Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2016 17:20:02 -0500
From: “Karl Ernst”
Subject: Someone who truly seeks what is best for all the people of Chatham County
I went to #5470 to read Mr West’s note before responding to Mr Dykers’ admonition for production of facts, by either Mr West or our soon-to-be-world-famous Chatlist Administrator substantiating Mr Wilson’s qualifications, as compared to Mr Lucier’s, to be Chairman of the CC Planning Board. An interesting request though the intent is unclear to me. Mr Dykers also notes Mr Lucier’s ‘education’ in engineering and environmental issues as a result of studies in chemistry possibly suggesting these experiences as sufficient qualification? I am unaware of any specific ‘qualifications’ for Board Members other than they are Chatham residents in the district of the commissioner who is considering them for appointment(if a candidate cannot be found in that district he/she may be from anywhere in the County), indeed appointed by a sitting commissioner, and approved by a majority of the current commissioners who may apply any litmus tests they individually or collectively feel appropriate at the time of their approval. IOW, in this context, the candidate is a supporter or author of the certain agendas de jour espoused by the majority of commissioners, rather than someone who truly seeks what is best for all the people of Chatham County. The latter of such is a summation of Mr Wilson’s qualifications and is why he would have been a great Chairman of the Planning Board.
To close, the efforts of some folks to conjure an incident of racism in Mr Galin’s words of support for Cecil to be the first Black chair of the Board are just so beyond the pale that they almost defy comment. However… I recall in 2006 when then-former commissioner – AND first Black commissioner in Chatham County – Carl Thompson was brought back to the fray with a promise of board chairmanship in a well-touted effort to provide the other two democrat challengers an ‘in’ with the Black community. The democrats further went on to brand any and all supporters of the district-voting initiative, myself included, as racist bigots. This repetitive bogus allegation that is the mantra of ‘progressive’ democrats is an affront to all and should be acknowledged for what it is – hyprocrisy! – clear and simple. At that time Cecil was able to see through the smoke and supported my candidacy for commissioner. Therefore yes, I will support him gladly and unequivocally in his service to our county. BTW, these same credentials apply to Mike Cross and he also has my support in his reelection effort. He and I are on different sides of the fence politically most of the time but he understands that when the fence is in Chatham County, there should be the focus. I can work with that. Good luck, Admiral.
Have a great Chatham day!