The Llano Ledger
Newsletter Text V61
This Website Is Full. Starting With The December 25, 2000 Newsletter,
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Publisher's Note: Since the October 16, 2000 Newsletter will be long
and involved, posting has begun early. Be sure to read the current
October 9, 2000 edition on Newsletter Text V60. This website is over
90% full. To conserve space, the Lawson Deposition is continued in the
Llano Ledger 2 and can be found by clicking
http://maxpages.com/llanoledger2. T.C. October 9, 2000.
*************October 16, 2000************
The following letter from the General Services Commission was received October 6, 2000:
General Services Commission
P.O. Box 13047
Austin, Tx. 78711
October 3, 2000
The Honorable J.P. Dodgen
County Judge
Llano County
801 Ford Street, Room 101
Llano, TX 78643
RE: OVERCHARGES COMPLAINT-TIM CHORNEY
Dear Judge Dodgen:
This letter is to advise you of the charges that may be applied to
open records requests. In a previous letter I stated these same facts.
Ms. Cheryll Mabray, the Llano County Attorney, responded to my letter
but informed me that she lacked the authority to set charges for your
office. I have been informed that the majority of the county
departments are charging $1.00 per page when copies are requested. The
charge established by the General Services Commission is $.10 per page.
Please note that the Government Code, Chapter 552, 552.262, states the
following:
"The rules adopted by the General Services Commission SHALL BE USED
BY EACH GOVERNMENTAL BODY in determining charges for providing copies
of public information and in determining the charge, deposit, or bond
required for making public information that exists in a paper record
available for inspection, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT OTHER LAWS PROVIDES
FOR CHARGES FOR SPECIFIC KINDS OF PUBLIC INFORMATION." (emphasis added)
The only county offices that have a law that provides for charges
for specific kinds of information are the County Clerk (LGC, Section
118.011), District Clerk (GC, Section 51.318), and County Treasurer
(LGC, Sections 118.141 & 144). All other offices, such as your own,
the Commissioners' Court, the Sheriff's Department, the County Auditor,
the County and District Attorneys, etc. are bound, by law, to charge in
accordance with the rules of the General Services Commission. Please
adjust your fee schedule immediately to reflect the allowable charges,
and apprise me by return mail.
Please note that Governmental Code, Section 552.269, provides that
a governmental body that refuses or fails to follow the rules for
charges adopted by the General Services Commission may be liable for
three times the amount of the overcharge if the governmental body did
not act in good faith in computing the costs. Only a court of law may
determine whether or not the charges were calculated in good faith.
For your convenience, I have enclosed a copy of the Act, the rules
of the General Services Commission, and the sign that must be posted in
accordance with Section 552.205.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel
free to contact me at 512-475-2497, or at
hadassah.schloss@gsc.state.tx.us.
Sincerely,
Hadassah Schloss
Open Records Administrator
Enclosures
cc: Tim Chorney
Publisher
The Llano Ledger
Rt. 2 Box 464A
Buchanan Dam, TX 78609
*****************************************
The following e-mail was received Saturday, October 7, 2000.
Normally, a letter to the editor would be posted in Reader Letters. Due
to the substance, timeliness, relevance, and articulateness of the
material, however, the decision was made to include it in this edition
of the Newsletter. The courage of the writer speaks for itself:
Tim Chorney
Rt 2, Box 464A
Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609
Dear Mr. Chorney,
I was just recently informed about your web page. I welcome someone
who has decided to take a stand on some very serious issues in Llano.
The first issue I would like to address is the hospital. I worked
for the hospital from 1994 to 1998. I had been gone from Llano since
1979. I was born and raised in Llano and graduated from LHS. My
ancestors go back to 1854 in Llano County. When I returned to Llano I
went to work at the hospital first in Home Health and then as Manager
of Human Resources.
Diane Gage was still the Administrator at this time. We as Department
Managers were told 4 to 5 years ago that 50% of rural hospitals in
Texas would close within the next 5 years. Unfortunately, we sadly have
seen this happen. A lot of this does have to do with the Balanced
Budget Act.
I would like to urge the citizens of Llano to attend the monthly Board
meetings that are held. These are open to the public and this is where
you can voice any issues you may have. However, remember they can
always go into executive session and discuss issues that would not be
privileged to the public. Even though I am no longer in Llano, I still
maintain confidentiality about many things that were present while I
was still there.
Mr. Parisi is certainly by no means responsible for the Balanced Budget
Act. However, I have seen many loyal and good employees leave the
hospital. The morale of the hospital is at an all-time low. The
patients can certainly see this. Mr. Parisi is not a people-person. The
concern to maintain honest, dependable, and hard-working employees is
not present unless of course you are in a "key position".
The salaries of some of your key employees are heavy and should
certainly be addressed. There are many areas that costs could have been
reduced to balance out other areas. Unfortunately, you now have
Oncology closing, Cardiac Rehab, Home Health sold and the list goes on.
I am not implying that this would have saved these departments;
however, it may have helped. Mr. Parisi, I understand, told the Board
at the last emergency called Board Meeting he would turn in his
resignation.
I am not a disgruntled former employee. I learned a lot by working
there and there were, and are, some wonderful people that are
associated with the hospital and clinics. I'm just saying the citizens
of Llano that are so concerned need to be aware at all times of what is
going on. I pray that this hospital who has served the people of Llano
County and surrounding areas will not close. It would be devastating to
over 200 employees as well as the people who depend on this facility
for their needs.
The issues regarding your law enforcement and schools are certainly
to be addressed. These will be addressed at a later time. Thank you for
taking a stand.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Johnston
San Antonio, Tx.
*****************************************
See the recent propaganda piece sent to local media by both
Hospital Boards? Since this publication did not receive the open
letter, it will not be posted. Suffice it to say, however, both Boards
are blaming governmental cutbacks for serious financial difficulties,
-- rather than egregious waste and corruption within LMHS
as reported month after month in this publication. Interesting, isn't
it?
Simply put, healthcare recipients are being outrageously shafted.
Indeed by governmental cutbacks as claimed by both Hospital Boards, but
also far more importantly by endless greed, waste, and corruption
within the System.
Conveniently, the Boards, however, never blame themselves nor the
Administrator and other Hospital officials. Never the waste or the
pockets being lined and palms greased. Right, Ernie? Wade? Mindy?
Lance? "Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil". Right, Dr.
Willoughby?
Not surprisingly, the Marble Falls Community Hospital has been
placed on hold. Apparently, the excrement is finally about to hit the
fan. We'll see, won't we? Regardless, Open Records Requests will
continue unabated. With no funds for investigative expenses, however,
no criminal background or credit checks are possible on those targeted.
Why? Look in the mirror. Again, the "generosity" of this readership
is stunning, isn't it? Yet, you disingenuously and dishonestly bitch
and moan about the waste and corruption. Sorry. No sympathy, here.
You're getting precisely what you richly deserve.
Worse yet, your gutless silence is deafening. Enjoy. Reach a little
further into profoundly deep pockets. Shamelessly looted, you whine?
You haven't seen anything yet. Wait. The worst is yet to come. -- Our
officials are far from finished.
On Wednesday, October 11, a little over an hour was spent examining
and copying Hospital records released in response to two Open Records
Requests dated September 21, 2000. Upon leaving LMHS Administrative
Offices, the following letter was handed to Executive Secretary Karen
Kinard:
Ernie Parisi, Administrator/CEO
LMHS
103 W. Lampasas
Llano, Tx. 78643
Re: Open Records Request
October 11, 2000
This is a request for Information under the Public Information Act,
Ch.552, Gov't Code, Public Information. Access to following documents
is respectfully requested:
1. All vouchers, documents, letters, memos, e-mails regarding Hospital expenditures on any and all employee expense accounts.
Sincerely,
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
http://maxpages.com/llanoledger
Rt 2 Box 464A
Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609
cc: Llano Ledger website
*******************************************
The following e-mail was sent October 11 in follow-up:
Ernie Parisi, Administrator/CEO
LMHS
103 W. Lampasas
Llano, Tx. 78643
Re: October 11, 2000 Open Records Request
Dear Mr. Parisi:
In follow-up to the October 11, 2000 Open Records Request handed to
Executive Secretary Karen Kinard earlier this afternoon, the request
should have been limited to records of the last 5 calendar years. The
corrected item should read:
1. All vouchers, documents, letters, memos, e-mails regarding
Hospital expenditures on any and all employee expense accounts for the
last five calendar years.
Sorry for the error and inconvenience.
Sincerely,
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
http://maxpages.com/llanoledger
Rt 2 Box 464A
Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609
cc: Llano Ledger website
********************************************
Amazing how impressed the County "Judge" and his cronies on the
Commissioners' Court are with themselves and their supposed ability to
micro-manage day-to-day Llano County business. -- Despite being
part-time inept bureaucrats, full-time on the taxpayer teat.
Specifically, since J.P. and the "Boys" feel compelled and qualified to
manage day-to-day Library activities, why the hell are taxpayers paying
the salary of a "Director" who is no more than a shill for our corrupt
and abusive officials? Worse yet, Ms. Ray and her colleagues apparently
have absolutely no understanding, regard, nor respect for the First
Amendment.
Then again, this is Llano County, isn't it? Sadly, aggressive
stupidity and cowardice are the norm and handsomely rewarded by elected
white-collar thugs. ... Right, Dian? Verna? Pam?
The definition of a library is the free flow of information and ideas.
Whether popular or not. Whether politically correct or not. Whether
acceptable or not to mob-majority "sensibilities". In fact, the First
Amendment was deliberately written by the Founders to protect unpopular
speech.
In Llano County, however, the First Amendment means nothing to
corrupt and abusive tyrants and their gutless shills in the Library
System. Tyrants like a County "Judge", County Attorney, and
Commissioners who disingenuously and dishonestly swore an oath to
uphold and defend a Constitution protecting free speech, yet who
egregiously and willingly violated the very same oath falsely sworn.
Now, these glaringly abusive fascists are further strengthening their
grip on the throats of Llano County citizens. J.P. and the "Boys" are
outrageously asserting "authority" to tell you what you can and cannot
park on your property. Hear about "junk" car regulations currently
considered by our stellar "leadership"? "Restrictions" to be enforced
throughout the County, not just incorporated areas?
Supposedly duly "authorized" government goons will have the "legal"
power to trespass on "private" property without permission to assess
whether or not a vehicle is lawfully present. Criminal penalties will
be imposed by white collar thugs who fondly call themselves "judges".
Citizens no longer "own" property in the United States. The government
does. If you don't pay the "rent" (taxes), you lose the property you
never really "owned" in the first place. -- Government goons
conveniently find another sucker to leech. Now, these very same white
collar thugs are going to tell you what vehicles are and are not
"acceptable" on "your" property.
Think it's going to get any better? Think again. Sadly, you haven't
seen anything yet. The screwing has only begun. Hat's off, J.P.. You're
certainly right about one thing, -- the people are indeed stupid.
With scarcely 48 hours to digest released LMHS records, no decision
has been made as to what will be posted. Suffice it to say, this writer
has no idea whether or not the September 21, 2000 Open Records Requests
were fully honored. With LMHS in dire financial distress, however, it
would be to the advantage of Hospital officials to fully comply, --
provided there has been no criminal activity or negligence. With highly
questionable expenditures, demonstrable deceit, and egregious
stonewalling for over a year, readers can judge for themselves.
As commonly known, LMHS is a quasi-governmental entity, not a
privately-owned business. Standards of conduct are indeed different.
What may be considered acceptable in private enterprise is often not in
government. Case in point? Reimbursement of employee moving expenses
for public hospitals such as LMHS.
Not being an attorney, this writer has no idea whether such
expenditures are in fact legal. They are, however, highly questionable
in propriety. Especially, since apparently only highest level officials
receive such special treatment. The following three individuals were
reimbursed for moving expenses:
Dr. Henry Theiman, July 15, 1997, $6,228.38.
Ernie Parisi, Administrator/CEO, July 8, 1997, $5,778.62.
Travis Roderick, (Position Unknown), May 21, 1997, $1,645.53.
Readers should clearly understand this writer has no idea if these
were the only employees reimbursed. Without the Gestapo power of a
prosecutor or police investigator, there is no quick or easy way to
determine the truth. While the disclosed expenditures are indeed an
extremely small portion of LMHS operating expenses, why did these
individuals receive special treatment apparently not available to lower
level employees?
The following letter from the County "Judge" was received Saturday,
October 14. "His 'Honor'" has finally deigned to respond to the General
Services Commission. Amazing, isn't it? ... Clearly, however,
unwillingly and not without resistance as demonstrated by his
nitpicking references to "Overhead Charges" and "Other Personnel
Charge". Interesting, isn't it? Hey, J.P., wake up. Remember the oath
you swore? It's time to end the unlawful gouging, "Judge", both in your
office as well as others covered by General Services Commission rules:
J.P. Dodgen
County Judge
801 Ford Street. Room 101
Llano, Texas 78643
Llano County Office
(915) 247-5054
Fax (915) 247-3399
October 6, 2000
Ms. Hadassah Schloss
Open Records Administrator
General Service[s] Commission
1711 San Jacinto
PO Box 13047
Austin, TX 78711-3047
Dear Ms. Schloss:
As per Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Part 5, Chapter 111,
Subchapter C, Rule 111.63, the County Judge's Office of Llano County
will charge $.10 per page or part of a page for standard paper copy.
As per Section (d), the charge for "Other Personnel Charge" may
apply if applicable, as allowed by the Commission. This will not exceed
$15.00 per hour and comply with the Administrative Code.
With reference to Section (2) "Overhead Charges", these will not apply to less than 50 copies.
Should you have any questions about charges by this office or
should this explanation not comply with General Service[s] Commission
Rules, please let me know.
Sincerely,
J.P. Dodgen
Llano County Judge
JPD/jd
Cc: Tim Chorney
Rt. 2 Box 464A
Buchanan Dam, TX 78609
*******************************************
The following e-mail was sent in response to the General Services Commission, Monday, October 16:
Hadassah Schloss
Open Records Administrator
General Services Commission
Re: County Judge Letter-October 6, 2000
Dear Ms. Schloss:
Mr. Dodgen's letter of October 6, 2000 does not address whether or
not other County offices, subject to General Services Commission rules,
will change their fees to comply. The Judge has previously asserted
such compliance would require Commissioners' Court action.
Sincerely,
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
http://maxpages.com/llanoledger
Rt 2 Box 464A
Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609
cc: Llano Ledger website
cc by e-mail: J.P. Dodgen
************************************
The seemingly endless insanity in the Middle East is intensely
disturbing and painful to watch. The loss of life is truly indicative
of "man's inhumanity to his fellow man", isn't it? The senseless loss
of American life is particularly agonizing.
The United States is not and has not been, however, an honest
broker in Israeli-Arab relations. Americans clearly have no
understanding, sympathy, or empathy for legitimate Palestinian
interests and concerns such as sovereignty and the right to land seized
in 1967, never returned by the Israelis.
... Think we, as Americans, would tolerate a similar situation? Think
we, as Texans, wouldn't fight like hell if part of our state was taken
and never returned? Think we wouldn't kill as many of the "enemy" as
possible? Sadly, we never see the other side, -- only what we, in our
arrogance, blindness, and self-serving best interests, wish to see.
While in no way defending or justifying the loss of life and tactics
used by both sides, readers should clearly understand one man's
terrorist may be another's freedom fighter. Sadly, it often depends
upon which side of the conflict is considered.
Think Serbians or Iraqis bombed by the President in the last few years
viewed Clinton as a freedom fighter? Amazing how we never seem to see
things as the other guy does. -- Only the way we want to see them. ...
Whether or not we agree. Until that changes, terror and senseless loss
of life will continue unabated.
Posting of next week's edition, October 23, 2000, will begin
shortly. Look for it on Newsletter Text V62 at the bottom of the Table
of Contents. The visitor count stands in excess of 32,900, -- another
excellent week and true testament to the shameless willingness of the
readership to "steal" this writer's labor. Certainly, you ought to be
proud of yourselves. Nothing quite like "character", is there? Readers
are advised this writer receives no renumeration from the banner and
pop-up advertising. They only pay for the website itself. There is no
personal compensation, nor are there desperately needed funds for
investigative expenses. Non-profit and outrageously unfunded by the
readership it serves due to greed, gut-wrenching fear, and the
continuing relentless intimidation of corrupt and abusive Llano County
officials, this publication remains as always beholden to NO ONE.
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam Tx. 78609
llanoledger@mailcity.com
Page Updated Tue Oct 9, 2001 12:58pm EDT