In May, voters spoke and in a few short weeks, a new majority will be seated on the county commission board here in Union County.
However, what is not clear is if a new county manager will be seated or not. Worse, it appears Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Kuehler and outgoing commissioner Lanny Openshaw are hell bent on hiring a manager without the consent of the three new commissioners who will comprise a majority.
What's the immediate rush? It took 18 months to find and hire Al Greene after the Shalati ordeal. Could it be that this board wants to circumvent any authority a new board might bring? And worse, the hiring practice of this headhunting firm to find a county manager may in fact be illegal. United for Union would very much like to hear from the board attorny and his recommendation.
The majority of Openshaw, Rogers and Kuehler has been a case study on how NOT to lead. In 2 short years they've managed to lose the trust of not only citizens of this county but also of firemen and women, our hospital and our business community. Now under their failed leadership they wish to rush and hire the CEO of a county that faces enormous challenges.
United for Union, just like the letter Mike Helms wrote on October 10 in the EJ, calls on district attorney John Snyder to investigate. We are putting this out to citizens all over Union County to ask for a possible criminal investigation.
Stay tuned...more to come.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
King Lanny Speaks!!!
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
All citizens of Union County take notice. For King Lanny has spoken!
United for Union has learned of two events the last two weeks that should make every freedom loving citizen of Union County pause.
First, Lanny Openshaw gave the DUI mayor of Waxhaw permission to go shut down, that's right--SHUT DOWN, a LEGAL forestry project on an individual's own land. King Lanny Openshaw, with no authority whatsoever, shut down a person's right to forestry on their own land. Maiden Gardner followed the King's request and with NO authority of her own, ordered the man to shut down his LEGAL operation. What is so concerning is that our elected officials are not responsible for enforcing laws, that is the job of our legal and judicial system. This is beyond American as King Lanny is looking to pull private property rights away from anyone. Just because HE doesn't like a tree being cut down does NOT give him or Gardner the right to enforce the laws, in this case no law even being broken. I thought Obama and his friends of Pelosi and Reid were bad but this makes them look like Republicans compared to this act of freedom supression!
Second, King Lanny has decided to ruin our county's water/sewer system and cause environmental damage as well cost the taxpayers millions of dollars. As Chairman, you may recall, Openshaw and his co-horts (Kuehler and Rogers) approved the hiring of the new public works director, Ed Goscicki. Mr. Goscicki was an "outsider" who had ZERO ties to Union County. His job was to operate a public works system that was poorly run.
Under Mr. Goscicki's direction, his department is in charge of implenting a new water policy as passed by King Lanny. Now King Lanny is bored and tires of this servant Ed Goscicki. According to today's Enquirer Journal, King Lanny is ignoring his own advisor's advice and attempting to appease Lynda Paxton and others with the pipe dream that this current project for Wingate and Marshville is taking away priority for them.
Here are the FACTS. This upgrade to the sewer system in Wingate/Marshville qualifies for an EPA grant that no other town in Union County can obtain. Second, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is set to impose fees (starting in February to the tune of $25,000 daily) if the problem down east isn't fixed. Third, you cannot upgrade sewer capacity now in the West because there isn't enough sewer in the first place. And King Lanny has not approved more water from Lancaster as he opposes ALL GROWTH! Judge him by his actions, not his words people!
Bottom line, Union County taxpayers (all taxpayers) will lose a $1.96 million grant. The state will impose fines of $25,000 daily beginning in February that taxpayers will have to pay for. And last, the West doesn't get sewer.
There is a reason King's lose power in a hurry. It would be nice if King Lanny is dethroned in May so the taxpayers of this county will quit paying for his mistakes!
All citizens of Union County take notice. For King Lanny has spoken!
United for Union has learned of two events the last two weeks that should make every freedom loving citizen of Union County pause.
First, Lanny Openshaw gave the DUI mayor of Waxhaw permission to go shut down, that's right--SHUT DOWN, a LEGAL forestry project on an individual's own land. King Lanny Openshaw, with no authority whatsoever, shut down a person's right to forestry on their own land. Maiden Gardner followed the King's request and with NO authority of her own, ordered the man to shut down his LEGAL operation. What is so concerning is that our elected officials are not responsible for enforcing laws, that is the job of our legal and judicial system. This is beyond American as King Lanny is looking to pull private property rights away from anyone. Just because HE doesn't like a tree being cut down does NOT give him or Gardner the right to enforce the laws, in this case no law even being broken. I thought Obama and his friends of Pelosi and Reid were bad but this makes them look like Republicans compared to this act of freedom supression!
Second, King Lanny has decided to ruin our county's water/sewer system and cause environmental damage as well cost the taxpayers millions of dollars. As Chairman, you may recall, Openshaw and his co-horts (Kuehler and Rogers) approved the hiring of the new public works director, Ed Goscicki. Mr. Goscicki was an "outsider" who had ZERO ties to Union County. His job was to operate a public works system that was poorly run.
Under Mr. Goscicki's direction, his department is in charge of implenting a new water policy as passed by King Lanny. Now King Lanny is bored and tires of this servant Ed Goscicki. According to today's Enquirer Journal, King Lanny is ignoring his own advisor's advice and attempting to appease Lynda Paxton and others with the pipe dream that this current project for Wingate and Marshville is taking away priority for them.
Here are the FACTS. This upgrade to the sewer system in Wingate/Marshville qualifies for an EPA grant that no other town in Union County can obtain. Second, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is set to impose fees (starting in February to the tune of $25,000 daily) if the problem down east isn't fixed. Third, you cannot upgrade sewer capacity now in the West because there isn't enough sewer in the first place. And King Lanny has not approved more water from Lancaster as he opposes ALL GROWTH! Judge him by his actions, not his words people!
Bottom line, Union County taxpayers (all taxpayers) will lose a $1.96 million grant. The state will impose fines of $25,000 daily beginning in February that taxpayers will have to pay for. And last, the West doesn't get sewer.
There is a reason King's lose power in a hurry. It would be nice if King Lanny is dethroned in May so the taxpayers of this county will quit paying for his mistakes!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Chairman Kim Rogers Supports Hospital Sale?
Breaking News!!!!!
United for Union has learned of a special meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 which Union County Commissioners and the Town Council of Waxhaw will meet. The Waxhaw Town Council is set to bring forth a resolution OPPOSING the sale of CMC-Union.
As is standard practice, if a majority of commissioners are meeting where county business COULD be acted upon, as stated by law, a special meeting notice MUST be made public at least 48 hours prior to a meeting.
What is interesting is that Kim Rogers refused to sign this notice. Why is this? United for Union sees a trend. Last January, Lanny Openshaw refused to sign a special meeting notice so the finance office could act to protect our bond rating on Wall Street. It was said that Mr. Openshaw wanted this pot of money specifically for parks and libraries. The actual intent of the meeting was NOT to spend the money rather to move it into a different account to show Wall Street that Union County was in good standing.
Now Kim Rogers' first act as chairman is to follow Lanny Openshaw's example of poor leadership. What is she hiding? Does she already have a deal in place to sell CMC-Union? Word on the street is that she and Lanny Openshaw have secretly met with other healthcare businesses eager to buy CMC-Union. Folks, you might recall that Chairman Kim Rogers campaigned on transparent government. Yet she is also to allow any "public work session" that deals with CMC-Union to be televised! Union County citizens DESERVE transparent government! Enough is enough!!
Email Kim Rogers and ask her what she's hiding? What is she doing behind closed doors!
Kimrogers@co.union.nc.us
Here's the official special meeting notice!!
http://www.co.union.nc.us/Portals/0/BOE/Notice%20Special%20Meeting%2001-12-10.pdf
United for Union has learned of a special meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 which Union County Commissioners and the Town Council of Waxhaw will meet. The Waxhaw Town Council is set to bring forth a resolution OPPOSING the sale of CMC-Union.
As is standard practice, if a majority of commissioners are meeting where county business COULD be acted upon, as stated by law, a special meeting notice MUST be made public at least 48 hours prior to a meeting.
What is interesting is that Kim Rogers refused to sign this notice. Why is this? United for Union sees a trend. Last January, Lanny Openshaw refused to sign a special meeting notice so the finance office could act to protect our bond rating on Wall Street. It was said that Mr. Openshaw wanted this pot of money specifically for parks and libraries. The actual intent of the meeting was NOT to spend the money rather to move it into a different account to show Wall Street that Union County was in good standing.
Now Kim Rogers' first act as chairman is to follow Lanny Openshaw's example of poor leadership. What is she hiding? Does she already have a deal in place to sell CMC-Union? Word on the street is that she and Lanny Openshaw have secretly met with other healthcare businesses eager to buy CMC-Union. Folks, you might recall that Chairman Kim Rogers campaigned on transparent government. Yet she is also to allow any "public work session" that deals with CMC-Union to be televised! Union County citizens DESERVE transparent government! Enough is enough!!
Email Kim Rogers and ask her what she's hiding? What is she doing behind closed doors!
Kimrogers@co.union.nc.us
Here's the official special meeting notice!!
http://www.co.union.nc.us/Portals/0/BOE/Notice%20Special%20Meeting%2001-12-10.pdf
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The State of Union--By Allan Baucom
The Enquirer Journal has printed a wonderful guest column from Allan Baucom. While United for Union doesn't always agree with Mr. Baucom we certainly agree with his column. Enjoy
--United for Union
The State Of Union
By: Allan Baucom
One year ago, on December 1, 2008, Kim Rogers and Tracy Kuehler were sworn in as Union County Commissioners. On the same night, I nominated Lanny Openshaw, and he was elected, as chairman, and Kim Rogers Vice Chairman, of the Union County Board of Commissioners.
Each member of this new board majority spoke of working for the benefit of all the citizens of Union County. They spoke of the abolition of any thoughts of an east/west divide. They spoke of absolute transparency in county government. They spoke of working to develop policies to move the county forward with long range planning, to develop a long range plan to procure a resource that we do not have naturally…water. They spoke of working to improve the business/residential tax base.
Here are the realities of what has occurred during the past twelve months.
Water. When Lancaster County offered to work with us to manage water shortages by allowing Union County to purchase additional water, they (the board majority) said no, we do not want your help.
Volunteer Fire Departments. This Board quite effectively told our volunteer firemen and women that we do not like what they are doing for Union County. In fact, one of the commissioners stated emphatically that she did not care what the volunteers thought.
Property Rights. Forget it. If this board majority proceeds on its’ present path, in effect there will be ETJ for the entire unaffiliated areas of Union County. I have heard some of the commissioners state their commitment to property rights. However, the language that was developed by some individuals of the Planning Board and now has been sent by this Board of Commissioners to this Planning Board for their input, clearly defines that property use will be determined by a few people on the Planning Board. This is the “fox guarding the hen house” approach. My fear is this will result in the virtual abolition of property rights for the citizens of Union County.
Monroe. This board majority refused to work with Monroe on property that Union County owns. This land is in a flood plain so it has virtually no values outside of what it is already, part of Lake Tonawanda Park, which is used by all citizens of the county. First, this board majority tried to extort money from Monroe for this property in secret negotiation and when that did not work, tried to rationalize their actions as “good business decisions”. Well, this business decision has now taken part of the park away. It now costs Union County taxpayers $8,000 a year to mow the property and now has led to a decrease in parking lots for county employees. It’s a lose-lose for everyone and now has caused a distrust from each board majority which was totally unnecessary.
Hospital. Ah, yes, the county’s most valuable asset. I have heard the rhetoric that the purpose and intended use of the funds from the proposed sale of “our” hospital is to pay down current county debt. This is not the truth. At first blush, I see how this could sound feasible to people that either have not been in Union County very long, or who have no need or intent on using our hospital facility, because they plan on going to Mecklenburg County facilities. The reality is that only a very small portion of current county debt can be paid early without serious penalties and would have negative impact with our bond rating agencies. I hope these statements have been made from ignorance rather than the intentional misstatement of the facts. County staff has been instructed to contract with a firm to facilitate the sale of the hospital. This firm will be paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for their work. Where the money to pay this firm is going to come from has not been identified. I have heard that individuals are saying the money from the sale of the hospital will go towards building more parks and libraries.
Transparency. This majority has refused to tape special meetings and workshops where the hospital was the purpose of the meeting, to televise to the public the same as regular commissioner meetings are televised. It has become the norm for motions to be made and action to be taken at special meetings and work sessions. This action is away from the camera and quite often there is not any news media present. Therefore, the public is challenged to know what is happening at the county level. All motions to tape these meetings have been voted down, 2 to 3, with Parker and me voting to televise the meetings.
Planning. During the past twelve months, there has not been a single long range plan moved forward. The present Planning Board is essentially dysfunctional, challenged internally for leadership control. This current Planning Board has taken the Land Use Plan the previous Planning Board developed, with lots of community meetings and hundreds of citizen fingerprints, and the consultant assistance the county paid for, and “shelved” it, without bringing a viable, workable option forward.
During the past year the commissioner board majority has not brought a single stated objective to a positive conclusion. The closest was the vote to proceed with the infrastructure to accept additional water from Anson County.
I suspect that you are going to hear lots of excuses why there have not been any accomplishments during the past year. Most of what you hear will be the fault of others, I suspect.
Folks, when your horse is hitched to the wagon, it is your responsibility to hold the reins and guide the wagon to reach the determined destination. Lanny, Kim, and Tracy wanted to hitch their horse to the Union County wagon; however, they seemingly forgot to connect the traces and their horse has been wandering, aimlessly, with the wagon still sitting, still waiting to move forward.
I suggest there be a Board of Commissioners workshop this winter. I make this suggestion with the hope of developing a harmonious, credible, and effective relationship among commissioners, and between commissioners and staff, with a better understanding of desired objectives and direction by all involved.
At the conclusion of the December 1, 2008 Union County Board of Commissioners meeting, I pledged to work with the new majority. I stated that I probably would not agree with everyone on all issues; however, I consider good discussion to be a vital part of the process of good government. I make this same pledge to Kim, as the new chair. I hope there will be communication from the chair, to all commissioners, this year. Good communication leads to collaboration and understanding.
Union County deserves leadership.
--United for Union
The State Of Union
By: Allan Baucom
One year ago, on December 1, 2008, Kim Rogers and Tracy Kuehler were sworn in as Union County Commissioners. On the same night, I nominated Lanny Openshaw, and he was elected, as chairman, and Kim Rogers Vice Chairman, of the Union County Board of Commissioners.
Each member of this new board majority spoke of working for the benefit of all the citizens of Union County. They spoke of the abolition of any thoughts of an east/west divide. They spoke of absolute transparency in county government. They spoke of working to develop policies to move the county forward with long range planning, to develop a long range plan to procure a resource that we do not have naturally…water. They spoke of working to improve the business/residential tax base.
Here are the realities of what has occurred during the past twelve months.
Water. When Lancaster County offered to work with us to manage water shortages by allowing Union County to purchase additional water, they (the board majority) said no, we do not want your help.
Volunteer Fire Departments. This Board quite effectively told our volunteer firemen and women that we do not like what they are doing for Union County. In fact, one of the commissioners stated emphatically that she did not care what the volunteers thought.
Property Rights. Forget it. If this board majority proceeds on its’ present path, in effect there will be ETJ for the entire unaffiliated areas of Union County. I have heard some of the commissioners state their commitment to property rights. However, the language that was developed by some individuals of the Planning Board and now has been sent by this Board of Commissioners to this Planning Board for their input, clearly defines that property use will be determined by a few people on the Planning Board. This is the “fox guarding the hen house” approach. My fear is this will result in the virtual abolition of property rights for the citizens of Union County.
Monroe. This board majority refused to work with Monroe on property that Union County owns. This land is in a flood plain so it has virtually no values outside of what it is already, part of Lake Tonawanda Park, which is used by all citizens of the county. First, this board majority tried to extort money from Monroe for this property in secret negotiation and when that did not work, tried to rationalize their actions as “good business decisions”. Well, this business decision has now taken part of the park away. It now costs Union County taxpayers $8,000 a year to mow the property and now has led to a decrease in parking lots for county employees. It’s a lose-lose for everyone and now has caused a distrust from each board majority which was totally unnecessary.
Hospital. Ah, yes, the county’s most valuable asset. I have heard the rhetoric that the purpose and intended use of the funds from the proposed sale of “our” hospital is to pay down current county debt. This is not the truth. At first blush, I see how this could sound feasible to people that either have not been in Union County very long, or who have no need or intent on using our hospital facility, because they plan on going to Mecklenburg County facilities. The reality is that only a very small portion of current county debt can be paid early without serious penalties and would have negative impact with our bond rating agencies. I hope these statements have been made from ignorance rather than the intentional misstatement of the facts. County staff has been instructed to contract with a firm to facilitate the sale of the hospital. This firm will be paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for their work. Where the money to pay this firm is going to come from has not been identified. I have heard that individuals are saying the money from the sale of the hospital will go towards building more parks and libraries.
Transparency. This majority has refused to tape special meetings and workshops where the hospital was the purpose of the meeting, to televise to the public the same as regular commissioner meetings are televised. It has become the norm for motions to be made and action to be taken at special meetings and work sessions. This action is away from the camera and quite often there is not any news media present. Therefore, the public is challenged to know what is happening at the county level. All motions to tape these meetings have been voted down, 2 to 3, with Parker and me voting to televise the meetings.
Planning. During the past twelve months, there has not been a single long range plan moved forward. The present Planning Board is essentially dysfunctional, challenged internally for leadership control. This current Planning Board has taken the Land Use Plan the previous Planning Board developed, with lots of community meetings and hundreds of citizen fingerprints, and the consultant assistance the county paid for, and “shelved” it, without bringing a viable, workable option forward.
During the past year the commissioner board majority has not brought a single stated objective to a positive conclusion. The closest was the vote to proceed with the infrastructure to accept additional water from Anson County.
I suspect that you are going to hear lots of excuses why there have not been any accomplishments during the past year. Most of what you hear will be the fault of others, I suspect.
Folks, when your horse is hitched to the wagon, it is your responsibility to hold the reins and guide the wagon to reach the determined destination. Lanny, Kim, and Tracy wanted to hitch their horse to the Union County wagon; however, they seemingly forgot to connect the traces and their horse has been wandering, aimlessly, with the wagon still sitting, still waiting to move forward.
I suggest there be a Board of Commissioners workshop this winter. I make this suggestion with the hope of developing a harmonious, credible, and effective relationship among commissioners, and between commissioners and staff, with a better understanding of desired objectives and direction by all involved.
At the conclusion of the December 1, 2008 Union County Board of Commissioners meeting, I pledged to work with the new majority. I stated that I probably would not agree with everyone on all issues; however, I consider good discussion to be a vital part of the process of good government. I make this same pledge to Kim, as the new chair. I hope there will be communication from the chair, to all commissioners, this year. Good communication leads to collaboration and understanding.
Union County deserves leadership.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Roger Lane's APFO ruled Illegal
Today, December 9, 2009, Union County's confiscation of money for private property owners was ruled illegal!
The N.C. Court of Appeals ruled today, by unanimous decision, that the APFO ordinance created and passed by former commissioner's Roger Lane, Hughie Sexton and Richard Stone was illegal. The court ruled that under state law, Union County did not have the legal right to do this. Money is now due to those property owners who were forced to pay this illegal fee. And they can recoup with interest per their legal right!
Now taxpayers have to suffer because of the shortsightedness and illegal actions of former commissioner's Stone, Lane and Sexton. Money that has been confiscated will now be due to those property owners with interest.
When will our elected officials learn that you can't just confiscate property like the illegal ETJ and now with fees that simply aren't constitutional?
The free market dictates growth as this county has never had a revenue problem rather we have a spending problem. I highlight the study done this past year by the John Locke Foundation found here at http://www.johnlocke.org/policy_reports/display_story.html?id=195
Our current debt problem has NOT been because of growth. Growth means more revenue. Roger Lane advocated building more schools as commissioner and put bond referendums on the ballot (then campaigned hard for them) to trick county residents. Our schools have plenty of vacancies which will be shown in a different post in a few weeks.
Here's a solution government leaders. Instead of passing illegal laws and making text ammendments to control more private property, why don't you focus on creating jobs and allowing more growth. Again, the free market dictates where people live and no one, minus Stalin himself, can stop that.
I'm thankful our judicial system still respects the rule of law and property owners. Lots more to come on this as our current county commissioners are setting our citizens up for huge tax increases and no growth at all. Union County is losing but perhaps a new change in leadership will change this.
The N.C. Court of Appeals ruled today, by unanimous decision, that the APFO ordinance created and passed by former commissioner's Roger Lane, Hughie Sexton and Richard Stone was illegal. The court ruled that under state law, Union County did not have the legal right to do this. Money is now due to those property owners who were forced to pay this illegal fee. And they can recoup with interest per their legal right!
Now taxpayers have to suffer because of the shortsightedness and illegal actions of former commissioner's Stone, Lane and Sexton. Money that has been confiscated will now be due to those property owners with interest.
When will our elected officials learn that you can't just confiscate property like the illegal ETJ and now with fees that simply aren't constitutional?
The free market dictates growth as this county has never had a revenue problem rather we have a spending problem. I highlight the study done this past year by the John Locke Foundation found here at http://www.johnlocke.org/policy_reports/display_story.html?id=195
Our current debt problem has NOT been because of growth. Growth means more revenue. Roger Lane advocated building more schools as commissioner and put bond referendums on the ballot (then campaigned hard for them) to trick county residents. Our schools have plenty of vacancies which will be shown in a different post in a few weeks.
Here's a solution government leaders. Instead of passing illegal laws and making text ammendments to control more private property, why don't you focus on creating jobs and allowing more growth. Again, the free market dictates where people live and no one, minus Stalin himself, can stop that.
I'm thankful our judicial system still respects the rule of law and property owners. Lots more to come on this as our current county commissioners are setting our citizens up for huge tax increases and no growth at all. Union County is losing but perhaps a new change in leadership will change this.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
County Planning Board is Embarrassment
Not that anyone is shocked that any board led by Jim King and Mark DiBiasio is turning into the latest laughing stock of Union County, it is unfortunate the way they have decided to make the headlines this time.
We all recall when the Union County Board of Commissioners, led by none other than puppetman Lanny Openshaw and his two sidekicks the liberal torchbearing Kim Rogers and Tracy Kuehler decided to disband the Union County Planning Board. While they gave the standard and overused "they are all in the developers pocket" reason for their action, we all knew they did it so as to fill the board with those they felt would carry out their twisted liberal ideas of growth management.
Well it didn't take the new planning board long to realize that the national economy had stopped development in Union County so the workload was not what they had hoped for. While the opportunity to halt all development and lead the crusade against the evil developer was now not on the table, they still had their plans to rip apart the county landuse ordinance and rewrite it so it will be more akin to something you would find in New York. They are currently so busy with this task that they have had to add a second monthly meeting just to accomplish the liberalization of the county planning guidelines.
Well, that wasn't enough either. Chairman King and Vice Chairman DiBiasio were not in the headlines enough with plain old boring ordinance stuff and with no evil developer to go after....someone would have to pay. Enter the Union County School Board.
The School Board has typically been given significant latitude with regards to the construction of schools and while they have to meet all state and local guidelines, the planning board nor county commission has never felt it necessary to step in and take an active role little on require a county major development permit for school construction. The school board is elected, therefore the assumption has been that they can handle the job and if at some point they fail to act they can be voted out of office.
A mistake made in the construction of Marvin Ridge High School opened the door for the planning board bosses to attempt to sieze power never held by the appointed group, and power that few would ever assume that they were capable of handling. Actually, the "mistake" was over a state regulation and while it did come at a significant cost to Union County, it is not really clear that the school system were the ones that erred. In any case, the involvement of the local planning board to an extent that they would have caught the mistake would likely require the planning board to micro-manage every aspect of school construction.
Micro-manage school construction....ahhhh, can't you just hear them salivating now and see the smoke coming from their ears and they conjure up images of the newfound power they would have? Many on the planning board, particularly King and DiBiasio are the type that love to regulate. Put them in charge of school construction and they will see to it that every little detail is taken care of. Pink and white summer blooming flowers with flowers no larger than 1 inch an only on the front facing elevation of the building with yellow and blue flowers only allowed in rear facing elevations however bloom size up to 2 inches accepted so long as they are not native to NC. Any native flower unacceptable anywhere on school property. No pine trees on the property due to tar, but oaks are permitted so long as they are no closer that 15 feet, and 9 and 1/20 inches to the property line so not as to drop leaves on the street. All steps must be exactly 1/32 inches wider than state requirement. School signs must be no larger than 3 feet, 2 and 1/32 inches by 6 foot, 4 and 3/213 inches and cannot be lit except between the hours of 6:47 pm-11:01:45 pm, and only with Al Gore approved eco-friendly lighting, and not on Saturday or Sunday. School spirit rocks allowed so long as they are native New Hampshire Granite and are no larger than a 2008 model volkswagen bug with no after market additions.
Let me tell you...with this crowd that is a little exaggerated...but only just a little bit exaggerated!
Recently it appeared that the power starved planning board had agreed to moderate somewhat and accept a plan brokered by school officials and planning officials which would have required the school board to meet some planning board checklist requirements but would have stopped short of requiring a permit from the planning board to proceed with construction. The plan would have allowed the planning board to "see" everything that was going on but would not have given them permitting power. Six of seven planning board members agreed that the plan was acceptable and the school board agreed. However, the night set in.
Apparently a few planning board members had a change of heart. In a vote at its September 28 meeting, the planning board voted 4-2 to trash the plan and move forward with their first plan to micro-manage school construction. They will seek approval of such plan at the October 5th county commission meeting.
This topic has so many intersesting twists and turns it could occupy pages and pages of this blog. However it is important to catch a few key points:
We all recall when the Union County Board of Commissioners, led by none other than puppetman Lanny Openshaw and his two sidekicks the liberal torchbearing Kim Rogers and Tracy Kuehler decided to disband the Union County Planning Board. While they gave the standard and overused "they are all in the developers pocket" reason for their action, we all knew they did it so as to fill the board with those they felt would carry out their twisted liberal ideas of growth management.
Well it didn't take the new planning board long to realize that the national economy had stopped development in Union County so the workload was not what they had hoped for. While the opportunity to halt all development and lead the crusade against the evil developer was now not on the table, they still had their plans to rip apart the county landuse ordinance and rewrite it so it will be more akin to something you would find in New York. They are currently so busy with this task that they have had to add a second monthly meeting just to accomplish the liberalization of the county planning guidelines.
Well, that wasn't enough either. Chairman King and Vice Chairman DiBiasio were not in the headlines enough with plain old boring ordinance stuff and with no evil developer to go after....someone would have to pay. Enter the Union County School Board.
The School Board has typically been given significant latitude with regards to the construction of schools and while they have to meet all state and local guidelines, the planning board nor county commission has never felt it necessary to step in and take an active role little on require a county major development permit for school construction. The school board is elected, therefore the assumption has been that they can handle the job and if at some point they fail to act they can be voted out of office.
A mistake made in the construction of Marvin Ridge High School opened the door for the planning board bosses to attempt to sieze power never held by the appointed group, and power that few would ever assume that they were capable of handling. Actually, the "mistake" was over a state regulation and while it did come at a significant cost to Union County, it is not really clear that the school system were the ones that erred. In any case, the involvement of the local planning board to an extent that they would have caught the mistake would likely require the planning board to micro-manage every aspect of school construction.
Micro-manage school construction....ahhhh, can't you just hear them salivating now and see the smoke coming from their ears and they conjure up images of the newfound power they would have? Many on the planning board, particularly King and DiBiasio are the type that love to regulate. Put them in charge of school construction and they will see to it that every little detail is taken care of. Pink and white summer blooming flowers with flowers no larger than 1 inch an only on the front facing elevation of the building with yellow and blue flowers only allowed in rear facing elevations however bloom size up to 2 inches accepted so long as they are not native to NC. Any native flower unacceptable anywhere on school property. No pine trees on the property due to tar, but oaks are permitted so long as they are no closer that 15 feet, and 9 and 1/20 inches to the property line so not as to drop leaves on the street. All steps must be exactly 1/32 inches wider than state requirement. School signs must be no larger than 3 feet, 2 and 1/32 inches by 6 foot, 4 and 3/213 inches and cannot be lit except between the hours of 6:47 pm-11:01:45 pm, and only with Al Gore approved eco-friendly lighting, and not on Saturday or Sunday. School spirit rocks allowed so long as they are native New Hampshire Granite and are no larger than a 2008 model volkswagen bug with no after market additions.
Let me tell you...with this crowd that is a little exaggerated...but only just a little bit exaggerated!
Recently it appeared that the power starved planning board had agreed to moderate somewhat and accept a plan brokered by school officials and planning officials which would have required the school board to meet some planning board checklist requirements but would have stopped short of requiring a permit from the planning board to proceed with construction. The plan would have allowed the planning board to "see" everything that was going on but would not have given them permitting power. Six of seven planning board members agreed that the plan was acceptable and the school board agreed. However, the night set in.
Apparently a few planning board members had a change of heart. In a vote at its September 28 meeting, the planning board voted 4-2 to trash the plan and move forward with their first plan to micro-manage school construction. They will seek approval of such plan at the October 5th county commission meeting.
This topic has so many intersesting twists and turns it could occupy pages and pages of this blog. However it is important to catch a few key points:
- Openshaw, Rogers, and Kuehler created this monster called the planning board.
- The planning board is limited by what it can do to punish developers due to the national economy so it is looking for other paths to exert its power thirsty agenda.
- The planning board agreed to a compromise only to later turn their back and run the other direction.
- A bunch of super regulators who thrive on micromanaging are about to add yet another level to school construction....and untold millions of dollars in additional costs to cut through their red tape.
The Union County Board of Commissioners will take up the matter October 5th. Will they once again side with the fringe or will they stand with the people. Stay tuned.
* Editors note: In a suprising move, Union County Planning Board Vice-Chairman Mark DiBiasio voted against throwing out the compromise with the Union County Board of Education. He along with planning board member Kathy Broom were the two dissenting votes. This adds yet another unique twist to the commissioners decision due to their loyalty to DiBiasio. Who needs Monday Night Football...watch em squirm through this one!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Commissioners Waste More Tax Money Playing Petty Politics
Once again, it's "revenge" time for Union County Commissioners.
In case you missed it, in a 3-2 vote last night, a motion made by Commissioner Kuehler, passed and stated that the county attorney go hire (with your tax money) an "independent counsel" to investigate possible ethics violations against former commissioner Pressley and current commissioners Baucom and Mills.
First it was a long-term package deal to keep unethical Mike Shalati in power as county manager, done just days before Sexton, Stone and Lane lost power now we have another investigation? How much did this cost?
Let's get the facts straight. Irene Broaddus was a member of the non-policy making Public Works ADVISORY Panel, note the word ADVISORY, that created this firestorm. Ms. Broaddus wrote in emails to a development company that she would be willing to lobby and help get their project approved for a fee of several thousand dollars.
Who is Irene Broaddus? A long-time political activist who was friends with Parker Mills and is friends with Lanny Openshaw. Actually Mr. Openshaw credits Ms. Broaddus for encouraging him to get into politics. So what about the FBI? Well, when the newspaper prints emails that quite clearly show a possible "pay to play" scheme then there's a high probability you're going to get investigated. The SBI for a fact investigated, having interviewed several in this county. According to public, on the record comments, by Commissioner Baucom, he was never even interviewed.
So, commissioners hired outside counsel for an investigation that really was just that, an investigation. Bottom line, there wasn't anything illegal because there were no charges. Now if this was an investigation on something self-serving as defined by our own county ordinances then this would be different. The fact of the matter it wasn't and never was. The only person who committed any wrongdoing was Ms. Broaddus herself. It was unethical but not illegal mind you but had those emails not been printed, who knows what would've happened.
So let's wrap up this discussion in a nutshell. The county commissioners, who are always looking to "cut the budget," have now instructed the county attorney to PAY (how much is not determined but could be tens of thousands) for an outside attorney to conduct an ethics investigation on an investigation that was only an investigation.
This is like the current Obama Administration investigating the CIA. When is enough, enough?
And by the way, we are now spending money when we don't have a firm water allocation policy in place. This means no commercial construction (to offset high tax rate) and no residential (subdivisons aren't finished meaning lower property values and higher HOA dues) and we cannot water our own lawns.
Perhaps the real "pay to play" should be explored and all Union County citizens should ask Commissioner Kuehler why her OWN FATHER applied to be director of Union County Public Works after she was elected as commissioner. Friends, that's fact not fiction.
What say you?
In case you missed it, in a 3-2 vote last night, a motion made by Commissioner Kuehler, passed and stated that the county attorney go hire (with your tax money) an "independent counsel" to investigate possible ethics violations against former commissioner Pressley and current commissioners Baucom and Mills.
First it was a long-term package deal to keep unethical Mike Shalati in power as county manager, done just days before Sexton, Stone and Lane lost power now we have another investigation? How much did this cost?
Let's get the facts straight. Irene Broaddus was a member of the non-policy making Public Works ADVISORY Panel, note the word ADVISORY, that created this firestorm. Ms. Broaddus wrote in emails to a development company that she would be willing to lobby and help get their project approved for a fee of several thousand dollars.
Who is Irene Broaddus? A long-time political activist who was friends with Parker Mills and is friends with Lanny Openshaw. Actually Mr. Openshaw credits Ms. Broaddus for encouraging him to get into politics. So what about the FBI? Well, when the newspaper prints emails that quite clearly show a possible "pay to play" scheme then there's a high probability you're going to get investigated. The SBI for a fact investigated, having interviewed several in this county. According to public, on the record comments, by Commissioner Baucom, he was never even interviewed.
So, commissioners hired outside counsel for an investigation that really was just that, an investigation. Bottom line, there wasn't anything illegal because there were no charges. Now if this was an investigation on something self-serving as defined by our own county ordinances then this would be different. The fact of the matter it wasn't and never was. The only person who committed any wrongdoing was Ms. Broaddus herself. It was unethical but not illegal mind you but had those emails not been printed, who knows what would've happened.
So let's wrap up this discussion in a nutshell. The county commissioners, who are always looking to "cut the budget," have now instructed the county attorney to PAY (how much is not determined but could be tens of thousands) for an outside attorney to conduct an ethics investigation on an investigation that was only an investigation.
This is like the current Obama Administration investigating the CIA. When is enough, enough?
And by the way, we are now spending money when we don't have a firm water allocation policy in place. This means no commercial construction (to offset high tax rate) and no residential (subdivisons aren't finished meaning lower property values and higher HOA dues) and we cannot water our own lawns.
Perhaps the real "pay to play" should be explored and all Union County citizens should ask Commissioner Kuehler why her OWN FATHER applied to be director of Union County Public Works after she was elected as commissioner. Friends, that's fact not fiction.
What say you?
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