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 to protect and save lives then bring them home safely. AMEN

CONCERNS FOR BLANCO COUNTY

to voice your comments go to the contact us page contact section

or you can write to your county comissioners to voice your concerns or complaint to:

Bill "Billy Joe" Guthrie County Judge

P.O. Box 387

Johnson City, Texas 78636

Phone 830 868-4266

John Wood County Commissiner Pct #1,  P.O. Box 1437, Blanco Texas 78606

830 833 5331 

James Sultemeir County Commissioner Pct #2, P.O. Box 471 Johnson City, Texas 78636

Phone 830 868-4471

R. "Bob" Mauck County Commissioner Pct #3, P.O. Box 471 Johnson City, Texas 78636

Phone 830 825-3270

Paul Granberg County Commissioner Pct 4, P.O. Box 942, Blanco, Texas 78606

Phone 830  833-1077 

TAXPAYER REVOLT NEEDED!

“TAX & SPEND GUTHRIE” TO SPEND YOUR MONEY!

It was recently published in the Johnson City Record Courier and the Blanco County News that our county judge “Billy Joe” Guthrie intends to pay cash for the new county court house annex which he intends to build on the already overpriced $750,000.00 land that he and the county commissioners bought in Johnson City!

It is no hidden secret that there was money put back for a long time that the previous county judge worked hard to put into a CD.  These funds were earmarked for a new jail if the Jail Commission ever ordered the county to build a new jail facility. Then along came our “Do Nothing” sheriff who vowed that as long as he is the sheriff there would not be a new jail built. (Why he would vow this…. who knows, its just plains stupid – but that’s our sheriff the laughing stock of Texas law enforcement!). Well folks if the jail commission orders the antiquated Blanco County jail to be closed then tax payers will be forced to build a new jail. This is something that much smaller counties than us have already elected or been instructed to do.  Seriously folks…the Blanco County jail facility is nothing more than a historic facility (and a really neat on at that)…. it is antiquated and unsafe! The jail has no business housing staff or inmates…especially with the continued population growth of this county.

The extremely high tax appraisals that we are seeing on our properties are generating income to the county that they have never seen before! We have been told that a message has been sent to the appraisal district through one of the county commissioners from the county judge to keep up the frequent appraisals and they will pay cash for the annex!  Surprised by such activity? From “Billy Joe” …you shouldn’t be.

Our county judge should be named “Billy Joe Tax & Spend” Guthrie! If the jail commission should pull this county’s license and stop operations in the old jail then ole “Tax & Spend” and his ‘yes-men commissioners’ will be caught with their paints down around their ankles! With no money for a new facility…this mean YOU and I will wind up paying more to make up the short fall IN TAX DOLLARS!

High taxation and abusive spending on the part of our elected county officials are ripping off the taxpayers of Blanco County. Doesn’t this seem very similar to the PEC actions? (Over how many years?!?!) You have a right to make your concerns heard. You have a right to file lawsuits against high taxation and abusive spending. Complacency on the part of the voters and taxpayers is costing us dearly. The county officials are taking advantage of this complacency and taking advantage of us. How much more can we take before the taxpayer revolt begins?

-Concerned about taxes and wasteful spending.   

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 loosing their license to operate

I'm anonymous by the way

Article can be found here: (copied below)

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/02/27/0227blancoems.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=52

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"?     

Ambulance director suspended

Concerned! Unbelievable, an article that was in the newspaper!

Ambulance director suspended…
 The state health department suspended the license of
Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corps Director Mark McMain
last week while it investigates allegations that
McMain stole the painkiller fentanyl from the service
237 times since October 2006. According to the Drug
Enforcement Administration, fentanyl's effects are
similar to heroin's.

Brett Hart of the Department of State Health Services
said the federal agency and law enforcement officials
were investigating possible criminal charges against
McMain. McMain, who cannot treat patients while his
license is suspended, is one of two paid employees of
the nonprofit corps. On Wednesday, Suzy Armstead, an
ambulance corps director, declined to say whether
McMain was still serving on its board of directors.
HM Blanco County
NOTE: This is truly heartbreaking article! We get over one scandal about the NBCEMS and here we go with another one, with the Blanco EMS. This is what happens when there is no oversight and checks and balances.  Start at the top with the county judge and his yes man commissioners who appoint these boards to oversee these agencies. That is where the buck should stop! A person is innocent until proved guilty, but there has to be some heated smoke for federal agencies to be involved.

Black Cloud Over Blanco County EMS!!!

The Blanco County Commissioner's Court or probably more likely the
County Judge has appointed a Board to oversee the Blanco EMS.  This
Board looks a great deal like the PEC board in that it obviously is none
of their business how this organization is operated.

This Director has a past history that is severe enough that quite
possibly he could never be bonded and yet we give him the run of the
funds - which in the past while Fire Department Chief, he allegedly stole a rather
large amount from the fire department! These records should be in Blanco County.  The question most urgent on my mind is whether he it taking the drugs or selling them.

Audit the organization immediately.  And, this time, since the feds are
involved, a better solution rather than let's just work this out, will
happen.

This Director needs to be relieved of Board duties - and - turn in the
car.  As of yesterday, he was still driving the EMS vehicle.
Anonymous on the South End
Note: You have some valid concerns and yes it would be better for the organization if he would step down from any board duties until this matter is cleared up. We do believe and want to stress that a person is innocent until proven guilty. The south end of Blanco County desperately needs the Blanco EMS to continue operating and should not put a black cloud over the rest who are courageously performing their duties. Pray for all of them.

County Elections…

Who’s Running???

Who is running in the county elections? You can’t get this information in the local newspaper. Have they refused to run it for some reason?  As you may have already guessed, AGAIN, no one came forward to run against our 'do-nothing,’ overpaid county attorney.  She has filed for re-election yet AGAIN on the Republican ticket.

Our infamous, red-faced sheriff has filed for re-election also AGAIN on the Republican ticket... unopposed.... AGAIN.  Another four years of rip roaring action and parting and a 'do-nothing' sheriff department!

These two will be out among our community AGAIN hand shaking and back slapping and after your approval vote, rest assured! These two officials really believe that they are doing such a good job that no one is opposing them. The fact is that no one really wants the job and therefore is not interested in leaving their already higher paid job to run for election.

So they will them keep their imaginary halo over their head and their VERY large ego's.

Hollis Boatwright has also filed for re-election as Tax Assessor Collector as an Independent.

Bob Mauck got out of the 'hot spot' as commissioner of Pct #3 and is not running for re-election. Imagine that? However, there are two people during this election running for Commissioner of Pct #3.  One being is Criss Liesman who filed as a republican and the other being George Anderson who also filed as an Independent.

Johnny Wood who was appointed by 'Billy Joe' Guthrie as Commissioner of Pct#1 has also filed for re-election as an Independent so he can continue his “yes man” duties.

Both Constables are up for reelection and have filed as Republican candidates both unopposed.

There is a chance this election of cracking the membrane of the 'yes man' syndrome on the commissioner’s court in the Pct #3 race. THANK GOD!

One must wonder however, has either of these gentlemen been put up to run for the position by 'Billy Joe' the county judge or could it actually be that they are both independent thinkers and will stand up and be against underhanded, unethical, and lousy tactics that has become the normal these past several years???

As voters, you need to ask them these sorts of questions. The activities that occur within our county are in the hands of the commissioners.  Have these candidates put their voices/words and their desires on record.  Ask them what they stand for. Ask them if they intend to be a “yes man” or independent thinkers? Are you going to waste taxpayer money like the current bunch has done? Are you going to be just a road maintenance commissioner or a commissioner who fights against taxpayer waste and be a business minded person on the court regardless of politics?

Blanco County Citizen

Note: These are questions our newspaper, who is afraid to report political news, will not run. It would be nice for the local newspaper to get some real journalist on board that is not afraid to report the news. If you want to read a who's who in the local social register especially if it is in their “in crowd” it will be in the paper! 

Thumbs Up for Police Chief Glen DuBois!!!

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! 

Citation vs Arrest ?

Concerns about Sheriffs lack of arrest for minor
offenses may be unfounded -
 A lot of Texas counties with jail overcrowding
problems have chosen so far to stare the proverbial
gift horse in the mouth rather than implement a new
statute passed by the Legislature last year to help
the problem, reports the Dallas Morning News
("Marijuana tickets not catching on," Dec. 31).
   The News mistakenly reported that Travis County is the
only jurisdiction using the new authority; I know
Colorado County set up a system to do so, as did
Jefferson County, and the Hays, Navarro, and Palo
Pinto Sheriffs reportedly are using the new
discretion.
   Quite a few other jurisdictions are still looking at
the logistical details, but those seem surmountable:
Others have figured out how to do it, after all. The
bigger barrier to implementation are attitudes of
local officials, summarized by a Collin County ADA:
    For Greg Davis, Collin County's first assistant
district attorney, one of his qualms with the new law
is the perception created by ticketing for a drug
offense, instead of making an arrest.
    "It may... lead some people to believe that drug
use is no more serious than double parking," Mr. Davis
said. "We don't want to send that message to potential
drug users, particularly young people." 
   Regular readers know I consider all laws designed to
"send a message" to be fundamentally flawed. Justice
policies should be based on desired outcomes, not some
esoteric "message" that no one receives. If you want
to send a message, rent a billboard. That's not the
function of an arrest.
   Besides, what message does it send for jails to be
dangerously overcrowded? What message does it send to
house nonviolent offenders with dangerous ones? What
message does it send to take officers off the streets
for low-level crimes when more serious offenders are
at large? For that matter, what message does it send
that the War on Drugs incarcerates tens of thousands
of people statewide and yet drugs are as widely
available as ever? Why aren't officials worried about
THOSE messages?
   Officers still have discretion to arrest under HB 2391
if they think there's a reason; the bill only gives
them an option to issue a citation when an arrest
isn't really necessary. If there's an obvious flight
risk or a question whether the suspect can be
identified in court, the statute retains officers'
authority to arrest them. It only gives departments
another tool to bolster understaffed police forces and
reduce unnecessary jail overcrowding, both of which to
my mind improve public safety.
   It's been fascinating to me how this debate has come
to center around arresting for marijuana, even though
the law designates several other B misdemeanors
(graffiti, criminal trespass, driving with an invalid
license, etc.) for using optional citations. In some
of these jurisdictions where opposition centers mainly
on pot, perhaps proponents should attempt to implement
the new authority only for the other listed offenses -
just getting the folks with invalid licenses out of
the jails would be a big help.
   Certainly by giving locals discretion, HB 2391 as
written assumes that counties where local officials
disapprove of the idea don't have to use the new
authority. But then, voters in those counties should
oppose on principle new jail building schemes. It's
one thing to tell voters they should pay for a new
jail because they have to, and quite another to build
one as an optional expense.
   HB 2391 saves taxpayers' money and focuses scarce
criminal justice resources on more serious offenses,
while still prosecuting non-violent B misdemeanors
just like in the past. In counties like Harris, Dallas
and Bexar where jail overcrowding has reached crisis
levels, IMO it borders on irresponsible not to use
this discretion. Officials need to get over their fear
of being labeled "soft" on drugs and do what's best
for their constituents' safety and the county's bottom
line.
http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/2008/01/counties-balking-at-giving-officers.html

Just a thought,
HAT in Blanco County
   NOTE: Thank you for your letter and the information. You are absolutely right that jail over crowding is a issue

 not only here but state and nation wide. Criminals know it and take advantage of it! Our county officers for a long time

 have not wanted to make an arrest. They would much rather write a ticket than have to do arrest reports, and go to court.

 In the article it says… HB2391 relieves counties from taking officers off the streets for low level crimes when more 

serious crime are at large.  The problem we have here is we first have to get our county officers on the streets.

 The sheriffs policy is still in effect only respond when called. Normal patrol to prevent crime does not happen in the county.

As far as building a new jail, our county has know for a long time that at some point the Texas Jail Commission 
 
is going to force them to build a new jail at some point.  This will probably happen at the worst time.
 
 By waiting it has costs the taxpayers millions of dollars in costs increases.  There have been grants and monies
 
 available to assist or possibly even pay for the building of a new jail. The reason our county does not pursue these 
 
avenues is our officials do not want to have to answer to anyone!   

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

Sheriffs Office Still Refusing To Back Up DPS

Or Continued Do Nothing Policy??

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 THIS WEB PAGE

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 Yours,

//signed// 

Resident, Blanco County

More Turmoil and Controversy With the North Blanco County Emergency Services!!!

Concerned: After talking with the people of the Henly Fire dept., it seems that a local Johnson City fireman, has been talking trash again.  A Official of the Johnson City Fire Department told a Henly fire fighter and their chief, that Travis Haffelder still had charges pending against him with NBCEMS.  This is NOT true. NBCEMS has NO charges pending against him or anybody else. Mr. Haffelder did NOT break into anything at NBCEMS.  You cannot break into a room that you were given a key too!!!  There were NOT even any reports filed.  Statements were taken from the NBCEMS Director, but as always, they held no merit.  People of Johnson City, you must wonder why lawsuits happen?  It's because of the people you listen too, and take for granted that what they are telling you is true.  After reading some of the depositions from the NBCEMS lawsuit, it's no wonder that they jumped on the settlement. The officials of NBCEMS perjured themselves so bad, that they all would have been sent to the penitentiary if this ended in the courtroom. Maybe a few of these fine upstanding local citizens need to have suits filed against them.  Let the truth come out in a real court of law, and then lets see what you think about your "Good ol' boys and gals"...

   Still glad to live in Hays County

Note: It is a well known fact that the emergency services in this county and the sheriffs department is laughed at not only in Hays County but surrounding counties and through out the state! Thanks for your letter.

Concerned: Well folks...Once again the county judge and his “yes” commissioners have appointed another cronie to the ESD board.  You folks on the far north end of the county (Cypress Mill, Round Mountain, 962 West) you better take notice of what your ESD board, NBCEMS, and Johnson City Fire Dept, really thinks about you!!!!  The whole meeting was so orchestrated by the powers that be between Johnson City fire dept., and NBCEMS that a symphony couldn’t have competed with them.  One organization would bring up a subject, and the other organization would just happen to have that info in their hands.  Well what was finally decided was that you people at the far north end of the county...you DID NOT pay enough in tax money to warrant having a decent fire dept. or an ambulance stationed in Round Mountain.  Your lives and property are not worth it.  They just as soon take your money and squander it on Johnson City fire dept, and NBCEMS and when you need them they will be there if somebody can make it to the station.  The director of NBCEMS, told the ESD board that they could be anywhere in their jurisdiction in 15 minutes.  I guess that he and the ESD board think that you just turn on your lights and siren and the ambulance or fire truck is magically transported there.  Well it didn’t work on the call on 962 east an Old Stieler Rd. It took them 45 minutes to get there, as anybody in their right mind would know.  The Director of NBCEMS was questioned about the response time.  He told the patient that there was no way they could make it in 15 minutes.  The patient’s reply was...WHY did YOU tell the ESD board this?  He had no reply.  And why does it take 20 minutes to get an ambulance in town.  Was it just because it was a holiday, or the fact that none of them really care about your well being.  They got what they wanted.... THE POWER.  You and your tax dollars mean nothing to either one of these organizations.  The ESD board asked all three entities to reduce their budgets for the next fiscal year 7 percent.  Round Mountain fire dept. did...And was still reduced a total of 17 percent while NBCEMS and Johnson City fire dept got what they wanted.  How is it that for the last several years that JC fire dept. has managed to get 12,000 dollars for building maintenance, but yet nothing has ever been done to the building?  It must be awful pretty inside???  The money was spent on other things, and the ESD board allowed it!!!  And, once again, as usual the “in the know” ladies and the Record Courier reports what it wants too. The girls at the paper reported that Round Mountain fire dept, stood firm and did not reduce it's budget.  Their budget was reduced a total of 17 percent so the other two entities could get what they wanted.  You people on the far north end of the county mean nothing to these people; you don't pay enough in taxes. An official with Johnson City Fire Department said that all ya'll need in Round Mountain is old ranch trucks for fire trucks. Why doesn’t JC fire dept. have any old ranch trucks?  They have several new trucks. Even a 20-year-old 50,000-dollar truck that no longer meets NFPA regulations, you've seen it in all of the parades.  If the ESD board is going to start taking advice from this Johnson City Fire Department official, then this fire dept will soon be in as bad of shape as what Marble Falls was when he was assistant chief here.  He kept that place in total chaos.  Ask some of the firemen from Marble Falls. This man is going to tell the ESD how it should be run...right into the ground or into court.  It looks like also that NBCEMS and JC fire dept could both stand to take some driving lesson also along with maybe a mapping class.  It's a good thing that at least one dispatcher was paying attention when one of YOUR fire trucks was going to go WEST to get to a call at the Blanco/Hays county line.  You think they might have stopped when they reached Fredericksburg????    

        HFR

NOTE: Thanks for your letter HFR.  You need to realize that the local paper on the north end prints only what it wants and does not print the real news.  A good example is an accident that occurred in town recently that resulted in major injuries. If a tourist, or an outsider, had been involved it would have been front-page news! Our insiders tell us the newspaper was well aware of the accident but chose not to print and to keep it hush!  We are also being told that a major “sweep under the carpet” effort was made to keep this quite! Is something being hid here? It makes you wonder…doesn’t it?

Blanco County Fair and Rodeo Turns Into Drunken Brawl!!

Concerned for North Blanco County EMS

There are always at least 2 sides to every story and I would encourage any Blanco County resident that wants to know the “"Facts" about this case” to investigate the situation completely with all parties of the lawsuit.  There is usually much more to a lawsuit than what appears on the surface.

You should also know that many businesses “settle out of court” because the cost of going to court is much higher than the cost of paying someone off, not because they were doing any thing wrong.

If this Monday Rusk person was “not out for the money”, “not out to hurt anyone” and didn’t want to hurt “her” community why did she file the lawsuit?  Lawsuits always end up costing someone a lot of money and it’s always the lawyers that end up profiting the most.  I think there could have been a much simpler, less costly solution if her only concern was for current and future employees of NBCEMS as she stated.  Maybe she would like to give her settlement back to the NBCEMS to help the taxpayers she is so concerned about.  If NBCEMS had been forced to go bankrupt because of her lawsuit how would that have helped anyone?  Bringing in a private company to take over where you have a volunteer EMS or partial volunteer EMS would cost the taxpayers a lot more money.  I don’t remember ever hearing of there being a problem with emergencies being handled here in Johnson City by our current EMS.

I have worked for companies in the past that I didn’t think were completely fair to their employees but I didn’t sue them.  I just found a new job where I was happier.  And I have volunteered many hours to worthy organizations.  I can tell you that the satisfaction of volunteering far out weights anything else.  It’s too bad that Texas won’t allow you to volunteer where you work if you so desire.  It causes you to have to work somewhere else so that you can volunteer with an organization that you enjoy volunteering with.  Otherwise you could work part or full time for pay and then continue helping the agency that you really enjoy by volunteering additional hours.  Many small community EMS and VFD people are like a family where people enjoy being together while helping out their community.  These are usually very special, dedicated people in my opinion.

For years our very own dedicated EMS volunteers here in Johnson City did work other jobs while volunteering for our EMS.  Maybe we all should be asking how we can help to keep our current EMS going.

LDC