Well, the people of Berkeley County spoke. There weren’t enough of them to be heard in Dorchester or Charleston County but they spoke alright! Pathetic turnout for such an important vote. These are the very same people who have been bitching and moaning about how the Sheriff’s Office has been run for the past five to ten years. But they can’t put NASCAR down long enough to cast a stinking vote! We bet they keep on bitching and moaning, though.
So the candidates have been whittled down to Lieutenant Brian Adams (NCPD) and Duane Lewis (Santee Cooper). An interesting kick is that nine of twelve former candidates have placed their confidence in Duane Lewis (http://www.counton2.com/story/28913136/9-of-12-former-candidates-in-sheriffs-race-endorse-duane-lewis). Very interesting to say the least. There appears to be a common desire to keep some semblance of traditional Berkeley County in the Sheriff’s Office. This may have been strengthened by the recent events in North Charleston and other jurisdictions on the other side of the river. Many feel that Mr. Adams’ “no more good ol’ boy system in Berkeley County” is doublespeak for “they’ll be a new good ol’ boy system in Berkeley County!” We can’t help but wonder how many good, loyal, hard working employees will lose their livelihood so that they can be replaced with buddies and political supporters? Mr. Lewis has pretty much acknowledged that the agency is not corrupt and that he plans on chopping the deadwood and making some gentle course corrections, rather than spin the wheel hard to port. We are pleased to see that no one has come up with any proverbial “dirt” on Mr. Lewis, which we credit to his integrity. Because if their were any dirt, the dirt balls would be coughing it up all over the place.
Time is of the essence for both candidates. They need to start making commitments and making their plans known. The days of political promises are over. This is anyone’s race. Adams had far less votes than his previous run against DeWitt, even given the fact that less voters (believe it or not) came out to the polls. If Mr. Lewis can pick up the loyal, voting supporters from the other candidates, he may be wearing a gold star in June. We all think that when the dust clears and whoever wins finally lets it sink in, their will be changes of heart if the candidate is an intelligent man who realizes that he has just taken on a huge responsibility and his buddies aren’t necessarily going to make it work. He should start to recognize the true talent and loyal employees who realize that they salute whomever the citizens of Berkeley County elect as their new boss.
Just as the citizens of Berkeley County and the employees of BCSO, we intend to fully support and help in any way the person who wins the prize in June. And always remember, the Bible says that God Almighty sets up the people in government. He sets them up and he brings them low. Ultimately, both candidates need to realize that He is Who they will answer and be accountable to, not the people of Berkeley County. Godspeed, gentlemen!
South Carolinians Against Political Corruption 