What Allows Elected Officials to Act "Outside of the Law"?

[Venter]

Now that the Human Services Building is finally "Identified", what happens next?
With so many unanswered questions, and so many improper procedures (illegal actually, since they broke the Sunshine Act Laws to move along quicker) - what was the big rush by the Commissioners and Judge George?

Why could they have not answered ONE single question that I ever presented to them, without a Right To Know request?

The ONLY reason that this was rushed through was that it was a POLITICAL ploy!


The argument has NEVER been the NEED for Human Services or the LACK of need for the services.

But from Judge George, the Commissioners, and the mouthpieces at the Gettysburg Times, on down, it was as if anyone opposing them was AGAINST helping these people in need.


Instead of SUPPORTING the few people who are concerned and brave enough to sound the alarm, they instead try to fuck the messengers!

It's as if, by our OPPOSITION to their Illegal Means of procuring this building, we were somehow against the ability of Adams Countians to receive the help that they so sorely need.

NOTHING can be further than the truth, but that is their spin on it.


As the Judges mentioned at the last Commissioner Meeting, they've wanted this for DECADES!

So, once again, WHY the rush to get this done now?

Is it because Judge George needs this extra attention just before the elections as he tries to become a State Supreme Court Judge?

Is it because Qually, Martin and Phiel needed to pad their accomplishments, just before the elections?

Their is NO OTHER REASON, other than POLITICS, for them to not pause a moment, and at least TRY to include the Public in this process, as required by law.


Many people (the Times included) seem to think that since the Sunshine Act Law has such a cute name, it doesn't have any bite - that it's not a "Real" Law.

But to ME, it is one of the most important laws that we have in OUR arsenal - a law FOR the PEOPLE, a law to protect US from backroom deals, and improper procedure.

Shit, the local Judges LOVE to throw out suits on "technicalities", yet they sit back as OUR rights are trampled on?


Well I don't buy that.

I say FUCK THEM, they are NOBODIES - they are simple Elected Officials, and their DUTY is to US, the citizens of Adams County.

When they decide that they are ABOVE the law, that is the time for action.

When they believe that it is THEIR County to do as they see fit, they need to be reminded who it belongs to.

When they take away our ability to have a part in the process, or to even be allowed to WATCH the process, then they are robbing each and every one of us.


For the life of me, I don't understand WHY so many of you are willing to allow this to happen, let alone those of you who are CELEBRATING the fact that this is the BEST decision for Adams County and Human Services.

If you even consider this any sort of "win" for Adams County, then you need to adjust your priorities of "right and wrong".

This COULD have been done in a healthy and above-board manner, had they not placed an "imaginary deadline" on it.

I hope that this comes back to bite them all in the ass.


I don't think it was any accident that the "Rank and Phiel" were in the sponsoring ad above the gossip columnist this week.

Everyone involved can try their best to smear me through "veiled opinion articles" - but no matter what, none of them can come out of this smelling any better than bullshit, because that's all they have.


www.facebook.com/groups/boroventgettysburg/permalink/1685569405009341/

[lifesaver]

I personally think it's been going on for quite some time, even before this current board of commissioners. I think the Human Services Building is a great idea and has been long overdue for this area, especially when it comes to the Mental Health Services. I'm not opposed to the location. I don't think that the borough will suffer from the movement of staff 2 miles outside of town.  The onus will now be on the borough to fill those empty offices. I think it's a shame that because some of us are concerned about the PROCESS in which this decision came about that it has been twisted to sound like we are against the Building. SIMPLY NOT TRUE!!!

[Venter]

Lifesaver,
When I look at the Herff Jones Bldg (or is it the Phiel-George Bldg?) I agree that for the money, it seems on the surface at least, to be an absolutely fantastic deal for Human Services.
I think it will be a fine facility once it's up and running, and since it is practically move-in-ready, those services will benefit even sooner.

Is it better than a brand new facility at the old REDDI Site, or better than SpectraKote Property?
We'll NEVER know, because we were never given the chance to find out, nor the ability to either watch, or be a part of any of the process.
Everything that was decided, was done in the dark.

Do you think that they would even consider discussing the rest of this project in their public meetings?
I'll be surprised if they do, but... if they do, I have no problem letting people know that it is appreciated.
I may not say so without taking a jab, but at least I'd acknowledge it
But I won't hold my breath - after being told about something as simple as the LAW that requires POSTING NOTICE of the Commissioner's Meeting on the front door/window of the courthouse, they couldn't even abide by THAT simple Sunshine Act rule this past Weds.

[Dexter]

Although I can't disagree with your comments and frustration Venter, I really don't know that it would have mattered. Minds were made up and any public discussion/debate would have been merely for the optics of it all.

[Venter]

Maybe, but I don't really believe so Dexter.
Things need to be said, and the people need to know who they're voting for Nov. 3.
It's a shame that didn't happen.