Thread: Don Allen Holbrook IEDC Rogue Former Member / Jeff Finkle Orchestrates Cover-up

Perhaps they only chose him because their back accounts somehow ended up on steroids for a short time.

Hay Jethrow, Hoed owf on gittin junewr dem shus frum gootwill 2 whear 2 dat Eartkwest, luuks liik its knot cuumin eny tom suun.

Kuz ah tawkd 2 da "bank" an dat fella day kall gazzbag , an day gots edgeurkashuns.

From: Don Holbrook [mailto:economicdeveloper@gmail.com]
Sent:
To:David Marks
Subject: Holbrook Book Project with Kickstarter Micro Funding

Dear Friend;

I apologize if some of you get this message twice... I have never done this before and getting this out to my facebook friends is a one at a time effort. Plus each time the page loads it reshuffles my friend list and it gets quite confusing. My apologies if I send it to you a second time accidentally. This is a great project and with your help I will make it come to fruition. As you all know times are tough and getting funds for this project is only possible with small micro donations from my close friends. Thank you in advance for any support you may care to show for my project... this is a lifelong dream for me. Any level of support at all is greatly appreciated.


This is my new Knights Templar book project. I am launching the book funding project on Kickstarter so my friends can help me achieve my dream if they want to. It is easy to participate. I hope you will help support this passion project of mine so it can come to fruition. Any amount pledged is very much appreciated. I only have 60 days to raise the funds. You can give as little as $10 and no more than $100 so it won't break anyone's budget.

This book will reveal many of the little know secrets about the Knights Templar Order after they went into hiding in 1314. It is a great mystery to most and of course very interesting historical perspective on this enigmatic group of men that literally changed our modern day world more than most folks know. This project has no official affiliation with the modern day SMOTJ and/or OSMTH Knights Templar orders. Thanks again.

Here is the link:
Knights Templar Secret History Book and Video Trailer by Don Holbrook — Kickstarter

Remember... the Truth Shall Set You Free!

Your Friend,

Don

Holbrook is sending out hundreds and hundreds of these things. He even hit up David Marks, the EMCID attorney that has been traveling and wined and dined for the Earthquest project. Marks raked in a very handsome $350,000.00 last year from EMCID alone. I bet Marks won't touch this joke with a ten foot pole! Hitting up everyone on the planet is one surefire way to offend ones' friends!

We have been tearing into this ridiculous waste of money on the other Holbrook thread. Holbrook is using the good name of the real Knights to empty peoples' pockets. If they are not involved and Holbrook most likely doesn't have the approval of the Israeli government, then this is just a desperate attempt to line his own pockets now that the flood of tax dollars has turned into a veritable desert.

Since he won't be getting any more world tours on the taxpayers dime, he is now hoping the masses on Facebook will fund a European tour of the Templar historical sites and a Holy Land tour for him under the guise of some yet to be disclosed dig the Templars are supposed to be doing this year.

Interesting how one can't find press coverage online for that adventure as far as a listing for a legitimate Knights Templar organization. This is just as mysterious and poorly documented as all those 100's of other successful projects he has bragged about. Another Dreamquest fantasy project in the making! If one Googles Knight Templar excavation Holy Land, the results coming up lead to Holbrook's money solicitation and our comments on that here! Another strange coinkydink no doubt.

Soapboxmom

I sent the East Montgomery Community Chamber of Commerce an update discussing Holbrook's lawsuit and the FBI investigation covered in the fine local paper, The tribune. They kindly showed their support for the victims of Holbrook's frivolous suit and removed the outdated and misleading links on their page. Their honest assessment seems to be that Earthquest is not viable and should not be displayed as such any longer. That was a tremendous gift to those of us being targeted by Holbrook for sharing the truth with our fellow taxpayers. What a kind gift. I thank the chamber most graciously for removing that page.

http://www.communitychamberemc.com/i...arthquest.html


Soapboxmom

Earth Quest Adventures Houston shared a link.

Tuesday


Clemens' attorney: 'It's a beautiful day' - YouTube

Why does Frank "The Bank" McCrady need a big gun like this to facilitate turning over documents??? He charged $850.00 an hour in 2008 before winning the Roger Clemens case. The EMC taxpayers are funding this. $75,000.00 so far in fees???

Clemens' attorney: 'It's a beautiful day'
www.youtube.com
Roger Clemens' attorney Rusty Hardin comments on his clients acquittal.





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  Michael Mahle well at least they got a realy realy good lawyer. Doubt rusty hardin would have taken the case if he didnt think he could win. Dont realy see where the county has done anything wrong so much as what the other parties involved had led them to believe. Makes you wonder why contour would still want to get into building the park. Maybe they are realy serious about building it. At least we know we will get some real answers now that its being investigated and our hometown hardin is on the job. Go get em rusty! Maybe we get the park built now that they know the county is getting serious.
  22 hours ago via mobile · Like
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  Michael Mahle If the park doesnt get built then im sure they will be holding someone liable for misleading the county and be looking to recoop some of those millions. That will more than pay for rusts salary. May even be able to go after legal fees. Its better to get a good lawyer and win than to pay a bad one and loose.
  21 hours ago via mobile · Like
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  Michael Mahle Im sure they didnt get rusty to just defend them. They are looking at the bigger picture here. Smart move by the county.
  21 hours ago via mobile · Like
• 
  Earth Quest Adventures Houston I would bet the way the contracts are written EMCID may have very little recourse. Perhaps EMCID can show misrepresentation and fraud somehwere? Perhaps, there are other elements of the contract not met. But, there was certainly nothing guaranteeing the park would be constructed in those contracts I would imagine. And, Marlin Atlantis and Don Allen Holbrook LLC are possibly destitute and uncollectable. Perhaps, Rusty can work a miracle and recover some of the millions spent on this thing. The county is not involved that I am aware of except for the DA's office. It is the East Montgomery County Improvement District that is tangled in this mess I believe.
  
  Contour can talk about how serious they are, but if investors cannot be brought in it will make no difference. And, the chances of that at this juncture are very slight. Who would be willing to satisfy the bonds up front as Hobrook and McCrady have been suggesting they must? Who would get involved in a project where the intellectual property rights are under contention. McCrady says he will be selling them to the developer, yet Contour claims they already hold them and Don Lessem wants them back.
  
  To top it all off the whole thing is at issue in Don Holbrook's frivolous suit against Texas local papers, journalists and technically every taxpayer that has commented on the project. That is not exactly a ringing endorsement for this deal that will attract investors.
  
  EMCID is now running up tens of thousands in legal bills for what is at this point nothing more than document requests. How crazy is that??? How that will help get the park built I can't imagine, but for those dying for a roller coaster ride I hope something comes to Texas for you.
  17 hours ago · Like
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  Michael Mahle I just cant imagine why rusty hardin would take a case and take taxpayers money from a county so close to his own without seing a way to right the ship sorta speak. Something good has to come out of hiring rusty hardin otherwise i dont think he would have his name associated with it. It doesnt mean we will get a park but it may mean getting the mess cleaned up. It may also help give any investors confidence in investing if they know rusty hardin is involved. Contour has continued to stay involved even after all this has gone on. It may be as you said though that noone is reponsible for building the park but they could be held responsible for misleading and taking money for something that never had a chance. If it had a chance then it should be built to prove it. That should include holbrook contour and lessum. The county did its part and spent alot of money and they all took it with the belief that there would be a park in the end.
  14 hours ago via mobile · Like
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  Michael Mahle I just think it would be in the best for those who came up with this plan to come through with a park given that the f.b.i. And rusty hardin are now involved. If thats not enough motivation then i dont know what is.lol
  14 hours ago via mobile · Like
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  Michael Mahle At least now we have some of todays truly brilliant minds looking into earthquest and believe me they will be looking at it from top to bottom and if there is any wrong doing then they will find it. Since the county hired hardin then i think they are gonna be in good shape. Its time to find out if the county was getting its chain jerked by a bunch of swindlers. The only way out now is to build the park.
  3 hours ago via mobile · Like
  
  
  __________________________________________________ __________
• The County has nothing to do with this. It is the East Montgomery County Improvement District. The improvement district can't possibly just build the park. Why can't these poor befuddled souls not grasp that it will cost at least $600,000,000.00 or likely much more to construct the park? The chance of enticing legitimate investors at this time are almost nil as I explained as the owner of the Facebook page. I don't think an FBI investigation and a high priced litigator are going to get them lining up.
• I seriously doubt that Rusty Hardin is interested in looking into Earthquest other than to facilitate the turning over of documents and advising his clients. I am not aware that EMCID is looking into its options for recovery of public funds paid to numerous parties related to the Earthquest project, though I would love to see tax dollars recovered if at all possible. Right now the problem appears to be handling the investigation involving several different enforcement agencies.
• The poster postulating that it is possible that EMCID "was getting its chain jerked by a bunch of swindlers" takes the cake!

Soapboxmom

The hiring of Rusty Hardin and his cronies by the EMCID, (especially after what they pay David Marks) has got to be the most disgusting thing I've ever heard of in my life. Once again, the unsuspecting taxpayers of EMC have been bent over and reamed a new one by the "Bank". Nice going, Frank.

Buzz and Woody just asked me what the square footage of Mr. Mahle's rock is. The TAXPAYER's chains were (and still are) getting jerked around by some swindlers.

http://www.realscam.com/f11/trey-whi...html#post30008

The Holbrook files from Wayne County Indiana:

Council meets new EDC president
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

November 4, 2004

At its meeting Wednesday, Wayne County Council was introduced to Don Holbrook, new president and CEO of the Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County.
"Very excited to work with all of you and the commissioners on economic development in Wayne County," Holbrook said. "This is what I do, I don't do anything else.".....

Holbrook, 44, has 15 years of economic development experience with jobs in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.

The Man Behind the EDC

Author:	Mary Sell
Date:	Nov 7, 2004

Don Holbrook shares who he is and his plans for Wayne County

...Holbrook's first day at the EDC was Oct. 18, but sons Ian and Aidan, 20 months, and wife Laurie, are still in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., where Holbrook most recently worked as the president and CEO of that city's economic development group.....

Wayne County is not quite the North Pole, but it's a lot closer to the midwestern upbringing Holbrook wants for his children.
It was the quality of life here that attracted the Dayton, Ohio, native to Wayne County, that and what he calls an uncommon collaboration between local governments to promote economic development. He thinks it can be promoted to attract more business and manufacturing.

"I think people forget that not being a huge metropolitan area has its advantages," he said.
As head of the organization responsible for selling Wayne County to the rest of the world, Holbrook sees lots of competitive advantages for the area, including:
* two large industrial parks ready for occupation.
* quick access to some of the nation's busiest thoroughfares, including interstates 70 and 75.
* collaboration between county and local city governments. "That's something you can't put a dollar sign on," he said.
* an EDC that has the funding to be effective.
* a highly productive workforce.
* progressive economic development plans at the state level.
* a strong partnership with the state's Department of Commerce.
As far as challenges, Holbrook said the biggest one Wayne County faces is competition and setting Wayne County apart from other areas vying for new jobs.
"How do we create unique niches?" Holbrook said.
As the head of the EDC, Holbrook said he'll advocate the county take a rifle approach in recruiting business, not a shotgun approach.
"You can't shoot at everything," he said. "You have to aim carefully."
Holbrook, 44, has spent the last few weeks getting to know the area and organization, the EDC's budget and expectations.
"I want to bring the things that work for me and the things that work for (the EDC) together," he said.
Bill Martus, who served as interim EDC president during the search for a new leader, said Holbrook's background is going to be invaluable to the organization.
"He has, over his career, developed a lot of contacts," Martus said. "He knows a lot of people on both sides of this industry. The site selectors and people in economic development. That kind of networking is how you find out what's going on."....

Holbrook is proud of helping to bring a New Flyer buses plant to Crookston, Minn., in 1996 when he was the head of the economic development authority.

Employment history
* 2001-present: president and CEO, Partnership for Economic Development Lake Havasu City, Ariz. n 1998-2001: Regional manager/ national subject matter expert, community economic development, Verizon Communications Inc., Tampa, Fla. n 1996-1998: Executive director, Red Wing Port Authority, Red Wing, Minn. n 1993-1998: Executive director, Crookston Economic Development Authority, Crookston, Minn. n 1991-1993: Executive director, Progress Plus Economic Development Corp., South St. Paul-Invergrove Heights, Minn. n 1986-1990: Vice president of business development, SAS & Associates, Dayton, Ohio. n 1982-1986: National Sales Manager/Strategic accounts, Honeywell, Inc.
Education
* Wright State University, B.A./B.S.; University of Phoenix, M.B.A.; Certified Economic Developer....

County Development Chief Warns of Local Impact of Global Economy

* Mary Sell
Staff writer
Don Holbrook, who has been heading the Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County for almost three months, said that a person in his field has to be eternally optimistic. A person in his field also, he said, has to plan ahead and look to changes in the economy...

Most of that $310,000 is in what Holbrook has called one-time expenses. A large portion of it, about $120,000, will create a seven-step process to gather "competitive intelligence."
The information, Holbrook said, will help the county decide what new industries it should target and how to position itself to be more successful....

He said that Wayne County does not have time to waste in finding its niche and attracting that business....

About last month's news that Wayne County would not be the home to a 700-job distribution center, Holbrook said he has not heard an official announcement on where in Indiana the project was going or why the company decided not to locate here.....

The EDC also has talked to Target officials, at Richmond Mayor Sally Hutton's request, about the store leaving the city at the end of this month. Holbrook said he worries that the closing of Target is an indicator of bigger problems in the city's retail sector.
"It raises your awareness when a company like Target closes ... is there something there that we're not aware of?" he said....

Responding to questions from editorial board members, Holbrook said he has had no conversations with businesses looking to locate at the 33 acres of Hayes Arboretum property that's expected to be developed this year. He also said that he was not aware of anyone seriously considering the purchase of the former Carpenter building in Richmond or the Natco building on National Road West.

CORRECTIONS
* The Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County's 2005 budget, approved Wednesday by the Wayne County Council, is $997,834. The figure was incorrect in a A3 story Thursday.

For the entire articles please go here:
Palladium-Item: Archives

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Date:	Feb 2, 2005

President outlines plan to lure more businesses
* Mary Sell
Staff writer

.....Among the topics covered, EDC President Don Holbrook discussed with the board in detail his seven-step process for identifying and attracting specific business sectors that could thrive in Wayne County.
The process, which Holbrook called a marketing and intelligence blueprint, will take more than a year to complete and cost about $250,000. The funds will be spread over the 2005 and 2006 budgets.....

The information-gathering process includes using several economic development consultants from around the country.
Robert Ady of Ady International in Chicago will visit Wayne County beginning today to help the EDC in its first step, site location analysis.
....a confidentiality process for the EDC board and staff.
Holbrook explained to the board members, three of whom are new, that he requires strict confidentiality from his staff members and that board members privy to information on possible economic development projects have a responsibility to keep the information private.
He said he would not hesitate to fire a staff member who violated a confidence.

Holbrook's plan
Points of the EDC's seven-step process:
* Site location analysis
* Our local economy today
* Target industry analysis
* Competitive intelligence and benchmarking
* Developing an incentive policy
* Governance of the EDC
* Targeted marketing to industries
* Developing an international program
* Pulling it all together

Date:	Feb 16, 2005

Confidentiality accord
Balancing privacy and public duty
The Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County has adopted a confidentiality agreement, parts of which could prove at odds with the accountability demands of the board's very public mission.
One can respect, within very specified limits, the need for confidentiality in dealing with business or industrial prospects. Businesses asked to share proprietary information should have an expectation of trust that the information will be kept confidential. A private firm's confidential disclosures require the greatest imaginable EDC protection and related penalty for disclosure.
When some board members legitimately sought guidance on the question of confidential information, EDC President Don Holbrook advised them recently to treat any information on a prospective business as confidential unless it was discussed during a public meeting.
That will prove a workable answer if it means information regarding the publicly funded EDC itself - its expenditures and activities, the taxpayer-financed incentives it offers to prospective businesses, etc. - remains public.
Any failure to draw appropriate lines distinguishing and spelling out appropriate from inappropriate communication could unwittingly place a chilling effect over virtually all EDC communication, except apparently that expressly sanctioned in advance by the agency's president. That would be no way to run a public agency that relies on the respect, trust, goodwill and, yes, dollars, of the public to operate.......

Economic development
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Author:	Mary Sell
Date:	Mar 4, 2005
Start Page:	A.3
Section:	Local
Text Word Count:	521

Document Text
City touted with ranking Richmond among top 20 `micropolitans'
* Mary Sell
Staff writer
Richmond has been named one of the country's best mid-sized towns for economic development for the third consecutive year.
Richmond is tied for the 14th spot in the most recent issue of Site Selection magazine's list of top "micropolitan" cities in 2004.
"I think it's a really neat award," he said.....

Holbrook said just being a finalist for the award is great for Richmond and the EDC because the organization has thousands of members in site selection and corporate real estate.
"We're going to get a lot of recognition just being a finalist," Holbrook said......

In other EDC business Thursday:
* The EDC board of directors approved increasing Holbrook's moving expenses by $10,000 to $35,000. Holbrook, who took over the top spot at the EDC in October, came from Lake Havasu City, Ariz. That's where his wife and two young sons still are.
Because Holbrook has yet to be able to sell the family's home, the EDC decided to give him more money to help with interim housing expenses, travel and moving expenses. Holbrook has to show receipts for his expenses, and he and the board hope all of the additional money won't be necessary if he sells his home soon.
Board President John Rusie said it's important to the board and Holbrook that the transition from Arizona goes as smoothly as possible.
"We think that (the additional money) will give Don some peace of mind," Rusie said.
Rusie also said the additional money will be made available by moving some of the EDC's seven-step information gathering project to 2006.......

Holbrook was given an extremely generous moving allowance. Lake Havasu didn't renew Holbrook's contract. As the articles keep coming it may be easy to discern why.

WAYNE COUNTY
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Author:	Rebecca Helmes; Mary Sell
Date:	Nov 17, 2005

EDC Leader Takes Hits from All Sides
Council, commissioners, even EDC members want more oversight of expenditures

Jeff Plasterer says he doesn't trust Don Holbrook.
Denny Burns thinks Holbrook has abused his budget.
Holbrook, president of the Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County, took several hits Wednesday as county officials discussed the EDC's proposed 2006 budget.
It started in the morning when the EDC board was discussing ways to whittle $100,000 out of its budget, per the Wayne County Council's request.
Burns, an EDC representative from Hagerstown, asked why the board wasn't looking at cutting from the EDC's travel budget, proposed at $69,500.
"Frankly, there are several of us that think (the travel budget) is being abused," Burns said.
"By me?" Holbrook asked.
When Burns said yes, Holbrook asked for specific examples. Burns refused.
"I don't want to do it in public," Burns said.
One EDC board member pointed out that the 2006 proposed travel budget is less than in previous years, as is the revised budget of about $895,000. But others agreed the board should have more oversight as to how travel money is spent.
Later Wednesday, issues of trust arose when Wayne County Council and Commissioners discussed the EDC's budget at their monthly workshop meeting.....

Holbrook asked if the council had a trust issue with him, and council members said they wanted more oversight for EDC money.
"If somebody thinks that I'm not watching the money and I'm spending it frivolously, I'd like them to come talk to me, because that's not the case," Holbrook said.
He defended remodeling costs of the EDC office, one of council's issues. He said the front office, conference room and his own office are the three places business people see when they visit the EDC, and he said those places need to look professional.
"I want to put this issue to bed," Holbrook said. "Do you trust me?" he asked council president Plasterer.
Plasterer finally said he didn't.
"We just matched up so that we looked professional," Holbrook said about remodeling. "I would challenge anybody to audit us all the heck you want."
Holbrook said he took offense that county officials mistrust him and said he was glad Plasterer finally told him to his face.
"It's the first time anybody in this community has faced me and told me what they thought," Holbrook said. "And I'm tired of it."
Council members stood firm, insisting the EDC board have more oversight for EDC spending.
"We're doing what the taxpayers want us to do," Councilman Gerald "Gary" Saunders said.
Council members said they feared communities would stop contributing half of their Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) money to the county if they think the money does not have enough oversight. The EDC is funded with that tax money.
Holbrook stood by his remodeling. He said he has had an annual audit for the past 16 years and discrepancies have never been found.
"It was absolutely the appropriate thing to do," Holbrook said about remodeling. "I have no problem with oversight because we are not misspending or misappropriating money."...

Board vice chairman and marketing committee chairman Mike Nixon said with the EDC's upcoming Web redesign and new marketing campaign, he was sure more than $50,000 would be spent.
Holbrook said travel always has been one of the most expensive parts of economic development. This year, Holbrook and EDC Vice President Bill Martus went to Asia with Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. That trip cost about $18,000.
Eric VanVleet, board treasurer, asked about giving the board more control into how the travel budget is spent.
Burns agreed. "I'd like more oversight of (the travel budget)."

We saw here first hand in Texas how extravagant Holbrook's travel, meals and accommodations were. Money was no object with Holbrook when the taxpayers are footing the bill for his lifestyle of the rich and famous.

HEAT'S ON HOLBROOK
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Author:	Mary Sell
Date:	Nov 20, 2005

Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County
Raising concerns may cost board member leadership post.....


WHAT EDC
MEMBERS SAY
The Palladium-Item attempted to contact the 12 board members of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County and ask them about concerns raised recently, including why the organization is being asked to cut its budget by about 10 percent, and allegations about EDC President Don Holbrook's past. Here's what 11 of them said:
Denny Burns: "I think there are some internal problems within the EDC regarding trust. I am deeply concerned about the money the EDC spends and that some of it hasn't been spent wisely, and the taxpayers of Wayne County have a right to know what's going on. I join the county council with my concerns. ... (Don Holbrook) does not have my support, and I've made that clear to every member of our board."
Dick Hamm: "Do I agree with everything that (Don Holbrook's) done? That would be impossible. I don't think I agree with everything that I've done. But you have to look at what are the gauges of a good job. If you look at that, you'll see that he's fallen on the high side of all those gauges."
Sonsee Hambrick: "(Don Holbrook) does have my support. I have no problems with Don, and I think he has done some really wonderful things. ... I think the charges (about Holbrook's past) are unwarranted. I think poor investigation was done and poor conclusions were drawn without all of the facts."
William Harris: "I don't have much of a comment except that $100,000 (cut from the budget), I don't agree with that. If things are down, economically, we should be trying to get more jobs in here."
Eugene Kates: "There has been an organized effort to destroy the leadership of the EDC, and it's appalling to me. In my honest opinion, there needs to be a purging of the EDC board and certain elected officials."
Joe Meyer: "We have to have people that we have faith in and know will do the best job possible. I think Don (Holbrook) has a lot to offer Wayne County in the economic development process. ... I think he has some work to do to regain our trust. How that will present itself, I don't know."
Mike Nixon: "We had concerns enough (about Don Holbrook) to bring everyone together in a personnel meeting. Ultimately it was decided that we would keep Don and support him. That's been my intention, to follow through with that decision and support Don. I think that some things have happened since that make that different (now)."
John Rusie: "(Cutting the budget by 10 percent) is not going to let us perform up to the same levels that we should be performing."
Carol Smyth: "I'm supportive of Don Holbrook, and I think he's done a good job since being at the EDC. I'm not going to comment on those other things."
Eric VanVleet: "It takes a long time to rebuild trust. It isn't won overnight. It will take some time to get that trust (between Wayne County Council and the EDC) back."
John Zetzl: "I believe that between (new spending procedures) and oversight over the budget, I am optimistic that we will be able to move forward with Don (Holbrook)."
Roger Kem could not be reached.

HEAT'S ON HOLBROOK
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Author:	Bill Engle
Date:	Nov 20, 2005

President: `Character assassination' played part in the past.....

Don Holbrook has been at odds with employers in the past.
Holbrook, who is under the gun from some members of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County and some Wayne County Council members, was fired from the Red Wing Port Authority in Red Wing, Minn., in February 1998.
After being fired, he sued the Port Authority board and was paid a $160,000 in a "settlement agreement" with the Port Authority board.
He also left the Lake Havasu, Ariz. Partnership for Economic Development in July 2004, according to news reports, when that agency's board after "much deliberation" voted not to renew his contract. He was president.

The PED's board called the decision for Holbrook to leave "mutual," but that was not the case in Red Wing.
Holbrook was placed on administrative leave by the Red Wing Port Authority Feb. 6, 1998, pending investigation of misconduct. Holbrook was then fired Feb. 19 for "resume fraud," according to newspaper reports....

"In the end all it was, was character assassination," Holbrook said Thursday. "You see violations of the law and you report it. That's what I did. That's the right thing to do."

Degree discrepancies
On the resume he submitted in Red Wing, Holbrook listed an MBA and doctorate degree in business from LaSalle University. He also listed a dual bachelor of arts degree in city planning and economics and a minor in environmental science/geology from Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio.....

Holbrook said he earned the degrees but acknowledged the university was unaccredited. He said he used the two degrees on his resume in Red Wing but never thereafter because of problems at the university in the mid-1990s.
"I didn't use them, not after I got tarred and feathered in Red Wing," Holbrook said. "The degrees are real but it is not an accredited university."
At the time, Holbrook argued that because of a foul up at the school he had not physically received either the master's and doctorate degrees from LaSalle....

Firing `laughable'
In Red Wing, Holbrook fought the firing, calling the reason for it "laughable." He sued the Port Authority for breach of contract in a case that went to federal court in Minneapolis.
Holbrook also complained to the Minnesota News Council about press coverage in the case. He eventually withdrew his complaint.

Holbrook and the Port Authority board reached a settlement, and the board paid Holbrook $160,000 to cover his legal costs and issued a "letter of misunderstanding," according to new reports published at the time in the Red Wing Republican Eagle.
The board did not rehire him.
Myron White, Red Wing Port Authority executive director, declined to comment for this story, as did Jack Clinton, who served as investigator for the Port Authority's board.
Red Wing city attorney Maureen George did not return calls seeking comment.
Jim Pearl, former editor of the Red Wing Republican Eagle, also declined comment. Patricia Beet, an attorney appointed by the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust to represent the Port Authority in the case, also declined comment.
Former Red Wing Mayor Bob Whelan was not available for comment.

In Lake Havasu, Ariz., Holbrook and the Partnership for Economic Development agreed to part company abruptly, according to news reports. That agency's board of directors issued a press release saying Holbrook was leaving the same day he left. The board statement said the decision was "mutual."
But Holbrook said his leaving was not abrupt.
"The board knew a year in advance that I was not going to renew my contract," he said. "The board and I worked well together. But I wanted to move back to the Midwest. There was no bad feelings between me and the board."
Officials in Lake Havasu, at the Partnership for Economic Development and Today's News-Herald of Lake Havasu, declined comment for this story.
Reporter Bill Engle: (765) 973-4481 or bengle@pal-item.com

CORRECTION
Bob Whelan is the former mayor of Lake Havasu, Ariz., and Jim Pumarlo is the former editor of the Red Wing Republican Eagle.

His lies and exaggerations always catch up with him! Notice no one wants to comment because he is such a litigious goon.

Secrecy and Subversion

It has come to my attention Contour has submitted the second phase report the Town

paid $400,000 for and Harley Kulkin at least has a copy that he’s shared with

favored members of the public and even the Pahrump Valley Times. I’ve submitted

a FOIA request for that same report but can’t get it because I’m told “it is not available

to the public”. Well it’s a public document, paid for by the public and shared by Mr.

Kulkin with members of the pubic and even the media. It’s hard to believe no other

board members have a copy. If you don’t have one you should be concerned that it

has been released to some people but not you. I’m concerned .. but that’s just me. You

obviously have your own interpretations of the public’s right to know and participate in

community discussions.


This Board has reduced public comment to a meaningless moment in Town meetings.

Board members talk to each other and selective members of the public about agenda

items without concern for the law. The Town Manager ignores requests for

information with equal impunity and despite complaints you do nothing. I’m concerned

but I’m not surprised. Throughout your terms you have shown a total lack of respect for

the public and the opinions expressed here. You have limited the public’s ability to

speak and then ignored them when they speak .. to the point most are completely

discouraged and have stopped attending meetings.


Now the Town Board is being asked to throw another $65,000 of public money at a

consultant to create a taxing district. Remember the County has already said no to the

project. If the district is essential that should have been done first not after spending

$400,000 on Contour’s sophomoric reports. Of course the Ad Hoc committee

comprised of members unknown have met on days, at times and places unknown and

given you phantom recommendations on Harley World. It is my understanding though

Front Site is represented on that Committee and that is an obvious conflict of interest as

Front Site will benefit from any project. Moreover, you are going forward with the very

people who lied about Don Holbrook’s continued involvement despite news pictures of

him with Town Board members and the Town Manager. Contour even boasted about

the now bankrupt Eco Park project in Houston the FBI is investigating.


You guys should be ashamed .. you subvert the law: allow secret meetings, talk in

secret, encourage conflict of interests, selectively release copies of Contour’s reports,

ignore requests for copies, just to limit public comment. You deny the involvement of

Don Holbrook and continue with Contour despite inferior and overly expensive reports

and involvement in the bankrupt Eco Park project. The residents of Pahrump have good

reason to suspect your comments, your actions, and your decisions . . in fact you give

them no reason to trust you! While I’m hoping to be elected to the Town Board I hope

the resident’s vote to dissolve this Board because l I don’t trust you either.


I’m against Harley World, Incorporation, limiting public comment, secret meetings and

ignoring the law. Residents can vote any way they want, support anyone they want.

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07SundayOct 2012


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Originally Posted by fjjm303

Secrecy and Subversion

It has come to my attention Contour has submitted the second phase report the Town

paid $400,000 for and Harley Kulkin at least has a copy that he’s shared with

favored members of the public and even the Pahrump Valley Times. I’ve submitted

a FOIA request for that same report but can’t get it because I’m told “it is not available

to the public”. Well it’s a public document, paid for by the public and shared by Mr.

Kulkin with members of the pubic and even the media. It’s hard to believe no other

board members have a copy. If you don’t have one you should be concerned that it

has been released to some people but not you. I’m concerned .. but that’s just me. You

obviously have your own interpretations of the public’s right to know and participate in

community discussions.


This Board has reduced public comment to a meaningless moment in Town meetings.

Board members talk to each other and selective members of the public about agenda

items without concern for the law. The Town Manager ignores requests for

information with equal impunity and despite complaints you do nothing. I’m concerned

but I’m not surprised. Throughout your terms you have shown a total lack of respect for

the public and the opinions expressed here. You have limited the public’s ability to

speak and then ignored them when they speak .. to the point most are completely

discouraged and have stopped attending meetings.


Now the Town Board is being asked to throw another $65,000 of public money at a

consultant to create a taxing district. Remember the County has already said no to the

project. If the district is essential that should have been done first not after spending

$400,000 on Contour’s sophomoric reports. Of course the Ad Hoc committee

comprised of members unknown have met on days, at times and places unknown and

given you phantom recommendations on Harley World. It is my understanding though

Front Site is represented on that Committee and that is an obvious conflict of interest as

Front Site will benefit from any project. Moreover, you are going forward with the very

people who lied about Don Holbrook’s continued involvement despite news pictures of

him with Town Board members and the Town Manager. Contour even boasted about

the now bankrupt Eco Park project in Houston the FBI is investigating.


You guys should be ashamed .. you subvert the law: allow secret meetings, talk in

secret, encourage conflict of interests, selectively release copies of Contour’s reports,

ignore requests for copies, just to limit public comment. You deny the involvement of

Don Holbrook and continue with Contour despite inferior and overly expensive reports

and involvement in the bankrupt Eco Park project. The residents of Pahrump have good

reason to suspect your comments, your actions, and your decisions . . in fact you give

them no reason to trust you! While I’m hoping to be elected to the Town Board I hope

the resident’s vote to dissolve this Board because l I don’t trust you either.


I’m against Harley World, Incorporation, limiting public comment, secret meetings and

ignoring the law. Residents can vote any way they want, support anyone they want.

Pahrump is following the really bad example of East Montgomery County. They are paying hundreds of thousands for plans when there is no financing in place, no taxing district and apparently little public support for the project. The taxpayers there have gotten the hint from the fiasco in Texas that it is a very risky venture. If Contour is in fact connected in any way with that lying, litigious goon Don Holbrook the town should be running from this deal! One can see from this thread how Holbrook's deals end up!!!!

WAYNE COUNTY
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Author:	Bill Engle Mary Sell
Date:	Nov 24, 2005

EDC chief threatens lawsuit
Letter alleges board member, ex-staffer are `attempting
to destroy goodwill'

The president of the Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County is threatening legal action against one of the EDC board members and a former EDC employee.
Denny Burns, an EDC board member, and Lisa Bates, a former EDC staff member who resigned this month, received certified letters this week from an attorney representing Don Holbrook, the president of the EDC.

The letters are requests "to cease and desist and notice of impending legal action."
The letters varied slightly, but both read:
"It has come to our attention that you have been contacting certain current members of the Board of Directors of EDC and have been making untrue, malicious and potentially legally actionable statements. It appears that you are attempting to destroy the goodwill between EDC and Don Holbrook ..."

Holbrook declined a request for a telephone interview Wednesday.
Stephen Key, general counsel for the Hoosier State Press Association, said that while there's nothing stopping Holbrook's attorney from sending out such letters, as a public official, he is subject to criticism of his work.
The letters, signed by Steven A. Goodman, an attorney from Louisville, Ky., went on to say that Burns and Bates could be personally liable for any damages to Holbrook that are a direct and proximate result of their conduct, and they should immediately discuss these matters with an attorney.

"In any event, you must immediately cease and desist from contacting (EDC) and its board in the manner in which you have been, and you must immediately stop making untrue and malicious statements about Don Holbrook. Should you continue contacting the (EDC), its employees, or its board of directors, we will proceed with the appropriate legal action against you. In that event, please be advised that this letter will be your final notice of Don Holbrook's intent to take legal action against you."
Goodman did not return a message left by the Palladium-Item with his office Wednesday afternoon.
Burns, who represents Hagerstown on the EDC board, and Bates declined to comment for this story.
The letter to Burns comes after the EDC board member publicly questioned Holbrook's spending of tax money last week and then, in a story in Sunday's Palladium-Item, said he did not support Holbrook.
Key said that being a public official - the EDC is funded by taxpayer dollars - comes with some criticism.
"In my mind, (Burns) would have the First Amendment right to (question Holbrook)," Key said. "He's questioning a public official."
While the letter itself carries no legal weight, Key recommended that anyone getting such a letter consult an attorney. Holbrook could follow the letter with some legal action, but would have to prove malice on the part of the defendants.

Holbrook has sued a former boss, a former business associate and threatened to sue a Minnesota newspaper for its reporting in his termination from the Red Wing Port Authority, according to news reports. He was ousted as director of the Red Wing Port Authority in 1998 after officials there accused him of lying on his resume. He then sued the Port Authority for wrongful termination....

That suit was settled in October 2000 when Holbrook agreed to drop the suit. In exchange, Port Authority officials agreed to pay Holbrook $160,733 for legal expenses.....
The settlement was reached one day after a federal judge dismissed the suit.
The board did not rehire Holbrook.
The Port Authority's claim was that Holbrook lied on his resume by listing an MBA and a doctorate degree in business from LaSalle University.
Holbrook claimed he received the degrees and because of a "miscommunication" between he and the university, he never received documentation of them.....

Holbrook also complained to the Minnesota News Council against the Red Wing Republican Eagle for it coverage of his firing, asking for a public apology, a clarification, a follow-up story and a published commentary written by him, according to published news reports.
He later withdrew his complaint but still hinted he was considering legal action.
In 1999, Holbrook and wife Laurie filed suit against the former owners of the Red Wing Mall for breach of contract after the owners of the mall sued the Holbrooks for fraud and misrepresentation, according to published reports.....

A go-getter with integrity needed at helm of EDC
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Date:	Dec 4, 2005

First of all, I am a taxpayer. I have been keeping up on the EDC situation. I have never been to a meeting, but I do know a lot about budget. When I read that the EDC director paid $8,000 for an office desk, I was upset.
I say that if he pays $8,000 for a desk, where is all the other going? If he needs almost $70,000 for traveling, when is he in his office to enjoy his $8,000 desk? I think Denny Burns and Jeff Plasterer are doing the right thing in expressing their concerns and nonsupport.
I also look at his background and I see nothing - I sued them and I sued them. He sued so many times. His middle name must be Sue. I vote and I believe if anyone renews his contract, I will not vote for those people.
I saw his letter threatening some board members. All I can say is if he doesn't like criticism, go somewhere else. We don't need crybabies spending our tax money. We need go-getters with integrity. I don't believe we have that with our current director.
I will await a letter from his lawyer.
Everett Hampton Jr.,
Hagerstown, Ind.

Sunshine the best disinfectant for what ails the EDC
A threatened lawsuit by EDC President Don Holbrook is an attempt to quell dissent from board members and others who disagree with him. Mr. Holbrook is out of control.
Mr. Holbrook has a history of squelching questions of his past through legal action. Most disturbing is the current action against a board member. This is dangerous ground. The board has a responsibility to scrutinize management decisions and lend their voices of support or opposition to them. It also has a fiduciary obligation to the county, and threatening lawsuit action smacks of arrogance and possibly subversion on issues that should be aired. Let's not forget, complacent boards of directors gave us the legacy of Enron just a few short years ago.

In the past few weeks, Mr. Holbrook has demonstrated he has forgotten whom he serves. Wanting to use taxpayer funds to buy the Carpenter building indicates to me that Mr. Holbrook is out of touch with the local community. Why would we use taxpayer dollars to purchase property that has been an anchor around the neck of the Richmond government for over five years? The EDC's attempt to compete against private entities for the Carpenter building was outrageous and, I believe, outside of its scope.

Mr. Holbrook's potential jobs report is misleading. Reporting on companies that simply inquire about Wayne County measures nothing more than the effectiveness of our marketing plan. The potential jobs report is equivalent to reporting someone is intending to purchase a car because they drove by the dealership. The true yardstick is the percentage of the inquiries that Mr. Holbrook closes, not how many companies simply inquire.
Mr. Holbrook should drop his threat and answer questions about his alleged education, past employment and allegations of running a consulting business from the EDC desk. Sunshine is the best disinfectant.
Curtis Duval, Richmond

The litigious goon strikes out and alienates and offends those he is supposed to be serving. His lies and vicious attacks will rightly cause that goon to lose his job as the forthcoming articles will document. After reading these articles from Red Wing and Wayne County here, one has to wonder about this clown. It is obvious he has lied extensively under oath in his case in Ohio. Compare the facts presented in these articles with his Affidavit:

Holbrook Affidavit.pdf

The fine articles from the Tribune by Cynthia Calvert, Frank Maurizio's posts and my posts were based on facts from the very articles chronicling Holbrook's questionable if not nefarious activities in various places and the current facts coming to light about the failed Earthquest theme park Holbrook masterminded.

I think Holbrook's days of tooting his own horn and threatening anyone who dares question him are completely over.

EDC: Part I of III
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Date:	Dec 4, 2005
Section:	Editorial

Don Holbrook Must Go

Don Holbrook, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, has breached the public trust.
He has attempted to bully a board member and a former employee.
Don Holbrook must go.
Some well-intentioned people fret over the ongoing controversy's potential impact on local economic development.
This is not about economic development.
It's about honesty, integrity and the ethics of those in leadership roles - particularly when funded by taxpayer dollars.
There is plenty of blame to share here, Holbrook taking the majority, but the EDC board deserves some, too.
This is an EDC board that apparently missed reviewing its president's credentials during his candidacy for the job. The almost $40,000 in tax dollars paid to a headhunter to assist the EDC in its search should be refunded.
This is an EDC board that failed to oversee and scrutinize its president's spending of taxpayer dollars. As a result, taxpayers are footing the tab for a host of public-be-damned perks, from an $8,000 desk to troubling and exorbitant travel expenses that should have furled the eyebrows of reasonable, frugal people.
Holbrook's flagrant bullying involves tactics designed to silence critics of a public official's public spending and performance. His actions follow a pattern from past employment, a pattern that stifles needed public discourse and disclosure.
The EDC board must have no more part of it....

The future of economic development in this county demands a personnel housecleaning at the agency responsible for that development.....

EDC President's Expenses Detailed
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Author:	Mary Sell
Date:	Dec 4, 2005

Thousands spent on
travel, furniture, meals; Holbrook won't comment

* More than $1,000 spent on a four-night stay at The Wigwam Resort & Golf Club in Arizona in January.
* More than $10,000 spent on new furniture for his office, including an $8,000 desk set.
* Almost $35,000 spent on moving expenses to relocate to Richmond. That includes thousands of dollars in airfare and hotel stays, hundreds of dollars in meals out and $700 paid to his in-laws for their help.
* A $100 humidor.
These are some of the expenses for which Don Holbrook was reimbursed by the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County during the past year. The Palladium-Item obtained the information in an open records request. The newspaper received more than 300 pages of receipts and expense reports.
Holbrook has denied requests to be interviewed on the topic of his expenses. He also did not respond to e-mailed questions sent to him Wednesday. On Thursday he said he's forwarded the questions to the EDC's attorney.
EDC attorney George Sowers said Friday he could explain only the humidor, which was a gift to a Japanese contact....

When Holbrook was hired in September 2004, he was told in a letter that the EDC would reimburse him up to $2,500 for the combination of house-hunting trips and temporary housing allowance. He also was to be given up to $15,000 for relocation expenses associated with moving his family from Arizona.
In March of this year, when Holbrook hadn't been able to sell his Arizona home and move his family, the EDC board voted to increase his moving expenses by $10,000 to $35,000. Board officials now say they don't know when or how Holbrook was authorized to go from $15,000 to $25,000 in moving expenses.....

When the board voted to increase moving expenses from $25,000 to $35,000, it stated, "the funds may be used for the following purposes: 1. Actual moving expenses. 2. Interim housing interest expense. 3. Visitation travel expenses. Disbursements will only be paid based on receipts and official third-party invoices for actual expenses."
According to records, submitted expenses for labor in Arizona totaling $400 was paid without receipts. He also paid his in-laws $700 for their help with the move: $400 to Angie Lutz for "packing" and $300 to Gary Lutz, "driver/loader."
Other expenses for the move ranged from thousands of dollars in airfare and car rentals to $2 at the Richmond Texas Roadhouse for a drink....

In January, Holbrook attended a leadership summit of the International Economic Development Council at The Wigwam Resort & Golf Glub in Litchfield Park, Ariz. The four-day hotel stay cost the EDC $1,056.73.....

In September, Holbrook was appointed to the International Economic Development Council's board of directors.....

In December 2004, the EDC spent $15,353 for new office furniture at Rosa's Office Plus in Richmond. Of that, $10,456 was spent on Holbrook's office....

An October statement for the card showed $1,248.97 worth of activity on the card by Holbrook, including a $691.87 stay at the Double Tree Hotel in Washington, D.C. and several several meals out, including a $89.26 charge at Ruths Chris Steakhouse in Washington.
He also was asked to provide details and business contacts for a three-week trip to Europe in March on which his family accompanied him. He turned in receipts from hotels in Paris and Nice, France, and Stuttgart, Germany.
The Palladium asked what sort of spending parameters the EDC had given him.
He also was asked about why, on his personal American Express bill, he was referred to as "Dr. Don Holbrook."
On the resume he submitted in Red Wing, Minn., where he worked from 1996 to 1998, Holbrook listed an MBA and doctorate degree in business from LaSalle University....

Holbrook said he earned the degrees but acknowledged the university was unaccredited. He said he used the two degrees on his resume in Red Wing but never thereafter because of problems at the university in the mid-1990s.
"I didn't use them, not after I got tarred and feathered in Red Wing," Holbrook told the Palladium-Item in November.....
Holbrook's spending has been questioned recently by others, too. Last month at a public meeting, Holbrook was told by EDC board member Denny Burns that Burns thought Holbrook has abused the EDC's travel budget. As of October, the EDC had spent about $69,000 on travel, which is within its 2005 budget.
Later the same day at a another public meeting, County Council President Jeff Plasterer told Holbrook he didn't trust him....
Two weeks ago, an attorney representing Holbrook sent letters to EDC board member Denny Burns and former EDC employee Lisa Bates. The letters accused the two of making untrue and malicious statements about Holbrook and threatened legal action if they did not stop.

EDC: Part II of III
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Date:	Dec 5, 2005
	Editorial

Shoring Up Accountability
The Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County faces some deep accountability problems that, left unaddressed, will risk undermining its very credibility in leading critical job creation efforts locally.
To their credit, responsible EDC and county officials say they are shoring up oversight lapses exposed by the spending excesses of Don Holbrook, the agency's president.
Past failure of oversight has manifested itself in taxpayers being saddled with a host of expense claims, ranging from Holbrook's overseas travel with his family and payments to family as part of his moving expenses, to more than $10,000 to furnish his office here, including $8,000 for a desk - all at taxpayer expense....

For example, for the EDC president or any members of the board to credit to the agency's handiwork virtually all major new employment, even the mere hope of new employment not yet realized, is disingenuous....

But mere disingenuousness begins to look more like deceit when EDC officials tabulate, as part of their employment "gains," jobs that will be created as a result of the recent sale of the long-vacant Carpenter bus plant. The EDC was among the unsuccessful competitive bidders for the site. It is simply laughable to think it would take credit for the private-sector outcome that at last removes Carpenter from the backs, and pocketbooks, of taxpayers...

Wayne County EDC that already outspends many comparably sized agencies in the state, often with less to show for it - establishing a culture of candor and accountability in all that it does...

Get the rest of the story and more here:
Palladium-Item: Archives

Soapboxmom

Meeting: Economic Development Corp.
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Author:	Bill Engle Mary Sell
Date:	Dec 6, 2005

3 Members Resign after Show of Support for President; President outraged

The Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County on Monday voted to support its president and, moments later, lost three board members who stepped down in a show of non-support for Don Holbrook.
After weeks of public debate about Holbrook's spending of EDC dollars and questions about his past, the EDC voted 8-3, with one abstention, to support Holbrook.
Board member Gene Kates read a resolution that said, in part, "... the Economic Development Corporation believes that its President, Don A. Holbrook, has the experience, knowledge and abilities to further the board's economic development mission in Wayne County, ... be it resolved the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, Indiana expresses its confidence in and support of Don A. Holbrook as its president and chief executive officer and looks forward to working with him in the future to achieve even greater economic development successes in Wayne County, Ind."
Holbrook thanked the board for its support and pledged to the board that "we will work to restore trust in the EDC."...

As soon as that vote was complete, board members Denny Burns, Mike Nixon and board treasurer Eric VanVleet announced they were stepping down.
.....there was too much conflict surrounding Holbrook's "spending habits and his character.".....

In recent weeks Holbrook has been questioned about his spending of EDC money. The EDC is tax-funded and answers to the Wayne County Council....
County Council President Jeff Plasterer told Holbrook that Plasterer didn't trust him. EDC board member Denny Burns at a different meeting told Holbrook he thought he's abused the EDC's travel budget.....

In a written statement, Burns said Monday "EDC President Don Holbrook does not have my support."
"His use of taxpayers funds is inappropriate.....

"I think the conversation has been that we need to be prudent with taxpayer money, therefore we're not going to make any rash decisions," Cenova said.....

About 30 people attended Monday's meeting, and several were clearly upset by the board's vote of confidence for Holbrook.
After the voice vote in support of Holbrook, Nancy Greene of Richmond asked the board for a show of hands.
"I think it's clear we have people who support honesty and ethics and those who don't and they support Holbrook," she said.
The board also approved new policies that tightened rules regarding money spent for travel, conflict of interest, purchasing and relocation. Wayne County Commissioner John Catey attended the meeting and said it was unfortunate the policies were not in place before.

The policies voted into place range from how staff grievances should be handled to outlining relocation and travel expenses.
Holbrook would not comment on what sort of spending parameters he'd been given when he was hired in September 2004.
Personnel committee chairwoman Carol Smyth said the EDC previously didn't have policies to address those issues.

Here's how the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County Board of Directors voted on a resolution supporting president Don Holbrook.
* Yes (8): Joe Meyer, William Harris, Carol Smyth, Sonsee Hambrick, Roger Kem, Gene Kates, Dick Hamm, John Rusie
* No (3): Eric VanVleet, Denny Burns, Mike Nixon
* Abstention (1): John Zetzl......

* 5. A relocation policy that outlines what the EDC will and will not pay for when bringing a new employee to the area, including the number of trips back and forth for house hunting and for what sort of moving expenses the EDC will pay.
* 6. A travel and expense policy that outlines for what the EDC will and will not reimburse employees. It also sets standards for meal costs, saying they should not exceed federal government per diem standards except in unusual and compelling circumstances. Travel expenditures not reimbursable by the EDC include: Airline club fees, airline upgrades, books, magazines, newspapers, child-care, babysitting, house-sitting, pet-sitting/kennel charges, non-meal food and beverages, flowers, gifts (unless approved by the board chairperson) and personal entertainment expenses including in-flight movies, hotel pay-per-view movies, social activities and related incidental costs.
Incremental costs for travel, lodging, meal or other travel expenses for spouses or other dependents will not be reimbursed.
Denny Burns'
statement
.....I must resign my position as a member of the board of directors of the EDC.
EDC President Don Holbrook does not have my support. His use of taxpayer funds is inappropriate....
When I tried to inform other board members of my concerns, I received a letter threatening a lawsuit from Don's attorney. The fact that a majority of my fellow board members were not alarmed by Don's threats against me has been disappointing.....

Part III of III: EDC and
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Date:	Dec 6, 2005

Wayne County Council
Public service models stand up and defend
The public-be-damned spending practices and bullying tactics exhibited by Don Holbrook, president of the Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County, are enough to turn stomachs.
Fortunately, among those whose stomachs were turned were Denny Burns, Eric VanVleet, Mike Nixon and Jeff Plasterer. Their actions should restore some faith in the promise that for every example of poor public performance, there is a better model.
Burns, Nixon and VanVleet, members of the EDC board, and Plasterer, who is president of the Wayne County Council, have provided exemplary models of public service in their untiring pursuit of truth and acceptance of accountability.
There have been others, of course.
But it is Burns, Nixon, VanVleet and Plasterer who have been the highest-profile public officials to voice their concerns in the most public way. A community owes them considerable gratitude for the unpaid duty. Unfortunately, the three board members resigned Monday.
Their actions take on added significance given that others have ignored the misrepresentation, egregious spending and bullying of the EDC president. He has threatened legal action against those whom he believes have dared to speak out against his public performance.
Others have failed to take courageous stands under the perceived threat that speaking out might harm economic development efforts in the county. In reality, not speaking out, failing to right so obvious a wrong, is more likely to have consequences for local economic development and other endeavors.
By their actions, Burns, Nixon, VanVleet and Plasterer help to underscore an often overlooked but critically important fact: The president of the EDC works for and is accountable to the board, which hired him. It is not the other way around, nor can it be.
Those board members hold responsibility to the elected leadership of the city, town and county governments in Wayne County who appointed them to the EDC.
Finally, those elected officials answer to the voters and taxpayers of Wayne County.
There simply can be no other way. Accountability demands nothing short of this clarity of command.
Denny Burns, Mike Nixon, Eric VanVleet and Jeff Plasterer obviously understand this.
But now that Burns, Nixon and Van Vleet are gone, who's asking the tough questions? Who's minding the store?
OUR POSITION
Some members of the EDC and the Wayne County Council are standing up against Don Holbrook's bad budget spending practices.

Again, I point folks to Holbrook's lie-filed Affidavit:

Holbrook Affidavit.pdf

Holbrook bringing his lies and threats into the Ohio court should result in him being held accountable! His reign of terror and wild spending sprees on the taxpayers dime should be at an end.

EMCID entourage racks up expenses at resorts, restaurants, theme parks - Monday, April 02, 2012 - Copyright 2007 Ourtribune.com

EDC Needs New Leader to Rebuild Lost Integrity
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Date:	Dec 9, 2005
	Letter

Is the Palladium-Item trying to build its circulation or is a county commissioner trying to dodge the facts?
It's not surprising that a couple of our county commissioners are not worried about the spending habits of the EDC, look how much they squandered on a correctional facility and reserved parking lot. The unclear directions from the EDC board are, in part, a result of a system that places an agency under the direction of a board of political appointees whose resume or qualifications include their political donations and party affiliations.
The commissioners and the EDC board cannot sweep their errors in management under the carpet nor should they condemn the news media for running a story when the facts are negative and can't be candy coated. To suggest that the media hide or misrepresent the facts so things appear different than they actually are appears to be the trend with politicians. If you get caught, blame the media for exposing you.
In my opinion, the past employment and resume issues, along with what appears to be a lack of trust and confidence with Mr. Holbrook by the EDC board, has reached a point beyond repair and workability. There has been too much damage done to the EDC's integrity by their actions, along with the questions raised about the current president, for this relationship to continue.
I agree with the Pal-Item, Mr. Holbrook should leave and I feel the current membership of the board should also be reviewed; it appears that some need to get their heads out of the sand and quit passing the buck. Whoever is replaced is going to have a difficult task of helping rebuild the integrity, respect and confidence in this agency while trying to meet the goals and objectives set for them.
Gene Kelley,
Richmond

Holbrook should do the honorable thing and resign
Mr. Holbrook should do the honorable thing and resign as director of the EDC. It seems the only economic development he is interested in is his own. I wish I could get a job like that. Just who does he think he is? No wonder we can't get new industries to come to Wayne County.
It makes me wonder how qualified the other board members on the EDC are. Talk about losing credibility. We taxpayers want results not turmoil. What's wrong with these people anyway? The desk must make Don feel important.
Kevin Watts, Richmond


Stories detailing EDC procedures `outstanding'
Congratulations to the Palladium-Item on an outstanding series of articles on the situation at the Wayne County EDC. The Palladium did an excellent job of researching how past actions related to the story and presenting facts, so the readers and county taxpayers can reach their own conclusions.
The editorial staff hit the nail on the head calling for the removal of Mr. Holbrook. I cannot envision a scenario where the EDC can move forward with Mr. Holbrook at the helm. While there is plenty of blame to go around, including the search committee for not digging into his background and the firm hired to assist the EDC find a candidate, we are at this point as a direct result of the actions taken by Mr. Holbrook.
So congratulations to the P-I for a job well done. Short-term damage is done; it's now time to move forward with integrity and resolve.
John Weber, Richmond......

Local government actions challenged
Recent local government decisions and their results:
* Cherish Health and Living Center: Ignore concerned taxpayers - approved.
* EDC: Squander taxpayers' money and claim ignorance - approved.
* Individuals that wanted control, accountability and disagreed with board decision - gone.
* Members who admitted lack of controls and common sense - still there.
If it's not your money, spend it. (Until you get caught and then claim you didn't realize that there were limits on what you could spend. That would take common sense.)
Dennis Wissler, Cambridge City

Vice president speaks out against Holbrook
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Author:	Rebecca Helmes
	Jan 5, 2006

The Wayne County Council gave the Economic Development Corp. its operating funds Wednesday morning - but not before one council member chastised its leadership and spending.
Council Vice President Myron Moyer motioned for the approval only after he read a prepared statement about the recent controversy surrounding EDC President Don Holbrook, who has been criticized for office and travel expenses.
"There's been problems with the EDC budget in the last 16 months," Moyer said to Holbrook. "You do not have the support of many taxpayers. Until you show some fiscal responsibility, you will not have the support of the Wayne County taxpayers."
Moyer said he appreciates the oversight the EDC board put in place after questions arose. He said if the EDC works to improve the way it handles its money this year, he would work toward re-instating money that was cut from the EDC's 2006 budget.
"If these improvements are not made, I will lobby to reduce your budget even more," Moyer said.
Dick Hamm, president of the EDC board of directors, was the only representative of the group to respond, although Holbrook was present....

Wednesday morning, Plasterer said that while he supported Moyer's comments, he was pleased the EDC had taken action on expenses.
After Hamm and Holbrook left, Centerville farmer Don Eliason addressed the council as a regular citizen.
"I hope you put some ropes on ( the EDC), tie them down tighter," Eliason said. "They seem to just throw money like crazy."

For more on the EDC controversy, please log on to Palladium-Item | Richmond news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Richmond, Indiana | pal-item.com.

Is Holbrook really going to continue to insist that he has not been mired in controversy????

Got to give Jeff Plasterer credit for growing a set of nads and telling that fat jack-ass to his face what he thought. I especially like Holbrook's response. "It's the first time anyone in the community has faced me and told me what they thought, and I'm tired of it." Well, gASSbag, if you were tired of it after the FIRST time, you must be absolutely LIVID right about now!!!

I find it funny that I post something and I'm the center of attention for weeks. You two actually assume me with your bullshit. I'll give it to ya Soapboxmom you do alot of digging and research but your claims are based all on your opinions. There's two ways to read evidence and you disregard everything as a scam or bs... I personally know Don Holbrook, no I'm not his alter ego lol, but I know for a fact the man has no off-shore account and he isn't hiding any money from the government. The man has no money to hide haha. Also, whether he wants to send his son to one of the best College-prep schools in the nation doesn't mean that he is at all treating his son or spoiling him at all or even misusing his financials. Instead, he is attempting to give his family the best education and life that is possible. Isn't that what we all should do? Shouldn't we strive to create comfort and a livable environment for our loved ones? I can tell that you have no immediate family meaning daughter or son because one would not be so malicious in their attacks on a family man. I find it truly assuming to see your obsession go on so I just thought I'd feed the fire with some more air. Btw, Pantherdad you don't bring any facts to the table, your commentary is completely ridiculous and you're an asshole plain and simple. I would love for you to get a taste of your own medicine or good ol' ass kicking. Ok I thought I'd just stay on this subject before I go to bed. Panther you honeslty sound like a man whose insecure... Your incessant comments about Don or his associates' weights hints at the fact that you are uncomfortable in your own weight lol... It's ok to belittle and degrade people over blogs and the internet because they can't really see what you are right? Haha you are most likely a fat ass, white trash, Texan whose so far right wing you probably believe that women shouldn't have rights and shouldn't be pro-choice. Pantherdad let me put it this way... Obviously words don't hurt you but I'll give you a reality check: You mean nothing in life, you're probably fat and wear stained wife beaters, and your existence won't leave a bigger stain on this world than a spill of a cup of coffee. It's cute to see your attempts to sound sophisticated or learnt like Soapboxmom comes off as however you won't be close to having any kind of intelligence... The real neanderthal is in your bathroom mirror. Enjoy sleeping alone or with your 400 lbs wife. How does it feel? I enjoyed that a little too much. Soapboxmom don't think you're getting off that easy, you're just not as easy to read except for your malicious traits. Night scumbags =)

WOW Mr. Yodel, glad to see you think so highly of yourself. Let me be the first to correct your assessment of you being the center of attention for weeks. You were the center of attention for a couple of posts, period. This is how insignificant you are. This thread is dedicated to your good buddy, Sir gASSbag. If you think so highly of him, then why don't YOU fund his next family vacation, because it sounds to me like taxpayers are tired of it. Not only are the taxpayers of Texas tired of it, it seems as though every tax-payer funded entity he's ever worked for is tired of him also. My having children has no bearing on what I post, I'm just another taxpayer sick and tired of the bullshit that goes on behind closed doors without accountability by those that spend that money without regard to those that provide it. I'll refer to these people as Scumbags, ESPECIALLY the ones that threaten to sue anyone having an opinion on these matters, ala gASSbag himself, although I expect no more from an only child, who more than likely was pampered himself. But since you brought up children, I'll have you know my oldest son received an academic scholorship to one of the best colleges in the state of Louisiana , BECAUSE HE EARNED IT. He is currently serving in Afghanistan as a Combat Medic, because he VOLUNTEERED to do this, helping to preserve the right of citizens of the United States of America to post thier opinions, yes, including the worthless drivel you just posted. My youngest son turned down numerous scholorship offers and finally accepted one at one of the finest Christian colleges in the nation to play football for them. One of the deciding factors in this was what this college stands for, and the values they espouse. I also have a daughter who is taking all honors classes and will be attending Rice University in Houston on scholorships. No one, including yourself, can tell me what it's like to be a family man and make sure my children have a good education. They've earned it themselves without me wiping thier ass with taxpayer-funded toilet paper. As for me having my ass kicked, well, there's a first time for everything. Sure won't be by you. Well, Mr. Yodel, I've had my fun for the morning, time to go to work for some customers I've done work for for almost two decades, because I can, it's a shame your good buddy Don can't say the same. Better yet, I might make a couple of tuna sandwiches, grab a bag of Lays potatoe chips and a half-dozen twinkies and plop down in my easy-chair and watch a movie. Because I can. Sir gASbag> < Mr. Yodel

Originally Posted by George_Yel

I find it funny that I post something and I'm the center of attention for weeks. You two actually assume me with your bullshit. I'll give it to ya Soapboxmom you do alot of digging and research but your claims are based all on your opinions. There's two ways to read evidence and you disregard everything as a scam or bs... I personally know Don Holbrook, no I'm not his alter ego lol, but I know for a fact the man has no off-shore account and he isn't hiding any money from the government. The man has no money to hide haha. Also, whether he wants to send his son to one of the best College-prep schools in the nation doesn't mean that he is at all treating his son or spoiling him at all or even misusing his financials. Instead, he is attempting to give his family the best education and life that is possible. Isn't that what we all should do? Shouldn't we strive to create comfort and a livable environment for our loved ones? I can tell that you have no immediate family meaning daughter or son because one would not be so malicious in their attacks on a family man. I find it truly assuming to see your obsession go on so I just thought I'd feed the fire with some more air. Btw, Pantherdad you don't bring any facts to the table, your commentary is completely ridiculous and you're an asshole plain and simple. I would love for you to get a taste of your own medicine or good ol' ass kicking. Ok I thought I'd just stay on this subject before I go to bed. Panther you honeslty sound like a man whose insecure... Your incessant comments about Don or his associates' weights hints at the fact that you are uncomfortable in your own weight lol... It's ok to belittle and degrade people over blogs and the internet because they can't really see what you are right? Haha you are most likely a fat ass, white trash, Texan whose so far right wing you probably believe that women shouldn't have rights and shouldn't be pro-choice. Pantherdad let me put it this way... Obviously words don't hurt you but I'll give you a reality check: You mean nothing in life, you're probably fat and wear stained wife beaters, and your existence won't leave a bigger stain on this world than a spill of a cup of coffee. It's cute to see your attempts to sound sophisticated or learnt like Soapboxmom comes off as however you won't be close to having any kind of intelligence... The real neanderthal is in your bathroom mirror. Enjoy sleeping alone or with your 400 lbs wife. How does it feel? I enjoyed that a little too much. Soapboxmom don't think you're getting off that easy, you're just not as easy to read except for your malicious traits. Night scumbags =)

So, Holbrook has no hidden money or off-shore accounts, but while screwing his creditors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in the last 5 years he has had lots of money for luxuries like European vacations, exclusive prep schools, a wife dressed to the nines and more. He is not reporting the $35,000.00 a year in private school payments on his bankruptcy. It doesn't show in his monthly expenses. He is even claiming his family is spending far less than $600 a month on food and toiletries. The clown wrote off almost 2 million (1.29 million for attorneys fees alone) in his chapter 7 bankruptcy filed in 2007 and discharged in 2010. Now, the lying dirtbag is continuing to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous with the exclusive prep school and planned trips to Europe and the Holy Lands while once again his creditors get screwed in a chapter 11 bankruptcy. What a lesson for his children on how to dishonestly play the system and take advantage of everyone who crosses your path!!

Gotquestions.org says it all. Holbrook's bankruptcies are not Christian and principled living:

Question: "Should a Christian declare bankruptcy?"

Answer: Although the Bible does not address bankruptcy per se, we do have some principles that might apply and therefore help us make some judgments.

Biblical principle #1. We have the responsibility to keep our promises and pay what we owe. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 says, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed — Better not to vow than to vow and not pay."

Biblical principle #2. Living on credit and not paying back what we owe is characteristic of the wicked. Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives.” Christians have no business behaving in the same manner as “the wicked.”

Is it proper for a Christian in debt to get a “quick fix” to his problem by seeking bankruptcy? Based on these verses, the answer is “No.” A Christian is obligated to pay what he has agreed to pay, under the original terms of the agreement. It may mean a change of lifestyle and a radical revision of the budget, but the good stewardship of money is a part of godly living.

Holbrook is not going to be remembered as a family man. His economic developer antics and reputation as a litigious goon will follow him and his poor kids for the rest of their lives.

What a garagantuan helping of if you can't attack the message effectively then just attack the messenger. The only tactic Holbrook has left is to try and change the subject since he is a proven liar and fraud and even went fantasy land in his court filings. No doubt he will have his memory refreshed by the articles I will be posting today and we can continue our discussion about Holbrook's story of not being mired in controversy and not having been fired for resume fraud and excessive spending etc.

Soapboxmom

Hey George, my cup-o-lard runneth over and I cant get up. Can you do do me a HUGE favor? Please contact your good buddy and have him Fed-Ex me some of his Ramen noodles. My fat-ass is still hungry.

The Wayne County articles continue:

Economic Development Corp.:
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Date:	Jan 11, 2006

More troubling issues
Secrecy thrives, suspicions arise

If responsible local development officials cannot get answers to questions fast, it's past time to fire Don Holbrook, the embattled president of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County.
The agency, its officers and directors have several questions to answer.
Foremost among these is one:
* Has official secrecy advanced the economic development interests of Richmond and Wayne County?
Yes, secrecy imposed by Holbrook provided him some cover for his public-be-damned, exorbitant spending ways.
But that cover has fallen to disclosure about an $8,000 desk and $35,000 moving allowances and other expenses that, Holbrook would have county officials believe, taxpayers are simply too unsophisticated to understand or appreciate.
Sadly, three public service-minded members of the EDC board stepped down in disgust while Holbrook stood his shaky ground.
Remaining EDC board members and county officials, to their credit, responded wisely by tightening Holbrook's leash, stepping up oversight of his spending and practices.
Now secrecy is again at work. The EDC and responsible county officials must again be called upon to respond in the agency's and public's shared best interests.
The EDC has concealed bare-bones facts about a potential new employer, a dairy operation. The scant information that has been disclosed, including naming the company, has seemed strangely designed to bolster the narrow interests of an embattled Holbrook.
But does anybody else find it rather peculiar that no one - not even, apparently, the federal agency in charge of regulating it - is even aware of this company's existence?
There is a time and place for secrecy in the economic development sphere, notably to safeguard confidential corporate information on a client promising jobs locally.
There is also a time for disclosure, notably when issues of public trust are raised....

Public subsidies and incentives should be placed on hold until those answers are in hand. And if those answers are not forthcoming, Don Holbrook must go. We have wasted precious economic development dollars and equally precious time on him.
OUR POSITION
The EDC and its president, Don Holbrook, need to clear the air regarding questions arising over a potential employer.....

Don Holbrook stopped talking to the media weeks ago, failing to answer important questions about his past. His bosses, the board of directors of the Economic Development Corp., now are responsible for answering these questions:...

* Please explain the January stay at the Wigwam Resort in Arizona. Why are Wayne County taxpayers responsible for the $1,000 stay?
* On Holbrook's American Express Card, in a January 2005 statement, it refers to "Dr. Don Holbrook." Why is he using the title Dr. when he earlier said that he hadn't used it since Red Wing, Minn.?...

* On his three-week trip to Europe, can anyone explain how Holbrook reimbursed the EDC for personal expenses? Also, can anyone provide taxpayers with a list of site visits he made and contacts Holbrook made while on business for the EDC? Did his family accompany him on the entire trip?
* Originally, the EDC approved $15,000 for Holbrook's moving expenses. It was later increased from $25,000 to $35,000. Who approved the increase from $15,000 to $25,000? When?
* In Holbrook's moving expenses, how do board members justify paying his in-laws $700 to help him move?
* Holbrook's silence will not stop taxpayers from asking these questions. But what's stopping board members from asking these questions?....

Commissioners:
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Author:	Rebecca Helmes
Date:	Jan 26, 2006

Holbrook must go
They cite lack of answers
as the turning point

Support for the president of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County slipped Wednesday after the Wayne County Board of Commissioners called for his firing.
Wayne County Council President Jeff Plasterer said council will have a similar announcement at its Feb. 1 meeting.
The president of the Richmond-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce also said he has communicated with his three appointees to the EDC board, but he would not specify what had been said.

Holbrook statement:
Action `irresponsible'
County commissioner Tom Dickman read the statement on behalf of the board at its meeting Wednesday, which said in part:
"The turmoil surrounding the EDC and its president causes us to regretfully conclude that the agency cannot effectively serve the vital role that it must serve in helping to shape our county economic future without a change in leadership. While we respect the independence of the EDC board of directors, we nevertheless call upon that body to promptly invoke the provisions of Mr. Holbrook's employment letter agreement that permit his employment to be terminated."...

These developments follow weeks of stories in the Palladium-Item about Holbrook's spending, budget reprimands and resume discrepancies. More recently there have been questions about a proposed $25 million, 200-job food processing plant Holbrook in September said would be coming to Richmond. (It didn't exist and never came in)
For commissioner Mary Heyob, the final straw before Wednesday's proclamation was Holbrook's refusal to answer questions from the media, elected officials and taxpayers.....

Heyob said she and other commissioners try to keep government accessible to taxpayers, but Holbrook had failed to follow that example.....

"His philosophy, I think, is somewhat different than ours," Catey said. He noted that people involved in government usually know what taxpayer money means and that it should be spent frugally.
"It just didn't appear it was getting any better," Catey said. "He's just not a fit for this community."

The EDC board in December adopted more stringent guidelines on what it will and will not reimburse......


"He's had no contact with the new board members and to me that's not good leadership," Dickman said....

"I'm going to be doing a lot of listening," Chamness said.
But he said the people who appointed him to the board have made their feelings clear.
"I have to give some weight to that," Chamness said.

Chamber of Commerce
Dennis Andrews, president of the chamber, said Wednesday the chamber has had conversations with its three representatives, but declined to give specifics about any direction they were given.
"We've made suggestion to the entities involved and (EDC board chairman Dick) Hamm and I'm confident that steps will be taken to address the issue."
He said that in the last few months there have been an "avalanche" of issues regarding the EDC.

"My turning point on it was we have waited and waited thinking this would improve with Don's ability to communicate with local citizens," Dickman said. "Things have not improved."....


A statement from Don Holbrook, released Wednesday afternoon:
"I consider the Commissioners' action to be shortsighted and irresponsible. They have chosen to make a decision based on half-truths and innuendo, circulated and perpetuated by a former employee, political opponents and local media. I have been completely responsible with public funds and just yesterday provided a detailed written explanation of my actions to Commissioner Heyob. It is clear that some are more interested in taking unwarranted punitive steps and attempting to tarnish my reputation than they are to hearing the truth. It is my sincere hope that County Council members and the EDC board will agree to hear my side of the story before responding."
Holbrook's house
Eighteen months after leaving Lake Havasu, Ariz., Don Holbrook still owns a home there.
According to real estate listing records, the house first went on the market in September 2004 at $349,990. After about 29 days that listing was withdrawn and it was listed with another agent for an asking price of $329,900, it was on the market for 231 days. Then the three-bedroom, 1,950-square-foot house was re-listed with another agent for 92 days with an asking price of $319,000. Last month the house was re-listed with a fourth Realtor. This time the asking price was $349,900. It is still for sale....

Commissioners take lead against Holbrook
Palladium - Item - Richmond, Ind.

Date:	Jan 26, 2006
Start Page:	A.6
Section:	Editorial
Text Word Count:	346

Document Text
Wayne County Commissioners have called upon the board of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County to dismiss Don Holbrook, the EDC president.
So the question should shift from whether Wayne County officials will fire Holbrook to when and how.
Credit local leadership, albeit delayed, for the important shift.
Now the "when" and especially the "how" become important considerations....

The question of "how" should entail not offering Holbrook any settlement after his arrogant, abusive, public-be-damned spending ways.
His record of lawsuits renders this a greater challenge than it should be.
But it is reprehensible for local leaders to cave in and offer half of Holbrook's $100,000-plus salary, as commissioners have suggested.
Holbrook's contract states his employment is at will with termination at any time by the EDC of Wayne County for-cause or without cause.
That "without cause" part could cost taxpayers.
But if lying on a resume does not constitute cause for dismissal, then surely paying relatives with taxpayers' dollars to assist in a move or failing to document other purported public expenses surely must.
And, if all of that does not shape sufficient cause for dismissal, then a full-blown public inquiry into Kelsie's Dairy and Holbrook's promise of $25 million investment and 200 jobs will surely do so. (didn't exist and never came in)
Firing Don Holbrook and getting on with the serious business of economic development in Wayne County is the first order of business. No doubt about it.
But getting rid of him in a manner that does not burden taxpayers further and does not simply pass him along to the next unsuspecting community must be an important moral and financial consideration....

Need I say more!!!