Just when you thought the ugliness was over, this is printed in the Sandspur newsletter. One would hope the city attorney would be working to restore peace. The HatersI moved to Folly Beach in 1974. That was a contentiousperiod. It culminated in a referendum which changed our form of government from Council Manager to the Strong Mayor form we have today. The election (1974 or 1975, I think) was so ugly that I considered moving. Subsequent elections continued in the hostile mode. I did not want to live in an environment with that much hate and mean-spirited discourse. I looked around and did not see a community that could match Folly’s natural beauty, so I stayed. I am glad I did.Folly Beach, as a City, is 40 years old. I have been City Attorney for almost 38 of those years. I have worked for every Mayor whose picture is on the wall in Council chambers, except the first one. I try to stay out of the election process but I have been blessed, or cursed, with a ringside seat for nearly 4 decades.After a few elections, we seemed to mature. This did not happen overnight, but it gradually became possible for people to disagree on policy and practices and keep the discourse civil. There was still plenty of passion. Several other city attorneys, observing the fervor and energy that surrounded many issues on Folly, have commented to me about how Folly was different.Without losing the passion or commitment, citizens both in and out of government exhibited respect and tolerance toward each other. There were some speed bumps. One election, I think our last with a paper ballot, turned on a single vote. It was contentious and involved a lawsuit, but even it was not as ugly as our last election.We have seen a return of the Haters in this last election. There were several other disturbing side shows – the pattern of campaign contributions should raise eyebrows – but my real concern is the hate and uncivil behavior exhibited by some of the electorate.When did it become cool to attend parties you were not invited to, sit outside the event, and glare or photograph activities? Does anyone think that kind of behavior reflects well on their candidate, themselves, or our City?I fully support the First amendment, your right to petition your government, and your right to express your opinion. Most of you did not earn these rights – they were purchased for you with the blood of patriots. You disrespect these rights, and the sacrifices made to obtain them, when you consciously and deliberately act like jerks in the electoral process.Every Mayor I have worked for has expended enormous time and effort working for the good of the community. Some were more skilled than others, and some had the good fortune of a capable and supportive council. All made large and painful sacrifices and all deserve ourgratitude. To a slightly lesser degree this is true of every member of council – 99% of our citizens do not see more than 10% of the work and effort our Mayor and Councils donate for the good of the rest of us. I am not sure why they do it, but I am grateful every day for the sweat and tears they expend. Their families also deserve our gratitude. None of them deserve the personal smears, name calling, comments about family, and other vitriolic crap thrown at them.During one of our ugly periods years ago, almost no one offered for Council. In a desperate attempt to get qualified candidates on the ballot, the leaders of opposing sides visited some citizens and assured them of support from both sides. This can happen again, and I know it has. The ugliness of the campaign has caused some very qualified people not to offer for Council. We are all diminished by the childish and spite-filled behavior of the Haters.I want to stress again that debate and discussion, open, enthusiastic, and passionate, have a seat of honor in any democracy. I fully support this type of discourse all of the time, not just during campaigns. Look at the license plate on my car if you doubt my commitment to our Constitution.I hope this last election was an aberration, and we will return to the civility and grace our region is known for. Beyond exhibiting good manners as a cultural value, this will encourage good people to continue to sacrifice for the betterment of our community.Ben Peeples 364-1011 ben.peepleslaw@gmail
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:46:05 +0000
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