When it comes to Volusia County politics – those with the wherewithal to finance the campaigns of hand-select “establishment” backed candidates try hard to convince us there is only one viable option.

Unfortunately, others in the race try their damnedest to cement that notion with their complete lack of creativity and independence – the traditional selling point for most successful grassroots candidates.   

This often leaves Volusia County voters with a weird Sophie’s Choice where no outcome is preferable over the others. 

For those seeking substantive change, you can either laugh at the futility of it all – or throw yourself in the floor and cry. . . 

So, I always chuckle when small-minded politicians are asked to describe their strategy for solving difficult issues – then suddenly get that ‘deer in the headlights look’ and revert to the “I don’t think government should be involved in (insert intractable social/civic problem here) – I’m for small government,” dodge.

These are usually the same dullards who address citizen concerns of overdevelopment with flippant answers like, “If you ain’t growin,’ you’re dying!” – which does not hold true in the case of malignant cancer or its civic equivalent – when growth has far outpaced the capacity of existing infrastructure and nature’s ability to produce clean water.   

More times than not, it is these same “small government” ideological hypocrites who have no problem showering corporate welfare and government funded “economic incentives” on their political benefactors – using our tax dollars to pick winners and losers on a skewed playing field – where influential insiders get fat while your small business is left to fight for its survival in an artificial economy. 

And it is these same compromised marionettes who blather about less government intrusion while raising taxes to feed a bloated bureaucracy that now commands an annual budget of $1.1 billion. . . 

Small government?  My ass.  

On Sunday, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported on a recent “debate” featuring Volusia County Council At-Large candidates and hosted by the well-heeled Tiger Bay Club. 

Participants included Doug Pettit, Sherisse Boyd, Andy Kelly, and Jake Johansson. 

According to reports, discussion topics included housing, roads, and water, which are all ancillary byproducts of the seminal issue of our time – growth management (or, in the case of Volusia County, the lack thereof). 

Look, this is all just one man’s jaded opinion, but some interesting tidbits were contained in Eileen Zaffiro-Kean’s News-Journal exposé which clearly differentiated the grassroots candidates from the “establishments” latest dull implement. 

And this is why Mr. Johansson stood out to me:

“Johansson has the backing of the current at-large councilman, former Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson, who decided not to seek re-election to the Council. He also has donations from some of the power players in Volusia County: Hyatt and Cici Brown; Charlie Lydecker and his Foundation Risk Partners insurance firm; two NASCAR-affiliated businesses; and the political committee controlled by state Rep. Tom Leek.

Johansson has amassed the most campaign contributions of the four candidates, with $77,700 raised so far. Doug Pettit and Andy Kelly each have about $20,000 in their campaign war chests, and Boyd has $2,280.”

Wow. That’s some heavy-hitters, folks. . .

Anyone else see the pernicious influence of uber-wealthy insiders and their various corporate entities dumping vast sums of money into the campaign account of their “preferred” candidate – the perfectly legal age-old practice that grants an almost insurmountable advertising advantage over grassroots candidates seeking substantive change? 

Fortunately, the long-suffering denizens of the Fun Coast have come to the realization that votes beat money – as evidenced by Chairman Jeff Brower’s decisive win over his well-financed/connected opponent in 2020. 

Following a clearly pre-approve playbook, Mr. Johansson said he wants “to bring a collaborative culture to the County Council,” leveraging the work Volusia’s stodgy Old Guard have done to prepare the battlefield against those candidates who support Chairman Brower’s initiatives – painting Brower as an ineffectual outsider whose campaign promises have been maligned and suppressed with consistent 5-2 votes. 

In my view, a “collaborative culture” is Mr. Johansson’s way of letting us know he plans to perpetuate the paralytic lockstep conformity that ensures the status quo by going along and getting along. . . 

Sound familiar?    

When asked about his financial leadership, Johansson showed the exact opposite when he responded, “I can come up with a lean budget.  I can get you to rollback (on property taxes) if you tell me what you want to cut.” 

Hell, anyone can do what their told.  That is part of the problem.   

Apparently, Mr. Johansson forgot that he is seeking a policymaking role where the tough calls are made – well outside his comfort zone as a politically unaccountable city manager who simply follows directions. 

The other pressing issue that went unaddressed at the Tiger Bay “debate” was how candidates plan to address the lack of affordable housing – a consequence of current hyperinflated rent and housing prices – which has left thousands of Volusia County families fearing homelessness in an environment where recent studies show some 45% of working households struggle to afford housing, food, and healthcare. 

In my view, wasting “economic development” resources luring low-paying jobs to a place with historically low salaries – then failing to ensure a diversity of housing options to accommodate those taking the $15 an hour warehouse scutwork and service jobs available to working families – is just another shining example of Volusia County’s piss-poor growth management planning.    

In the view of many, doing nothing is no longer an option – but that seems to be the prevailing sentiment – and not just when it comes to addressing affordable housing. . .

Look, I’m not singling out Mr. Johansson here – I don’t see a lot of substance coming from the other at-large candidates either. Each of these candidates are smart, accomplished people who bring a wealth of personal and professional experience to the table – so why are they trying so hard to avoid specifics?

For instance, speaking in sound bites (because that is what keeps candidates out of trouble), the News-Journal reported:

“Growth is not paying for itself,” Pettit said. “We need to do things to get growth under control.”

What “things”?

“Kelly said if growth isn’t controlled Volusia County will become a metropolitan area without sufficient roads.”

How?  Because that horse is already out of the barn, over the hill, and stuck in traffic on Granada Boulevard. . .

“I would love to see us not spend more money on roads,” she (Ms. Boyd) said.”

What? Our ‘powers that be’ aren’t spending money on roads now, Ms. Boyd – in fact, Volusia County doesn’t seem to have any transportation infrastructure plan at all. 

Have you traveled Williamson, Clyde Morris, ISB, Beville Road, LPGA, etc., etc., etc. lately? 

Because its only getting worse.

But with over $77,000 in Mr. Johansson’s “war chest” even before the end of the qualifying period – We, The Little People (and his wealthy political benefactors, for that matter) should expect more specificity from Mr. Johansson than tired political tropes and “not my yob” evasion on the critical issues of growth, water, housing, and transportation.

Like the biblical phrase taught, “to whom much is given, much is required” – and Mr. Johansson has been given a lot. . .

Now, the informed voters of Volusia County demand answers.

With the August primary quickly approaching, it is time for candidates in all races to stop hedging and start answering the tough questions – demonstrate their independence, acumen, and creativity – and explain to voters their unique solutions to the serious issues facing Volusia County residents.

In my view, voters deserve better than the limited option of more rubberstamped growth and keeping the public teat patent for all the right last names – or giving Chairman Brower a malleable majority for his less than well-defined strategies. 

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               Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower

Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower fought hard for us this week.

For what its worth, I was proud of his effort – and his passion reminded me of who, and what, I voted for.     

During one of those predestined land use hearings, an annoying formality for developers who come before the dais of power and tell our elected dullards what they are going to do in their next environmental insult – a “public hearing” where the outcome always appears to be a foregone conclusion – Chairman Brower did the important job he was elected to do, spoke truth to power, asked the difficult questions, held firm to his promises, and represented the interests of We, The Little People with great courage.

Of course, none of that mattered. 

In the end, he was mocked for it by that Confederacy of Dunces he shares the dais with.

On Tuesday, engineer/landscape architect/developer Parker Mynchenberg used the old carrot and stick routine to ‘urge’ the Volusia County Council to approve a land use amendment and rezoning for two adjacent parcels along the threatened Ormond Scenic Loop to accommodate increased density for a housing development known as Dixie Ridge. 

With our eagerly acquiescent Volusia County Growth Facilitator Clay Ervin sitting behind him – his head bobbing up and down in enthusiastic agreement like a velvet dog in a rear window – Mr. Mynchenberg clearly had the upper hand when seeking concessions which will allow 144 single-family units to be shoehorned onto the property – up significantly from the sixty-four homes that were previously permitted.    

You read that right.

The carrot?  In exchange for the increased density, the property owners agreed to deed some 13.21-acres to Volusia County for a public park with a promise that all traffic generated by the new subdivision will transit Halifax Plantation with no access from Old Dixie Highway.  

The stick?  If Volusia County denied the density increase, the developer will simply take the public park off the table and clear the sensitive land adjacent to the Ormond Scenic Loop to accommodate twenty houses, effectively destroying what remains of this incredible environmental and aesthetic asset.

Rather than simply rollover and consent to Mr. Mynchenberg’s “request” – Chairman Brower described the hue and cry from citizens demanding change to the manner and means by which malignant growth and increased density is being forced down our throats – and he sought compromise to protect sensitive wetlands and preserve more natural space in the face of another zero lot line phalanx of cracker boxes clustered around a retention pond.

Mr. Brower also warned of Florida’s great natural population limiter – water.

As usual, his entreaties on our behalf were condescendingly ignored.

The threat was reinforced by Councilman Ben Johnson, who described it as more of a “promise” – then argued that the very concept of compromise and concession would make developers “not want to work with us in the future” – quibbling that even Ormond Beach environmental activist Suzanne Scheiber had spoken favorably of the project (she didn’t).

To his credit, Mr. Mynchenberg was quick to clarify that Ms. Scheiber was only in favor of the park donation – not the increased density.  Knowing Ms. Sheiber’s passion for preserving the character and ecology of the Ormond Scenic Loop – I’ll just bet Mr. Johnson and his “colleagues” have not heard the last from her. . . 

When Chairman Brower attempted to explain the importance of protecting the quality of life for existing residents – Councilman Johnson barked, “Don’t lecture me!” – using the Gang of Four’s typical obstructionism and bluster to effectively defend the status quo. 

In turn, Councilman Danny Robins – in his own bootlicking way – took Brower to task for not genuflecting to Mr. Mynchenberg, kissing his ass, and expressing gratitude and respect for doing us all a favor when he puled, “I think what we need to do is not look a gift horse in the mouth here.  And also what we need to do is learn how to compromise a little bit better.”

What gift?

In my view, this wasn’t a “compromise” – it was do this or else coercion.

Then, Councilman Robins launched on one of his nonsensical soliloquies, stringing together gibberish and bureaucratic bafflegab that only he understands – arms flailing about, theatrically gesticulating – somehow equating his desire for cookie cutter legislative uniformity to the “Me Too” movement (?).  

(I guess because lockstep conformity takes the thinking out of it?)

Associate Editor Jarleene Almenas of the Ormond Beach Observer aptly captured Robins’ weird analogy:

“At the end of the day, we may not like it, but this can be a hell of a lot worse,” said Robins, who added that government lacks consistency when considering development proposals, and that the council should have considered that before they bought the 36 acres of land in the Loop for preservation, comparing it to the #MeToo movement on sexual abuse and rape culture. “… We have to pick a direction and not keep flip-flopping on issues.”

What in the hell is he jabbering about? 

In my view, what Mr. Robins choses to ignore is that the singular constant in Volusia County government is that those with a chip in the game get exactly what they demand from these stalwarts of the status quo – every damn time – while the real fears of those who pay the bills are arrogantly disregarded.  

To tidy things up, that obstinate stonewaller The Very Reverend “Dr.” Fred Lowry, cemented what everyone knew was coming when he quit picking his teeth long enough to thank “staff” (for what?) then mumbled (without making one inquiry of staff or Mynchenberg) “Looks like a good, ah, matter to me,” then equated Chairman Brower’s attempts to address the concerns of his worried constituents to “micromanagement” before moving approval.

In turn, Ben Johnson quickly seconded Lowry’s motion.

For the uninitiated, “Dr.” Fred Lowry is the same do-nothing political retread that now wants to bring his patented stall tactics and disinterested timewasting to the Volusia County School Board. . . 

Then came the obligatory mewling and cooing of Councilmembers Barb Girtman and Billie Wheeler – who always find a way to support overdevelopment while couching their consistent “Yes” votes with a suitable amount of “hesitancy” in their voice for effect.

Bullshit.

According to Ms. Girtman’s skewed rationale, “I think this project, although it is challenging because it is more, I think there have been concessions made, and I too feel better that there’s not a crowded room standing against it.”

How disappointing.

Ms. Girtman failed to grasp that apathy is what happens when your so-called “public meeting” is held at a time when most members of the “public” are at work – and Volusia County residents have learned the futility wasting their breath before these stone-faced gargoyles – who, by public policy, refuse to answer the public’s questions and concerns.    

As a result, most taxpayers I have spoken with say they are planning to make their voices heard at the ballot box instead. . .    

Interestingly, during the hearing a retired landscape architect stood before the puppet box and asked our elected marionettes to consider the developments ultimate impact on North Beach Street traffic – before explaining the true purpose of wetlands and the importance of maintaining harmony with natural processes. 

At the end of the day, only Chairman Brower gave two-shits about us – as demonstrated by his lone “No” vote when the moment of truth came – and, like clockwork, the developer got everything they demanded on a 5-1 rubber stamp (with Councilwoman Heather Post absent.  Again.) 

Don’t take my word for it. 

Go for a drive along Old Dixie Highway and look just beyond the thin veneer of remaining “natural buffer” at what lies to the west of this once pristine ecological treasure – then watch Tuesday’s travesty here:  https://tinyurl.com/fwt8z92c   

Once you have seen it with your own eyes – ask yourself, “Who do these compromised sock puppets work for?”

And why? 

Interesting questions this election year, don’t you think?   

Angel              Informed Voters of Ormond Beach  

Anyone else remember the Grand Plans an Ormond Beach developer told us all to expect when he churned an old growth greenbelt on Granada Boulevard into a moonscape to make way for a convenience store, a car wash, a drive-through restaurant, bank, and a specialty grocer with obligatory retail strip center known collectively as Granada Pointe? 

So, what happened?  Where are all the “public benefits” we were promised?    

Now, the only established businesses are the Wawa and an automated car wash – separated by a stark vacant field that has become an unimproved parking lot for commercial vehicles – accessed by an unsightly dirt road that drains muddy water onto the paved access street – while the remaining cleared parcels on both sides of Granada Boulevard remain vacant. . . 

Many remain appalled by the nightmare of that shocking environmental abattoir – the clear-cutting that destroyed some 2,061 trees – and the roar of heavy equipment as it mechanically chewed historic hardwoods into splinters.

Remember? 

I do. 

There is still a visceral component to what residents witnessed that remains raw four-years on – a mental picture that recalls the wholesale destruction, displaced wildlife dashing about, and the ghastly odor of black muck and decaying vegetation that permeated the area for weeks.

That horrific scene confirmed to many long-suffering citizens how little our compromised elected officials care about our quality of life – or the fragile urban wildlife habitat and natural buffers that are being sacrificed to feed the insatiable greed of a few. 

Now, two perennial Ormond Beach City Commissioners with a proven history of accommodating the profit motives of speculative developers are champing at the bit to facilitate the whims of their political benefactors on a larger stage as they seek to bring their “growth at all costs” strategy to the district 4 Volusia County Council seat.   

These “Developers Darlings” are Commissioner Rob Littleton – with a current war chest of $40,886.92 – and the perennial Commissioner Troy Kent, who was first elected in 2003 and has hung on with his fingernails for the past 19-years, who has a whopping $44,001.59 in his campaign account.    

(I encourage you to check out their long and distinguished list of political benefactors here: https://tinyurl.com/3khvk4wt )

The race also includes former Seminole County Commissioner Michael McLean (?) – who is apparently running to keep the prospect of a half-cent sales tax alive – a cheap money grab that failed miserably due to a lack of public trust in our compromised elected officials. 

In a February interview with the Ormond Beach Observer, Mr. McLean said:

“His decision to run for the Volusia County Council began with the failure of the half-cent sales tax. In 2001, Seminole County passed a one-cent sales tax referendum with 72% approval, and Volusia’s failed referendum surprised him.

But what surprised him most, he said, was that it failed due to a lack of trust.

“I really think we need to re-install a sense of trust in Volusia County local government, where the voters feel that the people they’re putting up there are best to look out for their interests,” McLean said. “They may not necessarily agree with every decision that’s made, but it concerns me when folks are talking about lack of trust in their elected officials, and I like to think that maybe I can do a little bit there.”

Because everyone knows Seminole County politics are as clean as a hound’s tooth – the epitome of trustworthiness – right? 

Right. . .

I also found it disturbing when Mr. McLean explained, “Dealing with the developers, their goal is to make money and there’s nothing wrong with that,” McLean sad. “You just have to be sure that the development is smart, planned and appropriate.”

No thanks.

In my view, we’ve had all the smart, planned, and appropriate development we can stand.

According to campaign finance reports, Mr. McLean has accumulated a healthy $15,431.00 – to include a $1,000 donation from Minto Communities – the Canadian developer who brought us thousands of new neighbors at that faux-beach community over at Latitude Margaritaville. . . 

Interesting.

My suggestion (at this hour) is to consider District 4 candidate Ken Smith – a homegrown grassroots guy and long-time local business owner who lives in Ormond Beach.

According to Mr. Smith’s campaign, his priorities include no property tax increases so long as Volusia County has a surplus, no new sales tax, stop building on wetlands and reinstate protection rules, improve fire and emergency medical services, and taking back control of our county from developers, under the slogan – “Make Volusia Green, Lean, and Clean.”

He is also a proponent of Chairman Jeff Brower’s initiatives and campaign promises which have been stymied at every turn by Volusia’s stodgy Old Guard. 

Frankly, I like what Mr. Smith represents – and I respect the fact that he has publicly vowed not to accept campaign donations from special interests seeking to “overdevelop” Volusia County – in my view, the seminal issue of our time.

Many residents feel these massive cash infusions to hand-select candidates result in undue influence for those who purchase a chip in the game each election cycle – a process that gives the very real perception of the “pay to play” politics that has destroyed the public’s trust in their government. 

With just $4,737 in his campaign account – most of it from area residents and small businesses – Mr. Smith has an uphill battle ahead. 

For his commitment to preserving what remains of our quality of life, Mr. Smith has received the glowing endorsement of both Chairman Brower and Councilwoman Heather Post.

I’m taking a hard look at Ken Smith – as an informed voter, I hope you will too. 

Votes beat money. 

For more information, please go to www.4kensmith.com    

Quote of the Week       

“Today the Dixie Ridge density was increased from 64 to 144 homes. I voted no but was not able to change a single vote. Heather Post was not present.

The article correctly quotes me as saying the public doesn’t want this. The council took refuge in the fact only one person came to speak against the change. Perhaps that’s because Council meetings are held during working hours.

What the article does not quote me on is the larger issue we must begin dealing with. We don’t have the water. We need to change the way we are growing to protect our future.  But when will we start? This was already zoned much lower density and with enough votes a compromise could have been reached to reduce a significant density increase. That’s how it works. But the developer knew he had the votes in his pocket and didn’t need to compromise.

If you want to preserve more natural land, reduce flooding, and use less water, vote in a new council in the August primary. Four Council members are not coming back. That’s the majority. The other two are running for reelection.

Give me a new council and on January 5, 2023, the first day of the 2023 Council, I will have a vote to restore the land use designations in all large-scale comprehensive plan changes that increased density or intensity of development over the last 10 years to their previous status for all changes approved but not yet built out.

That was not even needed here. The zoning gave the landowner the right to build 64 homes. I asked to stay with the existing development rights and suggested taking nothing away from the development rights that came with the land when it was purchased. Yet the council insisted I was changing the deal on the property owner. That was never suggested.

But the deal was changed on every resident of Volusia County who have learned future land use plans, comprehensive land use plans, and established zoning means nothing when it comes to large scale development. The density was increased by a factor of 2.25 times.

The future is in your hands. Help me deliver the votes you want.”

–County Council Chair Jeff Brower commenting on the Ormond Beach Observer’s informative article, “Volusia County Council approves Dixie Ridge rezoning, future land use amendment,” on social media, Tuesday, June 7, 2022

And Another Thing!

Perhaps I’m getting sensitive in my old age.   

Or just intolerant of the over-the-top pandering and panhandling of politicians. . .

Last week, I had a mini meltdown when I saw the umpteenth candidate across a variety of races wrapping themselves in various veteran and first responder organizations – then publishing the accompanying photographs of their smiling visage standing arm-in-arm with real heroes on their campaign’s social media site.

On Memorial Day. . . 

Unfortunately, I saw the same thing during Police Week when a few brazen politicos saw fit to exploit a time set aside to honor and remember law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice – conveniently “reminding” us ungrateful sluggards what the day means.   

Frankly, it turned my stomach. 

Is nothing sacred? 

Look, I’m a washed-up old has-been – and my military and law enforcement service were nothing special – but I have an honorable discharge, a police pension, and a tax bill that, in my jaded view, earned me the right to bitch and bemoan the sorry state of governance where I call home.

Besides, dissent and political accountability are the highest form of patriotism.   

Am I off base here?   

In the shit trench of modern political campaigns, is nothing off-limits? 

I’m asking.

All I know for certain is the politics of “personal destruction” is alive and well here on the Fun Coast, where candidates gain an advantage by cavalierly flinging baseless allegations with phony-baloney moral outrage – and the sacred symbols of service and sacrifice are hijacked and used on campaign sites in some weird “See vets, cops, and firefighters like me.  You should too!”

In my view, that’s not patriotism – it’s pandering.

I get it.  The strategy is known as “targeting” – an effective means of getting the candidate’s face and message in front of that demographic most likely to support them – which stirs up the base and helps the all-important fundraising component of any campaign. 

And these exploitative theatrics are far easier than addressing uncomfortable truths and discussing solutions to the issues important to Volusia County taxpayers – or, for incumbents seeking another bite at the apple, defending their often-abysmal record. . .   

I’m not talking about goofy politicians adopting the subliminal connotation of wearing cowboy boots because Ron DeSantis wears cowboy boots – or the political art and science of slapping backs and kissing babies – and if a candidate honorably served, they have every right to that pride and association.

But where is the low-water mark?   

Let’s cogitate on that for a while before the glossy mailers hit our mailboxes. . .

In the meantime, I hope you look at this carefully crafted imagery we are all being inundated with through an objective lens.

Ask yourself how any of this barefaced virtue signaling informs us of the candidate’s thoughts on overdevelopment, affordable housing, the destruction of our environment, water quality and quantity, taxation and fees, beach management and access, government “incentives” and the perpetuation of an artificial economy, transportation and utilities infrastructure, the property insurance debacle, the ongoing atrocity that is the Indian River Lagoon, preserving our history and culture in a place where everything is sacrificed on the altar of greed, etc., etc., etc. . . 

Ignore the contrived window-dressing of modern political campaigns, think for yourself, and demand hard answers from those seeking your vote. 

If you wear – or have worn – a uniform in service to your country or community, understand the reason these pandering politicians are seeking the imprimatur of your honor, service, and sacrifice. 

Regardless, know you cannot hurt these straw-stuffed scarecrow’s feelings – most politicians worth their salt have some hard bark – or lost the human emotions of shame and decency when they accepted their first $1000 campaign contribution. . .     

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

When I was young police officer, I once arrested a gentleman who was the consummate traveling confidence man, with an extraordinary talent for scamming others using card tricks, sleight-of-hand, and old-timey games like three-card-monte.

The con man would take the ace of hearts and two black queens then flip them back and forth with great flourish while the dupe tried to follow along. Pick the ace and you won the sawbuck that you and your new friend anted up to make it interesting.  

Except, he could manipulate the cards in a way that ensured you were never going to get it right.

The glib showman could talk anyone into, or out of, just about anything – using cunning and distraction (even a fake thumb he carried in his pocket) to get his marks to believe one thing, while ensuring an alternate outcome that always benefitted the bunco booth. . .      

Sound familiar?   

I hate to embarrass Volusia County residents with the litany of civic flimflams, shim-shams, confidence scams, hustles, razzle-dazzles, and good old-fashioned political treachery that we have collectively fallen victim to over the years – but, as an example – in a 2017 article by Eileen Zaffiro-Kean writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, we learned:  

“In the 35 years since the Main Street Community Redevelopment Area was established, the city has spent about $123 million trying to improve the piece of the beachside between International Speedway Boulevard and Oakridge Boulevard.”

Really?  Where?

In the past forty-years, has anyone seen the transformative effects of that $123 million? 

I mean beyond the hard-earned progress being made by intrepid private entrepreneurs who continue to fight through the bureaucratic hoops and roadblocks to establish a presence that keeps a heartbeat on Main Street?

How about the $40 million in publicly funded “incentives” we gave the billionaires at NASCAR to publicly underwrite the One Daytona “synergistic” shopping and entertainment complex – which now shows its appreciation by charging us a one-percent “enhanced amenity fee” (a sales tax by another name) on all goods and services we purchase there – a complex that will now host a gigantic Costo Wholesale, which should effectively crush the small boutiques and specialty shops that have struggled mightily. 

So, where are all the “enhanced amenities”? 

Remember the $4 million that residents of Daytona Beach recently gifted to Amazon – the wealthiest on-line retailer in the solar system – for the privilege of placing a warehouse and logistics operation on the most strategically situated property on the east coast, with immediate access to the nexus of I-4, I-95, and DAB, on a promise of $15 an hour scutwork?

But what about the gridlocked traffic on already strained roadways our elected officials conveniently forgot to consider? 

How about the thousands of new cracker boxes our “powers that be” have permitted directly on top of our aquifer recharge areas west of a two-lane pinch point on Boomtown Boulevard, or the recent $2.5 million approved for a “custom” courtroom in DeLand (not a courthouse – a courtroom), or the “public/private partnerships,” “agricultural exemptions,” “economic development incentives,” etc., etc., etc.

Sorry. 

Now, in what is in my view the latest and greatest bait-and-switch sham in, oh, the last week or so – it is being reported that a group plans to erect 312 new apartments on the site of the former Regal Cinemas in Ormond Beach. 

According to a report by Associate Editor Jarleene Almenas writing in the Ormond Beach Observer:

“The complex is proposed to consist of two four-story buildings and one two-story building on the property’s 12 acres. Per city documents, two access points for the apartment complex are proposed, both on Williamson Boulevard…”

Wait a minute. . .

Anyone else remember when a group that included local developer Paul Holub purchased the property under the “215 Williamson Investors, LLC” then requested and received a Planned Business Development zoning designation?

I do. 

Ahead of the rezoning request, it was reported “…the applicant is asking the city allow a car wash, warehouse, outdoor storage, transient lodging, hospital, museum and a medical marijuana dispensary as possible future uses.”

You know, the kind of enterprises one expects at a planned business development. . . 

At the time, the Observer reported “The applicant said the property is not ideal for a big-box retailer and plans to divide it into five parcels, requiring relocation of retention ponds, for redevelopment.”

During the discussion, there was talk of a covered RV storage lot, a pharmacy, a fast-food restaurant with drive-through, a landscaped buffer and retention pond – but I’ll be dipped if I can find any reference to a massive multi-family complex. . . 

In turn, the Ormond Beach Planning Board unanimously recommended approval of the “more flexible” Planned Business Development classification which would accommodate the uses suggested.    

Now, Ormond Beach residents are about to get gored with the old “switcheroo.”

On Thursday evening the planning board will consider a request from “Southwest I-95, LLC.,” (Wait. What happened to our friends at 215 Williamson Investors?) to amend the Planned Business Development, paving the way for the demolition of the former theater to make room for 312 apartments in an area being blanketed with sticks-and-glue complexes.

I’m not a traffic engineer by any stretch, but I’ll just bet the multi-family development will result in thousands of new “trip generations” per day on already inundated roads and thoroughfares – in keeping with our current shove ten-pounds of shit into a five-pound bag growth management strategy. . .

Look, us rubes (read: Volusia County taxpayers) have grown used to having growth and increased density floated past us with the dexterity of a card mechanic. 

In some weird trauma response, it appears we have become apathetic to the repeat victimization – simply tuning out when our local elected officials bandy about terms like “planning,” “zoning,” “concurrency,” or tell us fairytales of “low-impact development,” and “conservation corridors.”

We no longer expect anything but more of the same. . .

Because when we balk – developers threaten they have a God-given right to do anything they want on their slice of the pie citing “property rights,” (theirs, not yours) and the adverse impact on existing residents be damned. . .   

A smart friend told me land use and valuation are based on the concept of “highest and best use” – within reason and zoning ordinances – theoretically meaning the City of Ormond Beach cannot allow an industrial medical waste incinerator in your backyard. 

(Somewhere I hear a medical waste incinerator executive with a pocketful of campaign donations saying, “Hold my beer…”)

Whatever.

Unfortunately, we live in an era where anything is possible.

In my jaded view, once again, We, The Little People are being bamboozled – in a weird cups-and-balls ruse we cannot possibly win – told to expect one thing, then forced to tolerate more, more, more impacts on our quality of life as amendments, accommodations, and rezoning approvals ensure the profit motives of speculative real estate developers who never seem to give us all the facts up front. 

Every time. 

And there are no signs that this massive overdevelopment across the width and breadth of Volusia County is going to slow anytime soon as those with a chip in the game take advantage of an overpriced housing market and unsustainable rental rates even as the market becomes saturated and diluted. . .

For instance, on Wednesday evening a neighborhood meeting will be held to discuss the proposed Tymber Creek Apartments project which could see construction of a 300-unit ten building complex near the busy intersection of Tymber Creek Road and Granada Boulevard.

You read that right.     

The meeting begins at 6:00pm at the Coquina Presbyterian Church at 2085 West Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach. 

If you plan on attending, leave early. 

You’re going to need the extra time. . . 

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 Department

The fundamentals of crowd management, intervention, and event containment are hard-earned lessons that involve meticulous planning, intelligence analysis, more planning, establishing objectives and expectations, more planning, tasking and deployment, more planning, team communication, more planning, monitoring crowd behavior and dynamics, more planning, decisive command and control, more planning, managing equipment and assets, more planning, coordinating resources, more planning, scheduling rest, water, meals, evacuating casualties, accounting for and supporting deployed personnel, more planning, etc., etc., etc. – all while factoring the myriad considerations of how large groups of people and traffic can safely exit the area should a disturbance ignite, etc., etc., etc.

Did I mention the importance of meticulous contingency planning? 

Managing crowds and dynamic events is both an art and science, and when shit hits the fan, it becomes readily apparent who got it right and who got in wrong. . . 

In my experience, the New Orleans Police Department is among the best in the world at crowd and event management and in 2019 I watched the London Metropolitan Police Department effectively deal with the disruptive Extinction Rebellion climate protests with great skill and efficiency using dialog with organizers, patience, and calming tactics (augmented with an incredibly well-organized uniformed show of force). 

Yet, despite their best planning and intentions, all law enforcement commanders know – when dealing with large groups of people in a confined space – when things go wrong, it happens quickly, and with deadly momentum. 

On Memorial Day weekend, Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young understood the assignment.

Unfortunately, the curse of law enforcement is that every day, extraordinary acts of individual heroism, selflessness, moral courage, and kindness go unacknowledged – while every negative situation, both real and perceived, is played out in excruciating detail on the frontpage and six-o’clock news.

As the most visible arm of government – a chain of mistakes months, sometimes years in the making – are often perceived as the fault of law enforcement, especially in the era of omnipresent cameras and social media platforms where everyone becomes an instant expert on (insert travesty of the day here).

Last weekend, Halifax area residents were bracing for yet another “invasion event” – this time known as “Orlando Invades Daytona/Litlando 2022.” 

In previous years, the Memorial Day weekend event resulted in massive crowds, traffic gridlock, gunfire, fights, and out-of-control crowds, culminating in numerous arrests as the event became another blemish on Daytona Beach’s already pockmarked “hospitality product.”

In fact, last year the crush of people caused police to rightfully close all bridges between the mainland and beachside for several hours resulting in angry complaints from residents and visitors – many of whom vowed never to return.

Last Saturday, the potential for overcrowding and stalled traffic was exacerbated by the hundreds of families attending local high school graduations at Ocean Center on one of the busiest days of the holiday weekend.

In his own confident and composed way, Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young led his officers and staff with great professionalism while sending the simple message to visitors, “Don’t start nothing, there won’t be nothing.” 

To ensure adequate staffing, Chief Young cancelled days off for his officers and placed barricades along busy sections of A-1-A to keep traffic lanes open and assist with pedestrian safety.  The department’s extensive planning and expert coordination with other law enforcement agencies and support services was evident from the beginning.   

In my view, the Daytona Beach Police Department did an outstanding job of managing a very busy weekend with great skill and have rightfully earned the admiration of a thankful community. 

Kudos to Chief Young and his superb officers, command staff, and civilian support personnel for a job well done!

Angel               Former Volusia County Councilwoman Vicky Jackson

In the early 1990’s, Vicky Jackson served on the Volusia County Council during a period of incredible progress – and tumult – a time when her commitment to ‘balance’ meant that all interests and viewpoints received consideration in the spirit of compromise and conciliation. 

Widely hailed for her incredibly sharp and independent mind, Ms. Jackson championed diverse causes and innovative solutions – such as her proposal for a countywide water authority to find comprehensive answers to future threats to our water quality and quantity (fears which have now come home to roost) always ensuring that all sides of the growth management equation were heard. 

In an October 1990 endorsement by the Orlando Sentinel, Ms. Jackson said: “The builders and developers can claim me just as the environmentalists can.”

As a concerned and involved citizen, in later years Ms. Jackson was an avid reader of Barker’s View and I will miss her astute observations and encouragement whenever she texted me with her insightful thoughts on the issues of the day.

Sadly, the intrepid Vicky Jackson passed away this week – an immeasurable loss to her family, friends, former colleagues, and constituents.   

The steadiness and poise in public service that she represented will be sorely missed.

Asshole           “Partisan Political Operatives”

I happen to believe that Florida has become the biggest whorehouse in the world. 

Your views may differ – that’s cool – and I remember those halcyon days when I lived in a world of blissful naivety, one with cotton candy clouds and big rock candy mountains, where those who ran for elective office were the local butcher, baker, and candlestick maker whose only motive was to serve their community and improve their neighbors quality of life. . .    

Not anymore. 

From experience, I now look at everything coming out of Tallahassee (and DeLand) through a greasy lens of suspicion. 

For instance, when I read about water quality projects, my internal voice naturally drifts to the dark side, “Are these really resource protection measures – or just carefully camouflaged, state funded capacity building projects to accommodate more development in our sensitive watershed?”  

I suppose that pathological distrust comes from the same atavistic instinct that has Volusia County residents asking, “qui bono” each time local government (and its facilitators at the CEO Business Alliance) beg for a sales tax increase to improve our horribly neglected transportation infrastructure – all while the bloated, do-nothing bureaucracy in DeLand continues to grub for more, more, more tax hikes and fees like a parasitic insect slowly exsanguinating its host.

When we question “Why?” our craven elected elite look down their noses and tell us – “Because you asked for it, asshole” – punishing us rubes (read: taxpayers) for having the temerity to fund a means of preserving sensitive lands and saving what is left of our environment, culture, and history.

Some well-meaning people remind me, “Hey, Barker, it’s a political problem that requires a political solution,” conveniently forgetting that our upside-down campaign finance scheme all but guarantees the stagnant status quo by allowing uber-wealthy insiders to shove massive contributions into the swollen campaign war chests of hand select marionettes who always seem of a like-mind when it comes time to vote on the issues important to their title-holder’s bottom line. . . 

Trust me.  It is worse in state and federal elections where the return on investment is exponentially more lucrative for those with a chip in the game.  

In my view, this week’s arrest of a “ghost” and two political operatives – to include the chair of the Seminole County Republican Party – who were allegedly involved in a ‘shill candidate‘ scheme proves that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Public Corruption Unit should be working in shifts. 

Now, before you get your knickers in a wad and paint this as a partisan hit piece – it isn’t. 

I am a true and registered NPA – No Party Affiliate – of the mind that neither Republicans or Democrats have the best interests of our state or nation at heart; instead  paying partisan fealty to the divisive and extremist views of incredibly wealthy shadow warriors who force us into a horrific Hobson’s choice each election cycle.

Last week, FDLE agents arrested the three on campaign-finance violations following an investigation into the activities of Jestine Iannotti, a clueless (and cashless) foil who willingly ran as an NPA candidate in name only, backed and financed by “partisan political operatives” in the state Senate District 9 race in 2020.

In a prepared statement, State Attorney Phil Archer of the 18^th Judicial Circuit said:

“Some NPA (no party affiliation) candidates, commonly referred to as ‘ghost’ candidates, have been used by political parties as a way to close elections or siphon off votes.  While not illegal per se, many have questioned the ethics of the practice. However, when that candidate and the partisan political operatives involved violate election finance laws by illegally funding those races and filing false reports, it is the responsibility of government to act. Today’s actions represent our commitment to ensuring the integrity of Florida’s election process and holding those who violate state campaign laws accountable.”

I am not going to rehash the FDLE investigation – and some questions remain – but suffice it to say, the findings waft a whiff of the shit over some powerful sitting state officials, “political action committees,” and several shady “operatives” who manipulate the financial rods and strings of Florida political campaigns. 

Don’t think questionable tactics are used locally?  Think again.

Anyone remember Volusia Citizens for Good Government? 

I do.  

That strange political action committee linked to Eric “The Prince of Darkness” Robinson that was used against Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower in 2020?

For the uninitiated, Mr. Robinson is a Venice, Florida-based accountant and political operative who likes to call himself “The Prince of Darkness” for his role as the ‘money man’ behind scores of Florida political campaigns.

In 2017, Sarasota Magazine said of Mr. Robinson, “Several of those campaigns tarred opponents in mailers with false accusations and hid the names of donors, often land developers and other wealthy businessmen, behind patriotic-sounding, made-up groups such as “Stand for Veterans” and “Working Together for Florida.”

Ah, the infamous “glossy mailer” – with the candidate, his/her spouse, and their 2.3 children and rented dog, all comfortably barefoot (because they are just like you), clad in white shirts and blue jeans, sitting arm-in-arm on some idyllic beach – those two-sided postcards chock full of dubious accomplishments and horseshit allegations that are now de rigueur for any competitive campaign. 

Watch for those turds to begin filling up your mailbox anytime now – all perfectly legal in today’s no-holds-barred political arena – but, trust me, you are going to want to wash your hands after touching them. . .   

It is scumbags like those behind these ‘shill candidate’ scams – those quisling backstabbers, misleading rumor mongers, political pimps, poseurs, and shakedown artists – who are destroying the public’s trust in our most sacred democratic institution.

In my view, once exposed, these dirty tricksters should all be locked in the jougs and given the bastinado treatment in some dark hole at the Florida State Prison at Raiford as an example to the many others who haven’t been ferreted out.  Yet. 

Unfortunately, we now live in an era where these filthy tactics are expected – and any campaign who doesn’t stoop to them are quickly bested by those who do. 

My God.

In my view, this electoral shim-sham exemplifies the importance of becoming an “informed voter” – doing the research, reviewing campaign finance reports, asking the tough questions, determining debts and loyalties, always calling ‘bullshit’ when you see it – then weighing if a candidate’s promises, deportment, and focus on the issues (or voting record as an incumbent) comport with what you see with your own eyes. 

Unfortunately, sorting the wheat from the chaff is increasingly difficult in this weird place and time when nothing is as it seems. . .

Kudos to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Public Corruption Unit for having the courage to follow the evidence, expose this filth to the cleansing light of day, and bring those responsible for maliciously manipulating our democratic system to justice. 

It’s a good start. 

Now, it is time for those guys and gals to get back to work.  They have a long way to go before they rest. . . 

Quote of the Week

“What goes up is still going up, as Volusia County real estate values and tax roll set new records.

The county Property Appraiser’s Office has just released the 2022 pre-preliminary tax roll, and the figures show double-digit growth in the market values of property in the county.

“It’s hot all over,” Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett told The Beacon, regarding the scramble to buy and hold onto a piece of the county.

Within the past year, the overall worth of all property — land, homes, commercial, industrial, institutional and tax-exempt — increased to $81.6 billion — a whopping 18.8 percent higher than the 2021 high of $68.6 billion.

Of that grand total, $48.3 billion is taxable by the county, cities, state agencies such as the School Board, and special jurisdictions such as hospital districts. The county’s 2022 tax roll is 13.1 percent larger, up from $42.7 billion last year.”

–Al Iverson, writing in the West Volusia Beacon, “Volusia County property values, tax roll set new records,” Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Interesting Factoid:

“Volusia County has one of the highest median property taxes in the United States and is ranked 630th of the 3143 counties in order of median property taxes.  The average yearly property tax paid by Volusia County residents ($1,713.00) amounts to about 3.35% of their yearly income. Volusia County is ranked 433rd of the 3143 counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.”  (According to www.tax-rates.org ) 

And Another Thing!

Distraction

Something that distracts: an object that directs one’s attention away from something else.  “One created a distraction while the other grabbed the money.”  That which amuses, entertains, or diverts; amusement; entertainment: division or disorder caused by dissension; tumult.

Interesting. . . 

A classic tale of political treachery involves a disturbing strategy often attributed to Lyndon B. Johnson:

As the story goes, during a heated campaign a Texas politician tells his campaign manager to spread a rumor regarding his opponent’s fondness for having carnal knowledge of his barnyard pigs.

“My God!  We can’t do that!  It isn’t true!” the campaign manager protests.

‘I know it’s not true, but let’s make the sonofabitch deny it!” the candidate says. . .

Most smart politicians understand the slaughterhouse politics inherent to Volusia County, and like any good chess player, candidates must strategize at least three moves ahead rather than paint themselves in a corner.   

Others?  Not so much. 

Those rubes take the bait every time – caving to the wants and whims of insiders and those on the periphery of politics who they think can help further their ambitions – or indulge themselves in theatrically overreacting to every perceived slight.    

Last week, I caught some serious back-channel heat for venting my spleen about the unfortunate (and on-going) commotion surrounding the Volusia Teenage Republican Club’s failure to invite At-Large Volusia County Council candidate Sherrise Boyd to a “debate” at DeLand City Hall last month. 

Although one politically astute reader seemed duly impressed that I found a way to publicly spank each of the candidates involved in the dust-up – to include that hyper-sensitive phony Jake Johansson – a declared candidate for the At-Large seat who sparked the whole mess when he got the vapors and cried foul after the fact.

For those new to these screeds, finding fault with others while ignoring my own shortcomings is my only superpower. . . 

Whatever.

At the risk of belaboring this goofy tempest in a teapot, the Volusia Teenage Republican Club is heavily stacked with County Council Chair Jeff Brower’s family members – with his wife serving in an advisory role while his son chair’s the executive board – giving the unmistakable impression that the club is being used as a dull tool to support those candidates Mr. Brower has endorsed.

Naturally, that makes the club a prime target for those Chairman Brower doesn’t support. . . 

Whether true or not – the perception is inescapable – and those who are paid to effectively manage political campaigns are smart enough to exploit that.     

Every time. 

Again, I don’t want to perpetuate this silly bruhaha – but I stand by my original jaded opinion of this shitshow – and the issues, strategy, and players involved. 

Nobody “won” – and any candidate who thinks they did is delusional.

Trust me.  Things are just beginning to heat up this campaign season, and if history is any predictor, these “distractions” are about to get far nastier than a schoolyard spit-spat with a group of partisan adolescents stung by hardball politics. . . 

In my view, the “win at all costs” carnage we are about to witness is the backwash of an age-old Fun Coast Faustian bargain – where mediocre candidates for high office sell their political souls in the name of crony capitalism and the consolidation of power.

That has absolutely nothing to do with representing the interests of the citizens of Volusia County and everything to do with influential insiders and their corporate entities looking to secure a political return from their malleable handmaidens. 

And the stakes are high.

I encourage you to stay focused on the issues – ignore the distractions – and demand that political candidates do the same.

The result of this repeated sleight-of-hand is a slow erosion of the public’s trust in the legitimacy of the political process – diversions that only benefit those few with a chip in the game.   

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

Last Saturday marked the 45^th anniversary of the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in Southgate, Kentucky – a conflagration that took the lives of 165 people and injured more than 200 – the seventh deadliest night club fire in history. 

The carnage resulted in the modernization of fire codes and safety regulations around the world, to include improvements in construction, fire walls, wiring codes, roof support structures, the use of combustible materials, fire exits, occupancy limits, sprinkler systems, and strengthened governmental inspection, oversight, and enforcement.

Because it was the right thing to do – and in the aftermath of a tragedy – regulatory agencies could no longer turn a blind eye to substandard practices, dangerous materials, and construction on-the-cheap. . .

Inconceivably, last year, a Northern Kentucky property developer, builder, and realty group purchased the hallowed site (which some family members claim still hold the unrecovered remains of their loved ones) with plans to begin construction of a “mixed use residential” development known by the macabre name “Memorial Pointe,” which will include 90 homes (from the upper $300’s), 200 luxury apartments, and a senior living facility.

My God. Is nothing sacred?

A previous lawsuit filed by a group called “Beverly Hills Respect the Dead” was settled in 2020 and will allow survivors and family members to raise funds for a memorial to be placed on the approximate location of the supper club’s former Cabaret Room where most of the victims died – with access controlled by the homeowner’s association – and a public memorial, paid for by the developer, to be placed at the bottom of the hill which “characterizes the development site.”

Not much moves me anymore – but this took me aback. 

In context, I thought about the current wrangling in Wild West Volusia where a developer is fighting to place a subdivision – which may one day be home to your children and grandchildren – which is to be built on top of a contaminated former golf course that was once a city dump. 

You read that right.

According to a December 2021 report by business editor Clayton Park writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, citizens became concerned when pesticides and dangerous chemicals were detected in preliminary soil tests conducted on the former Sandhill Golf Course site by an engineering consulting firm hired by the Orlando developer. 

“The preliminary tests found evidence of both pesticides in the soil from the nearly five decades that the site was a golf course from 1968 until its closure in 2017, as well as contaminants possibly dating back to when portions of the property was a sand mine and city dump used by both area residents and businesses in the 1940s and ’50s.”

Unthinkably, rezoning for the 168-acre site which, when complete, will hold some 600 homes, was approved on first reading by a 3-2 vote in February – with DeLand Mayor Bob Apgar and City Commissioners Kevin Reid and Charles Paiva voting in favor – while City Commissioners Chris Cloudman and Jessica Davis rightfully voted on the side of caution.

(If you vote in the City of DeLand and care about overdevelopment, you might want to jot that down and tape it to the refrigerator.)

The matter will come back before the DeLand City Commission in June once environmental hazard remediation plans are finalized. . .

With former golf courses like Tomoka Oaks, River Bend, and Indigo Lakes firmly in the sights of insatiable developers whose voracious appetite allows no quarter for wildlife, natural places, or environmental dangers – can paving over cemeteries, bulldozing gravestones, and making way for hundreds of zero lot line wood frame cracker boxes be far behind? 

I’m asking. Because it appears nothing is out-of-bounds now.

Open any newspaper in Florida and chances are the ‘Local’ section will have at least one article with the lede, “More than 100 people gathered this week to show their displeasure at a proposed land use and zoning change that could bring more than XXXX housing units to their area. . .” 

Much to the consternation of malleable elected officials whose campaign coffers are brimming with cash from development interests, We, The Little People are becoming increasingly aware of the fact we are caught in a tightening vice of unchecked sprawl across the width and breadth of the Sunshine State. 

The same is true here on the Fun Coast, as residents from Oak Hill to the Flagler County line see malignant growth threatening our quality of life, sensitive wetlands and waterways, and already strained transportation/utilities infrastructure.

Last year about this time, the Deltona City Commission lamented the fact that, like many other municipalities, the public perception is that developers are in control of the land use and rezoning process – because they are.

During a May 3, 2021, meeting “Interim” City Manager-for-Life John Peters suggested a six-month moratorium on RPUD approvals to give the planning staff time to hold workshops and strengthen codes and ordinances. 

One year later (?), on May 18, the Deltona Planning and Zoning Board voted to support a pause on new housing development.  Although the board’s vote is “advisory only,” the City Commission will consider it when they vote on the measure next month. 

According to an excellent article by Al Iverson writing in the West Volusia Beacon, “It would freeze RPUD developments – residential planned unit developments – requesting zoning changes to allow for custom neighborhoods that often are more dense than the land’s regular zoning allows.”

If approved, the moratorium will remain in effect for six-months beginning July 1 and will only affect single-family detached dwellings.   

The measure is being debated during massive sprawl which is consuming the whole of Volusia County – to include the recent approval of another 122 homes at Lakeside Landing in Deltona following a rezoning request that came with a $30,000 sweetener – a “donation” from the developer to be used to resurface Monterey and Tradewinds drives. 

Thirty grand. . .

According to a Beacon report, “The homes will be built on lots generally smaller than those in the older surrounding neighborhood in the south-central part of Deltona.” 

Sound familiar?  Regardless of where you live in Volusia County, it should. . . 

I wonder if this latest approval was the result of the old “Ask for 131 homes, then make them feel like you made a concession for the 120 you wanted” ruse?

In March, the DeLand City Commission approved a lukewarm resolution limiting annexations for residential development. 

What is being called a toothless “non-moratorium moratorium” does nothing to stop developers from submitting applications for annexation for development – or the City Commission for reviewing and approving them – but that is not what it was meant to accomplish.

Clearly, this was a “feel good” move designed to salve the very real fears of DeLand residents who are feeling the claustrophobic effects of explosive growth.   

Of course, even a tap-of-the-brakes on the current lucrative growth at all cost scheme will no doubt result in more clamor from the development community as they demand more, more, more from their marionettes on the dais of power in (you name the jurisdiction) under the mantra of “property rights” – which has become a blanket protection for the ‘do what cha’ wanna’ carte blanche developers have come to expect. 

In my view, many current local planning and zoning ordinances have been exploited by developers in this cram ten-pounds of shit into a five-pound bag strategy that is now forcing municipalities to consider increasing consumptive use permits allowing more straws in the public drinking water supply to accommodate this unsustainable growth. 

Now, it is time for the pendulum to swing in favor of those of us dealing with the fallout. . .

Look, no one is suggesting that all growth be stopped indefinitely – hell, that’s blasphemous in this build-at-all-cost developer’s paradise. 

The idea of temporary good faith moratoria to allow local governments to determine how they want to grow, what low-impact strategies and environmental designs citizens want, and which ordinances and zoning regulations communities need to protect their finite water quantity and quality amidst the pernicious cycle of: Rezone, Increase density, Build cookie cutter sticks-&-glue project, rinse, repeat – makes good civic sense.  

In my view, now that even contaminated dumps are no barrier to a developer’s greed, placing reasonable restrictions and protective regulations – then sticking to them – is a moral and ethical imperative.    

And only our sacred vote can turn the tide.

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               Barker’s View Readers

My beat-up old heart is the size, shape, and consistency of a Honey Baked Ham, but from the bottom of what is left of it:  Thank you!    

In recent weeks, the Barker’s View tribe has grown leaps and bounds with so many of my fellow rubes (read: local taxpayers) reaching out with questions, comments, compliments, and complaints regarding my cockeyed views on the prominent issues of the day.

I suppose this growing readership is the result of a dwindling number of outlets for political commentary – especially now that the extraordinary voices of Marc Bernier and Big John have been silenced far too soon – and the News-Journal’s intrepid columnist Mark Lane has taken up the rocking chair.

Perhaps it is just a seasonal surge in folk’s searching for an alternative view during what will be a sizzling summer of local political warfare as election year shenanigans always bring out those on the periphery of politics.  I don’t know.    

But I believe those who take the time to search out, read, and digest these long-winded jeremiads are what I call informed voters – the tens of thousands of good citizens who use this space to gain situational awareness on both the mechanics and machinations of their local government – then vote with their conscience. 

Regardless, I would like to welcome readers old and new to Barker’s View!

For the uninitiated, I like to think of this blogsite as a modern-day salon where people can come together – agree or disagree – and further a discussion of our civic and societal problems, debate solutions, then influence political action.  But at its core, Barker’s View is simply one man’s jaded opinion on the myriad issues of the day – neither always right, nor always wrong – and should never be mistaken for fact-based reporting.

I am certainly not a “journalist” by any stretch of the modern definition – far too leaky a vessel to adhere to journalistic standards, grammatical structure, and professional practices – and too easily distracted by my many vices, demons, faults, and foibles. . . 

But on occasion – thanks to some incredibly smart inside sources – these screeds provide a peek through the greasy pane in the portcullis of the Ivory Tower of Power where the decisions that affect our lives and livelihoods are made.  That shadowy place behind closed doors, where information is power, and those we elect to represent our interests go out of their way to exclude our input.    

In the information vacuum that has been created by the secretive nature of “The System,” it is only natural that many taxpayers take to blogsites and social media for answers as they seek clarity and validation of their suspicions – speculating on the who, what, why, when, and how of policy decisions – and trying desperately to determine who ultimately benefits? 

It also gets confusing when elected officials (or their proxies) wade into the contentious swamp of social media to harangue their confused constituents for taking a position contrary to the carefully crafted official narrative – odd behavior from those holding positions of trust – that breeds more questions and solidifies the notion that citizen input in the process is universally despised by decisionmakers.

Now, with our quality of life being eroded by for-profit interests/political insiders who influence our elections, exploit our natural places, and overburden our public infrastructure with out-of-control sprawl – the illusion of truth is no longer enough. 

If any of this sounds like what you are searching for:  Welcome Home. 

Whether we agree on the issues of the day, or you hate everything I stand for – please know that I appreciate your interest, your participation, and your friendship.   

Thank you for reading Barker’s View.

Asshole           Volusia County Politics and Politicians  

I typically don’t wade into the political slit trench until after the qualifying period ends in June – when things become reasonably clear – as county and municipal contests begin to take shape. 

Not this year. . .

The unbridled shitshow that marks a typical Volusia County election season began last Sunday with a controversial “debate” organized by something called the Volusia Teenage Republicans (oddly abbreviated TAR?) held at DeLand City Hall. 

As I understand it, the TAR “board” – comprised of partisan youth chaperoned by Terri Brower, the wife of Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower, and overseen by the Brower’s teenaged son – invited Volusia County Council At-Large candidates Jake Johansson, Doug Pettit, and Andy Kelly (a registered Democrat) to participate in the weird Q and A.

However, the TAR organization failed to ask candidate Sherrise Boyd, who is also a Democrat, and the lone female African American in the race.   

Now, shit has rightfully hit the fan. . .because omitting Ms. Boyd from the discussion – regardless of the reason – was patently wrong.

For the record, Volusia County Council races are nonpartisan, but that does nothing to discourage the partisan eye-gouging that marks every campaign season.     

It is no secret that Chairman Brower has grown tired of being on the losing end of 5-2 votes for, oh, the entirety of his term – which is why he is desperately trying to recruit like-minded candidates in a year when every seat is up for grabs but his.    

Conversely, to maintain the stagnant status quo, the top tier of the horribly fractured local Republican apparatus (and the uber-wealthy insiders they represent) drafted Mr. Johansson (the darling of the Donor Class with a current war chest totaling nearly $61,000) to ensure a continuation of the same obstructionist strategy that has left Mr. Brower as ineffectual as a neutered dog since he took office.    

Chairman Brower has enthusiastically endorsed Doug Pettit for the At-Large seat as he seeks to stack the deck going into the second half – and Mr. Pettit has eagerly piggybacked on Brower’s popularity – essentially running on a promise of becoming the Chairman’s rubberstamp. . .    

After the “debate,” once the Little Republican’s omission was pointed out to him, Mr. Johansson published a sanctimonious screed on the popular Facebook forum, Volusia Issues, broadsiding Brower with a thinly veiled insinuation regarding the “motivations” behind why Boyd was not invited, which read, in part:

“I am a person of integrity and ethical values. My integrity is not for sale either.  I find it appalling that Chair Brower, and Terri Brower, who were both in attendance, advised or otherwise allowed the TARS to have a debate that included Doug Pettit, Andy Kelly and myself while choosing to omit Candidate Sherrise Boyd. The reasoning was not explained when asked by a citizen at the event, which further puts into question the motivation for excluding one candidate while including the others.

We talk about transparency in government, trust in government and voting for people who will do the right thing. I choose to do the right thing and call it like I see it.

This was either a gross misjudgment or a blatant omission and a poor example of leadership for our youth. I don’t blame the kids. It became obvious after the event this was not the doing of the young adults but a call by the advisors. I leave it to the voters to judge who and what motivated the exclusion of Ms. Boyd.”

Appalling I say!  (Please read using your best Claude Rains impersonation. . .)

Bullshit. 

I don’t know about you, but – as a fellow sinner – I am always suspicious of anyone who feels the need to remind me of their “…integrity and ethical values.”

So, why didn’t the righteously indignant Johansson hike up his skirt and flee the dais in all his pious outrage once he became aware that the Junior GOP had snubbed Ms. Boyd?

My ass.   

In my view, if elected, Jake “The Snake” Johansson will fit right in with his fellow marionettes of the “Rich & Powerful” on the dais of power in DeLand. . . 

At one fell swoop, Johansson exposed who, and what, he truly is – and I suspect the vast majority of Volusia County voters who elevated Chairman Brower to power over another entrenched (and incredibly well-financed) establishment backed opponent do not like what they see.

Unfortunately, rather than remain above the fray, Chairman Brower – the senior elected leader of Volusia County government – succumbed to the mindless urge to respond to Johansson’s opportunistic tripe with his own grammatical nightmare on Volusia Issues:

“Jake it is interesting to see your strategy as a bully and a liar laid out all over Facebook. Interesting team you have. It was obvious in the forum you were desperate rude and uneasy, calling your opponents jokers and informing the crowd you wanted to get in the britches of Tom Leek and Tom Wright, whatever that means.  (Wait?  Excuse me?)

But when you attack my wife, son, and the rest of the teenagers on the board I will not let it stand. These young people are not on Facebook, they are busy studying, working, and taking action. You are clearly the candidate of big government republicans led by Paul Deering and Vic Baker who accompanied you to video your performance.

The adult who invited you was my wife the Student Advisor. She did so at the request of the TAR’s board. I know that doesn’t sit well with Deering or Baker because they can not control her or the board. However, this is not about the adults. TAR’s is about the teenagers learning about civics and government. Sadly they are learning about the corruption in government at all levels. Thank you for your instruction.”

(“And the Academy Award for the most Bombastic Pettifoggery by a Sitting Elected Official not officially in the race goes to. . .”)

The fact is, Ms. Boyd should have been invited to participate in the debate – because excluding her is patently unfair – both to the candidate, and the public.

And Mr. Brower should know that.

In my view, if Mr. Johansson was truly offended, he should have taken his leave – not sat through the “debate” gaining whatever horseshit advantage is transferred by a group of politically exploited teenagers (who, in my view, should spend more time in an English class and less debating the fine points of local partisan politics. . .)

Unfortunately, rather than seize the opportunity to be the adult in the room, rise above the bickering and demonstrate true leadership, Sherrise Boyd – someone I consider a politically astute influencer, advocate, and civic activist – also went on a self-serving Facebook rip that, in my view, has bruised her image and credibility. 

In her wide-ranging, numbered, collated, and itemized rant, Ms. Boyd – who, according to reports, had already been heard by the TAR’s group before Kelly entered the race – accused Chairman Brower of colluding with Pettit, feeding him “notes” ahead of the event, and encouraging Andy Kelly to run as a means of shunting votes away from her, before questioning the Volusia Teenage Republicans lineage:

“As for the hosting group, they knew I was a candidate and I was not invited, which was 100% intentional and morally disgusting. Future leaders already being ethically corrupted… inbred may be a better terminology.”

Whoa. 

Unfortunately, rather than exemplifying the sangfroid the citizens of Volusia County are desperately seeking in our elected leadership, Ms. Boyd opted to wallow in the muck with an emotional overreaction:

“F*ck Jeff Brower and his ENTIRE cheating ass assembly team.  People are seeing Jeff for what he really is.”

How sad.

The fact is, I like Ms. Boyd. 

She has invited me on her social media forum in the past and clearly has some important things to add to the conversation.  In my experience, Ms. Boyd is a person of great poise and grace – and she has become well respected in Volusia County for her community advocacy role.

While I am a leading proponent of the inspirational “votes beat money” chantey – with just $2,280 in the bank less than three-months ahead of the August primary election – it does not appear Ms. Boyd’s message is resonating with grassroots voters this year. 

Unless she is running for the name recognition alone, perhaps it is time for Ms. Boyd to resume her important work as an influential voice in Volusia County civic affairs and leave this unbecoming mudslinging to the professionals?     

Look, I realize we live in a time when anything goes in the political arena, but many I have spoken with were taken aback by Ms. Boyd’s response.  Regardless, I hope she feels better after venting her spleen, because following that over-the-top diatribe she has as much chance of winning this election as I do. . . 

In my view, Jake Johansson – who started this silly brouhaha like the cheap shot artist he has now proven himself to be – has some significant questions of his own to answer:

Like what he knew, and when, about the raging scandals that rocked the Port Orange Police Department during his tenure as City Manager – to include what role, if any, Johansson played in trashing the courageous young whistleblower who brought to light serious allegations of corruption by a former member of the department’s command staff?   

What exactly did Mr. Johansson mean in his mysterious memorandum of resignation to the Port Orange City Council less than two years ago, when he cryptically limped away:

“After many hours of thought as well as discussions with family and friends I have decided to resign as the City Manager of Port Orange to concentrate on my family, my health and explore new opportunities.”

“My current situation precludes me from devoting the time necessary to adequately concentrate on the city in the manner that is enough to meet the needs of our citizens and at the level that you and I both expect.”

And why are Volusia County’s influential insiders – those oligarchs with a real chip in the game – making massive contributions to Mr. Johansson’s campaign if he isn’t of a like mind with those who seek to cram more overdevelop into our dwindling natural places, expect a Pavlovian response to their every want and whim, and have a demonstrated need for keeping the public teat patent for all the right last names? 

Don’t take my word for it – enjoy the “Who’s Who” of Volusia County here: https://tinyurl.com/ypn454y5

Voters have a right to know. 

In my view, it is also time for Chairman Brower to stop embarrassing himself (and us) with these desperate political blunders that undermine the public confidence. 

Didn’t he learn anything from Old Ed Kelley’s near-constant bloopers, gaffes, and five-alarm foul-ups? 

Jesus. 

Frankly, this weird Siamese Twin sideshow act that Brower and Doug Pettit are staging is wearing thin with a bone-weary constituency desperate for change.   

By all accounts, Mr. Pettit is a good guy – a political outsider and a viable candidate – perfectly capable of presenting his own views on the issues of the day without Jeff Brower manipulating him through his lower colon like a sock puppet. 

At least I hope he is. . .

Regardless, whatever the Volusia Teenage Republicans represent, in my view, a youth organization should never be used as a dull political tool – especially one less than arms-length from the sitting Volusia County Council Chair.

The reasons for that should now be self-evident. 

I don’t make this shit up, folks.  

This is the type of abject buffoonery that deflects from the issues and passes for political discourse in Volusia County – and why we remain the laughingstock of other Central Florida communities who rightfully view the eastern terminus of I-4 as a cautionary tale. . .   

With all the issues we face in Volusia County, this is what its come to?

Sadly, I am not sure why I expected better of the current crop of candidates – but I did. 

Screw it.  Let the games begin. . .

Quote of the Week

“Even with two adults in the household working, large numbers of Volusia County families — about 45 percent — are struggling to afford housing, food and health care.”

–Noah Hertz, writing in the West Volusia Beacon, “Report paints grim picture of local families,” Saturday, May 21, 2022

Recently, residents of Volusia County received grim confirmation of what nearly half of working families here on the Fun Coast already know:  Someone you know is struggling mightily to meet basic living expenses. 

“Essentially what it means is our community’s working poor,” United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties President Courtney Edgcomb told The Beacon. “They might have a car, own their own home, they have assets of their own. They, however, are not making enough to survive in this community.”

Unfortunately, the data compiled in the United Way’s recent ALICE statistics (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is from 2019, which means current impacts (did I mention I paid $4.49 a gallon to fill up the Lone Eagle this week?) may be worse than reported. . .

In other “News of the Absurd” – with tens-of-thousands of local families fighting to stay off the street (literally) – in December, the Volusia County Council – who continues to drag their clay feet on doing anything of substance to address the affordable housing crisis – voted to give County Manager George “The Wreck” Rectenwald and County Attorney Mike “Nuttin’ to Hide” Dyer a generous 4% pay increase, bringing their annual salaries to $237,217 and $221,738 respectively.

These people work for you and me.  How do you think they are doing? 

Last week, our tone-deaf elected dullards on the Volusia County School Board opted to gift our “new” Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carmen Balgobin, a $245,000 salary, a district-owned car, and other lucrative perks that bring the total package to a whopping $283,583. . .

This extravagance in a place where the median household income is $52,407 – while the required living wage (2 adults both working/1 child) is now estimated at $63,537 annually – with over 82,000 Volusia County families living below the poverty level?    

You read that right.

What?  You didn’t receive the same consideration for your arduous work schlepping boxes from A to B at (enter warehouse/distribution center/big-box store here)?  

Guess what? 

Despite what we will be told on the dusty campaign trail this summer, no one on the dais of power in DeLand gives two-shits. . .

Vote like your quality of life depends upon it.

And Another Thing!

Happy Days are here again!  Again! 

For some, anyway. . . 

This week another top-secret enterprise – code named Project Success (of course) – was unveiled as a “massive members-only” Costco Wholesale to be constructed at the publicly underwritten One Daytona shopping and entertainment complex. 

As I’m sure you know, One Daytona is owned by the billionaires at NASCAR – and was the beneficiary of some $40 million in taxpayer-funded “incentives” – lucrative spiffs and props that I just bet your mom-and-pop wasn’t offered when you were jumping through the myriad bureaucratic hoops required to start a small business in these parts. . . 

According to an excellent report by business editor Clayton Park writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week, we learned the 150,000 square foot behemoth will be built on 17-acres west of the CMX multiplex.

“They’re coming to One Daytona and more importantly they’re coming to Volusia County,” said Roxanne Ribakoff, the president of the One Daytona entertainment/retail complex.”

Well, yes.  Costco is coming to One Daytona, ipso facto, they are coming to Volusia County – but, when touting another “win-win” from Team Volusia, I suppose no point is too insignificant not to blow out of proportion, eh? 

Once again ignoring the potential unintended consequences of “progress,” Daytona Beach City Commissioner Stacy Cantu was in an absolute swoon over the news, apparently because it will benefit her personally:

“I’m happy we’re going to have a Costco here so I don’t have to drive to Orlando,” she said. Cantu is a past member of the chain, but switched to the Sam’s Club wholesale store on LPGA Boulevard because she got tired of making the long drive to the Costco at Altamonte Springs.

“I’m a member of Sam’s, but I prefer Costco,” Cantu said. “I think they have a better quality of stuff.”

Cantu said the city planning staff has had preliminary discussions with One Daytona for a prospective tenant identified by the codename “Project Success” but didn’t know that it was going to be a Costco store. “All they knew was that it would be a big box store with a gas station,” she said.”

Look, I think it’s swell that Commissioner Cantu took to the front page to educate us on her brand loyalty, but what about:

The city’s consideration and mitigation of potential impacts to area small businesses? 

Strategies for dealing with increased regional traffic on International Speedway Boulevard?

The continuing lack of public input and transparency in the development approval the process?

Whatever. 

Well, unlike the rest of us rubes, at least city planners had a heads-up that it was a “big box store” and not, oh, a medical waste incinerator, right?  Because ‘jobs-are-jobs’ in the fast and loose game of “economic development” here on Florida’s Fun Coast, where anything is possible. . . 

Courageously, those who have rolled the dice, met the exorbitant lease requirements, and located small boutiques and specialty shops in the One Daytona complex (where many others have failed and fled) appear to be masking their trepidation with faux-excitement – the same fear a guppy must feel right before it is swallowed whole by a Great White Shark – as the fifth largest retailer in the solar system prepares to plant itself next door.

“Nicole Mabry, owner of the Ashley Lane Boutique women’s apparel shop at One Daytona, said she was thrilled to learn that Costco is coming.

“I hope it makes One Daytona even more of a destination than it already is,” said Mabry. “I think it will help draw shoppers from an even wider area.”

Mabry opened her store at One Daytona in August of last year. “We’re doing good,” she said.”

Thrilled?  Wow. 

I would be scared shitless – screaming through my tears to anyone who would listen, “Who thought it was a good idea to locate a warehouse club selling bulk merchandise at rock bottom prices in my parking lot?”    

Whatever.  

Look, I’m not an expert like those “planners” at the City of Daytona Beach and Team Volusia’s self-perpetuating “economic development” shim-sham – but I wonder if our mystics have factored the fallout of locating a big-box retailer in the “symbiotic” setting of the One Daytona campus – and its unavoidable impact on the interdependent relationships of its much smaller tenants as Costco naturally absorbs sales? 

In addition, the question for many remains – will the usurious “Enhanced Amenity Fee,” a one percent before sales tax levy on all goods and services purchased at One Daytona, also apply to Costco? 

And whatever became of all the “amenities” we were told this tax by another name was supposed to provide?

Look, despite the enraptured cooing from our elected dullards, we all knew it was coming.

After all, those Parrotheads moving into the gazillion zero lot-line cracker boxes crammed into the faux-beach community of Margaritaville, and the thousands locating to the “lifestyle” subdivision of Mosaic, the future residents of the “city within a city” at Avalon, our new neighbors in those sticks-and-glue “lux apartments” on Boomtown Boulevard, and the. . . (you get the picture) expect things like Costco, right?

Given our newfound demographical cachet, I’ll just bet Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and other “upscale” retail concerns will be sniffing around as well. 

Times, they are a changing’ – and if you own or are employed by a small business in Volusia County – welcome to the “progress” we were promised. . .    

I hate to be the proverbial turd in the punch bowl but be careful what you wish for.

You just might get it. . .

That’s all for me. 

I hope you will join me in taking a solemn moment this Memorial Day weekend to remember those brave souls who secured our freedom by making the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation.    

A Hero Remembered Never Dies. . .

“Over the past decade, the county has paid out tens of millions of dollars in grants to new business ventures hoped to generate large amounts of jobs and property taxes.

So did it work? An internal audit the county performed this year found big developments such as the One Daytona shops and restaurants, Trader Joe’s distribution center and Tanger Outlets mall did indeed deliver with hundreds of jobs and tens of thousands of dollars in property tax payments.

The private companies met the terms of their economic development incentives awarded by the County Council, Jonathan Edwards, the county’s internal auditor, told Council members during their meeting Tuesday.

“I believe our incentive program has done what it’s supposed to do,” said County Council member Ben Johnson. “We need to make sure we have checks and balances in it to make sure it stays that way. But overall it’s done a lot for Volusia County.”

–Eileen Zaffiro-Kean, writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Have millions in Volusia business grants paid off?” Thursday, May 19, 2022

Following a recent in-house review of Volusia County’s lucrative corporate welfare scheme – excuse me, “economic development incentive” program – At-Large Councilman Ben Johnson and I agree on one thing:

The program has done exactly “what it’s supposed to do.” 

Which, in my jaded view, is to keep the public trough slopped for the political benefactors of sitting elected officials who receive millions of dollars in tax incentives, infrastructure, and other publicly funded artificial props in exchange for massive campaign contributions – a weird, and completely legal, something-for-something that keeps the whole shebang going round-and-round.

Am I wrong? 

Prove it. 

And I don’t mean by anesthetizing taxpayers with a boring PowerPoint presentation explaining how property values increased because some mega-corporation built a shopping center on a vacant parcel of previously “agriculturally exempt” land.

That’s a given.   

We are told, ad nauseum, by those wooden puppets on the dais of power – and their bagmen over at Team Volusia – that if Volusia County is to remain ‘competitive,’ we must shower public funds and economic “incentives” on certain businesses and industries to convince them to locate or remain here. 

In my view, the idea of local government – lavish and bloated bureaucracies – skewing the free marketplace, picking winners and losers by gifting them our tax dollars, is a shameless example of the cronyism that has ruled Volusia County for decades – a practice that is patently unfair to thousands of small businesses, creates an artificial economy, and is detrimental to the concept of free enterprise.

Anyone else find it funny that the Gang of Four – Council members Johnson, Danny Robins, Fred Lowry, and Billie Wheeler – portray themselves as “conservatives,” the darlings of the local Republican apparatus, each election cycle – while openly shilling for corporate socialism even as they shamelessly raise our property taxes?  

In my view, the opulence of government offices, massive executive salaries, the gilded council chamber where citizens are ignored while what passes for the “public business” is conducted – along with the millions in incentives, subsidies, and tax breaks available for those with a chip in the game – is a classic sign of waste and over-taxation. 

When will We, The Little People say, “enough is enough” and begin the arduous process of rightsizing Volusia County government? 

I find it telling that after public protection, essential services, and emergency reserves are covered – bureaucrats still have piles of excess public funds to speculate in the free market and bankroll the for-profit endeavors of many of the same “movers & shakers” whose names and corporate entities often appear on the campaign finance reports of those same craven elected officials who handed them a big bag of “incentives.”

Sound familiar?  It should.   

In the view of many, that’s not fair competition in a free and open marketplace – that’s classic quid pro quo collusion between business insiders and their elected marionettes – cloaked as “economic opportunity.” 

In response to the News-Journal’s recent exposé, “Have millions in Volusia business grants paid off?  They have become common lure for development,” Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower took to social media to clarify his position, explaining:

“I am glad the Volusia Economic Development department has moved to performance-based incentives, but we are still limiting ourselves while picking winners and losers.

Every person and business is taxed in Volusia County. They all expect to reap the benefits that help make them more productive. What are the things every business needs to thrive and how do we attract good new high-tech companies? Volusia should be known as the place taxes are affordable and tangible benefits are received for paying those taxes. We need vibrant downtowns where there are great events for employees, owners, and customers. Public safety, good schools and clean water are essential. Open beaches, outdoor recreation areas, bike lanes, and hiking trails should be our reputation.

That’s not something I made up. That is what research says young people and entrepreneurs require. That is what our own children want. Let’s give them a chance to stay in Volusia to work or start businesses.”

I agree.

Imagine a place where the quality of life, low taxes, stable government, location, schools of excellence, top-tier research universities, adequate infrastructure, and diverse recreation opportunities were so attractive that it was no longer necessary to provide handouts to billionaires and mega-corporations as “incentives” to locate here?

A place with public swimming pools, multi-purpose parks, greenbelts, beach amenities, and eclectic leisure activities – all donated and maintained by business and industry – as an inducement for allowing them the advantage of establishing their enterprises at the strategic crossroads of Central Florida.    

An environment where our contributions, sacrifices, and inconveniences are appreciated and collectively compensated – and we are not expected to give deference and kiss the sizeable asses of astronomically successful billionaires who prospered here – groveling for every giveback as though someone is doing us pissants a favor. . . 

The fact is companies like specialty grocer Trader Joe’s and Amazon – the largest online retailer in the known universe – relocated their warehouse operations here because it was logistically advantageous – not because local governments handed them some $6 million collectively.

Had someone at Team Volusia bothered to think outside the box and seek agreements beneficial to the community, I wonder what corporate concessions could have been secured during negotiations for high-volume commercial warehouse operations at the nexus of I-95 and I-4 – with direct access to ports at Tampa, Jacksonville, Canaveral,  Everglades, and Miami, a Class II regional railroad providing intermodal service to the east coast of Florida and the Southeast, located immediately adjacent to an “international” airport capable of heavy cargo operations with room to expand in the fastest growing region in the world?   

We will never know – because that is not how the game is played. . .

Here, our tax dollars, natural amenities, geographical location, and quality of life is frittered away for the benefit of the few – gifted as cheap spiffs to all the right last names – while the rest of us are forced to deal with the aftermath, traffic congestion, out-of-control sprawl, destruction of greenspace, degradation of our water, springs, rivers, and lakes, and “trickle-down” nickels and dimes – as our elected officials tell us how fortunate we are to have landed more warehouse scutwork and retail jobs at another big box store paying wages that won’t cover basic living expenses.  

Bullshit.

In my view, it is time We, The Little People learn our worth, and use the power of the ballot box to elect representatives who will stop the pernicious practice of gifting millions in corporate welfare to those who are quick to remind us how fortunate we are to have them – not the other way around.   

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               Big John and GovStuff Live!

As regular readers of these screeds know, I am not given to sentimental puling, but the passing of my friend Big John last Sunday morning has brought a flood of emotions – not the least of which is fear for the future of political discourse in Volusia County. 

In my view, the great kick in the gut that marks the passing of this Icon of Volusia County – our area’s preeminent commentator on regional issues, someone who devoted himself and his encyclopedic knowledge to furthering our collective understanding of local government – is that he took his leave just when we need him most.    

After a lifetime of service to others, Big John became the political conscience of Volusia County, and informing the discussion of the civic, social, economic, and environmental issues was important to him. 

In fact, he devoted the bulk of his interesting life to educating the public on the bureaucratic machinations and policy decisions that affect our lives and livelihoods, always lamenting the fact that when it comes to local government, “Nobody knows nothing.”   

He knew of which he spoke. 

During his long public life, in addition to service on various boards and commissions, Big spent a total of twelve-years as an elected member of the Volusia County Council, including a stint as chair – his tenure marked by colorful antics and confrontations with his colleagues and detractors alike – well-crafted theater purposely designed to bring public attention to the pressing matters of the day. 

As evidence that Big never shied away from controversy, when this blogsite was in its infancy, he asked if I would appear as a regular guest of his radio forum GovStuff Live! 

He recognized Barker’s View as another means of furthering the discussion, questioning the motivations of the local power structure, and poking fun at the snobbishness that has become commonplace in politics and those who practice it. 

When well-meaning people feared these posts were pissing off some very important people – strongly suggesting that I tone it down – Big John encouraged me to speak my mind and gave this blog a larger voice in the community. 

He “got it” when others did not, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity and inspiration he provided.    

This year Barker’s View celebrated its seventh anniversary as a monthly contributor to GovStuff Live! – and I will miss my frequent interaction with Big John as we prepared for the forum or just hashed over the news of the day.     

To his credit, Big John never demanded fealty to his point of view and abhorred an echo chamber. 

He welcomed all opinions, and if he disagreed, worked to change your mind using facts, logic, a rapier-like wit, and the open competition of ideas – always employing his exhaustive understanding of the players and issues to great advantage in any debate.

In the often-cloistered environment of local government, Big was able to glean inside information from his extensive network of trusted sources, both inside government and out, and used it to shine a bright light and keep us informed.    

For good reason, many of our local “movers & shakers” were fearful of engaging in open debate with Big on the radio – but as a long-time listener, I never heard him treat an in-studio guest in an unfriendly manner.  In fact, he was hyper-protective of those who joined him, and he made everyone feel welcome regardless of status or stature.   

Yet, Big enjoyed sticking his thumb squarely in the eye of pompous politicians, bringing their outsized egos down to earth where they could be examined and better understood by voters. 

Now, that incredible resource is gone forever – and We, The Little People he championed so long and so well have lost a fierce advocate, teacher, and friend. 

On a personal note, I want to thank Big’s long-suffering producer Larry Steele, at WELE “The Cat” – and the incomparable Jeff Boyle – who so admirably stepped in and kept the forum on the air for the last few weeks.

I will also miss hearing the views and asides of that loyal and eclectic group of callers who contributed so much to the color and commentary of GovStuff Live!

This afternoon I hope you will join me in listening to the final broadcast of GovStuff Live! beginning at 4:00pm.

As this once bright stage goes dark, I am filled with a profound sadness for the future of local political discourse in the wake of Big John’s passing. 

My hope is that the citizens of Volusia County will honor Big’s extraordinary legacy by becoming informed voters. 

Take the time to learn all you can about the issues and those we elect to implement public policy, set tax rates, and allocate public funds – then elect servant-leaders who genuinely care about preserving and enhancing the unique character of Volusia County. 

Get informed.  Get involved.  Vote like your quality of life depends upon it.   

I can think of no greater tribute to this unique soul who dedicated his life to making Volusia County a better place to live, work, play, and learn.

Thank you, Big.  We are glad you passed our way.    

May God bless and keep you.      

A nondenominational celebration of Big John’s extraordinary life will be held tomorrow at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 201 University Boulevard in Daytona Beach, beginning at 10:00am. 

Angel               Ron Rice, Requiescat in Pace

The legendary Ron Rice passed this week at his oceanfront home in Ormond Beach. 

A self-made man of humble beginnings who, through his own hard work and promotional genius, became a titan of the sun care industry after forming the globally recognized Hawaiian Tropic brand in Daytona Beach 50-years ago.

According to a report by The Daytona Beach News-Journal’s business editor Clayton Park:

“Rice incorporated Hawaiian Tropic as a company in 1969 and grew it to become the nation’s fifth-best selling line of sun care products, employing 500 people, most of whom worked at his headquarters plant at 1190 U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach. He sold the company to Playtex for $83 million in April 2007.”

Ron Rice was 81-years old. 

Asshole           Volusia County Council

If you live and pay exorbitant taxes here on Florida’s Fun Coast and still believe your input is valued by our elected dullards on the Volusia County Council, look no further than Tuesday’s edition of this bimonthly promenade of pomposity for evidence to the contrary. 

In keeping with their foul tradition of exclusion, prior to what passes for “public participation,” Council member Barbara Girtman asked Chairman Jeff Brower to explain to their assembled subjects – taxpayers like you and me, many of whom took time away from work, raising families, and their busy lives to appear in council chambers at 9:30am on a weekday – that The Monarchy never acknowledges the presence of serfs who prostrate themselves at the podium to seek redress of grievances, ask questions, or provide input on public policy. 

In turn, Chairman Brower essentially explained that the Exalted Ones never respond to the great unwashed hordes who come before them, explaining that if they were to actually listen and consider the frivolous wants of the underclass – then the Ruling Class would be spending an inordinate of their extremely valuable time on the nonsensical, irrational, and foolish notions of the villeins – rather than focusing on the important issues of the day.

Bullshit.

As the campaign season heats up, I urge all voters to attend candidate forums and ask incumbents seeking reelection why they refuse to answer constituent questions in open public meetings? 

Then, look them in the eye as they mewl and coo about all the reasons responding to your frivolous concerns is a timewaster for these self-important assholes. . .   

I can assure Chairman Brower and his “colleagues” on the dais of power that nothing they fritter, bicker, and bitch about during these stilted shitshows they call the “people’s business” is more important than addressing the thoughts, concerns, and input of those citizens who pay the bills and have been expected to suffer in silence. 

Frankly, I don’t give two-shits if their “meeting” drags on until midnight – nothing is more important than addressing the needs of their constituents from whom all political power originates. 

For those elected officials George Mason described as our “trustees and servants” to deny We, The Little People our right to meaningful participation in our government and receive answers to our inquiries in an open, honest, and transparent way is, at best, political cowardice – and, at worst, the arrogance of power run amok.      

To add insult, on Tuesday, when a citizen asked to project a PowerPoint presentation during his allotted three-minute audience – technology that is used, ad nauseum, by every entrenched bureaucrat who drones on before the council – to illustrate the problems inherent to administrative zoning changes, he was denied the opportunity.

Instead, the gentleman was ordered to hold up his laptop computer in a clumsy, and wholly embarrassing, move clearly designed to humiliate the speaker.

In another slap, when Councilwoman Heather Post questioned what could be done to make it easier for John Q. to research and find content in meeting minutes – such as correlating the times on archived video with discussion items – (specifically those related to American Rescue Plan Act spending) she received the usual tut-tutting from Councilman Ben Johnson about overworking “staff” and the disconnected excuse that “not a lot of people look at it” (excuse me?) – along with the usual arrogant obstructionism from our self-anointed Éminence Grise, The Very Reverend and Meanspirited “Dr.” Fred Lowry. 

Sickening.

The very idea of anyone elected to represent the best interests of Volusia County residents asking the county’s ample “staff” to make things easier for us by better memorializing meetings, workshops, and the various hot air generators where our money is being spent is anathema in the cloistered halls of power in DeLand.    

Clearly, the operative ethic at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Complex is to treat citizens like mushrooms – keep them in the dark and feed them horseshit.  

Add to that “Dr.” Lowry’s aggressive (and annoying) one-upmanship of Councilwoman Post and the omnipresent parliamentary disorder and legislatorial confusion – which this week included a runaway microphone that had Ms. Post (who, once again, joined the meeting virtually) loudly broadcasting what sounded like an off-the-record sidebar conversation regarding injuries sustained during a terrible fall in a county-owned building (Ms. Post – I say again, its spelled: Morgan & Morgan, For the People) – and you get the picture that all three rings of this cirque de l’absurde were in play on Tuesday.

But it didn’t stop with ignoring the concerns of their long-suffering constituents.  

In my view, the most shocking moment came during a public hearing on a convoluted rezoning application for a single-family home that is currently being built partially inside an Environmental Systems Corridor – a conservation zone that provides linkage and protection for areas of pristine natural space near the threatened Spruce Creek.    

According to At-Large Councilman Ben Johnson, the property owners engaged in a series of “…blatant violations of the rules…” – to include the corridor infringement and desecration of sensitive vegetation on the property among other “mistakes.”     

The item drew public comment from concerned neighbors and environmentalists, one decrying the “death by a thousand cuts” that occurs when encroachment on wildlife corridors and environmental setbacks are accommodated, ignored, or result in a slap on the wrist for those responsible.   

Unfortunately, rather than set an example, it became evident that our elected representatives were more concerned with assisting the needs of the applicant in getting their new house out of the ground (regardless of where it sat) than the very real threat posed to the enforcement of future environmental violations by setting flawed conservation policy (because fish, raccoons, squirrels, whitetail deer, and Outstanding Florida Waterways don’t vote). 

In an incredibly weird move, during the “public” hearing, much of the senior staff of Volusia County government – to include County Attorney Mike Dyer – scurried off the dais with Councilman Ben Johnson to conduct the “people’s business” in some anteroom outside the prying eyes of, well, the public.  

You read that right. 

Just up, turned their ass to the audience, and dashed for the Bat Cave where the magic happens.

To his credit, Chairman Brower was as perplexed as the rest of us slack jawed rubes when he inquired, “What happened to the county staff?” (laughter) “I’m serious, when I see the County Attorney or Clay go out with one of the council, I want to know what’s being said, um, this is a public hearing and it needs to be publicly presented, not behind a closed door.”

An awkward silence ensued before Councilman Danny Robins interjected, “…before we know what’s going on…,” as Brower continued, “I’m not making an assumption, I’m making an observation that Clay went in the hall with a county council member to speak about something, and I think in an important public hearing like this it needs to be public.” 

A rightfully perturbed Brower went on to say, “We’ve got the entire county staff debating this in the hallway, perhaps. . .”

When Johnson and County Attorney Dyer sauntered back into the chamber – his terse exchange with Brower put everyone on notice that the Anointed Ones do exactly as they please.

In keeping with their complete dismissal of citizens, as Dyer took his seat following the backroom tête-à-tête, he blithely interrupted a citizen who was standing at the podium preparing to speak with, “Sorry Mr. Chair, I understand there was a concern?”

Chairman Brower asked, “Yeah, I just wondered why everyone was in the hall when I saw Clay go out with Mr. Johnson, possibly to discuss this.  This is a public hearing, and I want the public to have the benefit of that information, whatever it was.”

In turn, Dyer openly lectured Mr. Brower with a hyper-defensive response, “Okay, I’m happy to speak to it.  Any member of the council can ask me a question at any time; and they may do so privately or publicly.  Mr. Johnson is free to address the comment.  I have nothing to hide.  Just doing my job.”

Whoa.  “The counselor doth protest too much, methinks…”  (With sincere apologies to Bill Shakespeare…)

I must admit, I did not see the dismissive “Just doing my yob, man” retort coming from the County Attorney in response to a legitimate question of procedure and transparency from the Chairman of the County Council during an active public hearing.

In my view, the response was rude and insubordinate, but it got Mr. Dyer’s message across loud and clear – and now we know who wields the power during these hoedowns – and who does not.

Unbelievable. 

My God, how embarrassing to watch the county’s senior elected representative being dressed down on the dais by his subordinate, “I have nothing to hide.  Just doing my job,” thankfully saving Mr. Brower the embarrassment of adding the obvious, “…you inconsequential eunuch.”  

Really?   

Following his explanation, it appeared to me that Ben Johnson was merely ducking into a phone booth to don his Superman costume – turned up the Beltones so he could feign listening to the silly “official” proceedings in the chamber – then singlehandedly searched for a “mutual solution,” outside the confines of the public eye:

“I’ve listened to everything that’s been said, we also hear it back there (back where?) but the idea is I’m trying to find a mutual solution all the way around to make sure we do what’s right for all the general public, ‘cause this is a very serious situation, has long-term impacts, as a matter of fact I heard from our attorney that whatever we do here could affect us at future times in other court actions.  But I’m trying to find a mutual way that we can do something, and I don’t know yet.  I think most everybody knows which way I’ m leaning, but I still would like to take and see if there are other solutions.”  

Local environmental advocate Suzanne Scheiber then approached the podium and accurately called the backroom conference “really troubling” – before returning focus to the proceeding and expressing her concerns for the patency of Florida’s wildlife corridor.   

When Ms. Scheiber was finished making sense of the nonsensical, Councilman Johnson apologized if he “offended anyone,” brushing off the unusual confab as “not unusual” before launching into some cornpone bibble-babble about his intentions. . .

In my past life in public service, the Florida League of Cities was fond of trotting out a line from some long-forgotten court decision when discussing the importance of adhering to statutes that keep all aspects of governmental meetings open and accessible to the public at all times:

“Every thought, as well as every affirmative act, of a public official as it relates to and is within the scope of his official duties, is a matter of public concern; and it is the entire decision-making process that the legislature intended to affect by the enactment of the statute before us. This act is a declaration of public policy, the frustration of which constitutes irreparable injury to the public interest.” Times Publishing Company, etc. v. Williams

One would think our erudite (and highly self-protective) County Attorney would have heard of this concept before, eh? 

Whatever.

Ms. Scheiber was right. 

It is troubling when senior staff, the county attorney, and an elected official abruptly dart from the chamber during the middle of a public hearing to discuss “mutually advantageous solutions” (whatever that means) totally outside the view of the public, as it reinforces our worst fears of backroom shenanigans. 

Please don’t take my word for any of this.  Watch the antics here:  https://tinyurl.com/4nwnenyv   

Trust me.  Once you’ve seen it for yourself, it cannot be ‘unseen.’

In my jaded view, this continuing dysfunction and obstructionism is something that should not be forgotten at the ballot box this year. . .

Quote of the Week

To whom it may concern:

John W. Brower a/k/a Big John wishes all his friends and enemies the best in their life to come.

Those of you who were my friends, I hope the best for. Those of you who were my enemies, I hope you see the light. Most of us were not friends or enemies — we just had different opinions — a shade right, or a shade left.

Volusia County is a beautiful place. As I told you in my tribute to Sweetie, I really loved it. I was the luckiest guy in the world to have spent 18 years in a row with a beautiful woman, smart and sharp. She made me look real good.

Moving on to the next chapter, my best friend Reva and her current husband Ben, who have been taking care of me, will take over the Big House, and the best lawyer in Volusia County, Mel Stack, will take over all legal matters.

I want to especially thank my friends: Chad, Mary and Mark of the Beach, for the many hours spent helping Reva and Ben care for me. Some of you will be remembered with special gifts and charities will not be forgotten (Jerry Doliner Food Bank, Father Phil’s school, Someone Cares, endowment for Gloria and Ray Max and Sophie’s Circle). My funeral will be done by Father Phil at Our Lady of Lourdes.

Over and Out.

Big John

–Big John’s heartfelt message to the community as published by Associate Editor Jarleene Almenas in the Ormond Beach Observer, “He was Big: Longtime radio host, former county councilman, is one to be remembered,” Wednesday, May 18, 2022

And Another Thing!  

Sometimes I question whether we are living in an alternate reality – a parallel universe where nothing is as it seems – a place where concepts like, institutional knowledge, recall, and the human emotion of shame no longer exists.  

Earlier this week, Volusia County government issued a press release announcing:

“The National Association of Counties (NACo) has given an achievement award to Volusia County Government for its rapid and comprehensive implementation of changes required by the passage of Amendment 10 in 2018. The voter-approved ballot measure created constitutional elected offices for the sheriff, tax collector, supervisor of elections and property appraiser.”

My God. . .

I guess the NACo forgot the ugly, time-consuming, and incredibly divisive lawsuit authorized by the Volusia County Council, then prosecuted by former County Attorney Dan Eckert, against the will of 63% of Florida voters (and 54% of Volusia County voters) who approved the measure returning constitutional sovereignty to certain elected offices.

Of course, the Volusia County Council’s vote to spend tax dollars to contest the results of a fair and lawful election came during a typical off-the-agenda ambush. . . 

The ill-advised challenge was based upon a non-existent threat to Volusia’s sacred charter which, prior to Amendment 10, consolidated power in the hands of a politically unaccountable county manager (and insiders with the wherewithal to influence public policy).

Only Councilwoman Heather Post opposed the lawsuit. 

At the time, Sheriff Mike Chitwood rightfully named the County Council “Scumbags of the Week,” accurately explaining, “Volusia County is a sunny place for shady people.”

In addition, Sheriff Chitwood wrote, “…violating the public’s trust and circumventing the will of the people who voted to restore the ability of constitutional officers to answer directly to voters instead of county bureaucracy,” and called on then Chair Ed Kelley to resign, correctly describing him as “…an abysmal failure as county chair.”

Then, after all this disruption and internecine warfare – an incredibly expensive waste of time, money, and effort – after two court rulings against the challenge, in 2020, the Volusia County Council finally voted to drop the asinine suit.

Now, two-years on, NACo is lavishing accolades on Volusia County? 

“When the amendment took effect on Jan. 5, 2021, Volusia County was the first county out of the starting gate. Since then, the team has shared its documents and process with other counties that needed assistance.

NACo President Larry Johnson said: “All across the country, counties are working tirelessly to support residents and drive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s achievement award winning programs showcase how counties work every day to build healthy, safe and thriving communities”

Only in the Twilight Zone of government can what started as an abject disaster – an afront to the voters of Volusia County and the state of Florida – later be painted as an award-winning effort.

Look, my hat is off to Volusia County’s Business Services Director Jeaniene Jennings and her team of department heads and others who worked diligently to develop plans for the smooth transition in adherence with the Will of the People – solutions that were later used as a template for other counties. 

An impressive effort and yeoman’s work by all involved.  

But I’m not sure anyone who paid for the council’s expensive folly is ready to forgive and forget just yet. . .

In my view, the initial reaction of those Stalwarts of the Status Quo who arrogantly appropriated public funds and delegated staff time to circling the wagons and undermining the decision of Florida voters in a craven attempt to consolidate power should be long remembered – and condemned by freedom loving people everywhere.  

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

From “The Rich Get Richer” column. . . 

On Tuesday afternoon, during a special meeting of the Volusia County School Board, our elected dullards ratified a hastily cobbled together employment contract which will return Dr. Carmen Balgobin back to the Ivory Tower of Power in DeLand as our new Superintendent of Schools.

“But Barker, isn’t she the same Carmen Balgobin that created hell and havoc during the pandemic, alienated teachers and staff, created an ‘information black hole’ that frustrated students, parents, teachers, and staff, then fled for more money in Broward County Public Schools?”

Yes.  One in the same.   

Just rest comfortable in the knowledge that there is (apparently) new information which totally vindicates “Dr. B” – secret atrocities committed by an unidentified ogre that only our elected officials know the details of – which, we are told, once revealed will explain the real reason why she fled the district for greener pastures in South Florida.

Unfortunately, those we elected to serve our interests aren’t saying – so, feel free to fume, speculate, and hypothesize all you want. . . 

God knows I am.

According to reports, Balgobin will begin her new job July 1 with a whopping salary of $245,000 – an increase of $31,718 over what former Superintendent Scott Fritz commanded. 

Not to worry, School Board Attorney Ted “Sleepy Potato” Doran tells us that because Balgobin’s rehoming cost, health insurance (?), and use of a vehicle will be less, which (abracadabra-alakazam!) means Balgobin will cost us $9,074.38 less for a 3.1% decrease over what we were paying Dr. Fritz. 

What a bargain. . .

According to the terms of the initial contract – the agreement was to have been self-renewing – which means if the School Board were to take no official action to either extend or decline Dr. Balgobin’s employment – the agreement would automatically extend for three-years. 

How convenient.  But for who?

According to member Linda Cuthbert, the auto-renewal was a “just in case” failsafe, you know just in case the Volusia County School Board and its huge administrative network should ‘forget’ to renew their Superintendent’s contract (?)

Unfortunately, she was right. 

It would not be the first time a senior executive’s agreement was rushed and renewed at the eleventh-hour with little time for a performance review or informed discussion following an ‘oversight.’   

You read that right. . . 

As I understand it (and, as usual, I’m not sure I do) the board will remove the auto-renew clause and develop some type of tickler system to remind all five of them when one of their two direct reports (the board’s attorney being the other) comes up for renewal. 

In addition, you and I will be paying some $5,500 toward settlement of Dr. Balbobin’s residential lease in Broward County, along with gifting “Dr. B” the use of a district-owned vehicle which, according to member Jamie Haynes, “…we can’t really put a price tag on right now…” citing soaring gas prices, etc. 

(I’ll just bet the IRS can put a value on it, eh?  I’m just spit balling here, but someone (perhaps Mr. Doran?) should ask them what the use of a government vehicle is worth.) 

Oh, I almost forgot, the agreement also calls for an Annual Formal Evaluation. . . 

(Sorry, I just shot a sip of Café Bustelo through my nose. . .I hate it when that happens.)

I also found it strange that neither Dr. Balgobin – nor her legal representative – attended a meeting where her employment agreement, a binding contract that should clearly articulate the terms and conditions of her life for the next three-years, would be set in stone.   

Clearly, I shouldn’t have worried about her.  In the end, Mr. Doran and our elected officials did an outstanding job of representing her interests. . . 

Then, in a weird Great and Powerful Oz-like moment, the screen went black and a prerecorded video message from Dr. Balgobin appeared from the ether – although she “couldn’t be there” in person to answer questions from stakeholders as her contract was approved, instead “Dr. B” beamed from afar, “Good evening, Volusia County – my home away from home.”  

As if approval of the agreement was a foregone conclusion, Dr. Balgobin proceeded to read a pre-prepared message to the faithful in front of a “Volusia County Schools” themed photo backdrop (?)

Of course, when “Dr. B” was finished addressing her giddy subjects, Chairman Ruben Colon signed off by looking around the dais and noting “I see tears!” – because no meeting of this showboat full of hyper-dramatic and overemotional fools is complete without the waterworks.

Answers to the hard questions We, The Little People who pay the bills demand?

No, just more “happy tears” from our elected “leadership.” How inspirational. . .

Good luck, Volusia County District Schools – something tells me your’re going to need it. . .

If you ever attended some obscure government committee meeting or neighborhood confab anywhere in Volusia County – I don’t mean the scripted pageantry of some stilted city commission or county council meeting – but those seemingly insignificant advisory boards or off-the-radar discussions where the real work gets done, you likely overlooked the smartest, most influential person in the room.

Trust me.  It was not the powerful chairperson or any of those self-important elected and appointed officials primping and peacocking on the dais of power.

Somewhere in the back of the room, usually noshing on a plate of complimentary hors d’oeuvres, would be a bearded man clad in a rumpled cap, omnipresent shorts, wrinkled shirt, and scuffed Crocs, an overstuffed notebook in hand with a wry smile; quietly, almost distractedly, taking it all in.

A disheveled character silently working the mental gymnastics required to link the intricate puzzle pieces with the swirling rumors and insider backstories inherent to local politics.  Using his decades of hard-earned experience and well-honed instincts to winnow the wheat from the chaff and make sense of the nonsensical.

Then promptly at 4:00pm each weekday, Big John – Volusia County’s unlikely political conscience – took to the airwaves for a “strenuous two-hours” of radio, distilling all he gleaned from the countless meetings and far-flung sources down to something us rubes who comprise his loyal “21 listeners” could understand – trying valiantly to educate the masses on the bureaucratic maneuvers and governmental intrigue that affect our lives and livelihoods here on Florida’s fabled Fun Coast.

Because, according to Volusia County’s preeminent political pundit, when it comes to local government, “Nobody knows nothing.”

He was right.

Born John Walter Brower (no relation), a New Jersey native, raised in a diverse neighborhood in Asbury Park, John received a degree in political science from prestigious Rutgers University (“Rahway State” as he liked to joke) before going to work for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company following graduation.

Upon earning his “Ph.D in Tireology,” John moved to Florida in 1972.

For many years, Big John – to which he legally changed his name in 1979 – operated three successful tire and muffler stores throughout Volusia County – his lively persona made famous by humorous television, radio, and newspaper commercials featuring Big in his trademark blue work shirt.

I first met Big at his “Lubritorium” on Mason Avenue in Holly Hill when I was a young and idealistic police officer.

He called the police department after discovering that someone had tied a string to a set of shock absorbers, running the line through an open window of a storage room in an obvious attempt to steal the items after the business closed.

After dark, I concealed myself in a good vantage point and waited – for hours – finally catching the thief (a down-on-his-luck employee) red-handed. 

Rather than seek retribution, in his own benevolent way, Big John was more interested in the why – seeking to understand the personal issues that led his desperate employee to take from him – then determine ways he could help.

I have never forgotten that incredible display of compassion.

Ultimately, Big John found his way into local politics – serving an impressive (and always colorful) twelve-years on the Volusia County Council, including one term as Council Chair – during an incredibly productive period which saw the modernization of the Daytona Beach International Airport, creation of the Ocean Center, and other important civic accomplishments.  

As a continuation of his public service, the community affairs forum “Big Talk with Big John” premiered on WEDG-FM beginning as a Saturday morning talk show before moving to WELE-AM.

In 2009, Big John took ownership of WELE, later generously donating the radio station to Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach.

GovStuff Live! served our community as “an educational, informational, inspirational local forum” the perfect medium that allowed Big John to fulfil his passion for the study, analysis, and teaching of local government – a tireless champion of We, The Little People – always providing his entertaining and informative take on the prominent issues of the day.

To his credit, regardless of whether he agreed with a guest’s position, in all the years I listened and learned, not once did I ever hear Big John come off rude or aggressive on the air – always hyper-protective of anyone who participated in the forum.

In addition to his long-suffering producer, Larry Steele, Big John’s eclectic cadre of regular contributors included an esteemed retired United States Ambassador, former elected officials, medical professionals, political candidates, civic activists, philanthropists, animal rights advocates, horticulturists, small business owners, government officials, respected members of the legal community, Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Jeffrey Boyle, who so valiantly kept things moving in Big’s recent absence, and an ever-expanding cast of colorful characters who regularly called-in to add their unique take.   

Even me.

Recently, Big and I spoke about the importance of always “reinventing” oneself – finding purpose once retirement replaces professional pursuits.  Thanks to his encouragement, this blogsite, along with my monthly appearances on GovStuff Live!, gave a renewed meaning to my life – something I did not think possible when I finished a career spanning over three-decades in public service.

I am forever grateful that Big John gave Barker’s View a larger voice.

In my view, the incomparable Big John represented the quintessence of community service – giving selflessly, striving again-and-again to right wrongs, expose the phonies and absurdity, speaking truth to power, unraveling the mysteries, and bringing a greater understanding of the often-insulated world of local government.

He loathed the stench of lies in the public discourse and took pleasure in deflating the pomposity that often accompanies politics and those who practice it. . .

As those endowed with pure genius often are, Big John could be cantankerous, irreverent, acerbic, opinionated, egoistic, with a larger-than-life personality.  

He had sharp elbows, always challenging the official narrative, and he didn’t suffer fools – with an incredibly sharp mind, quick wit, and well-honed ability to see through the murk and mire to find that kernel of truth that escaped the rest of us. 

We desperately need more like him. 

This wonderfully complex personality – this icon of Volusia County – a deep thinker and dedicated doer who enriched our community with his remarkable insight and deep understanding “passed on to glory” (as Big liked to say) this morning, joining his beloved “Sweetie” in that place where great souls receive their reward. 

In a 1998 “man behind the name” article in the Orlando Sentinel, Big said that he wanted “…to be remembered not as the guy with the funny name and the blue work shirt, but someone who made Volusia a better place to live.”

Mission accomplished, my friend.

Your wisdom, insight, mentorship, and friendship to so many will be missed, immeasurably.