I had to take it all in...

I mean, after months of concentrating on what is REALLY important to me, namely my family and professional life, I see that Lancaster is in the news again. Though it's old news, the school's plan to cut a day off of their schedule to save money is the saddest thing I've ever seen. However it is accepted or denied by the general public, the fact that it needed to be proposed is telling of what trouble LISD has behind the curtain that is Larry Lewis' financial policy. Many saw this step of desperation coming and still other prophecies are yet to be realized but they shall come to pass as well. When the Titanic began to sink, there was no doubt that everyone would get wet. It was just a matter of how long they waited to do so!
Can Lancaster turn this around? Can the city step in as a controlling entity and help save this broken administration through financial guidance? I doubt it.
You see, no matter who comes forward at this point, no matter what resolution comes to light, the wheels are off the wagon and it's headed for the cliff. It's my fear that LISD will have to hit bedrock financially before changes are made to repair the Trump-like spending that put them where they are at now.

Lancaster defined...

• Inability to change or accept the reality that you must change in order to thrive.
• Total dependence on the foresight of other cities to plan future growth and economic policy.
• Egregious use of power to promote ones self over the interest of the city as a whole.
• Blind trust of known liars due to a lack of vision pertaining to the future growth of the city.
• Almost dillusional loyalty to a superintendent that would rather eat dirt than admit his mismanagment of past funds has rendered him unable get another bond election passed.

( I'm waiting on the LISD garage sale to raise funds for future growth. Larry, are you selling any of the fixtures in your office, I hear they're really nice! )

• Nursing a hope that some business somewhere will actually bring employees that might want to build a nice home in an area with increased crime, decreased test scores, increased taxes, and decreased infrastucture maintenance. After all, I know if I built a million dollar home, I'd love to drive my Mercedes over the four-wheel drive test track you call Pleasant Run and shop at the only grocery store in town. Of course I'd want to do it during that sweet spot in the day when I wouldn't be carjacked, between 10AM and 1:30PM.

Imagine That...

After all is said and done the Lancaster machine known as LISD grinds to a halt once again! I often wonder if the residents of Lancaster feel a little like a parent telling a tenacious kid "no" over and over again. Larry, have you tried just making a big sign that says PLEASE. Maybe that'll work. Or circus clowns with balloons, everyone loves a clown and balloons. Perhaps one of those monkeys with the little hat, always did like the little monkey. ( Marvin do you have a hat? ) Anyway, I also see that Prince wasn't able to overcome Susan's friends and the core support of the Lancaster's aged elite.
Other than that everything is status quo. As it will always be in Lancaster. Keep sleeping people of Lancaster... I'm sure the city will be fine without new leadership and the ideas that spring from inevitable change.

N.

So Why Now?

That's the question that keeps going through my mind and the mind of many that have watched the local growth continue to press as if they're going to run out of houses before people to buy them. Lancaster is at an all time high on available homes due to the MASSIVE foreclosure inventory in the area. Furthermore the Fort Worth Star Telegram sites that "Home Deals are Better but Financing Harder to Get." ( by, Andrea Jares Section C Front Page )
This brings a very interesting question to light. If home sales are declining from their record highs a few years ago as also stated, and foreclosure inventory is at an all time high coupled with more difficult financing terms...Who exactly is going to buy these Preserves boxes? Now I know there will be plenty of people lined up to stay in the apartments, and the nail salons and rent a microwave places are waiting to move into the retail slots but who's going to buy the "big" stuff. You know, the 15,000 sq. ft lot stuff? Or has that been changes too? Anyway, with a 6% drop in New Home closings this year and a product designed to entice a "more discerning" buyer, why now? There's no market existing for this development. No one coming to Lancaster and asking Ellen to take them to the exclusive section of Lancaster because they heard that Lancaster was the "place to be." No one is touting Lancaster as the next Arlington boom location. Furthermore no one wants that! How many folks can honestly say they want more people to move into such a small town. Can a city that struggles and fails to maintain it's current infrastructure *( I.E. leaking Police Department, Horrible Streets, Storm Drainage issues, etc. ) afford to build? How does that work? We have had disappearing park fees from Meadowview, invisible use of impact fees city wide, and a school system so heavily taxed both literally and figuratively that it simply can't keep up with the changes! How is 2000-2400 more people going to help that situation?
While we're on the subject of schools, how much do you think Larry's next Acropolis will cost. You realize that he'll need to build one for the southern sector don't you? By the way, with L.I.S.D. trying desperately to convince citizens that higher taxes will result in better spending habits, how will an extra 2.5 children per 2000 residential homes effect the equation? Who pays for those changes? Changes that will need to be made, expansions that will need to happen, BEFORE these folks come to Lancaster. If they're coming at all! Am I the only one that sees these things or am I just the only one that cares? If so...that's just sad. I have no vested interest in what happens there except a boiling desire to watch Steve and Tommy eat their own lies ( and possible get hit by an asteroid...) Besides that, I'll see Lancaster from time to time in joint North Texas planning issues because of other responsibilities. That being said, where are the folks from the other sections of Lancaster?
Think this won't effect you? How long do you wait at Minyards to check out? How long will you wait once 2000 plus residential homes are built. Don't forget apartments... Think they are going somewhere else to shop? Maybe but since you only have one grocery option, why wouldn't they use it. Better yet, why would anyone move somewhere with a dismal I.S.D. performance record and one grocery store? Value...that's why! You can't have your cake and eat it too. You can't have growth without catalyst and the people that would consider a $300,000 home aren't going to come to an area that has so many opportunities already. So once again I ask why now?


Answer... Because these guys CAN'T AFFORD for this to fail. The question is can Lancaster afford for it to succeed?

Do You Smell What the Developers are Cooking?

I wonder... Does anyone in Lancaster smell the meat on the fire? I'm telling you it's there and...listen carefully... it's you! The last decade has marked the most aggressive and irresponsible planning and growth in Lancaster since some old hillbilly stumbled upon the place and decided to hide ammunition in the ground. Furthermore, the growth has spawned a myriad of crimes, litter, and general distress among the longtime patrons and residents of the area. Now I'm not saying there shouldn't have been new homes built. I'm saying there should have been diversity from the start! How does a development of row after row of mini mansions come about? Through the promise of increased revenue for local businesses, better schools due to increased tax base, and further economic benefit ( none of which ever comes to fruition.) Why? Because it's always a lie. The developments in the northern sector of Dallas county don't come in with such promises because they don't have to. The development's quality and the developers integrity are apparent from the "get go" so none of that needs to be verbalized. Counsel members don't need to be buttered up, planning boards don't need to be explained to, and people don't need to be convinced. The proof is in the pudding.
The guys that are currently "doing business" with the city have;

• sued the city over utility issues that they KNEW were moot from the beginning
  
• lied to several counsel members, residents, and business owners in the area
• cut and cleared trees in an effort to avoid fees
• attempted influence ( both negative and positive ) over counsel
  
• generally stumbled into this development like a three legged goat on "meth" ( that's slang for a home-made speed for all you church folk )

In short, they are NOT good people and approval of this development will be akin to telling a child abuser that you'd like them to care for your kids while you go to Vegas for a week! Surely Lancaster isn't this desperate, are you? Is this your "Last Chance" at quality growth? Are the likes of Tommy and Steve your only hope in dealing with residential excellence? If so God help you! Take this next statement and print it, cut it our and tape it to your windshield in your car. Look at it 5, 10, and 15 years from now and see if it rings true while you are driving around your fair town. Look at it as you view the city Lancaster is destined to become with these guys guiding your residential growth. Look through that window and then glance at these words that you would have had for such a short period of time...What a Crap Hole!

To Whom it May Concern...

After a brief conversation with Rick, I've come to realize that may of you have been offended by the use and misuse of foul language and/or the implication thereof. It is with somewhat of a mixed feeling that I address this. I genuinely feel that many of you are offended by this and for that I apologize for your feeling offended. Not for the use, mind you, but for your interpretation of it. I apologize for doing things that I didn't intend to do or for wronging someone in the course of my action. I don't apologize for the open expression of what I believe to be true or my manner of expressing it.
Please understand that this blog isn't for the masses. Who chooses to read it and who doesn't is up to those that recognize it an entertainment or diversion. For some it may even offer insight or information about a situation that they weren't aware of. It is not a forum or platform for those that would choose to use it as such. It's my emotional venting and observations about the people and things that have consumed a better part of the last three years of my life. Although I will attempt to "monitor" the unnecessary use of profanity, I will not compromise my thought or my expressions for ANYONE. In short, this isn't a blog to be guided by the wishes of any one particular faction, group, or cause.
Besides, even devout Christians can agree that Tommy and Steve, are deserving of whatever label I choose on them. Disagree? Wait until this development in south Lancaster is approved. I bet there'll be plenty of cussing coming from some of the very same people offended by mine now!

Beans

I often wondered while in Lancaster if prostitution was limited to the area surrounding the truck stops on Dallas Ave. Now I know that it isn't. Dick, can you tell the folks of Lancaster what assurances were made at your private lunch with the developers of The Preserve? Was the meal better than the conversation? Did Steve cut your steak and hand feed you your veggies? Did you both sip champagne while you decided to sell Lancaster out? I wonder. Why else does a passionate defender of resident interest turn into a mild supporter of the very same plan?
In the children's story of Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack (the idiot in the story) trades his family's last chance at survival (the cow) for a handful of "magic" beans. In the story, though Jack betrays his family, risks starvation, and makes a horrible trade that only a mentally challenged person would even consider...he's vindicated when the stalk arises, he kill some jack off and steals his stupid goose or something. Of course, that's a children's story. Dick, do you really believe that the beans you are being sold are magic? Do you think this development will somehow mean better prosperity to the area? I always counted you among the more intelligent, if not motivated members of counsel, but maybe I was wrong.
Does anyone listen to their constituents? Is there any counsel member brave enough to admit that they don't know what's best for the whole city and may need some input from the very people that voted them into office! Keep in mind, you represent residents of Lancaster, not rule them. I know that promises have been made, and friendships forged, but realize that these guys (Tommy and Steve) wouldn't piss on your forehead if you were on fire! Think they're on the "up and up" and not pulling the wool over your eyes? Then answer me this, where are the Eastern Red Cedars, Willows, and Oaks that were on the property last year? Who in Lancaster hasn't been screwed at least once by these guys, and finally...how do they usually get what they want? That's right. They sue or pay, pay or sue. Granted, never directly, but campaign support (or the promise thereof) and threats are the only thing they know. Have you ever heard this, "At the end of the day, either Lancaster will allow this development to pass, or we'll cut it up into 5 acres plots and sell it off to whomever wants it with no controls or restrictions." or "If they don't give this to us, we'll sit of that land and watch them rot." If you haven't, I have...
All I'm saying is who wants f&*king beans?

Man...Has it been that long?

Time flies when your having fun, and making money. Guess it's just creeping along for the likes of Tommy and Steve though. Why else would they gather around the fire and execute their pagan rituals to bring "The Preserve" back to life? Can't say I didn't tell you so! You see, being that Steve and Tommy are both liars, how could anyone expect that they wouldn't repackage this thing and present it again? Which brings me to some interesting revelations.

Dick, I hear that you're "on board and even a possible cheerleader for the "new" plan. Tell me, how does someone so passionate about the preservation of Lancaster's oldest residents and their wishes come to "switch teams" so quickly? I know why I did...simple, their scum and I always knew that, but my job was to make them appear not to be. A job, I must say, that was nearly impossible with Tommy's mouth rattling like a cheap whore's change purse. Anyway... what makes a man like you change outlook so quickly? Money for some will do it, but I don't think you are a crook. Blackmail for others but you seem pretty clean. Maybe...just maybe, you've been brow beat by Joe and Joe so much that you figure, " What the hell, I'm leaving soon anyway." Who knows. I just cringe at the looks you'll get after to sell yourself out.

Kim...shit, why even bother, flip a coin like you always do or just ask another counsel person how to vote. Seems to have worked well for you up until now.Of course, I'm sure you'll get all of the support you need from Tommy if you happen to vote "the right way", just better ask for cash and check em' with one of those fancy pencils that the Target ladies use. ( love that thing.)

James, I know you're going to choose whatever you want to do come hell or high water. Just watch out for the phone call. You'll get it sooner or later. It'll go something like this...
" What'r ya doin? ( in a scruffy hillbilly voice ) Well, I sure hope you're gonna be our friend on this James...after all, we support our friends and not our enemies." Sound like anyone you know?

Joe...........WAKE UP!!!! If it was such a great thing it wouldn't have to be resubmitted. Threats wouldn't have had to be made in relation to " chopping it up into 5 acre plots." The powers that be wouldn't push it so hard. Look past what you think their going to do to what they've done. Name one project that they've completed that was a benefit to Lancaster without complication. Easements being pressured for condemnation, snaking deals against LISD, incomplete parks, lawsuits over line locations, and more of the same with no intention of compromise. You'll take what they give you and you'll like it! Or else!

Clyde...Hello Clyde? Got a position on this or just going to play the fence? Do you know where The Preserve is? How it will effect the schools in your district until LISD can afford to build one down there ( which reminds me, Larry...I hear that the Wednesday night Lotto drawings are pretty large, may be if you can't get Lancaster to give to 200 Million, a company car, and a private screening of The Godfather with Deniro and Pachino in attendance...you can try that to gather the money to build on the sites you already own. )

Susan, define friendship. I ask you to do this because sooner or later, you'll be asked to consider this out of friendship with Tommy. Keep in mind that he thinks people give a shit about him. Anyway, would a friend finance your opponent's campaign? Would they talk about you as if you were already out of office? Would they smile in your face while knowing that the very things that you value are the things they intend to tear down, namely the quiet country atmosphere of Lancaster? Just think about it. He'll come for you too.

Finally Carol... Hello, hope everything is going well for you. Have a great week.



Wonder why she misses the long advise given to others? Because Carol couldn't give less of a shit what these guys are doing because she knows that by definition if they are the ones doing it, Lancaster is getting screwed.

Nancy, start up the campfire and ready the torches. The vampires are drawing near to the neck of Lancaster proper. Contact the immediate property owners and ready yourself for the super majority vote. Look out for the "work sessions" attended by those that live in Meadowview and Ames Meadow. Hey Tommy, still think a plate of chicken and barbecue will buy the support of Blacks in the Northern sector? I always wanted to ask you after you proposed that, "Do you really believe the nonsense that comes out of your soup cooler?" Surely you can't be that stupid and racist at the same time. Can you?

I feel for you Margie, if you're still putting up with this creep. You know he NEEDS you to get to Joe, Clyde, and the rest. You're his only hope. For that matter, your "The Preserve's" only hope! Yet, I'm willing to bet you have yet to see a property deal, check, or even a "thank you" for supporting him.



Last but not least... Although, I've turned things around and am doing better financially than I had working for these jackasses, I still feel the need to end by saying F#%K you Tommy and Steve, I glean happiness from the fact that Steve's weight and your smoking will speed both of your demise considerably due to you advanced age. You see? It's the little things that make me happy. :)

Right Bait, Wrong Pond...

After a long delay I return to my blog with enthusiasm. Apologies but with new responsibilities comes an increased load on my schedule. I want to address a very eloquent comment made by Mr. Criswell on my last post. Although it had the slight ring of an accusatory declaration, the comments themselves were fair, balanced, and most of all constructive. However, they were made with a unclear vision of my position and ambition concerning Lancaster and I want to clear that up for everyone.
I have never, nor will I ever seek a position of Leadership in Lancaster. I have no desire to lose my wife, which is exactly what would happen if I told her we were moving there! Not that Lancaster isn't an interesting place, it is! I love the country atmosphere of the square and the older "feel" of the vintage homes. I also love the Ten Mile Creek area with larger estate homes nestled in the thick of 100 year Oak and Hickory trees. However, it is not my intention to make the area my home. Without that vested interest in the area, my comments are simply observations of the more obvious issues surrounding Lancaster politics, education, and development as I perceive them.
Yes, they are statements stoked in negativity because these issues are...well...negative issues! I didn't make them that way, nor is it my responsibility to come to Lancaster and hold the hands of those that did! They wouldn't listen if I did. It's my wish to provide insight into these issues for the huddled masses to digest and respond to. I've made recommendations pertaining to alternative courses of action but perhaps you've neglected those statements in your readings Mr. Criswell. Yet, even if I hadn't, the call to leadership as defined by your comment, is a call to another individual. A call to someone that, more than likely, will have read this blog...agreed with some of its assessments and still disagreed with others. They would have the discernment to know what means anything at all and what is, admittedly, a cheap shot at those that I feel deserve exactly that. In all, they'll laugh at what's funny, ignore what they don't agree with, and act on the information they may not have known.
I truly agree with 90% of what you stated and honor you in this post for it. I try to apply the vast majority of these points in my personal life and professional life as it pertains to my own commission appointment and recent promotion. I just think you're fishing in the wrong pond on the leadership thing where it pertains to Lancaster. Perhaps you might call your counsel people and give them that speech?

Here they come...and why not?

That's right kids, Flower Mound is getting an 18 story hotel and a fast track to becoming the next "got to live there" place in North Texas. Meanwhile Dallas releases low level felons to accommodate more space in the local jails. Although most will go right back to their neighborhoods and continue living their lives, some will find their way to Lancaster as a part of the natural migration to cheap homes in new neighborhoods. After all, where else can you buy a 2800 square foot home for 119,000 dollars! I compare Lancaster to places like Flower Mound because I see the potential for this city to take real advantage of the historical aspect of its environment. Flower Mound started out the same way. Sure they have a lake and several other natural traits that help their presence in the north but so does the southern sector! Why is it then, that Lancaster seems to run out of steam when faced with some of the same opportunities? The reason, I think, is that Lancaster settles. Settles for increased taxes without true tangible benefit to infrastructure, education or representation. Your streets are horrible but your stadium looks like the Acropolis. Your Recreational Center is fantastic but your police department leaks. Finally, and maybe most absurdly, you have the highest marketable housing growth in the area yet no grocery or retail support for those that live there! Furthermore, no one is even looking to come! Sure you have larger warehouses and factory interest looking at the fringes of your city for cheap land and even cheaper labor. All of that is good but what are the real benefits to the average Lancaster resident? Better streets? Better schools? What? That's right nothing but the ability to say that they are in Lancaster...or at least close to Lancaster. Isn't that a little like saying you are a lucky man because your sister-in-law is so pretty? You get no direct benefit yet you hope that other cities will see you as successful for the things that are close to you.
I'd venture to say Desoto laughs at Lancaster behind closed doors because the more you settle for inferior development, poorly managed school finance, and horrible retail prospects the better they look to local and national businesses for future store and retail locations. Of course, you do have the market cornered on prostitution and transportation. Maybe Joe should be a little nicer to Dart and possibly organize the prostitutes along Dallas Ave and I20. After all, there is an untapped tax market there and I'm sure both the city and LISD could use the boost.

No Inland Port and more Importantly...No Cultural Center!

Lancaster, what can I say? Every time you put your hopes and dreams behind something it turns into crap. Realizing that the designation of an Inland Port was an important goal toward making Lancaster the next "boom" business location. I was disappointed to hear that the designation now appears out of easy reach. As important as that is, bringing true commercial validity to the area along with countless possibilities in area wide improvement. I can't help but to shed a tear for another lost cause. Kimberly's Multi Cultural Center. Speaking of which, how is the multi cultural center based in a predominately Black community coming? Not one of the brightest ideas I've heard of but in the interest of being polite...nah, the hell with that. How is it going! Let me guess, no participation from other counsel members (because they all know it's a dog), no funding (because...well it IS a dog), and no public interest...why...you guessed it. It's a dog. I mean that in the nicest possible way and have to apologize to dogs around the world because the idea is actually much worse than a dog but that's all I could think of off hand! Maybe Tommy could fund it? Oh, that's right, he's not "in town" and certainly wouldn't give to anything that didn't promote his future development interest! Steve? you gotta be joking! The Chamber? They know better. No, I think if you're going to make this fly, you're going to have to put in some work. Maybe dress in multi-cultural garb and pan handle a bit, I don't know. Just brainstorming. After all, I certainly see why the youth of Lancaster might want their parents to come to a place where they can explore the cultural differences between themselves and others. That's much more helpful than any scholastic support initiative that your "due diligence" funding could have brought about. Answer this Kim, how many books could the city have bought and donated to LISD for the 2 grand or so that you got to find a consultant to tell you what I just told you for free?

Can Lancaster Wait on Quality?

What's wrong with the promotion of a conservation development in an area surrounded by natural beauty? If the city leaders acknowledge the area's natural assets in creating (at no small cost to taxpayers) a Nature Center, then why shouldn't the developers that are interested in that area follow suite? Not with a half-hearted, cookie cutter, "Master Planned" monster, but with a sectioned development of 1-2 acre lots naturally melded into the countryside. You decide. If you were an affluent business owner, doctor, or retiree would you consider another close proximity neighborhood over a quality custom built home located in a natural setting? Of course not! Most of these buyers have already lived in the standard suburban neighborhoods and are looking for something SIGNIFICANTLY better. Not a gated version of the same old dribble, but an open natural environment with manicured walking trails, and varied home styles and sizes. Well lit paths that lead to wide expanses of open space. Circular drives, multiple garages, and larger profiles...you know...the things that ALL people think of when they think of a quality upscale home! How can Lancaster ever hope to have a true affluent community if it sells itself short on the only property left to develop! Where else will the next community go? Is Lancaster to be the dumping ground of Tommy, Steve, and the like? An area primed for a quick profit on a compromised development? Finally, is that what Lancaster is limited to? If so, I suggest moving to Flower Mound, or somewhere that cares a bit more about who comes in and with what. I said that The Preserve would rear it's ugly head again and it appears that it may be sooner than later. Don't let it sneak up on you. Realizing that I'm extremely biased against Steve, Tommy and that whole sneaky Klan, that still doesn't diminish the truth of my statements. The fact of the matter is, if these guys tried to push their half-ass development off on any number of thriving areas in North Texas, they'd be run out of town. Yet in Lancaster, they're tolerated out of a general feeling that there might not be better over the horizon! Absurd as it may sound, there are people that live there that truly buy into the idea that this type of "take it or leave it" nonsense is all they can ever aspire to have. Because of that, unless someone stands up and a lot of people wake up, it's all you WILL ever have. I can almost guarantee someone at the city is talking in that backroom as I type. After all, that's how business is done there. Starting slowly and quietly in a closed door meeting or a phone conversation. Which brings up an interesting thought...who's ringing your phone Mrs. Belcher?

God missed you...but not by very much.

So I'm doing some work around the house when my email prompts. It's a friend from Anna that has run across a link and wonders if it could be true or even applicable. The link (Tommy Tompkins) gives a tribute and memorial to one Tommy Tompkins who seems to have passed on. What's even stranger is that this Tommy leaves behind a wife, Linda, and several other family members (similar to our Tommy). The locations are all within the area and familiar to the places that Tommy does business. The whole memorial seems plausible and due to the cancer notation and Tommy's chain smoking habits even probable. It just all seems to fit! Yet, while researching it further, I was... disappointed to find that Tommy has actually spoken to people since the date mentioned in the memorial. Although I'd like to think I would never wish death upon anyone... I certainly won't shed tears when he slumps over an ashtray for the last time. I know, it's horrible to say and I need help. Professional help to deal with such anger issues and maybe, just maybe, a little boost in my Lexapro dosage(don't worry, it's non addictive). However, if we're going to be honest with each other, my first thought was. Wow, he really bit it! My second was, too bad Steve wasn't with him! That's just fact, what can I say? Anyway, it doesn't appear that God got the right one this time. Must not have seen Tommy under the rock and all.

So what's up with Dick?

Get your mind out of the gutter! I meant Dick Headen. Last I heard he was going to bow out and go gracefully into the sunset, the next rumor was that he was concocting a secret plan to promote Marcus Knight into a leadership roll in his district and now? Haven't heard anything. I wouldn't usually care because although Dick is a nice guy, I've never really seen or heard much out of him during counsel meetings ( absent the occasional snore when someone accidentally wakes him up ) yet in response to The Preserve in December he got the SPIRIT! I mean, I saw a different kind of guy that night...dare I say...a leader? Now, before you light the torches and head to my house, I realize that Dick can't be mayor. Not that he wouldn't make a good mayor of someplace...say Six Flags of Texas Western Town. He'd be an excellent mayor at Six Flags, but when you expand the scale to a real city it would be best to have someone that's been a little more animated. I just wonder, whatcha gonna do there Dick? Tread water a little longer or start taking the reigns to something?

Low Home Sales, Druids, and Pigs...besides you Tommy.

After a fairly good day at work and a less than spectacular basketball game (my daughter's), I was pleased to come home to the news already being on. Expecting the same political dribble, and Iraq retro speak, I was pleasantly surprised by a news article done on, what else, the housing industry! My favorite subject! It said that the housing market hasn't been this LOW since 1989! What great news! It also said that home builders and...here's my favorite part...DEVELOPERS are "Feeling the pinch of slowed home sales." You see, good things do happen when you don't expect them.
This is great news for Lancaster for many reasons, not the least of which being that slowed building progress constricts the availability of homes for sale allowing foreclosed homes the opportunity to be considered without the possibility of a newer (cheaply built) home lingering as a comparison. It also allows for farms and ranch style homes to maintain value rather than getting lost in a sea of newer larger "minnie mansions." In short, it's great for everyone except the developer scum that litter the countryside. Granted, QUALITY DEVELOPERS aren't worried or even phased by such news. They build a product that takes advantage of a slowed market because the more discerning buyer is less effected by the economic environment that slows home sales in general. Unfortunately for Lancaster, Tommy and friends aren't them.
By the way, how's the pig farm / future archery range coming? I mean, that's about all "The Preserve" will amount to be at this point right? A pig farm with no pigs, or an archery range with no arrows. I recommend turning it into a star gazing site or a circus tent storage facility. You might try a kite flying contest location or a possible Neo-Druidism tree worship compound. Just trying to help, because that's about the only list of people that may be interested in buying the stuff from you...Of course, you ARE going to sell it to someone else to develop(wink, wink), so I'm sure none of this will be needed.

A Man is only as good as his word...and every word these guys say is suspect.

In the grand scheme of things, I'm sure there are more reasons than not to consider the future land use of Lancaster to be positive. In fact, many might believe that the next proposed development at Bear Creek is going to be the saving grace that Lancaster needs to take it to that next level. How long has the city been calling for the proverbial "bar" to be raised? The problem is that the proposed and the implemented always seem to be two different things when you're talking about the owners of that property. Very few can argue the point that Tommy has cultivated a name for himself as a liar and a cheat among all that have dealt with him. Proven by the statements made by one Lancaster resident during the review of The Preserve by city counsel in December. I was woefully silent as a small framed, meek woman approached the podium and proceeded to explain a scenario where Tommy stood in the woman's living room and proclaimed that he had bought property from her neighbor in order to facilitate the purchase of her home! The problem? He hadn't bought the property, and the neighbor had no intention of selling! This and countless other examples reinforce peoples disdain for the man and everything he represents. Don't even get me started on if he follows through with his financial commitments! How many candidates have awaited his financial support, only to find that he was nowhere to be found when it came time for a check to be written? How many promises have been leveled at Lancaster's Educational Foundation, Business Center, and various charities that haven't been kept. In fact, are there any in Lancaster that can honestly say that this guy or his "partners" have followed through with their commitments to the city or the people therein? I think not and why should they? It's not like history has taught us that these are "stand-up guys" that follow through with anything! Take the widely publicized events concerning one of Tommy's most trusted companions. Is it any wonder that the City of Lancaster keeps both hands on their wallets when dealing with this guy? Having sued the City, he promptly comes back and asks for them to approve a development riddled with issues, as demonstrated by several protesting citizens last month. His representatives (shamefully me being one of them) begged for the city to trust that the development would be a good thing for the area, and that the developer would follow through with his commitments. Unfortunately for Lancaster Bluegrove, L.P., their association with Mr. Topletz meant their association with Mr. Topletz's past actions. For example... The Hank Haney Incident. Can anyone doubt that the plan that's presented by these guys, no matter what it is, won't be what it ends up being? I think not!

Calming down...again.

Now that I've had some time to calm down I want to focus on some of the issues that effect the city as a whole rather than just the residential development evils in that town. That doesn't mean that I wouldn't be tickled to see Tommy and Steve struck by a moving train, it just means they're not particularly interesting to me today...yet. On other matters, it seems that the BLOG is spreading like the stomach flu! I got a call this morning from an old High School buddie that happened across it while surfing the web researching...none other than local cities to potentially move to! After 16 years, he's moving his family back to Texas and wanted to choose an area with "good schools, and nice homes."(In that order) After emailing me to ask if it was really me, I had a great laugh at his consideration of Lancaster. Safe to say, he won't be looking into a home there. Not because it's not a great town, but because I informed him that there won't be any trees or character to the area when the local residential boys are done. I emailed him a few pics of various developments and the first response was "where's all of the trees?" I explained that most of the area was plowed under in an effort to maximize the number of lots. Oops...I've done it again. Picking on residential developers again. Well, if the shoe fits...
The simple fact of the matter is that most, if not all of the problems in Lancaster can be traced back to sloppy and irresponsible development. Bad streets? Look at the posting from yesterday. Developers are ruining the streets with oversize trucks and equipment. High Crime? Theft rises almost immediately in areas where new development of "Minne mansions" comes because some of the buyers are under-qualified and used to a living environment conducive to theft. Schools? Don't even get me started...You think Larry would have half the problems that he does if he didn't have his district absolutely overrun with new growth? New growth with little or no notice and even less financial help. Keep in mind that the tax revenues for these new home owners comes, in some cases, nearly a year after their young ones have been enrolled in school! Look at any quality development and you'll see that less is ALWAYS more when it comes to raising value in an area. The key is quality, not quantity and the guys that are determined to build the next big thing simply don't care. Think they do? Check and see if the next proposal in South Lancaster doesn't have the same styling cues and general feel of your other communities. 5 acre lots and larger homes? Never, the powers that be are WAY too greedy to try that, besides they couldn't find a builder willing to take that on if they tried. Nationals aren't interested and the custom boys can't afford it. Even if they could they wouldn't choose an area with...no lake, no private golf course, no existing market or grocery option, nothing. The people and builders that are interested in the area are those that want a quiet living away from the very things that attract development. My advise to the owners of the ol' Preserve, are to fence it off and mine for limestone. I hear it's pretty plentiful down there... There's money in them ther hills!

Insensitivity, Poor Development, or just plain old Racism...

There are many reasons I pose that question. Most of the reasons are rooted in a sort of watery uneasiness that always followed me while dealing with my past associates. Maybe they weren't racist, but they certainly had sensitivity issues related to their dealings with the Black community in Lancaster. Let's begin with their attempt to buy land as cheap as possible in the southern sector for the sole purpose of emptying South Dallas into a cookie cutter nightmare of box style homes. Of course, not being builders, who could hold them responsible for the homes that were to be built? You see, that's what their goal was. To build a product that would attract the Blacks from South Dallas to a new upstart city with new homes. Easy financing, small lots, and big floor plans were they key. Throw in a few basketball courts (because we all love basketball) and you're done! Notice there aren't any tennis courts, or pools in these communities. Only basketball and hard coated metal play sets. No landscaping or ponds, just basketball and dry retention areas. They came in as a friend to the city promising quality and a better tomorrow and look at what you got instead. Large...Huge...Monstrous communities with no parks? $200,000 homes all in a neighborhood with no amenities? How about the new Boardwalk community that waits for its park and school. Neither of which will be seen in our lifetime!Promises...lies...disappointments...betrayal...That's what they will do. Come in as a friends, then shit all over you and f&ck your pet hamster, Jake! Well maybe not shit all over you, THAT'S a little far fetched.
Anyway, I once heard one make the comment that if we built a fountain in the proposed shopping center related to a development in southern Lancaster, "they" would only mess it up and it would become headache. My question then was...who exactly is "they", but in truth, I already knew. As all of "us" know when White guys says "they" in a conversation with other White guys. You see, I learned who "they" were when I was the only Black student in a private Catholic elementary school. Black people are who "they" are, to be precise. Now, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe he meant "they" as in the many people that currently live in South Lancaster. Maybe he meant the munchkins in The Wizard of Oz or maybe he meant European tour bus drivers. I think not though, since the demographic that the project was designed to appeal to was...African American aka Black people.
Just goes to show how messed up this world is. You probably have more racists working to build your next community than working to keep you out of it!

The "How To" guide to killing a development...again...!

Shhhh, can you hear that? It's the sound of The Preserve crawling out of the trash and dusting itself off for another go. The city should have known it couldn't get rid of Tommy and Steve that easily. I can almost guarantee that you folks down south will see this plan again. Sure it'll be dolled up and probably wearing a dress but it'll be the same old pig it was when first introduced. A minny-mansion nightmare with a side of Old Folks homes and apartments. Can you believe it? The powers that be killed this vampire but they didn't drive a stake through the heart, just the arm. In order to kill it, and I mean kill it dead, you're going to have to come together one more time. Only this time, out of pure boredom and a little spite, I'll help. here's a few pointers for the next round. Start now and save yourself work later...

• Let's start with blocking any attempt to rezone. The way to do this is to make your planning commissioners aware that although a plat must be approved if it meets the basic requirements as set forth by your city's unified development code, the zoning is another matter completely at the discretion of the zoning board. A discretion that should be encouraged to deny.
  
• Second let's look for the cheerleaders and make sure they are cheering the right team. Joe Johnson for instance. Don't be mad at Joe for his support of The Preserve the last time around. He really does have a hard time bringing CEO's and Presidents to Lancaster to live. After all, they like to live in big houses and shop at grocery stores. That's allot to overcome when you're the Chamber President! He really never saw the underbelly of the project and was only privy to what we allowed him to see. (Glossy stuff always looks nice) I really feel that if he had heard what I had heard and seen what I had seen he would have been lined up along with the rest of you.
• Make sure, double sure, triple sure that your city manager knows what these guys are going to do. Not the plan that they present, but the history of what they've done in the past. Find any project that has turned out consistent with what they said it would be and I'll give you a shiny new silver dollar! None of their projects meet the expectations of the buyers or the city including the ones that they're currently involved with. Need proof? Ask anyone that lives in Boardwalk where their park is!
• Finally, gather all of the LAND OWNERS that immediately surround the project (within 200 feet) and have them sign a request for a super majority vote. You should be able to get the petition from the city secretary. Have at least 20% of those land owners sign it and force the super majority vote ( meaning all but one must vote FOR the project for it to pass.

PS. You might encourage the counsel to vote it down with prejudice this time, that'll kill it for at least 12 months as submitted.

So you say you want better streets?

Well, here's an idea. Ask for them. The streets in Lancaster are fantastic for off-road vehicles and dirt bikes, but if you drive a normally suspended car or truck you'll get beat to death between Dallas Ave. and Houston School Rd. on Pleasant Run! That being said, how does a city with so many other priorities improve their streets quickly and without additional taxes? Well...since you asked. You ask your local counsel representative to help raise a little thing called impact fees. These are fees attached to the local development of both residential and commercial projects. The fee helps to repair damage done by heavy equipment and cement trucks to city streets and I've gotta tell you, it's currently way too low. Drive through any local city, Desoto, Duncanville, Dallas even and you'll find that the streets are vastly better maintained. It's not a matter of city officials not wanting improvement, it's a matter of the money not being there for much more than a patch job. The solution is simple. Let those most responsible for the damage help replace the damaged roads. Replace, not repair because they were fine before the development came. After all, projects like the huge residential developments that have come to the area can surely afford another $300-$400 per lot. A nominal increase that could mean a huge improvement in the infrastructure improvement of the city overall. It's time for Lancaster to see benefit from such aggressive development. For more information or to support increased impact fees reach your local counsel representative at...

City of Lancaster

I gotta admit...

Got a call from... well we'll just call him Humpty Dumpty. After forcing myself to endure his voice, I have to admit he had some fairly good points. His call was, as I gathered, an appeal to leave him and his property out of this blog. Presumably because so many of you are looking at it, and determining the same thing that I have...these guys are money grubbing, land pimps. Anyway, during the conversation I had to concede 1 or 2 things as being true and in need of attention. First, the fact that I was thrown into business with...Humpty, was not at all his fault, but the fault of that fat scumbag Tommy. Second, he didn't deserve to be addressed in such a negative light because, after all, he was hurt too by the zoning denial last month. Oops... did I give it away? I meant the situation last month.So after a brief exchange, I admit that maybe I've been a little hard on Humpty, and apologize for that in front of all of God's green earth.
Now...had it been left at that, I'd be done with this post. Yet, I still write? I still write because it wasn't done at that. After all of that, this jackass has the unmitigated nerve to throw out a vague threat of "suing me", proceeds to tell me how much money HE lost, then tries to brow beat me into stating that I won't put him in my future blogs! As if that wasn't enough, he then attempts the stupidest thing that I have ever heard of anyone doing (short of eating their own feces). He then...(sorry I need a minute because I still can't believe it)... he then tries to convince me that Tommy isn't even in town! Just up and walked away huh? F*ck you for even trying that nonsense on me! Have you forgotten, I helped to come up with that lie when we tried it on Lancaster last year? I damn near invented the theory of 'Tommy disappearing' to those that hate his ass! Now you try to push that off on me like I'm some dumb shit-heal? You have to be dumb as a stump to even attempt that sh&t.
By the way, you ARE fat, don't want to be called fat? Lose weight!
There...all done. And I didn't even use your name. Aren't you proud of me Steve?

Imagine That...Tommy's Still Screwing With Lancaster Politics.

Well, I can't say I'm surprised to have heard it. Yet, one has to wonder about the motivation behind Tommy Tompkins' apparent voiced support of Morris Mosley for candidacy against Carol Strain-Burke for the District 1 Counsel seat. Yes, I realize that he'll deny it to your face but take it from someone that's been on the other side, if he can figure out a way of supporting Morris without the money being traced back to him...he will! For reasons that are too long to list here, Tommy absolutely hates Carol and will do anything (legal or otherwise I presume) to get her out of Lancaster politics.
Here is what I think will happen. Tommy will begin probing the "powers that be" for interest in supporting someone against Carol. He'll look high and low for an alternative to supporting Morris but in the end doesn't care who runs against Carol as long as he can control them (a task easier said than done with Morris anyway). Now, provided he CAN find an alternative, he'll present that alternative to the various developers and builders doing business in Lancaster as the saving grace in their quest to build out every square inch of the area. This is where he'll beg, and I do mean BEG, for money. You didn't think he was going to spend his own, did you? If he can convince someone that he's able to change the political landscape of the area, then he can sell the land that has become utterly useless to him through lack of zoning! It's a hard sell too! The builders and developers want to hear things that just aren't possible or probable and Tommy, the consummate liar, is more than happy to accommodate. Impact Fees? We'll get rid of those the minute we get our guy in there! Zoning? No problem, we'll get everything zoned for 4000 sq.ft. lots and zero lot lines...You get the point. Scumbag! I can't wait until the campaign. I'll be happy to track, via Texas Ethics Commission records every donation given to opposing candidates to Carol so that we can see how many independent developers are messing with Lancaster politics. Oh, and I'll find you. From business owners, to their wives I'll find out what companies they represent and how much they've given. Hide behind your junior marketing sales adviser? No problem, I'll run a detailed search on every single contribution and publish the names and jobs of contributers for all to see in glorious splendor! As much as you jack with local politics, I'll jack with you.
Leave Lancaster to be governed by those that have a vested interest in its future. Not because of how much money they'll make but because of how long they plan to stay. Do so, or like roaches in the dark, I shall shine my light upon you!

My heartfelt apology,

For the past few weeks I've undertaken the task of writting about the issues as I see them in Lancaster. Creating a strink of comments designed to boost some, and kick others. Yet, over the past weeks, underneath the words, I quietly dealt with my own remorse and guilt for such horrible statements. So to all that might be offended and especially to that individual that felt the need to "help me calm down." I sincerely hope that you understand what I'm really trying to say. After all, if one can't be understood when apologizing, then what else is there to do?

By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way...

Well, though it happened at the beginning of the week, it appears that the finance guru for LISD got the boot. Ouch! Don't worry though, I'm sure that Larry stood behind you during the whole thing...waaaaay behind you. Rightfully so, I think. Over the years I've read the writings of Sun Tzu, or at least, their translations otherwise known as The Art of War. I find that there are many things that cross relate to business and some that even relate to life in general. Not as much as the word of God but it's still pretty good stuff. Anyway, through those readings you'll find reference to strategy in warfare as it relates to positions in the battle field and attack profiles. One of the most successful is to eliminate those that would support one's enemy. The second is to out flank an enemy thereby causing division and chaos. The third that applies here especially, is to create doubt among the enemy ranks.
All of these apply in relation to the systematic tear down of Larry and his support structure. Eliminate those that support his agenda, out flank him in policy and action, and create confusion among the ranks (you think teachers haven't been talking about better wages and better treatment at other districts?)
the question, grasshopper is who's the enemy? Is it me? No, I don't have kids in Lancaster, and could care less what you do. No, I think when you stop and think about it you'll find one truth to be self evident. While you might hear, "I've got your back" from those around you. What they're really saying is "I've got your back...in my sights!" Trusting some is good, trusting all...well, just ask the Indians how that turns out.

Oh Yeah, That reminds me...

What the hell is an "assistant Mayor Pro-Tem?" I mean, isn't the Mayor Pro-Tem designed to be a supporting position (assistant) to the mayor in times when the city's top dog can't be at a baby kissing or a ground breaking, or whatever? Then why on earth would the mayor's assistant need an assistant? Isn't that like hiring a cook to cook for your cook? Or getting a "spare" spare tire at the tire store? Everywhere you look in Lancaster there's some nonsense but this takes the cake! Appointing a second mayor pro tem because the one you voted in may not be able to attend the meetings that the mayor can't attend! What the hell is that? I think the counsel just made up this nonsense up to appease someone with aspirations of future leadership. (Sound familiar Clyde?)

Which brings up an interesting new dynamic in Lancaster. The make believe realm of fictitious positions. I wanna play!!! My first appointment is, of course, to appoint myself as senior magistrate over future appointees( my mom will be so proud...). Now... to the serious business of making up positions. I want to appoint the guy that fills pot holes in Lancaster as the senior director of municipal improvements. The person that runs the library as the executive adviser to anyone that chooses to seek a librarian for advise. Let's get Rona Stringfellow an assistant for her assistant's assistant, you know, just to make sure we're deep in the planning department like a good NFL team should be in receivers. For counsel, a junior and senior vice president over counsel chamber door noise suppression and cell phone "No No" remindings.
Now, we have to support LISD. How about, an assistant vice-chair to the committee to reinforce and re support nonsense. Headed by Larry of course and under direct supervision of the finance department...Oops, seems they're cleaning house over there. Sorry folks, make that the ...cosmetic...Oh, they're in trouble too...well we'll find someplace safe for our new and important vice-chairs to call home.Maybe we can pay them in pixy dust and sing joyous songs of unity in the summer rain! that is, after everyone finishes their reading assignments.

OOPS...

Did I forget to send in the AG Lease agreements for Bear Creek and Bluegrove properties for those jackasses I used to work for? I think so. After reviewing my paperwork ( throwing it all out ) I came across $137,000 worth of AG Lease tax exemption forms that were still in the packets ready to be sent. Then it hit me...I never sent these out! Could it be...that subliminally, I rejected the duty realizing that it would be of no consequence to me later? Nope, I just didn't send them in because they were lies and I didn't want my name on em'. Sorghum being grown down at Bear Creek? Herds of cattle grazing for the many farms that surround? All lies, so enjoy writing that check when it comes Steve. By the way, I wouldn't try sweet talking Elizabeth down at the county. I've already confided my guilt in being a part of such dishonest tax practices.

People need to WAKE UP

It occurs to me that several people in Lancaster have no real idea of the overall damage they do to themselves personally, politically, or socially. Sure some do, but many don't. Take Morris for instance, Pastor Mosley (and I use that term with some degree of hesitation) does things that he knows will come back to bite him, but he doesn't care because he's already thought out what his response to that repercussion will be long in advance. Other seem to have no clue. Kimberly, I'm willing to bet your political career that you haven't shook a new hand, or met a new person in your district this year unless they approached you first. Do you realize that your "persona" in your own district is one of being "up pi dee?" As a sister, you should KNOW where that's going to get you when it's time for the votes to be tallied! Dan Scheiner, when two black officers tell you there may be a problem it's a complaint. When three come to you it's an issue. When every Black officer in the damn department comes to you that's a catastrophe! I hope that someone is taking this seriously, it's going to be a shame to see Lancaster in the news over something as easy to fix as one redneck department head picking on every dark face he sees in his charge. Remember AMISTAD? Ask the Spaniards what happens when you mistreat Blacks for too long. Now for someone I really like and respect.(not that I don't like and respect you Dan, you know I do) Margi, Margi, Margi...
Why must you allow Tommy to come take up space in your fine office and pollute the air you breath. It would be one thing if you recorded his conversations so that Joe could hear what Tommy really says but to let this scumbag come in and try to manipulate you is a waste of your time. YOU KNOW I'm right, and you also know that he doesn't have your best interest at heart so why? Is it to be nice? Trust me, kicking this ass out of your office won't hurt that image. Do you owe him friendship after all of the stuff he's screwed you on? I sincerely hope that his fat ass is sitting in your office when you read this and you turn the computer so that he can see it right about now... F*&K you Tommy. (Sorry for the kids and news people, but I warned you...)
All I'm saying Margi, is that this guy is bad for everyone concerned. I learned that a long time ago from a very wise person that instructed me to "watch my back."

Another Blow for Justice

After over a year, you can imagine my surprise when my cell phone rings and on the other end is a nice lady from the quiet little town of Anna, Texas. I kindly explained that I was no longer employed by Tommy or his fat sidekick, Steve. I did, however, want to help her in any way I could because their lack of morality shouldn't cause the kind folks of Anna any more distress. Right? So after a lengthy conversation where I explained the political actions taken in that town to aid in future development, I was surprised and delighted to find out that she works for...wait for it...savour it... THE CITY OF ANNA! I laughed out loud after finding this out and encouraged her to share this information with whomever she saw fit including the city attorney, just in case.
Now, I sure hope these fellas are as clean as they are old, because if not...I think this lady is just pissed off enough to make their lives interesting for a while. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. She was calling because their crime watch organization (the one I set up and organized) wanted some advise as to how to reactivate, due to so many homeowners leaving the neighborhood. When I inquired about those that were leaving the response was ( and you need to pay special attention to this ) " Too many folks weren't able to afford to stay in the homes they were sold, now they can't sell them to anyone else." Sound familiar Lancaster?
I've got an idea! Let's all come up with new slogans for Andante Development and Tommy Tompkins. I'll start...

1. Building tommorow's ghettoes today!
2. Designed to last forever, because you couldn't sell it if you wanted to.
3. We put the Shhh in Sh*ting all over your city.
4.Clear Cutting brings deserts to those that need them.
5.Building communities that are plenty good enough...for you.
6......

Change...

Sometimes things happen that turn out for the better. Sometimes not. I was having a conversation with my new boss after being promoted (Yeah, I'm that good!) and he commented that success is something that is as illusive as it is sought after. He went on to explain that money, family, and peace with a "higher power" are all nice, but it's that tingle of joy you feel when a child is born. That ten to fifteen seconds that your heart races and your emotions seem to overflow that everyone seeks but can't hold on to. In other words, life is all about change and once something changes the ripples effect everything from that point onward. You can't make it stand still, you have to ride it out.
It got me to wondering, what else might be changing that may ripple onward in Lancaster? The MLK Parade is coming up! I wonder if the city will get behind the man that has pioneered the MLK preservation movement in Lancaster? Hmmm... I bet not.
Realizing that most consider Roosevelt crazy as a sh&t house rat, he IS the man that started the year round reverence of MLK in Lancaster. Is that worth anything to those that would take the parade away from him? I have my differences in opinion with Roosevelt on some issues, but overall he's not a bad guy. He shows up every year to promote, organize, and participate in the parade and often at his own expense. Sure, some of you (especially those of you at the city offices) will say he does a horribly job and last year proves it, but I want to offer up some food for thought.
First of all Steve Topletz backed out at the last minute with his PROMISED funding because he wanted his name larger than Martin Luther King's name on the brochures! Go figure, a rich white developer that didn't see why that might be offensive. Racist piece of shit! Yeah I said it! Cover the kid's eyes on that part if it bothers you.
Anyway, you have no funding, and to add insult to injury, Larry Lewis shows up high stepping his alligator shoes like it was Fat Tuesday and a Kappa Party all rolled into one. You know what...I take that part back, the Fraternal Order of Kappa Alpha Psi, INC. does not deserve to be associated with that visual.
Well anyway, my point is that Roosevelt shouldn't be penalized for one bad year. By the way, it's not that I don't like Larry, I actually do like him. Most of what I say in my blogs are more designed to "jack with him" than anything else. I do feel that he's missing the boat, train, cable car, and Studebaker on the bond issues and his manner of going about getting them approved. But who am I to criticize. I rather think he's creating a legacy of ineffectiveness that will live on in infamy. A body of work that many will come to know as a near work of art in failure. I applaud his commitment to utter failure and hope someday to have that kind of blind dedication to a lost cause. For now though, I'll work toward personal success...I'm just weak that way.
But since you asked, the people I do think are worthless pieces of shit are...drum roll please...

Tommy Tompkins- ( wins hands down! I hope you drop dead where you stand you goat )
Steve Topletz- ( F#*k you too, you're just as bad and just as fat you jackass )
Marvin- ( well, you're just a dumb ass for bring my family into your conversations. got a problem with what I say? I ain't got a "triangle" to ring but we're servin up Texas sized ass kickins at my house 7 days a week and twice on Sundays, come and get it! )
Kimberly- I'm not really mad at you but correcting someone in the manner you did over your name being Kim-berly instead of Kim was just stupid. There's better ways of handling yourself as you'll learn when you lose your seat this year.

Did I mention Tommy? You slime ball!

"Winter break reading projects due Monday" who are we kidding?

Winter Break Reading Projects? Put that eggnog down, tell uncle George to get off of that ladder before he breaks something, and make sure you get an ample portion of your reading project completed for review!? What kind of a "Holiday" is that? How much reading did you do during the holidays Larry? You did read didn't you? Surely you didn't squander your precious time with petty tasks like Christmas shopping, enjoying your family, or relaxing and taking in the peace of that experience! No I bet you read the whole time. Just curious...did you have a chance to read the TEA Accountability guidelines? How about the First Initiatives Funding Grant application rules and regs? Spreadsheet on LISD spending? If not any of these, what did you read.
You see, a Winter reading program and a Summer reading program are desperate attempts to SHOW progress but not effective attempts to create it. There's a difference. How about that tutoring idea I mentioned two years ago and repeated earlier in this blog. It's pretty simple. Pay retired teachers to come in once a week throughout the school year to tutor students for an hour a day on testing techniques, reading mastery, and algebra. Allow these tutors to appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the students in their charge and focus on what needs help. Limit students to 5-7 per teacher and make it clear that this effort will be rewarded with any number of incentives to the students themselves pending adequate performance on their test.
Do something positive because pissing everyone off just isn't working. Normal people can see that after getting kicked in the head once or twice, but you seem to have this drive to excel at nonsense. Raising a bond amount when your last was denied? Continuing a program that gets negative press every year? Do you have Munchausen syndrome? You know, the disease that allows folks to hurt themselves among other clinically insane behaviors. Just wondering. By the way...make any headway on that wardrobe?

Penny Pinching Goat Humpers, meet a true Millionaire

After working a long day, I was called into the owner's office to discuss a matter of great concern to him. I was told that he was disappointed and genuinely pissed off that he hadn't been "trusted" with the same knowledge that others on the sales floor had. Having no idea what was being discussed, I inquired sheepishly and much to my dismay, the event he was referencing had to do with my personal financial plight in the wake of dealing with Tommy Tompkins ( AKA Goat Humper ) and Steve Topletz ( AKA Cheap Bastard ). My new boss expressed that he was angry that he had to find out about how these guys screwed me from a mutual friend. After a long conversation about the situation and my reasoning for never bringing it up, he offered...no, demanded that I bring him the paperwork associated with the debt so that he could pay it! No loan, no obligation, no question. You see to him the amount is nothing. He confided that he had that much available in his petty cash! He simply wanted his employees free from that kind of burden and respected my attempt to deal with it myself.
You see, although I resigned myself to dealing with it alone, this guy realized that as an employer THESE GUYS WERE IRRESPONSIBLE at best and total ASSHOLES ( yeah I spelled it out ) at the worst. I tend to lean toward the asshole theory myself. His theory was that if a MILLIONAIRE can't afford to pay what this sum ended up being, then maybe they weren't what they seemed after all. Me? I disagree. I think Tommy and Steve are exactly what they appear to be. One's a penny pinching... and the other is a backwoods, goat humping...
You guess which is which, I'll bet you're right the first time. In any case neither have what I've found in my new boss. Decency.

BOW TO THE KING OF DIRT...

I really mean that too. You can't buy a ticket to nonsense like what you're about to encounter if Morris Mosley runs for city counsel against Carol in District 1. I almost want to ask if someone is selling season passes for the city election. What's the going rate on front row tickets to the debate? Morris will, undoubtedly come away with the bulk of the Black vote in that district, the question is (as always) will they show up to the polls? Oh yeah, and does Morris live in the district, have the money to run, is legally eligible, and can keep himself out of trouble until then? besides those minor things, it ought to be a race!
Please Morris, Please have Marvin E. be your campaign adviser! If so, I'll mow the lawn more often, eat all my veggies, and respect my elders. Just give that gift to us all, the gift of laughter. Wait... I tickled myself so bad I had to pee... (No Marvin not pee squatting like you, but standing up, you know, like a man does.)
What's scary and funny is that despite this he may still give Carol a problem just out of his sheer tenacity! You see, flawed judgment, poor advisers, and questionable ethics weren't an issue in Morris' ability to find over 900 votes in the last campaign. Of course that was city wide but still...How embarrassing would it be to lose your seat to Morris? Especially considering that he's really got nothing to lose in running against you! What are you going to say about a man with his history that hasn't been said already? It's like spraying water on a catfish, you think the catfish cares about getting wet? Well Morris is like that with scandal, he's so used to it, it doesn't even phase him anymore! I just look forward to what new and exciting things will come out of the mix this time. I got dibs on the made for TV movie rights!
Be careful Carol, I know you can get dirty and I even applaud it in some ways, but this guy is out of your league in the dirt department. He lives in the dirt, loves the dirt, he...well he is the king of all that is dirt. (Morris I mean that in the best possible way)
Somebody save me a seat...

Hike and What?! Don't you mean Drainage Ditch?

What does that mean so soon after Christmas you ask? Well it means that when someone approaches me now, my first thought is,"Where's my wallet and why is this person bothering me?" Cynical? Sure, and why not? It seems that whenever someone in a position of authority or power opens their mouth it's to lie or cover up a lie, or preface a lie they're going to tell you later! No, not you Marvin E. I said positions of authority. Anyway, It came to my attention today that just such a scheme is unfolding as we speak...read...well you know what I mean!

Two very nice Lancaster residents, we'll call them Peggy and John ( cause that's their names ) were approached by Parks and Recreation to ask if they might be interested in helping the city initiate a "Hike and Bike" trail along the edge of their property to help connect two larger communities to the new school site location planned for the Houston School/Cedardale Area. Sounds pretty innocent right? You would think so until you realize that this very property was coveted by Steve, the owner of Adante Development and developer of the Boardwalk community for storm drainage less than six months ago! So what gives?

Am I to believe that the developer, a greedy land carver, simply gave up on the only route of adequate drainage for both his community and the new school site? Or...is it more likely that he's convinced the city that it would be in the best interest of the school, city, and community if these people just gave up the land or at least a small portion of it. Therein lies the problem. The land isn't particularly valuable except for its location in separating two large communities along a natural drainage path to Ames Rd. So why would they sell, at "market value" the portion of their property that insures its value without selling the whole piece? Yeah, I couldn't think of a reason either. Fortunately for them, they both seem very intelligent and they both realize that the city will try to stick them almost as bad as the developer.

Look out folks, what happens when a developer and a city manager's office decide they want a small chunk of your land for the "greater good?" Anyone want to place bets on a future condemnation attempt? No matter, I'll be here to call the local AP office and wake up the sleepy Metro writers at Dallas Morning. Maybe even Becky Oliver would be interested, you know the one that screams at you if you park in the handicap parking and claim you did so because you have a mental condition. Or am I the only one?

You gotta watch this if you're in Lancaster

Look at the feature on "Suburbia" does this not describe Lancaster?


http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2007/jan/01/subdivided-documentary-suburbanism-and-mcmansions-/

The RV industry doesn't wantcha, you Jacka$$...

It occurs to me as I finish throwing out the piles and piles of nonsense that Tommy had me working on that he seemed to have a very real desire to get into the RV Park and/or RV sales industry. A notion that I find unlikely for many reasons not the least of which is the fact that he can't even operate the one he has with any degree of proficiency. That being said, I decided to make calls to several people I've worked with over the years spanning from dealers in Arizona to Florida, including two owners in Houston and a past manager that runs the second largest dealership in Texas. (My current employer being the largest)
After explaining that this slug was bumbling about getting into the industry as an RV slum lord, all answered with the same general statement. A jerk like that will never last, and we'll keep you informed if we see anything pop up that smells of an idiot making a go of it. It's good to have friends. Certainly I've hoped for an opportunity to piss in Tommy's fresh water tank and will certainly do so if given the opportunity, but I'm almost sure he's smart enough not to bring it anywhere that I can get to it. If not...
In any case, it amazes me that anybody could trust this guy after what I've seen and reported here and to any that have called. This guy, Tommy, uses the money of anybody stupid enough to let him to push deals anywhere he thinks he can. If it goes bad? Well, sorry. You when some, you lose some...I'm just gonna take my property and go! What a D*&k! I really think the only reason Steve sucks up to him is that they have a long standing friendship or at least business relationship. After all, it appears that Steve trusts Tommy and/or his wife (soon to be ex) enough that they're named in administration documents for Steve's children's "Trusts." Now, you don't think those could be fronts for any financial shenanigans do you? Naaah, no way that these fine upstanding gentlemen would wash money through shelled trusts under their children's names, there not that morally corrupt. That would be almost as bad as...well say, suing a city to leverage favorable zoning. Withdrawing sponsorship of a Martin Luther King Parade because your name wasn't featured larger than everyone else's on the advertisements, or plotting to overthrow a local city counsel to effect a positive vote on development related issues. You know, stuff like that.
Can you, if you're an RV'er, imagine this kind of trash being in the camping business. A "millionaire" that opts for the cheapest trailer on the lot. Trashes a brand new truck in 6 months, and keeps his fishing equipment in a dump of a house that he's too stupid, lazy, fat, and disgusting to fix up. And for anyone that cares for Tommy and wants to fly to his defense... F&*K you too! (For the ladies, F&*K you...madam. After all, my upbringing taught me to be polite). I can't imagine what warped impression of a world you're living in where this two legged pig is your hero.
Sorry, went off the reservation for a moment there. Anyway, I was saying that the RV lifestyle is one of the peaceful enjoyment of creation and this great country. It's an escape from that which the scum of the earth (raise your hand Tommy, you too Steve) have create. Homes, stacked on top of homes, with homes squeezed in the middle. I have a better recreational idea for you both. Take time to learn the masterful art of Seppuku and it's uniquely satisfying techniques. ( at least to the rest of us )

Put Up or Shut Up!

This short post is dedicated to the many people that have given lip service to Vic over the past few years. People that are quick to approach him in public and proclaim their resounding devotion to the cause of getting him elected as mayor of Lancaster. Not that Vic wouldn't do a good job, but how many of you actually show up when it's time to vote. Careful... I have a copy of the voter registration logs for last year. I mean, the gesture is nice but when fifty people ask a man over and over if he's going to run then disappear when the actual election comes around it has to be a little frustrating.
Think I'm crazy? Maybe so, but you explain to me how a town of 40,000 with an overwhelming Black majority only turns out 6% to 7% of the total population in major elections! Where is everybody else because I know that the traditional votes of close to 1800 will always turn out of Carol, and Dick's districts yet James' and KIM's (yeah I did it, I called you Kim with no "berly" on it, ooooooh) districts are weak in turn out and they have the highest density of homes!( Because Tommy made it so) Of Course, Clyde has a substantial voting base available through Millbrook and surrounding areas, and Susan has Riverside apartments that turned out an astounding 7 votes in 2005 after an aggressive vote campaign in the complex. Really 7, it blew me away that any place could be that apathetic!
I just wonder if everyone that beckons for change really want it. You see, when I'm thirsty I go to the fridge and get something to drink. Seems pretty simple to me, just like voting.

New Year Resolutions.

A time tested tradition among many families is the tradition of making New Year Resolutions to lose weight, be a better person, manage money better, etc. As I sit and enjoy a few moments away from the rustle of family life, I've been reflecting on myself and if there's any need for a resolution in my life. You know, some effort of improvement that will change my life for the better in new and amazing ways. Maybe I should strive to forgive those that have wronged me, after all my pastor says that by harboring anger I simply hurt myself and the ones that I "hate" aren't even aware of my feelings in most cases. Perhaps I should try to spend more time reflecting on my daughters and their many needs for the future. Maybe I should resolve to meditate and get in touch with the inner me.

Naah, I'm gonna continue to hammer irresposable A$$holes like Tommy and his pet ferret Steve. As for the "anger hurting me...bit",Sorry Bro. Robert, I feel just fine, actually I feel better when I picture these guys facing an impending housing market reduction and stacked inventory of lots. Maybe they don't know that my part time job is to inform anyone that will listen that they are the biggest male genitalia craniums developing in the southern region. In fact, I feel dirty describing what they do as developing, it's more like carving up God's creation for future slums. Clear cutting nature to make room for glorified barns with two elevation choices! Then as if to insult us all, the developer has the nerve to present themselves as "doing the city a favor" for bringing this brand of cheap piece meal growth to the area.

Let's go over this so everyone understands. When you develop a 4000 to 5000 sq. ft. lot you are expecting your builder to build a maximum of a 2000-2500 sq. ft home on it. Now, although there ARE builders that build a quality product in that size range, we have to exclude them from this equation because these scumbags don't do business with them. They do business with the companies that are only interested in maximizing the number of roof tops on the given acreage. So, we have a 2000 sq. ft. home built on a 4000 sq. ft. lot and because of the lack of room for the kids to play, and the fact that all of the homes are identical except for the one guy at the end of the street that HAD to have the lime green paint, these homes are going to sell for $85,000 base with several upgrades available. Yet, most customers in that price range, like most of us, are looking to maximize their investment and won't upgrade anything. After all $85,000 is a good price and we'll add stuff later. The sales person tells us that the payment's going to be $780 per month and since we can only afford $750 we agree to "cut back" on eating out for the sake of our new home. We move in... Great scenario right? Building new homes for young America? Wrong!
You see, in a year when improved property adjustments raise the estimated value of our home that $780 will go up to $860 and we certainly can't make that payment on our already stretched budget! Plus the new neighbors are a group of college students that are renting a property purchased by a guy that lives in Florida and has no idea that they're building their own Archery range in the 900 sq. ft back yard. This would all be tolerable if the police hadn't arrived fifteen minutes ago to ask that you ignore the "gang unit" van, parked in your driveway, for a day or so until they can bust the gang members that have taken over the abandoned property at the end of the street!
Sound absurd? Not if you live in Lancaster. Actually, if you live in Lancaster check the mirror, you'll find yourself doing one of two things. Nodding because you know I'm right or shaking your head because you think I'm wrong. If you're the later, go back to bed...the medication has already kicked in! Because if you think I'm wrong you're on some strong stuff ( possibly provided by your neighborhood "Pharmacist" C-Lo or Trick Dog or whatever other bulls%it name these kids come up with. A short message for the brothers in the mix, realize that the product can't maintain. It has NO FUTURE and life is too LONG for such short term thinking. Don't believe me? Ask anyone serving 5-10 how LONG life can be.
Anyway, my point, as always is that Tommy and Steve are Mother Fakers, Sons of Beaches, and most of all Oz holes.