Oldham Using New Advertising Media

Mobile Billboard Delivers Message County Commissioner candidate Larry C. “Doc” Oldham is operating a specialized advertising campaign in Lee County between now and election day. So far as is known, this is the first time that such advertising has been used in a Lee County race. The mobile bill board has become a rapidly accepted new tool in the campaign arsenal and has been used in both party's Presidential races. Oldham is running for commissioner and the mobile billboard will take Oldham’s message straight to the voter by utilizing a specially designed mobile billboard mounted on a lighted truck especially for this purpose. “Since I have been somewhat limited in my ability to get out and see folks in the last few weeks, I thought this was a way to let people know that I am still very interested in being their commissioner.” Oldham had open heart surgery a month ago but has had a rapid recovery. He attended the Herald's Forum and has been seen campaigning in various parts of the county. He is ready to enter heart rehabilitation and is expected to make a complete recovery. The billboard sized sign moves from place to place giving more exposure than a fixed billboard. The billboard emphasizes "Doc"s business background and calls for "New Leadership and New Direction" on the board of commissioners and gives a call that "It's Time To Get Down To Business." Oldham has been endorsed by the Sanford Herald and Friends of Lee County High School. The mobile billboard will be parked at high traffic locations from now until the election, traveling busy streets, attending events with crowds, and making a round of polling places on Election Day.

On The Z-Pack

Feeling Bad, But Have To Give Out Kudo's to Police Chief's Media Diversion There was a busy week planned here, but computer technical problems, delayed postings of video sources, and a cold turning into bronchitis has slowed the progress. I wasn't going to have a post, but Sanford Police Chief Ronnie Yarborough's cunning inspired me to make an observation that I didn't want him to think I missed on a subject that was to have gotten more attention, and yet will, despite his cleverness. I was able give it the attention it deserved based on reporting by Gordon Anderson of the Sanford Herald. Unlike other blog posts, I was able to do it without the long hours of research and making videos that go into many blogs primarily because of Anderson's reporting. Suspects in Handcuffs Flee Police Car According to the Sanford Herald's lead crime reporter, Gordon Anderson, a suspect in a stabbing that happened outside a local bar and restaurant early Sunday morning escaped from police custody and remains at large. According to Anderson, Sgt. Harold Layton of the Sanford Police Department stated that the suspect was in the squad car and was handcuffed. Further information was not forthcoming. Sgt Layton also specified to Anderson that "Warrants have been drawn charging him with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and resist, delay and obstruct." Of course the police department doesn't want to go into any details. The escape marks the second time since August that suspects have escaped the custody of Sanford police officers. As Anderson also reported "On Aug. 30, two teenagers suspected in an attempted break-in at a local pawn shop managed to escape the Sanford Police Department while they were wearing handcuffs. It took a month to get them back." The Herald's Anderson followed up with the reaction of council members to the escape. Steve Brewer, the owner of the bar where the Sunday altercation happened, reported to Anderson that these were isolated incidents . He stated, "Every situation is different, and the officer evaluates the situation and does what he thinks is the best for everyone there." To the e-Lee Dispatch, Brewer appears to be a perpetual apologist for the city administration and part of a council majority that minimizes any matters that might make the city look bad. On the other hand, Councilman Mike Stone, though not criticizing any particular police officer told Anderson that "a review of departmental policies might be in order." Although Stone told Anderson that the policies had worked well, a new problem exists and the policies need to be updated. Stone stated, "I think our chief has 35 years of experience, and I think he will address it with the city manager in an appropriate fashion." Meanwhile, out of the blue comes the news in another article from Anderson that the City police have arrested five people in the past week in connection with at least 47 vehicle break-ins in recent weeks. According to Anderson, four were arrested back on Oct. 22. In an unrelated case, officers charged 23-year-old Jimmy Ray Capps of 440 Bounty Lane on Oct. 21 with 26 counts of breaking into motor vehicles. Viola We Have a Headline So let's see as we add that up, the Sanford Herald's report listed five people totaling up to 47 break-ins. Now as we see it, it would be good time to release a story to the media although it is more or less about what happened nearly a week ago. That is smart public relations. Wait until you need to divert the attention of the public away from the fact that handcuffed criminals have been escaping from Sanford police, go back to arrests made over a week ago, total them up, and we have a headline in the Sanford Herald to take the attention from the issue of escapees in handcuffs in patrol cars. And it is back to business as usual. That dog isn't going to hunt this time, not with us. The public needs to know what steps have been taken to review the police procedures and what conclusions were reached. More later. PS Attention to all family members--be sure to observe all traffic laws. This sourcing for this blog concerning the Sanford Police Department was primarily from news stories written by the Sanford Herald's crime reporter Gordon Anderson. Since paid subscriptions are required to make permanent links to the story, it was necessary to use much of Anderson's work directly in the story. (Thanks Gordon) (Click here to subscribe) The commentary is provided by the e-Lee Dispatch. Meanwhile, I appreciated a particular comment on a recent blog very much. It was like taking two Tylenol. It answers the earlier comment and sums up what has really been going on and puts a lot of criticism from a lot of blogs in perspective, and I appreciate the support. (Click to read.) Editor's Note: See my wife's version of how intimidation felt when I was breaking a big story on the e-Lee Dispatch Plus. It is taken from an email to a friend. Also, take a momment to read the editor's comment which deals with the police shooting..

Complaint Filed With Local Board of Elections

Signed Complaint Immediately Forwarded to State Board of Elections

Editor's Note: As promised, you can download a copy of the complaint by clicking here. The complaint is a basic legal document and contains only the minimum necessary to start the process. The two separate filling forms are attached along with a picture of the signs so that investigators can be sure identify the correct signs ordered. The documentation on the e-Lee Dispatch has clearly demonstrated that some person or persons had access to accurate information about the ordering of the sign. I have disclosed all that I believe it is important for me to disclose on this blog. While I have had several names repeated numerous times as to those responsible for approaching and recruiting Steve Thomas to sign the forms, none of those sources either would permit their names to be used or were relying on rumors. Answering that question is the one piece of this story that I do not expect to have reliably until Mr.Thomas's legal counsel will want to have those cards to deal during the investigation. I believe no one, except of course the conspirators, to have more information regarding this than I do. It seemed to make no sense for others who volunteered to sign the complaint to do so when their knowledge of the facts was substantially less than mine. In signing the complaint, I have done what I do not like to do, which is to put myself into the story. In an effort to be fair to other parties to the story, I elected to provide a copy of the complaint to the Sanford Herald and reluctantly agreed to an interview will Billy Liggett. I fully expected to have a response from Jamie Kelly that would do his best to cast the falsifying of forms to the board of elections, no matter who is responsible, as a political trick and characterize me as a political hack. As to a political vendetta against Kelly, I could have pursued this story with the kind of penetrating questions that would have added to those who call for his resignation. Quite to the contrary, the column the editors chose not to run today, yet held out hope that Kelly would be a contributing member of our community. Had I not voluntarily given this story to Liggett, you, as you have done so consistently throughout this unfolding story, would have been reading in more documented detail and careful analysis about it here rather than on the front page of the local paper. In return, Ligget's blog (click here) was annoying and inconsistent. This story has driven the readership of my blog to records even beyond those when Jim McCormick resigned and readers found a far more measured and informed reporting of his departure here. By announcing in this editor's note that the e-Lee Dispatch is turning its attention to other important political and governmental issues, readership is likely to return to its normal, but thanks to you, creditable numbers. That is hardly sticking with what is working as LIggett suggests.

Formal Complaint To Be Filed Today

Complaint to Local Board to Be Forwarded To State Board of Elections Editor's note: Readers may be interested in a new post (click here) "Rich Kid Syndrome"-From NY Times Magazine that is posted on our companion blog, The e-Lee Dispatch Plus, which contains information of interest and opinion. Also, our column appears in the Herald tomorrow and the The e-Lee Dispatch Plus on Thursday. A complaint is expected to be filed today with the Lee County Board of Elections alleging the commission of perjury and suborning perjury in the filing of false information relative to the now infamous red and white signs. Steven Thomas who signed the first form filed with the Board of Election almost immediately admitted that he had been asked to sign the form by "friends" and had done so without knowledge of its significance. He called Herb Hincks to apologize for signing the form. He has retained legal counsel and is unlikely to name those friends until called to testify before the state board. The form was obviously not completed by Thomas and was delivered to the local board by a yet to be identified woman on October 23. Someone connected with the completion of the form signed by Thomas had access to information about the purchase of the signs because the form was correct in all material ways with a subsequent form filed by James Kelly, a local commissioner known to be seeking the chairmanship of the county commission and with information provided by the Iowa printer that produced the signs. Only the date of purchase (10/13/08) was incorrect. Filing the form on October 23 was within the time period required by law. Based on the actual date of purchase, Kelly was nine days late in submitting the form to the local board of elections--something he has yet to explain. The target of the political message on the sign was Herb Hincks, a candidate for commissioner, who served previously as a bi-partisan board chairman for eight year. Since only Jerry Lemmond of the three democrat commissioners on the ticket is known to support Kelly for the chairmanship, he was likely the intended beneficiary of the sign. A copy of the complaint will be made available no later than tomorrow on this site.

Kelly Coverup Clearly Planned

Matching Forms Give Scheme Away Editor's Note To get the most out of this article you will need to read what is called an Adobe or .pdf file that has both forms. If you need to download and install a free Adobe Reader, click here. There are clear indications that a conspiracy to distance Jamie Kelly from the now infamous red and white signs exists. This conclusion is based on comparing the information on both forms. A file containing both forms filed with the Board of Elections can downloaded here. (Click here) To save you some time, it boils down to how did Steve Thomas (or more likely whoever asked Steve Thomas to sign the form) manage to have all the correct information that varies in only one significant way from the form signed by Jamie Kelly--the date of the purchase. The other question for Kelly is why did he wait nine days late to file the form? Kelly only filed his form after the individual who signed the false form recanted his signing of the form. 1. The false form has the name and address of the vendor all the way down to the zip code. How did a farmer named Steve Thomas get all that correct information? The Kelly form, which you would expect to be more precise, has the same information but omits the zip code. 2. How did the Thomas form manage to have exactly the same amount as the Kelly form? ($2842.48) Remember it was the first form filed. 3. The Kelly form has office sought "commish" with the declaration marked oppose while the Thomas sign simply has "None". 4. Jamie Kelly listed the correct date of purchase of 9/15/08. The bogus form has the date of 10/13/08. Now this is the most significant difference in the two forms.

State elections law dictates that any election expense totaling more than $100 requires accompanying paperwork to be filed 30 days after the purchase (or 10 days before the election, whichever comes first).

According to the vendor and to Kelly's signed finance report, he made the purchase on Sept. 15 (and would have had to register by October 15.) Based on Kelly's admitted and correct purchase date he registered nine days late. Was it his plan not to ever file a form with the correct information? The purchase date on the bogus form of 10/13/2008 would mean the form would not have to be registered until October 24 which is 10 days before the election--the latest date it could be legally filed. One theory is that there was never any intention to complete the required forms and hide Kelly's involvement. Otherwise, why was Kelly nine days late in filing the required form? Likely the conspiracy was hatched after the e-Lee Dispatch disclosed who was behind the purchase of the signs. Not reported on the forms is that the signs were purchased under the simple name of Marcom and paid for by credit card. The sure-to-come subpoena will reveal who purchased the signs and if the signs were purchased with a corporate credit card. A late registration for such an expenditure as these signs would hardly interest the State Board of Elections. Perjury and the suborning of perjury is a different matter because the reporting system is based on the voluntary, truthful compliance of the public. There are two main factors that suggest the filing of the form by Thomas was part of a conspiracy:

• How would Thomas manage to get the information?
• Why didn't Jamie Kelly file the form in the first place on time?

Also, the Lee-Dispatch reported that there was a second unnamed individual in the Keller family who was involved in the plans for the sign purchase. How was that individual involved and was the individual involved in the plans for a cover up? (See Post) To date, the e-Lee Dispatch has not named that individual but may do so at the appropriate time. One observant reader found another difference in the forms. (See Comment)

High Interest Is Appreciated

Watching Rapidly Developing Events The e-Lee Dispatch is well aware of interest in developments related to the James Kelly / Steve Thomas perjury matter. We appreciate having so many new viewers which dramatically outpaced the number of readers we typically have on any given day. Although there is nothing new to post today concerning this issue, we are continuing to follow up on rapidly developing events and can assure you that you will be brought up to date on Monday. Also, a column will be written today for the Sanford Herald's Wednesday edition. Look for this column - it will stun its readers!

Update: Kelly Uses Confession To Blast Hincks

Form Confirms Facts Reported In Previous Post

Commissioner James C. Kelly filed a report today with the local board of elections admitting responsibility for purchasing and disseminating the now infamous red "No Tax-No Hincks" and "No Landfill-No Hincks". The information filed confirmed factual details reported in the e-Lee Dispatch. (click here to download the form) Despite Kelly's efforts to explain away his failure to file the report, the fact remains he did not file a report until detailed facts reported on this blog absolutely confirmed his involvement. State elections law dictates that any election expense totaling more than $100 requires accompanying paperwork to be filed 30 days after the purchase (or 10 days before the election, whichever comes first). According to Kelly's signed finance report, he made the purchase on Sept. 15, or 39 days ago. In simple terms, he did not obey the law. As reported in a previous post (click here), the e-Lee Dispatch fully expected an effort to cover up the Keller-Kelly involvement in the purchase of the signs. This is similar to the denial he made when confronted with an illegal corporate contribution to the Democrat party. (click to see post) One could argue how Kelly expects to manage county matters as chairman of the commission when he cannot apply with existing laws that apply to him. Reportedly, Kelly denies knowing Steve Thomas who filed a similar form yesterday after being convinced to do so by other parties. Thomas, however, expressed dismay at those claims saying he has known the Keller family including James Kelly and Oscar Keller for years. Thomas has reportedly retained Chip Post to represent him in the matter. The case has come to the personal attention of Kim Westbrook Strach, Deputy Director-Campaign Reporting. Although a complaint will need to be filed for a formal investigation, because of the unusual circumstances, she has contacted the Lee County Board of Elections to request copies of the two forms. Strach indicated that knowingly signing a false election report was a serious matter but expressed considerable interest in identifying those who had conspired to file the false report and the reasons for it. The State Board of Elections will refer its findings to the Wake County District Attorney for determination of legal actions to be taken. According to Ms. Strach, cooperating in good faith with an investigation was a factor considered in the determination of legal actions to be taken. In a post in the Sanford Herald, Kelly justified his actions because of his concern over the possibility that Herb Hincks might become chairman of the county commission. One matter Kelly mentioned was problems in the tax department. The facts, however, are that the tax administrator's position remained vacant longer under the current commission controlled by Robert Reives (337 days) than the one chaired by a Republican (130 days). With a vacancy of that length, some turmoil is to be expected. Why didn't the current Democrat commission fill the position much earlier to deal with the turmoil? Other charges are made for which no documentation has ever been provided. Of course, what was going on here was an effort to justify what had been planned as an anonymous attack on Hincks and a failure on Kelly's part to comply with election law. Until further investigation, Kelly's role in the cover up, if any, will not be known but such charges help to distract from Kelly's actions. It appears that Kelly believes that "the means always justifies the ends" especially if it serves his.

Keller Family Behind Attack Signs

Cover-Up Effort Fails The e-Lee Dispatch Stands behind its assertion as to those responsible for the "anonymous" signs. Those assertions are based on information independent of the cover up. The details supplied in this story related to the attempted cover up give every appearance of reliability. Earlier contacts with individuals with key facts assures more accurate information, such as ordering and shipping information, not available to some other sources and diminishes the risk that this information may be compromised. As usual, it is the cover-up rather than the original offenses that carry the greatest penalties and likelihood of conviction. The is no question, however, that Mr. Thomas, like the public, is a victim in this matter as long as he cooperates in the investigation into matters that could be Class F Felonies.

Shortly before 5 pm today, an individual presented the Lee County Board of Elections with a certification (see the form) that Steven W. Thomas had purchased $2842.48 of signs attacking Herb Hincks in his race for county commission. By 5:39 the Sanford Herald had posted a news update on their website reporting that the form had been signed. By 7:30 Thomas had authorized the e-Lee Dispatch to say, "I was taken advantage of. I did not realize the significance of what I was signing. I thought I was just helping a friend." Just prior to that, Mr. Thomas had called Herb Hincks to apologize for signing the form. Thomas told Hincks that he had appreciated what Hincks had done in the past on the board of commissioners and had not realized that this was the material directed at Hincks. Hincks commented, "This person has been been used and betrayed by people he thought were his friends. Unfortunately some people are willing to do anything to gain political power." As promised earlier, the e-Lee Dispatch had expected to announce that, according to information shared with third parties by Oscar Keller, the signs were the work of James C. Kelly and another member of the Keller family. Kelly is anxious to elected chair of the Board in order to control the board as "political heir" to Sion Kelly, his paternal grandfather (now deceased) and Oscar Keller, his maternal grandfather, and long time Lee County political figure. To do so he has been aggressively pushing a single shot campaign for Jerry Lemmond. There was, however, a problem with the release of the story. It was possible, even likely, that Jamie Kelly and cronies already had in mind to find someone to falsify a report to the Board of Elections and discredit any reports linking Kelly to the signs. A careful review of recent posts clearly signal that the likely person to be named was Jamie Kelly. Unfortunately, for Jamie Kelly and the others involved, they picked an individual who was indeed loyal but also honest. While Thomas would disclose no information about who had approached him, other sources have identified an individual who was both involved in the placement of the signs and in persuading Thomas to sign the form. Due to previous connections with that individual that could make it appear the story had old grievances, the e-Lee Dispatch will allow that information to become public through other sources including possible criminal investigations. The signs were ordered from the Victory Store, a mail order sign store in Davenport, Iowa. According to the store's accounting department, the signs were ordered 9/15/ 2008 by James C. Kelly of Kelly-Marcom, charged to a credit card for $2842.45, and shipped to Kelly at 131 Charlotte Avenue, Sanford, NC. The falsified form claims the signs were ordered 10/13/08. After a discussion with a Herald Reporter, Thomas's story began to break down. Meanwhile, the e-Lee Dispatch was verifying purchase and shipping information. In three conversations with the e-Lee Dispatch, Thomas was angry, hurt, and distraught. He was unaware that he could face legal charges. "I just printed my name on the form and someone else signed it." The falsified form begins with the words, "under penalty of perjury I certify." The form was dated on Monday, October 13, but not filed until October 23 shortly before 5 PM. The signs were a key effort to ensure the re-election of Jerry Lemmond, considered to be a sure vote for Kelly for the chairmanship. Lemmond, who has been a staunch ally of Kelly, said tonight that he had "no knowledge of it whatsoever and first was aware of the signs returning from church on Sunday." The other part of the effort has been to encourage the busing of supporters who would "single shot" vote for Lemmond. ( See Lemmond with buses) What affect it will have on his campaign, if any, remains to be seen.

The Secret's Out

Sign Planners Revealed Tonight the blog will be published that will disclose the source of those now famous red and white signs, the strategy, and the implications of the strategy. Those involved might want to read this article as some have already shown a glaring lack of understanding of defamation and a complete lack of knowledge of malicious lawsuits. Or if they want to try intimidation, now would be a good time. Someone talked too much!

YouTube To Counter Last Minute Signs

The Internet has been put to use to answer the anti-Hincks signs placed around Lee County on Sunday. The Hincks' campaign has recorded four videos featuring the candidate in response to the ads. You can see the videos by clicking http://www.youtube.com/Truth4LeeCounty. The site features four videos of Herb Hincks:

• Why Citizens Want Herb Hincks Back
• The Chairmanship: What's Behind the Campaign
• Response to the Landfill Signs
• Response to the Tax Signs

The Hinck's campaign had anticipated last minute attacks. The YouTube format allows answers within less than 48 hours to last minute attacks and the links to the Internet site appear in Hincks' ads today. There is also a letter from Hincks' wife, Helen, in response to the ads on page 13A of today's paper. The political sign is one of the oldest forms of political communication, but the Internet is moving up fast. According to a survey by the Pew Trust, the Internet is becoming an increasing part of the norm of political participation -- people are using it to read the news, share their views, or to participate in some other process to get others to take political action.The spring 2008 survey finds that a record-breaking 46 percent of all Americans have used the Internet, e-mail or cell phone text messaging to participate in the political process. The signs were a clever trick in that, as the Herald Editorial explains today, a loop-hole in the law allows the signs to do their damage without any disclosure of who is behind the signs. The signs can remain up for a week, until Saturday, without identification of who sponsored the signs. Even then, if no one steps forward, the only consequence is that the sign is taken down. It is likely that the sign idea emerged when local Democrats sought legal advice on creation of a 527 as reported in October 8 post. (Click to see post) Republicans at the time expected a direct mail campaign. The red and white signs are also clever in that they raise questions but give no explanation and make no claims to answer. For example, Herb Hincks was chairman of the board during a 12-cent tax increase, but the signs do not explain that Commission twins Robert Reives and Jerry Lemmond wanted a 15-cent increase and that both voted for a four-cent increase two years ago. Much of that four-cent increase, we now know, was not needed then and was a way to avoid an increase this year. The landfill sign raises a bogus issue. Interestingly, the commissioners approved on first reading of a landfill at last Monday's meeting. The signs have energized Hincks supporters, but meanwhile, two massive get-out-the-vote campaigns--one legitimate and one under the table--have been working to get out the vote for Jerry Lemmond. Lemmond is known for taking his cue in meetings from Commissioner Robert Reives--part of a clique that includes Commissioner Jamie Kelly. The e-Lee Dispatch noted the sudden interest in Lee County High School by Jamie Kelly in a September 8 post. (Click here to see post) and a single shot strategy for Jerry Lemmond in a September 17 column. (Click here to read column). One of the Hincks' videos refers to a "current commissioner" as the likely source of the signs, but does not identify the name.

Jamie Kelly's Leadership Style

Assumes Worst, Jumps To Intimidation On August 6, 2008 a post was being written which included how Lee County government after having been unable to get a successful website turned to Kelly-MarCom which had done a good job. Being thorough, it seemed only natural to see what this had cost. A routine request for public information was sent to a county employee, who answered the request. Since it involved a commissioner, somehow the answer made it into the hands of commissioner Jamie Kelly, one of the owners of Kelly-MarCom. The results of the day were rather humorous at first. Apparently this caused Commissioner Kelly, who now wants to be Chairman Kelly, go into a panic. It must be genetics because his first thought was to attempt to intimidate the owner of the e-Lee Dispatch with an email to his lawyer, copied not only to the e-Lee Dispatch but copied to key department heads in government and prominent local figures. The message was, in effect, mess with me and you will be sued for defamation of character with the implied message "I can afford a long messy trial that will impune your reputation." The reply he got he can publish if he wants, but it explained how such tactics did not work no matter who he was. Oddly, a look at the link to the post were the information was used (click here) reads like a commercial for Mar-Com. Here is what it said, which was what it was going to say before the threatening letter: "It was a brilliant strategy change. He engaged Kelly Marcom to assist in deploying what is called a content management platform--a more innovative approach than the traditional web site -- for $15,440. No information technology deployment is without challenges but the speed and ease quickly made the new site available. (Jamie Kelly was not a commissioner at the time, and when he was elected the contract with his firm was phased out to avoid any appearance of impropriety." To some extent, it was very funny. Basically giving Kelly's firm a free commercial, but getting threatened with a suit for doing so. I never found copying email to the county employees, however, the least bit funny. The message of intimidation here was to be careful in what public information you give the e-Lee Dispatch or it could get you fired or sued. (See the request for information, reply, and "warning" from Commissioner Kelly -(Click here to see the emails.) Since there is a related column from the author of the e-Lee Dispatch, copying Bill Horner and Billy Liggett was intended to let them know their paper might be at risk so they had better be careful what they let be printed in that column. This was not Kelly's first effort at intimidation. The editor of the e-Lee Dispatch was warned to "be careful because Tracy (Sheriff Carter) had to get his money from the commissioners and it might be best to lay off a while" There were other efforts we cannot be disclosed without violating confidences. Perhaps he should have saved his email for the next go around.

Late Night Edition: Reives Hides From Reversals

Dodges Blast on Proposed Agenda Change-Misses Vote on Lee County High School Editor's Note: A lot of meetings today, but phone calls from two sources have laid out the thinking behind the campaign to smear Herb Hincks and the Democrat's local strategy this year. That full subject tomorrow. We will fill in the details you may not be able to get from your local paper. (Click here to subscribe) I doubt Robert Reives ever has trouble getting "comp time" off from his $51,989.00 job as Division of Community Development Policy & Tech Services Section Chief in Raleigh. In fact, he could easily claim that he was giving Lee County technical services by the wisdom that the imparts during commission meetings. So there must of been other reasons for his unexplained absence from this afternoon's meeting of the commission. With speakers like Herb Hincks and Harry Undy to face the audience on the heels of a stinging editorial from the Sanford Herald Reives probably didn't want to have to withdraw his callous proposal himself. (See earlier post.) Instead, his loyal-to-the-end chair, Bob Brown, took the fall claiming it was really he that had come up from the idea in the first place and put it on the agenda. Yeah, the guy who said "Just Trust Us." And besides, I have never seen a commissioner who seemed to appreciate public comment more than Bob Brown. Or perhaps it was finally stepping out of the way of people who in his words knew "How we felt about W.B. Wicker" when the community it had served wanted it renovated and converted to an elementary school. Even though the commissioners are only placing needed band aids called "pods" on the problem at Lee Senior High, Reives has fought doing anything for the school since the issue arose. Perhaps this small step was too much for his ego. In Reives absence, Jerry Lemmond played it safe and voted with Jamie Kelly, grandson of Oscar Keller. That is usually a good place to be when you are the beneficiary of the Keller's one shot vote effort.

Update Issue: October Surprise? Suddenly Commissioners Find Money

With the refusal of the Commissioners to consider the Hite Plan, Lee County High School is turning into a "pod"school for the next 20 years

1. 2. PM UPDATE By a unanimous vote the commissioners approved the POD's after being assured they had a 35 year life span. (What does that tell you?)
2. AM UPDATE By a unanimous vote, the finance committee of the commissioners approved $37,164 to employee Cary Reconstruction Co. Inc to remove all mold remediation in all designated rooms excluding the foreign language and art annex buildings. Funds will come from the counties general fund balance.
3. By a unanimous vote, the finance committee of the commissioners approved $656,300 to relocate students and staff from the foreign language building and art annex. The funds include $385,000 for the first of five years' " lease to own" of mobile classrooms (2 pods with 26 classrooms and rest room.) and $173,000 for asbestos removal and demolition of the current foreign language and art annex buildings and canopies. The balance of fund will go for technology and equipment that cannot be salvaged from the old buildings. There was little discussion of the "discovery" of the money for this expenditure for this "October Surprise. "With the control of Reives and Kelly the items are expected to be approved this afternoon..

This post was originally posted October 15, 2008

Election Prompts Action From Commissioners Action Comes After Friends of LCHS Endorse Other Candidates Editor's Note: If you are looking for the link to the County Capital Improvement Plan mentioned in today's Uncommon Sense column the link is in the top right column or you can click here. On October 4, Friends of Lee County High School began its endorsement of county commissioner candidates with this statement.

It is the commissioners that make financial decisions about county government! The citizens of Lee County are fortunate this year in having the opportunity to elect three-at-large candidates with the business prowess required of a commissioner. That is why we are supporting Herb Hincks, Richard Hayes and Larry “Doc” Oldham as commissioners.

Now, the Sanford Herald Headlines: "District Seeks Funding For LCHS", the county commissioners "find" $693,365 to meet the school's request," and Robert Reives finally schedules a finance committee meeting with members of the school board 187 days after the school board finance committee requested a joint meeting with Reives' committee. Do you think that the coming election in which many voters are upset with the commissioners over the handling of the renovations at Lee County High School and the commissioners' handling of the one-quarter percent sales tax has anything to do with this? Well it is the famous "October Surprise" to try to get voters to forget their last two years of ignoring the needs of Lee County High School. The buildings to be taken down at Lee County High School are the foreign language building and the art annex. They will be replaced with two mobile "pods" at a cost of $656,300. The Lee County School Board voted at its regular meeting last night to request an additional $37,164.74 from county commissioners to hire Cary Reconstruction Company, Inc. (click to learn about the company) for the mold remediation at LCHS. (click here to see previous post) The buildings were already scheduled to be demolished and replaced with pods next summer, but the commissioner's appropriation last June to the school's did not provide adequate money to meet that schedule. Better to save the money for an election surprise. According to a spokesman for the schools, the acceleration of the replacement is a logical move because of the cost of remediation of the molds and the repairs that would be necessary to help control mold in the future. "It just doesn't seem to be a good investment to spend what would be necessary to repair the two buildings when we already know they are coming down next summer." With funding by the commissioners now, the pods will be ready for occupancy when students return from Christmas break--Happy New Year from your incumbent commissioners! While from the school board's perspective, this may be a prudent move, it is not necessary to deal with the mold problem, so it is not a crisis. The Health Department report clearly said: "No Room or Building Needs To Be Closed Because of Health Hazards" (see post of report click here) However, the commissioners want to pull off their October surprise and suddenly demonstrate their concern for the health and safety of LCHS students. No one can blame the Board of Education for getting its needs met anyway it can, although few of them are supporting the incumbent commissioners. The commissioners, who in June claimed that they had budgeted all they could spend without falling below dangerous levels in their fund balance, have now suddenly discovered that they have the money to provide a larger appropriation to the school board than they did in this year's budget. The total of both requests is $656,300 which equals about one and a half cents in the property tax rate. It is amazing that this money turned up now--just weeks before the election. They had the chance (and money) to appropriate it to the schools in June but did not. Nor could they give the sheriff what he requested or meet other needs. And, if they were not going to spend it, why didn't they give a one time property tax rebate? Oh, they were just being careful in this difficult economy. The commissioners finance committee, which Robert Reives will not allow to be made public on the county website, will begin at 7:30 am on Monday to consider the matter and several members of the school board will be present. Does anyone think that the approaching election in 20 days has anything to do with changing the obstinate finance chairman's mind refusal to meet with school board members for 187 days, or 4488 hours, or 269,280 minutes, or 16,156,800 seconds. The County Manager has advised the commissioner that they can fund this request in the following manner: (1) $316,404 can be used from the Medicaid Hold Harmless funds which the county set aside in 2007-08 to make the ADM fund whole as part of the Medicaid “swap” with the State; (2) $25,000 which was made available to the county by an additional disbursement from the ABC Board; (3) $314,896 in unbudgeted/unused interest earnings from the 2004 Certificates of Participation issuance; and (4) $37,165 from the General Fund fund balance. The request follows priorities laid out by Dr. Lynn Smith after the mold problem was "discovered" but before the final report from the health department. (Click here to see post.) This lets incumbent commissioners like Jerry Lemmond and Ed Paschal claim that yes they are indeed concerned about Lee County High School. One can just imagine the mailer now! The problem with trying October Surprises with the public is that the voters are usually smarter than the Commissioner's think, and the October Surprise explodes in their own faces. .

Smear Campaign On Hincks Begins-Oct 18-19

Kelly-Reives Work to Keep Control Of Board Signs say "No Hinks, No Taxes" and other signs suddenly appeared Sunday morning. They are part of a coordinated campaign to keep Herb Hincks from being a threat to Jamie Kelly's desire to be chairman of the board and Robert Reives desperate attempt to remain Finance Chairman. For Herb Hinck's response and other details check back later today.

Herald Editorial Blasts Reives' Proposal

Herald Editorial Calls Reives' Proposal "A Bad Idea."

Editors Note: The county commissioner's finance committee is meeting at 7:30 am Monday. Look for a quick post as soon as it is over. (See original post) It seems that Robert Reives is tired of Jerry Lemmond getting his signals mixed up, and Lemmond having to change his vote. Apparently, Lemmond sometimes hears good arguments during the public comment section before the commission takes up his business and may get carried away and forget how he is supposed to vote. (See Lemmond change his vote when he finds out Reives votes no.) On another occasion he tried to change his vote at the end of a meeting to agree with Reives but was voted down in his request. (See here) Either that or Reives' ego cannot stand the public telling the commissioners what they think. Reives has a comment on every item that comes up and likes to make sure that he appears to know more about any subject than anyone else. His proposal for moving the public comment segment of the meeting to the very end would mean that commissioners would not have public input before making decisions. The Sanford Herald called it a "bad idea" and supported that claim with several arguments. (Read the editorial by clicking this link--it should work and is free.) One statement in the editorial confirms what the e-Lee Dispatch has been saying for months. Noting that Reives was part of the board when the current policy that allows citizens three minutes to comment after the ceremonial opening and consent agenda was approved, the editorial notes, "He wasn't in charge back then." The e-Lee Dispatch has long shown how it is Reives that controls the board and a recent newspaper column explained how he used the black vote to do it. (click here to read column) It is interesting that the chairman of the board when the current policy was put in place was Herb Hincks. Herb Hincks is running for commissioner again and likely to be in a race among commissioners for the chairmanship with Jamie Kelly as the alternative. While Kelly is not on the ballot, Jerry Lemmond and Herb Paschal are. Lemmond would surely support Kelly as chair so a vote for Lemmond is a vote for Jamie Kelly as chairman. Reives has an alliance that delivers black votes to certain candidates using money supplied in part through the Keller family. Jamie Kelly is Oscar Keller's grandson and political heir. That explains the massive direct mail going on now in Lee County at a cost of nearly $50,000. The Herald Editorial says "Lee Countains already feel disenfranchised by the board". In other words, the board does not listen to the citizen's wishes. The editorial concluded "Now the little time the citizens have the board is being subjugated at what looks like the board's ill timed whim. Approving the Reives measure may fit this board's ideology, but that doesn't make it right." Of course now at the eleventh hour,the commissioners are considering funding money to replace two mold-prone buildings based on a Health Department Report (Click here to download) that came after paying a consultant $19,400 to check the buildings for health and security who did not identify mold or its cause. They are counting on people forgetting all those who appeared before them in February telling them of the terrible conditions at Lee County High School. Maybe that is why Reives has brought this up now. There could be one more reason. When Robert Reives loses his temper he loses his judgment, but when he is calm and thoughtful he has a brilliant political mind. Maybe he brought up this "in your face" idea to the public, just so Jerry Lemmond could vote against it and "prove he is his own man." So it will be interesting to see where this one turns out. It is unlikely that after the editorial that the commissioners will go ahead with a proposal the Herald editor described as, "Some on board want you at the back of the line". They may just wait and hope that everyone will forget the Reives-Lemmond connection, and a board under Jamie Kelly will adopt it later as it turns a deaf ear to the public. Update: See Saturday's letter to the editor-click here.

Vote Turn Out Project Disguised As Forum

Shawn Williams Uses Church To Turn Out Sector of Population

Editor's note: There are big developments with the Commissioner's October Surprise and Lee County High School. If you missed the Uncommon Sense column yesterday, it fits right in. You can read it by clicking here. Also don't miss yesterday's post here at the e-Lee Dispatch. Click here.

Shawn Williams knows how to promote himself, and he has created a clever way of turning out the vote for Obama. He is using the fact the C.E.A.D. forum is dead because of too much publicity about it's legal status to cleverly disguise a haul-in-the-voters effort as a candidates forum. His announcement reads "The Fair Promise AMEZ Church located at 712 Wall St, Sanford, NC will be hosting a candidate forum on Saturday October 18, 2008 at 2:00 P.M.. We are asking that you will come out and meet the local candidates and some of the State candidates that are running. We have received commitments back from several that will be there for this event. This is the first time that the Fair Promise Church has hosted an event such as this, but it is important that everyone has an opportunity to meet all the candidates and make an informed decision." He goes on to say (incorrectly) that would-be voters can register at the church--actually they have to go to the polls to register and vote and plans to have buses running on a schedule to take those who turn out in the audience to the polls. His claim that candidates will be there does not mention names, but they are likely to be the candidates Shawn is supporting. The questioning of the candidates is very controlled. Questions are to be sent in advance to be put in a box. None from the floor. I doubt a question to Jerry Lemmond like "Do you believe Robert Reives should allow the recording of finance committee meetings for posting on the web?" would ever make it out of the box. Nor would a question about Lemmond's conflict of interest in seeking increased funding for Tri-County Community Action when he is vice-chairman of the board of the the organization. No question about Lemmond's signing with Robert Reives and Jamie Kelly a letter on county stationary to push the CCCC board into naming a black president. Democrats want to keep Lemmond away from as many truly open forums as possible. IRS regulations limit the role of churches in politics, but Williams has done his homework and is going right to the edge. Of course, if he slips just a bit, he could face a federal investigation. So it is a clever scheme. Pure theater. Voter turnout in disguise. Perhaps scam some Republican candidates to come in for "credibility" along with the Democrats that Shawn supports as a "draw" for a crowd from the predominately black area and then haul them off on buses to vote at one stop voting sites where they can register and vote the "party line."

Health Department On LCHS Raises Warnings--Updated

"No Room or Building Needs To Be Closed Because of Health Hazards"

Editor's Note: Today a copy of the final report from the Lee County Health Department was finally obtained from the local Board of Education. Any one interested in the Lee County High School should review the report. Obtain a copy of the report from our download site by clicking here. The final report from the Lee County Health Department was received by the the Board of Education on September 29. A copy of the report was requested on September 30, but not received until further inquiry today. One conclusion one will quickly draw is that the $19,400 spent by the commissioners on a consultant to examine the school was a waste of time and money. Remember his conclusion on mold--" I looked for it but did not see any." Here are some quotes from the letter of transmittal:

1. The inspections were conducted and reports made Lee County Environmental Health Specialists John Chance and Shannon Cagle. The purpose of these inspections was to identify health hazards, especially those associated with mold and indoor air quality.
2. At the conclusion of the inspections, we did not find any room or building that needed to be closed because of health hazards. We did identify cleaning, landscape, and maintenance problems that are addressed in the reports.
3. The report is in three parts. First, a summary of the final report, second, a priority list of problems that should be addressed first, and finally, a detailed report. All rooms, buildings and grounds on this campus were inspected with the exception of one room.
4. All problems we have identified should be within the capabilities of current custodial staff and county maintenance. It will require many man hours that may exceed the current staffing levels and a good short- and long-term plan is needed.
5. Cleaning up and getting rid of existing mold growth is a short-term fix and may only last until the next rain. Some mold spores are naturally found in the air. They can grow rapidly when moisture conditions are high enough.
6. Controlling the humidity with dehumidifiers and keeping water out of the building is the long-term fix that includes landscaping issues, building repair, etc. (emphasis added by editor)
7. The custodial staff should always be looking for mold growth, clean it up as soon as possible, and report it to the appropriate authority. The health department will monitor this school but it is now time to seek a long-term solution.

The report says that all problems identified in these inspections should be immediately addressed and corrected no later than January 5, 2009. A specialist from from the Division of Public Health, Occupational and Environmental Health Epidemiology Branch assisted with the evaluation and a report will be completed and sent later. Update: The Lee County School Board voted at its regular meeting tonight to request $37,164.74 from county commissioners to to hire Cary Reconstruction Company, Inc. (click to learn about the company) for the mold remediation at LCHS. The same company has previously removed mold from the County Administration Building. The decision to use an outside company was passed on a desire to complete the remediation much faster than could possibly be done with existing staff. The report had warned, "It will require many man hours that may exceed the current staffing levels". Use of the outside company would permit the work to be done exclusively at night when buildings are empty, and the clean up could be completed in three weeks. Commentary. Starting in February parents, students, teachers, and staff warned the commissioners of serious mold problems due to water problems at the school. Imagine the progress that could have been made if the commissioners had reacted with a request for this kind of report from the county's on Health Department. It shows the incompetence and ineffectiveness of this board. This report was actually requested, not by a commissioner, but by school board chairman Bill Tatum. Note:

1. Find out what building the Board of Education wants to take down now and the commissioner's reaction tomorrow. Remember how close the election is and think "October Surprise."
2. Don't forget the Uncommon Sense column in Wedesday's Sanford Hearld. Find out about the document commissioners never wanted you to see.

NRA Endorses Love In House Race

Another Disappointment for Shook

The endorsement of Representative Jimmy Love is another set back to to Linda Shook's race for he District 51 House Seat. Love was given an A grade which according to the NRA means "Solidly pro-gun candidate. An “A” incumbent who has supported NRA positions on key votes." NRA members and many gun owners follow the National Rife Association recommendations. According to a recent poll conducted primarily for the governor's race, 74% of likely voters favor Jimmy Love. Of course, that is not all bad news for Shook. With that kind of lead, Love is not likely to get help from state democratic funds. Shook, who was assured of substantial help from the Republican Legislative Caucus when she was recruited for the office, is finding that their limited funds go to candidates with a chance of winning. She was strongly cautioned by several leading Republicans with long term experience not to expect the large influx of money from Raleigh, but she proceeded anyway. It might be said she was recruited under false pretense. Despite being warned by several party leaders she over-estimated her ability to compete for money in a Presidential election year with races for governor and US Senator. Shook has suffered several set backs. Her first set back was when most Republicans in the House joined with Love in voting for a "bipartisan" budget, robbing her of many issues. Then Love received praise from a leading Republican legislator for his work on Jessica's law. (See post) Then there was her bankruptcy. She blamed it on a political vendetta by Capital Bank because Oscar Keller is a stockholder. It was a story that played well to her hard core supporters and "Keller-haters" but was taken negatively because she did not take personal responsibility for her position and it failed to convince many others. She could have protected herself from much criticism by resigning from the Commissioner's Finance Committee, but saw no reason to do so. No criticism was heard more than staying on that committee. Other than Shook remaining on that committee, Love has not made significant efforts to exploit the bankruptcy. Perhaps he felt in these economic times too many other people were fighting bankruptcy and making major attacks on Shook about it was unwise. Her joint appearance with Elizabeth Dole got her a front page picture but little coverage of her own ideas. (see post) She was forced to use a letter to the editor to get that message out. Love has generally been low key, except for a sharp exchange at a recent forum. (See post) Editors Note: Copy of the full report on the Lee County High School inspection by the Health Department will be posted later today.

Poliitcal Sign Vandalism Strikes All Sides

New Technique Ruins Signs-- Your Action Required A new technique in political sign vandalism is being reported by supporters of just about all candidates, and the vandals need to be caught and punished. Candidates are used to over zealous code enforcement personnel and DOT personnel removing the entire signs from right of ways where they feel the standard old political signs do not belong. The signs are picked up and can be used again another day. Not so with this new vandalism. First of all, the vandalism is occurring on private property as well as right of ways. That means the individuals can be charged with trespass. Even worse for the candidates, in this new wave of vandalism--the vandals are taking just the printed sign and leaving the metal or wood frame on which the sign is mounted. In effect making it impossible to use the corrugated paper or plastic sign again. These signs probably end up as trash in the woods littering the landscape. In some cases, an individual may have several signs but only one sign card is stolen. This probably means the vandals support one or more of the candidates but want to deny the individual their right of free speech and political expression. Most reports are coming from the city, but some have come from the county. Most every candidate in both parties is reporting this problem. This may be the work of gangs. If a sign is stolen from your yard notify the Sanford Police at 775-8268 or (Steve Brewer who has appointed himself city Ombudsman at 919-770-9587.) County residents should notify the sheriff's office at 718-4561. Also be vigilant and on the look out for these vandals. These are your rights and the more reports that are made, the more attention this will get from local law enforcement.

GOP Ads Make Newspaper Debut

Three GOP Commissioners Begin Newspaper Campaign

Three Republican candidates began newspaper ads in today's Sanford Herald. Larry C. "Doc" Oldham and Herb Hincks -candidates for at-large seats--and Harry Undy--GOP candidate in District II - all began newspaper ads today. Democrat Richard Hayes--candidate for at-large seat--began his fall newspaper ads earlier. To see the GOP ads on flicker click here. First in line on page A-5 is Harry Undy with a uniquely designed ad that uses the number 4 in a simple ad that encourages voters to vote for him in his second district race. This appears as an introduction to voters in his district, especially in the Broadway and Deep River area. Undy is well known within Carolina Trace having served as president of most of the organizations and committees that are necessary to operate such a community. Doc Oldham's ad on page A-10 carries the same trademark watermark as his colorful signs and is titled "Let's Get Down To Business"-- an obvious draw on his many years of experience with Lee Paving Company. Listed in his ad are his priorities for his term as commissioner including opposition to high property taxes, resolution of the Lee Senior HS issue, and others. His ad suggests he will provide "new leadership" and "new direction." Herb Hincks had many accomplishments during his eight years as a consensus building chairman of the county commissioners which are highlighted in his ad on page A-11. For this reason his ad runs under the banner "Hincks Now More Than Ever." His ad is highlighted by the familiar columns of the original Lee County Courthouse and lists too many significant accomplishments to list here. Individuals speaking for the three different campaigns would not discuss specific ad plans. Given the source of funds available to the democrat candidates, they typically significantly outspend their GOP opponents. Their ads can be expected any day. Associated with the now confirmed rumor that at least a few democrat individuals looked into creation of a Section 527 for the Lee County Commissioner's race (see previous post) were plans for a very extensive direct mail campaign. Unlike newspaper ads, direct mail can target specific messages at specific groups of voters. For example, one message to democrats and another to unaffiliated voters. Such direct mail is frequently used to make negative attacks on opponents "under the radar screen" so that the voters at large do not see them. Since those interested in the 527 backed out after they learned that their names would be disclosed, it is a good assumption they had planned some vicious personal attacks. Whether such mail, often delivered at the last minute, is employed in this election remains to be seen. Regardless of its content, with so many races this year, voters can expect a lot of mail as the election approaches. Editor's note-If you are a subscriber, you can see the ads in the online version of the Sanford Herald (although the page numbers may not be the same) by clicking here and then "log in to the e-edition.") To subscribe, click here. PS. Click here to see new RNC ad to run in NC this week.

Monday's Meeting's Full Of Surprises

Commissioners, Candidates Forum Full of Surprises

Monday's Board of Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce Candidate's Forum were full of little surprises. Little surprises can be interesting because they often give insight into bigger themes behind the scenes or even unconscious ideas just below the surface. From the Commissioner's Meeting Kudos to Commissioner Linda Shook who has been tracking more than immigration reform and doing the county a valuable service. Instead of relying on the county staff person assigned to BRAC, (read recent story on BRAC) she has been meeting with four local private citizens who have attended every meeting and kept the commissioner well briefed on what could be the most important development on the horizon for Lee County. The subject came up when discussing the long range transportation improvement plan. Another startling revelation--a request for funds for needed infrastructure funds due from Lee County was apparently not submitted, perhaps leaving the area out of important requests for funds for roads and schools. Another surprise, apparently Sanford expects little impact on its planned water system and expects that developers will handle any needed extensions to the southern end of the county. From the Candidate's Forum The small crowd: Take away the candidates, the media, the obvious candidate supporters, the regular representatives of government and there could not have been more than 12-15 potential voters to influence. Perhaps this should not be a surprise. In an election year, more interest gets directed at the top of the ticket. Or at $4/gallon it wasn't worth the drive for some people. Or perhaps the biggest reason: every one is distracted by the financial "crisis" and what it means to their 401-k or to future economic prospects. $100,000.000 That is the amount of capital needs for building that Commissioner Jerry Lemmond says "the county is looking at" in the years ahead. More will be published here but we can't find that much. We do know the recommended number one priority in the original capital improvement plan was a new administration building for the commissioners and their staff. (click here to see previous post). Lemmond policy wonk: Jerry Lemmond has discovered the word "stakeholder" and listed a long list of policy changes and initiatives that he must have just recently discovered since he has been on the commission eight years and done nothing about them yet. (Our video of his presentation did not turn out well--click here for an alternative 2:42 video that is much more interesting) Amy Dalyrmple Attack Cat: It was a little surprising that the most "jabs" at the way the commission currently operates came from democrat Amy Darlymple, a candidate in district 2. She took commissioners to task for their meeting times of 9 am and 3 pm, noting that most people were working or busy picking up their kids. She also called for video taping all meetings--an obvious slap at Commissioner Robert Reives who has stubbornly refused to have his finance committee meetings recorded and posted on the Internet. She was, however, not the only one to take the commissioners to task. Herb Hincks, former commission chair and Republican candidate for at-at large commissioner, chided the commissioners for not listening to the public, noting that the commissioners should not have been surprised by the reports of mold at Lee Senior High School since parents, teachers, and students had all told the board of the problem months ago. Knecht on Incentives: Andre Knecht is a refreshing candidate with positions that frequently stand out from the crowd. However, after a number of back and forth exchanges, Knecht joined some of his fellow candidates in acknowledging that, while not a fan of incentives, there could be circumstances in which he would support them.

News Flash--Doc Oldham Released From Duke

Larry "Doc" Oldham Released From Duke; Now Recovering At Home Doc Oldham was released today from Duke Medical Center and will begin what is expected to be a four week recovery at home following a double heart by-pass at Duke last Monday. "I'd just been away long enough," Oldham said. His release is truly astonishing but fits a pace of "recovery" that the doctors have called miraculous. Doc is a highly motivated individual with a very positive out look. Research has shown that such people tend to have a quicker initial recovery and can be released sooner than the typical patients. The hospital stay is about a week for the kind of surgery that he had. While his early release is good news, the four week recovery time still remains the mostly likely regimen for the large incision to heal. The family will advise when he is able to take visitors and have calls. In the meantime, if you want to wish Doc well, send him an email at this address. Meanwhile, John Bonardi, who was designated the campaign coordinator, indicates that this illness has motivated Doc's contributors and volunteers, and that he is confident the Doc will be elected to an at-large seat in November.

Latest On Doc Oldham's Condition

Doctor's Call Doc "Miracle Patient"

According to someone who visited Larry C. "Doc" Oldham in the hospital (see today's Herald for the details about Doc's heart surgery.) last night, the doctors are amazed at the pace at which Doc has come out of the "haze" that usually follows such a surgery. He told the visitor "I am getting bored looking at the television. Do you think you could find me a deck of cards." Of course, those who know Doc, he likes to stay active. Based on the pace of his recovery so far, doctors have indicated he may be released from the hospital sooner than expected. Despite this initial speedy pace, however, at least four weeks of recovery at home is still anticipated. John Bonardi, Doc's campaign manager, said this morning that the news of the surgery has "energized" the campaign and motivated supporters to ask what they can do to help. "While there is no substitute for Doc's personal campaigning, I am sure we will still have an excellent campaign that will convince voters that Doc is the kind of person that is needed on the county commission," Bonardi said. Editor's Note: We will have regular updates on Doc's recovery. My column is also in the Herald today and is about the behind the scenes race to fill the chairmanship of the county commission since Bob Brown is leaving the position. The column will be posted on e-Lee Dispatch Plus tomorrow. Also, as the column says, you can find my response to Ty Stump's last column in which he challenged me to answer questions about C.E.A.D., a well known local political and civic group. You don't want to miss it! (Click here to go to the e-Lee Dispatch Plus).