This past December was again the voting for the “Best of Rutherford”. This is a survey for the lack of a better term, where people have the opportunity to select businesses or individuals that they consider the “Best of Rutherford” County. I had been aware of the contest in years past and had written a review of the results from the 2011 survey. The post was titled- “Best of” WOFF Conflictions, Conundrums and Confusion… written February 6, 2012. That post outlines some of the conflictions and conundrums for WOFF members and for those living around them. In all honesty, I had forgotten about that post until I began preparation to write this review. Oh, but before I review those results, let me share about the events from the last couple of weeks.
A couple of weeks ago, I was talking with Bryan Bullock who recently exited Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). Seemingly out of nowhere, he began to talk about a meeting he had been a part of during his last few days at WOFF. He asked if I knew about the “Best of” survey done every year. I said yes. He said you do know how WOFF handles that? I asked him to tell me. He said in the meeting he was a part of Josh Farmer and Lisa Millwood stood at the podium as 400 ballots were passed out. Then the categories were named off and Josh and Lisa would tell members who to write down as “the Best of the Best.” If there was confusion as to who to select– he said Jane’s grandson was on ready to run down to the office and ask his grandma who to vote for. Upon securing the golden revelation, the grandson would run back down the hall way to the sanctuary to tell Josh so he could pass on the selection to the eagerly waiting members. I was not shocked but intrigued at the scenario. Can you see the wide-eyed child being schooled in the fine art of vote rigging running down the hall as such an eager and willing participant? He along with all the other children watching this must have just known that this was “God’s will”, right? This is the way they roll at WOFF! This is what is taught to children and adults alike at WOFF! Go Jane!
Back to the initial conversation, Bryan began to recite the choices he remembered from that meeting. I was not shocked at any of the names he mentioned. He did express some consternation at the selection of Peterson’s Auto Service and Detail shop as the choice for Best Service Team/Garage. He said that the business was not full service and questioned how it could compete with shops that were for the “Best” title. I had no answer except could it be by Jane’s direction? About that time, I had the idea to call for a copy of the ballot. I did so and received it in the mail earlier the week.
The day I received the ballot, I was again talking to Bryan and we were riding out of town for an appointment. We was passed a service station on Highway 221 headed to SC, he said they have a good cappuccino machine there. He said but, once Jane found out that folks in the lower building were getting Starbucks and cappuccino, she stopped it. Then he made a statement that caused me to roll with laughter. He said that Jane said cappuccino was “of the devil!” He said she put a stop to it in the church! I asked him why? He said Jane declared that cappuccino was nothing but sugar and caffeine and was an energy drink. It makes you hyper and that makes is contraband inside WOFF. Wow, so now we know what the devil drinks in the morning to get up and going.
A little later, Bryan asked if I ever received my ballot in the mail and low and behold I had just picked it up from my mail box. He took a gander at it and began to again recite the choices he remembered from the meeting he attended. He also noted that when there was more than one service provider, the people would gather together and decide who the “Best” was for that year and go to announce their decision. I am sure with Jane’s approval. He is the list of choices Bryan wrote down after looking at the ballot. The number beside the name corresponds with the category number on the ballot.
1. Best Contractor – Carlson- Farmer*** 24. Best Restaurant- Café at the Mall***
2. Best Electrician- Chris Hall *** 25. Best Fast Food- Café to Go***
9. Best Service Team/Garage- Peterson’s*** 32. Best Pizza- Mi-Mi’s
10. Best Attorney- Mark Morris*** 34. Best Seafood- Dave’s
11. Best Reeal Estate Agent- David Caulder*** 36. Best Desserts- Café at the Mall***
13. Best CPA- Staton/Cooper *** 37. Best Bank- First National
17. Best Nurse- Ester Wright *** 38. Best Tire Store- Tri-City
18. Best Pastor- Jane Whaley *** 46. Best New/Used Car Dealership- Forest City Honda
20. Best Police Officer- Lt. Leon Godlock*** 57. Best Hair Salon- Julia’s Salon****
60. Best Pawn Shop- B&D 61. Best heating and Cooling Co. – Brock Heating and Air***
66. Best Landscaping Business- Randy Fields- Carolina Outdoor Design***
67. Best Interior Design/Decorator- Integrity Marble and Granite***
For those that may not know, I have put (***) beside those who are either members of WOFF or direct ties to WOFF.
Bryan said that when the category was announced for “Best pastor”… someone asked who they should write in and everyone laughed. He said that category was a new one for this year… I don’t think Jane’s grandson had to run down the hall to get her answer for that one.
Hey, we all recognize the name for number 20- right. Their favorite- Lt. Leon Godlock. Jane must really like him. From what I hear he may not appreciate me or this blog. Let me just make some further observations using some of the results listed in the previous post. Here are the some of the results from 2011-
Best Contractor- 1st Carlson Farmer Best Electrician- 1st Hall Electric
Best Doctor- 2nd Jerry L. Gross, Foot and Ankle Center of the Carolina’s
Best Attorney- 1st– Mark Morris
Best Real Estate Agent- 1st– David Caulder Best Physical Therapist- 2nd – Debbre Schlabach-
Best Restaurant- 2nd – Café at the Mall- Best Quick Food- 1st– Café at the Mall.
Best Iced Tea- 2nd – Café at the Mall. Best Desserts- 1st– Café at the Mall.
Best Salon- 1st– RSL Salon- -Robin Saunders who is another provider from WOFF.
Best Auto Garage- 1st– Peterson’s Auto Service and Detail Shop.
Best Heating and Cooling Company -1st– Brock Heating and Air (Jane’s brother- Ken Brock)
Looks like some folks are going to repeat! According the Tomblin, Farmer Morris website- Mark is up for a THREE peat! Some others may be as well.
Later that afternoon, I called the editor of the Daily Courier, Matt Clark, to let him know what Bryan was saying about WOFF and their “vote guiding”. He said he would like the list. I emailed it to him later that evening and the next morning realized it did him no good unless he knew who the WOFF members were. I emailed him to ask if he wanted a list and sure enough he did. I sent him several names so he could verify the results. Thursday, I emailed him again to ask if he had any conclusions. His response – January 23, 2014
I have visited with the publisher and we have discussed the matter. We will keep the information for future reference.
Thanks again.
Matt
Later that day, I called another WOFF survivor and asked them if a similar type meeting was held December of 2012. They said yes, most definitely.
So, here what we know for sure. It is suspected but, not yet confirmed that in 2011, WOFF used their vote guiding techniques to help the Daily Courier pick their people for the Best of Rutherford awards. It has been confirmed that in December 2012 and December 2013 – there were meetings at WOFF where ballots were passed out and members were told who to vote for and the emphasis was to vote for WOFF member-owned and/or Jane-favored businesses and individuals. This year, Josh Farmer the attorney is reported as having been directly involved in conveying the desired choices to the membership at WOFF from the podium. This year, the category of “Best pastor” was added. It is true that the Daily Courier has been made aware of the meeting this past December and has decided to keep the information for future reference.
What conclusions are we able to draw so far? Several WOFF-member owned businesses continue to be voted as “Best of Rutherford.” WOFF votes in a unified bloc as directed by Jane Whaley. No copies of ballots are allowed. The Daily Courier must somehow supply WOFF with the number of ballots they need – at least 400. Josh Farmer had to sign the Oath of Office as an Attorney at Law. (use “back arrow” to return to post) By continuing to participate in activities such as mentioned above, he condones the activities as fitting for an attorney in North Carolina. He has said in previous interviews- “We (WOFF) have absolutely nothing to hide…”
For some folks, I would presume the survey results are meaningless. Obviously, for Jane and her crew, this survey means a lot to them. Could we say that in their eyes it serves as a way to enhance the perception of their group inside their community? Is the Daily Courier a willing participant in the image enhancement efforts being made here? We now must wait for the results of the survey from 2013.
And with that, let us remember:
“It is never too late to wake up and leave and reclaim your life!” Steve Hassan
Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me.
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Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 456.