Ronnie G. Wilson

Is everyone aware of the award that was presented to Ron Wilson in December 2007? Ronnie won the BENEDICT ARNOLD AWARD FOR 2007. I haven't checked it out but I think that means Ronnie won the award for being the biggest traitor to the taxpayers that sits on county council. Also, after Preston hired Ronnie's daughter Allison Schaum as a consultant because she had once grown a tomato plant in her yard which qualified her as an expert farmer, Ronnie then appointed Preston as his adjutant in Ronnies brigade. The adjutant collects the dues. You can google Ron G. Wilson and read some real interesting stuff about the Benedict Arnold Award Winner.
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THE HONEST DEPENDABLE CHOICE IN DISTRICT 6 IS RICK FREEMANTLE.
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Did you know that Ron Wilson voted for more taxes in one evening than his predecessor did in 6 years?
He voted for the maximum tax allowed and increased our solid waste fee by 50%. In 18 months he has approved $50 million in NEW spending increases. HE PROMISED THOSE THAT PUT HIM IN OFFICE THAT HE WOULD NOT RAISE TAXES. So, Benedict rolls along not caring what his former supporters think.
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RON: " I WILL NOT RAISE YOUR TAXES. " (2006)
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Ron Wilson has been an asset to our County. He has worked with the Farmer's Market and other county staff to bring convention business - Read the article

He values our agricultural heritage and doesn't just give lipservice to that value - he rolled his sleeves up and worked WITH county staff to make good things happen - things that will benefit the entire county, as well as his district. That is a fact. Complain about him if you like, but I wish there was someone like him in district one and district seven.

Ron Wilson has been an asset to our County. He has worked with the Farmer's Market and other county staff to bring convention business - Read the article

He values our agricultural heritage and doesn't just give lipservice to that value - he rolled his sleeves up and worked WITH county staff to make good things happen - things that will benefit the entire county, as well as his district. That is a fact. Complain about him if you like, but I wish there was someone like him in district one and district seven.

- buffytheslayer

You're damn right he values our agricultural heritage. His daughter's consutling contract with the county proves that. He values not having to pay to keep her up himself, and letting you and I do it. I must admit Buffy, I admire your flexibility. You stick your foot in your mouth as easily and smoothly as falling off a log. Values our agricultural heritage! That's a hoot.
And if you can't see the link between that contrract, Joey Preston's efforts to get Ron's beloved SCV convention to town, and Ron's complete acquiescence to the Preston Plan, then bless your little pointy head.
As for someone like him being inDistrict Seven and District One, how many damn districts do you live in?Planning to vote in all of them? That really rns up the mileage on that county vehicle, doesn't it?
Besides there is someone like him there. In fact, it is him. Little Mr. Kingmaker is running all over the county, toting the bag for Preston and interfering in District races.Gotta admire a man who goes all in. But if he doesn't manageto stay on the majority side, he won't be able to get a vote to take a toilet break. Rock and roll, ron. Let 'er rip!

buffy...you mentioned the Farmers Market...interesting. I was playing pool (in a pool hall where Bud Lite is served) this week and someone (who loves HD Hogs) told me that he heard from a biker out west that the fellow that Preston appointed to 'run' the Farmers Market, a Mr. Grace I think (surely not THE Gracie), had won a trip to the biker's big rally out in the midwest somewhere. Seems like the Mr. Grace was on the committee of a bikers rally here in Anderson and the grand prize was a trip for two (with mate) to the big rally, plus free shipping of two bikes there and back. Since you now seem to know everything there is to know about Anderson County politics will you explain to me how a committee member could legally 'win' the grand prize valued at $5,000? (You may know I'm sure that Anderson County paid for the luxury vacation out of our taxes.) I heard there were hundreds of entries. Just does not seem ethical (look the word up) to me. If you know Mr. Grace, please find out and let us know. I think he and Ron Wilson's daughter, our Farming expert and consultant, are very very close friends. I don't know anything about the deal but you can usually depend on anything you hear in a pool hall while having a cold Bud Lite. Thanks for your help.
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SHOULD A SPONSOR BE ABLE TO TAKE THE GRAND PRIZE HOME?
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buffy...you mentioned the Farmers Market...interesting. I was playing pool (in a pool hall where Bud Lite is served) this week and someone (who loves HD Hogs) told me that he heard from a biker out west that the fellow that Preston appointed to 'run' the Farmers Market, a Mr. Grace I think (surely not THE Gracie), had won a trip to the biker's big rally out in the midwest somewhere. Seems like the Mr. Grace was on the committee of a bikers rally here in Anderson and the grand prize was a trip for two (with mate) to the big rally, plus free shipping of two bikes there and back. Since you now seem to know everything there is to know about Anderson County politics will you explain to me how a committee member could legally 'win' the grand prize valued at $5,000? (You may know I'm sure that Anderson County paid for the luxury vacation out of our taxes.) I heard there were hundreds of entries. Just does not seem ethical (look the word up) to me. If you know Mr. Grace, please find out and let us know. I think he and Ron Wilson's daughter, our Farming expert and consultant, are very very close friends. I don't know anything about the deal but you can usually depend on anything you hear in a pool hall while having a cold Bud Lite. Thanks for your help.
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SHOULD A SPONSOR BE ABLE TO TAKE THE GRAND PRIZE HOME?
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- Bubba

Apparently when your parents were pounding sense into your thick head they forgot to mention that getting ones information at the local pool hall is less than reliable. The name of the contest winnner was publically released (I don't recall the name) but a call to Mr. Grace at the County should clear that up. This is the same tripe that WAIM tried to pass off as "pool hall" facts. Eight ball in the corner pocket. You lose.

Some of you wanted me to remind you of the Breakfast With Rick which is this morning at 10 AM at Ryans on Clemson Luther Obama Blvd.
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THIS IS YOUR REMINDER. READ IT AGAIN.
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When I have questions, I generally seek out the answers. I did what came to mind, I went to the Anderson County web site and looked up the Farmer's Market. From there, I was able to get the phone number - 231-1924 (at the bottom of the page - contact information). I dialed the number - Brandon Grace answered (on the same page, market hours are listed and include Saturdays). Mr. Grace was very quick to answer my questions about the winner. I am satisfied that he DID NOT win the prize, but an actual biker/participant did. He also stated that he had called into the Rick Driver show a while back about the Poker Run.

He did tell me that he was in contact with a lawyer about the slanderous allegations and that he would be appreciative if I would share on the blog that legal action was being pursued.

I won't tell you the winner's name - do your own homework. And from now on, stop spreading lies and check out what you hear while getting any kind of beer before spreading it as the truth. Some of us are getting sick of the mudslinging and lies.

OK, Buffy, if you say so. Still seems strange to me that Mr. Grace would not tell you the name of the winner since Mr. Grace was in charge of the event.
Why doesn't Mr. Grace come here, to this blog, and explain everything to us. Sounds simple to me....if someone else won. I'm curious to know who the winner was and if he/she is kin to Mr. Grace cause I think Buffy is lying to us again. This rumor could easily be put to rest if Mr. Grace will answer the questions. Right?
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BRANDON---TELL US WHAT HAPPENED. WHO WON THE EVENT AND WENT TO THE BIG SKY RALLY AT OUR EXPENSE. WHOSE BIKES WERE SHIPPED THERE AND BACK AT OUR EXPENSE? ALL WE WANT IS ANSWERS WHICH ARE ALWAYS HARD TO GET FROM ANYONE NEAR JOEY RAY.
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bubba, obviously the name fits you. After being informed of the truth concerning the raffle winner, you still think there is a County conspiracy. I hope there are no County employees on this blog because no amount of truth they can dissemate will ever satisfy you and the dick driver crowd. You and your bunch deserve to be ignored and laughed at by County employees.

Resident....are you telling me that you accept 'as truth' whatever Buffy says? Apparently, you have not been around much and read many of her posts. Did it not seem a little strange that she did not want to mention the winners name? I'm not trying to pick a fight with Grace, I don't know him. I just want to hear him say that neither he/wife/relative did not win the trip at our expense. And....did Brandon Grace accompany someone on the trip at our expense. Simple questions don't you think? Stay tuned. More, much more is coming on this topic.
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WHY CAN'T BRANDON GRACE TELL US WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?
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big deal... so ron Wilson is a member of the SCV. No secret. They even have a website -
http://www.mansejollycamp6.com/

OK, Buffy, if you say so. Still seems strange to me that Mr. Grace would not tell you the name of the winner since Mr. Grace was in charge of the event.
Why doesn't Mr. Grace come here, to this blog, and explain everything to us. Sounds simple to me....if someone else won. I'm curious to know who the winner was and if he/she is kin to Mr. Grace cause I think Buffy is lying to us again. This rumor could easily be put to rest if Mr. Grace will answer the questions. Right?
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BRANDON---TELL US WHAT HAPPENED. WHO WON THE EVENT AND WENT TO THE BIG SKY RALLY AT OUR EXPENSE. WHOSE BIKES WERE SHIPPED THERE AND BACK AT OUR EXPENSE? ALL WE WANT IS ANSWERS WHICH ARE ALWAYS HARD TO GET FROM ANYONE NEAR JOEY RAY.
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- Bubba

I have not ever gone to any bike rally either on my own dime or for the county.

All you have to do is contact me directly (the number is in the blue pages under Farmer's Market). I will be happy to answer all questions quickly and clearly.

This is not really an appropriate place for me to release that information.

However, those who have it on their web sites or handing it out on flyers will get clarification via registered mail this week...from my lawyer, to cease slandering me. I have already answered these questions (publicly) several times.

I have never withheld any information from anyone that has asked me public official or not. Tell me why you diidn't attempt to get answers from me before you spread a rumor that could potentially damage my credibility. I would extend anyone that courtesy, because I value fairness and honesty. Do you?

I find it interesting, while looking at RGW's statement of economic interest, that he claimed $0.00 for salary while on County council. Hmmmm.....

Secondly, I find it interesting that he does not list the farm that he owns in Spartanburg county. That may not be significant to most of you guys, but that is the same farm that his daughter lives and claims to be an expert in sustainable agriculture. She receives/received a rather handsome "consulting" fee for her "extensive" knowledge in this field. I think she has been living/working there for a total of 2-3 years. Expert?????

Mr. Wilson, also didn't put down any reimbursements or expenditures paid for on his behalf from the county. Wow. Working for free? Paying own way?

That's incredible.

Thank you for your service to Anderson county Mr. Wilson.

- willieh

Let me just say a couple things about this issue.

First, I don't get to vote for Ron Wilson. Frankly, he and I, personally, reside on different ends of the political spectrum. Anyone who knows us both will tell you this is the truth. However, we have found an issue that we are both enthusiastic about. We believe that the pursuit of sustainable agricultural in Anderson County can lead to great benefits for all residents. Mr. Wilson likes the economic development and food security aspects. I lean toward the health and environment issues. There is great potential to bring many positive benefits to our county, a traditionally rural and agricultural effort. It is like focusing on our strengths to lead us to the future, instead trying to come up with something completely new that we may or may not be ready for.

Do we have all the answers yet? No. Are there some challenges ahead? Yes. But we both (and the rest of the council, including Ms. Wilson) believe there is something there to pursue for our residents. I will be glad to go anywhere, anytime and make my pitch and hear your concerns. There is nothing to hide. This is done with complete transparency.

Now as to Ms. Schaum...I did not hire her, so I will not speak to that. We worked together for sometime before someone made me aware of her connection to Mr. Wilson. By that time she had established herself as a fantastic partner in getting this agriculture initiative off the ground. I have a great many duties with the Farmer's Market itself. That takes up a great deal of my time. WIthout her, we not be implementing a pilot program called "Grow with Me!" to bring fresh food to our school children or hosting a major agricultural conference. She has been a huge asset to this county. Again I would be glad to share specifics with anyone who wants to do a little research.

I beseech everyone reading this not to let a program with massive potential to improve our community be destroyed by politics. Come on Anderson we can be better than that.

Brandon....as I said before, I'm not looking for a fight. All I want is answers. Why is this not a good place to post the names of the winners in the 2006 Poker Run? Why is that such a secret? It was a public event. Were the winners picked in secret in the backroom of some bar? If you are not involved then post the first 5 winners names and addresses. Otherwise we will believe that you are hiding something from the public.
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IS THE POKER RUN THAT BENEFITS THE UNDERPRIVILEDGED CHILDREN A SECRET THAT THE PUBLIC CANNOT KNOW ABOUT?
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Brandon....as I said before, I'm not looking for a fight. All I want is answers. Why is this not a good place to post the names of the winners in the 2006 Poker Run? Why is that such a secret? It was a public event. Were the winners picked in secret in the backroom of some bar? If you are not involved then post the first 5 winners names and addresses. Otherwise we will believe that you are hiding something from the public.
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IS THE POKER RUN THAT BENEFITS THE UNDERPRIVILEDGED CHILDREN A SECRET THAT THE PUBLIC CANNOT KNOW ABOUT?
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- Bubba

Bubba,

I will try one more time. I am honestly trying to answer you, and I have offered to give you the proof you want. I just won't do it on the blog. The winner of the prize package did nothing more than participate in a charity event and win a prize. I don't see why I should expose them to the ridicule I have to endure because I am a county employee.

The winner of the contest was announced at the Poker Run, in the newspaper, and was revealed on WAIM a few months ago. If you won't call me for confirmation, then avail yourself of one of those other sources.

Otherwise you prove what Mr. Preston has said all along. No answer is good enough it is just about a personal vendetta.

Bubba, you can believe whatever your want to believe, but I think the man has answered your question. Stop badgering him.

Brandon....as I said before, I'm not looking for a fight. All I want is answers. Why is this not a good place to post the names of the winners in the 2006 Poker Run? Why is that such a secret? It was a public event. Were the winners picked in secret in the backroom of some bar? If you are not involved then post the first 5 winners names and addresses. Otherwise we will believe that you are hiding something from the public.
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IS THE POKER RUN THAT BENEFITS THE UNDERPRIVILEDGED CHILDREN A SECRET THAT THE PUBLIC CANNOT KNOW ABOUT?
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- Bubba

Bubba,

I will try one more time. I am honestly trying to answer you, and I have offered to give you the proof you want. I just won't do it on the blog. The winner of the prize package did nothing more than participate in a charity event and win a prize. I don't see why I should expose them to the ridicule I have to endure because I am a county employee.

The winner of the contest was announced at the Poker Run, in the newspaper, and was revealed on WAIM a few months ago. If you won't call me for confirmation, then avail yourself of one of those other sources.

Otherwise you prove what Mr. Preston has said all along. No answer is good enough it is just about a personal vendetta.

- Brandon Grace

Mr Grace

Yes Ed, that is correct. Let me expand on that point. The organizing committee for this event learned a lot of lessons with our inaugural event. One of the things we learned is that we needed to be better prepared in accounting processes.

At the end of our first event we found ourselves with much more money than we expected with nowhere to put it. The County deposited it and all bills, including the grand prize trip, were paid through the county system. That provided a level of acountability we did not have in place. It cost the taxpayers absolutely nothing.

In our second year we established our own accounting and did not have to avail ourselves of the county. The participants were happy, the charity is happy, and I think we did a great job. This was done by county employees but on our own volunteer time.