Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 10:50:48 -0400
From: Chatham Flyer
Subject: How this Democrat is voting
In 2010 we were warned that Bock, Petty, and Stewart were extremists, “worse than Bunkey”, who would gravely damage Chatham County. Well I think the worst thing that has happened to Chatham County in the last four years is the approval of Chatham Park and that was pushed through by the chair of the county Democratic Party.
I never thought I’d say this four years ago, or even two years ago, but I think Bock, Petty, and Stewart have done a decent job and I will cross party lines and vote for them, especially looking at their opponents. Crawford’s dismal attendance as a member of the planning board disqualifies him for higher office in my opinion. And no one seems to be able to make a case for Diana Hales without talking about fracking, which is a sideshow in this election. Since the others on the county commissioner ballot are unopposed, they get my support for being the only ones to step up to the plate.
I’m not happy with everything Bock, Petty, and Stewart have done, especially their blocking of qualified people for county advisory boards for ideological reasons. But there hasn’t been a commissioner yet that I’ve agreed with 100% and overall I think the incumbents have earned re-election. It was not easy for me to come to that conclusion but I did.
The following issues had absolutely no bearing on my choice in this race: who Jeffrey Starkweather or the Koch brothers or any other imagined boogeymen or conspiracy is supporting or opposing, obesity coordinators and other patronage positions or lack thereof, who opposes fracking more, or the county’s tax rates.
On the school board I will be joining the chorus of people, Democrats and Republicans, supporting Mia Munn. For over six years she has attended school board meetings, urged others of all ideologies to do so and to get involved, and argued that school board matters should be separate from party politics. I wouldn’t be surprised if she hasn’t attended more school board meetings than anyone, including current school board members. She has paid her dues and earned her shot and she gets my vote. My other vote will go to Jane Allen Wilson.
For sheriff I am enthusiastically voting for Richard Webster. He is by far the best local candidate in all the county races from either party for any office. He’s done an excellent job with the sheriff’s department and has earned the widespread bipartisan respect he gets.
Vote the way I want you to or not, but vote!