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Candidates for Anderson County Sheriff position talk issues at Homeland Park debate
Photo by Nathan Gray
Dennis Gough, left, answers questions from voters as John Skipper, right, listens during the Anderson County Sheriff debate at the Homeland Park Volunteer Firefighter Station.
Photo by Nathan Gray
John Skipper, right, answers questions from voters, as Dennis Gough, back right, listens, during the Anderson County Sheriff debate at the Homeland Park Volunteer Firefighter Staion on Thursday night.
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ANDERSON COUNTY — Dennis Gough and John Skipper, candidates for the Anderson County Sheriff post, showed their differences and similarities during a debate Thursday in Homeland Park.
The debate, hosted by the Homeland Park Task Force and moderated by Doreen Montepara, took place at the Homeland Park Volunteer Fire Department in southern Anderson.
A crowd of active and retired law enforcement officers, as well as area residents, asked questions, some pointed, about the candidates stance on various issues facing the county.
Skipper said he would work to split the county into four regions, conduct weekly meetings with other law enforcement agencies about gang activity and institute a senior citizens watch to care for the area’s elderly.
Gough said if elected he would emulate Sheriff Joe Arpaio from Maricopa County, Ariz., by putting prisoners in tent buildings and limiting cable television stations to a religious channel, the Disney channel and the Weather channel. He also said he would institute posses of area residents to help with non-felony crime reporting and call the Internal Revenue Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation to do a full and complete audit of the county’s books within a month of his taking office.
On many issues, the two candidates were like-minded. Both agreed the Sheriff’s Office needed to bring back both canine and aviation units. Both also agreed that the sheriff’s position should be nonpartisan.
But the two men disagreed on whether it was possible to institute such drastic measures for prisoners as chain gangs and on how to build a new jail.
In response to a question from an audience member about whether Gough would institute chain gangs, Gough said he is in favor of using an inmate work force and making the jail experience uncomfortable for inmates.
“If it’s too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer, I don’t care,” he said. “If you’re a felon, you can’t visit anybody in my jail. If you’re illegal, you don’t get any visitors. … That’s just the way it’s going to be in my jail, so if you don’t like it, I suggest that when you get out, you leave the country.”
Gough said he hoped to make the Sheriff’s Office almost self-sufficient using jail labor to do mechanical work on sheriff’s automobiles and other jobs.
Skipper said that while he would continue a jail work force but limit it.
“Our legislature has legislated away chain gangs,” he said. “The work force is still there. The rule is this — if you’ve got people in jail, you can only use people who have been sentenced. … Seventy percent of them have not been sentenced. You can go in their cell and tell them ‘If you work today, you can get a day off your sentence.’… But you can’t go in there and make them do something.”
Skipper said he would work with the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service to deport illegal aliens, as the current Anderson sheriff is doing.
Both men said that among their other priorities they would work with Sheriff David Crenshaw’s budget and try to trim as much as they could from it, and that getting inmates through the criminal justice system faster.
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I'm all for gettin up a POSSES and chasing down the bad guy. But can't ya at least allow the prisnors to watch GunSmoke ReRuns instead of the weather channel
Gough would limit the cable TV stations?
Do they have cable at the county jail?
Last I heard they didn't even have TV's .
As for making the jail experience uncomfortable, I imagine the 500 inmates that are in the county jail are already uncomfortable since the facility is only supposed to house about 285.
Well, after reading that nonsense from the opponet, I will vote for Skipper.
I happen to like the reference to Sheriff Joe. Make it uncomfortable for prisoners, get them working, and wipe out this gang activity that has grown out of control.
I usually limit my remarks to a couple of sentences, but this time it is at least a few more...I'm all for restrictions for prisoners, however, when Gough starts talking about using prison labor to work on sheriff's vehicles I have a problem. The County has a fleet services department that manages the service of Crown Vics and other high dollar vehicles for the Sheriff's office and has done a fine job for the last few years. And besides, who wants to see a mechanics shop behind the Sheriff's Office as was the past. We have moved forward with progress and the area around the current Sheriff's Office looks better than it ever has. You don't have to look at a metal hut that allows prisoners to hide and do as they please.
Also, I do not believe that our Sheriff needs to request that the FBI and the IRS come in and request an investigation into the county finances. Leave that to the County Council.
And possie's of residents?? You have got to be kidding me. That is plumb crazy. That is taking community watch groups to a whole new level that would require specialized training that should be reserved for those who are HIRED to enforce the law.
"Both agreed the Sheriff’s Office needed to bring back both canine and aviation units."
I thought there was an aviation unit. Would it not be smart to put the fuel in the cars than in the helicopter (for now). I could only imagine how much that would cost a gallon.
They talk about canine units in he news and I see them in cars. What is the cost for bringing in more? Are these two aware of what is already there?
Skipper really hammered Crenshaw about his budget, and now talks about what he's going to create. Great, what are you going to cut to stay in budget? You said you were going to be open and honest!
I look at the picture and see their quotes and I think of the movie dumb and dumber.
I am glad the meeting was well attended. John Skipper has a clear understanding of the criminal justice system, how it works, and what is realistic.
When did the sheriff's department start running the animal shelter? Maybe I missed it. According to Gough's website he is going to replace a security gaurd at the animal shelter with a deputy to save money, wow. He's going to sell junk cars and radios to buy a helicopter, which they already have. My thing is this, when your running for office you are interviewing with the public during the campaign. When you post a web site which is your main source of information, check your spelling and grammar. It is a reflection on who you are and your educational skill level. I'm sure he is a good guy but he's got a ged and was a railroad cop. He likes to report that he worked closely with the fbi, dea, or whoever. All you have to do to work "closely" with those folks is to pick up the phone and call them. Skipper has a proven local track record in law enforcement. My opinion for what it's worth, Gough - not good for Anderson county, Skipper - the best choice for Anderson county.
While I do like some of Mr. Gough's ideas, I feel that Mr. Skipper is the better choice.
I'm missing Sherriff Crenshaw already...and from the sound of things, the budget for which he was so soundly criticized,is about to get alot bigger.
in response to 8000milesfromhome
Agreed. Well said.
Skipper is just a continuation of the Taylor administration. We need new blood. Gough has creative ideas that will work. Besides, if he goes over budget he will not take a paycheck. Sounds like motivation to me. Vote Gough!!!
in response to patriot
Are you kidding me? Gough is CLUELESS!!!!
Vote Skipper.
in response to patriot
What "creative ideas" are you talking about? From what I've seen, the man is totally lost. His biggest idea is a rip-off from an Arizona sheriff. While I wouldn't mind the concept, there are a few changes in Columbia that would have to happen first. He really should look into his platform before he stands on it. Then again, that would take some investigating. This is not a railroad yard.
Call the FBI? Gough is a mindless idiot. He needs to work for Joe Biden. Put him on a plane and let him invade Pakistan.
I think he should be the one gaurding the animal shelter!
the prisoners have it made in there, my son is in there so much, they know him by name. it's like a vacation to them. i agree, changes need to be made, put them out on the street, cleaning up.
When is someone with the elections commission going to step in and declare that Mr. Gough does not meet the qualifications to be sheriff in this state? Where are they? Asleep at the wheel?
What qualifications does he not meet? I haven't heard anything about this, and I would really like some more information on Mr. Gough. Thanks.
Both sides are correct on this one. No matter who wins, I get to keep saying
DUMB and DUMBER!!!
Im sure Dennis Gough is a great guy with the best intentions regarding his choice to run for sheriff but he does not sound like the best choice for Anderson. It doesnt sound like any of his ideas were thought through very well. I am by far a Skipper supporter but in this case, I would have to say that Skipper is the best candidate for the job. Hopefully he can control the budget everyone loves to complain about. Personally I dont see anything changing. To cut the budget would mean cutting service and that would be a bad idea.
To be eligible for sheriff you have to be a law enforcement officer, current or retired, certified by the state of South Carolina. Gough has never been certified by the state of South Carolina. I know this has been brought up before but I'm surprised it is not being played as an issue now. I don't really think it will matter though. Skipper by a landslide.
To set all the Skipper supporters straight, Gough meets all qualifications under South Carolina statute. 23-11-110 defines "certified law enforcement officer" pursuant to 23-6-400(D)(1), which has been repealed. 58-13-920 states that special officers and constables of the railroad are equivalent to "deputy sheriffs and other police officers" in SC. Read it and weep. Gough by a landslide!!!
in response to patriot
Dennis,
Looks like your the only one on this forum that likes your ideas. Maybe you should run for animal shelter director or something. You did have that license as a venomous snake trapper. If this forum is any indication of the election polls, Skipper will be leading our ship. Sorry Dennis, No Goof '08
in response to patriot
If you wouldn't have stopped reading halfway thru the sentence you picked from 58-13-920, you would be the one weeping. Heres the rest of it for your reading pleasure; "and their commissions shall continue so long as they are employed in such capacity by the railway or other common carrier". He's not employed by the railway anymore. If you look up at 58-13-910 it states that railway officers are afforded authority in this state if they are qualified to equal standards in their own state. Their authority only provides them this privilege for protection of interstate shipments, passengers, and employees of railroad companies. Just because they are given this authority while passing thru on a train doesn't mean they are considered a law officer certified by the state of South Carolina. This is really a moot point because it will not matter come Nov 4th. Skipper will be driving the train. Toot!!! Toot!!!
in response to 8000milesfromhome
The main issue is that no certificate as a law enforcement officer exists since 23-6-400 has been repealed. Using your specious argument, Skipper would no longer qualify since he is no longer in law enforcement and after the election he will remain so.
Since Mr. Gough is not a certified law officer in SC, nor has he ever been, if elected he would have to take the 9 week course at the criminal justice academy in Columbia just like a rookie. Mr. Skipper on the other hand is certified as has been for over 30 years. But I repeat my earlier comment that if the people at the election commission would wake up for just a minute, they would determine that Mr. Gough does not qualify for sheriff in SC.
I have to say, Anderson County would move back a hundred years in law enforcement and detention methodologies if we elect Gough as Sheriff. While having good intentions I cannot make anything good out of anything he says. The salary commitment and all is a great idea, but all the rest of it is mostly nonsense. His ideas for embarassing and making more uncomfortable the lives of people accused of crimes (remember, still innocent until proven guilty) is Draconian and will not reduce crime and probably will increase recidivism because the focus is wrong. Someone who admires the methods of the Sheriff of Maricopa County and embraces the old school idea of "beating the child" into submission, is outmoded and has proven not to work.
Who cares how many channels they watch? It is the cheapest form of crowd control a jailer has. All these people with these briliant ideas apparently have never had the task of keeping 500 people, locked in small cells, healthy, fed and under control. All those "Cool Hand Luke" suggestions make dramatic points for the electorate, but they are no way grounded in reality. Treatment, treatment, treatment! It is the only way to work towards a proactive, viable solution for this county.
With the two choices we are given, Skipper it is! I still cannot support the penny tax with Joey Preston holding the checkbook. He is trying too hard to force the east-west connector down our throats. This group of millionaires (funded by private money, to educate the citizens) trying to push it, are obviously pressing it for a financial interest they (or their friends) are going to have, or already have, in it's being built. I think there are better things we can do with that money that will benefit more people countywide.
Gough, if you're commenting, I think it's great! Identify yourself and challenge Skipper to to make comments rather than having others do it for him. I think you will lose, but stand up and fight. I never said which one I thought was dumber.
in response to Klay67
KLAY67 In response to your questions about Mr. Gough’s qualifications. He has ALL of the qualifications needed to be the Anderson County Sheriff. Those who would like you to believe otherwise are those who have ether been promised jobs by Skipper or wanting to keep their jobs if Skipper wins.Mr. Gough is chastised for not being trained by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. The Sheriff’s affidavit has been falsified to trick people into believing that that is one of the qualifications, when in reality there is no statute pertaining to this on the law books of South Carolina, in fact there are 7 laws that prove the contrary. If you would like to know more about Mr. Gough and his qualifications visit sheriffforthepeople.com.
in response to truthwatcher
truthwatcher, For someone to use the phrase “truthwatcher” and then apparently is asleep at his post scares me. If you read the “REAL” qualification statute and not the one written by the Sheriff’s Asso. which by the way is not a part of the South Carolina Legislature and does not have the power to (“change statutes or write laws”), the real statute will tell you that any newly elected sheriff must attend the academy within the first year of office or he can loose his commission.Also it does not say that a candidate for sheriff has to have a prior certification from South Carolina. The real statute was not updated to include 23-23-10. O and as far as the election commission is concerned, they citified him and that is not going to change.
sotrue43 (chairperson),
Just so you know I haven't been promised a job nor am I looking to work for Sheriff Skipper once he is elected. I'm just a Skipper supporter and voter. Your canidate may have the legal qualification to run for sheriff but I don't believe he has the qualifications to be sheriff. I mean look at your party as a whole. Y'all offer these off the wall canidates that never win. That is what your doing in this sheriff's election. A railroad cop from Indiana, come on. As some of the other posters have indicated he pulls his ideas from an Arizona sheriff's office. While those ideas may work out there, that doesn't mean it will fly here. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about making criminals suffer as far as the law allows. Most of the people in the Anderson county jail are awaiting trial. They haven't been convicted of anything. It is not a state or federal prison. Your canidate is out of touch and doesn't really know the workings of the sheriff's department. I guess that's what happens when you migrate to the south after you retire and think you can be sheriff. It takes a little more than calling the fbi (working with them)to be qualified for sheriff. If this is the only canidate you could come up with then it's no wonder your party doesn't get recognized or noticed by the media or public in large. I mean, you and your canidate get on the forum here and your the only two that post anything in support of yourselves. That should tell you how the election is going to turn out.
Skipper '08
in response to 8000milesfromhome
8000milesfromhome, You must be a republican or a democrat so I want to take this time to thank you for what you and people like you did to our economy. Your party doesn’t even deserve a capital letter for its name. Talk about radical ideas Ross Perro’s platform warned this nation that if the republicans and democrats are left in power what would happen. I guess I’ll meet you in the soup lines after Skipper and those who think like him finish off Anderson County. Heres another little tid-bit for ya, I personally have set out quite a few signs for Mr. Gough and to date at least 60% have been stolen many off private property. This is a sheriffs election, the question is what does that say for the honesty of Mr. Gough's opponent?
in response to In_Search_Of_Truth
_search_of_truth, Are you that naïve that you think the current way law enforcement and the operation of the jail is working and should be continued? If your so rapped up in making sure that the very ones who harm the people deserve consideration why don’t you minister to them, give them all you have, teach them that what they are doing is good in your eyes. It’s obvious that you don’t take the word of God seriously. You spout “beating the child” as your defense, when if that child was raised right to begin with, he or she wouldn’t be in the position their in. And now we the people who only met that child through violence and the loss of the things we worked so hard to obtain are to bow down to people like you and treat those villains better then we treat those who defend this Country. Well we tried it your way now its time to tell the criminal element we have had enough. Joe Arpaio in Arizona does not share your view and nether does Dennis Gough. You would rather let our elderly die then to turn our resources away from the criminals. Further, if we had a prosecutor who would use the Justice System the way it was intended we wouldn’t have the overcrowding of the jail. And if the system we have in place is working so well, why do we have so many repeat offenders? After all they were so well treated when they were incarcerated that they just yearn to go out and become model citizens, wake up to reality.
First off Mr. Gough, if you want to be taken seriously then you need to do a lot of work on your web page. The spelling, grammar, and sentence structure are on par with one inspiring to attain entry into the 8th grade, not one who runs the counties Sheriff's Office. You get so many "hits" on your web page due to word of mouth about the horrid grammar, and spelling. It's like a train wreck, (no pun here)it's ugly, but people still want to see it.
Next, "railroad police" is not near as impressive to us, as it is to you. Security at WalMart makes more arrest than railroad police. Working "with" the FBI, CIA, Secret Service, or a host of others means little as well. Most officers with more than a few years under their belt can claim this honor. Heck, I guess if a road deputy does crowd control at a fire scene then he should be able to be the fire marshal.
Next, all this talk about lawyers, and gonna sue, is pretty much a turn off to folks in Anderson. We get enough of that from our county council, we don't need it started at the Sheriff's office as well. It shows your mode of operation, if you will.
The fact you have a few farm animals at your home means nothing either. Heck, I have a squirrel who keeps getting in my storage building. I guess I need to apply for a job with SLED. Anderson county is not a railroad, nor a farm. It is a ever growing town with real crime and real problems. These need to be addressed by someone with actual, first hand, experience in all manners of police work.
Let's stop the charade and let Sheriff elect John Skipper focus on the transition with Crenshaw and not on debating with you. Of course from what I've seen he would win the next debate without even showing up.
Thanks for your interest in the job, but the vacancy has already been filled. Good luck with the raising of the elk.
in response to sotrue43
I'll give you that one. I did like Ross and his views, other than that I'm not so sure. I hardly think that your candidate or Skipper will "finish off Anderson County" if elected. Unless of course, they run with a wild budget or lack there of like the current sheriff has. I imagine your candidate or Skipper will be more frugal with the budget than the current administration has. On the theft problem, I'm not the least surprised. It shouldn't happen to either candidate's signs. I don't think Skipper would take part in stealing campaign signs as I'm sure you will say neither would your candidate. I think that boils down to some over zealous supporters on both sides.
I noticed your section on your Chief Deputy. You've put some impressive things up about him. The one that caught my eye was the fact he has "received numerous accommodations" from other agencies. I gotta admit, this would be motivation to work harder. Unless it was at the Super8. Just where would you plan on those "accommodations" for your good officers be? If it's Myrtle Beach during spring break I might be interested in a job.
in response to ugot2bkiddingme
Good eye. Like I said before, this web site is a source of information about him as a candidate. It is littered with misspelled words and grammatical errors. It reflects highly on the person being represented by the web site. You have to know that hundreds of people will be viewing the site. Get someone to proof read it before posting it.
Let's take a close look at the writing style of http://www.sheriffforthepeople.com/ and sotrue43. I've already pointed out, per the listed web page his pick for Chief Deputy has received "accommodations" for his work. Now sotrue43 states Gough has been "citified" by the election commission. Actually, we kinda like some "country" in our Sheriff. He doesn't need to be "citified".
Also, truth be told, my spelling, grammar, and other English skills leave much to be desired. However, if you are not the same person that put together this web page, then Mr. Gough really needs to hire an English teacher to hold some basic English classes at the Gough household for his supporters. I'll give you just a few things. Don't run your sentences together. A sentence should start with a capitol letter. A question ends with a ? and a statement ends with a . Don't switch from first person, to third person in the same paragraph, much less the same sentence.
Let's look at one sentence from sotrue43 here....."If your so rapped up in making sure that the very ones who harm the people deserve consideration why don’t you minister to them, give them all you have, teach them that what they are doing is good in your eyes. It’s obvious that you don’t take the word of God seriously."
Just because words sound the same, the different spellings give them different meanings. Take for example "rapped" sounds like "wrapped", as in "wrapped up". However "rap" can mean knock. Thus "rapped up" could mean "knocked up" and we all know that being pregnant does not mean one can not make wise choices.
I just want to know when Gough is going to publicly acknowledge that he claims to be a reincarnated princess? Seriously.
in response to ugot2bkiddingme
ugot2bkiddingme, Your hilarious I find three things wrong with your assiduous attention to detail. 1. Looking at the web site all I see is type-O’s and that is hardly anything to get your dander up, ever read the Independent Mail?. 2. Your remarks about long sentences ever read legal briefs? 3. Although it is true that in my response I failed to put a w in front of rap (type-o) the sentence structure does not refer to being knocked up. If the only way you can understand the comments of others were through specific language, then I would strongly suggest you not take part in this or any other discussions. You will find typographical errors and mis-spellings by others who comment here and we wouldn’t want to have your nervous breakdown on our hands.
The posters on here are not the ones presenting themselves through a web site for hire (elected). When you present yourself for an interview you want to look your best and represent yourself well. Mr. Goof (typo) is not doing a very good job of that.
"Your remarks about long sentences ever read legal briefs?"
Huh? Aaaanyway
As well as you must have never had a report picked apart by a defense attorney in court. They live for "typos" and simple errors. The basis of my observation isn't as much with the poor grammar as it is the attention to detail. If Mr. Gough can't correct numerous mistakes in his web page, he sure isn't going to pick up on them in the numerous reports that will come across his desk on a daily basis. While it may be a "typo", a single dot misplaced is the difference between 100 dollars and a 1000. Something to think about when deciding if anyone would want this man in control of a budget, or anything involving legal matters. Here, attention to detail makes all the difference in the world. His web page is a reflection of his commitment to excellence, professionalism, and his work ethic. You gotta admit, judging from his web page, none are impressive.
sotrue43 (chairperson),
In 2012 you might want to consider getting a better polished candidate for your party. Someone who can at least run a spell check on his website. The sheriff position shouldn't be partisan anyway. I've got a few "sheriffin" ideas of my own. I should be available then, call me.
Well guys it appears your cages are severely rattled what are you worried about? Is picking apart a web site the best you can do? How come you’re not relying on your boss’s credentials? The people of Anderson County know what they want and Nov. 4th they will tell us what it is. So enjoy your bantering. I have better things to do, such as planing a victory party, see ya!
I'm wondering why you would think my cage was rattled. My statements have been clear, as well as true. I have nothing to defend, nor worry about in the election. I'm only pointing out the clear signs of Mr. Gough's incompetence. Are you sure it's not your cage that's getting rattled Mr. Goof?
I'm also not sure what my boss's credentials have to do with it. I don't think he even lives in Anderson, and thus probably not concerned with this election.
Again, I have not picked apart the web site. I don't have time to post every error, or "typo" as you call them. I'm sure if I give the neighbor's kid a quarter he could find at least half of them. Again, it's attention to detail. "Typos" may fly in the world of a train security guard, but not the world of real law enforcement.
As far as "planing" a victory party...I guess your going to have it on the lake, since "planing" means a boat leveling out.
While your enjoying the lake on the 4th, I'll be planning on hearing Skippers acceptance speech. I don't knock you though, I enjoy "planing" on the lake as much as anyone.
I guess we ran him off.
No you didn’t run me off. I just find you two boring narrow-minded republicans who believe another republican are going to make everything all right. Rally round the flag boys it may be the only thing to keep you warm at night. God knows you and people like you are plunging this Country into darkness. I just hope that you two are standing alone when the smoke clears so you can gloat over its destruction. Don’t forget to check on your kids tonight, they may have snuck out the window. Now I’m done with you.
I too checked out the website for Mr. Gough. Maybe he should stick to the restuarant business and then after he makes his profit, open another funeral home here in Anderson!!
SKIPPER '08, ain't it great?
in response to sotrue43
Narrow minded because I do not support your unqualified candidate? I'm not sure about the meaning of the rest of that post. I guess I'm in the smoke.
First of Mr. Goof,
"who believe another republican are going"
"Another republican" is a singular term, thus "is going" would have been proper. If you had used "republicans" with the s at the end, this would have made it plural (more than one) and then it would have been proper to use the "are". Of course using the plural form of "republican" would have caused you to use "other" instead of "another".
I'll tell you what, to show that just because you've called me boring, narrow-minded, as well as stated people "like me" are doing something or other to the country, I am willing to help you out. You send me things before you post them. I'll look over them, fix them up as best as I can, and send them back for you to post. Now mind you, I'm usually the last person one should call to help with this grammar, and word use thing. I do think even I could at least find and fix some of them. I'm willing to help you out man. Besides, if you win I'd like a shot at some of those accommodations that get handed out for good work.
Now, to the "meat" of your post. Just what does noticing "child-like" sentence structure have to do with being a republican. I'd sure hope democrats would notice it as well. Does that mean independents accept this as fine and don't have a problem with error filled, unprofessional, lackadaisical work? I take it you have something against republicans and democrats. (hint here....just tween you and I, and the fence post, that might not help you out much around these here parts. Now don't let that go no further.)
I also have to tell you, we ALL need to rally around the flag. Sometimes that flag has been what kept me warm by the way.
Anyway, when...oops, sorry. If Skipper wins, or you win, or you both drop out and Crenshaw stays in, I doubt any of you can destroy our country. You may harm the county, but not the country. We have a word for such talk...melodramatic.
I don't have kids so I don't worry if they sneak out a window. Besides if I did have kids, I'd hope I could give them accommodations they would not want to sneak out of. Even if I may not be able give them "numerous accommodations" like you buddy has won.
LOL!!! Since we're both narrow minded, let's put our minds together to look at this from a broad perspective. Sotrue43 isn't Mr. Goof. Sotrue43 is the chairperson for the Independence party of Anderson county. That's why he thinks democrats and republicans will destroy this country. The true man may have written Mr Goof's website for him. The writing style is very similar to the true man's posts. I think patriot is Mr. Goof, not really sure. Either way this train is coming to a halt Nov 4th.
Skipper '08
You mean you think he would let someone do his web page who can't put words together any better than that? I'll give Patriot credit. At least his post showed a grasp of English and word skills, even if it did show a lack of realism, or common sense. "Gough by a landslide"??? Man, open some windows when painting those run down eating places you restore.
8000 I think your right though. I never had a problem with the Independent party (Although if your "Independent" then you wouldn't be in a party. Or am I missing something here??) However, if they put someone in charge who needs to listen to the whole set of "Hooked on Phonics" tapes, then I gotta wonder about those they would put up for Sheriff. I mean I've been known to butcher the English language, but this guy has put it in a blender and hit puree.
I cannot believe that such a fuss is being made over Gough's website. I didn't see "web designer" on Gough's curriculum vitae. It's obvious he had someone design it for him. Is he running for Sheriff or English teacher? If you look at his ideas, you will see they are intended to reduce the Sheriff's budget. Some people think they will not work in this county. The only thing that does not work in this county is fiscal conservatism by our government. Look at your pension plan and property assessment and tell me if you can continue with the status quo. If so, vote for Skipper. I choose Gough. P.S., I find myself checking my grammar for fear of ridicule.
Again Mr. Gough, it has to do with professionalism, accountability, thoroughness, and just plain competence. That web page is a refection of the person it represents. Even you have to agree, it's just plain inexcusable for a man with the wildest of dreams of running any kind of office, much less one as large and as scrutinized as the Sheriff's Office, to allow such sloppiness. However as you put it, if it's fine for you to have an incompetent Sheriff, then it's obvious that Gough is the man.
I'm also wondering how Skipper is a continuation of the status quo. He's never been Sheriff. However he has been more than a caboose watchman. As for status quo, I'd rather keep Crenshaw, than have an illiterate Sheriff. At least he can spell and put words and punctuation where they go. I don't need an English teacher for Sheriff, however I do want one who would be ashamed to be represented by the elementary-istic slop I saw on that comical web-page. Come on Gough, you'll never be Sheriff, but at least have some pride. It's better to be unknown, than known as a jester.
Skipper was in the Taylor administration. A very corrupt administration. Since you choose to associate Gough's competence with a web page he did not design, Skipper can equally be tied to Taylor's corruption. It's called guilt by association. You die hard Skipper supporters will never support Gough as I will never support Skipper. People in this county have had it with all levels of county corruption.
in response to patriot
I take exception to the bold-faced lie you just smeared. You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. I worked nearly 12 years in the Taylor administration, and made rank. Sheriff Taylor made mistakes in judgement, but the man didn't have a corrupt bone in his body. The SO was professional then. There were a few bad apples, but they were weeded out. I challenge you to find an agency anywhere that doesn't have issues somewhere.
Give your railroad security guard all the support you can, but out and out lies are just wrong. I know politicians are used to lying to fabricate a point, but this is supposed to be a Sheriff's election. A Sheriff's candidate should stand up for what's correct and legal.
After the last four years, when you look back, the Taylor administration wasn't so bad now was it? I would be glad for Skipper to continue the Taylor administarion since there was more done with a lot less money. Morale was a whole lot higher than it is now at the sheriff's office. The current administration has doubled the budget and is doing less work for the public. So if Skipper continues with the Taylor administration, I'm all for it.
Please~ do not welcome back the Taylor admin. I hope Skipper has his own way of doing things so that he will not rely on the mistakes that Taylor made. Of course the budget has doubled just as it should have years ago. Our sheriffs office has been underfunded for more than 10 years. I would think some of you would be happy that we had a sheriff who was willing to get the sheriffs office what was needed. I would not sit here and tell you that Crenshaw has done EVERYTHING right anymore than you can tell me that Skipper will in the future. At some point you need to realize that these candidates are all just human beings.
As far as Dennis Gough, I dont think he is qualified for the job. While he may have the best of intentions, I dont think they are well thought through.
in response to kassidyrose1
Why is it the only answer to governmental problems is to throw money at it? Look what throwing money did to the education system. We are graduating morons. If we went back to the basics, we would be better off. We cannot afford anymore progress.
Corrupt? Pretty strong accusations there. You got any facts to back that up? I'd hope one running for Sheriff wouldn't just throw out unsubstantiated accusations. As far as what the people of Anderson want, how many times did Taylor win an election? As I recall, he was undefeated on election day. Considering my time in Anderson compared to yours, I'd say I might have a better idea of how folks around here think. I know most get tired of the "I'LL SUE" junk. You see most folks around here don't need two lawyers from New York. By the way, I'll put our Druanne's and Bruce's of Anderson, against your New York lawyers any day, any way. (Of course you don't even know them do you?)
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