October 26, 2004

The October 26, 2004, meeting of the Florence County Citizens In Action was held at 6:00 PM the new Florence County Library. There were 38 members and numerous guests present.

Chairman Lou Vause called the meeting to order. Chairman Vause welcomed members and guest. Chairman Vause announced that the brochures had been printed and were available for distribution in area towns.

Member Rita Briggs addressed the group concerning a press conference held October 20th by CIA member, Licia Stone. Mrs. Briggs expressed concern that the public would view this as a CIA related press conference.

Licia Stone responded saying that she had made it clear to the media that she was representing herself and not the FCCIA.

Murray Jordan expounded on Mrs. Stone’s remarks stating that the press conference had no connection with the CIA.

Because of the absence of the secretary there was no reading of the previous month’s minutes. Mrs. Vause said these minutes would be posted on the website.

Treasurer, Licia Stone reported a balance of $844.77 after revenues of $200 and expenses of $402.50.  (The full report is attached.)

Chairman Vause thanked various members for their recent contributions to FCCIA including Secretary Mike Young (in his absence), the phone committee, and the letter committee. Bette Cox, chairman of the phone committee, asked for volunteers to write letters. Ted Vause stated that he had written a letter, which had not been printed, and when he inquired was told by the Morning News that the letter had been misplaced. He submitted a second copy of the letter.

Mrs. Vause thanked Murray Jordan for his efforts as Radio Chairman and for his recent remarks before County Council concerning the voting machines.

Mrs. Vause said that she would schedule a meeting of the Membership and Publicity Committee.

Mrs. Vause announced that FCCIA, through the Freedom of Information Act, has received information concerning Lynches River County Park. She said this information would be reviewed and the group notified if action needed to be taken.

Chairman Vause read a letter concerning the Discretionary Funds and the roll over aspect of proceeds from the Road System Maintenance Fee. She said that the letter had been delivered to county council members and Chairman Terry Alexander on October 18th. (Copy of letter is attached) After reading the letter she gave copies of it the board members who were present.

She reminded the group that attorney Mack Buyck had spoken to FCCIA at the September meeting concerning this issue and his opinion that the funds can not be carried over.

Licia Stone made a motion that the letter be made public and that a copy of it be sent to the SC Attorney General. Murray Jordan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Ted Vause passed out copies of a letter to the editor he had written and submitted to the newspapers. The letter expressed his personal concerns on recent and past actions of Florence County Council. Mr. Vause stressed that this letter expressed his own views and not those of the CIA.

Murray Jordan spoke concerning the resignation of the County Administrator and the pending search for a new administrator.

Member Elfie Talent spoke concerning the number of new residents in Florence County who do not obtain new car tags.  It was her opinion that Florence County should follow Horry County’s example of strict enforcement to solve this problem.

Chairman Vause adjourned the business meeting.

Chairman Vause introduced Bob Juback, news anchor with WBTW.  Mr. Juback moderated the candidates’ forum open to all countywide candidates. Candidates present were County Council candidates Andy Wilson, Herbert Anderson, and Ken Ard. County treasurer candidate Dean Fowler and Sheriff candidate Kenny Boone. After the forum was concluded, Mrs. Vause thanked Mr. Juback and presented him with a gift.

Respectively Submitted,


Licia Stone