Wednesday, October 2, 2019

You can’t make up stuff like this!

On Saturday of last week, letters from Pollie Brandon, candidate for Sabine Parish Clerk of Court, were delivered to all voters in Sabine Parish. Included in the letter was a courtesy sample ballot.

Fast forward to Monday, one Steven Watts, Election Compliance Investigator for the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge, shows up in Many. He contacted Ms. Brandon to inform her that the category “Commissioner of Insurance” text was left off her sample ballot, although the names of those running were included.

It was simply a proofreading error and he was so informed, although he was checking for malicious intent, which apparently violates some kind of state statute.  Seems Watts indicated he would be satisfied with a letter from the printer saying it was simply an error and there was no malicious intent in the mistake. 

“My goodness, if I wanted to do something malicious, I would have left off the name of my opponent, but I did not,” Ms. Brandon told Observations.

But, that’s not the end of the story. And here’s where it gets almost unbelievable.

Later the same day Ms. Brandon was out running a few errands. She went to pick up some clothes at the new dry cleaners in Bobby Williams’ Shopping Center and then headed for the FedEx drop-off box and Whitney-Hancock bank branch, both near the Courthouse.

She has one of those magnetic signs on her car with her name and the office she is running for. A lot of the candidates around have similar signs on their vehicles.

After her final errand, suddenly an unmarked car with flashing blue lights pulled up behind her. Mrs. Brandon had no reason to think it was tailing her, so she looked for a place to pull over to get out of the way. Then the siren came on, and she realized the car intended to stop her.

She parked, and the guy got out. It was Mr. Watts. He then told Pollie she was “campaigning” too close to where early voting is going on in the Registrar of Voters Office in the Courthouse. She immediately apologized and told the man she didn’t realize simply running errands was considered campaigning. In doing so, she showed him the clothes from the dry cleaners, her FedEx package and bank business.

It is our understanding the investigator drove all the way from Baton Rouge in the first place to check on that little printing error. Mind you, that’s a total of six and a half hours of driving on the clock and about $50 worth of gas, all at taxpayers’ expense we guess, to check on something that could’ve been handled much more easily and with much less expense by phone or email.

We should also note the letters were received over the weekend, when governmental offices are closed, but the Election Compliance Investigator was apparently on the job bright and early Monday morning to drive to Sabine Parish to take care of the matter in person. There are surely only a few informed souls in the parish who would even know to call such an investigator over such a minor detail.

Though any print mistake is regretful, it is also our understanding a person may include or not include any info they wish on a “sample ballot.” It doesn’t pretend to be official and has no use except to help acquaint the user with what to expect on the ballot.

Looks like somebody tried to make a mountain out of a mole hill.

A spokesman for the Secretary of State’s Office confirmed to Observations that Watts came to Many to check into the sample ballot matter. While there, he got a call saying someone with a Pollie Brandon sign on the vehicle was circling the Courthouse. “He verified Ms. Brandon was in fact circling the Courthouse and then stopped her,” the spokesperson said.

From the information Observations received from Ms. Brandon, that was when she turned left onto Capitol from W. Courthouse St. on her way from the Shopping Center, then right on Main St. to arrive to the Hancock-Whitney bank branch. Afterward, she looked to see if the FedEx truck was at the FedEx dropbox behind the courthouse, hoping to get her package sent.

The spokesperson said while in Many, Watts also saw a vehicle with a bullhorn on it and a “Frankie Howard for Sheriff” sign on a vehicle parked near the Courthouse. They were told it needed to move.

It was also reported that some voters came into the Registrar of Voters Office for early voting with sample ballots on which was printed Pollie Brandon for Clerk of Court. The spokesperson said if a candidate’s name is clearly visible on an item it cannot be brought with the voter.

The Many Town Council met in special session Sept. 27 to again discuss the Many Police Department. Mayor Ken Freeman said one of the duties of the Mayor is to see that all departments operate within the law. He said Chief Roger Freeman had appointed Patrolman Stanley Cook to Sergeant and Phillip Cutrer to Detective without approval of the Council, as is necessary. 

He said on June 12 the matter came before the Council which turned thumbs down on the Chief’s recommendation to promote Cook. The Mayor said Cook continues to receive Sergeant’s pay and wears the sergeant’s stripes on his uniform even though the Council did not approve the promotion.

Chief Freeman presented the Council with a two-page report listing Cook’s qualifications. They include Louisiana State Certified Supervisor, State Certified Post Training Coordinator, Nationwide Certified Chemical Weapons Instructor, Nationwide Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor, Nationwide Mobile Video Technology Instructor, and Nationwide Certified Field Training Officer.

In addition, he said Cook is fleet manager including maintenance and service, equipment manager, handles and maintains equipment for patrolmen, handles uniforms, schedules work times and vacations, enters all forbiddens into a new computer data base, supervises day-to-day activities for patrol, sets up required officer training, updates Chief on all matters daily, performs tasks as directed by Chief and works a normal 12-hour patrol shift.

Mayor Freeman commented that it appears Chief Freeman and Cook have failed to follow the Lawrason Act. The Chief said no one else in the department can do the work that Stanley does. The Mayor’s view is that Cook is doing the work that the Chief should be doing.

“Why is he wearing Sergeant’s stripes?” the Mayor asked, to which the Chief responded, “If he took them off, it would tear up the uniform.”

Council Member Mary Beth Brocato asked, “Can he continue to do these duties and not be a sergeant?” The Chief said he could.

Mayor Freeman suggested that Cook and Cutrer pay back the money they have received because the promotions were not approved by the Council. The Chief said he did not cut people’s pay once they have received it. Mayor Freeman said Attorney Billy Pickett said the Council could require the pay be returned.

“Do you have any more officers who have the qualifications Stanley has?” Council Member James Kennedy asked. The Chief said he did not, pointing out that Stanley has 30 years of experience.

“What reports do you fill out?” the Mayor asked the Chief, who replied, “I sign them.” The Mayor responded, “Can Cutrer do the job?” and the Chief said he could.

Kennedy said he had problems in the past with some of the things Stanley has done, but would not let that bother him in looking out for the town. He commented, “We don’t have a good Mayor-Chief relationship. I was in Baton Rouge and someone asked, ‘What in the hell is going on in Many?’”

He continued, “The Chief and Mayor should sit down and work this out. Some of the things that happened should never have happened. This stuff now is penny ante. The Mayor has an obligation to bring things before the Council.”

Kennedy said things now look like a vendetta, adding, “And now we are talking about paying money back that has already been paid. He then made a motion that Cook and Cutrer not pay back any salary they have been paid, and the motion passed.

Mayor Freeman asked the Chief, “You do know what your duties are? You will read the Lawrason Act and know what your duties are?” The Chief responded he had read the Act and knew what his duties are, adding, “I know a lot of my responsibilities and I think I run my Department well.” The Mayor remarked, “Stanley does your job and writes all these reports,” then asking, “What do you do?” To which the Chief responded, “Answer the phone and meet with people, as needed.”

“Can you and the Chief sit down and talk?” Kennedy asked of Mayor Freeman, who said he would not meet with the Chief.

Kennedy then made a motion that he sit down with Mayor Freeman and talk about the Mayor-Chief problem and then visit with the Chief about it. The motion carried.  Any other matters concerning the Police Department would be tabled until after Kennedy serves as a mediator between the two.

Mayor Freeman discussed abolishing the Police Department and letting the duties be handled by the Sheriff’s Office. He said between the Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department, Many taxpayers shell out to the tune of $2.4 million per year.  He said if a change was made, the taxpayers could save $1 million per year which could be applied to a cut in water rates and “Give our citizens a break.”

Early voting for the Oct. 12 primary is still underway at the Registrar of Voters office.  It will end Saturday. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.

Our former Many neighbors now turned Branson, MO inhabitants, Kenneth and Judy Cheatwood, saw another of our longtime friends, legendary fiddler Shoji Tabuchi in Branson recently when he visited Ozark Country Campground to have lunch with friends. It was great to see them pictured together. Shoji once owned land on Toledo Bend Lake and was also based out of Shreveport/Bossier for a while early in his career when he worked with Country star David Houston.

Touted as Branson’s Best for over 30 years, the Shoji Tabuchi Show is a colossal show in a scenic little Ozark Mountain town…a show that no visitor to Branson should miss. It features exciting musical and variety entertainment that appeals to both the young and the young-at-heart.

Shoji Tabuchi performs almost every Monday and Friday from now until Christmas at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Cooper Theater, and his troupe presents a 2 p.m. matinee on most Wednesdays. Be sure to call (417) 334-7469 or visit shoji.com to verify exact concert dates and purchase tickets. The very talented Dorothy Tabuchi and Christina Lingo-Tabuchi also perform on selected dates.

Had a great visit Tuesday morning with Charlie Greer and his wife Martha. He is a strong candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry.

Charlie said that present Commissioner Mike Strain has 500 employees, including 56 unclassified employees, representing about 11 per cent of his staff.

Twenty-eight of the 56, or 50 per cent, have salaries ranging between $100,000 and $130,000. Charlie points out that Strain has two Deputy Commissioners, paying them over one-quarter of a million dollars in salary combined.

Our good friend Robert B. Vincent of Erath got to visit with two close friends at a gathering Sept. 27 in Abbeville. Robert is an Attorney in Erath and a member of the Town Council. He is also in charge of the July 4 Parade they have there every year.

Robert was graduated from Erath High School, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Southern University Law School. He is a regular reader of Observations.

Ms. Maggie Manshack celebrated her 103rd Birthday on Sept. 28. She is the oldest Parishioner at St. Ann Catholic Church in Ebarb. Observations sends all the best to Ms. Manshack and we hope she celebrates many more Happy Birthdays!

For the first time ever, the Tamale Fiesta Board is designating one of its official event t-shirts as a fundraising effort to benefit a local organization. A portion of sales from their “Never Give Up” t-shirt in honor of cancer patients and survivors will go to Pink Sisters, a new Sabine Parish non-profit that provides support, encouragement and help items to local breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

“It’s something that’s been on my mind a long time,” Board Committee Member Cindy Ezernack shared. “For the last few years, it’s been a dream to raise funds for a great local cause with sales from one of our Fiesta t-shirts,” she said.  The Tamale Board voted to donate a portion of this year’s Cancer Ribbon shirt to Pink Sisters of Sabine.

The Zwolle Tamale Fiesta has invited cancer patients and survivors to be their Parade Grand Marshals this year, so reaching out to Pink Sisters was a natural tie-in to this year’s event.

“We are thrilled to receive a portion of the amount raised from the sale of these beautiful t-shirts,” Laurie Gentry, one of the Pink Sisters founders, announced. “I hope every cancer patient, survivor and supporter of those who have faced cancer will get a shirt to celebrate the brave journey of every patient,” she said.

“Pink Sisters” is a term chosen to describe anyone who has had breast cancer – patients and survivors. Their friends and family are invited to take part in the group as well. The group’s mission is to “…encourage and support women living with breast cancer.”

The organization was founded primarily by Betsy Godfrey, who now serves as President. Other Board Members are Ginger Jordan, Vice-Pres.; Nancy Spiller, Sec.; and Laurie Morrow, Treas.; along with Gentry, who handles Publicity. All are breast cancer survivors and wish to enthusiastically support others in the community who face the same experience.

Pink Sisters of Sabine provides encouragement, support and Pink Gifts Need Bags, large totes filled with helpful items for local breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. The items include a small blanket, neck pillow, seat belt pillow, lidded drink cup with straw, sanitizers, a journal, complimentary salon shampoo/style, chemo cap, socks and more. Bags are custom-filled with items of particular use to the patient depending on the method of treatment. When needed, larger items are also provided, such as a wedge pillow, camisole with drain holder pockets, shower supplies or other treatment-specific items.

Another important part of the Pink Sisters vision is to match newly-diagnosed patients with a survivor mentor, who will support and encourage the new patient through the unfamiliar territory of breast cancer treatment.

When Godfrey received word that Pink Sisters was being considered as a recipient of a portion of sales from the “Never Give Up” Tamale Fiesta t-shirt, she and the Pink Sisters board were ecstatic.

“It is so thoughtful and appreciated!” Godfrey shared. “The Board and I are excited about the extra help Pink Sisters will be able to offer local breast cancer patient because of the Tamale Fiesta’s generosity,” she said.

The colorful “Never Give Up” Cancer Ribbon t-shirts are available at Sabine State Bank in Zwolle. Youth sizes are $15; Adult S-XL run $20; and 2XL-4XL are $25. Supplies of this particular shirt are limited, so interested persons are encouraged to act fast.

For more event information, visit www.ZwolleTamaleFiesta.com.

More information about Pink Sisters of Sabine is available on their Facebook page, or call Pres. Betsy Godfrey at (318) 471-5475.

And speaking of Pink Sisters, all are invited to First United Methodist Church of Many on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. worship for “Worship in Pink.” Everyone is encouraged to wear pink in honor of breast cancer patients and survivors, and material will be provided to each family about our new, local non-profit, Pink Sisters of Sabine Inc.

In addition, a short video will be shown during the worship time that shares more about why the support, encouragement and tangible items of help offered by Pink Sisters is so important.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Pink Sisters of Sabine is working hard to make sure they meet all breast cancer patients and survivors in the area. If you know of someone they should meet, please message the group on Facebook (Pink Sisters of Sabine), or call (318) 471-5475 or (318) 332-9914.

On Monday evening, Oct. 28, the organization will have a fundraiser and Observations will provide more information about that closer to time. Suffice to say for now, it will be fun and you don’t want to miss it!

Donations continue to arrive for the annual Project Celebration charity golf tournament and silent auction to be held at Cypress Bend Resort on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Cheryl Wooley, president of Project Celebration’s board of directors said this year’s fundraiser promises to be the biggest one yet, judging from the donations and items that are arriving daily.

The funds raised from the fundraiser will go toward the renovation of Taylor House, a sanctuary for victims of domestic violence who are fleeing their homes, often with their children.

“Taylor House is badly in need of renovation,” Wooley said. “We’ve been talking about renovating it for several years now, and it’s finally going to happen. This annual golf tournament and silent auction play a huge role in raising funds to help victims of domestic violence.”

The golf tournament begins at 9:30 a.m. and the silent auction starts at 2 p.m. and lasts until 5 p.m.  There is no charge to attend this event, other than entry fees for the golf tournament. Silent auction items will be on display on the upper back porch of the golf club. Refreshments will be served and there will be a wine tasting as well.

Jamie Vincent, Asst. Vice-Pres. and Many Branch Manager of City Bank presented a donation to Janet Wilson from Project Celebration last week.  

Lee McCann, president of Sabine State Bank in Many, presented a generous check to Cheryl Wooley for the fundraiser.

Both banks are also giving items for the golf entry bags which will be distributed to all golf players in the tournament.

Factory Connections clothing store has donated a beautiful lady’s handbag for the auction. Walmart has donated a 4K 42-inch smart TV to be sold at the silent auction.

Many more donations and items for the auction are coming in regularly. It is assured to be the biggest auction yet with art, handmade quilts, jewelry, technology, entertainment items, food items and lots more.

That is all for this first Wednesday in October. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions for future articles. Please call me at (318) 332-8653 or send an email to robertrgentry@gmail.com. To see older Observations, please visit our Facebook page, where they are listed by date under Photo Albums. Observations of the last year are located below on the following pages. To save, send or print this week’s column, click on the appropriate icon. And as always, thanks for reading.

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