Well, let's review the last two weeks, shall we, children? We have learned that a lot of people from all over the county are obviously very tired of the Preston approach to government, which is basically this: You dumb schlubs send us more money every year, and we'll spend it. Since you are obviously not sophisticated enough to understand that there government accounting, we won't even confuse you with it. We'll keep track of where the money is going.You can trust us.
We also learned that Cindy Wilson is indeed bulletproof, despite a massive effort by the Joey machine to once again run her out of town.Joey, as Ric Flair says,to be the man, you've got to beat the man! And you are 0-5 in the only court that counts at election time - the court of public opinion.Lawyers just don't help much there, do they? Wilson's repeated re-election proves glaringly that the people of that District trust Cindy Wilson far more than they trust you.
In light of the primary results, and especially the runoff results, it appears that attitude is catching on across the county.
We also learned that Rick Driver and his little old itty bitty radio station is a real political force in this county, whether anyone likes it or not. His lunches and breakfasts with Rick consistently draw more than a hundred people, and his consistent, albeit narrow, focus is effective, just like a magnifying glass setting a leaf on fire.I smelled smoke last night. Did you?
We also learned that Dan Harvell and the "real" Taxpayers' Association seem to be surviving their earlier tactical defeat. It turns out that Ed Jean and his crew's little stunt, while clever, served more as a wake up call than a sit down and shut up message.
Harvell clearly improved his stock, as he was instrumental in constructing a comeback that saw Waldrep go from a four point deficit headed into the runoff to a fourteen point rout of a well financed and heavily backed handpicked candidate.He may have found his niche behind the scenes, doing the heavy lifting.
I guess we also learned if you go to the race track with Joey Preston, don't let him pick your horses. He's not very good at it.I wouldn't let him pick my salad dressing at a fancy Hilton Head restaurant.
We also learned that Bob Waldrep is a bit of an old war horse, who doesn't back down from a fight and who is flexible enough to adjust his tactics in the middle of one. That's got to make Joey feel good.
We learned that other people in Anderson County vote besides the intelligentsia that is so comfortably ensconced on this blog, telling everyone how dumb they are to disagree, and how little they understand politics.Politics is like baseball, full of nuances and strategies and changes in fortune. And at the end of the day, the one with the most runs wins. How complicated is that?
We learned that incumbency is only an advantage if the incumbent has done something worthwhile with his or her term.Just putting a butt in the chair and voting yes every time the administrator yanks the string tied to your arm isn't good enough anymore.
Well, kiddies,that's quite a lot to learn in just two weeks. I know some of these lessons weren't fun, but maybe the next few months will be. We'll be dissecting a worm in lab.
So, kiddies, what have we learned?
FriedBrainMatter: Puke! Incumbency applies to your role too. Time will take care of that.
Republikin, has it occurred to you that the election results two weeks ago and also yesterday DO represent an indication that a serious analysis of the political climate in Anderson County would show the shift that the FriedGreen says? Like it or not, he is right. Now does that mean Joey Preston is dead? I don't think so at all. The man is skilled in dealing with difficult situations and it will be fascinating to see how the new dynamics on council play out in the upcoming months.
Majesty: I agree that JP is a skilled administrator. I'm thinking that once the rules are established he can play the next council quite well. IMO, JP never went anywhere except where the council allowed. I recall my son when he was a teenager: I had to provide strong direction to get him to go the diection I wanted. The people of AC did not see any direction coming from council. They have made their displeasure known.
I think JP will demonstrate that he has the ability to comply with firm, fair guidance from council. It should be the hope of all in AC that guidance will start next council meeting.
Sadly, a few think the present council is the most "brilliant' group ever assembled. They are greatly disappointed with the results of the election. But with all the turmoil and protests they should not have been surprised.
Oh, BTW, IMO, the "attack dogs" set loose did nothing, nothing at all, to help McKay, Thompson, Greer and MacAbee..
I agree with ed.
But watch, some are already looking for a replacement.
County Council needs to hire a person to run the County (done that) setup guidlines (done that) Tweek the job description (not done) Micro-manage (not needed)
The administrator is doing his job. if he has too much power it is Council as a whole that manages him, not one or two members.
Our County does not need to be dismantled to repair a few problems.
Then if we don't like what happens in two years we can try again.
Queen:
About 23% of eligible voters bothered to vote. That means only special interests voted. Do not try to imply that is any mandate. Special interests have taken over Anderson County - what's new? That is not a change. It is simply different people in charge, that's all.
Ed:
But the attack dogs on the other side were effective? But, they are attack dogs too. Oh, wait, NO, they are lap dogs for MCW and Rick Driver.
FriedBrainMatter:
Your post smacks of the same description you wrote regarding the accounting (not spohisticated enough to understand...")
What, you think you are the only one sophisticated enough to understand what happened in the latest elections? Everyone knows that Anderson County lost and the kook fringe just took over our futures. With you, Anna, Nick and Rick as their mouth pieces they prevailed. So much for unbiased media. What I learned is "when good people stand by and do nothing, evil prevails." ONly 23% of eligible voters turned out. The Kook finge was out in force. You are their biggest cheerleader. Shame on you!
Republikin, you really are going off the deep end over this, aren't you? Relax. Anderson County will be fine. The pendulum has taken a swing to the right, but the laws of political physics dictate that it will move back toward the middle in due time.
The "kook fringe" on both sides will make sure of that. Nobody wants to harm Anderson County. There's obviously just a difference of opinion over how to move it forward.
And, for the last time, this isn't the media's fault. Both sides had an equal opportunity to get their messages out. One side just did a better job of it. AND, I'll remind you of something I said here several weeks ago: It's always easier to run as an outsider looking in that it is to run as an incumbent. Think 2010 and 2012, Republikin. But between now and then, just remember that the more you insult those with whom you disagree, the less likely it you'll have any credibility left by then.
You should change your name to "Republikin reject". That's what you are, right? Can you find someone associated with the party that will accept you and your erratic behavior. I can't. We'll I guess Bill "39%" McAbee and maybe Mrs. McAbee accept you, but no one else.
Have a great day. It's gonna be a great 2 years.
again you think credibility means anything here.
rpllonh eyes rollig eyes
Republikin, and how apt that the last half of your handle is pronounced lickin',please take a dose of salts and spend the day at home tomorrow. Everyone but your roto rooter man will thank you for it.
