S. CONGAREE'S NEW MAYOR, LARRY JACKSON, FIGHTS FOR DRUG USER

[Anonymous]

I understand that the New Mayor of South Congaree that Rebecca Kelly Turner supported has made promises that he can not keep. In Larry Jackson's first council meeting he found out that being the Mayor of the Town of South Congaree carried only one vote on council. When his supporters, who were in the council meeting learned of this, they became upset. One of Jackson's supporters stood up and told Larry that they voted him in to stop the police from doing thier jobs. However, Larry and his supporters found out that each council member has one vote and during the two motions that were made, Larry was out voted 4 to 1.

As of last night, the South Congaree police stopped a vehicle driven by Larry Jackson niece's boyfriend, Gary Wayne Purvis, and was charged with possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernila along with his passenger. The first words out of Mr. Purvis's mouth when he made contact with the police was I am dating Larry Jackson's niece. After the Marijuana was found on Mr. Purvis, a search of his vehicle revealed more Marijuana and Drug Paraphernila.

So could it be the intentions of the new Mayor of South Congaree to stop the police from doing their jobs so drug users like the one who is involved in Larry Jackson's family can have free passage through the town and use thier DRUGS without being bothered by the police.

In addition, Mr. Purvis stated to the S. Congaree police that Larry Jackson told him not to let the police search him.

Thank God for the other four Councilman that are serving the towns people if the new Mayor has this type of mentality toward the law enforcement who are sworn to protect and serve the good citizens of South Congaree who believe Drugs of any kind are BAD for the COMMUNITY.

[Anonymous]

Now this is what happens when people get elected that have no experience in running a fast growing town like South Congaree. The only thing Larry Jackson is experienced in is owning a trailor park and septic tank business (you know he pumps out crap).

This does make sense that Larry Jackson's intentions could be to restrict the police officers in combating the DRUG PROBLEM and doing thier job in general, because he and other slummy trailor park owners in the town are not being able to collect thier rent from their tenants because they are having to pay thier DRUG fines among other charges after being caught by the town police.

Now these so called respectable trialor park owners in the town cry out that the police prey on the poor who live in thier trailor parks. Has anyone looked at these trialor that these people own and rent to the so called poor for I guess $300 - $400 a month? Now it is truely sad and to have the new Mayor associating with a drug user and telling him don't let the police search you.

This sounds like the new Mayor wants to protect more than the good citizens in the town that believe in obeying the rules and regulations of society. He wants to protect the people that is involed with his family and his monthly rent. The way that he can do this is go get elected and try to stop the police from doing their job. SO VERY SAD!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Is this true?
If it is I feel sorry for the citizens of South Congaree. Well I am behind the police department doing thier job along with Councilman Walter Boatwright, Robert Spires, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger. At least these councilmen will not allow the new Mayor, Larry Jackson, and his thug followers to tear down of what the town has become. Look around at the beautiful new bridges in the town and the town sign at the limits along with the street lights and the 4 lane road on 302. the only sore eye of the town is those trashy trailor parks that is visable from 302.

[Anonymous]

Let's see...both of these posts are riddled with grammatical errors not to mention the fact that the spelling is atrocious!!! (For those of you from South Congaree it is spelled TRAILER, not “trailor” or “trialor”. Also, when, as in this case, you are speaking of more than one relative, are, not is, would be the proper verb usage.) Holy cow!!! Did your kids have to turn your computer on for you or were you just stoned???

Quite frankly, I would rather pump crap out of a septic tank than listen to the crap you are posting. Come on guys, can't you come up with something better than this????

Hey, here is something....who is the stepfather of Larry Jackson's niece, whose boyfriend got busted?? Could it be someone who is a sitting member of the South Congaree Police Advisory Committee??? Hmmm....let’s see….maybe that is where he got the weed? THAT’S IT!!!!! The girlfriend’s father got it from one of the police officers, after all we know the cops ALWAYS keep the good stuff, and sold it to his stepdaughter who gave it to the boyfriend. Kind of a stretch now isn’t it?

I have known both of these men for a long time and this is nothing but sour grapes and hogwash. I imagine they would both agree that justice is being served as the moron got arrested and deserves what is coming to him.

Throwing accusations like this around is ridiculous and pointless. The last time I checked, this is still a democracy and the majority of South Congaree voters elected Mr. Jackson as Mayor. And, in keeping with your line of thought, if Larry's only experience is pumping out crap, it does not say much for your previous Mayor who was “pumped” out of office does it??

Whatever your point of view, if you want your town to progress, you had better put your pettiness and differences aside.

Please grow up and I’ll see you at church on Sunday.

[Anonymous]

South Congaree police officers are essentially a bunch of Nazi's that intimidate the average motorist into allowing a search of their vehicle. These Storm Troopers dance on the fine line of motorist's fourth ammendment rights. Sure, they have taken lots of drugs off of the streets but when you stop everything that moves through your jurisdiction arrests are inevitable. Don't get me wrong I am very much against drugs and thugs but I am very much for the rights of every American. The town council has basicly condoned the actions of their police Nazi's because they haven't taken action after being put on notice by the citizens of South Conagree at the jam packed meetings where all of the questionable police tactics were challenged. I am not a big advocate of attorneys but I would like to see a smart attorney video and audio tape one of these pretextual traffice stops and deny the police a search of the vehicle. I am sure the police would take offense to this and fabricate something to search the vehicle. End result would be a very lucrative lawsuit for the motorist.

[Anonymous]

I would just like to ask if any of these people that are SO AGAINST Larry Jackson have actually meet him and heard what he had to say?!? If you actually spent 5 minutes with this man, not just judging him on what you heard about him from other people, and actually listened you might find out that half of what was said about him from people like White and HIS followers is a bunch of BS. But none of you can be open minded or actually let him try to be a good major, like the people who DO know him and DID listen to what he had to say, be. But of course not, because you all just listened to that BS that was said about him and then choose to believe it. And to tell you another thing GET A LIFE if none of you have anything better to do then sit on your fat butt complaining then actually do something then you have no right to say a thing about Larry Jackson.
You shouldn't judge one person from something his nieces’ boyfriend said. If Larry said it himself I could understand but that remark came from some ignorant idiot that was probably on the drugs they caught him with! So how can you punish him for something that wasn't even done by he himself?!? And another thing Larry Jackson won on the account that he got MORE VOTES then White so what do you have to say about that? I guess some people actually voted with there head and not their ears!

[Anonymous]

It is so ridiculous that people are pointing a finger at Larry Jackson. At least he gets out and has a job. This is obviously an attempt from the councilmen to discredit his name. They should be the ones questioned for appointing someone to a committee who's children do drugs. I suppose he'll need to pump all the crap out of the town hall that is being said. I bet the next Town Council meeting will be packed. Besides fellows I bet those mobile home parks are grandfathered in so there is no use harping on those. HOPE THERE IS NEWS MEDIA THERE.>

[Anonymous]

I am a physician that has known Mr. Jackson for roughly eight years now. I find it appauling that someone's occupation would automatically stereotype them for a certain behavior and ability. It is these closed minded arguements that often limit our society and it is often those who are new to office that bring a fresh view and objective to government. Many college students, military personnel, and young families start off in mobile homes. (trust me I know). I find it refreshing to know there is an individual out there willing to represent everyone no matter your income, where you live, race, or who you know. Just for the record, I know Mr. Jackson does not in any way condone drug use.

[Anonymous]

Well I read in the State paper that Larry Jackson is upset. Looks like his intentions are to resrtict the police officers in our community from doing their job. That job is to protect all individuals and enforce the law. Last I looked, DRUGS are against the law. Look at the amount of DRUGS that the police have got off the streets of the town from individulas that pass through the town on a daily bases.

The Quote that Larry said was that " 90 percent of the votes I got were because I promised to REIN in the police department" and promises to " tone down" the police department's ticketing activity". Sure does sound like he is fighting for CRIMINAL ACTIVITY to come through the town and encourage those individuals to feel free to move in the community and don't worry about the police because Larry Jackson is going to REIN them in. All people that drive with suspended license, has no insurance, does DRUGS, sells DRUGS, and has outstanding warrants welcome to the Town of South Congaree. A safe place for all CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. Where the New Mayor, Larry Jackson, is RIENING in the police department just for you.

So is Larry Jackson fighting for the individuals that do not want to follow the rules of soceity? You answer that.

[Anonymous]

I would just like to ask if any of these people that are SO AGAINST Larry Jackson have actually meet him and heard what he had to say?!? If you actually spent 5 minutes with this man, not just judging him on what you heard about him from other people, and actually listened you might find out that half of what was said about him from people like White and HIS followers is a bunch of BS. But none of you can be open minded or actually let him try to be a good major, like the people who DO know him and DID listen to what he had to say, be. But of course not, because you all just listened to that BS that was said about him and then choose to believe it. And to tell you another thing GET A LIFE if none of you have anything better to do then sit on your fat butt complaining then actually do something then you have no right to say a thing about Larry Jackson.
You shouldn't judge one person from something his nieces’ boyfriend said. If Larry said it himself I could understand but that remark came from some ignorant idiot that was probably on the drugs they caught him with! So how can you punish him for something that wasn't even done by he himself?!? And another thing Larry Jackson won on the account that he got MORE VOTES then White so what do you have to say about that? I guess some people actually voted with there head and not their ears!

You are so right that I should not judge one person from something his nieces's boyfriend said. If Larry said it himself, I cound understand but that remark came from some ignorant idiot that was probably on drugs they caught him with. So how can you punish him for something that wasn't even done by he himself.

But in the State paper quotes Larry Jackson saying "He promised to Rein in the police department and to "Tone down" the police department's ticketing activity.

That being said, I did not have to hear Larry Jackson say "Larry Jackson told me, Mr. Purvis/Defendant not to let the police serach me". And when the Marijuana was found on Mr. Purvis, their was more found in his truck along with DRUG PARAPHERNILIA.

Put two and two together: the quotes that Mr. Purvis gave the police on the night he was charged with possession of MARIJUANA and POSSESSION of DRUG PARAPHERNILIA and the quote that Larry Jackson gave to the state paper about "REINING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT" and "TONE DOWN" the police department's ticketing activity.

This sure does sound alot like interfering with the police in the course of thier duties (Town Ordinance). You could get up to thiry days in jail if convicted or up to a $1087.50 fine for violating that ordinance. Especially when the new mayor goes public and makes quotes like I promised to rein in the police department and so on.............

I think if Larry gets his drem town built and all the people that love the town that it has become, with all your driving under suspension, The wanted persons/individuals that have outstanding warrants on them, and these are the ones who runs from the police every time they see them, DRUG USERS, DRUG SELLER of all kinds, o we can not forget about your thieves who take anything or break into your homes and steals your stuff just to go get a little CRACK COCAIN. So to those people who likes that concept, well the only thing that I can say is WECOMED TO THE TOWN OF SOUTH CENTRAL CONGAREE.

Still feel sorry about the good citizen that are still in the town.

[Anonymous]

No one has given any real evidence that Larry Jackson told the boy that. I could say that Whitney Houston told me to dance on my head, and be caught doing it, but that doesn't mean she really told me that. I am neither for or against the mayor but this sounds bogus to me. Besides throwing insults at each other won't help the people in that town. I read the article too and nowhere does it say he wants criminal activity. Its funny that a little town like that is effecting the whole state. From what I heard a year ago that town and their police needed to be settled down. No one wants to see any town in South Carolina on the news for a law suit or bad publicity. People already assume everyone in South Carolina is a bunch of Hee-Haw rejects anyway. Policemen are a good asset anywhere and a good comfort, but they aren't perfect either, and have been known to go overboard. A good council and a good mayor should come out and say that they could gladly work together. I do think the fact that the voted the guy out of police comissioner was an awful thing to do. If they are really that "open door policy" type of a council they would have given the guy a chance.

[Anonymous]

I returned to check my message to see someone else had left a message before mine. I noticed the guest before me quoted a town ordinance. I am guessing (since The State claimed not to be able to get the town ordinances for 15 days) that either the ex-mayor, a police officer, or a council member is leaving messages on the message board on this Web Site. Hmmmmmm.

[Anonymous]

Let me leave you with a quote from Plautus from Persa....."Enemies carry a report in form different from the original." Have any of you called your New Elect Mayor to see what his actual words were? Or are you so nieve and easily persuaded to believe second and third hand stories?

[Anonymous]

:?: To my understanding the drug paraphernalia mentioned is rolling papers. I am in no way taking up for the little moron that got caught with drugs. On that note he is a teenage kid who probably panicked and thought that by mentioning the mayor's name it might get him out of it. We all know, as adults, whether you know a councilman or the mayor doesn't get you off the hook. However, in South Congaree rolling papers are considered drug paraphernalia. How can a product that is sold in almost every convenient store in South Carolina (and especially in the local convenient stores in SOUTH CONGAREE), and be an item that has a SC sales tax, be illegal? Just curious as to how we permit for an item to be sold in stores and then fine individuals who get caught with it?

[Anonymous]

No one has given any real evidence that Larry Jackson told the boy that. I could say that Whitney Houston told me to dance on my head, and be caught doing it, but that doesn't mean she really told me that. I am neither for or against the mayor but this sounds bogus to me. Besides throwing insults at each other won't help the people in that town. I read the article too and nowhere does it say he wants criminal activity. Its funny that a little town like that is effecting the whole state. From what I heard a year ago that town and their police needed to be settled down. No one wants to see any town in South Carolina on the news for a law suit or bad publicity. People already assume everyone in South Carolina is a bunch of Hee-Haw rejects anyway. Policemen are a good asset anywhere and a good comfort, but they aren't perfect either, and have been known to go overboard. A good council and a good mayor should come out and say that they could gladly work together. I do think the fact that the voted the guy out of police comissioner was an awful thing to do. If they are really that "open door policy" type of a council they would have given the guy a chance.

You said it "From what you heard a year ago that town and their police needed to be settled down". You don't know and if your screen name is where you live at (Florence S.C.), please stay out of the town concerns. My family has a stake in the community and is very pleased with the pro-active approach that the police have taken toward assuring that the towns people are kept safe. And I will agree with you that a good coucil and a good mayor should come out and say that they could gladly work together. But When the new mayor quotes that he made a promise to rein in the police (meaning to restrict our police from doing what they were sworn to do) and that is to enforce the state laws and town ordinances and to protect life and property, then how can the new mayor say he is willing to work with the rest of council. I finding toubling in any community for a figure head, to state in other words, that he made promises to restrict the same officer that are sworn to protect us from CRIMINAL ACTIVITY of all kind from doing their jobs.

Please do not be mad with me for posting on this website about what what is going on. I was not the one who made a promise to people to Rein in the police department and restrict them from doing what they are sworn to do. ENFORCE THE LAW. Without it our soceity would be in chaos.

[Anonymous]

Let me leave you with a quote from Plautus from Persa....."Enemies carry a report in form different from the original." Have any of you called your New Elect Mayor to see what his actual words were? Or are you so nieve and easily persuaded to believe second and third hand stories?

Have you called the rest of Town Council or the police department to see what has been accomplished and the amount of drugs, people driving with suspended licenses, no insurance, wanted people that were arrested that had outstanding warrants either in the town or from other jurisdictions, Driving under the influence cases that the police had made? Or are you so nieve and easily persuaded to believe second and third hand stories.

This town sees the need to enforce state laws and town ordinanes to protect it's citizens. I am sorry you do not feel the same. I hope that one day that the people that are so against the police from doing their job never become a victim of a crime or have an accident with a person who is driving under suspension, who is under the infulence of drugs or alcohol, or has no insurance on their vehicle. I do believe then you will be thankful that the mayor reined in the police from doing their job. But if that did happen that would just give you another thing to whine about (Like why is the police not doing their job or why are we paying them to do nothing).

[Anonymous]

Yes I do live in Florence. I was trying to show you that parts of SC have different views but it seems that you aren't open to any opinions but your own. What kind of message are you sending to people who might want to locate to your town by telling them to stay out? Obviously the new mayor has a bigger following than the old mayor's views, afterall he was the one elected. If the police officers there have your attitude no wonder it has pulled in so much news. In order to be a friend of Lexington County, you have to be friendly.

[Anonymous]

Can someone please post the next South Congaree town meeting and street address? My husband and I would like to attend.

[Anonymous]

All the supporters of the Council are starting to sound like Nazi Germany pre-WWII "If it works for our little group who cares about anyone else." Maybe we should get a gas chamber in South Congaree just to make sure that anyone who commits any kind of crime won't have the opportunity to do it again. We can declare Robert Spires dictator that way all of his and Johnny White's plans can go through without any democracy hendering their plans. That way no one has any rights and the family of the Council members will feel safe. I just hope Maria and the rest of the Von Trapp family make it to the mountains first. There tactics are sort of like cattle hustlers. If we round up all the cattle, we are sure to find one or two without brands. I would love to see an accurate count of how many people are actually stopped and how many of those that are actually charged. Not just the number charged, but the number of people's rights that were violated just to get to the bad apples. And if anyone responds that its worth to stop an extra few, you have just violated the rights of a fellow american.

[Anonymous]

IGUSCGuy,

I am sure you will get figures that were sent out before the election. Approx. 450 cars were searched (which I doubt is an accurate figure) resulting in some 300 "drug" cases. What it fails to mention is that if four people were in the car, all were charged with possession and parifinalia, or 8 total charges. You can do the math from there. After all, a blind pig finds an acorn every now and then.

My question would be, how many of these "drug cases" went to circuit court? NONE!!! All stayed in the town so they could reap the financial benifits. How else is a town of 2,500 whose town budget doubled in one year going to be able to afford it? I want drugs and illegal activity as much as the next person but take the time to read between the lines. When the lawsuits hits, I wonder if these people will think it is worth it then? I'd be willing to bet that the town's insurance policy isn't going to come close to covering even the attorney fees!!!

Meanwhile, let's continue to let these guys "drink the Koolaide" that has been served up to them the last three years.

As for the guys from Florence, you are welcome in South Congaree ANYTIME. Just make sure your tag light is burning bright! OR ELSE!!!

[Anonymous]

Yes I do live in Florence. I was trying to show you that parts of SC have different views but it seems that you aren't open to any opinions but your own. What kind of message are you sending to people who might want to locate to your town by telling them to stay out? Obviously the new mayor has a bigger following than the old mayor's views, afterall he was the one elected. If the police officers there have your attitude no wonder it has pulled in so much news. In order to be a friend of Lexington County, you have to be friendly.

I am very open to other opinions that people offer, except when people outright encourage individuals to come live in the town or feel free to pass through our community that do not follow the rules of soceity. For an example, possess drugs, sell drugs, drive with no insurance or license, etc. But hey, you do not have to worry about that because you live in Florence. I could not care less what goes on in other towns, cities, counties, or other states, just do not let it happen in my community.
You people say you want to feel safe, you want to be protected, you want the police to find the individuals that are using drugs in the community or selling drugs to our children and around our schools and homes, but you questions the way it is done. If what the town is doing that is so wrong or violating someone's rights, don't you think that our due process system would have pick up on this and taken corrective measures. No what you have is many people are upset because they have got caught or their family members got caught and is telling another story. Rather than just take responsibility for their actions and except what they have done is wrong, they found someone who made a promise to restrict the police from enforcing the law in hopes they can continue to do wrong and not be caught.

[Anonymous]

South Congaree sounds a lot like Dodge City. Where's Wyatt when you need him?

[Anonymous]

NO-ONE NEEDS WYATT!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Sure they do! He helps Jimmy Metts climb down from his cross every morning!

[Anonymous]

You guys are just friggin hilarious!

[Anonymous]

Time flies when you are having fun, Wyatt. Tick tick tick tick tick....another day closer.

[Anonymous]

IGUSCGuy,

I am sure you will get figures that were sent out before the election. Approx. 450 cars were searched (which I doubt is an accurate figure) resulting in some 300 "drug" cases. What it fails to mention is that if four people were in the car, all were charged with possession and parifinalia, or 8 total charges. You can do the math from there. After all, a blind pig finds an acorn every now and then.

My question would be, how many of these "drug cases" went to circuit court? NONE!!! All stayed in the town so they could reap the financial benifits. How else is a town of 2,500 whose town budget doubled in one year going to be able to afford it? I want drugs and illegal activity as much as the next person but take the time to read between the lines. When the lawsuits hits, I wonder if these people will think it is worth it then? I'd be willing to bet that the town's insurance policy isn't going to come close to covering even the attorney fees!!!

Meanwhile, let's continue to let these guys "drink the Koolaide" that has been served up to them the last three years.

As for the guys from Florence, you are welcome in South Congaree ANYTIME. Just make sure your tag light is burning bright! OR ELSE!!!


I bet you do want "DRUGS and ILLEGAL ACTIVITY as much as the next person". That is why you voted for a new mayor like Larry Jackson that made a promise to do his best from having the police and the rest of council from doing their jobs.

[Anonymous]

All the supporters of the Council are starting to sound like Nazi Germany pre-WWII "If it works for our little group who cares about anyone else." Maybe we should get a gas chamber in South Congaree just to make sure that anyone who commits any kind of crime won't have the opportunity to do it again. We can declare Robert Spires dictator that way all of his and Johnny White's plans can go through without any democracy hendering their plans. That way no one has any rights and the family of the Council members will feel safe. I just hope Maria and the rest of the Von Trapp family make it to the mountains first. There tactics are sort of like cattle hustlers. If we round up all the cattle, we are sure to find one or two without brands. I would love to see an accurate count of how many people are actually stopped and how many of those that are actually charged. Not just the number charged, but the number of people's rights that were violated just to get to the bad apples. And if anyone responds that its worth to stop an extra few, you have just violated the rights of a fellow american.

Please produce anyone charged with a crime or have been stopped by our police department where their rights have been violated. I believe in our justice system and individual's rights to due process. So if all these people's rights have been violated then why hasn't any of these went out and got attorneys? Could it be that they do not have a case against the town for violating their rights?
So once again, produce anyone who can prove to any court that their rights have been violated.

[Anonymous]

I don't understand that if Council is suppose to be a REPRESENTATION of the town, and little over 50% of people voted for Jackson, then at least one of the Councilmen would have wanted to discuss the Police Comissioner issue. I voted for Eddie Enfinger and Larry Jackson, unfortunately Tom didn't make it. I support both the mayor and the Council, however once elected its up to Council to represent everyone including those they feel are a minority on this issue. I would like to see them have a long meeting and hear ALL the people's concerns both the pros and the cons, without any finger pointing or raised voices on both sides. I also don't see the need to appoint the same individuals ( a small group of about 12) to comittees to the council when there are enough people who want to get involved in the community. I feel individuals should only sit on one committee, whichever one they feel they have the most to offer or are the most passionate about. Whether or not Larry Jackson is returned title of Police Commisioner is one ordeal, but I think the Council would be showing a HUGE step by allowing only one comittee per person, if not you have the same group of people advising on everything. Take a look at the Town's website and you will be amazed and the number repeats on committees.

[Anonymous]

That's right...I voted for Larry because I want drugs and crime in South Congaree. Your post is right up there with the opening post as being the most ignorant statement made to date.

Yeah, it takes real police work to search every car that you stop. Get out and talk to the people that do not live behind Town Hall. There is a world outside of Berry Road. Take the time to talk to some of the younger citizens of our town. I am talking about middle schoolers and high schoolers. Mindsets like yours have created a total lack of trust with the police from their perspective. But I have no doubts that you feel proud that your Billy Bad Ass policemen intimidate our youth. Protect and Serve my big behind, how about to Hassle and Intimidate. But they are bringing in the bucks so what does it matter, right? To quote our illustrious new Police Commissioner, "Go out there and make us some money, boys!!"

When that big bomb hits from the Attorney General's office, I wonder if your tune is going to change. And trust me, do you really think your righteous Town Council is going to let you know about any potential lawsuits??

[Anonymous]

My question would be, how many of these "drug cases" went to circuit court? NONE!!! All stayed in the town so they could reap the financial benifits. How else is a town of 2,500 whose town budget doubled in one year going to be able to afford it?

Especially when said town levies no property tax and is totally funded by fees and fines.

So that's how the budget increased $349,500 from the 2001-02 fiscal year to the 2003-04 fiscal year.


And to think, the South Congaree people complained when Brown and Fallaw roamed the streets.

[Anonymous]

How many shots does it take to kill a handcuffed and shackled prisoner?

Maybe more time should be spent at the shooting range rather than in the trunk of cars!!!

It's me, it's me. It's Ernest T.

[Anonymous]

Hey I am all for putting Dope Dealers in jail but this sounds like some questionable tactics are being used! Has any of the people that were harassed gone to the Dept. of Justice or any of the other Federal or State agencies that look into these deals?

[Anonymous]

The standard operating procedure over there is to reduce or drop the charges when the dung hits the fan. At that point the offender is ready to plead to whatever and get out of Dodge.

[Anonymous]

I bet the Town and the police department welcomes any type of investigation from any agency about any type of misconduct that you allege. That being said, BRING IT ON.

[Anonymous]

:?: question for all those who feel like justice is being done fair. If you went into a town other than your own and the police held you for 45 minutes to search your car and had no probable cause but was just going on a hunch and found nothing would you feel the same? forget about the last guy that you busted ,sure you get lucky. nobody wants drugs on the street, or people who drive without insurance, or under suspension. people should get ticketed if they are breaking the law. but there comes a time when if you are a christian you learn to treat others in a christ like way and don't harass people just because you can. one day each person will have to give an account to what you type or say or the way you treat people. The bible says if you find fault in a man you should go to him not to others . in all this on whom evers side your on can you really say you did what was right and did what jesus would do? After all what would Jesus Do?

[Anonymous]

Yes you are right. You need to treat people the way you would like to be treated and yes, each will have to answer for their actions. But produce tell the name of the individual(s) stopped and a kept on the road for 45 minutes while thier vehicle was searched. Once again, if all these people's rights were violated, then why have they not brought a claim against the town. I think that it could be that they do not have a claim to bring. I will leave you with this. If the Town or the police were violating the rights of individuals so grossly as you say, then I would think that any attorney would be more than happy to take these individual's case on without charging them, since the town has all this money you claim they have from doing all these illegal searches, traffic stops, and their traffic ticketing.

[Anonymous]

Get out of your hole and drive around a little. You can see the 45 minute searches all the time. This typically takes place when there is a younger driver and hey are intimidated over the situation and consents to a search. (And I know your next come back is going to be ""that's a legal search" but that is far far from the point.)

In South Congaree when your car is searched you are guilty until proven innocent. I have seen one particular officer search the same car three times during the same stop. Then once the car was torn apart he sends them on their merry way.

More often than not this is how it happens. The legality of the search is not where many of us have the beef. It is the reputation our town that concerns us which has short and long term effects on the entire area.

The behavoir of our Police Department is like having a slut for a girlfriend. It may make you feel good at times but in reality all you have is a skank!!!

[Anonymous]

i wonder what the special council meeting is about tonight??? saw it posted at the town hall.

[Anonymous]

I will say it again. If these people's rights are being violated so bad, then why have they not taken legal action. On top of that, you say that the reputation of the town is bad because of the towns past administration and the police pro-active approach to keeping our community safe. I do not think so, the reputation of the town now is bad because of the new Mayor's promises to restrict the officers from doing their jobs (REIN IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT) and just outright invited CRIMINAL ACTIVITY to come live in the town. Know people have stated on this site that the police is scaring off the growth of new business' and customers because of their pro-active approach to detering crime. Let's see, that is horse crap. What business would want to invest in the town where a mayor goes on record making promises to restrict it's officer from doing their jobs and discouraging criminal activity of all kinds. Do you think a bank would want to come to the town knowing that the Mayor's intentions is to not let the police department do their job? I DO NOT THINK SO. Do you think that good citizens want to come and shop or do busniess in the town knowing that the Mayor's intentions is to not let the police department do their job of protecting them from being robbed, raped, or just victimized in any way? I DO NOT THINK SO.
I do hope nothing like that happens to anyone who comes through our town or lives in it. But if it does, thank your new mayor and his supporters for reining in the police department and stopping them from doing their job. If new business' such as a bank would not want to invest in the town because their is no police protection, thank the new mayor and his supporters for reining in the police department and stopping them from doing their job.
people on this site have alleged that the town has violated people's rights and broke the law. Like I said, I believe the twon would welcome any type of investigation from any agency. By the same token, the mayor would probably need to be investigated for Obstruction of Justice for trying to stop the police from doing their jobs. I mean let's be fair and across the board with it. Let the investigation begin.

[Anonymous]

Jane, you ignorant slut!!!!

You still don't get the point and you continue to believe what you want to believe. Larry Jackson AND his supporters DO NOT want to do away with the Police Department and DO NOT want to prevent the department from doing their jobs. They are a vital part of this community and will continue to be so regardless of who is Mayor. And you are correct in you implication that businesses would not want to come to any town that did not provide sufficient protection.

AT THE SAME TIME....a business is NOT going to come to a town where it is a known fact that people avoid a town becasue of somewhat zealous police department. That mean less $$$$ for the business and the last time I checked that is the purpose of opening a business.

What we need is that BALANCE. I contend that you DO NOT have to search a majority of cars when you have a young driver or a man with a ladder on his truck. That is nothing more than profiling. If the driver does not have a licence, insurance, or the officer suspects illegal activity then fine, if there is probable cause search away. I just find it hard to believe that there is "legitimate" probable cause in SO many instances.

The VAST VAST majority of the citizens in our surrounding areas are hard working law abiding citizens. Like most of us, they get up, go to work, come home and try to raise their family and WANT to raise their family in a safe secure environment. At the same time, MOST people who pass through our town are not wealthy and some live pay check to pay check.
These people CANNOT afford hundreds and hundreds of dollars in ridiculous tickets (ie tag light out, tailgate down, illegal use of horn) whcih our officers seem to write day-after-day. THAT is what we are talking about reining in. NOT the drug stops, the DUI's and DUS's.

And YES, people are avoiding your precious little town. Hang out at Indian River, probably one of the most wealthy sub-divisions in all of West Columbia. More often than not, a left, not a right, is taken when going shopping or into work. And once the construction on Platt Springs road is completed, it is going to be even worse. But I guess we live in $250,000 houses so we must be drug dealers in cahoots with your Mayor.

[Anonymous]

ERNEST T., have you ever been a police officer? Have you ever been in a fight for your life? HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SHOT? Until you have done any of these things, you don' have the right to second guess, or judge what the officer did or did not do on that day! That is what SLED is for. People like you amaze me with the level of stupidity that you show when you make a completely moronic statement like that without knowing anything about the incident, except what the " all knowing and always correct -(ha-ha) media says happened. And as far as how many shots does it takes...YOU SHOOT UNTIL THE THREAT IS NEUTRALIZED,PERIOD!!!! If you think you can do a better job, get hired somewhere, go to the academy, and go out and put your life on the line day after day until you get put in a similar situation and see how many shots you fire or how accurate you are. Until you have the guts to do this you have no right to judge anyone wearing a badge and gun and body armor, that is there to protect you and yours. Don't talk the talk if you CAN'T or WON'T WALK THE WALK!!!!! :evil:

[Anonymous]

Oh yeah I left off the fact that at the time the officer fired his first round, he had already been shot once, IN HIS GUN HAND!!!! Also I thought that this was a thread about Larry Jackson, but apparently it's become a thread to attempt to bash the police! REAL NICE!

[IbCop2]

I agree, it is one thing to say that Law Enforcement is violating 4th Amendment Rights and not have any "Victims" to back it up but to try and "Monday-morning Quarterback" is another. Take Guest's advise, walk the walk and give us a call back! :evil:

[Anonymous]

Who is Jane?
And as for calling me a slut Dan, I will now refer to you as my BITCH.
Now we have got that straight, BITCH, I agree with the two last postings. This is a problem with that people like Larry Jackson and many of his followers has and that is not knowing what our police has to go through on a daily bases. But are so quick to stop them from doing what they have sworn to do. ENFORCE THE LAW. Do Larry Jackson and others believe that CRIMINAL ACTIVITY has just begun in the last several years? I say no, that it has always been there but the difference now is we have skilled police officers that know what they are doing and what to look for.

[Anonymous]

Your point is well taken. No I have not been a police officer nor to I care to. They DO put thieir lives on the line each and everyday and that is something that I DO NOT take for granted. It takes a special individual for that resposibility as well as being a firefighter. And I will be the first to admit that I don't have what it takes to do that.

Now that I have said that, I would also add that there are additional responsibilites of being an officer which are abused. They TOO have a responsibility to the public.

As far as the incident that was refered to, even you would have to admit, with the direction this department is run, in the back of your mind, you have to ask the hard questions. And I gaurantee you that if the town did not have the reputation they had, the doubt would not be out there.

And to me, there lies the problem!!!

Now I'll put down my rocks and stop throwing them.

[Anonymous]

Well my response to that is, who gave them that " reputation"? If you look at it objectively you will see that it was the media (t.v. , and newspaers ). If you will also look at the results from that period there were alot of cases made, good ones! If those guys were "Nazi stormtroopers" as one person said earlier, why have they not been sued individually, or as a department? Why has SLED not charged any single officer with a misconduct in office charge, or oficially and publicly reprimanded the department? Simply because the police department started doing what was long overdue, and started actively enforcing the laws of the state! But back to your original post, none of what you stated has anything to do with why that suspect attacked and tried to KILL that officer on that day. And your comment shows the blind ignorance of the general public who chooses to believe without question anything they read or hear from the media. Also if you will remember all of that garbage about "profiling" in South Congaree was started by Orangeburg counties Sheriff after he was called out in a public meeting! Plain and simple if you don' braek the laws you have nothing to fear! But don't blame the police for providing a blanket of safety, and then question the manner in which they provide!!!!!

[Anonymous]

I hate to break the news to you but regardless of the subject, the media has nothing to do with my opinions. My opinions are formed by personal observations. I heard about this incident before I read about it and my inital thought was for the officer and my next thought was wondering what might have really happened. As far as the prisoner, I have little or no sympathy for people who choose a life of crime so to say.

As far as their reputation, as I recall there were over one hundred of us at the meeting prior to the "Christmas in Congaree" article ever hit the press. So I would have to say a lot of us were fed up with the departments actions long before the media became involved.

I can't say it enough that the vast majority of us support our officers we just are tired of the BS stops that take place everyday. If they are speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, or breaking some other law, fine pull-em over give 'em a ticket or more if the situation warrants. I am saying stop pulling people over for little or no reason just because they fit the profile.

We each have our sides and we can agree to disagree. It does not matter to me one way or another. But don't take the elitest attitude that we are bad people because we don't agree with over policing. And don't tell me that the media has blown this out of proportion. As a town, we did that to ourselves when meetings with the previous administration were totaly ignored.

Fianlly, you are obviously on the other side of the fence than I am. And it is the B.S. that your side of the fence started on this site that really makes me sick. Taking a man that wants to make a difference and attempt to slander him by saying he supports drug dealers is shameful. Again, it is that elitist attitude that continues to control our town and has our side of the fence sideways.

ETB

[Anonymous]

By the way, Jack Nicholson was much more convincing in "A Few Good Men".

Nice try. LOL

[Anonymous]

So typical. you say you are tired of the police stopping people for for little reason. I am sorry to tell you that people that are wanted for outstanding warrants, driving while their license are suspended, people that are possessing drugs, or driving with an open beer and some type of alcohol in the car don't always speed or drive from one side of the road to the other. These little reason stops as you have refered to it has apprehended numerous wanted individuals, people that drive with their license suspended (many for people that has failed to pay a traffic citation(s), that has been involved in previous accidents where they did not have insurance on the vehicle they were driving, etc.). So I say it again and again and will continue to say it, we as a town pay our police officer to protect and serve and that includes ENFORCING THE LAW. I am sorry that Larry Jackson has made his true intentions publicly on the record that he made promises to RESTRICT THE POLICE FROM DOING THEIR JOB by REINING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. Because of that, I feel that he has invited all kind of CRIMINAL ACTIVITY to come stay and prey on good citizens that are in the town or come through the town, due to him making promises to rein in the police department.

So by his true intention made public, I feel Larry Jackson will accomplish one thing for the town, it's citizens, and business owners and that is he WILL REIN IN THE CRIMINAL ACTIVITY OF ALL KIND, because he made promise to stop the police from doing their job.

[Anonymous]

Would someone other than "Guest" and his alias like to combat for council or will we have to keep hearing his same old song and dance over and over? The one thing that South Congaree needs more than police officers is SPELLING TEACHERS!!!!!! Please sober up and edit before you (meaning ANYONE) sends another sloppy reply.

[Anonymous]

You will continue to hear what I have to say as long people like Larry Jackson and his followers continue their assaults on our police department and wonderful council members. You heard me, I will be heard along with the good citizens of our town as long as there are people out their attempting to obstruct justice by being in a postion of power and telling our policemen not to enforce our laws. This town has come a long way from what it once was because of past police not wanting to what they were sworn to do. The town with it's beautification on 302 and the new town sign, etc. I have never felt safer than I do now in the Town of South Congaree because of the leardership that our council members, Walter Boatwright, Robert Spires, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger possess. It is truely ashame that Larry Jackson wants to STOP THE POLICE FROM DOING THEIR JOBS and allow the town to fall back to the ways of 1957 line of thinking when the town was incorporated. Back then there were no zoning laws or real police protection to our citizens. And that reminds me, I hear in the community that Larry went to town hall and advised the Town Administrator that he did not think we as a town needed to enforce the zoning laws. He believes that these old buildings or sheds in the town
that citizens have should be left alone until the roofs fall in. Now if that is true, that sure does sound like someone trying to make a difference. Even if it is a NEGATIVE ONE.

[Anonymous]

I am the guest that responded to Ernest T.'s comment on the shooting, I don't know who the other guest is. Ernest, believe it or not I do agree with you about the traffic stop situation, and you are probably correct, but what I took exception to was what you said about the officer involved. I felt like it was a low blow that had nothing to do with what you later stated as your motivation for posting in the first place. You may have a valid point, but how you started off was simply wrong. The departments "reputation" was not nor will it ever be reason for someone to attempt what that guy tried to do. I will admit I missed your point, but you also didn't clarify where you were going with it in your first postings. And just for arguments sake, I don't have a problem with Mayor Jackson, as a matter of fact I wish him well, and hope he has asuccessful term. My response was never negative toward him, just your comments.

[Anonymous]

:mad: to the guest that keeps slandering larry jackson, is there something wrong with a mayor that wants to protect decent peoples rights to let people know that we still live in a place that has rights?so you say why isn't there any lawsuits but if you are so bold then why don't you sign your real name to your comment so that slander charges can be brought on you. Because Larry Jackson never said he wanted to keep police from catching criminals and doing their job. His intintion was to rein in the police from running over the people that are good citizens rights and to treat ALL people fairly, this is what he has learned pumping crap as you call it that if you treat people fair and with a little respect they tend to want you around. The way I see it that speaks for its self . But if you wanted to take it a step further maybe a couple of the towns police should work for him a couple of days so he could teach them they are there to protect and serve people. Larry jackson is an awsome leader in our community you could learn something from him to get you ahead in life, but you can stay in Ignoranceville if you like and keep doing what you are. Larry never did say that what you were doing was totally wrong but he did mean there are better ethical ways.

[Anonymous]

:cry: I am a retired 52 year old woman. I have lived in South Congaree for about 20 years. I come from a law and order family and have tried to raise my family with the same values. I used to come home mad after driving through town because there would be 1 to 3 people stopped out of their car and most all were under 30.

I went down to court one day and the room was full. Most were drug related charges and all were fined $400 to $1000.00. Only about 5 people were over 30yrs of age. True most all were guilty. The main question I put to Jake Knotts was how many innocent people were stopped, with NO tickets written, to get that 70 to 80 people there?
I have heard about Sunday school teachers stopped for decorative tag holders and people asked to get out of their car because their eyes were red. There have been other stories of people being stopped. How many?? I'm sure if You are stopped (quilty or not) and your boss, friends, coworkers saw you out of the vehicle like that the gossips would have a field day. Yea as you say THEY MUST GAVE HAD SOME REASON TO SEARCH.

I,m sad and embarrassed when I hear law enforcement officers from other towns dislike our town or officers. Officers like McCaw are fine level headed but some of the others left other towns and now I question why. I don't know.

I was in the doctors office the other day and a woman there happened to be the xwife is the man killed. When I heard the story originaly I had some questions because of my families law inforcement history. I don't for ! minute condone anything the man may have done. His family is bringing in the FBI. The number of shots in the vehicle (around 24) and the number of shots in the man, around 6, 3 of which would have killed him right away. I don't know if the 2 or 3 in the stomache was 1st or last but I do wonder. The man was not on in handcuffs but was also boloed to his belt.
Then she said there had been a statement 2days before by an officer that this man was dead after he out ran them in a pursuit a few days before.

The other day I heard someone say that they were targeting construction type trucks (because they are Known to drink or do drugs). Last week I went to the doctar on Platt Springs Rd and sure enough there in the medium they had one stopped and the man (under 30) was out and when I came home they were still there.

My son has worked in law enforcement, 911EMT, and volunteer fireman. Yes I know the danger these fine people face everyday. I don't want anyone of them to get hurt.

Being a former union steward I have found out that, no matter what level work you are in, that people need to be reminded or pulled back in line every now and then.

The question why no one is coming forward, try fear. They have to live here and maybe cant or dont want to move. Or they maybe leaving family behind and fear retaliation. From what I have seen its not totaly out of the question. That is the sad truth. I saw people go to the former Mayor and they were just put off with the classic I'll look into it.

I voted in the election so I do have a say in my towns condition. When the elections are all over I wonder and fear what will happen when the stops start back. South Congaree was 3rd in the state for revenues and we are only 3.2 square miles.

I met but dont know Jackson he gave me the impression this was the kind of things here wantd to address. Not once did he say he didnt have respect for out officers.

PS Im not a law breaker, not rich, dont live in a trailor, and dont want to move.

[Anonymous]

Saddened, I understand where you are coming from, but think about this...if that guy was handcuffed and belted to his waist, how could he have been able to get through an approx. 12 in. opening in the cage. Also it is quite impossible to get your hands up and in front of you when they are connected to the waist belt, much less be able to successfully grab and use the officers weapon. Let's not forget here that the bad guy made the first move and shot the officer first!!!! As far as the amount of shots that were fired into the car, as I stated before the officer had been shot in his gun hand, and at the time he was firing he was also retreating from the car, and attempting to gain a safe position to return fire. I would say that the officer did a heck of a job to save his own life. I would also imagine that his adrenaline was soaring, like it should have been in that situation, so his aim was probably a little bit off! If you spoke to his ex-wife you might guess that her opinion of what occurred would tilt slightly in the direction of her ex-husband. And by the way did she happen to mention the fact that his family made threats to "TAKE OUT ANY COP THEY CAME ACROSS"? And before you say that is rumor, his cousin said it in the pressence of a funeral home employee on the day of the funeral. If you doubt what i am saying about the restraints, just ask your family members who were in law enforcement.

[Anonymous]

Then how can Larry Jackson, never being in law enforcement, or even running a town tell the police don't police like that, only do it this way. He can't and you want to why? It is because Larry does not know what the police go through on a traffic stop on a dark night with 2 or more people sitting in the car the officer has stopped. The driver gives you his name and D.O.B. After checking with your dispatch, they advise you to use caution because the vehicle has been reported stolen and use in a armed robbery where two victims have been shot to death. But Larry himself would have to admitt that he lacks the knowledge that is needed when you lead a group of skilled police officers that make split second decision that could mean life or death. But yet he launches a campain to stop the polce from enforcing the law. Hey do not be mad, I am not the new mayor who made promises to do just that.

[Anonymous]

If what south congaree police is doing is so right then why aren't all the police whether county, or State troopers harassing people the same way? Hey guys are they not doing their job or are you going overboard. You need to remember that to get respect you have to give respect. Have you ever thought about what people go through that you search their cars without probable cause and find nothing. I read earlier that you said if people felt like they were being harassed then why didn't they come forward? Heres the thing they did , 306 people came forward and voted in a new mayor (or for the last 30 years Police commisioner). If people were happy in this town with police tactics Johny white would still be mayor. Even if you count the highest votes received by Robert Spires(292) Mayor Jackson still held the majority. Now Earlier you made the comments of Larry Jacksons Supporters and how they are terrible people was that the whole 306 or certain ones that race, social status, or the friends they have are different than you. Some one made the statement that Jackson wanted to take South Congaree back in time, but just the opposite here is a man that wants to see all men treated equally.Which in my book is a step forward for south congarees clickish form of Government. I will say this there are some fine outstanding police that work For south congaree that treat people with respect while enforcing the law, but there are some that could careless and act like loose cannons. I applaud Larry Jackson because people are afraid to voice out until leaders like him step out and take a beating just to see justice and equality take a stand. Hats off to you Mr.Jackson and maybe more like you will stand so we can elect them in 2 years.

[Anonymous]

Dear Guest One question for you......Robert Spires is a pharmacist major and none of the other council members have direct police experience other than being elected members of South Congaree Council, what gives them the experience that Larry doesn't have and for that matter why was Johnny White allowed Police comissioner experience when he took over mayor position we he didn't have experience? And if you mention his Union stewart to the Fire department he allowed Larry Strickland, (who barrell races and ropes cows to this day) to acquire disability through the State even though he wasn't hurt on the job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

I am Larry Jackson's son, I know Larry Strickland and whoever wrote the previous comment. IT"S A LIE. I support my Dad but Larry Strickland has nothing to do with this so get your facts straight!

[Anonymous]

Larry Jackson has absolutely no intent of asking Jason Amodio not to do his job. If you pull and search 200 people to get 1 drunk driver off the road, then you did your job. Larry knows that as well as anybody. I find it interesting that so many people now consider South Kangaroo to be such a danger to drive through. It was Cayce in the 80's, Springdale in the 80's and 90's, so now I guess it's SK's turn.

Larry will find out that politics ain't what it's cracked up to be, and probably already has. South Kangaroo has a long way to go, but effective leadership from town hall could make it a hot spot for commercial development if everyone gets together and sings off the same page. All the mobile home park owners in town will sell out when zoning is effectively enforced and the highest and best use of their properties changes.

Pull yourselves together, people. If your kid got caught, he got caught. Don't accuse everyone in town of conspiring aginst your innocent kids - make him take his medicine.

[Anonymous]

Well I've been keeping up with all the opinions that have been posted on this website and am getting tired of the poeple that say they understand but really they don't. I understand that some of you read what the other people write and take it into consideration but do yourselves a favor and if you have a question about Larry Jackson ask him yourself and you might find that the bad things that have been said about him are false.

Now as for the people that agree with car searches, how can you?!?!? Do you think that when you get pulled over, say 5 miles over the speed limit, and the police man comes up to you and asks to search your car and you say that you are on their side and show them the things you wrote about them, do you think they will let you off????? NO!!! So stop being a suck up and grow up! Also the people that do have to get their car searched, even when they have nothing to hide, its an evation of privacy. It's when someone reads your diary, or having to tell someone how much you weigh or for some people their age. Some people just don't want you going threw their car and it doesn't mean that they have drugs or drug paraphenelia. Maybe they just don't want some stranger going threw their things. So why do police pull people over just because they are suspicious? Maybe the police are just mad because their car isn't as nice as the people they pulled over car is. Or maybe they are just noisy, well then they need to get over it. You don't have to search every car just because you think you can. Maybe everything we ever buy should be checked out by the police before we can take it home, maybe thats the answer to all of our problems. It's amazing the things you wouldn't buy if you had to have some stranger look at it before you could take it home.

And for the people that think if its so bad why haven't we done anything about it yet, well who do you think the judge is going to be? Probably paid off by White and his men because he knows what he's doing is wrong but is just in it for the money. And what judge would believe that this was going on in a small town like this, and that almost every cop has crossed the line one to many times. The judge would probably laugh in your face unless he lived here and had to deal with everything we have to deal with. But then some of his salary would come from White now wouldn't it?!? So explain to me that one because I'd love to hear your petty excuse for the things I've just said. But I guess everyone can have their own opinion until you make someone mad.

[Anonymous]

This is beginning to sound like a post for sour grapes! A few years ago the town was screaming for their own police department. Well now that they have it all they are doing is fussing and complaining about how they are doing their jobs. Heck some of the posters have said everything short of out and out accusing the officers of being criminals themselves. And then they turn it around that it's a conspiracy between the council and the police! When it boils down to it bad guys don't come to South Congaree as much as they used to, and it's because of strict enforcement. So would the people rather ahve the other way around? I sure hope not! You can't have your cake and eat it too!

[Anonymous]

Maybe the town was screaming for their own police department but when they asked for it they thought they would be helped not harrassed! Maybe the bad guys have moved someplace else but so is everyone else because the innocent people are having to fight to keep there reputation safe because they are getting sick of being patronized by police that are supposed to be on their side and are trying to keep their mouths shut. But now that we have a major that is trying to help the residents of South Congaree I feel safer because I know that I have someone fighting for me not against me.

[Anonymous]

:???: Does anyone know what the town bylaws say about the commisioners job, or has town council voted to change that. And what do we need a golf cart for???? Good luck Larry looks like you're going to need it. Too bad you're not one of the "GOOG OL BOYS". To bad we lost Williams on the council.

[Anonymous]

Maybe the town was screaming for their own police department but when they asked for it they thought they would be helped not harrassed! Maybe the bad guys have moved someplace else but so is everyone else because the innocent people are having to fight to keep there reputation safe because they are getting sick of being patronized by police that are supposed to be on their side and are trying to keep their mouths shut. But now that we have a major that is trying to help the residents of South Congaree I feel safer because I know that I have someone fighting for me not against me.

Come on. Do you really think that good citizens are being harrassed? The answer is simple, keep your drugs, dus's, dui's, no insurance, wanted people, and people that just do not want to be accountable for their actions, to include their family members out of the town, so that the people that work hard to have something nice for their families can do so without these type people, one, stealing their stuff to support their drug habit, Two, attracting the wrong kind of element for our town, and three, people just not wanting to take pride in the their town or even consider their neighbor's property value because they do not want to clean up their property.

Now let's get to this town meeting when so called good citizens came to the council meeting upset with police department. If I remember, there was a man named Joey Sawls that got up and said that he had no problem with people smoking marijuana. I think he was very upset that our police department had stopped him and found drugs on him. Now I believe with this type mind set and the mayor going public about stopping the police department from enforcing our laws, it just gives people like this guy an open invitation to come through the town or even come live right next door to you in the town and possess and smoke his marijuana, because the mayor made a promise to people like him that he was going to rein in the police department.

I am a firm believer in our courts and the right to due process. If these people have truely feel that their rights have been violated, then why have our higher courts intervened or why have these people not brought suits against the town. I think it is because they just got caught and finds someone that is going to fight for them not being accountable for their actions.

[Anonymous]

One more thing. If you think the police or the town is going give in to people who think doing drugs, possessing drugs, stealing other people's property because they are too lazy to go out and work for it or to support their drug habit, or not keep their property up to code for the betterment of town or it's neighbors, then Larry Jackson with his reining in the police department promise or people who think that not wanting to be accountable for their actions is in for an rude awakening. And if you say that is not being on your side, you are correct.

[Anonymous]

One more thing. If you think the police or the town is going give in to people who think doing drugs, possessing drugs, stealing other people's property because they are too lazy to go out and work for it or to support their drug habit, or not keep their property up to code for the betterment of town or it's neighbors, then Larry Jackson with his reining in the police department promise or people who think that not wanting to be accountable for their actions is in for an rude awakening. And if you say that is not being on your side, you are correct.


I have NEVER said or will ever say that I think we should have drugs in this town or anywhere for that matter. I have always liked this town but I don't think sending people to jail because they have a drug addiction is completely right, why not try drug theropy or try to find the big drug dealers. Why just throw the people in jail? Why not just keep a close eye on the druggie and follow him and then when you see who he's getting the drugs from then haul them both off but try to get them some help because if you send them to jail the likelyhood of them being able to get drugs in the jail are bigger then you think. And what happens when they get out what do you think they are going to do?? They are probably going to come back and try to get more drugs because he wasn't getting what he needed from the people inside the jail and the only guy they know who sells drugs is still living in South Congaree. So then you have to go back to step one and start all over again!

[Anonymous]

How do you know if the town is not doing that? I can understand about the drug theropy for individuals caught with drugs, but a drug user has to want to help themselves. But you still have to make them accountable for their actions and that is charging them for possessing the illegal drugs. If I am not mistaken their is a pre-trial intervention for people that have got caught with drugs if it is their first time. However, to stop the drug dealer, you cut off the people who buy from them. That is done by having a pro-active police department that will not tolerate illegal drugs of any kind. It being the user, possessor, or the dealer.

What you can not have is a town leader like Larry Jackson going public and making promises to restrict our law enforcement from enforcing the laws that we have. People look for excuses all the time for not being accountable for what they do. Now the public may look at Larry Jackson's intentions and promise to stop our law enforcement for enforcing the law of any kind and use that as their excuse for not being accountable for what they have done, because of his promise to them and to the public to restrict law enforcement for enforcing the law and ordinances. It just really encourages criminal activity of all kind to come to our town.

[Anonymous]

I could not agree more!!!

[Anonymous]

It is simple. When you cut off the demand (the drug user), you cut off the supply (the drug dealer). Therefore, if a drug user comes to our town to buy drugs and have learned that the town has no tolerance for illeagal drugs and the company that it attracts, then the drug dealer can not make any money and moves out of the town.

[Anonymous]

Guest Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 12:26 am Post subject:

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It is simple. When you cut off the demand (the drug user), you cut off the supply (the drug dealer). Therefore, if a drug user comes to our town to buy drugs and have learned that the town has no tolerance for illeagal drugs and the company that it attracts, then the drug dealer can not make any money and moves out of the town.

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My, what a perfect world you live in. Anyone that lives in the real world knows that the nickel and dime arrests that have been made do not even come close to touching the economics of supply and demand. On the other hand, as stated in a prior post, if busts were made that went to the Circuit Court level it would not only give credence to the town but also would hit the supply side economically speaking. Open your eyes boys and girls, the demand will ALWAYS be there.

The only way to curtail the demand side of the equation is by intervention. The first step of this process is to get ALL officers involved with the schools and the youth groups at the churches. I thought the program that was recently put on at Pelion High School was a fabulous idea. If this kept one person from drinking and driving at the prom, or any other time, who is to say how many lives may have been saved. It’s too bad one can be put together with our feeder schools. Even in Pine Ridge they recently had a Gang Awareness Seminar and low and behold, there was no representation from South Congaree there.

Today's younger generation lives in a totally different world in which many of us were raised. I personally feel the "Just Say NO" campaign and the D.A.R.E. programs have worked their course. They are nothing more than catch phrases now.

With the prolific music videos, violence in movies and on TV, a half-hearted presentation does not come close to effectively opening eyes to the real life dangers of drugs and alcohol. Like was done in Pelion, recreate an actual accident, have Life Flight and the Coroner come in. In today's world to be effective it has to be an "in your face" presentation because kids are numbed by everything else they see.

Programs like this will have a measurable effect on demand unlike the nickel and dime busts that are taking place. And don't come back and say that I am in favor of not busting these people because I am in favor of getting these guys. I am just saying your argument that it is affecting supply and demand is nothing more than fantasy. The U.S. government has been doing this for generations and it is as much of a problem today as it ever has been.
[/code]

[Anonymous]

Yes it is a problem and it has been for a long time. And apparantly these programs have been around for a long time and the drug problem is still there along with all criminal activity. Now you put that together along with Mayor Jackson's promise to people to restrict our law enforcement from doing their jobs and enforcing the laws, the problem will only get worse.

It is time for a change. Many people of South Congaree need take pride in their town and their property and stop encouraging people to not be accountable for their actions involving any and all violations of the law.

[Anonymous]

What's is this about South Congaree is getting into the water business? I guess now that there is a Mayor who is getting the police back in line they see revenues are going to drop.

And you thought Spires and the boys weren't going to raise taxes. They won't have to. I can see it now, "Madatory $2,000 Tap-In fee". You guys can jump up and down all you want about the police department, but you had better keep your eye on the ball here and see what REALLY is going to affect us.

The direction it is going, South Congaree is nothing but a Little Irmo. Bigger is not always better!!

[Anonymous]

What's is this about South Congaree is getting into the water business? I guess now that there is a Mayor who is getting the police back in line they see revenues are going to drop.

And you thought Spires and the boys weren't going to raise taxes. They won't have to. I can see it now, "Madatory $2,000 Tap-In fee". You guys can jump up and down all you want about the police department, but you had better keep your eye on the ball here and see what REALLY is going to affect us.

The direction it is going, South Congaree is nothing but a Little Irmo. Bigger is not always better!!

You know that goes to show people how people like you do not want to move our town forward and attract new busniess and growth to the town. I can see it now, Larry Jackson inviting all the criminal activity to come live in the town or travel through the town, stop the enforcment of zoning ordinances and just wait to the roofs of old buildings fall in, allow people to accumulate junk on their property, and now stop the water from coming into the town. Don't you realize that by having water will allow for larger business' to come to the town like a Comfort Inn (being as close to the airport as we are) or even a Wal-Mart, or a Outback steak house. You think these name brand companies are going to invest in a town where they have to operate off of a well and septic tank. I DO NOT THINK SO!!!!

But I just now realized why Larry Jackson would be against that. He owns and operates a septic tank business. So if the town would have water installed, then that just might have a financial impact on his business. Just like some of the people who live in his mobile home park that can not pay his rent money, because they have been caught by the police for possession of drugs, driving under suspension, driving under the influence, no insurance, outstanding warrants, etc...

Yes, that makes alot of sense. Let's fight real hard to stop our town from growing, being clean, and have sometime that all of our hard working citizens can enjoy and be proud of.

[Anonymous]

We do need to think about being much more and get out of the one stop light traffic light mind of thinking.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, man, but like don't we need to get the Coke machine workin' first?

[Anonymous]

This is the kind of people you get when you have a Mayor like Larry Jackson making promises to interfere with the police from doing their job.

[Anonymous]

You could not be more wrong about water and business development. Do you really think a business is going to come just because there is water??? Without public sewer, water does NOTHING for develpoment. That shows how simple minded you are. You guys must be smoking the evidence behind town hall.

It is going to take an individual who is open minded and WANTS to better the town and WANTS to work with other towns by working with an entity that already offers water/sewer and who can provide it in the near future. (And by the way, if you would take the time to gather your facts, you would know that Larry WANTS public sewer for businesses in spite of the fact that it would negativly effect his personal business.)

And even if we had our own water system do you think that another town is going to offer their sewer lines when we have our own???

Hey, the future is now for South Irmo....I mean South Congaree. If we wait for a system to be developed, Edmund will aready have water and sewer and our time will have passed.

And I am really sure that Larry and his supporters don't want to enforce zoning. That was nothing but I flat out lie that White came up with because he was scared to death that he wasn't going to get elected. I guess it didn't work though. Give the townspeople a little credit.

And by the way...It is MAYOR JACKSON to you!!!

[Anonymous]

And by the way...NO...I do not want a Wal Mart to come to South Congaree!!!!!

[Anonymous]

You are an idiot!!!!!!!!!!! Larry Jackson wants water and sewer run through the town. I found a tid bit out today that all the new road widenings and bridges is something the Highway department put in effect Several Several years ago. The town has NO right to claim it.


Have a joke for you..... How many South Congarians does it take to screw in a light bulb? .....Don't know yet Council hasn't issued us an ordinance on that YET. Ha Ha Ha.

[Anonymous]

We need a woman on council so that while everyone else is stroking their egos and seeing who had the biggest mantool, something might get accomplished.

[Anonymous]

So are you telling me that Larry did not go to town hall and tell the town administrator that he did not think that the town should not be enforcing the zoning ordinances and that the town should just wait until the roofs fall in on these old buildings and sheds people have?

Next thing you IDIOT is going to tell me that Larry did not make a promise to rein in the police department. In other words, interfer with our law enforcement from enforcing the laws and zoning ordinances. So tell me something else you simple minded dumd ass.

[Anonymous]

Hey Guest, one of your snitches told me who you are so this is now A LOT of fun!!!

As far as zoning, the vast majority of South Congaree is very much in favor of FAIR ZONING. (Mayor Jackson included.) Not the zoning you favor. This is not a resort island on the coast. As much as you would like to, government cannot legislate pride.

There is such an animal as too much zoning. They way it stands now if a business approaches the town, the town comes back with, "Okay business owner, we welcome you with open arms. Just remember you can't do this, you can't do that, this has to be this size and that has to be that size. So on and so on." Is this really conducive to business development??? By the way, what is the hold up on your Dollar General project??

I said it earlier kind of tongue in cheek about being South Irmo but the more I think about it that is the way you guys want South Congaree to be. Sorry Pal, but most of us do not want that.

Your subject of the police department is getting boring. I'll talk to you about that in about six months to see what your feelings are then!!!

As far as telling you something else, DUMB is not spelled DUMD. And you called me the dumb ass!!! HA!!!! But I understand your frustration. It must be hard being wrong. A piece of advise here, get your kids to teach you how to spell check for your next posting.

Later Gator!!!

[Anonymous]

We are so fortunate to have council members like Walter Boatwright, Robert Spires, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger.

[Anonymous]

as fortunate as a whore with the clap.

[Anonymous]

also IDIOT, It is you are, not you is.

[Anonymous]

With those four we could start our own television show. Three can be Mo, Larry and Curley. (Actually one can be Shemp because Curley is funny). The fourth can be Otis Cambell from Andy Grifith.

Any takers on who is Otis?

[Anonymous]

It is ashame that some people are so affraid of advancing into the future. Because of Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover, and Johnny White our town has come so far. Look at the town today versus the town in the past. The difference is definitely a positive for the town. I am sorry some of you can not see that in our town. :cry:

[Anonymous]

These four are trying to claim things they had no control over. Sounds like Napolean Syndrome. :lol:

[Anonymous]

What has four heads and a half of brain? South Congaree Council

[Anonymous]

Nobody is saying that the town has not come a long ways but it certainly has not happened because of the control freaks on council.

Many of us are saying enough is enough and we want South Congaree to stay the way it is. We do not want to be just another suburb of Columbia like Irmo.

[Anonymous]

South Kangaroo is nothing but a greasy spot in the road and that's all it's ever going to be.

[Anonymous]

WHY CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!!!!

LMAO!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Nobody is saying that the town has not come a long ways but it certainly has not happened because of the control freaks on council.

Many of us are saying enough is enough and we want South Congaree to stay the way it is. We do not want to be just another suburb of Columbia like Irmo.

That is where you are WRONG. Johnny White, Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover, and even Scott Williams is the ones that desire all the credit for the towns beautifications. They saw a need to stop being a joke to other municipalities and offer a change to it's town's image in order to attract growth so our citizens can be proud of and make life more convenient and safer.

[Anonymous]

Of the people you mention, Mr. Williams is the only one who is honest, and modest, enough to say that he had nothing directly to do with the town's evolution in the past years. Do you really think The Great Beautification Project happened overnight? Or DOT woke up one morning and started widening Highway 302 that afternoon. Come on..get real. Credit needs to be given to those public servants that were in office long before Hitler and his Henchmen! Anything these guys take credit for has been nothing more than an after thought of their predecessors.

Do yourself a favor and get out a little. Unless you are homebound, take the time to talk to people in the real world. Seriously, talk to other law enforcement agencies. South Congaree is the laughing stock of the state!!! I have talked to and know many officers from small municipalities to SLED and the consensus is the same. It is a time bomb over there.

And do yourself another favor, actually do us all a favor, take the time to reread your posts in the future. When the council passes the ordinance that regulates proper use of the English language, you are going to be in T-R-O-U-B-L-E. (Oh, I'm sorry, you is going to be in trouble!!!) LMAO!!!

[Anonymous]

People like you that are so smart and do everything without ERRORS sure do not have the sense or the pride to see what our town is and what it can be in the future. The town is just so thankful to have councilmen like Walter Boatwright, Robert Spires, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger that see our town being more than just a bunch of stupid hicks that do not want anyone in the town doing their job such as our law enforcement or the councilmen listed above from encouraging the town to grow in a modern society.

[Anonymous]

Pride?? Pride??

Who are you to question my pride? You can't even write a three sentence paragraph without making the rest of us have to read it five times to understand what you are saying because of your pitiful grammar. What do you know about pride? Why don't you have a little pride in what your write? Ebonics is easier to read than your postings. And yes I do make errors, but if I know there is something as simple as "Spell Check" to make sure I don't make errors, I take advantage of that.

As far as the council members, I don't question their intentions or whether or not they have pride. It is their tactics and approach to running our town with which I have a problem. As usual, you don't get the point because you won't pull your head out long enough to see what the rest of our town feels.

From a political point of view, these guys are nothing more than four individuals who are too blind to see that the majority of voters want to see some changes in the way OUR town is perceived by others in our surrounding communities and throughout the state. It is called BALANCE. But rather than ATTEMPTING to work with the mayor that was elected, they immediately undercut him in an attempt to humiliate him in front of his supporters on the night of the inauguration. Yeah, those guys are just loaded with pride. If anything, they are nothing more than the typical politicians we see in every other town. That may be good enough for you but it is NOT good enough for us.

You have NO CLUE what pride is about!!! Pride is when you question your elected officials whether you agree with them or not. That goes for the council AND Mayor Jackson as well. It doesn't matter who they are or what side of the tracks they come from. See, our side of the fence is very much different from your side. We don't agree with everything that Mayor Jackson says and we know that. Hell, there may even be some issues that I agree with council on but I will still question them on their motives and objectives as well as their means of achieving those objectives. Just like with the police department. I agree with their motives and objectives, but I do question their tactics from a legal standpoint and the negative impressions they project to the law-abiding public.

When it comes to politics it is about bringing a community together for the betterment of us all. It is called synergy. (Or in simple terms, ten men working together can achieve more than ten people working as individuals.) The current elected officials and the previous Mayor are way out in left field when it comes to understanding this concept. Unless it is a moral issue, the middle ground has to be found and in South Congaree's case, time is of the essence.

[Anonymous]

You word your sentences so beautiful and correct, but you do not make any sense. You say I do not know what pride is. Horse****, pride is trying to lead your ignorant ass' toward a modern way of living. Where the quality of live is safer and convenient. But no, you and people like you want our town to go back 20 years, encourage criminal behavior to come to town, stop growth of the town by any means. You are just like a leech on society, always wanting something for nothing. Let's see, do you pay for police protection in the town or any of it's services. NO, YOU DO NOT. But you expect it to be there when you do need it. And one more thing, if not having pride in our town means not supporting those trashy ass "mobile homes parks" on and off Main street, or wanting our town to be more than what it is, then you are so right, I do not know what pride is. But I do know a LEECH on society when I see one.[/i][/u][/code][/list][/list]

[Anonymous]

Ewww...did I hit a nerve?? LOL!!

Your post shows your total arrogance towards other residents of South Congaree. There lies the problem. People like you think this town is here for no one but yourself. What a shame!! Does your Bible say anything about tolerance for others? Or are you one of those that justify transgressions by whatever means possible? Do you think because you may live in a house made of brick that you are any better than ones that live in a house with metal on the outside? Or is it because many of us simply don't agree with your views?

I would be willing to bet a dollar to a dozen doughnuts that many of those "trashy ass mobile homes" have more love inside their home than your house will ever have. It is obvious you really have a deep seeded hatred for people that may not have the material possessions you have. I honestly feel sorry for individuals such as you.

As far as being a LEECH of society, you know not of what you speak my friend. I would put my monetary (taxes) contributions and my personal (time) contributions to society up against yours any day of the week. ANYTIME!!! But because I believe ALL people have a right to exist in a town I am a LEECH?!? Interesting to say the least. Have you ever bothered to read the Preamble or the United States Constitution?

Why don't you come up with something substantial to hit me with rather than your personal attacks? Let's debate about the issues without you flying off the handle towards me when you know nothing about me. Again, that is nothing more than pure arrogance.

And do I pay taxes for the police department AND our town? We all do. Have you ever heard of a "franchise fee"? Those nickels and dimes add up to over $150,000 per year or almost 20% of our town budget. Is that not the same as a tax?? Hell, I'd rather pay a 1% town sales tax than try to run the town off police revenue like you.

Keep on busting the dopers and people like that. As I have said before, if they do the crime they better pay the fine. I have no qualms with that. I am talking about the $100 tickets for tag lights out, or $200 tickets for illegal use of horn, or the $1000 tickets for having a broken cue stick in your car. It has been proven time and time before, a town cannot operate off of police revenues. That is not fiscally responsible and we all know that but you don't seem to understand that. Otherwise every small town in America would be operating in this manner. It is a time bomb waiting to blow and I wonder what your views are going to be then.

As stated before, it is about balance and as a town we are far far from achieving that goal.

[Anonymous]

You word your sentences so beautiful and correct, but you do not make any sense. You say I do not know what pride is. Horse****, pride is trying to lead your ignorant ass' toward a modern way of living. Where the quality of live is safer and convenient. But no, you and people like you want our town to go back 20 years, encourage criminal behavior to come to town, stop growth of the town by any means. You are just like a leech on society, always wanting something for nothing. Let's see, do you pay for police protection in the town or any of it's services. NO, YOU DO NOT. But you expect it to be there when you do need it. And one more thing, if not having pride in our town means not supporting those trashy ass "mobile homes parks" on and off Main street, or wanting our town to be more than what it is, then you are so right, I do not know what pride is. But I do know a LEECH on society when I see one.[/i][/u][/code][/list][/list]

Maybe if you pulled your head out of you ass you would realize that 20 years ago there was less crime then there is now! Maybe the people respected the town but now who gives a ****! Hell maybe the people started selling drugs just to piss you off! If you stopped and looked around yourself, like outside of this town, you'd realize that modern day isn't that great it actually sucks! But I guess not because your to busy bitching at someone on this Message Board to do that! Do you think that if you saw these people on the street that you would say the things you've wrote to their face? Probably not because your a chicken that knows that they can just go home and bad mouth them and not have to deal with the consequences!

And as for moving this town forward go right on ahead because maybe you'll see that is was better before you screwed it up! But nobody ever realizes how good it was until they don't have it anymore!

And I have a question how is that half of the policemen came to work here because they got fired in Lexington?

[Anonymous]

Which ones were fired from Lexington?

[Anonymous]

I know the officer's that came from Lexington, and none of them got fired. As a matter of fact they are all good, hard working people that want to make a solid contribution to the community. You people amaze me when you make such STUPID, and uninformed remarks. Know the facts before you get on this site and try to slander other people! I guess this particular post has taken another negative turn towards the police. You never want them until you are the victim of a crime, huh! GROW UP! :evil:

[Anonymous]

That is so correct. People are quick to bash our police department and the officers that serve their, but when they need help, who do they call? As far as you paying for police protection in our town, unless you own a business inside the town limits, then NO YOU DO NOT PAY FOR OUR POLICE OFFICERS ARE ANY OF THE TOWN'S SERVICES. And if you think that a town tax would benifit the town, well go get on the next town council meeting's agenda and make that suggestion. I would be very open to that.

Know let's get this straight about those "trashy ass moblie homes". I do not fault the people who live in the moblie homes or have a hatred toward them. Matter of fact, I feel sorry for many of them because some can not afford better. Others just don't want any better and never will. However, I do fault some of the landlord who charge these poor people and arm and a leg for rent and do not try to make the mobile homes or the parks look decent for the town's sake. Yet, they take full advantage of these people and monopolize on their situtations. I will say that the two mobile home parks that do take pride in our town and do not seem to take advantage of anyone of it's tenants are Shumperts MHP and Hidden Acres MHP. These landlords keep their parks and moblie homes clean and very decent looking. I do hope that the town continues enforcing it's zoning laws and make these other landlords invest in their property so all of the MHP's can be decent looking and up to standard for our town's sake.

[Anonymous]

Well Guest, we finally agree on something. I knew if we stayed at it long enough we would. LOL!!! I agree 100 thousand percent about our police officers. Believe it or not I know most of them and think they do an excellent job for our community. For the most part, they want to get involved and they do make our community a safer place. I have never argued otherwise and wouldn't want it any other way!!

And believe it or not the large majority of Larry Jackson's supporters feel the exact same way. Our issue is the high number of unjustified searches and petty tickets which are issued. And I must say that there seems to have been significant improvement in this area in recent weeks.

But you know I am going to have to throw in the zinger here and that is towards your comments of slander. Before you go too far out on that limb, you may want to read the post that got this whole bru-ha-ha started. If that isn't slanderous, what is???

[Anonymous]

I am not sure which post you are talking about, but apparently you think I am the one that made it. Wrong answer! The post about the Lexington Officers is the first one I have left, and I only left it because I am tired of people who have no clue about what it takes to be a police officer making personal judgements, and second guessing, and in some cases plain Lying about those officers. I am sure those officers would not do the same thing when it came to a profession they did not know about! Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house!!!!!![/b]

[Anonymous]

Regardless of how many posts you have or have not made, the point still remains; most of the citizens on Jackson's side support our individual officers. Always have, always will.

If you have followed the string of posts under this subject you will see the other side is convinced that we are for lawlessness when in fact that is farthest from the truth.

But my point remains, and not necessarily towards you, that if people want to talk about slanderous talk, look at the initial post.

[Anonymous]

IUSCGuy,

You are an idiot!!! In reading your post you want to compare the police to Nazi Germany, what do you know about Nazi Germany??? Huh??? Not a thing so don't you dare throw that comparison out there just for the shock value.

You are so stupid I bet you couldn't even graduate from S.C.U. aka South Conagaree University.

[Anonymous]

Did Larry Jackson not tell the State Paper that he made a promise to people that he was going to " REIN IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT" among other things? That is what I read.

What does reining in the police department really mean? Once again, it sounds like attempting to restrict our law enforcement from doing their jobs. And why would you even care, unless his supporters was the ones who got charged with committing a crime or their family members. It just does not sound very good for any mayor to make promises to the public to restrict or interfer with our law enforcement officers in doing their jobs. I may not like getting stopped by any law enforcement officer or getting tickets, but I am so greatful and understanding for what they have to do in order to keep us safe and discourage people who can careless of obeying the laws of this state. The times that I have been cited for committing a violation, I have taking my citation, admitted my guilt, paid my citation, and learned from my mistake. I do not like getting a ticket no more than the next person, but I have learned from my mistakes and still support and respect the job that all of our law enforcement do. So when I hear a public figure make promises that they are going to rein in a police department, it concerns me because this is what we have our law enforcement for and that is to enforce the law. Now, if you do not feel that you have did what the police say you did, then ask for a jury trial and state your case. Otherwise, take your ticket, admit your guilt, pay your fine, and learn from your mistake.

[Anonymous]

Well, I think that reining in the police department means that all that was once illegal is now legal. Jackson wants lawlessness to abound throughout the streets of South Congaree and all of Lexington County. He doesn't want our kids to be safe, he doesn't want the town to grow. As a matter of fact he wants all the drugs to come up and down Highway 302. Yeah..that's it!!!

You guys are a bunch of fricking morons. Have you been hiding under a rock for the last 18 months? You must have been under the same rock when they were having English class too.

And town council refers to us as the trailer trash. How ironic!!!

[Anonymous]

First, I have never heard our councilmen refer to you as trailer trash. Second, did Larry not say that he made promises to people to restrict law enforcement from doing their jobs? Third, remember you said it that you think that reining in the police department means that all that was illegal is now legal. And that Jackson wants lawlessness to abound throughout the streets of South Congaree and all of Lexington. In addition, he does not want our kids to be safe and does not want the town to grow. Finally, he wants all the drugs to come up and down Main Street. Which confirms many of these postings that due to Larry's promise to rein in the police department outright encourages CRIMINAL ACTIVITY to come to our town.

REMEMBER YOU SAID IT. Because of Larry's promise to rein in the police department and not enforce the zoning laws, there is a good chance that is what our town will get.

[Anonymous]

Second, did Larry not say that he made promises to people to restrict law enforcement from doing their jobs? Third, remember you said it that you think that reining in the police department means that all that was illegal is now legal. And that Jackson wants lawlessness to abound throughout the streets of South Congaree and all of Lexington.

IMHO what he meant was he was going to do something to change the public perception that the town of South Congaree doesn't think of it's Police Department as a public safety branch of the town goverment...choosing to use it's Police Department as a fund raising branch. I would imagine like most progressive people he cringes when the public looks at part of the town government he was elected to represent is looked at with a typical southern small town sterotype. This southern small town sterotype happens to be that there is an overzealous police department that looks for as many ways to expand the town coffers and tries to do it the easiest way possible....go after the young and poor people since they are less likely to raise a fuss.

But hey...if you like the fact that your town is the laughingstock of Lexington County then by all means be my guest.

[Anonymous]

You can't be as ignorant as to think that the post about illegal activity was serious. You guys need to go back to school an take Personality 101!!!

By the way..."Here's Your Sign"!!!!!
[/quote]

[Anonymous]

Election Time, Election time! I'm wagering by the end of the next election time ole W.T. and Walter will be out. Election Time, Election Time.

[Anonymous]

Second, did Larry not say that he made promises to people to restrict law enforcement from doing their jobs? Third, remember you said it that you think that reining in the police department means that all that was illegal is now legal. And that Jackson wants lawlessness to abound throughout the streets of South Congaree and all of Lexington.

IMHO what he meant was he was going to do something to change the public perception that the town of South Congaree doesn't think of it's Police Department as a public safety branch of the town goverment...choosing to use it's Police Department as a fund raising branch. I would imagine like most progressive people he cringes when the public looks at part of the town government he was elected to represent is looked at with a typical southern small town sterotype. This southern small town sterotype happens to be that there is an overzealous police department that looks for as many ways to expand the town coffers and tries to do it the easiest way possible....go after the young and poor people since they are less likely to raise a fuss.

But hey...if you like the fact that your town is the laughingstock of Lexington County then by all means be my guest.

OVERZEALOUS? If you call having our police officers enforcing our state laws (such as the people who drive with no insurance, driving while their license are suspended, DUI's, possess illeagal DRUGS, and our town zoning laws (such as keeping our town clean and people with mobile home parks and businesses are keep up to code) OVERZEALOUS, then I am ok with that. As a property owner in the town, I am all for protecting my property value.

Now about the police department going after only the young and poor people because they are less likely to raise a fuss is bullsh@#. Are you telling me that the police should not charge someone with possession of drugs, that drives on our roads knowing that their is no insurance on their vehicles, or drives with their license suspended, or drives under the influence just because they are young or poor? The law applies to everyone. I feel that I am a middle class citizen and that did not stop me from getting tickets. Law enforcement is their to enforce the law across the board. So when your home is broke into by a young or poor person and takes your stuff that you have worked very hard for in order to support their drug problem, then drive off while their license are under suspension, and no insurance on their vehicle, please tell your law enforcement officer not to charge them with any crime, because they need to go after the middle and upper class people. And let's not forget that crime will rise in our town because a promise was made to REIN IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. What a bunch Jacka@#*

[Anonymous]

I agree 100%. It is called overzealous until they are a victim of a crime and the police can not act fast enough for them.

[Anonymous]

You guys STILL don't get it!!! We ARE NOT talking about the drugs, DUI's, DUS, no insurance et al. We are talking about the foundless searches because the occupants are young. We are talking about the people that have their cars searched for 30 to 45 minutes and are then sent on their way.

People that can't see the forest because of the trees don't understand what impact this has on our businesses. Get out and talk to your business owners and find out how much their business has been impacted and affected because of this. These business owners are the ones investing their money, generating tax dollars and local employment, and their concerns have been nothing short of being ignored in the past. These entrepreneurs aren't drug dealers or condoning illegal activity. They are simply trying to make a living and when GOOD, LAW-ABIDING customers state they don't come to or shop in South Congaree any more because of this police attitude, we ALL need to be concerned.

[Anonymous]

You guys STILL don't get it!!! We ARE NOT talking about the drugs, DUI's, DUS, no insurance et al. We are talking about the foundless searches because the occupants are young. We are talking about the people that have their cars searched for 30 to 45 minutes and are then sent on their way.

People that can't see the forest because of the trees don't understand what impact this has on our businesses. Get out and talk to your business owners and find out how much their business has been impacted and affected because of this. These business owners are the ones investing their money, generating tax dollars and local employment, and their concerns have been nothing short of being ignored in the past. These entrepreneurs aren't drug dealers or condoning illegal activity. They are simply trying to make a living and when GOOD, LAW-ABIDING customers state they don't come to or shop in South Congaree any more because of this police attitude, we ALL need to be concerned.

NO YOU GUYS STILL DO NOT GET IT. Show us good citizens of the town anyone who has been stopped and search for 30 to 45 minutes just because they are young. Provide names and addresses so this could be investigated. On top of that, if these young, poor, or any person has had their rights violated, then why have these people not seeked the advice of an attorney? It has not bothered me at all to continue to do my shopping and business inside the town. As a matter of fact, I feel alot safer knowing that our police and our town council are doing their job in protecting us and keeping our town clean. In addition, I want to thank Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger for all they do for us citizens in the town in promoting growth and discouraging CRIMINAL ACTIVITY from living or coming to our town. Keep going and as a property owner in the town who does want to keep my property vaule up, please strongly enforce our zoning laws on these mobile home parks to ensure that they are up to code and suitable for living.

[Anonymous]

Take a little time this weekend and go talk to Jimmy at Congaree Feed and Seed, or Eileen and Tommy at the Barber Shop, or Lewis and Helen Shealy at the BP, or Anthony at Accurate Printing, or the owners at Hill Top. Let them tell you how the perception of the police department has affected their business. Find out what these people who are part of the business community have to say.

But you aren't going to. You refuse to even consider looking at the other side of the coin. Without our businesses, this town, like any other, is nothing. A tight economy coupled with the actual and potential business lost because of our reputation has a dramatic effect on revenues. This is fact.

It still amazes me the way so many people in this town refuse to see both sides of this issue. And both sides are guilty of this. It is ashamed that a town of 2,500 people is so totally polarized. It is not about being right or wrong, it is about working together as a community.

[Anonymous]

I do believe in working together. However, I do not believe in inviting people in the town that do not care about the businesses in our community or the hard working citizens that truely believe in doing what is right. You can not convince me that Larry Jackson did not do this by him making promises to rein in the police department (translated: restricting our law enforcement from enforcing state laws and town zoning laws). Now let's ask Lewis or Helen Shealy about the affect our law enforcement has had on their business at the BP Station? Let's ask them about those illeagal gambling machines they had in their business about three months ago and who happens to be Larry Jackson's friend and supporter. Once again, it goes back to when you make those kind of promises and attempt to have law enforcement put on blinders, people can feel free to do wrong.

[Anonymous]

Amen. I can do without a business in our town such as the Shealy's BP Station if they partake in CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. I do believe gambling is against the law. So if the owners is allowing illegal gambling machines to be operated on their property, then imagine what kind of individuals you invite to come in the town and play your illegal gambling machines. It is just one more thing that encourages CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. But do not worry about that, it appears that Larry Jackson has made his promise to interfer with the police so that this does not happen again.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if Larry Jackson's niece's boyfriend, Gary Purvis has went to trial on his drug charges yet? And if he has, what was the out come?

[Anonymous]

Your ignorance of the facts is not surprising. As recommended by one of the previous posters, rather than actually talking to these business owners you come up with crap like that. Here are the facts:

Along with hundreds of other locations across the state, your so-called gambling machines were taken from the BP but no charges were filed as the determination of the legality of the machines has yet to be determined. And oddly enough no charges or fines were levied against the Shealy's or any of the other business owners across the state.

Yeah, sure sounds illegal to me. Don't bust on these guys because you to damn lazy to get the facts before you write something. Again, do yourself a favor call SLED and get the facts. (And somebody earlier was bitching about slander against the police department.)

And I know for a FACT that Spires and Infinger intentionally started this rumor along with the rumor that beer was sold on Sunday, which again was nothing more than a lie. They knew they had to come up with something to discredit anyone associated with Jackson. That's when I stopped supporting them in the election. I'll take honesty over a bunch of religious hypocrites any day of the week. Those guys can get up and preach in church all they want to. I suggest you break out the New Testament and read a few versus about throwing the first stone. Or let's go back to the Old Testament and read about the Ten Commandments. You know, Thou Shall Not Lie. Or how about this one for one of your council members, Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery. But like everything else, you guys manipulate The Word and everything else to suit your style.

I don't claim to be a religious scholar or anything like that, but God knows what is in all of our hearts and He is the only one who can sit in judgment of others. I would almost be willing to sell my soul to the devil to be able to watch all of you guys when you will be judged.

[Anonymous]

OK, but gambling machines were taken by sled at Shealy's BP Station. That tells me that in order to take the machines there had to be a reasonable belief that they were ILLEGAL. So once again it goes back to Larry Jackson making promises to interfer with the police department by reining them in, so they would not be so observant to the possiblility of one of our up standing businesses who happens to be friends with Larry Jackson. Do not be mad because the facts point to the possiblility of illegal activity who happens to know Larry. Let's see, Larry makes promises to rein in the police department. Larry's neice's boyfriend, Gary Purvis, gets charge by the south Congaree Police Department with Marijuana after telling the officer Larry Jackson told him not to let the police seach him. And not our police department, but SLED seizes illegal gambling machines from Larry's friend and supporter until they can be determine to be illegal. Just like you said "yeah, sure does sound illegal to me".

[Anonymous]

That is so right. Law enforcement does not just take things from you just because they feel like it. In this case, there seems to be a reasonable belief or probable cause to suspect that those machines that were taken from the Shealy's BP Station were illegal or SLED would not even bothered with seizing the gambling machines. And Guest, I see where no one has answered your question about Larry Jackson's niece's boyfriend about the out of his drug charges. I will be very interested in how much longer SLED will take to determine if Larry's friend and supporter, Lewis Shealy, gambling machines are illegal or not.

It does not take a smart person to see why many of Larry Jackson's supporters supported him and his promise to rein in law enforcement.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, it is easy for people like Larry or many of his supporters to say our law enforcement is overzealous. Especially when you have Larry's neice's boyfriend, Gary Purvis, telling our police officers that Larry told him not to let the police search him. But when they did, the police found Marijuana him. Or when Larry's friend and supporter, Lewis Shealy, has a number of illegal gambling machines seized by SLED out of his BP Station located inside of our town. How can you as town residences continue to support Larry Jackson's promise to rein in law enforcment, when his close friends gives the perception of illegal activity. First, you have Gary Purvis being caught by the police with having marijuana. Second, you have Larry's friend and supporter, Lewis Shealy, having his gambling machines seized by SLED. Could their possibly be more illegal involment with Larry's friends or supporters?

[Anonymous]

Councilmen Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger please continue to work hard to keep ensure that zoning laws are enforce to keep our town clean and businesses up to code. In addition, please continue to discourage people who do not believe in following the laws of this state or our town, to include business owners like Lewis Shealy, to obey the law or go to another town where law enforcement may have blinders on. Then those people can smoke all the illegal drugs they want, drive while their license are suspended, have all the open containers they can handle in the car, drive with no insurance, and go play or operate all the illegal gambling machines they want without being bothered by law enforcement.

Now my next question is did Larry Jackson have knowledge of Lewis Shealy having illegal gambling machines in his business? You would think that he would since Lewis Shealy is a good friend of Larry's. On top of that, Lewis Shealy did have a gathering at his BP Station where those illegal gambling machines were seized for Larry's campaign to REIN IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

[Anonymous]

Thank you Guest for encouraging Mr. Spires, Boatwright, Glover, and Enfinger to fight for what is right for our town and to discourage those people that do not want to follow our state and town laws.

[Anonymous]

Dang..you two remind me of two dogs running around licking each other's butts. Whatever helps to get the taste of Glover, Enfinger, Spires and Boatwright out of your mouth!!!!

[Anonymous]

It is too bad that you can not see the wonderful things that Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover along with Johnny White did for this town. And now Eddie Enfinger is on council, the wonderful things can continue to happen for town.

[Anonymous]

How about those Larry Jackson's supporters that think the police department is overzealous take a look at South Congaree online summary of the type CRIMINAL ACTIVITY the police department has stopped in our town. And Larry Jackson wants our law enforcement to stop doing their jobs or at the very lease not as well.

[Anonymous]

When law abiding citizens are avoiding at all costs travelling thru South Congaree so that the Fund Raising Dept...oops, my bad....Police Department doesn't pull them over for a nickle and dime speeding offense and subject them to a 20 minute search because either A. They are young or B. They are manual laborers (both less likely to be able to afford an attorney or even to know that they can refuse to allow the search) then it's obvious that the Fund Raising....oops, my bad again..Police Dept has lost sight of what their true job is.

For those of you who don't know, a Police Department's primary function shouldn't be filling the coffers of the municipality that it is part of. It should be enforcing the law. It's high time someone told that to South Congaree PD.

[Anonymous]

Speeding is still a crime, but I can see where you would not think so since Larry Jackson has promised to interfer with the police and restrict them for doing their job. And that is, as you said it, ENFORCING THE LAW. So according to you, speeding laws should not be enforced because the people that are stopped are young or is a manual laborer. Let's see, I do believe if these people are being stopped for a violation (speeding or other violations) and gets charged with a crime like marijuana or open beer, etc., and they can not afford an attorney, their can be one that is appointed by the Judge in order to protect their rights. And that goes to everyone that can not afford an attorney. Even Larry Jackson's friend, Lewis Shealy, with those illegal gambling machines that were seized from his BP Station inside of our town or Larry Jackson's neice's boyfriend, Gary Purvis, with his marijuana charge has a right to have a Judge appoint them an attorney if they can not afford one.

The way you say that law abiding citizens avoid coming through the town because they don't want to get pulled over for a nickle and dime speeding offense. This sounds so much like the Larry Jackson line of thinking. Then you will be say that law abiding citizens will avoid coming through the town because they don't want to get pulled over for a nickle and dime bag of marijuana. Yes, rein the police department in Larry so crime can go up. That does sound like you are looking out for the good citizens of the town and just not your neice's boyfriend with his drug charges and your friend, Lewis Shealy, with his illegal gambling machines.

[Anonymous]

Jason Amido....a "zero tolerance" kind of police officer. An aggressive leader who has lowered the crime rate in the small town of South Congaree with his leadership abilities. I hope he can stand the pressure of small town politics and not let politics get in the way of law enforcement.

[Anonymous]

So according to you, speeding laws should not be enforced because the people that are stopped are young or is a manual laborer. Let's see, I do believe if these people are being stopped for a violation (speeding or other violations) and gets charged with a crime like marijuana or open beer, etc., and they can not afford an attorney, their can be one that is appointed by the Judge in order to protect their rights.

Where did I say speeding laws should not be enforced? Using the quote function, show me in my post where I said any law should not be enforced.

I have no problem whatsoever with the proper application of law enforcement. What I do have a problem with is when the police department becomes the town's primary fundraising arm.

And yes, if someone is charged with a serious violation an attorney will be appointed for them if they can't afford one on their own. What recourse does someone have who is pulled over for 5 mph over and is searched, usually after being intimidated by the fund raiser ....dagnabit...police officer into giving permission for a search where nothing is found? None.

Really and truly nothing is going to change in South Congaree until the day they pull their extortion stunt on the wrong person and triggers a firestorm that makes them and the town look even more podunk than it already does. Until then South Congaree can only hope that one day it finally passes Blackville and Turbeville as the biggest speed trap in South Carolina.

[Anonymous]

If you know someone who has been stopped by the S. Congaree police for going 5 mph over the limit and then searched where nothing was found, please give their name and address so that this could be verified and investigated or advise them to get an attorney. But you can not, because all you are going on is hearsay. And if you think that the police is only doing what they are doing is to raise funds for the town, then go get on the town's council agenda and ask Larry Jackson and the rest of council to have the voters vote on a tax base for the residents and business owners to pay. I am open to that. However, I am in support of our council, excluding Larry Jackson, in their efforts to combat the drug and criminal disobedience we have living, traveling, and doing business ( such as Lewis Shealy and his BP Station with many illegal gambling machines being seized by law enforcement) in the town. Due to Walter Boatwright, Robert Spires, W.T. Glover and Johnny White this town is cleaner and safer than it ever has. And now Eddie Enfinger is there, they will continue to ensure that our town will be even cleaner and safer than it ever has.

[Anonymous]

Councilmen Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger please continue to work hard to keep ensure that zoning laws are enforce to keep our town clean and businesses up to code. In addition, please continue to discourage people who do not believe in following the laws of this state or our town, to include business owners like Lewis Shealy, to obey the law or go to another town where law enforcement may have blinders on. Then those people can smoke all the illegal drugs they want, drive while their license are suspended, have all the open containers they can handle in the car, drive with no insurance, and go play or operate all the illegal gambling machines they want without being bothered by law enforcement.


Now my next question is did Larry Jackson have knowledge of Lewis Shealy having illegal gambling machines in his business? You would think that he would since Lewis Shealy is a good friend of Larry's. On top of that, Lewis Shealy did have a gathering at his BP Station where those illegal gambling machines were seized for Larry's campaign to REIN IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.



Is anyone going to answer this question?

[Anonymous]

This is the kind of stuff that hurts South Congaree, and that the mayor is trying to correct.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/local/4994294.htm


Nearly 200 residents, many angered by what they call the South Congaree Police Department's overzealous traffic enforcement, brought their concerns to Town Hall on Monday.




The town's budget grew from $430,000 for 2001-2002 to $610,000 for 2002-2003, the majority of that increase coming from the fines.


or this

http://www.macon.com/mld/state/news/columnists/6915394.htm


"People say in South Congaree it's always Christmas 'cause lights are always flashing," said Dennis Winkler, a town resident whose teenage daughter's car was searched after she was pulled over because her tag light wasn't working.


Trudie Winkler had been driving to the Subway on S.C. 302, South Congaree's Main Street, for a sandwich and forgot her purse. After the search, she was ticketed for not having her license, registration or insurance card with her.




* The amount of money raised through municipal court fines more than tripled in one year, exceeding $400,000 during the 2002 fiscal year.




* South Congaree, population 2,266, collected more money in fines than some towns at least 12 times its size.




South Congaree, population 2,266, surpassed collections by Summerville, population 27,752, and Sumter, a city of 39,643.


Nearby Lexington, with more than four times as many people, collected roughly $47,000 less than South Congaree during the same nine months.



That public perception is what he is trying to fight, because it hurts the town's image, and hurts the town's economy when people go out of their way to avoid the biggest little speedtrap in Lexington County.

[Anonymous]

Our law enforcement is giving the duty to enforce the law. I see where you talk about this winkler being stopped for a tag light. State law requires you to have a tag light. Now let's look at the other charges. Once again, state law requires you to have your license in possession when you drive, to have your insurance card with you in order to show that you do have insurance on the vehicle that you are driving, and to have your registration in the vehicle. STATE LAW REQUIRES IT.But it is very clear that Larry Jackson does not want law enforcement enforcing the laws of this state or town laws. It it clear that many of his friends and supporters do not want law enforcement to enforce the state laws and zoning laws of the town. Look at Larry's neice's boyfriend, Gary Purvis, who is charged with drug charges after telling police that Larry Jackson told him not to let law enforcement search him and Lewis Shealy and his illegal gambling machines.[size=12] Now, back to Winkler. Check with the town and you will find out that she was arrested after failing to appear in court or pay her fine. So it goes back to Larry Jackson making promises to people to interfer with law enforcement by stating the he is going to rein in the police department. By this it invites people not to follow the rules of society and not worry about the consequences of their actions.

The question is Larry trying to correct anything or is he trying to interfer with law enforcement so his friends and supporters like Gary Purvis and Lewis Shealy can continue with not following the laws of this state and the town?

Thank God for Robert, Walter, W.T., and Eddie being on council.

[Anonymous]

Preach on guest. The perception these people are really trying to fight is that our law enforcement is doing their job and the image that they want to protect is their on. Lewis Shealy wants everyone to believe that SLED did not come and seize several gambling machines. Larry Jackson wants to interfer with our law enforcement so people like Lewis Shealy can break the law and operate his illegal gambling machines without the interference of law enforcement. Far as hurting the town's economy, don't you really mean hurting Larry's friend and supporter, Lewis shealy's, gambling business?

[Anonymous]

I met the Mayor Pro-Temp, Robert Spires, Councilman Walter Boatwright, and Councilman Eddie Enfinger and I was very impressed. Especially with Robert Spires. This gentleman has the personality and the business knowledge along with the furture visions that our town needs. After reading many of these postings and seeing Larry Jackson in action, it is obvious that he is very self serving and has the personality of a bag of sand.

I am very confident that Robert Spires along with the other council members will not allow Larry Jackson to do anything other than what is right for our town and our town's future. In addition, I was very pleased to have found out that our town's government is based on a WEEK mayor, STRONG council type of government.

[Anonymous]

You are so right Donnie. Robert Spires is a wonderful man and a good leader. Walter Boatwright is also a wonderful man and a good learder. Walter also has the business knowledge and future visions of where the town needs to be at. Walter Boatwright has managed and owned his on Steele company for many years. And you are very correct that these councilmen along with W.T. Glover and Eddie Enfinger will not allow Larry Jackson or his friends and supporters to stop our town from growing and moving in a positive motion. In addition, they will not allow anyone to interfer with our law enforcement so that they can ride around with blinders on so bussiness owners such as Lewis Shealy and other people can continue with doing wrong without being caught or bothered by law enforcement. Those day ended when Wayne Wilson left.

[Anonymous]

WHEN WILL YOU PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT SOUTH CONGAREE????
WE HAVE TRASH IN PEOPLE YARDS THAT NEED TO BE CLEANED UP AND THE OWNER OF THE BP LEWIS SHEALY NEEDS TO BE PUT IN JAIL!!

THE MAYOR LARRY JACKSON HAS A HIDDEN PLAN FOR OUR TOWN THAT WILL NEVER GO THROUGH AS LONG AS GOOD PEOPLE WITH HALF A BRAIN LIVE HERE!!!!

THE POLICE ONLY DO THERE JOB!!!
ENFORCE THE LAW THAT THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA SAYS IS A LAW!!!!

YOU PEOPLE KEEP ON ABOUT ALL THESE CAR SEARCHES AND PEOPLE GETTING SEARCHED FOR NO REASON.

GUESS WHAT ?? THE OFFICER HAS TO HAVE CONCENT TO DO A SEARCH
FROM THE DRIVER OR SEE SOMETHING IN THE VEHICLE THAT IS PROBRABLE CAUSE BEFORE HE CAN EVEN SEARCH THE CAR!!!!


KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT AND HAVE THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR TOWN BEFORE YOU SPEAK!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Damn right! Write in James R. Metts for Coroner! With Dr. James R. Metts as your Coroner, all these problems will disapear. You will still have to pay for your barbeque. There ain't no free barbecue, but never mind that, James R. Metts will once again make political history in the United States by being the first man to run for Sheriff but be elected Cornoner. Write in the Doctor! Your vote counts!

[Anonymous]

Hey Weed Wacker, go smoke somewhere else with that crap. This Forum is about South Congaree. We have enough drugs and crime in our town without you. So the only advise I can give you is do not drink the BONG water.

And Guest, thank you for speaking the truth and I encourage you to continue to speak the truth. That is how things get done and how people with a hidden agenda like Larry Jackson is exposed to the good citizens of our town.

[Anonymous]

Robert Spires, Boatwright, Glover, and Enfinger will ensure that our police will continue to protect us and do their jobs. These councilmen will not allow Larry Jackson to push his hidden agenda to have our town not to progress.

[Anonymous]

I was at the town council meeting the other night and let me tell you it was interesting. Looks like Larry Jackson is consistant with assisting his friends and supporters by trying to interfer with law enforcement of any kind from doing their job.

For the last 5 months, Robert Spires along with Johnny White, Walter Boatwright, and W.T. Glover have been asking Chief Eddie Turner and his wife, Rebbeca Kelly Turner, to cooperate with a town audit involving the South Congaree Rodeo. I understand that Eddie Turner and Lexington County Fire services uses the Town of South Congaree's Tax number to hold this rodeo. Some proceeds goes toward the Lexington County Fire Department, Eddie's wife, Rebbeca Kelly Turner, recieved a sum of about $13,000 to $14,000, and the town receives about 25% of the profits. There has been very little accounting by Chief Eddie Turner for the last 13 years that the rodeo has been held. When Robert Spires requested an audit to protect the intergrity of our town, Eddie Turner for some reason did not want to cooperate with the auditor. I WONDER WHY? Could it be just like Lewis Shealy and his illegal gambling machines who hoped that Larry Jackson would rein in the police department so his illegal activities could continue? Now, Larry Jackson has other friends and large supporters who is hoping that our law enforcement and our town council does not do their job well. And that is Eddie and Rebbeca Kelly Turner.

After I heard the town auditor give his recommendation to town council and Robert Spires making the motion for SLED and the State's Attorney Generals Office to investigate Eddie and Rebbeca Turner's handling of the Rodeo's money and Eddie's failure to cooperate with the town's auditor, I was so relieved. Once again, Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger is ensuring that people do what is

[Anonymous]

I was at the town council meeting the other night and let me tell you it was interesting. Looks like Larry Jackson is consistant with assisting his friends and supporters by trying to interfer with law enforcement of any kind from doing their job.

For the last 5 months, Robert Spires along with Johnny White, Walter Boatwright, and W.T. Glover have been asking Chief Eddie Turner and his wife, Rebbeca Kelly Turner, to cooperate with a town audit involving the South Congaree Rodeo. I understand that Eddie Turner and Lexington County Fire services uses the Town of South Congaree's Tax number to hold this rodeo. Some proceeds goes toward the Lexington County Fire Department, Eddie's wife, Rebbeca Kelly Turner, recieved a sum of about $13,000 to $14,000, and the town receives about 25% of the profits. There has been very little accounting by Chief Eddie Turner for the last 13 years that the rodeo has been held. When Robert Spires requested an audit to protect the intergrity of our town, Eddie Turner for some reason did not want to cooperate with the auditor. I WONDER WHY? Could it be just like Lewis Shealy and his illegal gambling machines who hoped that Larry Jackson would rein in the police department so his illegal activities could continue? Now, Larry Jackson has other friends and large supporters who is hoping that our law enforcement and our town council does not do their job well. And that is Eddie and Rebbeca Kelly Turner.

After I heard the town auditor give his recommendation to town council and Robert Spires making the motion for SLED and the State's Attorney Generals Office to investigate Eddie and Rebbeca Turner's handling of the Rodeo's money and Eddie's failure to cooperate with the town's auditor, I was so relieved. Once again, Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger is ensuring that people do what is

I am sorry, I entered this before I was finished.

right. That is to include Chief Eddie Turner and his wife. And By the way didn't Rebbecca Kelly Turner used to be the mayor of South Congaree? Once Robert Spires made the motion, all of the council voted in favor of the investigation except Larry Jackson. He voted Not to have his friends and supporters investigated by SLED and the State Grand Jury. WHO DID NOT SEE THAT HAPPENING?

I am seeing a patteren in Larry Jackson's friends and supporters. First, Gary Purvis gets arrested for DRUG charges after telling police that Larry Jackson told him not to let law enforcement search him. Second, Larry Jackson's friend, Lewis Shealy, who ownes the BP Station in town, had SLED go inside of his store and seize many ILLEGAL gambling machines. And now, Larry Jackson's friends Eddie and Rebbeca Turner being investigated by SLED and the State Grand Jury for the way they handled the rodeo's money. Larry Jackson may want to consider RESIGNING before his friends and supporters get him in trouble.

[Anonymous]

I thought that Rebbecca Turner was Larry Jackson's campaign manager.

[Anonymous]

You are right Donnie, Rebecca Kelly Turner is Larry Jackson's campaign manager. And C.C., I am with you 100%. These people like Larry Jackson and supporters have the nerve to talk about perception of our town and it's police officers. But what about the perception that Larry Jackson is given our town with his friends and supporters. It goes back to Larry making promises to interfer with law enforcement. It could be so his friends and supporters can continue to be bold in their illegal activities without the worry of being exposed by law enforcement. I heard of the saying if it looks like a turd and smells like one, it is very likely to be a stincky turd. And right now, Larry Jackson's friends and supporters are looking like a stincky turd.

I hope that anyone has not done anything wrong for the towns sake. However, if Eddie and Rebecca Turner has not done anything wrong, then why did they not cooperate with the town auditor. They had five months to cooperate with the auditor and did not. WHY? In addition, when Eddie Turner saw that Robert Spires and the rest of council, except Larry, was tired of Eddie Turner not cooperating after five months, Eddie had the nerve to stand in front of council and beg for more time. The town auditor response to Eddie Turner was that he would do what council recommended, but he did not see the need to give more time. The auditor told Eddie Turner that he truely felt that he was not going to be able to produce any of the documents that he had been requesting him to produce for months, because Eddie just do not have them to account for. At that time Robert Spires made the motion and council with the exception of Larry Jackson voted for SLED and The State Grand Jury to investigate the handling of the Rodeo.

[Anonymous]

I have to add that not only friends and supporters of Larry Jackson's are starting to look and smell like a stincky turd, but Larry is too by voting not to have SLED and the State Grand Jury investigate his friends. It is obvious that his friend, supporter, and business owner in the town, Lewis Shealy, has already had several illegal gambling machines seized from his BP Station inside the town. And we know that Larry still associates Lewis Shealy and even eats lunch at Lewis Shealy's Bp Station before and after the Illegal gambling machines were seized by SLED.

JUST ONE MORE THING THAT MAKES YOU GO HUMMMM!

CAN YOU SMELL IT? I AM.

[Anonymous]

You are right Donnie, Rebecca Kelly Turner is Larry Jackson's campaign manager. And C.C., I am with you 100%. These people like Larry Jackson and supporters have the nerve to talk about perception of our town and it's police officers. But what about the perception that Larry Jackson is given our town with his friends and supporters. It goes back to Larry making promises to interfer with law enforcement. It could be so his friends and supporters can continue to be bold in their illegal activities without the worry of being exposed by law enforcement. I heard of the saying if it looks like a turd and smells like one, it is very likely to be a stincky turd. And right now, Larry Jackson's friends and supporters are looking like a stincky turd.

I hope that anyone has not done anything wrong for the towns sake. However, if Eddie and Rebecca Turner has not done anything wrong, then why did they not cooperate with the town auditor. They had five months to cooperate with the auditor and did not. WHY? In addition, when Eddie Turner saw that Robert Spires and the rest of council, except Larry, was tired of Eddie Turner not cooperating after five months, Eddie had the nerve to stand in front of council and beg for more time. The town auditor response to Eddie Turner was that he would do what council recommended, but he did not see the need to give more time. The auditor told Eddie Turner that he truely felt that he was not going to be able to produce any of the documents that he had been requesting him to produce for months, because Eddie just do not have them to account for. At that time Robert Spires made the motion and council with the exception of Larry Jackson voted for SLED and The State Grand Jury to investigate the handling of the Rodeo.

Let's get to the truth and get these questions answered!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

I have been living in this town for all of my life. It was refreshing for the residences of the town of S. Congaree to bring in a young Chief like Mr. Lucus when Wilson left. And now we have Mr. Amodeo. Our town council, not to include Mr. Jackson, does a great service to the town in making good decisions for our benifit and the benifit of the town.

It does concern me that Mr. Jackson is taken the stand that he has about our police department and town council. For many years when Mr. Wilson was Chief of Police, he did nothing to insure the safety of the people of the town and did nothing to stop the drugs from coming through the town. Now that Mr. Jackson has shown his true colors and intentions about the police department, I am questioning the integrity of Mr. Jackson. Those true colors and intentions are for our police department to do nothing. Therefore, it makes it easy for Mr. Jackson's friends to get away with their wrongful acts.

Now about this situation involving Chief Turner and his wife. It concerns me very much that Chief Turner is employed with the Lexington County Fire Services and refusing to cooperate with our town auditor until being advised that he was going to be investigated by SLED and the State Grand Jury for the way he and his wife handled the finances of the Rodeo. If I am correct, wasn't there a couple of Fire Chiefs in the City of Columbia that were charged criminally for their handling of similar funds?

As a Lexington County tax payer and a town citizen, I want answers about this possible mishandling of public funds, which I think is criminal in nature, and why Mr. Jackson has so many friends and financial supporters that are questionable when it comes to following the laws? I read that Mr. Turner's wife, Rebecca, who used to be the mayor of our town, is the campaign manager for Mr. Jackson. I would hope that if there is any money that is not accounted for from the Rodeo, that Chief Turner and his wife did not use any that money to fund some of Mr. Jackson's campaign.

We as Lexington County tax payers and Town citizens desire answers and desire them NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

My suggestion get your fact straight. If Rebecca Kelly did receive any money it would be because her company handles all advertising and sponsorships for the rodeo. What the town council wants is to be in charge of the rodeo so they are trying to make things look bad for the fire department. I wonder what would happen when it flopped because no one showed up to help because they tried to boss everyone around. I think we will just have to wait and see.

[Anonymous]

[size=18]So you think that Eddie Turner is stealing money and just raping the town from it's well deserved funds from the rodeo.First I ask you what does the town do to put the rodeo together??? Let me answer for you ]NOTHING[/u] Ok now who puts everything together?? Let me answer the voulenteers HR Williams puts together and the Members of the Fire stations that are involved!!! So It would appear to me the town sits back and draws money for doing NOTHING Oh wait the police dept provides protection for the people down there but hey [color=blue]ALL OF THEM ARE PAID WHILE DOWN THERE So who started the rodeo?? Thats right the Fire Dept!!!!!!! Oh and lastly The town gets 33% of the profits!!! for doing NOTHING so if you people of the town would like to see the rodeo continue take a long look at who does what to make things happen!!!!!!!!!!! Stop Blamming people[/u][/b]

[Anonymous]

A lot of anger over a greasy spot in the road.

[Anonymous]

My suggestion get your fact straight. If Rebecca Kelly did receive any money it would be because her company handles all advertising and sponsorships for the rodeo. What the town council wants is to be in charge of the rodeo so they are trying to make things look bad for the fire department. I wonder what would happen when it flopped because no one showed up to help because they tried to boss everyone around. I think we will just have to wait and see.

Yes, let us get our facts straight. We need answers from Eddie Turner, Rebecca Kelly Turner, H.R. Williams, and anyone else that had anything to do with counting the Rodeo funds. According to the town auditor there is $54,000. of CASH receipts, which is about 48% of the TOTAL REVENUE for the Rodeo Weekend that can Not be accounted for by Eddie Turner, Rebecca Turner, and even H.R. Williams. I do not think that our town council is trying to make the Fire Department, Eddie Turner, Rebecca Kelly Turner, H.R. Williams, Larry Jackson, or anyone else look bad, they are doing just fine by themselves. I mean we are talking about $54,000 dollars that can not be accounted for and Eddie Turner and others not wanting to cooperate with the auditor. If he or others have done nothing wrong or improper with that $54,000, then they should have cooperated with the town auditor.

And to answer your question about it flopping if the town had no help with the Rodeo. I do believe that the town does not mind who helps AS LONG AS THEY ARE HONEST AND CAN ACCOUNT FOR ALL PUBLIC FUNDS TAKEN IN AND SPENT. But I doubt that Larry Jackson would vote for that. Because that would require Larry Jackson to have INTEGRITY and would cause him to lose alot of his friends and finanical supporters like Lewis Shealy, Gary Purvis, Eddie and Rebecca Turner, and maybe H.R. Williams.

Now I would like to address Flounder and his commit about "if you people of the town would like to see the rodeo continue, take a long look at who does what to make things happen". I think that everyone would agree that the fire department does a good job in assisting with the rodeo. However, I believe that the town council, except Larry Jackson, is very much in favor of PROTECTING THE TOWNS INTEGRITY when someone like the Lexington County Fire Department is using their tax I.D. number. And Thank God for the wisdom that Robert Spries, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover, and Johnny White had when they requested this audit 5 months ago. Apparently that was a good call by them, because now it appears that $54,000.00 in cash can not be accounted for.

This bothers me very much that Chief Eddie Turner failed to cooperate with the town auditor and that $54,000 in cash receipts can not be accounted for. I DO NOT LIKE IT. And as Lexington County Tax payer and a town citizen, I feel that Lexington County Council should relieve Chief Eddie Turner of his duties until this investigation is completed by SLED and the State Grand Jury. Eddie Turner has had plenty of time to cooperate with this audit and has fail or refused to. I will be approaching my County Councilman Bobby Keisler and our town council about getting Chief Turner relieved until WE AS CITIZENS HAS ANSWERS TO THE WAY HE HANDLED THOSE PUBLIC FUNDS.

[Anonymous]

I Wold love to see the 54,000 that is missing!!! I think you lost count while trying to count on your fingers and toe's. If in fact 54,000 was missing there probably would not have to be a request to let SLED to investigate the would be on top of that very quickly... So please stop feeding the lie machines money for they will get you no where.I see you didn't argue the town does NOTHING to put that rodeo together.... to answer the question of the towns tax ID number it has already been agreed apon that we didn't need to use the towns tax ID # your lawyer has already told the town to get away from that and both partys have agreed it was a good idea!! So as a citizen I hope you will enjoy your taxes when the rodeo is no more and they have to pay all those police with other income!!

[Anonymous]

DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT EDDIE TURNER IS THE ONLY DAMN PERSON THAT CAN PUT A RODEO TOGETHER? IF YOU DO, YOU ARE REALLY SHALLOW MINDED. ANYTHING THAT THE TOWN IS PART OF , JACKASS, SHOULD EXPECT TO HAVE HONEST PEOPLE THAT ARE PUTTING IT TOGETHER TO BE ACCOUNTABLE. AND EDDIE TURNER, REBECCA TURNER, AND H.R. WILLIAMS ARE NO EXCEPTION. AND YOU AS TAX PAYERS SHOULD EXPECT PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH PUBLIC FUNDS TO BE HONEST AND ACCOUNTABLE. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH SOME OF YOU? IT TRUELY CONCERNS ME THAT EDDIE TURNER FAILED OR REFUSED TO COOPERATE WITH THE AUIDTOR UNTIL AN INVESTIGATION WAS REQUESTED AFTER THE AUDITOR FOUND THAT $54,000 CAN NOT BE ACCOUNTED FOR.

WE WANT ANSWERS AND ACCOUNTABLILITY. AND IF EDDIE, REBECCA, OR ANYONE ELSE WILL NOT COOPERATED ON THEIR ON, THEN MAYBE THEY SHOULD BE INDITED FOR MISHANDLING OF PUBLIC FUNDS.

AND MAYBE THEIR SHOULD NOT BE A RODEO IF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, EDDIE TURNER, REBECCA TURNER, H.R. WILLIAMS, AND WHOEVER ELSE DOES NOT WANT TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THOSE PUBLIC FUNDS.

[Anonymous]

I do not know about anyone else, but I sure can tell that Larry Jackson, his friends and supporters are becoming very questionable when it comes to integrity.

Larry, if you are such a good friend to these people, please tell Gary Purvis to stop using drugs so the next time he is stopped by law enforcement, he will not have to tell them that Larry Jackson told him not to let the police search him and then get charged with drug violations. then tell Lewis Shealy that gambling machines are illegal in this state and that he can not operate them in his hidden back room. Therfore, SLED does not have to come seize anymore ILLEGAL gambling machines from him or his business. And please ask your friend Chief Eddie Turner and your campaign manager, Rebecca Kelly Turner, that if they did do anything improper with that $54,000 of public funds to please give it back before more money and time is spent on an investigation and inditement for mishandling of public funds.

[Anonymous]

Dear Eddie,

It's time to do something that you have never done before, be a man. You make me sick. Tell people why you have such an interest in this dame rodeo. $$$$. You and that dried up has been wife of yours are only interested in the cash. Tell everyone how you manage a fund raiser for the fire department and your wife sells the ad's to the tune of $10,000 + every year that goes in her pocket. Tell everyone about the cash in your desk drawers at the office. Tell everyone what you told the auditor that your volunteers are the reason you can't account for the money. Are all of the firemen in Lexington Co. so naive that they don't see what you are doing, King Eddie. When did you sell your integrity? Was it the first year of the rodeo or after you met that money hungery bitch Rebbeca? If you have one ounce manhood left turn yourself in to law enforcement and save the rest of us from a black eye. Eddie it's time......

[Anonymous]

Why in the world would the South Congaree Fire Department need to use the town's tax ID # when it has one of it's own? You Spires and Boatwright "Let the Police raise our funds so we can polish this turd of a town" supporters need to get a clue.

[Anonymous]

Why would Chief Eddie Turner and Rebecca Kelly Turner campaign and financially support Larry Jackson? Could it be when the town council started talking about having an audit done on the Rodeo just to ensure that the town's honesty is keeped secure and people that are invoved are accountable, that Eddie and Rebecca Turner realized that the town were about to discover their money skimming scam. That makes sense to me. Look at some of Larry Jackson's friends. We know that Lewis Shealy is shady with his illegal gambling machines. And now, Eddie Turner and his wife that can not account for $54,000 in cash receipts and refused to cooperate with the town's auditor. VERY SHADY!!!!!!!!!

I do agree that Chief Eddie Turner should be suspended by the Lexington County Council until SLED and The State Grand Jury completes their investigation. I understand that everyone is innocent until found guilty of any wrong doing. But as a tax payer in Lexington County and a Town resident, I do not appreciate Eddie Turner not cooperating with the town auditor. WHY? And WHY is $54,000 that can not be accounted for by Eddie and Rebecca Turner? SOUNDS VERY SHADY!!! VERY SHADY!!!

We want answers and Eddie and Rebecca Turner needs to provide them NOW!!! And if Chief Turner does not provide these answers NOW, then Lexington County Council needs to suspend him until he does or the investigation is completed.

[Anonymous]

I do hope that our town council, Mayor-Pro Temp, Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger approaches Lexington County Council to demand the removal of Chief Eddie Turner until he one, supplies the answers about the $54,000 or until SLED and the State Grand Jury completes their investigation for mishandling of public funds.

[Anonymous]

I will agree with you now. As of last week, I would have fought you if you would have mentioned going to Lexington County Council about recommending to suspend our Chief, Eddie Turner. But it has come to my attention that our "do nothing wrong" Chief stood up in the town council meeting and told the council that if any money is missing it could because all the volunteer firemen that assist with the rodeo.

If indeed Chief Turner did tell that to the South Congaree Town Council, I will be more than happy to go with town council members to support the suspension of Eddie Turner. I refuse to let him make us out to be a thief. Especially when it is him who did not assist or refused to with the town auditor.

[Anonymous]

Let's get real folks do you really think Chief Turner would take the money.
He is a buy the books guy, look what he has done for the Jeff Chavis
house he helps the place out however he can. Chief Turner may be alot
of things but one thing he's is a theif.

[Anonymous]

Let's get real folks do you really think Chief Turner would take the money.
He is a buy the books guy, look what he has done for the Jeff Chavis
house he helps the place out however he can. Chief Turner may be alot
of things but one thing he's is NOT a theif.
HE IS NOT A THIEF!!!!! GUYS

[Anonymous]

Let's get real folks do you really think Chief Turner would take the money.
He is a buy the books guy, look what he has done for the Jeff Chavis
house he helps the place out however he can. Chief Turner may be alot
of things but one thing he is NOT a theif.
HE IS NOT A THIEF!!!!! GUYS

Sorry for the last 2 msg's I was in a hurry. It was ment to say he may
be alot of things but he is not a thief

[Anonymous]

I agree Chief Turner is not a thief. Look at all the things he has done for Lexington County and all the money he has been in charge of and never has a dollar been missing. Don't you think if he had taken 54,000 dollars he would be working on building some huge house somewhere high class? He has worked hard for what he has and is very precise about money issues. I believe the auditor stated he took a sample and found money that he couldn't he couldn't account for, and that he couldn't say it was missing. Do you think maybe that he didn't try after all he was hired by the town council who has been pissed off for years at the fact that they couldn't control him or the fire department or our fire fighters. Also Chief Turner doesn't live in the town so how could he be a Larry Jackson supporter when he has no say so on the issue.


But it has come to my attention that our "do nothing wrong" Chief stood up in the town council meeting and told the council that if any money is missing it could because all the volunteer firemen that assist with the rodeo.

Volunteer Fireman, were you at the meeting? These words did not come out of his mouth. Also if you know anything about the rodeo you would know that not just any firefighter can touch the money. In past years all money was only to be handled by the coordinators and the only firefighter that had access was a certain captain that is no longer in South Congaree but has been shipped out for other reasons. Maybe the blame should be sent his way?

[Anonymous]

Let's check the town council minutes and see what Chief Turner said. I will be very upset if he indeed tried to use us as the scapegoat. And I am still wondering why he did not or refused to cooperate with the auditor? And far as him being a Larry Jackson supporter and not living in the town, that did not stop his wife from being Larry's campaign manager. In addition, I have heard little comments that he has made about certain town council members and they have not been positive.

So let's check the town's council minutes and see exactly what our Chief said.

[Anonymous]

I agree go and check the minutes you won't find anything there. Also if you would listen a little closer you would realize he didn't fail to cooperate with the auditor. Chief Turner attempted several times to contact him but the auditor refused to return his phone calls. Chief Turner returns his phone messages why couldn't the towns auditor have the same respect for others and return those calls. Unless he didn't want to or he would make more money from the town by not returning them. Also Rebecca has been a campaign manager for other politicians but no one has put her down for that. Why does everyone have to attack her when all she did was her job.? She didn't get him the position as mayor the town people voted him in she can't control that.

[Anonymous]

That is the biggest pile of horsesh@#. Eddie did not want to cooperate with the auditor. Now he will have to cooperate with SLED and the State Grand Jury.

[Anonymous]

:twiste[color=red]GROW UP
SOUTH CONGO,WHO EVER YOU ARE.SINCE YOU DON'T LIKE TO REVEAL
YOURSELF YOU MUST BE A WIMP,SINCE YOU CAN CALL EVERYONE NAME
BUT YOUR OWN,YOU MUST BE SCARED YOU ARE ON THE NEXT LIST
TO GO DOWN.

[Anonymous]

So when is Chief Turner going give us tax payers answers to why there is $54,000 that can not be accounted for and why did he not cooperate with town council or the auditor?

[Anonymous]

the bottomline----this story is not about missing money---it's about controling money----the past mayor and the current 3 thugs want to control the money-----even they know they cant keep increasing the towns income on the backs of the motoring public!!! oh by the way a group of motorest are hiring lawyers and will be bring it on in the near future. a bunch of folks are just down right happy for the day to come. pay back

[Anonymous]

Good!!!! The town has done nothing wrong to these motorist.

Now on the other hand, Has Eddie Turner and his wife done anything wrong with the $54,000 from the rodeo? If they have not, then why did Eddie not want to assist with the town auditor? And don't give me this tired ass excused that he tried several times to. If he indeed did try so hard to get in touch with the town auditor and the auditor was not calling him back, then why didn't Eddie Turner go to Town Council and explain to them that he has tried to cooperate with the town auditor, but it is the town auditor that is not cooperating with him? I mean Eddie knew that the Town had concerns on making sure that the town's integrity and all involved in the rodeo was being protected and people were be accountable. But do-nothing-wrong Eddie just ignored it and basically told the town that he was not going to cooperate. That is until now that SLED and the State Grand Jury is involved, that Eddie comes up with this bogus attempt to show that now he is willing to cooperate with the town auditor if he had more time. I say bullsh#@, Eddie Turner has had 5 months to cooperate.

GOOD LUCK WITH SLED AND THE STATE GRAND JURY EDDIE TURNER!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Said like a true honest hard working tax payer.

[Anonymous]

Good!!!! The town has done nothing wrong to these motorist.

Now on the other hand, Has Eddie Turner and his wife done anything wrong with the $54,000 from the rodeo? If they have not, then why did Eddie not want to assist with the town auditor? And don't give me this tired ass excused that he tried several times to. If he indeed did try so hard to get in touch with the town auditor and the auditor was not calling him back, then why didn't Eddie Turner go to Town Council and explain to them that he has tried to cooperate with the town auditor, but it is the town auditor that is not cooperating with him? I mean Eddie knew that the Town had concerns on making sure that the town's integrity and all involved in the rodeo was being protected and people were be accountable. But do-nothing-wrong Eddie just ignored it and basically told the town that he was not going to cooperate. That is until now that SLED and the State Grand Jury is involved, that Eddie comes up with this bogus attempt to show that now he is willing to cooperate with the town auditor if he had more time. I say bullsh#@, Eddie Turner has had 5 months to cooperate.

GOOD LUCK WITH SLED AND THE STATE GRAND JURY EDDIE TURNER!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the best I have heard yet.

Chief Turner you may want to think very seriously about retiring before the indictment is true billed. (meaning their is enough evidence to charge you for a crime, then arrest you, and finally take you to trial). I feel that it would be easier on Lexington County tax payers and citizens of South Congaree if you did not waste their tax money in an investigation by SLED and the State Grand Jury.

[Anonymous]

go on and admit to yourselves and everyone else, Eddie Turner and Larry Jackson, that you have conducted yourselves in a very shady manner.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if Eddie Turner or anyone else involved in the $54,000 that can not be accounted for from the rodeo have been question by SLED yet?

I will be very upset as a Lexington County tax payer and a town citizen if Eddie Turner wastes any of our state law enforcement's time and my tax dollars in investigating his wrongful doings. Especially, if Eddie knows he has done something improper with those public funds and is not honest about it. If that is the case, I will then demand that my tax dollars be spent on prosecuting him to the fullest.

So Eddie, if you have done something improper with those public funds, you need to do some very deep soul searching and clear your conscience and be honest. Otherwise, you are really going to disappoint your friends and family by dragging this out and possibly being charged criminally.

[Anonymous]

Hey Donnie,

It is just not your tax dollars, but everybody's too. And I agree with you. If Mr. Turner does waste our state law enforcement's time and our tax dollars on an investigation and it is found that he did do something wrong with those public funds, then our tax dollars should be spent very wisely in charging Mr. Turner and prosecuting him for mishandling of public funds.

[Anonymous]

We too are still waiting on answers from our Chief. We are wanting closure on this matter. Because we as volunteers invest some much of our own time to do something good for the county and our community, we know as long as their is a question of Chief Turner's integrity about the $54,000 then there will always be a question about our integrity.

I do hope for everyones sake that Chief Turner provides answers to the questions about the money so whatever is going to happen goes ahead and happens, and we can move on.

[Anonymous]

You wonder why Eddie doesnt more than 5 or 10 volunteer fireman...Especially when he accuses volunteers of taking money......

[Anonymous]

Amen to that.

[Anonymous]

I heard that Town Council members had meeting at the State Grand Jury's Office. Is this true?? If it is, it does sound like Chief Turner's time to answer those questions about the $54,000 dollars is getting real close.

[Anonymous]

I do believe that you are correct. :D

[Anonymous]

Well it looks like the frog's in the pot of water and The State just cut the burner on.....

[Anonymous]

look what he has done for the Jeff Chavis
house he helps the place out however he can. Chief Turner may be alot
of things but one thing he's is a theif.

you better think again--the only thing he did was that his guys tore down some of the ceiling tiles--most of the work was done by volunteers and Jack how is with the SFBC--Eddie is only a glory hound and needs to be fired and does not need to be associated with any thing to do with the collection of money--especially the boot drive

[Anonymous]

Hey guest, I could not agree more with you about Eddie being a glory hound and always tring to take credit for others hard work. We do know that Eddie is being investigated about the $54,000 that can not be accounted for, but you have brought up the boot drive. Has there been money that can not be accounted for on that? It just might, because Eddie has already displayed that he does not want to be accountable when it comes to money for special events by not cooperating with the town's auditor.

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

DO YOU PEOPLE NOT KNOW THAT THIS SAMPLE AUDIT IS ONLY FOR THE 2003 RODEO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS RODEO HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 13 YEARS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SO WE ARE TALKING ABOUT OF ALOT OF WRONG DOING BY EDDIE TURNER !!!! IF ONLY ONE YEAR IS 54,000 HOW MUCH IS THE TOTAL FOR ALL 13 YEARS????

100,000 200,000 WHO KNOWS WHAT EDDIES DONE WITH SO MUCH MONEY MISSING OVER 13 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

There might be an inditment real soon.

[Anonymous]

I wonder what the Public Safety Director says about Eddie Turner not being able to account for $54,000 in public funds and refusing to cooperate with the town auditor when ask to.

I would not tolerate it. Eddie would be suspended until answers were given and him being cleared of any criminal conduct.

[Anonymous]

Now that the election is over and everyone can get back to their normal work, our Public Safety Director will insure that Eddie Turner is going to cooperate and give us tax payers the answers that we have been waiting 6 months for. And that is what happen to the $54,000 of public funds and why would Eddie Turner, who we tax payers pay for his income by our tax dollars, did not or refused to cooperate with the town auditor.

Eddie's Public Safety Director, SLED, and the State Grand Jury is going to find out if Eddie Turner does know where the $54,000 are and is any left.

[Anonymous]

I think we have waited long enough for answers from Eddie Turner. If he will not give them, then maybe his boss can give us the answers to where the $54,000 is at.

[Anonymous]

I agree. Chief Turner has been acting real weird for the last three weeks. It needs to come to an end one way or another for the fire department's welfare. Chief appears distracted and in our line of work, you can not afford to be distracted.

[Anonymous]

You are so right. people can get hurt or lose their life when yo are your mind is wondering about other things. So I would have to say the same thing. Why has Chief Turner not given answers yet. I am looking for some closure one way are the other.

[Anonymous]

For those of you that haven't had the chance I suggest that you go and pick up a Messenger. You can find it in most of the gas stations in South Congaree. I just love the sight of the truth finally being printed.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, run right out and get that so called paper named the Messenger. You actually think that paper speaks the truth. Let's see, the paper is owned by Eddie Turners wife, Rebecca Kelly Turner. Please that paper does not even make for good toilet paper. And I know!!!!!!!

That paper is a big joke :lol:

[Anonymous]

Yeah, run right out and get that so called paper named the Messenger. You actually think that paper speaks the truth. Let's see, the paper is owned by Eddie Turners wife, Rebecca Kelly Turner. Please that paper does not even make for good toilet paper. And I know!!!!!!!

That paper is a big joke :lol:

So, you are saying you wipe your ass with newspaper??? I guess you really are as dumb as the crap you post!!!

I always heard you stupid rednecks from South Congaree were nasty.

[Anonymous]

no ass wipe. That is what I think of that so called paper.

[Anonymous]

:!: Did anyone read neighbors section today (6-24-04)? Is this a biased report also as was said of "other paper's" report? :shock:

[Anonymous]

I sure am glad we don't have to worry about smelling all that livestock dung come September. Thank God for Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, Eddie Infinger, and W.T. Glover.

[Anonymous]

like i said before all this crap in s congo is over money and the control of it. the past leader and his thugs want it all and they know that they can not boost up the towns budget only on the backs of those that still drive thru their peice of hell called the city limits. they are just like cayce and springdale from the 60's and 70's when they earned their reputations as dung heaps for the last 40 years. even if the thugs that are still in office get thrown out with the waste water that is eyebrow deep in south congo the smell will last for 50 or 60 years! it does not take real policemen to stop cars and pound their chest and cause young drivers to bow to unreasonable searches. every driver nor every passenger is wanted or useing drugs. so the best advice if you are a bad little driver, dope head, outstanding citizen, phd. or dr. or visitor. stay out of south congo and let the violators of what use to be the american consitution have their little dung pile to inbreed in!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

You are a sad little person danifiknow. It is people like you who smell up our wonderful town. Do not be mad at our law enforcement for doing their job. Be mad at Eddie Turner and his other half, Rebecca Kelly Turner, for not wanting to be accountable for public funds.

Ask yourself this, if you owned a business, would you not want people that were working for you to be accountable? Especially with the money? And if you say no, then I would expect that you would not be in business very long or be in jail for type of tax violations. I can not, for the life of me, understand why in the world would Eddie and people like H.R. Williams are fighting so hard not to be accountable. It is an audit. If there has not been any money taking or done wrong with those public funds, then why would you resist so much about a simple audit. I will tell you that Eddie's actions in not cooperating in the audit sure does raise suspicion if there has been something wrong done with those public funds.

We as a society expect that our elected officials be held accountable. Then why as a society not expect that people like Eddie Turner, who works for a county goverment and holding these types of functions to raise money to benefit the fire department, not be held to be accountable of those public funds.

MAKE HIM ACCOUNTABLE FOR THOSE PUBLIC FUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

That is so true. If you are not on the south caongaree e mailing list, you need to be put on it. They have a wonderful report explaining the auditors findings.

Keep up the good work Robert Spires, Walter Boatwright, W.T. Glover, and Eddie Enfinger.

[Anonymous]

Yeah...I saw that letter too. All is said was that the accounting practices of the rodeo were less than spectacular. This is not surprising being that the rodeo grew year after year and it was being run mostly by firemen not accountants.

It also said "At this time no one is saying any money is missing only that there is a lack of documentation." Hardly enough to warrant a S.L.E.D. investigation like your guys wanted. And the town council still won't take resposibility for the town/fire department losing the rodeo. They can blame the County all they want for pulling out of the rodeo but the county's decision was based on the town's decision to by-pass the county and immediatley turn it all over to SLED.

Donnie, with your heros, it all comes down to politics. It is funny how the dates eerily coincide with the recent town elections. And when it comes to assit in the funding of our fire departments, politics needs to be put aside.

It is sad that we have councilmen that refuse to consider potential effects of important votes such this one, then refuse to take responsibility for said votes, running our town. It is painfully obvious that they were pissed off that the adudit wasn't completed before the election now they are left with their ******s in their hand and we are left without a rodeo.

(And by the way, I agree that the audit should have been conducted. As a matter of fact, one should have been in place well before now. I just think the council jumped the gun big-time in requesting a SLED invetigation at the point they did.)

[Anonymous]

Do not blame Town Council for Eddie Turner's decision not to cooperate with the audit. I am sure if Eddie would have cooperated from the beginning with the Town Auditor, instead of trying stall tactics and insulting the Coucil's intelligents, then maybe they would not have had to go to SLED. But no, Eddie had to play games and show Council that he did not have to cooperate. Eddie left Council with no other option.

If Town Council is the blame for anything, it is for expecting people to be accountable and for wanting to protect the integrity of the Town. So if you are looking to blame someone because there is no rodeo, THEN BLAME EDDIE TURNER for not cooperating with the auditor and leaving the town with no other option but to request SLED to investigate.

So everyone say THANK YOU EDDIE TURNER FOR SCREWING IT UP FOR EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! COME ON, EVERYBODY GIVE EDDIE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE. :butthead:

[Anonymous]

integrity of s. congo----first the town council must find this strange word and try to learn what it stands for before they can try and use it. just to ask you folks what did sled do to mr. turner what did local law enforcement do with mr. turner. what did they do to the others that worked with mr. turner over all those years. how many years in jail are all those people going to serve behind bars, how many fire-fighters, police, average citizens, capt. ao's, are in jail now and how many more are headed there? will the town miss the 30 something percent they got for doing nothing from the now awol rodeo.

[Anonymous]

integrity of s. congo----first the town council must find this strange word and try to learn what it stands for before they can try and use it. just to ask you folks what did sled do to mr. turner what did local law enforcement do with mr. turner. what did they do to the others that worked with mr. turner over all those years. how many years in jail are all those people going to serve behind bars, how many fire-fighters, police, average citizens, capt. ao's, are in jail now and how many more are headed there? will the town miss the 30 something percent they got for doing nothing from the now awol rodeo.

What in the world are you talking about, CROTCH STAIN, about fire fighters, police, average citizens are in jail now and how many more are headed there?

The town will do just fine. EDDIE TURNER is the blame for this, not the town.

[Anonymous]

I think that we should see some intersting things come out in The State and on television in the next few weeks. For instance that the jack@$$ reporter for The State must be making money on the side from one of the town council thugs. I keep saying and I will continue to do so, "JUST WAIT AND SEE". Chief Turner is more honest than the crooked officers of South Congaree. I can't say all of SCPD is bad just most of them with the exception of two officers and we are losing one of them.

[Anonymous]

The police officer that is leaving will be good for the town. This guy, Dan Cruze, can only wish he was a real police. If the truth be known, he is proably leaving because his inabilities to be a real police show more and more everyday he is out there.

This guy is a joke to law enforcement. Have this joke of an officer tell you the time he worked as a Lexington County Sheriff's Deputy and was home playing quick draw infront of his mirror with his service pistol and shot himself in the leg. True story but if you ask him, he will tell you he was cleaning his gun and it went off. Just ask Sheriff Metts or Chief McCarty about it. They will tell you the truth. Also, ask Cruze how many law enforcement agencies he has worked at? I believe it is 5. But who is counting, he is a real GOOD police officer. NOT!!!!!!!!! And ask him which law enforcement agency he is going to now?

[Anonymous]

so where is he going now?

[Anonymous]

Who cares? At lease this joke is out of South Congaree. And I think we all can have a sigh of relief knowing that he at lease did not play "quick draw" while being employed by the Town. What a Goff ball.

[Anonymous]

No, this is an officer who lived up to his oath of protecting and serving. Unlike your hero Jonas who lives up to the oath to "profile and hastle" just so his dick can get hard. Why don't you talk about your other hero officer who got busted "racing" YOUR patrol car while off duty??? Wonder if he will mention that next month in Washington???

By the way, how is your audit going? Any ideas on what SLED is going to drudge up?

[Anonymous]

So when are those of you who tried to accuse Chief Turner, Rebecca Turner, HR Williams and all the firefighters involved with the rodeo of wrong doing going to apologize. I think there are a lot of you that owe an apology to these people and the Mayor. So start apologizing now>

[Anonymous]

like i said long ago the old town leaders of s congo were after the money----turner and the fire-fighters got in their way and the thugs 4---now only 3 used lies and sour grapes to distroy a very good thing for the vol. fire-fighters and the town of s congo.

[Anonymous]

Anything new?

[Anonymous]

Other than the mayor being a pedophile??? Not Much!

[Anonymous]

How about the Mayor molesting his 9 year old and 12 year step daughters over a five year period of time? Wonder why he got a divorce?

[Anonymous]

poor kids