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ANDERSON — A group of concerned residents plans to protest outside Tuesday’s Anderson County Council called meeting, hoping to draw attention to what they see a as a lack of open government.
Concerned Citizens of Anderson County is planning a march outside the historic courthouse from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Between 25 and 30 people are expected to attend. County Council will hold a called meeting at 3 p.m. then its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m.
“We just don’t feel like the government of our county is representative of the people who pay taxes,” said Charles Wilson, one of three organizers behind the protest.
Residents are concerned about county employees’ credit card usage and what seems like a lack of accountability, Wilson said. People have been worried about Anderson County’s finances for a while, but the media investigations into credit card spending was “the bomb that woke thousands of people up.”
Residents are invited to join the demonstration. But while Wilson and others protest outside, the County Council will be inside discussing finances and open records.
Council member Cindy Wilson has requested time at the called meeting to address county financial matters and concerns she has about the proposed 2008-09 budget. Council member Bob Waldrep has also requested time to continue discussions about the county’s credit card records.
On the agenda for the council’s regular meeting is the second reading of three rezoning requests and a public hearing on the Capital Projects Sales Tax referendum, a one-cent sales tax that if approved by voters would be used for infrastructure projects around the county.
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Same Shennanigans Different Day. Reminds me of the movie "Wag the Dog". Throw bombs and divert attention away from the sorry unprogressive records of the two dark side incumbents they support. Sorry Charlie!
As a representative of the most progressive constituency out of the seven council districts, Bob especially needs a diversion to get people's minds off of his 800 megahertz fiasco, the blue laws debacle, and a miserable year a council chairman. Hailed as a consensus builder when elected, he turned out to be more of a bull in the china shop than Cindy Wilson. If I were running Bob's campaign, I'd keep throwing mud at Joey Preston and chant about transparency and open government too, because his record on issues that matter to District #1 sucks.
This is just going to be a bunch of old men and women who are dumb enough to listen to WAIM radio, and believe all the BULL that is broadcast by the SPIN DOCTOR,Rick Driver.These people don`t realize that it doesn`t matter who gets elected, Rick will still have to trash some of them to stay on the air and earn his pay.
I know our constitution says we all have the right to free speech, but I wish some qualifications were required from the witch hunt group, the so called tax payers. Most I have seen are failures and nobodies that think their 15 minutes of fame is the high point of their lives. How many of you have ever volunteered your time to help others? Most of you are invisible to all normal people. Look around at who you are impressing. I bet you do not see anyone that manners. Get a life!
WWBROWN
Some have their eyes closed, do not care or just plain ignorant.
Or maybe, some are actual members skimming all they can.
in response to wwbrown
so what, if we the tax payers are nobodies,haven't got a great education & are failures.we still pay taxes!I bet you have a great career,drive a luxury car, & know lots of people in high places.but,you're probably in debt up to your eye balls while trying to keep up w/ the Jones',don't spend alot of time w/ your family due to that great career,you probably volunteer somewhere because you're trying to advance that career by impressing someone high up the corporate ladder,& your friends use you until they can't get anything else from you.If what I have stated is your meaning of "GETTING A LIFE".I'll pass on "GETTING A LIFE".I'll settle for being a nobody.
P.S. you mispelled MATTERS.I don't have much of an education.But, I know how to spell MATTERS.
The "N" key & the "T" key are too far apart to be a typo.
You tellum redrider.... I guess us dum hill billies gonna go on us a witch hunt and catch us a crooked witch.
I be proud uv my 2 minutes of fame...
I surtainly hop I im-pressed yall...
That's great if someone wants to protest the credit card abuses--the ones that don't ever seem to have manifested themselves. Even the hack reporters for this newspaper couldn't spin the credit card usage into any kind of significant impropriety. And for those who are drinking Cindy Wilson's koolaid, the hack number she has floated was $25,000 that SHE believed to have been spent inappropriately. That factors out to be about 14 cents per taxpayer in this county. 14 cents! So protest away, everyone! You'll spend more in gas getting to the Courthouse than you actually "paid" for what a crackpot Councilmember calls a bad expense.
Why don't the rest of the community plan another protest--one that shows our disgust for the MILLIONS of dollars that Cindy Wilson has cost the County. Nobody ever talks about that on here.
I'm starting to think the root of the matter is that all you haters NEED Joey Preston. (God knows the Independent needs him. If it weren't for him, they wouldn't have anything to print in their tabloid-style paper). Without him, you wouldn't have a scapegoat for everything you're unhappy about in your lives or that you have to pay taxes like everybody else. I assure you all if they ran him out of town today, you all will still pay the same amount of tax (or more) with any future administrator that comes along and with any Council that you vote in.
Good points "SomethingFromNothing". There's a whole industry out there who's very existence depends on have JP here to kick around. If Joey left they'd implode.
Looks like Joey Ray got some of his puppets up early to join in this blog but they will have to get to the courthouse and under Joey Ray's desk by 9 AM, so maybe they will shut up then. Some of the most disrespectable people in Anderson are spewing out their foul mouths because a concerned group of 'old men and women' are protesting and speaking up for our county government. These are the same 'old people' that have fought the wars to give nitwits like some of you the freedom to act so un-American. I think they made a mistake defending you. Scum like you should be swept out of our country completely. The leftwing groups as ACLU and Gay movements have reached the doorsteps of our local government and are speaking out through hatemouths as pallbearer and theflash and others. I am glad to have read about the protest march tomorrow and I WILL BE THERE TO DO ANYTHING I CAN DO TO PROTEST WHAT JOEY RAY HAS DONE TO MY COUNTY. I pity you that are blind to truth.
Seems to me all you Joey corny'(es) need to go
back to school and learn how to spell and proof
read before you post your silly statements.
Hey Charley! Are you always this mean or are you just having a bad day?
in response to cwilson4
I am one of the people that you are calling scum,and I did fight for this country,I am very proud of my country and try to help improve it in any way I can.I will not try to trash it or anyone elected or hired by my elected officials, and if I have a complaint I`ll voice my opinion at the voting booth.But remember everyone has a vote and it should be illegal for anyone to try and influence any voter,let everyone make up their own mind.A vote is a very valuable right,paid for with the lives of countless fighting men,don`t sell it to some person who is only trying to use you to make his,or her living.In my opinion anyone who makes a living with their mouth is automatically a LIER and thief.
in response to theflash
with your last sentence there <theflash> i hope you never need an attorney in this town.
This seems to be another attempt by Cindy Wilson and her cronies to divert attention from important matters of Anderson County government. She and her cronies have done more harm to this county than anyone else in local government.
She questioned an alledged amount of credit card debt but she had no problem with her family getting a windfall for the county being allowed right of way on her property. None of her supporters are willing to address the incredible sums of money spent by Anderson County defending her lawsuits. Joey Preston has his faults, as most people do, but at least people like him are interested in moving the business of Anderson County forward and not involved in attempts to further detract from what is a good county with good employees working hard to advance it. There should be a protest over the way WIlson and her cronies have highjacked government in Andderson County.
I mean the supposed $25,000 compared to Wilson's millions wasted, give me a break.
in response to In_Search_Of_Truth
I possibly might need an attorney before the election in Nov., I have had the need for them in the past,but you can bet your last dollar on this, If I spend my money for a lier .and thief it will be of a better quality than Anderson has to offer. You might say I would be looking for someone smart enough to put my money in the right hands for a favorable ruling for myself.
This is a message to all who don`t agree with the planned protest around the courthouse from 4 to 6pm on tuesday,this group has a permit to protest,but anyone who wishes to protest the protesters, bring your own signs and join in I have been informed that anyone who shows up will be covered under their permit.We can beat them at their own game, with their own permit
I heard the county was going to have an open house at the courthouse to greet the protesters. Cookies and lemonade on the lawn of the courthouse and information booths throughout. And of course, free hot air ballon rides to all.
Cwilson: What does the ACLU and gay rights have to do with this?
Of course you don't like answering my questions, so a response would shock me.
amazing how you people try to trivialize this situation like it is only a $25,000 issue. you don't seem to grasp the fact that is what has been alleged after looking at just a very few months of credit card accounts. it is the tip of the iceberg since no more information has been forthcoming. what you are also not able to wrap your mind around is Wilson is being forced to spend whatever monies have been spent in order to protect our right to know. Preston's spending has been to deny us what we are entitled to. do you not see any difference there.
as to land sold to the county or city, what about the .155 of an acre (that is 15/100 of one acre) for $180,000 sold to the city by city councilman Tom Dunaway. or the connector property he bought in 2002 and resold for a nice profit in 2004. any insider info there? nah!! too much ????? questionable things going on fattening up our leaders pocketbooks. what are these five council members fighting so hard to protect?? JRP doesn't want to tell us. he doesn't want a forensic audit. he would rather spend the money on a lawyer denying us access than an auditor proving us wrong. i may not be educated but i'm sure not stupid!
in response to theflash
"You might say I would be looking for someone smart enough to put my money in the right hands for a favorable ruling for myself.
"
so basically you admit you are a crook and would have your attorney pay someone off for the results you seek. that explains alot of your posts. thank you.
in response to In_Search_Of_Truth
No I don`t consider myself a crook, What I said was I am smart enough to hire a professional crook to do my dirty work.This way I can keep my hands clean,sort of the same way Rick,Cindy,and Bob use you and keep their hands clean.
funny, i am here exercising free speech and fighting for the rule of law and the citizens right to transparency in government. it just so happens that is the side Cindy and Bob are as well. if JRP was on that side of the fence i would be on his side. apparently you are here to protect your personal enrichment. these rights apparently have no value to you. oh, that's right you can pay someone off to get what you want. i forgot. this must just be for us poor folks.
in response to theflash
i see clearly now why you persistently support corruption in government. you epitomize the corruption we fight!
Good morning "InSearchOfTruth". How's the Waldrep re-election campaign going? I've seen a few signs out - mostly in the rights-of-way. Sorry you guys have to be so nasty and so - like Cindy - this time. You already used up that Trojan Horse campaign strategy last time when you ran Bob as a moderate consensus builder, only to have Bennie Sue and the crazies come running out once he was sworn in. Heard the nutdrivers this morning futilely trying to defend your guy and his fellow mudslinger on the 800 megahertz issue.
BTW, InSearchofTruth, while we're on the topic of transparency and open government, what is it that your candidate Bob and his ally Cindy really stand for? Can we ever really be sure? Based the Trojan Horse we got last time, who knows? Clean your own windows before you criticize someone else's transparency. At least we know Cindy was a rat going in.
Can you believe that pallbearer and theflash (one and the same) are advocating possible violence by trying to bring out the tiny group of loudmouths like they are and asking their group to "join" the Concerned Citizens with their filthy pro-corruption signs? They are the most uneducated group of Prestonites around and Preston may be urging them on since he has no leg to stand on. The Police Dept. will NOT give a totally separate group a permit to march in the same area as we are. They will have a couple of officers there to insure that no one has an opportunity to cause violence to anyone.
If the two agitators, pallbearer and theflash, want to come and observe, you are welcome. Just don't even think of getting in our march with your anti-honesty-in-government signs.
hey, rail on about these people all you want. you are asking questions that have no definitive answer. of course you know that , that is why you pose them. i am here on principle. if you have a horse in the race then speak for yourself and not others. as my previous posts state, if you and <theflash> or your five cohorts on county council were on my side of the fence, i would be supporting them. so if you can tear your mind off this idea that i am here supporting a particular candidate, maybe we could have some useful discourse. if you have anything useful to say. for example, tell me what you think we should do about the fact that the council is so heavily stacked with lawyers, real estate people and construction barons? one day, when you have a few minutes i will share with you a map of anderson county that shows the evolution of land development coupled with purchases made by people on city and county council (or their immediate families, friends and/or business associates) overlaid with planning for the connector and the build out of infrastructure in this county. how these people have amassed their wealth will become painfully clear.
ty pallbearer- i;ll probably show up for the refreshments because if they serve them you can bet joey is paying for it out of tax dollars
Cwilson: What does the ACLU and gay rights have to do with this?
I'm still waiting on clarification.
Looks like the circus came to town. Just changed locations. The courthouse. ~LOL~
in response to cwilson4
I`ll match my education with yours any day. I also will be at your protest rally and I won`t be there to start any trouble, but I won`t run from any that is forced on me either,and as an American citizen freedom of speech at a political rally is not breaking any law and can`t be stopped by the local police.
JWhite....the ACLU and the gay agenda are two of the most active groups that are pushing for numerous 'rights' for themselves and for other ultra-liberal left wing groups. They join forces with smaller liberal groups and try to overwhelm any group that still stands for decency in America. They make their own 'laws' as they go and ignore the rights of others to further their wicked cause. The way some of the Prestonites react to citizens for open government reminds me of those two groups. Our very own Prestonites will not recognize facts and choose to ignore the evidence presented. It comes down to the good people vs. the evil people in my humble opinion. The evil group has won many battles and diminished the overall strength and integrity of the USA in the eyes of the world. We are trying to keep some honesty in our elected officials and in hired employees that are responsible for our tax money. If you believe in truth and honesty and integrity, join us.
theflash...we will be glad to have you. We will have some extra signs if you want to join us. The police can stop a person if they obstruct a march line and interfere. A person can protest across the street, etc. but not interfere with a march that has a legal permit as we do. We are protesting for open and honest government and will not cause any trouble.
Hope to see you tom.
It's funny because the ACLU has supported many groups in their right to free speech, and I imagine they would support your little protest. I actually do agree with you that our county government needs to quit getting back at Cindy Wilson by making information less accesible to its people. I think it is wrong, but I think you are doing nothing towards correcting the problem by your vitriol towards our Administrator which borders on absurdity. The reason that I won't join you, and the reason I suspect most other reasonable people won't join you is that those people who generally call for more open government in this town also are a band of ignorant, redneck loonies. I offer as proof your above rant about the "wicked cause" of gay rights. Also the fact that you think that anything "liberal" is also anti-decency. I think it is you who ignore facts in favor of a watered down faith that most of you have not fully educated yourselves in anyway, yet you use it to condemn entire groups of citizens in this country. So you guys sit over there and wave your flag and talk about how anyone who disagrees with you is evil, un-American, and lacking in intergrity. Those of us who have educations and don't have chips on our shoulders will just stay home until reasonable people can get past the ridiculousness on both sides and maybe things will change.
"If you believe in truth and honesty and integrity, join us."
Let me tell you about the integrity of the CAVE dwellers in this county. These people threatened me physically (anonymously because they are cowards) over "liberal" statements that I made on a forum. These people have no integrity. They are just angry. Though I believe that our government does need to provide us, the taxpayers, with regular information, do not align yourselves with these nuts to get it.
"If you believe in truth and honesty and integrity, join us."
Let me tell you about the integrity of the CAVE dwellers in this county. These people threatened me physically (anonymously because they are cowards) over "liberal" statements that I made on a forum. These people have no integrity. They are just angry. Though I believe that our government does need to provide us, the taxpayers, with regular information, do not align yourselves with these nuts to get it.
"If you believe in truth and honesty and integrity, join us."
Let me tell you about the integrity of the CAVE dwellers in this county. These people threatened me physically (anonymously because they are cowards) over "liberal" statements that I made on a forum. These people have no integrity. They are just angry. Though I believe that our government does need to provide us, the taxpayers, with regular information, do not align yourselves with these nuts to get it.
JWhite, we, the decent people of this county and country, will continue holding and waving our flag that we owe allegiance to. If your education tells you to blast us, I'm afraid you majored in ACLU and gay agenda. The ACLU, about one time per year will defend some highly visible person or cause ONLY to be able to say that they defend peoples rights. The other 999 times they are destroying our rights. You should do some research if you know how, about them and the filthy gay agenda.
Stay home, keep being angry, follow your leader, Joey Ray. We will take your place on the front lines of freedom while you cower in the background. Don't worry, we are peaceful and wont bother you.
JWhite...there is no need to post the same message three times. It's annoying to everyone, even people like you.
It was a glitch in the system. I did not do it on purpose. And who are "people like me" Mr. Wilson?
The soiree is back in town this afternoon?
Well the threat I got was in no way peaceful. It was actually quite graphic. Also, as I have said many, many times before, I do not like Joey Preston. This is not a black and white issue as you CAVE dwellers seem to believe. Rationality and reason do not equal "Prestonite" or whatever that side is called. I love the "we will take your place on the front lines of freedom." Seriously? You think your little courthouse protest and sending me nasty emails is the front lines? While people fight and die? Have you ever heard the word "jingoism?"
How dare you call homosexuals "filthy!" You disgust me. You claim to be so religious, and yet you spew hate. How does one translate the love that Christ taught us into this?
in response to cwilson4
I don`t have to go across the street if I have a different point of view than you,I can stand right beside you and not break any laws,and your permit is good for anyone who wants to display a sign of any belief,as long as it is not dirty or illegal.And as far as touching one of your signs,there`s not enough money in Anderson to make that happen.I might start thinking like you and your WAIM sidekicks,who I believe are all brainwashed by Rick,Cindy,and Bob.You all sound like a bunch of parrots,who learned to talk listening to WAIM from 7 to 10a.m. Monday thru Friday.
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To cwilson4 and insearchoftruth, you people are a trip.
To pallbearer, flash and other people like you.
You have my pity. Hope your blind eyes are open some day. I know for a fact that most of you are in Joey's care. That's your problem.
Charley, it is you and Bob and Cindy and the whole WAIM family that persists with the character assassination of Joey. You may not like Joey, that's fair enough. I don't like everybody I meet either. However, not liking somebody does not give any of us a license to say they are corrupt or lack integrity. Joey is neither dishonest nor corrupt nor criminal. That's just cheap politics - the kind that Anderson does not need. Remember, it's you all who are the aggressors here, not JP.
Pallbearer
Who is Charley?
in response to Pallbearer
Pallbearer you are probably right in answering for cwilson4, she or he is not able to carry on an intelligent debate,hate for Joey clouds her vision, But let me fill you in on some things,Im not your son I am probably older than you anyway, and as far as being on the lines,I was on the line that counts most.The line where if you didn`t duck at the right time you came home in a body bag,so don`t preach anything about being a patriot to me I fought for the rights that I now ,not only enjoy but demand from people just like you.Got any medals or purple hearts,if so bring them and hang them on your sign.That might impress a real man.
If you missed the Channel 7 news report, get a copy..
Anderson County Council was blasted for the poor documentation and free spending of tax dollars.
guy...I missed it, but will pick it up on Ch. 7 site. The evidence is mounting, even as I write. The Prestonites will be in shock when we release all the info we have, and are gathering every day. It's alarming. I compare Anderson County to the days when organized crime ruled Chicago. I am not accusing anyone. Just saying, wait a short time longer. Truth will win. Bet on it!
in response to cwilson4
You sound enough like Rick Driver,that I believe one of you is writing the others material.Or maybe you are the Spin Doctor.
So long for now theflash, or Doug. I'll know who pallbearer is soon, will let you know.
If CWilson is so worried about the gay agenda, he might check into the "lifestyle" of his favorite reporter on the Channel 7 news...
in response to cwilson4
Sorry wrong guess but you are getting close,and i`m pretty sure who you are,but you`ll never come out in the open will you?Stay in the closet where you belong.
This is great stuff! LOL.
I thought about turning on the Comedy Channel for a few laughs this evening, now I don't need to!
Ok folks. Everybody should lighten up. Flash my response from CHARLES WILSON to you was a parody of Colonel Nathan Jesup's tirade in the movie "A Few Good Men". And that twit reporter from Channel 7 (Anderson Independent-Mail's self-proclaimed media partner) has been trying to do a hatchet job on Joey since he was working for a station in Charleston and JP refused to interview with him. Channel 7 has zero credibility in reporting on Anderson County. Channel 7 keeps running the same old tired story.
in response to theflash
If you are going to leave messages for others regarding your stronng opinion, please know what the F(*&^ you are talking about, and please use 2nd grade grammar skills.
Thanks.
You all have spoken and removed all doubt!
New day! I will not call anyone names again or fuss at them because they don't agree with me.
*****I INVITE EVERYONE THAT BELIEVES IN AN OPEN AND HONEST GOVERNMENT TO JOIN THE CONCERNED CITIZENS TODAY AT 4 PM BY THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE FOR A FRIENDLY MARCH ASKING FOR FULL ACCOUNTING OF HOW OUR TAX MONEY IS SPENT.*****
Now, that wasn't so hard, was it cwilson4?
Full accounting of how money is spent has been provided every single year since Joey Preston came in 1996. Clean audit every year, no exceptions. If you or Cindy or Bob don't agree with HOW the money is spent, then constructively change it throught the budgeting process.
Pallbearer...thank you so much for your comments. We are working to constructively change the way the budgeting process is done by electing new council members that are conservative and believe in open government. We believe this is the best solution. Don't you agree?
You don't get it. The system is open or you would not have the credit card statements and GLR 165's to amuse yourselves with. Re: new council members? Yes without a doubt that's the solution to putting these political stunts behind us - we'll start with new members for Districts #1 and #7 and go from there.
in response to Pallbearer
the annual audit does no more than check to make sure the math has been done right. it does not delve into the purpose the monies were spent. the questionable spending from what appears to be a county slush fund for buying everything from airplane parts to food in every restaurant in town. no one says JRP doesn't spread it around. some of these consultants we have paid for are a good example. Largesse takes many forms.
where you seem to lose the way, is about where the idea that taxes and fees are "imposed" on the public by government and while recognizing it as necessary, i have never met anyone that said they liked it.
those monies, given up grudgungly, carry a caveat. "tell us how you spend it and spend it wisely." JRP first problems began with his reputation for lavish consumption. word kinda got out and some people started asking for some accountability for this apparently lavish lifestyle. well a pissing contest ensued and the administrator, in a powerplay, began making certain people's way to go as hard as he could. evidently JRP picked on those certain people, to put them in their place and remind them of who is in charge. other county councilpersons don't have to submit FOIA requests to get what info they want. they have said so themselves.
so you see, you have two council persons that are getting flipped a bird from a hired county administrator, thats the bottom line of the situation. personalizing the dispute just obfuscates this very real fact. making these council persons take a case, about public access, all the way to the Supreme Court to hide personal misconduct is an outrage.
since when can a subordinate tell a superior what they can and cannot see in records. if that is the way this county government is set up and what they are doing is supported by law... then we need to change our form of government back to one that the people are in control of their own destiny and not the like of this administrator. if this isn't a wakeup call to the power being taken away from the people i don't know what is.
if the county doesn't want to tell the citizens how they are spending their tax money, you might find the taxpayers don't want to pay it. let's find a solution that moves this county forward from what has been called "analysis paralysis" by opening the books and clearing the slates.
Pallbearer, I believe that In_Search_ has answered any questions you could have so I wont take your time by repeating what was said. If you have more questions, please ask!
And, join us at 4 today in the march for Open and Honest government in Anderson County.
Now look "InSearchofTruth". I've watched nearly every move of this deplorable "made for media" drama over transparency and open government. The only time I've seen the administrator give Cindy and Bob the figurative finger is when they call him a "crook" in open meeting. In my mind, merely giving them the finger demonstrates tremendous integrity and patience on his part.
In-search-of-truth, and cwilson4 have certainly opened my eyes, The answer to all our county`s problems is very simple. Just vote Cindy and Bob out of office in Nov. and ride Rick out on a rail. Then maybe our elected official`s could do their job without all the distractions now present.
<pallbearer> and <theflash> i will fight to my dying breath to protect your right to say so. God bless America!
Pallbearer and Flash....I'm sure you are good boys and I hope your eyes will be opened someday.
See you at the march.
in response to cwilson4
hey!!! ever heard of burying the hatchet???? In cwilson4's case, let's bury the hag"...will you please shut the hell up and turn your record over....what's the matter w/ you? are you a scorned JP groupie or something?? People that act like you are usuall