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Editorials
Saturday, 31 March 2007

What are we?  What is Jacksonville?  Are we the epitome of the Deep South?  Or are we a forgotten, yet finally coming-along part of Florida?  Are we still more like South Georgia than anything else?  Do backwater politicians hold us back?  Are we progressing as a city with all our natural assets should be?  Questions such as these are on our minds as we come out of the latest Jacksonville elections.

We had near record-low voter turn out.  Why is that?  Could it be that we have lost complete faith in our city's leaders?  Who really is leading our city anyway?  Do we have true leaders, or are we just floundering while cities all around us enjoy prosperity and advancement? What the hell is going on Jacksonville?

We seek to find answers to these and many other disturbing questions as we look at who makes our city go round.  Who are these people?  We should be aware of them, or perhaps even BEWARE them.

THE 26...


Mike Hightower - There are three people that currently run the city of Jacksonville and control Gate/Peyton.  Hightower is THE main player in this unholy trifecta.  He appears to have veto power over any Gate/Peyton moves that are made or that may come as a recommendation of the unholy trifecta.   In addition to these duties, he is the current chairman of the Duval County Republican party.  To protect his power stranglehold, Hightower is an unwavering supporter of Gate/Peyton - even to the point of breaking party rules by acting as Gate/Peyton's chief fundraiser in the 2007 election - even when there were other Republicans in the race.  He is the epitome of a GOB (good ole boy).  Hightower is backwater and goofy and currently has too much power.  He will undoubtedly continue to HURT Jacksonville.
 
Adam Hollingsworth
- the Mayor's all powerful second in command, doesnt seem like the deadly one in the dark trifecta, but he is.   Resembling a little league dad, almost no one suspects his ability to keep his fingers tied to every string in city government.  His habit of being online approximately 18 hours a day makes him even more insidious.  Adam Hollingsworth is the online Moriarty of City Government.  More should be said, but hes probably listening...
 
Susie Wiles - Here we have the 3rd and final piece of the unholy trifecta that runs Jacksonville currently.  Wiles is like that feral cat in your backyard that just won't go away.  She served under Mayor Delaney and somehow managed to stay in City Hall after Gate/Peyton took office in 2003.  We marvel at this feat because during the mayoral election of 2003, Wiles worked on the campaign to elect Mike Weinstein.  Wiles now serves as a spin doctor for Gate/Peyton.  If you've ever seen her twist and manipulate words for a FOX30 evening news special, you know that Wiles HURTS Jacksonville.
 
Bruce Barcelo - Barcelo is political pollster who operates in political arenas throughout the state of Florida.  He is well-known for being a power-broker in the Republican Party of Duval County.  He was one of the GOB's present at the coming to Jesus meeting of John Peyton and Toney Sleiman over the "Landing issue" in 2006.  It is thought that Barcelo's last minute involvement in the quarrel prevented Sleiman from filing several lawsuits against the city and Peyton.  He is located here in Jacksonville and has an extremely boring website.  He is a paid political consultant and his strong affiliation with Gate/Peyton make him more likely to HURT Jacksonville than to HELP it.

Daniel Davis - Davis is the frat boy of City Council, complete with a trophy wife and everything.  In addition to this, he is the president of the NE Florida Builders Association.  Davis's firm encampment with sprawling suburban developers (look for him to be a HUGE supporter of the Outer Beltway) and the Peyton/Gate administration render him impotent to HELP Jacksonville.  The thought of Davis actually winning the post of Mayor in 2011 (yes Daniel, we know that is what you are trying for), is simply laughable.

Toney Sleiman - Sleiman is publicly famous for being the man that owns and is currently revitalizing the Jacksonville Landing.  Prior to this though, Sleiman's real money was made in strip mall development around town and throughout the state. Sleiman claims to have a desire to see downtown Jacksonville become a thriving place, but the motive is more likely money and ego than what is best for the city. This isn't necessarily a bad thing though. Downtown Jacksonville needs hard core capitalists to drive it forward. Can Toney make it happen?  We think that Toney's capitalistic drive will overcome any political affiliations he may have and he will HELP Jacksonville.

Mary Kelli-Palka - Mary is the Times-Union city hall beat journalist.  Mary is known as the "soft" reporter in local government circles.  The citizens of Jacksonville long for real news - to find the story behind the story when it comes to what goes on within the civic leadership of the city.  Though Mary has had some limited success, she falls short with the majority of her stories.  As long as Mary continues to allow those in City Hall go unchallenged in her journalistic endeavors, she will continue to HURT Jacksonville more than she HELPS it.
 
Tom Petway - Petway is part owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  He is also a well-known large fundraiser for the Republican Party of Duval County.  Petway does a fairly good job of not exposing his thoughts or actions too publicly.  If there is such a thing, it is thought that Petway is one of the better GOBs out there.  Placing Petway's political involvement aside, we praise he and Wayne Weaver's role in bringing the Jaguars here.  We have high hopes that Petway will put politics aside and continue to HELP Jacksonville.

Michael Blaylock - Blaylock is a good man caught in a bad system.  Blaylock serves as Executive Director for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA).  JTA is most infamous for its current outrageous BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) plan that is estimated to cost taxpayers almost $1 billion and will not be operational for over 20 years.  In the face of this ridiculous plan that is being forced upon him by the JTA Board of Directors - and others within the JTA staff -  Blaylock appears to be the sole voice of reason.  If Blaylock can somehow rise up against the tide that has been building for years in support of the fault-filled BRT plan (commuter rail is a MUCH better choice), we feel he would have a legendary reputation for HELPING Jacksonville.
 
Chris Hionedes - Hionedes is one of the largest property owners in downtown and Springfield. He is single handedly holding back progress in these two neighborhoods with his un-rented and poorly maintained properties. Chris has the potential to HELP Jacksonville, but not if he maintains his current business model.

Ron Barton - Barton was brought back to Jacksonville a couple of years ago when he was appointed by Gate/Peyton as the JEDC Director.  Barton says he is a man of action.  While he can be a bit feisty, arrogant, and really doesn't like to be held accountable (why did you choose to work in the public sector Ron?), we feel that Barton's strengths and track record far outweigh his weaknesses.  Though his Deputy Director may say he himself actually does more work than Barton, we feel Barton is a nice fit for the JEDC Director position.  Hopefully long after Gate/Peyton is gone, Barton will stay with the city in some fashion to continue HELPING Jacksonville.

Don Redman - Redman is currently running for City Council District 4 that is partially located in downtown Jacksonville.  Don Redman is a threat to a thriving downtown. His ultra puritanical views would prevent him from promoting a downtown that a normal person would enjoy visiting.  According to several sources, Redman is favored to win in the run-off election in April against the better candidate - George Banks.  If Redman does win, there is no doubt that he will HURT Jacksonville.

Rick Hartley - Hartley is a wealthy individual who owns Hartley Press Company here in Jacksonville.  He challenged Mike Hightower at the end of 2006 for the chairmanship of the Duval County Republican Party.  Hartley ran on a platform of party reform - always a good thing in a firmly established GOB system.  Keep an eye on Hartley, as he could HELP Jacksonville.

Jack Diamond - Diamond is an aging architect who was given powers over and above those he should've ever received.  He was instrumental in forming city policy and physically shaping (destroying) major parts of the inner core of the city.  Due to the good ole boy river that runs deep here, Diamond still holds onto this power today.  Keep an eye on Diamond - as long as GOB's rule the city, chances are great that he will continue to ignorantly DESTROY downtown Jacksonville.

Ben Carter - Carter is responsible for the development of the St. Johns Town Center.  More recently, Carter was asked to come up with creative solutions to downtown's development problems. For some reason, the City and JEDC regard Carter as some kind urban minded land planner with the knowledge it takes to redevelop a city's core. Ben Carter has experience developing forests into strip malls, but that is not even close to redeveloping an inner city. If you have been to the St Johns Town Center, with its cars, parking lots, and Super Target, it resembles a Super Wal-Mart more than an urbanized downtown.  While Carter has the potential to do good for the city, we are fearful of his lack of urban development experience and therefore fearful of his ability to HURT downtown Jacksonville.

Jim Bailey - Bailey is the owner of Bailey Publishing and Communications, Inc., which publishes the Jacksonville Financial News and Daily Record along with the now defunct Downtown Weekly and several other boring real estate and golf publications. Although the Daily Record has a weak website, they are the official court newspaper of Duval County. This means that most people that give them money are doing so because a public notice was required by law.  While Bailey is a key provider of important city information, his delving into city politics (he is a fairly respected GOB), have had some questionable results. The jury is still out whether Bailey can help redevelop downtown and HELP Jacksonville.

Cameron Kuhn - Kuhn is a commercial real estate developer from Orlando.  He is a newcomer to Jacksonville and has acquired several key downtown pieces of property, including the Laura Trio, the Barnett Bank, and the SunTrust tower. He also intends to construct a new condo tower on the Humana land across from the Landing. Kuhn's reputation in Orlando is not the greatest. Although he has been very successful in pushing Downtown Orlando's revitalization forward, he is viewed as a cut-throat businessman that pushes his projects through at all costs. Hopefully he can cut through Jacksonville's red tape and get something done in this city as well.  We have very high expectations that Kuhn will HELP Jacksonville.

John Daigle - Daigle is a former Times-Union journalist turned political consultant.  He is known for being the chief paid political consultant for the Better Westside Project that was formed to keep the Navy out of Cecil Field.  Since by nature he can be bought or sold, the jury is still out whether Daigle will HELP or HURT Jacksonville.  

Mike Hogan - Hogan is currently the elected Tax Collector of Duval County.  After Mike Weinstein's announcement of his intentions to run for State Representative, it is thought in many circles that Hogan has the inside track to win the office of mayor in 2011.  Hogan is a conservative Republican who served one term on the City Council.  Little else is known about Hogan at this time, so it remains to be seen whether he will HELP or HURT Jacksonville.

Corrine Brown - "Corrine Deliva!!"  Or that is what she always says come re-election time here in Jacksonville.  Brown is a Congressional Rep that represents a meandering Congressional District that partially runs through Jacksonville.  She may be best known for a scandal in which allegations surfaced that Brown's daughter had received a $50,000 Lexus LS 400 automobile as a gift from an agent of a Gambian millionaire.  Brown had been working to free the millionaire from prison after he pleaded guilty to charges of bribing a customs officer.  Brown has been in office for far too long and has done far too little for this area to show for her time in D.C.  Her continued representation of the area will only further HURT Jacksonville.

Rick Mullaney - Mullaney is the General Counsel for the city of Jacksonville.  He is an established figurehead in the legal and GOB arenas.  Unfortunately, Mullaney has repeatedly shown that he and his legal staff are more than willing to ignore laws and procedures to accommodate the wishes of the Gate/Peyton administration.  A case in point includes the 1st Timothy incident in 2006 when the mayor approved a gift of over $1 million to a church - clearly illegal.  Mullaney's team saw not one problem with it.  The ordinance was eventually defeated by City Council (only after a re-vote) after the mayor and the council were called to the carpet by the citizens. Rick Mullaney HURTS Jacksonville.

Bill Gay Sr. - Gay is the owner of the engineering firm W.W. Gay.  Gay is a well-known and influential fund-raiser for the Republican Party.  He is an older gentleman and is also known to be somewhat established in the camps of Gate/Peyton and the esteemed GOB system.  Gay has a lot of money, but is not totally sold out to the GOB system.  We think that under the right conditions, Gay could HELP Jacksonville.

Craig Van Horne - Van Horne is a Springfield developer that has run into some trouble getting his projects off the ground. It is rumored that Craig can be a difficult landlord and has lost several renters due to overpricing his properties.  People rarely change overnight.  This being the case, until he is ready to cash out on his multiple properties, Van Horne will more than likely continue to HURT the progress of the redevelopment of Springfield area of Jacksonville.

Paul McCormick - McCormick is the most well-known political consultant in the city.  He helped John Peyton win the 2003 mayoral election.  This only happened though after he abandoned Mike Weinstein in mid-campaign.  Like Daigle, by nature of his occupation, the only way to know if McCormick will HELP or HURT Jacksonville is by taking a look at who has the deepest pockets.
 
Owen Holmes - Holmes is the hard-hitting journalist who currently works for Folio Weekly.  Holmes (along with Susan Cooper-Eastman) is one of the few journalists left in this city that refuse to take the spin that regularly comes out of City Hall like slow-poured maple syrup.  We applaud his work and are a big fan of his newest gig - one of the regular guests on WJCT's "Week in Review".  As long as Owen remains Owen, he'll be HELPING Jacksonville.
 
Ken Underwood - Underwood, a Republican, came out of the woodwork in 2006 to give $100,000 of his own money to fund a marketing campaign to bring the Navy back to Cecil Field.  Though the city and the Better Westside Project attempted repeatedly to fight his efforts to put the issue to the voters, Underwood triumphed. Though the issue was defeated by the voters on the ballot, Underwood established name recognition and his willingness - nay the balls - to not tow the party line.  We admire this and feel Underwood could be a strong force in the future to HELP Jacksonville.

 
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>> 37 Comments
Concerned Citizen
March 31, 2007, 6:35 am


Let's not forget Harry Shorstein, The most disgraceful person in Jacksonville.

www.HarryShorstein.com
mark
March 31, 2007, 7:24 am
who the hell is kevin anyways

i read the times union artical on this kevin guy.sounds like a pathitic whiner, with nothing better to do then harrass the mayor and his staff.the rest of us normal people in jax are  busy working to improve the city and our life styles........... while he sits around complaining.get off your ass and do something about it kev ! if you took the time you spend complaining about the city and its leaders,and planted some flowers around your neighborhood,youd probley get more satisfaction.
thomas
March 31, 2007, 8:53 am
different...

What is this site about?  This was a very interesting article.  So THIS is the 26?  And who are the other 4 people that are in the metrojacksonville.com group that the newspaper story was on?  All this build-up press - i guess to point out the 26 "drivers" of Jacksonville?  I guess it did get our attention.
JUSTDAVE
March 31, 2007, 9:05 am
Thanks for taking a stand Mark, but no thanks

If Kevin is just whining then tell us what he is so wrong about. If anybody needs to get off his ass you do Mark. Many people are trying to change this city, sometimes you beat the system sometimes you just make the system justify what it is doing and define parameters for sucess and failure. We need 20 more Kevins and no more Marks. (unless Mark can look for something to do besides whining about other people whining)  
stephendare
March 31, 2007, 9:21 am
This really should be signed

If we are going to take pot shots at the other people in downtown, then by god, these pieces should be listed under 'opinion' or signed by the person who writes them.

Its not really clear that this is supposed to be satire, and since not everyone on the board feels this way, it should be labelled instead of put out here as a group opinion.

Especially since some of the asinineness is just easy pot shot taking and doesn't bear any relationship whatsoever to the reality based community.

I know this is supposed to be funny and tongue in cheek, but it still needs to be a lot more clear.

Seriously.

Stephen Dare
MetroJacksonville.com Board Member.
Joel Jones
March 31, 2007, 10:07 am
This isn't THE beware the 26 that we've been seeing...

All the commercials said that the actual Beware the 26 campaign wouldn't be revealed until Sunday, in the Times-Union....

Furthermore, the "logo" used at the top is not the "official" Beware the 26 logo. Not to mention, none of the people mentioned in this editorial are pictured in the Beware the 26 website.

This is just someone capitalizing on a pre-existing campaign to get their idea across.
JAX can be a better place
March 31, 2007, 10:20 am
Tend to agree with this assessment....

The trifecta is holding back Jacksonville!  

After weeding through the Times-Union article, this site and the blog--although the content is meant to get both action and reaction--the underlying tenets of what is being said are true.  After living in major cities (i.e., London, NYC, SF, CHI, DC) and witnessing many cities get revitalized by their community leaders( i.e. DC, Charlotte, Chicago, Tampa, Dublin) this town needs a VISION!!  Jacksonville could be a thriving economic center if the good ole boys can get their act together and focus on the long-term goal not short-term gain of their friends.  This area especially Duval and St Johns have a plethora of experienced talent (retired CEOs, politicians, executives) that can help in the growth--but we all leave on Monday morning to work elsewhere (and return on Friday) because this town doesn't offer an economic life for these human resources to remain here to work.

Core issues abound more than just the Gate/Peyton monarchy ruling the area:

1) Newspaper--the Times Union isn't a paper it is an "article clippings" of AP stories--get some real reporters to cover the issues of the area.  I experience ground hog day every weekend from reading all the articles from other newspapers earlier.

2) Technology and innovation--there are fewer then 5 technology companies in this area--which is a proven industry to expedite growth in a region--attract and incent technology leaders to this area.

3) Corporate Multi-nationals--get large corporations to move here at least large chunks of their organization so good ole boy decisions are displaced by true economic decisions.

4) Sports--this town cares more about football, basketball and old university rivalries then seeing the potential of Jacksonville as a large southern commerce center (for God sake we can't even get someone to sponsor the new name of the stadium).

5) Military--the Peyton debacle of Cecil Field has left a bitter taste in the military community, thus Jacksonville is losing a connection to a very committed and loyal community base.

6) Inbreeding--too many families control the economics of this city--once New Yorkers and other metro folks see the potential--the in breeders will be done because they will be out-smarted, out-gunned and out-earned.

Give educated, high earners and active people a reason to move here!  If you attract them they will contribute and participate in the vitality of this place.  As an international executive (that could bring  high-end 1000+ jobs to the area) until the Peyton strong-hold of Jax is loosened--I will work elsewhere and just enjoy my houses on the beach--this admininstration isn't worthy of my assistance to help.


FrankR
March 31, 2007, 10:40 am
great comments

^ great comment above. Jacksonville's day is coming.
Zzzzzz
March 31, 2007, 11:53 am
More whining

The purpose of this article is what?  
THE CREDIBILITY OF THIS SITE IS BEING RUINED BY SUCH JUVENILE BANTER.

Is the purpose of this site to shed light on the issues pertaining to downtown, and potential solutions?
Or is it to take potshots at various leaders and citizens of Jacksonville?  

Do all of the owners/key contributors of this site agree with the above blather?  This garbage is basically written at the level of the "rants and raves" section of the T-U, which is near worthless in content and insight.

Sad, sad, sad.  Does someone need to see a therapist?  Seriously.
bethany
March 31, 2007, 12:13 pm
wtf?

this cant be what they were talking about, as someone else said these people were not pictured in the original website and another website i have gone to shows people from all over the states sees this shit, so...its not just about jax.   here is that site  http://unfjoel.livejournal.com/188298.html
JWS
March 31, 2007, 12:29 pm
agree and disagree

yes there has been more whining than usual on this site recently it seems, but come on, who can disagree.  I know that the people running this site are not only whining tho, they are helping to bring about change.  The truth is tho, that the articles on solutions to prolems and ideas contribute more and are more interesting than rants and raves.  Anyone can complain, but very few people can actually come up with answers.  Keep to the answers and you will wield more power and influence than someone who just moans about lack of answers/bad solutions and "GOB."  The GOB reference is actually not very effective.  I am a member of the GOP but definitely not the GOB, so to slightly tie the two togther is quite a misrepresentation.
hotrod_J
March 31, 2007, 12:58 pm
in response to a few previous comments

I definitely don't want to turn this into an annoying Republican/Democrat debate, but all I will say that IN OUR PARTICULAR CITY, there is no denying that FOR THE MOST PART, the GOP DOES equal the GOB.  That's not saying the opposite isn't true in other cities - it's just that right here, right now, the two are uncomfortably one in the same far too often.  I think the poster from earlier today was correct - as the city grows and matures and attracts more talent from up north, the GOB (whether GOP or not) will be ran out.  I look forward to that day.

In regards to the article, I think many of today's posters may be new to the site.  I have been here for over 4 months now.  Before you go running your mouth about how uninformed and useless their work is, you should look at the other stuff this group does.  They actually offer SOLUTIONS to the city's problems.  I would say the site is about 80% solutions and 20% pointing out problems (in a rather spectacular way sometimes).  Sounds like an effective mix to me.
JR Smith
March 31, 2007, 1:12 pm
as a long time reader

As a "long time" reader of this site, I find it a little disturbing that the amazing studies and solutions that are put together are met with little response from readers. It seems like readers either don't understand what is being said, or are simply bored by it.

Only when something slightly controversial appears do people feel the need to chime in and start chastising; calling the creators of this site whiners and complainers. To the commenters that do not like this article, I would recommend browsing around and looking at some of the other amazing content and maybe adding your own constructive thoughts to some of the well thought out proposals.
JUSTDAVE
March 31, 2007, 1:52 pm
Go JR Smith go

My thoughts exactly (except better stated) I would add please look at what is in the typical campaign mailing for candidates of city council (or most any elected office for that matter). I guess people don't like substance. Gradually sites like metrojacksonville.com will find its more intellegent audience, and politicians will have to actually discuss issues.  
mark
March 31, 2007, 3:36 pm
intellegent audience ?

this bozo alters a picture of the mayors family, and you talk about intellegent people.maybe some people like the way the city is run, like the 75 % who didnt vote.its easy to sit back and judge others like i am doing to kevin,its even fun as he called it.but im not questioning the way the mayor runs the city, just how some clown treats him and his staff.
FED
March 31, 2007, 10:54 pm
Do You Really Care???

All of this complaining about "What has the city done for me?"  Give me a break.  It's all about why hasn't the city made itself a better place after I invested money into the "revitalization" of it?!  You have nothing more than financial investments and want to see them make good on their promises in order to help you make a profit, pure and simple.  You are a bunch of idiots.  Using a slogan such as "BEWARE THE 26," when you don't even know what it means or why it has been spotted on billboards around town.  Hope you know what you’re doing by associating yourself with what is the "unknown."  You want to help?  Try locally, nationally, how about globally?  Then pick up a rifle, stand a post and serve your country as I have.  If not, shut your mouth because you are not doing the most that you can do to "better" your community.  Quit your bitching against the minor currents and get in the game, this isn't the time to worry about how much money I can make, it is about survival.  Not of just Our Country, but the Christian principles it was founded upon.  We are at war as a nation.  I know that it has been five years, but terrorism is something that we cannot easily defeat.  Kevin Conner was presented with the option of going into the Reserves and he scoffed at it because it would interfere with his "financial plan."  Do something worthwhile and truly productive for the community instead of "reporting" and complaining on a website.
stephendare
April 1, 2007, 12:03 am
Wow Fed.

you sound like a real jerk.

no offense.
hotrod_J
April 1, 2007, 12:07 am
hey Fed...

are you still living out of the "Millenium Y2K Disaster" stockpiled rations you have in the cellar?
JR Smith
April 1, 2007, 1:42 am
FED sounds like more than a jerk...

he sounds like a full blown psychopath.
Carlton
April 1, 2007, 3:28 am
The Beast

What about the beast Norman Thagard, history's greatest monster?
The E
April 1, 2007, 9:22 am
Worthless

It would have been nice if this article contained any content and not a slashing of people's integrity without  any facts
Simone
April 1, 2007, 11:51 am
It sounds like

you did not even read the arcticle "The E".  
enrique morales
April 1, 2007, 12:22 pm
Crying won't help you.

The person who wrote this piece is a fool.   He obviously does not like people with money.  I am not wealthy, but I hope, by working hard, like most of the people listed, I will also be wealthy.  This idiot needs to stop his crying.  
myesha
April 1, 2007, 4:10 pm
beware the 26

this was all so stupid it got everyone all excited over this foolishness
g-money
April 1, 2007, 8:37 pm
RICH Enrique

Enrique - why did you think this was all about money?  Getting rich?  Well good for you buddy.  Go get rich.  But what does that have to do with anything in the piece?
solomon
April 2, 2007, 12:00 pm
reality

Heres the real question. How many posters are even native to the jacksonville area probably zero. With that being said the GOB epidemic is real.
Jen
April 2, 2007, 7:02 pm
So confused

So if this whole 26 thing was about those 26 people mentioned above then why is it when i go to www.bewarethe26.com I find an ad for the Florida times union. The ad states that 26 percent of our community does not read the paper.  Is that what this whole beware the 26 is really about or is it this article?
02roadking
April 3, 2007, 7:35 am


Jen, the T/U Beware the 26 was/is an ad campaign for them. This Peware the 26 was just to playing  off of it.
An old government wonk
April 7, 2007, 2:12 pm
Hello, what next?

The 26 listed are not the movers and shakers that make Jacksonville operate. Some are surrogates of the power structure but only surrogates. There is a way to determine how decisions are made and the heirachy of decision makers, it was not used by whomever wrote this.
Janet
April 10, 2007, 8:53 am
Okay.....

What the hell did I just read?  And just what is the relevance?  Kevin, darling, did someone take your ball and go home?
Pensive Crow
April 24, 2007, 10:02 am
Well then, why don't you grace us...

Reply to this comment:  "There is a way to determine how decisions are made and the heirachy of decision makers, it was not used by whomever wrote this."

Well then, "An old gov'erment wonk", if you're so informed of the "power structure" and the ways of the hierarchical  decision-making process...it doesn't do anyone much good to just tease us.  Does it?  Why don't you share your knowledge with the rest of us?  Please elaborate.
Lisa
April 25, 2007, 12:44 pm
Ridiculous Article

This is an absurd article and has completely inaccurate information. If you are going to write an article on the above people, at least get your facts straight. The information in the above article is just opinion and not actually factual...Get a life!
R. Couture
April 25, 2007, 1:03 pm
You're a tool.

Although you may have some of the names right, you clearly haven't done your homework and let your personal agenda guide you. Great job!
Spider Man
April 25, 2007, 1:47 pm
Lisa Rowe?

is that you?
E. Waters
April 25, 2007, 3:03 pm
Interesting comments

R. Couture, who's agenda should they be following?

After all, it is just an editorial, not an encyclopedia of facts.
A concerned citizen
May 19, 2007, 10:03 pm
Ken Underwood is only #26 on your list?

Considering his past I thought he's crack the top ten

I'm happy to see that Mr. Underwood has 100,000 dollars of his "own" money to give!

Maybe it's because of the shady dealings with the Florida DHSMV in which he was granted exlucive right to print the Florida Drivers Handbook complete with ONLY HIS COMPANYS ADVERTISING inside.  

His paid lobbyist was the DHSMV's directors wife...and his company won the bid, actually he was the only comapny that did bid.  Doesn't that seem strange?  I wonder how so much money can be tossed around when other driving schools are closing up?  

Glad to see that Mr. Underwood is prospering!

Keep up the contributions Ken to curve the personal tax line, contributions are a tax write off you know.
MarkRocket
June 9, 2007, 2:34 pm
True

Peyton and Hightower are whores and screwing the city.  Nice job!

;-)

ps.  See you in hell, Mike!
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