Airport authority elects officers

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Wednesday, May 29. 2013

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The Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority met on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, and elected a new chairman and secretary/treasurer.
When the Eastman/Dodge Development Authority appointed two new members to the airport authority on May 13, the current chairman Eddie Driggers and board member Jack Burnham were replaced with Butch Kirkley and Phil Bearden.

Airport board vice chairman John Clements brought the meeting to order and after approving previous meeting minutes, board member Bobby Slye commented that he was concerned about the legality of the appointments of Bearden and Kirkley. Slye stated that the board members were put on the board for four year terms and the legislation that passed last year only addressed the number of members (from four to seven) and said nothing about term limits. He said he believed that the board members still were appointed for a four year term and the airport board should wait to appoint anyone to a board or other until the airport board could get a legal opinion on the matter.

New board member Butch Kirkley stated that legislative council said that just the opposite was true from what Slye stated and that the members now served at the discretion of the appointing person or board. After more discussion, Clements nominated Steve Greer for chairman and it was seconded by Terry Niblett. Being there were no other nominations, the nominations were closed and all voted in favor of Greer as chairman.

Then Clements asked for nominations for secretary/treasurer were taken. Terry Niblett nominated Bearden. Bearden spoke up and said that if nominated, he would not serve as secretary/treasurer. Clements then nominated Terry Niblett. Niblett stated that he would rather not. The motion was seconded and all voted in favor.

Steve Greer then took over control of the meeting.

Greer started off by acknowledging past board members for their service to the community for the job they had done and asked that all the boards and authorities begin working together for the betterment of Dodge County.

After hearing some other business, Greer told the board members that the sale of the river property had been closed by himself and Clements to Frank Walthal for $126,608.00.

Then, the business of appointing members to the Dodge County/Eastman Development Authority was brought up. The board would appoint one of their members and a citizen from Dodge County to the development authority.

Kirkley made the motion that the board appoint Bearden as the board appointee and Dennis Giddens as the citizen appointee. The motion was seconded by Niblett. Three board members, Kirkley, Niblett and Bearden voted for the motion. Three board members, Slye, Clements and Lamar Marshall voted against the motion. Chairman Greer broke the tie and voted against the motion stating that he believed that someone with knowledge of the airport, such as a pilot, should be appointed.

Slye then made the motion that Clements be appointed as the board member and Dennis Giddens be appointed as the citizen. Marshall seconded the motion. Three members, Slye, Clements and Marshall, voted in favor of the motion. Three members, Kirkley, Bearden and Niblett voted against the motion. Once again, chairman Greer had to break the tie and voted in favor of the motion. Clements and Dennis will replace Jack Burnham and H. Peacock.

Greer then went on to discuss the agreement the airport authority has with Langstaff Law, of Albany, concerning the lawsuit between the authority and Citizens Bank and Trust Company, the Bank of Eastman and Colony Bank.

Greer stated that the airport authority had already paid the attorneys $25,375.00 for litigation expenses already incurred. He then said that the contract stated that if the airport authority dismissed the law firm of Langstaff Law due to any reason, the authority would have to pay all unpaid expenses and services which would be to pay the greater of the following: 1. $450.00 per hour for any time the attorneys had in unpaid expenses and services or: 2. An applicable percentage of fees to the attorneys for any offers made by an adversary or collateral party.

Greer also stated that if the lawsuit continues and is lost, the airport authority owes the attorneys nothing. Also, if the lawsuit continues and is won, the airport authority owes the attorneys nothing.

But, he said, if the airport authority votes to stop the litigation, the authority would probably face a substantial bill to the attorneys, which could bankrupt the airport authority.

In other business, a motion was made by Clements and seconded by Niblett to move the airport authority meetings from the second Tuesday in the month at 6:00 p.m. to the second Thursday in each month at 6:00 p.m. The motion was passed unanimously. The new meeting time will begin with the June 2013 meeting.

Airport manager Jeff Fordham told the board that the airport currently owed Perry Brothers (their fuel supplier), $124,548.86. The board voted to send Perry Brothers a check for $100,000.00 from the proceeds of the river land sale.

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#1 Publis on 05/29/13 at 08:35 AM [Reply]

Full Steam Ahead. There is no diverting this lawsuit sinking ship. The previous limited Airport Authority, Driggers/Clements/Graham/Peacock, made sure of that by accepting the terms of the contract with the the Attorney. So let's get it done and move on pass it all. It will be interesting to see the collateral damage that comes out of this lawsuit. The last couple of months we have seen that everyone involved in these political games should be a little cautious. You may win your personal battle but in the end of the day you might just make yourself a martyr and be the first person to be thanked for all your hard-work and asked to step aside.

#1.1 Anonymous on 05/29/13 at 12:01 PM [Reply]

Not so fast. Mr. Kirkely is a member of the board and I'd say he has a pretty big conflict of interest since he's over at CB&T bank. Someone better replace him pronto! If Mr. Greer is the deciding vote there will a lot of nervous chickens in the hen house. Better replace him also.

#1.1.1 Anonymous on 05/30/13 at 07:11 AM [Reply]

I watched the video on the Eastman examiner web page. Mr. Greer is just what this community needs. He isn't intimidated and to me looks like a pretty level headed gentleman.

#1.1.1.1 BCRoyals on 05/30/13 at 11:21 AM [Reply]

Level headed is what many don't want down there in DC. That's why I left long ago. But it has been fun watching DC self-destruct.

#1.1.1.1.1 Crazy Billy on 05/30/13 at 08:39 PM [Reply]

Each community goes through the same ole stuff at different times. Remember Happy Howard. That was one crazy dude.

#1.1.2 Publis on 05/30/13 at 12:17 PM [Reply]

At some point Ol' Kirkley may need to be pulled, but in the meantime I like how he stirs things up at the airport meetings. I think Butch raises the stakes. His involvement on that board has forced Greer to challenge the status quo and thoroughly research what that board has done and committed itself to do in the past.

At some point when it is time to start talking about legal matters in executive sessions, the conflict of interest will arise. If that is the case the board and their lawyer should just discuss everything during the meeting before the public. Can it really be expected that Butch can be barred from discussing anything that he hears with the legal team for the banks?

Right now, someone would be an idiot to try to cancel the lawsuit knowing that a alleged $100,000+ price tag would fall on the taxpayers by way of the HOGRAA. Whoever would serve as the face for killing that lawsuit would clear some major debts off of their ledger of owed favors. But I don't think there is enough loyalty to go around for a group to kill it from the shadows and remain anonymous. They may be damned if they do and damned if they don't, but let's see what a judge has to say about it.

This old man has experienced a great deal in his years. One of those things is our government rightfully allows people to be innocent until proven guilty. The other is that not every gossiper can and is willing to be a witness.

#1.1.2.1 IndianRED on 06/09/13 at 12:39 PM [Reply]

"Can it really be expected that Butch can be barred from discussing anything that he hears with the legal team for the banks?"

YES, THAT IS EXACTLY RIGHT! BUTCH KIRKLEY REPRESENTS THE BANKS. NO, HE CAN'T HEAR OR VOTE ON ANY MATTERS TO DO WITH THE LAW SUIT.DUH!

#1.1.2.1.1 Anonymous on 06/10/13 at 02:22 PM [Reply]

Butch is out. Giddens is in.

#2 FedUPx2 on 05/29/13 at 11:24 AM [Reply]

I hear the DC posse is out intimidating people to get this law suit stopped. Sounds like there is much more to the story then some loan. Let it be heard in court! What are the banks afraid of?????

#3 RatMan on 05/29/13 at 01:26 PM [Reply]

Let the Law Suit begin!!!

This is the only way this county will know the truth. If all those guys who were on the old board have nothing to hide, including Rep Jimmy Pruett, then what are they so worried about?

I don't know the details but it seems like the only folks around town who talk about stopping the suit are somehow tied up with the banks in some way.

Who is to say the airport board isn't correct? If Rep Pruett can hide paying property taxes for 10 years, who knows what else he is hiding.

See you all in court!!!!

#3.1 Anonymous on 05/30/13 at 07:02 AM [Reply]

YES!! Give the airport their day in court. If the banks are so innocent in all this mess what are they afraid of?

#3.1.1 Anonymous on 05/30/13 at 11:19 AM [Reply]

Might not be the banks who are worried. Corruption runs deep in our fair town!

#3.1.2 FedUpx2 on 06/09/13 at 12:35 PM [Reply]

Follow the money trail!

#4 Anonymous on 05/29/13 at 01:29 PM [Reply]

Marshal and Greer need to go. They ain't from this county.

#4.1 Anonymous on 05/30/13 at 06:57 AM [Reply]

What does that have to do with anything? That is the problem around Dodge. The good ole boy network wants to run everything. Maybe that's why our town is the laughing stock. Is it possible Mr. Marshall and Mr. Grier can't be bought - is that why they need to go?

#4.1.1 Anonymous on 05/30/13 at 11:14 AM [Reply]

County Commissioners wanted to remove Marshall at the special called meeting on Tuesday. BUT, Dan McCranie was a no show! I smell a rat. Why would the commissioner have it placed on the agenda if he wasn't going to be there???

#4.1.2 BCRoyals on 06/01/13 at 12:05 PM [Reply]

It don't matter where they are from. Just matters how they vote.

#4.2 Anonymous on 05/30/13 at 01:56 PM [Reply]

I would put Greer's leadership abilities against anyone's from this County. He has done more for this County since he moved here than most that have lived here their whole life. Steve Greer, thanks for all you do for this County.

#4.2.1 Anonymous on 06/01/13 at 12:03 PM [Reply]

He ain't from here. He needs to go.

#4.2.1.1 Anonymous on 06/02/13 at 12:20 PM [Reply]

How about you go and we keep Coach Greer!

#4.2.1.1.1 Anonymous on 06/02/13 at 09:50 PM [Reply]

I SECOND THAT MOTION.....

#5 ConcernedCitizens on 05/29/13 at 04:55 PM [Reply]

The Law Suit is almost upon us! Who will be the first from DC to get deposed? Stay tuned! Let the truth begin...

#6 Anonymous on 05/30/13 at 11:23 AM [Reply]

They will be gone soon enough.

#7 Anonymous on 05/31/13 at 01:43 PM [Reply]

Who has an update on the law suit? When will it go to court?

#7.1 Anonymous on 06/01/13 at 06:21 PM [Reply]

There may not be a lawsuit because the county is going to take Lamar Marshall off the airport board in order to appoint someone who will vote in favor of stopping the lawsuit. Look at the agenda posted on The Eastman Examiner. They are trying to get 4 votes so that they can control the airport authority. Members of the EDA are bragging all over town that they are going to be ruling the airport real soon. Obstruction of Justice is a criminal offense and I hope they all go to prison.

#7.1.1 Anonymous on 06/02/13 at 07:27 PM [Reply]

Why would the county commissioners take Mr. Marshall off of the board?

#7.1.1.1 Anonymous on 06/02/13 at 09:47 PM [Reply]

They want him gone because he doesn’t vote the county way, which is in favor of the banks. They are notorious for getting rid of those they can't rule. Remember Wendell Graham! Bunch of thugs!

#7.1.1.1.1 pondering87 on 06/14/13 at 02:03 PM [Reply]

And yet we have again more alleged "facts" which just cannot be substantiated. There has never been a motion to motion to remove Lamar Marshall. In fact it is now known that the appointment was for the Hospital authority and some other board because the terms of the prior appointees was up. Check it out it is in the official minutes and was videotaped and audio recorded. More people need to actually attend these public meetings rather than rely on lies and innuendo. This would help stop these rumors. Having witnesses and video seems to have helped stop some of the mischief of Jack Burnham "going by my rules" and Eddie Driggers "I make and sign off on the minutes by myself". The reason you have public meetings and have more than one person sign minutes is to keep proper checks and balances. At least it looks like Greer is trying. Driggers never did it the right way and it is amazing that his cohorts continue to try and stir the pot. Go to the meetings and see for yourselves!!!!

#7.1.1.1.1.1 Steve Greer on 06/28/13 at 12:27 PM [Reply]

Since my name is mentioned in this post I wanted to offer my perspective with regard to Mr. Driggers' leadership as Chair of the HGRAA.

Quite frankly, I was disappointed at the removal of Mr. Driggers. In working with him since Sept 2012, I've been very impressed with his dedication to the airport and insistence on following the rule of law. Unfortunately, he noticed an issue regarding a $720K loan that was moving the HGRAA deep into the red with each passing month. I applaud his integrity and desire to ensure the survivability of the airport.

I think we all might be hard pressed to find a more dedicated public servant willing to serve without compensation.

#7.1.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 06/29/13 at 12:08 PM [Reply]

Here, here! Thanks for your leadership as well Steve.

#8 Anonymous on 06/03/13 at 03:00 PM [Reply]

Wake up Dodge County. The only people getting rich off of the airport is CB&T bank!!

#8.1 Publis on 06/04/13 at 06:44 AM [Reply]

Yes, from all of the loans that went the Airport's way to keep them afloat! That Airport has been mismanaged. Nothing deliberate, but when you know better you do better. What organization do you know that functions without an operating budget. Not a successful organization. I guess, out there, those fellas just throw the money in a big pot and dip into it until it is all gone. Once that happens they go get a loan and fill the pot up and keep going with that.

Greer, Kirkley, Nibbett,and Bearden, you guys have a more business presence about yourselves. Please develop the fiscal control that organization desperately needs. Through the assistance of the Airport's service partners, capital projects have been meticulously outlined for the next two years if not farther out. But when it comes to the finances, the Airport is flying by the seat of its pants!

#8.1.1 Anonymous on 06/05/13 at 12:37 AM [Reply]

Get real! There is an approved 2013 budget. And no, the airport doesn't have any loans to keep afloat. Get your facts correct Publis! But they do have a $720,000 note to pay to CB &T thanks to Jimmy Pruett and the old board members.

#8.1.1.1 TownCryer on 06/08/13 at 01:02 PM [Reply]

Can you spell F-B-I??

#8.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 06/09/13 at 12:33 PM [Reply]

Yes, I can spell it...so what?

#8.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 06/10/13 at 02:26 PM [Reply]

How about H-G-M-C? Can you spell that? Justice will be served on those who profited for so many years.

#8.1.2 Anonymous on 06/10/13 at 12:50 PM [Reply]

Kirkley is no longer on the airport board. Sounds like some sort of shady shell game to me!

#8.2 Anonymous on 06/22/13 at 10:35 AM [Reply]

Exactly! But all the bank employees run around town telling everyone how much money they lost and how the airport is the real winner in all this. PLEASE!!!

#9 Publis on 06/05/13 at 01:01 PM [Reply]

Maybe you should go watch some of them videos that Jim Joines fella does at the airport meetings and see where the airport board discusses how they approve a yearly budget but don't do much in the way of following it as they pull money from their funds during the year. It's called an operating budget and most successful organizations follow it to run smoothly. So yes you are right they approve a budget every year but don't necessarily follow it as outlined. More like the scenario I made light of where they throw it in a big pot and pull from it as they need.

Thankfully, the airport does not need any loans at this time. Recently they chose to sell an asset off to be able to knock out their 100,000+ fuel cost that they owed. It is what was needed but if you keep selling off assets at some point they may not have any left for that maneuver.

So like I said before I encourage the newer members of the board to tighten the fiscal controls of the airport and clear up that matter of the airport not really adhering to an operating budget.

Get real my anonymous friend and get your facts correct.

#9.1 Anonymous on 06/23/13 at 07:47 AM [Reply]

Wasn't the reason behind the extremely high fuel bill due to all of the rent proceeds from DPS going directly to CB&T? $5,000 each month since 2008! So, to be honest, it wasn't the poor fiscal policy that led to the high fuel bill Publis...it was the poor leadership of the past board members who thought it was just fine to set the airport board up for failure to pay off that Canadian fella's failed loan.

#10 John on 06/05/13 at 04:09 PM [Reply]

Publis, tell us about the meeting at your house this morning with chair of Air Auth, Jack, your husband and John? Guess they are comming up with the unfinished audits of 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009. Where is the beef (money)?
Just call me John Boy

#11 Publis on 06/06/13 at 05:34 AM [Reply]

Johnnie Come Lately, Sir, I didn't get an invite for that meeting, but I would have sure have liked to be a fly on the wall at that meeting.

So you think that meeting was about bringing those unfinished audits to the light of day. That would be a good move for the new Greer lead authority and a good way for Steven to continue transforming the culture of the HOGRAA.

#11.1 Fedupx2 on 06/06/13 at 04:17 PM [Reply]

You guys need to get a life!

#11.1.1 Pearl on 06/08/13 at 09:07 PM [Reply]

I agree! They are just a couple of stupid idiots. They don't really say anything, just a bunch of empty words. They have blind loyalty to these local crooks in town, and it doesn't matter how dirty these people are they just keep on supporting them. They are the very ones that give this town a bad name!

#11.2 Anonymous on 06/09/13 at 12:31 PM [Reply]

Rumor mill around town is the law suit will be voted down at the next meeting. I hope its true.

#11.2.1 TownCryer on 06/09/13 at 08:39 PM [Reply]

Don't count on it!!!!!

#11.2.2 Justice should be served. on 06/09/13 at 10:15 PM [Reply]

Why on earth would you be glad for justice to not be served? Don't you think everyone deserves their day in court? This is one of the things that keeps America a free nation. Are you on the side of obstruction of justice? Tells me what caliber person you are!

#11.2.3 Anonymous on 06/11/13 at 06:40 PM [Reply]

Tried to abolish airport board to cover up past wrong doing...VETOED.

Tried to give development authority control over the airport to vote down the law suit against the banks...VETOED.

Tried to get court order stop river land sale...OVER RULED.

Tried to intimidate airport authority members to vote down law suit...FAILED.

Tried to replace county commissioner's appointee...STOPPED.

Tried to stack the airport authority with "Yes" men to vote down the law suit...BLOCKED.

Justice is coming soon...count on it!

#11.2.3.1 Fly Boy on 06/14/13 at 11:54 AM [Reply]

No audits completed ...CHECK
Fuel bill and fuel in ground not paid for...CHECK
No new projected...CHECK
Unreal attorney fees...TO BE PAID BY TAXPAYER
Sold all available assets...NOTHING LEFT TO SELL
All that is left is for the fat lady to sing...GO FOR IT

#11.2.3.1.1 Anonymous on 06/16/13 at 11:53 AM [Reply]

To be fair the airport audits have been held up since 2009 when Mr. Kimmons advised the board to seek an outside attorney.

This is what I heard Mr. Rogers tell everyone at the last meeting.

The rest of the issues you listed are a direct result of the halted audit in 2009 and the past authority members forcing the airport to accept the third party debt from the Canadian guy who went bankrupt.

#11.2.3.1.1.1 towncryer on 06/16/13 at 05:44 PM [Reply]

Special called meeting this Tuesday! One item on the agenda...HGRAA vs. CB&T! This should be interesting.

#11.2.3.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 06/18/13 at 08:30 PM [Reply]

What happened at the meeting. Did they kill the law suit?

#11.2.3.1.2 Anonymous on 06/20/13 at 06:10 AM [Reply]

Besides the river property that sold recently what other assets did they sell?

#12 FedUpx2 on 06/19/13 at 11:00 AM [Reply]

No, the law suit wasn't "killed." My source tells me the authority voted not to drop the suit. It looks like they are going into mediation with the banks. Stay tuned. This should be good!

#12.1 Anonymous on 06/19/13 at 12:25 PM [Reply]

Mediation is a stall on the banks part. They know they are wrong and cannot go to court because the truth will come out! They hope they can settle things behind scenes in the dark because their crooked deeds can't stand the light of day.

#12.2 Milton on 06/19/13 at 03:00 PM [Reply]

Good. I'm not a proponent of the lawsuit but I wouldn't want the airport authority to drop the lawsuit and be on the hook for those substantial attorney fees. Let's get 'er done and let whichever side wins have their "I told you so" and get back to business.

#13 TownCryer on 06/19/13 at 02:58 PM [Reply]

No matter what happens we the people deserve to know the truth when it's all over with. Did the banks or airport board do something unethical or illegal or did the airport board file a frivolous complaint? There are so many people in town talking like they know the truth. I frankly think no one knows the truth but a very few individuals involved. I think Mr. Greer is an upstanding fella and will do what he thinks is best for all involved. I just hope he isn't swayed one way or the other. Once it's over, I'd hope that Mr. Greer will hold a public presentation and provide the information to the citizens of this great county. I think we are fortunate to have someone who isn't beholden to anyone in town to steer our airport into the future. I for one am very thankful for all the members of the airport board for their time and efforts in helping our county.

#13.1 Joker on 06/22/13 at 10:32 AM [Reply]

Greer is Pruett's puppet! Don't be fooled. If Jimmy P want's the law suit stopped he'll pull his strings and get r done.

#13.1.1 FedUpx2 on 06/22/13 at 01:26 PM [Reply]

Lol. You must not know much about Greer if you think he's Pruett's puppet. But thanks for the laugh nevertheless.

#13.1.2 Steve Greer on 06/22/13 at 01:37 PM [Reply]

Joker, of all the humorous diatribes on this blog, I find this one to be beyond comparison. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face today.

Just for the record, Mr. Pruett does not in any way determine how I vote. He has not attempted to influence my vote and I don't suspect that he ever will.

I appreciate the confidence he placed in me with the appointment and will continue to strive to represent him, you, and the rest of the citizens of Dodge County to the best of my ability.

I invite you and all others commenting on this blog to attend our meetings. We value you input and concern.

Thank you,
Steve Greer
Chair, HGRAA

#13.1.2.1 Joker on 06/24/13 at 12:01 PM [Reply]

We don't need outsiders coming in here and dictating what we outta do or don't do. We managed just fine before you and will manage just fine after you are gone.

#13.1.2.1.1 Anonymous on 06/24/13 at 03:53 PM [Reply]

At least he is doing something for our community and isn't afraid to stand up against the status quo.

#13.1.2.1.1.1 EMullis on 06/24/13 at 09:45 PM [Reply]

Probably the only person on the airport board who doesn't owe anyone pay backs. I'm pleased he and his family want to make DC their home. This town would do better if we had more like him willing to serve the county and people.

#13.1.2.1.2 Anonymous on 06/25/13 at 12:16 AM [Reply]

I was born and raised in Dodge County. My family has been here since the late 1800's and I don't care who brings justice to this town as long as it comes! Who are you to say we were doing fine before they got here? If all this corruption is going on we need help to get it gone where ever it comes from! You must be one of the evil doers since you don't mind the evil deeds! I'd like to suggest that you leave Eastman and take your partners in crime with you. We don't need or want any of you troublemakers here to destroy our town. We do need these outsiders to stay and clean this mess up! SO GET OUT OF DODGE!

#13.1.2.2 Milton on 06/24/13 at 10:03 PM [Reply]

I like him. He listens to both sides of an argument and then goes and does his research and makes an intelligent decision. I can't say that I always agree with his decision, but his decisions are logical. He even goes a step further and explains why he feels that it is the best course of action. Like someone above said, he challenges the status quo. He doesn't just take "this is how it is always done" as an answer.

Maybe one day down the road he falls into the trappings of not challenging the status quo, begins to let everyone know that he makes the rules, and the body that appointed him to his position thanks him for his service and asks him to step down. Hopefully, it will never come to that point again and the HOGRAA Chair, Mr. Greer, will continue leading and moving the authority forward.

#14 Anonymous on 06/19/13 at 03:05 PM [Reply]

THE LAW SUIT STANDS AND CONTINUES!!! PRAISE THE LORD. JUSTICE IS COMING TO DODGE COUNTY. REMEMBER FRIENDS ARE ONLY FRIENDS UNTIL YOU GET ON THE WITNESS STAND. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE WAITING TO SEE THE FINAL OUTCOME AND THE EVIDENCE. VERY PROUD OF THE CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS FOR TAKING A STAND FOR JUSTICE!!

#14.1 Anonymous on 06/20/13 at 06:28 AM [Reply]

The law suit will never see one day in court. But the citizens of dodge county will have their taxes raised to pay for it all.

#14.1.1 Anonymous on 06/20/13 at 11:50 AM [Reply]

There are a lot of interested citizens waiting for the verdict in this trial. Either the banks are right and did nothing wrong or the airport is right and did nothing wrong. Which is it? My bets are on the airport at this point judging by the people involved with the banks. Don't trust bankers!

#14.1.1.1 Fly Boy on 06/20/13 at 04:26 PM [Reply]

Dear #14.1.1: Anonymous,
When you get the bill for the Airport Authority attorneys (which they have no clue how much the charges total) and you, as a taxpayer, get to pay it (cause they have wsold all their assets), let's see who you trust then.
Then the costs will really go up if the banks win and then sue the airport authority members for the banks attorneys fees.
The bottom line is no one in Dodge County will win because of this lawsuit.
Fly Boy

#14.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 06/20/13 at 10:10 PM [Reply]

Has it ever occurred to you that the banks are the ones who have done the wrong here? How do you figure the tax payers will pay the attorney fees? NO...if the banks loose they will do all the paying, which is the right thing to have happen. If the airport looses they owe nothing! In no way do the taxpayers pay for the lawsuit. The only way tax payers will wind up paying is if the airport looses, and cannot pay the debt. Then the payments to the bank will fall back on the city & county, and that of course means the tax payer. This is not the airports debt, it is a loan made to a Canadian Citizen who paid the banks dearly for over six years, then ran into some bad luck and was forced to default on the loan. The banks should have charged the loan off as bad debt, but instead found a unethical way to force it onto the airport authority. The majority of the airport board members, at that time, was also directors at CB&T, and was looking out for the bank not the airport. You know the plain and simple truth of the matter is; the banks broke the law, the airport does not owe this debt, the banks should cancel this illegal debt, pay the airport back for all legal fees (past & future), expenses incurred from audits, and all rents paid against the loan that rightfully belong to the airport (over $5,000) a month, and settle it once and for all. The banks should be held accountable for doing wrong. The airport cannot get an audit because of this debt! If the banks are not trying to hide something, why don’t they just go to court and get it over with? Why are they using the legislature to do all these amendments even so far as to try and abolish the airport authority? All kind of trickery has been done at the development authority. The county filed a bogus injunction against the airport authority. Gov Deal vetoed some of Pruett’s legislation, and now they are still trying to overturn his decision by trying to take over the airport through the development authority. People in Dodge County should be coming out in record number raising cane about this unlawful take over. A group needs to form and go to the State Capital and have a serious protest. I don’t care how many friends you have on these bank boards, or friends on the previous airport board or friends at the development authority, wrong is wrong no matter who does it! Have a backbone, take a stand. I only see a few courageous men in this town that have any integrity & grit about them! What a shame to have a whole town ruled by a few crooks!

#14.1.1.1.2 Anonymous on 06/21/13 at 07:12 AM [Reply]

Dear Fly Boy...

Are you in favor of mediation or are you of the opinion that it's okay to violate the law as long as you don't get caught?

In this case, it appears as if someone got caught doing something they should not have done. Otherwise, the airport attorney's probably wouldn't have taken the case on contingency. Furthermore, it appears that Mr. Greer and the airport board members must believe they have a decent case or why would they vote to enter into mediation? (see video on Eastman examiner web page). Why didn't they just vote to drop the law suit?

Law suit won't help our county progress. I agree. Would you rather the airport help cover up possible wrong doing or would you rather let the truth be known by all citizens? Cannot have it both ways.

As a taxpayer I don't want to see my taxes raised to pay for any high priced attorney. But, this has gone on for many years now and we all deserve to know the truth no matter who might be involved.

I agree with TownCryer comments above and hope that when it's all over, someone publishes the facts.

#14.1.1.1.2.1 Fly Boy on 06/21/13 at 11:22 AM [Reply]

Dear AA,
Mediation is great, would have been better before the attorneys got involved. But you act as if the airport authority attorney from Albany is just doing this with the potential of getting paid by the banks if he wins. What about all the money he received to take the case. And what is he charging per hour?
How many hours has he kept a record of that he has worked on this case?
Our community did not go to Canada and recruit this guy. He was brought here by the head of the GA Dept of Industry, Trade and Tourism along with the former Speaker.
Hopefully the current airport authority and the banks can mediate a resolution to this problem. Even if they do, economic development is going to be a lot tougher for many years to come. You can count on that.
Fly Boy

#14.1.1.1.2.1.1 TownCryer on 06/21/13 at 04:28 PM [Reply]

If you read the Eastman Examiner site you will notice that the airport paid their attorney approx 25K. That's what it took to uncover the shenanigans by the banks and former members, including Jimmy P himself. After they uncovered enough evidence, the attorney then realized the case was a clear violation of the law. That's why he took it on contingency from what I read.

As to the question of what he charges per hour. Does it matter? As to your question about keeping records of the time he worked on the case...do you know any lawyers who don't keep good records?

As to who brought the Canadian guy to Eastman. Does that matter? No, what matters is it sounds like the banks decided to let the airport suck up the bad debt from this Canadian fella who went under. If that is true, that doesn't sit well with me and many others in this town.

What I want to know is the truth. I expect we will know the truth soon enough.

#14.1.1.1.2.1.2 Anonymous on 06/21/13 at 04:31 PM [Reply]

Several attempts to mediate were made by the airport board to the banks! The banks told them to get out! So, before you criticize the actions of the airport board, know the facts.

The banks didn't want to negotiate, mediate, or talk to anyone about the $720,000 bad debt note. WHY? Because it was all a fraud to begin with.

#14.1.1.1.2.1.3 Anonymous on 06/21/13 at 06:00 PM [Reply]

Economic development is tougher because of what the banks & former airport did NOT what the present airport authority had done. They are only seeking JUSTICE and a clear audit for 2009. Mediation is only a stall tactic orchestrated by Pruett & bank owners! You can't see the forest for the trees. You are blinded by your so called life long friends! All you care about is the good for a select group, NOT the good of the airport and the town! It doesn't matter who brought the Canadian here (he's not the bad guy), what matters is what the banks did after his loan went bad, and what they did by unlawfully pledging a government granted building! It's ok that they violated the Georgia Constitution in the process! They can do no wrong in your eyesight.The only way lawyers fees are paid by the airport is if they STOP the lawsuit! You will not face the truth. You need to pray for the blinders to be removed from your eyes and some discernment because it's clear you are in the tank for these wrong doers!

#14.1.1.1.2.1.4 JB on 06/22/13 at 10:29 AM [Reply]

Dear Fly Boy, what would you do if you were on the airport board? Would you vote to stop the law suit just because you think it's bad for economic development? Maybe there are some guilty people out there who need to be dealt with. Letting them off the hook doesn't help anyone except those who did wrong.

Just because the people in question are upstanding citizens in our community DOES NOT entitle them to a free pass. If they broke the law, they broke the law. Covering for them only makes you part of the problem.

The airport board tried for more than a year according to the letters provided to the newspaper to get the banks to cooperate. Kirkley, Sheffield, Jessup, and many others didn't want to listen. They all think it's okay for the airport to pay off the failed loan from the airplane builder. Some of the airport board members who signed off on this bogus deal were also on the CB&T board of directors, including Pruett. So, the airport takes on a debt that it looks like the banks didn't want to write off. But the debt had nothing to do with the airport. Does that sound fair?

None of us want to pay another persons debt. Why should the airport have to?

If the banks had nothing to hide, they would have gotten this taken care of long ago. I only wish the airport would have stuck to their guns and settled in in court so we all can see who the guilty parties are in our fair town. Mediation sounds like the banks are hiding something. I suspect there are a lot of people out there hoping this whole thing never gets to court.

I'm sorry Fly Boy, but right is right and wrong is wrong.

#14.1.1.1.2.1.4.1 pondering87 on 06/26/13 at 10:26 PM [Reply]

You know I see some particularly rabid posters suggesting "guilt" and illegal acts. I have to ask is it possible that honest people just made a mistake on some of the technicalities on this loan. Lets look at what happened. The banks apparently made a loan. A building was built on the proceeds of the loan which is now occupied by Dynamic Paints. The loan was not paid and the original loan (somewhere around 1.2 mill I think) went into default. the bank believed it had a right to foreclose on the property. The "old Board" could very well have believed they legitimately owed the money for the building that was built with the Bank's Money. No one disputes that the building was built with bank money and possibly with some grant money. It certainly did not grow there on it's own. Under FAA regs that authority had to own it. All of these decisions could have been made in good faith. After all if the world was perfect the loan would have been paid back, jobs would have been created and all in the county would have profited. Instead it went bad and both the authority and the banks suddenly had problems. Surely when the plan was made for the loan, no one thought it would go south. It may have been a bad business decision, but it think it is wrong to call it a criminal act. I do fault the Driggers Board for trying criminalize this situation and think the whole thing could have been handled better by all sides. After all if the "old Board" is right isn't the airport authority going to get a building on their property for free. Is that the right solution if we are trying to be fair to everyone.
I am not saying I have a solution but it do think we need to stop trying to criminalize this situation. I have seen no proof of any conspiracy and if there was one, the individual defendants should never have been released by the Authority suit.
The main thing I am trying to say is lets get past all the rhetoric and try to move this community forward. The effect of this lawsuit has been to cause fighting between government agencies who should be working together; hurtful accusations with no proof of anything; and great general discord. Look nobody is perfect. This whole situation is unfortunate for everybody. As far as the mediation goes, I wish that had been done first but now that it has gone on this far, I would sort of like to see some clear resolution which may not be resolved by closed door mediation. I do want the whole thing behind us but after all this, I would like to know what the real story is. However I do believe that everybody could have been acting in good faith. After all, the people were relying on the lawyers. What if the Lawyers were the ones who were wrong. Lets consider giving the people who have worked for this community, on both sides of this issue, the benefit of the doubt and believe that they intended to do the right thing and either got bad advice or simply made a mistake. let's stop the character assignation and help this community move forward.

#14.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1 Alvin M. on 07/02/13 at 07:40 PM [Reply]

Pondering 87, You need to "look" again at your facts. The Loan from the Banks was not used to build a building. The Building already existed for some years before it was put up for collateral. The Airport already owned the "building for free" as you put it, as it was built with grant money before any loan took place...... Now you "fault the "Driggers Board" for trying to criminalize this situation". I suggest you stop chastising and thank the "Driggers Board" for uncovering corruption and criminal acts in Dodge County.

#14.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2 Anonymous on 07/03/13 at 04:52 PM [Reply]

Amending the airport's charter to enable it to assume the bad debt for the banks doesn't sound like an innocent mistake or technicality to me! You don't just violate the Georgia Constitution (in good faith;lol)or any other reason and expect to get by with it! If I bought a car in good faith and couldn't pay for it, do you want to pay for it just because the bank made a bad loan decision? You are irrational in your thinking. YOU ARE the one who tries to demonize Eddie Driggers and his board for doing the RIGHT thing in seeking justice! They honestly tried to work with the banks in the beginning, and the bankers turned their high minded noses up at them. You are on the side of wrong and political corruption. You try to paint a picture that these wrong doers are victims and that SIMPLY is NOT the truth. The Bible clearly warns that in the last days people will not be able to distinguish right from wrong. Go look in the mirror and you will see who it is referring to!

#14.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.3 Anonymous on 07/04/13 at 01:31 PM [Reply]

You said,"I have seen no proof of any conspiracy and if there was one, the individual defendants should never have been released by the Authority suit." They were NOT released! They were dismissed without prejudice. This means they can be called back at anytime! Never ever think they were found to be innocent at any time! Beside the fact this is a civil lawsuit, and criminal actions will have to be filed in criminal court. Conspiracy is a criminal act. Think about it "Forward Dodge".

#15 Anonymous on 06/24/13 at 11:58 AM [Reply]

Jimmy P himself started all this nonsense when he was on the authority. Never thought he would get caught. The cat is out of the bag Jimmy! MEOW!

#15.1 BCRoyals on 06/24/13 at 09:48 PM [Reply]

Maybe but don't cats have 9 lives? He is just another slippery politician in my book.

#16 Anonymous on 06/25/13 at 01:00 PM [Reply]

John Clements doesn't owe them anything either! Neither does Bobby Slye or Lamar Marshall. They all have guts, and will not back down. If Pruett,the banks, old airport authority or development authority say JUMP to Bearden he will say YES SIR/Ma'am how high! Push over! These other guys stand for what's right!

#16.1 EMullis on 06/25/13 at 07:40 PM [Reply]

Does anybody know why CB&T Bank requested this mediation that was announced on the examiner page? I was told that the lawsuit was frivolous. Why are the banks not fighting it?

#16.1.1 Anonymous on 06/26/13 at 01:20 PM [Reply]

BECAUSE CB&T IS GUILTY! PERIOD!

#16.1.1.1 Anonymous on 06/28/13 at 05:04 PM [Reply]

#16.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 07/30/13 at 09:26 PM [Reply]

YOU MY FRIEND ARE EITHER VERY MISINFORMED OR A BIG LIAR! THIS IS NOT THE TRUTH AND I BET YOU EITHER WORK AT ONE OF THE BANKS, OR ARE A OWNER, OR DIRECTOR OR YOU ARE ONE OF THE ORIGINAL BOARD MEMBERS WHO STARTED ALL THIS MESS! AT ANY RATE YOU ARE CLEARLY A FOOL!

#16.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 07/31/13 at 01:00 PM [Reply]

If I am wrong please show me where. Even in Mr. Greer's letter he admits much of what I stated. If there have been criminal acts, flat out state what they are. Apparently seven of the original defendants have now been dismissed. (Possibly somebody should have checked before costing all the others money defending a frivolous lawsuit.) But my purpose was not to blame new board members either. The point was that this whole thing has done noting but cost the citizens and maybe should not have been brought at all. The word "criminal" is inappropriate I think and I would like to move forward. However I now understand that since the FAA has been alerted and called in and the issue made public to the powers that be that we all lose. Dynamic paints is moving to Dublin, the new industry is following, and the airport is to be decertified. I hope this is wrong and that none of this will happen but I know it would not have happened if not for this lawsuit. The lawsuit may have been brought with good intentions but is seems to have damned us all. After all the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Thanks Eddie.

#16.1.1.1.2 Anonymous on 08/01/13 at 08:41 AM [Reply]

The loan the bank made to Heintz and AMD had nothing to do with the building construction. The building construction was done with GRANT money alone. The issue is that the GRANT funded building was disallowed as collateral use by law and was used anyhow without consent of grant officials. The bank loan did not build the building and have no rights to foreclose or take the rent as they have over the last 5 years. That amount is at or near $300,00.00. That money is needed to run the airport just as the GRANT folks intended. With that money the airport grows, without it the airport suffers. It is as simple as that!

#16.1.1.1.2.1 Milton on 08/01/13 at 12:28 PM [Reply]

Great post. I hope people take the time to read what you wrote so they can be better informed on what is going on.

I'm going to put on my forgiving hat and say that the previous board made a decision without checking their FAA rule book or making a call for clarification. I won't join everyone in calling for heads because of illegal doings. Nevertheless, ignorance of the rules is no justification for breaking the rules in this situation.

Hopefully this goes ahead to trial and a judge can get the airport off the hook for the loan. Hopefully this will happen sooner than later so that the airport can pocket lease money from DPS. Hopefully with the increased revenue the airport will be able to assist DPS with the expansions they need to keep them in Dodge County.

#16.1.1.1.2.2 Anonymous on 08/01/13 at 03:49 PM [Reply]

You are making the point for me. Even if what you say is true, where is the CRIMINAL act. All this could have been honest mistakes and so far no one has shown that anyone, individual or corporate, has criminally profited off this whole unfortunate event (and if they did I agree they should be prosecuted) I am not saying there may not have been mistakes made. What bothers me is the way it was handled. Suggesting that these are criminal matters has made everyone get their backs up and everything has gotten out of control. Standing up at the red light with signs accusing people of criminal acts didn't help matters. Directly because of the lawsuit, these mistakes cannot now be corrected and all will suffer.

#16.1.1.1.2.2.1 Anonymous on 08/13/13 at 11:22 PM [Reply]

FRAUD IS A CRIMINAL ACT AND SO IS TAX EVASION!

#16.2 IndianFan on 06/25/13 at 07:46 PM [Reply]

I've know Bearden since HS. He is a good man. BUT, I have to agree, he is probably on the other side with all this.

#16.2.1 Anonymous on 06/26/13 at 04:56 AM [Reply]

Bearden wouldn't know the truth if god spoke it to him from heaven. He has a made up mind, and he is dead wrong!

#16.2.1.1 smarty on 06/30/13 at 04:52 AM [Reply]

can anyone tell me after fbi arrested the Canadian who skipped the country brought him back to the dodge co jail where stayed a while but mysteriously was bailed out to never be heard from since who bailed his crooked ass out seems like that's kinda funky wonder who and why

#16.2.1.1.1 Anonymous on 07/01/13 at 07:21 PM [Reply]

maybe you should ask the airport board since they seem to be the only guys in town concerned about it!

#16.2.1.1.2 Anonymous on 08/17/13 at 03:06 AM [Reply]

You've got it all wrong....the Canadian is NOT the crook here....the banks and the old airport board and Jimmy Pruett that broke all the laws and cheated the airport and the citizens of Dodge County!

#16.2.1.1.2.1 Anonymous on 08/17/13 at 01:17 PM [Reply]

Anon, according to the men you are referring to, no laws were broken, not a dime was spent. I'd like to hear their side of this story. Hopefully they will be at the Town Hall and let us know what happened and why we are where we are at today.

#17 BCRoyals on 07/02/13 at 01:36 PM [Reply]

a little birdie tells me the FBI was in Eastman today talking to the aiport board. odd timing if true.

#17.1 TownCryer on 07/03/13 at 08:50 PM [Reply]

So what?

#17.1.1 Anonymous on 07/04/13 at 11:18 PM [Reply]

So hopefully some will get arrested soon and we all can find out who did wrong in this county. Lord knows it would not surprise anyone to find out we still have crooked leaders in town. Gonna get what they deserve!

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