Who's Running Where

Upcoming Political Series

2015 CIAA CHAMPS

Winston Salem State University

CHI RAQ

In Theaters December 4

For Goodness Sake

Upcoming 2016 Elections

2015 MEAC FOOTBALL CHAMPS

North Carolina Central University

Monday, May 31, 2010

2010 Memorial Day Salutations

In Memoriam
Charles Horatio Christian
January 16, 1948 - May 23, 2010

"Remembering Those Who Served.
Saluting Those Serving. God Bless Them One and All."

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Wilson County Schools Community Forum

The Wilson branch of the NAACP and Wilson County Schools will host a series of public forums.

The first of three forums will be held Thursday, May 27, at Darden Middle School at 7 pm . The focus of this meeting will be "Keeping the Students in the Classroom. How to improve student attendance and reducing student suspensions.

Future discussions will include: promoting faculty/student interactions and cultural sensitivity, understanding the roles and responsibilities of schools, the Central Office and the Board of Education and improving the graduation rate and reducing the dropout rate.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Our Community Stimulus Watch - ST Wooten


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

City Council Meeting Thursday

Wilson City Council members will get their first look at the 2010-11 budget on Thursday night, plus public hearings involving properties on NC 42, NC 58, Country Club Drive and Brewer Court. The agenda is online click here. You can also watch the live broadcast at 7 pm Thursday evening on both Greenlight and Time Warner Cable on channel 8.

Our Community Stimulus Watch - Wilson County

StimulusWatch

Wilson, County of (inc)
Grant: $346,221 - Department of Justice - awarded Sep. 16, 2009


Award Description: STAR 
Sheriffs Team Apprehending Re-offenders.

Project Description: This project is designed to focus on the criminal element that are considered career criminals. By taking the the career criminal off the streets and prosecuting them in both state and federal court system where they will receive the active punishment that will keep them from commiting other crimes.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

A Candid Look at Wayne Gay

Wayne Gay Apologizes
Posted by John Carter

I am a former Deputy Sheriff from Wilson County and worked for Wayne Gay for 3 1/2 years. Wayne Gay has offered some sort of apology for the things he has said since being soundly defeated by fellow democrats in the democrat primary. I have a problem with this; I think he meant and still means exactly what he originally said. Let's look into this in more detail.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Citizens' Comment - Greenlight

Wilson leaders protecting Greenlight?

The recent article regarding Sen. David Hoyle's draft legislation that would require a public vote before cities could build private broadband networks suggests that the leaders of Wilson are protecting us from something that is bad.

Friday, May 14, 2010

In Wayne's World They Still Don't Get It

Community Blogger: Daryl Barber

After being soundly defeated by a two to one margin by his own lifelong affiliated democratic Party, soon to be ex-sheriff Wayne Gay in a classless and unstatesmanlike way, not only did not call and congratulate his worthy opponent he in fact took off in a temporarily insane rant.

He challenged the race and integrity of his own party, of which his own Major Chris Boykin is party chairman as well as wild threats of retaliation in a disturbing political satire. Even his own diehard party loyalist were dismayed at the loss of reality and integrity by the sheriff they thought they knew.

Well Whaddaya Know Wilsonians

For those that are not on the inside, Johnny has been running the S.O. for many years because Sheriff Gay was rarely at the S.O. or in town for different reasons. There will be little to no change IF he is elected. Johnny has a hot temper and will make hasty decisions when he is fired up. Anyone that has worked with him has seen his temper fly in Department meetings when he threatened to send people home for 30 days without pay. Johnny is another extension of Sheriff Gay's administration, however he does have experience with the budget or experience helping Maj Boykin, J. Tant and others hide funds. Johnny is passionate for the S.O. with out a doubt. Years have gone by with rumors of Gay passing the S.O. over to Farmer or Boykin and that in itself divided the office. You wont get Deputies to talk openly about who they support because of fear of retaliation, but that is smart. A meeting was held to decide who would run FOR Gay in Nov and 112 was the answer.

COPs eye
May 13, 2010 10:46 a.m.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Citizens' Comments - William Biddle

Debt reduction commission just a Ponzi scheme. I hope every American can see through the crap that is being thrown out by the Obama Administration. At every turn in the road we are getting legislation pushed down our throats that we don't want, creating massive debt, that will lead to taxes increases the likes of which we have never seen before. Why do I say this? Remember, mark this day on your calendar. Obama has just appointed a commission to reduce the deficit. This is nothing more than another Ponzi scheme.

Gay's Sidekick to Seek Sheriff



Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Wayne Gay Comments on His Behavior

Talk about timing, we posted a blog post on yesterday Gay needs to apologize to community too that suggested Wayne Gay should apologize to the community for outbursts made during his concession speech last week. Today in the local paper we discovered the following correspondence to the community. All things work together for the good. Here's the letter as it appeared in it's entirety.

John Farmer the new Wayne Gay

Comments, Censorship & the Community

The following information was forwarded to Wilsonian Voices yesterday by a fellow Wilsonian who attempted to make a comment in the local newspaper in response to a comment they saw. As the story goes they waited to see their response amongst the others they watched being added to the comment section. It never came through. So they sent us a copy of what they wrote and we've decided to share it.

Moderating, Censoring or Just Shutting Out

Are you one of the ones who've submitted a comment to the local paper or wrote a letter to the editior and your comment wasn't added or your letter changed from what you initially wrote?

Recently, while reading some of the comments made in the local paper, we came across this angry commenter; "first of all i think it's crap that all comments are not posted. who gives the staff at the wdt the right to decide what comments are posted. you should post all comments because everyone has the right to be heard." the people of wilson county have no idea what they've done. it was said directly out of the mouths of court officials that woodard does not have the experience or knowledge to run this county. sad when those that work so close to him say these things. Thursday, May 06, 2010 at 3:50 PM

And just yesterday we received the following: "Been waiting all day for my comment to show up in the Wilson Times. That was 11 hours ago. Guess it ain't happening. How come some folks can get away with saying what they want and when you try to respond yours don't make it in. That's what I want to know. Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 9:15 PM.

Been there. Done that. Gotta a community blog to prove it. Welcome to Wilsonian Voices.

Councilman says Dismantle ElectriCities

Regulating electricity rates
Councilman favors dismantling ElectriCities

When investor-owned electric companies like Progress Energy want to raise rates, they go through a lengthy review process with the N.C. Utilities Commission. Public hearings are held, an audit is completed by the commission's public staff and the need for an increase has to be clearly justified, said Robert Gruber, executive director of public staff, which represents the interests of the public.

Juneteenth Celebration & Talent Show

The Terry Davis Scholarship Committee & The Wilson Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Presents “Wilson’s Best” June 5, 2010 at 6:30 @ Beddingfield High School

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Here's The Definition of a 360

Recently, while browsing through a blogsite in Rocky Mount, The Political Agitator, we came across the following response to our blogpost called Implication. Intimidation. Inaccurate Information. The response was written by  F. Stan Jones and it referenced the mis-information Wayne Gay planted and initiated concerning the Black community during the primary election. Seems Mr. F Stan Jones responded over in Rocky Mount but failed to check in over here in Wilson. Nonetheless, it crossed our path and we're gonna share what he had to say. OK...here's an update you can also view this piece in the Wilson Times as a letter to the editor called "Frustrated with Gay's Leasdership."

Gay Needs to Apologize to Community Too

A week ago today things got pretty heated in Wilson NC. The Wilson County Sheriff's race was the talk of the town. By the close of the evening residents declared, "There’s a new sheriff in town." What a day! Emotions ran high and the ousted sheriff wasn't happy about the way the day ended. His rants of it's not over and the insults he proclaimed calling his challenger a fool didn't sit very well with Wilsonians.Verbally attacking Woodard's qualifications and dismissing his experience as a deputy with the WCSO and as an SBI agent were downright mean-spirited and indignant. Residents weren't very pleased with the "bad behavior" displayed by Sheriff Gay.

Myrtle Beach Trip Book Reservations Now

Sunday, May 9, 2010

History Unfolds with Arlene Woodard


Happy Mother's Day 
 Arlene Woodard

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

LOOK WHAT YOU DID!
 CONGRATULATIONS To YOUR "BABY-BOY" & Thanks for "GROWING a GREAT KID!"
Calvin... do something EXTRA, EXTRA SPECIAL for your mom today!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Wilson County Commissioners Update

The Wilson County Board of Commissioners Monday night unanimously approved new rules for the establishment of Internet cafes. The rules require the business owners to secure a special-use permit and prohibits the selling or consuming of alcohol on the premises. The rules also prohibit the cafes from being located within 2,000 feet of any school, church or residence

The Wilson County Commissioners voted six to one Monday night in favor of keeping North Carolina's current Alcoholic Beverage Control system. And in other action, commissioners voted unanimously to approve the refinancing of debt related to school renovations and construction projects for Wilson County Schools.

Citizens' Comments - Joe Harper

Reaction to the results of any election always elicits various and sometimes passionate responses and opinions as to the candidates who were voted in or out of office, sometimes from the candidates themselves. I would like however, to offer an average citizens opinion to the recent election for Wilson County sheriff.

Citizens' Comments - David Faison Jr

I want to begin by congratulating Mr. Calvin Woodard on winning the Wilson County Democratic Sheriff Primary and wish him well in the November general election, a gesture Sheriff Gay should also be making. But no! Sheriff Gay, after being soundly beaten -- fair and square -- has taken the low road by being a sore loser and saying some outrageous things about Mr. Woodard's win, as well as about the decision of Wilson County voters -- blacks and whites -- to not renew his tenure in office.

Citizens' Comments - E.D. Arrington


The response of Sheriff Gay concerning the election of Sheriff-elect Woodard cannot effectively be addressed in this short communication, but too much should not be dismissed.

Such as... "I'm telling you in my opinion, he is not the right man to lead this county for the next four years, and I'm going to do everything I can to see that the right person is in position to do it." With a vote of 6,586 to 4,082, the people decided who they believe is the right person.

The Wilson Farmers Market

Saturday - The Wilson Farmers Market opens today at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. until noon each Saturday now through September. "The market will operate under the red shelter. Vendors should have an assortment of fresh strawberries, lettuce, collars, cabbage, onions, squash, tomatoes, bedding plants, flowers and other items.

Bike Rodeo

Saturday - Free bike rodeo for kids today from 9 a.m. to noon at J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex, 3238 Corbett Ave. Participants need to bring their own bikes and helmets. The rodeo will be in the parking lot of the Gillette complex in front of the Heritage Bank baseball stadium. Riders will receive safety information and have a chance to take part in 11 events. The events include tests of balancing, braking, maneuvering, turning and signaling. Completion of the course will entitle a rider to receive a bicyclist license.

National Train Day in Wilson

Saturday - Amtrak will celebrate National Train Day by holding open houses at stations including the ones in Wilson, Rocky Mount and Selma. The open house at Wilson's station, located at 401 E. Nash St., will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Wayne Gay Apologizes


Wilson, N.C. — Wilson County Sheriff Wayne Gay has apologized for remarks he made Tuesday night upon learning that he had lost the Democratic primary to former deputy Calvin Woodard. 

Wilson's Greenlight & Public Debate

Hoyle introduces broadband proposal while Wilson leaders protecting Greenlight, other cities' interests

N.C. Sen. David Hoyle, D-Gaston, presented draft legislation Wednesday in Raleigh that would require a vote of the public before cities build broadband networks. 

The proposal is Hoyle's effort to involve the public in the decision-making process before cities borrow money to build multi-million dollar systems. City leaders interested in building a communication system of high-speed Internet, cable television and telephone service, would only be able to do so through general obligation bonds. The bonds require a public vote. 

Thursday, May 6, 2010

The Fat Lady Sings

Wayne Gay
can't run as write-in candidate

What Color Are You Wilson NC


“A man's character always takes its hue, more or less, from the form and color of things about him”. Frederick Douglass
The Color of Change . . . IS DIVERSITY...

photo by Matt Hands, Wilson Times

Wilson County Residents Fed Up

Community Blogger: Daryl Barber

By a two to one margin the democratic voters of Wilson County sent a resounding message to incumbent Sheriff Wayne Gay that he has worn out his welcome as the high sheriff of Wilson county. He should have been beat a long time ago.

What is ironic is he played the race card and minority democrats that have traditionally ...carried Gay in mostly uncontested elections year after year decided they and their votes were not going to be taken for granted by the incumbent anymore. The resounding defeat came from almost all precincts.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

WRAL TV There's A New Sheriff in Town

Citizen's Opinion - No Tax Increase

Resident: Demand no tax increase

The City Administration is puffing on their pipes and blowing smoke hoping to convince Wilson residents that a tax increase is necessary. It is time for all residents of Wilson to call their city councilman and demand, "No tax increase."

Ask your councilman to look at the numbers and run the city like most small businesses in the community are being forced to run theirs.

Citizen's Opinion - ElectriCities Debt

Once Debt is Paid, What Will We Own?

I work with one of the larger customers of Rocky Mount Utilities and happen to be far outside of the city limits of Rocky Mount. We have done quite a bit of research associated with the utilities issue as it is very important.

First off, in my opinion, there is no larger issue facing Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville, New Bern and the many other municipalities who chose to become members of ElectriCities.

These cities did not necessarily volunteer for membership, but due to projected electricity shortages, joined to insure a stable energy source. This was approved through the N.C. General Assembly.

The agency provided energy as projected until around 1999 after the flood. Soon after the flood and in conjunction with numerous other causes, electricity consumption dropped in eastern N.C. The loss of several manufacturing facilities, which used large amounts of electricity, caused demand to drop.

Unfortunately, the debt associated with ElectriCities remained as it does today. This burden on our communities will only continue to grow as businesses relocate out of the ElectriCities grid. No energy intensive business will choose to locate a business on this grid when they can move only a short distance away and connect to a source that is at least 40 percent less.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS WILSON!

Wilson Co Sheriff Primary [D]

Candidate             Votes   Percent
Calvin Woodard     6,514    62%
Wayne Gay (i)        4,018    38%

(Last updated 10:48 p.m., Precincts: 100% reporting)
WRAL TV

Election Day is Today - Take the Time to Go Vote and Take Somebody Else Who Can

The Audacity of Hope

Monday, May 3, 2010

Undisputed Truth & Distractions

Be not dismayed nor deceived ...God is not mocked. Knowledge is power. Information is Liberating.

For the sake of clarity, Wilsonian Voices would like to take a moment to explain a voting process that many have taken advantage of in this upcoming election.

We received information over the weekend there is a letter circulating throughout the community that is targeting the African American community and it questions the integrity and intent of individuals on the Woodard campaign staff.

For those of you who understand the procedure bear with us while we explain it to those who may not. We all need to understand how the process works to be better informed voters.

Um Excuse Me ... Ain't is Not a Word

“There comes a time when we all must realize our contributions to our community and society cannot be measured in the years served . .  . but rather if the time we served . . .was served well.”

Not throwing my support behind Wayne Gay has nothing to do with the man’s age nor does it have anything to do with the color of his skin or the company that he keeps. It’s about Ethics, Integrity, Transparency and Accountability. And how come he refused to meet his candidate when an offer was made on several occasions face to face for a one on one in a community forum to allow the citizens of this county an opportunity to size 'em both up at the same time and hear what each had to say.

REASONS WHYUm Ain’t Backing Wayne Gay

Um Ain’t Backing Wayne Gay - And it’s not because I dislike the man. I don’t know the man personally. I know of his name – and if you’ve spent any time in Wilson county you can’t help but know the name – it’s been around since like forever – actually all of my lifetime I’ve not known any other name but Wayne Gay.

Sheriff Gay Baseball Cards Afloat

Parents Outraged Sheriff Gay Baseball Cards Given 6 Years Olds @ Wells Elementary School

Parents of children attending Wells Elementary School were beside themselves when their children arrived home from school last week with Wayne Gay baseball cards and deputy sheriff badges. The Human Justice Coalition (HJC) was called and contacted the Board of Education Friday morning.

Wilson Tea Party Organizer Speaks Out

Joel M. Killion, organizer for the Wilson Tea Party shared the following message with fellow members on his facebook page last evening. He is saddened that some, who should know better, are going to vote for a black candidate because they are "going to get the majority of the black vote" in their district. Hopefully, the majority have the sense to heed John Quincy Adam's words: "Always vote for PRINCIPLE, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

Wilsonian Voices contacted Mr. Killion with the following response: Mr. Killion what exactly is it that you're saying and or implying in your comment? I do believe clarification is required. In particular the part where you express... some are going to vote for a black candidate because they are "going to get the black vote" in their district. Do Pray tell. We'd like to better understand.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Implication. Intimidation. Inaccurate Information

Strategies of Wayne Gay’s campaign

We’re continuing our discussion of the WRAL interview on Friday, where Wayne Gay publicly accused Woodard's supporters of handing out “pamphlets” that could divide the community down racial lines. Gay’s comment should be taken as an insult intended to disrespect and sully the integrity of the African-American citizens of this community.

Truth be told, throughout this campaign Wayne Gay and his supporters have insinuated activities in the African American community were designed specifically for political purposes to intentionally exclude him. This latest offense of openly accusing citizens of dividing the community requires a closer look at what’s really going on behind the scenes. And since Mr. Gay brought the race issue to the table – let’s talk about it.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Smile for the Camera

Last Evening in an interview with WRAL-TV, the Incumbent Sheriff said and we quote, "I regret that it is dividing this community. It is turned out that I hate to say that its turned out to be a black and white issue." unquote. Truth be told, it's been that way from the very beginning. Don't believe it, We challenge you to pay a visit to the incumbent's campaign website. Pay particular interest to "On the Campaign Trail" . . .
http://waynevgay.com/CampaignTrail.aspx.

Walking Tall the movie is Wilson NC

Community Blogger: Daryl Barber 
I want to clear up some misconceptions that some of Sheriff Gay's former employees and backers have made the absurd statement that the incumbent sheriff is the best sheriff in the nation. Where they get that from I have no idea. Unless they are referring to the line of succession since he has had no opposition and been in office so long, to the NC and National Sheriffs Association Leadership. This association is a fundraising and policy think tank for sheriffs. Good politicking, a long time in office and cronyism goes a long way there also. FIRST OF ALL THE BEST SHERIFF IN THE COUNTRY IS SHERIFF JOE ARIPAO OF MARICOPA COUNTY AZ. (in my opinion) Let’s go back to the beginning of Wayne’s illustrious career. He was hired straight from being a bookkeeper at Brown and Williamson Tobacco Co and appointed a detective by then Sheriff Robin Pridgen. In three short years time he was promoted to Detective Lieutenant.

Now all this time mind you the incumbent sheriff and some of his staff were rumored to be protecting the largest prostitution and gambling operations on the east coast for extortion payments and time with some of the girls. Wilson was like the wild west back in those days.