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Post by DG1 Phillip on May 5, 2009 7:16:29 GMT -6
It's already come back to me through several city employees that a few MB officials are concerned I'll run for an office later this year. Let them sweat while I still consider it... Oh Nooooo........... Not a BIG BAD BIKER on the city council whatever would we do? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by beachbikers1 on May 5, 2009 11:15:00 GMT -6
It's already come back to me through several city employees that a few MB officials are concerned I'll run for an office later this year. Let them sweat while I still consider it... I'd vote for anyone that owns and rides a bike in the City of Myrtle Beach but it takes more than that! What we need to do is depend on organizations like BOOST to come up with people that are known business leaders supported by the community and BOOST to take over the Mayor and all of the 3 Council positions to turn over the destiny of the City. That's the only way you'll be able to boot the current Clowncil out!
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Post by rangemaster on May 5, 2009 12:10:56 GMT -6
That's one reason I'm still just considering it.
I've felt for some time that a one-issue (biker-related) candidate would likely NOT fare well UNLESS he or she has a rather great resume and grasp/expression of the other vital issues that the particular position really requires.
I'd say successful candidates MUST be multi-dimensional in background, expression, appeal, capability, etc.
I actually believe that the City of Myrtle Beach has BASICALLY got it "right" in some areas (Market Common development/support, etc) - but has ENTIRELY got it WRONG in how it handled issues regarding the unique and massive problems of the BikeFest and the few minor concerns of residents with the Harley Rallies. MOST of the ordinances were completely unnecessary and merely a conspiracy to ELIMINATE all biker events; I feel perhaps 4 ordinances would have had merit, with some modifications, and the rest were totally unnecessary HAD pre-existing laws been applied or slightly modified as well.
Myrtle Beach FAILED to stand up to and properly manage the NAACP with the tremendous justification they had for the its intended actions - yet the city DID take a stand against "bikers" after a conspiracy with a taxation attorney-led group which has only resulted (and will CONTINUE to result) in completely dividing the city and creating multi-level financial catastrophe.
Bottom line: KEEP, and further develop, the positives - get RID of, and/or change course with, the negatives.
Personally, I'd say I have the background to compete EXCEPT for holding no previous public office - BUT, every MB elected official could claim pretty much the same before he or she got there (it IS a rather "entry-level position"!). I have multiple college degrees in both social sciences and criminal justice, a wealth of public safety experience in both civilian and military, other and quite specialized/sensitive experience in various military assignments (22 1/2 years military service, multiple components, service-connected disabled veteran). Plus many other favorable qualifications, such as experience as a quality facilitator/trainer (persons who oversee and teach groups HOW to properly conduct meetings and task forces). Etc, etc - enough of tooting my own horn...
For now, considering a candidacy is a family discussion - PLUS I want to see WHO else runs who may have a good edge for what the voters REALLY want AND is pro-biker/pro-rally within REASONABLE guidelines. Who else runs will likely determine whether I may do the same - or just provide high support for others. The LAST thing we collectively want to do is "split the vote" among favorable candidates in any close election - where you THUS provide success for a less-favored candidate who DIDN'T split votes with a like-agenda opponent.
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Post by bigbuck on May 5, 2009 16:13:07 GMT -6
Range, you sound more than qualified for the position, and I give you great respect for your reasoning in not jumping right into the race wihtout great consideration. You are obviously a man with much wisdom and respect for others. Not enough like you around anymore. Too many people jump into politics with great ideas and get elected because they are good BSers and then screw up royaly. If you do decide to run i am sure you will find a position and excell at it.
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Post by beachbikers1 on May 5, 2009 17:32:03 GMT -6
That's one reason I'm still just considering it. I've felt for some time that a one-issue (biker-related) candidate would likely NOT fare well UNLESS he or she has a rather great resume and grasp/expression of the other vital issues that the particular position really requires. I'd say successful candidates MUST be multi-dimensional in background, expression, appeal, capability, etc. I actually believe that the City of Myrtle Beach has BASICALLY got it "right" in some areas (Market Common development/support, etc) - but has ENTIRELY got it WRONG in how it handled issues regarding the unique and massive problems of the BikeFest and the few minor concerns of residents with the Harley Rallies. MOST of the ordinances were completely unnecessary and merely a conspiracy to ELIMINATE all biker events; I feel perhaps 4 ordinances would have had merit, with some modifications, and the rest were totally unnecessary HAD pre-existing laws been applied or slightly modified as well. Myrtle Beach FAILED to stand up to and properly manage the NAACP with the tremendous justification they had for the its intended actions - yet the city DID take a stand against "bikers" after a conspiracy with a taxation attorney-led group which has only resulted (and will CONTINUE to result) in completely dividing the city and creating multi-level financial catastrophe. Bottom line: KEEP, and further develop, the positives - get RID of, and/or change course with, the negatives. Personally, I'd say I have the background to compete EXCEPT for holding no previous public office - BUT, every MB elected official could claim pretty much the same before he or she got there (it IS a rather "entry-level position"!). I have multiple college degrees in both social sciences and criminal justice, a wealth of public safety experience in both civilian and military, other and quite specialized/sensitive experience in various military assignments (22 1/2 years military service, multiple components, service-connected disabled veteran). Plus many other favorable qualifications, such as experience as a quality facilitator/trainer (persons who oversee and teach groups HOW to properly conduct meetings and task forces). Etc, etc - enough of tooting my own horn... For now, considering a candidacy is a family discussion - PLUS I want to see WHO else runs who may have a good edge for what the voters REALLY want AND is pro-biker/pro-rally within REASONABLE guidelines. Who else runs will likely determine whether I may do the same - or just provide high support for others. The LAST thing we collectively want to do is "split the vote" among favorable candidates in any close election - where you THUS provide success for a less-favored candidate who DIDN'T split votes with a like-agenda opponent. I like you have qualifications that could put this city back to a respectable place to live, work and accommodate tourist. I was a Senior Electrical Engineer in Product Development & Project Manager for Document Imaging at Eastman Kodak Co. Rochester NY for 30 years. My part of the business is about the only thing thats left at Kodak because it's still profitable and keeping the company alive. Running a city is no different but who's going to vote for an unknown? Don Emery that use to own The Dog House N & S and the still has the Steel Horse Saloon said that he would be interested in running but I think only the Biker community would vote for him. We need some real Cracker Jacks up there to take the votes away from the current Mayor & Clowncil!
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Post by freebird on May 5, 2009 19:46:00 GMT -6
The 24 million dollar question is not who is qualified. If we used that logic Obama would still be in Chicago. It is who is electable and we need only one person running. If we dilute the vote or have write ins that do the same we will be giving Toades another term. We need someone who we can get elected with 3 Council positions as well. A team. I would work with Tom Herron and Boost. I believe that is our best shot until we can redistrict MB. I think Tom was Barnards campaign manager as well. I believe we need to look at Horry County Council as well. We need fresh ideas and a lack of B&C influence. We need MB and Horry County in step to make MB all it can be for Businesses, Tourists, and Residents. In that order. As with all Cities the business community is the life blood. That is why MB is on life support.
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Post by beachbikers1 on May 5, 2009 21:51:30 GMT -6
The 24 million dollar question is not who is qualified. If we used that logic Obama would still be in Chicago. It is who is electable and we need only one person running. If we dilute the vote or have write ins that do the same we will be giving Toades another term. We need someone who we can get elected with 3 Council positions as well. A team. I would work with Tom Herron and Boost. I believe that is our best shot until we can redistrict MB. I think Tom was Barnards campaign manager as well. I believe we need to look at Horry County Council as well. We need fresh ideas and a lack of B&C influence. We need MB and Horry County in step to make MB all it can be for Businesses, Tourists, and Residents. In that order. As with all Cities the business community is the life blood. That is why MB is on life support. You are on the same wave length as I am with BOOST. I just copied this from their Welcome Informational letter to potential members stating that they already have a plan in place for the up coming elections. { We have retained legal counsel and filed a major lawsuit against the City of Myrtle Beach to fight ordinances and procedures that are in violation of both the US and SC Constitution. We are raising money to support elected officials and/or candidates who are sympathetic to our cause and have the intelligence and common sense not to “kill a goose that lays golden eggs.” } The letter is good reading and I support their mission 100%. www.grandstrandrallies.com/boostletter.pdf
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Post by classic53 on May 6, 2009 5:27:20 GMT -6
One of the biggest influences in the Grand Strand area IS B+C. But I think their influence is waning and I mean big time. They are struggling with this economy and I see them down sizing to the extreme. If that is the case, then their influence will be nill to nothing. Thus opening the door for level headed thinking. We need people, as bird said, with certain characteristics. And those characteristics cannot be strictly geared towards the upper echelon of society. Myrtle Beach is for everybody, period. The next candidate has to be associated with everybody. Then he has the task of equal representation of the city on the board. Not just the influence of the upper echelon!
By the way, see you all next week. We are rolling in Saturday afternoon.
To all riders coming, be safe.
Ride Free and PROUD
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Post by rangemaster on May 6, 2009 6:14:52 GMT -6
...We need people, as bird said, with certain characteristics. And those characteristics cannot be strictly geared towards the upper echelon of society. Myrtle Beach is for everybody, period. The next candidate has to be associated with everybody. Then he has the task of equal representation of the city on the board. Not just the influence of the upper echelon!... ANY/EVERY candidate for a Myrtle Beach elected office this fall who lives OUTSIDE the Pine Lakes/Dunes region of the city should EMPHASIZE this fact - and make it CONSTANTLY CLEAR that he/she will represent the ENTIRE city. This is the primary reason that I advocate city council DISTRICT representation, instead of the current "at large" system that has resulted in every city official who releases his or her address living in that ONE region of the city. If I DO run for an office, I decided long ago that my slogan will CENTER on intending entire-city representation and NOT living in that area - and will encourage the same if I just support someone else instead.
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Post by freebird on May 6, 2009 19:27:33 GMT -6
...We need people, as bird said, with certain characteristics. And those characteristics cannot be strictly geared towards the upper echelon of society. Myrtle Beach is for everybody, period. The next candidate has to be associated with everybody. Then he has the task of equal representation of the city on the board. Not just the influence of the upper echelon!... ANY/EVERY candidate for a Myrtle Beach elected office this fall who lives OUTSIDE the Pine Lakes/Dunes region of the city should EMPHASIZE this fact - and make it CONSTANTLY CLEAR that he/she will represent the ENTIRE city. This is the primary reason that I advocate city council DISTRICT representation, instead of the current "at large" system that has resulted in every city official who releases his or her address living in that ONE region of the city. If I DO run for an office, I decided long ago that my slogan will CENTER on intending entire-city representation and NOT living in that area - and will encourage the same if I just support someone else instead. I am 100% with you on Single Districts. I think you will find support for that with Marion Foxworth. I would encourage you and Beach to be involved with the leadership in BOOST. We need to take our City back and bring fun back to this once great city.
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Post by rodehouse on May 21, 2009 19:38:22 GMT -6
When Toads ran for mayor he went to all the biker groups and asked for support. He also said that Myrtle Beach needs the rallies.
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Post by rangemaster on May 21, 2009 22:44:13 GMT -6
When Toads ran for mayor he went to all the biker groups and asked for support. He also said that Myrtle Beach needs the rallies. I recall it being even more direct than that. Specifically: I recall a "candidates forum" that was held by Horry Co ABATE at the Myrtle Beach Thorney's, on a Saturday afternoon, not long before the election that Rhodes won to become mayor. I know for a fact that at least 1 other active participant of this board (Outhouse, and his wife) were there. Most of the current Myrtle Beach City Council members were there; Chuck Martino sat beside me on the right at our table (Outhouse and his wife were on the other side of him). Then-Mayor Mark McBride and his (very nice and pleasant) wife stood directly behind me. ALL of us, and ALL others in that room, heard John Rhodes make a statement as a candidate running against Mark McBride at the time. While continuously claiming he was supportive of bikers and the Harley Rallies, one line REALLY stood out. Here's what Rhodes said - and this is as close to a quote as I recall it; perhaps an exact quote: "As long as I'm the mayor, I'll see to it that there will ALWAYS be Harley Rallies in the City of Myrtle Beach".Anyone else recall that?
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Post by freebird on May 22, 2009 7:34:04 GMT -6
Question is does the Mayor remember that...
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Post by classic53 on May 22, 2009 9:56:42 GMT -6
Question is does the Mayor remember that... Ha!!!!!!! He probably doesn't remember when he went to the bathroom the last time!!!!!! I always wondered why he looked like he was full of sh!t!!!!!!!!
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Post by rangemaster on May 22, 2009 16:28:59 GMT -6
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