Officials looking at land use ordinances and regulations

What a hatchet job the Cordele Dispatch did to her article. They never mention the Guideline Books which can be purchased for $10 which have all the ordinances they plan on imposing on Wilcox County residents. The Cordele Dispatch can't read quotation marks either. They misquoted the article written by a volunteer reporter whom they never attributed the article to. They rewrote it, chopped it up, misquoted and whitewashed the whole article. They misquote Lanier Keene who actually said,"These new Land Use Laws is a little like getting a vaccination. It hurts at first but it protects you." He however DID NOT say:"The analogy is misleading, however, because some say vaccinations have caused autism. The original article quoted so many others and the Cordele Dispatch left them all out. They even misquoted the author's quote from the City Attorney. We will try to post the original article here. The volunteer reporter was told the Cordele Dispatch didn't even know about the meeting and I am SURE they never will know about anything ever again and now will be in the dark about all things Wilcox County because she will probably never write for them again! If you are a Wilcox County Resident- I urge you to go get a copy of the Guideline Book. And they will tell you they are all out.(They did that yesterday to someone I know) But make it clear you will be back for that Guideline Book!! The general feeling at the County Commissioners Meeting in regard to new Land Use is that the people are surviving hard enough now, they don't need more government control and expenses while they're in hard times. Maybe the County Commissioners will just write a ordinance about new developments, chicken houses and soil erosion and enforce it themselves without a whole new department to fund. County Commissioners are elected by the people and the next election is November 2008.

WILCOX COUNTY RESIDENTS STAND TOGETHER
By Patricia Marion
August 28, 2008, Wilcox residents crowded a meeting called by the Wilcox County Commissioners in regard to Land Use Ordinances and Regulations. A guidebook selling for ten dollars was available in advance of the regulations to be put into effect in Wilcox County, and was drafted from the guidelines from Lawrence County.
First speaker was Lanier Keene from Abbeville, who said that “These new Land Use Laws is a little like getting a vaccination. It hurts at first but it protects you.” Except now we know, that might not be so, as some say vaccinations have caused Autism. The analogy is a little misleading.
Second speaker was Richard Rhodes (a very eloquent speaker), who said:“We look at surrounding counties, and have those laws helped those counties? Who’s going to support a strip joint in Wilcox County? It will go to be interpreted by a land use officer. Too much control for one individual. These are things we need to think about before we pass it. I got choked on the first few pages of these 127 pages of guidelines. Has our County not worked so far? This was drafted from Lawrence County where they have Griffin Industries. Number one, do we have to do this? Number two, is it about beautification? A man’s got a right to make a living. We’ve got enough laws already. We the people are what make the laws. We are a body, a family, a County. If we don’t need it, we don’t need it. Show me why this is going to do any good. How are we going to pay for it? There are so many costs to enforce these laws. It will get you into a mentality that someone is out to get you. If I wanted to live with regulations, I’d move to where they have regulations.“
Barbara Ashe from Abbeville stood and said she agrees with Mr. Rhodes. She said,“I paid for my land and would like to use my land as I see fit and remain as we are.“
George Scott from Pineview said that he has a different background. He said he was from Gwinnett County. He said,“You have the best lifestyle here. I think this is being pro-active and growth is coming from Perry and Warner Robbins and it’s not going to be the same people. Look at it from a pro-active point of view. Move forward cautiously and make sure it’s done right.”
The next speaker was Howard McGlamory who expressed himself with,“One of my concerns is chicken houses.”
White bearded Jerry Stevens spoke next:“You can’t tell a man with ten acres of land what to do with his land. I came here 37 years ago, and we came here (to America) hundreds of years ago for our freedom.“
Attorney John Croley then said:“How much water you use in your commode is regulated by the Federal Government. That’s what you’re up against.”(Yet manufacturers of commodes have already enforced this law with their newest toilets purchased from Home Depot or anywhere to save water and the environment so it is already built into the market). According to Attorney Croley:“Now the Federal Government regulates everything. If your county doesn’t enforce, the State will come down. There could be penalties. Land erosion is mandatory. If you’re not a Qualified Local Government, your ability to get a loan or grants is affected. It’s all tied into the Department of Community Affairs.”
The next speaker said:“We‘re a poor County. Where was this posted? I just found out. People need to read up about this and find out what’s going on in our County.” Continued to next comment

When a meeting is called in Crisp County, a notice of Public meeting is printed in the Cordele Dispatch that uses words such as their August 27th posting that “public input is needed over the next 10-20 years to make the community an even better place to live. Crisp County, Arabi and Cordele have initiated development of a joint comprehensive plan; an effort to develop a 20-year vision for the community.”
Clarice Morrison, a County commissioner said:“We do have subdivisions in Wilcox County and a developer knows we don’t have laws now, and they get to do as much as they choose. We try to help people, but we need ordinances to help them.”
J. Marion said:“Is this even legal? constitutionally without a vote? The State of Georgia may have given these Commissioners the power to pass these proposed ordinances, but should they, dare they, and will they pass it without a public vote? This plan should have constitutionally-protecting language such as; #1, Whereas the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Amendment Rights all protect sovereign citizens, rights ,powers, privileges and immunities, this document must conform to these standards. Where is the list of the people who drafted the guidelines? They don’t say anything about protecting people’s rights. This whole process may be illegal and unenforceable.”
Richard T. Rhodes in attendance showed his concern by saying “If the EPD (Environment Protection Division), is requiring this and if they don’t have a requirement , according to this book (guideline book) the Board of Appeals will make a dispute decision, of only two or three people. Can’t a dispute be decided between two people involved? We need the citizens and attorney to draft a guidebook, not take it from surrounding counties.“
Ramona Rhodes asked:“Can a website be created to access meetings of the County Commissioners? Can something be done to meet the EPD rules and chuck the rest of it? There are very broad terms used in that guideline book. For example, you can’t have your grass more than 12” high. And what and who is grandfathered in (?) is not addressed in the book. How can that be regulated?“
Clarice Morrison said “They do not apply to any city, just the unincorporated areas.“
Richard T. Rhodes commented on “the regulations call for a slab and a skirt of stucco on mobilehomes which will add to the cost in the thousands of dollars.”
Steven Bolstridge of Abbeville, known as the Piano Doctor said,“I would hope we wouldn’t need a permit to put up a fence. And look at page 101 – no more than one home business. Visitors only between 9-6pm. No more than two clients at a time. I was embarrassed reading some of this. Some of this is fairly ridiculous.”
The general feeling was that people are surviving hard enough now, they don’t need more government control and expenses while they’re in hard times. Maybe the County Commissioners will just write a County ordinance about new developments, chicken house placement, and soil erosion, and enforce it themselves without a whole new department to fund.
County Commissioners are elected by the people and the next election is in November.

When a meeting is called in Crisp County, a notice of Public meeting is printed in the Cordele Dispatch that uses words such as their August 27th posting that “public input is needed over the next 10-20 years to make the community an even better place to live. Crisp County, Arabi and Cordele have initiated development of a joint comprehensive plan; an effort to develop a 20-year vision for the community.”
Clarice Morrison, a County commissioner said:“We do have subdivisions in Wilcox County and a developer knows we don’t have laws now, and they get to do as much as they choose. We try to help people, but we need ordinances to help them.”
J. Marion said:“Is this even legal? constitutionally without a vote? The State of Georgia may have given these Commissioners the power to pass these proposed ordinances, but should they, dare they, and will they pass it without a public vote? This plan should have constitutionally-protecting language such as; #1, Whereas the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Amendment Rights all protect sovereign citizens, rights ,powers, privileges and immunities, this document must conform to these standards. Where is the list of the people who drafted the guidelines? They don’t say anything about protecting people’s rights. This whole process may be illegal and unenforceable.”
Richard T. Rhodes in attendance showed his concern by saying “If the EPD (Environment Protection Division), is requiring this and if they don’t have a requirement , according to this book (guideline book) the Board of Appeals will make a dispute decision, of only two or three people. Can’t a dispute be decided between two people involved? We need the citizens and attorney to draft a guidebook, not take it from surrounding counties.“
Ramona Rhodes asked:“Can a website be created to access meetings of the County Commissioners? Can something be done to meet the EPD rules and chuck the rest of it? There are very broad terms used in that guideline book. For example, you can’t have your grass more than 12” high. And what and who is grandfathered in (?) is not addressed in the book. How can that be regulated?“
Clarice Morrison said “They do not apply to any city, just the unincorporated areas.“
Richard T. Rhodes commented on “the regulations call for a slab and a skirt of stucco on mobilehomes which will add to the cost in the thousands of dollars.”
Steven Bolstridge of Abbeville, known as the Piano Doctor said,“I would hope we wouldn’t need a permit to put up a fence. And look at page 101 – no more than one home business. Visitors only between 9-6pm. No more than two clients at a time. I was embarrassed reading some of this. Some of this is fairly ridiculous.”
The general feeling was that people are surviving hard enough now, they don’t need more government control and expenses while they’re in hard times. Maybe the County Commissioners will just write a County ordinance about new developments, chicken house placement, and soil erosion, and enforce it themselves without a whole new department to fund.
County Commissioners are elected by the people and the next election is in November.

And you better beleave I'm going to VOTE. So If you are NOT in office now, Then YOU'VE got my Vote. This is too much. I have lived somewhere like that, and I thats why I moved back home.
So my good people of Wilcox Co. It's time WE go to the polls. God bless us all in whats you will.

God bless us all in whats your will.

I wish our County Govt. would keep the State and Fed. Gov. out of this. And They CAN. It's easy. DON'T accept any money from them. We're going to get so much money anyway even if we don't do anything.
WE are simple people that want to be left alone
SO PLEASE LEAVE US ALONE. If you like the Fed. Gov. that makes all THE RULES and tells US that OUR kids can't PRAY in school and what we can and can not do with our land THEN YOU MOVE THERE AND LEAVE THE REST OF US THE HELL ALONE. I will also be going to the polls this Nov. 4 AND I will NOT vote for ANYONE thats already in office. From Sheriff to Dog Catcher, ALL of them are trying to put OUR County A head of the other Counties around
us. WHY can't thay see how much trouble they are having ? All I can say is LET'S VOTE. Don't be scared NO ONE knows who you vote for.

Robert, My Son you hit the nail on the head. lived here all my life 68 years. I can not see this
happing to us, but it is. Did not vote last two times but I think I will now. Also never put anything on this comp. so may not get it right.
But I do know how to vote. Meet me in Pitts and lets vote.

This thing shows me in abbeville. Im from Pitts Ga.

I agree with you both, wilcox is full of alot of people that are just struggling to get by and not just the poor people anymore, middle class is struggling as well with high gas prices, groceries increasing, increasing taxes. Chicken house issues need to be addressed and let the individual cities provide ordinances about citizens junking up their properties in town with trash and abandoned cars, etc. Give them a chance to clean it up and if not done so in an allotted amount of time let the city haul it off and collect revenue off of the scrap metal.One house in particular in Abbeville is an eyesore on the end of Monroe Street across from Gin Morgan. Those people have hauled junk in from Rochelle and totally destroyed that end of the city block. These are real concerns, not making sure mobile homes have stucco around the bases. People are struggling to make ends meet already. Get rid of some of these money hungry incumbents. Not all but some need to be replaced. Talk to neighbors and get the facts on these politicians.

One thing that has not been mentioned on these posts,is how a county commissioner in dist.2 can live in dist.5,then when called on this,requalify giving a address in dist.2 where he owns a moble home but rents it out.He has not lived their in several years.No one at the courthouse seems to care that not only did he give false information on his qualifying app he seems to think he is above the law and no one should call this to any ones attetion.Furthermore he lives some where around savanna and only comes to abbeville on ocassions.You will see him more now because he wants to be re-elected,and with his big money backers,and his cronies that are going around the district putting up his signs and showing people sample ballots telling them,not asking them to vote for him,while he is back in savanna.

Thats right Changed Voter, I remember Mr. Stone from 15 plus years ago. WHEN HE RAN FOR COUNTY COMM. In fact I remember when his sole supporter in Pineview was Charles Stalls, Charles was a Good person that did not see any wrong in anyone, So lets don't blame Charles for this mess and Marcey WAS NOT EVER in this Dist. as he clamied.
AND NOW wake up folks. Not only does he not and never has lived in our dist. HE Don't have Bro. Charles any more. MARCEY YOU USED A GOOD MAN TO HELP YOU GET IN OFFICE ( PERIOD.) Now you have people with Money helping you get RE-Elected, Because YOU HELPED THEM OUT. Marcey if you read this Please let me tell you something. All thier money and all your power as a county comm. Mite get you Re-Elected but YOU BETTER BELEIVE what I'm Telling you. That Power you got and THIER MONEY WILL NOT GET YOU IN HEAVEN .(Period)

And Please Let me add this to my comment , I am not for any one running in this race . We have Mr. Stone, Mr. Brown and Mr. Talley that want's US to Support them. So We must decide Which One of them will we want, Which one of them that can't be bought off, and which one of them has the most exp.

Thats right,I also knew Mr. stalls and he was a good person that was used by Mr. Stone.How can someone pull the wool over the eyes of officals who are suposed to verify the address of qualifier.It seems they would have to know that he lives on harvey rd.When he was asked at a commissioner meeting what his physical address was he said in an arrogant way that everybody would know when he qualified with Mrs betty jean anderson.A friend of mine tried to call him about this land use business,but could not find his phone # in book,so he called court house they gave him Lee h. phone # to call.Lets face it a county commissioner needs to be availlable to talk to people in his district,his phone # should at least be in the phone book.He was elected to represent his district and to be in the district.The way it has been for the past several years we could have gotten along without him just as well.There are several people working for him around the county, so he does not have to do anything but stand around certain stores in abbeville and pineview and go to his abbeville home on the weekends that is in dist 5.I have asked several people in abbeville if they have seen him at the address that he gave in dist 2, they have never seen him at that address.

Thanks change voter for bringing up those points about Mr. Stone. People if this man had any intergrity he would have pulled out of the election. Three things you should judge a canidate by are honesty intergrity and experience. "Honesty" for Mr Stone he does not even live in his district "intergity" he should have backed out of the election "Experience" he has filed bankruptcy more than once Is this the things you look for in a canidate. Not me its time for a change community lets start with District 2 one final thought who would jesus vote for?

well i agreed with this comments i know of people here in pineview that mr stone is giving beer to just to put signs in their yards.i have live here in pineview all my live and i have never met mr stone.i also understand that he doesn't even live in his district,lives most of the time in savannah ga,i have met the other canidats and i will be voter for mr brown,he seems honest and sincere and i don't think that he can be brought,i also ask mr brown about mr stone he only replied that he wasn't running against mr stone he was running for the office.so my vote will go to mr brown.

Stone is another one of them that chases that tail. he aint never round wilcox, unless there is some new coochie out lurking the streets. shit please, he done asked me on several occasions bout some black women down town, wanting to know if they will "mess around" with a white man. I said yeah they will if you got some bread! he said man, money aint no problem for me, tell her where I live on harvey road on the weekends and tell her I'll do her right.

he'll be in town for that shit, but wont be around for no meetings for co. commishioners and things like that. If i had my voting rights, i'd take it to the polls for one of the other white men!

what happened to your voting rites trixster?

I don't even wanna talk about that stuff I got caught up with. I'm a felon. got caut up in dat drug stuff when i was yunger. i am a changed man now. found myself when i was doin time. i like to give back to the community when i can, working with churches and kids and talk to em in the parks about things goin on in this world. some people still see me the way i was when i left. only in time can they tell i am changed.

Word is out that sec of state office called court house to investigate mr. stone on friday.His truck was spotted for the first time saturday night at the new address that he gave when he requalified. Then it left to go back to his real home on harvey rd.dist 5 sunday morning at 10:00.Seems they have him on the run for the first time.We are confident that he will be able to worm or pay his way out of this.