‘Nice,’ ‘naughty’ awards

Dear editor:

Every year as Christmas approaches our children justify presents by proving they are nice rather than naughty. I think it only appropriate to apply a similar standard to our local government organizations and individuals/organizations, who contribute to or degrade our society. So here are my assessments.

Among the possible “Nice” candidates it became clear late in the year, the winner had to be our Garland County Quorum Court and County Judge Darryl Mahoney. His suggestion to provide $60,000 of economic aid via the quorum court to those

affected by the pandemic was clearly a more than nice idea. Accolades to all at the county courthouse, especially our county judge.

Now to the “Naughty” governmental entity. The winner with not even a single candidate deserving dishonorable mention is the Hot Springs Board of Directors and Mayor Pat McCabe. Following years of insults to county residents via their double your money water and sewer charges they added two insulting actions this year for their trifecta of meanness. While many in the city suffer the negative economic effects of unemployment and business failures, the city board dropped $70,000 in cash on the city manager and city attorney to cement their distaste of the citizens. Then to add salt to the wound they decided to raise business fees to local merchants to continue their record of meanness.

Now for the “Nice” award for local folks who contribute to our local society. We are blessed with many individuals who contribute to the local community but one organization and leader stand out year after year. Jackson House led by Janie Smith is continuing to have outstanding volunteers who add great value. A strong second is Project HOPE Food Bank led by founder Ted Thompson who makes a lot from a little.

Now for the “Grinch” who earns multiple lumps of coal for his unfounded criticism of local leaders and selflessness. This fellow attempted a few years back to game the tax system after capping his property taxes at zero due to a mobile home on his lake access lot. He then added a new home of considerable incremental value and complained to the county when they assessed it at market value. He then complained when Lake Hamilton Volunteer fire dues were added to his tax bill desiring free fire protection at no cost. The winner/ loser of the “Naughty” award is William Fleming. Dennis L. Bosch

Hot Springs