This whole sorry issue started on the 5th of September 2015, when I submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), request to the City. I have noted before the failure of the City to reply within the timetables as established by the Law.
It did in fact take 15 days to do what was required within 5 working days, excluding weekends and Holidays. But it finally did show up with other questionable issues during that 15 day period.
After almost three years of problems with the City/ Mr. Rapp, I had enough. I have received late replies several times; responses that did not answer what was asked and even totally unacceptable ones when I knew better what was going on. I can ever allege I was outright lied too? It was like a game; how much B.S. can we feed this fool?
So I entered into a nightmare of disrespect by several layers of Judicial Officials. When I tried to file initially, it was tried to discourage me from doing so. I was told, we don't have the forms. We would not know how to fill them out if we had them? We would not know what to charge for a fee? We are not sure the Judges would even accept the filing without the correct forms? Can anyone see where this was going? All this in a 30-40 minute phone call. At this point I will not mention who I was speaking with or the person's position within the Wood County System.
But I was advised to call the West Virginia Supreme Court for the correct forms. I looked it up on the internet and called early the next morning. The person I was trying to contact was of course not in yet. So I ended up transferred to another highly placed person. That person was not available. So I left the proverbial phone message. In about two hours I did get a call back and was/ am very appreciative for that. I explained my issue and the person advised would have to look around and would get back to me. That was the 25th of September; nothing from there to date either. So I was 0 for 2 in my attempts to do what I was legally entitled to do according to WV. State Law. Unfortunately, I appear to be the only one that has read it?
I had over the past year or so tried three (3) times to get an attorney to assist me with my issues with Vienna/ Mr. Rapp. I was not successful with the exception of the punitive City Ordnance of 2014 that I have mentioned before on the property owners being obligated to take care of the City property by their homes/ property. So I was on my own.
I can only guess that the Attorneys are afraid to challenge a Government at any level in Wood County? But I can understand being afraid to go up against the City or the County and then hope for something in the future to happen positively if one has bearded the lion in its den? As one Attorney told me, it can be very difficult to get a decision if you are an outsider.
In frustration, I sent Certified Letters to four (4) Judges at two different levels to try and get help to get my case filed. Not even the decency to tell me to go to Hell was sent back. I was just flat ignored. It is my question on this but what I was being sand bagged as the Local Officials circled the wagons to protect Vienna/ Mr. Rapp?
Finally today, I prepared as best I could a written complaint in accordance with the FOIA Law and went down and made the effort to file or be denied again. This time in person versus over the phone. I was at the point where a term called "Obstruction of Justice" was playing in my head. Lo and behold it seemed to go quite smoothly. That has left me very suspicious? I will be honest; I do not expect this case to prosper. Many things can go wrong. Improper paperwork as I noted above. Dealing with the local Politics which is a mine field in this State; not just this County or City.
As I have said before and believe to the bottom of my Soul; there is NO JUSTICE in the State of West Virginia for the common man. And folks, I am about as common as you can get. The Laws are to protect appointed/ elected officials from the public they swear to serve.
What many if not all of you do not want to accept is that in reality, I am nothing more than the tip of the spear. Out in front, trying to get an unresponsive City to work FOR the people versus themselves. To try and work a County System that did everything but put me in Jail today. And folks, tomorrow is a new and untested day. Remember, the screwing I am taking now can be YOU but for the grace of God tomorrow.
I can only ask that you each and everyone of you look at your ballots; no matter the level or how well you knew a name. What is most important is WHAT did that person really accomplish FOR the people? This coming Election in Vienna for sure is a chance to take back the City after 19 years of excessive Taxation, under if any representation by the City Government and right up the line to the State levels. This to include all three (3) branches. Executive/ Legislative/ Judicial. Almost all will be on the ballots this coming year. Yes, a year is a long time and some like Vienna will attempt to buy you off with "free" goodies and miniscule tax breaks. Don't be fooled; nothing is free and you are paying one way or the other.
I am trying to get another attempt at assistance in the case as I know what is going to go on and go wrong. Not by exact chapter and verse; but by the cold hard facts of experience. I have spent so much time on something that was so clearly explained in how to do it; that I feel the disgust and dislike for what were third world efforts to derail my legitimate requests and resolution.
Having filed Court Cases in Local/ Provincial and National levels in the Philippines; I can honestly say it was easier than what I have gone through in the past few weeks here. And this also includes the behavior of the City in respecting the FOIA Law. And for that matter, far too many Laws; Ordnances from the Federal Level to the City. The Rule of Law is what separates us from the barbarians in the World. 'nuff said.