News-Journal – prior to their promotions, Director Swanson commanded $144,592.88 annually while Director Judge enjoyed a handsome salary of $135,015.32, and that’s while they served in an interim status. . . 

Whatever.

Keep the faith, kids.  Help is on the way!   

Come January, when those we recently elevated to high office are sworn in, we will see them immediately roll up their sleeves and begin the process of right sizing this gluttonous bureaucracy – putting the fiscally conservative values that got them elected into action – and making good on their promises of cutting taxes, reducing costs, chopping the dead wood, and whittling things down to a “smaller, more efficient” government.    

Right. . .

Angel               L. Gale Lemerand

According to Merriam-Webster the word philanthropy means literally “love of mankind.”

In 2014, Halifax area business leader L. Gale Lemerand was rightfully named “Philanthropist of the Year” by the Volusia-Flagler chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

No one deserved that special recognition more. 

At the time, Mr. Lemerand said, “If someone’s living the American Dream as I have been, I believe it’s important to give back to the community and to help others who haven’t been as fortunate,” said Lemerand. “The community’s been good to me. I’m really happy to be in the position to give back.”

Before I retired as Chief of Police for the City of Holly Hill, our community was experiencing the disastrous effects of The Great Recession resulting in far-reaching funding cuts to programs and services our citizens had come to rely on. 

During those very dark days, quite unexpectedly, Mr. Lemerand appeared at City Hall and graciously offered to fund an important social program that benefited underserved families in our community. Without question, demands, or recognition – L. Gale Lemerand simply saw an unfulfilled need and selflessly donated the resources required to ensure those less fortunate were cared for.

I have never forgotten that.  How one man’s noble generosity in the face of terrible uncertainty gave hope to so many during that grim time. 

This week, it was announced that Mr. Lemerand has graciously pledged $100,000 to the challenged Palm Terrace Elementary School in Daytona Beach – a Title 1 school where 95% of students are living in poverty. 

According to an excellent article by education reporter Danielle Johnson writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “The donation will have an “immense impact” on the student body, Volusia County Schools shared on social media, especially given the makeup of Palm Terrace’s nearly 600 students.”

The school’s new Assistant Principal Madison Miller – an outstanding educator who was named 2022-23 Teacher of the Year while at Chisholm Elementary – was quoted, “We are notably one of the, if not the, highest-need schools in this county,” she said Monday.

“Without education, many do not have a ticket out of poverty and less-than-desirable situations, she noted.”

The News-Journal report explained that, although Mr. Lemerand has been a longtime supporter of higher education, this represents his first donation to an elementary school:

“I went over and I met the principal and some of the students and was even more impressed with everything that I saw than I was before I made the donation,” he said, adding that the school welcomed him with its drum corps, choir, and cheerleading team.

Lemerand, 88, also came from humble beginnings. He was raised in a “very poor” family in Michigan and graduated high school but did not go to college.

“I guess that’s one of the reasons I support education so much is because I had missed out on it myself,” he said.

Mr. Lemerand understands from personal experience that an investment in education is an investment in the future.

By any measure, Mr. Lemerand’s life-changing generosity will have a significant and sustainable impact on the lives of Palm Terrace students – and the civic, social, and economic health of our community. 

A lasting tribute to one man’s unconditional love of humanity.

Thank you, Mr. Lemerand.  We’re glad you passed our way. 

Quote of the Week

“Again, Town Council members and residents, we have heard you.  By voting down the lease, versus tabling the agenda item so the terms can be modified to the satisfaction of both parties, you decidedly elected not to negotiate with the FBH Community.  If this Council was serious in negotiating with a non-profit, you wouldn’t instruct us to, as one Council Member put it, “go and write a new lease” without any additional information or clarity.  A cold remark from a Council Member when asked by Mayor Bennett if they were willing to entertain a revised lease, of “well, I can’t stop them from bringing another lease,” rather than answering the question, was insulting and gave us a clear message of your intent.”

–Founder and Chair of Food Brings Hope Forough Hosseini writing to the residents and Town Council of Pierson, Florida, Thursday, December 1, 2022

Residents on both sides of Volusia County’s palmetto curtain were secretly aghast this week when Forough Hosseini’s Food Brings Hope made good on its threat to pull $250,000 in much-needed educational and nutritional services from the tiny Northwest Volusia hamlet of Pierson following a David & Goliath pissing match. 

I say secretly, because no one – and I mean no one – openly challenges the House of Hosseini, especially county and municipal elected officials who are expected to genuflect anytime one of Volusia’s High Panjandrums of Political Power enter a council or commission chamber then obsequiously acquiesce to their every want and whim.   

The spat began over reasonable differences surrounding a proposed lease agreement which would have allowed Food Brings Hope to occupy several rooms of the Pierson Town Center for a token $1 per year for the next decade – leaving townsfolk on the hook for recurring expenses like maintenance, utilities, and insurance coverage.

That did not sit well with taxpayers in the challenged community of 1,491 who sought a more equitable arrangement. 

Ultimately, the Pierson Town Council listened to the concerns of their constituents and rejected the lease.  

Why?  With a limited tax base, they couldn’t afford it.

During the heated public meeting in November, FBH attorney Nika Hosseini threatened:

“If the town would like Food Brings Hope to route every call that we get from your residents to the town itself, we’re happy to do that,” she said. “… If you don’t want these services, we will allocate the quarter of a million dollars to other jurisdictions that are actively asking for them.”

And that is exactly what they did.

To add insult, on December 1, Forough Hosseini fired off a two-page snark-filled comeback to residents and their Town Council essentially detailing the many ways she was “insulted” by the community’s cautious response – correspondence that some quietly felt was petty, small, and unbecoming someone of Ms. Hosseini’s stature. 

That’s unfortunate.

As I said earlier in the week, to prove a point, Food Brings Hope stormed out of the needy community in a snit – essentially weaponizing their charity by withholding much-needed humanitarian services from hungry children who have absolutely no influence over the town’s difficult decision.

I’m not sure who is advising Ms. Hosseini, but she is certainly smart enough to know that using the suffering of disadvantaged families for political leverage is cruel. 

Especially at the Holidays. 

In my view, this unfortunate brouhaha has nothing to do with bringing food stability and literacy resources to those who desperately need them in Northwest Volusia – and everything to do with power and control.

It is one thing to fill a very real need in a challenged community like Pierson – it is quite another to become a burden on limited public resources while touting your virtuous deeds to those who simply cannot afford to help – then taking personal offense when those responsible for stewarding scarce public funds are forced to look the gift horse in the mouth.

In the aftermath, this meanspirited and incredibly public powerplay has exposed something we all recognize but rarely discuss (at least not openly) – and it has cost Food Brings Hope and its leadership the admiration, respect, and trust of those now left to ponder what consequences the charity’s retreat will have on those unfortunate children who have come to rely on these charitable efforts for sustenance.   

Food Brings Hope will hold its final community activity in Pierson – the Hope for the Holidays event – at the Mission San José of St. Peter Catholic Church from 5-7 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Yeah.  Merry Christmas. . .

And Another Thing! 

Now that the elections are over and our “new” elected officials are preparing to take their seats on the dais of power in January, I have been thinking about how our entrenched power structure perpetuates itself, the insidious influence of partisan politics on local races, and the importance of dissent and accountability to good governance.   

The answer to the first question is relatively simple:  Money.    

Those who observe local politics with a critical eye have long understood that Volusia County’s artificial economy is based on the whims of a very exclusive club – a group of wealthy power brokers who pass the same nickel around – and, with increasing frequency, that nickel originates from our tax dollars in the form of lucrative “economic development” incentives, tax abatement schemes, infrastructure, land giveaways, and other spiffs. 

For instance, it is one thing to use publicly funded partnerships to lure business and industry to Volusia County – it is quite another to ensure these new enterprises benefit those select few with a chip in the game. 

Sound familiar? 

Maintaining one’s place in the suckling order begins each election cycle when these wealthy insiders inject huge sums of money into the campaigns of hand-select candidates for local offices through their countless corporate entities, political action committees, and shadowy business alliances.

Volusia’s Old Guard did not accumulate massive personal wealth without the ability to control their environment, and, in my view, that is exactly what the political influence they purchase provides.

I have said this before – you do not need an MBA from The Wharton School to understand the concept of ROI – Return on Investment – and the road to the poor house is paved with the bones of those who ignored the simple analytical formula: Net Profit v. Cost of Investment.

The fact is members of Volusia County’s camera stellata did not become incredibly successful by shoving money down a rabbit hole and expecting a magical bean stalk to rise into the heavens where the Golden Goose resides. 

So, they skew the playing field.

All perfectly legal – because our slanted campaign finance system allows it. 

In my jaded view, influence and access represent that return on investment – and given the astronomical amount of “economic incentives” that local governments have showered upon this exclusive group (and emerging players) – I would say they have done extremely well on the risk/reward scale.

The modus operandi for consolidating power rarely changes – because it works. 

Once the various courtiers and favorites are selected for advancement to high office, those powerful party bosses at the Volusia Republican Executive Committee insinuate partisan support into non-partisan local races through lopsided “voter guides,” endorsements, and coordinated smear campaigns – while “grassroots” candidates are labeled “RINO’s” (or worse), shut out, cash starved, and left to wither on the vine. 

Then, when the playing field is set, the pernicious “system” destroys any opposition – or independent thought – while rewarding those obsequious toadies who perpetuate the stagnant status quo. 

Don’t take my word for it.     

Ask Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower or Councilwoman Heather Post how it feels to be on the outside looking in and have your every initiative marginalized and invalidated – to be snickered about in the cloakrooms of haughty “civic” clubs and cliquish political fishing camps – while being publicly beaten like a square peg into the round hole of conformity. 

If you think it is bad now – wait until January when the real bloodletting begins. 

Is what we experience in Volusia County quid pro quo corruption?

I don’t know. 

But in my jaded view, it has a whiff of the shit about it.

What I do know is that when these powerful insiders appear in various council and commission chambers, invariably – I mean 100% of the time – the issue, project, incentive, or development they support is handed to them on a gilded platter, while We, The Little People are left on the outside looking in – expected to pay the bills and keep our pie holes shut.

Am I wrong?

As a result, these omnipotent power players have assumed an almost mythical stature in a place where thousands live at or below the poverty level – with more than 45,000 working households considered asset limited/income constrained in Volusia County – with the only possibility of escaping the vicious cycle now limited to $15 an hour scutwork in an industrial warehouse.     

So, what can we do about it?  

Given the apathy of most registered voters on the Fun Coast – not much.

But substantive change – and a government of the people, by the people, and for the people – is worth striving for.

Even when the odds seem insurmountable. 

We can start by reminding our neighbors, children, and grandchildren that all political power springs from the will and consent of the governed – not the wallet of some Fat Cat with a profit motive and an outsized sense of entitlement – or the compromised yammering of their hired marionettes on the dais of power who work hard to convince us this stagnant oligarchical rule is the best we can hope for.  

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