McCormick’s new mayor enjoying job

May 21, 2007

By LARRY SINGER
Index-Journal staff writer

McCORMICK — Mayor Roy Smith Jr. is not someone who sees an opportunity and watches idly as it slips by.
When McCormick’s former mayor resigned, for instance, Smith saw the vacancy as not only a chance to enter politics for the first time, but also to become the chief executive of his town.
About 2,600 people reside in McCormick, a quiet and picturesque community bordered on one side by a large lake, and on the other three sides by Sumter National Forest.
“I’ve lived in McCormick County all my life,” said Smith, 46. “I was born and raised in Mount Carmel.”
Most of the time, Smith has split his professional attention between the military, toiling in a large factory and mastering the art and business of photography.
“I’ve been working at Flexible Technologies in the shipping and receiving department for about 27 years,” Smith said. “I just retired from the National Guard and I also own a photography business, Smith Photography.
“I’ve owned that for about 11 years. I do weddings and family portraits. I have a studio set up in the house where I do a lot of prom pictures, class reunions and family reunions.”
The fact Smith had no political experience did not stop him for aiming high when he decided to throw his hat into the mayoral ring a year and a half ago.
“I ran for mayor because I live in a great community, and I just wanted to contribute something to the town,” Smith said. “I also returned from the National Guard and this community has been so supportive of me as a business man, and being in the military, that I just wanted to give back by helping people and making a contribution.”
When Smith hit the campaign trail, he did not run unopposed.
“When I ran for mayor, I was up against three other people,” Smith said. “I hadn’t served in any other public area and I went right for the mayor’s seat. I just put forth the effort so I could win it on the first shot.
“I wanted to try and win it the first go-around without having to try again, so I went out and talked t o a lot of people. Because I was retired military and a business leader, that gave me a little bit of an experience edge on the other people .”
Although his town is not a bustling metropolis, Smith takes his responsibilities very seriously.
“I’m the highest executive officer of the town,” he said. “I have the police department, the fire department and the administrative people report to me, and that includes the town administrator. I have the authority over those people.”
He could not do his job effectively, he said, without the help of his town administrator.
“We’ve got a good town administrator,” Smith said. “In fact, when I was elected, the town administrator that been here for a number of years, retired. So I thought we had run into a problem, but we were fortunate to get Dave Krumwiede, from Abbeville, who has more than 30 years of town administration experience under his belt, so he was a big plus coming to McCormick.”
Smith also said when he finishes his current partial stint in office, he will run for a full four-year term
“I have to run again in March of 2008,” Smith said. “What I’m doing is filling out he term of the previous mayor, Miriam Patterson Alzevedo, who resigned when she she got married and moved out of town. So I’ll finish out her term and run again for a full four year term.”
As might be expected in a small, rural town, the economic health of McCormick is at the top of Smith’s list of concerns.
“I believe the top priority here is economic development,” Smith said. “We’re looking at enhancing livelihoods in McCormick through economic development, education and recreation. If we can put put all of those together, it would be a big plus for the entire community.
“We just got a grant from the federal government which will boost economic development and will upgrade property values. We also have a grant that will be contributing more money to our sewer system, and we hope that will attract development.”
Smith said he was able to become mayor by talking to as many people as possible, and getting their input as to what they believe the town needs to thrives.
Today, he still seeks that input, and he has become the town’s most vocal booster.
“I think McCormick is a great place, and our biggest asset is our people,” he said. “We used to have gold in McCormick, but we have jewels too, and those jewels are the people of McCormick.
“The people of McCormick are proud of their past. They are enjoying the present and they are excited about the future.”

How close is too far?

Bills on opposite ends of spectrum

May 21, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

Lou Dobbs, of CNN, says in a recent column that it’s the church in this country — and not the federal government — that’s pushing the hardest to narrow the separation between church and state.
It’s an interesting argument to broach with pending legislation deepening the gap between lawmakers and pastors nationwide.
James Dobson, founder of grassroots Christian juggernaut Focus on the Family, is a man Dobbs questions openly for a commendation of politician Newt Gingrich over Sen. Fred Thompson, reportedly for Thompson’s not being “Christian enough.”
A furthering of the conversation also might include the Catholic church’s stance on immigration reform. A recent program on National Public Radio suggested some Catholics might even choose to hide illegal aliens in protest of nation’s current policy on deportation.
The question that remains when the rhetoric stops flying is this: Where do the majority of Americans stand on this divisive issue?
Is the separation of church and state about faith or fear?
Are Christians possibly even violating the Bible — as Dobbs contends, by quoting a passage from Romans that suggests a submission to all governments — by supporting various lobbying arms working in the Capitol?
Or is it the government and/or organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union — which has challenged the right to pray over loudspeakers before high school football games in South Carolina — that continue to press too hard? Will the government itself be guilty of violating constitutional rights by way of new, controversial “hate crimes” legislation (should the bill pass the Senate and override a veto that President Bush says he’ll execute)?
This longtime argument of church and state is neither mentioned nor sanctioned within any paragraph written in the U.S. Constitution.
In fact, the First Amendment to the Constitution says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Dobbs admits as much in his column, but extends the discussion by saying “we have precious little protection against the political adventurism of all manner of churches and religious organizations. The leadership of the Catholic Church and many Protestant churches ... are driving that political adventurism as those leaders conflate religion and politics.”
As a current member of Congress, Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-S.C.) walks the thin line between being a man of faith and a man of fealty to his constituents on a daily basis and with head held high.
For Barrett, there is no battle waging within.
“My heart is who I am, and I can’t separate the two,” Barrett said. “My faith and beliefs help drive who I am and are a part of what makes me the leader that I am. I like to use my head to think with and heart to lead with.”
He thinks Christian lobbying organizations — such as Focus on the Family — have a place at the table.
“I would hope that all Christian groups would lobby the correct way by upholding the law and using a Christ-like attitude,” Barrett said. “I wish that these groups didn’t have to spend money (lobbying), but unfortunately, in the system that we have, you have to spend money sometimes in order for your voice to be heard. The groups I’ve worked with have been very respectful.”
As a South Carolinian, the issue of public prayer is one Barrett knows well.
The congressman says his position as an elected official, however, does not forfeit his right to pray in public places, including open prayer at meetings.
“Just because an elected official has that position does not mean I abdicate my rights as a citizen,” he said. “If I go to Rotary and I am asked to pray, I would be representing myself, not the Gresham Barrett affiliated with the federal government.”
To that end, Barrett recently reintroduced legislation — the Public Prayer Protection Act — that seeks to protect the right of elected and appointed officials to express their religious beliefs through public prayer.
“We have seen a trend recently in the federal court system toward removing religion from our public society,” Barrett said. “Now we are seeing outside groups like the ACLU come into our own back yard, and something needs to be done to ensure the constitutional rights guaranteed to all Americans are protected.
“The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. The Public Prayer Protection Act seeks to reaffirm that right given to all of us.”
Barrett said his re-issued bill now has twice the co-sponsors it featured when released a year ago.
Another debate that has grabbed the attention of many religious conservatives across the nation is H.R. 1592.
It’s the much-talked-about “hate crimes” bill, which many church leaders — Dobson included — say could allow persecution of preachers for some portions of their sermons relating to the biblical view of homosexuality.
Dobson released a statement praising President Bush for his having said he would veto the bill — which passed the House of Representatives — should it ever land on his desk in the Oval Office.
Barrett disagrees with the bill’s motives, as his “no” vote in the House of Representatives indicates.
“If passed into law, this bill could allow religious leaders or members of religious groups to be prosecuted criminally based on a sermon, speech or other constitutionally protected activities,” Barrett said. “The language in this legislation could be constructed and interpreted to deny certain individuals their freedoms as defined within the original framework of the Constitution.
“The concept of liberty in our country is represented through Lady Liberty, who deals justice with a blindfold — let us not remove it.”
The ACLU supports the legislation, which the organization says would allow federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute hate-crime offenses in cases where local law enforcement lacks the resources, or in some cases the willingness to do so. It also says the bill protects free speech, which kept the organization from supporting prior like-minded bills.
“Prosecuting violent hate crimes is critically important,”said Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office, in a statement after the bill passed the House.
“When a person inflicts violence based on hate, it is important that they be punished.”
“It’s vital that hate-crime legislation bans prosecutors from introducing evidence of hate speech or membership in groups with bigoted beliefs,” added ACLU Legislative Counsel Christopher Anders.
Whether the bill actually passes the Senate (and survives a likely presidential veto), the issue is unlikely to die anytime soon.
“I think it’s going to be a continued fight,” Barrett said. “When you look at founders of the country, we had men and women of faith that believed in something bigger than us. They believed in a supreme being. Unfortunately, there is a growing group that wants to do away with any and all reference to a higher being.
“I don’t think that’s what the founding fathers had in mind.”

Obituaries

Ansel Godfrey

WARE SHOALS — Walter Ansel Godfrey, 79, husband of Carolyn Daniel Godfrey, of 98 Godfrey Drive died Sunday, May 20, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center. He was born in Greenwood County, a son of the late Roy Young “Boots” and Mamie Whitman Godfrey. He was a member of Kings Chapel Methodist Church and was retired from Riegel Textile Corporation. Surviving are his wife of fifty-five years and two sisters, Jane Johnston, Cartersville, Ga. and Mary Evelyn Holliday, Belton, S.C.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 3 p.m. at Kings Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Philip L. Shuler officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Nephews and great-nephews will serve as active pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Kings Chapel United Methodist Church, Treasurer, 98 Godfrey Drive, Ware Shoals, S.C. 29692.
The family is at the home and will receive friends at the church 2-3 p.m.
Parker-White Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Edna Smith

WARE SHOALS — Edna O’Dell Smith, 79, widow of A. E. Smith of Ware Shoals, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2007, at Magnolia Manor of Greenwood. She was born in Laurens County, a daughter of the late Belton Dewitt O’Dell, Sr. and the late Helen Jones O’Dell. She was a member of Mt.
Pleasant Baptist Church in Laurens and was retired from Inman Mills.
She is survived by her granddaughter, Kelley Smith Calvert and husband, Shanon and her great-grandsons, Will and Jake whom she adored. She is also survived by two sisters, Ruth Franks and Barbara Sue Pulley both of Laurens and many nieces and nephews.
She was pre-deceased by her son, Billy Smith, her infant daughter, Miriam Smith and several brothers and sisters.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. We will miss her greatly, but we know that she is at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and her body has been completely restored.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Parker-White Funeral Home with Rev. Roger Smith and Rev. Dr. Marcus Bishop officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Olive Baptist Church cemetery.
The family, at the home of her granddaughter, 1007 Smith St. extension, would like to say a special thank you to all of the staff at Magnolia Manor for taking such wonderful care of her for the last four and one half years.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 2536 Indian Mound Road, Laurens, S.C.
29360 in her honor.
Visitation is Tuesday, 7-8:30 p.m. at Parker-White Funeral Home.

Lois Stevenson

Graveside services for Lois Stevenson will be held 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at Greenwood Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Glen Mosteller officiating. The family will receive friends after the service. The body is at Harley Funeral Home for viewing.
Lois Annette Stevenson, 80 of 106 Baldwin Avenue died Sunday, May 20, 2007 at Hospice House.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Thurman H. and Della Mae Keasler Stevenson. Ms. Stevenson retired from Cooper Power systems and was the owner and operator of Annette’s Beauty Shop. She was also a member of Jordan Memorial Baptist Church, where she was in the Mary Ouzts Sunday School Class.
Surviving are two sisters, Waydene Stalnaker of Greenwood and Lillie Howard of Abbeville; a brother, Thurman Stevenson Jr.; a niece, Donna Stalnaker Jewell of Carrollton, TX; and a nephew, Bruce Allen Stalnaker of the home.
The family is at the home.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the Stevenson family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Edgar Wardlaw

ABBEVILLE — Edgar (Eck) Wardlaw, Sr., 83, died Thursday, May 17, 2007, at the Richard M. Campbell Veterans Home in Anderson. He was the husband of Gladys R. Wardlaw. Born in Bayden, NC, he was the son of the late Tom and Bessie Singleton Wardlaw. He was a member of the Little Mountain A.M.E. Church in Abbeville. He retired from the Abbeville Nursing Home and he served in the United States Army.
He is survived by his wife of the home; one son, Edgar Wardlaw, Jr.; two daughters, Mary Wideman and Minnie Quarles both of Abbeville; four step-children, Davis Nash, Frankie Nix, Leslie Johnson and Rev. Doris Power all of Abbeville; two sisters, Emmaline Wardlaw and Sue Ellen Wardlaw both of Bayden, NC; sixteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
Services will be Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at 2 p.m. at the Little Mountain A.M.E. Church in Abbeville. Rev. Beulah Reagins will be officiating. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Public viewing will be Monday, May 21, 2007, at the Abbeville & White Mortuary Chapel from 1-8 p.m.
The family is at the home.
Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at awmort@wctel.net.

Maggie M. Williams

HONEA PATH — Maggie M. McIntosh Davis Williams, 95, died Friday, May 18, 2007, at AnMed Health Medical Center.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at 2 p.m. at New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Princeton, SC, with burial in the church cemetery. The body is at Robinson-Walker Funeral Service and will be placed in the church Tuesday at 1 p.m.
The family is at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Johnny (Bertha) Tucker, 109 Mt. Nebo Church Road, Honea Path, SC.
Robinson-Walker Funeral Service, Ware Shoals, is in charge of the arrangements.

Opinion

Immigration bill may be start to find a solution

May 21, 2007

It is obvious after the U. S. Senate approved a new plan to deal with illegal immigrants that cross our borders, especially from Mexico, that there’s just as much dissension among the American people as ever. There may even be more dissatisfaction, and that includes many in the Palmetto State.
Does the Senate-backed plan provide amnesty for the illegals already in this country? Proponents say no. Opponents say yes. South Carolina’s Senators are split. Jim DeMint says it does. Lindsey Graham says it doesn’t.
There will be, no doubt, a lot of bickering before any plan is given final approval. In fact, this Senate bill still has to pass muster in the House before it becomes law, and that’s never a sure thing.

DESPITE THE FACT THAT MANY Americans are unsettled one way or the other, there may be a silver lining to this hovering cloud that threatens a storm. As one lawmaker observed, it’s a start. Considering the lack of progress to date on solving the illegal immigration problem, something is needed to get the issue on the table.
When the debate comes up in the House there are a number of negatives to cover. One is that turning illegals into voting Americans could hand organized labor new members by the droves.
They generally align with the Democrats so they would also give that party a lot of new blood and, in effect, help stack the deck against Republicans.

EFFORTS TO FIND A PERMANENT solution must start somewhere, though, and this ought to be it. Let federal lawmakers argue the pros and cons. The American public, however, must continuously monitor the situation. It must make sure the deck is not stacked too much one way and turn the Republican Party into a minority force that could never again realize political parity.
As noted, though, it’s a start. Let’s just not let it become another boondoggle that defies fixing. Remember one thing while debating it, too. Immigrants that come into our country illegally are breaking the law, and they know it. What’s the lesson there? If we allow one law to be snubbed with impunity, what happens when some illegal immigrants think how easy it was and decide that other laws can also be broken? Will they expect exceptions then? Why not!