Wednesday, May 31, 2017
RESIDENT/BOARD MEMBER ANDERSON RESPONDS TO MY RESPONSE TO HIS WRITINGS
It is time to stand up, and let other residents know that you are concerned. Your comments, agree or not, are welcome, and will be published without your name. Send your emails to: wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com
HERE IS ANDERSON'S RESPONSE:
As always, you may print my name. I'll own my words
|
Madeline,
That’s what you got out of my letter? How about addressing the real issues? You published several anonymous letters slamming the county parks and recreation department without any due diligence. The picture you published of East Bay was completely out of context as it is under demolition. You have published letters suggesting Georgetown County would do a horrible job maintaining the golf course, yet all of our county parks are as nice as you will find anywhere. Have you or your contributors ever been to any of these parks? The tennis complex, the many baseball/softball fields? The boat ramps? Based on what I see at these county owned and maintained parks I have no reason to believe the county will not do at least an adequate if not superior job. It will certainly be 10 times better than the alternative, which will be an overgrown mess. If you wish to have credibility as a journalist quit publishing conjecture or opinion as fact, and make people print their names on their letters instead of hiding behind anonymity. A different opinion is fine. A different opinion based on misleading information from an anonymous source makes you look like you have an axe to grind.
Adam Anderson
COMMENTS:
Adam, I'm publishing your response, as sent with your request to publish your name. That is your call. Any person who writes can make the same request. Most writers request that I don't use their name. Some have stated that they fear retaliation by this board. That is their right. I've never claimed to be a journalist, however I have claimed that I research and document anything that I write myself. You, as a board member have made that more difficult by removing the tapes of the meetings, and sanitizing the minutes, which still doesn't defeat my work.
As to "That’s what you got out of my letter? How about addressing the real issues?" I addressed the REAL issues. Go back to my DOCUMENTED response to your posting on the blog "
Today, you don't refer to that at all. Why? To much truth, and fact on some pretty serious items - real Wedgefield issues?
As to "You published several anonymous letters slamming the county parks and recreation department without any due diligence. The picture you published of East Bay was completely out of context as it is under demolition. You have published letters suggesting Georgetown County would do a horrible job maintaining the golf course, yet all of our county parks are as nice as you will find anywhere. Have you or your contributors ever been to any of these parks?" While a resident wrote the blog posting, and provided pictures (documented), I had no problem with the pictures. I have been going to the East Bay Park for years - the boat ramp, the playground with young grandchildren (for so long that one of them just graduated HS), and to the Farmer's Market (up until about 2 years ago when it moved), and to walk regularly with my husband. Quite frankly, the pictures represented what I saw over all those years. So, in my not so humble "Journalistic" opinion, the pictures were fine. It should also be noted, that before I published those pictures, I referred to them in a discussion I had with Brian Tucker, who not only failed to mention that the park was in the process of being renovated, stated that he wasn't sure the park was part of the Georgetown County assets. As to visiting the other parks, I haven't, and neither did any of the writers to the blog. I will tell you, that at a recent meeting at the WPA building, a resident who spoke as though they were a promoter of the the concept of the county buying the golf course, told me how beautiful the tennis courts were in a small community and the fact that they weren't used that much, and that the last time they were there, there were children riding bikes on the unsupervised community asset - the tennis courts. You should note that that kind of influx to our community was a concern expressed in some of the posts written by other residents.
You ought to be concerned that residents write to the blog because they are afraid of how the board operates, concerned for retaliation by the board, that you Adam, along with the rest of the board appear to condone. I've stated many times that I would close up the blog, when my board did what they were suppose to be doing openly, in the best interests of Wedgefield, and according to the governing documents. You have demonstrated in writing, and in person at the board table that you will pass on the integrity of your position on the board. Remember, when I stated at a board meeting that the board's handling of the current dredging was illegal, and you went snarky, and told me from your board seat "to call the police". You may not respect me Adam, but you and I both know that "illegal" was "acting against our governing documents", and could be judged illegal in civil court. You, sat back a few months ago, when I was just sitting taking notes, and Garrison called out in harassment to me from the board table. Did you speak up? NO, and that is why people don't want their names printed. Over 1,000 readers in a little over 24 hours, came to the blog to follow that posting. You, and the board need to go off attack mode to cover your tracks, and do a little self analysis.
COMMENTS:
Adam, I'm publishing your response, as sent with your request to publish your name. That is your call. Any person who writes can make the same request. Most writers request that I don't use their name. Some have stated that they fear retaliation by this board. That is their right. I've never claimed to be a journalist, however I have claimed that I research and document anything that I write myself. You, as a board member have made that more difficult by removing the tapes of the meetings, and sanitizing the minutes, which still doesn't defeat my work.
As to "That’s what you got out of my letter? How about addressing the real issues?" I addressed the REAL issues. Go back to my DOCUMENTED response to your posting on the blog "
Friday, May 26, 2017
As to "You published several anonymous letters slamming the county parks and recreation department without any due diligence. The picture you published of East Bay was completely out of context as it is under demolition. You have published letters suggesting Georgetown County would do a horrible job maintaining the golf course, yet all of our county parks are as nice as you will find anywhere. Have you or your contributors ever been to any of these parks?" While a resident wrote the blog posting, and provided pictures (documented), I had no problem with the pictures. I have been going to the East Bay Park for years - the boat ramp, the playground with young grandchildren (for so long that one of them just graduated HS), and to the Farmer's Market (up until about 2 years ago when it moved), and to walk regularly with my husband. Quite frankly, the pictures represented what I saw over all those years. So, in my not so humble "Journalistic" opinion, the pictures were fine. It should also be noted, that before I published those pictures, I referred to them in a discussion I had with Brian Tucker, who not only failed to mention that the park was in the process of being renovated, stated that he wasn't sure the park was part of the Georgetown County assets. As to visiting the other parks, I haven't, and neither did any of the writers to the blog. I will tell you, that at a recent meeting at the WPA building, a resident who spoke as though they were a promoter of the the concept of the county buying the golf course, told me how beautiful the tennis courts were in a small community and the fact that they weren't used that much, and that the last time they were there, there were children riding bikes on the unsupervised community asset - the tennis courts. You should note that that kind of influx to our community was a concern expressed in some of the posts written by other residents.
You ought to be concerned that residents write to the blog because they are afraid of how the board operates, concerned for retaliation by the board, that you Adam, along with the rest of the board appear to condone. I've stated many times that I would close up the blog, when my board did what they were suppose to be doing openly, in the best interests of Wedgefield, and according to the governing documents. You have demonstrated in writing, and in person at the board table that you will pass on the integrity of your position on the board. Remember, when I stated at a board meeting that the board's handling of the current dredging was illegal, and you went snarky, and told me from your board seat "to call the police". You may not respect me Adam, but you and I both know that "illegal" was "acting against our governing documents", and could be judged illegal in civil court. You, sat back a few months ago, when I was just sitting taking notes, and Garrison called out in harassment to me from the board table. Did you speak up? NO, and that is why people don't want their names printed. Over 1,000 readers in a little over 24 hours, came to the blog to follow that posting. You, and the board need to go off attack mode to cover your tracks, and do a little self analysis.
WILL YOU ATTEND THE COUNTY'S PRESENTATION REGARDING THE GOLF COURSE ON JUNE 1, 2017? GET FIRST HAND FACTS BEFORE YOU MAKE A DECISION ABOUT WHETHER IT IS RIGHT OR WRONG FOR WEDGEFIELD. DON'T BE LIKE THE BRIDE WHO SAYS SHE WON'T MARRY JOHNNY WHEN HE HASN'T PROPOSED!
There has been a lot of buzz around Wedgefield about the possible purchase of the golf course by the county. Based on assumptions, and what people have heard, often from less than credible sources, some residents have already formed an opinion about whether they are for, or against it. This is a tense subject that is important to all of us. I'm not for, or against, because I don't have enough information. I am very concerned about the golf course. It weaves in and around all of our properties. It is the first thing visitors and potential buyers see as they approach the front gate. Shouldn't we hear directly from the source before we make a decision?
During our work careers we provided outplacement services to workers who had lost their jobs to shut downs, or mass lay offs. In the process of their job search, we'd often heard job seekers tell us that they had interviewed, but if the company offered them a job that they wouldn't take it. One of our counselors would tell them that they were behaving like the young woman who had dated Johnny for several months, and would tell people that she wasn't marrying Johnny. When asked when Johnny had asked her to marry him, she'd say he hadn't asked her, but when he did she would say "NO". A wise relative would then say, "you have no decisions to make until you have a proposal, and you know what the whole package is." Like the potential bride, or job seeker, WE HAVE NO DECISIONS TO MAKE UNTIL THERE IS A PROPOSAL/OFFER. To my knowledge, the county has not made an offer.
Attending the meeting on:
During our work careers we provided outplacement services to workers who had lost their jobs to shut downs, or mass lay offs. In the process of their job search, we'd often heard job seekers tell us that they had interviewed, but if the company offered them a job that they wouldn't take it. One of our counselors would tell them that they were behaving like the young woman who had dated Johnny for several months, and would tell people that she wasn't marrying Johnny. When asked when Johnny had asked her to marry him, she'd say he hadn't asked her, but when he did she would say "NO". A wise relative would then say, "you have no decisions to make until you have a proposal, and you know what the whole package is." Like the potential bride, or job seeker, WE HAVE NO DECISIONS TO MAKE UNTIL THERE IS A PROPOSAL/OFFER. To my knowledge, the county has not made an offer.
Attending the meeting on:
JUNE 1st AT 7:00 PM
AT THE
FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER
WEDGEFIELD RD, GEORGETOWN
will allow you to hear what a proposal/offer might look like, IF the county decided to make one. Invest your time to get the answers you need.
A FEW MORE THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
*During the May WPA board meeting, it was reported that the realtor for the golf course had shown it to the 14th potential buyer. No potential contracts to buy were noted.
*It was also reported that the county is losing interest in the possibility of buying the golf course.
*Some residents have expressed an interest in the association buying the golf course. Board member Garrison told us shortly after the golf course shut down that the board has no interest in purchasing the golf course, even though it has never been discussed openly at the board table, and any kind of board vote taken. Some residents have felt that the approximate $500,000 in reserves could be considered in applying for a loan, not realizing that the board has already illegally committed approximately $135,000 to the illegal proposed dredging. Finally, your board, due to a relatively recent by-law change, couldn't seek a loan over $15,000 to buy it, without taking it to a vote of the membership.
*Some residents would like it to go to green space. That isn't our call if we don't own it.
Please attend the meeting. Seek facts at the meeting. Demand at monthly board meetings that the board start governing according to our governing documents, out in the open with complete discussion, and facts. Do the right thing for Wedgefield, and attend the meeting, and start gathering your own facts.
PS: I admire the residents who have put their thoughts and concerns out in the open. I'm not criticizing your thoughts, you work out in the open, unlike our board.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
A RESIDENT RESPONDS TO ADAM ANDERSON'S LETTER TO THE BLOG
HERE'S THE RESIDENT LETTER:
|
|||||||
Priority/Date/Size
|
|||||||
Attachment
|
|||||||
|
Friday, May 26, 2017
RESIDENT AND BOARD MEMBER ANDERSON WRITES THE BLOG REGARDING THE POSSIBLE COUNTY PURCHASE OF THE GOLF COURSE. HE ACCUSES THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER OF BEING NEGATIVE. REALLY? I DON'T USUALLY COMMENT WHEN I PUBLISH A LETTER TO THE BLOG, BUT I AM TODAY!
I HAVE A COMMENT TO THIS LETTER! COULD WE HAVE A LITTLE HONESTY HERE?
HERE IS RESIDENT/BOARD MEMBER ANDERSON'S LETTER:
Madeline,
I had the opportunity today to get caught up on your blog. You have published a string of articles and letters condemning the idea of the county purchase of the golf course. Several of these letters point out how poorly Georgetown County maintains its public property. This is completely unfair and untrue. Have you ever been to Eight Oaks Park or any of the new baseball/softball facilities the county has added over the past few years? How about the new boat landing? Each town has at least one indoor regulation basketball facility. The Stables tennis complex in Pawleys Island is as nice as any you will find in South Carolina. Hard and clay courts, lighting and a very nice clubhouse. It will rival any country club tennis facility in the Grand Strand area. All of these parks are clean, modern, and well kept. One of your articles included a picture of East Bay Park and the “poor” conditions but failed to mentioned how it is being torn down and re-purposed. How about a little more fairness in your reporting? While we may not be Palm Beach County we are not “poor”. As a lifelong resident of this county I am proud of the progress we have made.There is no reason to believe the county has anything but good intentions with the golf course. Let’s at least hear the man out before we condemn the idea. As I have stated before, I am open to any reasonable idea that will keep it a golf course. Nothing is free. All I read on your blog is negativity. Where are the alternative ideas? All I see is underhanded attacks and propaganda meant to discourage everyone. Is that really what you want?
You may print my name
Adam Anderson
THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER'S RESPONSE:
First, Board Member Anderson, I have not written and posted one negative article about the possible purchase of the golf course by the county. To date, I have no opinion because I need more information to make a good decision for myself. The letters/articles have been sent to the Wedgefield Examiner by the residents - the board's constituency, apparently because they don't feel that they will be heard by their board! As always, I have not edited them. I have removed their names as promised, and printed them as sent. I have not served as their cheerleader, or made comments - in approval, or not. You appear upset that the residents have used the blog to get their thoughts publicly aired. This board has left them no choice. So the residents have chosen to write to this blog that the board claims no one reads, and yet in the last 30 days the blog has had over 4,000 visits, and over 71,000 in a little over 5 years!
Second, when I need answers I research to get them. I called Mr. Tucker and spoke to him at length to get some answers, and encouraged him to speak himself to the residents of Wedgefield. He said he would. I did that after I attended the April WPA Board Meeting, and the board voted to form an adhoc committee to survey some - not all the residents, regarding the possible purchase of the golf course by the county. "SOME" offended any real information coming out of that kind of a survey process.
I respectfully wrote the following to the board on April 24th: "There is obvious interest by the membership regarding the appearance of the Wedgefield Plantation Golf course, and the possible purchase of the course by the county. I, and many other residents would like direct information from a county representative, who would answer our questions with first hand information, provided directly from the source. Additionally, residents are concerned for a number of reasons, about how the board intends to survey, and petition the community for the county. Basically, we all want first hand information, and we want every member surveyed.
Second, when I need answers I research to get them. I called Mr. Tucker and spoke to him at length to get some answers, and encouraged him to speak himself to the residents of Wedgefield. He said he would. I did that after I attended the April WPA Board Meeting, and the board voted to form an adhoc committee to survey some - not all the residents, regarding the possible purchase of the golf course by the county. "SOME" offended any real information coming out of that kind of a survey process.
I respectfully wrote the following to the board on April 24th: "There is obvious interest by the membership regarding the appearance of the Wedgefield Plantation Golf course, and the possible purchase of the course by the county. I, and many other residents would like direct information from a county representative, who would answer our questions with first hand information, provided directly from the source. Additionally, residents are concerned for a number of reasons, about how the board intends to survey, and petition the community for the county. Basically, we all want first hand information, and we want every member surveyed.
Immediately following the April 18th WPA Board Meeting, there were over 1,000 visits to The Wedgefield Examiner, in just a little over 24 hours. Additionally, since then the volume of visits, even on the weekend, has exceeded 100 visits per day, and residents are writing letters to the blog about the potential purchase almost daily, and they are being published. While the board may not like, or wish to acknowledge the blog, it appears that members are turning to it as a vehicle to both get, and put out information. Several residents have contacted me, and I have met with them in small groups, and they want to move forward with a plan to see that we get first hand information, and that every member is surveyed.
To date, I’ve spoken to Brian Tucker, and he has agreed that if a group of residents would like to hear from him, that he is willing to speak to them. The group has suggested that we develop a mailing to every member that would include a cover letter indicating a date time, and place of meeting, and a prepaid post card addressed to Brian Tucker, detailed with a “yes” or “no” on the potential purchase by the county, a place to indicate the # of lots owned by the member, and a signature line. The group is working on the mailing list now, and yes, we have recruited promise of donation of funds for mailing, printing, etc. The overriding question throughout our work has been, “why isn’t our board promoting this kind of open communication, and surveying on an issue that is so important to so many of us?”
This morning, I touched base with some of the people working on the project, and agreed to contact the board, present the fact that Mr. Tucker is willing to meet Wedgefield residents, and ask the board if they would consider taking over notifying every member of a date, and time to hear Mr. Tucker, and at the same time provide a survey tool to every member. Are you willing to do this to unify the sharing of information with every member, and seek the opinion to be shared with the county, from every member? Wouldn’t it be beneficial to the board, all members, in unification and providing answers to the county?"
WHAT IS NEGATIVE ABOUT MY APPROACH? IT WAS AN OPEN, HONEST COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD. What I received back was negativity, and a false - no intention of following through, suggestion that I serve on the adhoc committee. Here is a quote from YOUR board response to me:
"I couldn't agree more that we need to work together. And that usually means compromise. I will already assume one of your responses to this letter will be that you cannot work with the existing committee because of its chairperson. To my knowledge Mr. Armistead volunteered to head this effort up. To refuse to work with his committee over a 10 year old disagreement on a completely different issue isn't indicative of a “let's all work together for Wedgefield” attitude. I will guarantee you he be willing to work with you and hear your ideas. So let's ALL put aside our differences and see if we can find some common ground on perhaps the most important issue Wedgefield will ever face."
I RESPONDED BACK TO THE BOARD WITHIN 24 HOURS OF RECEIVING THE BOARD'S COMMUNICATION. HERE ARE THREE QUOTES FROM MY RESPONSE: 1) "First, I welcome the opportunity to be considered by the board, to be a member of the committee. I realize that it is only an invitation to be considered, as the board votes on committee members. Yes, I couldn't agree more that we need to work together, and that usually does mean compromise. That is why I wrote the board." 2) " I agree that we can’t function on rumors. It appeared most of the concerns of the individuals who have written to me, either to have their letters (names removed) published, or stating their concerns, but asking that their writings not be published, or comments on Face Book, were negative regarding the possible county involvement. That is why I took the time to call Mr. Tucker, and the realtor, and have taken calls from residents asking what I knew about this, or that group of people walking or driving on the golf course. I have no stated opinion on the county’s possible purchase. My inquiry has been to the process & value of a survey, and how it would have any value, drove me to make those calls. I found Mr. Tucker was willing to talk, put the possible county’s very early stage consideration of involvement - to put things in perspective to be helpful. It appeared to me, and the people who were working on the project I described, that it would be helpful to have that prospective outlined by the county directly to all residents, to benefit residents’ survey answers." 3) "In the frankness required to work together, you have assumed incorrectly, when you state: “ I will already assume one of your responses to this letter will be that you cannot work with the existing committee because of its chairperson. To my knowledge Mr. Armistead volunteered to head this effort up. To refuse to work with his committee over a 10 year old disagreement on a completely different issue isn't indicative of a “let's all work together for Wedgefield” attitude.” When I wrote the board in a cooperative spirit, I did not even bring that discussion to the table. While your reference to a “10 year old disagreement” does not begin to describe the situation that is documented in WPA records, I suggest in the spirit of working together that we not jump to conclusions of one another’s reactions. Having worked with unions and management in large company shut down situations, providing outplacement facilities, and services for both under the satisfaction of both, I learned to study the issues and personalities of both, meet with them together in meetings, without prejudicing the outcome of common goals. We have common interests and goals, and shouldn’t assume, and taint an open working relationship.
WHAT IS NEGATIVE ABOUT MY APPROACH? IT WAS AN OPEN, HONEST COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD. What I received back was negativity, and a false - no intention of following through, suggestion that I serve on the adhoc committee. Here is a quote from YOUR board response to me:
"I couldn't agree more that we need to work together. And that usually means compromise. I will already assume one of your responses to this letter will be that you cannot work with the existing committee because of its chairperson. To my knowledge Mr. Armistead volunteered to head this effort up. To refuse to work with his committee over a 10 year old disagreement on a completely different issue isn't indicative of a “let's all work together for Wedgefield” attitude. I will guarantee you he be willing to work with you and hear your ideas. So let's ALL put aside our differences and see if we can find some common ground on perhaps the most important issue Wedgefield will ever face."
I RESPONDED BACK TO THE BOARD WITHIN 24 HOURS OF RECEIVING THE BOARD'S COMMUNICATION. HERE ARE THREE QUOTES FROM MY RESPONSE: 1) "First, I welcome the opportunity to be considered by the board, to be a member of the committee. I realize that it is only an invitation to be considered, as the board votes on committee members. Yes, I couldn't agree more that we need to work together, and that usually does mean compromise. That is why I wrote the board." 2) " I agree that we can’t function on rumors. It appeared most of the concerns of the individuals who have written to me, either to have their letters (names removed) published, or stating their concerns, but asking that their writings not be published, or comments on Face Book, were negative regarding the possible county involvement. That is why I took the time to call Mr. Tucker, and the realtor, and have taken calls from residents asking what I knew about this, or that group of people walking or driving on the golf course. I have no stated opinion on the county’s possible purchase. My inquiry has been to the process & value of a survey, and how it would have any value, drove me to make those calls. I found Mr. Tucker was willing to talk, put the possible county’s very early stage consideration of involvement - to put things in perspective to be helpful. It appeared to me, and the people who were working on the project I described, that it would be helpful to have that prospective outlined by the county directly to all residents, to benefit residents’ survey answers." 3) "In the frankness required to work together, you have assumed incorrectly, when you state: “ I will already assume one of your responses to this letter will be that you cannot work with the existing committee because of its chairperson. To my knowledge Mr. Armistead volunteered to head this effort up. To refuse to work with his committee over a 10 year old disagreement on a completely different issue isn't indicative of a “let's all work together for Wedgefield” attitude.” When I wrote the board in a cooperative spirit, I did not even bring that discussion to the table. While your reference to a “10 year old disagreement” does not begin to describe the situation that is documented in WPA records, I suggest in the spirit of working together that we not jump to conclusions of one another’s reactions. Having worked with unions and management in large company shut down situations, providing outplacement facilities, and services for both under the satisfaction of both, I learned to study the issues and personalities of both, meet with them together in meetings, without prejudicing the outcome of common goals. We have common interests and goals, and shouldn’t assume, and taint an open working relationship.
Again, I appreciate your email. No response is required, except to let me know, what my next steps are to be considered for the committee."
END OF QUOTES - COMMENTS CONTINUE:
Board Member Anderson, I NEVER HEARD from the board again, after I clearly expressed an interest to serve on the committee the board had formed chaired by resident Armistead.
NOTE: From the approved minutes of the April 18th WPA Board Meeting: "New Business: Bob Garrison stated that if the County did decide to purchase the golf course, it could take at least four (4) months to accomplish that and in the meantime, the grass is growing like crazy. Bob presented a potential Petition to see if the residents are interested in the County owning the golf course. Bob suggested that we get this out street by street. Would the Board agree to circulating this to get an estimate of everyone who is in agreement? Jacky Walton mentioned that we could appoint Roger Armistead as an Ad Hoc Committee to accomplish this task." Additionally in that same answer to the board I asked if they would be interested in two additional names of new residents who would be willing to serve. What is worse is that by the time we got to the May WPA meeting, there was no report during the meeting for the adhoc committee - let alone naming and voting on committee members! Mr. Armistead spoke during resident comments about inviting Mr. Tucker, and his recent email to him, and a meeting where he would speak, but NO mention of a survey - the very item the board made him responsible for during a vote at the April meeting. Once again, it appears our board changed direction with no discussion at the table about what happened to the survey/petition. The mailing regarding a meeting has since gone out, and there was no survey, nor do we know whether it went to every member house hold. Was the board afraid to move forward with a legitimate committee once I said yes, I'd serve? Don't talk to me about negativity. I wasn't, and my board failed all of us. We are back to your hidden agenda, and you are looking for scape goats - I'll never qualify as that, I'm not only not negative on this issue, I got the problem identified correctly, and it is the board! It should be noted that immediately following Mr. Armistead's comments, that I went directly to him, offered any assistance that he might need, and told him that I had spoken quite some time ago to Mr. Tucker, and during our conversation that he had agreed to speak to Wedgefield residents, and that I had immediately notified the board of that opportunity. I further explained that Mr. Tucker spent as much time as needed on our call, and I felt it would benefit all residents to hear him. I fulfilled my commitment to work with Mr. Armistead, BUT ONCE AGAIN THE GAME CHANGED.
END OF QUOTES - COMMENTS CONTINUE:
Board Member Anderson, I NEVER HEARD from the board again, after I clearly expressed an interest to serve on the committee the board had formed chaired by resident Armistead.
NOTE: From the approved minutes of the April 18th WPA Board Meeting: "New Business: Bob Garrison stated that if the County did decide to purchase the golf course, it could take at least four (4) months to accomplish that and in the meantime, the grass is growing like crazy. Bob presented a potential Petition to see if the residents are interested in the County owning the golf course. Bob suggested that we get this out street by street. Would the Board agree to circulating this to get an estimate of everyone who is in agreement? Jacky Walton mentioned that we could appoint Roger Armistead as an Ad Hoc Committee to accomplish this task." Additionally in that same answer to the board I asked if they would be interested in two additional names of new residents who would be willing to serve. What is worse is that by the time we got to the May WPA meeting, there was no report during the meeting for the adhoc committee - let alone naming and voting on committee members! Mr. Armistead spoke during resident comments about inviting Mr. Tucker, and his recent email to him, and a meeting where he would speak, but NO mention of a survey - the very item the board made him responsible for during a vote at the April meeting. Once again, it appears our board changed direction with no discussion at the table about what happened to the survey/petition. The mailing regarding a meeting has since gone out, and there was no survey, nor do we know whether it went to every member house hold. Was the board afraid to move forward with a legitimate committee once I said yes, I'd serve? Don't talk to me about negativity. I wasn't, and my board failed all of us. We are back to your hidden agenda, and you are looking for scape goats - I'll never qualify as that, I'm not only not negative on this issue, I got the problem identified correctly, and it is the board! It should be noted that immediately following Mr. Armistead's comments, that I went directly to him, offered any assistance that he might need, and told him that I had spoken quite some time ago to Mr. Tucker, and during our conversation that he had agreed to speak to Wedgefield residents, and that I had immediately notified the board of that opportunity. I further explained that Mr. Tucker spent as much time as needed on our call, and I felt it would benefit all residents to hear him. I fulfilled my commitment to work with Mr. Armistead, BUT ONCE AGAIN THE GAME CHANGED.
RESIDENT COMMENTS ON RESIDENT LETTER POSTED IMMEDIATELY BELOW THIS ARTICLE
HERE IS THE RESIDENT LETTER/COMMENTS
Hi, Madeline.
I thought the person who opposes the purchase of the golf course makes a number of very valid points and the meeting on June 1st will be extremely important. I hope a large number of Wedgefield residents will attend.
The part that struck me the most was the comment about the level of desperation. I don’t feel that any longer now that there is an organized plan in place to keep the golf course mowed and in decent condition (thank you Butch Williams!). While I look forward to learning more about a potential plan from the County, I would be perfectly happy if we just left things as they currently are. It would be great if we could somehow do something about the manor house and the swimming pool to make them both operational again; maybe we should ask Butch his thoughts.
Hope you have a nice Memorial Day week-end!
|
Thursday, May 25, 2017
RESIDENT WRITES THE BLOG CONCERNING THE JUNE 1ST MEETING REGARDING THE COUNTY'S POSSIBLE INTEREST IN THE GOLF COURSE
It is time to stand up, and let other residents know that you are concerned. Your comments, agree or not, are welcome, and will be published without your name. Send your emails to: wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com
HERE IS THE EMAIL:
A meeting will be held on Thursday, June 1st with Brian Tucker so that Wedgefield residents in support of the county purchasing the golf course can stand up and plead their case and attempt to convince naysayers that they know better. This appears to be an organized effort since someone took the time to print postcards, obtain a mailing list, and fund the postage as well as make a sign for the gate area of the plantation. This organized group believe they are representing a majority of the residents in Wedgefield and God help us if this is truly the case. If the county purchases the course, this could be the end of one of the few good residential areas in Georgetown as well as our privacy. Seriously, is having the government in our lives, (literally in our backyards) a good thing?
Those who support the county purchase of the golf course believe the government will do a good job of maintaining the grounds. Let's think about this..... Last November a crew of residents cut up downed trees from the hurricane and stacked them on the side of the road for the county to pick up. It was compost before that actually happened; months later. Visit a county park and if you think it's well maintained then you are very easy to please or your expectations can't be too high. Georgetown County is a poor. This means it doesn't have deep pockets to maintain its municipalities to the standard most of us will expect. Doesn't the county use inmates for road cleanup? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Is there a guarantee that this won't be our maintenance crew when times get tight?
If this doesn't convince you that the county purchase of the course is a bad idea, think about your safety and privacy. How many people do you think will be coming through the gate of Wedgefield on a daily basis to wander or drive around our streets, make noise, and leave behind trash? Do you think driving through this gate will be easy given the amount of cars that will be parked in the plantation for various public events? We are talking about giving up our privacy. Our homes will be backed up to a public park. We have no control over who is wandering the course behind our homes at any given hour of the day or night. Which brings up the issue of safety. We don't have police patrolling in Wedgefield. We could be prey to anyone who comes here with bad intentions or to disrupt our community. Just who will be coming through that gate? How many of us moved to Wedgefield for safety and privacy?
This is just a tip of the iceberg folks. There are so many other issues such as the very real possibility of a decline in housing value. Let's face it, for every person who would love to live next door to a very large municipal park governed by the county, there are that many more if not more who find it undesirable. Which means the pool of buyers for Wedgefield will be down.
So when you ponder the idea of the county buying Wedgefield's golf course, picture this... driving into the main entrance of the plantation and instead of seeing the beautiful brick Wedgefield sign, you see a big fat Welcome to the Georgetown County Public Service/ Municipal Golf Course and "___________" Recreation Center" (named after the self serving person who pulls this off). Imagine sitting on your back patio and instead of viewing and listening to the wildlife around the pond, you are watching strangers fish because this fishing hole is now public property and available to anyone at anytime. Perhaps they will leave their trash behind because that's what the maintenance people get paid for. If your curiosity peaks you, go to a public park at night and watch the activity. Will you sleep sound at night in your Wedgefield home after what you may see? And don't call the police if there's a strange car parked on the side of the road near your house, it may just be a park visitor using your private road as public access and expecting them to respect your privacy just might violate their rights as taxpayers.
So are you ready to plunk down $500 a year, (after year, after year) to support the county's municipal golf course? Is there another plan in place should residents oppose this fee? That would mean the county can buy the course without your money or opinion. This would be a good question to ask Brian.
I guess I just don't understand why the sale of the golf course is our responsibility and why some feel it's the homeowners obligation to subsidize the operation. How did we ever get to the point of offering up financial support to potential owners who don't have the means to make it on their own? It's a level of desperation that leaves us vulnerable in more ways than one. Who is protecting the residents and has our best interests at heart?
Brian will be presenting the county's ideas for the purchase of the golf course on June 1st. It's unknown if he will listen to concerns during this meeting or only allow positive feedback as those were the rules in last meeting held on this very similar topic. Go, listen, and make your OWN decision. Think about how a county purchase of the golf course will affect, if at all the quality of your life and the future of Wedgefield. Don't be afraid to speak up whether you are for or against this plan. Your voice should be heard and opinion respected.
Good luck Wedgefield......
Friday, May 19, 2017
A RESIDENT HAS SENT A POST TO THE BLOG AFTER READING ABOUT THE GOLF COURSE ON LINE. IT APPEARS, AFTER READING QUOTES FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT, THAT THE WRITER HAS CONCERNS ABOUT OUR REPRESENTATION FROM THIS BOARD
It is time to stand up, and let other residents know that you are concerned. Your comments, agree or not, are welcome, and will be published without your name. Send your emails to: wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com
THE RESIDENT LETTER FOLLOWS AS SENT MINUS THE NAME:
I was doing some back reading on the golf course closure and came across two articles from Myrtle Beach online.
Below are quotes from our President, Jacky Walton and our VP, Bob Garrison, cheerleaders for our community.
Bob Garrison quote:
Myrtle Beach online June 8, 2016
“We think [the course] is very important because a large percentage of the houses that are in here border the golf course,” Garrison said. “If that thing goes to seed, and instead of looking at a golf course you’re looking at 5-foot high weeds, it’s going to be problematic. It’s a piece of this place. It’s integral to it. But I don’t think over the years this community has done a whole lot to support the golf course.”
- Really Bob.... way to throw us under the bus. You did a great job of selling our community. Maybe next time you will get the questions in advance of an interview and have someone with common sense edit your responses before you let potential buyers think we won't support them. I don't see where your negativity is doing us any good in this matter.
Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/sports/golf/article82632277.html#storylink=cpy
Jacky Walton quotes:
Myrtle Beach online, January 26, 2017
Jacky Walton, president of the Wedgefield Plantation Association of homeowners, said he and several residents have been cutting grass, weeds and bushes on parts of the course to “keep things in a little bit better manner than what they had been at one time,” and residents cleaned up Wedgefield’s entrance following Hurricane Matthew.
- Ohhh really Jack..... I'm not so sure I've seen you on a mower. I've seen you supervise from your truck on "one" occasion, but that mowing thing you said you did.... can you prove it happened? But hey, you sure looked like a local hero in the online paper.
Yet another Jackyism.....
Walton doesn’t know what support the golf course would receive from residents if it were to reopen. “It goes back to whoever is looking into purchasing it and what they can actually offer the residents,” he said. “The marketing side is what will convince the residents – if they will offer some type of a package.”
- Open mouth and insert foot Jack. The new owners of the golf course don't owe us anything. If they offer "some type of package" it will be nice, but I'm not sure why you are implying possible deal breakers when the residents will be happy to support the new owners. Why do you act like we have a say in the matter? Don't see you enforcing any of those covenants that would prove to potential course owners that we are on their side....wouldn't that be a "package" we could offer?
People ... can we afford anymore of this type of cheer leading/community representation.
Please consider a run for the board..... and please let's start voting the existing board out before it's too late for Wedgefield to turn it around.
Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/sports/golf/article129047574.html#storylink=cpy
A POTENTIAL BUYER TO WEDGEFIELD WRITES THE BLOG. THEIR THOUGHTS ARE INTERESTING.
It is time to stand up, and let other residents know that you are concerned. Your comments, agree or not, are welcome, and will be published without your name. Send your emails to: wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com
HERE IS THE POTENTIAL BUYER'S LETTER. I'VE REMOVED THE NAME TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT.
I'LL ANSWER THE RESIDENT LATER. I HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER IN TOWN WHO I SERVE AS GUARDIAN. I NEED A COUPLE OF DAYS TO SPEND TIME WITH THIS PERSON.
HERE IS THE POTENTIAL BUYER'S LETTER. I'VE REMOVED THE NAME TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT.
I'LL ANSWER THE RESIDENT LATER. I HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER IN TOWN WHO I SERVE AS GUARDIAN. I NEED A COUPLE OF DAYS TO SPEND TIME WITH THIS PERSON.
Dear Madeline,
My wife and I are retired and living in Green Bay, WI and grew up in Charleston SC. I have been looking for a winter home or condo near Charleston and was drawn to the Wedgefield Plantation condo's and have been keeping up with your blog. I want to tell you i am so happy for you that you have the courage to stand up for what is best for all the residents there at Wedgefield. I wish you the best of luck with turning things around for the better...
I was hoping to get your candid thoughts on me purchasing one of the condos that are for sale at the present.. I dont have a real estate agent there that i can trust to give me honest answers... If you could suggest one to me that would be wonderful..
I know you had some flooding after a hurricane in the last dozen years or so. Did the water come up enough to go into the condos? and do you know if you have to get flood insurance there? Any other info you could let me know would be greatly appreciated.
I am so glad to see you are getting the golf course mowed. I wish you all the luck in that...
Sincerely,
|
Thursday, May 18, 2017
THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER MADE AN ERROR IN A POSTING, SO I'M REPOSTING. SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE
Yesterday - Wednesday, I hurried to post a meeting, before I headed out to appointments. I typed too fast, and posted the golf course mowing group meeting as being held on Wednesday. It is tonight. Hope you will attend, and support this effort that benefits all of us.
HERE IS THE ARTICLE:
It is time to stand up, and let other residents know that you are concerned. Your comments, agree or not, are welcome, and will be published without your name. Send your emails to: wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com
HERE IS THE ARTICLE:
THE GOLF COURSE MOWING - IS IT IMPORTANT ENOUGH FOR YOU TO HELP? MY NOT SO HUMBLE OPINION, AND TWO SIMPLE INEXPENSIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP NOW.
It is time to stand up, and let other residents know that you are concerned. Your comments, agree or not, are welcome, and will be published without your name. Send your emails to: wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com
At the end of last night's WPA Board Meeting during resident comments, resident Butch Williams - spokesman for The Wedgefield Community Support Group, reported on the progress of their effort to keep the entire golf course mowed.
To date, 106 members have contributed $20.00 per household to pay for the contracted mowing through private donations. It appears that they have almost completed the first round of mowing. In order to keep the mowing going, it appears that the # of donors needs to increase to 200. This crew is running a demonstrated open, inclusive effort that will continue until the golf course is sold.
There is a planning meeting for the group tonight, May 17th at 6:00 PM at the WPA office. Please consider attending to support their effort. If you are already contributing, you'll want to hear for yourself - what is next. If you aren't already contributing, this is your opportunity to hear about their plans, and fine efforts, to keep Wedgefield beautiful.
It appears, that 94 more financial ($20/month) volunteers are needed. In my not so humble opinion, no matter where you live in Wedgefield - golf course, canals, or condo lots, we all need to support this effort. Our golf course threads around, and into every area of our community, when it is mowed - it is an asset to the beauty of our community, and the value of our homes. When it is over grown, it detracts from the assets of Wedgefield, and our home values decline.
Please consider attending the meeting tonight. If you aren't able to, please consider contacting the Wedgefield Community Support Group on FaceBook, and lending your support. If you aren't on FaceBook, Butch Williams is in our Wedgefield directory.
Will you help keep Wedgefield beautiful? I hope so.
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
RESIDENT TITLES LETTER TO THE BLOG - "LET'S HELP OUT GARY ROBERTS"
It is time to stand up, and let other residents know that you are concerned. Your comments, agree or not, are welcome, and will be published without your name. Send your emails to: wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com
| HERE IS THE LETTER: | |
|
THE GOLF COURSE MOWING - IS IT IMPORTANT ENOUGH FOR YOU TO HELP? MY NOT SO HUMBLE OPINION, AND TWO SIMPLE INEXPENSIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP NOW.
It is time to stand up, and let other residents know that you are concerned. Your comments, agree or not, are welcome, and will be published without your name. Send your emails to: wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com
At the end of last night's WPA Board Meeting during resident comments, resident Butch Williams - spokesman for The Wedgefield Community Support Group, reported on the progress of their effort to keep the entire golf course mowed.
To date, 106 members have contributed $20.00 per household to pay for the contracted mowing through private donations. It appears that they have almost completed the first round of mowing. In order to keep the mowing going, it appears that the # of donors needs to increase to 200. This crew is running a demonstrated open, inclusive effort that will continue until the golf course is sold.
There is a planning meeting for the group tonight, May 17th at 6:00 PM at the WPA office. Please consider attending to support their effort. If you are already contributing, you'll want to hear for yourself - what is next. If you aren't already contributing, this is your opportunity to hear about their plans, and fine efforts, to keep Wedgefield beautiful.
It appears, that 94 more financial ($20/month) volunteers are needed. In my not so humble opinion, no matter where you live in Wedgefield - golf course, canals, or condo lots, we all need to support this effort. Our golf course threads around, and into every area of our community, when it is mowed - it is an asset to the beauty of our community, and the value of our homes. When it is over grown, it detracts from the assets of Wedgefield, and our home values decline.
Please consider attending the meeting tonight. If you aren't able to, please consider contacting the Wedgefield Community Support Group on FaceBook, and lending your support. If you aren't on FaceBook, Butch Williams is in our Wedgefield directory.
Will you help keep Wedgefield beautiful? I hope so.
Monday, May 15, 2017
AGAIN TODAY, GREAT PARTICIPATION ON THE BLOG. QUICKLY, TWO ITEMS ARE IMPORTANT. 1) IF EVEN HALF OF THE READERS ATTENDED TOMORROW'S BOARD MEETING, WE'D HAVE ALMOST 70 PEOPLE THERE. 2) REMEMBER, THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER ASKED WHO IS PAYING FOR TREE REMOVAL ON A PRIVATE LOT NEAR HER HOME? WELL, TODAY I'VE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH, AND IT APPEARS THE SAME TRUCK THAT WORKED ON TREE REMOVAL ON CANAL LOT THAT WAS COMMON GROUND HAS BEEN ON SEVERAL MORE PRIVATE LOTS. GET TO THE MEETING AND YOU ASK WHO IS PAYING. IF IT IS US WITH EXCUSES, WE ARE IN EVEN MORE TROUBLE!
WEDGEFIELD RESIDENTS,
GET TO THE MEETING, AND
FIND OUT IF THIS IS MORE OF
WEDGEFIELD'S DRAMA
FROM THIS BOARD,
RATHER THAN SERVING
IN THE BEST INTERESTS
OF WEDGEFIELD
THE DAY IS NOT FINISHED,
BUT,
HERE ARE TODAY'S STATS:
THE DAY IS NOT FINISHED,
BUT,
HERE ARE TODAY'S STATS:
Pageviews today
|
137
|
Pageviews yesterday
|
117
|
Pageviews last month
|
4,185
|
Pageviews all time history
|
71,252
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)