The keynote speaker was Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture. He made a pretty much "to be expected" presentation. The controversy didn't start until the Q&A portion of the program. One attendee wanted information on the involvement of SC in the Agenda 21 situation. This questioner went away unsatisfied because Mr. Weathers didn't appear to be quite up to speed on the subject.
Another attendee was interested in the State considering establishing a second Farmers' Market, this one in the Lowcountry. Mr. Weathers explained that, if the Charleston area wanted a Market, it would be necessary for us to find a way to pay for it. He didn't think the taxpayers of SC should have to foot the bill. This position confused many listeners as he had just finished explaining that the Columbia Farmers' Market was a joint venture with State government and private business.
There were other questions about imported food quality, including the Monsanto issue. Mr. Weathers didn't have a lot to say on this subject. This lack of information did not please these questioners. Despite the fact that "The Breakfast" very much appreciated Mr. Weathers taking his time to come and speak, all should realize that this is a very informed group and it is a good idea to have your answers ready when addressing this event.
The next portion of the program was devoted to other elected officials and candidates involved in the upcoming primary:
Mr. Bill Crosby attended but left before the speeches.
Senator Larry Grooms was there and spoke briefly. (We know you don't believe the "briefly" part but it's true.)
Councilman Dennis Fish had a few words to say about the existing County budget process.
Councilman Tim Callanan presented the BC Republican Party Platform for this cycle.
Congressman Tim Scott spoke and presented a Bible to Mayson, the group's youngest Conservative activist.
Mr. Samuel Rivers, candidate for State House District 15, gave a very inspiring speech. He introduced himself and explained why he has chosen to run. Mr. Rivers recounted his Conservative up-bringing, noting his mother's instruction in self-relience and personal responsibility. He noted several of his accomplishments and fleshed out his basic core values as a Conservative.
Also speaking was Mr. Rivers' late-coming primary challenger, Charlie Davis. (Not Council woman Cathy Davis' husband) GE&P was less than impressed with the credentials presented by Mr. Davis. During his Q&A period, Mr. Davis admitted that he has voted in more than one Democrat Primary and has supported Democrat candidates in contested races. Mr. Davis explained that he "voted for the man, not the party". This position may have been valid 50 years ago but, in today's political climate, a vote for any Democrat is a vote to strengthen the Liberal agenda. Mr. Davis, also, stressed that he is an active opponent of "School Choice". This specific issue met with a great deal of disagreement from the group.
The only contested County Council race this cycle is that of District 3. The incumbent was a no show but the challenger, Mr. Ken Gunn was there. Mr. Gunn introduced himself to the group and explained why he chose to run. After signing the BC Republican Platform, Mr. Gunn pledged, if elected, to be the 5th Conservative vote on County Council. This statement garnered cheers from the audience. Mr. Gunn said he planned to work with the 4 existing Conservative Council members to reign in wasteful spending, return property tax relief to the taxpayers, and make our County government more accountable to the citizens. Mr. Gunn ended his presentation with this great quote:
YOU DON'T NEED TO CALL IF YOU HAVE A GUNN
GE&P expects a very interesting election cycle this year. As many people have said, this is the most critical election of our lifetimes, whether local or national. We Conservatives have a unique opportunity to put our government back on the right track. All we have to do is get out there and participate. We outnumber the tax and spend Liberals but you can't expect a vote that isn't cast to count. Search out your local Conservative candidate and support him or her. Volunteer to help with a campaign. If you don't have the time to do that, write a check of any amount to help pay for campaign material. If nothing else, offer to put a sign in your front yard.
DO SOMETHING.
4 comments:
Couldn't attend due to family obligations, however, your report is, as usual, well done! Can't count on the media to report or report objectively! As required by SC Election Laws and our Republican Party rules, "vetting" candidates is necessary for citizens to cast an objective and meaningful vote. I guess Bob Call, and his campaign manager Supervisor Dan Davis and others, had some "good" reason(s) for not attending! Hopefully, he will show up somewhere so that he can be "vetted"! With his "outstanding" voting record on County Council, why wouldn't he want to take advantage of "every" opportunity to tell his "phenomenal" accomplishments? Wow, where have I heard that term before! Can anybody out there tell me?
Let's see here.
People file to run in the republican primary and won't show up at the largest gathering of republicans in the county. Are they republican in the first place?
Actions speak louder than words so I suggest democrats will think about voting for SOB(sweet old Bob)Call but the real republicans will get up and go get their Gunn!
Bob Call's political sign on Hwy 52 entering Goose Creek says "A man you can TRUST" and "Republican Reformer"! Well, let's analyze: A man we can trust when he has VIOLATED Berkeley County Ordinance which restricts political signs from being displayed until 45 days prior to an election. That means they can't be displayed until 27 April 2012. I registered a complaint with the County Coding Officer 48 hours ago and haven't heard a word!! Yet, Mr. Call can be TRUSTED?? Don't think so! Reformer? Maybe he thinks that he is for "reforming" the Republican Party so that Republican candidates don't have to follow any election laws, rules, and/or regulations! What he has done, is yet another example of why he is NOT capable of holding ANY public office! It also shows that his campaign manager, Dan Davis, supports this violation!
As Commissioner of Agrigculture of a state, proper knowlegde of Agenda 21 and sustainable development initiatives, after seeing the effects they have already had on our nation over the past 20 years, are one of the top priorities to protect and preserve the interest of the citizens of SC. Thank you for your article on the topic and because of it I believe I will now support Joe Farmer in the upcoming primary.
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