By Ed Shell

Special to the Salisbury Post

Mary Ponds, for whom I’m an avid supporter, is probably starting to feel uneasy as the realization sinks in that Bill Feather has caused her to lend her good name to false allegations. The recent guest column, “What’s this Shell game?” demonstrates the write-in campaign for Mary Ponds has traction with the distinct possibility of succeeding. Feather’s not genuinely trying to put the record straight — he’s desperate about the prospect of his political career ending.

In my initial position paper, found on the GQmayor.com website and associated Facebook page, in which I described my support of Mary Ponds, I covered the relationship she has with Bill Feather. Indeed, it has been one of her trusting and respecting him by virtue of their long association working together. They worked together on certain common goals for development projects. But expression of some common, broad interests and objectives fails to reveal the vastly different ways in which they go about accomplishing things. In Feather’s case, the litany of complaints about his manipulativeness and usual disregard for current public concern, if it differs from his perspective, is quite significant.

Now let’s move along to the statements made by Feather. Included is the rubbish about SECU. I have been 100 percent in favor of this fine institution coming to Granite Quarry, but just not at the location on Highway 52 between the Countryside and Timber Run developments. My neighbors and I believed and still believe it will greatly aggravate an already bad traffic situation. There’s nothing complicated or conspiratorial about that perspective.

Concerns have persisted and recently increased with realization that current DOT plans, if implemented, would place a major U.S. 52 bypass intersection in that same area, which would create a nightmare.

Some former employees probably wish the Feather comments inferring lack of micromanagement by him were true. It seems they’re reluctant to speak other than privately about a hostile work environment for those who didn’t do what Feather pressured them to do. Past employees have said they have no doubt to deflect the criticism he would immediately label them as disgruntled, poor-performing staff.

It was stated I had not filed required reports with the Rowan Board of Elections. That’s a lie. The BOE will confirm I’ve been judicious in learning about required procedures and scrupulously adhering to them.

Closely associated with that falsehood was the implication I had not taken training for the election process. I’ve read every word of the 107-page N.C. State Board of Elections Candidate Campaign Manual multiple times. And I’ve met with the BOE and interacted with the staff repeatedly to ensure the correctness of my actions. My study and research certainly were much more involved than that required for declared candidates. Just as an aside, it’s interesting to note Feather has committed at least a couple of verified campaign violations.

I would guess even before reading this rebuttal most people properly surmised that I’m not the devil incarnate. However, I am concerned about the town and its residents, and my actions reflect that concern. I’ve never shied away from taking responsibility and being prepared to do the right thing. When I commit to something, I’ll always give it my best. As my Dad used to pound into my head, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” Many others are independently supporting the Mary Ponds election in their way – just not as public facing and obviously advocating as I’ve been.

I do apologize for any concern I may have caused Mary Ponds, but rest assured this election is not about Ed Shell, it’s about who can provide the best and most desirable leadership for Granite Quarry. That person is Mary Ponds. Please vote for her.

Ed Shell is a resident of Granite Quarry.