Billy Blue Light Special

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The FDR of Frederick County, Billy Shreve (hahahahahaha, poor FDR, rolling in his grave…) was having a regular Fireside Chat on WFMD again this morning. At first we thought we might not listen and just make up what he said, since it was likely to be so predictable. And, yes, we could have nailed it to the wall without the 20 minutes wasted. Jan’s a dictator without a plan who lost money and yaddayaddayadda. We’ve already been through all those counterpoints.

Those newspapers of the nation which most loudly cried dictatorship against me would have been the first to justify the beginnings of dictatorship by somebody else.--Franklin D. Roosevelt
Those newspapers of the nation which most loudly cried dictatorship against me would have been the first to justify the beginnings of dictatorship by somebody else.–Franklin D. Roosevelt (Did FDR read The Tentacle?!)

The true surprise is that Bob Miller pushes back about Jan’s dictatorship. He also calls copious attention to the fact that the people who wanted a charter government were insistent upon a County Executive who had the power to make decisions and act on them, and that “those people” got what they wanted. Wonder which people Mr. Miller is referring to…Does anyone recall Billy expressing any concern about how easily a C.E. might become a “dictator” before it was Jan Gardner’s job?

There was a clip with Jan Gardner from MidMaryland Live saying that she couldn’t understand how a fiscal conservative would have supported the deal made by the BOCC that got us into all this mess, and it’s a question many, many other people wonder about as well, but Bob went to a commercial break and we then came back to some surrealist nonsense about how if you take your car to the government to fix instead of Jiffy Lube then you have to live at the government’s auto repair shop now. This may be a slight paraphrasing, but it did not make a lot more sense. And remember we talked about this back in April.

To make bad worse, Kirby called in from the netherworld and said the worst thing about private enterprise is that you have to go to work every dang day, and insinuated that other people don’t, as though you can’t be fired for doing a bad job if you work at a county run nursing home. He also fails miserably at making the point he wants to make, since if you go out of business as a private facility, you cease to exist. In the case of indigent elderly patients that would necessarily be a worse outcome than the county accepting a loss during that fiscal year.

Numerous people on numerous issues need to recognize that doing the cheapest thing is not always the best (even if and when the premise of said argument isn’t necessarily cheaper anyway). I don’t shop at Kmart. I don’t want anyone receiving Kmart quality healthcare, and I don’t want any kids in this county at Kmart quality schools. As a private business, in the immortal words of Dustin Hoffman, “Kmart sucks.” They aren’t even particularly successful at selling low quality junk. Let’s stop trying to make everything Kmart.

Also, BS looked into his BS crystal ball and decided that in 2 years the whole thing will be run into the ground and losing money. We may need a hashtag to keep updated on the doomsday scenario. #brokein2years ? Open to suggestions, locals!

Your Tweedledee and Tweedledum letters to the editor edition!

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Poor C. Paul Smith.  It must be so hard for him to be out of the loop. Today he wrote a letter to the editor complaining about Jan’s threat to use eminent domain and how he shockingly believes the county shouldn’t be in the nursing home business.  And oh how embarrassing for his rantings to be 48 hours on this side of irrelevant. So please Mr. Smith, find a new hobby. You are not good at this! Now on to Tweedledum.

Now this LTE from Billy looks awfully familiar.

I guess the 4 comments he received on Facebook wasn't adequate.
I guess the 4 comments he received on Facebook weren’t adequate.

Step One: Whines about big old meanie Jan taking down the signs that he and his BOCC cohorts put up at the borders. Signs that the State Highway administration, in another one of their famous partisan attacks, made them take down years ago. How much did these metal pieces of propaganda cost us anyway?

Step Two: Jan is going to go around the county seizing businesses left and right. No industry is safe. Because everything that happened with Aurora is indicative of what could happen everywhere else. So hot dog stands, Fireball salesmen and ski resorts better take heed. Jan is coming for thy livelihoods.

Step Three: Billy only likes tax credits for businesses when Blaine comes up with them. Despite being told at the meeting where they discussed this credit that separate programs exist to help small businesses,he still chooses to leave that fact out. And Billy really hates paying people a living wage. It’s a theme that keeps coming up with him.

Now the steps are done, but the complaining is NOT. He wants to be able to berate county staff directly. And how in Poseidon’s blue ocean can he do that if 5 sets of hands have to “touch an email” before his rant gets passed on? Then grrrr, let’s complain about the “rain tax” (Stormwater and Sewer management thank you very much). Let’s be like Virginia and wait 20 years until raw sewage is floating in our water supply before we do anything about it. Because business. Maybe Billy should call one of the Downtown businesses that experienced flood damage two weeks ago. If business complains, then will he listen?

And finally, someone is calling Billy again. And he’s actually encouraging people to call him by putting his phone number on his Facebook page. So if you have something you would like to say have at it.

And please oh please, FNP commenters, do your job today!

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Dead horse beating meeting (version eleventy bazillion)

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So last evening’s hot workshop topic was the ethics task force final report, and how that went on and on. And on. And on.  It is a complex issue, worthy of serious discussion. Some things on the list:

  • Increasing the ethics commission size from 5 to 7 members, and limiting them to 2 terms.
  • Developing a defined process for reconsidering advisory provisions (I would like to put a Lebowski quote here, but it’s got a no-no word)
  • An astonishingly controversial conflict of interest clause that prohibits elected officials, their spouses, children, parents, or siblings, or business entities that elected officials (or any of these same close relatives) have a financial interest in from doing business with the county
  • Tightening up financial disclosure for some positions
  • A clause prohibiting retaliation toward anyone who files an ethics complaint (good idea, maybe!)
  • Making it possible to subpoena people for ethics violation issues

There’re a bunch of problems, and you can guess who has them (although, surprisingly, Kirby Delauter was nearly silent through the whole thing). Billy Shreve is the B.S. boy, and he was on duty. Probably thought he would have more credibility with Kirby’s Law already on the books. One such problem he has is why the commission is not appointed by an independent body (he’s miffed, because Jan gets to be the deciderer…sort of). Maybe the Bar Association? I hope he said Bar and not Bartenders.

Turns out, it’s in the charter. Who would have thunk it? The charter gives the C.E. power of appointments, with approval by the council. And then Billy’s all, “Why are we bothering if  we can’t change anything?” Round and round we go, and luckily Mr. Karl Bickel manages to put it palatably by explaining that everyone is on the same page, and that the charter is the obstacle but the task force doesn’t have the authority to amend it. Billy behaves like a giant snozzcumber, even when he has a good point, like that the definition of financial interest needs to be clear. It’s the tone of voice, man.

Thrash it!!!!
Thrash it!!!!

We are growing numb to this argument about how nobody can have a livelihood and be an elected official with these onerous prohibitions guarding against the appearance of impropriety. Mr. Craig Hicks kindly points out that it depends upon the industry as to how large a part of the market share is dependent upon the government. I suppose this means if you are a cobbler or run a spa, you may still have a chance to avoid the debtors prison. Oh we don’t have those, anymore? Hm. I better not give anyone ideas this primary season.

Your dear ol Yokel is sick to death of the whining about how you can’t participate in government if you are a poor little bidnessman. We are trying to watch these things and be informed and responsive citizens (and help some of y’all out by sharing the info, too). We are cooking dinner, wrangling homework, and chauffeuring to and from sports fields when meetings take place. It’s not just a Founding Fathers’ world that has changed. Abigail Adams’ modern counterparts have a lot going on, and time is a luxury both men and women have to balance. Every bit as valuable as money. I know a couple of them are probably burned up about it, but nowadays (!!!) we also get to vote and hold office. The way a couple council members have spoken to their female peers when they are agitated speaks volumes.

So, Chmelik. He’s all crabby about making rules that have maybe not even been broken yet and stuff. Linda Norris-Weldt lets him know (and I believe this came up more than once) that they got input from citizens, and amongst people about town the perception is that things used to go on in the dark behind closed doors. Uh….you don’t say?

Toward the conclusion we were treated to some mental gymnastics that on one level sounded perfectly reasonable, concerning whether or not a decision from the ethics commission could be appealed. Sounds sensible, right? And then it just isn’t, because what it is really about is how it can (and that one time has) come to pass that the County Executive issues an executive order when the ethics commission is not sufficiently ethical, and it isn’t actually about appealing a penalty at all. Just griping that they might be expected to be, well, ethical.

 

Council member comments-Let the cray cray come out to play!

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Usually we mix in the council member comments with our report of the meeting. However, this section of the meeting deserves a separate post. Seriously thinking of doing a PIA to see who is coaching Billy and Kirby on the stuff that comes out of their mouths. Let’s begin with the esteemed Council Member from District 5.

How many more months can this go on for dear citizens? How many more?
How many more months can this go on for dear citizens? How many more?

Kirby has some really good investigative information about the Rock the Barn event that took place a few weeks back. This event was the pinnacle of unethical tomfoolery  seen this side of the Appalachians! When are you people going to open your eyes and see how the union is stealing money from the teachers and then giving it to two other teachers in order to advance their evil plan for world domination? And for $1,000 a plate? Where was this barn located? The Ritz-Carlton? Thankfully, we have Kirby to unravel all the deceit that is taking place right under our noses! He over and over and over again reminds us to “Follow the money!”

Wait, what’s that Council Woman Fitzwater? The teacher’s union isn’t allowed to use member dues to contribute towards political activity? It comes from a voluntary fund, that people actually VOLUNTEER to donate to? I don’t understand. Kirby was all set to unionize his workers and then steal their dues to finance his campaign. How will he get re-elected now?  And what about the $1000 a plate? That’s not true either?

It says $1000 on there somewhere!
It says $1000 on there somewhere!

Does that mean everything Kirby said was wrong tonight? Everything?

Oh well, let’s move on. Jerry  mentions  attending a drug graduation program with Chmelik. And then refuses to address anything Kirby said because, you know, dead horse.

Readers, do you really want to know about Billy’s comments? I wish I could take a live poll while I am writing this. But since we aren’t technologically there yet, sigh…

Billy hates liquor inspectors. He’s very upset that now instead of having two part time inspectors we will have one benefited, salaried inspector. Because you know paying people so they can actually live, breathe and eat really sucks! And then there’s some complaining about some mysterious, small restaurant that exists on a giant parcel of land that can’t get its liquor license. And now Billy is going to go into full hyperbolic mode and let’s us all know that this county is doing everything, and he means everything they can to make sure they are unfriendly to business. EVERYTHING!

Tony wants us to know that a blog stated that 7 out of 10 elementary schools are really good in his district. Really good. Does that mean he’ll keep that in mind next year when budget discussions come up? Tony will also have a Town Hall in Mt. Airy at 6:30 on November 2. He has promised that, “Everything is up to debate.”

M.C. reminds us that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So ladies make sure you get those things checked out!

Bud is participating in this Saturday’s Heartly House event: Are you man enough to walk a mile in her shoes? We know some on the council watch page will probably criticize the way you walk this Saturday Bud, but we support you! Bud also has something to say about a certain Council Member’s accusation that since the new government took hold, permits have been very slow to process. (Bud doesn’t mention who made the complaint, but we have a pretty good guess). Well, Bud asked the agency to do an internal audit to see if there was anything to this. And the result? No significant change. But I am sure that dead horse will come out again soon.

What legislation did Kirby really want poll!

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Here’s your take on what Billy would have to do to get ejected from WFMD:

 

 

 

Poor baby bunny, hasn't learned not to listen to Kirby yet.
Poor baby bunny, hasn’t learned not to listen to Kirby yet.

If you watched the last meeting you would know that Kirby wants a lot of strange legislation sent off to Annapolis. Despite his protests, he really doesn’t understand the concept of Federalism. What if we told you, dear readers, that he actually toned down his list? Which one of these choices do you think Kirby really wanted to put forth?

 

 

 

Your October 6th drinking game: Sweet Aphrodite, don’t let Billy embarrass us!

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It will happen Mr. Pusskins his powers of embarrassment are beyond any earthly being's control.
It will happen Mr. Pusskins. His powers of embarrassment are beyond any earthly being’s control.

We are so nervous, Yokels.  Montgomery County Executive Isiah Legett is visiting this week’s County Council meeting, and now our neighbors to the South are going to know about our shame. Do you think it’s possible that for one day Billy, Kirby and Tony can all keep it together? We don’t either. Anyway, remember this game is for entertainment purposes only; Billy’s too busy yapping on WFMD to come to your rescue these days. Print your agenda out here and watch along here.

If any of the three amigos say anything derogatory about Montgomery County in any way, shape or form slam back a Death in the afternoon.

If we learn of a mysterious letter crafted by Paul Smith that creates some work of fiction involving secrecy and loss of revenue based upon Installment Purchase Agreements, drink up a Delusion.

Legislation to amend the permitted uses within waterbody buffers is being sponsored by Councilman Jerry Donald. As Billy has let it be known in the past that erosion control jeopardizes the potential for a new Grand Canyon in Frederick County, we must presume there will be strenuous objections. If Tony or Kirby chime in, chug a Surly Bandwagon.

Also we have a workshop discussion, and this one is not going to be fun like Santa’s. The most dramatic will be the ethics task force’s proposal, which will be like coal in the stocking, as Kirby’s Law is all but certain to become part of the ethics code. If there is a Delauterburst–If? Excuse us…When there is a Delauterburst, take a swig of Mad Dog 20/20. No link necessary there, right?

Upcoming Meetings–because at least one of these looks very interesting:

  •   Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. – Workshop – Medical Cannabis
  •   Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. – Legislative Day
  •   Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. – Workshop Frederick County Business Tax Credit

Last night’s meeting: an embarrassment of riches

fclocalyokel2 Comments

Great Suffering Sappho!

Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. Legislative priorities. Jerry Donald deserves the award for understanding representative democracy. Thank you sir, for pointing out that we should promote priorities that impact county level government. We elected these people, however imperfect, to do the job of county council member. Not state delegate, not congressperson. Not to create a direct democracy and get everyone’s input on the already random list of potential priorities, such as:

  • Defunding Planned Parenthood (again, not county business)
  • Promoting concealed carry (Just in Frederick County, or what? Is Kirby with his anger management struggles really the poster boy for this issue? David Gray and Doug Browning might need a GoFundMe for some Kevlar)
  • Voter ID laws–shot down in Texas! as a poll tax.
  • Speculating about the ordinances that shut down Emmitsburg’s hot dog stand so they may be repealed (Why not just ask the owners? Are we pro salmonella?!?!)

And speculate we MUST! Community members in the area suggest that it was a problem that their port-o-pot wasn’t handicapped accessible. In which case, why not just get the ADA compliant port-o-pot?

Beef N Buns in paradise seems like maybe they solved the same issue by not having public restrooms. I don't know who wants to investigate that. Maybe someone in the State House?
Beef N Buns in Paradise doesn’t have public restrooms. Maybe that solves the problem.  Should we take that idea to the state and see what’s up?

We heard from M.C. Keegan-Ayer that the Board of Elections is not aware of any incidences of voter fraud in Frederick County, but maybe they should investigate that one super interesting public commenter who would not give an address, and somehow voted in multiple council districts within Frederick County. *But NOT for Kirby!!!! Even if he lives in a cardboard box and does not have an address or a driver’s license, he deserves to be able to vote. Just not for everyone.

At any rate, many thanks to the many amazing speakers and caring citizens in Frederick County. You make us proud to live here.

It’s poll time again!

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Last week’s poll indicates to us that some of us think a cool temper is a good trait to have for a policitian.

2117009

Though after last night’s meeting maybe we should revisit ” What is a Council Member?”

 

After Billy’s poor behavior last week with Bob Miller, we thought it fitting to offer you some choices for how Billy will have to go in order to get himself banned from WFMD.

It’s time for more B.S. from B.S.

fclocalyokel1 Comment

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Sometimes we have to wonder if Stanley Snow hired a Pavlovian psychiatrist to bring about some kind of wild dog response whenever Billy hears the word Aurora.

Seriously folks? Why is Billy so gung ho for Aurora all the time?
Seriously folks? Why is Billy so gung ho for Aurora all the time? (And we know this isn’t the exact Pavlovian method but it’s fun!)

So what has Billy done now some of you may be asking? First let’s take a tour of Councilman Billy Shreve’s Facebook page. Take your Dramamine and fasten that seat belt because it’s going to be a rough one.

Part One:

Officially from the desk of Billy Shreve!
Officially from the desk of Billy Shreve!

Part Two:

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Then we have this charming little discussion:

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And folks this is funny:

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Billy claims that he’s posting a building permit, but clear as day:

What's that say at the top?
What’s that say at the top?

So lessons learned from Shreve’s Facebook page:

-Jan’s a Nazi, or Joan of Arc, or falling on her sword, or fill in the blank.

-Billy can’t read the titles of his documents or just hopes people won’t click and read.

-Jan is using eminent domain right now this very second.

-Billy cares about the poor residents of Citizens/Montevue and Jan does not.

Then today on THAT website Billy is a guest columnist.  He issues a Call to Action that he and Kirby are leading against Jan’s fight to return the nursing homes to county control. Read if you dare.

Months ago, we had many questions about the continuing care agreement that the BOCC signed with Aurora. Remember this language:

IV. FUTURE INDIGENT CARE. In addition to Aurora’s continuing care obligation for the subsidized MALF residents required, above, after leasing CCRC’s Facility Business Assets and Real Property as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement Aurora shall accept new assisted living residents requiring financial assistance, to the extent MALF beds are available, provided County agrees to pay, and continue to pay, Aurora’s full private pay amount in place at the time of each admission. The County’s commitment to fund these additional MALF residents must be reflected in a separate written agreement between Aurora and the County shall not be required or inferred by any provision of this Agreement.

To the extent that beds are available has always been a sore point for us. Can’t Aurora just fill up all the beds and not have any for the indigent? And let’s not forget that Jan’s reasons for not making the last payment was because the price negotiated for the care was for a greater number of patients than is currently receiving care. Why doesn’t that get the fiscal outrage machine in motion?

And let’s not forget that this whole sale may have been illegal according to the State. You see Maryland contributed $200,000 to the building of the new facility and as a result was supposed to have a say on what happened to it. Blaine showed up in Annapolis and with much drama tried to hand the Division of Public Works a check for said amount but was refused. Learning that not everyone can be paid off. And let’s not forget this nice LTE from a member of the Maryland Commission on Aging. A lot of good points raised.

And this whole eminent domain thing is not set in motion yet. Jan has made it very clear that she is still trying to negotiate with Aurora. Billy and Kirby, on the other hand, want no discussion. They don’t even want to admit that there may be a little bit of a problem with this deal. So really where do their interests lay?

Don’t forget tonight’s the night of the hearing. 7:00 at Winchester Hall.