R. S. “Chip” Davis

The old adage Like Father Like Son or Chip off the ole block we hear often. We all know it means the traits of the father are in the son.

Steve Davis who currently occupies the 109^th District in the lower house of the gold dome has had a few hick-ups over the years which made the Atlanta papers.

Feb. 29, 2012 — Rep. Steve Davis has agreed to pay a $300 fine for failing to include two businesses on his state-mandated financial disclosure.

Davis, a real estate broker from McDonough, filed disclosures for 2009 and 2010 listing himself as CEO of Cape Real Estate Sales and Trading LLC, but did not mention that he held the same position in two other companies, officials said Tuesday. ” Read on

Last year Davis was in the paper for similar items:

“A you recall Davis was in the news at the beginning of this year with the fact he owed the second largest amount of fines to the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. It’s believed Davis cleared those up finally”

RS "Chip" Davis

Now we see his son Ryan Davis (who ran as R. S. Davis) on the Henry County Board of Education has taken on the trait of his father. According to theGeorgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission a fine was issued for 6/30/11 and 12/31/11 of $125.00 each time for a total of $250.00 for not filing paper work. Oh that paper work is known as campaign disclosures. There could be a problem with the filing system, or maybe it was sent snail mail, or maybe those people down there just make mistakes all the time when it comes to the Davis political process.

Steve Davis cleared up the matter on some, paid fines on the other (?) but the follies seem to follow him and now his son. A couple of weeks ago it was Schoolboard Apprecitaion Week. It would be appreciated if board member Davis would pay his fines and file his paper work.

We pay more than 83% of all Americans in Henry County, GA

After reading an article on property values continuing to fall in most major cities I took a look at Henry County to see what I might find. Lo and behold there’s all kinds of information in the internet where one can find whatever they wish, in this case information on property values and taxes.

As we all know the values of homes have fallen dramatically and we are seeing prices plunge from highs just a few years earlier. My own house has gone down 5% a year over the last 4 years according to the county. The reality is the rate is more like -8.7% a year. I may appeal the assessment next year if it does not reflect the current market value.

Over at www.tax-rates.org I find that Henry has “one of the highest median property tax rates in the United States, and is ranked 539th of the 3145 counties in order of average property taxes.” That means we pay a higher average property tax than 83% of all Americans.

The amount we pay is equal to 2.4% of our average incomes and puts the burden above 71% of all Americans.

The questions to be considered are why and are we better off the rest of America?

To answer the why we have to look at the last 25 to 30 years where the “leaders,” the elected commissioners failed to grasp planning and execution. Many actually took the stance if we don’t build infrastructure no one will come, we can be a rural community. These people failed us on infrastructure and making Henry a place for business.

Henry is not a haven for business and industry, even to this very day we have seen little effort other than big box distribution centers. Again that flows back to our commissioners not being active and giving direction.

Ask yourself if you are better off, you know the answer. We cannot lay the blame totally on the commissioners; the Obama economy and big spenders in DC (both Republican and Democrat) have caused the environment to be what it is, but it is no excuse for the last 25 years.

Henry County politics is a popularity contest and never about solutions. It always has been and most likely that is what elections are about. You vote for someone you like. If you take time to learn about those who seek office and what they can do you might change your mind and not elect the same to office year end and year out. Vote your pocket books and see what happens, surely it could not be any worse than it is now.

Other than looking for a better commissioner what else can do?

First improve the tax base by adding businesses. To do that you need to revamp the Development Authority giving it specific and detailed direction of what they are to accomplish. It should be dove tailed into what the State of Georgia is working on. This would also give a better working relation with the hunting dogs so when there is bird we can at least be in the hunt.

Second we need accountability, from commissioners to those running the Development Authority to leaders in the community with no one getting a free pass. Changes should be made in the Authority to reflect the new strategy.  Hire someone that has the ability to work with the state and others throughout Georgia and not specialized in distribution centers.

Third, the county needs better efficiencies, more effective delivery of services and devise a means to lowering the millage rate. When speaking of the county and millage rates it is inclusive of the Board of Education (BOE.) Many forget the BOE has 23.6 mills or on average about two thirds our property taxes goes to them. Changes should be made there too.

At the BOE we need to have those board meetings made available online and through the local government cable channel. Too many dollars flow through the system. Not having this capacity where we can see how they operate and can be accountable is wrong. Again, we should make choices to that board that reflect competency.

Many of the BOE members have been there for ages and have not done much other than raise our rates. There are all kinds of justifications for raising property taxes for schools but the bottom line is this BOE has not reduced rates. Recall we pay a higher average property tax than 83% of all Americans and two thirds goes to the BOE.

The BOE for years has sat silently about the tax base not being broad enough. This body should be pushing harder than any to get changes at the Development Authority and BOC but they “have to work with the BOC and don’t need a battle.” It’s like an elementary PTO saying they cannot support the Ed SPLOST because it is controversial and might make parents uncomfortable, yet that school gets the direct benefit in the way of dollars.

Henry County has need for leadership transformation and implementation of a business growth policy so property owners can get tax relief. Instead of voting for the one with the nicest smile or friendliest disposition try voting your pockets. If you like the way the things are then just keep the same people in place.

For me, I would like to see the BOE at least elect two new members to the board this time. I would like to see one or two new members elected to the BOC. These new members should also bring with them new appointments to the Development Authority and make business development their main concern revamping or ridding the old model. The BOE should also press for changes to make Henry a better community for business by publicly pressing for accountability from their partners, the BOC.

Redistricting Observations

Redistricting is a balance of fairness skewed towards those empowered at the time. There is much to consider in the process starting with the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of which Georgia has been held hostage for acts committed 46 years earlier. Times have changed. Yet there are those who clearly desire to use the VRA to their advantage.

The redistricting maps all have to place the minority elected at top of the list in priority in keeping their district safe for re-election. It goes without saying the VRA is designed to be racially divisive.

Now when the new maps are redrawn those screaming the loudest about re-segregation of Georgia not only want it to cover their skin but all skins of Democrats.

Congressman Westmoreland in 2006 spoke on the floor in DC about the VRA needing to be updated to reflect fairness of what is reality today, not 46 years ago.

“Though it defies common sense, this renewal of the Voting Rights Act gives NO CONSIDERATION to any changes that may have occurred since the first law was passed in 1965. Lester Maddox, George Wallace and Bull Connor have at least two things in common: 1) they are all segregationists and 2) they are all dead. “  - Congressman Lynn Westmoreland 2006

Clearly the rewriting of the VRA is seen as essential to Democrats now that redistricting is taken place. The VRA should now state that Democrats of any race creed or color should be protected under the act.

Here in Henry County, GA the redistricting maps for congressional seats now splits Henry three ways. Districts 13, 10, and 3rd. Howwever it seems District 3, Congressman Westmoreland, may end up covering less than the first map indicated. Seems those in empowered down at the capital with clout are pulling strings.

Panel tweaks congressional maps; governor signs House, Senate plans

“Westmoreland’s district also gained more of Fayette County while the 13th District seat of Democratic U.S. Rep. David Scott was moved farther into Henry County” . – article from  AJC

Henry does not have the clout it needs to keep that from happening. But according to State Senator Emanuel Jones we have a powerful leader who uses his influence over redistricting, well redistricting the county BOE.

Jones, Davis Sparring Over Henry Redistricting Map

“The ongoing debate over newly drawn voting districts in Henry County has made its way to the state legislature. State Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-District 10) said State Rep. Steve Davis (R-District 109) had “undue influence” in a district map recently drawn by county officials.

Jones said he plans to call for an ethics investigation into the activities of his colleague in the area of redistricting. “The county started it, but Rep. Davis took it over,” said Jones. “He’s trying to push it through, and ram it down the legislature’s throat. Clearly, there’s all kinds of conflicts.”

One of those conflicts, Jones said, centers on the position of Rep. Davis’ son, Ryan Davis, as a member of the school board in Henry County. The state senator, who is the head of the local legislative delegation, said Davis, in recent months, has been promoting a map which creates a safer district for his son.” – article from Henry Herald.

As much as I think Davis is a goober and self-serving, I think the maps for Henry County for BOE and BOC were done well. The maps meet the letter of the law and the districts do not look gerrymandered. One could build a case about Davis’ house put in the 4^th district and moved out of the 5^th district if they wanted to slant a racial bias but given how they are laid out Henry has solid foundation for the next 10 years. I do think Davis’ son would have difficulties being re-elected to the 5^th district. Now that he is in the 4^th he has a better shot if he keeps his political promises made on the campaign.

Some inside baseball fanatics think Davis has higher aspirations to some sort of state wide office. What exactly that would be is mind boggling, but the son’s 4^th district is close to Daddy’s seat. It will make campaigning easier for both and when and if Daddy Davis makes an effort for statewide or retires he’ll already have an heir to the thrown in place.

Jones was late to the party and not in tune with the process. Given Jones antics for theatrics it was surprising when he took to the well he did not put shackles on or have attack dogs and hoses brought into the chamber when he spoke out against Davis.

 

UPDATE: Looks like others think the VRA is in threat of being rewriten:

Coming soon: The Democrats’ Protection Act of 2011

 

“Abrams portrays that as a GOP ploy to pad its majority by targeting white Democrats and called it a violation of the voting rights act.

Her reasoning: That strategy not only discriminates against whites but hinders the ability of Democrats to advance the interests of blacks.

So the Democratic Party – not just the African-American electorate – merits protection under the act, she argues.”

Read Entire Article from Savannah Morning News.

 

No Surprise, Ryan Davis Breaks Campaign Promise

Ryan Davis voted for furloughs for Henry County, GA School system. Davis breaks his word not to support and end furloughs and his “Davis Plan” is worthless. A man is only as good as his word and once he breaks his word he has little left as substance. For the next three years and six months there is no telling what this young inexperienced man will do to the school system. It’s a shame that Davis did not take his own words seriously and is simply going through the motions. He deeply disappoints many with his breaking of his campaign promise.

File his vote under false and misleading campaign promises.

On another note the BOE voted tonight for a referendum on extending the SPLOST tax and the vote could come as soon as November 2011.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 8th day of November 2011, an election will be held in all of the precincts of Henry County. At the election there will be submitted to the qualified voters of Henry County for their determination the question of whether or not a one percent sales and use tax for educational purposes of the Henry County School District (the “School District”) should be reimposed within Henry County, upon the termination of the one percent sales and use tax for educational purposes presently in effect, for a maximum period of time of 20 calendar quarters, for the purpose of providing funds to pay (1) the cost of (a) acquiring, constructing, and equipping a new Hampton High School; acquiring school buses and related transportation equipment; acquiring instructional and administrative technology improvements; adding to, renovating, replacing, repairing, improving, and equipping existing school buildings and other buildings and facilities useful or desirable in connection therewith; and acquiring any necessary property therefor, both real and personal; and (b) to the extent funds are available, acquiring, constructing, and equipping one new elementary school and one replacement middle school and acquiring any necessary property therefor, both real and personal; all at a maximum cost of $225,000,000 (the “Project”); and (2) the cost of retiring a portion of the School District’s General Obligation Bonds, Series 2007A (the “Series 2007A Bonds”), by paying or making provision for the payment of a portion of the principal of and interest on such bonds coming due on April 1, 2012, in the maximum amount of $14,000,000.

The school board is going to need a much more talented team in place to get this passed in such short order. The last Bond referendum failed miserably and had the wrong messaging and the wrong people working the referendum.

From Two Cents on the Failed School Bond Referendum

The bond referendum could not have come at a worst time. It is uncertain to why the Board of Education put forth the effort to carry this bond vote out during times like this. It was a major error and with the sentiment of anger that had been brewing the vote needed even greater care to be successful.

The failure to look at the political landscape to determine the strategies warranted for the passage of the bonds killed it from the start.

…….. It will take months for this black-eye to heal. The School Board should learn from the mistakes, examine the political background to formulate strategies and tactics that will deliver a positive response from the voters when they come back and ask the question in the future. It will be costly for the BOE to pass it in the months ahead, costly in time repairing their image, costly in additional funds to be raised by the next Committee members to advocate and costly to the community for waiting.

This Education SPLOST is needed. We need to have the ability to continue the consumption tax for the school system. We also need elected officials standing by the promises they make in campaigning.  Davis failed on this promise. We can not let the Ed SPLOST fail.

Does BOE Member Davis Break Campaign Promise Tonight?

Tonight we see if campaign promises are kept or if a politician just said what it took to get elected. The Henry County Board of Education meets tonight to finalize the upcoming budget and set how many furlough days teachers will take next year if any. It’s been a tight budget no doubt and much has been manipulated to make the ends match up.

School Board member Ryan Davis campaigned his way last year to the board seat on promises of doing away with teacher furlough days.

 

The budget has as many as 5 or 6 teacher furlough days when it was shown last. A vote for the budget with the unpaid leave for teachers would signify Davis as breaking his promises voting for balancing the budget at teacher’s expense, something the Davis Plan claimed would end.

The BOE meets at 7 tonight. It won’t be on the internet or on local channel 14. The minutes will show the vote and not much comment of any kind. The BOE does not make it easy for the public to see the workings without actually being there. It is open to the public. Let’s hope Davis keeps his word.

BOE Called Meeting

UPDATE: At the time this was written I purposely left the BOE member name off. Many have asked who the BOE member was that made the remark. Now that the maps have been signed off on in Henry and are down at the Capital being looked over I’ll tell you. It is the newest and youngest member on the board that made that statement. It is a prime example of why the BOE needs to have their meetings recorded and televised.

At the Henry County board of Education (BOE) called meeting this morning on Redistricting for Henry County, GA school board the political process was unveiled showing what was important to each of the sitting board members. The discussion was immensely tale telling. The minutes won’t show the conversation details or concerns of the board members. There is no video of the meetings like the Board of Commissioners (BOC). It is uncertain if there is a recording of any such. (Should there be more Transparency?)

During the discussion a board member stated their concern with the proposed map designed in coordination with the BOC stating the BOC works with communities and the BOE works on education. The member saw no reason to have the two maps overlap. This member later stated “their” district would get “worse” over time and a map separate from the BOC needed to be created insuring that all sitting members would be re-elected in the future.

The worry for this one board member was for how to keep their seat on the board and what was beneficial to the sitting board member.

The ability for one commissioner and one school board member to represent those in one community is crucial. To argue the point that the schools and the BOE is not about communities and your district will get “worse” which makes it harder to get re-elected therefore change the maps is shallow.

Gerrymandering to keep you in office is part of politics but should be done with skill.

It seemed three of the board members were satisfied with the proposed map of the BOC.

No map was adopted at this point and two of the members wanted to have the map redrawn and discussed further. One member specifically asked to balance the districts out with minority and white families. They want to ignore the BOC’s map which creates one minority majority seat and the possibility of a second minority majority seat. The Department of Justice (DOJ) most likely would frown on such due to Georgia being held to 1960’s Voting Rights Act.

The BOE will review maps again. They are going to meet with the BOC. It is hoped we see identical districts for both BOC and BOE for it is best for Henry.

Has anyone heard when the BOC will have a public meeting on redistricting?