Guarino

The Tuesday Primary: Sam Spagnola, Lisa Clapp, etc.

I am going to recap some of the posts I have written about the current primary season. 

There are two local races in which I have particular interest-- and for these, I support Sam Spagnola and Lisa Clapp.

For the District 3 County Commissioner's seat, I would be voting for Sam Spagnola.  The big issue in this year's election at the county level is the orgy of bond spending that was approved two years ago.  Our illustrious county commissioners voted to place $650 million in bonds on the ballot during 2008, in abrogation of their fiduciary responsibility.  The economy collapsed shortly thereafter, and the county has been left in a huge fiscal predicament ever since. 

Linda Shaw was among those commissioners who voted to place those bonds on the ballot.  She can try to wash her hands of the situation by claiming that she was merely allowing voters to make the decision.  But ultimately, it is her responsibility.  It is a mess she helped create.  Her multiple attempts to explain this issue away during the current primary season season have been unfortunate; and seemed less than truthful to the discerning observer.  The "smoking gun" video that demonstrates her support for the bonds-- in spite of the fact they would likely require a tax increase-- is found here. 

Sam Spagnola rightfully has emphasized the bond issue, among several others.  I think Sam is a true fiscal conservative; and I think he would not have voted to place $650 billion in bonds on the ballot simultaneously to please certain power groups or interest groups.

It should be noted that Linda Shaw has also been endorsed by the Simkins PAC.  Warning bells should be a-ringing.  I genuinely hope that readers in District 3 will vote for Sam Spagnola.

In the race for the at-large school board seat, I will be voting for Lisa Clapp.  She is running against the incumbent Nancy Routh, who embodies the status quo in the Guilford County Schools system.

Ms. Clapp is emphasizing all the right issues-- school safety and discipline; neighborhood schools; academic achievement; and budget accountability.  She has demonstrated passion and energy in advocating for these issues-- and especially with regard to school safety. 

Her opponent is part of the group that has refrained from taking effective action on the matter of order in the classroom.  This likely explains Ms. Routh's endorsement by the Simkins PAC.

Ms. Clapp is the better choice by far.  I urge readers to support her.

In the District 2 commissioner's race, Bill Bencini is opposed by Myrene Stanley.  While Bencini has some impressive credentials, we have witnessed over the last couple of days the News and Record bending over backwards to describe him as moderate, pragmatic and flexible.  Seeing our daily paper describe him this way must be at least somewhat disconcerting to local conservatives who surely understand that, to some extent, the paper is likely speaking in code.

Ms. Stanley appears to be at least one or two notches further to the right than Mr. Bencini.  It appears she would have a consistent philosophical approach to governing.

Bencini has served as a city council member in High Point for about ten years; and will have very high name recognition in High Point.  Myrene Stanley is therefore facing a fairly formidable opponent.  But I would be among those voting for her.  If Mr. Bencini wins, we will have the opportunity to observe firsthand his performance; and in that event, I hope my concerns are dispelled quickly.

For the state court of appeals races, I will be voting for the incumbent Ann Calabria to fill the "Calabria seat".

But the "Elmore seat" is much more problematic.  The incumbent Rick Elmore, who claims some Greensboro roots, has modeled himself after Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is a part-of-the-time judicial activist.  Such a profile should be of concern to any real conservative.  His only Republican opponent, Steven Walker, says he would most closely try to emulate Justice Scalia.  I find that reassuring about Walker because it speaks to his judicial philosophy; and I will be voting for him. 

But it also turns out that the Simkins PAC has endorsed Judge Elmore.  That should raise some red flags, because the PAC has historically had sympathies with criminal defendants and defense attorneys.

I am going to take a break over the weekend until primary day-- i.e., Tuesday, May 4. I encourage my readers to vote.  Furthermore, if you feel this post has been helpful, I invite you to e-mail it to family, friends and neighbors.  Although both are facing entrenched incumbents, and must be considered underdogs, Sam Spagnola and Lisa Clapp particularly deserve a chance to make a real difference in our county.   

Help Select the New Chief

Since the city is going to be obtaining community input, it would be appropriate for right-thinking citizens to tell the city what they want in a new police chief.

There are two opportunities to do so.  (HT: Inside Scoop)

First, there is going to be a series of three community meetings you can attend at which you can speak out.  Information about that is found here.

Second, you can complete an online survey.  That is an easy way of providing input.  The survey is found here.

Don't let all the wrongheaded voices be the only ones heard.  

Local Presbyterian USA Churches Continue to Leave a Political Mark

About a month ago I ran a series here on one of the most liberal Christian denominations, the Presbyterian Church USA.  We discussed the fact that the denomination is pro-abortion, and that it has previously moved to allow gay clergy. 

We spoke of its "social justice" perspective.  Senator Kay Hagan attends First Presbyterian locally, and her vote in favor of more socialized medicine is potentially a manifestation of the church's social justice persective.  Noted thinkers on the national level, Marvin Olasky and Father Sirico of the Catholic Church, have debunked the biblical legitimacy of the "social justice" perspective as it relates to public policy.

We pointed out local blogger/former News and Record editor Lex Alexander's membership at First Presbyterian, which he has freely reported in the blogosphere. 

We spoke of the fact that First Presbyterian recently hosted a conference sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign, which advocates for the gay sociopolitical agenda.  And we also noted that Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, also in Greensboro, recently hosted the annual convention of the Guilford County Democratic Party.

One of the amazing things is that First Presbyterian Church is an "establishment church".  It is where many of Greensboro's movers and shakers have attended.  It is thought to be the home church of some of Greensboro's "old money".  And yet it seems to be flaming liberal.  But remember that this is Greensboro.

Now there are some other observations I wish to share:

1. We learn that the Rev. Zeb Holler is a former pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.  Rev. Zoller recently wrote a book, and it turns out that he had the Rev. Nelson Johnson write the forward.  Apparently Rev. Zoller and Rev. Johnson go back a long way.  Many of us at least vaguely remember Rev. Holler's name as one of those individuals who led and promoted the Truth and Reconciliation process.  Johnson, of course, is a member of Greensboro's notorious Pulpit Forum; and was one of the individuals who caused the fateful events of 1979. 

It is possible that religious leaders and congregations can sometimes facilitate the practice of identity politics.  It appears that may be part of the Presbyterian Church USA tradition here in Greensboro. 

2. News and Record columnist Jim Schlosser had one of his trademark human interest stories recently in the paper.  It concerned a downtown Greensboro baker, Bill Snider, who once knew Barack Obama when they were college students together in California.

There was a jaw-dropping statement in the piece:

Snider says the Obama he sees on television seems like the same deliberate — and politically moderate — guy who at Occidental always thought through decisions about his studies and his life.

Barack Obama a moderate?  It could only be someone with a very liberal perspective who would make or transmit that assertion.

But I remembered having read elsewhere that Schlosser also is a member at First Presbyterian.  (Correct me if I am wrong.)  They doubtless have thought very highly of Obama at that church.

3. Lex Alexander continues to tell us what he thinks. 

First, he seems to think that the pro-life movement lies to its base in order to motivate them.  Part of the reason is that many who are pro-life also happen to be against socialized medicine.  Lex refers to such people as "cynical liars or batsh*t insane".

Lex does not address the powerful intellectual basis for the pro-life movement found at places like this and this and this.

Second, Lex seems to feel the Presbyterian Church USA would be adhering to Christ's second great commandment if it allows a defiantly open lesbian woman to serve as clergy.

4. The church also is interested in dealing with climate change.  (HT: Stormy)

America's mainline Protestant churches, like the Presbyterian Church USA, have been uniquely influential in recent American history.  Its people have oft been monied, and have risen to high positions of leadership in the media, the academy, in industry and government.  And these churches have been effective at furthering their political agenda.

But there are two ironies.  The first is that "establishment churches" can be such potent forces for liberalism.  The second is that the loathed religious right is regarded as a threat-- when it is the religious left that has been much more effective at breaching the esteemed wall separating church and state.

   

How Would Revenues From Higher Water Bills Be Used in Greensboro?

There was a good article on the front page of the News and Record this morning about the proposal to increase water bills by nine percent in the city of Greensboro.  The article reveals that water rates have been approximately doubled in our city since 2004. 

The prophetic voice of Mike Baron continues to resound.

OK, here is the mystery.  If water consumption has not risen significantly over the last fifteen years or so, as Mike has amply demonstrated, why is there a need for water rates to increase nearly every year? 

Yes, higher water rates have likely diminished consumption to some extent.  But when will the rate increases end?  At what point will the city stop seeking these increases almost every year?

Is there any chance the city will take the water revenues, and divert them to pay for other budget items unrelated to water?  Remember, for instance, that Andy Scott--Robbie Perkins' favorite city staffer--was recently seen to be discussing the possibility of using affordable housing monies to pay for the Nussbaum Center.  How easily can money be moved around like that?

Can city staff be trusted with regard to what they are seeking?

What is likely to happen if we do not increase water rates?

I think city council needs to understand the answers to all these questions.  And they ought not accept the recommendation of city staff uncritically.

Simkins PAC Endorses Linda Shaw, Nancy Routh, Rick Elmore

Yes!Weekly reports the Simkins PAC endorsements for the primaries next week.  The PAC has made endorsements in several races in which I have had some interest. 

They have endorsed Linda Shaw, who is opposed by Sam Spagnola.

They have endorsed Nancy Routh, who is opposed by Lisa Clapp.

They have endorsed Judge Rick Elmore, who is opposed by Steven Walker.

I think it is reasonable to presume that there is some type of problem if the Simkins PAC endorses a given candidate, unless proved otherwise.  As I have noted previously, I will be voting for Spagnola, Clapp and Walker, respectively. 

Court of Appeals Races: Calabria, Walker

I have had the opportunity to examine the two North Carolina Court of Appeals races.

I am going to vote to reelect the incumbent, Judge Ann Calabria, to the seat that she currently holds.

With respect to the "Elmore seat", the situation is a bit more complicated.  Elmore is a Republican, and has roots in Greensboro.  However, upon viewing the questionnaire he filed with the North Carolina Family Policy Council, some of his answers aroused concern.  But the one I wish to highlight is the response that reveals his approach to judicial interpretation.

The questionnaire asks which US Supreme Court justice best represents his judicial philosophy. Elmore's response?  Justice Anthony Kennedy!

That is a huge problem.  Kennedy's approach to jurisprudence and constitutional interpretation has been highly problematic.

I will be voting for Steven Walker for the seat that Elmore currently holds.  His model Supreme Court Justice is Antonin Scalia.

Those responses say it all.

In summary, my choices are Judge Ann Calabria and Steven Walker in the two respective Court of Appeals races.

Trouble Already Brewing on Governor Perdue's Budget

There was reason to believe last week that Raleigh Democrats were going to try to avoid a tax increase for the election year.  Now I am not so sure.

The budget seemed to be accepted by House Speaker Joe Hackney without qualification.  But now there are rumblings among key committee chairs that the cuts will not be acceptable.  Remain mindful that the budget represents an increase in spending over last year, so it is not by any means the type of austerity budget that is probably needed given the circumstances.  Federal stimulus dollars are propping up spending at the state level.

In any case, the reaction of certain committee chairs raises the possibility that the legislature will be forcing more tax increases, just as it did last year.  And this may be happening even during an election year.

Hold on to your wallets. 

Alma Adams' Earmark in the County Budget

In spite of all the horrendous, worrisome cuts that are being proposed, according to the emerging media-reported theme, there is one oasis of enlightenment in the Guilford County budget about which we are all supposed to feel relieved.

Rhino:

Some bad news for county taxpayers is that Guilford County is going to continue to fund non-profits if this proposed budget isn't changed – some of those groups may do good work but, in many cases, they perform functions that do not properly fall within the realm of government responsibility – especially when economic times are very bad. The only good news is that, while many non-profits are being funded, the allocations have, in many cases, been reduced.

For instance, the county gives taxpayer money to the African American Atelier every year – which might possibly have something to do with the fact that NC Rep. Alma Adams, who runs the art gallery, which operates virtually rent free in the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center, has friends on the Guilford County Board of Commissioners.

Last year, Fox's proposed budget called for the art gallery to get $50,000 in taxpayer funds – however, one of the last-minute amendments to that budget inexplicably added $25,000 to that $50,000, giving the gallery a total of $75,000.

In Fox's proposed budget for 2010-2011, Adams' gallery gets $25,000 – though that amount could very well jump up at the last minute for some unknown reason this year, just as it did last year.

Rep. Adams has been a principal in the Simkins PAC.

Myrene Stanley For County Commissioner

The News and Record has a helpful story about the county commissioner's race for the seat Steve Arnold is vacating in High Point.  The two candidates are Bill Bencini and Myrene Stanley.

Bencini will have certain advantages as a candidate.  As a city council member, he will be perceived as an incumbent with higher name recognition.  However, he is described as being a "moderate" Republican in the article, and seems eager to compromise.  I am afraid we do not need any more Linda Shaw-like situations on the Board of County Commissioners.

Myrene Stanley appears to be a solid conservative, and has signed the pledge devised by Conservatives for Guilford County.  Her website is found here.  If I lived in that district, I would vote for Ms. Stanley.

The Drumbeat on County Health Services

We have seen over the last week or so the development of somewhat of a drumbeat over at the News and Record over anticipated cuts in health spending in Guilford County.  One program at risk is Guilford Adult Health.

The News and Record is correct to protest the secrecy with which the county budget process is taking place.  In fact, candidate for county commissioner Sam Spagnola has taken the same position-- and cited his work on the GPD legal case to back up his claim.

The matter of the cuts, however, is a bit more complicated.

I have some level of knowledge and experience in the field of public health.  My residency training afforded me considerable exposure to this field, and I have an MPH degree.

North Carolina's public health system is remarkable from the standpoint that it attempts to provide primary care services for the poor.  It attempts to be the primary care doctor for those in poverty.  It goes well beyond the traditional mission of public health in this respect.  And as a result, many of our fellow citizens receive primary care, directly or indirectly, through their county health department.

This is not necessarily the case in other states.  In fact, within public health circles, some physicians are fairly passionate that public health departments ought to focus on traditional public health activities-- and not be providing primary care.  I remember that debate taking place when I was in residency.  But my perception is that the system in our state does much more than others. 

In addition, within Guilford County, we have had various programs like Guilford Adult Health materialize that I suspect go beyond what is typically provided in other parts of the state.  My belief is that these programs arose at a time when Guilford County perceived itself to be an affluent area that could afford this level of charity care.  

So we likely have a state that likely provides more primary care than other states; and a county that likely provides more than other counties.  I think we need to understand fully the level of primary care services provided in other areas before we start banging the drum.  I think we need to look at benchmarks, and see how Guilford County compares.

It could be that the changes envisioned by Skip Alston, Steve Arnold and Brenda Jones Fox would still place us above the median of what is provided in county health departments nationwide with respect to provision of primary care.  It could be that they are on the right track, because there is little justification for our county health department to be doing much more than is done elsewhere.

I agree that we should open up the budget process.  But I think we need to look at the data objectively, instead of scaring people over cuts.  The fact is that our county is not nearly as affluent as it used to be.  And to make matters worse, our county elected officials, including Linda Shaw, went on a wild spending spree when they placed hundreds of millions of dollars in bond spending on the ballot two years ago.  The Greensboro Partnership and Action Greensboro were more than pleased to throw their weight behind the bonds.  And now we have a fiscal predicament on our hands.

A couple of county commissioners, including Kirk Perkins and Paul Gibson, appear to be more than happy to raise taxes to avoid budget cuts at the county level.  Let's hope their colleagues do not agree. 

We need to look at any proposed cuts at the county level objectively.  We ought not react based on emotion.  

Lisa Clapp for School Board

I am writing about relatively few primary races this year.  But there is one race that represents a great opportunity.

The Guilford County school board at-large race pits Lisa Clapp against incumbent Nancy Routh and one other challenger.  I have had the opportunity to read press accounts regarding this race.  In addition, Ms. Clapp has a website that provides insight into what her key issues are.  Here is what she says:

I am passionate about Guilford County schools and the need for improvement. In order for teachers to teach and academic achievement to increase, safety and discipline are essential. Teachers need the support of community, parents, students and administrators in order to provide a challenging academic and safe environment for all students. I support SROs in the middle and high schools, the return of neighborhood schools and more budget accountability.

I have not had the opportunity to meet Ms. Clapp or to observe her at any kind of forum.  However, based on what I see, it appears she would represent a vast improvement over Nancy Routh.

Ms. Routh must be regarded as part of the education establishment.  That is her training, and it seems to be her inclination.  She has not shown sufficient leadership on the issues Ms. Clapp identifies.  While she may boast an advanced degree, that does not necessarily mean she will provide the kind of leadership that is needed.

I urge readers to look at the candidacy of Ms. Clapp.  It appears she would be much more likely to advocate for the types of issues that desperately require attention in the Guilford County Schools system.

Will Easley Investigation Reach Governor Perdue?

NC Spin:

Most we talk with believe there was already enough evidence to indict Mike (Easley) but (the Ruffin Poole plea agreement) could lead to even more charges. There is universal belief that the net has widened. Some even speculate whether this could involve Governor Perdue or current elected officials.

Perdue was asked about this possibility by a reporter.  Check out her reaction below.  Methinks she doth protest too much: 

Cops, DA's and PAC's, Chapter 8

The following is the next installment of the new book I am contemplating.  The work is entirely fictional.  Any resemblance to real persons or events is purely coincidental.

A particularly harsh winter in the Politically Virtuous City was to be followed by a glorious spring.  But the nature of the city's politics, in spite of the change in seasons, remains constant.

The former mayor, Lonnie Donesome, had been blindsided by her defeat at the polls in November.  In the aftermath, she was seen to be casting about, adopting old positions and resurrecting old alliances.  Her political career had been supported by the PAC, but now a new PAC was forming.  And some of the principals in the new PAC are the Sons of Sharpton.

A community political meeting is held to the east.  The Sons of Sharpton are present as well as the former mayor.  But interestingly, a number of black police officers are present including Dames Stinson.  They are together mapping out a political strategy.  The key issues are to support the black officers who had been suing the city; and to oppose the proposed reopening of a certain landfill.

Former Mayor Donesome, in prior years, had taken up the cause of closing the landfill.  In fact, it had become a racial crusade.  When she was mayor, because of the city's financial situation, she became amenable to reopening it.  By coincidence, many of the proposals would have the effect of paying off persons tied directly or indirectly to the old PAC.  In fact, attorney Moe was representing one of the companies seeking to reopen the landfill.  But now, it becomes clear the former mayor is going to revert back to her old position, and actively oppose the reopening of landfill.

In any case, as if by clockwork, soon a controversy erupts.  The new mayor wants to restructure the city council meetings, but this necessitates hearing speakers from the community later in the evening.  An orchestrated campaign instantaneously arises to oppose the new mayor, with repeated calls for him to reverse his stance, and claims of victimization.

But then, as soon as that controversy is resolved, another arises to replace it.  The city's black police chief, Smellamy, becomes an honored guest on the city's politically correct television station, WFLY.  He claims sudden aggrievement over a statement that the mayor had made five months prior.  The mayor, during his electoral campaign in response to a question, had said Smellamy had been hired because he was black.

Smellamy had been planning to retire for a long time.  But all of a sudden, he claims his plans to retire were because of the mayor's comments.

The TV station also resurrects the "black book" controversy; and represents it in feigned ignorance of the considerable record that had amassed on the topic in order to support the claims of the black officers and Smellamy.

In any case, there was to be yet another orchestrated campaign.  This time it was to get the mayor to apologize for his old comments.  The Sons of Sharpton and the Most Rev. Lourdes Beige were to lead the charge; and they speak at nearly every city council meeting, beating the drum over the issue.  The local media gleefully reports it.

But the entire public discussion carefully evades the issue of precisely how and why Smellamy, in fact, had been hired.  The Sons of Sharpton and the PAC had played a key role in his appointment, which was effected because of the city's identity politics.

But the "apology issue" was to become bigger than life.  Recall that the city's development interests were closely allied with the PAC; and they were represented on the city council by Councilman Lobby, who planned to run for mayor.  Lobby, who is white, could not become publicly identified with the apology issue if he wished to run for mayor.  And so, with a strategically delivered statement by Councilman Fee, the apology issue is artfully defused.

Commissioner Flip Carlson, who is a principal in the PAC, had an ongoing dispute with the local daily paper.  He claims its editorial page editor, who is black, was hired because of his race.  The Sons of Sharpton, however, do not mount an orchestrated campaign against Carlson.  When Beige is asked about it, he says that Carlson's statement was fundamentally different than the mayor's.

But Chief Smellamy had committed a number of offenses for which he had never apologized.  He had targeted white officers for extremely prolonged investigations without justification; had misrepresented certain matters and made false accusations; and had ascended to his position by virtue of an inappropriate coup d'etat against his former commanding officer.  He was never called on these offenses by WFLY or the city's daily paper.

It turns out that both the newspaper and WFLY sit on the board of the local governing partnership that represents the city's development interests, with which Councilman Lobby is associated.  And Lobby is also incidentally reported to be allying himself with Councilwoman Gall.

At one council meeting, the Most Rev. Beige makes an outraged accusation that the city offered a $110,000 settlement to the white former police chief.  But in fact, the charge turns out to be completely false; and it is unclear who had given him that information, which would ordinarily be quite confidential.  City staff, however, had been directed by the city council to make settlements as appropriate.

But another huge story affects the local police department.  One particular black assistant chief, Con Dodgers, was one of the large group of officers who were suing the city for racial discrimination.  A story had been reported that one or more male black officers within the command staff had become sexually involved with subordinate female officers.  Dodgers was married to a female officer; and a rumor was circulating that he and his wife were separating, and that he may have been involved in this particular scandal. 

Chief Smellamy did not take any kind of action against Dodgers.  A sexual harrassment complaint, however, is filed with the city manager's office.  Soon, the new assistant City Manager, Kindling, overrules the chief.  He suspends Dodgers for three weeks.

But it is entirely unclear why it was only a three week suspension.  What did Dodgers do?  Did he deserve more severe disciplinary action?  But there is nearly a complete local media blackout on the story.  There is an astonishing lack of curiosity on the part of the local media with respect to advising the public as to what had happened.

Similarly, it is unclear what the motives had been for the aforementioned crusades against the mayor.  Were they intended to protect Assistant Chief Dodgers?  Were they intended to protect blacks officers in the department's command structure with the incipient hiring of the new chief?  Were they initiated to apply pressure to offer a greater financial settlement to the black officers who had sued the city?  Or was it just a political ploy to undermine the mayor in anticipation of the elections next year, and Councilman Lobby's expected candidacy for mayor?

But there is some progress on other fronts.  For instance, recall that, under Chief Smellamy, the police department's off-duty program represented a built-in slush fund for command level black officers like Stinson.  Kindling fixes the program so that command level officers cannot work off-duty when they are not needed.

In addition, former Deputy Chief Grady wins one in court.  He had been trying to get a key state board to investigate the firm that had stacked the deck against him four years prior, but they refused to do so.  The court, in support of Grady, directs the board to do its job.

Also, recall that attorney Fella had been involved years ago with the corrupt housing non-profit that had swindled the Politically Virtuous City; and now was being prosecuted in connection with the check-kiting scandal.  Remember also that Stinson's ex-wife had already been convicted in this case.  Yet another conviction in the check-kiting scandal is obtained against a guy named Playnor.  He had been reported to be at the nexus of interactions among corrupt black officers protecting the local drug trade, and the owners of a certain catering facility that serves the local African-American elite.

Readers will also remember from our last installment that Flip Carlson and school board member Leena Says had threatened the new city council members over the downtown hotel proposal in which the two had a financial interest.  But it turns out that the project sponsors could not even get a letter of credit from a bank in support of the hotel proposal-- which is temporarily dead in its tracks.

A primary election is being held.  PAC principal Curly Bones is being challenged by another black candidate, Larkus.  And Larkus charges that the PAC is a mere incumbency protection racket.

  

Senator Kay Hagan and Obamacare

I cannot emphasize enough that it was Senator Kay Hagan's vote that provided the margin to pass Obamacare in the United States Senate.  Without her vote, it would not have happened.  Because of the fact that North Carolina elected her, the entire country is stuck with this monstrosity.

Our friends at RushRadio had the opportunity to interview Hagan regarding Obamacare recently.  She was utterly unable to defend the constitutionality of the new law:  (HT: Carolina Politics)

So True

(HT: WorldMagBlog)

The Guido Question

I have posted in the distant past on the topic of "Guido's".  But I have not said much about it since the controversy over the TV series "Jersey Shore" erupted.

Fred Gardarphe is a noted academician in "Italian-American" circles.  I have previously suggested that the Guido is a typology that is based in reality.  But Americans of Italian descent have historically experienced certain stereotypical depictions in the media, so there was some pushback when this series was introduced.

Gardarphe argues that sometimes the degree to which a communication is deemed to be offensive depends on the context in which it is delivered.  He dates the inception of the "Guido" way back to Rudolph Valentino.  He suggests the term is not necessarily derogatory; but he says that to the extent that Guido's exist, it is because of a failure on the part of the larger community.  While I may not necessarily agree with each of his points, his comments are nevertheless interesting:

Obama's Supreme Court Litmus Test

Barack Obama maintains that there will be no litmus test applied to any prospective Supreme Court nominee over the abortion issue.  But in nearly the same breath, he indicates he will choose "somebody who is going to be interpreting our Constitution in a way that takes into account individual rights, and that includes women's rights."

Obama is speaking in euphemisms.  He is saying there is most certainly going to be a litmus test on the issue of abortion.

Who is he trying to fool?  And will the mainstream media let him get away with it?

Robbie Perkins Watch: Recusals and Council Votes

Robbie Perkins would stand to gain from approval of a city public housing project because his agency had brokered the land deal.  He recuses himself, and the council votes 8-0 in favor.

Apparently the ethics training that was provided several months ago was insufficient.  It should be unacceptable for local elected officials to gain financially from the actions of local government, period, regardless of whether they recuse themselves.

Piedmont Publius and Triad Watch have more.

Being Green: It Takes a Village

I saw the story in the newspaper this week about the special 15% instant rebate program for the purchase of new Energy Star appliances to replace older, less energy-efficient models.  The rebates, available over the next few days, are part of the federal stimulus program.

It occurred to me that if retail stores were to offer a really good sale in conjunction with this program, there might be some significant savings to be enjoyed.  And sure enough, Sears is running a 30%-off sale for Energy Star appliances over the next couple of days to coincide with the federal stimulus instant rebate program.  That is a total of 45% off the sticker price.

My wife has wanted to replace our refrigerator for years.  It has seen better days.  So I decided to take advantage of the 45% discount and buy a Kenmore refrigerator this evening.

I am not accustomed to having my own household be the recipient of Democratic redistribution programs; so this was an unexpected pleasure.  I want to thank all my liberal/Democratic friends in the blogosphere for helping me save $120 off the purchase of my refrigerator.  It should also help cut my electric bills to some extent.  I really appreciate it.

There is a moral to the story.  It takes a village to buy a kitchen appliance. 

City Council Needs to Lead Staff: Nussbaum Center, LDO

I watched portions of the City Council meeting on Tuesday night.  While there were no major problematic policy decisions that were made during the meeting, we saw nonetheless a couple of developments that arouse concern.

First, the Local Development Ordinance (LDO) was discussed. It has become apparent over the last year that there have been some problems with the manner in which this major revision has been developed by city staff.  Opposition has mounted.

The question was whether there was going to be a vote Tuesday night.  It became apparent, however, that the supporters of the LDO, including Robbie Perkins, did not have the votes to pass it.  A discussion therefore ensued with attempts made to prolong the process.  It was suggested that a series of meetings with community groups be held.  This, however, was merely a ploy to buy additional time to secure the needed votes.

City Manager Rashad Young was one of the parties seeking the series of community meetings.  When he engages in a crafty ploy such as this, he is becoming fully immersed in the political process.  He is attempting to influence policy, and to advocate for a certain outcome.  It was clear he wanted to pass the LDO.

While it is true that city staff have invested many hours in this project, that does not mean that the city council is necessarily obligated to pass it.  It appears staff may feel a sense of ownership-- almost a kind of pridefulness-- over the product they have produced.

The second major area of concern at the council meeting was the discussion of the Nussbaum Center.  Although no decision was made, there are several red flags that emerged.  First, it became clear by their body language and facial reactions that city staff also feels a stake in having taxpayers fund the Center.  But in this case also, they are attempting to influence policy-- and that is inappropriate.  The City Council is supposed to make policy, and staff is supposed to follow it.

It became more clear what a bad proposal this is.

Scoop reports that they want to spend $150,000 on conference room furniture and $250,000 for other office furniture.  They must be seeking to furnish that facility in a pretty lavish fashion.  When I started my practice, I tried to find all the used office furniture and equipment I could find, at the lowest possible price.  Why can't they use the furniture from their previous facility?

But there is another interesting statement in the Scoop post.  They are planning to create a "reserve fund" of $563,000 with the monies they are seeking.  That is quite a luxury to have that amount in reserve-- not even being utilized.  Many businesses and non-profits  do not have reserves even remotely approaching that level.

Ed Cone has previously asked whether the Nussbaum Center has discussed the need for funding with its alumni.  That is a great question, because during the council meeting it became apparent that one particular alumnus sold his business for $100 million.  This is a great opportunity for someone like him to "give back", to donate to a cause he considers worthy that is larger than himself.  There are many folks out there who donate a much larger portion of their assets than the 1-2% this gentleman would have to donate to obviate the need for city taxpayers to offer a subsidy.  But there are other alumni, as Ed points out.

The Center has been given a piece of property that it could use as collateral to obtain financing for its new facility.  As Mayor Knight pointed out, the Center has a "business problem", and it needs to be handled as such. 

But here is another very important point. The Nussbaum Center has been paying $160,000 per year in rent to its present landlord.  It will no longer have to pay this rent when it moves into its new facility.  It could use that $160,000 annually it is saving to pay toward any business-related expense, including the cost of upfitting its new building. 

(I am also told, BTW, that the Center antagonized its landlord, and that is the reason it is having to scurry for new space.  If that is true, it created this pickle for itself.)

Unfortunately, Councilman Zack Matheny plans to vote for both the LDO and the Nussbaum Center subsidies.  Both are Melderec-supported initiatives.  While some have attempted to describe Matheny as a conservative, it is difficult to see that is consistently the case.

It appears Nancy Vaughn might be casting the deciding vote on either or both of these matters.

In any event, the take-home message is that city staff has become heavily invested in certain projects and proposals that might not be good for taxpayers, and that might not be good for citizens.  They are trying to influence and set policy instead of merely carrying it out.  The City Council needs to get control of this problem, because reversing longstanding patterns of behavior requires constant monitoring and repeated corrective action.