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?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Countdown...and the scary future it may hold for Union.
While many are finding themselves preparing for the upcoming municipal elections here in Sweet Union, some cannot help but look forward to a big date that is just six months away.
Starting February 8, 2010 and lasting until February 26....candidates will have the opportunity to file for office for US Senate, US House, NC Senate, NC House, County Commissioner, Sheriff, District Attorney and Clerk of Court.
While America will have a chance to limit the power of a socialist President by electing a new Congress, and North Carolinians will have the chance to take the state back from the most free spending liberal majority in the history of the NC General Assembly...Union County will have the chance to end the already embarrassing reign of Kuehler, Rogers, and Openshaw.
Giving Openshaw some cover for the next election, the liberal majority held the line on taxes this year without a doubt postponing their plans to sock it to us until the next budget, AFTER the Republican primary. Couple that with their planned cash infusion from the sale of CMC-Union, the liberals are preparing to take Union County to new places we have never seen before.
Kuehler has not been successful in hiding her desire to take over the fire departments, Rogers appears comfortable giving the schools anything they ask for, and Openshaw often appears as if he is just there to do whatever Kuehler, Rogers and the "boss"* directs, giving little thought to anything.
Ponder the harm that can come from a far left majority with lots of cash and a non-election budget year looming. Oh, and lets not forget...a willing local media to carry the water for whatever scheme they can concoct.
Let us know what you think. Where will the gang of three take us in the next year? Even worse, where do we go if we cannot eliminate their majority in 2010?
*The boss is the one who controls the Commission majority.
Starting February 8, 2010 and lasting until February 26....candidates will have the opportunity to file for office for US Senate, US House, NC Senate, NC House, County Commissioner, Sheriff, District Attorney and Clerk of Court.
While America will have a chance to limit the power of a socialist President by electing a new Congress, and North Carolinians will have the chance to take the state back from the most free spending liberal majority in the history of the NC General Assembly...Union County will have the chance to end the already embarrassing reign of Kuehler, Rogers, and Openshaw.
Giving Openshaw some cover for the next election, the liberal majority held the line on taxes this year without a doubt postponing their plans to sock it to us until the next budget, AFTER the Republican primary. Couple that with their planned cash infusion from the sale of CMC-Union, the liberals are preparing to take Union County to new places we have never seen before.
Kuehler has not been successful in hiding her desire to take over the fire departments, Rogers appears comfortable giving the schools anything they ask for, and Openshaw often appears as if he is just there to do whatever Kuehler, Rogers and the "boss"* directs, giving little thought to anything.
Ponder the harm that can come from a far left majority with lots of cash and a non-election budget year looming. Oh, and lets not forget...a willing local media to carry the water for whatever scheme they can concoct.
Let us know what you think. Where will the gang of three take us in the next year? Even worse, where do we go if we cannot eliminate their majority in 2010?
*The boss is the one who controls the Commission majority.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Union County Commissioner 7 Month Review
A new majority of so-called conservative commissioners has just finished a critical 7 months in office. But outside of no new tax increase (which is coming big time next year after the election) what was achieved? Below is a factual list and unfortunately it isn't good for Union County citizens. As is with the Governor of our state, many are certainly feeling buyers remorse as Commissioners Kuehler, Rogers and Openshaw create havoc on this county. Actually an argument can be made that they are finishing the legacy of Sexton, Stone and Roger Lane.
Let's open this up for discussion but first let's highlight a few things perhaps our "newspapers" fail to discuss as it relates to our commissioners so far this year:
1) Lanny Openshaw dismisses an emergency meeting this past winter to ensure our county bonds are safe and secure and to avoid potential bond collapse. This would have meant an extra $3 to $4 million in bond payments for 2009 alone. All that was needed was to move one pot of money into a different account. There is speculation that county officials were told not to touch this money as it was needed to fulfill special interest campaign promise for Chairman Openshaw.
2) Planning board is dissolved and $250 thousand dollar land use plan is in jeopardy. Qualified individuals are replaced with special interest citizens who supported Rogers/Kuehler. Will county spend another $250k to redo land use plan?
3) Board of Adjustment is dissolved. Qualified persons aren't reappointed (even after financial disclosures) due to political payback by Openshaw, Rogers and Kuehler. New appointees have no experience on land use matters rather many are political appointees to appease special interest from Rogers/Kuehler campaign.
4) Volunteer fireman come under fire by Rogers, Kuehler and Openshaw. In addition to a countwide fire tax on everyone, these three commissioners begin micromanagement of fire departments. Over 700 volunteer men and women have to get certain items approved by non-firemen, Kuehler, Rogers and Openshaw thus delaying a life or property that is saved. Nevermind that each fire station not only has a budget for the year but also a board of directors to hold each station accountable. Rumor has it that Commissioner Kuehler has a personal vendetta against the Wesley Chapel FD due to a delayed response to an emergency. Who's playing politics again?
5) Our hospital, the only one in the entire county, is in the process of being put to sale. Nevermind that the majority of those who use it are from Monroe, east. CMC-Union takes care of the indigent and has invested tens of millions in upgrading the hospital. Upgrades and costs that do not cost the county one cent. What's the motivation by Rogers, Kuehler and Openshaw? Would you trust any politican with $200 million as one lump sum? Rumor has it these comssioners plan to build parks and libraries in Western Union County rather than devote entire money of future sale to pay down debt. More to come on this very soon.
6) Water/Sewer. Commissioners Rogers, Kuehler, and Openshaw repeat often how much they wish to expand commercial growth. However, without water and sewer no growth occurs. Currently projects are on hold why county figures out water allocation policy. Rumor has it that not fixing this problem may in turn cost the entire county and taxpayers a lot more than just water. No solution has been proposed to fix our water/sewer problems that were caused primarily by Shalati and his band of brothers, Sexton, Stone and Lane. More to come on this later too. You might be interested to know who might thrown their hat into the ring as potential Public Works Director. It just might suprise you!
7) Finally our current schools. Fact, the county could have saved taxpayers millions had it simply delayed opening the new Poplin Elementary School and Cuthersbon High School. Those inside county government anticipate that the high school will not even be half-full. More to come on the entire school system and the fleecing of Union County taxpayers.
Overall I would grade this group's performance a D+. Our county has now become the laughing stock all across the state in regards to those who want to do business within our county. Petty snipping continues and in many cases gotten worse. Recently, commissioner Kuehler was heard cussing over the television as she lost her cool. Meetings run for at least 4 to 5 hours most nights and commercial growth continues to stagnate. Chairman Openshaw avoided a tax cut this year to save his own skin for the next election cycle. He has repeatedly said he was in favor of higher taxes. Again, I think many citizens are having buyers remorse.
More to come later.
Let's open this up for discussion but first let's highlight a few things perhaps our "newspapers" fail to discuss as it relates to our commissioners so far this year:
1) Lanny Openshaw dismisses an emergency meeting this past winter to ensure our county bonds are safe and secure and to avoid potential bond collapse. This would have meant an extra $3 to $4 million in bond payments for 2009 alone. All that was needed was to move one pot of money into a different account. There is speculation that county officials were told not to touch this money as it was needed to fulfill special interest campaign promise for Chairman Openshaw.
2) Planning board is dissolved and $250 thousand dollar land use plan is in jeopardy. Qualified individuals are replaced with special interest citizens who supported Rogers/Kuehler. Will county spend another $250k to redo land use plan?
3) Board of Adjustment is dissolved. Qualified persons aren't reappointed (even after financial disclosures) due to political payback by Openshaw, Rogers and Kuehler. New appointees have no experience on land use matters rather many are political appointees to appease special interest from Rogers/Kuehler campaign.
4) Volunteer fireman come under fire by Rogers, Kuehler and Openshaw. In addition to a countwide fire tax on everyone, these three commissioners begin micromanagement of fire departments. Over 700 volunteer men and women have to get certain items approved by non-firemen, Kuehler, Rogers and Openshaw thus delaying a life or property that is saved. Nevermind that each fire station not only has a budget for the year but also a board of directors to hold each station accountable. Rumor has it that Commissioner Kuehler has a personal vendetta against the Wesley Chapel FD due to a delayed response to an emergency. Who's playing politics again?
5) Our hospital, the only one in the entire county, is in the process of being put to sale. Nevermind that the majority of those who use it are from Monroe, east. CMC-Union takes care of the indigent and has invested tens of millions in upgrading the hospital. Upgrades and costs that do not cost the county one cent. What's the motivation by Rogers, Kuehler and Openshaw? Would you trust any politican with $200 million as one lump sum? Rumor has it these comssioners plan to build parks and libraries in Western Union County rather than devote entire money of future sale to pay down debt. More to come on this very soon.
6) Water/Sewer. Commissioners Rogers, Kuehler, and Openshaw repeat often how much they wish to expand commercial growth. However, without water and sewer no growth occurs. Currently projects are on hold why county figures out water allocation policy. Rumor has it that not fixing this problem may in turn cost the entire county and taxpayers a lot more than just water. No solution has been proposed to fix our water/sewer problems that were caused primarily by Shalati and his band of brothers, Sexton, Stone and Lane. More to come on this later too. You might be interested to know who might thrown their hat into the ring as potential Public Works Director. It just might suprise you!
7) Finally our current schools. Fact, the county could have saved taxpayers millions had it simply delayed opening the new Poplin Elementary School and Cuthersbon High School. Those inside county government anticipate that the high school will not even be half-full. More to come on the entire school system and the fleecing of Union County taxpayers.
Overall I would grade this group's performance a D+. Our county has now become the laughing stock all across the state in regards to those who want to do business within our county. Petty snipping continues and in many cases gotten worse. Recently, commissioner Kuehler was heard cussing over the television as she lost her cool. Meetings run for at least 4 to 5 hours most nights and commercial growth continues to stagnate. Chairman Openshaw avoided a tax cut this year to save his own skin for the next election cycle. He has repeatedly said he was in favor of higher taxes. Again, I think many citizens are having buyers remorse.
More to come later.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A Golden Egg
You just voted to rob the county's saving account to balance the budget. You spend like no tomorrow. One of your members seems determined to take over the volunteer fire departments. How do you pull it all off without eventually raising taxes on the people of Union County?
Sell the Golden Egg.
Union County Commissioners voted 3-2 on Monday to move forward with placing the county's biggest asset on the auction block. Carolinas Medical Center-Union will be sold if the Commission majority of Lanny Openshaw, Tracy Kuehler, and Kim Rogers get their way. The three argue that the money could be used to pay off some of the county debt.
Make no mistake, the majority wants to sell the hospital to free up more money so they can spend more money. While paying off ones debt is always a great idea, doing so with the idea that it will allow you to acquire more debt is a disaster waiting to happen.
Given the liberal tilt of the current majority, rest assured that the county cannot afford to give them any fluff in future budgets. Commissioner Rogers clearly has no restraint in spending for schools and Commissioner Kuehler clearly has her eyes on making the great volunteer fire departments a new county department.
It may be time to call on the Union County delegation to the General Assembly to move forward with emergency legislation preventing a county from selling a major asset without voter approval. We cannot afford to allow this commission majority to raid the county anymore than they already have.
Sell the Golden Egg.
Union County Commissioners voted 3-2 on Monday to move forward with placing the county's biggest asset on the auction block. Carolinas Medical Center-Union will be sold if the Commission majority of Lanny Openshaw, Tracy Kuehler, and Kim Rogers get their way. The three argue that the money could be used to pay off some of the county debt.
Make no mistake, the majority wants to sell the hospital to free up more money so they can spend more money. While paying off ones debt is always a great idea, doing so with the idea that it will allow you to acquire more debt is a disaster waiting to happen.
Given the liberal tilt of the current majority, rest assured that the county cannot afford to give them any fluff in future budgets. Commissioner Rogers clearly has no restraint in spending for schools and Commissioner Kuehler clearly has her eyes on making the great volunteer fire departments a new county department.
It may be time to call on the Union County delegation to the General Assembly to move forward with emergency legislation preventing a county from selling a major asset without voter approval. We cannot afford to allow this commission majority to raid the county anymore than they already have.
The Budget is Finished
Union County Commissioners voted 3-2 Monday to enact a $222.3 million county budget. The budget will not require a tax increase on citizens, however it required the county to rob over $1 million from the county savings.
In an unusal vote, Commissioners Allan Baucom and Kim Rogers were the two dissenting members. However, do not be confused as the two were not dissenting for the same reason. Conservative Baucom wanted to cut more from education which will spend over $80 million in operations while the liberal stripes of Kim Rogers continued to shine through with her fight to give the schools anything they desired.
It is dissapointing that commissioners chose to balance the budget with savings instead of making cuts in spending. This decision could pass the buck to next years budget which will not be voted on until AFTER the primary election in May. However, I suspect that Commissioner Chairman Openshaw and his two cohorts, Tracy Kuehler and Kim Rogers, have a plan to keep the budget balanced until Rogers and Kuehler can seek re-election. That plan....see the next post.
In an unusal vote, Commissioners Allan Baucom and Kim Rogers were the two dissenting members. However, do not be confused as the two were not dissenting for the same reason. Conservative Baucom wanted to cut more from education which will spend over $80 million in operations while the liberal stripes of Kim Rogers continued to shine through with her fight to give the schools anything they desired.
It is dissapointing that commissioners chose to balance the budget with savings instead of making cuts in spending. This decision could pass the buck to next years budget which will not be voted on until AFTER the primary election in May. However, I suspect that Commissioner Chairman Openshaw and his two cohorts, Tracy Kuehler and Kim Rogers, have a plan to keep the budget balanced until Rogers and Kuehler can seek re-election. That plan....see the next post.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
John Locke or John Not
It is interesting that when the John Locke Foundation issues a major study showing that growth pays for itself some find it necessary to trash the organization as partisan and unrealistic.
However, when the same John Locke Foundation does a major study on education spending that shows Union County is below the state average on administrative costs and teacher-student ratio, these same people find it compelling to lift John Locke up as a reason to save education funding.
We have an old saying....you are either with me or against me. Unfortunately, some in our county leadership find it convenient to be with the John Locke when it is politically expedient and against them when it is not.
Hopefully County Commissioner Tracy Kuehler will come to a point where she can accept all of the findings of the John Locke Foundation and like-minded conservative organizations. It would be refreshing to see her embrace conservatism across the board.
However, when the same John Locke Foundation does a major study on education spending that shows Union County is below the state average on administrative costs and teacher-student ratio, these same people find it compelling to lift John Locke up as a reason to save education funding.
We have an old saying....you are either with me or against me. Unfortunately, some in our county leadership find it convenient to be with the John Locke when it is politically expedient and against them when it is not.
Hopefully County Commissioner Tracy Kuehler will come to a point where she can accept all of the findings of the John Locke Foundation and like-minded conservative organizations. It would be refreshing to see her embrace conservatism across the board.
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