We made it to Jesse James Days at Pineville Thursday and Friday although we missed Saturday due to work.  As many of you know, this is a special event for me as I met Esther 45 years ago when I was invited down for the festivities.  I can say that it has definitely changed over the years.  As always, during election years there are always lots of candidates on hand.  People visit, enjoy the music and other entertainment, sample the offerings at the booths and in general have a good time.  Most are friendly with a few exceptions.  One incident fascinated me was when the Republican candidate for sheriff, Gregg Sweeten, was not allowed to throw Frisbees off the back of the fire truck as he has for many years because he was wearing his campaign tee shirt while Loren Garren the Democrat candidate for eastern commissioner auctioned pies. I can guarantee that Gregg’s shirt did not stand out any more than Loren’s voice which most of us know and easily recognize.  I think the people who complained just made “asses” out of themselves as most of those I talked to thought the whole incident was funny.  All in all, I enjoyed myself even though I was told several times that I had lost it since I am backing Gregg.  However, I have looked at what happened at the sheriff’s office from 2000-2004 and then again from 2004-2008.  Overall, I have seen a system that is operating with few minor problems, many of which are related to 911 dispatch, and I feel that if allowed to continue, Gregg will do a better job for the county.  Listening to the radio, I think 911 needs some new leadership and needs to improve their communications.  With that, I think a goal to improve relationships between all offices would be accomplished.

I am on the jail committee and can tell you the problems with the jail are not produced by the current administration.  We definitely need a new jail.  The current one is woefully inadequate to house the number of prisoners today and will become more so as time goes by.  However, first we must prove to the people that they can trust their office holders before we can get them to vote to increase their taxes to fund a jail project.

Thanks to those who shared some opinions with me over the week end and also for those objectionable comments.  I though I might have lost my touch.  If you have any questions, email me at eric@awfulstuff.com or Esther at smudge_mom@yahoo.com