Smorgasbord

Some Items to Nibble On Fire Rates Increase Property Tax Bills--Some Taxpayers in For Big Surprise How does a 2.3 cent increase look on your property tax bill? That is what will greet tax payers in the West Sanford Fire District this year. West Pocket's increase is nearly as large at 1.9 cents, followed by Lemon Springs at 1.6 cents, Deep River at 1.4 cents, and Northview at 1 cent. All the rest of the districts will increase about one-half cent, except Cape Fear which will increase by 3/10 of a cent. The increases were adopted for the fire districts by the Commissioners as part of this year's budget as requested after no one appeared at the public hearing on the rates. The increases range from 26.7 % to 4.1%. Actual rates range from 11.8 cent in West Pocket to 7.6 cent in Cape Fear. The actual rates are a function of the needs of the volunteer fire department and the property value of the fire district. Generally, the less developed the area, the higher the tax rate. The needs of the departments, like the purchase of new equipment, can also very from year to year. Lee County voters previously approved up to 15 cent per $100 valuation for fire protection. Now imagine if the property tax rate had gone up 2.3 cent like the fire protection rate did in West Pocket? Perhaps the reason fire protection rate increases don't prompt the same reaction as property tax increases is a good one--it has directly to do with safety and protection just like the Sheriff's budget. Or perhaps it is that the money is generally going to departments staff mainly by volunteers although some departments do have employees to keep their stations manned. There has been some effort to create a "blended rate" that would apply county wide, but the effort has never been able to get past the divergent interests and situations of the districts. With gas prices, the stock market, and the increase in grocery prices, be sure to factor your fire tax rate into your budgeting of pennies in this tough economy. A 527 Just for a Lee County Commissioners' Race Editior's note: While you may have heard this as a rumor a month or more ago, the e-Lee Dispatch could not confirm it until a few days ago. Remember the famous swift boat ads about John Kerry. Do you recall McCrory and Perdue arguing about negative ads that supposedly were not run without any connections to their campaigns? These were all the work of what is called a 527 group. Although candidate committees and political action committees are also created under Section 527, the term is generally used to refer to political organizations that are not regulated by the Federal Election Commission or by a state elections commission, and are not subject to the same contribution limits as PACs. Rumors that several democrats from Lee County had been in Raleigh to investigate the creation of an independent Section 527 were widely circulating more than a month ago among the closest political insiders. At a recent social engagement in Greensboro attended by a number of political consultants and Raleigh attorneys, the e-Lee Dispatch was finally able to get confirmation that the rumors were true. The advantage of such an organization is that there is no limit on the amount of money that an individual may give. Also, since they cannot be affiliated with a candidate, the candidates that benefit from the negative ads savaging their opponents can deny, as the Obama and McCain campaigns do, having any responsibility for the ads. It appears that the interest of these individuals was mailings related to an issue handled by the commissioners during the time Herb Hincks was chairman. Since the original legislation that made these kinds of 527's legal, North Carolina election law now requires reporting of who is contributing to the organization. Given the civic standing of Herb and Helen Hincks in the community, that disclosure requirement may have killed the interest of these individuals in the organization who wanted to remain anonymous, or perhaps knowing the donor would have made the relationship to the candidates too obvious. For whatever reason their is no record of a likely 527 for the commissioners election. Americans For Prosperity is a federal 527 and has attempted to influence voters in the recent municipal election and the referendum on the sales tax increase. Don't Miss The Wednesday Sanford Herald There will be breaking news of potential major significance in the race for county commission. Also there will be our newspaper column "Uncommon Sense." Also, I have posted an answer to questions thrown at me about C.E.A.D. by Ty Stump in his last article on our companion site the e-Lee Dispatch Plus. (Click here to read the response.)

Shook Called on Dig

Love's Response Wins Sympathetic Ears The Founding Fathers were quite concerned with the qualifications for voting. For example, US Senators were elected by state legislatures, not directly by the people until the turn of the last century. Likewise, the President is still technically elected by electors but that is now a mere formality. No doubt, the founders would be appalled at the passage of a bill that allows an individual to register and vote at the same time. Even more upsetting is that all that is required is to present a utility bill with a name and address as proof of residence. To the founders, the right to vote was a citizen's privilege to be treated carefully and with respect. The Republicans attempted to amend the bill to require some sort of picture identification--a small step given how easy they are to come by as well--were voted down by the democrat majority. This is the kind of bill not likely to sit well with many voters in House District 51, so imagine how frustrated Linda Shook has been since Representative Jimmy Love had an "excused absence" and did not vote on the amendment or the bill. Lacking what she must have seen as a potential "silver bullet" in Love's votes on the bill, she had treated the "excused absence" in a snide way implying that the "excused absence" was a political trick to avoid voting on the bill. She has made this implication on several occasions including a recent letter to the editor. She did so again at Tuesday's Home Builder's Association meeting to which all candidates had been invited. After a visibly emotional Jimmy Love stood up and explained the reason for his two days of "excused absences"during this session, it was clear Shook had "stepped in it." Since Shook has usually researched her information thoroughly, one wonders if she was using "talking points" supplied by someone else. Apparently whoever gave the information to Shook had not, as Paul Harvey says, got the rest of the story. A quick inquiry to the Clerk of the House could have provided her with the reason for his absence. One of Love's absences was to be present at the birth of his grandson. His other absence was to be with his family during a mastectomy performed on his daughter. Adding to the irony, Shook made no secret of her excitement at the birth of her first grandchild and flying out to California this summer to see it. Because of the vigor of Love's response and the nature of his revelation, the situation has spread rapidly by word of mouth. One would assume that from now on if she brings up the "excused absence" again she will explain the reason as the courtesy of one grandparent to another.

The Plus and Minuses of Appearing With Dole

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For Shook Free Publicity Comes At A Price

When your campaign bank account is slim, getting your picture on the front page of the Sanford Herald with anybody has got to look like a plus. And when that person is one of the most admired in the world, the idea of associating campaigns with them has to nearly make one giddy. But there is no free lunch. The price for Linda Shook was speaking from the same podium as Senator Elizabeth Dole on the same subject. That leads to conscious and unconscious comparison between the two candidates. It is a price that many veteran politicians have had to pay. For Linda Shook, to the audience it was like going to a swimming exhibition between a unknown swimmer and Michael Phelps. Shook's presentation was fortunately more than the usual litany of the costs of illegal immigration with that strident tone that leaves one wondering exactly what she would do with the undocumented aliens already here. The message counts, and she may have her best issue with immigration. But more and more research is showing that it is the candidate's personality that has to do with voters willingness to support them. No doubt she would, along with most voters, like to see them leave the county, but she ignores the consequences to the employers who are employing them and overlooks the basic goodness of the American people who would not want to see an undocumented pregnant alien and her child die as a result of no emergency health care. The right to life is pretty sacred to a lot of people. Of course Shook had a tough assignment. She was somewhat upbeat in mentioning ways that perhaps counties and states could do more to make themselves less attractive, but it was all about proposals. Perhaps pointing out what states could be doing helps in her campaign against incumbent Jimmy Love, but pointing out what other counties were already doing raised the question as to why, as an incumbent commissioner, she had not made some of the proposals here. Don't misunderstand - Shook has mentioned some of these things, but not brought them into focus with resolutions and ordinances. (To see Linda Shooks position on illegal immigration click here and find the heading) More importantly, the folks had come to see and hear Senator Dole. Shook's tendency to go into tedious detail about the nature of problems wears thin on an audience that has already reached the conclusion that this country faces a crisis because of the failure to protect our borders and the prospect of tens of millions of undocumented aliens who cannot speak English remaining here. This was made all the more obvious by the introduction of Senator Dole by Sheriff Tracy Carter. (By the way, when he walked to the podium and said "I'm your sheriff, Tracy Carter" the audience jumped to its feet and gave by far the biggest reception drawn by either of the two speakers for the evening. Any body who doesn't believe he is the most popular politician in the Lee County probably still doesn't know that Bill Tatum is still chairman of the school board.) He immediately spoke of being brief "to yield his time to Senator Dole." Unintentionally, it sounded like Shook had gone too long. He did take about three minutes, but mostly spoke about how much support and interest the Senator had taken in helping remove those illegal aliens who were committing the crimes--especially smuggling drugs. Thanking the Senator for her help, he said we needed to elect her to get even more done. Shook can learn an important lesson: use half your time and "yield" to the one they came to see. It wins more votes. The the real pro went to work stepping down off the platform and walking the aisles and having more of a conversation with the audience. If you have never seen it, you have missed one of the wonders of the modern political world--Elizabeth Dole speaking and working a crowd unscripted from the floor. Far more experienced candidates than Linda Shook have had to endure comparison to that style. Not to come off well is no reason for embarrassment. Dole, in constrast to Shook, demonstrated concern without being the least bit strident toward the undocumented aliens. During her "floor tour" she made sure to shake hands with several of the Mexicans in the audience. She made it clear that the first priority was to get the border under control and explained how she had successfully defeated the so called "amnesty bill'. She made it clear that English should be the official language of this county and noted Congress had already passed such a law. Then she talked a lot about her pioneering work with sheriffs across the state, with frequent references to Sheriff Carter. (His reception by the crowd had not gone unnoticed by this pro.) So she made it clear that she wasn't just bemoaning the situation, she had actually taken action to do something and had plans to do more. (To read about Dole's stand on immigration click here.) More looking to the future in an optimistic way. "This is what we can do when I am elected" would have served Shook better. Dole's warmth and style clearly won her some votes and motivated her supporters. And by the time it was over, most of the crowd was probably beyond its reaction to Shook's tone and remarks. So the front page picture was probably worth more than the price. Editor's note: The Herald ran a lengthy letter to the editor from Linda Shook today complaining that most of what she said was not reported. This blog was written without knowledge of the letter. That is another price of appearing with a United States Senator; the U.S. Senators usually get the column inches. But the letter to the editor gives her the chance to get her points across so that improves her return on the event. Shook has contacted me to remind me that she had just returned from a conference and some of the ideas she presented were given at a Civitas Institute Conference. (To see the ideas from that conference (click here and click here.) One note of exception from her letter--several rows were open near the back of the room. Those standing were doing so by choice. Great attendance but not quite standing room only.

Worst Waste Of County Money--You'll Be Surprised

Use Of Consultant on Courthouse Tour

The cost for the Health and Safety Assessments of Lee County High School and CCCC Jonesboro campus was $19,600. At least the consultant is good at looking after himself. The budget was $20,000. By the way, the report cost about $2000 a page for actual discussion and recommendation. His reports were largely discredited even by Democrat candidates for the board of commissioners. (See draft column click here) At least the $19,600 report got the chair of the county commission to invite the chair of the school board to sit down for a discussion among the two of them, along with the Interim Superintendent and the county manager. The commissioners have initiated few such meetings during the last two years. Out of that meeting came Bill Tatum's request that the local health department check for mold and that seems to have lead to some significant findings. So, that is not the worst offense of wasting tax payer dollars. The Worst Offense What could be worse than that? Sometimes it is not the money, it is the flagrant disregard for the public money coupled with simple stupidity. When the commissioners were considering the smoking ordinance, Jerry Lemmond came up with the notion that it "might be a good idea if our consultant looks at the situation at the courthouse." There was no vote but his colleagues seem to go along--all of them. Later when he changed his vote (see video of vote change), he used as his excuse of giving Commissioners Reives and Kelly the chance to look the situation at the courthouse over. With the issue having been around for more than a month, that Reives and Kelly had not already been to look at the situation says a lot about them. So one day after a public hearing at the old courthouse, a delegation including Reives, Kelly, the county manager, and others went on a tour with their $2000 a week consultant. They had questions he couldn't answer so he had to research them and stretched it out to a full 40 hours-$2000. That was the worst waste of county money. At the time Jerry Lemmond was grabbing onto the consultant to help provide political cover on the smoking ban issue, sitting in the audience was Russell Spivey. Russell Spivey knows more about that court house than the $2000 a week consultant will ever know. He has been Superintendent of of the Department of General Services’ Buildings & Grounds Division since 10/01/07 and has worked with the county since 1981. The questions it took the week to answer he could have probably been answered right on the spot during the tour. Any he couldn't answer, he would have quickly had the answers. His job is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all County departments to conduct business in a timely and efficient manner. It did not take him long to be selected as Employee of the Month (February 2006) when that program started. He has one of the most positive attitudes of any public employee and works well in his soft-spoken manner with everyone no matter what their pay grade. He is a member of the executive board of the NC Chapter of the American Public Works Association, Buildings and Grounds Division. As soon as Lemmond made his suggestion, some eyes in the room turned to Russell. Those employees knew that Russell was the best person to help the commissioners, too. So much for morale! Russell didn't seem to notice. He is not much into ego--just getting his job done. Editors Note: I was furious. Jerry Lemmond has a pet "set aside" pork project. He is Vice Chair of a private, non-profit called Johnston-Harnett Lee County Community Action--a throw back to Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty." These groups have always been known for their poor administration and waste. Despite his conflict of interest he has openly lobbied in meetings for more money for a group dear to the heart of Commissioner Reives' constituents. In the last two years the amount the county has given them has risen from $9400 to $14000--a 50% increase for naming Lemmond Vice Chair. Until now, that was Jerry Lemmond's top tax payer's money waster. Not any more. It is just $2000 and the principle that Russell Spivey was sitting right there in the audience. And Jerry Lemmond ought to answer for it in this election.

Leaders From All Sectors Need To Attend Meeting

September 23 Meeting Critical To Lee County's Future

Editors Notes : (I) Friday: There is a misprint in Billy Liggett's plug for blog in today's Herald. The meeting is critical, but it is a forum sponsored by the e-NC. We appreciate the plug, Any thoughts of the words "critical to our future" and "meeting" of the current county commission could cause a panic! (2) If you did not see my column in Wednesday's Herald click here.

North Carolina has been hard hit by the loss of economic mainstays - tobacco, textiles/apparel and manufacturing, and recovery from this has been slowed by lack of educational, physical and connectivity infrastructure resources needed to support the transition to a 21st century knowledge-based economy. As the world moves to a truly global economy, access to broadband infrastructure is vital in order for communities to remain competitive and participate globally. The most attractive companies and individuals associated with the opportunities of BRAC will demand high speed broadband beyond what is available now.

Next Tuesday, September 23, Lee County needs to be represented by local governments, the community college, board of education, chamber of commerce, and other groups and individuals with a vital interest in the future of Lee County at a regional summit regarding our future high speed broadband capabilities in Pittsboro sponsored by the e-NC Authority. (Click here to learn more about the authority.)

The summit is from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of Central Carolina Community College, 764 West Street, Building 2 in Pittsboro. The e-NC Authority is conducting these summits to provide local-level feedback about access to technology and what considerations should be implemented in a statewide strategic Internet plan. The recommendations from these summits will be compiled to present to the N.C. General Assembly and the House Select Committee on High-Speed Internet in Rural Areas during the 2009-2011 legislative session. It is important that Lee County's economic, educational, health care, public safety and community organization needs are represented in the report so that we can qualify for whatever assistance may result.

These summits are free and open to all members of the public, civic and business communities, and lunch will be provided at no charge. To register, please visit the registration page for this event. You may also contact Cary Edgar at (919) 250-4314 or cedgar@e-nc.org for additional information.

Let's demonsrtate that Lee County is anxious to move more strongly and forcefully to be a real player in the 21st century global .

Information about this summit first came to attention in an ad in Sunday's Herald.

New Sanford Herald Website OnLine

Newspaper Makes Transition To New Era

At 11:11 the new online edition of the Sanford Herald came on line. (Click here) It appears you have to re-register, but that the registration is free. The post on the commissioners' meeting is below. (click here)

Hey, what happened to that comedy routine you had posted?

Comedian Mrs. Hughes performs her observational comedy live in this video that was posted for the relief of any one frustrated by the Herald's delay in getting on line. It is rated PG, non-political, and funny as all get out. You can see it by clicking here. It is 7:51 minutes long.

Posturing Commissioners Make For Dull Meeting

Pre-Election Commissioners Work Hard

You just knew things were not getting off to a good start when Chairman Brown forgot and sat down between the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Then they didn't have the trophy and prize certificates for the employee of the month. He'll get them later. They passed the smoking ordinance after Jerry Lemmond told us how much he knew about the health effects of smoke and second-hand smoke "after being in a somewhat health-related field for 25 years." Chairman Brown wanted to make sure that no one except an elected official could declare an emergency even in the event of a terrorist attack. So we go down from chairman, to vice-chairman, then by commissioner by last name. They gave the emergency management director quite a lot of grief about that. The mechanics of the new solid waste ordinance got a a ton of "what ifs" before it passed. (Kudos to Commissioner Shook for not asking what percentage of people using the solid waste site are illegal aliens.) So did the new ordinance to regulate oil spills. Commissioner Reives suggested getting a schedule from some other county of what they charge for cleaning them up. So if you are hauling trash or dumping oil on someone else's property you should probably stop. Second reading of the joint development ordinance had several questions. Most of the time it was the same answer--that was the way the city of Sanford wanted it. Then the big report came in from the high paid consultant on the Jonesboro CCCC campus. This time he presented two pages of introduction and two pages of discussion plus a new feature. (Obviously to blunt the criticism he has got here). There were 30 pictures that showed all the awful things wrong, but not a single inter alia. So we now know what we already knew-- the Jonesboro campus was built in the 1950's, has asbestos under the vinyl, and is now worn out and needs to be replaced. He is off the payroll, but "on stand by if needed." (I felt so much better to hear that!) Jamie Kelly, still in his new role, (See previous post) said that these problems with the buildings needed to be resolved and if more money was needed the school board should come back to the commissioners. Jerry Lemmond said he had "meant to" bring some copies of a brochure he had picked up at his last conference in Kansas City and would get them made and to the commissioners. In fact, Jerry was prepared with at least a couple of nit picks on just about everything and never once changed his vote. (Click here to see video of the last time he changed his vote and read more about it in my Wednesday column in the Hearld.) I must have dozed off a couple of times because radio personality and community leader Margaret Murchison was there to cover the meeting, and she asked if I was feeling all right. Actually I could have been snoring. Thanks Margaret. (Click here for post about her.) I must confess that I actually made a statement to the board during the public comments section in response to a commissioner's concern that the blog here might be undermining the morale of the county employees. Please take the time to read it at the Lee Dispatch Plus by clicking here. I have another idea who is wrecking their morale and the research is almost completed. It's a post I promised and it is coming. I just can't imagine what the October 6 meeting might hold. There is talk on the street of an October surprise. And guess what, they will be a reception honoring new and retired county employees before the meeting.