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SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014 | YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1874 | $1.50 Lake City Reporter
LAKECITYREPORTER.COM Eagle Scouts County records SUNDAY EDITION do anything are going but give up. 3A online. 1C Teachers won’t be charged For failing to report girl’s Todd and at least two have faced felony charges, he said. other school employ- According to the arrest report, on allegations of sex abuse. ees knew of the 8-year- April 11 the victim told two students on Punishments old girl’s claims but did a school bus that she had been raped By ROBERT BRIDGES not report them to the by her stepfather. The students told being kept [email protected] state Department of district employee Ashley Hargrove, who Children and Families told fellow employee Yvonne Melgaard. Administrators and other personnel as required by law, Melgaard reported it to Gassett, who at Pinemount Elementary School are according to an arrest Lyles contacted Todd. under wraps unlikely to face criminal charges for fail- report of the girl’s Gassett and Todd met with the vic- ure to report a student’s claims of sexual alleged abuser. tim’s mother, who told them she kept a District to delay report abuse, Third Circuit State Attorney Jeff “Based on what I’ve been told I’m not close eye on her daughter and could not Siegmeister said Saturday. inclined to file on them,” Siegmeister believe she had been sexually abused. on punitive measures. Pinemount assistant principal Marilyn said, though he declined to elaborate. In Gassett, guidance counselor Amanda all, four or more district employees could TEACHERS continued on 3A STORY, PAGE 3A. Hiring glitch Critical injuries in crash draws racism charge City rewrites job description in public works.
By STEVEN RICHMOND [email protected]
The search for the city’s new assistant public works director has revealed incon- sistencies in the city’s inter- nal hiring p r o c e s s , says a member of city coun- cil. One local man claims racial pref- PATRICK SCOTT/Special to the Reporter e r e n c e Henry Local motorcyclists gather after a fellow rider crashed during a poker run for the Lupus Foundation of America Saturday morning. The group was headed prevented north on SR 47 just past Bascom Norris Drive around 11:30 when the man lost control of his 1982 Harley Davidson, according to on-scene reports. his brother, a black appli- The rider, said to be critically hurt, was flown to a Gainesville hospital. One lane of SR 47 was still closed more than a hour later so the Lake City Police cant for the position, from Department could investigate the incident. Also on scene were LCFD and Lifeguard. LCPD had not released any information on the crash by press time. receiving an interview. However, the head of the pub- lic works d e p a r t - Local tourism m e n t Fun and games at Westside denies any racial bias, industry will adding that all appli- honor its own cants were Paulk going to By TONY BRITT be inter- [email protected] viewed had city manage- he achievements and ment not intervened. accomplishments of The discussions and con- local hospitality industry cerns led City Manager professionals will be cel- W e n d e l l ebrated this week when the J o h n s o n TColumbia County Tourist Development and staff Council holds its annual awards lun- to review cheon. the city’s The TDC awards luncheon is set for personnel 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Potash m a n u a l , Corp. White Springs conference center and include near White Springs. provisions Williams “The awards luncheon is held to rec- standar d- ognize individuals within our industry izing the hiring process in who have made contributions through- the future. out the past calendar year,” said Lori Following a second Regan, Columbia County Tourist round of interviews com- Development Council and Florida’s pleted last week, Public Suwannee River Valley marketing Works Director Thomas director. “These are actually awards for Henry said Friday the city people who did things for us and did had selected a new person things with us in 2013.” for the position. The event is held annually during However, he declined to the second week of May to coincide reveal who was selected, JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter with National Tourism Week, a nation- saying the city will make an Griffin Roberts, 6, gives the thumbs up after Columbia County firefighter Michael Durkin puts a breath- wide celebration and recognition of the announcement Monday. ing mask on him during a demonstration at the Community Helpers/Public Safety Awareness Day at tourism industry. The original assistant Westside Elementary School on Friday. Students got to get up close to a medical emergency helicopter HIRING continued on 5A and got a visit from Smokey Bear as well. See more photos in Tuesday’s Lake City Reporter. TOURISM continued on 5A
Vol. 140, No. 70 Opinion ...... 4A CALL US: TODAY IN COMING (386) 752-1293 Business ...... 1C5A 9188 6465 Obituaries ...... 5A PEOPLE TUESDAY SUBSCRIBE TO ChanceT-Storm of Chance storms Obituaries ...... 6A THE REPORTER: AdviceAdvice. & . .Comics ...... 3D8B Top Carnegie Local news Voice: 755-5445 Puzzles ...... 2B, 3B Fax: 752-9400 WEATHER, 2A6A Puzzles ...... 2B performer, 2A. roundup. 2A LAKE CITY REPORTER DAILY BRIEFING SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014 Page Editor: Emily Lawson, 754-0424
Scripture of the Day “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh.” — Romans 8:1-3
Thought for Today How many times had those awful words: “I know what I’m doing” been uttered throughout history as prelude to disaster?
— Christopher Buckley, Supreme Courtship
TONY BRITTLake City Reporter Winning Lottery Numbers Top performing officers Cash 3: (Friday) Lake City Police Department Chief Argatha Gilmore recently recognized the department’s “5 Top Performing Officers” who Play 4: (Friday) made the greatest individual contributions to traffic safety efforts in 2013. From left: LCPD assistant chief Gerald Butler; Lt. Fantasy 5: (Friday) John Stock (accepting on behalf of Mike Lee); Sgt. Larry Shallar (accepting on behalf of Joseph Anthony), Officer Garrett Florida Lotto: (Wednesday) Register; Officer Connie Hightower and LCPD chief Argatha Gilmore. PowerBall: (Wednesday) AROUND FLORIDA Trooper asks Scott to reconsider speed limit bill OCALA Floridians, my heart goes out to allowed to post $7,000 bail that murder-suicide, investigators it was possible more information Florida Highway Patrol you,” Scott told Richard’s family. same day without appearing are now trying to piece together could be released Friday. trooper mourning a col- “I have daughters the same age. before a judge. the story of the family that lived A league killed after being I just can’t imagine.” Brevard County authorities inside — and what may have led Terror case of marshal struck by a vehicle wants Gov. Richard, 30, was remembered say that was a mistake because to the deaths. Rick Scott to reconsider a bill as a devoted mother to her Dorsey should have been All four of the people had been assault begins that would raise the highway 4-year-old son and a dedicated held without bail because he shot, authorities said, and detec- MIAMI — Security and other speed limit to 75 mph. trooper. FHP Chaplain Wayne was on probation for a heroin tives recovered a gun registered issues are the subjects of a hear- Scott joined hundreds of law Hunter said Richard’s boyfriend, conviction, according to rules to Darrin Campbell, a career ing in the Florida terrorism-re- enforcement officers at the funer- FHP Sgt. Jamie Mulverhill, had established in an administrative executive who lived in the house lated case of two brothers now al Thursday for Master Trooper planned to propose to her the order set by the local court. with his wife and two teenage accused of assaulting deputy Chelsea Richard. She died along day she died. Jail staff released him, though, children. U.S. marshals. with two others May 3 after they Richard had been a trooper thinking his most recent arrest Campbell bought $650 worth U.S. District Judge Robert were struck by a vehicle while for nine years. She is one of 45 superseded the administrative of fireworks and a bunch of gas Scola set a hearing Friday morn- standing alongside Interstate 75 troopers to die in the line of duty order. cans just days before the house ing in the case of Sheheryar and near a traffic accident. in the FHP’s 75-year history. Florida Today reports that went up in flames, officials said. Raess Alam Qazi. They have Area newspapers report that The investigation into the Dorsey was arrested again Authorities still have not pleaded not guilty to charges of during the funeral, Trooper crash that killed Richard, tow Wednesday at a Cocoa probation positively identified the bodies plotting to blow up New York Tod G. Cloud told Scott that the truck driver John Duggan and office. He’ll remain in custody found inside as those of the City landmarks to avenge deadly Florida Legislature’s approval of George Phillips is ongoing. A until authorities decide how to Campbells, but police said they U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan. a bill that would raise the speed memorial service will be held proceed with his probation vio- had been renting the property Last month, authorities say limit from 70 mph to 75 mph Friday for Phillips, and Duggan’s lation. from a former tennis star, and the brothers attacked two deputy “wasn’t a bright idea.” funeral will be May 17. the family has not been account- U.S. marshals at a facility where He said that the law enforce- 4 killed in mansion ed for. A relative said they were they view classified evidence. ment job he feared the most was Man mistakenly inside the home at the time of Scola wants to know if enhanced working on an accident on I-75 blaze were shot the fire. security measures are needed because people “do not drive released back in jail TAMPA — The flames that On Thursday, officials sifted there and in court. with common sense.” COCOA — A man mistakenly brought down a 6,000-foot- and raked through the charred There are also questions Cloud said he also would like released from a central Florida square mansion have been extin- remains on the property. about whether the brothers’ law- to see a law that would drop the jail when he should have seen a guished, the four bodies charred “We plan to spend the yer can represent them because speed limit to 55 mph when high- judge is back in custody. by the blaze removed. next several days continuing he saw the alleged attack and ways are wet. I-75 was wet from Lamanceo Dorsey was arrest- With the results of autop- to process the scene,” said would be a witness if they are recent rains when Richard died. ed April 30 on burglary and sies pending and authorities Hillsborough County Sheriff’s charged with assault. “On behalf of 19 million grand theft charges. He was indicating the possibility of a Col. Donna Lusczynski. She said n Associated Press PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Burns’ ‘The Roosevelts’ Amsterdam’s west port area. The 15-meter-high (50-foot) stage includes to open PBS season a revolving replica of the secret canal- LOS ANGELES — PBS said side apartment where Frank and her Thursday its fall season will open with family hid for 18 months from the Nazi a binge-viewing opportunity: a sev- forces occupying the Netherlands in en-part Ken Burns documentary on the World War II. They were betrayed in Roosevelt political dynasty. 1944 and deported. “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History,” will air as two-hour episodes ABC’s Spencer sorry for over seven nights, beginning Sept. 14. Cinco de Mayo segment Each episode will be repeated nightly and the show will be widely available NEW YORK — ABC’s Lara Spencer for post-air online viewing, said Beth is apologizing for referring to Cinco de Hoppe, PBS chief programming exec- Mayo as “Cinco de Drinko” on a “Good utive. Morning America” segment this week. “I think it’s the best thing Ken’s done The anchor wore, then twirled, a since ‘The Civil War,’” Hoppe said. “He sombrero and mentioned that the hol- thinks it might be the best thing he’s iday was the biggest day of the year TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter ever done.” for margarita sales. She held what Top honors “The viewer experience is changing appeared to be a margarita. and we’re trying to dish this up as an She tweeted a day later that she got Paul Dyal, a city employee, accepts a plaque from Bob Ganzak during a city council meeting. epic binge,” Hoppe said of the series a little carried away and was sorry Dyal was the recipient of the plaque for “Highest Award of Achievement” during a recent Dale about U.S. presidents and cousins for the segment. MSNBC’s “Way Too Early” show similarly apologized this Carnegie Course. Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt and FDR’s wife, Eleanor. week for showing a staff member shak- ing maracas and taking a swig from New Anne Frank play what was said to be a tequila bottle. See an error? The holiday marks an 1862 battle vic- Lake City Reporter opening in Amsterdam tory by Mexican troops. HOW TO REACH US The Lake City Reporter BUSINESS Main number ...... (386) 752-1293 corrects errors of fact in AMSTERDAM — Anne Frank’s Loyal to zip-up Godzilla, Fax number ...... 752-9400 Controller Sue Brannon....754-0419 news items. If you have tragic story is returning to the stage in Circulation ...... 755-5445 ([email protected]) Amsterdam, hoping to engage a whole Online ... www.lakecityreporter.com a concern, question or Japan wary of US remake CIRCULATION new generation with the Jewish teen- The Lake City Reporter, an affiliate of suggestion, please call TOKYO — The big-screen Godzilla Community Newspapers Inc., is pub- Home delivery of the Lake City Reporter ager whose diary is the most famous lished Tuesday through Friday and should be completed by 6:30 a.m. the editor. Corrections that scared and thrilled viewers in 1954 Tuesday through Friday, and by 7:30 chronicle of life under Nazi occupation. Sunday at 180 E. Duval St., Lake City, and clarifications will run Thursday’s opening is the first time was an actor in a rubber suit with a Fla. 32055. Periodical postage paid at a.m. on Sunday. zipper up its back. And many Japanese Lake City, Fla. Member Audit Bureau of Please call 386-755-5445 to report any in this space. And thanks a theatrical production has been forged Circulation and The Associated Press. problems with your delivery service. for reading. directly from Frank’s actual writings fans still prefer that monster over a All material herein is property of the Lake In Columbia County, customers should since an award-winning 1950s play that Hollywood version made in terrifying, City Reporter. Reproduction in whole or call before 10:30 a.m. to report a ser- full 3-D computer-graphics glory. in part is forbidden without the permis- vice error for same day re-delivery. After escalated her tale — then little-known sion of the publisher. 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Page Editor: Robert Bridges, 754-0428 LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014 3A Teachers’ fates kept under wraps
In potential violation of allows complaints against statute contains no provision for delay Lyles was arrested on April 13, one day some state workers to be either. after authorities were notified of the girl’s Sunshine Law, district to withheld until the inves- The Lake City Reporter notified claims. delay release of its report. tigation is complete and Huddleston by email Friday that failure to An arrest report obtained from the the subject of the inves- release the investigative reports in a timely Columbia County Sheriff’s Office docu- tigation has been notified fashion would place the district in potential mented allegations that Lyles “forcibly By ROBERT BRIDGES in writing. violation of Florida’s Sunshine Law and grabbed the [victim’s] leg, which made a [email protected] However, attorneys Huddleston reiterated a public records request for all popping sound,” and that he was discov- contacted by the Lake relevant documents. ered alone in a room with a camera and When asked last month to confirm City Reporter confirmed He did not respond. the girl, “sitting on a chair unclothed,” allegations that school personnel failed the statute contains no provision for a 10- A text message from Huddleston earlier according to a story in the newspaper’s to report a child’s claims of sexual abuse, day delay. that week indicated he had spoken with April 17 edition. Supt. Terry Huddleston declined, citing Sam Morley, staff attorney for the school board attorney Guy Norris, who At that point Lyles faced charges of cru- a 2013 state law that he said authorized a Florida Press Association, told the “told me not to talk about the incident at elty to a child and battery, and the CCSO delay in the release of such information. Reporter by email Thursday that once this time.” Huddleston said previously report contained no reference to claims Huddleston said an investigative report the school’s internal investigation is that Norris advised him of the purported the victim told school officials she had would be released 10 days after the district complete, “the information is no longer 10-day wait period. been sexually assaulted. decided on a course of action, including covered by the exemption and must be The Lake City Reporter cannot confirm The sexual assault charge was added possible in-house punishment for adminis- released.” the district’s investigation has been com- upon further investigation by CCSO, trators and other personnel at Pinemount Barbara Petersen, president of the First pleted. Previous statements by Huddleston, though it is not clear when, and an Elementary who allegedly failed to contact Amendment Foundation, agreed the law however, indicate the probe was supposed amended narrative connecting Lyles to authorities concerning a student’s claims contains no provision for a 10-day delay, to have been concluded last week. the alleged failure of Pinemount officials she had been raped by her stepfather. but said HB1075, cited by Huddleston, Information obtained by the Lake City to report the girl’s claims was provided According to Huddleston, the 10-day lag did not appear to be the relevant stat- Reporter concerning the case came from the Lake City Reporter Saturday morn- is prescribed by F.S. 119.071(2)(k), passed ute. She said by email that complaints the arrest report of Arnold Dean Lyles, ing. by the Florida Legislature in April 2013. against school employees fall under F.S. a Pinemount Elementary student’s step- Lyles has remained in jail since his ini- The law, also known as House Bill 1075, 1012.31(3)(a). However, she said that father. tial arrest. Newly-minted Eagle Scouts glad they stuck it out
By SARAH LOFTUS But Kasak said he defi- skills that you don’t learn case at the Lake City VA [email protected] nitely didn’t force the boys in high school,” he said. from raw lumber and to become Eagle Scouts. In addition to learning revamped part of the patient agle Scouts do “I didn’t make them do leadership skills from garden there for his. everything but it,” he said. “I just gave leading a troop, the boys Martin built a service give up. They them the ability to do it.” learned those skills from kiosk for the Osceola go white water All of the boys but their service projects. National Forest. rafting, shoot Martin were initiated in the To become an Eagle Antognoni built an Erifles and weld. same ceremony in March. Scout, you have to lead a elevated archery platform Troop 91’s newest Eagle Adams could have got- service project for a com- for Osceola Rifle & Pistol Scouts – Matthew Adams, ten it sooner, but he wait- munity organization. The Range, and Ryan Kasak 15, JonElliot Antognoni, ed, so he and his friends purpose of the service built a shed for Epiphany 15, Ryan Kasak, 15, Robert could be inducted at the project is not just to help Catholic Church. Martin, 17, and Shawn same time. the community. They’re Adams hopes to attend Ziegaus, 16 – share inside In addition to gaining also required to manage the Naval Academy after jokes. They tease their friends along the way to a team of workers, usu- high school, and John buddy about his girlfriend, becoming an Eagle Scout, ally fellow Boy Scouts Kasak said Eagle Scouts in the way high school you also learn how to act and family members who will help him understand boys do. JASON MATTHEW WALKER/Lake City Reporter as a first responder and be help them with their how rankings work. Troop leader 91 John Boy Scout Troop 91 Eagle Scouts Ryan Kasak (from left), 15; ready for anything, said project. Ryan Kasak said despite Kasak told the boys the Robert Martin, 17; Shawn Ziegaus, 16; JonElliot Antognoni, Ryan Kasak, a freshman at Ziegaus replaced and how hard the journey was, personal management 15; and Matthew Adams, 15, pose for a photograph Thursday. St. Francis Catholic High repaired part of an old fence he thinks it’ll be worth it. skills they’ve learned as School in Gainesville. behind Epiphany Catholic “Everybody I meet who Eagle Scouts will help of all Boy Scouts in 2013, troop leadership posi- He and his dad wit- Church for his project. dropped out early regrets them in college. according to the Boy tions for six months and nessed a woman have a Adams rebuilt a show- it,” he said. “We’ll probably die from Scouts of America website. planned and led a service seizure while shopping at our cooking the first week,” Each boy had to earn at project that benefited a Walmart. Ryan Kasak said said Antognoni, a junior at least 21 merit badges, and community organization. if he had known then what Columbia High School. most earned closer to 30. John Kasak said Troop he knows now, he would’ve But it’s not all fun for They visited the Capitol 91 has never had five boys been able to help her. the five boys. building in Tallahassee make Eagle Scout at once. He also said being an The honor of Eagle and tracked their spending “If they get to the high assistant troop leader Scout was only awarded to earn badges. school level, it’s hard to taught him a lot. to about seven percent They also served in keep them going,” he said. “You learn leadership
ily members because Lyle gave her ed in 2013 to assistant principal at TEACHERS money and threatened to beat her. Pinemount, according to an August Continued From 1A According to Siegmeister, the legal 28 story in the Lake City Reporter. obligation to report the girl’s allega- Neither she nor the three other dis- Neither Gassett nor Todd contact- tions to authorities extended to all trict employees could immediately be ed authorities, the report said. district employees with knowledge of reached for comment Saturday. The following day, the mother took the girl’s claims, including those who According to the Florida the girl to a physician, who reported reported them to their superiors. Department of Corrections website, the allegations to deputies. “All of them have the same duty,” Lyles was released from prison in The alleged abuser, Arnold Dean he said. 2012 after serving six years for aggra- Lyles, 39, of 252 NW Neptune Supt. Terry Huddleston has vated battery on a pregnant woman, Court, was arrested April 13 on declined to release information child abuse, resisting an officer with charges of cruelty to a child and concerning possible in-house pun- violence, felony battery and assault. battery. Following further investi- ishment for school personnel who In 2000, he was sentenced to three gation, the charges were amended reportedly knew of the allegations years in prison for aggravated battery to include sexual assault on a vic- but failed to notify DCF. (See related and grand theft auto. tim under 12. story, this page.) He remains in the Columbia County The victim told deputies she never Gassett, the former principal at Detention Facility on $112,000 bond, reported the abuse to other fam- Niblack Elementary, was demot- according to the jail website.
NOTICE OF MEETING ADVISORY AIRPORT COMMITTEE CITY OF LAKE CITY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Advisory Airport Committee for the City of Lake City, Florida will hold a meeting on Monday, May 19, 2014 at 6:00 P.M., in the Council Chambers located on the second floor of City Hall at 205 North Marion Avenue, Lake City, Florida. THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING IS AS FOLLOWS: & Water Bottles * Status of Taxiway A Rehabilitation, Widening and Extension/Drainage Improvements * Discuss potential maintenance facility * Update - Lake City Gateway Airport
CITY COUNCIL MEETING THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE CITY, FLORIDA WILL MEET Sandals ON MONDAY, MAY 19, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF CITY HALL AT 205 NORTH Sale continues MARION AVENUE, LAKE CITY, FLORIDA. All interested persons are invited to attend any of the meetings identified above. Sunglasses SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: If you require special aid or services for any of the Summer Leagues meetings identified above, as addressed in the American Disabilities Act, please contact WILSON’S OUTFITTERS the City Manager’s Office at (386) 719-5768. Now Forming Short Season 1291 SE Baya Dr, Lake City • (386) 755-7060 AUDREY E SIKES, MMC City Clerk [email protected] Monday Night Fellowship All Ages - Starts June 2 Ladies Trio Night Tuesday 6:30 Starting May 27 ~~~ Mixed League Nights Sundays & Wednesdays Starting May 28–June 1 934 NE Lake DeSoto Circle, Lake City, FL (Next to Courthouse) Adult - Youth Family Fun League Starts June 5th Call for details - 755-2206 Visit us online www.LakeCityBowl.net 4AOPINION OPINION
Sunday, May 11, 2014 www.lakecityreporter.com 4A ANOTHER VIEW The vanishing entrepreneur
resident Obama focuses on the “wealth gap” as if that were the nation’s pressing economic issue. So long as there’s a dispar- ity of ability, determination and luck, some people will be better off than others. The Palarm to raise is not about the good fortune of some, but the bad fortune of the vanishing entrepreneur. He’s rarely seen these days as hope for economic rebound fades. The bitter facts lie in the findings of a survey by the Brookings Institution that the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit is dying. The vision of Sam Walton, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and their kind has been punished to the point of extinction. Strangled by endless spools of red tape and beaten down by taxes and government fees, businessmen are losing their zeal to convert an idea into a startup busi- ness or expansion of one already operating. It’s too much work and risk, to get approvals and comply with laws written by bureaucrats with no spirit or vision. Such rewards as there may be are consumed by taxes. That’s why there are fewer jobs to feed growth. The Commerce Department had to borrow a microscope to see the minuscule 0.1 percent “expan- sion” in the economy in the first quarter. The Labor Department reported a productivity decline of 1.7 Democrats, uncurb percent in the same period, meaning factories are less efficient, while unit labor costs rose 4 percent. Taken together, this means many businesses will continue to struggle to stay alive. your enthusiasm Brookings economists Ian Hathaway and Robert Litan measured the pace of new business creation olling hasn’t brought and women (especially unmarried across a wide swath of industries. It has been in the much good news to women) who worry about social decline for some time, but the decline became a Democrats this spring. conservatives. plunge in 2006, when the rate of entry of firms fell In the latest blow, a Pew It won’t be a soaring, inspirational by half. At the same time, the rate of shuttered store- Research survey for USA campaign, and Republicans are fronts rose until reaching the critical point where PToday reported Monday that 47 already denouncing it as trashy and “business deaths exceed business births” for the first percent of voters said they expect cynical. But the Democrats’ backs time in three decades. The decline is nearly univer- to vote for Republican candidates in are against the wall, and, as colum- sal, with only a handful of metropolitan areas lucky November’s congressional election, nist Finley Peter Dunne wrote in enough to escape the dreaded malaise. Doyle McManus against only 43 percent who plan to McClatchy-Tribune News Service 1895, politics ain’t beanbag. The blame for the situation falls squarely on vote Democratic. If those numbers Equally important, the Washington, where federal policies stifle innovation. hold up, control of the Senate is Democrats say they plan to devote Some 18,000 new federal regulations were imposed likely to flip from the Democrats to Committee told me, is “to make the far more money and effort than between 2008 and 2012, and many more are under the GOP. electorate in 2014 look more like before to the mechanics of voter consideration. Each one adds to the cost of doing And if that weren’t enough, the the electorate in 2012.” turnout: the canvassing, phone calls business. Many firms have had no choice but to hire enthusiasm gap is back. Most The DSCC says it plans to spend and individualized mailings that can compliance experts to avoid running afoul of the Republican voters report being $60 million on field operations this get wavering voters to show up. increasingly complex maze of rules and requirements. certain they will vote this fall; by year, a huge increase from the $7.5 Indeed, Mellman says, “Research The tax system is oppressive and complicated. No comparison, many Democrats million it spent in 2010 – when suggests that mechanics matter other developed nation has a corporate-tax rate as are wavering. And one reason for Democrats lost their majority in the more than message. I’m not encour- high as America’s, and the global tax policy encourag- Democrats’ irresolution, it appears, House. aging messageless campaigns; mes- es companies to leave the United States for a friendlier is President Obama: “At this early “Turnout is vital, but enthusiasm sage still is important. But message tax climate, taking their profits with them. point in the campaign, Obama has almost nothing to do with turn- won’t matter much if you don’t get Worst of all, the businessmen and entrepreneurs inspires far less enthusiasm among out,” says Mark Mellman, a veteran voters to the polls.” who provide the jobs and keep America’s economic Democratic voters than he did four Democratic strategist. “Turnout The DSCC says it hopes to help engine running are vilified. “You didn’t build that,” years ago,” Pew reported. has more to do with habit than with register tens of thousands of new says Mr. Obama, with a sneer, and he raises the The Democrats’ core problem anything else. If you know whether voters, including African Americans rhetoric of redistribution against the “1 percent.” in recent congressional elections someone voted in the last congres- in Georgia, Louisiana and Arkansas, From Obamacare to the failed trillion-dollar stimulus has been simple: Their voters don’t sional election, you know whether where Senate seats are at stake. schemes, where the government picks the winners show up. They flock to the polls they’re likely to vote in this one.” And by November, the DSCC plans and the losers, everything he does is antithetical to a in presidential elections, but when Mellman has direct experi- to have no fewer than 4,000 paid dynamic marketplace. the contest is merely for seats ence overcoming an enthusiasm field organizers in at least a dozen Until the White House begins showing a little in the Senate and the House of gap. In 2010, he helped Senate states. appreciation, the entrepreneurs will continue to disap- Representatives, they don’t leave Majority Leader Harry Reid (D- Will all this on-the-ground effort pear. Without them, there won’t be wealth to complain the couch. Nev.) win reelection despite the make the difference in November? about. As Sasha Issenberg wrote fact that Nevada Republicans were The odds are still against the recently in the New Republic, in significantly more gung-ho than Democrats, if only because they ■ Washington Times a congressional election there are Democrats were. “We got them to are trying to hold on to endangered now two Americas: one of “reliable come to the polls anyway,” he said. Senate seats in no fewer than seven voters” who turn out every two The Democratic effort has two states where Mitt Romney won in years; the other of “unreliable vot- main parts: message and mechan- 2012. Republicans plan to match Lake City Reporter ers” who don’t. And Republicans ics. their spending and, if they can, have way more of the reliable kind The message involves both much of the field effort. And so than Democrats do. positive and negative components. far the GOP hasn’t nominated any Serving Columbia County Since 1874 Overcoming that gap is the great Democrats will portray themselves eccentric candidates who look like challenge for Democrats this year, as fighting for what they call a “fair easy pickings, as they did in 2010 The Lake City Reporter is published with pride which is why they’ve launched an shot” agenda, including a higher and 2012. for residents of Columbia and surrounding coun audacious strategy that, if it works, minimum wage and pay equity But if the Democrats’ big new ties by Community Newspapers Inc. could change the way future con- for women, and they’ll portray field operation manages to increase We believe strong newspapers build strong gressional campaigns are waged. Republicans as defending the top 1 their turnout by even a percent- communities —“Newspapers get things done!” It’s based on the Obama cam- percent of the income scale at the age point or two, it could change Our primary goal is to publish distinguished and paign’s success in turning out expense of everyone else. the way future congressional cam- profitable communityoriented newspapers. more votes than expected in 2012 Those messages aren’t intended paigns are run. This mission will be accomplished through the through a massive field operation solely to mobilize unreliable teamwork of professionals dedicated to truth, that knocked on doors and made Democrats. They’re also aimed at integrity and hard work. telephone calls to persuade waver- a category of voters the strategists ing Democrats and Obama-friendly call “persuadables,” the people ■ Doyle McManus is a columnist for independents to vote. once known as swing voters. In McClatchy-Tribune News Sercice. Todd Wilson, Publisher The goal, Matt Canter of the this case, the targets are blue-collar Readers may send him email at doyle. Robert Bridges, Editor Democratic Senatorial Campaign workers who resent the 1 percent, [email protected] Sue Brannon, Controller Dink NeSmith, President Tom Wood, Chairman US aid in Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis should spark caution LETTERS POLICY he plight of 276 teen- well, but a rising tide of terror in oil- have little confidence in a govern- aged girls, kidnapped rich, highly divided and notoriously ment that doesn’t serve or protect Letters to the Editor should be typed or neatly writ April 14 from their corrupt Nigeria bodes poorly for them very well. ten and double spaced. Letters should not exceed 400 school in northern stability in the region. In a cogent article in Foreign words and will be edited for length and libel. Letters Nigeria, has rightly cap- Known as Boko Haram Policy, Lauren Wolfe reminds us of Ttured the world’s attention. – its name is loosely translated as a long and dreadful history: must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and telephone number for verification. Writers can Also being noticed is the failure “Western education is forbidden” “Understanding what has hap- of Nigeria’s government to locate – the kidnappers have been on a pened to the Nigerian girls and how have two letters per month published. Letters and the girls – eight more were report- tear since early last year, avenging to rescue them means beginning guest columns are the opinion of the writers and not ed kidnapped late Monday – or deal the government’s detention of about to face what has happened to hun- necessarily that of the Lake City Reporter. effectively with the perpetrators, a 100 of their wives and daughters. In dreds of thousands, if not millions, BY MAIL: Letters, P.O. Box 1709, Lake City, FL band of extreme Islamists who rage a disturbing, attention-getting video, of girls over years in global armed 32056; or drop off at 180 E. Duval St. downtown. against the influence of nonbeliev- Boko Haram leader Abubakar conflict.” BY FAX: (386) 7529400. ers and the West. Shekau vows to sell the girls and Now the United States is sending kill nonbelievers. BY EMAIL: [email protected] in a team of advisers to help with It’s unclear how influential Boko the effort. We hope that it goes Haram can be, but many Nigerians ■ Kansas City Star 5A
Page Editor: Robert Bridges, 754-0428 LAKE CITY REPORTER local SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014 5a
confidence if I bring it thing wrong?’ To be hon- they’re internal or external his experience, it has to be ers and other municipal- HIRING to Wendell’s attention, est with you, I thought our applicants. because he’s black.” ity directors as well. The Continued From 1A Wendell’s going to do the hiring practice was not in According to Johnson, Although Williams II assistant police chief inter- right thing.’” line because you have an “there was no panel [for the believed Henry had already views, they had a well- public works director job W2 Ministries Bishop HR manager [who is] sup- first interview]. Thomas picked another person for rounded panel” including advertisement, written Ronald W. Williams II made posed to be involved in the did get a little ahead of the position, Henry said no other police chiefs, a judge, by an external company a public records request hiring process through the staff, so I said, ‘this has to selection was made. a council member, a com- named Evergreen, posted to review all applicants interview, throughout the be through the panel pro- “I wasn’t even done with missioner and so on. the week of March 24. involved after he heard whole nine yards. And I cess.’ Everything was put my process,” Henry said. Greene said the second Public Works Street his brother Corey was not came to find out that was to a halt.” “I’m the fairest person you round with the five-person Supervisor Corey Williams, granted an interview. not the case.” He elaborated further, will ever meet. I don’t look panel finished interviews third-in-line in the public “I didn’t agree with the Paulk said he did not saying that entry-level posi- at color. I don’t even care Tuesday. works management hierar- process, didn’t agree with speak with any member of tions don’t typically involve about color. I will do every- Johnson and Greene chy, applied for the position. why he didn’t get an inter- the Williams family during a panel, but that assistant body fair because I want to said the current personnel According to his applica- view when clearly he has his review of the city’s hir- department director posi- be treated the same way ... manual was in the process tion, Williams has worked the credentials to do it,” ing procedure. tions do. I’m against [racial discrimi- of a “review and rewrite,” in construction since 1994, Williams II said. “You can Henry was the sole per- “To ensure consistency nation], I fight against that. something that is done worked for the city’s pub- look at the applications son selecting and inter- and level the playing field, I do not put up with that periodically by the city to lic works department since and see he was more quali- viewing applicants for even in the private sec- and I do not tolerate it.” stay up-to-date with legis- 2002 and currently serves fied than any of the peo- the position, according to tor we don’t do interviews No applicants were lation and changes in the as the city’s public works ple Henry interviewed. It Johnson. without the HR managers selected for the posi- workplace environment. street supervisor. had to be because [Corey “We can’t leave positions being involved,” said Paulk, tion. The city revised and Johnson said interview The city received appli- Williams] was black.” like that totally up to the who works as a general reposted a revised job ad panels for upper-level posi- cations from seven candi- Corey Williams was not director,” Paulk said. “Based transportation manager at that said a Class A CDL tions such as assistant dates on the original post- available for comment. off what I heard and when I the Walmart Distrubution must be obtained within six department directors were ing and granted interviews Henry, however, said talked to Wendell about it ... Center in Alachua. months. already the norm, but that to four of them (one of Williams’ skin color was Thomas did the interviews Paulk also speculated According to HR Director the manual revisions would which was a no-show) the not a factor — rather, all and [Human Resources] Williams was not selected Michelle Greene, six of the include new language for- following week. applicants were going to was not involved.” for an interview because original applicants applied malizing the panel process. However, Williams was receive interviews before Henry was under the he had a Class B CDL, con- again and five were grant- “We need to make sure not interviewed. city management inter- impression he had the trary to the job posting’s ed interviews — including we’re being fair,” Paulk According to City vened. authority to grant inter- requirement of a Class A. Williams — before a five said. “Make sure every- Councilman Zack Paulk, “I did three and did not views and hire applicants. “He has a Class B and is person panel comprised of body is following the same some people in his dis- get a chance to finish the “At that time it was me working directly under [for- Henry, Fire Chief Frank process and get everyone trict “felt there were some rest of them because every- alone because I was under mer assistant public works Armijo, Assistant Executive on the same page. If you things that were not being one was working and try- the understanding that’s director Joey Raulerson] Director of Utilities Paul use the panel, it ensures done properly ... They ing to catch them between how we’ve always done and he’s doing everything Dyal, former City Council fairness ... You can’t go asked me to look into it.” jobs,” Henry said. “There interviews,” said Henry, that’s required on a Class Member Bettye Lane and wrong if it’s done right.” Citizens in Paulk’s dis- was a misperception of the adding he has worked for B,” Paulk said. “Then when Alachua Chief of Police When asked whether he trict familiar with Williams interview process. I was the city for nearly 25 years. Joey’s position became Joel DeCoursey, Jr. would prefer more diversity asked their councilman going to give everybody an According to the city’s available, why [was] a Class Greene was asked if at City Hall, Paulk said yes. why he wasn’t selected for opportunity.” personnel manual, “The A mandatory?” interview panels are stan- “In my opinion, I think an interview. When listening to com- Department Director shall Paulk said he did not dard procedure for internal we could use a little bit “I think [the people in plaints from his constitu- rank the applications based speak with either of the and supervisory positions. more,” he said. “When you the community] felt as ents, Paulk said “I headed on qualifications for the job Williams brothers during “It would vary,” Greene really look at the demo- though Corey ... should’ve [them] off before they and determine applicants his review of the city’s hir- said. “It really depends on graphics of the directors been given an opportunity. started saying it was a for interview.” ing procedure. the position. I know there’s that report to Wendell, you I agree with that, I think he racial issue ... Me, looking The manual contains no “It was just straight rac- not a ‘set thing’ on who do have some minorities should’ve been afforded an at it from my position, I provisions requiring or bar- ist,” Williams II said. “That’s is actually on the panel. in there. You have some opportunity,” Paulk said. “I always say I really try to ring department directors very odd to me you have Traditionally, it has been females, and females are was like, ‘Hey man, I don’t throw the racial stuff out from forming a panel of a worker [Corey Williams] a five-person panel and it considered minorities as know, but I tell you what of it and see if there’s any fellow city officials when well-qualified for the job and could range from other well. But for the most part, — If we’re doing anything validity in the situation as interviewing applicants, you don’t give him an inter- directors within the city I still think we could use wrong ... I have enough far as ‘are we doing any- regardless of whether view. If it’s not because of to other community lead- some more diversity.”
for one of the awards. TOURISM There is also a Best OBITUARIES Continued From 1A Strategic Partner Award and a Directors Award Katrina Anne Pelham Sterling, VA; brother and cial family friends, Trent and In lieu of flowers, memorials Award categories for For Excellence in sister-in-law, Jamie and Shasta Lynda Hicks and their family. may be made to College of Pelham, Katrina Anne (Katie), Pelham and their daughters, The family will receive friends the Siskiyous Foundation, 800 this year’s luncheon will Tourism. The Florida age 30 of Loudon, TN passed Morgan and Addison of Lake from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, May College Avenue, Weed, CA include: Outstanding Suwannee River Valley away suddenly Thursday, City, FL; grandmother, Lorene 12th at Click Funeral Home in 96094. Click Funeral Home, Hotel Employee, board of directors choos- May 8, 2014 at her home. She W. Brooks of Loudon, TN; Lenoir City, TN. Funeral ser- Lenoir City, TN is in charge of Outstanding Campground es the winners of those was preceded in death by her aunt, Betty Wright and hus- vices will follow at 3 p.m. with arrangements. www.clickfuner- grandfather, Clyde Brooks of band, Pat; several cousins; spe- Rev. Laura Trent officiating. alhome.com Employee, Outstanding two awards. Loudon, TN, Lloyd and Bobbie Management Employee “Those are special Pelham of Titusville, FL, and and Outstanding awards to recognize con- uncle, Clyde Nathan Brooks Hospitality Employee. tributions that go above of Vonore, TN. Survived by In addition there is an and beyond anybody’s her parents, Dave and Kaye Pelham of Loudon, TN and “Always There Award” expectations,” Regan said. and a Community Service The awards are for Voting Starts Soon! Award. businesses in Florida’s Nominations for each Suwannee River Valley, of those categories are which is composed of taken from industry part- hospitality-related busi- ners in the hotel/motel nesses in Columbia, industry, campground Hamilton and Suwannee business, restaurants and counties. other businesses that aid Those wishing to the hospitality industry attend are asked to RSVP can nominate someone at (386) 758-1312.
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