Wilmington has Titan Cement, so forget Apple Computer (No, this is one of two with exact wording -- letter campaign, not a real LTE)Published: Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. Last Modified: Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11:25 a.m.
Wilmington has lost again in its attempts to be a leader in economic growth and clean industry. On June 3, national headlines confirmed that Apple, Inc., the computer pioneer is building a data center in North Carolina. This is a huge win for our state, but not for Wilmington, because this state-of-the-art data center is not being built here.
Rather than inviting an internationally renowned, environmentally friendly company to our beautiful, beloved Wilmington, the New Hanover County commissioners and former Gov. Easley lured a dirty, polluting industry, Titan Cement to our region. This was ignorant and inexcusable: here's why.
For those touting Titan's economic prowess, they will be awed by Apple's economic benefits. Apple is a $1 billion investment that will provide 50 full-time jobs, an additional 250 jobs for site maintenance, and over 3,000 related jobs in the region. Titan Cement is a $450 million investment that will provide a mere 161 jobs. Regarding environmental impacts, Apple will be a non-polluting facility with safe working conditions. Titan Cement will be the 4th largest cement plant in the US. Its workers and the Wilmington children and residents will be exposed to hexavalent chromium, 700 tons of particulate matter, and up to 263 lbs. of mercury per year, all of which cause significant health problems including cancer.
Blame your elected officials for bringing Titan Cement to town. Ask them why they didn't bring Apple.
David Pinsky
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Wilmington has Titan Cement, so forget Apple Computer
Monday, April 20, 2009
Market Street Traffic
Several months ago a Marine convoy travelling West along Market St ran into the first ancient oak tree in that area, causing the city to have to remove the remains of the destroyed tree. In addition to these types of problems, this area is prone to accidents with cars speeding through the 35 MPH section, cars coming out of the surrounding neighborhoods being unable to fully see in order to move out into traffic, large vehicles move into the other lanes, and vehicles running up onto the all-to-close sidewalks. This makes for a very dangerous strip of road, and families that live in the surrounding neighborhoods are very concerned for their safety as well as the safety of the many citizens who travel this road daily.
Several years ago a study was commissioned by the city to determine what, if anything, needed to be done about this problem. It was advised by the professionals that a "diet" of sorts be performed and the road should become a 2 lane road seperated by a median. This would slow traffic, increase the width of the lanes, pull the roads away from the sidewalks and maybe even provide some on-road parking for the area. This study was adopted by the city to be put into effect once the Independence Rd. Extension is completed. The problem with this is that accidents continue to occur causing injuries to the victims and costing money in damages to the vehicles and property involved. Most families in the area fear crossing the street, or even walking the sidewalks.
When presenting improvements, one is left with the city pointing to the state and saying that it is a highwayand therefor the state's responsibility while the state points to the city and says that it is the city's responsibility. However, when changes are to be made by the city the state insists that more traffic should be funneled through road because it is, afterall, a state highway.
This interesting problem has left some to suggest that Business Highway 17 needs to move. A more appropriate route for the highway may be to move it down College over to Oleander/Wooster, since these are larger roads with the capacity to handle this type of traffic (especially since trucks are suppose to be going this route anyways to bypass Market St.). This would take the state out of the picture and allow the city (once funding is available) to have more freedom to fix things.
So what should we do?? Well, I've been told by those who are involved in this that the city is discussing the idea of moving the Business Highway 17 designation. BUT, they need to know that people actually see a problem with this part of Market St. so email, call or write a letter to our City and County officials. Let them know that you support the Market St diet, as well as the redesignation of Business Highway 17. Also, let them know your ideas on how to make Market St. safer in the mean time. Whether it be adding mirrors for those entering Market St. to see oncoming traffic, adding more lights to slow traffic, increasing police presence, or just plain repainting the lines until a more proper method of implenting the Market St. diet is instituted.
You can find the contact list of representatives here.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Election Results in New Hanover County
What does this mean??? Well, we still kept one of the incumbents as County Commissioner, but the one that seemed to be dead set and unmovable from his previous votes that have caused outrage in our community lost, Bill Kopp. I think that this was probably an upset for him and rather unexpected. Barfield, Thompson and Davis (the other incumbent) are now moving on to the County Commissioner seats. Hopefully this will bring some more balance, and maybe next time the Demecrats could give us more options because it looks as though they could have blown out all the Republican contenders, especially with all the controversy.
New Hanover County Races President 43 of 43 precincts reporting McCain/Palin 50,004 50.2% Obama/Biden (Winner-D) 48,588 48.8% Barr/Root 558 0.6% WRITE-IN 401 0.4% U.S. Senate 43 of 43 precincts reporting Kay Hagan (Winner-D) 52,403 53.5% Elizabeth Dole 41,595 42.5% Christopher Cole 3,856 3.9% WRITE-IN 52 0.1% U.S. House District 7 43 of 43 precincts reporting Mike McIntyre (Winner-D) 63,780 66.0% Will Breazeale 32,793 34.0% Governor 43 of 43 precincts reporting Bev Perdue (Winner-D) 48,250 49.5% Pat McCrory 45,164 46.3% Michael C. Munger 4,089 4.2% Lieutenant Governor 43 of 43 precincts reporting Robert Pittenger 45,661 48.1% Walter H. Dalton (Winner-D) 44,792 47.2% Phillip Rhodes 4,489 4.7% Attorney General 43 of 43 precincts reporting Roy Cooper (Winner-D) 55,221 58.8% Bob Crumley 38,645 41.2% Auditor 43 of 43 precincts reporting Leslie Merritt 46,024 50.6% Beth A. Wood (Winner-D) 45,011 49.4% Commissioner of Agriculture 43 of 43 precincts reporting Steve Troxler (Winner-R) 48,979 53.6% Ronnie Ansley 42,353 46.4% Commissioner of Insurance 43 of 43 precincts reporting Wayne Goodwin (Winner-D) 43,837 47.8% John Odom 42,519 46.4% Mark McMains 5,281 5.8% WRITE-IN 92 0.1% Commissioner of Labor 43 of 43 precincts reporting Cherie Berry (Winner-R) 48,748 53.3% Mary Fant Donnan 42,648 46.7% Secretary of State 43 of 43 precincts reporting Elaine F. Marshall (Winner-D) 49,011 53.4% Jack Sawyer 42,707 46.6% Superintendent of Public Instruction 43 of 43 precincts reporting June St. Clair Atkinson (Winner-D) 46,720 51.2% Richard Morgan 44,548 48.8% Treasurer 43 of 43 precincts reporting Janet Cowell (Winner-D) 45,542 50.0% Bill Daughtridge 45,540 50.0% N.C. Senate District 9 43 of 43 precincts reporting Julia Boseman (Winner-D) 49,980 51.6% Michael Lee 46,789 48.4% N.C. House District 16 17 of 17 precincts reporting Carolyn Justice 22,756 100.0% N.C. House District 18 13 of 13 precincts reporting Sandra Spaulding Hughes (Winner-D) 14,641 72.6% George J. Swart 5,523 27.4% N.C. House District 19 19 of 19 precincts reporting Danny McComas 31,110 100.0% County Commissioner 43 of 43 precincts reporting Jonathan Barfield, Jr. (Winner-D) 51,253 24.6% Jason R. Thompson (Winner-R) 46,763 22.4% Ted Davis, Jr. (Winner-R) 46,325 22.2% Bill Kopp 45,044 21.6% Brian Matthew Berger 19,329 9.3% Register of Deeds 43 of 43 precincts reporting Jennifer S. Hardison (Winner-D) 47,689 52.0% Tammy T. Beasley 43,998 48.0% Board of Education 43 of 43 precincts reporting Dorothy S. DeShields (Winner-D) 44,903 17.6% Elizabeth Redenbaugh (Winner-R) 43,987 17.2% Jeannette S. Nichols (Winner-R) 43,672 17.1% Jan Brewington 42,417 16.6% Pat Chappell 41,731 16.3% David G. Martin 38,623 15.1% Supreme Court Associate Justice (Edmunds Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting Robert H. (Bob) Edmunds, Jr. (Winner-R) 35,816 52.8% Suzanne Reynolds 31,963 47.2% Court of Appeals Judge (Martin Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting John C. Martin 53,987 100.0% Court of Appeals Judge (Wynn Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting James A. (Jim) Wynn (Winner-D) 33,054 50.9% Jewel Ann Farlow 31,897 49.1% Court of Appeals Judge (Tyson Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting Sam J. Ervin, IV (Winner-D) 36,254 56.1% Kristin Ruth 28,380 43.9% Court of Appeals Judge (McCullough Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting Cheri Beasley (Winner-D) 36,539 55.9% Doug McCullough 28,855 44.1% Court of Appeals Judge (Stephens Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting Linda Stephens (Winner-D) 36,348 56.5% Dan Barrett 27,998 43.5% Court of Appeals Judge (Arrowood Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting Robert N. (Bob) Hunter, Jr. (Winner-R) 33,921 54.2% John S. Arrowood 28,705 45.8% Superior Court Judge District 5A 14 of 14 precincts reporting Phyllis Gorham 16,541 100.0% District Court Judge District 5 (Carroll Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting John J. Carroll, III 57,342 100.0% District Court Judge District 5 (Corpening Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting J. H. Corpening, II 52,065 100.0% District Court Judge District 5 (Criner Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting Sandra Ray Criner (Winner-R) 45,475 65.3% Joy K. Alford-Brand 24,177 34.7% District Court Judge District 5 (Davis Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting Richard Russell Davis 52,010 100.0% District Court Judge District 5 (Noecker Seat) 43 of 43 precincts reporting Jeffrey E. Noecker 47,440 100.0% Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor 43 of 43 precincts reporting David Thomas (Winner-Incumbent) 36,177 61.5% David Dowdy 21,898 37.3% WRITE-IN 705 1.2% Cape Fear Community College Bond 43 of 43 precincts reporting YES (Winner) 54,408 62.0% NO 33,346 38.0%
The Democratic incumbent for Board of Education stayed as did the Republican incumbent, but the third seat was taken by a Republican newbie. Obviously, when looking through the results it becomes obvious that a large majority of New Hanover citizens voted on the issues rather than straight ticket. We have a huge mix of Democrats and Republicans winning and although some of the Republicans who won in New Hanover did not win state or nationwide you can certainly see the eclectic mix here. Overall Democrats had a good election nationally, statewide, and county wide.
I will remain active in our county's politics and hopefully have regular updates. It may be awhile since things will die down for a little while. I will also continue my updates on Titan and NCFOM's push to legalize CPMs.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
CONA Debate Forum: Part II
Board of Education
In the first debate were the candidates for the Board of Education, as a reminder the candidates are Brewington, Chappell, De Shields (Incumbent), Nichols (Incumbent) and Redenbaugh. It seems that the introduction of two new magnet schools is a source of some controversy. Redenbaugh and De Shields both talked about this topic and they both seemed to feel that this wasn't done properly, and that not enough research was done. De Shields added that when the parents and teachers don't buy in then magnet schools don't do well and the speed at which this decision was made did not allow time for this process. All of the candidates agree that Creationism is best left out of our Science programs. One surprise was when Nichols abstained from answering whether neighborhood schools lack racial diversity. Redenbaugh also abstained from answering whether she felt that vouchers would be a good option for our area.
Overall the candidates that I felt made the best impression were Brewington, De Shields, and Redenbaugh. Chappell was not asked many questions during the audience Q&A period, but some of her answers to the panel questions left me a little hesitant. Nichols seems to be of the "old guard" and her abstaining from answer the previously mentioned question left the audience and other candidates to believe that she felt that racial diversity in neighborhood schools is not much of an issue or that she believes that racial diversity is not important. Since we aren't in her mind we can't be sure but it certainly got a few groans all over the auditorium.
District 18 NC House of Representatives
The next debate was between Hughes (Incumbent) and Swart for the NC House of Representatives. Hughes came to the debate prepared to discuss her acomplishments in the short year that she has been a Representative, unfortunately she was not prepared for the attacks that Swart brought with him and this showed in some of her answers and responses to Swarts answers.
When asked about the Districting lines of Pender, Hughes stated that this was a matter for the US Supreme Court to hash out at this point and trusted a fair answer and Swart felt that the lines were unconstitutional and that Pender should be one district with NH being split into two districts.
On the subject of Forced Annexation Swart felt that annexation was being used to bring more tax dollars in rather than to provide services, he also stated rather than cutting programs we should look into getting rid of things like the controversial convention center. Hughes felt that without Annexation that city residents pay more for services that everyone uses and that this should be made more fair.
On the subject of Titan moving to our area, Hughes was against Titan all together and did not feel (after having spoke with the Corp of Engineers) that Titan would be able to obtain the necessary certifications. Swart felt that rather than giving tax incentives to one corporation to come into our area that the Corporate tax rate should be lowered altogether allowing any Corporation that wanted to move in to do so.
Hughes also answered that she felt that corruption of the General Assembly has been taken care of, citing that the House moved to thank the Speaker for his hard work in keeping things together so well, she also supports televising the General Assembly meetings.
Things got a little heated when Hughes asked Swart what kind of experience did he have and he said "Nearly as much as you". Hughes was on City Council before being put into her new position. I can't find where Swart has ever served a political office before.
I generally support Hughes and the vitriole with which Swart attacked and the fact that he has been on TV discussing how county Demecrats vote based on skin color I have to say that my impression of him at this point is quite low. Not to mention that my personal stances are very different than his.
New Hanover County Commissioners
This debate was between candidates Barfield, Berger, Davis (Incumbent), Kopp (Incumbent), and Thompson (City Council member). Obviously this debate centered a lot on Titan and the incentives that were promised by County Commissioner. Berger and Barfield came out as completely against Titan, with Berger even stating that a new Count Commissioner Board needed to pull out of this promise even if it would be problematic stating that it is a moral imperative. Kopp defended the incentive stating that we must offer incentives to get Corporations to move to the area with Davis saying that he would not take back his votefor the incentive if given another chance. Thompson is against incentives as a general rule and feels that this was a bad deal and that the public should have had a chance to give input before the decision was made.
Titan was not the only subject, though. When discussing the consolidation of services, Thompson stated that the concept was good but that it was being poorly managed giving a "C" grade to the process, he was the only candidate that did not feel that the consolidation was poorly planned. Berger was against consolidation of services.
On the subject of the privatization of Wave Transit, Davis was the only candidate that did not feel it was ill-conceived.
A county re-evaluation of Property taxes was also part of the lightening round with Davis and Kopp against the idea and Barfield, Berger, and Thompson for the re-evaluation.
The ABC Board Expansion also came up with Barfield, Berger, and Thompson against this, Davis for it and Kopp abstaining.
The CFCC Bond was generally supported by everyone except Berger.
Overall, I believe the three candidates that were not already on the board are the best candidates (Barfield, Berger, and Thompson). Davis and Kopp made this decision for me quite easy with many of their answers even before the debate, but even more obvious during this debate.
NC Senate
This debate was quite lively between Boseman and Lee. There were a lot of supporters from both sides and many questions from the audience were obviously skewed in favor of or opposition to one candidate or the other.
Titan came up with Boseman supporting incentives as a general rule, but opposed to Titan. She propsed that legislation should be put in to restrict polluting companies from moving into areas that would be that close to schools and wet lands. Lee sees that incentives are necessary but that there needs to be objective criteria used, he also favors lowering Corporate Taxes. Which leads to the subject of taxes, Boseman pointed out that she has already voted (and it was passed) to lower corporate taxes and that our base in NC has increased overall and that is how we get more tax dollars and keep a balanced budget.
When discussing how to keep spending down, Boseman says that a freeze on hiring, freeze on government travel, and eliminating jobs that have gone more than 6 months without being filled. Lee says that he will "stand up and say stop" when projects are being put in the budget that he doesn't support (this seems naive to me since politics is a system of give and take, and may lead to him being ineffective for our area).
When discussing UNCW and State Universities, Boseman states that our schools are a top value and has increased funding, including a new nursing school at UNCW. Lee says that Financial Aid will remain Federally backed and that college should be made more affordable for NC families. Boseman also answered that in our public education system that standardized testing is necessary but needs to shift and we need to be more creative in how this is done.
Boseman is generally regarded as an advocate in the Senate for Domestic Violence legislation. When Lee was questioned he stated that a better system of enforcement of restraining orders was needed statewide.
I hope that this information was helpful. I believe I've handled all of the elected positions in New Hanover county other than the Register of Deeds. Unfortunately, I'm having some problem determining much of a difference between the two candidates and will need to work a little harder. I may be left at just presenting their history and hope that is of some help.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Judicial Races
The following is an excerpt from the email explaining some opinion on the races.
This is probably the best information that I have received on these particular races wince it is succinct and comes from a source that I trust.I'm going to comment only on those candidates that I know professionally and/or who I've appeared before. Party affiliation is irrelevant to me, as it is supposed to be for everyone; judges in NC run as non-partisan. Regretfully, each major party runs its own campaign to promote their candidates solely on party lines. That is too bad, because whether a person is a Republican or a Democrat does not ensure that person is qualified. Hopefully, the day will soon come when we use some other means of choosing our judges other than by election.
My recommendations:
Bob Edmunds, Candidate for re-election to the NC Supreme Court. I've known Bob for years and his credentials are stellar. I've lost count of the number of times I've appeared in front of Justice Edmunds (and the other justices) at the NC Supreme Court. He is professional and always courteous to the attorneys appearing before the Court. He is, by far, one of the most intelligent, knowledgeable, and fair justices I've encountered. I strongly endorse him for re-election to the NC Supreme Court.
James Wynn, Candidate for re-election to the NC Court of Appeals. In my opinion, but for his race, James Wynn would be sitting on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals or would have remained Chief Justice of the NC Supreme Court. Nonetheless, we are very fortunate to have him on our Court of Appeals. He is incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable, and one of the best jurists ever to sit on any of our courts. He has a brilliant analytical brain and even when he rules against someone, the logic is so clear, one almost agrees with him! I've appeared before him at both the NC Supreme Court, where he sat for a short time, and at the NC Court of Appeals. He is one of the best and I highly endorse him for the NC Court of Appeals.
Linda Stephens, candidate for re-election to the NC Court of Appeals. Judge Stephens served many years as a District Court Judge in Raleigh. Her performance on the Court of Appeals has been absolutely stellar. She is brilliant, hard-working, and treats all that come before her quite professionally. (I assure you this has not always been the case with all the judges, whether at the trial court level, the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court.) I highly endorse her for re-election to the Court of Appeals.
Sam Ervin, IV, candidate for the NC Court of Appeals. I've known 'Jimmy' for years and years when he used to do death penalty work. He is from Morganton, NC and has an impeccable reputation for working hard and for his brilliant mind. When he was still in private practice, Jimmy would always be willing to help analyze the law or the facts in any death penalty case that any attorney needed help with. He is very intelligent and I have no doubt will do an excellent job on the Court of Appeals. I highly recommend him.
District Court Judge, New Hanover County.
Sandra Ray Criner, candidate for re-election to District Court Judge. I've known Sandra Criner since she graduated law school and started working in the District Attorney's office here in Wilmington. We were on opposite sides in many cases and she was always prepared and always treated defense counsel with the utmost courtesy. She is one of the most hard working and one of the smartest judges we have. As she did when she was an assistant District Attorney, she continues to treat all who her enter her courtroom---attorneys, defendants, and witnesses--with courtesy and respect. Her rulings are grounded in law and she is a fair jurist. She is by far the most qualified candidate for this seat.
I would however like to add some information that I have found on Sandra Criner's opponent at this time. He opponent is Joy Alford-Brand who is a Democrat and has been a practicing attorney for 9 years, 3 years as an ADA and currently the Felony Domestic Violence Prosecutor. According to her web-site:
I stand for:
· Safe families and neighborhoods
When the law is applied accurately and efficiently, criminals have fewer opportunities to commit more crimes. That means the streets we drive on are safer for our children, friends, families and loved ones. When we address crimes of domestic violence in our neighborhoods that means the cycle will be broken and our children will be protected. Safer families equal safer neighborhoods.
· Fair and prompt Justice for all
The role of a District Court Judge is to seek justice. They must hear each case that comes before them and decide whether or not the Defendant is guilty or innocent. They must be fair and just when deciding whether a Defendant is guilty or innocent. If the Defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty, the Judge must sentence that Defendant fairly and accurately. The sentence must match the crime and everyone must be treated equally.
· Better use of resources and tax dollars
Justice delayed is justice denied. We have a limited amount of resources in our court system to handle 70,000 cases that are charged each year. We need to make the best use of those resources which means hearing cases when they are scheduled to be heard. It also means making sure that Defendants are held accountable for not coming to court. Finally, it means working a full day for a full day’s pay. When the system is functioning correctly and efficiently, victims have a better chance to be heard and given justice.
· Respect.
Our District Courtrooms are courts of law that should be respected. Those of us who are elected should have respect for our legal system, the law, and all individuals who appear before us whether they be defendant, victim, defense attorney or prosecutor. I will treat everyone who appears before me with respect.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
CONA Debate Forum
This is just an explanation and summary of the night's events. The debates were televised and will be rebroadcast repeatedly on our government channel. For the Board of Education and the County Commissioner debates a panel started by asking each candidate a question for two rounds, there were then questions from the floor, and then a lightening round in which the candidates were supposed to answer with one word (yes, no, undecided or abstain). This was actually adhered to fairly well. For the State Senate and State House candidates the first two rounds were the same with the third round being that the two candidates asked each other questions. The debate rules were adhered to very well and overall the tenor was very fair. I hope that everyone looks for the rebroadcast on television and watches, especially the State Senate and County Commissioner debates.
I will be back....
CONA Debate Forum
This is just an explanation and summary of the night's events. The debates were televised and will be rebroadcast repeatedly on our government channel. For the Board of Education and the County Commissioner debates a panel started by asking each candidate a question for two rounds, there were then questions from the floor, and then a lightening round in which the candidates were supposed to answer with one word (yes, no, undecided or abstain). This was actually adhered to fairly well. For the State Senate and State House candidates the first two rounds were the same with the third round being that the two candidates asked each other questions. The debate rules were adhered to very well and overall the tenor was very fair. I hope that everyone looks for the rebroadcast on television and watches, especially the State Senate and County Commissioner debates.
I will be back....