commentary

Its true that Billy is focused on realizing his legacy project NO MATTER whether we want it, need it, OR can afford it! He could care less if our money disappears by the truckloads on every project that the city undertakes, and WILL on the new gym, as long as HIS LEGACY is fulfilled. He has shown NO INTEREST in the disappearing monies in the past and is unconcerned about the new gym monies either. He is undeterred by facts, figures, or options that are contrary to his legacy obsession. Its also true that he has stopped listening to outside voices (residents) long ago. I wonder how much of this new gym project is about community, and how much is really about BILLY. Dr. Mel P. Johnson

Municipal Money Magically Disappears

All I know for sure is that an experienced local contractor can build the bathrooms for 140k and that includes a fat 25% profit for him. The City paid an ADDITIONAL 280k for the very same bathrooms! We KNOW it costs 140k to build- where did that additional money go? IF the City Manager had a rational response he would have offered it LONG AGO. He doesnt. The City Manager should be embarrassed and ashamed to have thrown away our hard-earned tax monies like that! If he's embarrassed, as he SHOULD be, then its only because he has done it to himself with that shameful exhibit of municipal malfeasance, if not worse. I am just the observer who points out that the Emperor has... been exposed. The Mayor and Council should also be embarrassed and ashamed for approving those expenditures without any discussion or rational debate. Rubber Stamp R Us could be their slogan. Pitiful. Pathetic. Problematic. Preposterously exPensive. Dr. Mel P. Johnson

clarification

Let me clarify my last post. I DO believe these projects were completed at considerably less than was claimed, but the difference between what is actually cost and the amount claimed, DISAPPEARED, somehow. When we know that usual and customary costs for new construction in S Fla is $125 a square foot, and they admit to charging us at least $375 for the bathrooms and $600 a square foot for the CC, where did that extra money go? We KNOW it didnt cost that much to build it, so where did that money go? We are talking 280k on the bathrooms, over and above the actual costs of building it, and at least 300k on the CC enclosure. We could USE that money now. Perhaps they wouldnt have to raise our taxes and fees if that money had not disappeared. How do you spell R I P O F F ? Dr. Mel Johnson

Mr. Enrique Garcia

I do not know who you are, as I have no record of an Enrique Garcia taking one of my signs. I am truly sorry to hear about your recent bout with dyspepsia. I can empathize with that condition as I frequently want to upchuck when city officials disappear our tax monies by the truckload. Since this happens frequently here in MS, you can imagine my dilemma. You have my most sincere condolences. You wouldnt happen to be one of those contractors who are making 300%, 400%, and more profits on each and every construction project the City undertakes, would you? To protest when ones monies are being stolen, is that the unprofessional conduct you are referring to? Pray tell, what would professional conduct be, after being mugged and large sums of money stolen? Only the muggers complain about being exposed, as it is in this case. Now we have the muggers/thieves/crooks whining about being exposed. Now THAT is a nauseating situation! Have a nice day! Dr. Mel P. Johnson