The Llano Ledger


Newsletter Text V1

This Website Is Full. Starting With The December 25, 2000 Newsletter, All Future Editions Will Be Posted In The Llano Ledger 2, Found By Clicking http://maxpages.com/llanoledger2.

*************************April 12, l999*********************

As "work" continues in the state legislature, prospects for a significant property tax reduction grow dimmer. It's amazing how a state surplus of some $5 billion dollars can so quickly evaporate in the hands of our senators and representatives. It's indeed fortunate for the taxpayers that they only meet every other year.

There has been some recent talk in the news of revisiting Robin Hood. As most of you know, Robin Hood is the state seizure of taxpayer money from allegedly property-rich school districts, that is then redistributed to others that are not quite so fortunate. As one school board candidate recently quipped, in the Robin Hood fable, the hero robbed from the government and gave it to the poor. ... Under present circumstances, state government robs from the poor, and gives it to those even poorer.

Sadly, this area has been declared a property-rich school district. Why? To answer the question, one needs to look at the property appraisal district, and how it conducts its business. This publication will be taking a very careful look in the months to come.

For years, it has been common knowledge in the lakes area that taxpayers here have been forced to bear a disproportionate share of the county tax burden. Why? It was an easy and convenient way to reduce the taxes of others living elsewhere, -- particularly in the City of Llano. Many of us, including myself until recently, were non-resident taxpayers. While we were forced to pay the taxes, we had no voting rights. -- Nothing quite like taxation without representation, no? That is changing, and so are the county demographics. Many of us are now residents and registered voters. We can no longer be ignored by the Llano "nobility".

How indeed have lakes area taxpayers been forced to bear a disproportionate share of the burden? Very simply, our properties have been egregiously overappraised by the appraisal district. Worse yet, this has directly led to our area being declared a property-rich school district. Now, we're not only unduly penalized (royally shafted) by the county, but by the state as well. Aren't we lucky? It's called Robin Hood. Our current chief appraiser Mr. Eldridge as well as his predecessors are directly responsible for this ongoing fiasco and gross injustice.

Recourse? ... What's that? A review board that is beholden to the chief appraiser? A lawsuit? -- The cost of suing is far greater than the tax burden, unless one owns a ranch, or an enormous estate. The chief appraiser and his cronies know this, and use it to their advantage to shaft the taxpayers.

It is my understanding that a class action lawsuit against the appraisal district on behalf of lakes area taxpayers is not possible due to sovereign immunity issues. It is indeed an amusing fantasy though, no? All joking aside and after having spoken personally with Mr. Eldridge some three years ago, I somehow doubt even that would get his attention. In my own case and unlike many of you, we're not talking a whole lot of money. Regardless, appraisal district intransigence and methods of appraisal have made my lots useless for the original purpose intended, or for further development. There are, however, many of you out there suffering far greater injury than I.

Sadly, the review board is to the appraisal district what the fox is to the chicken coop. In 1986, I had the opportunity to experience my first taste of the "kangaroo" nature of county government at a tax protest hearing. One official brazenly and bluntly told me: "We do what we want to do around here. If you don't like it, leave." ... Sound familiar? I have since jokingly referred to these remarks as the definition of the "Llano mentality". It was true then, and is still true today some 13 years later.

This has to change, and will, if the people finally decide to peacefully challenge it. One way is to carefully select and vote for the best candidates possible. _The Ledger does not, however, endorse political candidates for office. I will do all I can to keep you informed, but you absolutely need to get out, meet the candidates, and decide for yourself. Most importantly, you need to vote.

There is another way to peacefully force change: Take advantage of this newsletter and submit your views for publication. I invite and strongly urge all to do so. I also want and need as much information as possible from the community. This publication will continue to carefully look at the jail and law enforcement. Continue to talk to me. As promised, I will protect your identity. I guaranty it, regardless of the personal cost. Keep the information coming. Sadly, in Llano County there is only one effective way to end the corruption and abuse: Expose it to the light of day.

I also want to hear from realtors in regard to appraisal district problems that they, or their clients may have experienced, or are currently experiencing. I hope you would be willing to talk to me on the record. I will understand and protect your identity if you can't. -- Just talk to me. Sunlight indeed quickly solves most problems of abuse, inequities, corruption, etc.. Make a difference in the community, and come forward. The same applies to anyone else who has had problems with an appraisal. This publication is unlike any other in the area. It is willing to take a hard look at our most egregious problems. Take advantage of it, and allow me to expose the corruption and abuse.

It is terribly tragic that so many of our officials are deaf, abusive, corrupt, -- or all three. Sadly, the most egregious offenders are insentient to anything less than the figurative hard-slap upside the head, or swift kick to the butt. As our illustrious district attorney, sheriff, county judge, commissioners' court, and others know full well and to their chagrin, I won't hesitate to figuratively inflict either when necessary.

Help me to help you. Together, we can make a peaceful change in the status quo. We CAN have good, honest, responsive, and reasonable government. It is up to each of us to make it happen. The Founders of this great republic left us a precious legacy, dearly paid for by the blood of truly valiant and courageous soldiers on so many battlefields in too many wars. We seem to have forgotten that it is we, the people, who are the government, not our abusive and corrupt officials. Our officials seem to have forgotten that they are supposed to work for us, -- not the other way around. Sadly, most of them are self-serving, arrogant, corrupt, and abusive. This has to change, peacefully. The election is coming May 1. Be sure to vote. Make a difference.

Tim Chorney, Publisher (Scroll Down For Earlier Edition)



*************************April 7, l999***********************

School board elections are coming up on Saturday, May 1. Protect Lake Area Needs (PLAN) has been presenting a series of forums giving county citizens a chance to meet and question the candidates. With school taxes claiming the lionshare of the property tax burden, it is critical that voters make an informed choice. PLAN is providing a great public service, and I do urge you to attend.

I did have a chance to meet several of you last night at the first forum in Kingsland. Thank you for the kind words and the support. I am still having e-mail problems so please be patient.

Candidates Harvey Klee (Place 3) and Bob Poole (Place 4) put on very interesting presentations. Although the group was small, audience participation was spirited. Mr. Klee, a semi-retired attorney and arbitrator, is quite knowledgeable of school finances and fiscal issues. Mr. Poole is a retired educator with years of experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools. Klee and Poole appear to be more than qualified, and would offer fresh input and insight to the school board. Both men were relaxed, affable, informative, and readily answered questions. Sadly, none of the other candidates chose to attend and participate. Had they, I certainly would have included them in this edition of the newsletter.

Full participation by all the candidates and the community is essential if the electorate is to be fully informed. Citizens will have two more opportunities to meet, greet, and hear the candidates:

Thursday April 8, 7PM Llano County Court House, Llano.
&
Tuesday April 13, 7PM Training room behind Horseshoe Bay
Police Department.

I urge you to attend. Support PLAN. Take advantage of a great opportunity. PLAN is non-partisan and evenhanded in its approach. Their agenda is honorable: Good, honest, responsive, and reasonable government. With all the problems, abuse, and corruption in government, it was a pleasure to attend and write about a function that was trying to make a difference in our community. Be an informed citizen. Above all and as always, get out and vote!

Tim Chorney, Publisher (Scroll Down For Earlier Edition)

*************************April 5, l999**************************

Once again, Sheriff Nathan Garrett and the jail are in the news. Mr. Garrett apparently now thinks there's misinformation being bandied about the county regarding the alleged need for a new law enforcement center. Well, Sheriff, you have indeed been confusing the issue and misleading the public yourself, while whining about the necessity of a new jail since you took office some six years ago. Why? Who indeed will benefit? The people of Llano County? The beleaguered taxpayers?

No. Not a chance. They'll just be forced to pay for it, as they were some 17 years ago when the current jail opened. We were fleeced back then, and we're about to get the royal shaft once again. Aren't we lucky? WHO will indeed benefit? The owner of the land where the new facility is to be built? The builders? How many of the jail contractors will find a way to line the pockets of our illustrious county officials? ... Think it could never happen in Llano County? Better think again. If the Commissioners' Court is indeed successful in saddling the taxpayers with this egregious example of pork, rest assured this publication will closely scrutinize all parties, as well as relentlessly follow the money trail.

It is indeed interesting to note the sheriff's renewed effort to promote this pending pork pen, while conveniently ignoring both the recent jail-rape scandal as well as the escape of the burglars. His short-term memory is either failing, or more likely he's merely displaying a stunning level of arrogance, outrageous for even a Llano County official. Does he need to be reminded he has yet to give a full public accounting of both recent jail fiascos? Quite clearly and sadly, accountability in Llano County is reserved for the "unwashed masses", not the "nobility" or the "Good Old Boys". More pointedly, Sheriff, how can we trust your assessment of the need for a new facility when you continue to "stone-wall" and obfuscate the two earlier egregious examples of mismanagement at the jail?

Just as pointedly, when are our illustrious justices of the peace going to finally wake up and learn how to set reasonable bail for relatively minor offenses? Moreover, when are they going to demonstrate a little ingenuity, creativity, efficiency, effort, determination, etc., and MOVE the cases through the system more expeditiously? Could it possibly be that our stellar judges are indeed dragging their feet to force the building of a new law enforcement center for their cronies? Think it could never happen in Llano County? Think again. ... After all, one hand does indeed wash the other, doesn't it?

The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution clearly states that "Excessive bail shall not be required". Our illustrious judges have been routinely ignoring this proscription due to pressure coming from the Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) and other law enforcement agencies. The Founders clearly intended that excessive bail not be used as a form of punishment against accused defendants. Why are our judges ignoring this? Why isn't District Attorney Sam Oatman reining in abusive law enforcement that is operating under his jurisdiction?

Mr. Oatman continues to have problems of his own. The public has still received no adequate explanation of his pre-emptive dismissal of the jail-rape indictment of the trusty last year. While he has claimed this was done ostensibly to facilitate a plea bargain, his explanation is sadly lacking.

Why didn't he insist on an independent outside criminal investigation of the jail-rape scandal? What was he afraid of? Who was he protecting? Worse yet, there have been allegations that he tampered with a grand jury witness last year. That grand jury was investigating the jail-rape scandal at the time of the alleged tampering.

To avoid even the slightest appearance of impropriety in his office, why didn't he insist on an independent investigation of his former victims' assistance coordinator, instead of allowing her to quietly resign last year under questionable circumstances. All of these questions continue to remain unanswered by our illustrious district attorney. Why? He does answer to the people, doesn't he? Justifiably or not, willingly or not, the district attorney has become deeply mired in the scandal. If there is indeed no substance to any of this, Mr. Oatman, order an independent outside criminal investigation that is not beholden to you, your office, the sheriff, the "Good Old Boys", or other Llano County officials.

While NET commander Brent Nichols and his colleagues are currently trying to put a happy face on their abusive tactics, and repair some self-inflicted public relations damage, this publication will take a very careful look at how they are operating. Sadly, abusive law enforcement and the judges continue to ignore Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendment rights. If you have been a victim of abusive law enforcement, contact me. The ends don't justify the means. Abusive law enforcement will be held responsible for its excesses.

Before we spend an enormous amount of money building a new law enforcement center, and then turn it over to a sheriff who has already demonstrated poor judgement and management ability, let's first take a careful look at the judicial system and the jail, and how both are being run. The feasibility study ordered by county officials is a sham, a joke, and a far cry from what I am suggesting. After all, the outcome is preordained and will be exactly what the commissioners want and expect it to be. ... Sadly, another glaring example of the "kangaroo" nature of county government.

Most pointedly, we do have the best government money can buy. Ironically, we the taxpayers are dearly paying for it. It is time to wake up before these scoundrels successfully wring the life out of the golden goose.

Tim Chorney, Publisher (Scroll Down For Earlier Edition)

*************************March 31, 1999*********************

Well, well, well. What better subject for the inaugural issue of this newsletter than the Llano County Jail? Recently, not only has there been a jail sexual assault scandal, but the escape of two burglars through an unbarred, flimsily screened window. Sheriff Nathan Garrett has had little to nothing to say publicly about either fiasco. Apparently, accountability is reserved for the "unwashed masses", and not the "nobility" or the "Good Old Boys".

"Justice" in Llano County is exquisitely convoluted and really quite remarkable to behold in all its glory. Let me see if I finally understand at least some of this. The first Llano County jail-rape lawsuit tried in Austin rendered a "finding" that a rape did in fact occur. The Sheriff and his minions, however, were found not liable by the same jury.

Since Garrett and the "Boys" are ostensibly not responsible for what goes on in the jail according to the jury, who is? Apparently, the jail either runs itself, or the inmates do. Either way, why are we paying our illustrious sheriff and his cronies.

The stench of "kangaroo" justice is growing increasingly putrid with time, and even more convoluted. Consider the fact that despite a "finding" of rape, the victim is nonetheless expected to now repay the county's legal expenses. Eminently convenient, wouldn't you say? ... Nothing quite like holding the victim responsible for the crime?

The rape victim happened to have been an inmate. Should that have made any difference? Sadly, do any of you think she got what she "deserved"? H-e-l-l-o? Does anyone "deserve" to be raped? The cowardly silence of this community is sickening, appalling, and chilling.

Sadly, all of this smacks of fascism, especially in view of the fact that both our illustrious district attorney as well as the sheriff refused to order an independent outside criminal investigation. Who were they protecting and why? It's not too late for District Attorney Sam Oatman to finally do the right thing, unless he did tamper with a grand jury witness as has been alleged.

Our illustrious district attorney has other problems. His former victims' assistance coordinator was allowed to quietly resign under questionable circumstances last year. Why? To avoid even the slightest appearance of impropriety in his office, why didn't he insist on an independent outside investigation?

The public needs to be reminded that the Llano County grand jury early last year returned an indictment against the jail trusty for the sexual assault of yet another inmate. That indictment was ostensibly dismissed by our illustrious district attorney as part of a plea bargain. Apparently, there are at least two women who have been sexually assaulted in the jail. There may have been more. Others have come forward with allegations. We'll never know for sure unless there is an independent outside criminal investigation of all this.

Sadly, at least two of these inmates are now being financially penalized for having had the audacity to file suit against the county, our stellar sheriff, and the "Good Old Boys". Lawsuits filed against government and abusive officials are extraordinarily difficult to win because of statutes that coddle and protect the corrupt. I applaud these women for their courage.

The jail is owned by the people. It does not belong to the district attorney, the sheriff, or the "Good Old Boys". We, the people, are ultimately responsible for what goes on in there, as well as for what's done in our name. There are too many unanswered questions. It is time to demand an independent outside investigation. If our district attorney and the sheriff are indeed pristine, why are they so opposed to this? What are they so afraid of? Why are they "stone-walling"? Why all of the obfuscation? Who are they protecting? Several of our "favorite sons"?

County Judge J.P. Dodgen thinks the jail-rape scandal is behind us, does he? Well Judge, the investigation is just beginning at this publication. I urge the public to provide me with any information you might have in regard to all of this. I will protect your identity. A terrible injustice has been done to these women. This has to be corrected no matter where the chips fall.

In a civilized society, rape is certainly not an acceptable part of the incarceration process. If these women are willing to come forward, I will certainly print their story. I also encourage anyone else who has been physically or sexually abused in the jail to contact me. Furthermore, if you know of someone who has been, urge them to write me. I am determined to get to the bottom of this. Our illustrious county officials have been all too willing to sweep it under the rug. Why?

Of course, all of this begs yet another question:



Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam Tx. 78609

llanoledger@mailcity.com

Page Updated Tue Oct 9, 2001 1:45pm EDT