Vick Receives Consulting Fee From Solicitor’s Office
S.C. Rep. Ted Vick (D-Chesterfield) receives a consulting fee and free use of a cell phone from the S.C. Fourth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, an arrangement that some are pointing to as evidence that he has been working to cover-up scandals at the embattled office.
Our investigation would appear to pour cold water on that theory, however.
Rep. Vick’s contract dates back several years and was initiated under the reign of former solicitor Jay Hodge, who is currently at the center of a federal investigation into the misappropriation of public funds.
Vick spoke candidly with FITS about his arrangement with the Solicitor’s Office – which pays him roughly $7,000 per year.
“It’s work I do with the drug court that I’m passionate about,” he said.
Vick noted that he donates far more money (and time) each year to “Camp Turning Point,” which the Solicitor’s Office runs for youth offenders who have been remanded to the State Department of Juvenile Justice.
The contract – while perhaps not the smartest thing in the world to do politically – is for the minimum amount “part-time” employees can receive, and Vick has disclosed it on all of his ethics filings as he is required to do by state law.
Incidentally, FITS mistakenly speculated yesterday that Vick had appeared on a local radio station in Cheraw, S.C., blasting our founding editor. It turns out that several of the listeners who contacted us actually confused Vick with another local politician.
Our apologies to the Representative … and hang on to your hat, “Mr. Mayor.”
Additionally, we also spoke with Vick directly about allegations that he attempted to intervene in state investigations of former Solicitor Hodge.
Stay tuned for that story …
Comments
By Freddie Guy on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Wow, so Ted Vick, the Pastor, used car salesman and politician (all very honest trades, I might add), is also a consultant?
Is there anything else that he wants to reveal while the confession booth is warm?
Poor old Ted contracted “Politician’s Fever” after getting elected to office. He now has a penchant for power, money and clout.
Who would be the best candidate to knock him off of his horse?
Does Anthony Harris live in the district? …Would Mayor Douglas be interested? …How is Johnny Davis’ health?
Any locals want to chime in?
Fred
By Camp Turning Point Volunteer on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I’ve worked Camp Turning Point since its beginning and the only time I remember Rep. Vick being there was when the cameras (WPDE-15) and the food(he blessed it) were on. If he said he donated money, I would not know. It just seemed like he did the grip and grin politician thing on the final day. I will tell you that Mr. Hodge did spend time at the camp. Funny thing was it was only at the boys week, not the girls week. We always figured he didn’t want any potential rumors started because he was usually there after curfew hours. After reading some of these reports, it makes more sense now why he was there during boys week.
By Coker Day on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I dont know a lot about Ted Vick as a politician, but Ted Vick was a classmate of mine at The Citadel and was one of the most stand up guys I ever met. I can’t imagine him doing anything he didn’t believe to be right.
By Donny on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Looks like Ted is getting paid just enough to get himself some double-dippin’ action in the state retirement system. Sic, have you looked into how many legislators are doing this…they are working “part time” for some state agency in the retirement system and building time as legislators and “part time” workers…they spend 12 years in the legislature and 12 doing the “part time” work and they get to “retire” and draw on 24 years….check into…they are almost all doing it.
By Steven on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:45 pm
He’s a crook.
By BS on June 3rd, 2009 at 12:51 am
“Vick noted that he donates far more money (and time) each year to “Camp Turning Point,” which the Solicitor’s Office runs for youth offenders who have been remanded to the State Department of Juvenile Justice.”
What a crock of crap. If camp turning point costs more then $7,000 total each year to run then someone is pocketing a bunch of money. The food and Splenda are the only real costs. I can not imagine the park charges the district to rent camp Juniper, if it does add them to Cheravian posse of corrupt politicians. Many of the workers are volunteers or working off community service hours. Mr. Hodge was active with the camp and seemed to put great effort into its success, Vick is using it for publicity and income. Don’t know all the facts, but give credit where credit is due.
By Biggie Tea on June 3rd, 2009 at 6:57 am
“Cheravian posse” lol
By liz on June 3rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
SC is in bed with white collar criminals from the top to the bottom. Fortunately, it’s sliding out of places unbeknown previously.
Let the truth shine through please……
NEXT?
By Goody on June 3rd, 2009 at 9:10 am
Does anyboby in the county believe EVERYTHING or ANYTHING that VICK SAYS? I just wonder how many other part time jobs Vick has??? REMEMBER people this is a man that SPENDS ALOT of money on his house,car,food,and MANY VACATIONS in this COUNTRY and OVERSEAS!!!!! We all know his back ground and where he comes from so I just wish I could find the MONEY PLANT OR TREE that he seems to have found!!!!! I for one would love to have a piece of the plant OR tree so I CAN GET IT ROOTED and maybe I COULD BECOME RICH AND FAMOUS OVER NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By I remember... on June 3rd, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I remember way back when…. there was a hush hush thing at Chesterfield High School concerning a Senior Trip, Ted Vick and Tommy Sellers. Maybe Mr. Hodge and Mr. Vick have more in common than we think?
By Freddie Guy on June 3rd, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I remember: Are you saying that fluffy ole’ Vick had a penchant for things other than potato chips?
As more of this Solicitor story rears its head from the closet, will there be a candidate that can beat Ted, since he can no longer rely on ‘protection’ from Jay Hodge?
By Robert Tims on June 3rd, 2009 at 7:05 pm
It has been interesting to say the least, an issue pops up and the persons mentioned are able to explain it away…my what talent they do have. But for how long? How long can one “reason” out what they’ve done? Not for too much longer I would say…eventually it catches up with you and then comes pay day. This group are in bed together and their paths cross far too much for comfort and their having to explain their actions and to their detriment…when an honest explanation would have cleaned it up oh so good. And think about, so far just a suponea has generated this much interest and outcry.
By working on a one now on June 3rd, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Working on someone to run against him now. Just keep talking chesterfield county!! The truth will come out. Oh I checked his records he only shows 3000 something on the sc ethics web page and no mention of a free phone either.
By John Mimms on June 3rd, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Just a few comments on the article from the Link yesterday. It struck me as odd that Barbara and Kenny have both responded that they are limited on what comments they can make due to the FBI investigation, yet Mr. Hodge stated he had not been contacted by the FBI but was willing to cooperate in anyway. Here’s a little hint Jay, maybe they aren’t talking to you for a reason. Keep guessing. Second point, you stated that improptu meetings were held to make decisions for the Ministry. Later in the article you condemn Barbara for obtaining approvals in this same manner you allowed to be established. I guess the word double standard applies to your idea of leadership. Lastly, your comments regarding the house on the property really were classic political jargon. I guess what surprises me the most is the almighty and powerful solictor had to have an ex-car salesman move in and help him make a deal on a house that was ready to fall in. I want even get into the fact of how Vick found out about the house. I guess his crack staff had ridden by the property and visualized the opportunity to turn a quick $5000.00. That makes a lot more sense than Kenny and Barbara handling it. I’ll leave ya’ll with a famous line of FogHorn LegHorn. Jay, we keep pitchin’em and you keep missin’em. Please keep on talking Jay.
Final comment regading the mayor’s radio broadcast. I’m not worried about the FBI tracking down my IP address, they have our home telephone number.
By whisky on June 3rd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
i was in the boys scouts when jay was the leader. didn’t stay in there long, as some things just didn’t seem right (no advancements on me, but perhaps others…or so i’ve been told). ted vick, never trusted him from the time i met him. the eyes will tell more stories of a man and his soul than anything he could ever do. i’ve heard the story about ted and tommy, but wasn’t there. background holds a key to lots of things, and when a man “grows” into money over night, he didn’t get the old fashioned way, by working for it!
By RGH_Cheraw on June 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
With regard to Camp Turning Point and the “volunteers”…actually, all of the counselors and lifeguards are paid employees. At least, we were the summers I worked there. True, SOME of the workers are volunteers, but many of us were paid.
And as far as Mr. Hodge only being there during boys week…the implication about his sexuality is slanderous and hitting below the belt. Also, he came almost nightly during both weeks the years I worked.
I don’t defend any of his alleged corrupt actions involving government/state/etc, but personal attacks on his sexuality are unwarranted and unnecessary. I’m seeing and hearing more and more comments resorting to this type of attack and I find it ridiculous and TOTALLY irrelevant. Now, I understand potential relationships with some involved in this scandal are being brought into play, and that’s understandable…if in fact said alleged relationships are relevant to the case (and even exist). But, at this point, they are, at best, alleged. Unless someone’s got some definitive proof that I’ve not heard. And please don’t tell me that it’s “common knowledge.” I’ve lived in Cheraw my entire life and, in fact, known Mr. Hodge both professionally and personally for many years and while I’ve heard “murmurings” before, they were not touted to be “common knowledge” and were actually just speculations among people who barely knew him, and were admittedly based on no real knowledge or information. This is truly the first I’ve heard of such things being “common knowledge.”
With that said, I’ve no doubt the truth will out and I have no idea of his or anyone’s guilt or innocence in this matter. And I am not defending anyone one way or another. But the FBI isn’t investigating his or anyone else’s sexual preferences, so why don’t we stop doing it, as well? Let’s–as many of the commenters are actually doing–stick to the real issues at hand.
By BS on June 4th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I would estimate the highest paid staff at camp turning point was paid $400. With most getting less then $200 depending on position, 24 hour counselor vs day only, lifeguard, etc. Some of the supplies/food gets donated too. $7,000 may not be enough to cover the entire camp, but it can’t be too much more, legitimately that is. If Vick donates far more than $7,000 to Camp Turning point each year then they must have started picking the campers and family up in limousines and serving Filet mignon.
By rawtown junkie on June 4th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
I was wondering about the golf tourney hosted every year at the State Park for Camp Turning Point? Doesn’t all that money go to the camp also? That has to be a large chuck of change ~200 per team, normally 30-40 teams (I think). Just wondering.
By whisky on June 4th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
“common knowledge”…where you been brother? if you’ve worked personally and professionally with him and haven’t heard it’s “common knowledge” then you’re under a rock and don’t know the guy at all. i grew knowing his entire family and the Great Doctor Hodge (a damn good man indeed) was my doctor until he died. it’s “common knowledge” to more than those who don’t know him all that way, it’s “common knowledge” to 2/3rds of the town. people in power have ways of “keeping” it clean while furthering their carrers. although i know him and knew his family as well, if he’s corrupt then i say, bust his and whoever else is envolved in this matter and throw the max penality at them. why the sexual preference is an issue with all i’ve talked to, comes down to one simple thing. “if it’s my tax money that supported trips for him and a “friend” or “friendly” employee, then i’m entitled to know where my money is spent and feel i have the right for that money money to be paid back and put to better use, especially if was not for “public” business.”
By I remember... on June 5th, 2009 at 10:06 am
the reference to common sexual preference was not meant as a slam to homosexuals. It was however meant to link him to Mr. Hodge. I do feel that this is relevant to the investigation that Mr. Hodge is currently undergoing.
By Just a comment on June 5th, 2009 at 10:53 am
By Just a comment on June 5th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Well, it would seem that Mr. Hodge is now a guest writer for The Cheraw Chronicle. Wonder if next week maybe some real investigative writing will take place or just more of the same spew, from the politician himself.
Wonder if Ms. Berger will get paid for the work of Mr. Hodge? It would seem only fair, considering Mr. Hodge has been paid for many years for the hard work of people around him. I do believe this is the only case Mr. Hodge has worked on in years, besides making special deals behind the scene!
Also, many of the “Counselors” at camp were PTI folks….some kind of mentors, I might add. The campers were fully aware that many of the “counselors” were in fact criminals! The difference you might ask? Money, Money Money. The counselors family had money for those special deals behind the scenes.
This is just one of the many scams pulled of by Mr. Hodge and his band of misfits!
By Just another comment on June 5th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Investigate how much Mr. Vick gave to The Will Rogers campaign, maybe that is why Mr. Rogers is sooooooo silent. Then, check and see if Mr. Vick gets at tax credit for his donation to the campaign. That money also came from the solicitors office (tax payers).
By Big BUbba on June 6th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Everyone, please roll up yore pants as the poo-doo is gittin’ deep. I think that maybe this hole thing is going nowhere fast. A lot of finger pointing and blaming. People–please stick to the issues. If sexual preference has something to do with the allegations at hand then discuss it. If not…. then leave this alone. Big Bubba is not taking up or defending anyone or any kind of behaviour, but stick to the issue. I would hate for someone to git off an allegated crime because this blog was perceived as being a “hate” blog to homersexuals. This is not what we want. Big Bubba wants to have a liberation “pig pickin’”, but this want happen unless the guilty is brought to justice and peace is restored in this wonderful county of Chesterfield. Let’s work together on this site to point out true corruption and do not point fingers unless a finger is needed then—-point the true finger of justice. ..!..Until justice prevails and we are liberated. I am——BIG BUBBA
By none surprised on June 15th, 2009 at 12:29 am
Waiting on the rest of the story, FITS!
By Shawn on June 15th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
It is clear that most people here are the very people involved in this mess. People should remember this is how the people in this area have made their livings for over 100 years. Nothing has or will ever change here except the day, month, and year. Thanks for all the enjoyment of reading what people really have known for years. It is fun to be reminded of just how lame things really are around here. There is something to be said for the good ole boys.
By hardyboys on June 18th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Where does the money come from for Vick? is it taxpayers expense?
It seems to be questions arising about new solicitor. Why employ and appoint people that have questionable backgrounds unless you are part of it too?
By Alvin Didright on June 18th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Mr. Hardyboys hold on there… Representative Vick was already on the payroll before new Solicitor took office. But I am curious as to why he is still “on the books” especially if the office has had these drastic budget cuts. Maybe Representative Vick can “consult” with us on that issue… hey Mr. Vick you out there?
By john on June 19th, 2009 at 8:07 am
What is the connection between Rep. Vick and Rev Vick?
By The 1st none surprised on June 20th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
They’re both brothers and both reverends. Chad, Ted’s brother, is reverend at Westside Baptist. I don’t think he’s involved in any of this, but I don’t know Ted or Chad personally.
My question is why the solicitor’s office needs a consultant. Under Hodge, there were already 3 lawyers in the office and Hodge is so wel-connected he could find anyone anywhere to consult with about anything. I would like to know too if this was taxpayers money.I really did believe that Hodge and Vick and maybe they do/did care about helping people. I’m still in disbelief about some of this. I’m really waiting to see what the FBI finds out and I hope they investigate the past of everyone involved.
By john on June 27th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
post on every article hope to get some answers
People need to get their stories straight before they tell them.
First, Safrona Finch is not nor has she been in any treatment. I just spoke with her in person in Cheraw and she is fine. I did not right out ask but it appears she is still working but maybe on leave.
Second,this Barbara Bullard person is she one and the same that has had problems at several non-rpofits around the area?