Candidates address issues at Grassy Pond stump meeting

The 30th anniversary of the creation of the Grassy Pond Volunteer Fire Department was cause to celebrate Saturday, but not cause to attend the department's traditional stump meeting.

A smaller-than-normal crowd of about 40 people attended the stump meeting, which featured only six candidates or their representatives.

Following the usual auctioning of homemade cakes to the highest bidder, the candidates strolled to the microphone at the former Grassy Pond school auditorium stage.

Frank Wagner, the Constitution Party candidate for the Fifth Congressional seat held by John Spratt, was the most provocative speaker. Wagner, who introduced himself as a former loyal member of the Republican Party, said he became a third-party candidate because both Democrats and Republicans are guilty of pork barrel spending. He added the United States will follow the decline of other republics if it continues to print worthless money.

Wagner ended his remarks by saying, "I'll p&%# you off before I will lie to you."

Speaking on behalf of her father, John, Catherine Spratt said her father's experience is invaluable during these times of war and economic strife.

The republican in the race, Albert Spencer, said given Spratt's financial background he should have known of the impending mortgage crisis and taken steps to stop it. He said he supports small business and term limits.

Danny Stacy, who is involved in a rematch with Dennis Moss for House Seat No. 29, asked the crowd if state lawmakers are spending their money wisely?

He answered his own question with a resounding "No!"

He also said Moss has characterized himself as a conservative but he's not.

"(Moss) has voted for $500,000 on festivals," Stacy said.

He also charged that Moss voted to override Gov. Mark Sanford's spending vetoes.

Sissy Brock, who represented Moss, who missed the event because of a prior engagement, said Moss voted for water grants for the area, not festivals.

She also said Moss has garnered several endorsements, including the S.C. Chamber of Commerce and S.C. Education Association.

Although Stacy never mentioned it during his remarks, Brock denied a charge the Moss campaign has engaged in smear tactics.

"We aren't spreading lies about the Stacy family," she said.

Incumbent District 30 State Rep. Olin Phillips got the biggest laugh when he recalled the inaugural Grassy Pond Fire Department stump meeting 30 years ago when some elderly candidates were physically unable to climb onto the large stump to deliver their statements. So, the organizers improvised and carted out a wagon for the candidates to speak from, he said.

After his remarks, Phillips presented a General Assembly resolution, saluting the Grassy Pond Fire Department for its 30 years of service to the Grassy Pond community.