Letter to the Editor: Clear Choice for Lexington County Coroner

Colnzgprnts May 17, 2012 at 01:41 pm

We do not need a coroner who champions seat belt laws! We are making our nation into a 'Nanny State' rather than a nation of thinking adults taking responsibility for our own lives. We already have a sheriff who thinks it his job to clean yards. Let's elect people who champion smaller less intrusive government! I am going to vote against Barron.

Larry Weathers May 17, 2012 at 06:38 pm

That is probably the most ignorant set of statements I have ever heard. Ignorant does not mean stupid; it means uninformed. Now, if you have children in High School would you rather they benefit from Alive at 25, or have the Coroner show up on your doorstep at 1am to tell you your son or daughter was killed in a car accident. THINK HARD.

Charles Counts May 18, 2012 at 12:55 am

Frank Barron wasn't available to knock on my parents door on January 7, 1989 because he was busy explaning to the police why his kids were having a drinking party at his home and my sister and her boyfrind lay dead just a couple miles from his home after leaving that party and their car was cut in to two pieces Today I showed my 22 and 17 year old kids pictures of the car they were riding in just prior to leaving Mr.Barrons. Where was he then to see that they made it home safely. If not for that, I would have a sister today to speak with and not just a picture to talk to.I hope the people of Lexington County consider this as they cast their vote. My clear choice will be for Harry Harmon.

Charles Counts May 18, 2012 at 02:03 am

This is a portion of what the article said on Jan 10. 1989 said :
A pink rose, simply laid on a homeroom desk, marked Heidi Counts' absence Monday at Dreher High School. Miss Counts and her boyfriend, Gregory S. Morse, both 17, were killed Saturday night in a sports car shortly after leaving a party at the home of Richland County Coroner Frank Barron. Her brother, Chuck Counts, 26, came to the school to lay a rose at every desk where his sister usually sat and to talk to her friends about what happened at the party...

Frank E.Barron III May 22, 2012 at 02:27 am

THE TRUTH HURTS ! On the night that Heidi Counts and Gregory Morse died in a tragic accident on Bluff Road, after leaving my farm in Gadsden, I was in Texas. This was a terrible tragedy that wasted two precious young lives and broke the hearts of those who loved them. Here is what really happened. Two of my daughters went to Heathwood Hall and at school that Friday, a teacher latter told investigators that she heard a girl ask one of my daughters " is your dad out of town " my daughter responded " yes why" the girl asked aren't you having a party" my daughter said "absolutely not, my dad would restrict us forever if we had friends visit while he is away". I am a very strict parent and they knew better and they new how severe the punishment would be if they violated my trust. My oldest daughter had come home from The College of Charleston for the weekend and her boy friend from Clemson had come out to the farm to check on the girls. My 3 young sons were in town with my mother and father.There was a knock at the door and my oldest daughter opened the door to find a strange girl asking to use the bathroom. My daughter asked her who she was and she said I am here for the party. My daughter said " there is no party here". The girl said "yes there is, down in one of your fields". My daughter went to the field and found high school students who were party.
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Frank E.Barron III May 22, 2012 at 02:32 am

She asked her boy friend to go to the front gate and check each driver to be sure that they were alright to drive. Each car stopped and he checked the driver but one car almost ran over him and he jumped out of the way. That is the car that wrecked.Heidi and Gregory were not students at my daughters' high school. We do not know who suggested that they come to our farm. We do know that 3 law enforcement agencies investigated and determined that they were not invited and that they did not get any intoxicants at my home or from my family. Their parents did not blame me at all at the time of their tragic deaths but now a brother years latter is being used by associates of my desperate opponent to slander me. I am most sorry for you Mr. Counts that you lost your wonderful sister. If blaming me makes you feel better please blame me all day and all night and even for the rest of your life, because I am strong and I would sincerely desire to take your pain upon myself. I am 68 years old and I can tell you that I love you, I love all of your family and I even love those who put you up to blaming me for something that I had nothing to do with. I hurt for you but I will never tell you that I know how you feel, because I don't. Mr. Counts, come to see me and we can cry together. We can forgive together. I look upon myself as a public servant. I am here for you. May God bless you and help you to find peace. Frank Barron