Candidate David Wheeler is running for North Carolina State Senate Seat for District 47. His website tells of his background in business and his strong advocacy for education and affordable health care in rural areas. After today, he may need to add a section about the ongoing issues in Rutherford County. (video of the press conference is on my Facebook page)
In a press conference today held in Forest City, he stood with two others familiar with issues in the area- Wayne Guffey and me. Wayne has approximately 30 years of experience in law enforcement. He also recently ran in the Republican’s primary for sheriff. My experience has included speaking out over the last few years about the unsafe practices of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). I was honored to stand with David and Wayne.
David opened with a short intro for me, Next, I shared a short recap of meeting David. Wayne’s followed with his reasons why he as a Republican endorsed Mr. Wheeler, a Democrat. Wayne boldly proclaimed he respected David’s stance and knew he cared for the citizens of Rutherford County.
Mr. Wheeler began by sharing what he heard as he traveled the county. Speaking from prepared remarks, he soon launched into his list of questions reflecting on the present state of affairs in the county.
Just to give some perspective, yesterday, the prepared remarks were a total of one page. I was present in the meeting where the content was discussed. Today, just before the meeting started, David walked in and explained he read several additional sources during the night and decided to bring the real issues to the forefront and be very direct. (paraphrased)
So, the one page document became two and some general statements became filled with fourteen questions which were meant to bring laser focus to the issues at hand. He exposed and deflated the white elephant in the room and that was needed. It was standing room only!
This was my first rodeo with David and I don’t plan on it being the last. He gave voice to several concerns. Next, he outlined a plan for a several meetings. There will be some with citizens and some with other government officials, all meant to find answers.
The meeting closed after several folks asked pointed questions which I felt like were handled very well. Education and concern for teachers was also discussed.
It was after the meeting when it got more interesting. Sitting in the crowd were two WOFF members. They were not called out nor did they do anything to draw attention to themselves. Quietly, they sat and read the handout and took notes. After the dismissal, they quietly left.
In a few moments, after presumably having checked in with their leader, they returned to wait their turn to speak to Mr. Wheeler- not me.
I stood close enough to overhear the conversation. They extended a very polite invitation to Mr. Wheeler to come to the WOFC School without a ten day notice- any time. There were some other niceties which I was unable to hear.
As their mission was finished, they turned and walked past me. One of them retuned my greeting – saying, hi, John.
The chatter continued as a reporter for WYFF asked me for an interview which I accepted. He talked to some others as the audio-visual crew packed their equipment.
Where will this lead? I am not sure. Next on the agenda is a town hall meeting in August. Location, date and time to be determined. I will announce it as soon as I know.
Thank you, to all the folks who took time out of their day to come to the press conference. The notice was short and several folks let me know they wish they could have been there. As things move forward, there will be additional opportunities to be heard and listen to others.
As predicted, the summer is hot in Rutherford County.
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(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 642.
John,
I have had my morning coffee while reading your blog for the last 11 years stirring many emotions, both negative and positive. It has been a roller coaster ride. Finally, for me and the many others who have been affected by WOFF, the ride is soon to be over. Thank you for your commitment and your diligence to bring forth the truth. And a heartfelt thanks to David Wheeler. I believe he is sincere and will do what he says.