Go ahead and crank up the Thin Lizzy... I officially made my return to Florence County politics on Monday, when I attended my first meeting in years. Yeah, it's been tough to get down here when you don't have a vacation day, so we'd been gone a while. The review of it all seems to be this: Whateva!
It wasn't all that big of a meeting. Senator Hugh Leatherman had a $1000 per plate fundraiser for his campaign (Holy Schinkies!!!), so some regulars may have been there. Hell, even the featued guest, SCGOP National Committeeman Glenn McCall, forgot to show up. We shit you not... There were a few familiar faces, but a lot of people I'd never met. Some knew me, once I introduced myself, with faces like OHHHH... Clearly, there are people who have been tainted while I was away, but they'll all figure out that I come in peace. They can lead, although I may not follow. That's just the way I've always been. People who think for themselves generally do that to others consternation...
As far as the meeting , it was pretty positive, and more informative than they usually are. DeLinda Ridings came from SC Treasurer Curtis Loftis' office to discuss the Senate's bill to drop him from the Retirement Fund committee. The debate has been interesting, and it all depends on who you listen to. Ridings said there is no good reason for the bill, while Fund Committee member Reynolds Williams, a Florence attorney, said on Bill Pickle's radio show that the inclusion for the Treasurer was a concession to then Treasurer Grady Patterson. Williams is most surely an ally of Sen. Leatherman, so the question is 'who is right?' We're not sure yet. Is it a power grab, and by whom, remains to be seen. It's all pretty interesting...
Locally, we had two local residents announce for county office. School Board member Willard Dorriety announced that he will run for the County Council District Nine seat vacated by Dr. Morris Anderson after two terms. Also, Florence County Sheriff's Officer Keith von Lutcken, a 26 year member, with long term CSI experience in the department, will take on Bubba Matthews as County Coroner. Matthews has been coroner as long as I've been here, so von Lutcken has a tall order, although we're sure Kenney Boone will work hard for his election..
Phillip Lowe was the only elected official to come to the meeting, and he updated us of the goings on in Columbia, which is not much. As usual, the Senate is taking it's time on voting on bills passed by the Legislature. Things move so slowly in Columbia, we're surprised the time isn't three hours behind the rest of South Carolina..
Lastly, it's Congressional District reorganization time! Yes, our term as 6th District Vice-Chair/ Driver will soon end. Our convention will be held Saturday, April 14th, at Lake Marion High School in Santee, from 9-1.. The new 7th District will have a big blowout the following week. It's obviously a bigger deal, and they are going all out, complete with a party and candidate debate forum. If we could find a candidate to run in the 6th, we might try to do that as well, but.....
Yep, we are back making the rounds.. Our next stop? Thursday in Kingstree for the Williamsburg GOP meeting to support our buddy, Moye Graham. The other counties can count on us to be around soon as well. Yeah, it's a bit of a final lap, but it's mostly to reacquaint ourselves with our friends. It's all about the love, baby! Spread the word around....
www.youtube.com/watch?v=quyB8PMTD3o
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3 comments:
I plan on being at the Williamsburg meeting.
Bubba is retiring. Keith will face Phil Hanna in the general. Both would make great coroners & are also good guys to boot...
Thanks for the info from the other side of the aisle.... No one mentioned Bubba was retiring. I have a lot of catching up to do!
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