A Referendum On Our Future

As I stated above:

It is becoming increasingly clear that there is indeed a group of individuals in this county that truly desire little to no change or growth. When that desire is meets public safety head-on, logically public safety would win out, as the safety of the public benefits EVERYONE.

I was shocked to hear just how wrong I was.

- SSHM

It is worse than this. It has now become an outright threat to those first responders who are participating in the political process.

What I am about to quote is what my fellow blogger, JD Tippett would classify as "the law of unintended consequences." I'd like to thank WAIM for providing an internet stream from which this was recorded. I'd like to thank Rick Driver for threatening first responders in the county.

Context of the quote: A woman calls into the show starting at roughly the 2hr 30m mark to discuss a mailing that went out in District 7 enumerating what M. Cindy Wilson has cost Anderson County Taxpayers during her tenure ($1,000,000+). Rick is getting increasingly frustrated and fires off the following (at the 2hr 34m, 40s mark):

I honestly believe, that, in the end, at the end of the day, that the people involved in that are going to suffer financially because they are always running around with boots out and so forth and gimmie a little money for this that and the other we're going to have chicken this weekend how about coming and spending your money so you can support what we do.

Now ... if they don't or you don't agree with them, this particular aspect I believe they willl suffer as a result of their actions. The best thing they can do is use what is between their ears - You better stay the heck out of the political arena.

And if you don't, the people will remember that - at least 50% of them in your area - they gonna bust your fanny.

- = Rick "I Hate First Responders" Driver

Threatening first responders Rick? I wonder what your fellow members of the Williamston EMS Board will have to say about your actions.

This election is a referendum: A referendum on first responders and their ability to engage freely in the political process and not be bullied or threatened. To serve their county in a capacity beyond that of just a first responder.

Vote June 10th.

- SSHM

Reserved

Reserved

Reserved

It is becoming increasingly clear that there is indeed a group of individuals in this county that truly desire little to no change or growth. When that desire is meets public safety head-on, logically public safety would win out, as the safety of the public benefits EVERYONE.

I was shocked to hear just how wrong I was.

It was with great displeasure I had to endure the ramblings of an individual on WAI'm Out of Material this morning - an individual that was, ... wait for it ..., outraged over the fact that his tax dollars were being spent on co-locating ambulance/EMT units at fire stations around the county.

Finally, someone in county government is listening about response times and is taking proactive steps in ensuring that the health and well-being of the residents of Anderson is met in the most timely and expeditious manner.

Be reasonable and rational for a moment: Who can argue about placing an ambulance, co-location, with fire stations around the county? How can you argue in opposition to a solution that allows for members of the medical field to better meet the needs of the citizens of this county - especially if that citizen is ill, injured, or otherwise incapacitated. Every minute counts . . .

This is clearly an issue of public safety.

To listen to the caller this morning first made me think: This guy has to be joking, right? Well, then I put it into context. Allow me to borrow from Art, since he has so eloquently addressed the issue in another post:

Obviously you have not attended the political debate for County Council members, which was held in the Civic Center and organized by Anderson County Republican Party. Two hundred attended, and one hundred and fifty of those who attended were enthusiastic supporters of Ms. Cindy Wilson. Their main rallying point is the perception that a group of Anderson elitists have disrespected them and trampled over their values.

- Art Kaldas

I didn't realize parking an ambulance at a fire station constituted "trampling over ones values." Apparently, to this group, it does.

This election represents a referendum on our future. There are those incumbents that have consistently supported Public Safety and Security by funding and providing for Fire, Police, and Ambulance Services.

It is time to recognize those individuals who have supported, who currently support, and who will continue to support these unsung heroes of Fire, Police, and Rescue.

On June 10th, recognize that the real issue here is more than a meal at Hooters. Recognize the fact that "being against virtually everything" isn't just a slogan - it's very real. Take that positive step towards ensuring a brighter Anderson - both for tomorrow and for the years to come.


- SSHM

- SSHM

You didn't have to endure the ramblings of anybody, just turn it off and don't listen to them.

Edit: BUMP - Scroll up to see where Rick was quoted on his own show THREATENING first responders.

Kinda bold considering he serves on the Williamston EMS Board . . . .


- SSHM

notice hes never demanded (nor has cindi) a forensic audit of the finances of the rescue squad...

yet they walk around in some cases wearing embroidered jackets that cost over $250 tax dollars each..

guess its not pork when you are the one eating it

Edit: BUMP - Scroll up to see where Rick was quoted on his own show THREATENING first responders.

Kinda bold considering he serves on the Williamston EMS Board . . . .


- SSHM

- SSHM

And everyone also knows where he lives too........."Traffic" can really be a PITA when you're trying to get to someone who is having chest pain or if their house is on fire. Sometimes you have to go 15 in the 55 because all the blue hairs in their Cadillacs just won't get out of the way for anything..........The Willimaston area is really bad about that....


I'll be sure to pass his rant to my friends at Williamson, not sure when elections for their board take place, but I can find out. That would be a nice thing to pass around about 4 days before...

As I stated above:

It is becoming increasingly clear that there is indeed a group of individuals in this county that truly desire little to no change or growth. When that desire is meets public safety head-on, logically public safety would win out, as the safety of the public benefits EVERYONE.

I was shocked to hear just how wrong I was.

- SSHM

It is worse than this. It has now become an outright threat to those first responders who are participating in the political process.

What I am about to quote is what my fellow blogger, JD Tippett would classify as "the law of unintended consequences." I'd like to thank WAIM for providing an internet stream from which this was recorded. I'd like to thank Rick Driver for threatening first responders in the county.

Context of the quote: A woman calls into the show starting at roughly the 2hr 30m mark to discuss a mailing that went out in District 7 enumerating what M. Cindy Wilson has cost Anderson County Taxpayers during her tenure ($1,000,000+). Rick is getting increasingly frustrated and fires off the following (at the 2hr 34m, 40s mark):

I honestly believe, that, in the end, at the end of the day, that the people involved in that are going to suffer financially because they are always running around with boots out and so forth and gimmie a little money for this that and the other we're going to have chicken this weekend how about coming and spending your money so you can support what we do.

Now ... if they don't or you don't agree with them, this particular aspect I believe they willl suffer as a result of their actions. The best thing they can do is use what is between their ears - You better stay the heck out of the political arena.

And if you don't, the people will remember that - at least 50% of them in your area - they gonna bust your fanny.

- = Rick "I Hate First Responders" Driver

Threatening first responders Rick? I wonder what your fellow members of the Williamston EMS Board will have to say about your actions.

This election is a referendum: A referendum on first responders and their ability to engage freely in the political process and not be bullied or threatened. To serve their county in a capacity beyond that of just a first responder.

Vote June 10th.

- SSHM

- SSHM

An individual with such a thuggish attitude toward anyone, let alone first responders, should not be a member of any board or commission in this county.

Edit: BUMP - Scroll up to see where Rick was quoted on his own show THREATENING first responders.

Kinda bold considering he serves on the Williamston EMS Board . . . .


- SSHM

- SSHM

Kinda interesting that Rick serves on Williamston EMS Board when he lives near Townville. As the Cheshire cat said (or was it Alice or the Catepillar) "Curiouser and Curiouser.

wait till Rick needs a first responder.

Edit: BUMP - Scroll up to see where Rick was quoted on his own show THREATENING first responders.

Kinda bold considering he serves on the Williamston EMS Board . . . .


- SSHM

- SSHM

No he doesn't you idiot.

wait till Rick needs a first responder.

- Bic

"Sorry central, we didn't copy that call, you were covered up by other traffic"

wait till Rick needs a first responder.

- Bic

"Sorry central, we didn't copy that call, you were covered up by other traffic"

- zn706

Which is entirely possible withthe 800 MHz system, of course.

Edit: BUMP - Scroll up to see where Rick was quoted on his own show THREATENING first responders.

Kinda bold considering he serves on the Williamston EMS Board . . . .


- SSHM

- SSHM

Kinda interesting that Rick serves on Williamston EMS Board when he lives near Townville. As the Cheshire cat said (or was it Alice or the Catepillar) "Curiouser and Curiouser."

- merrymacsc

Mary, please get one thing right on this blog. Rick Driver is not on the board of the Williamston EMS.Also, you people do realize Rick isn't up for election don't you?

Also, you people do realize Rick isn't up for election don't you?

- dunebuggy

CHARACTER COUNTS, STANTON!

Anyone who's slimy enough to say the following . . .

I honestly believe, that, in the end, at the end of the day, that the people involved in that are going to suffer financially because they are always running around with boots out and so forth and gimmie a little money for this that and the other we're going to have chicken this weekend how about coming and spending your money so you can support what we do.

Now ... if they don't or you don't agree with them, this particular aspect I believe they willl suffer as a result of their actions. The best thing they can do is use what is between their ears - You better stay the heck out of the political arena.

And if you don't, the people will remember that - at least 50% of them in your area - they gonna bust your fanny.

- = Rick "I Hate First Responders" Driver

. . . is certainly of questionable character. I would also be inclined to question the folks he supports and his motivations.

- SSHM

Edit: BUMP - Scroll up to see where Rick was quoted on his own show THREATENING first responders.

Kinda bold considering he serves on the Williamston EMS Board . . . .


- SSHM

- SSHM

Kinda interesting that Rick serves on Williamston EMS Board when he lives near Townville. As the Cheshire cat said (or was it Alice or the Catepillar) "Curiouser and Curiouser."

- merrymacsc

"Curiouser and Curiouser", is what your husband has done with the economic development board appointments. Neither of them live in the district he represents.

I say, "Curiouser and Curiouser."

I hope MerryMcAbee was listening to Rick's show the past hour. Rick read some of the McAbee/Plummer/Jones receipts from their pleasure trips all over the country at taxpayers expense. Thousands and thousands of taxpayer dollars wasted. And those were only a tiny handful of credit card receipts. My, my, what will those receipts show when we force Preston to release more of them? Only McAbee knows!! Right?
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wait till Rick needs a first responder.

- Bic

Well Pappy, you were right, It is campaign season and i had to check in. When reading this post I was a little disturbed by the irresponsible and ignorant remark made by Rick Driver. I am disgusted by him as much as the rest of you are, however, as much as I hate to say this, Rick Driver is a person with value. He has a family and a group of friends and neighbors that care about him. You are right, I am not one of them however I do want to point out again that his life and his impact on our community is a positive one. (yes, I'm choking on that one too).

I say all that to remind everyone that having an adversary is exciting until tragedy strikes at the least expected moment. That is why what our first responders do is to be admired and supported.

When I called 911 in the wee hours of the morning of our fire, no one even asked my name. They did not ask if I supported the volunteer fire fighters, they didn't ask if I was on the right side of the political fence. No, they just got out of their beds, left their families at home, and risked their lives to save my family from harm.

As much fun as it is to hate Rick Driver, detest Stan Welch, and abhor Cindy Wilson I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all of our first responders, volunteer firefighters and police departments would be on the scene instantly to offer a helping hand. Our community would gather around them until they were stable again.

We live in the most loving and giving community in this great state. I am sorry that Rick felt that he needed to say what he said but please remember he is a radio personality. The rest of us live in reality and we know that no matter who we are our first responders are going to be there to help.

What they do is a calling, what their families give up deserves praise and when they come to our doors asking for donations we all no mater what side of the political fence we are on will keep giving, including Rick Driver, Cindy Wilson, and Stan Welch.

The more important thing to focus on in this election is when they come to our aid that they have the equipment they need to save our lives and the lives of our loved ones. It is for this reason that you need to vote for Doug Hooper in Anderson County District 7 and for Bill McAbee in District 4 and Raymond Mackay in District 1. All have a proven track record of support of our EMS, firefighters, and police departments.

After all don't you want to have a well educated and well equipped first responder at your door when life's unexpected tragedies visit your home? Vote June 10th for McAbee District 4, Hooper District 7, and MacKay district 1.