Are you due a Refund

[mdonn76405]

Hi mdonn

New content has been posted at The Woodlands Monitor at the link

(s) below:Fire Chief Golfing on Resident's Dime

http://www.thewoodlandsmonitor.com/modules/wordpress/?p=93

To see if you might qualify for a REFUND from the Montgomery Central Appraisal District click here to check out a story on our new site Montgomery County Monitor.Appraisal District Caught Overcharging for Public Information

http://www.montgomerycountymonitor.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=109

Also for those interested in more info about our sister site called Montgomery County Monitor. Please visit

http://www.montgomerycountymonitor.com

where you can:- Participate in gathering and publishing Public Information- Upload Photos and Videos in the User Galleries- View Photos of Emergency Scenes- Purchase select or requested photos and photo related merchandise from the gallery- Send private messages among members- Get the latest Public Information news- Submit content- Much, much more....

[Wilson]

Was he using a WFD credit card to pay this bill or something? I'll admit to being naive, but I understand that fire dept personnell don't usually work in M-F 9-5p shifts, so the "normal business hours" thing doesn't shake me. But that bill that is attached regarding "Palmer Golf"... if that's his hobby and he wants to pay those fees, then so be it. Did he pay the fees? Is it a new perk of that position or not?

However, I automatically become suspicious when they don't want to release the records, despite what the law requires of them, y/k?

[mdonn76405]

It was a perk for the GM, which the fire chief filled that slot while they interviewed for a new GM. When one was hired he pitched a fit when they tried to take it away from him, so they let him keep it. As you can see, he just goes over and charges what ever he wants, and we pay for it. You should read the archives at The Woodlands Monitor to see all the perks we pay for. They have spent tens of thousands of dollars fighting public information request. We finally are getting the AG to force them to turn over the records.

[mdonn76405]

Some examples: $20.00 a gallon lemonade $18.00 deserts, trip to the Netherlands. Weekend in Grapevine for a board member and his wife. $30,000 Christmas Parties. Trips to Vegas. Limos and valet parking. Staying in the most expensive hotels were ever they go, with as much as $70.00 for room service. $6.500 luncheons, and it goes on and on.........

[Wilson]

Nice... I do remember the luncheon spread. I wonder how long the pools could be serviced with that money?

[mdonn76405]

I always wondered why someone would want to be on every board in The Woodlands. I found out when I learned you could party with high society for nothing, travel the world, and stay in the finest hotels. Oh, and I forgot the thousands spent on alcohol. Did I mentioned that some of the board members think that it is not a conflict of interest to be on one board, and provide legal services for the other ones?

[mdonn76405]

Whoops, I misspelled due.

[Wilson]

Sounds like I'm in the wrong business! Where do I sign up for the free drinks & travel? :D

[mdonn76405]

We are trying to put an end to the free ride and return the money and control to the residents.


REMEMBER


ONE MAN AWAKE
One man awake awakens another,
The second awakens his next-door neighbor,
And three awake can rouse the town,
And turn the whole place upside down.
And many awake can raise such a fuss
That it finally awakens the rest of us.
One man up with dawn in his eyes multiplies.
Author unknown

[FamilyGal]

Sounds like I'm in the wrong business! :D

Hehe, you and me both.

[IndianSpringsGuy]

Did I mentioned that some of the board members think that it is not a conflict of interest to be on one board, and provide legal services for the other ones?

And exactly what is that conflict? I need to be educated on that matter.

[IndianSpringsGuy]

They have spent tens of thousands of dollars fighting public information request. We finally are getting the AG to force them to turn over the records.

Would not you say that there is an interest in lowering the cost of the overabundance of non-quality requests rather than than the actual fighting of supplying information? There are several very negative campaigns. I always get the information I need without any fight. I hope it stays that way. There is a justificable limit to supplying information to the public. Now if there is an investigation, that is another matter. I would be distraught if they were supplying information to folks trying to stir the pot and the needed info could not be provided to the public who really needs the information. Provisions for public information for political reasons is not on my list of necessity. Checks and balances by a state auditor might be a lot more acceptable with better results.

[mdonn76405]

Very articulate, but imagine this. The United States Government has kept many secrets from the public, To include;
The STD study done on African Americans
The Effects of radiation on troops during the nuclear test:
The devastating effects being suffered by troops like me from Agent Orange,
Depleted Uranium, and the chemical weapons destroyed during the Gulf War.
And most lately, the treasonous acts of some military personnel in Iraq to line their own pockets.
Or how about the fixing of votes, spending campaign money for personal gain, accepting bribes from big business, the selling of secrets to the enemy.
The location of Sex Offenders:
Teachers in your schools who are not qualified.
And the list goes on and on, to include local governments at every level. Just read the news.
These are examples of information obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.
An act fought against at every level. Why on earth would an HOA feel the need to spend tens of thousands of your dollars to hide their activities?
For you let me say, I am so glad that some have so much money that they can, or would, allow certain individuals to "Hood Wink" you into believing that everything is fine.
History shows that it is the gathering of information by the public that enables change for peace and prosperity.
I was in Military intelligence, a police officer, and a detective for many years. I have seen it all, and it is my belief, that in a free society, we have a right toknow what we are paying for. It is the exposure of the facts that forces an audit.

Ignorance is not Bliss!

Thank you for your comment.

http://position11.blogspot.com/

[mdonn76405]

Let me add that you should look at the boards to see the makeup. Those that are not controlled by the developer, have many of the same people on them that are controlled by the developer through business or blood. Until you can change this, which you can't, because the vote is also controlled by the same, you will never get an audit. You seem very educated, try looking at what we have uncovered through the Freedom of Information Act in just under a year.

Quote from Villager:

"Tim Welbes, left, and Alex Sutton, center, have been named honorary co-chairmen of A Hero’s Journey: The Woodlands 2007 Celebration of Excellence gala. "
"They have been on every board you can imagine."

http://position11.blogspot.com/

http://www.thewoodlandsmonitor.com/

http://www.thewoodlandsmonitor.com/

[mdonn76405]

I forgot to answer that question. If you have any knowledge of the boards at all, then you would know that they work together to manage The Woodlands. There are three main boards for the residents, and the WCSC manages all of them. The WCSC is made up of other board members to be the board for the management corporation. They are the same board who controls the fire department. That means a board member who is on one HOA and the WCSC, who does paid work for another HOA who is also represented on the WCSC, is a conflict. It would be like having the mayor awarding a construction contract to a city council member. That is a conflict!