Robbie's Approach to the Restaurant Tax Issue

There is little question that Robbie Perkins has advocated a restaurant tax.  But with the public discussion regarding this tax occurring in the midst of his long-awaited run for mayor, he has taken an interesting approach to try to discredit the No Restaurant Tax organization implicitly.

Both at a recent forum and also on WFMY, he has raised questions regarding the folks running the No Restaurant Tax effort.  WFMY, of course, largely bought his point of view because the station itself is a participant in our local politics.

But what, precisely, is Robbie's concern regarding whomever these folks might be?  I would bet these are primarily individuals and/or groups affiliated with the local restaurant industry who have at least some resources at their disposal.  Although Robbie does not go quite so far as to impugn explicitly their motives or their integrity, the viewer is left to fill in the blanks. 

This is an interesting approach for Robbie to take.  It is a slick tactic to deflect attention from his own previously stated positions by focusing attention on the group of citizens who are expressing concerns-- with a heavy negative connotation. 

That sure helps obscure his own record on the issue of enacting a restaurant tax.  And as noted above, WFMY and some other local voices are trying to assist him, for obvious reasons.

Comments

[Spag]

Robbie Perkins is essentially a lobbyist for the real estate industry and his own personal wealth. I am amazed that in this climate where crony capitalism and corporate influence is under such high criticism that some people in Greensboro are ready to pull the lever to put exactly the kind of lobbyist that is despised by the Tea Party AND the OWS crowd into office.

One more thing- why does the N&R continue to define Bill Knight as a "conservative" while never, EVER labeling Robbie or anyone on the Left as a "liberal"?

Clearly the idea in the NEWS section of the N&R is to frame the story as the "mainstream" vs. the "conservatives" and pretend that anyone who is not conservative is normal/mainstream/non-extreme.

[Joe Guarino]

More great points, Sam. Thanks.

[Sal Leone]

The media is very powerful in the world today. They can make anyone look good or bad. The local media already had their picks even before the race started and thats fine, we are all human. The idea of supporting someone is ok, all the papers came out with endorsements. The issue becomes reporting the story or any story on candidates or just asking basic questions. The local media loved it when Danny had some issues with his reports, and there was nonthing legally wrong with them. There was another candidate with possible donation issues and nobody cared unless it was Danny. There has been some other questions on here that have been asked but the media could not careless.

I first started reading Joes blog months ago and read where he and others said the media was unfair. I first was like maybe it is just talk and hyped up. I got into the race and started to learn that maybe the people here had a point. The only person who got negative attention was Danny, Knight, Rakeshaw and Trudy. This makes you wonder if the rest are walking on water or are the second coming of christ. No paper asked any questions on involvement with project homestead but the city has been concerned only with the 1979 shooting for truth. The news has to be reported fair, open and honest. I know it might be hard to print something on someone you support but thats why people trust a good paper. I never heard anything about the NY Times or other established papers because the truth is more important then anything else. There has been talk of the restaurant tax being made up, then why was it asked on the trebic questions to candidates.

[Joe Guarino]

I agree, Sal. Thanks.

[NoRestaurantTax]

WFMY responds after being presented with Perkins written statements that clearly show that he supports a Prepared Foods Tax. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=296767457009237&set=pu.281700571849259&type=1&theater

Frank Mickens WFMY News2 writes "We reported he (Perkins) mentioned the restaurant tax as a way to pay for projects related to the coliseum. He made it clear he nor any other council member has made an official proposal. Nothing has been requested to be placed on the agenda for vote or discussion. He says it's not an election issue."

Actually - that's not what they reported (watch the video - http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article/196866/57/Is-There-Or-Isnt-There-A-Proposed-Restaurant-Tax ).

Perkins claimed the "The whole discussion of a Restaurant Tax is absurd." Then WFMY Lauren Melvin stated that "Perkins doesn't support a restaurant tax, wouldn't support a restaurant tax and neither would anyone else. He simply mentioned it to say that that's how other cities pay for some of their projects."

His written answers in late August 2011 clearly contradict WFMY's report. And Mickens responses don't reflect what is actually in the video - there's no mention of the Coliseum - just a flat out denial that Perkins supports the tax.

[NoRestaurantTax]

Please weigh in on the WFMY Facebook page where the discrepancies have been pointed out: http://www.facebook.com/WFMYNews2

[Joe Guarino]

NoRestaurantTax, WFMY simply cannot be relied upon as a source of news and information in Greensboro. It clearly is a participant in our local politics, and actively promotes a certain point of view. People need to look elsewhere for news.

[NoRestaurantTax]

Is there any TV station in the area that you think might report the facts?

[Joe Guarino]

I don't know for sure, NoRestaurantTax. I just reviewed the current reports on the mayoral election by WFMY, WXII and WGHP. Bill O'Neil and WXII did the best job by far.

News14Carolina also seems to be a straight shooter. Even though WGHP is a FOX affiliate, it has not done a good job covering local municipal government and politics in Greensboro.

You never know, however, what any of them will do. Liberal bias is fairly prevalent in the field of journalism.