Wednesday, September 26, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Rockdale Citizen
CONYERS -- Post 1 Commissioner Oz Nesbitt lashed out at political watchdog Sam Smiley at Tuesday's Board of Commissioners meeting following discussion of the county's new health and life insurance contracts, which were recommended by Resurgens Risk Management.
Commission Chairman Richard Oden made a motion to approve a contract with Coventry for the county's medical insurance coverage, with a second from Commissioner Oz Nesbitt. Commissioner JaNice Van Ness was opposed.
Nesbitt, apparently reacting to a comment by Smiley, interrupted the agenda by calling for a point of discussion, saying that the BOC follows parliamentary procedure and allows for public comment at the end of each meeting.
"I don't appreciate Mr. Smiley this morning who gives an outburst as to how he thinks these commissioners should vote," he said.
Nesbitt said Smiley "had his opportunity through the election and he was unsuccessful," referring to Smiley's bid for the Republican nomination for the Post 1 seat in the July primary election. Smiley lost to Tom Harrison, who will face Nesbitt in the November General Election.
Nesbitt also said he expected Smiley to "continue to try to contaminate the minds of the people of Rockdale County through BOCWatch," which is Smiley's website.
Smiley's comment was not audible throughout the meeting room at the Rockdale Assembly Hall, and Smiley said later that those seated around him had heard nothing.
"I didn't say anything audible," Smiley said. "Oz was watching me as this discussion came up, and I probably mouthed something like 'Come on, Oz, go ahead and second it.' Obviously, Oz was watching me and reacted to that and that's how it went."
Smiley surmised that Nesbitt's reaction was due in part to the fact that he filed a campaign finance complaint against Nesbitt in August alleging that Nesbitt failed to report an in-kind campaign contribution he received from Resurgens in June. Nesbitt subsequently voted in July in favor of a contract with Resurgens to provide insurance and benefits consulting services to the county.
Smiley spoke at a commission meeting in August asking that the county attorney review its vote for Resurgens and that the vote be recalled until questions about the campaign contribution and potential conflict of interest had been resolved.
Smiley's complaint, filed with the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission, alleged that Resurgens and CEO Willie Burks held a fundraiser with a minimum value of $300 for Nesbitt at the Resurgens offices at Colony Square in Atlanta on June 7. That campaign contribution was not reported by Nesbitt on the June 31 quarterly disclosure, Smiley claimed.
Chairman Oden had received a $250 contribution from Resurgens in May, but that contribution was refunded on June 4.
On July 24, the BOC voted 2-1 to approve a $60,000-per-year contract with Resurgens, with Post 2 Commissioner JaNice Van Ness opposed.
At the time, Van Ness said she believed the request for proposal process with Resurgens had been tainted by the fact that Resurgens appears to have at least attempted to sway the votes of the commissioners.
In addition to the campaign contributions, the fact that Rockdale Chief of Staff Greg Pridgeon's son, Gregory Pridgeon II, worked for Resurgens at the time the RFP process was begun has been a concern for Van Ness. The chief of staff was on the committee that recommended Resurgens for the contract, she said.
More like this story
- Campaign finance complaint filed against Nesbitt ( August 14, 2012 )
- Rockdale BOC approves contract despite ethics concerns ( July 24, 2012 )
- Conflict of interest alleged in upcoming contract vote ( July 23, 2012 )
- BOC cuts funding to nonprofits ( December 14, 2010 )
- County health care contracts OK'd ( September 26, 2012 )
Comments
BOCWatch 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Commissioner Nesbitt was definitely on edge at yesterday's meeting. You will find the video of the Resergens discussion where I allegedly had an outburst at the 18:00 minute mark. Judge for yourself as to what happened:
Citizen outburst at the Rockdale BOC meeting...or not
smshep5 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Please keep up the heat! We must have some public oversight on these clowns. I can remember when the Decocratic party had they overseer causing a ruckus, Garvin Haynes. BTW what's he doing these days. The difference is that you have facts on your side not hatred and innuendo like that ignorant bully used to operate. It amazes me the double standard in both society and in politics these days. If you are an African American and decide to bend the rules in your favor it's fine. If you are called out you can always pull out your handy dandy race card best kept in your back pocket. The really unfortunate thing is that these folks are actually holding back real advancement and opportunity for their race. There are plenty of blacks who play by the rules and are perfect role models in politics. Sadly they usually are turned on by their own kind, example Herman Cain.
BOCWatch 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Excellent post smshep5; the ironic thing is that there are good people on both sides of the debate as you mention. They have been working on problems in this community for many years, they just do not appear in the local media every week for projects that are of benefit to the entire community. They silently move throughout our community having positive influence to all walks of life. Watch for them, there are far more of them than you would think!!
Elmo 7 months, 3 weeks ago
"Nesbitt said, 'Smiley had his opportunity through the election and was unsuccessful...'."
How obamaesque of the commissioner, in the same vein as the infamous "I won!" declaration the president-elect used to cancel all of his campaign promises of "bipartisanship".
I'm of the opinion that there is something very "Solyndra-like" with all this insurance business, at least based on all I've read about it. Taking business away from a local firm, and moving it to an out of town outfit, at a much higher cost, doesn't make good business, or, political sense. Usually where there's smoke, there is fire.
But now the curtain falls, and our thin-skinned commissioner has exposed his vulnerability to criticism on the subject, and his distain for the public having a comment about his "rulings", it makes one even more suspicious as to his level of sensitivity about the whole matter.
So defensive, tsk, tsk, tsk.
Mr. Smiley was told -In so many words - to sit Down, and shut up, until the end of the meeting (when everything is said and done).
"I won!"
Such class, such decorum, such maturity. Chicago-style politics, right here in little ol' Rockdale, Georgia.
Sam, I'd say that you're not one of the commissioner's favorite people, and you obviously get under his skin...keep up the good work.
Frustrated 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I hope Mr Smiley keeps up with the pressure on Oden and Nesbitt. They obivously dont care what the people of the county say and want. They do as they please and only out for themselves.
wonderwhy 7 months, 3 weeks ago
This is another one that needs to be given a "free bus ticket" out of Rockdale County on election day.
Keep it up Sam, you are right on the money !!!
captainwells 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I could go into alot about this commissioner nesbitt but to put it in terms he will understand ... He's a punk and thinks his position protects him from we the people. He trys to bully people, maybe one day he'll try to bully the wrong person.
Sundance 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I am sure Smiley has opinions but "poisoning people's minds" is kid of strong. Everything I have read from BOC watch posts were very objective and mainly just links to watch what really happened on video recordings. And we all now know how Oden and Nesbitt feel about video recordings. I guess they don't like being recorded because it really gets in the way of spinning, and re-coloring what was said at the meetings. Their lack of ability and stupid comments make them depend on the ability to gloss over certain mistakes and videos keep that from happening. Keep on it Smiley. We appreciate it.
Frizzlefry 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Rock On, Sam!
Lorenzo 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Keep it up Mr. Smiley!! Oden and Oz are obviously feeling the pressure of trying to "run their game" and having someone keep an eye on them. Ouststanding!!! I feel much better knowing Oden and Oz are scared. Ignore Nesbitt's comments (everyone else does) he's got a fear of cameras and accountability. Cameras and accountability are what got him in trouble during his short and not very note worthy law enforcement career.
REK 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Mr Oden and Mr. Nesbitt are elected officials voted into office by the citizens of Rockdale County. They are acting in the best interest of the citizens. The continuous negative comments are exhausting.
Elmo 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Then, YOU go kiss their rings, we're not.
REK 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Exactly who is "we're"?
Sundance 7 months, 3 weeks ago
"We" are the people who know they are not acting in the best interest of the citizens. It just is not true. Their decisions are usually selfishly motivated or do not make good sense.
Clark 7 months, 3 weeks ago
"We" are the people tired of constant waste and misuse of government. Thousands for portraits, a free vehicle to the chairman, handouts to their business buddies (how Republican of them). I have a feeling though that November will mark a turnaround for this county. Unlike some people that comment here, I care about this community and weigh the facts with my decisions and decide my support based on the facts. And the facts are that the current leadership is overall bad for Rockdale. Even with Oden's support for transit, the rest far outweighs it. Transit wouldn't make sense if there's no more Rockdale to benefit from it.
Elmo 7 months, 3 weeks ago
So, you're illiterate too? Maybe you didn't read all the comments, or, your reading comprehension skills leave something to be desired.
BOCWatch 7 months, 3 weeks ago
REK, since you feel they are acting in the best interest of the community please share with us the reasons why you feel this way.
will 7 months, 3 weeks ago
BOCWatch, Do you think race has anything to do with REK and his comment? These two would not get all the negative comments if they were on the up and up. These two remind me of Moe and Curley just a different race but the same everywhere else.
REK 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I don't think my race has anything to do with my comments since I am a white upper-middle class Republican. Judging fromyour comment, I think YOUR main issue with both of them is THEIR race.
WayBack 7 months, 3 weeks ago
...and I am a niece of the queen of England-- or am I?....
REK 7 months, 3 weeks ago
The same decision making favoritism has been going on in this county for years. It was not too long ago when everyone was up in arms whenever the name Vaugn came up with a land use code change. This board is no different then the previous.
BOCWatch 7 months, 3 weeks ago
REK, Regardless of what past boards have done you said Oden & Nesbitt were acting in the best interest of the citizens. Do you have an example of this?
You also indicate the continuos negativity, would you share an example of this too?
Elmo 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Specifics and examples please, including names, dates, and implied offenses.
1ayk 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Yes there is. This board has two incompetent people in charge of it!
Rob 7 months, 3 weeks ago
"They are acting in the best interest of the citizens" Haha, that was good. Thanks for the laughs
roots 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Please reference HOW not "Shop the Rock" will bring about anything other than a negative comment.
Spydee 7 months, 3 weeks ago
MOVE..... it's useless.... Rockdale county is ruined
Sundance 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I refuse to Move Spydee. I am not giving up to these pukes. If you want to leave, go ahead and shut up. You are the guy in the disaster movie who tries to ruin all attempts at survival because you want some company in your uselessness. Lead, move, or get out of the way.
heresyafacts 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Amusing. Nearly everything out of Nesbitt's mouth raises my ire. Funny how Dems love to talk about rights, but the first right they want to quash is Freedom of Speech.
Sundance 7 months, 3 weeks ago
yep. Other people's freedom of speech. Not their own.
Elmo 7 months, 3 weeks ago
The biggest cause of the loss of "freedom of speech" is not speaking up when it's threatened.
Clark 7 months, 3 weeks ago
At least Democrats are open about it. Republicans just create oppressive policies and try to silence free speech through the backdoor.
therockdaledude 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I heard from someone who was there that later in the meeting another member of the audience had an outburst that could be heard across the room. Oz didn't verbally attack that person, an older African-American member of the community. Maybe he was just showing respect for his elders or maybe...
Rob 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Keep it up Sam! You've got these clowns up against the wall. It's just a matter of time before they implode!
johnq123 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I never figured out how Ozzie beat Shepherd. I am voting for Tom Harrison and I am a lifelong Democrat. The hatred he is spewing should not be allowed in Rockdale. We transition in the 70's and had mutual respect for the total community. We didn't need oz then we don't need him now.
kt 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Poor Mr. Smiley!! Keep doing your job, more of us appreciate you than we can let you know! I'm sorry you didn't get elected, but I really think God has another plan for you!
BOCWatch 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Thank you kt!
AJK 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I don't think Mr. Smiley lost the election....I just think everyone voted for BOCWatch!
If Mr. Smiley was sitting on the BOC, there couldn't be a BOCWatch!
Frustrated 7 months, 3 weeks ago
So isnt there a rule about not attacking anyone personally with the comments during the meeting? So its okay to attack someone in the audience? Looks like Nesbitt just violated their own rule.
VPublicola 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Oz & Oden are above the rules/law as they have demonstrated time and again. Yet, their slaves are bound to submit to them both regardless the depth of their unethical, dishonest, and disreputable actions/behavior. That tells me volumes about the character of the individuals who cast their mark next to the name of Oz and Oden.
1ayk 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Rules? We don't need no stinking rules! Not while we's in charge!
1ayk 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Mr. Oden's and Mr. Nesbit's true "colors" are showing more and more as they assume they will ride the President's coat tail again. Hopefully, informed citizens nationally and locally will see through this nonsense and send them home on election day!
BOCWatch 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I've had a chance now to add Commissioner Nesbitt's rant part 2 to the forum:
No Campaigning at BOC Meeting Except...
You can't make this stuff up!!
VPublicola 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Wonder how much campaigning or fundraising he does here:
by VPublicola
ClaytonBigsby 7 months, 2 weeks ago
That made me laugh out loud! Careful, Oz will caution you not to "fall in the hole you are digging" or some such nonsense like he did the last time "some dilligent, determined individual" found something interesting on his Facebook page. Just Google "Oz Nesbitt Facebook"--he even got mentioned on "The Georgia Gang" last time. Strokers--good grief....
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