The Llano Ledger
Newsletter Text V23
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.
****Special Edition January 13, 2000****
This is a special edition necessitated by breaking news. LMHS has
responded to the Attorney General's ruling of January 6. A copy of the
letter may be found in LMHS V1. Sadly, LMHS had apparently
disingenuously filed the bogus request to buy additional time.
Miraculous how the formal announcement for the Marble Falls Community
Hospital came only days after the AG ruling, -- prior to my review of
the requested documents. The disingenuousness and dishonesty, although
not surprising, are indeed stunning. A complaint will be filed with the
Attorney General, and published on this website. Ethical issues raised
by LMHS abuse of the Open Records Act will surely haunt the
Administrator and his staff. To those of you generously providing
information regarding the new facility, kindly keep it coming. Your
identity will be protected.
Tim Chorney, Publisher
************January 10, 2000************
Months ago, a reader brought a particularly sad and disturbing
example of abuse to my attention. Frankly, it was so gruesome, I had
trouble believing it. It involved County officials viciously turning on
one of their own, -- mercilessly. Initially, few would talk. Those that
would, told a tale stretching credulity, but strongly compelling, and
increasingly credible as the pieces fell into place. Although indeed
murky, enough has surfaced justifying publication.
Apparently, Precinct 2 Constable Bob Cowart didn't fit in well with
the powers-to-be in Llano County for quite a few years. Politics being
what they are, no problem. Right? Think again. Some three years ago,
Llano County Commissioner Duane Steuven decided to examine the
Constable's travel billing records, -- looking for irregularities.
Apparently, the Commissioner found some. Why was he looking in the
first place? Good question. ... It's not even his precinct.
Apparently impressed with himself and his findings, Mr. Steuven
approached District Attorney Sam Oatman. Being the astute political
animal he is, Oatman sat on it, finally ordering Texas Ranger Joey
Gordon to do a "criminal investigation" of the Constable. The Ranger
found nothing. ... Not particularly surprising since Mr. Gordon is the
same "investigator" who also conveniently found "nothing" at the time
of the jail-rapes.
Well, duh. This is Llano County, isn't it? The fox is indeed
incapable of guarding the chicken coop, -- never mind "investigating"
it. Worse yet, Mr. Gordon's critics have been far less charitable than
I, however, cruelly questioning his functional literacy. ... Never a
dull moment in the rough and tumble, no?
All joking aside, this is precisely why it's critical for
authorities to immediately bring in independent outside investigators
should local officials come under suspicion. The appearance alone
requires it. The Constable himself should have publicly demanded it. As
things turned out, it certainly would have been to his advantage.
Ranger Gordon testified before the Llano County Grand Jury
apparently reporting no evidence of criminal intent on the part of the
Constable, or his wife Doris. Apparently, there were billing
irregularities attributable to Ms. Cowart, however, and the Constable
made good on them. The dollar amount is not clear. Not an attorney, I
have been told there has to be criminal intent to indict. Apparently,
there was none, and the Grand Jury no-billed.
"Big deal", you may be thinking. Readers should understand our
illustrious District Attorney allowed the Constable to swing in the
wind for two years before the no-bill. ... Nothing quite like
prosecutorial discretion, no? Again, information is scanty and the
situation is indeed murky. It's quite possible Oatman and the
Commissioners' Court may have been attempting to force Mr. Cowart's
resignation. Truth being a moving target in Llano County, who knows?
... Ask 100 people, you'll get 100 answers. No two identical. Had there
been an independent investigator, Oatman would not have been able to
dawdle for two years, -- while the Constable and his wife swung in the
wind.
Readers should understand the Constable's health deteriorated over the
last three years, apparently due to diabetes. Being elderly, ill, and
feeling abused by the prosecutorial system and the Commissioners'
Court, Mr. Cowart has stubbornly refused to give our illustrious
officials what they apparently wanted most, -- his resignation.
Although not intending to run again, he's refused to resign, and
performs no duties.
Apparently, there is no legal provision for the orderly removal of an
incapacitated elected official. How did the Commissioners' Court rise
to the occasion? They didn't. ... They reduced the Constable's salary
from $12,500 to $350 for the current year ignoring Counsel for the
Constable during budget hearings. -- Nothing quite like Aryan
arrogance, no? Incredible, isn't it? Readers should remember Mr. Cowart
is indeed an elected official. The Commissioners' Court has in effect
disenfranchised the vote and the will of the electorate by attempting
to force a resignation. Nearly salaryless, the Constable is still
covered by County medical insurance. It remains unclear as to whether
he is drawing any expense money. Granted, the public is ill-served by a
Constable who cannot perform his duties. This is clearly NOT the way to
dump him, however, or any one else unfit for duty. In fact, it's
shameful in the not-so-humble view of this writer.
In effect, government "eats" its own. Any Llano County law officer,
official, or employee at any level should indeed be alarmed at the
treatment of the Constable by the Commissioners and the County. Should
you become sick, injured, or disabled on the job, THINK what you might
have to look forward to.
The Constable is of the old school, and has decided against taking
any legal action. Too bad. The truth would have finally come out in
court, -- in all its splendor and glory. Unlike the jail-rapes, this is
one of their own. Interesting, no? Seems Commissioner Steuven set his
sights too low. A far better target would indeed have been the queen
herself, -- Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Lanny Stephenson. An Open
Records examination of Lanny "The Cop" and her billing records is
exquisitely tempting, isn't it?
Still haven't heard from LMHS regarding the Attorney General
ruling. They have 10 calendar days to make the next move. As soon as
the issue is resolved, the LMHS argument for exception will be
published, as well as two documents filed by this publication with the
Attorney General.
As previously reported, requesting a ruling from the Attorney General
was indeed a brilliant stonewalling tactic by the Hospital. After all,
other than credibility and legal fees, they had nothing to lose. LMHS
deceptively bought additional time to finalize arrangements. According
to KHLB radio, Hospital officials are about to formally announce their
expansion plans.
Brilliantly disingenuous, Ernie. Hats off to you and the staff. Nothing
quite like open government. The Hospital lost the ruling, yet bought
valuable additional time through dishonesty. Clearly, the bureaucratic
thing to do. Stonewalling indeed has its price, however, -- months of
additional fodder for this website. Thanks, Ernie. Expect additional
Open Records requests, even though the first two have yet to be
resolved. ... Haven't received a bill yet from Fletcher and the "Boys"?
I was still too sick to present more of the jail stats this
edition. Sorry for the delay. ... The jail isn't going anywhere, -- and
neither is the Sheriff. Yet. I'll certainly eventually get it up. The
next batch deals with relatively minor offenses such as driving with no
license, or liability insurance, etc.. ... The truly petty stuff
loading up the jail. Apparently, the Llano County Kerrville prisoner
population has dropped to zero during November. Interesting, no?
_The Ledger visitor count stands at nearly 5500. 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
****Special Edition January 7, 2000*****
This is a second edition necessitated by breaking news. There has
been a ruling by the Open Records Division in regard to material
previously requested by _The Ledger earlier last year. The documents in
question relate to Llano Memorial Healthcare System (LMHS) plans for
expansion to Marble Falls. It has indeed been a good day for open
government, and the right of the people to know. The ruling may be
found on LMHS V1. Until LMHS indicates whether or not it will comply,
no supporting documents from either LMHS or _The Ledger will be
published. There will be more in Monday's regular edition.
Tim Chorney, Publisher
*************January 3, 2000*************
Caught the flu crud and have felt like the Roadrunner for the last
few days. I've got pain in joints and muscles I forgot I had. ... Feel
like I've been worked over by a sledgehammer. I had originally hoped to
finally get back to the jail statistics in this edition. Numbers
require intense concentration, however, and at the time of this writing
I'm having trouble seeing straight. ... Still too sick, and there is
more interesting reader reaction to the last several editions pointedly
excoriating Llano City and Chamber politics. More precisely, the
unethical Chamber-HCWM merger attempt, as well as the distribution of
corporate welfare to the Chamber.
Considering the amount of mail, City and Chamber issues are quite
important to many. -- They've really struck a chord. Of course, the
recent ratcheting up of pressure and level of pointed rhetoric due to
ongoing egregious stonewalling by several officials are also a factor.
I'm indeed grateful to all who took the time to write. Sadly, not one
had the guts to sign their material, and provide a return address. The
level of fear is indeed high in our community. That's terribly tragic,
-- and disturbing.
From the substance of the mail, many may not have read the Submitted
Materials Policy page on this website. More likely, the fault is mine.
I may not have been clear enough. On the other hand, the overwhelming
fear of the letter writers is stunning. Regardless, for the sake of
clarity, I'll try again: 1. NO reader letters will be published without
a signature and return address. 2. NO reader letters will be published
unless clearly marked "Letter to Editor". 3. If you generously wish to
provide information, sensitive or not, be assured I will NOT disclose
your identity under any circumstances. 4. If you send material highly
critical of this writer and wish to see it published, simply sign it,
provide a return address, and mark it "Letter to Editor". 5. If you
send material critical of this writer, and do not wish to see it
published, sign it anyway, and provide a return address.
Nothing from a reader will be published WITHOUT permission. A
signature and return address on all material ARE important because you
may have provided significant information I may need to follow-up, --
privately with you. The most sensitive material is preferably handled
in person, not snail or e-mail. ... For obvious reasons.
As stated last week, the only way to finally bag our illustrious Chief
Appraiser is to expose outrageous examples of overappraisal. To date,
none of you is willing to allow publication. While such information is
indeed public and easily available from the County, I will not invade
the privacy of citizens by publishing it without permission. It's not
enough, however, to complain about egregious abuse. You have to have
the courage to stand up and publicly challenge it. Otherwise, nothing
changes. If you willingly tolerate it, you get what you deserve.
Although unsigned mail yanks my chain, I DO appreciate the
feedback. Both negative and positive. It isn't necessary to agree. In
fact, the most interesting material is usually negative. Most
importantly, it allows and encourages fine honing of position, and the
improvement of writing skill. Everyone needs a pat on the back once in
awhile, so the positive is appreciated as well. Most of the mail has
been overwhelmingly supportive.
Particular thanks to "The Informed Reader" who generously provided
excerpts apparently from the Attorney General's Handbook on Economic
Development Laws For Texas Cities. It addresses the Local Hotel
Occupancy Tax. Apparently, the material came from one of several legal
eagles who regularly read this publication. I'm indeed grateful, and
will use it to poke holes in corporate welfare. Since there is
significant reader interest, sections will be published over the next
several months.
The material is well-written and will provide readers with what
amounts to an eloquent argument for the "national socialization" of
business. Sadly, followed to its logical extreme, it's indeed a recipe
for "national socialism". While indeed easy to poke holes in, the
material will be of interest since it isn't "legalese", -- at least the
sections provided. Imagine that. A government publication, no less.
During the 80's and 90's citizens finally grew wise to the excesses
of the Left. Happily so. Time for the same with the Right. Either
political extreme is easy to effectively attack rhetorically. Consider
gun control. The Left has clearly never read the Second Amendment or
other writings by the Founders. The people do indeed have a right to
bear arms. -- As ultimate protection from abusive government. Yet, this
precious right is being systematically and foolishly torn away by the
Left. Terribly disturbing.
With the Right dominating political thought currently, welfare
reform was easily passed, -- after several tries. After all, who wants
generational welfare, or people on the dole for a lifetime? This was
quite a problem elsewhere in the nation, and reform was indeed badly
needed. Luckily, this was never much of a problem here in Texas. Men
don't generally receive welfare. -- Only women with dependent children,
-- and not very much at that. The system may need further adjustment,
however, since foodbanks are running critically short across the
country because of drastically increased demand. ... Even here in
Texas, and to the recent chagrin and embarrassment of the Governor. --
Interestingly, at a time of a booming economy. While fascist blow-hards
decry "class envy", foodbank recipients only want to eat. Sad, isn't
it? Incredibly sad.
The Extreme Right argued passionately for welfare reform piously
pontificating "personal responsibility" and "self-reliance", -- while
gleefully laughing all the way to the bank. These supposed
"conservatives" strongly urged religious and other charitable agencies
take up the slack. Sadly, churches and others have not been able to
handle the increased load nationwide. Where's the generosity of the
Right? They're too busy taking care of themselves, lining their own
pockets. Yet, these very same hypocrites are all too willing to support
and strongly endorse corporate welfare.
More pointedly, how can these fascists consider themselves
"conservative"? Interesting, isn't it? Think our bureaucratic leeches
as well as businesses on the taxpayer teat went without this past
Holiday Season? -- There'll be much more to come on this volatile issue
in the next few months. ... After all, "personal responsibility" and
"self-reliance" apply to ALL, -- or none. Not just the "have-nots".
Clearly not bashful, I indeed take great pleasure in excoriating both
political extremes.
Our fine-feathered friend, LISD Superintendent Jack Patton, hasn't
provided information regarding the "Recognized School District"
billboards on several of our highways. The signs serve no apparent
purpose other than as an expensive pat on the back for School
officials. If privately paid, fine. While aggressively stupid and a
waste of money, citizens indeed have the right to spend cash anyway
they choose. If publicly funded, why? To what end? A formal request for
information under the Texas Open Records Act will be sent to our
illustrious fine-feathered bureaucrat who fondly considers himself an
"educator".
Pressure will indeed be ratcheted up on Patton and others. Policy
disagreements are not the issue, stonewalling is. Readers will recall
this writer did not strongly excoriate or figuratively "slap around"
the Llano City Manager or Chief of Police despite their stand on the
renewal of the City contract with the Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET).
Both officials quickly provided information, indeed going out of their
way. Councilman Pinckney is another official of such calibre. Honesty
and candor are indeed critical qualities for a public servant. Clearly,
the aforementioned are fine examples, -- and strong leaders.
Moreover, quality leaders are always responsive to their constituents,
-- whether or not there is agreement. Quality leadership in a republic
means having the ability to stand up for what you believe while
withstanding pointed criticism. Sadly, the stonewaller has no
substance, and relies on Aryan arrogance to make it from one day to the
next. They're easy targets for aggressive publications. Expect
continued dogged pursuit, -- with gusto and relish. ... I'm indeed
grateful for the fodder.
.... Nothing quite like the flu crud. ... They shoot horses, don't
they? Clearly feeling like death warmed over, get an inoculation.
Especially if you're elderly or suffering from chronic illness. Most of
you have insurance. If I'm not mistaken, LMHS is (or was) offering
shots at a reduced rate. ... Do yourself a favor...
Hopefully having returned to the living next week, more of the jail
stats will be presented. After a little over 9 months, _The Ledger
visitor count stands at nearly 5200. Thank you dearly. ... 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 1:28pm EDT