Category: Council Member Bill Lusk

City Council Candidate Bentley, Council Member Bill Lusk, Election 2017

Milton Herald Gets Story About Influence of Money in Milton Politics Completely Wrong

Posted on by Milton Coalition

December 8, 2017

Following is a link to an article by the Milton Herald that asserts that Laura Bentley’s defeat of incumbent Council Member Bill Lusk hinged on money.

Campaign War Chests Prove The Difference in Milton

This assertion is categorically wrong, as the Herald analysis focuses on campaign contributions, not campaign spending.  Yes, Ms. Bentley raised more money.  However, Mr. Lusk spent more money and that is what matters.  Based on the last campaign finance reports (from November 1st), Ms. Bentley had spent $13,812 and Mr. Lusk had spent $22,867–a huge gap of over $9,000.  Spending advantage:  BILL LUSK.  And remember that the final campaign finance reports will be submitted on December 31–a fact omitted by the Milton Herald.  I suspect we will see an even bigger gap in campaign spending based on the final finance reports.

This spending gap makes Ms. Bentley’s victory that much more impressive.  She walloped an 11-year incumbent who also outspent her.  Contrast this fact with the Milton Herald‘s assertion that Ms. Bentley effectively bought the election.

Of course, the Milton Herald article (like many others in the past) had me seeing RED.  Once I calmed down, I fired off the below letter to Hatcher Hurd, Executive Editor the Milton Herald.  Note that I mention that, despite her heroic efforts to advocate for citizens, Ms. Bentley has been largely ignored by the Milton Herald.  However, I would bring your attention to the following article just published by an on-line newspaper, North Fulton Neighbor:

Bentley aims to be a voice for the residents as newly elected councilwoman in Milton

5a26e7c5aa16f.image

This is the kind of story the Milton Herald should have written, but instead opted to write a story that dismisses Ms. Bentley and her victory as an example of the influence of money in politics.

***********************************************************************************

Mr. Hurd:

Laura Bentley did not buy the election as you seem to imply in the Milton Herald.  In fact, your own story on campaign finance provides evidence to the contrary.  Read on . . .

I have long been concerned about superficial and biased reporting in the Milton Herald.  An article in the most recent edition of the Milton Herald further validated my concerns.  The headline of the article read “Campaign War Chests Prove the Difference in Milton.”  Really?  That is the Milton Herald’s explanation for Laura Bentley’s historic blowout victory (over 71% of the vote) over an entrenched 11-year incumbent?  Interestingly, even your own article refutes this explanation.  The article clearly states that Mr. Lusk significantly outspent Ms. Bentley.  Your article asserts that Ms. Bentley’s spending was 65% less than Mr. Lusk’s.  So using the “facts” from your own article, it seems the headline should have stated “Insurgent Achieves Historic Election Blowout Despite Being Outspent By Entrenched Incumbent.”  And when the final campaign finance reports are released on December 31, I think you will see an even more lopsided campaign ledger.

It is obvious, except to the Milton Herald, that what matters are campaign expenditures, not campaign contributions.  The Milton Herald’s conclusion that Ms. Bentley’s electoral win was the result of campaign contributions is reckless, reprehensible, and just plain false.

It does not surprise me that the Milton Herald lacks understanding of why Ms. Bentley won the election.  For the last 2 years, you have overlooked (intentionally, I believe) the citizens’ revolution that unfolded here in Milton.  Citizens were fed up with reckless development, poor governance (at the Council level), the influence of Special Interests, and arrogant/self-serving politicians.  They desperately wanted change.  Ms. Bentley represented that change.

As you know, for over 2 years, Ms. Bentley has attended nearly every City Council meeting.  She has also attended many dozens of other city government meetings.  She has spoken at countless  meetings.  Ms. Bentley has worked closely with various citizens groups to achieve justice in land-use matters.  Laura became a clear and unequivocal voice for citizens.  And she led citizens in achieving a number of important victories at Council.  She did this in relative anonymity . . . she is a humble servant for our community.  You will not find a citizen that cares more for our community than Laura Bentley.  I believe she was deserving of regular coverage from the Herald, but rather she was largely ignored by you.

Furthermore, Laura worked hard to win her council seat.  She bootstrapped her campaign with a personal loan.  She worked tirelessly for 4 solid months.  She held 30 meet-and-greets.  She knocked on thousands of doors all over Milton.  She ran an exceptionally smart and clean campaign.  Laura Bentley won because she connected with citizens and worked hard.  And those of us who witnessed her hard work and passion are not going to let you get away with your false assertion that Bentley essentially bought the election.  That claim is patently false and insulting to not only Ms. Bentley, but to the citizens of Milton . . . your readers

Mr. Hurd, as the executive editor of the Milton Herald, the buck stops with you.  You owe Ms. Bentley an apology.  Furthermore, you should retract your false story and replace it with a factual and substantive account of Ms. Bentley’s election win.  That would be the honorable and right thing to do.

Mr. Hurd, I believe a fair, honest, and objective press is important to good governance in Milton.  I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with you or anyone else at the Milton Herald to honestly discuss your coverage of Milton’s politics and government.  Like Ms. Bentley, I have worked nearly full-time advocating for Milton’s citizens.  This includes attending nearly every City Council meeting for 2 years and speaking dozens of times before Council and other city government entities.  I believe I have an informed perspective on Milton’s politics and government that might be instructive and beneficial to you and others at the Milton Herald.

Respectfully,
Tim Becker
Note:  The Milton Herald responded to my letter and stated that they are standing by their story.
City Council Candidate Bentley, Council Member Bill Lusk, Election 2017

Laura Bentley: The Clear Choice for Senior Voters

Posted on by Milton Coalition
Senior Mailer - Lusk
Lusk Mailer to Seniors – Received November 3, 2017

November 4, 2017

Bill Lusk sent the above mailers to seniors.  Quite a few contacted me and asked for my take on this mailer.  Here goes . . .

Well, the short answer is that Mr. Lusk has done nothing for seniors and his platform at his website includes no initiatives for seniors.  To understand Mr. Lusk’s sudden passion for seniors and their issues, you need to understand Laura’s Bentley’s history and platform.

Ms. Bentley has long had a passion for seniors and their unique issues.  Bentley’s passion for seniors led her to volunteer at Milton’s Senior Center.  Eventually, the Senior Center hired Bentley as Assistant Manager.  Every weekday, Ms. Bentley works with Milton seniors.  Through her interactions at the senior center, Bentley became aware of the issues that seniors face in Milton.  In particular, she became deeply concerned about high and rising property taxes facing seniors . . . taxes that might force seniors from their homes.  Laura educated herself on the issue and found that Milton offers 3 specific exemptions for seniors.  And much to her dismay, she found that many seniors were not taking advantage of these exemptions–often, because they were unaware of them.  Bentley felt the City needed to be more proactive on this issue.  Accordingly, Bentley began advocating that the City should reach out to seniors and assist them with maximizing their available exemptions.  And she made this goal a plank in her campaign platform.

Senior Plank - Campaign Platform
Excerpt From Bentley Campaign Website – Platform Webpage

More importantly, Ms. Bentley has made her senior exemption initiative a key element of her stump speech at her meet-and-greets.  Apparently, word got back to Mr. Lusk and he got religion on the whole senior issue.  However, let’s look at the facts more closely.

First, the obvious question:  What has Mr. Lusk done for seniors over the past 12 years?  Hmmm . . . interesting question.  The answer is nothing . . . zero . . . zip . . . zilch . . . nada (for our Spanish speakers) . . . a big goose egg.  In fact, in his list of accomplishments at his website, nothing for seniors is listed.

Of course, Mr. Lusk will claim that he “fought the Fulton County Board of Commissioners to rescind Property Value Assessments” and that helped seniors.  (BTW, the Board of Commissioners supported the rescission.  It was the Board of Assessors that opposed the rescission . . . that is a basic fact to get wrong.)  However, I was involved in fighting the property tax increase and I can tell you that Mr. Lusk was MIA.  Don’t believe me.  Watch this video of the first Council meeting discussion of the tax increase.  Lusk says nothing.  And he doesn’t strike me as caring much about the topic.

I attended multiple town hall meetings on the tax increase and spoke at one of these meetings.  Mr. Lusk attended one town hall meeting and said nothing.

Lastly, I attended and spoke at the all-important Board of Assessors meeting in downtown Atlanta.  Also speaking were Mayor Lockwood, Council Member Kunz, Commissioner Bob Ellis, Senator John Albers, and Fulton Commission Chairman John Eaves.  And again Mr. Lusk was MIA . . . he did not show up . . . he did not speak.

So it is fair to say that Mr. Lusk has done nothing for seniors and does not propose (in his platform) to do anything for seniors.  Frankly, even his mailer is pretty darn lame.  What does it mean “to fight for Senior Homestead Exemptions”?  And does it really matter that Lusk is a senior?  What matters is his record for seniors . . . he has none.  And specifics about what he would do for seniors . . . there are no specifics.

Conversely, Laura Bentley has a specific, substantive, and implementable initiative for helping seniors.  Through her work with seniors, Bentley understands senior issues . . . she will be a strong advocate for seniors.

Please forward and share this post with your senior friends, neighbors, and family members.

Advocating For Seniors,

Tim Becker

Council Member Bill Lusk, Election 2017, Milton City Council

A Baker’s Dozen of Reasons Not To Vote For Bill Lusk

Posted on by Milton Coalition

Recently, I endorsed candidates for the upcoming City of Milton elections.  The most important race in the City is for the District 2 City Council seat, which pits Laura Bentley, Chairman of the Equestrian Committee, against 11-year incumbent Bill Lusk.  I truly believe the Bentley-Lusk race is a referendum on the future course of our city.  The contrast between these 2 candidates could not be starker.  Ms. Bentley is the antithesis of Mr. Lusk.  Ms. Bentley stands squarely with citizens; Mr. Lusk stands squarely with Special Interests (aka developers).  Ms. Bentley is a strong advocate for good governance; Mr. Lusk opposes good governance at every turn.  For the last several years, Mr. Lusk (and his sidekick, Matt Kunz) have been at the center of dysfunction and gridlock in the City.  And Ms. Bentley, as a community leader, has politely, but firmly, opposed—and often thwarted—their political shenanigans.  

I have attended nearly every City Council meeting over the past 2 years and have been witness to Mr. Lusk’s poor voting record and his bad behavior.  The list of reasons to not vote for Mr. Lusk are many and varied, ranging from his advocacy for high density housing to his temper tantrums on the Council dais.  Following are a baker’s dozen (13) of these reasons—any one of which provide sufficient cause to cast a vote against Mr. Lusk, but taken in their totality show an elected official who is clearly out of touch with his constituents and who has violated the public trust.

  1. Lusk voted against the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). The CLUP was written and unanimously approved by a 17-member Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC).  The CLUP captures the community’s aspirations for land use through multiple citizen workshops and citizen input at CPAC meetings; it is a citizen-driven plan.  The CLUP was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission.  The CLUP process was facilitated by professional consultants over a 12-month period using a rigorous, proven process.  Only Council Members Lusk and Kunz voted against the CLUP.  In so doing, they rejected the input of the community, 100s of hours of work by citizen volunteers, and the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
  2. Lusk promoted the so-called “conservation” subdivision ordinance—the infamous CSO. This developer-promoted zoning ordinance would have brought cluster housing to un-sewered areas of Milton.  Mr. Lusk attempted to circumvent the City’s process for developing ordinances in his attempt to force through the CSO.  After the defeat of the CSO, Mr. Lusk (and Mr. Kunz) attempted to achieve the goals of the CSO through the Ebenezer rezoning.
  3. Lusk has voted 4 times to extend sewer in Milton, resulting in higher density housing than would have been allowed under existing zoning. (See post on Sewer Creep = Higher Density = Higher Developer Profits)
  4. Lusk has voted for 3 re-zonings that resulted in 2-3 times higher density than would have been allowed under existing zoning. This includes 1) the townhouse development across from Cambridge High School and 2) the infamous Ebenezer rezoning.
  5. Lusk promoted Brightwater Homes Ebenezer project in advance of the Ebenezer rezoning hearing, thereby violating his duty of judicial impartiality in zoning hearings, which are judicial proceedings. This is akin to a judge advocating for a litigant in advance of that litigant appearing before the judge in a court trial.  Mr. Lusk and Mr. Kunz even sported green polo shirts to demonstrate their solidarity with the developer.  Mr. Lusk supported Mr. Kunz’s negotiations on behalf of the developer in the rezoning hearing.
  6. Lusk routinely lashes out at citizen-critics on-line, in the newspaper, and from the Council dais. This is a violation of the city’s policy that government officials show deference to citizens, even when those citizens are critical.  In his lashing out at citizens, Mr. Lusk has questioned both the patriotism and volunteerism of his critics.  Furthermore Mr. Lusk has shown disdain for citizens’ exercise of their First Amendment rights:  Free Speech, Free Assembly, and Right to Petition, even asserting that citizens are “abusing” and “violating” the First Amendment freedoms with their comments at Council and on-line.
  7. Lusk was the chief accomplice in the clandestine redrawing of District 1’s boundaries. Mr. Lusk was the only Council Member to write a letter Representative Jan Jones supporting the redistricting.  In so doing, Mr. Lusk kept an ally on Council while eliminating competition for his seat on Council.
  8. Lusk recently attempted to throw Milton City Council election qualification process into disarray by advocating against extending the qualification period, in opposition to state law and the advice of the City Attorney. In so doing, Mr. Lusk joined Mr. Kunz in savaging fellow Council Member Joe Longoria at a City Council meeting, where Mr. Longoria was recused and therefore unable to defend himself.
  9. Lusk engages, during council meetings, in private consultations with Council Member Kunz to coordinate their strategies on issues before council—this is a direct violation of Georgia’s Open Meetings Law.
  10. Lusk routinely circumvents the City Manager to directly engage city government personnel—in direct violation of Milton City code. Mr. Lusk has a widely known reputation for constantly meddling in the day-to-day operations of the City government.  This includes showing up (late) to a Charter Commission meeting and directing/interrupting the proceedings, including urging the commission to expedite its proceedings.
  11. Lusk successfully lobbied for a second vote on a subdivision platting that had been rejected by Council when he became aware that a developer friend was  involved in the project requiring the platting. Mr. Lusk then reversed his vote on the platting, which resulted in approval of the platting and creation of a non-standard one-acre lot on a gravel road.
  12. Lusk asserts that development of Milton needs to be entrusted to developers, as they are licensed and certified professionals. Furthermore, Mr. Lusk asserts that Milton should not put any additional “hurdles” in the way of developers in Milton.  And Lusk maintains that Milton’s Planning Commission is composed of non-professionals that render subjective recommendations, and accordingly should not be granted additional authority over land use.
  13. Lusk has promoted HOA-operated and maintained private sewer systems (i.e., community septic). These systems are relatively untested and have experienced issues both in Milton and in other jurisdictions.  Such systems are needed to support cluster housing in rural areas of Milton.

Advocating For Citizens,

Tim Becker

Council Member Bill Lusk, Election 2017, Smart Land Use

Must-See Video: Mr. Lusk’s Views on Development In His Own Words . . .

Posted on by Milton Coalition

. . . A Far Cry From His Campaign Mailer.

Lusk Mailer Excerpt - Land Use Claims
Snapshot excerpt of most recent Bill Lusk mailer.

Author:  Tim Becker

If you are visiting the blog today, it is probably because you received an email sent to Milton Coalition supporters.  You are an informed voter who is seeking more information.  Please do me a favor.  Watch the following 4 minutes of video.  After watching, if you believe Mr. Lusk represents your desires for development, please vote for Mr. Lusk.  However, if Mr. Lusk’s views cause you concern, then please vote for Laura Bentley.  I have provided a lot of written commentary below; however, feel free to skip the commentary and just watch the videos . . . I think you will get it.

***************************************************************************

Recently, Mr. Lusk sent out a campaign mailer.  It confirmed what most of us think about most politicians.  Their actions and voting record belie their words.  For the last 3+ years, Mr. Lusk has shamelessly advocated for the interests of developers.  However, now that we are in the election season, Mr. Lusk is repositioning himself as a limited growth candidate that is going to “continue to fight over-development in our city.”  (See above mailer excerpt.)  Frankly, Mr Lusk’s mailer is nonsense.  His voting record shows that Mr. Lusk has voted for EVERY re-ezoning to high density over the last 3 years. Mr. Lusk favors unfettered growth; he has been a primary enabler of over-development in Milton.  Fortunately, Mr. Lusk has left a video record of his true positions on development in Milton.

(Note:  The videos are not sound bites, so are a few minutes in length.  I believe informed voters want the whole story, not manipulated sound bites.)

In this first video, Mr. Lusk shows his deep contempt Milton’s Planning Commission – that is, they are a group of non-professionals (he calls them “Cousin Mike”) that render subjective opinions.  Developers are compared to cardiologists to whom we should defer on land use issues!  The truth is that our Planning Commission is group of seasoned professionals that only focuses on land-use issues.  For example, Paul Moore has been involved in land use planning for over 20 years.  The Planning Commission has consistently and unanimously denied reckless rezonings only to be rebuffed City Council.  The Planning Commission has also led the effort to enhance our current zoning regulations to ensure developers are held to a high standard.

At the end of the video, Mr Lusk argues for leaving the development of Milton to the developers . . . “Leave it to the professionals.”  Does this sound like the something you would say if your were truly advocating that “growth should be limited” and if your aim was to truly “fight over-development”?  Of course not.

In the next video, watch as Mr. Lusk argues against putting any “hurdles” in the way of developers.  I ask you to look around Milton at all the reckless development occurring.  I think a few “hurdles” might be prudent.

Watch as Mr. Lusk states that “we have pretty good control over development.”  Really?  Has he driven around Milton lately?  Has he been stuck in the traffic circle line at the Cogburn-Hopewell roundabout that stretches for miles?  His kids were never in Milton’s schools, so he has not experienced the overcrowding.

Mr. Lusk cites the tree ordinance as an example of “good control” over development.  Really?  Has Mr. Lusk seen all of the clear-cutting in Milton?  Did you know that clear-cutting is actually illegal?  Probably not, because our tree ordinance is routinely ignored by developers because its penalties are minuscule.

And I think it would be good to make it more difficult to get land disturbance permits . . . currently, getting a land disturbance permit is as simple as ordering a burger at a drive-through.

Citizens, I got involved in city government 2 years ago because I was fed up with reckless development.  I have attended nearly every city council meeting since then.  And I can tell you that Mr. Lusk is not for “limited growth” and he has not fought over-development . . . quite the opposite.  Mr. Lusk is definitely the developers’ candidate.  Laura Bentley is the citizens’ candidate.  Vote for Smart Land Use in Milton!  Vote For Bentley!

Advocating For Smart Land Use,

Tim Becker

CHS Town Homes
Town house development across from CHS . . . Mr. Lusk made motion to approve.
City Council Candidate Bentley, Council Member Bill Lusk, Election 2017, Uncategorized

Can Education and Enthusiasm Overcome Incumbency?

Posted on by Milton Coalition

Author:  Tim Becker

The Bentley vs. Lusk election comes down to Enthusiasm vs. Incumbency.  The advantages of incumbency are many and powerful.  In fact, many voters will merely vote for an incumbent based on the “I” next to his/her name and/or name recognition.  However, Bentley’s strong campaign has largely neutralized Mr. Lusk’s incumbency advantages.  Citizens, it is horse race right now.

I am sensing a huge enthusiasm gap between Bentley voters and Lusk voters.  Frankly, Bentley’s supporters are hugely excited about their candidate . . . Lusk voters, not very much.  A number of indicators highlight this enthusiasm gap:

  • Ms. Bentley’s likes at her Facebook page are 3X the number at Mr. Lusk’s page.  And a Facebook page that is endorsing Ms. Bentley, We Call Milton Home now counts over 3,000 likes.  This is incredible given that the page was started only 16 months ago.  Following is a link to the We Call Milton Home website:  We Call Milton Home Facebook Page
  • Many more people have hosted meet-the-candidate events for Ms. Bentley (than Mr. Lusk), and the crowds at these events are increasingly larger and more enthusiastic.
  • Ms. Bentley has raised a ton of money for her campaign from ordinary citizens.
  • Every Friday night, Ms. Bentley’s supporters have flooded the intersections around the CHS and MHS football games.  The honks and other demonstrations of support for Ms. Bentley have grown steadily over time.  Mr. Lusk originally worked the ballgames.  However, after a few Friday nights, outgunned by Ms. Bentley, Mr. Lusk abandoned his sign-waving campaign.  And recent mailers would indicate he is ceding the voting segment, voters with school-age children, to Ms. Bentley.
  • Supporters are eagerly forwarding pro-Bentley emails advocating for Bentley.
  • Ms. Bentley has many more signs planted in front of residences than Mr. Lusk.  The number of signs may seem even, but look closely.  Many of Mr. Lusk’s signs were planted illegally on empty lots, on property lines, in HOA-maintained areas on the periphery of subdivisions, etc.

Yesterday, my hunches about the enthusiasm gap were confirmed.  I reached out individually to many dozens of voters.  To my surprise, about 80% of contacted voters had already early voted!  This is a strong indicator of enthusiasm for Ms. Bentley.  When asked for the reasons, early voters stated they were so excited by Ms. Bentley’s candidacy they could not wait until election day to cast their ballots.  Early voters also stated they did not want to leave anything to chance (e.g., snarled traffic on GA 400) that might prevent them from voting for Ms. Bentley.

Does this high enthusiasm for Ms. Bentley mean she will win?  No.  Again, incumbency is a powerful advantage.  The race is currently too close to call.  The key to victory is for Bentley’s raving fans to infect other voters (through education) with Bentley enthusiasm.  Today until election day, Bentley’s supporters need to work their phones and computers for Laura Bentley.  Drain your email lists.  Text your friends while you are watching your favorite college and professional football teams.  Talk up Ms. Bentley in your circles of influence–e.g., sports tournaments and club meetings.  Go like Ms. Bentley’s Facebook page and share it on social media.  One enthusiastic Bentley supporter is even transporting seniors to the Milton Library to vote.  Every little bit counts.

At my blog, I have changed my settings so that you can easily share specific posts.  Just go to the share button at the bottom of your favorite post or email, choose your communications channels, and share away.

Lastly early voting ends November 3rd.  You can vote at ANY early voting location in Fulton County.  So you should be able to find a convenient location near your work.  Following is more information on early voting times and locations.

Early Voters are Bentley Voters!  Vote Bentley and Spread the Fever!

22489998_1538191872886374_5884964841798358552_n

Council Member Bill Lusk, Council Member Matt Kunz, Council Member Thurman, Election 2017, Milton City Council

Three Sad Chapters in Our City’s Narrative . . . Let’s Turn the Page on Dysfunction in Our City

Posted on by Milton Coalition

Ask yourself:  Are Lusk, Thurman, and Kunz really the best we can do?

Triumvarate

It’s hard to watch the news anymore.  And no, I am not talking about the national news.  I am talking about the local news.  Over the last 4 months, Milton has gotten more than its fair share of negative press.  And it is always the same 3 Council Members at the center of the dysfunction:  Lusk, Thurman, and Kunz.  Let me take you down Bad Memory Lane:

1499865000_4256

Chapter 1:  Thurman’s Redistricting – A Scandal of “Biblical” Proportions (July 2017)

In July, Council Member Karen Thurman was at the center of the redistricting scandal.  As you might recall, Ms. Thurman was moving outside of her district, but desperately wanted to keep her seat.  So Thurman found a legislator willing to sponsor a bill to redraw her district lines to include her new home.  The problem is that this change was made totally unbeknownst to Milton’s citizens.  Zero transparency.  Following is the story from the Milton Herald:

Milton Herald: Thurman Redistricting Scandal

This story elicited two very bizarre political speeches from Ms. Thurman.  In the first speech, Ms. Thurman descended from the council dais to deliver a speech to Council from the citizens’ podium.  Wrapping herself in an armor of Bible scripture, she delivered a rambling, holier-than-thou attack on her critics . . . we were all haters.

 

Then, a few weeks later and after the scandal had broken, Ms. Thurman again attacked citizens—this time from her lofty perch on the council dais.  Ms. Thurman cast aside her previous love-thy-neighbor theme in favor of Old Testament fire-and-brimstone.  In rambling tirade, Ms. Thurman screamed at citizens and even threatened the Milton Herald.  It was the epitome of a self-inflicted mortal wound.  Ms. Thurman had dashed all hopes for re-election and withdrew from the race for her Council seat.

 

However, Mr. Lusk later carried on the fight for Ms. Thurman, delivering a quite nasty speech in her defense while also excoriating fellow Council Member Joe Longoria.

 

Chapter 2:  Matt Kunz Meltdown – Heisman for Unsportsmanlike Behavior (August/Sept 2017)

Events in Milton got even stranger with Matt Kunz’s tirade against Joe Longoria prior to a special-called Council meeting.  Mr. Kunz squared up with Mr. Longoria and was yelling at the top of his lungs.  Longoria had the good sense to retreat to his seat.  During the council meeting, Kunz then doubled down on his bad behavior when Kunz tagged-teamed with Bill Lusk to humiliate Joe Longoria, who was recused from the discussion.  Following are stories from the Milton Herald and WSB:

WSB: Kunz Goes Off On Longoria

Milton Herald: Near-Violence Event Before Council Meeting

 

 

At a later council meeting, Kunz later made matters even worse when he later issued a weeping non-apology apology for his previous bad behavior.  See video.

 

In addition to his Heismann, Mr. Kunz recently won his merit badge for conflict of interest when it was revealed Kunz swore in the President of the Great Atlanta Homebuilders Association . . . the one and only Charlie Bostwick of Brightwater Homes . . . the developer whose project Kunz marketed in the Ebenezer rezoning.

kunz-swearing-in-bostwick 2

Chapter 3:  Bill Lusk Email Scandal:  Political Limbo – How Low Can You Go! (October 2017)

Not to be outdone, Bill Lusk wins the Oscar for Malfeasance and Misbehavior with his misappropriation and misuse of the Memorial Markers list.  Every major local news outlet covered that story.  No surprise.  After all, how often is a sitting council member reprimanded by the City Manager and City Attorney for a major ethics violation?  Mr. Lusk set a new low in city politics.  No matter how low the bar, Mr. Lusk somehow manages to shimmy his way under it . . . Lusk is a master of the political limbo dance.

Milton Herald: Milton Issues Apology for Improper Use of Emails

WSB: Longtime Councilman Using City-run Database to Solicit Votes

The Patch: Councilman Used Emails For Veterans Program To Promote Campaign Event

AJC: Milton Councilman Improperly Used Email Addresses From City

Chapter 4:  ??????????????????????????

After reading and watching these news stories, can you honestly say these Council Members (Thurman, Kunz, and Lusk) are the best we can do?  Do we really want our city to continue to be mired in dysfunction brought on by this triumvirate?  Citizens, with this election, let’s start a new chapter in City politics—one focused on smart land use, good governance, and listening to citizens.  Let’s begin by electing Laura Bentley to City Council.  Let’s leave behind the dysfunction of Lusk, Kunz, and Thurman.

*********************************************************

Thank you for your on-going support of good governance and smart land use in Milton.  Yesterday, the blog passed 10,000 hits . . . a major milestone.

Tim Becker

woohoo

Council Member Bill Lusk, Election 2017

Lusk Would Have Us Believe Impossible Things, Like Traffic is Not a Problem in Milton

Posted on by Milton Coalition

Alice-with-queen-of-hearts

Alice laughed. “There’s no use trying,” she said. “One can’t believe impossible things.”

“I daresay you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

—Through The Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll

******************************************************************************

These days in Milton, Mr. Lusk seems to be taking on the role of the Queen of Hearts.  Mr. Lusk wants us to believe impossible things . . . like traffic is not a problem in Milton.  See his latest Facebook post below:

Traffic Not A Problem - Lusk

And of course, a photo with a horse should fool some Milton citizens into believing Mr. Lusk is an equestrian.

meetbill_withhorse

And we are supposed to believe that Mr. Lusk is no longer the most pro-developer  member of Council.  Why?  Because he says so in a mailer.

Lusk Mailer Excerpt - Land Use Claims

Yes, Mr. Lusk would have citizens believe a lot of impossible things.

Greetings from Wonderland,

Tim Becker

Council Member Bill Lusk, Election 2017, Mayoral Candidate Rencher

Rencher Joins Lusk In Misusing Assets of Tax-exempt Charity For Political Purposes . . .

Posted on by Milton Coalition

 . . . Preserve Rural Milton’s Tax Exempt Status Has Been Revoked.

Rencher Positive Campaign Statement
Excerpt From Laura Rencher’s campaign website

After pledging to run a positive campaign (see above excerpt from Ms. Rencher’s campaign website), in the closing days of the election, mayoral candidate Laura Rencher has launched a massive personal attack on Mayor Joe Lockwood.  Ms. Rencher has made  several negative allegations about Mr. Lockwood, including some allegations relating to the IRS.  It is a desperation move.

You see, Ms. Rencher’s campaign has been stuck in neutral since it started.  Wisely, Mr. Lockwood has mostly ignored Ms. Rencher.  I have also mostly ignored Ms. Rencher at this blog, which drives Ms. Rencher and her small, unmerry band of followers crazy.  They endlessly and incoherently rant and rave in a mostly empty room.  To acknowledge Ms. Rencher is to undeservedly elevate and dignify her.  I hope Mayor Lockwood will continue on the high road and ignore Ms. Rencher.  However, Ms. Rencher’s hypocrisy in making IRS allegations compels me to respond.  You see, Ms. Rencher has IRS issues of her own.  She lives in the proverbial glass house . . . in her case, a virtual Biltmore mansion of a glass house.  Oh, where to begin . . .

. . . perhaps at the beginning.  Ms. Rencher co-founded an educational charity named Preserve Rural Milton (PRM).  That’s right . . . an educational charity.  Confused because PRM is clearly a political advocacy/lobbying group?  Confused because a tax-exempt organization is not supposed to engage in political lobbying, which is what PRM mostly does?  Did you give money to PRM under the false pretense that it was going toward educating citizens about land conservation?  Following are excerpts from PRM’s IRS application for tax-exempt status designating PRM as an educational charity.

Rencher Application for Tax Exempt Status
Excerpt from PRM application for tax-exempt status – designation as Educational Charity

And later in her application, Ms. Rencher affirms that PRM will not attempt to influence legislation.  Of course, for the last 2+ years, PRM’s primary focus has been on political advocacy.  This includes attempting to influence legislation—for example, PRM’s emails, Facebook postings, and petition advocating for passage of the so-called “Conservation” Subdivision Ordinance, or CSO.  The IRS website states that a tax exempt organization:  “may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities.”  The IRS website further states:

“An organization will be regarded as attempting to influence legislation if it contacts, or urges the public to contact, members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation, or if the organization advocates the adoption or rejection of legislation.”

Following are the conditions agreed to by Ms. Rencher to obtain tax-exempt status.  Note the language relating to perjury in the signature section.

Rencher Declaration Not to Lobby
Excerpt from PRM’s application for tax-exempt status:  Conditions For Approval

And Ms. Rencher also seems to have violated the IRS’s stipulation that tax-exempt organizations “not further non-exempt purposes (such as purposes that benefit private interests) more than insubstantially.”  The IRS website states that a tax-exempt organization “must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, such as the creator or the creator’s family, shareholders of the organization, other designated individuals, or persons controlled directly or indirectly by such private interests.”  Following is the stipulation, agreed to by Ms. Rencher, in her application for tax-exempt status:

PRM Pledge To Not Benefit private interests
Excerpt from PRM application for tax-exempt status – personal enrichment condition

Preserve Rural Milton has advocated that the City of Milton acquire land adjoining the property where PRM’s President (Laura Rencher) lives.  PRM has proposed that this property be converted to a passive-use park.  PRM has developed and published (at PRM’s Facebook page) a plan for this park.  The President of PRM, Ms. Rencher, would almost certainly benefit financially from such a park being established next to her property (vs. construction of a subdivision, for example).  Following is a post from PRM’s Facebook page advocating for establishment of the park next to her property.

 

PRM Advocating For purchase of Adjoining Land
PRM Facebook posting (one of several) advocating for acquisition of land adjoining Laura Rencher’s property

Finally, it should be noted that PRM’s tax-exempt status has been revoked because PRM has not filed the required annual forms for 3 consecutive years.  This revocation occurred on May 15, 2017.  Following is a screen shot from the IRS’s website:

PRM Revocation of Tax Exempt Status
Revocation of PRM’s tax-exempt status – from IRS EO Select Check web page

So it is fair to say that Ms. Rencher and PRM are in deep kimchi with the IRS.  And talk about lack of transparency . . . there are no annual forms for the public to inspect, which is a requirement for tax-exempt status.  And the lack of reporting begs the question of how PRM has used the funds that it has raised.

(Note:  PRM has taken down both its website and its Facebook page.  However, I have extensive screenshots of both for public inspection.)

And it is interesting to note that both Ms. Rencher and her running mate Bill Lusk have misused the assets of tax-exempt charities to further their political aims.  Not only have they run afoul of IRS rules for charities, Rencher-Lusk have also violated the public trust.  They are 2 peas in pod.  Citizens, we can do better than Rencher-Lusk . . . Vote Lockwood-Bentley!  Vote for Integrity and Good Governance!

Advocating For Clean Government,

Tim Becker

Council Member Bill Lusk, Election 2017, Property Tax Revolt

Mr. Lusk’s Tall Tales on Taxes Unravel . . . Commissioner Rejects Fulton Tax Digest

Posted on by Milton Coalition
3rd Lusk Mailer - Front - 2
Excerpt From Latest Lusk Mailer

October 30, 2017

Bill Lusk probably regrets his latest mailer.  It is yet another Whoops moment for Mr. Lusk.  The mailer shows Lusk with Lynn Riley, the Georgia State Revenue Commissioner, who just a few days ago became Fulton County’s most unpopular government official.  Read on . . .

This is Mr. Lusk’s third mailer.  Lusk seems to be zig-zagging, trying to find a message that will resonate with voters.  So far, without success.  In his first mailer, Mr. Lusk highlighted his volunteerism, patriotism, and veteran’s status.  However, this strategy blew up when it was discovered that Lusk was using his Memorial Markers veterans charity’s email list (generated by the city) for campaign solicitations.  Reprehensible, to say the least.  Mr. Lusk then manufactured a number of accomplishments that didn’t pass the smell test.  Being for or against something is not an accomplishment.  And if you have to stretch back 5 years or 12 years for an accomplishment, that only serves to underscore a lack of accomplishment.  (In an earlier post, Mr. Lusk’s accomplishments were thoroughly debunked.)

Mr. Lusk’s latest strategy seems to be highlighting his relationships with various county and state officials.  At meet-the-candidate events (e.g., at the Manor), Mr. Lusk intimates that he has, and can continue to, grease the skids with various government officials . . . hence, his photo with Lynn Riley, the Georgia State Revenue Commissioner.  Mr. Lusk seems to be implying that he can leverage this relationship with Ms. Riley to achieve tax fairness for voters.   But here’s the problem for Mr. Lusk.  While his mailer was coursing its way through the U.S. postal system, Ms. Riley’s Department of Revenue rejected Fulton County’s tax digest.

Fulton County tax digest rejected by state Department of Revenue

We are now back to square 1 and potentially looking at paying inflated tax bills that caused so many of us to flood town hall meetings across Fulton County in June.  So Mr. Lusk has unwittingly hitched his wagon to Fulton County’s most unpopular government official.  Whoops!

3rd Lusk Mailer - Back
Excerpt From Latest Lusk Mailer

It seems that Mr Lusk’s tall tales about his role in rolling back the 2017 property valuations are unraveling.  The truth is that Mr. Lusk di little to oppose the huge property tax hikes in June.  I was heavily involved with fighting the inflated tax assessments.  And I can tell you that Mr. Lusk did NOT play a prominent role in opposing the property tax increases. I only saw him at one town hall meeting, where he was silent.  Mr. Lusk did not attend nor speak at the all-important Fulton County Board of Assessors (BOA) meeting in downtown Atlanta.  I did attend and speak, as did Commissioner Bob Ellis, Mayor Lockwood, and Council Member Matt Kunz.  Mr. Lusk was nowhere to be found.  Following is a link to the Fulton County BOA meeting.  Scroll down and click on “Discussion 2017 of Property Values.”  You can hear Mayor Lockwood speak at 30:30 and me speak at 37:00.

Discussion 2017 of Property Values

Furthermore, when the inflated tax appraisals were first broached at City Council, Mr. Lusk said NOTHING . . . not a peep.

 In fact, Lusk’s actions in response to the tax increase were counterproductive. Mr. Lusk joined Council Members Thurman and Kunz in quickly surrendering on the tax increase and instead promoting a roll-back of Milton’s millage rates.  This roll-back, which would have had little effect on overall property taxes, was a transparent attempt to curry favor with voters in advance of the election.  At best, Lusk’s millage rate proposal was distraction from the main battle against the tax assessments; at worst, Mr. Lusk undermined efforts to rescind the tax assessments.  Mr. Lusk only jumped on the opposition bandwagon once citizens’ ire became clear to him.  His sole contribution was signing a letter opposing the tax increase that was signed by all 7 council members.  

Tim Becker

Council Member Bill Lusk, Election 2017, Ethics

Multiple Media Outlets Cover Lusk’s Misappropriation and Misuse of Citizen Emails

Posted on by Milton Coalition

download

October 25, 2017

Author:  Tim Becker

Mr. Lusk, Integrity Counts!

On October 11th, Council Member Bill Lusk sent an email inviting veterans to a cookout at Scottsdale Farms.  The emails referenced Milton’s program for recognizing fallen veterans with markers on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  Immediately, I began receiving emails from concerned citizens who were not veterans, but had registered through the City government for markers for relatives who are deceased veterans.  These citizens were concerned that their personal information had been compromised and was being used for political solicitations . . . and they were right. 

On October 12th, I alerted both Mr. Lusk and the City about the issue.  The problem is that Mr. Lusk was using a city-generated e-mail list that was provided to a veterans charity for the singular purpose of communicating with citizens about markers for their deceased relatives.  It was never intended to be used for political solicitations, but that is exactly how Mr. Lusk used it. And his behavior is reprehensible.

Mr. Lusk claims that his use of the memorial markers list was an “honest oversight on my part.”  However, Mr. Lusk’s later actions belie this explanation.  Despite being made aware of the seriousness of this issue, Mr. Lusk continued to use the memorial markers email list.  Four days after sending out his initial invitation to the cookout at Scottsdale Farms, Mr. Lusk sent another invitation on October 16th for a second event at Little River Farms.  Honest oversight . . . I don’t think so.  This story has now been reported in a number of new media outlets.  Following are links to various stories on this email scandal:

Milton Herald: Milton Issues Apology for Improper Use of Emails

WSB: Longtime Councilman Using City-run Database to Solicit Votes

The Patch: Councilman Used Emails For Veterans Program To Promote Campaign Event

AJC: Milton Councilman Improperly Used Email Addresses From City

These news stories are pretty damning in their assessment of the situation.  However, the reporters failed to discern and report on certain key points that highlight the issue of Mr. Lusk’s integrity.

  • Mr. Lusk continued to use the veterans email list AFTER he was made aware of the privacy issue.
  • The initial invitation addressed recipients as VETERANS.  The list used was not Mr. Lusk’s general contact list, as Lusk asserts.  And in fact, citizens on his general contact list have confirmed that they did not receive an invitation.
Hello Fello Veteran
Screen shot of Lusk’s invitation to Cookout.  Note that it addresses veterans.

Citizens, this misappropriation and misuse of emails is a serious violation of the public trust by an elected official.  It is so serious that the The City of Milton sent Mr. Lusk an admonition and cease-and-desist letter.  Following is the letter:

 

Lusk Cease and Desist Letter
Letter provided to me by the City in response to Open Records Request.

However, the story gets even worse.  Some city staff were also inappropriately sent campaign appeals from Council Member Lusk.  Such solicitations to city staff are highly inappropriate, and I believe, unethical.  City staff should be free to operate, free from any political pressure.  Following is a letter sent by the City Manager to City Council alerting them to this issue.

Email About Campaign Appeal To Staff
Provided to me by City in response to an Open Records Request.

This issue was considered serious enough that the City Manager sent out the following to City Staff.  This aspect of the story was also not covered by the local press.

Guidance To Staff
Provided to me by the city in response to an Open Records Request.

And following is City Council’s discussion of the email controversy.  Notice that Mr. Lusk says nothing . . . just like he avoided WSB’s cameras . . . hiding instead behind a prepared written statement.  Mr. Lusk had a golden opportunity to explain his actions, but said nothing.  No apology . . . no explanation . . . silence.

Citizens, this data breach was NOT an “honest oversight”.  This misuse of your personal information fits into a pattern of misbehavior and malfeasance from Mr. Lusk that many of us have witnessed over the past 2 years.  Citizens, we deserve better than Mr. Lusk.  We deserve elected representatives that will serve citizens with integrity.

Advocating For Clean Government,

Tim Becker