“A lesson even a puppy can learn”
To pick up from my lead in from last week, “What you say is only your opinion; you are not legitimate or validated.”
This in part is what I was told by a long time sitting county commissioner when I contacted him to extend a little courtesy.
He made it clear he was not happy with my commentary on how the board in general is disrespectful to citizens when they appear and ask questions.
In as much as he characterized what I had to say as nothing more than my opinion, let me share something that is just my opinion. Some feel a way of teaching a puppy not to do its business on the floor is to “put his nose” in it. Well that is what I did. My hope was that like the puppy he/they may learn from it. Clearly he did not.
In his infinite wisdom somehow it was lost to him that his response validated what I had captured on the board’s deportment; arrogance, pure unabashed arrogance.
There is a movement sweeping across this country right now to tell politicians “we the people” are sick and tired of this.
The following is the text from a letter I have sent to the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners. I do not expect a response. If I get one it will most likely be generic. They are not listening. Evidence; next month’s Economic Development meeting has been cancelled.
To: The Franklin County, North Carolina, Board of County Commissioners
From: Steve Trubilla
I have given considerable thought to a recent telephone conversation I had with a board member. My purpose in contacting the member was to extend the courtesy of letting him know I was going to mention his name in an article I was going to write.
It was not a veiled effort to engage him or the pursuit of an agenda. Just a consideration I felt he deserved.
Over an extended period he and I have had casual contact. To my remembrance I have never done anything to purposefully offend him. To the contrary during those rare moments we have spoken I have made the conscious effort to be courteous.
During the conversation he expressed his displeasure with my characterization, in a recent article concerning the board’s deportment towards citizens.
I understand the piece was not complimentary and can appreciate how he may feel about it. In deference to his view this is more than my opinion. The audio record of meetings shows questions are not answered and the statement of “are you done?” was made.
My commentary on this was in part a reporting of what many have told me. I would also share with you I have been told there are members on the board that do not disagree with much of what I wrote.
The more I study, learn and research, the clearer it becomes that there are serious oversight and managerial problems within the county.
With ease I can point to many hundreds of thousands of dollars that are about to be expended for simply failing to do preventative maintenance. This is but one example I can cite to support my assertion.
A proposition is true if it corresponds with reality. There are overwhelming facts to support what I am saying on this.
If you would care to, take the country’s maintenance management program under review and you will clearly see it. Please know I am not making this up. There are senior officials in the county that I believe if asked will be more than willing to attest to this.
I am not pointing this out to entertain myself, to agitate others, or to set up adversarial relationships. I would like you to consider the possibility that the effort I have expended may hold value. Others are actually being paid to address this. What I am doing is not costing the county one dime.
During the conduct of the above referenced telephone conversation the board member clearly stated he felt I am not “legitimate” and I have not been “validated” by anyone. That he is an elected official and anyone having issues with him could address them at the polls.
I found the board member’s comments to me to be at the very least disingenuous and a bit arrogant. In the context of all of this I am a concerned citizen, as such certainly relevant, and did nothing more than extend a little common courtesy.
Given that we live in a time when most are not willing to do anything one would expect those that are would minimally be shown a little courtesy and respect.
This board member’s response to me speaks to the core of the column that he took so personally.
I did not mean to offend anyone. However I am not going to apologize for stating what is by this member’s rebuke self-evident.
As you may know I write a column for “The Franklin Times.” I will be addressing the subject matter of the letter in a future article. I will, out of respect for the board, not mention anyone’s name specifically. It is the bigger issue that has captured my interest.
I would like this letter to be read publically at your next meeting, and request this letter be made part of the public record.
Respectfully,
Steve Trubilla
Franklin County please attend meetings, write email, and letters to the editor. Put their nose in it!
The Southern Franklin Republican Club meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Youngsville Community House, 115 E. Main Street. You are invited.