History Repeating - Part Three
Due in parts to commentary listed by our resident news hound, Art, I have elected to move the history lesson up in the schedule. The interesting bit about what I'm about to put forth here is this: All of what you are about to read, unless otherwise noted, is from a primary source, e.g., the person was there, witnessed it, and documented it in their own words. Especially interesting is who will be re-telling the contextual history of the body politic of the county.
First - a big thanks to my research fellows that brought this information to me. Second, and arguably most important, it's time to hum that wonderful tune ... History Repeating ...
The following was gleaned from this book:
Anderson County Twentieth Century Memories & Reflections, by Richard Otter
Specifically, we are going to look at the political history of Anderson County through the eyes, thoughts, and words, of one Robert (Bob) Waldrep. Oh yes, the former State Senator and current member of council.
The timeframe and context of the following from Bob Waldrep is from 1992 - 17 years ago. Let's listen to the history of Anderson in Bob's own words:
(p.562) The county was in fiscal disarray. We had five councilmen and I think we did a lot to put the county on a fiscal basis that people could comprehend. We had an administrative form of government but the administrator had been totally emasculated. Council members were deciding where everything was going to be and how it was going to be done.
... a bit like today, Bob? I digress ... and sorry for interrupting ...
(p.563) We had so many little commissions out there that were acting independently, particulary the sewer commission ...
... have to stop here ... make a mental note of the sewer commission ... please continue Bob ...
(p.563, cont) ... The sewer commission was acting like an independent body, independent of the council and independent of the administrator. They were running sewer lines wherever they wanted to. It was not a wholesome, healthy situation. I probably spent at least a year of my life being dedicated to trying to get that straightened out ...
... the sewer commission was actually a component of the Planning and Development Committee. Care to guess who ran the Planning and Development Committee? For those that don't recall, it was the one, the only, Rusty Burns. Keep that in mind as we move on ... again Bob, sorry to interrupt.
(p.563, cont) ... David Watson was the county administrator. He had been curtailed and overruled to such an extent that he really was not calling the shots. Determinations were made by whomever constituted the majority of council. All you needed was three out of the five. I knew I had help from Republican Ed Allgood and we just had to get one more. We were able to persuade Harvey Bannister to come over. Harvey agreed that we were doing the right thing. At that time, I was a Democrat, Ed was a Republican, and Harvey was a Democrat.
... fascinating Bob! Proof positive party lines and affiliations do not matter at the local level. It's about doing the right thing for the community. For those unaware, Anderson County Council did not move to seven council districts until early in the 21st Century. Please continue Bob ...
(p563, cont) ... We would have council meeting where people would accuse us of all kinds of skulduggery for not going along with what they wanted ...
... I'm sorry ... I can't stop laughing ... please, please, continue Bob ...
(p.563, cont) ... It was not plesant at all. We felt like we were right and I think it formed a good basis for the future. I was a political science major and I knew we had a council administrator form of government that wasn't working the way it should. They were not allowing the system to work and what we were doing was really unlawful ...
... are you sure you're not talking about 2009, Bob? Sorry ... I keep interrupting ...
(p.563, cont) ... After raising much cain and getting the ship back on course, I think it set a good basis for the new council that came in. Council now is a very strong administrator type of government where the COUNCILMEN CANNOT MEDDLE INTO THE DAY TO DAY AFFAIRS OF THE COUNTY. Our administrator has a pretty strong hand to do what he thinks is right.
Robert (Bob) Waldrep said all of these things in a recorded interview on November 18, 2002. I struggle with the idea that Bob has changed so radically from his beliefs in county government. We are talking about a 180-turnabout in less than seven years that will likely return the county to what it was . . . to what Bob, Harvey, and Ed fought to put an end to . . . to how they broke up the Rusty Burns machine that ran the county . . .
Now Mr. Burns is running their county retreat? Does anyone remember their history?
- SSHM
Is this the same Rusty Burns that was accused of diverting Millions of County Dollars?
It was something about a sewer line that was funded for the Glenn Raven Mill on 178 and allegedly Rusty Burns spent the money on something other than for what it was designated. Shortly after that I am told he was fired. It is my understanding his alleged diversion of funds almost cost us The Glenn Raven facility, and wasn't it Joey Preston that saved the day with an SSRB bond?
Now currently isn't it Rusty Burns that has helped Honea Path get in the pickle they are in trying to pay for that sewer line over there? You know the sewer line that Cindy Wilson and Rusty Burns want to put at the top of a ridge where no one will be able to tap onto it because it will be a forced main. The one that Williamston and Belton cannot afford because they are still paying for the sewer they already have. The one she is trying to force on the municipalities so that Honea Path can get help paying for the sewer they cannot afford.
Is this that same Rusty Burns?
And Lord have mercy, don't even get me started on the Highway 81 South road widening fiasco.
Is this the same Mr Burns that led meetings to sell everyone on the connector between Clemson Blvd and Highway 81?
SSHM,
After I slowed my hysterics down a notch, I was facinated by this little "history lesson PT3". I can only presume these findings came from a documentable source, so as to be proven factual and quotable? Nowadays, spin-doctors have a way of saying facts, laws, rules and proceedures can be misleading, false and not applicable.
So the name Burns has had his hand in former fiascos regarding large, expensive projects which benefitted a select few, correct?
The same character who was associated with a McCarthyism-style form of government a decade ago?
The same character which was also 'rumored', months ago, to being vetted for the Admin job, correct?
The same individual who was Moderator for the past weekend's budget retreat?
Anyone find this amusing, besides me?
Is this the same Mr Burns that led meetings to sell everyone on the connector between Clemson Blvd and Highway 81?
-petunia1
I thought that person was Dan Harvell?
SSHM,
After I slowed my hysterics down a notch, I was facinated by this little "history lesson PT3". I can only presume these findings came from a documentable source, so as to be proven factual and quotable? Nowadays, spin-doctors have a way of saying facts, laws, rules and proceedures can be misleading, false and not applicable.
So the name Burns has had his hand in former fiascos regarding large, expensive projects which benefitted a select few, correct?
The same character who was associated with a McCarthyism-style form of government a decade ago?
The same character which was also 'rumored', months ago, to being vetted for the Admin job, correct?
The same individual who was Moderator for the past weekend's budget retreat?
Anyone find this amusing, besides me?-wyatt1sc
All of the commentary that was attributed to Bob Waldrep was indeed spoken by Bob and recorded for posterity on November 18, 2002, later published in the following book:
Anderson County Twentieth Century Memories & Reflections, by Richard Otter
Said book is available (multiple copies) at your local Anderson County Library. There are actually two volumes - the first volume is where Bob's comments were quoted from.
If you want to understand the type of government Rusty Burns was involved in Wyatt, go to the following URL:
http://www.andersoncountysc.org/web/Council_Minutes00.asp
Near the bottom of that page, you will see the following in green text:
"LINK TO ARCHIVED MINUTES" - click on that text.
The next screen that opens ... select South Carolina (from the state listing) and Anderson County (from the county listing). Then click login.
Double-click on the blue "Anderson County, SC" text near the top of the page. Then double-click on the "minutes." Next, click on the "1990s" in blue text. Start with 1992, and move forward. The first called meeting of that year is an eye-opener. In fact, let me link a few items . . .
01/07/1992 - A regular meeting of the Anderson County Council was held on January 7, 1992 at 4:30 pm in the Anderson County Chambers. Chairman Bob
Waldrep presided
PRESENT
Bob Waldrep - District #1
David L. Hooper - District #2
Harvie E. Banister - District #3
Ed Allgood - District #4
Mike Holden - District #5
Tom Martin - County Attorney
David Watson - County Administrator
Linda N Gilstrap - Clerk
Mr. Rusty Burns asked that Council accept the road at Clemson Research Park into the County system. Mr. McClure has approved. Mr. Allgood moved to accept the road into the system and Mr. Hooper seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Mr. Burns asked for approval of Resolution #610 naming certain road names for the implementation of the E9-1-1 system in Anderson. Mr. Banister moved to approve and Mr. Holden seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Mr. Burns asked for action on first reading of Ordinance #344 amending the existing County Addressing and Numbering System. Mr. Holden moved to approve on first reading and Mr. Allgood seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Mr. Burns presented a TDD (Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf) proposal for Anderson County which is needed in order for the County to be in compliance with the American Disabilities Act of 1990. He said that the cost is $12,266.10 and the County has approximately $13,110 in reserve with Southern Bell and recommended that this be applied toward the purchase. Mr Waldrep moved to
approve and Mr Holden seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Mr. Burns asked for approval of Resolution #615 supporting the mission of the Anderson County Planning Development Board in cooperation with the Governor's Energy Office, local utilities, the City of Anderson, the school districts, and local service organizations to implement community-based energy conservation program. Mr. Holden moved to approve and Mr. Allgood seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Mr. Burns presented a request from an individual to purchase an out-parcel of county property less than one acre. Council received as information.
Now Wyatt, I'd ask you and anyone else who has been to council . . . what is a county employee, not the county administrator, doing handling county administrator-level functions? Why did Bob on-board Harvey and Ed to put an end to this process? Why is Bob consorting with an individual that ran against him in 1996 for his Senate Seat (yes, it was Bob Waldrep (R) vs. Rusty Burns (D) in 1996 for the SC Senate)? Why is he (Bob) attempting to bring back something that, in his own words, he spent a year of his life FIXING?
Bottom Line: BURNS IS BAD NEWS. Quite honestly, if the community does not congeal around this and prevent history from repeating itself, we will GO BACKWARDS.
- SSHM
Do you know if it is true that Rusty Burns was running a political shop out of the Planning and Development Office? Was he or was he not using county money, county time, and county employees to get people elected?
Is this what our new council is trying to take us back to?
But let's clear something up here, Art Kaldas has stated that Rusty Burns has a good track record so to speak over the past several years, so let's have it.... What has he done???? Was he the one that got the grant that paid for those mason jars and baking soda???? I'd love to see what record he is putting out there as success.
But let's clear something up here, Art Kaldas has stated that Rusty Burns has a good track record so to speak over the past several years, so let's have it.... What has he done???? Was he the one that got the grant that paid for those mason jars and baking soda???? I'd love to see what record he is putting out there as success.
-constituent
Constituent,
Mr. Rusty Burns’ success record extends over decades of public service. So, those who choose to deny it are determined to remain unconvinced, regardless of facts.
My support for Mr. Rusty Burns is based on his ability to become an honest peace broker among all feuding sides, and God knows how much Anderson County is in need of peace.
Constituent,Mr. Rusty Burns’ success record extends over decades of public service. So, those who choose to deny it are determined to remain unconvinced, regardless of facts.My support for Mr. Rusty Burns is based on his ability to become an honest peace broker among all feuding sides, and God knows how much Anderson County is in need of peace.
-art-kaldas
Art, if he is an honest peace broker then his record should be posted and should stand on it's own merits. Don't duck my question just because you don't have supporting evidence. Surely there is someone who should know his successes as I only know his failures.
I dunno ART. Some old-time saying perks into mind, something about a Leopard and it's spots.... I would hope this person can perform on a level of integrity beyond question or reproach, as oppossed to other current local political figures.
Guess I have become jaded with the double-speak uttered from just about every member of the political climate here. Their campaign promises are as worthless as the County contracts they sign
Art, if he is an honest peace broker then his record should be posted and should stand on it's own merits. Don't duck my question just because you don't have supporting evidence. Surely there is someone who should know his successes as I only know his failures.-constituent
Constituent,
It was inevitable that supporting Mr. Rusty Burns’ possible role in Anderson County Government would bring opposing views. And it is equally inevitable that listing his success record would bring criticism to the work he has accomplished. So, I will only focus my posting on his ability to bridge the gap between all opposing parties.
I dunno ART. Some old-time saying perks into mind, something about a Leopard and it's spots.... I would hope this person can perform on a level of integrity beyond question or reproach, as oppossed to other current local political figures.
Guess I have become jaded with the double-speak uttered from just about every member of the political climate here. Their campaign promises are as worthless as the County contracts they sign[image]-wyatt1sc
Wyatt 1 SC,
Mr. Rusty Burns is a person of integrity, combined with political pragmatism. He may not fit perfectly in either side of the political spectrum, but he could reach compromises and achieve reasonable consensus.
Constituent,
It was inevitable that supporting Mr. Rusty Burns’ possible role in Anderson County Government would bring opposing views. And it is equally inevitable that listing his success record would bring criticism to the work he has accomplished. So, I will only focus my posting on his ability to bridge the gap between all opposing parties.-art-kaldas
Art,
Please elaborate how you can reconcile the actions of Burns, and the fact that Bob Waldrep, a sitting council member, a council member that played a significant role in breaking up the Burns Machine, into some force for positive change and bridge-building in Anderson County.
In looking at the history of Anderson County, both from primary sources (Waldrep) and from other supporting forms of record (local newspapers, historical documents, etc), the turn-around for Anderson didn't start until Burns was stopped.
How can you compartmentalize this?
- SSHM
Constituent,Mr. Rusty Burns’ success record extends over decades of public service.
-art-kaldas
What?! What success?
Wyatt 1 SC,
Mr. Rusty Burns is a person of integrity, combined with political pragmatism. He may not fit perfectly in either side of the political spectrum, but he could reach compromises and achieve reasonable consensus.-art-kaldas
One can only hope.
Art,
Please elaborate how you can reconcile the actions of Burns, and the fact that Bob Waldrep, a sitting council member, a council member that played a significant role in breaking up the Burns Machine, into some force for positive change and bridge-building in Anderson County.
In looking at the history of Anderson County, both from primary sources (Waldrep) and from other supporting forms of record (local newspapers, historical documents, etc), the turn-around for Anderson didn't start until Burns was stopped.
How can you compartmentalize this?
- SSHM-sshm
SSHM,
I have learned to be kind to my enemies, because tomorrow they could become my friends.
1992 was a different era in continuously evolving Anderson County history. While a leopard cannot change its spots, people are always changing and growing. So, 17 years of experience has changed the minds and hearts of many leaders in our community. And in my observation of the work of Mr. Rusty Burns, I have witnessed his ability to listen to all sides of the story and adjust his understanding based on the revelation of new facts.
What?! What success?-leopold-galtieri
Leopold Galtieri,
Your past postings have proven your knowledge of the history and politics of Anderson County. So, if you truly want to acknowledge facts, you definitely don’t need to ask this question.
One can only hope.-wyatt1sc
Wyatt 1 SC,
Sometimes, hope is everything.
Wyatt 1 SC,
Sometimes, hope is everything.
-art-kaldas
Art,
At this point in the current admnistration, hope is ALL we have
That other saying, about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer seems to apply as well.
SSHM,
I have learned to be kind to my enemies, because tomorrow they could become my friends.
1992 was a different era in continuously evolving Anderson County history. While a leopard cannot change its spots, people are always changing and growing. So, 17 years of experience has changed the minds and hearts of many leaders in our community. And in my observation of the work of Mr. Rusty Burns, I have witnessed his ability to listen to all sides of the story and adjust his understanding based on the revelation of new facts.
-art-kaldas
Art,
All 17 years has afforded is a significant opportunity for history to repeat itself. You have said it yourself, and I really hate to get ahead of myself, but it appears I must . . .
You have stated that streamlining and downsizing of county government is likely to happen. Let me show you how close we are to returning to 1992 . . .
Planning, Economic Development, and Sewer will all return and reform as ... Planning & Development. Burns will be the next interim administrator, allowing for Holt to return to his day-to-day duties in transportation. In an effort to reduce costs and prevent paying a second person, Burns will serve a dual role ...
Interim County Administrator AND Head of the Planning & Development Committee.
Burns will abdicate his post as Interim County Administrator once the search committee comes back with the final person for the job. At that time, he will retain his position at Planning & Development.
... a committee that was broken up over 17 years ago because it was deemed too powerful ...
... a committee that ran the county and had puppets for both the County Administrator and County Council ...
Power corrupts Art. Absolute power corrupts ... absolutely.
Look over the meeting notes of 17 years ago. Start in January of 1992. You tell me, with a clear conscience, that we are not returning to that.
Anderson ... WAKE UP!
- SSHM
