Cabarrus Cheap Seats

Over the past three years, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time making this blog a place where ideas and events can be discussed.  When people post here - they can expect to get challenged…that comes with the territory.  I also have no problem with anyone of any poltical stripe posting information or opinions no matter how strident.

However, baseless accusations that border on libel are a different matter.  If someone posts libelous comments on the blog than I’m actually legally liable as someone distributing them.  I’m assuming they are libelous, because “massexodus” doesn’t use their real name and the accusations strike me as being a little far-fetched.  However, I’m keeping an open mind to them being true.  If they are true, then these are serious situations that should be rectified.

That being said, I’m taking the following actions:

1. I will move the offending comment and resulting thread to this post
2. I will contact Steve Alexander, Barry Shepherd, and the School Board with a link to this post and the Liz Poole Resignation post as background
3. I will invite “massexodus” to provide verifiable proof to each one of the claims that he made by e-mailing me directly at justin@cabarruscheapseats.com; or redact the accusations and offer apologies to all those falsely accused.  I’m giving “massexodus” one week.  If by 0600 EDT Friday, July 11 “massexodus” doesn’t prove the claims, “massexodus” will be allowed to post comments…but not be given access to vowels.

I hate having to play traffic cop; but that seems like the fairest compromise.  If anyone else has any better ideas - I’m all ears.

I ran across an interesting story in today’s Observer:

http://www.charlotte.com/540/story/697154.html

Apparently, IF the NC Education Lottery were to be repealed, then according to Perdue, there would be a “$350 million” gap in education funding, that would have to be found somewhere.  In essence, what she is saying is this - now education is not a priority spending item in the state budget, funded by corporate and personal income taxes, as it was before the lottery, but by the proceeds from the lottery itself…

When we (oops, the legislature) voted to approve the “NC ‘Education’ Lottery” in 2005, many yes votes were cast because “it was going for a good cause”.  I am sure if it had been dubbed the “NC ‘Prison’ Lottery, it probably would not have been approved. 

It is refreshing now to note that our Democrat power machine in Raleigh is now admitting - the lottery was just a way to supplant funding for public education on things that matter more to them - like teapot museums, and four lane highways that lead to nowhere.  What will happen when lottery proceeds start to decline? Will we see an equal decline in the education budget?

Let’s have some Independence Day fun.  I have already dubbed the lottery by an alternative name.  Here are some others I have thought of:

NC “Let’s Build a Bridge to Nowhere” Lottery

NC “State Employment Tenure” Lottery

NC “Teapot Museum” Lottery

NC “Governors Helicopter” Lottery

NC “First Lady Pay Raise” Lottery

Your proposals?

Sometime between now and Monday - take 9 minutes  to remember why we’re celebrating.

The Declaration of Independence made us a people not bound by common ancestry or sworn devotion to a single creed; but a recognition of basic individual rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  The signers of the Declaration of Independence did not ask for these rights to be recognized; but realized that there comes a time to demand them.

The Declaration of Independence was not just the battle cry for our own country 232 years ago; but it has inspired others to stand up to tyranny.  Be it a lone student standing in front of a tank in China or a dissident political party in Zimbabwe: this idea is not exclusively ours.  We must continue to support the inalienable rights of all people no matter who they are or where they are.

In between the pyrotechnics and the grilled food this weekend: take 9:00 and watch this simple - yet powerful - reading of this document.  Think about not just what it means to be 1 of 20 people in the Earth forunate enough to be an heir to this idea; but to be one of the other 19 - many of whom have yet to enjoy the same rights we take for granted.

Note: I’ve recently been asked to provide a weekly article to the Concord Standard. So, for Standard readers: This is not deja vu. Welcome to the Cheap Seats.

Recently, an on-line campaign called the “Matthew 25 Network” came to my attention.  The purpose of the organization is to promote the candidacy of Barak Obama on the basis that he stands for the admonition that Jesus gave in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25 that whatever each one of us did to the “least of these” we did to Him.  With glossy on-line graphics we’re told that Barak Obama stands for the principles of charity and compassion in the Parable.  The implicit message is that John McCain doesn’t.

This campaign illustrates a fundamental difference between conservatives and liberals: the belief in the personal responsibility of individual citizens for each other as opposed to collectivism.  [Read more →]

I get a number of links from y’all and I run across in my trolling about the Internet that I’ve been trying to find a way to include them without dominating the discussion.  So, I’ve broken down the links into several categories and will be sharing them throughout the week every week depending on the discussion.

Since I got on “The Church Directory” - I’ve struggled with how to be a blogger whose Christian and not become another Christian blogger.  If you’re anything like me - you’ve all but forgotten what was preached on Sunday - so, I’m offering you a “Second Helping” at the beginning of every week.

Here’s the link to the video for those of you on RSS and e-mail.

Okay, I disappeared for a week.  Something about an agreement between the County and Concord, that is precedent setting.  Also, more importantly, I got to help my in-laws celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this past weekend, and as a bonus, got to eat Sunday Dinner with my Mom and Dad (for those of you who are lucky to have yours in town, you don’t know how little I get to do this).

Anyway, I noticed several comments and questions on the budget, and Mr. TBO felt it would be better to post a new column, rather than  try to comment on an old blog.  Here it goes -

Aaron -

I said:

1 – Ensure the Public’s safety.

2 – Educate the next generation and serve as stewards to our community until they are ready to take the lead.

3 – Promote the general welfare and economic prosperity of our community.

You said:

I completely agree with number 1.

I almost agree with everything in number 2

I generally disagree with number 3

When mentioning the General Welfare of the community, let me clarify.  I don’t feel it is Govco’s job to guarantee the economic success of everyone in the community.  What I meant in saying what I said is that we make decisions that either hinder the economic progress of our community, or hurt it.   Economic development activities are clearly a county government function in NC.  We currently half over half of the land in the county either developed or planned for development of residential subdivisions.  Only about 20% is actually in use as commercial or industrial property, which adds tax value, without demanding the services residential development does.  If we don’ make a concerted effort to create a fertile field for small businesses to start, grow, and flourish, then it will be impossible to provide for the quality of life we currently enjoy, without seeing our tax rate continue to climb.

Justin -

1) How much is debt service and how much has that grown as a percentage of the budget over the past decade?

It’s hard to say, but a good stat to look at was actually in last year’s budget.  In 1998, the last year before C.P. came on the board, and the same year he and the CTA made their bold pronouncement that we had enough money to “build a school a year with the cash from Corning and Concord Mills”, the county had $99 Million in debt, or $821 per capita.  By the time 2005 rolled around, this figure was $218 Million, or $1,453 per capital.  In other words, the amount of debt per person in Cabarrus County almost doubled during this time, all while the CTA bunch was bragging about cutting your taxes. 

2) When we’ve talked, you told me that there’s a report that the Budget Czar of the County that tells of the parts of the budget that grow the fastest - could you share that also?

I will see about having this posted on the website; however, in looking at the revenue created by not dropping the tax rate, there is projected to be total of $22.7 million, which will be recurring revenue.  Money, $18.5 million is for new moneys needed to buy land for schools, pay new debt service for schools, and to fund construction of the new jail.  In addition, we lose $4.2 million in sales tax, that must be given up to the state, as part of the shell game they played last year with Medicaid Relief.

Steve -

1. Why does the local government offer services, i.e. education, social services, medical services etc. to illegal aliens????

When we do, it’s because Raleigh or Washington tells us we have to.  By federal law, the public schools have to provide a sound, quality education to all children, without regard for their, or their parent’s legal standing.  Also, illegals are allowed to receive emergency medical treatment, and to get disaster relief aid in-kind (no cash, only food, clothing and/or shelter.) But realize some absurdities - if an illegal couple have a child in this country, then the child is a US citizen, and is eligible for any aid available to any other American citizen.  Also, this means that a woman, who happens to be  pregnant with  a child, can’t get any pre-natal treatment, but once the baby is delivered, then the child is eligible to receive care.   

2. How many positions within the school system does the County fund without any assistance from the State?? Are there any of these positions that could be cut from the school budget??

It’s hard to say, but I estimate over 300, just in the the Cabarrus system.  Liz might be able to shed more light on it.  There are about 120 teachers that are paid locally to reduce class size.  There are 29 assistant principals, whose presence helps to relieve some administrative chores from teachers, allowing them more time and focus to teach.  All clerical and janitorial staff positions are funded locally.  All Technology instructors and other support staff for testing, Headstart, and More@ Four are funded as well.

This also brings up an interesting point - The board of commissioners has no authority to veto any line item, or earmark funding in the school budget.  All we can do is reduce or increase the per-pupil spending.  Any discussion of exactly which local positions that the system can live without would have to be taken up with the school systems. 

Hope this helps, and maybe even generate some more questions. 

OK, If you haven’t heard, read or seen anything about the Yadkin River canundrum involving Stanly County and Alcoa then here’s the link to read up on it: CLICK HERE.

You’re probably wondering what this has to do with us here in Cabarrus County? Well, we (that being our elected officials) signed on opposing the renewal of Alcoa’s license to operate the lakes and dams.

Personally: I’ve always seen this as an attempt by a bunch of whiney public officials to “get something for nothing” and enter into the power industry just like they’ve entered into the Cable TV industry up in Mooresville.

As someone whose used the lakes for fishing and boating since I was around 10 years old I’ve never seen anything that would lead me to believe that Alcoa hasn’t done a good job at managing the systems.

So the question is: Why are we in Cabarrus County so concerned about what’s going on between Stanly County gov-co and the Alcoa corporation. And if the State Government can’t pass a balanced budget why the heck do we think they can manage the energy needs of an entire region???

Discuss…

Dr. Shepherd and Board members:

Tonight, I am tendering my resignation as a member of the Cabarrus County Board of Education.  I have been offered a teaching position at Concord High School.  You will be receiving a personnel list tonight, which includes my name for board approval.  State law requires that a school board member resign prior to consideration of employment by the school district, therefore this letter is my notice of official resignation from the Cabarrus County Board of Education, effective immediately. [Read more →]

Does Nancy Pelosi share your values?

Well, if Robin Hayes isn’t reelected - you’ll be represtented by her through Larry Kissell.

David Black - the GOP 8th District Chairman and Steve Quain - Hayes Campaign Coordinator will tell you what you can do to make sure that we’re represented by someone from Concord, NC not Concord, CA.

Where? Red Pig Cafe at the Carolina Mall
When? The meeting starts at 7:30; but I would suggest getting there by 6:45 if you want dinner

Also, we’ll be winding up our membership drive with some gifts.  Membership is $20.  Visitors are welcome.

I’ve moved those crazy Maria Ray comments from the Hayes Ad thread to here.

This proves I’m rather permissive about what I let go on here; but I’d like to hear from everyone else - should behavior like this be permitted?