The Llano Ledger
Newsletter Text V22
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.
***********************December 28, 1999*********************
The Dec. 13 Newsletter, excoriating the distribution of corporate
welfare legally looted from taxpayers to the Llano Chamber of Commerce
and others, elicited another unsigned snail-mail with no return
address. The cowardice of the letter writer is indeed stunning, isn't
it? Apparently, this individual has problems with the factual accuracy
of the Chamber story both here as well as in _The Llano News. If you're
unhappy about _The News, DON'T write me. Write THEM.
If you're unhappy with _The Ledger, have the guts to sign your name
and provide a return address. Just as importantly, clearly state your
objections. ... Having carefully read the letter several times, I still
don't understand the writer's complaint. ... So what if Ms. Eldridge
accepted a reduction in her pay package to help the cash-strapped
Chamber? It's common knowledge and beside the point.
After all, the Chamber is supposedly private enterprise, isn't it? Yet,
it has indeed received corporate welfare (Hotel/Motel Tax Funds)
legally looted from taxpayers, hasn't it? The money will indeed be
ULTIMATELY used to pay the salaries of the Executive Director and
others, won't it? To argue otherwise is sophistry and abuse of
semantics.
Sadly, it's an outrageous example of "welfare". If untrue, the letter
writer should urge Chamber Executive Director Regina Eldridge to
finally communicate with this publication, and set the record straight.
I'm more than willing to meet with her, or publish any signed material
she sends. ... Why does business think it's "entitled" to welfare when
poor women and children are not? Readers are reminded welfare is no
longer considered an entitlement, and there are indeed severe
restrictions on its duration and availability.
... Time as well for businesses to sink or swim on their own, and
finally get off the taxpayer teat. What's good for the goose is good
for the gander. Indeed, "personal responsibility" applies to ALL,
doesn't it? ... Not just the "have-nots". So does self-reliance. I say
this as someone self-employed since graduate school in a variety of
endeavors. ... I know what it's like to lose a business.
For the benefit of the unsigned letter writer, I'm fully aware Jimmy
Stephenson and Mayor Hutto sit on the Hill Country Wildlife Museum
(HCWM) Board. -- Clearly, a conflict of interest in the not-so-humble
view of this writer. Readers should understand such conflicts of
interest are indeed widespread in this community. ... So what else is
new? Sadly, it's the way things are done in Llano County. After all,
the people tolerate it, don't they?
It comes as no surprise Stephenson and Hutto would be unhappy with Ms.
Eldridge's "stand" against the proposed merger. The writer of the
unsigned letter should understand that "stand" WAS INDEED reported in
an earlier edition of this Newsletter. While Stephenson and Hutto may
indeed be "livid" with the Executive Director for digging in her heels,
they ought to be even angrier with me for forcing the issue in this
publication.
Unsigned material will not be published in _The Ledger. Should the
cowardly writer wish to dispute fact and accuracy of anything on this
website, kindly provide signed material with a return address. Anything
properly submitted WILL be published in its entirety with no editing.
Feel free to tweak my beak. Just have the guts to sign it. -- No
obscenity or needless reminders of my familial heritage, etc., please.
... Everyone already knows I'm an S.O. B..
Sadly, the unsigned material was remarkably similar in style to
that of another individual who had earlier generously provided
authentic documentation to this publication, but subsequently lied
about its origin when closely questioned. Apparently, the source did
not trust this writer to protect their identity. While the identity of
a source will NEVER be divulged to anyone under any circumstances, this
writer will publicly criticize ANYONE who lies or worse yet tries to
shamelessly manipulate editorial content or direction of this
publication.
The source had provided excellent information regarding the tactics
used by Babcock, Hutto, and Center to unethically force a merger
between the Chamber and HCWM. Interestingly, this individual was quite
happy to see the fiasco exposed, but apparently got a little more than
bargained for when I went after the Executive Director for her failure
to communicate with this publication.
As Executive Director, Ms. Eldridge is indeed paid to be spokesperson
for the Chamber. By failing to communicate with this publication, she
has clearly refused to do her job. The unsigned letter writer, who has
claimed to be "a Chamber Member for many years", should be more
appropriately appalled at the unwillingness of Ms. Eldridge to
communicate. Sadly, her reluctance is apparently due to the repeated
targeting of her husband, the Chief Appraiser, in this publication.
Her glaring lack of professionalism in refusing to answer questions
should be of concern to all Chamber Members. Ms. Eldridge is indeed a
strong, gifted business leader who should be able to quickly and easily
deal with an unorthodox, hard-hitting, aggressive publication such as
this. If there is nothing to hide, she has nothing to fear and should
have no legitimate reason or objection to providing repeatedly
requested information. Again, the Chamber is the Chamber. The Appraisal
District is the Appraisal District.
Both are indeed separate issues, -- or should be. Her apparent and
understandable personal distaste for me and the continued aggressive
pursuit of the Chief Appraiser, should have no bearing on her Chamber
responsibilities. Should there be, then it's time for her resignation.
The employment of aggressive egregiously officious tactics is just as
offensive and aversive to this writer as it is to their intended
targets. Should the stonewalling end, so will the tactics. Until that
happens, such tactics will continue unabated. Indeed, the pressure will
be ratcheted up. The truth will come out regardless of whose beak's
tweaked, -- including the one belonging to this writer.
The unsigned letter writer also lamented the lack of Chamber support
allegedly from this publication as well as the public. This individual
is gently reminded the exposure of the unethical unwanted merger by
this publication WAS INDEED an act of support. More pointedly, support
is a two-way street, isn't it? Apparently, not in Llano County. This
publication has received no donations or requests for advertising from
any Chamber Members. Not one. Interesting, isn't it? Funny how easy it
is to let the other guy do all the work and take the risk, right? The
greed and hypocrisy are indeed stunning.
Yet, the lack of financial support did not stop this publication from
exposing the merger attempt. -- Nor will it stop the reporting of any
future abusive tactics used by city officials against the Chamber.
There is NO quid pro quo. Clearly, money is not the issue. Truth is.
Apparently, the unsigned letter writer only wants "positive"
information published, -- not the "negative" such as problems with the
unwillingness of the Executive Director to communicate, or the
acceptance of corporate welfare by the Chamber. Sorry. It all gets
placed into the public arena, regardless of whose beak's tweaked. --
The good, the bad, and the ugly. ALL of it. Readers THEN can make an
educated judgement for themselves.
Equally pointedly, my only loyalty is to the truth and the best
interests of all Llano County citizens, -- not to anyone in particular.
Sadly, "truth" is an elusive scarce commodity, especially in this
County. More pointedly, a moving target. Everyone spoken to has a
different story, viewpoint, "take", etc., regarding the seemingly
simplest of issues, -- including corporate welfare. The shading or
distortion of reality by so many here is truly staggering. This is why
the word "apparently" is so often used in this publication.
Compounding the search for the truth is the disingenuousness, outright
lying, and stonewalling of so many of our public officials, as well as
business leaders. Every periodical, funded or not, is faced with
merciless deadlines as well as the responsibility to get it right, --
the first time around. Unpaid, I do the best I can, -- with little to
no resources. ..... Clearly, I've GOT to be nuts..... If you have a
complaint, kindly have the guts to sign it. As always, this writer
stands behind this publication and its content.
As far as public support of the Chamber is concerned, Members need
to take a hard look at how they do business. Numerous Llano City and
County residents refuse to shop Llano because of outrageous prices.
Sadly, they prefer Wal-Mart and willingly travel to Marble Falls.
Incredibly, Llano had the opportunity for a Wal-Mart, but foolishly
wanted no part of it. Marble Falls wisely benefited from Llano's
shortsightedness and aggressive stupidity. Burnet County businesses
indeed benefited from the addition of the Supercenter. Competition did
NOT hurt Marble Falls small businesses. On the contrary. Everyone in
the community benefited, and Marble Falls has grown immensely because
of it.
So much so in fact (and as previously reported), LMHS announced
expansion plans. THERE, NOT HERE. H-e-l-l-o? Time to wake up. The
silence of the Chamber is deafening. The hypocrisy is indeed
staggering. Why? Because LMHS is a Chamber Member. Yet, it is
essentially a Llano County quasi-governmental HMO, owned by taxpayers,
clearly planning to dump millions in Marble Falls. Don't cha' love it?
Nothing quite like supporting the LOCAL economy, no? Truly stunning.
Sadly, Llano wanted no part of Wal-Mart because it would have
threatened the stranglehold several greedy local families have on this
community. Pitiful.
Equally pointedly, the City of Llano desperately needs an HEB.
Sadly, a prominent realtor and columnist recently argued against it.
Why??? Service at one of the two existing supermarkets is egregiously
poor. Food prices at both are outrageously high compared to Kingsland,
Burnet, Marble Falls, etc.. Yet, area businesses want no part of a new
HEB. Again, extremely short-sighted and selfish. -- Reminiscent of the
Wal-Mart fiasco years ago.
Apparently, Llano businesses have little to no understanding or
conception of free enterprise or the risk it entails. Capitalism means
having the right to succeed OR FAIL. Again, having always been
self-employed, this writer is intimately familiar with both, --
painfully so. Equally pointedly, local businesses not only expect and
want corporate welfare and tax breaks, but protection from competition
as well. Opposition to Wal-Mart and HEB is proof positive. --
Remarkably socialistic, isn't it? ... Or dare I say "liberal"? Where's
the outrage of the Extreme Right? ... As long as they get theirs, no
problem. Right?
The unsigned letter writer needlessly lamented the tearing down of
the Chamber by this publication. After all, Llano enjoys a strong
Chamber capable of withstanding pointed criticism as well as
desperately needed change. A fresh approach, a little creativity,
honesty, and candor, -- coupled with the ability to operate free from
undue influence and unethical tactics by city officials, would go a
long way to solving many of the Chamber's problems.
When the Executive Director was appointed, this writer had strong
reservations due to her relationship with the Chief Appraiser. My
concern was that her appointment would have given the Chief Appraiser
undue influence over Chamber Members. Happily, there is NO evidence of
this. After all, he's too busy targeting and shafting lakes' area
taxpayers from Tow to Horseshoe Bay.
Aggrieved citizens need to allow publication of particularly
egregious examples. -- Sadly, it's the only way to bag this turkey.
Long-time readers know Gary Eldridge has been targeted numerous times
on this website for the egregious overappraisal of properties in Llano
County. His performance and that of his cronies raise serious questions
of competency at the very least, -- if not worse.
Despite her egregious stonewalling, Regina Eldridge is indeed a
strong, gifted business leader who needs to be allowed to operate free
of interference from corrupt and abusive Llano City officials. Should
the shenanigans continue, they'll immediately be reported. If Chamber
Members are truly concerned with public image and perception, why pay a
spokesperson to egregiously stonewall? Clearly, another example of
aggressive stupidity. More pointedly, if Ms. Eldridge is incapable or
unwilling to communicate, she should be fired. The Executive Director
is extremely good at painting a "happy face" on the Chamber and its
activities. The fluff is indeed impressive. Where is the substance?
Notice the School District billboards just inside of Llano City
limits on 29 as well as 1431 in Kingsland? LISD Superintendent Jack
Patton has ignored an e-mail inquiry. If the taxpayers are not in fact
paying for it, who is and why? Apparently, our new fearless leader
doesn't want you to know. What do you think? Why not ask Jack yourself?
He can be reached at jpatton@llano.k12.tx.us or 915-247-4747. Don't be
bashful. ASK Jack. Although he won't communicate with me, maybe he'll
talk to you. While you're at it, be sure to ask why long-time crony Sid
Schmidt was appointed Maintenance Manager while equally or better
qualified long-term LISD employees were bypassed for promotion.
... Again, don't be bashful.. ASK Jack. After all, it's your right
to know. Be nice, though. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. After all,
we're going to be stuck with our fine feathered friend for the next few
years. His cronies on the School Board have given him a vote of
confidence and extended his contract. Aren't we lucky? Help me pluck a
tail feather or two, won't you? ... By the way, Jack's been appointed a
Board Member of the Llano Chamber of Commerce. How about that??? Isn't
that special? Don't ya' love it? Don't forget to congratulate him for
me, and say hello. Small world, no doubt? ... Oh, what webs we
weave....
... A gentle reminder: As previously mentioned, the pop-up and
banner advertising belongs to Maxpages. _The Ledger receives no income
from either, and remains non-profit. As always, this publication needs
and appreciates donations from readers. Sadly, no other publication is
willing to challenge corrupt and abusive officials. Readers can expect
continued aggressive, relentless, officious, tireless pursuit of our
most egregious offenders. ... Figuratively speaking, a "take no
prisoners" approach, regardless of whose toes are stepped on, feathers
ruffled, tail feathers plucked, or beak tweaked. Things CAN change in
our community. Be part of it. Help me to help you. Support this
publication.
Tim Chorney, Publisher
Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam Tx. 78609
llanoledger@mailcity.com
Page Updated Tue Oct 9, 2001 1:29pm EDT