Carolina Politics Online

Each of the six geographic districts of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board is up for reelection on Tuesday. CMS is in terrible shape.  The performance of the schools are getting worse.  The superintendent is awful and ineffective.  There are a lot of reasons for the deterioration of the school system, but the status quo of the school board hasn’t been helping make it better.  So here are my recommendations for Tuesday’s elections:

District 1 – Rhonda Lennon

Rhonda Lennon is a Republican from Huntersville.  She has been active in the school system for a few years now and is the founder of F.U.M.E. the Families United for Northern Mecklenburg Education.  She has been an active voice in bringing attention to the overcrowding going on in the suburban county schools and she is advocate for getting more parents involved in the school system.  Parental participation is key if the school district is ever going to improve.  Her opponents, Gail Summerskill and Robin Bradford are way out of touch with the district.  Summerskill is a San Francisco raised Obamabot who does not support the idea of  your child attending schools in your own neighborhood, but rather forced busing to achieve a leftist wet dream of “diversity.” As for Bradford, she has been endorsed by Nick Mackey.  Enough said.  This is a Republican district and I think it’s likely Lennon will win the race.

District 2 – Richard McElrath

The District 2 seat is currently occupied by Kimberly Mitchell-Walker who was appointed to fill the rest of Vilma Leake’s term.  Mitchell-Walker should not be elected to her own term.  This woman will have your kids being bussed half way across the county under this fantasy that mixing children of different income levels and races in the schools translate into a better education for minority students.  This practice is done in a lot of cities around the country and it’s had zero positive effect.  Instead it has been harming children by having them sit on a bus for two hours each morning and evening in order to integrate a school ten miles away from where they live.  Many parents, including minority parents, have sued to get this practice stopped.  So if you’ve worked hard to provide you and your family with a good income and lifestyle and bought a place in Cornelius to get your kid into a neighborhood of decent schools, Mitchell-Walker will steal that education by having your kid shoved off to the inner city of Charlotte every morning.

McElrath seems to understand that the gaps in education have to do with the home and neighborhood itself.

He says he’d still redraw boundaries where high- and low-poverty school attendance zones sit side by side. But the link between poverty and failure won’t end, he says, while children return to “neighborhoods where you can’t get fresh fruits and vegetables, but you can get fortified wine and beer.”

Changing housing patterns is his latest quest, but reform for failing schools remains his primary passion.

McElrath says that requires setting high expectations for poor students and acting forcefully to get the best teachers into those schools. At a debate, he gave Superintendent Peter Gorman a “D,” saying his efforts to reassign teachers have been “a shell game” that lures them from one high-poverty school to another.

Charlotte Observer

Democrat Richard McElrath is the right choice.

District 3 – James Ross

James Ross was also appointed to the school board to fill the vacancy of George Dunlap.  Ross has an uphill battle in winning his own term because he is a Republican in a black and heavily Democrat district.  Ross isn’t dissuaded by that, however.  He has been very active in the district holding meetings and getting to know the people.  He deserves four years to show the district what he can do.

District 4 – You’re screwed

Incumbent Tom Tate is running unopposed which is unfortunate because he sucks.  He’s had four years to show that he is not up to the job.  He expresses concerns about the achievement gap between schools and wants to redraw lines to mix students up better.  Of course, that’s just a game of numbers.  It won’t actually change the achievement level of each student and may actually hurt better performing students who get thrown into a school with a low educational success rate.

District 5 – Susan Walker

Susan Walker is an advocate of responsible school spending and kids being able to attend the school closest to their house in order to encourage parental involvement.  It’s just common sense, but that’s been lacking in CMS for a long time.  She believes in customized education for each child, being that not all children learn the same way or have the same interests and in doing more to stave off the drop out rate.

District 6 – John Ross

John Ross wants to get more money to the actual classroom and cut out a lot of the administration and bureaucracy in CMS, like CMS-TV for instance.  He also wants a zero tolerance policy for assaults on teachers by students.  That is a huge issue and something that needs to happen.  Any kid that assaults a teacher should be expelled from the school district permanently.  Ross has a financial background that will serve well in a school system that hasn’t wisely spent its money.

RALEIGH — Advocates of busing for diversity have already conceded Wake County’s school board election, but more than 150 people who rallied downtown Friday night sounded far from ready to give up on the long-standing policy.

Haha. This is a good satire on Senator Graham from The Vitamin Press.

Charleston, SC- Doctors in South Carolina are reporting that all has gone well with Lindsay Graham’s recent surgery and that the long time Democrat Senator is resting comfortably and expected to make a full recovery. Graham, who early yesterday morning became the second person to undergo a complete personality transplant and the first individual to survive the procedure, is also reported to be in good spirits and eager to find out what it is like to make friends.

Graham is well known for his work in the Senate.  What is less well known is the fact that he suffered from a severe personality disorder that had rendered him incapable of being an actual human being for many years -if not all of his life.  According to press releases from the Senator’s Office the condition was the result of an accident during the early 1980’s when Graham valiantly threw himself in front of several Rino’s that angry villagers were attempting to chase out of Washington, DC with the Constitution.  Not everyone agrees with this assessment.  Dr. Baltimore, M.D. (the lead surgeon on the operation) believes that Graham was born with a serious genetic condition known as Chronic Reaction Against Personality and has likely never had a personality.  As he told The Vitamin Press, “Oh sure it’s Chronic Reaction Against Personality.  I tell you I’ve never met a man so full of C.R.A.P. in my entire life.”

Read more at The Vitamin Press

H/T Hot Air Pundit

This is an audio of Congressman Jim Clyburn’s interview on Air America in which he explicitly states that the Democrats made little effort at bipartisanship on health care “reform” and that reconciliation in the Senate is still on the table.

In the Asheville City Council race this coming Tuesday, several candidates are competing, but only three can be elected to the At-Large seats.  I have gone over the platforms and statements of each candidate and have narrowed down the three that I would vote for if I live in Asheville.  You can call these endorsements if you like; I prefer to call them my recommendations.  Endorsements come from important people and institutions and I am but a humble blog administrator.  In no particular order, my choices are as follows:

Ryan Croft

Mr. Croft is big on the budget and while it may not be the most sexy issue out there, it should be one of the top discussions in everyone’s mind.  We are a country drowning in debt.  Our Federal government has accumulated a national debt of over $11 trillion with an almost $2 trillion budget deficit for just this fiscal year.  Our Congressional leaders are driving us into bankruptcy.  The Asheville City Council may not have any influence over the carelessness of the Federal government, but they can keep their own fiscal house in order.  Croft is committed to fighting for a balanced budget and rooting out waste and unnecessary government spending to get there, not raising taxes.  Croft seems to understand that in tough economic times, tough decisions must be made and he doesn’t appear frightened to make those calls.

J. Neal Jackson

Mr. Jackson is the owner of Eagle Supermarket in downtown Asheville.  Who better to know what a growing business needs than someone who possesses the experience of owning and operating his very own business in the city?  Additionally, Jackson has a strong educational background with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Entrepreneurship.  You can’t ask for better credentials in a city leader.  Jackson shares Croft’s fiscal sanity and is committed to pushing the city towards employing local companies for city infrastructure needs.  That’s just good sense.  The local government should use its local businesses and give back to the people of the community.

Esther Manheimer

I choose Ms Manheimer because she has a strong focus on improving the overall quality of life in Asheville.  It takes more than lower taxes to build a strong community, but a combination of affordability, efficient services, and environmental aesthetics.  Manheimer is a backer of reducing pollution and expanding public greenways and transportation.  All of these factors are important features that enhance the quality of life for all residents in a city and serve as incentives to attract more people to the community.  She also is an advocate of a strong business climate and supporting new and existing entrepreneurs in the city.  I think she has the right balance with the issues.

I think these three candidates would bring a nice equilibrium to the council.  We have a bit of the right, a little on the left, and some consensuses right in the middle that everyone can agree on.  I feel it’s important that all views get represented on the issues in order to generate the brightest ideas and solutions possible for the city.

The National Republican Congressional Committee added 32 candidates to its Young Guns program.  The program was started a few years to assist up and coming candidates in their races for open House seats and challenges against Democrat incumbents.  North Carolina’s Eighth District challenger Lou Huddleston was one of those to reach a high profile in the eyes of the NRCC.

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Retired Army colonel, successful business leader, and candidate for North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District Lou Huddleston today announced that his campaign has achieved “On the Radar” status for the National Republican Congressional Committee’s (NRCC) Young Guns Program.

“This exciting recognition proves that I am the best candidate to bring much-needed common sense, conservative leadership to Congress,” Huddleston said.  “I am humbled by the tremendous momentum my campaign has generated across the 8th District in such a short period of time.  I look forward to continuing my visits across the 10 counties earning the trust of neighbors yearning for strong leadership and accountability in government.”

Indeed it would seem that the NRCC is confident in Huddleston’s ability to win back the Eighth District seat for the GOP.

The Democrats in Congress are ready to unveil their version of the health care bill.  To the dismay of most Americans, it’s not much different than the last disaster they pushed out of committee known as H.R. 3200, which the public soundly rejected.  This bill will cost near one trillion dollars, unconstitutionally try and force people to purchase health insurance, and result in higher insurance and health care costs for everyone.

Below is a press release from Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2009
Contact: Brock McCleary
(202) 225-2576

McHenry Responds to Pelosi’s Expanded Health care Bill

WASHINGTON – Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement in response to the unveiling of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s expanded health care legislation.

“Meet the new plan for a government takeover of health care, same as the old one. The American people have already rejected the approach to health care reform that says government knows best. The results are the same regardless of how many more pages the Democrats add to this bill: hundreds of millions of Americans will be forced out of their current health care plan, Medicare cuts will mean fewer benefits for seniors, bureaucrats will have the authority to restrict health care services, taxpayers will fund abortions, federal and state taxes will increase, and the cost of health care will rise.

“Nowhere in this 1,990-page bill are the common sense reforms that everyone agrees on. Insurance companies are not forced to compete with one another across state lines. Small businesses are not permitted to join together to purchase affordable coverage for their employees. Lawsuit abuse will continue to thrive so the real victims are denied justice and the cost of health care can continue to escalate.

“We can insure the uninsured, which this bill actually fails to do, without degrading the quality and increasing the cost of health care for everyone else. It’s no wonder the Democrats preserved the loophole that ensures Members of Congress never have to enroll in the program.”

###

A poll released from Public Policy Polling shows incumbent Charlotte city councilmen Edwin Peacock and Susan Burgess cruising to reelection along with Patrick Cannon, a former city councilman who has decided to once again seek the office.  This was all a given.  The only real surprise came with the number four spot.  Nothing against Tariq Bokhari, but he is the not the guy I was expecting to see bringing up the number four spot.  With the success that Matthew Ridenhour had in the Republican primary it’s rather shocking to see him only polling at four percent.  His Facebook page sent out a memo blasting the poll as bunk and I don’t necessarily disagree.  He may not be in fourth place, but polling at only four percent?  That’s a little hard to swallow.

It was officially announced yesterday evening.  We got the Boeing plant.  It has decided on South Carolina over the Washington State.  The plant will be located in North Charleston and could bring an estimated 3,800 new jobs to the state.  As I wrote yesterday, talks between Boeing and the Machinist Union in Washington broke down.  Once again, we see the example of a union chasing away thousands of jobs they could have had in their community, but I’m not complaining.  Their loss is our gain here in South Carolina.

Part of what also made up Boeing’s mind was the $450 million incentive package approved by the state legislature, which is coming under some controversy.  Pure laissez-faire economy advocates are decrying this as corporate welfare that would be unneeded if the state went further in improving the business climate here.  Others say this isn’t corporate welfare because it is mostly tax breaks, rather than the actual giving of taxpayer dollars to Boeing out of the state coffers.  Furthermore, other states engage in handing out incentives to big business so if we don’t do it too, we’ll be unable to compete.  There is some truth to that.

I’m somewhere in the middle on this.  I don’t look at tax breaks as corporate welfare.  I view that as government getting out of the way.  I do, however, have an issue when they are targeted to only a specific business, rather than all businesses throughout the state.  Tax incentives don’t always work either, case and point, Dell.  There is also the underlying question that if Boeing doesn’t have to pay these taxes, does that mean I am picking up their share of the burden?

This is the biggest investment in South Carolina history so the legislature is taking quite a risk.

Either way, if the plant brings in the number of new jobs it says it will it’s obviously a good thing for the state.  If the tax revenue surpasses what was forgone through the incentive packages then it will be a worthwhile investment in the long run.

NCDOT

It appears that a rock slide has closed Interstate 40 west of Asheville, NC. The interstate will be closed between exit 20 west of  in NC and exit 421(I-81 interchange), east of Knoxville, Tennessee. The detour displayed on the NCDOT web site would add 53 miles to your trip. Also the web site notes the Interstate will be closed for “several” months.

Are they kidding? are they suing President Obama’s decision making process? Three months to plan the operation and many more to execute it? Whoever designed the measures to prevent rock slides should be fired if they still work at the NCDOT.

More evidence that leftist economic policies destroy economies by chasing away jobs and people.  A few weeks back I made note about a bid both South Carolina and the State of Washington made to entice Boeing to locate their new plant in one of our states.  Washington was touting the highly educated work force available while South Carolina has the advantage of a more business friendly economic climate.  It is sounding like South Carolina is going to win.

According to reports, talks between Boeing and the Machinist union in Washington have fallen apart, inferring that the union’s demands for an above market rate of compensation for their would be members was not setting well with Boeing.  This would appear to give an edge to South Carolina, whose Right to Work policies are much more palatable.

Fortunately, we still have competition in the marketplace throughout our nation.  We are lucky that this isn’t another instance of a company moving its resources overseas for cheaper labor in India or China.  Expensive union labor simply cannot compete in 21st century America.  Manufacturing is all but gone in our nation and some that is still left, like the auto companies, are being artificially propped up by the Federal government.  They’ll never learn though.  While the business hostile north continues to bleed jobs and population, our states here in the sun belt will continue to thrive and grow.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Beverly Perdue is returning to North Carolina after a nearly two-week trade and cultural mission to China and Japan.

The AP

You’d think with a 25% approval rating Bev would do a cultural tour of North Carolina instead.

Perdue leaves behind a contingent of about 20 North Carolina residents — including several legislators — visiting China on a separate trip paid by outside groups. They will return this weekend.

Well, that must be costing the state that just raised taxes to fill a budget shortfall a pretty penny.

A Public Policy Polling poll shows Republican John Lassiter and Democrat Anthony Foxx tied 45 to 45 in next Tuesday’s mayoral election.  This is the closest mayoral race Charlotte has seen in years as Mayor Pat McCrory won all seven of his terms pretty handily.  Demographically, Lassiter leads among white voters 63 to 29 and Foxx leads among black voters 80 to 9.  59% have a favorable view of Lassiter while 52% have a favorable view of Foxx.

A Cornerstone Solutions poll shows Lassiter leading Foxx 42 to 37 with a margin of error of plus or minus five points, which for all intents and purposes makes this a tied race as well.

PPP is a Democrat pollster and Cornerstone Solutions is a Republican pollster, so wading through a bit of the bias that could be present, I think Lassiter has a slight edge over Foxx going into Tuesday, which is what I’ve been predicting pretty much since both candidates were formally declared.

Like I said, they’d stall it and with a weak excuse too.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell rejected the measure, saying lawmakers are operating under a rule that allows them to consider a limited number of items in the special session this week.

Midlands Connect

I found this to be a more well reasoned position.

House leaders have said they want to wait until the Ethics Commission finishes it work before considering impeachment, meaning the House would not consider the issue until January.

The State

And that’s acceptable.  Allow the Ethics Commission to complete their investigation and then see if there is any legitimate reason to bounce the governor out.  Cheating on his wife is not an impeachable offense.

State Rep. Greg Delleney, R-Chester, says lawmakers would have explored impeachment immediately, had they been around. He says the results of that investigation aren’t needed for the House to begin work on impeachment and he plans to introduce a resolution Tuesday that accuses Sanford of dereliction of duty for abandoning his post without telling anyone in the chain of command where he was going.

“This is just getting the ball rolling,” Delleney said last week.

The Post and Courier

This was inevitable.  If it actually make it to the House floor for a vote it will easily pass.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the House leadership tries to stall it at first, but ultimately the pressure will be there to vote on it.  Sanford’s goose is cooked.

(Insert Dragnet theme here)

Dum de-dum-dum. Dum de-dum-dum-dummmmm…

Years ago, the State Board of Elections enjoyed a public image of a humdrum vote counter and ballot inspector. But in the past decade, the board has taken the role of dogged investigator that has helped put crooked politicians behind bars.

There’s no telling what, if anything, will emerge from the hearing into the conduct of former Gov. Mike Easley, which starts today.

But one thing is certain, according to political consultant Joe Sinsheimer: The public is guaranteed to get a look behind the curtain at how politics works.

The N&O

Depending on how this turns out, I may have to replace this picture with that of a sad clown. I can only hope…

Mike Easley

ASHEVILLE — From budgets to bike lanes to combating drug dealing, priorities listed by City Council candidates covered a wide range as their campaigns hit the final stretch.

Though candidates listed few common top priorities, both Smith and Manheimer mentioned transportation, with Smith talking about affordable housing, but also the need for “a multi-modal transportation system.”

Manheimer said it was “incumbent upon the council” to carry out master plans, one of which was for greenways. Bellamy also pointed to master plans for downtown, transit and the water system.

“The one thing I would say is, ‘finish,” the mayor said.

Croft said the major need was infrastructure, saying he didn’t like “the way we manage our maintenance, upgrading and building projects.”

One candidate, Jackson, pointed to declining revenues and increasing costs, saying the priority was “getting this budget back under control.”

Mumpower stuck by a regular theme of his, saying hard drug dealing in the city “remains under the radar” and he would continue to fight it.

Bothwell said he would try to get publicly financed elections to fight the influence of “big money in Asheville city races.

Smith said he wanted to encourage housing built for people making 30-140 percent of median income.

Cape said downtown development should be encouraged on Coxe Avenue, where a lower elevation could better accommodate taller buildings.

Asheville Citizen Times

So here they are.  Six hopefuls ready to forge their legacy upon the City of Asheville.  Let’s pick them apart.

Esther Manheimer – On her candidate Web site she states the following:

This diverse group illustrates Esther’s broad backing and highlights her ability to work with all of our citizens to move our community forward on important issues such as economic and community development; multi-model transportation; sustainable, affordable tax rates; repairing critical public infrastructure; and fostering a business climate that grows quality jobs.

That’s a good agenda.  I like that agenda, which is why I am somewhat baffled she would choose to focus on greenways as a priority.  With a down economy vivacious vegetarian and grassy knolls are going to be the furthest things from peoples’ minds as they walk into the voting booth.  A growing business climate and affordable tax rates would have been a much more obvious choice here, but then again, I wasn’t at the forum and can only rely on the reporting.  Perhaps all is not as it seems.

Neal Jackson wants to focus on the budget and that is again a wise and responsible goal.  We don’t want our cities to end up with like the Feds now, do we.

Ryan Croft – Focus on the infrastructure.  I am always amazed that cities haven’t learned from the business world when it comes to maintaining infrastructure.  In corporate America we use something called the Systems Development Life Cycle, a method of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure, primarily technology, to keep it up to ever improving business standards.  You allocate money yearly for this purpose.  You’d think cities around America would do the same for their sewer systems, buildings, etc.  Ever been to Detroit?  If you are ever unfortunate enough to drop in someday, take a walk downtown and look at all the old buildings with the cracks going up the side and bathrooms that haven’t been remodeled since 1955.  It’s a real treat.

Carl Mumpower – You’ll remember Mr. Mumpower from his unsuccessful bid to unseat Heath Shuler last year.  Personally, I think Mumpower is a bit off his rocker, but he has been arguably the most responsible councilman with the peoples’ tax dollars, so I give him a thumbs up for that.

Cecil Bothwell – Ah yes, publicly financed elections, or better yet known as the incumbent protection campaign.  Oh please, forcibly extract my wealth from me through the bondage of taxation and hand it out to all of the political whores who want to exploit public service for their own personal gain.  Don’t allow me to make the choice of who to give my money to.  Not to mention, that with every candidate getting equal financing, challengers to incumbents end up with a grave disadvantage.  Incumbents already have name recognition which is usually to their favor unless they’re a complete douche bag.  In most cases the only way a challenger can compete with that is to raise enough money to buy the media necessary to get their own name out there.  By denying that ability, you are only securing another term for the power entrenched incumbent.  Mr. Bothwell, you get a thumbs down.  And piss off.

Gordon Smith – Gordon administrates the Web site Scrutiny Hooligans.  I am not crazy about what is otherwise known as affordable housing, but Smith is smart enough to focus on an issue that will likely resonate with folks during bad economic times.

Robin Cape – Lower elevation to build taller buildings.  That’s the best she could come up with?  No wonder she couldn’t make it on the ballot.

So there you go.  If you live in Asheville here are your choices.  Vote wisely, although I’m not holding my breath.

A political tip: If you’re going to send something to the governor’s office, you better know what’s in it.

Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger showed off a wheelbarrow full of “Conservative Voter Surveys” Tuesday that he said reflected lots of anger and frustration with Democrats.

We’re guessing Berger never imagined the governor’s staff would bother to read them. He was wrong.

Perdue spokeswoman Chrissy Pearson, responding to a request from Dome, said she had skimmed about a third of the 3,000 or so surveys. She noted comments written to the Republican party included:

“I am embarrassed to be associated with this organization. Your tactics are disgusting and you’re going to lose a generation of voters.”

And then there was the check. A staff member found a $50 campaign contribution made out to Berger tucked in the surveys, which were, after all, a fundraising ploy.

The N&O

::head in hands::

::heavy sobbing::

It’s always a privilege to have a candidate come visit us in York County because so few do despite the fact we are one of the fastest growing counties in the state.  Tonight I had the pleasure of being able to meet State Representative Nikki Haley, the woman I am supporting to be our next governor here in South Carolina.  She gave a great speech and entertained many thoughtful questions from the audience.  Her answers only reinforced why I am supporting her candidacy.

On tax reform she wishes to eliminate the small business income tax and the personal income tax in order to spur investment in the state by attracting more businesses and people.  To address our current and possible future deficits, she intends to audit every state agency to weed our waste and institute spending caps on the state government, much like the workings of Colorado’s TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights).

She addressed the issues of education and unemployment.  South Carolina needs to put a larger focus on technical schools around the state so that unemployed residents and non-college bound adults can get trained in skilled professions that pay well.  Such an initiative will bring manufacturing jobs back to our state and lower unemployment in some of the poorest counties in our state, like Allendale, Chester, etc.

What struck me the most, however, was her commitment to Federalism and pushing back against the dangerous growth of government we have been seeing in Washington D.C. for several years now.  Haley intends to put together a coalition of governors from around the country who will stand shoulder to shoulder and fight the unconstitutional and unfunded mandates being forced on the states by the Federal government. Ah, this was music to my ears.  I’ve always gotten frustrated by the fact that the states will bellyache about being bullied by the Feds, but never do anything about it.  I’ve always thought how easy it would be to stop this unconstitutional infringement of the Tenth Amendment by just a dozen or so governors getting together and saying, “You know what?  We’re not going to do it!”  The publicity it would garner and the support from the American people it would spark would be effective.

Nikki Haley has proven to be a reformer in the state legislature so when she says she is committed to these ideals I believe her.  She has walked the walk.  She is up against some strong competition in the primary, but she has proven to not be small potatoes herself.  I think she can succeed in this endeavor and become a governor that will be responsible to the people of this state.