Seven months after Ken Deal lost a bid for county commissioner, he has been notified that his candidacy was in violation of the Hatch Act.
Deal, who has worked for the county for 22 years, is director of administration for Rowan County.
The Hatch Act restricts political activity by individuals employed by state, county or municipal governments that are tied to federal funds.
Deal said recently he didn't have any idea he was doing something wrong and questioned the motive of whoever filed the complaint with federal authorities and the political intrigue that followed.
Deal, 56, of China Grove, ran as a Republican candidate in the May 6 primary and planned to retire Dec. 1. At the time, he checked with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government, which found no problem with his candidacy. The opinion didn't deal with federal issues.
In a letter dated Dec. 8, Terilyn Dentino, an attorney with the Hatch Act Unit of the Office of Special Counsel, wrote that because Deal oversees the Rowan County Airport and that the airport receives substantial federal funds, his 2008 candidacy was in violation.
The attorney concluded they found no evidence that Deal willfully violated the Hatch Act and that no disciplinary action will be taken.
In the letter to Deal, Dentino advised that if he opts to run again while in the county job, he could face removal from employment.
Deal said he probably will run again for county commissioner in 2010, and he will retire before filing.
"I'm sorry if I did something wrong," he said. "I would not have filed if I knew it violated the law."
Deal said his understanding was that the Hatch Act would come into play only if a portion of his salary was federal dollars or if he had direct control over federal dollars. "I knew all my money was county dollars. É I don't sign any checks."
Although supervising the airport was part of his job as director of administration, he doesn't approve spending. Deal noted all of the federal dollars coming to the airport are approved through the N.C. Department of Transportation and the county commissioners.
Deal was contacted in April by the Office of Special Counsel and discussed his candidacy and his role in the airport operation.
Months went by and he heard nothing.
"I lost the primary. I thought it was a dead issue," Deal said.
The letter did not identify who filed the inquiry.
The U.S. Office for Special Counsel did not respond to inquiries from the Post.
Former County Commissioner Jim Sides said he did not contact the feds, although he suggested it likely came from within the Republican ranks.
Sides was one of three commissioners displeased with Deal's decision to run while still employed by the county. Former Chairman Arnold Chamberlain and current Commissioner Tina Hall privately voiced their disapproval.
And there was some discussion to force Deal to retire Dec. 1, but no action was taken.
At least one commissioner, Chad Mitchell, was poised to apply for Deal's job if he had retired. A teacher and athletic director at East Rowan High School, Mitchell lobbied other commissioners for their support.
Deal opted not to retire after talking with County Manager Gary Page, who encouraged him to stay on a year or more.
Mitchell said recently he continues to be interested in the job and may apply when Deal retires.
Sides said the board was in the process of developing a policy to prohibit county employees from running for commissioner. He cited support from Chamberlain, Hall and possibly Mitchell. Sides said the question remains an unsettled issue for the future.
Amused
: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 12:52 PM
Chad needs to apologize and perhaps resign due to this.
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Yawner
To "Unamused" : Tuesday, January 13, 2009 10:15 AM
Actually I check this every couple days to see if someone such as "Unamused" has replied once again to keep this story in the headlines (and I encourage you to do it again!). And by all means, please continue to mention the involved commissioners by name!
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Unamused
Miserable about our commissioners? Start your own paper. : Monday, January 12, 2009 8:19 PM
This is a story about Ken Deal’s illegal run for partisan office while in charge of the airport’s federal funds. Anonymous Blogger would like to deflect attention from the real story, and redirect it toward his own political foes, but so far there are no takers at the Post. I get an occasional chuckle when I picture Anonymous Blogger sitting in front of his computer in a dark room, chain-smoking unfiltered Camels, while sipping a single-malt Glen Livet scotch on the rocks, and bellowing curses about Jim Sides, Carl Ford and Tina Hall—--blaming them for having made his life its current living hell.
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Swept Under the Rug
: Monday, January 12, 2009 7:12 PM
Why wont Jon Barner or Raymond Coltrain at least come out with what happened. They couldnt be involved, they were ambushed.
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Du
: Monday, January 12, 2009 10:20 AM
They wont talk about it because they are all in bed on it. Wont beneft any single one to come open about it.
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Sun Shine
Arguing Against Their Own Interests : Monday, January 12, 2009 9:53 AM
One or two Sides/Hall/Ford supporters keep pointing fingers and calling names at folks on this forum. Though I guess they realize every time they post some meaningless comment calling the rest of us "cowards" for bringing attention to this issue, they're bumping this article back to the top of the comments section. Thank you for doing your part to make sure the public knows about this important issue potentially involving current commissioners Hall, Ford and Mitchell, and former commissioners Sides and Chamberlain. It sounds like they agree that it is important for the public to know about what their elected officials may be doing when they think no one is looking.
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Time To Move On
Like a stuck record : Sunday, January 11, 2009 6:18 PM
Anonymous blogger has the onus, but he has squandered any opportunity to make meaningful and timely public comment---in person, with evidence. Anonymous blogger might find it beneficial to move on to his next series of attacks against conservative commissioners, as this topic has faced from interest for anyone of consequence.
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No Way Jose
Confused : Sunday, January 11, 2009 11:18 AM
These commissioners have made this bed and are now going to lie in it unless they address it. I can't fathom why the onus would be on the public to do something about this, if this bunch doesn't want re-election, they can stay silent. They're just following the same pattern of intimidation they always go down, and this time are just trying to hide from the issue. Sorry if I'm less than impressed.
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Are you man enough to show up? Didn't think so!!
Time to put up or shut up. : Saturday, January 10, 2009 11:26 AM
If you complainers won't come to the county commission meeting and have your say publically (and not anonamously) then you are not really serious about your tall tales. it is easy to snipe and complain anonamously. Come and do it in the open if you have the truth and guts to do it. Ha Ha Ha - you don't have the guts do you? Or is it that your tales are just that tall tales with no truth in it. Are we gonna see you on the third Monday of Jan? I'm calling your bluff. Put up or shut up.
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Come Out into the Light
What Pathetic Cowards : Saturday, January 10, 2009 10:44 AM
HU and Auditor (probably the same person) will talk of conspiracies, and now, of some omniscient "propaganda machine" that he fears may smite him if the words pass from anything other than the security blankent of his anonymous "bunker". I think he (possibly 'they') is ranting over the fact his own little anonymous gossip/propoganda 'machine' has broken down. Few if any are buying his anonymous propoganda. And to be certain, we are seeing how difficult that is for a paranoid, anonymous coward to swallow.
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Auditor
: Friday, January 09, 2009 12:08 PM
Why should someone have to come to a public meeting and demand their commissioners to be honest? Should be commissioners not be honest and open without such a public appeal?
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HU
Tired of Your Arrogance : Friday, January 09, 2009 10:08 AM
If you think it's "silly", that's completely fine. Though voters have the right to make their own judgment, not to be spoon-fed what to think by the Jim/Tina/Carl propaganda machine. Though not for lack of trying, they can't intimidate EVERYONE.
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Tired of your silliness
To the Conspiracy monger : Friday, January 09, 2009 12:31 AM
Why don't you come to the next County Commissioners meeting and use the public comment time (three minutes per speaker) and tell us all your so-called facts and ask your questions publicly? Do you have the guts to do that? If not, then keep your silly tales to yourself.
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ROFLMAO
Opinions : Thursday, January 08, 2009 11:21 AM
“SalisburyPost.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse”. The purpose of this forum is clearly stated. Certainly we are all entitled to our own opinions regarding this story or any others. Obviously there are constituents that believe their interests are duly represented by Hall, Sides, and Chamberlain. Conversely there are those who feel quite the opposite. I’ll continue to show my displeasure with their performance at the polls and in forums like this one. We’ve eliminated two of them and I suspect Hall will not be returned to office if she chooses to run again. No doubt the commissioners have a tough job trying to pacify a largely disgruntled constituency, but their job is to serve all the people not just the ones who agree with them.
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HU
Suit Yourself : Thursday, January 08, 2009 10:23 AM
As stated, its not up to me. These commissioners can either address this head on or let the public draw their own conclusions. It looks like they are comfortable rolling the dice and going with the latter, which is fine. Doubts can be corrected at the next election.
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In Your Mind
Imaginary problems are indeed real? : Wednesday, January 07, 2009 8:43 PM
What have you been smoking? You don't get to insinuate your anonymous gossip into a public forum so easily. Are you afraid the presentation of your case would result in you getting "truthed"? If not, then feel free to step up to the podium at the next commissioners' meeting.
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HU
Partially Correct : Wednesday, January 07, 2009 1:50 PM
LMAO is partially correct, but only as it applies to regular people. You're dealing with elected politicians here, who are held to a much higher standard. The burden is on the elected officials to take the lead on problems, whether real or imagined by the public (and in politics, one could argue that ANY problem imagined by the public is indeed a real one... lingering doubts tend to be self-corrected at the ballot box). The three current commissioners' silence on this issue has been deafening. If their actions have been on the level, why don't they say so and remove all doubt? As elected officials they're not "above" accountability.
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LMAO
Presumptions? Or symptoms? : Tuesday, January 06, 2009 6:20 PM
So let me get this straight: We should ignore the diligent reporting of Ms. Burchette as the result of some bias that an anonymous blogger asserts without any foundation? Then we should accept as 'truth' the assertion that there really IS a rightwing conspiracy to reinstate both Sides and Chamberlain as county commissioners, so that "they gain complete control"? I'm not the one making assumptions, so I don't have the burden to prove the absence of Ms. Burchette's bias, nor the absence of conspiracy. So to you, Sir, I would say that the TALE-BEARER has the burden of laying a proper factual foundation for your wild assertions of bias, conspiracy and corruption. So far, your factual basis is ever bit as vacuous as the anonymous libel you hurl towards your real and imaginary enemies. Until you step forward with real proof, Sir, we shall assume that you are merely an angry, unwitting, anonymous victim of some loathsome social malady; the symptoms of which are manifest in your adherence to something other than terrestrial reality.
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28147
Assumptions : Tuesday, January 06, 2009 9:19 AM
How many have actually talked to Mitchell to hear his side of this story? Tina Hall can tell the reporter anything she so desires -- does that make it the 'truth'. It has already been established that there is an existing relationship and camaraderie between Burchette and Hall. This article is based completely on hearsay. Just because something makes it to print that does not necessarily make it the 'truth'. How many times have people taken things out of context and then printed it? As usual, the right wing jumps in to mount an attack. Right wing conspiracy – you ask? You bet! The goal is to return Sides to the board and ultimately Chamberlain so that they gain complete control. It has been repeatedly stated on various Post blogs that this is the goal and that is not ‘hearsay’. What makes your 'assumptions' anymore correct than mine? I guess ignorance really is bliss.
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TOI
Ref;Dukes of Hazzard : Sunday, January 04, 2009 8:12 PM : Tuesday, January 06, 2009 7:21 AM
28147 needs to read and comprehend, not assume things. The article clearly and boldly states "Chad Mitchell, was poised to apply for Deal's job if he had retired. A teacher and athletic director at East Rowan High School, Mitchell lobbied other commissioners for their support."
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Just Curious
Misdirected Anger? : Tuesday, January 06, 2009 6:52 AM
Why aren't the angry blogger(s) calling for Deal's resignation?
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LMAO
"It's a vast rightwing conspiracy!!!!!" : Monday, January 05, 2009 7:21 PM
I suppose there are still those who believe the old Hillary quote, huh?
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28147
Lions and Tigers and Bears .. OH MY! : Monday, January 05, 2009 12:32 PM
Thanks for the prayers "Oh My". I appreciate them and besides I'm sure you need the practice!
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Taxpayer
: Monday, January 05, 2009 8:50 AM
Chad should apologize and resign.
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Callin' em out
The Usual Suspects : Monday, January 05, 2009 8:39 AM
Isn't it sort of obvious who is coming up with the angry kookiness directed against Tina Hall, isn't it?
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Oh My!
Kooky Conspiracy Theories : Monday, January 05, 2009 6:59 AM
The character assassination against the anonymous blogger's foes has now blossomed into a vicious, spurious '28147 manifesto'. It is scarey that he might actually believe the kooky conspiracy theories he espouses! Let us pray for him.
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28147
Dukes of Hazzard : Sunday, January 04, 2009 11:12 PM
First off, it is clear that many of those who are making accusations of impropriety do not know Chad Mitchell because if they did they would also know that the notion behind this article by Ms. Burchette is ludicrous. On more than one occasion Ms. Burchette’s articles have been written with a bit of ‘flare’ that was not necessarily representative of actual facts – let’s call it sensationalism. Secondly, the article in clear contradiction states that Mitchell supports a policy that would prohibit county employees from running for commissioner. Logic would then tell anyone (with at least an average amount of intelligence) that Mitchell wouldn’t support himself or any other commissioner applying for a county position. Our society is so focused on the Religious Reich’s brand of ethics that we have lost sight of the forest for looking at the trees. It’s a shame that people are so miserable that they make vicious, unfounded attacks against others – purely stated character assassination. Is it jealousy, rage, ignorance, boredom or what? Just like those citizens who would rather see county business sent to our neighboring counties to prevent what they call a ‘conflict of interest’. In essence, they choose to punish Rowan County business owners for owning and operating their businesses in Rowan County. And for those lucky enough to get county business they attack them and ridicule them publically. These archaic ideas and philosophies are why we need to elect officials that can think outside of the box. The likes of Tina Hall, Jim Sides, and Arnold Chamberlain will never have anyone’s interest at heart except for their own. Personally, I think Mitchell would be an excellent candidate for Ken Deal’s position but let’s disqualify him automatically because he holds a commissioner’s seat. Let’s not consider a candidate who might actually make a difference in the position. Let’s not consider his qualifications or his background. As the saying goes “cut off your nose to spite your face”. In a coup orchestrated by Sides, Mitchell was bypassed for the chairmanship that was rightfully his. Sides and Ford are allies and Hall (as the mouthpiece) ensured that the Sides Agenda would live on. That’s what politics are all about right here in Rowan County -- self serving, idiotic, egotistical agendas that make no sense and are for the betterment of the chosen few (talk about the elitist). Maybe we should rename this county to Hazzard County (as in Dukes of Hazzard). Then we can elect Sheriff Arnold P. Chamberlain and his Sides kick Jim to keep law and order. And maybe Tina Hall can add some Daisy Duke shorts and a plaid blouse to her classic blazer and pearl ensemble and ride shotgun with the sheriff and his deputy. They can save the county money by using the Propaganda Van as the ‘vehicle of justice’. Phyllis Sides can take over the jailhouse and keep an eye on the inmates while serving them their meals. Maybe Arnold’s wife can oust Barger and become Clerk of Court. What an incestuous relationship that would be. Before long, we’d have one world order and a pure dictatorship right here in Rowan (strike that) Hazzard County. YEEEE HAWWWW – yaw com bac now ya here?
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Ho Hum
: Sunday, January 04, 2009 8:41 PM
The commissioners need not address anonymous bloggers in their next meeting.
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HU
: Sunday, January 04, 2009 6:54 PM
I get the feeling Chad is going to apologize at the Monday meeting. Lets wait and see. He would never offer his resignation although he should. Shame on him and Tina and Carl for accepting his vote for the job. Selling commission chairs and high salary jobs.
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Cope
Is there More? : Sunday, January 04, 2009 12:13 PM
Seems everyone has gotten off course with their comments. The issue is Deal violated the Hatch Act. Shouldn't more effort be make to determine he had no knowledge of his error? Also, I'd be curious why this once fanatic democrate left his position as Administrative Officer at Piedmont Correctional Center.
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LW
: Sunday, January 04, 2009 11:56 AM
Commissioners need to be open about this and address it in the next meeting. They are not the back room bunch.
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TU
: Friday, January 02, 2009 2:31 PM
I hope the commissioners are taking care of their business by talking with Mitchell about how unethical this is. They need to do it in public and not behind closed doors. He needs a public apology. Voters can take care of him next year.
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HU
Look Into What Happened : Friday, January 02, 2009 1:52 PM
The only defenders of this alleged unethical behavior of a majority of our commissioners are those who always post here defending whatever Jim, Tina and Carl say. With all the investigations Jim and Tina have wantonly clamored for over the past few years for publicity and retribution against their enemies, you'd think they'd be in favor of "letting the sun shine in" on any back-room dealings that have been going on. Or are they only in favor of "open government" when it applies to others? Do the right thing and come clean.
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Das III
: Friday, January 02, 2009 10:33 AM
it is clear Mitchell was using improper influence to position himself for a county job. This is immoral, unethical, and I agree that something needs to happen whether resign or apologize. Dont we expect more from our leaders!!
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LMAO
Which Pfizer Product? : Friday, January 02, 2009 9:50 AM
Das II recommends a Pfizer product. I read the Cal Thomas column the other day where he recommended Viagra (a Pfizer product) for aggressive world leaders who may be that way because of E.D. Perhaps that is the Pfizer product that would enable the angry bloggers to do something for fun without obsessing over Chad Mitchell. Ha!
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jM
: Thursday, January 01, 2009 2:13 PM
If Mitchell wants Deal's job he can resign as commissioner before he applies. He cant do both and say he got it by merit.
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GT
: Thursday, January 01, 2009 12:11 PM
Mitchell is one of the County Manager's bosses. Page would be interviewing Mitchell for the job. Talk about a huge CONFLICT. Influence yes. I agree this is to much and Mitchell should resign.
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I'm not a kook but I know one when I see one
Where's the beef? In the 12/26 edition of the Post : Thursday, January 01, 2009 11:06 AM
So, let me get this straight. I shouldn't be concerned about a sitting County Commissioner lobbying his colleagues for a County job because they (Commissioners) don't do the hiring but the County Manager does? So, to whom does the County Manager report? On whose good graces does he depend for his job? Oh, yes, that would the the Board of Commissioners. So, it would be in the County Manager's best interest to go against the expressed wishes of Commissioners when selecting someone to fill Ken Deal's job. Right? And who approves the salary scales for County employees? Oh, yes, that would be the Board of Commissioners. I think Gary Page is a good and decent man but I also think he'd like to keep his job. Just because the Commissioners don't come out and demand Mitchell be hired for the job doesn't mean that pressure and intimidation are absent from the picture. If Mitchell wanted to get the job on his own merits, why was he soliciting support from his colleagues? If they don't have anything to do with the hiring process -- directly or indirectly -- as the blogger wrote, what was the purpose of his solicitations? We all know what was the purpose: so Commissioners would help him get the job. It isn't criminal, but it sure is unethical and an abuse of the power voters gave Mitchell when they elected him.
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Clarisse
Quid Pro Quo : Thursday, January 01, 2009 10:29 AM
How 'bout some fava beans to go with the livers of your opponents, YRU?
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Das II
"The Taxpayers Demand It?" REALLY? : Wednesday, December 31, 2008 5:32 PM
It looks like only a couple of perpetually-angry anonymous bloggers are demanding Mitchell's resignation for his alleged role in their imaginary conspiracy. You guys (or maybe just 'you guy') are really, really sad. They say Pfizer Pharmaceuticals makes some pretty good product for the type of fears you are imagining. Ask your family physician. (It sure beats Siberia in the dead of winter.)
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Y. R. U. Surprised.
Quid Pro Quo ???? : Wednesday, December 31, 2008 4:57 PM
Who knows? The Post is certainly implying there might be. Otherwise why does the article say "Mitchell lobbied other commissioners for their support"? If the others have no input then why 'lobby'?....Can't blame Mitchell for being interested in a big pay raise. But, if there were some backroom promises, that's a whole other deal....And to DAS FUHRER, is it really so surprising in this day and age, that some might not trust a bunch politicians to do the right thing? I think NOT!
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Auditor
: Wednesday, December 31, 2008 4:26 PM
Common sense says that if Chad was lobbying commission members for the job then they HAVE a say in it. Page seems like a nice guy that would not put up a fight if the commission wanted Mitchell in that job. Page would not loose his job to stop it. What is appalling is that Mitchell had the audacity to think this would be appropriate. HE NEEDS TO RESIGN - THE TAXPAYERS DEMAND IT.
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Again
Reprise : Wednesday, December 31, 2008 10:23 AM
It is telling that the person calling everyone else "kooky" is the one writing the rambling manifesto. We've seen people like this purged from both elected and local party offices in 2008, let's hope 2009 brings more of the same, particularly when the full story behind this article is brought to light.
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Happy with the Majority on Commission
Where is the public outrage? : Wednesday, December 31, 2008 10:07 AM
Careless Reader asked, "Where is the public outrage concerning three commissioners openly unhappy about Deal's candidacy?" From my perspective, their OUTRAGE was appropriately placed. KEN DEAL'S CANDIDACY VIOLATED FEDERAL LAW. So there is no reason why the public should be outraged at, or by, those who objected to Ken Deal's ILLEGAL CANDIDACY! What part of ILLEGAL do you not understand????? Or does the truth simply not figure into your quest to destroy those who won a simple majority on the commission, and who don't share your reckless tax-and-spend views? Why not call for 'unity,' to bring your two commissioners on board with the majority of three that you so despise?
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Anonymously watching anonymous conspiracy kooks
Where's the Beef? : Wednesday, December 31, 2008 7:21 AM
Or as some liberals might be yelling, "Where's the 'Beff'?" The selling of an office, as the statute defines it, involves receiving something of value in exchange for a political appointment. For you anonymous conspiracy kooks, be aware that assistant county manager Ken Deal is not a political appointee. He is a county employee hired, supervised and subject to discipline under County Manager Gary Page. If and when Mr. Deal departs the job, the commissioners will not have a say over who replaces him. So for those of you who might have lost all understanding of how capitalism works, one cannot "sell" that which one does not "own." Your mindless, yet familiar rants of a 'vast rightwing conspiracy' are way off base. As for your idea that the Post is either covering up wrongdoing or waiting for more evidence, that idea simply does not hold water. If there were a story here, the Post would be all over it. It is an excellent newspaper, and their journalists and managing editor are committed to keeping the public informed of that sort of thing. Think about it: if what the conspiracy kooks are saying is true, the Post could increase its newstand sales by 50%, like during the Russellgate scandal. They have every incentive to follow such a story. But the only story behind your kooky anonymous conspiracy theories is you own efforts to intimidate, extort, and defame the three conservative commissioners, in order to weaken their resolve and their unity. What do YOU hope to gain from such a 'divide and conquer' strategy? Is there a disgruntled Salisbury politician among your tiny ranks? Maybe a farmer who's disappointed local government won't give him a bailout without a third vote? Perhaps a Kaczynskian-styled loner who wants the county to prohibit his neighbors from ever developing land near his encampment? Or could it be that you were a former candidate who lost to one or more of the three conservative commissioners? It would be interesting to know what drives such kooky conspiracy theories like you spout on this site. Why not stop cowering over anonymous blogs, and come to this morning's commission meeting and make your bold assertions of criminal wrongdoing during public comment?!
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Careful Reader
Read Closely : Tuesday, December 30, 2008 10:07 PM
Why is so much being read into this article? Where does the article state that Chad Mitchell wants Ken Deal gone? The article does state that two former commissioners and one current commissioner voiced their disapproval. Mitchell was not one of those listed. The reason: Mitchell had no problem with Deal (or any other county employee) running for public office. Where is the public outrage concerning three commissioners openly unhappy about Deal's candidacy? I know Chad Mitchell personally and he is the least greedy person that I know. I am certain that he did not lobby for Deal's termination.
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JT
Telling : Tuesday, December 30, 2008 11:04 AM
Its telling that "Das", a Jim/Tina/Carl (and I guess now we can perhaps add Mitchell) supporter, says anyone who doesn't toe their line should be sent to Siberia. Thank you for doing your part to try to supress free speech... though it should be clear what happened when the time comes. I don't know that the people posting rumors here are "kooks", its a simple matter that the Post can't just print everything it hears, they need facts, corroboration, etc. Time will tell.
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Grunt
Job not needed : Tuesday, December 30, 2008 10:29 AM
Deal's job is not needed anyway. there sre already too many directors making $100,000. cut his job out all together and it will end any speculation that someone is out to get another. By the way, Deal was wrong and should never be elected to anything. this is an indication of what he would be like in office
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interested
paranoia? : Tuesday, December 30, 2008 10:17 AM
As stated before the voters of this county need to pay attention to this story! It is not paranoia when elected officals are in collusion to get people in positions for more power or more money without any consideration of fairness to the public. Power corrupts and it has here for those now in charge and from the rumors, those who were in charge. Throw all the bums out. We need nonparitsan elections for all political offices as too many people are bound to the supposed ideals of the national parties when they have very little to do with our local mess.
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Das Vadania
Paranoia and conspiracy theories abound : Monday, December 29, 2008 5:25 PM
Wow, the paranoia and conspiracy theories really to abound on this story. Someone or some political group is attempting to divert attention away from the real story: THAT KEN DEAL VIOLATED FEDERAL LAW BY RUNNING FOR COMMISSIONER, BUT THE VIOLATION WAS EXCUSED FROM ANY PROSECUTION FOR IGNORANCE OF THE LAW. Those who actually believe the story is anything more than that should be sent to a Siberian gulag for "re-education."
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Jennifer G
Am I missing something? : Monday, December 29, 2008 10:43 AM
This article didn't say anything about anyone "forcing" Deal to retire. Mitchell merely said he was interested in the job and asked the other commissioners to support him. Who hasn't asked for references for a job they're interested in?? Even if he applied, there's no guarantee he would be hired. Why is this such a big deal?
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Appalled
: Monday, December 29, 2008 9:51 AM
Tina Hall and Carl Ford sold Chad Mitchell that high paying salary position for his vote for Carl to be the chair. Plain and simple CORRUPTION. You wait and see.
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Auditor
RESIGN! : Monday, December 29, 2008 1:59 AM
Chad needs to resign. There is much more to this story than what was printed. If he doesn't openly resign, it is the duty of the other commissioners to request that he resign. This is appalling to the point of Tim RusselL days, maybe worse than Tim RusselL days. To think that a commissioner would use his influence to lobby for a high taxpayer funded job is the pinacle of corruption. If in fact, Tina and Carl accepted his vote for the chair on the condition that he would get Deal's job, SHAME ON THEM.
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Larry
: Sunday, December 28, 2008 1:40 PM
You got a person running for office illegally and another person after a big salary tax payer funded job.
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Absolutely appalled
Illinois has nothing on us : Saturday, December 27, 2008 7:44 PM
The scandal here is not that Ken Deal misinterpreted the Hatch Act or that someone in the Republican Party turned him in. The scandal is that some of our local commissioners were attempting to force a County employee to retire so one of their own could take his place. I don't see much difference in what they were promoting than in what the Governor of Illinois was. Except, of course, that Blajovovich at least waited until Sen. Obama resigned his position to try to sell it. What the citizens of Rowan County should be asking and, quite frankly, what the Post reporter should have asked are these questions: Why does Chad Mitchell want the job? Why does he think he's qualified for the job? Why would other Commissioners support Mitchell for the job? How in the world could Commissioners believe that promoting Mitchell for that job is not an obvious abuse of power? And, most importantly, if Mitchell were to be hired for the job, who would take his place on the Commission? Half the people in town have heard the rumor that King Arnold expects it to be him. Why doesn't the paper report on that? Ken Deal may have made a mistake, but current and former Commissioners are abusing their power in ways that should outrage this community. Where's the story on that?
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Tired of the nonreporting of real news
Political conflicts of interests, and conspiracy kooks : Saturday, December 27, 2008 5:09 PM
When the county comes up with its ordinance prohibiting political activity of county employees, it should also include a prohibition on sitting commissioners getting a job within the county system for at least one year after their severance from politically-elected service as a commissioner. It just makes sense. But a more interesting matter is why the POST didn't report earlier that Mitchell had lobbied other commissioners for their support to enable him to take Ken Deal's job in the event Deal retired. The lack of reporting on that matter until this article ran makes me wonder if the conspiracy kooks were on to something.
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RJ
One last Boss Hogg play : Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:01 AM
This whole thing smells of Boss Hogg Chamberlain. He tried to force Deal out before he left, but Gary Page isn't his errand boy like Cowan was, so Arnolds plan backfired. The plan was to put Mitchell in Deals spot so he could go back on the board, since he knew he would never get reelected there and Mitchell does what Boss Hogg says. Once on the board again Page would probably be ousted and Mitchell moved in. Then ol Boss Hogg would have ultimate control of the county. But it all failed. So now he's left spending the $300K he rigged for the rescue squad to get. Any chance we could see an audit sometime? It would be nice to see how Boss hogg, Food Lion Karriker and Coca Cola Cress spend our tax money.
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Common Sense
: Saturday, December 27, 2008 12:02 AM
2 Points: 1) How old is Deal? Is he wanting to be commissioner just to have full paid insurance until he is old enought o qualify for something else? Sounds like it. 2) What has Chad done to improperly influence the filling of a position that is not even open? Is Chad qualified? How much more would he make from our tax dollars?
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curious
wondering what else will be posted on this story : Friday, December 26, 2008 11:53 PM
c'mon people, go for it!! Come out of the woodwork, you know you want to!!
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interested
interested : Friday, December 26, 2008 3:38 PM
The voters of Rowan County need to pay attention to this story more than just the feds looking into it. If you think this whole "Deal" was not a slick way of getting Mr. Sides back on the commission as soon as the Republicans could you better think twice. Think of this scenario. Mr. Sides is duly defeated by the voters!! The Republicans can't stand it!! Mr. Deal retires!!! Chad gets his job!! The Republicans then appoint Mr. Sides to his seat and voila!!! We have Mr. Ford, Mr. Sides, and Mrs. Hall(a true Republican) ready to continue to drag our county back to the 19th century. Could this be a possibility?
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Citizen
: Friday, December 26, 2008 3:15 PM
Arnold Chamberlain is that only honest commissioner of the group. He would not have put up with this mess of Mitchell forcing his way into a big salary.
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Be Honest
: Friday, December 26, 2008 3:13 PM
It is Carl Ford and Tina Hall's duty to be honest and report to everyone what Commissioner Chad Mitchell said to them and requested for his vote on the chairman. This is back room wheeling and dealing and they should be ashamed to have taken his vote for future promises of money.
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Grrrrrrrreedy
: Friday, December 26, 2008 9:07 AM
Sides is hinting that Mitchell turned Deal in so he could get his big salary job. Greed will make folks do sad things. Post should request public information on Chad's salary as a teacher and then see what Deal's salary is. GREED!
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Auditor
: Friday, December 26, 2008 8:21 AM
Perhaps there should be a policy to prevent commissioners from applying for Deal's job. How is Mitchell qualified for that! Because he teaches school kids he is now qualified to run a county government. Just how much of a pay raise would it be no wonder he let them have the Chairman seat, he just wanted their support to get the money. This is the most backwards county government, let's rename it Chicago County.
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DOC
: Friday, December 26, 2008 8:17 AM
And Deal "questioned the motive of whoever filed the complaint with federal authorities". You were doing something wrong and you were told. Every time a politician is caught up in something it's always a question as to the motive of who told. Accept it like a man and move on! Be glad you learned something.
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Fourth of July festivities draw thousands to Faith for parade, fireworks and fun
