DAVIS DOES IT AGAIN

BC taxpayers were very upset when they learned that Dan Davis had approved a $2.24 MILLION water line to Caldwell Pinckney's house on Hwy. 311. Being as this pipe was already in the ground, there was nothing that could be done to get our taxpayers' money back. With this Hwy. 311 water line in place, Davis had secured Pinckney's support on Council. With 2 Democrats and 2 RINOs voting in unison with Davis, our 4 Conservatives' hands were tied. Remember, Davis gets to cast the tie breaking vote.

Well, this unholy alliance has struck again. On June 14th, there was supposed to be a Council meeting. The committees were supposed to meet, also. By breaking all the rules of Council and parliamentary procedure, Dan Davis had placed the budget on the agenda. As it turned out, one of Mr. Davis' fellow RINOs, Jack Schurlknight, was unable to attend the meeting that night. Without his coalition intact, Mr. Davis knew he would not have the votes to pass his budget so he cancelled the meeting. The committee meetings remained on the schedule.

All went well until it came to the Committee on Public Works And Purchasing, Item C. (2.). Mr. Micah Miley very casually presented the Wassamassaw CDBG Water Project for approval. This approval of Council is a MAJOR step in getting any project done. As it turned out, Mr. Miley wasn't seeking approval for the project itself. He was seeking approval of the contract to commence work on the project. Unbeknownst to Mr. Miley, or anyone else at BCW&SA, the four Conservatives on Council had been informed of a few facts concerning this project.

Mr. Callanan, the Chairman of the Water and Sanitation Committee, asked Mr. Miley a list questions about the procedure in getting any project approved. After about the fourth question, Mr. Miley looked concerned. Then Mr. Callanan asked the "killer" question, "Mr. Miley, if all these steps are legally necessary to get a project approved, could you please tell me why this project is already almost 40% completed?" We could see the blood drain from Mr. Miley's face. He began to stammer.

As Mr. Callanan asked for dates and particulars about the project, the story became more and more convoluted. Finally, Mr. Colin Martin came forward to save the day and began to apologize for the "oversight" on the part of W&S. He said they had realized only last week that they had "neglected" to get the approval of Council so they came forward immediately to correct the error. GE&P couldn't help but notice that Mr. Miley hadn't said a word about this "mistake" before Mr. Callanan pointed it out.

Mr. Miley said twice that BC was at no risk because he had only given verbal permission for Green Construction to begin the work. He said no contract had been signed. Mr. Martin repeated this statement. Anyone who believes that any company is going to buy materials and begin work on a MILLION DOLLAR PLUS project without a signed contract, we have some prime swampland we would like to sell you.

During Mr. Martin's apology, he said, "Something like this has never happened since I have been at W&S". He must have forgotten about the Hwy. 311 Project. And the Alvin Project. And the Miracle Academy (Gants Road) Project. Not one of these water projects followed the established track for approval by County Council required by law.

The Wassamassaw Water Project is being partially funded by a CDBG Grant of $500,000. This grant money cannot be awarded until a contract is signed and a construction conference is held by COG. By law, all contracts MUST be approved by the County Supervisor. It would be virtually impossible for the project to have gotten to this point without BCW&SA and the Supervisor noticing that County Council had not given its approval. Our four Conservative members of Council are investigating this situation as we speak.

There is one more small wrinkle to this story. The Queenie Road area, where this water line is being installed, just happens to be in Mr. Caldwell Pinckney's District. The work commenced three weeks before the Primary, without the knowledge or consent of Council. Since it is a given that Supervisor Davis MUST approve all contracts, are we dealing with yet another POLITICALLY based expenditure?

NOTICE TO THE INSATIABLE

GE&P is very flattered that so many of you are reading our humble offerings. Many have complained that we do not post often enough. Please allow us to explain a bit.

The facts and accounts presented here don't come knocking at our door. We have to get out and beat the bushes, dig through County records, and interview experts and the folks involved in every issue. All this takes an inordinate amount of time and effort. Sometimes it takes, literally, weeks to gather enough information to present an accurate, factual account of a situation. Unlike some of our critics who shoot from the hip and spout rumor, innuendo, and opinion, we insist on relaying only factual information. We, too, hear a lot of rumors. When we hear one that catches our attention, we go to work to either verify or debunk it.

As you all know, since the Primary, the air has been thick with all kind of stories. That means we have been extra busy. We will attempt to bring you up to date on the biggest issues.

Unless you have been hiding under a bushel, you know there will be a run-off for County Supervisor. Henry Brown and Dan Davis were tied in the number of votes each received on June 8th. But, there is a wild card, Minnie Blackwell, the third candidate. She received about 20% of the vote and she has thrown her support and these votes behind Brown. She is giving interviews in support of Henry and actively participating with the Brown campaign for the run-off. Minnie Blackwell is a prime example of a person whose first priority is the welfare of BC. She is to be commended for her efforts.

True to form, the Davis campaign is attempting to create a straw dog in its attempt to discredit the Brown campaign. Davis contends Henry Brown is dishonest because he chose not to run, again, for the 1st District seat and chose, instead, to run for County Supervisor. Also, Mr. Davis is attempting to tie Mr. Brown to the activities of the present (Obama) administration in Washington. The final straw added to this dog is Mr. Davis' contention that, if elected Supervisor, Mr. Brown will reinstate the Rozier administration.

We interviewed Henry at length on these subjects. Henry said he had tired of the traveling and "felt the need to come back home". When his intention to leave Washington became public, he was approached by scores of BC citizens, each imploring him to consider a run for Supervisor. Each voiced the opinion that four more years of the Davis administration would be disastrous for BC. Each sited Mr. Davis' questionable handling of BC's finances and his dubious ethics and integrity. Mr. Brown loves BC and could not ignore the loud calls for him to continue to serve.

Mr. Brown pointed out what all informed people already know; the leadership and both houses in Washington are controlled by Democrats. The Republican minority, of which Mr. Brown is an active part, has virtually nothing to say about policy these days. For Mr. Davis to attempt to hang "Washington" around Mr. Brown's neck, depicts one of two things, ignorance or deceit. Considering Mr. Davis' record for veracity, GE&P opts for the later.

As to Mr. Rozier coming back to office in BC, we can assure everyone that is something that is not going to happen. Since leaving office almost four years ago, Mr. Rozier has operated his own consulting business. He works maybe two days a week and makes more money than he can count. He takes regular trips to destinations around the world. His time is his own and he doesn't have to contend with the stress and responsibility of running BC. Use your good sense and tell us, if you were in Mr. Rozier's position in the cat bird's seat, would you want to go back to a 9 to 5? Neither would we and neither does he. He is very happy where he is.

Mr. Davis is desperate. He will do anything and say anything to try to keep his position. It is up to you to do your homework and verify the validity of the words you read here. You will find they are all true. Then you will go to the polls on June 22nd and elect Henry Brown, Supervisor.

WE HAVE ARRIVED

Well Folks, we have finally arrived at D Day 2010. The Republican Primary is tomorrow.

All the promises have been made.

All the lies have been told.

All the mud has been slung.

Now, the outcome is up to us, the voters. We get to write the end of this story. We get to decide who leads our government for the next four years. Take the time tonight to call just one neighbor and remind them how important the election tomorrow is to them. If someone needs a ride to the polls, offer one. We have all seen first hand what happens when apathy controls elections. Don't let that happen again. Go out tomorrow and VOTE. Let your voice be heard.

While we're on the subject, allow us to make these suggestions:

VOTE HENRY BROWN, SUPERVISOR

VOTE DENNIS FISH, COUNCIL DISTRICT 5

VOTE CATHY DAVIS, COUNCIL DISTRICT 4

VOTE TERRY HARDESTY, COUNCIL DISTRICT 6

VOTE SHARON SHULER, CORONER

We have thoroughly vetted these candidates and we can assure you their elections will be beneficial to Berkeley County. All will bring integrity, honesty, and professionalism to their offices.

WE HOPE WE'RE WRONG

How much wishful thinking does it take to believe that the girl from Peru is the first girl Joran Van der Sloot has murdered since killing the Holloway girl five years ago?

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO OWN IT

During this primary season, Supervisor Dan Davis has been running hard......away from his record. During his campaign speeches, he has fabricated accomplishments, attempted to rationalize shortfalls, and brazenly lied about tax burdens he has inflicted upon the citizens of BC. If it weren't for pesky little details like County records and County Council minutes, possibly no one would have been the wiser. Unfortunately for his reelection efforts, he is finding there is no way to avoid these facts. He has established a record over the last 3 1/2 years as BC Supervisor and now he is forced to own it.

The issue that has drawn the most attention this election cycle is the infamous 29% of the proceeds from the Local Option Sales Tax that Mr. Davis pilfered from property tax relief. This seems to have become a very sore subject with the voters. It's funny how testy folks can get when you make a formal deal with them and then break your word. It appears Mr. Davis is learning this lesson in spades.

At a debate sponsored by the Lion's Club, Mr. Davis was confronted by his challenger, Henry Brown, about the taking of the 29%. Mr. Davis made every attempt to justify the taking of the tax relief but it was obvious the audience wasn't buying any of it. (NOTE: When basically the entire gathering displays a negative head shake, you've lost your point. ) A casual poll after the event indicated little support for Mr. Davis' positions. At a candidate forum held by Trident hospital, the results for Mr. Davis were pretty much the same.

At the Supervisor's debate sponsored by the BCRP, Mr. Davis was met with major criticism of many of his policies. Again, Mr. Henry Brown addressed the issue of the 29%. Mr. Brown asked Mr. Davis how he could justify taking the property tax relief, especially from senior citizens who may have to forgo purchases of food or medicine in order to pay the additional taxes. Mr. Davis had no reply. Seriously, he didn't open his mouth to respond.

Later at this same event, Mr. Davis claimed he was not responsible for the inclusion of the 29% in the budget. He falsely placed the responsibility for this decision squarely at the doorstep of County Council. But, when Mr. Brown pointed out that it was he, Mr. Davis, who cast the tie-breaking vote to include the tax relief in the budget, Mr. Davis had no comment. Really, he didn't deny that he cast the vote. He didn't dispute anything Mr. Brown said. He just sat there. Once again, those pesky County Council minutes proved problematic for Mr. Davis.

During this campaign, Mr. Davis has falsely claimed to have balanced the budget for the first time in 18 years. (16 years if you read his mail-out) In fact, a balanced budget is mandatory. He has falsely claimed to have lowered taxes. In fact, he has taken 29% of our property tax relief, raised the millage by one mill, raised water rates by 30%, and initiated ANOTHER one cent Local Option Sales Tax, all resulting in higher taxpayer obligations. He has falsely claimed he has lowered debt. In fact he has floated a $150 MILLION bond issue for the 17-A project, floated a $10 MILLION general obligation bond, borrowed $10 MILLION from BCW&SA, and took $4 MILLION from the BC School System. He has done all this while depleting the fund balance to below 4%. On these issues, County records let the cat out of the bag.

Mr. Davis' M O is very interesting. He makes whatever statements, true or not, that serve his purposes. If no one notices a falsehood, fantastic. If someone does notice, he just ignores it and goes on to the next subject.

It is time for the voters of BC to admit that a mistake was made when Supervisor Dan Davis was elected 3 1/2 years ago. It has turned out, as many contended at the time, that Mr. Davis' resume did not indicate the expertise required to lead BC successfully. Ultimately, he was not qualified for the job. Additionally, his actions since election have not reflected the level of integrity and good character the voters expected.

A large majority of the voters in BC are to blame for this blunder. There are 111,177 eligible voters in BC. There are only 75,000 registered voters. In the 2006 BC Republican Primary, of the 75,000 registered voters, only 12,000 (17%) turned out to the polls. Of those, only 6,096 or 8% of the total, voted for Mr. Davis. Think about that statistic. 8% of the registered voters made the decision to hire Mr. Davis to run our County. (Source: BC Election Commission) Considering these facts, is it not possible that we got exactly the kind of wake-up call we deserved?

One of the greatest things about our form of government is that no election, however disastrous, is the last one. There will always be another chance to correct a bad decision. For a couple of years, our County government has been hogtied by an inept Supervisor leading a coalition of tax and spend Democrats and RINOs. Next Tuesday we will all have the opportunity to correct our mistakes. GE&P urges every registered voter to go to the polls and have his/her voice heard.

Support the folks who have fought to save our tax dollars by voting to reelect DENNIS FISH, DISTRICT 5 AND CATHY DAVIS, DISTRICT 4

Vote to REPLACE a RINO with a TRUE CONSERVATIVE by electing TERRY HARDESTY, DISTRICT 6

GUARANTEE EXPERIENCE, HONESTY and INTEGRITY in OUR LEADERSHIP by electing HENRY BROWN, SUPERVISOR.

RECOGNIZE a QUALIFIED, COMPASSIONATE PROFESSIONAL by electing SHARON SHULER, CORONER.

BERKELEY COUNTY DESERVES ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO HAVE EARNED OUR ADMIRATION AND RESPECT. CHARACTER DOES MATTER.

ANNOUNCEMENT

GE&P would like to thank our contributors for all the great tips submitted. Also, we would like to suggest that anyone who wishes to discuss any further information, please include your email address along with your comments and we will respond. We never publish any personal information or addresses. Remember, we could not provide this service without your help.

WORDS MEAN THINGS

GE&P read with interest a Letter To The Editor in the June 2, 2010 edition of the Berkeley Independent. The writer began the letter with what appeared to be the best of intentions. Voters were encouraged to educate themselves as to the issues and as to the qualifications of the candidates. This was all good.

Then the writer seemed to veer off course a bit. He said, " That is why voting is so important to have a true democracy." Well, Mr. Writer, you have hit upon one of our pet peeves. Here in America, we do not live in a "true democracy". We live in a Representative Republic.

He went on to say, "A voter has to know the difference to make a difference. The voter has the knowledge and ability to guard against dictatorial practices that lead to bureaucracy." "Bureaucracy" is a nice sounding $10 word but it certainly doesn't fit here.

Let's play the old grammar school game: A is to B, as C is to ?

Dictatorial practices lead to bureaucracy as a 40 foot tsunami leads to sand in your shoes.

Sorry, if we're being picky.