Interesting reading and if true this group needs to disband itself and regroup.

Where does Slaughter fit into all this may I ask. I am not accusing him of anything at all. I just wonder where he stands.

is patrick bell a failed business man and a tax cheat?

has anyone really looked into patrick bell? i'm asking because a simple lien search at forsythco.com is uncovering some really bad stuff.

a company called bell usa is a fl company lists patrick b bell as an officer and his address is 239a castleberry industrial dr in cumming. they were cited 7 times by the georgia labor department for failing to pay unemployment taxes and they were sued by fedex and bulova. the business failed while having 4 active fifa liens against it for over $35,000 dollars

next is bristol international inc. (aka. bristol intl) a company that was registered in georgia and lists patrick bell as the ceo, cfo, and secretary. The address is 2300 bethelview rd ste 110 # 135. that is the same address as patricks current company. it also has several liens against it including an active lien from the irs for $21,000 in unpaid taxes for 3 years. also, there are other active liens for more than $20,000 more.

and then patrick himself has a lien on his own home from the irs for personal unpaid taxes for 2004 and 2005, and for $8,000 more from the bulova lien from the first company.

so what if richard is a bit rough around the edges. at least he pays his taxes and hasn't stiffed businesses. we are going to do ourselves a terribel thing if we elect a known tax cheat as our next commmissioner. haven't we learned anything?

look it up for yourself. http://resolution.forsythco.com/ search on the companies and bell and follow the trail. it's all there if you want to see the documents and everything.

concerned,

where did you find the personal lien against bell?

I did see that as I too did my homework. Although out of courtesy, I called Bell and he explained the issue to me in more detail than I ever wanted. It is a lot more involved than what the mysterious "concerned" has posted.

Bell was swindled out of more than $250,000 but he never let that get him down and he continued on. He did decide to sell his company and paid his secured creditors and worked out payment plans with the IRS. So you can say what you want, I know the whole truth and not some "concerned" person says.

He expected Richard would attempt to use it anyway as his last futile attempt to win this race. Don't beleive me? Call Bell and spend a few minutes on the phone or arrange to go visit. You will then learn the truth.

He continues on to this day working hard and working with many of his customers from over 20 years in the golf industry. He is highly repspected in the industry, is highly respected in his civic service with the scouts. For that there are facts to back it up.

Richard has been cornered with his association with a bid rigging convicted felon, has been nailed on his many lies. I would expect nothing short of this type of mudslinging the day before voting begins.

We saw it before with the 3 amigos and now it's back. First with the Chairman challenging a candidite that opposes his chosen puppy-boff and now Richard giving out only part of the details.

If he wants to start slinging mud I got plenty for him. I have spent quite a while talking to those very close (as in blood close) and I got enough ammo to knock him back to Tewksbury. I don' want to go there but will fight mud with mud.

And yeah, Bell will get PO'd but I will not let these 3 goons mess up the county any longer.

Many of those cited are cancelled as I look now.

Why can't you Richard folks be honest? You guys are sickening and just like the Laughinghouse, Richard and Harrell trio we saw last time now the mud starts flying. Makes my ashamed of all of you and even more intent on voting Dave out of office.

Concerned,

Read this, then get a life...

"Records available in this search consist of released records. The term "released" means the records have been recorded, indexed, verified and released for general public viewing. Please note that there may be records that have been assigned Official numbers but not yet completely indexed or available on this search."

...cont

Source: http://tinyurl.com/6ed6ed

Seems like Wickliffe and Richard are attempting to discredit Bell with mud. Didn't we see this last time when Charlie and Jim ran? Richard was one of this trio of nastyness and mud.

Wickliffe, Richard's mentor, is a convicted federal felon. Bell may have owed some money but at least he is not a crook.

Seems like they are trying to retaliate a bit with typical nasty ways.

Keep strength Bell, we support you and beleive in you. Don't let the trio and associated goons worry you.

I have met Mr. Bell, and I'm sure he is ashamed to be associated with people on this site such as Marc and Jerry. You both have created an atmosphere that has lowered peoples opinion of Mr. Bell. Mr. Bell has tried to stress that he could and would try and work with the commissioners, but through your mudslinging campaign against the commissioners in office who have stood up for the homeowners, you have created a gulf that your candidate must now try and overcome. Are you sure you are even on his side, because with friends and supporters like you he really doesn't have to get any enemies. You are doing just fine destroying him in the eyes of the educated voter.
So, does Mr. Bell support you or does he support the current board who have done so much for the citizens?

City Slicker, I think you nailed that one. His "supporters" have backed him into a corner. They have entered him into a mudslinging campaign against the current majority of the board of commissioners. They kept saying that he and his campaign didn't support name calling and this type of campaigning, but what is this. Apparently it is like the pot calling the kettle black. They say Richard is disrespectful to the commissioners he works with and they turn around and attack those very same individuals. Well, At least Richard has a voting record that he can stand on and it shows that he votes, for the most part, in favor and for the voice of those that elected him. I think we all should vote for Richard now. At least he is the Devil we know. We don't agree with his name calling, but at least he is open about it and not sneaky like this Bell campaign is.

Finally somebody has published the true story of Dave Richard and his bid rigging friend Jerry Wickliffe.

Anyone who will stoop to this level of corruption deserves to be ousted from office. Forsyth County voters will have their chance starting tomorrow morning.

Deb,

But that gives no one and i mean NO ONE the right to dig around in the life's of others. So what he got sued 2 times... so what who cares (ignoring daves comment on this one) and having a couple of business, who cares (still ignoring you dave)... didnt pay his taxes because he was busy working with another business, who cares (im not asking for your input here dave). Im sure bell has done whatever it takes to get his taxes filed with the IRS... and if you look on the website (forsythco) you will see that NOT ALL RECORDS HAVE BEEN UPDATED!

I have refrained from posting on this site and do not plan on posting again. This is an important issue and I feel it important that I clear up a bit of mudslinging.

Jerry and Marc (and others), I do appreciate your support so very much. However, I will agree with City Slicker and Around the Block. Let's not drop to the level I have spoke about and rallied against. Most of the content is correct but please present it in an acceptable manner.

As to the info posted by concerned. If you think it so important I do wish you would contact me and get the whole story. But since you did not, let me lay out a bit of history for you that I would have given you had we talked.

Those companies were family businesses run by myself, my father, and mother. We enjoyed great success and built a solid reputation within the golf industry, both in the USA and Europe. I still maintain many of those old friendships and am proud that I can call them my friends and many are still clients.

A few years ago my mother was diagnosed with cancer and died within three weeks. She was an integral part of the company and our family as a whole. In fact, I am not ashamed to say that besides my wife, she was my very best and closest friend.

My mother maintained much of the record keeping for the company. After her death, it was a difficult adjustment for us on a personal level and business level. Five months later my father had an emergency 4 way by-pass and was in ICU and in the hospital for several weeks. This was a very serious matter and we did not know what the outcome would be. This was just 5 months after my mother's death. He virtually retired after my mother's death and then did retire after the by-pass.

During this time I was more concerned about my father than anything else. He lost a 40 year companion and also was dealing with recovery from a serious health issue.

My family is #1 and my Dad is the most wonderful, suppotive man in the world. I spent many, many days in Florida during this year.

Yes, we missed many tax returns during this time, all since reported and satisfied. I missed many things including nearly a year of growing the business. I was then hit with a quarter of a million dollar loss from a client that closed up shop. It hit our small company hard.

I decided to close the business and did end up selling the company to meet obligations and structured payments with many others, the IRS included. So you see, had you known the whole story it may have made more sense to you. Next time I ask that you call me before spreading rumors.

I am well able to handle it, but it is not fair to the voters for them to be misguided. I will not tolerate any mudslinging from anyone that volunteers on my campaign and ask that those that support me to refrain from the same. I also ask that Mr. Richard’s supporters refrain from mudslinging and stick to the issues. I know I will probably earn another paragraph or two on his website but I asked him to pledge a clean campaign and he refused. I still maintain that pledge today and will not enter into that type of behavior.

That's done and if you want to discuss please call me and I will gladly discuss with you. Remember, that is one thing I stand for, open communications.

I am running my campaign based on teamwork and professionalism and have some great ideas about how we can solve the issues we face.

Yes, I have had hard times and they have been tough on me and my family but provided many lessons. Who can claim never having hard times or making a decision we wish we could change. I am not perfect nor have I ever claimed to be. I am honest to a fault sometimes, and run my life based on integrity, morals, and clean values, and I take pride in being a good role model for our youth.

I have a background in business that I am proud of, I have relationships I am proud of and can bring many experiences to the table. Experiences with good and bad, up and down. I have been at the top, down a few notches and risen again. But nobody anywhere can say I am dishonest. I am honest, respectful, hardworking, and compassionate and I have not let anything knock me down.

In closing, I ask for your support next week and on July 15. Any registered voter in Forsyth County can vote for Patrick Bell. Vote for teamwork and professionalism…and experience!

Thanks and enjoy the rest of your Sunday night.

-

Patrick

I certainly understand not paying unemployment taxes and the confusion with illnesses in the family. Could you please clear up the current '07 federal tax lien and the lien from your subdivision 4/08 for $180... those are recent activities that don't add up..

Thanks

Maybe Patrick can clear up some information about his supporters, since they refuse to answer any questions whatsoever.

Does Debra, who posts here frequently, serve in any capacity whatsoever in your campaign? If so, she (like you) has violated your Clean Campaign Pledge multiple times.

Why do you rely on Richard "Dale" Wheeler to write your material for you, instead of running the clean campaign you supposedly espouse?

Why can't you man it up and admit that you lied about not knowing Mr. Wheeler even though he wrote material for your website?

Finally, why did you wait MONTHS after all your supporters have posted nothing but lies and personal attacks about me and asked them to stop? Have they done everything you wanted them to do that you didn't have the guts to do yourself?

You should be ashamed of yourself, but someone of your barren ethics can't possibly be.

And to get back to the original question, no rigging of any debate was planned nor accomplished.

The ONLY people complaining about the SGFC debate are Bell supporters, because their candidate blew a gasket that evening and melted down in front of everyone.

Their Emperor has no clothes.

Ms . Bell

Nice try . A successful business in my book has accountants and lawyers and does not have to rely on a sick mother. What you are describing is a home-based mom and papa shop without any serious accounting used as an excuse for not paying taxes .
People supporting you did dig up the dirt about Jerry Wickliffe and posted it everywhere. They did not bother to call Jerry so do not complain if it is done to you. Smart Growth Forsyth deserves more than an apology from you . Dale Weehler is your man doing the mud slinging I guess please remove him from your campaign.

And : everubody always has an explanation for .....whythe taxes did not get paid or the bills etc.

What is good for the goose is good for the gander

Mr. Bell, I apologize for getting out of hand. David's lies and mudslinging really get to me. He has called us names and looked down his nose at us since he got here. He has caused this county harm that cannot be repaired. I love Forsyth County and that's why I got so vocal.

I will continue to tell everyone I know about you and what a good man you are. That your morals and values are very high and what you have already done for our community. David cannot say that as he has no civic service whatsoever.

Let David dig up dirt. He cannot win this race based merit and now has his people dig up stuff.

I apologize here in public but I will not let the guy off the hook. I will keep my comments in line but will still call him out.

David, how did your run at business go? I understand you only made it a few months. And not that it is an unworthy profession but a man of your "stature" could be doing something more than being a clerk. So don't get to cocky, sir. Bell fell down but he owned up and kept right on going. He did not give up and go to work at the outlet mall.

And Toni, what is your experience in business? Give me some background before your comments are even valid. People that don't know what it's like don't really have any place to comment. And are you saying that those of us that have a mom n' pop business don't know what it's about?

Thank you

We all knew it couldn't last. Richard's handlers had him on a tight leash the last week or so. But like the attack dog he is, he escaped and went on the attack.

That rabid look you see in Richard's eyes is pure fear. Fear that the end is in sight. With advanced voting under way, he is "this close" to losing what the one thing he values most -- power!

Is anyone really surprised this rabid dog has attacked his opponent Patrick Bell?

Charlie Laughinghouse and Jim Harrell aren't. A snarling Richard attacked them recently, calling them "unprincipled and comparing them to Neville Chamberlain -- Hitler's appeaser."

It was the second time the attack dog bit Charlie. The first time is when he sent a "secret" email to a county employee calling the chairman an "insensitive boob who lacks people skills and whose election was nothing short of a miracle."

Others the mad dog is known to have attacked include: the Mayor, City Council, Julie Tressler, Jon Flack, the publisher of the Forsyth Herald, the editorial staff at the Forsyth News, Pete Amos, Pam and Jerry Bowman, Nancy Roche, the Forsyth County School System, Superintendent Paula Gault, the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, the chairman of the Northern Arc Task Force, Rhonda O'Connor, Terry Barradine, Linda Ledbetter and Brian Tam just to name a few.

Bell is just Richard's latest victim. Desperate to hold onto the power he feels slipping away, Richard escaped his leash yesterday and attacked Bell with lies, misstatements and half-truths.

Bell successfully warded off the attack with the most powerful weapon of all -- the truth. This latest attack and Bell's classy response makes me even more determined to vote for him.

With advanced voting now underway we can expect even more desperation, more unprovoked attacks by the mad dog.

But the end is in sight. Four years of vicious personal attacks, mudslinging, broken promises and bad judgment are about to come to an end.

For four years, Richard has used his venemous web site to attack public officials and private citizens alike. Starting today the voters will have their say and this mad dog will be put down.

Forsyth County will be better off for it!

David, I have seen the stuff here occasionally but read the articles but have not had time to monitor the comments on an hourly basis. I have not answered nor posted here as it is not my style. I would rather talk to someone face-to-face or at a minimum by phone and not hide behind a keyboard. If someone has a question they can call me at 678-648-6130 or email me at pb@teambell.org.

But that’s just my opinion and yours is different. No problem.

David, you are not being truthful about complaining about the debate. You and I talked about it in the corridor beside the steps that lead to the auditorium. You even said to me that you had tried to talk to them to no avail. You went on to say that you felt it was a strange format and did not understand what they were trying to accomplish. Please, David, be truthful. Yes I was upset about them changing the format 4 times, so were other candidates. You and I both know that as we were there and heard and saw it. There were not many of us out there but there was a few and all said the same thing, including you.

I do not condone the Wickliffe dirt and have not had a part of it. I have said all along that your manner of ridicule and public lashings are a detriment and serve no purpose. That people have families, children, business partners, churches and more that could be harmed by this type of nonsense.

In fact, I had to put a stop to your own supporters lying about an issue I had with the school last year. Has nothing to do with this campaign and nothing to do with county business. But your supporters have disclosed confidential info in an attempt to further your race. That, my friend, is a desperate measure.

To answer your questions:

There is no Debra on my campaign "staff" as you like to call it. I have a lady named Jen that has been a huge help to me. She is a dear friend from scouts and I doubt if she has ever posted on this site.

Bill Johnson has helped my write some press releases but has not done so in a while. Yes, this is the Bill Johnson that was the PIO and resigned because someone complained that he used a county computer to write a press release. Much different than you using county provided materials, which is clearly illegal according to Maria Cartwright of the State Ethics Commission.

You have used county computers to post on this site and aboutforsyth which have nothing to do with your job as commissioner. Please save your rhetoric for someone that will believe you.

To this day I do not know Richard "Dale" Wheeler. He sent me the flip-flops and said I was welcome to use it. I researched it and found that you have flip-flopped on many issues and decided it was a good piece to show the voters who you really are. You might want to review the facts about your voting record and opposition before getting too upset. I never claimed to author the piece but the facts are there and that is what is upsetting you I am sure. It is sometimes difficult to see the truth in black and white.

Nothing to man up about Mr. Richard, I do not have a Richard Wheeler on my campaign, have never spoken by phone or in person and only received that one email. Do you know who this Mr. Wheeler is? You seem to and I would actually like to meet him if you can arrange it.

My supporters know full well what I have said about mudslinging. They know I do not want to be associated with it. But as you have said when it came to your developer support, is it my place censor free speech of those posting on this site? I only say that because that is the excuse you gave for taking support from developers and attorneys.

No I don't condone it and when Jerry has called me I asked him to tone it down. He is not part of my staff, not an employee and in fact I don't know his last name. I have never had contact with Debra and have no clue as to her identity. You know better than most that people post anonymously.

I'm sorry if they gave you a hard time, but buddy you earned it. You have been disrespectful for years. You have called names for years. You have ridiculed anyone that dare speak out against you. You have turned on anyone that ever supported you. You split hairs and answer with ambiguity. You are not a respected commissioner. That is not mud, it is fact. Not one current commissioner supports your efforts, not one civic or business leader, no one at the municipal level, no part of our state delegation, no one on the Board of Education or a BoE candidate. I have yet to meet anyone in public service that supports your candidacy. I did not create this lack of respect, you did.

Now answer a question for me? Can you name one person at the EPD or a sitting commissioner that will back up your misguided claim that the county is this close to splitting the allocation permit? You even said it was just a few months away when questioned at the Smart Growth meeting back in April.

I still maintain that you are a special interest group candidate by your association and backing by Save Bethel Park and Smart Growth. I believe in my heart that you pander to these groups and you will say anything to gain the votes from them.

This is a long entry and I really don’t plan on getting into the back and forth with you here. Want another debate? I’m all for it. But I don’t have time to debate here. I am not ashamed of anything I have done and have a commendable record of business ownership and civic service.

I am open, honest and hardworking and I don’t play games. I am a true Republican and Christian.

I am the best candidate for the Commission in our district. I am earning my votes based on my reputation with hundreds of people in Forsyth County that I have worked with, my cooperative approach to being part of the Board and through teamwork and professionalism.

Thanks for the opportunity to “speak”. Give me a call or drop me a note if you have any questions.

Patrick,

Thanks for finally coming out of your lair.

Let me correct a few mistakes / lies regarding your post. You know all about lies, since you have lied 20 times and counting about me, all of which are proven on my website with FACTS.

I have already stated that you and I talked about the changes in format of the SGFC debate. The problem is that you and your supporters can't let it go. Those of us who disagreed with the format changes said so, and moved on. You and your supporters haven't moved on because of your public meltdown at the debate.

We are not friends or buddies, nor will we ever be. I do not associate with liars. Do not use those terms to describe me in the future. I have no idea what you are talking about regarding any school issue you may have had, nor do I care.

The flip-flop piece was full of lies, and yet you used it and used it gladly and willingly. That is not the mark of a Christian, nor of someone who has pledged to run a clean campaign.

You fail to realize that the only people I call out are people who lie about me or try to assign incorrect motives for my actions. You should know this, as it is the hallmark of your campaign. I can, and do, disagree with many people in a very civil manner, but I do NOT condone lying. That is why you and others have come under attack from me.

Have you talked to every commissioner, civic leader, business leader, state delegation member, school board member or candidate about me? If not, maybe your statement above that NONE of them support me is yet another lie on your part.

You are a phoney in every sense of the word. You are a serial liar. You are a shill for the city and for the Chamber of Commerce. You have no spine, no principles, no core beliefs in anything except that everything can be negotiated away. You think that the common good trumps individual rights.

When you don't stand for anything, you can't stand up to anyone.

David, you are so bitter. The flip-flop piece was dead on target. Your little page of lies is so ridiculous even you should be ashamed at the grasping you are doing.

You never thought that all your crap would float to the surface but it has. We all see it, and smell it, every day. And now you have to asnwer for it. That's what makes you so angry. You have been caught in your games of half-truths and splitting hairs.

You and your supporters started the mudslinging and now you want to complain? You refused to agree to a clean campaign. You sure are two-faced.

Can you answer his question? You have been asked about that statement many times and you ignore it. Come on..."man up" as you like to say.

Mr Richard, to be clear.. I don't work for Mr. Bell or his campaign in any way, shape or form. BUT I have proof positive that you answer WITHOUT civility if you answer anything at all. Have you forgotten what your online conversations are/were with me and Lynn? If not I will remind you. I requested and stated a concern to you and you 1.ignored it and 2. called me an idiot and 3 told me to get a life. These were in emails to and from you and my computer. Those are the facts sir. And if a simpleton/idiot soccer mom like me can't ask a question or express a concern to an elected official, I see that as a problem for most of us 'soccer' mom/idiots/simpletons.

Your 'down the nose' approach to constituents does not work. Guess what, it is not working for the school system either. You are just like the people from the school system, sir! And you have been called out. I expect your attacks will become more vicious as July 15th approaches. No matter, I understand desperate attempts to save a sinking ship.

I think Dale Wheeler or Patrick Bell (preferably Mr. Bell) should provide the email response from Patrick Bell to Jerry Wickliffe regarding him stepping down as moderator of the debate. Mr. Wheeler didn't hesitate to publish the email sent from Jerry Wickliffe. Now the response please.

David,

Here are a few questions from John that I noticed that you have not answered. Could you please answer them for me?

*"why are you so opposed to district voting???" *"When did you start caring about others??"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now David, I have a few questions for you: (YES OR NO) (Questions 4 and 5 are short answer)

1) Is it true one (or more) or your children were in private school?

2) Did/have you EVER voted NO for school SPLOST in past?

3) Did you vote AGAINST sewer for the Avenue Forsyth?

4) Did you OPPOSE the Joint Venture park, and Why?

5) Why were you using COUNTY business cards at a campaigning event?

6) Is the following statement true? " You (Dave) told the people at Smart Growth that we were "this close" to splitting the water allocation permit, Then after the meeting said you told someone it would probably happen before the election?"

Patrick Bell got his rear end handed to him in the debate and he complains about the format of the debate.

Can anyone say SORE LOSER?

Square wheel, Good observation for fairy tales.

That's my opinion and I am sticking to it!

Who else complains about this detail for so long? Losers! Of the few that attended and later viewed the debate, you are trying to make this an election issue when really you should be talking about issues.

Clean diversion campaign anyone?

The incumbent appears to truly be a bitter little man. Mr Richard, I recall reading on your webpage that you are employed part time at the Eddie Bauer outlet store. Aren't you a grown man (and previous employee of Xerox)? Why such a career change? It hardly seems that you have customer service abilities.

That's because you believe things that people who have never met me and never interacted with me have written.

Well cowboy... I only read things that YOU yourself have written here (or someone who writes under the name David Richard) and what is on your own website...... From all that it is obvious what an unhappy, bitter & insecure person you are...

David (cowboy), we see you are still here popping off at the mouth. Why not answer Elmo's questions?

Now that the end is near for Dave Richard, I'm becoming concerned for his mental health.

I've wondered for a long time how he would react when he finally came face-to-face with the fact that he has lost this election. Based on his last post, it looks like I have an answer.

Faced with certain defeat at the polls, the most unsuccessful, most disliked, most disrespectful commissioner in Forsyth County history appears to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

I hope that is not the case. I certainly wish him no harm. I just want him to go away so that he can do no more harm to my beloved Forsyth County.

Well stated Debra! My thoughts exactly!

Oh, the Agony of Defeat.... DR's demise is on the horizon......

He won't have a nervous breakdown, narcissist's just go take their act on the road somewhere else.

Oh, and just so ya know the "Yahoo's" and the "move ins" of this county both want ya out... we do have some things in common...!

The following text is a copy 'n pasted email obtained from Patrick Bell and given to me per my request that we clear this (non) issue up.

It is Patrick Bells reply, and includes that initial text from Jerry Wickliffe:

-----Original Message----- From: Patrick Bell [mailto:pb@teambell.org] Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:55 PM To: 'jerry wickliffe' Subject: RE: TeamBell :: Elect Patrick Bell :::

Jerry,

Thank you for the email. I certainly understand and support 100% your choice to vote for who you think will do the best job for Forsyth County. I also appreciate your involvement and concern for the county.

I will not say I was not a little disappointed in the forum I participated in. Jon and myself were prodded back on topic while Mr. Richard seemed to stray as desired. However, that is my perception and I did not make a huge case about it. I made a few mental notes and figured I would do the best I could at your upcoming forum.

With that said, I am not entirely sure why you emailed me as if I made enough of an impact to get you to step aside. I received an email yesterday from Vern that was address to only three candidates that bothered me a little bit as well.

I am excited about this race and feel re-energized every time I talk with supporters. I truly feel that I have made a good decision and that my chances of winning get greater every day. The thing I don’t like is the under-tones and gossip that is involved with politics. I hope that, a fully intend on, as a Commissioner I will continue to stay above the nonsense and focus on making this county the very best it can and be part of increasing our quality of life.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night. Please see me before or after the debate as I want you to feel comfortable in asking any questions of me you feel important to see if I can earn your vote. I know that you have a history with my opponent and that’s great, however I do think if you knew me better you would not have any issues with supporting me.

Patrick

-----Original Message----- From: jerry wickliffe [mailto:co_wickliffe@bellsouth.net] Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:42 PM To: pb@teambell.org Subject: TeamBell :: Elect Patrick Bell :::

This is an enquiry e-mail via http://www.teambell.org from:

jerry wickliffe co_wickliffe@bellsouth.net

I understand that you think I cannot remain unbiased in this last debate. I certainly don't want any candidate to think I am biased towards one candidate as opposed to another. I am as a private citizen not a member of Smart Growth going to vote for certain candidates. I want this debate to be fair and not seen as biased so I will not be the moderator. I think as I am a former Eagle Scout I would want this debate as fair as possible.

(End of email)

OK everyone...

What I don't see here is a "Failure to Communicate" of any measure that warrants the Urination Competition that has ensued over all of this.

Where it is clear that Wickliffe stated he'd withdraw as Moderator, it is just as clear in this communication (to Me) that for it, Candidate Patrick Bell wasn't harboring enough ilk toward Wickliffe--over either the prior debate OR whomever he felt Wickliffe was opting to vote for--to have then gotten as out of shape for having found Wickliffe participating as Moderator for this debate after all.

Bell's perspective of fairness during the exclusive Dist. 2 debate was illuminated, and then appearingly resolved for having expressed it...For having done so appearingly allowed him to, uh..."Get Over It"...Yep, that would be the term!

The "Format" of the Candidates Night Forum held at South Forsyth High was known up-front by all candidates to be different: A "Panel" would be serving up the questions...

Jerry Wickliffe would act more in the capacity of an M.C. or 'Referee" than as that "Moderator" he was during prior debates.

The facts are that no questions were addressed directly to any Candidate by him...And--for the most part that night surely--Wickliffe lacked much if any attention toward his "Authority" as such. That is eveident when he protested first Sweeney, and then later Bell (and at least one other candidate too) for their actions being outside the rules of the forum...Just watch the Cumminghome.com Video!

Everyone...SmartGrowth is made up of that "Pie" that is the Citizens of Forsyth County who are interested in both a better understanding as well as perhaps actively participating in Our Local Government in the interest of being something more than a "Mushroom" otherwise.

They don't "Do this all the time" and aren't professional "Orators" or M.C.'s otherwise...SmartGrowth is literally a slice of ALL of Our Community...That should include YOUR Community too! The more present, the better that representation could be!

If you think there's a problem with some aspect of balance then GO JOIN THEM when they meet once a month and discuss what you feel needs to change and how. Otherwise, We (Because they tolerate My presence occasionally...) can only do the best we can with what we have to work with.

I want to thank Candidate Patrick Bell for comming forth with the provision of that email/information in the interest of putting some "Chill" to this particular concern of his otherwise avid and zealous supporter, for I greatly appreciate his considerations in doing so.

Jack Gleason

"Impossible" is only a degree of difficulty...

Nice spin from the DR supporters to get the comments for the article away from its damaging topic. On topic - I find it near impossible for Wickliffe to be impartial given the facts stated in the article. Also given the fact that Richard has lied to and deceived the citizens of Forsyth County over his "this close" water permits - how could one trust his denial of any wrong doing?

I commend Patrick Bell for providing his email response to ex-con Jerry Wickliffe as requested. It demonstrates once again the clear difference betweent the two candidates.

First he is responsive to citizens. His opponent has been asked repeatedly over the last month to provide evidence to back up his false claim that Forsyth County is "this close" to getting a water permit OR to provide the name of one county commissioner who agrees with that statement. He has failed to do so.

Second, nowhere in his response will you find the ugly adjectives Richard uses to attack those who disagree with him: phoney, serial liar, shill, spineless, unprincipled, etc.

If you want to clean up county government and elect a commissioner who WILL be responsive to the citizens, VOTE FOR PATRICK BELL TODAY!!!

Jack, that is perhaps the worst attempt at "spin" I have ever seen. Let's review.

YOU SAID: What I don't see here is a "Failure to Communicate" of any measure that warrants the Urination Competition that has ensued over all of this.

THE FACT IS: You're right there was no Failure to Communicate. Wickliffe said he'd withdraw and did not. That was a lie.

YOU SAID: The "Format" of the Candidates Night Forum held at South Forsyth High was known up-front by all candidates to be different:

THE FACT IS: Each candidate received a format in advance from SGFC. It differed substantially from the format that was chosen. It differed particularly at the end when candidates who had been promised an opportunity to ask each other two questions were denied that opportunity.

YOU SAID: Jerry Wickliffe would act more in the capacity of an M.C. or 'Referee" than as that "Moderator."

THE FACT IS: Give us a break! My suggestion is when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging!

YOU SAID: Wickliffe lacked much if any attention toward his "Authority" as such.

THE FACT IS: I watched him help to screen the questions. That is pretty darn authoritative.

YOU SAID: ...First Sweeney, and then later Bell (and at least one other candidate too) for their actions being outside the rules of the forum...Just watch the Cumminghome.com Video!

THE FACT IS: First, in defense of Mr. Sweeney, if SGFC didn't want candidates to use props they should in the format they sent to candidates before candidates went to the trouble to prepare them. In defense of Patrick (and at least one other candidate) who the heck knew the rules? SGFC, or the ex-con Wickliffe, changed them every five minutes.

YOU SAID: SmartGrowth is made up of that "Pie" that is the Citizens of Forsyth County who are interested in both a better understanding as well as perhaps actively participating in Our Local Government in the interest of being something more than a "Mushroom" otherwise.

THE FACT IS: While the vast majority of citizens who reside in Bridle Ridge do fit your description, SGFC does not. I believe SGFC does no better job of representing the residents of Bridle Ridge thant Dave Richard does of representing Forsyth County. Why don't you poll the residents and ask them if they approve of having an ex-con moderate what is supposed to be a fair and impartial debate. Or, if it's OK for that moderator to lie to one of the candidates. Let's see how well SGFC represented its own residents much less the rest of the 170,000 residents of Forsyth County.

YOU SAID: SmartGrowth is literally a slice of ALL of Our Community...That should include YOUR Community too!

THE FACT IS: Give us a break!

YOUSAID: You think there's a problem with some aspect of balance then GO JOIN THEM when they meet once a month and discuss what you feel needs to change and how. Otherwise, We (Because they tolerate My presence occasionally...) can only do the best we can with what we have to work with.

THE FACT IS: I have a better idea. Let's expose them for the political action committee they really are and make them irrelevant. Let's encourage Bridle Ridge residents to show they don't approve of the type of dirty politics engaged in by SGFC by voting against SGFC's annointed candidate Dave Richard and voting instead for Patrick Bell.

YOU SAID: I want to thank Candidate Patrick Bell for comming forth with the provision of that email/information in the interest of putting some "Chill" to this particular concern of his otherwise avid and zealous supporter, for I greatly appreciate his considerations in doing so.

THE FACT IS: You should encourage your chosen one (Dave Richard) to act just as responsibly by answering the question that he has left unanswered for over a month: Can you provide ANY evidence for your statement that Forsyth County is "this close" to obtaining a water permit from EPD or can you name a single EPD employee or another county commissioner who will back you up in that false assertion? Lots of luck getting a truthful response!

Everyone holding onto something?

Regarding "Personal Issues" and what's being subjectively made of Bells shortcommings as they relate to his family business and taxes:

Objectively reviewed from what's availble of Public Record is of some concern granted...postulation further is out of line.

Now then...Every effective "Board"--be it public or private--needs a "Pit Bull" on the team...

At issue here is this:

Do we continue to need David Richard as a "Pit Bull" that--sans kissin' bootie tactfully--shows well a record of experience, effectiveness, and success?

Or do we replace him with Patrick Bell as a "Collie" because some egg-shelled egos have fractured for those frays of past?

What arguments than "Show" as such have those detractors of the Commissioner David Richard Candidacy illuminated really?

People...You don't bring a knife to a gunfight!

Being the honorable man that he is, Patirck Bell does what he does admireably well, and should remain a "Concerned Citizen" for it in my opinion.

My argument for him doing so is because we can't afford "The Bell Curve" his education as a green-horn Commissioner will cost us over the next critical cycle for what is at stake!

Nearly half a billion dollars are on the table of our Coffers now...I want some experience--knowledgeable AND Agressive--monitoring its flow toward what it was garnered to be spent on!

That would be best served by the ones that brought it to the table...That would be Commissioner David Richard for sure.

Still holdin' on here?

That would well include Brian Tam too!

Jerry,

Is David (a.k.a. cowboy) ever going to answer the questions I asked him that still remained unanswered from John? Or is he just afraid to?

P.S. - thanks for refining the question from above!

Let's talk about that half a billion dollars, Mr. Gleason.

If David Richard, or the "pit bull" as you like to call him, had had his way, Forsyth County would have gambled (and almost certainly lost) half a billion dollars in tax revenue, $1 billion in capital investment AND 8,000 jobs just to soothe the pit bull's ego.

In a stunning example of fiscal irresponsibility, Richard tried to bully the Board into appealing the court's decision in the SPLOST VI case. The case would have taken months and would have jeopartized the Taubman Centers project.

The "collie," as you call Patrick Bell, called on the Board to negotiate a settlement with the City of Cumming. Charlie Laughinghouse, Jim Harrell, Brian Tam and Linda Ledbetter all agreed that Bell's way was best. They unanimously rejected Richard's idea.

Thanks to their courage in standing up to the "pit bull" one of the greatest projects in Forsyth County history was saved.

On that one issue alone, Bell demonstrated more leadership and more fiscal responsibility than Richard has in his four years on the Board.

If it's fiscal responsibility you want, the choice is clear: VOTE FOR PATRICK BELL TODAY!!!

Mr. Gleason, with all due respect.. and I mean no disrespect, why on earth would you support a 'pit bull'. Would you support a man who goes after just about.....everyone. The man is not selective you know. Maybe even your grandmama or wife one day will be subject to personal attacks, hell, maybe even you if you have a question. What is to be gained from that attitude? And further, do you have anything to be gained should Mr. Richard get in. And honestly, I am just looking for answers, honest ones.

And if your candidate is telling you he's gonna 'save the river' now, for your vote.... I think he'll leave you high and dry later

Terry,

If you are wanting HONEST answers, it will be hard getting them from those "richards supporters" and even harder from mr. richards.

John, That's why I have already voted for Bell. I don't like any politician that doles out constant misinformation on their websites. Its one thing to change positions on a vote after information is given and an informed decision is made (I don't consider that a flip-flop because that word is overused) , but it is another thing when there may be a lack of moral turpitude. I do pay attention to who Mr. Richard claims he associates with. It mattered for Obama and it sure as heck matters for Mr. Richard.

Terry,

Do you think that Osama and Richards share the same morals? I know that Osama has a history that he doesnt want many people knowing about

j

... (internet problems) and I know richards doesnt like going into personal details... hmm

And with richards being an ex-xerox customer service employee, you would think he would be somewhat nice to people, unless that is the reason he got fired/quit

John, I have been asking Mr. Richard questions since December orJanuary, long before this election. Matter of fact, I didn't care much about this race back then, but had enough of a problem getting straight answers and not double-speak, I figured I should learn more about these candidates. Boy, what an eye opener.

I don't expect any commissioner or elected official (public servant) to treat constituents, the way Mr. Richard has. I am not looking for any panty-waist or lapdog either. I do not expect Koombaya for that matter. But I do expect just a tad bit of respect from any elected official, that would include any current or former elected officials as well.

Thank you Jack for posting the email from Bell to Wickliffe.

I see the same old person name calling everytime I read the comments on this site. I'm not naming names but she'll recognize herself. Doesn't she ever get tired of that. No wonder Dave calls her stupid. I know Dave and I guess good manners beget good manners. He's never ever been disrespectful to me or anyone I know. Sometimes it's refreshing to see someone say what they think. And if someone says some of the stupid things she says I can't blame him for letting her have it. She deserves it. I see some comments here that remind me of the saying, "the pot calling the kettle black".

I think that you are all acting like 5th graders. Get you panties out of a bunch and act like grown ups.

Terry,

Is there any way you could file an ethics complaint against the current district 4 commissioner? For insulting a private citizen? If so i think that would be something to look into to get some respect from mr. richards. Maybe that will show him you are not beating around the bush anymore and arent going to take any of his crap.

John

Impartial??? How about a first name maybe?

I don't have a problem doing a multitude of ORRS, under Georgia Open Records Law, according to the Attorney General, to look into records, I will likely do that after this election, just have not had time as of late. If there is something of import a complaint may need to be filed. We shall see.

Terry

I'm way ahead of ya. I'm already working on it.... shhhh. He aint' gonna know what hit him. He won't be insulting anyone again... real soon. Even if he somehow gets re-elected...

On the campaign trail you do have democrats supporting republicans in a few of these races. Now that is a funny. Betcha nobody expected that.

Actually, I did expect even Democrats to be in Patrick Bell's corner. Several of them told me they would vote for him in the primary.

I'm a diehard Bell Supporter, but I commend the Democratic nominee. He's a class act (for a dem):-)