Health Department On LCHS Raises Warnings--Updated

"No Room or Building Needs To Be Closed Because of Health Hazards"

Editor's Note: Today a copy of the final report from the Lee County Health Department was finally obtained from the local Board of Education. Any one interested in the Lee County High School should review the report. Obtain a copy of the report from our download site by clicking here. The final report from the Lee County Health Department was received by the the Board of Education on September 29. A copy of the report was requested on September 30, but not received until further inquiry today. One conclusion one will quickly draw is that the $19,400 spent by the commissioners on a consultant to examine the school was a waste of time and money. Remember his conclusion on mold--" I looked for it but did not see any." Here are some quotes from the letter of transmittal:

1. The inspections were conducted and reports made Lee County Environmental Health Specialists John Chance and Shannon Cagle. The purpose of these inspections was to identify health hazards, especially those associated with mold and indoor air quality.
2. At the conclusion of the inspections, we did not find any room or building that needed to be closed because of health hazards. We did identify cleaning, landscape, and maintenance problems that are addressed in the reports.
3. The report is in three parts. First, a summary of the final report, second, a priority list of problems that should be addressed first, and finally, a detailed report. All rooms, buildings and grounds on this campus were inspected with the exception of one room.
4. All problems we have identified should be within the capabilities of current custodial staff and county maintenance. It will require many man hours that may exceed the current staffing levels and a good short- and long-term plan is needed.
5. Cleaning up and getting rid of existing mold growth is a short-term fix and may only last until the next rain. Some mold spores are naturally found in the air. They can grow rapidly when moisture conditions are high enough.
6. Controlling the humidity with dehumidifiers and keeping water out of the building is the long-term fix that includes landscaping issues, building repair, etc. (emphasis added by editor)
7. The custodial staff should always be looking for mold growth, clean it up as soon as possible, and report it to the appropriate authority. The health department will monitor this school but it is now time to seek a long-term solution.

The report says that all problems identified in these inspections should be immediately addressed and corrected no later than January 5, 2009. A specialist from from the Division of Public Health, Occupational and Environmental Health Epidemiology Branch assisted with the evaluation and a report will be completed and sent later. Update: The Lee County School Board voted at its regular meeting tonight to request $37,164.74 from county commissioners to to hire Cary Reconstruction Company, Inc. (click to learn about the company) for the mold remediation at LCHS. The same company has previously removed mold from the County Administration Building. The decision to use an outside company was passed on a desire to complete the remediation much faster than could possibly be done with existing staff. The report had warned, "It will require many man hours that may exceed the current staffing levels". Use of the outside company would permit the work to be done exclusively at night when buildings are empty, and the clean up could be completed in three weeks. Commentary. Starting in February parents, students, teachers, and staff warned the commissioners of serious mold problems due to water problems at the school. Imagine the progress that could have been made if the commissioners had reacted with a request for this kind of report from the county's on Health Department. It shows the incompetence and ineffectiveness of this board. This report was actually requested, not by a commissioner, but by school board chairman Bill Tatum. Note:

1. Find out what building the Board of Education wants to take down now and the commissioner's reaction tomorrow. Remember how close the election is and think "October Surprise."
2. Don't forget the Uncommon Sense column in Wedesday's Sanford Hearld. Find out about the document commissioners never wanted you to see.

NRA Endorses Love In House Race

Another Disappointment for Shook

The endorsement of Representative Jimmy Love is another set back to to Linda Shook's race for he District 51 House Seat. Love was given an A grade which according to the NRA means "Solidly pro-gun candidate. An “A” incumbent who has supported NRA positions on key votes." NRA members and many gun owners follow the National Rife Association recommendations. According to a recent poll conducted primarily for the governor's race, 74% of likely voters favor Jimmy Love. Of course, that is not all bad news for Shook. With that kind of lead, Love is not likely to get help from state democratic funds. Shook, who was assured of substantial help from the Republican Legislative Caucus when she was recruited for the office, is finding that their limited funds go to candidates with a chance of winning. She was strongly cautioned by several leading Republicans with long term experience not to expect the large influx of money from Raleigh, but she proceeded anyway. It might be said she was recruited under false pretense. Despite being warned by several party leaders she over-estimated her ability to compete for money in a Presidential election year with races for governor and US Senator. Shook has suffered several set backs. Her first set back was when most Republicans in the House joined with Love in voting for a "bipartisan" budget, robbing her of many issues. Then Love received praise from a leading Republican legislator for his work on Jessica's law. (See post) Then there was her bankruptcy. She blamed it on a political vendetta by Capital Bank because Oscar Keller is a stockholder. It was a story that played well to her hard core supporters and "Keller-haters" but was taken negatively because she did not take personal responsibility for her position and it failed to convince many others. She could have protected herself from much criticism by resigning from the Commissioner's Finance Committee, but saw no reason to do so. No criticism was heard more than staying on that committee. Other than Shook remaining on that committee, Love has not made significant efforts to exploit the bankruptcy. Perhaps he felt in these economic times too many other people were fighting bankruptcy and making major attacks on Shook about it was unwise. Her joint appearance with Elizabeth Dole got her a front page picture but little coverage of her own ideas. (see post) She was forced to use a letter to the editor to get that message out. Love has generally been low key, except for a sharp exchange at a recent forum. (See post) Editors Note: Copy of the full report on the Lee County High School inspection by the Health Department will be posted later today.

Poliitcal Sign Vandalism Strikes All Sides

New Technique Ruins Signs-- Your Action Required A new technique in political sign vandalism is being reported by supporters of just about all candidates, and the vandals need to be caught and punished. Candidates are used to over zealous code enforcement personnel and DOT personnel removing the entire signs from right of ways where they feel the standard old political signs do not belong. The signs are picked up and can be used again another day. Not so with this new vandalism. First of all, the vandalism is occurring on private property as well as right of ways. That means the individuals can be charged with trespass. Even worse for the candidates, in this new wave of vandalism--the vandals are taking just the printed sign and leaving the metal or wood frame on which the sign is mounted. In effect making it impossible to use the corrugated paper or plastic sign again. These signs probably end up as trash in the woods littering the landscape. In some cases, an individual may have several signs but only one sign card is stolen. This probably means the vandals support one or more of the candidates but want to deny the individual their right of free speech and political expression. Most reports are coming from the city, but some have come from the county. Most every candidate in both parties is reporting this problem. This may be the work of gangs. If a sign is stolen from your yard notify the Sanford Police at 775-8268 or (Steve Brewer who has appointed himself city Ombudsman at 919-770-9587.) County residents should notify the sheriff's office at 718-4561. Also be vigilant and on the look out for these vandals. These are your rights and the more reports that are made, the more attention this will get from local law enforcement.

GOP Ads Make Newspaper Debut

Three GOP Commissioners Begin Newspaper Campaign

Three Republican candidates began newspaper ads in today's Sanford Herald. Larry C. "Doc" Oldham and Herb Hincks -candidates for at-large seats--and Harry Undy--GOP candidate in District II - all began newspaper ads today. Democrat Richard Hayes--candidate for at-large seat--began his fall newspaper ads earlier. To see the GOP ads on flicker click here. First in line on page A-5 is Harry Undy with a uniquely designed ad that uses the number 4 in a simple ad that encourages voters to vote for him in his second district race. This appears as an introduction to voters in his district, especially in the Broadway and Deep River area. Undy is well known within Carolina Trace having served as president of most of the organizations and committees that are necessary to operate such a community. Doc Oldham's ad on page A-10 carries the same trademark watermark as his colorful signs and is titled "Let's Get Down To Business"-- an obvious draw on his many years of experience with Lee Paving Company. Listed in his ad are his priorities for his term as commissioner including opposition to high property taxes, resolution of the Lee Senior HS issue, and others. His ad suggests he will provide "new leadership" and "new direction." Herb Hincks had many accomplishments during his eight years as a consensus building chairman of the county commissioners which are highlighted in his ad on page A-11. For this reason his ad runs under the banner "Hincks Now More Than Ever." His ad is highlighted by the familiar columns of the original Lee County Courthouse and lists too many significant accomplishments to list here. Individuals speaking for the three different campaigns would not discuss specific ad plans. Given the source of funds available to the democrat candidates, they typically significantly outspend their GOP opponents. Their ads can be expected any day. Associated with the now confirmed rumor that at least a few democrat individuals looked into creation of a Section 527 for the Lee County Commissioner's race (see previous post) were plans for a very extensive direct mail campaign. Unlike newspaper ads, direct mail can target specific messages at specific groups of voters. For example, one message to democrats and another to unaffiliated voters. Such direct mail is frequently used to make negative attacks on opponents "under the radar screen" so that the voters at large do not see them. Since those interested in the 527 backed out after they learned that their names would be disclosed, it is a good assumption they had planned some vicious personal attacks. Whether such mail, often delivered at the last minute, is employed in this election remains to be seen. Regardless of its content, with so many races this year, voters can expect a lot of mail as the election approaches. Editor's note-If you are a subscriber, you can see the ads in the online version of the Sanford Herald (although the page numbers may not be the same) by clicking here and then "log in to the e-edition.") To subscribe, click here. PS. Click here to see new RNC ad to run in NC this week.

Monday's Meeting's Full Of Surprises

Commissioners, Candidates Forum Full of Surprises

Monday's Board of Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce Candidate's Forum were full of little surprises. Little surprises can be interesting because they often give insight into bigger themes behind the scenes or even unconscious ideas just below the surface. From the Commissioner's Meeting Kudos to Commissioner Linda Shook who has been tracking more than immigration reform and doing the county a valuable service. Instead of relying on the county staff person assigned to BRAC, (read recent story on BRAC) she has been meeting with four local private citizens who have attended every meeting and kept the commissioner well briefed on what could be the most important development on the horizon for Lee County. The subject came up when discussing the long range transportation improvement plan. Another startling revelation--a request for funds for needed infrastructure funds due from Lee County was apparently not submitted, perhaps leaving the area out of important requests for funds for roads and schools. Another surprise, apparently Sanford expects little impact on its planned water system and expects that developers will handle any needed extensions to the southern end of the county. From the Candidate's Forum The small crowd: Take away the candidates, the media, the obvious candidate supporters, the regular representatives of government and there could not have been more than 12-15 potential voters to influence. Perhaps this should not be a surprise. In an election year, more interest gets directed at the top of the ticket. Or at $4/gallon it wasn't worth the drive for some people. Or perhaps the biggest reason: every one is distracted by the financial "crisis" and what it means to their 401-k or to future economic prospects. $100,000.000 That is the amount of capital needs for building that Commissioner Jerry Lemmond says "the county is looking at" in the years ahead. More will be published here but we can't find that much. We do know the recommended number one priority in the original capital improvement plan was a new administration building for the commissioners and their staff. (click here to see previous post). Lemmond policy wonk: Jerry Lemmond has discovered the word "stakeholder" and listed a long list of policy changes and initiatives that he must have just recently discovered since he has been on the commission eight years and done nothing about them yet. (Our video of his presentation did not turn out well--click here for an alternative 2:42 video that is much more interesting) Amy Dalyrmple Attack Cat: It was a little surprising that the most "jabs" at the way the commission currently operates came from democrat Amy Darlymple, a candidate in district 2. She took commissioners to task for their meeting times of 9 am and 3 pm, noting that most people were working or busy picking up their kids. She also called for video taping all meetings--an obvious slap at Commissioner Robert Reives who has stubbornly refused to have his finance committee meetings recorded and posted on the Internet. She was, however, not the only one to take the commissioners to task. Herb Hincks, former commission chair and Republican candidate for at-at large commissioner, chided the commissioners for not listening to the public, noting that the commissioners should not have been surprised by the reports of mold at Lee Senior High School since parents, teachers, and students had all told the board of the problem months ago. Knecht on Incentives: Andre Knecht is a refreshing candidate with positions that frequently stand out from the crowd. However, after a number of back and forth exchanges, Knecht joined some of his fellow candidates in acknowledging that, while not a fan of incentives, there could be circumstances in which he would support them.

News Flash--Doc Oldham Released From Duke

Larry "Doc" Oldham Released From Duke; Now Recovering At Home Doc Oldham was released today from Duke Medical Center and will begin what is expected to be a four week recovery at home following a double heart by-pass at Duke last Monday. "I'd just been away long enough," Oldham said. His release is truly astonishing but fits a pace of "recovery" that the doctors have called miraculous. Doc is a highly motivated individual with a very positive out look. Research has shown that such people tend to have a quicker initial recovery and can be released sooner than the typical patients. The hospital stay is about a week for the kind of surgery that he had. While his early release is good news, the four week recovery time still remains the mostly likely regimen for the large incision to heal. The family will advise when he is able to take visitors and have calls. In the meantime, if you want to wish Doc well, send him an email at this address. Meanwhile, John Bonardi, who was designated the campaign coordinator, indicates that this illness has motivated Doc's contributors and volunteers, and that he is confident the Doc will be elected to an at-large seat in November.

Latest On Doc Oldham's Condition

Doctor's Call Doc "Miracle Patient"

According to someone who visited Larry C. "Doc" Oldham in the hospital (see today's Herald for the details about Doc's heart surgery.) last night, the doctors are amazed at the pace at which Doc has come out of the "haze" that usually follows such a surgery. He told the visitor "I am getting bored looking at the television. Do you think you could find me a deck of cards." Of course, those who know Doc, he likes to stay active. Based on the pace of his recovery so far, doctors have indicated he may be released from the hospital sooner than expected. Despite this initial speedy pace, however, at least four weeks of recovery at home is still anticipated. John Bonardi, Doc's campaign manager, said this morning that the news of the surgery has "energized" the campaign and motivated supporters to ask what they can do to help. "While there is no substitute for Doc's personal campaigning, I am sure we will still have an excellent campaign that will convince voters that Doc is the kind of person that is needed on the county commission," Bonardi said. Editor's Note: We will have regular updates on Doc's recovery. My column is also in the Herald today and is about the behind the scenes race to fill the chairmanship of the county commission since Bob Brown is leaving the position. The column will be posted on e-Lee Dispatch Plus tomorrow. Also, as the column says, you can find my response to Ty Stump's last column in which he challenged me to answer questions about C.E.A.D., a well known local political and civic group. You don't want to miss it! (Click here to go to the e-Lee Dispatch Plus).