YOU'RE ENTITLED TO YOUR OPINION
I am glad to see that the citizens are taking an interest in the town government. More important is that everyone becomes aware of how our tax dollars are being spent. For example, the next time you see the emergency vehicle at Brady Manns',with the engine running while a city employee is out talking and waiting for his grilled chicken order or when the Fire Chief leaves the fire engine running while he is in Farmers and Merchants Bank for whatever reason - just stop and think, I the taxpayer am paying for this. After all gas is expensive!
I appreciate all your comments and opinions.
To: Crystal, Great, I hope more people take an interest in our town meetings.
To: Anonymous, I agree, how can the Fire Chief be two places at once. I noticed that most of the time when the Chief leaves for the school route all of the doors to the Fire hall are closed. If the Fire Chief's schedule ends when he leaves for the school route then why does he return to City Hall at aproximately 1645 hours only to stay until 1700 hours and then drive away in the bus?
What is the Fire Chief's Priority? As far as the town council now that they know the people's concerns maybe they will start using their authority.
To: White Bluff Proud, Yes, we are scratching the surface and there is a lot more to reveal. Keep watching.
Donna, You're right, you shouldn't have to defend the FD. If they are not doing anything wrong then we will continue to see the fire trucks being used to go home at lunchtime, or at Hog Heaven and even in Dickson. I just hope they can justify being out of a city when a fire call comes in.
Anonymous II, Hey, were you in Fairview on that Saturday...I was...There were no other Fire trucks or fire fighters around nor was there smoke in the air. I am glad that you can guarantee the safety of our children. Would you be so kind to outline the procedures for such an event should we have a fire and the fire chief is on a school bus. I am sure it will ease the minds of us parents.
Oh, and as for the young man, shame on you...the way you handled this incident has opened the citizens' eyes in this town.
P.S. and for you young man with time on your hands, get with the program, use a real camera, I suggest a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, with a good zoom lens.
Click on the picture to see a larger version.
posted by John Q. Taxpayer @ 8:46 PM
57 comments
57 Comments:
don't pay attention to the personal attacks because you are reporting on the misuse. That is their tactic to attack the messenger and not answer the question
they do the same thing to Nicky on Blufwatch
it is not stalking to watch how some people are wasting our tax money
and about the fire members geting out of their comfy beds
they had to know that came with the job
it don't mean they should be able to do whatever with tax money
and Potts should not be on two jobs where he would have to choose over a fire or students
Hi there Blogger!
I just noticed you put the link on here to Blufwatch
thanks and I have of course done the same on there. I put it in the local links section,
thanks again, your site is looking good
Nicky
Everyone is concerned about "personal attacks" all of a sudden?! What about the violation of personal space when you have someone following others around all the time? If you have so much time on your hands, be constructive and not destructive! Get involved by volunteering your time at the WBFD. Run for Mayor, council or whatever. Run something other than your mouth!
Just so you know, my children ride the bus that Chief Potts drives. He has NEVER left them one time in a dangerous situation. I can't think of a better person to transport them to and from school. I am sure that this scenario has arisen where a fire has taken place while he was on the bus. I can guarantee that if he had left these children to fight a fire we all would have known. It would have been headlines in the Dickson Herald.
If the people who are so critical of the system want changes, join the WBFD volunteers, run for the council, Mayor or whatever. Don't just sit idly by and complain.
By the way, you certainly didn't address any of the other issues raised, i.e., your spare time to take all these pictures, your "axe to grind", etc.
Unbelievable! If you want to play detective or investigative reporter, join the City of Dickson Police or one of the news stations. You aren't Phil Williams or Larry Brinton so stop trying to manufacture a sensational story. So what if a city employee wants to stop and get something to eat at Brady Mann's? Big deal! So they stop at the bank, again - big deal! Do you think these people have lunch breaks? I have lived in this town my entire life and I have never seen the extent of the misuse you are describing. I think you are exaggerating the facts. I agree with the other Anonymous poster, if you have all this free time do something other than harassing people and trying to make yourself a hero.
You don't want the children to be in danger if Chief Potts is driving the bus and there is a fire - learn to drive a bus and transport the children yourself!
These WBFD volunteers to a good job. They deserve more "atta boy's" and less criticism.
If you don't like the way things are being done - do them yourself!
Mega Kudos To John Q Taxpayer.
Take it as a badge of honor when they attack you!
You don't have to answer their questions.
The people who are working for the city and wasting our money are the ones IN OUR EMPLOYMENT and if the are VOLUNTEERS they still must use the resources wisely and not waste OUR money.
They run this town like a good old boys club.
Time for a change.
You don't have to give reasons why you are asking these questions. They need to be asked.
It dones not have to be a vendetta. On the White Bluff webpage there are several people who are pissed off over what is going on in this town.
They don't all have axes to grind they just want it done right.
No one said Bernice Potts was not a good bus driver.
Good for him. But if leaves the fire hall to do that he is leaving us a PAID fireman short.
He is also a great flower water person.
Wow. Could the anonymomous posters be council members? They sure sound like it.
**anonymous**
I can only speak for my Anonymous post but, just so the "mystery" is solved for Crystal and others who are under the assumption that I am a council member or have any family member, relative, connection with, etc. to any of the city's employees, rest assured I do not. Believe it or not, an everyday citizen can disagree with the tactics being used to try and discredit our public servants. You don't have to be a member of the "good ole boy society" to get sick and tired of hearing people whine and complain while the entire time sitting on their duffs and doing nothing but griping.
Just so you know, the reason I choose to post anonymously is because I certainly do not want someone as radical as "John Q. Taxpayer" stalking me or my family.
sure is funny to see the town leaders and their buddies getting it put to them.
I even saw them cutting grass today
imagine that!
and to ANONYMOUS
you don't have to worry about being stalked
if you are not wasting tax payers money
I am just so glad that you could clear that up for me, Anonymous. How nice. Sonny, I also saw people mowing. I guess these message boards have really put a fire under their behinds.
I remember when a person was as good as their word and things got done. It didn't matter who you were or who you were related to. In today's society, being a liar and a cheat has become common place and acceptable. Probably more acceptable than being a good and honest hard working person. One day, like everything else, government will be outsourced. Then we'll be calling India for something to be done. Whether good or bad, the council members are guilty by association. Stand up or at least stand up for the people that you represent. That's how it's supposed to work. I don't think any of this is stalking. Technology is way better and at least you have proof instead of your word against theirs. My name is Traci Howell and I approve this message.
I know people who carry a camera everywhere they go. I believe I even heard it is not a bad idea in case you have a fender bender, that way you can take your own pictures of where each car was and the damage. I you are out and about and see something you think you should take a picture of, that's not stalking. That's either being in the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time. However you want to look at it.
$20 says that MCNeil boy is behind this. Just another way for him to complain about the town.
That is about all he does on his page. Why don't people move if they don't like the way this town is
Nothing wrong with the town, just the people running it. I bet $20 that the people of this town are behind this. They post their complaints and Nicky just offers his opinion. I think he plays it pretty fair compared to most. Seems that almost everyone around here just want things done the way that they are supposed to be. "Without rules or laws, there is chaos". No one should be exempt from laws or rules. But no one said that life was fair - just don't read the blog if it bothers you.
I don't believe that "mcneil boy" is behind anything. Just saying what he thinks like alot of other people.AS for moving out of town, it's better to get new reps.If everyone moved that had a difference of opinion with their leaders, this country would be pretty much up for grabs!
And No this not one of his relatives, I don't know who they are.
And John Q-What are the letters used for your word verification?It reminds me of a foreigh language. If it is, I would like to know what it says. I have seen that the same letters are not always there.
"You don't need to know said...
"$20 says that MCNeil boy is behind this. Just another way for him to complain about the town.
That is about all he does on his page. Why don't people move if they don't like the way this town is"
Well darn I have been sniffed out. Yeah it is me doing this page. Can't get away with anything anymore I tell ya.
Back to reality, I got a real kick out of that post saying I was running this page. People were accused of being me when I started my page about 7 years ago. Ironic I guess is the word,
Funny too...considering the person does not know what they are talking about.
I mean most people that know me already know I have problems with a lot of things at city hall, so what would be the point?
And no I ain't getting ready to move or run for dogcatcher..unless someone wants to purchase me a house in the locale of my choice.
People can and do work for a change in many ways and to the person running this page (who as of right now I don't know the identity of) I say do what you feel is right, and go with that.
Everyone does not have to agree to have a discussion.
Thanks Traci for what you had to say and Taxpayer 2 too.
As for the one who posted that saying that I was behind this page...send that $20 to the Dickson Co Animal Shelter.
I promise you it is not me and I also promise you if that if you want me to I can start REALLY saying what I think about what is going on with our council, mayor and some other items.
And as well said above
My name is Nicky McNeil and I approve this message
We are not required to get out of our comfy beds we just do. We do what we do because we want to. As for our Fire Chief driving the bus, we got his back. Just because one man is missing dont mean what ever happens wont get taken care of.
"WBFD Volunteer said...
We are not required to get out of our comfy beds we just do. We do what we do because we want to."
"patting you on the back atta boy"
Proud to hear it. But if Potts is driving then it is still one less man to help no two ways about it.
Or are you saying he would not be missed if he was elsewhere?
On other issues
why does our Chef of Police also run the Street Department?
Why does McClurken have multiple jobs?
You would think they could find somebody to do these jobs.
Remember when the Chef of police had his squad car stolen by a woman prisoner?
Did he get a raise that year? Or when he was arrested a few years back for assualting a citizen and mayor Williams let that slide.
IF memory serves another department head was arrested for wife beating
during this mayors term but he still has his job.
What about that missing 29000 dollar's?
check it out it is all public record
Good Job mayor manager
NOT
I've been here almost 30 years and never heard about the stolen car, wife beating or assault charges.Was any of this in the paper?If so, about when so I can try to look it up.Please give me any information you can, especially the year.Thanks. I guess you do learn somthing new every day.
The one about the woman taking off in the Chef's patrol car I am sure was in the paper and so was the assualt case.
The dept head domestic may have not been officially charged I don't rememnber for sure but it was widely known
But the first 2 were around 5 or 6 years ago
It's good to see so many people taking an interest in the city government. I hope this encourages everyone to get more involved in the way our town spends our money.
The Fire Chief should choose whether he wants to work for the town or be a bus driver.
I have an e-mail address for those of you who wish to post pictures on this site. Wastingourtaxdollars@inbox.com .
If you see our tax dollars being wasted send me a photo and it will be posted.
I should have explained the last photo posted. It was taken at Horizon Hospital. The assistant fire chief drove the fire truck to the hospital to pick up the Fire Chief. And the Fire Chief drove the truck back to the WB Fire Hall. Again, wouldn't it have been more economical to have used a car or truck? Imagine what kind of gas milage a fire truck gets.
This site was created to make our officials accountable for the way our tax dollars are being spent. I welcome any photos that support this cause.
Nick, sorry you or your boy is taking the heat. I think you have a great forum and I enjoy reading on your web page.
I am not pating my self on the back, And I am not saying he would not be missed. I am saying we cover each others back. We always have and we always will. Do you really think every member responds to every call. Come on. What is your specific gripes with the fire dept.
Sorry I forgot one thing. The fire truck at the hospital. If you see a fire truck at the hospital picking up personel that means one or more of our members road in with EMS. This happens with major trauma or when CPR is being preformed. Somtimes EMS needs an extra set of hands. And yes it would be cheaper to use a smaller truck or car but our department does not have one. What is your solution for this problem?
buy a cheaper small truck
or pay the gas bill for a personal who use theirs going to a call.
Sure the cheif can't be at every call no volunteer could. But he is one of the paid ones. And he splits his shift by driving the bus or he would be there. that is the difference.
I don't think this is all about the fire dept. It is the fact that tax payers, like everyone watches every penny they spend. And they try to make it go as far as they can.Other people wish the city would try to also do the same.
I don't feel this is meant to be a personal attack on the fire dept, people just wish some others would think before they act.
I under stand this is not all about the fire department, I am only posting about the things I know about. As for the Chief I understand your concern but the terms of his employment was with the understanding that he drives a bus. And City Hall agreed to alow him to do both. They new this when they put him on the payroll. As for the smaller truck the cost outways the gain. Our 1996 model truck only has between 5000 and 6000 miles on it and its 10 years old. If we added a smaller truck it has to be insured and we dont have a place to house it. Thats alot of added cost for a few trips to Dickson and back. And why should we have to use our personal vehicles for Fire Dept buisness.
How can the building and codes man do two jobs when most of the time i see him inspecting houses or talking to the people building the houses & paveing the streets. How does he inspect houses and roads by talking? How does the building & codes man treat our water & sewer while he is inspecting houses or does our part time man just do it up until he leaves and then it just runs itself.
How can we get the salaries of all the city employees and ad them here?
I would really like to know about the Police Chief and Codes man
GREETING JOHN Q. PUBLIC
GILL LANE
WHITE BLUFF,TN
I AM HAPPY TO SEE A YOUNG PERSON LIKE YOU INTERESTED IN OUR CITY GOVERNMENT. I WILL AGREE WITH YOU ON PREPARATIONS OF CITY BUDGWTS. A FEW YEARS AGO I HELPED MAYOR VANCE SMITH DEVELOPE A LINE ITEAM BUDGET FOR THE TOWN OF WHITE BLUFF FOR EVERY DEPARTMENT. WE KNEW WHERE EVERY CENT WAS SPENT, ALONG THE WAY THE PROGRAM WAS REPLACED WITH MODERN IDEAS.
LIKE YOU I WOULD NOT VOTE FOR SUCH A BUDGET.
I AM SORRY BUT THE INSTANCE YOU REFER TO TWO WEEKS AGO DID NOT TAKE PLACE IN FAIRVIEW. IT WAS STILL IN DICKSON COUNTY.THE WHITE BLUFF VOL FIRE DEPT. OPERATES A "RURAL FIRE SERVICE" FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ARE IN THE INSURANCE SERVICES DISTRICT, HEREBY KNOWN AS "ISO". THIS AREA INCLUDES A SECTION FROM CATHEY HOLLOW ROAD TO
THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY LINE. BY OFFERING THIS SERVICE "ISO" ASK INSURANCE COMPANIES TO LOWER THE FIRE RATES FOR THE AREA.THIS SAVES EVERYONE MONEY. THE WHITE BLUFF FIRE DEPT. PUTS MARKERS TO THEIR SUBSCRIBERS TO HELP FIND THEM QUICKLY.THAT IS WHAT ENGINE 5'S CREW WAS DOING ON HWY 96. THE CREW ON THIS ENGINE IS NOT PAID, THEY ARE VOLUNTEERS. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH SOMEONE STOPPING AT THEIR HOME FOR 15 MINUATES. THERE IS NO FOOD OR BATHROOMS IN THAT SECTION OF THE COUNTY.
AS FOR EQUIPMENT, ALL WHITE BLUFF FIREFIGHTERS KEEP THEIR TURNOUT GEAR IN THE TRUCK THEY ARE RIDING IN. THERE ARE ONLY 2 PAID FIGHTERS, THE REST ARE VOLUNTEER. THEY ARE NOT EVEN RE-EMERSED FOR THEIR GAS. YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT YOU PROBABLY MAKE MORE IN ONE WEEK THAN THE FIRECHIEF DOES IN A MONTH. CHECK IT OUT, ITS PUBLIC RECORD. YOU WILL BE SURPRISED HOW MUCH THESE GUYS MAKE FOR THE HOURS PUT IN. YOU APPARENTLY DONT HAVE A SCANNER , IF YOU DID YOU WOULD KNOW THEIR WORK LOAD IS BEYOND 40 HOURS.THESE GUYS ARE NOT WORKING 9 TO 5 THEY COVER THE FIRE DISTRICT FOR 168 HOURS PER WEEK.
NOT HAVING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE FIRE SERVICE ,YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A FIRE SCENE WORKS.THE FIRST ARRIVING ENGINE HAS AT LEAST 2 FIREFIGHTERS ABOARD.THE FIREMAN SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT BECOMES THE FIRE COMMANDER UNTIL HE WISHES TO PASS THE COMMAND ON TO A SENIOR FIREFIGHTER.THIS IS STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AT MOST FIRE DEPARTMENTS. THE FIREFIGHTER MAY NOT BE AN OFFICE, BUT STILL BE QUALIFIED TO COMMAND THE FIRE.
FOR SOME REASON YOU TRY TO SELL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHORT. ARE YOU AWARE THAT THE TENNESSEE "FIRST RESPONDER" PROGRAM WAS BORN IN THE WHITE BLUFF FIRE DEPARTMENT. THEY CARRIED A NEW IDEA TO THE STATE EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR, AND HE AGREED TO LET THEM GIVE IT A TRY. THE TOWN APPROVED THE PROGRAM AND BOUGHT AN OLD CARRYALL FOR THIS PROGRAM. IT BECAME THE FIRST "MEDICAL RESCUE" UNIT EVER IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE.
NOT HAVING ANY MEDICAL EXPERIENCE YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT TAKES TWO PEOPLE TO DO CPR. THERE ARE ONLY TWO PEOPLE ON THE AMBULANCE. SOMBODY HAS TO DRIVE, SO SOMBODY FROM THE WHITE BLUFF FIRE DEPARTMENT EITHER HELPS WITH THE CPR OR DRIVES. ONE OF THE UNITS GOES TO THE HOSPITAL TO GET THE FIREMAN AND REPLACE THE EQUIPMENT USED AT THE MEDICAL SCENE.
DO YOU KNOW THAT THE WHITE BLUFF VOL FIRE DEPARTMENT IS ONE OF THE FEW TRAINED HAZ MAT DEPARTMENTS AROUND. THEIR SENIOR OFFICERS WERE TRAINED BY CHEIF LEE BURGERON OF METRO NASHVILLE. THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL REQUEST WHITE BLUFF AT HAZ MAT SCENES WEST OF NASHVILLE. IF THEY CAN NOT HANDLE THE SCENE THEN THEIR IS ONLY ONE UNIT IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE THAT CAN, TRUCK 51, NASHVILLE METRO FIRE DEPT WITH CHEIF LEE BURGERON IN CHARGE. THE TOWN COMPILE ITS EXPENSES AND IS FOWARDS THEM TO THE THP AND A CHECK IS SENT BY THE STATE TO WHITE BLUFF.
THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS YOU SEE FIRE VEHICLES AT DIFFERENT BUSINESSES IN WHITE BLUFF. FIRST THIS IS THE ONLY WAY THEY HAVE TO GO TO GET HARDWARE FOR THE VEHICLES AND TO EAT LUNCH. I BET YOU DO NOT KNOW THESE TRUCKS NEED TO BE OPERATED ON THE ROADWAYS 50 MILES PER WEEK TO KEEP THE MOVING ELECTRONICS IN THE TRANSMISSION FROM STICKING. WHITE BLUFF WAS JUST TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT SERVICES THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT BEING DRIVEN ENOUGH AND THIS WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE NOT DRIVEN MUCH WHEN THEY WERE NEW AND A VALVE STUCK IN THE TRANSMISSION. IT COST 8000.00 DOLLARS TO GET REPAIRED, SO NOW THE ARE DRIVEN.
well to stare nick is not in any sense a boy and neither we are full grown men and nick is my friend he just want's what is right for whitebluff because we all live here don't we let's don't throw stones at one anther we just need to go to the town metting and let the elected members know where we standand just think before you put your mouth in motion.. thank you all..
I know why
Barry Hutchinson OFFICER WBVFD
Thinks the the mastermind behind this page is from Gill Lane
But you are incorrect sir
neither is it Mr. McNeil
The reason everyone thinks it is them is because not enough people have gotten upset before but not more people are saying there need to be changes at city hall. The young man that had a run in with the Codes Officer/Sewer Head
and that did not involve the Fire Dept.
Nicky has had a forum for people to talk about White Bluff good and bad for years. Because of people like them and some others who will speak out there are more people upset at the mangagement of our Mayor and council.
And this page is a result of that.
Your comments on the Budget are a good example sir. Right now we don't have a fair hearing on the budget. The way the departments are supervised from the office of Mayor leaves much to be desired.
Barry we all know The Fire Department here has a long and remarkable record. Nothing against them. But with tax dollars every effort should be made to make sure it is done right. And with the Mayor we now have we never know what else could be done except his way.
If all you whiners and complainers are sooooo concerned about White Bluff and the budget, why don't you all pitch in and purchase a vehicle for the WBFD to use when they need to run errands? You chronic complainers would grip if they did purchase a vehicle. Then you would say "wah, wah, wah, why don't they just use what they have?! Wah, wah, wah!
You people make me sick with your holier-than-thou attitudes and acting like you have all the answers. You don't even know the question!
Stop being so judgmental and narrow-minded and quit looking for trouble and start pitching in and helping out this little community and maybe then you can see a difference. Until then, just sit back, pack your stuff and move out!
By the way John Q. Taypayer (I doubt it!), how about we take pictures of you taking pictures of city employees? How would you like that??!!
I wouldn't mind the WBFD getting another vehicle. It makes more sense than a new $1.5 million city hall for a town of 2200.
To everyone that is patting "John Q. Taypayer" on the head and consoling him as to these "personal attacks" needs to understand that John Q is the one who started this entire thing. He is the one who chose to be on a vigilante mission and follow city employees around while they are working (YES WORKING) all day. Maybe if the city employees didn't have to worry about a camera shoved in their face by John Q. they could get more done with less distraction! Let's just get crazy, - Why not sit at City Hall and count the times the employees there leave their desks! Why not count bathroom breaks for our city employees! Good Grief - give me a break! Unless you find some proof that these people have embezzled thousands and thousands of dollars, or are selling equipment belonging to the City, or are taking bribes, etc., find something else to do. Let these people do their jobs. So they drive to the bank, to lunch or whatever. Just so long as we don't get a call (or a picture) that they are in Florida on vacation in one of these trucks, shut up! What do you think they want to do - joy ride in a fire truck?!?!? How logical is that? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black, John Q certainly is contributing to the gas prices by riding around town taking pictures. John Q, stay out of your truck and conserve, conserve, conserve just like you are trying to get our City employees to do!
Hello again
To John Q.
No problem on that poster saying the "McNeil boy" was behind this page. Shows they really don't know much. They can't seem to understand there are more than one or two people upset in town.
Wonder if they sent in that 20 bucks?
To TybeeDude, thank for what you had to say.
But actually one thing I liked about that persons post was them refering to me as a "boy". Somehow I don't think they meant that in a nice way....but at my age I will take it as a compliment haha.
Crystal: You are right, Just about anything makes more sense than that new Town Hall.
To the ones that think anyone who don't like the town should move. If you think those comments will cause people not to speak out when they see things they don't think are right you are kidding yourself.
How about the town being ran better in the first place? Even people who have defended the FD, especially compared to other city departments know good and well there are bigger problems with how the town is going.
As for John Q whoever that is. I don't think tax dollars are paying for his/her gas so far as I am concerned they can drive day and night using their own gas. And I don't think people are going to shut up...in fact all the people who are so damn worried about people keeping an eye on how their money is used be that at town hall, the Police Dept, Street, Fire, Codes, Park or anything else...are starting to make me think there really is something to all this that they don't want people to notice.
" Maybe if the city employees didn't have to worry about a camera shoved in their face by John Q. they could get more done with less distraction!"
If they're doing their jobs they shouldn't be worried about John Q.
Sounds like "anonymous" is the one whining and complaining and sounding very defensive. Maybe you should move if all of this is getting to you. As far as paying for another vehicle, I wouldn't mind a bit. My only concern for running errands, etc. in the fire truck is if there is indeed a fire somewhere. If there were guarantees that it wouldn't happen, then I wouldn't have a problem with it. I have no problem whatsoever with the FD. It all points back to the mayor's office. Everything starts at the "chain of command". Responsibility of the job is an enormous one and should be taken seriously. I'm sure that no one is in it for the money, but should at least take pride in the town and not make us a laughing stock. I think that has gone on long enough.
"If they're doing their jobs they shouldn't be worried about John Q."
It's not about worrying about not doing their jobs - it's about having someone following you around and second-guessing everything you are doing. You have John Q., without the true facts, making something out of absolutely nothing. I thought we were all "innocent until proven guilty". However with the logic that John Q. throws at us it is just the opposite. Has ANYONE seen proof of misappropriation of funds, corruption, etc.? According to the word of John Q, - if a city employee is somewhere in the middle of the day, besides city hall or wherever John Q. "thinks" he should be, he MUST be guilty of some inappropriate conduct. How about maybe he is at lunch, on city business, running errands for the city, whatever. Why must the first thing John Q. decides as judge and jury is that something inappropriate is taking place. Rumor has it that John Q. does not pay taxes in the first place. I would be curious for him to address that little issue. If that is in fact true, what is HIS complaint? Have we hired him to "watch our backs". Oh Lord, I hope we are not all that desperate! Let all the taxpayers be the ones to speak up and ask for accountability. Not someone with a personal problem with authority.
You don't even know who John Q is that is what is so classically humorous about this.
Are you talking property tax? Because I don't think the Police Chief Or Asst Fire Chief Or Codes Department head and some others pay them to this town. Because they live out of the town limits.
Which in some towns is not allowed. Maybe it is time to do that here?
But if someone such as John Q lives here they pay tax in other ways.
No one hired John Q or any other people who are now standing up to "authority"
No one makes you read this page.
We did hire the wasteful people at city hall and it is time to start holding them accountable or fire them.
All I have seen is J Q and some others asking questions and looking for answers why on this or that.
Has John Q lied? Has the boy with the camera lied?
Traci? Crystal? Sonny?
Nicky? have they been lying or just asking?
What about answers to the questions about the Police cars? Or the codes man?
Or the mayor letting things slide for his good old boy workers when they have gotten in trouble?
You sure as hell can't get any answers from Danny Williams you just get talked down to.
Well enough of that that arrogant Mayor does work for us.
OLDTIMER, FIRST MY NAME IS HUTCHINS NOT HUTCHINSON. I KNEW IT WAS NOT NICKY TO BEGIN WITH AND I HAD TO MAKE SURE IT DIDN'T COME FROM GILL LANE. NOW I KNOW FOR SURE. YEARS AGO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
WAS PHYSICALLY HARASSED TO THE POINT ONE OF THE DEPARTMENTS CHILDREN WAS INJURED. YOU ARE WELCOME TO WRITE, TAKE PICTURES, WHAT EVER MAKES YOU HAPPY. SOMTIMES THESE EVENTS LEADS TO THINGS HONEST, WELL MEANING PEOPLE
DID NOT MEAN TO HAPPEN. IF THIS HAPPENS THIS TIME IT WONT BE DEAN HESTER COMING AFTER YOU...IT WILL BE ME... THATS A PROMISE, NOT A THREAT! I THINK YOU HAD PROBABLY GIVE ME A CALL AND TALK.
Mr Hutchins
You say you know Nick was not responsible for this web page but you needed to make sure it didn't come from someone on Gill Lane.Why? What difference does it make who came up with this web site? I also am considering setting up one as soon as I learn how.This is called freedom. Something our fathers and some mothers have had to fight and keep for us.(my father being one of those great people)If we do not indeed have the freedom of speech, without retribution, why are they giving up their lives? And now they doing it for other countries that have been repressed by retribution of those who can do.WE do not need people who threaten us for our right of freedom of speech.We have enough other countries who try to do that to us.Remember 9/11. We are not those inhumane bastards and we do not want to become them by taking away our right to live, act, and make our own decisions given to us by not only our country, but thankfully by God himself.
I NEEDED TO KNOW THIS DID NOT COME FROM GILL LANE TO PROTECT THE YOUNG MAN LIVING THERE. THERE ARE SO MANY SICK PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY
THAT CAN BE SET OFF BY A MISUNDERSTANDING OF WORDS. I HAVE ALREADY HEARD INDIVIDUALS MENTION THIS YOUNG MAN'S NAME IN A THREATING WAY. DONT TELL BE THAT WE ARE NOT AN INHUMANE COUNTRY. EVERY DAY THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE MURDERED IN AMERICA THAT THERE IS KILLED IN IRAQ. FOR THE SAME TIME FRAME AS THE LEBANON CONFLICT THERE ARE MANY MORE KILLED AND WOUNDED IN AMERICA... SO IF I SEE A CHANCE TO KEEP MORE INNOCENT PEOPLE FROM GETTING HURT, THEN SO BE IT.
A couple of thoughts
It seems good people on both sides of the issue of government waste and other issues are getting upset.
I am all for free speech and making sure our government is doing right by the people in every facet of their operations. And I don't think that should ever be discouraged. But naturally when you talk about someones job rightfully or wrongly many times they will take as an attack on them.
I would say this ask questions and seek answers...if you get satisfactory ones, great.
If not then only real option is to seek a solution. Because when each side disagrees strongly odds are neither one is going to give in on their argument.
I certainly do respect the members of the WBFD and I mean that And even if there are some areas they could cut corners, I feel there are many other places to look for that in the local government.
And as for attitude, you will get friendlier treatment from most members of the WBFD than any others with the city than I can think of.
I think many who are upset with the city have dealt with some other city officials or heard of how others were treated and did not like it.
What I am leading to,
if not a solution, is a direction toward one.
I had someone whose opinion I respect suggest something that I had been thinking myself. That is that citizens ask for an audit of the city from the state. It has been done before, I think just before this current mayor was in office. This would not be over just one or two departments or individuals but the entire operation.
And it would independent of local government or those who disagree with the local government. That way one could assume the results would be impartial.
It would not fix problems, but it would let us know if there are any that can be fixed.
People could still watch and make sure things were done right, and lets say for example oppose moves to build the Town Hall or annex large areas...whatever you disagree with. Those are things that are not illegal or anything, but perhaps in the opinion of some wrongminded. That all goes back to the Mayor and the Council who are the ones we must hold responsible in the long run.
But a state audit would answer many questions about money and other matters that are of a concern. And also might ease some of the tension.
So stay watchful, and at the same time, seek solutions.
Thanks for listening
Nick said it well. This is about finances. Not personal attacks.
White Bluff doesn't like the way money is being spent.
Responsibility lies with City Hall. Not it's firemen or anyone else.
Leave people to their own personal affairs. It's for them to deal with. I'm sure everybody has their own.
Let's try to keep this about what it really is. Money and prople not caring to ask how we would like it to be spent, before it is spent.
For all of those who have defended the fire dept I thank each and every one of you. I no this is not all about the fire dept, but all the pictures posted are of our vehicles. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and you can twist those words to make it look like what ever you want. That being said I would be more than happy to answer any question you may have about our dept. If John Q’s intentions are to really make a difference then I applaud him for his efforts. As for our dept. let me tell you a little about the behind the scenes stuff. Every training class we have (some are mandatory) it is the responsibility of the individual to get to and from the class. We have classes all over. White Bluff, Claylick, Burns, Dickson, Vanleer, We have 7 personnel who are high angel rope rescue trained and this class was held at Fall Creek Falls State Park over two weekends 280 mile round trip x2 plus lodging. All at the volunteers expense. These guys go though countless hours of training. Emergency Vehicle Operation, Fire, Medical, Vehicle Rescue, Hazmat, Rope Rescue. This is all the stuff you don’t see. Anyway hope some of this stuff helps, and if anyone has any questions about the fire dept please ask.
I think an audit is a good idea too.
Let's get the ball rolling on that. It won't get bad of bad politicans but it would bring out more of just what is going down.
And of any of it is not on the up and up the state boys will find it.
But we still have to vote out the people who make bad decisions and the ones who don't listen to us.
For the fire department your people were the first pictures on here probably because you are just seen more. Plus you answered lots of the questions posed.
But John Q has asked for other pictures to be sent in so people do that when you see something you know is out of line.
I am sure there are plenty.
And not just pictures send in reports here, to blufwatch, the the papers.
Keep on truckin
We offered service to the three homes in Fairview on County Line Road way before my time, but sence the question was asked I got the answer. Aparently sence you have to enter our county to get to them they were put on our 911 system. And our service area covers County line Rd. I guess it was a coin toss and White Bluff got it. Its 5 Miles From the fire hall to the end of White Bluff RD and its also five miles from Burns fire hall to the end of White Bluff RD. This is also the case at the end of Hawkins Rd because its in Cheatham County so Claylick covers it.
Little Momma asked me on blufwatch if the Mayor go for an audit.....thought I would address that here and post some info on getting an audit
If people can convince the state there is enough reason to do an audit on the town, it really would not matter what the local government wanted or signed off on, it is not up to them.
To be honest I don't know the best way to go about getting that started, I do know some people I can ask, but there are many others here in town who are concerned and each one should try to get the ball rolling in their own way.
One would think folks should list the problems they are aware of for the state. As I said below there was an audit here several years ago, before this current administration but still with some of the same people with the city. Don't hold me to this, I think at that time the state found numerous problems. Just what all they look into, I can't really tell you, but the way money is handled, how it is spent, other procedures would be high on the list.
I will see about finding out for sure who would need to be contacted. But I am thinking it is the Division of Municipal Audit of the State Of Tennessee, if so they are are listed on this website, State Comptroller And here is an example of the sort of audits those folks do
Investigative Audit Reports There is a interesting one on there concerning the Turnbull-White Bluff Utility District.
But again please don't wait on me to get this going check into this for yourselves, I am sure the more citizens they hear from or who put a bug in their ear so to speak, the better.
And like I said, I don't think this will fix all the problems people have with local government, but it would be a step in that direction to address concerns that many have.
P.S.
But don't think the state will just come here and do an audit without some reason or evidence that one is needed. that will be up to those who want to see one done.
I would just like to tell some of the bad mouthers to stop and think about what you are saying about the Fire Chief, Police Chief and others. They might have to be the one to save your life or one of your kindreds one day. Now would'nt it be better for you to know that you had'nt done any of thistalk? I'd like to tell you that Chief of Police saved my daughters life at one time and the fire department saved my house and I thank God that I had not bad mouthed them before they did this or after.Have an audit done if you are concerned about the money but for God's sake leave your personal feelings out of it and stay off the
of the ones who help someone daily.
anonymous-you should read your post again.As for depending on the people who are responsible for keeping you safe, it shouldn't depend on if you disagreed with people or not. You said you thank God you didn't bad mouth them before or after they came to your rescue.Even if you had, that should'nt make any difference in any help you receive.
.
Just thank God people are decent.
Jack I'm not saying it would make a difference to the ones that rescued us, I am just saying that thankGod I am a decent person and am thinking of what my own feelings would be.I believe in giving people the benefit of a doubt and some of you are'nt doing this. It makes me wonder what kind of person you are.
I am a decent God fearing person with good morals. I can see people being given the benefit of doubt. I can also see people giving their own experience and knowledge of what goes on to form their own opinion.
What many post here is their own opinion. Just that.
I think some good questions have been asked on this site, if anybody has the answers to their question, I wish they would post them here.Like Mr. McClurkan did, people had questions, he told 'em.
Jack I'm sorry as I thought I could give my personal opinion.But I guess not so I won't be writing anymore and leave space for the 5 or 6 of you that have nothing good to say about anyone.May God bless and keep each one of you.
I just got my own compact camcorder, and I'm going to keep it ready in my truck for when I see these knuckleheads pulling this kind of thing. What I should have done is to have billed the town of White Bluff for the cost of the camera and they could write it off since it'll help to keep the city's costs down. Keep it up guys and we'll have plenty more footage up here to choose from.
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