Photos
Blog
NewslettersCity Council ready to question Rauch
Fri, 2008-07-18 21:50 — Anonymous
Beaufort Mayor Bill Rauch will be called before the Beaufort City Council in a special meeting to answer questions about two recent allegations of impropriety. Read the story here.
- Login to post comments
- 894 reads
The mayor stands by trying to find a way to bring back the luster to his fading teflon coating. Fordham and O'Kelley immediately jump to the forefront and call for accountability. Sutton can't be contacted at first but seems to be on the right track when he surfaces. Beer initially supports the thought of letting sleeping dogs lie, and then waffles a day or two later. Perhaps her initial stand was detrimental to her mayoral campaign. Who knows.
The good news is that the mayor is going to have to answer some stinging questions from his peers, and hopefully he will be required to do so in open session. The people deserve answers, and they also deserve to pose their own questions.
The remaining question is what becomes of the mayoral office? The council cannot legally remove the mayor. Will they be able to convince him that by continuing in office he does harm to the city? Can they convince him that his is a role of stewardship (as are theirs) and that he has demonstrated behavior that questions his ability to carry on his duties with any sort of trust from the people. Will they convince him that a person with any honor or integrity would resign immediately for the good of his office, the council, and that of the people he swore to serve? Time will tell.
The entire situation demands that the citizens of Beaufort do some soul searching about the post-Rauch era. He is leaving office, either by resignation or by the November election if he chooses to be stubborn and continues to place his own egotistical well-being ahead of the well-being of the city. What does Beaufort face next? Beer who more often than not aligned with Rauch and then initially backed him in this current debacle before changing positions a day or so later. Her actions appear either indecisive or perhaps self serving. Sutton? He professes change, and he is right in that thought process. But where was he when the mayor was brought into question? He could not be contacted! Did he need time to think out his position, is he decisive enough to be Beaufort's next mayor? Maybe, but again, who knows.
Fordham and O'Kelley have expressed no interest in the job although I think either is better suited for the job than the two who have declared. I have been to more than one council meeting where Fordham or O'Kelley have made statements such as "Why should we consider this, what about it is good for Beaufort?" I've seen no "yes man" behavior in either of them. I don't think that either of them will run though.
It would be refreshing to see someone with a little dirt under their fingernails challenge for the post. Someone who dirties those nails by working hard everyday to make ends meet. Someone who understands the needs of the average citizen of Beaufort. Someone who will put the good of the many before that of the elite few. I have nothing against lawyers or real estate people, but it has become commonplace for people from those professions to hold mayoral and council seats, and their allegiances can understandingly be put in question at times. Growth and development are prime issues here, and an inevitable factor in our area. How can we expect decisions that promote sensible growth when those making the decisions stand to profit from such growth. So, who do we look to? Perhaps the mechanic next door, the school teacher, the janitor, or the retired military non-com or officer. A person who is proud of the meager home they've worked so hard to pay for as a home and not as a marketable asset. A person who understands tough times and has survived them honorably. A person who understands the value of money and respects the vision of Beaufort that began nearly 500 years ago. A person who represents the people, the history, and the ecology of this wonderful place!
Too much to ask perhaps.
Hey, I've got the idea........You for Mayor ! You surely can run on this speech !
Hey, I've got the idea........You for Mayor ! You surely can run on this speech !
lol
to see you get a good laugh asstnuts.
Now for the integrity part.......the man has a great deal or he wouldn't be giving such a great analysis of Beaufort's real needs.......You've got the idea ! LOL
But, been there done that. I did a stint as mayor several years ago in another state and in a sense in another life. While I can't imagine anyone loving Beaufort more than I do, I'm not the right guy. That jobs belongs with someone who could never be perceived as wanting to do things "like we did them elsewhere". Beaufort is a very unique place, and she deserves the stewardship of someone whose motives would always be seen as best for Beaufort and her citizens. I also have a business that keeps me far too busy and am a recycled bachelor, I think the job belongs to someone who has a supportive spouse behind them. I could come up with a short list of great people who could do the job though.
Well, it's time maybe to come out of that retired state. Business can't be that good in this economy for a retired man. Hey, you got my vote anyway. But, beware of the accusations that will start swirling again the day of your swearing in. Yeah, maybe you better stay where you are too.! LOL
I'm not sure another spouse is a good idea, I have three ex's. I'm happy where I am in that regard. As for the accusations, they would start the minute I announced to run. There are a couple of folks on here who would make sure of that. Their rantings wouldn't have much in the way of teeth though, I'm the sort who would announce all of my mistakes and misdeeds at the same time I announced candidacy. I don't hide things and I don't hide from things. But, I'm still not the right guy. I'm more effective in the role of armchair quarterback, and let's face it, that's a much easier job. I also live outside the city limits so I would have sell a paid off home and move into a mortgage that I would rather never have again. There are some good folks out there who would fit the bill, but sadly most of them don't know it. The trick is to find someone who would want the job with no thought of personal gain, and that is a rare person. It's a tough job, and anyone who is willing to do it should be admired. But many who are willing do so for the wrong reasons.
Dates and city on that mayoral claim please. A little verification wouldn't hurt would it?
As I see it Scooter, and you know I am usually right (hehe), almost all of your dirty laundry has already been aired and dried. You told me once that the time is coming soon for you to put on an open political hat. I have patiently waited on that to happen and now would be a great time. You do not hide yourself behind the good old boy system and are not scared to fight them openly either. At least we would have someone in office that does'nt have a family member in other offices in our State and local Government giving free rides on their coat tails. Sign me up for your campaign. :)
See, you have the mother s coming out already Topgunner.You may have to reload before you know it. Be sure to keep your powder dry for the accusations, huh ? You would be great though, seriously. Hey, somebody told me the liberal Obama started his campaign online. Sorry for the demo comparison, 'cause I know you rap a bit conservative. Topgunner for Mayor !
In the coming weeks we will see whom supports what canidates and the reasons that they hold their passions for them. I can only wish that our bloggers can keep the mud slinging to puddles and not pits. We have been doing alot of walking down memory lane on here. I have one. Does anyone remember when canidates for our local offices would hold picnics as a meet and greet. Be it in a public park or, as I remember well, at their church. This is something that was well practiced (still is) where I grew up. I didn't come here from that far away mind you. My family attended many of these events for John Rousakis (Savannah). So many in fact that I called him Uncle John. He attended my Mothers funeral. It is a bit harder now a days for a politican to do such things. They tend to hide behind closed doors so none of the mud gets on them. I can name a few that are not like that. Nothing like sitting down over a Sunday breakfast here in town with the people that mean to have us trust them. Some of the best, and funniest, intelectual conversations can be found this way. The most candid as well. It just kinda irks me to have them walk through my neighborhood with fliers and become irritated when I have questions for them. If they didn't alot enough time for a meet and greet at my door, why knock?
Why not invite them to one of our Blixers. I bet we could drill them with all the right questions?
KTOGP32,
As I stated, that was a previous life and I do not care to revisit it. I am not, nor do I have any intention to be a candidate here. What I did or did not accomplish previously has no bearing on any of this. Beaufort is too unique to compare to anywhere else or to any of the successes or failures that may have occurred there. The one thing I will state with absolute assuraqnce is that you and Asstnuts have no clue about who I really am or what I have been able to and continue to accomplish with absolute integrity. But, due to folks like you who choose to believe unfounded headlines, I would never be able to accomplish anything productive in the office that has been suggested. Therefore, I would not consider the job because I would not be able to do what needs to be done for the best interstes of all concerned. I have too much honor and integrity for that. It is a shame though, because I could make a positive difference.
Again, it's worth an unsuccessful try anyway. Previous life ? Are you saying you are resurrected or born again ? I guess you were figuratively speaking on your past involvement elsewhere. Beaufort is surely unique, as you stated. And I guess nowhere should be compared. As they say,humorously, every frog praises their own pond! lol Actually, on a more serious matter,it really does not matter who you are personally, for I, for one, don't really get into the personal stuff too much with anyone when dealing with their private issues, unless it's in a helpful way with no unwanted intrusion. Now, public issues may be a bit different with me. You're selling yourself pretty good though, when you speak of what you have been able to accomplish with complete honor and integrity. That's why I believe you should make a really good Mayor. lol But, I get it.......you don't want the nomination, so I will gladly withdraw the notion. GOD BLESS AMERICA !
No, I'm not resurrected, I'm just another person who lives here and cares about the Beaufort we all came to love. I moved here 11 years ago with the thought of living out my life in the paradise I learned to love years before.
I am the one and only person who knows what I might be able to bring to the post you nominated me for. I have no doubt whatsoever that I could do the job in a manner that would make Beaufort proud, and a much better place. But, as I said before, I have been there and done that (elsewhere) and it took enough effort to do so that it took a toll on me in the long run. I'm not sure that I have the strength to do it again and be able to walk away at the end in one piece.
KTOGP32 has asked for verification of that former effort, but I will not provide it. Why? Because it was a different place, the issues were different, it doesn't relate, and if I choose to run, I will do so as a pseudo neophyte. I assumed a formerly corrupted position and with the help of many many great folks, we took the place from a bankrupt cesspool to a nice place to live. I didn't do it, I was simply the vocal sparkplug that got the ones who really cleaned things up to think about everything and do something about it all. I never handled or touched the money and I never voted on a monetary issue. I don't like handling other people's money! It has to do with protecting my own integrity and protecting those that I served! I simply maintained my position of being the voice of reason.
We'll see!
I still don't think I'm the guy, but since you offered the original invitation I have had quite a few people contact me by email and phone who seem to agree with you. I thought you were joking, but apparently they don't. I need to think about this. I need to think about the detractors who might stand against me and whether or not their arguments have any validity. I need to look for a new home inside the city limits if I even consider the deal. I need to think about the pros and cons of doing what you have suggested. Can I do it? YES, but I moved here to live a quiet and peaceful "rest of my life'. Is it really worth it to re-enter the war zone? We'll see how much the forthcoming emails and calls can affect my thoughts.
LR, thanks for your vote of confidence, it means a lot! We'll see!
.....that was a previous life and I do not care to revisit it.....
I didn't think that claim would stand up to the light of day.....
If I do make the decision to run. I've made the decision that I am willing to run, but there may not be enough time to do the preliminary things that would allow me to do so.
As I said, you and a couple of others could end up with an opportunity to have some measure of influence. But please understand that if I do this, it will be done seriously and the only motivation will be to try to do something good for a place that I happen to love. I'm not going to leave you with anything to surprise anyone with. I will be totally open about my imperfections and about the numerous mistakes that I have made in my life. I may not be quite so open about positive accomplishments from the past. I don't feel that this is about how many gems someone has in their historical crown. It's about the future of Beaufort, and that is where my focus will remain.
If I run and you don't want me to win, vote against me, and campaign against me. That's the American way! I would ask however that you do so in an adult manner. I won't pay any attention to any of the childishness that you have demonstrated here in the past, and I doubt that too many others will either. After all, I've made it perfectly clear that I have flaws. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever hesitated to admit that.
Dates and city on that mayoral claim please. A little verification wouldn't hurt would it?
you're such a jadded little blogger aren't you. No trust....
Joe's not really a lawyer either. Happymom doesn't really have children and I go home every night and beat my wife :)
Topgun's pretty straight up about himself, always has been.
Before I begin, I truly hope your wife survived the abuse unscathed,lol! I just last night asked Joe for some legal advice, so I hope he is indeed a lawyer. As for happymom having children, I can attest to that fact, I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing all 4 of them for quite a while...some of my favorite kids! Grandma is a real kick too, a real lady in every sense of the word!
Now, since the phone hasn't stopped ringing and the emails are flowing I must seriously address your last comment. YES, I am totally straight up about who and what I am, and as you said, I always have been. Like any other reasonable thinking human being, I have fears. I do not however allow myself to succumb to those fears and will always stand my ground for what I think is right and just for anyone! I have made every conceivable mistake in my life and have learned from each and every one of them! I continually strive to not repeat any of them....but not always successfully. I don't believe in second place...that's the first loser! Most importantly, I believe with all of my heart that Beaufort is the number one place on the planet, and I never ever want to see her come in second or lose at anything!
This thing started as what I thought was a joke, but now I'm not so sure. I've talked to a lot of people who have contacted me in the last day or two about this and they are all telling me the same things. There seems to be some inexplicable support for me to do what LR originally suggested. So, Zoo if you, Happymom, Stephanie, and maybe a couple of others are willing to help set up a picnic "meet and greet" to explore the possibilities, I might just give this a try.
The bottom line is that I am far from perfect but I do truly care for every citizen here. I might not be able to do it perfectly, but I don't see how I could do it any worse than what we have become accustomed to. I'm certainly not going to be involved in any insider trading, nobody would share that sort of info with me to begin with and I don't have the money to play anyway. I might have been accused of questionable eBay trading but that theory was proven invalid before it got started, and my reputation rating there is still 100% four and a half years later. I have what I want in life and need little else. If I can be of some service to the city that has given me so much, I have no choice but to make the effort. If I do go through with this (and I'm not yet sure that I will) I will not accept any sort of pay or benefits for the position!
Let me know, I have until August 15th to file.
Scooter For Mayor 2008....maybe
I'm on board. Where's the planning meeting for the picnic? Scotter go for it, you would be the Best Mayor Beaufort ever had. A wife would just get in the way. Vote Scooter for Mayor.
to all you doubters . . .
Calbar.org - search for 121585
Conn list - go to www.jud.state.ct.us 'Juris 408345"
www.weatherby-associates.com
Never been disciplined, never been investigated. I try to keep myself and my nose clean!
Beaufort and politics in general need more people who are WSIWYG . . . I'd rather have a person who I know is imperfect and human in office than some clown who pretends to be perfect but behind my back is stealing me blind, or, stealing from others around me.
to all you doubters . . .
Calbar.org - search for 121585
Conn list - go to www.jud.state.ct.us 'Juris 408345"
www.weatherby-associates.com
Never been disciplined, never been investigated. I try to keep myself and my nose clean!
Beaufort and politics in general need more people who are WSIWYG . . . I'd rather have a person who I know is imperfect and human in office than some clown who pretends to be perfect but behind my back is stealing me blind, or, stealing from others around me.
when I saw the leather chair in the background :)
Before I begin, I truly hope your wife survived the abuse unscathed
let's just hope she doesn't get joe as a lawyer :)
Sure boss, you know I like a picnic. I'll stop by on monday. I was hoping to talk to you about that "situation" I had adressed you and hapymom on previously. I am finally getting some help. I had to call someone from a different state to get someone from this state to get involoved, but now the ball is rolling and the people involved know that I ain't playing. They're GOING to do their job! Let's just hope no one dies in the mean time.. Still pretty scary.
More on monday :)
Said like a real Beaufort politician ! Go for it ! :)
.....This thing started as what I thought was a joke....
You ARE the joke! No sane person would want you leading a garbage truck, much less a city.
I'm glad you had something to laugh about today. And you're right about the garbage truck, I wouldn't have a clue how to operate or lead one.
Scooter, I as a voter that is.... lets say.... less than 40 would like to be involved, so then representing the younger generation I can offer some feed back. So whats up? Picnic? BTW are you gonna move into the castle too? HAHA
Some people just think that because they hide behind their multiple fake screen names and they say all kinds of things and offend others as a matter of course, that everyone else is doing the same thing.
Sounds like you're describing stoney_pe. I refer to myself in the third person from time to time. I heard all the cool kids are doing it now. Anyways, he lives within the city limits, would do it for the love of city, and he is rare but well done, got his hands dirty once, even his fingernails, and although it was accidental, it can still count as dirty hands and nails. He is neither a lawyer nor a real estate person. He understands tough times and has survived them honorably, understands the value of money and respects the vision of Beaufort that began nearly 500 years ago. He represents the people, the history, and the ecology of this wonderful place.
I...oops I mean he...also runs a tight ship at home. He has a handle in every aspect of his home life, is independent, can think for himself, and has firm ideals. If you really aren't running, topgunscooter, it sounds like I might be qualified and I might be interested. I'll give it some more thought, but I better ask my wife's permission first.
Good idea........you better ask her first !
Good idea........you better ask her first !
:)
You might just be the right person for the job.
:) Now, you've made your decision, so I guess you should leave it alone.LOL :) You don't want no accusations, you said ! :)