Discuss the Candidates: Round 2
Well, yesterday was the last of the second round of interviews with the Fayetteville Mayoral candidates. We are still trying to get in touch with Sami Sutton to get her take on some of these issues, and we’ll post those as soon as we have them, but in the interest of keeping everything moving we thought it was time to start a new discussion post so you guys can have a place to talk about the second round on candidate interviews.
This time, we were trying to find out a little more where the candidates stand on what we think are some key issues facing Fayetteville, both now, and for the years to come. We’d tried to make these interviews a little more uniform so that we get everyone’s ideas on each issue, and as always, we wanted to keep our interviews short and sweet.
Since the comments are turned off for the specific candidates interviews, we’d like to provide a space here to talk about the second round.
If you need a reference, you will be able to find all the candidate interviews on the Flyer home page, located for your convenience in the “Mayoral Candidate Zone.”
So, let’s hear it Fayetteville. Which candidate was most impressive this time? Who surprised you? Who Springdale’d it up? Here’s your chance to talk about it.
Discussion
The Fayetteville Flyer doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy.
By Fayetteville sux on September 4th, 2008
Frist!
By Johnathan on September 4th, 2008
I’m still trying to figure out what exactly Adam Firecat is hoping to accomplish here. It seems as if he’s doing this because he lost a bet or something.
Otherwise though, I didn’t see any surprises in any of the interviews. In fact, you could almost mix up all the names (save Firecat), and it wouldn’t really matter. I really need to get out to the farmer’s market and meet these folks in person.
By Fayetteville sux on September 4th, 2008
Third!
No, but seriously: in the last round of comments someone suggested that “Fayetteville needs to more hospitable to the college students who are our lifeblood”. As a full-time student of many years (no need for any specific figures here), I could not agree more. Three issues that I feel need to be addressed:
1. Noise ordinance violations. 75 decibels is not very loud. Apparently, Dan Coody even agrees with this. I have been told (i.e. I am not sure; please confirm this if you are able) that after midnight the police are not required to take a decibel reading and can instead directly issue violations based on their own assessment of the situation. I have personally been ticketed for noise ordinance violation and know of many other college students to whom it has happened as well. Although I am fairly certain that we were not even close to exceeding the decibel level, the cops nonetheless told us they didn’t have to take a reading, and how was I supposed to prove them wrong? I guess I’ll just have to buy a DB meter. Oh and btw, noise ordinance violations cannot be paid over the phone, but will instead land you in a mandatory district court session with the DWI, possession, and domestic abuse folks. Awesome!
2.Public Intoxication. I know several people that have been arrested for public intoxication while merely walking home from the bars. Choosing to walk instead of drive while intoxicated,I feel, is a responsible decision that ought to be applauded. Furthermore, being drunk in public shouldn’t ever be considered a crime. Ever. Especially in a college town! Again, as with the noise ordinance, there is way too much subjectivity here. There is a difference between obnoxious and dangerous behavior, and in my experience, most college town police seem to make this distinction. But not so much here in Fayetteville, really.
3. Three unrelated people in the same house. In a college town? Really? I have lived in a house with 4 unrelated people. I have friends that have lived in a (single-family) house with 6 unrelated people. College students generally have little or even negative income, so it is only natural to think that there is a large incentive to violate this ordinance. While I agree that some limit needs to be placed on the number of unrelated occupants, I simply feel that 3 is just too low for a college town–or any town for that matter. It is also worth noting that one of the positive (and often-overlooked) benefits of an increased number of occupants is that it is more efficient–i.e. it uses less resources. Mainly, however, it is cheaper, so help some poor students out.
That is all. Go Hogs.
By SNORLAX on September 4th, 2008
It never hurts to write your alderman or alderwoman and urge them to amend the ordinance restricting single-family residences to a maximum of 3 unrelated occupants. It is basically a horse**** rule for suckers and should be changed.
By fact checker on September 4th, 2008
City employees do not have discretion in what ordinances they enforce. The city council makes the rules and the administration enforces them, state law. If you think the ordinances are too draconian, talk to your city council representative. Don’t even listen to the crap mayor candidates are promising to do for you, it’s not the mayor’s discretion. Knowledge is power. Learn how the system works.
By Total Bastard on September 4th, 2008
I don’t really see any major differences between the candidates, at least not enough to make me think anything big is going to change.
I will say that its apparent (for obvious reasons) that Coody understands our city better than any of the others, and that brings a level of comfort to me.
I don’t really think things are as bad as some of the challengers are trying to make it out to be.
The positives we got under Coody far outweigh any negatives, IMO.
The course is set for more improvements to our quality of life, a revitalized south Fayetteville, good planning, design standards, and now, some green-oriented economic development.
It beats the hell outta Mayor Hannah’s strip malls and call centers.
Coody ain’t bad IMO, so I am going to support him.
I honestly can’t figure out anything to get pissed about with Coody.
The only thing people bring up is the wastewater treatment plant cost overrun. I don’t think that can all be attributed to mismanagment. It was something ugly, unremarkable, and disgusting–finding a way to pump our poop out of our houses. It just had to be done. And in spite of the bumps in the road, it got done.
The Renaissance project may be a failed one for the time being. I do admire the ambition and vision required by the city to agressively attempt to bring an upscale hotel downtown. The city needs one, and its better that it not be out on Wedington. I think people make a bigger deal about this than they should. Your average Fayettevillian doesn’t really care too much about it, and will be pleased if at some point we get a nice hotel downtown. Our town’s hotel offerings are embarrassing compared to other cities our size, and even to the rest of NWA.
Everything else seems very copasetic, and aside from some newcomers bringing their nasty crime habits north with them and robbing a few people in and around the city, I can’t really put a finger on something that hasn’t improved in this city in the past 8 years.
I guess that’s good enough for me.
By yrfuneralmytrial on September 5th, 2008
“City employees do not have discretion in what ordinances they enforce.”
-You’re correct but as someone who works on Dickson four nights a week, I can tell you that the police excercise their discretion in all these matters. I’ve seen plenty of peaceful drunks arrested/hassled for nothing more than being happily drunk. And, I’ve seen drunken ****bags post-brawl who’ve been turned loose just to go into the next bar (and likely start more ****). The police assess the situation and, at their discretion, make a decision. Same with the noise ordinance…watch it go completely out the window during BBBQ (along with mass DWI). It’s complaint driven and/or used as a filter… which brings me to the 3 unrelated people bit. It’s an avenue to prevent Fayetteville from becoming Springdale. Sounds ugly but it’s aimed at keeping a percieved undesirable element away. And if it comes in handy for other uses (busting college kid’s balls who have too many house parties), it’s there if you need it.
By Total Bastard on September 5th, 2008
I’m all for anything that helps keep us from becoming Springdale.
By Angel Lust on September 5th, 2008
How can a $65 MILLION overrun NOT be mismanagement? And if “the average Fayettevilian doesn’t care too much” about giving a Nock/Alexander a chunk of valuable Fayetteville property for next to nothing while the taxpayer makes up the difference with TIF, then I guess Fayetteville is getting exactly what it deserves. Just vote for Coody and start writing checks to Nock/Alexander with the word “Southpass” stamped on it for the next 25 years.
But we’ve do have nice trails.
By fact checker on September 5th, 2008
The AVERAGE Fayettevillian isn’t investing anything in the hotel property. The TIF district is just the downtown area. Nock and Alexander and who ever there assorted investors are, are the ones paying the bulk of the money going toward the TIF bonds. TIF Bonds are paid for from the increase in property tax that grows from the increase in value of properties in the district. If you look at who has made all the big investments in the district over the last few years, it is almost exclusively their development. None of us like looking at that mess but it is temporary. Come 2010, if nothing has changed, I feel sure the ownership will.
By fact checker on September 5th, 2008
Is there a way the FF could get the candidates to comment on their opponets answers? Seems like that could be interesting.
By Boggy Creek Creature on September 5th, 2008
I concur! I’m new to the Fayetteville political process, but is there any sort of debate set up? If not, fact checker has the right idea. Soundbites and pre-prepared statements are all well and good, but some interaction would be lovely.
By fact checker on September 5th, 2008
There are several debates planned, but I would like something here too. You can look at it when you have time. Go to any of the candidate websites and they have the debates on their calendars.
By Total Bastard on September 5th, 2008
Angel Lust:
Did the city WASTE $65 million?
If they did, then that would be mismanagement.
They didn’t. They didn’t steal it, either.
The estimates for the project perhaps didn’t take into account some of the real costs of building the project, and costs increased for materials, right of way, etc.
It had to be done. Period. It got done.
Fact checker is also right about the TIF.
Mountain Inn wasn’t going to redevelop itself.
By the Steve on September 5th, 2008
Good idea, FC. Let us think about how that could work.
By fact checker on September 5th, 2008
They could just post here or post all their critiques on their own site and give us the link.
By Sami Sutton on September 5th, 2008
Just email or facebook me to contact me.
By realist on September 6th, 2008
TB-what in the world brings you to the conclusion that a $63 million plus cost overrun that was hidden from the public and the council and the water and sewer committee by the CEO of “the city” was NOT mismanagement? What planet do you live on? It’s the very defintion. It didn’t arise overnight and the mayor chose to hide it like a naughty child until he got caught redhanded holding it behind his back. Then, as naughty children tend to do, he whimpered and whined and pointed in every direction except at himself. If he is not responsible, what’s he getting paid the big bucks for anyway?
You could rightly be pissed at Coody for that, for selling off Wilson Springs, for folding on his support of building the Boys and Girls Club at Walker Park or somewhere near the center of town, for unjustly booting Candy Clark from the planning commission and firing Marvin Hilton, for being rude and condescending to council and the public and bumbling incompetence at keeping up with and presiding over meetings, watering down the hillside ordinance, repeatedly rah-rahing for disasterous developments, strong arming his way into being in control of Government Channel and CAT and then dominating the airwaves, pledging not to run and encouraging (not one, but two) candidates to run for mayor then dropping them off the cliff to run again, running away from his duties to travel and claiming it is for “the city”, kkeping mute about school closings and locations, taking credit for trails when they were Kyle Cook’s idea supported by the street committee and he wasn’t particularly in support until they were popular, taking credit for everything good and responsibility for nothing.
By MLK driver on September 6th, 2008
If you have ever been stuck in traffic near the Waffle Hut on MLK east of 540,(who hasn’t?) you might have noticed this message in a light-up sign at an accountant’s office. It says simply “Recall Coody.com”. Worth a look. It’s an oldie but a goody.
http://www.recallcoody.com/index.htm
By polecat on September 7th, 2008
realist must be living in an altered reality. they should go back to posting on the iconoclast where they eat that kind of kind of crap up.
Kyle wasn’t even in office until 2003. Coody was the only candidate in 2000 to campaign on building an alternative transportation system. He created the trails coordinator position and hired Steve Hatfield long before Kyle even had a vote. Steve headed up the public input to develop the trails master plan that was adopted in 2003. Kyle is a great supporter of trails and has always supported funding request for trails programs that where brought forward by the administration. It was the administration that ordered Mud Creek trail to be redesigned by in house engineers when it came in 400,000 more than it should have been. It was the administration that then brought forward the proposal to build our trails with in house crews. It was the administration that brought forward adding a second trail crew so we could increase the miles of trails built every year. I can find nothing about trails in the public record that was brought forward by an alderman. There is a huge difference between bringing forward ideas that where good for our trail system and simply voting to support those ideas. I’m glad Kyle voted for them, but they weren’t his ideas. No alderman has anything to do with the actual management of the trail building or for the acquiring of the rights-of-way. With out good management we wouldn’t be cutting a ribbon on the backbone of our trails system this fall. Everything the city accomplishes takes a team effort, so to give one alderman credit for the entire trails program just shows how ridiculous you are.
By Angel Lust on September 7th, 2008
So Coody should be re-elected because he gave us a nice trail? Is that the best you’ve got?
So far the reasons for voting for Coody appear to be limited to nice trails, NOT mismanaging a $65 Million over-run on the waste water treatment pland, and being responsible for the Renassence Hotel which really wasn’t that big of a boondoggle and the city (i.e. taxpayers) really are losing money on that and be patient, it’ll work out OK.
By realist on September 8th, 2008
Giving your mayor credit for promising things to get elected and then dropping them when the bidness types grumble or passing them off to others to accomplish and then swooping in to take credit is more ridiculous, polecat. Your myopic view of only one among many failings of your mayor, then pitifully regurgitating your mayor’s version of that one says it all.
Get real.
By polecat on September 8th, 2008
I have a very good memory about what he campaigned for. Balanced approach was a key issue, bringing together the enviromental and business interest,bike trails, professional staff, elavating long range planning, revitalizing Drake field, investing in our deteriorating infrastucture to supoport economic development, rebuilding College Ave, and creating the council of neighborhoods. My opinion is he’s done a pretty good job of keeping his promises and then some. I know you won’t agree, because you can’t stand the fact that he does govern from the middle and you are way off to one side. So naturally you will never be happy with a moderate. If citizens like getting things done, they will stick with the guy that has helped more good thing get accomplished than any other time in Fayetteville’s recent history.
By Total Bastard on September 8th, 2008
Wow for a totally inept buffoon, Coody sure has gotten a lot done in his 8 years.
Of course I guess Lioneld or Walt are just going to swoop in and catapult this city in the twenty first, no, i mean twenty SECOND *holla* century!!
I have no axe to grind nor stake in the outcome. I don’t think Coody is all that bad, aside from his wife’s Che Guevara fetish.
Maybe I am just tired and apathetic. I don’t find our city to be in crisis. I like how the signs on Joyce are short. I like how all the businesses plant trees and landscape to the hilt. I like the College Ave project.
I like it when the city builds a new water tower and has a pagan blessing ceremony with sounding mallets and tuning forks.
I see no reason not to vote Coody.
By realist on September 8th, 2008
Touting the “virtues” of the Legacy Building, Aspen Ridge and the TIF mudhole, vilifying citizen volunteers who served on Boards and Commissions, selling Wilson Springs, presiding over and hiding from the $66 million overrun on the single biggest project for which he was responsible, vetoing the hillside ordinance, falsely claiming credit for trails and parks and neighborhood associations, going on self glorifying vacations instead of fulfilling the duties of his office, waiting 8 long years to even begin to improve College Avenue even though he based his 2000 campaign on that issue, trying to foist on us the gang rape of Kessler Mountain for his backers’ fun and profit, that’s all okay with you?
What happened to the guy who said this on his 2000 website “Answers to questions posed by the NWA Home Builders Association
Do you believe residential impact fees are necessary and desirable for Fayetteville? Dan Coody:”Yes, IF the fee is spread across the board for all construction and not loaded onto only one type of construction.” Where was he when his staff worked on those for a couple of years and it came up for a vote in 2007? Hiding behind another sniveling obfuscation.
That sign ordinance you love, TB, was put into effect before Coody even left Texas. Jesus, do y’all believe everything he says is true?
Yeah, polecat, I’m “way off to one side.” The side where Anybody But Coody would be an improvement.
By Angel Lust on September 8th, 2008
I keep hearing that Coody should be supported because Fayetteville is in some personal way a nice place to live. How is that related to Coody being mayor? What SPECIFICALLY has he done to make that a reality. If the argument is that he receives credit just because he was the city leader, then he must also take the blame for [insert your favorite mismanaged project here]. You can’t have it both ways.
By old school on September 8th, 2008
Amen, AL. No thanks to Coody. It was a nice place to live in the early 70’s when I came, too. I hear it was good in the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s etc., etc., as well.
By polecat on September 8th, 2008
If you don’t think leadership makes a difference, just go back to the time before Coody.
By the erratic ninja on September 8th, 2008
polecat: I would gladfully go back to a time before Coody. When “Keep Fayetteville Funky” wasn’t a slogan because it was funky enough. Back when there were things worth going and doing to downtown. My reason given for not voting for Coody is this. I miss the old Fayetteville, and I feel like it has gone downhill since I moved back. Is this directly Coody’s fault? Probably not. But I am willing and eager to give someone else a shot at let them try to bring back the Fayetteville I love.
By Angel Lust on September 8th, 2008
I was thinking that maybe I’d vote for someone whose major campaign slogan isn’t: “At least I didn’t screw up as bad as the guys before me.”
By SNORLAX on September 8th, 2008
Everyone seems perfectly content to discuss Coody: why he’s inept or not. I hear nobody talking about why Walt Eilers or Lioneld Jordan would be the better choice. In November, the ballot will feature more than two boxes to check; one “Coody,” one “Not Coody.” Maybe the anti-Coody faction should pick a candidate and start justifying him before Steve Clark prevails over a split lefty vote. You’ve got less than two months now.
By Johnathan on September 8th, 2008
I’m with you Snorlax. Firecat for mayor!
By just the facts, ma'am on September 8th, 2008
For Real Here: Vote for Lioneld. He’s likable, competent, intelligent, honest, hard-working, dedicated, open to and respectful of citizen input, knows and understands how the city works, plays well with others-including staff and Council, doesn’t do anything for the sake of ego boosting,always shows up for work and does the job right. He loves Fayetteville as much or more than anyone.
All of that in contrast to Coody and many in contrast to each of the other contenders.
You won’t regret your vote for Lioneld Jordan. He won’t let you down.
By Total Bastard on September 8th, 2008
John Nock for Mayor!
By spin cycler on September 9th, 2008
TB-John Nock can be mayor of his own town, some other town, but not mine. And not SouthPass ’cause it should be shot down now and again.
By Cornholio on September 9th, 2008
Mayor for my Bunghole.
Are you threatening me?
By yrfuneralmytrial on September 9th, 2008
“was thinking that maybe I’d vote for someone whose major campaign slogan isn’t: “At least I didn’t screw up as bad as the guys before me.”
-I too have been amazed at the apparent support for this “lay down to lameness one more time” campaign. Good job, bad job, mediocre job…it hasn’t been excellent by any stretch. 8 years…time to move on. The rumored job that went away, him realizing the “pension for life” thing late in the game and the fact that he’s been there 8 years already. Time to move on.
By yrfuneralmytrial on September 9th, 2008
I’m not getting the Steve Clark hate. Am I missing something? Reading those interviews, he’s seems the smartest one in the lot by a long shot.
By SNORLAX on September 9th, 2008
Convicted felon, Republican, likes John Denver.
By Total Bastard on September 9th, 2008
You coulda just said “Republican”. The other descriptives seem redundant.
My dad’s “**** all this hippie tree-hugging bull****” friends from high school he saw recently at his high school reunion all like Mr. Clark.
By spin cycler on September 9th, 2008
Dan/Deborah (aren’t they one person?) liked him too, TB, until he became an obstacle to their continued power trip.
They talked Clark into running when Walt turned out to be such a dismal disappointment to them and more and more of his questionable doings dribbled back to them.
They now have to deal with the two headed monster of Coody hatred they created. Serves them right.
I love how they savor trashing the two guys they brought into Fayetteville politics, their own handpicked successors. Doesn’t that say a lot about their judgment and how much they really care about Fayetteville’s future?
By Ronnie on September 9th, 2008
Does anyone remember about two years ago how “Honest” Dan and the bean counters at the city told all the city employees that there wasn’t enough money in the coffers to give them a raise? Well guess what, Dan has gone from making forty ($40.00) dollars an hour to FIFTY (yes $50.00) dollars an hour since 2004. And he isn’t the only one in the upper part of the city government who has received a huge raise over the last four years. Meanwhile the firefighters, cops, water and sewer, dog catchers, and any one else who does real work have to pick up second and sometimes third jobs just to try and make ends meet in this expensive ass city.
Like someone else said what has Dan really done to make Fayetteville so great? The trails program? He didn’t do that all by himself. The insane amount of speed tables? Gee thanks for that one. I hear him taking credit for lots of stuff that various committee and neighborhood associations did, but I sure don’t hear him taking credit for that cost over run on the sewer plant even though his office was directly responsible for overseeing that project.
8 years ago it was “Anyone but Hanna.” Well that time has come again.
Anyone but Dan.
By what a life on September 9th, 2008
Mayor Cruddy gets $50 an hour whether or not he is here, in France, in D.C., Alaska, kissing up to developers, the FEDC or the Chamber, or just sitting at his desk making his campaign calls. I’d say it averages much more an hour if you calculate it for actual time on task.
Who wouldn’t want to keep that job?
By polecat on September 9th, 2008
Lioneld Jordan has been responsible along with 7 other aldermen for overseeing and approving every budget for the last 7 years. He is now running for mayor and says he can cut waste out of the budget. I ask, what has he been waiting for? That has been his job since he was elected. He would like for us to support him based on what he will do for us. I would like to have answers to my questions rather than the very vague platitudes he has provided. It takes more than just regurgitating hot button issues and saying you are going to do something about it to get my vote. I want to know details of which departments need cuts, what method will he use to determine whose pay to reduce. Name the other revenues he will look for to fund the general fund. Name all the no bid contracts that where approved this year and all the ones you voted against. Name the local consultants that applied for work that were more qualified than the consultants that where chosen. What do you consider “unnecessary travel”? He must have these details at his fingertips because he made these public statements. Share your information with us so we can decide if your ideas have merit. If I don’t hear anything I will assume you don’t know what your talking about and you don’t plan to make these changes before the election. So you will be all talk in my book. I won’t be satisfied with anything less than actual names. It’s all documented, so it’s available.
By yrfuneralmytrial on September 9th, 2008
“Convicted felon, Republican, likes John Denver.”
-Debt paid? Also, I totally dig John Denver. Especially if there are muppets nearby.
By dubious on September 9th, 2008
I heard Coody didn’t even know Clark lived here before he read about him running for mayor. So how could he have talked him into it?
By Angel Lust on September 9th, 2008
I agree with polecat that if Lioneld is going to run on a platform of “openness” and transparency in gov’t, those are issues. On the other hand, if it is all documented, you should be able to answer a lot of those questions yourself. Where is factchecker?
But you are right. If there are going to be budgetary changes, specifics should follow.
So far, he passess my acid test: he is against the Southpass landfill/park.
By polecat on September 9th, 2008
Why should I do all that research when he must already have it at his fingertips. Sheeesh, I do have a life.
By listen up on September 9th, 2008
Go to the debates-preferably all of them. Or watch them on TV when that’s an option. Read the papers.
Lioneld has answers about votes and budget cuts. Good ones.
He’s not likely to go into those answers here because other candidates aren’t sharing equivalent info. Of course none of the other candidates has such a long voting record, or such an open record of public service in Fayetteville. But you can ask him and he’ll tell you the truth.
It’s interesting that some of the commenters here defending Coody are making the exact peculiar spelling errors seen on Coody’s alpha version website.
Lioneld’s not blowing smoke. Specifics will follow. And yes, he is on record of being opposed to SouthPass.
By The Choice is Obvious on September 9th, 2008
I COMPLETELY agree with you “listen up”.
The reason Lioneld has my vote his because he votes on how the majority of his Ward wants him to vote. Not how he personally wants to vote. That is why is has so many meetings, so he can find out what the people want.
Also, Lioneld knows what it is like to be an average American. I dare each of you to drive by each of the candidate’s homes and tell me who has the average American home. Lioneld!
I want someone who will represent me, an average American. That choice is obvious!
Lioneld Jordan for Fayetteville Mayor!!!
By yrfuneralmytrial on September 9th, 2008
Does he have a choo-choo train in his house? Because I have a choo-choo train in my house and I’ve been called “average” my whole life.
By Angel Lust on September 10th, 2008
yrfuneral: maybe they were just being kind?
By just the facts, ma'am on September 10th, 2008
Lioneld’s not in it for the ego or the power trip or the travel or the easy money or the resume build or the photo ops. He is truly a dependable proven servant of the people. He’s seen what’s been done right, what’s been done wrong and what can be done better from the inside. We can trust him.
All of the other candidates have either proven themselves untrustworthy or just not proven themselves to have any depth of knowledge or experience applicable to the job.
Do the right thing here. You know what it is.
By George on September 10th, 2008
I have nothing constructive to add except that Coody kind of gives me the creeps in person. Plus I’m not a big fan of pleated pants.
Walt & Lioneld have both scored a few points with me lately…but I have an unconventional scoring system.
By chacnevb on September 10th, 2008
i had to quit reading sami’s interview after she said sports are overdone here in fayetteville. come on, the mayor has to be a HOG fan, NEXT.
By Total Bastard on September 10th, 2008
Ah, youth.
I admire Sami’s ambition, but someday she’ll look back on this and laugh.
Adults won’t be governed by teenagers who have never paid taxes or actually worked.
But don’t try tellin the young uns that.
By In the year 2000..... on September 10th, 2008
MUSTIN FOR MAYOR!
By polecat on September 10th, 2008
“The reason Lioneld has my vote his because he votes on how the majority of his Ward wants him to vote. Not how he personally wants to vote. That is why is has so many meetings, so he can find out what the people want.”
Is that the definition of leadership these days? Not in my book. I want to know before I vote for someone what they plan to do and then I want them to do it. Not back down because his old buddies in ward 4 want him to do something else. I call that a pig in a poke.
By just the facts, ma'am on September 10th, 2008
Lioneld listens respectfully to all views and researches and makes his own decisions based upon a myriad of factors. If he were always trying to please every voter in Ward 4 he would be hard put, because we are not all of one mind on many issues. But he is open minded and he does truly solicit opinions on all sides of issues.
Coody supporters will never understand what true representative democracy is all about. Coody puts way too much weight on the advice and consent of the Chamber, the developers and the FEDC. Dan doesn’t have much of a mind of his own, poor man.
By The Choice is Obvious on September 10th, 2008
Polecat, so do you think it is not important that Lioneld wants to hear from the citizens of Fayetteville has to say on ideas for the future of Fayetteville?
Ward 4 is an example of his leadership role, because of course he was their voice for almost 8 years now.
And yes, “just the fact, ma’am”, he is open minded you couldn’t describe him any better. i’m glad people appreciate open minds!
By Total Bastard on September 10th, 2008
I would like to hear Lioneld differentiate his views from Coody’s on things like planning standards, greenways and tree preservation, economic development, etc.
Lioneld, not some anonymous jackmonkeys on the internet.
By Ronnie on September 10th, 2008
So Polecat let me get this straight. You don’t want someone in office who listens to the voters who put them in that office? Well no fu*kin WONDER you are a Cody supporter!
And yes that is the definition of democratic leadership. Listening to the voters, doing your homework on the issue, and then making an informed decision that will best serve the majority of the people. What a novel concept.
By The Choice is Obvious on September 10th, 2008
Talk to him. His contact info is on his website, http://www.lioneldjordan.com
By just the facts, ma'am on September 11th, 2008
First debate is tonight at 7 o’clock at St. Paul’s on East Avenue.
Given time and opportunity, Lioneld will likely answer many of your questions there tonight. Otherwise, you can find him Saturday mornings at the Farmers Market from 6:30 until 10:30 or so, or everyone is always welcome at the monthly Ward 4 meeting, this month Monday the 22nd, 7pm, City Hall, Room 111.
This debate and some of the others to follow will be shown later on Government Channel, so if you can’t come you can still see and hear all of the candidates who participate.
By Total Bastard on September 11th, 2008
Thanks, just the facts. I’d go to the debate, but that church really needs a parking garage…
I’ll be catching it on Channel 16.
That is if it comes on right after Drug Court and I haven’t passed out yet.
By Boggy Creek Creature on September 11th, 2008
Aw, come on TB! I was hoping we could meet up and get drunk beforehand.
You know, just to get in the mood to heckle if Firecat and that high school broad start spouting off.
By Boggy Creek Creature on September 11th, 2008
Hey Total Bastard! Iconoclast is saying that there is no coverage of tonight’s debate on either channel.
But that Jonah’s got be a hundred by now. And old people don’t know ****.
By The Choice is Obvious on September 11th, 2008
Where did the last two comments go by Johnathan and Boggy Creek Creature?
By Johnathan on September 11th, 2008
Moved to a new thread on the front page (c:
By The Choice is Obvious on September 11th, 2008
Thanks!
By Total Bastard on September 13th, 2008
I have decided, for good, that I support Coody.
Here’s why.
I read Eiler’s and Jordan’s platforms, and I see so much in there that has come about during Coody’s tenure. It makes me wonder, what would these guys have supported 8 years ago?
The issues we are discussing now, like sustainability, City Plan 2025, infill as priority, trails, College Avenue improvement; these things weren’t even discussed in the 2000 election, except by one person - Dan Coody.
Coody has been a LEADER. Leaders aren’t people-pleasers. No leader is EVER going to have consensus on every decision he makes. If we must wait for consensus with Jordan before we make any moves as a city, then we will never achieve anything. Nobody will be happy, yet nobody will have their feelings hurt.
Coody is a visionary. Coody has set our city’s course in an entirely new direction, and I think that is exciting. Jordan and Eilers only profess to want to continue much of what started under Coody’s leadership, but promise to be more people-friendly. Well, that’s weak.
Some may say that none of the stuff that happened in Coody’s 8 years was done solely by Dan Coody. Well, that may be true. But if you believe that it is, why do these strong supporters of the other candidates dismiss Dan’s accomplishments, yet tout the items that their candidate would achieve (which largely consist, again, of continuation of the positives of Dan Coody’s leadership, minus, of course, all the controversial and negatives).
If you are incapable of setting aside some personal hurt feelings, looking around at the changes taking place in this city for the better, then you aren’t looking for real leadership. You are looking for someone “nice”. Someone who will bow to your concerns.
Leadership is not a popularity contest. Its not about who rubs you on the shoulder and makes you the promise that there won’t be any changes to your little corner of the city.
Leadership is about who has the proper vision of this city as a whole, and the courage and intelligence to steer the ship.
NOTHING that Jordan lists on his website, aside from an expressed desire to be more democratic, is original. Its all, like we saw before, Coody Lite.
Well, I think its time to give credit where credit is due.
He isn’t perfect, but there’s one guy responsible for setting the course of Fayetteville in the right direction. He’s a proven leader. He is a visionary. He is a risk taker. But without risks, there are no rewards.
He’s Dan Coody. And he’s Total Bastard’s candidate for Mayor.
By Johnathan on September 13th, 2008
*claps* Bravo, TB, that was one hell of a speech.
By Gerry on September 13th, 2008
“City employees do not have discretion in what ordinances they enforce.”
Obviously false.
City employees may not be supposed to exercise discretion in what ordinances they enforce, but they obviously can. The only thing stopping them would be their own judgment and any sanctions that would be handed down by their superiors if the superior so decides (and is confident that they could prove it if challenged).
By Gerry on September 13th, 2008
“Coody has been a LEADER. Leaders aren’t people-pleasers. No leader is EVER going to have consensus on every decision he makes. If we must wait for consensus with Jordan before we make any moves as a city, then we will never achieve anything. Nobody will be happy, yet nobody will have their feelings hurt.”
Not sure I am to the point that I share your opinion on who to support, TB, but you are spot on right here. We the people speak when we vote. Just sitting around waiting to see what people want on each and every issue is an inefficient approach that leads to paralysis and is subject to manipulation by interest groups that spend the most money. No thanks. Jordan is the wrong choice for the real world.
By we deserve better on September 13th, 2008
$66 sewer plant overrun. Three years late. Higher sewer rates for decades. Celebrated by two ribbon cuttings/Coody photo-ops. One with an invitation only luncheon.
Dan did what he damn well pleased.
Not my idea of effective leadership.
Usurpation of citizens’ rights of free speech. Total takeover of Government Channel for his own propaganda.
Dan did what he damn well pleased.
Not my idea of effective leadership.
Vetoing the hillside ordinance that had real teeth.
Dan did what he damn well pleased.
Not my idea of effective leadership.
Selling Wilson Springs after promising to honor the recomendation of the committee he appointed to recommend the right course. The committe was unanimous and adamant that selling for development was wrong.
Dan did what he damned well pleased.
Not my idea of effective leadership.
Pushing for the TIF for his buddies. Excusing the hole.
Dan did what he damn well pleased.
Not my idea of effective leadership.
The budget was being worked out and Dan flew to France to have his picture taken with a bunch of guys dressed up like LaFayette.
Dan did what he damn well pleased.
Not my idea of effective leadership.
He handpicked two guys who he now denigrates every chance he gets as dishonest and unqualified and unworthy to succeed him and promised not to run again. Ran it ad nauseum on Government Channel.
Dan did what he damn well pleased.
Not my idea of effective leadership.
Threatened more than one citizen with arrest for refusing to be quiet when he didn’t want to listen.
Dan did what he damn well pleased.
Not my idea of effective leadership.
I damn well please to vote for an honest representative of my city.
It is not, has never been, will never be Dan Coody.
Lioneld Jordan has integrity. Lioneld Jordan is intelligent. Lioneld Jordan is honest. Lioneld Jordan shows up for work. Lioneld Jordan accepts responsibility. Lioneld Jordan is receptive to new ideas. Lioneld Jordan is a likeable person. Lioneld Jordan is competent. Lioneld Jordan is trustworthy. Lioneld Jordan is respectful to everyone.
Lioneld Jordan will be the next mayor of Fayetteville. And a damn good one at that.
By we deserve better on September 13th, 2008
$66 MILLION sewer palnt overrun, damnit!
By Total Bastard on September 13th, 2008
Lioneld Jordan may be a great guy.
The bottom line is he has no vision for the city of Fayetteville that he didn’t hijack from Dan Coody.
By Total Bastard on September 13th, 2008
@ we deserve better:
So what should we do with our ****? Pump it to Springdale?
The sewer plant deal is a ****ng red herring. It had to be done.
Some of you should watch the allegations of corruption you spew on this website. Contrary to popular belief, you are not anonymous.
By Total Bastard on September 13th, 2008
SEWER PLANT: had to be done. It is a reality and had it not been neglected for so long in the previous administrations, it wouldn’t be an issue.
GOVERNMENT CHANNEL: God forbid this taxpayer funded channel be used to keep citizens up to date on actual city happenings rather than airing shows by Wiccan Priestesses and absolute garbage like Ides of Lemurs or whatever that show is where they film fat, hippie women with candles in their bathtubs.
HILLSIDE ORDINANCE: Until the city purchases every undeveloped hillside in the city, expect that some people who own this land might prefer to develop it rather than pour real estate tax money into it every year for the sole purpose of having a nice tree covered hillside for everyone to look at. How many millions should the city spend to buy up the remaining undeveloped hillsides? 66 million?
WILSON SPRINGS: Again, for someone so concerned about the city WASTING MONEY on things like sewer improvements, which actually serve a practical purpose, the fact that this field with a creek running through it should be kept and maintained by the city at taxpayer expense for nothing other than a refuge for the Arkansas Darter seems a bit inconsistent. Guess what? Even as its developed, the Darter will still be protected, and the buildings will add to our tax revenue base.
TIF: To spur infill. You know, because its so preferable to things like South Pass. Otherwise it won’t happen. No problem there.
Europe: Yeah, Dan went to Europe. Guess what? We have already gotten attention and one company committed to relocate from EUROPE to Fayetteville, with more to follow. Works for me.
The anti-Coody forces are pretty ****ing irrational if you ask me.
By chris-os on September 13th, 2008
I would like to thank fayetteville flyer for covering the mayoral race and doing interviews. I think everyone that comes on here will have way more information than they’ve had in any previous mayoral race. Thanks dudes. Keep bun kicking to the maximum.
By Angel Lust on September 13th, 2008
TB: Coody mouthpiece
By Johnathan on September 13th, 2008
Angel Lust, what purpose does that serve? The dude was expressing his opinion, and judging from his previous posts, he has been pretty open minded on this election. Besides, I’m pretty sure Coody could find a better mouthpiece than someone called “Total Bastard”.
I’ve all but locked in my vote for Jordan, but I’m always open to hearing people’s views on the candidates. Can’t we ease up on the hate and have a decent conversation here?
By yrfuneralmytrial on September 13th, 2008
I think overall Coody has done a fair job. This has kind of been a “hold on to your shorts” 8 years in Fayetteville’s history. The guy has had people pulling him in a million different directions I imagine. I simply think 8 years is enough. Thank you sir. Time to pass the torch. The three other serious candidates are well capable so I’m not going to panic whichever way it goes. Dan can barely contain his “these dumbasses have zero clue how the world works” attitude at this point. And to be honest, he’s be pretty much right. But as I see it, being Mayor isn’t meant to be a lifelong job. Do your bit and move on. He’s there in my estimation. As it is, he’s reminding me a bit of Houston Nutt’s final days.
By pf rational on September 14th, 2008
TB:In order to respond to specifics one needs to know some.
Sewer Plant:The mayor swore up and down that everything was copasetic until he finally had to admit he hadn’t been paying attention and things had gone to hell. Shows incompetence and irresponsibility and failure to communicate the truth. We’ll be paying for years.
Government Channel:You are confusing Government Channel with CAT and a great deal of the Coody productions have been trumped up press conferences with no relevance to city business. His public information officer declared herself the sole judge of what qualifies as city business and apparently beleives it has to star Dan Coody.
Hillside Ordinance:Intended to protect those who build and buy on hillsides from shoddy structures that could wash off and to protect those who live in their watershed from being washed out from the erosion caused by said building. Kinda important.
Wilson Springs:Dan promised everyone he would be respectful of environmental issues. He isn’t.
TIF:Refused (still does)to admit misplaced confidence, neglected to demand remediation when the blight remived was surpassed by the blight resulting, allowed a blatant safety hazard of a gigantic crane to loom over public space for years, allowed even the paltry fines to be paid late.
Europe:We pay the mayor to work HERE, not galavant off on a vacation when there is crucial work to be done. Has he never heard of the newfangled electronic means of communication? He was the instrument of attracting that Swedish company? Wasn’t he in France?
You chose to ignore those other things on the list you responded to, leaving us to think that you agree with Coody that citizens should only speak at Council meetings if they agree with him and face arrest if they dare to challenge that premise, and that his urging Walt and Steve to run for mayor and now vigorously assassinating their characters is fine with you. Doesn’t highlight any undesirable traits in Coody, right?
By Christine on September 14th, 2008
Rats, now I have to give away all my “Total Bastard” t-shirts.
By Total Bastard on September 14th, 2008
pf rational:
Sewer plant: How did Coody’s alleged actions change the outcome? Do you believe the city didn’t need a sewer plant on the west side? I really don’t get the argument here that this is one of Coody’s main failures. Explain to me how the outcome could have been changed? We find out the real cost and then we decide to NOT build a sewer plant? I don’t get it. Do you realize how dire the city’s position was with regards to sewer capacity? Should we wait until sewage is up in these NIMBY’s yards before we start planning for a new plant? Is your problem with how Coody handled the new information about the cost overrun? Ok. Thats legit. Considering the outrage people in this city express based on their own sense of signfigance rather than the bigger picture, its little wonder. The bottom line is we needed a water treatment plant. Those things cost money. We got one. We will pay for it. This whole issue to me is ludicrous. I haven’t once heard someone explain how it should have been handled differently. I think the real answer is that some would have preferred we put an all out moratorium on development like Greenland did because we “couldn’t afford a sewer plant”. These are the same people who demand that we maintain and protect areas like Wilson Springs and South Pass from ANY development. They’ll also use our city’s slowing revenue stream against Dan Coody. The way I see it, NWA is growing. Its better that Fayetteville oversee the growth that impacts us directly rather than turn over that growth to Elkins, Greenland, and god forbid Springdale. We can’t stop this growth. Again, WE CAN’T STOP THIS GROWTH. All we can hope to do is control it and make sure it is quality growth rather than growth for growth’s sake as in Springdale. If Fayetteville doesn’t annex land adjacent to us in an orderly manner, some other municipality will. The only thing that keeps us from having a wonderful view of a McDonald’s “M” on our southern horizon is a large hill. If Fayetteville doesn’t take on South Pass, perhaps Greenland will. Get ready for a truckstop.
Government Channel: I did confuse this with the whole freedom of speech issues surrounding CAT. Forgive me. I do not watch government access all the time. As for the specifics of what is allowed and what is not allowed on a publicly funded “government access” channel, I do believe there need to be some boundaries. I watch channel 16 or whatever it is to see the planning meetings. Boy, those are interesting. I also watch city council meetings. From time to time, I have seen our mayor dedicate a new trail, or a bioswale rain garden, or talk about city issues. I have no problem with that. I don’t view it as Coody propoganda. Then again, I don’t have a personal axe to grind with Coody or a NIMBY issue that I am bitter over. Our city council meetings are a public forum. Jesus Christ, there is exhaustive debate on every single ****ing issue that comes up in this city. I suppose those pissed off NIMBY’s next door to Ruskin Heights should have their own air time to bitch about what is largely hailed (outside of Fayetteville) as a wonderful, green, pedestrian-friendly new urbanist development? I have to agree with Coody on this one. Our city council meetings are plenty a forum for citizens to express their desire to limit the rights of other property owners and taxpayers to use their land as they please. In the end, rights of property owners have to co-exist. Deal with it.
Hillside Ordinance: We have plenty of regulations to prevent what you are talking about within our current hillside code. When was the last time a house washed down the side of Mt. Sequoyah? Do we not control erosion more than any other city in the metro? I think many of the ordinance’s provisions which some describe as “having teeth” were probably there to further discourage development by making it too expensive. Again, NIMBY’s hoping to kill further development in our city using red herrings and smear campaigns.
Wilson Springs: HAHAHAHA. Dan Coody, wait, let me get this straight, ISN’T RESPECTFUL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES? Wilson Springs was a pet project by some environmentalists hell bent on stopping development on Fayetteville’s fringe. Again, NO development people. There’s wetlands protection. There is a tree preserve. There are regulations in place to protect the darter. Thats good enough for me.
TIF: It didn’t work out as planned. It was a risk. The reward would be increased tax revenue and infill. Perhaps he took someone at his word that he shouldn’t have. The vision was the proper one, regardless. Whatever is built there eventually will be an improvement. But, don’t let that discourage you from using it to bash Coody.
Europe: Coody has raised the profile of our city, which has led directly to increased interest in economic development by European companies. Go read your NWA Times Sunday edition. It probably won’t appear in the Free Weekly.
I don’t ignore any of these issues. I look at both sides of them. I am not a pissed off NIMBY or unrealistic ultra-environmentalist, so I have that ability.
Its ridiculous to watch some of these people at City Council meetings. These people who want to halt all development in Fayetteville, and want to make what devleopment that does occur more costly by overregulation. Ironically, these are some of the same people who show up to bitch about the lack of “affordable housing” in Fayetteville. Most of these people don’t see the direct conflict of their professed interests.
I like Coody because I know he understands both sides of these issues. There are no perfect solutions to any problems faced by this city.
Sure, Jordan will probably listen to every single NIMBY in the neighborhood. They may sway his decisions and may successfully halt development.
Fayetteville will stagnate, but the end result will only be that the inevitable growth in NWA will be harnessed by the smaller, less conscientious cities. We’ll still experience it here in Fayetteville and it will still affect us. We just won’t have any say in how it progresses.
I’m sure Coody has undesireable traits. He is this thing called a Human Being.
I don’t know, perhaps our city WOULD be better led by deity like the Messiah Jordan. Afterall, the guy hasn’t made a mistake.
The only reason you don’t have a laundry list of things you hate about Jordan or Eilers is because neither has had to make tough decisions and lead an entire city’s course for 8 years.
Coody isn’t a ****ing devil. He’s a pretty damned good mayor. Compared to Fred Hannah, he’s an outright God. And again, without the positives we’ve gone towards under his leadership, neither Jordan nor Eilers would even have a platform.
By East Springdale Earl on September 14th, 2008
TOTAL BASTERD FOR MAYER!!!11
By broken record on September 14th, 2008
Coody’s HUMAN? You sure? He looked an awful lot like an automaton or cyborg in need of repairs at that debate Thursday. It kept looping into:if it is good thank ME, if it isn’t blame someone else, you love ME you just don’t know it…if it is good……hiccup hiccup hiccup
By Total Bastard on September 15th, 2008
Last thing I will say about this race:
I took a long hard look at all the candidates here.
The bashing Coody is getting is myopic and unwarranted. Sure, there are thigns that can be criticized about his leadership. No leader will please everybody with all the decisions he makes. On the whole, however, his term has been GREAT for Fayetteville.
He has steered us in a new direction. To claim things like Coody neglects environmental issues is absolutely absurd to me. Balancing economic development and the evironment requires compromise. Coody has done an excellent job at that, and we have more greenspace, trails and renewed economic development as a result.
Now, Jordan and Eilers want to ride his coattails into office, by promising to do what Coody does better.
Well, I don’t buy it. Nothing against Jordan or Eilers, but I’ll stick with our original sustainability mayor. He’s earned it.
If I thought Jordan or Eilers were as intelligent or qualified as our current mayor, I’d consider them. I did consider them.
Only if things are going poorly should we risk giving an untested candidate a learning curve to get on the job leading our city.
I’m not ready to kick the guy out of office just yet. I don’t think that would be the best choice for our fair city at this point in time. He has established connections with leaders of other cities and within sustainable industries. He is the face of our city. We don’t need to cut him off at the knees just as some of the rest of the nation is starting to pay attention to Fayetteville as a leader in the sustainability movement.
The criticisms I have seen of Coody on this site are primarily self-centered NIMBY whines. They ignore just about everything outside their little neighborhood, and definitely don’t see the bigger picture. Well, I expect those to continue. This is Fayetteville. Hell, NIMBY should be our city’s slogan.
Coody has been a visionary as a mayor. I like his vision of Fayetteville. I like where he is leading us.
As is the case with human nature sometimes, “You don’t know what you’ve got til its gone”.
I think we are better off with Dan Coody leading Fayetteville than any of the other candidates.
By bp on September 15th, 2008
Lioneld won’t need a learning curve. He understands how the city works. He isn’t riding anyone’s coattails and doesn’t have any need to try-he’s been there. He’s not a wannabe anything. He is who he is.
He lead the workers at the University and won, keeping jobs John White wanted to cut.
Lioneld stepped up and lead the fight for impact fees when the mayor abandoned city staff he himself had instructed to formulate said fees. That election ended up in a tie vote despite the FEDC, Chamber and a lot of out of state money being spent to disseminate false information.
He leads by example in his dedication to attending every single council meeting and holding a Ward 4 meeting every month since being elected. Nobody can hold a candle to his record.
He chairs the street committee in an efficient, fiscally responsible manner and keeps the public apprised of progress on projects every single month. Would’ve been nice had Coody been so vigilant on the sewer plant.
Lioneld leads the Council meetings in Coody’s frequent absence and does so in a far more respectful manner than Coody ever has, and manages to keep up procedurally whereas Coody still hasn’t gotten the hang of it. Lioneld demonstrates no dismissive,holier-than-thou attitude toward Council, staff, developers or citizen speakers.
I won’t argue the validity or legitmacy of any other candidate. There are too many unknowns as none of them has taken an active role in City Government, not even as a citizen speaking out on important issues. But Lioneld has earned a promotion by the voters.
Honesty, transparency, committment, determination to extensively research before voting, openmindedness to all sides of an issue, accessibility, encouraging and welcoming citizen participation-even those with dissenting viewpoints, and accountablility all rank high on my list of qualifications of a great mayor.
Lioneld trumps Coody on every count.
When Dan Coody ran in 2000 he was known to repeat that Fred Hanna had had his eight years and it was time for a change. I’d say his argument applies to him here.
Lioneld is the real deal.
By SteezyDeezy on September 15th, 2008
BP
Nice summary of Jordan without the rhetoric seen in some of the other posts. Thank You.
By Get Over It on September 15th, 2008
TB you switch who you are backing up for anyone to take you seriously.
bp, I remember when Jordan stood up for the UofA workers when he wasn’t even one of the workers loosing their job. That right there says a lot about his character.
By Midol McNimbypants on September 15th, 2008
@Get Over It:
My bad. Sorry for not being an agenda driven syncophant.
By Get Over It on September 15th, 2008
It’s really sad to see that there is people out there that think that standing up for what is right is considered self centered. On the bright side there is only a few people out there that think like that.
By Total Bastard on September 16th, 2008
Get Over It:
Is it right to deny a property owner their rights of ownership and use?
I don’t view it as a black and white.
Everyone has the right, to stand up for their own rights.
Rights of individuals must co-exist. Including the rights of property developers.
By GO LIONELD on October 14th, 2008
Lioneld has the endorsements of… The Sierra Club, The Firefighters, and The Fraternal Order of Police! This man is unstoppable and he obviously has the backing to prove it!
VOTE LIONELD JORDAN FOR MAYOR!
By polecat on October 22nd, 2008
He’s pretty tight lipped about what he promised the unions to get their endorsement. Looks like a backroom deal to me. How much taxpayer money did he promise to get their nod. Must be good, they sure are working hard.
By disgusted on October 23rd, 2008
polecat is a blight on humanity. Making baseless accusations has been the primary Coody campaign tactic in at least the last two elections. Enough already.
To impugn the Fire Fighters and Police Department is lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut! These people put their lives on the line every time they clock in to protect the lives and property of the rest of us. If Coody had been doing right by them they might have supported him.
By the way, the Fraternal Order of Police is no more a union than the Metro Board of Realtors-the only organization to have endorsed Coody. So, of those two organizations, (plus Sierra Club, the Fire Fighters and the Green Party on Lioneld’s side) whose opinion would you value more?
By Total Bastard on October 23rd, 2008
I really think your average Fayetteville citizen sees the trails, hears about the economic development, and knows Fayetteville is much better off than it was 8 years ago.
I think the NIMBYism driving Lioneld Jordan’s campaign is significant, but its hardly represents a majority.
Most Fayetteville residents are happy with where the city is headed and know that Coody has a lot to do with that.
The average Fayetteville citizen doesn’t watch Channel 16 very often.
I think Coody wins without a run off. Steve Clark will do better than many expect.
By disgusted on October 24th, 2008
Coody insulting a blind woman beset by raw sewage(coincidentally originating from some of his loyal supporters) “eccentric” when she asks for help from the city in order to evade unflattering news coverage tells all you need to know about Dan Coody’s character.
It took the city, under his guidance, 6 long years to require said contributors of money to his campaign and literal crap to all downstream to step up and fix the obvious and odious problem they were causing their downhill neighbors. That effluent then flowed through Wilson Park and eventually into our water supply. Catch any irony in that from Mr. Green?
That kind of leadership we can do much better without.
By Boggy Creek Creature on October 24th, 2008
Somebody over at the Icon commented on that story with:
“Let’s Keep A Good Thing Flowing”
and I just laughed and laughed
By polecat on October 24th, 2008
Can anyone seriously say that it isn’t a little weird that this woman turned down letting the city fix the problem in 1998 and then waited 7 years to bring it back up? I will say the city should have turned her into the health department years ago since they knew the problen existed. I wouldn’t have quibbled over the price of an easment. I would have been glad to give it for free to fix something like that. Unless I am confused, she is trying to say on the one hand that it was a public line so the city should have fixed it but on the other she wouldn’t let workers onto her property unless the city paid more for an easment. So what is her position? Is it private or public? She seems to want it both ways. I’m not sure what to call that kind of behavior.
By Total Bastard on October 24th, 2008
From this story I agree with Polecat.
The woman was offered $850 for an EASEMENT. And easement is not the same as selling your land.
The city would not have requested an easement if they owned the sewer line. Why offer to pay someone $850 extra for permission to fix something that you own?
Hello?
Where is the case here?
This woman is weird and didn’t understand what an easement was. Instead of allowing someone to explain it to her, she told them to get off her land.
What exactly is she suing for?
By Total Bastard on October 24th, 2008
@ disgusted:
WWLJD?
I suppose Lioneld would have held them woman’s hand, paid her whatever she wanted for an easement ($850 is a lot of money for an easement across residential property if you ask me) kissed her poodle and found a way to make it all better.
This is a very minor incident. The mayor doesn’t have time to coddle crazy people who won’t cooperate.
Seriously, what is the alternate ending that Coody missed?
The woman is nuts and she’ll lose her case. She is costing the city money.
Lioneld is an Ozark Mountain Deity, so I’m sure he’d have just waived his magic wand, cured this woman of her paralyzing neurosis, and made sunflowers grow on her hillside.
By Total Bastard on October 24th, 2008
A quick perusal of Facebook 10/24/08:
Dan Coody: 494 Friends
Lioneld Jordan 81 Friends
Re-Elect Dan Coody Group: 134 Members
Lioneld Jordan For Mayor Group: 77 Members
On the interwebs, Coody is winning by a landslide. I think the vocal minority Jordan vote is going to lose first round, but thats just my take.
By Ronnie on October 24th, 2008
@ polecat
I can tell you right now that Lionald Jordan has promised NOTHING to the fire fighters union and police FOP. Just like Dan Cody did 8 years ago. When the fire fighters union endorsed Dan 8 years ago he promised NOTHING. All they want is someone in office who will listen to them when they do have a problem and who will give them a fair shake when it comes time for a raise. These guys aren’t asking for the sun and moon, but they would like someone who is open and honest in office . I mean hells bells if Dan can give the top department heads raises every year for the last four years, thus insuring his own 28% pay increase, why can’t the general employees of the city at least get a friggin cost of living raise? But as we all know there just isn’t enough money for Bob the Fireman and Joe the Dogcatcher to get a 3.5% pay increase.
By polecat on October 24th, 2008
No class of employee should be treated any differently than another. The fire and police get the majority of the money that goes to raises already yet they do not make up the largest group of employees. They have by far the best benifits in the region. The city contributes way more to their retirement funds than to non-uniform employees. If you saw the budget discussion yesterday on channel 16, you will know what I’m talking about.
By LOL on October 26th, 2008
You can thank Lioneld Jordan and Shirley Lucas for “the budget discussion yesterday on channel 16…”
Or at least you could were you not blinded by your devotion to all things Coody.
That discussion took place at last month’s Ward 4 meeting. There were requests that the entire meeting be replayed on Government Channel, including Mr. Becker’s informative presentation on “City Budget 101.” Those requests were denied by Dr. Thomas. Instead, employee time was used to edit out the rest of the meeting–which included the three candidates for Ward 4 introducing themselves and making their case for being the best choice to replace Lioneld on the Council when he is elected mayor.
Coody has never initiated an honest overview of the budget process for ordinary citizens. Lioneld and Shirley have and yet the Coodyites regularly dismiss the monthly meetings as superfluous.
What color is the sky on your planet?
By Greg on October 27th, 2008
@Total Bastard:
I’m not sure when winning the Mayor of Facebook race became a real prize, but let’s look at the group numbers since not every candidate actually bothered with a profile, particularly since–in the case of your example–Dan’s had a profile up far longer than Lioneld.
In terms of the Facebook groups as of this morning:
Walt Eilers - 165
Steve Clark - 149
Dan Coody - 144
Sami Sutton - 135
Lioneld Jordan - 97
Walt also has 435 friends on MySpace to Dan’s 237. I don’t know if Steve, Lioneld, Sami, or Adam have MySpace pages.
By Missy Leflar on October 27th, 2008
I have been asked, in my role as City Human Resources Manager, to issue a brief, factual clarification about City employee pay and benefits. I will just state the facts and you can formulate your own opinion. If you have any follow up questions, please feel free to call me at work (HR Department at City Hall). I will be glad to make our public information available to any citizen who asks:
1. For 2009 the City plans to contribute 21.52% to uniformed Fire employee retirement, 15.72% to uniformed Police employee retirement, and 12% to non-uniformed employee retirement.
2. Uniformed employees are not allowed by the federal government to draw Social Security Retirement, so neither the City nor they pay the 6.25% each that normally occurs for the Social Security tax. The City does pay the 6.25% Social Security tax on the non-uniformed employees, who also pay the 6.25% Social Security tax out of each paycheck.
3. The City has a paid sick leave benefit and paid vacation leave benefit for all employees, regardless of whether they are Fire, Police, or non-uniformed. Unless someone exhausts their earned sick leave while they are out sick, they will get a regular paycheck. Even then, there is a catastophic leave bank other employees can and often do donate their own leave into to help out a fellow employee. Firefighters may, in addition, do “shift trades” to a certain extent, meaning they can agree for person A to work person B’s shift, but person B still gets the paycheck. This can be helpful if person B is sick.
4. At the past request of the City Council, the pay ranges for City jobs have been determined by an outside third party hired by the City, who did market studies on the going rates for the various jobs in similar cities. The pay ranges are thus driven by the job market, or “supply and demand” (as opposed to people’s personal opinions). The Council has required periodic market studies to keep the information current.
4. In my personal opinion, our Fire and Police employees deserve the utmost respect. But the rest of our employees also have my great respect. You would not believe the hard work, common sense, skill, and comraderie across the board, which is the best thing about working for the City - the good people who work here. I have come to know that - uniformed or not - our employees are decent people who take pride in doing their best work, whatever it may be, and who work hard to serve the Fayetteville community. And they do not tend to bicker among themselves about who does the “most important” work - most are too busy just trying to do a good job for Fayetteville, and earn a living for their families.
Thank you,
Missy Leflar
City Human Resources Div. Manager
By Confused on October 27th, 2008
So, does facebook and myspace determine who wins the mayoral race or shows who has more time to play on the computer? I am sure Tom has more friends then any of the candidates. So does that make him Fayetteville’s Mayor?
By polecat on October 27th, 2008
obviously not. Walt will come in fourth, Sammie and Firecat will tie for fifth. I think Lioneld and Dan will come out on top with Steve a not too close third spot.
By Ronnie on October 27th, 2008
How (or who) got Missy Lefler from the city’s human resources department to come post numbers on a random website about Fayetteville? Me thinks someone with a lot of pull….*cough Dan cough cough*
So Ms Lefler how much of that 21.52% and 15.72% (37.24% combined) for fire and police retirements does the city actually pay? Take the insurance turn back money from the state out of those percentages and what actually comes out of the city coffers?
By Missy Leflar on October 28th, 2008
Ronnie asks a valid question. I’ve asked our Accounting Dept to make the calculations that will respond to Ronnie’s question, above.
If Ronnie or any other citizen has any follow up questions (including this particular one), please feel free to contact me at work (HR Department at City Hall). I will be glad to make our public information available to any interested citizen who asks. This includes this type of public financial information. Thank you - ML
By Fayetteville Employee on October 28th, 2008
Missy is a standup city employee. I have worked with her on a few occasions and have always found her to be a fair person. The Human Resources Division is in good hands with Missy. Keep up the good work Missy. Thanks
By ... on October 28th, 2008
Missy is a great and respected employee and I think that it is terrible that someone would even suggest for her to get involved with all this nonsense. She is just stuck in the middle.
By polecat on October 29th, 2008
I appreciate hearing from someone who is just giving us the facts and is using their real name. Missy seems like the appropriate one to get the straight information from on this subject. Why shouldn’t she do that. Good information is hard to come by. thanks Missy.
By City Employee on November 1st, 2008
The figures for the retirement payout for police and fire have been FOI’d and Missy Leflar has responded.
Yes, in response to your FOI request, the 2007 figures are:
City made a “net” (after turnback money) contribution to Police LOPFI 2 of 6%.
City made a “net” (after turnback money) contribution to Fire LOPFI 2 of 12.2%.
This is much clearer. One other thing to keep in mind is that police and fire top out at 720 hours of sick and start losing it whereas civilians never top out.
Thanks
By wondering on November 2nd, 2008
Thanks Missy, so in the last city council meeting when Coody lied and said the over budget of some 500,000 was for employee salaries …….. he lied again. Thanks to Alderman Ferrell for seeing through the pile of BS and called his hand. So Coody talks about what he has done for retirement think ….. do you get a 6% or 12% on your savings account. Hell I would invest in an account that yielded 6% or 12% return.