Who Really Supports Lee County High School

Friends of Lee County High School Endorse Hayes,Hincks, and Oldham In At Large Race

According to the ads and the rhetoric, every candidate is for "renovating" or doing something about Lee County High School. This includes incumbent candidates, and challenger Andre Knecht, who are generally for repairing and/or renovating the school. Challengers are generally more aggressive in the way they approach the school's facility needs and have all visited the campus and read the Hite Report, something not all incumbents have done. So, how do you evaluate these claims of "support" for Lee County High School? It would seem that the best way is to consider the endorsement of the Friends of Lee County High School. On October 4, 2008 Kathleen Briggs and Arlene Jackson, Chairs of Friends of Lee County High School, began circulating an email endorsing three at large candidates for county commissioner. Each recipient was asked to forward their letter of endorsement to 10 more people in what has become known as an Internet chain. A copy of the chain letter was sent to the Sanford Herald but never received any news coverage. While Internet chain letters can be effective, some readers may have not received a copy or understand who the endorsed supporters of Lee County High School are. According to the letter, three candidates were endorsed: Richard Hayes, Herb Hincks, and Larry "Doc" Oldham. After mentioning the qualities of each of the candidates, the endorsement letter concluded with this paragraph: Each of these candidates is committed to public education, public safety, and economic-development. Their unwavering support of the recently defeated local option sales tax demonstrated their courage of leadership. They understood that by using the sales tax, the entire weight of the County’s capital needs for Lee County High School and Central Carolina Community College would not fall solely on property owners. By bringing all stakeholders together in solving problems facing the County, these men will be proactive rather than continuously reactive to problems. Candidates Endorsed: Richard Hayes, Herb Hincks, Larry "Doc" Oldham. Candidates Not Endorsed: Andre Knecht, Jerry Lemmond, Ed Paschal. Editor's Note: Some have inquired about seemingly conflicting statements by incumbent commissioner Jerry Lemmond related to the financing of repairs and or renovations at the Sanford Herald Forum. Lemmond, who has been known for voting both ways on issues, made these statements at the forum. Click here.

Sanford Herald To Kelly: Step Down or Fess Up

A Better Alternative

"Step Down" does not call for a resignation but for a leave of absence--an empty chair. That would be a tough thing to do for any us no matter how we fit into the puzzle that led to filing a false certification which in this state we do so under penalty of "perjury." The wheels will indeed turn on this matter but likely at a slow pace. It could be a long time for a person with potential to contribute positively to be sitting on the sideline. "Fess Up" We don't know who thought it necessary for there to be a false report or if Jamie Kelly was involved in it--at least not at the time. At the time the false report had been filed, Jamie Kelly was only 9 days late in filling out a required certification. Perhaps the plan was for no one to ever complete the form, but with the e-Lee Dispatch claiming to know who was involved in the plan (and we do), someone got scared. A form got a signature and got signed very quickly--too quickly because it looks like the initial signer did not understand the seriousness of what he was doing or the attention it would attract. It is hard to believe Kelly doesn't know now, though, even if the initial filing was done without his knowledge. It would, however, have to involve someone in a close business, personal, political, and/or family relationship to obtain the accurate information on the falsely signed form--information Steve Thomas was unlikely to have. Our information was that a second Keller (see post) was in some way involved with the signs but that information pre-dated the false certification. "Fessing up" could be a very hard personally to do. If some of the names most prominently mentioned are indeed involved, it could end their professional careers in addition to spoiling future political ambitions. "Fessing up" for someone else is also accusing them and can be harder that admitting our own involvement. A leave of absence would likely extend beyond the early December election of a chair, something important to Kelly. Wouldn't it have been enough to simply ask him to remove himself from consideration as chairman for two years? Editor's Note: Kelly had two responses to the filing of the complaint. One was to justify his intended effort to harm Herb Hinck's campaign and probably help assure the election of Jerry Lemmond whose vote he needed for chair. The second was to attack the person who filed the complaint--something that fits an opinion of Billy Liggett that there is a "personal vendetta" by this editor against Kelly. It is true I was most aggressive in pursuing the information about this matter--to get to the bottom of it. That aggressive search for the facts and the analysis of what they mean is what readers expect. Given the Herarld's morning ultimatum, my thought that the matter should move along as quickly as possible to determine what really happened seems to me to be far less than a vendetta.

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)