During my law enforcement career, a wise old mentor impressed upon me the importance of avoiding even the appearance of impropriety – because the public’s perception quickly becomes their reality – as interpretation, impressions, and understanding materially influence how they look at situations.

When you are responsible to the community, the stakes are high, and excuses are cheap. 

In time, no one believes the official explanations and justifications when what we see and hear with our own senses no longer comport with what we are being told from on high.

As the old idiom says, “Actions speak louder than words.”

Now, the Volusia County School Board is being rightfully perceived by wary constituents as a cheapjack facilitator for backhanded paybacks – exacerbating a malignant distrust by taxpayers and teachers alike.   

You do not have to be a paranoiac like me to be suspicious of the machinations of government and power structures that have proven – time and again – that once the “system” reaches a certain size and configuration, it exists only to serve itself and those in its upper echelon, like a weird perpetual motion machine. 

On Saturday (?), it was quietly announced that Volusia County School Superintendent Carmen Balgobin – a grossly inept fill-in administrator who is single-handedly destroying public confidence in an education system with a bloated budget approaching One-Billion dollars – executed an oh-so-cozy arrangement with former School Board Chair Ida Wright – a weird scheme that creates a dubious paid position, apparently crafted exclusively for Wright, which focuses on “diversity and equity” under the Human Resources Department.    

This strange move comes after Ms. Wright voted in favor of a massive pay increase for Balgobin – and just one month following Ms. Wright’s unceremonious loss to newcomer Anita Burnette, who won the seat in the general election with nearly 60% of the vote.

According to reports, “Wright will be paid $35 an hour and work 20 hours or less per week…”

You read that right.

And, like Randolph said, it stinks like rotten mackerel in the moonlight.  

Perhaps more disturbing, flabbergasted taxpayers are now being told that the position Balgobin apparently created out of whole cloth – which, to my knowledge, was neither authorized, nor publicly approved, by the School Board – directs federal dollars obtained by the district under a Title II grant to compensate former Chairwoman Wright for her services. 

According to a report by Daytona Beach News-Journal education reporter Cassidy Alexander, the Title II grant represents “…federal money that is intended, in part, to provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders.”

Last month, the School Board received the district’s annual “equity report” which, once again, “…spotlighted an under-representation of Black and Hispanic students in advanced academic courses, of female students in sports, and of Black and Hispanic employees, particularly in leadership positions. The same issues have been reported year after year.”

So, rather than immediately terminate the employment of Human Resources Director Rachel Hazel – and our current “Equity and Compliance Officer” in something laughingly called the Office of Professional Standards – those highly compensated do-nothings in the Ivory Tower of Power who have consistently (“year after year”) failed to recruit and retain even a modicum of diversity in district “leadership positions” – Blundering Balgobin unilaterally decides to exploit this abject failure by using it as an excuse to gift her generous benefactor a place at the bureaucratic teat? 

My God.

Perhaps more disturbing, when this unvarnished quid pro quo was exposed for what it is – and long-suffering taxpayers pushed back against what one Volusia County teacher aptly described as a “kickback” – we were openly gaslighted by Director Hazel in an official communication which labeled our well-founded suspicions as “categorically untrue.”

“We will continue to communicate facts and hope that the public will be open to listening to those facts,” Hazel said. “If anyone has any questions we welcome those and we’ll answer them as completely as we can.”

Bullshit.

According to the News-Journal, the district cannot produce a job description – or employment application – for Ms. Wright’s new role, and it is increasingly apparent that the position was neither advertised nor competitive.    

I find that strange. 

I’ll bet federal grant administrators will too.     

At a time when Volusia County teachers and staff are locked in a pitched battle with the district – fighting admirably for an equitable pay increase and parity for veteran educators, you know, a living wage that will attract and keep highly diverse and qualified teachers in Volusia County classrooms – the School Board, then led by Ida Wright, showered Balgobin with a 34% raise. . .

According to Volusia United Educators President Elizabeth Albert, “We all understand that there is a desire to work on diversity within the ranks of Volusia County schools, but why now? Why in this moment when there’s no money for teachers, for support professionals. If in fact the funding is already in place, why not talk about it? Why keep everybody in the dark?” Albert asked. “The appearance that something is awry, that’s what is the most off-putting.”

I agree.

Those we elected to represent our interests lavished an obscene pay increase on Carmen Balgobin – a ghostlike failed senior administrator – and now those who pay the bills are expected to stand idle while the recipient of their largesse shunts scarce federal grant dollars – which are earmarked for programs that improve student achievement and provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective educators – to a former elected official who helped facilitate her enormous raise less than a month ago? 

My ass.   

In my view, it is past time for federal authorities to step in and ensure the integrity of the process, and preserve the public’s trust in our educational system, by protecting grant funds from diversion to a position which supplants an already existing equity and diversity compliance position as apparent payback for a very lucrative favor.    

Our last/best hope lies in newly elected Anita Burnette, who trounced the entrenched Wright on the strength of her promise to “change district culture by improving communication and making sure educators feel valued; prioritizing spending on classroom needs and tightening spending in administrative budgets; and closing the achievement gap for minority students.”

Now is the time for Ms. Burnette to make good on her pledge by demanding answers for how and why this disgusting greasy-palm culture can continue in the senior ranks of Volusia County Schools. 

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              Pat Northey and Clay Henderson

Last month, former Volusia County Council members Pat Northey and Clay Henderson co-authored an excellent piece for The Daytona Beach News-Journal’s weekly Your Turn column detailing the steps required for the successful and transparent continuation of the Volusia ECHO and Volusia Forever programs. 

On election day, both tax supported initiatives were renewed by over 70% of voters, signaling a clear mandate for increased focus on the protection of sensitive environmental areas while enhancing cultural, historic, and outdoor recreation opportunities for Volusia County residents.

Rather than shrink into the woodwork following their elective service, both Northey and Henderson have worked tirelessly to contribute to the public good outside the political confines of the council chamber.   

Clay Henderson has given the bulk of his life to preserving Florida’s threatened ecology. 

According to his bio, during his storied career, Mr. Henderson “…co-authored most of the natural resource protection provisions in the Florida Constitution including Amendment 1, the largest voter approved conservation funding initiative in our nation’s history, and creation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.” 

An environmental lawyer by trade, before his retirement, Mr. Henderson served as the Executive Director for Stetson University’s Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience.  

It’s no secret that Pat Northey and I rarely agree on anything political – but she is infinitely smarter than I am – so I listen to what she has to say.

That’s how I learn. 

During an outstanding political career which spanned some 20-years – including two stints as Volusia County Council Chair – Ms. Northey served in a variety of leadership positions in various civic and environmental organizations, including service on the St. John’s River Alliance executive board. 

The thing I admire most about Ms. Northey is her ability to work across political ideology or personal motivations – and use accountability to build trust and consensus on the issues that matter to our collective future.

From her continuing advocacy for multiuse trails to her active support for ECHO and Forever, Ms. Northey continues to be an incredibly relevant voice in Volusia County issues through her frequent contributions to regional discussions both in print and on radio public affairs programs. 

In short, Pat Northey gets things done – and she does it without the sharp elbows and vapid “look at me” self-promotion that has become the modus operandi of many elected officials.

In their excellent piece, Northey and Henderson had some strong recommendations for Volusia County government:

“…commit again to full transparency, an annual audit, and listening sessions with the public. The new County Council should appoint an oversight committee to include members with experience in ecology, water quality, real estate and planning, and people otherwise experienced with and committed to the Volusia Forever program. It will be up to them to recommend both final procedures and properties to acquire. These programs are so important that they should be housed in the County Manager’s office.

I wholeheartedly agree. 

The creation of a citizen oversight board – not a typical Volusia County political insulation committee composed of sycophantic toadies and political insiders with a profit motive – and “listening sessions” (you know, where policymakers actually consider their constituents input?) is critical to regaining the public’s trust and alleviating the lingering questions surrounding previous management of the programs.

In addition, Northey and Henderson suggest meaningful partnerships with established environmental organizations to develop programmatic best practices for evaluating and ranking properties for potential purchase – and the use of “conservation easements” to limit overdevelopment – using independent appraisers to ensure offers do not exceed the appraised value.

“The county should be sensitive to concerns about transparency. All projects for funding should be reviewed by the ECHO Oversight Committee prior to approval by the County Council. All projects should be considered or approved by the County Council only after they are fully documented with notice to the public and placed on the regular agenda. We also support the plan to review match requirements for small projects that can have a big community impact.”

That’s refreshing. 

Imagine an era where we are no longer subject to public policy by ambush?

A time of honesty and openness, when important decisions that impact our lives and livelihoods are placed on a public agenda, with all supporting documentation necessary for a layman to understand the intricacies, and with sufficient time for public input.

Wow.     

The older I get, the more concerned I become about leaving a little greenspace, clean water, and outdoor recreation opportunities for my grandchildren to enjoy – not a legacy of half-empty strip centers, guacamole rivers, asphalt parking lots, and godawful “theme” communities blanketing our aquifer recharge areas and destroying sensitive wildlife habitat. 

I agree with Ms. Northey and Mr. Henderson – the enthusiastic renewal of Forever and ECHO is well worth celebrating.

However, these important programs can only be successful if proper safeguards are put in place that ensure their focus remains true. 

Asshole           Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington

Why is Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington such a sore winner?

As the majority of the community’s voters inconceivably returned Mr. Partington to the dais of power; in victory, he always finds a way to piss-off his supporters and detractors alike. 

How? 

By acting like a king-hell asshole toward anyone who bucks the entrenched “pro-development” system, that’s how. . .   

For instance, two-years ago, on election night 2018, our tone-deaf Mayor and several of his fellow commissioners (each of whom were handily reelected last month), posed for a picture during their collective victory party on the dance floor of the Rockin’ Ranch – epitomizing the back-slappin’ good ol’ boy network they represent – holding a filthy push broom to signify their unanimous “clean sweep.”

To add insult to injury, the most vocal of the growth at all cost bunch – Commissioner Troy Kent – who long-ago became the mouthpiece and chief apologist for speculative developers that feed freely here – was costumed, cap-a-pie, in a ten-gallon cowboy hat and western boots – personifying the chummy Old South crony politics many of us who lived it have worked hard to escape.

No word where our perpetual politicians held their celebratory hootenanny this year.

Clearly, Ormond Beach voters have a short memory. . . 

Now, following yet another Big Win, Mayor Partington issued a weird editorial in the Ormond Beach Observer – openly shitting on the efforts of those working hard to protect what’s left of Ormond’s historic “Loop” – and belittling the serious concerns of some 61,000 area residents who signed a petition in support of preserving the scenic drive. 

In his strange diatribe, Mayor Partington wrote, in part:

“Save Ferris” is the mantra that shows up everywhere in the movie “Ferris Bueller‘s Day Off.”  You see it displayed on the scoreboard at the ball field, sprawled across the town’s water tower, and written on a student’s notebook at the end of the movie.  It’s a tilted nod to just how much Ferris means to the fictional town of Shermer.  I see the same ideals showcased in the “Save the Loop” mantra that has been seen online again recently. It was included in a misleading post that suggests somehow the loop is set to be bulldozed but the heart behind it is the same feeling that the town of Shermer shows for Ferris.  They innocently want to “Save Ferris,” who as moviegoers, we all know is in no real danger or in need of saving, just because they are good people with good hearts from a small town who want to support a good thing. Similarly, Ormond Beach wants to “Save the Loop” because of course we want to protect our Loop, but just like in the movie the intent is wonderful but, like Ferris, it’s not really in danger.”

Say what?

Look, nobody consistently spews more pure gibberish than me – but I have no idea what Mayor Partington is trying to say. . .

Do you?

I think Hizzoner should understand that this is not some fictitious cinematic burb, but a community of nearly 40,000 living, breathing residents, who – despite their odd propensity for believing glossy mailers and the campaign promises of perennial politicians – are beginning to feel the very real threat of overdevelopment to the north, south, and west.  

I know.  I’m one of them. . .

While Mayor Partington would have us believe that The Loop is “not really in danger,” it doesn’t take an environmental engineer to see the massive development that continues its malignant creep along large sections of the threatened byway – including retention ponds, clear-cutting, homes just beyond a thin veneer of trees, access roads adding to traffic, etc. – all changing the topography of the land and destroying the areas natural beauty.   

Earlier this month, those intrepid environmentalists Suzanne Scheiber and Natalie Pilipczak made a clearly unwanted presentation to the Ormond Beach City Commission, suggesting public funds be allocated for the purchase of 76 lots at the Plantation Oaks subdivision to provide a protective buffer. 

Unfortunately, their noble efforts at an alternative solution fell on deaf ears. 

For their trouble, Mayor Partington verbally backhanded Scheiber and Pilipczak, opining that even the mere suggestion The Loop “needs saving” somehow denigrates the work of other volunteer organizations (?).

Of course, that is before he attempted to sidestep responsibility by suggesting a pass-the-buck strategy for preserving the historic canopied lane, claiming it is Volusia County’s responsibility – and after he spoke out in favor of annexing Plantation Oaks into Ormond Beach in September while denigrating county services. . .

“I think it’ll be beneficial for those residents to be a part of the city and enjoy, not only police and fire, but our public works and leisure services,” Partington said. “All those services the city provides at a better level than what the county does.”

Except protecting what is left of our scenic greenspace, I guess. 

As former Ormond Beach Commission Candidate Tim Grigsby recently said in a social media post on the topic, “The mayor is trying to pull the wool over our eyes. The Loop is not saved, and the developers keep winning, therefore we must keep fighting harder than ever.”

Amen.

Angel               City of Holly Hill

In my view, innovation deserves recognition – especially in government – where advanced thinking, visionary projects and state-of-the-art methods come around about as often as the Comet Kohoutek. 

Fortunately, there is one small community in our area that is setting a high bar for how public places and spaces are planned, designed, built, used, and maintained.

This week, Holly Hill Mayor Chris Via proudly announced that in addition to beautiful Sunrise Park being nominated for the “Outstanding Sustainability Initiative Award” by the Florida Planning and Zoning Association – the community is now the recipient of the “Outstanding Public/Private Partnership Award” for Pictona at Holly Hill!

This prestigious award is granted by the FPZA for the most effective collaboration between the public and private sector in the field of planning or development – and recognizes the incredible collaboration between the City of Holly Hill and visionary private investors to enhance our collective quality of life here on the Fun Coast.   

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

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

Congratulations to the wonderful citizens, staff, and officials of the City of Holly Hill for this well-deserved recognition!

Quote of the Week

“In the middle of the bargaining sessions between Volusia United Educators (VUE) and the School Board, as the union is fighting to raise veteran teacher salaries, as the district’s CFO Debra Muller claims they’re flat broke, they find a treasure chest with $50,000 for the acting superintendent.

There seems to be, as VUE president Elizabeth Albert called it, a “cadre of elites who are entitled to competitive salaries.”

Teaching is not about the money. If it was, we would all pick different careers. But money tells a story, too. While the acting superintendent gets $50,000, teachers are getting a $500 stipend for hybrid-teaching during the pandemic. The district is telling a juicy story: the acting superintendent is doing the work of 100 teachers. She must be a goddess. Is this one of those supernatural stories?”

— Stefano Cagnato, DeLand, a teacher at T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High School, writing in the Guest Column section of The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “The age-old story: We’re out of money,” Sunday, November 29, 2020

And Another Thing!

The Christmas Season is a time of great joy. 

A time of spiritual reflection, and a renewed willingness to give of ourselves, and see that others receive a share of the bountiful gifts we have been blessed with in keeping with the spiritual teaching:

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Giving material gifts or monetary donations to assist the lives of others is important – but when we give of our time and talents – is when we are truly at our best. 

There are many unmet needs in our community, some of which shine brightest during this time of year, and leave us wondering how we can help bring comfort to those in need – a sense of compassion that renews our belief that all life is precious and worthy of our efforts to improve it.    

Recently, Volusia County Councilwoman Heather Post announced a need for volunteers to make a difference in the lives of defenseless animals:

“Are you an animal lover looking to volunteer your time and serve your community?

Volusia County Animal Services has what you’re looking for!

Animal Services is seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of functions – everything from lending a hand in the animal clinic and at public events to helping at pet shelters during declared emergencies to administrative services, as well as the return to field program for community cats.

Duties run the gamut, so don’t be afraid to reach out and learn more. Give them a call at 386-248-1790!”

If you can help, I hope you will consider volunteering for this compassionate effort to provide for the needs of homeless, sick, and abused animals in our community.

It’s God’s work.   

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

“Compassion is the basis of morality.”

–Arthur Schopenhauer, On The Basis of Morality, 1840

It turned cold this week. 

Not that I would have noticed. 

I have a roof over my head, central heating, well-fitting coats, and a warm bed to sleep in – all the comforts of home.

Truly blessed. 

But if you have ever been cold – I mean truly hypothermic – where the biting chill and wind are inescapable, leaving you feeling almost claustrophobic, then you know what a mental and physical toll the cold can extract – even in Florida, where the humidity, or something else, always seem to make it feel even colder.

That’s why for those living on the mean streets who are at the mercy of the elements – taking shelter from extreme cold weather is not a matter of comfort – it is the difference between life and death.

As Mark Geallis, former director of First Step Shelter and one of the most compassionate people I know, asked the tough question earlier this week:  “Where will the hundreds of people in east Volusia County living in the misery of homelessness escape the cold this week and will there be enough “Room at the Inn” for all in need?”

According to Mr. Geallis:

“Somehow, we as a community with many new and innovative programs for the homeless have missed the opportunity to provide shelter from the cold, to help suffering people and show them a night of hope and compassion that can sometimes lead to a permanent path out of homelessness. We have missed an opportunity to save tax dollars by not having our jails and ER become the place where many escape the cold.”

With the faith-based organizations that normally provide a warm place for the homeless to shelter closed due to the coronavirus, things look increasingly dire as the winter winds begin to blow.  

While The Bridge, a 7,152-square-foot come-as-you-are community shelter in DeLand rapidly made room for 20 people from the west side of the county, our own First Step Shelter, a 15,000-square-foot heated facility, apparently couldn’t be bothered. . . 

After much deliberation, First Step officials agreed to put heaters in what is called the “safe zone,” essentially a 1,200-sqare-foot pole barn with a concrete pad, sleeping pallets, and chain-link “walls.”

So long as those seeking “shelter” met a Votran bus at the appointed time on North Street in Daytona Beach, they were granted the opportunity to weather the frosty night outside the First Step building. 

The First Step’s outdoor “shelter” was limited to just 24 people. 

No word on what became of the 25^th in line. . .   

I’m not sure an extreme weather facility is what the “safe zone” was intended for – but I know it is not what taxpayers were promised when this debacle was in its infancy. 

What seems like a lifetime ago – way back in January of this foul year 2020 – local businesswoman and First Step Shelter board member Rose Ann Tornatore went into her own pocket to do what the City of Daytona Beach would not do, and personally funded the construction of a “safe zone” for homeless persons who are more interested in a temporary refuge than participating in First Step’s convoluted residential self-improvement program.

At that time, I was proud to recognize Ms. Tornatore as a true community angel, someone with a philanthropic spirit, good heart, and clear civic vision, who saw a pressing need in our community and willingly used her personal resources to meet it.

Well deserved. 

Now that the outdoor space has come to fruition, it seems everyone wants to take parasitic credit for Ms. Tornatore’s initiative. 

According to a recent report in The Daytona Beach News-Journal,  “It’s a day we’ve long awaited,” said Mayor Derrick Henry, who’s been a major force behind last December’s opening of First Step Shelter and today’s opening of the safe zone located in front of the shelter building. “We’ve certainly worked hard to bring it to fruition,” said Henry, who serves as president of the First Step Shelter Board. “I’m just excited about it.”

Bullshit. 

As usual, Mayor Henry is full of it.

Without Ms. Tornatore’s generosity, there is no way the safe zone would have come to fruition, and he damn well knows it. 

The commonsense safe zone concept had become a political football – with Daytona Beach balking at the price – and the mercenary Catholic Charities offering to run the proposed outdoor shelter for a whopping $150,000 annually – along with a continuing debate over placement, construction options, and who would be responsible for this or that, etc.

And, once again, we watched in horror as Mayor Henry lorded over another shit show of epic proportions. . .

Now that the space is operational, the “safe zone” is anything but a low-barrier, come-as-you-are respite from the mean streets.

In fact, you would have a better chance of waltzing into Area 51 than entering the “safe zone” to seek “shelter” from the elements.  

According to the News-Journal report:

“Only homeless people escorted by an officer will be accepted into the safe zone. Those wanting to use the facility won’t be allowed to just show up. It’s the same policy that’s used for the shelter, which only accepts people referred from local nonprofits, treatment facilities such as Stewart-Marchman Act, hospitals, houses of worship, law enforcement and the county jail.”

Once a properly referred homeless person is on-site, “Shelter security guards will be the final gatekeepers for who gets into the safe zone.”

Then, the all-powerful guards will “collect information” on those seeking shelter. 

How welcoming, eh? 

In my experience, the first time a law enforcement officer takes time out of his or her busy night  to transport a homeless person all the way out to the hinterlands – only to be turned away by an officious security guard – it will be the last time any police officer in Volusia County darkens First Step’s door.   

According to reports, once Zuul the Gatekeeper of Gozer grants a vetted and police escorted homeless person admittance to the inner sanctum, they will be required to follow rules posted on signs that prohibit fighting, loud or disruptive behavior, alcohol, or drug use inside the safe zone – because, as we all know, those types of behaviors in mentally unstable ambulatory alcoholics are best controlled by the use of signage. . . 

While the safe zone will be open “around the clock seven days a week” admittance is solely limited to those brought in by law enforcement.  

“At 9:00 a.m., all homeless people will have to exit the safe zone and leave the First Step Shelter property. They’ll be offered bus passes to return to the city they came from. There’s a Votran bus stop a short distance east of the shelter.”

And the cycle repeats. . .  

Considering that the “shelter” only housed about 10 people a month this year citing coronavirus concerns, with a monthly nut now over $100,000 – the bulk of it in salaries – does anyone else get the sickening feeling First Step is no longer about serving our growing homeless population?

Like everything else associated with First Step, the long-delayed safe zone is convoluted, complicated, needlessly difficult, and horribly expensive.

As usual, the First Step Board of Directors – who have shamelessly been led around like a bull with a ring in its nose by Daytona Beach City Manager Jim Chisholm – seem incapable of providing those who pay the bills what we were promised. 

In my view, this decade-old fiasco exemplifies all the reasons Mayor Derrick Henry should resign from the First Step board – immediately – and make room for someone with the competence, vision, and leadership skills to get long-suffering taxpayers out of this bottomless quagmire.  

After all this time and money, it is the moral and ethical thing to do.

In a very cogent September editorial, “Daytona Beach’s First Step Shelter for the homeless needs to step it up,” News-Journal editor Pat Rice wrote of the $1.09 million in CARES Act funding that the Volusia County Council recently gifted to First Step:

“Maybe that will lead to First Step Shelter serving more homeless people. It better. The public’s patience has worn thin. Housing just 10 people at a cost of $113,000 a month isn’t helping.”

Amen.

Now that the bizarre Circus of the Absurd that passes for our local and national elections is over, it is time for newly elected politicians to put their words into action, and finally live up to the haughty promises that flowed so freely during the thrust and parry of the campaign season.   

To assist that goal, there are several freshmen politicians who are busy assembling their coterie of informal advisors – often known as a ‘kitchen cabinet’ – a trusted ingroup of counselors, guides, and advice-givers to help them navigate the perilous nexus of politics and governance.

Those who can help them determine what is possible, and, more importantly, what is not. 

I know this, because a few of our well-meaning chosen ones have invited me to enter their inner circle and offer my less-than-Solomonic wisdom on the issues of the day.     

No thanks. 

Not my style. 

Not my role. 

I sincerely appreciate their confidence – and understand the trepidation that must come with entering the slit trench of a council or commission chamber, weighed down with campaign promises and political baggage, then being asked to perform on the high-wire without a net.

I get it.

But I simply have no desire to influence the process by whispering obsequies in the ears of dewy-eyed political naïfs – while jockeying for position among the politician’s ever-increasing circle of “friends” and cronies. 

Look, it is certainly not a bad idea for fledgling politicians – who are easy targets for self-serving consiglieri with ulterior motives – to seek close counsel. 

After all, the political hacks they are replacing did not listen to anyone, beyond the powerbrokers who control everything but the ebb and flow of the Atlantic tide on this salty piece of land through the liberal use of personal and corporate campaign contributions. . .   

Besides, I did not start down this weird path as an alternative editorialist because I wanted to rub elbows with our ‘powers that be’ – or get chummy with the Halifax area’s uber-wealthy social and civic elite. 

As I see it, my role is to observe from the cheap seats – an unwelcome voyeur watching the sausage being made – then jot down my often-outlandish opinions and pass them around for others to consider or reject. 

It is what it is.  Nothing more.  

My gin-soaked thoughts on the news and newsmakers of the day are a glimpse at how many in our community are thinking – diatribes which, I hope, serve to let those who have ascended to political power know that someone is peering through the knothole – stimulating a broader discussion of the myriad issues we face. 

If that makes our ‘movers-and-shakers’ uncomfortable – so be it – and I can assure our fresh baked politicians that they will soon come to loathe me, just as much as their scarred and hardened colleagues, the first time I take them to task for one gaffe or another.

Because I understand the one unwavering constant of government: The faces change – the “system” never does. . .  

I am certainly not a journalist, and I long ago shrugged off any semblance of objectivity, but I have seen what happens when media-types (usually through a thinly veiled surrogate) take sides and meddle in the political process.

Anyone paying attention can see right through that – and we never look at the reporter, or their news outlet, the same way again. . .    

In my view, if I were to succumb to the heady, and incredibly powerful, role of advising those on the dais of power, assuming the role of backroom insider, an influencer with no political accountability – lobbying for one policy or project over another, or, god forbid, swaying the flow of public funds to private interests – I would rightfully lose the trust of my readership, my Tribe.  

Sadly, in my experience, some of those we recently elected to high office will slowly become everything they hated when they got into politics – infatuated with the trappings and perquisites, distracted by the sense of infallibility that is the natural byproduct of ego-massage – compromised by the exciting promise of political support from some ‘very important people,’ who wouldn’t have given them the time-of-day before they rose to high office.

So, perhaps our newly minted representatives can consider me their Dutch uncle – someone without a chip in the game who offers blunt, even scathing criticism to educate and admonish – a swift kick in the pants to get them back on the straight and narrow when they need it most. 

If I have learned anything on this rocky path to enlightenment, it is that once the public’s trust is lost – it is impossible to regain.  

And that is the best advice I could give any elected official. . .

To the Loyal Members of the Barker’s View Tribe:

Five years on, this crude experiment in expressing an alternative opinion on the news and newsmakers here on Florida’s fabled “Fun Coast” continues to exceed my wildest expectations.

Thanks to your amazing support, I have so much to be grateful for.    

Since its humble beginning, Barker’s View now draws thousands of views each month from across the street and around the globe (over a half-million since its inception) – providing what, I hope, is a unique take on the issues of the day beyond the government soundbites and spin – a watchful eye that holds those in positions of high responsibility accountable.

A lone voice in the dark and tangled wilderness that lets our ‘powers that be’ know the great unwashed masses are paying attention.

I believe we are making a difference, too – all thanks to your loyal readership, civic activism, and participation in our sacred democratic processes. 

And, we have some fun along the way. . .

As a life-long civil servant, writing these posts is incredibly cathartic for me, and it continues to be a source of pride, one that has returned a much-needed sense of purpose to my life – while the process of pondering the issues and composing my thoughts keeps my feeble mind limber.

I also give thanks for the many wonderful relationships this blog has allowed me to cultivate in the community.  Barker’s View has confirmed my long-held belief that we all want to be heard – and to have our opinions considered and valued by those who establish public policy.

Thank you for listening to mine.

I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the elected and appointed officials whose political assholery provides such rich fodder for these diatribes. 

Seriously – Thank you for having the courage to stand for high office. 

It’s a hard dollar.  But on those days when you get it right, your work makes a true difference in our collective success and quality of life.

To those of you who hold positions of great responsibility in our community and the members of our social, civic, and economic elite – those precious few who ‘get it’ and have the self-confidence and common sense to accept withering criticism and use it to your advantage – I enjoy the continuing repartee and thank you for providing me your valuable insight on the important issues.

To the social media site administrators who allow Barker’s View on their pages – thank you for promoting a higher understanding of current events and providing a forum for open dialog.

And, to Big John, who hosts me each month on his local public affairs forum GovStuff Live! – your friendship, and tireless support of grassroot initiatives in our community, is an inspiration. 

Your efforts are important to the life of our community.

For me, the best part of this forum is hearing your feedback, discussing differing opinions, and arguing the fine points, because that drives a larger discussion of the problems we collectively face – interaction that can bring us closer to the solutions we seek – a real connection that lets us know we all have an equal and important voice. 

Whenever someone tells me, “You said exactly what I was thinking, but could not say,” or a perfect stranger stops me to talk about the issues in their neighborhood – it gives value to the effort – a sense that the writing, such as it is, has meaning. 

Sometimes you agree with me – other times we vehemently differ – but we can remain friends and perhaps gain a better perspective through the heated competition of ideas.

I cannot think of anything more purely American than that.

On this Thanksgiving 2020, please accept my sincere thanks and deep appreciation for taking time out of your busy day to read, think, exercise your freedoms, and form your own opinion on the issues of the day.

That’s important.

May God bless each of you, your families, and our men and women in uniform at home and abroad – our brave military, law enforcement, and first responders – who go in harm’s way to protect us every day.

I’ll be back next week with more hypercritical insight on the news and newsmakers, and, “…perhaps that glimpse of truth for which you have forgotten to ask.” 

I hope you will join me.

From the Barker family to yours – Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!

PLEASE BUY LOCAL!

I recently saw a guy on television who carries around a bull alligator like a toddler, attending to his needs as one would a beloved dog, and, for the most part, they seem to be the best of friends – an odd little man and his domesticated reptile keeping each other company.   

That is an illusion, of course, because the relationship is not reciprocal. 

So long as the man feeds the alligator – he will postpone eating the man for another day – and that is the only thing the gator brings to the “friendship.”

An alligator – like many politicians – have very primitive brains. 

As an apex predator, the alligator processes only the instinctual impulses of eating and making little alligators, while politicians focus solely on obsequiously scrambling for the campaign donations that will help them get reelected. 

Oh, and it helps if they look marginally effective to their constituents. . . 

That’s where their relationship with the city or county manager comes into play – and it is important that elected officials understand the nature of that unique association upfront.

I’ve mentioned this before, regardless of jurisdiction, the one constant in local governance is that city and county managers enjoy an incredible level of professional protections that those in the private sector will never know – even when their decisions and behavior are far from professional.

From the vantage point of over 30-years in municipal government, I know a little bit about the perils of political instability.

I have seen good managers demonized and pilloried for trying to do the right thing despite the prevailing political winds – left with no alternative but to resign and ply their often-itinerant trade elsewhere.

Conversely, I have seen some of the most quisling, totally inept assholes ever to worm their way into public management, thrive – at least for a while – as they insulate themselves with the internal and external political protections that come with facilitating the flow of public funds to the private, for-profit interests of well-heeled campaign donors and political insiders.

In a Council/Manager form of government, the manager is given extraordinary powers over every aspect of government services.  For instance, the executive has complete autonomy to hire and fire employees, set internal policies, personally direct the operations of all departments, and administrate the budgetary processes.

The manager also sets the agenda, briefs the elected officials in advance of public meetings, and controls the flow of information and organizational effort that can make or break public policy – and facilitates the individual projects and collective requests of council members or commissioners.   

In turn, We, The People elect the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker to serve on a representative body that appoints a manager with (hopefully) strong, ethical, managerial and organizational skills to oversee the day-to-day operations of the government, make public policy recommendations, and assist the legislative function.

Most do an exceptional job – serving multiple masters while bringing economic and civic progress to their communities.

Others, not so much. . . 

Several communities in Volusia County are preparing for the incredibly difficult and destabilizing task of finding a new chief executive, to include Lake Helen, Port Orange, Deltona, and Daytona Beach.

Did I miss anyone?

In Lake Helen, City Administrator Becky Witte has announced her resignation following a deteriorating relationship with Mayor Daisy Raisler, a near-constant beatdown that left Witte feeling like a “political volleyball.” 

The mess in the quaint community reached its nadir in September when the City Commission agreed to hire a private detective who insinuated himself in the process after reading about the internal strife. 

After meeting with Raisler and Witte, the investigator reported, “there were some technical violations of the city charter and some actions of questionable judgement,” but stopped short of claiming any criminal conduct, or that either party acted in bad faith. 

According to a report in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, the good citizens of Lake Helen paid the private investigator some $950 “…for additional services including: preparing an analysis of charter violations and errors in judgment, outlining steps to correct managerial issues and preparing “recommendations that will ensure a good working relationship between the legislative branch of government (the Commission) and the executive branch (City Administrator).”

I am clearly doing it wrong – because that sounds an awful lot like what I do on these pages for free. . .

Whatever.

Last week, the most recent iteration of the Deltona City Commission unceremoniously demoted Interim City Manager Dr. Marc-Antonie Cooper – who took the helm of that leaky vessel when the disastrous reign of Jane Shang compassionately came to an end last January. 

With a trained eye, one could tell all was not well at City Hall – and no one seemed interested in exposing the wounds left by Shang to the cleansing light of day – allowing time for the community to heal in the aftermath of a very contentious period in the city’s relatively short history. 

In March, Cooper asked for a whopping $175,000 annually to provide interim managerial services – an amount which matched what Shang was commanding when she oversaw the shit show that is Deltona governance.   

Instead, the elected officials agreed on $150,000 – with a clause in the contract that provides Cooper a bump to $135,000 should he return to his enviable position as Deputy City Manager. . .

Your guess is as good as mine how that will work out, now that Dr. Cooper has been relieved of duty for performance issues.

Last spring, during a weird telephone interview with the intrepid Wild West Volusia News-Journal reporter, Katie Kustura, “Cooper said he hasn’t yet decided whether or not he’ll apply for the city manager position.”

I found that odd, especially at a time when the long-suffering community was begging for stability – and was willing to pay Cooper $150,000 a year to make it happen. . . 

In short, Cooper blew it.

Hell, Genghis Khan would have been embraced as a positive change-agent by the good people of Deltona in the wreckage of the Shang Dictatorship – and all he really had to do was right the ship and be approachable and responsive to the needs of his bosses on the dais of power.

In my view, if a city manager doesn’t have a burning desire to fill the role, lead boldly, enhance service delivery, be part of the solution and move the community that employs him or her forward with a strong personal commitment – a drive that extends beyond the mercenary goal of self-enrichment and advantageous employment agreements – then, perhaps the Deltona City Commission knew all they needed to know about Mr. Cooper’s motivations in March.   

In my view, the future of the Halifax area is dependent upon who the Daytona Beach City Commission selects to replace retiring City Manager Jim Chisholm early next year.

Like it or not, Mr. Chisholm is the embodiment of near-autonomous political power as he ramrods the wants and whims of King J. Hyatt Brown and other shadowy players – while enjoying the political insulation those powerful forces provide – for a cool $307,000 a year with perks, an annual salary that outpaces any sitting governor in the United States. . .    

I suspect our oligarchical insiders will be working overtime to find a suitable replacement – a real card mechanic with just the right amount of malleability, and the peripheral vision to see which projects are important to the future of the community – and which are best allowed to wither and die. 

Times they are a changing. 

Trust me – the next chief executives in Port Orange, Deltona and Daytona Beach will have more of an impact on our quality of life than anyone we have elected to represent our interests.

In my view, every citizen and business owner has a vested interest in ensuing that their elected officials demand a trustworthy, ethical, and respectful city manager – one who possesses the vision, critical thinking, and proven planning skills necessary for true civic transformation – not another cheap facilitator for the wants and whims of special interests.

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              Sheriff Michael Chitwood

The art and science of policing is changing at quantum speed. 

In the six years since my retirement, many policies and protocols are unrecognizable to has-beens like me.  Some changes I disagree with, but there is no denying that the manner and means by which law enforcement agencies provide essential services is more effective, equitable and efficient than ever before. 

As law enforcement budgets and operational focus shift to include social services, outreach, and intervention opportunities as a means of transforming the community’s perception of those who serve and protect while broadening core services, Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood is ensuring no opportunity is lost, especially when dealing with the growing addiction crisis. 

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the nonprofit Volusia Recovery Alliance, have created an innovative peer assistance program that will put those whose lives have been touched by drug addiction at the scene of nonfatal overdoses, seizing a unique opportunity to encourage others to seek help. 

This program takes advantage of an important moment in time – an addicts near-death experience – that may serve as a critical turning point in the lives of those suffering the devastating effects of addiction by placing trained advocates in that space to discuss treatment and recovery options. 

According to reports, 175 people died of drug overdose in Volusia County between March and October – up from 136 over the same period last year – another horrific byproduct of the coronavirus pandemic which has exacerbated mental health issues and contributed to an increase in suicides countywide. 

Kudos to Sheriff Chitwood, and the Volusia Recovery Alliance, for developing this lifesaving program and bringing hope to local families dealing with this tragic reality.

Angel              Volusia County Council

On Tuesday, during an uber-weird session of the Volusia County Council, outgoing Councilwoman Deb Denys mysteriously donned a facemask before fleeing the dais altogether –  mid-meeting – apparently in a scramble to get tested after she was exposed to the coronavirus by state Senator Tom Wright during a fundraiser the pair attended on Sunday.    

As I understand it, on Monday, Sen. Wright was denied entry to this week’s legislative session following a positive/negative/positive Roshambo-style COVID-19 test in Tallahassee. 

When Denys bolted from the meeting, it gave our doddering fool of a lame duck County Chair, Ed Kelley, his next-to-last opportunity to continue his storied tradition of mucking up the works when he called all subsequent votes “unanimous” – even though there were only six council members actively participating in the proceedings. . .

Fortunately, Councilwoman Heather Post rightfully asked that Ed’s blunder be corrected to ensure an accurate record.    

Despite Old Ed’s confused mumbling and fumbling, our elected officials summoned the wisdom to approve a plan to revitalize the former Blair’s Jungle Den in Astor – a once vibrant restaurant/hotel/fish camp on the beautiful St. John’s River – a place that remains a great memory from my childhood.

Unfortunately, the Jungle Den fell into serious disrepair – with dilapidated mobile homes littering the grounds – and untended septic tanks polluting the river as crime became an increasing problem in the area. 

According to the landowners attorney, Glenn Storch, plans call for investing some $30 million to bring the property back to its heyday – with a new hotel, shopping, and world-class amenities – while the former mobile home park will be converted into a seasonal RV camp to eliminate permanent residents – and some 21-acres set aside as a conservation buffer.

The well-thought plan also includes a substation for the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

What a great opportunity for Astor – and for all residents of Volusia County – as this once beautiful outdoor resort is returned to its former glory.      

Look, I didn’t agree with everything that happened on Tuesday, but in this case, they got it right.

In my view, the rebirth of the Jungle Den as a profitable area attraction is something we can all take pride in – and a much-needed economic stimulus for our neighbors in beautiful Northwest Volusia.      

Asshole           Palm Coast City Council

“Councilman Corrupt.”  “Councilman Full of Crap.”

Sounds like something out of a Barker’s View diatribe on Palm Coast politics, right?

Unfortunately, that is how far in the dumper things have descended as newly elected Councilman Ed Danko and sitting Councilman Eddie Branquinho squared off on the dais earlier this week – complete  with name-calling, personal insults, and thin-skinned swipes that no doubt set the tone for things to come in this troubled community. 

According to an excellent piece in FlaglerLive.com – your one stop source for news and opinion on all things Flagler County (https://tinyurl.com/y4vq5oux) – things got heated when Branquinho called Danko’s suggestion to return the city’s corona-safe virtual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony to an in-person event:

“Well, I think I am being responsible,” Danko said.

“No you’re not!” Branquinho snapped.

“Yes I am, and I don’t appreciate you raising your voice to me,” Danko said.

“No, it’s my emotion. It’s my emotion.”

“Keep your emotion in Check,” Danko said, continuing to make his case for a public tree-lighting, which was scheduled for Wednesday. He said perhaps the city could organize the event the way it has previous, ticketed events where attendance was controlled. But when (City Manager) Morton spoke of a city staff already stretched–and with more staffers in quarantine or in the hospital than at any point since the beginning of the pandemic–Danko backed off his proposal and withdrew his motion.”

The cheese completely slipped off the cracker when Branquinho accused Danko of accusing him of “corruption” during his recent campaign, something Danko denied:

“I’ve never referred to you as corrupt. Get your facts correct, Eddie.”

“Excuse me. Excuse me. I’m talking,” Branquinho said.

“No, excuse me. You’re accusing me of doing something. I never singled you out. I singled you out?”

“No, but you put me under the same umbrella, and until the day you apologize to me personally right here, or prove that I’m corrupt, because I was part of city hall–”

“I never called you corrupt, Eddie.”

“You will be called Councilman Corrupt by me.”

“You will be called Councilman Full of Crap as far as I’m concerned.”

Wow.

According to the FlaglerLive report:

“Mayor Milissa Holland looked stunned and taken entirely off guard. City Attorney Bill Reischmann looked pained, and at one point intervened to remind the panel of its own rules of decorum. City Manager Matt Morton buried himself in a laptop.

A minute after the meeting adjourned, Branquinho, still on the dais, repeatedly yelled at Danko to “get away from me!” The sheriff’s commander and liaison with the city had to trod toward the men to ensure the clash wouldn’t escalate.

So began the new era on the Palm Coast City Council.”

In an election year marked by allegations that Mayor Holland misused her elected position by intermingling her day job at the Palm Coast tech firm Coastal Cloud with her official role – including suggestions of an active FBI investigation – coupled with City Manager Morton’s bloody massacre of any employee who dared speak out on the civic turmoil – many were hoping the election would bring stability to local government and end this shit show that continues to erode the public’s trust. 

I like to say if you care about good governance in your own hometown, you should care about good governance everywhere – and the City of Palm Coast in in trouble. 

In my view, the continuing debacle in one of our region’s largest communities isn’t good for anyone  – and it’s high time the adults on the dais (if there are any) get a handle on the building Danko/Branquinho feud before their constituents suffer even more embarrassment.  

Asshole           Volusia County School Board  

How does one earn the dubious “Asshole of the Week” award in this space?

Simple. 

First, you lavish an obscene $50,000 pay increase on an overpaid failed senior administrator during an off-the-agenda ambush so no one is prepared to speak against it – while simultaneously singing the Poormouth Blues – and taking some $11 million from reserves to balance a bloated budget approaching $1 Billion.

Then you callously turn to hardworking classroom teachers and staff members who are struggling under the arduous and ever-changing demands of a global pandemic – give them the figurative middle-finger by cowardly declaring an impasse – effectively barring any additional negotiation that may have lead to a fair and equitable pay increase for those intrepid souls serving at the tip of the spear. 

That’s how you do it.   

Quote of the Week

“Maybe we should also look back to Lincoln and his Cabinet of Rivals — recognizing the need for the contribution of all parts of a diverse population. Our Constitution is inclusive, not exclusive. We are all included in the process as Americans who don’t always (often?) agree. Love of country and patriotism are not the exclusive property of one side or the other, but the joy of We the People.”

–Lynn Berg, DeLand, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Letters to the Editor, “Celebrate our unity,” Sunday, November 15, 2020

And Another Thing!

On Monday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Penny Young-Carrasquillo, Chief Development Officer for the Council on Aging, during her informative appearance on the public affairs forum, GovStuff Live! with Big John. 

It’s easy to forget how many local senior citizens are in need this Holiday Season and the COA is seeking volunteers to assist with their many wonderful programs and direct services which help our elderly neighbors remain active, nourished, and independent.   

At present, the COA is seeking Meals on Wheels drivers to deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors across Volusia County.  The only requirements are a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and a background check which is paid for by the Council on Aging. 

The commitment is approximately one to two hours beginning at 10:30am Monday through Friday.

Schedules and routes are flexible for the convenience of volunteers.   

In addition, Council on Aging is promoting their Adopt-a-Route program that allows businesses, clubs, and faith organizations to adopt a specific route and share responsibility for meal delivery! 

According to the COA, “This is a great opportunity for developing your corporate/civic team while receiving recognition.”   

For more information, please call 386-253-4700 x 239.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really?  Now that takes some serious huevos. . .

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

My ass.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi, kids!

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

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

Angel               Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young

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

Well deserved. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Powerful words from a humble man of service. 

Godspeed Chief Young – and congratulations on this outstanding milestone. 

Asshole           Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

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

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

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

You read that right.

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

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

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

Seriously? 

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

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

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

What gives?

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

Really?   

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

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

My God.

When is enough, enough?

Angel               Vienna Capital

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

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

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

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

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

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

I like that. 

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

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

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

Geeze, Bob.  What gives?

I thought you were on our side. 

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

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

Whatever.

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

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

Asshole           Volusia County District Schools

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

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

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

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

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

Says who? 

Isn’t that what she was hired to do? 

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

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

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

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

My ass. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen.

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

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

Quote of the Week

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

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

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

Well said, Joe. 

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

We need more of that. 

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

And Another Thing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

You did us proud, Ms. Lewis. 

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