In my estimation, Tampa-based developer The Framework Group – and our old friends over at CTO Realty Growth (formerly known as the good ol’ boys investment club Consolidated Tomoka Land Company) – have some powerful advocates in the bowels of Daytona Beach City Hall. 

Wow, just imagine if long-suffering residents and small businesses had that same level of support and encouragement in the halls of power, eh? 

One month after being taken to the woodshed by the Daytona Beach City Commission for dragging a half-baked plan into the light of day just six-hours before the elected officials were expected to vote on a downtown apartment project – one that would have citizens reimbursing the developer $10.5 million in property tax revenue – this week, city officials were back with a “new” plan that looked a whole lot like the “old” plan. 

The roll out came with Deputy City Manager/Fire Chief Dru Driscoll essentially serving as Framework Group’s marketing director – singing the praises of the newest iteration of the panacea project in an open memo to his boss, City Manager Jim Chisholm – with claims the apartment complex will, “elevate downtown property values, eliminate blight, have a strong economic impact and possibly become a catalyst for other new development in the area.”

Oh, I could swear that during his presentation last night Mr. Driscoll openly claimed another benefit to the community would be the use of city water to “hydrate workers.” 

Really?  Now that takes some serious huevos. . .

Drink up, fellas!  Time to give something back to the taxpayers, right!

My ass.

According to the “plan,” in exchange for their “reinvestment” of tax dollars, Daytona Beach residents would receive 88 paid parking spaces for a period of 30 years – and thirty subsidized apartments in the complex set aside for “moderate income” (?) residents for five years.

The term “moderate income” was confusing to rubes like me – who see a benefit in incorporating workforce housing in downtown – yet questioned the viability of publicly subsidizing the Joad family in a posh downtown apartment complex. . .

That was not the only bugaboo with the “plan” that bothered area residents. 

Several weeks ago, The Framework Group – through their mouthpiece Jim Chisholm – admitted they could not afford to build the parking garage without some $15 million in public assistance, and many in the community thought it presumptuous of the developer to propose a plan that built in public incentives from its inception.

In my view, the project was wrongly sold as the only viable alternative for the site (it wasn’t) – and many concerned citizens held up the secretive backroom wrangling as a prime example of how certain projects (those involving all the right last names) are ramrodded to completion – while other civic needs are allowed to slowly wither and die (think Main Street, A-1-A, Midtown, etc.).  

On Wednesday evening, several citizens approached their autarchic rulers – and, for 2.5 minutes each – spoke eloquently against the massive giveaway, only to have their concerns denigrated as “hype” and “yellow journalism” by Mayor Derrick Henry as he droned on with another nonsensical, coma-inducing, and horribly divisive diatribe.

It became clear to me that this well-orchestrated farce was a foregone conclusion when those who spoke for the project were not similarly lectured by Mr. Henry. . . 

In my view, Mayor Henry once again alienated those who pay the bills and watch helplessly as large swaths of their community continue to deteriorate under false “catalyst” promises – while the malleable ‘powers that be’ and those shadow groups who control them – throw even more public money at the revitalization of three short blocks between Beach Street and Ridgewood Avenue.

My God.

It was classic Daytona Beach – fits, misdirection, showmanship, and drama – bad Kabuki theater that, early on, included dubious plans for an $18 to $24 million city hall complex.

But no one paying attention really thought Sir John Albright over at CTO Realty Growth would be denied his paying customer – or that The Framework Group wouldn’t get ears-deep in the public trough. . .

At the end of the day, the Daytona Beach City Commission agreed to eliminate the “thirty moderate income apartments” ruse in favor of asking the developer to contribute an undisclosed sum to a yet to be created workforce housing fund and yammered some gibberish about parking spots. . .

Then, just like that, the deal was railroaded through on a unanimous vote. 

I hope this will serve as a stark reminder: There are no “new” plans.

Although the scheme comes in different disguises – they are all variations on the same theme.

The goal will always be to use your hard-earned tax dollars to underwrite the private profit motives of those with a chip in the game – and the needs of We, The Little People, remain an afterthought.

Toot! Toot!  All Aboard!  Take a ride on the Chisholm Choo-Choo!

Hold on tight, folks!  The next backroom deal is right around the corner as developers scramble for even more handouts and giveaways before Big Jimmy disembarks this gravy train for good!

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               Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young

Last week, I watched online as my friend and former law enforcement colleague, Jakari Young, was rightfully appointed the 17^th Chief of Police for the City of Daytona Beach.

Well deserved. 

At just 42 years old, Chief Young has worked hard to gain the education, reputation and experience necessary – proving himself, both operationally and administratively – and has now reached the pinnacle of a stellar 19-year career with the Daytona Beach Police Department.

There are few positions more important to the day-to-day life of a community because police officers hold the dual role of law enforcement and public service – protecting, serving, and safeguarding while bringing those responsible for victimizing others to justice.  

As the most visible arm of local government, how a city’s police department is perceived by residents, businesses, and visitors is important to civic harmony and progress.

It is a high-speed endeavor, and only those who have sat in the seat can understand the unique challenges. 

Locally, the job also comes with a wonderful sense of collegiality and friendship from the other chiefs and directors throughout Volusia County who always stand ready to assist and support one another.   

Under the expert leadership of former Chief Craig Capri – who served the community for 31-years with a personal care and concern that proved how much he loved the job and those he served – the Daytona Beach Police Department has become a shining example of diversity, engagement, and community partnership.

From my vantagepoint, Chief Young possesses a strategic mind and sharp intellect, honed by a wealth of practical leadership experience, and he embodies the strength of character and quiet professionalism that instills confidence in those around him.  

I also wanted to recognize the good instincts of City Manager Jim Chisholm, who selected Chief Young without hesitation – a smart move that avoided the always painful “nationwide search” – which naturally creates organizational anxiety and destroys morale, especially when the logical internal choice is as polished and professional as Jakari Young.  

Say what you will about Mr. Chisholm’s tenure at Daytona Beach – he has a true knack for picking outstanding police executives.      

During his touching swearing in ceremony on the steps of City Hall last week, Chief Young said:

“You have a chief who will keep God first in all he does, with the professional courage to make tough decisions, who desires nothing more than to be a public servant and will keep the sanctity of life central.” 

Powerful words from a humble man of service. 

Godspeed Chief Young – and congratulations on this outstanding milestone. 

Asshole           Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Some politicians stick around long after their expiration date – too prideful to step aside – always searching for a vainglorious new way to remain relevant after their natural shelf life.      

Like bad mayonnaise at a sweltering summer picnic, they sit around in their own stench and foul everything they touch. 

Earlier this week, a press release from Governor DeSantis announced that our doddering fool of a lame duck County Chair, Ed Kelley, recently received a gubernatorial appointment to something called a “local government efficiency task force.” 

You read that right.

Look, Governor DeSantis isn’t having the best week of his career – but this is over-the-top.

I must be missing something, because a legislative push for a local government task force (HB 7101) died in committee in March – and the State of Florida’s efficiency task force, which meets every four years – finished its work in September, so I’m not sure what this appointment means.

In my view, to mention Old Ed in any context of government efficiency, financial responsibility, or political accountability makes a mockery of the very concept. 

Seriously? 

I have argued that this political hack has not had an original thought since he accepted his first campaign contribution. 

What vetting could Governor DeSantis possibly have done before naming this uninspired hayseed to anything – beyond holding his fetid elective career up as a cautionary tale of the Political Peter Principal in action?

Because he clearly hasn’t taken the time to study any of those hootenannies which pass for a Volusia County Council meeting that Chairman Kelley has bumbled, mumbled, and fumbled his way through for the past four-years. . .

What gives?

Just when Old Ed was handed the greatest defeat of his political life as Chairman-elect Jeff Brower crushed his hand-select successor, Dishonest Deb Denys – rather than shuffle-off to that rotten ash heap of history where perennial politicians go when they are no longer of value – we are told Mr. Kelley will now be responsible for “…developing recommendations for improving governmental operations and reducing costs.”

Really?   

Governor DeSantis has either bumped his head – or he does not realize that this meanspirited dullard couldn’t pour piss out of a boot with the instructions on the heel. 

Look, there is nothing in Old Ed’s political past that would remotely qualify him to recommend anything – beyond how best to lick the boots of political benefactors and protect the ramparts of a crumbling oligarchical system, like some demented sentry, too stubborn and addlebrained to see his battle has been lost.  

My God.

When is enough, enough?

Angel               Vienna Capital

I want to welcome Los Angeles-based investment group, Vienna Capital, to the family!

Look, I realize I come off like Chuckles the Dunk-Tank Insult Clown in this space – using foul language and hurling slights at those who, in my cynical view, take advantage of our natural resources, abdicate their responsibility to represent our interests, act like officious assholes or interfere with our unique heritage and traditions – like beach driving and access. 

But I truly support anyone who is willing to invest in the revitalization of our compromised core tourist area, using their own money, talent and resources to return the Daytona Beach Resort Area to its past grandeur and support a workforce that relies on our struggling hospitality industry for sustenance.   

This week, News-Journal business editor Clayton Park wrote an encouraging piece on Vienna Capital’s $8.3 million investment to acquire a “controlling stake” in various important aspects of the resort – including “…the hotel lobby, 40,000 square feet of meeting space, a spa, the 14-story hotel’s two restaurants, a deli and lobby bar, and 100 guest rooms.”

Clearly, Vienna Capital believes in the potential of both The Plaza Resort – and Daytona Beach – as they look to make substantial improvements to the property and add amenities, such as additional restaurants, a lounge and entertainment. 

According to the report, Jonathan Abraham Eid, the CEO of Vienna Capital, explained, “The whole thing is to bring it back to its heyday and to add value.”

I like that. 

In his article, Mr. Park quoted Bob Davis, CEO of the Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County, who recently met with Mr. Eid. 

“He talked pretty big. He talked about revitalizing Seabreeze Boulevard and wants it to become a hub for entertainment,” said Davis.

“It’s nice to have new ownership with expanded ideas. I like the idea of bringing back entertainment. I have a meeting set up with him and the Mayor when he comes back to town in December,” Davis said.”

Geeze, Bob.  What gives?

I thought you were on our side. 

Why do you have to go and spoil it by introducing our new friends to Mayor Derrick “Il Duce” Henry – who has single-handedly lorded over the most anti-business elected body in the history of the Halifax area – and established a culture at Daytona Beach City Hall that abhors entrepreneurial investment on the beachside and actively drives away small businesses?   

This is why we can’t have nice things, Bob. . . 

Whatever.

Here’s wishing Vienna Capital the best of luck as they become the next enthusiastic investment group to take a bite at this wormy apple that we call The World’s Most Famous Beach.

We need their fresh set of eyes – now, more than ever.

Asshole           Volusia County District Schools

In my view, the callous and reckless nature of how our money was squandered this week should shock the conscience of every Volusia County taxpayer. . .

If you thought things could not get worse at Volusia County Schools – think again.

At Tuesday’s School Board meeting – in a late night “off the agenda” ambush – our elected dullards gifted our “new” Superintendent, Dr. Carmen “Blundering” Balgobin, a whopping 34% pay increase commensurate with what I believe is her illegitimate title (we currently pay her $579.00 per day).

Originally hired to serve as Superintendent Scott Fritz’ Deputy (you know, to fill-in when Dr. Fritz is absent), in September, the VCSB implausibly considered a formal resolution extending Balgobin’s interim status, which included a strange “Whereas” that set the tone for Balgobin’s stomach-turning pay increase:

“Dr. Carmen Balgobin is currently being compensated at a rate of pay below the duties and responsibilities of serving as the District’s Superintendent.”   

Says who? 

Isn’t that what she was hired to do? 

At the same meeting, Blundering Balgobin, in concert with our heartless elected officials, pulled something of a bloodless coup d’état, undermining School Superintendent Dr. Scott Fritz as he recuperates from cancer treatment.

With little fanfare, the VCSB simply dropped the word “Interim” from Balgobin’s title – and, just like magic – we have a “new” Superintendent.

And things have been a raging dumpster fire ever since. . .  

At a time when the School Board just transferred $11 million from reserves to balance a bloated budget approaching One-Billion-Dollars – in the face of a pandemic and looming “financial crisis” – those we have elected to represent our highest and best interests thought now was the appropriate time to lavish an obscene pay increase on a ghostlike failed senior administrator?

My ass. 

As typically happens, this weeks VCSB meeting raised more questions than answers.

Did no one on the dais of power realize that Blundering Balgobin’s extravagant bump was far in excess of the paltry salary of most teachers, paraprofessionals and staff – and could have been used during these challenging times to support teaching and learning – you know, the district’s very reason for existence? 

Is it just me, or did School Board Attorney Ted Doran overstep his role when he actively lobbied for Balgobin’s pay increase – while simultaneously providing political insulation for our elected representatives?

Was $150,000 a year not enough compensation for a foundering deputy superintendent who was simply asked to fill the role as her boss takes medical leave?

And is anyone else concerned about the massive exodus of experienced teachers and staff from the district for “personal reasons”?  

I’m asking, because when you add this latest asinine decision to the long-list of five alarm foul-ups, gaffes, howlers, lawsuits, bloopers, internal scandals, negative press – and the paranoid refusal to substantively communicate with stakeholders – it is apparent our school system is in desperate trouble. 

Fortunately, political novice Anita Burnette trounced entrenched School Board Chair Ida Wright last week, largely on a refreshing platform of “changing district culture by improving communication and making sure educators feel valued; prioritizing spending on classroom needs and tightening spending in administrative budgets; and closing the achievement gap for minority students.”

Amen.

In coming months, it will be interesting to watch as our current elected officials – and their overpaid senior staff – set about beating any sense of independent thought out of Ms. Burnette in favor of the lock-step conformity that perpetuates this culture of malignant mediocrity.

Good luck, Ms. Burnette.  You’re gonna need it. . .

Quote of the Week

“Thank you to all the candidates that ran in 2020 that put in their time to talk with voters about their solutions for the issues we face today!

Win or lose, you gave voters a choice that best aligned with the values of the voters that voted for you. I encourage anyone who cared enough to vote to continue to care enough to get involved in making improvements for whichever issue you care about at the city level, county level, state level, or federal level. Be the change you wish to see.”

–Joe Hannoush, Ormond Beach, former Libertarian candidate for Florida House of Representatives District 25​, Letters to the Editor, Ormond Beach Observer, “A thank you to all that ran,” Monday, November 9, 2020

Well said, Joe. 

Thank you for participating in such a meaningful way – and for running a clean, issues-focused campaign.

We need more of that. 

You brought a touch of class to what is becoming a very dirty, divisive, and unappealing process in Volusia County and beyond.  

And Another Thing!

The essential right of free citizens is the ability to change our leaders, make choices on public policies that effect our lives, defend against limitations on our God-given rights and express our collective will from the sovereignty and secrecy of the ballot box. 

There are a lot of things wrong with Volusia County government. 

Our ability to conduct free, fair, and trustworthy elections isn’t one of them.

Kudos to Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis and her outstanding staff for their hard work and dedication to our democratic principles during the record setting 2020 election. 

In my view, Ms. Lewis and her staff were a trusted anchor during a very turbulent time – always mindful of the importance of preserving the public’s confidence in the system – and the courteous efficiency exhibited during early voting and on election day set a very high bar. 

The Volusia County Supervisor of Elections office deserves the thanks and admiration of all area citizens who participated in our most sacred right of self-determination.

You did us proud, Ms. Lewis. 

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

In my view, the most pressing issue with our modern “system” of governance is that no one in a position of authority is ever held responsible for their actions. 

Not ever.

The very concept of holding the power structure accountable for their acts and omissions is anathema in an age of Cover Your Ass politics, where, for the right price, any irresponsible decision, malfeasance, or error in judgement can be cleaned, polished, and molded into something different.

This week we learned that in July, a former Volusia County School District employee had the courage to file formal allegations of waste and mismanagement with the Florida Department of Education following repeat deadline extensions, change orders, and cost increases surrounding a new finance and human resources software system.

According to an informative piece by News-Journal education reporter Cassidy Alexander, “… the original price tag was $5.2 million for implementation. Three change orders have added $2.2 million to that cost — and that doesn’t count the additional $1 million license fee the district must also pay each year.”

Ultimately, under the management and direction of our All-Stars in the Ivory Tower of Power in DeLand, the implementation of the financial software is expected to cost you and me more than $10 million. . . 

Oh, did I mention that the project is now nearly two-years behind schedule?  Yeah. 

Inexplicably, upon receiving the whistleblower’s complaint, the state Department of Education directed that the Volusia County School Board investigate itself.

You read that right. 

So, the district hired a sharp labor and employment attorney from the mammoth legal/lobbying/consulting firm GrayRobinson – a one-stop government big box store – who took a look and determined the complaint should be dismissed with a finding of “no waste, fraud or financial mismanagement.”

Far be it from me to second-guess, but it appears our detective’s investigative efforts were limited to reviewing the complainant’s timeline of events and supporting documentation, then interviewing a paid “Project Manager/Consultant” – and everyone associated with this expensive debacle with “Chief,” “Director,” or “Senior” before their names. 

The whistleblower refused to participate in the district’s “investigation.”

That’s okay, the senior management team explained everything away quite handily. . . 

My ass.  

In the final report, our intrepid investigator explained, “This monumental task was proposed on an aggressive timeline,” “…against a backdrop of limited staff resources (some of whom are naturally resistant to change) without the necessary institutional knowledge and technology expertise needed for a project of this magnitude.”

In other words, it was not the fault of senior leadership – it was those obstructionist jacklegs and malcontented misfits they hired to serve the district’s information technology needs who screwed the pooch. . .

Apparently, we, the long-suffering taxpayers, were fools to think a project of this “monumental” magnitude could be had for a paltry $5.2 million.

As our learned sleuth deduced, “…it’s typical for projects like this to cost $6-to-$10 million,” lauding the district as, “thoughtful, diligent, and responsive in this process,” including salving our fears with the knowledge, “The VCSB has adjusted its team and methodology to ensure Phase 2 is implemented with fewer issues in 2021.”

I think “implemented with fewer issues” translates to, “We’ve learned from our mistakes – and we promise Phase 2 won’t be the same unmitigated shit show Phase 1 was. . .”

Right.

I was surprised that our detective took the district consultant’s word on the $6 to $10 million estimate. 

However, I was not so shocked that, “…no one interviewed raised any concerns about the cost of the implementation of the Oracle products.”

Nothing to see here, folks.  Simply hardworking senior bureaucrats going about the people’s business since 2017 in a thoughtful, diligent, and responsive manner – two million here, a million there – nothing to be concerned with. 

Now, move along. . . 

According to the News-Journal report, the complainant reported that he was fired from his position at Volusia County Schools after bringing his serious concerns to light. 

Not surprisingly, the scope of the district’s “investigation” did not include a review of allegations related to “…termination of employment or claims of whistleblower retaliation.”

In my view, We, The People, who pay the bills and suffer in silence, simply should not be asked to accept an investigation of the Volusia County School Board and its staff – when the investigator is selected and paid for by the Volusia County School Board.

I’m weird that way. . .

Whatever.

Let this serve as another valuable lesson to any potential whistleblower concerned about waste, fraud, and mismanagement at the massive money pit that is Volusia County Schools: 

Take your concerns and evidence directly to a state or federal law enforcement agency with the power to flash a badge, subpoena records, serve search warrants, and interrogate people under oath!

You would be amazed at what that combination of investigative tools can accomplish.

In my view, the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General has, once again, shirked its responsibility and weakened our system of checks-and-balances that protect taxpayers, students, teachers, and staff – and it is quickly losing the trust of those it serves.    

Tragic.  

If you thought things couldn’t get worse – think again. 

At yesterday’s Volusia County School Board meeting in an “off the agenda” ambush –  our elected dullards gifted our “new” Superintendent, Dr. Carmen “Blundering” Balgobin, a massive $50,000 pay raise commensurate with her title (we currently pay her $579.00 per day). 

As you may recall, in September, Blundering Balgobin, in concert with our heartless elected officials, pulled something of a bloodless coup d’état undermining School Superintendent Dr. Scott Fritz as he recuperates from cancer treatment.

With little fanfare, the School Board simply dropped the word “Interim” from Balgobin’s title – and, just like magic – we have a “new” superintendent.

And things have been an abject dumpster fire since she took command. . .   

At a time when the School Board just took $11 million from reserves to balance a bloated budget approaching $1 Billion – despite internal warnings of a looming “financial crisis” – those we have elected to represent our interests lavish an obscene pay increase on a ghostlike failed senior administrator?

Did no one on the dais of power realize that Blundering Balgobin’s $50,000 bump eclipses the annual household income of the average Volusia County family – and could have been used to support teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff members – who are struggling to make ends meet on pitifully inadequate salaries?  

Is it just me, or is anyone else bothered by the massive exodus of teachers and staff from the district for “personal reasons”?   

My God.  

Fortunately, political novice Anita Burnette trounced entrenched School Board Chair Ida Wright last week, largely on a refreshing platform of “changing district culture by improving communication and making sure educators feel valued; prioritizing spending on classroom needs and tightening spending in administrative budgets; and closing the achievement gap for minority students.”

Amen. 

In coming months, it will be interesting to watch as our current elected officials – and their overpaid senior staff – set about beating any sense of independent thought out of Ms. Burnette in favor of the lock-step conformity that perpetuates this culture of malignant mediocrity. 

Good luck, Ms. Burnette.  You’re gonna need it. . .

Sometimes I am astounded at just how tone-deaf our Halifax area ‘movers-and-shakers’ can be. 

Call it an obtuse insensitivity to what the average Volusia County resident is feeling – or a complete inability to grasp what those trying desperately to eke out a living in this artificial economy experience in a skewed marketplace, where incentives and cash infusions go to some well-connected businesses, while others are allowed to wither and die – and you see just how out-of-touch some “very important people” in our community truly are.   

In his usually cogent piece in Sunday’s Daytona Beach News-Journal, editor Pat Rice voiced the opinion that newly elected Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower is the one who needs to “mend fences” with the same uber-wealthy political insiders who did everything in their sizeable power to block his election while pouring massive amounts of cash into his challenger’s campaign account – collectively pissing away hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in the worse investment of their lives.

Now, Mr. Brower is the one who should make-nice and mend fences?

My ass.

Despite Mr. Rice’s pathological need to publicly smooch the backsides of King J. Hyatt Brown, Mori Hosseini, Glenn Ritchey, and their cronies at that mysterious camera stellata over at the Volusia CEO Business Alliance – the fact is, Volusia County voters just sent a resounding message that they are sick and tired of business as usual – and, through their sacred vote – are actively throwing off the traces of pay-to-play politics and the long-standing good ol’ boy network that facilitates it.

Frankly, I find it rich that Mr. Rice, who lightly veiled his active support for Mr. Brower’s opponent in a gauzy attempt to avoid the appearance of bias, believes that our new County Chair should immediately acquiesce to the status quo, and embrace a system where a mega-developer – not those we elect to represent our interests – controls the flow of funding from the state legislature – and gazillionaires feed greedily at the public trough as they pad their private projects with our tax dollars and act like they’re doing us a favor. 

And don’t get me started on that sham known as Team Volusia – which is little more than a publicly funded international travel club for its upper-crust do-nothings – who never met a low-hanging warehouse job they didn’t like. . .

When Mr. Rice mewls about how difficult it is to attract new business to Volusia County – and those elusive “high-paying jobs” that always seem just beyond our grasp – perhaps he should consider that many companies don’t want to locate their operation in an environment where a few well-heeled insiders have suppressed civic, social, and economic progress in favor of private profits, monopolized the political landscape by insulating city/county executives, and skewed the local marketplace for decades. 

“In the end, the county chair is just another member of the County Council. The position’s power is largely symbolic.  And mandates are fleeting.”

I wonder how different that quote from Mr. Rice’s lecture might have been had Dishonest Deb Denys come away from this knife-fight victorious? 

In my view, it is high time that the editor of what’s left of our local newspaper – and those who have used wealth, power, and the privilege that comes when smart people in public office equate the size of one’s bank account with the clarity of their civic vision – comes to the realization that We, The Little People, have spoken.

And that rallying cry was not limited to the Volusia County Council.

In Daytona Beach, political newcomer Stacy Cantu routed entrenched incumbent Rob Gilliland – who never met a massive theme development he didn’t like – and championed the sprawl which now blankets our aquifer recharge areas off Boomtown Boulevard west of I-95.  

Clearly, taxpayers are no longer content to discuss decades-old issues at contrived coffee klatches while our core tourist area and beachside gateway continues to rot – a malignant blight that is repellant to entrepreneurial investment – while established businesses find a way to relocate to surrounding communities who are welcoming them with open arms. 

In Sunday’s News-Journal editorial, “A county faces change,” which was collocated next to Mr. Rice’s piece, our local newspaper opined:

“Brower, in particular, should reach out to groups like the CEO Business Alliance, ensuring the county’s participation on the economic-development team that helps recruit good jobs. He may have run against the local power structure, but as county chair he has a duty to build alliances that work toward Volusia County’s best interests.”

Bullshit.

For far too long the power dynamic in Volusia County has required the peoples elected representatives kowtow before the insiders who hold title on their political future as they obsequiously genuflect before their monarchial overseers, hat in hand, and seek permission before invariably acting contrary to the interests of their constituents. 

Now, it is time for our greedy former ‘power brokers’ to assume their place in line – no better or worse than any other taxpaying citizen of Volusia County – and participate in a true democratic system of governance where massive campaign contributions to hand-select candidates no longer rules the day – or influences lopsided policies that control our lives and livelihoods.

In my view, Mr. Rice should understand that Jeff Brower isn’t beholden to anyone but those elected him to high office – and he isn’t required to grovel to special interests – especially those who worked (and spent) so desperately to silence his message, besmirch his character, and protect the status quo.

The balance of power just returned where it rightfully belongs – with the citizens of Volusia County. 

Get used to it.  

“For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeters, musicians, and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him.  Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses.  A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting.”

– Gen. George S. Patton

I am a realist – a pragmatic seeker of that which is real and possible – and I tend to dismiss those who live in some chimerical fantasyland where ‘hope’ is the operative strategy. 

For me, genuineness has always been infinitely more fascinating than make-believe.  Perhaps because the truth is such a rare and precious commodity in modern life. 

Even as a kid, I was never frightened by Halloween haunted houses – or mesmerized by the “magic” of Disney World – because I was always poking my head behind-the-scenes, pointing out the rods, pullies and animatronics that most pretend don’t exist in their desire to be willingly fooled and “entertained.”     

My life experience, which includes graduating magna cum laude from the prestigious Institut des Coups Durs, has taught me that things are never quite as good – or bad – as we think they are. 

But it has made me hyper-suspicious of politicians, magicians, and snake oil salesmen (sorry for the redundancy) who spin the truth and use deceptive persuasion, half-truths, and exaggerated sleight-of-hand to create an alternate reality that, over time, we come to accept as fact.

Look, don’t take my word for it. 

Turn on any network news sideshow – or open a major newspaper this morning – and you tell me if anything you hear, see, or read materially comports with known facts? 

In the aftermath of our local elections, I read with interest the pie-in-the-sky goals of some of our newly elected officials – many of whom are about to experience their first sweet taste of unbridled power and influence in the microcosm of city or county government – where the haughty trappings of office and the obsequious fawning of their “new friends” with ulterior motives can be more intoxicating than 101 proof bourbon. 

Meeting those highfalutin goals won’t be easy for most – and downright impossible for some – and they will have no one to blame but themselves.

In a previous life, I once heard a story about a newly minted elected official who was invited to a congratulatory dinner following his election by a prominent real estate developer, and how incredibly impressed the neophyte politician – a service industry worker by trade – was when the wealthy businessman paid for dinner and drinks with a “black” American Express Centurion card.

I thought how easily alliances are changed, ethics compromised, and campaign promises broken when the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker enter this heady new world – where they are finally treated like “equals” and everyone laughs at their jokes – a slippery slope where they are told anything is possible with the right application of the people’s money.  

An ultimately cruel and unforgiving place where they are immediately forgotten, like so much worthless rubbish, when they lose an election and no longer hold value for those once backslapping “friends” who stand at the nexus of public funds and private profit motives. 

Nobody said public service would be easy.

If I were to purchase one gift for first term politicians preparing to take their seat on the dais of power, it would be a hand mirror.

When the time comes – and it will – when the crown lays heavy and the feeling of infallibility overcomes the willingness to listen, when their neighbors are screaming and chippie critics like me are bitching about how they screwed up the difficult calls, when compromising their ethics would be the easiest course, or those times when special interests are lobbying for a controversial policy or perquisite – they could take a hard look in that mirror and remember why they sought and fought to serve in the first place.  

To those who have just ascended to high office, here are some things I learned from three-decades in public life that may help once the euphoria of the big win and well-deserved celebrations have ended.

And its some pretty good advice for anyone who currently holds public office.

Consider it a heartfelt gift from me to you – a primer on “How to succeed in government without really trying”:

Rubber-chicken dinners and galas with haughty awards, ego massage, and goofy accolades are not important – coffee with a concerned constituent is.

Humility and a true willingness to admit honest mistakes – then correcting them – is omnipotent to winning and keeping the public’s trust – because people can forgive those errors and omissions they see themselves making.

The loudest person in the room is not always right.  They are not always wrong, either.   

Your constituents understand that you are human, but they expect and deserve a commitment to the ultimate in ethical, moral and honorable behavior that respects human dignity, obeys the rule of law, and brings honor to public service.

And citizens demand that elected officials hold themselves, and others in positions of power, accountable for their actions – because anything less weakens the system.

It is also important to support career civil servants – listen to their suggestions and recommendations for improving service delivery – and never use them as pawns or scapegoats for political expediency. 

Demand a high standard of excellence from the city/county manager – he or she holds more of the cards than any one elected official – and give the executive the courtesy of frequent, fair, and objective performance reviews so they know where they stand, what you expect, and how they can improve. 

In public service, courage is defined as the mental, moral, and physical strength that sees us through challenges and allows us to do the right thing – for the right reason – and lead by personal example as you make the difficult decisions that touch the lives and livelihoods of those you serve under incredible internal and external pressures.

Find that inner courage – hold firm to your sacred oath of office and core values – and take pride in the fact your neighbors, staff, and fellow citizens have put their confidence in your ability to lead – and your vision for our collective future.

And never lose sight of the impermanence of power and position. 

“All glory is fleeting. . .” 

That is the reality of politics. 

As I write this, perhaps the strangest election of our lifetime is over, and we still do not know who our next president will be, and probably won’t for the foreseeable future.

What we do know is that in Volusia County record numbers of informed voters stood firm and let our entrenched power structure know that there is some shit we won’t eat.

And it feels damn good to win one for a change, eh? 

Our County Chair race was a clear referendum on pay-to-play politics – an oligarchical system that for far too long has allowed a small coterie of well-heeled insiders to control our lives and livelihoods through the infusion of massive amounts of cash into the campaign coffers of hand-select candidates for public office. 

In essence, We, The Little People, have been told who (and what) we would be voting for as both the candidates – and the message – were wholly controlled by those seeking to retain their suckling order at the public teat. 

Finally, the blatancy of the manipulation became a sick joke, and many residents became apathetic – almost accepting – of a system that abhorred citizen input and destroyed anyone who attempted to expose the sham.    

In time, the spirit of democracy was slowly replaced by a support system for uber-wealthy insiders with a profit motive.

The depth of the problem became evident when District 4 Councilwoman Heather Post was elected following a hard-fought campaign in 2016. 

Almost immediately, our doddering fool of a lame duck County Chair, Ed Kelley, began the process of beating any independent thought or action out of her – and with the help of Councilwoman Deb Denys and others – we watched as the status quo fought desperately against all attempts to change the self-serving nature of county government. 

But on Tuesday, the overwhelming majority of Volusia County voters sent a resounding demand for fundamental change – and our outstanding candidate, Jeff “Plan B” Brower, a gentleman farmer from DeLeon Springs, stomped across this salty piece of land like a champion – bringing a message of hope and inspiration for a better, more prosperous, future for everyone. 

In doing so, he exposed a skewed system where his politically malleable opponent, Dishonest Deb Denys, amassed hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in corporate campaign contributions – and thousands more in a shadowy Political Action Committee – as our powerful overseers made the worst investment of their lives.

In turn, Councilwoman Heather Post earned a well-deserved return to the dais of power as she trounced Old Ed’s handpicked handmaiden Barbara Bonarrigo – a nice lady who seemed totally out of her element from day-one – clueless about the challenges facing Volusia County families – more inclined to lunch with her party’s upper crust, rub-elbows with wealthy benefactors, and have her picture taken with B-List politicians than get her hands dirty.

At the end of the day, the excruciating heat and withering desperation of the campaign exposed many arrogant perennial politicians for exactly who, and what, they are.

Look, I admit it – I am not very magnanimous in victory.

It’s just one of my many character flaws. . .

However, in my view, Deb Denys was a political monster – a sleazy shill for power-hungry special interests – who represented everything I abhor, capable of turning her back on her constituents (and her party) when it served her egotistic needs or those of her political puppeteers.

I have no sympathy for her.  

Now that she has the stench of defeat about her – I suspect this will mark the end of Ms. Denys ambitious political aspirations – and she has no one to blame but herself – and that addle-brained asshole, Chairman Ed Kelley. . .

Good riddance to both of them. . .

Now, it is up to Chairman-elect Brower, Councilwoman Post, and the other candidates who were elevated to public office this week to hold firm to their high campaign promises, ignore the trappings of office (and the new fawning friends they are about to make) and remember that character counts – and that returning a transparent and accessible government of the people, by the people, and for the people to Volusia County is their sole mandate.     

There is a lot about this election left to unpack and I will get to all of it in coming days and weeks.  

I don’t know about you, but I plan to take a few days off to reflect on all we have gained – and what we have lost – in the aftermath of this strange and brutal election season.

So, absent something extraordinary, I won’t be publishing Angels & Assholes this week.

If you voted this year – the sacred civic obligation of all free citizens – consider yourself a true Angel. 

Thank you to all candidates and voters for participating in the greatest form of governance on the face of the earth – and congratulations to everyone on this hard-won victory!

“The genetically vicious nature of presidential campaigns in America is too obvious to argue with, but some people call it fun, and I am one of them. Election day – especially when it’s a presidential election – is always a wild and terrifying time for politics junkies, and I am one of those, too. We look forward to major election days like sex addicts look forward to orgies. We are slaves to them.”

–Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

Hello. My name is Mark, and I am a political junkie.

And whenever I look for a clear perspective on politics, I immediately return to the works of Dr. Thompson. 

Say what you will about his personal habits – the man had amazing insight into what passes for modern political contests – and the death of the American Dream.  

I write this alternative opinion blog to purge my civic and political frustrations – which reach a crescendo at election time – and the fact so many of you find them beneficial in helping form an independent opinion on the issues and candidates is both unexpected and incredibly humbling. 

That said, I have no idea how things will shake out tonight. 

No one does. 

The Daytona Beach News-Journal used their editorial space today to calm our fears (and take a final swipe at the Trump campaign) asking that we “get used to” the fact we may, or may not, see the results of the presidential election tonight.

I believe that’s because many states have compromised the system to permit votes to be counted until they get the results they want.

Its why I focus solely on local politics. 

That is where our true fate lies – those we elect to city commissions and the county council – our neighbors who we elevate to high office and entrust in them the power to permit or control growth, spend our hard-earned tax dollars on the infrastructure and essential services that effect our everyday lives, educate our children, police our streets and set the public policies that govern our lives and livelihoods. 

In Volusia County, our system of governance has dissolved into something ugly and different – a Turkish bazaar – where a few uber-wealthy power brokers control everything but the ebb and flow of the Atlantic tide through massive campaign contributions to hand-select candidates. 

The return on investment is direct access to the nexus of public funds and incentives that ensure the profit motive of private projects – while We, The Little People, are totally ignored, and treated like an annoyance whenever we attempt to participate in our local government.

Unfortunately, Volusia County has been historically plagued by civic apathy.

A feeling among those who struggle mightily to earn a living in this artificial economy, where bought-and-paid-for elected officials tilt the playing field, picking winners and losers in the marketplace with tax supported incentives and giveaways, that they no longer have a chip in the game. 

Because they don’t.

It’s worse in places like Palm Coast today, where voters face the frightening dilemma of choosing between an incumbent Mayor many believe used her elective position for personal advantage – or a former Sovereign Citizen with a wacky past who has never voted in an election before. . .

My God.

Fortunately, in the Volusia County Chair race, we have a clear choice between the tired status quo – a legalized quid pro quo pay-to-pay system – that always favors the wants and whims of political insiders – while shitting on the dreams of families, many of whom have lived at or below the poverty line for far too long.  

That’s why I have so enthusiastically supported the grassroots candidacy of Jeff “Plan B” Brower, someone I believe possesses the vision, integrity and focus to return a citizen-centric government to Volusia County, protect our threatened natural resources, prioritize fiscal responsibility, control unchecked growth, and make good on the tired promise of quality jobs.

To my neighbors and friends, I would like to make a personal appeal. 

I ask that you take a moment from your busy lives and careers to reflect quietly on what transparent and accessible local government mean to all of us.

I believe there remains one fundamental mechanism which will allow us to prevail over the insiders and well-heeled donor class that seem intent on taking our lifestyle and heritage away from us and handing it to outside speculators for backdoor personal enrichment:

It is the ultimate power of the ballot box.

We still have a democratic process that allows one person, one vote. 

I believe that if enough like-minded citizens hold firm to the basic belief that we can control our destiny by electing strong, ethical, and visionary members of our community to high public office, we can once again balance political power and restore transparency, fairness, and the spirit of democracy in Volusia County government.

If you haven’t already – I am asking you to go to the polls and cast your ballot today.

Take a friend with you. Hell, take two.

Vote like your lives and livelihoods depend upon it.

And, regardless of who is ultimately elected tonight, I promise you I will be here to hold them accountable – without fear or favor – stirring the pot, standing up to the bullies, keeping things equal (and interesting), and ensuring that those who hold themselves out for public office serve our highest and best interests – not the mercenary desires of a few wealthy power brokers who, up to now, have controlled our elections with their checkbook. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in our sacred political process – candidates and voters alike.

Now, we wait. . .

Godspeed – and good luck. 

Interpersonal communication experts will tell you that no response is still a response – and it sends a strong message.

With the election just days away, incumbent politicians are spending heavily to convince you and me that, if we return them to high office, they will be accessible – and responsive – to our needs.

While some live up to their obligations, unfortunately, many elected officials have proven that, once they ascend to the dais of power, unless you have given thousands of dollars in campaign contributions, neither your concerns – nor opinion – seem to matter.

It is called pay-to-play politics, and the pernicious effects of this legal quid pro quo system is evident throughout Volusia County. 

For instance, a frequent criticism of incumbent Volusia County Councilwoman Deb Denys is her arrogant habit of ignoring the concerns and requests of her constituents, refusing to return telephone calls or emails, shutting off access, and sending a crystal clear message that her time is best spent servicing the wants and whims of those who stuff large sums of money into her campaign coffers.   

Now, Dishonest Deb is in the race of her life with political newcomer Jeff “Plan B” Brower for the County Chair seat – the Big Enchilada of local politics – and her haughty practice of ignoring her constituents is coming back to haunt her. . .  

Rather than even try and appear approachable, or within reach of John Q. Public, inexplicably, Ms. Denys continues to engage in whale-shit level politics, a weird no-holds-barred campaign that uses a murky Political Action Committee to foment lies and launch smear tactics – not to elevate her position on the issues – but to teardown her opponent personally and politically.

But just when you thought Ms. Denys could not stoop any lower – she did.

This weekend, The Daytona Beach News-Journal ran a story by Mark Harper entitled, “Attack tying Brower to Trump raises questions,” that attempted to explain a repulsive glossy mailer sent to some Democratic and nonaffiliated voters by Dishonest Deb which insinuated the worst form of party politics into the nonpartisan County Chair race.

The mailer referred to Jeff Brower as “A radical, rightwing puppet publicly supporting President Trump & his radical agenda!” (?) – essentially painting Ms. Denys – the darling of the local Republican apparatus – as a left-leaning democrat as she pretends to be all things to all people.  

Even if it means shitting on everything her fellow Republicans hold dear – including slamming her party’s presidential candidate during a hotly contested race – just to gain a few votes in her own local contest. 

My God. 

In my view, this skeevy mailer best characterizes the self-serving, win at all cost, strategy that Ms. Denys and her well-heeled political benefactors have prosecuted since Mr. Brower beat her like a gong in the primary.

Now, how will Ms. Denys politically accountable supporters – like the uber-wealthy State Senator Tom Wright, Congressman Michael Waltz or Committeewoman Debbie Phillips – staunch Republican standard-bearers who enthusiastically endorsed Dishonest Deb’s campaign – reconcile the fact she turned on them with harsh criticism of republican values and a clear willingness to besmirch their presidential candidate for personal gain?    

I don’t care which party’s candidate you support in the presidential race no one likes a backstabbing turncoat.

Clearly, when it comes to Ms. Denys propensity for wallowing in the mud, nothing is out of bounds – and this hypocritical horseshit that allows local GOP leadership to turn a blind eye is just one reason I, and many like me, have left the Republican Party to become proud No Party Affiliates. . .   

Whatever.  

Perhaps most telling was the fact Ms. Denys refused to return the News-Journal’s telephone calls on Friday.

I guess with over $244,000 in a campaign account (for a County Chair race?) – and some $82,000 in a shadowy Political Action Committee chaired by a political hitman who calls himself “The Prince of Darkness” – Ms. Denys no longer feels an obligation to answer inquiries from the working press – or her constituents. . .

No response truly is a powerful response – because it lets you know where you stand. 

And it speaks volumes about the sense of entitlement and base arrogance that has defined Dishonest Deb’s eight year parasitic hold a Volusia County Council seat – with absolutely nothing to show for it – beyond a egoistic need to promote her own self-serving political aspirations.

Vote Jeff Brower. 

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.

Here’s a special thanks to everyone who took the time to read my series “The Barker Files: The Case of Mark Scribner,” an examination of a brutal murder which occurred 25 years ago this month. 

Like I promised – this was not a contrived “feel-good” story – and readers have told me that the conclusion stayed with them for a while. 

I understand.

This was not the first homicide I investigated during my law enforcement career, and it would not be the last, but I think the indiscriminate nature of the killing makes for a compelling story. 

I hope it serves as a fitting memorial for Mr. Scribner as well.   

Writing the story and transcribing the report was cathartic, bringing memories and remembrances of working relationships back to the surface so they can be properly sorted and packed away – and a renewed sense of pride in playing a small role in bringing those responsible for this senseless crime to justice.   

If you have not had the opportunity, the three-part series can be found in the October 2020 Barker’s View archive. 

Thanks again for reading. 

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

Asshole           Daytona Beach City Commission

One of the many pitfalls of writing an alternative opinion blog is that the groups and officials you rail about often defend themselves by pigeonholing you as a chronic complainer.

Barker the Bitcher – a naysaying malcontent who obnoxiously whines about the issues without ever offering up a solution.

For the most part, they’re right. 

But it does not negate the fact that the underlying issues exist.

After all, I don’t make this shit up. 

While it shouldn’t come as a surprise that those who have invested heavily – politically and financially – are champing at the bit to put the first brushstrokes on the revitalization of downtown Daytona – the overpowering stench of the age-old intrigues required to obtain the lucrative government incentives that ensure a profit margin have once again come wafting from the inner sanctum at City Hall.       

Now it has become apparent to everyone – including those long-time enablers on the editorial board of The Daytona Beach News-Journal – that something is terribly wrong at Daytona Beach City Hall. 

Better late than never, I suppose.

Last Sunday, in his piece “Daytona City Hall’s bad communication,” editor Pat Rice expressed his views on the mysterious attempts by a senior faction in Daytona Beach government to facilitate millions of dollars in public incentives for a Tampa-based developer seeking to build an apartment complex and parking garage on the site of the former First Baptist Church. 

I disagree with Mr. Rice on one point – this goes far beyond bad communication.

At an October meeting, Daytona Beach city commissioners were asked to discuss and take action on a plan that would see the developer, Framework Group, receive a $10.5 million tax break in exchange for a few public parking spaces and the potential of moving people into downtrodden downtown. 

Interestingly, city staff provided the elected officials with support materials just six-hours before the meeting. 

You read that right. 

After a year of behind-the-scenes wrangling, Deputy City Manager Dru Driscoll, who also serves as the city’s fire chief, gave little explanation, beyond “…some of the documents were out of date.”

In my view, this represents one more backroom deal by City Manager Jim Chisholm, who openly put the screws to his city commission when he pressured them to make an important decision with little, if any, substantive information – and a flashlight-under-the-chin scary story about the dearth of developers eager to make a buck downtown. 

“This is the only developer we’ve had come to us who’s willing to do a project,” Chisholm said. “It’s up to you if you want to let it go.”

Bullshit.

Clearly, Chief Driscoll is out of his element – and, if he thinks Mr. Chisholm cares who takes the blame as he shuffles out the door, he should think again. . . 

To their credit, the Daytona Beach City Commission rightfully decided to take a deep breath and ask city staff and the Framework Group to go back to the drawing board and develop hard answers before the matter comes back in early November. 

Unfortunately, the damage is done – and I cannot understand why the elected representatives failed to take definitive action to ensure this type of public/private chicanery does not happen in the future?   

In my view, both the City of Daytona Beach – and the developer – have now lost the trust and faith of the people.

And they have no one to blame but themselves. 

Eventually, I believe the City of Daytona Beach will come to the inexorable conclusion that the design and planning of public spaces is best accomplished with the input of citizens and stakeholders in an open and transparent process.

While that might not do much for the bottom line of some local powerbroker with a profit motive, it will ultimately produce something we can all take civic pride in – and develop a creative atmosphere and clear vision for the future of the Halifax area that these backroom machinations can never produce. 

Angel               Pictona at Holly Hill and the City of Holly Hill

Last week, the City of Holly Hill played host to the Pictona Fall Vintage Pickleball Tournament at the beautiful Pictona at Holly Hill complex on Ridgewood Avenue.   

It was a true community effort. 

With City Manager Joe Forte and Commissioner John Penny staffing the bar-b-que grill – other city officials worked hand-in-glove with some 50 Pictona members who signed on as volunteers for the event as the facility hosted 650 players and hundreds of spectators for the three-day event.

Now, we have received the exciting news that Pictona at Holly Hill will host the International Federation of Pickleball’s 4^th Annual Bainbridge Cup Tournament, April 7-11, 2021. 

The international competition is expected to draw some 700 players to the area. 

In my view, the pickleball courts and fitness complex is one of the most electrifying additions to the Halifax area in decades – and we owe a collective debt of gratitude to area residents Rainer and Julie Martens, who made a multi-million-dollar personal investment to see the project become a reality. 

In my view, this is an outstanding example of what a true public/private partnership should be, as the Martens’ investment was supported with a $1.2 million contribution from the City of Holly Hill – bolstered by a $400,000 ECHO grant from Volusia County and $50,000 in sponsorships and private donations.

Well done.

This wonderful facility showcases just one unique way Volusia County’s tax supported ECHO and Forever funds have enhanced our quality of life.

I hope you will join me in voting to preserve these important programs on Tuesday.   

Asshole           Volusia County District Schools

Sometimes I read the news of the day and shake my head in quiet disbelief – other times my incendiary temper gets the best of me as I slam my fists and scream – hoping I never come to accept the near constant gaffes, maladministration and good old-fashioned foul-ups that have become the operative characteristic of the Volusia County School Board and its senior administration.

Imagine the horror of Volusia County residents who perused the International edition of the British newspaper Daily Mail (or The Hill, Newsweek, most national electronic media, etc.) this week and found an article detailing the travails of Tyler Maxwell, 18, a Spruce Creek High student whose parking permit was brusquely suspended when he exercised his first amendment right and placed an elephant figure emblazoned “Trump” in the bed of his pickup truck and went to school.

You read that right. 

The youth didn’t start a fight, disrupt a class, engage in a disturbance, or saunter onto the Spruce Creek campus armed with a knife and take a seat in an occupied classroom to “test school security” like some ambulatory drunk did a year ago – he was naturally proud of the fact this is his first vote in a presidential election – and merely parked in the designated lot without removing a clever sign supporting his candidate. 

That apparently triggered the school’s high-handed administration.

Now, he is rightfully defending his right to free expression in a court of law. . .   

According to reports, “Twenty minutes into his first class at Spruce Creek High School, Maxwell said he was called to the principal’s office and was asked to move his car off campus.”

“His father then drove to the school to demand a reason in writing for why the student couldn’t leave his car on campus with the elephant in the truck. After he said his father did not get a written explanation, Maxwell drove to school the next day with the figurine.”

“Tuesday morning, my parking pass was taken away,” Maxwell said.”

In turn, Maxwell’s family filed a federal lawsuit accusing Volusia County Schools of violating his freedom of speech.

Good for him.

I don’t particularly care who you support in the presidential race – but everyone should take offense when officious school administrators take it upon themselves to suppress free and constitutionally protected expression. 

It also bugs me when my hard-earned tax dollars – which support a groaning district budget now approaching one-billion-dollars – are shunted to defend lawsuits because some shithead decided to flex his or her muscles because, “A passerby could interpret a large sign in a school parking lot to be an endorsement by the school district…”

My ass.  

Add to that the debacle at Tuesday’s School Board meeting, which was marred when DeLand Police were given the overbearing order to physically remove a group of Volusia County mothers who wished to attend the public meeting – sans face coverings – and speak on possible changes to the district’s mask regulations. 

It was ugly. 

In the spirit of the district’s hypocritical “do as I say, not as I do” culture, I found it interesting that both School Board Vice Chairman Linda Cuthbert – and the bungling Chief Operating Officer Greg Akin – removed their masks and spoke barefaced as they groveled for CARES Act funding before the Volusia County Council earlier this month.  

I don’t recall either of them being manhandled out of the council chamber by a uniformed law enforcement officer. . .  

After trespassing the young moms from the public building – effectively barring them from the Ivory Tower of Power for one-year – the tone-deaf School Board Chair Ida Wright had the cheek to say, “Thank you for being patient, but we live in a country where everyone is able to say his or her piece and we want to respect that.”

Bullshit. 

The last thing the Volusia County School Board does is respect their constituents right to free expression and public participation. 

That’s why teachers and staff are forced to use anonymous social media sites to avoid retribution when they communicate valuable information and insight to families and colleagues.      

If Ms. Wright meant what she said, taxpayers would not be under threat of a federal lawsuit to ensure a student’s first amendment protections – or shocked by the sight of a nursing mother being forced from a public meeting on the diktat of the board’s tyrannical Chairwoman. 

Whatever.

When will someone – anyone – on the Volusia County School Board come to the realization that taxpayers have had enough international embarrassments from the ham-fisted antics of badge-heavy administrators and senior officials who seem totally incapable of making logical, diplomatic, and fact-based decisions? 

Asshole           Volusia Council Chair Ed Kelley

Look, I’m not running for anything. 

It’s safe to say you won’t be seeing “Mr. Barker Goes to Washington,” (Unless you want a Wilber Mills type, ripped-to-the-tits on cheap vodka, chasing Argentinian strippers around the Tidal Basin – then I’m your man!)

Frankly, what passes for our political process in this foul year 2020 is nothing I want to be associated with. 

It’s downright dirty.  And depressing. . .

During this campaign season, we’ve been told, ad nauseum, that the Volusia County Council has very little impact on the “growth at all cost” sprawl that is destroying our natural places, threatening our water supply, and exceeding the capacity of our transportation infrastructure as our elected officials cravenly adopt the Three Wise Monkeys maxim toward growth and the influence of mega-developers – see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.   

That’s horseshit. 

I believe our elected officials on the Volusia County Council know exactly what they are doing in facilitating the wants and needs of real estate speculators. 

For example:  

Earlier this month, the intrepid Edgewater environmental advocate Libby Lavette attempted to address the Volusia County Council during a scheduled public hearing to determine compliance with the Farmton Local Plan and Master Development of Regional Impact – essentially granting approval for the sprawling 66,000 acre project’s eastern gateway section to move forward. 

In an blatant effort to keep the public hearing free of pesky public input, Chairman Ed Kelley forced Ms. Lavette to speak during the public comment section at the beginning of the meeting – then openly quibbled with her over petty aspects of her presentation, trifling over the designation of the agenda item, wasting time, and confusing everyone involved – including Ms. Lavette and the citizens looking on.     

In my view, Old Ed clearly designed his meddlesome interference to suppress and confuse Ms. Lavette’s message.   

According to a social media post, Ms. Lavette advised that following her allotted three-minutes, she left the council chamber – only to be chased down by County Attorney Mike Dyer, who explained Old Ed was “incorrect,” and invited her to speak during the public hearing on Farmton. . . 

Ultimately, Ms. Lavette was able to make her point that the hearing should be postponed until current hydrology and environmental impact studies for the project can be reviewed. 

Typically, when Councilwoman Heather Post saw the logic in Ms. Lavette’s request and moved to table the issue until the next meeting in November, her motion failed for lack of a second. 

The Farmton development has been in the planning stage for 60 years, with building not expected to begin until 2026.  Would postponing the hearing a few weeks to ensure environmental protections – and hold the developer accountable for promises made – have been that big of a deal?

Apparently.   

Ultimately, the measure was approved 6-1 with Ms. Post dissenting.

Anyone see a pattern here? 

I guess running interference – putting dust in the air at critical points to obscure the public’s view of development decisions – while ensuring that concerned citizens are suitably blocked and castigated whenever they attempt to have substantive input in their government is just one of the benefits developers and corporations receive in Volusia County. 

Disgusting.  

Quote of the Week

“I would like to say “thank you” to Daytona Beach Police Captain Scott Lee. Lee took over at Code Enforcement a couple years ago. He met with neighborhood groups, and was willing to listen to residents and business owners who were fatigued by the lack of progress cleaning up our blighted beachside. He patiently heard plenty of suggestions and complaints from yours truly.

A big problem beachside is the blighted appearance of vacant lots and abandoned buildings. Sometimes used for paid parking without a permit, the owners make money and have no incentive to improve or build. We’re used to looking at broken walls and fences, trash and graffiti.

We’ve heard the excuse that owners are “out of state” but not all are. These properties should be held to redevelopment area standards just like our homes and businesses are.

Two of these properties are on the beach. The seawalls have long been compromised and dangerous. There is always graffiti, homeless people, and trash. But that is changing! These lots are now being cleaned up and the seawalls rebuilt. I know this is thanks to our intrepid Captain Lee.

The city can intervene to clean up properties – and get paid through an ad valorem assessment on the tax bill – if the property owner can’t be reached or is unwilling. Let’s use this method to remove more blight on the beachside, and other areas of the city. I’m hoping this is just the beginning.”

–Civic Activist Amy Pyle, writing in Letters to the Editor, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Cleaning up beachside,” Sunday, October 26, 2020

Good work, Captain Lee! 

Thank you for your diligence in overseeing this difficult, but infinitely necessary, essential service for the citizens of Daytona Beach.  

And Another Thing!

There is a reason I do not accept advertising on this blogsite.

And I damn sure don’t take money to express opinions with a certain slant – favoring one candidate over another – or advocating for some convoluted tax increase or goofy public policy that always seems to favor the wants of a few over the needs of many. 

That kind of bought-and-paid-for content is readily available if you want it. 

Just not here.   

The views expressed on Barker’s View are my own.

If I endorse one candidate over others – it means I have done some research and come to believe that the politician will serve in the public interest – rather than act as a malleable marionette for all the right last names.

I’m not infallible – subject to being duped like anyone else – and I make my share of mistakes; but I still believe that past performance is the most accurate predictor of future performance.

In short, a leopard rarely changes its spots. 

That is why I support Jeff Brower for Volusia County Chair. 

By any metric, the County Chair race has been an acrimonious shit show – with the incumbent Dishonest Deb Denys throwing everything in her sizeable arsenal at Mr. Brower – including some low blows that landed far outside the bounds of honesty and fairness. 

With over $208,000 already filling her campaign coffers – along with tens-of-thousands more being hoarded in a shadowy Political Action Committee which Ms. Denys personally chaired, until she didn’t – Dishonest Deb continues to hold elegant fundraisers with well-heeled benefactors right up to the eleventh hour, clearly positioning herself for a future run for even higher office.

God help us. . .

In my view, Jeff Brower represents the kind of grassroots, substantive change and inspired vision Volusia County desperately needs at this critical crossroads in our history – a rejection of the oligarchical pay-to-play politics that uses massive campaign contributions to return hand-select perennial politicians to the dais of power – then uses them like dull tools to see the every want and whim of political insiders attended to. 

All while We, The Little People are treated like a damnable annoyance whenever we approach our Monarchial rulers for redress of real grievances – or seek to improve our lot here on the Fun Coast.

Do not take my word for it. 

I encourage everyone to watch archived video of Volusia County Council meetings and see for yourself how commoners – a.k.a. taxpaying citizens without a title of nobility or a chip in the game – are treated whenever we attempt to participate in our government.

It is despicable.  And it needs to stop.      

I also believe that District 4 Councilwoman Heather Post deserves to continue her service to the citizens of Volusia County – because both she, and her long-suffering constituents, have been denied equal and effective representation since she took office four-years ago.

That is not Ms. Post’s fault. 

It is horrifying to watch as Dishonest Deb and her guru, that doddering fool Old Ed Kelley, try desperately to defend the status quo by beating any sense of independence out of Ms. Post – effectively blocking her every effort – making a mockery out of our representative democracy in the process.      

For instance, at their October 20 meeting, it was frustrating to watch as Old Ed publicly ghosted Ms. Post – acting like an addlepated asshole – as he repeatedly feigned that he could not hear her on the monitor whenever she tried to participate. 

It was sloppy.  And painfully obvious.

Turn-up the Beltone, Ed. . .    

Whatever. 

Now we have reached the nut-cutting hour – and every vote counts. 

In my view, we have a good start in changing this rotten culture with Councilman-elect Danny Robins, who won the District 3 seat formerly occupied by Dishonest Deb in the primary. 

Let’s continue the purge of this malignant mediocrity.      

In my view, we need committed servant-leaders like Jeff Brower – and Heather Post – to change the tone and tenor of an elected body run amok and restore the public’s trust in Volusia County government.   

As Mr. Brower recently said:

“Don’t let a career politician who only represents those able to produce the largest campaign contributions lie and buy her way into a seat.”

I agree.

Vote your conscience.  Vote Jeff Brower. 

That’s all for me.  Happy Halloween, y’all!