By Charles

August 9, 2007 7:40 AM | Link to this

Any funds lost are probably a drop in the bucket in comparison to the leaching that Fulton County did for years in this community. The support of socialist ideals by the AJC is pretty evident by this posting (“fledgling”, “city too busy to get along”). They were not too busy on July 18, 2006 to vote (86% I might add) to get out from under an unfair redistribution of tax revenue.

By Jerry

August 9, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Just like a new business starting a new city is a difficult untdertaking. It is very easy for a new administration to overlook one form. It is too bad that form would cost the city $900k. The State of Georgia should have more understanding about this.

On the other hand the new council and Mayor have behaved like a homeowners association with police (with guns) powers. They should set aside their egos and personal agendas and work for the overall good of the citizens. The politics of the mayor and council has soured many about participating in a new and needed city.

By wildbillhiltner

August 9, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

The problem in Milton is simple and it revolves around Joe Lockwood. Joe is well known as a decent, honest, capable gentlemen. When the legislation to start Milton was written Jan Jones, George Ragsdale, and their posse (which includes the disengenguos whench, Cindy Hollingsworth, who was quoted in an AJC article) assumed running Milton was their birth right. Poor Joe did not know any better, so he went door to door, shook hands, and won the election to the chagrin of Jan Jones. Since that time Jan (how can anyone defend a legislator who presents legislation to change the city charter without a courtesy notification to the mayor) Jones and her flying monkies have hone out of their way to “pelosi” Joe.

By Poo Poo Pants

August 9, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

I interviewed for a job at that zoo awhile back, glad I never heard back from those nutjobs….

By Corey

August 9, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

Charles, I challenge you to take a tour of South Fulton and see all those great streets paved with gold that have been paid for by unfair redistribution of revenue which favors the south end of the county. Come see all the great schools and roads. The outstanding service provided by the county to residents on the southside is a model of efficiency. Don’t forget all those opulent senior centers. They provide services to people who under Jim Crow could not even vote for representation in Fulton. They scraped by on measly salaries as maids etc. and handouts from white folk kitchen and white folk hand-me-downs. Their children were barred from attending schools that they helped to support with their taxes. What would things have been like if those people could have formed their own county or city. I wonder. Go ahead Charles, take that drive on the southside and realize all those self-fulfilling prophecies that you allude to.

By Randy

August 9, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Weilding all the power for over three hunderd years and having to share it within the last forty or so years and you freak out, Charles. Pobrecito.

By Randy

August 9, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

Holding all the power for over three hunderd years and having to share it within the last forty or so years and you freak out, Charles. Pobrecito.

By Charles

August 9, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

You won’t see me whining to the English Royals that because my ancestors were heavily taxed and subjugated on both sides of the Atlantic I’m ‘owed’. It’s the 21st century - take responsiblity for yourself. I’m glad Bill Cosby has tried to get that ball rolling in the African American court.

By Randy

August 9, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Charles, you totally missed the point. Have a good day.

By Poo Poo Pants

August 9, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Charles= Rich, white NoFul surburbanite who only cares about other Rich, White NoFul surburbanites….

Do you have poop in your pants? Probably not, you seem rather constipated to me

By Mark

August 9, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

A view of the comments reveals this is more than just what’s going on in Milton. I would swear Emma Darnell and Bill Edwards are writing some of these comments. It is just about the glee felt in Fulton County when they think that Milton City may fail. After all, that is exactly what they want. The AJC is clearly in that camp too. There cannot even be a discussion from them which even frames the issues objectively. Look at the discussion heading: “A tempest in Milton…”

By Mark

August 9, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

To the AJC and Doug Nurse: The framing of the debate regarding the Milton government to is intended to inure images among readers like “imploding, dysfunctional, fledgling”. It is a thinly veiled effort. What it does show is the extreme bias of the AJC. Never are there articles about successes, like setting up fire stations, or developing a police force from scratch, you know, little stuff like that. I have seen more police presence in the last week in Milton than I saw in the 10 years I lived under Fulton County.

Instead, the AJC wants to focus on issues like $250 ethics charges or $6000 shrinks or the fact that the city council is taking longer to make decisions on the city manager than King Doug expects in his view of the world. Bottom line: just like Iraq, the AJC wants failure in the city of Milton and is misleading readers that this is, in fact, occurring.

To the Milton City Council: Even if the Milton City Council is imploding, dysfunctional, fledgling, as the AJC wants its readers to believe, I would rather have that than go back to what we had before in Fulton County. Perhaps to the dismay of the AJC and Doug Nurse, I would bet a year’s pay that the vast majority of Miltonites would agree with me on this. This is a warning to you all that we are watching. Stop the pettiness or we will stop it for you in November, something we were not powerful enough to do under the Fulton County occupation.

By Mark

August 9, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

To the AJC and Doug Nurse: The framing of the debate regarding the Milton government to is intended to inure images among readers like “imploding, dysfunctional, fledgling”. It is a thinly veiled effort. What it does show is the extreme bias of the AJC. Never are there articles about successes, like setting up fire stations, or developing a police force from scratch, you know, little stuff like that. I have seen more police presence in the last week in Milton than I saw in the 10 years I lived under Fulton County.

Instead, the AJC wants to focus on issues like $250 ethics charges or $6000 shrinks or the fact that the city council is taking longer to make decisions on the city manager than King Doug expects in his view of the world. Bottom line: just like Iraq, the AJC wants failure in the city of Milton and is misleading readers that this is, in fact, occurring.

To the Milton City Council: Even if the Milton City Council is imploding, dysfunctional, fledgling, as the AJC wants its readers to believe, I would rather have that than go back to what we had before in Fulton County. Perhaps to the dismay of the AJC and Doug Nurse, I would bet a year’s pay that the vast majority of Miltonites would agree with me on this. This is a warning to you all that we are watching. Stop the pettiness or we will stop it for you in November, something we were not powerful enough to do under the Fulton County occupation.

By Mrs. Warren

August 9, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Do any of you even live in Milton? I live in Milton and so far I don’t see it as a failure, it may just need some new leaders who are top of things to get the job done.

By Tim Enloe

August 9, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with Bill Hiltner on this issue. While I respect the work done by the steering committee to bring the referendum to us, it was the citizens who decided to incorporate. Without their discretion, we would have remaind unincorporated.Jan Jones could have walked away from this venture smelling like a rose; instead many view her in a less favorable fashion due to her meddling. Joe Lockwood is a class act and I am proud to call him “Mayor”.He along with some of the other on the council are doing what they said they would do when they ran.Imagine that. However, the infamous four have shown a lack of leadership by rolling over for anything Jan Jones says regardless of what promises were made during the campaign (Sewer anyone?). I do look forward to this fall campaign season. Who knows? I might even run again!

By Tim Enloe

August 9, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with Bill Hiltner on this issue. While I respect the work done by the steering committee to bring the referendum to us, it was the citizens who decided to incorporate. Without their discretion, we would have remaind unincorporated.Jan Jones could have walked away from this venture smelling like a rose; instead many view her in a less favorable fashion due to her meddling. Joe Lockwood is a class act and I am proud to call him “Mayor”.He along with some of the other on the council are doing what they said they would do when they ran.Imagine that. However, the infamous four have shown a lack of leadership by rolling over for anything Jan Jones says regardless of what promises were made during the campaign (Sewer anyone?). I do look forward to this fall campaign season. Who knows? I might even run again!

By MrTelevision

August 9, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

How ironic that you would mention the great Mr. Berle in the context of this city’s problems.

Unbeknownst to many, Mr. Berle is said to have been significantly endowed by his creator if you know what I mean. Sounds like the city government of Milton has a lot of the same problem.

By Local Resident

August 9, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

I believe our new Mayor and Council have accomplished a tremendous amount in a short while. They have the city up and running. We have a police department, fire department, parks and recs, etc. We have a large number of volunteer groups working on various projects. This has all been accomplished by a group who has never been in politics before. They are having a lot of debate and disagreement, which to a certain extent, is healthy.

There is one thing that really frustrates me. I voted for Joe Lockwood as Mayor because I felt and still feel he is the best person for the job. Evidently, so did approx. 60% of the voters. I’m frustrated because it appears that there are about four council members who are trying to directly reduce his power, and continuously try to discredit him etc. It just all smells too much like politically driven issues. I really don’t like the way our city charter was changed, without working with and through the Mayor.

There are three candidates up for re-election in November. From the city council meetings I’ve sat through and from reading the newspapers, it appears that Julie Zahner Bailey generally supports Joe Lockwood. I will vote for her. It appears to me that Rick Mohrig sp? and Neal O’Brien have something against him and seem to be working angles, many times not too smoothly, to work against the Mayor. I think these two are a disruptive force and I will vote for other candidates to replace them is someone runs.

By E.T.

August 9, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

See where Bovos has resigned as city mgr, bet Jan Jones is celebrating. This woman will go to any length to punish anyone who favors The Mayor.

After this fiasco, it will be difficult to hire an experienced qualified city mgr. This city will be known as Forsyth County south.

Mark my word.

By Brooke

August 10, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

I can not wait for election time. Tim per your post… I hope you do run again. Tim E = TimE is Money. That should be your slogan. We are tired of our time and money being wasted by the gang of four!

By Mark

August 10, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

I am an average Joe. An average Joe who has been compelled into action. I was at the city council meeting last night. I went there to find out if the council is really as dysfunctional as Doug Nurse and the AJC would lead (or mislead?) its readers to believe. I watched the interplay between the council members very carefully, but most of all, I watched Doug Nurse. Even though a lot of important business was discussed (2008 budget, the tremendous potential liability over various infrastructure items like stormsewers, etc), the only thing that apparently interested Mr. Nurse was the ethics discussion. In fact, he chased one of the ethics board members outside and engaged him in a 30 minute discussion (and speculation) while the council was discussing little stuff (like the 2008 budget.) It really shows where his interests lie.

Having said that, my intial impression of the council was favorable, save for Rick Mohrig. He was a non factor. He was out of the room more than he was there, even for the important discussions. Where did he go? He certainly will not get my vote in November, especially if he is one the supposed “gang of four” that is undermining the mayor. (I still plan to dig deeper into that issue.)

By Bob

August 10, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

You won’t believe what they are saying about this on www.accessmilton.com. Mindboggling!

By Miton Resident

August 13, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

After reading everyone’s comments, it seems to me and following newspaper reports in the AJC and Milton Herald, and speaking to some of the council members before the election when they were candidates, is that everyone will continue to have their same criticism of cheerleading of the City no matter what. Face it, it’s easier to criticize being on the sidelines than to take action yourself and be part of the solution. The cheerleaders will continue to have hope that the teething problems Milton in its infancy will resolve in a reasonable time. No one said this would be easy. A reasonable person would expect that getting a council together would not, and should not result in a rubber stamp for any one person’s ideas, but rather a discourse to probe the risks and rewards of a potential decision in light of the Milton’s stated goals. As far as Bovos’ err, I don’t know why he, not the finance director, is taking the brunt of the tax mistake, but no matter, this too shall pass. Politics is never easy, and Miltonites should be advised to participate in the process, e.g. vote, attend meetings, make your voice heard. It might take time to get Milton where we want it, but one step at a time.

By BJ

August 13, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

The press seems preoccupied with trying to make Milton look bad. I’m sure that they have exaggerated things greatly just to make the story more interesting.

It appears that all of the crying about a “gang of four” is coming from those on the losing side. I have yet to see the Mayor do anything but cut some ribbons and complain that he didn’t get his way on a few votes. From what I’ve seen, JZB totally controls him. At least four on the Council can think for themselves and are smart enough not to be manipulated by her!

By Do Over

August 14, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Joe, so these are accomplishments huh? Please do not take it personally; I do not think much of the rest of the council either. As for the decisions lately…

• 6,500 for psychotherapy? (Is this normal for a City Council?)

• $1.2M dollars in leases for fire trucks? (Fire tanker for $350k in 2008 budget)

• $700,000+/- already for Police car leases

• $11,000 for discussing the actions and potential consequences for Mr. Bovos.

• $900,000 lost in state insurance funds

2008 BUDGET Requests:

• $16,000 for shotguns? (That is 58+ shotguns at $275 each)

• $83,000 for a Mobile Command Post? (Where is the helicopter?)

• $30,000 for special events program? (PRIORITY NUMBER 2 IN THE BUDGET)

• $15,000 for a digital recording system? (PRIORITY NUMBER 3 IN THE BUDGET… Are you kidding me, for a tape recorder?

• $14,300 for radar guns for speeding? (PRIORITY NUMBER 5 IN THE BUDGET… FYI each car already is equipped with Laser speed detectors)

• $9,000 for a city marketing plan? (PRIORITY NUMBER 6 IN THE BUDGET)

• $6,000 on newcomer packets?

• 2 more police officers ($106k and cars $73.7k)

• $125,000 Impact study fee…

The MESSAGE: QUIT SPENDING!

I think everyone is missing the point here…

Yes, it is difficult and expensive to start a city, but I think the intention of the vast majority of the residents of what was previously known as unincorporated Fulton County feel as though the goal of Milton was to keep tax dollars local and use them if necessary. Unfortunately, it has turned out like to be more like the Republicans in DC who were recently ousted for spending like a drunken sailors (my apologies to any drunken sailors I may offend).

I believe we all wanted the tax dollars (now staying in the area) to be used to support our own infrastructure needs, parks, and some public safety services. Not the rolling police state (1 to 1.5 officers for every 1,000 residents) you have created with 15-20 police cars for a low crime area created just to generate more money for the coffers.

It is completely irresponsible and frankly stupid to think that Milton with the current tax base (commercial to residential ratio) can come out of the gate and just lease/spend our way into a large city the size of Duluth, Cumming, or John’s Creek with the best services money can buy and still be fiscally responsible city. Rome was not built it a day and neither will Milton be. Take it easy, before you kill the very idea that got us here.

By Tim Enloe

August 14, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

One thing I have learned in life; never assume. While I respect all folks points and concerns, keep in mind that those elected are working diligently on building a foundation for a city that will last for many years to come. I will say I have absolutely no problem with the amount of police and firemen we have hired nor do I have a problem with the equipment purchased.(I do wish we could have brought on more Fulton veterans, but I digress-the folks in place are wonderful as well.) Fire and Police expenses are typically viewed as side cost while other arenas (the BOE for example)swallow the money without debate. One thing that no one is immune to are emergencies. God forbit another emergency come my or my family / friends way, but if it does, I want exactly what the council and city have implemented. By the way, the low crime rate area comment is a good point. I do, however, like the insurance approach that will insure that the “low crime area” stays that way.

All the best -

Tim Enloe

By citizen

August 15, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Well, now that they’ve wasted lots of taxpayer money, it’s time to follow the lead of this administration and its lackey previous congresses — tax cuts! Why pay now when the grandkids can deal with it?

By Cop1

August 17, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Sir, I am not sure why you have a problem with spending on public safety. fire trucks/police cars etc. Shotguns! Oh my how dare the police have guns….I can see less on non priority items like parks and rec but don’t you wan to be safe?

By Mark

August 18, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Tim Enloe respects all folks points and concerns? This is the man who blogged for years that people who have children are idiots, denigrated public education, called school board members unprintable names and showed enough Milton residents how intolerant he was to lose the runoff for council by 70-30. Tim, you’re no authority on anything to do with Milton and all you can do is carp from the sidelines. I hope you DO qualify next week so O’Brien can wipe the floor with you again!

By Do Over

August 18, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Hey Cop1, I can understand the need for public safety, but a budget to buy 50+ shotguns are you nuts? I own guns, but I don’t condone a budget or policy that would buy more shotguns than actual number of city employees.

My point is we didn’t have a crime problem with the area being patrolled by 3 or 4 police officers prior to Milton becoming a city. Now we have added 12 more marked police cars and several unmarked cars and the budget is seeking even more. Who is going to pay for that? You? Oh yeah, you just write more tickets and then it gets paid for.

Personally, I would rahter have a park that count on you the keep me “safe”.

By Do Over

August 18, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Hey Cop1, I can understand the need for public safety, but a budget to buy 50+ shotguns are you nuts? I own guns, but I don’t condone a budget or policy that would buy more shotguns than actual number of city employees.

My point is we didn’t have a crime problem with the area being patrolled by 3 or 4 police officers prior to Milton becoming a city. Now we have added 12 more marked police cars and several unmarked cars and the budget is seeking even more. Who is going to pay for that? You? Oh yeah, you just write more tickets and then it gets paid for.

Personally, I would rahter have a park that count on you keep me “safe”.

By Tim Enloe

August 18, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Ahhh, “Mark.” Sounds like someone is worried about my running again due to O’brien’s support falling by the way side. Should you have the courage, feel free to call me.

Then again, folks who typically only list their supposed first names on blogs are cowards anyways. Thus, I doubt I will hear from “mark.”

Regarding my opinions from the sidelines, one has to wonder what you have done to help our city. I have:

A. Adopted a Milton Road for clean up. B. Donated money to the Milton Fire and Police. C. Donated my time to help with the first Milton Round up. D. Worked with the police to increase speed enforcement.

I doubt you have done anything. Talk about “Carping from the sidelines.”

As far as O’brien goes, you are more than welcome to support whomever you choose. After all, you pay taxes and have earned that right. Then again, I doubt the majority of folks want to re-elect a guy who borrowed $37k via a home equity loan and had the gall to ask his constituents to pay for it,debated extending sewer, and tried to costs the city thousand of dollars by pushing for changing the “city” name to “town.” On top of which, he can’t turn left or right without getting approval from “Mama Jan.” Such attributes are not that of a leader.

By the way, I beat O’brien in the normal election with my dollar and no one else’s. Don’t you just hate it? The only reason he won the run-off was because of mudslinging via an old blog that had opinions from many; not just one. Waiting for your call, “Mark.”

All the best,

Tim Enloe 770 653 0552

By Bob Peterson

August 20, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this

I voted for O’brien last time and I won’t make the same mistake twice. I think he has betrayed the voters. I think he has lied. Not sure about that Enloe guy, but I will vote for anyone other than O’brien. I think He lies.

By Brian O'Neill

August 20, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Bob - How about some specifics? What did O’Brien lie about? How did he betray the voters? Let’s here some facts behind your accusations.

By Mark

August 22, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Tim, there are apparently two Marks in this discussion.

By Tim Enloe

August 22, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Mark:

Who knows? Folks are notorious for aliases when trying to attack one another. No worries whatsoever. If you are a citizen of Milton; please get involved if you aren’t already. We have a chance to become something wonderful. We just need patience, focus, compromise, and understanding instead of attacks.

All the best -

Tim Enloe 770 653 0552

By vern

August 23, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

It is good to see that Tim Enloe – sometime candidate, critic of procreators, and Lord of the Blogosphere – may run again. Milton needs an entrant for the R. J. Kurey Good Government Award.

By Tim Enloe

August 23, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Vern:

So much courage behind a computer screen. Milton needs an entrant for the R.J. Kurey Good Government award? Your running then, I take it?

Tim Enloe 770 653 0552

By UGAMilton

August 25, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

By E.T.

August 25, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Is UGAMilton the high sheriff, one of the posse members or the spouse of the high sheriff?

Shoot low sheriff, he is riding a shetland.

By anonymous

August 27, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

To UGAMilton, you state that Joe…is not the most competent man on city council. Please do tell who is the most competent, Mohrig, O’Brien or Lusk.

You also state…if she (Jan) has to get their approval on such changes she should have veto power in any city budget. Doesn’t she have such veto power through the infamous four council members?