Doth the RoCo supervisor protest too much?
roanoke.com
Note from Dan: The following screed was sent out as an email Friday by Butch Church, chairman of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. It’s also on his campaign website. He is seeking re-election and is in a three-way contest that voters will decide Tuesday. The email references — and casts aspersions on — a story by my colleage, Katelyn Polantz, that in certain ways exposed some of Church’s board and county-government machinations. Read both, and see how many outright falsehoods you can find in the missive below.
From: Butch Church
To: The many loyal and concerned citizens in the Glenvar-Northside-Catawba District
IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU READ THIS MESSAGE IN IT’S ENTIRETY
For weeks, you and I have watched the printed media and one of my opponents disseminate an unbelievable barrage of untruthful information, with insulting innuendos attacking my character and my job performance as your supervisor. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. It is time that my constituents hear the “rest of the story” — which includes all the facts. Then YOU can make your own decisions about who really represents your best interests. I believe in you and I trust you, as we have had an open and transparent relationship for 12-years now.
I will begin with basic facts. Our Board of Supervisors (BOS) has control over 3 positions: the County Administrator, the County Attorney, and the Clerk to our BOS. The written and legal documents state: “These positions work at the pleasure of the BOS.” This means that any of these 3 positions can be terminated — at any time and for any reason by the BOS. One supervisor on the BOS cannot make this decision alone.
Fact: Personnel matters are always discussed in closed session (without media, etc.) This has been done by all governments for many years.
Fact: Our BOS closed sessions are seldom discussed in the public, especially as it relates to personnel.
Fact: Our board clerk was changed by the entire BOS. (This was not mentioned by the newspaper . . .why not?) This was done over a year ago with ample good reasons. Keep in mind that our BOS did not even need to have reason.
Fact: The previous clerk was almost 1-full-year behind in the preparation of BOS minutes (Not mentioned in the newspaper article . . . why not?) Minutes are required by law to be maintained for permanent public records.
Fact: There were 3 employees working in the clerk’s office at this time. Currently, the new clerk is doing the work of all three and doing an excellent job. (Not mentioned in the newspaper article . . .why not?)
Fact: The previous clerk requested an extra piece of computer software, costing approximately $60,000. (Not mentioned by the newspaper. . .why not?) The request was made to assist in “catching up the above mentioned BOS minutes that were so far behind.”
Fact: As chairman, it is my duty and obligation to safeguard and be a good steward of your taxpayer money. I asked the county administrator to determine if this new equipment was indeed justified. In checking on this request, the administrator informed me that, after looking into the matter, he could not determine the job performance of the former clerk. Thus, we began to look further into performance. (Not mentioned in the newspaper article…why not?)
Fact: Shortly after we began looking into job performance, the former clerk — on her own and without justification — pulled my county cell phone records and highlighted calls made to the deputy clerk of the BOS.
Fact: There were a total of 10 calls to the deputy clerk, which were made OVER A 10-MONTH TIME SPAN. (The newspaper conveniently did NOT mention this fact.) The two longest calls made dealt with BOS matters: work session information and review of the chairman agenda for the following day’s BOS meeting. The remainder of the ten calls were under 8 minutes each. ALL calls made were routine and normal business discussions. As a BOS elected member my hours are not set. I don’t work an 8 to 5 shift. I work all the time! I do that for YOU.
Fact: It is interesting to note that I am the only supervisor whose phone records, email, etc. were pulled for review. Since it took a consensus of our Board to make this change in personnel, why weren’t all 5 BOS members’ records pulled and scrutinized? (Doesn’t this strike you as very strange? Could it be because I am up for re-election? You decide.)
Fact: My number of phone calls exceed 1,000 during this time frame yet, only a few were selected. What about the number of calls to other BOS members 89 in one month alone. And, what about calls to the county administrator 26 in one month alone, almost all of which were made during very early mornings/very late at night/weekends/holidays, etc. (Not mentioned in the newspaper. Why not?)
Fact: Our new BOS Clerk has single-handily caught up over 10-months of back-log in THIRTY DAYS WITHOUT OVERTIME. Citizens, I trust your intelligence. Think about the amount of taxpayer money that has been saved, including salaries/benefits/= over $150,000!!! (Why were these facts NOT mentioned in the newspaper?)
Fact: A payment was made to the former clerk in late 2010, but NOT with MY consent whatsoever! In fact, I objected vehemently! (Why did the newspaper conveniently omit this fact?)
I have been portrayed as “all powerful” by the newspaper. Ask yourself this question: If I am “all powerful” why was this payment made over my objections? You know folks, they cannot have it “both ways.” You deserve to know ALL THE FACTS, not just what my opponent and the newspaper want you to see.
Fact: As chairman, I have only 1 vote — the same as every BOS member. I do NOT control any of the things that the newspaper and my opponent want you to believe. I honestly and openly represent you — my citizens – to the very best of my ability.
Fact: My operative word is transparency. I want you to see and be a part of my service to you at all times.
Fact: My record of service is one of openness and public record, for all to see. Why has my opponent chosen NOT to talk about substance — about issues or my true record? I believe you know why — because my record is solid. It is there for all to see.
I hope you will consider all the positive things and loyal service during my (3) terms. I have been told by many constituents that they are weary of my opponent’s attempts to dig “under rocks” and look for innuendos and meaningless gossip to fuel his campaign. It truly saddens me to see this happening in my hometown.
I refuse to run a negative campaign. I NEVER have and I never will. My record of service and my honesty is there for you to review at all times.
I truly serve you!
Fact: In my 12 years, I have NEVER seen such an attempted character assassination. Ask yourself this question and you make your own decision:
QUESTION: WHAT IS DIFFERENT IN THIS ELECTION THAN ALL OTHERS? ANSWER: MY OPPONENT AND A WRITER WHO WANTS TO MAKE A BIG SPLASH.
I have always trusted you, my constituents, and I surely trust your decision and your heart-felt convictions.
Openly and honestly, I am asking for your support on November 8th. Please support me as I have always supported you!
Thank you,
Butch
November 7, 2011 - 6:00 AM
I ran across this on Mr. Church’s opponent’s website……..interesting.
“Being a citizen of Roanoke County can be very frustrating …
Last month, I formally asked the county for information about Explore Park. This is a project that has been in the works for years – with over fifty-million dollars invested so far. What I wanted to know was how much of this money came from Roanoke County taxpayers. This seemed like a fair request considering Explore Park is a shell of what it was conceived to be, and very expensive. Shortly after my inquiry, I received a nice letter from the county stating they’d be glad to provide me with this information, but it would cost me – at least $200. So a county taxpayer has to pay $200 to find out how much of taxpayer’s money has been waisted on a twenty-year, multi million-dollar boondoggle. No wonder people are sick of government.”
SNIP
“My questions aren’t negative, they’re just inconvenient. And until governments and politicians realize they have a sacred responsibility to conduct their business in the open, the destructive political cynicism of this country will continue – and it will be their fault.”
http://www.turnerforsupervisor.com/Newsroom.html
Mr Church’s ego is unbelievable. He doesn’t answer the questions concerning most citizens about his micromanagement of the county. If what the RT reported isn’t true, why isn’t he threatening sue for libel? As a former referee, he should know you have to call ‘em like you see ‘em. Butch has committed a technical foul and it’s time he gets ejected.
I hear this email was just released as well.
CAMPAIGN EVE RAPPIN THEME SONG—Everyone must sing!!!!!!!!!!!
They call me Joe Butch but that’s not my name
I just made it up on my walk to fame.
The women folk say that I give them the hives
But I aint so bad cause I got six wives.
When I’m not hangin’ out in my KING size bed
You can find me conniving with Charlotte and ED.
We’re all independent and that’s no doubt
We had to do something when the parties kicked us out.
For the very few times that I don’t get my way
I call on my homeboy yessir Clay.
He’s the yes man that we recently hired
And if he don’t listen then he’ll get fired.
And even though the staff’s walking round like mimes
I’ve still gotta deal with the Roanoke Times.
They followed out to the State of the County
So I just might have to put out a bounty.
On the cute little reporter who just can’t see
That everybody’s pickin on little po boy me
So till next Tuesday I’ll say farewell
And if ya aint voting for me you can go to hell…
Joe “Butch Dominating Intimidating Browbeating Paranoid Narcissistic Bible Quoting Six Time Loser Man of the People” Church
Gun owners don’t forget Church was behind this:
http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?id=6946
http://blog.vcdl.org/index.php?/archives/1200-VA-ALERT-Roanoke-victory!-Gun-shows-and-events.html
Vote accordingly Tuesday
Thanks for making me laugh on a Monday, knowjoe! Too funny (and accurate)!
Surely voters will recognize Church’s desperate email for what it is: an attempt to hold onto power that he has clearly been abusing. Voters should come out in droves to vote for Turner if only to keep Roanoke County from looking ridiculous!
Catawba/Glenvar voters have a great candidate in Carter Turner. He has justifiably brought up many issues related to Church that merit attention, but voters don’t even need to focus on Church in order to make this decision. Turner’s refreshing approach to local government alone should motivate voters to make this change.
I thought there was supposed to be a separation of Church and State? Is that why he’s only running for City office?
oh ho, I crack myself up.
@knowjoe, the only thing funnier than your “rappin,” is your new moniker for Mr. Church.
@Scott…County office? Still funny.
I think that it’s interesting that Mr. Church presumes that Carter Turner wields such great power. He doesn’t think that his own actions have anything to do with the situation in which he currently finds himself. Classic example of a narcissistic individual with a personality disorder. I also find it interesting that Church is so incensed by these charges of wrongdoing that he only feels the need to answer to his “constituents.” I guess that’s because he’s such a strong proponent of open discussion and full disclosure. I would be interested in knowing whether or not Carter Turner, one of Church’s constituents, received the email. I’ve spoken to a number of his other constituents who did not.
I also think that it was awfully small of Mr. Church to trivialize the reporting done by Ms. Polantz. The fact that she didn’t give any weight to the insignificant details that Mr. Church finds so titillating is a testament to her professionalism and her ability to determine exactly what is, as well as what is not, newsworthy.
Having inside information, I can tell you that what you have read in the RT is only the tip of the iceberg. The path behind Mr. Church is strewn with victims of his revenge. I know because I am one!
I cannot believe all of the stuff I am finding out about Church. I know who to vote for, and I hope you will all join me in voting for Carter Turner. A politician needs to be held accountable by the people, and we have a responsibility to do tomorrow when we skip Butch Church’s name and place a check on Carter Turner! It is amazing the things Church has done and gone without a hitch. Mr. Church- You have been weighed; you have been measured; and you have been found wanting. I have made up my mind- Carter Turner for supervisor!
Latest must read!!!!!!!
“POST ELECTION BEAT DOWN RAP”
Now the election’s all over and the votes have been counted
The men have been whupped and the women been mounted.
My rap song gave me an election day pop
When the day was all done Joe Butch was on top.
I knew I was a winner when I saw there was three
Now the fools in Roanoke County have to tolerate me.
The last time I won I made a little list
Of the minions I rule who don’t get the gist.
Of just how important I think I really am
Like George Wallace was to sweet Alabam’.
If they know what’s good for their pretty little heads
They’ll keep their mouths shut and hide under their beds.
Especially the women they’re the ones I like best
From the north to the south and the east to the west.
And speakin of the west we got a cool Sister City
The girls in Poland are nice and they’re pretty.
But the best thing of all they’re very naive
And they’ll fall into any ole web that I weave.
Just take a little look at my Facebook page
They defend me when the newspaper goes on rage.
But there’s only two people on my Facebook log
Well I guess there’s three if you count that dog.
I’ve got four more years of a wonderful life
No boss, no job, no naggin ass wife.
So yall face the west, on your knees you go
It’s time to pay homage to Catawba Joe……
“Butch” that is…..yall come back now…..ya hear!!!!!!!!!!!