A recent letter to the editor was sent to Now Habersham under the name Julian Smith. Now Habersham determined the letter was written under a pseudonym and, in keeping with our guidelines, refused to publish it. That same letter was published in the local newspaper. This is in response to issues raised in that letter. The opinions expressed here are those of the author:
I am in complete unison with the letter written by Julian Smith of Baldwin in the November 25th edition of the Northeast Georgian. I, too, have had the same non-response from the Habersham County Parks & Rec Director Brooke Whitmire. Poor communication and poor customer service skills – numerous phone calls, emails, voicemails, and even took off work two days to come in person in hopes to speak with Ms. Whitmire. All that was void to her ears.
I decided after many attempts I would contact the Habersham County manager, Alicia Vaughn, and some of our County Commissioners to see if I could get a better grasp on the lack of communication being given for this public professional that our taxpayers pay for.
The REAL EYE-OPENING experience happened with Ms. Alicia Vaughn, the Habersham County Manager. Had a scheduled phone call meeting with her on Monday, December 5th. She did contact me to discuss issues with Brooke Whitmire, the parks and rec director’s dissatisfactory performance that not only myself but seems other residents are experiencing.
After discussing the matter, I barely got her to take a breath to let me address another concern that I, myself, and other Habersham County residents are wanting more information on. The newly approved seven unnecessary positions that Parks and Rec Director Brooke Whitmire created and voted on by only three of our Habersham County Commissioners after being tabled the week prior – I asked where the fund for these positions is going to be coming from, as residents of Habersham have recently been burdened with the extreme increase in our property taxes this year. I was told, “there is no promise this won’t happen again to fund our budget.”
I was also told that “Habersham County has one of the lowest millage rates in the State of Georgia” and that, with many residents in our county that file for Homestead Exemption, this “hurts our budget.” As if this is supposed to help with the blow of burdening our citizens of the community again with frivolous spending. One with common sense would think that if no readily available funds are in place for this, WHY grasp at what is not there???
This brings into question another suspicious activity that has been the ‘word’ in the community since the new parks and rec positions were approved. After only four short months of having Brooke Whitmire as the parks and recreation director, she conjured up seven new positions. [Word is] that these positions are pre-meditated positions for her previous co-workers and friends from Banks County, as this was where she was in the same position, but we here at the county of Habersham pay more than our neighboring Banks County.
Another Good ‘Ol Boy caveat is about to take place while the wool is pulled over our eyes.
I think the three Commissioners present didn’t have to have their arms twisted too much to agree with this nonsense, seems rather unbelievable that from November 25th until December 1st, it was necessary to hold a special called meeting. What’s the true hurry unless there is possible opposition from the other commissioners or concerned citizens?
As I voiced this concern to Ms. Vaughn, she stated: “There is nothing I can do – ultimately, the hiring and interviews of these seven positions will be conducted by Brooke Whitmire, and if they happen to be from Banks County, there is nothing I can do.”
Seems the schemes of these officials are making our downward spiral of the county speed up at our expense. I was then told if I “don’t have two hours to discuss,” then she couldn’t get into any more detail with me.” Seems like feathers were getting ruffled; she doesn’t want to have to answer questions/concerns. She hurriedly got me off the phone.
Later the same day, a VERY shocking and jaw-dropping experience happened with Ms. Alicia Vaughn!
After contacting her about no communication with Brooke Whitmire, the parks and rec director, I was wanting to make her aware. I got yelled at, screamed at, and belittled by our Habersham County Manager, Alicia Vaughn. As she screamed at me over the phone, I asked two times, please quit yelling at me. She kept on – I hung up the phone on Alicia Vaughn.
I was in total disbelief that a lady of her elite title and profession would talk to a Habersham County resident in this tone & character. Ms. Alicia Vaughn’s TRUE COLORS came out on December 5th!!
I have to say our county of Habersham has the wool pulled over our eyes, and our taxes are funding these unprofessional, callous ‘gold diggers’ and their frivolous spending for not only us to be in debt to but also our children and grandchildren.
I ask, as a concerned citizen, that we bombard the phones, emails, and offices of these elected commissioners and the Habersham County Manager. The Commissioner meetings are happening, and our wallets are getting lighter by standing by and watching the money dwindle.
Julia Braswell
Clarkesville
___________
Now Habersham encourages you to submit letters that share your opinions on issues of interest to residents in our community and the Northeast Georgia region. Click here for submission guidelines.
