[Leonspringsvoters] Mr. Jim Sims

[Leo Maxwell]

Begin forwarded message:


> From: Vern Hine

> Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 1:09 PM

> To: leonspringsvoters-owner at seven.pairlist.net

> Subject: Mr. Jim Sims

>

> I would like to set the record straight regarding the charges made  

> against me by Mr. Jim Sims.

> (See Below)

>

> 1.  I did not at any time refuse to give Mr. Sims the names of our  

> Board Of Directors.

>

> 2.  I made very clear to Mr. Sims when our contract with the city of  

> Fair Oaks Ranch would expire.

>

> 3.  I did tell Mr. Sims that as president of LSVFD, I did not micro- 

> manage.  I did not tell him that I would not be a part of the  

> negotiating group.

>

> 4.  The LSVFD is the most transparent organization you will find.   

> Our books are not only open, but a CPA looks over our shoulder each  

> month to make sure we have it right.

>

> 5.  I too am shocked.  Shocked that Mr. Sims got it so  

> wrong...including even the mis-spelling of my name.

>

> The taxpayers that receive emergency services from the LSVFD are  

> getting huge value for those dollars that go to the fire department.

>

> The ESD and the fire department working hand-in-hand with the input  

> from the taxpayer is a formula for success.  When we all come to the  

> table however, let's make sure we are dealing with the truth and  

> without distractions.

>

> Sincerely,

>

> Vern Hine

>

>  I have lived in Leon Springs for over 35 years and have supported

> > the VFD or paid taxes to ESD 4 for the entire period. I served two

> > three year terms on the LSVFD Board, one year as Treasurer and one

> > year as President. I have observed Leon Springs change from a rural

> > area to one of the largest and fastest growing surburbs in the San

> > Antonio Area. It has outgrown the posture of being served by a VFD

> > supported through voluntary contributions.

> >

> > Verne Heine and others worked very hard to get voter approval for an

> > ESD so the VFD would have a stable funding source. However, it

> > appears they overlooked that the VFD would be converted from a

> > Unilateral organization to Multilateral. Whereas, the VFD had full

> > control over the voluntary contributions, the contributions of the

> > Taxpayers are not voluntary and they are produced through a

> > Governmental entity. That entity is the ESD which collects the taxes

> > and, as all govermental entities has the responsibility to prudently

> > dispense them.

> >

> > In the multilateral organization, there is shared, but not equal

> > power. To function effectively, one must have effective negeotiation

> > and diplomatic skills? plus managerial. The taxpayer and the LSVFD

> > share power with the ESD; however, the ESD has the most power

> > because it controls the purse.

> >

> > When the ESD was approved by the voters,? I had two long telephone

> > conservations with Verne, emphasizing the taxpayer's role. I also

> > met with him last year while the ESD budget was being prepared. I

> > asked him for the names? of the LSVFD Directors, which he refused. I

> > asked when the contract with Fair Oaks would expire He again

> > refused. I asked him if he would conduct the renewal if the

> > contract. He said No, I don't micro-manage, but will send two

> > Directors to do it. I was shocked at that reply.

> >

> > I don't view the new ESD organization as an offensive move, but

> > rather a defensive one. At the August 3rd ESD meeting it is clear

> > there is a power struggle between the ESD and the LSVFD. The ESD

> > will win because it has the most power. I'm not pleased with the ESD

> > operating in a vacumn and denying visibility to the taxpayers;

> > however. someday the present management will pass on and hopefully

> > will be replaced with more perceptive and secure members who will

> > outreach to the District.

> >

> > At the close of the August 3 meeting, I heard a LSVFD member remark

> > he couldn't perform his mission. I and most of the ESD residents are

> > interested in you having everything you need to support your

> > mission. If you will make it an agenda item at your October meeting,

> > I? and several of our conerned group will attend and listen

> > respectfully to the issue.

> >

> >

> > LSVFD's core objective of having a stable funding base has been

> > attained. The future of the LSVFD is an ESD objective since you are

> > given a? contributing role in constructing the new Fire Station. If

> > there's a disagreement on ownership of equipment, real estate or

> > other resources, I and most of our group will support the ESD. We

> > have some power, limited, to hear our concerns, however we have none

> > in the LSVFD structure.

> >

> > The ESD, LSVFD and the taxpayers are a team. If everyone plays the

> > game fairly, reasonably and openly, all substantial objectives can

> > be attained.

> >

> > Jim Sims

> >


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