Senator finds easy parking near front
Reader poll
Sen. Robert Ford says everybody parks in the fire lanes. Do you?
- Yes 50% 1 vote
- No 50% 1 vote
2 total votes.
A Watchdog reader submitted this photo of state Sen. Robert Ford's vehicle parked in a fire lane Sunday at a shopping center in West Ashley.
The recent Watchdog series "Parking Cheaters" documented how people commonly misuse handicap placards to park for free at metered spaces around downtown Charleston.
But dozens of readers also called and e-mailed about other parking abuses, including the use of fire lanes in front of stores and shopping centers.
An alert Watchdog reader captured an image of state Sen. Robert Ford's vehicle parked on a fire lane July 13 at a shopping center at the corner of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and S.C. Highway 61.
Ford was spotted leaving a men's clothing store.
Ford, D-Charleston, said that he first went into the Office Depot to get reams of paper, and that he parked in the fire lane there because "It was the only place I could park. I wasn't in there more than two or three minutes."
He said he then went to another area of the shopping center near the clothing store and parked in a fire lane. "I ran in there to pick up a suit."
The fine for parking in a fire lane and other prohibited zones is $45, according to the City of Charleston Traffic and Transportation Department.
Ford bristled at the suggestion that it was wrong to park in fire lanes.
"Every person in the country does it," he said, adding that it didn't set a bad example for people to see a car with a legislative tag parked in a fire lane.
"Whatever, I've got no problem with it. If someone does, tell them to go call the tow truck or police."
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Comments
BillytheKid (anonymous) says...
I would love to be able to take a picture of the car, any car, that is parked in a fire lane and be able to show up in court(I would) to get them the large fine they should have for breaking the law. Oh crap, it would take a law, and we have no one that stands up for us.
July 19, 2008 at 3:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mcautodoc (anonymous) says...
"Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it". That old saw is once again evident regarding Robert Ford; one only has to read the previous reader comments to know the senator's past history. Here's the bottom line; human nature being what it is, most people will do what they can get away with. It's society's job to punish unlawful, illegal or immoral behavior. When is the LAW going to finally do something about Mr. Ford?
July 19, 2008 at 4:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
"Every person in the country does it," he said, adding that it didn't set a bad example for people to see a car with a legislative tag parked in a fire lane.
I don't do it. Never have never will. And, YES. It DOES set a bad example.
July 19, 2008 at 5:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
woody00438 (anonymous) says...
Way to set a good example for us all to follow. . .
July 19, 2008 at 6:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
feb251939 (anonymous) says...
Arrogance on full display.
July 19, 2008 at 6:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Dodad (anonymous) says...
The Senator is a professional victim, so you can't hold him accountable for his actions.
July 19, 2008 at 6:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Well...Well... WELL !!!!!
Mr. Senatoro Roberto "JUAN" Ford-asa!!!.... YOU BIG DUMMY!!
You.. Yes ! YOU Sir should be setting an example for all citizens of OUR fine State to follow. Do you realize what his happening in Beaufort????? Do you have any GUTS to do the right thing? What is the difference in your breaking a parking LAW and the Insider trading LAW that the MAYOR of Beaufort BROKE you BOOB? I'll tell you...
NONE!
Mr. Ford... you need to find some morals in addition to a PARKING SPACE! Can you FIND anything?? If you want to find some WIND for OUR first STATE's windfarm; I suggest you park your backside our at one of OUR fine beaches and feel the BREEZE.
GET BUSY and start following the law.......!!
July 19, 2008 at 6:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tallblonde (anonymous) says...
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.....
July 19, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Mr. Ford...
While your out there on the beach contemplating your future and reflecting on the antics of Mr. Bill "Raunchy" Rauch; would you get a fire in your belly on drilling for oil or NOT?? If these enviros poo poo oil drilling then look them in the eye and say "WINDFARMS"!!
http://www2.beaufortgazette.com/node/...
These wackos can't have it both ways ...OR are you bending over so much you can't see enough to know the difference?
If you have any GUTS we would get BOTH oil and wind energy generation right here in OUR state with a refinery to boot?!!
July 19, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
1963 (anonymous) says...
Some people think they are above the law. He is one. A law should be passed that on the 3rd citation for parking in a fire lane a 300 day manditory jail sentence should be imposed. And this includes politicions!!!! No exceptions!!! Judges should be FORCED to impose these sentences.
July 19, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
granny2 (anonymous) says...
I was in Goose Creek at Fred's and parked next to the buggy rack, (Yes there was a faded line there), I got a parking ticket (which I paid). The very next day I was in the same shopping center and the darn cop was parked in front of the cleaners, in a fire lane, taking clothes out of his trunk into the cleaners. Boy it pissed me off.
July 19, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
I see this all the time when I go to Publix and it includes private cars and service trucks. At times they block the ramp and one has to walk around them. It must be tough for the handicap people. Not sure what I can do other than start parking two deep to block their leaving. Then I would probably get a ticket.
July 19, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
Fool - every school boy in the country has tried that old lie! My message to you, ford ~ a thief is a thief is a thief.
Of course your history in office bears that out. You are not only a thief as a driver, your actions regarding legislation to remove the Confederate flag from the state house makes you a thief of history as well.
What other unethical stuff have you been up to as a public servant?
July 19, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSC (anonymous) says...
In Mt Pleasant go by the Harris Teeter on Houston Northcut, Whole Foods, the BiLo at IOP connector, the Publix, etc and you will see this all day every day. I called the Mt P police to complain about almost being run over because someone didn't see me when crossing because all of the cars parked in the fire lane. For children it's insanely dangerous because you really can't see them walking out between 2 cars. The idiot Mt Pleasant PD dispatcher said it wasn't their responsibility. The f*&%ing police department is directly across the street from that Harris Teeter and nothing gets done about it. Most of the time there are plenty of spaces, people are just lazy or think they are too important to have to park where everyone else does.
July 19, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hoyce (anonymous) says...
What would happen if there was a fire in the building and they were parked there? They should raise the fine to $500.00 and split the money with the fire department. A quick way to pay for new equipment and training without raising taxes for non-offenders. I've almost asked a few people parked in those lanes where were their flashing lights and ladders because their vehicle didn't look like a firetruck to me. I guess everybody is above the law now adays. No wonder kids break laws, look at the examples so called grown ups and their parents set. tsk tsk
July 19, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
Note to Zoomru - He's a black senator, he doesn't deed morals, ethics or integrity.
July 19, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
I have never parked in a fire lane. So, Sen. Ford, "everybody does not do it". Perhaps you believe that I am a nobody?
On occasion, I have waited in my running car in a fire lane while someone else runs into a store for a quick purchase, but I have never parked & left my car in a fire lane.
July 19, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brant (anonymous) says...
So "Every person in the country does it," huh, Senator? Well, this person certainly doesn't. And I don't care if you're a Republican or a Democrat--the Law is supposed to apply to everyone. I've seen too many people park in the fire lanes, especially at grocery stores, some right in front of the "No Parking" signs and seem to think that it doesn't apply to them.
Too bad somebody didn't call and have YOUR car towed. You might be singin' a different tune.
July 19, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
skyguy51 (anonymous) says...
Maybe instead of a bridge or an interstate intersection we could name a "fire line" in front of a store to the good Senator.
July 19, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southerngrace (anonymous) says...
well lordy lordy ...if a white senator did that ...we would nevah hear the end of it...he is an idiot and disgrace to elected officials ...I guess his momma nevah said to him "if everyone jumped off the bridge, that doesn't mean you should"
July 19, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
My beef is not only do people park in the fire lanes, they also think you are supposed to drive in them also.
Wal Mart in Mt.P. is a prime example of this. I have people coming head on at me and yelling out the window for me to get in my own lane. I am in my own lane; the lane that you are supposed to drive in, not the fire lane.
NativeSC- If a dispatcher told you they weren't responsible then you should have filed a complaint at the station. All of the shopping centers have signs stating that MPPD has jurisdiction.
I have personally seen officers writing tickets and sticking them on cars parked in the fire lanes. That dispatcher was either misinformed, or just too lazy to send a patrol car to check it out.
July 19, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Ron_Godzilla (anonymous) says...
There are thousands of well educated, articulate African Americans in SC that would make a fine replacement to Mr Ford in the political arena. Would one of you please step to the plate and send Mr Ford into retirement.
July 19, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tallblonde (anonymous) says...
I feel sorry for Senator Ford - You know that if a white senator was caught doing this - the story would be buried in a WEEKDAY addition of the P&C.....but oooooh noooooo - since Sen Ford is black - it's published on a Saturday when everyone has more time to read the newspaper thoroughly. It has to be racial.....
Thank you,
The Committee to Give Sen Ford Another Alibi
July 19, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
berthelot (anonymous) says...
Everyone doesn't do it, but they might now that the Senator has said it is ok.
July 19, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jkwas (anonymous) says...
Apparently my email from yesterday wasn't taken seriously! But even more apparent is that Sen. Ford has nor regard for authority since he seems think it is his right to park in 'Fire Lane', with a 'NO PARKING' sign. Like my husband told someone a few years ago who was parked in the Fire Lane in a Mercedes one day. "You've done well for yourself considering you CAN'T READ". So the guy moved. Sen. Ford is definitely setting a bad example for his constituents. I don't care if a person is red, yellow, black, or white there is no reason to disregard the law. Like I always told my sons growing up, "You have to pay the consequences for you actions", and I feel a lot of 'people' have forgotten this simple statement.
July 19, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stanish (anonymous) says...
While I DON'T condone the actions of Sen. Ford, Those critcizing him FORGET or try to forget the actions of the STATE Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer. Does his name ring a bell anyone?
This guy IS pathetic and DISGUSTING to say the least. As a black american I'm trying not to inject RACE here, but most people on this forum DO! Your Lt. Gov. is above the LAW, that's why he can speed in any excess ABOVE the SPEED LIMIT and NOTHING ever happens. Could this be because he is WHITE and a REPUBLICAN? The sad part is he will more than likely be VOTED in by many here on this forum CONDEMNING Sen. Ford. He is WHITE and all one has to do in this state is be a Republican and you are a virtual shoo in. So when you CRITICIZE Sen. Ford, Remember your LAW ABIDING illustrious Lt. Govenor!
July 19, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drp7773 (anonymous) says...
Worst part is what does this say about the fine folks that keep voting this scum of the earth back in office year after year.
July 19, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stanish (anonymous) says...
Your next govenor of South Carolina will be Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer. So get use to the LAW being broken and trampled down. I assure you NO ONE Posting here will have a problem with that. Maybe the police and state troopers will probably cut as all a little slack for speeding ABOVE the speed limit, since they CAN'T ticket Gov. Bauer for SPEEDING!
July 19, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
Hey Senator - everybody does it? I don't do it. Maybe because I don't feel like one of the privileged elite who don't have to obey the laws of common people.
July 19, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jkwas (anonymous) says...
As far as I'm concerned Andre Bauer is on the same level as Robert Ford. So I'm talking about anyone who has no regard for what is right and wrong. I often wonder why they are still in office. But I'm not a 'brown noser'. So I guess that speaks or itself.
July 19, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mcautodoc (anonymous) says...
Here's the picture I want to see in the Post & Courier; Robert Ford's car parked in an illegal zone with the windows smashed in & the tires flattened. HHHMMMM.........now wouldn't that be the pic of the year????
July 20, 2008 at 8 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scconservative (anonymous) says...
Senator Ford is almost as arrogant as BHO...of course both are above the law. Jeez I did not realize that being an 'Affirmative Action' person relieved one of obeying the laws!
July 20, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
stanish.....
NO ..Andre "the G I A N T' Bauer will not be the next Governor!!
He is TOAST and Cheez whiz!
TAXPAYERS WILL HAVE A VOICE.
July 20, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCPDBLUE (anonymous) says...
Thomas1776 ,Go ahead,Boy you are fired up about Brother Ford. And you talk about me. I'am on your side with this one. keepup the good work and bring out more facts about Brother Ford, maybe just maybe someone down at the P&C will have the nerve to do the right thing and that is to do a real story without the PCness thrown in. will it happen doubt it. The sad thing Thomas1776,Is that he will keep getting re-elected by the black community in a area that has one of the highest crime rates,drop out rate in the district.If someone makes a stink he will pull out the race card,watch and see.
July 20, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mcautodoc (anonymous) says...
Thomas1776 has done us all a great service by giving us another means to let our voices be heard as listed below. To all above that have sent in comments, now is the time to step it up to another level; use the link below and let the governor know how you feel about not only Robert Ford but any law-breaking elected official!
http://www.scgovernor.com/contact/ema...
Governor Mark Sanford
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12267
Columbia, SC 29211
Phone: 803-734-2100
Fax: 803-734-5167
July 21, 2008 at 4:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Typical DNC hypocracy.
July 21, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
""Every person in the country does it," he said, adding that it didn't set a bad example for people to see a car with a legislative tag parked in a fire lane.
I don't do it. One less "everybody" for him to blame. Ford sounds like an idiot. I'm e-mailing the governor, he needs to be fined.
July 21, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PonyTail (anonymous) says...
RIF@scsenate.org
Here is his e-mail address for those still checking this story who really want their voices to be heard.
July 21, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lou9 (anonymous) says...
Once again Mr. Ford opens his mouth and inserts his foot. Everyone knows he's an arrogant idiot and racist, except for the people who keep electing him to office. He is truly a representative of his constituents: all of them retarded.
Oh, well, as they say, you can't fix stupid.
July 21, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
common_sense (anonymous) says...
I had no clue the good senator originated from New Orleans. That actually explains a lot.
I'm just sayin...
July 21, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mah6409 (anonymous) says...
Just to let you know...
I have forwarded this article to Sheriff Al Cannon of Charleston County (alcannon@charlestoncounty.org) and asked him if this is proof enough to ticket Senator Ford.
I would hope that those who read this comment will e-mail Senator Ford, Governor Sanford and Sheriff Cannon.
It's bad enough there is handicap cheating but this is blatantly done and he is not above the rest, unless he is of higher power and I think there's only one right now.
July 21, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
farfallaspeaks (anonymous) says...
booooorrriiinnggg.
I'm surprised mouth of the south or tripsa haven't suggested we hang him in a public park and leave his body for 3 days as a warning to others. after all, he broke a law, he IS a CRIMINAL.
HA HA HA!
The absurdity behind people's idea of justice and law.
July 21, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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