E-mail topic: What do people think about lots of candidates for elected office NOT answering questions from the newspaper??
Position holders (current officials ) seem particularly likely NOT to respond.
posted by J. Kendrick McPeters | 7:20 PM
67 Comments:
I agree with mr. Barret. I think some of the candidates take for granted that they will be elected just because they are part of the "good ole boy" system in giles county. People need to wake up, find out what's going on, and go to the polls on election day. Not only the local candidates, but in the state and national election as well.
I think their names should be posted here.
Yep, Mr. Barret is right, as is the second comment here...some of them are probably afraid to answer questions without the presence of a lawyer or council on the grounds that they will likely incriminate theirself, at least the ones trying to be re-elected. It gripes my goat that they only talk about what "good" they have done around election time...
Why would Janet Vanzant REFUSE to answer questions for the paper?????????
She probably thought it better not to answer the questions than to have them edited and misquoted. Shara Flacey also didn't answer the questions (I thought she had dropped out of the race)but I saw her or her supporters putting signs up on the bypass last week.
Don't forget the "Meet the Candidates " rally ths Saturday from 12:00 to 5:00 at Ed's Country Store (just south of the Co-op on Hwy 31)
John Hughes
Dear Anonymous June 11; Reasons for not answering questions,
That is the lamest excuse I have ever heard, since the answers were written by the candidates and deliver to the paper and out of all the candidates her answers would be the only one misquoted? What a joke! Are you accusing the paper of wrongful conduct?
Don’t mix Shara Flacy’s name with Mrs. Vanzant, she is a much better person and don’t need that baggage to possibly cost her votes.
What did you all think of Damron's answers? Does Giles Co. think that Tycer can do a better job? I want to know because I am new to Giles Co. and needs to be updated on both canidates.
Oh dear…you do need updating! There are four candidates in that race, Robert E. Lee…Kim Tycer…Shara Flacy and Judge Damron. I personally would like to see Shara Flacy win.
Do not depend on anyones opinion to cast your vote do a little investigating. Bobby Lee has been judge before and so has Damron-so just check out what they have accomplished while holding that office.
Im you are so correct in asking people to check out what "Judge" Damron has accomplished.
I do believe that I am correct in stating that the State of Tennessee removed probate trials from the General Sessions Court because of a Probate trial totally mis-managed by Damron.
Why are law enforcement officers frustrated with Damron's scheduling inabilities? Why are the ladies of the clerk's office frustrated with his demeanor, attitude, and chauvinistic manners? GTC
To Mr. Hughes,
Meet the "Candidates Rally" this Saturday at Ed's Country Store.
Yes, all of us will be heading to Ed's… are you kidding? That store will hold approx. 6 people, won't have to answer a lot of questions!
To Allen:
The relationship between the commissioners and the county executive is terrible. Absolutely nothing will happen, unless we vote in new people that will foster a working relationship with all departments and leave their egos at the door and drop the chip on their shoulders.
To Mr. Hughes:
Why don’t you call the rally by the real name? Who are you trying to fool and do you think we are all idiots?
It is a rally for…Ms. Vanzant.
To Allen
I live in that area and it is an event planned on her behalf. Ed performs at her functions.
Mr. Barrett,
Invitations were sent to ALL candidates for the rally held at Sharewood Park, last Saturday night, for Mr. Gordon and each candidate was given an opportunity to speak. They didn’t call it a rally for all candidates, because that would have been deceitful. Some of the candidates in attendance chose to speak and some did not speak, but all were happy to have an opportunity to speak/meet the 400 plus people that attended the rally.
Mr. Barrett, I don’t know you and correct me if I am wrong but I don’t remember hearing you speak, so why would you boast about attending an event for Ms. Vanzant and encourage others to attend?
I have read your many post on this site and I have to ask you.
Since you have a close relationship to New Hope Church located in the heart of Ms. Vanzant’s childhood home are you simply restraining your statements for that reason? You are quick to ridicule Mr. Jackson and anyone associated with the school board and I admit they are an arrogant bunch of folks but no one has done as much harm to Giles County as the current county executive.
Did ya'll read the newspaper where Worsham, running for commissioner again in district 5,claims his job would not interfere with his office if he gets in? He has missed so many meetings over the past years its pathetic. I think the newspaper should report who attends and who misses each meeting of the commissioners.
To GTC – I’m just curious what you refer to when you say, “law enforcement officers are frustrated with (Judge) Damron’s scheduling inabilities”? This has veiled allegation that Judge Damron has difficulty with a court schedule/docket has me quite puzzled. You see, I am a law enforcement officer with almost thirty-five years experience, which means I have spent many hours in a courtroom, not only in Tennessee, but also in another state. If you are trying to say law enforcement officers are frustrated by having to spend time in a court room waiting for their case to be called, to them I say “Welcome To The Real World”. In this age of instant everything, we (law enforcement and citizens) must be cognizant that a court appearance is not an “instant”. Every court docket usually has many cases with a limited amount of time per day. This is not the fault of Judge Damron or any other judge. Remember one case will be first while one case will be last. The District Attorney General selects the order cases are called so don’t blame the judge. Bottom line, you don’t speak for me, I am not frustrated by the court schedule, I understand the system
Has anyone EVER seen any answers from Billy Beets in the paper?
Nope. And never any questions in the meetings.
wab
What about the county exective race?
Hello Mr. Barrett. I liked your last comment. You say incumbents talk about not raising taxes, bringing in new jobs, making department heads answerable and other things, but do they say how they are going to do it or are they like our state runners, just words. I would like to know if these people are the ones who did not vote for the financial plan thing. Thank you for answering Mr barrett and have a good day. Your friend Ruby.
Wab
How can you possibly be considering voting for a candidate that lied to you?
how can vanzant be a better county executive with a stronger county commission? the current commission has stripped her of all the authority they can. the intelligent commissoners have found her to be untruthful, without integrity, vendictive against anyone she doe not like, and incompetent. she has no ability to work with people at any level. glenn gordon did not survive his many years of employment without being able to work with a variety of people. vanzant needs to go back to lincoln county and stay.
To Anonymous Thursday, June 29, 2006 9:42:04 PM:
You are COMPLETELY CORRECT about Glenn Gordon. I worked for him for twenty years and I have never had a boss as good, honest, fair, funny, caring about he’s employees as Glenn. PH
I want to clarify that probate was removed from the general sessions court and placed in chancery just as it was taken from the county clerk's office and placed with the clerk and master. this was a state-wide change...not just local. Now as for Damron. when he had probate, he scheduled the hearings around the schedule of the parties (meaning usually the survivors), he reviewed the bills lawyers charged the families of the dead and questioned if they were out of proportion to the amount of work that had to be done, he is here in this county almost every day, so probate matters could be swiftly dealt with instead of waiting for a chancellor. The circuit judges are chancellors, meaning that they rotate through poor little old Giles when they are not handling the important counties like Maury where they all love and which has more registered voters than Giles even has residents. The chancellors/circuit judges are here an average of 8 days a month in a year among the four of them. They are paid approximately a million dollars each during their 8 year term. Now, you tell me if you think that this system is better? Also, keep in mind that Joe Fowlkes is the one who sponsored that legislation. He made a lot of his money in probate. Did this bill get into the legislature after he had been questioned about a bill, which is a responsibility of a probate judge? Do you think that this best served the people of the county? If your loved one dies, how are you going to like waiting for a chancellor to schedule you on one of the 8 days he or she is in Giles County, you take off work and sit though a whole day of other stuff to get to your business? Damron made this time of grief a lot less painful for everyone but the attorneys. He behaved like the citizen was more important that the rich, pompous lawyers. Keep in mind that most of the people you ever hear against John Damron are attorneys. Maybe they resent him trying to make the court a place for the regular people.
Dear Courthouse Insider:
What does you post have to do with candidates not answering questions!!!!!!
I have tried to attend all functions where the candidates were given an opportunity speak and the ones I couldn’t attend, I made sure I spoke with someone that did attend, to learn who did speak. NOT one time has our current county executive chosen to speak, except at the NAACP event in town and it was her just reading some things, she THINKS was accomplished during her term and the secrecy continues!
Question…why does she surround herself with such secrecy??
Question…is she arrogant enough to think she has the race in the bag, and simply don’t have to deal with questions from the public??
Question…will she show up at the upcoming event at the Giles County High School and answer questions??
Question…why does she chose to keep her distanced from all other people attending functions she shows up for??
Question…why can she not be found in her office recently when those of us have tried to see her in person to ask some questions of her?? We are told…well I don’t know when she will return…she is not here today…she probably won’t be in this week…she is very busy today and the excuses go on and on…and we have tried for weeks??
Commissioners, that has not answered questions from the public are:
Billy Beets…Tim Risner…Connie Howell…Alfred Harris… and Stoney Jackson…further, I have not even seen these people at any functions to speak much less answer questions!!
Kay Gibbons…running for re-election for Resistor of Deeds…has not spoken even when she is present at a function!!
Hilda Smith
You are wrong about Kay Gibbons. She has spoken at some of the Meet the Candidates functions. Before you go spouting off, you need to have your facts. I have attended all functions held due to my spouse being a candidate. So get your facts STRAIGHT!!
To Concerned Giles County Taxpayer:
I have missed only two functions, where candidates had the opportunity to speak…and the others, she did not choose to speak!!
Which function did you attend…that she spoke??
I'll name you one of the 'good ole boys' - Tommy Campbell.
Anonymouns,
Monday, July 03, 2006 3:00:52 PM
I have asked this question several times on this blog…what do you mean by the term…Good Ole Boy? As of ye…t no one has given me as answer, can you?
To anonymous July 02,
Being that I am a spouse of a candidate I have spent my time walking around with my spouse talking with citizens and some of the times people are not always listening when candidates are speaking. With that said, I can think of 3 occassions that Kay spoke.
1. NAACP Rally
2. Minor Hill's Rally(back when this all began)
3. Ed's corner store
Those are just the one's that I remember and was paying attention to.
I don't know Mrs. Gibbons very well, but I will stand in defense of anyone when I believe someone is speaking untruths.
If you have such a great concern to know what kind of job she would do if elected, why don't you ask her. We all know where she can be found(considering she is located in the courthouse 5 days a week).
She also has done alot of campaigning(not during business hours)this election. Consider how big this county is and the ground that has to be covered. Give it a rest and complain about something of which you have knowledge and is susbstantial.
Again, I am not endorsing anyone here, just speaking up in defense of someone when false accustions are being made.
Anonymous: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 2:16:06 PM
If you read what I said, “I have missed two functions” and the ones I did attend, she chose not to speak!
She has been to my home campaigning and I don’t need to visit her at work, since I live in the same community she does, I know her and have every intention of voting for her.
The topic in on answering questions, isn’t it and FOR GOD’S SAKE, CAN’T A PERSON MAKE A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG, without someone attacking them???????????
You remarks…will not help her! HS
My understanding of what a'good ole boy' is: people who group together and scratch each other's backs, (meaning I'll do what you want if you'll do what I want in return)and to h..l with what anybody else wants.
Anonymous, Tuesday, July 04, 2006 7:36:23 PM
I extend my deepest thanks to you for identify what the term “Good Ole Boy” means to you and possible others.
You see, in the south that is not a negative term for someone to be referred as a “good ole boy.”
But WAB, which way is it?
In previous posts you seem to be unsure about whether you are voting for a candidate for county executive who did not answer the questions this time and did not answer them last time that I remember or voting for a candidate who answered the questions.
Mr Barrett
Surely you have had ample time to speak with Mr Gordon at the political meets and ask the questions you seek. This close to voting you should have made up your mind by now.
To Anonymous above from another Undecided Voter: I know it's close to voting but there are a lot of us who haven't made up our minds yet. We know the record of one candidate for Co. Exec. since she has been in office. We don't know the record of the other, however. Citing civic organization, business affiliations, social and religious affiliations doesn't necessarily help in this decision. I'm bothered by the fact Mr. Gordon is in association with the big whigs in Pulaski and Giles County and these same big whigs haven't moved this county forward. Also bothered by his comments of representing soft drink industry in Washington which means he was a Lobbyist was he not? I'm sorry but I feel lobbyists have an agenda which usually does not bode well for the general populace.
You just sold me - Mr G lost out to Ms V.
To me being a Lobbyist (if he was one) means he must have a persuasive attitude to others. I would think this would be a plus for a County Executive who will meet with potential industries looking for reasons to move to Giles County. I don't feel that his past experiences of supporting the soft drink industry are going to deter him from doing a good job. I feel this gives him good experience at working with the government and making contacts that could potentially help Giles County with new employment possibilities.
Also, if he's in with the "big whigs" I think that is somewhat of a plus as well. I know I don't have the financial backing or personal connections to get much done. Maybe these "big whigs" are considered "big" because they have the connections to get things done that people like me can't. And maybe the County Executives (the position itself and this is not aimed at Mrs. Vanzant) of the past have just not used these people to the fullest advantage for Giles County. One might wonder if these "big whigs" haven't been willing to help past executives; and if this is the case and if Mr. Gordon is friends with them, then I bet they're willing to help him which in turn will help all of us.
"Just my opinion and ought to be yours." Mak Truck
Isn't it funny that the same people that could have cared less about Mr.Barrett's wrongful prosecution and slander are so interested in who he is voting for?
Responding to Anonymous July 12,9;35 PM
Mr Gordon might have all these friends and connections that you think is a selling point because it will enable him to get jobs to Giles Co. The fact is that its only the ECONOMIC DIRECTOR (now Dan Speer) who can get industries in here. County Exec is a member of the Economic Development Committee but it all hinges on the Economic Director's work. So Voters, don't pull that lever for Gordon expecting he will make miracles because he can't.
As the writer above points out previous County Execs were well connected with the "big whigs" but nothing happened then either.
From the past record in Gile Co. the "big whigs" have had personal gain in mind and not what is best for the people of Giles Co. Anybody associated withthem would be under suspicion.
anonymous of july 13 8:01:39
your "the fact is" is absolutely not what THE FACT IS. it takes EVERYONE on that committee WORKING (that word is a verb and shows actual physical action) to get industry here - it is not a one man or woman show
the county executive is on the committee, why not ask her how many meetings she has missed - why not ask her exactly who or what company, person or business she has contacted to attempt to get ANY new jobs, industry or business here in the four years in office - but, you already know the answer probably -
voters DO pull that lever because Gordon says he will actively WORK to make contacts and do everything possible to bring new jobs to Giles County - our county executive has to be involved in the process
our jobs are disappearing - this is a time for people who will WORK - if not all our citizens who work will be driving to another county where the county executive is WORKING to get and keep jobs
Dr Aymett Garner used to be the only economic recruiter Giles County had - and he and a handful of other businessmen got more jobs into our county than Robert Barnes or anyone else has since that time -
don't take my word - count the industries that came here during that time and count the people who work there now and have supported their families at those places for many years
Has anyone had a campaign visit from Tommy Campbell? He is so sure of himself that he feels that he doesn't have to go knocking on doors. He is one that I think needs to go. He is taking up space and air in the courthouse. If he could be half as smart as he thinks he is cute he would make a great Commissioner. Let's vote him out.
Guess my idea of "cute" differs a lot from Campbell's.
I attended the Democratic Women’s Rally at GCHS and I have a question, does anyone know anything about the two million dollar grant Mrs. Vanzant said she had received just this week? I have spoken to several commissioners and they know nothing about a grant.
I attended the same rally but did not hear Mrs. Vanzant say anything about her receiving a two million dollar grant. So if several commissioners know nothing, she probably didn't say it.
Anonymous Saturday, July 15, 2006 1:46:10 PM
I was there and she mentioned it in her speech to which Mr. Gibbons gave her thumbs up sign.
Adding to my July 15,1:46 PM comment:I believe what Mrs. Vanzant said was now that Giles County has improved itself under the 3 Star program, Giles is now eligible to apply for up to $2M in grants through the 3 Star program. Now you can understand why several commissioners knew nothing about it. Hope this clarifies.
Wrong. She said she had got 2 million in grant money and that she had saved the county 14.something million dollars by refinancing. Nobody in office seems to know about the grant money. Charlie Greene and the budget committee did the other work. Does this tell you something?
This is sick. And ladies, did you stop to think some of the speeches were recorded? And, I am not wrong.
Anonymous Sunday, July 16, 2006 7:24:57 PM
Then take the recorded speech to a reputable person (like the radio or reporter for the paper) and bring it out into the light. Here is the problem no one will believe you until you do.
Why did it take Giles County so long to become a Three Star Community, especially since the city of Pulaski had been a Three Star Community for over 11 years? And Ardmore was already a Three Star Community as well. I think this announcement seems awfully convenient to election time.
The better question is what qualification areas of the Three Star Community application were knowingly falsified by the county executive?? I understand a call has been made to the office to report the copied work and "boogered up" criteria. We are going to be so embarassed when they take it away.
For those of you who seem to know alot about everything .... the State 3-Star program was changed last year to be a county level program. Prior to last year municipalities (such as Ardmore and Pulaski) were able to obtail 3-Star status (not counties). The Governor changed the program to bring it up to the county level, this now allows all municipalities within a 3-Star county to reap the benifits of the program. Thereofre because Giles is a 3-Star county, Elkton, Lynnville, and Minor Hill can also reap the benifits.
Please research your comments prior to displaying your lack of knowledge.
In response to Thursday, July 13, 2006 10:48:43 PM
Well of course Mr. Campbell is campaigning. Just drive by his office on 1st Street and look at the sign in his window. However, the sign is not for him. Why is he more interested in someone else’s campaign than his own? Does he not really want to be a commissioner?
He thinks his good looks will get him elected.
Surely you jest!
Under another comment he seems to have two fans - if his qualifications are as stated above he'll get at least 2 votes.
They're probably the ones he takes to Gatlinburg & Tennessee football games while he is hunting in west Tennessee as he told his wife.
Can't you folks see who is down here...smarter than we are, of course...calling those they want out of office "good ole boys"! Have you ever wondered what they are really up to here? They have always thought they knew best and they are itching to demonstrate how brilliant they are. Think.
Well I've thought and can only come up with possibly the docs who have been buying up the farms for hunting. If I'm not hot on the scent, give a clue.
Well I guess all you mudslingers will shut up about Tommy Camell now since his good looks did git him elected again. That man is something else a real man's man, if you know what I mean. He's smart to, he can talk about virtue while gitting a lap dance and never miss a beat. The thing that surprises me is how could all his bimbos live in his district?
It really doesn't matter anyway, because the ones with the most intellegient answers don't get elected anyway.
Intelligence intimidates the county executive! Thank goodness the commissioners took away her ability to assign committees. She put one of the most intelligent commissioners on the dog pound committee.
most of them won the election!
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