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LORD, we ask you to bless and protect our first responders, our Police, our Firemen, and our Ems as they face the daily challenges and danger doing their daily lifesaving tasks. Please send your Guardian Angels to look over them and give them the skills that they need to protect and save lives then bring them home safely. AMEN
CONCERNS FOR CITY OF BLANCO To voice your comments go to the contact us page contact section or you can write or call to voice your concerns or complaint to: City of Blanco P.O. Box 750 Blanco, Texas 78606 830 833-4525 Mayor: Jim Rodrigue Council Members: Ron Houston (Mayor pro tem), Bob McClung, Rebecca Howerton, Danny Ray, Douglas Pautz
HUSH HUSH IS THE WORD COUNTY JUDGE ISSUES GAG ORDER!!! Concerned: I believe the State will take a very close look at the operation of this EMS and I think we should prepare for them to clean up a mess that we did not have the stomach to do. They will not, however, address the situation with the Board that the County Judge appointed. This board has let us down. They look just like the PEC board. All I hear is that they could not get involved with the operation of the organization. Well, they have a contract with them and they direct their funding, to a great extent, I understand. The County Judge, once again has appointed "yes" men - AND, he now has a "GAG ORDER" - can you believe, on the members of this Board! This little county makes up the rules as it goes. But, this will eventually cause the county lot of problems! Anonymous On The South End
Blanco School Board! What’s Really on the agenda? Concerned: 042208 This concerns Blanco ISD. Who are these two women who think that the school district needs to have a new facility? Where did they come from - Dallas? The school district is in no position to pass a bond election at this time! I have read the Blanco County News all this time and have noticed that they have complained constantly since September about the Pre-K building being full of mold. How come all of a sudden this year it is full of mold? Did this happen all of a sudden in the last few months? Hum... sounds fishy to me. Ok, they didn’t get the results they wanted from the school board, so one of them (who I heard was ousted out of Blanco Nat’l Bank for undermined dealings) decides to run for school board against a very knowledgeable respected member of the board and community. Why? Do they have a hidden agenda with the board or for personal reasons? Hum… Sounds like it BOTH!
I have attended the school board meetings and have noticed that the mayor and the city attorney have always been there. Why? Why are the mayor and city attorney attending school board meeting? What is their agenda? Does the city have something to gain from a bond election of the school or do they have something to gain for personal reasons? Think about that for minute. Will the city gain something in return for the school district having a bond election or will the mayor and attorney just gains something for themselves? Hum….fishy again. Can this district afford a bond election now? Of course not!! Who in their right mind would want to do that unless there was something to gain for themselves? Hum… Why is the mayor’s step-daughter running for the school board? Does she have something to gain by being on the board? Is there a hidden agenda for her being on the board? I believe there is something personally for all for them to gain.
Who is the new superintendent, who is for this planning agreement and bond election? Does anyone know him? Where did he come from? How did he come to Blanco? Is he personal friends of the mayor and his stepdaughter? Hum… do they all have something to gain by having an architectural planning study done for our school. I think so. They want to pass a bond to cost the taxpayers (you!) hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay back. I know I cannot afford that with the economy like it is now, how about you! Do you have an extra hundred thousand to give up? No, of course not!
I want you to think when you vote for the school board elections on May 10th. Do you want a qualified candidate or do you want someone who has an agenda to make money for themselves and who is not here for our children or our school, but just the POWER!
Think about it, it’s your choice.
Concerned for BISD CHANGE! CHANGE! CHANGE! We must have change on both of these Boards. Vote for new people! This is not a statement indicating that those incumbents running are not effective, as individuals, but as a group, neither of these Boards, acting as a whole, is meeting the expectations of this community. These is too much posturing, going along with the groups of backroom deals and the citizens are really getting tired of it. Go vote - for change! Anonymous On The South End
Ambulance Corps Under Review EMS problems Continue to Linger Concerned:April 10, 2008-The state health department discussed the fate of the Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corps' operating license at an informal conference behind closed doors Wednesday. A Department of State Health Services spokeswoman said the agency's enforcement review committee will look at the case, as will the emergency medical services compliance group. The ultimate decision is made by the department's assistant commissioner for regulatory services, Kathryn Perkins. State officials said a decision won't be announced for at least two weeks. The state could revoke the license of the rural emergency medical services agency, along with the licenses of its director, Mark McMain, and paramedic Evelyn "Suzy" Armstead. After an audit of the ambulance corps, McMain told Blanco County officials that he had taken supplies of a narcotic painkiller for his wife. The Statesman is awaiting the outcome of a complaint filed Tuesday with the state after the ambulance corps failed to respond to requests made under the Texas Public Information Act for several pieces of information, including McMain's and Armstead's employment contracts, financial audits and drug order records. ~Anonymous~ Thank You Blanco County Concerned! Love what Blanco County Concerned says! Thank you for all that all of you do helping to expose issues and allowing citizens to voice their concerns - anonymously.
City Of Blanco Waste Tax Payers Dollars!!! The City of Blanco has just recently spent a lot of tax money installing a main water line in the middle of Mesquite Street from Fulcher Street to 9th. Street. Now the City is wasting a lot of tax money going back and repairing water leaks on this same pipe line. In the mean time trying to drive down Mesquite Street is like traveling down an obstacle course. Concerned Without a Name
Citizens Upset Over Blanco County EMS… More Letters ... Concerned: The entire issue on Blanco EMS is all being 'covered up' Blanco style; they are stating now that they have the 237 run sheets, and that this will clear Mark, as he gave the medicine to his wife for migraines. Marks lawyer was also present. Mark gave a wonderful performance including much whining and attempts at tears. All of Marks supporters and friends were there; as I am sure very few knew of the meeting other than those he called and invited. AS far as I know the only announcement of this meeting was in the Austin Statesman. It was also stated at the meeting last night that the Austin Statesman has blown this whole issue "out of proportion" and that they are working With the Tx Dept of Health; insinuating that all will be taken care of; without punishments or license lost! The rumors I heard in the very beginning (from several sources) were that his wife was threatening suicide and/or an overdose and airlife was called in. She told doctors/or airlife personnel that her husband was forcing her to take the drug for years and she was tired of it and she wanted to stop. I don't know if there is a way to verify this, and since there hasn't been any charges filed, I am assuming that if this was true he has threatened her back into submission and silence. You might want to put a copy of last weeks Blanco County News; which was almost a copy of the American Statesman's article except that it stated that Mark can still drive an ambulance and direct at scenes.
My comment at that time was, REALLY? If this were a Sexual Abuse case at our local school, would we suspend the teachers license, but let her drive a school bus and help out in the classroom??
Anonymous in SBC Concerned: Why is the Board of the South Blanco County EMS still allowing Mark McMain to drive the EMS car? And, how can this same Board allow him to train and supervise EMS personnel when his license has been suspended? The State controls whether he can treat patients, but the Board controls his further activities. However, I think it would be foolish to think that the State is not watching how the Board is handling this situation. The Board needs to remember that the State is seriously considering pulling the EMS licenses. That being the case it might be wise, if the Board acted in a more responsible manner. Anonymous On the South End Concerned:There is little doubt that the state and federal officials investigating the EMS will do their job in a professional, non-biased manner. After attending the public hearing it seems obvious that a major lack of oversight has been existing for sometime. But, instead of trying to protect and reward bad behavior, the issues need to be addressed - head-on - and just hope there is some way we can keep our EMS. Reality is that it does not look good. Remaining anonymous
Blanco County EMS May Loose Their License to Operate???
Concerned:02.27.2008 Here is the article link to the Austin American Statesman article on the possibility of Blanco County EMS losing their license to operate I'm anonymous by the way Article can be found here: (copied below) Note. This article quotes the President of Blanco County Emergency Services District, Jerry Myane as saying… “He hopes the corps would be able to make the changes in its internal practices that would allow it to keep it license." The article further quotes him as saying: “if the license is revoked the district would contract with another company to provide emergency medical services.” Every one knows that Jerry is married to the county attorney (Dean Myane) and was hand picked by the county judge (Billie Joe) to over see the district. ...Why was checks and balances not put into place then? Charges of “dereliction of duty” should be filed against these officials AS WELL ...from Myane ...to the commissioners court ...and on to the county judge. In any case the people of this county should demand their resignation! People must understand the buddy- buddy system in this county. No one has even mentioned the fact that the son of the man that has lost his license (with the SBCEMS) is NOW employed by the Blanco County Sheriffs Office. If the Blanco County Sheriffs is doing an investigation on "other" matters (with the paramedic), isn't this a conflict of interest? Has the Sheriff turned his head to this, too, as he does most everything else? Some of our Blanco county officials might would like to see a contract be signed with an outside firm for the emergency medical services, because this would create a lot of money that would be changing into their hands. This kind of makes one wonder? A sound a little fishy doesn’t it? However, this (hypothesis) should come as no surprise if something fishy was in fact going on... when was the last time our county officials did something that was good for ALL of Blanco County's citizens or even indicated at all that they cared for us. Our BCEMS provides a much-needed service to our south end citizens, most of them on a volunteer basis, and not being paid. These are valuable EMT's that serve our community because they care. Why should all of them get the boot and be replaced by "contract labor"?
North End Land Deal Investigation???
Rumor has it that the F.B.I. has been at the Blanco County Courthouse looking into the land purchases that the County Judge pulled off last year. The County Judge gets the credit because he negotiated the land deals and tells the commissioners to vote for it. One land sale sold to four of the judge's friends or "partners" and two weeks later the judge had the county buy if for $300,000 more. It sounds very suspect and hopefully the F.B.I. is checking this out. The second land purchase was for $250,000. Someone made money on this sale. This is a total of one million dollars and we wonder if this has anything to do with our property appraisals so dramatically increasing! Note: Our sources have told us the same thing, however it has not been verified. It is a shame the county did not focus on building an annex on the south end of the county. Your commissioners were to busy being a yes man to the county judge rather than thinking of the best interest of the people they represent.
Ambulance director suspended Concerned! Unbelievable, an article that was in the newspaper! Ambulance director suspended… Brett Hart of the Department of State Health Services
Black Cloud Over Blanco County EMS!!! The Blanco County Commissioner's Court or probably more likely the This Director has a past history that is severe enough that quite Audit the organization immediately. And, this time, since the feds are This Director needs to be relieved of Board duties - and - turn in the
Thumbs Up for Police Chief Glen DuBois!!! Blanco Pay Attention! Concerned 01-24-2008 It was reported in the Johnson City Record Courier recently that our police would begin patrolling our streets for 24 - 7 on December 22,2007. Our thumbs up to Johnson City Police Chief, Glen DuBois, for implementing a 27-7 police patrol! Twenty-four hour police patrol has been needed for a long time for the city and has yet to be implemented in the county or the City of Blanco. THANKS CHIEF Dubois! It takes much courage and wisdom on the part of the Chief to implement this action for the citizens of Johnson City. The citizens pay for it in their taxes and deserve to have police patrol at all times! It should have been done a long time ago. It has been well known throughout Blanco County that there has been NO adequate 24 hr. police patrol being performed anywhere in the county areas. And it is particularly well known within the crook community when our police are and are not out. The sheriff was also quoted in the article as stating (something like) that he was going to talk to his crew and see if some body would volunteer. GIVE ME A BREAK! This is typical Bill Elsbury-Blanco County Sheriff Department-Style! Do Nothing! The fact is: no one wants to work all night within the patrol division of the Blanco County Sheriffs department. It is going to take the sheriff getting some backbone and order it done! (Like any of his “boys” are going to tell him “no”….they would lose their jobs for sure!) It is my belief that the sheriff will not ever implement 24 hr patrol with the sheriff department deputies and that the citizens of Blanco County will continue to be without adequate countywide patrol. Though I do urge the sheriff to reconsider his position and do his job that he swore an oath to do! Oh! And was voted in office to do. It is no wonder this county has a hard time attracting new business! Everyone understands that being a police officer has a degree of safety issues associated with the job. Each officer knows this when entering this profession and before taking the oath to serve and protect. It is a hazardous profession and everyone knows it. There are certain things you cannot procrastinate on just because it may be hazardous. Patrolling our neighborhoods is one of them! We depend on our city police officers and our county deputies and we need them. Not only do I urge the sheriff to patrol 24 hr. countywide, I also urge the city of Blanco to consider these actions and to go to 24-7 patrol. The citizens of our entire county deserve it and pay for it, too. North End Citizen Note: This web site has been calling for 24-7 patrol since its conception. All of our surrounding counties have it and there is no reason other than pure official neglect that we don’t have it!! Most counties have county commissioners and a county judge that demands accountability. This county does not! They simply allow this sheriff to get by with anything and over budgets for a nothing policy. The sheriff department is the biggest form of taxpayer waste as for as what you get for the money!
Blanco County Concerned Year In Review 1-4-2008 Happy New Year! The Concerned Citizens of Blanco County has made great progress for the year of 2007. We are proud to report that as of this date we have had over 12,000 viewer/readers visit our site. This is overwhelming and much more than what we had expected. Your concerns and letters have made the difference! Believe it or not! Your elected officials have gotten the message. Have they paid attention? We doubt it! But we still urge you to keep your letters and concerns coming in. If you see anything, hear anything, or have thoughts about anything regarding your local government or officials send it to us. Over the past year, as a direct result of your letters and comments posted to this web site we have accomplished many things. · Informing the citizens of the immoral and wasteful spending of taxpayer’s money on (specifically) two overpriced land deals. · We made you aware of the county judge trying to get a free ride on whatever he wants to do to historical designation and building in Johnson City, without approval from the proper authorities. · We have been instrumental in getting the Historical Commission involved in the repairs of the historical Blanco County jail when the county officials quietly tried to slip that by the Historical Commission. · We were able to report to you inside information on the Historical Commission’s $80,000 fines placed against the county for not honoring historical designation on the county court house. · Not to mention, the cat was let out the bag about the excessive drinking and fights at the county fair and rodeo and alcohol beverage laws not being enforced, as well as, mere safety being enforced. · Your letters about E-coli in the water at the (public) rodeo ground resulted in state health officials being brought in to attend to this public health concern and resulted in the placement of chlorinators being installed on the water wells at the fairgrounds. (NOTE: Still do not drink the water as they are just putting chlorine into a bad well where sewage is leaking into the well) · Insider information was brought to you about severe problems in the NBCEMS and the JC Fire Departments. · Your letters brought attention to the taxpayers that the county sheriff department autos were being used for Burnet County politics. · You letters brought awareness of the low morale in the sheriff’s department due to lack of care and concern by the sheriff. · Your letters also brought attention to security breaches at the jail and a direct result was the removal of a propane tank that was out of code for years. · Your letters brought awareness to the possible illegal use of county equipment at two local taverns in Blanco. · So much more awareness has been created among our county residents because of this website, and there is so much more that is not listed above. Doing things right in our county government seems to be what we all agree on. Keep YOUR concerns and letters coming in!! Our government officials have to be accountable and responsible. YOU the concerned citizens of blanco county have got these officials looking over their shoulders. Blanco County Concerned Citizens Website
County Judge And His “Yes” Men Commissioners Spend Another $250,000.00 On A Hush Hush Land Deal !!! 12.17.2007 Concerned: We have been hearing in the south end of the county from a good source that the county officials have bought another piece of land for 250,000.00 in the north end of the county. I just don’t understand how the county judge and county commissioners can continue to secretly spend this kind of money and latterly rape the taxpayers of Blanco County. If this is true, then in my opinion our county judge and commissioners have no accountability, ethics, or morals! The Commissioners Court defiantly have no allegiance to the people who trusted them with the taxpayer’s money! My opinion, what crooks! Mad Taxpayer in Blanco County Note: Our sources tell us that yes they did buy a piece of land that is next to the sheriffs sub station. We also confirmed the price at $250,000.00 and we were told it closed on about December 7,2007 at the county attorney’s title company! (NO LESS!!) You might know she was in on it and had to get her piece of the pie. The property that was bought, we hear, is for a new jail. Now understand property was already bought in 1996 for a new jail! It is well known around the community that this 'do nothing' sheriff we have has vowed since he was elected that there would be no new jail in Blanco County on his watch as sheriff! This is ludicrous as each year the costs have risen drastically and will cost millions more today than what it would of cost when it should have been built back when he first took office. (More tax payer dollars spent by this group of officials!) It is also well known that this current land purchase could have been made years ago for a $100,000.00 less. The county also knew it was for sale then! This piece of property by all rights should have been the property bought for the annex when the county foolishly spent $750,000.00 for a property that could have been bought for $450,000.00. It is for sure the county is land rich on over priced property. (Ironically, NONE of it is in the south end of the county where an annex is desperately needed!) This now makes over 1.2 million dollars of taxpayer’s money spent on wasteful spending and in fines in the year of 2007!!! Remember 2007 when it comes election time folks! You CAN make a change! We the people have allowed this to happen by no one standing up to run against these soiled politicians OR GOING TO THE VOTING BOOTH! (Only 13% came out to vote in the last county election.) We need people to stand up and run against these do as they please politicians!
URGE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO BE ACCOUNTABLE AND NOT WASTE TAX DOLLARS!!! CONCERNED..Attached and in the body of this email is a Fact Sheet on the window replacement issue with the Blanco County Court House. Also attached is a letter to Commissioner John Wood, you may use it to write or email your commissioner. These fact have been check with THC and the County Commissioners. November 14, 2007 FACT SHEET ISSUE: Replacement of Historical Windows in the Blanco County Courthouse FACTS: n n Blanco County Courthouse is a designated State Historical Building -- a valued part of Blanco County’s heritage and a major tourist attraction n n A previous Blanco County Commissioners Court spent $30-40,000 on a Comprehensive Master Plan for the County Courthouse to include eventual restoration n n State law requires any modifications to historically-designated buildings be done in consultation with the Texas Historical Commission (THC) n n Blanco County Commissioners replaced the courthouse windows without consulting with THC n n The Commissioners’ Court maintains the old windows had to be replaced immediately because of hail damage n n The Commissioners’ Court maintains the new windows are much more energy efficient that the original windows n n The Commissioners’ Court states that THC was notified that the windows were to be replaced; THC acknowledges notification but maintains there was no consultation n n According to THC the courthouse replacement windows do not meet historical preservation standards n n The new windows have decreased the historical viability of the courthouse and have reduced Blanco County’s competitiveness for a state-funded Courthouse Restoration Program grant of up to $6 million n n Because State Law was violated, the Texas Attorney General’s Office has imposed a fine on Blanco County of $80,000 less approximately $15,000 in attorneys’ fees incurred by the County (remaining fine = approx $65,000) n n The THC wants to avoid a fine but wants to preserve the courthouse as a fully viable historical building n n THC and the Blanco County Commissioners Court have entered into arbitration to work out a solution n n According to THC, were it not for its non-compliant windows, the Blanco County courthouse would be highly competitive for a State of Texas Courthouse Restoration grant n n This is an 85/15 matching grant program n n Half of the 15% county portion can be “in kind,” i.e., labor n n A $4 million grant requires $600,000 from Blanco County n n $300,000 can be “in kind” and n n $300,000 cash (both spread over several years) n n Blanco County has been in the “pool” for this grant for several years but has not been selected THC’s PROPOSAL: n n Blanco should refurbish the original windows and install them back in the courthouse over a four year period n n Rehab Cost = $175,000 (estimated max cost; this is $110,000 more than the remaining fine) n n THC would count the Rehab Cost as part of Blanco County’s 15% cash match for a Courthouse Restoration Grant if Blanco County were to apply for and be selected for such a grant n n Leaving approx $125,000 cash required to fund a $4 million courthouse restoration project n n THC believes Blanco County would be highly competitive for a Courthouse Rehab Grant as courthouses in worse shape have already been renovated, i.e., Blanco has worked its way up the priority list n n THC would ask the Attorney General’s Office to waive the fine against Blanco County n n NOTE: Blanco County might be able to put the new, non-compliant windows to use in the new County Annex Building proposed for the north side of the Johnston City Town Square COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ PROPOSAL: n n Maintain contention that no law was broken n n Pay the fine ($80,000 - $15,000 attorneys’ fees = approx $65,000) n n Take no further action on replacing the newly installed, non-compliant courthouse windows n n Maintain an ambivalent attitude towards a future THC-supported courthouse renovation, i.e., it is not something the county will actively seek n n Keep the old windows in storage for ten years as directed by the Attorney General as part of the settlement (NOTE: This Fact Sheet has been verified for accuracy by the Texas Historical Commission and the Blanco County Commissioners’ Court) Sample letter November 14, 2007 Commissioner_________ Blanco County, Precinct__ SEE ADDRESS AT TOP OF BLANCO COUNTY PAGE OF THIS WEB SITE
Dear Commissioner: The purpose of this letter is to urge you to persuade the Blanco County Commissioners’ Court to accept the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) proposal concerning replacement of the windows in the Blanco County Courthouse. Paying the fine, soon-to-be levied by the Texas Attorney General, is seen by many as a pretty short-sighted solution that will virtually ensure that the County will be out of the running for a future THC-administered Courthouse Restoration grant of up to $4 million. Restoring the original windows would be costly but would keep us in the running for a complete restoration on down the line. The money spent on the replacement windows need not go to waste, however, as the new windows might well be used in the County Administrative Annex proposed for construction on the north side of the Johnston City Square. I have not seen documentation, by the way, of whether or not the damage to the courthouse windows caused by the hailstorm was covered by insurance. If so, the real cost to the County would be diminished accordingly. I can appreciate the argument that the old windows are not energy efficient. However, if we were to be chosen for a Courthouse Restoration grant, there are various ways of maintaining historical integrity while ensuring energy efficiency. These are expensive to be sure. But, with a Courthouse Rehab grant, the money would be there. I believe THC is being very generous in counting the County’s cost to repair and reinstall the original windows in the courthouse over a four year period as part of the County’s 15% match in any future Rehab Grant. I may be missing something, but based on the attached Fact Sheet (verified for accuracy by both the THC and the Blanco County Commissioners), accepting the THC offer seems to be a “no brainer.” I urge you to do so. If the Commissioners’ Court ultimately decides to reject the THC offer and pay the fine (and bear the cost of storing the original windows), I would appreciate an explanation of the logic for so doing. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,
Blanco County Resident
Blanco County Fair and Rodeo Turns Into Drunken Brawl!!
We would like to congratulate Sheriff Elsbury for doing another fine job recently at the fair and rodeo last month while leaving property owners unprotected. “We give-em all a good talking to” says the sheriff! That’s right! A good talking to and no arrest! It seems that by order of the sheriff, his deputies will not practice enforcement of the Texas Alcohol and Beverage code at the Blanco County Fair and Rodeo (or ever for that matter). It is illegal to serve anyone an alcoholic beverage that is intoxicated in this state. The result of doing so can result in loss of license and/or heavy fines, not to mention and more importantly, loss of innocent lives! As a result of this, “NO ENFORCEMENT” action by our sheriff at the fair and rodeo last month, many, many people were very, very intoxicated at the various events and the fights started. There were fights throughout the rodeo grounds on various occasions this year. One particular fight turned into a brawl and the deputy who was supposedly "trained" in the use of a “TASER GUN” infact, tased himself in the arm during the altercation! Maybe he needs to review his training! (Or just call him Barney!) Regardless, the “good ole boy" fight then escalated while the deputy (and others) could have been seriously hurt while being stunned from the electrical shock (that he gave himself). Somewhere in the event it was rumored that a knife was even pulled on someone! The correct term for this type of action is "assault with a deadly weapon." No use of force report or any other type of report was ever even made on this incident. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! Even more so, no arrests were made. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! Do you wonder why? Well, it seems the main intoxicated actor was the son-in-law of a county elected official and another involved was a person who has a well-known name in the county. Imagine that! BUT! Rest assured that they all learned their lesson because the sheriff gave them a good talking to! (Another sweep under the rug!) This is yet ANOTHER example of neglect that this sheriff continues to express consistently, over and over again that he in fact approves of this type of dysfunctional lifestyle and behavior. He has further shown us that he does not intend to enforce the laws of this state, especially when it comes to alcohol and drug laws. This gives one the opinion that perhaps the ole sheriff may have some vested interest in both of the aforementioned topics... Humm? This Fair and rodeo is not a family event that you would want to take your kids to, is it?
Disappointed in Blanco County NOTE: It is amazing that our local newspapers did not print a word about this! Internal Problems In The Fire Department??? Concerned, This letter is in response to Blanco Volunteer Fire Department’s allowed and un-reprimanded act by a member that stated he was representing BVFD, (upon introducing himself to the Chief of the Henly Volunteer Fire Department), he then proceeded to attempt to defile my character by making statements and false accusations, such as; I am a ‘problem causer’, that I am a ‘thief’, and many other such comments. I, and the chief of Henly VFD, followed protocols and procedures to make BVFD aware of such harassments by their member, and were told this issue would be handled. We have now been informed that NO Action was taken on this matter. I would like to express that I am, once again, appalled and offended by This Act from BVFD. This type harassment and more is much of what I experienced for over 3 of my 11 years of service with BVFD. Finally, due to unrelenting ‘sexual harassment’, (a feminine product, condoms, pornographic books, and a pornographic video being placed, at separate times, in my Bunker Gear), I sadly resigned from my position at BVFD, instead of following legal advice and filing a sexual harassment lawsuit. Relieved to be away from such unprofessional behavior, and after a bit of respite, I gladly joined Henly VFD, in which several members had been asking me to join for many years. I am glad to say they are a very professional and honest department, with a great bunch of souls as members. I was shocked to be told that a member of BVFD made a special trip to the Henly Volunteer Fire Department with intent to continue this harassment. This unjust action not only defiles my character to the general public, but by me being a business owner, possibly to my new clientele. If my business suffers, then I suffer financially, and this is not fair to me, but especially to my wife and my daughter. At the time I left BVFD, I felt that many members actually believed such gossip that I was the ‘cause of problems’; funny how I left, yet the real problem followed me in his continuing attempt to cause grief to me and my family. I am disheartened and hurt that after my 11 years of heartfelt service and duty to BVFD, that BVFD would continuously allow such things to happen to me. All I have ever wanted or have done, was to help BVFD to serve the community and its’ families. It was with great sadness when I resigned. I thought twice before joining Henly Volunteer Fire Department, as I don’t have time to help them as much as I’d like, but I am so appreciative to them for their support and for them seeking out my services and gladly accepting me as a member of their family. A copy of this letter will be handed to any person I speak with that asks me why I’ve ‘caused problems’ or ‘stolen’ anything in regards to these allowed statements of harassment…. And my resounding reply is that the only thing I ever stole, was Time. Time I lost that I could have spent with my wife and daughter, family and friends; instead of time that was spent in faithful and devoted service- Time that is now desecrated with dishonorable rumors…. I am grateful, however, to the citizens of the Blanco community who have continued to support me, for those who knew better than to heed such gossip, for those who know me for who I really am, and those who know what professionalism, honor, and service to one’s community truly means. Sincerely, H.H.
$80,000.00 DOLLAR QUAGMIRE? ARROGANCE OR STUPIDITY? THIS IS ANOTHER FINE MESS YOU GOT US INTO! According to the Johnson City Record Courier, on July 26, 2007, it was reported that the Blanco County Commissioners Court agrees to pay an $80,000.00 penalty (fine) to the Texas Historical Commission for installing windows that did not meet the Historical Commission guidelines on historical Landmarks after the last hailstorm. This is a good of an example of the arrogance or just plain ole stupidity that is so often expressed by our county judge and the “rubber stamp” commissioners in office. County Judge,” Billie Joe” has a long track record of not following protocol and doing things his own arrogant way. This was the pattern he exhibited in Kerr County and now he has brought his plague to Blanco County. This further proves that “Billie Joe” could care less about the historical designations on our beloved Historical Landmarks in Blanco County. It was noted also that the commissioner’s court had to go into executive session (secret) to discuss this matter. Why is it that the commissioners go into “secret” session when it cost the taxpayers their hard earned dollars dearly? You would think that the county judge and commissioners would be men enough to do business in open session where the tax payers could see what was going on. Another example of arrogance…or do they just not want taxpayers to be aware of their blatant ignorance? There was yet another near-major deboggle when the roof was blown off recently at the county jail. The sheriff and county judge started work on the Historic Landmark Jail without proper notification to the Historical Commission. Imagine that? More taxpayer dollars being spent haphazardly in Blanco County, it wasn’t until a complaint was filed to the Texas Historical Commission that this incident was happening that the proper authorities (THC) were brought in to intercede and that permits were taken out. A Johnson City building permit was not even taken out until a complaint was filed. While we respect the former judge, George Byars, Jr.’s (Ret.) opinion and right to speak his mind, we also feel that it is absurd to compare our courthouse with Stonehenge or Pompeii. Our courthouse is either a Texas Historical Landmark or it is not and should be maintenanced as state law entitles it to be. This building brings in a lot of money to our community and every effort must be made to preserve its historical integrity. The THC is there for us to use as a resource when it comes to utilizing energy efficient products that met historical conservation efforts and comply with Historical guidelines. George Byars, as chairman of the County Historical Commission, SHOULD KNOW THIS and SHOULD be involving himself in the Visionaries in Preservation Community Heritage Development Program that the THC offers to historical communities such as ours. The City of Blanco has been participating in this program, perhaps Mr. Byars could learn something from Blanco’s participation in the program rather than just hold the title of “Blanco County Historical Commission Chairman.” The county officials could learn a thing or two from the citizens of Blanco who jumped onto this program and have done a wonderful job preserving their historical community. Judge “Billie Joe,” by his own arrogance or ignorance, has chosen not to consult with the Texas Historical Commissions architects, and consultants that are readily available for our community. As usual, it is his way or nothing. This is the general rule of business in our county government and it always rubber-stamped by the I-can’t-think-on-my-own commissioners court! $300,000.00 over paid for land and now another $80,000.00 spent in penalties to the THC, PLUS the cost of replacing the historically incorrect vinyl windows in the courthouse. WHAT IS NEXT!? I suppose that the opinion around the courthouse is Oh well, it is just the taxpayers money! When is this gross negligence going to stop? Really Concerned in Blanco County Getting Off Our Laurels!! As a citizen of Blanco County and taxpayer, all I am hearing are the many flaws that are being pointed out regarding our ELECTED officials. My thought is, if you are this concerned about the corruption in this county by all means run for a position as mayor, county commissioner, or volunteer to be a crossing guard to the school district to ensure our children are getting to school safely, volunteer with the domestic violence center, join the fire department, contribute to the many scholarship programs to help the young adults better their lives after college, volunteer at the county clean up, start a grassroots organization to protect and oversee the development of Blanco County. There are many ways to change our small little county. Sitting back on our laurels may help stir the pot but there comes a time you have to roll up your sleeves and do the dishes! As for me, I'm currently in nursing school and plan to volunteer with the Blanco County EMS after I graduate. Every little bit helps! A.S. Blanco County NOTE: We agree 100%!
Sheriff Elsbury Violates His Own Policy! Breach of Security! On May 30th at 11:10 am inmates at the Blanco County Jail were outside for recreation time. Elsbury himself was across the street in heavy conversation with two citizens visiting building his ego and image. There was no other deputy around. Inside the jail yard was a jailer sitting on a metal fold up chair, (yes, a metal fold up chair!) which is a direct violation of security policy. The fold up chair could easily have been used as a weapon against him. It is not unusual for items like this to be in the Blanco County jail secure area. Is the safety of jail personnel not top priority? At 11:20 am Elsbury was nowhere in sight having left the area and the jailer was still sitting in his metal fold up chair! Note: there was still no deputy around, as we believe policy states. Elsbury, have you lost your mind or were you having a bad day from the night before? Anonymous in Blanco County
PEC LAWSUIT FILED! It's about time someone step up and force PEC to be accoutnable for their incredible corruption, excess spending, and unexceptable employee treatment (among much more). Please research further if you wish. CB - Johnson City.
Customers sue Pedernales Co-op The Pedernales Electric Cooperative has accumulated $164 million in excess revenue that should be distributed to its 200,000 Hill Country members, a class-action lawsuit filed Wednesday in state District Court in Travis County claims. The lawsuit, filed by co-op customer Lee Lawrence, also claims that the cooperative's board of directors were improperly paid thousands of dollars despite rules that they receive only per diem allowances and reimbursement for expenses. Bill Cunningham, a spokesman for the cooperative, said he could not comment because it is an ongoing legal matter. The lawsuit draws attention to a fund that it says totaled $164 million in 2005. The lawsuit contends that the money is excess revenue that should be returned to the members of the cooperative. The lawsuit also says that according to state rules a cooperative must distribute money to its members with any revenues left over after paying for operating expenses, maintenance, construction and other contingencies. AUSTIN American Statesman (5-18-2007) NOTE: Anything that goes uncheck including County Government gets rotten and begins to smell. If there is wrong doing at PEC then it is time to clean house. Some people in power, who are unchecked, get in their head they can do no wrong. We have pleanty of unchecked power this in this county! On the good side, with all that may be wrong with the PEC, lets not forget the good they have done for our community and county and the wonderful folks they employ. These good things are the very reason people were afraid to anything are file this suit. We think this lawsuit will bring out the truth. Also note our local newspapers who usually ride the fence and will not print on any "HOT" or controversial local COUNTY ATTORNEY, POOR JOB! Concern…The sad truth may be that what the county attorney is doing might be legal. As taxpayers, voters and non-voters, WE have allowed this to happen. What were we thinking? The county judge has no direct authority over her. The only thing I know of is to request that her licensing authority- the State Bar of Texas and the Judicial Review Board- review her performance and specifically the concerns related to non-prosecution of DWIs. To us as taxpayers, her performance in unethical and amoral, our long-term plan should be to put forth a good candidate and get he/she elected. I have never voted for the current woman holding the county attorney position! I write in a name. What do you do? S.A. Blanco NOTE: You are right we have allowed her to continue doing a poor job as county attorney. You are wrong, however, the county judge can do something, he can cut her budget until she goes to work. As you know, he lied to the voters when he first ran for county judge as he boasted, “ as county judge I will see to it she goes to work and prosecute DWIs”. After taking office he has done noting about it! We urge you to take this to the Judicial Review Board, but when you do be specific. You can check on particular cases in the county clerks office.
Two Emails Concerning Possible Illegal Use Of County Equipment!
Concern..Commissioner Grandberg has now placed another piece of County equipment behind the Iron Horse Bar (a business belonging to the Mayor's son I am told) with the purpose of picking up their beer cans/bottles. As I understand, he is very proud of these efforts because they benefit the County through recycling and he also charges a monthly fee for the use of the trailer and the manpower necessary to pickup and unloads the trailers. Although he may be able to make a case that this benefits the County, I am wondering why he has two trailers, probably in the range of $6,000 per trailer that he does not need for County work. Also, I have never seen a county or a city lease out its equipment to the public. If he can find cover for doing this, then he needs to stand ready to supply all businesses with a trailer for recyclable goods.
This Commissioner has a record of poor judgment calls and this may just be one more. L.M Blanco NOTE: Thank you for your concerns, but don’t stop here. Contact the Attorney Generals office and the Texas Rangers Office.
Concern..Are taxpayers providing Deputy W.T. Smith with a vehicle to use personally? Mr. Smith lives in Granite Shoals, Texas and works in Johnson City as a county officer. He uses the Sheriff’s department car to not only drive back and forth from his home in Granite Shoals to Johnson City EVERY WEEK DAY (over thirty miles one way) but to he uses the vehicle personally as well. He has been seen doing business in the county car such as at Wal-mart in the evening. He even attended a Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce mixer using the Blanco County Sheriff’s Department car. It sat in the parking lot of the American Bank on Hwy 281 while he socialized inside. No mistake, the vehicle was identified using the license plate. How much money in fuel and maintenance are our taxpayers paying for this? Anonymous Blanco County NOTE: Thank you for your concern. Please send your information to the Attorney Generals Office and the Texas Rangers Office. With enough complaints they will get the message! Also for your information, we have other deputies driving to Kendall County almost to Bourne and another to Kingsland in Burnet County. We have also recieved reports that previous employees have gone hunting in county vehicles!
Concerns About The P.E.C. Concern..Most Blanco County residents probably don't know that the Public Utilities Commission does not regulate the PEC. Further, most probably don' t know that the PEC is exempt for deregulation. All of that means is the only control over what the PEC does comes from its Board; and, it means that they can charge whatever is needed to meet their expenses.
The PEC is also not subject to the Freedom of Information Act of the Open Meeting law. So, meetings are closed and they do not have to give out information unless we as customer apply enough pressure to get the information we need to understand how their revenues are spent.
Remember, their revenue comes from us and us alone. Then, they can use it at will. That includes advertising in the local papers (why? It isn't as if we had a choice of providers), giving out huge amounts of trinkets, grants of all kinds, purchasing the large building on highway 281 - because they needed it - and light up the world at Christmas time. Now, we all enjoy seeing the lights, getting the trinkets and taking advantage of their grants. But, that is our money they are spending. About 2 years ago I caught the general manager at a local restaurant and questioned him about these expenditures - lights and trinkets - and he told me that it took a very small amount of their budget to do these things - somewhere around $650,000 a year! J.M. Blanco Conern..Most of the customers of the PEC don't realize that they are not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission; that they are exempt from deregulation; that they are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act; that they are exempt from the Open Records law; that their meetings are closed to the public; and that their Board of Directors are paid approximately $35,000 a year to attend one meeting a month in violation of their own bylaws which states that Board members serve without compensation.
There is an election coming up in June. Candidates are hand selected. There are three well qualified individuals who have been asked to be placed on the ballot. We expect that they will be rejected. If that happens, then we need to mount a write-in campaign to get some talented, unbiased individuals elected.
The money the PEC spends for advertising, grants, trinkets and lightening at Christmas, buying that huge building on 281 is captured in our electric charges and we are not being consulted.
A law firm in Austin has initiated an investigation and the Attorney General has been asked to review the operating procedure of the PEC.
It is time that we think about how we get into a choice of providers. The PEC needs competition and we need lower rates - which competition should bring. J.M. Blanco
Eyes being closed on family violence???
Concerned…How do we get honest reliable police protection from the Blanco County Sheriffs department? Having endured domestic violence and the responding deputy saying: “I see the bruises but I don’t like your attitude, so call tomorrow and talk to the investigator.” Anonymous - South Blanco County Note: First of all, if you or anyone reading this is in a family violent situation get out now! Call this number: 1-830 693-5600 or 1 800-66-HELP4 at the Highland Lakes Crisis Center. This is a safe house you can go to. After you and your children are there safe, help such as legal, counseling, medical, food, clothing, etc. are available to you. MAKE THAT CALL NOW! To answer your question on how to get honest reliable police protection from the Blanco County Sheriff department: Support candidates to run against the current sheriff, show up at the polls on Election Day and vote him out of office. Recently other cases have been brought to our attention where the Blanco County Sheriff department has turned their heads the other way concerning family violence and the county attorney also has not prosecuted certain family violence cases. Could it be possible that a friend of a county official can get away with family violence? We have also heard stories of deputies themselves who have been involved in their own drunken family feuds and have been allowed to “sleep it off” at the sheriffs party house. We have been told that certain charges regarding family violence have been reduced to a simple assault charge rather than a family violence assault charge. Then, there are those family violence offenders that nothing is being done about because the victims are being told by county officials: “you have mental problems.” Therefore, these victims are left to face further abuse by not only their family offenders but their elected officials, too. They are left alone and without any information as to where they could turn to or get help from! In a lot of cases it would appear that, who you are and if you know a county official makes a big difference in how a family violence case is handled. If you are a victim of family violence and cannot get help from the Blanco County Sheriff office or the Blanco County Attorn |
