Lots of political strategy, lies and downright dirty tricks are usually the norm in Cleveland
County politics. Commissioner Eddie Holbrook’s campaign signs and mailers should be the
proof of that. But new political tricks, wrinkles and story telling have reached new highs, even
for Cleveland County. And, especially for Early Voting.
Sheriff’s Race:
Probably the weirdest shenanigan of them all was Sheriff Alan Norman’s reported “Birthday
Party” held at the Hobby Lobby Early Voting site this past Tuesday. I have heard about a lot of
things happening at Polling locations, but a Birthday Party is a new one on me. I don ’t know if it
is illegal, unethical or not, but it sure sounds strange. All I can say to that is Happy Birthday
Alan!
Of course anonymous reports of Deputies being “expected” to work the polls for the incumbent
Sheriff have come to me. Deputies putting up signs and such are usually reported around
Election time. Then, there are the eye witness reports of Sheriff Norman spending lots of time
working the crowd at the Early Voting sites are rolling in every day. Same with Eddie Holbrook.
Also, Sheriff Norman was reported to be rude to his opponent’s wife as the woman was trying
to assist a 90+ year old lady get curbside assistance to vote.
Getting out the Vote:
The “Black Community” usually led by “Black” Preachers as well as the NAACP have long
advocated for Sunday Early Voting. The thought being that is the Preachers could turn his
congregation out of Church and have them go vote immediately. “Souls to the Polls” it is called.
The rumor this year is that there will be buses ready at the participating Black Churches to haul
the whole congregation directly to the polling places and run the voting age people in the
congregation straight into the voting line.
Only thing though is how “Plantation Politics,” led by Commissioner Eddie Holbrook, will play
out in this effort. On one side you have the Uncle Toms led by Rev. Lamont Littlejohn, Ron
Harrill, Larry Corry, the NAACP led by Mary Degree and perhaps others who are allegedly
closely linked to Commissioner Eddie Holbrook. On the other side are those who have formed a
group called “Partnership for a Stronger Cleveland County” led by Rev. Billy Houze, Rev. Ray
Lockhart, Rev. Charles Webber and others who want to break away from the Uncle Tom
Plantation Politics control mentality and work for the best interest of ALL the black community.
Miscellaneous:
Allegedly Holbrook and Shelby Mayor Stan Anthony were called to a meeting with the
Partnership just a few days ago in an effort to try to find out why certain things were done that
had negative impacts (lack of water service and a lack of serious consideration of a business
proposal) to certain black community members. Holbrook and Anthony show up (Although
Holbrook and the other appointed incumbent Commissioners refused to participate in the
Partners for a Stronger Cleveland County commissioner’s debate a few weeks ago.) Reportedly
there were no satisfactory responses by Holbrook and Anthony.
Political Smackdown has told certain citizens that my article based on a Smackdown Episode
regarding certain candidates having to work for their pay and Eddie Holbrook spending his time
on his $125,000 CCC job at the Early Voting place was “misleading.” Go see for yourself who
was misleading. Political Smackdown on Livestream:
https://livestream.com/accounts/13073835/events/7634156/videos/182083965
Notice Smackdown said that the Republican Sample Ballot did not have a recommendation for
Sheriff, and provided a misleading answer why not. Notice that Sheriff Alan Norman is a
registered Democrat and his Opponent (by Petition) is registered Unaffiliated.
Stay tuned folks, There will be more to come.
